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COMMEMORATIVE 
 
 Biographical Record 
 
 
 -OF- 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY, 
 
 PENNSYLVANIA, 
 
 CONTAIN I NO 
 
 Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
 
 Citizens, and of many of the Early 
 
 Settled Families. 
 
 I L I.U ST K AT E 1 > 
 
 
 CHICAGO: 
 
 J. H. BEERS & CO. 
 
 1893. 
 
'0% 
 
 30hn morris company, 
 . . . Printers. 
 
 w. b. conkey company, 
 . . Binders. 
 
9> 
 
 i>9' 
 
 - , *■ > 
 
 REFACB. 
 
 f 
 
 
 THE importance of placing in book form biographical history of represent- 
 ative citizens both for its immediate worth and for its value to coming 
 generations is admitted by all thinking people; and within the past 
 le there has been a growing interest in this commendable means of 
 perpetuating biography and family genealogy. 
 
 That the public is entitled to the privileges afforded by a work of this 
 nature needs no assertion at our hands; for one of our greatest Americans has 
 said that the history of any country resolves itself into the biographies of its 
 stout, earnest and representative citizens. This medium, then, serves more than 
 a single purpose: while it perpetuates biography and family genealogy, it records 
 history, much of which would be preserved in no other way. 
 
 In presenting the Commemobative 1!k>«raphical Record to its patrons, the 
 publishers have to acknowledge, with gratitude, the encouragement and support 
 their enterprise has received, and the willing assistance rendered in enabling 
 them to surmount the many unforeseen obstacles to be met with in the pro 
 duction of a work of this character. In nearly every instance the material 
 composing the sketches was gathered from those immediately interested, and 
 then submitted in type-written form for correction and revision. The volume, 
 which is one of generous amplitude, is placed in the hands of the public with 
 the belief that it will be found a valuable addition to the library, as well as an 
 invaluable contribution to the historical literature of southwestern Pennsylvania. 
 
 THE PUBLISHERS. 
 

Wm 
 
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Washington Bounty. 
 
 ;;;i; MOYNE, DR. FRANCIS 
 ■I ( LIUS,was born Septem 
 ber I. i 798, in Washing 
 ton, I'l'iin. . where be spent 
 his whole life, dy ing there 
 October 11. 1879, in his 
 £j£V eighty Becondyear. The 
 fepS'/ - ' - ' i^C?"* father of Dr. Le Moyne 
 was Dr. John Julius Le Moyne, who 
 was horn and educated in Paris, 
 France. He was a practicing physi 
 oian at the beginning of the French 
 Revolution in L 790, and came to the 
 I aited States with the French colo- 
 nists who settled at Gallipolis, Ohio. 
 Several years after he came to Wash 
 ington, Penn., and in 171)7 married 
 Nancy MoCully, who had come over 
 from Ireland with her family when a 
 little girl. 
 
 The .subject of this memoir was their only child. 
 Prom the Scotch-Irish side of the house he de ; 
 rived a robust constitution and physical develop 
 tnenl that was unusual for strength, activity and en 
 durance. As a young man, he had but few equals 
 in all the sports that required strength and nerve. 
 His school days were spent in his native town, 
 where at the age of seventeen he graduated from 
 Washington College in the class of 1815. He 
 commenced the study of medicine with his father. 
 and finished his course in Philadelphia. On his 
 return from Philadelphia in the winter, in an old 
 fashioned stagecoach, whose flimsy blinds were in- 
 sufficient to repel the cold, they stopped, far in the 
 night, at one of the hostelries in the mountains, 
 which was filled with wagoners who occupied all the 
 available space where warmth could be obtained. 
 Not being therefore able to stop, the passengers 
 were literally packed up to their necks in straw 
 within the coach, and started toward Pittsburgh. 
 
 from which Dr. Le Moyne rode to Washington 
 on horseback in a most terrible storm. It was 
 a dreadful and dangerous ride, and the result 
 was that be was so Bei'ioUsly injured by the expos 
 urn as to be a chronic Bufferer from rheumatism 
 for the rest of his life. He commenced the prac- 
 tice of medicine in 1822. Shortly after his return 
 from the Fast, he met Miss Madelaine Romaine 
 Bureau, at his father's house, who had accompa 
 nied her -.ister from Gallipolis in order to receive 
 medical treatment. The young Doctor beiugsmit 
 ten by the charms of the sprightly young lady, 
 thej were married in May, 1823. 
 
 About this time his father Buffered heavy pecu- 
 niary losses by bis endorsement for his friends, and 
 his house, the present homestead, was sold to meet 
 his liabilities. Francis borrowed the money from 
 two kind friends, Mr. Alexander Reed and Mr. 
 Kerr, who lent him upon his own endorsement, 
 and he bought in the house. Thus he started in 
 life heavily in debt. In a few years, by hard work 
 and the most economical living, he not only paid 
 off his own debts, but relieved his father from his 
 embarrassments also. Our subject had eight chil- 
 dren — three sons and five daughters — all of whom 
 are living. Feeling deeply interested in educa 
 tion, he early manifested a desire to promote and 
 extend its benefits. On April 2, 1830, he was 
 elected a trustee of Washington College, in which 
 position he remained a prominent and useful mem 
 ber until the union of Washington and Jefferson 
 Colleges, which occurred in 1865. The Washing- 
 ton Female Seminary was established in 1830, and 
 the Doctor was one of its earliest and firmest 
 friends, and a member of its original board of trust- 
 ees, where he worked in company with Alex. 
 Reed, Colin M. Reed, T. McK. T. McKennan, John 
 H. Ewing, Alex. Sweeney, Jacob Slagle, John L. 
 Gow and others. 
 
 The Doctor became interested in the anti-slavery 
 
8 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 question in 1835 or 1836. He had the reputation 
 of lining an abb- debater, having a line pre*. 
 a good clear voice, a versatile and strongly Belf 
 
 it mind, and, in addition, a How of language 
 that made him a very dangerous adversary on the 
 platform. On one occasion a young man, an early 
 advocate of the anti slavery cause, appeared in 
 Washington and injudiciously gave a general chal- 
 lenge for a discussion. The challenge was at once 
 accepted, and the day fixed for the meeting. The 
 challenger expected to have Rev. Dr. Blanchard 
 as his champion, but from some mischance the lat- 
 ter had left Pittsburgh before the news could 
 reach him, and the young man came back himself 
 to meet t he engagement with forebodings of de- 
 feat. In this dilemma an appeal was made to Dr. 
 Le Moyne for assistance, as he was known to be 
 fond of intellectual gymnastics and always ready 
 for a discussion. The Doctor, however, excused 
 himself, had not examined the subject, was not 
 prepared. But on being shown the constitution of 
 i he A nl i slaver) Society, which was for the most part 
 a declaration of the rights of man, he was induced 
 lo enter the arena as the champion of the slave. 
 J 1 ' rom this time forward he was known as one of 
 the most aggressive of the anti slavery party, and 
 at the same time an opponent of the American 
 i '"Ionization Society, which he believed was estab- 
 lished in the interests of American slavery. He 
 became so prominent a partizan that in 1S41 he 
 was the candidate of the Abolition party for Gov 
 ernoi of Pennsylvania. Of course he had no ex- 
 pectation of being elected, the object of the cam- 
 paign being to create a political balance of power 
 that would ultimately control the other parties. 
 At the next election, in 1844, he was again the 
 candidate, an 1 also in 1847, During the early 
 discussion both public and private, upon this ex 
 citing subject, there was sometimes manifested an 
 intolerance toward him and his party that was 
 painful and often oppressive. He was a man, 
 however, who was not to lie daunted by any show 
 of force. Such was his peculiar mental constitution 
 that majorities had no influence upon his judgments 
 and actions. He was an original, independent 
 thinker, and nothing apparently gave him BO much 
 satisfaction as the opportunity to maintain his 
 \iews by discussion with a champion whom he con- 
 sidered a worthy opponent. After years spent in 
 advocating the cause of liberty, he hail the satis 
 
 hi and happiness of seeing the object of his 
 
 greatest hopes accomplished in tl mancipation 
 
 of the slaves of the United States, and indeed in 
 almost the whole woi Id 
 
 Having suffered, as. we have already related, a 
 severe shock from exposure, Dr. Le Moyne was 
 Compelled, when about fiftj five years of age, to 
 relinquish the aduous practice of his profes 
 
 real were his Bufferings, which be bore with 
 
 heroic fortitude, that for twenty-nine years he 
 never occupied a bed to seek a night's repose. Of 
 these matters of personal suffering he was very 
 reluctant to speak, preferring to Buffer in silence 
 rather than annoy his friends with his griefs which 
 he well knew they could not even alleviate. The 
 latter portion of his life was devoted to banking, 
 farming and the interests of education. He was a 
 successful business man, and accumulated con- 
 siderable property. As a farmer he was very en- 
 thusiastic aud successful. He was one .of the 
 original members of the Washington County Agri 
 cultural Society, and maintained an active interest 
 in it during his whole life. He farmed with 
 brains. Being a chemist he understood some 
 thing of the relations of plants to soils, aud feilil 
 and it was very instructive to listen to his 
 theories, which were, in many cases, the result of 
 his own observation and experiments. He was one 
 of the lirst to appreciate the importance of introduc- 
 ing improved sheep, cattle and horses into the coun- 
 ty as a means of increasing the natural wealth of 
 the people. He left a herd of the finest cattle in 
 the State, aud an elegant stock horse of superior 
 blood. For years he was a member of a Farmers 
 Club, that met in Washington for the comparison 
 of views and for the discussion of such topics as 
 concerned their peculiar interests. In L866 and 
 18b7, as president of the National Wool Growers 
 Association, he succeeded in harmonizing the 
 views of the manufacturers and producers of wool. 
 and as a result their united efforts obtained the 
 passage through Congress of the best wool tariff 
 law the country has ever had. 
 
 When the erection of the present Town Hall in 
 Washington was first talked of, Dr. F. Julius Le 
 Moyne offered, if room in the building was given, 
 to donate the sum of {10,000 to found a public 
 library. When the building project became set 
 tied, the offer was accepted, and the two large 
 reading rooms with the vault rooms in them were 
 set apart for the use of the library. Two thousand 
 dollars of the sum donated- was used in making 
 fire proof vaults where the books are kept. A like 
 sum was set apart to be invested permanently, the 
 annual interest thereon to be used in making ad 
 ditions of books; the remainder, $6,tMI", has been 
 expended in the purchase of the body of the library. 
 The Citizens Library Association, in whose charge 
 the library is, was incorporated by the court May 
 "_'T, L870, upon the petition of Dr. Le Moyne ami 
 others. The board of curators is composed of five 
 persons: One appointed by the trustees of the col- 
 lege: one appointed by the court ; aud three elected 
 b\ the people to serve for the term of three years; 
 until his death Dr. Le Moyne was a member and 
 president of the hoard. No one took a deeper in- 
 terest in the matters of the corporation than he, 
 aud no one labored more zealously to make it a 
 
Washington ovh n 
 
 9 
 
 power for good in the community. He diil not 
 limit bis labors to devising plans for othe 
 carry out, but, of choice, performed much of the 
 drudgery himself. The first catalogue which was 
 used for years was entirely the work of his heart 
 and hand It embraces several thousands of en- 
 tries in the work, giving in one place for each 
 work the title, name of author, shelf letter and 
 number, and in another the name of the author, 
 followed by the title, shelf letter and number. In 
 doing this he would often write until after mid 
 night, and the neat round hand, carefully ma de 
 letters and figures show that Dr. LeMoyneslighted 
 nothing that came under his eyeorhand. Ee 
 often expressed his regret at. the meetings of the 
 curators that the work did not go forward more 
 rapidly, and even during the last year, when he was 
 suffering intensely, expressed his willingness to do 
 any work that would fall to him. When he be 
 came unable to visit the library, at almost every 
 meeting of the hoard he would make inquiry of the 
 members as to number and character of thepere tns 
 visiting the looms nightly. Particularly was he 
 desirous of making the library a place of resorl 
 for boys. Be felt that while occupied there, they 
 would not only lie out of temptation, but would 
 have the opportunity of acquiring useful knowl- 
 edge. In selecting books his doubt about approv 
 iug a book was remove I by some one saying il 
 
 "was it good book for boys." 1'lie only regret he 
 had to express was that the people did not pit 
 ionize the library in larger numbers, and that its 
 influence was not more extensively felt in tin' com 
 miinity. Hut he was never heard to take to him 
 self any credit, for his munificent donation which 
 breathed into life ami kept on foot the library; on 
 
 the contrary, lie was disposed to assume t hat he 
 had done nothing more than the duty he owed as 
 a citizen of the community in which he had lived 
 all his life. 
 
 About the time that the donation of $10,UUO was 
 made for the Citizens' library, the Doctor felt it 
 his duty to do something for the elevation of the 
 colored people of the South, who had been en 
 f ranch ised by the war. He made a donation of 
 $20,000 to the American Missionary Society, to be 
 used in the erection and support of a colored 
 normal school, in which colored people might be 
 prepared to be the instructors of their race. A 
 portion of this sum was devoted to building, and 
 the remainder to the endowment of the institution. 
 The site selected was on a bluff in the vicinity of 
 the city of Memphis, Tenn. The school proved 
 very successful, so much so that the Doctor added 
 an additional $5,000 for its equipment. His views 
 upon the subject of education were somewhat in 
 opposition to the system under which he was 
 brought up. In the curriculum of his day. a great 
 deal of time was devoted to the study of Greek 
 
 and Latin, very little to natural sciences and still 
 less to English literature. The practical bent of 
 his mind rebelled against what he deemed a false 
 system of instruction, lie was a naturalist by in- 
 stinct; a keen observer of all the phenomena of 
 nature; a fine practical gardener; a devoted ad- 
 mirer of flowers; a close botanical student and en- 
 tomologist. These studies so charming to him 
 were not taught him in school, and it was a matter 
 of regret to'him that they had not been. He in- 
 sisted that the study of the ancient classics, for 
 the unprofessional students, did not afford an 
 equivalent for the time and money spent in their 
 ti piisition. With this idea in view he determined 
 to endow a professorship in Washington and Jef- 
 ferson College. In 187^ he paid to the treasurer 
 of the College the sum of $20,000 to endow the 
 chair entitled "The Le Moyne Professorship of 
 Agriculture and ( lorrelal ive Branches," which chair 
 is now filled by Prof. Ed Linton. In July, 1879, 
 
 he made an additional endowment of $20,000 for 
 
 a chair of Applied Mathematics, with an addi- 
 tional $1,000 to better equip the said chair and 
 the chair of Agriculture. Five hundred of this 
 las! $1,000 gift was appropriated by the local 
 
 trustees to purchase In part a set of Ward's Casts, 
 which were on exhibition at the Pittsburgh Expo 
 
 AboUt 1875 the Doctor became interested in 
 the subject of cremation, and in order to show his 
 faith in it as a proper means of disposing of the 
 dead, he in 1ST!) built a crematory a short dis 
 from town The furnace is but, little more 
 in appearance than a large gas retort. Into this, 
 when heated, the body is placed and there con- 
 BUmed. Forty cremations have taken place in this 
 crematory, the first being the remains of Baron 
 he Palm, an Austrian, who died in New York, and 
 which attracted more attention and newspaper 
 comment than any like event since. Dr. Le Moyne's 
 wishes in regard to his own remains were carried 
 out to the letter, the cremation taking place on 
 Thursday, October Hi. 1879. His ashes are buried 
 in the crematory lot, marked by a monument of 
 granite on which is the following inscription: 
 
 P. JULIUS LE MOYNE, M. D. 
 
 born 
 
 SEPTEMBER I. 1798, 
 
 died 
 OCTOBER 14, 1879. 
 
 "A FEAKLES8 LDVOI VII, OF Tin: BIGHT." 
 
 The disease under which he finally succumbed 
 was saccharine diabetes. With the eye of a phi 
 losopher he watched the progress of the disease 
 for nearly six years, a much longer period than is 
 
LO 
 
 WASHINdTOiS COl'XT) . 
 
 osuallj required Eor this malady to complete its 
 work. At different periods investigations were 
 interesting to himself and bis profession. An an 
 topsy showed thai the conclusions arrived at by 
 himself were in the main correct. 
 
 And now, in (including these few and hasty 
 lines, the question may arise what was the mental 
 condition and what was the religious hope of this 
 strung intellectual man, as he approached slowly 
 but surely the confines which divide the present 
 from the spirit world? Before the days of polit- 
 ical abolitionism Dr. Le Moyne was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church, but when goaded to 
 madness by the oppressions of slavery he felt that 
 the church did not come up to what he conceived 
 to lie its duty, and he withdrew. Some have sup- 
 posed, on account of his withdrawal from the church, 
 and from his views on the cremation of the dead, 
 that he had cut loose from his Christian moor- 
 ing-, aud had drilled away out upon the shoreless 
 sea of infidelity. He maintained that the burning 
 of the dead was wholly and entirely a secular and 
 sanitary measure, altogether outside of any relig- 
 ious considerations. The disposal of the dead, 
 he maintained, should be made entirely dependent 
 upon the safety and comfort of the living. Those 
 who knew him best, and were most intimate with 
 his views, are very free to assert that he never lost 
 confidence in the great doctrine of salvation through 
 faith in the merits of the atonement offered by 
 the blood of Christ. 
 
 y RACHEL HARDING, retired merchant, re- 
 siding in the borough of Washington, was 
 born in Maryland in 18-!8, and is descended 
 from an English family who had immi- 
 grated to that Stale in an early day. Matthew 
 Harding, the grandfather, also a native of Mary 
 land, was a prominent farmer in that State, and 
 died there. 
 
 Joseph Harding, father of our subject, was also 
 born in Maryland, where he married Sophia 
 young, who died there about the year 1845, 
 Twelve children were born to them, live yet living, 
 of whom: Vachel is the only one in Washington 
 county, Penn. ; Joseph is a farmer in Allen county, 
 Ind. ; Edward is a farmer in Alabama; John 
 Hersey is a farmer in Allen county. Ind. ; Rebecca 
 is married to John Elrichs, and lives in Maryland. 
 The father departed this life in 1S7I. in Ohio, 
 while on a visit to one of his sons. In his political 
 preferments he was an Old -line Whig. 
 
 Vachel Harding received 1ml a limited educa- 
 
 at the subscription schools. At the age of 
 
 fifteen he commenced clerking in a store at Hyatts 
 
 town. M.I., and as he was then learning the trade 
 
 received no salary for his services while there. 
 
 At the age of eighteen years he removed to Union 
 
 town, Penn., where he remained clerking in a dry 
 Is store for five j'ears, or until 1851, when he 
 came to Washington, this county, and here clerked 
 for a short time for William Mills, an old-estab 
 lished dry-goods merchant of the place. After- 
 ward he went into business in a partnership; then 
 for a time carried on business alone, and, later, 
 was associated with James Brown in the clothing 
 business, at the same time carrying on his dry 
 goods department. In 1 St'»4 he gave up the dry 
 goods business, and later he carried on a music 
 business in Wheeling, W. Va. (but did not move 
 from Washington), which after four years he sold 
 to Adams & Lucas. After that he purchased a 
 coal property, and was engaged in that business 
 several years. In 1S88 he retired from active life. 
 and is now peacefully enjoying the fruits of his 
 industry at his comfortable home on Maiden street, 
 Washington, where he has resided since L861. 
 
 Mr. Harding married, October 15, L855, in Wash- 
 ington, Annie Le Moyne, daughter of Dr. Francis 
 Julius and Madelaine Romaine ( Bureau) Le Moyne. 
 the former of whom was born September t. 1798, 
 in Washington, this county, and died October 14, 
 1879, his wife having preceded him to the grave 
 in July. ISTM. To the union of Mr. and Mr- 
 Harding were born children as follows: Charles 
 V. (is married and lives in Washington, Penn), 
 Madeline Sophia, deceased, and Annie, at home. 
 Politically Mr. Harding is a Republican, and has 
 held several offices of trust; he is uow a trustee of 
 Washington and Jefferson College, and of Wash 
 ington Female Seminary. He has been a member 
 of the M. E. Church for forty years, aud for a long 
 period was superintendent of the Sunday school. 
 During the war of the Rebellion Mr. Harding sub 
 scribed liberally of his means to assist in tilling the 
 quota for the army, and also put in a substitute. 
 He is a representative self made man, having coin 
 menced life quite a poor boy, and presents an il 
 lustration of what can be accomplished in business 
 life by earnest application, industry and economy. 
 
 ILLIAM L. MILNE, a leading contractor, 
 of Washington. The .Milne family, of 
 which this gentleman is a conspicuous 
 — ' member, have been residents of Scotland 
 for many generations, and trace theii 
 lineage back to one Robert Milne, whose son, 
 I "avid, married and reared a family of children as 
 follows: Jennie. Jessie, Robert, David, James and 
 one whose name has not been ascertained. The 
 early ancestors followed farming, but the sons of 
 the family just enumerated were for the most part 
 mariners. 
 
 David Milne, one of these sons of Robert Milne, 
 began a "life on the ocean wave" at the early age 
 of ten years, and devoted his entire life to his 
 
WASHINGT01S, COUNTY. 
 
 11 
 
 chosen vocation. He sailed around the world 
 twice, and was a Bbip captain for over twenty years. 
 In 1838 he was united in marriage with Annie. 
 daughter of David Scott, who is supposed to have 
 been a lineal descendant of the old Scott family. 
 Five children were born to David Scott, viz.: 
 Alice, Peter, James, David and Annie (the latter 
 of whom was born in 1S19 and died in 1^72). 
 David and Annie (Scott I Milne settled in Tayport, 
 Kifeshire, Scotland, and three children were born 
 to their union: James (now a resident of Chicago, 
 where he was vice president of the Board of Trade I : 
 Annie (living in Scotland, widow of Thomas Prim 
 rose), and \\ illiam L. 
 
 William L. Milne was bom March It), 1853, in 
 Tayport, Scotland, and received an elementary 
 education in his native country. Following bis 
 father's example, the lad was eager to begin life 
 for himself in his boyhood. His elder brother had 
 emigrated to America, and Bent back enthusiastic 
 descriptions of the New World, which tired the 
 youthful imagination of the then thirteen yeai 
 
 hoy. He tOO must go to this wonderful country, 
 and he too would win fame and fortune in the 
 " Land of the free and the home of the brave." 
 Doubtless his mind was tilled (as in the case of 
 mi. .si boys of his age) with roseate visions of the 
 future, destined to be crushed by tin- stern realities 
 of a hard life in a strange land, far from friends 
 and home. But underneath the wild and in 
 sible boyish dreams lay a firm resolve, a determi- 
 nation and strength of purpose, inherited from the 
 sailor father, who had chosen his life in his child- 
 ish years. The parents at length recognized the 
 fact that the boy was not cherishing a mere whim 
 or fancy, which would be crushed out by harsh ex- 
 perience, but a fixed resolution that must guide 
 and determine his future life. So they consented 
 to his journey, and one morning he bade fat 
 to the land of his birth — a little choking in his 
 throat as the " goodbye " worxls were spoken, one 
 last look at the dear home fapes, the bonny hills of 
 Scotland — and was fairly launched on his new 
 life with the parting words of his father ringing 
 in his ears: "Take good care of yourself; keep 
 olean and good company." 
 
 After landing in America the young aspirant 
 went to Pittsburgh. Penn., where his brother was 
 living, and bound himself out to his trade, under 
 Col. D. B. Morris, colonel of the One Hundred and 
 First P. V. I., and then came the test of his pur- 
 poses, a trial to which many an older person would 
 have yielded, and giving up their projects, have 
 returned to the parental roof. Homesick and dis- 
 couraged he certainly was. and so nearly van- 
 quished by that discouraging feeling that within 
 three weeks from the date of landing in the country 
 of his dreams, the homesick boy would have given 
 all he possessed (in reality the small sum of $10) 
 
 to return to his dear old Scotland. lie must go 
 home. In desperation he started to walk to New 
 York, and getting as far as East Liberty, Penn., 
 he asked a man how much farther it was to New 
 York. He thought if he could reach that oitj lie 
 might be able there to secure passage to Scotland 
 on some ship in the capacity of cabin boy; but this 
 man took him to a friendly Scotchman, who knew 
 < ..I Morris, and he advised the lad to return to 
 his work. The little fellow rallied once more, and 
 returning to his patron, devoted his days to the 
 duties of his apprenticeship, and in order to com 
 ids education attended night school. lie had 
 laid his plans with wisdom far beyond Ins years. 
 determining to become a master mechanic, and un- 
 able to succeed b\ easier methods he concluded to 
 bind himself out as a four years' apprentice. At 
 that time he was the only "bound boy "in the 
 oitj of Pittsburgh, but in that way he learned all 
 the various parts of his trade, receiving fro. 
 to $8 per week during the latter part of his ap 
 prenticeship. At the end of four years he had 
 saved $300 from his wages, and was. moreover, an 
 expert workman, a master of his vocation. lust 
 as he stood on the threshold of success at last, 
 he fell sick with typhoid fever, and the $300, so 
 hardly earned and carefully saved, was swept away 
 by the expenses incurred in his illness. But 
 health returned, and with the old heroic spirit of 
 perseverance the young man in 1872 began busi 
 ness at Washington. Washington Co., Penn. From 
 that date Fortune, who had so persistently frowned 
 upon the struggling youth, began to shower upon 
 him her richest smiles, seeming at last to realize 
 that here was a spirit deserving of sympathy and 
 encouragement. "It never rains but it pours," 
 and no sooner was his financial success assured 
 than other dreams became a reality. Love crowned 
 the young man's life, and in 1873 he was married 
 to Flora E . daughter of the Rev. J. S. Baldwin, 
 of Amity. Atuwell township, this county, whose 
 father is yet living in Iowa, aged over ninetv years. 
 Mrs. Milne is a sister of W. C. Baldwin, of Wash- 
 ington. Penn. Three children have been born to 
 the union of William L. and Flora E. Milne, viz. : 
 Gertrude, Annie Elizabeth Scott and Florena May, 
 all of whom are residing at the parental home. 
 Mr. Milne has a beautiful home on North avenue 
 and Beau street, and the dwelling is adorned by a 
 handsome stucco ceiling of his own making. In 
 1882 he visited the " old country." and again in 
 1891, on which occasion he took his family with 
 him, and made a visit to his father, who is yet liv- 
 ing in Scotland, now in his seventy-sixth year. In 
 politics Mr. Milne is a Repnblican, and he is a 
 member of the East Washington council. In re- 
 ligious faith he is a member of the Methodist 
 Protestant Church; socially he is a member of the 
 Royal Arcanum. Among the worthy and notable 
 
12 
 
 WASHINGTON COVNTJ . 
 
 citizens of Washington, none have better desi 
 success than has the subject of tins Bketch, as no 
 one will question who knows the history of his 
 early struggles. 
 
 IfAMES M M< Bl RNEY, a rising young attor 
 ^ I ney of Washington, Well versed in civil law 
 
 f J which is his s] ial practice, is B native of 
 
 the borough, born March 7, 1858. His 
 great grandfather, •lames McBurney, married 
 Martha McGoffin, and they had six children, 
 viz.: Mary (Mrs. John McAuley), Alexander, Jo 
 seph, lames. Martha (Mrs James Matthews) and 
 Jane (Mrs. John Gillespie). Of these, James, who 
 was a native of Washington county, married and 
 had children, as follows: Fbeuezer. James. Joseph, 
 Eliza (Mrs. Hawkins), Martha (Mrs. Watsoo), 
 Sarah (Mrs. Thompson, of Mercer county), and 
 Catherine (Mrs. (ianlt. also of Mercer county i. all 
 dead except Mrs. Thompson and Mrs. Gault. 
 Their father was an officer in the Pennsylvania 
 Militia, and died many years ago on his farm in 
 South Strabane towuship, now owned by the 
 Zediker family. 
 
 Ebenezer McBurney was born in 1814, in Mer 
 cer county, and was educated in the subscription 
 schools of the locality of his birth. He learned 
 and worked at the trade of carpenter in Washing 
 ton, where he put up many buildings; later in life 
 he, was employed in moving buildings, at which he 
 was considered, in his day, quite an expert. Some 
 years before his death, which occurred September 
 12, 18S'), when he was seventy-five vears of age, 
 he gave up working at his trade. He was a kind- 
 hearted, generous man too confiding, over liberal 
 with his means, and, through giving bailment for 
 others, lost a large part of his hard-earned estate. 
 He was a Democrat until the breaking out of the 
 Civil war, when he went over to the Kepulican 
 party. He was too old to go to the war. mon 
 had broken his leg by falling off a barn, but he 
 served as provost-marshal for his district: was also 
 private detective for the county, under Ralph Mc 
 Connell and J. F. Taylor, district attorneys. Berv 
 ing as such six years. At one time he was a 
 member of the old Seceder Church, but having 
 joined the I. 0. O. F.. he was dismissed from the 
 church. He married Mary, daughter of Thomas 
 Maxwell, who came from Wheeling, W. Ya., to 
 Washington where he (Maxwell) worked at his 
 trade, that of hatter. Eleven children were born 
 to this union: Helen, wife of Joseph Shaw, in 
 Houstonville, Chartiers township; Samuel F., on a 
 stock farm in Texas; John F.. on the old homestead 
 in South Strabane township; Alexander F.. a dentist 
 
 in Canonsburg, this county; Ja s M. , our subject; 
 
 M .. a farmer in Belmont county, Ohio; 
 Kate M., wife of George M. Haldeman, of Wash 
 
 i gton; two daughters, Mary and Margaret, who 
 died at the age of sixteen and twenty one respect 
 ively; and two that died in infancy. The par 
 ents are both deceased, the mother having passed 
 away six months before the father. 
 
 James M. McBurney received his primary edu 
 cation at the schools of the neighborhood, and then 
 1 1 875) entered the preparatory department of Wash 
 ington and Jefferson College, graduating in 1 V >1 
 
 in the classical i rse. After leaving college he 
 
 taught one year as principal, in McKeesporl 
 Academy, being associated with Rev. Robert M 
 Rus6ell, who now has charge of a F. 1'. Church 
 in Pittsburgh, East End. Returning to Washing- 
 ton, Mr. McBurae] commenced the study of law 
 with Hon. H. J. Vankirk, finishing under John W. 
 Donnan, and was admitted to the bar of Washing 
 ton county, April '_'7, IMSo, since when he has 
 been in the continuous practice of his profession in 
 the borough. In 1889 Mr. McBurney was united 
 in marriage with Miss Annie S., daughter of J. B. 
 Reekers, of Washington, and one child, Louise l; . 
 has come to cheer their home. Our subject has 
 been a member of the F. P. Church since 1876, is 
 a deacon in the same, and a teacher in the Sabbath 
 school. He is a Republican, but does not allow 
 politics to interfere with his business, which com- 
 mands all his time, and receives his diligent 
 attention. 
 
 (ILLIAM MARTIN, president of the 
 First National Bank of Canonsburg, is 
 
 the only living representative of his 
 — ' branch of the Martin family in Washing- 
 ton county ; he is a native of the same. 
 born December 1*, 1821, on a farm in North Stra 
 lane township He is a son of Samuel and Mary 
 (McNary) Martin, the former of whom was a son 
 of James Martin, a native of Scotland, who immi- 
 grated to this country at a very early period, set 
 fling in York county, Penn, : the latter a daughter 
 of David McNary, of Cross Creek township. Wash 
 ington county, same State. 
 
 Samuel Martin, great-grandfather of our sub 
 ject, emigrated from Scotland with his son James, 
 and was the first of the famih to come to York 
 county, where he followed fanning and died. He 
 
 had one daughter, and three sons — Andrew. Peter 
 
 and James- nf whom Peter and James came to 
 Washington county in 1804. James had married 
 Margaret McNary, in York county, and the chil- 
 dren born to them there were Samuel, Esther 
 (Mrs. Joseph McNary), Isabella (Mrs. John (' 
 Banna), Margaret (Mrs. David Templeton), all 
 now deceased. The father of this family was born 
 in 1763 and died in 1853, aged ninety years, the 
 mother passing away when the subject of this 
 sketch was a little i ., |J 
 
WASHINGTON cor STY. 
 
 13 
 
 Samuel Martin, father of William, was burn in 
 1790, in York county, Penn., and received his 
 education at the subscription schools of Ins locality 
 daring a few weeks in winter time, the remainder 
 of the year being devoted to learning the practical 
 lessons of agricultural pursuits. On the death of 
 his father he came into possession of the homestead 
 in North Strabane township, Washington county, 
 and il may be here stated that the land was origi- 
 nally patented by the Government to one Janus 
 McCready, from whom it was afterward purchased 
 by the Martin family. : ' was found on thi 
 homestead farm in 1887, and nine wells have been 
 sunk ou it. All were producers; two when the oil 
 gave put were sunk deeper and made gas wells; 
 these were piped to Pittsburgh bj Jones & 
 Laughlin, and are still producers. After his mai 
 riage with Mary McNary, in 1812, Samuel Martin 
 made a final settlement on the old farm in North 
 Strabane township, carrying on general farming 
 till the time of his retirement to Canonshurg. 
 where he died in 1878, aged eighty-eight years. 
 His wife, a native of Washington county, I'enn., 
 died one year later, at the age of eighty-nine years, 
 They were active members of the Cliartiers United 
 Presbyterian Church. Their family consisted of 
 t. ii children: Esther (now the widow of B. M. 
 Crouch, of Mansfield. Ohio), Margaret (deceased 
 wife of Judge McCarroll, of Washington county. 
 Penn), Sarah (widow of Robert Rowen, residing 
 near Venice, Hanover township. Washington Co., 
 Penn.), James (who removed many years ago to 
 the vicinity of Mansfield. Ohio), John and David 
 (who died when small children), William (subject), 
 Isabelle (Mrs. Ross Taggart, of Beaver county, 
 Penn.), Isaac (a farmer near Indianola Iowa) and 
 
 Eliza Jane (residing at the old home in tl I 
 
 North Strabane township, this county) 
 
 William Martin, the subject proper of thi< 
 memoir, waB reared on the farm where he was 
 born, and received his rudimentary education at 
 the primitive subscription schools of the neighbor- 
 hood, afterward attending Jefferson College, Can- 
 onsburg, several years, and then returned to the 
 farm which he has since conducted with well- 
 earned success. He taught school one term in the 
 county. On April 24. 1850, Mr. Martin married 
 Mary A. Houston, of Lowellville, Ohio, daughter 
 of Hon. David Houston, who for several years 
 served as State senator on the Democratic ticket. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Martin have two children: David 
 Houston, who graduated from Wilmington College, 
 and is now practicing law in Pittsburgh, and Samuel 
 Albert, a Presbyterian minister, now professor of 
 theology at Lincoln University, in Chester county, 
 Penn. In 1873 Mr. Martin moved into the borough 
 of Canonsburg to educate his children, and has 
 since made his home here, in the West Ward. He 
 and his wife are members of the United Presby- 
 
 terian Church, in which he has been an elder forty 
 vears. Politically he has been an influential 
 Republican since the organization of the party, 
 but is no partisan. He has served as school di 
 rector for some time. Mr Mart in is will pros, 
 for his years, and is of an active, social and hos 
 pitable disposition. 
 
 QEORGE SCOTT HART was born in the City 
 of Pittsburgh, Penn.. on the 29th of July, 
 lS'Jt. Hewa8the son of John and Susatiali 
 (Han) Hart, both of whom were descended 
 from Scotch-Irish ancestry, When the sub 
 j.i-t of this notice was but four years old, the family 
 removed to Burgettstown, Washington Co., Penn., 
 aud four years later settled at Washington, Penn. 
 In the latter town George grew to manhood, ami 
 in it spent the remainder of his life. He received 
 his primary education in the private schools then 
 in existence, and in 1888 be entered the Washing 
 ron College, in the same town, as a student, from 
 which institution he wa> graduated in the class of 
 ISI'2, when he had scarcely entered his nineteenth 
 year. Several of his classmates rose to places of 
 high distinction. Among them were Caleb Bald 
 win. who became Chief Justice of the Supreme 
 Court of Iowa; J. Kennedy lining, afterwards 
 
 President Judge of the Fourteenth Judicial Dis- 
 trict of Pennsylvania; Rev. Franklin Moore, an 
 eminent as well as eloquent minister of the Metb 
 odist Episcopal Church. 
 
 After leaving college the subject of this no 
 was engaged in teaching for two years, one as a 
 private tutor in Accomac county. Va.. and one in 
 the public school at Prosperity, in Washington conn 
 ty, Penn. Afterward he entered the office of John 
 L. Gow, Esq., a prominent lawyer of Washington, 
 Penn., as a law student, and in August, 1846, after 
 due examination, he was admitted as a member of 
 the Bar of Washington county. The same year be 
 was appointed Deputy Attorney General, to fill a 
 vacancy. When that ollice afterward became 
 elective, he was nominated for the place by the 
 Democratic Convention, and at the ensuing elec- 
 tion obtained a majority of the votes cast, and was 
 commissioned for the full term of three years. 
 During his term of office several very important 
 criminal trials took place, in all of which it was 
 demonstrated that he was an able and fearless 
 prosecutor. 
 
 In May, 1S53. he acquired an interest in the 
 Washington Examiner, a weekly newspaper, and 
 for three years he was its principal editor. Tiring 
 of journalism, he disposed of his interest in the 
 newspaper in 1856, after the close of the Presi- 
 dential campaign, and thenceforward until his fatal 
 illness his time and energies were devoted to his 
 chosen profession. In 1876, without opposition, 
 
14 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 he was Dominated for the office of President Judge 
 
 • >f the Twi'iii Judicial District of Peifb 
 
 sylvania, by the Democratic Convention, and the 
 mention's action was ratified by the voters of 
 Districi al the general' election held in Nfovem 
 ber of fchal year He was duly commissioned, and 
 served for a term of ten years from the first Mon 
 day < > f January, 1877. Judge Hurl also served, 
 previous to his elevatiou to the Bench, as a member 
 of the School Board of Washington for some 
 twelve years, more than ten of which he act i 
 Secretary. 
 
 After the death of his father, in 1859, Mr. Hart 
 assumed the headship of the family, oaring, and 
 abundantly providing, for his mother daring her 
 declining years. By his unselfish exertions and 
 personal sacrifices, the old home was saved for his 
 brothers and sisters, and they remained together 
 until circumstances brought aboul changes in the 
 family circle. He was the family counsellor, men 
 tor and friend, and his chief aim through life was 
 to make them happy. 
 
 Such is a brief sketch of the life of a good man. 
 He died at his home, near Washington, on the 1 5tb 
 of Slay, 1888, surrounded by grief- stricken rela- 
 tives ami several of his sorrowful neighbors. Two 
 >\;\y* after his body was laid away by the side of 
 kindred dust in the Washington Cemetery, to 
 await the resurrection of the just. 
 
 THOMAS MoKENNAN, M. D., a well-known 
 prominent and successful physician of Wash- 
 ington county, was born May 21, 1825. in 
 the house where he at present resides in the 
 borough of Washington. 
 In 1800 the first of the family came to Wash- 
 ington county in the person of Col. William Mc 
 Keunan. a merchant, who was born in 1758 at 
 New Castle, Del., a son of Rev. William Mc- 
 Kennan. a prominent Presbyterian minister, who 
 had a church for fifty years in Wilmington. Del. ; 
 he came to America about the year 1730, and died 
 in Delaware, where he had settled. Col. McKennan 
 at a very early date came from Delaware to West 
 Virginia, to what is now Wellaburg, later moving 
 to Washington. He was present at the battle of 
 Brand} wine, in 1777, where he received a wound, 
 from the effects of which he died, and he spent 
 the memorable winter at Valley Forge. He mar 
 ried Elizabeth, a daughter of John Thompson, a 
 prominent citizen of Brandywine Hundred, in 
 Delaware, and a niece of Thomas McKean, a mem 
 ber of (lie first Congress from Delaware, who later 
 came to Pennsylvania, of which State he became 
 governor; he was one of the Signers of the ''Dec- 
 laration of Independence." Col. William Mc- 
 Kennan and his family moved to Charlestowo, Va. 
 W. Va ), from there to West Middletowo, 
 
 this county, and finally, in 1801, to the borough of 
 Washington, where he died in January, 1810, his 
 widow in 1839, at the age of seventy-eight years. 
 The children born to them were si-veu in number, 
 a- follows: William, John, Thomas McR. T., 
 David. Ann. Rev. James W. and one that died in 
 infancy, unamed. 
 
 Hon. Thomas McK. T. McKennan, the third son 
 of Col. William McKennan. was born in 1794, in 
 Newcastle county. Del., and received Ids primary 
 education in the private schools at Washington 
 When sixteen years old he graduated from Wash 
 ington College, in the second ebts^. there being 
 three members in that class. Immediately there 
 after he began the study of law under Parker 
 Campbell, an attorney of Washington borough, 
 and November 7, 1^1 t, at tin: age of twenty one, 
 was admitted to the bar. and he at once commenced 
 to build up his remarkable career. The year after 
 his ai i he succeeded Waller Forward as 
 
 deputy attorney-general of the county, serving in 
 that capacity until 1817; and his rise at, the bar 
 was rapid and honorable, the front in his profea 
 sion being maintained throughout his life. The 
 degree , of LL, D. was conferred on him by Jeffer 
 sou College. In 1§31 Mr. McKennan becan 
 
 f the House of Representatives of the 
 Doited States, remaining in Congress four terms, 
 and declining re-election on account of his urgent 
 professional work at home. In 1842, however, a 
 vacancy occurring in the House through the demise 
 of Joseph Lawrence, Mr. McKennan yielded to the 
 solicitations of his party, and the public demand, 
 and served the balance of the term. He was 
 chairman of the committee of the whole for two 
 mouths, in the first session of that year, and 
 during his incumbency rendered powerful aid to 
 the more important industries of the country. In 
 1M" lie was chosen a Presidential elector, and in 
 1848 he was made president of the Pennsylvania 
 Electoral College. In 1850 he was called by Presi- 
 dent Fillmore to the position of Secretary of the 
 Interior; but for various reasons he had no liking 
 for the office, and a few weeks after his appoint 
 meiit he resigned and returned to his more genial 
 home. Soon after this he became president of the 
 
 Hempfield Railroad Company, and while attending 
 to its affairs died July 9, 1852, at Reading, Penn. 
 Mr McKennan had entered Washington Col- 
 lege at a very earlv age. and passed through the 
 entire curriculum. In February, 1813, he was 
 appointed tutor of ancient languages, in which 
 capacity he served eighteen months; in April. 1818, 
 he w. a member of the college corporation, 
 
 continuing as such up to the day of his death, a 
 period of thirty-four years. For several years be 
 held the position of adjunct professorof langu. 
 
 The life of Mr. McKennan was oi f the purest 
 
 probity, and among the gala.w of distinguished 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 87 
 
 him the eyes of many in different places. Among 
 other invitations received by him was a call to the 
 presidency of Centre College, at Danville, Ky., and 
 the trustees of Dickinson College also desired him 
 to till a similar position. As pastor of I he church 
 in Washington he remained until 1822, when lie 
 resigned this charge, having accepted the presi- 
 dency of Jefferson College, at Canonsbur^' 
 
 At this period an incident occurred — an incident, 
 perhaps, unprecedented in college history. It was 
 the night before the college commencement day, 
 and at a late hour, that the trustees of Jefferson 
 College elected Dr. Brown to till the presidential 
 chair which had shortly before become vacant. 
 For various reasons it was necessary that the pies 
 ident-elect should immediately enter upon the 
 duties of his otlice. So, early the next morning, 
 while he was yet in lied, a committee waited upon 
 loin, and, having urged him to accept the position, 
 managed to have him brought, before breakfast, to 
 Canonsburg, where he took the oath of office, and 
 at U o'clock presided over the commencement ex 
 eivises, conferred the degrees upon the graduates, 
 and then delivered his Baccalaureate address. 
 Thus was the last Wednesday of September. 1822, 
 a memorable day in Cauousburg. marking, as it 
 does, the crisis and dawn of the true glory of Jef 
 ferson College. To the students and friends of this 
 (■"liege the event was one of great joy, and was 
 h.olod as an omen of prosperity. It was an event 
 from which untold blessings and benefits have de- 
 scended, not only upon the college and its hun- 
 dreds of students, but ujwn thousands of the hu- 
 man race to whom through them Dr. Brown be- 
 came, under God, by his pre eminent capacities for 
 government and instruction, ami by his piety and 
 prayers, a benefactor of the highest ordei to which 
 humanity can attain. 
 
 Under the administration of Dr. Brown, a 
 period of twenty three years, the college advanced 
 rapidly in its glorious career. Never wa- there, 
 perhaps, a more popular or a more successful 
 president. He was peculiarly gifted with quali- 
 ties of head and heart that secured the respect and 
 affection of the students, both while under his 
 care and in after life. To him the pious students 
 were warmly attached, and by the wildest- and 
 most reckless he was respected and venerated. In 
 him special eccentricities and the reaction of mirth 
 and depression were joined with a vigorous intel- 
 lect, clear judgment, quick discernment, good 
 sense, ardent piety and untiring energy. In him 
 opposites blended most remarkably. His nature, 
 indeed, was marked by all those characteristics 
 which make a great leader and commander. Being 
 of a nervous temperament, and quick in thought 
 aud action, his impetuosity sometimes led him 
 into mistakes, but he always managed to get every- 
 thing right again without losiug the respect of 
 
 others or his own authority. He certainly was the 
 most remarkable man, in his day, for the posses- 
 sion of qualities apparently the most compatible, 
 but strangely and happily balancing each other. 
 Though an eccentric man, never was eccentricity 
 more completely governed by good sense and sound 
 judgment. His very personal and mental pecul 
 iarities contributed greatly to his usefulness, and 
 the success of the college over which he so long 
 and efficiently presided. While at times he was 
 impulsive and variable in temper, he never lost his 
 dignityj and the reigns of government never hung 
 loosely in his hands. But whatever were his 
 peculiarities and eccentricities, he was a man of 
 God. whose personal piety was of the highest 
 order. The religion of Christ was his meat ami 
 drink, in which lie found all his springs of hope 
 and power, light and rest. No matter from what 
 book he was giving instruction, the students felt, 
 that they were sitting under a religious teacher. 
 As evidence of this, of the 770 students who were 
 graduated under him, Hod became ministers of the 
 Gospel. Frequently, during his presidency, there 
 were great revivals of religion, which were attrib 
 uted, under God, to his faithful, earnest preach- 
 ing, aud to his conversations and prayers with the 
 students in their rooms. He was pre eminently a 
 man of prayer. Often would the student- hear 
 him in the arbor of his garden, in the . n miner 
 nights, when he thought all human ears we. 
 closed, praying for hours, beginning his entreaties 
 with sighs and tears, and ending his devotions 
 with the song of triumph. The distinguishing 
 trait in his Christian life was that it was a life of 
 communion with (io, I. Of him it mi^'ht truly be 
 said, "He prayed without ceasing." To the mem 
 bers of the family his wife would ofteu say 
 "Mr. Brown spent the whole night in prayer." 
 This was the secret' of the wonderful outpouring of 
 God's Spirit again and again upon the college. 
 People are astonished at the multitudes of minis 
 ters and missionaries who have gone forth from 
 Jefferson College. Here is the secret. There was 
 a wrestling Jacob in the presidential chair who 
 said to the God of Israel, "I will not let Thee go, 
 except Thou bless me." The fact that he was a 
 man who was constantly praying held the students 
 in awe, and threw around him a sacred atuios 
 phere, and to his prayers is to be attributed much 
 of his usefulness when alive, aud his permanent 
 influence when dead. 
 
 Another prominent feature in the character of 
 Dr. Browu was his unwavering and profound con- 
 viction of the truths of the Bible. So confident 
 was he that the Bible would take care of itself 
 that he feared not the newest and most popular 
 forms of infidelity, nor had he any apprehensions 
 lest the camp of Israel would be disturbed by the 
 discovery of ancient manuscripts and historical 
 
 
88 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 records. With hiun for their teacher, the students, 
 no matter what had been their early training, 
 learned to respect the Gospel without knowing 
 how opposition was disarmed and infidelitysilenced. 
 In the history of the Jefferson College class of 
 1830, written thirty years after the members were 
 graduated, Rev. Dr. J. J. Marks, the author, thus 
 refers to their president, Dr. Brown: 
 
 In him we all recognized the Christian, but still a mail 
 of like passions with ourselves; honest, impulsive and 
 variable in temper, all the hues of his character, and the 
 many sides of hi- mind were fully displayed. We felt 
 thai here was a man, who, though far in advance of us, 
 was ready to help us, for our infirmities were his, and 
 we saw the scars of yet unhealed wounds of battle, aud 
 we learned in a thousand ways that he never forgot the 
 weaknesses of youth, nor the conflicts of manhood. 
 
 In manner he was eminently courtly and urbane, with 
 thai ease and tact which i- only gained by associating 
 with the world, am] conversing with refined aud culti- 
 vated minds. He walked among men after the manner 
 of Socrates, talking with all. learning from all, showing 
 sympathy with the poorest, listening with the rapt inter- 
 est of a boy to the stories of their adventures aud jour- 
 neys, lie had an epicurean pleasure in rare characters, 
 for they amused him and gratified his taste for the hu- 
 morous and the graphic. His own conversational talent 
 wasol the highest order, humorous, sprightly ami descrip- 
 tive, thus making his words instructive and fascinating. 
 In his conversation he threw open the treasure- of years, 
 gathered from reading, observation and converse with 
 the great and good. I have beard many talkers, but none 
 that excelled l>r. Brown, none that equaled him in depth 
 of tone and moral value of conversation. His face was a 
 wonderful spectacle and a deep study. We have watched 
 him in the class room and in the chapel for hours with 
 unwearied interest, for the whole world seemed to be in 
 his face. We not only listened to him. but we studied 
 him. We had reason to be grateful for the nice adjust- 
 ment of his religious character and teachings. Deeply 
 anxious for our spiritual welfare, he led us to the Savior 
 whom lie loved. Surely the students who received from 
 him the religious impressions which ripened into peni- 
 tenceand faith, must look back to those year- with an 
 interest which can m ver lade. The remembrance of hi- 
 wisdom and integrity is among the -most precious heri 
 lages of the soul. 
 
 For several years after lie moved to Canonsburg 
 lie preached alternate Sabbaths with Dr. McMillan 
 in the Chartiers Church, of which the latter min- 
 ister was the pastor, but in 18S0 a congregation 
 was organized in the town in connection with the 
 college, which enjoyed his pastoral and pulpit 
 labors until the year 1845 when, on account of 
 feeble health, he resigned the presidency of Jeffer- 
 son College". 
 
 Of the power and influence of Dr. Brown many 
 pages might be written, but want of space limits 
 us in writing this sketch While he was president 
 of Jefferson College, an additional building was 
 erected, and through his efforts most of the neces- 
 sary funds for this purpose were raised. In re- 
 spect to his whole career as president of Jefferson 
 College, it can be truly said that it was an auspi- 
 cious day for that institution when he was chosen 
 to stand at its head. The people of Washington 
 
 were not insensible to the loss they had sustained 
 by the removal of Dr. Brown to Canonsburg. Ac- 
 cordingly, about six years after he had left Wash- 
 ington, he received a united call from the congre- 
 gation and college to return to his former position 
 there as pastor and president. But though greatly 
 attached to the church which he had served for sev- 
 enteen years, and though the college which had 
 sprung into existence under his hand made a 
 strong appeal to his sympathies, he finally decided 
 to remain at Canonsburg, much to the gratifica- 
 tion of the people of that place, and all the friends 
 of Jefforson College. For a number of years 
 after his retirement from the college and church 
 at Canonsburg, he embraced every favorable op 
 portuuity of jiroaching the Gospel to his fellow- 
 men, in which work he took great delight. Not 
 withstanding hi- growing infirmities he continued 
 to preach until near the close of his life. On Jul\ 
 29. 1853, he died at the age of seventy -seven 
 years. The funeral services were held at Canons 
 burg, but the body was laid to rest beside his 
 loved ones in Washington. In both towns there 
 was every demonstration of respect aud sorrow. 
 Stores were closed and many a face was wet with 
 tear.- In person Dr. Brown was tall and slender, 
 with a thin and narrow face which usually bore a 
 bright and animated expression. His movements 
 were rapid, and his manner of walking, and the 
 way he handled his cane would attract the atten- 
 tion of a stranger. His mind was of a high order, 
 and was especially adapted to abstract metaphysical 
 inquiries. He had a keen sense of the ludicrous, 
 and his sayings at times were full of wit. His 
 heart was generous and open, and with a spirit of 
 bene\olencr his delight was in making others 
 happy, and in giving liberally of his means to 
 the poor and needy. In social circles he was 
 the master spirit, being gifted with tine conversa 
 tional power- and having in store a large fund of 
 knowledge As a minister he was one of the most 
 effective preachers in the country. Asa Christian 
 he was a man of liberal views and feelings. Though 
 a Presbyterian in principle and practice, his Chris- 
 tian sympathies were as wide as the world. His 
 moral courage was great, possessing as he did a 
 spirit which would not have faltered at the sight 
 of Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, and yet his faith in 
 religion was often like that of a little child. As a 
 scholar he ranked among the first, and was honored 
 with the degrees of Doctor of Divinity and Doctor 
 of Laws. 
 
 Before closing, a few words must l>e added re 
 garding his domestic relations; he was twice mar 
 ried — first in 1804 to Miss Mary Blaine, of Cum 
 berland county. Penn., who died in 1818, leaving 
 two children: one of them was the Rev. Dr. Alex- 
 ander Blaine Brown, who two years after his 
 father's resignation succeeded him as president of 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 89 
 
 Jefferson College. The other was Elizabeth, the 
 estimable and talented wife of Rev. D. H. Riddle, 
 D. D. , who also became president of the same in- 
 stitution. In 182-") Dr. Brown was married to 
 Mary W. Ferguson, widow of Rev. Mr. Backus 
 Wilbur. She died in 1838, leaving one daugh 
 tar, Susan Mary, the wife of Mr. Henry M. 
 Alexander, a prominent lawyer in New York 
 City, one of the well-known Princeton family of 
 Alexanders, and son of the first professor in the 
 Princeton Theological Seminary. This daughter 
 inherits her father's talents and many excellent 
 traits. She is an earnest worker in the church, de- 
 votes much time in laboring for the good of others, 
 an I gives freely of her means to charitable objects. 
 
 »f""\ EY ALEXANDER BLAINE BROWN, 
 
 Lvy D. D This eminent Presbyterian minister 
 
 V and educator is, alike by birthright ami 
 
 Is —* character, entitled to a prominent place in 
 
 v this volume. 
 
 He was the only son of Rev. Matthew Brown, 
 D. I)., LL. D., and was born in Washington, Penn., 
 Angust 1, 1808. His mother's maiden name was 
 Mary Blaine, daughter of Alexander Blaine, of 
 Cumberland county, Penn., who was commissar} 
 general of Pennsylvania in the time of the Revolu- 
 tion, and was distinguished for his self-sacrificing 
 patriotism. In the son, Alexander B Brown, were 
 blended the mental talents and mental vigor of his 
 father, and the mild, gentle disposition of his 
 mother. In 1822 his father having been elected 
 president of Jefferson College at Canonsburg, 
 Penn., young Alexander became a student of that 
 institution, from which he was graduated in 1825, 
 at the age of seventeen years. While at college 
 he represented the Pbilo Literary Society as their 
 champion in orator)* at one of the annual contest-, 
 Ha\ ing taught for some time in classical schools 
 in Newark, Del., and Princeton, N. J., he entered, 
 in 1828, the Western Theological Seminary at 
 Allegheny, Penn., and was licensed to preach by 
 the Presbytery of Ohio, October 5, 1831. After 
 two years of ministerial work in Virginia, where 
 he declined several offers to settle as a pastor, he 
 returned to his native State in 1833, and took 
 charge of the Birmingham Church, now known as 
 the First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh, 
 South Side. Here he was successful in securing 
 a commodious house of worship. A year later he 
 became pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Niles, 
 Mich., when he soon was recognized throughout 
 the State as one who had an education and mind 
 of a high order. In May, 1839, he was called to 
 the Presbyterian Church of Portsmouth, Ohio, 
 where he labored with great success until April, 
 1841, when, having accepted a professorship in 
 Jefferson College, he came to Canousburg. At 
 
 the same time he took charge of the congregation 
 of Centre Church, a few miles east of the town. 
 To this congregation he ministered until 1845, 
 when he was called to the pastorate of Chartiers 
 Church, which is about one mile south of Canons 
 burg. 
 
 Rev. Dr. Robert J. Breckinridge, who had suc- 
 ceeded Dr. Matthew Brown as president, at the end 
 of two years resigned his office. It became a 
 grave (juestion with the trustees as to who should 
 be chosen to fill the place of that brilliant man. 
 Several prominent names were suggested, but the 
 trustees, appreciating the talents and worth of their 
 modest professor, Alexander B. Brown, unanimous- 
 ly elected him president of the college. When 
 informed of his election, he was greatly surprised, 
 and most earnestly remonstrated against it, as he 
 entirely distrusted his own qualifications. But 
 liis love for the institution would not permit him 
 to decline the trust so strongly pressed upon him, 
 and he accepted the position. It was the desire 
 of the trustees that he should be inaugurated the 
 same evening while they were present, which gave 
 him but an hour or two to prepare for the occasion. 
 To a friend he said that when he was being es- 
 corted to the college, he felt like one going to the 
 gallows rather than to a scene of triumph. The 
 oath of office having been administered, he made 
 an address which lor eloquence and pathos was 
 unequaled, during which there was scarcely a dry 
 eye in the audience. 
 
 Many of the friends of Dr. A. B. Brown, know- 
 ing the sensitive delicacy of his disposition, and 
 his habit of shrinking from publicity, feared that 
 his fine qualifications as a professor would fall 
 short of the more heroic and rugged demands of 
 the presidency. But their mistake was most hap 
 pily demonstrated in the actual development under 
 pressure of duty, which soon showed him to be a 
 model governor, as well as an instructor. His 
 power over the students was wonderful. His ruin 
 gled suavity and firmness, together with their un- 
 bounded confidence in him, as one who sought only 
 their highest good, disposed them to heed his 
 wishes; and if at any time he suddenly appeared 
 among them in the midst of their youthful noise 
 and riot, it was like the voice of Neptune amid 
 the raging waves. His administration was a most 
 remarkable one. during which the prosperity of the 
 college continued to rapidly increase. The nine 
 years of his presidency were peculiarly marked 
 with peaceful relations in the college, and with its 
 advancing reputation and usefulness. Four hun- 
 dred and fifty-three diplomas bear his presidential 
 signature, making an annual average of fifty grad 
 uates. At the time of his resignation the whole 
 number of students was 230. He was also success- 
 ful in raising an endowment fund of $(50, 000, which, 
 in those days, before millionaires were known, was 
 
90 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 of itself a herculean task. His zeal in the cause 
 of education caused him to be generous to a fault. 
 When from year to year he witnessed the embar- 
 rassed financial condition of the college, he de 
 clined to draw his own salary in order that the 
 other members of the faculty should be promptly 
 paid, and in this way he freely gave $11,000 to 
 the institution. His fine reputation, like that of 
 his venerated father, has gone forth with the sons 
 of Jefferson College into every part of our land, 
 and into distant nations across the seas. It will 
 ev.-r widen, ;is the alumni of Washington and Jef- 
 ferson College, in the coming generations, shall 
 prove themselves worthy of the heritage of glory 
 descended through both the old institutions into 
 their consolidation and unity of achievement 
 
 Hut honorable as was the career of Dr. A. B. 
 Brown, as an educator, he ever felt himself conse 
 crated to the Gospel ministry, and in this service 
 lie found his chief joy. And he was a model min 
 ister in the judgment alike of his brethren and the 
 people. Referring to him in an address before an 
 Alumni Association in Pittsburgh, Rev. Dr. D. A. 
 Cunningham said: '"He who holds the stars in 
 Hi~ right hand, held no brighter one than Rev. A. 
 15. Brown, D. D. We sat under his teaching with 
 ^reat delight, and were more than charmed with 
 his eloquence in the pulpit. The flash of his keen 
 eye. the tremulous tones of that sweet voice, and 
 the heavenly light which beamed from his collide 
 nance as he led us to the Cross of ( 'hrist, can never 
 be forgotten." Of him. the Hon. Thomas K. Ew 
 ing, R prominent judge in Pittsburgh, said: "He 
 was the finest teacher and the most eloquent min- 
 ister I ever knew " Unambitious of prominence. 
 even to a fault, and habitually refusing audience 
 to the approaches of most inviting pastorates 
 seeking his services, he ever preferred the work of 
 the Gospel without the stress of competition for 
 human praise. The common people heard him 
 gladly, while the nao-t intelligent and fastidious 
 received his messages with delight. His sermons 
 were a happy combination of evangelistic truth, 
 faultless taste, affectionate tenderness, and persua 
 sive — often thrilling — eloquence His public lect- 
 ures and addresses were also widely sought atnl 
 highly appreciated It was a treat to listen to his 
 recitation-- of poetry, especially of his favorite 
 Cowper, and his quotations from the grander por 
 tious of inspiration. 
 
 Soon after Dr. Brown was inaugurated presi- 
 dent of the college, it was necessary for him to 
 sever his relations with the Chartiers Church, in 
 order that he mioht become pastor of the Canons- 
 burg congregation which worshiped with the stu- 
 dents in the chapel. This position he retained, to 
 the great joy of the congregation, until he resigned 
 the presidency. In 1850 the trustees reluctantly 
 yielded to his oft repeated request to be relieved 
 
 from the duties which were too arduous for his de- 
 clining health, and accepted his resignation. He 
 then retired to his country residence, "Mount 
 Blaine," and being within the bounds of Centre 
 Church, his former charge, he was induced to be 
 come its pastor. This relationship he held until 
 the close of 1802, when failing health forced him 
 to retire from active labors. Though afflicted with 
 a painful disease, he patiently lx>re his sufferings 
 until the eighth day of September, 1863, when God 
 took him to the land of health. He was buried in 
 the Centre Church graveyard, where a grateful 
 and appreciative people erected a handsome rnon 
 umeiit to his memory His death at the age of 
 fifty five left n void deeply felt and uot 'easily 
 filled Religion and learning alike will long cher 
 ish his memory, and blend their tears over his grave. 
 Only a little space is yet claimed for the domes 
 tic and social relations of this "beloved disciple." 
 He was married December 3, 1833, to Miss Eliza 
 beth Finley Nevin, daughter of Mr. John Neviu, 
 of Cumberland county, Penn., and sister of Rev. 
 Dr. John W. Nevin, at one time the distinguished 
 and scholarly professor of the Allegheny Theolog- 
 ical Seminary, and afterward the successful presi- 
 dent of Franklin and Marshall College at Lancas- 
 ter, Penn. This estimable lady was well qualified 
 to assume the high and responsible duties which 
 her husband's position placed upon her. and her 
 public services were crowned with blessings and 
 honor, and by her pure and earnest life, her sweet 
 and noble character, her unselfish nature, kind 
 words and charitable deeds she will longbe reniem 
 bered as a bright example, worthy of imitation. 
 Now. in the thirtieth year of her widowhood, she 
 still lingers in venerable age to bless her children, 
 while she ones witness of the matured experience 
 of the Lord's faithfulness. Of the children, five 
 Bons and one daughter are now living. Two of the 
 sons, having chosen the profession of their grand- 
 father and father, are now prominent Presbyterian 
 ministers 
 
 [In the above sketch, which \s from the pen of Rev. 
 James I. Brownsou, D. I'.. I.I.. 1 '.. free use has been made 
 of nil available material, especially of a memorial address 
 by the late Rev. Aaron Williams, D. I)., an associate in 
 the college faculty, ami an intimate friend of Dr. A. B. 
 Brown. 
 
 Rev. W. F. Bhown, D. D. . Canonsburg, Penn. 
 In publishing a brief record of the life of Rev. Dr. 
 W. F. Brown, we can furnish no better sketch than 
 that written and read by Hon. John A. Mcllvaine, 
 Judge of the Washington County Court, at a col- 
 lege class reunion in 1890. 
 
 Born under the shadow of Jefferson College, of which 
 both his father and grandfather were popular and be- 
 loved presidents, our classmate naturally began his clas- 
 sical course within its walls. He was enrolled a Senior 
 '• prep " in 1850, but at the end of his Freshman year he 
 remained at home in order that his brother might enlist 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 91 
 
 as a soldier. The next year, 1862, he entered our class as 
 a Sophomore. Although descending from a long line of 
 learned and pious ancestors, which drew toward him the 
 reaped of the i lass even before his acquaintance whs 
 fully made, his own innate qualities soon caused him to 
 be very popular. While having reason to be proud of his 
 parentage, he was extremely modest, and in his inter- 
 course with hi- fellow students he never by word or deed 
 referred to the honorable connection with the college 
 which his birth gave him. From all public performances 
 he shrank, only assuming a prominent position when in 
 the Hue of duty. At college he showed a preference for 
 the classics and was especially fond of Latin, which ac- 
 counts for the high compliment passed upon his Latin 
 
 exegesis when he was licensed to preach. Rev. Dr. 
 George Marshall, who was theu chairman of the examlti 
 in^r committei . pronounced it the besl that had been pre 
 seuted in the Presbytery during the thirty years be had 
 been a member, lint while studying the ancieul Ian 
 gimges he spent much time with the goddess oi music, 
 
 and the clear. [odious tones of his fine tenor voice were 
 
 a lurcc of delight to us all. Possessing this natural gifl 
 to ii high degree, after his graduation he frequently aided 
 hi- rive brother- in giving vocal and instrumental con 
 cciis. which were highly appreciated by all who heard 
 them, and which were given for the benefit of churches 
 and educational institution.-. OI the many patriotic Bong6 
 he sang while at college there was one entitled " Wake 
 Nicodemus," which he selected as the subject ol his com 
 mencement oration. He was a member of the Philo So- 
 ciety, but never joined a secret fraternity, although often 
 importuned so to do. In this matter he religiously 
 adhered to and followed the request of bis father, not 
 w Ithstanding that at one time it left him the only student 
 in the college who did not belong to a fraternity. 
 
 Three years from the time he left college he graduated 
 at the Allegheny Theological Seminary, and was licensed 
 as a Presbyterian minister to preach the Gospel. For 
 several months he supplied the Falrview Church, and 
 ale the congregation then worshiping in the College 
 Chapel. In 1870 the Canousburg congregation desired 
 his whole time, and he became the successor of Rev. Dr. 
 Jonathan Edwards, who was its pastor while he was pres- 
 ident of the college. Three other calls were at the same 
 time offered to Brown; but, being strongly urged by the 
 congregation he accepted the call to the "College 
 Church" of which both his grandfather and father had 
 for many year- been pa-tors. Owing to the transfer of 
 the college classes to Washington, the students' side of 
 the chapel was left vacant, but in a short time the inn 
 gregation so increased under hi- ministration that the hall 
 on each Sabbath day was filled. While pastor of this 
 Church he taughtin the Linnean Academy, ami was after- 
 ward professor of Latin in Jefferson Academy for three 
 year-. While preaching and teaching here he secured, 
 through the alumni of Jefferson College, a donation of 
 $2,1 of) for their former beloved Greek professor, Dr. "Will- 
 iam Smith. In this labor of love he wrote and sent out 
 some 1,700 letters. 
 
 After six years of labor in Canousburg. he received a 
 call to the Presbyterian Church in Charleston, W. Va., 
 and also a call to the First Presbyterian Church of New- 
 ark, Ohio. The latter he accepted, and. being duly In- 
 stalled there, he preached for the period of two years, 
 when, on account of throat, trouble, he resigned, and upon 
 the advice of his physician he did not preach for one 
 year. About the same time his wife's health demanded 
 a change of climate, and for a number of years they spent 
 their winters in the South, where he preached in some of 
 the leading churches, his services always being in de- 
 mand. For quite awhile, when in New Orleans, he sup- 
 plied with great acceptance the First Presbyterian 
 Church during the absence of their distinguished pastor, 
 
 Rev. Dr. Palmer. In 1884, Rev. William Ewing, Ph. D., 
 having resigned, our classmate was chosen principal of 
 Jefferson Academy, at Cauonsburg, which position he 
 ably filled for four years, when lie was compelled to 
 abandon this work on account of the severe and pro- 
 tracted illness of his wife. As a teacher he was thorough 
 and faithful, which the high rank taken afterward by his 
 pupils in colleges and seminaries fully attest. His gov- 
 ernment in the academy was that of love, and by his gen- 
 tlemanly and polished manners as well as by the quality 
 of the work done, he won the respect and affection of his 
 scholars. Under his administration the institution flour- 
 ished, and he proved himself to be a most successful 
 teacher. As a preacher, this brother is both able and 
 eloquent His sermons evidence deep thought and orig- 
 inality. He i- especially strong in his descriptive powere. 
 He has a fine presence and a good voice, and never fails 
 to hold the attention of hi- audience. A year ago, I8JS0, 
 he received tl e degree of Doctor of Divinity from Frank 
 lin and Marshall College, a1 Lancaster, Pent)., and also 
 from tin I Diversity of Western Pennsylvania, in recog 
 uition of his ability as a preacher and a teacher. Refer 
 ring to this degree, a Pittsburgh paper says: "Upon no 
 more worthy man has the highest honors ol these time- 
 honored institution- been conferred." But while our 
 classmate has become prominent, be has not been able to 
 respond to the many calls to come up higher. Within 
 the past few years he has had more than one invitation to 
 prominent churches and wider fields of labor and in- 
 fluence, but sickuess in his family prevented him from 
 accepting these positions As intimated, Mrs. Brown has 
 been a gr.at suffer, r for vear6,and in relieving her pains 
 he has manifested a spirit similar to Wendell Phillips, 
 who, when urged to accept the most tempting offers, re 
 plied that neither wouej nor glory could induce him to 
 deprive hi- suffering wife of whatever assistance and 
 comfort he could bestow. If, as one of our brightest 
 stars, Dr. Brown's light has been for a time partly bid 
 from the world, i' has shone in his ministerial and edu- 
 cational work at home, and has also brightened the dark 
 rooms of sickness in many houses, and has cheered the 
 sad heart of one whose deepest sorrow has been that her 
 feeble health and severe pains have caused clouds to sur 
 round tin brilliancy of her devoted husband. -His wife 
 was Mis- Mary Houston, one of Canonsburg's brightest 
 and. most attractive young ladies, who during her years of 
 sickness has given sunshine and comfort to many by her 
 deeds and words of charity and love. 
 
 Daring the years 1890 and 1S91 Dr. and Mrs 
 Brown made an extensive tour through Europe, 
 chiefly for the benefit of the letter's health. 
 While visiting the principal foreign countries and 
 cities they spent much time in Italy, lingering for 
 many months in Rome, which gave the Doctor an 
 opportunity of studying the interesting and his- 
 torical objects of the Eternal City. Shortly after 
 returning home he was frequently called upon to 
 speak of his travels in public, and soon his name 
 and fame spread over the lecture field, he having 
 added to his scholastic learning the polish and 
 distingue of the Continental tourist. His lectnres 
 are said to be highly literary, entertaining and 
 instructive, aiid in this field he has won the repu- 
 tation of being an original, magnetic and eloquent 
 speaker. 
 
 But, successful as he might be in the lecture 
 field, in which his eloquence, grace and wit could 
 be displayed to great advantage, he still clings to 
 
92 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 the work of preaching and teaching, the profes- 
 sions he chose when he entered upon the active 
 duties of life. He is, therefore, to be found 
 every Sabbath iii the pulpit, and during the week 
 he give-- instruction in Jefferson Academy, in 
 which institution his services have again been 
 called into requisition. 
 
 Re\. Alexander Blaine Bkown, Jn. As in the 
 case of his brother (whose ^ket cli is given above), 
 Rev. A. B. Brown, Jr.. was horn amid the classic 
 scenes of Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, Penn . 
 at the time when his father whs the president of 
 this renowned institution. In early life he inani 
 fested a decided taste for literary pursuits, and 
 having adopted one of tin' mottoes of Jefferson 
 College, "Inter silvas Academi quoerevt vcrum" 
 ("Among tin' grovesof the Academy seek truth "i, 
 he spent a number oi years at Jefferson Academy. 
 Jefferson College having been removed from Can 
 onsburg, he went to Lancaster. Penn., and entered 
 the junior class of Franklin and Marshall Col 
 lege, of which his uncle. Rev. John W. Neviu. 
 D. D., LL. 1) . was for many years the honored 
 and successful president Having completed his 
 collegiate course at Lancaster, he was elect..! 
 professor of Latin in Jefferson Academy, in which 
 institution he taught for a year, when he entered 
 the Western Theological Seminary, al Allegheny 
 City. Penn., from which he was graduated in 
 lsTs. The following year he was unanimously 
 called to the pastorate of the Centre Presbyterian 
 Church, five miles east of Canonsburg, a church 
 of which his father had also been pastor, and to 
 which he ministered during the latter part of his 
 life, and in tin hounds of which he died. This 
 call young Mr. Brown accepted, and December 1">. 
 1879, he was ordained and installed tin- pastor of 
 a people among whom he had grown up. and of 
 a church which he had attended and with which 
 he united in his earlier years. In this field he has 
 labored faithfully for thirteen wars, during which 
 time his ministry has been greatly blessed, and his 
 services highly appreciated by a people by whom 
 he has always been dearh beloved. As a preacher 
 Rev. Mr. Brown is earnest, impressive, instructive 
 and eloquent. His sermons give evidence that he 
 is a man of decided talents and a diligent stu- 
 dent, who always brings beaten oil into the sane 
 tuary. His reading of the Scriptures and hymns 
 has won for him the reputation of being one of 
 the best readers in the Presbytery. As a pastor 
 he is faith fill, devoted and sympathetic, whose 
 bright, genial ways and pure, noble character 
 cause him to be highly esteemed and great 1\ be- 
 loved by all who know him. A few days since 
 (March 13, 1893), he received a unanimous call to 
 the pastorate of the Fairview Presbyterian Church, 
 which is situated a few miles south of Centre. 
 So great was the desire and so urgent the tequest 
 
 of the Fairview people to have him become their 
 pastor that he felt it his duty to transfer his labors 
 to this neighboring lield. in which he has received 
 a most cordial welcome. 
 
 Bkown Bkotheks. In addition to the two 
 eloquent ministers mentioned above, there were 
 four other sons in the family of Rev. Dr. and 
 Mis. A. B. Brown. While all of these sous 
 enjoyed an enviable reputation, on accouut of 
 their educational qualities and moral worth, they 
 
 i possessed extraordinary musical talents which 
 gave them great celebrity. Without making it a 
 specialty, these six brothers excel led in music, each 
 one being a tine singer, and also a skillful perform- 
 er on some musical instrument. They appeared 
 in public for the first time when they exerted 
 themselves to raise funds to carry on the suit for 
 the recovery of Jefferson College, which had been 
 consolidated with Washington College. By this 
 act Jefferson College was removed from Canons- 
 burg to the town of Washington, which caused a 
 litigation that lasted for several years. Those who 
 had contributed funds to Jefferson College, feeling 
 that the trustees had violated their trust in trans- 
 ferring the College from its original locution, 
 brought suit for the recovery of the institution. 
 Suit having been entered, the case was tried in 
 both the State and the United States Supreme 
 Courts, aud this involved considerable expense. 
 To help defray this the Brown Brothers, whose 
 grandfather and father had contributed thousands 
 of dollars, and devoted the greatei part of their 
 lives to the institution, offered their services as 
 musicians. The proposition received a hearty re- 
 sponse, and many churches and halls were offered 
 free to these brother-, who took rank at once as 
 distinguished vocalists and instrumentalists. Thus 
 b\ their musical entertainments they succeeded in 
 liquidating almost the entire cost of the suit, a 
 part of the amount having previously been raised 
 b\ subscription. In this way they became known 
 as the " Brown Brothers "' Up to t bat period, this 
 was the lirst instance on record where the brothers 
 of one family had given either a vocal or an instru- 
 mental concert. Referring to them as "A Band 
 
 ! of Brothers." the Washington (Penn.) Advance 
 said: " There are a few cases where the male and 
 female members of one family appear as profes 
 sional musicians, but we doubt very much if such 
 an instance as this furnished by the Brown Broth 
 ers is to be found in our own or other countries.'' 
 Having, while iuvoking the aid of the muses in 
 
 \ behalf of Jefferson College, acquiredthe reputation 
 of being musicians of a high order, the Brown 
 Brothers were frequently requested to give concerts 
 for the benefit of churches. Sabbath schools, edu 
 catioual institutions and various objects to which 
 they generously devoted the proceeds of their en 
 tertainments Frequently they appeared four or 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 93 
 
 five times in one place, and on each occasion drew 
 a large audience. The concerts of these brothers 
 were characterized by a great variety of songs 
 which were rendered with remarkably fine expres 
 sion, clear and distinct articulation, intermingled 
 in a most pleasing manner with many different 
 kinds of instruments. From a Pittsburgh paper 
 we give the following extract: "When either one 
 or all of the brothers begin to sing, the audieuoe is 
 subdued into the most tender mood by the ex- 
 <[uisiU' rendering of their pathetic songs, or breaks 
 out into the most rapturous applause over their 
 rendering of the sentiment;]l and comic. But be- 
 sides being remarkable as vocalists they are equally 
 so as instrumentalists. Much of their music too 
 i- of their own composition and many of their 
 s >ngs are original with themselves. Such a com- 
 bination of musical talent in one family is not. 
 perhaps, to be found in this or any other country. 
 It is a sight worth seeing, six noble young men, 
 brother musicians, and all of them gentlemen of 
 high personal worth.'' Although great induce 
 ments were offered tin- brothers to enter the public 
 arena as professional musicians, they declined all 
 such propositions, preferring only to appear iu 
 public when they could benefit some worthy ob 
 ject by the proceeds of their concerts. Being in- 
 vited to sing at the centennial celebration of tin 
 Ohartiers Presbvterian Church, of which the Rev. 
 Dr. John McMillan, the religions and educational 
 pioneer of western Pennsylvania was the first pas- 
 tor, they composed and sang an appropriate ode, 
 giving a brief history of that distinguished minis- 
 ter, which was so well received that its repetition 
 was requested three times on that occasion. At 
 the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the 
 settlement of Rev. William Smith. D. D.. at the 
 Miller's Run Presbyterian Church, bv special re- 
 quest thev gave two concerts, in the afternoon and 
 evening of the same day. when they donated the 
 proceeds to a purse that was heing raised as a 
 token of respect for the honored Doctor. For this 
 anniversary thev also composed a special song 
 which, having been rendered at their afternoon 
 concert, was, at the request of the audience, sung 
 again in the evening. The entertainments 
 given by these brothers extended over a period 
 of fourteen years, during which time they con- 
 tinued to pursue their regular occupations and pro- 
 fessions. 
 
 By the death of Matthew, a young man of bright 
 promise, the tuneful circle of the Brown Brothers 
 was suddenly broken, and since then the voices of 
 the rest are seldom heard together in pnblic. The 
 names of the six brothers are as follows: J. Nevin, 
 Henry H. , William F., Alexander B., Matthew B. 
 and D. Finley Brown. At the last concert in which 
 they all took part they sang an original ode en- 
 titled, "We're a Band of Brothers," in which 
 
 Of this ode we 
 
 their sentiments were portrayed, 
 give the closing verse: 
 
 "We'll keep the bells of Freedom ringing, 
 W.'ll keep tin- voice el Temperance singing; 
 To tie Bible we'll keep clinging, 
 
 While upon this earth we Stand. 
 And when death lias come before us. 
 And the vespei Stars shine e'er us. 
 Let others swell the chorus, 
 
 And shout it through our land." 
 
 Soon after this concert the Brown Brothers 
 numbered but five on earth, Matthew having been 
 called to join the Heavenly Choir. 
 
 II M RS. JANE B. PRALL was born November 
 IV/I 9,1803, in Washington. Petiti., in a house 
 I ¥- I on the lot where Dr. Little now lives. 
 ^ Her father. John Bollen. had come from 
 v New Jersey to Washington county, where 
 
 he married Ann, daughter of William Huston, a 
 native of Ireland, who came to Washington county 
 while the Indians were still denizens of the woods. 
 It is said of William Huston that he was the 
 first white man to settle in the county. His first 
 dwelling, said to have been the first house built in 
 Washington, was located on a piece of land where 
 H. C. Swart now resides, on East Maiden street. 
 He had married in Ireland, his native land, and 
 had brought his wife with him to this country. 
 Both died in Washington county, and at the time 
 of his death he was the owner of a farm of JJOU 
 acres near the borough of Washington. In 1754. 
 while the English and French were at war, h.e was 
 taken prisoner by the latter nud sent to France, 
 where he lay in prison for about a year, was then 
 exchanged and returned to Ameiica. His children 
 were as follows: Dixon, Hamilton. James, Polly 
 (married to Archibald Carr), Jane (married to John 
 Smith), Margaret (married to John Pux'ton), and 
 Ann (married to John Bollen). After marriage 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bollen made their home in theborough 
 of Washington until 1811, when, having exchanged 
 their property there for a farm in Amwell town 
 ship, they removed thereon, remaiuing some eleven 
 years; thence came to South Strabane township 
 where they passed the rest of their days. Mr. 
 Bollen, who was a shoemaker by trade, died No- 
 vember 7, 1846, his wife on May 4, 1848, aged 
 eighty-five years. They were the parents of chil- 
 dren "as follows: James and John, both deceased 
 when young; William, who died in 1875; Margaret, 
 married to William Van Kirk; Mary, married to 
 George Week, and died in Ohio; Jane, the subject 
 proper of this sketch, and Matilda (a mute), de- 
 ceased in 1881. 
 
 Jane Bolleu was married to John Prall, a farmer 
 
 of Amwell township, in 1849. He was a man of 
 
 | nearly seventy years of age at the time, and died, 
 
94 
 
 WASHINGTO. 
 
 January 10, 1875, at tbe age of ninety-six years. 
 He had been previously married, and Lad by that 
 anion eight children, viz.: Benjamin and Harrison 
 0>oth deceased), Jackson (a resident of South Stra 
 bane township), William. Nancy and Elizabeth (all 
 three deceased), Mary (wife of W. Lacock. of Am 
 well township) and Sarah (who died in Illinois). 
 After marriage Mr. and Mrs. l'rall made their home 
 in Amwell township, where Mr. Prall died as al- 
 ready related. One year after that event his widow 
 came to the borough of Washington, where she now 
 has her home, a pleasant and comfortable one, on 
 East Wheeling street. She is a remarkably well- 
 preserved lady, and is spending her declining years 
 with Christian patience and resignation, calmly 
 awaiting the inevitable summons that shall call her 
 hence. In her church connection she was origi- 
 nally identified with the Cumberland Presbyterians, 
 but is now a member of tbe Second Presbyterian 
 Church of Washington. 
 
 Mordecai Hoge (deceased), a half brother of Mrs. 
 Prall, was born January 22, 1784, on the old Hus- 
 ton farm in this county, a son of John Hoge, 
 who owned the land from the center of Main street, 
 in Washington, westward to, and perhaps includ 
 ing, the whole or a portion of the Dr. Heed farm 
 The boyhood days of Mordecai Hoge were passed 
 chiefly in and around Washington, and when about 
 six years of ag>- he was seni to the old-time log 
 schoolhouse which stood a little below where the 
 old weigh scales were placed, and on the rightside 
 of the alley where the worshipers in the United 
 Presbyterian Church are accustomed to put their 
 conveyances. At that time there was in the. then. 
 village but one stone dwelling, owned by a Mr. 
 Bradford After Mr. Hoge had passed through 
 his primary and academical training, about the 
 year 1805, he became a student in Dickinson Col- 
 lege. Carlisle, shortly after leaving which he mar- 
 ried Rebecca Pentecost. In 1811 he engaged in 
 teaching, his first school being kept in a log cabin 
 located on the bank of Little Chartiers creek, and 
 between the farm some time since owned by Slier 
 iff R. McClelland and Linden village. The fob 
 lowing year he moved about one mile south of this 
 place, and taught twelve years at what was called 
 the Cross Roads. He next taught for one year in 
 a rude cabin on a farm situated on the pike leading 
 from Washington to Monongahela City. In 1827 
 he commenced teaching on what came to be known 
 as "'Hoge's Summit." Bud continued there for six 
 years. Mr. Hoge then took up his residence on 
 the farm now owned by the heirs of Samuel Brown- 
 lee, and during the time he would walk, summer 
 and winter, not less than six miles. Immediately 
 after the expiration of this last mentioned school 
 term he taught near Pees' Mill for a short time, 
 and later in a log schoolhouse on or near the site 
 of the Hardy school in North Strabane township. 
 
 Fro. ./point he returned to Hoge's Summit, and 
 taught alwut twenty-three years, at the expiration 
 of which time his public labors in this calling 
 ceased. In summing up the whole time in 
 which he was engaged in the work of teaching, 
 the calculation will make it not less than forty-five 
 years. It is a marked characteristic of the high 
 esteem and appreciation of his services as an in 
 structor of youth that this entire period was spent 
 within the limit of seven miles, in many instances 
 teaching the parent, then the child, then the grand 
 child, until superannuation alone required his 
 withdrawal from his arduous vocation. Mr. Hoge 
 departed this life in 1870, at the age of eighty-six 
 years, two months and three days, and on his 
 tombstone in the Pigeon Creek cemetery is the fol- 
 lowing inscription: "Tine Honor. A Faithful 
 Teacher of Youth for More than Forty five Years 
 This sketch of Mordecai Hoge has been gleaned 
 from one that appeared in the Washington Review 
 and Examiner at the time of his decease. 
 
 QV. LAWRENCE The genealogy of the 
 Lawrence family, of which this gentleman 
 is a member, is imperfect. Those of that 
 i name who became prominent in Massachu 
 setts, New Y'ork and Pennsylvania are sup 
 posed to have sprung from the brothers who came 
 from England at an early day. A son of one of 
 these settled in Adams county, Penn., about the 
 year 1770. where he afterward died, leaving a 
 family of ten children 
 
 About the year 1788 his widow, with this large 
 family, came over the mountains when there was 
 only a pathway, the mother carrying the youngest 
 sou, Joseph (then three years old), on her knee on 
 horseback. They settled on a small farm on the 
 headwaters of Pigeon creek, eight miles east of 
 Washington, in a cabin, and here the family — 
 seven daughters and three sons — grew up. In 
 time the daughters all married in Washington 
 county, and raised families: and a numerous pro- 
 geny of children and grandchildren and their de- 
 scendants sprang from these excellent women, and 
 some of the later generation are found scattered over 
 the West. The oldest son. John Lawrence, mar- 
 ried and moved to Beaver county, and was twice 
 elected to the Legislature from that county; after 
 ■ ward moved to Delaware county, Ohio, and died 
 there, leaving a family. One of his sons was edu- 
 cated at Washington College, studied law, became 
 very prominent in his profession, and served in the 
 Legislature of Ohio. His sou afterward served in 
 the Senate of the State. 
 
 Samuel Lawrence, the second son of the older 
 stock, also moved to Beaver county, Penn., and 
 was prothonotary of the courts for nine years. He 
 was there elected to the Legislature, serving two 
 
^•■y -:.. 
 
 / 
 
W'ASHJXarON COUNTY. 
 
 97 
 
 sessions, and there died, leaving a large family. 
 One of his sous was prothonotary of that county 
 nine years, and afterward an associate judge. 
 
 Joseph, the third son, remained on the farm with 
 his mother, to whom he was much attached, and to 
 whom he clung with strongest affection until she 
 died at the age of ninety-five years. This son 
 was compelled to work hard on the farm to main- 
 tain the family, and only obtained a few months 
 for improvement at school. He was married about 
 the year 1812 or 1813 to Rebecca Van Eman, by 
 whom he had four children: Joseph, George V., 
 Sarah and Samuel. About the year 18'23 the 
 mother died, Samuel being then a babe, and when 
 five or six years old he died. Joseph grew up and 
 married Eliza Horner, anil they both died in Feb- 
 ruary, 1842, leaving four children, all of whom 
 married, and three of them are still living. Sarah, 
 the daughter, married Aid. Moore, an excellent 
 man, and they raised five children, all of whom 
 are married and very prosperous, living in Car- 
 thage, Mo., except one daughter who is in Port- 
 land, Oreg. The father of this family died 
 about the year 1866; the mother is still in good 
 health, and lives with the children in Carthage. 
 Of George V. we will speak more in detail here- 
 after. 
 
 Joseph Lawrence, the elder, about the year 
 1826 married, for his second wife, Maria, a daugh- 
 ter of Judge Bucher, of Harrisburg, an excellent 
 woman, as all who knew her bear testimony, and 
 with her had four sons and one daughter. John J. 
 Lawrence, the eldest son, was superintendent of 
 the western portion of the Philadelphia & Erie 
 Railroad for years, and afterward of the Allegheny 
 Valley Railroad; he was colonel of one of the Penn- 
 sylvania regiments in the army. He has a most in- 
 teresting family, and is now retired, living in Alle- 
 gheny, Penn. James K. Lawrence, the next son 
 (now deceased), was a captain in the regular army; 
 was efficient and brave, and had the confidence and 
 esteem of every one in his company and regiment. 
 He was very severely wounded at Fredericksburg, 
 but recovered and died three years since at Rey- 
 noldsville, Penn., leaving a small family. W. C. 
 A. Lawrence, third sod, was educated at Washing- 
 ton College, and studied law with Hon. J. C. 
 Kunkle, of Harrisburg. He was fine looking, very 
 pleasant in manner, and possessed of excellent 
 natural ability. He was succeeding to a fine prac- 
 tice at the bar in Dauphin county when he was 
 elected to the Legislature in 1857. He was re- 
 elected in 1858, and was elected speaker, obtain- 
 ing the nomination over Hon. A. K. McClnre, a 
 man of unusual ability. He was perhaps the 
 youngest man ever elected speaker in this State. 
 In 1859 he was re-elected to same position, and 
 was exceedingly popular and efficient. The labor 
 
 in the law office, and in the speaker's chair, proved 
 too much for his constitution, and he died in 1860. 
 
 Samuel, the fourth son, was well prepared by 
 education, and studied engineering. He was ;i 
 long time employed on the Philadelphia & Erie 
 Railroad when very young. He laid out and 
 helped to locate and build the Oil Creek Railroad. 
 He was very efficient, and popular with all classes 
 of people, and was nominated and elected to the 
 Legislature, from Warren, McKean and Elk 
 counties, serving one winter, peremptorily declin- 
 ing a renomination. He died in Warren in 1862, 
 leaving a widow but no children; she since died in 
 Philadelphia. Susan M., the youngest, remained 
 with her mother until her death, which occurred 
 in Harrisburg, in 1860, and during the long ill- 
 ness of her mother was ever with her, patient, con- 
 siderate and kind. She afterward married Mr. 
 Myron Sanford, of Erie, Penn., a retired and 
 wealthy man of excellent character, who proved a 
 most devoted husband. They raised one son a 
 promising and intelligent young man, but both lie 
 and his father are dead; Mrs. Sanford still lives in 
 her beautiful home, esteemed and loved by all who 
 know her and can appreciate the highest womanly 
 virtues. 
 
 The foregoing is a very brief and condensed his 
 tory of the several children of Joseph Lawrence, 
 the elder. A more extended notice of him and his 
 son George V. Lawrence is appropriate, with a 
 general reference to the public life of this family. 
 It is seen here that the three brothers who were 
 brought to Washington county, so early by the 
 mother, poor and fatherless, were all members of 
 the Legislature of their native State. Joseph, the 
 youngest, was elected from Washington county in 
 1820, and served until 1826, being speaker of the 
 House two sessions; was elected to Congress in 
 1826. He was for J. Q. Adams for President, but 
 the tide for Jackson swept him down in 1828. In 
 1834 he was nominated for the Legislature and 
 elected, and re elected in 1835; was elected State 
 treasurer in 1836. He ran for Congress in 1838, 
 and was defeated by seventeen votes. In 1840 he 
 was again the candidate of the Whig party and 
 elected. He died on April 17, 1842, while a mem 
 ber, and his body lies in the Congressional Ceme- 
 tery, at Washington, D. C. Mr. Lawrence was a 
 man of fine physical and mental abilities; was a 
 good public speaker, logical and clear in argument 
 with an unusual memory and a very pleasant 
 manner, and he had the respect and confidence of 
 all who knew him. Like his mother, and all bis 
 extensive family, he was a Presbyterian, and when 
 at home in the county generally walked three and 
 one-half miles to church, and sat in the Bible class, 
 his sons going with him to Sunday school. He 
 was firm in the Pauline and Augustinian faith, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 and a student of theology. His house was always 
 open, and a kind of home for ministers who were 
 fond of his company. 
 
 We have before referred to his sons William 
 and Samuel as members of the Legislature, and 
 now come to speak more in detail of the remark- 
 able life of George V., his son by his first mar 
 riage. It is believed that no man in the State, and 
 few anywhere, has had so many marks of public 
 favor. He was born on November 13, ISIS, named 
 after his uncle, George Van Eman, a Presbyterian 
 minister, and raised on a farm in sight of the old 
 home of his grandmother. He went to the district 
 school, then kept in a small log-cabin house, with 
 a log on each side cut out, and the opening covered 
 with oiled paper to give light. When about fifteen 
 years of age he studied Latin grammar with Rev. 
 W. G. Anderson, then boarding with his father, 
 and preaching at Pigeon Creek Church; afterward 
 went for a time to a small select school, opened a 
 few miles off; then went one year to the English 
 Department of Washington College. His health 
 failing, and being threatened with pulmonary dis- 
 ease, his father, like any sensible man, took him 
 back to the farm where he regained his health, 
 and remained there until twenty-one years of age. 
 He was fond of horses, and was a fearless and 
 excellent rider, and still mounts his horse, takes 
 his dogs and goes out to the country to run foxes. 
 He has been an active politician since 1842. He 
 was elected to the Legislature in 1843-46-' 58-' 59. 
 In 1848 he was elected to the State Senate over 
 his opponent, the late William Montgomery. He 
 was re-elected to the Senate in 1860, from counties 
 of Washington and Greene (overcoming 1,0110 
 Democratic majority), of which body he was 
 speaker in 1863, and he was again elected to the 
 Senate in 1874-'76-'78. In 1864-'66-'82 he was 
 elected a member of Congress. In 1872 he was 
 ilected a delegate at -large to the constitutional 
 convention, and was again elected to the Legisla- 
 ture in the fall of 1892. Thus for fifty years he 
 was identified with national and State politics, 
 and it is a happy thought that his course in public 
 life has always been devoted to progress and the 
 right. 
 
 In 1829 he married Elizabeth Welsh, a daugh- 
 ter of the late William Welsh, Esq.. of Washing- 
 ton county, and moved to a farm in Carroll town 
 ship, near Monongahela City. About 1862 he 
 came into the town, and has remained there ever 
 since. His first wife died in 1855, leaving two 
 children: Mary Virginia, still at home, and Joseph, 
 who died when three years old. In 1857 Mr. 
 Lawrence was again married, this time to a daugh- 
 ter of Rev. John Reed, of Indiana county, Penn., 
 and she is still living. Three children were born 
 to them, the youngest of whom died when very 
 young. George R., the eldest, was educated at 
 
 La Fayette College, studied law with G. W. Bid 
 die, Esq., of Philadelphia, and after practicing 
 some years in Pittsburgh, died leaving a widow 
 highly esteemed and respected. Carrie Belle, the 
 daughter, married Dr. C. B. Wood, a regular 
 physician, and lives near her parents. 
 
 RS. MARY (CLARK) WYLIE. This 
 highly esteemed and much beloved lady 
 is a native of Washington county, born in 
 Hopewell township, July 30, 1811, of 
 Scotch-Irish origin and Covenanter ex- 
 traction. Her paternal ancestor, James Clark, 
 was driven from Scotland to Ireland during relig 
 ious persecution, and from the latter country he 
 emigrated to America about the year 1750, and in 
 the Revolutionary war he was found in the Conti 
 nental army. James Clark settled upon land in 
 Cumberland (now Franklin) county, Penn., upon 
 which the town of Strasburg was afterward laid 
 out and built. "Clark's Knot," or "Clark's Gap," 
 at the mountain near there, still tell of the original 
 owner of the land which was then called "Clark's 
 Fancy." James Clark died near Mercersburg, 
 Penn., of which locality her grandfather, David 
 Clark, was a native. The latter was married to 
 Hannah Baird, of Carlisle, same State, and they 
 became the parents of seven children, viz. : James 
 (father of Mrs. Mary Wylie); Esther, married to 
 Rev. Joseph Stockton, of Allegheny, now deceased ; 
 Nancy, married to David Larimer, a merchant of 
 Steubenville, Ohio; Elizabeth, married to Daniel 
 Houston, of near Canonsburg, this county; Mary, 
 wife of Paul Anderson, of St. Lou.s, Mo. ; David 
 and Eliza, in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. 
 
 James Clark, the eldest son of David and Han 
 nah (Baird) Clark, grew to manhood on the farm 
 in Canton township (now known as the S. K. 
 Weirich farm), where he received a liberal eduea 
 cation for those early days. Later he kept a store 
 in Hopewell township, also a mill, and was engaged 
 in various other business enterprises: he had an 
 interest in the wagon trains that crossed the 
 mountains for merchandise, and assisted in the 
 building of the National pike. He married Jane 
 Henderson, a daughter of Rev. Matthew Hender- 
 son, one of the first Associate ministers to cross 
 the mountains, and who came to Washington 
 county in 1780, taking charge of the Cbartiers 
 Church. He was in line of Rev. Alexander Hen- 
 derson of "Solemn league and Covenant" fame, 
 of Edinburgh, Scotland. Rev. Matthew Hender- 
 son married Miss Mary Ferris, who bore him ten 
 children, all of whom grew to maturity and mar- 
 ried, their names being as follows: Matthew, 
 Ebenezer, Robert, John, Mary, Ann, Elizabeth. 
 Jane, Joseph and Helen After marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. James Clark settled on a farm in Hopewell 
 
WASHINGTOh COUNTY. 
 
 99 
 
 township, where, July 10, 1821, at the age of 
 thirty seven years, the husband was summoned 
 from earth. He was a member of the Associate 
 Church. They had seven children, as follows: 
 David, who died in Washington county, leaving a 
 family of five children; Mary, the subject proper 
 of this memoir; Matthew, who was a physician, 
 and died in Washington, Perm. ; James, who died 
 in Canonsburg, Peun. ; Elizabeth, married to John 
 Murdoch, and died in Parkersburg, Va. ; Will- 
 iam, who died in Canton township, and Ebenezer, 
 who died when a child. The widowed mother con- 
 tinued to remain on the old home farm with her 
 children, until they had all left for homes of their 
 own, and she then lived with one or other of them, 
 the last year of her life being passed with her 
 daughter, Mary (Mrs. Wylie), at whose home she 
 died in 1870, at the ripe old age of eighty-six 
 years. 
 
 Mary Clark remained at the place of her birth 
 in Hopewell township until her marriage Septem- 
 ber 2, 1829, with William Wylie, when they took 
 up their residence on the farm in Canton township, 
 now occupied by the David McClay heirs, whence 
 after five years they moved to the Razortown farm 
 (now known as the Ellenmount stock farm) in the 
 same township, and here for forty-five years they 
 shared life's joys and sorrows. In 1877 Mr. Wylie 
 was called from earth at the age of nearly seventy 
 seven years. About a year and a hal f after her hus 
 band's death, Mrs. Wylie broke up housekeeping, 
 and in 1880 moved to her present home on East 
 Maiden street, in the borough of Washington, 
 where she resides with her widowed daughter, 
 Mrs. Annie Thompson. She is remarkably well 
 preserved for her years, and is in the enjoyment of 
 good health. All her life from girlhood she has 
 been a member of the United Presbj'terian Church. 
 She can recount many interesting anecdotes of her 
 early life and other days, which carry the listener 
 back to a time when Washington county was in a 
 condition of comparative wildness. In her child- 
 hood the Indians had for the most part gone from 
 the county, but when she was about seven years of 
 age, on proceeding one day to the old spring in the 
 neighborhood for water, she heard a moan, and on 
 looking up was horrified to see a hideous Indian 
 watching her; it is almost needless to add that she 
 fled in no small alarm to the house. Her people 
 went in search of the Indian, and finding him they 
 gave him food, and sent him on his way rejoicing, 
 for they learned from him that he was traveling 
 eastward. 
 
 Mrs. Wylie is the mother of four children: Rob- 
 ert, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere; Jane, 
 married to John S. Beall, and has two children 
 (residence, Wellsburg, W. Va.); Annie, widow of 
 Rev. Joseph R. Thompson, and James Clark (de- 
 ceased). Joseph R. Thompson was born in Mt. 
 
 C. 
 
 Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., in 
 1828. He graduated from Canonsburg Theolog 
 ical Seminary, became the pastor of the U. P. 
 Church at Hickory (he was one of three brothers, 
 all of whom were ministers in the U. P. Church), 
 and was filling the incumbency at the time of his 
 death in 1861. In 1859 he was married to Miss 
 Aunie Wylie, and they had one child, named Will 
 iam, who died at the age of four years. 
 
 I UDGE WILLIAM McKENNAN. The gnat 
 . I grandfather of Judge William McKennan, 
 CI Rev. William McKennan, immigrated to 
 "-' America from the North of Ireland about the 
 middle of the last century. For a period of fifty 
 four years, from December. 1755, he was pastor of 
 the White Clay Creek and the Red Clay Creek 
 Presbyterian churches, near Wilmington, Del., 
 and during thirty-four years of this time he was 
 also pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of 
 Wilmington. He died in lSOy.atthe age of ninety, 
 and is buried at Red Clay Creek church. 
 
 His son, William McKennan, was born in Dela- 
 ware in 1758. In the early part of 1776 he en- 
 tered the Continental army as second lieutenant of 
 ('apt. Keau's company of the regiment of the Fly- 
 ing Camp. In the latter part of the same year, 
 upon the organization of the famous Delaware 
 Regiment, he became first lieutenant of the first 
 company, and afterward he was promoted to the 
 captaincy of his company. In September, 1777, 
 he was engaged in the battle of Brandywine, and 
 a month later, at the battle of Germantown, he re- 
 ceived a wound in the arm which ultimately 
 caused his death, thirty years later. In 1780 he 
 took part in the battles of Monmouth, Camden, 
 South Carolina and Cowpens. After the battle of 
 Camden, in which the Delaware regiment suffered 
 severe losses, Capt. Kirkwood took command of 
 the regiment, and, in December, 1780, Capt. Mc- 
 Kennan returned to Delaware and enlisted a body 
 of men, who, however, did not join the Delaware 
 regiment, but was brigaded with William Washing- 
 ton's Legion and troops of the Maryland Line, and 
 was commanded by Capt. McKennan until the 
 close of the war, in 1783. Capt. McKennan and 
 his battalion were engaged in the operations 
 against Yorktown, which resulted in the surrender 
 to the Continentals of the main British army 
 under Cornwallis. Afterward the battalion per- 
 formed arduous and highly honorable service un- 
 der Gen. Greene, in North and South Carolina. 
 Upon his return to civil life, Capt. McKennan 
 was chosen colonel of a regiment of Delaware 
 militia, and was elected a member of the Legislat- 
 ure of his native State. He also became a mem- 
 ber of the Order of the Cincinnati. In 1797 he 
 removed to Charleston u, Va. (now Wellsburg, W. 
 
100 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Va.), thence, in 1800, to West Middletown, Wash- 
 ington couuty, and in 1801, having been ap- 
 pointed prothonotary of Washington county, he be- 
 came a resident of the town of Washington, and 
 continued to live thereuntil his death, in January. 
 L810. In 1800, before his removal from Charles 
 town, he was one of the three presidential electors 
 from Brooke county. Col. McKennan married 
 Elizabeth Thompson, daughter of John Thomp- 
 son, one of the judges of the court of common 
 pleas and Orphans' court of Newcastle county, 
 Del., an active patriot aud prominent citizen of the 
 State during and subsequent to the Revolutionary 
 war. Mrs. McKennan' s mother was the sister of 
 Thomas McKean, a member of Congress and a 
 Signer of the Declaration of Independence, from 
 Delaware, and afterward governor and chief justice 
 of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Mc- 
 Kennan died at Washington, Penu. , in 1839, at 
 the age of seventy-eight years. 
 
 Thomas McKean Thompson McKennan, the 
 third son of William and Elizabeth Thompson 
 McKennan, was born in March, 1794, in Newcas- 
 tle county, Del. He was educated at Washing 
 ton College (Penn. ), whence he graduated at the 
 age of sixteen in the class of 1810. Immediately 
 thereafter he began the study of law under Parker 
 Campbell, of Washington (Penn.), one of the most 
 brilliant lawyers who has ever graced the bar of 
 western Pennsylvania, and on November 7, 1814, 
 at the age of twenty-one, he was admitted to 
 practice. Shortly afterward he formed a legal 
 partnership with Obadiah Jennings, eminent as 
 well in the forum as in the pulpit, and at once 
 entered upon a career of success. A year later 
 he succeeded Walter Forward as deputy Attorney- 
 general or district attorney of the county, in which 
 office he served until 1817. In 1831 Mr. McKen- 
 nan was elected to the House of Representatives 
 of the United States, and continued a member 
 thereof for four terms, finally declining further re- 
 election on account of the urgency of his profes- 
 sional work. In 184'2, however, a vacancy having 
 occurred in the House by reason of the death of 
 Joseph Lawrence, Mr. McKennan yielded to the 
 solicitations of his party and the public demand, 
 and served the remainder of the term. He was 
 chairman of the Committee of the Whole for two 
 months of the first session of that year, and as 
 such was largely instrumental in securing the pas- 
 sage of the famous Tariff Act of 1842. In 1840 he 
 was chosen a presidential elector on the Whig 
 ticket, and in 1848 he was made president of the 
 Pennsylvania Electoral College. In 1850 he was 
 appointed Secretary of the Interior by President 
 Fillmore, but resigned a few weeks later. Soon 
 after this he became president of the Hempfield 
 Railroad Company, and while attending to its 
 
 affairs he died at Reading, Penn., on July 9, 1852. 
 In politics Mr. McKennan was an earnest Whig. 
 
 Mr. McKennan entered Washington College at 
 a very early age, and passed through the entire cur- 
 riculum. In February, 1813, he was appointed 
 tutor of the ancient languages, in which position 
 he continued for eighteen months. In April, 1818, 
 he was chosen a member of the College Corporation, 
 and continued as such up to the time of his death, 
 a period of tliirty four years. For several years he 
 held the position of adjunct professor of languages. 
 The degree of LL. D. was conferred on him by 
 Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Penn. The life of 
 Mr. McKennan was one of purest probity, aud in 
 his quiet, unobtrusive, yet effective way, he con- 
 tributed largely toward the shaping of the political 
 destiny of the State of Pennsylvania. He was 
 universally respected, and his popularity was un- 
 bounded. In his private life he was beloved by all 
 as a loyal citizen, a devoted husband, an affection 
 ate and indulgent parent and a true friend. He 
 was devotedly attached to children, was a lover of 
 good men and a supreme detester of all manuer of 
 vice and meanness. In 1815 Mr. McKennan mar- 
 ried Matilda, daughter of Jacob Bowman, one of 
 the pioneer merchants of Brownsville, Penn. 
 
 William McKennan, the eldest sou of Thomas 
 M. T. and Matilda (Bowman) McKennan, was born 
 at Washington, Penn., September 27, 1816. He 
 graduated as valedictorian of his class, from Wash- 
 ington College, Washington (Penn.), in 1833, and 
 afterward took a post graduate course at Yale Col- 
 lege, New Haven., Conn. He was admitted to the 
 bar of Washington county ia June, 1837, entered 
 into partnership with his father, and on August 23, 
 1837, qualified as deputy attorney-general or dis- 
 trict attorney of Washington county, and served 
 one term. In 1847 he was burgess of the borough 
 of Washington, and in 1852 a member of its coun- 
 cils. In 1S58, 1802 and 1863 he was a delegate 
 from Washington county to the Republican State 
 Conventions, and in 1868 a delegate to the National 
 Convention. In 1857 he was chairman of the 
 Republican committee of Washington county, 
 in 1858 was a member of the Republican State 
 Central commitee; in 1860 was a presidential 
 elector; in the same year was a delegate to the 
 Peace Congress, and on December 21, 1869. was 
 commissioned Judge of the Circuit Court of the 
 United States for the third circuit, comprising 
 Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, which 
 office he resigned on January 3, 1891. While 
 at the bar, Judge McKennan was recognized as 
 one of the foremost lawyers of western Pennsyl- 
 vania, and during his twenty-one years' incum- 
 bency of the bench he won a high reputation for 
 integrity and ability. 
 
 He married, October 12, 1842, Pauline Gertrude 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 101 
 
 de Fontevieux, who was born at Paris, France, 
 March 23, 1821, and died May 7, 1886, at Wash- 
 ington, Penn. The children of this union were: 
 Isabel B. , who married George M. Laughlin, of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn., and died December 5, 1891; 
 Thomas M. T. ; Emma W., who married William 
 W. Smith, of Washington, Penn., and died August 
 30, 1879; Henry S. , who died at Washington, 
 Penn., January 9, 1S8S; Samuel C. ; John D. ; 
 Gertrude M. ; Annie, who married Alexander W. 
 Biddle, of Philadelphia, Penn.; David W. and 
 William, Jr. 
 
 ripHE GRAYSON FAMILY of Washington, 
 Penn. Nathaniel Grayson, the first of the 
 family of whom wo have record, lived ami 
 II died in or near Glaslaugh, County Monaghan, 
 v Ireland, where he carried on a woolen 
 manufactory. He was the father of five children: 
 fouraons — George, William, Robert, and Thomas 
 ami one daughter — Mary. The family residence 
 was called "New Mills," where the youngest son 
 died, and William and the late Judge John Gray- 
 son were born. George, the eldest son, followed 
 the pursuit of his father, and removing to Man 
 clicster, England, established a manufactory. Tin' 
 family at latest accounts, still reside there. Will- 
 iam, the second son of Nathaniel, preceded his 
 brother t<> this country, both arriving several years 
 prior to the adoption of the Federal Constitution. 
 Robert, whose wife was Mary Murdock, of Glas- 
 laugh, sister of Robert and John Murdock, prom- 
 inent citizens of that place, arrived at New 
 Castle, Delaware, in June, 1784, with his wife ami 
 son, John, then nine months old, widowed mother 
 and son William. He soon purchased property, 
 locating in Mifflin, Penn., where at an early period 
 his wife and mother died. The family then re- 
 moved to Carlisle, Cumberland county, Penn., 
 where the sons were reared and educated. After 
 the lapse of several years the father married Mrs. 
 Jane Kennedy, widow of Thomas Kennedy, who 
 tenderly, indulgently and faithfully contributed to 
 raise her stepsons, William and John. The latter 
 in his diary, speaking of his stepmother, remarks: 
 " And even now, in my old age, I recall to mind 
 with tender recollection her devotion and anxious 
 care and industry, as a wife and mother." The 
 children of this marriage were as follows: George, 
 Mary, Margaret and Anne. Mr. Robert Grayson, 
 as a citizen, occupied a prominent place and took 
 an active part in the political events of his day. At 
 one time he was sheriff of Cumberland county, and 
 died in Carlisle after a well-spent life. 
 
 William was connected with the regular army, 
 and stationed at Carlisle barracks. In 1808 he 
 was ordered to Fort Wayne, Ind. , where, soon after 
 his arrival, he died from fever contracted on the 
 march. 
 
 Having a taste for the printing business, John 
 Grayson at a suitable age commenced to acquire a 
 knowledge of the same in Carlisle. After close appli 
 cation for four years, he went to Philadelphia and 
 entered the book office of William Duane, editor of 
 The A urora. From this time until near the break 
 ing out of the war of 1812, Mr. Grayson was 
 engaged in the printing business at different times, 
 in Philadelphia, New York and Baltimore. On 
 June 18, 1812, news was received by express from 
 Washington, D. C, of the declaration of war by 
 Congress against Great Britain, Mr. Grayson be- 
 ing in the city of Baltimore at the time. He at 
 once enlisted in a volunteer regiment, serving as a 
 volunteer in the army until September, 1813, when 
 he was honorably discharged; but immediately re- 
 enlisted in the regular army, serving as lieutenant 
 and adjutant in the regiment to which he belonged 
 until the close of the war, participating in many of 
 the prominent battles. After the close of the war 
 he was appointed by President Madison to the 
 corps of artillery to form part of the "New Seventh 
 Regiment;" but, wishing to return to private life, 
 he resigned his commission September 7, 1815. 
 Returning to Baltimore, he entered the book office 
 of .iames Kennedy as partner, and remained there 
 until after his marriage. On May 9, 1816, he was 
 married in Baltimore, Md., by Rev. James Inglis, 
 D. D., to Miss Martha Wray, daughter of John 
 and Mary Wray, of that city. Mr. Wray came 
 from Ireland to this country soon after the Revolu- 
 tionary war, settling in Carlisle, Cumberland Co. , 
 Penn., where he became an active citizen, being 
 identified with the business and political interests 
 of the community. He 'was married to Mary, 
 daughter of John Robinson, of Chester county, 
 Penn. Their family consisted of three children, 
 viz., Thomas R., John and Martha, the wife of 
 Mr. Grayson. Mr. Wray, the father, died in Bal- 
 timore, June, 1819, aged sixty-nine years, and Mrs. 
 Wray, having spent a long and useful Christian life, 
 died peacefully in the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Grayson, Washington, Penn., at the advanced age 
 of ninety-five. In the year 1817, Mr. Grayson 
 purchased in Philadelphia a plant for the establish 
 ment of a newspaper. Traveling by stage, he 
 proceeded to Washington, Penn., and issued the 
 first number of The Examiner on May 28, IS 17, 
 of which he was sole proprietor and editor until 
 1833, when he took into partnership William Jack. 
 This partnership continued several years, when Mr. 
 Jack retiring, his son Thomas W. became his 
 partner, Mr. Grayson, senior, retiring in 1840. 
 
 Thomas W. Grayson, the eldest son, was born in 
 Baltimore, Md., and brought by his parents, an 
 infant, when they permanently removed to Wash- 
 ington. After his father retired from the editor 
 ship, he continued connected with The Examiner 
 until May, 1861, when he removed to Meadville, 
 
102 
 
 WASHINGTON COUA /') 
 
 Prim., there becoming proprietor aud editor of 
 The Crawford County Democrat, and continued to 
 edit it for niore than twenty years, when he retired 
 on account of ill health. Thomas W. Grayson 
 was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Green, 
 daughter of Mr. A. Green, of Washington, D. C. 
 Their family consisted of four daughters and one 
 son: Miss Annie, now a resident of Washington, 
 Penn. ; Mrs. Mary W. Richmond, wife of A. G. 
 Richmond, Esq., of Meadville, Penn.; Airs 
 Martha Ayres, wife of Samuel Ay res, M. D. , of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Lucy M. (deceased), aud 
 Thomas Wray, a resident of Washington, Penn. 
 Mr. T. W. Grayson died in Meadville, Penn., May 
 20, 1876, and Mrs. Grayson in Washington, Penn., 
 in February, 1892. 
 
 The remaining portion of Mr. and Mrs. John 
 Grayson's family consisted of four sons and two 
 daughters. Of these a son, Stephen, and daughter, 
 Mary J. , died in infancy. John Grayson, Esq., 
 at present a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn., until 
 within a few years a prominent aud useful citizen 
 of Washington, was married to Miss Sarah Ellen 
 Scott, daughter of Mr. George Scott, of Pittsburgh. 
 Their children: Mary, Lizzie, Eleanor, John, John 
 T. , William, and Eugene deceased. Anna Moore, 
 residing with her parents; Sarah E., wife of Mr. 
 Douglas Buchanan, Pittsburgh, Penn., aud Harry 
 S., of the same city. 
 
 William Grayson, son of Judge Grayson, gradu- 
 ated at Washington College, studied law with John 
 L. Gow, Esq., was admitted to the bar. He was a 
 young man of fine, scholarly attainments, a close 
 student with bright hopes before him, but died just 
 entering upon a professional life, lamented by all 
 who knew him. 
 
 Miss Martha, the only remaining daughter, is a 
 graduate of the Washington Female Seminary, and 
 during the principalship of Mrs. Hanna was an in- 
 structress in that institution. Being a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church, she is much interested 
 in the missionary efforts of that body. Miss Gray- 
 son resides at and dispenses the hospitalities of the 
 homestead. Dr. Wray Grayson resides in his na- 
 tive place. At an early age he entered Washing- 
 ton College, and graduated in the class of 1840. 
 Soon after he commenced reading medicine, finish- 
 ing his studies, and receiving his degree at the 
 Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1853. 
 With the exception of ten years, when engaged in 
 hospital practice, Dr. Grayson's entire professional 
 life has been spent in his native place. In 1877 
 the Doctor was married to Miss Margaret Hazlett, 
 daughter of Mr. Samuel Hazlett (banker), of 
 Washington, Penn. He is a member of the 
 " American Medical Association," "The Pennsyl- 
 vania State Medical Society," and the " Washing- 
 ton County Medical Society." 
 
 Judge John Grayson's ancestry were adherents 
 
 to the Evangelical Church; and for many years he 
 was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, 
 Washington, Penn. Reference has already been 
 made to his faithful services during the war of 
 1812. In after life he was appointed and elected 
 to the following official positions: Register of 
 wills by Governor Wolf in 1830; re-appointed by 
 same in 1833. Appointed, by Governor Porter, 
 prothonotary of Washington county, and in 1839 
 was elected to same office. In March, 1843, he was 
 appointed associate judge of the courts of Wash 
 ington county, by Governor Porter; in 1853 was 
 appointed, by President Pierce, pension agent; in 
 1 SoT was appointed to same by President Buchanan, 
 and continued performing the duties of that office 
 in Pittsburgh. Penn., until August, 1861. Al 
 though a large portion of Mr. Grayson's life was 
 occupied with the public duties mentioned, he 
 nevertheless took a deep interest in matters per 
 taining to the moral and educational improvement 
 of the community in which he lived. He was the 
 fast friend of educational institutions, and in con- 
 nection with other venerated and spirited citizens, 
 assisted in establishing the Ladies' Seminary of 
 Washington, Penn., performing the duties of 
 treasurer of the board of trustees for more than 
 thirty years, when advancing age compelled him to 
 resign — yet, as a trustee and stockholder, he con 
 tinned to take a deep interest in the institution. 
 Mr. Grayson retained in a remarkable degree his 
 mental vigor, and was interested in everything 
 pertaining to the public welfare almost to the hour 
 of his death, which event occurred March 11, 1871, 
 with the full assurance of a blessed immortality, 
 his last words being: " Passing, passing, entering 
 through. Peaceful, peaceful, peaceful with God 
 in Christ through all eternity." 
 
 Mrs. Grayson died April 20, 1865, at the age of 
 seventy-five, leaving the cherished record of a use- 
 ful life; loving and affectionate in her home, at 
 the same time reaching forth with sympathetic 
 heart and generous hand to others. Her memory 
 is revered by all who knew her. 
 
 *j""~\ OBERT HAZLETT, head of the Hazlett 
 }^C( family of Washington, Penn., with his 
 I V, wife, Mary Colwell Hazlett, came to Amer 
 JJ -^ iea from Coleraine, Ireland, about the close 
 v of the Revolutionary war. They settled in 
 
 Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., where their chil- 
 dren, Hugh, Isaac, John and Jane, were born. In 
 1793 they concluded to change their residence for 
 a home in the South (Kentucky), but upon arriving 
 at Washington over the road then traveled from 
 Red Stone Fort, they were detained on account of 
 a severe storm. The impression made by this 
 brief detention was so favorable that they con 
 eluded to locate in the then small village of Wash 
 
WA SHING TOS GOVS TV. 
 
 103 
 
 iugton, where he commenced business as a dry- 
 goods mercbaut. Being successful be purcbased 
 property in the central part of tbe town, where his 
 sons — Robert and Samuel — and daughters — Mar- 
 garet and Mary — were born. (Tbisspot has been in 
 possession of the Hazlett family about one hundred 
 years, part of tbe third generation being its occu- 
 pants at present). Of Robert Hazlett's ancestry 
 in Ireland we know but little personally. His 
 parents being interested in the highest welfare of 
 the family, Robert was sent to Edinburgh (Scot- 
 land), to be educated for a clergyman in the Es- 
 tablished Church (Episcopal), but that not being 
 his desire, he left before taking orders. His 
 brother, it is thought, was also at the same univer 
 sity, and, being more devout in the faith, became a 
 minister in the Anglican Church, and afterward 
 was ordained bishop. Mary Colwell Hazlett, as 
 nearly as we can trace history, was of Huguenot 
 descent (the family name being Reanie). The an- 
 cestors escaped from France to England, and went 
 from there to the North of Ireland, after the 
 "Edict of Nantes" had been revoked, as there was 
 "no safety for Protestants but in night from their 
 native land." Mary (wife of Robert Hazlett) was 
 remarkable for her personal beauty, and great 
 force of character. During her residence in Gar 
 lisle she became very ardently attached to the 
 .Methodist Episcopal Church. With a heart con- 
 secrated to the service of Christ, her enthusiastic 
 nature and integrity of purpose were wonderfully 
 developed by Divine influence. She was not only 
 a wise couuselor, judicious mother, in her own 
 home, but a tower of strength in the Church of 
 her choice. Upon arriving at Washington, not 
 finding a Methodist minister, such was her love 
 for the Master, she would ride several miles to 
 Chartiers Presbyterian Church to hear a sermon 
 (Dr. McMillan being the pastor). But her zeal 
 urged her to work for her own denomination. Col- 
 lecting the few members she could find, she formed . 
 a class, and in a short time a Methodist minister 
 (Rev. Furlong) held service in an upper room in a 
 building used as a market house; afterward in the 
 court house, where seats were provided for women 
 only, men being obliged to stand. This continued 
 until 1801, when, through the kindness of David 
 Hoge, a lot was donated at the corner of Franklin 
 and Chestnut streets, where a log church was 
 speedily built, in which the small congregation 
 statedly worshiped, increasing in numbers and re- 
 ligious interest until 1816, when, through the in- 
 fluence of Mary Hazlett and family, a new brick 
 church was erected on Franklin street (now occu- 
 pied by Hays & Wilson as a carriage factory). 
 As long as health permitted, she was a devout 
 worshiper in that church, and when strength 
 failed, had a religious meeting weekly at her own 
 home, until removed in 1844 to the li City whose 
 
 Maker and Builder is God." Her grandchildren 
 and great-grandchildren refer to her memory with 
 gratitude and gladness of heart on account of her 
 many noble, womanly traits, for surely " Her 
 works praise her in the gates." — Prov. xxxi: 31. 
 The sons (of Robert and Mary Colwell Hazlett), 
 Hugh, Isaac and Robert, left their native State 
 (Pennsylvania) when quite young and located in 
 Ohio. Hugh married Miss Mary McFadden; had 
 three sons, Robert, Thomas, and Hugh; also three 
 daughters, Mary, Eliza and Margaret. Second 
 son (Isaac) married Miss Matilda Calhoun; their 
 sons (three in number) were Robert, Samuel and 
 Theodore; daughters, Mary Frances and Matilda, 
 the latter being the only surviving member. 
 Third sou (John Hazlett) died of fever in early 
 manhood, unmarried. Fourth son (Robert) mar- 
 ried Miss Lucy Reed, of Putnam, Ohio; bad four 
 sons, William, John, George and Charles. The 
 latter, Charles E. Hazlett, was educated at West 
 Point, and yielded up his life to his country's 
 cause on the buttle field of Gettysburg (July 2, 
 1 863), while in command of a battery of rifled can 
 non of the Fifth Artillery. His superior officer, 
 Gen. Weed, being mortally wounded, Lieut. Haz 
 lett, while bending over to hear his dying words, 
 received his death wound. He is referred to, and 
 spoken of in history, as the gallant young Lieut. 
 Hazlett. The daughters of Robert and Lucy 
 I iced Hazlett were Mary, Elizabeth, Lucy and Mar- 
 garet. Jane Hazlett, eldest (laughter of Robert 
 and Mary Colwell Hazlett, was married to Dr. 
 •lames Wishart, brother of late Dr. John Wishart, 
 well and favorably known in Washington and vi- 
 cinity. Two children survived their parents, Rob- 
 ert and Mary. Second daughter (Mary Hazlett) 
 was married to James Acheson Cummins, then a 
 resident of Washington, Penn., and afterward re 
 moved to the vicinity of Wheeling, W. Va. Their 
 sons were Robert, James, and Thomas; daughters, 
 Mary, Elizabeth, and Margaret. Eldest son, Dr. 
 Robert Cummins, became eminent in his profes- 
 sion in his native city (Wheeling). Honored and 
 beloved, he was removed by death in the midst of 
 his useful career. Dr. James Cummins also prac- 
 ticed medicine in the same city. The care of the 
 homestead devolved upon Thomas, who never 
 married; Elizabeth and Margaret Cummins are 
 the only members now surviving. Margaret, 
 youngest daughter of Robert and Mary Colwell 
 Hazlett, was married to Michael Johns, and died 
 in a few short years, leaving one little daughter, 
 Mary. Samuel Hazlett married Miss Sarah Johns, 
 eldest daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabeth 
 Shryock Johns, whose home in earlier days was at 
 Chambersburg, Penn. Sons of the latter, six in 
 number, were William, Michael, Lewellyn, Edwin, 
 Alfred and Thomas; eldest son, Dr. William Johns, 
 was a physician of note in Erie, Penn. Dr. Alfred 
 
104 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Johns died shortly after commencing the practice 
 of medicine at Norfolk. Va. There are, at this date, 
 but two living members of the family, Elizabeth and 
 Hester Ann (Mrs. Day), of Canonsburg, Penn. 
 Thomas Johns was of Quaker descent, his family be- 
 ing originally from Wales. The family of Samuel 
 and Sarah Johns Hazlett, consisted of four sons and 
 seven daughters. Thomas, the eldest, an intelli- 
 gent, promising son, died of pulmonary disease in 
 his early manhood. Robert studied medicine with 
 his cousin, the late Dr. Itobert H. Cummins; lo- 
 cated in Wheeling and became a very successful 
 practitioner; married Miss Mary B. Hobbs, of Bos- 
 ton, Mass. ; has four living sons, Howard, Samuel, 
 Edward and Robert, active, energetic young busi- 
 ness men, interested in progress of Church and 
 State, Katharine being the only daughter. Third 
 son, Samuel, married Miss Lucy Woodhull, of 
 Bangor, Me.; have three living children: Helen, 
 eldest and only daughter; Charles R., engaged in 
 commission business, Kansas City, Mo. ; Samuel, 
 younger son, being associated with his father in a 
 banking house. The latter being very much in- 
 terested in the Church of his grandparent, has 
 has been instrumental in the organization and 
 completion of Jefferson Avenue Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church, lately erected in Washington, Penn. 
 Homer, youngest son of Samuel and Sarah Johns 
 Hazlett, died in infancy, as did also Mary, Eliza- 
 beth, Matilda and Anna Augusta. The two living 
 daughters are Margaret (wife of Dr. Wray Gray- 
 son, Washington, Penn.); Mary (Mrs. Joseph H. 
 Brown, Pittsburgh, Penn.). Latter had one child, 
 Maddie H. Brown, an unusually bright and lovely 
 daughter, who was removed from earth to Heaven 
 at the early age of fourteen. Sarah Hazlett, the 
 late Mrs. S. B. Vowell, was taken away in the 
 prime of her useful life, loving and beloved. Her 
 husband and three children survive her: Samuel, 
 Sarah (Mrs. Edwin F. Brown, in Chicago, 111.) 
 and Mary. Samuel Hazlett, youngest son of Rob- 
 ert and Mary Colwell Hazlett, was born in 1798, 
 upon the spot where he continued to transact busi- 
 ness and reside during the greater part of his use- 
 ful life. When about fifteen years of age, his 
 father died, leaving the widowed mother in Sam- 
 uel's care, who devoted himself to her interests 
 with tender love and watchfulness during her en- 
 tire life; received such an education as the 
 times afforded; at an early age engaged in mer- 
 cantile business, which he continued until 1837, 
 when he became interested in banking business. 
 Being public spirited, always looking at the pros- 
 perity of his native town, he from time to time en- 
 gaged in other pursuits that promised the welfare 
 of Washington. At one time he conducted a manu- 
 factory of woolen goods, finding ready sale for the 
 same, not only in Pennsylvania and Ohio, but ex 
 tending to a considerable distance west. The 
 
 large flooring mill (now in possession of Zelt Bros.) 
 was also built through the capital and enterprise 
 of Samuel Hazlett. He was also the pioneer 
 banker of Washington county. Banking facilities 
 at that time were so limited that business men had 
 to depend for accommodations upon Pittsburgh, 
 Wheeling and Brownsville. Moneyed transactions, 
 therefore, were not and could not be conducted as 
 now, in this section. State banks were in a very 
 uncertain condition; counterfeiters of coin and 
 paper money carried on their trade almost unre- 
 strained, and many things contributed to make 
 private banking a business of great risk. Not- 
 withstanding all difficulties, knowing the advan- 
 tage to the public, and being encouraged by friends 
 in the idea of establishing a " banking house, " 
 Samuel Hazlett opened an office in Washington, 
 in 1837, and continued in the same during the re 
 mainderof his life. In his career as a banker, he 
 confined himself to what he considered a legiti 
 mate banking business. Holding that it was not 
 right to place in jeopardy the moneys of depos- 
 itors, he never engaged in stock, or other specu- 
 lations of like nature. The " Banking House " 
 of Samuel Hazlett was a constant success. At t lie 
 time of the death of its founder (18(53) it stood 
 " first class," not only in this country, but abroad. 
 Samuel and Sarah Johns Hazlett were devoted mem 
 bers of the M. E. Church, showing their devotion 
 to its best interests at home, and in distant mis 
 sionary fields, by liberal contributions to its sup 
 port — thus proving their faith by their works; 
 and their family bear in their heart of hearts the 
 remembrance of their unbounded affection, the 
 religious principles inculcated in the home train- 
 ing, their sense of justice and correct judgment 
 which gave direction and guidance to all with 
 whom they were connected. Those that " knew 
 them best, loved them most." 
 
 ri( B. CALDWELL. Washington county has 
 /' \\ possessed many prominent citizens; but 
 tj~\\ in all their number can be found no one 
 II -* more truly representative, more widely 
 and actively awake to the interests of the 
 community at large than was the subject of this 
 sketch. A self-made man in its truest and broad 
 est sense, by his own energy and untiring efforts 
 A. B. Caldwell, rose from the humble ranks of a 
 poor farm boy, to the proud distinction of being 
 one of the most universally respected and influen- 
 tial merchant citizens of Washington county. 
 
 The Caldwell family are descended from Scotch- 
 Irish ancestry, who were among the pioneer settlers 
 of Pennsylvania. The first of the family to settle 
 in Washington county was Samuel Caldwell 
 (grandfather of subject), who made his cabin home 
 with the then scattered settler; o f Buffalo town- 
 
'^StL/3 <&, 
 
U'ASH/XGTOX COUNTY. 
 
 1<>7 
 
 ship. Here, surrounded by the dangers of those 
 early days, enduring the privations which none 
 but a pioneer can know, his children were born. 
 Of them James Caldwell (father of subject) was 
 born in 1797. Upon reaching manhood he married 
 Miss Esther McCracken, daughter 'of a neighbor 
 iug pioneer. The young couple made their home 
 in their native township, and began tilling the soil; 
 but some years later, in connection with farming, 
 he opened and kept, on the "Old West Pike," the 
 "Caldwell Inn," within whose hospitable walls so 
 many travelers have found food and shelter. The 
 original inn, like its builders, has passed away, 
 but in its place stands another hostelry, built on 
 the same plan, in 1883, by the subject of this 
 sketch. James and Esther Caldwell were the pat- 
 ents of the following named children: 'Samuel, 
 who died in Missouri; John, who died in Illinois; 
 Joseph, William, A. B. and Esther, who resided 
 in Washington county, and of whom only Esther is 
 now (1893) living. The father of this family died 
 in 1839, aged forty-two years, the mother in 1875, 
 at the age of seventy five. 
 
 A. B. Caldwell was born in 1828. He was but 
 eleven years of age when his father died, thus 
 throwing upon the mother the entire care and re- 
 sponsibility of the family, and necessitating that 
 the children should early participate in the real 
 battle of life, and contribute to their own support. 
 A woman of sterling character herself, Mrs. Cald- 
 well labored earnestly to keep her family together, 
 and impress them with the principles of the strict- 
 est honesty. Ever entertaining for his mother the 
 greatest reverence and affection, her son readily 
 imbibed her teachings, that did much to mold his 
 after life. At the age of sixteen he went to Clays- 
 ville, Washington county, where he clerked for a 
 time, and then formed a partnership with a Mr. 
 Stillwagen, to conduct a general dry goods busi- 
 ness, the firm being known as Caldwell & Still- 
 wagen. This partnership continued for three 
 years, when, selling the interest to his partner, in 
 January, 1852, Mr. Caldwell came to Washington, 
 and took charge of William Smith's dry goods 
 store, where as manager he remained twelve years. 
 In 1858 Mr. Caldwell was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary Lonkert, a member of a most highly 
 respected and prominent pioneer family of Wash- 
 ington, and of this union ohildren have been bom 
 as follows: Minnie, George, Essie, Charles and 
 Kate. In 1865 he began business for himself in 
 the room now occupied by Brown's dry-goods 
 store. Under his efficient management his business 
 steadily increased, and in 1873 he erected in Main 
 street, opposite the courthouse, one of the finest 
 blocks in Washington, which he immediately 
 stocked with an extensive line of dry goods, car- 
 pets, clothing and merchant tailoring supplies. 
 
 His business soon became the most extensive in the 
 6 
 
 place, and his annual receipts averaged from $125 
 000 to $140,000. At the time of his death, which 
 occurred October 27, 1892, he was the only citizen 
 in Washington paying a license of over $100 a 
 year, for general business. But, extensive as was 
 his business interests in the line enumerated, his 
 entire time was by no means absorbed, and he al- 
 ways found opportunity and disposition to take an 
 active part in every enterprise tending to the 
 material improvement or advancement of the social 
 and business interests of his town and county. 
 
 The bare probability that beneath the fertile 
 tields of Washington county lay stores of buried 
 wealth in the shape of oil and gas, was sufficient 
 to arouse to activity in Mr. Caldwell his innate 
 spirit of leadership, and he became the pioneer in 
 these industries, which have in their development 
 so largely contributed to the prosperity of western 
 Pennsylvania. He drilled quite extensively for oil, 
 and ten producing wells in Buffalo township re- 
 paid his enterprise and investment. In 1891 he 
 organized The Leader Refining Company, of which 
 he was the owner, and built on the B. & O. R. R. , 
 seven miles west of Washington, a refinery with a 
 capacity of 400 barrels per day. At the organiza- 
 tion of the People's Light & Heat Company — a 
 corporation which supplies the boroughs of Wash 
 ington with those two essentials — he became the 
 principal stockholder, and was elected its presi- 
 dent, a position he held during the rest of his life. 
 At the time of his death he was a director of the 
 Washington County Fire Insurance Company. 
 
 Mr. Caldwell was a man of wonderful push, 
 pluck and perseverance, and it may be truly said 
 that no man did more to advance the interests of 
 Washington than did he. And these very quali- 
 ties, which contributed so largely to the advantage 
 of the community at large, brought to him his own 
 almost unparalleled success, and made him one of 
 the wealthiest men of Washington county. One 
 of his especially distinguishing characteristics was 
 his love of home. His wife and children were to 
 him the dearest objects in life, and his happiest 
 moments were those spent by his own fireside sur- 
 rounded by his loved ones. His residence on East 
 Wheeling street, Washington, one of the hand 
 somest in the borough, improved and beautified to 
 the highest degree, and surrounded by its broad 
 and well-kept lawn, bespeaks the refined and cult- 
 ured taste of the once owner. An ardent lover 
 of nature, passionately fond of flowers, Mr. Cald- 
 well found great comfort in the study of these 
 "angels of the grass," and owned the largest pri- 
 vate conservatory in western Pennsylvania. Gifted 
 with an inquiring mind, he loved to investigate the 
 mysteries of nature, of life and death. Sur- 
 rounded by the conflict of creeds and theories, in 
 the twilight of uncertainty he set his face toward 
 the light and sought for Truth, and firmly stood 
 
HIS 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 by ami fearlessly proclaimed the result of his in- 
 vestigation. While many of his friends and neigh- 
 bors differed from him in religious opinions ad- 
 vanced, not mm was found to <|iiestion the sterling 
 honesty of the advocate. Possessing a nature 
 sympathetic, generous and just, he was moved by 
 the sufferings or misfortunes of his fellow man; the 
 open hand of deserving charity found him ever a 
 willing giver, and he was just to render unto every 
 man his due. While interested in all questions of 
 government and State, and a stanch Democrat in 
 sentiment, yet he preferred the quiet of home life 
 as a private citizen, to the turmoil of political 
 struggles. 
 
 On October 27, 1892, after weeks of wasting ill- 
 ness, Mr. Caldwell passed from earth, and his re- 
 mains now rest on the hillside in the beautiful 
 Washington cemetery, which overlooks the town 
 where most of his busy life was spent. Years and 
 generations yet to be will feel the influence of the 
 life of A. B. Caldwell. 
 
 K. E. F. DODD. Among the many intiu- 
 
 Dential and enterprising families of Wash- 
 / ington county, the name of Dodd stands 
 among the oldest and must esteemed of the 
 early pioneer settlers, and of that honored name 
 our subject is a worthy representative. 
 
 Daniel Dodd (1) was born in England, and in 
 li'i 12 immigrated to America, locating in Branford, 
 Conn., where his son Stephen (1) was born. The 
 latter married in Connecticut, and reared a family 
 of whom a sou Daniel (2) also married and passed 
 his life in that State. Of Daniel's (2) sons are 
 recorded the names of Stephen (2), Daniel and 
 John. Stephen Dodd (2) was born April 15,1703, 
 in Guilford, Conn., and in early life moved to 
 New Jersey, first locating in Newark, and finally 
 settling in Mendham, same State. Of his chil- 
 dren, two sons Thaddeus and Daniel — became 
 pioneer settlers of Washington county, Penn. 
 
 Thaddeus Dodd was born March 7, 1740, in 
 Newark, N. J. His parents were " poor in worldly 
 goods, but rich in faith,'' and his boyhood was 
 passed under the influence of the most devout 
 Christians, and in the midst of religious revivals. 
 In early youth lie evinced a strong inclination for 
 study, and passed much of his time in delving into 
 the mysteries of mathematics (in which he espe- 
 cially excelled) and the ancient languages. On 
 Inly is, 1764, he was converted during the prog- 
 ress nf a great revival, and this important event 
 molded and directed his future life, which was to 
 be so full of service for the Master. He entered 
 Princeton College in his thirty-first year, and 
 graduated in tin- autumn of 1773. The following 
 is quoted from the sketch given at the centennial 
 celebration of the Ten-Mile Churches, August 28, 
 187'J, by Rev. James Allison, D. D. 
 
 Sunn after graduation lie went to Newark, N. .)., 
 » here lie married Miss Phoebe Baldwin, and entered upon 
 
 tlir study of theology, under the direction of Rev. Dr. 
 
 McWhorter. One year later he removed to Morristown, 
 N. J., and continued the same line of study under Rev. 
 Dr. Johns, who had been his first Instructor in Latin. He 
 was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbyterj "I 
 
 New York, Imt there is no existing record of tin" date at 
 which this took place. Through the winter of 1776 77, 
 he suffered from a severe attack of inflammatory rheu 
 matism; but in the month of March, though still feeble, 
 lie Btarted upon a journey to the West. After preaching 
 in parts of Virginia and Maryland, he crossed the mount 
 ains, visited the settlements on George's creek, Mudd\ 
 crick ami Dunlap's creek, and then came to Ten-Mile, 
 lie remained here until August, preaching in private 
 houses, in the woods, ami in Lindley's and Bell's forts. 
 After his return to the East he was ordained by the Pres 
 bytery of New York as an evangelist, on some daj of the 
 week preceding Sabbath, October 19, 1777, as there is a 
 record of baptisms by him on that Sabbath, in which it is 
 said that this was the first Sabbath after his ordination. 
 Shortly after this he left New Jersey with ids wile and 
 daughter (three years old), ami a son still younger, ac- 
 companied by two brothers and their families. On the 
 10th of November they arrived at Patterson's creek, 
 Hampshire Co., Va., and after hearing of the formidable 
 attack which had been made by the Indians upon Wheel- 
 ing, ami the consequent alarm and confusion prevailing 
 in all the frontier settlements, it was thought best nol I.. 
 proceed any farther at that time. Hut in a few days he 
 crossed the mountains alone, came to Ten-Mile, preached 
 in the I'nrts, ami baptized the children. In a short time 
 lie returned to his family, and it is not known that he \ is 
 ited this place again until he brought his famih and 
 settled down permanently in the tall of 1779 — one hun- 
 dred years ago. In the interval he had not been idle, 
 but had been busily engaged in preaching the Gospel in 
 the adjacent parts of Virginia and Maryland, where no 
 churches seem to have been then organized, at least there 
 were no church buildings, as all the services were held 
 at private houses or in the woods, lie was entreated to 
 remain, and inducements apparently stronger than an\ 
 held out by Ten-Mile were brought to bear upon him, 
 but he had given his pledge to the people hen — his heart 
 was here and hither he came in September, 1779. 
 
 In personal appearance Thaddeus Dodd is thus 
 described: "A pale, slender youth with jet black 
 hair, dark, piercing eyes, and a countenance highly 
 expressive of mental power and activity." After 
 coming to Washington county, Mr. Dodd first re- 
 sided aear the Lindleys, in what is now Morris 
 township, and on November 22, 1786, he took a 
 patent for 400 acres of land in Amwell township, 
 called "Fame" (which was situated on the middle 
 fork of Ten-Mile creek), and there made his per 
 maneiit home. To Thaddeus and Phcebe (Bald 
 win) Dodd were born two sons and three daughters: 
 Cephas, Stephen, Hannah, Sarah and Mary. The 
 Rev. Thaddeus Dodd was an exceptionally cultured 
 and scholarly man. His early years of prepara- 
 tion and association with the most cultivated minds 
 of the day, combined with his natural gifts and 
 experience as a teacher, especially fitted him for 
 his brilliant and useful career as a leading edu- 
 cator and minister of the ( iospel. Always a student 
 he was familiar with the languages, and excelled in 
 the natural sciences and mathematics. Deeply 
 
WASHiNGtOti COUNTY. 
 
 109 
 
 realizing the need of a broader education for young 
 men in the West, Dr. Dodd opened a classical and 
 mathematical school in 1782, especially designed 
 to prepare young men for the ministry. This 
 school continued three years and a half. In 1 ilSH 
 he became principal of an academy ut Washing- 
 ton, Peun., which position he filled fifteen months 
 On August lf>, 1871, the first Presbyterian Church 
 was organized, and in 1785 the first church build 
 ing was erected, but just as the Society was be- 
 ginning to grow, and success was crowning his 
 efforts, the heroic minister yielded to the disease 
 (consumption) that had so long been weakening 
 his system, and on May 20, 1793, passed to his re 
 ward. His funeral sermon was preached from 
 Revelations xiv: 13, by Rev. Dr. McMillan, his as- 
 sociate pioneer miuister of Washington county, 
 and he was followed to the grave by a grateful 
 and sorrowing people, for a "Prince in Israel had 
 fallen." 
 
 Cephas Dodd was born October 12, 1789, on his 
 father's farm in Amwell township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and studied at home during his earlier 
 years, receiving his later education at Canonsburg, 
 where he early evinced the ability which distin- 
 guished his later life. While a student he spent 
 his leisure time in the study of medicine, and at 
 the time of his graduation had so thorough a 
 knowledge of the science, that he was often con- 
 sulted professionally. After leaving college, he 
 entered the ministry, in which he zealously labored 
 many years, but when his skill as a physician be 
 came known, his services were sooften needed that he 
 continued to practice both professions till his death. 
 He preached his last sermon and visited a distant 
 patient two days before yielding to his last sick- 
 ness. He practiced both in Greene and Washing- 
 ton counties. In 1805 Cephas Dodd was united 
 in marriage with Ruth Flenniken, of Greene county, 
 Penn., and the young people immediately settled 
 in Amwell township, this county, where the follow- 
 ing children were born: Jane (Mrs. Dr. .Simon 
 Strouss), Sarah (Mrs. John McFarland), Thad- 
 deus, Cornelia, Eliza, Hannah, James, Cephas and 
 Elias F. In reference to the personal qualities 
 of Cephas Dodd, we quote the following from*the 
 address of Rev. Allison: "This sou (Cephas) is 
 said to have possessed a clear and strong mind, 
 enriched by manly culture and varied learning; 
 remarkable gentleness anil amiability of temper; 
 great practical wisdom; a tranquil and steady 
 piety; high devotion and loyalty as a friend; in 
 short, a combination of qualities, a character com- 
 plete, harmonious and symmetrical in an unusual 
 degree." Concerning his work as a pastor, Rev. 
 Allison says: "He was the second successor of his 
 honored father, and was installed as pastor of the 
 Ten-Mile congregations in Amity, with, as Dr. 
 Wines declares, ' the open canopy of heaven for a 
 
 temple, the snow for a carpet, and the wind whis- 
 tling through the leafless branches of the trees as 
 an accompaniment to the solemn music, as it 
 pealed forth from a choir of hundreds of voices. ' " 
 In politics Cephas Dodd was an adherent of the 
 Whig party. He died January 10, 1858. 
 
 Dr. Elias F. Dodd, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was born December 1, 1823, in Amwell 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his 
 youth on the home farm until the year 1841, then 
 he entered Washington College, from which he 
 was graduated in 1848. After his graduation he 
 at once began the study of medicine, commencing 
 to practice in 1853, and has since followed the 
 profession, being now regarded as one of the had 
 ing physicians of the county. On May 12, 1853, 
 he was married to Margaret, daughter of Eli Brad 
 ford, of Greene county, Penn., and immediately 
 afterward settled in Franklin township, this 
 county. In 1867 he moved to his present resi- 
 dence. Dr. and Mrs. Dodd have had a family of 
 four children: Cephas T., Lillie J. (deceased in 
 infancy), Elias F. (also deceased in infancy), and 
 Samuel B. (on the home farm). Of these Samuel 
 B. married Mary O, daughter of David Clark, of 
 Buffalo township, and two children have been born 
 to them: Lizzie ami William; Samuel I!, was a 
 school director. Dr. Elias F. Dodd has always 
 been a leading member of the Whig ami Repub- 
 lican parties, and for the past two years has been 
 a justice of the peace. 
 
 Dr. Cephas T. Dodd was born April 2f, 1854, 
 on the home farm in Franklin township, Washing 
 ton Co., Penn., and received his general education 
 at Washington and Jefferson College. He secured 
 his medical training at Cleveland Medical College, 
 from which he was graduated in March, 1881, and 
 he then immediately began practice as a physician. 
 On June 30, 1881, he was united in marriage with 
 Ella C, daughter of James W. Patterson, and two 
 sons have come to cheer their home: John A., 
 born September 7, 1882, and Frank O, born July 
 23, 1888. In politics Dr. Cephas T. Dodd is a 
 Republican. In 1877 he was clerk in the treasury 
 office at Washington, and traveled for four mouths 
 over the county under Col. A. L. Hawkins, county 
 treasurer, collecting taxes; in 1879 he was chief 
 clerk in the county treasurer's office under S. C. 
 McGregor, county treasurer. 
 
 I|AMES W. PATTERSON, in his day a lead- 
 ing citizen of Franklin township, was born 
 ft II May 1, 1815, in Washington county, Penn. 
 *-^ He attended the subscription schools of the 
 home neighborhood, and early evinced an 
 unusual aptitude for business. He began life with 
 but little financial aid, and November 1, 1836, was 
 married to Caroline Van Kirk, who was born 
 
110 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 July 1, 1817. Some time after their marriage the 
 young couple moved to Athens county, Ohio, where 
 they lived two years, and then came to Franklin 
 township, Washington county, where he purchased 
 an improved farm, upon which he erected tine 
 buildings, and was extensively engaged in agricult- 
 ural pursuits, becoming a very prosperous busi- 
 ness man, and dealing in stock and wool. Mrs. 
 Patterson died March 11, 1862, leaving a family 
 of eleven daughters, namely: Parmelia, wife of 
 John N. Andrews; Mahala A., deceased; Sarah, 
 wife of Hiram McOlain; Evaline, married to Oliver 
 L. Hart; Minerva, deceased wife of C, M. Minton; 
 Mary P., wife of Joseph Hunter; Miranda V., 
 married to B. C. Lindley; Emma, deceased; Ella 
 0., wife of Dr. Cephas T. Dodd; Caroline L., wife 
 of Joseph M. Clark, and Martha A. , married to 
 Clarence Manon. For his second wife Mr. Patter- 
 son was married, on August 15, 1S65, to Mrs. Ann 
 Elliott, who died October 20, 1885, having been 
 preceded to the grave by her husband, May 24, 
 1884. Mr. Patterson was a member of the Demo 
 cratic party. He was actively interested in relig- 
 ious matters, and contributed liberally to the sup 
 port of the Master's cause; he was an elder of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the time of 
 his death. 
 
 J I AMES Q. McGIFFIN. Nathaniel McGiffin, 
 great-grandfather of this gentleman, was a 
 ) native of Scotland, from whence he removed 
 to Ireland in his youth, with his father's 
 family. He came to America prior to the Revolu- 
 tionary war. entered the Continental army, in 
 which he served, participating in the battles of 
 Brandywine and Trenton, and experiencing the 
 memorable winter of Valley Forge. He served for 
 a time under Gen. La Fayette and received an 
 honorable discharge at the end of the war, signed 
 by Gen. Washington. By occupation he was a 
 farmer, and about the year 1781 he made a settle 
 ment on Ten Mile creek, Amwell township, this 
 county, where he died. He had two children, 
 viz.: one daughter, Elizabeth, married to Jacob 
 Cook, a farmer, who died in Texas. 
 
 His only son, Thomas, was born in Amwell 
 township, in this county, January 1, 1784, and re- 
 ceived his education at Canonsburg Academy, 
 studied law with Parker Campbell, Esq., and was 
 admitted to the bar of Washington county, in 
 February, 1807. He commenced practice at Vin- 
 cennes. Ind., and was also admitted at St. Louis, 
 to practice in the then Territory of Louisiana. 
 In 1809 he roturned to Washington county, and 
 during the remainder of his life continued in prac- 
 tice in the chief borough and in adjoining counties, 
 a portion of the time in partnership with John L. 
 Gow. Sr. At the same time he carried on his 
 
 farm in Amwell township, which he stocked with 
 thoroughbred cattle from Henry Clay's farm in 
 Kentucky. He enjoyed the friendship of Mr. 
 Clay, with whom he interchanged letters expres 
 sive of mutual esteem and confidence. He was 
 interested in politics, and in 1 836 represented the 
 county in the Legislature. Thomas McGitlin was 
 one of the contractors who built the Cumberland 
 road, also known as the "National Road,'' and had 
 large contracts in Washington and Fayette 
 counties, Penn., and in Virginia; associated with 
 him in the enterprise were Maj. John H. Ewing, 
 Judge Baird and others. He was married to 
 Maria Norton, a native of Connecticut. To Thomas 
 and Maria (Norton) McGiffin were born children 
 as follows: Nathaniel (deceased), who was a mer- 
 chant in Knox county, Ohio; Thomas, Jr. (de- 
 ceased in 1890, at the age of seventy years), was 
 an attorney in Washington, Penn., having been 
 admitted to the bar in 1S41 (in 1865 he removed 
 to Fairfield, Iowa, where he carried on farming); 
 George Wallace (died in Washington, Penn., 
 when young); Philo Norton (died in boyhood); 
 Norton, the father of the subject of this sketch; 
 Maria, married to Thomas Boyd, died in Connells- 
 ville, Penn.; Julia, married to Rev. William Ham 
 ilton, for years a missionary among the Indians, 
 is deceased ; Margaret, married to Rev. W. B. Mc- 
 Ilvaiue, formerly of East End, Pittsburgh, late of 
 Peoria, 111. (deceased), died at the latter place in 
 February, 1891 ; Ann, unmarried, lives in Peoria. 
 The father of this family was an able lawyer, a 
 genial wholesouled man, and enjoyed the esteem 
 of a wide circle of friends. 
 
 Norton McGiffin, son of Thomas, Sr. , was born 
 January 23, 1824, in Washington, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and received his primary education at the 
 public schools of the borough, after which he at 
 tended Washington College, from which he grad 
 uated in 1841. Subsequently, for a period of two 
 years, he read law with Nathaniel Ewing, Esq., at 
 Uniontown, Penn., and then, the Mexican war 
 having broken out, he enlisted in the First Regi 
 ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company K (this 
 company was known as the " Du Quesne Greys"), 
 at Pittsburgh, and served throughout the entire 
 struggle, participating in the siege of Pueblo, the 
 storming of the Castle of Chapultepec, City of 
 Mexico and Vera Cruz. His company was sur 
 rounded in the streets of Pueblo, and the greater 
 part of it was cut to pieces, but he escaped serious 
 injury. At the close of this war he was commis- 
 sioned colonel by the governor of Pennsylvania. 
 On his return to the pursuits of peace he was 
 elected treasurer of Washington county, serving 
 from 1849 to 1852, after which he farmed until he 
 was elected sheriff, an incumbency he tilled from 
 1859 to L861. In response to President Lincoln's 
 call for 75,0011 volunteers in the war of the Rebel 
 
IT. I SHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 Ill 
 
 lion, he led the first company that left Washing- 
 tun for the front, known as the "Washington In- 
 visibles. " This company left Washington April 
 20, 18*31, and in Pittsburgh was incorporated as 
 Company E, in the Twelfth P. V. I., upon the or- 
 ganization of which Norton McGiffin was elected 
 lieutenant colonel. At the close of the three 
 mouths' service Col. McGiffin was commissioned 
 lieutenant colonel of the Eighty fifth P. V. I., 
 Col. J. B. Howell, under Gen. McClellan, serving 
 in the Peninsular campaign, during which he was 
 stricken with disease from which he still suffers. 
 Being disabled, he resigned his commission and 
 returned to Washington, a mere shadow of his 
 former self. About the close of the war he went 
 to Ohio county, W. Va., where he resided until 
 1870, then returned to Washington county. In 
 1880 he was elected to the House of Represents 
 lives, serving until 1882, in which year he re- 
 moved to Ida Grove, Ida Co., Iowa, where he 
 engaged in farming. In 1886 he proceeded to 
 Fair Haven, Cayuga Co., N. Y.,and in 1890 was 
 appointed U. S. Consul at Port Rowan, on Lake 
 Erie. Ontario (Canada), witli headquarters at Sim- 
 coe, a few miles further north. On March 1 3, 
 1892, he was appointed TJ. S. Consid at Port Hope, 
 Canada, where he now resides. In 1853 he wan 
 married to Miss Sarah Houston, daughter of Janus 
 Quail, one of the early settlers of North Strabane 
 township, having come about the year 1816; of 
 his children, William lives near Topeka. Kans. ; 
 Alexander in Ida Grove, Iowa, and a daughter 
 (Mrs. George F. McCombs) in Allegheny. Penn. To 
 Col. and Mrs. McGiffin were born six children, five 
 of whom are yet living, viz. : Sallie Quail, widow 
 of G. W. Henshaw, of Virginia; Thomas, living 
 at Honolulu, Sandwich Islands; James Quail, sub- 
 ject proper of these lines; Philo Norton, superin 
 tendentof the " Imperial Chinese Naval College" 
 at We Hai Wei, China (he is a graduate of the 
 U. S. Naval Academy, at Annapolis, Md., and for 
 a time was in the II. S. Navy); and Nathaniel, at 
 present a student at Hamilton College, New York. 
 James Quail McGiffin was born September 21, 
 1856, in Amwell township, this county, at the 
 common schools of which place he received his 
 primary education. Afterward he entered Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, but while in the 
 sophomore year he left for California, where he 
 remained four years. On his return to Wash- 
 ington, in 1878, he read law with John W. Donnan, 
 Esq., and was admitted to the bar of Washington 
 county, January 9, 1882. In the spring of the 
 same year he moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, where he 
 remained, engaged in the practice of law till March 
 1891, when he returned to Washington and re- 
 sumed the practice of his profession. In Decem- 
 ber, 1884, Mr. McGiffin was married to Miss Carrie, 
 daughter of Noble Ruggles, of Manchester, Iowa, 
 
 and twochildren have come to brighten their home: 
 Norton and Helen Elizabeth. Politically our sub- 
 ject is a Republican. 
 
 JfAMESK. MITCHELL, one of the representa- 
 tive business citizens of Washington, and a 
 | typical self made man, is a native of Mis 
 souri, born in Pike county August 1 ">, 1853 
 His grandfather, Alexander Mitchell, in an early 
 day made a settlement, in company with his 
 brother Andrew, at Short Creek, W. Va.. on a 
 farm. Alexander married a Miss Jacobs, a native 
 of near Welisburg, that State, and children as fol 
 lows were born to them: Isaac, who died in St. 
 Louis, Mo. (one of his sons, John, is clerk of the 
 county courts at Wheeling, W. Va. ;two other sons 
 — Zachariah, an attoi nev. and Samuel, a merchant — 
 live in St. Louis, Mo. I; Samuel, who died in 
 Wheeling, W. Va. ; Jane, who died December 9, 
 1892, and Zachariah, the father of James K. 
 
 Zachariah Mitchell was born in 1816, in Wesf 
 Virginia, where he was reared to agricultural pur- 
 suits, which he followed for some time; later he 
 became a contractor in Texas, where he was living 
 at the time of the breaking out of the Rebellion; 
 he served in the Confederate army as a commis 
 sary. The war crippled him financially, and at 
 the close of the struggle he went to Lexington, 
 Mo , where he died in 1882. He was a Democrat 
 in his political predilections, and at one time was 
 assessor for Clay county. In Wheeling, W. Va. , 
 he was married to Miss Ann, daughter of George 
 Baird, who was a son of Absalom Baird, of Revolu- 
 tionary fame, and the children born to this union 
 were George B. ; Alexander, treasurer of the 
 Mutual Savings Bank of Wheeling; Martha B. ; 
 Isaac W., and James K. The mother died in 
 Missouri August 28, 1853, when the subject of 
 these lines was two weeks old. 
 
 Until the age of five years James K. Mitchell 
 was reared at the home of his uncle, Isaac Mitchell, 
 in St. Louis, Mo., and was then brought by the 
 family to Washington, this county. Here he at- 
 tended the public schools, and at the age of four- 
 teen commenced to work in the Baird grocery as 
 clerk, remaining there till 1882, a period of fifteen 
 years. In that year he bought an interest in the 
 Budke Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of 
 powder cans, at Canonsburg, where the sheet-iron 
 mills, in which his brother George B. Mitchell had 
 an interest, were looated. The latter was also con- 
 nected with the Riverside Iron Works of Wheel- 
 ing; he died in March, 1890, leaving a widow and 
 two children, now living in Washington. In 1884 
 our subject sold out his interest in the powder can 
 industry to the Canonsburg Iron Company, and on 
 January 1, 1885, embarked in the grain and agri- 
 cultural implement business in Washington 
 
112 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 borough, in partnership with -I. A. Howden, their 
 
 place of business being situated where the B. & O. 
 R. R. station now stands. Tn this they continued 
 till the following January, when Mr. Mitchell 
 bought out his partner's interest, and his uncle, 
 A. T. Baird, became associated with him, which 
 arrangement remained in force until the death of 
 Mr. Baird in March, 1887. In January, 1888, 
 Mr. John W. Seaman became partner with Mr. 
 Mitchell in the general hardware and house fur- 
 nishing business, under the tirm name of Mitchell 
 & Seaman. This partnership continued until May, 
 1892, when Mr. Mitchell sold his interest to Mr. 
 J. W. Seaman and rented the room on the corner 
 of Main and Wheeling streets, from W. C. Bryson, 
 and organized " The Dime Savings Institution of 
 Washington," which was opened for business Jan- 
 uary 1, 1893, with Dr. Thomas McKennan aspres 
 ident and Mr. Mitchell as cashier. 
 
 On July 14, 1885, Mr. Mitchell was united in 
 marriage with Miss Frances J., daughter of Joseph 
 F. Osborne, of Clarksburg, W. Va., whose family 
 were originally of Fayette county, Penn., whence 
 they moved to West Virginia. To this union have 
 been born three children: Osborne, Baird and 
 Susan Baird. Politically Mr. Mitchell is a Repub- 
 lican, and has served his borough as treasurer. 
 For the past six years he has been treasurer of the 
 Western Pennsylvania Agricultural Association, 
 and is at present treasurer of the Mutual Building 
 and Loan Association. He has been a member of 
 the First Presbyterian Church of Washington since 
 1870, and in 1884 was elected an elder in same. 
 
 f/OHN A. BEST. John Best, Sr., was born in 
 
 Benburb, County Armagh, Ireland, in May, 
 
 frlf 1780. From his early training and constant 
 
 -^ reading in the land of his nativity, he learned 
 much of the United States, and tier progress. 
 
 He and his wife landed in Philadelphia in 1811, 
 an 1 thence journeyed over the Alleghany mount- 
 ains in a wagon to Pittsburgh, and hearing of 
 Washington county as a great wool-growing sec 
 tion, he concluded that the county seat, or its 
 neighborhood, would be a proper place to settle in, 
 and to that place he went, not by stage or railroad, 
 but by wagon, then the only mode of conveyance. 
 He purchased the property on the northeast corner 
 of Beau and Franklin streets, and there erected 
 and engaged in the wool-carding business, where 
 the first stationary engine in Washington county 
 was placed and owned by him. He remained as a 
 prominent citizen of Washington till 1850, when 
 his two sons, John and William, purchased farms 
 near New Concord, Guernsey Co., Ohio. His 
 wife being dead, and his daughter married to James 
 S. Biishfield, he concluded to leave his adopted 
 town and go and live with them, John Best, Sr., 
 
 while still a resident of Washington was one of the 
 committee to receive Gen. La Fayette on his last 
 visit to this country when he was on his way over 
 the old National pike to visit George Washington 
 at Mount Vernon. John Best, Sr., was a Mason, 
 having entered that order in Ireland, in Lodge 
 No. 722, whicli Lodge was orjganized in 1788, his 
 own father having procured its charter from 
 the Grand Lodge of Ireland, and the meetings 
 were held in his house. He died in 1878 at the 
 advanced age of ninety-eight years, the oldest 
 Mason at that time in the country. 
 
 John Best had four sons to survive him: Samuel. 
 James, John and William. Samuel married Miss 
 Isabella Dickson, to whom were born Isabella D., 
 wife of John Woodcock, of McCune, Kans. ; Ellen 
 R., wife of R. A. Anderson, of Claysville, Penn., 
 and John A. Samuel Best died in New Orleans 
 of yellow fever, and his wife died in Buffalo town- 
 ship, Washington county, in 1881, at the age of 
 seventy-five years, a devout Christian, and a loving 
 and beloved mother, esteemed by all who knew her. 
 
 John A. Best, the son of Samuel and Isabella 
 Best, was born in Washington, May 20, 1838. In 
 1853 he was a newsboy on the Examiner, a 
 weekly newspaper owned at that time by Thomas 
 Grayson, shortly after which he learned the print- 
 ing trade on the same paper. He worked at his 
 trade on the Pittsburgh Dispatch, for some time, 
 and then went to New York. After being there 
 some time he returned to Pittsburgh and started a 
 steam job printing office, and branched out into the 
 mercantile business, which he has been in ever since. 
 On Thanksgiving Day, 1 860, he moved to Washing- 
 ton, and opened a general store and printing office 
 on the corner of Main and Chestnut streets, where 
 the Washington Observer was first printed by him 
 under the editorship of Horace Durant. During 
 the financial panic of 1873 he failed and lost every- 
 thing, leaving him in debt, but he has since paid 
 every cent that he ever owed, and now owns one 
 of the largest businesses in the county, occupy- 
 ing No. 73, 75, 77, 79, 81, 83 and 85 North Main 
 street, and constantly adding to it; he is not only 
 progressive but aggressive, and that is the secret of 
 his success. 
 
 On September3, 1803, Mr. Best married Jennie 
 D., daughter of John E. Roberts, of Hartford, 
 Conn. . and there were born to them seven children. 
 five of whom are still living: GrattanG, Nellie 
 M. , Albion E., Jennie I. and John A., Jr. Mis 
 Best is an active worker in the W. C. T. U., of 
 which she is president, and devotes a great deal of 
 time to local charity and doing good. In 1879 
 Mr. Best, with some other public-spirited citi- 
 zens, built the Washington Lead Works, which 
 were destroyed by fire in 1883. He is a believer 
 in Divine healing, and is president of the board of 
 directors of Bethany Home, No. 113 Centre 
 
ir. 1 SUING TON COUNTY. 
 
 113 
 
 avenue, Pittsburgh, an institution for the educa- 
 tiou of young men for the ministry and mission- 
 ary field. 
 
 (Jrattan G., son of John A. and Jennie D. Best, 
 was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., June 0, 1864. 
 He came in 1869 with his father to Washington, 
 where he was educated, spending two years at 
 Trinity Hall, being the first scholar enrolled in 
 that institution, and then went to Washington and 
 Jefferson College, class of 1885. He studied 
 bookkeeping at Duff's Commercial College, Pitts 
 burgh, and has ever since been in business with 
 his father. Mr. Best is a member of the Masonic 
 Fraternity, being past eminent commander of Jac 
 ques de Molay Commandery No. 3, the second 
 oldest Commandery in the State, and is a thirty- 
 second degree Mason. At the time Mr. Best was 
 eminent commander he was the youngest command 
 er in the State. On February 25, 1886, Grattan 
 G. Best married Carrie, daughter of Jonathan 
 Brownlee, of Bulfalo township. Mr. Best is a 
 practical printer, and now publishes the Weekly 
 Financial Economist. He says he does not re 
 member the time when he could not set a stick of 
 type, as he was raised in a printing office. He is 
 very much interested in Sabbath school work, and 
 is superintendent of Jefferson Avenue M- E. 
 Church Sunday school, also president of the Ep 
 worth League. 
 
 FREDERICK WHITTLESEY, M. D. , for 
 nearly forty years a resident of the borough 
 of Washington, and one of the leading 
 physicians of the county, is a native of 
 Ohio, having been born in Atwater township, Port- 
 age county, March 6, 1830. 
 
 The family name is one of prominence in the 
 Buckeye State. John H. Whittlesey, grandfather 
 of the Doctor, was the fifth person to settle in At- 
 water township, Portage Co., Ohio, making a home 
 for himself and family in the wild woods. He 
 was a soldier in the war of 1812. Elisha Whit- 
 tlesey, who was member of Congress from 1S23 to 
 1839, and first comptroller of the IT. S. Treasury 
 for nearly thirty years, and William Whittlesey, 
 who represented his district in the Ohio State 
 Senate in 1839, and was eleoted to Congress in 
 1848, and also Charles Whittlesey, the State geolo- 
 gist of Ohio, were near relatives. Friend Whit- 
 tlesey, cousin of our subjeot, is a niember of the 
 present Ohio Legislature. 
 
 John B. Whittlesey, father of Dr. F. Whittlesey, 
 now aged eighty-seven years, is still living in Ohio, 
 where he has followed farming. He was married, 
 in 1828, to Emeline Mix, of Atwater, who died in 
 Portage county, Ohio, in 1866, leaving four chil- 
 dren: Frederick (subject), Mary (now deceased). 
 Emma (wife of Rev. Wilson, of Canton, Ohio), and 
 
 Charles (killed on the railroad, in 1867, when 
 thirty-five years of age); Julia Helen, the third 
 child in order of birth, died in infancy. 
 
 Frederick Whittlesey received his literary edu- 
 cation entirely in his native county, where he also 
 read medicine, finishing his studies in 1855. He 
 then commenced the practice of his profession in 
 Portage county, but in 1856 he came to this 
 county, taking up his residence in Washington, 
 where he has since remained and built up an envi 
 able practice which extends to all portions of the 
 State, his specialty being chronic diseases. In 
 1851 the Doctor was united in marriage with Miss 
 Laura L. Teel, of Alliance, Ohio, who died in 1853, 
 leaving one child, Josephine, wife of Amos Benja 
 min, of Portage county, Ohio. In 1855 the Doc 
 tor was married, the second time, to Mrs. Hannah 
 Chittendon, of Youngstown, Ohio, who died June 
 3, 1892. Socially the Doctor is a member of the 
 Masonic Fraternity, in which he held the position 
 of D. D. G. M. for ten successive years, and is the 
 present treasurer of the Chapter and Commandery. 
 In politics he is a Republican. The Doctor is not 
 a member of any church. His religious views are 
 inclined to be agnostic, and while very decided in 
 his opinions, lie is not in the habit of thrusting his 
 ideas upon others whom he has reason to believe 
 differ with him. He believes that enlightened 
 human reason, untrammeled by prejudice, is the 
 highest tribunal known to man, and that every ra- 
 tional being has a right to decide for himself all 
 questions pertaining to his present or future wel- 
 fare. 
 
 GOL L. M. MARSH, one of the representative 
 business men of Washington, was born June 
 24, 1S24, at Orange, Essex Co., N. J., the 
 eldest child of Abraham R. and Sarah 
 (Munn) Marsh, both natives of New Jersey. 
 
 Abraham R. Marsh, father of our subject, was 
 born July 8, 1800, in Rahway, N. J., where he 
 was reared and educated. He learned the trade of 
 shoemaker, which he followed in connection with 
 storekeeping for many years, and he lived to a 
 patriarchal age, dying in 1890, when ninety years 
 and two days old. He had married Sarah, daugh- 
 ter of David Munn, of New Jersey, and their chil- 
 dren were L. M., David, Stephen, Harriet, George, 
 Abraham, Charles, and Henry and Mary (twins). 
 The mother died in Huron county, Ohio, in 1800, 
 aged fifty-eight years. The father of this family 
 was a Whig in politics, but a Republican as soon as 
 that party was organized. In religious connection 
 he was an old-time member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, in which for sixty years he was an elder. 
 Col. L. M. Marsh passed his boyhood in his 
 native county until he was thirteen years old, when 
 he accompanied his parents to Coshocton, Ohio, 
 
114 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 the family residing there two years, then moved to 
 Huron county, Ohio, where they mude their home 
 some years. Our subject remained in Coshocton 
 county until he was twenty-one years old, and then 
 proceeded to Marietta, Ohio, where he worked at 
 the tailor's trade, which he had learned in Coshoc- 
 ton county. From Marietta he moved to West 
 Virginia, remaining there until 1862, in which 
 year ho joined Company E, Tenth W. Va. Volun- 
 teer Infant iv, as captain, whicli regiment was as- 
 signed to the army of the Potomac, and did guard 
 duty throughout the early part of their service. 
 At the battle of Kernstown he was wounded in the 
 foot, and was left on the field, where he was capt 
 ured by the Confederates, who took him to Libby 
 prison. After two months' confinement there he 
 was paroled, and iu six mouths thereafter was ex 
 changed. During the six months he was on duty 
 as member of a Court Martial at Baltimore, Mil. 
 He rejoined his regiment, and shortly after was 
 mustered out with the command, our subject being 
 then lieutenant-colonel. Col. Marsh then came to 
 Washington, Penn., where he was for the next two 
 years engaged as a bookkeeper, and then (1870) 
 received the appointment as secretary and treasurer 
 for the Washington County Fire Insurance Com- 
 pany, which position he still tills. He also does a 
 large real-estate business, his son, Addison C. , being 
 associated with him, the style of the firm being L. 
 M. Marsh & Son. On January 14, 1850, Col. 
 Marsh was married to Louisa, daughter of Asa 
 McCollum, of Washington county, and two chil- 
 dren were born to them, viz.: Ella (Mrs. William 
 S. Parker) and Addison C. Our subject is a mem 
 ber of the M. E. Church; in politics he was 
 originally a Whig, and since the organization of 
 the party has been a Republican. 
 
 AMUEL M. CHARLTON, proprietor of the 
 
 well-known and long established confection- 
 J 1 ery business iu Washington, comes of Ger 
 
 man ancestry. His grandfather, Robert 
 Charlton, a native of Germany, came to Washing 
 ton county in 1813, and died at, Cook's Place, 
 Chartiers township, iu 1828, his wife (who had ac- 
 companied him from the Fatherland) dying some 
 time later. They had a family of seven children, 
 of whom only one, James, survives — his home being 
 in Iowa. 
 
 Samuel Charlton, eldest son of Robert, was born 
 in Germany and came with his parents to this 
 country and county. By occupation he was a 
 wagoner, or teamster, on the National Pike be- 
 tween Washington, Penn., and Baltimore, Md. 
 He was twice married: first time to Miss Shipe, 
 who died leaving two children: Robert (now de- 
 ceased) and Frank (in Manuington, W. Va.). His 
 second marriage was with Mrs Elizabeth Morrow, 
 
 net- Hewey, a lady of Irish parentage, and they 
 had a family of live children, as follows: John H. , 
 in Washington; Mary, wife of Fred Hood, of 
 Washington; Susan, also in that borough: l{e 
 becca, deceased wife of Henry Llewellen (she died 
 in 1874), and Samuel M., subject of sketch. The 
 parents soon after marriage came to live in the 
 borough of Washington, where the father died 
 about the year 1S58, at the age of sixty years, the 
 mother in 1S75, aged sixty five. 
 
 Samuel M. Charlton was born in Washington. 
 this county, in 1847, and received a liberal edu- 
 cation iu the schools of the borough. In boy- 
 hood he learned the trade of tobacconist with 
 Thomas McKean, and followed same for fourteen 
 years in his native town. In 1870 he opened a 
 confectionery store on Main street, and in 1889 
 removed it to East Maiden street, where he has 
 since continued. In 1871 Mr. Charlton was united 
 in marriage with Eliza, daughter of William Hays, 
 of Way nesburg, Greene Co. , Penn. Her parents 
 at one time lived iu Washington county, whence 
 tliey moved to Greene county, where her widowed 
 mother now lives; her father at one time was clerk 
 of the courts of Washington county. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Hays were born children as follows: James, 
 John, Eliza, Catherine, Margaret, George, Ella and 
 Matilda. Six children have been born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. Samuel M. Charlton, viz.: Sarah Hedge and 
 William Hays (both deceased), and Alfred W., 
 Nannie E., Marion Elizabeth and Sabina Pearl, 
 all living at home. Politically Mr. Charlton is a 
 Republican, and, in religious connection, a member 
 of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington. 
 
 \ILLIAM SMITH, who iu his lifetime was 
 one of the most prominent and enterpris 
 ing citizens of Washington borough, was 
 a native of Beaver county, Penn., born 
 near Darlington, August 15, 1800. 
 Until he was twenty years of age he worked on 
 his father's farm, and in 1821, in company with 
 his brother James, he came to Washington and 
 opened a general store. The brothers remained in 
 the borough about one year, and then removed to 
 Philadelphia, where they engaged in the same bus- 
 iness on Market street, on a more extensive scale. 
 They met with success, but about the year 1825, 
 owing to the failing health of James, the business 
 was disposed of, and the brothers returned to 
 western Pennsylvania, William locating in Union- 
 town, where he once more embarked in mercantile 
 business. In 1828 he returned to Washington and 
 opened a store in a house where the Watson block 
 now stands, south of the Public Square. The busi 
 ness from the very start proved a success. In 1835 
 he purchased from Rev. Thomas Hogue the north 
 east corner of Main and Beau streets, to which he 
 
;***■* 
 
 m 
 
 s!te^-«^^ShC£^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 117 
 
 moved his store. Prior to this he had bought of 
 Judge Baird the "Round Corner." Id 1 SOI he 
 erected the magnificent brick and iron structure on 
 the northwest corner of Main and Beau streets, 
 known as the "Iron Hall." In 1S53 he received 
 his son William W. into partnership, the name of 
 the tirm becoming William Smith & Son, which yet 
 remains. At an early day, Mr. Smith commenced 
 a private banking business, which he also made a 
 succesB, and on his retiremenl from active business 
 life about the year 1807, the private banking 
 house of William Smith & Son was firmly estab- 
 lished. 
 
 While a resident of Uniontowu Mr. Smith met 
 Miss Wrenshall, of Pittsburgh, whom he subse- 
 quently (1828) married in Steubenville, Ohio, to 
 which union were born two children, of whom W. 
 W., the present head of the business, survives; the 
 other one was Fanny Fielding, who became the 
 wife of Ferdinand Varro. In the fall of 1861, af- 
 ter a long and painful illness, Mrs. Smith died, 
 and her husband subsequently married, in Pbila 
 delphia, Mrs. Newell (a widow) of that city, a 
 daughter of John Simes, one of the early citizens 
 of Washington. Several years afterward, Mr. 
 Smith, having retired from business, purchased a 
 pleasant home in Philadelphia, to which he re- 
 moved, and here his second wife died in the winter 
 of 1886. He continued to reside in Philadelphia 
 till the spring of the following year, when he re- 
 turned to Washington, where he peacefully and 
 painlessly passed away on Tuesday evening, July 
 12, 1887, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. 
 Mr. Smith was in his younger life an adherent of 
 the Covenanter Church, but while a resident of 
 Washington he was an active member of the Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian Church. When he removed 
 to Philadelphia he connected himself with the 
 United Presbyterian Church, under whose banner 
 he died. 
 
 W. W. Smith was born August 15, 1830, in 
 Washington, Penn., a son of William and Fanny 
 (Wrenshall) Smith. His elementary studies were 
 pursued in the preparatory department of Wash- 
 ington College, under Prof. Robert Milligan, and 
 in 1848 he entered the freshman class. After his 
 graduation, in 1852, he commenced commercial 
 life in his father's dry-goods store and banking 
 office, becoming a partner in 1853, as already re- 
 lated. Mr. Smith had studied law in the office of 
 Robert H. Kuntz, but was not admitted to the bar, 
 having exclusively devoted himself to the business 
 upon which he had entered. During the Civil 
 war he served as a volunteer aid-de-camp on the 
 staff of Gen. U. S. Grant, both in the Southwest 
 and in Virginia. On June 13, 1807, he married 
 Miss Emma Willard McKennan, daughter of Judge 
 William McKennan, of the United States Court, of 
 whom prominent mention is made elsewhere. To 
 
 this union were born two children: William Me 
 Kennan, assisting bin father in the management of 
 his business, and Ulysses S. Grant, instructor of 
 military tactics and calisthenics at Trinity Hall. 
 The mother died in IST'.I. Among the many dis 
 tinguished guests present at the wedding of Mr. 
 and Mrs. W. W. Smith were Gen. U. S. Grant 
 (who was a frequent visitor at their pleasant home), 
 wife and sons, and of the General's staff were pres- 
 ent Gen. Hilyer and Col. William Dunn. 
 
 Mr. Smith was elected treasurer of the Episcopal 
 Church in 1853, holding said office until 1892; was 
 three times representative of the diocese of Pitts 
 burgh in the general conventions of the church, 
 held respectively in Boston (1877), in New York 
 (1880) and in Philadelphia (1SS3), and for many 
 years has been one of the board of trustees of 
 Washington and Jefferson College. He is pro- 
 prietor and Rector of Trinity Hall, a select board- 
 ing school for boys in Washington, Penn. He is 
 the owner of much valuable business property in 
 Washington borough, including the well-known 
 "Iron Hall" block; of numerous fine farms in the 
 county; lands in Florida and West Virginia, be 
 sides valuable residence property in Philadelphia 
 
 TRINITT HALL. 
 
 In 1860 Mr. W. W. Smith became owner, by 
 purchase, of this fine property where he resided 
 until the death of his wife. The school was es 
 tablished in 1879 by Mr. Smith, mainly in order 
 that his own sons should be instructed at their 
 home. The original building was erected in 1857 
 as a private residence, owned and occupied by Jo- 
 seph McKnight, and, since its purchase by Mr. W. 
 \V. Smith, who occupied it as a private residence 
 for over twelve years, it has been greatly enlarged 
 from time to time, as the growth of the patronage 
 of the school demanded. The Rev. Fred C. Cow 
 per, of Amesbury, Mass., pays the following trib- 
 ute to the excellency of Trinity Hall and its sur- 
 roundings: " The school grounds contain forty 
 acres situated in a rich and beautiful hill coun- 
 try, 1,200 feet above tide water, and surrounded 
 by wide-spreading maples, elms, lindens and 
 evergreens, with orchards, gardens and vine- 
 yards, through which wind broad drives bordered 
 by well kept lawns. There has never been sick 
 ness in the school. Delicate boys become strong 
 and manly in its pure health giving atmosphere. 
 The morals of the place are pure; the tone elevat 
 ing and refining. Underthe present management. 
 the household in all departments is suitable for 
 the sons of gentlemen, and has all the comforts of 
 a refined home. It is a lovely spot indeed, favored 
 by nature, developed by the best skill of the land- 
 scape gardener, kept *ip by those who take pride 
 in it; and fortunate is the boy who is permitted to 
 spend his school days at Trinity Hall." 
 
lis 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 QEORGE ARMSTRONG LINN, M. D., for 
 well nigh a quarter of a century has prac- 
 ticed bis profession at Mouongahela, where, 
 , and in the neighborhood, he lias, as a skill 
 ful and successful physician, established a 
 reputation second to none in the county. He is a 
 native of the Keystone State, born in Butler 
 county December 8, 1831. He is the son of Dr. 
 George and Elizabeth (Gibson) Linn, a sketch of 
 whose lives is given in the biography of Prof. 
 AlonzoLinn. 
 
 The subject proper of this sketch received bis 
 education at the common schools of his native 
 place, and at Morrison's Academy, at Mouonga- 
 hela. He then commenced the study of medicine 
 and entered Jefferson Medical College, in Phila- 
 delphia, where he completed a full course, grad- 
 uating in 1869. Dr. Linn at once located in 
 Mouongahela, and has since been one of the lead 
 ing physicians of that city and surrounding coun- 
 try. On June 12, 1801 , the Doctor married 
 Frances, daughter of Joseph Wall, of Allegheny 
 county, whose wife was Frances Allen, daughter of 
 David Allen. His father was Garrett Wall, whose 
 wife was a daughter of Capt. Sparks, of the regu 
 lar army. One daughter has been born to Dr. 
 and Mrs. Linn: Hannah A., wife of Homer H. 
 Swaney, of Pittsburgh. Our subject and wife are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church of Mononga- 
 h'ela. In politics he was a Whig, and, since the 
 organization of the party, a Republican. He has 
 served on the school board of his adopted city. 
 He is self made and self-educated, a man of excel- 
 lent literary taste, and well acquainted with 
 scientific questions, germane to his profession and 
 otherwise. 
 
 d(OHN W. SEAMAN, junior member of the 
 well-known firm, Mitchell & Seaman, dealers 
 J in general hardware, etc., Washington, is a 
 native of the borough, burn in October, 1841. 
 The family came from New Jersey, and 
 tradition says that the iirst to bear the name was 
 a waif picked up, no more than alive, on the sea- 
 shore, and given the name "Seaman." Joseph 
 Seaman, great-grandfather of our subject, came to 
 Washington, this county, in 1 785, and died here; 
 a blacksmith by trade, his shop stood on the site 
 where is now the high school. Jacob, grandfather 
 of J. W., a mason by trade, and who kept tavern 
 for many years at Amity, Amwell township, was 
 married to Lydia Jones, daughter of an early comer 
 to the county; she was a native of Philadelphia, 
 and when a girl migrated to this county, where 
 she had several sisters living. Jacob Seaman and 
 wife had a family of five childten, viz. : JolinW., who 
 died in Washington, leaving a widow and children; 
 
 Alexander and James are also dead, leaving chil 
 dren. and Thomas (all were residents of Washing 
 ton county); and Mary, who died in infancy. The 
 father of this family died about the year 1831. 
 
 Alexander Seaman, son of Jacob, was born in 
 the borough of Washington in 1813, and received 
 his education at the subscription schools of the 
 place. He was brought up to the trade of mason. 
 which he followed in early life, but abandoned for 
 mercantile pursuits. About the year 1S4U he 
 opened out a grocery store in Washington, which 
 he carried on for several years with considerable 
 success. About 1S37 he married Jean Dagg, 
 daughter of Richard Dagg, of Strabane township. 
 and granddaughter of Henry Taylor, a pioneer 
 farmer of that township, coming to the county 
 when the woods were still teeming with wild ani- 
 mals and hostile Indians; he was the first presi- 
 dent judge of the county, and a prominent factor 
 in the early politics of the State. To Alexander 
 and Jean (Dagg) Seaman were born five children, 
 three of whom grew to maturity, viz.: Mary, wife 
 of Samuel Taggart, of Chartiers township; John 
 W. , and Margaret, wife of Joseph M. Spriggs, 
 grocer, Washington. The parents both died in 
 the borough in 1880, the mother in August, the 
 father in November. Until 1800 he hail been a 
 Democrat, but after that date voted under the 
 banner of the Republican party. 
 
 John W. Seaman received his education partly 
 at the common schools of his native borough, sup 
 plemented by a partial course at Washington and 
 Jefferson College. At the age of fourteen years 
 he entered his father's store as clerk, remaining 
 until 1874, in which yenr he was appointed deputy 
 prothonotary, filling the incumbency four years; 
 from 187S to 1881 he was out of office, but in the 
 latter year he was elected prothonotary, serving six 
 years. In 1888 he entered into partnership with 
 J. K. Mitchell in general hardware, house furnish- 
 ings, etc., under firm name of Mitchell & Seaman, 
 the business being one of the most successful and 
 extensive in that line in the county. In 1800 Mr. 
 Seaman married Louise Mills, of Washington, 
 daughter of Andrew Mills, who, about 1830, came 
 from the North of Ireland to Washington county. 
 To this union seven children, all yet living, were 
 born, named as follows: Nellie, James Alexander, 
 Alice M., Jean D., Harry E., John T. and Mar- 
 garet Louise. Mr. Seaman in his political prefer- 
 ments is a Republican, and has held with charac- 
 teristic ability many offices of honor and trust 
 in the county. He is secretary of the Mechanics 
 Building & Loan Association, and of the Mutual 
 Building & Loan Association. He is a promi- 
 nent and influential member of the First M. E. 
 Church, and superintendent of the Sunday-school 
 of same. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 119 
 
 GGOL. J. B. R. STREATOR is a native of 
 Washington county, born March 12, 1850, 
 B at Lone Pine, where his father, Rev. Lyman 
 Pierce Streator, was conducting an academy 
 at the time. The latter was born in Portage 
 county, Ohio, and was educated for the ministry 
 of the Christian Church. 
 
 In 1842. being then twenty two yearsof age, he 
 came to Washington county, Penn., where he 
 preached for a time at Pancake, and then moved 
 into Washington borough in 1870. In the mean- 
 time, in 1859, the family had proceeded to May's 
 Lick, Ky., where Hey remained until the breaking 
 out of the Civil war, when they returned to this 
 county. At Lone Pine Mr. Streator founded an 
 academy, which he kept for sometime. In Wash 
 ington county he married Miss Eliza, daughter of 
 Jonathan Martin, to which union were born five 
 children: Martin Lyman, pastor at Helena, Mont, 
 (he is working for the Woman's Board Home Mis 
 sions); Jonathan M. , who formerly wan a minister 
 in Florida, but has now charge of the Ocala public 
 schools, same State; Alexander Campbell, a physi- 
 cian in Washington, a sketch of whom follows this; 
 Frank W., in the employ of A. B. Caldwell, Wash- 
 ington, Penn.; and Charlotte, deceased wife of 
 Robert McDonough. The mother of these chil 
 dren dying, Mr. Streator married April :i, 1855, 
 Rebecca Ruple, who was born in Washington, 
 Penn., in 1827, a daughter of James Ruple who 
 performed efficient service in the war of 1812-15. 
 By this marriage there was one child, James B. R., 
 the subject of this memoir. In 1 800 Mr. Streator 
 removed to Philadelphia, where he preached for 
 six months; thence went to Braddoeks Field, Penn., 
 where, in the capacity of State Evangelist, he 
 worked for the State Missionary Society. In May, 
 1867, he returned to Washington county, and is 
 now a resident of South Strabane township. Polit- 
 ically Mr. Streator was for many years a consistent 
 Democrat, but of late he has been standing in the 
 van of the Prohibition party; socially, he is a 
 Knight Templar. 
 
 Col. James B. R. Streator attended the public 
 schools of the vicinity of his birth, ami afterward 
 Washington and Jefferson College, one year. He 
 then read law in the office of I. Y. Hamilton, and 
 in October, 1877, was admitted to the bar of 
 Washington county. He practiced his profession 
 in Washington until the formation of the Peoples 
 Light & Heat Company, when he was chosen 
 secretary and general superintendent of same, and 
 he has Hince taken an active interest in the oil and 
 gas development in the county. In July, 1877, 
 Col. Streator married Emma, daughter of John 
 McCoy, late of South Strabane township, where 
 her widowed mother is yet living. Of this union 
 seven children have been born, as follows: John 
 McO, Rebecca, Jane, Emma, Bessie, James B. R. 
 
 and L. P., all at home excepi John, Bessie and L. 
 P., who are deceased. Col. Streator has been a 
 straight Democrat from early youth. Socially, he 
 is a member of the F. & A. M. On January 25, 
 1881, the Colonel enlisted in Company H, Tenth 
 Regiment N. G. P.; June 19, 1882, was promoted 
 to adjutant, and August S, 1 SS7. was further pro 
 rooted to lieutenant colonel, which rank he still 
 holds. During the time of the riots in the coke 
 regions he went with his regiment there, remain 
 ing on the spot and at the Morewood Works six 
 teen days. 
 
 Alexander Campbell Streator, M. D., was born 
 February 20, 1848, in South Strabane township. 
 Washington Co., Penn. When he was nine years 
 of age his parents moved to Bethany, W. Va., and 
 thence to Indiana, where they remained until 1851, 
 when they returned to Washington county, at 
 which time their son, Alexander ('., was thirteen 
 years old. He attended the high school, and 
 afterward Washington and Jefferson College, from 
 which he was graduated in 1800. Having decided 
 on making the medical profession his life work, he 
 at once, after graduation, commenced the study of 
 medicine under the preoeptorship of his uncle, Dr. 
 David (i. Streator, of Bedford, Ohio; but on ac 
 count of declining health he was obliged to aban- 
 don leading for a time. Regaining his health, he 
 renewed his medical studies, this time with Dr. 
 Thomas McKennan, and then, in 1882, took 
 his degree of M. D. at Cleveland Medical College. 
 For a short time afterward he practiced his pro- 
 fession at Belle Vernon, Penn., and then came to 
 the borough of Washington, where he has siuce 
 remained in general practice, meeting with emi- 
 nent success. In 1877 Dr. Streator was united in 
 marriage with Miss Ann Eliza, daughter of 
 William Birmingham, of Pancake, this -county, 
 and four children blessed this union, viz. : Sarah 
 Eliza, Virginia Birmingham, Helen Mechenor and 
 Hugh Henry. On April 2, 1891, at the age of 
 forty- two years, the wife and mother was gathered 
 by the Grim Reaper from the bosom of her loving 
 family. Politically the Doctor is a stanch Repub- 
 lican, but not a partisan; socially he is a member 
 of the Royal Arcanum and National Union. 
 
 /^RAHAM S. CAMPBELL, cashier of the 
 l| First National Bank of McDonald. Penn., 
 
 II I is descended from a well known family of 
 ^4! this county. John Campbell (the great- 
 grandfather of Graham S.) was a native of 
 York county, Penn., and moving to Washington 
 county about 1778, located on a tract of 191 acres, 
 called "Fumanah," in Cross Creek township. 
 His family consisted of six sons and three daugh 
 ters, namely: John, William and James (all of 
 whom moved to Belmont county, Ohio), David, 
 Charles and George (these remaining in Cross 
 
120 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Creek township, where some of their descendants 
 are yet living), Grace (wife of Maj. Benjamin Bay, 
 moved to Ohio in 1812), Elizabeth (married to 
 William Rea) and Mary (Mrs. William Fulton, 
 living in Mt. Pleasant township). The father 
 died in 1813, and was laid to rest in the cemetery 
 at Cross Creek. George Campbell grew to man 
 hood on the home farm, in Cross Creek township. 
 Ho was united in marriage with Elizabeth Rea, 
 who bore him the following children: John, 
 Jane, William, Mary, Samuel, George W., Eliza- 
 beth, Esther, James and Georgetta. Mr. Camp 
 bell followed agriculture all his life. In politics 
 he was a Whig, and in religion a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Mount Prospect- 
 George W. Campbell was born September 20, 
 1826, and passed his youth on the home place. In 
 early manhood he was married to Charlotte, daugh- 
 ter of James Wilson, of West Pike Run township, 
 and the young people resided in Cross Creek town- 
 ship until 1867. They then came to Midway, 
 Robinson township, and in 1869 built the Midway 
 Hotel, of which he was the proprietor until his 
 death, having previously followed fanning and 
 stock raising. In politics he was formerly a Whig, 
 then became an active worker in the Republican 
 ranks, having held various township offices. »For 
 many years he was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Mount Prospect, then at Cross Creek, 
 tinally uniting with the church at Candor, this 
 county. He died September 4, 1885, leaving the 
 following children: Wilson S., Graham S. and 
 Elida (Mrs. W. H. Baldwin), two others, Johnetta 
 and Mary, having died in infancy. 
 
 Graham S., son of George W. and Charlotte 
 (Wilson) Campbell, was born September 14, I860, 
 on the home farm, in Cross Creek township. His 
 early literary training was secured at the common 
 schools, afterward attending the Ingleside Academy, 
 at McDonald. At the age of eighteen years he en- 
 tered the employ of J. D. Sauters, of McDonald, 
 Penn., with whoin he remained eleven years. 
 He then opened a real estate and insurance office, 
 in which business he was successful. On the or- 
 ganization of the First National Bank of McDon- 
 ald, he disposed of his business and accepted the 
 position of cashier, which position he now holds. 
 On December 18, 1884, he led to the marriage 
 altar Annie, daughter of Addison Foster (deceased), 
 formerly of Pittsburgh, Penn., and their children 
 are George, Verner, Ross and James. Mr. Camp 
 bell possesses the confidence of the community, 
 and is a very successful man. In 1890 he was 
 elected justice of the peace, being an active mem 
 ber of the Republican party. He and his family 
 are earnest workers in the First Presbyterian 
 Church at McDonald, in which he is now mem- 
 ber of the Session and superintendent of the Sab 
 bath school. 
 
 THOMAS C. M. STOCKTON. M. D., a cult 
 ured gentleman and physician of Washing- 
 ton county, is a son of the late Rev. Dr. 
 John Stockton, whose ancestors came fr< mi 
 England to America prior to the Revolution, 
 settling in New Jersey. Thomas Stockton (grand 
 father of subject) was born in New Jersey, and 
 coming to Washington county, Penn., in early 
 manhood, was married to Miss Sarah Graham of 
 this county. The children born to them were 
 Polly, Sarah (Mrs. Gordon), Robert, Thomas and 
 John. 
 
 John Stockton (father of subject) was born No- 
 vember 18, 1803, in Washington county, Penn., 
 and was reared to manhood on his father's farm 
 near Washington. He was a student at Washing 
 ton College, graduating therefrom in 1820, and 
 then entered the Theological College at Princeton. 
 N. J. On June 20, 1827, he was ordained in the 
 Cross Creek Church of Washington! county, and 
 preached regularly for that congregation until 
 June 20, 1877, proclaiming the "glad tidings of 
 the Gospel " for over fifty years. Although many 
 times offered a more lucrative position, in which 
 he would seemingly have a wider scope, his only 
 answer to such propositions was: "I have started 
 with my people here, they are my children, and I 
 will live and die with them, and lie buried among 
 them." In 1831 he was united in marriage with 
 Nancy Clark, daughter of James Clark, a promi 
 nent farmer of Franklin county, Penn. , and six 
 children came to bless their union, namely: 
 Thomas C. M., James C. (a physician living in 
 West Philadelphia), John P. P. (a minister of 
 West Unity, Williams Co.. Ohio), Robert W. G. 
 (deceased in infancy), William (a graduate of Mus- 
 kingum College), and Marion E. (wife of Hugh 
 Lee, a prominent farmer of Cross Creek township) 
 William entered the Civil war as captain in the 
 One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I., at 
 tached to the Second Corps, and served for some 
 time as colonel of his regiment, although never 
 promoted to that rank. After the war he went to 
 North Carolina, soon afterward dying from an 
 attack of typhoid fever. 
 
 Thomas'C. M. Stockton was born May 30, 1832. 
 He was a close student from early boyhood, and 
 at the age of twelve years entered the Cross Creek 
 Academy, afterward taking a course at Washing, 
 ton College. After his graduation the young man 
 returned home and taught in Cross Creek Acad- 
 emy, for six or seven years, and then one year in 
 Muskingum College. In 1862 he began the study 
 of medicine uuder Dr. Dickson, of Pittsburgh, 
 with whom he remained one year, afterward at- 
 tending one year at Jefferson Medical College. 
 Philadelphia. At this time, the war of the Re- 
 bellion being in progress, he joined the Union 
 army as assistant surgeon of the Eighty-third 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 121 
 
 Regiment, P. V. I., serving until the close of the 
 struggle, when he re-entered Jefferson Medical 
 College. In 1806 he graduated, and same year 
 entered upon his professional duties in Cross Creek 
 village. 
 
 On June 4, 18G3, Dr. Stockton was married to 
 Miss Auna, daughter of the late Hampton Kerr, of 
 Cross Creek village, and they have had two chil- 
 dren: Jennie, born September 7, 1S71 (was a stu- 
 dent at Wilson College, and graduated in June, 
 L892), and Hampton Kerr, born September 23, 
 L882 (a bright, affectionate child, possessing an in- 
 telligence far beyond his age, he was the hope and 
 pride of the parents in their declining years; but 
 when three short yearsof the Little Life had passed, 
 God called this flower to the "eternal gardens," 
 leaving a void in the family circle which can be 
 lilled by none other. The dread disease, scarlet 
 fever, was the messenger sent by the Angel of 
 Death, and though the years were few, that life 
 has left a blessed memory that will never die) 
 Dr. Stockton has been very successful in his chosen 
 calling. He is a consistent member of the Pres 
 byterian Church at Cross Creek village, over which 
 his father had presided for so many years. Polit- 
 ically he was formerly a Whig, and since the or- 
 ganization of the party has been a Republican. 
 
 \ILLIAMEWING. The Ewing family are 
 of Scotch Irish descent. In their blood 
 is mingled the tiery, ardent nature of the 
 natives of Erin, with the conscientious, 
 persevering and thrifty people of Scot 
 land. The ancestors of the particular family whose 
 history we are now recording were born in County 
 Londonderry, Ireland, and in 1725 came to Amer- 
 ica. Nathaniel Ewing, one of these early pioneers, 
 was a farmer who settled in Cecil county, Md., 
 and reared a family of eight sons, one of whom was 
 George Ewing. 
 
 William Ewing, a son of George, came to Fay- 
 ette county, Penn. , toward the close of the last 
 century. He was married to a Miss Nancy Con- 
 well who bore him children as follows: George, 
 Nathaniel, John H., Elizabeth Breading (of Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn.), Maria (Mrs. Veech, of Pittsburgh), 
 Louisa (Mrs. Wilson, of Uniontown, Penn.), Mrs. 
 Mary Mason (living in Iowa) and Mrs. Ellen Wal- 
 lace (formerly of Pittsburgh). Of this family, 
 Mrs. Mason alone is living. The father died in 
 Fayette county, Penn. Nathaniel Ewing was 
 judge of Fayette and Washington counties. The 
 children of John \H. Ewing were: William, Mrs. 
 Prof. Wood, Mrs. Dr. Speer, Mrs. Dr. Hallock, 
 Col. John Ewing, Dr. George, Samuel and Flor- 
 ence. 
 
 William Ewing, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born in 1823, in Washington, Penn., where 
 
 his boyhood was passed. He attended Washing- 
 ton College (Dr. McKennan having been one of 
 his classmates), graduating in 1842, then took a 
 three years course at the Western Theological 
 Seminary. After completing his studies at the 
 seminary he spent several years in Europe in 
 study and travel, and upon returning to Pennsyl 
 vania took his first charge at the " Chartiers 
 Church," of which he was the pastor for nineteen 
 years. 
 
 In April, 1853, Mr. Ewing was united in 
 marriage with Miss Isabelle M. , daughter of David 
 Quail, of this county, who was a natiyeof northern 
 Ireland. She died in May, 1883, leaving four chil- 
 dren: John (deceased in his twenty fourth year); 
 David, an attorney at Pittsburgh, Penn.; William 
 Brown, one of three assistant physicians at Dix 
 mont; and Samuel Blaine, a graduate of the Phil 
 adelphia Law School. On August 1, 1889, Mr. 
 Ewing married, for his second wife, Mary Cathe 
 rine Herriott, a native of Washington county. He 
 was principal of the Canonsburg Academy for 
 twelve years, being a very popular and influential 
 citizen of that place. In politics he is a Repub- 
 lican, and in religious faith a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 TlOSEPH ALEXANDER HERRON, junior 
 w I member of the banking firm of Alexander & 
 vlj Co., was born in Monongahela City, Penn., 
 ^^ October 16, 1847, the only child of Capt. 
 David B. and Eliza (Alexander) Herron, the latter 
 of whom was a daughter of the late Joseph Alex- 
 ander, who died June 20, 1871, in Monongahela 
 City, where he had been engaged in business up to 
 the date of his death, a period of over forty con- 
 secutive years. 
 
 The immediate ancestry of Capt. David B. 
 Herron made their homes in Cincinnati, Ohio. 
 About the year 1841, he and his two older brothers, 
 William and John, made Monongahela City their 
 homes, and they became, with him, identified with 
 the business and social interests of the town for a 
 number of years. Capt. D. B. Herron subsequently 
 became identified with steamboat interests in the 
 upper and lower river trade, acting in the capacity 
 of chief clerk, and commander of some of the 
 steamers. Many of his old surviving friends will 
 recollect his politeness, suave and urbane manner, 
 his strict integrity, his high sense of honor, and 
 obliging and generous disposition. He died March 
 22, 1864, from disease contracted by exposure on 
 his steamboat in transporting troops, munitions of 
 war and supplies on Tennessee and Cumberland 
 rivers for the Union arm}'. His body lies in the 
 Monongahela cemetery; his brothers are both dead. 
 
 Joseph A. Herron received his education at the 
 public schools of Cincinnati and at West Chester, 
 
122 
 
 Washington county. 
 
 (Perm.) Military Academy. Returning to Monon- 
 gabela City he entered the banking bouse of Alex- 
 ander & Co., conducted by his uncles, William J. 
 and James S. Alexander; in 1871 be became a 
 partner, and bas continued an active business 
 member to the present time. He is prominently 
 identified in municipal, educational, church and 
 social interests in the place of bis nativity; is a 
 trustee in the Monongabela City Manufactured 
 & Natural Gas Company; the Washington & 
 Williamspoit Turnpike Co. ; the Williamsport 
 Bridge Co., and the Monongabela Cemetery. He 
 is a member of the school board, and a trustee of 
 the First Presbyterian Church, of which he and 
 wife are members. On October 25, 1877, Mr. 
 Herron was married to Miss Mary Campbell, 
 daughter of William Campbell, Esq., president of 
 Butler Savings Bank of Butler, Penn. His mother, 
 who survives, is a member of his family. 
 
 * 
 
 I Mi ATTHEW BERRY was born January 30, 
 
 \g/\ 1823, at Venice, in Cecil township, Wash- 
 
 *! I ington Co., Penn., the third son of VVill- 
 
 ^ iam (Hlmore Berry, Esq., late of the 
 
 same county. 
 
 Matthew Berry, for nearly threescore years, has 
 
 lived on what is known as the " Peach Garden " 
 
 farm, one mile south of Canonsburg, Penn. He 
 
 being the eldest of the Berry family now living, 
 
 has consented to furnish a brief history of the 
 
 Berry family from bis grandfather, John Berry, to 
 
 the present time. 
 
 The grandfather, John Berry, was a native of 
 Dublin, Ireland, born A D. 1753. About 1775 he 
 emigrated to the United States, and immediately 
 upou his arrival in the county enlisted in the army 
 lor live years, and served under Gen. Washington. 
 In 1780 he was married to Elizabeth Gilmore, who 
 came from Ireland in the same ship with him. In 
 religion he was a Presbyterian, by occupation a 
 shoemaker. After his marriage he settled in Col 
 erain township, Lancaster Co., Penn. In 1794 or 
 1795 he visited Washington county, on a prospect- 
 ing trip, and worked one summer for the Rev. Dr. 
 McMillan, the founder of Jefferson College. Late 
 in the fall he returned to his home in Lancaster 
 county, but next spring he again came to W ashing 
 Ion county, bringing with him his eldest son, 
 William Gilmore Berry, and purchased a farm of 
 251 acres, bein<; part of a tract of land owned by 
 Gen Washington, who sold it to Matthew Ritchie, 
 who by will conveyed it to Alex. Addison, from 
 whom John Berry purchased it. To this farm he 
 moved his family during the summer or fall of 
 1796. The farm is still owned by his descendants, 
 the heirs of W T illiam Berry (deceased). There 
 were born to John Berry eight children — three 
 sons and live daughters, viz. : William Gilmore, 
 
 John, James, Elizabeth, Nancy, Isabel!, Ann and 
 Mary. Of these, William Gilmore was married in 
 1(S04 to Jane MeCounell, daughter of Mathew 
 McConnell, Esq.; John was married to Rachel 
 Phillips; James died unmarried at the age of 
 twenty years; Elizabeth was married to Hugh Car- 
 son, of Ross county, Ohio; Nancy was married to 
 Ebenezer Carson, of Ross county, Ohio; Isabel! 
 was married to Jacob George, of Washington 
 county, Penn.; Ann was married to Alexander 
 McConnell, of Washington county, I'enn.; Mary 
 was married to Thomas Torance, of Washington 
 county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 William Gilmore Berry was born December 2, 
 1781, in Colerain township, Lancaster Co., Penn., 
 the eldest son of John Berry. He came to Wash 
 ington county with his father in 1796, learned the 
 trade of house carpeuter, and for a short time 
 worked at the trade. In 1804 he was married to 
 Jane McConnell, and to them were born eight 
 children — four sons and four daughters — as fol 
 lows: 
 
 (I). John, the eldest son [see history of John 
 M. Berry, elsewhere in this volume |. 
 
 (II). Mary, the oldest daughter, born May 22, 
 1810, was married to John May, February 9, 1837; 
 died February 15, 1893; to them were born nine 
 children, viz.: (1) Phebe, born February 25, 1838, 
 married to Dixon T. McCloy February, 18(50; she 
 died in Belmont county, Ohio, February 20, 1890; 
 their family consisted of two sons and two daugb 
 ters. (2) William B. May, born September 18, 
 L839, unmarried, lives near Venice, Penn. (3) 
 Rev. John R. May, born February 19, 1841, was 
 married to Samantha Fulton, August 1 1, 1880; no 
 family; living at Mansfield, Allegheny Co., Penn 
 (4) Matthew Alexander May, born June 24, 1843, 
 was married to Sara Thompson, in 1862; he died 
 March 6, 1874, leaving two daughters. (5) James 
 May, born April 22, 1845, died unmarried Febru 
 ary 11, 1870. (6) Jane May, born September 24, 
 1846, died September 22, 1862. (7) Joseph Car 
 son May, born May 27, 1848, was marrieil in May, 
 1889, to Miss Alice Pooler. (8) Anna Mary May, 
 born April 22, 1851, died December 17, 1851. (it) 
 Anna Mary Margaret May, born April 4, 185(5, 
 married April 4, 1882, to S. Wilson Scott; he died 
 April 28, 1888, leaving a widow and three da ugh 
 ters; they now live near Venice, Pennsylvania. 
 
 (III). Elizabeth, the second daughter of William 
 Gilmore Berry, was born July 23, 1815, and was 
 married to William J. McLaughlin, of Adena, Jef- 
 ferson Co., Ohio, October 27, 1840, where they 
 still reside. To them were born six children: 
 (1) John Mitchell, born January 8, 1843, married 
 to Jennie Neff, and one daughter, now Mrs. Min- 
 nie Philips; John McLaughlin now lives near 
 Atalissa, Iowa. (2) Jane McLaughlin, born De 
 cember 25, 1844, was married to James L. Haw- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 123 
 
 thorn, October 18, 1866, and has a family of three 
 sons, the oldest of whom, Ross Mitchell, was mar- 
 ried to Lizzie L. Simpson. (3) William Gilmore 
 McLaughlin, born April 25, 1847, was married to 
 Minnie A. Livingston, June 27, 1872; now living 
 at Adena, Ohio, and has a family of six children. 
 (t) James A. McLaughlin, born November 24, 
 1849, was married to Sara Barkhurst, and is living 
 near Harrisville,Ohio; of his family of seven children 
 two are deceased, and three sons and two daugh- 
 ters are living. (5) Samuel R. McLaughlin, born 
 March 24, 1854, was married to Bell Porterfield, 
 March 20, 1876; living near Atalissa, Iowa; no 
 family. (6) Martha Ann McLaughlin, born Octo- 
 ber 8, 1856, was married to Alexander G. Haw- 
 thorn February 26, 1874, and died February, 1875, 
 leaving husband and one son, Harry Wilmer. 
 
 (IV). Jane, the third daughter of William Gil- 
 more Berry, born in 1817, was married to John 
 Thome, February 17, 1841, and died at Canons- 
 burg, Peun., September 21, 1888. 
 
 (V). William Berry, the second son of William 
 Gilmore Berry, was born in 181 9; married Eliza 
 beth Calohan December 1, 1848, and to them were 
 born seven children, rive sons and two daughters, 
 their names and dates of birth being as follows: 
 John C, August 26, 1849; Jennie M. , November 
 12, 1851; George A., April 26, 1854; James D., 
 March 2, 1857; Beca C, March 30, I860; Charle) 
 G., October 23, 1863; Samuel L., January 6, 1866; 
 the children are all married except Beca C, who 
 resides with her parents in Oskaloosa, Iowa. 
 
 (VI). Prudence, the fourth daughter of William 
 Gilmore Berry, born in 1821, was married to John 
 Carson, of Chillicothe, Ohio; he died in 1849, leav 
 ing one son, Hugh F. Carson, who lives in Mich 
 igan. After her husband's death Prudence re 
 turned to Canonsburg, Penn., where she died in 
 January, 1886. 
 
 (VII). Matthew, the third son of William Gil 
 more Berry, born January 30, 1823, was married 
 in April, 1847, to Margaret Willison, of Hickory, 
 Penn., daughter of Samuel Willison, and to them 
 were born three sons, as follows: (1) W. G., born 
 January 22, 1848, was married December 29, 
 1869, to Miss Nannie L. Garrett, and they have 
 three daughters: Lillie M., Nannie W. (now Mrs. 
 S. H. H. Arnold) and Maggie I. W. G. is by oc- 
 cupation a house carpenter, now farming, living on 
 the Major Urie farm; in politics he is a Repub- 
 lican, in religion a liberal United Presbyterian; for 
 ten years after 1883 he was secretary and editor of 
 Sheep Register; was a member of the National 
 Live Stock Association Committee of 18 prepar- 
 ing exhibit of live stock at the Columbian Exposi- 
 tion, Chicago, 1893, representing fine wooled sheep 
 interests; he is an advocate of advanced ideas in 
 agriculture. 
 
 (2) Samuel W. Berry, born in 1850, was mar- 
 
 ried to Isabell McNary in November, 1876, and 
 their family consists of three children — one daugh 
 ter, Elva L. , and two sons, Matthew Willison and 
 Walter U. Samuel W. is by occupation a farmer; 
 in politics he is a Republican, in religion a United 
 Presbyterian; he is living at the old homestead. 
 (3) John Alexander Berry, youngest son of 
 Mathew, born in December, 1852, married Rachel 
 McNut, and their family consists of twodaughd'i>, 
 Ida May and Grace Hawthorn; by occupation 
 John A. is a merchant, and postmaster at Hens 
 tonville, Penn. ; in politics he is an ardent Repub 
 lican. 
 
 (VIII). James Berry, youngest son of William 
 Gilmore Berry, born March 22, 1827, was married 
 to Martha McConnell, February 22, 1846; she died 
 January 22, 1890; the family consisted of nine 
 children — five sons and four daughters their 
 names and dates of birth being as follows: Sarah 
 Jane, March 20, 1847; Martha, June HI, 1848; 
 William McConnell, October 21, 1849; James Car 
 son, June 20, 1851; Anna May, March 28, 1853; 
 Francis Alex, January :i, 1S5.">; John, January 28, 
 1858; Mary Margaret, April 9, 1859; David Paul, 
 October 28, L860. Of these Anna May, John and 
 Mary Margaret died in infancy. William, Sarah 
 and Maltha live at No. 400 West Pike street, 
 Canonsburg, Penn. ; James C. married Kate M. 
 Miller, November 1, 1881, and their family con- 
 sists of two children (they are living at Sheridan- 
 ville, Allegheny Co. , Penn.; he is a member of the 
 White Moton Planing Mill Co., Allegheny, Penn.); 
 Francis Alexander married Mary Elizabeth Mc 
 IVak, July 26, INS!) (by occupation he is a miller, 
 and he lives in Canonsburg, Penn.); David Paul 
 was married to Bertha Bigby, October 6, 1888 (by 
 occupation he is a house carpenter, and he lives at 
 Copeland, Penn.). 
 
 William Gilmore Berry began his business career 
 at Venice, Penn., working for some time at house 
 carpentry. -Soon, however, purchasing a small 
 farm and gristmill, he successfully managed them 
 for a number of years, improving the farm, erect 
 ing a new dwelling house and new mill, with in 
 creased capacity. About 1821 he purchased a 
 small Hock of Spanish Merino sheep from the cele 
 brated flock of W. R. Dickinson, of Steubenville, 
 Ohio, and from that date until he disposed of his 
 business interests his prominent industry was 
 sheep raising and wool growing. In order that he 
 might increase his flocks he purchased from time 
 to time a number of farms in Washington county 
 and in Ohio. The first purchase was the Nelson 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township; the second pur- 
 chase was, in company with his brother, John, a 
 farm of 200 acres near Cecil postoffice, in Wash- 
 ington county, known as the Gordon farm. Later 
 they purchased the Spencer farm of 200 acres on 
 Paint creek, Ross Co., Ohio, near the city of 
 
124 
 
 \Y.\slliXGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Chillicotbe. In 1834 he purchased in his own in- 
 terest a farm in Cecil township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., from James Watson, satin- containing 170 
 acres. In August, 1835. he purchased the " Peach 
 Garden" farm one mile south of Canonsburg, 
 Penn., containing 300 acres. He moved to this 
 farm his family (except his oldest son John) on the 
 last day of March, 1836, and lived for one year 
 in the home now occupied by S. W. Berry. Here 
 he made extensive improvements, building the 
 large brick dwelling now owned by Robert John- 
 ston, and very extensive and commodious farm 
 buildings. He purchased and operated the Canons 
 burg Mills for a number of years, with the land 
 adjoining, mostly now within the borough limits. 
 The aforementioned properties he disposed of from 
 time to time, his son William securing the north 
 end of the Peach Garden farm, while Matthew 
 procured the south end, the Canonsburg Mill prop 
 erty going to the youngest son, James. 
 
 William Gilmore Berry lived for a number of 
 years on the Peach Garden farm, but later moved 
 to Canonsburg, building the dwelling house at No. 
 104 West Pike street, where he resided until his 
 death October 26, 1866, in his eighty fifth year; 
 his wife, Jane, died February 25, 1848. He was 
 recognized as being a capable business man, set- 
 tling up a number of estates. Gov. Simon Snider 
 commissioned him justice of the peace for District 
 No. 5, composed of Cecil and Chartiers townships, 
 his commission bearing date December 13, 1815, 
 and to use the language of the commission for 
 "so long as you shall behave yourself well." He 
 held the office until he moved from the district in 
 March, 1836. He was a prominent Abolitionist, 
 and associated in this movement with such men as 
 Dr. F. Julius Le Moyne, Maj. Samuel McFarland, 
 W H. McNary, Joseph Lee and others. He gave 
 liberally of bis means to establish and maintain 
 the "Underground Railroad," which put many a 
 black man to the land north of the great lakes, 
 and he lived to read the Emancipation Proclama- 
 tion of President Lincoln. In politics he was 
 first a Democrat, afterward a Whig, then an Abo- 
 litionist, and later a Republican. In religion he 
 was a Presbyterian, in later life a member of the 
 Associate Reformed Church, and after the union a 
 United Presbyterian, a member of the Speer 
 Spring Congregation from its organization until 
 his death, and for a number of years was a ruling 
 elder in that congregation. 
 
 John Berry, the brother of William Gilmore, 
 was born in Colerain township, Lancaster Co., 
 Penn., March 29, 1S44, came to Washington 
 county when a boy with his father, John Berry. 
 He purchased from his father his farm of 251 acres 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington county, 
 where he lived until his death in 1 S7 1 . He was 
 married to Rachel Philips, and to them were born 
 
 six children — four sons and two daughters: Eliza, 
 Jonathan, John, Mary, William and Rev. Sam- 
 uel P. 
 
 Matthew Berry, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, is still engaged in his chosen vocation. He 
 has given the subject of breeding Merino sheep his 
 best thought, and made a success of the same, 
 making most marvelous improvements since he be- 
 gan the business as a shepherd under his father's 
 direction as a boy, and since he became owner of 
 the Hock, in 1847. Never being absent at breed 
 ing or shearing time since he began the business, 
 his aim has been to improve both the rleece and 
 mutton qualities of his sheep, until his reputation 
 as a " flock master" has become national in its char- 
 acter. A great number of flocks in various States 
 trace their origin to this flock, and among the many 
 famous "flock masters" in Washington county he 
 stands near the head. Mr. Berry never aspired to 
 public position in politics; he was first a Whig and 
 since the organization of the Republican party has 
 been a Republican. In religion he was first a 
 member of the Speer Spring Congregation Asso 
 ciate Reformed, and since the union has been a 
 United Presbyterian, and has been a member of the 
 First TJ. P. Church at Houstonville, Penn., since 
 its organization. 
 
 JfOHN N. McDONALD. Among the energetic 
 early settlers of Washington county the Mc- 
 ) Donald family, of whom this sketch treats, 
 was very prominently identified. 
 
 John McDonald (grandfather of John N.) 
 was born in eastern Pennsylvania, where he re- 
 ceived his educational training and grew to man 
 hood. He was married to Martha Noble, of the 
 same county, a daughter of the founder of Nobles- 
 town, Penn., and the young couple then came to 
 Washington county, locating, in 1775, in Robinson 
 township, on the farm still occupied by their de- 
 scendants. The children born to them were 
 James, Andrew, William, Alexander, Edward, 
 John, Margaret (Mrs. Glenn), Martha (Mrs. Alli- 
 son), Elizabeth (Mrs. Mitchell) and Mary (Mrs. 
 William Nesbit). The father of this family 
 passed the latter part of his life in improving the 
 home farm, and he cleared the meadow on which 
 an Indian trading post, was erected. He was a 
 federalist in politics, and in religious connection 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Can- 
 dor. 
 
 Edward McDonald (father of John N. ) was born 
 August 13. 1702, in Robinson township, this 
 county, where he was reared and educated and 
 passed his entire life. On April 27, 1819, he mar 
 tied Margaret Nesbit, of Allegheny county, Penn., 
 and she bore him children as follows: .John N. , 
 Nesbit, Martha (wife of the late Rev. J. M. Hast- 
 
/<£. /fe-'och-TX- 
 
 .^s^te. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNT) 
 
 127 
 
 iugs, of West Chester, Penu.), Hannah J., Eliza- 
 beth, Emily (married to Jacob H. Miller), James, 
 Edward and Margaret M. Mrs. McDonald died 
 in 1839, and in 1844 Edward McDonald married 
 Margaret B. Snodgraas, of Allegheny county, 
 Perm. Mr. McDonald followed farming and stock 
 raising, and in politics was a prominent worker in 
 the Whig party, serving as a member of the Legis- 
 lature and as a justice of the peace. In relig 
 ions faith he was an elder and trustee of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Candor. He died Max 30, 
 L867. 
 
 John N. McDonald was born February 10, 1820, 
 on the home farm, in Robinson township, this 
 county, and received a liberal subscription-school 
 education. On October 29, 18(52, he was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth .M., daughter of Maj. 
 William Lee, of Cross Creek township, Washing- 
 tun county, and the children born to this marriage 
 were: Edward, Jane Craig, Margaret (deceased), 
 William Lee (deceased) and J. Nesbit. After 
 their marriage Air. and Mrs. McDonald settled on 
 the home farm, where the family have since re- 
 sided, engaging in agricultural pursuits. He was 
 formerly a Whig, and upon the organization of the 
 Republican party became an active worker of that 
 body. 
 
 He served in the State Legislature of L853 
 and 1858, as a representative of Washington 
 county; was also a delegate to the Union State 
 Convention, in 185(5; a representative delegate in 
 the convention of 1868; a senatorial delegate in 
 1876, and again a representative delegate in the 
 conventions of 1880 and 1881. For many years 
 he had been a member of the board of trustees of 
 Washington and Jefferson College; and of his eflfi 
 ciency as a school director in his district, of the 
 work he did for the Presbyterian Church of .Me 
 Donald, and his interest in the cause of education 
 and religion generally, all who knew him were 
 aware. 
 
 In fact, it would require a volume to re- 
 cord all that he accomplished in these directions. 
 He was formerly a member and trustee of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Candor, but, in 1886 be- 
 came an elder of the First Presbyterian Church at 
 McDonald, Robinson township. John N. died 
 May 23, 1889, and was buried in the Raccoon 
 cemetery. 
 
 Edward McDonald, the eldest in the family of 
 John N. and Elizabeth M. (Lee) McDonald, was 
 born January 11, 1864, on the homestead at Mc- 
 Donald, Penn. In 1884 he graduated at Wash 
 ington and Jefferson College, and then returning 
 to the farm was taken into partnership with his 
 father in stock raising. In April, 1892, he was 
 elected president of the First National Bauk of 
 McDonald. 
 
 JAMES H. ALLEN, editor and publisher of 
 The Saturday Evening Supper Table, an in- 
 teresting illustrated weekly published at the 
 office No. 61 N. Main street, Washington, 
 Penn., was born in that town, July 21, 1857. His 
 grandfather Allen came with his family from Eng 
 land to this country, and to Washington county 
 in 1829. 
 
 John Allen, father of James H. , was a native of 
 Lancashire, England, and was about thirteen 
 years old when brought to this country by his 
 parents. In Baltimore, Md , he learned the trade 
 of shoemaker, which he afterward followed in 
 Washington, in connection with a shoestore. But 
 for fifteen years prior to his death he carried on a 
 confectionery business on South Main street, Wash 
 ington. In 184."> John Allen was united in mar 
 riage with .Mis-. Melvina Moffat, a native of this 
 county, and seven children were born to them, viz. : 
 William, died young; Lydia, unmarried; Jennie 
 M., married to Robert M. Cordon, of Wayuesbuig, 
 Penu. ; and Ella ML, James H, Clark J. and Birdie 
 M., all in Washington, Lydia, Ella, Birdie and 
 Clark living together. In 1871, one evening while 
 Mrs. Allen, the mother, was preparing to go to 
 prayer meeting, the house was struck by lightning, 
 and she was instantly killed in her forty-ninth year. 
 At 5 o'clock in the evening of April 16, 1886, the 
 father was taken ill with neuralgia of the heart, 
 and at 10 o'clock, the same night, lie expired. He 
 was a large man, good-natured and jovial, and had 
 a very wide circle of friends. He aud his wife 
 were members of the M. E. Church, but in his 
 later years he identified himself with the Method 
 ist Protestant Church, in which he held office. 
 Socially, he was one of the oldest members of the 
 I. O. O. F. in the county, being one of the charter 
 members of Lodge No. 81, Washington; he had 
 taken all the Chairs, and for several consecutive 
 years was a delegate to various Grand Lodges. 
 Politically, he was an ardent Republican, from the 
 time of the formation of that party. 
 
 James H. Allen received his education at the 
 Uniou School in Washington, and when a lad of 
 about seventeen summers entered the office of the 
 Advance in the capacity of "'devil." Two- weeks' 
 revelry in that Arcadian employment showed the 
 stuff young James was made of, and he very prob- 
 ably received prompt promotion; a few months 
 later we find him " stickingtype " in the job room, 
 his banner bearing the aspiring device — "Excel- 
 sior." A year or more later the paper ^changed 
 hands and name, simultaneously, its new title 
 being Observer, and Mr. Allen was further pro- 
 moted to foreman of the news room, a position he 
 filled with characteristic ability for several years; 
 he was also manager of the job room for some con- 
 siderable time. On May 30, 1885, he launched 
 
128 
 
 1 1 '. 1 SH1±X G TON UOUN T Y. 
 
 into the world, for weal or for woe, the interesting 
 and neatly got tri i up, well-edited sheet, The Satur- 
 day Evening Supper Table, which has proven 
 a marked success, and is steadily growing in pat- 
 ronage. At its birth it was a four-page 10x12 
 sheet, now it has sixteen pages, 10x14. "May its 
 shadow never grow less!" 
 
 On January 29, 1890, Mr. Allen was married to 
 Lillian 11., daughter of W. A. Bane, of the firm of 
 Bane Bros., Washington. Politically, our subject 
 is a Republican, and in the spring of 1892 he was 
 elected a justice of the peace in a Democratic 
 township, polling the largest vote of any man on 
 Ins ticket. Socially, he is a member of the Im- 
 proved Order of Heptasoplis, and is a charter 
 member of the Junior O. U. A. M. Mr. Allen is 
 a great grandson of Massy Harbison, who expe 
 rienceil a marvelous escape from the barbarity of 
 the Indians in 1792. of which the following is a 
 concise account: 
 
 Mass)' Harbison was born in Arnwell township, 
 Somerset Co , N. J., March 18, 1770. Herfather, 
 Edward White, was a Revolutionary soldier, who 
 after the war (in 1783) removed to where is now 
 Brownsville, this county. Here Massy lived with 
 her father until her marriage, which event for some 
 reason caused his displeasure, and Massy and her 
 husband moved to the banks of the Allegheny, 
 settling on the headwaters of Chartiers creek, 
 where they did extremely well from 1779 till the 
 breaking out of the Indian war in March, 1791, 
 when they lost all their hard-earned possessions. 
 In about a year thereafter her husband was ap- 
 pointed to the dangerous post of a spy, and ordered 
 into the woods to watch the movements of the In- 
 dians; but nothing for a long time was seen of a 
 nature to excite alarm. The Redskins frequently 
 visited the house of John and Massy Harbison to 
 receive refreshments and to lodge, and all the sur- 
 roundings indicated peace and quiet. On the 
 night of May 21, 1792, two of the spies, James 
 David and Sutton, came to lodge at the Har- 
 bison's house, and at daybreak of the following 
 morning, when the horn blew at the blockhouse, 
 the two men went out. Massy was awake at the 
 time, 'out fell asleep again, and the first thing she 
 realized afterward was that some Indians were 
 pulling her out of bed by the feet. Sue then 
 looked up and saw that the house was full of sav 
 ages, each one having a gun in his left hand and a 
 tomahawk in his right. She immediately jumped 
 to the floor on her feet, with her young child in 
 her arms, and while her assailants were busy 
 plundering the house she made for the door and 
 succeeded in getting outside with the one child in 
 her arms, and another held by the hand, one little 
 boy being still inside the cabin. By this time the 
 blockhouse was alarmed by her screams, and a 
 general tight ensued, during which the Indians 
 
 beat a retreat; but before leaving the Harbison 
 dwelling they dashed out the brains of the boy 
 that was left inside, simply because he cried. 
 Taking Massy and her two remaining children 
 with them (one of the savages having claimed her 
 as his squaw), the party marched to the top of the 
 bank, where they made a halt in order to divide 
 among themselves (thirty-two in number) the 
 plunder which they had taken from the house. 
 They then proceeded on their journey toward the 
 mouth of the Kiskimiuetas, Massy and her chil 
 dren being mounted on one of two horses which 
 the Indians had in the meantime captured from 
 her uncle, John Carrie. When they arrived at 
 the bank that descended toward the Alleghen)', 
 there appearing to be so much danger in descend, 
 ing it on horseback. Massy threw herself off the 
 horse with her two children, and here the elder of 
 the little boys beginning to cry, and complain of 
 having been hurt, the Indians deliberately mur- 
 dured him. At this horrible sight the mother fell 
 to the ground in a swoon, her infant still in her 
 arms, but after severely castigating her with rods 
 the savages assisted her to rise to her feet. Again 
 proceeding on their journey, crossing Little 
 Buffalo creek at the very spot where B. Sarver's 
 mill now stands, they finally arrived at an Indian 
 camp at the Salt Lick of the Conequessing, about 
 two miles above where is now the town of Butler. 
 Here Massy and her baby boy were closely watched 
 and barbarously treated until Monday following, 
 when they moved her to another camp in the same 
 valley. 
 
 Next morning, by a most heroic effort, and at 
 the imminent risk of her own life and that of her 
 babe, the heroine of this adventure succeeded in 
 making her escape, taking a direction from where 
 she knew by the sun her old home lay, and lying 
 concealed from time to time in the woods, her 
 couch by night being made of leaves she had gath- 
 ered. Encountering innumerable perils, one 
 night having a vary narrow escape from recapture 
 by an Indian who had succeeded so far in follow- 
 ing up her trail, the courageous woman and de 
 voted mother sped on her way, now in a homeward 
 direction, till wet, weary and exhausted hungry 
 and wretched, she found herself on the morning of 
 May 27 at the headwaters of fine creek, which 
 falls into the Allegheny about four miles above 
 Pittsburgh, though she did not then know where 
 she was. After some wandering about she struck 
 a trail on Squaw run, which she followed, and just 
 as she was about to succumb through hunger, ex- 
 haustion and exposure to the weather, her wearied 
 eyes were suddenly gladdened by the sight of an 
 uninhabited cabin. Presently she heard the wel- 
 come sound of a distant cowbell, and on proceeding 
 in the direction it appeared to come from, she 
 presently descried three white men on the opposite 
 
ii ASHlNGTON COUNTY. 
 
 129 
 
 hank of the creek. Making her presence known 
 to them by calling as loud as her weak condition 
 would enable her, one of the men, James Closier, 
 ~,.ii>n had her in his canoe, and ere long she found 
 herself and infant in the willing hands of kind 
 friends who gently cared for her and nursed her 
 back to health and Btrength, and to her grief 
 stricken husband. The John Olosier alluded to 
 was one of her nearest neighbors, yet in tin six 
 days from the time of her capture by the Indians, 
 ^she vvas so altered that he failed to recognize her 
 either by her voice or countenance. The infant that 
 shared with its mother the horrors and hardships 
 of those six days, was John Harbison, who lived to 
 the patriarchal age of ninety-three years, dying at 
 Cedar Rapids a few years ago. Massy was a good 
 rirle shot, and during the Indian fights at the block 
 house, she would take her rifle and bravely do Inn- 
 part in defending it. She died at Freeport. I'enn.. 
 her husband having preceded her to (In- gr;i\e l>\ 
 some few years. 
 
 OBERT W. DAVIS. M. D., a well known 
 and prominent native born citizen of Wash 
 ingtou county, lirst saw the liglit in Hope 
 well township, October 19, 1832. He is a 
 sou of Samuel and Nancy (Hamilton) Davis, 
 natives of Washington county, where his grand 
 parents died before he was born. They had a 
 large family, all long since called to their last 
 homes. 
 
 Samuel Davis, father of subject, was a farmer 
 by occupation, and also kept hotel for many years. 
 The Middletown road, which was laid out by the 
 Government in 1814, was the chief thoroughfare in 
 use for the conveyance of military supplies be- 
 tween Fort Redstone and Wellsburg during the 
 war of that period, and this hotel was the only one 
 between Washington and Middletown. Samuel 
 Davis was married to Nancy Hamilton, who was 
 descended from Scotch Irish ancestry, and they 
 had seven children, as follows: John, who died in 
 Kansas in 1888; William, who died in 1892, near 
 Cambridge, Ohio; Hugh, in Ogle county, 111. ; 
 Mary, deceased wife of John Caldwell; Samuel 
 and Hamilton, both deceased, and Robert W. In 
 1864 the father died, the mother in 1S73, aged 
 seventy-six years. 
 
 Robert W. Davis was reared to manhood on his 
 father's farm, receiving his primary education at 
 the common schools of his district, after which he 
 attended Washington and Jefferson College. He 
 read medicine with Dr. John Russell Wilson, and 
 attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, 
 Philadelphia, but his occupation has been chiefly 
 farming. In 1N55 the Doctor married Mary Ann, 
 daughter of James Spriggs, of Washington, and 
 by her had four children: James Samuel, who died 
 
 at the age of twenty veins; Harry H. , now living 
 in Washington, Penn. ; Robert W., on the farm in 
 Canton township, and one that died in infancy, un- 
 named. The mother of these children died in 
 1869, and in 1871 Dr. Davis was united in mar- 
 riage with Mrs. Susanna Coulter, of Allegheny 
 county, Penn., the mother, by her first marriage, 
 of two daughters, one now deceased, and one 
 married to John Craig, of Keokuk, Iowa. By 
 this last union Dr. Davis has no children. He 
 owns a tine farm in Canton township, situated 
 about two and one half miles from Washington, on 
 the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and his home since 
 his marriage has been on West Chestnut street, in 
 the borough. Politically he was originally a Whig, 
 then, on the formation of the party, a stanch Re- 
 publican. He was formerly connected with the 
 First Presbyterian Church, but is now a member 
 and trustee of the Third Presbyterian Church. 
 
 IiAMES C. ACHESON. No family can boast 
 ^ I a prouder lineage, or are more worthy repre- 
 M sentatives of an honored race, than those eit 
 izens of Washington county who bear the 
 inline of Acheson. Their ancestors were origiually 
 natives of Scotland, who in lliOl moved to County 
 Armagh, Ireland. In 1776 Sir Archibald Acheson 
 became Baron Gosford, subsequently receiving the 
 title of "viscount.'' The descendants of the fam- 
 ily, who afterward emigrated to America, resided 
 on the family estate at Glassdrtiminond, in County 
 Armagh. 
 
 George Acheson, a lineal ancestor of the Wash 
 ington county family, was born in 1724. He was 
 married to Elizabeth, daughter of David Weir, a 
 merchant of Belfast, Ireland, and she bore him 
 seven children, viz. : George, John, Thomas, Will- 
 iam, Hannah, Ellen and David. Of these children 
 George and William died on the homestead in Ire- 
 land; the others all came to America and settled 
 here. The father died in July, 18P2, having been 
 preceded to the grave by his wife July 29, 1808. 
 
 John Acheson came to America before the close 
 of the Revolutionary war, and commenced trading; 
 was also employed by the United States Govern 
 ment to furnish the National troops with supplies 
 during the Indian wars. He died in 1790 (while 
 crossing the Alleghany mountains on horseback), 
 leaving a widow and two daughters in Ireland. In 
 1807 the youngest daughter came to America, and 
 lived with her uncle David. 
 
 David Acheson, youngest son of George, and 
 brother of John, was born in 1770, coming with 
 his brothers to America in 1788, first locating in 
 Philadelphia, Penn. He brought the following 
 letter from the pastorof his father's church: "The 
 bearer, David Acheson, intending to remove to 
 North America, this, therefore, is to certify that he 
 
130 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 is a young man of sober and good conduct, and 
 son of Mr. George Acheson, an elder of the Seced- 
 ing Congregation of Market Hill, in the County of 
 Armagh, Ireland. This is given under my hand 
 (his 30th of April, 1788. David Arnott, Minister." 
 Alter arriving in America, David Acheson assisted 
 his brother John in furnishing supplies for the 
 United States army, continuing in that business 
 until the death of Johu. Among the papers yet in 
 possession of the family are accounts of mercantile 
 trips made by the brothers, in 1790 and 1791, from 
 Pittsburgh to New Orleans, also a letter written by 
 the Spanish authorities (in that language) permit 
 ting David Acheson to transact business in their 
 territory. He began the study of law with James 
 Ross after the death of his brother, but did not 
 continue it; then joined in business pursuits with 
 his brother Thomas. They were largely interested 
 in the tea trade at Pittsburgh and Washington. 
 In 1795, L797 and 1804 David Acheson represented 
 Washington county in the State Legislature, hav- 
 ing been elected by the Democratic party. Early 
 in the year 1799 David Acheson was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel 
 Young, of Philadelphia. She died February 27, 
 1800, leaving an infant daughter, Eliza Young (af- 
 terward Mrs. Woodward), who was reared by her 
 grandmother in Philadelphia and died in Cleve- 
 land, Ohio. In November, 1802, he visited the old 
 country, remaining about six months in England 
 and Ireland. On October 31, 1805, he was united 
 in marriage with Mary, daughter of John Wilson, 
 of Washington, Penn., a native of Ireland. They 
 immediately made their home in Philadelphia, re 
 turning to Washington in 1815. The children of 
 this family were born as follows: John (who died 
 in 1X33 in Arkansas), Alexander W. (who became 
 judge, and died in Washington county), Catherine 
 (deceased wife of William V. Davis of Lancaster, 
 Penn.), David (died in 1820), Mary Jane (married 
 to Joseph MoKnight, of Pittsburgh, Penn. , and died 
 in 1843), Margaret, William (died in 1873, in Arm 
 strong county, Penn.), George (studied law with 
 his brother Alexander W. Acheson, and he and C. 
 W. Slagle, of Washington, were both admitted to 
 the liar in the spring of 1843, and they at once 
 proceeded to Iowa, settling in Fairfield and entering 
 partnership for the practice of law, which partner- 
 ship continued for thirty-eight years, or until the 
 death of George Acheson in the spring of 188 1 . 
 Mr. Slagle died one year later. They were the 
 oldest law firm in Iowa), James G. (of whom special 
 mention is made further on), Ellen (wife of Rev. 
 Dr. Brownson), Marcus W. (an attorney, was judge 
 of district court of western Pennsylvania for ten 
 years, in L891 succeeding Judge McKenuan as cir- 
 cuit judge), and David (living in Pittsburgh, 
 Pennsylvania). 
 After his return lo Washington, Penn., David 
 
 Acheson erected his elegant home where Jonathan 
 Allison is now living. Mr. Acheson entered busi- 
 ness at Washington, but, some investments in real 
 estate having failed, he soon retired from active 
 life. In 1840, then over seventy years of age, he 
 made another trip to Ireland, returning to America 
 two years later. In 1848 he was seized with a 
 paralytic stroke, but lingered until December 1. 
 IS.) I, when death relieved him; his widow passed 
 away August 2, 1872, aged eighty-five years. The 
 following obituary notice appeared in one of the 
 papers: ''He was an accurate and close observer of 
 public and political affairs as connected not only 
 with our own Government, but with the prominent 
 nations of Europe, of the diplomacy of which, as 
 well as of their policy, there were but few private 
 men of his day, retiring and unobtrusive as he 
 was, who better understood or could more accurate 
 ly delineate. His judgment and conclusions, 
 which were always deliberate and well matured by 
 his deep-thinking, strong mind, were valuable and 
 very highly esteemed by those acquainted with 
 him, whether in public or private life. Thus during 
 the period of vigorous manhood he enjoyed a most 
 extensive popularity and influence in the State of 
 Pennsylvania particularly, and with many of her 
 most distinguished individuals, in her political 
 party history and government, he was on the 
 closest terms of intimacy ; hence his opinions and 
 counsels were always much sought after and great- 
 ly valued. As a private friend and in social life, 
 Mr. Acheson was a man of ardent and sincere at- 
 tachments, and where personal effort or labor were 
 needed he never faltered or shrunk by reason of 
 apparent difficulty or threatened danger, ever 
 ready and willing to serve his friends at whatever 
 responsibility or personal risk by day or night, at 
 home or abroad." 
 
 The surviving children of David and Mary 
 Acheson, lor the first time after a lapse of over thirty- 
 years, all met at the old homestead in Washing 
 ton, on the occasion of the death of their mother. 
 Her funeral took place August 4, 1872, and the 
 day following they repaired to the graves of their 
 parents, in Washington cemetery, and there agreed 
 that they, and the survivors of them and the last 
 survivor, would annually revisit the graves of their 
 parents on October 31, the anniversary of their 
 marriage. 
 
 James C. Acheson was born February 13, IS'24, 
 in Washington, Penn. He attended the common 
 schools of his native borough, and also studied at 
 college, but did not graduate. At the age of six 
 teen years he left home, and clerked for a time in 
 a store at Pittsburgh, Penn., afterward one year in 
 Wheeling, W. Va., in a similar capacity. In 1842 
 he returned to Washington, and the following year 
 began clerking for his brother William, who bad 
 opened a grocerj business in Washington, .lames 
 
WASllIXGTOX CUCXTY. 
 
 131 
 
 C. afterward became his brother's partner, and in 
 
 1863 bought the entire store, which he has since 
 conducted. He was thrice married; first time 
 April 20, 1847, to Elizabeth Wilson, who bore him 
 four children, two of whom are now living: Mary 
 (at home), and Anna (Mrs. Henry Dongan, of 
 Washington). This wife dying in 1855, Mr. Ache- 
 son married, October 1, 1857, Mary E. Mahon, a 
 teacher in Washington Seminary. She died in 
 I860, leaving two children, one of whom is now 
 deceased, the other, Alexander M. , being a civil 
 engineer on the Texas branch of the Missouri, 
 Kansas & Texas Railroad. For his third wife 
 .lames C. Acheson married, September 1, 1863, 
 Mary F. Bureau, granddaughter of an early 
 French settler of Gallipolis, Ohio. Five children 
 have been born to this last marriage, namely: 
 Madeleine (Mrs. Frederick S. Rich, in Oil City, 
 Penn.), Margaret B., Grace O, C. L. Valcaulon 
 and Eleanor W. , the latter four yet living at home. 
 Since the Kansas trouble, in 1856, Mr. Acheson 
 has been a Republican, and during the war of the 
 Rebellion the family were all Union men, some of 
 them serving in the army. He is a F. & A. M. 
 an 1 at one time was district deputy grand master. 
 In religion he is a member of and elder in the 
 Presbyterian Church, and has served twenty nine 
 consecutive years as superintendent of the Sabbath- 
 school. In municipal matters, be has served as a 
 member of the borough council. Mr. Aches us 
 success in life is due to earnest effort, his whole 
 tira< being devoted to the business in which he is 
 engaged, 
 
 ILLIAM BUCHANAN CHAMBERS, 
 
 treasurer of Washington county, and one 
 of its most efficient, courteous and pains 
 taking officials, was elected in 1890 to the 
 position he so ably fills, his term expiring January 
 1, 1894. 
 
 John Chambers, father of subject, was born in 
 South Strabane township, this county, September 
 fi, 1813, and in early life learned the trade of 
 blacksmith, which he for a time followed, but on 
 coming of age he abandoned the anvil for the 
 counter, embarking in mercantile business in Buf- 
 falo village. Here he remained till 1830, when he 
 removed to Canonsburg and opened out a store for 
 the sale of general merchandise, which he con- 
 ducted up to the time of his death. He was twice 
 married ; first time to Miss Catherine, daughter of 
 Josiah Ramsey, of South Strabane township, by 
 which union there were children as follows: 
 Martha, wife of Dr. W. G. Keady. a Presbyterian 
 minister, of Greensboro, Ala. ; Josiah R., who died 
 in 1886 (his family are now residents of Washing- 
 ton county); John S., in Leavenworth, Kans. ; 
 Nannie H. , widow of Merrick S. McCloy, of 
 
 Canonsburg (she has one child, Walter L.); 
 William B. , of whom special mention will be 
 presently made; and Dora A., wife of A. B. Gal 
 braith, of Allegheny City. The mother of this 
 family died in 1S51 in Canonsburg, and Mr. Cham 
 bers married, for his second wife, Mrs. B. P. Mc 
 Conneil !//" Watson), a widow lady who had one 
 child by her first husband, Annie, who was married 
 to John Gamble, of Nottingham township. By 
 Mr. Chambers' second marriage there is one child, 
 Ida May, now living with the subject of this 
 sketch at his home in Canonsburg. John Cham 
 bers was a Democrat, and had held borough offices; 
 he died October 26, 1885, a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church. His second wife died November 
 9, 1891. 
 
 William Buchanan Chambers was born in 
 Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn. , August 14, 
 1850, and received his education at the common 
 schools of that borough, afterward attending Wash 
 ington and Jefferson College to the clo^e of the 
 freshman year. His vacations he spent in his 
 father's store, gaining an insight into commercial 
 routine, but soon after leaving college he moved to 
 McDonald Station, same county, where he was en- 
 gaged as clerk in store of J. D. Sauters, and here 
 he remained five years. Thence he proceeded to 
 Pittsburgh, and clerked in a grocery store there 
 two years, for the Valley Milk Co., after which he 
 came. January 1, 1880. to Washington to till the 
 position of deputy sheriff, under George Perritte, 
 who was then sheriff of the county. Mr. Perritte 
 he succeeded, being elected sheriff in 1882, and 
 served three years— from January 1, 1883, to Jan- 
 uary 1, 1886. At the expiration of his term he 
 was appointed chief U. S. deputy marshal, under 
 George W. Miller, marshal for the Western Dis- 
 trict of Pennsylvania, serving four years, and on 
 the latter' s removal, continued in office four months 
 longer, under the present marshal, but being a 
 Democrat, and the Government Republican, he was 
 removed. He then returned to Canonsburg, where 
 he remained unemployed until his election to his 
 present incumbency, overcoming a nominal Repub- 
 lican majority of 1,800, the first Democratic treas- 
 urer elected in the past twenty-five years. Our sub- 
 ject is the only Democratic county official. Wash 
 ington being strongly Republican. While a stu- 
 dent at college, he was a member of the Phi 
 Kappa Sigma Fraternity, and of the Philo-Union 
 Literary Society of Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 lege. His esteem and worth as a public officer were 
 recognized at a banquet held by the Washington 
 county bar, on his retirement from the office of 
 sheriff, on which occasion Alexander Wilson, Esq., 
 offered the following sentiment, which was unani 
 mously accepted by the assemblage: 
 
 William B. CJinmbem, E»q.:— A faithful officer, fearless 
 in the- discharge of his duties, pleasant in his intercourse 
 
132 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 with li is fellow citizens, kind and obliging to the mem- 
 bers of the bar and officers of the court. He retires from 
 
 it dice of High Sherifl of Washington county with an 
 
 honorable record for purity and integrity, and with the 
 best wishes of all who have had official and personal in 
 tercourse with him. 
 
 J | AMES GORDON SLOAN, M. D., one of the 
 leading popular physicians of Washington 
 | county, was born ai Frankfort, Beaver Co., 
 
 Penn", January IS, 1841. 
 
 His paternal and maternal aucestors wen' 
 from the North of Ireland. His paternal grand 
 parents, .lames Sloan and wife, came from County 
 Tyrone, Ireland, to Washington county, Penn., in 
 1801, and settled on a farm near West Middletown, 
 in Hopewell township, where they passed the rest 
 of their pioneer lives, dying at an advanced age. 
 They were Presbyterians of the Covenanter school. 
 Their children who reached the age of maturity 
 were Jane (who died unmarried), Robert (who 
 married, but had no children), James (father of our 
 subject), Eliza (married, but had no children), and 
 John C. (married, and had six children; he was 
 prominent in politics, and represented Washing 
 ton county in the Legislature; was also a promi 
 nent farmer). 
 
 James Sloan, son of James the pioneer of the 
 family, was born on the old homestead farm of his 
 father, in Hopewell township. He was twice mar 
 ried, first in 1832, to Miss Sarah Liudsey, by whom 
 he had one daughter, who became the wile of R. 
 C. Mcllvain, of Somerset township, Washington 
 county, a cousin of Judge John A. Mcllvaine. 
 Mrs. Sarah Liudsey Sloan dying one year after 
 her marriage, her bereaved husband, for his sec- 
 ond wife, was united in marriage in 1840 with Miss 
 Margaret Gordon, by which union there were two 
 children: James G., and Martha A., the hitter of 
 whom died at the age of nine years. 
 
 James Gordon Sloan was educated in the com 
 men school of Mordecai Hoge, in Somerset town 
 ship, Washington Co.. Penn., then attended the acad 
 emv of Hon. John C. Messenger, at Hoge's Summit 
 In 1859 he entered Jefferson College, Canonsburg, 
 graduating therefrom August 7, 1862. On August 
 13, same year, he enlisted in Company G, One Hun 
 dred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Capt. 
 John Fraser, professor of mathematics in Jeffer 
 son College. Our subject served until I he close of 
 the war, having participated in the battles of 
 Chancellorsville. Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spott 
 sylvania and Cold Harbor, and was present at the 
 surrender of Gen. Lee to Gen. Grant. His 
 credentials from his company, regimental, divisional 
 and corps commanders — Capt. Bingham, Brevet 
 Brig. Gen. Fraser, Gen. John C. Caldwell, Divis 
 ion Commander and Maj.-Gen. W. S. Hancock — 
 all testify to his faithful service and bravery as a 
 
 soldier. At the close of the war he received an 
 appointment in the Interior Department, Land 
 Office Bureau, at Washington, where he remained 
 four years. He read medicine with Dr. Johnson 
 Eliott, of Washington. D. C, attended medical 
 lectures at Georgetown College, Washington, D. 
 C , and graduated in 1809. The Doctor first be- 
 gan the practice of his profession in Fayette City, 
 Payette Co., Penn., and in 1N74 removed to Mo- 
 nongahela, where he has been actively and success- 
 fully engaged in the practice of medicine. 
 
 On July 5, 1866, Dr. Sloan was married to Miss 
 Carrie M. Hamilton, who was born near Munn 
 town. Washington Co., Penn., daughter of Alex- 
 ander ami Elizabeth (Bushager) Hamilton, who 
 were members of the Presbyterian Chinch at 
 Pigeon Creek, of which Mr. Hamilton was a ruling 
 elder a number of years. Dr. and Mrs. Sloan 
 have one daughter, Margaret Gordon, wife of Dr. 
 W. W. Medill, a graduate of Washington College, 
 now a practicing physician in Denver, Colo. Dr. 
 Sloan is one of the pension surgeons for Washing 
 ton count v. 
 
 
 
 THE MURDOCH FAMILY trace their line 
 age to one John Murdoch, a native of Scot 
 land, who came from Carlisle, Penn., to 
 North Strabane township, Washington 
 county, in 1?78. His third son, Alexander 
 Murdoch, was born in 1770, on the home farm 
 i ear Carlisle, where his earliest boyhood was 
 passed. He accompanied the family to Washing 
 ton county, and when a young man purchased the 
 Canonsburg mills, together with a large tract of 
 land adjoining them. From these mills he loaded 
 two large Hat boats with Hour and saddlery, land 
 ing them safely in New Orleans; then returned on 
 horseback through the unbroken wilderness. In 
 1803 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth. 
 daughter of Rev. Matthew Henderson, of Char- 
 tiers township. In 1809 he received an appoint- 
 ment, from the governor, as prothonotary of the 
 court of common pleas of Washington county, 
 serving in that office until 1819. Upon acceptance 
 of this position he sold his property in Canons 
 burg, and, moving to Washington, in 1S'_''J erected 
 a house which is now a part of the " Hotel Main." 
 He resided there until 1828, during which time he 
 was engaged in mercantile enterprises, then pur 
 chased 100 acres known as the " Morgan za tract,'' 
 
 located lw liles from Canonsburg. In 1828 he 
 
 and his family moved to this place, and he died in 
 1836; his widow passed her last days in Canons 
 burg, where she was laid to rest in March, 1863, 
 at the age of eighty three years. They were the 
 parents of eleven children, of whom are named : 
 Ma iv M.. widow of Hon. J. L. Gow, of Washing- 
 ton; Mrs Sarah B. Musser. of Nelsonville, Ohio; 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 133 
 
 Mrs. E. W. Wilson, of Moberly, Mo.; Anna, also 
 living in Moberly, Mo. ; and Alexander, a lawyer 
 of Washington, Penu. The latter practiced law 
 with his brother-in-law, J. L. Gow, and in April, 
 1861, received the appointment, from President 
 Lincoln, as United States marshal of western 
 Pennsylvania. After serving one term he was 
 again appointed, remaining two years, and, and in 
 March. 1869, was selected, by President Grant, 
 to again till that position, which he resigned in 
 December, 1872. His sou, John H. , is a lawyer 
 and a credit to his father. 
 
 *jr\EV. JAMES HENRY SNOWDEN, pastor 
 |W7 of the Second Presbyterian Church, of 
 
 I V Washington, was born in Hookstown, Bea- 
 Jj » verCo., Penn., October 18,1852. He is a 
 v son of William and Violetta (Thayer) 
 
 Saowden, both natives of Hancock county, W. Va., 
 whence they removed to Hookstown, Penn., and 
 from there, in 1865, to Wellsville, Ohio, where Ihey 
 still reside. Mr. Suowden being engaged in the 
 wall paper business. 
 
 The subject of this memoir received his primary 
 education in the country school of his native place. 
 and in the Wellsville High School. He early de 
 veloped remarkable mechanical gifts, and while a 
 lad constructed a small working steam engine. 
 which he still keeps with pride. In his youth he 
 worked in his father's cabinet-making shop, and 
 virtually acquired this trade. His deeper inclina- 
 tion, however, led him to seek a higher education. 
 After teaching a year in the Wellsville common 
 school, and preparing himself in Greek, he entered 
 Washington and Jefferson College in the fall of 
 1872. Here he took high rank as a student, in 
 his senior year won the debate on the annual con- 
 test, and graduated with the first honorof his class 
 in 1875. In the fall of the same year he entered 
 the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, 
 Penn., where he maintained his high scholarship, 
 receiving two prizes of 1100 each for superior pro- 
 ficiency in Hebrew, and where he graduated in 
 1878. 
 
 Mr. Snowden was licensed to preach by the 
 Presbytery of Steubenville, April 24, 1877. Hav- 
 ing received a call from the church of Huron, Ohio, 
 he was ordained and installed pastor by the Pres- 
 bytery of Huron on May 6, 1879. In this charge 
 he remained four years, when he accepted a call 
 from the Presbyterian Church, of Sharon, Penn. 
 After a successful pastorate of three years in this 
 field, he accepted a call, in 1886, from the Second 
 Presbyterian Church, of Washington, his present 
 charge. His ministry in this important church 
 has been remarkably blessed. During the last four 
 years nn average of nearly one hundred accessions 
 a year hav*j been added to its membership, which 
 
 has grown during the present pastorate from 375 
 to 650 members, crowding the auditorium of the 
 new church to its utmost capacity. This is now 
 the largest church of any denomination in Wash 
 ington county. 
 
 On August 1, 1878, Mr. Snowden was united in 
 marriage with Miss Mary A. Ross, daughter of 
 William and Abigail Ross, of Wellsville, Ohio. 
 Three children have come to bless their home: 
 Grace, born in Huron, Ohio, May 23, 1879; Roy 
 Ross, born in Sharon, Penn., April 22, 1885; and 
 Harold Winters, horn in Washington, Penn., Jan 
 uary2, 1889. 
 
 Mr. Snowden has a fine library, and has read 
 widely in modern science and English literature. 
 His sermons are clear and logical, popular and 
 practical, containing many short sentences and 
 striking statements of truth, and abounding in il 
 lustrations drawn from literature and life. 
 
 ( ILLIAM P. CHERRY, sheriff of Wash- 
 ington county, was born May 8, 1839, in 
 MountPleasant township. He is a grand- 
 son of Edward Cherry, who was a native 
 of Scotland, having emigrated to Wash 
 ington county at an early day. 
 
 Aaron Cherry, father of subject, was born on a 
 farm in "Cherry Valley," Washington county, and 
 learned the carpenter' sand cooper's trades. When 
 a young man he was married to Margaret, daughter 
 of John Benward, of Lancaster county. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Cherry began wedded life on a farm in Mt. 
 Pleasant township. After raising a large family, 
 they moved to Urichsville, Ohio, where he followed 
 his trade in connection with farming, making a 
 specialty of violins and other fine musical instru- 
 ments. He was a member of the U. P. Church, 
 and died at Urichsville, in 1875. at the age of six 
 ty-tive years. The old house is yet standing, and 
 the mantels, which are in an excellent state of pies 
 ervation. are fine specimens of his handiwork. A 
 part of the home is owned by his brother Edward 
 P., who died in December, 1892. Since then that 
 portion has become the property of our subject. 
 
 William P. Cherry grew to manhood on the farm 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, then learned the wagon 
 and carriage making business at Hickory, Wash- 
 ington county. He first began business at Clokey- 
 ville, Washington county; then worked two years 
 at Noblestown, being afterward in the employ of 
 John Hallam, of Washington, for a time. In 
 August, 1862, he enlisted in Company F, One 
 Hundred and Thirty ninth P. V. I., under Col. 
 Caldyer, of Pittsburgh. He took part in the fol- 
 lowing engagements: second battle of Bull Run, 
 Harper's Ferry, Antietam, Fredericksburg and 
 Gettysburg, his regiment having been badly broken 
 during the last mentioned battle. At the battle 
 
134 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 of Mine Run, December 1, 1863, he was struck- in 
 the left breast by a minie-ball, which passed through 
 the lung and Lodged in his hack, where it has yet 
 remained, and still causes him some trouble. In 
 1863 he was captured by the enemy, and first 
 taken to Belle Isle, where he was confined three 
 months, then to Andersonville prison, where he re- 
 mained seven months, thence to Savannah, Ga., 
 where he was exchanged and three months later 
 went home on a furlough. Some time after he re- 
 turned to his regiment, and remained until the 
 close of the war. On December 25, 1865, he se- 
 lected a life companion in the person of Harriet 
 E., daughter of John and Mary McBane. who 
 came from Soot-land to Pittsburgh, Penn., where 
 he died. To the union of William P. and Harriet 
 E. Cherry four children were born, namely: Ade- 
 laide, who died in infancy; Birdie S. ; Lillian, and 
 William, a graduate of Washington Business Col- 
 lege, and now assistant deputy for his father. In 
 186(1 Mr. Cherry was foreman of the Penn St. R. 
 R. line, occupying that position for some time. 
 Mr. Cherry left Pittsburgh and moved to West 
 Liberty, Washington Co., Penn., in 1869, where 
 he wurked as a journeyman; then opened a general 
 carriage business at, Sodom, Allegheny Co., Penn.; 
 thence he moved to Houstonville, Penn., and con-' 
 ducted an extensive business for eight years; 
 then moved to East Bethlehem township, and 
 conducted business for seven years. In 18NS he 
 was appointed deputy sheriff under George B. 
 Lockhart, and in 1891 became sheriff of Washing- 
 ton county, which position he is now occupying. 
 Sheriff Cherry has filled township offices, and is a 
 member of William Harton Post. No. 519, G. A. 
 R., at Centreville He is also a member of the 
 U. V. TJ., and of the I. 0. O. F. In church rela- 
 tions he is identified with the Jefferson Avenue 
 M. E. Church. 
 
 DR. BRADLEY MINTON. Among (he rep 
 I resentative thorough business men and 
 / wide-awake citizens of Claysvillc. this 
 gentleman stands second to none. 
 He is a worthy native of the county, having 
 been born in 1843, on a farm in Morris township. 
 where his early life was passed. He received his 
 education at, the common schools of the district and 
 at (he high schools of -the county. In 1862 he 
 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Whittle 
 sey, of Washington, this county, remaining under 
 his able preceptorship several years, and when 
 thoroughly prepared, commenced the practice of 
 his profession in Lawrence county, Perm., where he 
 remained seven years, and then removed to 
 Wayneslmrgh, Greene Co. , same State, and here 
 continued practice until 1876, in which year he 
 purchased a drugstore ill Claysville, the business 
 
 of which has increased from year to year, till to- 
 day it is unsurpassed, in cpiantity and quality of 
 stock, in the county. 
 
 While a resident of Lawrence county, the 
 Doctor was united in marriage with Mattie E. Gere, 
 who died April 25. 1889, leaving no children, and 
 on August 13, 1891, he was again wedded, on this 
 occasion to Mary L., daughter of John R. Ander- 
 son, of Donegal toweship. Since becoming a resi- 
 dent of Claysville. Dr. Minton has been deeply in 
 forested in the growth and prosperity of the 
 place, and has given material aid to all worthy 
 enterprises. Since its organization, he has been 
 identified with the Monongahela National Bank at 
 Pittsburgh, arid has been interested in the well- 
 known drug house of L. H. Harris & Co.. of that 
 city. On the establishment of the First, National 
 Bank of Claysville, in April, 1890, he was elected 
 president, a position he has filled until the present 
 time with eminent, satisfaction to all concerned. 
 The Doctor has been a lifelong Democrat, and has 
 always taken an active interest, in the affairs of the 
 parly, having creditably served in several offices of 
 honor and trust, in the borough of Claysville. 
 
 Tf AMES SANSOM ALEXANDER, banker and 
 . I member of the firm of Alexander & Co., third 
 \( J I son of Joseph and Mary (Jones') Alexander, 
 was born in Williamsport (now Monongahela) 
 August 28, 1828. He was partly educated at 
 Blake"s and Hazzard's academies, in Williamsport, 
 finishing his education at Washington College. 
 He then entered his father's store as a clerk, 
 eventually becoming a partner, and has since, 
 through a long term of service, been thoroughly 
 identified with the firm of Alexander & Co., in 
 whose fortunes he has been an active and important 
 factor. 
 
 On January 16, 1859, Mr. Alexander was mar 
 lied to Miss Susan Stoddard King, daughter of 
 Samuel and Mary B. (Williams) King, of Dayton, 
 Ohio. The father of Mrs. Alexander wasaman of 
 importance in his community, an elder in the First 
 Presbyterian Church of Dayton, and was highly 
 esteemed as a Christian and a gentleman. Part 
 of Dayton is built on the farm he patented. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Alexander are members of the First 
 Presbyterian Church of Monongahela. They have 
 four children: Mary E.. Harriet K, William H. 
 (with Alexander & Co.) and Frederick K. (teller of 
 the Fort Pitt, National Bank. Pittsburgh). 
 
 The subject of this sketch has devoted himself 
 mainly to domestic and business affairs. He has 
 traveled considerably, and is a frequent visitor to 
 the Eastern cities, where he has a large circle of 
 acquaintances, but his pleasures lie chiefly in his 
 family circle and in his library. In all matters 
 pertaining to the practical progress of the com- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 137 
 
 inanity betakes an active interest; but valuing the 
 independence of a private citizen, generally de- 
 clines any public office, although he has served as 
 clerk of the councils and as treasurer of the school 
 board; he is now president of the board of deacons 
 and trustees of the First Presbyterian Church. 
 Mr. Alexander's life lias been and is yet devoted to 
 business; with unusual health, industry and ability 
 he has for years given vigorous attention to the 
 affairs of Alexander & Co., and is always to be 
 found at the counter, ever ready and prompt to 
 meet the demands of the times. 
 
 ALEXANDER. The first of the Alexander 
 family in Washington county, of whom there is 
 any record, was one Elias Alexander, who was 
 born in 1(580, and died in 1780. His son, Isaac, 
 was born December 1(5, 1715. Isaac had one son, 
 Joseph, born in Maryland July 9, 1765, and died 
 in Ohio July 9, 1847. Joseph married Rose Ann 
 Jones, also a native of Maryland, born October 17, 
 17(55. and died in Ohio in 1850. She was a sister 
 of William Jones, who lived near Ginger Hill, 
 Washington county. 
 
 Joseph and Rose Ann (Jones) Alexander had 
 nine children: Elizabeth (Betsy), Sally, Mary 
 (Polly), Hannah, Joseph (of whom special mention 
 will lie made hereafter), Elijah, James S., Bela and 
 Rose Ann. Of these Betsy and Polly married two 
 brothers named Sheplar, uncles of Capt. Joseph 
 Sheplar, of Rostraver township, Westmoreland Co., 
 Penn. The Slieplars moved to northern Ohio on 
 or near the Maumee river, about the year 1845, 
 having previous to that time lived in Holmes county, 
 Ohio. Elijah Alexander died at the age of nine- 
 teen, unmarried. Hannah married Benjamin 
 Thomas, lived in Westmoreland county, and died 
 August 9, 18(53. James S. was married twice, his 
 first wife being Miss Elizabeth Bailey (the name of 
 second wife can not be given at present writing). 
 His children by first marriage were: John Bailey. 
 Drummond. Martha, James, Alvira, Julia, and a 
 daughter who died in infancy. Of these children 
 Alvira married James Mills, one of the editors of 
 the Pittsburgh Post. Bela Alexander was born in 
 Belmont county, Ohio, and married a Miss Barnes 
 (both now deceased). Rose Ann Alexander mar 
 ried John Moseley (both now deceased). 
 
 Of this family the direct progenitor of the sub 
 jects proper of this memoir was Joseph (the fifth 
 child), who was born at Ten-Mile Creek. Washing 
 ton Co., Penn.. April 1, 1795. and died at Monon- 
 gahela June 20, 1871. On March 8, 1819, he was 
 married, by Rev. John White, to Mary Jones 
 (daughter of William Jones, of Washington county. 
 Penn.), who died August 15, 1856 They had 
 eight children: William Jones (of whom mention 
 will be made farther on). Rose Ann (born March 
 5. 1822, married to Dr. Nelson A. Adams), Eliza 
 (born in Westmoreland county, April 3, 1824, mar 
 
 ried December 28, 1846, to Capt. David B. Herron), 
 Elijah Bascom (born in Westmoreland county. 
 May 6, 1826, died June 29, 1827), James Sanson) 
 (mention of whom will be made farther on), Mary 
 Emeline (born in Williamsport, now Monongahela, 
 April 15, 1831, died October 5, 18S9), Amanda 
 Malvina (born at Williamsport April 29, 1833, 
 died April 9, 1854), and Hannah Theresa (born at 
 Williamsport December 31, 1835, died March 13, 
 1843). 
 
 The early life of Joseph Alexander was spent on 
 the farm on Ten-Mile creek, later on a farm in 
 Rostraver township, Westmoreland county. Sub 
 sequently the family moved to Barnesville, Ohio, 
 where he received such education as the time and 
 place afforded, and it is apparent that lie profiled 
 by these opportunities, and was fairly well edu 
 cated for his time and circumstances. During his 
 life in Barnesville his father was interested in 
 teaming and transporting supplies for United States 
 troops, then engaged in the war of 1812. Joseph 
 was then employed by his father as a teamster, 
 and among his associates and companions was Tom 
 Oorwin, who became famous in after years as a 
 statesman, serving as governor of Ohio, United 
 States senator, etc. Oorwin was employed by 
 Joseph's father also as a teamster, the two boys 
 occupying the same room. After marriage he set- 
 tled on a farm in Rostraver township, Westmore 
 land county, where William, Rose Ann, Eliza and 
 Elijah were born. In 1828 he moved to Williams 
 port (now Monongahela) and entered into the mer- 
 cantile business, living there until the time of his 
 death in 1871, with the exception of two years be 
 tween April 1, 1.829, to April 1, 1831, during which 
 interval he resided in Cookstown (now Favette 
 City). 
 
 Joseph Alexander was prominently identified 
 with the moral, social and business interests of 
 Monongahela, serving frequently as a member of 
 council, and school board. He was a member and 
 trustee of the M. E. Church; was an original stock- 
 holder, and among the first managers of Williams 
 port Bridge Company. His long and honorable 
 career as a merchant gave him a wide acquaintance 
 in Washington and adjacent counties, and his 
 frank and manly traits of character, as well as his 
 uprightness and native kindness, won for him the 
 esteem and affection of a large circle of friends. 
 For a long period (since 1850) he was associated 
 in business with his sons, under the firm of Alex- 
 ander & Co. , at first in mercantile and subsequently 
 in banking business. 
 
 Joseph Alexander was progressive and enter 
 prising in all hisefforts; and in the various positions 
 of honor and trust he occupied was always zealous 
 and faithful. He was a member of the school 
 board at the time of the building of the school- 
 house on Chess street, now occupied as a primary 
 
138 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 school, and was earnest in advocating the impor- 
 tance of the new building which met with consider- 
 able opposition, giving much of his time and per- 
 sonal attention in superintending the erection of 
 the building. He was also a member of the board 
 of trustees of the M. E. Church at the time of the 
 erection of the present edifice (as well as the edi- 
 fice preceding it, which was erected in 1833), and 
 although then advanced in years and in feeble 
 health gave liberally and was active and earnest 
 in his efforts in behalf of the movement. He was 
 a man of uncompromising integrity and of strong 
 convictions — fearless and aggressive in the expres- 
 sion of his opinions and unhesitatingly champion- 
 ing any cause which he believed to be right. He 
 was one of the first to avow anti-slavery and aboli- 
 tion sentiments, at a time when such ideas were by 
 no means regarded with favor. During the war of 
 the Rebellion he was fervently loyal to the 
 United States Government, and fiercely intolerant 
 of any other sentiments. Ho died at the .age of 
 seventy-six — after a life of honest purpose and 
 honest industry, his declining years having been 
 spent in comfort and ease amongst his children, 
 six of whom were living, all in the course of 
 honorable and successful careers; his sons follow- 
 ing along the same lines of life that he had trod 
 with ability and success, but with ampler means 
 and more extended interests. 
 
 William J. Alexander, Monongahela, is the 
 eldest son of Joseph and Mary (Jones) Alexander, 
 and the senior member of the firm of Alexander & 
 Co., bankers, Monongahela. 
 
 When the subject of this sketch was eight years 
 old his father removed to Williamsport (now Mo- 
 nongahela), entered into the mercantile business 
 and lived there until his death, with the exception 
 of two years spent in Cookstown (now Fayette 
 City). The education of William J. Alexander 
 
 was such as was usually obtained at the com u 
 
 subscription schools of that day, and early in life 
 (in 1836) he began his business career in Pitts- 
 burgh, under the employ of Andrew Pierce. How- 
 ever, his term of service in Pittsburgh was of short 
 duration, for his father requiring his assistance in 
 the business in Monongahela, he came home and 
 entered his father's store, where the advantage of 
 his energy and capacity were soon manifest. In 
 the spring of 1843 he became the junior partner of 
 J. Alexander & Son, which copartnership continued 
 until the present firm of Alexander & Co. was or- 
 ganized in 1850, the style remaining unchanged 
 since that date. In the early days of his business 
 career his father, quick to recognize and acknowl 
 edge the son's practical business ability, and hav- 
 ing firm faith in his sagacity and persevering in- 
 dustry, yielded to him the responsible manage 
 incut of the business from the time he was admitted 
 into partnership. Since that date to the present 
 
 time he has been actively engaged in business, and 
 has been the recognized head of the firm of Alex 
 ander & Co., which under his lead has achieved its 
 present success and enviable reputation, making 
 fifty years of active business life. On November 
 14. 1844, William J. Alexander was married to 
 Eliza Morrison, daughter of John and Margaret 
 (Porter) Morrison. 
 
 Prior to the year 1N(>4, the firm of Alexander & 
 Co. conducted the dry-goods business in connection 
 with banking. During that year the dry-goods 
 interests were disposed of, and the business has 
 since been exclusively banking. The firm is now 
 (January, 1893) composed of William J. Alexander, 
 James S. Alexander and Joseph Alexander Herron. 
 
 While Mr. Alexander has given his earnest and 
 active attention to his varied business interests, he 
 has from his earliest manhood been more or less 
 engaged in the promotion of every practical proj- 
 ect for improving the material, moral and educa 
 tional welfare of the community in which he has 
 lived. He has been an active participant in the 
 management of municipal and educational matters, 
 and has enjoyed to a rare degree the esteem and 
 confidence of his fellow-townsmen, as has been 
 testified to, in numerous elections. In 1888, the 
 unusual compliment was paid to him of the nomi- 
 nation as controller by both parties. He is now 
 president of the Monongahela Gas Company; has 
 been identified with the management of the Mo- 
 nongahela cemetery since the inception of the en 
 terprise twenty six years ago; has been a member 
 and officer in the First Presbyterian Church for 
 nearly fifty years. Throughout the great Rebellion 
 he was prompt and earnest in all his duties as a 
 loyal citizen. He served as captain of Company 
 G, Eighteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Militia of 
 1802 (an organization called out by Gov. Curtin 
 to meet an exigency of the war), and served with 
 his regiment on the borders of Pennsylvania and 
 Maryland during the last days of the memorable 
 campaign which closed by the repulse and defeat 
 of the rebel forces under Lee at South Mountain 
 and Antietam. Capt. Alexander's company was 
 recruited in Monongahela, and was composed en- 
 tirely of his neighbors and friends. There were 
 eighty-two officers and men mustered into the 
 United States service in Company G, etc., and of 
 these thirty-three are known to be dead, with date 
 and placeof death; twenty-two are now (1893) res 
 idents of Monongahela; twenty seven reside out- 
 side of Monongahela, most of their residences 
 known. The names of the survivors residing in 
 Monongahela are Alexander, William J. ; Boyd, 
 Reese; Blythe, James; Blvthe, John; Collins, 
 Thomas; Corrin, Edward: Finley, J. Barclay; 
 Graham, A. V.; Gibson, Henry; Linn, Dr. George 
 A. ; Lawrence, Hon. George V. ; McCurdy, T. Stock- 
 ton; McGrew, James; Patterson, John; Robinson, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 141 
 
 Joseph C. ; Smith, A. Mason; Wilson, S. Clark; 
 King, Richard C. ; Wilson, William H. ; Kennedy, 
 James; Van Voorhis, Clinton; Long, J. K. 
 
 While the subject of this sketch lias traveled 
 much, and is familiar with most points of interest 
 in his country, his life and habits have been es : 
 sentially domestic. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander have 
 no children, but their family circle was enlarged 
 and enlivened by the presence of the three brothers 
 of Mrs. Alexander — Joseph, Andrew and Dr. M. 
 P. Morrison. \Vhile the two former were practic- 
 ing lawyers in Pittsburgh, yet most of their leisure 
 was spent at their Monongahela City home, which 
 being almost contiguous to the Alexander residence, 
 during the life of the Morrison brothers their in- 
 timate relations and almost daily society made a 
 family circle of congenial, cultivated and delight- 
 ful intercourse. 
 
 In the pursuit of Mr. Alexander's well-known 
 musical and literary tastes, he has accumulated a 
 valuable library, to which is now added the eollec 
 tions of Joseph, Andrew and M. P. Morrison, all 
 of whom were collectors of books, of cultivated in 
 telligenee and tastes. The collection now contains 
 many rare and valuable old editions, and editions 
 de lux?, besides old manuscripts of interest and 
 value. From this collection it has been the pleasure 
 of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander to donate to the Car- 
 negie Library of Allegheny the rare and valuable 
 edition of "Audubon's Birds of America." We 
 refer to two of the many notices of this gift. The 
 Pittsburgh Daily Post of September 3, 1891, says: 
 " The arrangements were concluded on yesterday 
 between W. J. Alexander, the well-known banker 
 of Monongahela City, and Librarian Stevenson of 
 the Carnegie Free Library of Allegheny, for the 
 donation to the library of t lit* most valuable single 
 work, so far, which it has been the rare good fort 
 une of the institution to receive. The work is 
 the famous ''Audubon's Birds of America." The 
 donors are Mrs. William J. Alexander, of Monon- 
 gahela City, and Miss Sarah H. Patterson, of 
 Allegheny. The work presented is one of great 
 value on account of its excellent preservation, fine 
 condition, great scarcity and a demand that can not 
 be supplied at even great prices. There are about 
 500 plates over 3x2 feet, and contain the life-size 
 paintings of the largest birds. There are seven 
 volumes quarto of the text 'as good as new.' 
 Mr. Alexander refused all offers from the Carnegie 
 Free Library, as well as all others, for the pur- 
 chase of the work, preferring to donate it for the 
 use of the public; and the generous gift will doubt- 
 less be appreciated by all." The Boston Tran- 
 8cript says: " The Carnegie Free Library in Alle 
 gheny, Penn., has become the fortunate possessor 
 of Audubon's 'Birds of America,' the gift of 
 Mrs. William J. Alexander, of Monongahela City. 
 The work is one of considerable rarity and of great- 
 
 value, copies of the original editional selling at 
 from $2,500 to $4,000. It is not generally known 
 that the great naturalist's daughters live in the 
 old homestead near Audubon Park, overlooking the 
 Hudson. They were once possessed of consider 
 able wealth, but it, was lost through unfortunate in 
 vestments, and they are now in somewhat strait 
 eued circumstances. Some of the big handsome 
 plates from which Audubon's monumental work was 
 printed are preserved in the Museum of Natural 
 History in Central Park.'' 
 
 ■ In conclusion. Mr. Alexander is still engaged in 
 business, but has reached that period of life, when 
 he must necessarily give less attention to details. 
 By sound and conservative business methods, be 
 has acquired ample means; and while business still 
 demands some time and attention, the principal 
 portion of his time is now spent at his home and 
 in his library. 
 
 HE MORRISON FAMILY. The profes- 
 sional, social and personal history of Mo- 
 nongahela City would be incomplete with- 
 out a sketch of the Morrison Brothers, whose 
 ^ personality has been so long familiar, and 
 still so fresh, in the recollection of most of our 
 citizens; and whose memory is so much revered and 
 cherished by them. 
 
 They were the sons of John Morrison, who was 
 born in 1789, near Londonderry, Ireland, whence 
 he emigrated to the United States about 1811, set- 
 tling near the Mingo Creek Presbyterian church. 
 On February 29, IS'_'0, he married Margaret Por- 
 ter, daughter of Mathew and Elizabeth Porter, 
 who resided on a farm about two miles from Will 
 iamsport (now Monongahela), Penn. A short time 
 after their marriage they removed to a farm situ 
 ated two and one-half miles above Elizabeth, Alle- 
 gheny Co., Penn., on the Monongahela river. On 
 this farm all the children of John and Margaret 
 (Porter) Morrison were born. This farm was sold 
 by Mr. Morrison in the spring of 1837, at which 
 time he removed to Monongahela, Washington 
 county, with his family, purchased real estate and 
 made it their future permanent home. Mr. Mor- 
 rison died October Pi, 1837, aged forty-eight years, 
 leaving his widow (Margaret) with a family of six 
 children, all of whom have passed to the other side, 
 with the exception of Eliza, the eldest child, born 
 January 11, 1821, and married to William J. Alex 
 ander, of Monongahela, November 14, 1844. Mrs. 
 Alexander is the last living representative of her 
 generation of the Morrison family. 
 
 Mrs. Margaret (Porter) Morrison (born Novem- 
 ber, 1798), after having lived to educate her fam- 
 ily (excepting James Oust who died in infancy), 
 and see them grow up around her to adult age 
 under her own guidance and example, becoming 
 
142 
 
 II .\sitl.X<;TOX COUNTY. 
 
 useful and honored citizens, and members of so- 
 ciety; enjoying their love and tenderness through 
 a long and happy life, passed peacefully away, 
 September IS, 1882, aged eighty four years. The 
 children of John and Margaret (Porter) Morrison 
 were as follows: Eliza, born January 11, 1821; 
 Joseph Scott, born July 5, 1824, died April 20, 
 1886; Mathew Porter, born December 14, 1826, 
 died November 10, 1885; Andrew Porter, born 
 November 2, 1829, died November 5, 1890; Jane, 
 burn December 8, 1832, died February 17, 1871; 
 James Cust, born September 15, 1835, died Octo 
 ber6, 1837. 
 
 Joseph Scott Morrison graduated at Washing 
 ton College, Washington, Penn., in the class of 
 1844; read law with Hon. T. M. T. McKennau; 
 admitted to the Washington county bar 1847; 
 shortly after became a member of the Allegheny 
 county bar at, Pittsburgh, Penn., where he prac 
 ticed law up to the time of his death, April 20, 1 886. 
 
 Andrew Porter Morrison graduated at Wash- 
 ington College in the class of 1849; read law with 
 his brother Joseph, and with Judge William Mc- 
 Kennau, from 1852 to 1854. He was associated 
 in the practice of law with his brother, Joseph S., 
 at Pittsburgh, from 1854 to 1861. On May 1, 1861, 
 lie enlisted in Company A, Ninth Regiment Penn 
 sylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps; was made a cor 
 poral, and was promoted July, 1862, to be ser- 
 geant-major; was desperately wounded at the 
 battle of South Mountain, September 14, 1862; 
 was mustered nut with his regiment May 12, 1864. 
 He was historian of the Ninth Regiment of Penn- 
 sylvania Reserves. At the dedication of the 
 Gettysburg Monument, his address elicited high 
 encomiums as a carefully prepared and accurate 
 historical paper. After the war, Major Morrison 
 resumed the practice of law, associated (as 
 formerly) with his brother Joseph, until the death 
 of the latter in 1886, afterward conducting the prac- 
 tice alone. Having been warned of the dangers 
 of heart trouble, he gradually gave up his law 
 practice, refusing new business, and rapidly clos- 
 ing up his docket, when suddenly overtaken by 
 death. On September 11, 1866, he was married to 
 Miss Rebecca S. H. Davis, of Allegheny. Resid- 
 ing in Allegheny, he and his wife became members 
 of the North Presbyterian Church, then under the 
 care of Dr. A. A. Hodge. After the de;ith of his 
 wife (born in 1839. died September' 5. 1X77) he re- 
 turned to the old family homestead in Mononga- 
 hela City, which was his earthly home until his 
 departure for the heavenly, whither he was pre- 
 ceded by his home circle, except his greatly beloved 
 sister Eliza, the wife of William J. Alexander, 
 Esq. Major Morrison changed his membership 
 from Allegheny to the First Presbyterian Church, 
 Monongahela City. September 8, 1878. By the 
 unanimous voice of his church associates he was 
 
 elected a ruling elder, which office, after due con- 
 sideration, he accepted, and was ordained March 
 31, 1889. Andrew 1'. Morrison was a man of the 
 
 | highest type; the moral atmosphere whicli sur 
 rounded him was pure, the example he set was 
 helpful. His instincts were all gentle; his manner 
 urbane; his friendship as true as gold; his career 
 was that of honorable manhood, respected citizen- 
 ship, unquestioned morality and professional in 
 tegrity. 
 
 Dr Mathew Porter Morrison. As a fitting 
 sketch, we take the liberty to make the following 
 extracts from a paper prepared by Rev. William O. 
 Campbell, D. D., for a memorial volume of Dr. 
 Morrison, late of Monongahela. He received his 
 first academic training at home in the academy 
 conducted by the Rev. E. S. Blake, and T. R. 
 Hazzard. Esq. He was a graduate of Washington 
 College in the class of 1847. Among his class 
 mates were the Hon. James G. Blaine; John H. 
 Hampton, of Pittsburgh: Alexander Wilson. Esq., 
 of Washington. Penn.; Hon. William H. H. Pusey, 
 of Iowa, and Dr. John H. Storer, of West Vir- 
 ginia. After leaving college he was engaged in 
 teaching school for a short time at home. Having 
 read a course of medicine with Dr. Samuel M. 
 King, he attended a full course of lectures for two 
 years at Jefferson College, Philadelphia, and re- 
 ceived his degree of "Doctor of Medicine " in the 
 spring of 1851. He subsequently attended special 
 courses of lectures, and hospital practice, in Phil 
 adelphia and Boston. In May, 1851, he opened 
 an office for the practice of his profession at the 
 "Old Home'' in Monongahela. Not long after- 
 ward he became associated in practice, as a part- 
 ner, with Dr. R. F. Biddle. When the war of the 
 Rebellion broke out, Dr. Morrison joined the Union 
 army in the field, August 6, 1861, as assistant sur- 
 geon of the One Hundred and Second Regiment. 
 Pennsylvania Volunteers, Col. Rowley's "Old 
 Thirteenth.'' He was promoted to surgeon with 
 the rank of major September 12, 1862, and at the 
 close of the war was mustered out June 28. I865j 
 being at the time surgeon of the Second Division 
 of the Sixth Corps. His professional life covers 
 a period of nearly thirty five years of active and 
 arduous practice — all, save the four years in the 
 army, among his friends and neighbors in the vi- 
 cinity of the " Old Home." Col. Hazzard. in The 
 
 i Republican, gave expression to the feelings of 
 many hearts when he penned this tribute to his 
 memory: "Of his worth as a friend; his judgment 
 and sagacity as a physician; his learning as a 
 scholar; his integrity and nobility of character in 
 the walks of civil life; and of his devotion to his 
 country as a soldier; his warm-hearted friendship; 
 his stern adherence to right living and thinking; 
 of the warm place he held in the hearts of the fam- 
 ilies he visited, both as physician and friend — of 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 143 
 
 these things, we need not speak — they are the 
 choicest memories of this sad hour in a thousand 
 hearts. Dr. M. P. Morrison brought to his pro- 
 fession a mind thoroughly familiar with the prin- 
 ci [ill's and practice of medicine. He honored the 
 profession in which he was eminently successful. 
 His death brings a genuine sorrow, brightened only 
 by the words which his lips framed almost with his 
 last breath, 'Not my will, but Thine.'' Extract 
 from a letter of Hon. J. Gr. Blaine: "It was a 
 great surprise and personal sorrow to me. Though 
 we have seen each other but twice since our grad- 
 uation (more than thirty eight years ago), I have a 
 strong impression of his qualities of mind and 
 heart, and a vivid recollection of his person. He 
 was a gentle spirit — kind, considerate and gener- 
 ous -tenderly regarded by his class-mates. I al- 
 ways felt he had chosen wisely in his profession. 
 I can well imagine that his ministrations in the 
 sick ro mi were a great solace to patients. To lose 
 such a brother must be a lasting grief, and I ten 
 der you my sincere condolence." 
 
 JONES FAMILY. William Jones sailed from 
 the port of Baltimore in 1709 (his son Will 
 j iam being then six years old), and the vessel 
 was never afterward heard from. The son, 
 William Jones, was born May 3, 1703, at Ellicott's 
 Mills, Md., and died March 14, 1803. He was 
 married April 23, 1789, to Elizabeth McClung, 
 who was born November 24, 1709, and died Jan- 
 uary 27, 1829. About 1791 they emigrated from 
 Maryland to Washington county, l'enn., near Gin- 
 ger Hill, six miles from Monongahela, where they 
 settled on a farm on which they passed the remain- 
 der of their days, and which farm is still owned by 
 a son, William McKendree Jones. They had 
 twelve children, viz.: (1) John Jones, born in Ma- 
 ryland, May 23, 1790, died July 16, 1875; was 
 twice married, first time to Rachel Frew; second 
 time to Margaret Blaine, who was born October 12, 
 1805, and died October 29, 1890; by his first mar- 
 riage he had six children: William (married to Miss 
 West), James (married to a Miss Cleaver), Eliza- 
 beth (married to David Ritchie), Joseph (married 
 to a Miss Watkins), David (married to Miss Phil- 
 lips), Samuel V. Cook (deceased, married to Miss 
 Gregg), Polly (married to Manuel Stoody). By 
 his second marriage Mr. Jones had two children — 
 Rachel and Jennie. (2) Elijah Jones, born in 
 Maryland November 20, 1791, died June 15, 1855; 
 was married to Mary Warren, and their children 
 were William (married to a Miss Frye), Eliza Jane 
 (married to John M. Bedall), Margaret (married to 
 John S. Carson), James (married to a Miss Van 
 Voorhis), Wesley (married in the West), Isaac 
 (married to a Miss Mcllvaine), Noah (married to a 
 Miss Frye). (3) Mary Jones, born November 1, 
 
 1793, died August 15, 1850; married March 8, 
 1819, to Joseph Alexander, who was born April 1, 
 1795. (4) Ruth Jones,, born September 4, 1795, 
 died January 22, 1892. (5) Delilah Jones, born 
 February 1 1", I 797, died July 22, 1882; married to 
 James Mills, who was born in 1801, died May 23, 
 1878, and their children were William (deceased), 
 Andrew Bascom (died May 14, 1888, married to 
 — Deering), Mary (married to a Mr. Dalby), 
 Rebecca (married to Rev. Dr. Watkins), James 
 (married), Charles S., Wilbur Fisk (married). 
 (6) Jesse Jones, born December 24, 1798, died 
 February 11, 1888; married Eleanor Frew, and 
 their children were Alexander (deceased), Jackson 
 (married to Miss Black), Elizabeth (married to 
 Rev. Mr. Snyder), Charles (married), Carrie B. 
 (married), Nancy (married to a Mr. Rankins, now 
 deceased), Jesse (died June 21, 1888), Ellen (mar- 
 ried to Mr. McDonald, and now deceased); others 
 have been lost sight of in the West. (7) Samuel 
 Jones, born August 25, 1SO0, accidentally killed 
 June It, 1867; was twice married, first time to 
 Jane Fell, and for his second wife to Mary Thomas; 
 the children by his first wife were William (mar- 
 ried to a Miss Sheplar), S. Fell (married to a Miss 
 Thomas), Mary (married to a Dr. Watkins, both 
 deceased), and James (married to a Miss Finley). 
 By the second marriage Mr. Jones had children as 
 follows: Elizabeth, Melissa, Retta, Amanda, Homer, 
 Luther, John and Celia. (8) Rebecca Jones, born 
 March 8, 1802, died July 3, 1838; married Andrew 
 Mills, and had one child, James Mills, editor of 
 the Pittsburgh Post, who married Elvira Alexan- 
 der. (9) Rose Ann Jones, born May 4, 1804, died 
 September, 1870; married Francis Hull Williams, 
 and their children were Elizabeth (married to 
 Greer Mcllvaine), Elmira, John W., William, David, 
 James and Harvey. (10) Elizabeth Jones, born 
 January 15, 1800; died in September, 1830; mar 
 ried James McCauley, and their children were Ann 
 Eliza anil Mary. (11) Ann Jones, born April 22, 
 1808, died June 30, 1889; married John Hess, born 
 1818, died 1883, and their children were John, 
 Elizabeth, Westley, Alcinous, Amanda and Maggie. 
 (12) William McKendree Jones, born October 29, 
 1809, married Sarah Fulmer, who died in 1880; their 
 children were Leonidas, Mary, Edward, James 
 Mills, Margaret, Kate, Snyder, Albert, Florence 
 and Rose. 
 
 The children born to (2) Elijah and Mary (War- 
 ren) Jones were as follows: (1) William, born in 
 Fallowfield township, married Miss Eliza Jane 
 Fry, and afterward moved to Brighton, Washing- 
 ton Co., Iowa, and still resides there; their children 
 are as follows: Samuel W., married to Rachel, 
 daughter of Manuel Stoody, of this county; Mary, 
 married to Mr. William Hide, of Washington 
 county, Iowa; Henry, married to Miss McCain; 
 Irilla Jane, married; Amy, married to Mr. John- 
 
144 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 son; Josephine, married; Delia (now deceased), 
 married to Mr. Hedge. (2) Eliza Jane, married 
 to John McCutchen Bedall, as already mentioned. 
 (3) Margaret, married to Jobn S. Carson, both de- 
 ceased (their children were eleven in number, as 
 follows: Isaac, married to Miss Fry; Cornelius, 
 married to Miss Beazell; John C. (now deceased), 
 married to Miss Raymond; Henry, married to Miss 
 Furnier; Robert F., married to Miss Odvert; Mary 
 Elizabeth, deceased; Van Curtis, deceased; Mar- 
 garet M., married to I. N. Carson; Caroline Jane 
 (now deceased), married to J. W. Carson; Noah T., 
 married to Miss Sprowls; and -Joseph, married to 
 Miss Greenlee), (1) John West ley, married to Jane 
 Davison, in Logan county, Ohio, and now living 
 near Liuneus, Linn Co., Mo. (they have nine chil- 
 dren, viz.: Margaret J., married to George Hide, 
 of Brighton, Iowa; Arabelle, married to a Mr. Wat 
 terhouse, in Iowa; Ella, married to a Mr. Hossick; 
 James, married and living in Iowa; John C, living 
 near Linneus, Mo. ; Annie Neal.also living near Lin- 
 ueus,Mo. ; Helen, Hester and Isaac Willfred, unmar- 
 ried and living at home). (5) James Jones (now de- 
 ceased), married to Miss Van Voorhis, and had chil- 
 dren. (O)Noah. married to Mary Fry, and their chil- 
 dren are nine in number, as follows: John T. K., 
 married to Miss Gamble; Florence C, married to Miss 
 Bradley, in Missouri; Annie M., married to Mr. 
 Huffman; Mortimore, married to Miss Huffman 
 (now deceased); Eunice, married to Warren Gib- 
 son; and Frank, Bert, Noah King, Lilley, all four 
 unmarried. (7) Isaac Warren, married to Mary 
 Agnes Mcllvaine; their childreu are as follows: 
 DoraB., married to William Morrow; William, 
 unmarried; Isaac L., married to Miss Itettig; Me 
 Ilvaiue, Harry and Mary A., all three unmarried. 
 
 FORREST, ROBERT R., RICHARD R. and 
 J. 11., Washington. These gentlemen are de- 
 scended from stalwart Scotch and English 
 ancestors who came to America at an early 
 date. The great-grandfather, Johnson, was a 
 Doctor of Divinity in the classic city of Edinburgh, 
 Scotland, and some of his books are still in the 
 possession of his great-grandson Robert, It. Forrest. 
 John Forrest, grandfather of the gentlemen 
 whose names open this sketch, was born in Scot- 
 laud, and was married in Edinburgh, the capital 
 of that country, to Jean Johnson, who after his 
 death came to America in 1839, and now lies in 
 Allegheny cemetery ; her husband died in London, 
 England. The two brothers of this John Forrest 
 emigrated, in the early part of this century, to 
 America, the one coming to Philadelphia, Penn., 
 the other proceeding to a southern port. 
 
 George Forrest, father of Robert R., Richard 
 U and J. R. Forrest, was born November 21, 1803, 
 in Penrith, County of Cumberland, England, 
 
 which county, being on the border, was for a long 
 time claimed by Scotland. He was married June 
 12, 1826, in New Marylebone Church, Parish of 
 Marylebone, London, England, to Alice Rhodes, 
 who was born in the Parish of St. George, Lon- 
 don, England, Jauuary 6, 1808, a daughter of 
 Joshua Rhodes, a native of London, where he 
 lived and died. In 1837 George Forrest and his 
 brother Richard set out together with their fam 
 ilies for America, and were six weeks crossing the 
 Atlantic in a sailing vessel, which was reported 
 lust. Landing at New York, and their destination 
 being Richmond, Ind., they traveled by rail, canal 
 and other modes to Allegheny City, where Rich 
 aid's wife and two children died. The brothers 
 then concluded to here remain. Richard, who was 
 a marble cutter and sculptor, became foreman of 
 the Wallace Marble Works, Pittsburgh, Penn. 
 His last employer in the mother country had been 
 Sir Francis Chantry, the eminent English sculptor, 
 and he was in his employ at the time Allan Cunning 
 ham, the author and sculptor, was foreman of the 
 establishment, and Forrest's duties consisted in 
 the placing of statuary for Chantry. About the 
 year 1747 George Forrest and his family moved to 
 Canonsburg, Washington county, and two years 
 later came to Washington borough, where he 
 worked at his trade, tailoring, until about the time 
 of his death, which occurred March 28, 180fj, when 
 he was aged sixty-three years. He was liberal of 
 his means and charitably disposed; in politics he 
 was a Democrat, in religion a Presbyterian; his 
 widow was summoned from earth January 28, 
 1885, in her seventy-eighth year; she was a member 
 of the Methodist Episcopal Church. They were 
 the parents of eight children — four born in Lon- 
 don, England, and four in Allegheny, Penn. — 
 Robert It. being the first of the family born this 
 side of the Atlantic. They are as follows: Alice 
 (Mrs. Boyle); Emma (wife of John B. Hallam); 
 George; Jane (widow of Matthew Taylor), in South 
 Strabane township; Robert It. , of whom a sketch 
 follows; Mary (wife of John Munce), residing in 
 Washington, Penn.; Richard It. and J. It. (sketches 
 of whom follow). George Forrest bought 300 acres 
 of land, on part of which the city of Kittanning, 
 Penn., now stands, intending to settle there, but 
 the country proved to be so wild he sold it before 
 going to Canonsburg. 
 
 Robert R. Forrest was born in Allegheny, Alle- 
 gheny Co., Penn., October 12, 1S40. He came to 
 Washington, Penn., with his parents, and attended 
 the common schools of the place until he arrived 
 at the age of sixteen years, when he entered Hayes' 
 Carriage Factory as an apprentice, remaining until 
 the breaking out of the Civil war. He then pro 
 ceeded to Wheeling, W. Va. , where he was em- 
 ployed on Government work, chiefly in the con- 
 structing of ambulances, and he ironed the last 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 145 
 
 twenty-five of that class of vehicle sent to the seat 
 of war from Wheeling. In 1807 Mr. Forrest en- 
 tered into partnership with James House, in the 
 carriage-making business, in Washington, this 
 county, putting up for the purpose the building 
 qow occupied by R. B. McClure & Son on East 
 Wheeling street. The style of the firm was House 
 & Forrest, but about a year after commencing 
 operations, Mr. Forrest sold out his interest to Mr. 
 House and embarked in the brickmaking business 
 in South Strabane township, which he still carries 
 on, it having now been in existence some twenty 
 years. The first brick made on his place were 
 used in the construction of the jail, and it lias since 
 supplied the brick for many prominent buildings, 
 such as banks, seminaries, churches and private 
 residences. He was also for a time engaged in 
 conl ratting and building, in company with his 
 brother, Richard R. In 1889 he commenced the 
 erection of his own commodious house on the 
 corner of Sumner avenue and Pitt street, one of 
 the finest residences in the northern part of the 
 city, and in November, 1890, moved into it. 
 
 On April 15, 1869, Mr. Forrest was married in 
 Washington to Miss Sarah M. Hayes, daughter of 
 Charles Hayes, and granddaughter of George 
 Kuntz, both of Washington. Six children were 
 the result of this union, only two of whom survive: 
 Sophia and Alice, both living at home Mr. For- 
 rest and his family are members of the Second 
 Presbyterian Church: politically lie votes the Dem 
 ocratic ticket, and has frequently been solicited to 
 accept office, but has invariably declined the honor. 
 Well-known and popular in the community, Mr. 
 Forrest stands high in the esteem and respect of 
 his fellow-citizens. 
 
 Richard Rhodes Forrest, contractor and builder, 
 also florist and proprietor of greenhouses, in Wash 
 iugton, was born April 14, 1841, in Allegheny, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn. As will be seen, he was but a 
 child when the family came to Washington. Here 
 he received his education, being among the first pu- 
 pils to attend the new Union schools. In 1859 he 
 commenced to learn the trade of carriage body build- 
 ing with S. B. & C. Hayes, serving an apprentice 
 ship of nearly four years; then worked for John 
 Hallam in building spring wagons. In September, 
 L862, he enlisted in Company F, Sixth Regiment 
 Pennsylvania Militia, and they were encamped at 
 a point near Chambersburg, Perm., at the time the 
 Confederate army learned the name of Antietam. 
 Afterward, August 31, 1864, he enlisted in the 
 army, in the Fifth Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, 
 Company F, was in at the death of the Confeder- 
 acy, and was mustered out June 30, 1865. He 
 became of age while in the army. 
 
 Returning to this county, he immediately re- 
 sumed his trade, his first work being the building 
 of a coach for James House, called the "Queen of 
 
 the Road,' - which was run between Washington 
 (Penn.) and Pittsburgh. Afterward he removed to 
 the site where now stands the carriage factory of 
 R. B. McClure & Son. Later he sold out to James 
 House, who became a partner with his brother, 
 Robert R., in the same line of business, and for 
 them he worked a considerable length of time, 
 constructing windmills, some sixty or seventy hav- 
 ing been built. He then engaged with Hayes & 
 Wilson, working on bodies for sewing machines, 
 after which he became a partner for a time with 
 E. J. Dye in contracting and building. He had 
 previously put up many of the brick buildings in 
 the borough, and on \\ est Beau street he erected 
 a house which in itself is a curiosity. He made 
 the molds and the brick himself for this house, 
 each brick having a panel on it. In 187S he 
 bought the property where he now resides, the 
 grounds covering about twelve acres on the out- 
 skirts of the borough. Some eight years ago he 
 commenced gardening, building greenhouses for 
 the cultivation of both vegetables and flowers, and 
 to day he owns the largest conservatory in Wash 
 ington. On March 13, 1S73. Mr. Forrest was 
 united in marriage with Miss Theresa Mills, a 
 native of Monongahela City, daughter of Andrew 
 and Alice Mills, who both died in the borough of 
 Washington. She had one sis^>r, who married, 
 and two brothers, Harvey and .lames, the latter of 
 whom is now editor of the Pittsburgh Post. 
 I'o Mr. and Mrs. Forrest were born three sons, all 
 of whom died in early childhood. They are bofh 
 members of the First M. E. Church of Washing 
 ton, and in politics he is in sentiment a Prohibi 
 lionist, but votes independently and according to 
 his own judgment. 
 
 •I. H. Forrest, one of the prominent members 
 of the bar of Washington county, was born in 
 Allegheny, Allegheny Co., Penn., February 21, 
 IS 17. He began life a poor boy, having to earn 
 by the sweat of his brow the means to secure 
 even a limited education, at first, in the common 
 schools of his district. Still, applying himself as- 
 siduously to work, he was enabled to take himself 
 to the high school, from which he graduated, and 
 he then attended Washington College three years. 
 Our subject, having now completed his literary 
 studies, commenced reading law in the office of 
 Ruth & Hamilton, Washington, Penn., in which he 
 remained three years, and in 1868 he was admitted 
 to the bar. Mr. Forrest at once commenced the 
 practice of his profession in the borough, and has 
 since continued with eminent success. In Febru- 
 ary, 1865, tired with the spirit of patriotism, he 
 enlisted at New Brighton, Penn. , in Company H, 
 Eighty- seventh P. V. I., which regiment was at- 
 tached to the Sixth Army Corps. After partici- 
 pating in the fighting around Richmond and 
 Petersburg, which ended with the capture of Lee, 
 
14(5 
 
 WASHINGTON CO UN TY. 
 
 be was ordered with the Sixth Corps on a forced 
 march to Danville, N. O, to cut off the retreat of 
 Gen. Joe Johnston, and was present at his capture 
 also. After the war closed Mr. Forrest was mus- 
 tered out of the service in July, 1865. On Feb- 
 ruary 21, 1871, Mr. J. R. Forrest was united in 
 marriage with Miss Belle, daughter of the late 
 Daniel Boyle, in his day a prominent stock dealer 
 in North Strabane township, this county, and to 
 this union have been born two children: Daniel ]!., 
 now attending the sophomore class at college, and 
 Earle R. Politically Mr. Forrest is a Democrat, 
 and for the past ten years he has served as a justice 
 of the peace. He has a strong penchant for litera- 
 ture, and is a writer in verse of recognized ability 
 and versatility. The majority of his best efforts 
 have not yet been published, but doubtless will 
 some day be given to the world in book form. 
 Two of his poems are here presented: 
 
 Till: LORD'S PRATER. 
 
 Our Father who in heaven ait. 
 
 Look kindly on Thy wayward child; 
 Help me to chose the better part 
 
 And save me from the fempter's wiles. 
 
 All hallowed he Thy sacred name, 
 Thy kingdom here on earth he made; 
 
 Fill all the earth with holy flame, 
 Till sin's corrupting hand be stayed. 
 
 In love and peace Thy will be done, 
 In every land Thy praise be heard; 
 
 Till all on earth, aye, every one. 
 
 Doth read and ponder o'er Thy word. 
 
 Give me each day my daily bread, 
 Thy tender hand relieve my care; 
 
 It Thou, who hath the ravens fed, 
 Will help me, I shall have no fear. 
 
 Forgive my debts as I forgive 
 The ones who do me grievous wrong; 
 
 AS 1 let others, so let llle live. 
 
 And always in Thy faith be strong. 
 
 Let no temptation lead astray 
 The wayward passions of the soul; 
 
 Hut guide me in the better way, 
 Aud save me from my own control. 
 
 Deliver me from evil tide, 
 
 Save me from its dire distress; 
 i (pen the gates of mercy w ide, 
 
 Where all is love and peacefulness. 
 
 And when the light ot earthly Idiss, 
 Fades from my weary closing eyes, 
 
 May all tin- love thai here I miss, 
 lie mine renewed beyond the skies. 
 
 Thine be the glory evermore; 
 
 Thj holy faith my best endeavor; 
 And when forme this life is o'er, 
 
 Take me to Thee and Thine forever. 
 
 I. H. P. 
 
 Washington, Penn., September 8, 1884. 
 
 GATHERING HOME. 
 
 In this neglected, quiet spot, 
 
 Mid shadows soft ami drear; 
 With tangled grass and creeping vines 
 
 Aud running waters near; 
 
 The old home grim and silent Btands — 
 
 The tires, warm and bright. 
 That cracked and blazed upon each hearth, 
 
 Are dark and cold to-night. 
 The winter's blast amid the trees, 
 
 With low and solemn moan, 
 liepeats the nightbird's mournful chant. 
 
 Where once we gathered home. 
 
 I look upon the doleful scene, 
 The time-worn ruined place. 
 Aud fail to find amid the wreck 
 
 < >ne taint, familiar trace. 
 
 It makes my heart o'erflow with ^rief, 
 
 My tears I can't restrain. 
 And o'er my bosom rolls a tide 
 
 < >f sorrow, grief and pain. 
 
 The past doth Hit before in\ mind 
 
 Here once again I roam; 
 And once again 1 hear the shout 
 
 Of children gathering home. 
 
 Again I see my mother come 
 
 To meet me at the door, 
 And welcome home her romping ones 
 
 When school and work was o'er. 
 Again I feel the grateful warmth 
 
 That beamed from every smile, 
 When she would stoop to soothe our grief, 
 
 Our little WOeS beguile. 
 
 I hear again, with quickened pulse, 
 Ke echo from each stone 
 , The happy, merry, gleeful laugh 
 
 Of children gathering home. 
 
 Those children who have long ago 
 
 Grown up to man's estate, 
 And wandered out into the world, 
 
 To strive with varying fate; 
 That mother who, these many years, 
 
 Mid shadows soft and still, 
 Hath folded up her tiled hands 
 
 And sleeps upon the hill; 
 That happy home, this crumbling wreck, 
 
 Deserted, sad and lone, 
 Repeat the legend, here no more, 
 
 '• Will we come gathering home." 
 
 No more within these crumbling walls. 
 
 Where build the noisy birds. 
 Will I behold my mother's form, 
 
 Or hear her loving words. 
 No more beneath this falling roof. 
 
 Each widening gap doth tell, 
 Will come again, with laugh and song, 
 
 Those happy ones to dwell. 
 No more, along these silent paths. 
 
 Their merry feet will roam; 
 Hut one by one — just over there 
 
 They all will gather home. 
 
 Washington, Penn., May 28, 1885. 
 
 It If ON. WILLIAM MONTGOMERY was boru 
 ILJ in Franklin township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., April 11, 1819, and died in Canton 
 II ^ township, April 28, 1870. 
 v His father was William Montgomery, a 
 
 native of Scotland, born in Ayrshire in 1792, aud 
 was a relative of Sir James Montgomery. He re- 
 moved from Virginia to Washington county, Penn., 
 in 1817, and the same year married Elizabeth 
 
^yu2/ £"-^ 
 
 iA^^i 
 
 "*> 
 
Washington coUNfY. 
 
 149 
 
 Kelly. He .lied in 1858 leaving two children: 
 William and Martha Jane. Martha married J. F. 
 Linville, and now resides in New Oastle, Lawrence 
 Co., Fenn. They have one sou, Montgomery 
 Linville, M. D. 
 
 Hon. William Montgomery entered Washington 
 College at an early age, and was graduated in 
 September, 1839, under the presidency of Dr. Mc- 
 Conaughy. He at once commenced the study of 
 law under the late John L. Gow, as preceptor, and 
 was admitted to practice at November term, 1841, 
 his examiners and certifiers being the Hon. T. M. 
 T. McKennan, Hon. Isaac Leet and James Wat 
 sou, Esq. His rise at the bar was rapid and brill- 
 iant, and in a few years he took a high position 
 among its leading members, enjoying to the last 
 an enviable reputation, as well as an extensive and 
 lucrative practice. In 1845 he was appointed dis- 
 trict attorney by Gov. Shunk. In 1S48 he re- 
 ceived the Democratic nomination for State sena 
 lor. but was defeated by a small majority. In 
 1854 he received the nomination of the same party 
 for Congress, and during that year made some of 
 the most powerful speeches of his life. In 1851} 
 lie was elected to Congress, and in 1858 was re 
 elected by a very large majority. His career in 
 Congress was marked by several speeohes of great 
 ability, which placed him at once among the rec- 
 ognized leaders of the then dominant party. 
 
 Mr. Montgomery was known as the author of 
 the "Crittenden-Montgomery Resolution" on the 
 admission of Kansas to the Union. As a public 
 speaker he possessed a power that would attract 
 and hold the attention and raise the highest en- 
 thusiasm among his listeners. As a lawyer he 
 had few peers, and his name is handed down to 
 history as one of the most talented of the day. 
 
 In 1845 Mr. Montgomery married Matilda 
 Duvall, of Washington county, Penu., and they 
 had three children: Andrew Jackson, James and 
 William. Of these Andrew Jackson married 
 Martha G. Black, of Washington, Fenn., and they 
 now reside in Canton township, same county; they 
 have two children, Elizabeth and George. James 
 married Lillias Ritner, of Washington, Penn., and 
 they now reside in Salem, Roanoke Co., Va. ; they 
 have one son, William Morgan. William, the 
 youngest son of our subject, died in 1880. 
 
 QEORGE WASHINGTON MINTON, a prom- 
 inent and well-to-do lifelong farmer and 
 stock raiser, of Morris township, is a native 
 of the same, having been born January 4, 
 -• 1817. 
 His father. Fhilip Mintou, who was a native of 
 New Jersey, born October (5, 1782, came about 
 the commencement of this century to Washington 
 county, settling in Morris township, where he 
 
 passed the remainder of his life, Indians and wild 
 animals being at that time still numerous and 
 troublesome. On January 21, 1803, he was mar- 
 ried to Eunice Clutter, of Morrison township, by 
 which union there were nine children, viz. : Rachel, 
 Thaddeus, John, Sarah, Sophronia, Ruth, George 
 Washington, Sarah Ann and Harriet, all of whom 
 are now deceased except Sophronia and George 
 Washington. 
 
 The subject of this memoir was married Decem- 
 ber 20, IS;jN, to Jane, daughter of Stephen Day, 
 of Morris township, Greene Co. , Fenn., and the 
 names and dates of birth of the children born 
 to them areas follows: Sarah Fhilena, September 
 22, 1839; Bradley, July 'J."., 1842; t 'oil, us, October 
 3(1, 1845; Man Edith, April 25, 1848; John, No 
 vember 13, 1850; Stephen Mintou, June 9, 1853; 
 George Lowrie, May 22, 1856; Fhilip Leondiis, 
 May 29, 1858; Oliver Homer, April 29, 1859. Of 
 these, Sarah I'hilona lives at home, unmarried; 
 Bradley married Mattie Gere, of Lawrence county, 
 Penn., who died April 25, L889, and he then 
 wedded Mary Anderson, of West Alexander (he is a 
 druggist at Olaysville) ; Collins married Miss Min- 
 erva Patterson, of Franklin township, this county, 
 and after her death was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mattie Grayble, of Akron, Ohio (he is a 
 painter by trade); Mary Edith makes her home 
 with her father, and is unmarried; John is a 
 farmer in East Fiuley township, and is married to 
 Sarah Rickey, of Riehhill township, Greene Co , 
 Fenn. ; Stephen is a farmer, and is married to Cora, 
 daughter of Artemas Day, of Morris township; 
 George Lowrie married Callie V. Webb, and after 
 her death wedded Luella Doty (he lives in Nine- 
 veh, Greene Co., Fenn., where he carries on a dry- 
 goods store); Fhilip L. is married to Emma San- 
 ders, and lives in Washington, this county; Oliver 
 Homer lived only one year, dying April 29, 1860. 
 The mother of this family departed this life De 
 cernber 20, 1888. Mr. Mintou, in addition to car- 
 rying on general agriculture, has been consider- 
 ably interested in stock raising, and at the present 
 time has some ten horses on his place. He has 
 been eminently successful, and is recognized as one 
 of the best authorities on matters pertaining to 
 agricultural pursuits. Politically he is a pro- 
 nounced Democrat, one "dyed in the wool," and 
 has served three years as school director. 
 
 ALTER L WHITING. Among the well- 
 f) known, progressive young business men 
 of Washington, the subject of this sketch 
 — ' occupies a leading position. John Whit- 
 ing, his father, was born in 1820, at Ports 
 mouth, England, where he was educated and 
 reared to mercantile business. 
 
 John, while yet a young man, came to America, 
 
150 
 
 WA SUING TON COVN TY. 
 
 and made a settlement in Washington county, at 
 Washington, in 1842. In 1844 he married Marga- 
 ret, daughter of Reuben and Elizabeth Turner, 
 and the children born to this union were: Edwin 
 (deceased), Sarah M.. Mary E., William B., 
 George E., John, Carroll C, Harry D. , and 
 Walter L. The family are members of the Prot- 
 estant Episcopal Church. In politics Mr. Whit- 
 ing is a Republican. For several years he has 
 been engaged in mercantile business in Washing 
 ton. 
 
 Walter L. Whiting, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was born at Washington, this county, Jan- 
 uary 13, 1862, and received a liberal education at 
 the public schools. When a youth he entered the 
 employ of William Smith & Son, the well-known 
 merchants of Washington, remaining with them 
 eleven years, during which time he acquired a 
 thorough business training. In August, 188"), he 
 received the appointment of assistant bookkeeper 
 for the Citizens National Bank of Washington, and 
 in I SOU was cho-ien cashier of the Farmers & 
 Mechanics' National Bank, of the same place, 
 which position he tills with eminent ability and 
 complete satisfaction. On May 17, 1888, Mr. 
 Whiting was married to Frances, eldest daughter 
 of the late Edward Little, of Washington. Two 
 children, Haven L. and Helen L., have come to 
 bless their home. Our subject and wife are mem 
 bers of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In 
 politics Mr. Whiting is a Republican. 
 
 Edward Little, born in 1837, at Silloth, Eng- 
 land, married Eleanor, daughter of John and 
 Mary Wales, of Carlisle, England, in 1801. The 
 children born to them are Frances, Grace, Eleanor, 
 Jane, Mary, Edward and Bessie. Mr. Little, wife 
 and two children came to America and settled at 
 Washington, Penn., in 1869. He was a contractor 
 and builder of prominence here. Frances (Little) 
 Whiting was born at Workington, England, 
 August 30, 1864. Edward Little, her father, died 
 July 27, 1885, and Eleanor Little, her mother. 
 died March 7, 181)1. 
 
 AMUEL MAXWELL was born near Car- 
 lisle, Penn., October 23, 1776, and died Oc- 
 tober '.I, 1865. About the year 1800 he pur 
 chased a farm in the vicinity of New Cum- 
 berland, W. Va. (then Brooke county, Va., now 
 Hancock county, W. Va.), which was his home un- 
 til his death. 
 
 Mr. Maxwell was very highly esteemed as a 
 neighbor ami a citizen. He was for over fifty 
 years a ruliug elder in the Presbyterian Church, 
 having been ordained to that office by Rev. Elisha 
 McCurdy, in the church known as the "Three 
 Springs," in the burial ground of which his body 
 awaits the resurrection of the just. He was twice 
 
 married: first to Miss Sarah Scott, by whom he 
 had five sons — Scott, Smiley, John, Robert, Will 
 iam (who died in infancy) — and one daughter 
 — Elizabeth, who became the wife of a Mr. Welsh, 
 whose son, Rev. Josiah Welsh, was the founder 
 and, until his death in 1877, the pastor of the First 
 Presbyterian Church of Salt Lake City, Utah. 
 
 Mrs. Jane Fulton, a sister of the Rev. John Me 
 Cluskoy, D. D., and widow of John Fulton, of 
 Florence, Penn., was Mr. Maxwell's second wife. 
 They were married August 18, 1831. Mrs. Max 
 well, by her first husband, was the mother of Rev. 
 Robert John Fulton (a sketch of whom follows), a 
 brilliant young clergyman, who died at Cumber 
 land, Guernsey Co., Ohio, in 1855. The children 
 of Samuel and Jane (McCluskey) Maxwell were 
 William (born August 9, 1832, and died at Will 
 iamsburgh, Va. , May 13, 1863), James McCluskey 
 (a sketch of whom follows), and Joseph Henry, 
 who is an extensive wheat grower near Dawson, 
 Minnesota. 
 
 Joseph Henry Maxwell was born March 10, 
 1840. In the early history of the war of the Re- 
 bellion he enlisted in the First West Virginia Reg- 
 iment (loyal), Col. Thoburn, commander, and con- 
 tinued in the ranks until the close of the war, re- 
 fusing promotion and passing courageously through 
 more than thirty pitched battles, fortunately re- 
 ceiving no serious personal injury, and only on one 
 occasion a slight wound. 
 
 Robert J. Fulton was born in the northern part 
 of Washington county, Penn., a son of John Fulton, 
 adescendantof Robert Fulton, of steamboat renown. 
 His mother was Jane McCluskey, a sister of the late 
 Catherine (McCluskey) Herriott, who was the 
 mother of William and John Herriott, well-known 
 farmers of Mt. Pleasant township, of Miss Nancy 
 Jane Herriott, of Canonsburg, and Mrs. Kate (Her 
 riott) Ewing, wife of Rev. William Ewing, of the 
 same place. Her son, James H. , died some years 
 ago at Lawrence, Kans. Mr. Fulton was one of 
 the brightest men that ever enlivened a dinner 
 party or social. He was considerably over six 
 feet tall, of very slender but compact build. His 
 manner was keen and surprisingly alert. Had he 
 been a heavier boned man he might easily have 
 been mistaken for a twin brother of Abraham Lin 
 coin. He had dark complexion, small, black, 
 sparkling eyes and a dense shock of very black hair. 
 He was a man of exceedingly fine taste, and very 
 few in the Presbyterian Church to day equal his 
 scholastic attainments and oratorical powers. 
 After teaching school in country districts for some 
 years while a boy, he attended the celebrated acad- 
 emy at West Alexander, presided over for many 
 yenrs by his mother's brother, the far-famed Dr. 
 John McCluskey, Then after teaching in this 
 school and reading a complete course in the classics, 
 mathematics and theology under the tuition of 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ir, i 
 
 Dr. McCluskey, he was, after a most rigid exami- 
 nation, licensed to preach by the Presbytery of 
 Ohio, whose members declared that he had stood 
 a better examination than any candidate that had 
 ever come before them. Mr. Fulton had no brother, 
 but two sisters, one of whom, long since dead, was 
 tliewifeof Samuel Phillips, of Chartiers township. 
 She had three children: Fulton, Hibbert and 
 Sophie C. J., the first being the editor and pro- 
 prietor of the McDonald Outlook, the second a 
 \^ry popular and successful physician at Pitta 
 burgh, and the third a well-known resident of 
 Canonslnirg. The second sister of Robert Fulton 
 was Mary, wife of Rev. T. B. Van Eman, of Can 
 onsburg, who died many years ago, leaving one 
 son, John William, who is a Presbyterian minister 
 and missionary at Geneseo, Kan's. After having 
 been licensed, Mr. Fulton was called to the Pres 
 byterian Church at Cumberland, Ohio. A few 
 years after he went to assist at a wonderful re- 
 vival of religion in a neighboring church where he 
 preached each day and each night for two weeks; 
 then coming home preached on Sabbath to his own 
 people an exceedingly impressive sermon from 
 Micah vi: 9, and took pneumonia and lever that 
 carried him off in a few days. Thus passed away 
 one of the brightest spirits this county ever pro- 
 duced. Robert Fulton married Ruth Anna Lucas, 
 who resides in West Alexander, Penn. They had 
 one daughter, Kate, who married a Mr. Sprnul, an 
 attorney, who has for some years been engaged in 
 one of the departments at Washington, D. C. 
 
 Rev. John McCluskey, D. D. , was for over a 
 quarter of a century the active and successful 
 pastor of the church of West Alexander, Penn. 
 At the age of thirty-three years he came to it, a 
 licentiate from the Presbytery of Philadelphia, 
 and was ordained by Washington Presbytery as 
 pastor, October 8, 1828. Chester county, Penn., 
 claims the honor of his birth, which occurred June 
 17, 1795, though the discipline of his youth came 
 from Washington county, the future sphere of his 
 labors. Jefferson College sent him forth in the 
 class of 1822, adorned with her culture, and better 
 still as a new man in the purpose of his life; for 
 while an under graduate he made his confossion 
 of Christ in the Chartiers Church, then under the 
 pastoral care of Dr. John McMillan. Not a little 
 of his mental development, before and after his 
 collegiate training, came through his own efforts 
 as a teacher, and the habit thus acquired increased 
 and widened his influence throughout his pastoral 
 work. He received his theological training partly 
 under the instruction of Dr. Ezra Stiles Ely, of 
 Philadelphia, and, for one year, in the Princeton 
 Seminary. Dr. McCluskey was more a man of 
 action than of severe study. His preaching was 
 plain, Scriptural, sound and spiritual, abounding in 
 illustrations from daily life. It was attended with 
 
 steady ingathering to the communion of the church, 
 and often with special revivals. He was pre emi 
 nently a man of affairs, even at times taking the 
 temporal as well as spiritual interests of his people 
 into his care. Thus, under his influence, the gen- 
 eral advancement of society kept pace with the 
 progress of his church He was a special friend 
 of liberal education. He established the West- 
 Alexander Academy, and conducted it with much 
 success and reputation during the pastorate, send 
 ing forth from its walls about fifty students who 
 became ministers, besides many candidates for the 
 other professions. He was also an active trustee 
 of Washington College. Dr. McCluskey 's resigna 
 t ion, April 15, 1854, in the fifty-ninth year of his 
 age, was not for the purpose of inglorious ease, 
 but rather for a change of work. After a year 
 spent in the service of the board of education, he 
 supplied the pulpit of the church of Neshaminy, 
 Penn., and afterward that of Smyrna, Delaware, 
 through a period of five years. In 1859 he found 
 ed a church school in West Philadelphia. In 1804 
 he established an institution at Highlstown, N. J., 
 lor the free tuition of the children of ministers, 
 and especially of missionaries. Returning to Phil- 
 adelphia in INTO, he acted for a time as associate 
 principal of the Mantua Academy. The evening 
 of his declining life was spent among friends at 
 Wooster, Ohio. On March 31, 1880, in the eighty - 
 fifth year of his age, his life work came to its end 
 in Philadelphia, and lie ascended to the upper 
 skies. [From the "History of the Presbytery of 
 Washington." | 
 
 His body was laid to rest in the old Neshaminy 
 Cemetery at Hartsville, Penn., where, since, at his 
 side was placed the body of his most estimable 
 and greatly beloved wife. 
 
 Rev. James McCluskey Maxwell, D. D.,was born 
 in the vicinity of New Cumberland, Brooke Co., 
 Va. (now Hancock county, W. Va.), August 1, 
 1837. He was baptized in infancy by Rev. John 
 W. Scott, president of Washington College, at the 
 old Three Springs church, where his father, Sam- 
 uel Maxwell, had been many years before ordained 
 a ruling elder by Rev. Elisha McCurdy. His 
 mother was Jane McCluskey Maxwell, a native of 
 Robinson township, Washington Co., Penn., and a 
 sister of Rev. John McCluskey, D. D., well known 
 in western Pennsylvania as a leading preacher and 
 educator in his day. At Cumberland, Ohio, and 
 at Miller Academy, Washington, Ohio, Mr. Max 
 well was prepared for Washington College, where 
 he graduated in 1800. The two years following 
 lie spent in the Western Theological Seminary, at 
 Allegheny, Penn., going in the autumn of 1SC>'2 to 
 Chicago, where, in the spring of 1803, he graduated 
 from the McCormick Theological Seminary. Mr. 
 Maxwell's student life was marked by faithfulness 
 as well as brilliancy, and gave full promise of his 
 
152 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 subsequent successful anil eminently useful career. 
 He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Pres- 
 bytery of Zauesville at its session hold at McCon- 
 nellsville, Ohio, in April, 1862, and was invited, 
 immediately after completing his theological course, 
 tn take charge of the Presbyterian Church at Fort 
 Madison, Iowa, also to the pastorate of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Kirkwood, in the vicinty of St. 
 Louis, Mo. The latter he accepted, and was in 
 September, 1863, ordained a Gospel minister by 
 the Presbytery of St. Louis, and installed pastor 
 of the Kirkwood Church, which position he held 
 until June, 1805, when he accepted a call to the 
 pastorate of the Twelfth Presbyterian Church of 
 Baltimore, Md. The two years which Mr. Max- 
 well passed at Kirkwood were the closiug years of 
 the war of the Rebellion, and in addition to his 
 pastoral duties he gave attention to the physical 
 and spiritual wants of the soldiers in the barracks, 
 hospitals and prisons of St. Louis. He entered 
 upon his labors as pastor of the Baltimore Church 
 in August, 1865, and continued in that pastorate 
 for nine years, when, on account of impaired 
 health, he was advised by his physician to give up 
 Ins work entirely for a year .or two, or seek a field 
 in which his duties would lie much lighter; and in 
 accordance with his advice he removed, in the fall 
 of 1874, to the beautiful town of Belvidere, N. J., 
 where he accepted a call to the Second Presbvte 
 rian Church, in the pastorate of which he contin- 
 ued for six years. On October 26, 1865, Mr. Max- 
 well was married in Hightstown, N. J., to Miss 
 Gertrude A. Appleget, of that town, Rev. S. S. 
 Shriver and Rev. .lohn McCluskey, U. D. , offici- 
 ating. Mrs. Maxwell is a woman of rare natural 
 endowments and broad culture, and she has ever, 
 by her sweet, Christian spirit, and her efficiency 
 and exceptional qualifications as a social leader 
 and Christian worker, won a warm place in the 
 esteem and atl'ection of all with whom her position 
 has brought her into contact. The kindly, gener- 
 ous and hospitable disposition of the husband has 
 always met with the hearty sympathy and co-ope- 
 ration of the wife, so that the parsonage has ever 
 and everywhere been noted for its delightful hos- 
 pitality. Mr. Maxwell and his wife have been 
 twice abroad: first for four months in 1877, visit- 
 ing Great Britain, Holland, Germany, Belgium, 
 Switzerland and France. The second visit abroad 
 was made in 1880 81, including almost a year, 
 and embraced Algeria, Spain, Italy, and. on the 
 put of Mr. Maxwell, Egypt, Palestine, Greece. 
 Constantinople, and. westward by way of the Black 
 Sea, the Danube, Hungary, Austria, Venice, and 
 over the Simplon Pass. During this tour Mr. 
 Maxwell was correspondent of such well-known 
 newspapers as the New York Independent and 
 Tribune, the Interior of Chicago, and has since 
 been a valued contributor to the Christian at Work 
 
 and the Christian Union. In 18S2 Mr. Maxwell 
 became editor of the Presbyterian Observer at Bal- 
 timore, which position he held until the winter of 
 1885-86, much of the time supplying the Presby- 
 terian Church of Harmony, Harford Co., Md., and 
 was earnestly solicited to become pastor there, 
 but, though the mutual attachment was very great 
 between the people of that church and himself, he 
 did not see his way clear to assume its pastorate. 
 In the meantime he was called to the pastoral 
 charge of the Presbyterian Church at Sweet Air, 
 Baltimore Co., Md. , and to that of Beaver, Penu., 
 and also to the church of Monongahela City, Penn. . 
 which latter he accepted, and of which he is still 
 the popular and beloved pastor. Dr. Maxwell is 
 a preacher of rare power — fresh, vigorous and 
 suggestive — a pastor of exceptional tenderness and 
 devotion — an organizer of peculiar tact — a friend 
 whom one values and a companion of whom one 
 never tires. [By Rev. John R. Sutherland, D. D. , 
 of Pittsburgh. 
 
 HOMAS H. BAIRD. A conspicuous figure 
 on the streets of Monongahela City, elastic 
 in step, erect in carriage, of tine physical 
 proportions, still in the prime of life, and, 
 withal, remarkably well preserved, is the 
 subject of this biographical notice. 
 
 Thomas Harlan Baird, his father, was born No- 
 vember 15, 1787, in Washington, Penn. He was 
 the third son of Dr. Absalom and Susanna (Brown) 
 Baird, the latter a daughter of John Brown, archi- 
 tect. When quite young he was sent to a Latin 
 school, taught by one of the pioneer classical 
 teachers of that day in Brooke county, \V. Va. 
 He was called home by the sudden death of his 
 father, and his education from that time had to be 
 completed by his own earnest efforts and scholarly 
 tastes. He studied law with Joseph Pentecost, 
 one of the most prominent lawyers of that period, 
 and was admitted to the Washington county bar 
 in July, 1808, before he had reached the age of 
 twenty-one. In 1818 he was selected as president 
 judge of Washington, Fayette, Greene and Somer 
 set counties, and continued to hold the position 
 until 1838. This commission bestowed upon so 
 young a man, when the Washington county bar 
 was quite noted for its able lawyers, was an ac- 
 knowledgment of his legal ability. During the 
 ten years in which he practiced law he was in- 
 tensely occupied in promoting by every means in 
 his power, the growth and progress of his native 
 town. Like his father, Dr. A. Baird, he was al 
 ways among the first to assist, by his hardly 
 earned money and indomitable energy, any enter 
 prise for that purpose. In very many cases the 
 credit due his indefatigable labors was given to 
 others, who did not hesitate to assume an honor 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 153 
 
 they had not earned, and were rewarded by polit- 
 ic;! I positions he could not contend for. He was, 
 in 1814, one of the directors and stockholders in 
 the Washington Steam mill & Manufacturing 
 Company, in which he lost money and gained noth- 
 ing. He was also one of the contractors on the 
 National Road, with Parker Campbell and Thomas 
 McGiflin; his energy was unbounded in this work 
 as in everything he undertook. The first survey 
 made for the Chartiers Valley Railroad, one of the 
 first railroads prospected, was made wholly at his 
 expense; which fact was not learned until after his 
 death, the information being given by the engineer 
 who surveyed it for him. He was one of the com- 
 missioners appointed to raise stock for the Wash- 
 ington & Williamsport Turnpike Road, and for 
 the Washington & Pittsburgh Turnpike Road. 
 In 1843 Judge Baird, and Judge William Wilkins, 
 of Pittsburgh, purchased the stock raised by the 
 State for the Washington & Pittsburgh Turn- 
 pike. No dividends were ever paid the purchas 
 ers on this stock though it was kept as a toll-road 
 for many years. The Monongahela Navigation 
 Company, having failed in its many attempts to 
 improve the navigation of the Monongahela river, 
 at last succeeded in forming a practical slack 
 water navigation company, and among the many 
 commissioners appointed to receive subscriptions 
 to the stock, Judge Baird was numbered. Copies 
 of speeches made by him all over the counties of 
 Washington, Allegheny and Fayette, the numerous 
 articles written for the newspapers, all show how 
 much in earnest he was in his efforts to excite the 
 interest of the people in this great work. He was 
 also elected, in 1813, president of the board of di- 
 rectors of the Bank of Washington, an " Original 
 Bank," as it was called. In November, 1818, 
 Judge Baird conveyed the property of the bank to 
 David Acheson, Alexander Murdoch and John Mar- 
 shall, trustees. His judicial career has been the 
 subject of very severe criticism and comment 
 by his political enemies, and he was accused 
 by them of judicial tyranny while he was on the 
 bench. His great fault was that he had a very 
 high ideal of the dignity of his office, and he re- 
 sented an insult offered to himself when on the 
 bench, as contempt for the majesty of the law, of 
 which he was the official representative. He was a 
 man who could not be bribed by flattery, or political 
 offices of preferment. While on the bench his life 
 was several times put in jeopardy, by men who 
 resented his legal decisions when not given in their 
 favor. An attempt was made by his enemies to 
 have him impeached before the Legislature of Penn- 
 sylvania, for disbarring lawyers guilty of contempt 
 of court, but they did not succeed, in spite of all 
 their malignant and false accusations. Those who 
 wish to ascertain the facts in regard to this case 
 can consult the Legislative records of that day. In 
 
 1854 an article appeared in a Philadelphia news 
 paper, written in defeuse of Judge Baird at the 
 time of his nomination as the American candidate 
 for the supreme judgeship. It says, in regard to his 
 impeachment: " It is well known there was nothing 
 shown in the investigation that could affect the 
 standing of Mr. Baird, either as a judge or a gen 
 tleman." Among the many charges brought 
 against him, by his political enemies, when his 
 name was mentioned for United States senator was 
 that lie was Pro-slavery. This falsehood is denied 
 by the same writer, whom we again quote: " Judge 
 Baird in all" the relations of life lias been a law 
 abiding, consistent and benevolent friend of the 
 colored race, not an Abolitiouist, or Pro-slavery, but 
 an American. By one single decision of his, given 
 when on the bench of Washington and Fayette, 
 he discharged from slavery perhaps twenty thou- 
 sand Blaves. | See the case of Miller vs. Dwelling, 
 1 I s. & K p. 142. r 
 
 Judge Baird was of scholarly taste, and not only 
 well versed in all knowledge pertaining to his pro 
 fession, but was also a fine classical scholar. His 
 Greek Testament lay upon his study table, and not 
 unopened or unread — busy though he might be — 
 and his Horace, Cicero and Virgil were so familiar 
 to him that in conversation he had always an apt 
 quotation ready to suit the subject under discus 
 sion. He had also studied Hebrew, and in the last 
 few years of his life devoted much time in trans 
 lating the Psalms of David, not for any purpose 
 but his own pleasure. Judge Baird was not am- 
 bitious to acquire wealth or political power. His 
 home was to him the dearest place on earth, and 
 nothing could induce him to seek for pleasure or 
 enjoyment out of its sacred precincts. After his 
 retirement from the bench, upon which he was, 
 much against his will or inclination, persuaded by 
 influential friends to remain several years longer 
 than he otherwise would, he practiced law at the 
 Pittsburgh bar, where he was engaged only in im 
 portant cases. In 1848 he retired to his much 
 loved home, at Harlem, his country seat on the 
 Monongahela river, where he had for many years 
 spent his summers with his family and friends. In 
 early life he was married to Nancy McCullough, 
 by whom he had children as follows: Ellen B. , in- 
 termarried with Dr. R. R. Reed, both of whom are 
 deoeased, leaving a number of children and de- 
 scendants, residing in Washington, Pittsburgh and 
 Philadelphia, Penn. ; Sarah A., who married George 
 Morgan, but is now a widow residing in Washing- 
 ton, Penn.; Harriet N. Baird, who died recently at 
 Washington; Mary, intermarried with Joseph N. 
 Patterson, both now deceased, leaving a son,T. H. B. 
 Patterson, a lawyer in Pittsburgh, and Nancy, wife 
 of Rev. William B. McKibben, residing in Cincin 
 nati, Ohio; Eliza, who was married to Robert Pat 
 tersou, Esq. , now a widow residing at Sewickley, 
 
154 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Penn., having two daughters, .lane and Bessie, liv- 
 ing with her, and one sou. Thomas Patterson, Esq., 
 who is practicing law in Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Thomas 
 H. Baird, subject proper of sketch; Margaret W. 
 Baird, residing at Washington, Penn. ; Jane R., who 
 was married to Charles McKnight, now a widow, 
 residing at Sewickley, Penn., has three sons, T. H. 
 B. McKnight, Charles McKnight and Frank Mc- 
 Knight, and two daughters, Mary B. and Eliza; 
 Susan C. and Emily (1. Baird, who died in young 
 womanhood many years ago. 
 
 Thomas H. Baird. whose name opens this 
 sketch, was born in Washington, Washington Co., 
 Penn., December 17, 1824. He received his edu- 
 cation at the common schools of the borough, and 
 at Washington College, from which he graduated 
 at the early age of seventeen yearn; and, having 
 decided on following the legal profession, com- 
 menced the study of law in his father's office in 
 Washington. In February, 184<>, he was admitted 
 to the bar of Washington county, and at once com- 
 menced practice in partnership with his father, 
 continuing (with the exception of a period here- 
 after referred to) until 1872. when he was elected 
 district attorney, on the Democratic ticket in a 
 Republican county, his opponent being John 
 Aiken. During his term of service he was in- 
 strumental in securing the conviction of Briceland, 
 for the murder, by shooting, of John Allenham. 
 Briceland was found guilty after a lengthened 
 trial, convicted, and sentenced to imprisonment 
 for life. In 1850, when T. McK. T. McKennan 
 was appointed, by President Fillmore, Secretary of 
 the Interior. Mr. Baird was given the part of as 
 sistant chief clerk of the Census Bureau, and was 
 later honored by an appointment as clerk in the 
 Department proper. Part of his duties were to 
 prepare and tile all papers relating to appoint- 
 ments and removals of officers, and among them 
 he found some demanding his own removal on 
 political grounds. These he filed in the regular 
 wav, the Department yielded to the demand, and 
 decided on his removal, and he wrote out his own 
 dismissal and came home. One month afterward, 
 however, he was recalled and promoted. Mr. 
 Baird was ten years, in all, occupied in Govern 
 ment position at Washington, D. C, and then re- 
 turned to Pennsylvania. For some three years 
 we next find him practicing his profession in Pitts- 
 burgh, after which he was engaged a time in the 
 coal business on the Monongahela river. In 18R9 
 he opened a law office in Monongahela City, where 
 he has since resided. 
 
 In 1849, while an attorney in Washington, this 
 county, Thomas H. Baird was united in marriage 
 with Maria L. , daughter of Dr. Samuel M. King, 
 who. in 1820, came from Fayette county, Penn., to 
 Monongahela City, where he practiced his pro 
 fession till his death in 18S2. Two of his chil- 
 
 dren are yet living in Washington county: Mrs. 
 Baird and R. C. King, and two, Mrs. C. J. Mosely 
 and Dr. C. B. King, are residents of Allegheny. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Baird are the parents of two chil 
 dren, viz.: Frank E., an attorney at Charleroi, 
 this county, and Maria Louise, wife of A. G. 
 Mitchell, assistant engineer of the Monongahela 
 division of the Pennsylvania Railroad, with resi 
 dence in Monongahela City. The latter are par- 
 ents of one little daughter, Maria Louise Mitchell. 
 Socially, Mr. Baird is a member of the Royal Ar 
 cannm, and in church connection is a Presbyterian. 
 In 1881) he was nominated by his party for Con- 
 gress, but tin' county proved too strongly Repub- 
 lican for him on that ticket, and he was defeated 
 Mr. Bainl is a great reader, and in his profession 
 keeps himself up to the times, having one of the 
 finest and most complete law libraries in the 
 couutv. 
 
 li A. PATTERSON, M. D. , was born in East 
 Finley tuwnship, Washington Co., Penn., 
 \\\ April 7, 1S44. His paternal grandfather, a 
 native of Ireland, when a young man emi 
 grated to America, where he married. In the war 
 of 1812 he enlisted in the American army, and was 
 never more heard of, and his wife in the meantime 
 died, having given birth to a son, who was named 
 Harrison. 
 
 Harrison Patterson, father of the Doctor, was 
 born in East Finley township, and was reared to 
 the trade of stone mason, which he followed twenty 
 years, but later took up farm life in his native 
 township, where he is yet living at the age of eighty- 
 oue years. He married Grizzella, daughter of 
 Daniel and Catherine Ross, natives of Scotland, 
 who emigrated to the United States and became 
 residents of Donegal township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Patterson 
 settled on a farm where she died on Christmas day, 
 1884, at the age uf sixty-six years. The children 
 born to them were as follows: William R., a 
 butcher in Claysville; John A., subject; Mary A.; 
 J. A. R., who tlied iii infancy; Francis P., re- 
 siding in Fast Finley township; one deceased in 
 infancy; Henrietta, residing in East Finley town- 
 ship; Catherine (i., a teacher in a mission scl 1 
 
 in Indian Territory; Josephine, who died at the age 
 of two years; David W. and Harrison Newton, 
 farmers in East Finley township. The father is 
 still on the old place, where he has lived for the 
 past lift v six vears. For fifteen years he was a 
 captain in the old militia, and is commonly called 
 by the title uf " Captain." 
 
 John A. Patterson received his education in the 
 common schools and in the Millsburg Normal 
 School. For six years he was a professional school 
 teacher, in the meantime preparing himself for 
 
WASHINGTON C01L\ I) 
 
 155 
 
 the medical profession. He read medicine with 
 Dr. J. \V. Kelley, of Claysville, aud attended Jef- 
 ferson Medical College during the winter of L869 
 70; then practiced the profession four years at 
 Zollarsville, after which he attended Ohio Medical 
 College, graduating therefrom in the class of 1875; 
 he is also a graduate in denial surgery. Return- 
 ing to Zollarsville, he remained there until INST, 
 when he moved to Washington, where he has since 
 enjoyed a highly satisfactory general practice in 
 medicine. On October 18, 1875, Dr. Patterson was 
 united in marriage with Miss Belle, daughter of 
 Isaac Leonard, of West Bethlehem township, and 
 they have one sou, Guy E., born July 19, 1876. 
 Politically the Doctor is a Democrat, aud for twelve 
 years he was school director in West Bethlehem 
 township. He is a member of the Improved Order 
 of Heptasophs and of the Equitable Aid Union. 
 He is now a member of the borough council. 
 
 * 
 
 \yjll R ALLEM, clerk of the courts of Wash 
 
 \f/\ iugton county, is a grandson of Rev. Moses 
 !i I Allen, a prominent early settler of the 
 county, who was born September 5, 1 780, in 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., and in his 
 youth learned the trade of millwright, which he pur 
 sued diligently and successfully for some years. His 
 classical education he secured at Jefferson College, 
 and he studied theology with Dr. John McMillan. 
 On June '23, 1807. he was licensed to preach by 
 the Presbytery of Ohio, and in November of same 
 year was ordained and installed pastor of the 
 united churches of Providence and Jefferson, in 
 Greene county, Penn. In 1816 he received a call 
 from the congregation of Raccoon. Washington 
 Co., Penn., and was installed June. 1817, ami con- 
 tinued to exercise the pastoral office for twenty- 
 two years. 
 
 The Rev. S. C. Jennings, who had been asso 
 ciated with the Rev. Moses Allen for many years, 
 in an address delivered at the "Centennial Meet- 
 ing" of the Raccoon Church, spoke of the Rev. 
 Moses Allen, second pastor of the church, as fol- 
 lows: "Tall in person, grave and sedate in man- 
 ners. A preacher of ability, a great reasoner, 
 logical and instructive, irreproachable in character, 
 and diligent in catechising the youth. His pastor- 
 ate extended over a period of twenty two years. 
 During this pastorate a new house of worship was 
 built, which was of brick and capable of seating 
 600 persons. This building continued in use 
 forty-two years." 
 
 In 1838 he left Raccoon, and was afterward 
 pastor for nine years at Crab Apple Church in 
 Ohio, and he died there January 16, 1847, aged 
 sixty-six years. It appears from memoranda in 
 his own handwriting that his labors were abundant. 
 "I was pastor of Raccoons," be writes, "twenty- 
 
 two years, during which I preached 2,685 tunes; 
 administered the Lord's Sapper seventy live times: 
 admitted to the communion of the church 324 per 
 sons; baptized fifteen adults and 558 children, 
 ami solemnized 190 marriages." He was a man 
 of decided and positive character, of strong mental 
 ability. He was a sound theologian, and is always 
 spoken of as a very logical, instructive and forcible 
 preacher. Mr. Allen was married, in 1805, to 
 Catherine, the youngest daughter of Rev. John 
 McMillan, D. D., who was the pioneer Presbyterian 
 minister, and founder of the ''Log Cabin School," 
 which ultimately became Jefferson College, of 
 Canonsburg, Penn. His watch, an old English 
 " Bulls eye," which he carried until the case wore 
 off, is in possession of subject. Ten children were 
 born to this union as follows: (1) John Watson, 
 born December 16, 1806, married September 29, 
 1835, Jane Patterson, and both are now deceased 
 (their only son. It. P. Allen, was a justice of the 
 peace in Sharon, Iowa; he married Annie Cleaver 
 in 1863); (2) Eliza Williams, born August 21, 
 1808, was married March 11. 1836, to John Sym 
 ington, and is now deceased (their only son, Allen 
 Harper Symington, married Miss Ellen Mcllvaine 
 in 1869; they reside iu Cherry Valley. Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township, Washington county, and have three 
 daughters and one son); (3) John McMillan, of 
 whom special mention is made further on; (4) 
 Jane M., born October 2, 1812, died September 8, 
 1819; (5) Samuel Harpaer, born February 6, 1815, 
 was married April 26, 1838, to Mary Wallace (he 
 attended Jefferson College, Canonsburg, and Jef- 
 ferson Medical College, Philadelphia; he practiced 
 medicine over half a century, and is now living at 
 Bakerstown, Allegheny Co., Penn.; he has two 
 daughters: Lydia A. (Mrs. Gibson), in the city of 
 Allegheny, where for several years he was a lead- 
 ing teacher in the public schools, and Kate, at 
 home; an only living son, L. M., is a member of 
 the Pittsburgh bar, with residence in Allegheny; 
 an elder son, John Watson, died in the service of 
 his country in the war of the Rebellion); (6) 
 Catherine Blair, born April 2, 1817, married 
 Thomas Morgan, April 19, 1836, and both died in 
 Belmont county, Ohio, where several of their chil- 
 dren now are, others being in the West; (7) Moses 
 Coe, born December 20, 1820, married Ann Camp- 
 bell November 2, 1843; they are both of Belmont 
 county, Ohio, and now reside in Island Creek 
 township, Jefferson Co., Ohio (they had six sous, 
 three of whom died in early youth; the eldest one 
 living married a Miss Crawford, in Jefferson county, 
 Ohio, and they are now in Missouri; the other two 
 surviving sons, William Vincent and Samuel 
 Harper, are living with their parents'); (8) Aaron, 
 born February 9. 1823, in Washington county, 
 married Ann Lyle in Belmont county, Ohio, and 
 both died about the year 1877 (one son, John, 
 
156 
 
 WASHINGTOb COUNTY 
 
 married a Miss Pollock, anotber sou, Moses Kay. 
 married a Miss Armstrong, one rlaugbter, Catha- 
 rine, married a Mr. Duulap, anotber, Belle, was 
 wedded to a Mr. Pollock, and they all live in Bel- 
 mont county, Ohio; anotber son, David Dinsmore, 
 is a minister of the Presbyterian Church in Idaho, 
 and Oscar, yet another son, died at the age of 
 twenty years); (9) William McMillan, born April 
 11, 1825, died May 23, 1823, and (10) Sarah J., 
 born March 5. 1829, died June 23, 1833. 
 
 John McMillan Allen was born .July 11, 1810, 
 in Greene county, Penn., and reared to agricult 
 ural pursuits, which be followed through life. In 
 March, 1S37, be married Margaret Ann Riddell, 
 daughter of Rev. John Riddell, D. D. , first pastor 
 of Robinson Run Church, by the edge of Wash- 
 ington and Allegheny counties. To this union 
 was born one child — Moses Riddell Allen — the 
 subject of this sketch. This wife dying February 
 28, 1856, Mr. Allen married, for bis second wife, 
 Mrs. Margaret Ann Lockart, mother of ex-Sheriff 
 Lockart, and one child came of this marriage, 
 Annie Eliza, now the wife of J. A. Evans, an at- 
 torney in Pittsburgh, Penn. The father died in 
 Burgettstown, July 15, 1860, and is buried in Rac- 
 coon cemetery; the mother died near Noblestown, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn. 
 
 M. R. Allen was born July 19, 1842, in Har- 
 rison county, Ohio, and in 1859 removed with bis 
 father to Burgettstown, Washington county, and 
 has since been a resident of the county. His edu- 
 cation was received at the common schools and at 
 Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio, after which 
 he taught school in Washington county, Penn. 
 For a time he carried on farming operations, also 
 a mercantile business, and on August 2, 1881, be 
 founded the Burgettstown Call, which he pub 
 lisbed till January 1, 1887, when, having been 
 elected to the office of clerk of courts of Wash- 
 ington county, be sold the paper to the owner of 
 the Enterprise (J. H. Cramer), since when the two 
 have been consolidated with the title Enterprise 
 Cull. Mr. Allen then removed to Washington, 
 where he has since had his home, having been re- 
 elected in 1890 to the office be holds. 
 
 On January 14, 1864, Mr. Allen was married to 
 Ella M. Daugherty, of Burgettstown, daughter of 
 John Daugherty (of the same place) and Abigail 
 B. (Canon) Daugherty, daughter of Joshua Canon, 
 and granddaughter of Col. John Canon, the found 
 er of Canonsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty were 
 the parents of five children: John Weslev, who 
 died in 1878; Ella M. (Mrs. M. R. Allen); Jennie 
 O, wife of W. B. Porter, of Burgettstown; Flora 
 B. , teacher in the East Washington public schools, 
 and Asenath M , who died November 3, 1804. The 
 father of this family, who was a wagon maker and 
 carriage builder by trade, well known and highly 
 respected, died in August, 1866; in April, 1*77, 
 
 the mother followed him to the grave, and they 
 sleep their last sleep in the cemetery at Burgetts 
 town. Tbey were both natives of Washington 
 county, the father born in Donegal township. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Alien were born six children, of whom 
 the following is a brief record: John E. is with his 
 father; Harper Riddell is bis father's assistant in 
 the office, and his special work now is prepar- 
 ing the new index of the Orphans' Court, from 
 the organization of the county up to date; Wesley 
 Hays is also assistant clerk with his father (be was 
 married in 1891 to Miss Dora E. Mounts, of Wash 
 ington county; one child — a daughter — Helen M , 
 has been born to them); William, died September 
 11, 1SS1, and Effie, died August 28, 1881, both in 
 infancy, .aged eleven and seven respectively; May 
 nord Robert is attending Washington and Jeffer 
 son College, freshman class. Mr. Allen is a Re- 
 publican in his political preferences, and has served 
 as burgess of Burgettstown, also as clerk of coun- 
 cil. In 1880 he enumerated the census of the 
 First Precinct of Smith township. Since coming 
 to Washington he has served as director of the 
 Keystone Building & Loan Association, a local 
 organisation. 
 
 For three generations preceding our subject, the 
 family has been Presbyterian in its religious affil- 
 iations and workers in the cause; it is, therefore, 
 nothing of wonder that Mr. Allen and his eutire 
 family are followers and supporters of the same 
 principles and creed. Mr. Allen is a member and 
 deacon of Dr. Brownson's (First Presbyterian) 
 Church of Washington, aud is also a member of the 
 Improved Order of Heptasophs, of Washington, 
 having filled the office of " Archon " in the order 
 since its organization. At the present time Mr. 
 Allen is secretary of the school board of East 
 Washington. 
 
 ||AMES GLENN DICKSON, M. D.,a resident 
 
 for tbc> past fifty years of Canonsburg, Penn., 
 
 fl| was born February 15, 1825, in what is now 
 
 South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., 
 
 Penn. His parents were William aud Mar 
 
 garet (Glenn) Dickson. 
 
 Dr. Dickson traces his ancestry in a direct line 
 through a period of over three hundred years, and 
 the year 1893 enables him to look upon the faces 
 of the tenth generation. 
 
 The earliest records, which have yet been ob- 
 tained by Dr. Dickson, tell of one John Dickson, 
 a merchant in Glasgow, Scotland, " a man of re 
 ligious character and possessed of considerable 
 wealth.'' This merchant with his good wife stirred 
 up others to pray with aud for them, that the 
 blessing of a son might be given them, "vowing 
 that if their petition was granted they would de 
 vote him to tlm service of the Lord.'' Such a son 
 
<2"*2-— -) 
 
UWSIIIXGTON COVXTY. 
 
 159 
 
 was the Rev. David Dickson, bom possibly in 1591, 
 probably as early as 1583, as the exact date can 
 not positively be stated. He was educated in the 
 University of Glasgow, where he became a profes 
 sor in 1641, remaining in that position until 1651, 
 where he accepted a similar position in the Edin- 
 bnrgh University. He was appointed minister to 
 Irvine in 1618, and of him it has been said: '"The 
 Professor of Divinity at Edinburgh was truly a 
 great man: the Professor of Divinity at Glasgow was 
 a greater man; but the minister of Irvine was the 
 greatest man of all." His repudiation of the Five 
 Articles of Perth, as issued by the General As-eni 
 bly of the Church of Scotland in 1618, won for him 
 much persecution, as well as great honor. He 
 was pre-eminently a scholar, a preacher, a worthy 
 Scotchman, as his biography and writings show. 
 In all there are seven works, the offspring of his 
 master intellect, copies of three of which, with a 
 sketch of his life issued by the committee of the 
 General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland, 
 are in possession of Rev. David Craig Stewart, of 
 Hoboken, N. J., and were obtained of him recently 
 in Edinburgh. 
 
 Alexander Dickson, a sou of Rev. David Dick 
 son, wrote the dedication in 1664 to the English 
 preface of his father's last work, calling it a child 
 of his father's old age — the English translation of 
 Latin treatise on the subject of the Conscience; his 
 father having died in 1663, probably eighty years 
 old, certainly not younger than seventy-two. An- 
 other son of Rev. David Dickson was John, who be- 
 came a merchant in Edinburgh, Scotland; and this 
 John established his sons David and George in 
 mercantile business in Armagh, Ireland, as a 
 branch of the Edinburgh house. 
 
 The records show that three sous of the Armagh 
 merchant, George Dickson, came to America, in 
 eluding the family also of one of these three, that 
 of Audrew, who had married a Seceder girl in Ar- 
 magh previous to his emigration, and whose family 
 record (Andrew's) is preserved in a Bible which 
 gives the date of birth of each of his ten children, 
 and the record of the marriage of nine of these. 
 This Andrew Dickson, of the fifth generation thus 
 fur traced, was great-grandfather of Dr. James G. 
 Dickson of the eighth generation. 
 
 The six elder children of Andrew Dickson were 
 born in Ireland between the years 1734 and 1743, 
 and the other four were born in America near 
 Chambersburg, Penn., where their father had set- 
 tled. The eldest of the four born in this coun 
 try was Andrew, whose birth was in 1748, and 
 who died in service in the Revolutionary army. • 
 The Bible containing Audrew Dickson's family 
 record is now over one hundred and sixty years 
 old, and is in possession of Rev. David French 
 Dickson, of East Palestine, Ohio, a nephew of 
 Dr. Dickson. Andrew Dickson's children were 
 
 named: Hannah, George, Jean, James, Esther, 
 Sarah, Andrew, Agnes, Mary Ann and John 
 George Dickson, the eldest son and second child 
 in this family, was the grandfather of the sub 
 ject of this sketch. George Dickson was born 
 December 7, 1735, and died in tin- fall of 1817. 
 He married, in 1770, Rachel McKee, then twenty 
 nine years of age, a daughter of James McKee, .i| 
 Chambersburg, Penn. In the summer of 1771' 
 George came to Black Lick creek (now in Indiana 
 couuty), accompanied by his younger brother, John, 
 and bought 400 acres of laud. There they built 
 a cabin, cleared what land they could during the 
 summer, and then went back to Chambersburg for 
 the winter. In 1773 they returned and cleared 
 in. ne, ami in 1774 George moved his family into 
 the cabin. He continued to clear and cultivate the 
 land until 177S, when, in the greatest haste, they 
 were obliged to flee upon receiving news of the 
 Wyoming massacre and near approach of the In >st ile 
 Indians. With his wife and their small children. 
 James, Andrew and Agnes, all mounted upon two 
 saddle horses, they summarily returned across the 
 mountains to Chambersburg. In 1782 George and 
 his brother John again visited their property in west 
 era Pennsylvania to find everything in ashes. Com 
 ing southward to Pittsburgh, suitable land was found 
 and purchased by George Dickson, it being some 
 440 acres on the north branch of Miller's run, and 
 purchased from one Thomas Reed, an early settler, 
 who held it under a patent grant. John Dickson 
 went further west into Ohio, where he married and 
 settled near Poland. 
 
 The family of George Dickson numbered eight 
 children — three sons and live daughters. These 
 uncles and aunts to Dr. James Dickson were James, 
 born January, 1772; Andrew, born May 27, 1775; 
 Agnes, born February 27, 1777; Mary, born Sep- 
 tember 4, 1780; Rachel, born November 13, 1782; 
 Hannah, born November 18, 17S5; Elizabeth, born 
 August 10, 1789; and William, the father of Dr. 
 Dickson, born August 2, 1791. James, the eldest, 
 married a Miss Frazee, and their family consisted 
 of several daughters; James Dickson died in 
 Cuyahoga county, Ohio. His brother, Andrew, 
 also married a Miss Frazee, a sister of James' wife; 
 Andrew died near DeKalb, Ohio, leaving a large 
 family, chiefly sons. Agnes, the third child in 
 George Dickson's family, died at the age of nine 
 teen near Noblestown, Penn.; she had doubtless 
 been named for her father's sister Agnes, the wife 
 of Mr. Bryar, of Chambersburg. Mary, the fourth 
 member of George Dickson's family, married 
 Joseph Burnside, and resided near Canonsburg, 
 where her death occurred at an advanced age, hav 
 ing for many years before her death been totally 
 blind; her family numbered three daughters and 
 one son, namely: Margaret Jane (recently de- 
 ceased), the wife of Rev. David Thompson, D. D. , 
 
160 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 of Monmouth, 111.; Rachel, wife of John Foley; 
 Mary Anne, now Mrs. Haslep, of near Monmouth, 
 111.; and George Dickson Burnside, who died a 
 few years since on his farm near Canonshurg. 
 Rachel Dickson, the fifth in George Dickson's 
 family, died near Scottsville, Peuu., and was 
 the wife of Solomon Irons; their family num- 
 bered six children, viz. : James, John, Rachel, 
 William, Joseph and Andrew. Hannah, George 
 Dickson's sixth child, became the wife of Andrew 
 Henderson, and of their six children four were 
 sons, named respectively: George, John, Will- 
 iam and Ebeuezer. Hannah Dickson Henderson 
 died near Granville, 111. The next younger sister 
 was Elizabeth, the seventh child of George Dick- 
 son; she became the wife of James Stewart, and at 
 her death which occurred near Clinton, Penu., 
 left no family. The youngest child of the grand- 
 father, George Dickson, was William, the father of 
 Dr. James G. Dickson. 
 
 William Dickson was born in South Fayette 
 township, Allegheny Co., Penn., in 1791. On the 
 death of his father he came into possession of the 
 homestead, and became one of the most successful 
 fanners in his part of the country, one of his spe- 
 cialties being the rearing of tine-wool Merino sheep, 
 his flock of such being the first introduced into 
 his neighborhood. He was a man of exemplary 
 piety, and honorable dealings with his neighbors. 
 In the year of his father's death, 1817, he married, 
 and was elected ruling elder, to till the vacancy 
 caused by his father's demise, in the Nobles- 
 town (Peuu.) Associate (now United Presbyterian) 
 congregation, which office he continued to fill until 
 his death, which occurred March 18, 1872, in his 
 eighty-second year. He resided all his life on the 
 farm where his father had spent the last thirty 
 four years of his life. William Dickson was twice 
 married, his first wife being Margaret Glenn, a 
 daughter of James and Jennie (Buchanan) Glenn, 
 who came to western Pennsylvania a few years 
 subsequent to the arrival of William Dicksou's 
 parents. The Glenns came from Lancaster county 
 and settled in Westmoreland (now Allegheny) 
 county, prior to 1800. Margaret Glenn was born 
 in Lancaster county, Penn., in 1791. The mar- 
 riage of William Dickson and Margaret Glenn oc- 
 curred in 1817. Their children were as follows: 
 Jennie Glenn, born August 21, 1818. died in in- 
 fancy. May 9, 1819; Rachel, born July 18, 1820; 
 George, born October 8, 1822: James Glenn, horn 
 February 15, 1825; Joseph, bora December 10, 
 1820, died February 9, 1827; Mary J., born April 
 28, 1828; Andrew and William A. (twins), born 
 June 15. 1831 (Andrew died in infancy, May 5, 
 1832). The mother of these children died No- 
 vember 18, 1852. at the age of sixty-one years. 
 For his second wife William Dickson married, in 
 1857, Susan Aikins, who preceded her husband a 
 
 little over two weeks in entering the Heavenly 
 home, her death occurring March 1, 1872, and 
 their remains repose in the cemetery at Robinson 
 Run church, where are also the remains of Will 
 iam Dickson's parents. 
 
 Rachel, daughter of William Dickson, became 
 the wife of Robert Potter, and with her two 
 daughters, Maggie D. and M. Lulu, has resided 
 near Noblestown siuce the death of her husband, 
 July 16, 1887. 
 
 George Dickson, elder brother of Dr. Dickson. 
 was married to Margaret French, daughter of Rev. 
 David French, D. D., and her son, Rev. David 
 French Dickson, has been mentioned earlier in 
 this sketch. George Dickson's second wife was 
 Eliza Glenn, who left no family at her death. In 
 November, 1892, occurred the death of Annie 
 Rankin, third wife of George Dickson. James 
 Glenn Dickson is the next younger brother, and to 
 present his lineage is the design of this sketch. 
 Mary J. Dickson, a younger sister, married James 
 Clark, and resided in Buffalo township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., until 1870, when they removed to 
 Cauonsburg, where her husbaud's death occurred 
 December 18, 1885. Their family consisted of 
 Nettie, who died in infancy; William Dickson 
 Clark, whose wife (now deceased) was Mrs. Lizzie 
 McKeown; Marguerite S. , the wife of Culbert M. 
 Greer; Anna Mary, the wife of Rev. David Craig 
 Stewart; and James Addison Clark, who resides 
 with his mother. 
 
 William A. Dickson, the youngest of his father's 
 family, like his father, William Dickson, came 
 into possession of the ancestral estate, where with 
 his family he resided for many years until his re- 
 moval to the McBurney farm near Midway, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn. His wife was Elizabeth Mc- 
 Burney, daughter of Robert and Eliza (Welsh) 
 McBurney. William A. Dickson's family of eight 
 children are: Margaret, Elizabeth, Robert, Anna 
 S. , William, Agnes, Walter and Bertha. William 
 A. Dickson has in his possession his mother's 
 Bible inscribed as follows: "Margaret Glenn, her 
 book. August 12, 1812," which also contains 
 record of the birth of each of Dr. Dickson's sisters 
 and brothers. The ponderous volume "Boston's 
 Complete Works " is in possession of Rev. David 
 F. Dickson, and contains the annals previously 
 quoted of Dr. Dickson's grandfather, George 
 Dickson's family. 
 
 Dr. James Glenn Dickson was brought up on 
 his father's farm in South Fayette township, Alle 
 ghenv county, and received his primary education 
 at the subscription schools of the neighborhood, 
 which was supplemented by a few terms at the 
 public school, and instruction under the preceptor- 
 ship of Rev. John M. French, pastor of the Asso- 
 ciate Church at Noblestown; then in 1843 he en- 
 tered Jefferson College, from which he graduated 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 161 
 
 in LS47 under the presidency of Dr. Robert J. 
 Breckeuridge, of Kentucky. In 1848 he com- 
 menced the study of medicine with Dr. J. V. Har- 
 riott, of Canonsburg, attending during the winters 
 of 1SU)-50and 1850-51 Jefferson Medical College, 
 Philadelphia, Peun., where in the spring of 1851 
 he received his medical diploma. In the summer 
 of that year he commenced the practice of his 
 chosen profession at Mount Jackson, Lawrence Co., 
 Penn., remaining there one year. Then at the 
 solicitation of his preceptor. Dr. Herriott. he re- 
 turned to Canonsburg and entered into a partner- 
 ship with him, which existed about two years, at 
 tlic end of which time Dr. Herriott removed to 
 Philadelphia, Dr. Dickson continuing the practice 
 alone in Canonsburg. Upon the return of his old 
 partner, after an absence of several years, Dr. 
 Dickson again associated with him, but at the end 
 of three years Dr. Herriott moved to Valparaiso, 
 Ind., since when our subject has been alone in his 
 professional practice. He has enjoyed an un- 
 broken, most successful practice of over forty years 
 in Canonsburg, a longer period than has fallen to 
 the lot of any other physician of the place. 
 
 Dr. Dickson was married September 4, 1856, t" 
 Margaret H. Buchanan, who was born February 
 28, 1828, in North Strabane township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Peun., a daughter of Alexander and Mary 
 (Miller) Buchanan. Two children were born to 
 Dr. Dickson and wife, viz.: Mary Jeannette and 
 William Alexander, both living with their parents. 
 William A. was married September 24, 1885, to 
 Margaret Gabby Allison (daughter of Hon. Jona- 
 than and Margaret (Gabby) Allison), whose death 
 occurred September 6, 1886, followed six weeks 
 later by the death of their infant daughter, Mag 
 gie Olive. On October 23, 1800, occurred the 
 marriage of William A. Dickson and Mary Lizzie 
 Martin, daughter of Dr. John W. and Elizabeth 
 (Allison) Martin. Thoir infant daughters are 
 Aneita Marie and Margaret Elizabeth, who, with 
 their parents, are part of Dr. Dickson's household. 
 The family are members of the United Presbj 
 terian Church, the Doctor having united with it 
 when it was known as the Associate Church. Po- 
 litically, he was first an Old line Whig, and, since 
 the organization of the party, he has been a stanch 
 Republican. The commodious family residence 
 was built by the Doctor some eight years ago, on 
 the corner of Pike street and Greenside avenue. 
 The years herein recounted bring the Dickson 
 lineage through ten generations; of the tenth 
 there are in direct line eight representatives, viz. : 
 Three children of Rev. David F. and Annie M. 
 (McCready) Dickson— George, David and Zetta; 
 three grandchildren Q f ji ary j (£)j c ksoii) Clark, 
 viz. : Clark and Lucile Greer, son and daughter 
 of Culbert Means Greer and Marguerite S. (Clark) 
 Greer, and Anna Mary, daughter of Rev. David 
 
 Craig Stewart and Anna M. (Clark) Stewart; 
 added to these the Doctor's two graudchildri'ii, be 
 fore named (Aneita Marie and Margaret Elizabeth), 
 and the eight representatives of the teu^h genera 
 tion from John Dickson, of Glasgow, Scotland, 
 are recounted. 
 
 The Doctor is wedded to his profession, and as 
 he is by nature, as well as by education, emi- 
 nently qualified for his, the most benevolent of 
 all professions, he commands and enjoys the re 
 spect and confidence of his many patrons. 
 
 GOL. CHILLION WASHBURNE HAZ 
 ZARD, editor and proprietor of the Mo i 
 gahela Republican, was born in Mononga 
 hela City, Peun., May 5, 1849, in the same 
 house and in the same room in which his mother 
 was born and married. lie is a son of Hon. 
 Thomas R. Hazzard and Harriet M. Hamilton, the 
 former of whom was born in Chemung county, N. 
 Y. The paternal ancestor of Thomas R. Hazzard 
 was from the North of Ireland. 
 
 C. W. Hazzard was educated in the common 
 schools of Monongahela City, and afterward at 
 tended an academy taught by Henry Lee, at West 
 Newtou, Westmoreland Co.. Peun. Mr. Lee was 
 formerly a professor in Washington College, arjd 
 belonged to the celebrated Lee family, prominent 
 in the Revolution, and some of whose descendants 
 were leaders in the Confederate service during the 
 Civil war. After completing his education in West 
 Newton, he entered the Monongahela Republican 
 printing office as an apprentice. His father pur 
 chased the newspaper plant, and admitted his son 
 to a joint ownership. This he left, However, to 
 accept a commission in the Twelfth Pennsylvania 
 Reserves. He served through the war, ami left 
 the service a brevet major at the close of the cam- 
 paign. He was in forty two rights, including 
 Draiuesville (December 20. 1861), Mechanicsville, 
 Gaines' Mills. Newmarket Cross Roads, Malvern 
 Hill, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Autietam, 
 Fredericksburg (where he was wounded), Gettys- 
 burg, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness 
 (seven days), Spottsylvania (his brevet reading 
 "promoted for gallantry at Spottsylvania"), North 
 Anna and Bethesda Church. He is specially men- 
 tioned in general orders for gallantry in action, as 
 appears in the official records of the Rebellion 
 published by Congress. In 1863 Capt. Hazzard 
 was transferred from the line to the staff as Di- 
 vision mustering officer, and served in that capac 
 ity with Gens. Sykes, Crawford and McCandless. 
 After the war he returned home and resumed the 
 publication of the Monongahela Republican, of 
 which he then became publisher and editor. On 
 the formation of the National Guard of Pennsyl- 
 vania after the war, Col. Hazzard was made 
 
162 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 Assistant, Adjutant-general of the Seventeenth Di- 
 vision, on the staff of Maj.-Gen. Thomas F. Gal- 
 lagher, with the rank of colonel. On the reorgan- 
 ization of *the guard, he was appointed on the staff 
 of Gen. James A. Beaver, as a brigade inspector- 
 general, serving as such until his chief was elected 
 Governor of the Commonwealth. Col. Hazzard 
 then relinquished his position in the National 
 Guard. He has served in various military posi- 
 tions of a civil character: as president of the 
 Washington County (Penn.) Veteran Association; 
 is one of the managers of the 'Gettysburg Battle 
 field Memorial Association; is secretary of the 
 Pennsylvania Reserve Veteran Association; was 
 elected Commander of the Department of Penn 
 sylvauia, G. A. R. , at Reading, January 30, 1880, 
 and has been several times chairman of the com- 
 mittee on resolutions in the National Encampment, 
 of which body he has attended every encampment 
 since the organization of the G. A. R., except that 
 at San Francisco, Cal. He has been somewhat in 
 demand as a speaker on G. A. R. occasions, and 
 has delivered over two hundred addresses in its in- 
 terests. As a newspaper man, he has been thirty 
 nine years a printer, during thirty years of which 
 he has been editor. He has been secretary of the 
 Editorial Association of Western Pennsylvania, 
 Virginia and Eastern Ohio since its organization. 
 He was made postmaster of his native city almost 
 immediately after leaving the service, and resigned 
 on the day when Mr. Cleveland was first inaugu- 
 rated. He was the first State president of the Pa- 
 triotic Order of the Junior Sous of America, and 
 for six years published its official organ, a monthly 
 journal called the Junior's Friend. In 1880 he 
 established the daily edition of the Monongahela 
 Republican, now in the twelfth year of its existence. 
 He is a prominent Freemason, and has taken 
 all of the degrees to the thirty-third, Sir Knight 
 twenty-second, and is a member of Syria Temple, 
 Mystic Shrine. He served for four consecutive 
 years as Grand Regent of the Royal Arcanum of 
 the State of Pennsylvania, and is at this writing 
 Supreme Vice Regent of the Order at large. 
 
 Col. Hazzard was united in marriage with Miss 
 Mary B. Goff, and they have two children: De- 
 Vernon, a student at Washington College, and 
 Harriet H. Col. Hazzard is ably assisted in his 
 editorial office by Miss Jane King, who promises 
 to be one of the brightest newspaper writers in the 
 State. He was secretary of the Monongahela 
 Valley Agricultural Society, and one of the di- 
 rectors in the Monongahela Driving Association. 
 He is a trustee, on behalf of the State, of the Cal- 
 ifornia Normal College, and a trustee of the Mo- 
 nongahela Memorial Hospital. Col. Hazzard has 
 two brothers: Joseph De V., an orange grower in 
 Florida, and T. L. Hazzard, M. D., professor of 
 physiology in the Western Pennsylvania Medical 
 
 College, at Pittsburgh. Mr. and Mrs. Hazzard 
 attend the First Presbyterian Church at Mononga- 
 hela City. 
 
 R\¥f N. PATTEN, M.D., is a physician of large 
 II VI practice and wide reputation, one who lias 
 
 M earned his success in life, beginning when 
 JJ - 1 a boy on his father's farm, in the endeavor 
 v to climb the ladder of life. He is a native 
 
 of Pennsylvania, born in Union township, Wash 
 ington county, January 1 1, 1847, a sou of William 
 (a farmer) and Isabella (Porter) Patten, the latter 
 of whom was a sister of Mrs. Morrison (mother of 
 Mrs. Alexander, of Monongahela City). They 
 were the parents of nine children, of whom the 
 following is a brief record: one son died in infancy; 
 Matthew is a farmer in Iowa; Martha and Eliza- 
 beth are both residents of Union township, this 
 county; Mary is the wife of Thomas Estep, and 
 lives in East End, Pittsburgh, Penn. ; William J. 
 is a farmer in Kansas; Sarah Belle lives in Union 
 township; Newton N. is the. subject of this sketch; 
 J. Alfred is in Union township. The father died 
 in 1886, aged eighty-seven years four mouths; the 
 mother is yet living, aged eighty eight years seven 
 months. 
 
 N. N. Patten received a liberal education at the 
 common schools of his native township, which was 
 supplemented with a course of study at Elder's 
 Ridge (Penn. ) Academy. Subsequently he entered 
 Washington and Jefferson College, from which he 
 graduated in 1809. He then commenced the study 
 of mediciue in Monongahela City with Dr. M. P. 
 Morrison, a cousin, and attended lectures at Jef 
 ferson Medical College, which granted him his de- 
 gree of M. D. in 1873. Dr. Patten at once com- 
 menced the practice of his profession in Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., which he followed there with eminent suc- 
 cess for a period of ten years; then for three years 
 was the head physician at the Pittsburgh City 
 Farm, Homestead, Penn. In 1880 Dr. Patten re- 
 moved to Monongahela City, where he has since 
 been in the general practice of his profession, his 
 ride being a very wide one, his skill as a physician, 
 and his courteous and social manner as a gentle 
 man, having made him extremely popular, and sur 
 rounded him with hosts of friends. The Doctor in 
 politics is a Republican; in church connection, a 
 Presbyterian. 
 
 d'OHN F.COOPER, cashier of the People's 
 Bank of Monongahela City, was born Decern - 
 J ber 7, 1847, in Fallowfield township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., on the farm which he now 
 owns and occupies, and which was the prop, 
 erty of his father before him. 
 
 One of the earliest settlers in what is now Fal- 
 
WASHINGTON COV.\ n 
 
 103 
 
 lowtit'ld township was Frederick Cooper, a native 
 of Germany, who emigrated to this country prior 
 to 1770, and first settled in Frederick county, Va., 
 where he lived until 1771. Ou April 20 of that 
 year he came to this region, which was yet a wil- 
 derness, and purchased from Andrew Devore "one 
 certain tract or parcel of land lying on the north 
 side of the Monongahela, and bounded by lands of 
 Paul Froman and James Devore." A peculiarity 
 about the description of the said tract of land was 
 that the quantity was not mentioned. He retained 
 this tract of land about a year, and sold it to 
 Abraham Miller in April 1772. At that time the 
 boundary dispute between Pennsylvania and Vir 
 giuia was raging, both provinces claiming jurisdic- 
 tion over this region. Bedford county had been 
 erected March 9, 1771, and the inhabitants of the 
 Monongahela Valley were called upon to pay their 
 shares of the taxes to maintain the county govern- 
 ment. And the majority of these having come from 
 Maryland and Virginia, and being doubtful, in the 
 absence of an established western boundary, 
 whether they were living under the government of 
 Pennsylvania or that of Virginia, resistance to the 
 collection of these taxes followed. On this account 
 much ill feeling and turbulence prevailed, and con, 
 tinned for some years, steps being finally taken by 
 the two colonies, in 1780, for a permanent settle- 
 ment of the boundary contention, and the jurisdic- 
 tion of Virginia was withdrawn. Washington 
 county was erected March 28, 1781. 
 
 When Frederick Cooper first came here, he left 
 a wife and three children — John, Mary and Eliz 
 abeth — in the East. Owing to the feuds, discords 
 and litigations amongst the inhabitants of the con- 
 tending jurisdictions, because of the boundary con- 
 troversy and the resultant inability of the settlers 
 to make adequate defense against the Indians who 
 had again become troublesome, he sold his land to 
 Abraham Miller in 1772, and returned to the East, 
 remaining there several years. His wife having 
 died, he married Elizabeth Kyle, returned to this 
 county with his family, and purchased 287 acres of 
 land which had been warranted on April 17, 1760, 
 to Jacob Froman, and surveyed under the name of 
 " Wrangle." The warrant was returned to Fred- 
 erick Cooper December 27, 1784, and he lived 
 upon this land the remainder of his lifetime. From 
 one of a series of historical sketches of early fam- 
 ilies written by Dr. J. S. Van Voorhis is gleaned 
 the following: Of the children of Frederick 
 Cooper, Catherine became the wife of Thomas 
 Ward, who' built the first house in Belle Vernon; 
 Margaret married John Roland, and both died near 
 Wooster, Ohio; Abraham removed to Guernsey 
 county, Ohio; Frederick owned a farm in the 
 "Dutch settlement,'' and was the father of Samuel 
 and F. K. Cooper, all now deceased; Rebecca be 
 came the wife of Daniel Jacobs; George removed 
 
 to Ohio; Valentine lived and died (a very aged 
 man) ou the original Cooper homestead at the 
 mouth of Maple creek, a farmer and distiller by 
 occupation. 
 
 The names of the children of Valentine Cooper 
 were Jackman, Washington, Jehu, Frederick, 
 Elizabeth, Nancy, Narcissa and Josiah C. Of 
 these, Jackman died in Upshur county, W. Va. ; 
 Washington has special mention further on; Jehu 
 removed to Marshall county, 111. ; Frederick was a 
 school teacher, and died in 1852; Nancy married 
 Newton Van Voorhis, and both are now deceased; 
 Elizabeth became the wife of Apollos Spiers, who 
 lived in Allen township opposite Belle Vernon; 
 Narcissa married Martin Weaver, and removed to 
 Huron county, Ohio; Josiah C. is still living, and 
 is a practicing physician in Philadelphia. 
 
 Washington Cooper, second son of Valentine, al- 
 ways remained a citizen of Fallowtield township, 
 where he was born. He was twice married, first 
 to Sarah A. Thompson, by whom he had five chil 
 dren: Margaret A., Mary E., Sarah A., Narcissa 
 and Malinda J., all now deceased. Mr. Cooper's 
 second wife was Ruth A. Graves, who was born in 
 I 8 1 5 in West Pike Bun township, this county, a 
 daughter of John and Ann Graves, Quakers, who 
 came from near Wilmington, Del., and settled in 
 West Pike Run township, Washington county, 
 where theypurchased a farm. They were regular 
 attendants of the Friends' meeting house, a short 
 distance from their residence, and were universally 
 respected. Five children were born to them, viz. : 
 Albina, who married Josiah John, a Quaker, and 
 they resided in Pike Run township; Jehu, who mar 
 ried and after his wife's death moved, with his 
 two children, to Marshall county, 111. ; Taylor, who 
 married Susan Borom, and lived on the homestead 
 farm in Pike Run township; Ruth A.; and Mary 
 A. , who married Ellis Johnson, and they afterward 
 lived in Stark county, Ohio (he died in his one- 
 hundredth year, and she lived to a ripe old age; 
 the late Hon. James G. Blaine was a pupil of hers). 
 The children born to Washington and Ruth A. 
 (Graves) Cooper were five in number, as follows: 
 John F., our subject; Eli M., who was born in 
 1849, and died in 1889 unmarried; Charles J., de 
 ceased in infancy; Jehu V., a farmer in Fallowfield 
 township, owning a place of 100 acres, a portion 
 of the old homestead (In- married Jennie V. Wil- 
 son, and they have four children living); and 
 Annie A., wife of William West, a farmer in Sum 
 ner county, Tenn. The father died in October, 
 18(50, aged sixty-six years; the mother resides with 
 her son John F. 
 
 John F. Cooper attended the common schools of 
 his township, which were above the average of 
 country schools, in the meantime assisting his 
 father on the farm. In 1881 he was elected 
 register of wills for Washington county, and re- 
 
164 
 
 WASHINGTON COUM) 
 
 elected in 1884, serving two terms. At the expira- 
 tion of his term of office, in 1888, be returned to 
 the farm, where lie remained until January 1, 
 1891, when he assumed the duties of cashier of 
 the People's Bank of Monongahela City, he hav 
 ing been elected to that position in December, 
 IS 1 ." I. On January 19, 1871, Mr. Cooper was 
 united in marriage with Miss Sarah J. Crow, who 
 was born in Fallowfield township, this county, a 
 daughter of Benjamin and Susan (Thompson) 
 ('row. Squire Crow was born in Washington 
 county, and was a farmer and carpenter, also a 
 justice of the peace a number of years. Mrs. 
 Crow was born in Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. John F. 
 Cooper had born to them seven children, viz. : 
 Frederick F., clerk for the Catsburg Coal Co. ; 
 Olive R., Alice O, Frances J., George W., Ethel 
 E. and Charles Mcllvain. The mother died Janu- 
 ary 23, 1888. She was a member of the M. E. 
 Church, Mr. Cooper of the Presbyterian Church. 
 He resides with his children on the old homestead 
 farm, which he owns, four miles southwest of 
 
 M ngahela City, on the Brownsville road in 
 
 Fallowtield township. The farm comprises 113 
 acres, and he raises thereon grain and stock. 
 
 ILLIAM BOYLE HOUSTON. The 
 f Houston family of Canonsburg, Wash 
 Jl ing county, are descended from the family 
 — ' of that name in Lancaster county, same 
 State, who emigrated from Scotland to 
 Ireland and thence to this country, settling in Lan- 
 caster county, Penn. We quote the following 
 from "The Encyclopedia of Contemporary-Biog- 
 raphy of Pennsylvania:" 
 
 ''The Houstons of Pennsylvania come of a race 
 noted for its physical and mental strength. They 
 trace their lineage far back into the days of chival- 
 rous Scotland, when the destinies of the land of 
 heath and heather were dominated by the tyrannical 
 Edward I of England. The Houston came in- 
 to existence during the life of the valorous Wallace. 
 Its origin, however, goes back to the time of Sir 
 Hugh de Pavinan, the Laird of the Lands of Kil- 
 peter in Strathgrief, and comes in a direct line 
 through the oldest sous down to the present time. 
 The baronetcy is now held by George Ludovic 
 Houston, of Johnstone. Renfrewshire, Scotland. 
 The younger sons of the original family migrated 
 from their native land to the North of Ireland, in 
 
 the early part of the seventeentl ntury, and are 
 
 .now scattered through the Counties of Antrim, 
 Tyrone, Donegal and Londonderry. From them 
 came that branch of the family that settled in 
 Lancaster county, Penn., between the years 1725 
 and 1730, and from the Lancaster county Hous- 
 tons, branch out the Houstons of Virginia and 
 Tennessee, and the famous Sam Houston of Texas, 
 
 the hero who battled with Santa Anna, and who 
 was the first president of the Republic. " 
 
 The following is from the " History of Lancas- 
 ter County:'' 
 
 " The Houstons of Lancaster county, Penn., are 
 the descendantsof John Houston, who had six sons 
 and two daughters born at the farm immediately 
 facing Gap Station on the Pennsylvania Railroad. 
 The sons were Daniel, John, William, James, 
 Thomas and Samuel. The daughters were mar 
 ried, one to Rev. Alexander Proudfit, the other to 
 Mr. John Johnson. Both daughters had large 
 families. The five elder boys (Samuel was too 
 young) were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, and 
 with the exception of James, who was killed at 
 Paoli, fought through the war. After the war 
 Daniel went to Franklin county and afterward to 
 Washington county; William went to Trumbull 
 county, Ohio; Thomas went to Rockbridge county, 
 Va. The youngest son, Samuel Nelson, remained 
 in Lancaster county. Penn. He was distinguished 
 for his splendid physical manhood. After gradu- 
 ating from Burlington College he gave his atten- 
 tion in his earl}' years to the study of materia 
 medica and pharmacy. But he did not repress 
 the martial nature which was within him, for he 
 became an active member of Capt. Shippen's 
 troop of horse in Lancaster county, and took part 
 in the war of 1812. 
 
 " Dr. John Houston, the second son, studied in 
 the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated 
 in 1706. He studied medicine with Dr. Shippen, 
 of Philadelphia, and began practice in York county, 
 Penn., then a frontier town. In 1773 he married 
 Susannah Wright, of Columbia. He entered the 
 Revolutionary army as a surgeon. His eldest 
 brother, Daniel, also a Revolutionary soldier, moved 
 from Lancaster county to Franklin county, where 
 he remained a short time, then moved to Washing- 
 ton county, settling in the neighborhood of Cross 
 Creek township. His son, Daniel, born in Frank- 
 lin county, was a man of more than ordinary intel- 
 ligence and executive ability, a worthy represents 
 tive of the Scotch Irish Covenanters. He was tall, 
 broad-shouldered, erect and possessed of great 
 strength. He early engaged in buying and shipping 
 wool, flour and pork; loading boats with (lour and 
 wool at the mouth of Cross creek, and boating to 
 New Orleans. Few people have any idea of the 
 courage, endurance and strength required to make 
 such a trip. There were no canals or railroads. 
 The river was full of malaria, and the channels 
 were not marked as now ; worse than this, he was 
 compelled to guard against robbers and murderous 
 savages — both white and red — on the return walk 
 ing back. Mr. Houston made many trips of this 
 kind, and was always successful. He had the con- 
 fidence and respect of all. He was gentle and 
 severe, firm and unchangeable when satisfied he 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 165 
 
 was right ; he had a mind for equity, and was 
 chosen executor and guardian by many of the best 
 families, both alone and as an associate with oth- 
 ers. The Rev. James I. Brownson informs us he 
 knew Daniel when he (Rev. James I. Brownson) 
 was a boy. He says: 'Daniel Houston was a man 
 of strict integrity, possessed of great mental and 
 physical strength, of a tine face and presence, 
 Btrong in his likes and dislikes, a firm friend and 
 generous to those worthy his confidence.' Daniel 
 Houston and Dr. Brownson's father were friends, 
 and were also administrators for the same estates. 
 Daniel Houston was opposed to slavery and was, 
 no doubt, connected with the underground railway, 
 but he had his own views. Dr. Brownson asked 
 him if he was going to the Abolitionist meeting at 
 Pittsburgh; he said: No! he was in favor of colo 
 nization. His religious views were the same as 
 his ancestors, and he always adhered to the Seceder 
 Church. At Houstonville a Seceder church was 
 erected on a lot given by David Houston, his 
 son, on the Daniel Houston farm. This church is 
 still standing, in the possession of their son, Will 
 iam B. Houston. Daniel Houston was one of the 
 organizers of the old Franklin Bank of Washington, 
 Penn , now known as the First National; was tin' 
 largest stockholder, and at one time president of 
 tin' bank. He was also a trustee of Jefferson Col- 
 lege, Canonsburg. Daniel Houston was progres- 
 sive and public-spirited. When the Chartiers Rail 
 road was projected many years ago, Daniel Houston 
 took great interest in it and subscribed some $0,(100 
 to help put it through. The company that then 
 had charge of the work failed, however, and the 
 enterprise remained in a dormant condition for 
 many years. Finally, the Pennsylvania Railroad 
 Company offered to complete the road on condition 
 (hat the people would take stock to the amount of 
 $'251 » 000. D. C. Houston (son of Daniel) at once 
 took hold of the project, subscribed liberally him- 
 self, and worked untiringly to induce people to take 
 stock and secure the road. Owing to his efforts 
 and the confidence the people had in him, $87,000 
 was secured. 
 
 " Daniel Houston married Miss Betsey Clark, who 
 was born on the old homestead farm of her father 
 in Canton township, now owned by Samuel K. 
 Weirick. She was a daughter of David and Han- 
 nah Baird Clark [Baird was originally Bard, and 
 was Scotch ]. David Clark was born near Mercers- 
 burg, Franklin Co. , Penn., and was a son of James 
 Clark and Nancy (Reed) Clark; they were of 
 Sooth descent. James Clark was born in the North 
 of Ireland, and came with his brother, Thomas, 
 to Pennsylvania. Thomas settled in one of the 
 Honthern States. James Clark was married in 
 Lancaster county, Penn. Daniel Houston was a 
 great reader, and while his early opportunities for 
 obtaining an education were limited, he made the 
 
 most of these opportunities and became a careful, 
 safe and successful business man, and was univer- 
 sally trusted and respected as an upright, honor- 
 able man. Rev. David Riddle, president of Jef- 
 ferson College (of which Daniel Houston was a 
 prominent trustee), preached his funeral sermon, 
 and in recounting his many sterling qualities as a 
 friend, citizen, neighbor and business man, said : 
 ' You might as well try to move the Alleghany 
 Mountain from its base as to shake the integrity 
 of Daniel Houston.' Daniel Houston and wife, 
 Betsey (Clark) Houston, had three children — one 
 son and two daughters, David, the son, being the 
 only survivor, the girls dying in childhood. 
 
 " David Houston was born on the old farm of his 
 father in Independence township, was educated in 
 the common schools and at Jefferson College; in 
 early life engaged in mercantile pursuits, but later 
 retired from mercantile life and looked after 
 the estate inherited from his father, who was 
 a large landowner. For many years David 
 Houston was a director in the First National 
 Bink of Washington. He was a resident of Can 
 onsburg at the time of his death, which occurred 
 May 27, 1888, when he was in his seventy-third 
 veu. He whs a public spirited, charitable, gener 
 oils, whole-souled Christian gentleman, was active 
 in his efforts to secure the location of the Chartiers 
 Valley Railroad, and fo^ many years, and up to the 
 time of his death, a trustee of Washington and 
 Jefferson College, a trustee of Jefferson Academy, 
 president of the Oak Spring Cemetery Company, 
 and held other positions of trust. Mr. Houston 
 and his father served continually as directors of 
 the First National Bank of Washington, Penn., 
 from its organization; and the discharge of their 
 duties was marked by a regularity in attendance, 
 by uniform courtesy to other members of the 
 board and by a watchful care over the interests of 
 the institution. The funeral services of Mr. 
 David Houston were held in the Chartiers U. P. 
 Church, of which he had for many years been an 
 honored and worthy member. His liberality in 
 the church and his charities to those in need are 
 well known. No one in trouble or need appealed 
 to him in vain. He was always ready with sym 
 pathyand something more substantial when needed. 
 In 1840 he married, at Washington, Penn., Miss 
 Louisa Bell Sweitzor, who was born in Brownsville, 
 Penn., a daughter of Dr. Louis Sweitzer, of Doyles- 
 town, Bucks Co. , Penn., who graduated from a 
 medical college in Paris, France. He and his 
 wife had children as follows: William, who became 
 associated with a dry-goods firm of Philadelphia, 
 Penn. (he afterward went to California, where he 
 engaged in the mercantile and real estate busi- 
 ness on his own account, and in which he was 
 successful; he contracted a fever, and while con- 
 valescing started for Philadelphia, but died en 
 
16(1 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 route, and was buried at sea); Dr. Louis, Jr., who 
 became a physician and practiced medicine at 
 Claysville, Washington county; Alonza B., who, 
 previous to his emigration to Gonzales, Tex., ac- 
 quired the profession of law and medicine, after 
 which he spent some time in the military academy 
 at West Point and was classmate of Gen. U. S. 
 Grant (he had been a member of the National Con- 
 gress of Texas from the county in which he was a 
 resident at the time of his death, and he enjoyed 
 the undivided confidence and esteem of all who 
 knew him; he died aged thirty-three years and 
 some months); Mary A., who married Samuel 
 Wise, of Vincennes, Ind. ; Elizabeth, who died 
 young; Emma, who married, January 24, 183B, 
 Col. Marmatel Boyle, a nephew of Gen. Boyle, of 
 Kentucky (she was considered one of the most 
 beautiful women of her day; they had two chil 
 dren — one son who was a prominent judge, of 
 Vincennes, Ind.); Cecelia L., who was married 
 September 1'.', 1N37, to John Imbria, of New Castle, 
 Penn., and they had two sons, prominent business 
 men of Philadelphia, Penn. ; Louisa Bell, wife of 
 David Houston; Harriet, who was married to John 
 Vowell, of Washington, Penn; and two children: 
 Louis Sweitzer Vowell, a druggist of Washington, 
 Penn., and Bessie, wife of F. O. Graper, of To- 
 ledo, Ohio. David Houston and wife had six 
 children — three sons and three daughters: Miss 
 Elizabeth, of Cauonsburg; Mary wife of Rev. W. 
 F. Brown, D. D., also in Canonsbnrg; Louis 
 Sweitzer, who died aged twenty-four years; Will 
 iam Boyle, executor of the estate, Canons- 
 burg; Harriet, who died unmarried aged twenty- 
 two years, and Daniel, who died in childhood, 
 aged three years. " Immediately after the death 
 of Daniel Houston his son David took possesion 
 of the farm, and in 1N71 divided a large portion of 
 it into lots, which were soon sold, and now a thriv- 
 ing town, named Houstonville, is seen, where a 
 few years ago were cultivated fields. The remain- 
 ing part of this farm is now in the possession of 
 Mr. W. B. Houston, and thus continues to bear 
 the family name. The first survey of lots of 
 Houstonville, was made by Thomas H. Johnston, 
 and the first house was built by Mr. A. T. Haft in 
 1871. 
 
 JAMES GIBSON HART, the subject of this 
 sketch, was born January 2, 1807, on Muddy 
 run, Adams Co., Penn. Looking back from 
 that date, beyond three generations, history 
 holds closed doors to the chronicler of all, or 
 any, of the manners, customs, sayings, doings, 
 facial expressions, or physical build, of that branch 
 of the Hart family who subsequently settled in 
 Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn. ; and 
 within that limit, indeed, held open doors only, to 
 
 deal out material scantily that only the ground 
 timbers of a history have been vouchsafed to future 
 generations. Therefore, very little is known, save 
 that Nathaniel Hart (1), tired of the thraldom and 
 despotic rule of kings and queens, and notwith- 
 standing Columbia was then in her infancy, yet, 
 rocked in the same cradle, was the Goddess of 
 Liberty and Freedom, the vital principles of future 
 America, the very pulse of the young nation, and 
 while at that period there could be no conception 
 of the magnitude of the benefits and blessings that 
 was to be unfolded to a future people, yet he saw 
 with a prophetic eye the glorious privileges of In- 
 dependence in the land of the free, and said: 
 "Their land shall he my land, their God my God." 
 Consequently, in about 1730, he sailed from fair 
 Scotia's shores to the fairer shores of America. 
 
 His journey ended when he pitched his tent on 
 Muddy run, Adams Co., Penn. Nothing is fur- 
 ther known of his family, except two sons, Nathan 
 iel (2) and Micah. The last named afterward set 
 tied rrear Norwich, Ohio (date not known). In 
 171)9 Nathaniel Hart (2) married Margaret Mon 
 teith, and lived on Muddy run, Adams county, 
 Penn. In that home were born four children: 
 David, in 1770; Jane, in 1773; Margaret, iir 1782; 
 Mary, irr 1785. Of these, Jane married John 
 Kerr, lived and died near Gettysburg, and had 
 four children. Margaret married Nathaniel Pax- 
 ton, in 1804, and removed to Somerset township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., in 1812. The numerous 
 Paxton families throughout the northern part of 
 Washington county, Penn., and parts of Ohio, are 
 descendants of Nathaniel and Margaret (Hart) 
 Paxton. Mary came with her sister Margaret in 
 L812; in 18 — she married Smith McCollough, of 
 Pigeon Creek. But to return to Nathaniel Hart 
 (2). He died in 1787, on Muddy run, Adams 
 county; his wife, Margaret (Monteith) Hart, died 
 in 1785, Leaving the fourchildren, orphans. When 
 David was eleven years of age he assumed the 
 entire management of the homestead, and cared as 
 a father for his three sisters. He married Sarah 
 Paxton (sister of the above-spoken of Nathaniel), 
 still remaining on Muddy rim until the spring of 
 1807, when he and his estimable wife, feeling the 
 advantages and future welfare of their family de- 
 manded removal farther west, sundered the strong 
 ties that bound them to their childhood's home, 
 and when James Gibson, their third child and the 
 subject of this sketch, was seven weeks old, started 
 on their joUrney, coming through on horseback, 
 and arriving in Somerset township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., about the 1st of April, tire doors of 
 their dwelling being all under water the night they 
 arrived. In this home they lived and died. Six 
 children were added to their family after removal 
 to Washington county, making nine by first mar 
 riage as follows: Andrew, born in Adams county, 
 
t y 
 
 PtsZr. 
 
II ASBlNGTOb COl XTY. 
 
 169 
 
 in 1803, died in Canonsburg, Washington county, 
 August, 1861; Jane, born in Adams county, 1805, 
 married Henry Newkirk, removed to Ohio, died in 
 IS — ; James Gibson (our subject), born January 
 2, 1807, the last child bom in Adams county; 
 David, the first child born in the new borne, in 
 1809, died in Ashland county, Ohio, March 30, 
 1872; Maria Hart Fergus, born in 1811, died in 
 Washington Jauuary 30, 1888; William, the 
 youngest son by first marriage, born 1819, is still 
 living iu the eastern part of Washington county, 
 Penn. (Dates of birth and death of the remaining 
 three of the nine are not known to the writer). 
 But just when youth was buoyant with hope, and 
 life replete with bright promises, death claimed 
 their two sons, John and Paxton, and daughter 
 Sarah. It was then the father was made to feel 
 deeply that " In sorrow'scup flash.»i| bitter wines," 
 and that his " House was left unto him desolate," 
 as about the same time his wife was taken from 
 him, dying in 18 — . In 18 — he married Mrs. 
 Margery Butler, to whom were born three chil 
 dren: Margaret Hart Ken, who resides in Monon 
 gahela, Penn.; Eliza Hart Hosae, living in Scenery 
 Hill, Penn., and Dunning Hart, the present owner 
 of Lowland Stock Farm, Washington county, 
 Penn. He too was left, as was his father, at the 
 age of sixteen, the care of his mother and two sis 
 ters, his father dying October 1, 1852. His second 
 wife, Margery, died January 2, 1871, and, now, after 
 these long years, the writer feels prompted to add 
 a few words to his memory, not to eulogize, bnl 
 simple unvarnished truths. He was a man of no 
 (inordinary intellect, a thorough Bible scholar, his 
 character unimpeachable, distinguished for up- 
 rightness and sterling integrity; he had an indom- 
 itable will, a characteristic inherited from the 
 Scotch Irish race, and which has been transmitted 
 all along the line, neither friend nor foe could 
 swerve him from what he considered the line of 
 duty; yet allied to this unyielding will was a keen 
 discriminating judgment, and soundness of decis- 
 ion, generous, gentle and kind, traits that made 
 him a safe counselor and guide, and secured for 
 him the esteem and confidence of an extended 
 community. In short, he was a just man who 
 feared God and wrought righteousness, and was 
 eminently useful in his day and generation, both 
 in the church and in the world. 
 
 This brings us to James G. Hart, the subject 
 proper of our sketch, who, as before said, became a 
 resident of Washington county, Penn., from Adams 
 county, in the spring of 1807, when he was seven 
 weeks old. He remained in the home nest until 
 eighteen years of age, when self-reliance (the 
 strongly marked trait of his character) asserted 
 itself, and he determined by energy and industry 
 to be self-sustaining, and provide a resting place 
 for old age; consequently he engaged with Robert 
 
 Moore to learn -the trade of carder and fuller. 
 Having finished his trade, he started in business 
 for himself, in West Pike Run township, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn., manufacturing goods of dif- 
 ferent kinds and grades. He was always awarded 
 the first premium for the extra quality and texture 
 of his broadcloths, and other goods put Oil exhibition 
 at what was then known as the " Cattle Show," 
 at Washington, now our Agricultural Fair, and 
 he manufactured the tirst piece of broadcloth ever 
 exhibited at a Washington county fair. 
 
 In 1831 he married Isabel] Moffitt, still living, 
 and following his trade in West Pike Run town- 
 ship until, 1838, he removed to Centreville, a vil 
 lage six miles west of Brownsville, where he 
 engaged in the dry goods business. His wife 
 [sabell died in 1S40, leaving four children, as fol 
 lows: David Moffitt, their eldest son, with his 
 family resides at this time in Brownsville, Fayette 
 Co., Penn., was married twice; his first wife, Miss 
 Pera Rex; his present wife, Miss Pissa S. Wilgus. 
 Maj. James 1'. Hart, his second son, married Miss 
 Lide J. Aiken, of Washington, Penn.; was treas- 
 urer of Washington county in 1868 and 1869; he 
 with his family reside in Washington, D. C. Liz 
 zie J., the only daughter by this marriage, mar 
 ried Chauncey R. Dever; they, and their only 
 child, James Hart Dever (the tirst grandchild), 
 are living in Washington, Penn. John T., the 
 youngest child, died while in the army at Cumber- 
 land, Md., April 27, 1864 In 1842 he married 
 Margery Gregg, by whom were six children; he 
 pursued the dry-goods business successfully until 
 1848, when, feeling that the future welfare of his 
 family demanded an extension of his lines, he, when 
 his sixthson, Brit Hart, was seven weeks old (same 
 age as he himself was when he came from Adams 
 county), removed to a farm in West Bethlehem 
 township, one mile from what was then Hillsboro, 
 now Scenery Hill. 
 
 He took a deep interest in the questions and 
 political issues of the day. His own community 
 ever found him an ardent friend and benefactor to 
 all worthy objects, a strong advocate of education; 
 but his "pet" was the common-school system, 
 and he zealously fed and nurtured its growth and 
 improvement in his county. It was years ago that, 
 when the president of the board of directors 
 (teachers being sent to him to be examined), 
 knowing his unfitness, he with others conceived 
 and agitated the question not only of teachers be- 
 ing examined by a county superintendent, but 
 proposed other measures for the improvement of 
 the system. He eagerly watched its life and 
 growth, and hailed with pleasure the advancement 
 and stage of perfection it had attained in his day. 
 
 Politically, in the beginning he was an Old line 
 Whig; in the turning of the wheel a stanch Re- 
 publican; and was chairman of the tirst committee 
 
170 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 that met in Washington, to organize the Repub- 
 lican party. He was, in 1850, elected associate 
 juilge, with Jacob Slagle aH colleague, and was re- 
 elected in 1861 with Hubert Dinsniore as colleague. 
 It was due to the suggestions and efforts of Slagle 
 and himself that the barbarous custom of with- 
 holding food from jurors, until their decision was 
 given, was done away with; they looked not only 
 upon the cruelty, but the desecration of principle 
 as well. He was a devoted friend to the soldier 
 and his cause, giving aid and comfort when and 
 where he could. But the crowning efforts of his 
 life was in his sacrifices, counsels anil life work for 
 his family. In that relation he lived exalted from 
 the unwavering confidence reposed in him by his 
 own children. They knew beyond a doubt that 
 he in all things lived a life that was above a shadow 
 of suspicion. In the dark hours of sorrow and 
 affliction he was their Anchor, and when their 
 Life boat seemed to be almost engulfed by the 
 grim waves of death dashing against it, and though 
 tempest-tossed himself, yet he was thestay, strength 
 and comfort of his chil hen. He gave to them that 
 restful feeling, that, if " Father is at the helm all 
 will be well " so far as an earthly hand can do. 
 Death came so often, and took from him some 
 loved one. His second wife, Margery, died June 2, 
 1855, leaving six children. Her youngest child, 
 Ard, died October 1, 1856. Soon tin- death-cloudthat 
 before had darkened the home of his father, David, 
 rose again and settled with sombre gloom over his 
 own home, by taking two sons, Thomas and 
 Samuel, and daughter, Sarah, to the spirit land, 
 just when life was sweetest, leaving only two sur- 
 viving children by his second marriage: Hon. 
 Brit Hart, who in December, 1IS74, married Miss 
 1'riscilla D. Lacock, of Scenery Hill, Washington 
 Co., Penu., and who was, in 1884, elected to the 
 _ Legislature; and sister Annie E., who, in October, 
 1872, married Thomas Ross (they both witli their 
 families now reside in Washington, Penn.). Mrs. 
 .lane B. Hopkins, of Brownsville, Fayette Co., 
 Perm., his third wife, died in March, 1890. In clos- 
 ing this sketch of the life of James G. Hart, no more 
 fitting tribute can be offered to his memory than 
 that "'As the father so the son," a Christian firmly 
 adhering to the Calvanistic faith, a man of unblem- 
 ished character. Firm and unyielding, though 
 not without charity, the promptings of duty al- 
 ways found him sure and steadfast, of sound 
 judgment ami decision. After a long lingering ill- 
 ness, which was borne without a murmur, he closed 
 an active and useful life July 5, 1885. 
 
 The war record of the Hart family, who served 
 in the war waged against secession and slavery is 
 as follows: Two sons of David Hart (2); William, 
 who served in an Ohio regiment; Dunning, his 
 youngest, who served in the One Hundred and 
 Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded at the battle of 
 
 Gettysburg. William's two sous, Emmet and 
 Leander, the latter losing his life at Averill's raid. 
 Andrew's son, David, of Canonsburg, a member 
 of Company A, Ringgold Cavalry, was wounded in 
 an engagement at Cedar Springs, Md. James G., 
 two sons: Maj. James P. Hart, of Washington, D. 
 C. , captain of Company A, Ringgold's Cavalry, 
 afterward promoted to major, and John T. Hart, 
 member of same company, who died in Cumber- 
 land, Md., April 27, 18(54. David Hart, Jr., of 
 Savannah, Ohio, was a member of the Twenty 
 third Regiment Ohio Volunteers. 
 
 THE SHARP FAMILY. In the year 17.49 
 William and Mary Sharp, of Scotch Irish 
 ancestry, left their native land to seek a 
 home in the New World. They first located 
 in the State of South Carolina, where their 
 son Isaac was born April 13, 1750, and the family 
 afterward moved to Virginia. 
 
 Isaac Sharp remained with his parents until 
 after attaining his majority, and then left the pa- 
 ternal roof, coming to Greene county, PeDn. He 
 located near Waynesburgh, following surveying 
 and school teaching. In those days wild hogs, 
 deer, turkeys and bears roamed the forests; and 
 ninny times the young pioneer stealthily crept past 
 bruin, who was enjoying a feast of young pork, 
 fearing that he might relish a human morsel as 
 dessert. About the year 1777 he was united in 
 marriage with Mary Woolverton, who was born 
 April 22, 1761, daughter of John and Abigail 
 Woolverton. In the year he was married Isaac 
 Sharp took the following oath: " I do hereby cer- 
 tify that Isaac Sharp hath taken and subscribed 
 the oath or affirmation of allegiance and fidelity, as 
 directed by an Act of General Assembly, intituled: 
 'An Act to oblige the free male inhabitants of this 
 State, above a certain age, to give assurance of al 
 legiance to the same, and for other purposes.' 
 Witness my hand and seal this 13th day of Sep- 
 tember, 1777. John Morrow.'' The following let- 
 ter, written in 1776, is yet preserved as a souvenir: 
 
 My dear and affectionate sen, I am glad to inform 
 yen we ure in good health at present, blessed lie God for 
 His unspeakable layers. Hoping with all sincerity and 
 ardent affection, you are in the same healthful condition. 
 I received a letter from you this day dated October 2Ti 
 (eleven months after), which gave me much satisfaction 
 te hear of your bodily health, and it the more added to my 
 joy to hear that you are still teaching school. I >ear child, 
 consider well, that while you are employed for your 
 bodily support, see that your mind be employed for the 
 welfare of your soul ;f or if we should gain the whole world, 
 and lose our souls, what advantageth it us? Neither be ye 
 conformed to this world, hut lie ye transformed bj the 
 renewing of your minds, that you may kmrw what is the 
 will of God concerning yen. Abstain from all evil com- 
 pany, lest you he partakers of their evil deeds. Seek lirst 
 i he kingdom of (led and His righteousness, and all other 
 things shall beadded unto you Keep yourself, mj dear 
 
WASHINGTON COI'STY. 
 
 171 
 
 child, unspotted from the world. You know my advice 
 tn you when we last parted, concerning these associa- 
 tions, which I expect you to keep in obedience to me, us 
 you may readily conclude, I would in no wise advise you 
 to your hurt. VVe are talking of goingto South Carolina 
 again next spring. John's son John, who lives there was 
 here, but I hardly think we will go. Be sure to mis^ no 
 opportunity of writing to me. 1 would be glad to see 
 you, and having nothing more to write, I remain your 
 affectionate mother. 
 
 Isaac and Mary (Woolverton) Sharp settled on 
 McNarlin's run, about three miles northwest of 
 Waynesburgb, Penn., where seven sons and six 
 daughters were born to them: John, born in 1779; 
 Thomas, born in 1781; Abigail (Mrs. John Knight), 
 born in 1783; Mary (wife of William Sharon), 
 born in 1786; Rachel (married to David Cougar), 
 born in 1788; William, born in 1790; Isaac, born 
 in 1702; Rebecca (wife of Ephraim Coruin), born 
 in 1794; Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Largely), born in 
 1796; Darby Woolverton (deceased in 1807), born 
 in 1798; Zachariah, born in 1800; Bittia (Mrs. 
 Samuel Smith), born in 1802; andManaen, born in 
 1805. | The above dates are taken from a Bible 
 published in 1793, the property of the father of 
 these children.] Isaac Sharp was a man of modi 
 um size, fair complexion and thin features. He was 
 a pioneer school teacher by profession, being known 
 throughout the country as "Old Master Sharp." 
 Much of his life was spent in surveying, behaving 
 been among the first to own the necessary instru 
 ments and follow that vocation in Washington 
 county. In his chosen work he bad a rare op- 
 portunity to judge of the value of vacant lands, 
 and wealth was within bis grasp had he but seized 
 it in time. He entered into an agreement with 
 one Timothy Ross to make surveys, Ross promising 
 to furnish the money to secure the patents. Their 
 united efforts gave fair promise of success, but 
 just at the critical point Mr. Sharp unfortunately 
 yielded to an old weakness, and became a victim to 
 the use of strong drink. This proved fatal to 
 their enterprise, for, although in the main a tem- 
 perate man, lie was addicted to a periodical habit, 
 and while in the power of its grasp another made 
 use of his lost opportunity. Although weak in this 
 respect, Isaac Sharp was an intelligent man, and 
 the affection of his children is evident from the 
 fact that each of those who have had sons of their 
 own have named oue in memory of their father. 
 He died in October, 1830, and was buried in the 
 old cemetery at Waynesburgb, by the side of his 
 wife, who had preceded him August 20, 1822, in 
 her sixty-first year. 
 
 Of the sons born to Isaac and Mary Sharp, as 
 above mentioned, the following is a brief record: 
 John and his wife (Elizabeth) passed their lives in 
 Ohio; Thomas and bis wife (Unity) were early set- 
 tlers of Ohio, where they reared a large family 
 (be was justice of the peace); William and Ruth 
 moved West; Isaac was married to Eliza Nailor, 
 
 who bore him seven children, namely: John, 
 William, Isaac H , Rebecca, Mary J., Rachel and 
 Maria (the parents resided in Millsborough, Penn. , 
 where the father followed the hatter's trade; he 
 was a sound logician, and in politics a Democrat); 
 Manaen was a tanner by trade, and passed his life 
 in Indiana (one of his children was drowned in a 
 tan vat); he died at the age of thirty years. 
 
 Zachariah Sharp, the fourth son of Isaac and 
 Mary (Woolverton) Sharp, was born near Waynes 
 burgh, Greene Co. , Penn. When eighteen years of 
 age he became an apprentice to oue William Hart 
 ford, a blacksmith of Fredericktown, Washington 
 Co., Penn., serving his full time, and afterward 
 working a few months for wages. After leaving 
 his employer the young man began business for 
 himself and erected a small shop near Curry's run, 
 Carter's creek. A few months later he was 
 wedded to Elizabeth, only daughter of Jacob and 
 Elizabeth Yoder, residents of Fredericktown. The 
 parents were Germans, and called themselves 
 Pennsylvania Dutch. The father was a skilled 
 potter. Mr. and Mrs. Sharp resided on Carter's 
 creek about four years after their marriage, then 
 moved to the village of Amity, Penn., where he 
 followed his trade for many years with untiring 
 industry, also teaching many young men in the 
 trade. In those days everything had to be made 
 in a slow and laborious fashion, the sickle and 
 broad hoe being pounded out in the same way as 
 the tiniest nail. In those days a person who 
 brought a young horse to be shod for the first 
 time was expected to meet his social obligations in 
 a rather peculiar but most suggestive manner. A 
 quart bottle of whisky, called the "colt's tail," 
 was brought by the owner of the animal, and 
 when the horse was shod the men were " switched 
 in the face " by their favorite beverage — a pioneer 
 observance of the modern "treating" custom now 
 in vogue among different social circles. Zachariah 
 Sharp finally abandoned the blacksmith's trade and 
 became one of the leading country merchants of 
 the community, afterward adding a small farm 
 and several tenant houses to his store. Business 
 prospered for a time, but the constant confinement 
 was more than he could endure, and he began to 
 long for a change. In 1855 certain mill property 
 depreciated in value and Mr. Sharp incurred a 
 heavy expense in its purchase. He attempted to 
 repair and manage the old mill, but times were 
 hard, money was scarce and interest was high, and 
 soon, in this unfortunate experiment, the savings 
 of many years had vanished like a mist before the 
 sun. He was a total abstainer, positive in opinions, 
 and usually following his own counsel. In politics 
 he was a Whig, an ardent advocate of protective 
 tariff and a warm admirer of Henry Clay, also fa- 
 voring the United States Bank. Although never as 
 piling to political honors, he was nominally the 
 
172 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 postmaster for many years, the actual incumbenl 
 being a maiden lady, to whom he gave all the pro 
 ceeds. He was an admirer of Jack Downing' s 
 letters, was fond of reading (owning a good library), 
 and. like his relations, was a great hunter and a 
 very skillful marksman. In religiou he worshiped 
 with the Presbyterian denomination, but was very 
 liberal in his views. After an illness of but three 
 days' duration he was called to rest from the la- 
 bors of a long and busy life on September 1'.', 
 1874, in his seventy-fourth year. Mrs. Sharp was 
 a kind and industrious companion, an affectionate 
 arid true mother, a zealous and devoted Christian. 
 Possessing a cheerful, trusting disposition, that 
 person was vile indeed for whom she could find no 
 word of praise. After months of severe pain, 
 caused by a fall, she passed over the river October 
 14, 1881, in her seventy-eighth year. Of the chil- 
 dren of this family, the following is a brief record: 
 
 Mary Ann waB born in June, 1N24, near Car- 
 ters creek, Penn., aud remained at home until 
 the others had all left the paternal roof. She was 
 then married to James Hughes, of Amity, this 
 county, who died some years ago, and the widow 
 is now residing near Washington borough with 
 her brother Manaen. She has been a very active 
 member of the Presbyterian Church for many years, 
 and is now sixty-nine years of age. 
 
 William Woolverton Sharp was born January 16, 
 1826, in the old village in this county, where lie 
 grew to manhood. He was a fair scholar, fond 
 of reading, and his penmanship was remarkably 
 clear ami graceful. He taught school during the 
 winter months, attending college in the summer 
 season, and reading medicine with Dr. Matthew 
 Clark. In 1847 he was married to a Miss Margaret 
 Sharp, of Washington county (who was uo relation 
 to his family). He died several years ago, and 
 the obituary, written by his friend and comrade, 
 James P. Sayer, reads thus: 
 
 Dr. Sharp occupied a high position in his profession, 
 his apt mechanical ability enabling him to perform diffi- 
 cnlt surgical operations with ease. In the sick room he 
 was prompt and careful. In September, ist>:2, when the 
 war cloud was darkest, he was commissioned as assistant 
 surgeon of the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. In 
 March, L864, lie was promoted to surgeon of the 
 Eighteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, with the 
 rank <>l major. His arduous duties in the campaigns of 
 |si;i 65 told rapidly on his health and physical strength. 
 lie resigned his commission in March, 1865, and Bought 
 the quiet of home. Partially recovering his health, he 
 resumed the practice of medicine at Amity, this county, 
 where he continued to reside until his death. During 
 tin' year 1858 the Doctor made a public profession of his 
 
 faith in Christ, and united with the people of God. His 
 
 special work was in the Sunday scl Land his natural 
 
 abilitj to illustrate the lesson with blackboard exercises 
 was truly wonderful. We predict the impressions made 
 upon youthful minds by his crayon work will outlast the 
 argumentative and impassioned appeals id' those who 
 
 tailed to use the simpler methods that are -t effective. 
 
 In his business as well as in his professional and religious 
 
 work, he was a man of method, lie did nothing carelessly, 
 and in his work there was no room for rubbish. Henever 
 fully recovered his health alter bis return from the army, 
 and during the winter of 1882 83 he contracted a heavj 
 cold, which settled on his lungs. No man ever made a 
 more methodical and determined resistance to disease 
 than did he during the spring and early part of summer. 
 fighting it inch by inch with Christian fortitude, lie 
 left no remedy untried to regain his strength, yet when 
 he knew further resistance was futile, he net death only 
 as a true ( thristian can. confident of his trust in God, and 
 having met he found rest, leaving bright testimony for 
 the encouragement of those whom he loved. In tin- quiet 
 of the closing hours of Sabbath, August 5, lss:i, his com- 
 rades with whom he had mingled in war ami in peace, in 
 the presence of the bereaved family and friends, laid him 
 to rest in the old churchyard, where his body shall rest 
 until in response to his dying invitation, the loved ones 
 shall meet him in the morning in the presence of Cod. 
 
 He left a wife and seven children, namely: 
 George W , Mary E., Jacob R , William H. P., 
 James B., Emma B. and Isabel. 
 
 Jacob Yoder Sharp, son of Zachariah and Eliz- 
 abeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born July 16, 1828, on 
 the old homestead, this county. Although named 
 for his maternal grandfather, he resembled his 
 grandfather Sharp in personal appearance, having 
 a fair complexion and slender form. He was a 
 diligent student and was ranked with older pupils, 
 but his strength was too frail to support the brill- 
 iant mind, and brain fever resulted from too in- 
 tense application. He died in his fourteenth 
 year, in 1842, leaving the memory of a dutiful, af- 
 ! fectionate son, and a pure-hearted youth, of whom 
 ! no praise could be truthfully termed an exagger- 
 ation. 
 
 Isaac Sharp (namesake of his grandfather, who 
 died sooii after the birth of this grandchild) was 
 born December 16, 1830, in Amity, Amwell town- 
 ship, this county. An amusing anecdote is told 
 of his birthplace, and transpired at the time of his 
 birth: A Mr. Dow was lying next to the roof in a 
 certain house of Amity, just recovering from the 
 effects of an oversupply of intoxicating beverages. 
 Suddenly a gust of wind lifted the roof from above 
 him, when the inebriated gentleman was heard to 
 observe: "That's right, good Lord, scourge 
 Amity but save Dow, he's only a boarder." Years 
 afterward, while visiting in Charleston, 111. , 
 Isaac Sharp met a Mrs. Wright who had known 
 him in infancy. She described him at that period 
 of existence as a " horribly ugly baby,'' but com 
 plimented him on having at last become a more 
 comely specimen of humanity. In boyhood he 
 was bashful among older people, hut his mother 
 used to say that Isaac was the most troublesome 
 of all her mischievous children. In early life ho 
 learned the tanner's trade, following that business 
 in Amity, Penn. On March 5, 1851, he was mar- 
 ried to Lavina (daughter of Abner and Mary Bane), 
 who bore him three children: Mary Flora (mat 
 ried to James P. Sayer), Lindley Bane (married 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 173 
 
 t<> Grace Walters) and Lizzie Ann (deceased at the 
 age of six months). 
 
 In August, 1862, Isaac Sharp enlisted as a vol- 
 unteer in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth 
 P. V. I. The first duty of this regiment was to 
 guard the North Central Railroad wist of Balti 
 more, and in December, 18(32, it was ordered to 
 join the army of the Potomac. On December 20 
 they arrived at Falmouth, just too late to partici- 
 pate in the battle of Frederieksburgh. From the 
 time of his enlistment until the latter part of 
 March, 1863, Isaac Sharp never missed a roll call 
 or failed in duty, though often detailed for picket 
 duty (a most arduous task in freezing weather). In 
 March he had a severe attack of erysipelas, which 
 disabled him until May 1, when he shouldered his 
 traps and joined in the march to Chaucellorsville. 
 Wearied ami worn, they arrived on the field at 
 9 r. m., on the evening of the third day of the 
 month, and the next morning they took an ad- 
 vanced position facing toward Fredericksburg. At 
 this point ;i dispute arose between the leading gen- 
 erals. Hooker had given repeated orders to Couch 
 to fall back, but the advantages of the position 
 were so apparent that Hancock and Warren both 
 advised Couch to stand his ground. Warren went 
 to Hookor and explained the matter, which result- 
 ed in an order issued at 2 p. M. for Couch to hold 
 the position till 5 o'clock. But Couch had begun 
 his retreat, and said: "Tell Gen. Hooker he is 
 too late, the enemy is now on my right and rear, 
 and I am in full retreat." The regiment moved to 
 a position to the left of the former place, and there 
 passed the night in range of the enemy's batteries. 
 The Confederates kept up a constant fire, but the 
 Unionists were on too high ground, and before an 
 attack could be made had again moved. While 
 making coffee at the Chancellor House, they were 
 ordered out on double quick to repel an attack 
 made where the Wilderness road turns down the 
 hill. After this they were moved to the left brow 
 of the hill, facing the river, and began throwing up 
 trenches. Meantime a terrible artillery engage- 
 ment was being waged, of which the following is 
 an accurate description given by Capt. C. L, Lin 
 ton, commanding: 
 
 What wild eyes and blanched faces there were when 
 tin' shells and solid shot came in from the right and rear 
 of us! Orders coming to "about face, left In front," we 
 advanced to the plank road in rear of the Chancellor 
 House to sunport a battery. The. Fifth Maine had opened 
 fire, to which the enemy replied so rapidly and accurately 
 that almost all the horses and men were killed or wounded. 
 Only two of the artillerists remained at their posts. While 
 there the Chancellor House was seen to be on fire, a detail 
 from Company F was made to remove the wounded there- 
 from. All this time the shot and shell were coming so 
 thick and fast that it seemed one could not take his nose 
 from the dirt lest he would have his head blown off. A 
 call for volunteers was made to save the guns of the 
 Fifth Maine battery. Upon looking back, whom should 
 we see but our division and brigade commanders, Gen. 
 
 \V. s. Hancock and Gen. Nelson A. Miles. A moment 
 later came our corps commander, hat in hand, and hair 
 streaming in the breeze. The call for volunteers was re 
 sponded to by a rush from Company I), and a few from 
 one or two other companies, through the concentrated 
 lire of thirty gains, into a storm of shol and shell, in the 
 face of Jackson's men infused with victory, and saved 
 every gun. Myself and Corporal I. Sharp in the rush, 
 both grasped the limber of one of the guns at the same 
 
 time and on either side. With superior effort we succ 1 
 
 ed in raising it a few inches from the ground, when a 
 solid shot "i' Bhell passed between us and under the line 
 ber. At that instant Sharp gave down, ami 1 thought lie 
 was done for, but was rejoiced when Corporal Saver and 
 others lay hold to see him straighten up again, lie had 
 let down on account of the immense weight we were lift- 
 ing. A corporal of the battery procured a rope, and we 
 soon had the gun moving from the scene of action. The 
 force attached was not sufficient to make last time. Try 
 
 as we did, we Btuck once or twice when running against 
 
 dead horses. 
 
 Not having fully recovered from former sick- 
 ness, over exertion brought on disease, and after 
 remaining in the regiment a few weeks, Isaac 
 Sharp was sent to the general hospitals at Colum- 
 bia, D. C, Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia and Pitts 
 burgh. On June 1, 1864, he was discharged from 
 the service, on account of physical disability. On 
 his return home he found the tannery closed, and 
 unable to engage in physical labor followed mer- 
 cantile life, removing in 1871 to Washington bor- 
 ough, Penn., where he is yet living surrounded by 
 numerous friends. His character is best illus- 
 trated by the history of his life, and his aspira 
 tions are fitly expressed in his own words: ''My 
 life may not have been entirely void of some good. 
 Be that as it may, it is of small importance to me, 
 if at last my omissions and commissions are can- 
 celled and a clear title to the mansious of glory 
 given me.'' 
 
 Cephas Dodd Sharp, son of Zachariah and 
 Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born June 21, 1834, 
 in the old stone house at Amity, this county. 
 When a young man he came to Washington, Penn., 
 working as a clerk until the war opened, when, 
 fired with patriotic ardor, he bade farewell to his 
 affianced and laid aside the vocations of peace for 
 the panoply of war. He was among the first to 
 volunteer for the three months' service, and en- 
 listed in Company E (commanded by N. Magiffin). 
 For a time they were employed in guarding rail- 
 roads, and then he returned home with zeal damp- 
 ened by the harsh experiences of field life. But 
 he possessed the true spirit of a warrior, and in 
 1862, with several friends, once more volunteered 
 his services. This time he enlisted in Company 
 D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. , and par- 
 ticipated in the engagements of that regiment 
 until his death. He was in the battle of Chan- 
 cellorsville, and was one of the martyrs who fell at 
 bloody Gettysburg. On July 2, 1863, he joined 
 in that desperate charge across the wheat fields 
 which cost so many lives. A bullet passed 
 
174 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 through both of his thighs, ami at the same in- 
 stant another lodged in one of his knees, thelatter 
 [•roving fatal. He fell and soon after received 
 another terrible shot which paralyzed him for a 
 time. Regaining consciousness, he supposed a 
 hall had passed through his breast, lint found a 
 tninie-ball deeply imbedded in the pocket Bible 
 which wascarried in his breast pocket. Night threw 
 her mantle over the bloody tragedy as the dying sol 
 dier lay where he fell among the others. Listening, 
 he heard the familiar voice of Bedan Beboiit in 
 prayer. He spoke, and they succeeded in dragging 
 their bodies together. Isaac Lacock and Charles 
 Cunningham, also wounded, heard the conversa- 
 tion and joined the group. Slowly, painfully, the 
 night passed on, and morning found them helpless 
 in the hands of the enemy. They hired rebel sol- 
 diers to carry them to a place of greater security, 
 and at midnight on July 5, were found in a Mr. 
 Cunningham's barnyard. Lacock and Cunning 
 ham survived, and Bebout and Cephas were soon 
 freed from pain. The last words uttered by 
 Cephas were: "Oh, God, cut me loose, let me go." 
 The Bible and bullets are kept as sacred relics of 
 that terrible night by his brother Manaen Sharp. 
 
 Manaen Sharp was born October 22, 1837, in 
 Amity, this county, and in childhood was an inde- 
 pendent, rather self willed boy, but very careless 
 in dress. One suspender was as good as two in 
 his estimation, misplaced buttons were forgotten, 
 and his boots were soon run down at the heel — in 
 short, he was an original character. He was so 
 fond of hunting that his older brothers gave him 
 the nickname of ' Nimrod." On one occasion he 
 caught a live rabbit, and notifying the boys to 
 bring their dogs, prepared to have an exciting 
 chase. Each boy held a dog, while Manaen with 
 his rabbit advanced some distance, then freeing 
 the animal, gave chase, the other boys and dogs" 
 following with pandemoniac yells and whoops, and 
 the chase was on. It was brought, to a speedy aud 
 unexpected terminus — a large bulldog that had 
 never seen a rabbit joined in the chase, but he was 
 in pursuit of higher game, and catching the young 
 leader by the leg, gave him a lasting souvenir of 
 that rabbit chase, which the "Squire" carries to 
 the present day. The official title of " squire " 
 was bestowed upon him during an election, when 
 the boys held a juvenile "congress" in a tailor 
 shop, and a journeyman tailor coming in just as 
 the returns were made out, published the story. 
 
 On April 8, 1858, Manaen Sharp was united in 
 marriage with Sarah A. Bebout, who has borne him 
 three children: James N. (married to Sarah Ellen 
 Dagg), Ada (Mrs. George McCollum) and Annie 
 (at home). After his marriage Mr. Sharp farmed 
 for a time, and in 1861 enlisted in Company B 
 (M. Zollars, Capt.), Eighty Fifth P. V. I., Joshua 
 
 B. Howell, commanding. During the winter of 
 1861—62 the regiment was quartered at Fort Good 
 Hope, Washington, D. C. He took part in the 
 siege of Yorktown, and the battle of Williamsburgh, 
 and in September, 18G2, was discharged at Phila- 
 delphia on account of disability. Returning home 
 he entered mercantile life, carrying on business 
 successively in Amity, Beallsville.Amity and Wash- 
 ington. He has prospered in business life, having 
 overcome the careless habits of boyhood, and is 
 now carrying on a furniture establishment in 
 Washington, Penn., with his son James N. , as 
 junior partner. In 1856 Manaen Sharp united 
 with the M. P. Church, of Amity, Penn., with 
 which liis family is also connected. He is a mem 
 ber of the G. A. R., and in politics was formerly 
 a Republican, but is now voting the Prohibition 
 ticket, aud has been nominated for Assembly, also 
 as county treasurer. He owns a handsome brick 
 dwelling, equipped with all modern improvements, 
 situated just north of Washington borough. 
 
 Elizabeth Jane Sharp, daughter of Zachariah 
 and Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born in 1840, 
 in Amity, this county. In early womanhood she 
 became the bride of James A. Bebout. Her hus- 
 band enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and 
 Fortieth P. V. I., aud was killed July 2, 1863, at 
 Gettysburg, in the charge across the wheat field, 
 and no one knows his burial place. The heart- 
 broken widow toiled for herself and two little ones 
 until they were old enough to care for themselves, 
 when her strength gave way, the needle fell from 
 the nerveless hands, aud she died a victim of con- 
 sumption. She was a true Christian, modest and 
 retiring in disposition, aud deeply mourned by her 
 friends. 
 
 Nancy Maria Sharp, daughter of Zachariah and 
 Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born in January, 
 1843, and in early life gave her hand and heart to 
 William Kelley, the village blacksmith. He fol- 
 lowed his trade in Amity for several years after their 
 marriage, then moved to a small farm situated on 
 the line between Washington and Greene counties. 
 They have had eight children. 
 
 Zachariah D., youngest son of Zachariah aud 
 Elizabeth (Yoder) Sharp, was born April 1 1. 1845, 
 in Amity, this county. In January, 1872, he was 
 married to Paulina Gaus, who has borne him two 
 daughters: Lillian and Elizabeth. After his mar 
 riage Mr. Sharp traded in country produce for 
 some years, then moved to Washington, Penn., and 
 engaged in the lumber business, also running a 
 planing-mill. In religion he is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, of which he was formerly an 
 elder, and in politics is a supporter of the prin- 
 ciples advocated by the Prohibition party. In 
 personal appearance he is of a dark complexion 
 and a slender form. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 175 
 
 DR. JOHN B. DONALDSON, a physician 
 I of Caaonsburg, is a descendant of David 
 ' Donaldson (I), who lived in County An- 
 trim, Ireland (near Castle O'Neil), until 
 June 6, 1771, when, with his son David (II), he 
 sailed for America, ;iud settled in Cecil county, 
 Md. In 1792 David (II) moved to Washington 
 county, Peun., where the family has since re- 
 sided. He was the father of eleven children — 
 eight girls and three boys — Robert, David (III) 
 and William. The latter moved to Allegheny 
 county, Penn., and died there in 1803. He had 
 three sous: Hsnry, William and David (IV), the 
 latter of whom was the father of the subject of this 
 sketch. 
 
 David Donaldson was born in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and coming to Washington county, attended 
 Jefferson College, Canonsburg, graduating in 
 1845. He began to practice his profession in 
 West Virginia, and then moved to Allegheny 
 county. He was married to Ellen, daughter of 
 John Boyce, who died in 1884, aged seventy-live 
 years. To David and Ellen Donaldson five chil 
 dren were bora, viz.: John B. , Auuie M., Ulysses, 
 Robert and Harry. After their marriage, the 
 parents resided in Allegheny, thence moving to 
 Bridgeville, where the father died of heart disease 
 November 20, 1883, while in a buggy, on his way 
 to visit a patient. The wife and mother had died 
 in 1872 of typhoid fever. The father was an 
 active Republican in politics; in church matters he 
 and his wife were Presbyterians. 
 
 Dr. John B. Donaldson was born in August, 
 1848, in Marshall county, W. Va. His early edu- 
 cation was obtained in the common schools, and 
 he afterward attended the old Bethel Academy in 
 Allegheny county. He then read medicine with 
 his father for some time, and in 1872 graduated 
 from the Cleveland Medical College. He com- 
 menced practicing at Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, 
 where he remained for one year, then moved to 
 Bridgeville, and in 1878 settled in Canonsburg, 
 this county, where he has continued to practice his 
 profession, giving special attention to diseases of 
 the throat and nose. On October 31, 1872, he mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Foster, daughter of Walter Foster, of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn., the ceremony taking place in 
 Bridgeville, where the bride's father then lived. 
 The following children have been born to their 
 union: 
 
 Walter Foster, Nellie Boyce, Maria S., John 
 Paul, Samuel Foster and David Halsey (David 
 VI). In politics Dr. Donaldson is a Republican; 
 in 1888 he was elected to the State Legislature, 
 and has also served in various minor offices. He 
 is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and in 
 religious faith is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 If If ON. JAMES MURRAY CLARK, who has 
 r- j been a lifelong resident of Washington 
 county, was the only issue of David and 
 J) — Eliza J. Clark, and was born under the 
 v parental roof in Hopewell township, March 
 
 7, 1828. When he was but an infant, his father 
 died, and from about thai time until 1841 lie lived 
 in Cross Creek vdlage. Thereafter, until the fall 
 of 1887, his domicile was id Homeside, near the 
 village of Candor. For five years his home has 
 been in Canonsburg. 
 
 On January 28, 1851, he was married to Miss 
 Margaret A. Clark, and of their union there are 
 four children: Kate E. Clark, wife of Rev. Samuel 
 E. Elliott, D.D. ; Romaine Pauline Clark; Murray 
 S. Clark, and William Baird Clark. M. D. 
 
 The first representative of the family in America 
 was his paternal and maternal great grandfather, 
 James Clark, a native of Ireland, who with a 
 brother Thomas landed in the early part of the 
 eighteenth century. Thomas settled in the South. 
 James married Nancy Reed, of Lancaster county, 
 and settled on land near the site of Harrisburg; 
 thence he moved to " Clark's Fancy," which em- 
 braced the ground whereon Upper Strasburg was 
 built, near Clark's Gap, Cumberland county. Sub- 
 sequently he acquired a farm near Mercersburg, 
 wheron he died, leaving issue: David, married to 
 Hannah Baird; Thomas, to Jane Caldwell ; John, to 
 
 McDowell; Rebecca to John Taggart ; Mary, to 
 
 Jeremiah Rankin; James, to Mary Murray; Nancy, 
 to David Humphrey; a daughter, to Joseph Smith, 
 aud a daughter, to David Elder. The father of 
 this family, about the year 1789, bought two farms 
 in Washington county, one, in what is Canton 
 township, now owned by Samuel K. Weirich, and 
 the other in Robinson township, whereon his sons 
 John and Thomas in turn settled. 
 
 David Clark was born February 4, 1755, in Cum 
 berland (now Franklin) county. His wife, Hannah 
 (Baird), was of the vicinity of Carlisle. Their 
 children were all born at the Clark homestead in 
 Canton township, and were as follows: David, mar- 
 ried to Eliza Johnston Clark; Esther, married to 
 Rev. Joseph Stockton; James, to Jane Henderson; 
 Nancy, to David Larimer; Betsy, to Daniel Hous- 
 ton; Mary, to Paul Anderson, and Jane and Will- 
 iam, who died in tender years. The father of 
 these died in Hopewell township June 2, 1821, and 
 was interred in the cemetery of North Buffalo As- 
 sociate Presbyterian Church, whereof he was a 
 ruling elder. 
 
 His son David, father of the subject proper 
 of this article, was born February 28, 1800. On 
 April 1, 1827, he married Eliza Johnston Clark, a 
 daughter of James and Mary (Murray) Clark, of 
 Franklin county. David died in Hopewell town 
 ship November 30, 1828. His widow was married 
 
76 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 November 1. 1SH. to William Clark, of Robinson 
 township. She died November 7, 1842, and Jan- 
 uary HI, I SSI, her husband was laid by her side in 
 the cemetery of Raccoon church. 
 
 JESSE V SCOTT. M. D., one of the leading 
 and most successful physicians in Washing- 
 1 ton county, is a native of the same, having 
 been born November 13, 1848, in Fallowfteld 
 township. His paternal great-grandfather 
 entered the American army at the age of seven- 
 teen and served throughout the Revolutionary war. 
 He was at, Valley Forge during the, memorable ter- 
 rible winter in that struggle. All the members of 
 his father's family, excepting himself, were killed 
 by Indians immediately before he joined the army. 
 Grandfather Scott was a native of America, and 
 died in Rush county, Indiana. 
 
 Joseph A. Scott, father of Dr. Scott, was born 
 in Washington county, Penn., October 6, 1806, and 
 his entire life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. 
 In 1835 he went to Peoria, III., and there married 
 .Miss Eliza Sheplar, a native of Washington county, 
 Penn., whom he brought back to his Eastern home 
 ou horseback, and they settled on a farm in Fal 
 lowtield township, this county, which was owned 
 by her father. They were the parents of nine 
 children, as follows: two that died in infancy un- 
 named; Peoria and James Addison, both of whom 
 died in youth; Joseph Clark, who was killed Octo 
 ber 31, 1881, at the age of twenty-six by a tree 
 falling on him while riding in a wagon along with 
 two other young men; Henry S. , at Bentleyville; 
 Smith F.. at Beallsville; Margaret M., wife of W. 
 H. Miller, of Washington; and Dr. Jesse Y. The 
 father died February 17, 1881, at the age of 
 seventy five years; the mother May 15, 1892, aged 
 seventy-seven years. 
 
 Dr. Scott received a thorough rudimentary train 
 ing at the common schools of his native township, 
 which was supplemented by a course in the South- 
 western State Normal School at California. In 
 1870 he commenced reading medicine with Dr. J. 
 H. Leyda, of Bentleyville. later attending the Uni- 
 versity of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia, where he 
 graduated with honorable mention in 1875. He 
 then commenced the practice of his profession. 
 He practiced two years in Centreville (this county); 
 at Pittsburgh, one year; at Bentleyville, eleven 
 years, and at Washington, now nearlv four years. 
 On June 16, 1881, Dr. Scott married" Ella S. Mc- 
 Lean, of Beallsville, daughter of ex-County Com 
 missioner Henry B. McLean. He and his wife 
 are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church. He is a member of the Improved Order 
 of Heptasophs; politically he is a Republican. 
 
 JOSEPH CLARKE, SR., was born in 1738, in 
 I Chester county, Penn., and spent his early 
 I life there, engaged in farming. About 1780 
 he was married to Miss Elizabeth Lynn, and 
 soon afterward the young couple located on 
 Government land three miles southwest of the 
 present site of Washington, Penn., on land now 
 owned by Cornelius Clarke, a grandson. This is 
 said to have been the second farm located south- 
 west of Fort Catfish, and perhaps the first within 
 the present limits of South Franklin township. 
 The whole country was a dense forest, and here 
 they erected their log cabin and established a home. 
 The woods were teeming with wild animals, some 
 of them dangerous to encounter; and a few friendly 
 Indians still claimed the hunting grounds. Occa- 
 sionally traveling bands of hostile Indians would 
 frighten them, and on several occasions they were 
 compelled to take flight on horseback during the 
 night to find shelter in Fort Catfish, which had been 
 erected for the protection of the early settlers. 
 Only men of nerve and daring could meet the re- 
 quirements of settling in the forest. On one occa- 
 sion, Mr. Clarke and a neighbor were traveling 
 on horseback, when on the farm belonging to the 
 heirs of J. G. Strean (deceased) their dog attacked 
 a large bear. The men had no fire-arms with them, 
 but each prepared a heavy club, and in this way 
 killed the ferocious animal. Mr. Clarke was a 
 Seceder, or member of the Associate Church, and 
 took an active part in the church work of the day. 
 He died in April, 1829, aged ninety-one years. 
 His wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Clarke, died February 4, 
 1S57, aged ninety-three years. Their children 
 were Elizabeth (Mrs. Archibald Brownlee), Sarah 
 (Mrs William Johnston) and Joseph. 
 
 Joseph Clarke, whose portrait is here presented, 
 was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Clarke, and 
 was born near Washington, Penn., July 23, 1787. 
 His education was limited to the old-time subscrip- 
 tion schools during a few months in winter. Yet 
 by diligent application he became a fair English 
 scholar. Ou April 14, 1814, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Catherine, daughter of Daniel Andrews, 
 of the s;ime locality, and their children were Ada 
 line (Mrs. James McDonald), Mary (Mrs. Elisha 
 Ely). Hervey H., Cornelius, Ann Eliza, Catharine 
 (Mrs. James Pease, formerly Mrs. Samuel T. 
 Brownlee), John G., Sarah J., and Harriett (Mrs. 
 John Baird). In 1830 he removed from the home 
 farm to the one now occupied by his son John G., 
 and there spent the remainder of his useful and 
 busy life. Mr. Clarke began life when farming 
 was not very remunerative, farm productions being 
 very low for want of markets. There was no home 
 market, and means of transportation were very 
 poor. Mr. Clarke soon engaged in stock raising, 
 and drove cattle to the Eastern cities for sale. He 
 

 >••% 
 
 £^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 170 
 
 afterward extended his business, by buying stock, 
 not only in bis own neighborhood, but in the new 
 States of Ohio and West Virginia. He also engaged 
 for a few years in pork-packing, and placed a te;im 
 on the National road to transport his products to 
 Baltimore and other eastern, cities. About the 
 year 1820 he purchased some imported Saxony - 
 Merino sheep, at what was then regarded a most 
 extravagant price, and was ridiculed by neighbors 
 for his purchase. Iu order to increase funds, he 
 sold before leaving home a favorite riding horse 
 for $00. One of his neighbors asserted that 
 he would not have given the horse for a ten- 
 acre field full of such sheep. However the pur- 
 chase proved to be the foundation of his fortune. 
 He took great interest in the care and improve- 
 ment of these sheep, and really made it his life 
 work. His flock assisted very much in giving 
 Washington county the reputation it had, at that 
 time, of producing the best and finest wools grown 
 anywhere. 
 
 Mr. Clarke was a leader in his day, taking 
 taking an active part in public affairs. In school 
 matters he was much interested. Before the adop- 
 tion of our present school system it was sometimes 
 difficult to establish a subscription school. This 
 work often fell to Mr. Clarke, and in some cases 
 where difficulties met him, he became responsible 
 for the teacher's wages, always maintaining that 
 the schools must go on even if it should cost him 
 more than his proper proportion. Mr. Clarke be 
 came a member of the Presbyterian Church in 
 early life, and for a long term of years held the 
 position of Ruling Elder in the congregation of 
 East Buffalo. Politically he was a Whig, taking 
 an active part in the politics of his section. He 
 was industrious and enterprising, and fortune 
 smiled on his labors. He accumulated considera 
 ble property, and at the time of his death was 
 owner of over one thousand acres of land in his 
 immediate neighborhood. He died January 27, 
 1856, aged sixty nine years. Mrs. Catherine 
 Clarke died September 15, 1878, aged eighty-four 
 year's. 
 
 John G. Clarke, a prominent farmer of South 
 Franklin township, is the third sou of Joseph 
 Clarke, whose portrait, is here presented. He was 
 born January 24, 1829, near Washington, Penn. , 
 on the farm patented by his grandfather, Joseph 
 Clarke, Sr. He received a liberal and solid educa 
 tion at the district schools of the neighborhood, 
 and at Washington and Jefferson College. On 
 May 20, 1853, Mr. Clarke married Sarah H., 
 daughter of Samuel Clokey, Esq., of Clokeyville, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and soon after settled on 
 the beautiful farm, where they now reside. When 
 a young man he took an active part in the forma 
 tion of the new township of Franklin, was chosen 
 
 a school director at the first election, and assisted 
 in re-districting the new township. Being an ar- 
 dent friend of public schools, he was continued in 
 the board from year to year, and served as secre 
 tary for a long term of years. Soon after the in 
 corporation of the Upper Ten Mile Plank Road 
 Company, he was elected to membership in the 
 board of managers, and in 1872 was elected presi- 
 dent of the board, and has continued in that posi- 
 tion ever since, a period of over twenty years. Mr. 
 Clarke is an extensive grower of fine wool, and has 
 given much attention to the improvement of his 
 flocks. He has become known as an advocate of 
 tariff on wool, and has published several news 
 paper articles on that question. He served as 
 president of the Washington County Wool Grow- 
 ers' Association for several years, and was twice 
 sent to Washington, D. C, to represent the in- 
 terests of that association. In 1886 he had the 
 honor of making the only farmers' address in de- 
 fense of tariff on wool before the Committee on 
 Ways and Means. It was extensively published 
 in both city and local papers, and was freely com- 
 mented on, and pronounced by all an able presen- 
 tation of the case. In politics Mr. Clarke is a 
 Republican; having been born and brought up in 
 the Whig party, and holding very decided anti 
 slavery views, he naturally fell in with the Repub 
 licans al the formation of the party. In 1880 be 
 was nominated for a seat in the State Legislature, 
 and elected by a majority in advance of the ticket. 
 In the House he soon became kuown as an active, 
 attentive member, making it a matter of conscience 
 to attend promptly to all business coming before 
 that body. Being a farmer, he took special in 
 terest in all bills in which farmers were interested. 
 He was appointed on the Agricultural Committee, 
 and gave his influence in favor of the Bill to 
 Equalize Taxation; the Bill for the Improvement 
 of the Public Roads; the Bill for the Increase 
 of State Appropriation to the Public Schools; 
 and against the repeal of the Oleomargerine 
 law. 
 
 Mr. Clarke is an ardent churchman, and he and 
 his family are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Congregation, of Washington, Penn. He was 
 elected to the office of ruling elder in the congre 
 gation of East Buffalo when but twenty six years 
 of age, and again to the same position in the con- 
 gregation of Washington, Penn., in 1864, and has 
 acceptably filled the position ever since. He is 
 the father of ten children — seven sons and three 
 daughters. He has lived a very busy life, and 
 while giving his principal care and attention to his 
 family and his farm, he has still evinced a deep 
 interest in public enterprises, and is ever found in 
 the front ranks of Washington county's enterprie 
 ing and loyal citizens. 
 

 ISO 
 
 WASHING TON COUN T V. 
 
 HjERVEY HINDMAN CLARKE, the oldest 
 living representative of the Clarke family 
 in Franklin township, is a native of that 
 j -* county, having been born November 3, 
 r 1820, the eldest sou of Joseph and Catherine 
 
 (Andrews) Clarke. 
 
 His boyhood and youth were passed on the old 
 home place, and his education was received in the 
 schools of the neighborhood, supplemented by a 
 thorough course of training at West AlexanderAcad- 
 emy and at Washington College, where he showed 
 considerable ability. He was graduated in 1841, 
 read law with Hon. T. M. T. McKennan, and was 
 admitted to the bar, but did not practice. In 
 April, 18t8, he married Margaret L., daughter of 
 Archibald Brownlee, of Buffalo township, and he 
 and his youthful bride then settled on the farm 
 where they yet reside. The names of the children 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Clarke are as follows: Clara 
 V. (married to James Ely, and living in Marion 
 county, Kans.), Edmund H., J. Addison (both of 
 Washington county, Penn.), Frank, living in An- 
 derson county, Kans. ), Hervey H., Ella M. (Mrs. 
 Henry Rudy), Earnest B. (living in the State of 
 Washington); and Ethan (who died at the age of 
 four years). 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hervey H. Clarke were among the 
 charter members of the Second Presbyterian Church 
 of Washington, Penn., of which he is an elder and 
 has repeatedly served as trustee. Politically he 
 was originally a Whig, and since the formation of 
 the Republican party he has been an active member 
 of the same. He has never sought party prefer- 
 ment, and has uniformly declined political honors, 
 his time having been assiduously applied to the 
 multitudinous duties of the farm, but has served as 
 justice of the peace and also tilled the office of school 
 director for many years. Mr. Clarke's home place 
 consists of 250 acres of prime land largely improved 
 by Ids own industry and good management. The 
 dwelling, a handsome and commodious brick edifice, 
 stands an unimpeachable witness to the cultivated 
 taste of the man who built it — Mr. Clarke himself; 
 while the yard is adorned with many elegant trees 
 planted by his own hand over forty years ago— the 
 seal of industry and prosperity being stamped upon 
 everything pertaining to the place. 
 
 with an uninviting exterior, the interior being fur 
 nished in, a very rude and primitive manner. 
 The seats for the scholars consisted of simple 
 slabs supported by pegs, the floor being made of 
 puncheons, far from being closely jointed. The 
 writing desk was a slab resting on pegs which 
 were inserted into the wall, and placed so high 
 that the younger scholars could barely reach it; 
 while the fireplace, located at one end of the 
 school room, was of generous and comfortable 
 amplitude. 
 
 On October 21, 1851, Mr. Clarke was united in 
 marriage with Marjory, daughter of John Wilson, 
 and the children born to this union are: Alice, 
 Joseph J., Fannie (Mrs. E. Horn). Almeda (Mrs. 
 David McNairy), Emma, Catherine (Mrs. James 
 Magill), Cornelia and John W. On November 24, 
 1S70, Mr. Clarke married, for his second partner in 
 life, Eliza Lyons, of Beaver county, Penn. In 
 politics Mr. Clarke was origiually a Whig, and 
 since the formation of the party has been an active 
 Republican. In church connection he was first 
 an adherent of the Presbyterian congregation at 
 East Buffalo, but on the organization of the Sec 
 ond Presbyterian Church be united with it. His 
 farm consists of 250 acres of highly cultivated 
 land, having thereon many improvements, and the 
 present large and comfortable two-story brick 
 residence was built iu 1857. "Omnia rim-it 
 labor" maybe correctly given as Mr. Clarke's 
 motto, for hard work and good management have 
 placed him in the front rank of Washington 
 county's most prosperous citizens. 
 
 CORNELIUS CLARKE, the second sou of 
 Joseph and Catherine (Andrews) Clarke, was 
 born in Franklin township. Washington Co. , 
 Penn., November 21, 1823. 
 His boyhood days and early youth were passed 
 in assisting his parents in the improvements of the 
 home farm, aud iu attending, during a few months, 
 in the winter season, the old fashioned subscrip- 
 tion school of the neighborhood. The school-house 
 in those days was an old, dilapidated building, 
 
 EV. WILLIAM H. LESTER. If this 
 honored gentleman's right to a place among 
 the representative men of Washington 
 county may not rest upon his birth, it is 
 well established by his continuous and use- 
 ful life as a pastor of one of our leading Christian 
 congregations, and his devotion as a citizen to the 
 best interests of the community. His descent is 
 from a Puritan ancestry, which, coming from Eng- 
 land, settled near Stonington, Conn., in the early 
 history of the country. 
 
 David Lester, the grandfather of Dr. Lester, 
 belonged to a branch of the family which estab- 
 lished themselves at Easthamptou, L. I., about 
 the time of the American Revolution. About the 
 close of that war he was married to Lois, daughter 
 of Deacon David Tallmage, and so became the 
 father of ten sons aud four daughters, all of whom 
 lived to mature life. 
 
 Richard Lester, the youngest but one of these 
 fourteen children, was born in 1796, and in 1817 
 was married to Sarah F., daughter of Esther and 
 Gordon Havens, of a Welsh family, which as early 
 as 1665 settled on Shelter Island, N. Y. In this 
 
1 1 ■ . 1 SHING TON CO I X TV. 
 
 181 
 
 American generation of the 
 represented, live children 
 
 marriage, the fifth 
 Havens family was 
 crowned it, and of these the youngest but one, was 
 William H., the subject of this sketch. His father 
 was a farmer by occupation, and for many years a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church of Bridge- 
 hampton, L. I., prior to his death in 1S79. His 
 wife had been called from him by death thirty-six 
 years before, when their son, the future minister, 
 was but a lad, but the memory of a sainted mother's 
 piety and instruction was among the effective in- 
 strumentalities which determined the course of his 
 life. 
 
 After the usual studies of the common school, a 
 year of classical study under his pastor, Rev. 
 Amzi Francis, and another at Southampton Acad 
 emy, our young student entered Amherst College, 
 Massachusetts, in the autumn of I SIT). He was 
 graduated from that institution in 1849, after which 
 he taught in the academy at Southampton for two 
 years, before commencing his theological studies. 
 He entered Princeton Seminary in 1851, and was 
 there a student until 1854, having been licensed 
 to preach in January of that year by the Presby- 
 tery of Albany. A visit in the spring following, 
 by invitation, to the Church of West Alexander, 
 Penn., soon after the resignation of Rev. John 
 McCluskey, D. D. , closing a pastorate of twenty- 
 six years, resulted in a unanimous call to Mr. Les- 
 ter by that church to become its pastor. Accept- 
 ing this call, he was ordained and installed by the 
 Presbytery of Washington the following October, 
 and thus commenced a relation which has contin- 
 ued in happiness and usefulness unto this day. In 
 the interval between the call and installation, in 
 August, 1854, the young minister was married to 
 Miss Julia Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas B. and 
 Harriet R. Hand, of Bridgehamptou, L. I. The 
 bride of twenty four years had been thoroughly 
 educated, first in the select school of Mrs. Sopbro 
 nia Burnett, and then at Mount Holyoke Seminary 
 for three years under the sainted Mary Lyon. 
 She, too. rejoices in the memory of a pious an- 
 cestry of many generations, running down through 
 two and a half centuries on American soil. Her 
 father, a Christian and ruling elder, died in 1872, 
 her pious mother following in 1888, and side by 
 side they sleep in the cemetery at Bridgehamptou, 
 waiting the Resurrection. 
 
 The tender conjugal tie dating with the pastoral 
 relation, has extended in a parallel line with it 
 through thirty eight years of happy home life and 
 of mutual support in the work of the Lord. Of 
 the three children of this marriage two remain at 
 the parental home: Nathaniel Talmage and 
 Hadassah Elizabeth, the latter of whom is a gradu- 
 ate of Washington Female Seminary. The eldest, 
 William Hand Lester, followed his father into the 
 ministry, and consecrated his life to the work of a 
 
 foreign missionary. He was graduated from Am 
 herst College in 1878, also from Auburn Theolog- 
 ical Seminary in 18S2. He was licensed by the 
 Presbytery of Cayuga. 1881, and ordained by the 
 same in the following year. He then sailed for 
 Santiago, Chili, which lias been ever since the 
 scene of his missionary labors. The wife, Sarah 
 M. Anderson, who accompanied him to the mission 
 field, died in July, 1884, leaving an infant who 
 bears his name. He was again married in 1887, 
 this time to Miss Carrie M. Fields, daughter of the 
 late Rev. A. B. Fields, who, together with their 
 two children — Sarah and Robert McElery — bright 
 ens his home and cooperates in his work. The 
 writer of this sketch is quite familiar with the life 
 work of Dr. Lester as the pastor of an important 
 church, and quite as familiar with the sensitive 
 modesty which keeps him from public proclamation 
 of what he has done for the Master. He has be- 
 hind a record of nearly four decades of wise, earnest 
 evangelical efficient service, among a people of in- 
 telligent appreciation, with and for whom belabors 
 both in and out of the pulpit in unabated strength. 
 Coming to them without ministerial experience, at 
 a time of division and bitterness incident to the 
 agitation of the slavery question ; when the church, 
 whose care he assumed — itself divided by the line 
 which separated the free from the slave States of 
 the Union — was depleted by the formation of a 
 rival organization, he was confronted with dis- 
 couragements to be overcome only by the utmost 
 fidelity, guided by the greatest prudence and 
 patient endurance, under the stimulus of a holy 
 consecration to Christ. This church like many 
 others has suffered largely from emigration. 
 Many years ago the drift was to the newly settled 
 parts of the West. In later years it has been to 
 the large towns and cities. The academy, also, 
 which had flourished for many years under his 
 predecessor's oversight, had come to a crisis of de- 
 pression, and, under the advanced methods, and 
 spirit of the times, demanded a different manage 
 ment. It is no wonder, therefore, that the first 
 year of the pastorate was burdened with the serious 
 question of continuance. Bid. this question was 
 settled by the Lord, by a gracious outpouring of 
 the Spirit upon the church, which united and en- 
 couraged the people, and brought seventy Cornells 
 to the Lord's table, two of whom became ministers, 
 and several ruling elders. Another work of Divine 
 power in 1861 added greatly to the membership, 
 as well as to the beneficence and praying force of 
 the church. Other special ingatherings occurred 
 in 1869, 1875 and 1889. But the steady progress 
 which comes from the Divine blessing upon thor- 
 ough and steady Gospel preaching and faithful 
 pastoral work has been a distinctive feature of this 
 church in these years. There have not been more 
 than two or three communion seasons without ad- 
 
182 
 
 WASHINi.TO.X COUNTY. 
 
 ditions to the membership. The Sabbath-school, 
 prayer meetings, pastoral visitations, and all the 
 accustomed agencies have been kept up, and hap- 
 py pastoral relations, a united people, and church 
 strength have been the fruits. While emigration 
 has annually removed families and members in 
 considerable numbers to other places and churches, 
 the loss has found its compensation in the wide 
 diffusion of benefits from the common center. In 
 no direction has the influence of this beloved 
 pastor been greater than in the introduction of 
 young men into the ministry, not only during the 
 few years of the academy's continuance after his 
 settlement, but ever since, as occasion offered, by 
 private instinct ion. Fifteen ministers, including 
 two foreign missionaries, have gone forth from the 
 pastorate into the work of the Lord, to extend and 
 perpetuate its power. 
 
 During all these years Dr. Lester has been re- 
 garded by ministerial brethren, and by the 
 churches, as one of the active and reliable of the 
 members of the Presbytery of Washington, ever 
 vigilant and efficient in the management of eccle- 
 siastical affairs. One element operating toward 
 all these happy results deserves special mention. 
 It is the work of a devoted wife. Mrs. Lester, 
 ever active in all the duties of her sphere, until 
 failing health made her a confirmed invalid, has 
 since, in the seclusion of her home, by her polished 
 and consecrated pen wielded an effective influence 
 through the churches of theWashiugtou Presbytery. 
 She was one of the organizers of the Presbyterian 
 Female Foreign Missionary Society, and has 
 through years of its effective work been its faith- 
 ful corresponding secretary. She has each year 
 written to every mission helped by the Society, and 
 from the return letters made her report, which has 
 been one of the enjoyable features of the annual 
 meeting. 
 
 The aim aud life-work of this couple has been 
 to promote the spiritual interests of. the church 
 and the advancement of Christ's cause. 
 
 [From the peo of Rev. J. I. Brownson, I). D. 
 
 fPy BV. JOHN S. MARQUIS, D. D. The fam- 
 
 JW?' ily of which this gentleman is a worthy 
 
 I v^ representative is one of the oldest of Cross 
 
 Jj i Creek township. They are descendants of 
 
 French Huguenots, who fled from France 
 
 on account of religious persecutions, and settled in 
 
 Ireland. 
 
 In 1720 William Marquis and Margaret, his 
 wife, together with their son Thomas and daugh 
 ter Mary, emigrated to this country from Ireland, 
 and settled in Frederick county, Va. . near to Win- 
 chester. It is believed that some of the children 
 of this family remained in Ireland. Some years 
 after their parents came to America, Thomas 
 
 Marquis married Miss Mary Colville. and Marv 
 Marquis married John Wilson, and died shortly 
 after. Thomas was the father of seven children 
 — four sons and three daughters — named as fob' 
 lows: William, James, John, Thomas, Elizabeth, 
 Sarah and Anne. Thomas Marquis, the father of 
 these children, was killed by the falling of a limb 
 of a tree, whilst gathering corn. His children 
 were brought up under the direction of his brother 
 in-law, John Wilson, who was a school teacher, 
 and a religious man, consequently they were care- 
 fully educated, both secularly and religiously. 
 
 William Marquis, son of Thomas, married Miss 
 Elizabeth Vance, and reared a large family, most 
 of whom came to this county, but afterward moved 
 to Ohio. Hon. William Vance Marquis, ex-lieu- 
 tenant-governor of Ohio, is a great-grandson. 
 James Marquis married Miss Mary Vance, a sister 
 of the wife of his brother William, and his family, 
 which was large, came to this county, but after 
 ward went to Ohio. John Marquis, the third son 
 of this family, was the first of the name to settle in 
 this county, and was one of the first settlers of 
 Cross Creek township. He was born June 10, 
 1750, and married Miss Sarah Griffith, of Fred 
 erick county, Va. He settled, in 1774, on a tract 
 of land for which he obtained a warrant February 
 23, 1 780, and afterward received a patent. This 
 tract was called " Marquesata," and contained 421 
 acres, and allowance, embracing the farms now 
 owned by H. C. Anderson and Robert Anderson, 
 and a part of the farm of Richard Wells, called the 
 "Mason" farm. For some time, on account of 
 the Indian raids, he was obliged to keep his family 
 in Vance's fort, while he tried to clear his farm. 
 Once, while in his cabin, he heard the report of a 
 rifle close at hand, and going out he saw a party 
 of Indians killing his hogs. On seeing him they 
 immediately gave the war whoop and rushed down 
 upon him. It was a race for life, and although 
 the Indians were so close to him at the start that he 
 heard their footsteps in pursuit, yet he outran 
 them and arrived in safety at Vance's fort. He 
 was noted among the scouts and backwoodsmen as 
 a fleet runner, and he was a man of strong and de- 
 cided character; for many years was an elder of 
 the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek. He died 
 February 25. 1822. He raised a family of nine 
 children — six sons and three daughters, viz.: 
 Thomas, John, Mary, Sarah, Edward, Robert, 
 James, Anne and William, of whom Thomas mar- 
 ried Nancy Marquis, his cousin, and they had a 
 large family: John married Elizabeth Taggart, 
 and they spent their days on a farm in Jefferson 
 township, now owned by their son James T. Mar- 
 quis (Rev. John A. Marquis, pastor of a Presby 
 terian Church at Greensburg. Westmoreland Co., 
 Penn., is a grandson, and Mrs. Rev. J. B. Lyle, 
 of Scottdale, is a granddaughter); Mary Marquis 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 183 
 
 married Hon. Joshua Robb, who was for many 
 years an associate judge of the courts in Logan 
 county, Ohio, and he represented that county in 
 the State Legislature for several terms (Hon. 
 Judge T. M. Robb, of Lima, Allen Co., Ohio, and 
 Hun. Vance Robb, of the same county, also Hon. 
 James Smith Robb, M. D., of Logan county, 
 Ohio, were their sons); Sarah Marquis married 
 John Nelson, and lived near Bellefontaine, Logan 
 Co., Ohio (they had a family of eleven children); 
 Edward Marquis was twice married, first to Mar- 
 garet Marquis, and then to Elizabeth Newell (he 
 had several children; his home was near Mt. Ver 
 non, Knox Co., Ohio); Robert Marquis was also 
 twice married, first to Hannah Van Nordstrand, 
 and afterward to Mary Stevenson (his children, all 
 of the second marriage, were Newton, Rev. John 
 S. , Miles and Robert, of whom Newton married 
 Mary Patterson, daughter of Hon. William Patter- 
 son, and granddaughter of Gen. Thomas Patter- 
 son, of Cross Creek; he died when a young man); 
 Rev. John S. Marquis, D. D., married Margaretta 
 Bryant McConaughy (he was for seventeen years 
 paator of Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church in 
 this county: his home is now in Washington, and 
 lie lias supplied the churoh of Lower Ten Mile at 
 Amity, Pent)., for nearly seven years). (Prof. J. S. 
 Marquis, principal of Brainerd Institute, Chester, 
 S. O, and Hugh McConaughy Marquis, S. K of 
 the B. & O. R. R. Works at Glen wood, Penn., are 
 grandsons of Robert and Mary (Stevenson) Mar- 
 quis); Miles'Marquis died young; Robert Marquis 
 was twice married, first to Jane Patterson, daugh- 
 ter of James Patterson, and granddaughter >l ( ten. 
 Thomas Patterson, and his second wife was Eliza 
 beth Scott (they now reside in Caldwell county. 
 Mo., and have a family of seven children— four 
 sons and three daughters). 
 
 James Marquis, fifth son of the pioneer John, 
 married first Nancy Roberts and afterward Nancy 
 Elliott (he died in Knox county, Ohio; Mrs. Rev. 
 N. C. Helfrich, of Plymouth, Ohio, is his daugh- 
 ter); William Marquis (sixth son of John) married 
 Elizabeth Adams, and lived near Tiffin, Seneca 
 Co., Ohio (Mrs. Rev. Solomon Cook of that county 
 is his daughter); Anne Marquis (third daughter of 
 John) married Isaac Morrison, and they lived near 
 Bellefontaine, Ohio. The children of John and 
 Sarah (Griffith) Marquis were noted for their mu- 
 sical talents and tine musical voices. Dr. John 
 Stockton told the writer, that Robert Marquis had 
 the finest musical voice of any man he ever heard 
 sing. 
 
 John Marquis and his brother Thomas (after- 
 ward Rev. Thomas Marquis), in company with 
 some others, pursued a band of Indians, which had 
 made a raid into that neighborhood, in 1770, mur- 
 dered one woman and took captive another woman 
 (Reynolds) and child. They came upon the Iud 
 
 ians just at daybreak, as they were making a raft 
 to cross the Ohio river opposite where is now 
 Mingo Junction, on the Pan Handle Railroad. 
 Seven of the eight Indians were killed, and one 
 man of the pursuing party. The families of James 
 T. Marquis and of Rev. J. S. Marquis, D. D. , are 
 the only descendants of John and Sarah Marquis 
 now residing in this county. 
 
 Rev. Thomas Marquis, the fourth son of Thomas 
 and Mary (Colville) Marquis, was born in Opequan 
 Valley, Va. , in 1753; was married March 5, 1770, 
 to Jane Park, and some time after came to Wash- 
 ington county. He settled on a tract of land for 
 which he took out a warrant February 23, 1780, 
 and afterward obtained a patent. This tract was 
 called " Marrigate " and contained 417 acres, and 
 allowance. The tract embraces one of the farms 
 now owned by Richard Wells, the farm of the Be 
 bout heirs, and a part of the Perrine tract. After- 
 ward, by deed dated August 27, 1794, he pur- 
 chased from Alexander Wells, of Cross Creek, and 
 Nathan Cromwell, of Baltimore, a tract of 500 
 acres, embracing lands now owned by Hon. J. S. 
 Duncan, John Lee, a tract (called tho''McCon- 
 nell" farm) now owned by W. C. Lee, and a part 
 of the farm of Rev. J. S. Marquis, D. D. His fam 
 ily was obliged to live for a time in Vance's fort, 
 owing to the incursions of the Indians, and while 
 there he was converted under the preaching of Rev. 
 James Power, D. D. By the advice of Revs. 
 Smith and Dodd he commenced preparation for the 
 ministry. His classical education was obtained at 
 Canonsburg Academy, and he studied theology 
 under the direction of Rev. Dr. McMillan and Rev. 
 Joseph Smith ; was licensed to preach the Gospel 
 by the Presbytery of Redstone at Dunlap's Creek, 
 April 19, 1793. He soon received three calls — 
 from Bethel and Ebenezer, Ten-Mile, and Cross 
 Creek. He was a natural orator. The tones of 
 his voice were so musical that he was called the 
 "Silver-tongued Marquis." He was pastor of 
 Cross Creek Church for about thirty -three years. 
 While on a visit ,to his son-in-law, Rev. Joseph 
 Stevenson, he was attacked with fever, dying of 
 same September 27, 1827, and was buried in the 
 cemetery of Bellefontaine, Ohio. He had a large 
 family of children, and his descendants are scat- 
 tered far and wide. Rev. John M. Stevenson, D. 
 D., one of the secretaries of the American Tract 
 Society, at New York, Rev. James E. Marquis and 
 Rev. Thomas Marquis Newell were grandsons. 
 Rev. W. S. Marquis, pastor of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Rock Island, 111., is a great-grandson, 
 and Mrs. Patton, wife of Rev. Dr. Patton, president 
 of Princeton College, Princeton, N. J., is a great- 
 granddaughter. Only one of the daughters of 
 Thomas and Mary (Colville) Marquis (Anne) 
 came from Virginia to this county; she married 
 Maj. James Park, who was killed by the Indians 
 
184 
 
 II ASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 on a farm now belonging to the heirs of Josiah N. 
 Scott, Esq., in Jefferson township, this county. 
 The other daughters married in Virginia — Sarah 
 married John Vance, and lived near Holstein, Va. ; 
 Elizabeth married Daniel McOauley, and re 
 inained in Virginia. 
 
 There were some others of the name of Marquis 
 who lived in this county, and were cousins of the 
 children of Thomas and Mary (Colville) Marquis. 
 George Marquis was one of the first bench of ciders 
 of Cross Creek Church. Samuel Marquis also 
 lived near to Burgettstown, and John also lived in 
 the same neighborhood. If these were first 
 cousins of John and Rev. Thomas Marquis, as they 
 claimed, William Marquis, who came from Ireland 
 in 1720, must have left other children in Ireland, 
 who came to America at a later period; and this 
 appears most likely to be the case as all these par- 
 ties came from near Winchester, Va. , to this 
 county. 
 
 TEVENSON FAMILY of Washington 
 county. Among the first settlers of Somer- 
 set township, this county, were two families 
 named Stevenson, the one of English, the 
 other of Irish descent. Of the latter, Joseph Ste- 
 venson and Margaret, his wife, emigrated from 
 Ireland and settled in Letterkenny township, 
 Franklin Co., Penn., at an early period in its his- 
 tory. They had two sons. The elder one of the 
 two was killed by the Indians, along with several 
 others, whilst, harvesting his wheat, and his two 
 children, with a hired girl named Jennie Harper, 
 were taken prisoners. The younger of the two chil 
 dren, a son, was afterward murdered, having his 
 brains dashed out against a tree; the other, with the 
 hired girl, was taken to Canada, but afterward ex- 
 changed and returned home. She was married to 
 Zachariah Spriggs, and they removed to a farm near 
 to West Liberty, Ohio Co., W. Va. Afterward 
 they made their home in Wheeling, whore she and 
 her husband died. The "Spriggs House" in 
 Wheeling was named for her husband, and the 
 proprietors, the Yaruell Brothers, were her grand- 
 sons. 
 
 John Stevenson, the other son of Joseph Steven- 
 son, was born in 1729, and for many years made 
 his home in Cumberland county, Penn., where he 
 was married, first to a Miss Mitchell, by which 
 union he had two sons, named Joseph and George. 
 His second wife was Jean McCoinbs, and their 
 children were Mary, Robert, John, James, Mar- 
 garet, Elizabeth, Jane and Anne. In 1781 he re- 
 moved to Somerset township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and settled on a tract of land bought from 
 Philip Whitten, containing 320 acres. He Jived 
 on the part of the farm now owned by Samuel B. 
 Weir. Afterward selling this farm, lie purchased 
 
 the tract of land now owned by Andrew McCarrell, 
 and the heirs of Hon. Thomas McCarrell in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county. Having divided 
 this farm among his children, he removed to one 
 he owned near Cross Creek village, and which is 
 now in the possession of Hon. J. S. Duncan and 
 John S. Lee. He died at the age of ninety years, 
 and is buried in the cemetery at Cross Creek vil- 
 lage, where his second wife is also buried, having 
 departed this life at the age of eighty-six years. 
 
 Joseph Stevenson, the eldest son in this family, 
 was in the Revolutionary army under Gen. Wash 
 ington, and was with him the night he crossed the 
 Delaware river in the ice with his army, and 
 fought the battle of Trenton the following morn 
 ing. He married Miss Mary Espy, and removed to 
 Washington county some years after his father had 
 come out. He made his home in Canonsburg, 
 where he died, and he is buried in the cemetery at 
 Chartiers Church. His children were as follows: 
 Josiah Espy (who was a physician for many years 
 at Kittanning, Armstrong Co., Penn.), Joseph, 
 Marrianne, Maria, George Espy and John Mitchell. 
 Rev. A. Russell Stevenson, pastor of the First 
 Presbyterian Church of Schenectady, N. Y., is a 
 great-grandson of Joseph Stevenson. 
 
 George Stevenson, the second son, was also a 
 soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving under 
 Gen. Washington at the battle of Brandywine. At 
 the close of the struggle he came to the home of 
 Zachariah Spriggs, near West Liberty, W. Va., 
 and whilst in the field plowing corn he was taken 
 prisoner by the Indians under the leadership of 
 that renegade white man, Simon Girty. He was 
 compelled to carry a heavy iron kettle, lashed to 
 his bare back, all the way to Canada. He was also 
 at the same time suffering from a severe gash in 
 the forehead, made by an Indian striking him with 
 a tomahawk at the time of his capture. Three 
 years and five months passed before he was ex- 
 changed as a prisoner of war. He married Cath- 
 arine McCombs, and lived for a time at what is 
 now known as Hunter's Mill, on Harmon's creek 
 in Hanover township. He afterward removed to 
 Knox county, Ohio, where he died. The names 
 of his children are as follows: John, George, 
 Martha, Thomas, Eliza and Jane. Rev. George 
 Graham, of Clarksville, Iowa, is his grandson. 
 
 Mary Stevenson, the eldest child by the second 
 marriage, was twice married, first to Joseph Nel- 
 son, by whom she had two sons, James and John; 
 after the death of this husband she was married 
 to Rev. John McPhenin, who for many years was 
 the pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Butler, 
 Penn. Their children were as follows: Amelia, 
 Samuel, William, Clark, Ebenezer, John, Ander- 
 son, Josiah and Mary, of whom Amelia was mar 
 ried to Hon. Walter Lowrie, for many years sec 
 rotary of the board of foreign missions of the Pres 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 185 
 
 byterian Church, and Rev. JohnC. Lowrie, D. D., 
 LL. D. , the senior secretary of the same board, 
 and Rev. Walter M. Lowrie, and Rev. Reuben 
 Post Lowrie, both missionaries to China (now de- 
 ceased) were her sons. 
 
 Capt. Robert Stevenson, the eldest sou of John 
 Stevenson, Sr. , by his second marriage, was a sol 
 dier in the Revolutionary war, and belonged to a 
 company commanded by Capt. McConnell.of Cum- 
 berland county, Penn ; he was ;ilso in the war of 
 1 S 1 2, as captain of a company; he assisted in the 
 building of "Fort Stevenson'' near Sandusky, 
 Ohio, and the fort was named in his honor; he 
 married Miss Mary Teeters, and came to Wash- 
 ington county at the close of the Revolutionary 
 war; afterward he moved to near Salem, Colum- 
 biana Co., Ohio, where he died; he was a member 
 of the Legislature of that State at the time of his 
 death. John Stevenson, Jr., son of John, Sr., 
 was also a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and a 
 member of the company commanded by Capt. 
 McConnell; he settled first in Somerset township, 
 this county, on a farm now owned by the Whitely 
 heirs, afterward in Mt. Pleasant township, on a 
 farm now owned by James Buchanan, Esq., and 
 lastly in Cross Creek township, on part of a farm 
 now owned by Hon. John S. Duncan; he packed 
 on horseback over the mountains to the first store 
 in Washington its first lot of goods; he died June 
 13, 1817, aged eighty six years, and is buried in 
 the cemetery at Cross Creek village; his wife was 
 Mary McCombs, and their children were: John, 
 Margaret, Jean, Mary and Malcom McCombs, all 
 of whom died unmarried except Mary, who mar- 
 ried Robert Marquis, and she leaves to survive her 
 two sons: Rev. J. S. Marquis, D. D., who for 
 many years was pastor of Pigeon Creek Church 
 (of which his grandfather had been one of its 
 members at an early date of its history), and Rob- 
 ert Marquis, now of Caldwell county, Mo. 
 
 James Stevenson died young and unmarried, 
 and is buried in Pigeon Creek cemetery. Margaret 
 Stevenson married John Cratty, and became the 
 mother of two children: Keziah and John Steven 
 son; Keziah married Robert Curry; a grandson, 
 Robert Curry, Jr., Ph. D. , was the founder of 
 "Curry University " at Pittsburgh, was for a time 
 assistant State superintendent of public schools in 
 Pennsylvania, and afterward State superintend- 
 ent of public schools in Nebraska. Elizabeth 
 Stevenson married John Stevenson, a son of the 
 Stevenson family who were of English descent, 
 of Somerset township; they lived on a farm now 
 owned by the McCorkle heirs near to Pigeon 
 Creek Presbyterian church; their children were 
 Jane, Joseph, John, Maria, Elizabeth, Mary, 
 Margaret, Emily, Frances and James Edgar, who 
 became a Presbyterian minister, and died at Talla 
 hassee, Florida. 
 
 Jane Stevenson married John Graham, of Cross 
 Creek, and their children were Henry, Robert, 
 John, Mary, James, Ebenezer Stevenson, Margery, 
 Elizabeth, Joseph, Thomas Smith and Anne; 
 Ebenezer Stevenson Graham became a Presbyte 
 rian minister, and was for some years pastor of 
 Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church; he died at 
 Tampa Bay, Fla. Anne Stevenson, the young- 
 est member of this family, married Col. John Vance, 
 of Cross Creek, and her children were John, Anne, 
 David, Jane, Joseph and Julia A. ; her son Joseph 
 was a lawyer by profession, and was a member of 
 the bar at Mt. Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio; in the 
 Civil war he was the colonel of a regiment in the 
 army of Gen. Banks, and was killed in the battle 
 of Red River, Louisiana. 
 
 ' 
 
 HrON. GEORGE S. GRAHAM, M. D., rep 
 resents an old and prominent pioneer 
 family, whose first settlement was made in 
 - 1 Cross Creek township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., in 1 770. 
 Henry Graham, the earliest pioneer, of this 
 family, of whom we have any authentic record, 
 was a native of Chester county, Penn., where he 
 was married to a native born lady, and, moving to 
 Washington county, settled in Cross Creek town- 
 ship, on the waters of Cross creek, before the 
 Indians had left that part of the county. He died 
 in 1827, leaving one son, John, married to Jane 
 Stevenson, whose parents were also early settlers 
 in Smith township. The following children were 
 born to the union of John and Jane Graham: 
 Robert, who moved to Knox county, Ohio, where 
 he lived to old age; Henry, who went to Ohio; 
 Thomas, now a resident of Mt. Gilead, Ohio; John, 
 living in Knox county, Ohio; Joseph, who fol- 
 lowed farming in this county, and resided on the 
 old homestead in Cross Creek township; Rev. E. 
 S., of whom a sketch follows; Ann, wife of Dr. 
 Boyd Emery, both deceased in Somerset township, 
 thi6 county; Mary, deceased when young; Jane, 
 who died in early youth; Margery, Mrs. Murray; 
 and Elizabeth, wife of James Walker. Of these, 
 Thomas and Margery are yet living. The father 
 always resided on the farm in Cross Creek town- 
 ship, where he died in 1830. The Grahams were 
 active Whigs and influential citizens; they were 
 zealous members of the Cross Creek Presbyterian 
 Church, which they assisted in founding. 
 
 Rev. E. S. Graham was born in Cross Creek 
 township, this county. He received his elementary 
 education iu the rate schools of the day, then at- 
 tended Cross Creek Academy, and finally took a 
 thorough course at Jefferson College, graduating 
 therefrom in 1834. In 1837 he was installed as 
 pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Pigeon Creek, 
 Washington county, where he remained until 1842, 
 
I SI! 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 proving a very popular minister. After preach- 
 ing in a heated school room on one occasion, he 
 caught a cold whieh terminated in bronchitis, and 
 he then took a trip to Florida in search of health, 
 residing at Tampa Bay for several years; he died 
 in ISM; In the early part of his ministry he had 
 married Sarah, daughter of John Johnson, who 
 was horn near Washington, Ponn., and died a few 
 years after her marriage, leaving four children. 
 viz.: John J., a farmer of Washington county, who 
 moved to Kentucky, thence to Knox county, Ohio; 
 Hannah J., wife of James Morrison, of Mercer 
 county, Penn; George S., whose name opens this 
 sketch; and Sarah E. , Mrs. James Maxwell, of 
 Mercer, Penn. . all now deceased except our sub- 
 ject. 
 
 George S. Graham, son of E. S. and Sarah 
 (Johnson) Graham, was born December 2(5, 1839, 
 in Somerset township, this county, and received a 
 limited education in the common schools. At an 
 early age he began working with a farmer named 
 Stevenson (of Somerset township), and also lived 
 for some time with Dr. Boyd Emery, of Somerset 
 township. He then resided in Morrow county, 
 Ohio, with an uncle, Thomas Graham, remaining 
 there for some time, but wishing to secure a more 
 extensive edu-eation finally returned to his native 
 county, and entered Cross Greek Academy (where 
 his father had also boen a student), remaining in 
 that institution one year. He then took a three- 
 year's course at the Bethany Academical Institute, 
 under Dr. Marshall, afterward entered Jefferson 
 College at Canonsburg, Penn., where he was a 
 student at the beginning of the Civil war. Young 
 Graham enlisted Sunday, April 27, 1861, in Com 
 pany D, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve 
 Corps. He was mustered in at Harrisburg, 
 Penn., thence proceeding with his regiment to 
 Washington, D. C. His regiment was attached to 
 the First Arm}' Corps, under command of (Ten. 
 McDowell, and was later attached to the Fifth 
 Corps, serving through the Peninsular campaign. 
 Our subject served in all the campaigns, marches 
 and engagements of his regiment during his term 
 of engagement. Their Hist engagement was at 
 Drainesville, Va. ; he remained in active service 
 until his regiment was mustered out June [2, 
 1864, when he received an honorable discharge, 
 and returned to his native county. After the war 
 our subject began the study of medicine, and en- 
 tered Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, 
 graduating March 10, 1866. In the following 
 June he came to Florence, Hanover township, this 
 county, where he has ever since practiced his 
 chosen profession. On September 22, 1868, he 
 was married to Sallie J. Tucker, who was born 
 September 15, 1846, a daughter of David and 
 Sarah (Watt) Tucker, of Hanover township. The 
 following children have been born to their union: 
 
 John T. (deceased), Lemuel F., David S., Charles 
 S., Bertha M. and Thomas C. They have had 
 excellent educational advantages. Dr. Graham 
 has been a leading physician of Hanover township 
 for many years and enjoys an extensive practice 
 throughout the county. Politically he has for 
 years been a leader of the Republican party in 
 Hanover township, and has never missed an elec 
 tion since his residence in this county. In 1884 
 he was elected to the Legislature, serving during 
 1 88 I 85. Dr. and Mrs. Graham are active mem 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church, and he is a mem 
 ber of the Session. 
 
 IfO'HN D. BRADEN, of Washington borough. 
 . I was born in Chippewa township, Beaver Co., 
 {[JJ Peuu., November 21, 1826. John Braden, 
 Sr. , his father, was a native of County Fer- 
 managh, Ireland, born at a town called "Five Mile 
 Town," near Euniskillen. 
 
 His father (the grandfather of John D. Braden) 
 was James Braden, and his grandmother, Marga- 
 ret Howe, was of English parentage. They raised 
 a large family in Ireland, and said Margaret died 
 anil was buried there. The grandfather, James 
 Braden, with his entire family, came to America 
 some time about the year 17SU; John Braden, Sr., 
 having grown up to manhood, became the owner of 
 a farm near Youngstown, Ohio, and resided on the 
 same until the breaking out of the war of 1812 
 with Great Britain, when he joined the army and 
 served therein until the close of the war. After 
 the war John Braden, Sr. , was married to Kather 
 ine Mclntyre, daughter of William Mclntyre, who 
 was a native of Scotland, and in early times had 
 migrated to this country, settling at Hagerstown, 
 Md. John Braden and his wife Katherine, after 
 their marriage, removed from near Youngstown, 
 Ohio, to Chippewa township, Beaver county, where 
 they lived for over fifty years, having born to them 
 a large family, amongst whom was John D. Bra- 
 den, the only one of the family who resides in 
 Washington county. 
 
 John D. Braden, the subject of this sketch, after 
 several years' attendance at Beaver Academy, lo- 
 cated in the town of Beaver, Penn., came to Wash 
 ington in 1849, and entered the junior class atWash- 
 iugton College, which, later, was consolidated with 
 the Jefferson College. Mr. Braden graduated 
 from this institution in the summer of 1851, and 
 at once commenced the study of law in the office 
 of Hon. George S. Hart, who at that time was Dis 
 trict Attorney for Washington county, and subse- 
 quently was elected Judge of the Courts of said 
 county. Mr. Braden was admitted to the Bar of 
 Washington County in 1853, and from that time 
 to the present has practiced his profession with a 
 fair show of success, standing at all times in a 
 

 jrfflp**^ 
 
 "' W^Sy'J?* - 
 
 £**" 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 189 
 
 position with those in the front rank at the Bar. On 
 November 11, 1851' he was married to Miss Anna 
 C. Ruple, the youngest daughter of Col. James 
 Ruple, Sr. , deceased, and to them have been born 
 a large family, as follows: Rebecca, intermarried 
 with D. J. McAdam, Professor in Washington and 
 Jefferson Oillege; John Mclntyre Braden, who is 
 a member of the Bar in this county, since 1879, 
 and has attained a prominent position in the ranks 
 of the legal profession, enjoying a large and lu 
 crative practice; Alfred Goodrich Braden, a grad- 
 uate of Washington and Jefferson College, and 
 fur the last eight years the successful Principal of 
 the schools in the borough of Washington; George 
 W. Braden, who is by profession a photographer, 
 anil follows that business in said borough at the 
 present time; Lillie M., who teaches a select school 
 in said borough; Ernest Braden, who died De 
 cember 24, 1891; James Paul Braden, who is a 
 student at the before-mentioned college; Anna and 
 Kate Braden, who reside at home with their par 
 ents. There were also two other children, Arthur 
 and William, who died in their infancy. In p'lli 
 tics Mr. Braden has always been a Democrat, and 
 at all times ready and willing to do his best for 
 the advancement of the principles of his chosen 
 party. He never held office, except School Di- 
 rector and Member of the Council, and also Presi 
 dential Elector in the Cleveland and Harrison cam- 
 paign in 1892, which ended in a manner entirely 
 satisfactory to the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Hall, of Wheeling, W. Va., son of Stewart Hall, 
 of County Tyrone, Ireland, son of John Hall, Esq., 
 of Kssex. England, and Irene Zaue Howell, daugh- 
 ter of James Howell, of Scotland. The children 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred G. Braden are as fol- 
 lows: Irene Howell, Alfred Goodrich and Ida 
 Rebecca. Politically Mr. Braden is a Democrat, 
 and in religion he is a member of the M. E. Church, 
 in which for some years he has taken an active 
 interest. 
 
 [( LFRED G. BRADEN, principal of the 
 l\ public schools of Washington, was born 
 4\ October 16, 1858, in Washington, Penn., a 
 -* son of John D. Braden, Esq., and Anna 
 Ruple Braden. At the high school of his 
 native town he received a thorough general educa- 
 tional training, and he then entered Washington 
 and Jefferson College, where he pursued a four 
 years' course of reading and study in classics, etc. 
 Mr. Braden' s first business experience after 
 leaving college was as civil engineer for the Pitts 
 burg Southern Railroad Company, in which capac- 
 ity he served one year, and then was with the 
 Chartiers & Youghiogheny Railroad Company in 
 similar service two years. In 1884 he accepted 
 the appointment of principal of public schools of 
 Washington, which position he occupies with credit 
 to himself and the satisfaction of all interested. 
 To the management and improvement of the 
 schools Mr. Braden has given his entire time and 
 attention, and by bis assiduous efforts, coupled 
 with those of an able corps of assistants, has ele- 
 vated the educational institutions under his charge 
 to a high degree of excellency. 
 
 On July 21, 1886, Mr. Braden was united in 
 marriage with Ida Mann, daughter of John H. 
 
 GOLIN M. REED. Alexander Reed, grand 
 father of the subject of this memoir, was a 
 ■-.hi .if Robert Reed, who had graduated at 
 Edinburgh, Scotland, and was a minister of 
 considerable repute aud high standing in that coun- 
 try: but was called to Ireland to preach against 
 the Arian heresy then creeping into the Presby- 
 terian Church. The church Robert Reed estab- 
 lished at Manor Cunningham, in County Donegal, 
 Ireland, had at one time, it is said, as many as a 
 thousandcommunicauts,and his children and grand- 
 children have been the sole occupants of the pulpit 
 for over one hundred and fifty years. Alexander 
 Heed's brother, Thomas, and his mother's brother, 
 Alexander Cunningham, had settled in the town of 
 Washington, Penn., some time bef.n-e the advent 
 of Alexander Reed, who came in L794, from Done 
 gal, Ireland. The death of his brother, just men- 
 tioned, occurring soon after Alexander's arrival in 
 Washington, he became sole proprietor of the store 
 now occupied by his grandsons, Colin M. and 
 Alexander (brothers), and records show that he 
 was in business in 1794. He became much in- 
 terested in developing the agricultural resources of 
 the county, and from time to time purchased a 
 considerable amount of real estate. In 1821 he 
 bought a flock of imported Spanish Merino sheep 
 of Alexander Wilson, of Philadelphia, began the 
 business of fine-wool growing, and was the first to 
 send wool to the Eastern market; he lived to see 
 Washington the finest wool-growing county in the 
 United States, with a million sheep on her hills and 
 meadows. He was also among the first to intro- 
 duce the best breeds of English horses and cattle 
 into this part of the State. In 1826 he sent silk- 
 worm eggs to George Rapp, of Economy, the 
 founder of the Economite Society, who gave them 
 to his granddaughter, and it was not long before 
 both Mr. Rapp and his granddaughter made their 
 appearance in Washington, on a certain fair day, 
 arrayed in suits of handsome black silk, the manu- 
 factured product of that gift of silkworm eggs. 
 This was in reality the beginning of the silk fac- 
 tory at Economy, which was in operation some 
 thirty or forty years. In the charter of Washing- 
 ton College, Alexander Reed was one of the trustees, 
 as well as of the Female Seminary. He aided in 
 
190 
 
 WASH IN a TON CO f 'N TY. 
 
 establishing, and was president of, the Franklin 
 Bank of Washington (which became, in 1864, the 
 First National Bank) from its foundation in 1836; 
 he was treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church 
 of Washington from its organization, in 1809, till 
 his death, a period of twenty-seven years. He 
 was president of "The Moral Society'" of Wash- 
 ington borough, which was formed April 14, 1825, 
 its object being the suppression of vice and im- 
 morality. In fact, in all projects and enterprises 
 tending to the advancement of the interests of 
 town or country; in all the institutions devoted to 
 the promotion of the cause of education, morals or 
 religion, he was prominent, active and efficient. 
 His regard for truth, equity and honesty was the 
 foundation of the universal confidence reposed in 
 him. In all the varied and multiplied transactions 
 of nearly fifty years, his truth and integrity were 
 never impeached, and he was never engaged in a 
 lawsuit. Mr. Reed was an A. F. & A. M., and a 
 member of Lodge No. 54, Washington, which 
 dropped out of existence about the time of the 
 war of 1812. In his political sentiments he was 
 a Whig. He died in September, 1842. 
 
 In 1799 Alexander Reed was united in marriage 
 with Janet, daughter of Rev. Colin McFarquhar, 
 of Inverness, Scotland, who came to this country 
 during the Revolutionary war, and for thirty years 
 preached in an old church that is yet standing in 
 Donegal, Lancaster Co., Penn. The children born 
 to Alexander and Janet (McFarquhar) Reed were: 
 George, Eliza, Colin M., Robert Rentoul, Alex 
 ander and Sarah; the last tw_o dying in infancy; 
 George died at the age of twenty eight years, and 
 many cherished hopes for a brilliant future were 
 buried with him; Eliza was called from earth while 
 on a visit to Philadelphia, just in the bloom of 
 womanhood; Colin M. has special mention further 
 on: Robert Rentoul. also has special mention be- 
 low; Janet Reed died in ISIS, and Alexander Reed 
 married Isabella Lyon, daughter of Samuel Lyon, 
 of Carlisle, widow of William H >ge, of Washington, 
 and a sister of Hon. James <1. Blaine's grand- 
 mother; she lived until June, 1868; Alexander 
 Reed died in September, 1842. 
 
 Dr. Robert Rentoul Reed, son of Alexander and 
 Janet (McFarquhar) Reed, was born March 12. 
 1807. He graduated at Washington College in 
 1S24, studied medicine with Dr. LeMoyne, and 
 graduated from Jefferson Medical College, Phila- 
 delphia. In 1 S4S he was nominated for Congress 
 in the district then composed of Washington and 
 Beaver, and represented the district in 1S49 and 
 1 850. He was a member of the Pennsylvania 
 Legislature in 1863 and 1864. In all benevolent 
 enterprises Dr. Reed was always foremost. For a 
 number of years he acted as vice-president and 
 afterward as agent of the Pennsylvania Coloniza- 
 tion Society, in which philanthropic enterprise lie 
 
 rendered most efficient service. For thirty six 
 years he was a consistent member of the First 
 Presbyterian Church, and during seventeen of 
 these years he was a ruling elder, and for twenty- 
 six years was superintendent of the Sabbath- school. 
 In 1830 he married Eleanor, eldest daughter of 
 Judge Thomas H. Baird, and their children were: 
 Ann Eliza, Alexander, Thomas, Janet, George, 
 Eleanor, Isabel, Robert. Colin. William, Joseph 
 and Charles. Only four of these twelve children 
 are living: George, Colin, William and Joseph. 
 Dr. R. R. Reed died December 14, 1864; his 
 widow June 25, 1892. 
 
 Alexander Reed, born near Washington Septem 
 ber 28, 1832, graduated from Washington College 
 in 1851, and Western Theological Seminary in 
 1856. He was a Presbyterian minister, an eloquent 
 and attractive preacher of the Gospel. Princeton 
 College conferred the degree of D. D. on Dr. Reed 
 in 1865. His first charge was Octorara, one of the 
 long-established churches of the Presbytery of 
 Chester, from 1856 to 1864. From there he went 
 to the Central Church of Philadelphia, and remained 
 until 1873. He then went to the South Church of 
 Brooklyn, and resigned this charge on account of 
 ill health. He then went to Europe with his family 
 for a year (having been abroad before for the sum- 
 mer of 1869), and when he returned from Europe 
 he became pastor of the Central Church of Denver, 
 Colo., where he lived until he died, November 18, 
 1878. He had six children: Elizabeth, Eleanor, 
 James Watson, Robert Rentoul, Mary Morgan and 
 Alexander. Of these, Elizabeth died when an in- 
 fant, and Alexander in March, 1889, aged eleven 
 years. The widow of Alexander Reed lives in 
 Washington with her daughter, James Watson, in 
 Denver, Robert in Pittsburgh. Thomas Baird 
 Reed was an eminent physician in Philadelphia. 
 He was born October 23, 1834, graduated at Wash 
 iugton College in 1S52; was medical student with 
 Dr. Blackburn, and graduated at Jefferson Med 
 ical College, Philadelphia. He was resident phy- 
 sician in the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1859 to 
 1861. During the Civil war he was a surgeon in 
 the Pennsylvania Volunteers from 1862 to 1865. 
 On October 23, 1867, he married Mary G., daugh 
 ter of Archibald Campbell, of Carlisle, Penn., and 
 they had four daughters: Elizabeth, Eleanor, 
 Marie and Janet, three of whom are living; Marie, 
 the third daughter, died February 22, 1S93. Dr. 
 Thomas D. Reed died April 1, 1891. George W. 
 Reed is in business in Pittsburgh; he was in the 
 Civil war. He married Matilda MeKenuan. daugh- 
 ter of Hon. Thomas McKennan, and sister of Judge 
 McKennan. They have had twelve children: Rob- 
 ert, Thomas, Baird, Alexander, George, William, 
 Clark, Eleanor, John, Matilda, Joseph and Frank, 
 all living except Alexander and Frank, who died in 
 infancy. Colin graduated from Washington and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 191 
 
 Jefferson College in 1869. In 1874 be married 
 Lida Lord, of Mississippi, and they had six chil- 
 dren: William, Robert, Richard, Eva, Lida and 
 Colin, of whom Richard died in infancy. Lida 
 Reed died in 1885, and Colin afterward married 
 her sister, Louisa Lord. William was educated at 
 Washington and Lafayette College. He married, 
 in 1875, Mary McKnight, of Pittsburgh, and they 
 had six children: Margaret, Eleanor, Katharine, 
 Thomas, Mary and William, of whom Eleanor, 
 Mary and William are not living. Mary, wife of 
 William B. Reed, died in September, 1889. Rob 
 ert Reed died in the army at Georgetown, D. C, 
 July 16, 1863, of typhoid fever. Joseph is the 
 editor of Arthur's Home Magazine, and lives in 
 Philadelphia. All the daughters died when quite 
 young, and Charles when an infant. 
 
 Colin M. Reed, Sr. , was born in Washington, 
 Penn., November 28, 1804. He was prominently 
 identified with the business interests of Washing 
 ton. His father, Alexander Reed, was the first 
 president of the Franklin Bank, which was organ 
 ized in 1836. Colin M. was elected to the same 
 position in 1852, and held it until the same insti- 
 tution was organized in 1865 as the First National 
 Bank, of which he was elected president, and held 
 the office without intermission until his death. In 
 1855 he was made a director of the HemptieU 
 Railroad Company, and continued one until it was 
 merged into the Baltimore & Ohio. From 1841 
 he was a trustee of Washington Female Seminary. 
 and one of the largest stockholders. For many 
 years he was a trustee of Washington and Jeffer 
 son College and until his death. He was a mem- 
 ber of the first board organized in 1843 for the 
 management of the common schools of Washing- 
 ton. He was for years president of the Washing- 
 ton Gas Company and of the board of trustees of 
 the Washington Cemetery. During our Civil war 
 he acted as treasurer and general agent for Wash- 
 ington county in behalf of the Christian Commis- 
 sion. He was also very much interested in the 
 temperance cause, and in the Bible Society. He 
 was a trustee of the First Presbyterian Church, 
 and served as treasurer for twenty-seven years. 
 He was not a politician in the sense that he sought 
 office, but was always very much interested in the 
 success of the Republican party. 
 
 In 1835 he was united in marriage with Mrs. 
 Ritner, widow of Lieutenant Ritner, U. S. army. 
 She died in March, 1837, leaving a daughter, 
 Mary, now the wife of Henry Laughlin, of the firm 
 of Jones & Laughlin, of Pittsburgh. In 1842 Mr. 
 Reed married Sarah E. Chapman, of Massachu- 
 setts, sister of Maj. William Chapman, and the 
 children of this marriage were Isabella, Laura, 
 Helen, Alexander, Colin M., Jr., Robert, Ethel ind 
 and Alice. Of these Isabella married William 
 Copeland, of Pittsburgh, and both have been dead 
 
 many years; Laura is the wife of James R. Clark, 
 and is now living in Mandan, N. D. (They have 
 three children: Colin, Anne and Isabel). Alexau- 
 der graduated at Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 lege in 1871, and is in business with Colin M. 
 Reed, Jr.; Alice married John L. Dickey, a prom 
 inent physician of Wheeling. W. Ya. ; Alexander 
 and Ethelind are unmarried; Helen and Robert 
 died in earlv childhood. Colin M. Reed, Sr.,died 
 January 12," 1SS8, his wife August 7, 1892. He 
 served as treasurer of the First Presbyterian 
 Church at Washington twenty-seven years. 
 
 Colin M. Reed, Jr., was born and educated in 
 Washington. In 1874 he married Ada Brownlee, 
 of Iowa, who was educated at Washington Female 
 Seminary. She was a daughter of Samuel Brown- 
 Ice anil Katharine Clark, and a granddaughter of 
 William Brownlee and Joseph C. Clark — both men 
 prominently identified with the wool growing in 
 dustry. Colin M. and Ada B. Reed had six chil 
 dren, five of whom are living: Katharine, Harriet, 
 Charles, Alexander and Colin; the second child 
 in infancy. Colin M. Reed is a director in the 
 1'irst National Back; a trustee of the Washington 
 Female Seminary, and trustee of the Firs! Presby 
 terian Church. 
 
 SAAC W. MITCHELL is one .,f the best-known 
 business men of Washington, and partner in 
 probably the oldest grocery house in the place. 
 He is descended fmm a Scotch Irish family, 
 who in an early day emigrated from the North of 
 Ireland to this country, making a settlement on 
 Short creek, in West Virginia. Alexander Mitch- 
 ell, paternal grandfather of Isaac W. , by occupa- 
 tion a farmer, was a native of West Virginia, where 
 were born to him five children, all deceased. 
 
 Zachariah Mitchell, father of subject, grew to 
 manhood at the place of his birth, and was reared 
 to agricultural pursuits, which he followed until 
 1853. In 1844 he married Miss Ann, daughter of 
 George and Jane (Wilson) Baird, of Washington, 
 Penn. This Baird family were of Scotch ancestry, 
 the first to come to America having been John 
 Baird, who was born in Scotland about the year 
 1730, and crossed the Atlantic with Gen. Braddock 
 in 1755. His only son, Dr. Absalom Baird, was 
 the first of the family to come to Washington, 
 which was in 1786; he served in the Revolutionary 
 war, first as ensign aud afterward as assistant sur- 
 geon. He was the one who trepanned Gen. An- 
 thony Wayne's skull, which had been struck by a 
 musket ball at the storming of Stony Point, N. Y., 
 on the night of July 15, 1779. After coming to 
 Washington, Dr. Baird built a house which, but 
 little changed, still stands, and during the visit of 
 the French king, Louis Philippe, to the United 
 States at the close of the last century, the royal 
 
192 
 
 ii VSHINOTOh COl \ l) 
 
 exile was entertained for some time in this house. 
 Dr Baird died October 27, 1805, the n^sult of a 
 full from u horse. One of his sons. George, be 
 oame the grandfather of our subject. Ho was horn 
 in Kennett Square, Penn., in 1785 was educated 
 at Washington Academy ami for a time "a- a 
 tutor Afterward he embarked in mercantile pur 
 suits in Washington, in which he continued until 
 his death, November 1. L8C0, the present business 
 of his son, A Todd Baird, having been established 
 l>v him. At the age of twenty -i\ (1811) In- be 
 came sheriff of Washington county; was also a 
 member of the Legislature, filling an unexpired 
 term. Hi' was married October 25, 1811, to Jane 
 w >on, who l' >re him fourteen children seven 
 ^,'n- and 9even daughters. In 185-2 Mr. ami Mrs. 
 Zaohariab Mitchell removed to Missouri, where t ho 
 latter died August 28, 1853, the mother <>f five 
 children., \ George B (deceased); Alexander, 
 treasurer of the Mutual Savings Hank of Wheel 
 iug, W, Va : and Martha B . Isaac W.,and James 
 i\ ashierof the Dime Savings Institution of Wash 
 ington, ali residents of Washington. After the 
 mother's death the father went t" Pexas, and there 
 made his homo until 1865, in whicb year ho returned 
 to Missouri, where he died March 20, 188 
 
 Isaac W Mitchell was horn m Wheeling, W 
 \ i . February 10, 1851, and was but two years ol 
 age wheu brought to Washington, whore, at the 
 common schools of the borough, and at Washing 
 ton and Jefferson College, he received his educa- 
 tion. He chose ho tkkeeping as his life work, which 
 rooatiou ho followed two years in Iowa ami three 
 years in Chicago, 111., hut on account of failing 
 health ho returned to Washington in 1^71 [n 
 I8S5 ho engaged with his uncle, Mr A Todd 
 Baird, in the grooery business which ho has since 
 successfull) conducted. On November 1. 18S2, 
 Mr Mitchell was married to Mi>s Sarah K Hill, 
 of Blairsville, Indiana Co., Penn. , daughter of Re> 
 George Hill. O D., pastor of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and president of the board of trustees of the 
 Western theological Seminary at Allegheny, Penn. 
 Co this union four children have been born: Elea- 
 uor Baird, Georgia Hill. Harriot Todd and 
 Marthine B . of whom two, Georgia and Harriet 
 l'odd. are deceased. Our subject is a busy man 
 and has filled and is filling various offices of trust, 
 amoug which may be mentioned: borough coun- 
 cilman; treasurer of Washington and Jefferson 
 College; treasurer of the V M C A . treasurer 
 and director of the Washington Glass Company ; 
 director of the Gas. Electric Light a Power and 
 TylerTnb a Pi] > Companies, and of the Farmers 
 a Mecha N inal Bank. \\^~ is a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church of Washington, ami in 
 In'1 was sent to Minneapolis as a delegate from 
 the Young People's S bristian Endeavor 
 
 J 
 
 MORGAN MAURER, M. D., of the Homo 
 opathic school of medicine, is one of the lead 
 ing and busiest physicians in the borough of 
 Washington. Ho was born in Pottsville, 
 Penn., on October 24, l848,asonof F. H. and 
 Anna M. (Morgan) Maurer, the former of whom is 
 now a resident of Denver, Colo. ; the latter died in 
 the spring of 1880. The Maurer family axe of 
 German descent. Mrs. Maurer was a daughter of 
 roseph Morgan, of Schuylkill county, Penn. Mr. 
 and Mrs F. H Maurer had a family of eight 
 children, of whom the Bubjeot of this sketch is the 
 only one living in Washington count] ; he has one 
 brother Howard M. Maurer, and one sister Anna 
 M Maurer in Philadelphia, one sister— Kate A. 
 Bassett in Sheldon, Iowa, and two brothers John 
 L. and George F. Maurer in Denver, Colorado. 
 J. Morgan Maurer was two years old when his 
 parents moved with their family to Baltimore, M.I.. 
 and here ho received a liberal common-school 
 education. He commenced the study of medicine 
 in 1ST1 ami during 1873, '74, '75, attended the 
 Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia, from 
 whiob he graduated. After this he practiced a 
 short time in Baltimore, thou in Pottsville, till 
 September, 1877, when he came to Washington, 
 rhere being at that time no Homoeopathic physician 
 in the town, be had to work his way into practice, 
 h\ demonstrating (againt no inconsiderable amount 
 of prejudice) the real merits of the Hahnemann 
 system; and his remarkable success is shown by an 
 almost unparalleled professional record, and the 
 general verdict of the community among whom he 
 practices. The Dootor makes a specialty of the 
 diseases of women and children, and his ride for a 
 long time extended throughout the entire county, 
 but of late years he has to a considerable extent 
 given up country practice. 
 
 In March. 1 VS T. Di Maurer was married to 
 Miss Susan -lane, daughter of William H. and 
 lane K (Jones) Taylor, of whom mention is made 
 elsewhere, and one child has blessed their union 
 Jane E Mrs Maurer is a member of the First 
 M E Church of Washington. Dr. Maurer is a 
 member of the Episcopal Church of Pottsville, 
 Penn.. and socially he is connected with the 1. O. 
 F. and Jr. 0. I A M He has been extensive 
 ly interested in the development of the oil fields in 
 ami around Washington county. 
 
 WILLIAM 1. McCLEARY. This widely 
 known dentist is descended from rugged 
 S tch Irish ancestry, hi- grandfather, 
 Thomas McCleary, having, at an early 
 day. emigrated to America from the mother conn 
 try after his marriage in England with Miry Linn, 
 a native of that GOUntri 
 
WASIUMIITON COl'XTY 
 
 193 
 
 They settled in Virginia, and had the following 
 family: James, Jane (married John Fowler), John 
 (deeeased when young), Eliza (married James 
 Ciiii), Sarah (married John Fowler), William, 
 Swing (married Mary A. McGee), Thomas (twice 
 married, lirst time to Kate Pryor, and after her 
 death to Mary McGrew; ho was a Methodist min- 
 ister for over forty years, and a recognized leader 
 in the community). Martha (Mrs-. Lewi- Carter) 
 and Julia (Mrs. .lames Reed). The father of this 
 family was both an agriculturist and a cooper, and 
 after coming to Virginia lie passed his days on a 
 farm in Brooke county. In politics he was a faith- 
 ful Democrat, and in religion a devout member of 
 the M. E. Church. 
 
 William McCIeary, father of the subject of this 
 sketch, was born February 18, 1805, near Win 
 Chester. His father removed to Brooke county, 
 Va. , where ho was reared and educated, and 
 learned the trade of cooper. On reaching his 
 majority (the farm lieing small and the family 
 large), he left (he parental roof for the purpose of 
 carving out his own fortune, and being of a deli 
 oate constitution, ho was obliged to look for such 
 work as he was best able to perform. He taught 
 school, took trading vessels down the Ohio, etc., 
 and after a time ho engaged to drive the stage 
 then being run between Washington and Wellsburg. 
 After driving for some months on this route, he 
 secured employment as driver of a mail coach on 
 the Cumberland road. Under this engagement he 
 first drove from Hillshoro to Claysville, afterward 
 from Washington to Wheeling, and during a por- 
 tion of the time into Ohio. He drove in all about 
 eighteen years, sometimes two, sometimes four, 
 and on special occasions even six horses. During 
 his career he was associated with men, most of 
 whom are now forgotten, and many a tale would 
 he tell, in after years, of the excitement when the 
 opposition lines were competing for public patron- 
 age, and when the orders to the drivers were " to 
 make the time or kill the horses" (ten miles an 
 hour); also of the not infrequent runaways, one of 
 which well deserves to be perpetuated in history. 
 " Mr. McCIeary Was driving a large black team from 
 Triadelphia to Wheeling. On coming to Wheel- 
 ing hill ho threw the rubber bar down, but the 
 blocks jumping out, the bar struck the off wheel 
 horse, which sprang forward, and in an instant 
 the team became unmanageable and in full flight. 
 Reaching the culvert at the foot of the hill, the 
 coach turned over, hind end foremost, threw the 
 driver in a hog wallow, and tumbled the passengers 
 and mail around generally. Finding no one hurt, 
 and the horses all gone, he ran for the postoffice 
 to have them bring their wagon and get the mail 
 in on time; for if he failed to get the mail to the 
 office at the right time, he was liable to lose his 
 position. Only one horse of that team was ever 
 
 lit )., be hitched again, and two of them were killed 
 OUtrighi in the disaster. - ' Mr. McCIeary lived in 
 Claysville six years; then, when Col. William Hop- 
 kins was commissioner of the road, ho took charge 
 of the tollgate near West Alexander (at which 
 
 i the tolls often amounted to as much as $400 
 
 per month), and lived there nine years. It was not 
 uncommon in those .lavs for twenty or more stage 
 
 coaches to be ill full view at one time, so great 
 was the traffic. After leaving the toll gate, Mr. 
 
 McCIeary moved to East Finley township, and 
 settled on a farm purchased of George Enlow. 
 
 Later he boughi thn ther tracts of land, two in 
 
 this county, and one in West Virginia, all vain 
 able. William McCIeary was married January 17, 
 1836, to Susan G., a daughter of Thomas Wilkin 
 son, of Hillsboro, Penn. Their children ware 
 Thomas J., James C, John E., Mary .1. (Mrs. 
 Roberl Bell), Sarah E. (Mrs. Porter McCarrell), 
 William L.. Martha L. (Mrs. John Donely), Fran 
 cisM., Lewis C, Martin L. (deeeased) and Caro- 
 line A (Mrs. William Wachter). The father died 
 April :i. 1882, all his family lieing with him in his 
 last moments, except one daughter who had died 
 in her thirtieth year. He was essentially a self- 
 made man, having started in life with naught save 
 his industrious hands and a willing heart, and 
 when ho was called from earth his estate was 
 valued at $50,000. He was an exemplary man in 
 all respects, of unquestioned integrity and truth, 
 a lover of home with its quiet cares and enjoy- 
 ments. For many years he was a consistent 
 member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove, 
 East Finley township, in which ho held the 
 office of deacon; in politics he was a pronounced 
 Democrat, holding at different times various 
 township offices. 
 
 William L. McCIeary. the subject proper of this 
 memoir, was born May 23, 1848, in DonegaHown- 
 ship. his education being received at the public 
 schools of the district. At the age of nineteen he 
 came to Washington borough, and entered the den- 
 tal office of Dr. Samuel Fulton, where he remained 
 in the study of dentistry two years, and then 
 opened an office for the practice of that profession, 
 in Uniontown, Fayette county, whence, after a res- 
 idence of four years, he returned to Washington. 
 On November 3, 1875, he was married to Mary E., 
 daughter of S. M. Brinton, of Allegheny county, 
 and to this union seven children were born. viz. : 
 Mariana L., William M., Sarah E. (deceased), Ruth 
 G., Elizabeth B., Homer B., and Esther B. The 
 ancestors of the Brinton family of Allegheny 
 county came from England at an early day, set- 
 tling in West Chester, Penn., and the grandfather 
 of Mrs. McCIeary moved thence to Allegheny 
 county, making his home on a farm in the Tnrtle 
 Creek valley, where be died. Ho was a member of 
 the Society of Friends. S. M. Brinton, father of 
 
KI4 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Mrs. McCleary, w;is born in eastern Pennsylvania. 
 He came with his parents to Allegheny county, 
 where be followed agricultural pursuits all his days. 
 He was twice married, iirstto Elizabeth Donley, who 
 bore him one child Robert. His second wife was 
 Mary McGrew, a native of Westmoreland county, 
 and by this union were born: S. M., Jr., William 
 M., Mary E., M. H. and Sarah J. (Mrs. J. How- 
 aid (Hark). Mr. Brinton died on January 16, 
 1890. In religion he was a member of the Society 
 of Friends, and in politics was first a Republican, 
 later a Democrat. Dr. McCleary is a member of 
 the Baptist Church, and is at present serving as 
 trustee. In politics he is purely independent; vot- 
 ing according to his judgment for " the right man 
 in the right place." Aside from his profession he 
 has divers interests, such as oil and gas specula- 
 tions, as well as various fanning interests. He is 
 a member of the People's Light & Heat Com- 
 pany and of the Tyler Tube Works. 
 
 »T-Y EV. MATTHEW HENDERSON was born 
 \L/s in Fifeshire, Scotland, in 1735, graduated 
 If V at Glasgow, studied theology, and was 
 1) -^ licensed to preach in 1756. Ordained in 
 v 1758, he was sent to America. Soon after 
 
 his arrival he settled as pastor of the Associate 
 Church at Oxford, Chester Co., Penn., and re- 
 mained at Oxford until 1781, when he became pas- 
 tor of Chartiers and Buffalo churches in Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., being the first minister of that 
 denomination to settle west of the Alleghany 
 mountains. He remained with this people, teach- 
 ing and preaching the Gospel, until called to his 
 rest October 2, 1795. A falling tree caused his 
 death. He was married to Mary Ferris, and to 
 them were born ten children, namely; Matthew, 
 Mary, John, Ellen, Elizabeth, Ann, Ebenezer, 
 Joseph, Robert, and Jane. Matthew was a minis- 
 ter and married Miss Patterson- Mary married 
 Samuel White, a farmer; John married Isabella 
 Russell; Ellen married Samuel Murdoch, M. D. ; 
 Elizabeth married Alexander Murdoch; Ann mar 
 tied Rev. Thomas Allison; Ebenezer was a minis- 
 ter and married Miss Noble; Joseph was a phy- 
 sician; Robert married Elizabeth Russell, and Jane 
 married James Clark, a farmer. 
 
 Robert Henderson, who married Elizabeth Rus- 
 sell, lived on a farm in Chartiers township, ami to 
 them were born seven children: Matthew, Andrew, 
 Ebenezer, Alexander, John, Mary and Robert. 
 Their eldest son, Matthew, was born December 1, 
 1803, in Chartiers township, was married February 
 I 1, 1829, to Mary Hutchinson, and lived here until 
 1853, when they moved to Mercer county, Penn. 
 In 1851) they moved to Lawreuce county, Penn.. 
 and returned to Washington county in 1885. 
 Mrs. Mary Henderson died in Lawrene inty, 
 
 January 1, 1S77. To them were born six children: 
 John 11., Elizabeth R., Robert A., Martha J., 
 Frances M. and Harriet A. Johu H. married 
 Nancy Hammond, who died, and he married Em- 
 ma C. Robinson. By his first wife he had four 
 children: John Allison. Margaret, William and 
 Alexander. The latter died at the age of nine 
 teen. Elizabeth li. married Robert J. Harper, and 
 to them four children were born: Anna M., Eliza 
 lieth H. , Ella (now deceased) and Eva O. G. 
 Robert A. married Mary Ellen Blair, to whom 
 three sons were born: Frank B., Audley C. and 
 William A. Martha J. remains single. Harriet 
 A. died December 17, 1881. Frances M. married 
 Rev. Johu Weir, has two daughters: Mary H. and 
 Margaret B. Rev. John Weir died May 28, 1873. 
 He was a preacher in Canada. In politics Mr. 
 Matthew Henderson was a Whig, and is now a 
 Republican. In religious faith he is a member of 
 Chartiers United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 THOMAS MAXWELL POTTS has been a 
 resident of Canonsburg since early in 1870. 
 He is a thorough American, being able to 
 trace every line of ancestry (with perhaps a 
 single exception) to progenitors upon Amer 
 icau soil for two centuries and longer, embracing 
 English, Welsh, German, Dutch, Swedish and 
 French original settlers. He is a descendant of 
 the old Cheshire (England) family of Potts, through 
 a branch who had settled in Montgomeryshire, 
 Wales, where they embraced the religious views of 
 George Fox and William Penn. 
 
 On account of the religious persecution of the 
 time, David Potts and one or two brothers mi- 
 grated to Philadelphia county, Penn., about 1090. 
 In 1694 David Potts married Alice Croasdale, who 
 with her parents had come over with William Penn 
 in 1082. Their third son, Daniel, born in 1697, 
 married Sarah Shoemaker in 1721. Their son, 
 Samuel, born in 1723, married Ann Ashmead (nee 
 Rush) in 1751. Their son. James, born 1752, 
 married Sarah Wessell in 1777. Their youngest 
 son, Thomas Jefferson Potts, was 'born in 1798, and 
 married Margaret Carter in 1835. The subject of 
 this sketch was the eldest sou of this marriage, 
 having been born February 17, 1830. in Chester 
 county, Penn. The other original paternal ances- 
 tors of Mr. Potts, in America, were: Thomas 
 Croasdale, Peter Shoemaker, Isaac Opden Graef, 
 Jacob Isaacs Van Bebber, Capt. John Rush, Bryan 
 Peart, Henry Stirk, Edward Eaton and John Wells, 
 of Pennsylvania, and Wessel Evertszen, Claes Jan- 
 Ben St avast, Cornells Van Tienhoven, Guylen Vinge 
 and Claes Claeszen Bording, of New York. Among 
 the first American ancestors on his mother's side, 
 may be mentioned Jeremiah Carter, William Clay- 
 ton, Edward Bezer. Walter Marten, Joseph Bushal, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 195 
 
 William Cloud, John Butler, Johu Fisher, John 
 Hough, William Bean ami Hauce Pietterson, of 
 Pennsylvania and Delaware. 
 
 Mr. Potts spent his boyhood upon his father's 
 farm in Chester county, Perm., receiving his edu- 
 cation in the schools of his neighborhood, and at 
 the State Normal School in Millersville, l'onn. 
 From 1857 to 1866 he taught school at Greenwood 
 Seminary, Millville, Columbia county, and at the 
 academy in Dowingtown, Penn. In 1866 and 1867 
 he was principal of the public schools of Bellville, 
 Ohio. From 1866 to 1877 he had an interest in 
 the retail hardware business at Bellville, Ohio, 
 and at Canousburg, Penn. He has held a num- 
 ber of local offices. In 1867 he was mayor of 
 Bellville, Ohio, and subsequently a member of the 
 Bellville school board. At Canousburg he has 
 served a number of terms as chief burgess, and as 
 a member of the town council. He has served 
 some thirteen or fourteen years as a school director, 
 and since 18S8 has been a justice of the peace. In 
 politics he is a Republican, and in religion a Pres 
 byterian, being a ruling elder and superintendent 
 of the Sabbath-school of the First Presbyterian 
 Church of his adopted town. In 1870 he estab 
 lished the first permanent printing office in Can 
 onsburg, and in 1872 founded the Canonsburg 
 Herald, which he edited and published until 1888. 
 This paper, under his charge, was edited with 
 great care and considerable ability, and became a 
 power for good in the community. In 1888 he dis- 
 posed of it to the present publisher. For many 
 years he has been an amateur antiquarian and 
 genealogist, and has collected a large amouut of val- 
 uable family history of Pennsylvania and New York 
 families. In 1877 he published " A Short Biograph- 
 ical Sketch of Maj. James Potts," a small bound 
 volume of about eighty pages. In 1883 he issued 
 a " Bi-Centenary Memorial of Jeremiah Carter, 
 etc.," containing about 300 pages. He has now 
 in press a volume entitled " Our Family Ancestors," 
 which promises to be a very valuable work to 
 genealogists. It will embrace sketches of some 
 fifty families, tracing each from the settlement of 
 the first American ancestor. The material for all 
 of these works has been gathered from original 
 sources. He has been a corresponding member of 
 the New England Historic- Genealogical Society 
 since 1887, and has been president of the Canons- 
 burg Library Association since 1880. Mr. Potts 
 has attained some distinction in Fraternal societies, 
 being a Past Grand and a Past Chief Patriarch of 
 the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and a Past 
 Regent of the Royal Arcanum. As an Odd Fellow, 
 he has served as a deputy grand master of Wash- 
 ington county, and has been a representative in the 
 Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania many times. He 
 has also been a representative in the Grand Coun- 
 cil, R. A., of Pennsylvania. 
 
 On March '22, 1860, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary Miller, daughter of Reuben and 
 Sarah (Baker) Miller, of Chester county, Penn. 
 Mrs. Potts can trace quite as honorable and nu- 
 merous a lineage as her husband, being a direct 
 
 < descendant of the following early settlers of Penn 
 sylvania and New Jersey: Gayen Miller, Dr. 
 Patrick Henderson, Jacob Kirk, Francis Hobson, 
 Henry Mitchell, Richard Cove, Johu Stackhouse, 
 Thomas Pearson, Thomas Stevenson, Samuel Jen 
 ings. Joseph Baker, Richard Woodward, William 
 Edwards, John Ingram, Henry Hayes, Thomas 
 
 j Cox, John Buzby, Archibald McNeill, Richard 
 Few, Francis Stanfield, John Bently. Joel Baily, 
 
 j and others. Mr. and Mrs. Potts have had born 
 to them the following children: (1) Reuben Claude, 
 who married Clara B. Fife in 1882, and resides at 
 Parkersburg, Penn.; (2) Thomas Pliny, now a 
 theological student; ('■'<) William Baker and (4) 
 Mitchell Miller, merchants at Canonsburg, and (5) 
 Louis Maxwell, a student in Washington and Jef 
 fersou College. 
 
 \ILLIAM DENNEY, M. D., one of the 
 established and most successful physi 
 cians of Washington, is a native of the 
 State, born in Jefferson, Greene county, 
 October 28, 1851. 
 John Denney, his great grandfather, came to 
 America from England at anearly date, settling 
 in Greene county, Penn. In his native land he 
 was a tailor by trade, but in this country he fol- 
 lowed agricultural pursuits, and at the time of 
 his death was the owner of a considerable estate. 
 His son, William, grandfather of Dr. Denney, 
 married Elizabeth Blackledge, and some time in 
 the "forties" they moved to Missouri, where they 
 died of malarial fever. A brief record of their 
 children is as follows: Enoch Harvey has special 
 mention further on; Simon died in Missouri; John 
 is a resident of Marion. Ohio; Benjamin is a prac- 
 ticing physician in Waynesburg, Penn.; George 
 also resides at Waynesburg; William died in 
 Missouri; Hannah is the wife of a wealthy farmer 
 named R. Colony, in Johnson oounty, Iowa; Mary 
 is married to a Mr. Keefer, and lives near Monte- 
 zuma, Iowa; Grace is married, and resides near 
 Tiffin, Johnson Co. , Iowa. 
 
 Enoch Harvey Denney, father of Dr. Denney, 
 was born near Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., in 
 1820. By occupation he was a carpenter, cabinet 
 maker and undertaker. In politics he is a Re- 
 publican, for many years served as school director, 
 and has been elected a justice of the peace six 
 times. In 1880 he married Mary, daughter of 
 Evan and Nancy (Fulton) McCullough, who lived 
 and died on Castile run, in Greene county, Penn. 
 The McCullough family have been prominent in 
 
196 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 educational matters in Iowa. The sisters Jane, 
 Rachel ami Margaret organized and have since 
 conducted Mount Pleasant (Iowa) Female Semi 
 nary. Jane and Margaret are graduates of Wash 
 ington Female Seminary, and Rachel of the Steu- 
 benville (Ohio) Seminary. The only brother was 
 Col. John Fulton McCullough, who. at the age of 
 eighteen years, entered the United States army as 
 a private in Company F, First P. V. C , but on 
 account of Ids father's death, in 1861, received 
 his discharge and returned home. In 1862 he 
 organized Company A, One Hundred and Fortieth 
 Pennsylvania Reserves, and returned to active 
 service; in 1864 he was promoted to major of 
 the regiment, and was afterward commissioned 
 colonel of the One Hundred and Eighty -third P. 
 V. I. He was mortally wounded at the battle of 
 Cold Harbor early in June, 1864, and died on the 
 field. To Enoch H. and Mary (McCullough) 
 Deuney were born children as follows: William, 
 Isabella (wife of David Bell, of Morgan town- 
 ship, Greene Co., Penu.), Anna N. (wife of M. S. 
 Sm alley, president of the First National Bank of 
 Hiawatha, Ivans.), and Evan M. , iu the employ of 
 the Southwestern Pipe Line Company, at Morgan- 
 town, W. Va. The mother departed this life on 
 Christmas day, 1878, aged fifty four years; the 
 father is still living in Greene county. 
 
 William Denney, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, received his primary education in and near 
 his native village. In the fall of 1864 he went to 
 Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where he studied for four 
 years in Mt. Pleasant Seminary, under the direc- 
 tion of his uncle, Rev. E. L. Belden, who was 
 principal of that institution. He then entered the 
 Wesleyan University of Iowa, where he studied for 
 about two years. Iu 1870 he returned to his na- 
 tive town of Jefferson and engaged in school teach- 
 ing, which vocation he followed in different parts 
 of Greene county until 1876. He then entered 
 regularly upon his medical studies which he had 
 been pursuing during vacation in teaching, in the 
 office of his uncle, Dr. B. W. Deuney, of Garard's 
 Fort. Greene Co., Penu. He afterward entered 
 Miami Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in which 
 he took the progressive course, and from which he 
 graduated in the spring of 1879. In June of that 
 year he established himself in Claysville, where he 
 remained until December 1, 1891, when he moved 
 to Washington ami lias since continued in the act- 
 ive practice of his profession, in wliich he has met 
 with gratifying success, being professionally and 
 socially highly esteemed in the community. On 
 March 3, 1881, the Doctor was united in marriage 
 with Lucinda, third daughter of John and Sarah 
 Bell, of Morgan township, Greene Co., Penn., and 
 they have two children: John McCullough and 
 Mary Bell. Politically Dr. Denney is a Repub 
 lican, and has held various offices of trust. He 
 
 served as supervisor in the Eleventh Pennsyl 
 rania District, iu connection with the eleventh decen- 
 nial census of the counties of Washington, Greene, 
 Fayette, Beaver and Somerset. He is a member 
 of the Americus Club of Pittsburgh, Penn., and in 
 religious faith is a member of the First Presbyte- 
 rian Church of Washington. Dr. Denney is prom 
 incut Iv identified with the Masonic fraternity, be- 
 ing a member of the lodge, chapter and command 
 ery at Washington, Penu., and a member of Syria 
 Temple, Pittsburgh. 
 
 CHAMBERS, "JUDGE" JAMES C, one of 
 the most esteemed and honored residents of 
 Arnwell township, ranks among its first citi- 
 zens. His grandfather, James Chambers, 
 emigrated from the shores of "Green Erin" to 
 America in the latter part of the eighteenth cent- 
 ury, and in 1797 located iu Arnwell township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., on Bane's fork of Ten- 
 Mile creek. He and his wife died on the old farm, 
 the parents of six children. 
 
 James Chambers, sou of this brave old pioneer, 
 at the age of eleven years emigrated from Ireland 
 to Arnwell township with his parents, and two 
 Inc. hers who came with him died on the farm 
 where J. W. now lives. James learned and fol- 
 lowed the trade of carpenter iu Washington bor- 
 ough, and was here united in marriage with Mary, 
 daughter of John Dodd, who settled ou the farm 
 now owned by D. T. Morgan, aud owned a house 
 where the Citizens" Bank now stands in Washing- 
 ton. In 1803 he (Mr. Dodd) went ou a voyage 
 down the Mississippi, and ou his return was shot 
 by Indians. When he fell his horse ran with the 
 saddle bags and papers, by which means he was 
 identified as John Dodd. Mrs. Chambers died in 
 November, 1814, anil Mr. Chambers afterward 
 married Sarah Hastings, who died in 1867. Mr. 
 Chambers was called from earth in February, 
 lSti'^. He was a major in the militia, and more of 
 a military man than a politician. 
 
 "Judge'" James C. Chambers was born January 
 II, IS 1 '2, in Washington, Washington Co., Penn., 
 on a lot south of where the David hardware store 
 now stands, and afterward lived ou East Maiden 
 street. He grew to manhood on the old farm, and 
 remained there until thirty years of age. His 
 school privileges were of a very limited character. 
 and in his case (to quote his own words) " pro- 
 ficiency in the 'three It's' was the synonym for a 
 'full-fledged graduate.' " On November 10, 1835, 
 he was married to Miss Mary Hughes, and their 
 union was blessed with nine children, as follows: 
 Mary A. (married to T. J. Nichol), residing in 
 Washington county; John (married to Martha 
 Moninger); Margaret, deceased wife of John F. 
 Terrel; Warren (deceased at the age of nine years); 
 
i 
 
 ■ 
 
 
 
 -7 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 199 
 
 Ellen, married to Richard Fitzvvilliatu, of Wash- 
 ington county; Sarah, married to Joshua Dicker- 
 son, of Franklin township, this county ; James C. 
 (deceased in his ninth year); Clarinda (married to 
 Samuel C. McLean, and living in Franklin town- 
 ship), and William (who died in his twenty first 
 year). In 1839 Judge Chambers removed to Mor- 
 ris township, where he remained fourteen years. 
 In February, 1854, he came to his present home in 
 Am well township, where his wife died February 
 27, 1891, at the age of seventy-three years. 
 
 In politics Judge Chambers was for many years 
 one of the most active men in the county, origi- 
 nally as an uncompromising Whig, afterward as a 
 member of the American party, and he was one of 
 the "Committee of Ten " appointed to sit in conven- 
 tion for the purpose of organizing the Republican 
 party in Washington county. This convention was 
 held in the ''Fultou House," Washington, March 
 18, 1856, the platform being occupied by Whigs, 
 Americans, and kindred others whose leanings were 
 toward the Republican phase of politics. The 
 president on this occasion was James C Hart, the 
 vice-presidents being J. Clark Chambers, John 
 Hayes, John Johnson, Francis Fitzwilliams, David 
 Walker. T. J. Odeubaugh, Joshua Wright, VV. H. 
 McNary and Samuel J. Crothers; the secretaries 
 were: Craig Ritchie, E. L. Christman, Joseph 
 Welsh and Thomas Miller. Of late years the 
 " Judge " has practically retired from political life, 
 but he never fails to assert his rights as an Amer- 
 ican citizen at the polls. In 1866 he .was elected 
 associate judge for Washington county, his official 
 term coming to a close at the end of five years. On 
 same date (1866) Judge Achesou was elected pre 
 siding judge, and our subject is the only elected 
 associate judge now living in Washington county. 
 So highly satisfactory, and with such a degree of 
 integrity and strict impartiality, had he discharged 
 the duties of his responsible position, that at a 
 meeting of the members of the bar and officers of 
 the court, held in the court- room November 17, 
 1871, resolutions were passed bearing testimony to 
 the high regard in which the retiring judge was 
 held. The proceedings were presented in open 
 court, and Judge Achesou directed them to be filed 
 and entered on record, as so requested in one of 
 the resolutions. 
 
 On the occasion of the eightieth anniversary of 
 Judge Chambers' birth, about sixty of his friends 
 gathered at his home, and as a token of the high 
 regard he commands in the community, and sub- 
 stantial evidence of the unbounded respect in which 
 he is held, he was made the recipient of several 
 valuable presents. 
 
 The Judge, in 1S35, was commissioned a captain 
 in the cavalry. He has been a member of the Dis- 
 ciple Church fifty years, and has ssrved as elder 
 
 in the same four decades. He is in the enjoyment 
 of good health, and now. as his life draws near the 
 close, he has the friendship and esteem of all who 
 have been associated with him in his earlier years 
 of vigorous action, as well as of those who have I mt 
 recently met this honored hero of so many conflicts 
 in which he has won the laurel wreath of victory. 
 | Many of these facts have been taken from the records, 
 and are known to be authentic. 
 
 / 
 
 MURRAY.— This family in Washington 
 county, of whom William M. and J. W. 
 Murray are worthy representatives, is de 
 scended from one of the Dukes of Athol 
 (Scotland), a son of whom, Lord Murray, 
 having become involved in a political conspiracy 
 against the reigning monarch, was compelled to 
 seek safety in flight. It was no easy task, however, 
 to elude the vigilauce of his pursuers, especially as 
 a price was placed upon his head, but friends de- 
 vised a means of escape for him, novel if not risky. 
 It is a historical fact that they placed Lord Mur- 
 ray inside an empty hogshead, then headed it up, 
 being careful to leave some apertures for the ad 
 mission of air, carted him a considerable distance 
 to a convenient seaport (where was, fortunately, a 
 ship about to sail for America), got their "freight" 
 on board, one or two of the friends accompanying 
 '"it," and as soon as the vessel was well out to sea, 
 they liberated the contents of the cask, and set the 
 cooped up scion of a noble house on deck, once 
 more a free man. Ultimately they reached the 
 shores of America in safety, where the hero of the 
 adventure was no more enquired after by the Eng 
 lish Government. In this country Lord Murray 
 married and had a family of children, but the 
 names of all are lost except that of Nicholas, the 
 direct ancestor, in America, of the subject of this 
 memoir. This Nicholas Murray, who was a sea 
 captain nearly all his life, married, in April, 1775, 
 Temperance Bond, of Baltimore, Md., and the 
 names and dates of birth of their children are as 
 follows: Nicholas, April 16, 1776; Benjamin. 
 October 8, 1778; Ruth, October 25, 1781; William, 
 March 1, 1784; Christopher, October 26, 1786; 
 Charles, March 7, 1792; Kizia, September 23, 1789, 
 and Surah, December 11, 1794. The father of 
 this family died April 10, 1812, the mother April 
 20. 1828. 
 
 William Murray, third son of Nicholas and 
 Temperance (Bond) Murray, was reared in the 
 State of Maryland, where he was married to Nancy 
 Roberts, and their children were Samuel, Nicholas 
 (professor in Washington and Jefferson College), 
 Hanson, Elzy, Charles and William. At an early 
 day Mr. Murray migrated to Virginia, and made 
 a settlement near WestLiberty,Ohio county,, in that 
 
200 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNT) 
 
 State, becoming a prominent agriculturist. He 
 was one of the first members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at West Liberty, and in his political sym- 
 pathies he was a lifelong Democrat. 
 
 Charles Murray was born in Ohio county, Va. , 
 in 1814, where he was educated. He was there 
 married to Elizabeth J., daughter of William 
 Reed, of that State, but a native of Scotland, 
 whence he came when a young man to America, 
 making a settlement in what is uow West Virginia, 
 at that time a wild, uncultivated region. He there 
 married Martha Ashinghist, of Washington county, 
 Penn., and the children born to them were Ellen 
 ( Mrs. William Brackenridge), Nancy (deceased wife 
 of Elijah Moore), Oliver, Elizabeth J. (Mrs. 
 Charles Murray), Margaret (Mrs. James McMur- 
 ray), William (deceased), Catherine (Mrs. James 
 H. Brackenridge). Mr. Keed followed farming 
 all his days, in which he met with success. He 
 was a strict Presbyterian, and a member of the 
 Three Ridge Church at West Alexander, Penn ; 
 in politics he was a Democrat until the breaking 
 out of the war of the Rebellion when he became a 
 Republican. He died in Ohio county, Va., about 
 1861, and is buried in West Alexander cemetery 
 by the side of his wife, who departed this life in 
 18(51. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Charles 
 Murray settled on a farm in Ohio county, W. Va., 
 where they passed the remainder of their days, 
 dying, the father January 10, 1860, the mother 
 May 30, 1874, at the age of fifty-two. They were 
 consistent members of the West Alexander Presby- 
 terian Church, and in politics Mr. Murray was a 
 Whig until the formation of the Republican partj r , 
 when he enrolled himself under its banner. The 
 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charles Murray 
 were William M.., J. W., Oliver E. and Hanson E. 
 (twins, Hanson being deceased), Johnston R. (in 
 Wheeling, W. Va.), Oliver E. (merchant in Wheel- 
 ing. W. Va. ), Alfred N., Charles F. and Joseph 
 L. (all three deceased), and Elijah T. (in Ohio). 
 
 William M. Murray, a prosperous merchant of 
 West Alexander, was born in Ohio county, W. Va. , 
 the eldest son of Charles Murray. He was reared 
 and educated on the home farm, and on August 
 14. 1862, he enlisted in Company D, Twelfth 
 West Virginia Infantry, and was then sent to 
 the Shenandoah Valley with his regiment, where 
 they fought in Sheridan's campaigns. They took 
 part in the principal engagements, and were sent 
 to the front at Richmond, where tbey remained 
 until the close of the war. Mr. Murray then re- 
 turned home. In 1871 he formed a partnership 
 with his brother John, and they conducted a gen- 
 eral store at West Alexander, for eight years when 
 another brother, O. E. Murray, entered the firm; 
 the latter soon afterward sold his interest to Mr. 
 Valentine, who is now the partner of Mr. Murray. 
 
 They have a large store, and are very successful. 
 William M. Murray was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Ruth, and they 
 have two children: Eva Belle and Charles Ruth. 
 Mr. Murray is an active and valuable member of 
 the Republican party. He and his family are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, to which he 
 is a liberal contributor. 
 
 J. W. Murray was born April 21, 1845, in Ohio 
 county, W. Va., where he was reared and educated. 
 On August 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company D, 
 Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, his brother Will 
 iam M. having enlisted in the same company on 
 the same day. (William M. never missed a day's 
 duty in three years, and he brought home the same 
 gun he had carried out). This regiment was first 
 attached to the army of West Virginia, and was 
 stationed at Clarksburg, W. Va., whence it was 
 sent to Winchester, Va. , where it participated in 
 , the battle there June 13 and 15, 1863. The 
 Union forces were driven back, and our subject and 
 his comrades afterward took part in the battle of 
 Gettysburg, July 1 to 3, following, after which 
 they participated in all the skirmishes, etc., in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, including the famous " Hun- 
 ter raid." Whilecharging the works at Piedmont, 
 W. Va. , June 5, 1864, Private J. W.Murray was 
 wounded in the right arm, above the elbow, by a 
 ball (which he still carries), in consequence of which 
 he was incapacitated for duty for three months, 
 at the end of which time he rejoined his regiment. 
 On December 19, 1864, the regiment was trans- 
 ferred to the army of the James, in which it served 
 until the close of the war. At the siege of Peters 
 burg, Va. , Mr. Murray was in the famous charge on 
 Fort Gregg; was in the chase after Lee's forces 
 when the latter were outflanked, and was present at 
 their surrender. On May 0, 1865, the war having 
 ended, he was mustered out of the service, June 
 16, 1865, returned home and took up the Arcadian 
 pursuit of an agriculturist, which he continued un- 
 til 1871, when he entered into partnership with his 
 brother William M.. in a general merchandise 
 business ;it West Alexander, this county. In July, 
 1891, he came to Washington, and entered into 
 partnership with J. I. Carson as pension agents, 
 also in real estate and loan business, and after 
 April 1. 1893, the firm will be Rodgers & Murray. 
 
 On August 14, 1875, J. W. Murray was united 
 in marriage with Margaret, daughter of James P. 
 Chambers, of Donegal township, and three chil- 
 dren were born to them: James E., Arthur E. 
 (deceased) and Alford L. Mr. Murray is a mem- 
 ber of the Second United Presbyterian Church of 
 Washington, Penn.; in politics he is an active 
 Republican, and takes a live interest in every 
 measure tending to the advancement of his adopted 
 city and the county at large. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 201 
 
 \INFIELD McILVAINE, of Taylor & 
 McTlvaine, one of the prorniuent law firms 
 nf Washington, is a native of Somerset 
 township, born January 30, L856. He is 
 the eldest sou of S. B. Mcllvaiue, a substantial 
 farmer and one of the leading citizens of the easl 
 cni pari of the county. His mother's maiden name 
 was Catherine Hill, a very extended family name 
 in the southwestern quarter of the county. Their 
 other children are Arabelle, married to William M. 
 Irwin, and now a widow; Ella Laverne, intermar 
 lied with Josiah Thomas; Lena, U. G., Julia, and 
 Edwin L. 
 
 The subject of this sketch received his first edu- 
 cational training in the public schools. Later lie 
 attended Cauousburg Academy for two years, and 
 in the winter of 187("> -77 taught in the public 
 schools of Somerset township. In the fall of 1877 
 he entered the sophomore class of Washington and 
 Jefferson College, and in June, L880, was gradu- 
 ated with honors from that institution. Previously, 
 in June, 1879, he had registered as a law student 
 with his cousin, now the Hon. J. A. Mcllvaiue, 
 president judge of the Forty-seventh Judicial Dis- 
 trict of Pennsylvania, completing his legal studies 
 under his direction. The two years immediately 
 following his graduation were spent partly on his 
 father's farm, recuperating his physical powers, 
 and partly in teaching. In the fall of 1882 he en- 
 tered politics, serving as secretary of the Repub- 
 lican County Committee during the campaign of 
 that and the three succeeding years. At June 
 term, 1883, he was admitted to the bar of Wash- 
 ington county. In the fall of the same year he 
 purchased from E. F. Acheson an interest in the 
 Washington Observer, and from 1886 was manager 
 of the paper. During all this time, he still took an 
 active part in politics, and his paper was the rec- 
 ognized exponent of Republican principles in 
 Washington county. In October, 1890, however, 
 he sold his interest in the Observer to his partner, 
 Mr. Acheson, and, on January 1 of the following 
 year, entered into partnership with J. F. Taylor 
 in the general practice of the law, at Washington. 
 In religion Mr. Mcllvaine is a Presbyterian, being 
 a member of the First Presbyterian Church of 
 Washington. On October 19, 1892, he married 
 Miss Elizabeth S. Stewart, daughter of the late 
 Galbraith Stewart, of Washington, and they now 
 reside on Wade avenue. 
 
 ICHARD WAUGH The Waugh family 
 
 have been in Pennsylvania at least one 
 
 hundred and fifty years, and came west 
 
 ~ from Adams and Cumberland counties. 
 
 Richard Waugh was born December '■'>, 
 
 1796, on a farm, now owned by W. W. Dinsmore, 
 
 on the road from Buffalo to West Middletown. 
 He grew to manhood on a farm now owned by 
 James Hauna, near Independence. Mr. Waugh 
 was a grandson of David Boyd, an officer in 
 the war of Independence, whose thrilling 
 story is mentioned in Crumrine's "History of 
 Washington County." Throughout life he was 
 noted for his energy and indomitable perseverance. 
 In 1823 he married Eliza, daughter of John 
 Moore, who owned 600 acres of land embracing 
 what is now known as " Waugh' s Mill." Mr. 
 Moore inherited part of this tract from his father, 
 who bought it from Lawrence Vau Buskirk. 
 Both Van Buskirk and his wife were killed by the 
 Indians, the wife in 1792 and the husband in 1793. 
 
 Immediately after his marriage, Mr. Waugh re- 
 moved to what is now Brooke county, W. Va., and 
 purchased from his father-in-law the old frame 
 mill, one of the first operated in that part of the 
 country. This mill stood just where the bridge 
 reaches the south bank of Buffalo creek, after you 
 pass through the first tunnel in going from Wells- 
 burg. Some time before Mr. Moore had attempted 
 to pierce the hill called "the backbone,'' for a 
 mill race, but the enterprise was abandoned for 
 some years. Mr. Waugh completed this work, 
 and the race is used to this day, as it affords the 
 best water-power in the county. He built two 
 mills, each using a tunnel for a race, and, with 
 these mills, he turned out as much as 10,000 bar- 
 rels of flour in a year, besides manufacturing all 
 his own barrels. He also did a large amount of 
 country work. 
 
 He was a man of enterprise, both public and 
 private. He made, at his own expense, two tun- 
 nels for the Wellsburg & Bethany road, both of 
 which are still in use. By these works and the 
 bridges he constructed, generally at his own 
 charges, he greatly shortened and improved the 
 roads of his adopted county. No man, before or 
 since, in his section did so much for the improve- 
 ment of the roads. More than half of his life was 
 passed in Washington county, and, as much of the 
 grain for his mills was purchased from the farm- 
 ers in that section, he was well known throughout 
 the county. The old mill books show that much 
 of the wheat brought only 37i cents a bushel, and 
 flour but $2.50 per barrel. Mr. Waugh was also 
 a farmer and stock-grower. Although he began 
 life in narrow circumstances, at the time of his 
 death he was owner of more than 2,000 acres em- 
 bracing some of the best lands in Brooke county. 
 Part of this land extended from a point below 
 Waugh mill for two miles along the pike toward 
 Bethany. He also owned a steam flouring mill in 
 Lagrange (now Brilliant), Ohio. He was an act- 
 ive member of the Presbyterian Church, and his 
 liberality is still remembered. He offered Dr. 
 John McCluskey a farm of 100 acres if he would 
 
202 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 consent to settle as pastor of the Lower Buffalo 
 Church*. It is said that he would make up what- 
 ever was lacking in the pastor's salary, after the 
 other subscriptions had been made. His death 
 occurred at the early age of forty eight, and, when 
 his career is considered, it is surprising to learn 
 that for fifteen years before his decease he had 
 been a confirmed invalid. He left the reputation 
 of a conscientious, upright man and public-spirited 
 citizen. 
 
 Josei'h Wauuh, the fourth sou of the above, was 
 born in Brooke county, Va. , in 1835, and received 
 liis education in the common schools, West Alex- 
 ander Academy (under Dr. John McCluskey), 
 Washington College, and the Western Theological 
 Seminary. He graduated with honor from college 
 in 1857, and from the Theological seminary in 
 1860; was licensed to preach by the Washington 
 Presbytery in 1859, and ordained by the Presby- 
 tery of Mississippi in 1800. For one year, until 
 the outbreak of the Civil war, he preached near 
 Natchez, Miss. His decided Union sentiments 
 brought him North. He then taught two years in 
 Washington College, ami two years in the Steuben- 
 ville Seminary, after which he took charge of the 
 Hollidaysburg Seminary, being its first principal. 
 Sere he continued eleven years, and, with the as- 
 sistance of his devoted wife, made it one of the 
 leading institutions of its class in Pennsylvania. 
 It is still a flourishing school. On account of ill 
 health Mr. Waugh was forced to relinquish his 
 educational work, and retired to a farm in Dela- 
 ware, where for several years he was interested in 
 fruit growing, and still reads the reports of the 
 peach crop with occasional anxiety. 
 
 The subject of this sketch married, April 12, 
 1804, Miss Arabella S. Todd, sister of A. M. Todd. 
 Esq. She was a native of Kentucky, daughter of 
 the Ilev. Andrew Todd and Catherine (Wilson) 
 Todd. Mrs. Waugh was a lady of unusual intelli- 
 gence and accomplishments, whose life was marked 
 by a special spirit of self-sacrifice and devotion to 
 duty. As vice-principal of the Hollidaysburg 
 Seminary, she made many ardent friends, and her 
 character and noble life made themselves felt upon 
 all with whom she came in contact. Fourteen 
 years before her death she received injuries by be- 
 ing thrown from a carriage. From these she never 
 recovered, but bore her suffering with marked pa- 
 tience and resignation, and continued her works of 
 kindness and devotion to the very day of her death, 
 which occurred January 21. 1892. In 1889 Mr. 
 Waugh returned to Washington, Penn., and has 
 since made it his home. He is treasurer of Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, does some insurance 
 business, occasionally writes for the papers, is an 
 Independent in politics, and is suspected of having 
 some leanings towards free trade. 
 
 LONZO LINN has been for many years a 
 professor in Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 i lege, and is worthy of more than a passing 
 ■ the pages of this biographical 
 
 1 
 
 II — notice i 
 f record. 
 
 This highly esteemed educator is a native of 
 Pennsylvania, born September 26, 1827, in Butler, 
 Butler county. His father was Dr. George Linn, 
 a prominent physician of Butler. He was a native 
 of New Jersey, but removed in early life to Craw- 
 ford county, and there lived on a farm with his 
 widowed mother. When a young man he served 
 as a soldier in the war of 1812, having taken the 
 place of an older, married brother, who was 
 drafted. Afterward he studied his profession, 
 practiced for some time in Kittanning, but finally 
 settled in Butler, where he was much esteemed as 
 a good physician, and an upright citizen, taking 
 an active part in all that promoted public morals 
 and religion. He died in the prime of life in 1834. 
 His wife was Elizabeth Gibson, born in Paisley, 
 Scotland. She was a woman of great intelligence 
 and force of character. After the death of her 
 husband she removed to Allegheny county, in the 
 neighborhood of Monongahela City, and there 
 lived with her three children: Alonzo, Hannah 
 (Mrs. Thomas Manown), and George A. She 
 survived her husband fifty seven years. 
 
 The subject of this sketch, prepared for college 
 at Blake's Academy, in Monongahela City, and 
 was graduated from Jefferson College in 1S4'.I. 
 In his career at school and college he attracted the 
 notice of his companions and instructors as a per 
 son of unusual ability and great aptitude for the 
 acquisition of knowledge. He was modest and 
 retiring, but, notwithstanding, always somewhat 
 prominent for excellence. After leaving college 
 he entered the Western Theological Seminary, at 
 Allegheny, and completed its course, and was 
 licensed by the Bedstone Presbytery in 1854. 
 From the seminary he went to the La Fayette 
 College as tutor, served a year, and was promoted 
 to be Adjunct Professor of Mathematics. He 
 resigned this position, and for a short time was 
 principal of an academy in New Brunswick, N. J. 
 This again he left to enter upon a professorship in 
 Jefferson College, in 1857. At the time of the 
 consolidation of Washington and Jefferson Colleges 
 in 1869, he removed to Washington, and here in 
 addition to being a Professor he was made Vice- 
 President of the college. In all these busy years 
 he has maintained a uniform reputation as an edu- 
 cator, as a teacher and a scholar. He received the 
 degree of Ph.D. from his own college, and that 
 of LL.D. , from La Fayette. 
 
 On November 17, 1858, Prof. Linn married 
 Rebecca E., daughter of Abram Fulton. Their 
 children are four sons: George S. , a druggist in 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 203 
 
 Monongahela City; Andrew M., a lawyer in Wash 
 ington, and Harry H. and Charles F. The Linns 
 and the Fultons for many generations have been 
 Presbyterians, even before their forefathers came 
 from the North of Ireland. 
 
 J (AMES B. KENNEDY, register of wills for 
 Washington county, is . descended from 
 rugged Scotch ancestry, and is a grandson 
 of David Kennedy, a weaver, who came to 
 America from the "laud of the mountain and 
 tin- Hood " in 1818, making his first home in his 
 adopted country in Philadelphia. 
 
 One of his sons, Peter, came, in 1826, to Wash- 
 ington county, from Steubenville, Ohio, where he 
 was first married, there being four children living 
 by this union. Mr. Kennedy's second wife was 
 Mrs. Frances (Anderson) Doyle, of Steubenville, 
 whose father was a soldier of the Revolution at 
 Valley Forge. She had one son by her first mar- 
 riage, William J. Doyle, of Washington. By Mr. 
 Kennedy's second uuion there are children as fol- 
 lows: John H., deputy sheriff of this county; 
 James B., our subject; Benjamin K., living at 
 Steubenville, Ohio, in the employ of the Pennsyl 
 v.inia Railroad Company; Peter (I., Margaret O. and 
 Mary F., living at Washington. The mother died 
 in 1S7<), at the age of fifty years, the father on Jan- 
 uary 2, 1890, in his eighty third year, and was 
 buried in Washington cemetery by Post 120, G. A. 
 It., Department of Pennsylvania, of which he was 
 a member. He was ;i most patriotic Union man 
 at the time of the war of the Rebellion, and, al 
 though aged fifty five years, his military ardor was 
 tired to such enthusiasm that he enlisted in Com- 
 pany K, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, and served 
 eighteen months in McClellan's Peninsular cam 
 paign. He commanded the company at Draines- 
 ville and participated in the affair at Richmond. 
 He was injured by a falling limb of a tree which 
 was knocked off by one of the enemy's shells. 
 
 James B. Kennedy was born in Washington, 
 Penn. , September 6, 1840, and was educated at the 
 common schools, which he attended until he was 
 fourteen years old, when he was apprenticed to the 
 printing business in the Examiner office, serving 
 at this four and a half years; then, in 1859. he 
 commenced to learn the trade of a bricklayer with 
 James Hamilton, and was so engaged when the 
 first gun of the war of the Rebellion was tired 
 at Fort Sumter. On April 15, 1861, at a meeting 
 of the citizens of Washington, in response to Lin- 
 coln's call for 75,000 men, Mr. Kennedy was the 
 first man here to offer his services to the Govern 
 ment. He enlisted in Company E, Twelfth P. V. 
 I., Col. David Campbell commander, and his first 
 duty was protecting the Northern Central Railroad 
 near Baltimore, Md. At the end of three months 
 
 lir was discharged, and on August 31, 1861, he re- 
 enlisted, this time in Company A, One Hundredth 
 P. V. I. ("Roundheads"), of which he was ap- 
 pointed fourth sergeant and was promoted to tirst 
 sergeant. Mr. Kennedy took part in all the en 
 gagements of his regiment up to and including the 
 siege of Knoxville, when at the assault on Fort 
 Sanders, November 29, 1863, he was shot in the 
 neck and cheek and knocked off the parapet, being 
 badly hurt by the fall. He lay in the hospital at 
 Knoxville until March following, when his father 
 came for him and took him home. He suffered 
 much, and his life was in great danger, as erysipe- 
 las had set in and he was quite blind part of the 
 time; in fact he still suffers from the effects of his 
 wounds. Being unable, on account of his hurts, 
 to follow his trade, bricklaying, he resumed the 
 printing business, and was given the position of 
 foreman In the office of the Examiner, of which 
 paper A. H. Ecker and David F. Patterson were 
 editors; was afterward foreman in the office of the 
 ( Cumberland Presbyterian, a journal published at 
 Waynesburg, Penn.; then worked on the Washing- 
 ton Observer. On January 16, 1879, he was ap 
 pointed mail messenger on the Hempfield railroad, 
 making trips from Washington to Wheeling, and 
 when the B. & O. Railroad Co. took that road and 
 extended it to Pittsburgh, Mr. Kennedy's route 
 was also increased. This position he held until 
 the election of Cleveland, and, being a Republican, 
 he resigned, as he believed that " to the victor be- 
 long the spoils," and his health being much im- 
 paired, he retired June 6, 1885. On November 8, 
 1887, he was elected register of wills for three 
 years, his opponent being A. C. Morrow, a Demo- 
 crat. He was re-elected in 1890, to serve to Jan- 
 uary, 1894. On October 15, 1867, he married 
 Mrs. Sarah J. Martin, daughter of Josiah Raw 
 h 'user, of Hartford county, Md., who died August 
 14, 1892, aged eighty two years. This union was 
 blessed with two children: Fannie H. , clerking 
 for her father in his office, and Carrie B., who 
 died in her seventh year. Mr. Kennedy was at 
 one time assistant burgess of Washington borough. 
 He was commander of W. F. Templeton Post, 
 No. 120, G. A. R., Department of Pennsylvania, 
 and is also quartermaster; he is a member of the" 
 Masonic fraternity, and of the Methodist Protest- 
 ant Church. On May 29, 1891, was unveiled, at 
 Knoxville, Tenn., a monument to the memory of 
 Isaac R. W. Garrettson and Aaron Templeton, 
 two members of Company A, 100th P. V. I. 
 ("Roundheads"), who were killed at the time of 
 the attack and repulse of the Rebels on Ft. 
 Sanders, November 29, 1863. William H. Under- 
 wood, present postmaster of Washington, Penn., 
 and our subject were wounded at the same time. 
 Ed Memard Post, G. A. R., of Knoxville, Tenn., 
 performed the dedication ceremony, Mr. Kennedy 
 
204 
 
 WA SUING TON COlhX TV. 
 
 being the only surviving member of Company A 
 who was present. 
 
 John H. Kennedy learned the weaver's trade, 
 and when the war broke out served draft notices in 
 Washington county. He has been a deputy sheriff 
 under Sheriffs Smith, Work, Hemphill, Lockhart 
 and Cherry; also worked for a time with Sheriff 
 George Perritt. Mr. Kennedy conducted a grocery 
 business in the county for several years, also 
 served as postmaster at Zollarsville for some time. 
 Before the war he was a Democrat, but siuce that 
 time he has affiliated with the Republican party. 
 In religious faith he is a member of the Methodist 
 Protestant Church. When a young man he was 
 united in marriage with Minerva Cox, who has 
 Iidi -lie him four children, viz. : John, Flora, Donnetta 
 and Millie A. 
 
 IiONATHAN ALLISON. Prominent among 
 the foremost of Washington county's most 
 ff J prosperous and progressive citizens stands 
 ^^ this well-known and highly respected gentle 
 man. He is a native of the county, having 
 been born February 3, 1828, in Chartiers town- 
 ship, his ancestry being traceable to a family who 
 left Scotland for the North of Ireland during the 
 period of religious persecution in their native land. 
 James Allison, grandfather of our subject, was a 
 native of Ireland, whence he emigrated to Maryland, 
 locating in Cecil couuty, and thence on October 26, 
 1773, moved to Washington county, Penn., having 
 purchased from Thomas Moffatt of Cecil county a 
 tract of wild land in Washington county contain 
 ing 560 acres. This tract Moffatt had acquired by 
 squatter's right, and the first patent for same was 
 made out to James Allison; the farm is now owned 
 and occupied by his grandson. Jonathan Allison. 
 Here the grandfather set to work to carve out a 
 home for himself and family, and great were the 
 hardships he endured and many the dangers he 
 encountered in his herculean task of converting a 
 forest wild into a smiling fruitful farm. Indians 
 and wild animals were numerous and ofttimes 
 aggressive, and many a night did this old pioneer 
 watch with his trusty rifle for the bloodthirsty sav- 
 age and not less ferocious marauding wolf. In 
 fact, after his first visit to his tract of land the In- 
 dians were so hostile that he had to beat a retreat, 
 betaking himself to the " Forks of Yough," as the 
 confluence of the Youghiogheny and Monongahela 
 rivers was then called, but, in 1774, he returned to 
 his new home in strength, some twenty families 
 accompanying him. among whom were the Brad 
 lords, McDowells, Parks, Scotta, etc. As a haven 
 lor the families to retreat to in times of danger, 
 they here built themselves a blockhouse or fort, iu 
 which they lived one year, and then erected log 
 cabin, so that they might have individual homes, 
 
 and here they endured the many hardships and 
 privations incident to pioneer life, and which were 
 particularly distressing in the northern part of the 
 county. The old frame house, built by James 
 Allison in 1788 or 1789, is still standing in a* re- 
 markably good state of preservation. 
 
 James Allison was married to Miss Jane, sister 
 of David Bradford, who was prominently connected 
 with the •' Whiskey Insurrection " in Pennsylvania, 
 and by this union eight children were born as fol- 
 lows: William, who moved in 1834 to McDonough 
 county, 111., where he died; James, for fifty years 
 an attorney at Beaver, Penn., now deceased, but 
 whose descendants still reside there; John, who in 
 1834 went to Illinois, where his descendants are 
 yet to be found; George, who was a merchant in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn., where he died; Thomas, father 
 of Jonathan; David, killed when a youth by kick 
 of a horse; Mary, married to Rev. Mcllroy, of New- 
 York City, and Rachel, married to Dr. George 
 Craighead, of Washington county.' Mr. Allison 
 was a very prominent citizen in his daj, having 
 been associate judge of the courts of Washington 
 county in 1781V 87-' 88, and in 1789 a member of 
 the Supreme Executive Council at Philadelphia, 
 during which incumbency he voted for the aboli- 
 tion of slavery, the question having, in some con 
 nection. been brought up in that council, and thus 
 he became one of the first Abolitionists in the 
 county. He was one of the first ruling elders in 
 Dr. John McMillan's church in North Strabane 
 township, one of the first Presbyterian Societies 
 organized in the county. For years he was a 
 trustee of Jefferson College, and strongly advocated 
 the union of the two colleges, Washington and 
 Jefferson. 
 
 Thomas Allison, son of this honored pioi r. 
 
 was born in 1780, in Chartiers township, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn., where he grew to manhood on 
 his father's farm, helping to clear it of timber and 
 brush. In 1817 he married Mary, daughter of 
 Richard Johnson, of North Strabane township, 
 and ten children came to brighten their pioneer 
 home, viz. : Jane (deceased), James (now in Char 
 tiers township), William and Richard (both de- 
 ceased), Thomas (in Chartiers township), Jona- 
 than (subject of sketch), David and Joseph (both 
 in Chartiers township), Uriah (deceased), and 
 Mary (in Chartiers township). Of these, James 
 served five years in Company G, One Hundred and 
 Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I. ; he was made a pris 
 oner at Gettysburg, anil held by the enemy two 
 hours, but on account of his having rheumatism 
 was released. The father of this sturdy family 
 died October 21, 1849, at the age of sixty-nine 
 years; the mother, who was a " mother in Israel," 
 a thorough home woman, beloved by all for her 
 many noble traits, passed from earth in 1884, at 
 the patriarchal age of eighty six years. Mr. Al- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 205 
 
 lison was a most exemplary man, hardworking, 
 thrifty anil scrupulously conscientious. He was a 
 prominent, member of the Presbyterian Church, 
 and a trustee of the Ohartiers congregation. 
 
 Jonathan Allison, whose name opens this bio- 
 graphical memoir, received his rudimentary edn 
 cation at the common schools of his district, and at 
 the age of seventeen years entered Jefferson Col- 
 lege, remaining two years, when, owing to the 
 death of a brother, he returned home and engaged 
 in farming, which he has for the most part fol- 
 lowed through life. After his marriage he bought 
 of William Hopkins a farm of 148 acres, situated 
 about one mile from the place of his birth, and 
 here remained eight years, when he purchased a 
 part of his grandfather's old farm, from the An- 
 drew Allison estate. Here it was that a hundred 
 3 r ears ago, while excavating the land for drainage, 
 grandfather Allison discovered the first coal found 
 in Washington county, some of which he dug up 
 for blacksmith's use, and sold at 25 cents per 
 bushel, after hauling it many miles; but not till 
 long afterward was it used for house fuel. Andrew 
 Allison had mined coal for some time, not as a reg- 
 ular business, however; but when in 1872 the 
 Chartiers Valley Railroad was built, Jonathan Al- 
 lison opened the mine on a large scale, developing 
 it to its fullest working capacity, and sending the 
 product to the lake ports, even as far as Chicago, 
 besides supplying the borough of Washington and 
 other places with the bituminous mineral. From 
 1873 to 1891 he employed about fifty men at the 
 mine, and shipped over a million bushels per an- 
 num; but in 1891 ho sold the concern out to J. V. 
 H. Cook & Sons, of Canonsburg, Penn.,and re- 
 tired from the coal interests. In 18S7 Mr. Allison 
 removed to the "Old Acheson Homestead," in 
 Washington, where he now resides. On April 7, 
 1857, Jonathan Allison and Margaret Gabby were 
 united in marriage. She. is a daughter of William 
 and Margaret Gabby, the former of whom was a 
 farmer of Franklin township, where he died; the lat 
 ter is still living in Washington borough, at thead- 
 vanced age of eighty three years, in fair preserva- 
 tion, but blind for the past five or six years. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Allison were born the following 
 named children: Mary, deceased when a child of 
 four years; Maggie, who died in Canonsburg, was 
 married to William Dickson, of that place; Al- 
 bert, a farmer in Chartiers township; Thomas, in 
 the Citizens' National Bank; Edward and William 
 (twins), the former of whom is attending the Med- 
 ical College at Pittsburgh, the latter was drowued 
 in 1881, when coming from school, by falling off a 
 foot-log laid across a creek; and John, Ralph and 
 Jennie, all three at home, attending school. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Allison are consistent members of 
 the First Presbyterian Church, in which he is a 
 deacon. Politically he was a Whig, up to 1856, 
 
 but since has been a stanch Republican. For 
 twelve years he served as school director, being 
 first elected the year he cast his first ballot; was a 
 justice of the peace from 1872 to 1873, but re- 
 signed in order to accept the position of represent- 
 ative to the State Legislature to which he had 
 been elected in the fall of 1872, and in which he 
 served with eminent ability for two terms. 
 Through some condition of politics, Hon. Mr. Al- 
 lison was the only representative from Washington 
 county in the State Legislature at that time, since 
 when, however, there have been two. For a couple 
 ill' years he was a burgess of Washington borough, 
 during which period the town was greatly improved 
 iu many respects. Mr. Allison was one of the 
 original stockholders, in 188(5, of the Citizens' 
 National Bank, and is now one of its directors. 
 
 IiOHN P. CHARLTON, junior member of the 
 I firm of Hart & Charlton, proprietors and 
 \( \\ publishers of the Washington Democrat, was 
 ^^ born January 5, 1842, in South Strabane 
 township, Washington Co. , Perm. His father, 
 John Charlton, was reared to manhood in the Key- 
 stone State, and was here married to Maria, 
 daughter of Peter Grounds, a native of Germany, 
 win i emigrated to America and made his home in 
 the New World in North Strabane township, where 
 he was a farmer and blacksmith up to the day of 
 In- death. He was a Whig in politics, and in 
 church connection a Lutheran: he and his wife are 
 now sleeping their last sleep in Washington Ger- 
 man cemetery. The children born to John and 
 Maria Charlton were Samuel R., John P., Joseph 
 G., William J., Henry, Mary, Margaret and 
 Thomas J. Mr. Charlton carried on a general 
 store in Washington for some time, and during the 
 later years of his life followed the huckstering 
 business, his residence being alternately at Wash 
 ington and Canonsburg. He died in 1853, and his 
 widow died at Canonsburg, January 27, 1S93, 
 aged eighty-six years. She was a member of the 
 Christian Church. 
 
 John P. Charlton received his education at the 
 common schools of the neighborhood of his birth 
 place, and at the age of fourteen entered, as 
 "devil," the office of the American Union in 
 Washington, Penn., but after one year's experience 
 there he found employment with Christman & 
 Clokey, with whom he remained one year, at the 
 end of which time he became a "typo" on the 
 Washington Review. While in this last office, 
 young Charlton, in 1864, warmed by a spirit of 
 patriotism, laid aside the stick and took up the 
 sword in defense of the Union. He enlisted in 
 Company K, Third Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, 
 which battery was assigned to the army of the 
 James, and was most of the time stationed at Fort- 
 
206 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ress Monroe. While here our subject was detailed 
 to work in the Government printing office at Nor- 
 folk, Va. , where he remained nine months and then 
 rejoined his regiment. He was mustered out No- 
 vember 5, 1865, returned home, and after a brief 
 rest resumed the peaceful art of printing in the of- 
 fice of the ( umberland Presbyterian at Waynes- 
 burgh, Penn. Coming to Washington, he worked 
 on the Reporter, then under the management of 
 Moore & Armstrong, for three years. In 1869 he 
 was nominated for the office of recorder of deeds 
 uf Washington county, and elected on the Demo- 
 cratic ticket; at the end of the term he was candi- 
 date for re-election, but was defeated. Mr. Charl- 
 ton we next lind assisting in the management of 
 the " Valentine House," a leading hotel in Wash- 
 ington, Capt. Hugh Keys being then proprietor. 
 In 1S7U he was appointed deputy sheriff under 
 Sheriff William Thompson, which incumbency he 
 tilled with characteristic ability for three years. 
 In 1876 he was nominated for sheriff of Washing- 
 ton county, but was defeated, and soon after the 
 death of Mr. Thompson he took charge of the 
 " Fifth Avenue Hotel" at Pittsburgh, in the capac- 
 ity of administrator. After conducting this hos- 
 telry nine months he returned to Washington, 
 where he was employed as foreman in the office of 
 the Democrat, at that time under the management 
 of A. H. Ecker, who died in February, 1881. In 
 June, same year, a partnership was formed be- 
 tween our subject and Alexander Hart; under the 
 firm name of Hart & Charlton, they purchasing 
 the entire business and plant of the Democrat, 
 which paper they still own and publish. 
 
 On April 11, 1S6<), Mr. Charlton married Mary 
 C. , daughter of John and Susan Wolf, and the 
 children born to their union are named respective- 
 ly John S., Susan C, Ella M., Gertrude and David 
 M. Mr. Charlton's political predilections are ably 
 and undisguisedly illustrated in the columns of the 
 Washington Democrat. 
 
 Ejn OYD CRUMRINE, one of Pennsylvania's 
 prominent, men and whose name in Wash- 
 ') ington county is as "familiar as household 
 words," is a native of the county, having 
 been born on February ( .», 1838, in East Beth 
 lehem township, on the farm first occupied by his 
 grandfather in 1800. He was a son of Daniel 
 and Margaret Crumrine, and, as will be presently 
 seen, with the exception of a great grandfather on 
 the maternal side, who was an Englishman, George 
 Bex by name, his blood is all German, from the 
 upper Rhine. 
 
 From 1682 to 177(5 Pennsylvania was the cen 
 tral point of emigration from Germany, France 
 and Switzerland. For the first period of twenty 
 years, that is until 1702, not over two hundred 
 
 German families arrived, and those settled princi- 
 pally at Germantown and other localities uear 
 Philadelphia. But the period from 1702 to 1727 
 marked an era in early German emigration, and 
 between forty and fifty thousand persons left their 
 Fatherland. Queen Anne of England, desiring to 
 till up her American colonies without depleting 
 the British kingdom, caused copies of a book to be 
 distributed throughout the Palatinate in Germany 
 — having her portrait as a frontispiece, and the 
 title iu gold letters, on which account the boob 
 was called "Das Golden Buch" — to induce the 
 Palatines to come to England in order to be sent 
 to the Carolinas, or to others of her American col- 
 onies; and it is said that in 170S and 1709 thirty- 
 three thousand Germans left their homes on the 
 Rhine for London. Of this large number it is said 
 that seven thousand, after having suffered great 
 privations, returned half naked and in despondency 
 to their native country, ten thousand died for want 
 of sustenance or medical attendance, and other 
 causes, and the survivors were sent to America. 
 
 In 1727, during the time of Governor William 
 Keith, German immigration had so much increased 
 that it was feared that Pennsylvania was becoming 
 "a foreign country;" and a regulation was estab 
 lished by the provincial government requiring that 
 foreigners on their arrival should subscribe an oath 
 of allegiance to the kingdom of Great Britain and 
 of fidelity to the proprietaries of the Province. 
 All persons over sixteen were made to sign this 
 oath, and when they could not write, their names 
 were written for them and attested by a clerk. By 
 this means the names of over thirty thousand Ger- 
 man and Swiss immigrants into Pennsylvania be- 
 tween 1727 and 1776, when the colonies separated 
 from the mother country, have been preserved 
 These lists are still to be seen in the Department 
 of State at Harrisburg, and the attention of 
 one who examines them will be attracted by two 
 things to be observed: (1) Every ship's-list of 
 passengers, almost, was headed by the name of the 
 pastor who was leading them as a nock into the 
 wilderness; (2) Excepting a very small percent- 
 age of the whole number, every name is written 
 in German, evidently the writer's autograph, and 
 generally in the clear hand of a good penman. 
 From these lists I. Daniel Rupp made up his 
 " Collection of Thirty Thousand Names of Immi- 
 grants," published a few years since in Philadel- 
 phia. 
 
 In this collection of thirty thousand names there 
 are but two " Krumreins." On September 11, 1732, 
 "the ship Pennsylvania, John Stedman, master, from 
 Rotterdam, last from Plymouth," landed with 
 "seventy-three males above sixteen, women and 
 children of both sexes ninety-eight, in all one hun- 
 dred and seventy-one." In this list is the name of 
 " Hans Michael Krumrein." On September 5, 1748, 
 
.^^i.Xjj. 
 
 $ 
 
 A_ 2^. 
 
 "Ml F. SUTEIUNST CO. 
 
WASHINGTON COVN T ) 
 
 209 
 
 "the ship Edinburgh, James Russell, master. from 
 Rotterdam, last from Portsmouth," landed with 
 one hundred and twenty seven persons; and in this 
 list of names is that of "George Lenhart Kmm 
 rein." 
 
 Hans Michael Krumrein, after having resided 
 in the neighborhood of Philadelphia until after 
 1741, passed westward into Northampton and 
 finally into Centre county, where some of his de 
 scendants still live, others having passed mi into 
 Ohio. George Lenhart Krumrein went into Balti- 
 more county, Md. ; afterward, perhaps, into Geor- 
 gia, returning to Maryland at a later day. In 
 1800 George Orumrine, a grandson of George 
 Lenhart Krumrein, it is believed, passed from 
 Baltimore county, Mil, over the Alleghanies into 
 the valley of the Monongahela, and settled upon 
 a farm in Bast Bethlehem township, Washington 
 county. One of his sons, Daniel Orumrine, was 
 born upon the same farm. He married Margaret, 
 the daughter of -John Bower. Esq. The Bower 
 family was of Swiss German origin, and came 
 west from the Juniata Valley in 1796. 
 
 The boyhood of Boyd Crnmiine, the son of 
 Daniel, was passed upon his father's farm, and 
 during the winters of 1854 -55 and L855 56 he at- 
 tended the Bridgeport schools, Brownsville, Penn.; 
 and in the spring and summer of 1856 he was a 
 student at Waynesburg College. In September of 
 the latter year he was admitted to the Sophomore 
 class of Jefferson College, Canonsburg; and at the 
 beginning of his second term he was permitted, at 
 his own request, to drop into the Freshman class, 
 in order that he might, lay a better foundation for 
 a complete classical course. With that class he 
 continued till his graduation, on August 1, I860, 
 when he divided the first honor of his class of 
 over fifty men with Mr. Roland Thompson, of 
 Milroy, Penn., and delivered the Greek salutatory 
 on commencement day. Through the whole course 
 he was a diligent student and a vigorous thinker, 
 doing nothing by spurts, producing level work and 
 square work always, and striking the highest 
 grade-mark in nearly every recitation. At the be 
 ginning of the junior year Prof. John Fraser 
 formed what he called his select class, embracing 
 all the juniors who graded above ninety, to whom 
 he offered special instruction in mathematics and 
 general literature. The class consisted of Mr. 
 Crumrino and four others, who met at night for 
 two years in the Professor's chambers, where, as a 
 reward for mastering a dozen extra volumes of 
 higher mathematics, the privileged five were re- 
 galed, often into the "wee sma ' hours," by the 
 best thoughts and noblest sentiments of the man. 
 who. as a teacher, stands without a rival and 
 without a peer in the memories of his pupils. 
 One year before graduation Mr. Crnmrine chose 
 the profession of iaw, and entered upon it with 
 
 Hon. John L. Gow, of Washington, Penn., as his 
 preceptor, to whom he recited once a week during 
 his senior year in college. The first year after 
 graduation he taught a select class of young 
 ladies at Canonsburg, continuing his law studies 
 at the same time. On the twenty-first of August, 
 1861, he was admitted to the Washington county 
 bar. 
 
 The war of the Rebellion interfering with his 
 purpose to begin legal business in the West, in the 
 following November he enlisted in Company B, 
 Eighty-fifth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was 
 made quarter master sergeanl of the regiment. 
 After spending the winter of 1861—62 in the 
 trenches at Washington, he was discharged in or- 
 der to accept a commission as first lieutenant in a 
 brigade of Eastern Virginia Volunteers then form- 
 ing, hut soon after his commission was received the 
 
 Government issued an order discontinuing all re- 
 cruiting service and disbanding all uncompleted or- 
 ganizations. This made him a citi/en again; and, 
 returning home he opened, iii May. 1862, an office 
 in Washington, Penn., and began the practice of 
 law, in which he has continued ever since with suf- 
 ficient business always on hand to keep him stead 
 ily occupied. Of his own efforts he wrote to the 
 class historian for the reunion in 1885: " I have 
 tried to keep my little boat trimmed neatly, and to 
 trim it myself and after my own way. My sole 
 ambition has been to do as well as 1 could what 
 has been set before me. The law, to me, has been 
 a very jealous mistress, yet, as a relaxation and a 
 mellowing of the lines of toil, which otherwise 
 might have been hard to me, I have been a rider 
 of hobbies, one after another, always with the res 
 ervation of the liberty of changing them at m\ own 
 will and pleasure; philosophy at one time, then 
 entomology, the microscope, and, of late years, 
 history and philosophy.'' 
 
 In 1871 Mr. Orumrine compiled t lie "Rules of 
 Court of Washington County;" in 1872-75 he pre 
 pared "The Pittsburgh Reports," legal cases of 
 the several State courts not elsewhere reported, in 
 three volumes octavo. In 1S7S lie published 
 " Omnium Gatherum, or Notes of Cases for the 
 Lawyer's Pocket and Counsel Table," of which the 
 edition is now exhausted. In 1882 he composed a 
 large part and edited the whole of " The History 
 of Washington County," a quarto of one thousand 
 pages, small type, published by J. B. Lippincott 
 & Co., of Philadelphia. 
 
 Mr. Crumrine is a Republican in politics, but has 
 never sought political preferment. His tastes are 
 altogether literary and professional. He was given 
 the degree of Master of Arts by Jefferson College 
 in 1863. From 1865 to 1868 he was district at 
 torney for Washington county, and in 187(1 was 
 appointed deputy marshal of the United States for 
 the Western District of Pennsylvania, to compile 
 
210 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 the Social Statistics of that district for the Ninth 
 Census. After this temporary employment out- 
 siile of his profession, in matters in which he had 
 great interest, he confined his work to his practice 
 until April, 1887, when, without solicitation on his 
 part, he was appointed, by Governor Beaver, State 
 Reporter of the decisions of the Supreme Court of 
 Pennsylvania; and, accepting the appointment as 
 one suited to his tastes and experience, he had 
 published at the end of his term in May, 1892, 
 thirty-one volumes of Pennsylvania State Reports, 
 which seem to meet with the approval of the bench 
 and bar of the State Secretary of State Charles 
 VV. Stone, in response to a letter concerning these 
 reports, wrote in 1889 as follows: " Mr. Crumrine 
 is making a model reporter, and his work is held in 
 very high estimation by the bench and bar 
 throughout the State. He is improving the style 
 and methods of reporting, and is exceedingly faith- 
 ful and piinstaking in his work. The profession 
 generally appreciates this fact, and also the 
 promptness in the publication of his reports, and 
 their improved typographical execution. You can- 
 not speak too highly of his official efficiency." He 
 has also been the recipient of many other well 
 merited compliments, written and verbal, from 
 members of both bench and bar, of all phases of 
 politics, which it would be superfluous to here re 
 iterate. Indefatigable in his work, he is a lover 
 of it. In the winter of 1891-92, when Mr. Crum- 
 rine' s name was presented to President Harrison 
 for an appointment as United States district judge 
 for the Western District of Pennsylvania, among 
 many letters in his favor from judges and lawyers 
 of the State, the justices of the Supreme Court 
 joined in a letter to the President which was such as 
 t > make Mr. Crumrine feel more than comfortable, 
 even when he failed to receive the desired appoint- 
 ment. At the general election in November, 1891, 
 be was chosen a member of the constitutional con 
 vention, provided for by the act of the General As- 
 sembly of Pennsylvania passed June 19, 1891. 
 However, a majority of the electors of the State 
 voting against the convention, it was not held. At 
 the date of this writing his name is being men- 
 tioned as a candidate for the office of Judge of the 
 Supreme Court. 
 
 On the day following that on which he was made 
 a Bachelor of Arts, Mr. Crumrine was married to 
 .Miss Harriet J., daughter of George A. and Jane 
 I!. Kirk, and they have had four children: Ernest 
 Ethelbert, Louisa Celeste, Roland Thompson and 
 Hattie J. Of these, Ernest E. is a graduate of 
 Washington and Jefferson College, and is partner 
 in his father's law office; his wife is Gertrude, 
 the daughter of Rev. Dr. J. F. Magill, of Fairfield, 
 Iowa, and they have one child, a son. Louisa was 
 educated at the Washington Female Seminary, 
 and is now the wife of J. P. Patterson, Esq., of 
 
 the Pittsburgh bar; they have one child, a daugh 
 ter. Roland T. and Hattie J. both died young. 
 Mr. Crumrine is stalwart in form, turning the 
 scales at over two hundred pounds, and is as tine 
 a specimen of physical manhood as the eye needs 
 wish to look upon. 
 
 [The l'oren'i>iim; sketch is lor the most part compiled 
 from "A Biographical Allium of Prominent IVimsylva 
 nians," published at Philadelphia in 1889. 
 
 J (OSEPH RANKIN McLAIN, a citizen of 
 Claysville, was born January 8, 1828, in 
 J Cross Creek township, Washington Co.,Penn., 
 
 a son of Wiiliam and Margaret (McClelland) 
 
 McLain. 
 The family are of Scotch-Irish descent, the 
 great-grandfather, William, having come to this 
 country from the North of Ireland at a very early 
 day, settling in Adams county, Penn. Two of his 
 sons, who were civil engineers, assisted in locating 
 the dividing line between Maryland and Pennsylva- 
 nia, and his son, John, grandfather of Joseph R., 
 was born about the year 1740, in Adams county, 
 Penn., where he was reared to manhood and edu- 
 cated. When he had reached maturity he set out 
 for the then " Far West," arriving finally about 
 the year 1770, in Washington county. Here he 
 married Hannah Marshall, of that county, after 
 which they at once made their home on a farm near 
 Canonsburg, where they remained some few years. 
 The children born to this pioneer couple were: Jo- 
 seph (who was in the service of the Government 
 for the suppression of the Whiskey Insurrection, 
 and died in the service), Mary (Mrs. John Rankin), 
 William, Hannah (Mrs. John Hayes), and John. 
 The father of this family died when he was yet a 
 comparatively young man. He and his wife were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 William McLain, their second son, was born in 
 Chartiers township, this county, June 23, 1779, 
 and was reared to manhood in that township. He 
 was a great lover of books, and, although he had 
 no school facilities (the death of his father impos 
 ing on him hard work on the farm from early boy- 
 hood), yet, by close application to study, he overcame 
 what appeared to many insurmountable difficul- 
 ties. At the age of nineteen he commenced teach 
 ing, continuing in same for thirty years, and prov- 
 ing himself at once an apt scholar and skillful 
 teacher, besides leaving an impress on his scholars 
 not readily forgotten. On March 4, 1800, he was 
 married to Agnes Fink, who bore him two children: 
 John, born December 21, 1806, and Samuel A. (who 
 became a minister of the Gospel), born July 23, 
 1808. John lived with his father until 1S46, when 
 he bought a farm in East Finley township, and 
 resided there until his death, March 13, 1890; he 
 was a zealous worker in the Church, and gave 
 
WASHINGTON COIW IV 
 
 211 
 
 liberally toward its support. The mother of this 
 little family dying August 21, 1S0S, Mr. McLain 
 married, November 7, 18] 1, Margaret, daughter of 
 Thomas McClelland, of this county, and to this 
 union the following children were born: Agnes 
 (now the deceased wife of James Sawhill, also de- 
 ceased), born August 8, 1812; Hannah (now de- 
 ceased wife of Ira Blanchard, also deceased), 
 born January 14, 1814; Mary, born November 1, 
 1816; Martha (deceased wife of Rev. Alexander 
 McCarrolI, D. D., also deceased), born September 
 21, 1818; Thomas (deceased in childhood); Mar 
 garet (Mrs. Robert McKahan), born February I 5, 
 1822; William (died in childhood); Eliza J. (de- 
 ceased wife of James Wright, also deceased), born 
 February 11, 1820, died July 10, 1857; Joseph 
 R. (subject of this sketch), and Sarah (widow of 
 of Hon. A. K. Craig, deceased), born December 7, 
 1830. Mr. McLain remained in Chartiers town 
 ship until 1817, whin In- removed to Cross Creek 
 township, then in 1830 purchased a farm in Buf- 
 falo township, on which he made his home until 
 1866, in which year he removed to Claysville. 
 where he died March 2, 1872, at the patriarchal age 
 of ninety-three years; on April 1, 1875, his wife 
 followed him to the grave. In politics Mr. McLain 
 was a Democrat until 1828, when he became a 
 Whig, remaining so until 1850, and then voted the 
 Free soil ticket until 18(50, after which he was a 
 stanch Republican until the day of his death. For 
 many years he was a justice of the peace. He and 
 his family were adherents of the Presbyterian 
 Church, of the Session of which he was a member 
 for forty years. 
 
 Joseph R. McLain received a liberal education 
 at the schools of his locality, and was reared to the 
 practical life of a farmer. On November 27, 1849, 
 he was married to Susanna, daughter of James 
 Ralston, and to this union the following named 
 children were born: Luretta Mary (deceased 
 wife of John M. Gamble), W. J. E. , Maggie (wife 
 of Dr. J. N. Sprowls), John A., Joseph M. (now 
 deceased), David C, Susan, Rebecca, and George 
 W. Mr. McLain resided in Buffalo township from 
 1830 until 1856; then moved to Claysville, but 
 two years thereafter purchased the home farm in 
 Buffalo township, to which he removed, remaining 
 there until 1866, when he bought a farm in 
 Donegal township, and there he had his home 
 until 1872, in which year he came to Claysville, 
 where he is yet residing. After this he was 
 engaged in the general mercantile and-wool busi- 
 ness until his retirement in 1888. When about 
 the age of seventeen years, he commenced teach- 
 ing school, in which he continued eighteen con- 
 secutive winter terms. 
 
 Mr. McLain, in politics, was first a Whig, and 
 since the formation of the party has been an active 
 Republican. He has been elected to and served 
 
 in various important offices. In 1867 he was 
 elected a jury commissioner of the county, holding 
 the position one term; in ls7i> he was elected to 
 the Lower House of the State Legislature, serv- 
 ing in the sessions of 1S77-78. In 1878 he was 
 again a candidate, but was defeated by Fiuley 
 Patterson, by fourteen votes. In 1886 he was 
 elected to the State Senate, serving four years. 
 He was a school director for Buffalo and Donegal 
 townships and the borough of Claysville. Mr. 
 McLain and his family are members of the Pres 
 byterian Church, and since 1883 he has been a 
 member of the Session of the Claysville Presby 
 terian Church. 
 
 J j HOWARD CRAMER, editor and proprietor 
 of The Enterprise- Call, Burgettstown, is 
 
 |l| a sou of E. V. and Susan (Weight) Cramer, 
 --^ and was born June 8, 1856, at Spruce Creek, 
 Huntingdon Co. , Perm. 
 
 The history of the family, of which this gentle 
 man is a conspicuous and honored member, began 
 with Isaac Cramer, who was born near Millville, 
 Gloucester Co. , N. J., in 1786. He was the sec- 
 ond child in a large family, and was of English 
 descent, his father having emigrated to this coun- 
 try some time before, the exact date not now be- 
 ing known; but, at any rate, there is evidence that 
 he served as a soldier in the American army dur- 
 ing the Revolutionary war. In 1807 Isaac Cramer 
 married Mary Van Eman, who was born in 1783, 
 a daughter of John Van Eman, a farmer, also of 
 Millville, N. J. Her parents had emigrated to 
 this country from Wales. After marriage Mr. 
 Cramer learned the trade of an iron raolder. He 
 was drafted and served through the war of 1812, 
 and after the close of that struggle he moved to 
 Cumberland county, N. J. In 1832 he went to 
 Lancaster county, Penn., fourteen miles southeast 
 of Lancaster city. Ten children were born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Cramer, of whom the following is a brief 
 record : 
 
 (1) Wilson was born in 1809; married Roxanna 
 Speelman, in Monmouth county, N. J.; they emi- 
 grated to Lancaster county, Penn., a year or two 
 later, and in 1843 located in the neighborhood of 
 Johnstown. Eleven children were born to them, 
 a majority of whom and their descendants are still 
 living in that locality; two sons were badly wounded 
 in the Civil war. (2) Eliza Ann was born in 1811, 
 and married Isaiah Hopkins in 1826. They after- 
 ward settled in Jefferson county, Penn.; fourteen 
 children were born to their marriage. (3) Luke, born 
 1813, was married, in 1834, to Eliza Trimble, of 
 Lancaster county, by whom he had eleven chil- 
 dren; their descendants are now living in that 
 neighborhood; two sons were killed in the war of 
 the Rebellion. (4) Isaac, born 1815, married in 
 
212 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1837, Rebecca Hunt, of Lancaster county; moved 
 to Philadelphia, where they lived and died; they 
 had three children. (5) Mary, born in 1817, mar 
 ried in 1835, William Stimeatts, of Cumberland 
 county, N. J., and they settled in Maryland, near 
 Sykesville; they had seven children. (6) Sarah, 
 born 1819, married, 1835, William Holland, of 
 Virginia; moved to Virginia where they lived a 
 number of years, and finally returned to Pennsyl- 
 vania, and settled near Reading; five children 
 were born to them. (7) Eli V., born in 1821, will 
 have special notice further on in this sketch. (8) 
 Joseph, burn in 1823, married about 1846, Eliza- 
 beth Garner, of Lancaster county, and moved to 
 Baltimore, but at the outbreak of the Civil war 
 they returned to Pennsylvania anil settled near 
 Reading; they had three children. (9) David. 
 born in 182."), was married in 1848 to Mary Harri- 
 son, of Philadelphia; they settled in that city. 
 The funnel- is still living there; Mrs. Cramer hav- 
 ing been dead a number of years; their family 
 consisted of three children, two of whom are now 
 living. (10) Isaiah, born in 1827, married, about 
 1850, Elizabeth Gray, of Philadelphia; they also 
 live in Philadelphia; two children were born to 
 them. Isaac Cramer, Sr., the father of this fam- 
 ily, died at the home of his son, Eli V., in 1857, 
 aged seventy-one years; Mrs, Cramer passed away 
 three years before at the same age. 
 
 Eli V. Cramer, born in 1821, was married, in 
 1855, tn Susan Weight, at Spruce Creek, Penn., 
 who died in 1865. She was the second of nine 
 children born to John H. and Barbara (Zimmer- 
 man) Weight, both Germans. John H. Weight 
 was the eldest of four brothers and several sisters. 
 His father came from Germany and settled in 
 Berks county, Penn., where John H. was born in 
 1807; he died at Altoona, Penn., in 1887. In 
 1866 Mr. Cramer married, for his second wife, 
 Mary J. Stein, eldest daughter of Richard and 
 Jane Stein, of Blair county, Penn. By his two 
 wives Mr. Cramer had seventeen children — live 
 by the first and twelve by the second. He is now 
 living at Grant, Indiana Co., Penn. Mr. Cramer 
 was an active participant in the two Know-Nothing 
 riots in Philadelphia. In 1847 he enlisted as a 
 recruit to the regular troops, and served for six- 
 teen months in the Mexican war, in Gen. Scott's 
 army. During the invasion of Pennsylvania by 
 the rebels in the Civil war, he went out at the call 
 of Gov. Curtin, and remained until the critical 
 period was past, but saw no active service. Those 
 of his children who have arrived at maturity are: 
 J. Howard, the subject proper of this memoir; 
 Wilson T., a farmer, married and living in 
 Huntingdon county, Penn. ; Mary and Martha 
 (twins) (Mary is the wife of Maldon Cryder, a 
 clothing merchant of Tyrone, Penn.; Martha is 
 married to E. L. Butler, of Altoona); Harry, an 
 
 iron molder, is married to Amanda King, and they 
 are living at Grant, Penn. ; R. H. is a printer in 
 Burgettstown, Penn. ; Jesse H. is a printer in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.; W. A., a lumberman, and 
 Victor E., an iron molder, are both living at the 
 paternal home. It will be noted that this family 
 has been represented in all the wars of this country 
 since the emigration of the regular stock. The 
 great-grandfather of the present generation was in 
 the Revolutionary war; the grandfather in the war 
 of 1812; E. V. in the Mexican war. and a number 
 of the present generation in the war of the Rebell- 
 ion. Isaiah also served in the Civil war, and ex 
 perienced the horrors of Libby Prison. A singular 
 fact in the history of the family is that the seven 
 sons of Isaac Cramer, Sr. , were iron molders, and 
 the three daughters married iron molders. It will 
 also be observed that they literally obeyed the 
 Scriptural injunction to "Multiply and replenish 
 the earth." 
 
 J. Howard Cramer, at the age of eighteen, com 
 menced to learn the printing trade in the office of 
 The Times, Curwensville, Penn., afterward finish- 
 ing same in the office of the Raftsman's Journal, 
 at Clearfield, same State. In 1870 he moved to 
 Pittsburgh, and worked for a while in the job print 
 ing establishment of Myers, Shinkle & Co ; then 
 went to Mansfield, Penn., and worked in The Item 
 office for nearly two years. The proprietor of The 
 /tiiii, C. Knepper, had established a monthly paper 
 at Burgettstown, named The Enterprise, and in 
 August, 1881, sold it to Mr. Cramer, who immedi- 
 ately commenced the publication of a weekly edi- 
 tion. On January 1, 1888, Mr. Cramer bought 
 The Call from M. R. Allen, and consolidated the 
 two journals under the name of The Enterprise- 
 full, which is now a widely-read and prosperous 
 paper. In 1S82 J. Howard Cramer was united in 
 marriage with M. Jennie Row, of Clearfield, Penn., 
 daughter of S. J. Row, who for thirty years was 
 the editor and proprietor of the Raftsman's Jour- 
 nal, the Republican organ of Clearfield county. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Cramer have been born four chil- 
 dren, viz.: Amelia S., Ruth R., E. Kate (dead) 
 and Charles H. Cramer. 
 
 rPY EV. HENRY WOODS, D. D. This well- 
 Iwf' known educationist is a native of Mis- 
 
 \ \\ sour '' ' )0rn ' n Marion county, July 2, 1838. 
 J) -^ He is of Irish descent, his great great 
 v grandfather having emigrated from his 
 
 native land. Ireland, to America, making, in 1730, 
 a settlement in Chester county, where he carried 
 on farming. 
 
 Andrew Woods, great-grandfather of our sub 
 ject, was born, reared and married in Chester 
 county, whence he moved to Virginia, where he 
 died. Two of his children were named Andrew 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 213 
 
 and Archibald, of whom Andrew was born in Bote 
 tourt county, Va. , near Charlottesville, and re- 
 ceived his education at the public schools of the 
 period, When a young man, he left the paternal 
 roof and made a settlement in Wheeling (now in 
 West Virginia), at that time a fort and trading 
 post, and for a number of years he carried on farm- 
 ing. He married Mrs. McCullough (nee Mitchell), 
 widow of Major McCullough, an Indian fighter of 
 considerable repute. On one occasion, the Indians 
 having succeeded in surrounding him, he made a 
 leap with his horse over a precipice that has since 
 been known as " McCullough' 8 Leap." The 
 children born to this union were Jane (who mar- 
 ried Rev. James Hoge, the pioneer minister of the 
 presbytery of Columbus, where he preached for 
 over half a century), Andrew, Samuel, Margaret 
 (Mrs. Dr. Martin L. Todd), Robert, Alfred, and Ann 
 (Mrs. Dr. Archibald Todd). The father of this 
 family was a member of the First Presbyterian 
 Church, of Wheeling, of which he was one of the 
 founders and one of the first elders. In politics 
 he was a Whig of the old school. 
 
 Andrew Woods, father of Henrv, was born June 
 17, 1793, in Wheeling, Va. (now W. Va.), and, at 
 the schools of the place, such as they were a 
 hundred years ago, he received a liberal educa- 
 tion. In 1821 he was married to Rebecca, daugh- 
 ter of James Brison, of Pittsburgh, and their 
 children were James B., of New Orleans, La. ; 
 Oliver, deceased; Luther, in St. Louis, Mo.; 
 John, in San Diego, Cal. ; Archie, in St. Louis, 
 Mo.; Andrew Alfred, in New Orleans, La. ; Henry, 
 and Francis M., pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Martinsburgh, W. Va. After marriage, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Andrew Woods removed to Belmont 
 county, Ohio, where he was engaged in milling 
 and farming for some years. In 1837, they first 
 moved to Marion county, Mo., returned to Belmont 
 county, Ohio, in 1839; but in 1844 removed to 
 Missouri and there died, the mother in 1851, the 
 father in 1873. They were members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. In politics, Mr. Woods was a 
 Whig originally, but during the period of the Civil 
 war he became identified with the Demooratic 
 party. 
 
 Rev. Henry Woods, whose name heads this 
 sketch, attended school in his native State part of 
 the year, and when fourteen years of age he entered 
 the academy at Morgantown, W. Va. , where he 
 rem ai nod throe years, and then entered the junior 
 class of Washington College, from which he was 
 graduated in 1857. After this he taught at 
 Morgantown, W. Va., two years, at the end of 
 which time (in 1859) he entered the Western 
 Theological Seminary, at Allegheny, from which 
 he graduated in 1862. He received the degree of 
 D. D. from Westminster College, in 1879. Mr. 
 Woods now entered the pastorate, his firpt charge 
 
 being the First Presbyterian Church of Steuben 
 ville, Ohio, of which he remained pastor for five 
 years, or until 1807, when he accepted the profess- 
 orship of ancient languages in Washington and 
 Jefferson College. In 18(39 the departments of 
 Instruction were rearranged and he was appointed 
 to the chair of Latin. Professor Woods has ever 
 since been connected with this institution, and 
 partly to his untiring efforts is to be credited the 
 high standard which the college has attained, in 
 the classical department, among the prominent 
 educational institutions of the country. On June 
 15,1863, Rev. Woods was united in marriage with 
 Mary L., daughter of Hon. John Hoge and Ellen 
 (Blaine) Ewing, of whom considerable mention is 
 made elsewhere. Seven children have been born 
 to them, three of whom died in early childhood; 
 the survivors are: Margaret, now a missionary 
 in China, married to Rev. William B. Hamilton; 
 Mary; John E., in Pittsburgh, and Frances H. 
 For the past twenty two years our subject has 
 served as pastor of the East Buffalo Church, in 
 Buffalo township. In his political predilections 
 he was formerly a Whig; but since the organization 
 of the Republican party has been identified with it 
 
 IfONAS ELY, M. D. , although one among the 
 . I comparatively young men in professional 
 frjj life, has reached an eminence for scientific 
 ^^ attainments as well as thorough scholarship 
 that is attained by few even of those who have de- 
 voted a long life of patient toil in the work of 
 their profession. He is a native of Greene county, 
 Penn.. born March 2, 1853, near Waynesburg, 
 in Whiteley township. His ancestry were of Ger- 
 many, from which country the great-grandfather 
 emigrated at an early day to America; on the voy- 
 age he was so ill that at one time he was thought 
 to be dead and was about to be cast into the sea, 
 when signs of life were discovered in him, happily 
 in time to save him from a watery grave. Jonas 
 Ely, grandfather of our subject, came to Washing- 
 ton county from Berks county, Penn., when a 
 young man, and followed farming and stock raising 
 in Franklin township; he married a Miss Euphen 
 Wilson, and they both died in Greene county, same 
 State. 
 
 George Ely, father of Dr. Jonas Ely, was born 
 in Washington county, Penn., September 5, 1818, 
 and was married to Mary Warrick, also a resident 
 of Washington county. After their marriage they 
 moved to Greene county, same State, where they 
 made their home, having born to them seven chil- 
 dren — four sons and three daughters. They were 
 both members of the M. E. Church from early 
 life, and were zealous, conscientious Christians. 
 Mrs. Ely passed away December 29, 1887, aged 
 sixty two years. She died as she had lived, leav- 
 
214 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ing testimony behind that her work was well done. 
 Mr. Ely in still Living, and has been one of the 
 successful farmers and stock raisers of that county. 
 He has more than an ordinary mind, and has 
 characteristics worthy of example, always living 
 up to the 'golden rule " He was frugal, indus- 
 trious, patient ; ml upright in all his dealings. 
 He lias tie' respect ami esteem of all who know 
 him. A neighbor made the remark to an attor- 
 ney, when riding past Mr. Ely's farm, that if all 
 men were like him we would have no use for 
 lawyers. 
 
 Dr. Jonas Ely was reared on his father's farm. 
 He received his education at select schools and 
 Waynesburg College, studying all the branches re- 
 quired there for graduation. However, from the 
 age of fifteen his ambition was to become a fol- 
 lower in the footsteps of Hippocrates and Galen, 
 and all his spare time he assiduously devoted to 
 the private study of medicine till 1883, when ho 
 entered Cincinnati Medical College, from which he 
 graduated in the class of 1887 at the head of his 
 class. In March of that year he came to Wash- 
 ington, this county, and commenced the practice 
 of his chosen profession, in which he has been de- 
 servedly successful. On December 25, 1873, Dr. 
 Ely was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Jacob and Jane Schriver, of Greene 
 county, Penn., where the former is a successful 
 fanner. To this union two children have been 
 born: John R. and Tillie S. The Doctor has been 
 a member of the M. E. Church since the age of 
 sixteen years, and has been steward in the same 
 for some time. 
 
 J I AMES S. STOCKING. The family, of which 
 this gentleman is a worthy representative, 
 1 are on his paternal side of Holland Dutch 
 ancestry who came to America at an early 
 date, and on the maternal side are descended from 
 "Mayflower" Pilgrims who established a settle- 
 ment near Worcester, Mass. James Phillips, a 
 lineal descendant of the latter, came in 1800 to 
 Washington, where he died. He had several sons, 
 one of whom, James, was in the Mexican war, and 
 was killed at Pueblo. The father of these sons 
 was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch 
 Julius Stocking, father of James S., was born 
 near Auburn, N. Y. , was educated at the sub- 
 scription schools of his day, and learned the trade 
 of weaver. In 1835 he came to Washington, where 
 he was engaged in trading and speculating, but 
 later moved to Rockport, Ind. In 1836 he was 
 married to Mary, daughter of James Phillips, 
 above referred to, and a native of Washington 
 inty, Penn. _ To this union were born the fol- 
 lowing: Alfred, now in Ohio; Mary, wife of Will 
 iam Jenkinson, of the firm of R. & W. Jenkinson, 
 
 in Pittsburgh; and James S. The father died in 
 1870, aged sixty-eight years, the mother in 1874, 
 at the age of fifty four years. 
 
 James Stevens Stocking, the subject proper of this 
 memoir, was born December 4, 1 83'-), in Washington, 
 Penn. ; attended the public schools until twelve years 
 of age, when he began to make his own living, 
 but found time to acquire a good education by 
 self teaching. At President Lincoln's first call 
 for volunteers, for three months, he enlisted in 
 Company E, Twelfth Regiment, Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers, and served for the term of enlistment; 
 re enlisted in the One Hundredth Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers (" Roundheads") and served two years 
 and eight months; re-enlisted as a veteran for 
 three years, and served thirteen months, making 
 in all full four years' service in the Union army; 
 lost an arm at Hatcher's Run, October 27, 1864; 
 entered the army as a private, and was mustered 
 out as first lieutenant; was appointed U. S. store- 
 keeper in 1871; was unanimously nominated by 
 the Republican County Convention of 1872 for 
 clerk of courts, and was elected, receiving 5,465 
 votes to 4,818 for Samuel Ruth, Democrat, and 
 running 171 votes ahead of his party's candidate 
 for governor; was renominated without opposi- 
 I ion in 1875, and re-elected, receiving 5,152 votes 
 to 4,702 for W. C. Scott, Democrat, and running 
 235 votes ahead of the Republican candidate for 
 governor; was one of the editors and proprietors 
 of the Washington Observer from October 17, 
 1879, to October 17, 1882, when he sold his inter- 
 est, in the paper on account of ill health; was ap- 
 pointed postmaster at Washington by President 
 Arthur in February, 1885, and served twenty 
 months, when he was removed for being a Repub- 
 lican; was nominated and elected to the Assembly 
 in 1888; re-nominated an re-elected in 1890, as a 
 Republican. On November 1, 1891, without solici 
 tation, he was offered and accepted the position of 
 assistant chief and superintendent of the seed 
 room in the Seed Division of the Agricultural De- 
 partment at Washington, D. C, where at present 
 he is located. 
 
 On January 4, 1866. Mr. Stocking was married 
 to Miss Elizabeth Hallam, of Washington, Penn. , 
 a sister of the well known Hallam Bros., and she 
 bore him three children: Hugh, Harry (deceased) 
 and Maud, and died of smallpox February 2, 1881. 
 On March 17, 1883, our subject married Mary 
 Josephine, daughter of James Robinson, of Co- 
 shocton, Ohio, and great granddaughter of Gen. 
 Robinson, of Revolutionary fame, who made a 
 settlement in the Muskingum Valley, where he 
 took up a U. S. grant of 3,000 acres; he was 
 captured by Indians, made to run the gauntlet, 
 and was actually tied to the stake to be burned 
 alive, when he was rescued by Logan, the Mingo 
 chief. At the age of twenty-four Mr. Stocking 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ■2 1 -i 
 
 lost his arm, as above related, and in his twenty- 
 fourth year his son, Hugh, lost his left arm by be- 
 ing caught in a power printing press. In 1884 
 Mr. James S. Stocking engaged in the real-estate 
 business, and laid off an addition to Washington, 
 Penn., known as "Kalorama." In 1887, iu con- 
 nection with B. F. Hassun, Esq., platted and sold 
 another addition, named "Woodland.'' In 1888, 
 in connection with James Kuntz, Jr., L. McCar- 
 rell and E. F. Acheson, he platted and sold the 
 Weaver farm, uuder the name of West End, and 
 in 1889, in connection with the same parties, he 
 platted and sold the Sliirls Grove property. 
 Woodland, West Eud and Sliirls Grove additions 
 are now consolidated into a borough, and is known 
 as "West Washington." 
 
 FRANCIS HANLIN. The Hanlin family have 
 for almost a century been identified with 
 the progress and development of Hanover 
 township. They have assisted in the ad 
 vancemeut and support of the schools and churches, 
 and all other enterprises which have served to place 
 Hanover township in its present position with the 
 magnificent galaxy of townships contained in 
 Washington county, Penn. 
 
 The present generation of this family trace their 
 ancestry to four brothers, William, John, James 
 and Alexander, who were children of Alexander 
 and Nancy (Stewart) Hanlin, and natives of Coun- 
 ty Tyrone, Ireland. The father dying in County 
 Tyrone, the family, consisting of the widow, four 
 sons and three daughters (Elizabeth, Nancy and 
 Jane), came to America in 1792. Their first loca- 
 tion was in Lancaster county, Penu., where the 
 sons engaged in various kinds of employment. 
 Energy and health formed their sole capital. One 
 daughter, Nancy, was married in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, and there passed her days. Between 1795 
 and 1800 the other members of the family came 
 farther west, locating on the waters of Buffalo 
 creek, in Washington county, on the " Lawtou 
 Farm." The brothers continued to work in part- 
 nership until the begiuningof the present century, 
 when James purchased land near Paris, Hanover 
 township, this county, and followed the river, mak- 
 ing; trips to New Orleans. He was married to a 
 Miss Mills. William, John and Alexander jointly 
 purchased, of one Charles Campbell, a large tract 
 of land near Harmon's creek, in Hanover township, 
 this county, to which they moved. William was 
 affianced to Anna, daughter of John Fulton, of 
 Hanover township, and his wedding day was set, 
 but he died before the marriage was consummated. 
 Johu Hanlin was born in 1771. in County Tyrone, 
 Ireland, and in 1823 married Nancy Hanlin, a dis- 
 tant relative, aud a native of Ireland. Her parents 
 came to America, locating at Steubenville, Ohio, 
 
 leaving their infant daughter with an aunt iu Ire- 
 land, with whom she crossed the ocean when but 
 two years of age. 
 
 Alexander Hanlin was married in 1805 to Eliza 
 beth Scott, who was born February 14, 1780, in 
 Ireland, and when only two or three years of age 
 was brought to America. Her father, Franklin 
 Scott, was one of the first settlers in Jefferson 
 township, this county, first locating there about the 
 time of the Revolution. He was obliged to flee 
 from the country to Irelaud, was married, and 
 again crossing the Atlantic settled in Jefferson 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., where he died 
 After the marriage of Alexander Hanlin, the land 
 belonging to the three brothers was divided, and 
 he received the southern part of the tract, residing 
 there until his death. He was a consistent mem- 
 ber of the Episcopal Church, to which he contrib 
 uted liberally, his wife being identified with the 
 Methodist Episcopal Society. Although possess 
 ing no property when he landed in America, by 
 energy and toil Mr. Hanlin accumulated a good 
 property. In politics he was first a Whig, then a 
 Republican. He died at the advanced age of 
 ninety years, his wife dying eight years before him, 
 and they were buried in the cemetery of Tucker's 
 Church. 
 
 Their children were: Alexander, killed accident- 
 ally by a cider press, born January 1, 1806; William, 
 deceased in Carroll county, Ohio, born August 20, 
 1807; Francis, whose name opens this sketch; 
 John, a farmer of Hanover township, bom Feb- 
 ruary 3, 1812; James (deceased), born Febru- 
 ary 17. 1814; George (deceased), born March 28, 
 1816;, Stewart, a miner (died in California), born 
 March 2, 1818; Charles, a farmer of Jefferson 
 township, born September 26, 1820.; Grant, a farm- 
 er and miller of Hanover township, bom October 
 28, 1823; and Eliza Ann (unmarried), born January 
 30, 1826. The town of Hanlin, a station on the 
 P. C. C. & St. L. R. R , is named from the four 
 Hanlin brothers, one of whom was the father of 
 this family. 
 
 Francis Hanlin, son of Alexander and Elizabeth 
 Hanlin was born April 16, 1810, in Hanover town- 
 ship. He was reared on his father's farm, and at- 
 tended the subscription schools of that period. In 
 1839 he was married to Ruth Criss, who was born 
 in 1821, in Hanover township, a daughter of Jacob 
 and Hannah (Riteuhouse) Criss. To this union 
 three daughters were born, namely: Nancy (Mrs. 
 Pressly Boyd, of Columbiana county, Ohio), Han- 
 nah (unmarried, living at home) and one daughter, 
 who died in infancy. The mother died many 
 years ago, and on November 20, 1849, Francis 
 Hanlin selected as his second wife Betsy Lyons, a 
 daughter of James and Sarah (Steen) Lyons. The 
 children of this marriage were born as follows: 
 Sarah (deceased wife of Samuel Jackson), Stewart 
 
216 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 (a fanner of Hanover township), Mary (Mrs. 
 Frank Ferguson, of Colliers, W. Va.), James (of 
 Irondale, Ohio, was one of twins, the other of 
 whom died at birth), Elizabeth (Mrs. John Ste- 
 phenson of Hanover township), an infant daughter 
 (deceased), and L.'titia (deceased wife of Samuel 
 Work). In 1845 Francis, Hanlin and his brother 
 John purchased a part of " the Davis farm " in this 
 county, which was divided, and the brothers located 
 on adjoining farms, where they have since lived. 
 Francis Hatdin has been a lifelong farmer, and 
 has passed over eighty-two years of a most indus- 
 trious life. As a result he has accumulated a valu- 
 able property and is an extensive landowner of 
 Hanover township. On July 6, 1890, Mrs. Hauliu 
 passed away and was buried in Tucker's Church 
 cemetery. For many years he has been a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which 
 he has held numerous offices. In politics he has 
 always voted with the Democratic party. Notwith- 
 standing his advanced age Mr. Hanlin is compar- 
 atively a vigorous and well-preserved man. 
 
 V. JOHNSON. Family Record.— John 
 Johnston and his wife Elizabeth, of Coun- 
 ty Down, Ireland, were Presbyterians of 
 Scotch-Irish descent, and their children 
 were: William, Esther, Jane, Margaret, 
 Elizabeth, Richard, and John, the last named dy- 
 ing in Ireland. They, with their six children, em- 
 barked for America in the year 1772, but both 
 died of fever on shipboard during the voyage. 
 The children located in Delaware, whence in the 
 spring of 17111 they removed to western Pennsyl- 
 vania near Canonsburg. William married in 1774; 
 Esther married Hugh Jackson in 1777; Jane mar- 
 ried lames Hindman in 1780; Margaret married 
 John Anderson; Elizabeth married William Camp 
 bell; and Richard married Jane Bradford August 
 23, 1796. 
 
 Richard Johnston, son of John and Elizabeth 
 Johnston, was born in June, 1703; married, Au- 
 gust 23, 1796, Jane Bradford, daughter of James 
 and Elizabeth (Gibson) Bradford; died November 
 13, 1836; their children were Mary, James, William, 
 Elizabeth, John, Richard, Jane and Thomas (twins), 
 David, George, Nancy, and one that died when 
 two wei'ks old. Mary, born September 24, 1798, 
 married Thomas Allison, May, 1817, and died 
 February 7, 1884; James, born March 10, 1800, 
 died in 1819; William, born May .''», 1802, married 
 Elizabeth Orr, May 10, 1826, and died December 
 27, 1838; Elizabeth, born February 6, 1804, was 
 married first to George Gladen, and afterward to 
 Rev. John Stockton, D. D., November 19, 1861, 
 and died July 11, 1892; John, born March <'>, 1806, 
 married Rebecca Van Eman March 17, 1N40, and 
 died October 9, 1888: Richard, born July 1. 1808, 
 
 died in 1831; Jane (twin), born May 21, 1811, 
 married Guiane Morrison, May 23, 1833, and died 
 June 2. 1888; Thomas (twin), born May 21, 1811, 
 married Catharine Johnson, lived in Steubenville, 
 Ohio, and died June 19, 1879; David, born May 19, 
 1813, married Jane Rex, February 9, 1841, lived 
 in Steubenville, Ohio, and died February 8, 1883; 
 George, born August 7, 1815, married Mary Tracy, 
 August 25, 1847. lived in Portsmouth, Ohio, and 
 died April 14, 1875; Nancy, born April 11), 1822, 
 died in 1827. 
 
 John Johnson, son of Richard and Jane John- 
 son, was born March ('), 1806, married March 17, 
 1840, Rebecca Van Emau, daughter of Joseph and 
 Isabel (Logan) Van Eumii, and died October 9, 
 
 1888. Their children are Richard Van Emau, 
 born September 23, 1841, married West Anna Lee, 
 November 17, 1869; Joseph Bradford, born Sep- 
 tember 26, 1842, married Hannah Jane Crothers, 
 June 5, 1867; John Gibson, born November 13, 
 1845, married Annie K. Morrison, June 22, 1875. 
 
 Nicholas Van Emau, of Emmen, Holland, mar 
 ried Mary Wilson, of Wales, and their children 
 were George, Nicholas, Andrew, Garrett, Katie, 
 Mary, Elizabeth, Susan and Hannah. George 
 Van Einan, sou of Nicholas and Mary Van- 
 En an, was born September 12, 1753, and was 
 twice married, first to — Little, their chil- 
 dren being Mary and John; his second marriage 
 was with Rebecca Scott, and their children were 
 Nicholas, Scott and Jane (twins), Andrew, Rev. 
 George, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Joseph, Garrett, Will 
 iam, Sarah, Abraham, James and Hannah (twins). 
 The parents lived for many years on the farm now 
 owned by Joseph Clokey, situated four miles east 
 of Washington, Penn. ; they are buried at Canal 
 Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio; they were Presbyterians. 
 Joseph Van Emau, son of George and Rebecca 
 Van Emau, was born December 12, 1790, married 
 Isabel Logan February 28, 1811, and died Sep 
 tember 22, 1873; their children were Rebecca, 
 James, Samuel L., Joseph, Mary, Rev. George, 
 Cyrus, Margaret, Logan and Sarah. Isabel 
 Logan was a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca 
 (Walker) Logan, the former of whom came from 
 Antrim, Ireland, when eighteen years of age; he 
 was of Scotch-Irish parentage, and was a soldier 
 under La Fayette, in the war of the Revolution; 
 they lived on the farm now owned by C. C. Rum 
 sey at Van Eman Station, Chartiers Railroad. 
 Rebecca, born September 13, 1812, married John 
 Johnson March 17, 1840, and died September 5, 
 
 1889, and their children are Richard Van Eman, 
 Joseph Bradford and John Gibson; James, born 
 August 7, 1814, died August, 1819; Samuel L., 
 born July 20, 1816, married Martha P. McCon- 
 nell. September 28, 1847, and died October 11, 
 1891; Joseph, born October 9, 1818, was married 
 first to Sarah Lea, April 18, 1843, ami afterward 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 219 
 
 to Mary A. Donaldson; Mary, born January 6, 
 1821, married Samuel Alexander, January 24, 1860; 
 Rev. George, horn January 29, 1823, was married 
 first to Rachel Bowens, October 10, 1843, after- 
 ward to Elizabeth Pogue September 8, 1847; 
 Cyrus, born April 1, 1825, died January, 1828; 
 Margaret, born December 26, 1826, married Israel 
 Bebout, December, 1850, and died March 31, 186'J; 
 Logan, born April 6, 1829, married Jane Vance, 
 October 14, 1858; Sarah, born February 17, 1834, 
 married Samuel Bebout August 14, 1856. 
 
 Richard Van Eman Johnson, sou of John and 
 Rebecca Johnson, was born September 23, 1841, 
 married November 17, 1869, West Anna Lee, 
 daughter of Maj. William and Jane (Craig) Lee, 
 of Cross Creek, Penu., and their children are 
 Rebecca Jane and William Lee. He lives at 
 Johnson Station, Chartiers Railroad, on the farm 
 formerly owned by bis father and grandfather. 
 
 JOHNSON LEE GENEALOGY. 
 
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 HARLES E. BEACH (deceased) was born in 
 East Bloomneld, N. Y., January 31, 1819, 
 a son of Chauncey, who was a son of 
 Chauncey, who was a sou of Amos, who was 
 a son of John, who was a son of John, who was a 
 son of Thomas, a native of England. 
 
 In 1639 there came from England three brothers 
 — Richard, John and Thomas — who settled in 
 New Haven, Conn., where Thomas, in 1654, mar 
 ried Sarah, daughter of Richard Piatt, and of their 
 children one sou, John, was born October 19, 
 1655, and died in 1709. John Beach had one sou, 
 also named John, born October 15, 1690, in Wal 
 lingford, Conn., who in 1738 moved to Goshen, 
 same State, where he died May 9, 1773. On 
 August 8, 1715, he was married to Sarah Taylor, 
 who died, leaving one son, Barney, and John Beach 
 then married, February 22, 1717, Mary Roys, to 
 which union one son, Amos, was born January 28, 
 1724. Amos Beach married, December 21, 1716, 
 Mary Rich, and their son Chauncey was born in 
 Goshen, Conn., November 11, 1748, and became 
 the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Chauncey Beach received his education in his 
 native town, and was reared to the milling business, 
 which he followed many years. He remained in 
 Goshen until 1801, when he removed to West 
 Bloomneld, N. Y. , where he died May 13, 1 S25, a 
 consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 In politics he was a Federalist originally, and dur- 
 ing the later years of his life a Whig. On De- 
 cember 24, 1772, he married Catherine Alvord, who 
 was born November 21, 1750, and the following 
 record of their family of children gives the names 
 and dates of birth: Erastus, June 3, 1775; Olive, 
 May 5, 1777; Lucy, October 6, 1778; Ambrose, 
 August 14, 1780; Abram, May 12, 1782; Elisha, 
 Juue23, 1783; Theron, July 9, 1785; Catherine, 
 June 29, 1787; Chauncey, May 5, 1789, and 
 Nathaniel, October 26, 1791. 
 
 Chauncey Beach, father of Charles E., was bom 
 in Goshen, Conn., where he received the earlier part 
 of his education, and, as will be seen, was about 
 twelve years old when his parents moved with their 
 family to West Bloomfleld, N. Y. After leaving 
 school he learned the trade of cabinet maker, but 
 abandoned it to take up that of his father, milling, 
 which, having mastered, he carried on in West 
 Bloomfleld until 1836, when he moved to Parma, 
 N. Y. , thence to Ohio, to a place now known as 
 Kent. There he remained seven years, at the end 
 of which time he went to Painesville; then after a 
 few years he proceeded to West Cleveland. At 
 the latter place he resided but six months, when he 
 moved to Akron, and thence, after three years, 
 came to Mouongahela City, all the time engaged 
 in the milling business until old age compelled 
 him to retire from active work. On August 19. 
 1813, Mr. Beach married Matilda Eggleston, of 
 
220 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 West Bloomfield, who became the mother of four 
 children, viz.: Catherine, born August 2, 1814; 
 James W ., born October 2, 1816; Charles E., born 
 January 31, 1819, and Cordelia, born August 29, 
 1821. The mother passed from earth July 21, 
 1866, the father May 19, 1870. He was a Whig 
 until the change of the party was consummated, 
 when he became a Republican. 
 
 Charles E. Beach was educated at the public 
 schools of his native town — proving a deep and 
 diligent student. When a young man he entered 
 his father's mill, and remained there several years. 
 In 1S47 the family moved to Monongahela City, 
 Penn., where he and his father bought the flouring 
 mill, but in 1867 sold it, and then, in company 
 with his father, bought an interest in the lumber 
 yard and planing mill iu Monongahela City, now 
 owned by Blythe & Co. On account of poor 
 health he sold his interest in 1876, and retired from 
 business. On September 23, 1858, he married 
 Emma Pierce, and the children by that union were 
 Matilda E., M. Edith and Amanda S., of whom 
 the first and last named are deceased. The 
 mother of these children died January 1, 1866, and 
 March 29, 1870, Mr. Beach was married to Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of Thomas Heslep. One child, 
 Nellie, was born to them. Our subject was a 
 stanch Republican in his political views, and was 
 recognized as a leading and enterprising man in the 
 community. His widow is still a resident of Mo- 
 nongahela City. 
 
 Thomas Heslep, father of Mrs. Elizabeth Beach, 
 was born iu Chester county, Penn., in 1801, a son 
 of John Heslep, a native of the same county, who 
 married a Miss Grant, and had by her several 
 children, of whom the following names are obtain- 
 able: Robert, John, George and Thomas. John 
 Heslep came to Washington county at an early day, 
 and purchased a farm in Carroll township where 
 he died. He was a Whig in politics, and in Church 
 connection a Baptist. Thomas Heslep was reared 
 partly in Washington county, partly in Pittsburgh. 
 He married Margaret MeCormick, of Pigeon Creek, 
 and they then settled on a farm in Somerset town 
 ship, where he died in 1860; his wife is also dead. 
 He had two children. Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles E. 
 Beach) and John. Mr. Heslep was first a Whig, 
 afterward a Republican, and in church connection 
 he was a sound Presbyterian. 
 
 DR. W. H. ALEXANDER, a rising young 
 physician of Washington county, is a grand- 
 son of Joseph Alexander, whose father, 
 Samuel, was born in Ireland, whence, iu 
 17(53, he emigrated to America, locating at Chadd's 
 Ford, Chester Co. , Penn. He was married to a 
 Miss Wilson, who bore him three children, and in 
 1785 they moved to Allegheny county, same State. 
 
 He patented 360 acres of land, lying two miles 
 from Bridgeville, Penn., and both he and his wife 
 died on this place. 
 
 Joseph Alexander, son of Samuel, was born iu 
 1766, on the home place at Chadd's Ford, Chester 
 Co., Penn., and in 1807 was united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth West. The following year he 
 bought and moved upon 140 acres in North Stra 
 bane township, this county, and died there March 
 23, 1828. The wife and mother passed away iu 
 1869, leaving the following children: Mary (wife 
 of James Mahood), Samuel (married to Mary 
 Van Eman), Elizabeth (Mrs. John Dixon, of 
 Milan, Rock Island Co.. 111.), Joseph W.,West, and 
 Susan (wife of William McQuail, a farmer of 
 North Strabane township). 
 
 Joseph W. Alexander was born April 5, 1815, on 
 the home place in Canonsburg, and from earliest 
 youth was an earnest, vigorous student. His in- 
 clinations and natural ability soon led him to 
 choose the medical profession as his life work. 
 He entered Jefferson College in 1835, taking a full 
 course with the exception of Greek. In 1838 he 
 entered the office of Dr. Leatherland, and there 
 studied medicine, at the same time teaching school. 
 In 1840 he completed a thorough course at Jeffer- 
 son Medical College, and then began to practice 
 his profession in Eldersville, Washington Co., 
 Penn., thence moving to Hillsboro, where he re- 
 mained several years. On June 18, 1844, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary Ann, daughter of 
 James aod Elizabeth (Morrison) Horner. On 
 August 6, 1861, Dr. Alexander passed the State 
 Medical Examination, and in January, 1862, 
 passed the examination as a surgeon. He was ap- 
 pointed surgeon of the Twenty-sixth P. V. I., 
 serving three years, and after the battle of Fair 
 Oaks was made surgeon of the Eighty-fifth P. V. 
 I., then served in the same capacity with the Fif- 
 teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, in the army of the 
 Cumberland, until mustered out June 21, 1865, at 
 Nashville, Tenn. He was physician of the Mor- 
 ganza Reform School for many years, and passed 
 the latter portion of his life in Canonsburg, enjoy- 
 ing an enviable reputation as one of the most dis- 
 tinguished physicians of Washington county. In 
 August, 1885, he lost his wife, who had borne him 
 children as follows: Laura (deceased), Elizabeth 
 (wife of Thomas Yates), Margaret (Mrs. James 
 F. Ray), Joseph H., Lola and William H. Dr. 
 Alexander was originally a Whig, uniting with the 
 Republican party upon its organization; was chair- 
 man of the first county convention, and served as 
 a member of the Legislature in 1853. He was a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as 
 elder for many years. The influence of Dr. Alex- 
 ander will long be felt in the community where 
 much of his life work was accomplished. He 
 passed to rest April 20, 1892. 
 
II AsniXGTON COUNTY. 
 
 22 1 
 
 \V. H. Alexander, a son of the eminent physician 
 above mentioned, was lwrn in Canonsburg, Penn. 
 He is a worthy representative of his honored 
 father, whose unfinished work it has become the 
 sacred dnty of the young physician to take up. 
 W. H. Alexander entered Jefferson Medical Col- 
 lege at the age of twenty two year--, and. gradnat 
 ing in 1885, commenced practice with bin father 
 in Canonsburg. He is a stanch Republican, work 
 ing earnestly for the success of hi- party, and is 
 undoubtedly destined to become as distinguished 
 iu his chosen calling as was his father. 
 
 J (AMES WATSON. In recording the names 
 of the prominent and influential citizen- of 
 Washington county, our list would be in com 
 plete were to be omitted the name of this, in 
 
 liis lifetime, well known eminent attorney. 
 James Watson was liorn in Canonsburg, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn., a son of John and Mary (Miller) 
 Watson, both of whom died in Canonsburg. They 
 were the parents of six children, of whom only one 
 survives, a daughter, Mrs. Miller, now living with 
 her son in law, Mr. Haft, in Houstonville, this 
 county. Our subject received his primary educa 
 tioti at the common schools of his native town, af 
 ter which he attended Canonsburg College, from 
 which he graduated. Immediately after gradua- 
 tion he came to the borough of Washington and 
 commenced the study of law in the office of 
 Thomas McKennan, under whose preceptorship he 
 studied until he was admitted to the bar iu 1833. 
 Soon afterward, Mr. McKennan being admitted to 
 Congress, Mr. Watson was received into partner 
 ship with him in the practice of law, and during 
 his absence our subject had complete charge of 
 the office and business. His entire legal life was 
 at the Washington county bar, and at first his 
 practice was a general one, but later in life he 
 would take no criminal cases. On April 15, 1875, 
 Mr. Watson passed from earth at the age of sixty 
 six years. He was a member of the United Pres- 
 byterian congregation of Washington, and in politics 
 he was a Republican. On January 15, 1835, he 
 was married to Miss Maria Woodbridge Morgan, 
 daughterof George and Elizabeth Aldrich (Thomp- 
 son) Morgan, and ten children were born to them, 
 viz. : Elizabeth Thompson, living with her widowed 
 mother; Mary Baynton, widow of Rev. Alexander 
 Reed, late of the Presbyterian Church (she resides 
 in Washington, Penn.): George (deceased); Jane 
 Gilman, living in Allegheny; David Thompson, a 
 prominent attorney of Pittsburgh; Matilda, wife of 
 A. G. Happer, in Washington, Penn. ; James, au 
 attorney in New York City; William Morgan, part- 
 ner with his brother, David T., in law business, in 
 Pittsburgh, and two that died in infancy. Mrs. 
 
 Watson still resides in Washington. She is a 
 member of the First Presbyterian Church. 
 
 George Morgan, father of Mrs. .lames Watson, 
 was born in 1780 iu Princeton, N. J., a son of Col. 
 
 (i ge Morgan who was married in Philadelphia 
 
 to Miss Mary Baynton (daughter of a merchant ol 
 that city), by whom he had children, John, Ann, 
 George! Thomas and Maria. Col. George Morgan 
 came with his family to Washington county, set 
 tling on land in North Strabane township, said 
 land being a portion of what is known as the 
 "Morganza tract." Col. George Morgan died in 
 1810, his wife surviving him fifteen years, and they 
 were both buried in the family ground at Mm' 
 ganza, and afterward removed to the cemetery at 
 Washington, Penn. Their son George was edu- 
 cated at Princeton (N. J.) College, and came wesl 
 in 1796, after he had finished his studies. He 
 married Elizabeth A , daughter of David Thomp- 
 son, of Delaware, iu which State the daughter was 
 born, and the young couple then settled on the old 
 farm at Morganza, ou which they resided many 
 years. The family of children born to them were 
 as follows: 'David T. (deceased!. Mary B. (de 
 ceased wife of Rev. Wijliam McCombs), Elizabeth 
 McKennan (deceased wife of Luther Edgerton, of 
 Marietta. Ohio), Nancy Gibbs (widow of William 
 D. Morgan, and now living in Washington, Penn.), 
 
 Maria W Lbridge (since Mrs. James Watson). 
 
 George (deceased). Matilda Bowman (first wife of 
 William D. Morgan, of Washington), Dr. William 
 McKennan (deceased), and Lauretta Thompson 
 (residing at Washington). The father died sud- 
 denly while on his way home from a visit to Ohio, 
 the mother passing away several years after, in 
 Washington, at the age of seventy years. The 
 family is one of the best known and most highly 
 connected in the county. 
 
 * 
 
 L JlrUNSON POST was born in the State of 
 \f/\ New Jersey. He married and lived in 
 It I Essex county, where he reared a large 
 -^ family, and thence removed to Mashing 
 ton county. Penn., settling in Morris town 
 ship about the year 1781. He brought his family 
 and household effects in wagons, and they were 
 several weeks on the way. One incident of their 
 journey has been hauded down to the present 
 generation, which is about as follows: They 
 brought two or three cows with them, the boys of 
 the family taking turns driving and herding them. 
 When they camped for the night the cows were 
 milked night and morning, and as they moved on, 
 the jostling of the wagon churned the milk, thus 
 saving the time and labor of churning the milk. 
 Politically Mr. Post was a Democrat, which is 
 largely the characteristic of his descendants. 
 Just what his religious faith was, is not known, 
 
222 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 but be is supposed to have been a member of the 
 Church of England. 
 
 Jeremiah Post, son of Munson Post, was born in 
 Essex county, N. J., September 10, 1769, and at. 
 the age of twelve years came with his father's 
 family to Washington, Penn. He received a 
 limited education, and in January, 1794, was 
 married to Martha, daughter of Dr. Charles 
 Cracraft, and she bore him four children: William, 
 Deborah, Charles and Joseph. For his second 
 wife he married, October 25, 1804, Mary, daughter 
 of Abraham Enlow, who resided in East Finley 
 township, this county, and their children were 
 Maitha, Jemima, Martin, Jesse, Luke, Sarah, 
 Mary A., James R. and Phoebe. Mr. Post for a 
 short time after he was married lived on a small 
 farm which he owned near what is now Van Bureu, 
 which he sold and then bought the home farm, it 
 being a part of a tract of land called "Content," 
 situated on the headwaters of Ten Mile creek, 
 owned by Dr. Charles Cracraft, where he after 
 ward resided. Politically he was a Democrat; in 
 religious faith he was a Cumberland Presbyterian, 
 and was one of the charter members of the Bethel 
 C. P. Church. He died June 1, 1848, and was 
 buried in the Bethel cemetery; his wife died 
 November 30, 1854, and rests beside him. 
 
 William Post, son of Jeremiah Post, was born 
 November 12, 1795, and grew up on the home 
 farm. He married Miss Margaret, daughter of 
 Benjamin Lindley, of Morris township, and they 
 live in different parts of Washington and Greene 
 counties, also in northern Ohio. They reared a 
 large family of children. He was a farmer by oc- 
 cupation at the time of his death, which occurred 
 January 2, 1866, on the farm owned by his son 
 B. L. Post in Donegal township, where he was 
 then living; his remains were buried in the Bethel 
 cemetery near Van Buren. His wife followed 
 him to the grave in March, 1884, and her remains 
 rest by his. Their son B. L. Post, of Donegal 
 township, is an enterprising and successful farmer. 
 Deborah Post grew up on the home farm, and was 
 married to John, son of Luke Enlow, of East Finley 
 township. They lived for many years on the 
 home farm where the Pees brothers now reside, it 
 being his father's farm. They reared a large 
 family, and migrated to southern Illinois. Mr. 
 Enlow was a millwright by occupation, but after 
 they removed he engaged in farming which he 
 carried on successfully as long as he lived. Mrs. 
 Enlow was something over seventy years of age at 
 the time of her death; her remains rest near her 
 western home. Charles Post was brought up on' 
 the home farm, and learned the millwright's trade 
 with Charles Cracraft, and worked at same for a 
 number of years. He married Miss Elizabeth 
 Bryant, and then went to Allen county, Ohio, 
 where he purchased a farm, built a mill thereon, 
 
 and engaged in farming and milling which he 
 carried on until overtaken by the infirmities of 
 age. They reared five children, four of whom are 
 settled near their old home at Spencerville, Allen 
 Co., the fifth being settled in Jasper county, Mo. 
 Mr. Post in politics was a Republican, in religious 
 faith a Methodist Episcopal; he died at his home 
 March 28, 1884. Joseph Post when a young man 
 engaged in mercantile business. He married and 
 lived near Batavia, Ohio, and reared two children: 
 Samuel P. and Mary E., who became the wife of 
 Hon. Darnell, of Van Wert, Ohio. Mr. Post died 
 when comparatively a young man; his widow is at 
 present residing with her daughter at Vau Wert, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Martha Post became the wife of George Eng- 
 land, of East Finley township, and was the mother 
 of two children, Samuel, and Mary A., who became 
 the wife of G. W. Craft, of Morris township. Mrs. 
 England died when about thirty-one years of age. 
 Jemima Post married John, son of Elliott Enlow, 
 and they lived on his father's farm near the Stony 
 Point M. E. church in East Finley township. 
 Their family consisted of four daughters and one 
 son — John M — an enterprising furniture dealer in 
 Claysville. Mrs. Enlow was an exemplary member 
 of the M. E. Church at Stony Point; she died May 
 6, 1S83, aged seventy-live years, and her body rests 
 beside that of her husband in the Stony Point 
 cemetery. Martin Post was born June 22, 1809, 
 and passed his youth on the home farm in South 
 Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., re- 
 ceiving his education in the common schools. He 
 married Miss Rebecca, daughter of Hugh and 
 Ruth Montgomery, of East Finley township, and 
 they had three children: Sarah M. (deceased), 
 Mary E. and John M. They began life on the 
 home farm where they passed the rest of their 
 days. Mr. Post was a successful farmer, which 
 occupation he followed as long as he lived. He 
 was a great reader, and kept himself informed in 
 most of the leading topics of the day. Politically 
 he was a Democrat; in religious faith he was a 
 member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church; 
 he was one of the charter members of the Bethel 
 C. P. Church. On February 2, 1840, he was or- 
 dained ruling elder of the above-named church, 
 and from his ordination until his death he was 
 clerk of the Session — a period of some forty- five 
 years. One of the leading characteristics of his 
 life was his great desire to always be right and do 
 right. He died January 30, 1885, and his body 
 was laid to rest in the Bethel cemetery, by that of 
 his father and mother. After his decease his widow 
 lived on the home farm until her death, and she 
 managed the farm successfully, being a woman of 
 great perseverance and energy. She also was a 
 member of the Bethel C. P. Church. She died 
 February 23, 1892, in her seveuty first year, and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 223 
 
 was buried beside ber bueband. Their daughter 
 Mary E. resides on the home farm. John M. is a 
 prominent fanner and business man of East Fin- 
 ley township, and is a justice of the peace in said 
 township. Jesse Post was horn December '2, 1811; 
 he married Margaret Dickerson, of Morris town- 
 ship, anil after living for a number of years in 
 East Finley township, at what is known as Post's 
 Mill, In- removed to Washington county. Ohio, and 
 purchased a farm near Beverly, where he engaged 
 in farming. They had no children. He died 
 July II, 1879; his widow is still living. Luke 
 Post wasborn August 13, 1846. He married Mar 
 i ha McKoy, of East Finley township; was a farmer 
 l>\ occupation; in politics a Democrat, and in relig- 
 ious faith a Cumberland Presbyterian. He died 
 ( October 29, 1 855, and was buried in the Stony Point 
 cemetery; his wife is still living, and is now the 
 widow of Richard Mounts, of Donegal township. 
 Sarah Post died when about twentj our years 
 of age, unmarried; Mary Ann became the wife of 
 John Finley, of East Finley township, and was 
 the mother of Beven children, namely: Jeremiah 
 P., Sarali I.. James M., John A . Phoebe M. (de- 
 ceas'd), Robert ('. and William I!. The parents 
 lived in East Finlej township. The mother was 
 truly a Christian woman, and as to her good <pial 
 dies her neighbors could testify. Her kindness 
 has relieved many of the hungry pool- of her com- 
 munity. She was a member of the Presbyterian 
 
 Church 1 of Claysville. She died December 8, 
 1877, and her body rests in the Claysville ceme- 
 tery. James R. Post died in infancy. Phoebe 
 Post was born September 5, 1823, and became the 
 wife of Cyrus Sprowls, of East Finley township 
 They began life en the old home farm now owned 
 by Mrs. Simeon Sprowls, and they had three chil 
 dren, two of whom are living: Jesse 1'. and Mary 
 A Mrs. Sprowls was an exemplary member of 
 the Bethel C. P. Church. She died July 31, 18 19, 
 and was buried in the Stony Point cemetery. Her 
 husband lived many years after her decease. 
 Their son, J. P., is a Cumberland Presbyterian 
 minister, now at Salem, III.; Mary A. is the wife 
 of Jacob Rockey, of Burnsville, this county. 
 [From the pen of Mary E. Post. 
 
 rii M. TODD, a prominent attorney at law in 
 
 II l\ Washington, was born September 23, 1842, 
 
 ij\\ at Jacksonville, Morgan Co., 111., a son of 
 
 J -* Rev. Andrew Todd, who was a native of 
 
 Flemingsburg, Ky. The grandfather of 
 
 our subject, who was also a Kentuckian, married 
 
 there, and had a numerous family. 
 
 Rev. Andrew Todd, father of the subject of 
 these lines, received his primary education at the 
 public schools of his neighborhood, which was sup- 
 plemented with a course of study at Washington 
 
 College and at Jefferson College in this county, 
 graduating from the latter- in 1S17. He then en 
 tered Princeton Theological Seminary, where he 
 graduated, after which he resided for a time m 
 Flemingsburg, Ky., and finally moved to Jackson 
 ville, 111., where he passed the rest of his days, 
 dying at Montieello. Fla.. September 2, 1850. Mr. 
 Todd was married to Catherine, daughter of John 
 and Catherine (Cunningham) Wilson, the former a 
 native of Ireland, the latter of Scotland, Mr. 
 Wilson, who was by trade a cabinet maker, came 
 to Washington county at an early day and made a 
 permanent settlement. The children born to Rev. 
 Andrew and Catherine (Wilson) Todd were Ara 
 bella (Mrs. Rev. Joseph Waugh) and A. M. In 
 politics Mr. Todd was a Whig. 
 A. M. Todd attended the public schools of his na 
 
 tive town, and at the age of fourt entered Wash 
 
 ington College, this county, where he graduated in 
 18<51. On completing bisliterar) studies he entered 
 the law office of David S. Wilson, in Washington, 
 where he remained until 1868, when he was admitted 
 to the bar of Washington county. Mr. Todd was 
 married in 1874 to Annie, daughter of Joseph 
 Mason, a native of Steubenville, Ohio. To them 
 were born two children, Catharine, who died in in 
 fancy, and Elizabeth M. In politics Mr. Todd is a 
 Republican, prominent in the parly. At the forma 
 tion of the Bar Association of Washington count) 
 in September. 1892, he was unanimously chosen 
 president of that bodj 
 
 II M ICHAELG. KUNTZ. who, like his brother 
 l\/| James W., is one of the oldest and most 
 
 I ■ I respected residents of Washington bor 
 
 II — ough, first saw the light of day February 
 v 1 1, 1820, in an old log house which stood 
 on a piece of land that has been in the possession 
 of the family for a great many years. 
 
 His grandfather. Michael Kuntz, a laborer by 
 occupation, (tame, unaccompanied, in 1788, from 
 Lancaster county to Washington county, and bought 
 land where now stands Brady's jewelry store, in 
 Washington. Here he built a cabin, but on ac- 
 count of the Indians, his family did not come out 
 until May, 1790. Michael Kuntz revisited Lan- 
 caster county, but returned and died here in 1793 
 (he was a Freemason of high standing). His 
 widow, who afterward married Joseph Price, sur- 
 vived him until about the year 1835, when she 
 was called from earth at the advanced age of nine- 
 ty-three years. She was his second wife, and 
 there is a record of two children by his first mar- 
 riage, John and an older brother, who was a car- 
 penter. To his second union four children were 
 born, of whom we find the names of George H. , 
 Jacob, Sophia (Mrs. (ieorge Byrker, formerly of 
 Washington) and also another daughter, a Mrs. 
 
224 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Beddick, all now passed away. They came over the 
 mountains on pack horses, across which were 
 thrown saddle-bags, made of homemade linen, and 
 when the little boys were tired walking they were 
 placed in the pockets of these saddle bags. 
 
 George H. Kuntz, born in Lancaster county, 
 Penn., January 25, 1785, was about six years old 
 when brought to Washington. Here he lived at the 
 same place over fourscore years, dying July-18,1870. 
 He was a hatter by trade, and in 1810 opened a 
 factory at Washington, where hats were made by 
 hand. This business he continued until 1844, 
 when he retired. In 1818 he married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of James Wisbey, of Washington, and 
 seven children were born to them: Michael and 
 James W., both at Washington; one that died in 
 infancy; Brady, a physician, who died at Washing- 
 ton, March 26, 1863; Sophia, who married Charles 
 Hayes, and died at Washington in 1S54; Philip, 
 who also died at Washington, December IN. 1ST:', 
 and Stephen, who died in April, 1891, at the age 
 of fifty six years. The father was called from 
 earth July 18, 1870, at the age of eighty-six years 
 (he was a Jacksonian Democrat, and for a time 
 served as borough treasurer; was a Freemason, 
 having been initiated in 1824); the mother died 
 April 21, 1884, when eighty-four years old. 
 
 Michael G. Kuntz received his education at the 
 public schools of his native place, remaining under 
 the paternal roof until he was eighteen years of 
 age, when he proceeded to Wheeling, W. Va., in 
 order to learn the cabinet making trade. On 
 completing his apprenticeship, he returned to 
 Washington, where for a time he worked for 
 Thomas Bryson, and at journey work, until 1844, 
 when he opened a shop in Washington for his own 
 account. This he conducted until April, 1856, 
 when he embarked in the gents' furnishing business, 
 which he has since continued, having been located 
 at his present stand over twenty eight years. On 
 October 16, 1844, Mr. Kuntz was married to Miss 
 Eliza Jane, daughter of John Ruth, who came to 
 Washington from Maryland at an early day, dying 
 here. This union has been blessed with six chil- 
 dren, viz.: George B., in his father's store; Mary 
 Jane, married to Robert McBrury, and now keeping 
 house for her father; James Jr., in the real-estate 
 business at Washington; Elizabeth, wife of John 
 M. Morrow, of Washington, and John R., a drug 
 gist of Washington. The mother died April 19, 
 1886, at the age of sixty-three years. Mr. Kuntz 
 has been a lifelong Democrat, and has not failed 
 to poll his vote for fifty years, his first Presidential 
 vote being cast in the fall of 1844, when he had to 
 walk sixteen miles for that purpose. He joined 
 the I. O. O. F. at Washington, and in February, 
 1843, became a charter member of Lodge No. 81. 
 His present home is on South Main street, where 
 he has resided for the last sixteen years. 
 
 HARLESB. WOOD, M.D., a prominent phy 
 sician and surgeon of Monongahela, is a 
 son of Samuel A. Wood, a native of Vir- 
 ginia, whose family were of English birth. 
 Samuel A. Wood was married to Lucy M. Curl, 
 of Virginia, whose mother was a relative of Chief- 
 justice Gibson, of Pennsylvania. 
 
 The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wood were: Joshua 
 G., au attorney of Topeka, Kans. ; Thomas S., who 
 died in 1892, was principal of one of the Allegheny 
 schools; Louis M., an architect of Denver, Colo.; 
 Charles B., whose name opens this sketch; Mary 
 G, living in Brownsville, Penn., and Lucy, de- 
 ceased. The parents are now living in Browns 
 ville, Fayette county, retired from active business. 
 Both are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Charles B. Wood was born at Brownsville, Fay 
 ette county, Penn., where he passed his youth. 
 He attended Oberlin College for four years, then 
 read medicine with Dr. W. S. Duncan, of Browns 
 ville, and completed his studies at the University 
 of Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1876. 
 He practiced at Monongahela for ten years, then 
 attended the Polyclinic of New York, and in 1889 
 took a course in special studies at the Polyclinic 
 Hospital and Wills Eye Hospital, Philadelphia. 
 In 1887 he married Carrie, daughter of Hon. 
 George V. Lawrence, of Monongahela. One son, 
 Lawrence, blessed their union. Dr. Wood has 
 given special study to the eye and ear, but is a gen 
 eral practitioner, and since 1881 has been Surgeon 
 for the Pennsylvania Railroad. He is what every 
 true physician must be, enthusiastically devoted 
 to his calling. His reputation is not confined to 
 this domain, however, for Dr. Wood is equally a 
 favorite in social and business circles, where his 
 original ideas and store of information are ever 
 fully appreciated. In politics he is a Republican, 
 " born and bred," and has served as a member of 
 the school board of Monongahela. He is a mem- 
 ber of the American Medical Association; Pennsyl- 
 vania State Medical Society; National Association 
 of Railway Surgeons; and Washington County 
 Medical Society. 
 
 QUIRE HENRY B. McLEAN, a well known, 
 popular and successful citizen of this coun- 
 ty, was born in Fayette county, Penn., May 
 19, 1822. The McLean family came to 
 Fayette county in an early day, where the grand 
 parents died many years ago. Alexander, a 
 brother of John McLean, the grandfather, served 
 his county and party as register and recorder for 
 many years. The grandparents had a family of 
 se.veu children, all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 John McLean, father of subject, was born in 
 1771. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, serv- 
 ing as captain of a company from Fayette county. 
 
WASHINGTON COl.\ I ) 
 
 225 
 
 Hi' was a surveyor and farmer by profession, ami 
 in early life was united in marriage with Mary. 
 daughter of John Jackson, of Washington county. 
 Perm The family finally settled on a farm in 
 Fayette county, when' Mr. McLean died in L831, 
 at the age of sixty years. His widow afterward 
 became the wifeof John Gattenby, of Brownsville, 
 Fayette Co., Penn She died in 1S7'2, having 
 borne to her first husband a family of eleven chil 
 dren: James, Samuel, John, William, Robert, 
 Henry 15., Clarissa, Helen, Sarah, Mary Ann and 
 Margaret, of whom John, Mary Ann and Henry 
 B. survive. A few moved West, and they were 
 widely scattered, our subject being the only one who 
 settled in Washington county. 
 
 Henry B. McLean attended the log-cabin school 
 of the day. the walls of which were decorated with 
 pegs, whereon were placed whips of all sizes, tend 
 iog to strike terror into the juvenile heart. Some- 
 times a stick, happening to be mor nvenient to 
 
 the hand of the irate pedagogue, was thrown at the 
 head of the offending urchin. He resided on the 
 farm until eighteen years of age, when he began 
 life for himself in Washington county, first learn- 
 ing the carpenter's trade of James Rogers (de- 
 ceased) and a brother in law. After serving a 
 three years' apprenticeship, he followed his trade 
 ten years, beginning work at I o'clock in the muni 
 ing and closing at S in the evening, receiving in 
 payment the munificent salary of SI per day. On 
 May 19, 1847, Mr. McLean married Mary Ann, 
 daughter of Samuel Rogers, who came from Mary 
 land in 1820, and died on Squire McLean's farm a 
 few years ago, at the age of sixty eight years, the 
 mother having passed away some years before. In 
 1852 our subject bought the farm he now own--. 
 upon which an old lug house was then standing, 
 By hard work he continued to improve this home 
 until a comfortable income was secured, and in 
 1867 erected a dwelling-house. While working on 
 this building, he fell from a high scaffolding, 
 striking his head on a stone, and crushing his ribs. 
 He was senseless for over a week, and has never 
 fully recovered from the terrible accident. Squire 
 McLean has attained the prominent position he 
 now occupies in Washington county by years of 
 untiring industry, and deserves the most sincere 
 and hearty commendation. His marriage has been 
 blessed by one daughter, .Sarah Ellen (Mrs. J. Y. 
 Scott, of Washington, Penn.). In politics he was 
 a Democrat until IS'ifi, when he became a Repub- 
 lican. He has served in all the township offices, 
 also tilling the position of county commissioner for 
 oue term, and has acted as justice of the peace for 
 fifteen years, being especially fitted for the latter 
 office, for he has always been a peacemaker. Mr. 
 and Mrs. McLean are members of the M. E. 
 Church. She has a brother, John A., living in 
 Baltimore, Maryland. 
 
 n C. SAMPSON (deceased) was horn Feb 
 1 I ruarj 1">, 1828, in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 
 fpAl near MoKeesport, a son of Thomas and 
 JJ -* Anna (Coon) Sampson, the former of whom, 
 a native of Ireland, came to America at an 
 early day. Their children were Mary ( Mrs. Oliver 
 Evans), A. C, Harvey, Margaret. William. John 
 and Letitia. Thomas Sampson was a farmer and 
 manufacturer of sickles, and also conducted a 
 flouring mill. He was ;i zealous member of the 
 Long Run Presbyterian Church. 
 
 A. C. Sampson received a liberal education at 
 the public schools in tin' vicinity of his birthplace, 
 proving an apt and diligent pupil. In his earl] 
 manhood he embarked in the insurance business, 
 which he followed with marked success during his 
 lifetime, being general agent for Western Penn 
 sylvania Co. He was three times married: first to 
 Margaret Williams, then to Fannie Moore, and 
 lastly to Letitia S., daughter of -lames Manown, 
 of whom special mention will presently be made. 
 The children by the first wife were Nancy, and 
 one that died in infancy; by the second, two that 
 died in infancy; and by the third, live children, 
 viz.: Anna K. (deceased wife of Dr. Boyd, also de 
 ceased), Sarah M., Letitia S. (who married Edwin 
 Bmbaker, and died, leaving oue sou, Henry S. 
 Brubaker), A. C. and Harriet L. The father of 
 these children died May It*. 1872. After his first 
 marriage, lie came, in 1853, to Monongahela City 
 to reside. Mr. Sampson was a progressive citizen, 
 a typical self made man, than whom none in the 
 county enjoyed higher respect and esteem. He 
 was the first president of the People's Savings 
 Bank. Monongahela City, and was oue of the 
 active, solid business men of the place. Politically 
 lie was a working member of the Republican party; 
 socially a F. & A. M., ho held a high degree in the 
 fraternity; in religion ho was a consistent member 
 of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James Manown, father of Mrs. A. C. Sampson, 
 was born in County Down, Ireland, in 1781. His 
 father, Richard Manown, a native of the same 
 county, married a Miss Smith, who bore him chil 
 dren as follows: James, William, John, Richard 
 and Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Bailie). The family 
 came to America in 1798, the voyage occupying 
 fourteen weeks, and from New York, where they 
 landed, they 7 proceeded to western Pennsylvania, 
 making a settlement near Round Hill Church, in 
 Westmoreland county, where they followed farm 
 ing. They were members of the Episcopal 
 Church. James Manown, was, as will be seen, 
 seventeen years old when he came with his parents 
 to America. He had been well educated in his 
 native land, and on his arrival in the New World 
 be learned the trade of carpenter and builder 
 which he followed for some years. On December 
 0, 1808, he married Mrs. Cassandra Elliott, a 
 
226 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 daughter of Daviil Devore, and the widow of 
 George Elliott, by whom she had two children: 
 Burn side and Patience (Mrs. Benjamin Davis). 
 David Devore (the grandfather of Mrs. Letitia 
 Manown Sampson) came from New Jersey in 
 1787, with his wife Elizabeth Harvey. He and his 
 brother, Moses Devore, purchased, in 1788, 250 
 acres of land, lying opposite Monongahela City, 
 which land was then in Westmoreland county, now 
 Forward township, Allegheny county, paying 50 
 cents per acre with interest from March 1, 1771, 
 agreeably to an act passed by the Assembly in 
 1784. David Devore was granted license to ferry 
 from his home on this property to the mouth of 
 Pigeon creek, afterward known as Parkison's 
 ferry. He died in 1789, leaving a widow and 
 one child, Cassandra. His widow some years af- 
 terward married Major Scott, and to her was born 
 one son, William. After the death of Mr. Scott 
 Ins widow made her home with this son at Vin- 
 ceunes, Ind., where she died in 1820. Cassandra 
 Devore married George Elliott, who was drowned 
 off the ferry while trying to rescue his son Burn- 
 side, -lames Manown married Mrs. George El- 
 liott, and resided on the farm near the ferry which 
 James Manown bought from Moses Devore. The 
 ferry belonging to his wife, James Manown after- 
 ward bought at sheriff sale the Parkison inter 
 est in land and ferry, and carried on the ferry 
 until the Williamsport bridge was built in 1836. 
 On this same farm now live James Manown's old 
 est son, Franklin, with his two sisters, Mrs. Har- 
 riet Moore and Sarah Manown, also James Moore, 
 son of Mrs. H. Moore. James Manown died May 
 21, 1873, liis wife having preceded him to the 
 grave in 1860. They were the parents of the fol 
 lowing named children: Eliza (Mrs. Asher Van 
 Kirk), Franklin, Nancy (Mrs. John Thickield), 
 Cassandra (Mrs. Alfred Thickield), James (a phy- 
 sician, now of Kingwood, W. Va. , married to a 
 Miss Armstrong), Harriet (Mrs. James Moore), 
 Sarah, and Letitia S. (Mrs. A. C. Sampson). Mr. 
 Manown was an influential Democrat and a con- 
 sistent member of the Presbyterian Church. He 
 was a remarkably enterprising man, one whose in 
 fluence for good was felt in the community, and 
 he took a deep interest in educational and relig 
 ions matters. For several years he served as a 
 justice of the peace. 
 
 f( I' ON. JOHN A. MelLVAINE, president 
 | — j judge of the courts of Washington county, 
 composing the Twenty- seventh Judicial 
 J) -* District of Pennsylvania, was born in Som- 
 v erset township, said county, April 13, 1843, 
 
 a son of William and Matilda Mcllvaine. His pa 
 ternal grandfather was Greer Mcllvaine, who re- 
 moved to Somerset township from the eastern part 
 of the State in I7SS or 1789. 
 
 The early education of the subject of this mem- 
 oir was obtained in the common schools of his 
 township, and September 19, 1860, he entered the 
 junior preparatory department of Jefferson College, 
 at Canonsburg; but, by doing double duty, and 
 being aided by a fine natural ability, he was ad 
 mitted to the Freshman class of the college at the 
 beginning of the fall term of 1861. Graduating 
 in 1865, he was awarded the second honor of 
 his class (consisting of thirty-six members), and 
 delivered the Latin salutatory on commencement 
 day. The class of 1X65 was the last class gradu- 
 ated at Jefferson College before its union with 
 Washington College, forming thereafter Washing 
 ton and Jefferson College, at Washington, Penn. 
 
 Immediately after graduation Mr. Mcllvaine en ' 
 tered as a law student with Hon. Boyd Crumrine, 
 at Washington, Penn., and was admitted to the 
 bar at August term, 1867. For two years after 
 his admission he was engaged as a clerk in the 
 office of the county treasurer, and then went to 
 Kansas, locating at Wichita. While at that place 
 he held the office of clerk of the district court for 
 one year. In July, 1872, he was called home by 
 the illness of his father, and, a favorable opportu 
 nitv offering, he soon afterward opened a law 
 office in Washington, Penn. During the years 
 1872 and 1873 he served as secretary of the 
 Republican County Vigilance Committee. Becom 
 ing a candidate himself, in 1874 he was elected 
 district attorney for Washington county for the 
 usual term of three years, and at the end of this 
 term was re-elected for a second term. Upon re- 
 tiring from that office, at the end of his six years' 
 continuous service, he received most favorable 
 commendation from the public press for the man 
 ner in which he had discharged the duties of his 
 office. One of the leading papers of his county, 
 of opposite politics, said of him: " Mr. Mcllvaine 
 has been the chosen officer to represent the people 
 in all criminal prosecutions in this county for the 
 past six years, and we but echo the sentiment of 
 all conversant with the facts when we say that he 
 has discharged the trust with great ability and 
 fairness. He is a hard worker, and always had a 
 knowledge of the facts, and wab fully prepared 
 to present them in a methodical and convincing 
 way. Although a vigorous prosecutor, he was 
 fair; and no defendant had just cause to complain 
 of any undue advantage having been taken of 
 him." 
 
 During his term of office as district attorney, 
 Mr. Mcllvaine formed a partnership in professional 
 business with Mr. M. L. A. McCracken, and the 
 legal business of the firm became large and lucra- 
 tive. This partnership continued until 1886, when 
 on November 4, of that year, Mr. Mcllvaine was 
 elected president judge of the Twenty-seventh 
 Judicial District, for a term of ten years. On 
 
: <z. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 229 
 
 account of the development of his native county in 
 the production of oil and natural j;h>, his term of 
 office as judge, up to the date of this writing, has 
 h;id a large and varied increase in the amount and 
 character of the legal business to be transacted; 
 but it is the opinion common to all that the Judge 
 has been equal to the demand made upon his 
 ability and strength, and not only has the business 
 beeu promptly transacted, but transacted in such 
 a way as to be very satisfactory to both lawyers 
 and clients. The cases in which his rulings and 
 decisions have been reversed in the supreme courl 
 have been comparatively few in number. 
 
 On December 17. 1874, Judge Mcllvaine mar- 
 ried .Miss Ada C.Shaw, of Philadelphia. He served 
 in the National Guard of Pennsylvania, as adjutant 
 of the Tenth Regiment for two years. He is a 
 ruling elder in the Second Presbyterian Church. 
 He has a beautiful and pleasant home in East 
 Washington, with every comfort and convenience 
 for himself and wife, about him, save one the 
 presence of children. He is free from all osten 
 tatious pride, is genial and affable in his manner. 
 and is always ready to bestow a favor, to speak a 
 pleasant word, and to do a kind act. 
 
 yiTTENHOUSE ('KISS was born Septem 
 ber 17, 1817. He was a son of Jacob 
 Griss, whose father, John Criss, emigrated 
 from Germany and settled on a tract of 
 land containing 319 acres called " I lei nut 
 age," situated on Harmon's creek, in Washington 
 Co.. Penn., at what is now Hanliu Station, which 
 became his permanent home. He had a family of 
 sis sons: William, Jacob, Henry. John; Nicholas. 
 aid George, also a daughter Sarah, who became 
 the wife of Samuel Wright. The father of these 
 passed away at an advanced age. He was one of 
 the first pioneers, and a highly respected citizen. 
 He was buried in the Bethel M. E. Churchyard. 
 
 Jacob Criss, son of John, was born May 15, 
 1778, and on November 25, 1799, was married to 
 Hannah Rittenhouse, who was born April 6, 17S1. 
 Thirteen children were born to this union, all of 
 whom (except one) grew to manhood and woman 
 hood and married. Eight of these children were 
 sons and five daughters. After his marriage Mr. 
 Criss bought and settled on a part of the home 
 farm which his father had owned. This farm is 
 now owned by the heirs of his son, Rittenhouse 
 Criss He died in 1845 aged about sixty-eight years, 
 and was buried beside his wife in the Bethel grave- 
 yard. Of the thirteen children of Jacob Criss, 
 but one is living at the date of this writing, Febru- 
 ary, 1893, the youngest son, Mr. Jacob Criss, of 
 Colliers, W. Va. , aged about seventy-three. 
 
 Rittenhouse Criss, seventh son of Jacob and 
 Hannah (Rittenhouse) Criss, was born on the home 
 
 farm, and passed his youth in agricultural pur 
 suits. In L844 he was united in marriage to Miss 
 Mary Fink, who became the mother of four chil- 
 dren, two sons and two daughters. In 1853 the 
 mother and three youngest children were strick- 
 en down with typhoid dysentery and died. 
 The eldest and only remaining child grew to woman 
 hood, and married John 1>. Robison. Shediedtwo 
 years afterward, aged nineteen years. Mr. Criss 
 afterward married Miss Eliza J. Stewart (a cousin 
 of his tirst wife), by whom he had eight children, 
 namel\ : Stewart W., Elmore R., both of Colliers, 
 W. Va.;Charles I. . of Pittsburgh, Penn.; Robert 
 W . of Colliers, and Nicholas R.. Mary M.. Anna 
 R. and Hallie B., who reside with their mother 
 on the home farm. The father was long a mem 
 ber of the Methodisl Protestant Church of Elders 
 ville. He died suddenly of heart trouble, Decem- 
 ber I. 1882, in the sixty tifth year of his age, and 
 was buried in the Eldersville cemetery. Mr. diss 
 always lived on the farm on which he was born. 
 
 Eliza J. Criss, widow of Rittenhouse Criss. was 
 born in Brooke county, W Va., August Id. 1835. 
 She was a daughter of Robert Stewart, whose 
 father. Samuel Stewart, emigrated from Scotland 
 and located on Robison's run, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and there was united in marriage to Eliza- 
 beth McCarty, a lady of Irish ai stry. Of the 
 
 children born to them six lived to mat mat v. namely : 
 Charles. George, John, Robert, Sarah and Mary, 
 all now deceased, leaving numerous descendants 
 scattered through different parts of Ohio and 
 Pennsylvania. Robert Stewart was born Septem 
 ber 111, 1810, and received his education in the 
 common schools which he improved 1>_\ a course of 
 general reading. He was married to Miss Margaret 
 Wilson, a resident of Washington county, born in 
 November, 1812. Of the eight children born to 
 them, seven are living, Mrs. Criss being the eld 
 est. Robert Stewart died in September, 1876, 
 his wife in 1855. 
 
 ' 
 
 I M( RS. AGNES MILLER. Of the eminent 
 
 \/| families in Washington county the name 
 
 •i I of Miller has for many years represented 
 
 a race noted for patriotism, energy and 
 
 intelligence. 
 
 In 1784 or 17S5 James Miller emigrated from 
 his home in County Tyrone. Ireland, to Chester 
 county, Penn. A few years later he removed to 
 Washington county, then a wilderness, and took 
 out patents for over one thousand acres of land, 
 embracing that now owned by his descendants — 
 John, James and Andrew Miller, of Mt. Pleasant 
 and Chartiers townships. In 1811 Thomas Mil- 
 ler followed his brother to this country, bringing 
 with him his family, consisting of his wife, Mar 
 garet. and their children — two sous, three daugh- 
 
230 
 
 il ASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ters aud one daughter-in-law, viz. : Thomas, An 
 drew (married), Margaret (who married a cousin, 
 John Miller), Sarah (married to Thomas, a brother 
 of John Miller), and Mary, who remained unmar- 
 ried. In March, 1812, Thomas Miller bought the 
 tract of land named in its patent " Peace and 
 Plenty." 
 
 This farm, which became the Miller homestead, 
 was inherited by Thomas Miller, Jr., who was in 
 his twenty fourth year when he came to America. 
 He married, after coining to America, his cousin, 
 Margaret Miller, who died within a year. His 
 second wife was Elizabeth Brown, who died, leav 
 ing him one daughter, Margaret (now Mrs. James 
 K. Hamilton, of Brownstown, Ind.). His third 
 choice was Catherine Shaw, who came to this 
 country with her family in 1818 from County 
 Donegal. Ireland. She bore him seven children: 
 Thomas, Elizabeth, Sarah and Jane (twins), Mary 
 (who married Rev. I. N. White, of Fairview, Ohio), 
 Catherine and John Monteith. All are now de 
 ceased, except Elizabeth, who now lives in Avalon, 
 Allegheny Co., Penu. (She had been a most de 
 voted daughter to her parents in their old age.) 
 Thomas Miller devoted himself to farming and 
 sliccp raising, making a signal success in that 
 business. He was a devoted Freemason, and in 
 politics was a Democrat, stumping the county for 
 Polk's election. He was a member of the old 
 Seceder Church, in Mount Pleasant township. 
 He died December 23, 1877, in his ninety-second 
 year. He divided his estate among his children. 
 
 John M. Miller was born March 18, 1842. At 
 the age of fourteen years he was sent to Elder's 
 Kidge Academy, then to Jefferson College, Canons- 
 burg, from which he was graduated in 1801. He 
 then entered his name as a law student in Phila- 
 delphia, but was obliged to return home and take 
 charge of the old homestead. On September 13, 
 1866, he was married to Miss Agnes White, daugh- 
 ter of W. S. White, now of Canonsburg. Of 
 their children, five — three sons and two daughters 
 — are living. 
 
 Mr. Miller's prosperous career as a farmer is 
 well known among his fellow-Pennsylvanians, 
 among whom his position as a prominent stock 
 raiser was well established. He enjoyed a national 
 reputation as a breeder of North Devon cattle. 
 At the time of bis death he was president of the 
 American Devon Cattle Club; vice president of 
 the Spanish Merino Sheep Breeders' Association; a 
 member of the State Board of Agriculture, and a 
 member of the Western Pennsylvania Agricultural 
 Association. He was a farmer who loved his voca 
 tion and his home, improving not only the land 
 but the stock buildings and methods of farming. 
 In other business pursuits he. was equally success- 
 ful, his enterprising spirit prompting him to look 
 beyond the immediate profit of a transaction, and 
 
 
 to estimate the general advantages to be obtained 
 therefrom. He was a man of the strictest integ- 
 rity, doing business only upon an honorable basis, 
 which fact, combined with his ability and good 
 judgment, brought him deserved success and made 
 him a recognized authority in business matters. 
 Politically, he was a Democrat, but, though inter- 
 ested in public questions, was averse to political 
 preferment. He served for many years as justice 
 of the peace, and in other township offices. He 
 was deeply interested in the public schools, spend- 
 ing much of his time in planning for their im- 
 provement. 
 
 On the morning of May 14, 1888, he was 
 stricken with apoplexy, and at one o'clock of the 
 same day he passed away, seemingly without any 
 pain. Mr. Miller was possessed of a tine appear 
 ance and of a hearty, genial manner, which, with 
 his generous disposition, won him friends innumer- 
 able. His heart and hand were ever open to the 
 cry of suffering, and, his sympathies aroused, he 
 gave with a liberality not warranted by his re- 
 sources. In brief, when he was laid to rest, the 
 entire community, no less than his kindred and 
 intimate friends, mourned the loss of a public 
 benefactor, a true Christian and an upright, honor- 
 able business man. 
 
 Mrs. Miller still retains the old farm in Mount 
 Pleasant township, but in September, 1890, came 
 to her present home in Washington borough, in 
 order to give her children better educational ad- 
 vantages. 
 
 JIOHN AIKEN. Joseph Aiken, the grand 
 father of the subject of this sketch, came to 
 ) this country from Coleraine, County London- 
 derry, Ireland, near the beginning of the 
 present century. He was a Scotch-Irish Presby- 
 terian, his ancestry having been driven over from 
 Scotland at the time of the persecution. 
 
 Four brothers came, first stopping in Adams 
 county, Penn. ; then one settled and died in Law 
 reoce county, Penn., another removed to Harrison 
 county, Ohio, aud two remained in Washington 
 county, Penn., one in the northern part and Joseph 
 in Canton township. The one last named was a 
 linen weaver. He died in 1843, and was buried in 
 North Buffalo churchyard. He had ten children, 
 of whom William was the eighth. William learned 
 the tailor's trade with Charles Hawkins in Wash 
 ington, Penn., whom he served as an apprentice 
 from the age of fourteen until he was twenty-one. 
 He started in business first at West Liberty, W. 
 Va., but soon moved to Short creek, Jefferson 
 county, Ohio, where he remained many years. He 
 is still living in a warm, heartsome old age, on his 
 farm at Coolville, Ohio. He first married Nancy 
 Daugherty — the eldest of twenty-one children — at 
 
Washington coi \ n 
 
 23 1 
 
 West Middletown, Peun., in 1843; and several 
 years after her death became the husband of Blag 
 gie Stollar, whose father belonged to the family of 
 that name in West Finley township, in this county. 
 John Aiken, the eldest of twelve children of 
 William, was born in West Liberty, W. Va.. Feb 
 man 7. 1^11 When he was a few weeks old the 
 family moved to McKee's Factory, Jefferson couu 
 ty, Ohio. After he attained sufficient age he 
 worked at farming during the summer and attend 
 ed school in the winter, until August, 1 862, when, 
 at the age of eighteen, he enlisted in the Union 
 Army, in Company D, One Hundred and Twenty 
 Sixth O. V. I. During the first nine months he 
 served at Cumberland, Md. ,and Martinsburg, W. 
 Va., when the regiment became a par! of the Third 
 Corps, Army of the Potomac, and later of the Sixth 
 Corps. He served as private, corporal and ser- 
 geant. On September IS. 1864, when he was aerv 
 ing in this regiment under Gen. Sheridan in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, he received from the War De 
 partment a commission as first Lieutenant in the 
 Twenty Ninth U. S. C. T., with an order to report 
 for duty in the Army of the Potomac. He re- 
 mained, however, with the old regimen! f<>r sev- 
 eral days, ami participated in the battles of < >pequan, 
 September L9; Flint Hill. September 21; and 
 Fisher's Hill, September 22. On September 28, 
 le- started to join his new regiment, into which he 
 was mustered October 10, 1864, at Poplar Grove 
 Church, Virginia. This regiment then formed a 
 part of the Fourth division of the Ninth Corps. It 
 was afterward transferred to the Twenty-fifth 
 (!orps, in the Army of the James, in front of Rich 
 mond. Ten days after he was mustered in, he was 
 placed in charge of and was the only officer in the 
 company. From that time until he was mustered 
 out in December, 1805, excepting a few days, he 
 was in command of a company in this regiment 
 In the early part of 1865 he passed the requisite 
 examination, and was recommended for promotion 
 to a captaincy. He was informed that the com- 
 mission was ordered, but as it was so near the 
 close of the war he never received it, and, conse- 
 quently, was not mustered. He was in the cam- 
 paign that ended in, aud was present at, General 
 Lee's surrender. He was in twelve battles and 
 many skirmishes, but was never wounded. In 
 January, 1806, Mr. Aiken became a student in 
 Washington aud Jefferson College, and remained 
 there two years; at the end of which time he began 
 the study of law with Alexander Wilson, of Wash- 
 ington, Penn., and was admitted to the bar there, 
 December 13, 1809, since which time he has de- 
 voted himself exclusively to the practice of his 
 profession. He was elected a ruling elder in the 
 First Presbyterian Church in Washington in Feb- 
 ruary, 1883, and was commissioner to the General 
 
 Assembly of the Presbyterian Church at Omaha, 
 Neb., in I'sST, serving as a member of the judicial 
 committee of that body. The chief glory of his 
 civil life, however, is in the relation of teacher in 
 the Sabbath-school of the First Presbyterian 
 Church since March. 1866, and from 187-1 of the 
 Students' Bible class, whose average annual en- 
 rollment has been about fifty. Over one hundred 
 and twenty-live representatives of this elass have 
 gone into the Christian ministry He is a director 
 of the Washington Refining Company, also of the 
 Washington Fire Insurance Compauy, the first 
 National Bank of Washington, and a member of 
 the Board of Trustees of Washington and .letter 
 son College. 
 
 The subject of this memoir was married to Jen- 
 nie Blaine in December, 1869, in Fast Bethlehem 
 township, Washington county, and from this union 
 there have come live children: Mary, attending 
 ih.' Western Female Seminary at Oxford, Ohio; 
 Blaine, a student at Washington and Jefferson 
 College; Rose, also at the Western Female Semi 
 nary, at Oxford, Ohio; and Ella and John, in the 
 Union School of Washington. Mrs. Aiken's fa 
 ther, Matthew Blaine, lives al Beallsville, Penn. 
 His father, Leonard Blaine, was one of the old 
 lime Scotch Irish "School Master-.." He did good 
 
 serv ce in i he line of his profession tor man\ years 
 
 in the eastern end of this countv. 
 
 \ILLIAM 1IOSACK PAXTON, of the firm 
 of Paxton Brothers, a highly respected 
 citizen of Canonsburg, is a descendant of 
 one of the oldest families in Washington 
 county. Penn. 
 
 John Paxton, grandfather of subject, was a na 
 tive of York county, and came to Washington 
 county in 1782. He married Martha Paxton, also 
 a native of York, who, when a child, crossed the 
 mountains on horseback, in comine; to Washington 
 county. After their marriage, Mr and Mrs. Pax 
 ton settled in Chartiers township, where they died. 
 The children born of their union were: Thomas 
 (who married Miss Jane Mills), Eliza (who mar 
 ried John Nesbit, and lived on a farm in Chartiers 
 township, where she and her husband died; they 
 had no children), Isaac, Samuel (who married Miss 
 Harsha, by whom he had two sous and one daugh- 
 ter) and John. 
 
 John Paxton, father of subject, was born in Can- 
 ton township, September 10, 1810. He worked on 
 his father's farm until about sixteen years of age, 
 and then went to Washington, Penn., where he 
 learned the saddle and harness trade, which he fol- 
 lowed exclusively until 1850, when, in partnership 
 with Matthew Wilson, he engaged in butchering 
 
232 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 and stock dealing. He was a man of more than 
 ordinary ability and energy, traits of character that 
 manifested themselves at an early date. When a 
 small boy, he, in company with a sister, raised a 
 crop of oats, threshed them with a Mail, and carried 
 them on horseback to Washington, where they sold 
 them. Money was scarce in those days and strict 
 economy was practiced, one pair of shoes being 
 made to last a year. Mr. Paxton married Mrs. 
 Elizabeth (Wilson) Power, a widow, and daughter 
 of Henry and Jane (Dill) Wilson. By her first 
 marriage Mrs. Power had two daughters, Margaret 
 and Anna Power. Margaret Power married Thomas 
 Bell. He went to California in 1852, during the 
 gold fever, and died there in 1855. To this union 
 was born one daughter, Anna. Mrs. Bell, after 
 her husband's death, lived with her stepfather's 
 family until her death, which occurred June 6, 
 
 1889. Anna Power married David Hart, and they 
 made their home with William and Oliver L. Pax- 
 tun, in Canonsburg. 
 
 Henry and Jane (Dill) Wilson, parents of Mrs. 
 Johu Paxton, lived on a farm in South Strabane 
 township. They were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. Four sous and two daughters were born 
 to them, viz. : Dill (a farmer by occupation, who 
 married but had no children), Matthew (who 
 learned the saddle and harness trade with his 
 brother-in-law, John Paxton), Thomas (who grad- 
 uated from Jefferson College, studied for the min 
 istry, graduated in theology, became a Presbyterian 
 minister, and married Miss Margaret Sanders, of 
 Baltimore, and by her had two sons, Morris and 
 Calvin D., both of whom are Presbyterian minis- 
 ters), Samuel J. ( who graduated from Washington 
 College and at Allegheny Theological Seminary, 
 and was for many years, and at the time of his 
 death, professor of theology in Allegheny Theolog- 
 ical Seminary; he had one son and two daughters, 
 viz.: Robert D., a lawyer in Allegheny county,, 
 unmarried; Catherine and Jane, both of whom are 
 married), Jane (who married Louis Guthrie a 
 tailor of Moundsville, W. Va. ), and Elizabeth (who 
 was first married to Mr. Power and afterward to 
 John Paxton). 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. John Paxton were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. He died December 24, 
 
 1890, at the age of eighty-one. Mrs. Paxton was 
 born December 10, 1809, and died October 29, 
 1858. Their marriage was blessed with seven 
 sons and two daughters, a brief history of whom 
 follows: (1) Wilson N. Paxton graduated from 
 Jefferson College in 1856, went South as a teacher, 
 and after returning to Canonsburg, Penn., read 
 law. He was admitted to the liar of Allegheny 
 county, and practiced his profession in Pittsburgh. 
 In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred 
 and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served 
 
 three years as second lieutenant. He was taken 
 prisoner at Gettysburg on the second day of the 
 tight, carried to Libby Prison, and remained there 
 and at other prisons twenty months. He was 
 promoted to the captaincy of his company, and is 
 now in the pension office at Washington, D. C. 
 He married Miss Emily J. Newkirk, but has no 
 children. (2) Thomas Paxton is engaged in the 
 butcher aud cattle business. He enlisted in Com- 
 pany D, Tenth Kegimeut, P. R. V. C. Reserves, in 
 April, 1861, and was killed at Spottsylvania, May 
 9, 1NI>4, being shot through the bowels while do- 
 ing picket duty. He was never married. (3) Mar- 
 tha Jane Paxton died January 24, 1890, unmar 
 ried. (4) John R. Paxton graduated from Jeffer 
 son College with honors. At the time of the com 
 mencement of the Civil war, in 1861, ho was in 
 the junior class at college. He enlisted in Com- 
 pany G, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania 
 Volunteers; Captain Frazier, of this company, was 
 professor in Jefferson College. At the close of the 
 war Mr. Paxton came home and re-entered Jeffer- 
 son College, where he graduated. He then entered 
 the Western Theological Seminary at Allegheny, 
 graduated there, and alno at Princeton Theological 
 Seminary. He married Miss Mary L. Lindsay, of 
 Allegheny. His first charge was Churchville, 
 Maryland, from there to Harrisburg, and then to 
 Washington, D. C. He is now minister of the 
 West Presbyterian Church, New York City. His 
 marriage was blessed by four children, of whom 
 one son and one daughter are now living. (5) 
 William Hosack, subject of our sketch. (6) Oliver 
 L. Paxton, who was born March 23, 1848, and 
 educated in the common schools. He is engaged 
 in buying and shipping stock, in partnership with 
 his brother, William Hosack. (7) Mary E. Paxton 
 married Rev. W. F. Conner, a Methodist minister, 
 of Johnstown, Penn. To them have been born 
 two daughters, Mabel and Bessie. (8) Matthew H. 
 Paxton was born in 1854. He entered Jefferson 
 Academy, and completed his education at La Fay- 
 ette, Penn. He was appointed assistant pay- 
 master of the Government under Maj. Keefer, and 
 traveled over the Northwest and Southwest. He 
 was married in Walla Walla, Wash., and was 
 stationed for a time in Newport, Ky., but dislik- 
 ing to travel, he resigned his position as assistant 
 paymaster, and located in Walla Walla, where lie 
 has been elected county assessor and appraiser 
 three times, and where he owns land and is en- 
 gaged in the real-estate business. 
 
 William Hosack Paxton, the subject of this 
 biographical sketch, was born March 9, 1846, in 
 Canonsburg. Politically, he is a Republican. 
 Mr. Paxton ranks among the prominent business 
 men of Canonsburg, and is highly respected both 
 in social and commercial circles. 
 
WASHINGTOA COUA r) 
 
 233 
 
 , EV. GEORGE McDONALD, the hading 
 character in this sketch, was horn February 
 
 V 
 
 \ 25, 1825, in Donegal township. Washing- 
 J] ton Co., Penn., near West Alexander. 
 
 v George McDonald, his grandfather, was 
 
 a native of Scotland, from either Rosshire or 
 Sutherlandshire, and related to Flora McDonald, 
 the heroine of two dynasties and two continents. 
 | Flora McDonald in her youth saved the life of 
 the last of t lie Stewarts. She afterward emigrated 
 to North Carolina. Her husband and son being 
 made officers of the Highland Regiment raised for 
 the defense of their King, she gave her five sons 
 and sun in-law for thecause, accompanied them to 
 camp, and encouraged them to tight for their 
 King. | George McDonald's ancestors were the 
 Lords of the Isles off the west of Sent land for cent- 
 uries before these islands became subject to the 
 king of Scotland. Grandfather McDonald was 
 twice married: first to Miss Gordon, and they had 
 one sou William. After the death of his tirst 
 wife, he married Barbara McDonald, the result of 
 which marriage was two sons. John and George. 
 He (grandfather) immigrated to America in t he- 
 good ship "Janet," in 1773, and located on the 
 Potomac mar Mount Vernon. After the close 
 iif the war for Independence, he with his family 
 crossed the Alleghanies, and purchased a farm on 
 Chartiers creek, near the present county home. 
 Here his son John was born. There he remained 
 from 1780 to 1792, when he purchased and moved 
 to a farm in East Finley township, south of Clays 
 ville, where he passed the remaining years of his 
 life. He was a most devotedly pious man, and act 
 ive in the building up of the church in his region. 
 A Presbyterian of the regular Scotch type, and 
 among the founders of the Presbyterian Church of 
 West Alexander, he never let worldly affairs inter- 
 fere with his religious duties. Not only was he 
 punctual in attendance on the means of grace, 
 but watchful for the peace and prosperity of Zion. 
 He was known as the "Scotch singer," and often 
 led the people in the service of song. He died 
 November 25, 1811, and was laid to rest beside his 
 wife, who had preceded him. in the church burial 
 ground at West Alexander. 
 
 John McDonald, son of George, was born in 
 1788, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., but in early life went with his parents to 
 their new home in East Finley township. In his 
 early manhood he married Margaret Byers, of the 
 same county, daughter of Thomas and Margaret j 
 (Shannon) Byers, the former of whom was a son of , 
 Samuel Byers, who was born in Chester county, 
 Penn. , where the connection had resided for | 
 generations. Samuel was there married to Jane 
 White, and their children were: William (who set- 
 tied near Maysville, Ky.), Samuel, James, Thomas 
 Ebenezer (of Mercer county), Andrew, Nancy and 
 
 Rachel. Samuel Byers, Sr. , came west from 
 Chester county in 1777, and located on a farm 
 near Canonsburg. He was a stanch Presbyterian 
 and did good work in planting the church in that 
 region. Thomas, the son, with his wife was most 
 courageous in battling with danger in their new- 
 home in East Finley, because of the attacks of 
 Indians. The following are the names of their 
 children: John, a physician; Sarah, wife of Adam 
 W'ylie. M. D. ; Thomas, a farmer, married to Mar- 
 garet Hamilton; Jane, wife of David Stewart, 
 Margaret, wife of John McDonald; Anne, wife of 
 Andrew Yates; James, a fanner, married to Mary 
 Stevenson; Nancy, wife of John Brice, a farmer. 
 Rachel, wife of Hugh Wilson, a merchant; Samuel. 
 a farmer, married to Anne Wilson, and William, 
 also a farmer, married to Rebecca McCurdy, and 
 then to Miss Thorn. One sou and rive sons-in- 
 law were ruling elders in the Presbyterian Church. 
 Thomas Byers was a vigorous farmer and a prom 
 
 inent business man. He was a bright exam] f 
 
 Christian piety, In 1813 he was installed an 
 elder in the Presbyterian Church of Wes) Alex 
 ander, which office he tilled with great acceptance, 
 being called the peacemaker of the Session. 
 
 John McDonald after marriage remained four 
 years on the old home farm in East Finley town 
 ship. At that time he purchased a farm in Don- 
 egal township, south of West Alexander, where he 
 passed the remaining years of his life. The fol- 
 lowing are the names of their children: Thomas 
 (deceased), Barbara (wife of Thomas Frazier, 
 Esq.), Mary S.. Eliza J., George, John McO, 
 Thomas, William and Rachel M. , all three de- 
 ceased. Mr. McDonald was always in keeping 
 with the advance of the age, and being a friend of 
 liberal education, gave all his children favorable 
 opportunities for mental culture in the academy at 
 West Alexander. He often tilled offices of trust in 
 the community. After the death of his wife in 
 May, 1887, he moved to West Alexander, remain 
 ing there till his death, December 11, 1868. But 
 his example in the ohnrch shone most conspicuous. 
 He made profession of his faith in early life. In 
 1828 he was elected an elder, and about the same 
 time Sabbath school superintendent, both of which 
 offices he filled forty years. Of him his last pastor 
 (Rev. W\ H. Lester, Sr.. D. D.) writes: "He was 
 a wise counselor and a man in whom the pastor 
 could safely confide; warm-hearted and true in his 
 devotiou to the church; a faithful student of the 
 Word of God, and prompt in the discharge of 
 Christian duty, he will long be remembered by the 
 people as a truly devoted and pious man. His 
 Godly life was au ornament to religion. His most 
 special gift was prayer. He loved the Savior and 
 the church; but in prayer he excelled. He would 
 take the congregation in the arms of his faith, and 
 lay them down at the mercy seat for a blessing. 
 
234 
 
 UASlflMlTO.X COC XT)-. 
 
 His words were so plain and Scriptural; his tones so 
 simple, childlike and tender, it could only have 
 been the Spirit making intercession. Deeply 
 moved himself, he deeply moved others. He was 
 pre-eminently a man of prayer. He gave his ouly 
 two surviving sous to the ministry." 
 
 Of each of the sons the following is a brief rec- 
 ord: Each (of the sons) labored on the farm with 
 their father till entering their life work, as oppor- 
 tunity afforded, he being a vigorous farmer. They 
 both were educated in the West Alexander (Penn. ) 
 Academy, in the branches belonging to the college 
 course, and each labored with their father on the 
 farm. Rev. George McDonald, after having com- 
 pleted the classical course pursued in college, at 
 West Alexander Academy, engaged for some years 
 in teaching in the public schools, and afterward 
 taught two and a half years in the academy of 
 West Alexander. During this period he coin 
 menced the study of theology under Dr. John 
 McCluskey, his pastor, and completed the course of 
 study under Rev. William H. Lester, D. D., Dr. 
 McCluskey' s successor. In April. 1S57, he was 
 licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery 
 of Washington. Soon after licensure he received 
 a call to the Presbyterian Church of Beallsville, 
 Ohio, where he continued to labor more than 
 twenty -five years, giving a portion of his time to 
 the churches of Woodsfield and Powhatan, Ohio. 
 In the winter of 1883, he received and accepted a 
 call to the church of Upper Ten Mile, Prosperity, 
 Penn., and continued his labors till May 20, 1890. 
 Since his resignation of the pastorate at Ten Mile 
 he resides at West Alexander, and is interested in 
 evangelistic work, not feeling sufficiently vigorous 
 to assume the full responsibility of the pastoral 
 work. Mr. McDonald was married, May 20, 1858, 
 to Martha S. Blayney, of West Virginia. The 
 following is a brief account of their children: 
 Naunie Maggie is the wife of Elmer Ellsworth 
 Miller, a merchant of Beallsville, Ohio (she grad- 
 uated from Steubenville Female Seminary in 1879); 
 John M. , a physician, was a studeut of Washing- 
 ton and Jefferson (Penn.) College (afterward he 
 attended Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
 and graduated in April, 1885; he is married to 
 Ada C. Baker, of Barnesville, Ohio, and they now 
 reside in Columbus, Ohio; he is a Presbyterian and 
 a Republican); Rev. Charles H. graduated from 
 Washington and Jefferson College in the class of 
 1886 (the same year he entered Union Theological 
 Seminary (N. Y.), from which he graduated in 
 1889, was licensed and ordained in 1889, and 
 went under commission of the Board of Home 
 Missions to Alexandria, S. Dak., where he labored 
 two years. Early in 1892 he received and ac 
 cepted a call to the pastorate of the First Congre- 
 gational Church of Woodbridge. N. J. He was 
 married November 24. 1892, to Mary M. Bell, only 
 
 daughter of James R. and Mary C. Bell, of West 
 Alexander); Mary Elizabeth, the youngest, has at- 
 tended the Washington Female Seminary (she is 
 still at home with her parents, and is giving con- 
 siderable attention to music). Like the parents 
 the children all take great delight in music, and 
 are bles-sed with great power of voice. Mr. Mc- 
 Donald being an instructor of music, led the choir 
 of the old home church for several years. 
 
 Of him another friend (Rev. W. H. Lester, Sr. i 
 writes: "Mr. McDonald's ministry was marked 
 by faithfulness in labors, and witnessed precious 
 ingatherings. Thoroughly evangelical in spirit, 
 and Biblical in his pulpit ministrations, his aim 
 has been the conversion of souls and the building 
 up of Christians in the faith. He has also beeu 
 a self-sacrificing and faithful pastor, thus making 
 full proof of his ministry. Seldom was his seat 
 vacant in the church courts. In each of the con- 
 gregations to which he ministered, he left the testi- 
 monials of a truly devoted minister of the Gospel." 
 And yet another friend thus says of him: "Rev. 
 George McDonald inherited (as did also his wife) 
 the sturdy character of their Scotch and Scotch - 
 Irish ancestry, and in early life received careful 
 religious training. At the age of twenty-one he 
 m :de profession of his faith in Christ. At nine- 
 teen years of age he entered on his classical course 
 in West Alexander Academy, and after completing 
 the full course of study, he was for some time 
 actively engaged in the public school department; 
 later was for two years and a half a teacher in the 
 West Alexander Academy. In 1853 he commenced 
 the study of theology under Rev. John McCluskey, 
 D. D., licensed by the Presbytery of Washington in 
 1857, and was ordained by the Presbytery of St. 
 Clairsville in April, 1800. Soon after licensure he 
 took charge of the congregation of Beallsville, 
 Ohio, of which he was the installed pastor tdl 
 April, 1883, giving for most of that period a por- 
 tion of his time to the congregations of Woodsfield 
 and Powhatan as stated supply. In 1883 he was 
 called to the church of Upper Ten Mile, Penn., 
 where he labored more than seven years. He now 
 resides in West Alexander, his native place, with 
 his noble wife, who has always been a source of 
 strength and comfort to him in his work. They 
 were both fine singers, and led the choir of West 
 Alexander Presbyterian Church for a number of 
 years. Their musical talent was valuable to them, 
 especially in the Sabbath-school, where they were 
 always prominent and active, he as superintendent 
 and Bible teacher, and she in charge of the infant 
 department, until the loss of her hearing compelled 
 her in later years to give up the work she so dearly 
 loved. She had peculiar tact for winning and 
 interesting little ones, and was never more at home 
 than when surrounded by her little flock. Her mem- 
 ory will always be green in the hearts of the many she 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 235 
 
 hail taught, who will see her no more in this world. 
 Her faithful Bowing will cause many, besides her 
 children, to rise up and call her blessed. Mr. 
 McDonald was accustomed to instruct, free, the 
 Sabbath-school and any others who ^wished, in 
 music, and thus was instrumental in having ex- 
 ceptionally good singing in the school. He was also 
 very successful in training for special exercises, and 
 had much executive ability. Always deliberate 
 being lirm in his convictions and of unalterable 
 purpose, with careful outlook, he seldom failed 
 to accomplish what he undertook. 
 
 "His ministry was. richly blessed with signals of 
 Divine approval, by several revivals occurring 
 under his pastorate. The influence of his preach 
 ing and example was for righteousness, in build 
 ing up a moral, God-fearing and Sabbath-loving 
 people. Several ministers have gone out from 
 under his pastorate. His labors, particularly in 
 his first field, were arduous and exposing, but 
 were performed cheerfully in honor of Him whom 
 he served. The seed thus faithfully sown will 
 bring forth fruit to be gathered by other reapers. 
 He still takes delight in Evangelistic work, and re 
 joices in any opportunity to do service for the 
 Master. He has been a faithful and unobtrusive 
 minister of Christ, and is regarded universally, by 
 those who know him, with marked esteem aud love." 
 
 Rev. John McClusky McDonald, after complet 
 ing his academic studies, entered the Northwestern 
 Seminary of Chicago, 111. (now the McCormick 
 Theological Seminary), from which he graduated 
 in April, 18(36; was licensed April 18, 1865, by the 
 Presbytery of Chicago; was ordained at Beaver 
 Dam by the Presbytery of Winnebago. June 27, 
 1866. He has been a home missionary; labored 
 at Winneconne (Wis.), Algona (Iowa), Waynesville 
 (111.), Carleton, Belvidere, Hubbell and Hopewell 
 Church (Neb.), and Ulysses and other points in 
 Kansas, the last named being his present field of 
 labor. He has been faithful in sowing the seed, 
 and been cheered by the ingatheriug of precious 
 fruit. Mr. McDonald was married April 25, 1871, 
 to Janet Percy, of Ogdensburg, N. Y. , and t|^ey 
 have been blessed with six children: George 
 Arthur, Kenneth Percy, Gilmer Byers, Raymond 
 April, Rossmond May, and J. McClusky (the last 
 named being deceased). Mr. McDonald takes a 
 deep interest in public affairs. In politics he is a 
 Republican, and, like Scotch-Irish generally, he 
 could be nothing else but a Presbyterian. 
 
 ffULIUS P. MILLER, attorney at law, Wash- 
 ington, is a native of the county, having 
 rjj been born May 22, 1839, in Hopewell town- 
 ^^ ship, and is descended from a stalwart North 
 of-Ireland family. 
 His paternal great-grandmother, then a widow 
 
 with sixteen sons, came from the shores of Erin to 
 those of Columbia, and established a new home in 
 Washington county. Penu., where she died. One 
 of the sons. Patrick Miller, bought, in 1810, the 
 first piece of land in Hopewell township, where he 
 carried on farming the remainder of his life, dying 
 in 1830. He was the first superintendent of the 
 Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Sabbath school. He 
 was married to Margaret Templeton, and they had 
 children as follows: Thomas, of whom mention 
 is made further on; Margaret, wife of Col. Mc 
 Xulty; Hannah, married to James Montford, of 
 Washington county, which family is extinct (James 
 Montford. son of .lames and Hannah, was captain 
 of the company in which our subject served during 
 the Civil war. and afterward he was appointed 
 assistant assessor of Internal Revenue): Eliza. 
 married to Rev. James Marquis; Mary, who never 
 married, and Matthew all deceased. 
 
 Thomas Miller, on leaving school, attended 
 Washington College and Indiana University, 
 graduating from the latter institution in 1831, 
 when he went to Lexington. Kv . where he taught 
 school for a time, and then moved to Missouri, 
 having been persuaded to proceed thither by a 
 prominent Missourian, James S. Rollins, who had 
 been a fellow-student of his at both the college and 
 university. Here Mr. Miller founded a school 
 which afterward developed into the University of 
 Missouri, at Columbia, Mo. On account of im- 
 paired health he set out on a trip to Mexico, but 
 died on the Plains, and was buried in New Mexico, 
 at Round Mound. 
 
 Matthew Miller, father of our subject, was a 
 farmer by occupation, and in 1838 was mariied to 
 Mary McNulty, by whom he had two children. 
 Julius P., and a daughter that died in infancy. In 
 1843 the father died at the age of thirty years, and 
 the mother married again, the result of this second 
 union being three children; she died March 23, 
 1890, aged seventy-six years, and is buried in 
 Washington cemetery. 
 
 Julius P. Miller was but four years old when 
 his father was called from earth, aud in the follow- 
 ing year (1844) he was taken to West Middletown, 
 where he attended thecommon schools, subsequent- 
 ly takiQg a course at an academy in West Virginia. 
 In the fall of 1801 he enlisted in Company A, One 
 Hundredth P. V. I., serving three years, chiefly 
 with the Ninth Army Corps. In 1870 he was ap- 
 pointed deputy collector of Internal Revenue, for 
 Washington county, serving until 1872, when, at 
 the State election, he was elected prothonotary of 
 the county, taking the office in January, 1873. He 
 was re elected in 1875. During his second term 
 in the prothonotary's office, Mr. Miller studied 
 law, and in October, 1879, he was admitted to the 
 bar, since which time he has been successfully 
 practicing his chosen profession in Washington, of 
 
236 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 which city he lias been a resident since 1870. In 
 November, 1864, Mr. Miller was united in marriage 
 with Miss Harriet Hamilton, daughter of Dr. A. 
 C. Hamilton, a practicing physician in the borough 
 of West Middletown, and to this union ten chil- 
 dren were born, viz. : Horatio H. (cashier of the 
 First National Bank of Claysville), Mary Emma. 
 Harry M., Julius P Martha S., Charles F., Anna 
 B. and Ulysses Grant, all living in the county, and 
 two unnamed that died in infancy. In politics 
 Mr. Miller is a stanch Republican. 
 
 THOMAS McKEAN, one of the retired sue 
 cessful merchants of the borough of Wash- 
 ington, is a native of the county, having 
 been born September 14, 1820, in Amwell 
 township. The first of the family to come 
 to Washington county was Robert McKean, father 
 of the above, who was born February 12, 1795, in 
 County Tyrone, Ireland. In 1815 he came to 
 America by way of Canada, landing at Montreal, 
 thence proceeding to Washington, this county, 
 where he lived until 1820, in which year he moved 
 into Amwell township, on a farm, and in 1828 re- 
 
 turned to 
 
 started ou 
 
 cholera while on the way. In 
 
 coming: to Washington county 
 
 Washington borough. In 1832 he 
 a trip to Philadelphia, but died of 
 
 1817, soon after 
 he married Mrs. 
 Mary McClintock, formerly Mrs. McGowan, who 
 had several children by her first husband, all now 
 deceased. By her second marriage there were 
 four children, viz.: Mary, who was a Presbyterian 
 missionary to the Creek Indians at Tallahassee, In- 
 dian Territory, and died there January 21, 1861; 
 Thomas, our subject; Alexander, who died in 
 Washington, Penn.. March 27, 1890, and whose 
 family are still living here; and Sarah, who died in 
 infancy. The mother was called from earth March 
 17, 18(57, at the advanced age of eighty-nine years, 
 at the time living with her son Thomas. 
 
 Th nnas McKean, of whom this sketch chiefly 
 treats, was eight years old when the family came 
 to live in the borough of Washington. He re- 
 ceived his education partly at the schools of his 
 native township, and partly in Washington, and 
 learned manufacturing tobacco and cigars, which 
 he carried on, wholesale and retail, for forty-five 
 years, opening out for his own account September 
 25, 1843, and retiring from same in 1888. His 
 original stand was the room now occupied as the 
 office of the Washington Reporter. At his retire- 
 ment he was about the only man in Washington 
 who was in business there when he commenced in 
 1843. On March 14, 1844, Mr. McKean married 
 Fannie Jane, daughter of Samuel Snodgrass, a 
 farmer who came from Lancaster county, Penn. , 
 at an early date. He died of cholera at West 
 Alexander, this county, in 1832, and his wife in 
 
 Washington borough, in 1840. They were the 
 parents of three children, as follows: Fannie Jane; 
 Mary Margaret, now the widow of John V. Wil- 
 son, a carpeuter of Washington, who died July 2. 
 1870; and William, who died in March, 1840. 
 
 By the marriage of Thomas and Fannie J. Mc- 
 Kean. there were ten children, of whom the follow- 
 ing is a brief record: Mary Ellen is married to 
 Rev. J. C. McClintock, and lives in Burlington, 
 Iowa; John A. is a physician at Washington, this 
 county: Maria is the wife of Hon. W. J. Davis, 
 of Goshen, Ind. ; William is in Grand Rapids, 
 Mich., a traveling salesman for J. V. Farwell & 
 Co., of Chicago: James is married to Jennie D. 
 Ackelson, and lives at Abilene, Kans. ; George is 
 teller in Wells, Fargo & Co. 'shank at San Fran- 
 cisco. Cal. ; Annie is the wife of Rev. W. P. White, 
 a Presbyterian minister at Germantown, Penn.; 
 Elizabeth is the wife of Homer U. Seaman, jewel- 
 er, Pittsburgh, Penn.; Thomas C. is clerk in a gents' 
 furnishing business, Pittsburgh. Penn., and Ber- 
 nard is an insurance agent at No. 135 Broadway. 
 New York. 
 
 Mr. McKean is one of the well-known citizens of 
 Washington. His place of business and home. No. 
 104 and 160 South Main street, was built by him in 
 1854. and he has lived on the Square ever since 
 coming to the borough. Politically he is a Re- 
 publican, and has served as school director six 
 years, and secretary during that time. For twen- 
 ty seven years he has been a trustee and treasurer 
 of the Washington Feinale Semi nary. Forty years 
 ago he was a member of the Sons of Temperance, 
 and continued so until they disbanded. Since 
 1846 he has been a member of the First Presby 
 terian Church, of which he was trustee for twelve 
 years, and since 1804 has been an elder. For 
 forty years he was secretary and treasurer of the 
 Sunday school. He has been a director of the 
 First National Bank of Washington for more than 
 thirty years, and is now the vice president of that 
 financial house. Mr. McKean was interested in 
 the establishment of a board of health for his bor- 
 ough, which prompted him, without compensation, 
 to keep a complete record of the deaths in Mash 
 ington and vicinity, including names, ages and 
 causes of death; commencing June 20, 1850, and 
 up to January 1, 1893, a record of 3,240 deaths 
 has been made by him. 
 
 STEPHEN L. BLACHLY, M. D., one of the 
 oldest and most skillful practitioners in 
 Washington county, is descended from a 
 long line of distinguished men, eminent in 
 the profession; but among this galaxy of brilliant 
 medical lights we must look in vain for one whose 
 skill in any case surpassed that of his descendant, 
 the gentleman of whom we write, who is not only 
 

 ^>^: 
 
u\\siii.\<;ri>\ cor.XTY 
 
 239 
 
 an ornament to the modern school of medicine, but 
 a worthy and honored representative of a race of 
 experl physicians. 
 
 Dr. Ebenezer (1) Blachly, the first physician in 
 
 the family, was a son of Aaron and Man (Dodd) 
 Blachly, and lived in Huntington, Suffolk Co., 
 Long Island. His children were: Elizabeth, Eben- 
 ezer (2), Joseph, Benjamin and Daniel, of whom 
 Ebenezer (2), born in 1709, entered his father's 
 profession, and married Hannah Miller, who bore 
 him the following children: Francis, Zopher, Eben- 
 ezer (3), Miller, Sarah, Cornelius. Mary and Marcy, 
 The son Ebenezer (3), born in 1735, was a surgeon 
 in the Revolution. He married Mary Wickham, and 
 they had twelve children, live of whom were also 
 physicians. He died in 1805, and his son Eben 
 e/.er ( 1), born in 1760, entered the war of the Rev- 
 olution before he had reached the required age, and 
 took au active part as surgeon throughout the con- 
 flict, after which he married Elizabeth Spencer, 
 and reared a family of nine children: Nancy, 
 Ebenezer S., Henry W. (fatherof subject i. Mary J., 
 Juliana, Bayard P., Eliza, Joseph W. and Oliver; 
 with the latter two their mother passed the dec! in 
 ing years of her life. 
 
 Dr. Henry Wickham Blachly was born in Pater- 
 son, N. J., April 17, 1780. He first studied medi- 
 cine with his father, finishing in New York City. 
 and finally settled in Washington county. Penn. 
 On January 9, 1806, he married Hannah Loveridge, 
 who bore him twelve children: Ebenezer S. , a 
 graduate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
 phia, who practiced thirty years in Waynesburgb, 
 Greene Co , Penn. (he was twice married, first time 
 to Martha Hanna, who bore him live children, and 
 after her death he married Elizabeth Allison; but 
 one of his children grew to maturity — Byard Mil 
 ton Blachly, M. D., who practiced for about thirty 
 years in W T aynesbuigh. Creene Co., Penn.. where 
 his father practiced); Milton Blachly died at the 
 age of sixteen; Eveline Blachly married Dr. Will- 
 iam B. Porter (they died leaving three children — 
 two daughters and one son, John H. Porter, who 
 was a physician and died soon after completing his 
 medical studies); Maria J. Blachly married Dr. Lu- 
 tellus Lindley, of Connellsville, Fayette Co., Penn. 
 (she died leaving one son, Dr. Henry B. Lindley, 
 of Perrysville, Allegheny Co. , Penn.); Stephen L. 
 (subject of sketch); Eliza Blachly married John 
 Milton Lindley (he died leaving three children: 
 Byard, a banker and lawyer in Winfield. Iowa; Col- 
 lin M., a physician in Zollersville, Penn., and 
 Sarah); Oliver B. Blachly married Ellen Cracraft, 
 by whom he had five children: Byron, Henry, Oli- 
 ver, Mary and Howard (his second wife was Ella 
 Hunt); Joseph Warrin Blachly was a physician 
 who practiced successfully in his native county for 
 a number of years (he was married to Eliza Min- 
 ton, by whom he had four children: Maria, Ella, 
 
 Joseph Warrin ami Frank, a physician practicing 
 at Clarksville, Penn.); Lucilla Caroline Blachly 
 married T. N. Day, and their living children are: 
 Henry B., Homer (a physician practicing at Avoca, 
 Iowa), and Cora L. ; Harriet Newel Blachly mar 
 lied Harvey Lindley, and their children are: I [enry 
 B. (who married Sarah Van Kirk l. Ann Eliza (mar 
 ried to Sal. C'ozad), Oscar. Howard and A. Lincoln; 
 Henry W. Blachly, a physician who practiced foi 
 many years at Cavett, Ohio, died in 1889 (his wife 
 was Caroline Cracraft, and they had two children 
 Mary, married to Dr. Emerick, and Henry \\ . . a 
 lawyer of Van Wert, Ohio); Hanuah Louisa Blachl) . 
 the youngest of the family, never married, and 
 lives at Sparta, Penn The father of this famih 
 died at the age of sixty two years, having practiced 
 medicine forty years in Washington county; the 
 
 mother passed fr< arth in 1SS7, on her ninety 
 
 seventh birthday, and they are buried at Pros 
 peritv. 
 
 Stephen L. Blachly, the subject proper of this 
 memoir, was horn December 11, 181,"), in Sparta, 
 Washington Co.. Penn. He read medicine with 
 his father till twent) two years of age, and on ac- 
 count of the prevalent T smallpox at that time 
 
 was called upon to begin an active career before 
 his preparatory stmh was fully completed. He 
 was educated at Washington College, and later re 
 ceived his degree from Jefferson Medical College, 
 Philadelphia. On January 9, 1810, he was united in 
 marriage with Sarah, daughter of Benjamin Lind 
 ley. who was of Puritan descent, and to this union 
 were born five children, viz. : two died in infancy : 
 Mary Minerva, who has been twice married, first 
 to Stephen J. Day. and after his decease to S. Mc- 
 Vey, of Sparta; Henry Spencer, a druggist in 
 Waynesburgh, Greene county, Penn., and Dr. 
 Oliver L . in Sparta, who married Anna, daughter 
 of Rev. John Sherrard. Mrs. Blachlj died No 
 vember25, 18o7. and July 28, 1859, Dr. Blachly 
 married Maria, daughter of James and Margaret 
 Wade, of Fayette county, Penn. Dr. Blachly has 
 resided in the sane- place over fifty years, and 
 while engaged in general practice has become a 
 skilled surgeon, and has always had an extensive 
 practice; he has frequently been president of the 
 Washington County Medical Society, of which he 
 is one of the oldest members, and is also censor for 
 the Eighth District of the State Medical Society of 
 Pennsylvania, also a member of the American 
 Medical Association, ami the Alumni Association of 
 Jefferson Medical College. He has always had a 
 very extensive practice, and he retired from active 
 life in 1890. Physically he enjoys good health. 
 He is about five feet ten inches in height; weighs 
 190 pounds; is erect in stature; and has become a 
 very strong man by exercise, and care, though he 
 was not robust when young. His father was about 
 the same height, but weighed 100 pounds. The 
 
240 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 Doctor never used intoxicating liquor; in his youth 
 he commenced smoking, but gave it up. He has 
 been a member of "Upper Ten Mile" Presbyterian 
 Church fifty-eight years, and has been an elder in 
 same thirty five years. 
 
 J [AMES HEKRON was born September 18, 
 1829, in North Strabane township, this 
 | comity, and is a son of Joseph Herron, whose 
 grandfather was a native of Ireland, and came 
 with his family in an early day to America. 
 His son James was born in County Down, Ireland. 
 and came to America in the latter part of the last 
 century, locating in North Strabane township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., on the farm now occupied 
 by his descendants. He was married to Rachel 
 Reed, a resident of Ohio, who bore him children 
 as follows: Charles, John, William, James, Robert, 
 John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel. Mr. Herron 
 was an active Democrat, and in religion was a 
 member of the Seceder Church. 
 
 Joseph Herron was born, January 2, 1797, on 
 his father's farm in North Strabane township, and 
 received a common-school education. On January 
 
 3, 1824, he was united in marriage with Margaret, 
 daughter of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset town- 
 ship, and the young couple made their permanent 
 home on the old farm, where the following chil- 
 dren were born and reared: Rachel, born Decem- 
 ber 1,5, 1824; Robert, born September 30, 1826; 
 James, born September 18, 1828; John, born July 
 24, 1830; Sarah (Mrs. Jonathan L. Peese), born 
 April 22, 1833; Joseph, born December 8, 1834; 
 Margaret A. (Mrs. Robert Munnel). born October 
 
 4, 1837; and Elizabeth M. (Mrs. John Herron), 
 born October 6, 1842. In politics Mr. Herron was 
 a Democrat, and served as judge of elections and 
 school director, and was also a lieutenant in the 
 militia. In religious connection he was a member 
 and liberal supporter of the Seceder Church. He 
 died January 25. 1852, and his wife on March 18, 
 1854. Both are buried in the U. P. cemetery at 
 Pigeon Creek. 
 
 James Herron was born on the farm where he 
 now resides, and attended the common schools 
 until almost twenty-one years of age. He then 
 commenced learning the carpenter's trade, which 
 he followed several years in North Strabane and 
 adjoining townships. On June 23, 1865, he was 
 united in marriage with Emma, daughter of John 
 Barr. a native of Ireland, who came to America 
 with his parents when but twelve years of age. He 
 was a son of John Barr, also a native of Ireland, 
 and who was there married to Margaret Dickey, 
 who bore him children as follows: William, John, 
 Robert, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Jackson) and Margaret 
 (Mrs. Robert Patterson). The father of these 
 children immigrated to America in an an early day, 
 
 locating with his family in Somerset township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., where the remainder of 
 their lives was passed. He was a Democrat in 
 his political preferences, and in religion a member 
 of the Seceder Church. 
 
 John Barr passed his youth on the home farm 
 in Somerset township, and was there married to 
 Elizabeth, daughter of James Smith. Their chil- 
 dren were John A., James 8., Margaret D. (Mrs. 
 James Rankin), Emma (Mrs. James Herron), 
 Sarah J. (Mrs. William Pollock) and William A. 
 In politics Mr. Barr was a Democrat, and served 
 many years as justice of the peace. He was a 
 member and one of the founders of the U. P. 
 Church at Pigeon Creek, and served as an elder 
 for years. He followed agricultural pursuits. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Herron settled on the 
 home place in North Strabane township, where he 
 has followed farming and stock raising. He and 
 his family are members of the U. P. Church at 
 Mt. Prospect. In politics he is a Democrat, and 
 has served as school director and judge of elec 
 tions. He is an enterprising and popular citizen. 
 
 J 
 
 ents 
 
 lOSEPH S. HUNTER, a member of one of 
 the oldest and most prominent families of 
 Washington county, Penn., is a grandson of 
 James Hunter, who was born of Irish par- 
 about 1788, in eastern Pennsylvania. On 
 June 21, 1810, James Hunter was united in mar- 
 riage with Eleanor Garrett, and they reared the 
 following family : Margaret (deceased), born April 
 12, 1811; Susan (deceased), born October 24,1814; 
 Elizabeth, bora April 13, 1818 (widow of Robert 
 Marshall), living in East Fiuley township, this 
 county; James J. and William G. Mrs. Hunter 
 died, and on March 29, 1827, Mr. Hunter was mar 
 ried to Sarah Clark, of Buffalo township, this 
 county, who bore him two children: John Clark, 
 born December 24, 1827, and Sarah Ann, born 
 October 6, 1830, both now deceased. This wife 
 also died, and November 2, 1848, Mr. Hunter was 
 married to Jane Welsh, who died in 1888. Soon 
 after his first marriage he located in Buffalo town- 
 ship, Washington county, following farming and 
 distilling until 1839, when he settled on the farm 
 in East Finley township which is now the prop- 
 erty of his son, James J. Hunter, where he died in 
 the year 1858. 
 
 James J. Hunter was born October 26, 1820, 
 in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 came with his father's family to East Finley town- 
 ship, where he began life in 1843, doing farm work 
 for others, and cropping on his father's place. On 
 October 19, 1845, he was married to Jane, 
 daughter of Thomas Hutchisson, of East Finley 
 township, and three children were born to them: 
 Joseph S., born June 24, 1846 (farming in Frank- 
 
WASHINGTON COVh 71 
 
 I'll 
 
 1 in township); Thomas H., born Jnne 1 I. l s l^ (a 
 farmer of Bast Finley township); and Jam. 
 horn June 30, 1852 (a resident of Brilliant, Jef- 
 ferson Co , Ohio). The mother of these children 
 died in 1853, and on November 13, 1860, Mr 
 Hunter was anited in marriage with Elizabeth. 
 daughter of Gilbert Marshall, and the following 
 children have been born to them: Mary B., bum 
 March 27,1862; Jane A., born September 12, 1863, 
 and Florence M . born July 27, 1865. After his 
 first marriage Mr. Hunter lived in West Fin ley 
 township, but finally (in lM'il) settled to Fast 
 Finlej township, where he now resides. In politi- 
 cal relations he is a Republican, and in religion he 
 and his wife are members of the United Presbyte 
 rian Church of East Finley township. 
 
 Joseph S. Hunter w as born in West Finley 
 township, and remained on the home place until he 
 was twentj eight years of age, obtaining his edu- 
 cation at the common-schools. On February II. 
 ISTo. he was united in marriage with Mary P., 
 daughter of J. W. Patterson, and to their union 
 were born four children: William W . James H.. 
 Jennie A., and Clark P. After their marriage the 
 young couple settled in West Finley township, re- 
 maining there four years, when thej removed to 
 their present farm, which consists of 20 ' acre- of 
 well-improved land. He is a member and liberal 
 supporter of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Dog Wood Grove. In political life he is a stanch 
 Republican, and is one of the most, energetic work- 
 ers of his party in the township, although he has 
 never accepted political preferment 
 
 (OHN G. POGUE is one of the few men who 
 can look back upon their past and see no fail- 
 ures to regret, but find that step by step, and 
 year by year, they have risen higher on the 
 ladder of success, until the prime of life has 
 found them on the topmost round, with leisure to 
 pause and take a retrospective view. John (i 
 Pogue is a son of William Pogue, of whose father 
 we only know that he was of Scotch ancestry, and 
 (at the time of the birth of his only son, William, ) 
 a resident of Baltimore, Md. 
 
 William Pogue was born in 1797, in Baltimore, 
 Md., and in early life learned the trade of a tobac- 
 conist. He was well educated and fond of read- 
 ing. The father dying when William was a small 
 boy, the latter was cared for by his mother, who 
 afterward moved to Buffalo township, Washington 
 county, and purchased a small piece of land about 
 three miles north of Taylorstown. The son fol- 
 lowed farming, and also worked a small coal bank 
 located on the place. He was afterward married 
 to Sarah Allison, who was born in 1786, and they 
 had five children: James (who died at the age of 
 forty -seven years, in Cadiz, Ohio), Susan (deceased 
 
 in infancy). John G. (subject of this sketch), Will- 
 iam (who died in Canton. 111., at the age of forty 
 years) and Sarah Ann (who died in Buffalo town 
 ship, this county i Mr. Pogue followed farming 
 until thedeatb of his wife, which occurred in 1836. 
 He then worked at his trade with George Black. 
 of Washington. Penn. , and passed his later years 
 with. his children. Politically he was a lifelong 
 Democrat. Be died in 1859 
 
 John G. Pogue was born March 28, 1824, in 
 
 Buffalo township, this county, and when but eight 
 
 yearsof age went to live with one j. iseph Alexander. 
 With him he remained two year-. " doing chores " 
 and attending the comm >n school, in the fall of 
 1834 he mad.' his home with John C. Hanna. a 
 farmer of Hopewell township, this county, and in 
 1840 again entered the employ of Mr Alexander, 
 
 with whom he remained until 1849. Meanwhile, 
 this industrious youth embraced every opportunity 
 
 to ure an education. He attended Franklin 
 
 High School, which was conducted at the home of 
 Major Waterings by W A. McKee; he also taught 
 school five winters in West Virginia and Pennsyl 
 vania. On October 25, 1848, Mr Pogue was united 
 in marriage with Elizabeth Burt, who was born in 
 August. 1824, a daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth 
 (Dryden) Burt, who were both member- of old 
 pioneer families. Mrs. Pogue and a sister, Mrs 
 Xaney McKee, of Hopewell township, Washington 
 county. are now the only living representatives of the 
 family of ten children in Washington county, the 
 others having settled in different places. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Pogue have had the following children : Sarah 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. John McCammon. of West Finley 
 township), Fannie A. (Mrs. John Atkinson, of 
 Brooke county, W. Ya.i. Joseph (residing in Wheel 
 ing, W. Va.), Mary Jane i who died at the age of 
 twelve years), William (living at home), Martha 
 (Mrs Hiram Montgomery, of Donegal township). 
 John J. (living with his parents), J. Burt and 
 Anna May (both living at home). For -three years 
 after his marriage Mr. Pogue lived as a tenant on 
 the farm of J. C. Hanna. in Hopewell township, t his 
 county. He then came to Donegal township, 
 and rented a farm, locating about two and a half 
 miles north of West Alexander, where he remained 
 nineteen consecutive years. Several years before 
 leaving this farm he had purchased an adjoining 
 tract of 114 acres upon which he moved in 1803. 
 By energetic toil and close economy, he soon saved 
 enough money to again invest in land, and in 1868 
 he bought the " Old McKeown " farm, lying just 
 north of his previous purchase. In 1872 betook 
 possession of the latter farm, and lias entirely re- 
 modeled the residence and all the other buildings. 
 He has few equals as an agriculturist, and his success 
 has been enhanced by the invaluable aid of a care 
 ful and economical wife. When he was first mar 
 ried, Mr. Pogue owed $150, since which time he 
 
'.'4 2 
 
 WASHING TON CO UNTY. 
 
 has become one of the most successful and prom- 
 inent farmers of Donegal township. Politically he 
 was an ardent Abolitionist, and took a great inter- 
 est in the freedom of the negroes. He is now a 
 Republican, and has often held township offices, 
 but has declined to enter in the more active war- 
 fare of political life. In religions connection he and 
 his wife are members of the U. P. Church of West 
 Alexander. 
 
 l(OHN S. BARR is a leading representative of 
 .la well known family of Somerset township. 
 fl Washington county, and an enterprising, 
 successful and popular citizen of Canons- 
 burg, serving his township and county in 
 many ways, in addition to his usual duties as pri- 
 vate citizen. 
 
 His grandfather, John Barr, was a native of 
 County Derry, Ireland, born in 1757, and died in 
 1838. He was married to a Miss Dickey, to whom 
 were born the following children: William, Johu, 
 Robert, Archie (who died at the age of twelve 
 years), Margaret (wife of Robert Pattison) and 
 Mary (wife of Andrew Jackson). In 1816 Mr. 
 Barr and family emigrated to America, and after 
 a six weeks' voyage landed at Philadelphia, finally 
 coming to Somerset township, Washington Co., 
 Peun., where he purchased a farm, making there- 
 on a permanent home, where he died in 1838. He 
 was a member of the Seceder Church of Peters 
 Creek, and on the organization of a new congrega- 
 tion of the same denomination called Pigeon 
 Creek, nearer his home, united with it, serving 
 many years as elder. 
 
 William Barr was born, in 1797, in County 
 Derry, Ireland, and his youth was passed in his 
 native land, where he vvas educated, becoming 
 specially expert as a mathematician. In 1816 he 
 came with his parents to America, and in 1826 was 
 united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Hugh 
 Boyd. Mr. Boyd and family, consisting of five 
 children, came to America in 1824: Robert, Wil 
 son (who preceded the rest of the family five years), 
 Mary, Margaret and Bankhead. Both grand- 
 parents were elders in the same church in Ireland, 
 and both elders in the same congregations — Peters 
 Creek and Pigeon Creek— in America. After his 
 marriage William settled on a farm where his life 
 was passed, and children born to him as follows: 
 Johu S. (of whom a sketch is given below); Hugh 
 and Eliza (Mrs. A. D. Williamson), living near 
 Xenia. Ohio; Margaret (wife of James H. Dickey); 
 William W. ; Bankhead Boyd; Mary (married to 
 W. G. Garrett), and Martha Jane (deceased wife 
 of William Berry). William Wilson Barr gradu- 
 ated at Canonsburg in 1 S, r i6, studied theology at 
 Xenia, Ohio; was called, accepted, and took charge 
 in 1859 of the "Eighth United Presbyterian Church 
 
 of Philadelphia, of which he is still pastor; Bank 
 head enlisted as a soldier, in 1862, in Company (1, 
 One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, Pennsyl- 
 vania Volunteers; was wounded at the Wilderness, 
 and died at Alexandria, Va. , his remains being 
 brought home and interred in Home cemetery. 
 The father of this family was known as one who 
 always acted from principle, and did what he con- 
 scientiously thought was right. He was for many 
 years identified with the Seceder Church of Pigeon 
 Creek (now United Presbyterian), in which he was 
 a ruling elder, and for many years led its praise 
 service. He died in 1838, being followed by his 
 life companion in 1876. 
 
 John Scott Barr was born January 26, 1827, in 
 Somerset township, this county, passing his earlv 
 life at home. Receiving but a limited education 
 (such as the winter schools at that time afforded), 
 he has supplemented it by an extensive course of 
 reading. On November 25, 1851 (Thanksgiving 
 day), he embarked on the matrimonial sea in com 
 pany with Mary, daughter of James Gibson, a well 
 known citizen of Washington county. Two chil- 
 dren were born to this union, the first dying in 
 infancy. The mother died March 12, 1855, leav- 
 ing an infant daughter of three weeks, who was 
 given her mother's name, and is the wife of Rev. 
 J. M. Duncan of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Richmond, Ohio. On January 26, 1865, John 
 S. Barr was married to Mary S. Pattison, of Indi- 
 ana, Penn., to whom three children were born, 
 viz.: William Wilson (deceased), Archie John S. 
 (deceased) and Martha Jane (wife of Rev. W. F. 
 Weir, a Presbyterian minister of Toronto, Ohio). 
 After the death of his father, which took place 
 when he was less than twelve years of age, Mr. 
 Barr took the principal managementof his father's 
 farm, consisting of 110 acres, one payment to pay 
 on that; but by hard work and economy, and with 
 the aid of a good mother and the gracious favor of 
 Almighty God, was added to the home place over 
 200 acres more. The careful and attentive habits 
 of his youth have attended his maturer years, and 
 have secured for him a comfortable home. His in- 
 stinctive uprightness in his dealings with his fel- 
 low-men, charity for the worthy poor, and gener- 
 ous support of all measures tending to promote 
 the interests of Church and State, mark him as a 
 man worthy of the esteem and confidence in which 
 he is held by his friends and neighbors. 
 
 In politics the subject of this sketch was first 
 a Whig, then a Republican, and has held various 
 township offices, serving six terms as school director, 
 and in 1872 was elected commissioner of Washing- 
 ton county, which office he filled very acceptably. 
 In response to Gov. Curtin'scall for men to repel 
 Lee's invasion of Maryland, he enlisted in a com 
 pany at Canonsburg, which became part of the 
 Sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 243 
 
 equipped at Harrisburg, carried by rail toHagers- 
 town and then marched toward Autietam expect 
 ing to get to the battle field that evening; but 
 night came on, and they encamped in a nice piece 
 mI woods by the roadside, struck their tents and 
 put out pickets. About dusk word came that 
 they would be attacked by Imboden's Rebel cavalry 
 thai night; a vote was taken whether they would 
 retreat or stand their ground, and the result was 
 that they should stay. Every gun was loaded, and 
 about '•* o'clock the commissary wagon drove 
 ii] i and a number of shots were fired into it; the 
 mistake was soon discovered, no one was hurt, and 
 no "rebs" came. After Lee's retreat into Virginia, 
 they were disbanded and sent home. In May, 
 1889, he was appointed a manager of the State Be 
 form School at Morganza, for four years, by Gov- 
 ernor Beaver. Here from 300 to 400 boys and 
 about 10(1 girls are educated and taught some useful 
 trades. In June, 1891, when the Citizens' Bank of 
 
 Cauousbnrg was organized, he was elected oi I 
 
 its directors. When sixteen years of age he united 
 with the then Seceder Church of I'igeon Creek 
 (now United Presbyterian) and was always an 
 earnest worker, seeking her peace and prosperity. 
 He was chosen an elder when thirty live \ ears of 
 age, thus holding the place of lather and grand 
 father. In April, 1888, he and his wife and 
 family removed to their residence in Canonsburg, 
 and united with the U. I'. Chartiers Church of that 
 town. 
 
 ILLIAM B. FLICK ranks among the 
 most progressive citizens of Beallsville, 
 and is a successful agriculturist. His 
 father, Daniel Flick, was of German de- 
 scent, and his ancestors settled in the Ligonier 
 Valley many years ago. 
 
 Daniel Flick was born in 1802, in Fayette county, 
 Penn., and there learned the weaver's trade, be 
 coming one of the first weavers in that locality. 
 He was five times married: In 1822 he married 
 Susanna Brown, who was born September 9, 1803, 
 and settled in Waynesburg, Greene Co , Penn., 
 where he followed hotel business, farming and 
 mercantile pursuits; here Mrs. Flick died, leaving 
 four children, of whom William B. is the only one 
 now living. Daniel Flick next married Nancy Stew 
 art. His third wife was Mrs. Nancy Haldeman, a 
 widow; his fourth was Jane E. Cleaver, and for his 
 fifth wife he married Mrs. Eleanor Freeman, widow 
 of Louis Freeman. He died Marcli 18, 1871, at 
 the age of sixty eight, on the farm in West Pike 
 Run township, Washington Co., Penn., where he 
 had moved in the spring of 1856. For a number 
 of years he operated a keel boat in the transporta- 
 tion of freight between Rice's Landing and Pitts- 
 burgh, and was also a wagoner, carrying goods 
 
 across the mountains from Baltimore to Greene 
 county. 
 
 William B. Flick, son of Daniel and Susanna 
 (Brown) Flick, was born June 15, 1830, in Wa\ ues 
 burgh, Greene Co., Penn., and began his education 
 at a tender age, being carried by his sister to 
 school when but three years old, in order to save 
 time for the busy mother. On October 10, 1850, 
 he was united in marriage with May Berryhill, a 
 native of Greene county, Penn. She died leaving 
 one son, William, who became an engineer, ami 
 during a collision, November 5, L890, at Claysville, 
 Washington county, was killed, having clung to 
 his engine to the last Mr. Flick was married in 
 1853 to Miss Maria Rhiuehart, who died leaving 
 two children: Oscar (a resident of Greene county) 
 ami an infant. In 1855 Mr. Flick came to West 
 Pike Run township, Washington county, and on 
 May 17, 1866, married his third wife in the person 
 of Zobitha, daughter of James Irwin. Her only 
 brother. James F. Irwin, is living in Virginia. 
 Since coming to West L'ike Run township, Mr. 
 Flick lias resided on his present farm, which is ]■> 
 cated on the northern boundary of Beallsville. He 
 is a successful agriculturist, and has for the past ten 
 years made a specialty of breeding Shorthorn cat 
 tie. Politically, he was formerly a Whig and 
 Know-Nothing, but is now a Republican, and he 
 is at present serving in the council of Beallsville 
 borough. He has been a member of the I. O. O. F. 
 for twenty years, and of the Encampment, and with 
 all public enterprises he is prominently identified. 
 
 The following reminiscences are from the pen of 
 Mr. Flick: 
 
 The old log school-house that I attended fir the first 
 time, dow sixty years ago, was constructed of unhewn 
 logs, and put together as you would build a pen. Small 
 -tunes were sot on edge between the logs, and Hen 
 dubbed with clay mortar. One log was sawed out to 
 make room lor a sash in the west side, and on this sash 
 was pasted greased paper. This old log school-house was 
 abandoned and a new one put, up eight or ten years alter. 
 1 whs carried by my sister to this old school-house. I 
 would go to see it, and limit squirrels with my father, for it 
 
 was a g 1 place for game. Now, as to the floor in this 
 
 old school-house: it was laid with what was called 
 puncheons in those days, wbich were split-out logs, 
 dressed off as best could be done. This floor was not all 
 over the room, for there was a space six feet square at the 
 east end, for fire, and on the ground immediately above 
 this place, over head, were joists to serve as bearings 
 whereon to build a chimney. This chimney was, at tin- 
 base, six feet square and tapered to the height desired, 
 built out of split lath ami plastered with clay mortar. 
 Clapboards were split "lit of oak timber, three and a half 
 feet long, and laid down on poles; while the joists were 
 covered with another clapboard. And then there was 
 what was called a big pole to hold them down; there 
 were no boards over head. As to seats, they were made 
 of split puncheon, roughly made with legs. Three of 
 these were placed around this square where the fire was, 
 and as the pupils would get warm, they would retire to 
 other benches, and others would then take their places at 
 the tire. Daniel Flick, my father, was one of the first 
 teamsters w b.0 made a Imsiness of going to Baltimore for 
 
244 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 goods before there was any railroad; and 1 may here 
 state that while he was at Baltimore on one occasion, he 
 learned that the B. & O. R. K. had twelve miles of road 
 made, and would run three coaches, engine and tender to 
 Elliot's Mills. The coaches were furnished with side 
 seats running lengthwise. So my lather concluded to 
 take a free ride. The B. & O. company had mules sta- 
 tioned at the heavy grades to assist the engine in making 
 grade. This was in spring of 1831. This engine and the 
 coaches were placed on exhibition in the city of Pitts 
 burgh among other old relics, and were destroyed by 
 fire. 
 
 \ILLIAM SWAN, son of Col. William 
 Swan (who was a son of Timothy Swan, 
 a Revolutionary soldier, and a native of 
 County Down, Ireland, and Jane (Watson) 
 Swan, of Westmoreland county, Penn.) and Mar- 
 tha (French) Swan, daughter of Enoch and Mary 
 (McElroy) French, of Chambersburg, Penn.. was 
 born in Trumbull county. Ohio, May 11, 1826. 
 His father, a soldier in the war of LSI 2, died din- 
 ing the infancy of his son William, who was the 
 youngest of a family of six children. In 1832 
 his mother removed from Ohio to the vicinity of 
 Canousburg, in order that her children might 
 have better educational advantages. 
 
 When a very young man Mr. Swan came to 
 Washington to learn the printer's trade in the 
 office of the Examiner, and during liis apprentice- 
 ship lie was an inmate of the family of the later 
 venerable Judge Grayson, who was the founder 
 of that paper. In 1851 Mr. Swan, in partnership 
 with William Ritezel. Esq. , founded the Review. It 
 was during this partnership that Mr. Swan, leav 
 ing the paper in the hands of Mr. Ritezel, made a 
 trip across the plains to California, which trip was 
 made on account of bad health. His diary, kept 
 during the journey, is one of intense interest, 
 telling of many escapades happening to the trav- 
 elers, and descriptions of some of our now great 
 western cities at that time. He was gone six 
 months, returning via the Isthmus of Panama to 
 New York. Upon his return to Washington, he 
 bought Mr. Ritezel's share in the Review, and con- 
 ducted the paper with ability and success until 
 its consolidation with the Examiner in 1865; and 
 published as Review and Examiner by Swan & 
 Ecker, Mr. Swan continuing editor and proprietor 
 until his death, which occurred October 10, 1876. 
 In 1863 Mr. Swan was the nominee, on the Demo 
 cratic ticket, for the office of county treasurer, and 
 although his party was then in the minority in the 
 county, yet he polled a vote which indicated the 
 high esteem in which he was held by his fellow- 
 citizens as a man of financial integrity and ability, 
 as well as of personal popularity. His was, in 
 everv sense, a manly character, and as such always 
 commanded the respect of his opponents, and at- 
 tracted to him troops of personal friends. Warm- 
 
 hearted, gentle in manner, kind, charitable, be- 
 nevolent and generous, he was ever ready to assist 
 the poor and unfortunate, and every project, which 
 appealed to his sympathy, never failed to receive 
 substantial aid at his hands. 
 
 In 1858 Mr. Swan was united in marriage to 
 Miss Sarah A. McClane, daughter of Ebeuezer and 
 Jane (McMurray) McClane, ofChartiers township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and by her had five chil- 
 dren, all now deceased except one daughter, Jean 
 McClane Swan, who resides with her widowed 
 mother in the borough of Washington. 
 
 F^ROF. G. G. HERTZOG, a well-known 
 teacher, and talented professor in the South- 
 western State Normal School, at California, 
 is a son of Andrew Hertzog, whose father, 
 John, was born near Hagerstowu, Md. 
 John Hertzog was educated in his native State; 
 he was of German descent, and spoke and read 
 the German and English languages with equal 
 ease. Coming to Fayette county, Penn., he re 
 mained a bachelor until middle age, when he se- 
 lected a wife in the person of Mrs. Sarah Burch- 
 inal, a widow lady, who had four children by her 
 former marriage, namely: Jeremiah, Luther, 
 Thomas and Rebecca. One son, Andrew, was 
 born to the union of John and Sarah (Burchinal) 
 Hertzog. The father followed agricultural pur- 
 suits, and died at an advanced age. In his polit 
 ical sympathies he was a Jeffersouian Democrat. 
 
 Andrew Hertzog was born November 11, 1811, 
 in Springhill township, Fayette Co, Penn., and 
 there attended the subscription schools. He fol- 
 lowed the business of building and contracting 
 for many years, and after his marriage settled on 
 the homestead farm in Fayette county. He mar- 
 ried Susanna, daughter of George and Hannah 
 Gans, natives of Pennsylvania, who were the par 
 ents of the following children: Asenath, Susanna, 
 Hannah, Mary, William, Paul and Philip. Mr. 
 Gans was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a 
 member of the Baptist Church. After his death 
 Mrs. Gans was married to Joseph Baker, and by 
 him had four children, viz. : Michael, George, Jo- 
 siah and Caroline. To the union of Andrew and 
 Susannah (Gans) Hertzog wore born the following 
 children: John J., Hannah (deceased), G. G., 
 Sarah (wife of William Mallory), Andrew, Amanda 
 (married to George Lyons), 0. G. (a minister of 
 the Disciple Church, now acting as financial agent 
 for Hiram College, Ohio), Susanna (wife of Cyrus 
 Pyle), Caroline (married to George D. Bowers), 
 Mary (wife of Elza Warman) and Lizzie (wife of 
 J. D West). Politically Mr. Heitzog was a Whig 
 and Republican, serving for years as justice of 
 the peace, and in religion was a member of the 
 Baptist Church at Mt. Zion. 
 
nwsill.XGTON COU.X / ) 
 
 245 
 
 Prof. G. (i. Hertzog was born September 22, 
 L837, in Fayette ooanty, Penn., and from earliest 
 boyhood developed strong intellectual capacity. 
 After attending the common schools, he remained 
 sometime at the academy at George*s Creek; then 
 took a thorough course of instruction at the South- 
 ivestern State Normal School, at California. On 
 December 25, 1862, he was married to Emily C. , 
 daughter of John Gr. Hertig, and she has borne 
 liim four children, viz. : Lucy S. and Walter S. (who 
 both graduated at the Southwestern State Normal 
 School, the latter in 1891, and is now a teacher). 
 Russell T. , deceased, and Carl S. Lucy S. after 
 graduation took a medical course at the Homce 
 opathic College, of Cleveland, Ohio, and since re- 
 ceiving her diploma has been employed as princi- 
 pal of the Women's and Children'-. Dispensary at 
 Cleveland, Ohio. 
 
 Prof. Hertzog was first connected with the South- 
 western State Normal School in 1866, Bince when 
 he has been an instructor in the higher branches, 
 and is now professor of mathematics and book- 
 keeping. His energetic personality is felt and 
 appreciated in every department of the school, to 
 which he lias devoted many years of his life with 
 eminent success, as is fully evin I by the phe- 
 nomenal progress the institution has made. In 
 politics he is a stanch Republican, and in religion 
 an earnest worker in the Christian Church, in 
 which he has been an elder for over twenty years, 
 and in the Sunday school, of which he has been 
 superintendent for many years. 
 
 L 
 
 ODOWICK MeCARRELL is prominent 
 among the leading attorneys of the borough 
 of Washington, and a lineal descendant of 
 Lodowick McCarrell, a native of Ireland, 
 who came to America and to Washington county 
 in 1780. At Ten .Mile and Hickory, in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, he took up a large quantity of 
 land, a great part of which he cleared and im- 
 proved, and here for years he followed agricultural 
 pursuits. He died in 1851, at the advanced age 
 of eighty -four years, bearing to the last the im- 
 press of the stalwart race from which he sprung. 
 Here he married Martha, daughter of John 
 Lemon, who, together with Andrew Eagleson, was 
 the first settler in Canton township, where he 
 died. He had several daughters, all now deceased. 
 our subject's grandmother being the first to pass 
 away, dying before her husband. The grandpar- 
 ents of Lodowick, Jr. , had a family of seveu 
 children, of whom the following is a fragmentary 
 record: John died in Lawrence county, Penn.; 
 Thomas is spoken of more fully further on; James 
 died in Beaver county, same State; Andrew died 
 in Mount Pleasant township, on the old homestead; 
 
 Leman died in Buffalo township, this county, 
 when middle aged; Isabelle (deceased) was the 
 wife of Isaac Hodgens, of Buffalo township; Eliza 
 beth (deceased) was the wife of John Cockins. ,,f 
 Mt. Pleasant township. The father of this family 
 was an elder in the Seceder Church. 
 
 Thomas McCarrell, father of Lodowick. Jr., was 
 horn in Virginia in 1801. He was thrice mar 
 ried — hist, to Miss Esther McNary, of Washington 
 county, who died in 1831, leaving four children, 
 as follows: Martha, who died in January, 1893, 
 at Hickory, this county: Margaret, wife of Joseph 
 Cowden, in Cecil township, near Venice; Dr. John 
 McCarrell, who died in January, 1891, in Wells 
 ville, Ohio, and Dr. James McCarrell, a resident 
 of Allegheny, Penn. For his second wife Thomas 
 McCarrell married Elizabeth McConnaughy, of 
 Washington county, a daughter of David McCon 
 naughy, a farmer, who had come from the North 
 of Ireland to this county prior to the beginning 
 of this century; he and his wife and children are 
 now all dead. Mr. and Mrs. McCarrell, after mar 
 riage, settled on the old farm in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, where were born to them the following 
 named children: David M. , a physician in Hick 
 ory, this county; Leman, farming on the home 
 stead in Mt. Pleasani township; Alexander D., 
 a I'nited Presbyterian minister at Stewart's Sta- 
 tion, Westmoreland Co., Penn., and Lodowick, 
 the subject of these lines. The mother died in 
 1859, at the age of fifty-nine years, and the father, 
 in 1863, married Margaret Martin, who died in 
 1890. The father died in 1S72, a member of the 
 Seceder Church. Politically, he was a Democrat, 
 and tilled various county and township offices of 
 trust. He was elected county commissioner in 
 L853, was associate judge for a term of five years, 
 and was justice of the peace in Mt. Pleasant town 
 ship seven terms. 
 
 Lodowick McCarrel, whose name opens this 
 biographical sketch, was born February 2, 1842, 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and received a liberal education at *the schools of 
 the locality, working also at times on the farm. 
 Saving decided to make the legal profession his 
 life vocation, he entered Jefferson College, from 
 which he graduated in 1867 in the classical course, 
 and then commenced the study of law in the office 
 of Montgomery & Gibson, Washington borough. 
 In 1869 he was admitted to the bar of the county, 
 commenced practice in the following year, and has 
 since continued with eminent success. Mr. Mc- 
 Carrell was married July 25, 1876, to Lida, 
 daughter of Robert JacksoD, and to this union one 
 son, Robert L. , was born. In his political prefer 
 ences our subject is an active member of the 
 Democratic party, and in religious sentiment he is 
 of the United Presbyterian faith. 
 
246 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 JfOHN BAIRD, son of George Baird, of whom 
 mention is made elsewhere in this work, was 
 ] born in Washington, Penn., July 16, 1816, 
 and received his education in the public 
 schools in the vicinity of his birthplace. In the 
 earlier part of his life he was engaged in the coin- 
 mission business, which he conducted very sue 
 cessfully until he was appointed agent of the 
 Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Co. in Washington, 
 which position he held for many years up until 
 nearly his retirement from active business 
 
 Mr. Baird was married twice, first time to 
 Harriet N. Gilfillan, daughter of Dr. Gilfillan, of 
 West Alexander, Penn. She died ih 1852, leaving 
 ing four children, of whom two are living, viz. : 
 Mary M., of Leetsdale, Penn., and Susan C, 
 widow of James C. Johnson, of Erie, Penn. For 
 his second wife Mr. Baird married Harriet S. 
 Clark, daughter of Joseph Clark, of Franklin 
 township, Washington county, and to* them seven 
 children were born, as follows: Jane Wilson, wife 
 of Moses Atwood, of Pittsburgh; Sarah, who died 
 in infancy; George, engaged in the banking busi- 
 ness in Pittsburgh; Joseph, also engaged in bank- 
 ing, in Washington; William, connected with a 
 glass company of Washington; and Eleanore and 
 Katharine, both at home. On March 5, 1889, the 
 father departed this life at the age of seventy-three. 
 Politically he was a Republicau, and in religion a 
 member of the First Presbyterian Church. 
 
 / 
 
 HON. JOHN BARCLAY FINLEY, a dis- 
 tinguished citizen and business man of 
 Monongahela, was born in the city of Phil- 
 adelphia, Penn., November 17, 1845. 
 His grandparents came to western Penn 
 sylvania from Cecil county, Md. , immediately 
 after the close of the Revolutionary war, his grand 
 father having served in that war, locating first in 
 Allegheny City, shortly after moving to a point 
 eight miles west of Pittsburgh near White Hall and 
 Sargents Hall, six miles east of Finleyville, or as it 
 was then called " Rowgalley," where he had a sister 
 married to James Barclay, who had also come from 
 Cecil county, Md. John Finley was a farmer, and 
 owned a body of land, on which Finleyville was built. 
 Theoriginal tract on which the town was located was 
 called •' Mount Pleasant.'' and the warrant was 
 taken out by John Wall, December 3, 1787, pur- 
 chased by James Barclay, who sold the most of it 
 to John Finley in 1 7SS. It was named Finley- 
 ville, in honor of John Finley. He and his wife 
 had children as follows: William, born January 
 16, I78N, never married; Robert, March 27. 1790, 
 never married; John, Januarv 17. 1792; Jane, May 
 21), 1793; Sarah, April lit, 1795; Levi, .January 3, 
 1798; Margaret, March 30, L800; Isabel, March 
 II, 1802; Mary, November 28, 1804; James (father 
 
 of J. B. Finley), June 10, 1806, and Susan, June 
 23, 1808. Of these Margaret married a Mr. Bald 
 win; Isabel married a Mr. Cochran; Jane married 
 Dr. Joseph Curry; Susan married a Mr. Curry; 
 Mary married a Mr. St. Clair; Sarah, married a 
 Mr. Neil. John Finley was a very large land 
 owner in Washington county. 
 
 James Finley, father of subject, was born in 
 1806, on the old homestead six miles east of 
 Finley on the Pittsburgh and Brownville road. 
 He learned merchandising with his brother, Robert, 
 who was the first postmaster of Finleyville. A 
 short time after James went to Pittsburgh, where 
 he entered a mercantile house, remaining here 
 from the time he was twenty-five to thirty years of 
 age, when he proceeded to Philadelphia, and from 
 there traveled abroad. Returning to Philadelphia, 
 he there engaged, in company with a partner, in 
 the wholesale dry-goods business. In 1851 the 
 firm failed, and had to close out the business at a 
 great loss. Having saved from the ruin a small 
 amount of money, he was enabled to open a general 
 store at Finleyville. Here he remained several 
 years, dying in 1857, at the age of fifty-one years. 
 Mr. Finley was married to Miss Catherine O'Neil, 
 who was born at or near Albany, N. Y., a daughter 
 of John O'Neil. To this union were born seven 
 children, viz.: James, who died aged seventeen; 
 William P. , who was but eighteen years old, when 
 in May, 1862, he was killed at the battle of Will 
 iamsburg, Va. (he was a member of the "Friend 
 Rifles," of Pittsburgh); John Barclay, our subject; 
 Byron S., unmarried, and residing in Otley, Iowa 
 (he and his mother, the latter now aged seventy- 
 one years, and sister Florence E., reside together) ; 
 Rowland W , who resides in Goodland, Kans. (he 
 was county clerk two terms, going out of office in 
 1899; he owns a considerable body of land near the 
 county seat, and also a flouring mill at Goodland; 
 he married Miss Laura White, of Iowa); Florence 
 E., mentioned above; Robert F., unmarried and 
 residing in San Francisco, engaged in the erection 
 of gas plants. 
 
 When six years old our subject came with his 
 parents to Finleyville, Washington Co., Penn., at 
 the common schools of which place he received his 
 primary education, finishing with a course at the 
 normal school in Monongahela City. Soon after 
 leaving school he engaged as a clerk in the mer- 
 cantile house of Alexander & Co., in that city, 
 continuing with them in merchandising until 1865, 
 when they disposed of their mercantile interests, 
 and engaged exclusively in banking. Mr. Finley 
 remained with them until 187<l, when, the Peoples 
 Savings Bank being established, he was made 
 cashier. The bank was, in 1889, reorganized under 
 the title of "The Peoples Bank," Mr. Fiidey 
 being elected president, which position he contin 
 ues to fill. He was one of the original organizers 
 
-O"— ^ 
 
ii A.suixGTON COUNTY. 
 
 240 
 
 and promoters of the Monongabela City Gas Co., 
 having been a director since its organization and 
 treasurer since L880; bas been director of Williams- 
 port Bridge Co. for a number of years, president 
 since 1888, and he rebuilt it after the tire in 1884; 
 be is a director, and for two years was president, 
 of the Bellewood & Monongahela Natural Gas 
 Co., and is also one of tin- principal stockholders 
 of this company; is also one of the incorporators of 
 
 M mgahela Cemetery Association; is also presi 
 
 dent and principal stockholder of the Lawrence 
 (ias Co. of New Castle, Penn., and of the New 
 Cattle Electric Co., and treasurer and principal 
 Stockholder of the City of New Castle Water Co. ; 
 president of and stockholder and director in the 
 Broad Top & Cambria Coal Co.. and is a director 
 in the Fifth National Bank of Pittsburgh. Polit- 
 ically Mr. Finley is a Republican, and represented 
 Washington county in the Legislature 1887 88, and 
 was elected to till the unexpired term of Hon. 
 .lames K. Piillingsly, 1889 90; served in the House 
 of 1891, and resigned in April, 1892, in order to 
 accept office as councilman so as to more effectively 
 advocate improved streets and sewerage for Monon 
 gahela City; he bad been a member of council be- 
 fore, and president of councils three or four terms, 
 also clerk of council a number of wars Mr. 
 Finley is a prominent Freemason, having attained 
 the thirty-second degree; is a Sir Knight Templar 
 and member of the Shrine, He is a member of the 
 AmericuH Club, and the Duquesne Club, of 1'itts 
 burgh, He was a member of the Revenue com 
 mission of 1887 (along with M. S. Quay, John 
 Faunce, W. Norris, .lames S. Graham, H. K. 
 Boyer, Christopher E. Hydrick, Jerome B. Niles. 
 Henry Palmer, Thomas V. Cooper, and others) 
 to examine into the tax laws of the State and rec- 
 ommend State tax legislation. During the war 
 of the Rebellion be enlisted in Company G, Eight- 
 eenth Pennsylvania Militia, in answer to a call 
 of Gov. Curtin in 1862, and was stationed near 
 Hagerstown, Md. After Lee crossed the Potomac 
 bis regiment was ordered back to Greencastle and 
 thence home. 
 
 Mr. Finley was united in marriage, February 
 21, 1878, with Miss Marguerite Bowman, who was 
 born in Monongahela City, a daughter of Michael 
 Bowman. Mr. and Mrs. Finley are members of 
 the First Presbyterian Church. 
 
 IM 
 
 The 
 county 
 generat 
 
 RS. CLARA W. BAIRD, the widow of 
 
 Andrew Todd Baird, is a daughter of 
 
 Hugh W Wilson, of Washington county, 
 
 who settled in South Strabane township, 
 
 on a farm his grandfather had purchased. 
 
 ancestry of this family in Washington 
 
 came to America at an early day, and six 
 
 ions have lived on the old home place estab- 
 
 lished in Washington borough, the representative 
 of the fifth generation still living there. James 
 Wilson came from Bedford county, Penn., in 17*1, 
 and purchased lot No. 291, where Smith's store 
 now stands. He died in 1792 in the bouse he had 
 built on the corner of Main and Beau streets. At 
 bis death his wife (name unknown) inherited by 
 will the use of 200 acres of land adjoining the town 
 until James, the youngest son, should be of age, 
 when the farm was to be equally divided between 
 James, Thomas and John. Hugh, the eldest son. 
 had been provided for by certain property set off 
 to him previously, a portion of which was the lot 
 on Main street, near Maiden; and in addition to 
 this property he purchased, in 1786, the lot on 
 which Morgan's store now stands. This Hugh 
 Wilson was the grandfather of Mrs. Clara Baird. 
 He was thrice married; his first wife was Rachel 
 Leet, born May 31, 1769, daughter of Isaac Leet. 
 and sisfer of Maj. Daniel Leet, and by her hi' had 
 children as follows: Rebecca, Margaret, Rachel 
 and Hugh W. The mother of these children 
 dying in 1788, Hugh Wilson married Margaret 
 (Hamilton) Fleming, a widow with one daughter, 
 Catherine, who afterward became the wife of John 
 I). McFaddeo, jeweler, of Pittsburgh, Bj this 
 
 wife Hugh Wilson had one daughter, Eliza, mar 
 
 ried to Rev. Thomas Swaim, of Philadelphia, who 
 
 was pastor of the Baptist Church at Washington, 
 Penn., from 1846 to 1850. After the death of his 
 second wife Hugh Wilson married a Miss Spencer, 
 an English lady, who survived him many years. 
 
 Hugh W. Wilson, the only son of Hugh and Ra 
 el i el ( Leet ) Wilson, was born in Washington, Penn., 
 February 22, 1812. On April 25, 1837, he was 
 married to Frances Emma, daughter of Thomas and 
 Frances Anica I Preble) Barlow, of Allegheny, and 
 their children were: Edward Preble, born April 25, 
 1838, now living in ( 'incinnati, Ohio; James Blaine, 
 bom November 25, 1839, now living in Washington, 
 Penn.; Clara the subject proper of this sketch; 
 and Frances Emma, who (lied in infancy. The 
 mother died February 12, 1845, at the age of 
 twenty-seven years, and Mr. Wilson married, Sep 
 tember 'J, 1S47, Sarah Neville, niece of General 
 Neville, and by her he had two children: Neville 
 Craig, born October 30, 1850, died January 1, INST. 
 and Rebecca Blaine, born September 12, 1853, died 
 February 16, 1877. The mother of these children 
 departed this life September 30, 1856, aged thirty - 
 six years, and the father on May 13, 1862, at the 
 age of forty-nine years. By occupation he was a 
 farmer, and during the later years of bis life he 
 followed fruit growing, also kept a greenhouse. 
 His death was sudden, caused by over exertion in 
 rapid walking, which produced internal rupture. 
 For thirty years be was a deacon in the Baptist 
 Church. 
 
 On June 8, 1865, Clara Wilson was united in 
 
250 
 
 WASHIXGTUN COUNTY. 
 
 marriage with Andrew Todd Baird, by whom she 
 had seven children, viz. : Frances Emma, Jane 
 Cunningham, Auica Chambers, George (deceased 
 at the age of five months), Andrew Todd (deceased 
 when aged ten and one-half years), Hugh Wilson 
 and Susan, the survivors all living with the mother 
 mi Maiden street, Washington. 
 
 Andrew Todd Baird was born in 1831, at the 
 home of his grandparents in Washington, Penn., 
 I nit was taken to Ripley, Ohio, where he remained 
 until 1836, thence moved to Wheeling, W. Va. , in 
 which city be lived till 1844, there receiving a part 
 of his education. At the age of seventeen (1848) 
 Mr. Baird graduated at Washington and Jefferson 
 College, where he took a classical course. For a 
 time he studied law with his uncle, but for some 
 reason abandoned it. He learned telegraphy, and 
 in lsr>l had charge of the telegraph office at Wash- 
 ington, but resigned to enter his father's store. In 
 18(50 he b.icame a partner with his father, 'and on 
 the latter's death succeeded to the business. For 
 twenty years (1868 to 1887) he was treasurer of 
 Washington and Jefferson College; was treasurer 
 of the First Presbyterian Church sixteen years 
 (1869 to 1885) and at the time of his death the 
 church was out of debt; for thirty years he was 
 librarian of the Sunday-school. Mr. Baird had 
 joined the church in 1856, and lived the life of a 
 true Christian. He was a most conscientious man 
 and gave liberally of his means to all deserving 
 charities and beneficent institutions, and on June 
 6, 1X56, he commenced to devote one-tenth of his 
 income for that purpose. He was a stanch Repub- 
 lican, at all times standing firmly and conscien- 
 tiously by his political opinions. After marriage 
 he and his wife took up their residence on Beau 
 street, in the borough of Washington, remaining 
 there until 1871, moving twice before 1875, when 
 they took possession of the present home of the 
 family. Here Mr. Baird died March 25, 1887, at 
 the age of fifty-five years, six month. 
 
 QEORGE BAIRD. This gentleman was a 
 typical specimen of the vigorous and hearty 
 Scotch-Irish race from which he claimed 
 descent. 
 
 His grandfather, John Baird, came to 
 America, as a soldier under Gen. Braddock, and 
 shared with him the memorable defeat on the 
 Monongahela, July 9,1755. He is said to have 
 1 ist his life in the disastrous battle of Grant's Hill, 
 in 1758, before Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh). 
 His widow with her infant son. Absalom, continued 
 to reside in the home he had established for them 
 in Chester county, Penn. But on arriving at a 
 suitable age, this son was sent to the famous 
 academy at Pequa, in Lancaster county, then con- 
 ducted by that eminent educator. Dr. Robert 
 
 Smith, where, by thorough stud)', he prepared 
 himself to enter upon a course in medicine. The 
 outbreak of the American Revolution found him a 
 physician ready for practice, and opened to him a 
 tine rield of professional energy and of patriotism 
 as an army surgeon, a capacity in which he served 
 his country until 1781, when his regiment was dis- 
 banded under an act of Congress. Returning to 
 Chester county, he settled in Kennett Square, and 
 there practiced medicine until November, 1786, 
 when he removed to Washington, Penn. In his 
 new sphere, Dr. Baird, besides practicing his pro- 
 fession, soon reached eminence as a leader in the 
 community, as indicated by the various offices he 
 successively held, viz.: justice of the peace, county 
 lieutenant, brigade inspector, member of the State 
 Senate, and then of the House of Representatives, 
 s-heriff of Washington county and trustee of Wash 
 ington Academy, the germ of the present Washing- 
 ton College. He died October 27, 1805, leaving 
 four sons, viz. : John, who followed him in the 
 medical profession, but died early; George, the 
 subject of this memorial, and Thomas H. and Will- 
 iam, both of whom became eminent and successful 
 lawyers, the former also a distinguished judge. 
 His first wife, Susanna (Brown), was called from 
 earth November 16, 1802, about three years before 
 his death, and his second, Margaret (Darrah), fol- 
 lowed his remains to the grave in the year sue 
 ceeding their marriage. 
 
 George Baird, the second son of Dr. Absalom 
 Baird, was born in Kennett Square, Chester Co., 
 Penn., October 28, 1785. He was taken by his 
 parents to their new home in Washington at the 
 age of eleven months, and here he grew up into 
 the bodily and mental strength which ever charac 
 terized him amidst the peculiar advantages of acorn 
 munity whose tirst settlers possessed unusual cult- 
 ure and transmitted it to their posterity. Reared 
 carefully amidst the best influences of a Scotch - 
 Irish Presbyterian home and community, the text- 
 ure of his youthful character was wrought after 
 that superior fashion. The death of his father 
 left Mr. Baird an orphan of just twenty years. He 
 had simultaneously or alternately, been for some 
 time pursuing classical and mathematical study at 
 Washington Academy, and preparing for the prac- 
 tice of medicine in his father's office. During the 
 summer of 1805, he had enjoyed the instruction of 
 the Rev. Matthew Brown, who in the spring of that 
 year had become both pastor of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Washington, and principal of the 
 academy. Dr. Brown had in the academy, as as 
 sistant, Mr. David Elliott (afterward Rev. Dr. 
 Elliott), the successor of Dr. Brown both in the 
 pastorate of the church and the presidency of the 
 college. The retirement of Mr. Elliott after a 
 year of service to resume his studies as a candidate 
 for graduation in Dickinson College, at Carlisle, 
 
WASHINGTON*, COtJh I ) 
 
 251 
 
 Penn., was simultaneous with the transition of 
 Washington Academy into the college under t ho 
 charter of 1806. Mr. liaird took his place as tutor, 
 and efficiently discharged the duties of the posi 
 
 tion for a year. The serious bereavement which 
 imposed upon him a large share of the support of 
 the family, also compelled the abandonment of a 
 future prosecution of collegiate studies, and, what 
 was still worse, of his medical studies also. This 
 was much regretted, in view of his special classical 
 taste anil capacity, and a corresponding waut of 
 
 adaptation to ordinary trade. But " o ssitj 
 
 knows no law." The aspiring student, must needs 
 abandon his bo >ks and come down to the stress of 
 business. He did this with cheerful submission 
 and characteristic energy, ever holding the confi 
 deuce of the community in which he lived, but not 
 with the degree of success with which we may well 
 suppose the pursuits of his preference and longing 
 might have been crowned. His first important 
 venture, along with his brother-in-law, Nicholas 
 Wilson, in the form of a boat load of floor for the 
 market at New Orleans, was a disastrous failure, 
 on account of the intervening depression of juices. 
 Subsequently he was engaged in business for a 
 brief season at St. Genevieve, Mo., and also at 
 Nashville, Tenn. But returning to his home in 
 Washington, popular favor expressed itself in his 
 election, in ISM, to the office of sheriff of Wash 
 ington county, for the term of three years, re elec- 
 tion being forbidden by law in the case of that 
 office, unless after a lapse of time. During the 
 same years, as for the two previous years, the office 
 of deputy attorney general was filled by his brother 
 Thomas H. Baird, who likewise was president 
 judge of the district composed of Washington, 
 Fayette and Greene counties for a continuous pe 
 riod of twenty years, beginning with 1818. Dur- 
 ing the years 1816-24, William Baird, the young 
 est brother, was deputy attorney-general. These 
 facts abundantly attest both the energy of these 
 brothers and of their hold on the public confidence. 
 Two important events in Mr. Baird' s life were 
 closely associated with his election as sheriff in 
 1811. One of these was his marriage, and the 
 other his union with the Presbyterian Church of 
 Washington, by public profession of his faith. On 
 October 25, ISM, two or three weeks after his 
 election, he and Miss Jane, daughter of John and 
 Catherine Wilson, of Washington, were happily 
 united for life by Rev. Dr. Matthew Brown. The 
 union was a thorough blending of mutual love and 
 devotion, of ever increasing strength, until No- 
 vember 2, 1860, when on the verge of a half cent- 
 ury the husband's death separated them for a little 
 while. Very shortly after his marriage and the 
 assumption of the duties of his office, Mr. Baird 
 took the vows of a Christian upon himself and sat 
 
 down beside his beloved bride at the communion 
 table of the Lord. 
 
 The expiration of Mr. Baird's term of office was 
 followed, after a short interval, by his election in 
 January, 1S1(>, as a member of the House of Rep- 
 resentatives at Harrisburg, to rill the vacancy oc- 
 casioned by the death of Gen. James Stephenson. 
 He at once took his seat and vigilantly discharged 
 his duties as a legislator. Retiring then to private 
 life, he engaged in mercantile business, which 
 through several changes, and with varying fortune, 
 he pursued until 1829, when bis financial embar 
 rassments culminated in bankruptcy. The trial 
 was in every way severe, and its experience bitter. 
 but conscious integrity and an unblemished repu- 
 tation sustained his wounded spirit. It was under 
 the necessity which followed this reverse of fort 
 une, that Mr. Baird in 1830 removed to the neigh 
 borhood of Hiphy, Ohio, and took charge .if a 
 farm and a mill belonging to his bn ither in law. 
 Rev. Andrew Todd, of Kentucky. Here, too, his 
 life for six year- was one of both struggle and 
 heroic endurance, as well as of success least 
 equal to his. expectation. In 1836 another change 
 was made responsive to an invitation of his wife's 
 brother. Marcus Wilson, to join him in the dry - 
 goods business at Wheeling, Va. But their ar 
 rangements had scarcely gone into effect when Mr. 
 Wilson's death precipitated another. Alone hi' 
 then entered into the grocery business, though he 
 was, of course, put under unexpected stress. Vet 
 he pushed hi- way with assiduous earnestness and 
 established a trade which produced a comfortable 
 living. So he continued until ISM, when the in- 
 creasing infirmities of Mrs. Baird's aged parents at 
 Washington, made a call of filial duty to return to 
 that place and take charge of them. Concurrent 
 with this was the inducement of a better oppor 
 tunity to educate his younger children. At Wheel- 
 ing he had not only been reasonably prospered in 
 business, but his family had formed strong ties of 
 friendship, which still bind them. Their relations 
 with the First Presbyterian Church of that city, 
 during the seven years of their continuance, were 
 most cordial and satisfactory. Especially was 
 their union close with the venerable pastor, Rev. 
 Henry R Weed, D.D., aud his family. The re 
 moval to Washington was the last change. En- 
 gaging in the same business as at Wheeling, Mr. 
 Baird prosecuted it with vigor, having the efficient 
 help of his youngest son, Andrew Todd Baird, 
 during the last twelve years of his life. That sou 
 succeeded him at his death, and soon, by his com- 
 bined skill and energy, rose to the front rank of 
 business men, a place which by common consent 
 he held up to his death. The return of Mr. Baird 
 to Washington was speedily followed with renewed 
 tokens of confidence from a community which well 
 
252 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 knew his worth. He was at once elected a trustee 
 of Washington College, and so continued through 
 the remaining seventeen years of his life. This 
 was but a return to a position which he had before 
 held for twenty consecutive years, commencing 
 with 1812, under the presidency of Dr. Matthew- 
 Brown. During all of this latter period he acted 
 as collector and a portion of it as treasurer of this 
 institution. In this, too, his youngest son was his 
 assistant, and succeeding to the financial trust was 
 in full charge of the resources of the board until 
 his death in 1887. In 1848 he was chosen to the 
 office of justice of the peace, and discharged its 
 duties for five years. But the office which he most 
 of all valued was that of ruling elder in the Pres- 
 byterian Church of Washington, to which, after 
 election by the people, be was ordained and in- 
 stalled October 3, 1847, along with James Boon, 
 Joseph Henderson and Dr. Robert R. Reed. In 
 that sacred office he was ever discriminating, con- 
 stant and true to duty, and during most of the time 
 was the efficient clerk of the Session. His appre- 
 ciation by the ministry and eldership beyond his 
 own particular church, may be inferred from his 
 unanimous appointment by the Presbytery of 
 Washington, as one of its commissioners to the 
 General Assembly, which held its sessions in Nash 
 ville, Tenn., in May, 1855. 
 
 The character of Mr. Baird was very marked. 
 In him seeming opposites were wonderfully blend- 
 ed. Decision even sometimes to sternness if not 
 bluntness, was joined with a tenderness of heart 
 seldom surpassed. He was brave to utter fear- 
 lessness in avowing and maintaining his convic 
 tic ms, and yet modest, diffident and deferential to 
 the judgment of those in whose wisdom and truth 
 he confided. He would suffer loss rather than 
 forsake a principle or betray a friend. He was 
 not slow to maintain his own rights with a heroic 
 spirit, but he was ever more ready to forego his 
 own ease and interest in doing a kindness. No 
 parent more strictly exacted obedience, whilst no 
 one could exceed him in a father's sympathetic 
 love. He was solicitous for the spiritual welfare 
 of the young, an earnest teacher in the Sabbath 
 school, and, during several periods, its superintend- 
 ent. He loved the sanctuary with its sacred 
 word and ordinances. The family altar never fell 
 into neglect in his home, nor did the religious in- 
 struction of his children. With his last breath he 
 uttered affectionate words of parting to his beloved 
 wife ami children, as well as fit counsels to all that 
 came to his bedside. His expressions of goodwill 
 toward his fellow-men were hearty, and his 
 prayers for the coming of the Lord went up be- 
 fore him to the heavenly throne. On November 
 '_', I860, he breathed out his life in the sweet peace 
 of Christ, and two days later his body was gently 
 
 laitl to rest in the " city of the dead." He had 
 through grace finished his earthly course of seventy- 
 five years, and even then was beholding the Lord's 
 face, and was satisfied with His likeness. 
 
 His widow survived him until July 16, 1872, 
 when she departed this life in her seventy-ninth 
 year. She was greatly beloved in life, not only 
 within her own large circle of relatives but by a 
 still greater number, between whom and herself, 
 during long and affectionate intercourse, ties had 
 been formed which are stronger than death. The 
 loveliness of her manners and disposition which 
 made her girlhood so attractive, was thus carried 
 into the responsible relations of wife and mother. 
 She was equally at home among the refined and 
 the lowly; modestly diffusing the light of her own 
 genial spirit over all around her, and receiving 
 back the largest rewards of confidence and love. 
 Her words of encouragement and hope fell tenderly 
 upon sorrowful hearts. As a daughter, sister, 
 wife and mother, her affection, illustrated by her 
 daily words and acts, wrote its own history upon 
 the memories of those bound to her by those tender 
 ties, which must prove as lasting as the soul. She 
 was kind, tender and thoughtful in all that re- 
 lated to the welfare and happiness of each and all 
 of them. She was a mother in the fulness of love 
 and care to a succession of orphaned children, 
 chiefly nephews, nieces and grandchildren, which 
 seldom finds a parallel. From the time of her 
 marriage, down through the threescore years dur 
 ing which she had a home, there was no time when 
 the blessings of that home were not shared by one 
 or more of this class. In her time of greatest need, 
 she always had somewhat to give, when the Mas 
 ter's cause appealed to her for help. In this, as 
 in a multitude of other ways, did her unselfish 
 preference of the good and happiness of others over 
 any gratification of her own, appear. 
 
 Mrs Baird was born and reared, as she also 
 spent most of her life and died, on the same prem 
 ises. She was the fourth daughter of John Wil- 
 son, Esq., who died in 1847, and Mrs. Catherine 
 Wilson, who died December 15, 1857, who, with 
 their firstborn child, immigrated from Ireland to 
 this country in 1786. After a residence of three 
 years in Philadelphia they settled in Washington, 
 Penn., in 1789, and here, after a long life, they 
 came to their rest among the dead. Of five sis- 
 ters, all of whom lived to widowhood and advanced 
 age, and were blended into closer union by means 
 of common circumstances and experiences, three 
 were called away within the brief space of seven 
 teen months. Mrs. Martha Wishart (widow of Dr. 
 John Wishart), the second sister, died March 1, 
 1871, in the eightieth year of her age; on August 
 2, 1872, the eldest sister, Mrs. Mary, widow of 
 David Acheson, fell asleep as she neared the veu- 
 
uwsmxirrox corxr) 
 
 253 
 
 erable age of eighty live years; Mrs. Margaret 
 Wilson died July 21, IS70; Mrs. Catherine W. 
 Todd, on January 5, 1 S 7 7 . and John K. Wilson 
 on July 4, 1883. 
 
 I M ORGAN HAYES, senior member of the 
 
 \a| firm of Hayes & Wilson, carriage makers 
 
 ■i I of Washington, Penn., was born in Hurt 
 
 J) * l ford county Conn.. March 13, 1820; re- 
 
 ceived his education there and learned the 
 
 carriage makers' trade in the town of Hartford. 
 
 Morgan Hayes settled at Washington, Penn,, 
 October 15, 1841, and in partnership with his 
 brother and uncle (who had been keeping a hotel 
 in the borough) established a carriage shop in rear 
 of the court-house. Burned out there, the com- 
 pany purchased the old Presbyterian church build- 
 ing, now vacant and the property of the S. B. & 
 C. Bay es estate. In 1871 the shop was established 
 in the old Methodist church building, 54 North 
 Franklin street, where business is now carried on. 
 As a coincidence, it may be related thai a brother 
 in Columbus, Ohio (now of the linn of M & E. K. 
 Hayes), conducted an industry of the same nature 
 in an old church building. In 1871 our subject 
 formed a partnership with John S. Wilson, who 
 had served an apprenticeship with him, for the 
 manufacture of all kinds of carriages, buggies, 
 spring wagons, etc., which has since continued 
 with well-merited success. Politically, Mr. Hayes 
 is a Democrat, in religion a member of the Second 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. He 
 is the oldest carriage maker iD Washington, and 
 built the first buggy in the county. He has in his 
 possession a buggy he made in 1843, and sold July 
 3, that year; but some years ago he bought it back, 
 and has exhibited it since at the county fair. This 
 vehicle is now half a century old, is good and sound, 
 and a venerable reminder of the days immediately 
 following the "Hard Cider Campaign." Some 
 years ago, Rev. Charles Hayes published a vo- 
 luminous work, on the Hayes family, at Westfield, 
 N. Y., which is a standard genealogy back to 1 (ltd. 
 It does not treat of the family before the Refor- 
 mation. 
 
 OLIVER M. LINTON is descended from an 
 honored ancestry who came to Washington 
 county at a very early period in its history. 
 John Linton immigrated to America about 
 1682, and was apparently the first of the family to 
 set foot upon American soil. An old family Bible, 
 now in the possession of our subject, contains a 
 record of five generations, and the first item in this 
 record is the following: "Benjamin Linton, son of 
 John and Rebecca, born 6th month, 10th. day, 
 1703." 
 
 Joshua Linton, son of the above named Henja 
 niiu. by a second wife, iter Jane Cowgil, was born 
 January 22, 1738, and was the great-grandfather 
 of Oliver M. In early pioneer days he was a resi 
 dent of Bucks county, Penn., whence, in company 
 with his three sons — Benjamin, Mahlon and 
 Joshua, Jr. — he came to Washington county 
 toward thecloseof the last century. [This is taken 
 from data supplied by Prof. Edwin Linton. | Of 
 these sons, Mahlon was born in Bucks county, at 
 l J:3<> o'clock, a. m .. February 6, L781, was reared to 
 agricultural pm suits on bis father's faun, after the 
 fashion of those early times, and also learned the 
 trade of weaving, both of which occupations lie 
 followed through life. After his arrival in Wash 
 ington county, he purchased, on March 10, I (89, 
 seventy six acres of wild bind in East Bethlehem 
 township, where he made a settlement, clearing 
 his place of the primeval forest, and enduring the 
 many hardships incident to pioneer life. On 
 March 31, 1803, he married Ann Hilles, who bore 
 him the following named children: Sarah, born 
 August 11. 1804, died in 1873; William II.. born 
 April 30, L806, died L862; Samuel, born June 23, 
 1809, died 1864; Joseph, born January 28, 1813, 
 died L882; Mary Ann, born April 27, 1815, died 
 1882; Isaiah, born September 211, 1817, died 1891; 
 
 Caroline, born August 21, 1820, died in girlh 1. 
 
 and Margaret, born September 21, 1825. The 
 father died April 4, 1831, the mother following 
 him to the grave June 21, 1838. He was a Whig 
 in politics, and in his religious connection was a 
 Quaker. 
 
 William H. Linton was bom on the farm now 
 owned by his son, Oliver M., in East Bethlehem 
 township, and which has been in the possession of 
 the Linton family ever since its purchase in 1789 
 by Mahlon Linton. He received his education at 
 the subscription schoolsof the locality of his birth, 
 and afterward attended Westland Academy. His 
 brothers and sisters, who grew to maturity, all 
 married and became scattered, but he continued to 
 live on the old homestead, assisting his father in 
 the duties of the farm, and at the latter's death 
 be inherited the property. He was married Octo- 
 ber 31, 1832, to Matilda, daughter of Benjamin 
 Taylor, one of Washington county's early Quaker 
 citizens. To this union were born children as 
 follows: Eli, Caroline, Elizabeth Ann, Oliver M., 
 William Hilles, Mary and Eliza, John Francis and 
 Lawrence, all of whom are now deceased, except 
 Caroline, Oliver M. and William Hilles, the last 
 named being a resident of Salem, Ohio. The 
 father by occupation was a farmer, shoemaker and 
 broom maker; in politics he was a Republican, in 
 religious faith a Quaker; he died March 29. 1862; 
 the mother was called from earth September 17, 
 1869. 
 
 Oliyer M. Linton, whose name opens this bio 
 
254 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 graphical memoir, was born on the farm which he 
 now owns, anil of which hi> has been a lifelong 
 resident, with the exception of three years (1882 
 to 1885) he spent in Centreville. He was educated 
 
 at the c minion schools of his district, receiving at 
 home a thorough training in the arduous and 
 manifold duties of a practical agriculturist, and 
 has made farming pursuits, including threshing by 
 horsepower, the vocation of his life. On October 
 26, 1865, he was married to Miss Philena Cleaver, 
 who was born September 18, 1841, in Columbiana 
 county, Ohio, daughter < .f Eli Cleaver, and this 
 union was blessed with rive children, viz. : Nora 
 M., born August 19, 1867; Mary M. , born August 
 2, 1869; Lizzie L., born September 10, 1871; 
 Cora E., born April 3, 1873, and Eva O., born 
 November 2, 1882. Of these the following named 
 three all died in 1872 of diphtheria: Nora M. , 
 March 14; Mary M., February 15, and Lizzie L., 
 March 12. Mr. Linton's farm, comprising uinety- 
 three acres, in a high state of cultivation, is 
 equipped with all modern improvements, and is 
 devoted exclusively to general farming and stock 
 raising. In his political preferments our subject 
 is a Republican, and has served as judge of 
 election. 
 
 JOHN S. WILSON, of the firm of Hayes & 
 Wilson, carriage makers, Washington, is a 
 V[\\ native of that borough, born in March, 1830. 
 —^ His grandfather, Matthew Wilson, was of 
 Butler county, Penn., whence he removed to 
 Morgan county, Ohio, where he carried on farm- 
 ing, and died in 1845 at the patriarchal age of 
 ninety years. He was a Revolutionary soldier. 
 His wife, a native of Ireland, bore him rive 
 children (all now deceased), one of whom came at 
 the age of seventeen years to Washington, but did 
 not remain long; another son and a daughter died 
 in Ohio. 
 
 William Jackson Wilson, a son of Matthew, was 
 born in Butler county, Penn., and when a lad came 
 to Washington, where for many years he followed 
 his trade, shoemaking. He was a very patriotic 
 man, and held a commission as major in the 
 militia. In 1862, then sixty years of age, he was 
 desirous of enlisting in the active service of his 
 country, but because of his white hair and beard 
 he was rejected. Determined, however, to get 
 into some regiment, he rejuvenated himself by 
 dying his hair, and was then accepted, serving his 
 country four years with as much zeal and activity 
 as many a much younger man. When he reached 
 the age of seventy-six, he departed this life, a 
 stanch Republican in his political preferences, 
 although prior to the Civil war he had been a 
 Democrat. At one time in his life he was over- 
 seer of the | r, serving eight years. Socially he 
 
 was connected with the I. O. O. F. and F. & A. 
 M. , and in religion he was a member of the M. E. 
 Church. Mr. Wilson was married to Mrs. Mary 
 Kimmons, nee Sprowls, a descendant of John 
 Sprowls who came from England to this county 
 about the time of the Revolution, settling in East 
 Finley township. To this union were born six 
 children, as follows: George W., in Louisville. 
 Ky. (for thirty years he was on theL. & N. railroad); 
 Sarah is the wife of Morgan Hayes; John S. is the 
 subject of this sketch; Mary (Mrs. Daniel Mowry) 
 is deceased; Charlotte lives in Washington, Penn. 
 The mother died at McCounellsville, Ohio, in 
 1841. 
 
 John S. Wilson received his education at the 
 public schools of his native place, and learned the 
 trade of shoemaker with his father, at which he 
 worked three years. Preferring, however, the 
 carriage making business, he bound himself as an 
 apprentice to S. B. & C. Hayes, of Washington, 
 in that line, and served four years, after which he 
 worked as a journeyman, part of the time in 
 Wheeling, W. Va. In 1859 he went "across the 
 plains" to California, with oxen, the journey 
 occupying six months, and he has still in his pos- 
 session a diary he kept, containing an interesting 
 account of his trip from the time of his leaving 
 home to his return in 1865. About that year he 
 again went to Wheeling, where he remained several 
 years, and then, finally, returned to Washington, 
 where, in 1871, he eutered into partnership with 
 Morgan Hayes, for the manufacture of all kinds of 
 carriages, buggies, spring wagons, etc., under the 
 firm name of Hayes & Wilson, which has since 
 continued with unqualified success. In 1868 Mr. 
 Wilson was married to Miss Harriet Woodward 
 Kimball, of Wheeling, W. Va. , a native of White 
 Mills, Penn., and whose parents are now deceased. 
 No children have been born to this union. Polit- 
 ically Mr. Wilson sympathizes with the Demo 
 cratic party, but in voting he invariably uses his 
 judgment, casting his ballot for " the right man 
 for the right place;'' socially he was at one time 
 a member of the I. O. O. F. He is a typical self- 
 made man, having attained success by his own 
 individual efforts. Enterprising to an eminent 
 degree, he takes a lively interest in all measures 
 tending to the welfare and prosperity of his city 
 and county. He is a stockholder in both the Glass 
 Works and the Tube Works in Washington. 
 
 OF. LYON, a resident of Amwell township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., is of Scotch Irish 
 / descent. His great-great-grandfather, Na 
 thaniel Lyon, emigrated from the High- 
 lands of Scotland to this country in the early part 
 of the eighteenth century, and settled near Morris 
 town, New Jersey. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Nathaniel Lyon had live sods: Ezekie), Nathan- 
 iel, Benjamin, Stephen and John. These brothers 
 all immigrated to western Pennsylvania, and for a 
 time remained at, or near, what is now Browns 
 ville, Fayette county. Here Ezekiel, the eldest, 
 built a woolen mill and manufactured cloth for 
 many years. Nathaniel, the second son of this 
 family, immigrated to Ohio in the early days, and 
 settled on the Muskingum river. Stephen, the 
 fourth son, was a cripple and worked at the trade 
 of tinsmith. The fifth son, John, settled in 
 Virginia, at or near the flats of Grave creek, and 
 there lived and died. 
 
 Benjamin Lyon, third son of Nathaniel, ami 
 great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
 was horn in 1752 near Morristown, N. J., where 
 he had his home until after the Revolutionary war, 
 in which he served during the entire conflict. He 
 was married in 1777, while a soldier, to a Miss 
 Wilcox who, with her father, mother and one 
 brother had started from London, England (the 
 father, Mr. Wilcox, during a storm while I hey 
 were crossing the ocean, was drowned). The 
 mother, Mrs. Wilcox, with her two children, 
 reached this country safely, and settled in Phila- 
 delphia. After the war, Benjamin Lyon immi 
 grated to Western Pennsylvania, and settled on a 
 farm at the headwaters of Mingo creek, about one 
 mile north of Dunningsville, Washington Co., 
 Penn. This farm was for many years owned by 
 Andrew Crouch (deceased), and is now owned by 
 his son, John Crouch. The original mansion 
 house and home of Benjamin Lyon, on this farm, 
 is still standing; it is a frame building, and was 
 built by his own hands, he being a mechanic. He 
 lived on this farm until the death of his first wife 
 in 1801. She was buried in a graveyard on the 
 adjoining farm, known for many years back as the 
 "Todd farm." Benjamin Lyon, soon after the 
 death of his wife, sold out and moved to Smith 
 Creek, Greene Co., Penn., where, in 1812, he 
 married the Widow Rogers, and by her had one son 
 (Mathias), born June 9, 1813 (now living in Chilli- 
 cothe. Mo.). By his first wife he (Benjamin 
 Lyon) had children as follows: Betsy, born April 
 27, 1778; Phcebe, born November 10, 1781; Sabia, 
 born December 9, 1783; Nancy, born March 30, 
 1787; Noah, born March 27, 1790; William, born 
 March 9. 1795; and Joanna, born December 13, 
 1800. Religiously, Benjamin Lyon was a Baptist, 
 and was very strong in the faith. He died in 
 1836, at the age of eighty-four, and was buried on 
 the Thomas Smith farm, two miles from Waynes- 
 burg. Pennsylvania. 
 
 William Lyon (grandfather of O. F. Lyon) was 
 born March 9, 1795, in Nottingham township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. He was married September 
 7, 1810, to Elizabeth Hathaway, who bore him 
 eight children, viz. : Morgan Lyon, born July 17, 
 
 IS 17; Thomas Harvey (residing at Linden. Wash 
 ington Co., Penn. ). born September 4. 1819; Har 
 rison (deceased), born December 24, 1821; Jack- 
 son (deceased), born October 17. IS'24; Louisa 
 (Mrs. Horner, deceased I, born Maj 27, 1827; 
 Richmond (deceased), born January 28, 1829; 
 Perren (residing at Orarjge, Cal.), born May 10. 
 L832; and William Sealy (residing at Rochelle, 
 III), born February 26, 1835. He lived in Green. 
 county for a short time, then bought a gristmill 
 on Ten Mile creek, Washington county (now 
 known as Lindley's Mills), which he owned and 
 operated until 1842, when he sold out, and with 
 his wife and children moved to Clark county. Itid . 
 where he remained until the fall of 1 S 4 4 . when, on 
 account of sickness of nearly all his family, and 
 death of two of his sons (Harrison and Jackson), 
 he returned to Pennsylvania and located at Beck's 
 Mills, three miles east of Canonsburg, Washing 
 ton county, where he died November 9, 1845; 
 Elizabeth Lyon, his widow, died April 10, 1804. 
 
 Morgan Lyon (father of O. F. Lyon) was born 
 July 17. 1817. His education was obtained at 
 common schools, and for some time he taught 
 school in his own neighborhood; when not teach 
 ing he worked with his father in the mill. On 
 November 25, 1838, he was married to Clarissa 
 Jane McYey, who bore him nine children, viz. : 
 Oscar F. (whose name opens this sketch); Emma 
 A. (Mrs. Samuel Bane, deceased), born September 
 17. 1841; Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Evans Bane, re- 
 siding in Moniteau county. Mo.), born March 22, 
 1844; Harvey R.. born September 9, 1846, was a 
 soldier in Company K, Sixteenth Pennsylvania 
 Cavalry, war of the Rebellion (now residing in 
 Denton, Tex.); William A., born January 13, 1849 
 (was a soldier in Company K, Sixteenth Pennsyl- 
 vania Cavalry, died at Alexandria. Va. , June 1, 
 1864, of wounds received in action); David H , 
 born October 1, 1851 (died in infancy); Sarah L., 
 born March 29, 1855 (residing in Moniteau 
 county, Mo-); Clara J. (Mrs Hoge), born Decem- 
 ber 12, 1858 (residing in Chillicothe. Mo.), and 
 James M. (residing in Burlington, Iowa), born 
 January 4, 1861. 
 
 For a number of years Morgan Lyon followed 
 droving, buying stock in Ohio and western Penn- 
 sylvania and driving it across the mountains to 
 the Eastern cities. In 1862 he opened a store of 
 general merchandise at Lone Pine, Penn., and at 
 the same time and place owned and operated a 
 coal mine. Here he continued in business (which 
 proved to be very profitable) until 1869, when he 
 sold out and moved to Moniteau county, Mo., and 
 purchased the farm upon which he lived until his 
 death. Politically, he was a Whig, and after the 
 organization of the party he became a Republican, 
 being always interested in public affairs, and in- 
 tensely loyal. He was especially earnest in pro- 
 
256 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 moting the welfare of the public schools, was a 
 great reader, well posted on the general topics of 
 his time. He was always an earnest believer in 
 the Christian religion, and died strong in the faith, 
 January 29. 1891. 
 
 Clarissa Jane Lyon (mother of O. F. Lyon) 
 was born May 20, 1820, a daughter of Stephen 
 and Amy McVey, who wire of Scotch Irish origin, 
 and whose ancestors were among the early settlers 
 of western Pennsylvania. Mrs. Lyon had four 
 brothers and three sisters, viz. : Silas (deceased), 
 Harvey (residing at Washington, Penn. ), Franklin, 
 a carpenter (deceased), Charles (a soldier in the 
 Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, war of the Re 
 bellion), Sarah Waddell (residing at Millsboro, 
 Penn.), Ann Vorhees (deceased), and Amy, living 
 at West Union, Penn. Mrs. Lyon was always a con- 
 sistent, Christian woman, a devoted wife and 
 mother. Forgetting self, she lived and toiled 
 solely for the good of her family and those around 
 her. She and her husband were formerly mem- 
 bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but 
 in later years both united with the Christian 
 Church. She is still living on her farm (left by 
 her husband) in Moniteau county, Mo. 
 
 O. F. Lyon, eldest son of Morgan and C. J. 
 Lyon, was born December 1, 1839, in Morris 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. At the age of 
 two years he went with his parents to Indiana, re- 
 turning with them to Pennsylvania when he was 
 about five years old, and settling in North Stra- 
 bane township, Washington county. Here he re- 
 mained, going to school in the winter time, and 
 working on the farm in summer. At the age of 
 seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade, which 
 he followed until the opening of the war of the 
 Rebellion, when he enlisted, September 16, 1861, 
 in the first three-years' call, in Company A, 
 Eighty-fifth P. V. I., serving until November 22, 
 1864. He was with Gen. McClellan in the Pen- 
 insular campaign of 1862; with Gen. Foster's ex- 
 pedition from Newberne, N. C via Atlantic 
 Ocean to Hilton Head, S. C. . January, 1863; 
 with Gen. Gilmore, in the Department of the 
 South, during 1863; with Gen. Butler, around 
 Petersburg and Richmond, Va., in 1864. He 
 participated in the siege of Yorktown, battles of 
 Williamsburg, Savage Station, Fair Oaks and 
 Black Water, Va. ; siege of Morris Island, and 
 Fort Wagner, S. C. , sometimes called the Sixty- 
 one days' tight; White Marsh Island, Ga. ; Ber 
 muda Hundred, Ware Church, Appomattox, Straw 
 berry Plain. Deep Bottom, Chapin Farm, Va., and 
 others. At Fair Oaks his life was saved by his 
 belt clasp, which was struck and broken through 
 by an ounce minie ball. After his return from 
 the war Mr. Lyon entered the store of his father, 
 and on February 18, 1866. was united in marriage 
 with Catharine Ferre}. The following children 
 
 have been born to them: Jennie C, born May 
 26, 1867 (educated at Oberlin, Ohio, and now 
 teacher of music at Braddock, Penn.); Emma A., 
 born August 17, 1869 (graduated at Bethany Col 
 lege (W. Va.), and is uow missionary in Nankin, 
 China, under the control of the Foreign Mission 
 ary Society of the Christian Church); Ella L., 
 born June 7, 1872 (graduate of the Washington 
 Business College and teacher of stenography and 
 typewriting); William M., born October 20, 1!S71, 
 and Sherman L., born December 12, 1883, both 
 students. 
 
 Soon after his marriage Mr. Lyon engaged in 
 farming and stock-raising, and in 1872 purchased 
 the farm upon which he has since lived. He is 
 an active Republican, and has served two terms as 
 justice of the peace in Am well township. He and 
 his family have for many years been members of 
 the Christian Church, and are prominent in the 
 community. 
 
 THE WISE FAMILY. This family, which set- 
 tled at an early day in the southeastern part 
 of what is now Washington county, Penn., 
 were of German extraction. Adam Wise 
 and his wife, the progenitors, were natives 
 of Rhenish Hesse, a province of Hesse Darmstadt, 
 and lived near the river Rhine, where his ancestors 
 carried on the business of milling and distillation 
 of wine. He and his wife, excited no doubt by 
 the wonderful reports which were spread far and 
 wide of the opportunities afforded the emigrant for 
 bettering his condition of life in the New World. 
 set sail with their first born child (Andrew, born 
 May 7. 1748) from Rotterdam, in the ship "Hamp- 
 shire," Thomas Cheeseman, captain, and touching 
 last at Falmouth, England, landed at Baltimore, 
 Md., in July, 1748, the vessel after some delay 
 proceeding to Philadelphia, where it arrived Sep 
 t ember 7 following. Adam Wise and family first 
 settled on Pipe creek, in Carroll county, Md., at or 
 near the site of Frederick City, where he lived about 
 t wcnty-two years, and was engaged in the busi- 
 ness of milling, distilling and farming, at which 
 he prospered and was well to do. Shortly after 
 March 10, 1763, when his son Adam, Jr., was born, 
 his first wife died. After a suitable period of 
 mourning had elapsed, the elder Wise consoled 
 himself for the loss by taking another wife — a 
 German lady -- and a few years after, his no 
 madic spirit, having revived, he closed out his busi 
 ness in Maryland, and started with his family, now 
 numerous, in search of a new home in the wilds of 
 western Pennsylvania (making the long and tedi 
 ous journey over the mountains in wagons), and 
 settled on North Ten Mile creek, probably about 
 the year 1770, if not earlier. This section of 
 country was then known as " The Wilderness of 
 
m 
 
 5w 
 
WASH TNG I 'ON CO V A / V 
 
 259 
 
 Ten Mile " and was very sparsely settled. Only 
 four years before this the lirst w hite settlement 
 within the present limits of Washington county 
 had been made near the junction of Ten Mile 
 oreek with the Monongahela river, and about four 
 miles down the stream from the point where Adam 
 \\ ise selected his new home. The selection was 
 judiciously made. Perhaps nowhere in Wash 
 ington county could he have found a more invil 
 ing site for a homestead. On a commanding emi- 
 nence overlooking the beautiful valley of Ten Mile 
 he built his cabin home. He must have been a 
 man of cultured and refined taste, as a family 
 tradition states that he was largely influenced in 
 selecting this location by the picturesque land 
 scape here presented to his view, and more particu- 
 larly by the groyes of white pine growing in this 
 locality — a feature of natural scener) very rare in 
 Washington county. Here he located a tract of 
 land, then in Westmoreland county, comprising 
 about 400 acres, by what was called a ''tomahawk 
 improvement;'" that is. he blazed the trees around 
 his boundaries. The tract lies on the north side 
 of North Ten Mile creek, about two and one half 
 miles from its junction with the south branch, and 
 about four miles from the .Monongahela river. This 
 tract he uamed '"The Fishery," for the reason that 
 the linny tribe was very numerous at this point in 
 the waters of Ten Mile, and it was patented March 
 1 ( J, 1785, under that name, by his sou Peter Wise, 
 who inherited it, the warrant having issued June 
 26, 1785. The delay in taking out a patent was 
 occasioned by the disturbed state of the country 
 caused by the Revolutionary war, and also owing 
 to the death of the original proprietor, which oc- 
 curred before its close. 
 
 After the erection of Washington county, In act 
 of Assembly, March 28, 1781, this tract was in- 
 cluded in Washington, and after the county was 
 subdivided into townships it was in Bethlehem; 
 then after its subdivision into East and West 
 Bethlehem, it was partly in both townships, the 
 line passing nearly through its center. The village 
 of Zollarsville is now located on a part of this 
 tract. A recital of the adventures and hardships 
 experienced by this family during the first few 
 years of its life in the wilderness would be too 
 voluminous for this sketch — until the close of the 
 Revolutionary war the Indians were hostile and the 
 settlers were constantly menaced by destruction 
 at their hands. At one time the danger became so 
 threatening that they forsook their home and took 
 refuge in old Fort Redstone, in which one of their 
 children was born. The nearest trading posts were 
 Winchester, Va., and Frederick City, Md.. and to 
 one of these points journeys were frequently made 
 for the purchase of salt, hardware and other neces- 
 saries which they could not produce on the farm. 
 These trips required about a mouth to make, and 
 
 several settlers generally traveled together, for mu- 
 tual protection against the wild beasts and ma- 
 rauding savages. Each man generally had charge 
 of three horses, all heavily laden with such prod 
 uce of their farms as could be carried on pad, 
 -addles. At first they carried wheat, but this 
 proved too weighty -then they tried tlax, but this 
 proved too bulky. At last finding that whisky 
 and peach brandy were highly prized and com 
 manded high prices at these trading posts, small 
 distilleries were soon erected on almost every farm, 
 and their products soon came to be the chief 
 articles of export and trade. The sites of three <>l 
 these primitive distilleries are still plainly marked 
 on the old Wise plantation. This whisky took the 
 name of the region in which it was manufactured, 
 and " Old Monongahela " soon became a popular 
 brand — a distinction which it has retained to the 
 present day. 
 
 For several years the only mills for grinding 
 grain were run by hand or by horse power, but the 
 practical mind and enterprising spirit of Adam 
 Wise soon conceived the idea of erecting a flouring 
 mill to be propelled by water power, and to him 
 and his son Andrew must be given the credit of 
 erecting I lie firsi mill built within the valley of 
 Ten Mile. It is not now possitively known in 
 what year this mill was erected, but a plat of the 
 land made in 17 s o >ho\\^ tin location of the mill, 
 race and dam, and it was in successful operation 
 and a place of note in 1788, as is shown by a peti- 
 tion of the inhabitants of Bethlehem township to 
 the court in that year, which prays "that a line 
 dividing said township into two parts, should be 
 gin at Peter Drake's and thence by a straight line 
 to Wise's Mill which has ever been accounted cen- 
 treable." This mill, however, was probably in 
 operation about 1775, or shortly thereafter, first 
 with an undershot wheel, and upon a small scale, 
 but as the settlement rapidly increased it was soon 
 found to he insufficient to do the business, and it was 
 torn down, and a large mill with three run of 
 buhrs, and overshot wheels, was erected near the 
 site of the old mill. For many years it did an im- 
 mense business, having no competition, flour of its 
 manufacture being shipped in keel and flat boats 
 as far south as New Orleans. Not long after the 
 erection of the flouring mill, a sawmill was also 
 erected, which did a large business, being sur 
 rounded by the primeval forest, and lumber being 
 in great demand on account of the rapid settlement 
 of the neighborhood. 
 
 In the midst of all this business, Adam Wise, by 
 whose capital . and enterprise the mills were 
 erected, died June 9, 1781, in his sixty-third year, 
 and was buried in a graveyard on his plantation. 
 A plain stone, with his age and date of death 
 rudely cut thereon, still marks the grave where 
 sleeps this sturdy, brave-hearted, enterprising 
 
260 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 pioneer. He was a useful man in his day and gen- 
 eration. Probably no man ever lived in this sec 
 tion who did so much to promote its rapid settle- 
 ment and improvement. By his enterprise in 
 erecting a mill, other settlers were attracted to the 
 neighborhood, on account of the convenience there- 
 of, the primeval forests rapidly gave way to culti- 
 vated fields, and the rich hills of Bethlehem were 
 soon covered with golden grain. This mill passed 
 out of the ownership of the Wise family in 1840, 
 and was torn down in 1867. It was sold outside 
 of the family for a few years, but was repurchased 
 and owned and operated by said family for more 
 than half a century. Adam Wise left a largo 
 estate for the time, and also a large family, his 
 children being thirteen in number. By his first 
 wife, who died in Maryland, he had five sous, viz. : 
 Andrew, born in Germany; Peter, Frederick, 
 Henry and Adam, Jr. ; by his second wife, Catha- 
 rine, he had eight children, viz. : sons — Jacob, 
 Daniel, Abraham and Tobias, and daughters — 
 Mary, Mary Ann, Ulian and Judith, some of whom 
 were born before he left Maryland, others, after 
 he came to Washington county, Penn.; of these, 
 Andrew patented the farm where Thomas Martin- 
 dell now lives. He married Zernah Hartman, and 
 died March 4, 1840, aged ninety- two years, his re- 
 mains lying buried in the graveyard on his father's 
 original plantation. His descendants now reside 
 in and near Logansport, Ind. , from one of whom 
 Mr. George C. Horn, the writer of this sketch is 
 indebted for much of the information used in its 
 preparation. 
 
 Peter, the second son, inherited by the will of 
 his father (dated April 13, 1781) the family home- 
 stead, and lived thereon until 1818, when he sold 
 it to his son Andrew, and moved to near Canton, 
 Ohio, where his posterity now generally reside, 
 constituting a numerous and influential family. 
 Hannah, a daughter of Peter, married Jacob Zol- 
 lars, and lived on a part of the old Wise tract until 
 her death. She was the mother of four children, 
 all of whom are now dead or moved away from this 
 county except Demas Zollars, who still resides 
 here at an advanced age. Frederick, the third son, 
 founded the town of Fredericktown, situated on 
 the Monongahela river, upon land patented and 
 owned by him, and named it after its founder. 
 The survey was made March 8, 1790. He seems 
 to have been a Prohibitionist, a rare distinction 
 probably in his day, for among other things he 
 stipulated in his deed to purchasers of lots "that 
 no distillery for the destruction of grain or fruits 
 shall be at any time erected on the premises. ' ' Two 
 of the sons of Adam Wise, viz.. Henry and Daniel, 
 settled in Virginia and their,descendants are nu- 
 merous in that State at the present day, but noth- 
 ing definite concerning them is known to the writer. 
 Jacob lived and died in Washington county, and 
 
 some of his descendants still live here. Of Abra- 
 ham and Tobias, with their sisters, Mary, Mary 
 Ann and Ulian, the writer after diligent inquiry 
 can find no trace. They must either have died or 
 moved away to parts unknown to the writer. 
 They probably moved to Ohio along with their 
 half-brother Peter, who was made their testament 
 ary guardian by their father. Judith married 
 Bev. John Spohn, a minister in the German Bap- 
 tist Church, and some of her grandchildren are 
 still residents of this county. 
 
 Adam Wise, the fifth son of Adam, Si., by his 
 first wife, was born April 5, 1763. He married 
 Barbara Zollars, a daughter of Frederick Zollars, 
 a pioneer in the neighborhood. He became owner 
 of a farm of about 276 acres adjoining the land of 
 his brother Peter. About 1812. he became the 
 owner of the old Wise mill, and of 100 acres of 
 the old homestead. He operated the mill in con 
 uectiou with his farms until 1824, when he dis- 
 posed of his property among his children, and re- 
 tired from active business life. He died July 15, 
 1842, aged seventy-nine years; his wife, Barbara, 
 died September 29, 1852, aged uinty three years. 
 Adam Wise was a member of the German Baptist 
 or Dunkard Church, and so great was his religious 
 zeal, that when he erected his new brick residence, 
 now owned and occupied by James B. Hawkins, 
 he had the second story finished in one compart 
 ment, so that public religious services could be 
 held therein. His wife, however, was of the 
 Lutheran faith, and was one of the original mem- 
 bers of the Lutheran Church, which was organized 
 here by Bev. Stowe in 1792. They were the par- 
 ents of eight children, viz. : Elizabeth, David, 
 Samuel, George, Bebecca, Frederick, Joseph and 
 Solomon. 
 
 Elizabeth, born May 8, 1785, married Jacob 
 Shidler, and settled with her husband on a farm 
 located on Daniels run, in West Bethlehem town- 
 ship. She was the mother of five children — all 
 sons, viz.: George, Adam, Samuel, Joseph and 
 Jacob, all of whom are now dead or moved out of 
 this State. George was a minister of the German 
 Baptist denomination, but moved to the West 
 many years ago. Joseph became a noted physi- 
 cian, and practiced his profession in West Bethle- 
 hem township, until his death. She and her hus- 
 band were both members of the German Baptist 
 Church, and the brick church on Daniels run, 
 still in use by that society, was built on laud do- 
 nated by her husband. 
 
 David, born March 8, 1787, located on a portion 
 of his father's homestead, and also purchased the 
 Ludwig Praker farm adjoining, on which he lived 
 the remainder of his life. He was twice married, 
 his first wife being Mi^s Esther Shidler and his 
 second Miss Bach el Garrett. He literrlly obeyed 
 the Divine command " to multiply and replenish 
 
ii ASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 261 
 
 the earth," for he became the father of eighteen 
 children. By his first wife he had ten. viz. : 
 A. lam, Jr. , Barbara, Elizabeth, David, Jr., George, 
 Henry, Hannah, Anne. John and Benjamin. By 
 his second he had ei^'lit, x'v/.. : Amos, Jacob, Nicli 
 olas, Isaac. Mary, Lydia, Maria and Isabel. Of 
 this large family all arc now living but five, and 
 the homes of the balance are scattered in four 
 different States. He was a worthy member of tbe 
 German Baptist denomination, and illustrated by 
 life and example the teachings of the Divine 
 Master whom he loved and served. Three of his 
 sons, viz.: Adam. David and John, are ministers 
 of the German Baptist Church, the latter being a 
 bishop of that Society. Two of his grandsons are 
 also in the ministry. 
 
 Samuel, born August 1(1, 1789, married a Miss 
 Shidler, a daughter of John Shidler. He tirst set 
 tied on a farm near Hillsborough in West Bethle 
 hem township, but subsequently removed to Knox 
 county, Ohio. He had a large family of which 
 nothing definite is now known to the writer. 
 
 George, born November 13, 1791, married Miss 
 Margaret Ulery, a daughter of Stephen Ulerv. of 
 this county. He resided for several years near (he 
 
 village of Hillsborough, but subsequently pur 
 chased a large tract of land situated i'ii Ruff's 
 creek in Greene county. Penn. . to which he re- 
 moved. In his old age he disposed of this home 
 stead and moved with his family to Marshall 
 county, 111. He was the father of nine children, 
 viz. : sons — Stephen, Jackson, Morgan and George 
 A. ; daughters- Maria. Elizabeth, Isabel, Mar- 
 garet C. and Matilda. Several of these are now 
 dead, the balance reside in the West. He was a 
 minister in the German Baptist Church, and for 
 many years was pastor of the society of that name 
 on Daniels run. He was not an educated man in 
 the modern acceptation of that term, but his strong 
 practical common sense, wise counsel and earnest 
 piety made him an acceptable minister to his con- 
 gregation. 
 
 Rebecca, born November 20, 1795, married Peter 
 Crumrine, who was a resident of Greene county, 
 Penn. She was the mother of three children. She 
 died at an early age, and her husband, having re- 
 married, moved with his family to Knox county. 
 Ohio. The writer knows nothing of the^ubsequent 
 history of this family. 
 
 Joseph, born May 22, 1797, married Miss Par- 
 melia Barnard, and lived on the mill property here 
 tofore spoken of. which he owned and operated for 
 several years. About the year 1824 his brother, 
 Frederick Wise, purchased a half interest in the 
 mill property and it was operated by the brothers 
 as joint owners until 1840, when it finally passed 
 out, of the ownership of the Wise family. Joseph 
 also purchased 165 acres of the original Wise tract 
 from Andrew Wise, the son of Peter Wise, and re- 
 
 sided thereon until his death. He was the father 
 of nine children, viz.: sous — Solomon B., Morgan 
 R. and Joseph Jr.; daughters Elizabeth. Mary. 
 Emily and Rebecca (both dead), Maria and Bar 
 bara. Of these Solomon B. and Morgan R. both 
 reside in Arizona Territory. Morgan became a 
 noted politician, having twice represented Greene 
 county, Penn., in the Legislature, and was twice 
 elected to Congress. Joseph Wise, Jr., inherited 
 his father's homestead and still resides cm it, title 
 to which has vested in the Wise family without a 
 break in the succession for oue hundred and I went] 
 two years. Joseph, Jr., married Miss Man Re} 
 nolds, who was educated at Washington Female 
 Seminary, and graduated therefrom in the class of 
 L869. The daughters living are all married, and all 
 reside in Pennsylvania. Joseph Wise, Sr., was a 
 member and for man] years a ruling elder ill the 
 Regular Baptist Church. He was a man of strong 
 religious conviction and was always ready to de- 
 fend the doctrines of his church, yet he was liberal 
 and tolerant of the opinions of others, and had the 
 respect and confidence of all. He died April 211. 
 1873, and his mortal remains are interred in the 
 graveyard on the old plantation. 
 
 Solomon, born May 16, 1799, married Pamela 
 Alexander for his first wife, and after her death he 
 married Jane, her sister. He inherited the greater 
 part of his father's homestead, which he sold in 
 1854, and moved to Marshall county, 111., where 
 he died. His children by his first wife were 
 Sarah Jane, Alexander and Adam T.; by his 
 second -Harriet, Emma, Leonidas and Hamlin. 
 The latter died in infancy, the rest are living in the 
 West. Solomon Wise was a member of the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church, and was one of the origi 
 nal members of the M. E. Society at Qlery's, or- 
 ganized in IS 10. He was one of its first board of 
 trustees, and was a zealous and liberal member of 
 the church. 
 
 Frederick, the fourth son of Adam Wise in the 
 order of their ages, was born September 2, 1793. 
 He married, September 4, 1817, Elizabeth Burson, 
 a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth Burson (nee 
 Blackledge), who were among the earliest settlers 
 in what is now Greene couuty. They emigrated to 
 this section from Bucks county, Penn., in 17S9, 
 and settled on a farm near Clarksville, Penn.. 
 where Mrs. Wise was born January 26, 1799. She 
 had seven brothers — James, Thomas, David, Levi, 
 Joseph, Isaac and Abraham — and two sisters — 
 Sarah and Margaret. Of these, Thomas, Levi, 
 Isaac and Abraham were citizens of Greene county, 
 Penn. Thomas was a man of considerable ote, 
 having held public offices of various kinds during 
 forty-five years of his life. He twice represented 
 Greene county in the Legislature, and served two 
 terms as associate judge of the court. Isaac also 
 served a term as associate judge. Abraham in- 
 
•262. 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 horited the family homestead, to which his son, 
 James C, succeeded, it having been owned succes- 
 sively by members of the family for one hundred 
 and three years. James and David settled in Col- 
 umbiana county, Ohio, and Joseph in Jefferson 
 county, Ohio. Sarah became the wife of John 
 Johnston, of Columbiana county, Ohio, and Mar 
 garet married Joseph Burson, of Guernsey county, 
 Ohio. 
 
 Mrs. Wise was a Quakeress by birth, and could 
 trace her lineage through a long line of Quaker 
 ancestry back to Joseph Burson, who came from 
 London, England, to Philadelphia with William 
 Peun's first colony of Quakers in 1681. Her 
 great-great-grandmother was Mary Potts, an aunt 
 of Isaac Potts, at whose house near Valley Forge 
 Washington had his headquarters in the Revolu- 
 tion. Frederick Wise, as before stated, was joint- 
 owner with his brothor Joseph of the mill property, 
 and in addition he owned about 120 acres of the 
 original "Fishery" tract, having purchased it 
 from his father, upon which he lived, and where 
 his useful, honorable and blameless life closed in 
 death, February 14, 1876, when he was aged 
 eighty-two years five months twelve days. He was 
 buried in the old Wise burying ground, already the 
 last resting place of many of his own kith and kin. 
 His beloved wife died December 23, 1879. and 
 now sleeps by his side. She was aged eighty 
 years ten mouths and twenty-seven days. Freder- 
 ick Wise and his wife were both members of the 
 German Baptist Church, of which he was an elder 
 or deacon. He was of a quiet, peaceable disposi- 
 tion, and was pre-eminently a peacemaker. He 
 was frequently called upon to settle disputes 
 among his neighbors, and especially among the 
 membership of his church, and so great was the 
 confidence reposed in his wisdom, justice and im- 
 partiality, that his arbitrament generally proved 
 satisfactory, and the blessing promised to the 
 peacemaker by the Divine Master rested upon 
 him, even during his life on earth. He was the 
 father of four children, viz.: Adam, who died in 
 infancy, Margaret, Emeline and Joseph B. 
 
 Margaret was born October 2, 1818, became the 
 wife of James C. Hawkins, March 24, 1836, and 
 died January 15, 1892, less than one year after the 
 death of her husband, with whom she had lived 
 happily for fifty-five years. Her married life was 
 spent on a farm in East Bethlehem township, 
 Washington county. She and her husband were 
 consistent members of the Bethlehem Baptist 
 Church, in which faith she continued steadfast 
 until her death. She possessed in an eminent de- 
 gree the qualities which adorn womanhood. We 
 quote the following tribute to her memory pub- 
 lished at the time of her decease by a distinguished 
 minister of the Baptist Church. "She was a 
 woman of peace and great kindness of heart- F or 
 
 many years her home was the home of her pastor, 
 and she was faithful to her church even at the ex- 
 pense of her comfort and health. She possessed 
 those traits which endeared her to her family and 
 neighbors, and led her to faithful service to her 
 Master." She was the mother of seven children, 
 viz.: Emma (now dead), who became the wife of 
 Rev. J. L. Thompson; Dr. A. W. H. , who was a 
 surgeon in the United States navy, died unmarried; 
 Alexander L., who married Miss Cynthia Green 
 field (he served in the United States army as captain 
 during the war of the Rebellion, and is now colonel 
 of the Tenth Regiment, N. G. P.); Cynthia is un- 
 married; Elizabeth, now dead, became the wife of 
 John Sargent; James R. married Miss Decima 
 Addleman; William N. married Miss Ada Far 
 quhar. All of these who are now living reside in 
 Washington county. 
 
 Emeline, born November 28, 1820, became the 
 wife of Richard C. Hawkins, November 25, 1841, 
 and resides on a farm near Jefferson, Greene Co., 
 Penn. She and her husband are members of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church. She is the 
 mother of eight children, viz. : Joseph W. , who 
 married Miss Clariuda Bailey; James T. (now de- 
 ceased), married to Miss Anna E. Greenlee; Mar 
 garet V., married to William C. Bailey; Clara E. , 
 married to William J. Bodley; Thomas H. , mar- 
 ried to Miss Frances Bailey; William B. , married 
 to Miss Mary Murdock; Samuel C, married to 
 Miss Mary E. Grimes; Frederick W., deceased in 
 infancy; all the survivors reside in Greene county, 
 Penn. , except Clara, who lives in Wheeling, West 
 Virginia. 
 
 Joseph B., born May 29, 1833, was married 
 November 30, 1879, to Miss Sarah V. Stockdale, of 
 Morris township, Greene Co., Penn. Her parents 
 were William and Hannah Stockdale (nee Mc- 
 Quaid), both of Washington Co., Penn. Her 
 grandparents were James Stockdale, of Belfast, 
 Ireland, and Mary Wier. of Morris township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. Her brothers were Hon. 
 Thomas R. Stockdale, now member of Congress 
 from Mississippi; Hon. James Stockdale, of Balti- 
 more. Md., deceased; Hon. John M. Stockdale, of 
 Washington, Penn., and Robert Stockdale, Esq., 
 of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. Her sisters were Mary, 
 wife of Thaddeus Dodd, M. D., of Amity, Peun., 
 and Isabel, wife of Blachley Lindley, of Morris 
 township, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. 
 
 Joseph B. Wise was educated at Greene Acad- 
 emy and Waynesburgh College, Penn., at which 
 institution his wife graduated in the class of 1854. 
 He was engaged in teaching for ten years, and 
 then turned his attention to farming and stock 
 raising. He owns about two hundred acres of the 
 original Fishery tract, a part of which he inherited 
 from his father, on which he now resides. He is 
 qow serving his third term as justice of the peace. 
 
ll'.l si I TNG TON COUNTY. 
 
 263 
 
 He is the father of two children, viz. : William F., 
 who graduated from Washington and Jefferson 
 College in the class of 1SS:',. read law with Thomas 
 C. Lazear, Esq. . of Pittsburgh, and is now a prac- 
 ticing attorney in that city; Charles S., who grad- 
 uated from Washington and Jefferson College in 
 the class of 1888, and road law with David T. 
 Watson, Esq., of Pittsburgh, where he is a prac 
 I icing attorney with his brother. 
 
 We here close the biography of the Wise family. 
 \\ .■ regret its many omissions and imperfections, 
 but we plead in extenuation the meagerness of 
 our material. If any early records of the family 
 Were kept, they are now lost, and we have been 
 
 < jpelled to rely for our information on public 
 
 documents and such family traditions as we be- 
 lieve to be authentic. We regret that we could 
 not give more in detail the history of the collateral 
 branches of the family, but this the limited space 
 at our command forbids. Our object has been to 
 commemorate the dead rather than the living; to 
 brush away the dust from a few noble old burial 
 urns, in which repose the ashes of the founders of 
 
 our family. Our aim has I n to exhibit the 
 
 trunk and primary branches from which our family 
 has sprung, so that the generations present and to 
 come may attach their branches thereto, and thus 
 keep alive and in vigorous growth the old family 
 tree. In reviewing the history of our family, we 
 find that they have been mostly plain, practical, 
 common people — generally farmers. None of 
 them " have stood the applause of listening sen 
 ates to command," or "waded through slaughter 
 to a throne," but some 'of them have honorablj 
 rilled almost every position in life. Some have 
 been representatives in Congress and in the Legis 
 latures of their respective Stab's. Some have 
 been editors, some physicians, some lawyer-, 
 Some have been ministers of the Gospel of Christ, 
 and some have stood as loyal soldiers on the battle 
 fields of their country. None of them have been 
 millionaires, but most of them have been well-to- 
 do, and none so poor that they could not command 
 their own time and lead an independent life. And 
 best of all, none have ever lived an inebriate's life, 
 or been convicted of an infamous crime. 
 
 That the generations yet to be may emulate and 
 excel those past and present, in all that constitutes 
 the highest type of intellectual, moral and Chris 
 thin manhood, is the wish of the author — Joseph B. 
 Wise. 
 
 ,\ILLIAM A. PATTERSON, one of the 
 leading merchants of Monongahela, is a 
 son of Joseph, whose father was Jamas 
 Patterson. The latter was born in 1790, 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, where he grew 
 to manhood, and was married to Mary Watt, who 
 bore him twelve children. For his second wife he 
 
 selected Miss Mary Swonger, and two children 
 were born to their marriage. He came to Alle 
 gheny county at a very early date, and was 
 prominently identified with its early development. 
 He voted with the Whig party, and in religious 
 faith was a member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. The pioneer farm is yet owned by mem- 
 bers of his family. 
 
 Joseph Patterson, son of .lames and Mary (Watt) 
 Patterson, was born May 28, 1828, near I'.uena 
 Vista. Allegheny Co., Penn. , and was there reared 
 to manhood. He assisted in the farm duties during 
 early life, and when a young man married Rebecca, 
 daughter of Col. -lames Scott, who, in his day, was 
 a leading citizen of Allegheny county, and a pros 
 perons stockman, Mr. Sooti possessed a gifted mind, 
 and was a brilliant military officer, having served 
 as colonel of the militia in the war of 1812, He 
 was married in Allegheny county to Mar\ Van 
 Kirk, who boie him the following children: Diana, 
 wife of James Wykoff; Susan; John V.; Harvey; 
 Samuel; Mary, wife of Samuel Van Kirk; Joseph; 
 Rebecca (Mrs Patterson); William; Sarah,; James, 
 and Isaac. Mr. Scott was a leading politician, and 
 served in the State Legislature. In religious faith 
 he was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Joseph and Rebecca (Scott) Patterson resided 
 on the home place for several years after their mar- 
 riage. They then moved to Elizabeth, remaining 
 there thirteen years, after which he purchased a 
 farm in Nottingham township, this county. He 
 sold out a few years later, and coming to Monon- 
 gahela successfully conducted a grocery store for 
 some time. He was a very prosperous business 
 man, taking an active interest in politics, and was 
 equally prominent in religious circles, having 
 served as an elder in the Presbyterian Churches at 
 Round Hill. Mingo, and Monongahela. He died 
 in 1889, having reared the following children: 
 James S. (deceased), William A. (whose name 
 opens this sketch), Mary (wife of A. J. Yohe), 
 Vivia (married to James Stewart), and Vernie P. 
 (wife of Frank Bebout). 
 
 William A. Patterson was born August 22, 1853, 
 near Suiter Station, Allegheny Co., Penn. , and at the 
 age of seventeen years came to Washington county. 
 He attended the public schools, and the Southwest- 
 ern State Normal School at California, Penn., after- 
 ward graduating from Duff's Business College, 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. Upon leaving college he entered 
 the employ of the P. V. & C. R. R. as ticket agent 
 at Houston's Run, remaining there but one year. 
 He then embarked in mercantile enterprises and 
 formed a partnership with his father in the grocery 
 store, finally taking a trip to southwestern Arkan- 
 sas, where he purchased a sheep ranch. One year 
 later he returned to Monongahela, Penn., and 
 opened a furniture store at the stand formerly 
 
264 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 occupied by Swickard's shoe business. Soon after- 
 ward he remodeled and took possession of his 
 present place of business which is one of the finest 
 stores in Monongahela. He carries a full line of 
 furniture and undertaking goods, and enjoys a 
 large amount of custom. In political opinion he 
 is a wide awake Democrat, having served his party 
 as a member of the council, and in religion is a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. He married, 
 April 14, 1880, Belle, daughter of Ira Bebout, of 
 Monongahela. Their children are Ada, Mary, 
 Allie, William A. and Bertha. 
 
 JfOHN WILSON, superintendent of Washing- 
 ton County Home, located inChartiers town- 
 | ship, was born September 15, 1844, in Hope 
 well (now Independence) township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn. He is a sou of Johu and 
 Ellen (Murphy) Wilson, natives of County Down, 
 Ireland, whence they emigrated in 1838 to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., settling on a farm in Hopewell 
 township. Mr. Wilson owned a good farm, and 
 followed agricultural pursuits until his death, 
 which occurred in 1877, his wife surviving him 
 untilJuly, 1878. They were the parents of three 
 children: Mary M., wife of John Adamson, of 
 Hopewell township; John; and Samuel, married 
 and residing in California. 
 
 John Wilson was reared in Independence town 
 ship, and received his education in the district 
 schools of the same. He commenced life as a 
 farmer boy and continued to follow agriculture till 
 1882. On April 22, 1875, he was married in Inde- 
 pendence township, to Miss Lizzie A. Denny, a 
 native of Washington county, daughter of Walter 
 and Mary (Welch) Denny, also natives of this 
 county. Mr. Denny is a farmer of Independence 
 township, and has been a resident of Washington 
 county all his life, the Denny family having settled 
 here at a very early date. After his marriage Mr. 
 Wilson located in Independence township, and in 
 1877 removed to Hopewell township, where he 
 remained till 1882. when he abandoned farming, 
 and engaged in the Revenue service as storekeeper 
 and gauger in the Twenty-second District of 
 Pennsylvania, in which he continued till Decem- 
 ber 1, 1885. He then embarked in general mer- 
 chandising at West Middletown, this county, fol 
 lowing this until his appointment as superintend- 
 ent of the County Intirirjary, which took place in 
 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have been born 
 two children: Annie G. and Mamie E. Mr. Wil- 
 son and his wife are members of the U. P. Church 
 at Washington. He has been identified with the 
 county all his life, and takes an active interest in 
 everything pertaining to the welfare of the com 
 munity. 
 
 CHARLES BANFIELD. England has given 
 to this country some of the most loyal, in- 
 dustrious, enterprising and thrifty citizens, 
 an excellent representative of such being 
 the subject of this sketch, who by hard work, 
 thrift and honorable dealings lias succeeded in ac- 
 cumulating, from absolutely nothing, a comforta- 
 ble competence. 
 
 Mr. Banfield was born in Somersetshire in 1815, 
 a son of Joseph and Mary (Cook) Banfield — the 
 parents of twelve children, ten of whom grew to 
 maturity, now all scattered; some came to America, 
 one of whom lives in Johnstown, Penn., another in 
 Belmont county, Ohio; Charles and John are in 
 Washington county. While our subject was yet a 
 child his parents took him to the Forest of Done, 
 in Monmouthshire, England. His education was 
 very limited, as we find him when but a lad of 
 eight years acting in the capacity of "doorkeeper" 
 at a coal mine, soon after which he commenced to 
 work as a regular miner, digging from the bowels 
 of the earth the black diamonds. In May, 1838, 
 Mr. Banfield was married in England to Harriet 
 Chevers, and in 1842 he set sail for the United 
 States, landing in New York in the month of May, 
 with his wife and one child. His little savings be- 
 ing now gone, Mr. Banfield set about looking for 
 work of any kind, and at last succeeded in secur- 
 ing a job on a farm in Washington county, during 
 the summer of 1842, his wages being 31^ cents 
 per day. One of his hands being disabled through 
 some cause, he had to do all the work with the 
 other. In the fall of the year he returned to his 
 old occupation of mining in Pittsburgh, receiving 
 $1.10 per 100 bushels of coal. In 1846 he came 
 to Chartiers township and bought a fifteen acre 
 farm which he continued to work until 1868, when 
 he moved into Am well township, where he lived un- 
 til 1888, in which year he retired from the farm 
 and came to the borough of Washington. Here he 
 built himself an elegant residence, into which he 
 moved in 1889. 
 
 Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Ban- 
 field, of whom the following is a brief record: 
 George died in England at the age of two years; 
 Mary, born in England, is now the wife of Robert 
 Thompson, of Houstonville, this county; John, 
 Charles James, Joseph and George, all died young; 
 one died in infancy, and Harriet Maria, "last, not 
 least,'' the fifth in the family in the order of birth. 
 She for many years, with true filial devotion, has 
 taken care of her aged parents' home. The mother 
 for the past twenty years has been in feeble health. 
 In politics Mr. Banfield is independent; he has 
 held various township offices, such as superintend- 
 ent of the school board. He is a man of advanced 
 ideas, gifted with a good mind coupled with sound 
 judgment, and on a foundation laid with hardships 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 and cares be has built a record that places him 
 among the most successful rneu in Washington 
 
 county, in which success he has been from the out- 
 set assisted by a good, sensible, faithful wife. 
 
 I OHN IRVIN, one of the prominent and most 
 . I successful native-born agriculturists of Bast 
 fli Finley township, was born August 1. 1835 
 He is the only living descendant of Francis 
 Irvin, a native of Ireland, where he was born 
 about the year .1780, and whence he emigrated to 
 the United States a short time prior to the com- 
 mencement of the present century. He landed at 
 Philadelphia, where, after a brief sojourn he mar 
 ried a Miss Hayney, of that city, whose parents 
 had come from the Emerald Isle. Francis Irvin 
 then moved, with his young wife, westward to 
 Washington county, this State, where, for a time, 
 he made his residence near the village of Cross 
 Creek; later came to East Finley township, set- 
 ling near the headwaters of Wheeling creek, being 
 one 'if the pioneers of that section. Here, with 
 his own hands, he hewed for himself a home nil 
 of what was then a vast wilderness, and when' are 
 uow fertile fields and fruitful valleys. To this 
 
 honored pi er couple were born the following 
 
 named children: Andrew, Nancy, William, James, 
 .Margaret, Sarah and Franklin, all now deceased 
 except Sarah, who is at present living in Adams 
 county, 111. In 1837 Francis Irvin moved from 
 Washington county to Adams county, 111., accom- 
 panied by his wife and all his children except two, 
 Andrew (who afterward migrated to Licking 
 county, Ohio) and James, the entire journey being 
 made in wagons, and here the grandmother died 
 in 1848, and the grandfather in 1849. 
 
 James Irvin, father of subject, was born 
 about 1800 in Washington county, Penn., 
 where he was married to Martha Harvey, daugh- 
 ter of James Harvey, of West Finley township, 
 this county, and to their union were born children 
 as follows: Elizabeth Ann, married to S. N. Far 
 rabee, and died in 1855; John; Martha and 
 James (both deceased in infancy). The father 
 was called from earth March 21, 1850, the mother 
 having passed away October 11, 1839. Mr. Irvin, 
 in 1835, purchased the property which our subject 
 now owns and resides on, in East Finley township, 
 where he carried on general farming with consid 
 erable success; he was an extensive cattle dealer 
 and drover, and frequently had driven cattle from 
 Illinois (where he had purchased them) to the 
 Philadelphia (Penn.) market. 
 
 John Irvin, the subject proper of these lines, 
 was born in East Finley township, passed his boy- 
 hood and youth on his father's farm, and, being 
 the only son, his duties were of necessity by no 
 means light, and but little time could be spared 
 
 for school training. His mother died when L 
 was four years old, and his father's sister, Marga 
 ret, took charge of the house. After the deabh of 
 his father Mr. Irvin took an extensive trip through 
 the States of Iowa and Illinois, at that time in- 
 cluded in the "Far West," his journey ings occupy- 
 ing over a year's time. On his return to Wash- 
 ington county he again took ap farming, aud, in 
 connection therewith, engaged extensively in the 
 buying, raising aud selling of live? stock. On June 
 29, 1859, lie was united in marriage with Eliza- 
 beth Ann Blayney, of West Finley township, who 
 was born November 17, 1842. and this union has 
 been blessed with the following children: James 
 H., born June 2'.). I Still, at present managing Ins 
 father's farm; William M., born May 15, 1802, 
 died August 7, 18S5; Martha Jane, born Septem- 
 ber 11. 1804, married to Jesse Montgomery, of 
 East Finley township; Mary M., born September 
 11, 1866, married to R. A. Marshall, also of Bast 
 Finley township; Ada L., born December 19, 1869, 
 living at home; Jonathan or "Johnnie," born De- 
 cember 15, 1872, died March 21. 1873; Cad B., 
 born June 10, 1874, died August 27, 1882; Har 
 ve\, born February 1, 1877; Charles O., born 
 April 28. 1880, and John, born January 25, L883, 
 all three living at home. Soon after his marriage 
 Mr. Irvin took up his residence on the old home 
 farm, where he has since resided, carrying on gen 
 eral agriculture, including stock raising and deal 
 ing in wool, but is now retired from active work, 
 his farm being managed under his personal direc- 
 tion. Politically, he is prominently identified 
 with the Republican party; he and his wife are 
 consistent members of the Cumberland Presbyte- 
 rian Church at Old Concord, in Morris township. 
 
 Jli W. KIMMONS, a leading citizen of West 
 l\ Alexander, and a well known justice of the 
 4\ peace for that borough, is a native of Wash- 
 -* ington county, Penn., having first seen the 
 light in West Finley township, September 
 20, 1829. He comes of vigorous Scotch-Irish 
 lineage, his grandfather, John Kimmons, having 
 shortly after his marriage emigrated from his na- 
 tive Erin to the shores of Columbia, settling on a 
 farm in East Finley township, this county, at a 
 very early day. The children born to this pioneer 
 were John, Thomas, Samuel, Andrew and Anna 
 j (Mrs. Samuel McCoy). The tract of land Mr. 
 Kimmons settled on was then all wild wood land, 
 and this he and his family largely improved. Here 
 he died, full of years and honor, a devout mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church, and a stanch 
 Whig in politics. 
 
 Samuel Kimmons, father of the subject of these 
 lines, was also a native of East Finley township, 
 born May 4, 1790, aud was there reared to agri- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ultural pursuits, his education being received at 
 the subscription schools of the period. In 1813 
 he was married to Eleanor Boss, who was born 
 November 11, 1790, in New Jersey, and they then 
 settled down to a co-partnership life on a farm 
 situated in West Finley township, near the village 
 of Good Intent. Here they remained until 1837, 
 when they moved to Marshall county, W.Va., and 
 there died, the father February 21, 1875, and the 
 mother February 10, 1880. They were members 
 of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was 
 trustee, and his political preferences were Demo- 
 cratic until 1861, when he donned the Republican 
 toga. He was a very popular man, and was fre- 
 quently called to offices of trust and responsibility 
 by his fellow-citizens. The children born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Samuel Kimmons were as follows: Will- 
 iam (deceased), Anna (wife of James Potter, of ! 
 Adams county. 111.), Jane (wife of George Potter), 
 Thomas (deceased), Deborah (deceased wife of 
 Noah Trumbull), Abner (living in Dallas, W. Va.), 
 A. W. (a resident of West Alexander) and Alfred 
 (residing in Ohio county, W.Va.). 
 
 A. W. Kimmons passed his early boyhood at the 
 home of his birth, receiving his primary education 
 at the schools of the district. When eight years 
 old he accompanied his parents to Marshall county, 
 W. Va., where he completed his education, and 
 carried on farming until 1858, in which year, on 
 March 25, he was united in marriage with N. J., 
 daughter of Martin Armstrong, a nativeof Donegal 
 township, this county, and the children born to this 
 union were Laura M. (wife of W. A. McCausland), 
 Carrie L. (wife of Theodore Henderson). Annie 
 N., Minnie B. and Emma I. 
 
 James Armstrong, father of Martin Armstrong 
 (above mentioned), was a nativeof Ireland, whence 
 while yet a young man he came to the United States, 
 settling in Donegal township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. , at a time when the country was entirely 
 new. He married Margaret Martin, a native of 
 Scotland, and reared a large family of children, as 
 follows: Hugh, Mary, John, James, Joseph, David, 
 Margaret (Mrs. Robert Stewart). Martin and Sam- 
 uel. The father was one of the founders of the 
 WCst Alexander Presbyterian Church, and was 
 among the first trustees; politically he was an Old- 
 line Whig, and at one time served the Government 
 in the capacity of scout. Martin Armstrong, son 
 of James, was reared to manhood in Donegal town- 
 ship, receiving his education at the local schools. 
 He was married to Margaret, daughter of Samuel 
 Jameson, of Marshall county, W. Va. , and the 
 young couple then settled on a farm in West Fin- 
 ley township, this county, where they passed the 
 remainder of their lives. They were consistent 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he 
 was a trustee. In politics he was first a Whig, 
 then a Republican, and was a prominent member 
 
 of the school board. The children born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Martin Armstrong were Samuel, James, 
 Mary M. (Mrs. O. P. Henderson), N. J. (Mrs. A. 
 W. Kimmons), Thomas, Lura, Luther, Hattie N. 
 (Mrs. John Kimmons), William J. (living in Lin- 
 den, Kans.) and Chester, of whom Samuel, 
 Thomas, Lura, Luther and Chester are now de- 
 ceased. After marriage A. W. Kimmons settled 
 on a farm in West Finley township, where he fol- 
 lowed agricultural pursuits for twenty eight years; 
 he then moved into the borough of Washington, 
 remaining one and one half years, or until 1887, in 
 which year he came to West Alexander, where he 
 has since made his home. The family are all 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, of which de- 
 nomination at Dallas Mr. Kimmons had been an 
 active adherent for twenty-five years. In his 
 political preferences he is a straight Republican, 
 and has served his township with much satisfac- 
 tion in various offices of trust; in 1891 lie was 
 elected a justice of the peace, a position he is till 
 ing with eminent ability and sound judgment. 
 
 THE CHRIST MAN FAMILY. Enos Lewis 
 Chrisfman was the pioneer of the Christ- 
 man family in Washington county, Penn. 
 He was a son of George Christman and 
 Sarah, nee Beerbower, and was born Decern 
 ber 27, 1S28, in Vincent township, Chester Co., 
 Penn. His father passed from life in 1843, when 
 the subject of our notice was under fifteen years of 
 age, leaving a widow and two younger children, 
 William Davis and Jefferson. The mother was left 
 in circumstances which rendered it necessary for 
 the elder boys to take care of themselves. 
 
 Enos L. spent the summer of 1844 with an uncle, 
 Jacob Beerbower, who kept a store in Brecknock 
 township, Lancaster county, where he assisted in 
 attending store and working on a farm. Iu the 
 fall of that year he returned to his mother's home 
 and attended the public school until February 10, 
 1845, when he entered the office of the Village 
 Record, at West Chester, Penn., and was appren 
 ticed to the late Hon. Henry S. Evans, for five 
 years, to learn the art, trade and mysteries of a 
 printer. He was the successor as an apprentice iu 
 that office, of Bayard Taylor, the great traveler; 
 Hon. William Butler, judge of the United States 
 district court, and of Edward M. Paxson, one of 
 the supreme judges of Pennsylvania Here he 
 served his master so satisfactorily that when the 
 gold fever broke out all over the country, in 1849, 
 Mr. Evans not only released him from serving the 
 balance of his time as an apprentice, hut advanced 
 him $400 in cash to go to California. This money 
 was returned at the end of two years with a hand 
 some percentage added. 
 
 He sailed from Philadelphia on July 3, 1849, 
 

u AStilNGTON COt X/) 
 
 269 
 
 in the good ship "Europe," Capt. Addison Plnin 
 mer, passing mound Cape Horn, and stopping a 
 month at Valparaiso, Ghili, to repair damages to the 
 ship. The voyage was an eventful one, occup\inu r 
 two hundred and twenty two days, ami landing Mr 
 Christman in San Francisco in February, 1850. His 
 face, like that of all others at that time, was turned 
 toward the gold mines. After suffering many hard 
 ships he was soon at work with pick, shovel and bowl, 
 trashing the golden sands on the upper waters "t 
 tie' Mariposa river. He met witli indifferent success 
 as a miner, and in July. I Sol I, lie printed the first 
 number of the Sonora Herald, at Stockton, and 
 carried it to Sonora on horseback, where it was cir- 
 culated at 50 cents per copy. A printing office 
 was soon established in a tent in Sonora, and a lit- 
 tle later he entered into partnership with Dr. Lewis 
 0. (iiuiin, formerly of Philadelphia, and the paper 
 was published regularly for several years. After 
 roughing it in the Golden State until the fall of 
 1852, Mr. Christmas returned lo West Chester, 
 Penn., where be married Miss Ellen A. Martin, a 
 
 native of Philadelphia, whose mother dying when 
 
 she was a little child, the daughter was taken to 
 West Chester, and raised in the family of the late 
 Capt. William Apple, her uncle, as one of their 
 own children. 
 
 In November. 185*2, Mr. Christman. with his 
 wife, came to Washington, Penn., and he purchased 
 a half interest in the Commonwealth newspaper, 
 and entered into partnership with George C. 
 Stouch, a former fellow-apprentice in the Village 
 Record office. The paper had been started by 
 Seth T. Hurd. This partnership continued until 
 the death of Mr. Stouch; in December. 1855. The 
 Hon. William S. Moore subsequently became a 
 partner with Mr. Christman in the publication of 
 the paper, but owing to the disintegration of the 
 Whig party, which cause it had espoused, and the 
 formation of new political parties, the paper be- 
 came embarrassed, and early in 1858 it was con 
 solidated with the Reporter, then, as now, the old- 
 est paper in Washington county. After the eon 
 solidation, without disposing of his interest in the 
 paper, Mr. Christman returned to West Chester, 
 where he was employed by his old master. Mr. 
 Evans, as foreman in the Village Record office. 
 Here ho remained until the Rebellion of the slave 
 holders broke out, when he promptly enlisted, in 
 the latter part of May, 1861, and became second 
 lieutenant of Company K, Fourth Regiment Penn- 
 sylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps. With this 
 body he served in the field until May, 1863, when 
 he was appointed, by President Lincoln, provost- 
 marshal of the Seventh District of Pennsylvania, 
 embracing Chester and Delaware counties, with 
 headquarters at West Chester, tilling the position 
 until the close of the war. being discharged No- 
 vember 30, 1865. While in the field he partici- 
 
 pated in the battles in front of Richmond (known 
 as the Seven Days' tight), the second Bull Run, 
 South Mountain. Antietam and Fredericksburg, 
 and was promoted first to captain and then to ma 
 jor of the fourth Regiment. It is a curious coin 
 cidence that the three brothers, all in different 
 commands, were almost Bide by side in the bloodj 
 battle of Antietam. Enos L. was under Gen. 
 Meade, in front of the cornfield to the left of the 
 pike; William Davis was a lieutenant in the One 
 Hundred and Twenty fourth Regiment, adjoining 
 the Reserves on the right, and near to the Dunk 
 ard church, while Jefferson was in the Seventj 
 second Regiment, lighting on the left of the Re 
 
 serve-,. 
 
 At the close of the war Mr. Christman moved 
 with his family to Somerset county. Mel., where he 
 engaged in farming and the timber business 
 Not succeeding up to the standard of his desires, 
 he returned to West Chester and became assistant 
 editor with Mr. Edward 15. Moore, in the publi 
 cation of the American Republican. In 1872 Hon. 
 William S. Moore, his old partner in the Wash 
 ington Reporter, having been elected to Congress, 
 was very anxious i hat Mr. Christman should return 
 to Washington and resume his place iii the printing 
 office. This was agreed upon, and on April '2. 
 1ST'!. Mr. ('hristman returned to Washington, 
 after an absence of fifteen years, and took charge 
 of the publication of the Reporter during Mr. 
 Moore's absence at the national capital. In Au- 
 gust. 1876, the first number of the Daily Reporter 
 was issued. Shortly after this Mr. Moore died, and 
 his interest in the paper passed into the hands of 
 Alex. M (low, Esq. In January. 1883, Mr. 
 ('hristman purchased the interest of Mr. Gow, and 
 became sole proprietor of the paper. He had now 
 a family of eight sons and daughters around him, 
 and in March, 1891, the Christman Publishing 
 Company was chartered, being a family concern as 
 the name indicates. At this time Mr. Christman' s 
 health failed, and since then he has had but little 
 to do with the practical publication of the paper, 
 the company, under the leadership of his son 
 William, managing it vigorously and successfully. 
 
 The children of this family were: Mary Elizabeth, 
 died in infancy ; Sarah, married to Charles M. Hayes, 
 and has two sons, Harry and Clyde; Elizabeth and 
 Ella; William, married to Miss Fannie M. Morgan, 
 deceased in 1801 , having three children, Howard L., 
 Frank and Herbert; George, baggage master, 
 B. & O. R. It. ; Henry, married to Miss Lena 
 Fleissner, and has one daughter, Nellie; Edwin 
 A., married to Mrs. Maggie Frazier, and has two 
 children, Roy and Hazel; Charles F., married to 
 Miss Clara F. Neff. All are residents at this time 
 (1892) of Washington, Penn. 
 
 Mr. Christman's youngest brother, Jefferson, 
 learned the printing business in the office of the 
 
270 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ( Commonwealth and subsequently settled in Phila- 
 delphia. After serving three years in the Seventy- 
 second Regiment, he took a situation in the Public 
 Ledger office, where he has been employed as a 
 compositor for many years. He married Miss 
 Maggie Powers, and they have four daughters, 
 two of whom are married — Lillie, to Morris Naylor, 
 and Ida, to Harry Conaway. William Davis, the 
 other brother, after following the mercantile busi- 
 ness for many years in Chester county, removed to 
 Washington and took a position in the Reporter 
 office. He married Miss Zilpha A. Maxton. They 
 have two sons living, Dr. Percy, a successful phy- 
 sician at Washington, and Frederick B. , engaged 
 in the printing business in Chicago. An only 
 daughter, Cora, died in young womanhood, at West 
 Chester, in 1879. 
 
 John Reerbower was the father of Sarah Beer- 
 bower, wife of George Christman. He was born 
 in Vincent township, Chester Co., Penn., March 
 10, 1779, and died in East Vincent township, Oc- 
 tober 20, 1858. He was a carpenter and farmer, 
 and was many years a justice of the peace. He 
 was commissioned, by Gov. Simon Snyder, as cap- 
 tain of a company of militia in the First Brigade 
 of the Third Division of the counties of Chester 
 and Delaware, on August 1, 1814, and served a 
 tour of duty during the war of that time with 
 Great Britain. His wife was Elizabeth Fertig, 
 who was born July 20, 1784, and died March 29, 
 1828. They are buried at (Brownback's) First 
 Reformed church of Coventry. This church was ! 
 organized in 1743. Herman Bierbauer was the [ 
 father of John Beerbower. He was born in Ger- 
 many, July 16, 1741, came to America when a 
 young man, died December 29, 1801, and is buried 
 at the old Hill church, on the Ridge road, in East 
 Pikeland township, Chester county. His tomb- 
 stone is lettered in German. His wife was Chris 
 tiana Hoffman. She was born October 7, 1747. 
 and died February 7, 1826. 
 
 The ancestors of the Christmans were Germans. 
 The Colonial records of Pennsylvania show that 
 between the years 1730 and 1771, eleven Christ 
 mans, several with families, landed at Philadel- 
 phia and swore allegiance to King George II. 
 This record states that: "Daniel Christman ar- 
 rived at Philadelphia September 5, 1730, with 
 forty-five palatines and their families, 130 persons 
 in all, in the ship 'Alexander and Ann.' William 
 Clymer, Master, from Rotterdam, last from Cowes." 
 Daniel subsequently settled in Worcester town- 
 ship, now Montgomery county, and in 1734 paid 
 quit rents in that township. He had five sons 
 and one daughter. Felix, the oldest son, was 
 born in Germany, the other children in Pennsyl- 
 vania, viz. : Henry, George, John, Jacob and 
 Magdalene. Of these Felix, Henry, George and 
 
 Magdalene settled in Vincent township, Chester 
 county, previous to the Revolutionary war. Felix, 
 when an old man, was found dead in shallow 
 water, in Birch run, near his home. He was a 
 blacksmith. Henry was a saddler and George a 
 miller and millwright. 
 
 Henry Christman, the saddler, was born in 
 Montgomery county, Penn., December 2D, 1744, 
 and settled in Vincent township, Chester county, 
 as above stated, where he became the owner of a 
 large tract of land, situated on French creek. 
 Here he lived during the Revolutionary war, and 
 it is handed down as a tradition that he did con- 
 siderable hauling for the patriots at that time. It 
 is also said that his tine, heavy draught horses 
 were sometimes hidden in the thick bushes along 
 the creek to prevent them from being seized by 
 the British, who ranged through that neighbor- 
 hood while Washington was at Valley Forge. On 
 one occasion he traded a barrel of whisky, being 
 a distiller, and a set of heavy wagon harness for 
 forty acres of land, which afterward became valu 
 able He died September 16, 1823, and is buried 
 in the family burial plot at Zion's church, in East 
 Pikeland, Chester county. He married Susanna 
 Keeley, who was born February 25, 1750. She 
 died September 19, 1823, only three days after the 
 decease of her husband, and is buried by his side. 
 This couple had three sons — Henry, Jacob and 
 George; and six daughters who grew to woman- 
 hood — Madeline, married to John Young; Cath- 
 erine, married to John Miller; Margaret, married 
 to Isaac Hanse; Elizabeth, married to Peter Yea- 
 ger;Mary, married to Jacob Finkbiner and Fred- 
 erick Yost; and Susanna, married to Frederick 
 Oyer. 
 
 George, the younger of the brothers, married 
 Elizabeth Brownback, and lived on the old home 
 stead on French creek until his death. He was 
 born May '•». 1793, and died January 17, 18(36. 
 His wife was born January 5, 1793, and died 
 March 19, 1870, of gangrene after having a foot 
 amputated The old homestead with its many 
 acres is still in possession of the family. 
 
 Jacob, the next older brother, was born May 5, 
 1 7SS, and died March 2, 1871. He married Mar- 
 garet Evans, who was born December 13, 1791, 
 and died April 1. 1862. They lived on a farm of 
 about 300 acres adjoining the old homestead. 
 They had four children: Elizabeth, married to 
 Jesse Brownback; Susanna; Jacob, married to Miss 
 Hannah Worman, and Henry E., married to Miss 
 Martha Christman. The last named retain the 
 farm owned by the father. 
 
 Henry Christman, the eldest of these brothers, 
 was born March 14, 1779, and died August 12, 
 1804. On February 26, 1806, he married Elenor 
 Root, daughter of Sebastian Root. She was horn 
 
ii ASHltfGTON COIXI) 
 
 271 
 
 April 10, 1787, ami died August 19, 1854, while 
 on a visit to her daughter, Margaret Buckwalter, 
 at Parker's Ford, in Chester county. They lived 
 on a large farm adjoining the old Christman home 
 stead as well as that of the brother Jacob. These 
 brothers were all Stout, able bodied men, of good 
 height and build. They were successful farmers 
 and distillers, and in their early days sold many a 
 barrel and tierce of first quality apple whisky in 
 the Philadelphia market. Henry was also the 
 owner of an oil mill, which, about the year 1835 
 he converted into a flour mill. This with the farm 
 
 ln> retained until his death. He was commissi d 
 
 lieutenant- colonel in the First Brigade in tie' 
 militia of Delaware and Chester counties, by Gov, 
 Simon Snyder, and served a tour of duty in the 
 war of 1812-14 with Great Britain. to this 
 couple was born a large family: George, February 
 10, 1807; Sarah, February 11, 1809; Susanna', 
 March 24, 1811; Henry, August Pi. 1813; Call. 
 arine. September 22, 1816; Eliza, October I, ISIS; 
 Elenor, April 10, L821; Maria, February Id. 1823; 
 and Margaret, November- HI, 1821. Of these 
 Sarah and Eliza died in childhood; Margaret mar 
 lied Isaac Buckwalter, and died January 16, 1885, 
 leaving two daughters; Catharine married Isaac 
 Shantz, ami died July 28, L866, leaving two chil 
 dren, a son and daughter; Susanna married Mi- 
 chael March, and died April P.), 1891, leaving to sur 
 vive her two hoiis, Franklin and Jefferson, and 
 two daughters, Mrs. Ellen Brownbaclc and Mi 
 Emma Miller; Maria married Abraham Penn\ 
 packer (she survives her husband and has four 
 sons living); Elenor resides with this sister; 
 Henry died suddenly July 24, 1865, and was un 
 married, 
 
 George, the first born of Henry and Elenor 
 Christman, spent his childhood under his father's 
 roof.' At the age of twenty-one, December 23, 
 1827, he married Miss Sarah Beerbower, and con- 
 tinued in the service of his father as farmer and 
 teamster until 1835, when he moved to the Seven 
 Stars tavern on the Ridge road, in East Vincent 
 township, less than a mile from where he was 
 born. The farm connected with the tavern was 
 worn out and nearly fenceless. He worked hard, 
 and soon had things greatly improved in appear- 
 ance, building an addition to the house. In the 
 fall of 1843, after a prolonged illness, he died of 
 fever, in his thirty seventh year. He was a tall, 
 angular man with dark hair and eyes. His widow 
 subsequently married Henry Huzzard, and died 
 April 27, 18(53, in the fifty-sixth year of her 
 age. 
 
 All the earlier Christmans were Lutherans, and 
 their names are found in the church records of 
 that denomination in Chester and Montgomery 
 counties. 
 
 FT NDREW SCOTT RITCHIE. The family 
 1/ 1\ of which this gentleman was a worthy rep 
 r^4, resentative claim their descent from Scot 
 11 -* tish ancestry: Andrew Ritchie, grandfather 
 of Andrew S., was a Revolutionary soldier, 
 and at the close of war came to Cross Creek town- 
 ship, settling on a wild tract of laud on Midler's 
 run. In 1796 he purchased from Ephrairn Hart 
 the farm still owned by the Ritchie family, situ 
 ated about a mile from Cross Creek village. His 
 wife died fn 1834, aged seventy nine years, and 
 himself at the advanced age of eighty five, four 
 \ ears later. 
 
 James Ritchie, his son, was born in 1789, and 
 received his education at the subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood. In 1826 Or 1827 he married 
 
 Matilda, daughter of Robert Rowland, a member 
 of an old Washington county family. .lames 
 Ritchie was a man six feet three inches in height 
 and almost perfect in physique. In politics he 
 was an Old line Democrat, and a substantial sup 
 porter of the Presbyterian Church under the guid 
 ance of Dr. John Stockton. They had two chil 
 dren: Andrew S.. and a daughter who died in in 
 fancy. He died in 1834, aged forty live, from 
 cholera contracted at Pittsburgh, Penn. His 
 widow married James Thompson, by which union 
 
 she had one child R. B. Thompson a prominent 
 cil izen of West Middletown. 
 
 \ndrew S. Ritchie was born, December 1(1, 1828, 
 and reared at West Middletown. When he had 
 completed his rudimentary education in the schools 
 of his district, he entered the Florence Acadenn 
 and then Washington College, where he graduated 
 in 1849, dividing first honor with three others 
 He commenced the study of law under T. M. T. 
 MeKcnnan and after his death continued study 
 with Hon. William Mclvennan, being admitted to 
 the bar in 1852. He never practiced his profession, 
 however, and spent the next few years in teaching. 
 In 1805 he accepted the position of paying teller 
 in the First National Bank of Washington, Penn., 
 which position he Idled until 1890, wheu he was 
 compelled to resign on account of failing health. 
 During the twenty-five years of his connection 
 with the bank he performed his duties ably and 
 faithfully, so that he enjoyed the entire confidence 
 of the board of directors and the community in 
 which ho lived. For many years he was a very 
 active member of the board of trustees in the 
 Washington Female Seminary and also of Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College. On September 10, 
 1851, Mr. Ritchie married Jane, daughter of 
 James McFadden, of West Middletown. and they 
 had four children, viz.: James McFadden, res id 
 ing at Sewickley, Penn. (auditor for the H. C. 
 Frick Coke Co., married to Nannie Doyle in 1884. 
 They have one child, Charles Lothrope); Charles 
 
272 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Stewart (assistant cashier of the First National 
 Bank of Washington); Annie C. (the wife of Mr. 
 Owen Murphy, a prominent operator in the Wash 
 ington and Sistersville oil fields), and William 
 Bowland (paying teller of the First National Bank) 
 Mr. Andrew S. Ritchie was a Whig, but later a 
 Republican, and his sons are all Republicans. He 
 died, December 10, 1892, of paralysis, from which 
 disease he had been suffering for two years. He 
 was a member of the First M. E. Church, was 
 loved by a wide circle of friends and relatives, and 
 was respected by all who knew him. 
 
 J | AMES JOHNSON VAN EMAN. Among 
 the leading representative families of Wash- 
 ) ington county none are more worthy of spe- 
 cial mention in this volume than the one of 
 which the gentlemen, whose name opens this 
 sketch, is an honored member. 
 
 James J. Van Email is a son of Samuel Logan 
 and Martha (McConnell) Van Eman, both natives 
 of Washington county, Peun. The paternal great- 
 great-grandfather, Nicholas Van Eman, who was a 
 Hollander, was married to Mary Wilson, and their 
 children were George, Nicholas, Andrew, Garrett, 
 Katie, Polly, Susan and Hannah. Of these, George 
 was born September 12, 1753, in Holland, whence 
 he emigrated to America, finally making a new 
 home in Washington county, Penn., as one of the 
 pioneers of North Strabane township, the place of 
 his settlement being a farm near Clokeyville, now 
 owned by Joseph Clokey. He married Rebecca 
 Scott, and they had children as follows: Nicholas, 
 George (a minister), Scott, Jane, Andrew, Rebecca, 
 Elizabeth, Joseph, Garrett, William, Sarah, Abra- 
 ham and Hannah. The father of this family re- 
 moved to Stark county, Ohio, in 1810. 
 
 Joseph Van Eman, son of George and Rebecca 
 (Scott) Van Eman, was born December 12, 1790, 
 in North Strabane township, this county. When 
 he reached maturity he left the paternal roof and 
 located on a farm (now owned by Thomas Slater) 
 in Cecil township, same county, which he after 
 ward sold, and then, in 1818, bought one near 
 where is now Vau Eman station on Chartiers 
 Railroad, in the same township, and here passed 
 the remainder of his days. On February 28, 
 181 1, he married Miss Isabel Logan, and the chil- 
 dren born to them were Rebecca (married to John 
 Johnson), James (deceased in infancy), Samuel L 
 (father of our subject), Joseph (married to Sarah 
 Lee), Mary (married to Samuel Alexander), George 
 (a minister, married to a Miss Bowers), Cyras (who 
 died when young), Margaret (married to Israel Be 
 bout), Logan (who married Jane Vance) and Sarah 
 (wife of Samuel Bebout). The mother of this fam- 
 ily was called from earth May 21, 1870, the father 
 in 1875. They were members of the Centre Pres 
 
 byterian Church in Peters township, in which for 
 forty years he was a ruling elder. He was a man 
 of superior mind, and of more than ordinary intel- 
 ligence and executive ability. He was a director 
 of the poor of Washington county, executor and 
 trustee for many estates, and enjoyed the fullest 
 confidence and highest respect of the community 
 at large. 
 
 Samuel Logan Van Eman, son of Joseph and 
 Isabel (Logan) Van Eman, was born July 20, 
 1816, on his father's farm in Cecil township, this 
 county. On September 28, 1847, he married 
 Martha McConnell, also a native of Cecil township, 
 born in 1826 to James and Sarah (Phillips) Mc 
 Connell, both natives of Washington county, the 
 former of whom was a son of Alexander McCon 
 nell, who emigrated with his father from Scotland 
 or the North of Ireland to Cecil township, this 
 county, where both patented laud; and the farm 
 which Alexander secured has never been out of the 
 family, being now in the possession of his great- 
 grandson, John P. McConnell. To Samuel L. and 
 Martha (McConnell) Van Eman were born children 
 as follows: James J. (our subject); Belle M. , born 
 in 1850, married to John N. Brown, son of Rev. A. 
 B. Brown, D. D., at one time president of Jeffer 
 son College; Sadie- E. (unmarried), and Joseph 
 Scott (deceased in infancy). The father of this 
 family died October 11, 1891, the mother is still 
 living. They were members or the Centre Presby 
 terian Church, Peters township, in which he served 
 as a ruling elder for thirty-five years; upright and 
 honorable in all his dealings, and, like his father, 
 executor and trustee for several estates, he was re- 
 spected and esteemed far and wide. 
 
 James Johnson Van Eman was born August 31, 
 1848, on the old homestead in North Strabane 
 township, this county (near Van Eman station), 
 and received his education at the common schools 
 of his district and at au academy at Elder's Ridge, 
 Indiana Co. , Penn., completing his literary train 
 ing with a course of study at Washington and Jef- 
 ferson College. On leaving the latter institution 
 he took up and continued work on his father's 
 ■ farm — chiefly buying and selling stock — till his 
 marriage, February 9, 1871, with Miss Maggie 
 Espy, when he opened a store in Thompsonville. 
 Peters township. This he carried on six years, at 
 the end of which time, finding his health becoming 
 impaired, he returned to the farm. Five years 
 later he went to Pittsburgh, where for two years he 
 had a store for the sale of agricultural implements, 
 on leaving which he came to Canonsburg and 
 established his present hardware store, tin and 
 steel roofing establishment, now one of the most 
 extensive businesses in this part of the county. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Van Eman have been born six 
 children, viz. : M. Etta, Samuel Logan, M. Maude, 
 Nellie, John Espy and James Jay. Mrs. Van 
 
WASHINGTON COX \ /') 
 
 273 
 
 Email was born in Upper St. Clair townsbip, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn., a daughter of John (a fariu- 
 eri and Margaret (Smith) Espy, both descended of 
 Scotch ancestry. Mr. Van Etnan stands high 
 among the leading business men of Washington 
 enmity, and enjoys the esteem and respect of all 
 who know him. lie and his wife are members of 
 the Central Presbyterian Church, of which he is a 
 deacon. Mr. Van Eman is mayor of Canonsburg. 
 In politics he is a Republican. 
 
 QEORGE 0. JONES is descended from a 
 hardy and long lived English family. His 
 paternal ancestor, Charles E. Jones, the son 
 of an English army officer, was born near 
 Leeds, England, in L799. He served an ap 
 prenticeship al the carpenter's trade, and by hard 
 work and frugal living saved enough to bring him to 
 America, when' he came in IN'_'7. Before leaving 
 he married Susan Judsou, who had a brother, 
 Robert Judson, living near Washington, Penn. 
 Here Mr. Jones came, and liking the new country 
 immediately sent for his wife and children to fol 
 low him. He purchased a lol and built his home 
 on North Main street, where the Jones homestead, 
 in a more modern form, is now located. 
 
 Charles E. and Susan Junes were the parents of 
 ten children, two of whom died in infancy j William 
 died in 1853; Sarah died in 1862; Susan died in 
 in 1864, just six weeks after her marriage with 
 William McClain; Mary married William Work 
 man and resides at Washington; Jane, the widow 
 of the late William H. Taylor, also lives at Wash- 
 ington; James J. became a Methodist minister, but 
 death cut short that which promised to be a brill- 
 iant career (he died at Denver, Colo., in 1875, 
 where he had gone in search of health); Sylvester F. 
 also became a Methodist minister, and is at present 
 pastor of Emmanuel Methodist Episcopal Church 
 at Evauston, 111. Mrs. Jones died in 1871, at the 
 age of seventy-one; her husband survived her until 
 1883, when his long life of eighty-four years was 
 brought to a close. 
 
 George O. Jones, the youngest of the family, 
 was born November 19, 1845, attended the Wash- 
 ington public schools, and entered Washington 
 College as a student; but the Civil war called him 
 away from his studies, and on February 26, 1864, 
 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I. 
 On the second day of the battle of the Wilderness, 
 May 6, 1864, while making his way to the front, 
 he was struck in the head by a minie-ball and fell 
 unconscious to the ground. He was carried off the 
 field for dead, his knapsack emptied of rations by 
 W. H. Underwood, who thought George would have 
 no further use for such things; but as a grave was 
 being prepared, signs of life were discovered in 
 him by Dr, Wishart, a surgeou of the One Hundred 
 
 and Fortieth Regiment, and instead of being con- 
 signed to the ground he was ordered to a hospital. 
 As a memento of this incident, Mr. Jones still carries 
 in his pocket a piece of skull bone, about the size "f 
 a dime, which was extracted from the wound. 
 After recovery, he returned to his company and 
 served until the close of the war. He was mustered 
 out of service on July 24, 1865. 
 
 In January. L866, he resumed Ins studies at 
 Washington ami Jefferson College and graduated 
 from that institution in 1N6H. After graduating, he 
 entered the law office of John L. Gow, Jr., as a 
 law student, and was admitted to the bar of this 
 county in August. 1871. In March, I873,he was com 
 missioned a notary public, which office he has held 
 ever since. At present he has the honor- of being 
 the oldest notary public, in time of service, in the 
 county. On May 1, 1 s 7 *_! . he married Mi>- Emma 
 Kidd. daughter of William and Eliza Kidd. As a 
 result of tiiis union, three children have been born, 
 William lv. Susan J. and Alice E., all of whom 
 are living. He is a member and past commander 
 of I'ostXo. L20, G. A. R, Department of Pennsy] 
 vauia. He and his family are members of the 
 First Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington. 
 He is also a trustee of this church. 
 
 JiOEL TRUESDELL, of West Alexander, was 
 bom October 17, 1822, in Claysville, Wash 
 J ington Co., Penn., where the most of his 
 boyhood was passed. The Truesdells are of 
 English origin, and in their native country 
 were generally engaged in merchandising. They 
 emigrated to Connecticut in the early part of the 
 eighteenth century. James Truesdell, the great- 
 grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a na- 
 tive of Connecticut. He enlisted in the war of the 
 Revolution, and died in the service. He had three 
 sons, Samuel, James and Joel, of whom Joel was 
 born in Connecticut in 1769, and was twice mar 
 ried, his first wife beii g Mehetable Bradley, by 
 whom he had five children, viz.: Clarissa, who be- 
 came the wife of Seth Gaylord, of New Haven, 
 Conn. ; Mabel, who became the wife of Ransom 
 Brockett, of Bristol, Conn. ; and Josiah, Calvin 
 and Abel. At the age of seventy-five years Joel 
 Truesdell married, for his second wife, a most es- 
 timable lady, Mrs. Sarah Plumb, who lived to be 
 nearly one hundred years of age. Politically, he 
 was a Demoorat, was for many years a justice of 
 the peace, and for several years a leading member 
 of the Connecticut Legislature. He was one of the 
 original stockholders and directors in the bank of 
 Waterbury, Conn. While agricultural pursuits 
 were his chief life vocation, he also engaged in a 
 number of other lines of business, and was always 
 regarded as a valuable counselor, and altogether a 
 very enterprising man, much respected for his 
 
274 
 
 WASII/NdTON COUNTY 
 
 excellence of character, gentleness and kindness of 
 disposition, and politeness of manner. He died in 
 the year 1856, having been a lifelong member of 
 the Baptist Church. 
 
 Josiah Truesdell, the eldest son of the above, 
 was born July 28, 1790, in Bristol, Conn., where 
 he had the advantages of a superior education. In 
 1820 he came to Washington county, Penn., and 
 after a year's residence there he returned to his 
 native State, and on August 21, 1821, was married 
 to Mary, daughter of Daniel Tut tie, a member of 
 one of the oldest of Connecticut families. The 
 children of this union were: Joel, Luther C. (a 
 resident of Claysville), and Sarah M., the wife of 
 T. C. Noble. 
 
 Daniel Tuttle, the father of Mary Tuttle, was born 
 near New Haven, Conn., and was a son of Samuel 
 Tuttle, a direct descendant of William Tuttle, and 
 Elizabeth, his wife, who sailed from Wales in the 
 ship "Planter," and after a voyage of ten weeks 
 landed in Boston, July 1, 1635. William Tuttle 
 was one of the founders aud original proprietors of 
 the city of New Haven, and owned the present 
 site of Yale College. His descendants were lead- 
 ing factors in establishing and building up the 
 college at New Haven, and include many of the 
 besl known names and families of New England, 
 amongst them being the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Ed- 
 wards, the theologian and president of Princeton 
 College; Rev. Dr. Timothy Dwight, president of 
 Yale College. Seth Thomas, who became so 
 widely known by his extensive clock manufactories, 
 was reared in Mrs. Truesdell's father's family, his 
 wife being her full cousin. Mrs. Truesdell died 
 January 30, 1876. 
 
 In the year 1821 Mr. Truesdell located in Clays- 
 ville, and entered into partnership with his brother 
 Calvin. At the end of eight years the partnership 
 was dissolved, and Calvin removed to Wheeling. 
 W, Va., where he 1 engaged in the wholesale dry 
 goods business at the corner of Twelfth and Main 
 streets, Josiah being a partner in the same busi 
 ness. About the year 1834, Calvin removed to 
 Licking county, Ohio, where he engaged in agri- 
 cultural pursuits. He was a delegate to the con- 
 vention which nominated William Henry Harrison 
 for the Presidency in 1836. In 1838 he went to 
 Lake county, 111., where he resided until the time 
 of his death, which occurred in the spring of 1887, 
 when he was in his ninety-second year. His son, 
 Morgan, was a leading citizen of Lake county, 111., 
 having held the offices of recorder of deeds anil 
 mortgages, aud also clerk of the courts. His 
 grandson, Gaylord Sankston Truesdell, is a well- 
 known American artist abroad, having resided for 
 the past five years in Paris. He recently contrib- 
 uted a picture to the Corcoran Art Gallery at 
 Washington, D. C which has elicited a great deal 
 of admiration. Josiah Truesdell and his wife were 
 
 ardent Presbyterians, and the present house of 
 worship, which was erected in the year 1830, and 
 which has been used by the Presbyterian congrega- 
 tion at Claysville for the past sixty- two years, was 
 erected mainly through the combined efforts of Mr. 
 Truesdell aud Rev. Thomas Hoge, the first pastor 
 of that congregation, and who. during his ministry 
 at Claysville, was a resident of Washington; Mr. 
 Hoge agreeing to furnish one-third of the funds 
 necessary to erect the building, on condition that 
 Mr. Truesdell furnish the two thirds — a proposi- 
 tion which was fulfilled on the part of both, each 
 giving liberally of his own means. While they 
 lived there was the warmest friendship existing 
 between Mr. Hoge and Mr. Truesdell. 
 
 Mr. Truesdell was an enthusiastic admirer of 
 John Quincy Adams, and gave one of the only two 
 votes that were cast for him in Donegal township 
 on the occasion of his candidacy for the Presidency. 
 He was an enterprising man, ever having the in- 
 terests of his borough, township and county at 
 heart. In school matters he was very aggressive 
 as a champion for a better and more advanced 
 system of education. He died November 3, 1830, 
 from injuries sustained by jumping from a stage 
 coach while descending the hill, just immediately 
 west of West Alexander on the National pike, near 
 the West Virginia line. He was thus early cut off 
 in the prime and usefulness of his life, and no one, 
 perhaps, who has been a resident of that section, 
 died more deeply lamented. 
 
 Joel Truesdell, the subject proper of this mem- 
 oir, received his education partly in the schools of 
 his native place, and partly in the select schools of 
 Wheeling, taught at the time by Mr. Ezekiel 
 Hildreth. father of the late Eugene Hildreth, M. 
 D., and Prof. George B. Gow, a relative of the 
 Hon. John L. Gow, late of Washington, Penn. 
 In 1838 he entered the employ of Wilson & Humes, 
 in Claysville. for whom he worked eight years, 
 when he removed to West Alexander, and con- 
 tinued in the employ of Mr. George Wilson, 
 senior member of the above mentioned firm, until 
 1852, in which year he embarked in business on 
 his own account in that place. This venture proved 
 a decided success under his superior energy and 
 management, and he not only conducted a general 
 store with an endless variety of stock, but also 
 dealt largely in wool. In 1870 he retired from 
 active business and has since been engaged in 
 various other enterprises. On June 30, 1852, Mr. 
 Truesdell was married to Elizabeth M., daughter 
 of John Valentine, and two children, Mary E. and 
 John V.. were born to them, the latter dying 
 in infancy. The mother died-iu 1862, and in 1864 
 our subject was wedded to Catherine, daughter of 
 Isaac Mayes, of West Alexander, and one son, 
 Charles L. , who died at the age of five years, came 
 to bless this union. 
 
II asi/im, m\ COUNTY. 
 
 275 
 
 In politics Mr Truesdell was originally a Whig, 
 and since the organization of the party lie Las 
 been a Republican. He has represented Lis party 
 in county and State conventions, lias served his 
 township in all its various offices, and has held 
 nearly all the positions of trust in the borough of 
 West Alexander. He was elected auditor of the 
 county in l^Tli, the board of auditors being com 
 posed at thai time of himself and Joseph Linton, 
 who served with great satisfaction to their con- 
 stituents. His party would have been glad at vari 
 ous times to have recognized his high qualities lor 
 some of (lie best offices in the gift of the county, 
 but politics not being in harmony witli his taste-, 
 he always declined such proffered honors For 
 many years he has been prominently connected 
 with the Presbyterian Church at West Alexander. 
 in which he is an elder, and he has contributed large 
 l\ to its growth and prosperity. He was for many 
 years superintendent of the Sabbath school, at all 
 times taking a lively interest in its success. We 
 may say that no one merits the esteem of the coin 
 munity where he has so long resided, or has the 
 confidence of the people of the count), to whom he 
 is generally known, more than the subject of this 
 sketch. Mr. Truesdell is a man of generous in- 
 stincts, tal<es a deep interest ill Ills relatives (illd 
 friends, and during his life has taken a great deal 
 of pleasure out of making frequent visits to the 
 old New England homes of his father and mother. 
 
 QEORGE M. WARRICK, senior member of 
 the firm of George M Warrick & Sons. 
 dealers in general groceries, Washington, 
 i is a native of the county, boin in Am well 
 township February 28, 1881. His grand- 
 father moved, in 1795, from New Jersey to Reaver 
 county, Penn., where he died. 
 
 Jonathan T. Warrick, father of George M. , was 
 ten years old when he first came to Washington 
 county, and seventeen when he finally returned 
 to it, after a residence for a time in Beaver county. 
 In this county he taught school until he was twenty 
 six years old, when he commenced oarpentering 
 and cabinet making, but finally abandoned those 
 trades for farming, first in Amwell township till 
 1S35, afterward in East Finley township, where 
 he died in 1846, at the age of sixty-two years. He 
 was a surveyor in the county. About the year 
 1820 he was married to Miss Mary Slack, a na- 
 tive of Washington county, whose parents were of 
 English descent, and came here from New Jersey. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Warrick were born nine children, 
 as follows: Sarah, wife of Jackson Harshman, in 
 South Strabane township; James, married to a 
 Miss Wilson, died in Davenport, Iowa, at the age 
 of sixty-six years; Matilda, an invalid from the 
 age of eighteen years, died in 1890; Mary, de- 
 
 ceased wife of George El) lone of her sons. Dr. 
 Ely, lives in Washington, Penn.): Charlotte, wife 
 of Elijah Coulson, of Buffalo township; William 
 W., married in 1 S -V» to a Bliss Wylie, who died 
 in 1891 (he was a contractor lor ten years in com- 
 pany with his brother <i "ge M., later went into 
 
 the grocery business with him. but in 1873 he 
 withdrew from the firm; he now resides in Wash 
 ington); George M. is tin' subject of this sketch; 
 
 Elizabeth is the wife ol W K Long, of Washing 
 and Hannah C. is living in Washington. The 
 mother of this family passed from earth in 1 S47. in 
 Bast t'mlr\ township. 
 
 George M. Warrick was educated in the school-. 
 of his native township, and worked on his father's 
 farm until sixteen years of age, when. Ins parents 
 being now dead, he came to Washington, and 
 ed one summer on a farm adjoining the town. 
 lb- then commenced learning the trade of carpen 
 ter, and two years late: began the business for his 
 own account. When about twenty years of age lie 
 went to Chicago, then a growing city of 30,000in 
 habitants. Returning to Washington, he for some 
 years followed contracting, after which, in L858, 
 he embarked in mercantile business at his present 
 Stand, forming a partnership with his brother 
 William W., the stvle of the firm being G. M. t V 
 W. W. Warrick, 'About I860 they bought the 
 Washington flouring mills, in partnership with John 
 M Wilson, carrying on both it and the grocery 
 business Some seven years later William W. 
 Warrick retired from both concerns, and our sub 
 ject and Wilson continued together till 1887, when 
 they sold out the mill to Zelt Bros , Wilson also 
 retiring from the grocery. Mr. Warrick then 
 associated his two sons with him in the grocerj 
 business, in which they still continue. 
 
 In 1855 Mr. Warrick was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary Wilson, of Taylorst own, daughter 
 of William Wilson, anil five children have been 
 born to theru, viz. : Matilda Belle, wife of Rev. 
 McCarroll, a Presbyterian minister at W 7 aynesboro, 
 Penn.; William J., married to Anna Polen, and 
 then removed to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he car- 
 ried on a drug business seven years, then sold, 
 returned to Washington, and is now with his father 
 in the store; John W. , with his father; Rachel 
 and Jennie, both at home with their parents. Mr. 
 Warrick has been a member of the M. E. Church 
 since eighteen years of age. When he united with 
 the First M. E. Church of Washington there were 
 300 members. Politically he was a Democrat up 
 to the Buchanan election, when he enlisted in the 
 Republican ranks. Our subject is a typical self- 
 made man, having had nothing but his own efforts, 
 industry and enterprise to aid him, and when he 
 went into business he possessed but a few hundred 
 dollars. He never speculated, and never incurred 
 a debt that he could not pay inside of six days. 
 
276 
 
 WASHINGTON COUN T) 
 
 DAVID 'E. BAKER, senior member of the 
 ) well-known firm of Baker & Worrell, jew- 
 elers, was born in Amwell township, Janu- 
 ary 5, 1849, a son of Nathan and Maria 
 (Horn) Baker. His education was received at the 
 common schools and Lone Pine Academy, the chief 
 part of his time being passed in the customary duties 
 of the farm until he was twenty four years of age. 
 In 1873 he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Emma, daughter of George Swart, of Amwell 
 township, and two children were born to them, 
 viz. : Winnie Myrtle and Lida Ray. Lida Ray died 
 November 30, L889. The mother died in 1883, at 
 the age of thirty-four years, and in 18S7 Mr. Baker 
 married Lizzie, daughter of Dr. Elijah Hoffman, 
 formerly of Buffalo township, this county, now of 
 Wisconsin. To this marriage one child was born — 
 Frank N. Mr. Baker opened out a general merchan- 
 dise store at Amity , Amwell townshi-p. in 1 873, which 
 he carried on until 1880, when he sold out. In 1885 
 he came to Washington borough, where he formed 
 a partnership with George Brady, in the jewelry 
 business, which continued three years, when it was 
 dissolved, and Mr. Baker took as a partner a Mr. 
 McConaghy, but in April, 1891, the latter retired, 
 and Frank N. Worrell took his place, the style of 
 the firm being now, as already intimated, Baker & 
 Worrell, general jewelers. The firm are popular 
 and enterprising, keeping well abreast of the times 
 in their line. Socially Mr. Baker is a member of 
 the Royal Arcanum, of the Improved Order of 
 Heptasophs, and National Union. In politics he is 
 a Republican, and in religion a member of the 
 First M. E. Church of Washington. His home is 
 on Prospect avenue, on the edge of South Strabane 
 township. 
 
 brother of the above-mentioned Martin, and fol- 
 lowed the trade until 1848. when lie was appointed 
 clerk in the postoffice under Jonathan Leet. In 
 1850 he opened on his own account a grocery 
 store, where Brady's jewelry store now stands, and 
 in 1860 formed a partnership with R. F. Strean, 
 in hardware and agricultural implements. He 
 bought Strean's interest in 1869, and in 1871 he 
 removed the hardware business to the store which 
 his son, William P., now keeps. In 1878 he asso- 
 ciated the latter with hiin, which alliance continued 
 until the father's death April 16, INNS, he being then 
 seventy seven years old. He was originally a Demo- 
 crat, but in 1856 became a Republican; in religion 
 he was a member of the Christian Church. Mr. 
 Hastings was twice married, first to a daughter of 
 James Niehol, of Washington county, whose im- 
 mediate ancestry were agriculturists in the early 
 days of the county. In 1852 Mr. Hastings mar 
 ried Miss Hannah, daughter of Huston Paul, and 
 two children were born to them : William P. and 
 Anna G., wife of W. S. Harrah, of Allegheny- 
 William l J . Hastings was born at Washington, 
 Pen n . March 22, 1853. He reoeived a liberal 
 education at the common schools of the borough, 
 and in 187(1 commeuoed clerking in his father's 
 store; in 1878 he was admitted as a partner, as 
 already related. He was married to Miss Sarah, 
 daughter of A. B. Ashbrook, of Buffalo township, 
 in 1875, and two bright boys have come to bless 
 their home: Harry, born in 1877, and William, 
 born in 1883. Mr. Hastings is one of the well- 
 known and enterprising young business men of 
 Washington, and represents a family whose pro- 
 gressiveness and integrity have never been ques- 
 tioned. 
 
 i A\ILLIAM P. HASTINGS, proprietor of 
 ^\// one of the leading hardware stores in 
 Washington, is of English descent, his 
 paternal grandfather having emigrated 
 from the ''Old Country " to America, mak- 
 ing a settlement in Washington, this county, 
 where he followed the trade of saddler, and passed 
 the rest of his life. He had children, of whom 
 John < '. is deceased; William (now deceased) lived 
 near Brownsville, this county; Samuel died in 
 Indiana; Henderson is deceased; Mary is the wife 
 of Hiram Swart, of Amwell township; and Nancy 
 is deceased. 
 
 John ('. Hastings was born in Washington, this 
 county, in IS 18, anil received his education at the 
 local schools. He commenced life a poor boy, ami 
 when but eight years of age began to work in 
 Jonathan Martin's fulling mill, but later was em- 
 ployed on the National pike under this same 
 
 Martin, who was one of tin ntractors. He 
 
 learned the carpenter's trade with Joshua Martin, a 
 
 DAVID McMILLEN CAMFSEY, one of the 
 I leading representative and substantial cit- 
 ' izens of the county, is a native of the same, 
 having been born October 18, 1843, in 
 Donegal township. 
 
 His grandfather, James Campsey. a farmer by 
 occupation, was born June '22, 1 772, in Mounter- 
 tany. Parish of Raphoe, County Donegal. Ireland. 
 and in 1794 emigrated to America in the ship 
 "Liberty." In i 7V»2 he had married Elizabeth 
 Johnson, of the same county, born February 1, 
 1 771 *, and when he immigrated to the United States 
 he was accompanied by his faithful wife and two 
 children: William, born July 1. 1793, and John. 
 born May 4. 1796. For a few years, or until 1801, 
 thev lived east of the mountains, and then proceeded 
 westward to Washington county, Penn., making a 
 settlement about two miles south of Claysville, 
 this section being at that time an unbroken and 
 sparsely settled wilderness. When they arrived, 
 the neighbors formed a "bee," and built them a 
 
e ,«* 
 
 V* 
 
 
 /0K>ruJ~¥<a 
 
 js*> 
 
WASHL\GT<>.\ ail A 71 
 
 279 
 
 log cabin, the foundation of which was four stumps, 
 one for each corner, but oue day being occupied in 
 its erection. Here our little pioneer family made 
 their home, gradually surrounding themselves with 
 the necessaries and comforts of life, and here four 
 more children came to enlarge the domestic circle: 
 Margaret, born February 20, 1798; Joseph, born 
 February 20, 1800; James, born February 20, 
 1803, and Rebecca, born June 2. 1805. The head 
 of this pioneer family was a vigorous, energetic 
 man, incessantly and assiduously toiling to make a 
 home for his little ones, and to convert the forest 
 wild into a fertile farm. On November 23, 1S4: J >. 
 the loving partner of his bosom was called from 
 earth, and Mr. Canipsey, having then made an 
 equitable division of his property, which was con- 
 siderable, retired from active labor, and passed the 
 remaining portion of his days on earth with his 
 son James. lie died September 1, 1N5I. full of 
 years and honor, and was laid to rest by the side 
 of his wife in Claysville cemetery. All their chil- 
 dren lived to adult ages, excepting Margaret, w^io 
 died in her girlhood. 
 
 James Cainpsey, the third son of this pioneer, 
 was born February 20, 1803, in Donegal town- 
 ship, this oounty, and attended the subscription 
 schools of the neighborhood, the building being 
 made of logs, while the interior was furnished 
 in the most primitive ' manner, the seats being 
 merely slabs, and the writing desk another slab, 
 supported by pegs driven into the wall. The fire- 
 place, which occupied the greater part of one end 
 of the school-room, was a "yawning chasm." 
 wherein was thrown the wood, which was cut by 
 the scholars. The books used in those early times 
 were the English Reader, the XJ. S. Spelling Book 
 and the Western Calculator. Mr. Campsey was 
 a natural mechanic, and could turn his hand to 
 almost any kind of work in that line, being very 
 ingenious and skillful. He constructed a distill- 
 ery complete, including all the plant, which he 
 operated for some time, until he became aware of 
 the harm liquor was doing among those who 
 could not discriminate between use and abuse; he 
 then gave up the business, and disposed of the 
 plant. Mr. Campsey was twice married, the first 
 occasion on November 7, 1827, to Isabella Daugh- 
 erty. a native of Washington county, born April 
 21, 1811, by which union there were five children: 
 Mary Ann,' born Mav 29, 1830; Harriet, born No- 
 vember 18. 1832: Margaret E., born May 19, 1835; 
 James D. . born May 24, 1838. and a son. unnamed, 
 born November 2, 1840, dying four days after- 
 ward. The mother of this family departed this 
 life April 29. 1841, and March' 10. 1842, Mr. 
 Campsey wedded Mrs. Susanna Ralston (also a 
 native of County Down, Ireland), widow of James 
 Ralston, and daughter of David McMillen, of the 
 same township, and two children (twins) came to 
 
 this union: David M. (subject of sketch), and 
 Rebecca, born October 13, 1843, died February 19, 
 1870. Soon after his first marriage James (.'amp 
 sey purchased of Samuel Stokely a valuable farm 
 property, comprising 352 acres of prime laud lying 
 one and one half miles north of Claysville. to 
 which he moved and where he followed farming 
 till December, 1809, when he removed to Clay- 
 ville, and there lived a retired life, having amassed 
 a comfortable sufficiency by hard toil and earnest- 
 ness of purpose. On April 4, 1883, he was called 
 from earth, his wife having preceded him to the 
 long home September 24, 1874. Mr. Cauipsev 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Clays 
 ville, Mrs. Campsey being a member of the U. P. 
 Church of South Buffalo. In politics he was 
 originally a Whig, in later years a Republican. 
 
 D. M. Campsey received his primary education 
 at the common school of his district, and in 1M>'_' 
 entered Millsborongh Normal School, where he re- 
 mained one year; in L863 he prosecuted his studies 
 in Carversville Institute, and October 19, 1865, 
 commenced a commercial course at Eastman's 
 Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,from which 
 he graduated in February, 1806. After his grad 
 nation, he entered the employ of Lord & Taylor, 
 of New York, with whom he remained some time. 
 On April 7, 1870, having returned to his native 
 county, our subject opened a dry-goods store in 
 Claysville, which he carried on eleven years, and 
 then in 1878 formed a partnership with R. B. 
 Daugherty, in the same line at West Alexander, at 
 the same time conducting a hardware store in Clays- 
 ville, in company with William Wilson. For many 
 years he has been engaged in the wool and grain 
 trade, buying and selling, and he is now largely 
 interested in the oil business. 
 
 On July 31, 1873, Mr. Campsey was married to 
 Addie K., daughter of David Kennedy, and the 
 names of the children born to them are James 
 Arthur (died September 22, 1876, at the age of 
 thirteen months), George A., Susannah J., David 
 M. (born March 26, 1883, died July 29, 1891), and 
 Donald McLain. The family are adherents of the 
 U. P. Church at Claysville, of which Mr. Campsey 
 has been a member of Session since 1885. Polit- 
 ically he is a Republican, and an active worker in 
 the party. Fired by a spirit of patriotism during 
 the Civil war, he enlisted for three months in Com- 
 pany D, Forty-fifth P. V. I., serving the full term 
 of his enlistment. 
 
 1/ If UGH ALLISON ROGERS. Hugh Rodgers 
 |wl (for so the name was originally spelled) 
 came, in company with a sister, from his 
 J) native Ireland to America, and made a set- 
 
 v tlement in Chartiers township, Washington 
 
 Co., Penn. He participated in the Revolutionary 
 war. He was twice married, his first wife dying 
 
280 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 soon after marriage; his second wife was Miss 
 Mary Cowden, of Chartiers township, who bore hint 
 children as follows: Mary Ann, who died October 1 1 , 
 1844, aged twenty-one years; John C. , who died 
 August 14, 1845; Elizabeth, married to Rev. John 
 Stream, of Columbus Grove, Ohio; Ebenezer Kerr, 
 who died September 8, 1886, and Caroline, matron 
 of the Washington County Home. The father of 
 this family died September 7, 1845. 
 
 Ebenezer Kerr Rodgers was born October 17, 
 1828, in Washington county, Penu., and was 
 reared to farming pursuits, which he followed for 
 some time, but on account of ill health was obliged 
 to abandon and seek some lighter open-air employ- 
 ment. During the remainder of his life he dealt 
 in stock, and for a time was interested in a livery 
 stable, which stood where Bane Bros, now are, in 
 Washington. On March 4, 1850, he married Miss 
 Margaret, daughter of Hugh Allison, of Chartiers 
 township. 
 
 John Allison, grandfather of Mrs. Ebenezer K. 
 Rodgers, was a native of Scotland, whence he came 
 with his family to America about the year 1780, 
 and made a settlement in the wild woods of Wash- 
 ington county, Peun., which teemed with ferocious 
 animals and hostile Indians. The settlers at that 
 time never went abroad from their log houses with 
 out their trusty rifles, not even to church meeting, 
 which was held in an old log edifice that stood near 
 where is now the borough of Canonsburg. Serv 
 ices were often held in the open air, but, later, 
 another and a better church building was erected 
 at Buffalo. John Allison married Jennette Brown- 
 lee, and by her had children as follows: Gavin, 
 born January 29, 1759; Archibald, born Septem- 
 ber 29, 1760; William (1), born May 23, 1764, 
 died in infancy; William (2), born September 28, 
 1765; James, born April 8, 1768; Thomas, born 
 June 30, 1770, became one of the first ministers in 
 Washington county; Ebenezer, born June 10, 1771, 
 died in infancy, and Hugh, born December 2, 1773. 
 The parents of this family both departed this life 
 in Chartiers township, the father about the year 
 1790, and they now rest in the graveyard at 
 Buffalo. 
 
 Hugh Allison, son of John, was four times mar- 
 ried; the first time before he was twenty-one years 
 of age, to Miss Irwin, of Buffalo township, who 
 died leaving onechild, Jane, born July 12,1795, 
 who married George Morrison, and lived to the ad 
 vanced age of eighty three years. Hugh Allison's 
 second marriage was with a daughter of John 
 Brownlee, and she died leaving two children: 
 Eliza, born August 9, 1800. married toWilliam Scott 
 and died in Ohio, and Annie, born December 3, 
 1801, deceased when young. Mr. Allison's third 
 marriage was with Miss McBride, of Washington 
 county, and by her he had children ;is follows: Maria 
 Reed, born February 12, 1805; Rebecca McBride, 
 
 born September 2, 1807, married to John Hanna; 
 Hugh, born April 27, 1810, died young; John and 
 Thomas, both deceased. Mr. Allison's fourth wife 
 was Jane Gabby, born December 14, 1771, in 
 Washington county, daughter of James and Jean 
 ette Gabby. By this marriage eight children were 
 born, of whom the following is a brief record: 
 Jane, born August 11, 1822, is now the widow of 
 Joseph McNary; James, born September 18, 1824, 
 is now in Nebraska; Margaret, born March fi, 1826, 
 married Ebenezer Kerr Rodgers, and died October 
 9, 1892; Archibald H., born November 24,1827, 
 is now in Chartiers township; HughB. , born April 
 20, 1830, lives in Des Moines, Iowa; a daughter 
 (name not given), died unmarried; Ann Henderson, 
 born June 27, 1833, lives in Chartiers township, 
 and Ebenezer, born August 12, 1835, lives on the 
 old home farm in Chartiers township. The father 
 of these families died September 2, 1853, at the 
 age of eighty years. He was from early manhood 
 an elder in the North Buffalo Seceder Church, was 
 a prominent temperance advocate, and succeeded 
 in having the first temperance society formed in 
 his vicinity. He was one of the first to refuse 
 liquor to farm hands while working in the field. 
 He was a great reader, and had a large library of 
 books. He was a man of strong will, of very pro- 
 nounced opinions, and was an advocate of women's 
 rights. At the time of his death, which occurred 
 suddenly from an attack of colic in 1853, he was 
 the owner of 400 acres of land in Chartiers town- 
 ship. His widow passed from earth December 14, 
 1870, aged eighty years. 
 
 After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Ebenezer K. 
 Rodgers remained a year on the farm, and then re- 
 moved into the borough of Canonsburg, where they 
 resided sixteen years; thence, in 1867, moved into 
 Washington, where their home has since been. 
 The children born to them are seven in number, 
 viz.: Jane A., at home; Hugh Allison and Eben- 
 ezer Allison, both in Washington; Mary, at home; 
 John C, in McDonald, Washington county; Frank 
 F. , in Indianapolis, Ind. ; and Harry Hanna, a 
 civil engineer engaged by the Pennsylvania Rail- 
 road. On September 8, 1886, the father of this 
 family departed from earth, having for the last 
 year of his life been confined to the house. He 
 was a good business man, possessed of a very even, 
 quiet disposition, and at all times exercised great 
 patience. In his political preferences be was a 
 Republican, and in religious sentiments a member 
 of the U. P. Church of Washington. 
 
 Huon Allison Rogers was born September 24, 
 1855, in Canonsburg. Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he received a portion of his education at the 
 public schools. About the year 1867 he came 
 with the rest of his father's family to Washington, 
 and there, at the public schools of the borough, and 
 by a short attendance at Washington College, com- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 281 
 
 pleted his education. He then commenced the 
 study of law in the office of John W. & Alvan 
 Donnan, and on finishing his studies was admitted 
 to the bar of Washington county in L882, prior to 
 which he had been appointed a notary public. In 
 1SS4 he was appointed cashier of the People's 
 Light & Heat Company, which position he is 
 now holding. Politically he is a Republican, a 
 strong worker for his party, but no office-holder. 
 He is a member of the U. P. Church, and librarian 
 in same; was at one time a lieutenant in the 
 National Guards of Pennsylvania, serving some 
 eight or nine years. On September 30, 1885, Mr. 
 Rogers married Miss Mary J. Murray, who was 
 born September 23, 1861, a daughter of John 
 Murray, of Washington. One bright Little girl has 
 come to brighten their home, named Florence, 
 born July 18, 1889, and one boy, named Hugh 
 Donnan, born January 5, 1893. The family resi 
 deuce is ou Jefferson avenue, in Canton township. 
 
 L H ICHAEL RYAN, proprietor of Washing 
 \w/\ ton Carriage Works, was born at Ping 
 XI j hamtou, N. Y., September 16, 1851 
 j -* His parents. Martin and Mary (Fitzpat- 
 rick) Ryan, natives of County Galway, 
 Ireland, came to America in 1847, and made their 
 first home in New York State, where their three 
 children were born; subsequently the family moved 
 to Ohio, and thence, about the year 185 1, to Wash 
 ington county. The father died in Ohio, and his 
 widow afterward married John Maloney, who was 
 killed on the railroad July 12, L866. She resided 
 with her son Michael until she died, on January 28, 
 1892, at the age of seventy five years. The chil- 
 dren born to her marriage with Martin Ryan are 
 Bridget, wife of Henry Kane, of Donegal town- 
 ship; and Michael and James, both residents of 
 Washington, Penn. 
 
 Michael Ryan, of whom this notice is written, 
 obtained his education in the common schools of 
 Washington county, and very early in life, owing 
 to the limited circumstances of his parents, had to 
 earn his own living. In 1868 he entered the car 
 riage works of S. B. & C. Hayes, where he re 
 mained until he finished his apprenticeship, and 
 then commenced work with Hayes & Wilson, re- 
 maining in their employ about eleven years. In 
 1881, in conjunction with his brother, he estab- 
 lished a carriage factory, the style of the firm be- 
 ing Washington Carriage Works, Ryan Bros., 
 proprietors, for the manufacture of light carriages. 
 This partnership continued until January, 1891, 
 when his brother retired. Mr. Michael Ryan has 
 conducted the business alone since that time. In 
 1889 a commodious brick building was erected on 
 East Beau street, which, in 1891, was remodeled 
 and enlarged, and the industry has grown until it 
 
 is now one of the foremost manufacturing estab 
 lishments of Washington, and in the carriage build- 
 ing line it is in reality the only one devoted exclu- 
 sively to the making of light vehicles in Washing- 
 ton. Mr. Ryan commenced lffe a poor boy. but 
 by energy, perseverance, and strict attention to 
 business he has deservedly earned an almost pbe 
 nomenal success. He never married. Politically 
 he is a Democrat, and has been a member of 
 Washington borough council. 
 
 JAMES W. KUNTZ enjoys the distincti f 
 being one of the oldest residents of Wash 
 ington borough. His grandfather, Michael 
 Kuutz, a laborer by occupation, came unac 
 
 companied, in 178S, from Lancaster ( ity. Penn., 
 
 to Washington county, and bought land where now 
 stands Brady's jewelry store, in the borougb of 
 Washington. 
 
 Here Michael Kuutz built a cabin, but ou ac- 
 count of the Indians his family did not Come out 
 until May, 1790. He returned to Lancaster county, 
 and there died in 1794; he was a Freemason of 
 high standing. His widow survived him until about 
 the year L850, when she was called from earth at 
 the advanced age of eighty five years; she was his 
 second wife, and there is no record of any children 
 by his first marriage. To his second- union live 
 children were born, of whom we find the names of 
 George, Jacob, Sophia (Mrs. George Burker, for 
 merry of Washington) and Mrs. Reddick (deceased). 
 The family crossed the mountains on pack horses, 
 the packs or saddle-bags being made of homemade 
 linen, and when the little boys were tired walking 
 they were placed in the pockets of these saddle bags. 
 George Kuutz, born in Lancaster county, Penn., 
 January 25, 1785, was about six years old when 
 brought to Washington, and here he lived at the 
 same place about fourscore years, dying July 18, 
 1870. He was a hatter, who, in 1810, opened a 
 factory in Washington where hats were made by 
 hand. This business he continued until 1844, 
 when he retired. In 1818 he married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of James Wisbey, of Washington, and 
 seven children were born to them, viz.: Michael 
 and James W., both in Washington; one that died 
 in infancy; Brady, a physician, who died in Wash 
 ington March 26, 1863; Sophia, who married 
 Charles Hayes, and died in Washington in 1854; 
 Philip, who also died in Washington, and Stephen, 
 who died in April, 1891, at the age of fifty-six 
 years. The father was called from earth July 18, 
 1870, at the age of eighty-six years. He was a 
 Jacksonian Democrat, and for a time served as 
 borough treasurer. He was a Freemason, having 
 been initiated in 1824. The mother died April 21. 
 1884, aged eighty-four years. 
 
 James W. Knntz was born February 20, 1821, 
 
282 
 
 MWSHJXGTON COUNTY, 
 
 in an old log house which stood on the same piece 
 of land on which he now resides. He received his 
 rudimentary education at the public schools of the 
 borough, and later attended Washington College, 
 at which time he beffame acquainted with James G. 
 Blaiue. He learned the trade of cabinet maker 
 with Thomas Bryson, ultimately buying a half-in- 
 terest in the business, in which he continued 
 several years. In 1 84'.), being seized with the 
 "gold fever," he set out for California, across the 
 plains, the journey occupying six months. His 
 health, beginning to fail in that laud of promise, 
 and having a friend whose mind was affected, he 
 concluded, in 1851, to return to Pennsylvania. 
 While en route the friend became totally demented, 
 jumped overboard and was drowned, and Mr. 
 Kuntz, now alone, continued his homeward trip. 
 He then opened a leather store in Washington, 
 which he carried on successfully for twenty years, 
 when he sold out and moved on his farm in Frank- 
 lin township, but in 1887 returned to Washington, 
 where he now lives compaVatively retired. In 
 1865 Mr. Kuntz married Nancy, a daughter of 
 Samuel Workman, of Washington. No children 
 have been born to them. Politically he is a Demo- 
 crat, and has served as burgess of Washington some 
 six or seven years. Socially he is a Freemason. 
 
 GHARLES G. McILVAIN, a young attorney 
 of Monongahela, and a progressive, native 
 born citizen of the county, is a lineal de 
 scendant of the time-honored pioneer, Greer 
 Mcllvain, who came to this county from the east- 
 ern part of the State prior to 1788, and patented a 
 large tract of land in Somerset township. 
 
 Charles G. was born April 0, 1862, in Carroll 
 township, a son of Greer and Elizabeth (Williams) 
 Mcllvain, the former of whom was a grandson of 
 the pioneer Greer Mcllvain, a sketch of whom and 
 the immediate ancestry of our subject appears else- 
 where. Charles G. received his primary education 
 at the common schools of his district, and at the 
 age of fifteen he entered the Southwestern Normal 
 School at California, Penu., on leaving which he 
 for some time attended Jefferson Academy. He 
 then entered the law school in connection with the 
 University of Michigan, from which he graduated 
 in 1885, and on his return home was admitted to 
 the bar of Pittsburgh. He has succeeded in build- 
 ing no a large practice and highly respectable cli- 
 entage in that city, and along the Monongahela 
 valley. 
 
 On April 9, 1890, Mr. Mcllvain was married to 
 Nancy M., daughter of Capt. Peter Donaldson, of 
 Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and one child, 
 Ruth, has come to brighten their home. Mr. Mc- 
 llvain is a Republican iu politics, and resides at 
 Monongahela. 
 
 K. LONG, one of the best-known bus- 
 iness men of Washington and second to 
 none in popularity, in the county, as a 
 dealer in footwear, is a native of Wash- 
 ington, Penu., where he first saw the 
 light November 13, 1835. 
 
 His father, William Long, was born in August, 
 1786, iu Manheim township, Lancaster Co., Penn., 
 where he learned the wagon maker's trade. About 
 the year 1800 he came to Washington, where he 
 established himself in the wagon making business, 
 which he carried on up to the time of his death iu 
 IMS. By industry he amassed a competence, but 
 lost it all through ill advised liberality and mis 
 placed confidence iu human nature. He was a 
 member of the Lutheran Church. In 1822 he mar- 
 ried Miss Catherine, daughter of John Krider. 
 (This John Krider conducted a. farm iu Canton 
 towuship, but removed to Illinois, where he was 
 thrown from a horse, receiving injuries from which 
 he died at Fulton, III., at the age of eighty-four 
 years. ) To William and Catherine Long were 
 burn eight children, as follows: Susan, wife of W. 
 W. Davis, of Guernsey county, Ohio; Nancy, John 
 and Catherine (all three deceased — John at the 
 age of twelve, and Catherine when about eight 
 years old); Mary, wife of Jesse Allen, iu Knox 
 county, Ohio; W. K., our subject; Eliza, wife of J. 
 O. Vankirk, in Franklin towuship; and Ellen, 
 married to J. J. McWilliams, near Edinborough, 
 Erie Co., Penu. The mother of this family died 
 in 1872, at the age of seventy-five years, while 
 staying at the house of her daughter, Mrs. W. W. 
 Davis, then living in Canton township. 
 
 W. K. Long received his education at the public 
 schools of the place of his birth, and grew to man- 
 hood on the John Coulson farm. In August, 1862, 
 he enlisted in Company F, Fifteenth Cavalry (An 
 derson), in which he served until June, 1865, when 
 he was honorably discharged. He was with the army 
 of the Cumberland, participating in its almost 
 innumerable battles and skirmishes, but came 
 through without a wound, although at the battle 
 of Saudridge, Tenn. , he had a horse shot under 
 him. He was sick for several months, in 1863, at 
 Nashville, Tenn. On his discharge he returned to 
 his native county, and remained iu Buffalo towu- 
 ship until 1866, when he came to Washington and 
 clerked for Warrick Bros., grocers and millers, 
 until 1875, in which year he entered into partner- 
 ship with G. M. Warrick & J. M. Wilson, grocers, 
 and at the end of two years they opened out a shoe 
 store where Mr. Long is now established, the part- 
 nership in both industries continuing until July, 
 1889, when it was dissolved, our subject carrying 
 on the boot and shoe business alone. In Novem- 
 ber, 1872, Mr. Long married Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Jonathan T. Warrick (a sketch of whom will be 
 found elsewhere), by which union there are two 
 
WASH IX G TOX COVN T V 
 
 l'.s:i 
 
 children — Mary L. and William W. — both at home. 
 
 The family are members of the First M. E. Clmrch 
 of Washington. Politically, Mr. Long is a Repub 
 
 TIMOTHY HARE. To beautiful Erin, the 
 land of which Moore has so sweetly sting, 
 and which has given to the world so man} 
 of its brilliant statesmen, jurists and soldiers, 
 Washington county is indebted for many of 
 her substantial, progressive and loyal citizens, 
 among whom may be justly included the gentle 
 man whose name opens this biographical memoir. 
 Timothy Hare was born in County Clare, Ire- 
 land, in 1838, a son of Timothy and Catherine 
 (Holloran) Hare. The father died there in 1847. 
 When about sixteen years of age (1854) our subject 
 emigrated to America, coming to Washington county, 
 where he first worked on the farm of Robert M. 
 Patterson, of Cross Creek township, for S8 per 
 month, remaining with him two years. He had 
 been barely that length of time in the land of his 
 adoption when he found himself, by dint of hard 
 labor and careful thrift, enabled, though yet but a 
 mere boy, to send means to his native land to bring 
 to Washington county his widowed mother and 
 one of his sisters. The mother died in Washing 
 ton in 1887 at an advanced age. She was the 
 mother of nine children, all of whom died in Ire- 
 land, save three: Timothy, Bridget (Mrs. Shaugh- 
 nessy) and Mary (Mrs. Farrell), both residents of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1853 the second sister emi- 
 grated. After a time Mr. Hare commence'! the 
 huckstering business, carrying goods to Pitts- 
 ■burgh each week; then worked a farm in South 
 Strabane township for one year. In 1874 he em- 
 barked in the present grocery business in Washing- 
 ton, in which he has met with exceptional success, j 
 
 In 1801 our subject was married to Margaret, 
 daughter of Thomas Breen. To them nine chil- 
 dren were born, namely: John F.. in Washington: 
 Thomas, near Pittsburgh; Timothy, a tailor in 
 Cadiz, Ohio; James, in Washington; Mary, Cath- 
 erine J., William and Margaret, all af'home with 
 their parents; Charles died some sixteen years ago, 
 at the age of six months. Mrs. Hare is a native of 
 Ireland, and was brought to this country when a 
 small child. In 1880 Mr. Hare built the house in 
 Washington, which is now the family home. In 
 religious faith he is a Catholic, in politics a Demo- 
 crat, but at elections he asserts his right to exer- 
 cise his own judgment, regardless of party lines. 
 
 JfOHM H. MURRAY. The antecedents of this 
 gentleman came to Washington county at an 
 ) early day. John Murray, his father, married 
 Margaret Henderson, who resided near Clays- 
 ville, this county, and by her had six children. 
 
 viz. : Hannah (deceased, was twice married. Her 
 first husband's name being Murphy, and her 
 second husband's Lavery); Michael, now living 
 in Sedalia, Mo. ; Charles, James and Thomas (all 
 three deceased), and John H. , the subject of this 
 sketch. The father, who was a teamster by occu- 
 pation, died in August, 1830, when John H. was 
 lint six months old, the youngest in a family of six 
 children; the mother afterward moved to Illinois, 
 where she died of cholera in 1852. 
 
 John H. Murray was born February 12, 1830, in 
 Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and at 
 the common schools of the neighborhood received 
 his education, which, as he had to apply himself 
 to work on the farm in early boyhood, was of 
 necessity very limited. In 1849 he went West, and 
 for two years followed agricultural pursuits in 
 Illinois, and worked as a farmer and carpenter part 
 of the time in Pennsylvania and the balance of the 
 time in Illinois. In 1862 he enlisted in Company 
 C, 22nd P. V. O, and participated in several 
 engagements. In January following his enlist- 
 ment, he was taken sick, for fifteen months was 
 confined in hospital, and after his discharge as a 
 convalescent he cooked for the officers' mess, one 
 year. At the close of his term of service, June 1, 
 1865, he was mustered out with his company, and 
 he then returned to Washington county, taking up 
 his temporary residence in Buffalo township. Soon 
 afterward he commenced a butcher business in 
 Claysville, which he carried on one year, and then, 
 in 1871, removed to Washington and opened out a 
 meat market on Wheeling street, which in 1874he 
 moved to Main street, and in 1886 to his present 
 stand, on North Main street. On February 6, 
 1855, Mr. Murray was married to Sarah A., 
 daughter of Joseph Magill, a resident of the Clays 
 ville neighborhood, but in 1857 she was taken from 
 earth, leaving one daughter, then only fourteen 
 months old, now the wife of David Sample, Jr., of 
 Washington. 
 
 In the spring of 1861 Mr. Murray married, 
 for his second wife, Elizabeth J., daughter of 
 Joseph Hutchison, now deceased. To this union 
 four children were born, viz. : Mary, wife of Hugh 
 Rodgers, Washington; William H. , who is in part 
 nership with his father; Annie, wife of Thomas 
 Blair, of Wheeling street, Washington; and John 
 E. , living with his parents. Mr. Murray is one of 
 the many progressive and prosperous self-made 
 men of Washington, and is esteemed by a host of 
 friends whom he has gathered around him by his 
 thorough business habits and social qualities. In 
 his political preferences he is a straight Democrat, 
 but finds no time for office aspirations. His com- 
 fortable and commodious home is on Highland 
 avenue, one of the most beautiful streets in the 
 borough. 
 
284 
 
 U ASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 G CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS COOL. As 
 the student of human nature looks on the 
 h men and women who have risen from the 
 ranks to positions of eminence in the world 
 of literature, politics, science, art or religion, he 
 will fain inquire, "Whence came they? Amid 
 what scenes did these giant minds unfold? in what 
 social circles were they first introduced to the world 
 which they have conquered." From the vast 
 majority comes the ringing answer, " The dear old 
 farm was our childhood home; our early social en- 
 joyments were found on the glittering pond, by 
 the woodland river, in the husking bee and the 
 Amid these scenes our minds were 
 'far from the madding crowd's 
 we learned from self-sacrificing, 
 the lessons of self denial aud per 
 which to conquer first ourselves, 
 God bless the farmandthe 
 They are the rocks on which 
 
 harvest home, 
 nurtured, and 
 ignoble strife,' 
 toiling parents 
 severance, with 
 and then our foemen 
 farmers of our land. 
 
 our nation rests, and the history of their lives 
 should be treasured by every patriotic citizen of 
 America. 
 
 Gilbert Cool was born about the year 1794, east 
 of the Alleghany Mountains, and came to Wash 
 iugtou county, when a young man. He decided 
 to learn the blacksmith's trade, and accordingly en 
 tered a shop of one John McCounell, living near 
 Paris, where he learned his trade. His employer 
 had a fair young sister in law, Rebecca Moore, and 
 Rebecca soon became the bride of Gilbert Cool. 
 They located in Frankfort, Beaver Co., Penn., 
 where he followed his trade, and being both ener- 
 getic and industrious, soon acquired a comfortable 
 property. Time passed on, and one by one chil- 
 dren came to bless their union, until the following 
 names were added to their family circle: William 
 (who died at the age of forty years), was a farmer 
 of Allegheny county, Penn. ; John, a farmer living 
 in Allegheny county; Augustine, also residing on a 
 farm in Allegheny county; Christopher Columbus, 
 mentioned below; Thomas, an agriculturist of 
 Allegheny county; Sarah, deceased in youth; 
 Verlinda, deceased wife of William Dawson; and 
 Alice, deceased wife of Philip Stronse, of Beaver 
 county, Penn. Some years after his marriage Mr. 
 Cool purchased ami moved upon a farm near Flor 
 ence, in Hanover township, which he afterward 
 sold at a handsome profit, and then bought 175 
 acres in Findley township, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 where his remaining years were passed. He was 
 a hard working, successful business man, and in 
 politics was an Old line Whig, afterward uniting 
 with tin' Republican party. He possessed a robust 
 constitution, and was ill but for a short time be- 
 fore his death, which occurred November 9, 1879, 
 followed by his wife a year later. They are buried 
 side by side in Hopewell cemetery, Allegheny 
 
 county. Both were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Christopher Columbus Cool was born April 7, 
 1839, near Florence, Washington county. He re- 
 ceived his earlier education at the common schools 
 of the neighborhood and then took a short course 
 at Mt. Union College, Stark county, Ohio, fitting 
 himself for school teaching. After leaving col 
 lege, he, in company with several classmates, made 
 a western tour, visiting the principal cities of 
 Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Indiana, Kentucky and 
 West Virginia, many of the present large cities of 
 those States being but villages at that time. He 
 taught school in Wayne county, 111., also in many 
 of the western towns, and having satisfied his 
 curiosity concerning the resources of the western 
 
 States, returnedto the home farm, teaching scl I 
 
 during the winter season. On June 14, 18(55, ho 
 was united in marriage with Eliza Jane Culbert- 
 son, who was born September 7, 1889, being the 
 youngest of three children born to David and 
 Elizabeth (Whittaker)Culbertson. Her father was 
 a representative farmer of Hanover township, and 
 was for many years an elder in the Cross Roads 
 Presbyterian Church at Florence, this county. 
 Two daughters have been born to the union of 
 Christopher Columbus Cool and Eliza Jane Cool, 
 namely: Allie Etta, and Effie Dora, both of whom 
 are living at home. Since his marriage Mr. Cool 
 has resided on his father-in law's farm, one half of 
 which was purchased, successfully devoting his at- 
 tention to agriculture and stock raising. He is a 
 progressive, energetic citizen, thoroughly posted 
 on general topics, and an enthusiastic supporter of 
 the Republican party. He and his family are' 
 members of the Presbyterian Church at Florence. 
 
 JOHN P. WILSON. The family of which this 
 gentleman is a worthy representative are of 
 North of Ireland descent. Robert Wilson, 
 the grandfather of our subject, emigrated to 
 this country, aud made a settlement on a farm in 
 Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., where he 
 died. He had married a Welsh lady, who bore 
 him seven children: James, William E., Thomas, 
 Isabel (Mrs. Buchanan), Mary, Annie and Jane 
 (Mrs. James Campbell) — all now deceased. 
 
 William E. Wilson, father of John P., was in his 
 day a prominent agriculturist of Smith township, 
 this county, where he bought a farm and made a 
 settlement April 10, 1829. He had married, in 
 1822, Miss Margaret, daughter of John Park, a 
 sketch of whose family follows this. To this union 
 were born eight children, viz.: Sarah Ann; Sam- 
 uel P., in Burgettstown, Penn.; Martha (widow 
 of Alexander Russell), also in Burgettstown; Nancy 
 (deceased |; Isabella; John P.; Rebecca, of Bur- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 285 
 
 gettstown, anil William L., who lately moved to 
 that town. The parents both passed away on their 
 farm in Smith township, the father in 1871, at the 
 age of nearly fourscore yearH, and the mother in 
 1884, at the age of eighty- four years; they were 
 members of the Secedei Church of Burgettstown, 
 be being an elder in same. 
 
 John P. Wilson was born December 11, 1837, 
 on the old home farm in Smith township, and lived 
 thereon until he was twenty-nine years of age. 
 On January 10, 1807, he was married to Miss Jane, 
 daughter of John Reed, Escj., a descendant of the 
 Heeds, who came in 1775 from Lancaster county, 
 Penn.. to this county. They settled in Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township, on what is now known as the Me 
 Bride farm, where they made improvements. This 
 land, they claim, was unjustly taken from them by 
 Gen. Washington. Being thus deprived of their 
 land in Mt. Pleasant township, the family. moved 
 to Cecil township, where their descendants are now 
 to be found. David Heed married Margaret May, 
 who bore him eight children, all now deceased, 
 viz. : Alexander, David, Polly (Mrs. George Mur- 
 ray), John (father of Mrs. John P. Wilson), James, 
 Ins. -ph. Jennie, and one that died in infancy. 
 John Reed graduated from college when sixteen 
 years old and on November '_! 1, 1821, settled down 
 to farm life in Mt. Pleasant township, where he 
 passed the remainder of his days. He was mar- 
 ried to Jane May, of Cecil township, and nine chil- 
 dren were born to them: Phcebe (deceased); 
 Margaret, in Washington county; David, in Bur- 
 gettstown; John (deceased); George Murray, living 
 at t lie old home; Jane, wife of John P. Wilson; 
 Samuel, in McDonald, this county; Mary, at home, 
 and Elizabeth, in Cecil township. The mother of 
 this family died in 1844, aged forty-one years; the 
 father in 1877, at the patriarchal age of ninety 
 one years. Politically he was first a Whig, after 
 ward a Republican; for many years he served as a 
 justice of the peace, and for several terms he was 
 in the State Legislature; for twenty-five years or 
 more he was a member of the Seceder Church at 
 Hickory. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. John P. 
 Wilson remained in Smith township twenty-two 
 years, then for two years resided in Canonsburg. 
 whence in April, 1891 , they moved into the borough 
 of Washington, where they have a pleasant home, 
 the residence having been built by their two sons 
 — J. Reed and William Park — who comprise all 
 their family. John P. Wilson has been a lifelong 
 agriculturist, but is now, although still retaining 
 his farm, retired from active work in that line. 
 
 The Pakk Family. Tradition says that in 1787 
 John Park, then twenty eight years of age, was mar- 
 ried in Washington county, by Rev. John McMillan, 
 D. D., to a young daughter of Hon. John McDowell, 
 of Chartiers township. This John Park was 
 born December 18, 1758, a son of Samuel and Mary 
 
 Park, who came hither before their marriage, from 
 the North of Ireland, the voyage lasting six 
 months, on the same vessel. Samuel Park was an 
 importer of horses from the mother country, and 
 in pursuit of his business he made three trips to 
 the land of his birth. In this country he settled 
 in Donegal township, Lancaster Co., Penn. In 
 the fall of 1777 he came to Washington county, and 
 for the sum of £450, or about $2,160, pur- 
 chased of Matthew Rodgers some 500 acres of wild 
 land, the bill of sale being dated December 7, 
 1777. He then returned to Lancaster county, and 
 sent out his sous, John and James, to clear some 
 of this land, which they did, also erecting a log 
 cabin and planting a crop, their sister Isabella ac- 
 companying them, to keep house for them. Sam- 
 uel Park was a hardworking, industrious man, 
 widely known and respected for his strict integ- 
 rity. 
 
 James Park, one of his sons, was born in 1760, 
 He was with Col. William Crawford in his expedi 
 tion against the Indians in northwestern Ohio, in 
 1782. His wife was Isabella Craighead, and their 
 children were: Samuel; George; James (deceased 
 December 8, 1811); Mary, married in 1782 to Col. 
 John Marshall (They then settled on Cross Creek, 
 this county. Col. Marshall was born in 1740, and 
 when the Revolutionary war broke out he entered 
 tin- patriot army as a subaltern; he participated in 
 thirteen battles, and at Trenton was severely 
 wounded, a bullet entering his left side; was then 
 promoted, and after the surrender of Cornwallis 
 was made a brevet-major, Gen. Washington pre- 
 senting him with a sword, which is now in the pos- 
 session of his grandson, C. R. Marshall, of Rich 
 land county, Ohio. The Colonel lost a brother at 
 the battle of Brandy wine. Col. Marshall took part 
 in the Whiskey Rebellion, was one of the "Coun- 
 cil of Safety" held at Mingo Creek July 23, 17114, 
 and at Monongahela City August 14, following, he 
 presented the resolutions which were adopted; he 
 was colonel of a volunteer regiment. In 1802 
 he was elected to the Ohio State Legislature, and 
 reelected in 1803-04. He died in Ohio September 
 27, 1821, his wife several years later. They were 
 the parents of ten children); Isabella Park was 
 born in 1764, and was married in 1784, to Robert 
 McGee, by whom she had five children (he died in 
 1796, his widow passing away in Clark county, 
 Ind.); Hugh Park, born in 1767, died while a 
 young man. 
 
 John and Sarah Park for a time lived in two 
 small cabins, a few feet apart, but later removed to 
 the homestead, or "Deer Park," as it was called 
 upon the death of John's father. They were the 
 parents of ten children, of whom the following is a 
 brief sketch: Agnes, born July 31, 1783 (was mar 
 ried to John White); John, born September 16, 
 1792 (married in 1820, to Ann Colmery, who died 
 
286 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 January 8, 1823, and he afterward, in 1827 mar- 
 ried Martha Couley); Samuel, born Decembei 25, 
 1795 (graduated from Jefferson College afterward 
 ,a U "ht school, also surveyed; died in 1823, rom 
 r/effectsof a fall from a roof); William, born 
 July 15, 1797 (in 1831 bought 300 acres of land in 
 Peters township; in 1833 he married Jane Law; 
 was a member of the board of trustees of 
 Jefferson College; a director of the Chartiers 
 Valley Railroad; thirty years an elder of Centre 
 Church; died November 6, 1870 iMargare^ born 
 Marchl5,l800(marriedinl822toWdliamEW 1 l- 
 aon); James was born November, 30, 18U2, Isa- 
 bel born May 16, 1805 (married in 1831, to Henry 
 vice); Sarah, born December 18, 1807 (married 
 John Hickman); McDowell was born March 6, 181U, 
 Rebecca, born November 14, 1814 (married James 
 Rankin, of Washington. Penn.. and died April 18 
 1S75). The father of this family served as a scout 
 in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 C CRAVIN is a son of Thomas Cravin, 
 who was a native of Mifflin county, Penn., 
 where he was reared and educated. W hen 
 a young man he went to Guernsey county 
 Ohio and was there married to Sarah 
 Chalfant, a native of that county who l.ore hun six 
 children, namely; Mary, wife of John Reed , Edith, 
 married to Robert Jobes; Rachel, deceased; \\ < . , 
 Thomas, and Tilson, who died in infancy. For lus 
 second wife Mr. Cravin was married to Caroline 
 [ngraham. He was a painter by trade, and 
 followed that business throughout active life. 
 He came to Brownsville. Penn., soon after his 
 first marriage, and in 1852 went to California 
 Penn., where he died in 1886. and was buried in | 
 tha , viU age. In politics he was formerly an 
 Abolitionist, then united with the Republican 
 party, and in religion was a member of the M. E. 
 Church, which he served as class-leader and 
 
 ' 'w^O Cravin was born February 16, 1843, in 
 Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and came with 
 his parents to California, Washington Co Penn 
 when but nine years of age. He attended the Ca - 
 ifornia Normal School, also Dull b Business Col- 
 lege, at Pittsburgh. On September 21, 1861. he en- 
 listed in Company C, 85th P. V. I and was first 
 sent to Washington, D. O, thence to the army of 
 the p otom ac. He was in the Peninsular campaign, 
 and being sent to North and South Carolina took 
 p ar t i„ the battles in the latter State. When Grant 
 took command of the army of the Potomac. WO. 
 Cravin again entered that division, and partici- 
 pated in Grant's advance on Richmond. Ate. 
 the expiration of the three years for which he had 
 entered the service, he reenlisted, and was appoint 
 
 ,.,l ca ptain of Company E, 199th Uegiment P. V. I. 
 
 He served in that rank until mustered out at Rich- 
 mond June 25, 1865, when he returned to J^ 
 ington county, Penn. On December 4, 1866, he 
 w£ united in marriage with Nancy, daughterof 
 Samuel Rav. In 1867 Mr. Cravin opened a grocery 
 establishment which he conducted for twelve years, 
 when he sold out and in INS- entered the employ- 
 ment of the Yohe brothers, with whom he is ye 
 encased In political opinion he afhl.ated with 
 thf Republican party until the Prohibition move- 
 ment was organized, with which he is now in hearty 
 Sympathy. In religious faith he is a member of 
 the M. E. Church. 
 
 ■ 
 
 AMUEL M. TEMPLETON. proprietor of 
 drug store, Washington, is a native of the 
 borough, born in June, 1835. His grand- 
 father Dr. S. Murdoch, established a drug 
 business in Washington many year s *g°, which the 
 father, of our subject, Dr. Joseph Templeton who 
 was a physician of prominence in his day, entered 
 
 '" Samuel M. Templeton attended the common 
 schools and college of the place of his birth receiv- 
 ing a good practical education, and in 185,> began 
 earning tin drug business in the store tha had 
 been established by his P^^i^^^ 
 coming a regular pharmacist. In 1861 he enlisted 
 comnj B b TWlfrh P V I-, serving three 
 
 in Company A, Iwelttn i. v. j.., » , 
 
 months and after his discharge returned to Wash- 
 ington, where he resumed the drug business at the 
 same stand that had been previously occupied DJ 
 his grandfather and father. . 
 
 On June 10, 1868, Mr. Templeton was married 
 to Rebecca, daughter of Alexander Murdoch of 
 Washington, by which union there are three chil- 
 dren -Alexander M., Nelly and Betty-all yet hy- 
 ing at home. Politically our subject is a Repub- 
 lictn, but is no office seeker. In church connection 
 t he is of the United Presbytenan fn.th. His ,es 
 
 dence is on North Main street, just outside the 
 ' borough limits. 
 
 THOMAS JEFFERSON DUNCAN was born 
 in the borough of Bridgeport. Fayette 
 county, Penn., February 11, 1845 On his 
 mother's side, his ancestry, which had been 
 American-born for several generations, was 
 of English extraction. . 
 
 Dr Benjamin Stevens, his grandfather, emigrat- 
 ed from Maryland to Fayette county, where he 
 was a widely known practitioner of medicine and 
 where he established and for many years operated 
 an iron forge. Though dying before he attained 
 old ace. Dr. Stevens left to survive him several 
 children of whom one, Priscilla, was the mother 
 of the subject of this sketch. H,s immed.ate 
 
•TT. 
 
 trusv^L r-u> 
 
 C-OCst^ 
 
WASlll.Xi; TON COUS I ) . 
 
 289 
 
 paternal ancestors wen- Irish, but of Scotch origin. 
 The latter part of the eighteenth century was not 
 onlj a period of general European wars hut of 
 profound discontent among the sons '>f Erin, and 
 open rebellion against English rule. The sue 
 cesses of Sir John Jarvis and Admiral Duncan cm 
 the water, the overthrow of the United Irishmen 
 and the complete suppression of the revolt by the 
 storming of the camp on Vinegar Hill, established 
 the supremacy of England, and many a brave 
 Irishman preserved his life and his liberty by flight 
 
 from his native laud. It was during these stormy 
 tunes that Arthur Duncan sought refuge in 
 America ami settled in Fayette county, I'cim. 
 There he pursued his vocation of an iron worker 
 at the forge of Dr. Stevens, already mentioned. 
 He left a family of eight children, of whom the 
 following are Mt ill living: Enos Duncan, Mrs. 
 .lane Stanford, Mrs. Elizabeth Doolittle, and Hon, 
 Thomas Duncan, who was the oldest, is now (1893) 
 eight) seven years of age, lives in Bridgeport, 
 
 Payette Co.. Penn., and is tie- father of the 
 subject of this memoir, lie was at limes an active 
 
 politician and was elected commissioner of his 
 native county (Fayette), and for ten years served 
 
 as one of the judges of its courts. Some years ago 
 he withdrew from business and public affairs, and 
 
 iH now leading a retired life. In earl) maul d 
 
 he married l'riscilla Stevens, who died in lS7:i at 
 the age of sixty six years. She was a woman of 
 more than ordinary strength of character, took a 
 lively interest in the charitable ami benevolent 
 enterprises of the community in which she lived, 
 and left a monument in the memories of the people 
 with and for whom she labored. The fruit of this 
 union was five children, viz.: Sophia, now deceased, 
 who was married to W. II. Laning; Elizabeth, 
 now widow of William Worrell (deceased), ami a 
 resident of the above menl ioned borough of J .ridge 
 port; Dr. W. S. Duncan, a physician ami surgeon 
 of wide reputation and extensive practice, who 
 died in 1892; Arthur Duncan, whose death occurred 
 as he was about entering manhood, and Thomas 
 Jefferson Duncan, whose name stands at the open 
 nig of this article. 
 
 His boyhood days were spent in his native town, 
 where he attended the graded public school. 
 Soon after leaving this school, lie was placed un- 
 der the tuition of \i. N. Hartshorn, an enthusiastic 
 and successful instructor, who afterward became a 
 professor in the college at Mt. Union, Ohio. It 
 was at this time in his career that young Duncan, 
 at •about the age of eighteen years, first turned his 
 attention to pedagogism. He was elected teacher 
 of a school in Wharton township, one of the 
 mountain districts of Fayette county. In this 
 region, " far from the madding crowd's ignoble 
 strife," he passed one winter amid experiences 
 that were as novel to him as the rugged and snow 
 
 clad sce'nerj of the mountains was grand and im- 
 posing. He not only labored for (he children but 
 lived among the people. Here were social ens 
 toms, phases of life, and revelations of fact that 
 were as strange to the' new 'master'' as they were 
 real. As he once expressed tin' situation: "He 
 not only taught lessons in the three It's from the 
 books, but learned lessons from the pages of life 
 and the volume of nature." Having completed 
 
 this engagement, I ntered Mt. Union College, 
 
 Ohio, and was (here during the bitter contest in 
 
 1864 between the faculty and tile -Indents relative 
 to the authority of the former over the literary so 
 cieties. The college authorities, of course, tri 
 
 umpired, and several of (he undergraduates who 
 were most active in I he affair were dismissed from 
 the institution. Others vol ii ntarih withdrew. Dun 
 can was among the latter ami with one of his 
 friends, now Rev, John II. Hartman, was soon 
 afterward pursuing his sludies in Vermillion In 
 stitute, at rlaysville, Ohio. His name appears 
 for two years in (he published catalogue of this 
 
 scl I. which, under the supervision of Rev. Sand 
 
 era Diefendorf, was then a flourishing academy, 
 attended by hundreds of students from ( 'an ad a and 
 
 eleven Stales of the I'llioli. While here his 
 health became broken, and he was forced to return 
 home for its recuperation. He was able to 
 resume his studies in the spring of 1866, and 
 matriculated in Washington ami Jefferson Colleee, 
 at Washington, Penn., from which he was gradu 
 
 ated two .ears later. The class of 1868 was of 
 
 the largest ever sent out by this institution, and on 
 its role of membership are the names of gentlemen 
 who have since attained distinction in their several 
 professions. Among them are Prof. D. J. Me 
 Adam, Hon. H. .1. Eckly, S. H. Fisher, ('. E., 
 .lames S Mooilead, Esq., Rev. T. J. Sherrard, 
 Rev. L. M. Gilleland, Hon. W Ii. Sutton and 
 others. During his senior year he was both 
 student and teacher in the college (officially tutor), 
 and, as such, had partial charge of the classes of 
 the preparatory department. After graduation he 
 was invited to continue this relation, but, declining 
 so i,. do, accepted the Superintendency of the pub 
 lie schools of his native (own, and continued in that 
 position for two years. Throughout his term of ser\ 
 ice he was energetic in the administration of both 
 the methods of instruction for use by the assistant 
 teachers and the affairs of discipline among the 
 pupils; and it is said there are now men in (he 
 community, whose heads begin to show the silvery 
 touches of years, who when as boys on mischief 
 bent, learned by experience, at this time, that the 
 way of the transgressor was hard. His next move 
 was to East Liverpool, Ohio, where he had been 
 elected Superintendent of Schools. The condition 
 
 of educat tonal affairs here required a complete reor 
 ganization of the system. His plans were, how 
 
290 
 
 WASHINGTON COUN TV. 
 
 ever, supported by the Board of Control, aud he 
 had the co-operation of a corps of efficient teachers. 
 The schools grew rapidly in both membership and 
 reputation under his management, which con 
 tinned two years. He had, when at college, regis- 
 tered himself as a student of law in the office of I. 
 Y. Hamilton, Esq., and he gave up his position at 
 East Liverpool with a view to the completion of his 
 professional studies. The fall of 1872, however, 
 found him in the ranks from which he had so re- 
 cently withdrawn. This time he was located in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn., where he continued four years, 
 having supervision, as Principal, of the public 
 schools of the Fifteenth and Seventeenth Wards of 
 that city. As a disciplinarian h? was considered 
 firm if not rigid; in methods of instruction he was 
 progressive; and his schools were frequently visited 
 by teachers from other sections of the city. His 
 field of labor was, however, more extensive than the 
 district. He was an active member of the College 
 of Principals, a frequent instructor at teachers' in- 
 stitutes of the city, at times accepted invitations 
 to render similar services for conventions in other 
 counties, lectured at the Teachers' State Associa- 
 tion, and was an occasional contributor to the press 
 on subjects relating to the profession in which he 
 was engaged. During the preceding years, he had 
 devoted what time could be appropriated from 
 other duties to his legal studies, and, in the fall 
 of 187T>, was admitted to practice law in the courts 
 of Washington county. Subsequently he was ad- 
 mitted to the Supreme Court of the State, and such 
 of the United States Courts as business or other 
 matters rendered desirable. In the summer of 1876 
 he first located and offered his services as a law 
 yer at Washington, Penn., where, without in- 
 terruption, he has continued the practice of law 
 ever since. This was the year of the memorable ! 
 Presidential campaign in which Tilden and Hayes 
 were the rival candidates. Mr. Duncan threw 
 his energies into the contest, and proving an ac- 
 ceptable speaker addressed numerous meetings 
 throughout the county, making acquaintances aud 
 friends as he went. It was not long until he found 
 himself with a fair clientage, and his practice has 
 steadily increased until he is now one of the hard- 
 est worked members of the bar. As a lawyer he is 
 faithful and devoted to his clients and persistent 
 for their welfare and success, or, as has been 
 sometimes said, stubborn in the advocacy of causes 
 entrusted to his care. His library is well sup- 
 plied with books, which, in the preparation of 
 cases, are brought into frequent requisition, and 
 his briefs usually tend toward elaborateness rather 
 than otherwise. He is an earnest, persistent 
 worker, valuing time according to the results that 
 may be wrested from it: and people who know 
 him attribute whatever success he has attained as 
 largely to level headeduess and patient work as any 
 
 other elements of his character. In politics he 
 has always been a Democrat, and in the campaigns 
 preceding general elections usually stumps his 
 own and other counties in behalf of the party with 
 which he is identified. While thus interested in 
 politics, and often a participant in the counsels 
 and conventions of the party of his choice, he has 
 never sought for himself the reward of office but 
 has uniformly refused to be a candidate for positions 
 of a political character. The only apparent excep 
 tion to this statement wasiu 1870. That year he was 
 the nominee for district attorney, an office, which 
 falls within the line of his legitimate professional 
 life and to which only lawyers are eligible. In 1888 
 the Democratic Convention of the Twenty- fourth 
 Congressional District nominated him as the party 
 candidate for Congress in opposition to his known 
 wishes. The convention had been in session two 
 days, during both of which in response to inquiries 
 he had telegraphed forbidding the use of his name 
 and stating his unwillingness to accept the posi- 
 tion, if tendered him. Disregarding his protest, 
 the convention proclaimed him the candidate and 
 appointed a committee to give him formal notice 
 of its action. His name was at once published 
 throughout the district as the party representa- 
 tive, and it was said created enthusiasm under the 
 belief that it indicated party success. The com- 
 mittee of notification just mentioned consisted of 
 James H. Hoover, of Fayette county ; Joseph A. 
 Skelly, of Allegheny; James Smith, of Greene; and 
 John P. Charlton, of Washington. When waited 
 upon by them, Mr. Duncan adhered to his original 
 resolution and declined to accept the nomination. 
 The prospects of his election were considered flatter- 
 ing, and the district is now represented by a Demo- 
 crat. The reasons assigned by him were of a per- 
 sonal and private character arising chiefly from a 
 desire to apply his time and energies to the welfare 
 of his family and to business affairs. In his letter 
 of declination, which was widely published and 
 quoted from, he stated that "among his party 
 associates he did not recall a single individual to- 
 ward whom he entertained the slightest feeling of 
 political animosity or whose advancement he would 
 willingly impede in the least, that he united 
 with unabated interest in the efforts of the people 
 to maintain their liberties against the encroach 
 ments of power unjustly exercised whether mani 
 festing itself in the form of monopolizing combina- 
 tions and trusts, corporate aggregations or official 
 usurpation, that he was uncompromisingly opposed 
 to legislation in the interest of favored classes, to 
 the squandering of the public domain, to oppress- 
 ive and unnecessary taxation direct or indirect, 
 and to the tendency during the past few years to a 
 centralization of power in the administration of 
 governmental affairs, and that he adhered to the 
 principles of just government administered wisely 
 
WASHING rOX ( 'OUN T) . 
 
 ■I'M 
 
 and economically for the peace, safety and pros- 
 perity of its citizens as a whole, without prefer 
 ence or favor as to class, locution, race, or other 
 b;isis of distinction." 
 
 In religion Mr. Duncan is more immediately as- 
 sociated with the denomination of Methodists, in 
 which he has been a communicant for many years. 
 At the time this sketch is written (1893) he is con- 
 nected with the First M. E. Church of Washington, 
 Penn., and has for years past been a member of its 
 Board of Trustees and Treasurer of its Stewards' 
 Fund. In addition to his professional duties Mr. 
 Duncan is connected with various business and 
 other organizations of the community and county 
 in which he resides, to some of which he sustains 
 official relations. Among them are the following: 
 Director and Vice-President of the Farmers and 
 Mechanics National Bank of Washington, Penn. ; 
 member of the Board of School Directors; Trustee 
 and chairman of the Finauce Committee of the 
 Dime Savings Institution of Washington, Penn. ; 
 Chairman of the Board of Examiners of the Courts 
 of the county; Trustee of the Young Men's Chris- 
 tian Association; President of the Society for the 
 Prevention of Cruelty to Auimalsaud Children;Cur- 
 ator and Treasurer of the Citizens Library Associa- 
 tion, and others. In July, 1880, he was married to 
 Miss Eleanor Morris, for a memoir of whom and for 
 reference to his domestic life see the article imnie 
 diately succeeding this. 
 
 Mrs. Eleanor M. Duncan is the wife of T. J. 
 Duncan, Esq., whose life is outlined in the last 
 preceding sketch. She was born in West Browns 
 ville, Washington Co., Penn., December II, 1856, 
 ami is a descendant from two families well known in 
 Revolutionary and Colonial times, of whom, per- 
 haps, the most noted representatives are Capt. 
 Jonathan Morris, a soldier of the Revolution, Dr. 
 Jonathan Morris and Benjamin West, the cele- 
 brated artist. Her maternal grandfather was W. 
 H. Miller, a native of Barren county, Ky., who 
 was born in 1800, and died in Hart county, said 
 State, at the advanced age of eighty-two years. 
 His wife, Elizabeth, died at Louisville, Ky., in 
 1857. They had issue five children, all girls — 
 Mary E., Emily, Louisa, Julia, and Sarah J., who 
 wps born in February, 1825; she is the mother of 
 the lady whose name commences this article, and 
 now resides with one of her daughters at Bennett's 
 Station, Penn. She is said to have been a young 
 woman of rare beauty, and at the ago of nearly 
 eighteen years was married to Capt. Benjamin 
 F. Morris, who was fifteen years her senior. 
 
 Mrs. Duncan's paternal ancestry includes two 
 distinguished Quaker families, the Wests and the 
 Morrises. David Morris emigrated from Wales, 
 and married Mary Phillipine in or about the year 
 1685. Their home was on the west bank of the 
 Delaware river, below Philadelphia, where their 
 
 children, David, Isaac, Elizabeth, Mordecai and 
 Jonathan, were born. The family increased rap- 
 idly and was distributed through several eastern 
 counties of the State. A recent historian says: 
 " Every branch of it retained the names David, 
 Jonathan, Isaac and Mordecai. Notwithstanding 
 the fact that they were Quakers, they took part in 
 the Revolution, several members of the family 
 serving throughout the war in the Continental 
 Line." Among the early settlers of western Penn- 
 sylvania was Jonathan Morris, a grandsou of 
 David (the Welshman), who, soon afterthe Revolu 
 tionary war, came with his family from the East 
 and settled in Washington county among the 
 Quakers, in what is now East Bethlehem township. 
 He had previously married a sister of Benjamin 
 West, the famous painter. The Wests were also 
 Quakers, and members of that family came, 
 about the same time, to Washington county, the 
 name still being borne by later generations in the 
 eastern part of the count v Judge William West, 
 the blind orator of Ohio, is a descendant of Jona- 
 than West and a relative of the Mrs. Morris al- 
 ready named. Jonathan Monis died about 1788. 
 Four sons survived him. In a late publication it 
 stated that three of them were soldiers in the war 
 for American independence. They were Joseph, 
 David (who was for many years keeper of the cele- 
 brated hostelry, the "Globe Inn,'' of Washington, 
 Penn. ), Jonathan (a captain of the Revolutionary 
 war, who is said toahave equipped, at his own ex- 
 pense, a full company of Continental soldiers; was 
 wounded at the battle of Brandvwiue, and died in 
 Fredericktown. Washington county, in 1838), and 
 Jesse (who was born in 1771). 
 
 On April 12, 1749, Jesse Morris married Sarah 
 Blackmore, the day before slu> was seventeen years 
 of age. Their children were eleven in number, 
 viz.: Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mary Ann, Sarah, David, 
 Almira, Martha W.. Benjamin F.. Cynthia, 
 Adelia M. and Jesse J. Benjamin F. Morris, the 
 father of Mrs. Duncan, was born in Washington 
 county, May 3, 18011, and died at Fredericktown, 
 said county, June 18, 1882. He was for many 
 years a steamboat pilot and captain on the Ohio 
 and Mississippi rivers, where he was known not 
 only as a genial, kind-hearted man, but also as a 
 courteous, prompt and efficient officer. He aban 
 doned river life about the commencement of 
 the late Civil war. Capt. Jonathan Morris, of 
 Revolutionary fame, at the time of his death, in 
 1838, had willed or given his nephew (Capt. B. F. 
 Morris) his blue military cloak. For it the latter 
 seemed to possess a peculiar affection, and, in ac- 
 cordance with his request, this cloak became his 
 shroud and was buried with his body in the Quaker 
 burying ground of Westland. During one of his 
 trips on the Ohio river, Capt. B. F. Morris met 
 Miss Sarah J. Miller, at Louisville, Ky. , and they 
 
'292 
 
 WASHING TON C '0 UN T 5 '. 
 
 were afterward married August 15, 1842. Their 
 married life was spent chiefly in Pittsburgh, West 
 Brownsville and Fredericktown. The product of 
 this union was nine children, viz.: Jesse J., mar- 
 nod to Nancy E. Sharpneck; Mary E., married 
 first, to Leroy Hiller, and, after his death, to W. 
 \V. Reeves; Adelia M., who died at the age of 
 about two years; Sarah Louise, married to John 
 Orumrine; L. Franklin, married to Jennie Cowden; 
 William B., who died in infancy : Samuel, married 
 to Annie Reece; Eleanor, the subject of this 
 sketch; Loreua M., married to John V. Stathers, 
 and died September 21, 1883. All whose deaths 
 are not mentioned are at this time (1893) living in 
 or near Pittsburgh, Penn., except Mrs. Duncan. 
 When Mrs. Duncan was about two years of age, 
 her parents changed the family residence from 
 West Brownsville to Fredericktown, where she re- 
 ceived the first elements of her education in the 
 public school. In 1809 the Morris family removed 
 to Pittsburgh. Here she attended the schools of 
 the Seventeenth Ward, in which she completed the 
 course of study in 1873. At this time her present 
 husband was Principal of the schools, and she 
 came under his surpervisory if not immediate con- 
 trol. The acquaintance thus formed soon grew to 
 a friendship and ripened into that more ardent 
 passion that culminated in their marriage in 1880, 
 after Mr. Duncan had established himself in his 
 legal practice at Washington. They have resided 
 there ever since. She is a reader of books, takes 
 an interest in the political as well as other current 
 news of the day, is a ready and entertaining con- 
 versationalist and a pleasing entertainer at her 
 handsome home where she receives her many 
 friends. They have one child, a daughter, called 
 Ina, who is now (1893) past eleven years of age. 
 Soon after completing her studies in 1872, the 
 subject of this sketch, then in her seventeenth 
 year, was elected teacher of one of the schools of 
 the Thirty first Ward of Pittsburgh from which 
 she accepted an invitation to a position in the 
 Fifteenth Ward, where she continued until her 
 marriage in 1880. During this time she held a 
 Professional Certificate, received a Teacher's 
 Permanent Certificate from the State, and was 
 elected a member of the Pittsburgh Academy of 
 Teachers. She is a member of the M. E. Church, 
 and is identified with various benevolent enter 
 prises conducted in its behalf. As an amateur she 
 lias for her own pleasure devoted a portion of her 
 .ime for several years to art studies, and has pro- 
 duced a number of paintings in oil, which have 
 received favorable comment from critics and pro 
 fessional artists. During the past year Mrs. Dun- 
 can served as a member of the Ladies Auxiliary 
 Committee of Pennsylvania for the World's Fair. 
 She was an active worker, and rendered efficient 
 services in promoting an interest and securing sta- 
 
 tistics or exhibits of women's work for the Colum 
 bian Exposition from the district to which she was 
 assigned. 
 
 f [ AMES FRANKLIN TAYLOR, one of the 
 
 best known and influential native born at- 
 
 vij torneys of Washington county, first saw the 
 
 "-^ light of day in South Strabane township, 
 
 January 15, 1854. 
 
 The first of his family to come to Washington 
 county was Henry Taylor, who moved hither from 
 Cecil comity, Md., sometime prior to 1780. Wash 
 ington county was erected in March. 1781, and 
 Henry Taylor became the first judge or president 
 of courts therein, his appointment, which was 
 dated October 2, 1781, coming from the chief exec- 
 utive council of Pennsylvania. He served with 
 much ability as judge some years, and after a short 
 interval was reappointed September 30, 178S, to 
 the same position. He married Jane White, who 
 bore him eleven children, of whom Matthew was 
 the grandfather of the subject of these lines. 
 Henry Taylor took up a "tomahawk right" to 
 over 1,200 acres of land in the Rich Hills, in this 
 county, all of which, with the exception of the 
 Matthew Taylor estate, of South Strabane town- 
 ship, has passed out of the family. This sturdy 
 old pioneer passed away from the scenes of his 
 busy and eventful life in 1800. In addition to his 
 civil offices, he was a general in the militia, and 
 his commission is still in the possession of the 
 family. 
 
 Matthew Taylor, son of Henry, and a native of 
 South Strabane township, this county, is claimed 
 as having been the first white child born west of 
 the mountains. He was a farmer by occupation, 
 owningtheold homestead, and traveled considerably 
 all over the county, which, in those early days, was 
 a matter of no small enterprise. He married Miss 
 Nancy Hutchinson, a woman of strong character, 
 powerful will, thrifty in the extreme, the antithe- 
 sis, it is recorded, of her husband. Of this union 
 were born eleven children : Matthew, James, 
 Thomas, George and William H. H. (all of whom 
 died in Washington county), Polly (Mrs. John 
 MacFarland), Sarah Jane (Mrs. Oliver Lindsay), 
 Eliza (Mrs. Van Eman, in the West, the only 
 member of this family now living), Henry (killed 
 by a falling chimney, at a fire in Washington), 
 Nancy (Mrs. Hugh Reynolds) and Rachel (Mrs. 
 Workman Hughes). The mother died at the patri- 
 archal age of niuety-two years, leaving to her chil- 
 dren the imprint of her resolute and startling 
 character. 
 
 William Henry Harrison Taylor, son of Matthew 
 and Nancy Jane (Hutchinson) Taylor, was born 
 in 1830 in South Strabane township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., educated at the schools of his 
 
II ASHINGTON COi ! .\ TV 
 
 295 
 
 district, attending also Washington and Jefferson 
 College, several years, and on the old homestead 
 was reared to the multiform duties of farm life. 
 In 1850 he married Miss Jane E. , daughter of 
 Charles E. Jones, who was born in 1799 in Eng- 
 land, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and 
 where he married Susan Judsou. In 1827 they 
 came to America, settling in Washington, Penn., 
 where he continued his trade in connection with 
 contracting for house building. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Jones had the following children: Mary, Sarah, 
 two that died in infancy, Jane E.. William, Susan, 
 Sylvester F., James J. and George O. The mother 
 died in 1871, aged seveuty-one years, the father 
 January 11, 1883. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born six children, 
 of whom the following is a succinct record: Ed- 
 ward M., pastor of the Tremont VS.. E. Church at 
 Boston, Mass. (in 1872 he graduated from Wash 
 ington and Jefferson College, and afterward with 
 first honors at Boston School of Divinity; was on 
 the circuit for a time, prior to locating in Massa- 
 chusetts; married Miss Mary Bradford, a descend- 
 ant of a " May Flower " family); James Franklin, 
 the subject proper of this sketch; Emma, wife of 
 John A. Hall, assistant postmaster at Washington, 
 Penn.; Alice, who died at tin- age of eleven years; 
 William Nelson, senior member of the firm of Tay- 
 lor & Speer, in the iron commission business at 
 Pittsburgh, and who married a daughter of Ste- 
 phen Crump; Susan Jane, wife of Dr. Mauni, of 
 Washington. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Taylor remained on the farm until 
 1806, when they moved with their family into 
 Washington, for the purpose of educating their 
 children, where he opened a general fresh and salt 
 meat business, including pork packing and stock 
 buying, and formed a partnership with Robert 
 Charlton, which continued till the latter' s death, 
 after which Mr. Taylor carried on the business alone 
 till the time of his decease, February 9, 1884, he 
 being then fifty-four years old. He is buried in 
 Washiugton cemetery. A stanch Republican and 
 a loyal American, he took a strong interest in all 
 national matters, political or otherwise, but was 
 no office seeker. During the war of the Rebellion 
 he was a fearless, out-spoken Union man, frequent 
 ly even to the extent of exciting the ire of some 
 less loyal acquaintance. He was a consistent 
 member of the M. E. Church, and one of the lead- 
 ers in the congregation in building the new First 
 M. E. church, at Washington, of which he was a 
 trustee. He was a pronounced advocate of educa- 
 tion, and gave his children every advantage pos- 
 sible in that line, sending his sons to college and 
 his daughters to seminaries, and held the office of 
 school director at different times. He was, physic 
 ally, a strong, vigorous man, but succumbed to 
 
 diabetes, from which he was a sufferer for several 
 years. Honest in his dealings, a despiser of shams 
 of all kinds, and a hater of deceit and mendacity, 
 he made and kept hosts of warm friends, who re- 
 spected and honored him for his many virtues. 
 Since his departure, his widow, still hale and 
 hearty, has continued to reside at the old town 
 house on West Wheeling street. 
 
 James Franklin Taylor was about twelve years 
 old when the family moved to Washington, at the 
 public schools of which place he received a liberal 
 English education. He then entered the prepara- 
 tory department of Washington and Jefferson Col 
 lege, and continued until the end of the junior 
 year, when lie ceased study for a year for recuper- 
 ation, intending to return the following year, but 
 changed his mind when his old classmates had 
 graduated and "one forth. Having decided to 
 take up the legal profession, Mr. Taylor, in 1876, 
 commenced the study of law in the office of Boyd 
 Crumrine, and November 10, 1879, was admitted 
 to the bar of the county. He at once opened an 
 office in Washington and commenced practice; but 
 later returned to Mr. Crumrine's office, where he 
 remained until 1883, in which year he was elected 
 district attorney, and after serving three years was 
 re-elected for another term. There was no opposi 
 tion to his nomination, as he was very popular 
 with the people, having served with full satisfac- 
 tion to his constituents in previous offices. In 
 1882 he was chairman of the Republican County 
 Committee, prior to which he had served as secre- 
 tary of the same; was also assistant burgess of the 
 borough of Washington for one term. On Janu- 
 ary 1, 1891, our subject entered into the present 
 partnership with Winfield Mcllvaine. making a 
 strong team in the general practice of law. Mr. 
 Taylor's success as a lawyer has been such that he 
 has been prominently mentioned for the position 
 of judge of the several courts of his native county, 
 the position twice filled by his great-grandfather, 
 the Hon. Henry Taylor. 
 
 Iu September, 1884, Mr. Taylor married Annie 
 Walton, eldest daughter of Rev. Richard L. Mil- 
 ler, D. D., pastor of an M. E. Church in Pitts- 
 burgh, and of this union have been born three 
 children: Alice, Woodward and Virginia, all at 
 the parental home on East Maiden street imme- 
 diately outside the eastern limits of the borough, 
 the house being of brick, comfortable and com- 
 modious. 
 
 Mr. Taylor is a director (was one of the 
 first directors) of the Citizens National Bank, of 
 which he was an original stockholder; and was 
 also one of the three serving as a committee on the 
 erection of a building for the same bank. While a 
 student at college he was a prominent member of 
 the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. 
 
296 
 
 WASHINGTON COUJS TT. 
 
 QEORGE T. WALKER. As citizens and 
 individuals, the American people have an 
 insatiable thirst for biographical reading. 
 A great man dies, and the people jostle each 
 other in the library, hook store and news 
 stand to obtain the record of his life. What is the 
 secret? Can it be only a vulgar curiosity which 
 prompt sua to search the lives of our public men 
 or more humble fellow-citizens? While in some 
 cases it must be admitted that this is indeed one 
 element of the cause, it is not the real motive of 
 the mass, or of even a considerable portion of 
 biographical readers. Our leading public men 
 and more successful citizens have each certain 
 characteristics which have contributed lajgely to 
 their success, and we, their humble neighbors, 
 need the benefit of their example to guide us in 
 the common walks of duty. We also need the 
 record of lives similar to our own, for we are the 
 same that our fathers have been, and by studying 
 their biographies, we can avoid their mistakes and 
 profit by their wisdom. 
 
 The original Walker family were natives of 
 Ireland, the firstof whom to emigrate being one 
 George Walker. He was a farmer, and coming to 
 America was married, and reared two children — 
 Nancy, wife of Zaphaniah Mercer, of Chartiers 
 township, this county, and Thomas. The parents 
 die I many years ago. Thomas Walker was born 
 in 1.822 at Bower Hill, Allegheny Co., Peuu., and 
 in early life came with his parents to Washington, 
 Penu. He learned the carpenter's trade and fol- 
 lowed it for several years in his native city; then 
 moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., but soon returned to 
 Washington. Iu 1806 he and Mr. Fitzwilliams 
 built a planing mill, Mr. Klevis afterward becom- 
 ing a partner. Thomas Walker was married, while 
 in Pittsburgh, to Elizabeth Wilson (daughter of 
 William Wilson), who bore him children as follows: 
 William, Annie (wife of George Caldwell, of 
 Washington), George T. , Robert, Kate, Roweua 
 (Mrs. William Brown, of Washington), Maria 
 (living with her brother George T.) and Burns. 
 Of these children, William, Robert, Kate ami 
 Burns are deceased. The father was a general 
 contractor and builder, and in polities aRepub 
 licau, serving as a member of the council several 
 times, also filling minor offices. He was a mem 
 ber of the I. O. O. F. and was always willing to 
 aid others. As a contractor, he had the largest 
 trade of the city, and erected many of the most 
 elegant buildings, among which may be mentioned 
 the United Presbyterian Church, the Second 
 Presbyterian Church, Hazlett's Bank, Reed's 
 Block and several others. In personal appearance 
 he was slightly below the medium height, weighing 
 240 pounds. He died in 1886, in his sixty-fourth 
 year, of heart trouble, having been preceded to the 
 ''long home" by his wife in 1882. 
 
 George T. Walker was born November 7. 1855, 
 in Washington, Washington Co., Penn. , and at- 
 tended the public schools until 1870, afterward 
 spending two terms at Washington and Jefferson 
 College. He then entered a planing mill and 
 learned the carpenter's trade, when he was given 
 the position of foreman, which he occupied some 
 time. In 1878 he went to Texas, but not liking 
 that part of the country, returned to Washington. 
 In 1885 he formed a partnership under the firm 
 name of Walker & Son, which continued until 1NN7, 
 when he associated himself with C. M. Slater in 
 the general contracting and lumber business. On 
 December 25, 1883, George T. Walker married 
 Olive B. , daughter of Samuel Fulton, a citizen of 
 Washington. In December, 1890, she was called 
 from earth, leaving two children, Margaret and 
 Thomas. Mr. Walker built the Citizens' National 
 Bank, and many private residences in Washington. 
 Iu 1884 he erected his present elegant home on 
 West Chestnut street, and is at present engaged in 
 the construction of the college gymnasium. He 
 owns many houses and a considerable amount of 
 real estate in and near Washington City, having 
 dealt in the real estate business quite extensively. 
 He is also interested in the oil business, and is a 
 member of the Producers' Association. In politics 
 Mr. Walker is an active Republican, having held 
 various local offices; for five years he was in Com- 
 pany H, Tenth Regiment State Militia, under Col. 
 Hawkins, of Beallsville, Washington county. In 
 brief, George T. Walker is one of the most pios- 
 perous, well-known and popular business men of 
 Washington. 
 
 fi DALLAS JACKSON, a typical self-made 
 
 I man, whose trade banner bears the legend — 
 ft J '"The hammer in the hand above all the arts 
 ^^ doth stand" — is a native of Washington 
 county, having been born April 13, 1840, in 
 Hanover township. James Jackson, his grand 
 father, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, came to 
 Hanover township at an early day where he died. 
 By occupation he was a farmer, in religious faith 
 a member of the M. E. Church, and, in politics, a 
 Whig. His children were Andrew, John, Noble, 
 Perry and James. 
 
 John Jackson, father of the subject of this 
 sketch, was born in Hanover township, this county. 
 October 5, 1808, his educatiou being received at 
 the subscription schools of his district. He was 
 reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed 
 all his life with marked success iu his native town 
 ship. On March 3. 183(5, Mr. Jackson was married 
 to Margaret, daughter of James Matthews, of Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., and they then commenced 
 married life on the farm adjoining that on which 
 he was born. Here he remained some years, when 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 297 
 
 he sold this property and removed into the village 
 of Florence, in the same township, where he passed 
 the remainder of his life retired from active labor, 
 dying March 11, 1853. He was an Old line Whig 
 in politics, and a member of the M. E. Church. 
 The names of his children are as follows: Martha 
 J., Andrew M., John Dallas, Horatio C. and 
 Sarah J. 
 
 The subject proper of this biographical memoir 
 received a liberal education at the common schools 
 of his native township, and at the age of fourteen 
 came to Washington, where he entered the employ 
 of S. B. & C. Hayes, as an apprentice to the trade 
 of carriage builder. With this firm he remained 
 some sixteen years, in part as apprentice, in part 
 as journeyman, and then moved to Wheeling, W. 
 Va. , but after a stay there of fifteen mouths re- 
 turned to Washington. In 1S74 he opened his 
 present widely. known carriage and wagon shop in 
 the borough, where is also carried on a general 
 line of blacksmithing, employment being given to 
 six hands. Here, by industry, perseverance, thor- 
 ough, honest work, judicious economy and close 
 attention to business, Mr. Jackson has built up one 
 of the most prosperous houses of the kind in the 
 county. Ou January 8, 1859, he married Mary 
 E. , daughter of Jacob Miller, of Washington, 
 Penn., dud the children born to this union are 
 James W., Sarah M., Jacob, John, Susan (de- 
 ceased), Ella, Wray (deceased), Emma, Daisy and 
 Joseph. Our subject is a member of the M. E. 
 Church, and in politics is a Democrat, 
 
 RS. ANICA CHAMBERS, a well-known 
 and much-esteemed lady of Washington 
 borough, is the daughter of Thomas Bar- 
 1 low, whose ancestors were among the first 
 pioneer settlers of America. 
 Henry Preble (the grandfather of Mrs. Cham 
 bers) was descended from one of the oldest pioneer 
 families, the first of his ancestry to set foot on 
 American soil being one Abraham Preble. He 
 sailed from England about the year 1636, with the 
 "men of Kent," and first located in Plymouth 
 county, Mass. Soon after his arrival Abraham 
 Preble was married to Juliette, a daughter of Elder 
 Nathaniel Tilden. and the young couple moved to 
 York, province of Maine, where he died March 30, 
 1663. Frances Anica Preble, daughter of Henry 
 Preble, was born December 25, 1797, and on July 
 28, 1817, was married to Thomas Barlow, who was 
 born in 1794 in Connecticut. Five children were 
 born to them, namely : Frances Emma, Anica 
 (Mrs. Chambers). Harriet, Francis Joel and Fred- 
 erick Stephen. The father died in 1859, at Wash- 
 ington, Penn. 
 
 Anica (Barlow) Chambers, the subject proper of 
 this sketch, was married in the year 1855 to John 
 
 D. Chambers, who was born in 1818, in Washing 
 ton, Penn. At the age of thirteen years he entered 
 Smith's store as clerk, and afterward became a 
 member of the firm of Chambers & Matthews, the 
 business being established in the block now occu 
 pied by Morgan's dry-goods store. Mr. Matthews 
 died, and Mr. Chambers then closed up the busi 
 ness, which was very extensive. The children born 
 to Mr. and Mrs. John D. Chambers were: Emma 
 (Mrs. J. S. Humbird), Anica Barlow, Mary (Mrs 
 0. M. Ward), Henry Preble, and Harriet I who 
 die.) in 1868). Mr. Chambers died in 1886. He 
 was interested in the gas company, being one of 
 the early stockholders, and in polities was a Repub 
 lican. 
 
 LEMENT M. SLATER, of the firm of 
 Walker & Slater, builders, and proprietors 
 of a planing mill in the borough of Wash 
 ington, is a native of the county, born 
 August 9, 1848, in West Alexander. His grand 
 father, James Slater, married Catherine Martin. 
 and three of their children are David (father of 
 Clement M.), Martin (in West Alexander) and 
 Mrs McKahan (in Washington, Penn.). James 
 Slater, who was a farmer, died in 1859 in West 
 Alexander at the age of seventy-one years. 
 
 David Slater was born February 28, 1818, near 
 West Alexander. He was educated at the sub- 
 script ion schools of his neighborhood, and fol- 
 lowed farming pursuits in Washington county till 
 the age of twenty-four, when he moved to Ohio 
 county, W. Va., where he now resides on his farm. 
 In 1S47 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Dwight Warren, of New Hamphire, by trade a 
 builder of windmills, and who came in 1837 to 
 Washington county, where he died at the age of 
 seventy years; his wife departed this life some five 
 or six years later. Their children were Mrs. 
 McKeag and Henry C. , both in Washington; Rose 
 Warren, living in West Alexander, and Elizabeth. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. David Slater nine children were 
 born, as follows: Clement M. ; Rosa; Horace M , 
 a carpenter in Oscaloosa, Iowa; William (deceased); 
 Warren, living near West Alexander, this county; 
 Frank, a farmer at Blue Hill, Neb. ; Augusta, mar- 
 ried to James McMurray, a farmer near West 
 Alexander; Wendell P., farming ou the homestead, 
 and Vernon. living at home. 
 
 Clement M. Slater received a liberal education 
 at the common schools of the place of his birth, 
 working on his father's farm until he attained the 
 age of sixteen years, when he commenced to learn 
 carpentering in West Alexander. This trade he 
 followed there some three years, and April 7, 1874, 
 came to Washington, and for twelve years worked 
 for Walker & Klevisas journeyman. On the death 
 of both members of this firm, our subject and 
 
298 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 ( reorge Walker (son of the old partner) hougbt ont 
 tlif business, and have since carried it on jointly, 
 tlieir general line being sawing and planing, house 
 building, contracting, etc. 
 
 On January 5, 1 NT I . Mr. Slater was married at 
 Constitution, Washington Co., Ohio, to Jennie, 
 daughter of Rhoda Mendelhall. This wife died 
 November 6, 1876, leaving one child, George W. , ! 
 who, on May 4, L890, was run over by a train on 
 the B. & O. It. It., from the effects of which he 
 died after six hours' suffering, at the age of nearly 
 eighteen years. On March 16, 1887, Mr. Slater 
 married Miss Minerva Taylor, of Parkersbu'rg, W. 
 Va. , daughter of Alexander and Delilah Taylor, 
 also natives of that State. No children have been 
 born to this union. Mr. Slater is a Republican, 
 and has filled various offices of trust with consider- 
 able ability. He and his wife are members of the 
 First M. E. Church, he for eighteen years, and is 
 steward of same. Ho has made his own success in 
 life by strict attention to business, economy and 
 thrift. When he had finished his apprenticeship, 
 all he had to start on was the sum of $2.50, and 
 to day he is enjoying a well-merited comfortable 
 competence. 
 
 LON M. PORTER, one of the leading and 
 most artistic photographers in Washington, 
 of which he is a native, was born June 24, 
 1858, a son of Hugh and Nancy Porter. 
 Hugh was a carpenter by trade, and was married 
 in 1855, in Washington county, where they were 
 born. In 1863 Mr. Porter enlisted in Company A, 
 Twenty second Pennsylvania Cavalry (Ringgold 
 Battalion), went Smith with the regiment and died 
 there of fever, at a place known as New Creek. 
 His widow is still living in Washington. 
 
 Lon M. Porter when a boy attended the Soldiers 
 Orphan School, I'uiontown, Penn , for five years, 
 and then coming to Washington, learned the 
 photographic art in the studio of John H. Rogers, 
 later working for J. W. Roth well. In 1S7S he 
 went to Pittsburgh, where he improved himself 
 yet more in the art, in the far- famed gallery of 
 Dalibs, remaining some time, and then proceeded 
 to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, making 
 an extended trip to the West and South before he 
 returned to Washington. This was in April, 1883 
 Here for one year and a half lie worked for S. G. 
 Rogers, in the same establishment, where he had 
 learned the business; then moved to Canonsburg, 
 benight a gallery and carried on a profitable busi 
 mi'^ there for six years. In the meantime he 
 bought Mr. Rogers' studio in Washington, and for 
 Mime months conducted both businesses, but since 
 August. [891, he has devoted his entire personal 
 attention to his widely patronized, thoroughly 
 equipped gallery at No. 143 South Main street, in 
 Washington 
 
 Mr. Porter is eminently qualified for his busi 
 ness, having had excellent training and varied ex 
 perience. His work is of the best quality, and his 
 patrons are among the first families of Washing- 
 ton and vicinity. Politically, he is a Republican, 
 socially, a member of the Masonic Lodge and 
 Chapter and a member of the Royal Arcanum. 
 Em several years he was a member of the National 
 Guards, belonging to the First Regiment of Phila- 
 delphia. His father died June 20, 1865, aged 
 thirty five, the mother is still living, aged fifty -five, 
 while but one sister, Mrs. Andrew Brady, is living, 
 her residence being at Cornwall, Penn. One 
 brother who died April 4, 1892, lived in Allegheny 
 City. 
 
 DR. SIMON SCHNIDER STROUSS. The 
 | first recorded history of the Strouss family 
 ' in the United States was enacted in North 
 ampton county, Penn. David Strouss and 
 wife came over from Leipsic, Germany, about the 
 year 1750. Of this date we are not quite certain, 
 but there is conclusive evidence that they sailed 
 about the middle of the eighteenth century. 
 
 David Strouss was a musician and also some- 
 uh t of a tighter. He was chorister in the German 
 Lutheran Church, and took up arms with his 
 adopted fellow countrymen in the war of the Rev- 
 olution. That he was a soldier worthy of the 
 name, we know from the fact that he was made 
 colonel under Washington. After the war he 
 settled down to quiet farm life in Northampton 
 county. His son, John Strouss, moved to Al 
 legheny county, Penn., in 1806. He was a mill 
 wright by trade, but as he grew older, country life 
 and bucolic charms increased in attractiveness to 
 him, and he started West for his fortune. He 
 pitched his family tent on a little creek in Al 
 legheny county, about twenty miles northwest of 
 Pittsburgh, now the junction of Allegheny, Beaver 
 and Washington counties. Here he spent the re- 
 mainder of his days. When asked by his children 
 later in life, why he did not settle nearer the con- 
 tinence of the two rivers, he would reply: " I could 
 see no great advantages then. Pittsburgh was only 
 a few houses near an old fort. One cart load of 
 produce would supply its daily demand, and if we 
 shipped down the river we were obliged to walk 
 back or row up stream, which was slower and 
 harder work than walking." So he concluded to 
 go farther into the country and establish a little 
 kingdom of his own. We can look back and say: 
 " What a mistake he made." But, perhaps - , our 
 conclusion would be too hasty. Viewed from a 
 financial point of view, doubtless it was a mistake; 
 but when we consider the fact that the thread of 
 life has been spun to an unusual length to almost 
 all the descendants of this line, we may credit it 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 301 
 
 to pure air, sanitary living, and muscle-making 
 necessities of this pioneer farmer. 
 
 John Strouss married Mary Schnip, September 
 10, 1795, and there were born to them four sons 
 and five daughters: Lydia, Elizabeth, Jonas, John, 
 David, Mary, Simon S., Hannah and Martha. 
 Mary Strouss died in 1815, and John was married, 
 the second time, to Annie McCoy. There were 
 born to him of this marriage three sons: William. 
 James and Henry. Of these seven sons, Dr. Simon 
 S- Strouss (whose likeness appears with this sketch) 
 was the youngest of the first marriage. From this 
 brief history of ancestry we can form an idea of 
 the limited pleasures, and opportunities for any- 
 thing else than farm work, that fell to him in liis 
 youth. The paterfamilias and his wife and twelve 
 children all believed and practiced strict economy, 
 and the daily catechism of hard work, relieved on 
 Sundays by the austere principles and rigorous oh 
 servance of "Blue-Stocking" Presbyterianism, 
 which creed, slightly modified, lias been adhered 
 to by nearly all this large family. 
 
 Dr. Strouss was born in Allegheny county, Peuu., 
 Wednesday, January 10, 1810. His educational 
 advantages were necessarily quite limited. Even 
 public schools were unthonght of in his neighbor 
 
 1 d, and he was obliged to search a few of not 
 
 the best books and pamphlets for his little store of 
 general knowledge. Finally, to his great delight, 
 a Latin school was stalled in Hopewell church, 
 near his father's farm, and he, having expressed a 
 preference for the medical profession, was per 
 mitted to, study this dry language in all its orig 
 inal dryness, for a few mouths. Thus equipped, 
 as to his mental outfit, he came to Washington 
 county and read medicine with Dr. Jonathan Leth- 
 erman, who at that time had an office near Canons 
 burg. On a faded sheet of old fashioned letter 
 paper we find the following: " To all whom it may 
 concern: This is to certify that Simon Strouss has 
 attentively and diligently studied the science of 
 medicine, including anatomy, surgery, midwifery, 
 and therapeutics, and I can further stale that his 
 moral character is unimpeachable. February 20, 
 1831. Jonathan Letherman, M. D." This was 
 his diploma, and now he starts out in the world, 
 fully equipped, as Dr. Strouss. He first went to 
 Pittsburgh, and practiced about one year with Dr. 
 Wray, of that city. In 1832 and 1833 he prac- 
 ticed in Beaver couuty, located in what is now 
 Independence (then Hopewell) township. He 
 left there in the fall of 1833 and established an 
 office in Amity, Amwell township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. It was there that a long and useful life 
 was spent, in service to his fellow-men. He was 
 eminently successful in every sense of the word. 
 Beloved by his clients and respected by all with 
 whom he came in contact. Compared with pres- 
 ent customs, his remuneration for service was 
 
 small; yet his practice became so extensive that lie 
 accumulated a comfortable fortune. With this he 
 was liberal to the end of his days. The unfortu 
 nate always found a sympathizing helper, and of 
 his church he was a strong moral and financial 
 supporter. 
 
 Dr. Strouss first married, August 12, 1836, Jane 
 F. Dodd, who was the oldest in the family of nine 
 children of Rev. Cephas Dodd, viz.: Jane F.; 
 Sarah; Thaddeus, M D. ; Cornelia; Elizabeth; 
 Hannah; James F. ; Cephas, M. D. ; and Elias F.. 
 M. D. Their father was the son of Rev. Thaddeus 
 Dodd, the founder and first pastor of Upper and 
 Lower Ten-Mile Churches. Washington county: 
 Rev. Dodd commenced his labor there in 1777. 
 and later in his work was one of the principal 
 actors in the establishing of what is now Washing 
 ton and Jefferson College. Mrs. Strouss died 
 Thursday. August 13, 18(53. There were born of 
 this marriage two sons and five daughters. Dr. 
 Strouss was married, the second time, March 12, 
 lsf'iS. to Mrs. Anne Conger (nee Anne Day). 
 There were no children of this marriage. Of the 
 seven children we record the following: Hanna D., 
 born September 20, 1S.17, .lied September 29, 
 1S43; Mary Jane, born March 26, 1839; Cephas 
 D.. born January 1, 1841, died September 26, 
 1843; Martha Elizabeth, born November 19, 1843; 
 John D., still-born; Sarah Ann. born March 13, 
 1846; Ruth D.,born June 11, 1848, died October 
 3, 1858. Of these, Mary Jane married William 
 C. Condit. July 8. 1858; Martha Elizabeth mar- 
 ried Demas McCollum, December 4, 1863; Sarah 
 Ann married David B. Baker, March 2, 1865. 
 These three daughters settled on farms given them 
 by their father, and are still living in Washington 
 county. Dr. Strouss died Tuesday, April 24, 
 1883, and his wife on Wednesday, May 16, 1883. 
 Thus within three weeks this beloved old man and 
 his worthy wife passed away, breaking the Strouss 
 line in this branch of the family as no sons were 
 left to carry the name. 
 
 The life of Dr. Strouss was one of undeniable 
 consistency, and in his old age there was allotted 
 to him the esteem and regard that true worth 
 justly merits. He was jovial, kind hearted and 
 earnest. Always willing to sacrifice personal com 
 fort and consideration for a suffering patient. He 
 early acquired a practice that extended to a radius 
 of twelve or fifteen miles from his office. There 
 was considerable of a German element in his 
 looality, and they still reverence the memory of 
 Dr. Strouss. His pills and drops were a panacea 
 for all their ailments. Many of them affirm that 
 even his jolly presence was enough to put one be- 
 yond the notice of suffering. Although he never 
 read psychology, yet he understood the influence 
 of mind over matter, and the power of the will. 
 He had the true secret of the practitioner. This 
 
302 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 was best eviuced iu bis treatment of fevers, in 
 wbicb be was eminently successful; often being 
 called as council, especially in such eases to other 
 localities. He was an earnest, active follower of 
 the Master, always at bis place with heart and 
 purse in the Presbyterian Church of Lower Ten- 
 Mile. He did bis life work well, and has left us 
 a noble example of an upright, useful and honor 
 able life. 
 
 As a rule, Dr. Strouss never speculated or tam- 
 pered with the vagaries of fortune. Once he was 
 tempted by the Western sheep craze, and ventured 
 some capital; but finding himself losing, be with- 
 drew, and devoted himself more exclusively to his 
 chosen profession. He has gone to his reward, 
 and to us, his descendants, there is left a sacred 
 memory and Christian example. May we strive 
 toward true merit as he did, and preserve the 
 mantle be has left to us, with his benediction, un- 
 sullied from dishonor's pollution. For the name 
 and honor is ours to carry before the searching 
 eyes of an exacting world. This feeble tribute we 
 offer as a token of our undying gratitude, love and 
 esteem. 
 
 | This sketch is from the pen of 8. S. B, 
 
 THE McCRACKEN FAMILY. The natives of 
 the Highlands of Scotland have, the world 
 over, a reputation second to none for robust- 
 ness, bravery, honesty and loyalty, and the 
 McCrackeus in this county, with proper 
 pride, claim descent from such nobility of the his- 
 toric soil of " Caledonia, stern and wild.'' 
 
 Many years ago, during religious persecutions 
 in Scotland, a portion, if not all, of the clan Mc- 
 Crackeii left their heather clad hills for the North 
 of Ireland, where, with many more of their self- 
 exiled countrymen, they built: up a new home in 
 which they were free to worship according to their 
 own old Presb3'teriau customs, without let or 
 hindrance. From this place emigrated to America, 
 in 1793, Andrew McCracken, following in the wake 
 of his brother David who had preceded him to the 
 shores of Columbia by some years. In Ireland 
 Andrew was a flax dresser, but in this country he 
 followed farming. The brother had made a settle- 
 ment in Amwell township, and thither Andrew also 
 made his way, where he passed the remainder of 
 his days, tilling the soil and making a permanent 
 home for his posterity; he died iu 1837, at the age 
 of soventy-seven, while on a visit to Athens, Ohio. 
 He had married, in Ireland, Nancy Jamison, who 
 departed to the "other shore" in 1835, when 
 seventy-three years of age. They were the par- 
 ents of six children — two sons and four daughters 
 — who reached maturity, but none of whom are 
 now living. Of these, Archibald was the father of 
 
 M. L. A. McCracken, the subject proper of this 
 memoir; John went to Athens, Ohio, thence to Lee 
 county, Iowa, where at the age of eighty-three he 
 died (his sons are living on the Pacific slope). 
 
 Archibald McCracken, in 1823, married Lurena, 
 daughter of Luther Axtell, a farmer, who came to 
 Washington county from New Jersey in an early 
 day, in which State he had married a Miss Dodd, 
 aud their four sons and six daughters all 
 grew to maturity, of whom one son is a minister in 
 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh ; 
 one daughter, Rachel, is at present living in Wash 
 ington county, unmarried; another daughter, 
 Nancy, married Silas Clarke, and is now deceased. 
 The parents of these children both died in Wash- 
 ington county, the father about 1870, the mother 
 some time later. The Axtell family are descended 
 from Col. Axtell who commanded a regiment of 
 Cromwell's guards, was present at the trial and 
 execution of Charles I, and was himself beheaded 
 not loug afterward, about the time of the Restor 
 ation. A full account of the trial and execution of 
 Col. Axtell is found in '•Cobbett's State Trials." 
 
 After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Mc- 
 Cracken took up their residence at the old home- 
 stead of his ancestry, in Amwell township, where 
 they passed the remainder of their days. The 
 mother was called from earth in 1858 at the age 
 of fifty- four years, the father died in 1885 aged 
 eighty-seven years. Ten children were born to 
 this honored couple, as follows: Phcebe, wife of 
 Jehu lams, in West Virginia; Elizabeth, married 
 to William Watson, of Amwell township; Mary, 
 wife of Samuel Smith, of Franklin township; 
 Sarah, wife of Stephen B. Miller, of Amwell town- 
 ship; Chloe, Rachel and Martha Jane, all deceased 
 in young girlhood; Andrew J., a farmer in Rus- 
 sell county, Kans. ; Martin Luther A., special 
 mention of whom will be presently made; and 
 Jonas O, on the home farm. 
 
 Martin L. A. McCracken was born in Amwell 
 township, Washington Co., Peun. , his rudimentary 
 education being received at tlie subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood, afterward improved by an 
 attendance at the free schools of the county, but 
 he was fourteen years old before he could read. 
 He remained at home until twenty-one years of 
 age, and then, having nurtured a desire to become 
 a lawyer, he resolved that the ambition of his 
 young life should be fulfilled. Leaving the pater- 
 nal rooftree, he worked about on various farms, 
 teaching school in winters five years, and then 
 attended Pleasant Valley Academy for a time, and 
 Waynesburg College one session. In 1860 he 
 went South, and was a teacher at Mayslick Acad 
 emy, Ky., when the Civil war broke out — produc- 
 ing an excitement in the State that caused the 
 academy, as well as other institutions of learning, 
 
WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 303 
 
 to be temporarily closed up. Returning to Wash- 
 ington, Mr. McCracken enlisted for three years in 
 Company K, Eighth Pennsylvania Reserve Regi 
 merit, or Thirty seventh Regiment P. V. I., which 
 was attached to the army of the Potomac, and he 
 served fifteen days over the term of his enlistment, 
 during nine of which he saw heavy fighting in the 
 wilderness. He participated in battles including 
 over thirty days' heavy fighting, besides numerous 
 skirmishes and minor engagements, and was four 
 times wounded, though not any time seriously, 
 unless we exeept the shooting off of the little finger 
 of his right hand. His army record is as follows: 
 Enlisted May 9, 1801; promoted to corporal then 
 lo sergeant, and as such was mustered out with 
 company May 24, 1864. After his discharge Mr. 
 McCracken returned to Washington county, read 
 law in the office of the late John L. Gow, Sr. , in 
 Washington, Penn., and was admitted to the bar of 
 his native county in 1867, since when he has been 
 engaged with well-merited success in the practice 
 of his chosen profession. He was partner with J. 
 A. Mcllvaine from 1874 until the latter' s appoint- 
 ment to a judgeship; then was partner with M. H. 
 Stephenson, one year; then practiced alone, until 
 February 1, 1892, since when he and J. Q. Mc- 
 Giffin have been partners under the firm name of 
 McCracken & McGiffin. 
 
 In 1862, while absent from his regiment on re- 
 cruiting service several mouths, Mr. McCracken 
 was married to Martha M., daughter of John 
 Adams, who came from Ireland to Amwell town- 
 ship in 1818, and died in South Strabaue township 
 in 1873; two of his sons, William and James, now 
 reside in Washington, where they follow carpen- 
 try. To Mr. and Mrs. McCracken have been born 
 eight children, of whom five are now living, all at 
 home with their parents, viz. : Minnie L, Bertram 
 E. , Edna L. , William A. and Martha Jane. Mr. 
 "McCracken is a typical self-made man, a living 
 example of what patient purpose, indomitable per- 
 severance and hard study can accomplish. During 
 the early years of his manhood, from November 1 to 
 May 1, following year, he was accustomed to rise 
 at 3 o'clock in themoruing and study till daylight, 
 which became the nucleus to his education. Po- 
 litically he is a Republican; from 1866 to 1869 he 
 served as recorder, and he has filled various town- 
 ship and borough offices. Socially he is a member 
 of the F. & A. M. The original farm where his 
 grandfather settled, in Amwell and Franklin town- 
 ships, is now owned by him. Mr. McCracken has 
 in his possession an old English musket, bearing 
 the date 1763, which his great-grandfather Axtell 
 carried throughout the Revolutionary war; he was 
 at Valley Forge with Washington, and the musket 
 was one of those used in making a litter on which 
 Gen. Mercer was carried off the field wounded. 
 
 Fl( NDREW W. KERR, one of the most sue 
 1/ 1\ cessful and well-to-do agriculturists of 
 fr^\ Washington county, is of immediate En- 
 Jl glish descent. His father, William A. 
 
 Kerr, born in 1816, a sou of Andrew, was 
 a native of England, as were all his antecedents. 
 When he was yet a child, his parents brought him 
 to this country, making a settlement in Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., where they passed the rest, of 
 their days. They were the parents of the follow- 
 ing named children: Margaret, who died at the 
 age of five days; Agnes, deceased wife of William 
 Smiley; Hannah, who died at the age of eleven 
 months; Mary, married to Robert Caldwell of 
 Hopewell township, both deceased (she died after 
 him in 1877, at the age of sixty-eight years); and 
 William A. , father of the subject of these lines. 
 The father of this family died May 28, 1823, at 
 the age of forty-five years; his wife, Margaret, 
 survived him till April 20, 1865, when she, too, de- 
 parted to the " Better Laud " at the age of eighty- 
 two years. 
 
 William A. Kerr received his education at Frank- 
 fort Academy, Washington county, Penn., and 
 taught school for several years in Hopewell town 
 ship. On July 4, 1844, he married Miss Margaret 
 Tweed, a native of Washington county, Penn., 
 born June 20, 1815, of a very early family of the 
 county. After marriage they located on a rented 
 farm in Hopewell township until 1854, when they 
 bought a farm in Buffalo township, on which they 
 lived until 1872, in which year they sold it and 
 bought another in the same township, where Will- 
 iam A. Kerr died January 16, 1887, at the age of 
 seventy years, and which farm is at this time in the 
 possession of the subject of this sketch. The 
 widowed mother is now living in Buffalo village. 
 They were the parents of three children, viz.: 
 Elizabeth Caroline, widow of John G. Farrer (she 
 is now assistant matron at the County Home; Mr. 
 Farrer volunteered in Company K, Fifteenth 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry, in the summer of 1862. and 
 served until the close of the war); Mary Margaret, 
 married to H. W. Leech, of Buffalo village, and 
 Andrew W. William A. Kerr was a stanch Repub- 
 lican, and held various township offices. During 
 the invasion of Pennsylvania in the Civil war he 
 enlisted for State protection. 
 
 Andrew W. Kerr was born August 5, 1849. in 
 Hopewell township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 received his education at the schools of the neigh- 
 borhood of his new home in Buffalo townshij), 
 whither the family had moved in 1854. Here he 
 was reared to farm life, and lived over thirty years. 
 On December 16, 1874, Mr. Kerr married Miss 
 Alma V. Giles, whose father (at that time deceased) 
 was of Pittsburgh, Penn. , and whose mother has 
 since departed this life. Four children have been 
 
304 
 
 ii [SHINGTOb CO\ A I) 
 
 born to Mi and Mrs. Kerr, viz.: Annie Margaret, 
 William Albert, Florence Estella and James Wiley. 
 In 1SS7 tin- family moved into the borough of 
 \\ ashington, Mr. Kerr having built an elegant and 
 oommodious residence on Prospect avenue. At 
 present he i- a partner in a flouring mill in that 
 place. Our subject and wife are members of the 
 I P. Church at Washington, ami in politics he is 
 .1 Republican. 
 
 JIOSEPH M DICKSON, who, though yet a 
 young man. lias brought himself, by ability 
 I and acumen, into the front rank of the legal 
 circle of Washington, was born in Buffalo 
 township October 16, 1856. Ho is a son of James 
 Diokson, a aative of Maryland, who. about the 
 year L839, came to Washington county, where he 
 Boon after married Miss Mary E., daughter of 
 Klislia 'Puvall. Her father was a blacksmith by 
 trade, and worked in his shop Dear Washington, 
 until his doath. at the patriarchal age of ninety 
 one years. The Duval! family came at an early 
 date to this county from Wellsbnrg, Va. After 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Dickson remove. 1 to 
 the northern part of the county, settling on a farm 
 in Robinson township, where they now reside. To 
 them eight children were born: Eliza, wife of D. 
 C. Reed, in Cross Creek township; William, at 
 New Concord, Ohio; Salem, in Jefferson township; 
 Joseph M. . an attorney in Washington; Mary, wife 
 of George Wolf, in Robinson township; Alice anil 
 
 Agnes, both deceased, ami I. J., engaged in the 
 
 hardware business at Washington, Pennsylvania. 
 Joseph M. Dickson was reared on his father's 
 farm, and received a liberal education tit the com 
 mon Schools of the district. Later he attended the 
 
 Jefferson Academy at Canonsburg ami the Normal 
 School at Sewiokley, in Allegheny county, after 
 which he engaged in teaching in the common 
 schools of this county. He then entered the Wash 
 ington and Loo University at Lexington, Va., 
 where he graduated in the classical course in June, 
 1880, and he at once commenced the study of law 
 at the same university, graduating therefrom with 
 the law class of 1881. Coming to Washington 
 county, lie was admitted to the bar in 1883. Mr. 
 Dickson is a stanch Democrat, being one of the 
 active young workers in that party. For four 
 years he served as secretary of the Democratic 
 committee, and in 1884 was nominated for county 
 prothonotary, but. his party being in the minority, 
 he was. not unexpectedly, defeated, yet he had the 
 'action of polling the largest Democratic vote 
 cast in the county up to that time. It was the 
 year of the Presidential election, when James G 
 Blaine, a native of the county, was heading the op 
 position ticket Mr. Dickson worked with untir 
 ing zeal, oanvassing closely the entire county, and 
 
 receiving many compliments from friends for the 
 masterly fight he had made against certain defeat. 
 Be takes an absorbing interest in all national and 
 local politics, lie is a member of the [mproved 
 Order of Beptasophs, and of the school board of 
 \\ ashingtou borough. 
 
 JAMES W MoDOWELL is a great-grandson 
 of Thomas McDowell, who, in 1 , ST, came 
 from his native county. Lancaster, Penii., to 
 this county, where he bought a tract of wild 
 land in Mt Pleasant township, ami hewed out 
 a home for himself and family. He died in 1 798. 
 He married Janet Clark, and by her had children. 
 of whom James, grandfather of our subject, was 
 born in Lancaster county, came with his lather in 
 1787, and married Mary MoKnight, daughter of a 
 
 pioneer. The children born to them were -I. lines, 
 of Mt. Pleasant township; John, of whom mention 
 is made further on; Jane, wife of Alexander Me 
 Elroy, of Mt. Pleasant township; Eleanor, mar 
 
 ried to John Xesbit, of Chartier- township, 'lid Ke 
 becoa, wile of William Smith, of Mt. Pleasant 
 township, all deceased. The parents of this fam 
 ily both died on the farm in Mt. Plea-ant town 
 ship, the father in IS'JT at the age of sixty se\en 
 years, the mother September 9, L850, when about 
 
 eighty two years of age. They were members of 
 the Union Church. 
 
 John McDowell was bom in Mt. Pleasant town 
 ship. Like his forefather.-, he was a practical 
 agriculturist. In May, 1839, lie was married to 
 Margaret, daughter of Jacob Miller, of Chartiei- 
 township, and the following eight children were 
 born to them: Mary .1 .me. who died young; Jtuues 
 W . our subject; Jacob p.. on the home farm; 
 Margaret, wife of J. M. K. Donaldson, of Mt 
 Pleasant township; Rebecca, wife of James Agnew. 
 of same township; John, in business at Canon- 
 burg; Sarah and Elizabeth, both living on the 
 home farm The mother died February 20, 1866, 
 aged fifty -i\ year-, the father August IS 1886, at 
 the age of seventy five. He had lived all his life 
 on the old farm. Politically he was a straight 
 Democrat, and for some time served a- school 
 director; in religion he was a consistent member 
 of Mt. Prospeot Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James W. McDowell was born on the family 
 homestead in Mt. Pleasant township. January 29, 
 1842, receive. 1 a liberal primary education, and at 
 tended Jefferson College at Canonsburg. from 
 which he graduated in 1866. He then commenced 
 the study of law at Washington under Hon. Will- 
 iam Montgomery In August, 1869, he was ad 
 mitted to the bar, and for two years thereafter he 
 wrote in ti law office at Pittsburgh, Penn., whence 
 he returned to Washington, where he has since 
 been successfully engaged in general practice. On 
 
WASHINGTON COl ■ / I 
 
 
 September 28, 1869, Mr McDowell was married 
 to Mis- Nancy J., daughter of Joseph V Bea, of 
 \H Plea ;ini township. Three children have been 
 born to them: Bea jraduate of Dull 
 
 College ol Pittsburgh, and John is atten ling 
 college Tbeir firsl born, a daughter, died al the 
 
 ol thirteen. Mr and Mrs McDowe] 
 members of the Firsl Pn d Church, of 
 
 which In- is a deacon and trustee Politically a 
 lifelong Democrat, he bias served his borough and 
 county in several offices of trust, and is al pr< 
 member of i be <at , com a Knight 
 
 Templar, and D. D '. M of the F & A M 
 
 T/EOBGE W. HAYS, member of the well 
 known firm of George W. Hays .V ' 
 dealers in hardware, etc Washington, was 
 born in Butler county, Penn., in 18! 
 After securing a lair education at the 
 ichools of his native place, he commenced, when 
 nineteen years of age, to learn the tinning trade 
 in Pittsburgh, and for some time aftei the expira 
 lion of In- apprenticeship he carried on a general 
 tinning business in Armstrong, Penn. Thence he 
 moved to Freeport. 
 
 Here he followed the same line ol business until 
 1882, when he moved to Milleretown, same Si 
 and there, foi fold general hardware, 
 
 oil well Supplies, agricultural implements, etc Ii 
 ' be came to Washington and purchased the 
 tore owned by T \ Burkollow, where he now 
 carries on Hh- leading business in general hard 
 wan-, bouse furnishing goods, etc. Mr. Bays 
 married Miss Anna M daughter of D. S. McCol 
 lough, ol Butler county, Penn . March 2, ' 
 Six children have been born to them, name!} 
 David Charles, Bussell Valentine, Mabel I 
 Laura Amanda, Mar;. Aileen ami Anna Margaret. 
 Mr. Hay- may justlj be classified among the self 
 made men of the day, as his success in life is en 
 tirelj due to bis own unaided exertions, and be 
 ranks high among the prosperous and respected 
 businessmen ol Washington borough. Politically, 
 be is a Bepublican; socially, a member of the E 
 A. U., and, like Mrs. Hays, is a member of the 
 Second Presbyterian Church, of Washington. Mr. 
 Hay's father, John Valentine Hays, came, with 
 lu's parents, from Germany, when nine yeai 
 age. In 1843 the youth had grown to manhood 
 and married Margaret Qpperman, who was horn at 
 Pittsburgh. 'J'" this marriage six sons and one 
 daughter were born, of whom G. W. Hays is the 
 liflli in order of birth. 
 
 also a native of Amwell township, and by occupa- 
 tion a farmer, married in 1849 Miss Sidney Horn, 
 
 Lghter of .John Horn, of Amwell township 
 
 Mr. and .Mrs. Swart resided in that township until 
 the breaking oul of the war of the Bebellion, when 
 he enlisted in Companj D, One Hundred and I i 
 tietb P. V I lervingfrom 1861 until May, 1864, 
 when he was shot dead in the battle of the Wilder 
 the bullel passing through his brain. Shortly 
 before this event, and while Mr. Swart was visit 
 ing his home, on furlough, bis house was burned, 
 a melancholy verification of the adage thai 
 "troubles seldom come singly." The family then 
 moved to Washington, and some time later Mrs 
 Swart was married to G. W. Moninger, of Amwell 
 township, where she now resides, again a widow. 
 By her firsl marriage she had five children, viz.: 
 John H (deceased), Josephine (wife of William 
 I. Lindley, of Morris township), Mina (Mrs. A. 
 S. Burns, residing in Washington), Warren (in 
 Iowa; and E P. Swart. Bj her second marriage 
 she became the mother of two children: Gran! and 
 Frank I Moninger, both residents of Amwell 
 township. 
 
 E. P. Swart, the subject of this sketch, 
 r< and and educated in his native town-hip, and in 
 1881 be wenl to Iowa, where In- learned the pho- 
 iphic art, which lineof business he has since 
 followed with eminent success. In 1889 be re 
 I to Washington, and aboul a vear later es 
 tablished himself in his present businesss, whieh 
 enjoys a large and increasing patronage. In 1883 
 Mr Swart was married to Miss Belle A. Be< ; 
 member of one of the prominenl families of Mich 
 In February, 1889, she died, leaving three 
 children Mamie, Edgai A. and Ruth, the lattei 
 of whom died al the ageof ten months. Politic- 
 ally Mr. Swart is a Bepublican, and while a resj 
 dent of Iowa he held various township ofl 
 Socially be i- a member of the I. O. 0. I'.. the 
 Jr. O V \ M and the I . O, H and National 
 Union. 
 
 Penn 
 
 P SWART, one of the leading photogra 
 phers and thoroughly enterprising citizens 
 ol the borough of Washington, was horn 
 in Amwell township, Washington Co., 
 July 31, 1861. His father. Anion Swart, 
 
 J SHAN MABGEBUM, the well known and 
 popular dealer in boots and ghoes in Wash 
 ington, was born June Tl, ISMS, at Washing 
 Penn., a son of John and Eliza J. 
 (Smith) Margerum, both natives of Ram-as 
 ter county, Penn., the former born about tin- vear 
 
 John Margerum, the grandfather of our subject, 
 was of Scotch Irish extraction, and was a butcher 
 bj trade; be died in eastern Pennsylvania in 1825. 
 II wife lived to a very advanced age. and died at 
 home of hei son John, in Washington. They 
 had nine children, of whom but one, Robert, is liv- 
 ing, anl he resides in Washington county, now far 
 
 advanced in \ ears 
 
306 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 John Margerura, the father of J. Shan, worked 
 at the shoemaker's trade, in Washington, for fifty - 
 seven years. He was blessed with an exceedingly 
 robust constitution, and was never sick a single day 
 in his life. He was called from earth in July, 1891, 
 at the age of eighty three years, strong both 
 physically and mentally to the end, and at the time 
 of his death was the oldest resident shoemaker in 
 Washington. His wife had preceded him to the 
 grave in 1889, at the age of seventy-five years. 
 He was married in 1833 to Eliza J. Smith, daugh- 
 ter of John and Honor Smith, and to them four 
 teen children were born, of whom six are now liv- 
 ing, viz.: J. Shan, Julia Ann (wife of Charles 
 Wendle), John L., Eliza J., now of Wheeling, W. 
 Va. (wife of Julius Clark), William and Marietta 
 (now Mrs. Zelt) all residents of Washington, this 
 county, except Mrs. Wendle, whose home is at 
 Pittsburgh, Perm., and Mrs. Julius Clark. 
 
 J. Shan Margerum received his education at the 
 schools of his native town, and learned the trade 
 of shoemaker with his father, for whom he worked. 
 In August, 1862, he enlisted in the IndependentPat- 
 ton Cavalry, of the Ringgold Battalion, which after- 
 ward became Company F, of the 22d Cavalry, and 
 was appointed brevet lieutenant, which position he 
 held until the rank was abolished. He served as 
 company artificer, and participated in most of the 
 forty six battles and minor engagements of his 
 regiment, was twice wounded, though not seriously, 
 and twice fell into the hands of the enemy, but suc- 
 ceeded in effecting his escape to the Union lines, 
 each time; on the first occasion he was captured 
 near Martinsburg, Md., byMaj. Gilmore's cavalry, 
 hut made his escape to a garden, and hid in a 
 ditch two days before he dared to venture out. In 
 1891 he revisited the scene of his adventure, and 
 although the town had grown considerably, he 
 found the ditch and a stone fence about just as he 
 saw them thirty years ago. After serving to the 
 close of the struggle, the war-worn soldier returned 
 home to the pursuits of peace, and resumed the 
 business he had commenced in 18(51, and which he 
 has since continued in. About fifteen years ago 
 he opened a retail business on North Main street, 
 where he now lives. In February, 1870, he mar- 
 ried Miss Lou A. , daughter of Matthew and Ann 
 Griffin, of Washington, Penn., both of whom were 
 early settlers of Washington, but are now deceased. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Margerum have no children. He is 
 a Democrat in politics, as have been all the family 
 on both sides of the house, and is a member of the 
 G. A. R. He is a sportsman in the literal sense 
 of the word, and owns a kennel of some of 
 the best-bred dogs in the State. Just after the 
 war Mr. Margerum commenced collecting curiosi- 
 ties, and has now one of the most valuable collec- 
 tions in the county. Among the articles of vertu 
 s the lirst "greenback" issued by the Govern 
 
 ment, now valued at $1,0(10. His interesting 
 museum is open to the public, who are always 
 welcomed and courteously treated. 
 
 OBERT BIDDLE PATTERSON. This 
 prominent business man represents one of 
 the oldest families of Washington county. 
 His grandfather, John Patterson, was born 
 of Irish parents in eastern Pennsylvania, 
 and came to Washington county when a boy. He 
 was reared and educated in this county, where he 
 grew to manhood, was married, and reared a family 
 of fourteen children. In politics he was a member 
 of the Democratic party, and in religion was con 
 nected with the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James Patterson, his father, was born and reared 
 in Washington county, and attended the public 
 schools of Nottingham township, where he mar 
 ried Ann McVay, of Union township, a daughter 
 of Thomas McVay. To them were !>orn the follow 
 ing children: Thomas, John, Mary Jane, Hannah 
 Z., Robert B., J. Kerr, S. R.. William C, and 
 Annie. They resided in Nottingham township for 
 twenty years after their marriage, where he fol 
 lowed farming and stock raising; moved in ISCi'J 
 to Westmoreland county, Penn.; resided there for 
 six years; then went to Greenslmrg, where he 
 lived in retirement. He was an active member of, 
 and for many years an elder in, the Mingo Presby- 
 terian Church. In political opinion he was a 
 stanch supporter of Democratic principles. 
 
 Robert B. Patterson was born November 1(5, 
 1845, in Nottingham township, attended the com- 
 mon schools and after moving, with his parents, to 
 Westmoreland county, attended the schools there, 
 and also the academy at Salem. He learned the 
 tanner's trade, which he followed but a short time, 
 and afterward taught school four or five years. At 
 the expiration of that time he opened a general 
 store at Greensburg, Penn. In 18S0 he moved 
 to Monongahela, where he purchased a grocery 
 store of George Scott, and conducted that business 
 until 1892. There he was married to Miss Agnes 
 Painter, August 30, 1881. Mrs. Agnes Patterson's 
 father's name was G. W. Painter; her mother's. 
 Mar} 7 A. Painter; her grandfathers', Tobias Painter 
 and Christian Weaver, all of Westmoreland county, 
 Penn. In 1892 he became interested in the Gra- 
 ham Foundry Company, and is now taking an 
 active part, in that enterprise. Mr. Patterson pos 
 sesses the characteristic spirit of energy which has 
 pervaded all who bear the family name, and has 
 been the architect of his own success. Politically, 
 he is an ardent worker in the Democratic party, 
 and in religion is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Monongahela. The children of this 
 family are: Robert J., Mary W., Edgar M., Cath 
 erine E. and Kenneth McVay. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 so- 
 
 li BRAHAM L. ASHBROOK. This gentle- 
 1\ man claims descent from Simon Ashbrook, 
 4\ a soldier iq the German army, one hundred 
 * and twenty years ago, who left the Father 
 land for America at the time of the Revo- 
 lutionary war. In this country he was employed, 
 during that struggle, in drilling recruits for the 
 American service. His death occurred in Lancas- 
 ter county, Penn., where one of his sons, also 
 named Simon, was born. This son, Simon, about 
 the year 1778, when he was in the neighborhood 
 of twenty-one years old, came to Washington coun- 
 ty and purchased land in Buffalo township, where 
 he passed the remainderof his days, dying in L849 
 at the age of eighty-two years. He had married 
 Mary Fennell, who departed this life in Washing- 
 ton county in 1856, at the age of eighty-eight 
 \ isiis. They were members of the Baptist Church. 
 Absalom Baird Ashbrook, son of Simon and 
 Mary (Fennell) Ashbrook, was born June 3, 1808, 
 and was reared on his father's farm. He mar- 
 ried Miss Elizabeth Braddock, of Franklin town 
 ship, this county, a daughter of John Braddock, 
 and after marriage they made their home in Buf 
 falo township up to 1884, when they came to the 
 borough of Washington, here to pass their d eel in 
 ing years. They were the parents of the following 
 named children: Mary, wife of Robert Lytle, of 
 East Fiidey township; Simon F. , in Buffalo town- 
 ship; John, who died at the age of seven years; 
 William, died when twelve years old; Abraham L., 
 subject of this sketch; William A. and John B. , 
 both deceased; Sarah Margaret, wife of W. P. 
 Hastings, of Washington, Penn., and Solomon 
 Luther, deceased (a dentist who practiced in Buf- 
 falo township). The mother of this family died at 
 the home of her sou, Abraham L., in 1886, at the 
 age of seventy- four years. 
 
 Abraham L. Ashbrook, of whom this sketch 
 chiefly relates, was born March 31, 1847, in Buf- 
 falo township, Washington Co., Penn., and received 
 his education at the common schools of the dis- 
 trict. In his youth he commenced the study of 
 dentistry, which he supplemented with a course of 
 study at the Dental College, Baltimore, Md., dur- 
 ing the sessions of 1885-86, from which he gradu- 
 ated in the latter year. He then came to Wash 
 ington, where he has since remained in active 
 practice, a prominent and popular leader in the 
 profession. In 1871 Dr. Ashbrook was married to 
 Miss Mary E. Stewart, of Buffalo township, daugh- 
 ter of John Stewart, and one son was born to them, 
 named John Stewart, now living with his father. 
 Politically the Doctor is a Democrat; socially he is 
 a member of the Royal Arcanum, and in religion 
 is an adherent of the Second Presbyterian Church. 
 The Ashbrook family have, as a rule, been long- 
 lived; Margaret (Howell) died when ninety- eight 
 years old; John, when eighty-four; Solomon, when 
 
 ninety-three; Nancy Huston, when ninety one; 
 William, when eighty-five — all brothers and sisters 
 of Absalom B. Ashbrook. father of Dr. Abraham 
 L Ashbrook. 
 
 QEORGE H. REYNOLDS. The family, of 
 which this gentleman is an honored mem 
 In r. is well known and highly respected in 
 South Strabane township, and the name has 
 been an honored one from the time of the 
 settlement of the family on American soil. 
 
 About the year 1676 James Reynolds, in com- 
 pany with a brother, emigrated from England to 
 the New World, and settled near Shippensburg, 
 Cumberland Co., Penn., where the old landmarks 
 of that noted family still remain. One son of this 
 pioneer, also named James, was a famous Indian 
 tighter in his day. He had a family of six sons 
 and four daughters, and at the commencement of 
 the Revolution live of these sons enlisted in the 
 patriot army, serving all through the war under 
 Gen. Washington. One son, Benedict, who was 
 born near Shippensburg, served in Capt. Potter's 
 company, and was at the battle of Bunker Hill, re- 
 maining with Washington all through the many 
 trials and privations until the close of the war. A 
 few years after the conclusion of peace he married 
 Elizabeth Harmon, and a year later took up his 
 residence, along with four of his brothers, near 
 Baltimore, in Anne Arundel county, Md. In 1785, 
 in the early spring, he and his wife, two small 
 children (the eldest but three years old) and one of 
 his brothers, set out from Maryland with all their 
 goods and chattels, including four horses and a 
 cart, to cross the Allegha'ny mountains into west 
 ern Pennsylvania. When they reached where now 
 stands the town of Cumberland, near the old fort 
 built by Gen. Washington, one of the horses died, 
 so they had to abandon the cart and carry their 
 household effects on the other horses, in pack-sad- 
 dles. Thus they continued their journey over the 
 mountains, frequently meeting with snow block- 
 ades and Indians, until they reached where is now 
 Hopwood, in Fayette county. Here they met one 
 of Mr. Reynolds' old friends, and together they all 
 pushed forward into Washington county, landing 
 in Amwell township, near what was called Mount 
 Nebo, a landmark now obliterated. One year 
 later Mr. Reynolds purchased from the Darby es- 
 tate the farm on which he permanently settled and 
 passed the remainder of his days. With the ex- 
 ception of his three horses he had no property 
 whatever, but by energy and perseverance he suc- 
 ceeded in securing a home, which he worked and 
 cleared up, paying for same in rye and corn, as 
 there was but little or no money in circulation at 
 that time, and soon he became comfortably settled. 
 He reared a family of nine children in a log cabin 
 
308 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 having but one room 16x20 feet, afterward build- 
 ing an addition. As there were no school-houses 
 in those days in that region, he used a part of his 
 cabin for school purposes, and here his son Zach- 
 ariah, then but sixteen years old, taught subscrip- 
 tion school, receiving from each scholar as a fee 
 for one term's tuition (about three months) a 
 bushel of rye. Seven of the nine children born to 
 this brave old pioneer were Henry, Zacliari;ih, 
 Mary, Susan, Lloyd, Benedict and Sarah, all now 
 passed away, Sarah dying in 1885, the last of the 
 nine. Mr. Reynolds was generous and kind-heart- 
 ed to a fault, ever willing and liberal in helping im 
 migrants to make a start in his neighborhood, and 
 he was always anxious to see the community in a 
 prosperous condition. As a citizen he was honored, 
 and, being an old soldier, was readily recognized 
 as a friend among veteran comrades he might 
 chance to meet; indeed, he would rather recount 
 reminiscences of the Revolutionary war to his 
 friends than talk on any other subject. He would 
 never accept office, but was always looked to for 
 advice in matters requiring judgment and care. 
 At the advanced age of ninety-one years he passed 
 from earth, a lifelong Democrat. [Written by 
 his grandson, Col. George H. Reynolds.] 
 
 Henry, the eldest son of Benedict Reynolds, 
 lived in a house that was put up by a man named 
 Kirk, one of the earliest settlers in the county. 
 It was built of brick in 1800, one of the first of the 
 kind in the county, and is still standing. Henry 
 Reynolds' family, born and reared in this house, 
 were Isaiah, Joseph, Sarah, Elizabeth, Beliudit, 
 Emily, Rebecca, Margaret and Benedict. 
 
 Major Zachariafa Reynolds, second son of Bene- 
 dict the pioneer, was born in Anne Arundel county, 
 Md., and was about two years old when the family 
 crossed the Alleghanies. He was reared in South 
 St ra bane township, and was self-educated. At 
 the early age of sixteen he commenced teaching 
 school, a vocation he followed for forty years, the 
 school-houses and their furnishings during a por- 
 tion of that time being of the most primitive de- 
 scription. The floors and seats were made of 
 puncheons, the windows of greased paper, and a 
 log was made into a bench, while a plank fastened 
 against the wall with wooden pins served as a 
 writing desk. At the age of eighteen, during the 
 days when all the men .between the ages of 
 eighteen and forty-five were enrolled in the militia, 
 he was chosen captain of his district, and was 
 called out to muster and drill at least three or four 
 times every year. Finally he rose to the rank of 
 major, his commission being signed by the gov- 
 ernor of Pennsylvania, in the year 1810 or 1812, 
 and was held in reserve in the war of 1812-15. 
 During that period Major Reynolds, being a self- 
 made man, roused the admiration of the citizens 
 of Washington county, and as a consequence was 
 
 elected to many positions of trust. He was a fine 
 penman as well as an active business man, and in 
 1836 was appointed county treasurer, which office 
 he tilled for two terms of three years each, after 
 which he served as prothonotary in 183'J. Mr. 
 Reynolds was twice married: first to Mary, daugh- 
 ter of Moses Little, of South Strabane township, 
 but she died a little over a year after her marriage, 
 leaving one child, David L., now residing on the 
 farm then owned by his grandfather. Mr. Rey- 
 nolds, for his second wife, was united in marriage 
 with Mary lianey Huston, whose father, Joseph 
 Huston, settled on and owned part of the site 
 where the borough of Washington now stands. 
 After this marriage Mr. Reynolds retired into pri- 
 vate life on the farm in South Strabane township, 
 and there passed the remainder of his heretofore 
 busy life, dying November 8, 1865. He was a 
 Democrat in politics, and liberal in church mat- 
 ters. The children by his second wife were named 
 George H. Mary E. and Seth H. 
 
 George H. Reynolds, eldest son of Maj. Zacha 
 i iah and Mary (Raney) Huston Reynolds, was born 
 in Washington, Penn., in 1840, was educated in 
 the common schools, and reared to agricultural 
 pursuits on the home farm in South Strabane 
 township. During the war of the Rebellion he en- 
 listed in Company F, Twenty second P. V. C, 
 known as the Ringgold Battalion, and served until 
 the close of the struggle. He served in the army 
 of West Virginia, and participated in many of the 
 battles and engagements in which his battalion 
 was concerned. On April 1, 1869, he married 
 Rachel Austin, a native of Bellaire, Ohio, daugh- 
 ter of James Austin and granddaughter of Gen. 
 Charles De Hass. The children born to this union 
 are Frank S. De Hass, Eva Maud, Blanche, 
 Bird ell a, Lizzie Artemesia and Georgia Pearl. 
 Col. Reynolds is a Democrat in his political pref- 
 erences, following, in this, in the footsteps of his 
 forefathers. He has been engaged in various occu- 
 pations, and at the present time is general mana- 
 ger for the Electric Belt Co., of Washington, Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 OBERT W. IRWIN, one of the most elo- 
 ') quent pleaders at the liar of Washington 
 county, is a sou of Ephraim and Margaret 
 (Richey) Irwin, the former of whom was a 
 native of the county. The grandparents 
 on both sides removed to this county from the 
 North of Ireland early in the present century. 
 The children bom to Ephraim and Margaret Irwin 
 were: Elizabeth, married to W. J. Meloy; Esther 
 A., married to Jonas Mills; William R. ; J. B. ; 
 R. W. and Sadie M., and one son who died in 
 infancy 
 
 Our subject was born April 25, 1858, in West 
 
( ( 
 
WASHINGTON COUNT! 
 
 311 
 
 Finley township, this county, and his early life was 
 passed alternately in working on the farm and in 
 attending the common schools of his district. 
 
 When he was sixteen years of age the family 
 moved to Buffalo, same county, where they re- 
 mained two years; then spent one year in Cross 
 Creek, when, in 1877, they moved to Hopewell 
 township, where the parents now live. In the fall 
 of 1875 Mr. Irwin commenced to teach school in 
 Washington county, a vocation he followed six 
 winters, his summers being occupied in improving 
 himself at the Normal Schools of Claysville and 
 Alexander. In November, 1877, he registered 
 with Boyd Crumrine, Esq., as a student of law, 
 previous to which he had studied Latin with Rev. 
 Walkenshaw, one summer. On June 15, 1881, he 
 was admitted to the bar of Washington county, 
 and he has since practiced his profession in Wash 
 ington with more than average success. In court, 
 when pleading a case or addressing a jury, he is 
 the "observed of all observers," so forcible, clear 
 and impressive is his eloquence, each argument or 
 point being delivered with a grace and ease that 
 invariably commands the attention of his hearers 
 For this gift Mr. Irwin modestly admits that he is 
 indebted to his connection in earlier life with de 
 bating societies in the country, at the time he was 
 teaching school. 
 
 On December 24, 1884, Mr. Irwin was married 
 to Miss Carrie N., daughter of William Fowler, of 
 Westmoreland county, and niece of William Smith, 
 of Smithville, in Somerset township, this county. 
 When she was but a young girl, her mother was 
 called from earth. To Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have 
 been born four children: Nellie May, now (1S'.)'_!) 
 six years old; Earl Wilson, who died at the age of 
 eight months; Ray Wilson, who died at the age 
 of one year, and Frances Margaret, aged one year. 
 Politically Mr. Irwin is a Democrat, and has been 
 a hard worker in the interests of his party. In 
 1883 he was a candidate for the office of district 
 attorney, but the county being strongly Republican, 
 he was defeated. For four years he has served as 
 president of the school board. On the retirement 
 of Judge Acheson from law practice, at his request 
 the present firm of Acheson & Irwin was formed. 
 Mr. Irwin is an elder in the Third Presbyterian 
 Church, of the Sunday-school of which he has 
 been superintendent for some time. His residence 
 is No. 85 Highland avenue. 
 
 AMUEL P. FERGUS, the well-known ex- 
 tensive oil operator, is a native of the county, 
 having been born in South Strabane town- 
 ship August 17, 1843. 
 He is of Scotch descent, the first of the family 
 to come to this country being Johu Fergus, great 
 grandfather of our subject, who was married in 
 
 Scotland and emigrated with his family to America, 
 settling in Huntingdon county, Penn., where he 
 died. His family consisted of three sons — Thomas, 
 Johu and Samuel. Of these Samuel married Mary 
 Paxton, and had the following named children: 
 Hugh, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Hart), Margaret (Mrs. 
 Thomas Maxwell), John, Martha, Thomas, Sarah 
 (Mrs. Hugh Fergus), Jane and Nancy. The 
 father of these died April 14, 18.53, aged ninety 
 years, and the mother on February 18, 1861, aged 
 ninety-three years. Their son, Thomas, was born 
 November 2, 1802, on the old homestead taken upby 
 his father in South Strabane township, this county. 
 On May 3, 1831, he was married to Elizabeth, 
 daughter of John D. Roberts, of that township, 
 and the children born to them were John D. , Mary, 
 Susan (deceased), Hannah J., Maria, Isabella, 
 Samuel P. (subject), Addison II and Sarah M. 
 After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Fergus 
 took up their residence on Mr. Roberts' farm, 
 where they remained seven years, and then came 
 to their present residence in South Strabane town- 
 ship. 
 
 Samuel P. Fergus, whose name opens this coin- 
 memorative sketch, was educated in the schools of 
 his township, continuing on the home farm until 
 the fall of 1861, when he entered Washington Col 
 lege, remaining there one year. He then enlisted 
 in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. 
 I., in which he was. some time later, promoted to 
 corporal, serving as such until the fall of 1864, 
 when he was transferred to the Twenty seventh U. 
 S. Colored Infantry with rank of second lieutenant. 
 being afterward promoted to first lieutenant. He 
 served on the Potomac, and participated in the 
 battles of Chaucellorsville and Gettysburg, in 
 which latter engagement he was shot through the 
 right hip with a bullet, which necessitated a twelve 
 months confinement in hospital. His wound hav- 
 ing healed, he returned to his command, and he 
 was in the front of Petersburg, then at the siege 
 of Richmond, until 1864, when he took part in the 
 engagements at Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, Wil- 
 mington, North East Station, and in many skir 
 mishes; was in pursuit of Gen. Johnson up to the 
 time of the latter' s surrender. Throughout his 
 service he was in the army of the Potomac, for 
 some time under Gen. Terry, and toward the last 
 with Gen. Sherman. After the disbandment of 
 the army, his regiment was ordered to Wilming- 
 ton, Del., where it lay ten months, he being a 
 member of the court martial held there. The 
 regiment was mustered out at Columbus, Ohio, and 
 our subject returned and resumed farming in 
 South Strabane township. In the fall of 1874 he 
 was elected, on the Republican ticket, treasurer of 
 Washington county for one term of three years. 
 Since the beginning of 1878 he has been engaged 
 in the oil business. Oil was found in South Stra- 
 
312 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 bane township, where an uncle of his had lived, 
 and he has been operating some wells there, be- 
 sides several in other States. In 1888-89 he 
 erected his beautiful residence on East Beau street, 
 in the borough, generally conceded to be the finest 
 in the place. On December 17, 1873, Mr. Fergus 
 u.i united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter 
 of William Patterson, of Indiana county, Penn.,but 
 who died in April, 1876, her babe having been 
 taken from her by the Grim Reaper the day pre 
 vious. For his second wife, Mr. Fergus married, 
 October 9, 1878. Miss Margaret L., daughter of 
 Thomas Weir, of Somerset township, this county, 
 and bj this union there have been born children 
 as follows: Thomas H. W. , Hugh Earnest and 
 Margaret. Josephine, all three living at home, and 
 John Addison and David S. L., both deceased. 
 Mi. Fergus has been a member of the TJ. P. 
 Church since 187(1, and he is an elder in the same. 
 Politically he is a stanch Republican. 
 
 GYRUS MORROW. Some writer has said 
 that the most prominent characteristics of 
 the Scotch-Irish are stern integrity, high 
 sense of duty, hatred of tyranny, the de- 
 fense of liberty and the love of God. Of such 
 a grand old race is the subject of this memoir 
 descended, William Morrow, his great-grandfather, 
 the first of the family to come to America, having 
 been born in the North of Ireland, where he mar- 
 ried a native of the same locality. Here some of I 
 their children were born, and in an early day the 
 family immigrated to the shores of Columbia, 
 making their way westward to Washington county, 
 1'iMiii.. where they found a settlement near Hills 
 borough, in West Bethlehem township. 
 
 George Morrow, grandfather of Cyrus, was born 
 in the North of Ireland, and came to the United 
 States with the family. His earlier life was passed 
 in Bethlehem township, his later days in Donegal 
 township, this county, he having settled on a farm 
 on Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, about one mile 
 above where it empties into Big Buffalo creek. 
 Here he successfully followed farming during the 
 rest of his pioneer life. In West Bethlehem town- 
 ship he had married Hester Poole, who bore him 
 children, as follows: David, Abraham, Noah. 
 Thomas, Elizabeth, Matilda and Mary, all of whom 
 attained adult age, except Thomas, who died young, 
 and three of them are yet living, viz. : Matilda (mar- 
 ried to Milton Lamborn, of Washington, D. C. ), 
 and David and Noah (both residents of Licking 
 count v, Ohio). Some time after his marriage 
 George Morrow brought his parents from West 
 Bethlehem to his farm in Donegal, where they 
 peacefully ended their days. 
 
 Abraham Morrow, father of Cyrus, was born in 
 L816, in West Bethlehem township, this county, 
 
 where he was reared to farm life, his education 
 being secured at the subscription schools of the 
 locality of his birth. About 1841 he married Jane 
 De France, a native of Washington county, born on 
 Raccoon creek, June 19, 1821, a daughter of Allison 
 De France, and to this union were born seven chil- 
 dren, as follows: Cyrus; Salem and Parmelia Ann 
 (both living with their widowed mother); Ellen, 
 deceased at the age of twelve years; a son that 
 died in infancy; Perry, living with his mother, 
 and Albert, a farmer in Donegal township. After 
 marriage Abraham Morrow resided for some years 
 in the last named township, near Atchison post 
 office, then moved to Licking county, Ohio, near 
 Kirkersville, whence, after a residence of a few 
 years, he returned to his native county and finally 
 settled on the home farm. Here, on February 12, 
 1888, he passed from earth, and here his widow, 
 now aged seventy-one years, is calmly awaiting the 
 final summons. Abraham Morrow during his life- 
 time was one of the best known men of his town 
 ship. As a citizen he was public-spirited, and in- 
 terested in the advancement and welfare of the 
 community. Quiet and unassuming in his way, 
 kind and charitable in disposition, an exemplary 
 Christian, he won universal respect and esteem. 
 He was an earnest and consistent member of the 
 Christian (or Disciple) Church. In Licking county. 
 Ohio, there was no organized congregation of this 
 church, and be, with a few others, became the 
 founder of one; he was chosen elder, and later he, 
 in company with a few others, at a considerable 
 personal sacrifice built a meeting house. After his 
 return from Ohio, he was an elder in the church 
 here until his death. He was also instrumental in 
 the erection of the Dutch Fork church and par- 
 sonage. 
 
 Cyrus Morrow was born February 3, 1844, in 
 Donegal township, this county, near the present 
 postofh'ce of Atchison, and here, under his father's 
 careful tuition, he learned the art of husbandry, 
 and received a very fair common-school education. 
 On August 26, 1S74, he was married to Elizabeth 
 Coiidit, a native of Amwell township, this county, 
 born July 1, 1853, a daughter of Cephas and Mary 
 (Bane) Condit, of that township. This union has 
 been blessed with seven children, all yet living 
 under the parental roof, their names being Minnie 
 E., Franklin S.. Gartield B. , Albert G., Earle, 
 Ethel and Elizabeth J. After marriage Mr. Mor 
 row remained on a farm near Atchison postoffice, 
 in Donegal township, until 1880, in which year he 
 purchased the George W. Guy farm, situated on 
 the Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, a short distance 
 from where it empties into Big Buffalo creek. 
 Mr. Morrow is not only a general farmer on a 
 large scale, but also one of the most extensive wool 
 growers in his township. As the eldest of a family 
 of boys who work together, he has had the care 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 313 
 
 and responsibility of some large deals, and by his 
 business sagacity, excellent judgment and well 
 known ability as -a financier has been instrumental 
 in keeping the family estate in a highly creditable 
 shape. Despite the financial crisis c if 1857 which 
 crippled so many, including Mr. Morrow's father, 
 they succeeded by strenuous efforts in pulling 
 through, and placing their affairs once more on a 
 solid foundation. To-day the ''Morrow boys," as 
 they are' familiarly known, have few equals in the 
 county for industry, economy, honesty and public- 
 spiritedness. In his political predilections our 
 subject is a stanch Republican, influential in the 
 party, and has rilled various offices in his township 
 « ith eminent ability. 
 
 / 
 
 THOMAS FLEMING BIRCH, one of the 
 
 leading attorneys of Washington, whose 
 practice is for the most part in the civil 
 courts of the county, is a native of (Jl a \ sville, 
 Washington Co., Penn., born May IS. L856. 
 His father, John Birch, was one of the enterpris 
 ing men of Claysville. 
 
 Our subject received a thorough English educa- 
 tion at the common schools of his native borough, 
 which was supplemented with a course of study at 
 Washington and Jefferson College. He began the 
 study of law in the office of Alexander Wilson, 
 and in 1880 was admitted to the bar of Washing 
 Ion county. For three years he was in the prac 
 tice at Washington and in l<S8o\ formed a partner 
 ship with Mr. Albert S. Sprowls, under (he linn 
 name of Birch & Sprowls, which continued until 
 L888, when it was dissolved, since when Mr. Birch 
 has again been practicing alone. Mr. Bircb is an 
 married. In politics he is a stanch Democrat; 
 socially he is a Knight Templar. 
 
 rX^HE BRADY FAMILY are numbered with 
 the earliest pioneers of Washington county, 
 one John Brady having settled in this 
 II county about the beginning of the present 
 v century. He became prominently associated 
 with the political history of the county, and died 
 after a useful life, leaving no family. He was a 
 distant relative of Capt. John Brady, of Revolu- 
 tionary fame, who was a native of New Jersey, and 
 died soon after the war, leaving several children, 
 of whom are named: Freeman; Moses, an attorney, 
 in Canada, where he inherited an estate from his 
 father; Andrew, an M. E. minister, deceased in 
 Livingston county, N. Y. ; William, deceased in 
 Virginia, and Jane, deceased wife of William 
 Gourley, of Livingston county, N. Y. 
 
 Freeman Brady was but four years of age when 
 his father died, and his mother (who was afterward 
 married to a Mr. Welch) died in 1840, in Living- 
 
 ston county, N. Y . lie fore the death of his 
 mother, Freeman Brady went to live in Centre 
 county, Penn., with his uncle. George Brown, of 
 whom he learned the trade of mason. In 1M6 he 
 left the home of his uncle, and coming to Wash 
 ington county took contracts for building the Na- 
 tional pike, also serving in the capacity of super- 
 intendent for John H. [Swing. In 1820 Freeman 
 Brady was united in marriage with Mary, daughter 
 of Benjamin and Martha Means. Her father was 
 a native of New Jersey, and settled about 1796 in 
 South Strabane township, Washington county, 
 where he died in lSIti; his widow passed away in 
 1859, at the age of over ninety years. They 
 reared a family of ten children, all now deceased. 
 To the union of Freeman and Mary (Means) Brady 
 children were born as follows: Sophia, wife of 
 James Simmons, in Washington, Penn. ; John, also 
 living in Washington ; Andrew, deceased in lN7o; 
 Freeman, deceased; Martha, deceased in 1845; 
 Samuel, a resident of Washington (a sketch of 
 whom follows); James, also living in Washington; 
 David, deceased, and Benjamin, who was killed 
 on the streets of Washington, during a war riot. 
 The father was actively identified with the Demo- 
 cratic party, and served in various local offices; by 
 President Buchanan he was made postmaster at 
 Washington; he was a Freemason. In 1840 he 
 erected the court house and old stone jail of Wash- 
 ington county, and also put up many other prom- 
 inent buildings. He died in 1N70. his wife in 
 1ST."), having passed away at the age of eighty five 
 years. Both were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 John Brady, son of Freeman and Mary (Means) 
 Brady, was born November '20, I S2 I , on the home 
 farm in North Strabane township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. He learned of his father the trade of 
 mason, which he followed over fifty years, and has 
 worked on many of the public buildings of his na 
 tive county. He laid the foundation of the court- 
 house of Washington county, and also assisted 
 with the brick work In 1856 John Brady married 
 Esther, daughter of James Thompson, of Canons- 
 burg, and she died one year after their marriage, 
 leaving one son, John, who is now a railroad man. 
 In 1863 Mr. Brady was married to Sarah, daugh- 
 ter of Timothy Ross, a native of West Bethlehem 
 township, this county, and their children were 
 Hetty, wife of Samuel Traster. of Washington; 
 Mattie, married to James S. Williams, also of 
 Washington, and Alexander, living at home. The 
 mother died in 1867; the father is now living on 
 the home place, which is cared for by his daughter 
 Hetty. In politics he is identified with the Dem- 
 ocratic party, and has been a member of the I. O. 
 O. F. He attends the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Freeman Brady (deceased), third son of Freeman 
 and Mary (Means) Brady, was born September 20, 
 
314 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1827. in Washington, Penn. After attending the 
 subscription schools he took a course at Washing- 
 ton College (where he was a member of the Phi 
 Gramma Delta Fraternity), graduating in 1851. He 
 then became one of the first telegraph operators of 
 Washington. Penn., and in 1855 served as deputy 
 sheriff. In 1856 ho was united in marriage with 
 Mary E. , daughter of Samuel Donley, and sister 
 to the late Mrs. James Brady. They began mar- 
 ried life on West Wheeling street, aud in 1857 he 
 was elected recorded of deeds, occupying that 
 position three years; he served several terms as 
 chairman of the Democratic County Committee. 
 In the meantime he devoted his leisure time to 
 the study of law under tin- guidance of John L. 
 Grow. In the May term of 1860 he was admitted 
 to the bar, and formed a partnership with Hon. 
 George S. Hart, which continued until 1876. when 
 Judge Hart was elected to the bench. After that 
 event Mr. Brady achieved an enviable reputation 
 as an able lawyer, conducting a large and lucrative 
 business. He was made by his party a candidate 
 for State senator at a special election, but as the 
 party was largely in the minority he was defeated. 
 In 1867 Mr. Brady united with the Second Pres- 
 byterian Church of Washington; his wife was a 
 member of the First Church before her marriage. 
 He was never absent from services when it was 
 possible to be present, and he filled the offices of 
 deacon and elder in the congregation. He died 
 May 14, 1891, and one hundred and four carriages 
 followed his remains to the grave. Resolutions 
 were passed by his associates of the legal profes- 
 sion, who mourned the loss of a brilliant lawyer, a 
 Christian man and a true friend. He left a widow, 
 and five children, named as follows: James; 
 Charles, employed at Caldwell's place of business; 
 Freeman, working in Smith's establishment; Robert, 
 in a jewelry store; and Lydia. living at home. 
 Since the death of her husband Mrs. Brady and 
 her children have continued to reside in the old 
 home, situated on South Main street in Washington. 
 James Brady, the seventh child of Freeman and 
 Mary (Means) Brady, was born January 31, 1833, 
 in Washington, Penn., where his boyhood was 
 passed. He attended the common schools of his 
 native town, and learned the trade of mason, 
 which he has since successfully followed, having 
 assisted in tin- erection of many of the public 
 buildings of the county. In 1860 he married 
 Julia A. Donley, daughter of Samuel aud Eliza 
 (Rettig) Donley, of Washington, the former of 
 whom was lost in an explosion on the lower Missis- 
 sippi, while returning from the Southwest, whither 
 he had gone on a lookout excursion. After their 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Brady made their home 
 continuously in Washington, and here, on January 
 5, 1889, she passed from earth at the age o'f fifty- 
 six years. Mr Brady - has been a lifelong Demo- 
 
 crat, and under Grover Cleveland he was ap- 
 pointed, October 7, 1886, postmaster at Washing 
 ton, which office he acceptably filled three years 
 and six months; he was the first Democratic post- 
 master to follow his father, who was appointed to 
 that position in 1S61. He is a member (as was 
 also his wife) of the Presbyterian Church, and he 
 now attends the Second Presbyterian. Five chil- 
 dren were born to this couple, of whom the follow- 
 ing is a brief record: (1) George V. was born De- 
 cember 11, 1861, and was married to Tillie Miller; 
 he is one of the leading jewelers of Washington, 
 Penn. 
 
 (2) Edgar L. Brady was born in 1866, and his 
 education was received at the common schools. 
 Entering the office of the Review and Examiner, 
 in Washington, he served his time at and mastered 
 the printer's trade. He then for a time worked 
 on the Commercial Gazette, from which office he 
 went to the Burgettstown (Penn.) Call. Upon his 
 father becoming postmaster of Washington he re- 
 turned to his native town to till the position of as- 
 sistant postmaster, and has since been connected 
 with the office, as head clerk since the appointment 
 of the Republican postmaster. Underwood. In 
 1SS7 he was married to Miss Mellie Perrine, daugh- 
 ter of John Perrine, member of an old and promi- 
 nent family of Cross Creek township. To this 
 union two children have been born: Edgar and 
 Ray Grayson. (3) Leda D. is caring for her 
 father's home. (4) William H. is at home. (5) 
 Richard D. is a butcher, of Washington, who in 
 1890 married Miss Lydia Uhler, of Washington 
 county. James Brady, the father of this family, 
 has been a strong, robust man all his days, and 
 still has good health. The home wherein he now 
 resides, No. 66 West Wheeling street, has been the 
 home of this branch of the family since Mr. and 
 Mrs. Brady were married. 
 
 Samuel Brady, sixth child of Freeman Brady, 
 Sr., was born in 1830, in Washington, Penn. He 
 learned the trade of saddletree maker, when such 
 work was all done by hand, and constituted an ex- 
 tensive business in early times; this business he 
 followed several years. He is now carrying on a 
 general store in Washington. Mr. Brady was 
 twice married, first time to Sarah Rankin, who 
 died, leaving three children, viz. : William, Harry 
 and Elizabeth, all living in Washington. Mi. 
 Brady's second wife was Deborah Lopp, of near 
 Brownsville, this county, by which union there are 
 no children. 
 
 B. MOORHEAD. one of the most sue 
 cessful business men of Cecil township, 
 was born November 18, 1825, on the farm 
 — ' in Cecil township, which is yet his 
 home. 
 He is a grandson of Samuel Moorhead, who 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 317 
 
 whb born in 1745, iu Scotland, and when about 
 twenty one years of age left his native laud for a 
 home in America. He tirst located iu eastern 
 Pennsylvania, coining to Cecil township, Washing- 
 ton county, in 1775. In the following year he 
 was married to Elizabeth Sproul, a native of east 
 ern Pennsylvania, and a sister of Sarah Sproul, 
 who married James McBride, grandfather of John 
 B. McBride, whose biographical record appears 
 elsewhere. After their marriage the young peo- 
 ple located on the timber covered farm in Cecil 
 township (now occupied by the W. P. Rend Coal 
 Co.), where at night they, in connection with other 
 settlers of the neighborhood, were obliged to re- 
 sort to blockhouses, in dread of the Indians. They 
 tinally removed to the farm located where the 
 subject of this sketch now lives. Here they erected 
 a one-story cabin, built of round logs with the bark 
 on. In this rude but happy home six sons — 
 John, James, Francis, David, William and Hubert — 
 and one daughter — Elizabeth — were born, all of 
 whom moved to Ohio with the exception of John. 
 The father took an active part in the Whiskey In- 
 surrection, and other questions of the day. Samuel 
 Moorhead was one of a number of neighbors who 
 went turn about over the mountains from eastern 
 Pennsylvania, to carry salt iu sacks on horseback, 
 riding one horse and leading two, and carrying as 
 much salt in one trip as would last the company 
 one year, and he was a prominent actor in the many 
 scenes of danger so common to frontiersmen. Hie 
 mother-in law, Mrs. Sproul, lived to the advanced 
 age of one hundred and four years. He passed a way 
 in 1805, and his widow when she was niuety-two. 
 John Moorhead, father of subject, was born in 
 1785, on the home farm in Cecil township, where 
 he grew to manhood, receiving a subscription- 
 school education. In 1810 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah, daughter of John Buchanan, a 
 native of Scotland, who settled in Robinson town- 
 ship, this county, and five children were born to 
 this union: Samuel (tirst settled in Washington 
 county, then moved to Beaver county, Penn . 
 where he died iu 1890), John (deceased iu 188(5 in 
 this county), Eliza Jane (deceased at the age of 
 twenty-one years), W. B. (whose sketch follows), 
 and George B. (deceased at the age of twenty - 
 one years). The mother of this family died in 
 1828, and in 1837 John Moorhead was united 
 in marriage with Priscilla, daughter of John 
 Aiken, a pioneer settler, and she bore him two 
 children: Isabelle and Sarah (both deceased 
 in youth). Mr. Moorhead was an ardent Aboli- 
 tionist, taking an active part in politics, and serv- 
 ing his township as justice for many years. He 
 and his wife were members of the Associate Re- 
 formed Church at Robinson's Run, later uniting 
 with the U. P. Church at Venice. He died in 
 1861, and his widow was afterward married to 
 
 David McKee.of Mt. Pleasant township, this coun- 
 ty. She died in 1871. 
 
 W. B. Moorhead was reared on the home farm 
 in Cecil township, receiving his elementary edu 
 cation at the schools of the neighborhood, which 
 was supplemented with a partial collegiate course 
 of study in Muskingum College, New Concord, 
 Ohio. On February 9, 1871, he was married to 
 Margaret Johnston, who was born on the farm in 
 Robinson township, which afterward became the 
 site of McDonald village. Her father, Thomas 
 
 Johnston, was born in Chester) nty, l'euu., and 
 
 in early life was married to Susan Scott, a native 
 of County Donegal, Ireland, who came here in an 
 early day. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
 Johnston settled on the home farm in Robinson 
 township, where the mother died iu 1847, and in 
 1809 the father was also laid to rest. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Moorhead have resided on the home farm, 
 containing 200 acres in Cecil township, which is 
 included in the oil belt. He has made many im- 
 provements, erected a good house and barn, and 
 is operating seven oil wells, two more being now 
 under way. Mr. Moorhead is an active business 
 man. and has settled many estates. In politics he 
 cast his first vote for the abolition of slavery, gtv 
 ing his assistance to the " Underground Railroad " 
 for the purpose of shipping fugitives to Canada; 
 he has since united with the Republican party, 
 and has served his township as justice of the peace 
 and in various other ways. Iu religious faith he 
 and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at 
 McDonald. The children of this well known and 
 influential couple are as follows: RosenaE. and 
 Melicent Scott, attending the academy at McDon 
 aid, and Tolbert Buchanan and Romulus Johnston, 
 living at home. 
 
 Mr. Moorhead is noted for his sympathy for 
 people in distress, or the unfortunate from any 
 cause. He is much famed for his success in com 
 promising troubles between neighbors, and carry- 
 ing people through when in straitened circum- 
 stances; for securing the liberation of people who 
 may have been put in jail for trivial offenses, to await 
 their trial. Another feature of his sympathy for the 
 unfortunate is his attending sheriff sales, buying 
 in property and turning it over to its original 
 owner, and giving him his own time to pay for 
 same. Such acts of kindness and generosity have 
 endeared Mr. Moorhead to the community, espe- 
 cially to the poor, who look upon him a&of a verity 
 " a friend in need." 
 
 NDREW J. FORD, a representative self- 
 made, prosperous citizen of the borough of 
 Washington, now living retired, is a native 
 of Pennsylvania, born December 23, 1828, 
 in Mouut Pleasant. Westmoreland county 
 Andrew Ford, father of our subject, was of 
 
318 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Irish extraction on his father's side, of Scotch 
 descent on his mother's, and was, it is believed, a 
 native of New Jersey. He was left an orphan at 
 an early age. and coming soon thereafter from 
 Mt. Pleasant to Washington, this county, he 
 learned the trade of wagon maker. He married 
 Miss Martha, daughter of John Lennox, a shoe- 
 maker by trade, who had come to Washington 
 county over ;i century ago, where he died. An- 
 drew Ford returned with his young wife to Mount 
 Pleasant, where they remained some six years, and 
 then once more came to Washington, the subject 
 of this sketch being at the time not three years 
 old. Here the father worked at his trade for 
 many years with "old John Morrow." He died 
 in 1873, at the age of seventy-four years, a life 
 long Democrat. His widow is yet living in Wash- 
 ington, at the patriarchal age of ninety three 
 years. Eleven children were born to them, ten of 
 whom were the following: Sarah, widow of 
 Samuel Eckles, in Washington, Penn. ; David, de 
 ceased; Martha, deceased wife of C. C. Turner, 
 in Washington county; Mrs. Margaret Lennox 
 (widow), living in Washington: Andrew J.; Sid- 
 ney; John, in Monongahela. this county; Mrs. 
 Emily Wheatley (widow); Mrs. Ann Eliza Boggs, 
 and Mrs. Mary Ellen Hutchinson. 
 
 Andrew J. Ford, whose name opens this sketch, 
 received his education at the common schools of 
 Washington, and early in life entered the arena 
 of business. Of his father he learned the trade 
 of wagon maker, which he followed for some time, 
 and then commenced that of brickmaking with one 
 Bushfield, in the meantime working at gunsmith- 
 ing during the winter months. For thirty five 
 years he carried on a brick yard in Washington, 
 supplying the brick for many of the principal 
 buildings in the borough. In 1874 he formed a 
 partnership with G. W. Moninger, in the lumber 
 trade, which continued thirteen years, when it was 
 dissolved, our subject carrying on the business 
 alone; but in 18S8 he sold it to Pollock & Baker, 
 and retired. In 1X80 he built his present dwell- 
 ing house on West Chestnut street. 
 
 On March 20, 1851. Mr. Ford married Miss 
 Sarah Maekey, only child of Joseph and Ann 
 Maekey; the' father died when Mrs. Ford was a 
 child, and the mother passed away at the home of 
 our subject, in 1890, at the age of eighty-seven 
 years. Mr. and Mrs. Ford have no children of 
 their own. but several years ago they adopted a 
 little girl, who, in their home, grew to womanhood, 
 ami then, marrying, left it; she died in 1876, 
 leaving two children, a boy and a girl, who were 
 taken care of by Mr. and Mis. Ford. The boy, 
 Andrew Ford McConhew, was taken from them by 
 the hand of the Reaper on October 9. 1888. when 
 almost fifteen years of age; his sister, Annie, is 
 now living with our subject and wife. Mr. and 
 
 Mrs. Ford are adherents of the First Methodist 
 Protestant Church of Washington, of which he 
 has been a member for thirty years, and is at pres- 
 ent a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat, has 
 held town offices, and has been member of the 
 council several times. Mr. Ford owns a fine 
 farm in Amwell township, comprising 100 acres, 
 all under cultivation. 
 
 G 
 
 /pfrHARLES ALEXANDER SCOTT, M. D., 
 was born April 12. 1866. in Monongahela. 
 Penn. His paternal great great great- 
 grandfather was William Scott, who came 
 from the North of Ireland and landed with 
 his family in America, September 6, 1790. He 
 settled uear Dunningsville. Washington county, 
 soon after, in the same year. 
 
 Thomas Scott, son of William, was twenty-two 
 years old when the family landed in America, and 
 came with his parents to Washington county. On 
 March 10, 1802, Thomas Scott married, in same 
 county. Miss Margaret Turner: he had settled in 
 1800 on Mingo creek, in what is now Carroll town- 
 ship. They were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. Thomas Scott was a man of sterling 
 principle, one who enjoyed the confidence of all 
 who knew him. He was educated in Ireland, and 
 was better informed than most of the farmers of 
 his neighborhood. He owned two mills, both on 
 Mingo creek, and the second mill building is at 
 present owned and used, by the Harrison Brothers 
 as a distillery. Mr. Scott built and owned the 
 brick house, now the property of Mark Borland, 
 on Main street. Monongahela. where he resided 
 during the latter part of his life. He died Feb 
 ruary 24, 1850. Margaret, his wife, on December 
 24. 1849. They had a numerous family, their 
 names and dates of birth being as follows: Re- 
 becca. February 1, 1803: William. March 10, 1804; 
 Joseph, January 14, 1800: Alexander. November 
 29, 1807; Moses, October 12. 1809; Mercy, Octo- 
 ber 15. 1811; John. August 22, 1813; James. 
 April 15, 1815; Matilda, March 8, 1817; Eliza 
 beth, January 22, 1819. and Jane, January 2, 
 1821. Of these. Alexander, born in what is now 
 Carroll township, this county, was married July 
 31. 1827. to Miss Sarah Clause, of Washington 
 county, Penn.. and thev had twelve children, viz.: 
 Melinda, bom March L9. 1829, died October 7, 1835; 
 Arabella, born January 8, 1831, wife of Isaac 
 Keeney; Benjamin F. . born September 24, 1832; 
 Patterson, born March 2. 1834. living in Ohio; 
 Moses T., born December 13. 1835. residing in 
 Cleveland, Ohio; Mary E.. born December 3, 
 1837, married to Thomas Kemp, and residing at 
 Ironton. Ohio; Thomas O., born December 5, 1839, 
 residing in Monongahela (he enlisted in Company 
 
WASHINGTON <<>IXT) 
 
 319 
 
 K, Sixty-second Regiment P. V. I., served tbree 
 years, re-enlisted, and served until the close of the 
 war; he was wounded three times); John F., born 
 August 24, 1841, deceased; Joseph, born Maj 23, 
 L844, deceased; Margaret, born March 4, 1846, 
 married to Bernard Clinton; Melinda. residing in 
 Pittsburgh, and William. The father of this fain 
 ily was a member of the M. E. Church, the mother 
 of the Presbyterian. 
 
 Benjamin F. Scott, eldest son of Alexander and 
 Sarah (Clause) Scott, became a painter. He was 
 married July 3, 1856, to Miss Jennie Hogan, of 
 Spartanburg, S. C. . born in Columbia, S. C, 
 daughter of Daniel A. and Sarah (Lawler) Hogan. 
 the former of whom was a cotton manufacturer of 
 Spartanburg. They were of Scotch Irish ancestry, 
 and, what was very remarkable, there was but 
 twelve hours difference in their deaths; he was 
 born in the evening and died in the evening, 
 while she was born in the morning and died in the 
 morning. They were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. They were the parents of one son and 
 four daughters, viz.: Jane, Catherine, Elizabeth, 
 Joseph A. and Theresa. Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin 
 F. Scott are the parents of two children ; Rosanna 
 A. and Charles A. Of these, Rosanna was mar 
 ried twice, first to Frank Miller, a farmer of Wash 
 ington county, Penn., by whom she had two chil- 
 dren: Daisy M. and F. Earl. Mr. Miller dying, 
 she afterward married William Moose; they reside 
 on their farm near Woodsfield, Monroe Co., Ohio. 
 William Moose is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Charles A. Scott, whose name introduces this 
 sketch, attended the common schools, and com- 
 pleted his education at Washington and Jefferson 
 College, Washington, Penn. He read medicine 
 with F. P. Scott, M. D. . Mouongahela, and one 
 year later entered the Western Pennsylvania 
 Medical College at Pittsburgh, whence be gradu- 
 ated March 27, 1891. Immediately thereafter he 
 located in Monongahela, where he has since been 
 actively engaged in the practice of his profession, 
 and where he ranks among the leading physicians. 
 He was married January 2, 1891, to Miss Melissa 
 Messenger, who was born on her father's farm on 
 Hoge's Summit, Washington county, Penn., a 
 daughter of Hon. John C. Messenger, who was 
 admitted to the bar of Washington county, but does 
 not practice. Mr. Messenger married Miss Sarah 
 Wilson, and they reside on their farm on Hoge's 
 Summit. Dr. Charles A. Scott and wife have oue 
 child, Pauline Keys. Dr. Scott is a member of the 
 Junior Order United American Mechanics, and of 
 the Knights of the Golden Eagle. He and his 
 wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
 enjoy the respect and confidence of all who know 
 them. 
 
 THE COFFEY FAMILY. To "Caledonia. 
 stern and wild," whose hardy sons and 
 daughters are to be found in every clime 
 where it is possible for a man to live, Amer 
 ica is indebted for a large portion of her 
 most industrious, most useful, most thrifty and 
 most loyal citizens, and among these stand promi- 
 nent the Coffey family, of whom this sketch re- 
 lates 
 
 George Coffey, a wagon maker by trade, which 
 he had learned in his native land. Scotland, was 
 the only child of George Coffey. He was married 
 there to Miss Agnes, only daughter of Alexander 
 Dickey, who came to America and made a settlement 
 in Buffalo township, Washington Co . Penn., where 
 he died at an advanced age; he was it typical son 
 of Scotia, sturdy and tenacious of life, and it is 
 said of him that a few mouths before his death he 
 journeyed on foot to Pittsburgh in one day. Mr. 
 and Mrs. George Coffey, after several years of mar 
 ried life in their native land, at the desire of Mr. 
 Dickey followed him to his adopted home in Wash- 
 ington county, where for a time Mr. Coffey car 
 ried on hia trade at Rankintown, on the National 
 pike He then moved to Buffalo township, and 
 for fourteen years was recognized as the leading 
 wagon maker within a radius of many miles. Re- 
 tiring, however, from his trade, he took up the 
 farm where his son George now lives, located at a 
 point on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, known as 
 "Coffey's Crossing," where he engaged in agri- 
 cultural pursuits up to the time of his wife's death, 
 in 1883, when he came into the borough of Washing- 
 ton and here passed his remaining days. He died 
 in 1884, at the age of seventy-three years, after a 
 busy life, in which by hard work he hud to make 
 his own success. When he first came to the county 
 there was much in his line of trade to do, repair- 
 ing the heavy wagons used in the construction of 
 the National pike, besides a vast amount of other 
 custom, that came to his shop from far and near. 
 In the building up of the home the several mem- 
 bers of the family had to do their respective parts, 
 and, when they moved from the shop to the farm, 
 even the daughters would often work in the field, 
 in all kinds of weather, and many a day under a 
 broiling sun do as much work as a man. In one 
 day Miss Annie Coffey and her sister cut and tied 
 about four acres of heavy corn. In those times 
 it was customary for the farmers, who had prod- 
 uce to sell, to proceed early in the morning to 
 Washington market, take their places and patiently 
 wait for customers; and frequently Miss Annie 
 Coffey and her mother would work in the sugar 
 bush until late at night, then go to the house, 
 change their clothing, and start on foot for Wash- 
 ington, a distance of five miles, carrying heavy 
 jugs of maple molasses, which having sold, they 
 
320 
 
 WASHINGTON col'NTY 
 
 would walk borne, again change their garments, 
 and once more go to work in the sugar camp. 
 Thus, with little sleep or rest, did the brave women 
 of those early days unrepiningly labor to build up 
 a home for coming generations, and materially 
 assist in the growth and advancement of the 
 country. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. George Coffey were horn seven 
 children, as follows: Alexander, in Iowa; Mag- 
 gie, deceased; Annie, in Washington; William, 
 deceased; Jennie, married to Daniel Clemens; 
 George, on the old home farm in Buffalo township; 
 and Agnes, deceased. Of this family Miss Annie, 
 with true filial devotion, always remained with her 
 1 parents, comforting them in their declining years, 
 and reverently closing their eyes in death. She 
 has always enjoyed good health, and it is the ear- 
 nest prayer of her many friends that she may be 
 spared to them for many happy years to come. 
 Her home in Washington is peaceful and pleasant, 
 as is the life she leads in it. She is a devout mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church, the faith of her 
 forefathers. 
 
 I( f ENRY B. STANTON. Thadeus Stanton 
 f— \ was born February 10, 1817, in Wheeling, 
 
 Va. , and when a small boy came to this 
 I) J county, making his first home here near 
 
 Ten Mile village. In Washington he 
 learned the harness making trade, serving an ap- 
 prenticeship of five years with Jacob Shafer. He 
 then moved to Hillsborough, same State, where 
 he resided several years, and, returning to Wash 
 ington, continued the saddlery and harness busi 
 ness until 1850, in which year lie took the census 
 of the county. In 1852 he ran for treasurer, but 
 was defeated; nothing daunted, however, he ran 
 again at the next election, and was elected for one 
 term on the Old line Whig ticket; later he became 
 ;i Democrat. At the close of his term as treasurer 
 lie resumed his trade, and continued it almost up 
 to the time of his death; he died of dropsy April 
 5. 1878, at the age of fifty- five years. On July 8, 
 1841, he was married by Rev. George S. Holmes, 
 in Washington, to .Miss Jane Ann, daughter of 
 Joseph Mahaffey, who came from County Down. 
 Ireland, to Washington county, where he died at 
 the advanced age of eighty two years. His wife, 
 Jane Ann (Patterson), followed him to the grave at 
 the age of seventy throe years; they had a large 
 family of children, three of whom are yet living: 
 Mrs. Stanton, and Mrs. McConahey (widow of 
 John), in Washington, and Joseph, in Harshaville, 
 Beaver Co., Penn. The children born to Thadeus 
 and Jane Ann (Mahaffey) Stanton were seven in 
 number, viz : Susan, Letitia, Elizabeth and Sarah 
 Agnes (all four deceased), Henry B. and J. A., in 
 Washington county, and J. (<., in Canton, Ohio. 
 
 The widowed mother, after the death of the 
 father, made her home with her son, Henry, in 
 Washington, until her death, April 5, 1893, in the 
 seventy fourth year of her age. 
 
 Henry B. Stanton, whose -name opens this 
 sketch, was born October 2, 1845, in Washington. 
 Washington Co., Penn., his education being re 
 ceived at the public schools of the borough. In 
 1801 he commenced to learn the trade of saddle 
 and harness maker with his father, remaining with 
 him till the hitter's death, except a few years he 
 was working for others. In 1875 he opened out in 
 the same line of business for his own account, and 
 has since successfully carried it on, doing a large 
 trade and enjoying a wide patronage. On Novem- 
 ber 4. 1875, Mr. Stanton was married to Miss 
 Catharine, daughter of Daniel Liggett, of this 
 county. Politically, our subject is a Democrat, 
 but has no time to aspire to office, his business de 
 manding and receiving all his attention. 
 
 c 
 
 HARLES W. TOWNSEND, M. D. The 
 
 Townsend family, of which Dr. Town 
 fj send is a well known member, is of English 
 
 descent. Many years ago three brothers, 
 Elijah, John and Isaiah Townsend (cousins of Glen 
 Townsend, of Quebec), left the shores of England 
 for America, where they settled in Egg Harbor 
 City, N. J., and here Elijah reared a family of 
 children, among whom were Daniel, Isaiah, Japhet 
 and Elijah. Isaiah owned a line of boats to Cape 
 May. 
 
 Daniel Townsend was born August 14, 1747, in 
 Egg Harbor City, N. J., where he grew to man 
 
 I il and engaged in the lumber busiuess. In 
 
 177C> he entered the Revolutionary war, serving 
 about two years. He took part in the battles of 
 Trenton, Princeton. Brandy wine and Monmouth, 
 and in 17711 came to Washington county, Penn.. 
 where he bought 400 acres of land of Joshua 
 Wright, settling permanently on that tract. He 
 married Lydia Sauens, of Massachusetts, and of 
 this union the following children were born: Cath 
 erine (Mrs. John Haird of Beaver county), Naomi 
 (Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of Peter Sharp). 
 
 Margaret (wife of William Chisler, of Ohiol, Rel ca 
 
 l Mis John Hazen, of Mercer county, Penn.), Ruth 
 (Mrs. Stephen Higby, in Ohio), Lydia (wife of 
 Arthur Devore, also in Ohio), Elijah (a lieutenant 
 in the war of 1812, died in 1S71), and Joseph, all 
 of whom were married, and are now deceased. 
 The father of this family was a Democrat in poli 
 tics. ' He died September 1, 1833. 
 
 Joseph Townsend. son of Daniel and Lydia 
 I Sa wens) Townsend, was born March 1, 1790, on 
 the old place in Washington county, Penn. He 
 lived at home until fifteen years of age, when he 
 entered the war of 1812 as a lifer, but was brought 
 
"' fn'iHiiriraif"' 
 
 i 
 
 fei,v ^ 
 
 ^-'f 
 
 
 -TTT^tr^c^'-e^z^ 
 
WASH TNG TON ( rOUNTY. 
 
 323 
 
 home by his father. A few years later the juvenile 
 warrior had ho far modified his views as to prefer 
 rural life, and became an excellent farmer, de- 
 voting much attention to sheep raising. # In early 
 life he was united in marriage with Nancy, 
 daughter of Col. William Blackmore, and grand 
 daughter of Samuel Blackmore, who owned 400 
 acres on the site of the city of Washington, D. C. 
 The property was leased for ninety-nine years, 
 which expired in about 1876, the heirs having 
 never claimed it. William Blackmore, son of 
 Samuel, came with the father from Washington, 
 D. C, to Washington county. Penn., and there 
 reared six children, viz.: Thomas, Charles, Nancy 
 (Mrs. Townsend), Eliza, Ellen, and Arabella, all of 
 whom are deceased, except Arabella. To Joseph 
 and Nancy (Blackmore) Townsend were born three 
 children, namely: Charles W., Daniel 15., and 
 William (deceased in youth). The mother died 
 December 5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend 
 married Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack, whose 
 father was born in Ireland, came to America about 
 1800, and settled on Chartiers creek, in Peters 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. To Joseph and 
 Nancy (Flack) Townsend were bom three children, 
 viz.: Robert (deceased), Elijah T. , and Margaret 
 J. (.Mis. J. W. Boyer, of Finleyville). The father 
 voted with the Democratic party, and in religion 
 was a member of the Baptist Church. He died on 
 his seventy-fifth birthday, March 1, 1871, and was 
 followed by his wife in August, 1874, in her 
 seventy-fifth year. 
 
 Dr. Charles W. Townsend was born April 27, 
 1822, on the old farm in Peters township. Wash 
 ington Co., Penn. He received an excellent educa- 
 tion, was for some time a surveyor in Washington 
 county, doing much work, and then read medicine 
 for four years with Dr. W. B. Lank, finally gradual 
 ing from Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
 in 1849 lu that year he began to practice his 
 profession in Peters township, and in 1854 he 
 married Margaret A., daughter of Rev. Joseph 
 Wright, of Peters township, this county. To this 
 union have been born the following children: 
 Joseph (a civil engineer), Catherine (wife of Dr. 
 Boyd Emery), William, Jennie L. (Mrs. Obediah 
 Higbee), Chatham, Charles. Nellie and Nancy, of 
 whom Charles and Nancy died in youth. 
 
 The Doctor has resided on a beautifully im- 
 proved farm, on which are six large orchards of 
 fruit trues, situated near the old homestead. In 
 his chosen profession as a skilled physician he has 
 obtained a most remarkable record of success. In 
 one epidemic of typhoid fever approaching one 
 hundred and fifty cases, every patient recovered, 
 and in two other extensive epidemics of the same 
 fever success was equally fortunate; during a gen 
 eral and extended practice of over forty years, he 
 has not lost a lady in obstetrical practice, a fortu 
 
 nate achievement. Such history surely rests on 
 the foundation of solid elementary principles, and 
 careful thought, and now engaged in raising stock 
 as a specialty, he still adheres to and loves his pro 
 fession. In politics he is faithful to pure Demo 
 cratic and Jeffersonian Republican principles, and 
 on one occasion, in 1883, to give him a rest, his friends 
 elected him to the Legislature without a single 
 effort on his own part. With firm belief in the 
 orthodoxy of the Trinity, he faithfully accepts the 
 substantial philosophy of future entitative exis- 
 tence. 
 
 The following is a copy of an old deed given by 
 Hugh Sharp to Elijah Townsend, of Great Egg 
 Harbor, county of Gloucester, province of New 
 Jersey, the date thereof being June 26, 1739. It 
 is written in old English on sheepskin two and a 
 half feet long. This Elijah Townsend was the 
 father of Daniel Townsend, Elijah Townsend, 
 Isaiah Townsend and Japhet Townsend of Great 
 Egg Harbor, New Jersey : 
 
 This Indenture, made 26th day el' June, 1739, in the 
 thirteenth reign ot em- Sovereign < reorge the 2nd of Great 
 Britain, King, etc., between Hugh Sharp of the township 
 of Worthingborough, in the county of Burlington, prov- 
 ince of New Jersey, j an, of the first part, ami Elijah 
 
 Townsend, of Great Egg Harbor in the county of Glou 
 i ester, aforesaid, pro\ ince "I Nev> Jersey, yeomen, of the 
 other part. Now this indenture forever witnesseth that 
 the said Hugh Sharp forand in consideration of the sum 
 of four pounds current monej of province of New Jer- 
 sey to him in hand paid by the said Elijah Townsend ill 
 or before the ensealing and delivery of said property, the 
 receipt whereof to the said Hugh Sharp doth hereby ac- 
 knowledge paid in full lor every part and parcel thereof, 
 doth hereby acquit, release, exonerate and discharge the 
 said Elijah Townsend, his heirs, executors and adminis- 
 trators and everj of them forever by these presents, hath 
 granted, bargained and sold, aliened, enfeoffed, released, 
 conveyed and confirmed, and doth by these presents fully 
 clearly and absolutely grant, bargain, sell, alien, enfeoff, 
 release, conveyand confirm unto the said Elijah Towns 
 end and his heirs and assigns I'oreverall that tract of land 
 
 situated near Great Egg Harbor River on a branch of the 
 South River in the < lounty of Gloucester, in the Province 
 of New Jersey, being in two tracts, the first bounded as 
 follows: Beginning ata maple tree on the west side of 
 said river, being corner of a formersurvey of said Hugh 
 Sharp, then by the said river X. \V. twentj deg. six chains, 
 then N. E. Six deg. fourteen chains W. 0. by the said 
 river, thence S. ">* den. \V. thirty four and half chains to 
 a post, thence S. 32 E. seventeen chains to post, N. 58 
 E. 24 chains to Maple post named containing forty-five 
 acres with allowance for highways. The other tract lie- 
 gins at a W. <>. mi the other side of the said Smith River, 
 some distance from the lirst tract, thence south 63 E. 
 five chains to post S. 20 E. sixteen chains S. 62 W. six 
 chains and half to South River by which it is hounded 
 northwest to the beginning containing 15 acres and allow- 
 ance; both tracts contain sixty acres, recorded in the Sur- 
 veyor General's office in Burlington, in B. M. folio 97. 
 Reference being thereunto had will more at large appear 
 together with all the minerals, mines, woods, fishings, 
 fowlings, hawkings, huntings, and all other royalties, 
 propts, commodities, hereditaments, appurtenances to the 
 said sixtv acres of land and provisions belonging, or in 
 any wise pertaining, and all the estate, right, title, inter- 
 est, property, claim and demand whatsoever of the said 
 
324 
 
 WA.sllIXGTON COU.\ I) 
 
 Hugh Sharp in law and equity of into or to the said 
 granted and bargained sixty acres of land and premises, 
 and every part and parcel thereof with their heirs, exec- 
 utors and the revisions and remanders thereof part and 
 parcel, to have and to hold the said two tracts of land 
 containing sixty acres and allowance and every part and 
 parcel thereof and appurtenances unto the said Elijah 
 Townsend, to tin- only proper use and behoof of him. tin' 
 said Elijah Townsend, heirs and assigns forevermore. 
 And the said Eugh Sharp and his heirs doth covenant, 
 grant and agree to ami with the said Elijah Townsend, 
 his heirs ami assigns forever by these presents in man- 
 ner and form following: that is the said Hugh Sharp at 
 the time of the entailing and delivery of these presents 
 is lawfully and rightfully with absolute authority to 
 grant, bargain and Bell, alien, enfeoff, release, convey and 
 confirm the land confirmed, granted and bargained the 
 sixty acres of land and premises and every part and par 
 eel thereof and appurtenances unto tin- said Elijah 
 Townsend, his heirs and assigns forever, according to the 
 tenure purport ami intent and meaning of these presents, 
 and that t lie land is free and clear and clearly acquired ami 
 discharged from all former gifts, grants, bargains, sales, 
 mortgages. wills, entails, dowries, judgments, or any other 
 plea that may in any wise hurt tin- land. And that it shall 
 and may bo lawful to and for the said Elijah Townsend his 
 heirs and assigns from time to time and at all times for 
 ever hereafter by value of these presents to have, hold, 
 occupy to vest and enjoy all and singular the said two 
 tract,-,' of laud containing sixty acres and premises by 
 i 1 !, ie presents mentioned with the appurtenances with- 
 out erection, ejectment or any other intrusions of the said 
 Hugh Sharp his heirs and executors or any other person 
 whatsoever claiming or pretending to claim the same or 
 any pari or parcel thereof. In law whatsoever for the 
 better and better ami more perfect assurance making, 
 conveying and confirming tin- said granted and bargained 
 two tracts of laud containing sixty acres and allowance 
 with every part and panel thereof with the appurten- 
 ances unto the. said Elijah Townsend, his heirs and as- 
 signs forever, according the tenure purpose to the intent 
 and true meaning of these presents. In witness whereof 
 the said Hugh Sharp, party first above named in this 
 present indenture have unto these presents set his hand 
 and seal the day ami year above written 17H9. The 
 above tract of land was conveyed by Thomas More and 
 Johanna, bis wife, to the above named Hugh Sharp bear- 
 ing date 9th day of April, 1715, which record will more 
 fully and more at large appear upon the public records 
 in tiie province of New Jersey. 
 
 Tli is twenty-sixth day of ye sixth month of June, 1739. 
 
 [Some words illegible.] I Hugh Sharp being oi f ye 
 
 judges of ye common pleas for ye county of Burlington 
 do acknowledge that I signed, sealed and delivered ye 
 above said instrument as my only act and as is above des 
 cribed as witness my hand. 
 
 Signed, sealed anil (Signed) HUGH SHAHP [SS.] 
 
 delivered in the pres- 
 ence of 
 
 Mary M. I is >. 
 
 II. TI. Cox, 
 
 ClIAltl.ES SCOTT. [SS.] 
 
 CHARLES L. DRIEHORST. SR., one of the 
 leading business men of Washington, is a 
 native of the "Fatherland," born August 14, 
 1810, in a small town on the river Weiser. 
 "Lauenforda," Kingdom of Hanover. His father 
 died in 1845, his mother some time later. 
 
 Before leaving his native land our subject had 
 
 learned the trade of carpenter and joiner, at which 
 he worked there for a time. Then, having de- 
 cided to seek the New World, he set sail in April. 
 L841, landing on June 21 in Baltimore, whence he 
 at once "proceeded to Washington county, Penn., 
 where a sister had already settled. He immedi 
 ately began work at his trade, anil being desirous 
 of obtaining, as quickly as possible, a thorough 
 knowledge of the English language, he spent the 
 winter months in school. On October 10, 1842, 
 he went squirrel hunting, and one of those little 
 rodents, which he had shot, having lodged in a 
 tree, he climbed to get it, but unfortunately slipped, 
 and fell to the ground, whereby he received injii 
 ries, which confined him to the house for several 
 years. He was first taken care of by a sister, and 
 afterward by the family of Judge Wotring, where 
 in his affliction he found a home. By the time he 
 was able to resume work, all his savings, laid away 
 by careful thrift, were completely exhausted, and 
 he had again to begin life at the bottom of the 
 ladder. In November. 1845, he set sail for the 
 "Fatherland," where he remained until the spring 
 of 1S46, and on his return he again landed in Balti- 
 more in June. On July 7, 1841), he married Miss 
 Amelia Klieves, in Wheeling, who was also from 
 the same place in Germany. She died August 15, 
 1861, leaving six children, as follows: Theodore, 
 Rosanna, Matilda, Charles, Lewis and Louisa. On 
 March 5, 1803, Mr. Driehorst was married to 
 Augusta Klieves, sister of his lirst wife. He worked 
 as contractor at his trade till 1864, after which he 
 entered the clothing store of J. B. Reckers as 
 clerk, in which capacity he worked for thirteen 
 years. In 1877 he began the grocery business on 
 his own account, opening a small store on his prop- 
 erty on West Wheeling street ; the following spring 
 lie mhled to it a bakery, which by industry and 
 strict attention to business, and the wants of his 
 customers, he has built up, till it is the leading es- 
 tablishment of the kind in the town. Politically 
 our subject is a Democrat, and has served both as 
 assessor and collector of taxes in the borough of 
 Washington. In church connection he is a Lu- 
 theran, and has ever been faithful to his church 
 and its interests. 
 
 I If, ATTHEW BLAINE, one of the oldest and 
 \f/| most prominent citizens of Beallsville, 
 1*1, Penn.. is also a representative of one of 
 I — the oldest families of Washington county. 
 His grandfather. John Blaine, was born 
 in County Antrim, Ireland, where he was married, 
 and reared the following family: John (who came 
 to America prior to the Revolutionary war, and 
 heartily espoused the cause of his adopted coun- 
 try, after the close of the war settling in Venango 
 county, Penn.), James, Leonard, Matthew, Robert 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 325 
 
 ami a daughter, who died on the voyage to Amer- 
 ica. The four younger brothers came with their 
 mother to America in L779, and after a three 
 months' voyage landed in New Yurk. They first 
 located in East Bethlehem township. Washington 
 Co., Penn., then purchased a small farm in Som 
 erset township, same county, where Indians were 
 very numerous. Robert, Matthew and Leonard 
 then moved to Venango county, where the two for- 
 mer passed their lives. After coining to America, 
 Leonard Blaine (who was born in 1761, in County 
 Antrim, Ireland) resided in Venango county for 
 about eight years, then came to Washington conn! v. 
 and was there married to Margaret Isehart. The 
 young people settled on the wild tract of land in 
 Somerset township, this county, and reared the 
 following children: Margaret, deceased wife of 
 John Jones; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Joshua 
 Craven; William, deceased; Leonard; Jane, mar- 
 ried to David Fleming; Mary and Matthew. The 
 father was a very well educated man, and taught 
 school until the present educational system was 
 organized. The schoolhouse was of the usual 
 primitive style, furnished in a meager way, and 
 the text-books then used were limited to the 
 "United States Speller" and the "Western Cal 
 culator. " The terms of tuition were $1.25 per 
 pupil for a term of three months, but many were 
 taught by Mr. Blaine without payment, and no 
 charge was made for old pupils. Politically he 
 was a Democrat, and served as clerk of the Wash 
 ington county commissioners; in religious faith he 
 was a member of the Seceder Church at Pigeon 
 Creek. He died in 1848, followed by his wife in 
 1850, and both were buried on the home place. 
 
 Matthew Blaine was born February 14, 1819, on 
 the home farm in Somerset township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and attended the subscription schools 
 of the locality. He began life for himself at the 
 age of fifteen years, and on May 14, 1843, married 
 Mary, daughter of Bennett and Ann (Hill) Morton, 
 natives of East Bethlehem township, this county. 
 The children of Mr. and Mrs. Morton were as fol 
 lows: Mary, wife of Matthew Blaine: Stephen; 
 Joseph, who enlisted in the Ringgold Battalion, 
 was captured and first taken to Libby Prison, 
 thence to Andersonville, where he died; John; 
 Eleanor, wife of William C. Sargeant; Moses, and 
 Elizabeth, wife of Daniel Zellars. The father was 
 a Whig in politics, and in religion a member of 
 the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Blaine resided 
 on the old homestead until 1872. when he pur- 
 chased a farm in East Bethlehem township, this 
 county, remaining there until 1890. then came to 
 their present home in Beallsville. He has always 
 followed agricultural pursuits. In political opin- 
 ion he is actively identified with the Democratic 
 party, and has served as justice of the peace; in 
 religion he is a member and steward of the M. E. 
 
 Church. Mrs. Blaine passed away July 1, 1889, 
 leaving two daughters, Elizabeth J., wife of John 
 Aiken, and Margaret M. A., married to Stephen 
 W. Hill. 
 
 ILLIAM H. WITHERSPOON, one of the 
 most prosperous wool and grain merchants 
 
 ||7 of Burgettstown, tr; s his lineage to a 
 
 well-known family of Scotland. 
 John Witherspoou was born and reared in the 
 old country, where he was also married. After 
 the birth of their eldest son I he young couple 
 came to America, and resided in Maryland for se\ 
 era! years, and prior to L800 they moved to Wash 
 ington county, and in 1N24 he purchased a small 
 unimproved tract of laud in Robinson township, 
 upon which a log cabin was erected. Their chil- 
 dren were as follows: .Jonathan, John, Azarinh. 
 Joshua and Elizabeth. The father of this family 
 was a Democrat in politics, and in religion he be- 
 came one of the tirsl members of the Associate 
 Reformed Church, in which he was an elder many 
 years. After the death of the father, the sons 
 purchased 200 acres of land, and Jonathan finally 
 sold his share to Joshua. The rest of the tract is 
 the property of Thomas Biggert and Isaac Don 
 aldson. 
 
 Joshua Witherspoou was born in 1S0'_', irj Rob 
 inson township, this county, and passed his boj 
 hood on the home farm, attending the subscription 
 schools during the winter months. On January 
 3, 1824, he was united in marriage with Jane, 
 daughter of John Hooper, of Allegheny county, 
 Penn. John Hooper was born December 26, 1777, 
 and his wife, Elizabeth, was born February 2*1, 
 1776. Their children were as follows: Nancy, 
 born March 4, 1799; Jennie, born March 4, 1801; 
 William, born June 15, 1803; Peggy, born October 
 2. 1806; Eleanor, born December 13. 1811; and 
 Elizabeth, born January 28, 1817. The parents 
 were members of the Sharon Presbyterian Church, 
 and in politics Mr. Hooper was a Democrat. 
 
 Joshua and Jane (Hooper) Witherspoon began 
 married life on the home place in Robinson town 
 ship, this county, which became their permanent 
 home. The children born to this union were John 
 (a resident of Robinson township), Elizabeth (de 
 ceased wife of William Gilliland, of Beaver county, 
 Penn.), William H. (of whom a sketch follows), 
 James W. (a minister of the Fifth Presbyterian 
 Church of Allegheny, Perm.), and Samuel (resid- 
 ing on the home place). The father was an active 
 worker in the Democratic party, and in religion 
 was from early youth a member of the Associate 
 Reformed Church at Robinson, serving as ruling 
 elder for some time. He died April 16, 1858, and 
 was followed by his widow August 9, 1888; both 
 are buried in the church cemetery at Robinson. 
 
326 
 
 WASHINGTON ( BOUNTY. 
 
 William H. Witherspoon was boru August 3, 
 1831, on the old homestead in Robinson township, 
 where his youth was passed, and he received a 
 good common-school education. On December 28, 
 1854, he was married to Mary, daughter of William 
 Hood, of Hanover township, this county. The 
 young people resided on the home place in Robin 
 son township seven years after their marriage, then 
 moved to Hanover township, and six years after- 
 ward settled in Burgettstown, Smith township, 
 where they are now living. On coming to Bur- 
 gettstown, William H. Witherspoon opened a gen- 
 eral store, and also carried on a business in grain 
 and produce. In 1884 he made a new departure, 
 sold the store, and began dealing extensively in both 
 wool and grain, making a specialty of the former, 
 purchasing wool in different parts of Washington, 
 Allegheny and Beaver counties, Penn., as well as 
 in the State of Ohio. Iu politics he is an influen- 
 tial member of the Republican party. His was the 
 first business house established on the west side of 
 the railroad track iu Burgettstown. Mr. Wither- 
 spoon was one of the building committee of the U. 
 P. Church at Burgettstown, and gave liberally of 
 his time and money to its erection. He was for 
 merly connected with the Associate Reformed 
 Church, which afterward merged into the U. P. 
 Church, of which he has been an elder for many 
 years, also serving in that capacity in the churches 
 at Robinson and Frankfort Springs. 
 
 for many years, was a class-leader. A liberal con- 
 tributor to all worthy enterprises, he died esteemed 
 by all. He held the office of school director for 
 six years and treasurer of Jefferson township 
 school board for a decade. 
 
 Hugh Patterson grew to manhood on the old 
 farm which had been bought of William Wells, of 
 Wellsville, Ohio, and passed his youth thereon, 
 caring for his aged parents. He began mercantile 
 business in Eldersville, Penn., in company with 
 William Wilson for some fifteen years, and retired 
 about thirty years ago. Mr. Patterson is about 
 five feet eleven inches iu stature, healthy and well 
 formed, possessing a remarkably clear mind, and 
 writing a steady hand for one of his years. In 
 politics his first vote was cast for Joseph Ritner, 
 as governor of Pennsylvania, for whom be again 
 voted three years later, aiding in gaining the elec- 
 tion, also voting for him a fourth time. His first 
 Presidential vote was cast for Jackson. Mr. Pat- 
 terson was an anti-slavery man, and of recent 
 years has been an advocate of the principles em- 
 bodied iu the Republican party. In 1842 he was 
 postmaster of Eldersville, also served one term 
 after Taylor's election, finally resigning the office. 
 He has been tendered other positions, among 
 which were those of justice of the peace and county 
 commissioner, but declined to serve in either capac- 
 ity. Mr. Patterson is now reaping the reward of 
 early toil, and is held in high regard by all who 
 have known him. 
 
 I I UGH PATTERSON, one of the oldest, most 
 l^ll respected and prosperous citizens of Jeffer- 
 son township, was born November 7, 1807, 
 \\ -* near Eldersville, Washington Co.. Penn.. 
 ~* in an old log cabin which is yet standing. 
 
 James Patterson, his father, was born, reared and 
 educated in Ireland, and coming to America soon 
 after the Revolution, remained with his brother 
 John and three sisters, for some months near 
 Philadelphia". The two brothers were, for a time, 
 employed in "flailing" wheat, getting one-tenth as 
 his share, making the sum of 33^ cents per day. 
 Afterward they moved to Allegheny county. 
 where they rented a farm, remained a short 
 time, and then came to Washington county and 
 purchased a farm in Jefferson township. Hugh 
 was married to Sarah Given, prior to locating in 
 Washington county. To them the following chil- 
 dren were born: John, Mary (wife of William 
 Moore), James, Sarah (married to Robert Pogue), 
 Elizabeth (deceased wife of Erasmus Cooper, and 
 mother of H. C. Cooper), Hugh and William, all 
 now deceased except Hugh. The father died at 
 the age of ninety three years, a few months after 
 his wife's decease. In politics he was tirst a Jack-i 
 sonian Democrat, and then an auti slavery Whig. 
 Iu church matters he was a stanch Methodist, and, 
 
 TLLIAM M. GEORGE, the proprietor of 
 an extensive lumber business and feed 
 store in McDonald, Penn., was boru Feb 
 ^ ^ ruary 13, 1835, in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 this county. He is a son of John, and 
 grandson of Robert George, the latter of whom 
 wasborn in Ireland, and was married to Christiana 
 Plance in eastern Pennsylvania, and moved to 
 Miller's Run. She bore him thirteen children. 
 The young couple first settled on the Miller's Run 
 farm, and cleared and improved the pioneer home. 
 They were progressive citizens and among the 
 earliest members of the Covenanter Church, hold- 
 ing their tirst meetings in a small log cabin. The 
 names of the family of Robert George are as fol- 
 lows: Thomas George, of Jefferson county, Ohio; 
 Robert George, Carroll county, Ohio; David George 
 and Jacob George, of Washington county, Penn.: 
 Alexander George, of Illinois; John George and Mar 
 ^aret Slater, of Washington county, Penn. ; Eliz- 
 abeth McMastets, Carroll county, Ohio; Hannah 
 Robinson, Pittsburgh, Penn.; Ann Ramsey and 
 Jane Robb, of Washington county ; Robert George, 
 of Miller's Run, died August L5, 1819, aged sev- 
 enty live years. 
 
 John George was bom m January. 1808, on the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 327 
 
 home place in Mt. Pleasant township, this count)-, 
 and passed his youth there assisting in the farm 
 work, and attending the subscription schools of the 
 vicinity. In early manhood he selected as his life 
 companion Sarah, daughter of William McCrea. of 
 Cross Creek township, and brought his bride to 
 the ')ld home farm January 3, \^'- J ,2. Two chil- 
 dren were born to this union: Robert Jamison and 
 William McCrea. The mother died August 3, 
 1836, and for his second wife Mr. George was mar 
 ried in September, 1837, to Margaret Roney, who 
 died May 29, 1838. His third wife, to whom he 
 was married August 6, 1841, was Jane Slater, who 
 bore him children as follows: Christiana; Martha 
 A., who died May 1, 1843; Robert J.; M. G. Tag 
 gait; Margaret A. Slater; M. E. Coleman; and 
 Mary E. Carithers. Mr. George was a farmer and 
 stock raiser and an energetic business man, and in 
 religious connection a stanch member of the Cove 
 nanter Church. 
 
 William M. George was educated in the district 
 schools, and on December 25, 1872, was united in 
 marriage with MaryE., daughter of Robert Speer, 
 of Ohio. The children born to this union are: 
 John Ralph Speer, Robert Howard, William Mc- 
 Crea. Arthur Melville, Louella Blanche and Mary 
 Edna. Mr. George learned the carpenter's and 
 builder's trade in early life, following it several 
 years. In 1873 he came to McDonald, and opened 
 a lumber business and a grist-mill, having recently 
 given his whole time to the former occupation, in 
 connection with a feed store, recently added. He 
 has the most extensive business of the kind in Me 
 Donald, the old firm name, George & Wallace, 
 being succeeded by W. M. George & Co. (limited | 
 Their success is due to arduous effort. The prin 
 ciples of the Covenanter Church were inculcated 
 in the mind of Mr. George from childhood, and 
 he has ever been a strong advocate and earnest 
 supporter of that Society. 
 
 \ILLIAM B. McCORKLE is a son of 
 Thomas McCorkle, who was born in 
 Washington county, and married to Anna 
 McCullough, also a native of the county, 
 born in 1833. Thomas and Anna Mc- 
 Corkle reared the following family of children: 
 William B., Colwell (a farmer of Somerset town- 
 ship), David, Lizzie, Minnie, Retta, James and 
 Samuel, of whom the last three are now deceased. 
 The father died on the home farm in 1882; he was 
 a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 On August 12, 1886, Mrs. McCorkle was united in 
 marriage with Frederick Whitely, of Somerset 
 township. 
 
 William B. McCorkle was born December lit, 
 1858, on the home farm in this county, and on 
 
 April 5, 1888, was united in matrimonial alliance 
 with Miss Martha J. Bebout. who was born Janu- 
 ary 7, 1868, in Washington county, Penn., and is 
 a daughter of David and Dorothy (McMurray) Be- 
 bout, who reared the following family of children: 
 Catherine (wife of Weir McNary), James, Belle, 
 Frank, Martha J. (Mrs. McCorkle"), Elizabeth, and 
 Dora (the last named being deceased). Her father 
 is a farmer in Cecil township, this county, and both 
 her parents are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. Mr. McCorkle resides on the pleasant 
 and fruitful farm of IOC) acres, where he was 
 born. He and his wife are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and he is a Democrat. 
 
 f,OHN PATRICK DARRAH, a leading re 
 tired agriculturist and a representative self- 
 \Y\ made man, is a native of County Antrim, Ire- 
 ^ land, born in 1826. His father, William 
 Darrah, was married in the "Emerald Isle" to 
 Jennie McMuller, and they had born to them a 
 family of eight children, viz. : Archibald, who 
 died in Kansas; Alexander, who died in the East 
 Indies; George, who died in East Liverpool, Ohio; 
 John, who died in Glasgow, Scotland; John Pat- 
 rick; William (deceased); Annie, married to 
 Michael Parker, and died in Pittsburgh, and Mary, 
 who died in Glasgow, Scotland. The parents both 
 died in Ireland long since. 
 
 John P. Darrah came to America about 1843, 
 with his brother George, landing in Montreal, 
 Canada, whence, two years later, he proceeded to 
 Buffalo, N. Y., by way of the St. Lawrence, Lake 
 Ontario, etc., and thence at once went to Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., where he remained, however, but 
 one year, when he came to Washington county. 
 He was a poor boy, without means to pay for 
 stage hire or any other mode of conveyance, so he 
 had to walk the entire distance from Pittsburgh 
 to the town of Washington. Here he soon ob- 
 tained employment on the National pike, in course 
 of construction between Washington and Wheel- 
 ing, and this was his first start in life in the land 
 of his adoption. Mr. Darrah has been a resident 
 of Washington county ever since. He industriously 
 worked at various employments, practicing strict 
 economy, until he was enabled to buy, in 1861, a 
 farm in Morris township. This he sold, and then 
 bought, in Franklin township, the farm now owned 
 by Nelson Hathaway, where he remained some sev- 
 enteen or eighteen years, when he moved into the 
 city of Washington, having erected his present 
 commodious residence, on the edge of Franklin 
 township. On October 29, 1855, Mr. Darrah was 
 married to Miss Catherine Naughten, a native of 
 Galway, Ireland, whence her family had come to 
 Washington county, her brother John having 
 
328 
 
 U.\Slfl\(ri'ON COUNTY. 
 
 been an early settler here, but they are all now 
 deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Darrab were 
 horn seven children, of whom the following is a 
 In itf record: George B. is a prominent contractor 
 and builder in Washington, Penn. ; Alexander E. 
 is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 lege, and for three years was a professor of Greek 
 and Latin in Beech Grove College, Beech Grove, 
 Tenn. (he is now principal of one of the ward 
 schools in the city of Nashville, Tenn., where he 
 resides); John K. is a law student in the West; 
 Alexander and Robert Emmet both died young; 
 Jennie P. and Anna M. are at home with their 
 father. Mrs. Darrah (the mother of these chil 
 dreu) died August 2, 1889, at the age of about 
 sixty years, and is buried in the Catholic cemetery, 
 ni'iir Washington. Politically, Mr. Darrah has 
 always been a Democrat, but never a partisan, 
 and he is a member of the Catholic Church. He 
 and his wife were the first couple to be married in 
 the old Catholic church building in the borough 
 nf Washington. 
 
 When Mr. Darrah first came to what is now 
 the borough of Washington he found it an old, 
 dead-looking place, without any improvements to 
 speak of. When night-time came the place was 
 covered as with a pall, the darkness was so impen- 
 etrable, the only light visible being from a chance 
 tallow candle placed in a window here and there. 
 Candles were brought to the town by the wagon 
 load from Wellsburg, Mr. Darrah himself having 
 at one time brought a load. It was dangerous to 
 walk the streets at night, owing to the deficiency 
 of lights and the rude condition of the streets 
 The stage coach was a daily visitor at the place, 
 and its arrival and departure produced about the 
 only excitement the staid inhabitants had an op- 
 portunity of indulging in. Taking horses East, 
 "over the mountains," to sell, was at the time a 
 source of considerable revenue. The animals 
 would be taken in large droves, "double-tandem " 
 fashion, with a long, stout rope between each row, 
 to which they were fastened, and every sixth horse 
 had a rider in charge. Mr. Darrah had his share 
 of the hardships incident to those pioneer days, 
 and experienced many privations, but by a life of 
 industry, perseverance and strict temperance he 
 succeeded in overcoming all obstacles and evolving 
 a handsome competence from a commencement of 
 nothing, save a pair of willing hands and a stout 
 heart. 
 
 ^ILLIAM H. MARTIN, a leading farmer 
 and breeder of fine cattle and sheep, of 
 South Strabane township, was born 
 September 9. 1842, on the farm where he I 
 now resides. 
 
 Peter Martin, grandfather of subject, was born 
 
 in 1759 in York county, Penn. He was a son of 
 Samuel Martin, who emigrated from Scotland 
 along with his son James, and was the first of the 
 family to settle in York county, where he followed 
 farming and died. He had five daughters ami 
 two sons. Peter Martin, Sr., purchased a farm of 
 Jacob Shively (the original patent for which, writ 
 ten on sheepskin, is now in the possession of his 
 grandsons). Peter Martin, who had been a farmer 
 iill his days, died May 12, 1843, aged eighty four 
 vears, a member of the old Seceder Church. He 
 had four children, and among the younger mem 
 bers of the family was James Martin, who was born 
 in York county, Penn., May 12, 1792. He was 
 but a child when his parents came to Washington 
 county, and purchased the farm in South Strabane 
 township. James Martin was married, April 19, 
 1821, in Washington county, to Miss Mary White, 
 who was born April 19, 1800, on her father's farm 
 in North Strabaue township, not far from Canons- 
 burg. He was a farmer, and he and wife were 
 I members first of the Seceder Church, then of the 
 I United Presbyterian. Their children were as fol 
 lows: Peter, born February 4, 1822, married to 
 Mary J. Clokey, died December 23, 1862; Samuel, 
 born January 24, 1824. married to Sarah Herron; 
 James, born December 12, 1825, married to Eliza 
 j beth Clokey; John W., born January 11, 1828, 
 married to Elizabeth Allison; Matthew A., born 
 December 7, 1829, unmarried; Mary J., born 
 September 21, 1832, died September 13, 1855, un- 
 married; Ebenezer H., born June 21, 1834, died 
 
 . . . . 
 
 unmarried (was a soldier in the Civil war, ami was 
 
 drowned in the Appomattox, June 23, 1864, while 
 serving in the signal service corps); Ann E., born 
 November 2, 1837, died September 5, 1838; Will- 
 iam H, our subject, aud Thomas Jefferson, unmar- 
 ried. 
 
 William H. Martin was educated in the common 
 schools of his township, and was united in marriage 
 January 17, 1867, with Miss Anna M. Thome, who 
 was born in North Strabane township, a daughter 
 of James Thome. They have two children, Abbie 
 E., wife of Rev. W. A. Jones, of Knoxville, Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., and Willis J. William H. Martin 
 and his brother inherited the old homestead farm 
 of their father and grandfather. They now own 
 325 acres in South Strabane township, most of 
 which is under cultivation. They raise grain, but 
 pay chief attention to the raising and breeding of 
 fine cattle and sheep. William H. Martin is one 
 of the board of directors of the Western Pennsyl- 
 vania Fair Association. He has held various local 
 offices of trust, and is now a school director, hav 
 ing held that office for a number of years. He 
 and his wife are members of the U. P. Church, and 
 he is an elder in the church at Pigeon Creek. In 
 politics he has always supported the Republican 
 party. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 329 
 
 R. J. C. McCTJLLOUGH, a well known 
 I physician of Amwell township, with resi- 
 dence at Lone Pine, is of Scotch -Irish de- 
 scent. His grandfather, William McCul- 
 lough, born in West Bethlehem township, this 
 county, was married to Rebecca Dunn. He passed 
 all his life in that township, following the vocation 
 of a farmer, and died at the age (if about eighty 
 seven years. 
 
 David McCullough, son of William and Rebecca 
 (Dunn) McCullough, was born February 21, 1818, 
 in West Bethlehem township, remaining then- till 
 March, 1S43, when he was united in marriage with 
 Catherine Lancaster, by which union there were 
 born the following children: Hiram, who enlisted 
 in the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and 
 died in prison; Sarah Jane (Mrs. Wood), a resi 
 dent of Greene county, Penn. ; Rebecca, who was 
 killed by a falling tree when eight years of age: 
 John Cary; Mary Elizabeth (Maukey), residing in 
 Washington; Joanna (Mrs. Horn), a resident of 
 Amwell township; Samuel (deceased about the 
 year 1888), who in his lifetime was a skillful 
 wagon maker and blacksmith; Emma (Mrs. Scott), 
 living in Washington county; Ella; William Ells- 
 worth, who died of typhoid fever in L883; Spencer 
 and Newton, residents of Amwell township, both 
 farmers. After his marriage David McCullough 
 moved into Amwell township, east of Amity, near 
 Big creek, and in 1849 located on the hill near the 
 Baptist church, on the Clarktown road. He after- 
 ward moved to his father's farm, remaining there 
 until the spring of 1855, when he went to Aleppo 
 township, Greene county, and purchased a faun 
 which he sold in the spring of 1876; again coming 
 to Washington county in 1883, he bought the place 
 where he now resides, near Amity. For more 
 than forty years he has been a member of the Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian Church, and he has been a 
 lay delegate to the Presbytery. Politically, lie 
 was formerly a Whig, then a Republican, but has 
 never accepted any official positions. 
 
 Mrs. McCullough was a daughter of Samuel 
 Lancaster, and was brought up by the Spencers 
 near Clarksville. They formerly lived near Phila- 
 delphia, and old Mrs. Spencer heard the firing of 
 the guns at the battle of Germantown, during the 
 Revolutionary war. 
 
 J. C. McCullough was born on the farm east of 
 Amity, Washington county, July 2, 1849, and re- 
 mained at home until eighteen years of age, when 
 he began teaching. He taught during the winter 
 time, and was thus enabled to pay the expenses of 
 his attendance at the summer terms at Jackson- 
 ville Academy, and at Waynesburgh, Greene coun 
 ty, until he was twenty-four years of age. Leav- 
 ing college in the junior year, he began studying 
 medicine at Cameron, W. Va., with Dr. S. B. 
 Stidger, the leading physician of the county, and 
 
 under his instruction remained two years, teaching 
 in the winters. At the end of that time he went 
 to the Medical College of Ohio, at Cincinnati, where 
 he spent the winter of 1875-76. He then prac- 
 ticed four years in Marshall county, W. Va., after 
 ward returning to the same college, where he grad- 
 uated with honors March 1, 1881. He took one of 
 the prizes offered to the graduating class of 105 
 pupils (a case of instruments), and stood second in 
 the branches of chemistry and anatomy. He then 
 returned to Marshall county, and on March 19, 
 1SS4, was there united in marriage with Miss Jen- 
 nie Kittle, a daughter of Samuel and Caroline 
 (Wellman) Kittle, at Cameron, W. Va., where he 
 practiced medicine eight years. Their union has 
 been blessed with three children: Loyal C, Myra 
 J. and Samuel Smith. 
 
 In the spring of 1889 Dr. McCullough came to 
 Lone Pine, where he has already secured an ex- 
 cellent practice. He is a thorough, earnest stu- 
 dent, and has evinced great pluck and persever 
 ance, richly deserving the success which has 
 crowned his efforts. In his political opinion he is 
 a Republican, and he was a member of the board 
 of health of Marshall county, W. Va., two years. 
 In religious connection both he and Mrs. McCul 
 lough are members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 J/OSEPH WILLISON. On January 4, 1827, 
 one Daniel Houston purchased 256 acres of 
 j land in Chartiers township, and after the 
 Chartiers Valley It. R. was completed, laid 
 out Houstonville. The fertile valley was a 
 pleasant site for the proposed village, and lots were 
 soon purchased; the work of building progressed 
 rapidly, and ere long a beautiful little town had 
 sprung into existence. Among those who were 
 charmed with the location and appearance of the 
 place was Joseph Willison, a native of Allegheny 
 county, Penn. He is a son of Isaac Willison, who 
 was born in Cumberland county, Penn., and reared 
 on the home farm. In early manhood Isaac Willi 
 son selected a life companion in the person of 
 Maitha, daughter of Stephen Long. She died at 
 Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn., leaving three 
 children, namely: Catharine, Eliza and Joseph 
 Willison. Catharine was married to William Chis- 
 holm. To this union one son was born, and in 
 process of time he became Dr. I. W. Chisholm, of 
 New Concord, Ohio. Eliza married John Cooper, 
 of Venango county, Penn., and to them were born 
 two sons and two daughters. 
 
 Joseph Willison was born August 24, 1823, near 
 Noblestown, Allegheny county, and when yet a boy 
 hired out as a farm hand for one year at $7 per 
 month. His mother died when he was but two 
 days old. and at the age of fourteen years he was 
 left an orphan. At the end of his first year's work 
 
330 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 on the farm he made another bargain, and worked 
 on a farm the following six years for $10 per month, 
 the highest wages then received. His education 
 was obtained at the subscription school, Moon 
 township, Allegheny county, and the Moore school, 
 near Hickory, this county, where he received in- 
 struction at the rate of 2 cents per day — not being 
 a regularly enrolled student. A hard life was that 
 of the homeless orphan lad, but bravely, uncom- 
 plainingly, he struggled on, rewarded at last for 
 iiis indomitable spirit of persevering industry. At 
 the age of twenty-one years he went to work in a 
 flouring mill at Ganonsburg for $10 per month, 
 with his Uncle Butler Willison (who was a cousin 
 of (ien. Ben. Butler), remaining there until he 
 had learned the business. He then went to Pat- 
 ton's mill, working there two years for $12 per 
 month. In 1849 he returned to Canonsburg and 
 took charge of the Hour mill (owned by James 
 Berry) on shares. At that time the mill was not 
 paying expenses, but when, fourteen years later, 
 he retired on account of ill health, they were doing 
 a very prosperous business, and 10,000 bushels of 
 grain were in the mill. On February 12, 1850, 
 this enterprising young business man decided that 
 a permanent partnership was essential to the high 
 est success in life, and to till that important posi 
 tion selected Elizabeth, daughter of William and 
 lillen Black. Children were born to the union of 
 Joseph and Elizabeth Willison as follows: Anna 
 Belle (wife of Charlie Jones), born January 9, 1851, 
 died April 30, 1880, leaving one son and one daugh- 
 ter; Ellen Clara, born January 2, 1852, deceased Oc- 
 tober 30, 1852; and Lizzie, born February 23, 1853, 
 deceased August31, 1877. The mother passed away 
 March 4, 1853, and on June 22, 1854, Joseph Wil- 
 lison was married to Anna, daughter of James and 
 Nancy Lyons, of Beaver county, Penu. To this 
 marriage the following children have been born, of 
 whom the following is a brief record: Linda P., 
 born October 7, 1855, is the widow of John B. 
 Miller, who owned the grain cradle factory; since 
 the death of her husband Mrs. Miller has not only 
 conducted the business with admirable success, but 
 has enlarged the capacity of the mill. Homer I., 
 I lorn May 24, 1857, is now operating his father's 
 farm; he is married to Dorrit, daughter of Andrew 
 Russell. William Oscar, born August 1,1861, is 
 engaged in putting down gas and oil wells; the 
 maiden name of his wife was Jennie Taggart, 
 daughter of Samuel Taggart. J. Knowles was 
 born May 1, 1803, ami died December 30, 1880. 
 Walter D. , born October 25, 1866, is foreman in 
 the grain cradle factory for his sister, Mrs. Miller. 
 Charlie B., born September 18, 1870, is also em- 
 ployed in the same factory. 
 
 In the year 1863 Joseph Willison purchased a 
 farm of 127 acres, situated one mile west of lions 
 touville, Chartiers township. This place is under 
 
 laid with a heavy vein of coal, and contains some 
 of the best buildings within the limits of Wash 
 ington county. In 1886 Mr. Willison sustained a 
 very heavy loss by fire, his barn and grain being 
 utterly destroyed; but he, at once, erected a new 
 barn with the best modern improvements, costing 
 him over $3,00(1. He deals very extensively in 
 stock, having first invested in breeding the Black 
 Top Dickson sheep, which has since been his 
 favorite breed. He has been very successful in 
 this special department of stock raising, and the 
 demand for his sheep is greater than the supply. 
 He sells at various prices, always realizing a hand- 
 some profit from his stock, which is of the finest 
 quality, all being registered. In political opinion 
 he was a Whig and a Republican, and since the or- 
 ganization of the "Prohibition party'' has been 
 one of its most ardent devotees, having cast the 
 first and only vote in his district. He also favors 
 woman's suffrage, and is interested in all the pro 
 gressive and educational movements of the day. In 
 1851 he united with the Presbyterian Church, and 
 twelve years later joined the United Presbyterian 
 Society at Canonsburg, with which Mrs. Willison 
 is also identified. Their home in Houstonville is 
 of the most modern style, lackiug no comfort or 
 luxury which a cultured taste can suggest. 
 
 J'iAMES S. McNARY. Of the McNary family 
 J in Washington, the first (of whom there is 
 j any record) was James, by trade a shoemaker, 
 who was born in Scotland about the year 
 1711, and, according to tradition, moved with his 
 family to the North of Ireland. After sojourning 
 there for a time he and his wife emigrated to 
 America, bringing with them their four sons and 
 one daughter, some of whom had married in Ire 
 land. 
 
 In the year 1760 (as records show) James Mc- 
 Nary bought a tract of land in York county, Penn., 
 in which county he remained for a number of 
 years. He was made an elder (as was also his son 
 John) in the Seceder Congregation of Guinston, 
 one of the oldest congregations of that denomina- 
 tion in America. His sons were: John, James, 
 Thomas and David; his daughter, Jane, married 
 William Robison, and remained for life in York 
 county. The son John came to Washington 
 county in 1801, and bought the tract of land in 
 North Strabane township on which James S. now 
 lives, revisited York county in the fall, expecting to 
 return with his family in the following spring, but 
 died during the winter. All the other sons of 
 James McNary also came to Washington county, 
 Thomas buying land in North Strabane township; 
 James in Chartiers township, and David in Hano 
 ver township. Their father came also, ami lived, 
 up to the time of his death, with his son, David, 
 
Irw 
 
 11 §§Pli 
 
 
 *f^&7 /~i^J <f ' ^'/' ' lS^oZv^S 
 
WA SH1NG TON COtJN T ) . 
 
 333 
 
 dying ia 1796 at the age of eighty-five years; he 
 was buried in the Seceder churchyard near Paris, 
 Washington county. 
 
 John McNary, son of the honored old Scotch 
 pioneer, James, and grandfather of James S., died 
 as already stated in York county, after a visit to 
 and a purchase of land in Washington county. 
 His family consisted of wife (Esther Bogle, a native 
 of Ireland), daughters: Elizabeth (wife of William 
 Douglas), Jane (wife of Robert McKibbeu), Mary 
 (wife of John McCoy), Margaret (wife of James 
 Martin), Esther (wife of Thomas Ewing, and grand 
 mother of Judge Ewing, of Pittsburgh), A^nes 
 (wife of William Pollock) and Jennet (wife of 
 James Marshall); and sons: James, Malcolm, John 
 (father of James S.), Thomas and Alexander. 
 
 John McNary, father of subject, in company 
 with- his brother Alexander, came into possession 
 of the tract of land their father had bought in 
 Washington county, and removed to it from York 
 COUJlty in 18() - 2. John returned to York county 
 and settled up his father's estate there before lo- 
 cating permanently in Washington county. The 
 other brothers, James and Thomas, and all the sis 
 tere, with their husbands, came to Washington 
 county except Elizabeth Douglas, who raised her 
 family in York county. Jennet Marshall subse- 
 quently went to, and raised a family near. Mans 
 field, Ohio. After John had closed up his father's 
 estate, he came to his farm, and soon after mar- 
 ried Jane Hill, who had but recently come from 
 Dauphin county with her sister, Mrs. James Thome, 
 who had settled on a neighboring farm. After 
 their marriage, which occurred on New Year's Day, 
 1805, he settled, in company with his brother Alex 
 ander, on the farm bought by his father, the same 
 on which his son James S. now lives. This farm 
 had been patented by James Gott, in 1784. sold by 
 him to Samuel Smith, and by Smith to John Mc 
 Nary. In a short time Alexander sold his interest 
 in the farm to John, and moved to and became 
 permanently settled in Jefferson county, Ohio. 
 
 The family of John and Jane (Hill) McNary 
 were: sons— William H., John, James S.. Oliver 
 R. and Alexander C. ; daughters — Esther, Jane E. 
 and Abba Caroline, with the following record: 
 William H. [for his record see biography of J. C. 
 McNary]. John lived unmarried on the old farm, 
 and died April 15, 1881. James S. is the subject 
 of this sketch. Esther married Samuel Pollock, 
 and their family consisted of Jennie, James, John, 
 Samuel (who died in youth), Oliver and Clark; Es- 
 ther died November 9, 1890. Jane E. lived all 
 her life unmarried at the old home, and died Oc- 
 tober 26, 1883. Oliver married Ellen Grove, and 
 their family were: Tillie, married to Rev. W. C. 
 Williamson, D. D., now pastor of the U. P. Con- 
 gregation at Keokuk, Iowa; Ella, married to R. L. 
 Munce, Esq. , of Washington county, Penn. ; Net- 
 
 tie; Hettie; James (deceased) and Clarkson, who 
 is surgeon in the Military National Home at Leav- 
 enworth, Kans. (Oliver McNary was major in the ' 
 army during the Rebellion, and a prisoner of war 
 in the prison pens of Charleston and other places, 
 suffering great privation and cruelty, but survived 
 to get home, and is now living in Leavenworth, 
 Kans.). Alexander C. McNary married Maude Burk- 
 hart, and their children were: daughters — Loreua, 
 Ida, Maude and Grace; sons — Eugene, John and 
 Clarence. Alexander McNary died October 18, 
 1886. Abba Caroline, the youngest child of John 
 and Jane McNary, died unmarried at the age of 
 nineteen years. 
 
 Before leaving the biography of John and Jane 
 McNary we will refer briefly to their early farm 
 life, as it contrasts strongly witli that of the pres- 
 ent day, and serves to illustrate the noble charac- 
 ter of those early pioneers. They were 200 miles 
 from where supplies -such as iron, salt, spices or 
 clothing — could be bought, and such of these things 
 as they did get thej carried on horseback over a 
 roadless mountain country. They would slaughter 
 their meat, freeze it, do up the fall work, and start 
 east for salt and other necessaries which the farm 
 would not produce. Their clothing was all made 
 by band at home. From a few native sheep the 
 wool was shorn, then washed, picked, carded, spun 
 and woven, all in their little cabin home. The flax 
 for their linen was grown on the farm, pulled, 
 spread out to bleach, then broken in a flax ' ' break," 
 scutched, spun and woven, all by hand — tools of 
 the most primitive character. In some parts of 
 this work neighbors would join in a "frolic," and 
 in this consisted the amusements of those days. 
 A " fulling frolic" was an event that might be of 
 interest briefly to describe. The neighbors would 
 all be invited for a certain evening, a room having 
 the closest laid floor would be selected, then a num- 
 ber of chairs would be placed in a circle around 
 the room and tied together. The young men, in 
 their bare feet, and with their pants rolled up to 
 the knees, would occupy the chairs; the web of lin 
 sey, or blankets, would be placed on the floor within 
 the circle, and the " machine " was then ready to 
 be set going. The ladies warmed and applied the 
 soapsuds, and the boys would kick the fabric back- 
 ward and forward until it was pronounced properly- 
 fulled. If the kicking should at any time lag, anil 
 it was thought necessary to make it more lively, it 
 was only necessary to raise the temperature of the 
 soapsuds a few degrees above standard heat. Such 
 was a primitive fulling mill. The grain was all 
 taken to a mill on horseback, and ground in a horse 
 mill, the mill being operated by a tramp-wheel, on 
 which was put the horse that carried the grain to 
 mill. The most primitive of all was what was 
 known as the "sweep'' mill, but that gave way in 
 course of time to the less cumbersome "tramp"- 
 
334 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 wheel process. The tramp wheel was about twenty 
 tive feet in diameter, standing at an angle, the 
 horse's weight on one side causing it to revolve, the 
 horse walking as the wheel passed from under him. 
 These mills bad patrons living ten or more miles 
 away, who had to travel that distance, then wait 
 their turn at the mill, do their own grinding and 
 gel home, perhaps, the second day afterward. The 
 tools used for farming purposes were principally 
 made by the farmers themselves, even harness 
 for their horses were manufactured out of the hark 
 of trees, or hickory withes. Only the point and 
 shear of the plows wore made of iron; wooden 
 mouldboards were made from split, twisty oak; 
 shovels, forks, harrows, threshes all of wood; 
 latches, hinges and nails (used for building) —all 
 made by hand. Such was farm life when young 
 James S. , the subject of this sketch, was ahoy. 
 But with all these difficulties in their way in pro- 
 viding for bodily comfort, they did not forget the 
 after part — the mind and soul. John McNary 
 was active in establishing schools for the children, 
 ami church privileges for all. One of the early 
 members of Chartiers Seceder Church, situated 
 live miles distant, he and his family were constant 
 attendants, riding horseback or walking, and often 
 sitting in the church through long winter days 
 with no fire, and walls not built close enough to 
 keep out the winter blasts —manifesting a love of 
 God and for His house, and a devotion to the prin- 
 ciples of their holy religion that the church mem- 
 bers of these favored days would do well to emulate. 
 He was early elected an elder, and served with 
 honor t hrough life. 
 
 Mr. McNary lived to improve his farm; build 
 one of the first brick farm mansions in the vicinity; 
 establish one of the first Merino flocks of sheep, 
 the sheep that made Washington famous as the 
 first and best tine woo! producing county in 
 America; lived to see his family grow up in honor 
 around him, and died February 11, 1844. Jane, 
 his wife, survived him many years as the honored 
 head of the family. Being a woman of more than 
 ordinary physical and mental development, she de- 
 serves special mention for her many excellent (juali 
 tics. In the early struggles for the support of her 
 family she did her part. After the breakfast dishes 
 were set aside she would carry her infant (James 
 S. ) tn the field, lay him in the fence corner, and 
 take her place with the reapers, keeping her land 
 up with the best of them until the noon hour, when 
 she would repair to the house and .bring out the 
 meal to the tield, where dinner was generally eaten, 
 then muse her babe, set the dfthes aside, and take 
 up her sickle again. And t his was not one day's 
 experience, but for days and even years. Her dis- 
 position was ever happy and cheerful. A beautiful 
 singer, she would till her home with good cheer 
 
 and hospitality, ami even to old age Grandmother 
 
 McNary seemed supremely cheerful, happy and 
 kind, enjoying with a relish the fun and enjoyment 
 of children and grandchildren, who often and 
 gladly assembled to enjoy the loving hospitality 
 and tender, a ffcctionate greeting ever sure to be en- 
 joyed at her home. She died January 11, 1867, 
 at the good old age of eighty-seven years. 
 
 Before leaving this old home, which was a typo 
 cil many others in those primitive times, whose lot 
 would seem to be so hard and almost void of com- 
 fort, we would record that in the midst of all there 
 was a happiness and enjoyment, a real pleasure 
 in their busy lives, of which the rich and idle in 
 homes of luxury never know. No jealousies were 
 there to rankle, no envy to corrode; no idle hours 
 to drag their weary blighting miasma over the life 
 — their very cares were their comforts, and life 
 was a blessing because it was tilled to the brim 
 with doing good and enjoying it. 
 
 The above record gives some idea of the scenes 
 and circumstances surrounding the subject of this 
 sketch in his early life; and of the mother that nur- 
 tured and trainedhim — all favorable to the develop 
 ment of a vigorous, healthy, mental, mora! and 
 physical; and such was the nature of James S. Mc- 
 Nary. In strength of character, integrity of pur 
 pose, industry, hospitality and vigor of body and 
 mind, his ''make up," so to speak, was of a nature 
 to prove the value of early training and good intlu 
 euce. Had he chosen a public profession, he would 
 have taken a front rank, and become the leader of 
 thought and progress among men; but he chose — 
 partly from the need of his services at home, and 
 partly from native taste, being rather of a retiring 
 disposition — the life of a farmer, a calling as honor 
 able as that of the legislator, scientist, or military 
 hero, but one that does not usually share with 
 them in public applause His renown is in richer 
 fields and liner flocks. His benefactions are the 
 making of two blades of grass grow where but 
 one grew before. 
 
 In person Mr. McNary was in his younger days 
 tall and muscular; in disposition cheerful and 
 happy. In vigor of constitution he had few equals; 
 in judgment, calm, cautious, but in the end de- 
 cided, the wisdom of his council was sought far 
 and wide. In industry and perseverance he 
 was proverbial. He never surrendered to diffi- 
 culties nor was faint-hearted when trials came. A 
 little incident illustrative of his character in th is 
 regard might be admissible here. One day, when 
 he was eighty years old, he was standing in the 
 hind end of his wagon, when the horse, by a cpiick 
 movement forward, threw him out backward, on 
 the hard street, his head striking on a stone, which 
 cut a gash on the side of his head, rendering him in- 
 sensible for the time. He was assisted into an 
 office near by, and a conch made for him to lie on 
 while his wound was being sewed up. When all 
 
WASHINGTON COt \ T) 
 
 335 
 
 was ready be was told to lie down, but in reply be 
 simply told him to go "on with th<»ir sewing."' 
 " Nh," said the others, "lie down on the lounge." 
 "No." Still they insisted until, becoming quite 
 impatient, be said: "go on with your sewing, 1 
 ain't the lying kind." And truly it may be said of 
 him that in all his long life lie was not one of the 
 lying kind. "Doing everything right" was his 
 motto; doing it the easy way and doing it right 
 was his ingenuity. And being of more than 
 ordinary strength of body and muscle, coupled with 
 a thoughtful and ingenious mind, he could accom- 
 plish more in a day in advancing farm work than 
 was usual among men. When it came to doing 
 hard work on the farm he acknowledged no supe 
 rior, if any equal. When he was in the prime ol 
 manhood the grain was cut with the cradle; the 
 grass cut with the scythe; hay pitched with a fork, 
 in each case bodily strength and muscle being 
 necessary to the utmost limit, and for that ver) 
 reason he seemed to delight in doing them and doing 
 
 more than anybody else i Id Mr. McNary was 
 
 married on the second Tuesday of October, 1841, 
 to Rachel' Anderson, who with an infant son died 
 August 3, 1842, and they were buried in the same 
 grave. He never again married. He lived for 
 many years on his "Rich Hill farm in South 
 Strabane township, until he purchased the old John 
 McNary homestead where he has since lived. He 
 delights in keeping his friends about him, and 
 when any one of them seems to need a home, his 
 is open to them. If ho did not raise a family of 
 his own, he helped to raise those of others, with a 
 father's devotion and care. Early in life he joined 
 Ohartiers U. P. Church, and has been a member 
 of same all his life, and if the record were known 
 he has perhaps spent as many days upon the pub 
 lie ministry in that congregation as any member 
 in it. besides contributing as much to its support. 
 He on one occasion, as a member of the board of 
 trustees, while discussing the question of raising 
 and paying the pastor's salary, objected to the 
 practice then almost universal of paying when 
 they might have the money, saying to the board: 
 "Pay it when it is due; if you have not got the 
 money in the treasury, come to me and get it. " 
 And true to his promise, he made up what was 
 necessary and not in the treasury, on the day of 
 each quarter out of his own pocket when due, the 
 result being that the old congregation for almost 
 the first time paid the salary promptly when due, 
 until the habit of doing so became formed, ami is 
 practiced faithfully (to its honor be it said) to the 
 present day. 
 
 In politics Mr. McNary was originally an Anti 
 slavery Whig; was on the ground floor in the Re 
 publican party; rejoiced in the downfall of Ameri 
 can slavery, and the overthrow of the Rebellion, 
 He has always been a consistent temperance man, 
 
 and an earnest advocate of all moral reforms. He 
 was one of the incorporators of the Oak Spring 
 Cemetery Company, and helped by his counsel to 
 
 ( \ert the old planless, neglected, burying 
 
 place into one of the neatest, most artistic and 
 worthy memorial grounds in the county. He was 
 a stockholder in the Canonsburg National Bank, 
 also of the Citizens Bank (limited), in that 
 borough, and of the Western Pennsylvania Agri 
 cultural Association, thereby showing his public 
 spirit and interest in all the movements tending to 
 promote and develop the resources of the county. 
 He was one of the organizing members of the 
 National Delaine Sheep Breeders Association, and 
 now owns one of the best bred (locks of Delaine 
 sheep in the United States, never having been 
 beaten in any fair for the best Delaine wool. And 
 now in his hospitable home, at (he age of eighty 
 three years, he is living with an active interest in 
 the welfare of friends and church and country, and 
 awaiting the reward promised the faithful in the 
 
 H olid to come. 
 
 JC MoNARY, Canonsburg. W. H. McNary, 
 the eldest son of John McNary, of North 
 ' Strabane township, was born November 26, 
 1805, lb- received his education in a log 
 school house under the tuition of "old Master 
 Howe" (as he was called), who taught for twenty 
 
 liv asecutive years in the same place, and he 
 
 was the only teacher William had. But, being a 
 devoted reader, and, withal, an apt scholar, he se- 
 cured an education thai enabled him to take his 
 place among his fellow men as a leader of thought, 
 always able to give a reason for the faith he pro 
 fessed in an intelligent 'and easy manner. 
 
 On February '_'<>, 1828, he married Margaret 
 Murray, by which union there were twelve children, 
 of whom the following is a brief record; Mary died 
 at the age of four years. John ('. is the subject of 
 this sketch. Martha .lane married Robert Russel, 
 Esq., of Chartiers township, who was a leading 
 farmer, a progressive stock breeder, and an elder 
 in Chartiers U. P. Church, and is now deceased. 
 George died at the age of five years. Margaretta 
 died when twenty one years old. , lames W. married 
 Hettie Williamson, a minister in the Presbyterian 
 Church, and I hey settled at Milwaukee, Wis.; they 
 have three children: Nellie, Willie and Foster. 
 William T. married Elizabeth Graham; their chil- 
 dren; Lida, Willie, Nora, Graham, Margaretta, 
 George and John ; he is a minister in the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and settled at Tarkio, Mo.; 
 had the degree of D. D. conferred on him, and is 
 president of the board of trustees of Tarkio Col 
 lege; was also a colonel in the army during the 
 Civil war. Anna Maria married Rev. E. G. Me 
 Kinley, a Presbyterian minister, and they settled 
 
336 
 
 WASHINGTON COUX T Y. 
 
 at Bartow, Fla. ; their children: Russel, Gretta 
 and Louise. Thomas M. lives with his Uncle James 
 in North Strabane township. Oliver died at the 
 age of twelve years. Carrie (twin of Emma) mar- 
 ried Rev. J. Buff Jackson, a minister in the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and they settled at Morning 
 Sun, Iowa; their children: Bessie, William, Retta, 
 John, Russel (twin, deceased in infancy), Reed 
 (twin; and Martha. Emma (twin of Carrie) died 
 at sixteeu years of age. These are the children 
 and grandchildren of V? . H. McNary. 
 
 After the marriage of William they lived for three 
 years on the farm known as the ''Rich Hill farm,'' in 
 South Strabane township; then purchased and 
 moved to the McNary homestead, known as the 
 "Fine View farm." in Chartiers township. He 
 was an industrious, devoted farmer, and made the 
 breeding of fine Merino sheep a specialty in his 
 farming operations, in which he was successful in 
 having one of the best tloeks in the county. He 
 was a very zealous friend of education, and spared 
 neither labor nor expense in securing for his fam- 
 ily the best of school privileges. He was for 
 thirty years an elder in Chartiers Seceder (later the 
 United Presbyterian) Church, a leader in church 
 work, and was often chosen to represent the con- 
 gregation in the higher courts of the church. He 
 was conspicuous as one of the original anti slavery 
 men of the country. He believed slavery to be a 
 irrime agaiust God and man alike, and an injury to 
 master and slave as well — a disgrace to our fair 
 nation, and a blight and injury to the county and 
 State where it existed. He was very bold and fear- 
 less, even at the risk of bodily harm, in denounc 
 ing and opposing it iu those dark times, when 
 slavery was defended in Congress by the bludgeon, 
 and the slave hunter in northern States by Federal 
 law. He sheltered and assisted therunaway, when 
 to do so meant fine and imprisonment by the laws 
 of the country. He was present and active at the 
 meeting in Pittsburgh where the Republican party 
 was born, and lived to see the triumph of the prin- 
 ciples he so long defended in the overthrow of 
 slavery and the enfranchisement of the colored 
 race. He was also an earnest advocate of temper 
 ance; was one of the first farmers, where he lived, 
 to oppose and abandon the practice of the constant 
 use of liquor in the harvest fields and gathering of 
 neighbors for the assistance of one another. On 
 questions of right and wrong lie was fearless and 
 uncompromising — he would denounce evil and evil- 
 doers with a severity which perhaps at times would 
 do no good, but rather made him enemies at. the 
 time. Yet, withal, he was one of the kindest of 
 men; no appeal for help from the needy was ever 
 unheeded, nor any sent hungry away from his 
 door, his house being proverbial for its hospitality 
 to neighbor, friend or stranger alike. In 1 801 he 
 left the farm, moving to ( 'anonsburg, and there — 
 
 busy as ever with his lots and houses — his pastime 
 and pleasure was to be doiug something. He 
 could not be idle; never was known to sit and 
 while away the time aimlessly. Although reading 
 was part of his industry, one seldom saw him 
 without book or paper in his hand when at rest in 
 his home. He died September 10, 1877, more 
 honored in his death than in his life by all who 
 knew him for his many sterling qualities of head 
 and heart. His wife Margaret survived him but a 
 few years. She was a lovely woman, beloved by 
 everybody; of a meek and quiet spirit, a striking 
 contrast to the restless energy of her husband, 
 and yet seeming to honor him the more for what 
 she termed his " fuss and energy.'' 
 
 John C. McNary, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, the oldest son of William and Margaret 
 McNary, was born on the Rich Hill farm in South 
 Strabane township, July 30, 1830. He passed all 
 his early life on the farm with his father in Char- 
 tiers township, to which the latter moved in 1832. 
 His privilege was to attend one of the best com- 
 mon schools of the county, which became so 
 through the energy and love of education of his 
 father, and a few other worthy patrons whom we 
 would take a pleasure in naming: They were John 
 Hays, John Haft,Samuel Gri frith. George Barnet and 
 others, who from time to time came into the dis- 
 trict. On October 20, 1859, J. C. McNary was 
 married to Mary Jane Rankin, of Mercersburg, 
 Perm., who died June 28, 1866, aged thirty seven 
 years. Her six children (there being two pairs of 
 twins among them) all died in infancy. Mr. Mc- 
 Nary afterward married, May 20, 1868, Abba T. 
 Pollock, and their children were Mary Ellen, Mat 
 tie J. R. , James T., William Houston, John 
 Thome, and Nanuie Jeunett. Of these, Mary El 
 len married George Paxton, January 20, 1892, 
 and settled on a farm near Houstonville, in Char- 
 tiers township; Mattie J. R. died September 20, 
 1S92, of typhoid fever, at her father's home in 
 Cauonsburg, at the age of twenty one years; James 
 T. died March 3(1, 1880, of inflammatory rheuma 
 tism; William H.. John T. and Nannie J. are all 
 at home with their parents, and attending school. 
 Our subject early united with the U. P. Church of 
 Chartiers, of which he was elected an elder. On 
 the organization of a congregation in Houstonville, 
 he became a member there, as he felt it his duty 
 to take his place where he was most needed. He 
 remained to see the young congregation well es- 
 tablished; and when he moved to Canonsburg (in 
 1892) he again united with old Chartiers, the 
 church of his father. Politically, Mr. McNary is 
 an anti-saloon Republican — an ardent Protection 
 ist — and as these two great principles are not em- 
 bodied in any one party just at the present day, 
 he is not a very ardent party man, but hopes for 
 the day when, like the revolution of 1856, good 
 
WASHINGTON COU.\ D 
 
 337 
 
 men all over the country will again unite, inde- 
 pendent of old party trammel, in defense of all true 
 reform. Before the war be was a brigadier gen- 
 eral in tbe State Guards, and at times is called 
 "General." For twenty consecutive years, while 
 in the township, he was justice of the peace, and 
 is on that account also familiarly called " squire." 
 He has been entrusted with the settlement of very ' 
 many estates, and always took an active part in all 
 local improvements. He is one of the incorpor- j 
 ators of Oak Spring Cemetery Co . and of Western 
 Penn. Agricultural Association. He was one of the 
 original breeders of the National Delaine sheep, 
 and the first man to ever adopt and advertise a 
 flock with the title, '• The Delaine Merino." He 
 is president of the Citizens Bank (limited), Can- 
 ousburg, in which borough he is now living, for the 
 purpose of securing better school privileges for 
 his family, and to be near his other business inter- 
 eats, as well as to escape the care and labor of 
 farm life, believing that when all the rest do as 
 much hard work as he has, it will be all done: and 
 also to be near to enjoy the religious privileges of 
 God's house, and attend all the meetings for 
 prayer and religious conference, believing them to 
 be our richest inheritance in this famed land 
 
 [For the ancestry of W. II. McNary, father oi J, < * 
 see biography of James B, McNary, 
 
 JAMES HARVEY COLEMAN, an energetic, 
 successful business man, and a representa- 
 tive of one of the oldest families of Canons- 
 burg, is a son of James Coleman, and a 
 grandson of Christopher Coleman. 
 Christopher Coleman was born in Germany, im 
 migrating to America during the last century. He 
 was married to a native of New Jersey, who died 
 in Washington county. He died about the year 
 1819, in Canonsburg, leaving the following named 
 sons: William, Jacob, James, David and Simp- 
 son, some of whom were soldiers in the war of 
 1812. James Coleman was born in eastern Penn 
 sylvania, and learned the trade of cooper, which 
 he followed at Canonsburg for over fifty years. 
 He was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of 
 William Baxter, of Washington county. William 
 Baxter was a native of Ireland, and firbt settled in 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., afterward moving to 
 Washington county. He was married to Jane 
 Sealon, and passed the remainder of his life at 
 Canonsburg, dying in 1819. His wife died in 
 1840, leaving the following children: Robert, 
 William, Joseph, James, Jane and three other 
 daughters, all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 James and Jane (Baxter) Coleman made a per 
 manent home near Canonsburg:, where the former 
 died in 1871. at the age of eighty years, and the 
 latter ten years later, aged eighty-two. Their 
 
 children were William (deceased, who was a resident 
 of California, and member of the Senate of that 
 State). David (who served in the Eighth Missouri 
 Regiment as adjutant, then as colonel, coming 
 home as brigadier general, after participating in 
 twenty-two battles; he was appointed marshal of 
 St. Louis), John P. (deceased colonel of the Thir- 
 teenth Missouri Infantry; served in the Civil war, 
 but was not wounded). James Harvey (subject of 
 our sketch), Joseph C. (served in an Ohio regi 
 rneut, now a printer at Columbus, Ohio), Henry 
 M. (for over thirty live years a resident of Call 
 fornia), Mary Jane (deceased in infancy), Samuel 
 (a druggist, captain of the Thirteenth Missouri 
 Infantry), Frank (lieutenant of Company D, Tenth 
 Pennsylvania Reserves), A. A. (a member of the 
 One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I.I, and an un 
 named infant. Of the children who survived in 
 fancy, all lived to be over thirty years of age before 
 any death occurred among them. 
 
 James Harvey Coleman was born February 28, 
 1829, near Canonsburg, and was reared to man 
 hood in the vicinity. He learned the trade of 
 cooper, and followed it fourteen years. On De- 
 cember 12, 1854, he and his brother Samuel 
 opened a drug and book store at Canonsburg. In 
 1857 he was married to Miss May Belle, daughter 
 of Robert White, of North Strabane township, 
 whose parents were natives of Ireland. Robert 
 White was formerly a cooper, and afterward fol- 
 lowed farming. He was married to Ruth Chub- 
 bic, of North Strabane township, and reared a 
 large family, of whom eight are now living, the 
 four daughters living in this county. To the 
 union of James Harvey and May Belle (White) 
 Coleman the following named children were born: 
 Addie Jean (wife of A. C. Bane, of Pittsburgh. 
 Penn.), Ella Mary and Dora (both of whom are 
 living at home), Edward White (a druggist of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.), George Curtis (living in Cali- 
 fornia), Charles (was employed as a tailor for four 
 years, then opened business for himself at Canons- 
 burg), Robert and John, the latter two being de 
 ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Coleman have always 
 resided at Canonsburg, and in religious faith the 
 family are among the early Presbyterians of the 
 county. In politics he was originally a Whig, 
 and in 1856 became a worker for the Republican 
 party; he has served his constituents as treasurer 
 of Canonsburg, and school director. 
 
 dlOHN M. GRABLE is a native of Washington 
 county. Penn., born in Fallowfield township 
 ] January 2, 1846, a son of Joel, who was a 
 son of John, who was a son of John. 
 John Grable, his great-grandfather, was born in 
 Washington county, Md. , in 1754, and died in 
 1785. On December 10, 1779, he was married to 
 
338 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Salome Hickman, and by ber had four children, 
 viz. : Jonathan, Jacob, John and Joseph. The 
 mother of this family died in 1 S T> 4 ; she and her 
 husband lived in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
 John Grable, grandfather of John M., was born 
 in Chester county, Penn., in 17JI7, and died inl822. 
 He was by trade a tanner, in connection with 
 which he followed fanning, being owner of 401) 
 acres of land which had been patented by his 
 father under a Virginia grant, and repatented 
 since the war. He married Miss Mary Carson, a 
 native of Washington county, and four children 
 were born to them: Joel, Jerome, Mary Ann and 
 Julia (married to John McCormick, a farmer of 
 Washington county). Jonathan Grable, a brother 
 of John, was a major in the war of 1812. 
 
 Joel Grable, father of John M. . was born in 
 1819 in Fallowtield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where all Ij is school days were passed. 
 In 1842 he married Miss Maria, daughter of John 
 Mitchell, a Washington county farmer, and two 
 sons and five daughters blessed their union, viz. : 
 John M., Julian, Jane, Zidaua, Josephine, Box- 
 anna and Carrie B., the last three named being 
 now deceased. Julian married Angeline, daughter 
 of Henry Fry, a well-known farmer of this county. 
 and two sons and one daughter came by this mar- 
 riage, all living at the home place with Joel Gra- 
 ble, whose wife had passed away in 1888. The 
 farm comprises 150 acres of improved laud, and 
 the family own 443 acres further down the river. 
 Joel Grable has served his township in various 
 offices of trust, and was a justice of the peace 
 eight years. 
 
 John M. Grable attended the common schools 
 of the district, and worked on the home farm un- 
 til he came of age. He then embarked in the in- 
 surance business, as solicitor for A. C. Sampson, of 
 Mouongahela City, with whom he remained some 
 years; then moved to York county, same State, 
 where he conducted an agency in the same line of 
 business. Returning to Washington county, he 
 started a grocery store at Bentleyville, which he 
 carried on for some years; then moved into Mo 
 inMigabela City and opened an insurance office, 
 where he has built up a satisfactory and safe busi- 
 ness in both fire and life insurance. On November 
 25, 1875, Mr. Grable was married to Margaret. 
 daughter of William H. Jones (of whom special 
 mention is here made). They have no children. 
 In politics our subject is a Democrat, and has for 
 many years taken an active interest in the affairs 
 of his party. He has served as mayor of Monon 
 ^ahela City several terms. 
 
 William H. Jones, one of the oldest residents of 
 Monongahela City, was born October 1<>, 1809, in 
 Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn. His 
 father. William Jones, was born in Baltimore 
 county, Md., in 1763, a son of a resident of the 
 
 same State, who was a sailor by occupation and 
 was lost at sea; his children were Mary (Mrs. 
 Joseph Alexander) and William. After the death, 
 by drowning, of her husband, Mrs. Jones married 
 a Mr. Woods, by whom she had two children. 
 Eliza and John; this husband dying, she married, 
 for her third husband, a Mr. Morton. William 
 Jones was reared in his native county, and learned 
 the trade of blacksmith, which he followed for a 
 time in the town of Harper's Ferry. He married 
 Elizabeth McClelland, and to this union were born 
 children as follows: John, Elijah, Ruth, Delilah 
 (married to Rev. James Mills), Jesse Samuel, Re- 
 becca (married to Andrew Mills), Rosanna F. H. 
 (Mrs. Williams), Elizabeth (Mrs. James McCan- 
 ley), Ann (Mrs. John Hess) and William H. The 
 father of this family came to Washington county 
 prior to 1700, and settled on a partly improved 
 farm of 350 acres in Somerset township, which 
 he had purchased. This property he improved, at 
 the same time carrying on a blacksmith shop, 
 where, during the " Whiskey Rebellion," he shod 
 the horses of the cavalry that were sent to suppress 
 the rising. He died in 1863, at the patriarchal 
 age of one hundred years, lacking twenty days. Of 
 the M. E. Church he was long a member, and Was 
 frequently elected to office in the same, but whilst 
 truly loyal to his own particular persuasion, he 
 contributed freely of his means to all churches. 
 " He was strictly temperate in all things, of a 
 quiet disposition, calm in judgment, firm in prin- 
 ciple, inflexible in the performance of all his 
 duties to God and to man as was given him to see 
 right.'' 
 
 William H. Jones received his education at the 
 subscription schools of the neighborhood of his 
 birthplace, and as soon as he wasold enough com- 
 menced working on his father's farm, on which lie 
 lived and labored until 1886, when he came to 
 Monongahela City, where he has since had his 
 home. On May 1, 18 — , he was married to Sarah, 
 daughter of John Fulmer, of Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and the issue of this union are the follow 
 ing named children: Leonidas, William, Mary 
 (Mrs. William Patton), Kate (Mr. John K. Me 
 Millan), Margaret (Mrs. John M. Grable), Albeit 
 S., Rose, Frank, Flora, and John S. Mr. Jones 
 is a member of the M. E. Church, in which he held 
 various offices while residing in Somerset township, 
 and he is now a trustee of the church in Mononga 
 hela City. Politically, he was a Whig originally, 
 and since the formation of the party he has been a 
 
 ■ stanch Republican. Of the school board of Som 
 erset township he was an enthusiastic member. 
 
 j Up to within the past few years Mr. Jones was act 
 ively engaged in farming pursuits, in which he 
 realized a comfortable competence, and now he is 
 living retired in the enjoyment of peace and 
 (piiei ude, 
 
UASHIXGTON COUN T) 
 
 339 
 
 JjOHN C. SLOAN. The most successful men 
 in the arena of life are not usually those who 
 ) have been reared in the lap of luxury and 
 idleness, but are men who have braved the 
 bitter storms of hardship and poverty, hewing 
 their way through every difficulty to positions of 
 honor and prominence. Among the few who have 
 thus risen from the ranks to places of recognized 
 power and leadership, the Sloan family are most 
 conspicuous. 
 
 •lames Sloan was born in 1776, iu County Ty- 
 rone, Ireland, and when a young man was married 
 to Martha Sloan, who was born in 1779, also a na- 
 tive of that county. They were distant relatives, 
 many of the early Sloan family having settled in 
 County Tyrone years before. Mr. and Mrs. Sloan 
 rented a farm of thirty acres, where he became a 
 prosperous fanner, but the tenant system of Ire- 
 land contained many features which no high spir- 
 ited man could brook with patience. When James 
 Sloan first entered the presence of his landlord, he 
 was required to take off his hat and place it under 
 his arm. He obeyed, but inwardlv vowed that 
 never again would he submit to such an order. To 
 quote his own words: "I am willing to remove my 
 hat to superior worth, goodness or mental quali- 
 ties, but not to a man whose sole distinction is 
 his riches." With true Irish independence, James 
 Sloan sold his lease, which was valuable, inasmuch 
 as he was able to employ workmen, while his own 
 time was occupied in attending markets. Deter- 
 mined to seek a home where none could force his 
 fealty or homage, with his wife, her mother, and 
 two childreu (Jane and John), he set sail from Bel 
 fast, bidding farewell to one little grave on the 
 soil of old Erin. They touched at Liverpool, and 
 after a six-weeks' voyage arrived at New York. 
 During the trip so fierce a storm arose that the 
 hatches of the vessel had to be battened down, con- 
 fining the passengers below for twenty four hours. 
 In the meantime a sailor was washed overboard, 
 but was rescued by a comrade. The elder passen 
 gers were troubled with sea-sickness, but the chil- 
 dren were well, both crew and passengers finally 
 arriving in New York, in the summer of 1804. 
 
 The Sloans stopped two weeks with friends, and 
 recruited from the long voyage, then proceeded on 
 their journey, whither, they scarcely knew, but 
 finally paused at Gettysburg, Penn., where they 
 secured a vacant house; the wife and her mother 
 then began to mend their clothing and clean the 
 household effects. It was harvest time, aud for 
 three weeks Mr. Sloan assisted the farmer who 
 owned the house. He then secured a horse and 
 cart, packed the household goods, and with the 
 family journeyed westward to Washington county, 
 Penn., where his wife had relatives. A month 
 later they arrived in Hopewell township, this coun- 
 ty, and remained for a time on the farm now owned 
 
 by James Maxwell, then the home of an aunt of 
 Mrs. Sloan. On this farm Robert was born Au- 
 gust 8, 180 4. Mr. Sloan had obtained a good sum 
 of money from the sale of his property in Ireland, 
 part of which he invested in the farm of seventy - 
 five acres now occupied by his son, reserving the 
 remainder for other uses. This land was a portion 
 of the ")00-acre tract granted to Col. Chambers, in 
 consideration of his services in the Revolutionary 
 war. A house (the first built of hewn logs) was 
 then erected upon the farm (being considered a 
 very luxurious dwelling in those da_\s), and new 
 settlers beginning to arrive, Mr. and Mis. Sloan 
 were found congenial associates in t heir new home. 
 They had both united with the Presbyterian Church 
 in Ireland, and brought their letters with them, 
 which they placed in the Church at Upper Buffalo. 
 After coining to this county, the following chit 
 dren were added to the family circle: Robert, 
 William, Mary Ann, Margaret, James, Eliza, Mar- 
 tha, one deceased in infancy and John C. (whose 
 name opens this sketch). The father voted the 
 Democratic ticket until 1835, when he joined the 
 Whig party. He died in September, 1851, in his 
 sixty-fourth year; his widow reached her eighty - 
 fifth birthday, and passed away August 18, 1865. 
 Her mother, who had crossed the ocean with her 
 children, lived with a bachelor son in Cross Creek 
 township, this county, until she was one hundred 
 years of age. She then came to live with her 
 grandson, John O, where she awaited the final 
 call, living over again the happy days of child- 
 hood, knowing no care or anxiety, aud finally passed 
 away, peacefully as might a child, in her one hun- 
 dred and ninth year. 
 
 John C. Sloan was born September 8, 1820, in 
 Hopewell township, this county, being nine years 
 younger than the other children. He passed his 
 boyhood on the home farm, attending the country 
 school, of which he retains a vivid recollection, de- 
 scribing it as follows: "Built of round logs, the 
 crevices chinked with clay; the great fireplace con- 
 structed of the same material, with an old- 
 fashioned stove, so large that it would hold great 
 logs; the seats of hewed slabs without backs, up- 
 on which the luckless urchins sat and dangled 
 their short legs, which in many cases failed by 
 several inches to reach the floor." The first 
 teacher, of whom Mr. Sloan has any recollection, 
 was Joseph G. Chambers, son of Col. Chambers. 
 Joseph G. Chambers was a remarkable man in 
 many ways, possessing unusual intelligence; by 
 self-exertion he won a place for himself beyond 
 the reach of many even at that day. Possessing a 
 wonderfully active brain, he prepared a system of 
 English spelling; he discarded superfluous letters, 
 having published a book to illustrate the plan. 
 But his system was not adopted, the educational 
 world then having had but little idea of phonic 
 
340 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNT*! 
 
 orthography, which be was one of the first to ad- 
 vocate in America. He was the originator of re 
 peating gnus, and attempted to have his invention 
 patented, bul their was much delay and trouble 
 on the part of the Government. Agents of the 
 English Government attempted to get control of 
 the invention, offering a large sum of money. 
 This fact coming to the knowledge of American 
 officials, Alf. Chambers was put under surveillance 
 for treason, being saved from harsh dealing only 
 by the entreaties of influential friends. In the 
 end he met with the fate of many inventors who 
 have trusted the American Government for protec- 
 tion of genius — his invention went begging for 
 recognition. He was a pioneer leader in the now 
 modern fields of literature and education, and, 
 though not a lawyer, was well versed in legal 
 matters, possessing all the legal qualifications of a 
 jurist. In character, Mr. Chambers was, when 
 necessary, stern and unflinching, in matters of 
 principle, withal being kind and affectionate in 
 disposition, qualities which are seldom blended in 
 one individual. A man of excellent judgment, and 
 calm, well-balanced mind, he was frequently called 
 upon to settle feuds and differences in his com- 
 munity, his decision being accepted as an ulti- 
 matum. 
 
 John C. Sloan appreciated the advantages he 
 enjoyed under the tutelage of so intellectual and 
 cultured a professor, proving himself an apt pupil, 
 and learning invaluable lessons which have greatly 
 influenced his later life. Mr. Sloan's parents 
 plauned to give him a classical education as a 
 preparation for professional life, and to that end 
 he was sent, at the age of thirteen years, to an 
 academy at Florence, this county. He remained 
 there eighteen months, beginning a course in Latin 
 literature, but was then obliged to return home 
 and take charge of the farm, leaving his education 
 somewhat deficient. He afterward attended Frank- 
 fort Academy one winter, and has since supple- 
 mented his early training with an extensive course 
 of reading and general information, gleaned from 
 active intercourse with business men. On October 
 1(5, 1855, he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Ann Denny, who was born December 21, 1818, in 
 Washington county, Penn., daughter of Robert 
 and Lydia (McManus) Denny, old residents of 
 Washington county, and to their union five chil 
 dren have been born, namely: James S. , Martha 
 Jane, Mary M., Robert D. and Lizzie A. Of this 
 family the eldest son is married and living in 
 Hopewell township; the others are yet residing 
 with their parents. 
 
 Mr. Sloan has inherited the characteristic spirit 
 of energy and principles of integrity which are 
 distinguishing traits of the majority of the Scotch 
 Irish race. He lias ever taken an active interest 
 in political matters, being among the first to aid 
 
 any progressive movement. In earlier life he was 
 and Old line Whig, and upon the organization of 
 the Republican party he became an active worker 
 in its ranks. In 1855 he was the first represent- 
 ative elected on that ticket to the General Assembly. 
 He was one of the committee on agriculture, also 
 on banking, and was instrumental in the passage of 
 numerous bills of local interest, transacting a 
 large amount of land-office business for his con- 
 stituents. The principal act of that session of 
 general importance was the sale of the public works, 
 in which Mr. Sloan was actively interested. In 
 1857 an extra sei-sion of the Legislature was called, 
 to consider some method of relieving the great 
 financial crisis of that year, and a bill of relief 
 was passed, after which the Legislature adjourned. 
 To illustrate the financial condition of the country 
 at that time, Mr. Sloan was unable to pay his fare 
 from Washington to Harrisburg with currency- 
 issued by any State bank of Pennsylvania, only 
 three of the State banks having withstood the 
 crash, and they had no paper in circulation. After 
 his term in the Legislature had expired, Mr. Sloan 
 determined to retire from public life, declining a 
 reuomination as representative, but has continued 
 to serve in township and county offices. He has 
 hell all of the township offices except that of 
 jus! ice of the peace, which he declined. He was 
 school director for twenty years, and served as 
 director of the County Home for twelve consecutive 
 years. He has kept pace with the progressive 
 movements of each year, learning the best methods 
 and systems of carrying on public work. He has 
 visited most of the asylums and almshouses in the 
 State, taking a very pardonable pride in the fact 
 that Washington county is equal if not superior 
 to any other. In his boyhood Mr. Sloan united 
 with the Presbyterian Church, in whose teaehingsbe 
 was reared to manhood, and with his entire family 
 is now connected with the Old Presbyterian 
 Church at Buffalo. He was for many years a 
 member of the board of trustees, also taking a 
 deep interest in the Sabbath school, where he has 
 long taught an interesting Bible class. 
 
 JAMES PATTERSON SAYER, whose name 
 and worth will long be remembered in Wash 
 ington county, throughout the length and 
 breadth of which he was known and respected, 
 was a native of the Keystone State, born in the 
 city of Allegheny, August 6, 1845. 
 
 He was the eldest son of Henry A. Sayer. who 
 was an Englishman by birth, and was the nine 
 teeuth sou in a family of twenty-four children- 
 full brothers aud sisters. Henry A. crossed the 
 great waters of the Atlantic, to make a new home on 
 American soil, and whether infatuated with the 
 an, or not. the greater part of his life was spent 
 
t-C^~J 
 
 i C TUtZC^^ 
 
WASHIXinoX COUNTY. 
 
 343 
 
 on the waters of our most navigable rivers, acting 
 in the capacity of steward. In form he was tall 
 and slender; iij religion he was a Protestant, wor- 
 shiping with the Methodist Episcopal denomina- 
 tion. At the age of thirty he was married in Al- 
 legheny to Miss Margaret Boyd Patterson, and to 
 them three children were given, viz. : Eliza E., 
 James P. and Charles B. The duty of rearing 
 these children devolved largely upon the mother, 
 the father being absent from home much of the 
 time. The parents resided in the town in which 
 they were married until 1804, when the mother 
 died and was buried in the Allegheny cemetery, 
 where in the year 1S88 kind friends conveyed the 
 remains of the father, and laid them side by side 
 with those of his beloved wife, there to repose un- 
 til the resurrection morn. 
 
 James P. Saver in his childhood was considered 
 rather delicate, and in view of the frequent attacks 
 of disease, the family physician advised that he be 
 sent to the country. Accordingly, when he was 
 four years old his aunt Lizzie Snodgrass took him 
 to their home three miles southwest of Washing 
 ton, Penn. , where he soon outgrew the malady, 
 and developed into the robust boy that he was. 
 While it can be truthfully said of these foster 
 parents that no child received more care and affec- 
 tion than they bestowed upon young Sayer, it can 
 be added that few children were more obedient, 
 loving and kind than was he to them. The following 
 incident relative to the first money he earned may 
 be here related: His uncle owned an interest in a 
 mill, and consequently there was a considerable 
 amount of hauling or teaming, to do which the 
 uncle kept four horses. One morning, when " Jem- 
 mie" (as they lovingly called him) was about ten 
 years old, his uncle offered to advance him 10 cents 
 if he would groom two of the horses, and the lad 
 earned his pay so well that he secured a steady 
 job; for a long time after it was his business to 
 clean two of the horses, while his uncle groomed 
 the other two and placed the harness on all four, 
 the one dime paying for all. At the age of twelve 
 years he was placed on a two-horse wagon, and for 
 two or more years he hauled the coal with which 
 to run the mill. 
 
 James P. Sayer received a good commou school 
 education, and in his seventeenth year (while a 
 student at Washington College) he enlisted in the 
 war of the Rebellion, entering the service as a cor- 
 poral in 1862. He went out with the One Hun 
 dred and Fortieth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers, Company C, of which the lamented David 
 Acheson. who was killed at Gettysburg, was cap 
 tain. He was discharged with the rank of ser- 
 geant, October 25. 1864, on account of wounds 
 received in action. In May, 1863, at Chancellors 
 ville, he was one of the few who, at the call of Gen. 
 Hancock, volunteered to remove a battery, which 
 
 had been a special mark of the enemy, and from 
 which almost all the horses had been shot away. 
 It was a brave deed, and was done by courageous 
 men. At Gettysburg Sergt. Sayer was terribly 
 wounded, receiving two shots in the right arm, 
 one in the left shoulder, and one in the leg, which 
 latter finally led, twelve years later, to the ampu 
 tation of that limb. From the date he received 
 these wounds he was a great sufferer, compelled 
 to go on crutches, and his friends would naturally 
 suggest that ho should have the leg amputated. 
 But he was a man who seldom changed his plans 
 after having come to a decision, and his reply to 
 such suggestions invariably was that when it (his 
 limb) went, he would go with it. Poor fellow, 
 life's prospects did not promise for him much 
 pleasure; indeed, regarding death as only a sweet 
 sleep, he manifested little concern as to whether 
 he lived or died. 
 
 After his return home from the war Mr. Sayer 
 taught school for a time at Point Lookout, Amity, 
 and at Baker's school house, both in this county, 
 and for two years he pursued the study of law un 
 der the direction of E. M. Sayer, of Waynesburg, 
 completing his course with Alex. Wilson, of the 
 Washington bar, and was admitted to practice 
 December 13, 1869. As a lawyer he was careful, 
 industrious and honest, for which and other reasons 
 he was successful, securing the confidence and 
 respect of the people, his brother practitioners 
 and the court. And he was not only successful in 
 his law practice, but also in his oil ventures, being 
 interested with John W. Donnau and others in 
 some wells at Coffey's Crossing, which paid him 
 handsomely. On August 22, 1879, he was ap 
 pointed judge advocate of the staff of Gov. Beaver, 
 with the rank of major, serving in that capacity 
 five years. Early in the " seventies " he was 
 elected by the Republicans to the office of county 
 treasurer, and he discharged the duties of that 
 position with entire satisfaction to the county and 
 credit to himself. The success of the Prohibition 
 amendment campaign of 1889, in the county, was 
 largely due to the effective work of Mr. Sayer as 
 county chairman. His stronghold, however, was 
 in the line of memorial and patriotic speeches, 
 and he was always in demand wherever there was a 
 reunion of old soldiers, or when the season for 
 decorating soldiers' graves was celebrated with 
 memorial services. 
 
 In October, 1870, Mr. Sayer was married to 
 Mary F.. daughter of Isaac Sharp, a well known 
 merchant of Washington. Penn., and one child 
 came to make bright their home, Mary Lavina 
 Boyd Sayer, born September 12, 1876, at present 
 a student at East End College for Women, Pitts- 
 burgh. Penn. About a year after the birth of the 
 daughter, the father was informed that in order 
 to preserve his life, amputation of the wounded 
 
344 
 
 WASHING TON COU.\ T ) '. 
 
 limb was a necessity; and now with more than self 
 and former friends to live for he yielded to advice 
 and solicitation. His wonderful will power and 
 endurance were shown when that operation was 
 performed; he made all preparations for it him- 
 self, bade his friends "good bye" pleasantly, say- 
 ing he would not see them for a day or two, and 
 to very few did he tell what was to occur. He 
 placed himself on the operating table, refusing to 
 take any anaesthetic, and directed the operation 
 in a measure himself. 
 
 Just eleven weeks before his death he was 
 taken seriously ill while in town, and was at once 
 removed to his home, where he grew worse, his 
 condition indicating an organic change in progress 
 in his brain, the result of wounds received while in 
 the service. Thus he lingered with great Buffer- 
 ing, which he bore with true Christian fortitude, 
 until summoned to his long home by the Angel of 
 Death. At rive minutes after S o'clock on the 
 evening of Friday, July 22. 1892, in his forty- 
 seventh year, he breathed his last, and the spirit 
 of a worthy man was borne away. Death had no 
 terrors for him, and he passed from things tem- 
 poral to things eternal with his hopes firmly anch- 
 ored to the Rock of Ages. His wife and daugh- 
 ter, and also a brother — Charles, in one of the 
 Government departments at Washington, D. C — 
 and a sister — Eliza, the wife of Rev. Edwin R. 
 Jones, a M. E. minister, in Ohio — survive him. 
 Maj. Sayer had resided in Washington until about 
 five years ago, when he purchased the pleasant 
 country home about two miles west of the borough, 
 on the National road. 
 
 In the death of James Patterson Sayer the com- 
 munity lost one of its best citizens, for a noble 
 man and valiant soldier had gone from among 
 them. Iu the Temple of Justice, the Post room of 
 the G. A. R., in church, Sunday school, and busi- 
 ness and social circles generally, his absence is 
 noted with regret and his departure keenly felt. 
 He was a man of sterling integrity. His views on 
 all moral questions were pronounced, and his acts 
 — public and private — were iuvariably the consist- 
 ent exercise of the principles of an upright Chris 
 tian gentleman. If one element in his nature pre 
 dominated over another, it was the religions 
 sentiment. The following letter written by him on 
 his twenty third birthday, bears testimony to the 
 deep religious feeling he was possessed of: 
 Sunset Farm, 
 i in Buffalo's Creek, near Farmington, 
 
 M MUCIN ( III NTY. W. Va., ) 
 
 August 6th, 1868 \ 
 Asrain time in its remorseless flight has another time 
 brought the anniversary el' my birth. I am twenty-three 
 (33) years of age and now, upon a close revievi of my past 
 life, the question arises, Is the world any better for my 
 being in it? Oh, how verv unpleasant it must ho to realize 
 the awful fact that you have done nothing to alleviate the 
 toils ami sufferings or to advance tin- interests of your 
 
 fellowmen. I rejoice to feel that I am, in my weak way, 
 attempting to serve God, ami although very weak I pray 
 to my Heavenly Father that my faith fail not, but that I 
 may serve Him faithfully during life, and when my race 
 on earth is over that I may 1m- so happy as to reach Heaven 
 ami there in company with God ami angels spend the 
 countless ages of eternitj . 
 
 I have spentmost of this year at Oncle R. C. Snodgrass' 
 in W. Va. I went to Amity, Pa., Aug. L9th, 1807. Taught 
 school seven weeks. Left (lore let. 23rd, arrived at Un- 
 cle's Nov. 6th, and was obliged to remain all winter as 
 my limb was so very sore that 1 was unable to work. 
 Remained until April 6th, 1868, when I returned home to 
 Washington Co., Pa., and remained three weeks, and 
 
 April tilth solemnly dedicated myself to God in the M. P. 
 Church, .1. D. Herr, pastor, and now desire to serve the 
 Lord. Came back to West Va. and now expect to leave 
 for home Aug. 81st. Have been reading law this year, 
 and wish to finish Blackstone this fall. 
 
 Iu conclusion I wish to record my thanks to a kind 
 Lord for having thus brought me safely through another 
 year. I now consign myself for future life. 
 
 James P. swer. 
 
 He was unfailing in his devotion to the church, 
 and prompt in his attendance on all its services. 
 As superintendent of the Sunday school of the 
 Methodist Protestant Church, of which he had 
 been for years a consistent member, he was an in- 
 defatigable worker, and when in charge of a Bible 
 class, a better or more zealous teacher could not be 
 found. At the close of the Sunday school on the 
 Sabbath following the death of its superintendent, 
 after some feeling remarks made by its (then) su- 
 perintendent, M. Sharp, the following resolutions 
 were presented and adopted: 
 
 Wltereas, Our highly esteemed brother and fellow la- 
 borer in the Sabbath si hool. James P. Saver, has been 
 called from the sorrows and afflictions of this life to his 
 Heavenly home: therefore, 
 
 Rexiilrnl, That in the death of lire. Sayer we have lost 
 an intelligent and devoted worker in our Master's vine- 
 yard and one esteemed and loved by all who knew him. 
 
 Resolved, That we endeavor to follow his wise counsel 
 and so to live that we may meet him where sorrow and 
 separation never come. 
 
 The members of the bar met and adopted min- 
 utes on the death of their respected and deeply 
 lamented colleague, which were ordered spread on 
 the records of the court. The following pertinent 
 remarks thereon are from the pen of H. M. 
 Dougan : 
 
 The memorial, just presented, embodies all of Major 
 Saver's history and character which was thought by the 
 committee necessary to ^o upon the records of the court; 
 much more might with propriety have been said of him, 
 but to have said it would have made the report cumbrous 
 and unsuited to the permanent tribute of affection and 
 respect which the court directs to be placed among its 
 records. It is proper that what was left unsaid be spoken 
 of at this time. 
 
 Most of those who are here will recall Major Saver's 
 prominent characteristic in the conduct of legal business. 
 While he was always courteous, and never took an ad- 
 vantage of his opponent which lie was not fairly and 
 properly entitled to. he was always combative; with him 
 the (rial of a case before the court was a battle, and be 
 
 " fought for hi8 own hand." This was the natural con 
 duct of the man, for lie was born a warrior. || was as 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 345 
 
 natural for him to oppose, and fight while there was a 
 chance to fight, that which he thought was wrong or 
 which threatened to unduly interfere with the interests 
 ol his client, as it was natural for him to breathe, lie 
 did not, however, fight for the mere love of fighting, his 
 sympathies must first be- enlisted for the cause he repre 
 sen ted. Like all other lawyers, he was often on the 
 wrong side of a case; but whether he was on the right or 
 wrong side, his conduct was the same. His side was pre 
 seated to the court or to the jury with all the force that 
 he could give t<> it. 
 
 As 1 stood by his coffin, the thought that was chiefly in 
 my mind was that we were about to bury one who had 
 
 been a tine specimen id' the patriotic young American 
 manhood of thirty years ago. In the years from 1861 to 
 1865 hundreds of the spirited youth ofthiscountj cheer 
 fully left their homes to encounter the hardships and 
 dangers of service in the Onion army; of all of them, 
 none rendered better service in his sphere than did Ser 
 geant Saver. He remained in the army but a little more 
 than a year, and in that brief time he showed that he was as 
 patriotic and brave as any man in it. I have heard his 
 conduct at Chaucellorsviile spoken of in words of high 
 
 commendation by his comrades. When Gen. Hancock 
 asked for volunteers to go upon an important and very 
 dangerous errand, Saver was among the very first to step 
 forward. In time of battle, the ordinary duty required of 
 a soldier in the ranks is arduous and dangerous, but the 
 
 chivalric courage id' our deceased friend was displayed 
 at Chaucellorsviile, when he with a few equally worthy 
 and brave comrades saved Lapeine's Maine battery from 
 capture after all the officers and men of it had been dis- 
 abled, and the horses all killed by the fierceness of the 
 enemy's tire. At the great battle of Gettysburg he was 
 
 wounded live times; oi f his wounds caused the very 
 
 great disability of which tin- members of this bar bad al 
 most daily vision; and I do not doubt that the injuries re 
 eeived at this battle were the cause of the distressing 
 malady which brought his life to an early (dose, lie was, 
 notwithstanding Ids combative disposition, a man of 
 great modesty; but he was very proud of his army rec 
 onl. Of a record such as he had.it was right thai he 
 should be proud. Under circumstances which tested 
 one's courage, constancy and devotion, he had shown 
 himself to be a soldier worthy of the cause tor which he 
 Fought. His name will not live in history as one of the 
 great heroes of the war; but. so long as life lasts to those 
 who knew of him in that great army, the history of which 
 confers an immortality of honor on all who belonged to 
 it and faithfully did their duty in it, he will be remem 
 bered as one of the humble and modest heroes of those 
 splendid but dangerous days which witnessed the wicked 
 but, futile attempt to destroy free government on this 
 continent. 
 
 He was one of the most courageous and manly men I 
 ever was acquainted with. When he became certain that 
 he was stricken with a mortal disease, he retired from 
 public view, and calmly awaited death in the quiet of his 
 own house. For him death had fewer terrors than it has 
 for most; he had too often faced it in his boyhood to be 
 afraid in his maturer age, and. like the Great Commander 
 for whom he had so much admiration and respect, he 
 died as he bad lived, fearlessly. 
 
 The rich joyousness of summer and the solemn gloom 
 of winter are now alike to him; the recollection of the 
 mighty events in which the part he bore was highly hon- 
 orable, will never again thrill his breast: the call to duty 
 here, which he had ever obeyed with all the alacrity of 
 his soldierly nature will not again receive from him the 
 wonted response; his army comrades and the members of 
 this bar will never again hear the genial and cordial 
 greeting of this true hearted and loyal gentleman; but 
 when those who knew him recall bis patriotic, unobtru- 
 sive, helpful and altogether worthy life, his memory will 
 
 be thought of as something to be dearly loved and ten- 
 derly cherished. 
 
 His memory. — He had a remarkable memory. 
 He could give the day and date of almost everj 
 event which came tinder his observation from tin 
 time he was four years of age till his last sickness. 
 He could tell the kind of weather that occurred 
 on each day through all these years. A prominent 
 merchant of Washington who noted in his diary 
 the changes of weather for each day in the year, 
 <it one time called Mr. Sayer into his office and 
 questioned him on each day of the year for some four 
 years, and his descriptions corresponded in every 
 particular with the diary. Mr. Sayer took great 
 pleasure in spending an evening with his old 
 schoolmates and reminding them of all their tricks 
 and the various events that once occurred in the 
 schoolroom. The failure of his mind and mem 
 <>iv were among the most notable features of his 
 speedy decline. Punctuality. — Mr. Sayer wasal 
 ways on time. He would allow nothing to keep 
 him from meeting his engagements. In inspect 
 ing the National Guard of Pennsylvania he was 
 never known to miss a train or disappoint a com- 
 pany. This was characteristic of him from his 
 childhood. An engagement might extend over 
 months, yet at the time of meeting it he would not 
 vary a minute. BeniTolciice. — Mr. Sayer was a 
 very benevolent man. He always remembered 
 the poor; and was a stanch friend and helper of 
 the church and all its benevolent enterprises. He 
 was a willing supporter of every good cause. 
 11'/// power. — Mr. Sayer's success in life was 
 largely due to his will power. If he decided upon 
 a certain course, bodily sufferings, and seemingly 
 insurmountable difficulties never seemed for one 
 moment to check him. When in the hospital suffer 
 ing from his wounds, the attendant physician told 
 him that he would nut live till morning; he replied 
 that he intended to return home in the morning 
 and so he did. The doctor said his will power 
 alone bore him through. This was characteristic 
 of him till his death. In his last sickness his pains 
 at times were almost excruciating, yet he would 
 bear them with scarcely a change of countenance. 
 
 The funeral services of Map James Patterson 
 Saver were held at his late residence in North 
 Franklin township, on Monday following his 
 decease, and were participated in by several clergy 
 men, the funeral address proper being made by 
 Rev. Mr. Conway. The members of the G. A. R. 
 and of the bar attended in a body to the cemetery. 
 The hearse was followed by a large cortege of 
 friends. At the grave imposing ceremonies were 
 performed, and the impressive service conducted 
 by G. A. R. comrades. The choir sang one of his 
 favorite hymns; "Abide with me." and as the 
 body was lowered into the unfeeling clay, the 
 bugler sounded the call for " Lights out," the 
 
346 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 chaplain delivered a short touching address, and 
 benediction was pronounced, and the assembled 
 multitude mournfully turned from the last resting 
 place of a brave soldier, a kind father, a loving 
 husband and a useful citizen. 
 
 IT ARON STRAUS, a successful merchant and 
 IV farmer of Donegal township, now retired 
 r* - !! from active life, is a native of Bavaria, Ger 
 JJ * many, where he was bom July 12, 1809, a 
 son of Myer Straus. He received a public 
 school education in his native country, and then 
 learned the butcher's trade, which he followed in 
 Bavaria but a short time, as he soon thereafter 
 sailed from Bremen for the shores of America. 
 After a voyage of fifty eight days the vessel landed 
 at New York, and Mr. Straus at once proceeded to 
 eastern Pennsylvania, where he worked in various 
 capacities for some time. In 1S44 he came to 
 Donegal township, Washington county, and locat- 
 ing in West Alexander, followed the butchering 
 business for eleven years. At the expiration of 
 that time he embarked in general merchandise, 
 opening a store, where he soon obtained an exten 
 sive custom, building up one of the largest country 
 trades in the county, and so continued until failing 
 health compelled him to retire, in 1806. 
 
 In 1844 he' was married to Hannah E. Lyle, 
 who was born August 16, 1825, a daughter of 
 Jacob and Elizabeth (Arison) Lyle. Of the cb.il 
 dren born to this union, Rosa M. is the wife of J. D. 
 Schaeffer, a lawyer of Allegheny county; George j 
 A. resides in Donegal township; Louisa A. is the 
 wife of Dr. T. J. McKee, of Allegheny, Penn.; Jo- 
 seph A. resides on his father's farm in Donegal 
 township; Lizzie M. is the wife of G. W. Lewis, 
 of Ohio county, W. Va. , and Daisy V. is the wife of 
 D. F. Lewis, of Ohio county, W. Va. After retir- 
 ing from mercantile life, Mr. Straus purchased a , 
 farm lying half a mile west of West Alexander, 
 and erected a commodious and comfortable dwell- 
 ing, to which he moved. He is one of the many 
 prosperous and enterprising citizens which Ger- 
 many has bequeathed to the United States. He is j 
 a member of the Democratic party, and is ever 
 willing to assist in any public enterprise, but 
 makes no pretensions to active political work. 
 
 Armstrong Co., Penn., in 1800. She was a daugh- 
 ter of John and Massy Harbison, who were among 
 the first settlers of Butler (then Allegheny) county, 
 Penn., and who were married at Brownsville, 
 Washington Co., same State, in 1787, the result of 
 their union being eleven children, two of whom 
 were killed before their mother's eyes by Indians, 
 as related elsewhere in this volume, where is also 
 given an account of the capture by the savages of 
 Massy Harbison and her children, and her marvel 
 ous escape from her captors. Edward White, 
 father of Massy, was a soldier in the Revolution, 
 while John Harbison, her husband, was an Indian 
 scout or spy. Massy was a good ritle shot, and 
 during attacks by the Redskins on the blockhouse, 
 which was within sight of her home, she would 
 seize her rifle and do her part in driving off the 
 invaders. 
 
 Edward White moved from New Jersey to 
 Brownsville after the Revolution. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. William Wiley were born eleven children, as 
 follows: John (deceased); Martha (deceased at the 
 age of sixteen years); Elizabeth (deceased in in- 
 fancy); Thomas, in Washington; Henry (deceased); 
 Maria (deceased), married to William Warwick; 
 Frank J. L., the subject proper of this sketch; 
 William C, in Washington; Ellen, wife of William 
 R. Donaldson, in Wheeling, W. Va. ; Jane, de- 
 ceased wife of Capt. Fred. Rainbow; and Annie 
 (Mrs. Adam Harbison), in Canonsburg, Penn. The 
 mother died at Wheeling, W. Va., in 1882, at the 
 age of eighty-two years. 
 
 Frank J. L. Wiley was born in Washington, 
 Penn., of which fair city he has been a lifelong 
 resident. He received his education at the public 
 schools of the borough, and learned the trade of 
 plasterer, which he still follows. Politically he 
 has been an active Republican, and has held 
 various offices of trust, such as borough council- 
 man, judge of elections, etc. Socially he is a 
 Freemason, and in religion a member of the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 FRANK J. L. WILEY. William Wiley, 
 father of the subject, of this sketch, was 
 born near Winchester, Va., in 1794, and in 
 1806 came with his mother, Mary Wiley, to 
 Washington county, where he followed his trade, 
 that of bricklayer, and died in 1869. 
 
 He was one of the early Abolitionists of the 
 county. His wife, Martha Harbison, to whom he 
 was married in 1817. was born near Freeport, 
 
 , R. F. M. FINLEY. 
 
 The Finley family are 
 numbered with the earliest pioneers of 
 countv, and are of Scotch 
 
 ID 
 
 Mj Washington 
 
 origin. John Finley was born in the " land 
 of the mountain and the flood," whence in early 
 days he emigrated to America, first settling in 
 Maryland, whence he moved to Pennsylvania, and 
 took out a patent for 1,000 acres of land in Alle 
 gheuy county. He was married in Maryland to Mar 
 garet Rowlands, who bore him the following chil- 
 dren: William. John, Robert (who was a general 
 in the militia), Jane (Mrs. Curry), Margaret (Mrs. 
 Baldwin), Isabelle (Mrs. Cochran), Mary (Mrs. 
 St. Clair), Susan (Mrs. Wilson), Levi, James and 
 Sarah (Mrs. Neal), all of whom have passed away. 
 
■^ 
 
 US* «S£ 
 
 ^ 
 
\VA SHING TON CO UN T Y. 
 
 349 
 
 The father was a Democrat in politics, and in 
 religion a member of the Presbyterian (Dr. Mar- 
 shall's) Church. Both parents died on the farm in 
 Allegheny county. 
 
 Levi Finley, son of John and Margaret Finley, 
 was born in 1798, on the home place in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. , and his youth was passed amid the 
 scenes of pioneer life. He received his primary 
 education in the subscription schools, and afterward 
 attended Jefferson College for two years, when he 
 ill in ned to the old place, remaining there until 
 1830. When yet a young man he was married to 
 Rachel Neal, a native of Allegheny county, and t he 
 following children were born to their union: Mar 
 garet, Melissa J. (wife of Baldwin Wallace), Susan 
 M. (wife of Rev. W. W. Loverty), John A., F. M., and 
 Rachel Narcissa (deceased wife of John S. Collins). 
 Mr. and Mrs. Finley resided two years in Greene 
 county, Penn., on a farm at Rice's Landing. They 
 then returned to Union township, Washington 
 county, and bought the Huston and Fawcett farms, 
 where they remained eight years, selling a large 
 quantity of coal. They finally bought the farm of 
 Til HI acres in Union township, adjoining Finley - 
 ville, and lived in that village, which was then 
 
 called " Row Galley," but nicknai I ''Rogues' 
 
 Alley." The name was then changed to Finley 
 villi-, where for thirteen years Mr. Finley managed 
 a hotel in the old stone house, which is yet stand 
 ing. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, 
 and in religious faith was a member of the Mingo 
 Presbyterian Church. He died June 21, 1861, his 
 widow in 1887. 
 
 Dr. F. M. Finley was born March 27, 1834, in 
 Union township, Washington Co., Penn., and was 
 educated at the common schools and in private 
 academies, entering Washington College in 1850. 
 He graduated in 1854, and then entered Jefferson 
 Medical College, but was compelled to return 
 home on account of sickness, and there remained 
 after the death of his father. He was married, Sep 
 tember 23, 1869, to Emmeline, daughter of John 
 Thompson, and they have one son, Francis H. Dr. 
 Finley is a Republican, and has been a member of 
 the school board for years. He is connected with 
 the Presbyterian Church of Fiuleyville, to which 
 he gives a hearty support. 
 
 I[ SRAEL L. WOOD. Washington county of to- 
 day owes her position among the foremost 
 counties of Pennsylvania to the presence within 
 her borders of such energetic men as the one 
 whose uanae opens this memoir. 
 
 Israel Lane Wood is a son of Thomas Wood, and 
 grandson of William Wood, a native of Maryland, 
 having been born near Deer Creek, in that State, 
 where he was married to Margaret Mitchell, and 
 moving thence to Greene county, same State, set- 
 tled near Wayuesburg. At that time, and many 
 
 years afterward, the Indians were so troublesome 
 that the white settlers were obliged to cross east of 
 the mountains time and again, in order to escape 
 the onslaughts of the Indians, returning when 
 peace would be reestablished. These journeys 
 were made on horseback, as a wagon could not 
 have followed the narrow trails which were the 
 only passages across the mountains. During one 
 of his temporary residences in Greene county, Mr. 
 Wood heard that Indians were near, and he again 
 fled across the mountains, but his neighbors disre- 
 garded the warning, and pursued their work of 
 clearing the forest. Threevr four of them, feeling 
 thirsty, started to a spring near by, and while 
 drinking heard the report of a rifle. Each know- 
 ing that his neighbor had no gun, naturally inferred 
 that the Indians had come, and tied for his life; 
 but by the time one had run two or three hundred 
 yards, he was discovered by the Indians, and then 
 came a fearful race. The Rednien were steadily gain- 
 ing on the poor fugitive, and his only hope was an 
 almost impossible one — if he could only cross Ten 
 Mile creek he would be safe. But the bank was a 
 rocky precipice, thirty feet high, and a broken 
 limb would probably be the result of the leap, 
 sure to be followed by capture, then death at the 
 stake, or by the more merciful tomahawk. But 
 time was precious, and with a swift glance at the 
 bottom of the high bank, he sprang from the rock, 
 and fortunately landed unhurt, saved from his 
 pursuers at last. When the Indians no longer 
 made their terrible raids through Washington and 
 Greene counties, Mr. Wood took up his permanent 
 home in the latter, where he reared the following 
 children: Michiga, Isaac, Thomas, Edward, Will- 
 iam, Mary, Nancy and Elizabeth, all of whom grew 
 to maturity, but are now deceased. Mr. Wood 
 died in 1808, his widow surviving him until 1845. 
 Thomas Wood, son of William Wood, was born 
 in 1782, in the State of Maryland, and coming to 
 Greene county, Penn., took an active part in the 
 dangers and privations incident to pioneer life. In 
 1807 he was united in marriage with Anna Ran- 
 dolph, who was born in 1785, a daughter of James 
 Randolph, of Greene county, Penn., who had emi- 
 grated from New Jersey, and their children were 
 James (a retired citizen of Wayuesburg, Penn.), 
 William (a retired farmer of Illinois), Nancy (liv- 
 iug with her brother James in Waynesburg), 
 Lucinda (residing in Florida), Osborne (who died 
 of cholera in 1848), Margaret (a resident of Waynes- 
 burg), Clarkson, died in Missouri, and Elizabeth, 
 living in Monongahela City, this county. Mr. 
 Wood was a successful and prominent farmer of 
 Greene county, where he was at one time sheriff. 
 In 1842 he moved to Illinois, where he remained 
 for some time, finally proceeding to Missouri, 
 where he died in 1S46, followed in 1848 by his 
 widow. 
 
350 
 
 WASHINGTON COC.\ I ) 
 
 Israel Lane Wood, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was born April 18, 1814, in Greene 
 county, Penn. , and received but a limited educa 
 tioo, as he had early in life to assist his father on 
 the farm. When eighteen years of age, he learned 
 the trade of a tanner, following same seven years. 
 In 1839 he was married to Minerva Sargent, of 
 Waynesburg, Greene Co., Penn., and they had the 
 following children: Jesse E. (residing on his 
 father's farm in East Finley township), Margaret 
 Ann (living with her parents), Catherine Mary 
 (deceased in infancy), Elizabeth (living with her 
 parents), Thomas C. (deceased at the age of fif- 
 teen years) and William (deceaseil when thirteen 
 years of age). In 1840 Mr. Wood moved to his 
 father in law's farm, in East Finley township, near 
 the Greene county line, and in the immediate 
 vicinity of Simpson's Store post-office, where he 
 has since resided, and now owns one of the finest 
 farms in the township. "Squire " Wood, as he is 
 called, was always a Democrat, until in recent 
 years he joined the Farmers' Alliance. In 1855 
 he was elected justice of the peace, which position 
 lie tilled many years. On August 21, 1861, he en- 
 listed in the First West Virginia V. C, serving 
 three years, and taking part in the engagements 
 at Blue Gap and Blooming Gap, the right at Cedar 
 Mountain, and in the second battle of Bull Run, 
 all of which engagements were in Virginia. Soon 
 after the last named battle he was injured by a 
 stroke of lightning, and lay for months in hospital 
 at Philadelphia. Receiving his discharge, he re 
 turned home, September 24, 1804, and has since 
 farmed on the place whereon he had first located. 
 Mrs. Wood is a member of the Disciple Church. 
 
 JfOHN A. LETHERMAN, M. I). When we 
 pause to compare the relative value of each 
 profession to general humanity, there is 
 none superior, and few that are equal to 
 that of a true physician. His opportunities 
 for good are unlimited by sect or creed, as in the 
 case of the clergyman, and, when so disposed, 
 those who possess the art of healing the body can 
 also bring messages of peace to the weary mind or 
 storm-tossed soul, exhausted in the battle of life. 
 The noblest instances of disinterested heroism 
 have been found in the ranks of this profession,' 
 which is tilled with those who have braved for the 
 sake of suffering humanity the most horrible forms 
 of death. Unlike the soldier on the battle-field, 
 their heroism is seldom the result of an excited 
 impulse or heated passion, but in the silent 
 watches of the night, with no blare of trumpet, or 
 thrilling war cry to inspire their courage, these 
 pal lent martyrs give their lives as willing sacrifices 
 to relieve the pain of their fellow creatures. It is 
 both a useful and deeply interesting task to trace 
 
 the history of such unselfish lives, and following 
 the spring to its fountain head, we find in the an- 
 cestry of our leading men the various traits of 
 character which have coml lined to give us the 
 leaders of to-day 
 
 John Letherman (the grandfather of Dr. John 
 A. Letherman) was a native of Maryland, and 
 coming to Washington county, Penn., was there 
 married to Christina Myers. The young couple 
 settled on a farm in West Bethlehem township, 
 this county, and reared the following children: 
 Demas M. , Joseph, Sarah (wife of H. Richardson), 
 Lydia (married to Solomon Tombaugh), Lucy 
 (wife of Byron Clark) and Jane (wife of Mat bias 
 Tombaugh). The grandfather was a soldier in 
 the war of 1812, and in political opinion first affili 
 ated with the Whig party, afterward becoming a 
 Republican. He was an organizer of the Brethren 
 (or Duukard) Church in West Bethlehem town 
 ship. 
 
 Demas M. Letherman, son of John and Chris- 
 tina Letherman, was born March 8, 1817, in West 
 Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. His 
 elementary education was obtained at the sub 
 scription schools of the neighborhood, and after 
 attending the educational institutions of Belle 
 Vernon, Washington Co., Penn., he taught school 
 and did some farming on the home place. In 
 early manhood he was married to Jane B. , 
 daughter of Joseph Munce, and she bore him 
 eight children, namely: Florence, deceased wife 
 of Adam Tombaugh; John A. ; Joseph W., a physi- 
 cian of New Market, Ohio; Milo F., of Fallowfield 
 township; Horace Biddle, deceased; Lucy B. ; Ida, 
 deceased wife of Daniel Gayman, and Demas V. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Letherman always resided on their 
 farm in West Bethlehem township. He was act- 
 ively identified with the Republican party, and 
 in 1872 was elected to the Legislature from the 
 districtsof Washington and Beaver counties, serv- 
 ing two terms. In religious* faith he was a zeal 
 ous member of the Dunkard Church. He died in 
 1878. 
 
 Dr. John A. Letherman was born February 28, 
 1848, on the home place in West Bethlehem town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Peun. After attending 
 the home schools he entered Waynesburg College, 
 and one year later came to the normal school at 
 California, remaining there two years. He then 
 went to Long Island College Hospital at Brook 
 lyn, N. Y., graduating in 1873, and finally took a 
 course at Bellevue Medical College, receiving his 
 degree of M. D. in 1874. After his professional 
 training was completed. Dr. Letherman came to 
 California, Penn., in July, 1874, and entered into 
 partnership with Dr. James McDonough (his pre- 
 ceptor, who died not long afterward), in the prac 
 tice of medicine. Since the death of his col- 
 league, Dr. Letherman has tilled his place, and ac- 
 
u A.siii.xt; i<>.\ couy rv. 
 
 351 
 
 quired a large practice. On December 25, 1879, 
 he was married to Berta A., daughter of James 
 Ward, of Coal Centre, and she has borne him one 
 
 s Llalph W. Politically Dr. Letherman is a 
 
 stanch Republican, and has served his borough as 
 a member of the council and school board al 
 most continuously. 
 
 THE VANCE FAMILY were among the 
 earliest pioneers of Washington county, and 
 as nearly as can be ascertained, are perhaps 
 the oldest settlers of Smith township. The 
 first ancestor of these prominent citizens, of 
 whom we have an accurate history, was one Maj. 
 William Vance. Maj. Vance was born in 17 IS in 
 Scotland, aud came to Virginia in early life, after- 
 ward moving to Washington county, Penn., where 
 he died April 8, 1788. His son Joseph was born 
 about 1750, near Winchester, Va.. where he was 
 married, and coming to Washington county, Penn., 
 about 1773, located three miles southwest of Bur 
 gettetown, in Smith township, on a large tract of 
 land. This land was then an unbroken wilderness, 
 or, to quote a pioneer phrase: " There was not a 
 stick amiss," but it has since been divided into 
 nine of the finest farms of Washington county. As 
 soon as a rude shelter had been erected for the 
 family, Joseph Vance, in company with a few of 
 his widely parted neighbors, began the erection of 
 what was known as "Vance's Fort." This was 
 intended to protect the settlers from the murder 
 ous onslaughts of the treacherous Indians, who 
 were yet numerous in the territory, and bitterly 
 resented the encroachment of the palefaces upon 
 their hunting grounds. The fort was situated but 
 a short distance from the cabin of Joseph Vance, 
 and stood for many years, the only signs of its ex- 
 istence now visible being a piece of brick-colored 
 ground. At the gates of Fort Vance, under a white 
 oak tree, on October 14, 1778, the Rev. James 
 Powers preached the first sermon in English known 
 to have been heard west of the Alleghany mount- 
 ains in Pennsylvania. On this wild tract Joseph 
 Vance and his wife passed their lives, with the ex- 
 ception of occasional visits to his birthplace, and, 
 as immigration increased, property rose in value. 
 The vast tract of land, once seemingly almost 
 worthless, became very valuable, and the pioneers 
 maped the deserved reward of early years of toil, 
 privation and danger. The first wife of Joseph 
 Vance died many years ago, leaving him six chil- 
 dren, viz.: William, John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jan- 
 ett and Mary. Of this family one son, Joseph, re- 
 turned with his father on a visit to Virginia, then 
 went West and his fate was never known. For 
 his second wife Mr. Vance was married to a native 
 of Winchester, Va , who died soon after their mar- 
 riage, and he made a third choice in the person of 
 
 Mary Moore, a native of Winchester, Va.. who bore 
 him two daughters: Anna Mary (wife of William 
 Brady, Ohio county, W. Va.), and Hannah (mar- 
 ried to Edward Morgan, Ohio county, W. Va.). 
 The father died May 6, 1832, and in 1852 his 
 faithful wife was laid beside him. 
 
 William Vance, eldest son of Joseph, was born 
 November 30, 1775, on the old "Fort Vance 
 farm" in Smith township, where his boyhood was 
 passed in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large 
 portion of them falling to his share as the eldest- 
 son. On December 21, L799, he was married to 
 Rachel Patterson, who was born June 3, 1781, 
 daughter of William Patterson, of Cross Creek 
 township, this county. To the union of William 
 and Rachel Vance children were born, of whom 
 the following is a brief record: Cynthia, born 
 Mareh8, 1801, gave her hand in marriage to Will 
 iam Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne county, 
 Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph, born Sep- 
 tember 18. L802, was a farmer in Smith township, 
 and died in 1SG4; James, born July 23, 1804, fol- 
 lowed agriculture in Jefferson township, this 
 county, and died in L881; William P., born Sep- 
 tember 4, 1801), lived on a farm in this county for 
 some time, thence moved to Hardin, Ky., and is 
 now a retired farmer of Caldwell county, Mo. ; Al 
 lison, born December 14, 1808; Elizabeth was born 
 February 17, 1811, and is now living in Burgetts- 
 town, Penn., the widow of David S. Walker; Ann 
 was born November 8, 1812, and was united in 
 marriage with Norris Walker (she died leaving a 
 large family of children); David was born April 
 14. 1815, and died in infancy; and Rachel was 
 born December 28, 1810 (she was married toJosiah 
 N. Scott, and is now deceased). On Jauuary 9, 
 1817, the mother of these children passed from 
 earth, and on June 12, 1818, Mr. Vance was mar 
 ried to her sister, Hannah Patterson, who was 
 born in 1786. Five children were born to this 
 union, namely: Thomas P. (deceased farmer of 
 Cross Creek township), born July 15, 1819; Mary 
 (unmarried, living in Rome, Ga. ), born June 1, 
 1 82 1 ; Caroline (deceased wife of R. S. Caldwell, 
 Hopewell township, this county), born December 
 30, 1824; John S., born June 7, 1827; and Jane 
 (wife of J. S. Young, of Ohio, died in Rome, Ga. , 
 where they resided), born September 7, 1830. 
 
 During his earlier life the father resided on the 
 home farm in Smith township, in company with his 
 brother John, whose interest he afterward pur- 
 chased. In 1816 William Vance was elected as 
 representative of Washington county, in the State 
 Legislature. He was an enthusiastic member of 
 the Whig party, being a counselor and adviser 
 among his friends, and having favored the tariff 
 bill from its infancy. After the term of office had 
 expired, Hon. William Vance returned to his farm, 
 having made a signal success in the performance 
 
352 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 of bis duties. He was a liberal contributor and 
 attendant of the Presbyterian Church with which 
 his wife was connected. He died April 18, 1856, 
 and in 1878 his widow followed him. Both are 
 buried in the Cross Creek Cemetery. 
 
 Allison Vance, the fifth son of William and 
 Kachel Vance, was born on the " Fort Vance farm" 
 in Smith township, receiving a limited subscription- 
 school education, which he afterward supplemented 
 by study and observation, eventually becoming a 
 well-informed business man. On May 30, 1839, 
 he was united in marriage with Margaret Camp- 
 bell, who was burn February 1, 1814, daughter of 
 Robert Campbell, a pioneer of Smith township. 
 Allison and Margaret Vance were the parents of 
 seven children: John (a farmer of Smith town- 
 ship), born July 2, 1840, died August 14, 1884; 
 William P., born September 1, 1842; Rachel, born 
 February 28, 1845, died October 2, 1860; David, 
 burn October 7, 1847, died October II, I860; 
 Robert C. (an extensive farmer of Cross Creek 
 township), born June 19, 1850; James L. (now 
 living on tin- "1,1 Fort farm), born October 23, 
 1853, and Leauder, born October 21, 1856. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Vance located on a part of the original 
 Vance tract in Cross Creek township (now owned 
 by his son Robert), and in 1859 settled perma- 
 nently on the original tract. A worthy representa- 
 tive of an honored and successful family, Allison 
 Vance was no exception to the rule, but on the 
 contrary became even more prosperous than those 
 preceding. Politically he was first a Whig, then 
 a Republican. He and his wife were members of 
 the Cross Creek Church, to which he contributed 
 liberally. His wife died December 10, 1889, and 
 March 8, 1890, the husband and father was also 
 called home. Both were buried in the Cross 
 Creek cemetery. A singular fact is here recorded 
 in connection with the death of Allison Vance. 
 For the past four generations, the male ancestors 
 of the Vance family have attained an advanced 
 age. The first ancestor, Maj. William Vance, 
 die! at eighty-two; his son Joseph died in his 
 eighty second year; William, the son of Joseph, 
 died at the same age, and, lastly, Allison Vance 
 breathed his last, after having passed his eighty- 
 first year. 
 
 ILLIAM WALKER PRICE, an eater- 
 prising and well known citizen of Canton 
 township, is a native of the same, born 
 - 1 March 27, 1853. He is a grandson of 
 Joseph Price, a native of France, who in 
 early youth immigrated to America, settling in 
 Washington, this county, where he passed the 
 greater part of his life. 
 
 William Price, son of the pioneer Joseph, was 
 born in Washington, Penn., and received his edu- 
 
 cation in the schools of his native city. He mar- 
 ried Elizabeth, daughter of John Horn, of Buffalo 
 township, this county, and immediately thereafter 
 the young couple commenced life upon a farm, 
 where industrious and frugal habits brought well- 
 merited success. The following children were 
 born to them: William W., Ansodon and Silas. 
 Mr. Price was a member of the Republican party, 
 and took a deep interest in Christian work. He 
 died February 17, 1863, and was buried in Wash 
 
 '■ ington cemetery. 
 
 William Walker Price, son of William and 
 Elizabeth (Horn) Price, passed his early years 
 upon the home farm, and received a liberal educa- 
 tion at the schools of the vicinity of his home. On 
 
 I June 15, 1875, he was married to Lucinda, 
 daughter of Uriah Clark, of Buffalo township, this 
 county, and the following named children have 
 been born to them: Charles, Lulu, Rose, Bessie 
 
 , and William K. Mr. Price is a member of the U. 
 
 ! P. Church at Buffalo, Hopewell township, and in 
 his political preferences he votes the Independent 
 ticket. He has always resided on the home place. 
 
 If If USTON PALL, an honored member of one 
 r— n j of the oldest and most prominent families 
 
 of South Strabaue township, was born No- 
 Jj -* vember 10, 1805, in Amwell township, 
 
 Washington Co., Penn. His father, Will 
 iam Paul, also a native of the county, was here 
 reared to agricultural pursuits, and educated at 
 the subscription schools of the district. He mar- 
 ried Hannah Slaught, a resident of thesame county, 
 and they then settled on a farm in Amwell town- 
 ship, where they lived many years. The children 
 born to them were James, Huston, Nathan, Sarah 
 (Mrs. Abel McFarland), Rosa (Mrs. Christopher 
 Venum), Andrew, Daniel M., Lavinia (Mrs. Michael 
 Schulser), John, William, Philo and Adaline Mrs. 
 Thomas Reese). The father of this family died in 
 November, 1840, in his sixty third year, at the 
 residence of his son Nathan P., in Delaware, Ohio; 
 he was a progressive, self-made man, a Whig in 
 politics, and a liberal supporter of all public en- 
 terprises. The mother passed away in February, 
 1865, in her eighty second year, and is interred in 
 Lone Pine cemetery; she died at the home of her 
 son Philo, who lost his life at the battle of the 
 Wilderness in front of Richmond. 
 
 Huston Paul, whose name opens this sketch, was 
 carefully brought up on the home place, and early 
 trained to practical farm life, attending during the 
 winter months the subscription schools of the dis- 
 trict. On October 4, 1827, he was married to 
 Nancy, youngest child of Martin and Catherine 
 (Batten field) Heckathorn, who moved from Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., to a farm near Way nesburgh, 
 Greene Co., same State. Martin Heckathorn died 
 

 - 
 
 'XA^'nTi, ff*LuS 
 
n ASH1NGT0M cot \ TV 
 
 355 
 
 near Nineveh, Greene county, bis wife at the home 
 of her daughter, Mrs. Phebe lams, in Dayton 
 Ohio. They were the pnreuts of eight children, 
 viz.: Elizabeth, Eva, Daniel, George, Catherine. 
 Jacob, Phebe and Nancy. For five years after 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Huston Pan] resided 
 at the mill property, one mile below Amity, in 
 Aimvell township, and in the autumn of 1833 moved 
 to the farm in South Strabane township now occu- 
 pied l>y Mr. Paul and members of his familj 
 The children born to him are Hannah (Mrs. John 
 ('. Hastings), Catherine -lane, William and Nancy 
 E., all yet living. Their mother departed this 
 life in February, INNS, in her eighty fourth year, 
 having lived the life of a modest, kind and devoted 
 wife and mother, and her body is laid to rest m 
 the beautiful cemetery at Washington. 
 
 Mr. Paul for some live years carried on a jurist 
 mill with success, and has prospered in all his un 
 dertakings; he at present owns 'J40 acres of well- 
 improved land In politics he was at first an Old- 
 time \\ lug. and since the organization of the party 
 has been a stanch Republican. Now far advanced 
 on life's journey, he is calmly await ing the sum 
 mons that shall call him from the Cares of the 
 world to a home where there shall lie no more pain 
 or sorrow. 
 
 ,\ILLIAM PAUL. Of the names that re 
 
 main permanently associated with the 
 
 J' more recent development of tin 1 grand 
 
 — ' agricultural interest of Washington 
 
 county, there is none deserving of a more 
 
 prominent place in this volume than that of this 
 
 gentlemen. 
 
 William Paul was born in South Strabane town 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., .) line lit, 183 I. a son . if 
 Huston ami Nancy (Heckathorn) Paul. His early 
 life was passed under the parental roof, during 
 which time he was attending the common schools 
 
 s^ % 
 
 of the district, where ho received a liberal English 
 education, which was supplemented by a course of 
 study at Washington College. He continued to 
 reside on the old homestead in South Strabane 
 township, assisting in the general work of the 
 farm, until 1N70, when he moved into Franklin 
 township and bought the Hon. It. It Heed man 
 sion, together with 110 acres of the very core of 
 this vast estate, to which he has since added thirty 
 acres. Upon this land there are several valuable 
 producing oil wells. Some time ago, no other 
 spot in the neighborhood of Washington being 
 found desirable, the borough officials, in order to 
 obtain pure water supply for the city, secure. I 
 some eleven acres of Mr. Paul's farm for that 
 purpose. 
 
 From his elegant and commodious residence a 
 delightful view of the surrounding country is to be 
 
 had, the calm and peaceful fertile farms, " the or 
 chard, the meadow, the deep tangled wildwood," 
 having, ever and anon, glimpses of another kind 
 <>i existence, as the trains of i he Baltimore .V (tin,. 
 Railroad rush past, awakening momentary visions 
 of great far away cities teeming with life and 
 seething with commercial enterprise and activ 
 ity. In addition to his general farming inter 
 ests, Mr. Paul does an extensive dairying busi 
 ness, the market for his product in this line being 
 mainly in the borough of Washington; and in this, 
 as in all his other undertakings, he has met with 
 eminent success ui fact, it may without preju 
 dice be said of him that in the dairy business he 
 is the leader in the county. 
 
 On September 10. 1861, Mr. Paul married .Mal- 
 tha, the refined and accomplished daughter of 
 Samuel and Mary (Fife) Vance, of South Strabane 
 township. Samuel Vance was a native of this 
 county, born in Somerset township in 1791, of 
 stalwart, truth-loving Scotch Irish lineage He 
 died in 1874, a man of noble impulses, st rief in- 
 tegrity and high character, qualifications that shed 
 their influence for the public good wherever and 
 whenever called into requisition by the people^ who 
 
 h no. I him with many positions of trust. Seven 
 
 children have l» born to Mr. and Mrs. Paul: 
 
 Philo V., Isaac E , Mary It., N. Alice and Mallie, 
 living, and Samuel 1 1 iiston and Cary Bell, deceased. 
 
 In the early taking away by death of these two 
 much beloved and promising lads, Samuel and 
 
 Cary, the family and I'ri Is received a great 
 
 shock, and a bitter disappointment to their high 
 hopes. Samuel Huston Paul was born June 13, 
 1865, and died at 1 o'clock on the morning of 
 September 26, 1886, after an illness from typhoid 
 lever of three weeks. By those who once knew 
 
 him, his line, manly face will be no i '6 seen. In 
 
 the home, where he was so tenderly loved for his 
 obedience and kindness, there is a melancholy 
 vacancy. Among his many friends, with whom, 
 because of his unflinching integrity, be was ever 
 popular, he is spoken of with love and honor, as 
 of one who could never be tempted away from 
 what he thought was right. While yet the loud 
 hearts of the family were in deep sorrow over the 
 death of Samuel, t here came a not her stroke, all the 
 more severe because of being so sudden. On I >e 
 comber 25, 1886, Cary, in his boyish playfulness, 
 went out of the house, saying that he would "give 
 a Christmas salute." Soon afterward a loud report 
 was heard, and poor Cary, a few moments before 
 the life and soul of the family circle, cheerful and 
 full of play, was found lying on the ground with 
 his life blood fast llowing from a wound in the 
 neck. He had bored a hole in a log and charged 
 it with powder. The explosion nrust have been 
 premature evidently while he was bending over 
 the log a splinter entered his neck and severed an 
 
356 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 artery. Tenderly they carried him into the house 
 and laid him on a lounge, but nothing could be 
 done; he died in a few minutes afterward. Gary 
 was within a few weeks of his eighteenth birthday, 
 having been born January 17, 1809. Endowed 
 with an unusual amount of good common sense, a 
 cheerful, generous nature, kind and companionable 
 in disposition, he has left to the grief stricken family 
 and his friends naught but pleasant memories of 
 him. "Why these twin afflictions?" the soul 
 asks. " What I do thou knowest not now, but thou 
 shalt know hereafter." 
 
 There is no Hock, however watched and tended, 
 
 lint one dead Iamb is there; 
 There is no fireside, howso'er defended. 
 
 But has one \ acanl chair. 
 
 In his political preferences Mr. Paul is a stanch 
 Republican, always taking an active interest in the 
 public affairs of his township and county, and is a 
 warm advocate of all measures tending to the ad- 
 vancement of educational interests. In religious 
 matters he was a member of the First Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he was an elder for twenty years, 
 and on the organization of the Third Presbyterian 
 Church, in 1891, he became a member thereof and 
 an elder in same. 
 
 J( M. K. DONALDSON. As the lives of our 
 leaders in literature, politics and religion 
 ) have imparted inspiration to humanity and 
 civilization, so will the record of conscien- 
 tious, energetic and successful men from the com- 
 mon ranks of life be of infinite value both to their 
 contemporaries anil descendants. Especially is 
 this an evident fact, when we read or write the bi- 
 ographies of our early pioaeers, whose history is 
 tilled with the romance of "truth stranger than 
 fiction. " 
 
 Jacob Donaldson was born in 1763, in Ireland, 
 and came to America in early manhood, locating 
 in Washington county, Penn. He was married to 
 a Miss MeKinuey, and first settled on a farm in 
 Hopewell township, thence moving to the farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet owned by his 
 descendants. He was a member of the Seceder 
 Church at Hickory, this county, afterward uniting 
 with theU. P. Church. In April, 1850, lie moved 
 to the village of Hickory, where he died in August 
 of the same year, having been preceded by his 
 wife, who had borne him children as follows: 
 William (settled in Somerset township, this coun- 
 ty). James (deceased, settled in Buffalo township), 
 Richard (a tailor of Hickory, afterward bought a 
 farm in Cecil township, and was killed while on 
 his way home from Noblestown), Andrew (resided 
 in Mt. Pleasant township), Isaac (lived in Mt. 
 Pleasant township), Margaret (deceased on the 
 
 farm of her brother, J. M.), and Mary (deceased 
 wife of James Ackleson, Hanover township). 
 
 Andrew Donaldson was born in 1802, in Hopewell 
 township, this county, and passed his early boy- 
 hood on the place of his birth, afterward moving 
 to Mt. Pleasant township. In early life he was 
 united in marriage with Ellen Wilson, a native of 
 Cross Creek township, where the young people 
 lived a few years, finally settling on a farm in Mt. 
 Pleasant township. Their children were as fol- 
 lows: Esther (wife of A. V. McOuyin), Eleanor 
 L. (married to Leman McCarrell), J. M. K. (whose 
 name opens this sketch), Sarah Jane (wife of W. 
 W. McCarrell), and W. W. (living on the home 
 farm), all of whom are living in Mt. Pleasant town 
 ship. The father and mother were first members 
 of the Union Church at West Middletown, then 
 joined the Presbyterian Church at Buffalo, finally 
 uniting with the Society in Mt. Prospect. He died 
 in 1880, on the old homestead where his widow is 
 yet living. 
 
 J. M. K. Donaldson was born March 5, 1843, 
 in Mt. Pleasant, township, this county, receiving 
 his elementary education in the district schools, 
 and then attending the Academy at Buffalo village 
 for three terms. In October, 1869, he married 
 Margaret McDowell. Her grandfather, James 
 McDowell, was born in Lancaster county, Penn., 
 and coming to Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 when a young man, was married to Mary McKnight. 
 They settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 and he died in 1815, followed by his widow in 1853. 
 They attended the U. P. Church at Cross Roads, 
 then known as Union Church, Chartiers township. 
 
 John McDowell was born in 1811, on the home 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where his boyhood 
 was passed. In 1837 he married Miss Margaret 
 Miller, who was born in 181(1, in Chartiers township. 
 They were members of Mt. Prospect Presbyterian 
 Church. He died in August, 1886, having been 
 preceded in 1866 by his wife, who had borne him 
 eight children, one of whom is deceased. Those 
 yet living are James W. (an attorney in Washing- 
 ton. Penn. ), Jacob F. (living in Mt. Pleasant town 
 ship), Margaret (Mrs. Donaldson), Rebecca (wife 
 of James Agnew), John (living in Canonsburg, 
 this county), Sadie P. and Lizzie. 
 
 J. M. K. aird Margaret (McDowell) Donaldson 
 located on a place in Mt. Pleasant township, and 
 in February. 1875, moved to the farm they now 
 occupy, containing 140 acres of good land. He 
 has made many improvements, having erected a 
 pleasant dwelling and a good barn, 60x40 feet. He 
 is an active member of the Democratic party, 
 which he has served as a member of the school 
 board, also as judge of elections. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Donaldson are members of the Mt. Prospect Pres- 
 byterian Church, of which he is treasurer. They 
 have two children: J. Alfred and Margaret M. 
 
WASHING TON CO T\\ T V. 
 
 357 
 
 j. OBERT SCOTT. The Scott family 
 /) early pioneers of Washington county, and 
 V are of Scotch descent. Joseph Scott, the 
 
 R 
 
 I! — ^ oldest representative, was born about 176i, 
 v in Scotland, coming to America during the 
 
 latter part of the eighteenth century. He first 
 located in York county, Penn., where he was 
 married to Martha Paden, who was born in 17(>: J >. 
 Prior to 1 7<S8, when Washington county was very 
 sparsely settled, he came hither, aud made a home 
 in tlie eastern part of Hanover township, near Rac- 
 coon creek, securing control of an immense tract 
 of wild land. A cabin was erected which furnished 
 them with protection, and although deprived of 
 many of the luxuries of life, they were soon able 
 to build a comfortable home. 
 
 The story of the struggles, hardships and priva- 
 tions of early pioneers has often been told, and the 
 lives of this earnest and self reliant couple were 
 similar to those of their comrades, who undertook 
 the arduous task of making the wilderness "to 
 blossom as the rose." Industry finally was re- 
 warded; they became wealthy and highly respected 
 citizens, passing the remainder of their lives sur- 
 rounded by children and friends. They died at a 
 ripe old age, in full connection with the ''Old- 
 Scliool Presbyterian" Church, in which they had 
 been reared from infancy. Politically, the grand 
 father was a Democrat. To this worthy couple 
 were born two sons and three daughters, all of 
 whom lived to an adult age. 
 
 Robert, son of Joseph and Martha (Paden) 
 Scott, was born in Robinson township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. , and in early life followed the carpenter's 
 trade, being naturally inclined to mechanical work. 
 He was twice married, his first choice being 
 Fanny, daughter of Edward Jackson. She bore 
 him children as follows: Alexander, a wagon 
 maker by trade, who first lived in Florence, thence 
 moving to Armstrong county, Penn. ; Joseph, a 
 carpenter of Burgettstown, Penn.; Josiah. a black 
 smith of Burgettstown; Andrew F., a blacksmith, 
 moved to Oalesburg, 111., thence to Nashville, 
 Tenu.; Elizalveth, Mrs. Finley Wilson, of Arm- 
 strong county, Penn. ; and Margaret, wife of 
 James Work. Of this family Andrew F. is the 
 only one living. For his second wife Robert Scott 
 was married to Mary Kerr, of Allegheny county, 
 Penn., who bore him the following children. 
 Samuel, a pattern maker of Wheeling, W. Va. ; 
 Fannie, widow of George Jackson, living in Flor 
 ence, Penn. ; Catherine, unmarried, is living with 
 her brother Robert; and Robert, whose sketch 
 follows. After his first marriage Mr. Scott located 
 near Candor, in Robinson township, where he re 
 sided for some time, then settled near Paris, in 
 Hanover township, and in 1856 came to Florence. 
 The latter part of his life was principally devoted 
 to work in the carpentry line, as his skill was well 
 
 known. In repairing violins and similar instru- 
 ments, he was remarkably successful, also making 
 a specialty of ornaments, which required exquisite 
 care. He voted with the Democratic party, and in 
 religion was a valued member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. His death occurred November 1, 1863, 
 and he was followed by his widow August 30, 
 1880. They were laid to rest in Candor cemetery. 
 Robert, Scott, son of Robert and Mary (Kerr) 
 Scott, was born November 7, 1839, in Paris, Hanover 
 township. His education was received at the 
 country schools, aud when he was sixteen years of 
 age his parents moved to Florence. He then fol 
 lowed farm work at various places, and in 1869 
 opened a general store, having since continued in 
 that business. On February 16, 1ST], he was m;ir 
 ried to Margaret McCullough, a daughter of John 
 McCullough, of Florence, who was one of the repre- 
 sentative men of his time, and was justice, of the 
 peace for thirty years. The children of Robert 
 and Margaret Scott are John M. (an enterprising 
 young man, who is associated with his lather in 
 business), Mary D.,Emma E. and Charley B., all 
 of whom are living at home. In 1884 Mr. Scott 
 mourned the loss of his wife, who was buried in 
 the Presbyterian cemetery. In politics he has 
 been a lifelong Democrat, and though taking in- 
 terest in the success of his party, has declined 
 proffered nominations to township offices. He is 
 a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church. 
 By fair dealing, close attention to business and 
 the practice of strict economy, his business has 
 prospered until it has long been recognized as one 
 of the leading establishments of Florence. 
 
 \JLLIAM N. BEBOUT, a worthy repre 
 sentative of the prosperous native-born 
 agriculturists of Washington county, first 
 saw the lightof day in A in well township, 
 February 19, 1820. The family are of 
 Holland Dutch descent. 
 
 Ebenezer Bebout, grandfather of William N., 
 was for a short time a resident of Washington 
 county, and died in New Jersey. Beden Bebout 
 father of our subject, was born April 5, 1773, in 
 Sussex county, N. J., and came to Washington 
 county, Penn., in 1788, accompanied by his broth 
 ers Moses, Peter, Ebenezer and Lewis; Moses and 
 Beden were tailors by trade, the others masons. 
 Beden was married September 25, 1794, to Mar- 
 garet daughter of William Nemons, and thirteen 
 children were born to them, of whom the follow 
 ing is a brief record: Letitia, born August 25, 
 1795, married J. Fitzwilliams, and died at the age 
 of ninety-five years; Abigail, born January 9, 1797 
 married J. Huston; Naomi, born October 16, 1798, 
 married J. McDonald; Elizabeth, born September 
 28, 1800; Isabella, born December 1, 1802, mar- 
 
358 
 
 I r. 1 SHIXGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ried J. Jolly; Moses, who was a member of the 
 " Washington Blues," born November 25, 1805, 
 died in 1888, aged eighty-tbree years; Christian, 
 born January 31, 1808, married W. Gilbert; Will- 
 iam, born August 1, 1810, died young; Margaret, 
 born November 18, 1811, married Richard Jolly; 
 Alexander, born November 24, 1813; Jane, born 
 September 4, 1815, married Cephas Bane; Alexan- 
 der, born April 19, 1818; William N. (our subject) 
 is the youngest, and the only survivor of this large 
 family. In 1795 Beden Bebout bought the home 
 farm which his son, William N., now owns, paying 
 therefor $5 per acre, and here he passed the rest 
 of his busy life, dying February 20, 1867, at the 
 age of ninety-live years. After he commenced 
 funning, he continued his trade for several years 
 during the winter months, visiting the several farm 
 houses in the neighborhood, as was the custom in 
 those days. His wife spun and wove linen from 
 Max raised on the farm; which he would take to 
 Baltimore to sell or trade, and our subject was 
 twenty-one years old before he wore clothes made 
 of any other material. The mother's old spinning- 
 wheel and reel are still in the possession of Will- 
 iam N. For a long time Mr. Bebout had to bring 
 salt in bags all the way from Cumberland, Penn. 
 Mrs. Bebout died May 22. 1841, at the age of sixty- 
 four years. 
 
 William N. Bebout. whose name opens this' 
 biographical memoir, attended the subscription 
 schools of the neighborhood and did his full share 
 in the labors of the home farm for several years. 
 < »n September 25, 1845, he married Susan Bebout, 
 whose grandfather was a second cousin of his 
 grandfather. She is a daughter of Peter Bebout, 
 who married Isabel Cooper, in Ohio, and in 1823, 
 came to Washington enmity, settling in North 
 Strabane township, where the father died in April, 
 I860, at the age of seventy years. He was a na- 
 tive of New Jersey, and came to Pennsylvania at 
 the same time as did Beden Bebout; and was a 
 soldier in the war of 1812. His wife passed from 
 life in March, 1888. After their marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. Bebout lived lifteen years on the old farm, 
 then ten years in Franklin township, but sold out 
 and moved to Marion county, W. Va., where they 
 bought a farm and passed eight years of their lives. 
 This property they sold, ami, returning to Wash 
 ington county, made their home in Buffalo town- 
 ship until 1888, in which year they moved into the 
 borough, buying their present comfortable house, 
 which is situated on East Beau street. Their un 
 ion has been blessed with ten children: Alexan- 
 der, a resident of Fairmont, W. Va. : Isabel, de- 
 ceased at the age of four years; Margaret J., wife 
 of Lee Barnes, in Washington, Penn.; Elizabeth, 
 wife of Franklin Arneth, Marion, W. Va. ; Frank 
 J., on the farm of 300 acres in Buffalo township; 
 Nettie, wife of George Ritchey, Morgan county. 
 
 Ohio; Thomas M., on the old farm in Amwell 
 township; Ida, wife of Theodore Bell, Morristown- 
 ship; and Beden. who died of blood poisoning, at 
 the age of twenty one years, and when he was 
 about to be admitted to the practice of medicine. 
 Mr. Bebout in his religious connections is a mem 
 her of the Second Presbyterian Church; politically 
 he is a Democrat, and has served his township in 
 various offices of trust. Mr. Bebout and his 
 wife have been blessed with good health all their 
 lives, and have together shared life's joys and sor- 
 rows for almost half a century. Before closing 
 this memoir it may not be out of place to state that 
 Mr. Bebout was an eye-witness to the execution of 
 "Kid," the negro slave, who had run for his lib 
 erty into Pennsylvania, but was overtaken and capt- 
 ured by his owner, who proceeded to take him 
 back South. Bather than return to a life of slav- 
 ery, " Kid " slew his master, and for this act he 
 was hanged. 
 
 V 7lf OSES B THOMPSON (deceased) was of 
 
 \f/t Irish birth and descent. Hisgrandfather, 
 ■i I Adam Thompson, was born on a farm 
 
 I - 1 four miles from Belfast, Ireland, and de- 
 voted his life to agricultural pursuits and 
 the manufacture of linen. He was married to a 
 Miss McComb, who bore him five children: Adam, 
 Benjamin, James, Moses and Robert. 
 
 Robert Thompson, son of Adam, was born on 
 the home place near Belfast, where he was mar 
 ried to Elizabeth Wilson, and in 1811 they came 
 to America, the voyage occupying six weeks. 
 They landed at Philadelphia, whence the}' came 
 westward to Pittsburgh, Penn., the journey of two 
 weeks being made by wagon. In Pittsburgh he 
 was engaged in the coal business, but later he 
 moved to Peters township, Washington county, 
 where he erected the first house in Thompsonville. 
 He then for a time resided in Noblestown, Alle- 
 gheny county, from there proceeding to Finleyville, 
 this county, and finally opened a store in Library, 
 Alleghen}' county. He died leaving three chil 
 dren: John, married to a Miss Lorimer (had two 
 children, Emeline Finley and William, the latter of 
 whom died in 1889); Rachel, deceased at the age 
 of thirty five years, and Moses B. 
 
 Moses B. Thompson was born in 1811, in County 
 Antrim, Ireland, and when an infant was brought 
 by his parents to Pittsburgh, Penn. He assisted 
 his father in various lines of business, and was also 
 engaged in buying and selling grain. In 1850 ho 
 came to the farm in Union township, Washington 
 county, and carried on an extensive traffic in sugar, 
 making trips to the Southern States, where he 
 bought a large quantity, and then sold in Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn. In 1875 he was married to Eliza Ann, 
 daughter of Samuel M. Wilson, a native of Ire 
 
I 
 
 "^T-Z^^W c 
 
WASHINGTO.\ CorXTY 
 
 361 
 
 land, who in 1848 came to America, first landing 
 at Baltimore. Md., thence proceeding to Wheeling, 
 W. Va., and afterward locating in Pittsburgh, 
 Penu. , in the courthouse of which city he was a 
 clerk. He was married to Elizabeth Mayne, a na- 
 tive of County Armagh, Ireland. Mr. Wilson 
 bought, and moved upon a farm in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. , near Lock No. 3, and bought 
 wool in addition to attending to his farming 
 interests. He was the father of two daugh 
 ters: Jane, and Eliza Ann, who was married to 
 Moses B. Thompson. Moses B. and Eliza Ann 
 Thompson began wedded life on the farm in Union 
 township, Washington county, where the remain- 
 der of his life was passed, and his widow is yet liv- 
 ing. He owned four farms, and also hotel prop 
 erty in the "Diamond" of Pittsburgh, which is 
 yet undivided. In political opinion he was an ar- 
 dent Republican, and was one of two in his town 
 ship to vote the Abolition ticket. He died January 
 1, 1881. 
 
 l\VI( RS - ELIZA V WALKER, a highly 
 
 \M\ esteemed lady of Burgettstown, was born 
 T(| February 17, 1811, a daughter of William 
 
 I -* Vance, who was a son of Joseph Vance, 
 both in their day prominent citizens of 
 Smith township. 
 
 Joseph Vance was born about 1750, near Win- 
 chester, Va. , where he was married, and ooming 
 to Washington county, Penn., about the year 1773, 
 located three miles southwest of Burgettstown. in 
 Smith township, on a large tract of land. This 
 land was then an unbroken wilderness, or, to quote 
 a pioneer phrase: "There was not a stick amiss," 
 but it has since been divided into nine of the finest 
 farms in Washington county. As soon as a rude 
 shelter had been erected for the family, Joseph 
 Vance, in company with a few of his widely 
 parted neighbors, began the erection of what was 
 known as "Vance's Fort." This was intended to 
 protect the settlers from the onslaughts of the In- 
 dians, who were yet numerous in the Territory, and 
 bitterly resented the encroachment, of the "pale 
 faces " upon their hunting-grounds. The fort was 
 situated but a short distance from the cabin of 
 Joseph Vance, and stood for many years, the only 
 sign of its existence visible being a piece of brick 
 colored ground and an old stone chimney, recently 
 destroyed. At the gates of Fort Vance, under a 
 white oak tree, on October 14, 1778, Rev. James 
 Powers preached the first sermon in English known 
 to have been heard west of the Alleghany Mount 
 ains in this section of the State. On this wild 
 tract Joseph Vance and his wife passed their lives, 
 with the exception of occasional visits to his birth- 
 place. As immigration increased, property rose in 
 value, the vast tract of land, once seemingly almost 
 
 worthless, became very valuable, and the pioneers 
 reaped the deserved reward of early years of toil, 
 privation and danger. The first wife of Joseph 
 Vance died many years ago, leaving him six 
 children, viz. : William, John, Joseph, Elizabeth. 
 Jane and Nancy. Of this family, one son, Joseph, 
 returned with his father on a visit to Virginia, 
 then went west to Ohio, and his fate was never 
 known. (Governor Vance of Ohio was a cousin). 
 For his second wife, Mr. Vance was wedded to 
 a Miss Cook, a native of Winchester, Va., who 
 died soon after marriage; and he made a third 
 choice in the person of Mary Moore, also a native 
 of Winchester, who bore him two daughters: Anna 
 Mary (wife of William Brady, of Ohio county. W. 
 Va. ), and Hannah (married to Edward Morgan. 
 also of Ohio county, W. Va. ; sin- is now living in 
 Kansas at an advanced age). The father died 
 May 6, 1832, and in 1852 his faithful wife was 
 laid beside him. 
 
 William Vance, eldest son of Joseph, was born 
 November 30, 1775, on the old " Fort Vance farm" 
 in Smith township, where his boyhood was passed 
 in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large portion 
 of them falling to his share as the eldest son. On 
 December 24, 1799, he was married to Rachel 
 Patterson, who was born June 3, 1781, daughter 
 of William Patterson, of Cross Creek township, 
 this county, and to their union children were born, 
 of whom the following is a brief record: Cynthia, 
 born March 8, 1S01, gave her hand in marriage to 
 Peter Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne county, 
 Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph, born Sep 
 tember 18, 1802, was a farmer in Smith township, 
 and died in 1864; James, born July 23, 1804, fol- 
 lowed agriculture in Jefferson township, this 
 county, and died in 1881; William P., born Sep- 
 tember 4, 1806, lived on a farm in this county for 
 some time, thence moving to Hardin county, Ky , 
 and is now a retired farmer of Caldwell county. 
 Mo.; Allison, born December 14, 1808, lived on 
 the home place and died in 1888; Elizabeth was 
 born February 17, 1811, and is now living in Bur 
 gettstown, the widow of David S. Walker; Ann 
 was born November 8, 1812, and was united in 
 marriage with Norris Walker, brother of David S. 
 (she died, leaving a large family of children); 
 David was born April 14, 1815, and died in in- 
 fancy; and Rachel was born December 28, 1816, 
 (she was married to Josiah N. Scott, and is now 
 deceased). On January 9, 1817, the mother of 
 these children passed from earth, and on June 12, 
 1818, Mr. Vance was married to her sister, Hannah 
 Patterson, who was born in 1786. Five children 
 were born to this union, namely: Thomas P. (de- 
 ceased farmer of Cross Creek township), born 
 July 15, 1819; Mary (unmarried, living in Rome, 
 Ga.). born June 1,1821; Caroline (deceased wife 
 of R. S. Caldwell, Hopewell township, this county), 
 
362 
 
 WASHINGTON ( OUNTY. 
 
 bom December 30, lN'Jf; John S., born June 7, 
 1827, now in Smith township; and Jane, born 
 September 7, 1830 (married to J. S. Young, of 
 Ohio; both died in Rome, Ga., where they resided). 
 During his earlier life the father resided on the 
 home farm in Smith township, in company with his 
 brother John, whose interest he afterward pur 
 chased. In 1810 William Vance was elected rep 
 resentative of Washington county, in the State 
 Legislature. He was an enthusiastic member of 
 the Whig party, was a counselor and adviser among 
 his friends, and favored the tariff bill from its in- 
 fancy. After the term of office had expired, Hon. 
 William Vance returned to his farm, having made 
 a signal success in the performance of his duties. 
 He was a liberal contributor toward and regular 
 attendant of the Presbyterian Church, with which 
 his wife was also connected. He died April 18, 
 1856, and in 187S his widow followed him across 
 the dark river. Both are buried in the Cross 
 Creek cemetery. Of the children born to William 
 and Rachel (Patterson) Vance, Elizabeth grew to 
 womanhood, and on March 8, 1838, gave her hand 
 in marriage to David S. , son of Alexander Walker. 
 
 Alexander Walker was born in Lancaster county, 
 Penn., and when yet a young man came west 
 with his brother John, locating on a tract of land 
 in Jefferson township, this county. Alexander 
 Walker was married to Betsey Norris, of Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., who bore him children as fol- 
 lows: Eliza, Norris, James, Susan, Alexander, 
 David, Isabella, Mary Ann, Drusilla and Samuel. 
 The parents erected a log house on the farm, and 
 conducted a distillery for many years. He was a 
 Whig in politics, and in religious connection was 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church at Cross 
 Creek. 
 
 David S. Walker was born July 6, 1816, iu Jef- 
 ferson township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving 
 a limited education in the log school house of those 
 days. After his marriage to Elizabeth Vance, he 
 and his wife resided four years iu Cross Creek 
 township, this county, thence moved to Jefferson 
 township, and in 187"> came to Burgettstown, 
 where they have since resided. The following 
 children have been born to this union: William 
 H. H. (who enlisted iu the One Hundredth Regi 
 ment P. V. I., and died in the South after four 
 months' service; his father went to him and brought 
 his remains home); Mary E. , who was married 
 twice, first to Wesley Smith who died leaving two 
 children, and she was afterward wedded to John 
 Campbell (she is now deceased); Martha A., de- 
 ceased wife of James Anderson, also deceased; 
 Alexander H. , a resident of Pittsburgh; Rachel A., 
 wife of D. H. Hairier, of Ingram, Allegheny Co. 
 Penn. ; Jane A., and Eva (the last named being 
 deceased). Mr. ami Mrs Walker commenced life 
 in a very humble way, and for lour years after 
 
 marriage lived in an old log house. Mr. Walker 
 was a Whig until the formation of the Republican 
 party when he enlisted under its banner; on the 
 latter ticket he was, after coming to Burgettstown, 
 a candidate for the State Legislature. In religions 
 faith he was a Presbyterian, being an attendant of 
 the church of that denomination. In business 
 affairs he was a very successful man. On May 14, 
 1877, the death of Mr. Walker was recorded. 
 
 I| AMES D. CAMPSEY. Of the sturdy Scotch 
 
 Irish it has been truthfully said that they are 
 
 v II the livingexponents of righteous government ; 
 
 • — ^ the un terrified defenders of civil liberty; the 
 
 strong embodiment of virtuous manhood, and 
 
 the uncompromising advocates of the Christian 
 
 faith. These attributes, coupled with a high sense 
 
 of duty, hatred of tyranny, and the love of God, 
 
 are true characteristics of the race from which the 
 
 subject of this biographical sketch is descended. 
 
 James Campsey, his paternal grandfather, a 
 farmer by occupation, was born June 22, 1772, in 
 Mountertany, Parish of Rapboe, County Donegal, 
 Ireland, and in 1794 emigrated to America in the 
 ship "Liberty." In 1792 he had married Eliza- 
 beth Johnson, of the same county, born February 
 1. 1770, and when he emigrated to the United 
 States he was accompanied by his faithful wife and 
 two children: William, born July 1, 1793, and 
 John, born May 4, 1796. For a few years, or un 
 til 1801, they lived east of the mountains, and 
 then proceeded westward to Washington county, 
 Penn.. making a settlement about two miles south 
 of Claysville. this section being at that time an 
 unbroken and sparsely settled wilderness. When 
 they arrived the neighbors formed a "bee" and 
 built them a log cabin, the foundation of which 
 was four stumps, one for each corner, but one day 
 being occupied in its erection. Here our little 
 pioneer family made their home, gradually sur- 
 rounding themselves with the necessaries and com- 
 forts of life, and here four more children came to 
 enlarge the domestic circle: Margaret, born Fell 
 ruary 20, 1798; Joseph, born February 20, 18(10; 
 James, born February 20, 1803, and Rebecca, 
 born June 2, 1805. The head of this pioneer fam- 
 ily was a vigorous, energetic man, incessantly and 
 assiduously toiling to make a home for his little 
 ones, and to convert the forest wild into a fertile 
 farm. On November 23, 1843, the loving partner 
 of his bosom was called from earth, and Mr. Camp 
 sey. having thon made an equitable division of his 
 property, which was considerable, retired from 
 active labor, and passed the remaining portion of 
 his days on earth with his son James. He died 
 September 1, 1851, full of years and honor, and was 
 laid to rest by the side of his wife in Claysville 
 cemetery. All their children lived to adult ages, 
 excepting Margaret, who died in her girlhood. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 363 
 
 James Cainpsey, the youngest son of this revered 
 couple, was born, as above recorded, on the old 
 farm two miles south of Claysville, where he was 
 early inducted into farm life, and made to work 
 hard, at the expense of his school lessons, which 
 were necessarily very limited. He was a natural 
 mechanic, and could turn his hand to almost any 
 kind of work in that line, being very ingenious and 
 skillful. He constructed a distillery, including all 
 the plant, which he operated for some time, until 
 he became aware of the harm liquor was doing 
 among those who could not discriminate between 
 its use and abuse. He then gave up the business 
 and disposed of the plant. Mr. Campsey was 
 twice married, the first occasion on November 7, 
 1N27, to Isabella Daugherty, a native of Washing- 
 ton county, born April 21, 1811, by which union 
 there were five children: Mary Ann. born May 29. 
 L830; Harriet, born November 18, 1*32; '.Mai 
 garet E., born May 18, 1835; James D., our sub- 
 ject, and a son, unnamed, born November 2, 1838, 
 dying four days afterward. The mother of this 
 family departed this life April 29, 1841, and March 
 10. IS 12, Mr. Campsey wedded Mrs. Susanna 
 Ralston (also a native of County Down, Ireland), 
 widow of James Ralston, and daughter of David 
 McMillan, of the same township, and two children 
 (twins) were born to this union: David M. and Re 
 becoa, born October 13, 1843, the former of whom 
 is a leading merchant in Claysville, the latter dy 
 ing February 19, 1876. Soon after his first mar 
 riage James Campsey purchased of Samuel Stokely 
 a valuable farm property, comprising 352 acres of 
 prime land, lying one aud one half miles noith of 
 Claysville, to which he moved and where he fol- 
 lowed farming till December, 1869, when he re- 
 moved to Claysville, and, there lived a retired life, 
 having amassed a comfortable sufficiency by hard 
 toil and earnestness of purpose. On April 4, 1883, 
 he was called from earth, his wife having pre- 
 ceded him to the long home September 24, 1874. 
 Mr. Campsey was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Claysville, Mrs. Campsev being a mem- 
 ber of the U. P. Church of South Buffalo. In 
 politics Mr. Campsey was originally a Whig, in 
 later years a Republican. 
 
 James D. Campsey, only surviving son of 
 James and Isabella (Daugherty) Campsey, was 
 born May 24, 1838, in Donegal township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., and received his education at 
 the common schools of the district, a goodly por- 
 tion of his boyhood days being passed in hard 
 work on his father's farm. On June 21, 1870, he 
 was married to Margaret M. Moore, who was born 
 in 1849, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter 
 of John Moore, and the results of this union were 
 five children, as follows: Harry O., born April 14, 
 1871; Metta B.. born January 14, 1873, died 
 October 19, 1889; Anna E , born January 14, 
 
 1876, died June 10, 1880; Thomas A., born Janu 
 ary 2, 1878, died .lime 9, 1880; and Myrtle .M., 
 born January 23, 1880, all now deceased except 
 Harry O. and Myrtle M., who are now living at 
 home. Our subject is a lifelong farmer, and has 
 always lived on his portion of the old homestead 
 with the exception of the two years he was en- 
 gaged in mercantile business in Claysville, as a 
 a member of the firm of Sheller & Campsey. In 
 politics he was formerly a Republican, but of late 
 years he has given his moral support to the Pro- 
 hibitionists, not binding himself, however, to any 
 partv, as on many occasions he votes for the best 
 man, regardless of politics. He and Mrs. Camp 
 sey are members of the Presbyterian Church, ami 
 are held in the highest esteem and respect in the 
 community in which they live. 
 
 If I ENKY CLAY COOPER, a prominent fit 
 hrA izen of Jefferson township, is a son of 
 Erasmus Cooper, who was born in Alle 
 I) - gheny county, Penn., and was united in 
 "* marriage with Elizabeth Patterson, daughter 
 
 of James aud Sarah Patterson, who came to Wash 
 ingtou county at an early day. He (James Patter 
 son) purchased a farm of William Wells, who laid the 
 foundation of the town of Wellsville. Their chil- 
 dren were James, William, John, Hugh, Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. Erasmus Cooper), Mary (wife of William 
 Moore) and Sarah (Mrs. Robert Pogue). 
 
 To the union of Erasmus aud Elizabeth (Patter- 
 son) Cooper children were born, of whom the fol- 
 lowing grew to maturity: William (living in this 
 county), John (born February 15, 1836. residing 
 in Eldersville), Robert (living in Drakesville. Davis 
 Co., Iowa), and Henry C. (subject of this sketch). 
 The mother died in 1846, and was buried at Per- 
 rysville, Allegheny Co., Penn , leaving her young 
 est child but eighteen months old. In 1855 Mr. 
 Cooper, accompanied by his sons, William and 
 John, moved to Iowa and purchased a large tract 
 of land, on part of which now stands the city of 
 Des Moines. This property was sold in 1887 for 
 $200 per acre. For his second wife, Erasmus 
 Cooper married a Miss Logan, of Canonsburg, one 
 daughter being born to their union — Mary Bethel 
 (now living in Des Moines). Mr. Cooper died in 
 1856 at the age of fifty-five years. He had three 
 brothers and one sister, viz. : John (killed by a fall), 
 James, George Fitch and Sarah. Of the sons of 
 Erasmus and Elizabeth (Patterson) Cooper, Will- 
 iam came to Washington county, Penn., in 1863, 
 having previously kept " bachelors' hall " together 
 with his brother John in Iowa. Since returning 
 to this county, William Cooper has been interested 
 in the development of the Allegheny county oil field, 
 with the Pioneer Oil Company, and is now living 
 near Eldersville. 
 
364 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Henry Clay Cooper was born May 5, 1845, in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., and upon the death of 
 his mother, he and three brothers (John, William 
 and Robert) were brought to Washington county, 
 where he found a home with an Aunt Mary, the others 
 being cared for in different families. Young Henry 
 received a good common-school education, and on 
 May 1, 1807, he formed a partnership with his 
 brother John in mercantile business at Eldersville. 
 The firm continued under the style of J. & H. C. 
 Cooper until April 1 9, 1891, when oar subject retired 
 from active business. On December 18, 1889, he 
 was married to Carrie V. McCarrell, daughter of 
 Thomas R. and Elizabeth McCarrell, old settlers 
 of this county. 
 
 Thomas McCarrell, grandfather of Mrs. Henry 
 C. Cooper, was born in County Armagh. Ireland, in 
 1745, and when seventeen years of age came to 
 America, and to Pennsylvania, making his first 
 settlement near Philadelphia. Afterward he moved 
 to York county, same State, and while there par- 
 ticipated in the war of the Revolution, and mar 
 ried Eleanor Rusk, a native of that county. In 
 1 793 they came to Washington county, making their 
 final home near Eldersville. Their children were: 
 Mary (wife of Robert Cresswell, a soldier of the 
 Mexican war), Jane (Mrs. James Moore, of Musk 
 iuguin, Ohio), Samuel (married to Elizabeth Mc- 
 Connell, of Hanover township), Margaret (unmar- 
 ried) and Thomas Rusk. The father of this family 
 died on the home farm in this county in 1835, the 
 mother in 1845, both aged ninety years, and both 
 are buried in " The Tent" cemetery. Mr. Mc- 
 Carrell was a Democrat in politics, and in religious 
 faith a member of and for many years an elder in 
 the Seceder Church of Brooke countv, W. Va., 
 known as "The Tent." Thomas Rusk" McCarrell 
 was horn August 3, 1795, in Jefferson township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and received his primary 
 education in the subscription schools of the vicinity, 
 later attending an educational establishment in 
 Ohio While in that State he taught school about 
 ten years. Returning to Pennsylvania, he married 
 Ruhamah Kincaid, of Brooke county, W. Va.. and 
 one child, Ruhamah J., was born to them. This 
 wife dying, Mr. McCarrell, eleven years later, 
 married Elizabeth McComb, of Brooke county. 
 W. Va. , a daughter of Capt. John McComb, 
 a native of County Down, Ireland, who came to 
 this country when a young man. He became a 
 noted Indian fighter, and was a Revolutionary 
 soldier. In 1840, at the age of about eighty-seven 
 years, he passed from earth, a lifelong Democrat, 
 and a ruling elder in " The Tent" Seceder Church 
 of Brooke county. The children born to Thomas 
 and Elizabeth (McComb) McCarrell were Rachel 
 E., Thomas A. and John A. (all three deceased), 
 Elizabeth M., John T. H. (deceased) and Caroline 
 V I Mrs. Henry C. Cooper). The parents both 
 
 died at the home place at the age of eighty -two 
 years. Mr. McCarrell was a stanch Democrat, 
 and a member of "The Tent" Church, in which 
 he was a ruling elder for about fifty-five years. 
 
 Henry Clay Cooper is one of the best known 
 business men in the western part of the county. 
 His store in Eldersville is well filled with the vari- 
 ous articles needed in a farming community, and 
 his patrons are scattered throughout the county, 
 many of his customers also residing in West 
 Virginia. 
 
 J I AMES NEEL (deceased). This gentleman 
 was one of the best-known citizens and pros 
 ! perous lumbermen of what is now the city of 
 Monongahela. He was a son of Archibald 
 Neel, a very prominent man, a large landowner, 
 who developed coal mines on his land. He re- 
 sided opposite McKeesport, where his property ex- 
 tended quite a distance, from directly opposite 
 McKeesport down to Lock No. 2, on the river. He 
 hail a family of six children, of whom two are yet 
 living: Mrs. Oliver and Jordan Neel. 
 
 James Neel was born September 25, 1S17, in 
 Mifflin township, Allegheny Co., Penn., opposite 
 the town of McKeesport. He attended school 
 during the winter time in an old log building lo- 
 cated about four miles from the river, and worked 
 on the farm during the summer, having, to quote 
 his own words, " Little of school and lots of plow." 
 At the age of sixteen years he began to learn the 
 carpenter's trade with one William Whigam. and 
 then followed that business for some time in Pitts 
 burgh, Penn. In 1840, in company with his 
 brother John, he embarked in the coal business on 
 the opposite side of the river below McKeesport. 
 He afterward purchased a sawmill at that town, on 
 the present site of Wood's rolling mill, remaining 
 I heie fifteen years, and afterward, moving to Jeffer 
 son county, continued in the same line of business, 
 and also bought thousands of acres of timber 
 lands. He there erected and operated several saw 
 mills, etc., and carefully iuvestiug his limited cap- 
 ital, soon amassed a fortune as a lumberman. He 
 then went to the Clarion, and was in partnership 
 with the extensive lumber firm of Blake, Neel & 
 liodgers. also erecting the planing mill in Mc 
 Keesport. Prior to 1857 he formed a partnership 
 with John Wampler at McKeesport, but some years 
 later Mr. Wampler withdrew, and in 1870 a part 
 aership was formed by Mr. Neel with William 
 Wampler (a half-brother of his previous partnei I. 
 which copartnership continued to the end of Mr. 
 Neel' s life. In 1870 he also entered into business 
 enterprises at Monongahela City with Maj. Perry 
 A. Foster, and fortune continued to smile on his 
 efforts. After coming to Washington county, how 
 ever, Mr. Neel lost much money in his investments, 
 
b^l^i^) 
 
WASHINGTON (iiIXT) 
 
 mi 
 
 through his inability, owing to advanced age, to 
 attend personally to his business affairs. His en- 
 tire estate is now estimated at about §500,(100, 
 accumulated by his untiring energy. For some 
 time he had been afflicted with a cancer in the 
 stomach, and finally submitted to an operation at 
 the St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburgh, which re- 
 sulted in his death. He passed away July 24, 
 1892, at the age of seventy-six years, leaving a 
 widow and two children, aud was buried in the 
 McKeesport cemetery. 
 
 Mr. Neel was thrice married: first to Susan Samp 
 son, of McKeesport, a sister of Kuhn Sampson, 
 who was a resident of Monongahela, and three 
 children were born to them, as follows: Thomas, 
 of Brookville, Jefferson Co., Penn. ; Anna, widow 
 of Ross Clark, who was a resident of Coal Centre; 
 and William, deceased, whose widow is now in 
 Brookville, Penn. For his second wife Mr. Neel 
 married Margaret Cochran, of McKeesport, daugh- 
 ter of William Cochran; they had no children. 
 Mr. Neel's third marriage was on January 29, 
 1857, with Nancy Cochran, who was born December 
 18, 1833, a daughter of Samuel Cochran, a residentof 
 Indiana couuty, Penn. .the wedding ceremony taking 
 place at Iowa Mills, Penn.. Rev. C. L. Cummins off! 
 ciating. To this union four children were born, as 
 follows: Arabella, who died October 7, 1874, at 
 the age of sixteen years; James H. , now a resident 
 of C a lif° m ' a "> Charles C, living in Monongahela. 
 and Nellie, deceased April 26, 1877, at the age of 
 four years. 
 
 Of Mr. Neel it may truthfully be said that he 
 was thoroughly self-made, and many a day would 
 he be found, in all weathers, working side by side 
 with his men. Frequently, in order to save his 
 lumber and other property from flood or other 
 danger, he would labor as long as eighteen to 
 twenty hours a day; and on one occasion he re- 
 mained for hours with his clothing wet and frozen 
 nearly solid. He was at all times an example to 
 his employes of industry and perseverance. He 
 would frequently, with his own hauds. raft his 
 logs down the river, riding them over the rapids, 
 an enterprise often accompanied with considerable 
 danger. In those days there was no railroad from ' 
 Kittanning to Pittsburgh, and many a time Mr. 
 Neel would travel between those places on the old- 
 fashioned stage coach, over roads so rough that the 
 travelers would frequently have to alight, and on 
 foot help to hold the old stage coach from tipping 
 over the bluffs. Often, after paying his fare, would 
 Mr. Neel walk, in order to allow some less robust 
 fellow traveler to ride in the vehicle. A man of 
 large and generous heart, he was ever anxious to 
 accommodate others in such and other ways; and 
 not a few now successful business men. who for- 
 merly had dealings with him, owe their success 
 largely to the generosity and substantial assistance 
 
 of Mr. Neel. In the conducting of his affairs he 
 would frequently have to rise at three or four 
 o'clock in the morning and set off down the river 
 in a small skiff, rowing all the way to Pittsburgh; 
 while sometimes he would take passage on one of 
 the larger boats at Red Bank, a place lying be- 
 tween his home aud the city. Mr. Neel was of a 
 hearty, jovial disposition, fond of company, but 
 quiet in his enjoyments, at all times speaking in 
 low tones, and he surrounded himself with a mul- 
 titude of friends. While not a member of any 
 church, he was possessed withal of sterling 
 Christian qualities, believing in deeds rather than 
 in professions. During the later years of his life he 
 was afflicted with partial deafness, which caused him 
 to seek comparative retirement from society. He 
 was "f medium height, solidly built, and possessed 
 of great physical strength, his weight while in 
 health being in the neighborhood of 170 pounds 
 In his political preferences he was a member of the 
 Republican party. 
 
 Gl LARK CROW was born August 0, 1825, on 
 the farm where he is now living, in Allen 
 ]) township, Washington Co., Penn.,asonof 
 Lawrence Crow, aud a grandson of Law- 
 rence aud Margaret Crow. The last men- 
 tioned ancestors were natives of Maryland, and in 
 L784 settled in Allen township, this county. 
 Lawrence, the grandfather, applied for a patent 
 August 31, 1784, aud on December 16, same year, 
 surveyed the tract called " Crow's Egg," which 
 contained 295 acres, and became the permanent 
 home of the Crow family, who lived there in block 
 houses for many years. 
 
 Lawrence Crow, father of Clark Crow, was born 
 in 1795, on the home place in Allen township, 
 Washington county, receiving his early education 
 in the country schools. On November 9, 1S12, he 
 was married to Mary Riggs, a native of that town- 
 ship, and daughter of William and Mary Riggs, 
 the former of whom was a Methodist minister; 
 both her parents were born in Maryland, and in 
 1773 came to Washington county, Penn., locating 
 on the Monongahela river, where they died many 
 years ago. To the union of Lawrence and Mary 
 (Riggs) Crow there were children as follows: 
 Elizabeth, born November 16, 1813, was married 
 to James Doneldson, and died October 9, 1847, in 
 Greenfield, Penn.; William J., born July 29,1815, 
 married Nancy Jackman, aud died in Illinois in 
 1876; Mary Aim, born May 5, 1817, died June 21, 
 1856, in Pennsylvania; Margaret L., born April 1 1, 
 1820, was married to James D. Latta, and died in 
 Washington county, Penn., January 20, 1853; 
 Sarah, born May 10, 1822, was married to William 
 Dunlavey. and died February 11, 1850; Clark, the 
 subject of this sketch; aud James, born September 
 
368 
 
 IV AS I n. \t, roy COUXTY. 
 
 10, 1828, married Sarah Ward, and died October 
 3, 1857, Clark being now the only survivor of the 
 family. The father died in 1835, followed in 1865 
 by his widow. He was a Democrat iu politics, 
 and he and his wife were members of the 
 First M. E. Church built in Allen township, this 
 county, and known as the ''Howe M. E. Church;" 
 it was originally erected in 1820, taken down iu 
 1872, and rebuilt iu 1892. 
 
 Clark Crow, whose uame opens this memoir, 
 received a subscription school education, aud as- 
 sisted his father iu clearing up the home farm. On 
 April 30, 1851, he was united in marriage with 
 Rachel, daughter of William aud Rachel (Stewart) 
 Latta, and a uative of Allen township, this county. 
 To this union were born three children: Ann 
 Salene, Charles C. (deceased September 8, 1866), 
 and James B. (deceased September 18, 1856). The 
 mother of these children died December 18, 1859, 
 and May 25, 1862, Mr. Crow took for his second 
 wife Isabel Wilkin, b native of Coal Centre, this 
 county, a daughter of Reuben Wilkin, who was 
 born February 9, 1799, near Lost River, Hardy 
 Co., W. Va., a son of George and Mary Wilkin, of 
 West Virginia, who moved to Greenfield (now Coal 
 Centre), Penn., in an early day. 
 
 Coming to Greenfield (now Coal Centre), East 
 Pike Run township. Washington Co., Peuu., 
 Reuben Wilkin was married April 2, 1826, to 
 Bethsheba Dowler, a uative of that township, born 
 in 1808, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth 
 Dowler, and to this union were born children as 
 follows: George W., born January 28, 1826, 
 married September 13, 1849, to Margaret Ann 
 Addis; Elizabeth, born June 19, 1828, died June 
 19, 1829; Emily, born May 29, 1830, died Decern- 
 ber 20, 1887; Henry D. . born May 8, 1832, mar- 
 ried October 18, I860, to Anna Piper; Mary Jaue, 
 boru June 14, 1N34. married to Peter Corwin, 
 November 23, 1837; Thomas, born April 7, 1836, 
 married January 1, 1861, to Mary McMillan; 
 Rebecca, born August 26, 1838, died September 
 30, 1838; Isabel, born October 3, 1839, wife of 
 Clark Crow; Luciuda. born July 2, 1844. mar- 
 ried October 28, 1878, to William S. Williams; 
 aud Harriet, born February 25, 1847, married De- 
 cember 8, 1878, to Robert'Moore. The father of 
 this family died in 1S82, having been preceded to 
 the grave by his wife in 1869; she was a member 
 of the First M. E. Church iu Greenfield, built iu 
 1838. Thomas and Elizabeth Dowler were mem- 
 bers of the First M. E. Church in Allen township, 
 which went by the name of the "Howe Church,'' 
 of which meution has already been made in this 
 sketch. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Clark Crow have always resided 
 on the home place, which is one of the oldest 
 farms in Washington county, and contains 190 
 acres of good land. In politics he is a Democrat, 
 
 and has served faithfully as road supervisor, judge 
 of elections and member of the school board. In 
 religion he and his wife are members of the M. E. 
 Church at Mount Tabor. Their children are Olive 
 E. (Mrs. Samuel Winnett, living on the home 
 farm) and Loretta (Mrs. W. A. Strowd, of East 
 Pike Run township) (twins), Eldora (wife of J. M. 
 McCracken. of Greene county, Penn.), William 
 (married to Olive Crawford, aud living in Allen 
 township), Fred G., Lawrence C. and Edgar J., 
 all three of whom are living with their parents. 
 Mr. aud Mrs. Crow are the grandparents of six 
 children living, aud one deceased. 
 
 n. A. MEALY, an old and well-knownresident 
 
 // \\ of Claysville, is a native of Washington 
 1/ \\ county, Penn.. born in Donegal township 
 Jj March 15, 1815. His early life was passed 
 
 with his grandfather, George Mealy, who 
 was born iu Lancaster county, Penn. , and was 
 reared to manhood on the home farm. George 
 Mealy was united in marriage with Mary Horn, a 
 resident of the same county, and their children 
 were as follows: John, Samuel, David, Margaret. 
 Sarah. Maria. Elizabeth. George and William. Iu 
 1812 Mr. Mealy and his family started for Wash 
 ington county, Penn., and after a long and tedious 
 journey by emigrant wagons they arrived in Done- 
 gal township, and settled on the farm of 100 acres, 
 which Mr. Mealy had previously purchased. It 
 was partially cleared, and had some buildings on it. 
 He was an energetic and progressive man, taking 
 an active part in public enterprises. Politically he 
 was a stanch Democrat, and a most ardent worker 
 in his party In religion he was a member and 
 hearty supporter of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 A. A. Mealv (grandson of the above pioneer) 
 passed his early youth in attending to the farm 
 duties on his grandfather's place, and during the 
 winter season went to the neighboring schools. 
 The school-house was like others of that day, a 
 rude affair, but within those humble little cabins 
 many of our most intelligent citizens received their 
 first instruction in literature. When fifteen years 
 of age Mr. Mealy was apprenticed to James Shan- 
 non, a shoemaker, and has since been engaged in 
 that vocation, always recognized as one of the best 
 workmen of Claysville. When twenty-two years 
 of age he began business for himself, and opened 
 a shop. On July 2, 1835. he was married to Jane, 
 daughter of Hugh McCaskey, a native of Ireland, 
 who in youth came with two brothers to America. 
 Mr. McCaskev settled in Lancaster county, Penn. . 
 remaining there several years, and was married to 
 Julia Haggerty. who bore him the following chil- 
 dren: Mary (Mrs. Charles Knight). Sarah (Mrs. 
 William Moore). Jane (wife of A. A. Mealy) and 
 Margaret. When a young man Mr. McCaskey 
 
UASHIXiriOX COUNTY. 
 
 369 
 
 learned the tanner's trade, wbicb he followed sev 
 eral years. He then conducted a general store at 
 Pittsburgh for some time, hut, finally moved to 
 Canonsburg, Washington county, and resumed 
 his trade. In politics he was a Whig, and in re- 
 ligion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 After his marriage, Mr. Mealy settled on his pres 
 ent home in Claysville, this county, and reared the 
 following children: Margaret, wife of William 
 Warrill; Julia A., wife of John Short; John, George 
 and Anthony A. The mother of these passed away 
 December 5, 1891, after a happy married life of 
 fifty-four years' duration. Mr. and Mrs. Mealy 
 celebrated their golden wedding July 2, 1885, 
 when they had all their children present with them 
 to participate in a most delightful family reunion. 
 Mr. Mealy was appointed postmaster of Claysville 
 in 1845, by the administration of James K. Polk, 
 which position he occupied sixteen years. He has 
 always taken an active interest in the welfare of 
 the community, and in politics is an active mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party. From early youth 
 he has been a zealous member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. The following is a record of his sons: 
 
 John Mealy was born in Claysville, this county, 
 and received his elementary education in the town 
 schools, which schools he afterward taught for 
 several terms with great acceptance to the people. 
 He graduated at Washington and Jefferson Col 
 lege, and then entered the Western Theological 
 Seminary. After his graduation ho was called to 
 the Presbyterian Church of New Wilmington, 
 Penn., of which he is now the pastor. "The 
 church of Neshauock,'' New Wilmington, has been 
 Mr. Mealy's only charge, covering a pastorate of 
 twenty-five years. He has had in the meantime 
 calls from a number of churches in the largest 
 cities of the Union, but. pastor and people being 
 bound together by so many endearing ties, to- 
 gether with the accomplishment of a great and 
 good work, have thus far made a separation impos 
 sible. He is an earnest preacher, and has ever 
 been a power iu Sabbath -school work. His pleas 
 ant and kindly disposition and cordiality of man 
 ner have always made him a favorite with old and 
 young. Mr. Mealy was united in marriage with 
 Ida Willmouth, and they had three children: Flor- 
 ence, Lavina and George. Mrs. Mealy died 
 February 8, 1874, and for. his second wife Mr. 
 Mealy was married to Augusta Pomery, who has 
 borne him one daughter, Jane. 
 
 George Mealy obtained his early education by 
 self-study, and at the schools of Claysville, which 
 he afterward taught. He then attended medical 
 lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
 phia, and Western Reserve, at Cleveland, Ohio, and 
 graduated. He is now practicing his profession 
 iu New Wilmington. Penn. His wife was formerly 
 
 Mary McEnall, and they have three children: Harry, 
 John and Mary. 
 
 Anthony A. Mealy was also born in Claysville, 
 and was educated at Westminster College, New 
 Wilmington, Penn . He then entered the Western 
 Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1N77. 
 He is now pastor of the Central Presbyterian 
 Church at Pittsburgh. Penn. He was married 
 June 22, 1882, to Bird Dalzell, and they have two 
 daughters: Ellen and Lydia. 
 
 EORGE YOUNG HOLMES. George Young 
 Holmes, Sr. , the oldest living representative 
 of the family, was born at Saltcoats, Sent 
 laud, May 13, 1820. His grandfather. Will 
 iauj Holmes, in his youth became a sailor, 
 and so faithful was he in the discharge of his du- 
 ties on shipboard, that he was rapidly promoted, 
 rising from apprentice to the position of captain 
 on a large vessel plying between Norway and 
 Scotland. While superintending the lading of 
 his vessel in a Norway port, he was accidentally 
 killed, and his body was buried in that couutry 
 about 1781 or 1782. His clothing and other effects 
 were sent home to his grief-stricken family, in 
 an old sea-chest which half a century later was 
 brought to America, and is still (1893) in exist- 
 ence. Some years prior to his death, Capt. Holmes 
 married Elizabeth Brown, and resided at Saltcoats, 
 a seaport then of considerable importance, pro- 
 ducing large quantities of salt. Ship-building was 
 also in a very flourishing condition then and for 
 many years afterward. The family consisted of 
 four- children : Robert, William, Martha and Eliz- 
 abeth. Mrs. Holmes, a woman of rare ability, 
 possessing to a remarkable degree the energy 
 characteristics of the Scotch people, began immedi- 
 ately the training and education of her little fam- 
 ily, and she lived to see all of them respected mem : 
 bers of society, reflecting honor upon her loving 
 care. 
 
 The maternal grandfather, William Brown, then 
 a master weaver, took Robert and William as ap- 
 prentices at hand-loom weaving, a trade of great 
 importance prior to the invention of the power- 
 loom. They continued at this trade for some time, 
 but Robert's taste inclined toward the study of 
 medicine. With William's assistance, he was 
 graduated from the University of Glasgow, attend- 
 ed the medical lectures at Dublin, and began the 
 practice of medicine at Saltcoats, but within a year 
 he died of typhus fever contracted from one of his 
 patients. For some years William continued at 
 his trade, and in his spare moments, by diligently 
 applying himself to study, he became an excellent 
 English scholar and a fine penman. For some 
 time he held the position of clerk in the Irwin 
 
370 
 
 WASHINGTON (WW TY 
 
 Bank, and after his marriage engaged in the gro- 
 cery business. He was then appointed postmaster 
 and agent for the sale of Government stamped 
 paper, which positions he retained until he emi- 
 grated to America Although holding office uuder 
 the Crown for many years with loyalty above re- 
 proach, he was an ardent Republican, and believed 
 firmly in government by the people. In 1803 he 
 married Elizabeth, fourth daughter of John Mc- 
 Nilledge, of Glasgow. They had ten children, 
 three of whom died in infancy. Margaret, the eld- 
 est, married and remained in Scotland, dying in 
 1836. The other children, namely: Robert, Eliz 
 abeth, Mary, Martha, George Young and Agues 
 Jane, with their parents, emigrated to America in 
 1830. 
 
 The deplorable condition of trade which had ex- 
 isted in Great Britain from the fall of Napoleon 
 in 1815, until this time, induced him to sever the 
 ties which bound him to his native land and seek 
 a home and a grave in the Western World. On 
 April 22, 1830, he, with his family, set sail on the 
 " Rodger Stewart," an American-built vessel which 
 had been captured by the British in the war of 
 1812. During the long voyage of six weeks and 
 four days, he kept a journal accurately recording 
 the incidents of .each day, the condition of the 
 weather, etc., and from this journal, still in exist- 
 ence, we take the following: 
 
 "Friday, May 7, 1830.— It blew hard all last 
 night and the ship rolled very much. George 
 Young (George Y. Holmes. Sr.) was sent for a 
 little water. Standing beside Robert, the ship 
 gave a heavy roll. He ran to the lee side and 
 struck violently against the bulwarks, then fell 
 and gave a cry. Robert ran to his assistance and 
 found that his thigh bone, right leg, was fract- 
 ured. After a good deal of trouble and delay, we 
 got it set and him put to bed in a small berth in 
 the poop of the ship. He was rather uneasy, rest 
 less and pained, but behaved very well. " 
 
 Early in the morning of May 13, the passen- 
 gers were aroused from their sleep by the cry of 
 " Fire! " Mr. Holmes, in his journal, says: "When 
 the word was given 'The ship is on tire,' one gen 
 eral cry of agony and despair arose from the 
 women and children such as I never heard before 
 and I hope shall never hear again." The fire had 
 its origin in the cabin, and had gained consider 
 able headway before being discovered, but by the 
 combined efforts of crew and passengers the 
 flames were finally extinguished. The journal 
 continues: "And now that the danger is over, 
 ought we not to praise God for His goodness and 
 His works of wonder." The remainder of the voy- 
 age was uneventful, and at length the "Rodger 
 Stewart" entered the harbor of New York. On 
 the day lie landed Mr. Holmes wrote: "God's 
 mercies are indeed new unto us every morning, and 
 
 great reason have we to bless His name who has so 
 far guided us in our way." 
 
 After securing comfortable rooms for his family 
 in New York he presented letters of introduction 
 to Mr. Buchanan, British consul. This gentle- 
 man received him cordially, and gave him a letter 
 to the governor of Upper Canada. Accom 
 pauied by his son Robert, he set out on his mem- 
 orable prospecting tour from New York to Albany, 
 thence to Buffalo, thence to Toronto. Here he met 
 the Governor and also a large land-holder, a 
 Scotchman, named Stevens, who made him a ten 
 der of 200 acres of unbroken timber land, but not 
 being entirely satisfied with Canada, they retraced 
 their steps, re-entering the United States at Niag- 
 ara Falls. Thence they journeyed southward un- 
 til they reached Claysville, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and being well pleased with this section they de- 
 cided to locate upon the farm' now owned by Mr. 
 D. M. Cauipsey, one mile northwest of Claysville. 
 Mr. Holmes then returned to New York and 
 brought his family by water to Baltimore, Md., 
 thence by road-wagon to the home which he had 
 provided for them, and where he expected to spend 
 the remaining years of his life. Two years later 
 he purchased for $1,000 the farm of 120 acres, now 
 owned by George Y. Holmes, Sr. Here he resided 
 until his death in 1847. In his younger days he 
 united with the Baptist Church in his native land, 
 and for more than twenty years was pastor of 
 the church in Saltcoats. After coming to America 
 he continued to preach to his friends and neigh- 
 bors who would gather in the farm house on Sab- 
 bath days. He had been well acquainted with 
 Sir Walter Scott, and through the reading of his 
 works and his conversation with the novelist him- 
 self, he became imbued with the spirit of the anti- 
 quarian; he gained possession of many rare coins, 
 of an old family Bible published in 1570, and of a 
 clock which is still keeping good time at the age 
 of one hundred and fifty years. His wife died in 
 186'J at the advanced age of ninety-one years. 
 
 At the death of his father, George Y. Holmes, 
 Sr. , purchased the homestead upon which he has 
 lived continuously for sixty-one years. Of the 
 Holmes family who emigrated to America in 1830, 
 he and his youngest sister, Mrs. Agnes J. Laird, 
 are the only living representatives. In 1846 he 
 married Elizabeth, second daughter of John Snod 
 grass, and they had four sons and four daughters, 
 all of whom are still living. Mr. Holmes is the 
 only survivor of the fifteen Abolitionists of Done- 
 gal township, who voted the Free-Soil ticket until 
 the formation of the Republican party. His life 
 has been quiet and uneventful. Following in the 
 footsteps of his father, he has been a consistent 
 member of the Baptist Church for many years 
 Although not an ordained minister, lie preached 
 for the churches of this denomination located at 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 371 
 
 North Wheeling, Buffalo, and Washington, Penu., 
 and occasionally he occupies the pulpit of his pas- 
 tor, Rev. S. L. Parcel!, of the First Baptist Church 
 of Claysville, Penn. Since the death of his wife, 
 which event occurred June 20, 1884, Mr. Holmes 
 has continued to reside upon his farm, which he still 
 superintends, although seventy-three years of age 
 and past active' labor. Having inherited a love 
 for good literature, he is an indefatigable reader 
 of history, poetry and the better class of fiction. 
 Thus he is spending the declining days of his life 
 in peaceful enjoyment of comfortable circum- 
 stances, the result of many years of care and labor. 
 
 J | AMES L. WELLS was a son of William 
 Wells, who came to Pennsylvania from Yir- 
 ] ginia in 1800, and settled in Woodstock, 
 Ohio, in 1852, from whence he moved to 
 Zanesville, where he died. William Wells 
 was a Methodist in religion, a Whig in politics, 
 and a chair maker by trade. His children were as 
 follows: sons — James L., Joseph, Dennis B. , 
 William, Benjamin and Westley; and his six 
 daughters were: Martha, Eliza, Christiana, Jane, 
 Matilda and Mary Ann. James L., the subject of 
 this sketch, was born June 20, 1815, in Williams- 
 port (now Monongahela), Penn., where he passed 
 his early life. 
 
 He learned the brick and stone mason trade in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn., and possessing a natural in- 
 clination for mechanical work became an expert 
 boat builder. Politically he was a leading mem 
 ber of the Whig and Abolition parties, having ma 
 terially assisted in the famous "Underground Kail 
 way." He was equally interested in educational 
 matters, and served as president of the school 
 board until the time of his death. When a young 
 man Mr. Wells was united in marriage with Man, 
 daughter of Robert Mason, and their children 
 were Sarah F., William W., R. M., Julius L. and 
 Martha A. The father was a member of the Wes 
 leyan Methodist Church until that organization 
 dissolved, when he became a zealous worker in 
 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He died 
 in September, 1888, and was buried in the ceme- 
 tery at California, beside his wife, who had been 
 laid to rest in 1874, leaving a memory sweet with 
 the fragnance of every virtue. 
 
 Mr. Wells, in his younger days, was an active 
 and powerful man, and possessed the courage to en- 
 gage in any honorable calling promising adequate 
 reward. He appears not to have started in life 
 with a desire to become rich, but simply with an 
 inflexible determination to achieve honorable inde- 
 pendence, and that he succeeded none who knew 
 him will deny. If he possessed one characteristic 
 that dwarfed and overshadowed allothers,it was per- 
 sonal independence — that trait in man's character 
 
 that forbids him to " crook the supple hinges of 
 the knee that thrift may follow fawning." From 
 early manhood he conformed his life to the teach- 
 ings of practical Christianity by that open handed 
 charity which brings hope and comfort to mis 
 fortune. His family relations were of the most 
 pleasing and agreeable character, and his cosj 
 home iu Coal Centre (formerly Greenfield) marked 
 him as a man of taste, and an advocate of system 
 in all the details of life. In manner Mr. Wells 
 was serious; by some he was even regarded as 
 severe; yet beneath that thoughtful and meditative 
 exterior there was a stratum of quiet humor, which 
 came to the surface in conversation, and rendered 
 him a most agreeable and entertaining companion. 
 In the evening of his life, enthroned in the affec- 
 tions of his children, and enjoying the well-earned 
 respect of his neighbors, Mr. Wells could review 
 the events of his long and busy life without a 
 blush. 
 
 His son. It. M. Wells, M. D., the only male rep- 
 resentative of the family now residing in Washing- 
 ton county, is a well-known physician of Coal Cen- 
 tre, of which place he is a native, having been 
 born there June 22, 1846. 
 
 Dr. Wells received his elementary education 
 in the public schools of Coal Centre, this county. 
 In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-seventh 
 Regiment, P. V. I., and served with the army of 
 the Potomac until the close of the war. He 
 commenced the study of medicine in 1870. In 
 September, 1872, he began a course in the medical 
 department of the University of Pennsylvania, and 
 in 1874 entered the College of Medicine and Sur- 
 gery at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution 
 he graduated. He first began to practice his pro 
 fession at Dawson Station, Fayette Co., Penn., 
 later moved to Greenfield, now Coal Centre, and 
 in 1889 moved to Davenport, Iowa. In 1890 he 
 returned to his present home in Coal Centre (on ac- 
 count of the ill health of Mrs. Wells), where he en- 
 joys a large and constantly increasing practice. 
 On May 8, 1879, Dr. Wells was married to Susanna, 
 daughter of John Wood. His brothers, William 
 W. and Julius Lemoine, are in business at Mo- 
 line, Illinois. 
 
 GOWDEN. The grandfather of the present 
 generation, John Cowden, was born in east 
 ern Pennsylvania of Scotch Irish parents, 
 who had settled in the State several years 
 prior to his birth. He was united in marriage 
 with Anna Sloan, and soon afterward moved to 
 Washington county. They settled on a farm in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, a part of the original George 
 Washington survey, where the remainder of their 
 lives was passed. 
 
 John Cowden, father of our subject, and son of 
 
372 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 John and Anna (Sloan) Cowden. was born in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county, passing his boy- 
 hood on the home place. In 1820 he married 
 Mary Kelso, also a native of this township. She 
 was a daughter of Mark and Martha (Ewing) 
 Kelso, natives of Allegheny county, Penn., who 
 came to this county in pioneer days and died here. 
 Mr. ami Mrs. John Cowden began their wedded 
 life on the farm now occupied by their son Robert, 
 where the following children were born: Elizabeth. 
 Joseph (a farmer of Cecil township), Mark K., 
 Margaret B. (married R. B. Miller, of Canons 
 burg, and died in 188*5), Jane, John, Robert and 
 Mary (widow of Rev. R. C. Welch, pastor of the 
 Buffalo U. P. Church; she is living in Philadelphia, 
 and has three sons: Robert Lincoln, a U. P. minis 
 ter, in Iowa; James M. , aD assistant U. P. minis 
 tar, in Philadelphia, and John C, attending the 
 medical college at Philadelphia). Mr. Cowden 
 followed farming all his life. He was an active 
 Wbi^, and in church connection he and his wife 
 were members of the U. P. Seceder Church at. 
 Hickory. He died in 1854, his wife in 1883. 
 
 Mark K. Cowden was born September 27, 1827, 
 on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, re- 
 ceiving his education in the subscription schools of 
 the vicinity. In early life he was united in mar- 
 riage with Jane, daughter of Andrew and Eliza 
 beth (Bell) Thompson, early residents of Chartiers 
 township. Mr. and Mrs. Cowden began life on 
 the farm where they yet reside. This contains 204 
 acres of well-cultivated land, and also a good gas well. 
 They also own al>out seventy-eight acres near Hick- 
 ory and are interested in sheep growing. They 
 are members of the U. P. Church at Venice. The 
 children of Mr. and Mrs. Cowden are: John (who 
 lives in Hickory, married to Elizabeth Boyce), 
 Thompson (living near Hickory, married to Sarah 
 McKnight), Elizabeth (residing in Houstonville, 
 wife of Harry McNary), Robert, William, Lida,Van- 
 Eminon, Mary (Mrs. Joseph Little, of Cecil town- 
 ship), and Joseph Alexander (a farmer of Mt. 
 Pleasant township, married to Anna Cummins). 
 Mr. Cowden votes with the Prohibition party. 
 
 Robert Cowden was born November 10, 1835, 
 on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet 
 his home, and received a district school education. 
 In 1859 he was united in marriage with Margaret, 
 daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Miller) Allison, 
 natives of Beaver county, Penn., who settled in 
 Mt. Pleasant township about 1855. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Cowden children were born as follows: 
 Elizabeth (wife of John Peacock, of Houstonville), 
 John (deceased in his fifteenth year), Emma (wife 
 of Robert Smith, of Mt. Pleasant township), Mar- 
 garet, Jennie A., Robert and Joseph, the four 
 last named living at home. The mother of this 
 family died in February, 1N77, and mi September 
 15, 1880, Mr. Cowden married Margaret McDon 
 
 aid, a native of Beaver county, Penn., to whom 
 one child, McDonald Cowden, was born. Mrs. 
 Cowden is a daughter of John and Margaret (Bar 
 clay) McDonald. Mrs. McDonald resided in 
 Washington county, prior to her marriage, after 
 which they settled in Beaver county, Penn., the 
 birthplace of Mr. McDonald. Both parents died 
 in that county, the mother passing away in 1887. 
 Robert Cowden inherited the old homestead of 
 260 acres, to which he has added about as much 
 by purchase, all being in a good state of cultiva- 
 tion. He devotes considerable attention to stock, 
 raising a high grade of Black top Merino sheep. 
 In polities he votes the Republican ticket, and in 
 church relations he and his wife are members of 
 the United Presbyterian Church at Venice. 
 
 ffOHN COWDEN. The Cowden family have 
 long been identified with the well known, 
 \( J ) energetic and successful pioneer settlers of 
 Washington couuty, Penn. The grandfather 
 of the present generation, John Cowden, was 
 born in eastern Pennsylvania of Scotch Irish 
 parents, who had settled in the State several years 
 prior to his birth. He was united in marriage with 
 Ann Sloan, and soon afterward moved to Wash 
 ington county. They settled on a farm in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, on a part of the original 
 Greorge Washington survey, and there the remain 
 der of their lives was passed. 
 
 Isaac P. Cowden was born in 1 798, in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county, where he grew to 
 manhood, and in 1823 married Esther Nelson, 
 who was born in 1799, on a farm in the same 
 township where their son John is yet residing. 
 Her father, James Nelson, was born in York 
 county, Penn., came to Washington county when 
 a boy, and, locating on the home farm in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, married Ann Duncan, and 
 passed the remainder of his life there. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Isaac Cowden first settled on a farm near 
 Hickory, this county, where children were born as 
 follows: Lillie Ann (wife of Robert Thompson. San 
 Jacinto, Cal. ), John (Mt. Pleasant), Martha and 
 Margaret (residing in West Middletown) and 
 James (living in Sumner county, Kans.). The 
 parents were both members of the Mt. Pleasant U. 
 P. Church at Hickory. The father died in 1865, 
 and in 1 S77 the mother passed away. 
 
 John Cowden. son of Isaac and Esther Cowden, 
 was born October 23. 1827, in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county, and spent his youth on the old 
 homestead near Hickory, this county, receiving his 
 education in the subscription schools of the town- 
 ship. In L857 he married Louisa, granddaughter 
 of Joseph and Martha (Paden) Scott, and daugh- 
 ter of Joseph Scott. The latter was born in the 
 year 1801, in York county, Penn., coming with 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 373 
 
 iiis parents when a boy to Hanover township, this 
 jouaty. He there married Isabelle Nelson, and 
 wttled on a farm in Hanover township, where he 
 lied in 1872, the mother passing away in Septem- 
 Oer, 1886. Both were members of the Presbyte- 
 rian Church at Florence, this county. They had 
 jix children, four of whom are living, viz.: Louisa 
 ^Mrs. John Oowden), William (a farmer of Beaver 
 county, Penn.), Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Dennis, 
 Wellsville, Penn.) and Joseph (residing on the old 
 homestead in Hanover township, this county). 
 John Cowden and his wife first settled on the 
 farm of 234 acres which they still own, and have 
 erected a comfortable dwelling. The following is 
 a brief record of their children: Isaac Patterson, 
 horn November 25, 1859, married in 1883 Mary 
 Alice Guthrie, who bore him two children: Elmer 
 and Eivafthey reside in Chartiers township); Joseph 
 Scott, born May 29, 1861, is a farmer of Sumner 
 county, Kans. , and was married, in 1891, to Miss 
 Maggie Williams; Mary Isabelle, born March 23, 
 1863, was married in 1882 to James Guthrie, a 
 carpenter of Canonsburg (they have two children, 
 Nora and Ellsworth); Esther Ann, born February 
 16, 1865, was married in 1885 to John S. Hutch- 
 inson, a carpenter of Houstonville, and has two 
 children: Jennie and John Cowden; Lillie, born 
 November 23, 1866, died in March, 1871; James 
 Nelson, born May 30, 1868, is living at home; 
 William Anderson, born April 27, 1870, is also at 
 home; John Alexander, born November 3, 187:'. i-, 
 residing on the home place. Mr. Cowden votes 
 with the Republican party. He and his wife are 
 both members of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Venice, this county. 
 
 J[ G. HANNA. There is no more piominent 
 figure among the prosperous citizens of In- 
 | dependence township than the gentleman of 
 whom we write. He is a son of Richard 
 Hanna, who was born in 1790, in County Down, 
 Ireland, but, when young, moved with his parents 
 to County Cavan. He learned the weaver's trade, 
 and, like many others of his young countrymen, 
 struggled heroically on until he saved enough to 
 pay his passage to America, the Mecca of all op- 
 pressed and persecuted nations. In 1818 he em- 
 barked from Dublin, but when only a few weeks 
 from shore, the ship sprang a leak. Hoping to 
 roach port before the vessel sank, the crew steered 
 for Cork, which was reached in time, and the '-•as- 
 sengers (for some reason not being allowed to 
 land) were transferred to another ship bound for 
 Halifax. After a voyage of twenty-one weeks, 
 the good ship anchored at Halifax, where young 
 Hanna followed his trade for a short pern d; then, 
 as he had a distant relative in Washington county, 
 
 Penn., he decided to attempt the journey thither. 
 He had previously been employed at gathering 
 stones, for not being able to secure steady work at 
 his own trade, he accepted the only employment 
 offered, rather than wait idly for more suitable 
 work, willing to earn his bread in any honorable 
 manner. 
 
 Would that some of our modern young men 
 would profit by the lesson of this life, so plainly 
 given in the simple facts that no moral is needed 
 to point the application. Having very little money 
 with which to pay the expenses of a trip to Penn 
 sylvania, the sturdy young fellow invested his 
 small savings in goods, which he attempted to sell 
 on the journey to Washington county. This ex- 
 periment, however, was only partially successful, 
 and only by the strictest economy did he succeed 
 in arriving at the end of his journey. He had 
 finally reached West Middletown, six miles from 
 his destination, when the soles of his shoes dropped 
 off, but he passed on to the one or two houses then 
 erected on the present site of Independence, where 
 his relative resided. The long, tedious trip was ac- 
 complished, and the young traveler had just one 
 cent in his pocket as capital stock to invest in new 
 speculations. The reader who has followed the 
 history of this brave youth so far will not ask, 
 " did he despair?" Such men as he, like Wash- 
 ington, turn even defeat to victory; not that brill- 
 iant success immediately rewarded our heroic 
 young pioneer, for, on the contrary, he began 
 working as a farm hand at the very modest salary 
 of $4 per month, at which he continued during the 
 summer — in winter following his trade. Thus he 
 struggled on for some time, and, although his 
 small pile of savings did not increase with wonder- 
 ful rapidity, each year some addition was made. 
 In 1830 he joined a party, going to Richlaud (now 
 Ashland) county, Ohio, and, upon his arrival there, 
 purchased 160 acres of land and began the hercu- 
 lean task of clearing it, with his accustomed tire- 
 less energy. In 1834 he selected a life companion 
 in the person of Mary Gregg, who was born in 
 1800, daughter of James and Elizabeth Gregg, 
 both natives of County Donegal, Ireland, who had 
 emigrated to America. Soon after their union, the 
 young couple returned to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating about a mile south of Independ- 
 ence, on a farm which became their permanent 
 home. Quiet and unassuming in manner, dislik- 
 ing all forms of publicity, and finding his chief 
 happiness in home life, Mr. Hanna was yet a re- 
 markably clear-sighted business man, by natural 
 and acquired gifts supplying the loss of a literary 
 education, and, working in the face of poverty and 
 against such odds, he conquered. At the time of 
 his death, Mr. Hanna owned an estate valued at 
 over $40,000, this vast accumulation being the 
 
374 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 fruit of those early years of heroic self-denial, 
 toil and patient waiting. Politically he voted the 
 Democratic ticket, and in religious faith was, with 
 his wife, a member of tin- Associate Reformed 
 Church. He passed to his well earned rest Jan- 
 uary 15, 1ST'-!, being followed by the wife of his 
 youth, September 0, 1876. They left two chil- 
 dren to mourn their loss: Elizabeth M. (Mrs. J. J. 
 Stewart, of Cross ("reek township) and James G. 
 
 J. G. Hanna was born June 5, 1837, on the 
 home farm in Independence township. He re- 
 ceived a common school education, and afterward 
 attended one term at the Washington and Jeffer 
 son College. On February 26, 1861, he was united 
 in marriage with Mary A. McCreary, who died 
 July 11*, I860, leaving one daughter, Mary A. 
 (widow of John T. Liggett), born June 27, 1865 
 (deceased April 28, 1891). For his second wife 
 Mr. Hanna, on March 12, 1868, married Jane A. 
 Scott, born September 5, 1844, in Brooke county, 
 W. Va., daughter of John and Jane (Henderson) 
 Scott, This wife died April 16, 1881, leaving the 
 following children: Nettie Bell (Mrs. J. H. Ander 
 son, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Albert M. (deceased), 
 Robert S. (deceased), a daughter deceased in in- 
 fancy, Josie G., Birdie V. and Mabel J., all living 
 at home. On January 3, 1883, Mr. Hanna made 
 a third matrimonial choice in the person of Me- 
 lissa J. Welch, who was born May 10, 1857, 
 daughter of James M. and Jane (Lee) Welch, of 
 independence township. Two children were born 
 to this union, viz.: Jane L. and Richard W. (de 
 ceased in infancy). The mother died October 6, 
 1SS5, and on December 28, 1887, Mr. Hanua and 
 Margaret L. (who was horn January 24, 1848. 
 daughter of Walter and Mary (Welch) Denny) 
 were united in marriage. To them one child, Mary 
 G., was born June 1 1, 1892. They now reside in 
 an elegant home on the border of the village of 
 Independence, one of tin- pleasantest locations in 
 Independence township. Soon after his first mar 
 riage Mr. Hanna located on a farm about a half 
 mile south of Independence, and successfully fol- 
 lowed farming, moving to his present beautiful 
 home in 1S68. He is a recognized leader in po- 
 litical, business and religious circles, and has set- 
 tled up various estates, including the valuable 
 property of his father. Although the Democratic 
 party, with which he affiliates, is in the minority 
 in Independence township, he has been elected to 
 various township offices of honor and trust, men 
 of both parties having voted for him, regardless of 
 political lines, and at the present time he is justice 
 of the peace. He and his wife are members of 
 the Presbyterian Church, of which he 's a hearty 
 supporter, having served twenty years as secretary 
 of the church officers, and always contributing 
 liberally to the cause. 
 
 EORGE W. WHERRY is a grandson of 
 John Wherry, a native of Germany, who 
 \f when quite young came to Washington coun 
 ty, Penn.. where he married and reared the 
 following family : James, William, Eli, John, 
 Ellen, Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret all of whom 
 have passed away with two exceptions, William 
 and Mary, who are residents of Somerset town 
 ship, this county. 
 
 John Wherry, the third son of this family, was 
 horn on the old homestead in West Bethlehem 
 township. He received a common school educa- 
 tion, and was a man of no little practical knowl- 
 edge, also a successful farmer. He married Cath 
 erine Weaver, daughter of George Weaver, who 
 was one of the early settlers in West Pike Run 
 township. To this couple were born nine children 
 as follows: Emma, John, William, Elizabeth, 
 Eleanor, George W., Eli (married Sarah A. Greg 
 ory), Mary and James. Emma is the wife of 
 Samuel Grable, Washington county; John lives in 
 West Bethlehem township, and is married to 
 Elizabeth Bigler; William married Isadore Mat 
 thews, and lives in the same township; Elizabeth, 
 who married Uriah Hill, died in 1885, at the age 
 of thirty-six years; Eleanor married James Harvey 
 Hire, and lives in West Bethlehem township, 
 where Mary (Mrs. Henry Hathaway), Eli and 
 James (who married Nancy Grable) also reside 
 
 George W. Wherry, son of John and Catherine 
 (Weaver) Wherry, was born August 9, 1855, in 
 West Bethlehem township, and spent his youth in 
 attending school, which was upon his father's 
 farm, and in assisting with the farm work. On 
 September lit. 1878, he married Lucy B. , a 
 daughter of Jacob Myers, an early settler of West 
 Bethlehem township. To Mr. and Mrs. Wherry 
 have been born six children, viz.; Grayson, born 
 April 2, 18 — (who died three days after birth); 
 Homer M., born November 27, 1881; Vernon G., 
 born September 1, 1884; Warren J., born April 
 10,1887; Russell R., born May 27, 1890; and 
 Donna L., born October 14, 1892. Mr. Wherry 
 enjoys great popularity, and is considered one of 
 West Bethlehem's promising young farmers. He 
 is a stanch Republican, and takes an active in- 
 terest in political questions. He resides on the 
 old homestead of Jacob Myers. 
 
 •~\ EV. BANKHEAD BOYD was born in 
 County Deny, Ireland, in 1809, a son of 
 Hugh and Elizabeth (Scott) Boyd. For a 
 brief period he studied the classics, and 
 then with his father and mother came to 
 America in 1824. The family settled in the bounds 
 of the congregation of which afterward he became 
 the paste-. In 1829 he graduated at Jefferson 
 
7? 
 
 "<%& 
 
 s$™^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNI'Y 
 
 ■■',-1 
 
 College, Canonsburg. He studied theology the 
 n>(|uirr(l time (four vkhih) in the Associate Theo 
 logical Summary, also near Canonsburg, which in- 
 stitution was then under the supervision of Rev. 
 .1 aiin-M Ramsey, D.D. He was licensed to preach in 
 the summer of 1833, and was installed pastor of 
 tli" Seceder Church, Pigeon Creek, in July, 1834. 
 This relationship continued pleasant, useful and 
 unbroken till his death, February 2, I860, cover 
 ing over a quarter of a century. As a sermonizer 
 he was clear and methodical, thus greatly aiding 
 the hearer in remembering the discourse. He 
 sustained every sentiment by Scripture testimony. 
 The doctrines he presented were strictly Calvin- 
 istic, and were highly calculated to make strong 
 Christians in faith and good works. He treated 
 sin, and especially Sabbath desecration, in a man 
 tier to convince the most callous of their dark and 
 degrading character. As a pastor be was honest, 
 l';i 1 1 h ful, conscientious. On communion occasions 
 he very distinctly outlined the character of the 
 worthy partaker of the Lord's Supper. A warm 
 friend of the young, his instructions always 
 pri'ssed them to walk in the ways of truth and 
 righteousness. Whilst it is true that "winter 
 storms and summer's thunder can not break the 
 sleep of death," yet with many in his old oongre 
 gation and community his kind admonitions are 
 still fresh and impressive in their influence. As 
 the moderator of Session he was calm, decided 
 and ever ready to promote whatever would advance 
 the spiritual interests of his people. As a presby- 
 ter he was esteemed a wise and sale counselor. 
 Possessing a cultivated and well stored mind. he 
 was chosen a member of the board of managers of 
 the theological seminary already alluded to. 
 
 On March 7, 1838, Mr. Boyd was married to 
 Margaret, daughter of James and Abigail Hill 
 Thome, the former of whom was a member of Ses 
 sioti for many years. Five children were born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Bankhead Boyd, viz.: (1) Hugh Wilson 
 Boyd, born December 10, 1S|0 (he graduated at 
 Jefferson College in 18(53, completed his theolog 
 ical course in Allegheny Seminary, in 1868, and 
 same year was licensed to preach by Chartiers 
 Presbytery. As a licentiate he preached nine 
 months in different Presbyteries. While engaged 
 in his Master's work he contracted a cold which 
 ended in a severe hemorrhage and resulted in his 
 death June 12, 1809. "What I do thou knowest 
 not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" is the 
 Scriptural key that unlocks God's mysterious prov- 
 idences). (2) James Thome Boyd, born in July, 
 1843, died December 22, 1861. "(3) Robert Erwin 
 Boyd, born December 22, 1845, died May IS, is IS. 
 (4) Lizzie Scott Bovd, born March 24. 1848, died 
 July 2, 1808. (5)* Abigail Thome Boyd is the 
 only surviving child, and is the wife of C-irson M. 
 Berry (a sketch of whom follows). They reside 
 
 in the old homestead, and are workers in the U. P. 
 Sabbath-school and congregation of Pigeon Creek. 
 The bodies of those that lime bowed to the sum- 
 mons of the Pale Messenger sleep in the beautiful 
 cemetery attached to this church. 
 [From the pen of Hon. John C. Messenger. 
 
 G BAUSON M. BERRY represents a prominent 
 family of South Strabane township. His 
 |j grandfather, William (lilmore Berry, was 
 born December 2, 1781, in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., which locality has been the home 
 of the family for many years. 
 
 The parents of William Gilmore Berry came to 
 Washington county when ho was a small boy, and 
 he there grew to manhood, receiving a good educa 
 tion. In 1804 he was married to Jane McConnell, 
 who bore him children as follows: John (deceased i, 
 William, Matthew, James, Mary (who died during 
 the winter of L892 93), Elizabeth, Jane and I'm 
 deuce (both deceased). Mr. Berry was among the 
 lirst to engage in raising fine bred sheep, espe- 
 cially the breed known as Black-Top. He first en- 
 tered t hat business in 1821, and was afterward 
 recognized as a leading authority in that branch of 
 stock raising. In politics he was a Whig, and was 
 one of the most pronounced Abolitionists, taking a 
 prominent part in till political questions; he served 
 several years as u justice of the peace. For many 
 years he was a member of and riding elder in the 
 Associate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run, to 
 which he gave liberal support. In addition to 
 general farming, Mr. Berry was interested in a 
 flouring mill. About the year 1850 he retired 
 from active work, and took up his residence in 
 Canonsburg, where he died October 26, 1866; his 
 wife passed away February 25, 1848, and they are 
 both buried in Canonsburg U. P. Church ceme- 
 tery, they having been members of that Church. 
 
 John Berry, son of William G. and Jane (Mc- 
 Connell) Berry, was born in 1805 in Cecil town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., and received a com- 
 mon school education, to which he afterward 
 added a valuable store of general knowledge. He 
 was married in 182S) to Jane Eagleton, and the 
 following children were born to their union: Jane, 
 Rachel, William, John M., David W. and Carson 
 M. Of these, John M. and David W. were mem- 
 bers of Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth P. 
 V. I. ; David W. was mortally wounded at the 
 battle of Cold Harbor; John M. (still living) was 
 wounded in the battle of the Wilderness. After 
 his marriage Mr. Berry remained fourteen years in 
 Cecil township, and then removed to North Stra- 
 bane township, whore he engaged in farming and 
 stock raising, also managing a gristmill. His first 
 wife died in 1844, and, for his second, he in 1851 
 married Mary Barr, who bore him one son, Joseph 
 
37S 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 (now deceased). In politics John Berry was a 
 Whig and Abolitionist, always active in the inter- 
 ests of his party. In religious connection he was 
 a member of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Pigeon Creek. 
 
 Carson M. Berry was born December 22, 1843, 
 in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 passed his youth at home and in Canousburg, re- 
 ceiving his education in the common schools. On 
 November 22, 1871, he was united in marriage 
 with Abigail Thome, daughter of Rev. Bankhead 
 and Margaret (Thome) Boyd. After marriage Mr. 
 and Mrs. Berry settled on the farm in South Stra- 
 bane township where they now reside, and three 
 children have been born to them: Albeit, Bank- 
 head and Lizzie. Mr. Berry is a prominent Re- 
 publican, and in religious connection he and his 
 family are active members of the U. P. Church. 
 
 OBERT HAWKINS, born in Lancashire 
 Comity, England, in 1695, came to America 
 in 1715, and in 1710 bought a tract of laud 
 of 100 acres of John Miles, of Baltimore 
 county, Md. , called "Margarets Mount," 
 situated about eight miles from Havre de Grace, 
 Md., and near the waters of Deer creek, in what was 
 then Baltimore (now Harford) county, Md. In 
 1730 he bought another body of about 400 acres 
 adjoining the first, of a man named Wells. He 
 was married to Lydia Cruchet, of Anne Arundel 
 county, Md., in 1739, and continued to live on his 
 estate to the extreme age of nearly one hundred and 
 six years, his death occurring November 5, 1801; 
 his will being made April 1, 1796, and approved 
 November 11, 1801. His wife Lydia died about 
 1805, aged eighty-five years. Robert Hawkins was 
 strongly opposed to England's unjust and arbitrary 
 control of the American Colonies, and prior to 
 the Revolution ardently advocated a separation 
 from the Mother Country. The writer has authen- 
 tic information that during the war he gave over 
 £2,000 sterling to the support of the Amer- 
 ican armies, and sent his three sons into the service 
 to battle for the cause of freedom, his second son, 
 Robert, Jr., dyiug in Washington's memorable 
 camp at Valley Forge; the other sons, Thomas and 
 Richard, remained in service until the close of the 
 war. Robert and Lydia Hawkins had three sons 
 (but no daughters), viz.: Thomas, born in 1741; 
 Robert, born in 1745, and Richard, born in 1748. 
 Robert, the second son, died while in the Amer- 
 ican army, as above referred to; was a sergeant in 
 the Maryland line; and left a widow, Elizabeth 
 (maiden surname unknown to writer), andoneson, 
 also named Robert, who was born December 14, 
 1773. He inherited from his grandfather, Robert, 
 the remainder of the latter's landed .'state by will 
 approved November 11, 1801, which was in part 
 
 as follows, to-wit: "I will and bequeath to my 
 wife Lydia all my remaining landed estate during 
 her natural life, and then to go to my Grandson 
 Robert, son of Robert, Jr., deceased, and to his 
 heirs and assigns forever; my sons, Thomas aud 
 Richard being provided for, etc." The third Rob- 
 ert Hawkins' wife was named Ann (maiden sur- 
 name unknown to writer), who was born in 1777, 
 and died November 28, 1862. Robert lived on his 
 farm in Harford count}', Md., until his death March 
 7, 1847, leaving his estate by will to his children. 
 The children of Robert and Ann Hawkins were 
 Elizabeth, Mary, John, William, and George. Of 
 these, Elizabeth married David Silvers; she died 
 November 13, 1853. Their home was in Harford 
 county, Md. Mary married John W. Hawkins, a 
 second cousin, of Columbiana county, Ohio; both 
 are still living. John lived on part of the original 
 tract in Harford county, Md., and died about 
 1880. William, born September 11, 1799, lived 
 on a farm near the old home (his wife's name un- 
 known to writer); he died September 25, 1889. 
 His children were three sons: John S., born De- 
 cember 22, 1841; William A., born March 5, 1843. 
 and Albert T., born March 24, 1847, all now living 
 near Churchville, Harford Co., Md. John S. and 
 William A. served in the Federal army during the 
 late Rebellion, as members of the Sixth Maryland 
 Infantry. George, born March 11, 1809, died in 
 South America (date unknown to writer). 
 
 Richard, the third son of Robert and Lydia 
 Hawkins, was born in Harford county, Md., in 
 1748, and lived on part of the original farm deeded 
 to him by his father June 10, 1777. He served in 
 the American army from 1778 until the close of 
 the war with England. The date of his death is 
 unknown to writer. He was married twice; his 
 first wife was Elizabeth Cox, who died a few years 
 after her marriage. By this marriage he had one 
 child, a daughter named Elizabeth, who married 
 Gregory Barnes, of Harford county, Md., where 
 they resided. 
 
 Elizabeth Barnes died in 1859. They had 
 twelve children, of whom only four survive, viz. : — 
 Mary, Hosea, James, and Robert A. Mary mar- 
 ried a Mr. Bailey; she is uow a widow living with 
 her family near the old Hawkins homestead in 
 Maryland, Hosea also living near; James lives in 
 Mahoning county, Ohio, and Robert A. is a resi- 
 denl of Columbiana county, Ohio. Richard 
 Hawkins' second wife was Avarilla Durbin (the 
 date of her birth and death is unknown to writer). 
 Their children were: Robert, Thomas, Casandra, 
 Lydia, Hosea, Richard, John, Nancy and William. 
 Robert moved to Beallsville, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and married Ruth, a daughter of his uncle 
 
 Tl ias Hawkins; he lived on a farm and preached 
 
 for a congregation of the Christian Church, of 
 which he was a member; he died May 26, 1851, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 379 
 
 much lamented by the community. His wife Ruth 
 died April 15, 1843. Thomas settled near New 
 Lisbon, Columbiana Co., Ohio; married Ho- 
 sier, was a wealthy landowner, and lived to an 
 advanced age; he has many descendants living in 
 Columbiana, Stark and Trumbull counties, Ohio. 
 Casaudra married Edward Courtney; both are now 
 dead; they lived in Stark county, Ohio. Lydia 
 was married to three husbands — Vandegrift, Gal- 
 lion and Barbour — and survived them all; they 
 lived in Columbiana county, Ohio; she is now 
 dead, but left descendants who live in different 
 parts of the West. Hosea moved to Ohio, mar- 
 ried, and his children and grandchildren still live 
 in Stark and neighboring counties of Ohio. Rich- 
 ard also moved to Ohio; married Ann Touchstone; 
 is now dead; a large number of his descendants 
 still live in Ohio and other Western States. John 
 and Nancy remained in Maryland; John married 
 Mary Vandegrift, but the writer has no further 
 knowledge of his family. Nancy married George 
 Smith, of Harford Co., Md., and lived near Church- 
 ville; both are now dead, she being ninety-eight 
 years old at decease; three of her children, viz.: 
 Samuel, George and Cassie M., still reside near the 
 old homestead; another son, Robert, lives in Vir- 
 ginia, and William, a minister, is in Tuscarawas 
 county, Ohio; other of her children left descend- 
 ants. William died when a boy. 
 
 Thomas Hawkins the eldest son of Robert and 
 Lydia Hawkins, was born in 1741 in Harford 
 county, Md. , was married in 1763 to Sarah Har- 
 grove, of Kent county, Md. ; she was born in 1747. 
 Thomas lived on part of his father's farm. In 
 1777 he joined the American army as a "sergeant 
 of the Maryland line," and remained in the army 
 until autumn of 1781, attaining the rank of lieu- 
 tenant. During the winter of 1781 he bought of 
 William Wilson, of Harford county, Md., a toma- 
 hawk right to a tract of land of 220 acres on the 
 west side of the Monongahela river, now in the 
 borough of Beallsville, Washington county, Penn. 
 In the spring of 1782 he removed with his family 
 to this western Pennsylvania wilderness, to found 
 for himself and children a new home; and here 
 surrounded by the original forest, and amid the 
 vicissitudes and climatic changes of a newly set- 
 tled country; contending for supremacy with the 
 wild beasts, and subject to incursions from ma 
 rauding bands of Indians, he built his cabin; and 
 in the future saw his sons and daughters enjoy the 
 comforts he was so anxious to secure. The State 
 of Pennsylvania granted Letters Patent to Thomas 
 Hawkins for this tract of land called " Smithfield," 
 and of the original tract the ownership to 182 
 acres has never changed in name, being still owned 
 by A. L. Hawkins, a great-grandson. Thomas 
 Hawkins died May 15, 1826; his wife Sarah died 
 April 15, 1827, and the remains of both lie in the 
 
 family graveyard on the farm. The children of 
 Thomas and Sarah Hawkins were: Absalom, Rich- 
 ard, Lydia, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah, William, 
 Thomas, Ruth and Ann. 
 
 Absalom Hawkins was born July 21, 1765; mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Crawford, daughter of James Craw- 
 ford, of Fayette county, Penn. ; Elizabeth was born 
 in 1779; he lived on the National pike, near Hills- 
 boro in Washington county, Penn., owned a large 
 body of valuable land, kept an old time tavern, 
 and owned a number of slaves. His children were 
 John, Cynthia and Matilda. John and Cynthia 
 both died unmarried ; Matilda married John Cooper 
 and a daughter was born to them, named Sarah J. 
 The husband John Cooper having died, Matilda 
 married Thomas Howden, aud both are now dead. 
 Sarah J. Cooper married a Mr. Bentley who is now 
 dead; she is still living near Monongahela, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. Absalom Hawkins died July 6, 
 1839. Elizabeth, his wife, died March 19, 1824. 
 Lydia, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hawkins, 
 born March 2,_ 1773, married Joseph Fowler, of 
 Washington county, Penn. ; her children were Will- 
 iam and Thomas H. The writer has no knowl- 
 edge of William. Thomas H. was a physician, 
 aud practiced for many years at Beallsville, Penn.; 
 was prominent in his profession; removed to Illi- 
 nois in advanced years, and died there. Lydia 
 Hawkins Fowler died at Cadiz, Ohio (date un- 
 known to writer). Elizabeth, daughter of Thom- 
 as and Sarah Hawkins, born February 23, 1775, 
 married Alexander McCoy, and moved to a farm 
 near New Lisbon, Ohio. Both are now dead. (No 
 dates). Their children were: Thomas, Absalom, 
 Ruth, Sarah, Matilda, Eliza, Mary, aud a daughter 
 whose name is unknown to the writer. 
 
 Mary, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Haw- 
 kins, born November 25, 1776, died April 28, 
 1791. Sarah, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah 
 Hawkins, born February 26, 1779, died March 9, 
 1779. William, son of Thomas and Sarah Haw- 
 kins, born November 23, 1780, was married to Ann 
 Mosier, who was born in 1784. He lived on a 
 farm adjoining the old homestead now in the 
 borough of Beallsville, Penn. ; was very successful 
 in breeding tine sheep, and was a highly respected 
 citizen; owned a large body of fine land; some 
 years after the death of his father owning the old 
 homestead. His children were: John, Susan, Sarah, 
 Mary, Catharine, Rebecca J. aud Eliza. William 
 Hawkins died February 8, 1853; his wife, Ann, died 
 December 31, 1876. Thomas, son of Thomas and 
 Sarah Hawkins, born October 14, 1784, was mar- 
 ried to Mary Mosier, who was born in 1794. He 
 owned 100 acres of the old homestead bequeathed 
 to him by his father. In 1833 he sold this land to 
 his brother William, and moved to Columbiana 
 county, Ohio, where he resided until his death, 
 February 5, 1868; his wife, Mary, died September 
 
380 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 26, 1885. His children were: William, Noah, John, 
 Richard, Jonathan, Thomas, Samuel, James, 
 Mary Ann and George. 
 
 Ruth, daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hawkins, 
 born July 6, 1789, married Rev. Robert Hawkins; 
 they lived in Beallsville, Penu. ; he was a minister 
 of the Christian denomination, was highly re- 
 spected, and did much good in the community. 
 He died May 26, 1851; his wife Ruth died April 
 15, I S43. Their children were: Thomas, William. 
 Elijah. Gideon, Louisa, Mary, Richard, Avarilla, 
 Elizabeth and Robert. Ann, daughter of Thomas 
 and Sarah Hawkins, died when a child, caused by 
 a fall from a swing (date of birth and death un- 
 known). Richard, the second son of Thomas and 
 aud Sarah Hawkins, was born August 25, 1770, and 
 died February 6, 1856; he married on May 12, 
 1S03, Cyuthia, a daughter of James and Sarah 
 Crawford, of Jefferson county, Ohio; his wife, 
 Cynthia, was born February 8, 1 786, and died 
 July 16, 1845. Born in Harford county, Md., he 
 at the age of twelve years accompanied his father 
 and family to the new home at Beallsville, Penn., 
 and worked on the farm until his marriage, when 
 he bought of his father 100 acres of his farm, and 
 remained there until the spring of 1814, when, 
 selling his land to his brother William, he bought 
 a farm of 415 acres on the North fork of Ten-Mile 
 creek in Greene county, Penu., about two miles 
 from its junction with the South fork at Clarks- 
 ville, Penn. He lived a peaceful yet active life 
 until old age grew on, when he relinquished the 
 cares of his farm to bis sons, and spent the last 
 years of his life in quiet enjoyment. The children 
 of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins were: Absalom, 
 Elizabeth, James C, Matilda, Sarah. Richard C, 
 Mary A., Casandra, Thomas H, William H, John 
 C. and an unnamed infant daughter. 
 
 Absalom, son of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, 
 was born March 4, 1805, and died July 1, 1871; 
 married Lydia Nyswaner September 22, 1826, who 
 died in 1827, leaving an infant daughter named 
 Lydia A., who was born June 16, 1827. She mar- 
 ried Rev. A. H. Deaves, and died June 16, 1850, 
 without children. Absalom Hawkins married 
 Sarah Hawkins (second wife) July 11, 1833; she 
 was born July 26, 1806, and died December 29, 
 1892, without children. After his second marriage 
 he bought, of William Hawkins, the Hawkins 
 homestead, at Beallsville, Penn., and lived on it 
 until his death. He erected the commodious build- 
 ings now on the farm, which were occupied by his 
 widow until her death. Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born April 8, 1807, 
 died January 27, 1859; married to Nelson Green- 
 field, who was born February 15, 1832, and died 
 August 4, 1S65. Three children were born of 
 this marriage, viz. : Crawford, Sarah A. and Cyn- 
 thia H. Crawford, born February 24, 1833, died 
 
 July 15, 1834; Sarah A., born April 29 1834, 
 died September 4, 1891 (she married Valentine 
 Crumrine, and left a family of four children); Cyn- 
 thia H. , born March 17, 1845, was married to A. 
 L. Hawkins, February 4, 1869. 
 
 Matilda, daughter of Richard and Cynthia Haw- 
 ins, born May 5, 1810, died April 15, 1886; mar- 
 ried to Isaac Stull, a farmer of East Bethlehem 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., who died De- 
 cember 26, 1889. Eight children of this family 
 are living. Sarah, daughter of Richard and Cyn- 
 thia Hawkins, born November 1, 1811, died Sep- 
 tember 1, 1S83; married James S. Crawford, a 
 farmer near Beallsville, Penn., who died April 3, 
 1869. Three children of this family are living: 
 One son, Edwin E., died at Nashville, Tenn., Feb- 
 ruary 12, 1863, a member of Company K, Fif- 
 teenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Richard C, a son 
 of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born November 
 11, 1814, married Emeline, daughter of Frederick 
 and Elizabeth Wise, November 25, 1841; his wife 
 was born November 28, 1820; he is a farmer, 
 living near Jefferson, Greene county, Penn. ; both 
 are still living; they have a family of seven living 
 children, all married. Mary A., daughter of 
 Richard and Cyuthia Hawkins, born March 17, 
 IS] 7, died August 9, 1884, unmarried. Casandra, 
 daughter of Richard and Cyuthia Hawkins, born 
 January 17, 1819, died May 17, 1841; married to 
 Stephen Ulery. One son, Henry H., was born 
 May 1, 1841; he was drowned August 21, 1850. 
 Thomas H. , son of Richard and Cynthia Haw- 
 kins, born January 11, 1821, died January 25, 1892. 
 married Emily Parshall; he lived on a farm near 
 Fredericktown, Penn. From this marriage nine 
 children were born, all living. William H. , son 
 of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born August 10, 
 1823, died October 27, 1885, unmarried. John C, 
 son of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, born De- 
 cember 15, 1825, married Lizzie McMurray, June 
 8, 1882; no children; both still living, he owning 
 his father's farm in Morgan township, Greene 
 Co., Penn. 
 
 James C, a son of Richard and Cynthia Haw- 
 kins, born October 8, 1808, died January 15, 
 1891; married to Margaret, daughter of Frederick 
 and Elizabeth Wise, March 24, 1836. Margaret 
 (Wise) Hawkins was born October 2, 1818, and 
 died January 15, 1892. James C. was born ou 
 the old Hawkins' homestead, near Beallsville, 
 Penn., remained there with his parents until 1814, 
 and with them moved to the new home on Ten- 
 Mile creek. He received a good common-school 
 education, and some additional training in a select 
 school at Beallsville, Penn. Until 1 835 he fol- 
 lowed teaching and farm work, and then purchased 
 a farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., known as the "Montgomery Patent," 
 lying on the waters of North Ten-Mile creek, im- 
 

 
 X^Cc^jr/^^D i 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 383 
 
 mediately adjoining the farm of his father. Soon 
 after his marriage, in 1836, he moved on this farm, 
 aud carried on farming, sheep breeding, and the 
 carding of wool and fulling of cloth. For several 
 years he owned a general store in Clarksville, 
 Penn., and bought wool for the general market 
 for a number of years. He was successful in busi- 
 ness, and retired in 1881 from active life (his sons 
 assuming his business cares), and moved to a 
 home opposite Clarksville, Peun., spending his 
 declining years in quiet comfort. He and his wife 
 were for many years members of the Baptist 
 Church; in 1849 he built a church on his farm, 
 and gave it a willing support, leaving by his will 
 a generous annuity to its pastor. He was benevo- 
 lent, a promoter of public enterprise, and many 
 will remember his acts of charity. The children 
 of James C. and Margaret Hawkins were as fol- 
 lows: Emeline W. , Absalom W. H. , Cynthia A., 
 Alex. L., Elizabeth W., James R. and William N. 
 Emeline W. , daughter of James C. and Margaret 
 Hawkins, was born May 3, 1837, died August 24, 
 1864; was married to Jackson L. Thompson June 
 26, 1862, and two daughters were born to them, 
 named Eldora and Ida, both of whom died in in- 
 fancy. Absalom W. H. , son of James C. and 
 Margaret Hawkins, born January 22, 1839, died 
 November 10, 1876, unmarried; he was graduated 
 from Jefferson College, Canonsburg, Penn., in the 
 class of 1858, read medicine, graduating at the 
 University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia in the 
 spring of 1861; was appointed by President Lin- 
 coln an assistant surgeon of the TJ. S. navy in May 
 of 1861; in 1863 he was promoted past assistant, 
 anil in 1864 full surgeon; he was a ripe scholar, 
 speaking aud writing fluently, in addition to the 
 English, the French, German and Spanish lan- 
 guages. On account of failing health he resigned 
 from the navy in 1866, and was killed by the cars 
 at Mansfield, Ohio. Cynthia A., daughter of James 
 C and Margaret Hawkins, born October 7, 1841; 
 unmarried, and since the death of her parents has 
 been living with her brother, A. L. Hawkins. [A 
 sketch of Alexander L. Hawkins (the next in order 
 of birth), son of James C. and Margaret Haw- 
 kins, appears further on. ] Elizabeth W., daugh- 
 ter of James C. and Margaret Hawkins, born Octo- 
 ber 10, 1847, was married to John C. Sargent 
 October 7, 1875, and died July 26, 1877, leaving 
 a son, Harry H , now in his sixteenth year. James 
 R., son of James C. and Margaret Hawkins, born 
 October 3, 1852; was married to Decema Addle- 
 man, February 28, 1878, and has four children; he 
 lives on a farm in West Bethlehem township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and is engaged in breed- 
 ing horses. 
 
 William N., son of James C. and Margaret Haw- 
 kins, born July 14, 1855, was married to Mary Ada 
 Farquhar February 16, 1881, who died February 
 
 26, 1893, leaving five children. William N. owns 
 and lives on the old farm of his father, on Ten- 
 Mile creek, Washington Co., Penn.; he is exten- 
 sively engaged in breeding tine draft horses. 
 
 Alexander L. Hawkins, the subject proper of 
 this memoir, was born September 6, 1843. He 
 was educated at George's Creek Academy and 
 Wayuesburg College, after which he taught school 
 two terms. On August 7, 1862, he enlisted in 
 Company K, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, fill- 
 ing the various grades of non-commissioned officer 
 until the spring of 1864, when he was promoted 
 to first lieutenant; in the spring of 1865 he was 
 commissioned captain, aud he was mustered out of 
 service January 21, 1866. 
 
 He participated in the battle of Antietam, Md., 
 and his regiment then being transferred to the 
 "Army of the Cumberland,'' he was with that or- 
 ganization in its various engagements from " Stone 
 River." until the close of the war. After hostili- 
 ties ceased, he served on the staff of Maj.-Gen. 
 Clinton B. Fisk until mustered out. In the fall 
 of 1866 he went into the drug business in Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., continuing for two years, when he 
 sold his store, was married and moved on a farm 
 in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He was elected treasurer of his county in 
 1 875, served as such during 1876, 1877 and 1878, and 
 then returned to the farm, where he still resides. 
 On January 1, 1877, Capt. Hawkins entered the 
 National Guard of Pennsylvania as captain of 
 Company H, Tenth Regiment; was with his com- 
 pany during the riots at Pittsburgh, Penn., in 1877; 
 on February 27, 1879, he was elected colonel of 
 the regiment; re-elected February 27, 1884, and 
 re-elected February 27, 1889, and is still in com- 
 mand, being now the senior colonel in the State. 
 He was with his regiment under the call of the 
 governor of Pennsylvania for three weeks in April 
 of 1891, during the labor strike in the coke regions 
 of western Pennsylvania; was in command of a 
 Provisional Brigade for a month during the strike 
 of steel workers at Homestead, Penn., in July and 
 August of 1892. 
 
 The children of A. L. aud Cynthia H. Hawkins 
 are: Clyde E., Jessie B. and Frank B. Of these, 
 Clyde E., born November 16, 1869, entered Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, leaving at close of 
 sophomore year in spring of 1891; was admitted 
 as a cadet to the U. S. Military Academy at West 
 Point, N. Y., June 1, 1891, by appointment of the 
 Secretary of War, on recommendation of Hon. J. 
 W. Ray, member of Congress from the Twenty- 
 fourth District of Pennsylvania, and he is still 
 there. Jessie B., born June 29, 1871, attended 
 Beaver College, at Beaver, Penn., for one year; 
 entered the sophomore class of the Western Female 
 Seminary, Oxford, Ohio, in September, 1890, and 
 is now in the class to graduate June 8, 1893. 
 
384 
 
 w.\siiix<;to.\ county 
 
 Frank B., born July I I. L874, is now in the fresh 
 mm class of Washington and Jefferson College. 
 
 \\ bile none of the Hawkins family have attained 
 distinction, il is a matter of pride thai from Robert, 
 llir founder of the family in America, through the 
 generations to the present, they have been quiet, 
 law abiding patriotic oitizens, and all loyal to their 
 Count ry. 
 
 "T"MIK HALLAM FAMILY, The Eallums de 
 
 Boended from the middle ol asses of England, 
 
 the family there embracing the historian 
 
 I) and the poet, From here are descended 
 
 * Governor Helm, of Kentucky, Secretary 
 
 Bristow, of President Grant's cabinet, President 
 
 Polk and a long roster on both sides of Hie waters, 
 
 who have never broken through the veil of honest 
 obscurity, " llallam is the proper way to spell 
 
 tl anie. The substitution of the 'u' instead of 
 
 'a' in the lasi syllable is a corruption growing out 
 of the freedom inoident to backwoods life, and Re 
 publican simplicity, where heraldry is lost in the 
 
 con mi level. " 
 
 About 177(1 two brothers, William and Henry 
 llallam, cut off from ancestral inheritance by the 
 laws of entail ami primogeniture, sought to lav 
 
 foundations bj their own enterprise in a field of 
 
 more promise and a wider range than England ex 
 tended to the portionless scions of her gentry and 
 
 nobility. Imbued with the broadest spirit of re 
 ligious toleration, so deeply rooted in the institu- 
 tions of Maryland, they tirsl located in Hagerstown, 
 ill that colony. Both married and became heads 
 of families. Henry settled in Virginia, William in 
 South Carolina, and there became one of the larg 
 est planters of his day Both adhered to the fort- 
 unes of the colonies, ami beoame Revolutionary 
 soldiers. William was oaptured at the battle of 
 Germantown, October I, 1777. The British officer, 
 to whom he was delivered after capture, insulted 
 him and slapped him in the face with his sword, 
 hut paid the penalty of his temerity with his life, 
 for the brave cavalier shot him dead instantly, and 
 
 made good his escape. After peace was declared 
 
 he settled in South Carolina. He was a cultured 
 gentleman of the old school brood, enlightened and 
 liberal, and in his will cut through the laws of 
 primogeniture and divided his property equally 
 among a large family of sous ami daughters, 
 In that tide of emigration which came pouring 
 
 its westward llood BOrOSS the Alleghanies after the 
 Revolution came William. Henry, John and Andrew 
 Hallam, to the frontier settlement of Tennessee in 
 
 I 795, and they settled on the historic Cumberland, 
 ill what is now designated as Smith county. Tenn . 
 all sons of Henry, the l\ evolutionary sire; and with 
 them came Kachel, daughter of William, the 
 soldier, and wife of her cousin William, the 
 
 pioneer. All were possessed of courage and marked 
 
 individuality of character, and all were stanch 
 friends ami supporters of Gen. Jackson. De 
 Boended from these brothers may be here men- 
 tioned, prominent of the present generation, Sena- 
 tor llallam, of Kentucky; John Hallam, the jurist 
 and historian, of Arkansas, and a long list of emi 
 uent lawyers, doctors and divines, besides others 
 previously referred to. 
 
 Joseph Hallam (grandfather of the Hallam 
 
 brothers in Washington), who was descended from 
 the Hagerstown branch, was born on the farm now 
 owned by John (i. Clark, of Franklin township, 
 Washington county- His parents had come hither, 
 bringing slaves with them, and died in I his county. 
 Joseph entered the hotel business and became pro- 
 prietor of the old ''Valentine House" Inowthe 
 "Allison"), and died in the borough of Washing 
 ton. He was married in Washington county to a 
 Miss Zediker, and they reared a family of children 
 as follows: Lewis, father of the llallam brothers of 
 Washington; John, living in South St ra bane town- 
 ship, this county ; George, deceased ; Joseph, who 
 allied himself wit h the ( 'oufedei ntcs. and remained 
 in the South; Levina, deceased wife of William 
 Wolf; Elizabeth, deceased \vifj> of James MeGui 
 gan, also deceased; and Mrs. Hamilton Todd, 
 
 of Richmond, I ml. 
 
 Lewis llallam was a blacksmith by trade, and 
 ran line teams over the National pike from Haiti 
 more to the Ohio river, for the transportation of 
 merchandise, and owned some of the finest teams 
 that ever traveled over the road. He married 
 Ivosanna Teagarden, of West Kinley township, 
 and they then took up their home in Washington. 
 They reared a family of eleven children, namely: 
 Levina, wife of George II. Thurston, of Washing 
 ton; Elizabeth, deceased wife of Hon. J. S. Stock 
 
 ing; Sophia, widow of George E, Parshall, of 
 Washington; Joseph; George T. ; Rosanna, at home; 
 Lewis F.; Fin ley B. ; John \\\; Charles F. ; and 
 Hubert 11., all in Washington. The seven brothers 
 in this family comprise the tirins of It. T. Hal- 
 lam A; Sons, general contractors; Hallam Bros., 
 proprietors of livery and dealers in ice, etc; Kin 
 ley B. Hallam, attorney at law; and Robert H. 
 Hallam, merchant. On November 27, 1878, the 
 father died. At the breaking out of the Civil war 
 he (dosed his business in Washington and took up 
 the manufacture of wagons for the National Gov- 
 ernment in Wheeling, W. Va. At the close of the 
 struggle he returned to Washington and again 
 built up a large business. He was originally a 
 pronounced Whig. Abolitionist, ami later B Re 
 publican, but was never an active politician. After 
 In-- death, his widow, with her sons, continued the 
 business until in August, 1891, when she passed 
 from earth. 
 
 Finley B. Hallam was boru November 25, L856, 
 
ASHINOTON COl \ M 
 
 885 
 
 aj Monongahela, Penn., where his parents « 
 
 living al the time. He was eduoated at the com 
 moil Bohoola n|> to eleven years of age, and then 
 beoame a olerh at the old news < 1<»| >* >t for liis 
 brother in law, J. S. Stocking. Be oarried a news 
 route and learned telegraphy, the old Paoifio & 
 Atlantic Telegraph office being in the same room. 
 .1. s Stooking was the manager, hut Finlej B in 
 reality managed the business. After a time be 
 gave up telegraphing, and toot the position "I Line 
 man, repairing lincH half way From Washington to 
 Pittsburgh and Wheeling and Brownsville, He 
 
 i tinued in this until the absorbing of bhe 
 
 business hy the Western Union. Il<> had made ii|) 
 several studies while working, and after oeasing 
 
 li an's work he entered ( 1ST.!) Washington and 
 
 Jefferson College, Here be remained a short ti , 
 
 and then wiih with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad 
 Company, as telegraph operator, at Bandpatoh, 
 Oonnellsville, Broadford and Pittsburgh, in a Few 
 months reaohing the management of the laHi office, 
 the iimihI important on the road, Two years later 
 he returned and entered the class of 1870 as Fresh 
 
 man, he having made- i ■ i > studios, and at the < i 
 
 pletion <>f the year, his funds being gone, be 
 resumed telegraphy, Going l" the upper oil 
 country, be t < >< > k a position in the office <>( t ho 
 
 superintendent of the Oolumbia C luil Pipe Line 
 
 Company, al Petrolia, filling also a temporary 
 oharge of the Pittsburgh and Parker office, of same 
 line, in the winter of L876 77 be left the Golum 
 bia Conduit and entered the servioe of the United 
 Pipe Line (Standard), taking oharge of a large 
 pump station at North Washington, Butler county; 
 
 there he remained a short time, and tl went, in 
 
 the spring of 1877, to the A.rgyle Pump station, 
 
 at, Petrolia. As the result of the absorpl bj 
 
 the " United" of Antwerp, Atlantic ami others, in 
 Clarion county, he went to St. Petersburg (same 
 oounty), headquarters for that district, li rut as 
 telegraph operator, and then as bookkeeper Eor the 
 Bame company, A few months later be was made 
 chief bookkeeper, of eight or ten men, In the 
 summer of 1878, in consequence of the exceptional 
 
 growth of the Bradford field, the work I ame too 
 
 heavy for one office, and so the Bradford field wiih 
 cut in two, and the headquarters of the second 
 division were made at Olean, N. ST., near the Penn 
 
 Hylvuniu line. Mr. Ilallam was then called hy the 
 
 general manager of the line to take control of the 
 
 I (lean headquarters, having exolusfc harge of all 
 
 accounts, with a large force of assistants. While 
 
 his promotion was exceptional, he was the young 
 
 est bookkeeper in the business. Having wived 
 sufficient money to see himself through oollege, 
 and having kept up Imh reading and study, he re 
 Bigned his position in the fall of 1878, returned 
 to oollege, entering the sophomore (-lass, and fin- 
 
 ished with the class of 1NS1. He led hiaelaHH, hut 
 
 from someoause, tirst I r was no1 awarded him, 
 
 though second honor was offered him, which he 
 declined to accept, feeling that he descried first. 
 
 He was given the salutatory address, hut declined 
 to make it, and wiih consequently suspended for 
 
 insubordination, his diploma and degree b g 
 
 withheld, A man high in oollege affairs Baid to 
 
 Mr. Ilallam: "While tirst honor had by accident 
 
 been nominally awarded to another man, \et your 
 
 classmates, the faculty and everybody connected 
 
 with the oollege will ever regard you aH first bonor 
 
 man of the class of 188] ." 
 
 His funds again gone, and the Mutual Union 
 Telegraph Company having extended a new enter 
 prise in competition with the Western Union, Mr. 
 Hallam was offered by the officials the position of 
 
 elect i iii.i 11 and circuit manager With i Irol as su 
 
 pel iiilendi'iit from ( 'n mhei land, Mil., to Cincinual I. 
 Ohio, with electrical headquarters at \\ ashington, 
 
 Penn, Here he remained fifteen months, when be 
 was called to Washington, l>. <'., and placed in 
 oharge of the company's affairs there, and all 
 points from Philadelphia to Cincinnati. He re 
 mained during the celebrated strike of commercial 
 telegraphers, at the termination of winch he re 
 signed his position, gave up the telegraph busi 
 
 ness, and resui I the study of law at Washington 
 
 Penn., winch he had inoidentallj pursued while in 
 oollege, He was admitted to the bar of Washing 
 ton county, November term, 1884, and bas sinoe 
 continued in praotioe, bis office being in the Mm- 
 dooh Building. In January, 1885, oil developed, 
 and he engaged in the oil business, leasing many 
 
 fields, and drilling many wells. He whh o I the 
 
 plaintiffs in the equity suit against tlm Union Com 
 
 pan\ <7 .(/., for the oil rights Of the I >a\ is properly 
 in South Strabane township, which produced 
 
 11,000,000 worth of oil, and whioh suit is Hlill 
 pending, In the oil businesBof Washington oounty, 
 
 lie was ill a company composed of leading and 
 
 ue.dt by business men. 
 
 Politically Mr. Ilallam has been a worker in the 
 Bepublioan rankB since a hoy, working tor Imh 
 parti earnestly; was secretary of the oounty com 
 
 nnllee in L891, and c Irihuled much in time and 
 
 money to the success of his party nominees, lii 
 1892 he wiih candidate for the office of district at 
 torney in Washington county, but the nomination 
 was given to Mr. W. S. Parker, who had served 
 
 term. Kv the House ol Representatives ol 
 
 Harrisburg (of 1891 to L898) Mr, Ilallam was 
 
 elected I laiiscri hi lie; olei k ol the House, which po 
 
 sitioii In- held to the close of the session, 
 
 In I) mber, 1890, Finley B, Ilallam was mai 
 
 ried to Miss Rosa Alha, daughter of Dr Charles 
 Teagarden, of Tyler, Tex. Her grandfather, Dr. 
 
 Oswin Teagarden, a double sin of the mother 
 
 of Pinley B, Ilallam, her husband, was general 
 purchasing agenl of medical stores for the Southern 
 
38C3 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Confederacy, and his most intimate associates and 
 friends were Jefferson Davis and Senator Reagan. 
 Mrs. Hallam's mother was Florence Johnson, 
 daughter of Dr. Johnson, of a well-known Southern 
 family whose ancestry is traced to Dr. Samuel 
 Johnson, the first of all lexicographers. No chil- 
 dren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hallam. 
 
 John W. Hallam, general contractor, Washing- 
 ton, was born in that borough, February 24, 1850. 
 At the age of ten years he commenced work as a 
 clerk in a clothing store in his native city, where 
 he remained until he was fifteen years of age, when 
 he embarked for his own account in the general 
 grocery business, being at that remarkably early 
 age proprietor of a store in the borough for about 
 three years. At the end of that time he sold out, 
 and traveling South and West, spent a year from 
 home. At the age of twenty years he began tak- 
 ing upon himself the responsibility of accepting 
 contracts for various improvements in and about 
 Washington, which was the nucleus to his present 
 extensive business in that line. His brother had 
 united with him, and since 1887 the firm name has 
 been " R. T. Hallam & Sons," John W. being 
 general manager and principal of the establish- 
 ment. The line of work engaged in has been 
 chiefly stone foundations, paving, sewer building, 
 etc., and no firm in Washington county is better 
 or more favorably known than this one for thor- 
 ough and reliable work. During the year 1891 
 they contracted for and completed some 49,000 
 square yards of street paviug, 30,000 feet of curb- 
 ing and nine miles of sewers in the borough of 
 Washington, besides some 5,000 yards of paving 
 in Monongahela, amounting in all to over $200,01)0 
 of work. 
 
 On February 25, 1887, Mr. Hallam married 
 
 Miss Katie H. , daughter of and Rebecca 
 
 Brady, of Washington, and one son, Harold Her- 
 bert, has blessed this union. Mr. Hallam is a Re- 
 publican, and has for six years served as a mem- 
 ber of the borough council, his first election to any 
 office being when he was but twenty-two years of 
 age. Socially, he is a member of the I. O. H. and 
 Jr. O. U. A. M. He has taken an active interest 
 in all movements tending to the advancement of 
 his native town, and has served as one of the di- 
 rectors of the Chamber of Commerce of Washing- 
 ton. As a man of thorough business principle, he 
 is respected by all who know him, and of his per- 
 sonal habits it may be said of him that in no form 
 does he use tobacco, and never during his life has 
 he tasted liquor of any kind. 
 
 Robert H. Hallam, merchant tailor, Washing- 
 ton, is a native of the borough, born July 24, 
 ISO"). His education was obtained at the public 
 schools of the place, after which for six years 
 In' rlerked for Thomas Morgan, dealer in dry 
 goods. In 1888 he opened out a merchant tailor- 
 
 ing aud gents' furnishing establishment in Oak 
 Hall, No. 20 North Main street. Washington, 
 which establishment is allowed to be the best in 
 the place, in that particular line. Mr. Hallam 
 is one of the enterprising business men of Wash- 
 ington, wide-awake and progressive. In politics 
 he is a live, active Republican. In church mat- 
 ters he is an Episcopalian; socially he is a mem- 
 ber of the I. O. H. He lives at the old Hallam 
 homestead on East Beau street. 
 
 Lewis F. Hallam, a member of the well-known 
 livery establishment of Hallam Bros., at Wash- 
 ington, was born February 28, 1855, in Washing- 
 ton county, Penn. He learned and followed the 
 blacksmith's trade for several years, then drove 
 teams, and in 1878 embarked in the ice business, 
 shipping from Wheeling, W. Va. On February 7, 
 1878, he was united in marriage with Jennie, 
 daughter of Hugh Hallam, of Washington county, 
 Penn., and she has borne him four children, as 
 follows: Garnet, Jay, Opal and Baby. In 1880 
 Mr. Hallam opened the livery establishment, which 
 has been most prosperous, and he has also been 
 interested in oil wells, besides carrying on a busi- 
 ness in sand and stone. In political opiniou he is 
 a stanch supporter of the principles embodied in 
 the Republican party, and socially he is a member 
 of the I. O. H. 
 
 DONALDSON FAMILY. A biographical rec- 
 ) ord of the pioneer residents of Washington 
 / county would be incomplete, were not prom- 
 inent mention made of the Donaldson fam- 
 ily of Robinson township, who have been intimately 
 connected with every movement tending to the ad- 
 vancement of the interests and welfare of the com- 
 munity at large. The first member of this prominent 
 family, of which we have a record, was one James 
 Donaldson, who came from Ireland to America in 
 early pioneer times. He settled on a farm in Wash- 
 ington county, and accumulated considerable prop- 
 erty. He left the following children: Thomas, 
 Andrew, John, Richard, and four daughters, the 
 names of two of them being Elizabeth and Jane. 
 
 Andrew Donaldson, the second son in the above- 
 named family, was born in 1789, and reared in 
 Washington county, attending school at the log 
 schoolhouse with its slab benches, puncheon floor, 
 greased paper in lieu of window panes, and other 
 primitive contrivances which served to answer the 
 purposes of our modern articles of school furni- 
 ture. In early manhood he married Miss Jane 
 McBurney, who was born May 23, 1793, daughter 
 of John McBurney, a resident of this county. They 
 began wedded life on a farm located midway be- 
 tween Bavington and North Star, where they lived 
 about twenty-nine years and reared children as 
 follows: Sally, Jane, Mary Ann, Elizabeth 
 
' /f\ 
 
 tite**-** 
 
 f/CL^-^<4 -j^l^^iXo^^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 389 
 
 (deceased), Esther (deceased), James, John M., Mar- 
 garet, Thomas and one deceased in infancy. Andrew 
 Donaldson was a counselor and adviser of the 
 Democratic party, and held several township of- 
 fices. In religious faith he was for many years a 
 member and ruling elder of the Associate Reformed 
 Church, which afterward became a part of the 
 Robinson United Presbyterian Church. He died 
 in 1843, in his fifty- fourth year, deeply mourned 
 by the entire community. 
 
 James Donaldson was born October 25, 1828, on 
 the old homestead in this county, receiving in the 
 country schools the basis of an education which he 
 afterward acquired by private study of all availa- 
 ble and useful books. On March 27, 1851, he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Bigger 
 (also a resident of this county), born October 25, 
 1826, a daughter of Samuel Bigger, whose father, 
 Thomas Bigger, came from Ireland in early pio- 
 neer days. James and Elizabeth (Bigger) Donald- 
 son after marriage settled on the Crawford farm, 
 where they still remain. They have had children 
 as follows: Andrew, Samuel Bigger, Jane E., 
 Thomas R. , Matthew J. and John M. , of whom 
 Samuel B. is married to Miss Jean Newell, daugh- 
 ter of Rev. John Newell, D. D., of Allegheny 
 county, Penn. Mr. Donaldson has been a very 
 successful business man, for one who began life in 
 comparatively ordinary circumstances, and he now 
 owns over 230 acres of very tine land, upon which 
 a beautiful dwelling has been erected. He is an 
 ardent member of the Democratic party. He was 
 the candidate of the Democratic party for Assem- 
 bly: first in 1868, and was defeated by fourteen 
 votes; again, in 1872, he was candidate of same 
 party for same office, but was again defeated, his 
 District being largely Republican. It may be here 
 added that at the time Mr. Craig was nominated, 
 Mr. Donaldson's name was selected by the confer- 
 ees of his own county in connection with the nom- 
 ination for Congress, but he refused to allow it to 
 go before the meeting of conferees, whereupon Mr. 
 Craig's name was selected and made the unanimous 
 choice of the convention. He has served many 
 years as justice of the peace, and has held several 
 township offices. Being a popular and much re- 
 spected citizen, a genial gentleman and sympa- 
 thetic friend, Mr. Donaldson is frequently asked 
 for counsel and advice by many of his acquaint- 
 ances. He possesses deep religious views, a strong 
 personality, and has been a consistent member and 
 liberal supporter of the Robinson United Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 John M. Donaldson was born July 25, 1831, on 
 the farm of his father, and grew to manhood, as- 
 sisting with the farm duties. In 1855 he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Martha M. Bigger, and then settled 
 on the farm where they are now living, which in 
 connection with 109 acres presented to them by 
 
 Mrs. Donaldson makes them a home of 2i9 acres. 
 To this union the following children have been 
 born: Andrew, born February 18, 1856; JaneM., 
 born August 20, 1857; Thomas B., born July 28, 
 1859; Sarah C, born April 16, 1861; Mary E., 
 born January 28, 1864; Emmett T. (deceased), 
 born August 26, 1865; Elizabeth H. , born March 
 3, 1867; James W., born February 16, 1S69; Mar- 
 garet B., born February 23, 1870; Richard M., 
 born April 27, 1873, and Holland H., born August 
 16, 1876. In politics Mr. Donaldson has always 
 been a strong member of the Democratic party, 
 and cast his first vote for Franklin Pierce. He has 
 been an active worker and elder in the United 
 Presbyterian Church for twenty-five years, and is 
 a citizen of whom any community might well be 
 proud. 
 
 / 
 
 HAMILTON McKINNEY BELL, usually 
 known as "H. K. Bell," is one of the most 
 successful farmers and business men of 
 Morris township, Washington county. Ham- 
 ilton Bell (great-grandfather of the subject 
 of this sketch) emigrated from Ireland to America 
 some years prior to the Revolutionary war. His 
 son Hamilton (whose commission is still in the 
 possession of his grandson, Hamilton McKinney) 
 was an officer in the Revolutionary army; he mar- 
 ried Miss McKinney, a Scottish lady. Both father 
 and son died of yellow fever in 1808. 
 
 Raphield Bell, father of Hamilton McK. Bell, 
 was born March 7, 1807, in the same house where 
 his ancestors died, in Buffalo township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., on the farm now owned by Thomas 
 Boone. His school advantages were very limited, 
 but by perseverance he managed to secure a fair 
 education for that period, and he subsequently 
 taught school. He learned the trade of a mill- 
 wright, and for some time owned and managed the 
 "Graham Mill," now known as the "Hague Mill," 
 in Buffalo township. He was married to Margaret 
 Woods (born May 15, 1814), of Washington county, 
 Penn., daughter of Nathaniel and Margaret Welch 
 Woods, both natives of Ireland, the former of 
 whom was a soldier in the war of 1812. Raphield 
 and Margaret (Woods) Bell had eight children, of 
 whom the following is a brief record: Hamilton 
 McKinney is the subject of this sketch; Eliza Jane 
 is the wife of James Patterson, of Peters township, 
 this county; Sample Swaney is an invalid, having 
 been injured at Gettysburg, July 2, 1863, and is 
 now residing in Claysville, this county; Hazlett 
 M is an undertaker in Finleyville, Union township, 
 Washington county (was wounded at Chancellors- 
 ville, May 3, 1863, by the explosion of a shell); 
 Joseph Thompson is a carpenter, residing in Clays- 
 ville; R. T. and James M. are millwrights, both 
 also being residents of Claysville; Theodore Fre- 
 
390 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 linghuyeon died February 20, 1849, aged one year 
 and nineteen days. The father died August 15, 
 1872, aged sixty-rive years, rive mouths and eight 
 (lavs, and the mother September 30, 1834, aged 
 forty years, four months and fifteen days. 
 
 Hamilton McKinney Bell was born May 30, 
 1!S37, in Buffalo township, Washington Co.,Penn., 
 near the route of the Hempfield Railroad, now 
 called the Wheeling and Pittsburgh Division of 
 the Baltimore & Ohio railroad. In early life he 
 had learned of his father the trade of a millwright, 
 and from 1N,">3 to 1855 he conducted a grocery 
 atore at Ewings Mills, in Chartiers township, now 
 called "Meadow Lands." After leaving the gro- 
 cery business Mr. Bell began to learn more thor- 
 oughly his trade, and followed the business of 
 millwrighting until his enlistment, August 22, 
 L861, at Wheeling, W. Va., in Company B, First 
 West Virginia Volunteer Cavalry (for three years 
 or during the war; but he served his country three 
 years and five months on his first enlistment), which 
 was led by Capt. Farabee, subsequently by Capt. 
 H. P. Boon; said company was composed princi- 
 pally of men from Washington and Greene coun- 
 ties, Penn. Our subject was a duty Bergeant at 
 the organization of said company, and was pro- 
 moted to commissary-sergeant and afterward to 
 quartermaster-sergeant. He was mustered in at 
 Camp Carlisle on the island in the Ohio river, 
 Wheeling, W. Va. , and took part in several battles, 
 among which may be mentioned Blumery Furnace, 
 Winchester, Port Republic, second Bull Run, and 
 several other engagements; was taken prisoner at 
 Berlin, Penn., June 30, 1863, by the Seventeenth 
 Virginia Confederate Cavalry, and from there was 
 taken to Gen. Early's headquarters in Berlin, 
 where he was questioned by the General concern- 
 ing the past and present movements of the Fed- 
 erals; but true to the country which was dearer to 
 him than liberty or life, the brave soldier turned a 
 deaf ear to all questions of the Confederate leader, 
 only replying: ''I am not commanding the army 
 of the Potomac.'' He then asked the General if 
 he. knew the nature of the oath a United States 
 MiMier was required to take, to which the latter 
 replied that he did. Mr. Beli then remarked to the 
 General that it was not befitting either a gentleman 
 or a soldier to endeavor to get a prisoner of war to 
 perjure himself by giving the enemy any intelli- 
 gence of the movements of an army that he knew 
 of; whereupon Gen. Early said: "I will not ask 
 liiiu any more questions. " Mr. Bell was then 
 turned over to the Fifth "Louisiana Tigers,'' and 
 while a prisoner he witnessed the three-days' right 
 at Gettysburg, employing his time during the first 
 day in helping to dress the wounds of his fellow- 
 prisoners and directing them to hospitals. On the 
 evening of the third day of the battle, he, with 
 about fourteen hundred other prisoners, was sent 
 
 uuder a Hag of truce to Carlisle, Penn., arriving 
 within our lines July 4; thence weut to parole 
 camp at West Chester, Penn., on July 5, 1803, and 
 finally to Camp Stoneman to be remounted and 
 equipped for duty. He was honorably discharged 
 January 21, 1865, and returning home settled in 
 Prosperity, Morris township, whither he had come 
 prior to his enlistment. Here he resumed his 
 trade of a millwright, but was soon compelled to 
 abandon it on account of ill health, having con- 
 tracted asthma during the war. On June 3, 1868, 
 Mr. Bell was united in marriage with Miss Eliza- 
 beth Ann, daughter of Simeon McClain, of Frank 
 lin township, this county, who was a son of John 
 McClain, Esq. , and brother of James McClain and 
 John McClain, Jr. 
 
 Mr. Bell has been for the past twenty five years 
 engaged in the banking and money-loaning busi- 
 ness, in which he has been successful. He is 
 temporarily residing on his Highland farm, on the 
 road leading from Prosperity to Sparta, in Morris 
 township. Washington Co., Penn. In politics he 
 is a war Democrat, and with his wife is an active 
 member of the Presbyterian Church of Upper Ten- 
 Mile. 
 
 S. H. KEYS, M. D., the oldest practicing 
 physician in Monongahela, traces his line- 
 age to Hibernian ancestry. His grand- 
 father was born in Ireland, and in an early 
 day set sail for the New World. After ar- 
 riving in America he located permanently on a 
 place now known as the Miller farm, near Bealls- 
 viile, Washington Co., Penn. Politically he voted 
 with the Democratic party, and in religion was a 
 member of the Episcopal Church. His children 
 were Andrew, Thomas and Hugh. 
 
 Hugh Keys was born in 1790, in the "Emerald 
 Isle," and with his parents came to America where 
 he learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1810 he was 
 married to Elizabeth Irwin, a native of Maryland, 
 whose parents died when she was very young. The 
 newly wedded couple first located in Baltimore, 
 Md., then moved to Hillsborough, Washington 
 Co., Penn., where he conducted a hotel for many 
 years. He finally moved to Fayette county, Penn., 
 and there followed his trade for several years. He 
 was actively identified with the Democratic party, 
 and held various local offices, having in 1840 been 
 elected canal commissioner under Van Bureu, 
 which position he held until his death. He was a 
 leading member of the Episcopal Church. He died 
 in October, 1841, his widow on January 23, 1886, 
 in her ninety-sixth year. They were the parents 
 of the following children: Mary, wife of James 
 Thompson, of Beallsville; William; Margaret, 
 married to R. S. H. Henderson, of Lawrence coun- 
 ty, Penn. ; Andrew, in Fayette county; Sarah, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 391 
 
 married to Nelson Randolph, also of Fayette 
 county; John; Christian; George; James; Hugh; 
 R. S. H. and Thomas, all now deceased except 
 Andrew and R. S. H. 
 
 Dr. R. S. H. Keys was bora March 12, 1832, in 
 Fayette county, Penn. When twelve years of age 
 he left home, first entering the general merchandise 
 store of E. C. Roddy, in Upper Middletown, Fay- 
 ette county, and then worked for his brother, John 
 Keys, M. D. , at Bentleyville. Washington county, 
 remaining there several years. He finally entered 
 his brother's office, and after studying medicine 
 anil dentistry for about seven years, took his 
 brother's place. On August 23, 1856, Dr. Keys 
 married Elizabeth, daughter of John and Julia 
 Holland, of Bentleyville, and continued to reside 
 in Bentleyville until 1862. He was then commis- 
 sioned lieutenant of Company D, Twenty-second 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry, and went to West Virginia 
 and the Shenandoah Valley, but returned to Bent- 
 leyville the same year. In the spring of 1863 he 
 came to Monongahela, where he has since followed 
 his profession with eminent success. He is a 
 stanch advocate of the principles embodied in the 
 Democratic party, and has served as a member of 
 the school board of the city. In religious faith he 
 is a member of the Episcopal Church. To his 
 marriage with Elizabeth Holland the following 
 children were born: Julia, wife of George R. 
 Smith, of San Francisco, Cal. ; Lizzie, wife of 
 Charles Oldtield, also of San Francisco; Harry K., 
 in the West; John, a boatman on the Monongahela; 
 Vol. O., Catherine and Sophia, all three deceased; 
 and James Stockdale, at home. The mother of 
 this family died September 6, 1881. and for his 
 second wife Dr. Keys married, June 6, 1883, Mrs. 
 Emeline Howe (a native of Monongahela), widow 
 of Maj. S. B. Howe (to whom she was married in 
 1864), and daughter of Ira R. Butler, of Carroll 
 township, this county. Maj. S. B. Howe was a 
 native of Washington county, Penn. , born May 2, 
 1835, was educated in California, same county, 
 and there learned the trade of brick molding, 
 which he followed several years. He served dur- 
 ing the war of the Rebellion, having enlisted in the 
 First West Virginia Veteran Cavalry at its organi- 
 zation, and was soon promoted to second lieutenant 
 and captain, respectively, in which latter rank he 
 distinguished himself in many hard-fought battles 
 of the years 1863-64. In the campaign of 1864 
 he was selected and detailed by Gen. Averill to 
 command the company of scouts, in which capacity 
 he performed some of the most daring exploits of 
 the war, and received the highest encomiums from 
 the commanding general. In February, 1865, he 
 was commissioned major, and immediately, in 
 command of the First Regiment West Virginia 
 Veteran Cavalry, started on the great raid of Gen. 
 Phil. H. Sheridan up the Shenandoah Valley and 
 
 to the James river. After this historic event he 
 performed, among other prodigies of valor and 
 generalship, at Little Sailor's creek, an important 
 part, his brigade making the best and most success- 
 ful charge of the war, capturing Gen. Ewell and 
 his entire corps, cannon, battle-flags, etc. ; in 
 fact, it is said of him that he was "second to no 
 regimental commander." At Appomattox Court- 
 house, April 8, 1865, he was killed at the close of 
 that obstinate engagement, at the hour of mid- 
 night, whilst gallantly leading his regiment in his 
 final charge, and the following day Gen. Lee sur- 
 rendered. 
 
 Dr. Keys now confines himself to city practice, 
 and at special points on the line of railroad, hav- 
 ing practically retired from country work, it being 
 too fatiguing. He is a Knight Templar. 
 
 I JI(ISS NANCY SHERRARD, for nearly 
 \f/\ twenty years principal of the Washington 
 ■! I (Penn.) Female Seminary, is a native of 
 I - 1 Ohio, born in Jefferson county. Her 
 / parents were Robert A. and Jane Sher- 
 
 rard, the former of whom was well known in the 
 community in which he lived, and was noted for 
 his upright character and earnest convictions of 
 duty, the latter a woman of much strength of char- 
 acter. From both parents Miss Sherrard inherited 
 strong religious impressions, which have always 
 been carried into her life. After attending the 
 public schools of her native county, she entered 
 the Steubenville (Ohio) Female Seminary in 1847, 
 and was graduated from that institution in 1851. 
 After an extended experience as a teacher in 
 seminaries and other excellent schools, she was, 
 in 1874, elected principal of the Washington 
 Female Seminary, entering upon her duties in 
 September of the same year. 
 
 This excellent and time-honored school was 
 established in 1836. From that time until the 
 present it has always had the reputation of keep- 
 ing abreast with other institutions of its class. It 
 has been noted for the excellence of its teachers in 
 all departments, and the Christian influences which 
 have been exerted in the school and which have 
 gone out from it. The school has steadily in- 
 creased in numbers and influence, until the cata- 
 logue for 1892-93 shows a larger attendance than 
 ever before. 
 
 QH. P. CHRISTMAN, M. D., a leading 
 homoeopathic physician in the county, with 
 residence in Washington, is a native of the 
 Keystone State, having been born in Upper 
 Uwchlan township, Chester county, Febru- 
 ary 12, 1859. His ancestors on the mother's side 
 came to this country from Maxton Parish, in Scot- 
 
392 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 land, and settled in Chester count)' some two hun- 
 dred years ago, his great great grandfather, George 
 Maxton, having been the keeper of the once famous 
 hostelry known as the "Yellow Springs" Inn, at 
 one time a fashionable health resort, at which place 
 he had the honor of entertaining George Washing- 
 ton. Our subject's ancestors on the father's side 
 came to this country from Schleswig-Holstein (then 
 a province of Prussia), landing at Philadelphia 
 September 15, 1730; they also settled in Chester 
 county, and became a prominent family in the 
 affairs of the county. 
 
 William Davis Christman, father of Dr. Christ- 
 man, a native of Chester county, served with dis- 
 tinction in the Union army. He married Zilpha 
 A. Maxton, of the same place, and they became 
 the parents of three children, viz. : Cora (who died 
 in young womanhood), G. H. P. and Frederick B., 
 the latter at this time (1893) being engaged in bus- 
 iness in Chicago. 
 
 The subject of this sketch passed his boyhood 
 and youth principally in West Chester, Chester 
 county, receiving his education in the common 
 schools and graduating at the high school (being 
 the only male member of his class); he also re- 
 ceived private instruction from Prof. Franklin 
 Taylor, late superintendent of the schools of Phil- 
 adelphia. In 1877 he commenced the study of 
 medicine in West Chester under Dr. Joseph E. 
 Jones, a graduate of the University of Pennsylva- 
 nia; then entered the Hahnemann Medical College, 
 Philadelphia, graduating with honors March 10, 
 1881, and afterward attended lectures in New York. 
 At Baltimore, Md., and at Wilmington, Del., he 
 was assistant to well-known physicians of those 
 places. He practiced medicine in Philadelphia 
 for a time, and came to Washington, Penn. , in 
 1890, where he has since been engaged in a lucra- 
 tive practive which is rapidly expanding. Polit- 
 ically the Doctor is a straight Republican, and 
 while a resident of West Chester was especially 
 active in the interests of his party. The Doctor is 
 unmarried and resides with his parents. 
 
 tion, 
 
 JfOHN M. FULTON, dentist, Washington, is 
 a native of the county, born in South Strabane 
 | township, July 14, 1858, a son of Samuel 
 Fulton, also a native of South Strabane town- 
 ship. The family are of Scotch-Irish extrac- 
 and John Fulton, grandfather of subject, 
 came to this county in an early day, settling in the 
 original township of Strabane, where he died. He 
 had married Hannah McMillan, granddaughter of 
 John McMillan, who founded the college at Can- 
 onsburg. She died in 1891 at the age of seventy 
 years, the mother of the following children: Sam- 
 uel (deceased); James R., in South Strabane town- 
 ship; Thomas, in Illinois; William and John, both 
 
 in South Strabane township; Elizabeth, wife of 
 William Pry, in Virginia; Belle and Robert. The 
 grandfather, John Fulton, died in 1869, at the age 
 of fifty-nine years. 
 
 Samuel Fulton received a liberal education at 
 the common schools of his native township, and at 
 Jeffersou College, where he took a literary course 
 and graduated in the class of 1857. He then 
 studied dentistry in Washington, and subsequently 
 entered into partnership with one Robertson, in 
 1866, which continued for a short time when he 
 bought out his partner's interest in the business, 
 and continued with eminent success up to his 
 death, which occurred February 11, 1890, when 
 aged fifty-seven years, the result of an attack of 
 the ''grip." He was originally a Democrat, but 
 in the later years of his life was a pronounced Pro- 
 hibitionist. In 1857 he was married to Miss Mar- 
 garet J., daughter of John Rankin, of North 
 Strabane township, and five children were born to 
 them, as follows: John M. (subject of sketch); 
 Mary Hannah, wife of Rev. John Scouller, in 
 northwestern Pennsylvania; Ollie Belle (married 
 to George Walker), now deceased; Anna H. and 
 Ada M., the last named dying from the effects of 
 the "grip." The mother is yet living in Wash- 
 ington. 
 
 John M. Fulton, the subject proper of this mem- 
 oir, received a thorough common-school training, 
 and began studying his profession in his father's 
 office. In 1879 he entered the Pennsylvania Den- 
 tal College at Philadelphia, from which he gradu- 
 ated in 1881, and he then at once commenced the 
 practice of dentistry in Washington, in partnership 
 with his father, which existed until the latter's 
 death, since when our subject has continued the 
 business alone. He is well skilled in his business, 
 and has a wide circle of friends. On December 4, 
 1883, Dr. Fulton was married to Elizabeth, daugh- 
 ter of John E. and Julia A. (Winters) Bell, of Wash- 
 ington, to which union two children have been 
 born — John Donnan and Samuel Floyd. The Doc- 
 tor is a member of the Second Presbyterian Church, 
 and in politics is a Democrat. 
 
 The Bell family are prominent in Washington 
 county. Thomas Bell and Agnes Scott were mar- 
 ried February 3, 1814, and became the parents of 
 ten children, whose names and dates of birth are 
 as follows: Robert, Mareh 3, 1818; William, Octo- 
 ber 23, 1820; John E., September 24, 1822; 
 Rachel, August 2, 1824; Josiah S., June 23, 1826; 
 Thomas O, Julv 24, 1828; Esther, January 13, 
 1831; Violet, August 5, 1832; Boyd and James. 
 Of these, John E. married Miss Julia A. Winters, 
 and their children were as follows: Millie (now 
 deceased), Gretta (wife of John Donnan, of Wash- 
 ington), Lula (wife of John Sweeney, of Elm Grove, 
 Penn.), Sadie (wife of Dr. Thistle, of Washing- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 393 
 
 ton), Carrie (wife of Horace P. Rose, of Johns- 
 town, Penn.), and Elizabeth (wife of Dr. John M. 
 Fulton). The father of this family died December 
 29, 1874, in Washington; the mother is still liv- 
 ing, and is now in her seventy-third year. Mr. 
 Bell was a Republican, and held the offices of 
 county treasurer, prothonotary, clerk of commis- 
 sioners, and at the time of his death was Deputy 
 United States Collector of Internal Revenue, all of 
 which incumbencies he filled faithfully and to the 
 satisfaction of all. He was a most highly es- 
 teemed citizen, and after his death was much 
 missed in the community, for his uprightness and 
 integrity of character had won him hosts of friends. 
 His widow, Mrs. Agnes (Scott) Bell, is a daughter 
 of Alexander and Rachel (McDowell) Scott, and a 
 granddaughter of Josiah and Violet Scott. Alex- 
 ander Scott (born in December, 1763) and Rachel 
 McDowell (born November 17, 1773), were mar- 
 ried November IS, 1790, by Rev. John McMillan, 
 and were the parents of children, whose names and 
 dates of birth are as follows: Violet, August 15, 
 1791; John, January 7, 1793; William, April 8, 
 1794; Agnes, January '24, 1796; John, September 
 29, 1798; Sarah, January 30, 1801; Josiah, 
 December 1, 1803; James, March 26, 1807, and 
 Rachel, August 18, 1810. 
 
 1 OHN M. STOCKDALE. " Hie et ubique" 
 might justly be applied as the motto of the 
 fr sturdy Scotch-Irish race, who have so deeply 
 ^^ made their impress, the wide world over, as 
 champions of liberty and civil rights, and 
 are ever to be found in the van of civilization and 
 progress. Of such strong, hardy and brave people 
 comes the gentleman whose name appears at the 
 opening of this biographical sketch. 
 
 Mr. Stockdale is a native of Greene county, 
 Penn., born iu 1824, a son of William and Han- 
 nah Stockdale. James Stockdale, the grandfather 
 of John M., came from the North of Ireland 
 about 1787, on a visit to America, and was led by 
 circumstances to remain. Having exhausted his 
 funds in traveling about the country, he began 
 milling, which business he had learned of his 
 father in Ireland, intending to make money enough 
 to return home; but the Fates ordered otherwise, 
 for he fell in love with and married Miss Weir, 
 and never went back. In 1790 the young couple 
 settled in what was then Washington (now Greene) 
 county, where were born to them children as fol- 
 lows: William, Nancy (now Mrs. Robert Patton, 
 of Fayette county, Penn.), Sarah (wife of Maj. 
 James Ringland) and Elizabeth, wife of Squire 
 Benjamin Jennings, of Waynesburg, Greene Co., 
 Penn. The mother of these children died in 1823, 
 and the father in 1840, at the age of eighty-six 
 years. 
 
 William Stockdale, father of our subject, was 
 born in 1792, on the homestead in Morris town- 
 ship, Greene Co., Penn., and was brought up 
 there. He married Hannah McQuaid, a daughter 
 of John McQuaid, of Washington county, Penn. 
 Their residence was the old home place, where 
 they passed the remainder of their lives. The 
 children born to them were: (1) James, whose death, 
 at forty-five, was the result of an accident at a 
 railroad station in Lancaster, Ohio; he had lived 
 for a number of years in Baltimore, and was twice 
 a member of the Legislature of Maryland. (2) 
 John M. (3) Robert P., who lives in Mt. 
 Pleasant, Henry Co., Iowa. (4) Thomas R., who 
 left Jefferson College (Penn.) with the class of 
 1856, and located iu Summit, Miss., where he con- 
 tinues to practice law; he has represented his Dis- 
 trict for several terms in Congress, and is now a 
 member. (5) Mary, the wife of Dr. Thaddeus 
 Dodd. (6) Isabella, who married H. B. Lind- 
 ley, of Morris township, Washington county, and 
 (7) Sarah P., who married Joseph B. Wise, Esq., 
 of West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. The father died at the age seventy-one 
 years, on the farm upon which he was born, and 
 the mother in 1873, aged seventy-six years. 
 
 John M. Stockdale was born and reared on the 
 farm, was sent to an academy to prepare for col- 
 lege, and graduated from Washington College in 
 1849. He studied law with T. M. T. McKeunan, 
 and his son Judge William McKennau, of Wash- 
 ington, Penn., and was admitted to practice in 
 1852. In 1853 he became the owner and editor of 
 the Waynesburg (Greene county) Messenger, the 
 only Democratic newspaper in the county. In 
 1854 he was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to 
 represent Greene county in the State Legislature, 
 aud was re-elected in 1855. In 1856 he went to 
 the Northwest for recreation and health, but be- 
 came connected with business matters in Fort 
 Dodge, on the Des Moines river, Iowa, and re- 
 mained there until 1865. In the meantime he was 
 appointed (in 1857) Register of the Government 
 Land Office in Fort Dodge, which he held until 
 July, 1861. During his residence there he dealt 
 very largely in real estate, having bought and sold 
 more than two hundred thousand acres of land, as 
 the records show; but the Civil war depressed or 
 destroyed, for the time, nearly all land values in 
 the Northwest, and made real estate a hazardous 
 investment. In 1863 Mr. Stockdale, in his ab- 
 sence, was nominated for the State Senate from his 
 district in Iowa, but declined to accept the nomi- 
 nation. In 1864 he was an elector on the McClel- 
 land ticket. In 1865 he removed to the city of 
 Baltimore, where he engaged in the wholesale 
 drug trade in the well-known house of Stockdale, 
 Smith & Co., on the corner of Howard and Ger- 
 man streets, and also in a Petroleum Oil Refinery 
 
394 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 near the shipping wharves, until the Standard Oil 
 Co. , by methods now well known, secured control 
 of all pipe lines and means of transportation, in- 
 cluding heavy special rebates that crushed all com- 
 petitors. 
 
 In 1S81 Mr. Stockdale removed to Washington, 
 Penn., and published the Review and Examiner 
 until 1886 when he retired from journalistic work 
 and is now in a law office in Washiugton. In 1884 
 he received the nomination of the Democratic 
 party for Congress in a District embracing Wash- 
 ington, Beaver and Lawrence counties. In 1883, 
 when the project was untested by experience, he 
 applied for and secured a State Charter, for the 
 transportation and consumption of natural gas for 
 ''heat and light." The prosecution of the project 
 by a company of enterprising citizens resulted in 
 the development of natural gas and oil in the imme- 
 diate vicinity, stimulating enterprise, and Washing- 
 ton, Penn., is now the most beautiful, attractive 
 and flourishing town on the waters of the Ohio. 
 
 In 1857 Mr. Stockdale married Miss Martha, 
 daughter of Abner Clark, of Ten Mile Valley, 
 Washington Co., Penn., whose grandfather was an 
 early settler of the county. She has a sister, Mrs. 
 Logan, of Philadelphia, Penn., and two brothers, 
 William E. and James E. Clark, both married and 
 living in Washington, D. C. One child, Elizabeth 
 C. , has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Stockdale, and 
 lives with them at their home on East Wheeling 
 Street, Washington, Pennsylvania. 
 
 C. CARMACK. This gentleman, the genial 
 and popular landlord of the well known and 
 widely patronized hotel in Monougahela, 
 known as the " Sheplar House," comes of 
 German ancestry. 
 
 Peter Carmack, the first of the family known to 
 have been born in America, was reared and mar- 
 ried somewhere " east of the mountains," and in 
 an early day came to Bedford county, Penn., set- 
 tling in the town of St. Clairsville, where he fol 
 lowed his trade of shoemaker during the rest of his 
 life. He was in politics an Old-line Whig. The 
 children born to him, eight in number, were Abra- 
 ham, Daniel, Peter, Rachel, Susanna, Maria, and 
 two whose^iames are now unknown. Of this fam- 
 ily, Abraham Carmack was born in Bedford county, 
 Penn., and at the early schools of St. Clairsville 
 received a fairly liberal education for those days. 
 Learning blacksinithing, he followed that trade in 
 liis native county, in Somerset county, and for a 
 time in Monougahela, whither he had conic in 
 1839. Shortly after his arrival here, he took up 
 the trade of stone mason which he followed during 
 the rest of his life. He died in 1864, a Democrat 
 in politics, and a member of the Baptist Church. 
 He married Susanna Wickham, of Hancock, Mil., 
 
 and the following named children were born to 
 them: Josiah W., Zachariah, Hezekiah, Zephaniah, 
 Jeremiah, Ameriah, Soriah, Maria, Aunah Sophia, 
 Margaret Keziah, and Rachel Soriah and Savanah. 
 The mother of this familv departed this life in 
 1884. 
 
 In 1N52 Hezekiah Carmack married Miss Louisa 
 Crall, of Monougahela, and they had two children: 
 S. C. and Susie V. Mr. Carmack went to Califor- 
 nia in March. 1852, by the overland route, the trip 
 occupying live months, and while en route he fell 
 exhausted from thirst. A friend ran three miles 
 for water, and returned with some just in time to 
 save the life of the nearly expiring man. When 
 he arrived in Sacramento, Mr. Carmack worked for 
 a time at his trade, that of molder, and then took 
 up land and commenced farming, but a disastrous 
 flood came, which so discouraged him that he be- 
 took himself to the mountains, thereto try his luck 
 at mining. Here he, I. Shelby Crall and Lenard 
 Savage located the "Savage Mine" at Virginia 
 City, Nev. After leaving that place, Mr. Carmack 
 located in North San Juan, where he built a saw 
 mill, at the same time interesting himself in mining. 
 He afterward sold out and proceeded to Chico, 
 Butte Co., Cal., and again took up farming, in- 
 cluding the raising of stock, which he is yet en- 
 gaged in at the same place. In politics he is a 
 straight Democrat. 
 
 S. C. Carmack, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born February '28, l8(>2, in North San Juan, 
 Cal., where he received hiseducation. In 1882 he 
 came to Monongahela, and here for some three 
 years worked in Mark Boreland & Son's clothing 
 store, and then for H. Landefeld two years. In 
 April, 1892, he took charge of what is now known 
 as the ''Sheplar House," a hostelry he conducts 
 with characteristic ability, care and judgment, 
 and where he is building up areputation as caterer 
 for the traveling public and others, second to none 
 in the county. On April 13, 1888, while employed 
 in the store of M. Boreland & Sons, Mr. Carmack 
 was married to Lillie, daughter of the late James 
 P. Sheplar (of whom a brief sketch follows), and 
 one child. Prescott, has been born to them. In 
 his political preferences Mr. Carmack is a Repub- 
 lican. 
 
 James P. Sheplar (deceased), who in his lifetime 
 was one of the best representative men of Monou- 
 gahela, was a native of the county, born in Peters 
 township April 21, 1822, a son of Philip and Mary 
 (Hill) Sheplar, the former of whom first saw the 
 light in Washington county, where he was reared 
 and educated. He married Mary, daughter of 
 Henry Hill, of the same county, and the children 
 born to them were John (deceased), Jacob (in 
 Davenport, Cowa), James P. (deceased), Henry 
 (deceased), Nancy (wife of Capt. James Campbell, 
 of river fame, now residing at Huntington, W. Va.), 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 395 
 
 Marvin (deceased), Samuel (on a stock ranch, Santa 
 Rosa, Cal.), Josephine (wife of Dorvile Libbey, in 
 San Francisco, Cal.), and Cyrus (deceased). Philip 
 Slieplar was all his life an enterprising agriculturist 
 in the county, and for years was proprietor of the 
 • ' Nation Hotel ' ' in Pittsburgh. In politics he was 
 a Whig and Republican, and in church connection 
 a Baptist. He died in Pittsburgh about the year 
 1862. 
 
 James P. Sheplar attended the common schools 
 of the neighborhood of his boyhood home, and 
 when eighteen years of age went to West Alexan- 
 der where he learned blacksmithing with a man 
 named McGowan. Afterward he worked at his 
 trade in Washington, Manchester, Connellsville 
 and West Newton, and later was engaged in ped- 
 dling stoves in Washington county. In 1852 he 
 went to California by the overland route, the 
 journey taking from March to July 4, following, 
 and here followed his trade for a short time until 
 he commenced mining; but at the latter occupation 
 he did not long remain, for we find that he soon 
 returned to his old trade among the "gold dig- 
 gers." Returning to Washington county in 1S52, 
 he concluded to make his future home in Monon- 
 gahela, and having purchased the "Hemptield 
 House," he successfully conducted the same until 
 1883, when he retired from the hotel business and 
 removed to a comfortable dwelling he had erected 
 in the same town. Some time after taking the 
 hotel he changed its name to " Sheplar House," by 
 which it is now known. In connection with the 
 hotel business Mr. Sheplar at one time dealt largely 
 in sheep, leaving the "House" in the care of his 
 wife while he was absent in Texas buying sheep. 
 There he left them, however, as the war was then 
 in progress, and returned to Washington county, 
 but afterward revisited Texas and sold of his pur- 
 chase what of the sheep could then be found. He 
 also paid no little attention to the oil development 
 in the vicinity of Oil City, Penn., being interested 
 in several wells there. 
 
 On September 10, 1851, Mr. Sheplar was mar- 
 ried to Sarah A., daughter of Abraham Teeters, a 
 native of Monongahela, where he was educated and 
 learned the trade of hatter, which he followed 
 some years. He married Nancy Marshall, of 
 Maryland, and their children were Eliza, Mahala, 
 Washington, Marshall, Sarah A., Susan, Daniel, 
 Bird and John, of whom but two survived: Sarah 
 A. (Mrs. Sheplar), and Washington (a resident of 
 Chicago). In politics Mr. Teeters was an active 
 Democrat, in religion a prominent member of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, being an officer 
 in the same. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Sheplar were as follows: Josephine (now living at 
 Riverside, Cal., the widow of I. B. Miller), Wilbert 
 (in San Francisco, Cal.), Cora and Arba (both de- 
 ceased), and Lillie (Mrs. S. C. Carmack). Mr. 
 
 Sheplar died September 18, 1891, aged nearly 
 seventy years; his widow is still a resident of Mo- 
 nongahela, at the old hotel site. Mr. Sheplar was 
 a conservative business man, careful and prudent, 
 and at the time of his death was the owner of 
 eleven distinct properties in Monongahela, his 
 estate being computed as worth something over 
 $60,000. In early life he was a Whig, but in 1856 
 he changed his politics, and from then till bis de- 
 cease was an enthusiastic Democrat. He fre- 
 quently served his city as councilman (at one time 
 as president of the council), school director, etc., 
 and twice was placed in nomination by a Democrat 
 county convention, once for treasurer and once for 
 assembly; he also was once a candidate for the 
 position of sheriff. In religion he was an Episco- 
 palian, and was one of the original vestrymen of 
 St. Paul's Church in Monongahela. Socially he 
 was a leading member of the I. O. O. F., having 
 been one of the organizers and charter members of 
 the Lodge in Monongahela. At a meeting held in 
 Council Chambers, Monday, October •">, 1891, the 
 members of the Select and Common Councils of 
 Monongahela passed appropriate in memoriam res- 
 olutions upon the death of their justly esteemed 
 friend and colleague. 
 
 AHSON, JACKSON and ALEXANDER S. 
 
 The Carson family have for many years been 
 prominently identified with the leading cit- 
 izens of Washington county, and a record 
 of the ancestry of the gentlemen, whose 
 names introduce this sketch, will be found at page 
 1268 in this volume. 
 
 Thomas G. Carson was born, about the year 
 1792, on the home farm in Fallowfield township, 
 Washington county, and received his education in 
 the county schools. In early life he married Eliz- 
 abeth Scott, a daughter of Parker and Sarah (Car- 
 son) Scott, natives of the county, and who lived 
 on a farm in Fallowfield township. They had a 
 family of one son and twelve daughters, one of 
 whom, Lucy Ann, is yet living, near West Belle 
 Vernon, the wife of John Sphar. The children 
 born to Thomas G. Carson were Thomas, Parker, 
 Lucy Ann, Charlotte, Sarah, Washington, Jack- 
 son, John and Alexander S. Thomas G. Carson 
 was an ardent Democrat, and in religious faith he 
 and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. 
 They passed their lives on the old place where Mrs. 
 Carson died in 1858. Mr. Carson was then mar- 
 ried to Esther Mcllvaine, a native of Somerset 
 township, this county. He died in 1880, having 
 passed his eighty-fourth year. The following chil- 
 dren were born to his first marriage: Thomas (who 
 died near Rushville, Ind. ), Charlotte, wife of Jo- 
 seph Rider (in Fallowfield township), Parker; 
 Washington; Jackson; John, in East Pike Run town- 
 
396 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ship; Lucy Ann; Sarah (unmarried) and Alexan- 
 der S. 
 
 Jackson Cabson was born April 3, 1827, on the 
 old homestead in Fallowfield township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., and received a subscription-school 
 education. On October 3, 1852, he was united in 
 marriage with Mary, daughter of John B. and 
 Sarah (Scott) Carson, special mention of whom will 
 be found at page 1268. After his marriage Mr. 
 Carson settled on the 140 acres in Fallowfield 
 township which is now his home, running in debt 
 for same; he also owns 139i acres in East Pike 
 Run township. He has made many improvements 
 on both farms, and has erected fine residences 
 and three barns on his land. This fine property 
 is the fruit of patient toil and ceaseless industry. 
 He takes some interest in politics, voting with the 
 Democratic party, and has filled many township 
 offices. Three sons have been born to Mr. and 
 Mis. Carson, namely: William Henry, deceased at 
 the age of twelve years; Isaac Newton, married and 
 living in East Pike Run township, and John Wes- 
 ley, a widower, living at home. 
 
 Alexander S. Cabson was born May 10, 1838, 
 on. the homestead in Fallowfield township, where 
 he now resides, and was educated in the schools 
 of his district. In December, 1871, he was mar 
 ned to Annette, daughter of Henry and Emily 
 ( Duvall) Hanan, all three being natives of East Pike 
 Run township, this county, where the marriage 
 took place. Her father died in 1868, and her mother 
 in February, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Carson began 
 wedded life on the farm of 130 (now 206) acres in 
 Fallowfield township, where she died in November, 
 1880, leaving one son, Walter. In 1882 Mr. Car- 
 son married Elizabeth Myers, a native of Somerset 
 township, this county, daughter of John and Mary 
 (Ross) Myers, who were born in Germany, and 
 about the year 1854 came to America, locating in 
 Washington county, where both died. To this 
 union four children have been born, namely: Jesse, 
 Frederick Ross, Harry Fell, and Elmer Clarence. 
 Mr. Carson's farm is well conducted, and on it, in 
 addition to general agriculture, he raises a fine 
 grade of Short-horn Jersey cattle. Politically he 
 votes with the Democratic party, and he has held 
 local offices; Mrs. Carson is a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 T'AMES AGNEW, a prosperous farmer of Mt. 
 I Pleasant township, is a son of James Agnew, 
 fr ) whose father was a pioneer settler of Wash- 
 ^"^ iugton county, coming here in about 1784. 
 James Agnew, father of subject, was born in 
 1803, in Chartiers township, this county, and was 
 reared and educated on his father's farm. He was 
 united in marriage with Nancy Jane Buchanan, a 
 native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and 
 
 the young people began life in a rude log cabin, 
 on a farm now owned by their descendants, which 
 was then as unbroken forest. The children born 
 to these pioneers were Elizabeth, deceased wife of 
 Joseph Porter, of Canton township; two sons that 
 died in infancy; James and Nancy Jane (twins; 
 Nancy Jane is the wife of William Stewart, of Wash- 
 ington, Penn.). The father of this family died in 
 1880, in Mt. Pleasant township, his wife having 
 passed away many years prior to his death. He 
 was an active member of the Democratic party. 
 
 James Agnew was born in 1S42 on the farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township which he now owns, and 
 received his education in the common schools of 
 the neighborhood. In 1881 he was married to 
 Rebecca McDowell, a native of the same township, 
 and daughter of John and Margaret (Miller) Mc- 
 Dowell, also natives of Mt. Pleasant township, 
 where they passed their married life. Mr. Mc- 
 Dowell died in 1886, his wife several years before. 
 He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 After his marriage to Rebecca McDowell, James 
 Agnew settled on the farm of 1 1 5 acres, which he 
 has since been employed in managing. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Agnew are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Mt. Prospect, and are always ready to 
 do ;tll in their power to further any laudable object. 
 
 ' 
 
 li Hi ATTHEW TAYLOR, who in his lifetime 
 x/A was a representative of one of oldest and 
 ■( I most prominent families in the county, 
 -* was born March 5, 1817, in South Strabane 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 His grandfather, Henry Taylor, was a native of 
 Wales, and about the year 1770 took a " tomahawk 
 right" of 1,200 acres of laud in this county, and 
 added thereto until the amount aggregated some 
 1 ,7( 10 acres, all lying in what is now South Strabane 
 township. He was a member of the M. E. Church, 
 a Whig in politics, and was the first judge of the 
 courts. He married Jane White, and by her had 
 seven sons and six daughters, of whom Matthew 
 (the eldest) was the first white male child born west 
 of the Alleghanies, his birth occurring on the prop- 
 erty above referred to. Matthew married Nancy, 
 daughter of Thomas Hutchinson, on February 14, 
 1803, and settled on part of his father's tract. The 
 children born of this union were Henry, born March 
 6, 1N04; Jane, born August 12, 1807. marriedOliver 
 Lindsey; Thomas, born September 21, 1805, mar- 
 ried Susan Donington; Mary, born April 8, 1809, 
 married John McFarland; James, born April 11, 
 1811; Julia, born April 4, 1814, married Hugh 
 Reynolds; Eliza, born March 12, 1805, married 
 Andrew VanEman; Matthew and George (twins), 
 born March 5, 1817, the former of whom is the 
 subject of this sketch, the latter married to Jane 
 Munnell; Rachel, born March 28, 1824, married 
 Workman Hughes; and William, born April 3, 1830. 
 
: 
 
 
 ♦ 
 
 J 
 
 \ 
 
 ^t^##^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 397 
 
 These were all born where the family now reside. 
 Mr. Taylor died Jnne 19, 1852. By profession he 
 was a civil engineer. He was a consistent mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church, and in politics was a Whig. 
 Mrs. Taylor died March 19, 1877. 
 
 Matthew Taylor, whose name appears at the open- 
 ing of this biographical sketch, was educated at the 
 subscription schools in his locality, and was brought 
 up to farm life from early boyhood. On May '_''>, 
 1 86 1. he married Jane, daughter of George Forrest, 
 a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who when but a 
 boy moved with his parents to Penrith, Cumberland. 
 England, and when eighteen years of age he 
 moved to London, where he married Miss Alice 
 Rhodes, of that city. The children born to this 
 anion were Alice (Mrs. Hugh W. Boyle), Emma 
 (Mrs. John B. Hallam), George, Jane (Mrs. Matthew 
 Taylor), Robert R., Mary (Mrs. John Munce), 
 Richard R. and J. R. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor 
 were born three children, viz.: George Forrest, 
 Rachel Mary and John Richard. Mr. Taylor 
 passed from earth October 15, 1889, and was buried 
 in Washington. For many years he was connected 
 with the M. E. Church, of which he was a trustee. 
 In politics he was au Abolitionist, later a Repub- 
 lican, and held many offices of trust in the township. 
 The fine farm, whereon his widow continues to re- 
 side, was improved by Mr. Taylor himself, and he 
 built the commodious and elegant brick family 
 residence. 
 
 scent and pioneer settlers of Washington county. 
 To the union of Thomas and Susan (Ulery) Lilley 
 six children have been born, namely : Jacob, 
 Thomas E., Simeon, Ruth J. (wife of John Elliott), 
 Eli (deceased), and Stephen (deceased). Mr. Lilley 
 owns the old homestead, consisting of 230 acres of 
 prime land. In politics he is a Republican, and 
 has served as school director for several years. 
 His wife is a member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 THOMAS LILLEY, a prominent and highly 
 respected agriculturist of East Pike Run 
 township, is a grandson of Walter Lilley, 
 who was born in Ireland, and immigrating 
 to America died in Chester county, Penn. 
 Thomas Lilley (father of subject) was born and 
 reared on a farm in Chester county, and coming to 
 Washington county in 1801, bought 160 acres in 
 East Pike Run township, where he followed the 
 blacksmith trade in connection with farming. In 
 1S10 he erected a large stone house and barn upon 
 the place. He was an active worker in the Whig 
 party, and in religious faith he and his wife (who 
 was formerly Ruth Woodard) were members of the 
 Society of Friends. They were the parents of ten 
 children, of which large family Thomas is the only 
 one yet living. The father died in 1S40, aged 
 sixty-eight years, followed by the mother in 1845, 
 who had passed her seventy-fifth year. 
 
 Thomas Lilley, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born October 12, 1814, on the farm in East 
 Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 he is yet living. He attended the subscription 
 schools when a boy, and was reared to agricultural 
 pursuits. In 1842 he was married to Susan "Ulery, 
 born in 1815, in this county, a daughter of Stephen 
 and Christina Ulery, who were of German de- 
 
 Ei N. LILLEY, who in his lifetime was an in- 
 fluential citizen of California, Penn., was a 
 son of Ellis Lilley (who was a native of this 
 -' county) and a nephew of Thomas Lilley, 
 a sketch of whom precedes this. In early man- 
 hood Ellis Lilley was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Phillips, also a native of this county, 
 and the young couple settled permanently on a 
 farm in East Pike Run township. They were the 
 parents of six children, namely: Solomon, Ruth 
 (wife of B. C. Jackman), Thomas, Ellis N., Eliza- 
 beth, (wife of Dr. Johnson) and Phcebe (married 
 to Arthur Hubs). Mr. Lilley was a leading mem 
 her of the Westland Quaker Church, and in poli- 
 tics was a Whig and Republican. He and his wife 
 were buried in the home cemetery. 
 
 Ellis N. Lilley was born July 19, 1837, on the 
 farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he received the advantages of a pub- 
 lic-school education. After leaving the public school 
 he devoted some time to teaching, and he entered 
 this work with his characteristic energy, which 
 meant success. He proved a power for good, which 
 was felt long after he was g( me. He was married No- 
 vember 1, 1866, by J C. Momyer, pastor of Green- 
 field C. P. Congregation, to Kate, daughter of Dr. 
 Lewis Marchand, a native of Westmoreland county, 
 Penn. The latter attended the public schools, 
 and deciding to study medicine entered the office 
 of a physician, with whom he remained several 
 months. He then took a medical course, and 
 after graduating began to practice his profession 
 at Uniontown, Penn., where he continued to re- 
 side until failing health compelled him to seek 
 rest in his country home. He was married to 
 Sarah Sackett, a native of Fayette county, Penn., 
 who bore him children as follows: Samuel, 
 Rachel, Elizabeth, Louisa, Caroline, Lucius and 
 Kate (Mrs. Lilley). Dr. Marchand possessed as a 
 family heritage the receipt for the cure of hydro- 
 phobia, from which many wonderful cures have 
 been reported. He was an ardent Whig and Re- 
 publican in politics, and in religious faith was a 
 leading member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Ellis N. and Kate (Marchand) Lilley resided on 
 the home farm until 1881, when, his sight failing, 
 he moved to California, same countv. He died 
 
398 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 July 25, 1891, leaving three children, viz.: Sarah, 
 Henrietta and Wilbur. He was buried in the Mar- 
 chand family burying ground, across the river 
 from California. In political opinion Mr. Lilley 
 was an enthusiastic Republican, and in religious 
 faith he gave liberally of his time and money to 
 the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church. He was deeply interested in the found- 
 ing of the Southwestern State Normal School at 
 California, Penn.,and put his first earned money 
 into it. He served as trustee until his health 
 failed. Patience in sickness and trouble, and a 
 kind heart that reached all the poor and needy, 
 were his notable characteristics, and by everybody 
 could this be emphasized. 
 
 JACOB M. STEWART. The Stewart family 
 are numbered with the leading pioneers of 
 | this county, and have ever been distinguished 
 as successful, enterprising and popular citi- 
 zens. Archibald Stewart was born in Ireland, 
 and coming to America in early manhood, was 
 married to Rebecca Reed, a native of Pennsylvania. 
 They settled in Chartiers township, Washington 
 county, where he followed farming and blacksmith - 
 ing. Their children were: James R., Mary (wife of 
 Samuel Griffith, of Hickory, Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county), Jane (deceased in 1883, wife of 
 William S. White, of Canonsburg), Joseph (de- 
 ceased in Illinois, where he was married), William 
 (married and living in Villisca, Iowa), Margaret 
 (deceased in 1872, wife of David Miller, of this 
 county), Sarah (married to Andrew Miller, of Mt. 
 Pleasant township), and John (deceased in 1880, 
 in Donegal township, this county). The father 
 died Jane 5, 1812. 
 
 James It. Stewart was born in 1812, on the home 
 farm in Chartiers township, where his widow is now 
 living. He received a meager education in the 
 district schools, then learned the blacksmith's trade 
 of his father, which he afterward followed in con- 
 nection with farming. On May 23, 1839, he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Miller, a 
 daughter of Jacob Miller, who was born in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, and there married to Jane Filston, 
 also a native of eastern Pennsylvania. Soon after 
 their marriage, the young couple came to Wash- 
 ington county, locating near McConnell's Mills, in 
 Chartiers township. Some years later they moved 
 to the old Col. Robert Miller farm, where the fol- 
 lowing children were born: Rachel (wife of 
 Thomas Sproat, living in South Strabane township), 
 Mary (wife >>[ Samuel McNary; both were twice 
 married), Nancy (wife of John Boon), Jane (wife 
 of Richanl Sproat, in Ohio), Samuel (a wagon- 
 ma ker of Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township), Cathe- 
 rine (wife of James McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant), 
 Jacob (who married and moved to Ohio), Margaret 
 
 (was married to John McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant 
 township), Sophia, Robert W. (deceased in August, 
 1891), Elizabeth T. (Mrs. James R. Stewart) and 
 Sarah (unmarried). Of this family Mrs. Stewart 
 is the only living member. The father was an 
 active member of the Washington Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics he voted with the Democratic 
 party. 
 
 After his marriage, James R. Stewart settled on 
 the home farm, where his widow is yet living, and 
 continued to follow his trade in addition to farm 
 work. He was actively interested in religious work, 
 he and his wife being earnest members of the Char- 
 tiers Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics he voted the Republican ticket. Mr. Stew- 
 art died May 22, 1880, mourned by the many friends 
 who knew and valued his sterling worth. He left 
 a widow and two children: Rebecca and Jacob M. 
 Rebecca Stewart was born on the home farm in 
 Chartiers township, and on October 20, 1864, was 
 married to William H. Thompson, a native of Can- 
 onsburg. He was born May 17, 1837, and is the 
 eldest son of Joseph Thompson, who married Emily 
 Gabby, and lived near Canonsburg until his death. 
 William H. and Rebecca (Stewart) Thompson set- 
 tled in Canonsburg after their marriage, where 
 he followed his trade of wagon-making, finally 
 moving to the farm. He was an active worker in 
 the Republican party, and in religious faith a mem- 
 ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Canons- 
 burg. He died February 1, 1873. Mrs. Thompson 
 is living on the home place. She has had five chil- 
 dren, viz.: James Stewart, born February 10, 1807; 
 Joseph (a graduate of Duff's Commercial College, 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.), born January 30,1869; Eliza- 
 beth Emma, born December 8, 1872 (deceased in 
 infancy); Millie R., born February 26, 1872, and 
 an infant, who died in 1871. The mother has 
 given her children the advantages of a good educa- 
 tion. Mrs. Stewart is a worthy representative of 
 her family, which has been one of the earliest in 
 the county, and is ever ready to aid in any enter- 
 prise to promote the public welfare. 
 
 Jacob M. Stewart was born September 28, 1842, 
 on the home farm in Chartiers township, and at- 
 tended school in District No. 3, Chartiers town- 
 ship, and after leaving school assisted in clearing 
 and improving the home place. On May 28, 1 86 1 . 
 he was united in marriage with Rebecca J., daugh- 
 ter of Rev. John Todd, who was born near Green 
 Garden, Beaver Co., Penn., and was married 
 in Canonsburg, Washington county, to Rebecca 
 Thompson, a native of Canonsburg. He was a 
 minister of the United Presbyterian Church, and 
 first settled in Jefferson county, Penn., but after- 
 ward moved to Washington, Iowa, thence to Bur- 
 gettstown, Penn., where he and his wife died. 
 
 To Jacob M. and Rebecca J. Stewart five chil- 
 dren were born, viz. : Blanche L. , Frank L., Grace 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 399 
 
 Mabel, Edith Rebecca and Myrtle May. The mother 
 of this family died March 9, 1879, and December 
 28, 1881, Mr. Stewart was married, at Hickory, 
 this county, to Lizzie J., daughter of John and 
 Jemima (Buchanan) Grounds, natives of this county. 
 Both parents are yet living in Hickory, this county, 
 and the father lias passed his ninetieth birthday. 
 Mr. Stewart received 133 acres from the paternal 
 estate, and he has added 110 acres to the original 
 tract, making a good farm, which is well stocked, 
 and improved with all necessary buildings, the hand- 
 some brick residence having been erected before 
 the death of his father. Jacob Stewart votes the 
 Prohibition ticket, and has served as a member of 
 the school board, and in various offices of trust. 
 He and his wife are members of the TJ. P. Church 
 at Hickory, of which he is an elder. 
 
 Mr. Devore has engaged somewhat extensively in 
 stock, and now has over 300 sheep, twenty head of 
 different stock of cattle, and twelve horses, of the 
 best grade of stock. 
 
 JXt LEXANDER DEVORE is a son of An- 
 il drew Devore, who was born in Washington 
 4\ county, Penn., where he was married to 
 -^ a Miss Steele, of Redstone, Penn. She 
 bore him five children, as follows: Henry, 
 Lydia A. (Mrs. Crookham, living in this county), 
 Eliza (Mrs. Seeley), David (deceased) and Alex- 
 ander. The mother died in 1880, aged seventy 
 five years, having been preceded by the father, 
 who passed away before the birth of his youngest 
 son. 
 
 Alexander Devore was born March 20, 1830, on 
 the home place in Nottingham township, this county. 
 On January 15, 1851, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Martha Thomas, of this county, ami the 
 following children were born to their union: Jona- 
 than T., Abigail A., Elizabeth J., Liverton D. and 
 Nancy B. The mother of this family died in 1865, 
 and October 11, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth 
 Robb, who has borne him eleven children, five of 
 whom are yet living, viz.: Edwin L., Owen W., 
 Oscar O, Maud and Lydia A., all at home. 
 
 Mr. Devore began life on a farm, at the age of 
 sixteen years, without a penny to pay his expenses. 
 He worked for board and clothes until twenty-one 
 years of age, when his employer, Andrew Grouch, 
 gave him $100. With this small amount as capi- 
 tal he rented a farm, and then began saving his 
 money until able to purchase one. When the 
 war began he secured many recruits for the army, 
 and on February 14, 18(35, sent as his own substi- 
 tute, one Matthew Crookham, who received an hon- 
 orable discharge at the close of the war. In 18(35 
 Mr. Devore bought sixty-seven acres in Somerset 
 township, which he sold after the war was over. 
 He then purchased the home place of eighty acres 
 in Nottingham township, to which he has added 
 from adjoining farms, now owning 207 acres of well- 
 cultivated land worth from $80 to $90 per acre, 
 and has erected a fine house and barn on the place. 
 
 f | J. CHESTER. Among the prominent agri- 
 culturists of Allen township, none are more 
 Vj) deserving of special mention than this pros- 
 ^^ perous gentleman, whose' name has from an 
 early time been associated with the best interests 
 of Washington county. 
 
 Many years ago Joseph and Elizabeth Chester, 
 natives of eastern Pennsylvania, came to Wash- 
 ington county, and there made a home on a tract 
 of land which he patented. Among the children 
 who came to this pioneer couple was one son, S. A., 
 whose brothers were Morrison, who resided in 
 Guernsey county, Ohio, and died January 21, 
 L893, and Benjamin, who died in California. 
 
 S. A. Chester was born March 16, 1818, on the 
 home farm in Allen township, Washington county. 
 He was there married to Margaret Jackman, who 
 was born on the farm their children now occupy. 
 Mr. Chester affiliated with the Whig and Repub- 
 lican parties, and served in many local offices. 
 Mrs. Chester died about the year 1871, leaving the 
 following children: Joseph W. (who died in 1873 in 
 Vernon county, Mo.), John A. (living in Mound- 
 ville, Vernon Co., Mo.), Elizabeth Ann (deceased 
 at the age of eight years), J. J. (whose name 
 opens this sketch), James Harvey (who died in 1875 
 in Allen township), Margaret Ann (deceased wife 
 of Irving McKenna, of Fayette City), Jane A. 
 (deceased wife of Allen Ailes, of Columbus, Kans.), 
 S. T., and Fremont (who died when twelve years 
 of age). S. A. Chester died in March, 1888. 
 
 J. J. Chester, the fourth son of S. A. and Mar- 
 garet Chester, was born July 4, 1840, in Allen 
 township, Washington county. He attended the 
 home schools and assisted on the farm during 1><>\ 
 hood. On August 15, 1863, he enlisted at New 
 Brighton, Perm., in Company A, Forty-sixth P. V. 
 I., for three years, or during the war. He was 
 mustered into service at New Brighton and as- 
 signed to the old Twelfth, Army of the Potomac, 
 which, combined with the Eleventh, formed the 
 Twentieth corps, army of the Cumberland. Mr. 
 Chester participated in the battles of Lookout 
 Mountain and Resaca, at which latter he received 
 a gunshot wound in the face and right arm. He 
 was taken to the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenu., 
 thence transferred to Pittsburgh, Penn., and on May 
 18, 1865, received his discharge, returning to 
 Allen township. On September 8, 1869, Mr. 
 Chester was united in marriage with Miss E. A. 
 Gatts, who was born in West Virginia, a daugh- 
 ter of C. D. and Mary (Riggs) Gatts, also 
 
400 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 natives of West Virginia, and who, while cross- 
 ing a railroad track were accidentally killed. 
 
 The paternal grandfather of Miss Gatts was 
 a native of Washington county, Penn. After 
 their marriage (the ceremony having taken place 
 in Virginia) Mr. and Mrs. Chester first located on 
 the home farm in Allen township, Washington 
 county, but in t*7s he bought the 107f acres of 
 land which they now occupy, and where he has 
 since followed farming. The children born to 
 them were Avolena, living in Los Angeles, Cal. ; 
 Raymond H. ; Christian L. ; Lydia May, deceased 
 at the age of seven weeks; Blaine, and Neva, the 
 last named being deceased. Mr. Chester takes an 
 active interest in the success of the Republican 
 party, and is a member of the "Harry Billingsley" 
 Post No. 10SG. A. R., at California, thiscounty. He 
 and his wife are members of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church at Mount Tabor. 
 
 I7I( LEXANDER McCLEERY, one of the old- 
 
 / ■ |\ est native born citizens of West Finley 
 h^i township, if not the oldest, was born July 
 
 JJ ** 28, L820, and is of Irish descent. 
 
 v His grandfather, John McCleery, was 
 
 married in 1788 to Miss Jane Brooks, in County 
 Down, Ireland, and December 1">, L789, they set 
 sail from Londonderry for America, landing at 
 New Castle, Del., February 13, 1790, after a long 
 and perilous voyage of eight weeks and four days, 
 during which they encountered a severe storm 
 which threatened their destruction. They brought 
 with them their eldest child James, who became 
 the father of Alexander McCleery, and from Del- 
 aware they proceeded to Winchester, Va. In 
 Winchester they remained until late in the year 
 1799, when they emigrated to Washington county, 
 Penn., and settled in Donegal township for several 
 years, his la^t place of residence there being on the 
 farm of Joseph Hupp (deceased), on the waters 
 of Buffalo creek. While moving they spent their 
 Christmas on the Alleghany mountains. The 
 roads across the mountains were difficult to travel 
 at that time, and when starting on their journey 
 from Winchester, they were weighed as freight 
 and charged accordingly. John McCleery, grand- 
 father of Alexander McCleery, continued to work 
 at his trade of shoeniaking and at fanning. He 
 and his wife were the parents of six children, 
 namely: James (who as above stated was born in 
 County Down, Ireland, October 15, 1789), Nancy, 
 Betsey. Jane, Thomas and John, none of whom 
 ever married except James and Thomas. The 
 family continued to live where they had first 
 settled on Buffalo creek, Donegal township, until 
 the spring of 1818 (on August 20, 1816, the hus- 
 band and father, John McCleery, died ), in which 
 year they removed to West Finley township, and 
 
 bought a tract of 106 acres of land entirely in the 
 woods, built their cabin, cleared up a large por- 
 tion of the land, and made a good living and some 
 money besides. About the fall of 1848 they sold 
 the farm and removed to the State of Illinois, set- 
 tling in Adams county. (The farm they had 
 settled on in West Finley township is at the present 
 time owned and occupied by Mr. George S. 
 Eckles). They are all now dead but Jane, who is 
 over ninety years of age. Thomas McCleery and 
 Miss Martha Lawson were united in marriage 
 about the year 1S23, and settled in Marshall 
 county, Va. ( now W. Va.), and lived there till the 
 fall of \S'i'i, when they emigrated to Adams county, 
 111. They reared four sons and seven daughters, 
 some of whom are dead, the rest of them are mar- 
 ried and living in the West; the parents are both 
 deceased. 
 
 James McCleery, father of Alexander McCleery, 
 was reared on his father's farm to the life of an ag- 
 riculturist, and his education was obtained al the 
 subscription schools of the period. He and Miss 
 Catharine Forbes were united in marriage March 
 24, 1818, and settled on the first day of the follow- 
 ing April in West Finley township, on a farm he 
 had bought the previous year, and which is now 
 owned and occupied by Mr. John McCammon. 
 Alexander Forbes (father of Mrs. James McCleery) 
 and a Miss Boyd were united in marriage about the 
 year 1774, in York county, Penn., and several years 
 later they migrated to Washington county, set- 
 tling first on the waters of Pigeon creek, Washing- 
 ton county, afterward in Donegal township. They 
 were the parents of four children: Mary, Catha- 
 rine, Sarah and John. At this time there are none 
 of the Forbes family living in Washington county, 
 all having either died or moved to other parts. Our 
 subject well remembers his mother telling about 
 the insurgent army of the whisky insurrectionists 
 passing her father's house, when on their way to 
 Inspector Neville's residence. They compelled her 
 husband to go along with them, and he started 
 with the crowd (some 500 or 000 men), but after 
 proceeding several miles he observed that the men 
 were traveling at loose ends, no military discipline 
 being observed, and so decided to make his escape 
 from among them. Accordingly, an opportunity 
 presenting itself, being near the rear he slip] ed 
 into the brush by the roadside, and laid down be- 
 hind a log for some time till all stragglers had 
 passed. He then sped homeward by a different 
 route from the oue he had come by, so as to avoid 
 any straggler that might have lagged behind. The 
 burning of Neville's house history says was done 
 July 17, 17U4, so Alexander Forbes and his wife 
 must have first settled on the waters of Pigeon 
 creek sometime prior to that year. 
 
 James and Catharine McCleery were the par 
 ents of six children, as follows: John, Alexander, 
 

 ■ 
 
 
 
 ^AJL^y:cic^z.o^>y~ -n!^. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 403 
 
 James (who died when eight years old), Joseph, 
 Thomas and Jane. Of these John married Sarah 
 Irwin in 1844, and emigrated to Fairfield, Iowa 
 (he and his wife are now both deceased); Joseph 
 married Sarah Patterson in 1855, and in 1870 
 moved to Marshall county, Iowa, thence to Holt 
 county, Neb; Thomas married Sallio Davidson, and 
 lives in West Finley township; Jane, on May 12, 
 185 1, married Henry Giles, who died in West Finley 
 township in October, 1875 (she is now living in 
 Claysville, Washington Co., Penn.). The parents 
 continued to live where they first settled and there 
 the father died October 28, 1859, aged seventy 
 years, the mother on May 27, 18(54, aged seventy- 
 seven years. 
 
 Alexander McCleery, the subject proper of this 
 memoir, was reared to the vocation of a farmer. 
 The lirst school he attended was in a vacant cabin, 
 prepared for a school house by cutting out a log 
 Oil each of the three squares nearly the whole 
 length of the square (the chimney or fireplace being 
 on the other square), and greasing paper and 
 pasting it to the logs above and below the opening 
 to allow light for the school. The seats were made 
 of small chestnut logs, flattened on the top for the 
 scholars to sit on, which were supported by two- 
 incli pins in the under side, thereby making the 
 seats as high as a chair. At that cabin he attended 
 two terms of five months each, with five or six 
 weeks' vacation between terms of school, and at no 
 school thereafter did he make as good progress. 
 He got all his schooling at the common schools — 
 first at subscription schools, afterward at the free 
 schools. 
 
 They did not have school every winter. After 
 the two terms in the cabin, people interested 
 in schools concluded to build a new school-house 
 by voluntary labor, and the work was parceled out 
 in about this order: one man was to hew two logs, 
 anol her four logs, another seven, and so on, accord-' 
 ing to the number of scholars each had to send; a 
 cabinet maker, named Daniel Sutherland, for his 
 share made the door and window-sash, and laid the 
 floor; stone masons built the chimney for their 
 part — so there was no money paid for anything 
 except the glass and nails. The work moved slowly, 
 and it was about the fourth winter before school 
 opened in the new building. School was held in 
 this building seven winters on the subscription 
 plan, when the free school system was adopted, 
 which caused another halt in the schools for sev- 
 eral years, or until enough taxes were collected to 
 build a new frame school-house. After the new 
 house was built, Mr. McCleery attended four terms, 
 and got through all the branches taught in common 
 schools at that time. 
 
 When nearing his twenty-third year, Mr. Mc- 
 Oleery left his father's home, and for three years 
 
 labored on the farm of James Davidson, West 
 Finley township; and on the latter's death the fam- 
 ily employed liim to manage the farm and stock, in 
 which capacity he worked five years. On March 
 13, 1851, Alexander McCleery and Miss Mary 
 Davidson (eldest daughter of James Davidson) 
 were united in marriage, and on the 24th day of 
 the same month they moved to the farm on which 
 he has ever since resided. Their family numbered 
 four children, namely: William D. (now a prac- 
 ticing physician in Hanovertown, Columbiana Co., 
 Ohio; is married to Miss Lida Brown, and they 
 have three children — two girls and one boy), James 
 (married to Miss Lula Sutherland, of West Alex- 
 ander, Penn., and living on his farm in Hopewell 
 township; has two children — one boy and one girl), 
 Henrietta (married to R. G. Buchanan, of West 
 Virginia; they are living in Ohio county, W. Va. ; 
 they have five children — four girls and one boy) and 
 Robert D. (still at home, unmarried). The mother 
 of these children died March )! 1 , 1808, and Mr. 
 McCleery married, October 5, 1870, Miss Lizzie 
 Ackloy, daughter of Joshua Ackley, of Greene 
 county, Penn. She died December 7, 1871, leav- 
 ing a young daughter, then two months old, named 
 .Alary Lizzie, who is still living at home with her 
 father. 
 
 The McCleerys all belonged to the old Whig 
 party until after the Harrison campaign of 1840, 
 when the Anti-slavery (juestion arose, at which time 
 they joined the Abolition party, and so remained 
 until the Republican party made known its princi- 
 ples, since when they have voted and worked with 
 the latter. 
 
 Alexander McCleery united with the Free Pres- 
 byterian Church in 1851, and remained with it 
 until it disbanded in 1 S( iS, after which he united 
 with the Presbyterian Church in West Alexander, 
 in charge of Dr. W. H. Lester, and has been one 
 of the elder-, lor a number of years. He has been 
 repeatedly called to till the various township offices: 
 served four full terms as justice of the peace (his 
 successor is his brother Thomas), and served one 
 term as county commissioner of Washington county; 
 of late years he has had to decline the office on ac- 
 count of increasing deafness. Mr. McCleery has suc- 
 ceeded in his financial affairs beyond his early 
 expectations, and is the owner of 282 acres of land, 
 where he now lives. His son, Robert D., has 103 
 acres which he aided him to pay, making a total 
 of 385 acres in a square tract, beside 170 acres in 
 Hopewell township, Washington county, he paid 
 $65 per acre for, and which he has deeded to his 
 two sons, James and Robert D. ; James owns it all 
 at this time, and lives on the farm. Mr. McCleery 
 spent a considerable amount of money sending his 
 older children to college; but with all his liberal 
 outlays he is entirely free from debt. 
 
404 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ,\ILLIAM MASON CAMPBELL ranks 
 among the first of the prominent and suc- 
 cessful business men of Cross Creek town- 
 ship. The pioneer of the family of whom 
 he is a prominent member was one John Campbell, 
 who about 1780, came from York county, Penn., to 
 this county, finally settling on a farm of 191 acres 
 in Cross Creek township. In those early days the 
 Reilmen yet roamed through their native forests, 
 looking with jealous eye and lowering brow upon 
 the pale-faced intruders. Of the many traditions 
 rife concerning the adventures of John Campbell, 
 the following is told: While he was mowing a 
 small meadow near his house, a sudden and pecul- 
 iar noise broke the silence; turning hastily he 
 discovered several Indians advancing toward him. 
 He fled to the house, the Indians in hot pursuit, 
 but managed to get inside and bar the door before 
 they could overtake him. He then opened fire on 
 them through the windows and succeeded in driv- 
 ing them away. On March 31, 1772, John Camp- 
 bell was married to Miss Mary Hammond, a native 
 of York county, Perm., and to this union children 
 were born as follows: Ann, March '_!7, 1778; Gris- 
 elda, February 19, 177."); John, January 30, 1777, 
 William, August 11, 1779; James, November 9, 
 1781 (these three sons settled in Belmont county, 
 Ohio); David, March 25, 1784; Charles, October 
 31, 1786; George, June 5, 1789 (the latter three 
 remained in Cross Creek township); Mary, Feb- 
 ruary 4, 1792, married to William Fulton, of Mt. 
 Pleasant, township; and Elizabeth, October 9, 1793, 
 wife of William Ilea, all now deceased. The father 
 died August 13, 1807, aged sixty-three years, the 
 mother on March IS, 1817, aged sixty-four years. 
 Charles Campbell was born and reared on the 
 home farm in Cross Creek township, and in his 
 boyhood received a common-school education, 
 which was afterward supplemented by current 
 reading. In early life he learned the carpenter's 
 trade, but a few years later devoted his attention to 
 tilling the soil. On February 22, 1810, he was 
 maried to Miss Esther Mason, also a native of Cross 
 Creek township, and after their marriage the 
 young people settled on the home farm. They 
 reared children whose names and dates of birth 
 are here given: Lucinda, January 9, 1811; Mary, 
 February 27, 1812; Elizabeth, August 7, 1813; 
 John, July 23, 1815; William Mason, November 
 10, 1816; Louisa, February 25, ISIS; David, March 
 20, 1820; Hannah, April 10, 1822; and Easter, 
 July 23, 1S24. Of these but one survives, William 
 .Mi -on. The father of this family died June 4, 
 ]v J ,'_>, the mother having passed away February 1, 
 1825, aged about thirty five years. They, were 
 both members of the Presbyterian Church, in 
 which he was an elder many years. He was a man 
 of considerable ability as a writer in his day. 
 
 William Mason Campbell was born on the old 
 
 homestead which was patented in 1787 by his 
 grandfather, who had taken out a warrant in 1785. 
 He attended the schools of the day, then held in 
 rude log cabins erected for that purpose, the only 
 light afforded coming through window-panes made 
 of greased paper. In September, 1842, Mason 
 Campbell (as he is usually called) married Isabella 
 Ramsey, of Buffalo township, this county, and one 
 son came to their union, David, born November 1 4, 
 1 ■ ~« 1 (he studied at Oakdale Academy, and is now 
 a professional teacher of McKeesport, Perm. ). The 
 mother died a few days after the birth of her son, 
 and was interred in the cemetery at Mt. Prospect, 
 this county. On January 3, 1856, Mr. Campbell 
 was united in marriage with Annie E. Mcllvaine, 
 of Mt. Pleasant township, who bore him the fol- 
 lowing children: William C, born October 28, 1856, 
 Mary E., born March 30, 1858; Jennie, born 
 February 6, 1860 (wife of Edward McNary, of 
 Ingram, Penn. I; Charles L., born February 15, 
 1S62 (a practicing physician of Hickory, this 
 county): John L , born August 11, 1S64 (a farmer 
 and ranchman of Wyoming); Annie L., born July 
 17, 1867 (wife of Robert Farar. a merchant of 
 Hickory. Penn.); James C, born March 18, 1S7<> 
 (a student in the mercantile college at McKeesport), 
 and Alexander M., born June 22, 1874 (living on 
 the home farm). Soon after his marriage Mr. 
 Campbell settled on the farm of 186 acres of fine 
 land in Cross Creek township, where he is now 
 engaged in farming and stockraising, usually keep- 
 ing about 300 sheep. Politically he has always 
 been a stanch Republican, and has held many 
 township offices, notwithstanding the fact that his 
 township is strongly Democratic. In religions 
 faith Mr. Campbell has been a member of the Mt. 
 Prospect Presbyterian Church since a young man, 
 and has been an elder in same for about forty years. 
 
 ^ILLIAM MARTIN, a prosperous farmer 
 and substantial citizen of Smith township, 
 is of Irish descent. James Martin, his 
 grandfather, was born in Ireland, where 
 he was married, afterward coming to America and 
 locating permanently in Jefferson township, Alle- 
 gheny Co., Penn., where they lived to an advanced 
 age. The children born to this pioneer couple 
 were: James (who was a shoemaker of Holmes 
 county, Ohio), John (a former resident of Ohio), 
 Robert (who lived in Ohio). Ann (first married to 
 David Canada, then became Mrs. Deerrield, ami re- 
 sided in southern Indiana) and William. All of 
 this family are now deceased, there having been 
 thirteen children, of whom those named lived to a 
 mature age. 
 
 William Martin was born July 4, 1802, in Jef- 
 ferson township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and re- 
 ceived a common-school education. He learned 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 405 
 
 the carpenter's trade, passing Lis earlier life in the 
 pursuit of that vocation, and assisting with the 
 farm duties during the busy season. On March 9, 
 1826, he was united in marriage with Jane Walker, 
 who was born October 6, 1800, in the eastern part 
 of Pennsylvania, but came when a small child with 
 her parents to Washington count)'. The children 
 of William and Jane (Walker) Martin were as fol- 
 lows: Nancy, born March 5. 1827 Hirst married to 
 William Figley, now the wife of Robert Deerfield, 
 of Nebraska); Margaret, born September 6,1829, 
 (Mrs. James Arbuckle, of Pine Run, Jefferson 
 township, Allegheny Co., Penn.); John, bora De- 
 cember 19, 1831 (deceased September 13, 1851); 
 William (mentioned below), bora September 24. 
 1 833; Morgan, born March 28, 1835 (drowned July 
 11. 184S); Eliza J., born March 1, 1837 (deceased 
 October 17, 1870); Prudence Ann, born May 30, 
 1840 (Mrs. Joseph Castor of Union township, Wash- 
 ington county); Robert J., born November 19, 
 1843 (deceased January 12, 1864), and Perry 
 A., bora September 11, 1846 (a carpenterof Union 
 township, this county). After his marriage the 
 father of this family first settled near Finleyville, 
 Washington county, and followed the carpenter's 
 trade, also making grain cradles. In 1855 he lo- 
 cated in Jefferson township, Allegheny county, 
 where he died March 11, 1874, and October 1, 
 1884, his wife was laid to rest beside him. In poli- 
 tics he was a life-long Democrat, although politi- 
 cians of other parties made frequent attempts to 
 change his views. He and his wife were highly 
 respected members of the community. 
 
 William Martin was born in Union township, 
 this county, was reared on his father's farm, and 
 educated in the country schools. On September 
 4, 1862, he was united in marriage with Kate, 
 daughter of Thomas and Mary (Bebhanna) Shep- 
 ler, born November 8, 1835, in Snowden town- 
 ship, Allegheny Co., Penn. The children born to 
 William and Kate Martin are as follows: John A., 
 I join September 3, 1863 (living on a farm near 
 Oakdale, Allegheny Co. , Penn. ) ; Sarah, born March 
 1 I. 1865 (Mrs. William Snyder, of Snowden town- 
 ship, Allegheny county); Mary (Mrs. S. H. Watters, 
 a farmer near Oakdale, Allegheny county); James 
 S. , born July 2, 1869 (living at home); William, 
 born February 9, 1871 (living with his parents); 
 Jane, born March 20, 1874 (deceased August 15, 
 1877), and Thomas S., bora July 26, 1878 (deceased 
 June 4, 1879). Mr. and Mrs. Martin first settled 
 in Jefferson township, Allegheny county, then 
 moved to Snowden township, same county, remain- 
 ing there some time. In 1881 he located near 
 Finleyville, Union township, this county, and in 
 1886 settled on a part of the old " Phillis tract," 
 one of the oldest farms in the county, lying about 
 one and a half miles west of Bulger, in Smith 
 township. It was the first piece of land in the 
 
 county for which a genuine title was made out. 
 Mr. Martin is a successful farmer and gives con- 
 siderable attention to dairying, and by industry 
 combined with careful management, has amassed a 
 competence. He began life with little capital save 
 the valuable inheritance of good principle instilled 
 by his father, but since his marriage has had the 
 assistance of a good business manager in the per- 
 son of his wife, who superintends her household 
 with careful economy. Politically William Martin 
 has always been a Democrat, and in religion he 
 and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Burgettstown. 
 
 IjOHN L. McGOUGH, one of the representa- 
 tive and prosperous young farmers of Han 
 t i] over township, is a descendant of a well- 
 ^^ known pioneer family. His grandfather, 
 named Robert McGough, was born in Ireland, and 
 when a young man came to America, first locating 
 in Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He there married Mary 1'rovines, a native of County 
 Tyrone, Ireland, who came to America with her 
 parents in early girlhood. To this union were 
 bom children as follows: William, went to Jeffer- 
 son county, Ohio, where he died; John, of Colum- 
 biana county, Ohio; Mary Ann, widow of E. S. 
 Campbell; Robert, of whom a sketch follows; Sarah 
 (Mrs. Absalom McCul lough) and Rebecca, widow 
 of James Neil, Wellsville, Ohio, twins; Samuel of 
 Wellsville, Ohio, and Andy (deceased). The only 
 capital of Robert McGough was a good supply of 
 energy and industry. Year after year saw his 
 possessions increase, and at the time of his death 
 he owned six farms, with which he gave all his 
 children a good start in life. In politics he was a 
 Democrat, and in religion he and his wife were 
 members of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. 
 They were buried in the Burgettstown U. P. 
 cemetery. 
 
 Robert McGough, son of Robert and Mary 
 (Provines) McGough, was born in 1831, in Jeffer- 
 son township, and received a good education. He 
 partially learned the surveyor's profession, but de- 
 voted most of his life to farming. In 1860 he was 
 married to Mary M. Lee, daughter of John Lee, of 
 Jefferson township, who bore him the following 
 children: John L., William W. (a carpenter of 
 Steubenville, Ohio), Mary (wife of William An- 
 derson, of Jefferson township) and Samuel B. 
 (deceased in youth). After his marriage Robert 
 McGough lived for some time with his father in 
 Jefferson township, and in 1861 came to Hanover 
 township, locating on the farm where he died in 
 October, 1880, and was buried in Burgettstown. He 
 was an excellent judge of cattle, and devoted con- 
 siderable attention to that department of agricult- 
 ure. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic 
 
406 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 party — and held various offices in the township. 
 After his death Mrs. McGough resided for seven 
 years on the old home farm, then removed to Steu 
 benville, Ohio, where she is living. 
 
 JohnL. McGough was born December 25, I860, in 
 Jefferson township, having been but an infant when 
 his parents removed to Hanover township. He was 
 reared to manhood on the farm which is his pres- 
 ent home, receiving a common-school education. 
 On September 25, 1884, he was married to Belle 
 Stephenson, who was born May 14, 1860, a daugh- 
 ter of David and Rachel (Noah) Stephenson, of 
 Jefferson township. To this union two children 
 were born: Vance L. and Elsie D. Mr. and Mrs. 
 McGough have always resided on the home place, 
 following farming and stockraising. The spirit 
 of progression, so characteristic a trait in the lives 
 of father and grandfather, is equally marked in 
 the acts of John L. McGough. Politically he is a 
 Democrat, and in religion both he and his wife are 
 members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 R. McC'loy livery establishment, which he is now 
 conducting. He is an active politician of the 
 Democratic party, a progressive citizen and ener- 
 getic man. 
 
 P. FULTON, a prosperous and well- 
 known liveryman of Canonsburg, is a 
 grandson of William Fulton, whose par- 
 ents were of Scotch- Irish descent, and first 
 located in Baltimore, Md., where many of the family 
 yet remain. The branch of which William was a 
 member finally settled in Smith township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. He was born in Maryland, 
 and was a young man at the time the family moved 
 to the county. He was married to Mary Campbell, 
 whose parents were also pioneer settlers of Wash- 
 ington county, and the young people settled on the 
 old homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, this county. 
 They were both members of the Mt. Prospect Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 George Fulton, a sou of William and Mary 
 (Campbell) Fulton, was born on the home farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, where his early education 
 was received. \\ Inn a young man he was united 
 in marriage with Jemima J., daughter of Benja- 
 min and Rebecca Piukerton. He always followed 
 agricultural pursuits on the old place, where his 
 children were born as follows: David, Minerva 
 (wife of John Christie), W. P., Greta O. and Lulu 
 M. The father took an active interest in all public 
 movements, and voted with the Democratic party. 
 In religion he was a member and liberal supporter 
 of theMt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. He and 
 the wife of his youth lie side by Bide in the Mt. 
 Pr< i-pect cemetery. 
 
 W. P. Fulton was born August 10, 1865, on the 
 old home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 eoun'y. and attended the neighboring schools. In 
 1888 he took a trip West, remaining one year in 
 Nebraska, then returning home settled in Hickory, 
 this county. In March, 1891, he purchased the C. 
 
 JAMES PROVINES, a well-known farmer of 
 Jefferson township, was born February 13, 
 1816, on the farm which he now owns. He 
 is a son of William Provines, whose father, 
 John, was born and reared among the hills of 
 Scotland, where he was married, and whence, a few 
 years later, he moved to Ireland. William, the son 
 of John Provines, was born in Scotland, and came 
 with the family to Ireland when a boy. He was 
 there reared to agricultural pursuits, and was mar- 
 ried to Rebecca Hemphill, a native of Ireland. 
 William Provines remained in Ireland about ten 
 years after his marriage, and there his three eldest 
 children — Mary, Samuel and Andrew — were born. 
 In 1812 the family came to America, locating in 
 Washington county, Penn., where children were 
 born as follows: John, Robert, Margaret, James, 
 Sarah, Jane and Rebecca. 
 
 James-Provines was early trained to agricultural 
 pursuits, and has always followed that vocation. 
 He was first married November 13, 1851, to Mary 
 Campbell, of Smith township, Washington Co., 
 ■ Penn.; she was born January 4, 1817. After their 
 marriage the young people settled on the home 
 farm, and four children were born to them, namely: 
 Mary S. (living with her parents); Rebecca H., 
 wife of W. P. Shillito; John C, and Margaret, the 
 two latter being deceased. Mrs. Provines died 
 November 20, 1856, and Mr. Provines was after- 
 ward married March 7, 1861, to Mary L. Mort- 
 land, who was born January 16, 1824. a daughter 
 of Robert and Jane (Provines) Mortland, natives 
 of County Tyrone, Ireland. Politically Mr. Pro- 
 vines is an active Democrat, although not a strict 
 partisan. He has been an earnest member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church of Burgettstown for 
 many years, anil is one of its most liberal sup- 
 porters. 
 
 CAPTAIN J. FULTON BELL, a gallant 
 officer of the Civil war, was born near Jeffer- 
 son, Greene Co., Penn., August 23, 1841. 
 His father's ancestors in this country were 
 of Scotch descent, and his paternal grandmother 
 was a near relation of Harrod, of Boone county, 
 Ky , fame, hence the bravery and daring of the 
 descendant. 
 
 The parents of Capt. J. F. Bell were both natives 
 of Pennsylvania, born in Morgan township, Greene 
 county, the father, Levi Harrod Bell, on March 12, 
 lS07;'the mother, Sarah Fulton Bell, on July 2, 
 same year. They were married February 2, 1826, 
 

 ^J^z^t^o 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 409 
 
 and bad a family of three sons and ten daughters, 
 as follows: Mrs. Catherine Greenlee (deceased), 
 born August 9, 1S28; Rachel, born January 4, 1831, 
 died September 19, 1837; Jane, born March 15, 
 1832, died November 2, 1852; Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Galbraith, born March 20, 1834, now living in 
 Des Moines, Iowa; Mary, born July 23, 1836, died 
 March 22, 1837; Sarah F., born December 31, 
 1837, married to Col. Hiram Milligau Miller , 
 late of the Second Missouri Cavalry, and now in 
 Kahoka Mo. ; Mrs. Letticia Reynolds (deceased), 
 born December 1, 1839 (she was a student at 
 Lewisburg (Penn.) Seminary (Baptist), now Buck- 
 nell University, and graduated from same); Capt. 
 John Fulton (subject of sketch); Mrs. Eliza- 
 beth Hughes, born July 7, 1843, now living near 
 Des Moines, Iowa (she was a student at same sem- 
 inary as her sister Letticia); Isaac, born February 
 24, 1845, now in Kahoka, Mo. ; Mrs. Margaret 
 Anne Shaw, born December 15, 1846, now a resi- 
 dent of St. Paul, Minn. ; James McVay, born 
 April 13, 1848, residing in Morgantown, W. Va. ; 
 and Emma, born July 15, 1850 (deceased). The 
 father of this family died in 1862, in Amwell town- 
 ship, Washington county, and was buried at Mt. 
 Hermon; the mother passed away in 1871 at St. 
 Francesville, Mo., and her remains lie interred 
 near that place. Mr. Levi H. Bell was ordained 
 one of the deacons of Jefferson Baptist Church, and 
 on his removal to Washington county was ordained 
 a deacon of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. 
 
 Capt. J. Fulton Bell lived near Jefferson, Greene 
 county, until he was nineteen years of age, and in 
 the summer of I860 he attended George's Creek 
 Academy, Fayette county, Penn. He removed 
 with his father to Washington county in Novem- 
 ber, 1860, the latter having purchased what is 
 known as the old "Paul Farm," it being a portion 
 of the old "Cook Patent." On August 22, 1862, 
 he enlisted at Amity, Washington county, in 
 Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. 
 I., and was promoted June 21, 1863, from the 
 rank of corporal to that of sergeant. On Novem- 
 ber 1, 1863, he became first sergeant; on July 
 20, 1864, near City Point, Va. , he was commis- 
 sioned, by Gov. Andy Curtin of Pennsylvania 
 (known as the '' War Governor"), first lieutenant. 
 On May 17, 1865, he became captain of his 
 company, in which capacity he remained until 
 mustered out May 31, 1865, near Alexandria 
 Va. Having been promoted from the ranks, he 
 was afterward known as " the boy who went out as 
 eighth corporal, and came back as captain." The 
 regiment in which he served (One Hundred and 
 Fortieth P. V. I.) ranked third in casualties, and 
 was perhaps entitled to the first place in regard to 
 enlistments and length of time in service. On the 
 second day at Gettysburg, near Little Round Top, 
 or " Devil's Den," this regiment lost 276 officers 
 
 and men in less than an hour, Col. Richard P. 
 Roberts and Capt. David Acheson, senior captain, 
 being among the number. This regiment was in 
 service thirty-three months, and took part in some 
 twenty-five engagements, beginning at Chancellors- 
 ville and ending at Appomattox. After his return 
 from the war Capt. Bell engaged in farming 
 (having purchased in 1868 the home farm) and 
 stock raising, of which he has made a success. 
 
 On May 6, 1868, the captain was married to 
 Lydia Ross, daughter of Judge Benjamin and 
 Hannah (Johns) Ross, of Ruff Creek, Greene Co., 
 Penn., who were born March 17, 1802, and June 
 9, 1811, respectively. They were the parents of 
 eleven children, as follows: Mrs. Catherine Cox 
 (deceased), born September 20, 1829 (she was 
 educated at a school in Chester county, Perm); 
 Mrs. Rachel Dunn (deceased), born July 7, 1831; 
 Thomas, born October 8, 1833 (crossed the. Plains 
 to California in 1858); Elizabeth Ann (deceased), 
 born December 2, 1835; Abner, born March 30, 
 1838 (he is ex-State senator and ex-sheriff of 
 Greene county), Jacob, born July 17, 1S40 (he 
 served in the Anderson troops in the Civil war); 
 Mrs. Lydia Bell, born January 6, 1843; Benjamin 
 F., born November 18, 1846 (he spent several 
 years in the mines of Colorado) ; Nathaniel 
 (deceased), born August 12, 1849: Hannah Maria 
 (deceased), born June 9, 1853; and Heath J., born 
 July 12, 1858 (is at present district attorney of 
 Greene couuty). Capt. Bell and his wife have five 
 children, Benjamin Harrod (was for two years a 
 student of Monougahela College), Sarah Frances 
 (educated at Waynesburg College), now engaged in 
 teaching, Lyda Emma (attending Washington Fe- 
 male Seminary), Abner Ross, and James Franklin. 
 
 Politically the Captain has always been a Repub- 
 lican, and with the exception of one year has been 
 commander of Philo Paul Post No. 458, G. A. R., 
 ever since it was organized, in October, 1884. In 
 1890 he was enumerator for the second precinct of 
 Amwell township. Capt. Bell is one of the most 
 highly esteemed residents of Washington couuty, 
 enjoying the record of an honorable career in the 
 service of his country, and he has faithfully dis- 
 charged his duties of a private citizen in all times 
 of peace. Both the Captain and Mrs. Bell are 
 members of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church (Wash- 
 ington county), as are their three eldest children, 
 the former being elected to the office of Deacon 
 several years ago. On the contemplating of the 
 building of the Waynesburg & Washington Narrow 
 Gauge Railroad, Capt. Bell was a member of one 
 of the soliciting committees to raise money and 
 procure the right of way, and was in a measure 
 successful, subscribing several shares of stock. 
 After the completion of the road he was elected 
 one of the directors and reelected for two suc- 
 cessive terms. 
 
410 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 d;OHN FRESHWATER, a leading farmer and 
 small fruit grower of Hanover township, is a 
 ! native of Brooke county, W. Va., of which lo- 
 cality his ancestors were early residents. This 
 gentleman and his family are descended from three 
 brothers who came into Wesi Virginia soon after 
 the beginning of the present century, and located 
 in the territory which is now Brooke county. 
 
 The brothers were named, respectively, Reuben, 
 Archibald and David, who came from east of the 
 mountains, and were born east of the mountains. 
 Of these, Archibald was the grandfather of our 
 subject. After locating in West Virginia he was 
 married to Sarah Gardner, a native of Jefferson 
 township, Washington county, who bore him the 
 following children: John, who went to Armstrong 
 county, Penn., afterward settling in Pittsburgh, 
 Penn. ; Archibald, of whom a sketch is given; Will- 
 iam, moved to Van Bnren county, Iowa; Fanny, 
 married to Josiah Jones, a resident of Wellsburgb, 
 W. Va. ; David, moved to Wood county, W. Va. ; 
 and Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Wright, resided near 
 Chambersburgh, Penn. Of this family David is 
 the only one living. The parents passed their lives 
 on the farm in Washington county, where the 
 father was a successful agriculturist, and where he 
 died in 1856 at a ripe old age. After his death 
 his widow remained for some time on the home 
 place, then went to Wood county, W. Va., and 
 lived with her son, David, until she too was called 
 to enter the "valley of the shadow of death." 
 
 Archibald, son of Archibald and Sarah (Gardner) 
 Freshwater, was born March 16, 1814, in Brooke 
 county, W. Va., remaining on the farm during his 
 boyhood and attending the subscription schools. 
 In 1837 he was married to Elizabeth Truax, who 
 bore him the following children: William, a farmer 
 of Hanover township, born July 22, 1838; Archi- 
 bald, deceased farmer of Hanover township, born 
 October 6, 1839; Sarah Ann, deceased wife of 
 David Smith, of Hanover township, born February 
 28, 1841; David, born June It, l843;Elias, a black- 
 smith of Paris, Penn., born March 22, 1845; John, 
 whose name opens this sketch; Mary Jane, of Col- 
 liers, W. Va., born September 22, 1849; Elizabeth 
 Amanda, Mrs. James Caldwell, of Hanover town- 
 ship, born March 5, 1852; and James, a farmer of 
 Hanover township, born Decembers, 1854. After 
 his marriage Archibald Freshwater rented a farm in 
 Hancock county, W. Va. ; remaining there for some 
 time, then went to Brooke county, W. Va. , and in 
 L853 came to Hanover township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where his latter days were passed in agri- 
 cultural pursuits. He died in 1883, having been 
 preceded by his wife in 1876, and both now lie 
 buried in the Paris cemetery. Mr. Freshwater was 
 a member of the Methodist Church, his wife hav- 
 ing been identified with the Baptist Society. In 
 politics he was a Democrat. 
 
 John Freshwater was born February 10, 1847, 
 and when but six years of age came with his par- 
 ents to Washington county. He attended the com- 
 mon schools of the home district, and when a young 
 man began to learn the blacksmith trade, but after 
 serving three months of an apprenticeship gave up 
 the trade, and later was employed on the P., 0. & 
 St. L. R. R. for two years. On December 1 5, 
 IsTu, he was united in marriage with Margaret 
 Wells, who was born June '23, 1S47, in Brooke 
 county, W. Va., a daughter of James and Margaret 
 (Crall) Wells. The Wells family were among the 
 leading pioneers of Brooke county. The children 
 of John and Margaret Freshwater are as follows: 
 Lawrence A., Fred O, Emma F., Harry B., John 
 W. , Oscar C. , Beulah J. and Lydia E. , all of whom 
 are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Freshwater be- 
 gan wedded life on a farm in Hanover township. 
 In 1881 he purchased the "Matthew Russell" farm, 
 where he has ever since resided. In addition to 
 farming he is extensively engaged in the raising 
 of small fruits and berries, and belongs to the pro- 
 gressive, wide-awake type of agriculturists. In 
 politics he is a Democrat, and is a highly esteemed 
 citizen of the community. Mrs. Freshwater is a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ^ EZIN C. WOODFILL. Among the pre- 
 
 f) Revolutionary settlers of Washington 
 
 V county was Joseph Wood till, who was born 
 
 R 
 
 Jj ^'September 17, 1754, and six years later 
 V came to East Bethlehem township, Wash- 
 
 ington county. Here he studied after the fashion 
 of boys of that period, and became a Methodist 
 Episcopal preacher. His marriage with Miss Cath- 
 erine Gudshell took place October 20, 1777, and to 
 this union the following named children were born: 
 Joseph, Catherine, Mary, Elizabeth, Rezin and 
 John. 
 
 Rezin Woodrill was born December 20, 1792, in 
 East Bethlehem township, and there was reared to 
 manhood in a pioneer log cabin. His educational 
 advantages were necessarily limited, as opportuni- 
 ties were few, and time was money in those early 
 days. On December 4, 1817, he married .Miss 
 Sarah Dotson, and to this union were born: Jo- 
 seph D., July 30, 1819 (a farmer of East Bethlehem, 
 who married Mary White, November 7, 1S44, and 
 they are the parents of Andrew, Margaret, Ella, 
 White, Oliver, Mary and Bert Woodrill I; John B. 
 (a farmer of Fayette county, Penn.); William M. 
 (a grocer in Washington borough); Mary (widow 
 of S. Bromfield, of Fayette county, Penn.), Andrew 
 (who died while at college, Meadville, Penn); 
 James (who died at California, Penn.): Melinda (de- 
 ceased); Charles W. (a physician, who died in 
 Preston county, W. Va.); Rezin C. (the subject of 
 this notice) and Lizzie Ball. The father of this 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 411 
 
 family voted with the Republican party, and in re- 
 ligions affairs affiliated with the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Chinch. Both parents are numbered with the 
 majority. 
 
 liezin C. Woodfill, son of Rezin and Sarah Wood- 
 rill, was born July 9, 1833, on the home farm. 
 Having received the education which the schools 
 of the district afforded, he set out for Iowa with the 
 intention of remaining in that State; but his health 
 failing, he returned to Pennsylvania, and worked 
 for his father on the home farm; after his mother's 
 death he bought the interests of the other heirs in 
 the estate. On October 11, 1862, Mr. Rezin was 
 married to Maggie C. Ridlingshafer, of Browns- 
 ville, Penn., and to this marriage were born Will- 
 iam J. (a carpenter), Charles R., John C, Frank 
 G. , Jesse S., Ollie B., Le Roy, Sallie J., Annie 
 L. and May L. AVith the exception of John C. 
 and Frank G., who are clerks at Brownsville, all re- 
 side with the parents. All are members of the 
 M. E. Church. Mr. Rezin C. Woodfill is a Repub- 
 lican. The home farm embraces seventy-six acres 
 of fertile land, which is devoted to agriculture. 
 
 many years he was captain in the State militia, 
 and at one time was a candidate for the State Leg- 
 islature, having been a prominent man in the Jef- 
 fersonian Democratic party. He was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. Mr. 
 Hootman died in 1868, followed by his wife in 
 1878. Washington Parkson, a brother of Mrs. 
 David Hootman, was a prominent actor in the 
 Whisky Insurrection, and the pardon which he re- 
 ceived from George Washington is still in the pos- 
 session of Mr. Hootman' s brother. 
 
 Christian Hootman was born in 1828 in Notting- 
 ham township, and attended the home schools 
 during his boyhood. When a young man he was 
 united in marriage with Ursula Myers, who has 
 borne him the following children: David H. 
 (deceased). William W., James P., Jerry M., and 
 Dora A. Mr. Hootman has served his township in 
 various offices, and votes the Democratic ticket- 
 He owns 120 acres of the old home place, having 
 remained at home until the death of his parents. 
 He and his family are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 CHRISTIAN HOOTMAN is a well-known and 
 prosperous representative of one of the 
 pioneer families of Washington county. He 
 is a grandson of David Hootman, who was 
 of German birth, and as a Hessian soldier, in the 
 pay of the British, came to America in the Revo- 
 lutionary war. No sooner did an opportunity 
 offer, than the brave young German deserted from 
 the British ranks, and enlisted as a drummer-boy 
 with the patriots in their struggle for liberty. 
 
 After the close of the Revolution, he remained 
 in America, and it is supposed located in Donegal 
 township, Washington Co. , Penn., about the year 
 1780, where he remained until his death, in 1859, 
 after a life of nearly a century. He was married 
 in Washington county, and to this marriage were 
 born: Henry, Jacob, John, David, Christopher, 
 Mrs. Fannie Miller, and Mrs. Catherine Shaler. 
 Mr. Hootman was a Democrat, and held several 
 offices in the township. 
 
 David Hootman, father of the subject of this 
 sketch, was born in 1793, in Donegal township, 
 this county, where he passed his whole life. He 
 attended the rate schools, and became a very well- 
 informed and successful man. When about fifteen 
 years of age he learned the blacksmith's trade, and 
 after an apprenticeship of four years, opened an 
 office on the Monongahela pike. In 1815 he mar- 
 ried Nancy, daughter of Benjamin Parkson, of 
 Nottingham township, and she bore him nine chil- 
 dren: Benjamin, David, John, Clarinda, Polly, 
 Mrs. Nancy Hill, Christian, William and Anderson. 
 David Hootman began life with 6^ cents, and at 
 his death the estate was valued at $40 000. For 
 
 dfAMES C. WALKER, a wealthy and influen- 
 j tial farmer of Jefferson township, is a son of 
 j James Walker, whose grandfather, David, 
 was born in New Jersey, and was there 
 married to Elizabeth Elliott, of the same State. 
 Soon after their marriage David and Elizabeth 
 Walker moved to Huntingdon county, Penn., and, 
 about 1772, settled near a little town called Burnt 
 Cabins. Here the following children were born 
 and reared; Alexander, John, David, James, 
 Martha, Sarah (Mrs. Cree), Susan, Polly and Isa- 
 belle, all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 Alexander Walker was born May 10, 1773, in 
 Huntingdon county, Penn., and worked on the 
 home farm until 1795. He then came to Wash- 
 ington county, settling in Jefferson township on 
 the place now owned by his son Samuel. Here 
 Alexander Walker was married, October 26, 1800, 
 to Elizabeth Norris, who was born December 8, 
 1778. The young people settled on the home 
 farm, which Mr. Walker managed in connection 
 with distilling, the latter being at that time as im- 
 portant an industry as milling. The children 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Walker were as 
 follows: Elizabeth, born February 22, 1802; John, 
 born June 8, 1803; David, born September 19, 
 1804; James, born January 1, 1807; John N, born 
 June 24, 1808; Susanna, born December 22, 1809; 
 Alexander, born June 21, 1811; Mary Ann, born 
 February 7, 1814; David S., born July 6, 1816; 
 Isabella, born November 17, 1818; Drusilla, born 
 February 16, 1821; and Samuel, born April 18, 
 1823. The father of this family died September 
 
412 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 8, 1854, and was followed by the mother Decem- 
 ber 17, 1855. 
 
 James Walker (the father of subject) passed his 
 youth on the old Walker homestead, and October 
 
 9, 1828, was married to Elizabeth Graham, a native 
 of this county. They have passed all their wedded 
 life in the old house on the home farm, where six 
 children have been born to them, namely: Olivia, 
 bom in March, 1830; John G., born in August, 
 L831 ; Alexander, born in August, 1833; William 
 W., born in August, 183(3; Ann D., born August 
 28, 183S; and James C, born August 14, 1842. 
 
 James C. Walker was born and reared on the 
 old farm, and in early manhood was united in 
 marriage with Eliza, daughter of William Vanord- 
 strandt, a native of Washington county. After his 
 marriage James immediately bought out the inter- 
 est of the other heirs in the homestead, and made 
 it his permanent home. One daughter blessed 
 this union: Anna E., born in 1802 (now married to 
 B. B. Stroud, of Independence). The mother died 
 October 12, 1862, and Mr. Walker married Hannah 
 E. Caldwell, November 21, 1807, of Hanover town- 
 ship, who bore him two sons: Norris, born Novem- 
 ber 24, 1868, and James, born February 5, 1873. 
 Mrs. Hannah E. Walker died January 26, 1875, 
 and March 20, 1878, Mr. Walker married Belle 
 Sutherland, of Smithtield, Ohio. They have three 
 children, namely: Mary M., born May 3, 1881; 
 John Sherman, born January 0, 1883; and Bessie 
 Graham, born April 19, 1884, Mr. Walker is a 
 farmer and stock raiser, and owns 200 acres of tine 
 land, upon which he has erected a handsome resi- 
 dence. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and 
 in religion a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 M. HANLIN. The Hanliu family for al- 
 most a century have been identified with the 
 progress and development of Hanover town- 
 ship. They have assisted in the advance- 
 ment and support of all enterprises which 
 have served to place this township in its present 
 position among the magnificent galaxy of town- 
 ships contained in Washington county, Penn. 
 
 The present generation of this family trace their 
 ancestry to four brothers, John, William, James 
 and Alexander, who were children of Alexander 
 and Nancy (Stewart) Hanliu, and natives of County 
 Tyrone, Ireland. The father dying in County Ty- 
 rone, the family, consisting of the widow, four 
 sons and three daughters (Elizabeth, Nancy and 
 Jane), came to America in 1792. Their first loca- 
 tion was in Lancaster county, Penn., where the 
 sons engaged in various kinds of employment. 
 Energy and health formed their sole capital. 
 One daughter, Nancy, was married in eastern Penn- 
 sylvania, and there passed her days. Between 1 795 
 and 1800 the other members of the family came 
 
 farther west, locating on the waters of Buffalo 
 creek, in Washington county, on the " Lawton 
 Farm." The brothers continued to work in part- 
 nership until the beginning of the present century, 
 when James purchased land near Paris, Hanover 
 township, this county, and followed the river, 
 making trips to New Orleans. He was married 
 to a Miss Mills. William, John and Alexander 
 jointly purchased of one John Campbell a large 
 tract of land near Harmon's creek, in Han- 
 over township, to which they moved. William was 
 affianced to Anna, daughter of John Fulton, of 
 Hanover township, and his wedding day was set, 
 but he died before the marriage was consummated. 
 John Hanlin was born in 1771 in County Tyrone, 
 Ireland, and in 1823, married Nancy Hanlin, a 
 distant relative and native of Ireland. Her parents 
 came to America, locating in Steubenville, Ohio, 
 leaving their infant daughter with an aunt in Ire- 
 land, with whom she crossed the ocean when 
 but two years of age. To the union of John and 
 Nancy Hanlin the following children were born: 
 A. M., Margery (unmarried, living with her broth- 
 er in Hanover township), William, John (a farmer 
 of Hanover township), James (deceased) and Eliza 
 (unmarried, living with her brothers). After 
 his marriage John Hanlin located on that por- 
 tion of the original tract which the three broth- 
 ers had purchased, where he resided the re- 
 mainder of his life. He died in 1846, a respected 
 citizen, kind-hearted and generous. In 1878 his 
 widow passed away at the advanced age of eighty- 
 six years. She was buried beside her husband in 
 St. John's Protestant Episcopal cemetery, Brooke 
 county, W. Va. They were both members of that 
 church. 
 
 A. M. Hanlin was born June 18, 1824, on the 
 old farm which is yet his home, where he was 
 reared to manhood, and attended the country 
 schools of the time. He married Rowena Swear- 
 ingeu Ma)- 1, 1860. She was born in 1832, and 
 was a daughter of Capt. Samuel Swearingen, of 
 Beaver county. Their children are as fol- 
 lows: Lewis S., Anna E., Samuel A., James L., 
 and Maud L. , all of whom are living athome. Mr. 
 Hanlin has always resided on the old place, being 
 engaged in general farming and stock raising. He 
 has given considerable attention to the sheep in- 
 dustry. He was first a Whig, then a Republican, 
 having taken an active interest in politics, but DOW 
 gives way to the younger politicians. Both he and 
 his wife are members of the Disciple Church. 
 
 THE ANDERSON FAMILY are anions the 
 most prominent and esteemed citizens of 
 Cross Creek township. They trace their 
 ancestry to one Francis Anderson, of Butler 
 county, Penn. He was of Scotch parent- 
 age, and when a young man came west to try the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 413 
 
 hard and perilous life of a hunter. In this vo- 
 cation he soon achieved a reputation as one of 
 the most skilled and successful hunters of the 
 day. In a short time, he had saved a portion 
 of his earnings, and buying a small farm, com- 
 bined agricultural pursuits with his former vo- 
 cation. As old age drew near, the excitement 
 and danger of life among the forests lost its 
 power to charm, and he longed for the more 
 quiet, if less eventful, life of the home. He 
 retired from the ranks of Nimrod's followers, 
 being at that time the owner of over 1,000 acres 
 of land, and devoted the remnant of life to agri- 
 cultural pursuits. With his children and grand- 
 children around him, the old hero would then 
 relate exciting tales of adventures with panthers, 
 bears and other wild animals of the forest. Thus 
 living again the hunter life, he would for the time 
 forget his surroundings, and with flashing eye and 
 panting breath describe some fierce contest with 
 savage beasts. In peace and comfort the old man 
 passed his declining days, and died at a good old 
 age, leaving children as follows: John, Francis, 
 Robert, James, Samuel, Elizabeth, Jane and Sarah, 
 01 whom Elizabeth and Sarah are living. 
 
 Robert Anderson was born June 17, 1809, in 
 Butler county, Penn., where lie grew to manhood 
 on the farm. At the age of nineteen years he 
 began working on the Pennsylvania Canal, thus 
 earning enough money to enter an academy, 
 which he attended for some time. He then entered 
 the Jefferson College, of Canonsburg, Penn., 
 graduated in 1832, and began the study of medi- 
 cine under the celebrated Dr. Jonathan Leather- 
 man, of Canonsburg. While pursuing his medical 
 studies, the young man frequently taught short 
 terms of school, tinallv graduating from the Jeffer- 
 son Medical College, of Philadelphia. He began 
 to practice his profession in the town of Hickory, 
 Washington county, but soon after came to Cross 
 Creek village, remaining there until his death. 
 Robert Anderson was united in marriage with 
 Miss Agnes Cochran, a native of Canonsburg, a 
 daughter of the late Henry Cochran, a prominent 
 farmer and stock raiser of that place. The chil- 
 dren born to this union were: Henry C. , Jane, 
 Lizzie, Francis, James E., Robert and Joseph. 
 Mr. Anderson was a member of the Cross Creek 
 Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a stanch 
 Republican, being one of the leaders of that party. 
 In the year 1800 he was elected to the State Legis- 
 lature, holding that office two years, meanwhile 
 winning a reputation for strict integrity and honor 
 as well as intellectual power. Of his children 
 there are yet living: Henry C, Robert and Joseph. 
 
 Henry C. Anderson (the eldest son) was born 
 November 9, 1834, at Canonsburg, and when but 
 two years of age was brought to Cross Creek vil- 
 lage by his parents. He passed his youth on the 
 
 farm which his father purchased soon after arriv- 
 ing in Cross Creek, and attended the academy at 
 that place for several terms, thus laying the foun- 
 dation for the extensive literary work in which he 
 has been employed. After leaving school he 
 selected as his life companion, Margaret J. McFar- 
 land, daughter of Andrew McFarland, a tailor of 
 Grant City, Mo. Their children are as follows: 
 Flora, Francis, Emma, Charles E., Cassius B. , 
 Hattie May, Laura Jeanette, James L., Sarah 
 Isadore and Robert Harold. Henry C. Anderson 
 is an ardent Republican, is connected with Grange, 
 and for many years has been a correspondent of 
 the Farmers' Friend, of Mechauicsburgh, also of the 
 Presbyterian Banner, of Pittsburgh. He has 
 written, much valuable history for the county pa- 
 pers, and in church work has been superintendent 
 of the Presbyterian Sabbath-school four years. 
 
 Robert Anderson was born October 8, 1840, in 
 Cross Creek village. He remained on the farm 
 during boyhood, assisting in agricultural work, 
 and receiving a common-school education. He 
 afterward attended the Duff Business College, 
 from which he graduated in 1805. He married 
 Sarah N. Stephenson, of Smith township, Wash- 
 ington county, daughter of Mark Stephenson, a 
 prominent farmer of that neighborhood. They 
 have three children: Nannie I., Robert S. and 
 Edna O., all living at home. After his marriage 
 Mr. Anderson settled on the place in Cross Creek 
 where he has since resided, with the exception of 
 three years, during which time he kept store in 
 Cross Creek village. The farm consists of 120 
 acres of good land. Robert Anderson is a mem- 
 ber of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, to 
 which he gives liberally. In politics he is a Re- 
 publican, beiDg an active and influential member 
 of that party, having served his township as road 
 supervisor and census enumerator. Mr. Anderson 
 is one of the most respected citizens of the com- 
 munity, and a successful, honorable business man. 
 
 ti=$b EORGE JEFFERSON LONG. This well- 
 || known citizen of East Pike Run township 
 
 V was born at Brownsville, Fayette Co. Penn.. 
 
 ^^\ November 9, 1820. He is descended from 
 the early Irish colonists of Maryland. 
 Luke Long, paternal grandfather of our subject, 
 was born in Harford county, Md. , early in the eight- 
 eenth century, and there passed his entire life, as an 
 agriculturist. His wife was a Miss Whittick, also a 
 native of Maryland, who bore him three sons and 
 two daughters: John (father of George Jefferson), 
 James (who when a young man took a trading boat 
 down the Ohio, and was never after heard of), 
 Isaac, Mary and Priscilla, all of whom died un- 
 married except John. In religious faith these 
 children were Methodists, and in political affilia- 
 
414 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 tions the sous, like their immediate antecedents, 
 were Democrats. The father of this family died 
 at the patriarchal age of ninety-seven years, the 
 mother at the age of fifty-six. 
 
 John Long married Eliza, daughter of Jonathan 
 and Jane Worrell, who were the parents of chil- 
 dren as follows: Stephen, Samuel, George, Na- 
 than J., Leonard, John, Eliza, Jane and Elmira. 
 Of tbese Stephen (of Lancaster county) died leav- 
 ing four children — two daughters, and two sons 
 George and Leonard; Samuel married a Miss Mc- 
 Claiu, and had five children; George wedded a Miss 
 Hall, and had two children; Nathan J. married a 
 Miss Hall and had children as follows: Albert, 
 Jane and Samuel; Leonard married Melley Stew, 
 and died leaving no heir; John wedded Hannah 
 Worrell, and had by her the following named 
 children: Hiram, Nathan, William, Dix, John. 
 Samuel and Ann; Jane was married to Robert 
 Raley, and had children; Elmira became the wife 
 of John Bowers, and their children were Frank, 
 John and Mary. The Worrells were of Dutch 
 descent, Whigs and Republicans in their political 
 predilections. Shortly after marriage John and 
 Eliza (Worrell) Long moved to Brownsville, Penn., 
 where children were born to them as follows; 
 Isaac, Mary Jane (married to Isaac Wright and had 
 children of whom Luke, William, Samuel, Eliz- 
 abeth and Mary survive), George J., John H., 
 Sarah Ann (married to I. N. Duval, and has chil- 
 dren), and James L. The last named, who is a 
 resident of Reynoldsville, Penn., and a carpenter 
 by trade, married Louisa Powell, of California, 
 this county, and has one daughter, Kate V., with 
 whom her father resides, her mother having died 
 in 1888. John H. and James L. both served in the 
 Civil war. John Long, the father of this family, 
 was a painter. He was born in Hartford county, 
 Md.. died at Coal Centre, Penn., April 2, 1864. 
 
 George Jefferson Long was, as has already been 
 stated, but a child when his mother died, and the 
 family, bereft of a loving mother's care, were all 
 separated and widely scattered, to live in new 
 homes. On New Year's Day, 1839, then a lad of 
 some thirteen summers, our subject became one of j 
 the family of Isaac Ailes, in the house where now 
 resides Coleman Ailes, and here the orphan boy 
 found a home in truth; so kind to him were these , 
 noble people that a stranger could not distinguish, 
 from any word or act, that he was other than one 
 of their own progeny. Here he remained until at- 
 taining his majority, in the meantime learning the 
 trade of carpenter, which he followed to some ex- 
 tent in after life. In L861 he commenced the busi- 
 ness of undertaker at Coal Centre, which he has 
 since successfully carried on, although he is now 
 comparatively retired. 
 
 At the age of thirty-five Mr. Long was united 
 in marriage with Frances, daughter of Andrew H. 
 
 and Mary Holmes, and one son blessed their union, 
 named Walter A. , now in the coal business at Cin- 
 cinnati, Ohio. Mrs. Long was called to her final 
 rest May 13, 1883. She, as has always been her 
 husband, was an earnest supporter of the M. E. 
 Church. Mr. Long united, June 22, 1869 with 
 the Pike Run I. O. O. F., at California, and was a 
 charter member of Yista Lodge at Coal Centre; 
 he has filled all the Chairs in the Lodge, and is a 
 member of the Encampment. In politics he acts 
 with the Republican party. 
 
 LBERT R. COLWELL traces his geneal- 
 ogy to his grandfather, James, who was the 
 first of his family to locate in America. 
 
 James Colwell was born, reared and 
 married in Ireland. Emigrating to Amer- 
 ica, be located near Paris, in Hanover township. 
 Washington Co., Penn. In the midst of the forest 
 his cabin was erected, and he passed the remainder 
 of his life as a ''tiller of the soil." He and his wife 
 died, and were buried in the Paris cemetery. 
 James Colwell was a prominent man, highly re- 
 spected by all, and was elected squire by the 
 Democratic party, of which he was an enthusiastic 
 supporter. The children of his family were as 
 follows: Samuel, whose life was passed on the home 
 farm; William lived in Carroll county. Ohio; Jo- 
 seph resided in Hanover township, this county; 
 Elizabeth married Matthew Russell, of Hanover 
 township; Thomas; Jane, Mrs. Parks; Andrew; 
 Robert and James. All are now deceased. 
 
 Andrew Colwell was born in 1808 on the farm 
 where his father located on coming to this county. 
 His active, energetic spirit became apparent from 
 childhood, aud when a young man he took 
 charge of the home farm, which prospered under 
 his care. In 1838 he married Isabella McGon- 
 nigle, who was born about 1811, in Hanover town- 
 ship. She was the daughter of William McGon- 
 nigle, a native of Ireland, who was there married, 
 and coming to America located in Maryland, and 
 came to Hanover township about the beginning 
 of the present century. Five children were born 
 to Andrew and Isabella Colwell, namely: Robert, 
 residing in Brooke county, W. Va. ; James, of New- 
 ton county, Mo.; Albert R., our subject; William 
 H., living in Brooke county, \V. Va. ; and Martha 
 E., Mrs. John Freshwater, of Toronto, Ohio. After 
 his marriage Andrew Colwell continued to reside 
 on the old farm until 1854, when he went to Han- 
 cock county, W. Va. Beginning life with little 
 capital, he improved every opportunity, and at the 
 time of his death owned over 400 acres of land in 
 Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He was among 
 the first to engage extensively in the wool industry, 
 in which he was very successful. Politically he 
 was a Democrat until the time of Henrv Clav's 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 415 
 
 nomination for President, when he joined the Whig 
 party, finally becoming a Republican. Both he 
 and his wife were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. He died in 1870, and was buried in the 
 cemetery at Paris, this county, where his wife was 
 also laid to rest in 1880. 
 
 Albert R. Colwell was born February 27, 1842, 
 in the old home in Hanover township, which 
 he now owns. He attended the common schools of 
 his neighborhood, and worked on the farm until his 
 enlistment, August 9, 1862, at Wellsburg, W. Va., 
 in Company K, Twelfth West Virginia Infantry. 
 His first active engagement was at Winchester. 
 Va. He was wounded June 9, 1S64, at New Mar- 
 ket, having been shot through the side, and was 
 sent to the hospital at Martinsburgh, remaining 
 there three months, then rejoined his regiment, 
 and served until the close of the war, when he was 
 honorably discharged, and returned to Brooke 
 county, W. Va. OnMay29, 1877, he was married 
 to Mary Criss, who was born in 1S54, a daughter 
 of Nicholas and Nancy (Wilson) Criss, of Hanover 
 township. The young people first settled in Brooke 
 county, W. Va., on a farm owned by his father, 
 and in 1891 came to the old home place where he 
 was born, and is now residing. Mr. Colwell follows 
 general farming, and is a leading agriculturist of 
 Hanover township. In politics he votes the Re- 
 publican ticket, but devotes his principal attention 
 to private business. Mrs. Colwell is a member of 
 the Methodist Protestant Church of Eldersville, 
 Penn. They have one daughter, Nancie Evelyn, 
 who was born November 13, 1879. 
 
 E. 
 
 LMOR H. GRIFFITH is a member of one 
 of the oldest leading families of Washington 
 county, and is himself a prominent, progress- 
 ive citizen of East Bethlehem township. 
 Some time between the years 1682 and 1690, 
 over a couple of centuries ago, there left their na- 
 tive Welsh home and well-to-do parents, five 
 brothers named Griffith, who, having set sail for 
 America, lauded, after a tedious and stormy pas- 
 sage across the Atlantic, at New York. Here they 
 remained together for a short time, and then sep- 
 arated, drifting in various directions, William, one 
 of the live, coming westward and making a perma- 
 nent settlement in what was then Newcastle county, 
 Md. , at that time the home of the " Pennamites." 
 Here he passed the rest of his life, dying at the 
 advanced age of one hundred and five years. 
 
 William Griffith, son of this avant-courier of the 
 family under consideration, was born in Newcastle 
 county, Md., in 1714, and in 1735 he moved 
 to Beaver Creek, York Co., Penn., where the re- 
 mainder of his days was passed. He married 
 Esther Hussey, daughter of Richard and Marion 
 Hussey, the former of whom died in 1785, the 
 
 latter in 1807. William Griffith departed this life 
 September 21, 1778, his wife having preceded him 
 to the grave in the spring of 1762. He was a rigid 
 and zealous follower of the faith of the Society of 
 Friends, scrupulously honorable in himself, and 
 severely exacting that the same quality should 
 exist in all others. He and his wife reared a large 
 family of children. 
 
 Jacob Griffith, son of William and Esther 
 (Hussey) Griffith, and grandfather of the subject 
 of this sketch, was born February 27, 1757, in 
 Pennsylvania. In 1796 he came to Washington 
 county, Penn., when, as one of the pioneers, he en- 
 dured all the hardships incident to the clearing 
 and opening of a new country. He was somewhat 
 small in stature, but nevertheless strong and ath- 
 lit ic, quick of foot, and even when an old man he 
 could walk with greater rapidity and apparently 
 less exertion than when he was many years younger. 
 When he came here he was in very moderate cir- 
 cumstances, but was able to buy a small farm in 
 what is now West Pike Run township. On April 
 16, 1778, he married Lydia Hussey, who bore him 
 children as follows: David, Isaac, Israel, Jason, 
 Esther and Amos, all long since deceased. The 
 father of this family died August 2, 1841, on the 
 home farm in West Pike Run township. Like his 
 father, he was in religious faith a Quaker. His 
 wife met with an accident four years prior to her 
 death which crippled her for the rest of her days. 
 In fact, she never left her bed until death relieved 
 her of her sufferings September 21, 1843. Of 
 their children, Israel, father of Elinor H, was born 
 December 28, 17S4, in York county, Penn., coming 
 to this county in 1796, where he received a good 
 education at the subscription schools, which he 
 supplemented with close study and a considerable 
 amount of reading at home. In early life he was 
 trained to the arduous duties of farm life, and 
 when old learned the trade of a cooper, and later 
 that of miller. For several years he owned and 
 conducted the West Pike Run saw and flouring 
 mills, and during the winters of his earlier life 
 taught the district school, which was held in an 
 old log cabin, furnished with the most primitive 
 seats, desks, etc. On November 27, 1826, Mr. 
 Griffith married Letitia Shaw, who was born De- 
 cember 14, 1784, a daughter of Samuel Shaw, an 
 early settler of eastern Pennsylvania, and the fol- 
 lowing named children were born to them: Eliza, 
 born September 30, 1807, now living in Marshall 
 county, Iowa, the wife of Milton Marsh; Joel, born 
 October 13, 1809, who, a miller by trade, con- 
 ducted his father's mill (he was the father of a 
 large family, who are now residents of Alliance, 
 Ohio); Eli R., born June 14, 1811, also deceased; 
 Hannah, born January 25, 1818, married John 
 Marsh, and now lives in Marshall county, Iowa; 
 Israel, born May 29, 1820, also a resident of that 
 
410 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 county, and Elinor H. , the subject of these lines. 
 The mother passed away August 30, 1849. Polit- 
 ically, Israel Griffith was originally a A\ big, and 
 afterward, on the formation of the party, a Repub- 
 lican. In religion he followed in the footsteps of 
 his forefathers, and he was a man remarkable for 
 his extremely temperate habits, sturdy manhood 
 and sterling integrity, commanding the esteem and 
 respect of all with whom he came in contact. 
 He died in ISC, 2. 
 
 Elmor H. Griffith was born December 23, 1827, 
 on the old homestead farm in West Pike Run town- 
 ship, where he was reared, and where he has passed 
 his entire life with the exception of the summer of 
 L844, which he spent visiting the homes of his 
 brothers and sisters in Iowa. He at one time en- 
 tertained an idea of moving to and making a new 
 settlement in the "Far West." but ill health dis- 
 suaded him. In his boyhood he attended the com- 
 mon schools of his district, and being an apt scholar 
 succeeded in securing an education better than the 
 average in these early days, so that he was well 
 qualified to teach school, which he did with emi- 
 nent success during some of the winter months in 
 his earlier manhood, the remainder of the year be- 
 ing occupied in the cultivation of the farm products, 
 and in the management of his fathers mills. In 
 1856 Mr. Griffith married Cynthia, daughter of 
 Thomas Heald, of Columbiana county, Ohio: by 
 which union there were no children. Mrs. Grif- 
 fith departed this life May 25, 1883, and our sub- 
 ject married, in 1885, Miss Emma McConnell, who 
 was born March 22, 1846, a daughter of Austin 
 and Edith McConnell, the result of this union 
 being three children, as follows: Austin Oliver, 
 born April 29, 1886, died April 24, 1891; Edith, 
 born January 2, 1888, and Carrie Augusta, born 
 May 20, 1891. Mr. Griffith is a "dyed-in-the- 
 wool" Republican, and at this writing is filling 
 the office of justice of the peace. In 1865 he em- 
 barked in general mercantile business at Centre- 
 ville, which he is still conducting, at the same 
 time devoting some attention to the repairing of 
 clocks, watches and jewelry, a varied stock of 
 which he always carries. He is a liberal supporter 
 of the Methodist Church which he attends, while 
 his wife, a devout Christian lady, is a faithful mem- 
 ber of the Society of Friends. 
 
 DAVID WAUGH is a native of County Down, 
 \ Ireland, having been born there May 24, 
 ; 182s. He is a son of James, Waugh, who 
 was also born in County Down, Ireland, 
 about 1778, and grew to manhood on the home 
 farm. On February 18, 1798, he was united in 
 marriage with Miss Mary Cummings, a native of 
 the same county, and then settled upon a farm of 
 his own, where the following children were born 
 
 and reared: Elizabeth, Jane, Mary (living in San 
 Francisco), Margaret (deceased), Susanna (living 
 in Ireland), James (also living in Ireland I, John 
 (deceased in Ireland), Isabella (living in Australia), 
 David (subject of this sketch), Joseph and Alex- 
 ander. The parents of these children passed their 
 entire lives in the Emerald Isle, toiling for the 
 welfare of their children, and were long since laid 
 to rest. 
 
 David Waugh assisted his father with the duties 
 of the farm until he attained the age of twenty 
 years, when he came to America, landing in New 
 York with 25 cents, which he spent the next 
 day to get a tooth extracted. He located in Mont- 
 gomery, a town situated about ten miles from 
 Philadelphia; Penn., which home was but a few 
 rods from the present residence of John Wana- 
 maker. Five years later he came to Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., where he lived eleven years, and finally 
 made a permanent home in Washington county. 
 Penn. While living in Montgomery he was united 
 in marriage with Miss Catherine Dougan,dau^hter 
 of William Dougan (a native of County Tipperary, 
 Ireland, where Catherine was born), and they have 
 had four children, of whom the following is a brief 
 record: James resides in Allegheny City. Penn., 
 and is a veterinary surgeon; William is living in 
 Texas, and is a veterinary surgeon of the Third 
 United States Cavalry; Maggie J. is married, and 
 living in Taylorstown, Buffalo township, this 
 county; David remains at home, and assists his 
 father on the farm. Since the day Mr. Wangh 
 landed in New York, and began work for a farmer 
 near Montgomery, he says he has found no time 
 for one idle day. By perseverance and the prac- 
 tice of strict economy, he now owns 156 acres of 
 land, and has given his children a good start in 
 life. He is a Republican. 
 
 THE WEIR FAMILY of Pigeon Creek. In 
 July. 1770. there arrived in Philadelphia, 
 Penn., a company of emigrants from County 
 Antrim, Ireland, among whom were Robert 
 Robinson (born 1739, died June 23, 1 s:'>( i, 
 aged ninety-seven years), his wife, Rachel Weir 
 (born 173s. died October 21. 1823, aged eighty- 
 five years) and Samuel Weir (brother of Rachel) 
 and his wife, Lavina Robinson, sister of Robert 
 Robinson. These families remained near each 
 other, tarrying in Lancaster and Dauphin coun- 
 ties, finally proceeding to Big Sewieklev, West- 
 moreland county, where they separated about the 
 year 1777, Robert Robinson settling four miles 
 north of Saltsburgh, Indiana county, and Samuel 
 Weir coming to the vicinity of Zollarsville, Wash- 
 ington county. Here he tarried for a while, but 
 finally settled on Pigeon creek near the present 
 town of Vanceville, where he died iu 1821. His 
 

 

 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 n 
 
 419 
 
 wife, Lavina (Robinson), died about 1816. They 
 are buried in Pigeon Creek churchyard. Their 
 children were (I) Thomas, (II) Jane, (III) James. 
 (IV) William, (V) Elizabeth, (VI) Adam, (VII) 
 Lavina and (VIII) Samuel. 
 
 (I). Thomas Weir married Nancy Whitehall, and 
 died in December, 1848, in his eighty-third year; 
 Nancy, his wife, died August 31, 1822, aged tifty- 
 four. Their children were Samuel, died August 
 1, 1855, aged fifty-seven; Margaret, died August 
 28, 1N53, aged forty-nine; Lavina, died April 20, 
 i860, aged fifty-five; Jane and Eleanor (twins), 
 the former of whom died February 23, 1 s ^ t, aged 
 seventy-eight, the latter dying March 16. 1S85, aged 
 seventy-nine; Nancy, died June 12, 1887, aged 
 seventy-three; Robert, born May 7, 1808, married 
 Sarah L. Donley, who was born Decerning 25, L808, 
 and died without issue March I. 1878, Robert 
 dying April 19, 1886; Eleanor married her cousin, 
 Col. Samuel Weir, son of (III) James; Nancy mar- 
 ried Robert Erwin, who was born October 4, 1814, 
 and died May 14, 1874, leaving issue — James, who 
 died September 22, 1883; Thomas: Margaret; La- 
 vina; Nancy; Susan and William. Of these. Mar- 
 garet married Joseph Smith, and had children as 
 follows: Iva Sella, Lola Siretta, Robert Erwin, 
 Margaret Cook, Lavina Elizabeth and Edna Myrtle. 
 Lavina married Robert Morrow (now deceased), 
 and had issue — Nannie Ellnora and Thomas Weir; 
 Nancy married William Cook, and have issue — 
 Margaret. Reed and Nannie Maude; William mar- 
 ried Bell Mcllvaine, and had a son James (William 
 die.l May 10, 1886). 
 
 (II). Jane Weir married James Robinson, and 
 had issue — John, who died August 28, 1864; Eliza- 
 beth W., who died in November, 1868; Samuel W. 
 and Margaret. Their father died July 13, 1856, 
 their mother November 3, 1856. This family 
 lived near Donegal, Westmoreland Co., Peuu. 
 
 (III). James Weir first, married Mary Lawrence, 
 who died September 2, 1S08, aged fifty-six, leaving 
 issue — Col. (1) Samuel and (2) Joseph; the second 
 marriage of James was to Sarah Jenkins, daughter 
 of Eliezer Jenkins, Esq., she died March 15, 1829, 
 aged fifty-five, and their issue — (3)« Thomas, (4) 
 Mary, (5) Rebecca, (6) Lavina. Their father died 
 December 5, 1827; aged fifty-seven vears. Col. 
 (1) Samuel, born April 3, 1800, died June 5, 1892; 
 married his cousin, Eleanor Weir, daughter of (1) 
 Thomas, and had issue — (1) James, (2) Nancy 
 (died September 6, 1863, aged thirty-three), (3) 
 Mary, (4) Thomas, (5) Sarah, (6) Eleanor, (7) 
 Joseph, (8) Samuel, (9) Susan M. (died January 
 6, 1870, aged twenty-two), (10) Martha and (11) 
 Robert. (4) Thomas, born January 19, 1838, was 
 married on January 1, 1860, to Lavina Hasting, 
 who was born January 16, 1833, and died June 28, 
 1886, leaving issue— (1) William E.. born May 29, 
 1862, and (2) S. W. Grant, born March 13, 1865. 
 
 Of these, (1) William E. married on November 16, 
 1882, Emma F. Jennings, born October 6, L86I 
 (they have issue — Nora M. , born March 3, 1885; 
 Mary, born July 11, 1S^7: John Blaine, born No- 
 vember 3, 1889"; Minnie, born October 27, 1891). 
 (2) S. W. Grant married January 6, 1887, Mar- 
 garet McCallister (issue one daughter, Maude 
 (living), and a -on Frank (deceased). (8) Samuel, 
 born May 27, 1S42, married, September 27, 1866, 
 Lottie Evans, born September 1, 1843 (they have 
 issue — Emma E., born September 24, 1868); 
 Joseph M., born September 28, 1872; Emma E., 
 married John H. Huffman, September 24, 1890 
 (issue — Homer Russell, born December 28, 1891). 
 (1 1) Robert married Miss Kale (issue — Ellsworth 
 and Pe,arl). 
 
 (2) Joseph Weir, son of (III) James, married 
 Mary Smith, who died August 31. 1886, aged 
 eighty-seven; issue— George, died April 1. 1830, 
 aged sixteen months; Mary, Margaret, and James. 
 Margaret married, and lives in Muskingum county, 
 Ohio, and James was Presiding Elder in the Meth- 
 odist ministry in the London (Ohio) Circuit in 
 1891. (2) Joseph, St., emigrated from Washing- 
 tun county, Peun., to Muskingum county, Ohio, in 
 1837, and now lives in Perryton, Licking Co., 
 same State. 
 
 (3) Thomas, son of (III) James, was born 
 March 21. L811, married February 2, 1832, Mary 
 Denniston, born August 6, 1808; Thomas emi- 
 grated to Carroll county, Ohio, in 1834, where he 
 died March 1, 1863; Mary (Denniston) died Octo- 
 ber 28, 1889. They are buried at Mechanicstown, 
 Carroll county, where he was a member of Session 
 in the Presbyterian Church of Corinth. He was 
 prominent in the civil affairs of that county in his 
 day. He had children as follows: (1) James R., 
 born February 15, 1833; (2) Andrew D., born 
 January 21, 1835; (3) Sarah Ann, born November 
 30, 1836; (4) Elizabeth, born March 8, 1839; (5) 
 Nancy Jane, born September 12, 1841, died Janu- 
 ary 6, 1843; (6) Samuel, born October 13, 1843; 
 (7) Rebecca Jane, born March 31, 1846; (8) Will- 
 iam Thomas, born July 1, 1848; (9) Robert 
 Brough, born August 19, 1851. Of these, (1) 
 James R. married Rebecca Cameron (now dead), 
 and had issue — Addison, Durell and Charles. Of 
 these, Addison married Catharine Wilcoxon ; they 
 have issue — Rebecca Jane; Durell, married to 
 Mary S. Stevens (they have a daughter, Grace); 
 Charles, married to Jennie Moore (they have issue 
 —Ellis McCoy and Lila Belle); (1) James R. 
 Weir's second wife was Mrs. E. L. Huston. (2) 
 Andrew D., son of Thomas and Mary (Denniston) 
 Weir, married Emily Figley; they have issue — 
 Thomas Corwin, William Figley and Mary Luella, 
 of whom, Thomas Corwin married Frances E. Rob- 
 inson, May 10, 1883; they have issue — William 
 Clyde, born March 6, 1885; William Figley, mar- 
 
420 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ried Mattie J. Barr, October 29, 1889 (they have 
 issue — John S. Barr); William Figley is a Pres- 
 byterian minister in Toronto, Ohio; Mary Luella 
 married James Smith (they have issue — Chal- 
 mer, Roy, Edna, Corwin), (3) Sarah Ann, daugh- 
 ter of Thomas and Mary Weir, married Samuel 
 Stenger (they have issue — William Thomas, Rob- 
 ert Grant, Eddie Elmer, George Weir, Charles 
 Otis, Mary Venetta, Maggie Maud); of these, 
 Robert Grant married Ida Johnston (they have is- 
 sue — Alta Bell); Mary Venetta married Grant Al- 
 lison (they have issue — Leila Maud, Lowell Mont, 
 and Mary). (1) Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas 
 
 and Mary Weir, married Groxon, and lives 
 
 in Nebraska. (6) Samuel, son of Thomas and 
 Mary Weir, married Mary Jane De Ford (Issue- 
 Oliver C, Edwin V., John B. and Thomas D.). (7) 
 Rebecca Jane, daughter of Thomas and Mary Weir, 
 married Alex Boyd, and died July 30, 1874 (Issue 
 — Mary A.). (8) William Thomas,'son of Thomas 
 and Mary Weir, married, February 2, 1871, Sarah 
 E. Marshall, born October 24, IMS (Issue — Calvin 
 R.. born March 8, 1N74; Albert M., born April 9, 
 1876; WillardOrvin, born December 27, 1879; Elsie 
 M. , born April H, 1882). (9) Robert Brough, son of 
 Thomas and Mary Weir, married Eljaretta Fran- 
 ces McLain. April 11, 1878. 
 
 it) Mary Weir, daughter of (III) James, mar- 
 ried Lewis Roberts, who removed to Carrolton, 
 Ohio, where he died (Issue — Susan, Rebecca, Will- 
 iam, who died in the army, and Thomas W.); of 
 whom, Susan married John G. Wetzall (has issue 
 — Lula May, Louis Ira and Loreuzo Thomas); Re- 
 becca married David Schultz (Issue — Charles and 
 George). 
 
 (5) Rebecca, daughter of (III) James, was 
 born April 27. 1813, married April 11, 1833, 
 James W. Robinson, of Saltsburgh, Penn. , a 
 grandson of Robert Robinson, Sr. ; James W. 
 died February 4, 1S65. Issue — (1) Sarah Maria, 
 born October 30, 1834, died September 17, 1851. 
 (2) Rebecca Jane, born September 25, 1830, 
 married September 21, 1871, Rev. W. W. Wood- 
 end (a Presbyterian minister), born June 25, 
 1816; issue — J. W. Robert, born June 5, 1872; 
 Thomas Edwin, born August 10, 1876; Ella Maud, 
 born February 16, 1883. (3) Martha Eliza, born 
 .lime 20, 1839, married January 1, 1861, Rev. 
 Solomon Jesse Berlin (a Lutheran minister), 
 born May 29, 1831, died January 21, 1870; 
 Martha E. died January 21. L870, having had 
 issue — Ella Lula, born December 16, 1861; Eliza 
 Rebecca, born March 10, 1S63; Elsie Mary, born 
 November 24, 1864. (4) William Thomas, born 
 April 27, 1841, died January 14. 1865. (5) Ella 
 Mary, born September 13, 1849, died October 
 29, 1871. (6) Adam James Weir, born August 
 14. 1856, married February 16, 1882, Eva Lizzie 
 Guthrie, born January 14, 1859 (they have 
 
 a daughter, Ella Maud, who was born February 16, 
 1883). 
 
 (6) Lavina, daughter of (III) James, in 1835 
 married Levi Marshall, of Carroll county, Ohio, 
 where she died April 10, 1873, aged fifty-seveu. 
 Issue — (1) Thomas Weir, (2) Mary, (3) Horace, 
 (4) James Robinson, (5) Samuel Weir, (6) Josiah 
 and (7) Jason. Of these, (2) Mary married Ben 
 jamin Hole, and had issue — Rosella (married 
 Mr. Cunningham), Lavina, LinmBus (married 
 Miss Roach) and Lemuel Garfield. (7) Jason, 
 married to Maggie Dillon (they have a son, Edwin ). 
 
 (IV). William Weir, son of Samuel, Sr., mar 
 ried Jane Lawrence; William died July 19, 1840, 
 aged sixty-nine; Jane died February 11, 1847, 
 aged seventy. Issue — Samuel L. , born Septem- 
 ber 10, 1809, and Sarah M., born January 22, 
 1813, who died October 31, 1867, aged fifty -four. 
 Samuel L. was married, June 13, 1839, to Jane 
 McCorkle, who was born December 22, 1811, who 
 died January 24, 1849, aged thirty-eight; Samuel 
 L. died February 26, 1875, leaving issue — (1) 
 Mary Jane, (2) William, (3) Elizabeth E. ; of these, 
 (1) Mary Jane, born May 2, 1840, married John 
 M. Berry, December 22, 1870 (they have living 
 issue — Minnie Jane, born June 13, 1M75; John 
 Lawrence Weir, born April 7, 1878; William 
 Eagleton, born August 15, 1881). 
 
 Samuel L., only son of William, was born, 
 lived, and died on the homestead of his father on 
 Chartiers creek, in Somerset township. His 
 mother, for many years a helpless invalid, was a 
 sister of Joseph Lawrence, of honored memory in 
 this county. He (S. L.), intellectually strong, 
 took an active interest in every object that would 
 elevate and promote the welfare of the com- 
 munity in which he lived; especially so was he in 
 everything that would tend to promote the glory 
 of God, and the welfare of the Church of which he* 
 was for many years an active member of Session. 
 the U. P. congregation of Pigeon Creek; in his 
 liberality, spending of time and labor unrequited. 
 He was an efficient leader in the erection of the 
 elegant church building in which that congrega- 
 tion now worships. Dying before he had attained 
 his three score years, his mantle has fallen on his 
 only son William, who is worthily following his 
 father's footsteps. 
 
 ('_!) William Weir, a prosperous farmer and 
 stock raiser of Somerset township, of which 
 he is a native, was born December 12, 1842. 
 He received a liberal education at the district 
 schools of the neighborhood of his place of 
 birth, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. 
 On December 21, 1870, he married Lizzie 
 M. Reynolds, a native of North Strabane township, 
 this county, born December 12, 1842, by which 
 union there are three children, viz. : Samuel R., 
 born October 5, 1871; Sarah Lizzie Huston, born 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 421 
 
 July 4, 1873, and J. Howard, born August 27, 
 1880. (3) Elizabeth, born August 27, 1849, mar- 
 ried Seth H. Reynolds, June 5, 1879. (They have 
 issue — Mary Jeanette, who was born September 9, 
 1882). 
 
 (V). Elizabeth Weir, daughter of Samuel, Sr., 
 married Matthew Morrow, of Canton towuship; 
 Matthew died September 28, 1842; Elizabeth died 
 September 9, 1842. Issue — (1) Mary, born October 
 31, 1786; (2) Samuel, born March 4, 1788; (3) 
 Thomas, born March 3, 1790; (4) Lavina, born 
 January 10, 1792; (5) Catharine, born November 
 16, 1793; (6) John, born March 4, 1796, died Oc- 
 tober 1, IS 12; (7) James, born February 7, 1799, 
 died September 16, 1818; (8) Jane, born March 5, 
 
 1801, died August 24, 1853; (9) Anna, born 
 December 25, 1802, died December 1, 1832; (10) 
 Elizabeth, born May 12, 1805, died September 2, 
 1808; (11) William, born May 23, 1807, died 
 August 10, 1892; (12) David, born March 31, 1809, 
 died in 1891; (13) Adam, born May 7, 1811, mar- 
 ried June 1, 1843, Jane Clark, and died November 
 2, 1861. Of these, (1) Mary married William Kyle; 
 (4) Lavina married Robert Taggart; (5) Catharine 
 married Samuel Taggart; (8) Jane married Robert 
 Gailey; (9) Anna died unmarried; (11) William 
 married Miss McClay; (12) David first married 
 Miss Johnston, and his second wife was Miss Bell 
 Work. The parents and Mary, Samuel, Thomas, 
 Lavina, John, William, David and Adam are buried 
 at Upper Buffalo, this county; Catharine, at Piney 
 Fork, Harrison Co., Ohio; James and Anna, at 
 Dalton, and Elizabeth, at Orville, Wayne Co., 
 Ohio; Jane, at Mingo, this county. 
 
 (VI). Adam Weir, son of Samuel, Sr. , was 
 born in Lancaster county, Penn., and married 
 Mary Hall (daughter of Thomas Hall, Sr., who died 
 in 1814) who died March 22, 1813, aged thirty- 
 two; Adam died February 27, IS 17, aged seventy- 
 three. Issue — (1) Thomas, (2) Lavina and (3) 
 Samuel; of these, (1) Thomas, born September 2, 
 
 1802, married, March 1, 1832, Margaret M. Scott, 
 who was born February 9, 1807; Thomas died 
 April 26, 1847, in his forty-fifth year (was of an 
 active temperament, which called him into trusted 
 service, in the Old Seceder (now U. P.) congrega- 
 tion of Pigeon Creek, of which he was a member. 
 He also did much service with fidelity in the civic 
 trusts of guardian, executor and administrator. 
 Was ever an active friend of the common-school 
 system, created in 1834, serving frequently as a 
 director in the township of Somerset, in which he 
 lived. He mingled in military life too, was 
 admitted to be, in his day, the best commander in the 
 battalion which usually met for drill in Bentley- 
 ville. He was an ardent Whig, but never in polit- 
 ical office. He died lamented by the community in 
 which he lived). Margaret M, died March 10, 
 1887. Issue— (1) Adam, (2) Josiah Scott, (3) 
 
 Samuel Baird, (4) Hugh, (5) Mary Jane, and (6) 
 Margaret Lavina; of these, 
 
 (1) Adam Weir was born in Somerset township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., January 13, 1833, and 
 is a farmer, both intelligent and progressive. He 
 is an elder in the TJ. P. Church of Pigeon Creek, 
 besides which he has acceptably filled several civil 
 positions of trust and honor. His relations embrace 
 a wide range of upright and leading citizens. On 
 May 14, 1856, he was married to Miss Catharine 
 Wilson, who was born December 26, 1831, a 
 daughter of James Wilson, and died February 26, 
 1889. This marriage union was crowned with love 
 and felicity, that ever mark the true and desirable 
 home. (2) Josiah Scott, born April 10, 1836, mar- 
 ried, November 29, 1N59, Sarah Ann Hicks, who 
 was born in Clark county, Ky., November 30, 
 1839 (live in Stanford, McLean Co., 111.). 
 
 (3) Samuel Baird, born January 9, 1838, in 
 Somerset township, where he now lives; married 
 on December 2, 1863, Margery Winnett (daughter 
 of Jonathan Winnett), who was born June 4, 1843, 
 and died June 12, 1875, leaving issue — Hu»h Fin- 
 ley, born October 21. 1864, married February 8, 
 1893, to Miss Carrie Myers; Mary Lizzie, born 
 July 20. 1866; Ada Margaret, born January 13, 
 1873, and Winnett Wallace, born February 3, 
 1875, all at home except Hugh who is traveling 
 (S. Baird is a Republican, and has served as road 
 commissioner; is a member of the U. P. Church of 
 Pigeon Creek, of which he was a trustee when a 
 young man, before he became a member). (4) 
 Hugh, born June 3, 1840, enlisted at the close of 
 junior year at Jefferson College, in the One Hun- 
 dred and Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded at Gettys- 
 burg, July 2, 1863, and died in rebel hospital, 
 July 5, same year. (5) Mary Jane, born June 14, 
 1842. (6) Margaret Lavina, born April 20, 1847, 
 married October 9, 1878, Samuel P. Fergus, who 
 was born August 17, 1843. Issue— Thomas Harold 
 Weir, born August 11, 1879; Hugh Earnest, born 
 January 16, 1881; John Addison, born July 3, 
 lss:',, died May 14, 188."); David S. Littell, born 
 March 5, 1885, died December 29, 1885, and Mar- 
 garet Josephine, born June 20, 1887. 
 
 (6) Lavina Weir, daughter of (VI) Adam, born 
 December 14, 1805, married on May 16, 1827, to 
 David McDonough, who was born November 14, 
 1799; David died February 20, lS f o9; Lavina died 
 March 2, 1876. Issue— (1) Joseph, (2) Thomas, (3) 
 Adam and (4) Henry H. ; of these, (1) Joseph, born 
 July 4, 1828, married Elizabeth Pangburn, March 
 27, 1851, who died December 26, 1874, having 
 had issue Lavina, born February 17, 1853, married 
 Sample Closser; Mary Jane, born October 11. 
 1856, died January 12, 1866; John D., born Ooto- 
 ber 26, 1860; Samuel E., born April 15, 1864; 
 Sue Envena, born January 28, 1870. (Joseph's 
 second marriage was to Mrs. Martha Pangburn 
 
422 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 December 19, 1878). (2) Thomas, bom October 
 27, 1830, first married December 31, 1857, Jane 
 McGregor, who was boru March 23, 1830, who 
 died December 30, 1872 (Issue: Willie H. , who 
 died February 3, 1862, aged three years, an infant, 
 died April 4, 1867); his second marriage was 
 August 25, 1874, to Miss Cassandria Burgan, of 
 Terre Haute, Ind. ; they have a daughter, Ger- 
 trude, boru January 16, 1879. (3) Adam, born 
 October 6, 1833, died September 25, 1841; (4) Dr. 
 Henry H., born October 30, 1836, first married, 
 October 22, 1861, Elizabeth Winnett, who died 
 March 6, 1879 (on October 24, 1882, Dr. H. H. 
 married Margaret L. Lindley; issue — AnnaEstella, 
 born August 31, 1883, and Charles Lawrence, born 
 May 23, 1885). 
 
 (3) Samuel Weir, son of (VI) Adam, was born 
 September 80, 1810. Samuel lived unmarried on 
 the homestead of his father in West Bethlehem 
 township, where he died April 6, 1890, in his 
 eightieth year. This farm, at his death, had been 
 in the Weir family name for nearly 100 years. Of 
 a quiet, steady. eveD temperament, it was re- 
 marked of him that he was rarely if ever seen 
 angry. By constant industry, frugal economy, and 
 good management, he was possessed of a large per- 
 sonal property and valuable real estate at his 
 decease. Like his brother, Thomas, he was ever 
 reliable and trustworthy. For the last fifty years 
 or more of his life he was never free from civic 
 trusts of some kind or other, in Church or State. 
 In many such trusts, large, financially, he was 
 seemingly weighed in the balance, but never found 
 wanting. Born a Whig, he consistently voted with 
 that party until, with the change of name in 1860, 
 he was with the Republicans, but he was never a 
 political aspirant for office. He united as a mem- 
 ber, in his mature years, with the U. P. Congre- 
 gation of Pigeon Creek, where from a child he had 
 been a regular and constant attendant upon Divine 
 worship, and a liberal supporter thereof. 
 
 (VII). Lavina, daughter of Samuel, Sr. , married 
 James Erwin, who was born January 6, 1 785, died 
 May 13, 1851, aged sixty-six years; Lavina, died 
 September 24, 1854, aged sixty-eight, without 
 issue. 
 
 (VIII). Samuel Weir, son of Samuel, Sr., died 
 unmarried February 28, 1S45, aged sixty-nine 
 years; lived and» died on his father's farm, the 
 original Weir homestead, in West Bethlehem town- 
 ship, now owned by Robert Heney. 
 
 The original parents — Samuel and his wife — and 
 their children — Thomas and wife, James and 
 wives, Adam and wife, William and wife, are 
 buried in the old churchyard of Pigeon Creek 
 Presbyterian, while Lavina Erwin and husband 
 and her brother, Samuel, lie in Pigeon Creek 
 U. P. churchyard. Elizabeth Morrow and hus- 
 band lie in Upper Buffalo cemetery. Jane Robin- 
 
 son and husband lie in or near Donegal, West- 
 moreland Co., Penn. — Themselves all, and their 
 descendants with very few exceptions, being 
 members and adherents to the Presbyterian Church, 
 in some one of its numerous branches. [March 1 , 
 l.s«i:s. 
 
 THE HUGH SCOTT FAMILY and connec- 
 tions, of Nottingham township. Tradition 
 says Hugh Scott, Sr. , came to Pennsylvania 
 from the North of Ireland, and settled 
 within the bounds of Chester county about 
 the year 11570. The original county of Chester 
 has been divided and sub divided many times 
 since. Hence we see, in local histories of the Scott 
 family, the names of Lancaster, York, and Adams 
 counties mentioned, area embraced in original 
 Chester, and also Cecil county, Md. , contiguous 
 territory. 
 
 (1) Hugh Scott. had a son (2) Abraham (born in 
 Chester county in 1677), who had children: Anne, 
 born October, 1699; Samuel, boru about 1705; Re- 
 becca, born December 17, 1707; Alexander, born 
 in 1716 or 1717; Grace; (3) Hugh, born in 1726; 
 (4) Josiah, born in 1735. These two last were 
 among Washington county's early immigrants. 
 
 (2) Anne married Arthur Patterson about 1720; 
 Arthur died in 1763, aged sixty-three; his wife died 
 in 1792, aged ninety-two years, three months. Their 
 children were William; Rebecca; Samuel, born 
 1727, died November 15, 1820, aged ninety-three; 
 Arthur; Ellen; James, born February 7, 1731, died 
 May 19, 17SU, aged fifty-eight years, three months; 
 Catherine; Elizabeth; Jane, born 1739, died May 
 2, 1800. 
 
 (2) Rebecca became the second wife of James 
 Agnew, in 1737. They had children: Samuel, 
 born Janury 29, 1738, married Elizabeth Johnston 
 (they had six children); Martha, born September 
 9, 1740, married Samuel Patterson (four children); 
 James, born May 1, 1742, married Mary Ramsey 
 (eight children); David, born Jul)' 17, 1743, mar- 
 ried Mary Erwin (twelve children); Margaret, born 
 August 27, 1745, married James Patterson (nine 
 children); Rebecca, born May 3, 1747, married 
 John McLanahan (two children); Sarah, born May 
 15, 1749, married Archibald Douglass (two chil- 
 dren); Abraham, born December 23, 1750, died 
 March 11, 1753; Anne, born October 3, 1753, mar- 
 ried Rev. John Smith (ten children); Rev. John 
 Smith and family were at one time residents of 
 Washington county. Ephraim Johnston Agnew, 
 of Chartiers township, is a grandson of Samuel 
 and Elizabeth Johnston. Dr. Agnew, of Philadel- 
 phia (President Garfield's physician), was a de- 
 scendant of James Agnew, Sr. Smith Agnew, Esi | , 
 of New Castle, Penn., who died in September, 
 1881, aged ninety years, was a son of David and 
 
1 
 
 1 
 
 %-? fr*^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 425 
 
 Mary Erwin. (3) Hugh Scott, who lived on Millers- 
 town road, five milps from Gettysburg, Penn., was 
 a left-handed blacksmith, and emigrated (as sup- 
 posed) to Washington county in 1773 or '74. He 
 was certainly here when Dr. McMillan on the third 
 Sabbath of November, 1776, ordained five elders 
 in Pigeon Creek congregation, of whom Hugh 
 Scott was one . His name is also found in the first 
 grand jury panel of October 2, 1781; also one of the 
 four trustees who purchased ground from David 
 Hoge on the 18th of October, 1781, for public 
 buildings for the county. He was commissioned 
 justice of the peace November 8, 1788. He settled 
 on a tract of land in Nottingham township (where 
 his great-grandsons, James Kerr Scott and Hugh 
 C. Scott, yet live), for which he received a patent 
 dated January 23, 1799, in pursuance of a warrant 
 dated September 22, 1788. He died October 1 1 , 
 1819, aged ninety-three. His wife, Jennett (Ag- 
 new) died October 9, 1814, aged seventy-seven. 
 Their graves are still legibly marked in Pigeon 
 Creek graveyard. His sons Abraham and James 
 are said to have returned to Adams county when 
 young men, where they married, lived and died. 
 
 (3) Hugh Scott, son of Abraham, born in 1720, 
 married in 1754 to Jennett Agnew, born August 
 23, 1735, a daughter of his brother-in-law James 
 Agnew, Sr. , by a first marriige. Their children 
 were (3) Rebecca, (3) Abraham, (3) James, (3) 
 Hugh, (3) John, (3) Elizabeth, (3) Sarah, (3) 
 Margaret and (3) Josiah. 
 
 (3) Rebecca, born March 20, 1756, was married 
 in 1776, to George Van Eman. Their children 
 were (1) Nicholas, born April 7, 1782, married 
 Anne Riddle, and had issue: Andrew, James, 
 George, Samuel, Scott, Oliver, John Cyrus, Martha, 
 Rebecca, Anne, and one other daughter. He was 
 an elder in the church. Lived in Girard, Trum- 
 bull Co., Ohio, dying in 1832. (2) Scott and (3) 
 Jane were twins, born May 24, 1783. Scott mar- 
 ried Margaret Dawson. Two sons, George and 
 Dawson, lived in Stark county, Ohio; (3) Jane 
 married John Dawson, and lived in Wayne county, 
 Ohio; (4) Andrew, born October 22, 1784, was twice 
 married, first to Elizabeth Haines; issue: Joseph 
 Haines, Eliza, Ann, Mary and Rebecca; Andrew's 
 second marriage was with Jane Van Eman; issue: 
 John and James (both died in youth); Rev. Craig 
 R. married to Miss McLenathan, lives in Burnet 
 county, Texas; Harriet H, married William 
 Walker, died in 1888, lived in Monroe county, Mo.; 
 Andrew died in Canonsburg, Penn. ; his wife Jane 
 died at her daughter's home in Missouri. 
 
 (5) Rev. George, born April 23, 1786, was 
 twice married, first time to Miss Cooper; issue: 
 John, Cooper, Sarah (who married Mr. Cusic), 
 Anne (who married Mr. Hall), another daughter (a 
 widow) now living in Findlay, Ohio; George's 
 second marriage was to Miss Flannegan; no issue. 
 
 George was a minister in the Presbyterian Church. 
 In the early years of his ministry he organized the 
 congregation of Newark, Ohio. He died in Find- 
 lay, Ohio, March 21, 1877, aged ninety-one. 
 
 (6) Rebecca, born December 7, 1787, died Jan- 
 uary 4, 1822, married Hon. Joseph Lawrence; 
 issue: Joseph, Hon. George V., Sarah and Samuel. 
 Joseph and his wife, Eliza (Horner), died in Feb- 
 ruary, 1842, leaving children: Maria, Elizabeth, 
 Rebecca and William. Hon. George V.'s first 
 marriage was to Miss Welch, in 1839; she died in 
 1854; two children, Mary V. and Joseph; George 
 V.'s second marriage was to Miss Reed, in 1857; 
 three children, of whom two, George and Carrie 
 Bell, attained mature age; George is since deceased. 
 Hon. George V. was elected representative from 
 Washington county in 1843, 1846, 1858, 1859 and 
 1892; State Senator in 1848, 1860, 1874, 1876 and 
 1878; Speaker of the Senate in spring of 1863; 
 and to Congress in 1864 and 1866; delegate-at 
 large to Constitutional Convention, 1872. Sarah 
 married Ard Moore, now dead. Their children 
 were Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Robert and Fannie. 
 The mother now lives with her sons in Carthage, 
 Mo. Joseph Lawrence, Sr. , was representative in 
 1818, '19, '20, '21, '22, '23, again in 1834, '35, 
 State Treasurer 1 835, member of Congress in 1824 
 and '26, and in 1840. Died April 17, 1842. Bur- 
 ied in Congressional Cemetery. Washington, D. C. 
 
 (7) Elizabeth, born May 7, 17S9, married David 
 Riddle; issue: Rebecca, John, and others. Lived 
 in Trumbull county, Ohio. 
 
 (8) Joseph, born December 12, 1790, married 
 Isabella Logan; issue: James (who died in youth), 
 Rebecca, Samuel, Rev. George, Joseph, Mary, 
 Logan, Cyrus (who died in youth), Margaret, 
 Sarah. Of these (1) Rebecca married John Johns- 
 ton (both dead); issue: Richard Van Eman, Brad- 
 foul and John. (2) Samuel died September, 1891, 
 was married to Miss Martha McConnell; issue: two 
 sons — James J., and Joseph S. (dead) — and two 
 daughters — Bell M. and Sadie E. (3) Rev. George 
 married Rachel Bower, second marriage to Eliza- 
 beth Pogue. (4) Joseph's first marriage was with 
 Miss Sarah Lea, and his second marriage was with 
 Mary Anne Donaldson; now lives in Delano, Minn.; 
 (5) Mary married Samuel Alexander (now dead); 
 issue: one daughter, who died in adult age. (6) 
 Logan married Jane Vance (now dead); issue: 
 Charles, Fannie, Isabella, Joseph and James. (7) 
 Margaret (now dead) married Israel Bebout. (8) 
 Sarah married Samuel Bebout, East End, Pitts- 
 burgh. Joseph, Sr., died September 22, 1873; his 
 wife, Isabella, died May 21, 1870; they are buried 
 in Centre Presbyterian churchyard; he was a mem 
 ber of Session in that congregation for many years. 
 
 (9) Garrett, bom October 3, 1792, was married 
 first to Rachel Logan; issue: James, Rebecca, 
 Amelia, Rachel, Bell, Lee, Scott and Margaret; 
 
426 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 second marriage to Miss Sprowl; was an elder in 
 Kaccoon Presbyterian Church; died at Candor, 
 Washington Co., Penn. 
 
 (10) William, born June 15, 1794, married 
 Mary Bracken; issue: Rev. Thomas B., Mary Jane, 
 and Sarah Anne (twins), Hannah, William, and 
 Rebecca; he died in Cecil township, four miles from 
 Canonsburg in his thirty-fifth year. 
 
 (11) Sarah, born December 15, 1795, married 
 Steven Wilkie; issue: Maria, Wilkie, and others. 
 Maria married Rev. Jonathan Wilson, a missionary 
 to Siam. Sarah, Sr. , lived and died in Sidney, 
 Ohio. 
 
 (12) Abraham, born August 12, 1797, was an 
 elder at Canal Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio. 
 
 (13) James and (14) Hannah were twins, born 
 July 1, 1799. Hannah married a Mr. Fulton, and 
 lived at Canal Fulton, Ohio. George Van Eman, 
 Sr., and his wife, Rebecca Scott, lived and raised 
 their family on a farm known as Clokey, six miles 
 east of Washington, Penn. In their old age they 
 removed to Canal Fulton, Stark Co., Ohio, to live 
 with their children; they died and are buried in the 
 old churchyard about one mile from that place. 
 
 (3) Abraham Scott died in Adams county, 
 Penn., March 1, 1S34, aged seventy-seven years. 
 He first married Margaret McClain, who died Feb- 
 ruary 2, 1789, aged twenty-six years; issue: (1) 
 Hugh, (2) John, (3) Margaret, and (4) Jane. 
 Second marriage to Jane Kerr, who died December 
 6, 1813, aged forty-seven; issue: (5) George K., 
 (6) William M., (7) Abraham, (8) Polly, (9) James; 
 third marriage to Margaret MeMillen, who died 
 October 25, '1S33, aged fifty; no issue. Of these 
 (l)Hugh married Betsy Kerr, and died August 17, 
 1849, aged sixty-five, leaving children: (1) Abraham, 
 (2) John, (3) Margaret, (4) George, (5) William, 
 and (6) Mary Ann. Of these Abraham married 
 Mary Downs; issue: James Hervey, Elizabeth Mar- 
 ion, Hugh Alfred, and William Elliott. (2) John 
 married Martha McAllister (and died February 11, 
 1882, aged seventy-one); issue: Hugh D. , John 
 W., William, Mary, and Dr. Joseph Byron. (3) 
 Margaret never married. (4) George died in 
 youth. (5) William married Julia Anne Newman; 
 a son, Newman. (6) Mary Anne married John 
 Galbreath; issue: William and Laura. (2) John 
 married Mary Trenkle, and had one son and nine 
 daughters; soon after marriage he emigrated to 
 N. Carolina where he died several years ago; 
 his widow was still living December 13, 1SS2. (3) 
 Margaret married Moses Gourley; issue: Isabella, 
 Jane, Margaret, and Thomas. (4) Jane married 
 Stuart Speer, and died in Ohio, February, 1866, 
 aged seventy-eight ; Rev. J. S. Speer, <>f Canons- 
 burg, Penn., is a grandson. (5) George K., of the 
 second marriage, born in Adams county, emigrated 
 to Washington, Penn., in 1824, where he engaged 
 in teaching school for several years. Afterward 
 
 embarked in mercantile business, in which he was 
 eminently successful; in 1830 he married Mary 
 Ann Holbert, by whom he had four children: 
 Abram B. , Catherine H, John H. , and George 
 K. ; the mother died in 1840, when the children 
 were very young; he afterward married her sister 
 Catherine (born in Maryland September 18, 1798) 
 who proved to be a mother indeed to her sister's 
 children, and on their part they ever affectionately 
 venerated her as a mother; she died in Washing- 
 ton, January 20, 1888, aged ninety. George K., 
 Sr., died in 1867. Abram B. was twice married, 
 first to Sarah Evans; issue: Mary A., William E., 
 and Sarah. William E. married Susan Goughner; 
 issue: Chester G. , Blanche, Mary Louisa. Abram's 
 second marriage was to Rebecca Lacock; he lives 
 in Fairfield, Iowa. Catherine H. first married S. 
 S. Fowler; issue, five children: (two died in in- 
 fancy) Kate, Georgiana and Gertrude; her second 
 marriage was with W. B. Whittaker, of Fairfield, 
 Iowa; Georgiana married James C. Hanyson, and 
 had one daughter. John H. married Jane McCaskey, 
 December 11, 1862, and died March 17, 1891; 
 George K., Jr., married Grizella Beatty, November 
 24, 1859; issue: Charles B., Samuel Preston, Katie 
 F., George K, Mary, May, and William Taylor. 
 Five of these died in early life. Katie F. married 
 Frank G. Puliver, and lives in Mobeetie, Tex. 
 William Taylor is still single. Rev. George K, 
 Jr., died in Mobeetie, Tex., January 10, 1889. 
 Was a Presbyterian clergyman, licensed in April, 
 1858, ordained by Washington Presbytery in 1859, 
 a home missionary in Texas. 
 
 (6) William M. married Jane Kerr; issue: Dr. 
 A. O, Margaret Rebecca, George W., Mary Jane; 
 three died in infancy. Dr. A. O. married Jane 
 Wilson; issue: David W., Netty R., Mary L. , Jane 
 Sherman, Clara M. , Fannie and Genevie. Mar- 
 garet Rebecca married John Cunningham, Esq.; 
 issue: James, Jennie K. , Elizabeth S., Mary, Will- 
 iam Scott, Maggie R., Fannie F. (William M. 
 died August 15, L852, aged sixty; his wife died 
 August 18, 1867, aged seventy-two). (8) Polly died 
 unmarried August 28, 1875, aged eighty j-ears. 
 
 (3) James married Rebecca Patterson in 1790, 
 who was born September 25, 1768; he sold his farm 
 some seven miles south of Gettysburgh, and built 
 the hotel there known as the "McClelland House," 
 where he died October 1, 1806, aged forty -six. 
 Their children were Hugh, born July 17, 1791, 
 died March 25. 1874; Margaret, born 1793, died 
 February 10, 1868; Dr. James Patterson, born in 
 1795; John, born 1798; William, born 1800, and 
 Jane, born 1803. His widow afterward married 
 Col. James Agnew, and died January 2S, 1827. 
 Capt, James, son of Hugh, first married Lena 
 Spangler, and had one son, James, who was living 
 in or near New Orleans in 1877. Capt. James' 
 second marriage was with Margaret Dickson. Hugh 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 427 
 
 died previous to 1877, in Gettysburgh, Penn., at an 
 advanced age. Dr. James Patterson died suddenly. 
 Margaret died a few years ago unmarried. Jane 
 married a Mr. Ashman, and lived in Ohio. Of 
 William and John there is no information. 
 
 (3) Hugh, born 1763, married Jane Latta, and 
 emigrated with nine living children from Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., in 1811, and settled four milts 
 south of Newark, Licking Co., Ohio, where he died 
 in April, 1849, aged eighty-seven; his wife, Jane 
 (Latta), died in 1837, aged seventy. Their chil- 
 dren were John Agnew, born 1790, died in Illinois, 
 L876; Isabella, born 1792, died in Illinois, 1867; 
 Sarah, born 1794, died in Illinois, 1867; Jane, born 
 1796, died in Ohio, 1867; William, born 1798, died 
 in Illinois, 1870; Hugh, born 1800, died in Illi- 
 nois, 1863; Robert, born 1802, died in Newark, 
 Ohio, 1879; James, born 18(14, living in Marysville, 
 Ohio, in 1892; Abraham, born 1809, died in 1881. 
 
 (3) John, born in Adams county in 1772, mar- 
 ried in Gettysburgh, Penn., about 1796, to Martha 
 Patterson, who was born in Lancaster county, De- 
 cember 10, 1777. Their children were all born in 
 Washington, Penn.: Margaret, born May 10, 1797, 
 married Robert Officer, May 4, 1819, died Decem- 
 ber 12, 1880, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, where the 
 family had resided a number of years; Jane, born 
 May 12, 1799, died unmarried near Washington, 
 111., April 19, 1869; Rebecca, born July 9, 1803, 
 died February 24, 1818, of smallpox, at Washing- 
 ton, Penn. ; James Patterson, born November 6, 
 1805, married Margaret Sample, of Washington, 
 Penn., April 23, 1835 (Patterson died August 21, 
 1866); his wife died April 11, 1884. They are 
 buried in Washington, 111. Their children were 
 Elias Cornelius, born June 30, 1836; Martha Jane, 
 born September 6, 1838, married David E. See- 
 don], December 22, 1887 (she died in Hubbell, Neb., 
 April 6, 1890); John Workman, born September 
 28, 1840, died June 30, 1867; Sarah Olivia, born 
 Octobei r 28, 1842; Elizabeth Gertrude, born Sep- 
 tember 29, 1844, married September 29. 1870, to 
 Marshall W. Woodbury; issue: Cornelius Welling- 
 ton, born April 1, 1870, died August 30, 1875; Na- 
 than Patterson, born February 28, 1881, lives in 
 Hubbell, Neb.; Mary Roxanna, born February 25, 
 184(5; Rebecca Violet, born May 7, 1849; Hester 
 Ellen, September 17, 185], married John M. Mar- 
 ton, February 19, 1885, and had a daughter, Lucia 
 Ethel, born April 5, 1887 (live in Ocoya. III.); 
 Margaret Lucia, born February 4, 1854; James 
 Patterson Scott emigrated from Washington, Penn. 
 to near Washington, 111., in 1837. where as a 
 teacher and farmer he spent his life. Dr. John, 
 born April 20, 1808, married June 18, 1833, to 
 Margaret Sloan, of Pittsburgh, Penn., in which 
 city he spent his after life in his chosen profession, 
 dentistry (died October 19, 1888, on train while 
 en route home from Duluth, Minn., where he had 
 
 been on a visit to his daughter, Mrs. Cash); Hugh, 
 born July 4, 1810; John Randolph, born December 
 12, 1812, married Asenath Hicks, November 25, 
 1847; issue: Anna Martha, born January 13, 1849, 
 married George Tobias October 8, 1874, and had 
 a son, born December 29, 1879, died in infancy. 
 Quincy A., born August 10, 1850, married Lucy J. 
 Hatfield, October 26, 1882 (lives in Wayne county, 
 Iowa); Emma Julia, born November 19, 1854. 
 Roenna Elliott, born July 19, 1853, died September 
 30, 1853; Charles Sumner, born November 7, 1857, 
 murdered (as supposed) in July, 1880; Lincoln R. , 
 born June 23, I860, married Minnie R. Beck, 
 October 24, 1888 (lives in Idalia, Col.); William 
 Goodel, born February IS. 1862, married La Tina 
 Myers, October 7, 1885 (lives in Peoria, 111. ): John 
 Randolph emigrated from Washington, Penn., in 
 spring of 1837, and settled on Government lands 
 which he had entered the previous year, four miles 
 south of Washington, 111., where he yet resides, a 
 wealthy, intelligent farmer. 
 
 (3) John Scott, Sr. , was a general trader on 
 the river to New Orleans and returned across the 
 country with horses and mules. He established 
 the stage lines from Washington to Pittsburgh, to 
 Brownsville to Wheeling, and to Steubenville, Ohio. 
 Had three paralytic st rokes at different times, and 
 after the third could not walk; had use of his arms, 
 but no control of his limbs; had to be lifted and 
 fed for twenty years. He died from effects of 
 cholera, October 17, 1834, taken the previous 
 August; his wife, Martha Patterson, died of cholera 
 about August 10, 1834. The father, mother and 
 son, Decatur, are buried on the farm on which 
 they lived, one and one-half miles east of Wash- 
 ington, Penn., now owned by William Davis. 
 
 (3) Elizabeth married Edward Todd. They 
 emigrated to the vicinity of Steubenville ataneaily 
 day. Mr. John Johnson, a grandson, writes under 
 date of April 25, 1887: ''My grandmother, Eliza- 
 beth Todd, died in West Virginia, opposite Steu- 
 benville, at the residence of her son-in-law, Daniel 
 O. Neal. I have no dates. She had six daughters 
 and one son, William, who died when a young man. 
 The oldest daughter, Jane Carroll, died in Cincin- 
 nati two years ago, aged eighty seven. Three of 
 her children live in Cincinnati: Edward Carroll, 
 Sarah Anne Clemens and Rebecca Mansure. Re- 
 becca (Todd) Jewett died in Illinois; her family of 
 five sons and one daughter live in Kansas. Le- 
 titia (Todd) Finley died some years since; her 
 husband, William Finley, and family are living 
 near Brown Station, in Jefferson Co. , Ohio. Sarah 
 Todd died many years since; her husband, James 
 Trumbull, and two daughters — Mrs. James Surratt 
 and Mrs. John Olive — are living in Steubenville. 
 Mr. Trumbull is very old and wealthy. Rosanna 
 (Todd) Johnston, my mother, is the only one of 
 the family now liviug; she was eighty-six years 
 
428 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 old February 22, INST. Of mother's family there 
 arc five boys ami two girls; ltebecca McKinney 
 lives iu Steubenville, Elizabeth in St. Louis, Curtis 
 anil Edward in Iowa, Daniel in Nebraska, William 
 iu Kentucky, and your humble servant in Jeffer- 
 son county, two miles west of Steubenville, Ohio." 
 
 (3) Sarah married John Jordan. Of her and 
 her family nothing is now kuowu, save that she 
 and her husband ("migrated to the Sandusky 
 Plains, Ohio, at an early date. 
 
 (3) Margaret married James Ramsay, a cap- 
 tain iu the war of 1812; emigrated to the vicinity 
 of Steubenville. Ohio, at an early date; had one sou 
 and four daughters; twin daughters married 
 brothers by the name of Maxwell — Thomas Max 
 well, of Wintersville, aud James Maxwell, of Steu 
 benville, Ohio, are grandsons. 
 
 (3) Josiah married Jane Darragh, born Feb- 
 ruary l'J, 1799. Josiah Scott died of cholera 
 August 16, 1834, aged sixty-four. Jane Darragh, 
 his wife, died December 20, 1841. These parents 
 and their sou Hugh, and her parents, John Dar- 
 ragh, Sr., who died March 1 1. 181 1, aged seventy- 
 seven, and Margaret Darragh, who died August 
 20, L824, aged eighty-seven, and the daughter 
 Margaret, who died December 5, L851, aged eighty 
 one, widow of Dr. Thomas Band, of Washington, 
 Penn. , are buried in the Presbyterian Mingo grave- 
 yard. Josiah' s children were: (1 ) Margaret. Mc- 
 Kinley, Imni February 9, 1807; ('.!) James S., born 
 April 27, 1808; (3) John Darragh and (I) Absalom 
 Baird (twins) born August 31, 1809; (•">) Hugh, 
 bon, October 26, 1811, died November 2, 1832; 
 
 (6) Archibald Darragh, born December 11, 1815; 
 
 (7) Man Jane, born February 15, 1819. (1) Mar- 
 garet McKinley, on February — , 1832, married 
 Thomas Weir, born September 2, 1802; issue: 
 Adam, born January 13, IS)!)'., married May 11, 
 1856, to Catherine Wilson, born December 26, 1831. 
 and died without issue February 26, 1 889. Josiah 
 Scott, born April 10, 1836, married November 29, 
 1859, Sarah Ann Hicks, born in Winchester, Ky., 
 November 30, 1839; no issue; live at Stanford, 111. 
 Samuel Baird, born January 9, 1838, on December 
 2, L863, married Margery Winnett, born June I, 
 isi)j, died June L2, 1875; issue: Hugh Finley, 
 born October 24, 1864; Mary Lizzie, born July 20, 
 L866; Ada Margaret, bom January 13, 1873; 
 Winnetl Wallace, born February 3, 1875; Hugh, 
 born June 3, 1840. At the close of his junior 
 year in JelVerson College (1862), enlisted in Com 
 pan] G, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania 
 Volunteer Infantry; was wounded July '2, 1863, at 
 Gettysburgh, died in Rebel Hospital July 5, 1863; 
 Mary Jane, born June 1 1, 1842; Margaret Lavinia, 
 bom' April 20, 1847, married October 9, 1878, 
 Samuel P. Fergus, born August 17, L843; issue: 
 Thomas Harold Weir, born August 11, 1879; Hugh 
 Earnest, born January 16, 1881; John Addison, 
 
 born July 3, 1883, died May 14, 1885; David S. 
 Littell, boru March 5, 1885, died December 29, 
 1SS5; Margaret Josephine, born June 20,1887. 
 
 (2) James Smith, boru April 27, 1808, died Jan- 
 uary 1, 1869, married February 14, 1832, to Mary 
 Cubbage, born 1809, died May 14, 1877; issue: 
 Josiah L. , boru March 20, 1834, died April 3, 
 1 S 17 ; James Cubbage, born June 25, 1836. died Sep- 
 tember 19, 1841 ; John Alexander, born March 8, 
 1839, died September 10, 1841; Almira Jane, born 
 February IS, 1841; William Wallace, born January 
 30, 1843; James Herron, born August Id, 1846; 
 George Wintield, born April 2(1, 1850; Louisa 
 Maria, born February 20, 1845, died September 7, 
 IS 45. Almira Jane married John B. McBride May 
 
 1, 1873, died November 17, 1884; issue: James 
 Scott, born November 23, 1874; John Bavington, 
 born September 8, 1876; Charles Cubbage, born 
 September 17, 1878; Samuel Bruce, born June 2, 
 1880; Mary Alice, boru September 28, 1883, and 
 George Wallace, born November 17, 1884. William 
 Wallace married Mary J. Roddy May 14, 186S. at 
 Sidney, Ohio; issue: Mary Winifred, born Novem- 
 ber 27, 1870; Gertrude R., born November 5, 1872; 
 Jean Alice, born December 3. 1874; William Wal- 
 lace, born June 4, 1880 (live in Sewiokley, Penn.). 
 James Herron married Mildred Agnes Bell in 
 1876; she died in Washington, Penn., in 1877. His 
 second marriage was in 1879 with Frances Ramsey 
 Kuhn, who died in McKeesport, Penn., in 1887; 
 living issue: John, Mary Ella, and Gertrude; he 
 lives in Pittsburgh, 1'euu. George Wintield mar- 
 ried Adeline Speer, October 26, 1882 (lives in 
 Des Moines, L >wa ). 
 
 (3) John Darragh was married May 28, 1839, 
 to Sarah Nance, born October 16, 1811. John D. 
 died March 6, 1S80. He was a farmer. Issue: 
 Sarah Jane, born February 1, 1840, died October 
 
 2, 1840; Mary Elizabeth, born February 3, IS 13; 
 Henry Vance, born Septembers, 1841, died April 
 5, 1842; Margaret Jane, born May 16, 1845; Isa- 
 bella, born May)!. ISIS; John Vance and Josiah 
 Lawrence (twins), born November 28, 1850. Of 
 these Mar] Elizabeth was married on August 15, 
 I860, to Hiram Winnett, bom in 1836, died August 
 IS, 1872; issue: John Hudson, born June 1 ">. 1862; 
 Finley Scott, born August 23, 1864; Elizabeth I'.., 
 born November 1">, 1866; Catherine A., born Jan- 
 uary 23, 1869; Sadie E., born April 1, 1872; John 
 Hudson was twice married, first time 'to Rebecca 
 Devore, born Julj 5, 1862, and, second time, April 
 27, 1892, to Mary Winnett, bom April 11, 1871. 
 Scott married Bell Waller in 1891, and lives at 
 Columbia Falls, Mont. Elizabeth B. married 
 James McDonough in February, 1891, and has one 
 son, George Otto. Catherine A. married Frank 
 Wright April 15, 1891, and has one son, Winnett 
 Wilson, born February 26, 1892. Margaret was 
 married October 15, 1863, to Levi G. Raiuey, born 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 429 
 
 July 7. 1842; issue: Eunice Bell, born May 30, 
 1865, died September 7, 1868; Frank Wilbert, born 
 April 17, 1871; Walter Scott, born August 20, 
 1874; Sadie Bell, born December 30, 1879, died 
 September 11, 1880. Isabella married Dr. Finley 
 B. Winnett, issue: a son, Elmer, who died May 
 3, 1892, aged twenty-four, and a son, Ray. John 
 Vance married Margaret Miller November 30, 
 1876; issue: Maud, born August 2, |S7S; Sarah 
 Bell, born September 3, 1880; Wylie Vance, born 
 December 1, 1883; Isaac S., born July 29, 1886; 
 
 Waid W., born August 27, 1SS9. Josiah Lnur 
 
 married Tillie Ross December 21, L876; issue: 
 Pearl, born November 12, 1877; Eddie, born De- 
 cember 11, 1879; and Ely,born May 13, 1882, and 
 John V., Tillie and Otto. 
 
 (Ii Absalom Baird was married September IS, 
 1834, to Rebecca Finley, born August II, 181 1; 
 Absalom died May 1, 1861; Rebecca Finley died 
 February 15, 1892; issue: Mary Jane, born Feb- 
 ruary 14, 1836; John Finley, born April 2, 1838; 
 Josiah Scott, born July 27, 1840, died April 2, 
 IS 13; James Kerr, born December IS, 1842; Mar- 
 garet Baird, born May 21. IN 15; Hugh Clemens, 
 born August 18, 1847; Frances E., born May 15, 
 1850; Sarah, born August 30, 1852, died January 
 29, 1892. Mary Jane married February 22, 1859, 
 JohnD. Henry, born October 12, 1831; issue: Allie 
 Margaret, burn December 22, 1859; Edwin Absa- 
 lom, born April 29, 1862; Frances Rebecca, born 
 March 27, 1865; Etta Mary, born December 20, 
 1868; Reid Scott, born May 9, 1873. They live in 
 Idlewood, Allegheny Co., Penn. John Finley 
 married Maggie Davis, born January 16, 1842; 
 issue: Mary Frances, born October 24, 1864, mar- 
 ried Leaman Brownlee; Rebecca, born January 5, 
 1NI>7, died November 13, 1875; George Davis, born 
 November 29, 1869; Anna Maud, born August 9, 
 1872; Hugh Baird, born October 20, 1874, died 
 August 5, 1875. James Kerr was twice married, 
 first time November 16, 1865, to Sarah Ellen Rob- 
 erts, born May 12, 1844, died November 2, 1875; 
 issue: Laura and Albert; his second marriage was 
 with Jennie Logan in 1891. Margaret Baird mar- 
 ried Charles Jones November 25, 1883; issue: one 
 son. Ohauncey. 
 
 (6) Archibald Darragh was married October 30, 
 1839, to Tamar Crawford, bom October 11, 1818; 
 Archibald D. died March 2, 1891; Tamar, his 
 wife, died August 8, 1863; issue: (1) James 
 Crawford, born August 30, 1841, married May 4, 
 1872, to Mary Underwood, born August 15, 1850; 
 no issue; live iu Mt. Vernon, Ohio. (2) Nancy 
 •lane, bora July 11, 1843, died June 22, 1847. 
 (3) Mary Elizabeth, born July 30, 1845, was 
 married October 19, 1871, to Steven Beatty, who 
 died February 5, 1883. (4) Margaret Jane, born 
 December 28, 1847. (5) Josiah L., born January 
 
 4, 1850, was married December 25, 1882, to Mrs. 
 M. L. Wise Shields, born January 22, 1862; live 
 in East End, Pittsburgh, Penn. (6) Andrew 
 Winfield, born May 16, 1852, married May 30, 
 1877, Dora P. Shields, born September 1, 1861; 
 issue: Tamar Etta, born January 2, 1878; Archi- 
 bald James, born November 3(1, 1880; and Josiah 
 Vance, born February 1", 1S82; lives in East End, 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. 
 
 (7) Mary Jane married, in 1S37, William 
 Sample, born July 11, 1815; emigrated to Taze- 
 well county, 111. , in 1838; William died June 5, 
 1871; Mary Jane, his wife, died November 15, 
 1874; they with three of their children (save the 
 first) are buried in El Paso, Woodford Co., 111.; 
 issue: Josiah Scott, born June 20, 1839, died 
 November 7, 1839; Hugh Workman, born July 
 27, 1843, died June 8, 1872; Theodore, born 
 November 5, 1846; Sarah Jane, born September 
 9. 1849, .He. I April is, 1S75; John William, bom 
 March 11. 1858, died February 14, 1881; Ida 
 Violet, born February lt», 1861. Of these, Theo- 
 dore married December 24, 1874, Jennie Toole, 
 born in Ireland January 25, 1853; issue: Theo 
 dore Tilden, bom July 20, 1876; Ida Mary, born 
 June 12, 1S7S; William Montana, born July 22, 
 1885, and Harry, born October 11, 1888. Ida 
 Violet was married December 9, 1879, to John 
 Wesley Kennedy, born August 16, 1851; issue 
 Walter Scott, born August 15, 1882; Harry 
 Sample, born January 19, 1885, and Ida Violet, 
 born June 9, 1889, died August 23, 1889. Theo- 
 dore and Ida Violet with their families reside in 
 Logansport, Ind. 
 
 The following additional matter was written by 
 Col. John Scott, of Nevada, Iowa: In the old 
 cemetery near Washington, Penn., repose the 
 ashes of one of the pioneers, over which is this 
 inscription: "In memory of Josiah Scott, who 
 died on the 20th day of February, 1819, aged 
 81 years. Having sustained a character exem- 
 plary for honesty, piety and usefulness, he came to 
 the grave in a full age, as a shock of corn cometh 
 in his season. Job, 5th chap, and 26th verse." 
 
 Josiah Scott, the youngest son of (2) Abra 
 ham Scott, was born in Chester county, Penn., 
 in 1735. His father was born in the same county 
 in 1677, and was a son of Hugh Scott, a native 
 of the North of Ireland, who came to Penn- 
 sylvania about 167D. At least two of the sons 
 of Abraham Scott, Hugh and Josiah, were pio- 
 neers in the county of Washington. They lived 
 to an advanced age, both dying in 1819, and each 
 of them leaving a numerous posterity, now widely 
 separated. Josiah Scott married Violet Foster in 
 1760. 
 
 He was a blacksmith' — a maker of edge tools, 
 especially of sickles — and was a skillful and 
 
430 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 rapid reaper, being stout, muscular, and robust. 
 He was of vigorous constitution, plain and simple 
 in manners, habits, and tastes, and noted for his 
 strong common sense and Bound judgment. He 
 was for many years an elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church, and was highly respected for his ability 
 and many virtues. His early home was at Peach 
 Bottom, where the Susquehanna river crosses the 
 State line. From thence he removed to the wilds 
 of Washington county, and became a resident of 
 Catfish, now Washington. This change of loca- 
 tion occurred in 1773-74. He worked at his trade 
 and at farming till his death, at the age of eighty- 
 four. 
 
 To Josiah Scott and Violet (Foster) were born 
 eight children, six of whom reared families, whose 
 descendants are in many States. The two elder 
 sons, Alexander and Abram, married, respectively, 
 Bachel and Rebecca, daughters of Hon. John Mc- 
 Dowell, aiid Agnes (Bradford), his wife. The late 
 Hon. Josiah Scott, of Bucyrus, Ohio, a distin- 
 guished scholar and jurist, for many years a judge 
 of the Supreme court of Ohio, was a son of Alexan- 
 der Scott. ThelateHon. Josiah Scott, of Cadiz, Ohio, 
 a member of the convention which passed the Con- 
 stitution of that State, and his brother, the late 
 Hon. William Scott, of Guernsey county, Ohio, 
 were sons of Abram Scott. The latter was a min- 
 ister in the Presbyterian Church; so, also, was his 
 brother James, who for more that forty years was 
 pastor of a church at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. Josiah, 
 the sixth child of the first Josiah, became a farmer, 
 settled in Columbiana county, Ohio, and reared 
 a large family. The elder daughter of Josiah, Sr., 
 Mary, married William Cotton, and settled in 
 Beaver county, Penn. The younger daughter, 
 Elizabeth, married Robert Stevenson, and also 
 settled in Beaver county. Their descendants are 
 numerous, and widely scattered. By a second 
 marriage Josiah Scott had four sons. Robert set- 
 tletl in Carroll county, Ohio, and has many de- 
 scendants. Hugh and Gen. Sam. Scott remained 
 in Washington couuty, where they are still rep- 
 resented. John died on the old homestead, 
 near Washington, in his early prime, leaving 
 a family of three daughters, Mrs. Workman Hughes 
 being one of them. 
 
 Among the representatives of this old blood of 
 Washington county mav be named Hon. A. W. 
 Scott, of Toledo, Ohio; Rev. W. W. Colmery, D. 
 D., of Oxford, Ohio; Rev. R. C. Colmery, of San 
 dusky, Ohio; Rev. D. R. Colmery, D. D., of Los 
 Angeles, Cal. ; Rev. Alexander Scott, of Denver, 
 Col.; Col. John Scott, of Nevada, Iowa; Prof. E. 
 M. Cotton, of Chester, Iowa; Dr. J. E. Scott, of 
 Chicago, and Hon. Lawson Scott, of Mendota, 
 II!.; all of whom are great grandsons of ''Old 
 Josiah." 
 
 II RA BEBOUT, prominent in agricultural circles 
 I as a well to-do farmer and successful stock- 
 raiser, is a native- of Jefferson county, Ohio, 
 born September 4, 1828, a son of Peter and 
 Isabella (Cooper) Bebout. 
 
 John Bebout, grandfather of Ira, was a native 
 of Holland, whence, when a boy, he came to Amer- 
 ica with his parents, who made a settlement in 
 New Jersey. Here John learned the trade of tan- 
 ner, which, in connection with farming, he carried 
 on in New Jersey and afterward in Washington 
 county, Penn., for a period in all of some thirty 
 years. In 1796 he came to this county, and pur- 
 chased a tract of land (covering 300 acres) in 
 what is now North Strabaue township. At that 
 time men never went abroad without their guns 
 and a plentiful supply of ammunition. Here 
 Mr. Bebout lived until he was seventy years of age, 
 when he moved to Mercer county, Penn., and there 
 died. He was a member of Dr. McMillan's Church 
 (Presbyterian), and while in New Jersey was an 
 elder in the church there. As a Revolutionary 
 soldier he served under Gen. Washington, rising 
 from the ranks to a captaincy, and receiving a pen- 
 sion. He was the father of nine children, Will- 
 iam, Sarah, Peter, Susan, Elizabeth, Israel, Ira, 
 John and Mary. 
 
 Peter Bebout was born in New Jersey in 1 776, and 
 was twenty-one years old when he first came to this 
 county. In 1804 he moved to Ohio, where he took 
 up a piece of wild land which he cleared and cul- 
 tivated and lived on until 1.S30, when he returned 
 to this couuty and settled in North Strabane town 
 ship, taking a portion of the home place his father 
 had bought, and which he materially helped to 
 improve. He died in 1859. Mr. Bebout was twice 
 married, first to Betsey Kinney, who bore him 
 children as follows: Jdhn, William, James, Levi, 
 Peter, Israel, Sarah and Elizabeth. The mother 
 of this family dying, Mr. Bebout married Isabelle, 
 daughter of Joshua Cooper, of Jefferson county, 
 Ohio, and the children of this marriage were Mary 
 (Mrs. William Hays), Susan (Mrs. William Be- 
 bout), Ira (our subject), Margaret (Mrs. Cephas 
 Cochran), David, Isabel (Mrs. John Crouch), 
 Stephen (deceased), Joshua, Caroline (Mrs. Joseph 
 Maines), Jane and Hermon H. Bebout. In poli- 
 tics Mr. Bebout was a Democrat ; in religions 
 faith a Presbyterian. He served in the war of 
 1812, under Gen. Harrison, until the close of the 
 struggle. 
 
 Ira Bebout, after a thorough educational train- 
 ing at the common schools of his native district, 
 settled down to regular agricultural pursuits on 
 the old home place, and by his own unaided efforts 
 made a, success of all his undertakings, being a 
 thoroughly representative self-made man, enter- 
 prising and progressive. He was twice married. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 431 
 
 first time October 6, 1856, to Mrs. Jane Hamilton 
 {nee Hamilton), a native of Ireland, who came to 
 the United States at the age of seventeen, and was 
 married to Charles Hamilton, a second cousin, who 
 died. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Bebout 
 were Isabella (Mrs. W. A. Patterson, who died 
 August 20, 1892), Elmira (Mrs. William Scott), 
 and Elmer, who married Jane Thomas, living in 
 Hamilton county, Neb., where he carries on farm 
 ing operations. This wife dying in October, 1884, 
 Mr. Bebout married, for his second wife, Mrs. 
 Anna Raney, of Nottingham township. Our sub- 
 ject, in his political preferences, was originally a 
 Democrat, but since the outbreak of the Rebellion 
 has allied himself with the Republican party. He 
 is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Monon- 
 gahela City, formerly of Dr. McMillan's Church, 
 and of the II. P. Church at Munntown. He owns 
 a fine residence on Main street, where he resides, 
 renting his farms. He enjoys the confidence and 
 respect of all. v 
 
 JOHN C. VAN KIRK. Among the many well- 
 known and highly esteemed families of Am- 
 well township, the name of Van Kirk ranks 
 with the first. Jacob Van Kirk, grandfather 
 of our subject, was a native of New Jersey, where 
 he married Elizabeth Lee and in 1785 rucvyed to 
 Washington county, Penn. To this couple were 
 born four children: Enoch, born April 14, 1790; 
 Joseph, born January 17, 1798; Ann, born Febru- 
 ary 13, 1806; and Leah, born May 19, 1817. 
 
 Joseph Van Kirk was born in Washington county, 
 Penn., and passed his entire life in Amwell town- 
 ship, the farm on which he was born. On Feb- 
 ruary 27, 1823, he was united in marriage with 
 Eliza Corwin, and his children were as follows: 
 Hiram, Charles, William (deceased), Mrs. Charlotte 
 McElree (deceased), Mrs. Anna Van Kirk, Mrs. 
 Sarah Van Kirk (the latter two having married dis- 
 tant relatives of the same name), Norma (deceased) 
 and John C. Joseph Van Kirk was a captain in the 
 Pennsylvania State Militia, and was one of the 
 most energetic and active citizens of Amwell town- 
 ship. After a long and useful life he passed to 
 his long home August 24, 1878, at the ripe age of 
 eighty- two years. 
 
 John C. Van Kirk was born September 15, 1828, 
 on the old home farm in Amwell township, which 
 is now owned by his brother Charles. His youth 
 and early manhood were passed in assisting his 
 father to fell the forest trees and transform the 
 rugged hills and valleys into fertile fields of grain. 
 On April 1, 1851, he was married to Esther Buck- 
 ingham, who died September 2, 1855, leaving a 
 child that died four days later. On February 19, 
 1857, Mr. Van Kirk wedded Mary McClanthan, 
 who bore him two children: Irena M. , born March 
 
 27, 1858, and Catherine F., born March 30, 1861, 
 both of whom are yet living at home. Our sub- 
 ject has a well cultivated farm of 244 acres, which 
 is considered one of the best in the township, and 
 stands a solid witness to the thrift and prosperity 
 of the owner. He has ever been foremost in all 
 matters of public interest, and while an adherent 
 of the Democratic party, has always voted for 
 what in his opinion would result in good to the 
 largest number, irrespective of party lines. His 
 family are Presbyterians, though he himself is not 
 a member of any church. 
 
 liOHN S. PATTERSON, a well-known repre- 
 sentative of one of the oldest, most influen- 
 ^1 tial and prosperous families of Cross Creek 
 "^ township, is a lineal descendant of James 
 Patterson, the earliest pioneer of the family name. 
 James Patterson immigrated to America in 1728, 
 settling in Little Britain township, Lancaster Co., 
 T?enn., where he was married and reared a family 
 of ten children, of whom the sons were William, 
 John, Samuel, James and Thomas. 
 
 William Patterson was born in 1733, and was 
 first married to Rosanna Scott, who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: Mary, Moses, Samuel, Thomas 
 and James. The mother died April 5, 1769, and 
 on April 10, 1770, William Patterson was again 
 married, his second choice being Elizabeth Brown, * 
 and ten children were born to the latter union: 
 John, Rosanna, William, Nathaniel, Rachel, Eliza- 
 beth, Josiah, Hannah, Nathan and Eleanor. In 
 1779 the family removed to Cross Creek township, 
 this county, settling on a farm now owned by R. 
 M. Patterson. The father was a soldier in the 
 Revolutionary war. He died June 29, 1818, and 
 his wife passed from earth about 1828. 
 
 Nathan Patterson, a son of William and Eliza- 
 beth (Brown) Patterson, was born September 11, 
 1788, in Cross Creek township, this county, and 
 on October 14, 1816, was married to Lydia Hous- 
 ton. The young couple settled in Cross Creek 
 township, and reared the following children: Dan- 
 iel, William J., John, Nathan and Mary. The 
 father of this family died in February, 1846, at the 
 age of fifty-eight years. 
 
 William J. Patterson was born May 10, 1820, 
 on the home farm, and passed his boyhood in at- 
 tending to the agricultural duties. He began the 
 milling business in early life, and always followed 
 that vocation. He was first married on May 5, 
 1849, to Elizabeth Reed, of Washington county, 
 and they had one child, Agnes A. Mrs. Patterson 
 died August 17, 1857, in Iowa, and Mr. Patterson 
 was afterward married to Eliza Snodgrass, of Al- 
 legheny county, Penn., daughter of Robert Snod- 
 grass, one of the pioneer lumbermen of that county. 
 At this time he bought and moved upon the Pat- 
 terson's Mills property. Four children weie bom 
 
432 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson: Lydia H., Hannah M., 
 Lizzie M. (a student in a seminar)' at Washing- 
 ton) aud JohnS. William J. Patterson was a life- 
 long Democrat in politics, and in religious connec- 
 tion was an elder in the Union Presbyterian Church 
 of Patterson's Mills until 1876, when he withdrew 
 from that body, and united with the Presbyterian 
 Church at Independence, this county, of which he 
 was also an elder. He died September 4, 1889, 
 followed by his widow January 28, 1892. 
 
 John S. Patterson was born July 12, 1860, on 
 the old Patterson homestead, where he remained, 
 assisting with the duties of the farm and mill until 
 he arrived at man's estate. His early education 
 was received at the common schools. He then took 
 a course at the Cross Creek Academy, and finally 
 graduated from Duff's Commercial College of Pitts- 
 burgh. On June 3, 1886, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Elizabeth Dunbar, daughter of 
 William Dunbar, a resident of Cross Creek town- 
 ship, this county. In political matters Mr. Patter- 
 son has followed in the footsteps of his forefathers, 
 and votes the straight Democratic ticket. He is 
 an honorable aud conscientious Christian gentle- 
 man, who well merits the esteem in which he is 
 universally held, and in religious faith is a mem 
 ber of and elder in the Presbyterian Church of 
 Cross Creek. 
 
 OBERT LAW PARK is descended from 
 Irish ancestry. His great grandfather, 
 Samuel Park, came from the North of Ire- 
 * land and settled in Lancaster county, Penn. 
 He afterward married Margaret Marshall, 
 who had crossed the ocean in the same ship, and 
 they had five children. 
 
 John Park, son of Samuel and Margaret, was 
 born December 18, 1758, and in 1777 came to 
 Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. In June. 
 1787, he married Sarah, daughter of Judge John 
 McDowell, who resided in North Strabane town- 
 ship, this county. Their children were ten in 
 number. John Park died May 31. 1832, and 
 Sarah, his wife, passed away April 6, 1857; their 
 remains lie in the Chartiers graveyard. 
 
 William Park, son of John and Sarah, was born 
 July 15, 1797, in Cecil township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. In 183] he bought, some 300 acres of land 
 in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. On 
 October 29, 1833, he was married to Jane Law, 
 and they had seven children. William Park en- 
 tered into his eternal rest November 6, 1870; Jane 
 his wife, survived hini till July 15, 1892; their re- 
 mains rest in the Centre graveyard. 
 
 Robert Law Park, sou of William and Jane, was 
 born May 11. 1817, and was married February 
 12, 1874,"to Mary McClelland. They, with their 
 two children, reside on a part of his father's origi- 
 nal purchase in Peters township. 
 
 BRAM ELLIOTT, one of the prosperous 
 and enterprising farmers of Morris town- 
 ship, was born April 20, 1817, near the 
 place where he now resides. William 
 Elliott, a native of Maryland, located near 
 the present residence of Abram Elliott, about three 
 miles west of Prosperity, in the early days of the 
 county. He reared a family of seven children, of 
 whom William Elliott, the father of Abram was 
 one. William Elliott, Jr., married Jemima Winget, 
 and to their union nineteen children were born, of 
 whom three sons and four daughters are living, as 
 follows: Luther, living near West Alexander; 
 William, living in Kansas; Mrs. Emeline Mont- 
 gomery, living in East Finley township; Mrs. Mar- 
 garet Montgomery, also living in East Finley town- 
 ship; Anne, also in East Finley township; Mrs. 
 Salviua Ashbrook, living in Morris township, and 
 Abram. 
 
 Abram Elliott was reared on his father's farm, 
 and his only education was received at the district 
 schools. At the age of seventeen he learned the 
 trade of cabinet-maker, at which he worked at 
 Washington, West Alexander, Monongahela City 
 and other places, for a number of years. For the 
 past twenty-five years however, he has given his 
 attention to his farm, where he was reared. He 
 was married in 1840 to Mary Ashbrook, who was 
 born in 1S15, a daughter of Simon Ashbrook, of 
 Buffalo township. To their union one child has 
 been born, Jemima, who was born August 24, 
 1843, and still makes her home with her parents. 
 Though not au active politician, Mr. Elliott is a 
 strict adherent to the principles of the Democratic 
 party. 
 
 If SAAC C. AILES, who is p member of one of 
 the oldest families of Pennsylvania, is of early- 
 Welsh ancestry. Stephen Ailes was born and 
 passed his whole life in Chester county, Penn., 
 where his son Amos was born in 1751, and grew 
 to manhood. In early life Amos Ailes was mar- 
 ried to Ann, daughter of Joseph Brown, a farmer 
 of Chester county, Penn., and soon after they came 
 to Washington county, locating on a tract of land 
 in East Pike Run township, which had then been 
 in the possession of Joseph Brown for about two 
 years. At the time Amos Ailes settled upon it, the 
 place was an unbroken wilderness, inhabited only 
 by wild beasts and wandering Indians. Two young 
 girls named Scott, were killed by the Redmen about 
 this time, and Mrs. Ailes shot a deer in her door- 
 yard soon after their arrival. In this wild forest 
 home children were born to these pioneers, and 
 reared, as follows: Joseph, Stephen, Aaron, Mary 
 (wife of Eli Gause), James, Sarah (wife of John 
 Wailes). Isaac and Amos. Mr. Ailes was a Whig 
 in politics, and in religion a member of the Society 
 of Friends. He died in February, 1835, and was 
 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 435 
 
 buried by the side of his wife in the Westland 
 cemetery in East Bethlehem township, Washing- 
 ton county. 
 
 Isaac Ailes was born March 21, 1794, on the 
 home farm in East Pike Run township, Washing- 
 ton county. He attended the Union school-house, 
 which was one of the first erected in East Pike 
 Run township, and built over a century ago. On 
 May 24, 1824, he was united in marriage with 
 Nancy, daughter of Nathan Coleman. Mr. Cole- 
 man was born and reared in eastern Maryland, 
 where he was married to Elizabeth Duncan. In 
 1802 they came to West Pike Run township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., and a few years later moved to 
 Ohio. Their children were Sophia (wife of Elisha 
 Mayhorn), Maria (married to Nathan Rice) and 
 Nancy (wife of Isaac Ailes). After theii mar- 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. Ailes settled on the home place 
 where they passed the rest of their lives. He was 
 a Whig and Republican, and in 1840 was elected 
 justice of the peace, holding that office until 1850, 
 also serving as'school director several years. He 
 was an energetic, enterprising man until rheumatism 
 compelled him to retire from active work and 
 spend the last twenty-eight years of his life an in- 
 valid. He died February 28, 1874, having been 
 preceded by his wife in August, 1872, and they 
 were buried in the home cemetery. Mrs. Ailes was 
 ;i devout Methodist, while Mr. Ailes was reared in 
 the Quaker faith. Their children were born as 
 follows: Ann ( wife of Samuel Sickman), Jane (mar- 
 ried to Wesley White), Matilda (wife of William 
 Stockdale), Isaac O, and Stephen H. (deceased). 
 
 Isaac C. Ailes was born December 4, 1834. in 
 East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and attended the home schools during his boyhood, 
 afterward taking charge of the home place. On 
 February 6, 1855, he was united in marriage with 
 Margaret M., daughter of Jacob Snyder, who was 
 a son of Nicholas Snyder. The latter was a native 
 of Westmoreland county, Penn., where he grew to 
 manhood, and was married to Eva Hough, who bore 
 him the following children: John, Jacob, Mary, 
 Charlotte (wife of Joseph Krepps), William, Henry, 
 Joseph, David, Louisa (wife of William Norcross), 
 James and Margaret (married to Harvey Seymour). 
 The father of this family was a Democrat in polit- 
 ical opinion, and in religious faith a member of 
 the Lutheran Church. Jacob Snyder was born in 
 1804, on the home place in Westmoreland county, 
 where he was reared and educated. He was mar- 
 ried to Hannah, daughter of Thomas Stockdale, a 
 native of Washington county, Penn., born Novem- 
 ber 15, 1808, and to their union were born eight 
 children, namely: Stockdale, Allen (deceased), Amy 
 A. (deceased), Margaret M. (wife of Isaac C. Ailes), 
 Charlotte (deceased), William, Louisa (wife of 
 Philip Smith) and Deborah A. (deceased wife of 
 Caleb Porter). Soon after his marriage Mr. Sny- 
 
 der moved to a farm in Fayette county, same 
 State, where the remainder of his life was passed. 
 Politically he voted with the Democratic party, and 
 in religion was a member of the Cumberland Pres- 
 byterian Church, of which he was an elder for 
 forty years. 
 
 Isaac C. and Margaret M. (Snyder) Ailes begau 
 wedded life on the home place in East Pike Run 
 township, where they are yet living. They have 
 had five children, as follows: Allen H. (married 
 Jenna A. Chester, March 21, 1877, and the same 
 year they moved to the State of Missouri ; she died 
 August 21, 1881, and he died November 21, same 
 year, leaving one son, Reuald, who, when about 
 two years old, was sent to his grandparents on the 
 home farm); Anson A. (married to Lizzie M. Ly- 
 tle, of Allegheny county, Penn., and they reside 
 on the home farm); Rilla A. (deceased); Irena (mar- 
 ried to James H. McCrory, and living on an ad- 
 joining farm; they have four sons: Ralph A., Al- 
 bert J., Clarence H. and Ira C. ); and Luella (re- 
 maining at home). Mr. Ailes is a stanch mem- 
 ber of the Republican party, and has served his 
 township {pr twelve years as township auditor. 
 He has been president of the California National 
 Bank since its first organization, August 6, 1891, 
 with William H. Binns as cashier. He is a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, giving it 
 liberal support, and has been Sunday-school super- 
 intendent at the Union schoolhouse near the 
 home place. 
 
 jjr- 1 ^ W. DODDS, an energetic and prosperous 
 
 |>rf7 young farmer of Donegal township, is a 
 
 PV, native of Washington county, Penn., born 
 
 \\ -^ September 12, 1858, in Independence, In- 
 
 V dependence township. 
 
 His grandfather, JohnDodds, was born in 1771. 
 in County Donegal, Ireland, and when but a mere 
 boy ran away to sea, first becoming an apprentice 
 on a British merchantman bound for India. He 
 followed a sailor life for some time, but at length 
 became tired of adventure, and when ashore one 
 day while his ship waB in the harbor of Philadel- 
 phia, he concluded to remain on land, and did so. 
 He afterward entirely abandoned li a life on the 
 ocean wave," and deciding that a home in the for- 
 est wilds offered superior attractions to " a home 
 on the rolling deep," he came west, walking the 
 entire distance from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, 
 Penn. On his arrival in the latter city he en- 
 gaged in the river trade with Malcolm Leech, 
 taking merchandise to New Orleans, which at that 
 time was a good market, the return journey to 
 Pittsburgh being made on foot. After steam 
 power was applied to river navigation, this practice 
 was abandoned, and he did but little in that busi- 
 ness after 1836. In 1818 John Dodds was united 
 
436 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 in marriage with Sarah McKeever, of West Middle- 
 town, Perm., who was born in 1797, and they had the 
 following children: Agnes (deceased), Thomas (de- 
 ceased), James, Margaret (widow of Lewis Ap- 
 plegate, of Brooke county, W. Va.), Mary Ann 
 (Mrs. William Dodds, of Washington, Iowa), 
 John (also living in Washington, Iowa), and 
 William deceased). Soon after his marriage Mr. 
 Dodds purchased the farm known as the "Old 
 Dodds homestead," lying two and one-half miles 
 south of Independence. In 1826 he moved to 
 West Middletown, in order to secure better edu- 
 cational opportunities for his children, but ten 
 years later he returned to the farm, and lived 
 a retired life. He was of a very generous dis- 
 position, and many poor Irish emigrants received 
 money from him to pay their passage to Amer- 
 ica. Among the number he brought a brother 
 and family from Ireland, and purchased a home 
 for them in Harrison county, Ohio. Politically 
 he was a Whig, and in religion a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1850; his 
 widow is now living with a daughter in Iowa, 
 almost a century having passed over he»head. 
 
 Jamas Dodds, father of subject, was born Feb- 
 ruary '26, 1822, on the farm in Independence town- 
 ship which is his present home. He received a 
 common-school education, working on the home 
 farm during his younger years. In 1848 he was 
 married to Elvira Vance, who was born in 1828, 
 daughter of James Vance, and they had three chil- 
 dren: James V. (residing in Independence town- 
 ship), Joseph C. (living at home), and R. W. Mr. 
 Dodds resided on the home farm in Independence 
 township for some time after his marriage; then 
 farmed two years in Brooke county, W. Va., and 
 afterward lived in Independence seven years, where 
 he was dealing in stock. In 1859 he purchased 
 the "home farm," upon which he is now living. 
 Mr. Dodds has traveled a great deal, and is a rep- 
 resentative man of his neighborhood. In politics 
 he is an active Republican, and has held various 
 township offices. 
 
 R. \Y. Dodds was brought from the village of 
 Independence to the old home farm in Independ- 
 ence township at an early age, and obtained a 
 common-school education at the schools of the 
 township, as well as the necessary experience for 
 the making of a prosperous farmer. On December 
 21, 1882, he was married to Laura Hair, who was 
 born November 7, I Mil. in Fayette county, Penn., 
 a daughter of Abraham Hair, of Donegal township, 
 and to their union t he following children were 
 born: Mary, Alma, Bertha M., Carrie and James 
 A. Mr. Dodds lived with his parents some time 
 after his marriage, and in 1SS7 purchased a part 
 of the "Dickey tract," located in Donegal town- 
 ship, about one and one-half miles south of Duns- 
 fort, near the West Virginia line. He has since 
 
 been engaged in general farming and stockraising. 
 He is a very progressive and energetic young agri- 
 culturist, sure to succeed in life. In political 
 opinions he is a Republican. 
 
 diOHN M. McILVAINE, a prominent farmer of 
 I Mt. Pleasant township, is descended from one 
 | of the earliest pioneers of Washington county. 
 He is a son of Guyau and Jane (Ferguson) 
 Mcllvaine, and a grandson of Greer and Eliza- 
 beth (Morrow) Mcllvaine. The last mentioned 
 couple were natives of Lancaster county, Penn., of 
 Irish descent, and were married in their native 
 county. Greer Mcllvaine, with his wife and brother 
 George, came to Washington county, Penn., in an 
 early day, and on May 20, 1788, took out a war- 
 rant for a tract of land in Somerset township con- 
 taining 407 acres. This was surveyed to him 
 February 11, 1789, as "Calydon." To Greer 
 and Elizabeth (Morrow) Mcllvaine were born the 
 following children: John. Guyan, Greer, George, 
 William, Andrew, Margaret (Mrs. William Den- 
 niston), Mary (Mrs. James Greenlee), Ruth (Mrs. 
 Joseph Moreton), Catherine (Mrs. Samuel Smith), 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. William Campbell), Esther (Mrs. 
 Thomas Carson). Ann (wife of Joseph Scott), and 
 Eleanor (married to David Scott). Greer Mcllvaine 
 and his wife were members of the old Pigeon Creek 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Guyan Mcllvaine was born about 1792, in Somer- 
 set township, this county, and was reared on the 
 home farm. He was first married to Jane Fergu- 
 son, who was also born in Somerset township, and 
 four children were born to this union: Lydia (widow 
 of John Phillips, living in Greene county, Penn.); 
 William Greer (married in Vicksburg. and died in 
 1882 at Memphis, Tenn.), Robert F. (living in 
 Rochester, Beaver Co., Penn.) and John M. (our 
 subject). The mother of these children died in 
 1823, and about 1830 Guyan Mcllvaine selected a 
 second wife in the person of Jane Bratton, a native 
 of Lancaster county, Penn. Their children were 
 Harvey (living in Kansas), Ann Eliza (wife of Will- 
 iam M. Campbell, of Cross Creek township), Joseph 
 Lawrence (an editor, residing in New Philadel- 
 phia, Ohio), Isabella (a maiden lady, living in Mt. 
 Pleasant township), Mary Esther (also unmarried), 
 Boyd (living in Illinois), James A. (living in Mt. 
 Pleasant- township, this county) and Martha Ellen 
 (wife of Harper Symonton, of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship). Guyan Mcllvaine followed agricultural pur- 
 suits all his life. He served as a soldier in the war 
 of L812. 
 
 John M. Mcllvaine was born in 1821, in Somerset 
 township, on the home farm. His boyhood was 
 passed in farm work, and in attending the schools 
 of the township and of Hickory village. He came 
 to Mt. Pleasant township at the age of fourteen 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 437 
 
 years. la 1856 he was married to Margaret Ann 
 Carter, daughter of William and Ann Carter, na- 
 tives of Scotland, who settled in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship in an early day, and there passed the rest of 
 their lives. 
 
 John M. and Margaret Ann (Carter) Mcllvaine 
 began their married life on a farm south of Hickory, 
 this county, where three children were born to them, 
 namely: Anna Jane, Maria Belle and William El- 
 mer (a carpenter, married to Miss Anna Leach, of 
 Smith township). The mother died in 1864. In 
 1 8>Sl Mr. Mcllvaine bought a farm of seventy-five 
 acres, which is in a prosperous condition. He is 
 active in politics, and casts his vote with the Re- 
 publican partv; at a special election held in Mav, 
 1842, he cast "his first vote for Thomas M. T. Mc- 
 Kennan for Congress, to fill-a vacancy caused by the 
 death of Joseph Lawrence. In religion he is con- 
 nected with the Presbyterian Church at Mount 
 Prospect. 
 
 d[OHN BIRCH. This venerable and justly 
 honored citizen of Claysville is a native of 
 | the Keystone State, born August 5, 1810, in 
 Cumberland county, near Shippensburgh. 
 John Birch, his paternal grandfather, was by 
 birth an Irishman, of Scotch descent. He early 
 learned the trade of a weaver, which he followed 
 nearly all his life, both in his native land and in 
 America, and for twelve years he served as a sol- 
 dier in the British army. He was married in his 
 native country to Miss Jane Bright, and the chil- 
 dren born to them were William, Valentine, James, 
 Jane, John, David, Thomas and Ann. In 1801 
 he came with his family to America, and made a 
 home in Cumberland county, Penn., for a short. 
 time; then came to Washington county, settling in 
 Amwell township, where he continued to follow 
 his trade of weaver to the day of his death. 
 
 William Birch, eldest son of the old pioneer, 
 was born in Belfast, Ireland, February 3, 1788, 
 where his early education was received. Coming 
 with the rest of the family to this country, as 
 above related, he completed his school training in 
 Cumberland county, Penn. In the course of time 
 he formed a partnership with a Mr. Campbell in 
 the manufacture of various kinds of cloth, in 
 which business he remained for several years. 
 While yet a young man he was married to Eliza- 
 beth Mitchell, who was born in 1791, in Cumber- 
 land, county, Penn., a daughter of John Mitchell, 
 a Scotch-Irishman, who came to this country about 
 1760, and the children born to this union were 
 John, Mary, William, David, George Bright, 
 Thomas L., Drusilla, Margaret J., Mitchell, Joseph 
 and Elizabeth. Mr. Birch and family in 1818 
 emigrated from Cumberland county to Washington 
 county, locating on a small farm in Amwell town- 
 
 ship for a couple of years, and then moving to the 
 farm now occupied by W. C. Ramsey, in Canton 
 township, on which they remained four years. 
 From there they came to Buffalo township, where 
 they resided ten years, and from here proceeded, 
 in 1835, to Holmes county, Ohio, where he lived 
 until the death of Mrs. Birch, which occurred in 
 1844, when the bereaved husband went to Fulton 
 county, 111., thence to Birmingham, Van Buren Co., 
 Iowa, where he died April 20, 1879. Politically 
 he was on Old-time Whig, and in religion a Pres- 
 byterian. 
 
 The boyhood and early youth of John Birch were 
 passed on the home place in Cumberland county 
 and in Canton township, this county, in the sub- 
 scription schools of which latter he received his 
 education. At the age of sixteen he was appren- 
 ticed to Jacob Sharp, a tanner, with whom he 
 remained four years, at the expiration of which 
 time he commenced as a journeyman, working 
 nearly a year for Mr. Sharp. He then, in 1832, 
 came to Claysville, and here entered the employ of 
 a tanner; but it was not long before he commenced 
 on his own account by starting a tannery in that 
 borough, which he operated for fifty years with 
 every success. On May 5, 1835, he was married 
 to Harriet Reed, who was born in Amwell township, 
 Washington county, October 15, 1815, daughter 
 of James Reed, and by this union were the follow- 
 ing children: George W. F., born March 26, 1837 
 (was educated at Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 lege, and is now a Presbyterian minister in New 
 York City); Francis A., born April 26, 1840, died 
 September 13, 1863 (also educated at Washington 
 and Jefferson College); William T., born Septem- 
 ber 2. 1842, died February 4, 1864; Edward P., 
 born February 1, 1845, died 1847; Henry B.,boru 
 January 9, 1849; John M. , born July 7, 1851 (was 
 educated at Washington and Jefferson College); 
 Elizabeth M., born June 1, 1854 (married to Rev. 
 J. J. McCarrell, of McKeesport, Penn.); Thomas 
 F., born May 18, 1856 (educated at Washington 
 and Jefferson College), and Harriet J., born Janu- 
 ary 9, 1860 (married to Frank T. Wray, a druggist 
 of Apollo, Armstrong Co., Penn.). The mother 
 of this family died June 14, 1877, and on February 
 28, 1882, Mr. Birch was united in marriage at 
 Beaver Falls, Penn, with Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Dr. Samuel P. Todd, who was born February 24, 
 1792, in New York. He studied for the medical 
 profession at Schenectady, N. Y. , and commenced 
 practice in New York, proving an able and suc- 
 cessful physician. He was married to Susan, 
 daughter of Aaron Kerr, a native of New Jersey, 
 and she bore him eight children. Dr. Todd was a 
 member and warm supporter of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and in politics he was an active Whig. 
 
 Mr. Birch has always been a strong Democrat, 
 and has served with commendable zeal in various 
 
i:;s 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 positions of trust. His first office was that of jus- 
 tice of the peace, to which he was four times re- 
 elected; in 1848 lie was elected county commis- 
 sioner, serving three years; in I860 he was one of 
 the census enumerators; in 1875 be was Dominated 
 and elected representative, to the State Legislature, 
 receiving a flattering majority of over one hundred 
 votes in a Republican county. Mr. Birch and his 
 family art« members of the Presbyterian Church, 
 of which he has been trustee and a liberal sup- 
 poller for years. 
 
 li J AT11AN ROSEBTJRG TANNEHILL, a 
 
 \J prominent fanner and stock raiser of Char 
 Al tiers township, and breeder of -Registered 
 I -' National Delaine Merino sheep and Regis 
 v tered Jersey cattle, was horn October L3, 
 
 is 17, in Chartiers township on the farm where he 
 now resides, and in the same house where he and his 
 children live and were born. 
 
 His grandparents, John and Catherine Tanne 
 hill were natives of County Antrim, Ireland. John 
 Tannehill, in company with three brothers — Nathan, 
 Adamson and James came from Ireland to this 
 country, and were soldiers in the war of the Revo- 
 I hi ion. John settled in Washington county and 
 here dying was buried in Oak Spring cemeterj in 
 Chartiers township. 
 
 Nathan Tannehill, father of Nathan Roseburg 
 Tannehill, was born near Miller's run, some two 
 and one-half miles from Noblestown, and received 
 his education in the common schools of the dis- 
 trict. On February '-!C>, 1828, he was married to 
 Jane Orr, and April li, following, they moved to the 
 old homestead farm in Chartiers township, where 
 they passed the remainder of their useful lives, 
 
 and where their children, nine in number, were 
 born as follows: Nancy, September 2, L829 (she 
 married Robert Sample, and they live in Washing- 
 ton, Penn.); Mary Ann, July 27, 1832 (died Octo- 
 ber 11, 1833), Jane. January 8, L834 (widow of 
 Mosi's McKeag, and residing in Washington, 
 Penn.); John Orr, January 25, L836 (married 
 Maria Wilson, and they live at West Alexander, 
 Donegal township, this county); Mary Ann, May 31, 
 1838 (married Robert G. Taylor, and died in 
 L876); James. September 24, L840 (resides near 
 Canonsburg, Penn.); Nathan R., May L6, 1844 
 i.lied November L2, 1844); Nathan R. (subject 
 of these lines), and Emeline, June 17, 1850 (she 
 died September 15, 1851). The father of this 
 family, who was a prominent, man in his township, 
 died September IS, I S7S, in the eighty-seventh 
 
 year of his age. the mother following him across 
 the dark river .May 2, 1880, when in her seventy- 
 fifth year. 
 
 Nathan R. Tannehill was educated in the com- 
 mon schools, and graduated from Duff's Business 
 
 College, in Pittsburgh, Penn. He was married No- 
 vember 7, 1S77, to Miss Mary C. Sample, who was 
 born in West Fililey township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., a daughter of Robert and Mary Elizabeth 
 (Burns) Sample, both also natives of West Fin- 
 ley township. Robert Sample was a son of David 
 Sample, who came from County Deny, Ireland, 
 and settled in what is now West Finley township, 
 this county. Elizabeth (Burns) Sample was a 
 daughter of David Burns, who was a son of Robert 
 and Catherine (Sutherland) Burns, latter a daugh- 
 ter of George Sutherland, and both of whom were 
 over seventy years of age at the time of their death. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Nathan It. Tannehill after their 
 marriage took up their permanent home on the 
 farm in Chartiers township, which was willed him 
 by his father. They have three children: Robert 
 Nathan, born November II, 1880; James Smiley, 
 born July -1, 1883, and Newton Alexander, born 
 September 23, 1886. The parents are members 
 of the Chartiers U. P. Church at Canonsburg. 
 Mr. Tannehill is a member of the National Delaine 
 Merino Sheep Association, and is recognized as a 
 leader among the agriculturists and stock breeders 
 of the county. He owns 1S,"> acres of well culti- 
 vated land L12 in one tract and seventy-three in 
 another. In his political affiliations he is a stanch 
 Republican. 
 
 DAVID HIGBEE. The earliest ancestors of 
 | the Higbee family in America were two 
 I brothers, who left Eugland about 1680, ac- 
 companied by an aged father who died on 
 the passage. The brothers, with their families, 
 settled on Long Island. They had left England 
 un account of religious persecution, and they be- 
 longed to the class called Puritans or Nonconform- 
 ists. Two sons of one of these brothers settled in 
 New Jersey, one, named Peter, near New Bruns- 
 wick, and the other, whose name was Abijah. near 
 Princeton. 
 
 Peter Higbee was born about 1690, and married 
 about 1721. He had seven sons and one daughter. 
 of whom five sons died early; the surviving sons 
 were named Obadiah and Abijah. Obadiah was 
 born in 1732, and was married to Anna Brown 
 November 13, I Tl'i'J. He settled in New Jersey, 
 and, as also his father, was a farmer. He had no 
 son old enough to do military duty during the con- 
 tinuance of the Revolutionary war, but two young 
 men raised by him entered the army and did good 
 service, while he acted at times as a courier for the 
 Continental armies. In 1784 he sold his farm in 
 New Jersey, and moved to Washington county. 
 Penn. Wishing to look around before purchasing, 
 he rentod from Henry Magner a farm near what is 
 now called Finleyville, formerly Rogue Alley. He 
 had accepted, in a large measure, Continental 
 
In 
 
 * 
 
 q/iau& f& ' ck^ce^-^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 441 
 
 currency for his New Jersey farm, and this became 
 worthless before he purchased, entailing a very 
 serious loss, and making it necessary for him to 
 rent for some years. Nothing daunted, he perse- 
 vered, and in about ten years was able to buy a 
 farm in Allegheny county, near Castle Shannon. 
 
 Obadiah and Anna Higbee had eleven children, 
 six sons and five daughters, their names and dates 
 of birth being as follows: Mary, December 1, lTtil; 
 Sarah, February 12, 1707; Abigail. July 1, 1769; 
 Stephen, July 5, 1771; Joseph, November 25, 1773; 
 Benjamin, April 11, 1776; Rhoda, January I, L779; 
 Wiliiam, January 7, 1781; Obadiah, February 1 I, 
 L782; Anna, June 1, 1786; Samuel, March 29, 
 1791. Of this family all lived to have families 
 of their own, except William, who died in his first 
 year. Mary and Sarah remained in New Jersey at 
 their grandfather's (Mary married Edward liiggs, 
 and moved to Allegheny county, Penn., near Li- 
 brary; Sarah married Abijah Applegate, and lived 
 near Heightstown, N. J. , where numerous descend- 
 ants are still to be found); Abigail married Major 
 Edward Wright, and settled in Lawrence county, 
 Penn., near Mt. Jackson; Stephen settled near 
 Warren, Trumbull Co., Ohio; Joseph remained on 
 the old homestead, which is still owned by his son 
 James; Benjamin settled near Finleyville, Wash- 
 ington Co. , Penn., where he died at an advanced 
 age, leaving a numerous family (some of his de- 
 scendants occupy a part of his old farm yet); 
 Rhoda married a Mr. Hull, and settled on the 
 Shenango river in Mercer county, Penn. ; Anna mar- 
 ried Mr. Fletcher, and settled in southern Ohio; 
 Samuel settled in southern Ohio. 
 
 Obadiah Higbee, son of Obadiah and Anna Hig 
 bee, married Sarah Phillips, daughter of Joseph 
 Phillips Esq., who came from Wales. They set- 
 tled in Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn., eight miles from Pittsburgh, and they had 
 eleven children, five sons and six daughters: (1) 
 Jesse, the oldest son, born August 18, 1808, and 
 still living in Iowa, had eight children — six living 
 and two dead; three live in Iowa, one in Missouri 
 and two in Kansas. (2) John, born February 4, 
 1810, died in 1832 leaving no family. (3) Joseph 
 P., born May 23, 1812, settled on a part of his 
 father's farm, which he occupied until his death, 
 September 25, 1892; he had four children — one 
 son and three daughters; his son John is an active 
 partner of the firm of Bryce, Higbee & Co., largely 
 engaged in glass manufacturing, Pittsburgh, Penn. ; 
 two daughters also survive him: Mrs. Kelso and 
 Mrs. Lesnett. (4) Anne Higbee. born August IN, 
 1814, married Samuel Blackmore, grandson of 
 Samuel Blackmore, one of the pioneer settlers of 
 Washington county; one daughter survives them, 
 Mrs. Galley. (5) Mary, born August 25, IS Hi, 
 married Josiah Phillips, a grandson of Rev. David 
 Phillips, the first pastor of Peters Creek Baptist 
 
 Church; Josiah' s death occurred about one year 
 after their marriage; one daughter survives him; 
 about eight years later the widow married James 
 Boyer, a son of one of the pioneers of Washington 
 county. (6) Obadiah, born December 21, 1818, 
 married Eliza Riggs, and after a short stay in 
 Pennsylvania settled on a farm in Iowa, near Iowa 
 (it\. where he lived up to within three or four 
 years of his death, when lie moved into Iowa City, 
 remaining there until his death, which occurred 
 March 11. 1890; he had five children: Caroline, D. 
 Webster, Sarah, Obadiah F. and Lizzie, all living 
 but Caroline. (D. Webster is a prominent lawyer 
 of Iowa; Obadiah F. is a physician of more than 
 ordinary ability residing at Sliireoaks, Union 
 township. Washington Co., Penn.); (7) Sarah, born 
 December 10, 1823, married Richard Phillips, and 
 they had seven children, viz. : Obadiah H. and Alex- 
 ander C. , preachers of the Gospel in the Church of 
 Christ; three daughters married, viz. : Mary E. 
 Phillips, Sarah A. Wood and Abigail Lightcap, 
 
 and two children deceased, Ettie and . (S) 
 
 Abigail, born May 28, 1 S '-'T. married N. S. Gay. 
 of New York, and they live on a plantation in east- 
 ern Virginia, near Spottsylvania C. H. ; they have 
 three children living and married, viz.: Amy E. 
 Pendleton, Sarah H. Wilson and Mary B. Smith; 
 two sous are deceased — Obadiah and George. (9) 
 Elizabeth, born August 12, 1830, married Hilery 
 T. King, of Illinois, near Moro, where they lived 
 for some time on a farm, thence removing to Davis 
 county, Iowa, where she died October 30, 1886, 
 leaving three sons: Obadiah H. , Ulyssus Grant and 
 William, the two former being preachers of the 
 Gospel. (KM Susannah was born December 20, 
 1833, and died in 1835. 
 
 (11) David Higbee was born October 1, 1821. 
 His schooling commenced in a log school-house 
 furnished with slab benches, and boards resting on 
 pins driven into the wall served as writing desks; 
 teachers were paid by subscription and boarded 
 around among the patrons. He attended public 
 school after that system was introduced, also 
 Bethel Academy for a time. After teaching school 
 a short time, he took charge of his father's farm. 
 He lived with and took care of his parents up to 
 the time of their death, his mother dying January 
 17, 18(55, and his father June 6, 1866. He was 
 married November 13, 1851, to Elizabeth, daugh- 
 ter of Samuel and Mary Boyer, and they had four 
 children: Marv, Sarah, Anna Elizabeth and Oba- 
 diah Carson. Of these, Sarah (now Mrs. Scholes) 
 and Obadiah Carson are living, the others being 
 dead. The mother of these children died July 23, 
 1862, and on August 30, 1865, Mr. Higbee was 
 married to Lucinda B. Boyer, and removed to 
 Peters township, Washington Co., Penn.. March 0, 
 1867, where he still lives. By his second wife he 
 had six children, all still living, their names in the 
 
442 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 order of their birth being: Elizabeth B., John 
 Newton, Delia L., Ella Dora, Amy V. and David. 
 A small part of the early portion of this history is 
 traditional, but as Mary Higbee alias Mary Riggs, 
 with whom the writer was intimately acquainted, 
 lived for some years in the family of her grand- 
 father, Peter Higbee, who was a son of one of the 
 brothers who came to this country from England, 
 it will be seen that the mediums of communica- 
 tion are few and direct. The Higbees, especially 
 the earlier generations, were tall, active and long- 
 lived. Their occupation generally was farming, 
 and the majority of them were Baptists. 
 
 The business of the subject of this sketch has 
 been farming and stockraising (principally sheep). 
 In politics he was first a Whig and Anti-Mason. 
 He was a deeply interested observer of the forma- 
 tion of the Republican party, attended as a spec- 
 tator its first National Convention, approved its 
 principles, has given the party his support, and is 
 proud of its general record. At the age of seven- 
 teen he united with an infant Church of Christ 
 (Disciples), now known as the Peters Creek Church 
 of Christ, which church had been organized two 
 years previous (1830). With six members it met 
 in a private house until the fall of 1839, when the 
 Church commenced worshiping in a brick meeting- 
 house just completed by it. It became necessary 
 to rebuild in 1858. With this Church he wor- 
 shiped about fifty years, during about forty years 
 of which time he was an elder. From 1882 to 
 1888 a most determined effort was made to intro- 
 duce into this Church what were usually termed 
 "progressive views and practices." The effort 
 was only too successful. Many were leavened 
 with the new doctrines. Those opposed to these 
 innovations, as subversive of the faith and practice 
 of the Church, became objects of abuse and slan- 
 der. Strife ensued. The subject of this sketch 
 being an elder, and unyielding in his opposition to 
 a new order of things, was particularly the subject 
 of these attacks, which resulted in an effort to re- 
 move him from the eldership and finally led to the 
 withdrawal of himself and family and a number of 
 others from the Church. He claims for himself to 
 
 I pen to conviction on every important subject 
 
 coming before him, but nothing but convincing 
 evidence will satisfy him. Fidelity to principle, 
 pnd a conscientious discharge of duty — these have 
 been, in an eminent degree, the characteristics of 
 his ancestors, running through five generations up 
 to our Puritan ancestry. May we not claim it as 
 the potent effect of their transmitted blood? 
 
 If the Higbee family, among the pioneer families 
 of this county, with their descendants, have con- 
 tributed in any measure in bringing in the present 
 advanced, enlightened, civilized and religious state 
 of society of which this biographical history is to 
 be a record, it is because of deep convictions of 
 
 right, and a courage " to do their duty as they saw 
 it." This is the legacy they would leave behind 
 them and commend to those coming after. 
 
 [Mr. Higbee has furnished his portrait and biographical 
 sketch for insertion in this work on the assurance of 
 the biographer that he was selected as one among the 
 representative men of Peters township. 
 
 I 
 
 H. DENNISON. Among the progressive 
 wide-awake, and prosperous agriculturists 
 of Donegal township, the name of this 
 gentleman is very prominent. He is a son 
 of James S., whose father, Thomas Dennison, was 
 a native of Ireland, and was united in marriage 
 with a lady of Scotch birth. The young couple 
 immigrated to America soon after their marriage, 
 locating in the Shenandoah Valley, Va. , and three 
 children were born to them, viz. : Maria, wife of 
 Washington Bennett, a prominent iron manufact- 
 urer, of Wheeling, W. Va. ; Thomas, living in Ohio, 
 and James S. , father of our subject. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Dennison passed the remainder of their lives 
 in Virginia, and died there at an advanced age. 
 
 James S. Dennison was born in 1801, in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, Va., and there received his 
 early training in farm work, obtaining an educa- 
 tion, which, though of the usual primitive log- 
 cabin type, afforded a basis for the general infor- 
 mation and practical knowledge of his riper years. 
 When a young man he came to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating in Claysville, where he became 
 acquainted with, and was married to Mrs. Catherine 
 (Stevenson) King, widow of William King. By 
 her first marriage Mrs. King had one son, W. C. 
 (now cashier of the National Bank of Claysville, 
 Penn). She was born in 1803, and was the 
 daughter of Hon. James Stevenson, a member of 
 one of the oldest and best families of Washington 
 county. He was a prominent pioneer settler of 
 Donegal township, and a soldier in the war of the 
 Revolution. He died in Harrisburg, Penn., while 
 a member of the Legislature. To Mr. and Mrs. James 
 S. Dennison were born the following children: 
 James (living in Claysville, Washington Co., Penn. ). 
 Jane E., John (a saddler and harness-maker, now 
 farming in Warren county, 111.), Eldridge (residing 
 in Claysville) and E. H. Mr. Dennison resided a 
 short time after his marriage on the farm now 
 owned by his son E. H. He afterward began the 
 hotel business in Claysville, thence moving to 
 Uniontown, Fayette Co., Penn., where he was 
 engaged in business until his tragic death in 1851. 
 This sad event occurred when on a business trip 
 to Brownsville. He was thrown from the stage upon 
 which he was riding, receiving injuries which soon 
 resulted fatally. Politically he was a Democrat, 
 but not an active politician, and was respected by 
 all who knew him. After the death of her husband, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 443 
 
 Mrs. Dennison returned to Donegal township, 
 Washington county, and located on the "Old 
 Stevenson" tract, lying one mile west of Claysville, 
 which was part of a vast amount of land once 
 owned by Hon. James Stevenson. Mrs. Dennison 
 was a consistent member of the Presbyterian 
 Church for many years, and was a very popular 
 lady. She continued to reside on the farm until 
 her death, which occurred October 7, 1889. 
 
 E. H. Dennison was born July 4, 1840, in Done- 
 gal township, in the same house which is his 
 present home, and received a common-school edu- 
 cation. His father died when he was a mere boy, 
 but this event did not impede his progress in life, 
 for the instructions of his mother almost compen- 
 sated for the loss of the father. In 1808 he was 
 united in marriage with Salena Reed, who was 
 born January 5, 1845, daughter of Rev. William 
 Reed, D. D., an eminent Presbyterian divine of 
 western Ohio. The following children were born 
 to this union: Katherine, Edith, Joseph D., Harry 
 ( '.. William R. and Edwin H., all of whom are 
 living with their parents, the eldest daughter being 
 employed as a stenographer in Washington, Penn. 
 Mr. Dennison has always lived on the place of his 
 birth, which is situated one mile west of Claysville, 
 along the National Pike, and is an exceptionally 
 desirable location. He is a farmer and is exten- 
 sively engaged in stock dealing, having made a 
 success of the latter business by shrewd and skilful 
 management, combined with fair and honest deal- 
 ing. Much credit is due to this enterprising and 
 public-spirited citizen for the success with which 
 he has conducted both his own affairs, and the 
 business which others have intrusted to his care. 
 Mr. Dennison is ever interested in any movement 
 tending to advance the interests of the community, 
 and in politics is a Democrat. He and his wife, a 
 deservedly popular lady, are members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 cember 24, 1814. Mr. Chester affiliated with the 
 Whig and Republican parties, and served in many 
 local offices. Mrs. Chester died November 8, 1872, 
 leaving the following children: Joseph W. (who 
 died in 1873 in Vernon county, Mo.), John A. 
 (living in Moundville, Vernon Co., Mo.), Elizabeth 
 Ann (deceased at the age of eight .years), J. J. 
 (born July 3, 1847), James Harvey (deceased in 
 1875, in Allen township), Margaret Ann (deceased 
 wife of Irvin McKenna, of Fayette City), Jane A. 
 (deceased wife of Allen Ailes, of Columbus, Kans.) 
 S. T. (whose name opens this sketch) and Fremont, 
 (born July 4, 1857, died February 20, 1865). Af- 
 ter the mother of these children died, S. A. Ches- 
 ter married Mary Stevenson, who is now living in 
 Fayette county, Penn. He died March 15, 1888. 
 S. T. Chester was born March 8, 1853, in Allen 
 township, Washington county, and has continued 
 to reside on the old place. In June, 1879, he made 
 choice of a life companion in the person of Ollie J. 
 daughter of O. D. and Mary (Allen) Latta, all of 
 whom were natives of Allen township, this county, 
 where the father cjiecl, Mrs. Latta making her 
 home with Mrs. Chester. Mr. and Mrs. Chester 
 have always resided on the homestead, which con- 
 tains 177 acres of well-cultivated land, equipped 
 with two substantial brick edifices. He has made 
 a specialty of raising blooded stock, having a num- 
 ber of fine driving and draft horses of Clyde, Nor- 
 man and Ethan Allen breed, also a fine grade 
 of Alderney and Shorthorn cattle. In political 
 opinions he advocates the principles embodied in 
 the Republican platform. Mrs. Chester is a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mount 
 Tabor, and the sympathies of Mr. Chester are the 
 same. They have four children, namely : Charley 
 L., Montie Ray, Harry and Ralph. 
 
 T. CHESTER. Among the prominent agri- 
 culturists of Allen township, none are more 
 deserving of special mention than the pros- 
 perous gentleman whose name has from an 
 early time been associated with the best interests 
 of Washington county. 
 
 Many years ago Joseph and Elizabeth Chester, 
 natives of eastern Pennsylvania, came to Washing- 
 ton county, and there made a home on a tract of 
 land which he patented. Among the children born 
 to this pioneer couple, one son is named S. A., 
 whose brothers were Morrison, now residing in 
 Guernsey county, Ohio, and Benjamin, who died 
 in California. S. A. Chester was born August 18, 
 1818, on the home place in Allen township, Wash- 
 ington county. He was there married to Margaret 
 Jackman, who was born on the home farm De- 
 
 / 
 
 Hi UGH M. GLASS is one of the most enter- 
 prising and prosperous young agriculturists 
 of Robinson township, and is, as are so 
 many of our thrifty and successful citizens, 
 a descendant of Irish ancestors. His grand- 
 father Samuel Glass, came from Ireland and settled 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., where he was soon 
 afterward united in marriage with a Miss Stewart, 
 of the same place, who bore him eight children, 
 four of whom are now living, namely: William, 
 Hannah (Mrs. Stewart), Elizabeth (Mrs. Cubbage) 
 and Sarah Ann (Mrs. Logan). 
 
 William Glass was born November 9, 1811, in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., growing to manhood on 
 the home place. He was then married to Miss 
 Sarah McCurdy, who was born in the year 1817, 
 also a native of Allegheny county, and daughter of 
 Andrew McCurdy, a prominent farmer of that 
 vicinity. To William and Sarah (McCurdy) Glass, 
 nine children were born, of whom are now living: 
 
444 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Spears), Samuel S., Hugh M., 
 Letitia J. (Mrs. McCormick), Rocsa Leuia and 
 Emma Leah. Mr. Glass has owned 340 acres of 
 land, but since becoming advanced in years has 
 disposed of the greater part of his real estate, 
 having retained a farm of ninety-six acres upon 
 which he is now residing. He has been a member 
 of Session of the U. P. Church for forty years. In 
 politics he was formerly a Democrat, then joined 
 the Know-nothing party, finally becoming a Re- 
 publican, being now identified with the latter 
 party. He has served in various capacities, having 
 been tax-collector over twenty years, and school 
 director forty years. 
 
 Hugh M. Glass was born April 8, 1843, and 
 passed his youth in attending the common schools 
 of the home neighborhood. On December 30, 1863, 
 he entered the army, enlisting in Young's Inde- 
 pendent Battery, where he remained until the 
 summer of 1865, then receiving his discharge from 
 the hospital by the War Department. After the 
 war he returned to Allegheny county, and on 
 December 9, 1869, was united in marriage with 
 Miss Evaliue Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Glass lived on a 
 part of the old place for twenty years after their 
 marriage. They then purchased 170 acres of good 
 land in Washington county, Penn., where they are 
 now living. Their children are Albert P., born 
 September 26, 1870; Samuel J., born March 1, 
 1873; William H, born June 10, 1877; Robert J., 
 born September 20, 1881, and Sarah E., born 
 March 31, 1884. Mr. Glass votes the Republican 
 ticket, and in church connection is a member of the 
 Robinson United Presbyterian Church, of which he 
 is treasurer. 
 
 RS. BYRON PAINTER. Thomas Stock- 
 ton died at Mercersburg, Penn., May 31, 
 1795, aged about eighty six years. He 
 had lived near Chambersburg with his 
 son Robert, and was an elder in the 
 Presbyterian Church. In his will he mentions his 
 children: Thomas, John, David and Robert, 
 Elizabeth Waddell, Isabella Neilson, Mary Bard 
 and Margaret Johnson. 
 
 Robert Stockton, his son, was born in 1737, and 
 was married in 1701 to Mary Makemie. He was 
 an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Rocky 
 Spring, near Chambersburg, Penn., and served 
 in the Revolutionary war with a company formed 
 from that church, with their pastor, the Rev. John 
 Craighead. After the war, in 1784, he emigrated 
 to Washington, Penn., and in July purchased 340 
 acres of land of Peter Jolly, named in the survey 
 "Beaver Dam." It is situated in Franklin town- 
 ship, three and one-half miles west of Washington, 
 and still occupied by his descendants. He was 
 one of the four elders of the Presbyterian Church 
 
 when organized, and the first delegate to the Pres- 
 byterian at old Redstone. His children were 
 Thomas, married to Sarah Graham; Margaret, 
 married to Col. John Cotton; Francis, married to 
 Charles Stewart; Jane, married to Rev. John 
 Brice; Col. Robert, married to Miss Gallion; John, 
 married to Margaret McCombs; Rev. Joseph, 
 married to Esther Clark, and Elizabeth, married 
 to Rev. James Cunningham. 
 
 • In colonial times, about the middle of the 
 eighteenth century, when the country about the 
 base of the Kittatinny Mountains was yet a 
 primeval forest, James Clark, from the North of 
 Ireland, took up a tract of 220 acres of Government 
 land, to which he gave the appropriate name of 
 "Clark's Fancy," in accordance with a custom of 
 the times. This tract embraced the land upon 
 which the town of Upper Strasburg was subse- 
 quently built. In 1787 he received a patent for 
 his lauds. from the Supreme Executive Council of 
 Pennsylvania, in which it is described under the 
 title already specified. In 1787 the State madi> a 
 public road over the mountain through "Clark's 
 Gap," and some of the broad stones with which it 
 was built are yet visible below the mountain near 
 Strasburg. Clark sold part of his tract to Dewalt 
 Keefer, by whom the town of Strasburg was laid 
 out in 1789. James Clark came to America with 
 his brother Thomas, who settled in one of the 
 Southern States (probably Georgia), and Mrs. 
 Myra Clark Gaines was a descendant of Thomas. 
 James Clark purchased a large tract of land near 
 where the city of Harrisburg now stands, after he 
 arrived in this country. Here he settled and 
 married a Miss Nancy Reed, of Lancaster, Penn. 
 Afterward he settled at " Clark's Fancy," then 
 purchased a large tract of valuable land lying 
 south of the town of Mercersburg, where he died. 
 He was buried in the Slate Hill cemetery, located 
 about a mile east of Mercersburg, a short distance 
 from the turnpike. In 1789 this pioneer visited 
 Washington, Penn., and purchased a 400-acre 
 tract styled the "Big Level," a 300-acre tract at 
 Candor, and in Canton township and Clark's 
 Mills, for his children. David married Hannah 
 Baird; Thomas married Jane Caldwell; John mar- 
 ried Miss McDowell, and all settled in Washing 
 ton county. James married Mary Murry, and 
 remained on the home farm at Mercersburg. 
 
 =* OBERT WYLIE (or better known as "Bob 
 ^/y Wylie, the wool buyer"), the subject of this 
 
 'Bob 
 
 lis 
 sketch, is of Scotch-Irish descent. His an- 
 cestors were known as leaders in the ref- 
 ormation of the Church of Scotland, and 
 several of them were banished from Scotland and 
 Ireland for their adherence to the principles of 
 the new Church. His grandfather, Robert Wylie, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 447 
 
 was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1743, and 
 came to America with several of his half-brothers 
 about 1761. They first stopped in the east, and 
 further west, at Thompsontown, on the Juniata 
 river, he married, about the close of war of the 
 Revolution, Jane Thompson, daughter of John 
 Thompson, and sister to Col. William Thompson 
 and Capt. Isaac Thompson, of the Revolutionary 
 army. 
 
 About 1780, with his wife, he came west to 
 Washington county, and took up a tract of 600 
 acres of land (the main body of which is now 
 owned and occupied by the four sons of the late 
 David McClay, of Canton township), and on this 
 land he built a log house in which he lived for 
 some years, or until about 1800, when be put up 
 the stone house which still stands, and is the pres- 
 ent dwelling of Samuel McClay. Through this 
 farm was the main Indian trail from the west to 
 the dwelling of the great Chief Catfish, whose 
 cabin stood on the bank of Catfish creek, at the 
 foot of what is now Main street in Washington. 
 (A chief watering place was a spring on this farm, 
 where the wandering Indian always stopped to 
 quench his thirst). He built a trade mill and dis- 
 tillery, thus opening a market for the grain 
 raised in the neighborhood ; he was also 
 largely interested in salting pork for many years; 
 later he started a wagon train, hauling products 
 east, principally to Baltimore. He was a member 
 of the Associate Reformed Church, and for many 
 years an elder in the church at North Buffalo. In 
 the burying ground around this old church his 
 and his wife'B remains lie at rest. Their family 
 consisted of three sons — Robert, William and 
 John — and five daughters — Ann (Brownlee), Jane 
 (Humphreys), Sarah (Hodgens), Elizabeth (Moore) 
 and Mary (Crotheis). Many of the descendants 
 of his daughters reside in Washington county and 
 eastern Ohio. John Wylie married and settled in 
 Ohio, where he became a successful stock dealer 
 and farmer; William and Robert remained at home 
 until 1834, when William sold his interest in the 
 home farm to Robert; later, Robert sold the farm 
 to David McClay and Bros., and soon followed his 
 old partner in business, John Garrett (they having 
 been associated together for several years in a 
 store at West Middletown), to Baltimore, Md., 
 where he acquired a considerable fortune. He died 
 in 1N72, unmarried. 
 
 William Wylie, father of Robert Wylie, Jr., 
 was born on the old Wylie farm, September 25, 
 1800, and received a good education, having at- 
 tended Washington College several terms. In 
 1820 he was married to Mary, daughter of James 
 Clark, of Hopewell township, and after marriage 
 he remained on the home farm four years, having 
 in the meantime built a frame residence a short 
 distance from the old stone house. In 1834, three 
 
 years after the death of his father, he moved to 
 the Razor Town farm of 210 acres, which he had 
 purchased a year or two before. Razor Town, 
 from which the farm took its name, was a village 
 of twenty-six houses and cabins, with one good- 
 sized tavern having a dozen rooms, and a blacksmith 
 shop, race-course, etc. This point was known as a 
 horse-trading post, and from the fact that many 
 sharp deals were made there the place took the name 
 of "Razor Town." William, thinking that creditable 
 neighbors could not dwell in such houses, immedi- 
 ately set about to remove them, and in a few years 
 the little town passed out of existence. On the 
 spot where the old tavern stood he put up a set of 
 weigh scales, which continued in use until 1878; 
 he built the present farm house, and occupied it 
 until his death in 1877. His occupation was that 
 of a farmer, and for many years he killed and 
 salted about 1,000 hogs annually at his home. He 
 was also. a stock dealer (buying stock in West 
 Virginia and Ohio), driving it east to Philadelphia 
 and New York, and strange to say he never made 
 but one trip over the mountains with his stock, as he 
 trusted them to employes until his son Robert was 
 old enough to take charge of them, which he did 
 at a very early age. In partnership with his 
 brother-in-law, David Clark, he owned and kept a 
 general store for fifteen years in what is now known 
 as the "Howe building" on Main street, Wash- 
 ington, between Chestnut and Beau streets. He 
 hoped to make a store keeper of his son Robert, 
 but the latter strongly objected to being tied down 
 so closely to business. He sold the store in about 
 1849. He also dealt in wool, and in 1845 he built 
 the frame warehouse on West Chestnut street, 
 which is now occupied by R. Wylie & Sons, in the 
 same business. William Wylie was a member of 
 church for fifty years, first at North Buffalo and 
 then at Washington, and was one of the organizers 
 of the U. P. Church at Washington, of which he 
 was a member. In politics he was originally a 
 Whig, afterward a Republican. He was never an 
 aspirant for office, but nevertheless was recognized 
 as one of the best posted men of his time in matters 
 political, and always took an active part in the 
 issues of the day. His hospitality was widely 
 known, and his table never wanted for guests. 
 His rifle shooting was the one thing upon which 
 he prided himself, and stories of putting three out 
 of five bullets in a cap box (about two inches in 
 diameter) with his old squirrel rifle, at one hun- 
 dred yards distance, off-hand, are familiar ones to 
 his grandsons and nephews. The children of 
 William and Mary (Clark) Wylie were Robert; 
 Jane (Beall), wife of John Strieker Beall, banker 
 of Wellsburg, W. Va. ; Mrs. Annie E. Thompson, 
 living in Washington, widow of Rev. Joseph R. 
 Thompson, late of the Associate Reformed Church; 
 and James Clark, whodied at the age of twentyyears. 
 
448 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTS. 
 
 Robert Wylie, the subject proper of this narra- 
 tive, was born August 25, 1830, on the old Wylie 
 farm in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He attended the district schools, and later took an 
 irregular course at Washington College. He was 
 not ;i rugged boy, and could not stand close con- 
 finement at school, so he early took to the roads 
 where he might breathe a more free air. At the 
 age of thirteen years his father intrusted to his 
 care a drove of cattle and shoep to be driven across 
 the mountains and sold in Philadelphia, the money 
 to be brought back by him in saddle-bags on horse- 
 back. Ho liked this business better than going to 
 school or staying in the store, so he continued at 
 same for some years, at first driving to Philadel- 
 phia and New York, later to Harrisburg. When 
 the Pennsylvania Railroad was being finished to 
 Pittsburgh, he early took advantage of this means 
 of transport, being one of the first shippers on the 
 road passing over the nine inclines thraugh the 
 Alleghany mountains. In ISO 1 he moved with 
 his wife and family to a farm in Cumberland town- 
 ship, Greene Co., Penn., where they resided until 
 1805, when he purchased the Dr. Stevens farm in 
 Canton township (340 acres), situated two miles 
 west of Washington on the Taylorstown road, upon 
 which he erected all the buildings which now 
 stand upon it. He now resides there, surrounded 
 by his children and grandchildren. With farming 
 he combined the wool commission business, in 
 which connection he is probably best known, his 
 figure being a familiar one in his own and adjoin- 
 ing counties — in fact, to the people within a radius 
 of fifty miles of his home his is a well-known, 
 welcome face. His two sons, William and James 
 B., became associated with him in business some 
 four years since, the firm name being Robert 
 Wylie & Sons, and the amouut of wool bought and 
 handled by them runs well toward a million pounds 
 annually, the bulk of it being bought by the senior 
 member of the firm, who gives to this branch of 
 the business the greater part of his time. He is 
 now sixty-two years of age, but looks younger, and 
 is yet in the prime of life. In his rides through 
 the country he fears no kind of weather or roads, 
 nor does the worst seem to affect his iron consti- 
 tution. 
 
 On February 3, 1857, he married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of James and Mary McCormick Bead, of 
 Independence township. James Beall was a farmer 
 and storekeeper in Wellsburg, \V. Ya. .for some 
 years, and before the time of railroads he rode to 
 Philadelphia on horseback to purchase dry goods. 
 His wife's father, who was also a merchant, lost his 
 life in one of his trips to New Orleans, whither he 
 was traveling to buy sugar, having, while en route 
 overland on horseback, been murdered in Ken- 
 tucky, supposedly for the money on his person, 
 having a considerable amount at the time. The 
 
 Beads were among the early settlers of Baltimore 
 county, Md., and Mrs. Wylie's grandfather and 
 grandmother Beall both came from Baltimore; her 
 grandfather was a soldier in the early war, and 
 his wife was a sister of Gen. Strieker, who so ably 
 defended Baltimore against the British in 1814. 
 They came West about 178-, and purchased a 
 farm on the edge of West Virginia, near Inde- 
 pendence, Washington county, where they raised 
 a large family, whose descendants are now widely 
 scattered both east and west, though many of 
 them are in Washington county, W. Va., and east- 
 ern Ohio. A brief record of the children of Robert 
 and Elizabeth (Beall) Wylie is as follows: 
 
 William Wylie, born November 10, 1859, 
 in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 up to the age of fourteen years attended the 
 common schools of his district, and then went 
 to Washington and Jefferson College, where be 
 remained four years. Returning home he en- 
 gaged in the wool business with his father, and 
 at the age of nineteen entered the Iron City 
 Business College at Pittsburgh, Penn., where 
 he graduated. He then embarked in the wool 
 and farm implement business with his father, 
 which they carried on for three years, when his 
 younger brother James B. entered the business 
 with them. They then abandoned the farm imple- 
 ment branch of their business, and have since been 
 engaged exclusively in the wool business, which 
 they have greatly enlarged, having extended their 
 operations over a half dozen of the adjoining 
 counties. They do business under the firm name 
 of R. Wylie & Sons, and they are among the 
 heaviest wool dealers in western Pennsylvania, 
 enjoying the confidence of the people far and 
 wide, to which their proverbial fair dealing justly 
 entitles them. On June l(i, 18S5, William Wylie 
 was married to Mary W., daughter of Joseph C. 
 Gist, of Brooke county, W. Ya., and they have 
 been blessed with two children: Lizzie B. born 
 October fi, 1887, and Clara V. born November 21, 
 1891. After marriage Mr. Wylie settled on his 
 farm in Canton township, two miles west of Wash- 
 ington, Penn., where he still lives. He is a mem- 
 ber <>f the U. P. Church at Washington; and in 
 politics is a Republican. 
 
 Mrs. William Wylie was born August '11. 1861, 
 in Brooke county, W. Va. Her father, J. C. Gist, 
 was born March 16, 1820, in the same county. He 
 was a large farmer and was engaged in the breed- 
 ing and sale of fine sheep all his life. He was a 
 Republican, and served one term in the West Vir- 
 ginia Legislature; was in the Senate in 1861, at 
 the time of the war, one term. He was also talked 
 of for governor of his State at one time, but for 
 some reason best known to himself he did not run, 
 although his friends assured him he would wiu. 
 He died November 22, 1892. On August 10, 1848, 
 
WASIf/MirnN CUUXTY. 
 
 4 19 
 
 J. C. Gist married Elizabeth Culver, of Jefferson, 
 Penn., born February 12, 1826, at Jefferson, 
 Greene Co., Penn., daughter of Thomas Culver, a 
 farmer. Mrs. William Wylie lias three brothers 
 and one sister living: Samuel C. Gist, J. W. Gist, 
 and J. C. Gist, Jr., all living in Brooke county, 
 W. Va. , and Mrs. John C. Itoseborough, of Brown- 
 wood, Tex. Mrs. Wylie's great uncle, Christer- 
 phor Gist, was a member of Geu. George Wash 
 ington's staff in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 James Beall Wylie, second son of Robert and 
 Elizabeth (Beall) Wylie, born September 24, 18(52, 
 married June 24, 1890, Helen Cornelia, daughter 
 (if William D. and Elizabeth (Williamson) Rose- 
 borough, of Sardis, Miss. William Roseborough 
 was a cotton planter, as were his father and grand 
 father before him; they were formerly of South 
 Carolina. Her grandfather lived in Chester, S. C, 
 and was clerk of the courts for fifty-two years; his 
 wife, Eleanor (Key), was a daughter of Martin and 
 Nancy ( Bibb) Key, of Albemarle county, Va. ; her 
 great-grandparents came from Ireland to South 
 Carolina about the time of the Revolution, and 
 their families were both of French Huguenot ances 
 try, who left France about the middle of the 
 seventeenth century; her great-grandmother Rose 
 borough's maiden name was Gaston, and she 
 was a daughter of William Gaston, of Cloughwate, 
 Ireland, who was a grandson of the Duke of Or- 
 leans (the leader of the Huguenots, banished from 
 France in 1042; some history says 1652), brother 
 of Louis XIII and son of Henry IV, King of 
 France and Navarre. J. B. and Helen R. Wylie have 
 one child, a daughter, named Marion Marguerite 
 Wylie, born May 14, 1891. Their home is in 
 Canton township. 
 
 Laura Virginia, the only daughter of Robert and 
 Elizabeth (Beall) Wylie, was born October 7, 1867, 
 and was married October 1, 1890, to Joseph C. 
 Gist, Jr., son of Hon. J. C. Gist, of Brooke county, 
 W. Va., where they now reside. They have one 
 child, a son, born June 11, 1892, named for his 
 grandfather, Robert Wylie. 
 
 w 
 
 1 "VJLLIAM KNOX, a progressive and sue 
 f l\#/ ce8s f u l farmer and business man of Buf- 
 V/ Ml ^° t- own8 hip> is a son of John Knox, an 
 early settler in the county, whose father, 
 Thomas Knox, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, 
 and came in 1811 to Washington county, with his 
 wife, and died there at the age of eighty-five years. 
 John Knox was born in 1777, in County Antrim, 
 Ireland, whence, in 1811 he emigrated to the shores 
 of Columbia, landing at New York. After about two 
 years, moving from place to place and prospecting, 
 he settled in Washington county, Penn., in 1813, 
 where he purchased 110 acres of land at $10 per 
 acre, having ten years in which to pay the amount. 
 
 This tract was then nearly all wildwood, but, night 
 ami day the ringing blows of the woodsman's mer 
 ciless axe might be heard felling the giant mon 
 archs of the forest, clearing the way for the van of 
 civilization's mighty army. Thus by toil, energy, 
 judicious economy and good management, in course 
 of time the stern and uninviting haunts of the Red- 
 man, and the savage wolves, were made to "blossom 
 as the rose," and smile with radiant meadows ripe 
 with corn. To day for beauty and fertility, this 
 farm is second to none in Washington county. Mr. 
 Knox, before leaving the "Green Isle of Erin," had 
 married Margaret .McKay, a lady of Scottish birth, 
 and in the round-log cabin on their American home- 
 stead were born to them the following children: 
 Jennie (wife of Dr. Milliken), residing in Texas; 
 Nancy (deceased wife of Alexander Gabby); Thomas, 
 now a resident of Kansas: Robert (deceased); .lane 
 (deceased wife of Jacob Alter); Elizabeth (deceased 
 wife of John Danley); William (subject); John, 
 residing in Claysville, Washington county, and 
 Margaret (Mrs. George Smith), in Buffalo town 
 ship. The mother was gathered in by the "Grim 
 Reaper" in 1837, when she was forty-seven years 
 old, and the father in the spring of L866. They 
 were faithful, God fearing members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Knox was 
 an uncompromising Democrat, his first vote in the 
 land of his adoption being cast for Andrew Jack- 
 son. 
 
 William Knox was born April 29, 1827, in Buf- 
 falo township, this county, and here he was reared 
 to practical farm life, which was relieved by occa- 
 sional attendance at the schools of the locality, 
 which education he supplemented with a consider- 
 able amount of reading and home study. I n Oo- 
 tober, 1856, he was married to Wilhelmina Maloy, 
 a native of Lewistown, Penn., and their union has 
 been blessed with the following named children: 
 Margaret Jane (now the wife of Thomas Caldwell, 
 of Washington county), John (living at home), 
 William (dead), Minnie (now the wife of William 
 Ellwood), in Franklin township, Robert Welch (a 
 student at Washington and Jefferson College), 
 Mary Jeanette, Annie Elizabeth and Thomas Ed 
 ward, all at home. On October 13, 1876, the mother 
 departed this life in her thirty sixth year. After 
 his marriage Mr. Knox took charge of his father's 
 estate, which he successfully conducted for several 
 years, his home being a log house which is still 
 standing. There he lived until 1875, in which 
 year he erected his present handsome and commo 
 dioUS residence, ami moved into it. In fact, he 
 has put up all the new buildings on tin* property, 
 ami made many other substantial improvements. 
 As a result of thrift, enterprise and good manage- 
 ment, Mr. Knox i* now the owner of six farms, 
 aggregating 800 acres of prime land, in which have 
 been sunk as many as forty oil wells. In addition 
 
450 
 
 WASHING TON CO UN T ) '. 
 
 to general fanning he is an extensive stockman and 
 grower of tine wool. He and the family are mem- 
 bers of the United Presbyterian Church, and in his 
 political views Mr. Knox is a supporter of Protec- 
 tion at Presidential elections, but at other times he 
 casts his vote for the candidate he deems best 
 fitted for the office, regardless of party interests. 
 
 DAVID CKAFT, prominent in Morris town- 
 | ship, was born in Washington county, 
 ' September 9, 1824. His father, William 
 Craft, was a grandson of John Craft, of 
 whom mention is made in connection with the his- 
 tory of the Craft family in the sketch of William 
 E. Craft. 
 
 William Craft, born 1789, was the eldest of four 
 sons born to Lawrence Craft. He married, in 1811, 
 Mary Elliot, born in 1794, a daughter of William 
 Elliot, of Morris township. They became the 
 parents of eleven children as follows: Betsey, Law- 
 rence, Annie, William E., Martha, Malinda, Jane, 
 David, George W., Mary and Isaac. W r illiam died 
 in 1856, and his wife in 1871. David Craft, the 
 subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm and 
 spent his boyhood in attending the district school 
 and assisting with the farm work. His education 
 was thus necessarily limited, though it has been 
 greatly improved by reading and observation. He 
 married, in 1861, Sarah Lindley, a daughter of 
 Zebulon Lindley, of Morris township, born Sep- 
 tember 26, 1837. Their union has been blessed 
 with eight children, as follows: Flora J., wife of 
 J. N. Winget, of Pittsburgh; William L., at home; 
 Mary H. , wife of S. J. Bell, of Claysville; Homer 
 L., Lillie M. , Maurice D:, Lizzie S., and Forest 
 Z., all at home. Mr. Craft is one of the influen- 
 tial and prosperous farmers of his township. In 
 politics he has always been a stanch Democrat. 
 Both he and his wife are members of Mt. Zion 
 M. E. Church. 
 
 If ¥ ARMON H. RAINEY was born March 14, 
 IJ 1841, in Somerset township, Washington 
 Co., Perm. His paternal grandparents were 
 \\ — natives of Ireland, coining to this country 
 at an early day, where James Rainey fol- 
 lowed farming, and served several years as justice 
 of the peace. 
 
 James Rainey., son of James, was born Septem- 
 ber 3, 1803, on the farm now owned by heirs of 
 James Rainey. At the age of nineteen years the 
 former learned the tanner's trade, but followed it 
 only a short time. In 1836 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Jane Thomas, who was born November 
 11. 1811, in Nottingham township. Their children 
 were Lydia A. (Mrs. Dabout), Sarah E. (Mrs. 
 Hyde), Mary J. (wife of William McGregor), 
 
 Harmon H. and one deceased. The father owned 
 and managed a large stock-farm containing 222 
 acres of laud. He died in September, 1875. 
 Mrs. Rainey passed away August 11, 1890. 
 
 Harmon H. Rainey passed his youth on his 
 father's farm, attending the schools of Somerset 
 township, this county. On October 10, 1872, he 
 was married to Lucy B. Hixou, daughter of Capt. 
 James Hixon, of North Strabane township. They 
 have a son and daughter: James H. and Retta A. 
 The father lives on and owns the home place, and 
 devotes his principal attention to raising sheep. 
 He is an advocate of the principles embodied in 
 the Democratic party. For fifteen years he has 
 been school director, and recently was given a new 
 lease of this office. In religion Mr. and Mrs. 
 Rainey are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. H. H. Rainey also served as one of the 
 managers of the Morganza Reform School for four 
 years, under appointment by Gov. Pattison. 
 
 Ei D WARD G. CUNDALL, of the firm of E. 
 G. Cundall & Sons, dealers in clothing and 
 gents' furnishings, Washington, was born 
 November 7, 1832, in what is now Canton 
 township (then part of Chartiers), Washington Co., 
 Penn. His father, also named Edward G., was 
 born in 1791, in Rhode Island, where he was mar- 
 ried to Patience R. Bailey, of Newport, that State, 
 who bore him eight children, of whom three are 
 yet living, viz. : Mrs. Mary E. Mcllroy, of Wash- 
 ington, who has been a widow since 1854; Emily 
 M. , wife of S. P. Morgan, residence, Jefferson 
 avenue, Washington; and Edward G. One daugh- 
 ter (now deceased) was married to R. W. Miller, 
 who recently died. Mr. Cundall, Sr. , came to 
 Washington county, bringing his wife nnd two 
 children, and purchased property in Cross Creek 
 township, whence after a time they moved to 
 Chartiers township. In April, 1865, they came to 
 Washington, where the father died December 1. 
 1866, aged seventy-four years; the mother passed 
 away in 1881 at the age of eighty-two. 
 
 The early life of our subject was passed on the 
 old homestead in Canton township, his education 
 being received at the common schools of the dis- 
 trict. In 1866 he removed to South Strabane 
 township, and in 1870 to Buffalo township, where 
 In November, 1891, he purchased 
 gents' furnishing business of W. 
 now has an extensive trade, his 
 place being one of the best known in that line in 
 the city. On October 5, 1854, Mr. Cundall was 
 united in marriage with Miss Martha W., daughter 
 of W. H. Cook, of Canton township, and to this 
 union five children were born, viz. : Maggie K.. 
 wife of Deforest Wilson, of Taylorstown; Emma 
 J., wife of William McManus, of Taylorstown; 
 
 he owns a farm. 
 the clothing and 
 C. Baldwin, and 
 

 
 
 ojt- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 453 
 
 W. G. , on a farm in Buffalo township, married to a 
 daughter of Thomas Clark, of Chartiers township; 
 Edward M., a dentist in Washington, and W. Harry, 
 with his father in the store. On December 10, 
 1889, the mother died at the age of fifty-six years. 
 Politically Mr. Cundall is a Republican, and he 
 has served as school director in Canton township. 
 On April 2, 1877, he was appointed superintendent, 
 secretary and treasurer of the County Home, in 
 which position he served fourteen consecutive years, 
 when he resigned. 
 
 l\ILLIAM BRIMNER, proprietor of one of 
 the oldest business houses in Burgetts- 
 town, is of Scotch descent. William 
 Brimner (the grandfather) was born and 
 reared in the Highlands of Scotland. When a lad 
 of but twelve years he resolved to see for himself 
 the wonderful country of which so many exciting 
 tales were told, and escaping from his friends em- 
 barked on an American-bound sailing vessel. He 
 landed in New York, and came immediately to 
 Berks county, Penn., there passing his youth in 
 agricultural pursuits. In early manhood he was 
 married to Elizabeth Burnett, a Quaker lady of the 
 same county. They soon afterward moved to west- 
 ern Pennsylvania, carrying all their worldly pos- 
 sessions on pack-horses. He first settled in Han- 
 over township, this county, and purchased the land 
 patented by Mr. Bavington. At that time the 
 tract was covered by forests, and the young pioneer 
 was compelled to clear a space for the log cabin, 
 which was then erected. The cooking was all done 
 in one frying pan, and the other household uten- 
 sils were similarly utilized as necessity required. 
 But time brought conveniences within their reach, 
 and ere many years the rude homes of the fron- 
 tiersmen were adorned with many of the comforts 
 though but few of the luxuries, of our modern life. 
 Children came to bless the home of William and 
 Elizabeth Brimner, and were named as follows: 
 John, Mary A. (Mrs. Hugh Barton), Robert and 
 James. In politics the father was an active work- 
 er of the Democratic party, holding various town- 
 ship offices. In religion he was one of the first 
 members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, 
 now called the Florence Presbyterian Church. He 
 died in his ninety-second year, in 1850, on the place 
 where he first located, and his wife passed to her 
 rest in her eighty-ninth year. 
 
 James Brimner, father of the subject of this 
 sketch, was born in 1800, on the home farm in 
 Hanover township, this county, receiving a meager 
 education in the rude log-cabin school-house erected 
 in the heart of the mighty forest, and furnished 
 with slab seats, paper windows and puncheon 
 floor. Much of his boyhood was passed in farm 
 duties, and on March 10, 1832, he was united in 
 
 marriage with Martha, daughter of William Dun- 
 bar. After their marriage the young people set- 
 tled on the home farm, where children were born 
 and reared as follows: Mary (wife of Samuel 
 Scroggs, Lenox, Iowa), William, Thomas (residing 
 in Hanover township, this county), Eliza J. (Mrs. 
 James Russell), James (living in Robinson town- 
 ship, this county) and Rebecca S. (Mrs. J. J. 
 Campbell, of Wilkinsburgh, Penn.). Politically 
 Mr. Brimner was a Jacksonian Democrat, and he 
 was a prominent, enterprising citizen. He served 
 for years as a trustee of schools. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Florence Presbyterian Church, giving 
 that body a liberal support. He died in 1848, and 
 in 1883 Mrs. Brimner was laid to rest by the side 
 of her husband in the Florence cemetery. 
 
 William Brimner, son of James and Martha 
 (Dunbar) Brimner, was born November 12, 1836, 
 in Hanover township, on the old homestead of his 
 grandfather, and passed his boyhood on the farm, 
 receiving a common-school education. After the 
 death of his father he assumed the management of 
 the home place, having since that time won success 
 by his own efforts. On November 15, 1860, he 
 married Susan, daughter of James Aiken, of Law- 
 rence county, Penn. They have three children, 
 namely: Ethie (Mrs. J. A. McKeown), Thomas R. 
 (electrical engineer in Philadelphia) and W. F. 
 (a book-keeper at Pittsburgh, Penn.). In 1875 Mr. 
 Brimner became engaged in the mercantile busi- 
 ness in Burgettstown, where he is still one of the 
 leading business men. In church connection he is 
 a Presbyterian. 
 
 JS. ESPEY. The Espey family were origi- 
 nally natives of Scotland, the pioneer settlers 
 of the name having emigrated to America 
 about the time of the Revolution, settling in 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 James Espey, grandfather of the subject of this 
 sketch, was born, iu 1780, in Allegheny county. 
 Penn., and was married to Jane Fife, who was 
 born September 18, 1782, in the same county. 
 The young people settled iu Upper St. Clair town- 
 ship, and always remained in their native county. 
 James Espey was an active politician, and served 
 'as postmaster at Upper St. Clair, also as a justice 
 of the peace. At the time of his death, which 
 occurred in 1853, he was a member of the U. P. 
 Church at St. Clair; his wife passed from earth in 
 March, 1852. 
 
 James Espey was born July 23, 1815, in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., and was reared and educated 
 on the home farm. In 1838 he was married to 
 Susan Sill, who was born March 7, 1816, in West- 
 moreland county, Penn. James and Susan Espey 
 first located on a farm in Upper St. Clair town- 
 ship, Allegheny county, and in 1867 moved to a 
 
454 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 farm in Cecil township, this county, finally settling, 
 in 1875, in Canonsburg. James Espey was active- j 
 ly interested in politics, and voted with the Whig 
 party, serving some years as justice of the peace. 
 He and his wife were members of the Presby- 
 terian Church, in which he was ruling elder at 
 Upper St. Clair, Cecil and Canonsburg. He died 
 at the last mentioned place July 11, 1883; his 
 widow is yet living in Canonsburg. They were 
 the parents of the following children: Jane, mar- 
 ried to Moses Hickman, of Cecil township, and 
 died April 1. 1888; J. S., subject of our sketch; 
 Ann Emeline, married to Joseph E. McCabe, of 
 Peters township; James Thomas, living at Centre- 
 ville, Washington Co., Penn., married to Millie 
 Jones; Maria Margaret and Laura, both at Canons- 
 burg. Laura was married to J. C. Bebout, near 
 Canonsburg. 
 
 J. S. Espey (whose name opens these lines) 
 was born July 16, 1841, in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and received his education in the dis- 
 trict schools of that county. In April, 1861, 
 he enlisted at Pittsburgh, Penn., in the three 
 mouths' call for troops, and on July 4, 1861, 
 reenlisted, this time for three years, or during 
 the war, in Company H, Sixty second P. V. I. 
 He was mustered into the service at Pittsburgh, 
 and assigned to the Second Brigade, First Divis- 
 ion, Fifth Army Corps, soon thereafter being 
 promoted to the rank of sergeant of the company. 
 He participated in the following engagements: 
 battle and siege of Yorktown; Hanover C. H., 
 May 27, 1862. Mechauicsville, June 26, 1862; 
 Gaines' Mills, June 27. L862; Malvern Hill, July 
 1, 1862; Harrison's Landing, July 31, 1862; 
 Gainesville, August 27, 1862; Antietam, Septem- 
 ber 17, 1862; Blackford's Ford, September 20, 
 1862, Kearneysville, September 29, 1862; Fred- 
 ericksburg, December 13, 1862; Chancellorsville, 
 May 1, 2, 3, 1863; Gettysburg. July 2, 3, 1863; 
 I'unkstown, Md., July 12, 1863; Rappahannock 
 Station, November 7, 1863; New Hope Church. 
 November 28, 1863; Mine Run, November 30, 
 1863; Wilderness, May 3d, LS64. At the battle 
 of Spottsylvania Court House Mr. Epsey was 
 wounded on the left shoulder, on account of which 
 he was confined in Lincoln Hospital, Washington, 
 D. C. He went home on a furlough, but returned* 
 to Washington, and on July 13, 1864, received an 
 honorable discharge at Pittsburgh, Penn. He 
 then returned to Allegheny county, and on De- 
 cember 27, 1866, was united in marriage with 
 Sarah A. Woods, a daughter of Samuel Woods, 
 who was born in 170S, in Allegheny county, 
 and was married to Elizabeth Fife, born, in 
 L800, in the same county. Samuel and Eliza- 
 beth Woods made a permanent home in Snowden 
 township, Allegheny county, where he died in 
 1S67, having been preceded by his wife in 1865. 
 
 J. S. Espey and his wife came to Cecil township, 
 in 1868. In 1874 he bought an improved farm of 
 fifty acres in Mount Pleasant township, moved 
 upon it same year, and has since been engaged in 
 farming and stockraising. The following chil- 
 dren have been born to this couple: Minnie L., 
 born September 3, 1867 (married December 31, 
 1890, to Howard Herriott. She died February 
 14. 1S92, leaving one child, Joseph Roy Herriott, 
 born February 8, 1892); Ada S., born August 25, 
 1870, a teacher in Washington county; James J., 
 born February 9, 1876; Carrie May, born May 1, 
 1879, and Joseph W.,born November 15, 1880, 
 died May 25, 1881. Mr. and Mrs. Espey were 
 formerly members of the U. P. Church, in which 
 Mr. Espey was a member of the Session, but the\ 
 are now adherents of the Presbyterian Church at 
 McDonald. In- politics he votes the Republican 
 ticket, and is one of the commissioners of Mount 
 Pleasant township. 
 
 THOMAS W. ELLWOOD is a sou of William 
 Ellwood, who was born in Ohio, and coming 
 to Washington county, Penn., when a boy, 
 was here reared to manhood. William Ell- 
 wood was twice married: first time to a Miss 
 Greer, who bore him six children, viz. : William, 
 Clarissa (wife of Harrison Bishop), Martha (mar- 
 ried to Harrison Thompson), Margaret, aud two 
 who died in childhood. For his second wife Mr. 
 Ellwood married Ruth, daughter of Thomas Lilley. 
 a native of East Pike Run township, this county, 
 and their children were Thomas W., Robert and 
 Jefferson. Mr. Ellwood learned and followed the 
 blacksmith trade, oftentimes working day and night, 
 until by years of patient toil he secured a comfort- 
 able competence. He afterward became a farmer. 
 He voted with the Democratic party, and took an 
 active interest in all public matters. His first wife 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church. His 
 second wife was raised a Quaker. 
 
 Thomas W. Ellwood was born May 29, 1848, iu 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He first attended the common schools of that local- 
 ity, then entered the Southwestern State Normal 
 School, at California, afterward taking a commercial 
 course at the Iron City College. On February 13, 
 1868, he was united in marriage with Rachel, 
 daughter of Thomas Richardson, who was born in 
 Scotland, and coming to America at an early date, 
 settled near Port Perry, Allegheny Co., Penn., later 
 coming to Lock No. 5, Washington county. He 
 was a farmer, and also served as lock-keeper on the 
 Monongahela river. He was married to Janett 
 Clendenning, who bore him the following children: 
 James, Thomas, John and Rachel (wife of Thomas 
 W. Ellwood). His second wife was a Miss George. 
 Thomas W. and Rachel Ellwood began wedded life 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 455 
 
 on a farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington 
 county, where they resided thirteen years. He then 
 sold the place and came to a farm in Fallowfield 
 township, upon which he lived twelve years, finally 
 moving to his present home in Charleroi, where in | 
 1892 he opened, in partnership with Gus Mount- 
 ser, a feed, grain and produce business. He affili- 
 ates with the Democratic party, and has served in 
 many local offices; in religion he is a member of 
 and ruling elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church at Charleroi. Mr. and Mrs. Ellwood have 
 three children: Clara J. (wife of Alpheus C. Scott), 
 William T. and Lorena M. The family are all 
 members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 William T. Ellwood engaged with the Charleroi 
 Plate Glass Co. , to learn the machine trade, on June 
 2, 1891. 
 
 J| R. WINNETT, a representative farmer of 
 ' Fallowfield township, is the eldest child of 
 J Lot Winnett, who was a son of William 
 Winnett, and was born and reared in Fallow- 
 field township, where he married Hester, a daughter 
 of Joseph Budd. They settled on the home farm, 
 and children were born to their union as follows: 
 J. R. , the subject of this sketch; Hannah, married 
 to Henry Cooper, and their children are Peoria (wife 
 of Abraham McCracken), Lizzie (wife of Franklin 
 Bly, of Charleroi), Hester, Grant, Clinton, Jennie 
 and Hannah; Rachel, wife of James Stillwell; 
 Elizabeth, wife of Peter Cooper (of Lock No. 4), 
 now deceased (they had children as follows: Flora 
 Bell, Ida J. and Canada); Christina, who married 
 Charlie Reed (their children are Joseph, Rachel, 
 Lot, James, Lissie, Ory and Elsie); Hester, who 
 married Frank Harrison, and their children were 
 John, Dezzie, Anna and Allie (the mother died in 
 1888); Isabelle, married to Ellis Allman, of West 
 Pike Run township (their children are Josephine, 
 Etta, Anna Mary, Willie and Bessie), and Joseph, 
 who married Malissa Sphar, and had the following 
 children: Cora Jane, Bertie, James, Hettie May, 
 Stella and Ollie. The father of this family was a 
 stanch advocate of Whig and Republican principles, 
 and filled many local offices. He and his wife were 
 originally members of the Free- Will Baptist 
 Church, afterward uniting with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Society, and finally espoused the cause 
 of the Disciple Church. He died in 1S90, at the 
 age of seventy- six years; his widow is yet residing 
 on the home place. 
 
 J. R. Winnett was born in 1839, on the place 
 in Fallowfield township where he is yet living. In 
 1868 he was united in marriage with Jennie, 
 daughter of Joseph Sphar. Her parents were 
 born in Washington county, where the father died, 
 the mother having passed away near West Newton, 
 Penn. Mr. Winnett has passed his life in tilling 
 
 the soil on the place of his birth, which now con- 
 tains eighty-five acres of well-cultivated land. He 
 is an active member of the Republican party, and 
 is now serving as a member of the school board. 
 He and his wife are identified with the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church at Ebenezer. Their children 
 are Lot, Olive May (wife of Paul Hughus, of 
 Clarion, Penn.), Charles and J. Kingsley. 
 
 It M RS. MARGARET MINTON, widow of 
 I \/j\ Matthias Miuton, a native of Morris 
 
 I ¥i I township, was born December 26, 1824, 
 I -» and is a daughter of John V. Hanna. She 
 ^ was married to Mr. Minton March 8, 1849. 
 
 Matthias Minton was born April 3, 1826, in 
 Morris township. His father Matthias Minton, 
 moved to Washington county from New Jersey, in 
 the early history of the connty. He was by trade 
 a blacksmith, to which, in conjunction with farm- 
 ing, he gave his attention. He married, early in 
 life, Miss Sally Lindley, and of their children is 
 named one son, Matthias Minton. The latter 
 received educational advantages as a youth, and 
 by private application in reading and otherwise, 
 prepared himself for the successful pursuance of 
 his vocation, farming, and later merchandising and 
 hotel-keeping, having succeeded not only in leav- 
 ing his family a competence, but an honored name. 
 Public spiritedness was a prominent attribute of 
 his nature, and the community in which he lived 
 attest with pride to what an extent he exercised it. 
 In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred 
 and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I., but on account of 
 poor health was compelled to return home in 
 July. 1862. He was a life-long Democrat, and for 
 twenty-four consecutive years served as justice of 
 the peace. He was a zealous Christian, being 
 united with the Presbyterian Church, in which he 
 was deacon. Generous and charitable, he was 
 revered by his neighbors, who often went to him 
 for advice. He was justly called the poor man's 
 friend. In 1890 he sustained injuries from a 
 horse kick, which resulted in his death seven 
 weeks later. 
 
 To the marriage of Matthias Minton and 
 Margaret Hanna four children were born: the 
 eldest, John Vance, is a tanner by trade; he 
 served as gauger under President Cleveland's 
 administration. He married Miss Mary J. Mer- 
 riman, of Canonsburg, Washington county. 
 Henry Collins, the second son of Matthias, was 
 educated at Washington and Jefferson College, 
 from which institution he graduated with honors 
 in 1879; he then entered the Western Theological 
 Seminary, of Allegheny, Penn., and having 
 completed the course, accepted the call to the 
 pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church of 
 Duluth, Minn. His health failing him, he re- 
 
456 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 signed the charge after a short term of service, and 
 passed some time in Florida. Receiving a call 
 from the Second Presbyterian Church of Balti- 
 more, Md., he entered upon the labors of this 
 charge, bnt after a brief time, on the advice of his 
 physician, resigned, the climate proving unfavor- 
 able to his health, and accepted a call to the 
 pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church, of San 
 Jose, Cal. This congregation he served six years, 
 when he resigned to accept a call to the charge of 
 St. John's Church, of San Francisco, which he 
 still holds. He was united in marriage with 
 Claire Louise Smith, an accomplished Philadel- 
 phia lady, and the daughter of a prominent Pres- 
 byterian divine. Miss Sarah Lydia, the third 
 child of Matthias and Margaret Minton, resides 
 with her mother. Isa D. , the fourth child, was 
 united in marriage to W. S. Guttery, and resides 
 in Prosperity. 
 
 I OHN RUSSELL. This highly prosperous 
 . I farmer represents one of the oldest pioneer 
 fl families of Washington county. His grand- 
 father, Andrew Russell, was born in 1732, 
 in Scotland, and came to America in 1758. He 
 was married in this country to Isabelle Mays, a 
 native of Ireland, and the young couple settled 
 near Oxford, Chester Co., Penn., afterward mov- 
 ing to Canonsburg, this county, where they re- 
 sided till 1782. Andrew then bought the farm in 
 Chartiers township, which is yet owned by his 
 grandson. He was a blacksmith by trade, having 
 brought his tools from eastern Pennsylvania, and, 
 being the only one for miles around, his services 
 were in constant demand. 
 
 Andrew Russell, a son of the pioneer just men- 
 tioned, was born January 3, 1777, in Cecil town- 
 ship, this county, and in 1782 was brought by his 
 parents to their new home in Chartiers township, 
 where his youth was passed. In 1800 he was 
 married to Ann McClellan, who was born in 1784, 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and after 
 marriage began to manage the home farm. He 
 was a \\ hig, taking an active part in the early 
 political history of the county; he had a brother 
 who served in the war of 1812. In religious 
 faith Andrew Russell was first a Seceder, then 
 joined the United Presbyterian Church of Canons- 
 burg. He died March 2, 1861, in his eighty- 
 fourth year, being followed February 17. 1868, by 
 his wife, who had borne him children as follows: 
 Jane, married to Samuel Lee, and died January 
 24, 1880; Isabelle, married to William McCall, and 
 died in 1845; James, married in 1S44 to Elizabeth 
 McElroy, and died in January, 1890; Ann, living 
 in New Concord, Ohio; Elizabeth, married to 
 Robert Jeffrey, of Mt. Pleasant township, and 
 died January 10, 1878, in her sixty-fifth year; 
 
 Andrew, married in April, 1839, to Jane Miller, 
 and died in April, 1891 ; Alexander, married first 
 to Magaret Ann Acheson (deceased), then to Lavina 
 Cockins, and died September 29, 1886, in his sixty- 
 eighth year; Robert, married first to Elizabeth 
 McConaughy (deceased), then to Martha Jane 
 McNary, and died in May, 1887; John, a sketch 
 of whom follows; William (married to Margaret 
 Thompson, who died in 1892), living in Chartiers 
 township, and Nancy, who died in 1849. 
 
 John Russell, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born in 1821, on the farm in Chartiers town- 
 ship which is his present home. His early edu- 
 cation was obtained in the subscription schools 
 which were then sustained by a few families inter- 
 ested in the literary culture of their children. In 
 May, 1866, John Russell was united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth Gr. Morrison, a native of Chartiers 
 township. She is a daughter of William and 
 Sarah (Munce) Morrison, both of whom were born 
 and reared in Chartiers township, where the father 
 followed farming. He was an ardent member of 
 the Whig party, and both parents were members 
 of the Presbyterian Church. The father died 
 about 1860, in this county, and the mother was 
 laid beside him in March, 1885. To the union of 
 John and Elizabeth G. (Morrison) Russell four 
 children have been born, namely: Lizzie Luella 
 (wife of J. R. Hosick, a theological student at the 
 Allegheny Seminary; Anna; J. Mack, a student of 
 the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, 
 Ohio, and Frank (deceased in infancy). Mr. Rus- 
 sell owns the home farm, which has been in the 
 family over one hundred and ten years, and con- 
 sists of 160 acres, upon which comfortable and 
 commodious buildings are erected. He makes a 
 specialty of raising a high grade of English Shire 
 horses. Mr. Russell has in his possession many an- 
 tique relics of the past generations, among which 
 may lie mentioned an anvil which was brought 
 from Scotland by his grandfather, also a day-book 
 over one hundred and twenty years old. He has a 
 small trunk, or case in trunk shape, that was owned 
 by his father, and is very old; it is 4x7 inches, leather 
 covered, and is quite a curiosity. He and his wife 
 are both members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church, at Canonsburg, this county. He was 
 formerly a ruling elder in Chartiers Cross Roads 
 U. P. Church. Mr. Russell died on Monday, 
 January 16, 1893, after only twenty-four hours 
 illness. 
 
 '( A. LITTLE. There is a pleasurable interest 
 ^. I aroused in the minds of both reader and 
 \J) writer of biography, as from the life of some 
 earnest, intelligent citizen of to-day, we 
 wander back through the years until centuries 
 have vanished, and in spirit we are standing in 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 457 
 
 the presence of our ancestors. Our eyes brighten, 
 and pulses thrill with unwonted inspiration as we 
 eagerly study the words and acts of these heroes 
 of the past. There is a wonderful fascination in 
 this form of psychological study, for, as through a 
 mirror, we see the hidden motives and desires of 
 our own lives displayed in the record of our fathers 
 from which (if we so will it) priceless lessons may 
 be obtained. 
 
 Nicholas Little was born in Ireland many years 
 ago, and about 1770, with his wife and little son, 
 sailed across the ocean, to find a home in fair 
 America. He located in the eastern part of Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., where his son James grew to 
 manhood, and when twenty-one years of age came 
 to Cecil township, this county. In 1790 James 
 took a patent for 200 acres of land in Cecil town- 
 ship, and immediately began the task of clearing it 
 for cultivation. With his gun by his side the 
 young pioneer felled the trees of the forest, sleep- 
 ing at night in a blockhouse near location of the 
 villace. now kuown as McDonald, for protection 
 from Indians. He married Isabelle Robb, who 
 bore him children as follows: John (deceased in 
 1823, in Cecil township), Nicholas (lived on the old 
 homestead, and died in 1859), James (deceased in 
 1876, in Guernsey county, Ohio; his daughter, Mrs. 
 Emerick. is now living on the homestead), David 
 (first settled in Ohio, then moved to Lee county, 
 Iowa. He died in 1870, at Paxton, Ford Co., 
 111.), Elizabeth (deceased in 1819), Nancy (was the 
 wife of John McConaughey, Mount Pleasant town- 
 ship), Jane (deceased in 1868, married to Joseph 
 Craig, Belmont county, Ohio), and Isabelle (died 
 July 17, 1877). The father died in 1834. 
 
 Joseph Little was born October 25, 1806, on the 
 old homestead in Cecil township, and in 1838 was 
 united in marriage with Mary Robb, a native of 
 Logan county, Ohio. The young people settled on a 
 farm adjoining the old homestead where he followed 
 farming. He was a man of decided views, in poli- 
 tics a Whig and Republican, and voted for John 
 C. Fremont. He and his wife were first members 
 of the Associate Presbyterian Church, at Nobles- 
 town, Penn. He afterward united with the Asso- 
 ciate Congregation of Millers Run, at Venice, serv- 
 ing as a ruling elder from the time of its organiza- 
 tion. Mrs. Little died September 15, 1860, and 
 on February 23, 1885, he was laid by her side. 
 They were the parents of two children: J. A., and 
 Samuel Reed (deceased in 1874, in his twenty - 
 ninth year). 
 
 J. A. Little was born December 12, 1840, on the 
 home farm in Cecil township, which is yet his 
 home, receiving his education in the country 
 schools. After leaving school he began to follow 
 fanning and stock raising on the home place. On 
 March 22, 1866, Mr. Little was united in marriage 
 with Mary E., daughter of Cornelius and Rebecca 
 
 (Kelso)Borland, natives of Allegheny county, Penn. , 
 who came to Cecil township many years ago, where 
 the father died in 1872, and where the mother is 
 yet living. Of this union five children have been 
 born, viz. : Joseph (married to Mary, daughter of 
 Mark Cowden, living on home farm in Cecil town- 
 ship), Edwin C. (attending the Theological Semi- 
 nary, at Allegheny, Penn. ), Annetta, Ida B. and 
 Clara R. The farm of Mr. Little at present con- 
 tains 347 acres of good land, upon which are five 
 dwelling houses, in one of which the present tenant 
 has been living forty years. He does an extensive 
 business in stock raising. In politics he votes 
 with the Republican party, and has filled various 
 township offices. He and his wife are active 
 members of the U. P. Church, at Venice. 
 
 RS. ELMIRA TILTON (widow of Daniel 
 Tilton) was born in Fayette county, Penn., 
 June 12, 1825. She is the daughter of 
 George and Eleanor (Laytou) Whiting, and 
 was first married to Jesse Jackman, but 
 some time after his death became the wife of Dan- 
 iel Tilton, who was of English ancestry. 
 
 James Tilton, grandfather of Daniel, was a na- 
 tive of New Jersey, where he was married, three 
 children — John, James and Nancy — being born to 
 this union. He afterward moved to Pennsylvania, 
 remaining in Greene county a short time, and while 
 there almost decided to purchase the wood-covered 
 tract on which the town of Waynesburgh, Greene 
 county, has since been built. 
 
 John Tilton, the only son of James, was born in 
 New Jersey in 1785. He moved to Washington 
 county, Penn., with his parents, where, in 1800, he 
 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Paden,of East 
 Finley township, Washington county. To their 
 union were born eleven children, but one of whom 
 is still living, Elvira (unmarried, a resident of 
 Franklin township). Mr. Tilton was a devoted 
 member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove, 
 and confirmed the donation of the land, made by 
 James, upon which it was built, becoming one of 
 the first deacons of that church. 
 
 Daniel Tilton, son of John and Elizabeth (Paden) 
 Tilton, born February 6, 1815, on his father's farm 
 near Pleasant Grove, died March 4, 1890. His 
 education was received in the schools of the period, 
 and his boyhood was passed in attending them and 
 assisting with the farm duties. He also partially 
 learned the carpenter and cooper trades. In 1835 
 he was married to Abigail Pratt, who died in 1859, 
 leaving him one child, Mary, now the wife of Henry 
 Eulow, of East Finley township. Five other chil- 
 dren were born to them, but none lived to an adult 
 age. On August 23, I860, Mr. Tilton was united 
 in marriage with Mrs. Elmira Jackman, and to 
 their union the following children were born: 
 
458 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 George W., born September 14, 1861, now man- 
 aging the home farm (married to Maggie F. Fer- 
 rell, of West Finley township, and has one child, 
 Harry W.); Louisa Catherine, born January 14, 
 1863, died December '23, 1865; Eleanor W., born 
 April 5, 1864, married to David K. Bell, and died 
 October 1, 1889, and Laura E., born December 20, 
 L866, an accomplished young lady, residing with 
 her mother. In 1838 Mr. Tilton purchased a part 
 of the "Old Byers" tract of land, situated about 
 three miles south of Claysville, in East Finley 
 township, where he successfully followed the vo- 
 cation of a farmer the rest of his life. He was a 
 zealous Christian, liberal contributor and hearty 
 supporter of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 
 of which be was a member and deacon. Politically 
 he was a Republican. His widow, who is also a 
 member of the Baptist Church, resides on the home 
 farm, her son, G. W. Tilton, managing the farm, 
 and taking the place in church affairs held for bo 
 many years by his father. 
 
 J;OHN A. FLACK. Among the early pio- 
 I neers of Washington county was John Flack, 
 ! who came from Lancaster, Penn., to Wash- 
 ington village, where he purchased a town lot 
 in the year 1784, becoming oneof the rirstlot owners 
 in the borough. In 1788 he removed to Buffalo 
 township, where he purchased a farm upon which 
 he erected the first frame house in that section of 
 the country. This home is still in a good state of 
 preservation, and there may be seen, to-day, mem- 
 bers of the fourth generation of the family, born 
 therein, the homestead having remained constantly 
 in the p >ssession of the family. 
 
 John Flack married Jane Gault, a native of Can- 
 onsburg. Washington county, and to them were 
 bom the following children: James, John, Samuel, 
 David and Mary. The mother of these children 
 died on the homestead in Buffalo township, Decem- 
 ber 14, 1823, in her sixty-third year. John Flack 
 was known among the earliest settlers of Buffalo 
 township, and resided there until the time of his 
 death, which occurred in 1832. 
 
 John Flack, second child of John and Jane 
 (Gault) Flack, was born October 23, L788. He 
 married Miss Ann Anderson, daughter of Rev. Mr. 
 Anderson, of Upper Buffalo, Washington county, 
 and a pioneer minister there. The young couple 
 took up their residence in Bulfalo township, where 
 they reared a large family, and passed the remain- 
 der of their useful and honorable lives, the father 
 dying September 13, 1S42, the mother several 
 j ens later. 
 
 John A. Flack, son of John and Ann (Anderson) 
 Flack, and at present one of the oldest and best 
 known residents of Buffalo township, was born 
 February 6, 1824, on the old homestead where he 
 
 now resides. He spent his boyhood days upon the 
 farm, amidst the trials and limited advantages of 
 that pioneer period. The little subscription 
 school, held in an humble log cabin, whose primi- 
 tive furnishings of puncheon floor, slab desks and 
 benches were eloquent witnesses of the privations 
 of the day, was the only "college" afforded him. 
 There, for a few weeks during the winter, the chil- 
 dren from the surrounding country would assem 
 ble, and while one-half of their attention was em- 
 ployed in extracting wisdom from the old-fash- 
 ioned spelling book and reader, the other half 
 would be utilized in directing the struggle with the 
 cold which came in through many a crack and 
 crevice in the building. Amidst such scenes as 
 this Mr. Flack spent his boyhood, and in his later 
 years, when the advancement of our day has pro- 
 vided the youth with greater comforts, he looked 
 back with pleasure upon the past, and related many 
 amusing incidents of his early struggles. He died 
 January 17, 1893, in his sixty-ninth year. 
 
 On February 24, 1846, Mr. Flack was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth McWilliams, daughter of 
 Gen. Wallace McWilliams, of Buffalo township, 
 who had represented his district in the State Legis- 
 lature, and was a major-general of the State mili- 
 tia. Four children were born to this union: Wal- 
 lace McW. (who now conducts the home farm), 
 Annie (deceased at the age of twelve years), Lizzie 
 and Nannie died in infancy. Mrs. Flack died 
 December 22, L886, in her sixty fifth year, having 
 been a devoted member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. Politically Mr. Flack was an ardent 
 Democrat, and in early life he took an active part 
 in the political questions of the day. 
 
 JLLIAM McCASLAXD. a well-known, 
 wide-awake farmer of West Bethlehem 
 township, was born February 20, 1840, 
 upon the old homestead in that township, 
 a son to Matthew McCasland, who was born in 
 1802 in County Deny, Ireland, and died June 1\ 
 1883. When twenty years of age the father left 
 the "Emerald Isle,'' coming first to Quebec, 
 Canada, then to Washington county, Penn. He 
 began to work at the tailor's trade in Mononga- 
 hela, and continued in that business there and in 
 other cities forinany years. He then purchased 
 the farm which is now the home of his son, and 
 spent the remainder of his life in agriculture. He 
 wedded Sibbie Wilson Moore, September 10, 
 1825, daughter of James Moore, of West Bethle- 
 hem township, and the children born to them were: 
 Martha (deceased), Catherine (deceased), Sarah, 
 Hugh (deceased), Henderson and William. Mat- 
 thew McCasland was a Democrat, and, although 
 not an active politician, he was ever on the alert 
 to the interests of his party. His wife, who died 
 
WASHINGTON COUM). 
 
 459 
 
 August 20, 1879, was a member of the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 William McCasland received a limited educa- 
 tion in the common schools of the neighborhood 
 of his place of birth, but is a well-informed man, 
 fond of reading. He managed the home farm 
 some years previous to the death of his father, and 
 has always been a successful business man, prao 
 ticiug in every-day life the principles of honor 
 which he believes to be the only foundation of 
 true success. He was married November 28, 187G, 
 to Miss Martha Shrontz, and they have two chil- 
 dren: Robert Wilson and Viola Rebecca. Mr. 
 McCasland is a Democrat, and has served as school 
 director for his township. Ho and Ins family are 
 members of the Disciple Church at Lone Pine, 
 Mrs. Martha McCasland was born September 20, 
 IN li'i. Her grandfather, Frederick Shrontz, came 
 to Pennsylvania from Germany, when a youth, and 
 married Elizabeth Shidlen. Her parents were 
 George and Rebecca (Carter) Shrontz. Rebecca is 
 the daughter of John and A. (McFarland) Carter. 
 Her husband died in April, 1885. 
 
 JAMES E. RIAL is a worthy representative 
 of a patriotic and soldierly family. The 
 family history is one of loyalty. They have 
 ever freely given of their best and dearei I to 
 aid their native land in her agonized struggles for 
 liberty. "Life for a life" in their bible was 
 interpreted as the life of the hero for the existence 
 of his country; and nobly did (bis pioneer family 
 answer to the call for volunteers. 
 
 Isaac Rial was born in New Jersey, and the 
 blood of Scottish patriots coursed through his 
 veins. He was a prosperous planter before the 
 Revolution, having been among the first to shoul- 
 der arms in that mighty struggle, and the last to 
 lay them down after twelve years upon the battle 
 field. Ho was the father of five children. 
 
 Daniel Rial, the oldest sou of Isaac, was born in 
 1796, in the State of New Jersey, and when the 
 war- of 1812 opened was too young to enlist. But 
 " we are the same that our fathers have been," and 
 the soldier spirit of his ancestors was burning with 
 unquenchable fire in the bosom of the child. He 
 volunteered to help build the fortifications at New 
 York, and was permitted to assist in that task. 
 He well remembered seeing the entrance of the Brit 
 ish fleet into New York harbor. His mother, 
 worthy of her warrior son and husband, bound up 
 the wounds of the American soldiers. After the 
 war the lad returned to the farm, and devoted his 
 time to agricultural pursuits. In 1820 he chose a 
 wife in the person of Susan Allfreo, who was born 
 in 1801, in Carroll township, Washington Co., 
 Pen n. He settled on a farm in the district known 
 as the Dutch settlement, in the same township, 
 
 and lived there till his death, in 1SS0, when, in the 
 fullness of a ripe and honored age, he went down 
 to the grave, esteemed by all who knew him. 
 Eleven children were born to them, of whom the 
 following are yet living: Allfree H., Isaac T.j 
 Susan, Catherine (living in Ohio), Joseph Y. (in 
 Missouri), Daniel E. (in Westmoreland county, 
 I'enn. ), and James E. (in Nottingham township). 
 The father was a devout Christian gentleman. 
 He was a member of the Baptist Church for over 
 sixty years, and helped to organize one of the first 
 congregations of that denomination and build one 
 of the tii-sl churches in the Monongahela Valley. 
 Susan, his wife, was a daughter of John and Het- 
 fcie foster Allfree. They were among the first 
 settlers along the Monongahela river. They 
 raised a family of niue children eight daughters 
 and one son. Abraham, the son, moved to Iowa, 
 where he died at the age of eighty six years, leav- 
 ing an influence for good. He was an active worker 
 in the Methodist Church for sixty years, and held 
 an e\ horter's license for most of that time. He 
 was always able to help the needy, and did much 
 in the way of benevolence. Susan, the widow of 
 Daniel Rial, who is in her ninety second year, is 
 living with her son, .lames E. Rial. She has been 
 a member of the Baptist Church for more than 
 scvenh years 
 
 ■ lames K Rial was born l> niberlil, 1N|(), in 
 
 Carroll township, Washington county, receiving a 
 good education in the schools of the vicinity. 
 The war of the Rebellion broke out in the midst, 
 of his school years. He enlisted September 2(5, 
 1862, uniler ('apt. J. Y. Chesrown, in Company D, 
 Ringgold Cavalry, which was soon after consoli- 
 dated with the Tvventv Becond P. V. Cavalry, 
 his company being then Company E, of said 
 regiment. The regiment was commanded by Col. 
 Greenfield, of Washington county. Mr. Rial was 
 
 with the regiment in many promii t engagements: 
 
 in the noted battle of Gettysburg, in command of 
 a detachment of cavalry; under Gen. Lew Wallace, 
 at Monocacj river; he was with Sheridan in his 
 famous campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, 
 which meant lighting from Harper's Ferry to Rich 
 mond, and in the memorable battle of Winchester, 
 where thousands were killed. His regiment, led 
 by Col. Greenfield, charged the fortifications, capi 
 uring a piece of artillery and many prisoners. 
 Two days later Sheridan attacked Early at Fisher's 
 Hill. His squadron, Companies E and F, charged 
 the rifle-pits, with loss; in this charge a ball 
 passed through his coat; the squadron dismounted 
 to hold their position. In the grand and final 
 charge, along the whole line, his squadron charged 
 on foot. He, with Col. Greenfield and Jacob 
 \\ ise, of Company F, and William Stan-, of Com- 
 pany E, were among the first inside the fortifica- 
 tions. One mouth later came the battle of Cedar 
 
460 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Creek, during which Sheridan made his famous 
 ride. It was one of the hardest-fought battles 
 of the war. His regiment was in that great 
 charge, which gave victory to the Union boys. His 
 horse fell in that engagement, injuring his right 
 leg. Numerous were the hardships which he 
 encountered, best known to the soldier. He was 
 promoted from the ranks to orderly sergeant, and 
 received his discharge July 5, 1865. 
 
 Leaving the scenes of carnage for the peaceful 
 pursuits of rural life, Mr. Rial settled on a farm in 
 Washington county. He was married November 
 1, 1871, to Anna A. Bryant, a native of this coun- 
 ty, daughter of James M. Bryant and Sarah Curry 
 Bryant. They had three children: William O, 
 Moore M. and Anna A. Mr. Bryant was a pros- 
 perous farmer. He was a ruling elder in the U. P. 
 Church for forty years, and a man of honor and in- 
 tegrity. He died in 1880, aged seventy nine. 
 The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rial has been 
 bless. 'il by four children, two of whom are living: 
 Susie S. and Lizzie A. Both are in school, Susie 
 attending school at Pittsburgh, Penn. Mr. Rial 
 has a very desirable home, ami takes great pleas 
 ure in his tine fruit and thoroughbred Jersey cat- 
 tle. He has belonged to the Prohibition party for 
 eleven years. He is an honorable gentleman, a 
 reader well posted on the events of the day, and 
 takes an active part in all moral movements. He 
 and his family are members of the first Presby 
 terian Church of Fiuleyville. 
 
 t 
 
 dAMKS L. PATTERSON, banker, Burgetts 
 town, is one of the most prominent citizens 
 and successful financiers in the northern part 
 of Washington county. 
 The family have been residents of Pennsylvania 
 for many years, and Josiah Patterson (grandfather 
 of subject) was born, about the year 1 750, on a 
 farm in the Cumberland Valley, eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania. He was there united in marriage with Mary 
 
 , and in 1806 came with his wife and four 
 
 children to Washington county, the journey being 
 made in an emigrant wagon, which carried the 
 family and all their worldly goods. He purchased 
 and located upon a farm of 197 acres in Smith 
 township, near Burgettstown, the land having been 
 a part of the Samuel Whittaker tract, Of the 
 children born to Josiah and Mary Patterson, Eliz- 
 abeth was married to Ebenezer Smith, and died in 
 Guernsey county, Ohio; Mary was never married, 
 and took care of her mother until the death of the 
 latter (this daughter died in her eighty-third year) ; 
 Robert is spoken of farther on. Josiah Patterson 
 always followed farming, and in religion was a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 
 
 1823, and was buried in Cross (.'reek cemetery. 
 The farm was left to his son Robert, and the will 
 
 owed mother then resided with her daughter, pass- 
 ing away in 18-30, at the patriarchal age of ninety- 
 seven years. Before the death of Mrs. Mary Pat- 
 terson, there were four of the same name living 
 together at one time: grandmother, daughter, 
 granddaughter and daughter of James L. Patter- 
 son, the subject proper of this sketch. 
 
 Robert Patterson, son of Josiah and Mary Pat- 
 terson, was born in 1786, in the Cumberland Val- 
 ley, Penn., and when twenty years of age came with 
 his parents to Washington county. He enlisted 
 in the war of 1812, serving a short time, and in 
 1^11 was married to Mary, daughter of James 
 Linn, both of whom were born in the Cumberland 
 Valley. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pat- 
 terson located on his father's farm near Burgetts- 
 town, Penn., and he followed the profession of 
 surveyor. He became a very successful business 
 man, settling up various estates and dealing exten- 
 sively in wool. In political opinion he was origi- 
 nally a YA hig, then a Republican, and served as 
 justice of the peace for many years. In religious 
 faith he and his wife were members of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Florence, at which place he was 
 elected an elder in 1832, and served in that capac- 
 ity until the organization of a Presbyterian Church 
 at Burgettstown, in 1849, to which place he trans 
 ferred his membership; he was made an elder there 
 also, and served in that office until his death, which 
 occurred in February, 1861. He was regarded as 
 the founder of the church in Burgettstown. Mrs. 
 Patterson died of consumption in 1S~>4, and was 
 first buried at Florence, but her remains were af- 
 terward interred in the cemetery at Burgettstown, 
 where they now rest. Three of their daughters 
 died of consumption, viz.: Eliza, at the age of 
 twenty two; Sarah, who had been married but sis 
 months, and died aged twenty, and Jane, who had 
 been twice married, and died at the age of thirty. 
 
 James L. Patterson was born November 1 2, 
 1824, on the farm in Smith township where he is 
 yet living. After attending the common schools, 
 he entered the academy at Florence, then took a 
 course at Washington College, graduating there- 
 from in 1842. He always excelled as a pupil, 
 having read Latin at the age of nine years, and 
 graduated when but seventeen. After leaving col 
 lege he read medicine at home a short time, and 
 about the age of nineteen years he taught school 
 in Burgettstown one winter. In 1849 he began 
 business in a general store, remaining there three 
 years, thence returningto rural life. On April 20, 
 1854, he was united in marriage with Sarah A., 
 daughter of William Linn, of Cumberland Valley, 
 Penn., and she has borne him the following chil- 
 dren: Robert and William (both deceased in infancy), 
 Mary (at home). AddieJ. (instructor of instrument- 
 al music in Richmond College, Jefferson county, 
 Ohio) and Elizabeth K. (of whom special mention 
 

 y /$bl^?^. 
 
WASlll.XGTON COUNTY. 
 
 it;:! 
 
 is made further on), J. Fred, (clerking in the Bur- 
 gettstown National Bank) and Anna (living at 
 home). Miss Elizabeth K. Patterson was in Au- 
 gust, 1890, taken !))• her father to Paris, France, in 
 order to be placed under the far-famed instructor 
 of vocal music, Madame Marchesi, and here she 
 has since remained. Miss Patterson possesses a 
 tine soprano voice, and bids fair to become promi 
 nent in her profession. She was three years at 
 Forest Park Oniversity, St. Louis, building up the 
 music department, of which she was instructor; 
 and so efficient was she in her duties that the 
 managers of the university, after she had gone to 
 
 Paris, wanted her back even to the extent of cab 
 
 ling her to return. Mr. Patterson was elected an 
 elder in the Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown 
 in 1862, and still holds that office. The member- 
 ship of thai churoh is 130 at the present time. 
 
 In 1865 Mr. Patterson was appointed the first 
 agent of the P. C. & St. L. R. R. Co. in Burgetts 
 town, also of the Express company, and opened a 
 store at " the station" as it was then called. In 
 1867 he left tin' railroad company, and again began 
 fanning. In 1 S7li he organized the Burgettstown 
 Savings Hank, of which he was secretary and 
 treasurer, and in IST'.I (the bank having become 
 the Burgettstown National Bank), was made 
 
 cashier, which position hi' has since held. He has 
 been the sole manager of the bank business in 
 Burgettstown. and has been I he prime mover in the 
 success of the institution. The bank is in a 
 remarkable state of prosperity, having materially 
 thriven under Mr. Patterson's management. It 
 has a deposit of ?:!00,000, and surplus and undi- 
 vided profits of SliT,, 000, the capital stock being 
 
 $80,000. 
 
 Our subject inherited a tendency to consumption. 
 and at the age of twenty years was examined by 
 Dr. Lane, of Washington, who decided that he 
 had symptoms of tuberculosis, and that, to pie- 
 serve his life, he would have to go South. Agree 
 able to the advice of his physician, he set out in 
 search of health, journeying to Louisiana in IS I 1. 
 He arrived there in November, and engaged in 
 teaching school in the vicinity of Baton Rouge, re- 
 turning to his home the following spring. Tn .111111', 
 1845, he fell from a cherry tree, on his father's 
 farm, spraining his left hip joint, from which he 
 has never recovered. Soon thereafter (ie started 
 with crutch and cane on a Southern trip. He pro 
 ceeded to the eastern sea board, and at Wilming 
 ton, N. C, embarked on a vessel lor Charleston; 
 thence sailed to Savannah, and after spending 
 some time on the trip returned to his home, sup- 
 posing he had not long to live. On June IS, 1892, 
 he fell from a street car in Washington, and again 
 injured his hip, besides having his shoulder injured, 
 from which he suffered for a considerable time. 
 Mr. Patterson has been a victim of dyspepsia all 
 
 •j:t 
 
 his life, and has not been a day quite free from 
 pain. He is a man live feet nine inches in height, 
 weighing I 11 pounds. Has sandy hair, now tinged 
 with gray, and is possessed of a pleasant Roman 
 cast of countenance. Ho still lives on the farm 
 where he was bom, and which he now owns. 
 
 fli LEXANDER A. GUNN. A biographical 
 
 l/l\ record of Washington county would be in 
 
 [H\i complete were not prominent mention made 
 
 JJ of the distinguished Gunn family, who have 
 
 been OOnnected with the history of the 
 county from its earliest sett lenient. 
 
 The Gunns, of whom we now write, trace their 
 ancestry to Holland, whence, at the close of the 
 fourteenth century, a branch of the famil\ mi 
 grated lo Scotland, where they found occupations, 
 some as weavers, others as herdsmen. There, amid 
 the beautiful and romant ic scenery of the High- 
 lands, were, for the first time, opened lo tic light 
 
 of day the eyes of Alexander Gunn, who became 
 
 the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
 and who was the first of the family of whom there 
 is any definite record. He never left the mother 
 
 Country, but died among his heather-chid hills at, 
 
 an advanced age. His son, William, was the first 
 of the family to emigrate to America. He was a 
 native of Aberdeenshire, where he married, about 
 the year 1770, Anna Gunn (no relative). One 
 child, Neil, was born to them prior to their leaving 
 theirnative land. Sailing from Glasgow, this little 
 family, after a voyage of nine weeks and three days, 
 landed at Philadelphia, Penn., where they re- 
 mained some little time, and here was horn, in 
 I77S, John Gunn, father of the subject of these 
 lines. In 1780 the family, now consisting of 
 father and mother and two children, set out for the 
 then "Far West," over the mountains, the mot her 
 seated on a horse, on either side of which was 
 hung a hickory basket, like a pannier, in which each 
 of the children was placed. In this manner they 
 reached Washington count), where they settled 
 near where Brownsville now stands, in the wild 
 forest, from which they hewed out for themselves 
 a primitive home, and developed the fertile farm 
 that is now the property of A. (I. Patterson. 
 When Gen. Way ne started out on his expedition 
 against the Indians, William Gunn joined him at 
 Cincinnati, and remained with him until the expe 
 dition Came to an end in I7U'J. During bis ab- 
 sence the Indians raided his home, but his wife 
 fortunately escaped in time with her two children, 
 Neil and John, to Honey's blockhouse, less than a 
 mile distant. The raiders did little damage, how 
 ever, merely killing a couple of cows, and carrying 
 off part of their carcases to their camp. After his 
 return Mr. Gunn lived upon his farm until his 
 death, without being further molested by the 
 
464 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 Indians. He died in 1826. He had a family of 
 eleven children, all now deceased, their names being 
 as follows: Neil, John, William, Levi, Eliza and 
 Christian (twins), Mary, Alexander, Marquis, Ad- 
 dison and David. 
 
 John Gunu assisted his parents in the arduous 
 work incident to the clearing up of a new farm in 
 tin isp early days, until IS 14, when he became 
 united in marriage with Martha McClure, a native 
 of Washington county, and a graduate of Washing- 
 ton Seminary. Eight children were born to them, 
 their names and dates of birth being as follows: 
 Margaret Ann, 1816; William, 1818; Denny M. , 
 L821: Mary Jane (Mrs. Carroll), 1823; Neil, 1825; 
 Alexander A. ; Catherine (Mrs. J. H. Carroll), 1830; 
 Martha E., 1832; of these, three are deceased: 
 Margaret, in 1869; William, in 1862, and Martha 
 E. in 1852. John Guuu, the father of these chil- 
 dren, died in West Fiuley township, October 8, 
 L848, the mother on March 26. 1833. 
 
 Alexander A. Gunn was born October 14, 1828, 
 in West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He attended school in the old-fashioned log school- 
 house of those days, a few weeks in winter time, 
 the remainder of the year being occupied in assist- 
 ing his father in the general duties of the farm. 
 On March 18, 1851, he was married to Mary Burns, 
 who was born October 18, 1830, on the farm where 
 she and her husband now reside in West Finley 
 township, a daughter of John and Martha Burns. 
 Ten children came to bless this union, of whom the 
 following is a brief record: John B. , born Jan- 
 uary 12, 1852, died in 1855; Martha, born in 1854, 
 married Rev. W. J. Fisher; Will R., born Decem- 
 I mm- S. 1S56, married Miss Belle Pattisou; R. D. A., 
 born March 10, 1859, is a practicing physician in 
 Cleveland, Ohio; Mary L., born April 29, 1862; 
 Ada B.. born August 8, 1865; Sadie E. , born June 
 25, L868; Lottie B., born October 9, 1870; Lynn 
 ('., born February 9, 1872, and Robert, born July 
 9, L874, died July 5, 1879. After his marriage 
 Mr. Gunn rented an unimproved part of his 
 father inlaw's farm in West Finley township, on 
 which he erected a cabin, and then proceeded to 
 clear the land of the timber and underbrush, and 
 make for himself and bride a comfortable though 
 primitive home. When the Civil war broke out 
 Mr. Gunn enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth P. V. 
 C, serving until March, 1863, his term of enlist- 
 ment having expired, and he was discharged from 
 the service with the rank of second lieutenant. 
 Dining his absence with his regiment his house 
 and barn were destroyed by tire, and on his return 
 he moved to Buffalo township, where he resided 
 six years, engaged in agriculture; he then came to 
 the farm on which he now lives, in West Finley 
 township, and which comprises 250 acres of fine 
 land, all in a good state of cultivation; Mr. Gunu 
 
 is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church at Burnsville. 
 
 Mrs. Gunu is a granddaughter of Alexander 
 Burns, who was born in Ireland, and who at the 
 age of fourteen years was " pressed " on board a 
 British man-of-war on which he served as ''powder 
 boy" for seven years. At the end of that time, 
 his ship being in the New York harbor, he made 
 his escape, and in that city he lived seven years 
 before he could find a favorable opportunity to 
 return to his native land. When he did at last get 
 there, he found his mother had died, his father 
 married again, and his brothers and sisters all 
 gone from the old home — some dead, others mar- 
 ried. Fiuding his old home so different to his ex- 
 pectations, he decided to return to America, which 
 he accordingly did, settling about the year 1783 in 
 Washington county, Penn. , on the farm now owned 
 by Alexander A. Gunn, the subject proper of this 
 memoir. Here he built himself a rude cabin out 
 of hewn logs, which still stands — a mute yet elo- 
 quent relic of the past — and commenced to clear 
 sufficient land whereon to grow enough grain to 
 maintain himself and horse (his only companion) 
 until the following summer. But all his pains 
 were dissipated " like castles in the air;" for not 
 long after he had begun to hew out his little farm 
 from the dense forest, he was captured by Indians 
 who carried him off to their camp, where he was 
 tried before a "council," and condemned to be 
 burned at the stake. He was then taken to the 
 place of execution, and tied to a tree, wood being 
 piled around him, and set on fire; but before the 
 consuming element had made much headway, an 
 old squaw, who had lost a son in battle a short 
 time before, interceded for his life in such strong 
 terms that the victim was released and given to the 
 old woman. He was then pnt through some 
 "purifying" process (Redskin fashion) "to drive 
 the white blood out of him," and attired in Indian 
 raiment, feathers being about the most prominent 
 article in the wardrobe. With this tribe Mr. 
 Burns remained four years, at the end of which 
 
 time he managed to effect his escape after a g I 
 
 deal of strategy. In order to reach his pioneer 
 hut which he had built in Washington county, be 
 had .to journey on foot from near where the city of 
 Toledo, Ohio, now stands, but he got home, at last, 
 in safety, footsore and weary, and then found his 
 faithful old gray horse browsing near the cabin 
 just as he had left him four years before. He then 
 set to work and completed the clearing up of his 
 land, soon afterward marrying Miss Jane Carroll, 
 of East Finley township, who had lately come 
 from Ireland in company with her brother Hamil- 
 ton. They had been married about one year, 
 during which time they had seen no hostile Indians, 
 till one morning Mr. Burns came running in from 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 465 
 
 the field, shouting: "Jennie, the Indians are 
 upon us. We must go to Liodley's blockhouse, or 
 we'll be murdered inside of an hour!" At once 
 they set out, and had not proceeded far in their 
 flight, when they heard the savages shoot the 
 dog which had been left behind. This added 
 fresh impetus to their speed, and the fort was 
 soon reached in safety, when the inmates and 
 surrounding settlers were warned of their danger. 
 During the night succeeding this eventful day, 
 Mrs. Burns gave birth to her first-born, an infant 
 boy, whom they named James, and who in after 
 life became the uncle of Mrs. Alexander A. Gunn. 
 
 ffOSEPH EITNER CUNNINGHAM. Fore- 
 j most in the ranks of those who have hewed 
 frl, their way to success, and arc now standing 
 ^^ in positions of honor and trust, stands t In- 
 subject of this sketch. He is a worthy representa- 
 tive of a cultured and intellectual family, who were 
 of Irish ancestry. Dr. Cunningham was born in 
 the Emerald Isle, and received a thorough medical 
 education at Dublin University. He came to 
 America at an early day, and settling in Washing- 
 ton borough, Penn., soon obtained a lucrative 
 practice, leaving a considerable property to his 
 children. 
 
 Gtistavus Cunningham was a son of Dr. Cun- 
 ningham, and learned the tailor's trade. In early 
 life he was married to Elizabeth, a sister of Gov. 
 Joseph Ritner, and she bore him four children, 
 viz. : Sarah (wife of James Denny, Iowa), Matilda 
 (married to David Le Fevre, Cumberland county, 
 Penn.), Catherine (widow of Henry Canarr, of 
 Iowa) and Joseph Ritner. The father died when 
 his youngest son was yet an infant, and the mother 
 married again, giving her babe to the care of his 
 uncle, Joseph Ritner, of whom a sketch is given. 
 
 Joseph Ritner was a son of Michael Ritner (ma- 
 ternal grandfather of Mr. Cunningham). Michael 
 was born in Germany, and after coining to this 
 country, adopted the cause of the persecuted colo- 
 nists. He enlisted in the Revolutionary war, fight- 
 ing gallantly under Gen. Washington, and at the 
 battle of Long Island, swam across the sound, car- 
 rying his musket by its strap in his month. He 
 then returned to Schuylkill, Penn., and followed 
 the weaver's trade for some time; but his martial 
 spirit rebelled against the monotony of private life, 
 and once again the German patriot shouldered arms 
 in defense of his adopted country. He participated 
 in the siege of Yorktown, and was present at Corn- 
 wallis' surrender in 1781, the crowning triumph of 
 the war. Joseph Ritner was born March 25, 1780, 
 on the Schuylkill, in a village now included in the 
 city of Philadelphia. He soon proved himself a 
 worthy son of his brave and patriotic father, and 
 when the war of 1812 began he was numbered 
 
 with the earliest volunteers, serving six months 
 with Harrison and Scott. Soon after his marriage, 
 Joseph Ritner came to Washington county, and 
 purchasing 140 acres began, with characteristic 
 energy, the task of clearing it. His early neigh- 
 bors afterward loved to tell how the sound of his axe 
 was heard far into the night, as his stout arms cleared 
 the forest, while the faithful wife, no less persever- 
 ing than her husband, stood by his side, burning 
 brush, that he might see to work. Such an indom- 
 itable nature as he possessed knows no such word 
 as fail, but ever climbing higher and higher, pauses 
 not till the pinnacle of success is attained. Pros- 
 perity came to Joseph Ritner. Fortune smiled 
 upon him, and his axe was heard no more in the 
 forest, for men had need of the mighty intellect 
 which had been fitted and strengthened for hercu- 
 lean tasks by early development of the muscular 
 powers, no less than by intellectual training. Great 
 questions were before the people, a crisis in the 
 history of the United States and of the New World 
 was rising before the people, aud confusion reigned 
 supreme. Leaders must be found, men of power 
 who could guide the swaying mass of struggling 
 humanity into at least a semblance of order, and 
 such men are ever rare. Among the few who 
 instantly responded to the agonized call of their 
 suffering country, and bending all their powers of 
 soul and body to the mighty task, brought some 
 order out of the chaos and a faint light from the 
 midnight darkness of the impending rebellion — 
 among these heroes is enrolled the name of Joseph 
 Ritner. From the beginning of the struggle, his 
 influence was exerted on the side of freedom, being 
 bitterly opposed to the extension of slave trade, 
 and eventually opposing secret societies. He was 
 elected to the Legislature six times in succession, 
 serving three times as speaker, aud having once 
 been elected by the unanimous vote of the House. 
 It is said that while serving as speaker, not one of 
 his rulings was ever reversed, an enviable and un- 
 usual distinction for a man in that position, and 
 especially among the exciting scenes then trans- 
 piring. He was afterward elected as governor, 
 evincing in that responsible position the same traits 
 which had characterized his services in minor 
 offices. He was a member of the College of Elect- 
 ors on the Whig ticket of 1840, taking an active 
 part in the campaign of that year. He possessed 
 the warm personal friendship of Gen. Harrison, 
 who, after his inauguration as President appointed 
 him treasurer of the Mint. The Senate declined 
 to confirm the appointment, an act said to be due 
 to Gov. Ritner' s opposition to the Masonic Frater- 
 nity. At last the storm, which had been gathering 
 for years above the Nation's sky, burst with tre- 
 mendous violence, all the pent-up rage, jealousy 
 and pride of a divided people swept furiously over 
 the puny barriers erected, wrath and passion ruled 
 
466 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 the hour, Ft. Sumter fell, and the great Rebellion 
 had begun at last. Gov. Ritner had then grown 
 old in the service of his country, his hair was 
 whitened with the snow of more than eighty years, 
 but the fire of youth Hashed from the eyes of the 
 aged veteran as he sprang to arms when the cannon 
 of Fort Sumter sounded on his ears. Eagerly the 
 gallant soldiers rallied around the standard of their 
 white-haired colonel, who led them to Harrisburg, 
 Penn., and there tendered his services to the Gov- 
 ernment. But his age proved an insurmountable 
 objection, and the noble warrior-statesman was 
 forced to accept the less dangerous, and yet scarcely 
 less important, position of an honored counselor to 
 the active workers in the great struggle. Although 
 prohibited from active participation, the veteran 
 continued to watch the terrible conflict with una- 
 bated zeal. His attitude toward the belligerent 
 States is best illustrated by an extract from a letter 
 which he wrote March '2'-'. 1863, to Mrs. Cunning- 
 ham. He wrote as follows: "If I live until the 
 day after to-morrow I will be eighty-three years 
 old. My health is good, I am free from aches and 
 pains of all kinds. God has been very kind and 
 good to me thus far, and I hope and trust that He 
 will permit me to live to see this wicked, unholy, 
 Godless and causeless rebellion crushed, so that I 
 may leave the world and my country in peace, 
 united and prosperous under the best government 
 vouchsafed to man in any part of the world." His 
 prayer was answered, and he passed away in his 
 ninety-fifth year, having seen the end of the great 
 struggle which had tilled so much of his life. 
 Gov. Ritner possessed deep and sincere piety, 
 more than ordinary intelligence, remarkable per- 
 ceptive power, and was firm in every conviction of 
 duty. He had an iron constitution, robust frame, 
 and wonderful vitality. Words can not do justice 
 io the life of this heroic patriot, brilliant states- 
 man, valued citizen and consecrated Christian man. 
 Joseph Ritner Cunningham was born Septem- 
 ber 18, 1824, in Chartiers township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and remained with his illustrious un- 
 cle during his miuoi it \ . receiving a good English 
 education. In 1839 lie went with his uncle to 
 Cumberland county, Penn., returning to Washing- 
 ton county in 1846. He then worked six months 
 for William Jamison for $00, receiving $9.50 per 
 month the latter part of the year. From these 
 scanty wages he managed to save some money, 
 and the next year rented the farm and fixtures, 
 which he worked for one third of the crops, re- 
 ceiving $10 per month when not busied with the 
 crops. The following year he rented the farm for 
 three seasons, paying an annual cash rent of $250. 
 At the expiration of that time lie rented a farm 
 near West Middletown, this county, and marrying 
 Miss Nancy Meloy, November 19, 1857, began 
 housekeeping. The young people resided there 
 
 three years, when he purchased a farm in Buffalo 
 township, this county, where he lived three years, 
 then selling out, bought his present well cultivated 
 farm of 179 acres, situated near Buffalo village. 
 Mr. Cunningham has been a very successful busi- 
 ness man, having amassed a comfortable com- 
 petence, but unlike many who have achieved suc- 
 cess in this life, he has not neglected to prepare 
 for a future home, and lay foundations for a " house 
 not made with hands. " He and his wife are de- 
 voted members of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at West Middletown, Penn., taking an active in- 
 terest in both church and Sabbath -school work. 
 He has served as a member of the board of trustees, 
 also attended to much of the financial business of 
 the church, and has ever given liberally to the sup- 
 port and upbuilding of the cause of Christianity. 
 Political life has no charm for Mr. Cunningham, 
 although he evinces an intelligent interest in the 
 leading questions of the day. He was formerly a 
 Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican 
 party espoused its principles, being a strong op- 
 ponent of shivery. Mrs. Cunningham is a cult- 
 ured and refined lady, highly esteemed by all 
 who have the pleasure of her acquaintance. 
 
 I'OHKMAN HUGHES, a retired agricult- 
 urist, than whom none is better known in 
 his township, or more highly respected, is 
 a native of the county, born Febuarv 5, 
 1822, in South Strabane township. 
 
 John Hughes, grandfather of Workman Hughes, 
 was a native of New Jersey, born of Irish ancestry, 
 and when a young man moved to Carlisle, Penn., 
 where he enlisted in the Continental army; in July, 
 1775, his company was formed, with eight others, 
 into a battalion of riflemen. Mr. Hughes partici- 
 pated in the disastrous expedition to Canada under 
 the command of Col. Arnold, and was present at 
 the attack on Quebec. He remained in the army 
 to the close of the struggle, rising from the ranks 
 to captain. After the war he came to Washington 
 county, where he subsequently (in 1784) bought a 
 tract of land on what is known as Hughes' branch 
 of Ten Mile creek. In 1S02 Mr. Hughes pur- 
 chased a lot on Main street. Washington, and in 
 L 809 two lots on Maiden street. He was a car- 
 penter by trade, which he followed at Washington 
 for a considerable period from 1784. and also at 
 Ten-Mile creek. For some fourteen years he was 
 captain of a company that guarded the Surveying 
 Corps. On retiring from active life, he settled in 
 Amwell township, where he died September 15, 
 1818, aged sixty eight years. 
 
 Samuel Hughes, father of Workman Hughes, 
 was born January 23, 1786, in Amwell township, 
 this county, where he was married to Mary Work 
 man, who was born January 13, 17S0, in the build- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 469 
 
 ing that afterward became the first depot for the 
 Baltimore & Ohio Railroad in Washington; she 
 was a daughter of Hugh Workman, who settled in 
 the borough many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hughes after marriage made their home in Wash- 
 ington borough until 1820, in which year they 
 came to South Strabane township, where they re- 
 mained until 1850, and then went to Iowa. The 
 names of their children are Margaret, Elizabeth, 
 Hugh W. , Samuel, Sarah, Mary, John, James, 
 Workman, Martha and Jackson. Mr. Hughes, in 
 addition to his farming interests, followed carpen- 
 tering for some years. He was a member and 
 liberal supporter of the Disciple Church of Wash 
 ington, and in politics he was an active Democrat. 
 He died October 2, 1862, aged seventy-six years, 
 his wife, Mary, on March 10, 1802, aged seventy 
 years. 
 
 The early life of the subject of this memoir was 
 passed at the paternal home, his education being 
 secured at the subscription schools of the neighbor- 
 hood, which was held in an old, abandoned log 
 dwelling. On June 3, 1847, he was married to 
 Rachel, daughter of Matthew Taylor, and their 
 union has been blessed with the following named 
 children: Samuel T., James W., John H., Will- 
 iam, Mary (Mrs. B. F. Closser), Nannie J. and 
 Rachel (Mrs. William Myers). The mother of 
 these children dying May 12. 1802, Mr. Hughes 
 married, March 15, 1864, Miss Margaret, daughter 
 of Samuel Vance, but she departed this life August 
 22, 1879, and in December, 1880, the bereaved hus- 
 band took unto himself a third life partner in the 
 person of Miss Martha, daughter of John Scott. 
 
 After his first marriage Mr. Hughes remained mi 
 the old home place till 1850, when he moved to 
 the other farm and resided there until 1863, in 
 which year, having bought the old McGiffin prop- 
 erty, he removed to Ten-Mile, where he made his 
 home until 1879, when he came into the borough 
 of Washington, and has sinca resided, having built 
 his present commodious residence. The family 
 are members of the First Presbyterian Church at 
 Washington. In politics Mr. Hughes has been a 
 life-long Democrat, and in 1870 he was elected 
 director of the poor for a three years' term; he 
 has also held various township offices with credit to 
 himself and satisfaction to his constituents. 
 
 CHARLES O'CONNOR, one of the best- 
 known representative citizens of Donegal 
 township, claims his descent from one of the 
 kings who, at an early period of the history 
 of Ireland, governed the provinces, and who were 
 subject to the "Ard-Righ," or monarch of the 
 whole, who usually resided at Tara, in the County 
 Meath, Province of Leinster. 
 
 The grandfather of our subject (also named 
 
 Charles O'Connor) was a native of County Kildare, 
 Ireland, born about (he year 1740, and was there 
 married to a Miss Simpson, also a native of the 
 Emerald Isle, who bore him three children: Patrick, 
 John and Mary Ann. This wife dying in 1788, 
 Charles O'Connor married, for his second wife, a 
 Miss Hughes (an aunt of the late Archbishop 
 Hughes), of New York, and by this union three 
 children were born: Martin, Bridget and Winifred. 
 
 The parents both died in Ireland, the father in 
 1832, and all the children emigrated to America, 
 except Martin, who died in his native land. 
 
 John O'Connor, who was the second son of 
 Charles O'Connor by his first marriage, was born 
 in 1786 in County Kildare, Ireland, where in early 
 life he learned the trade of a weaver, serving a 
 seven years' apprenticeship, afterward following 
 same there until 1816 when he came to America. 
 Landing at Philadelphia, he there carried on his 
 trade one year, and in 1817 moved to Pittsburgh, 
 thence to Washington borough, this county, where he 
 secured work as a laborer on the National pike, then 
 in course of construction. Here his steady habits and 
 honest dealings were soon recognized, and it was 
 not long before be was promoted to overseer of the 
 work between Washington and West Alexander, a 
 position he held with great credit until the comple- 
 tion of the road, frequently being entrusted with 
 large sums of money for the "pay sheet." In 
 1820 he was married to Eliza Aston, who was born 
 in Lancaster county, Peun., in 1800, and the chil- 
 dren by this union were fifteen in number, as fol- 
 lows: Samuel (died in 1889 in South Dakota), and 
 Charles, John, George and Martin, all of whom 
 died young; Charles (our subject); Mary Ann, who 
 died in 1858; one that died in infancy unnamed; 
 John, in the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- 
 road Company, and living near Claysville; Mar- 
 garet, living near Dunlap, Iowa; Elizabeth, a 
 spinster; a son deceased in infancy unnamed; 
 Teresa, deceased wife of William Coyne, died 
 December 28, 1887; Martha, who died in 1865 
 while attending Mount-de-Chantal College, near 
 Wheeling, W. Va., and a twin sister to Martha 
 who died young. After leaving the National pike 
 Mr. O'Connor purchased a farm about two miles 
 northeast of West Alexander, known as the " Old 
 Higgins farm," where he followed agricultural 
 pursuits up to the time of his death, which 
 occurred March 22, 1872, his wife following him 
 to the grave May 1, 1875. They were both mem- 
 bers of the Catholic Church, and in politics he was 
 a Whig originally, but in later years voted the 
 Democratic ticket. John O'Connor was a cousin 
 of the eminent lawyer, Charles O'Connor, late of 
 the New York bar. 
 
 Charles O'Connor, of whom these lines chiefly 
 treat, was born September 8, 1830, in Donegal 
 township, this county, where he was reared to farm 
 
470 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 life, receiving his rudimentary education at the 
 common schools. He then attended, for two years, 
 the academy at West Alexander, under the head 
 preceptorship of Rev. Father McClusky, after 
 which he was for some time a student at St. Vin- 
 ceut College, near Latrobe, Westmoreland Co., 
 Penn., which is in charge of the Benedictine 
 Order. On April 15, 1857, Mr. O'Connor was mar- 
 ried to Margaret Hickey, a native of County Kil- 
 kenny, Ireland, born in 1836, to which union there 
 are no children. She died October 25, 1888. 
 After marriage our subject settled on a farm in 
 Donegal township, one mile east of West Alexan- 
 der, immediately adjoining the National pike, 
 where he is yet living, carrying on general farm- 
 ing with marked success. His home is a model of 
 neatness and good order, entirely attributable to his 
 good taste and untiring energy. Mr. O'Connor is 
 a typical representative of the race from which 
 he sprung, and, although over sixty years of age, 
 can do as good a day's work as many a younger 
 man. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion 
 a Catholic, being one of the substantial support- 
 ers of the Claysville Church. 
 
 W. CUMMINS is a well-known citizen of 
 Chartiers township, Washington county, 
 having achieved an eminent and unusual 
 success in his chosen vocation as an auc- 
 tioneer. He has followed this business 
 over eighteen years, his first trial having been 
 made in March, 1874. Mr. Cummins is of Scotch 
 descent (a country noted for the thrift and energy 
 of her people, is "Bonny Scotland"'), his grand- 
 father having immigrated to America many years 
 ago. He settled in Mt. Pleasant township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., rented a farm of Mr. McElroy, 
 who was blind, but had perfect confidence in his 
 tenants who lived there for thirty-three years. 
 Mr. Cummins was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Miller's Run. 
 
 Robert Cummins was born August 19, 183fi, in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and in early 
 life was married to Maria Dougherty, who was 
 born on a farm that stood exactly on the line be- 
 tween Pennsylvania and Virginia. The Dougher- 
 tys were early settlers of Virginia, where John 
 Dougherty (father of Maria) grew to manhood and 
 was married to Margaret Wilson. They lived and 
 died near the Pennsylvania line in Virginia. To 
 the union of Robert and Maria (Dougherty) Cum- 
 mins three children were born : A. W. (subject of 
 this sketch), Elizabeth (wife of John Patterson, of 
 Cross Creek township, this county), and Thomas 
 (living on the farm with his brother, A. W.). 
 The mother died in 185'.), and for his second wife 
 Robert Cummins was married to Esther Jane, 
 
 reared in Chartiers township, daughter of John 
 Howell, an early pioneer of Finley township, who 
 passed his life in this county, dying about the year 
 1882. He was a strong and powerfully built man, 
 in robust health, and died very suddenly. His 
 widow is yet living in McConnell's Mills. Robert 
 Cummins followed farming in both Chartiers and 
 Mount Pleasant townships. In politics he was an 
 ardent Republican, and in church connection a 
 Presbyterian. 
 
 A. W. Cummins (the subject proper of this 
 sketch) was born June 15, 1853, in Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township, this county, being reared on the 
 farm and educated in the country schools. On 
 February 22, 187G, he was united in marriage 
 with Jane Ann, daughter of Hugh and Jane (Shaw) 
 Sprowl, the wedding taking place at the home of 
 the bride in Harrison county, Ohio. Hugh Sprowl 
 was born in 1823, and at the age of twelve years 
 came with his parents to Harrison county, Ohio. 
 In early manhood he was married to Jane Shaw, 
 and settling on a farm in Harrison county, re- 
 mained there all his life. He died in 1874, fol- 
 lowed by his wife in November, 1881. 
 
 After his marriage to Miss Sprowl, A. W. Cum- 
 mins attended Duff's Commercial College for some 
 time, and in 1877 settled at McConnell's Mills, 
 engaging in the mercantile business, which he con- 
 tinued until 1885, soon becoming an expert sales- 
 man. He then began his prosperous life as an 
 auctioneer and agriculturist, the latter vocation 
 serving to aid the former profession, as a farmer 
 would naturally know whereof he spoke, in esti- 
 mating the qualities and value of an animal. In 
 April of 1889 Mr. Cummins moved to the old Mc- 
 Elroy homestead of 103 acres, which was settled 
 over a century ago, the house having been erected 
 many years. His property has been acquired by 
 tireless industry, vim and perseverance, coupled 
 with an eloquent flow of language when describ- 
 ing goods, which gift has proved a valuable acqui- 
 sition both to himself and those who have needed 
 his services. He began the world at an early age, 
 and undaunted by the harsh experiences of life, has 
 been a ' : hustler" from the first. He owns nearly 
 all the good buildings in McConnell's Mills. He 
 is dealing extensively in stock, making a specialty 
 of raising the National Delaine Merino sheep, sell- 
 ing nearly $2,000 worth of that breed last year. 
 He is also raising Jersey cattle, and ships large 
 quantities of both kinds of stock to all points 
 north, east and west. He is an active member of 
 the Republican party, being chairman of the Re- 
 publican, committee in Chartiers township. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Cummins are members of the Cros-s 
 Roads United Presbyterian Church at Chartiers. 
 The children born to their union are as follows: 
 Nora Belle, Andrew Irvin, George Dilworth, How- 
 ard Leslie, Hugh Sterling and Laura Jane. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 471 
 
 B. BELL is descended from an old Scotch- 
 Irish family who fled from Londonderry, 
 Ireland, to Scotland, during the religious 
 persecution. From Scotland they emi- 
 grated to New Jersey, where William, the 
 first pioneer of the name, located. His wife's 
 maiden name was Lea. 
 
 John Bell, son of the William Bell above men- 
 tioned, was born in the year 1732. He was mar- 
 ried to Elizabeth, a daughter of Robert Boyd, and 
 on April 7, 1793, purchased from William Luckie 
 a farm in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he spent the remainder of his days, and died 
 in 1809. 
 
 Robert, son of John Bell, was born in Lancaster 
 county, Penn. He served in the Revolutionary 
 war, entering the service when about sixteen years 
 of age. On May 29, 1788, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Rachel Espy, by whom he had seven 
 children. In the year 1793 he purchased from 
 Anthony Boly the farm in Peters township, which 
 is to this day in the possession of his descendants. 
 He died October 17, 1849, aged about eighty-five. 
 Of the seven children born to Robert and Rachel 
 Bell, John married Nancy Porter, of Clarion county, 
 Penn. , to which county he removed soon after his 
 marriage. Here he died, leaving behind him a 
 large family. Thomas married Nancy Scott, and 
 died in Clarion county. Elizabeth married Benja- 
 min Coe, who moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, 
 where she died. William married Jane Caldwell, 
 and died in Richland county, 111. Robert mar- 
 ried Susannah Tidball. James married Sarah 
 Reasoner, and moved to Richland county, 111., 
 where he died. Ann married William Barr« and 
 spent the last years of her earthly pilgrimage in 
 Nottingham township, this county. 
 
 Robert, son of Robert and Rachel Bell, was born 
 and died on the home farm in Peters township. 
 He first saw the light of day in 1801. He grew to 
 manhood under the parental roof, and on August 
 28, 1828, married Susannah, daughter of Abraham 
 Tidball, of Allegheny county, Penn. He died 
 December 11, 1890. His children were: Rachel 
 (died in infancy); John B. (married June 24, 
 1869, Sarah Ann Dunlap, of Cecil township, and 
 have one son, Robert Francis Bell); Robert Boyd, 
 unmarried, living at present on the home farm; 
 Sarah, married June 19, 1804. to Robert Gillespie, 
 M. D., and died August 29, 1868, leaving one son, 
 Lorenzo James Gillespie; Abraham T. , a graduate 
 of Washington and Jefferson College, class of 1870, 
 also of Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, 
 Penn., class of 1872 (at the present time (1893), 
 he is preaching in Indiana county, Penn. ; was 
 married May 8, 1872, to Mary Watson, by whom 
 he has had two children, one daughter, Sarah 
 Emma, is living); Susannah, married James John- 
 ston, of Cecil township, Washington county, 
 
 November 24, 1874, and died March 7, 1892, leaving 
 a husband and live children — three sons and two 
 daughters. The farm is. still in the possession of 
 the family. It contains 105 acres of excellent land 
 situated in a bend of and nearly surrounded by 
 Chartier's creek. The Chartier's railway passes 
 through and under a portion of the farm. 
 
 HARPER SIMANTON. In tracing the 
 genealogy of this prosperous agriculturist, 
 we find that the family have been prom- 
 inent residents of Pennsylvania for many 
 years. 
 
 Peter Simanton (the grandfather) was born in 
 Northampton county, Penn. , and about the year 
 1795 was united in marriage with Margaret Mc- 
 Farren, also a native of Northampton county, born 
 December 26, 1764, the wedding ceremony being 
 performed by the Rev. Asa Dunham. In 1810 
 Mr. and Mrs. Simanton moved to Cherry Valley, 
 Washington county, and September 9, 1811, bought 
 344 acres of the original Cherry tract, which be- 
 came their home. He was a Whig in politics, and 
 in church connection both he and his wife were 
 members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church. 
 They were the parents of three children, of whom 
 the following is a brief record: Jennie, born in 
 1800, was married to Samuel Farrar, and died in 
 September, 1882 (her children were John, deceased 
 in Smith township; Robert S., living in Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township; William McFarren, deceased in Jan- 
 uary, 1892, at Cambridge, Guernsey Co., Ohio; 
 Aaron, deceased in 1873, Mt. Pleasant township; 
 Samuel L., deceased in 1891. Washington, D. C. ; 
 Julia A., deceased in 1885, wife of John McElroy; 
 and Simanton, living in Mt. Pleasant township); 
 John (of whom a sketch follows) and Isabella (wife 
 of Robert Johnston, of Smith township), died some 
 years ago, having reared three children, viz. : Mar- 
 garet A. (Mrs. Finley), William and John, all 
 three now residing in Missouri. Peter Simanton 
 was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He died 
 in 1826, at the home of his grandson, and his wife 
 passed away June 5, 1S35. 
 
 John Simanton was born in 1802, in Northamp- 
 ton county, Penn. In 1810 he came with his 
 parents to Cherry Valley, Bit. Pleasant township, 
 Washington county, where he was reared and 
 educated. In early manhood he was married to a 
 Miss Ramsey, and settled on the old home farm 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, where three daughters 
 were born to him: Margaret, wife of William Camp- 
 bell, of Midway, Penn.; Isabelle. Mrs. Robert Pat- 
 terson, of Bolivar, Westmoreland Co., Penn., and 
 Martha Jane, who died when young. The mother 
 died soon after the birth of her youngest child, 
 and Mr. Simauton married, for his second wife, 
 Eliza Allen, who was born in 1806, in Greene 
 
472 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 county, Perm., and came to Washington county 
 with her parents in childhood. To this marriage 
 one son, A. H. , was born. Mr. Simanton was an 
 active worker in the Whig party, afterward uniting 
 with the Republicans, and serving the party by 
 rilling several township offices. He and his wife 
 were members of the Presbyterian Church at Can- 
 dor, this county, in which he was a ruling elder 
 for many years. He died in 1871, his wife in 1884. 
 
 A. Harper Simanton was born March 16, 1843, 
 on his present farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 passing his boyhood in attending the country 
 school, and assisting with home duties. On Novem- 
 ber 19, 1868, he was married to Ellen, daughter of 
 ( luyan Mcllvaine who was born in 1792, in Somerset 
 township, on the home farm, where his early years 
 were passed. He was united in marriage with 
 Jane Ferguson, a native of Somerset township, 
 who bore him four children: Lydia (widow of John 
 Phillips, living in Greene county, Penn.); William 
 Greer (deceased in 1882, at Memphis, Tenn.), was 
 married in Vickbsurg; Robert F. (residing in 
 Rochester, Beaver Co., Penn.); and John M. (liv- 
 ing in Mt. Pleasant township). Mrs. Mcllvaine 
 died in 1823, and in 1S: J ,() Guy an Mcllvaine married 
 •lane Bratton, a native of Lancaster county, Penn. 
 In |s:-J5 he settled in Mt. Pleasant township, on 
 the home farm. To this union the following chil- 
 dren were born: Harvey (residing in Kansas), 
 Anna Eliza (married to William M. Campbell, of 
 Cross Creek township), Joseph Lawrence (editor 
 of the Advocate, New Philadelphia, Ohio), Boyd (a 
 resident of South Dakota), Belle Jane (of Mt. 
 1'lcasant township), James A. and Martha Ellen 
 (Mrs. A. Harper Simanton), both of Mt. Pleasant 
 township, and Mary Esther. Mr. Mcllvaine was 
 first a Whig, then a Know nothing, and afterward 
 a Republican. He and his wife were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect. He died 
 in 180S, having been preceded by his wife in 1859. 
 
 After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Simanton 
 settled on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, containing 200 acres of valuable land, to 
 which his time is devoted. Four children have 
 blessed their union, namely: .Maud, Maggie Belle, 
 Walter and Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. Simanton are 
 members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, of 
 which lie is a trustee. He is a Republican. 
 
 JAMES E. SMITH, a prominent farmer of 
 West Pike Run town -hip, is a sun of Henry 
 Smith, who was born in 1806, in Washington 
 county, Penn., and was a farmer. 
 In early life Henry Smith was married to Nancy 
 Norris, a native of this county, who was born in 
 1816, and they were the parents of thirteen chil- 
 dren, namely: Mary A., wife of John Hilton, of 
 Monongahela; Henderson; James E.; Nancy, mar- 
 
 ried to John Reed, of Lucyville, Penn. ; Hannah 
 B., wife of Joseph Bell, a Methodist minister lo- 
 cated at Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; Joseph H. ; 
 Lydia, wife of George Flood ; Roxanna, married 
 to Edwin Sutton, of Chillicothe, Ohio; Tilly, wife 
 of Nathan Thomas; Howard, living in Uniontown, 
 Fayette county; Lizzie; Harrison and an infant, 
 of whom the latter three are deceased. The father 
 was a member of the M. E. Church, with which 
 his widow is yet associated. He died May 10, 
 1880, and Mrs. Smith, aged seventy-six years, is 
 now residing on the home place. 
 
 James E. Smith was born November 27, 1838, 
 on the home farm in West Pike Run township, and 
 grew to manhood with but few opportunities for 
 securing an education. Ha was married on Octo 
 ber 21, 1877, to Aquilla Palmer, a native of this 
 county, daughter of Ephraim and Hannah (Bren- 
 ton) Palmer, natives of Fayette county, Penn., the 
 father being born in 1817, and the mother in 1818. 
 Their children were Aquilla, wife of James E- 
 Smith; Sarah W., married to William Johnston, 
 of Fayette county, Penn.; Addison R., a Method- 
 ist minister of Champaign county, Ohio; Ephraim; 
 Hannah P., wife of Daniel Moore, a Baptist min- 
 ister of Washington county, Penn.; James; Sabria 
 (deceased) and Cornelius (deceased). Mr. Palmer 
 learned the trade of barber at Brownsville, Perm., 
 and continued to follow same during most of his 
 life; he died inl890, followed by his wife in April, 
 1892. Mr. and Mrs. James E. Smith are residing 
 on a pleasant, well-cultivated farm of thirty-seven 
 acres. He is a member of the F. & A. M. at West 
 Brownsville. 
 
 /T^ EORGE SWART. Among the many prom- 
 I) inent agriculturists who have contributed 
 
 V [ substantially to the material prosperity of 
 ^^t Amwell township, and indeed it may be 
 said of the entire county, stands the worthy 
 gentleman whose well-known name opens this 
 biographical sketch. 
 
 He is a grandson of the noble old pioneer, Philip 
 Swart, who emigrated from Germany to America, 
 locating finally, during the early part of the pres- 
 ent century, in Amwell township, this county, 
 where he took up what, is recognized by the family 
 as the "old home farm'' of 315 acres. He had 
 two children, Jacob and Susie (Mrs. Phillips), and 
 died about the year 181 1 ; his wife survived him 
 many years, passing away at a ripe old age. 
 
 Jacob Swart, son of Philip t Swart, was born 
 near the old home in Amwell township, and was 
 educated at the local schools of his early day. He 
 was married to Sarah Evans, of the same township, 
 ami tlie children born to this union were: Dorothy 
 (Mrs. Mustard), Philip, David, John, Polly (Mrs. 
 Huston). Henry, Abraham, George, Hiram and 
 

 :■ v *&; 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 475 
 
 Charlotte. Jacob Swart died in 1815 on the old 
 home farm, his wife, Sarah, on June 11, 1846. He 
 was an excellent business man, and during his 
 comparatively short life accumulated much prop- 
 erty, leaving a fortune as an unimpeachable wit- 
 ness to his characteristic energy and sound judg- 
 ment. At the time of his death he owned six farms 
 aggregating 1,000 acres of land. Politically he 
 was a Whig, and he was respected and esteemed by 
 all who knew him. 
 
 George Swart, the subject proper of these lines, 
 was born beside Ruff's creek, Greene Co., Penn., 
 April 23, 1810, and when four years of age was 
 brought by his father to the farm which is now the 
 property of Andrew Horn, in Amwell township, 
 this county. He received a necessarily meager 
 education in the primitive schools of his early day, 
 but he has been a diligent reader, and a devoted 
 student of Biblical literature. Mr. Swart has been 
 twice married, first on January 14, 1830, to Eliza- 
 beth Smith, of Greene county, Penn., born October 
 9, 1814, and died March 4, 1876. Their union 
 was blessed with twelve children: Jacob, born 
 July 13, 1831 (deceased March 3, 1833); Harvey, 
 born March 30, L833 (was married Februan 22, 
 1877, to Jane Arnold); Dennis born January 31, 
 1836 (was united in marriage April 30, 1S57, with 
 Lydia Huffman, and is now residing in Missouri); 
 Simon, born January 29, 1838 (died May 3, 1848); 
 Sarah, born June 19, 1840 (was married Septem- 
 ber 15, 1859, to Harrison Sowers); Luciuda, born 
 October 29, 1842 (March 11, 1864, became the wife 
 of John Hopkins; deceased June 8, 1881); Hiram, 
 born October 10, 1844 (died September 29, 1851); 
 Elizabeth, born August 27, 1847 (died January 1, 
 1853); Emeline, born November 5, 1849 (was 
 united in marriage October 30, 1873, with David 
 Baker, and died March 26, 1884); George, born 
 January 20, 1853 (died August 15, 1865); Deborah, 
 born February 7, 1855, died March 13, 1883 (she 
 was married February 10, 1875 to James Hughes); 
 and Alice L., born April 20, 1857 (on November 
 1*'), 1876, she became the wife of John J. Hoffman). 
 On December 4, 1877, Mr. Swart was united in 
 marriage with Mrs. Ellen Hopkins, of Greene 
 county, a very estimable lady, and who makes him 
 a most congenial and lovable companion in his 
 declining years. 
 
 In February, 1831, Mr. Swart moved to his 
 present home, where he is now enjoying a well 
 earned peaceful repose from the labors of an hon- 
 ored and useful life. The comfortable competence 
 he possesses has been accumulated by years of assid- 
 uous industry and indefatigable effort. Politically, 
 Mr. Swart was formerly a Whig, afterward a Re- 
 publican, and he has always taken an active inter- 
 est in public affairs. He and his family have for 
 many years been members of the Methodist Protes- 
 ant Church. 
 
 MITH McCREIGHT. Among the influen- 
 tial and intelligent citizens of Hanover town- 
 ship, none occupies or deserves a more 
 promineut place than this gentleman, a native 
 of Jefferson county, Penn., where he was born 
 July 18, 1832. He is a son of Andrew McCreight. 
 The father was born in 1787, in Ireland, and when 
 but seven years of age was brought to America, and 
 grew to manhood in Pennsylvania. In 1812 he 
 was married in Armstrong county, Penn., to Ann 
 Sharp, who was born in 1795. Her family were 
 pioneers of Armstrong county. 
 
 The children of Andrew and Ann McCreight 
 were: James, a wheelwright and carpenter, de- 
 ceased in 1888, at the age of seveuty-five years, 
 in Armstrong county, Penn.; Sharp, a retired 
 farmer of Indiana county, Penn.; Sarah (Mrs. 
 Abraham Neil), of Jefferson county, Penn. ; Joseph, 
 a farmer of Jefferson county, Neb., where he died; 
 John, a farmer of Jefferson county, Penn.; Ann 
 (wife of William Caldwell), of Clearfield county, 
 Penn. ; Jane ( Mrs. Joseph McNeil), of Clearfield coun- 
 ty, Penn. ; Thomas S., a farmer and miller of Jeffer- 
 son county, Penn. ; Smith, of whom further men- 
 tion is made; Nancy, deceased in 1891 (married to 
 Benjamin Hawk); Jamison, a farmer in Kansas; and 
 Hannah, an nnmarried lady, living in Kansas. 
 The parents began life as tenants in a humble 
 home located on Plum creek, Armstrong Co. , 
 Penn., where he worked as a tenant and cropper. 
 By industry he prospered, and soon accumulating 
 some money, went to Jefferson county, Penn., and 
 purchased a tract of uncleared land, which was 
 cheaper in that county. The young couple re- 
 moved to their new home, and, after much hard 
 work, succeeded in clearing enough of the land to 
 carry on farming. With that undying spirit of 
 pluck, which is the national characteristic of the 
 true Irishman, he finally obtained enough property 
 to provide all necessary comforts of life, which he 
 enjoyed. In politics he was an Old-line Whig, and 
 then a Republican, taking an active interest in the 
 success of his party. Both he and his wife were 
 consistent members of the U. P. Church. He died 
 in 1861, his wife having entered the "valley of the 
 shadow" in 1858. They were buried on the farm 
 in Jefferson county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Smith McCreight was reared to manhood on his 
 father's farm, and there inducted into the myster- 
 ies of agriculture. He attended the common 
 schools, and in early life took charge of the home 
 place in company with his brother, Thomas S., 
 caring for the father and mother until they died. 
 On March 14, 1863, Smith McCreight was married 
 to Sarah E. Murphy, who was born in 1842, in 
 Westmoreland county, Penn. , a daughter of James 
 and Susan (McMurray) Murphy. James Murphy 
 was a tailor by trade, also working on a farm. 
 Mr. and Mrs. McCreight have passed all their 
 
476 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 married life on the old homestead farm in Winslow 
 township, Jefferson Co., Penn., and his brother 
 Thomas S. followed lumbering in the winter sea- 
 son and farming in the summer for some years. 
 They afterward purchased one-half interest in a 
 grist and saw mill, and the following year bought 
 the other half. As the business increased they 
 made extensive improvements on the property, 
 placing $1,500 worth of new machinery in the 
 gristmill. Just when the business had become 
 profitable the destructive fire of August 25, 1877, 
 swept away all their property — 1,500 bushels of 
 grain and 100,000 feet of dry pine lumber. No 
 insurance was carried. This was a terrible trial, 
 but their energy and enterprise were indestructible, 
 and before the smoke of the debris had ceased to 
 curl upward they had begun the erection of a 
 modern mill. It was rapidly pushed to comple- 
 tion, and within four months of the date of the fire 
 these "hustling brothers" were again ready for 
 customers on a more extensive basis than before 
 the fire. In 1881 the mill property was disposed 
 of, and Smith McCreight began farming. In the 
 autumn of 1884 he purchased and moved upon 200 
 acres of land in Hanover township, Washington 
 county, known as the "Martin Tucker" farm. 
 His enterprising and progressive spirit is evinced 
 in the many improvements which have been made 
 since his residence on the place. A handsome 
 new dwelling was erected in 1890. It is located 
 on an elevated spot, one of the highest in Wash- 
 ington county, affording a most delightful view of 
 the surrounding country for many miles. Mr. 
 McCreight was a Whig, afterward uniting with the 
 Republican party. He and his wife are members 
 of the U. P. Church at Paris, and their children 
 are Thomas A., a farmer of Hanover township, liv- 
 ing on the home place; Clara A., studying teleg- 
 raphy; Anna, and Beulah S., living at home. 
 
 and in religion was a member of the Society of 
 Friends. 
 
 William M. Morgan was born near Baltimore, 
 Md. , where his boyhood was passed. In early life 
 he was married to Mary, daughter of Thomas and 
 Elizabeth (Lewis) Whittaker, the former of whom 
 was a native of County Fermanagh, Ireland. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Whittaker had four children, viz. : Eliza- 
 beth, Thomas L., John D. and Mary. After their 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Morgan settled in Waynes - 
 burgh, Greene Co., Penn., where he followed the 
 trade of cooper. In 1844 he moved to Coal Centre, 
 this county, and here continued in the same business 
 until his death. He was a Democrat, favoring the 
 Abolitionists, and in religion was a member of the 
 M. «E. Church. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan were born 
 the following children: L. W., Eliza J. (deceased), 
 George (living in Oklahoma), Hannah (deceased), 
 aud Thomas P. (in Pittsburgh). 
 
 L. W. Morgan was born November 5, 1830, in 
 Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn., aud remained 
 on the home place during early life. At the age 
 of twenty years, in company with Solomon Sibbitt, 
 he opened the first general store in California, 
 Penn., conducting it for five years. On October 
 27, 1857, he was married to Ann J., daughter of 
 John R. Gregg, and their children were Mary W., 
 P. W., William W., John, Charles, L. L., Elizabeth 
 and Albert T. Of these children P. W., Elizabeth 
 and Albert T. are yet living. After selling the store 
 in California, Mr. Morgan followed river traffic a 
 few years, then opened a grocery in Coal Centre, 
 which he conducted but a few months, and return- 
 ing to California invested in his present store, and 
 opened a coal office. He has been a Republican, 
 but has voted the Prohibition ticket since the 
 organization of that party. In religious faith he 
 is a member of the M. E. Church, of which he is 
 steward and treasurer, and of the Sunday-school 
 he has been superintendent twenty-six years. 
 
 LW. MORGAN is a son of William M. Mor- 
 gan, whose father, William Morgan, was 
 | born in Maryland, and attended the schools 
 of his native State, then learned the cooper's 
 trade, becoming an expert in the finer parts of the 
 business. W 7 hen a young man he was married to 
 Hannah Matthews, a native of Baltimore, Md., 
 who bore him the following children: Oliver, 
 Rachel, Miriam, William M., George, Ruth (wife 
 of W. W. Jackman) and Esther (married to Ares- 
 lead Carroll). In an early day they came to 
 Greene county, Penn., and in 1830 moved to Wash- 
 ington county, locating in East Bethlehem town- 
 ship near Westland Church. Mr. Morgan kept a 
 hotel on the National pike, near Centreville, for 
 several years, and finally moved to Coal Centre, 
 Washington county, where he died at the age of 
 seventy- four years. He was a strong Abolitionist, 
 
 QEORGE TAYLOR was a son of Robert 
 Taylor, who was born in 1764, and emi- 
 grated from County Cavan, Ireland, in 1810. 
 Three weeks before leaving the old country 
 he was married to Mary Pattison, a daugh- 
 ter of William Pattison, a merchant of Belfast. 
 
 The young couple came to America to seek their 
 fortunes, and locating upon a farm near Hills 
 borough, this county, Mr. Taylor began working 
 it on shares, finally purchasing it in 1816. The 
 children born to this pioneer couple were: Mrs. Jacob 
 Shepler (deceased), William (deceased), George, 
 Mrs. William Robinson, Mrs. Jacob Qualk, and 
 Robert (deceased). Though receiving a somewhat 
 limited education in Ireland, Mr. Taylor was a 
 very successful business man, and was especially 
 admired for his benevolence. He was an Old- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 477 
 
 line Whig, but never accepted office, and was a 
 devout member of the Church of England. After 
 passing a useful life of nearly a century, he died 
 in 1859. His widow, a member of the Methodist 
 Church, followed her husband to the grave in 1862. 
 George Taylor, the subject of this memoir, was 
 born January 27, 1816, upon the home farm where 
 he now resides. He received a limited education, 
 but was an eager reader until his eyesight failed. 
 He remained on the farm until twenty-two years 
 of age, when he took charge of a store at Hills- 
 borough which he managed for three or four years, 
 then sold to William Bell, and engaged in farming 
 and buying stock. He has been very successful in 
 this business, which he has continued to follow. 
 In 1844 he married Charlotte Miller, daughter of 
 Charles Miller, and their children are: Mary Eliz- 
 abeth, born December 6, 1845 (deceased); Robert, 
 born September 1, 1848; Mrs. Samuel Barber, 
 born January 14, 1851; George William, born May 
 
 7, 1853 (deceased); Charles Taylor, born December 
 6, 1854; Clarence Baymond, born July 26, 1857 
 (deceased); George William, born May 13, 1861; 
 Frankie Addison, born January 19, 1864, and 
 Emma Jane, born August 4, 1866. Mr. Taylor 
 was a decided Republican, and, in his younger 
 days, one of the most active men in the county. 
 When but twenty years of age, ho was elected con- 
 stable, and held that office several years. When 
 about thirty -five years of age he was elected justice 
 of the peace, which position he filled twenty years, 
 and in 1859 was elected one of the county com- 
 missioners for a term of four years. He was a 
 member of the Methodist Church, with which his 
 wife was also united until her death, September 
 
 8, 1887. He died September 2, 1892. 
 
 
 GADWALLADER BLAYNEY. A biograph- 
 ical record of Washington county would 
 be incomplete were not special mention 
 made in its pages of the Blayneys, who have 
 their descent from an illustrious family of that 
 name, for many years residents of Ireland. Cad- 
 wallader Blayney, a Welshman by birth, and a 
 gallant officer in the British army of long ago, for 
 meritorious services to his country was made a 
 general, and soon thereafter was given an estate 
 in Ireland, the mansion on which came to be known 
 as "Blayney Castle," while the new occupant 
 was raised to the peerage with the title of " Lord 
 Blayney." This lord had a brother, a rector in 
 the Established Church of England. For twelve 
 generations Castle Blayney has been represented 
 by a Cadwallader Blayney, that being the name 
 of each succeeding son-in-heir, and the tenth Lord 
 Blayney, the great-grandfather of the subject of 
 this memoir, had several sons, one of whom, 
 Cadwallader, became the grandfather. He was a 
 
 wealthy landowner, and in early pioneer times 
 came to America, making a settlement in Ohio 
 county, W. Va., but on the death of his wife he 
 made his home with his son, Henry, during the 
 remainder of his life. 
 
 Henry Blayney was born in Ireland in 1792, and 
 was there married to Jane Rogers, by whom one 
 child, Mary, was born in their native land. In 
 1832 Henry and his family came with his father 
 to this country, and here were born to him six 
 more children, viz. : Hannah, Jane Cadwallader, 
 Margaret, Henry, John R. and Elizabeth Ann. 
 Henry Blayney finally settled in West Finley 
 township, where he died on his farm in February, 
 1873, honored and respected by all who knew 
 him. His wife died December 22, 1847. He was 
 a leading member of the Presbyterian Church of 
 West Alexander, and in politics was a stanch 
 Democrat. 
 
 Cadwallader Blayney, the subject of these lines, 
 was born July 12, 1829, in Ohio county, W. Va., 
 where he received his education. When a young 
 man he came to the farm in West Finley township, 
 this county, where he has since resided, engaged 
 in agricultural pursuits. When he first started 
 out for himself, his uncle gave him a colt, and this 
 was the beginning from which, by industry, per- 
 severance and thrift he has achieved the success 
 that brought him a competence for his declining 
 years. His first purchase was an old water-power 
 gristmill that is still standing, adjoining his resi- 
 dence in Good Intent. This mill he operated 
 eleven years, and then bought a farm near Good 
 Intent, on which he lived six years, at the end of 
 which time he moved into the village, and here 
 embarked in mercantile business which he con- 
 ducted nineteen years. He then sold out his store, 
 and retired to his farm above referred to. Mr. 
 Blayney was twice married: first time to Miss 
 Elizabeth Rogers (January 13, 1853), who bore him 
 eight children, viz. : John R. , Henry B., William 
 L. , Ida Jane, Belleville C, Elmer E., Orange 
 Griffith and Cadwallader, of whom the last two 
 died in infancy. The mother of this family died 
 February 2, 1872, and Mr. Blayney afterward 
 married Miss Jennie Blayney, a cousin, a daugh- 
 ter of John Blayney, a native of Ireland, whom 
 the last Lord Blayney (who died childless) named 
 as his heir, in his will. This John Blayney came 
 to the "United States in 1S4S, and there made his 
 home until the death, in 1875, of his wife, whose 
 maiden name was Fanny Alcorn, when he came to 
 live with our subject. On the death of the last 
 Lord Blayney, inquiry was made for "Uncle John," 
 as the heir by will was familiarly known; they 
 discovered, however, that a John Blayney, a 
 minister, had died a few months before, and con- 
 cluding that he was the last heir, returned to 
 England, and made their report accordingly. The 
 
ITs 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Blayney estate in Ireland, having thus no immedi- 
 ate heir to it, reverted to the Crown. "Uncle 
 John" Blayney is still living at the patriarchal 
 age of ninety-four years, making his home with his 
 daughter, Mrs. C. W. Blayney. By his second 
 marriage Mr. Cadwallader Blayney had five 
 children, as follows: Edward C, born July 13, 
 1873; Freddie L. and a twin, born December 4, 
 1875, both deceased, the former November 7, 1879, 
 the latter in infancy; Harold L., born October 17, 
 1879, and Fannie, born May 25, 1883, died June 
 7, same year. Mr. Blayney has been very success- 
 ful in all his business relations, and has accumu- 
 lated a considerable amount of property, being now 
 the owner of over 300 acres of prime land, also 
 owning a storeroom and several dwelling houses in 
 Good Intent. He is a member of the Windy Gap 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, which he has 
 served as trustee, and, socially, is popular and 
 highly respected. Politically he has been a Demo- 
 crat, but not active in his party, and during 
 Hayes' administration, at the request of his 
 Republican friends, he was appointed postmaster 
 of Good Intent, which office he held until selling 
 out his store. He also held various township 
 offices conferred upon him by the people irrespect- 
 ive of party. 
 
 ,\ILLIAM C. ROBISON, postmaster at 
 Monongahela, is a native of Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., and born of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 
 Robert Robison, his grandfather, was born 
 in Strasburgh, Penn., in 1789, and in 1825 moved 
 to Pittsburgh, where he embarked in the wholesale 
 grocery trade, conducting same until 1808. He 
 also carried on an extensive pork-packing business, 
 purchasing green meats in St. Louis and Chicago. 
 He was twice married, and by his first wife had 
 two children: Samuel B. and Margarette (Mrs. 
 F. F. Kernan); by his second wife (who was a 
 Miss Eliza Cummings), he had three children: 
 Robert, Lydia and Quiuey. Mr. Robison was a 
 Whig until the organization of the Republican 
 party, when he enrolled himself under their ban- 
 ner; in religion he was a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 Samuel B. Robison, father of William C. , was 
 also a native of Strasburgh, Penn., born in 1816. 
 He became a partner with his father in the whole- 
 sale grocery business in Pittsburgh, and after the 
 hitter's death continued the same under the firm 
 name of S. B. Robison & Co. until his decease in 
 I >ei ember, 1870. In 1850 Samuel B. Robison was 
 united in marriage with Rebecca Gallagher, of 
 Pittsburgh, and the children born to them were 
 Robert B. (in Pittsburgh), Emma. Samuel D., Will- 
 iam C.,IdaB., Charles W., B. Frank, Henry C. and 
 Garnet G. Mr. Robison was a Republican. During 
 the Civil war he was master of transportation of mil- 
 
 itary supplies from Pittsburgh, an office he filled 
 gratuitously, although there was a salary attached. 
 William C. Robison received a liberal education 
 at the schools of Pittsburgh, and was afterward 
 engaged in business in that city until 18SO, in 
 which year he came to Monongahela City, where 
 he has since resided. He is an active Republican, 
 and in January, 1890, was commissioned post- 
 master of that city. In 1870 Mr. Robison was 
 married to Rebecca, daughter of Silas Haley, and 
 the children born to this union are Silas Robert and 
 Frederick. 
 
 AMUEL YOUNG, a prosperous farmer of 
 Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. , is 
 a grandson of Thomas Young, who was born 
 
 in Maryland in 1745. He was a Revolution- 
 ary soldier. In 1809 he removed to a farm near 
 Jefferson, Morris township, Greene Co., Penn., and 
 there died in 1824. His son Thomas, father of 
 subject, was born on the farm, and from there re- 
 moved to Morris township, Washington county, 
 where he died in 1866. 
 
 Samuel Young was born July 9, 1830, on what 
 was called Crane's run in Greene county, Penn. , 
 and when about eight years old moved to Wash- 
 ington county with his father. He lived at home 
 until his marriage in 1854 to Rachel Carroll, who 
 was born Sepember 18, 1S34", daughter of Thomas 
 Carroll, of Morris township, Washington county. 
 He then moved to Morris township, Greene county, 
 where he remained about fifteen years; then re- 
 turned to Washington county, and lived on the 
 home farm until the death of his father, when he 
 again moved to Morris township, Greene county. 
 Thence he came to West Finley township, Wash- 
 ington county (near Wheeling creek), afterward 
 returning to Greene county, remained some time 
 at Nineveh. He then removed to Washington, this 
 county, and was for a short time engaged in 
 the hotel business, when he moved to West Fin- 
 le\ township, and embarked in farming. In 1888 
 he purchased the well -improved farm near Mt. Zion 
 M. E. church, in Morris township, this county, 
 where he now resides. His children are: Samantha, 
 wife of S. R. Rush, a prominent stock dealer of 
 East Liberty, Penn. ; Elizabeth, wife of Warren 
 Clutter, also a prominent stock dealer in East Lib- 
 erty, Penn., and Florence, yet living with her par- 
 ents. Mr. Young raises a considerable amount of 
 stock, and makes a specialty of breeding fine sheep. 
 The farm on which Mr. Young now resides was 
 taken up by Richard Carroll over one hundred 
 years ago; he was a native of Ireland, also the 
 grandfather of Mr. Young's wife, who is of the 
 third generation that has owned this farm. Po- 
 litically Mr. Young is a Democrat of life-long 
 standing. Mrs. Young is a member of the Cum 
 berland Presbvterian Church. 
 
WASHINGTON CO UN TY. 
 
 479 
 
 / 
 
 H/ENRY M. SNYDEK is descended from a 
 pioneer family of Washington county. He 
 is a grandson of John and Margaret Snyder, 
 whose early lives were passed in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, where the grandfather fol- 
 lowed the tanner's trade. He afterward moved to 
 Washington county, and became identified with the 
 earliest history of Fallowfield township. He was 
 a Democrat in politics, and in church connection 
 a member of the Lutheran Society. John Snyder 
 died December 24, 1867, in his seventy seventh 
 year, and July 23, 1876, his wife was laid beside 
 him, having passed her seventy-sixth birthday. 
 Tiny were the parents of six children. 
 
 Peter Snyder was born February 23, 1 833, in 
 Fallowfield township, Washington county, Peun. 
 He assisted his father in the tannery from early 
 boyhood, and after receiving a limited education, 
 followed shoemaking for thirty-five years. I'pon 
 attaining his majority he was married to Julia Ann 
 Crabb, who bore hiiu the following children: Jo- 
 sephine (Mrs. Stacker), Alexander, Daniel, Lu- 
 cretia (Beazell), John (deceased in 1891, at the age 
 of thirty-five years), Henry M. , George B., Frank- 
 lin P. and James S. 
 
 Henry M. Snyder, son of Peter Snyder, was 
 born February 22, 1860, on the home place in 
 Fallowfield township. Washington Co. , Penn. He 
 received a common-school education, and following 
 the example of his forefathers, learned the tanning 
 trade. In 1882 he was united in marriage with 
 Cynthia V. (Bentley) Van Voorhes, and settled on 
 the fifty acres of land on the Washington pike, in 
 Carroll township, where he is yet living. He was 
 formerly engaged in general farming, but of recent 
 years has given his principal attention to the dairy 
 business. The place is equipped with excellent 
 buildings, and is a pleasant, elegant home. 
 
 / 
 
 HI ENRY H. McDONOUGH, M. D. a leading 
 physician of Washington county, was born 
 October 30, 1836, in Somerset township, a 
 grandson of Henry McDonough, a native 
 of Baltimore, where the family had resided 
 many years. 
 
 Henry McDonough had two brothers, also na- 
 tives of Baltimore, who separated at an early age, 
 the elder brother, John, going South, and, en- 
 gaging in real estate speculation, became one of 
 of the wealthiest citizens of New Orleans; as he 
 never married, he bequeathed his property to New 
 Orleans and Baltimore, each city receiving the 
 same amount. The other brother, Thomas, left 
 his native city in a merchant ship, and passed 
 through varied scenes; he was with Perry at the 
 battle of Lake Erie, and bore the title of "Com- 
 modore McDonough." Henry, the youngest in 
 the family, drifted westward, finally arriving in 
 
 Washington county, Penn., and. first settling near 
 West Alexander, was among the earliest pioneers 
 of that locality. He married, and two children 
 were born to him, but one day while he was ab- 
 sent from the house, cleariug the land, the In- 
 dians rushed down on the little home, and massa- 
 cred his helpless wife and children. Heartsick 
 and lonely, the bereaved husband and father 
 traded his property for a mere trifle, and abandon- 
 ing the desolated home returned to Baltimore, 
 where he remained a few years. However, he 
 again came to Washington county, and in 17S3 
 purchased a farm in Somerset township, on which 
 he resided until his death. Soon after returning 
 to the county he was married to Jane Hamilton, a 
 resident of the same, and to their union were born 
 four children: John, Henry, Mary (Mrs. John 
 Pangburn) and David. Mr. McDonough was an en- 
 ergetic and enterprising man, and his life left a last- 
 ing impression on the character of the community. 
 In political affiliations he was a Whig, and served 
 several years as justice of the peace in Somerset 
 township. In religious faith he was formerly a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, and in later 
 life united with the Baptists, in whose faith he 
 died. 
 
 David McDonough, youngest son of this honored 
 pioneer, always resided on the home farm in Som- 
 erset township, at the subscription schools of which 
 he received his early education, afterward reading 
 current literature. In early life he was married to 
 Lavina, daughter of Adam Weir, of West Bethle- 
 hem township, this county, and the young people 
 then settled on the home place, where the follow- 
 ing children were born to them: Joseph, Thomas, 
 Adam (who died at the age of eight years), and 
 Henry H. Mr. McDonough was a Whig, and after 
 the organization of the party became a faithful 
 Republican, and active in the work, although 
 rarely accepting office. He was administrator of 
 various estates in the locality, and was frequently 
 selected as guardian of children, every one having 
 great confidence in his integrity and ability. In 
 religion he was a member of the Disciple Church, 
 in which he served many years as an elder, being 
 one of the most hearty supporters of that Society. 
 
 Dr. Henry H. McDonough, youngest son of 
 
 David McDonough, first received a common-scl I 
 
 education, and then attended a select school con- 
 ducted by Rev. Streator, near Washington. Hav- 
 ing when quite young evinced an inclination to 
 study medicine, he commenced reading with Dr. 
 James McDonough, and with him remained some 
 time, until called to take charge of the home by 
 the death of his father. He managed the home 
 place for several years, then returned to the study 
 of medicine with Dr. Winnett, attending at the 
 same time medical lectures at Long Island College. 
 He completed his course at Cleveland, in March, 
 
180 
 
 WASHINGTON, COl \ I ) 
 
 [876, and then commenced practicing in Waynes 
 burg, 1 1 reene 0o.,l Vim , remaining there, however, 
 
 bul four i itlis, when he settled '>n tin* borne 
 
 place in Somerset township, Huh oounty. On 
 October 22, 1861, the Dootor was united in mar 
 riage with Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan Win 
 nett. This \vifi< dying March 6, L879, he married, 
 Ootober 24, 1882, Margaret L. , daughter of S. B. 
 Lindley, and they bave bad two children: Ann Es- 
 
 telle and Charles L, Dr. MoDonough remai I 
 
 on the borne farm fifteen years, enjoying a large 
 and lucrative praotioe, and in L891 be oame to 
 Claysville. In politios he is a pronounoed and 
 
 getic Republican; in religion he is a member 
 
 <>r the Disoiple Church. 
 
 M, 
 
 DAVID MoDONNELL. A.mong the influen 
 i i:ii farmers of Hanover township, this gen 
 1 1. •inan deserves prominenl mention. He is 
 a son of Barnett McDonnell, whose father 
 was Patriot Morgan McDonnell. 
 
 The last mentioned anoestor was horn in County 
 Tyrone, Ireland, where be married, and reared two 
 daughters, Martha Jane (Mrs. John Jackson, of 
 Hanover township) and Eleanor (wife of John 
 Davis of Morgan oounty, Ohio). About IT'.M this 
 family came to America, and with liis limited sav 
 ings, Patrick McDonnell purchased a small traol 
 of Ian. I near King's creek in Hanover township, 
 
 When 1 1 Bsential log cabin was ereoted, be began 
 
 the work of felling the giant oaks. ll« served in 
 the war of 1 s I ti. and participated in the historical 
 
 Mora vian massacre at Gnadenhutten, 'Tuscarawas 
 Co., Ohio. The rude cabin was in due time sup 
 
 planted by one more oommodious, which is yet stand 
 ing. lie was a Catholio, but as there were no 
 churches of that denomination in that wildoountry, 
 
 bis family wore not reared in the Catholic faith, 
 lie and his wife lived to advanced ages, and lire 
 
 buried in the Florence oemetery. They were the 
 parents of tour children, the two youngest baving 
 
 I n born in America, viz.: Harnett, of whom 
 
 further mention is made, and one son who died in 
 earl\ childhood. 
 
 Harnett McDonnell was born in lT'.Hi, in Hanover 
 
 township, Washington Co., I'enn., where he at - 
 
 tend... I the subscription schools and worked on his 
 
 father's farm. In early life lie married Nancv 
 
 Kimble, who was b irn near II iokory, in this oounty. 
 
 She bore him live children, namely: Elizabeth, 
 
 widow of David Logan; John, a blacksmith, died 
 at Steubenville, Ohio, when about thirty years of 
 age; William, was never married, and died on the 
 old place; George, went to Iowa ill L850, and was 
 
 a soldier in the Rebellion (he died of typhoid fever 
 
 in Te ssee), and .Martin I,., a cabinet maker, 
 
 drowned in the Ohio river, at Steubenville, Ohio, 
 
 The mother of these children .lied and was buried 
 
 at Florence. For his second wife Harnett McDon- 
 nell was married to Ituth Jackson, a daughter of 
 Joseph and Hannah (Russell) Jackson, of Hanover 
 
 township. Their children were: Etezin (a farmer 
 
 of Hanover township), J ackson (deceased ), Samuel 
 (a shoemaker, wenl to California during the gold 
 fever and died there), Alexander (a farmer of Han 
 
 over township), David (our subject ), Nancvl widow 
 
 of Caleb Gretzinger, of Hancock < nty, W, Va.), 
 
 Hannah (wife of Asa OwingS, of Missouri) and 
 
 James (living in Texas). The father passed his 
 whole lite on the home farm where his parents had 
 settled. He died July 3, 1ST7, and was followed 
 
 by his widow in IS7K. Both are buried in the 
 Florence oemetery. He was a member of the 
 
 I ' n He. I rresbylorian Church, his second wife being 
 
 identified with the Methodist Episcopal Sooiety, 
 
 In politics he was a Democrat, having held Various 
 offices in Hanover township. 
 
 David McDonnell was born March 25, 1838, OH 
 
 llie.. 1. 1 place which he owns. The old house in 
 which he was born (built in I S 1 2 ) is yet standing. 
 He attended the schools of the day, also assisting 
 with such work as could be done by a boy of his 
 age. In early manhood he went to Steubenville, 
 Ohio, to learn the trade of a shoemaker. After a 
 short lime he was transferred to Cadi/, Ohio, to 
 complete his trade. Hater lie took a trip through 
 the West, visiting the States of Iowa, Indiana and 
 
 Illinois, but returning, resumed his trade at Cadiz, 
 
 Ohio, and finally located in Hanover township, 
 Washington Co., I'enn. He married Elizabeth A. 
 diss, June 25, IN(1'_'. She was born December lie, 
 184-0, in Eanover township, a daughter of Henry 
 and Mary (Kyland) Criss, The great grandfather 
 of Mrs. McDonnell (one John Criss) was born in 
 Germany. Among his children was a son, Jacob, 
 who grew to manhood and reared a family of chil 
 dien, among whom was Henry Criss. 'The latter 
 was born in 1815, and when a young man was 
 married to Mary Kyland, a native of Maryland, 
 who came to Washington county with her parents, 
 Fredus and Elizabeth Kyland, when an infant. 
 .\l rs. McDonnell was the third in a family of eleven 
 children bom to Henry and Mary Criss. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs McDonnell began wedded life in 
 Hanover township, where he followed his trade. 
 On March 22, 1865, be enlisted at New Brighton, 
 I'enn., in Company E, One Hundred ami Third 
 P. V. 1. His services were needed bul a brief 
 
 time, for as the command was en route to North 
 Carolina, Johnston surrendered, and June 25, 
 isi'io, be was honorably discharged, and returned 
 
 to his native county. He then located on a small 
 tract of land lying one mile northwest of Florence, 
 and there followed his trade, giving si attention 
 
 ts I-. 
 
 to fanning. By economy he prospered, and in 
 
 L879 moved to the old McDonnell homestea,!, 
 where he was born and has since resided, devoting 
 
HJNGTO 
 
 
 I : 
 tak'-r, the old place it hi 
 
 a wonderful el 
 furnished with natural ga 
 
 room of the bon 
 venient and pleasant home, lit 
 
 crat, but not i fre- 
 
 quently rated I 
 
 .f and to 
 fctituen'-. J;-/ - '. ;.<: ■-■- I i, - '' ::.' • ' ::. 
 
 The children of tb 
 i re ii'!.ry iJ 
 
 Maryland; a. 
 
 Be n.ar 
 l'-r. of J: 
 ' xj/irrt peomao pub- 
 
 ! 
 studj .• 
 
 ' the J'- 
 
 .'ark, 
 ijear V.V. -• 
 
 JOHN' 8 KICHOLL, a - leeessful farmer of 
 Nottingham township . and 
 
 of Sampson NichoJl. 
 Nicboll -j in 1750 in [relai 
 
 red •/ith all his 
 head 
 
 j! his adopt" 
 war b [red a pa':k train, and final 
 
 :arm in Somerset township, Wasbb . 
 
 '■ 
 farm in 
 
 July 2. 
 . M m Bache D 
 
 - 
 
 ■re born I 
 ' I - 
 
 -r all hi- 
 affairb of the - ed April 1. . 
 
 .ildren. 
 
 old I 
 
 and was mar/ 
 rah J., daughter of John . 
 this eouni 
 
 ■ 
 - ':'. and Fra:.k BL, at borne with 
 their pare. 1 - Osear 1. Rachel J. and Sarah Jane 
 are • ■ • Mr. Nicboll dea 
 
 • eJy in ^heep, buying them in the East, and 
 
 •■hipping b 
 I - g 
 
 died 
 
 I 
 
 rJ H'-:> f 
 
 John. Jr., Mai 
 Sarah J. Dag 
 
 I SHELBY ' I 
 
 J' 
 Crall, ho' 
 
 1 -:■. ' ' .';•- . 
 
 I 
 who bore him ofaildri 
 
 Elizabeth, 
 Charles, Jesse and Mary, if-- ■-. - a farm- 
 
 ■Ir Crall wat 
 
 inty, 
 
 . 
 
 ged in the 
 butchering bn 
 died. He 
 
 ■ 
 
 ■ 
 
 fair 
 
 orked in 
 
 rg 
 
 - 
 . ,-je marr. 
 
 ■ 
 
 him four 
 child- Ruth. 
 
 He 
 
 wife returneo In his church 
 
 Budd 
 
 marr. i the 
 
 children b he folkra [Duel, 
 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Yorhe ... all 
 
482 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 deceased; Mary (Mrs. Samuel Mattocks), Hannah 
 (Mrs. Charles (Jrall), Morgan (married to Sabina 
 Lam), Henry (married to Elizabeth Crall), Ann 
 (wife of William Thatcher), Abraham (married to 
 Sarah Jacobs), Mezula (wife of James McKean), I. 
 Shelby and Owen. Mr. Gaskell was a Democrat, 
 and in religion a member of the Free-will Baptist 
 Church. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Crall made 
 their new home in Belle Vernon, where he was 
 employed in a boatyard for some time; then moved 
 to Crawford county, same State, from which, after 
 a residence of two and one-half years, he came to 
 nearMonongahela City where be conducted a black- 
 smith shop, etc., as already related. He died here 
 June 22, 1881, a prominent member of the Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian Church, in which he was an 
 elder, but later in life he joined the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. The children born to him 
 were Budd (deceased), Isaac Shelby, Louisa, 
 Lucinda, Cassie, Elizabeth, Mezula, Samuel, Etta 
 and Belle. 
 
 Isaac Shelby Crall was for the most part reared 
 and educated in Monougahela City. When twenty- 
 six years old he went to New York, and there took 
 steamer for California, but on February 27, 1852, 
 the vessel was wrecked off the Mexican coast. In 
 that country he remained six weeks, and then pro- 
 ceeded, again by water, to his destination. He 
 was engaged there as superintendent of The Ameri - 
 can Hydraulic Mines, and was one of the first to 
 blast rock under water. He conducted a large 
 mine there for twenty-four years, in the course of 
 which time he made six ocean trips and two by 
 overland route. On his final return home, in 1 ST:', 
 he embarked in his present industry, having, in 
 1868, bought the farm where he now carries on a 
 lucrative business. On January 10, 1861, Mr. 
 Crall married Sarah E., daughter of James Somer- 
 ville, of Jeirerson county, Penn., and three chil- 
 dren have been born to them: Charles S., Maud 
 A. (Mrs. Harry Griffith) and James S. Politically 
 Mr. (Jrall is a Democrat, and in his church con- 
 nections he is a Presbyterian. 
 
 "I frlKAM SWART, the wealthiest land-owner 
 
 LaJ in Amwell township, and one of the most 
 
 prominent retired agriculturists of Wash- 
 
 j -* ington county, is a native of Greene county, 
 
 V Pennsylvania, burn February 12, 1812. He 
 
 is a grandson of the noble old pioneer, Philip 
 Swart, who emigrated from Germany to America, 
 locating finally, during the early part of the pres- 
 ent century, in Amwell township, this county, where 
 be took up what is known by the family as the "old 
 home farm" of 315 acres. He had two children, 
 Jacob and Susie I Mrs. Phillips), and died about the 
 \ear 1811. His wife survived him many years, 
 passing away at a ripe old age. 
 
 Jacob Swart, son of Philip, was born near the 
 old home in Amwell township, and was educated at 
 the local schools of his early day. He was married 
 to Sarah Evans, of Amwell township, and the chil- 
 dren born to this union were Dorothy (Mrs. Mus- 
 tard). Philip, David, John, Polly (Mrs. Huston), 
 Henry, Abraham, George, Hiram and Charlotte. 
 Jacob Swart died in 1815, on the old home farm ; his 
 wifeon June 1 I, 1846. He was an excellent business 
 man, during his comparatively short life accumu- 
 lating much property and left a fortune; an unim- 
 peachable witness to his characteristic energy and 
 sound judgment, owning at the time of his death 
 six farms aggregating one thousand acres of land. 
 • Politically, he was a Whig, and he was respected 
 and esteemed by all who knew him. 
 
 Hiram Swart, of whom this sketch more partic- 
 ularly relates, was brought by his parents to Ten- 
 mile creek, Washington county, Penn., and was 
 here reared after the manner of most farmer boys 
 of his early day; his educational training being 
 received in the primitive schools of his locality. 
 The first property owned by him consisted of 160 
 acres of land in Amwell township, representing his 
 share of 315 acres deeded by his mother to him and 
 his brother Philip; and he afterward purchased 
 the latter's portion. To this nucleus of 315 acres 
 he, from time to time, by industry, hard work, 
 indefatigable energy and careful thrift, added, 
 until now he is the possessor of over one thousand 
 acres of prime farm land. 
 
 Mr. Swart has been thrice married. His first 
 wife was Miss Charlotte McGinnis, to whom he 
 was married December 6, 1845, anil of this union 
 one child, Henry Clay, was born September '-'. 
 1846. At the close of the war of the Rebellion 
 he left his home, since which time he has not been 
 heard from. Mr. Swarfs wife dying October 25, 
 1846, his second marriage was in 1851, to Margaret 
 Keys, and two children were born to them: Sarah 
 Ann, born October 12, 1853, died June 8, 1891, 
 and Jacob, born February 3, 1856, died at the age 
 of six weeks. The mother of these children died 
 March 16. L856, aud December 1, 1859, Mr. Snail 
 was married to his present life companion — Mary, 
 daughter of Enoch and Mary (Goulden) Hastings. 
 who were natives of Virginia, coming to Pennsyl- 
 vania and locating at Washington about 1815; 
 they were the parents of nine children, Mary being 
 born June 13, 1832. Five children have come to 
 gladden the home of Mr. and Mrs. Swart, a- Eol 
 lows: Mary Emma, born September I I. I860; 
 Allison Dupont. born October 11, 1862; David 
 Henderson, born October 7, 1864; William Hiram, 
 born January 21. 1869, and Margaret Vance, born 
 November 28, 1871. 
 
 Mr. Swart has ever been in sympathy with the 
 principles of the Whig and Republican parties. 
 He and his amiable wife have long been members 
 
L*~4sO^?t/ 
 
 ^WTl-d/fc 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 485 
 
 of the Presbyterian Church. During a continuous 
 residence of three-quarters of a century in the 
 beautiful region where he has had his home, Mr. 
 Swart has necessarily seen many important changes, 
 improvements and developments around him, and 
 now, near the close of a useful, industrious and 
 honored life, he has left the farm and removed to 
 Washington, Penu., where he expects to peacefully 
 end his days. It may be truthfully said of him 
 that he stands as one of the few remaining links 
 between the pioneer days of hardships and trials 
 and the mighty present, teeming with wonderful 
 achievements, and foreshadowed by the possibili- 
 ties of still greater triumphs in the future. 
 
 Ii AEON THOMAS GREGG. In the year 
 |\ 1836 there arrived in Mouongahela (then 
 called Williamsport) two brothers, Nimrod 
 Alfred Gregg and Aaron Thomas Gregg, 
 both natives of near Brownsville, Payette 
 Co., Penu., the former born April 15, 1813, the 
 latter July 26, 1815. 
 
 They were house plasterers by trade, which 
 they carried on for some time after coming to 
 Mouongahela, but Nimrod abandoned it and entered 
 into mercantile business with Hampton Kerr, with 
 whom he remained for a time, after which he 
 moved to West Newton, Westmoreland Co., Perm., 
 where he carried on a grocery and drug business 
 up to the time of his death, which was brought on 
 by consumption. He married Mary Jane Hamil- 
 ton, of Mouongahela, who died in Adair county, 
 Iowa, leaving three children: Margaret, Harriet 
 and Aaron Thomas; Mrs. Gregg was a daughter of 
 Joseph Hamilton, an innkeeper, in Mouongahela. 
 
 Thomas Gregg, grandfather of Nimrod Alfred 
 and Aaron Thomas Gregg, was a son of Samuel 
 Gregg, a native of Ireland, who married Elizabeth 
 Alford, both dying in Loudoun county, Va. The 
 names, dates of birth, etc., of their children are as 
 follows: Thomas, October 25, 1743, died in Fayette 
 county, Penn., in 1821; Priscilla, September 8, 
 1745; John, October 14, 1747; Rebecca, February 
 24, 1749; Ruth. April_23, 1752; Israel, March 2, 
 li">t; Ann, May 5, 1(56, died in Greene county 
 Penn., July 20, 1817; Samuel, April 18, 1758; 
 Aaron, June 17, 1761 (he served as an officer in 
 the American army twelve years; was present at 
 St. Clair's defeat, and participated in Gen. 
 Wayne's great victory at the battle of Fallen 
 Timbers on the Maumee river, August 24. 1794; 
 he died in 1803 at Fort Adamson on the Missis 
 sippi); Elizabeth, born April 15, 1863. Of this 
 family, Thomas married Amy Gre^g, and they 
 settled in Fayette county, Penu., on Dnnlap's 
 creek, one mile from Brownsville. Amy Gregg's 
 people settled in Greene county, same State, near 
 the town of Carmichael's, and being Quakers in- 
 
 termarried, as was their custom. One record says 
 that John Gregg and some of his children settled 
 iu Greene county, Penn. His children were Mary, 
 Hannah, Amos, Amy, George, John Richard (died 
 in Greene county November 15, 1812), Lydia, and 
 Rebecca (who was married to Frank Geaton, and 
 moved to Vincennes, Ind. , where they died). Of 
 these, Mary married a Mr. Nixon; Amos married 
 Priscilla Gregg; Amy married Thomas Gregg; 
 George married Ruth Gregg; Richard married 
 Ann Gregg. The Greene county Greggs were of 
 Scotch descent. 
 
 When Thomas and Amy (Gregg) Gregg settled 
 in Fayette county, Indians were still hostile to the 
 whites, making raids on the settlers, and the latter, 
 including the Greggs, had often to rlee to Ricket's 
 fort, near where Merrittstown now stands. Thomas 
 Gregg and wife were iu the fort when a man 
 named Morgan was attacked by two Indians a 
 short distance from the blockhouse; Morgan killed 
 both the Redskins, and the soldiers of the fort 
 skinned the dead bodies, and tanne*d the hides to 
 make sword belts. The children born to Thomas 
 and Amy Gregg were: (1) Samuel, (2) John, (3) 
 Nimrod, < t) Thomas, Jr., (5) Ruth, (6) Mary and (7) 
 Dinah. (1) Samuel married Margaret Ball, and 
 their children were Noah. Israel, John, Thomas, 
 Minerva, and Priscilla; Samuel was a trader on the 
 river to New Orleans; his children moved to 
 Circleville, Ohio. (2) John married Margaret Allen, 
 and had three sons — Carlton, Ashton and Thomas; 
 John died in Fayette county; they then located 
 at New London, Ohio; Margaret died at the 
 patriarchal age of one hundred and four years. (3) 
 Nimrod married Katie Johnson, and had children — 
 Bani, Elihu, Zilla and Lizzie, of whom the sons 
 are deceased, the daughters married and settled in 
 Ohio. (4) Thomas. Jr.. married Mary Miller, and 
 had two sons: Nimrod Alfred and Aaron Thomas; 
 Thomas, Jr., started to cross the mountains with a 
 team, in 1815, but at Emmitsburg, Md., he was 
 taken sick and died; his widow afterward married 
 ('apt. George Gregg, of Greene county, Penn., 
 and by him had one daughter that died young; 
 the mother was carried off by a fever in 1819, while 
 a resident of Bridgeport; her father and mother 
 were in Ricket's fort at the time Morgan killed 
 the two Indians, as already related. (5) Ruth 
 married David Wo.nl. of Winchester, Va. , and had 
 seven sons who grew to maturity — Addison, 
 Thomas, Joseph. John, Samuel, David and Jesse — 
 of whom Samuel lives in Bridgeport, Fayette Co., 
 Penn., and is the fat her of Charles B. Wood, M. D., 
 of Monongahela. (6) Mary married Judge Igna- 
 tius Brown, and moved to Lebanon, Ohio. (7) 
 Dinah married John Gregg, and had the following 
 named children: George, Amy, Caroline, Mary, 
 Harriet. Harmon. George died in Fayette county, 
 the rest moved to Ohio. There are two accounts 
 
ISC, 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 about Thomas and Amy (Gregg) Gregg's move- 
 ments: one states that they went to Fayette county 
 from Chester county. Penn., while the other avers 
 that they moved from the Shenandoah Valley, Va. 
 Samuel and Elizabeth (Davidson ) Miller came from 
 Chester county, Penn., near where the battle of 
 Brandywine was fought. 
 
 Aaron Thomas Gregg, the subject proper of 
 this sketch, learned the trade of plasterer with 
 George D. Stevenson, in Uniontown, Penn. In 
 IS II he married Catherine, daughter of Joseph 
 Caldwell, for many years an innkeeper in Monon- 
 gahela, and (hey had eleven children — seven sons 
 and four daughters — of whom one. son, Joseph 
 Caldwell, died in his tenth year; those now living 
 are 1 1 1 Idesta Fidelia, (2) George Alfred, (3) Eliza 
 Jane, (1) William Thomas, (5) David Swartz, (6) 
 Charles Carroll, (7) Catherine Leilla, (8) Mary 
 Cooper, (9) Ubert Miller, and (10) John Caldwell. 
 Of these (1) Idesta Fidelia married Lewis Bollman, 
 and they moved to Bloomington, Ind. (they had 
 one sou, Charles Harvy, who died at Way Cross, 
 Ga. , and his father died in Bloomington; the 
 widowed mother is now at her father's); (2) 
 George Alfred and(6) Charles Carroll are married 
 and live at Chehalis, Wash ; (3) Eliza Jane is at 
 home, unmarried; (I) William Thomas married 
 Lenora Fell (they have no children; he collects toll 
 at the Monongahela river bridge); (5) David Swartz 
 is single, and now lives in Monongahela; (7) Cathe- 
 rine married John L. Kirk, powder agentat Sbarps- 
 burg, Penn. (they have three children, one son and 
 two daughters); (8) Mary Cooper married William 
 I. Beaver, and they live in San Bernardino, Cal. 
 (they have two sons and one daughter); ('••) Albert 
 Miller married Lilly Le Masters, and they have five 
 little daughters; (10) John Caldwell is a lieutenaut 
 in the Sixteenth Regiment United States Army, 
 now stationed at Fort Douglas, Utah (he went to 
 West Point in IS83, and graduated in 1887). 
 
 Aaron Thomas Gregg served as adjutant and 
 major of the Thirty-seventh Regiment Pennsylva- 
 nia Militia; in 1855 he was elected a justice of the 
 peace, serving live years; in 1859 he was elected 
 colonel of the Second Regiment Uniformed Mili 
 tia. Third Brigade Seventeenth Division; in 1862 
 he aided in recruiting Company E, One Hundred 
 and Fortieth P. V. I., served at its captain till 
 after the battle of Chancellorsville, and was honor- 
 ablv discharged at Falmouth, Va., June 3, 1863, 
 on account of age and consequent disability. Mr. 
 Gregg is a Republican, and in 1873 he was elected 
 an alderman of Monongahela, and served five years. 
 He belongs to the* M. E. Church; has been a mem- 
 berof the I. O. O. F. since 1853, and is a member 
 of the G. A. R. Post, No. 60, and of the Loyal 
 'Legion. Mr. Gregg taught school two winters 
 (1839 and 1840) near Monongahela. In 1849 he 
 crossed the Plains to the California gold mines, in 
 
 Capt. Ankrim's company, which left Pittsburgh 
 March 15, 300 strong, on the steamboat "Con- 
 signee," Captain Lockwood. He started with 
 mule teams from St. Joseph, Mo., and was gone 
 two vears. 
 
 dOHN S. WILGUS was born at Perryopolis, 
 Fayette Co., Penn., October 28, 1823, a son 
 I of John and Diadamia (Dannelly) Wilgus, 
 the former of whom was born in New Jersey , 
 September 12, 1786. 
 
 Samuel Wilgus, grandfather of John S., was 
 also a native of New Jersey, where he was roared 
 
 and educator!. Ho married Miss Rhoda , 
 
 who bore him four children: William, James, 
 Edmund and John. He died in his native State. 
 
 John Wilgus, father of John S., was educated 
 at homo by his mother, and by close application to 
 books, became, considering hie inferior advantages, 
 a remarkably good scholar. He afterward moved 
 to Perryopolis, Penn., of which place he was one 
 of the first justices of the peace, an office at that 
 time of no inconsiderable importance. In the 
 political movements in his section he took a deep 
 interest, and he was prominent in his party, firs! 
 as a Democrat and later as a Whig; in church con 
 nection he was also active as a life member of and 
 local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Society. 
 In New Jersey he had married Diadamia, daughter 
 of Joseph Dannelly, who came to Pennsylvania 
 with Mr. Wilgus in 1806. The children born to 
 this union were Joseph, Lorenzo D., Melissa, 
 Louisa, Charlotte, Emily, John S., Diadamia, 
 Rhoda and Hidda. Mr. Wilgus died in Pennsyl- 
 vania in October, 1871. Whilea resident of Perry- 
 opolis ho road medicine and law, and for several 
 years practiced as a physician. He was the first 
 one to suggest the building of the Union Pacific 
 Railroad in a letter to James K. Polk, then Presi 
 dent of the United States. 
 
 John S. Wilgus passed his youth at the old 
 home in Perryopolis, and there received a liberal 
 education. In after life ho followed clerking and 
 merchandising, (hi September 21, 1845, he mar- 
 ried Barbara, daughter of Samuel Hunter, of West 
 morelandcounty, Penn., and seven children blessed 
 their union, viz.: T. B., of whom a brief sketch 
 follows; Melissa A. (Mrs. D. M. Hart); June (de- 
 ceased); Eva (Mrs. William Beatty); Dora (Mrs. 
 Krepps); Blanche (Mrs. Fred Mason, now Mrs. 
 Crawford), and Etta. Mr. Wilgus was originally 
 a Whig, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay; on 
 the formation of the Republican party, he enrolled 
 himself under its banner, and he was also a mem- 
 ber of the Know nothing party. He held various 
 offices in different localities: in 1873 he was ap- 
 pointed postmaster at Brownsville, Penn. On 
 coming to Monongahela City in 1880, he embarked 
 
ir.l,S7//.\7,'7'OA- COUNTY. 
 
 487 
 
 in the grocery trade, which he conducted until 
 1800, when he discontinued the business, and was 
 elected an alderman of the city. Mr. Wilgus is 
 an earnest member of the Disciple Church, and 
 takes an interest in all matters tending to the ad- 
 vancement and prosperity of his town, county and 
 State. 
 
 T. B. Wilgus was born in Fayette City, Penn., 
 April 12, 1846. Schooling in Brownsville, Penn. 
 He clerked on the steamers "Franklin" and 
 " Telegraph," on the Monongahela river in 1801, 
 1862 and 1863; clerk of steamer "Mercury" 
 ( L864) which was in the Government service, carry- 
 ing troops and commissary stores up the Cumber- 
 land river to Gren. Thomas' army, at Nashville, 
 Tenn. Then steamboated until I860, on the 
 Ohio and Mississippi rivers. In 1870 he married 
 Bessie M.. daughter of Jerman Jordan, Esq., ami 
 their children were: Maud (deceased), Blanche and 
 Frances. Mr. Wilgus was in mercantile business 
 in Pittsburgh, Indiana and Brownsville (all in 
 Pennsylvania), until 1878. In L879 he went to 
 Leadville, Colo., and Denver, and made a success 
 of mining. In 1881 he returned, and was an active 
 broker of the Pittsburgh Oil Exchange until L885. 
 He was proprietor of "Hotel Wilgus," Mononga- 
 hela, for six years, to 1892. He lias been a mem 
 ber of the Masonic Fraternity since 1S70, belong- 
 ing to Ionic Lodge, No. 35, A. F. & A. M., of 
 Leadville, Colo., Chapter No. 2, Denver; and Cum 
 mandery No. 1, Knights Templar, of Denver, Colo. 
 
 PROWLS FAMILY. Over one hundred 
 years ago there emigrated from Ireland to 
 Pennsylvania two brothers, John and James 
 Sprowls, who, after a short sojourn at Car- 
 lisle, came to Washington county, where James 
 settled on a farm in East Finley township. He mar 
 ried a Miss Enlow, who had come to America at the 
 same time as her husband, and they had children 
 as follows: Melinda (married to Joseph Martin), 
 Cyrus, Jesse, John, Simeon and James. The 
 father of this family died in East Finley township 
 in I 837, the mother in 1865, at a very advanced age. 
 Simeon Sprowls, son of the old pioneer James, 
 was born in East Finley township in 1822, and, as 
 he was but a boy when his father died, was taken 
 care of and reared by Albert Squires, in Morris 
 township, where he learned the trade of carpenter. 
 He worked at this throughout, the county till 1848, 
 when he bought a farm adjoining the one on which 
 he was born, and during the rest of his life fol- 
 lowed agricultural pursuits. He died in June, 
 at the age of fifty-six years, of typhoid 
 his widow is yet living on the old home 
 Simeon Sprowls was a man above the 
 average; he was well educated, and had, moreover, 
 strong native talents. He was a Democrat in poli- 
 
 tics, and held many positions of trust in the com- 
 munity in which he lived. He was married in 
 East Finley township to Mary, daughter of Hugh 
 Montgomery, and the following named children 
 have been born to them: Oliver M. , in West Fin- 
 ley township; Albert S. , of whom special mention 
 will presently be made; Harvey B. , on the old 
 homestead in East Finley; George B., a merchant 
 in Claysville; Ruth E., at home with her mother; 
 Jennie M. , married to Christian Plant, of Clays- 
 ville; and William M., at the old home, caring for 
 his widowed mother. 
 
 Albert S. Sprowls was born July 3, 1854, in 
 East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 was reared on the home farm, attending, during 
 the winter mouths, the common schools of his dis- 
 trict. At the age of eighteen he commenced study 
 at Waynesburg College, where he spent a few 
 summer seasons, his winters in the meantime being 
 occupied in teaching country schools. In Febru- 
 ary, 1875, he went to Mt. Union College, in Ohio, 
 where he graduated in the classical course in 1877. 
 He had registered as a law student with Alexander 
 Wilson, Esq., Washington, in L876, and after 
 graduation read law with him. In September, 
 1879, he was admitted to the bar of the county, 
 and in 1S81 commenced the practice of his pro- 
 fession in Washington, in partnership with T. F. 
 Birch, which continued till INNS, when it was dis- 
 solved by mutual consent. Since then our sub- 
 ject has carried on (lie business alone. He is a 
 Democrat in politics, and in ISS'J, when Robert E. 
 Pattison was running for governor, he was chosen 
 chairman of the Democratic County Committee. 
 He worked with unflagging zeal for the cause, and 
 was in every election precinct duringthat fall. In 
 1 883 he receivec I the nomination for district attor- 
 ney. While at college he was a member of the 
 Delta Tau Delta Fraternity, and is a ls< > a V. <k A. M. 
 
 1878, 
 fever; 
 place. 
 
 IT LBERT OSBORNE WILSON, prominent 
 
 //' l\ among Washington county's most success- 
 f/^\\ ful young agriculturists, is a descendant of 
 II one of the oldest families in this section. 
 
 Benjamin Wilson, the youngest of five 
 brothers, was a native of New Jersey, born June 
 25, 1751, of Scotch-Irish parentage; he married in 
 1770, Esther Correll, also a native of New Jersey, 
 born June 29, 1750. The three children by this 
 union were Joseph M., born March 9, 1771; Sarah, 
 born March 10, 1774 (married to one Giles, died 
 March 1, 1846), and Margaret, born September 
 14, 1778. The mother of these passed away De- 
 cember 16, 1782, and the father married a second 
 time (the full name, date of birth and marriage of 
 this wife are not recorded, but it is known she died 
 February 16, 1811). Nine children were born to 
 this marriage, two in New Jersey, viz.: Benjamin, 
 
4S.S 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 born January 11, 1788, and Samuel, born July 9, 
 1790, died June 14, 1X18. In 1793 Mr. aud Mrs. 
 Wilson came with their children to Washington 
 county, Penn. , then a vast wilderness, and entered 
 laud about one and a half miles east of Prosperity, 
 in Morris township, where they set about to pre- 
 pare themselves a comfortable home. Benjamin 
 Wilson was a weaver by trade, which he followed 
 in conjunction with attending to his farm, though 
 the number of inhabitants in the section at that 
 time was not sufficient to give him steady employ- 
 ment in that line. After coming to this county 
 the following children were born to him: Eliza- 
 beth, born September 18, 1794, died December 
 27, 1X59; Jeremiah, born December 11, 1797, died 
 November 8, 1804; Jacob, born August 4, 1800 
 (no record of death); William B., born April 24, 
 1803, died November 11, 1804; Esther, born May 
 19, 1805, died January 19, 1889; Nathan, born 
 July 7, 1807, died March 8, 1X53. and John, born 
 February 23, 1810, died April 10, 1811. Esther 
 Wilson (who died in 1889 in her eighty-fourth 
 year) resided with her nephew, John C. Wilson, 
 the father of A. O. Wilson, for thirty-three years, 
 and with A. O. Wilson for the last seventeen years 
 of her life. Benjamin Wilson, Sr., died May 24, 
 1839, having been bed-ridden for rive years. He 
 was married a third time, this wife being Barbara 
 Orr, who died November 29, 1X55. She was blind 
 for several years prior to her death. The pioneer 
 Benjamin, made three trips to New Jersey, after 
 locating in Pennsylvania, each trip requiring about 
 twenty-one days, the last being made about 1X10. 
 On one occasion he brought back from New Jersey, 
 in the old-fashioned saddle bags, the nails to roof 
 a dwelling which he constructed shortly afterward: 
 they were of the old flat jointed variety of wrought 
 nails, and may still be found on the premises, now 
 in possession of William Elliott, 
 
 Benjamin Wilson, Jr., the eldest child born to 
 Benjamin Wilson and Mary Wilson, was five years 
 of age when his parents removed to Washington 
 county. He learned the trade of a weaver, and was 
 also practically tutored in the knowledge of farm 
 work. On March X, 1X10, he married Mary Pru- 
 den, who was born May 17, 17X2, and to their 
 union six children were born: Pruden, John C, 
 Hannah, Gabriel, Mary and Eliza. The mother of 
 these died July 22, 1828, and Mr. Wilson shortly 
 afterward removed to Greene county, Penn., where 
 he married, March 1, 1832, Maty Dewberry, to 
 which union six children were born: Ephraim, 
 Rhoda, Jaoob, Luella, Samuel and Sarah Jane, all 
 of whom lived to maturity. The surviving mem 
 bera of the two families are as follows: Hannah, 
 wife of .James Fry, of St. Louis, Gratiot Co., 
 Mich.; Ephraim, of Morris township, Greene Co., 
 Penn.; Rhoda (widow of William Dewberry), re- 
 siding in Virginia; Jacob, a resident, of Illinois; 
 
 Samuel, living in Nebraska; Sarah Jane living 
 near Jollytown, Greene Co., Penn. 
 
 John C. Wilson, the second son of Benjamin 
 Wilson and his first wife, was born May 11, 1X1 fi. 
 He received a fair education, and assisted his father 
 on the farm in Greene county. At the age of six- 
 teen years he went to live with and care for his 
 grandfather Wilson, who was growing an almost 
 helpless invalid. After the hitter's death (as before 
 mentioned) in 1839, John C. gave his attention to 
 farming, and on January 28, L846, married Mary 
 O. Wilson, born December 21, 1817, a daughter 
 of John Wilson, of Washington, Penn. They 
 reared a family of five children, viz. : Albert Os- 
 borne; Mary R., born October 5, 1848, married 
 Moses Wiuget, and resides in Morris township; 
 George M., born July 31, 1X51, married Clara 
 Breese, and resides at Lindley's Mill; Oliver, born 
 August 15, 1X54, married Viola Hanna, and also 
 resides at Lindley's Mills; Sarah, born July 2, 
 1858, married Lindley Headley, and resides in 
 Tyler county, W. Va. The mother died February 
 25, 1863, and the father July 29, 1872. For five 
 years previous to his death Mr. Wilson was totally 
 blind. For twenty years be was an elder in the Pres- 
 byterian Church of Upper Ten Mile at Prosperity. 
 
 Albert Osborne Wilson was born December 7, 
 1X4H. He received a common-school education, 
 and at the age of eighteen began learning the shoe 
 maker's trade, at. which he worked three winters, 
 assisting his father on the farm in the summer. 
 On June 14, 1868, he married Lavina Sanders, a 
 daughter of Thomas Sanders, of Morris township, 
 aud to them three children were born: Isadore, 
 June 21, 1870; Elsie Ann, June 24, 1873, and 
 Edna Viola, January 3, 1880. In 1876 Mr. Wil 
 son purchased the farm where he now resides, 
 about two and a half miles north of Lindley's 
 Mills, but did not remove thereuntil 1882. He is 
 a successful business man, and a public-spirited 
 citizen. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and 
 his wife and three children are members of the 
 Upper Ten -Mile Presbyterian Church at Pros- 
 perity, of which he has been an elder for ten years. 
 He has now in his possession a hynmbook, bearing 
 publisher's date of 1792, the family Bible and 
 record, which belonged to his great-grandfather, 
 Benjamin Wilson. It bears the name of the book- 
 seller from which it was purchased one hundred 
 years ago, also the cost mark, which was £1 17s. 
 fid. From this volume the family have obtained 
 an accurate record of the early ancestry of this 
 family. 
 
 J JEFFERSON P. DUVALL. TheDuvall fam- 
 I ily, of which the subject of these lines is a 
 J well-known member, has for many years been 
 closely associated with the progress and im- 
 provement of Washington county. 
 
\y, ^Jj^z^yzsa^L/ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 I'.U 
 
 Alexander and Elizabeth Duvall were natives of 
 Maryland, descended from French ancestors. They 
 camo to America many years ago and located on a 
 farm in Washington county, Penn., where Alex- 
 ander died at the age of eighty-live years. Of his 
 children are named John, David, Jacob, Lewis, 
 Eli, Jehu, Hiram and Elizabeth, all now deceased. 
 
 Jacob 'Duvall was born February 17, 1789, on 
 the old home farm in Washington county, Penn., 
 where he grew to manhood. In 1810 he was married 
 to Jane Patterson, who was born January 29, 17D7, 
 and their children were Mary (wife of Moses Bil- 
 ingsley |, Harriet (married to Robert Duvall, a resi- 
 dent of Appanoose county, Iowa), Sainantlia (wife 
 of Lewis J. Weaver, a farmer of EaHt Pike Run 
 township), Jefferson P. (the subject of this sketch), 
 Alexander, Harrison, Emily, Jane, Thomas, Ruth 
 and two unnamed. Of this family are yet living 
 Mary, Harriet, Samantha and Jefferson P. The 
 father was a prominent agriculturist, and died in 
 L864, the mother having passed away ten years 
 prior to his demise. v 
 
 Jefferson P. Duvall was born April 10, 1830, in 
 East Pike linn township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and remained on the old place during his youth, 
 securing a common-school education. In early life 
 he learned and followed the trade of millwright, 
 and then ran a gristmill near Goal Centre for several 
 years. On July '27, 1851, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah Robison, who was born November 
 9, 1830, in West Pike Run township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., a daughter of Hiram Robison, who 
 was born August 19, 1804, and when a young man 
 was married to Sarah Zook, who was born Juno 
 22, 1803. They were the parents of twelve chil- 
 dren, viz.: Thomas, Tyre, Sarah (Mrs. Duvall), 
 Salem, Isaiah, Hannah (wife of Mark Eagye), John, 
 John (deceased), Kliza (deceased), and three who 
 died in infancy. Tint father, who was a farmer, 
 
 died September 23, 1S1I0; the mother was laid to 
 rest November 2 1, 1882; both were members of the 
 M. E, Church, and in politics ho was a Democrat. 
 To the union of Jefferson P. and Sarah (Robison) 
 Duvall the following children have been bom: 
 Thomas; Jane, wife of Allen J. White; Melissa, 
 wife of John B. Carson; Jacob; Hiram; Ells- 
 worth, and Harrison and Jefferson (twins). Mr. 
 Duvall owns a good farm of one hundred acres, 
 with good improvements thereon, and the place 
 among the old settlers is known as the old liedall 
 homestead. Mr. Duvall owns 180 acres in another 
 tracf in East Pike Run township, [n politics he 
 is a Republican, and has served as school director, 
 lb" is a charter member of the F. & A. M. Lodge, 
 No. 461, Coal Centre, and holds the office of junior 
 warden; his first membership in the Fraternity 
 was in 1802 at Brownsville, Penn. He and his 
 wife are members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 d| V. REA is a representative of one of the 
 pioneer families of Cross Creek township. 
 I Alexander Rea was born in the North of Ire- 
 land about the year 1700, emigrated to Amer 
 ica and settled on t he eastern shore of the Dehi 
 ware, within the confines of New Jersey, in 1734; 
 but it is not known when or where he died or was 
 buried, nor can an account be given of any of his 
 family except his son. 
 
 Samuel Rea, son of Alexander Rea, was born 
 in 1734 in New Jersey, soon after the arrival of 
 his parents from Ireland. It was his boast that he 
 was begotten in Ireland, bred on the ocean and 
 born in America. At an early age he settled on 
 Martin's creek, in Lower Mount Bethel township, 
 Northampton Co., Penn.. and owned a tract of 
 land lying between Martin's creek and the Great 
 Bethel Church (Presbyterian). He was a colonel 
 in the Revolutionary war, which commenced in 
 1775. He was married to Ann Met 'racken, Sep 
 (ember 22, 1701, and to Rebecca Nelson Decern 
 ber 10, 1782. He died September 19, L813, in his 
 eightieth year, and was buried in Great Bethel 
 graveyard. The marriage with Rebecca Nelson 
 was without issue, but the following children were 
 born to him by his wife Ann McCracken: William, 
 intermarried with Jane Mason; Sarah, with Robert 
 Lyle; Janet, with Mr. Sillimen; John, with Re- 
 becca Cox; Alexander, with Miss Jones; Isabel, 
 with Jephtha Orison; Mary, with William McKib 
 lien; Ann, with Rev. George M. Scott, grandfather 
 of ex-President Harrison's wife (deceased). Ann 
 McCracken died .March 27, 1781, aged forty five 
 years. 
 
 William Rea. the grandfather of J. V. Rea, was 
 a farmer. He was born in Lower Mount Bethel 
 township, Northampton Co., Penn., September 13, 
 I7<>2, and was married to Jane Mason January 21, 
 1788; crosseil the Alleghany mountains to Wash 
 ington county, Penn., in 1789; lived and taught 
 school one winter one and one-half miles west of 
 the town of Hickory, in Mount Pleasant township; 
 in March, 1790, he purchased a tract of [and in 
 the adjoining township of Cross Creek, from 
 George Marquis, situated about half way between 
 Cross Creek village and West Middlefown, being 
 part of a patent entered by Col. James Marshall. 
 He was appointed and sent as one of a committee 
 of three bytheWhisky Insurrectionists in 1794, to 
 meet the "United States army at Braddock's Fields., 
 sent for the subjection of the Insurrectionists. He 
 was appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania in 
 1823, a justice of the peace for the townships of 
 Cross Creek, Hopewell anil Mount Pleasant. He 
 died September 28, 1835, aged seventy-four years, 
 ami was buried in tin' Presbyterian graveyard at 
 
 Cross Creek. The following nai 1 children were 
 
 born to his marriage with .lane .Mason: Annie, 
 
492 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 intermarried with David Campbell; William Mason, 
 Sr. , with Elizabeth Campbell; Elizabeth, with 
 George Campbell; Sarah, with Rev. Joseph Vin- 
 cent; Rhoda, with Robert Allison; Isabella, with 
 William Beatty; Jane, with Joseph McNary; 
 Samuel, died in 1821, aged twenty-one years; John, 
 died in 1822, aged twentyyears; Mary, died in 1800, 
 when sixteen months old; Jane Mason, the mother, 
 died September 18, 1S54, aged ninety years. 
 
 William Mason Rea, Sr., was born March 16, 
 1790, in Cross Creek township, on the farm on 
 which he lived and died. His death took place 
 June 27, 1865. He married Elizabeth Campbell 
 December 26, 1811, and to them were born the 
 following children: John C, born March 19, 
 1813, intermarried with Mary Ann Lyle October 
 16, 1835; William, born December 19, 1815, un- 
 married; Joseph V., born June 22, 1818, married 
 Eliza Ann McElroy November 26, 1840; Jane, born 
 June 4, 1823, intermarried with Cyrus Wells, De- 
 cember 22, 1842; Elizabeth, bom April 19, 1828, 
 married William T. Kerr June 27, 1849; C. C. 
 Rea, born April 28, 1S34. married Catherine Cook, 
 November 27, 1856; Marv, born February 21, 
 1821, died October 21, 1821, and Samuel, born 
 April 1, 1830, died February 1, 1839. William 
 Rea died December 7, 1884; Elizabeth died De- 
 cember 5, 1883; Jane died September 26, 1853; 
 John C. died September 24, 1882. William Ma- 
 son Rea, Sr., died June 27, 1865, his wife, Eliza- 
 beth on August 21, 1868. 
 
 John C. Rea's family is as follows: James L. 
 married Lizzie Anderson, to whom one daughter 
 was born (all deceased); William M. married 
 Martha Keys, to whom four daughters were born 
 (after her death he married Nannie A. McElroy, 
 to whom four sons were born); Samuel Jefferson 
 married Sarah Jane Graham, to whom four sons 
 and two daughters were boru (one son now de- 
 ceased); Lizzie married D. M. Pry, to whom two 
 sons and three daughters were born (Lizzie is de- 
 ceased); Aaron L. (deceased) married Ageline 
 Keys, and to them one son (deceased) and one 
 daughter were bofn; Joseph V. (deceased) married 
 Clara White, who became the mother of two 
 daughters; Mary married John Pry, and to them 
 one sou and one daughter were born; Alice M. 
 married Ewing Mc Wreath, and they had two sons 
 and one daughter; Eliza A. married J. D. Cook, 
 and had one daughter (now dead) and one son. 
 
 J. V. Rea's family is as follows: Alexander M., 
 a physician and surgeon of West Middletown, 
 married Tamer A. Cochran, and had one daughter 
 (wife and daughter are both deceased; by his 
 marriage with Mrs. Coulter three daughters were 
 born, one of whom is dead); William M., married 
 to Maggie J. Acheson, had two sons, Joseph V. 
 and William A. (wife died May 1, 1873); Nancy 
 Jane was married to J. W. McDowell, Esq., and 
 
 to her were born two sons, Joseph Rea and John 
 Wilton, and one daughter, Fleda Estella (de- 
 ceased); Jane was married to Cyrus Wells, and 
 had four sons and two daughters (one daughter 
 deceased) as follows: Alexander Franklin, married 
 to Annie Berry, has four sons and three daughters; 
 William, married to Miss Robison, had four sous 
 and one daughter; John, married to Clara Ams- 
 poker, had three sons and one daughter; Joseph, 
 married to Annie Sheppard, had two sons; Ruth 
 A. , married to Clinton Morton, had two sons and 
 one daughter. Elizabeth (Rea) Kerr's family is as 
 follows: Ella Kerr, married to Theodore Camp- 
 bell, had no issue; Isaac Kerr, married to Matilda 
 Neal, had two sons and one daughter; Elizabeth 
 Kerr had one son and one daughter (deceased). 
 C. C. Rea's family comprised Mary Elizabeth, mar- 
 ried to John N. Smiley (has two sons and two 
 daughters); Florence Ida, married to William Mar- 
 shall (has one son); Winifred Eloine, married to 
 William Buchanan (has two sons and one daugh- 
 ter); Effie Leouin, not married; Charles Maynard, 
 single; Jennie Evelrena, married to Wilmer Cum- 
 mins (had one son and one daughter); Tamer 
 Catherine, Ella Alberta, Iva Viola, all three single. 
 
 H. JONES was born in Monongahela, 
 Penn., January 23, 1848, a son of T. M. 
 and Elizabeth Jones. He is a worthy 
 and intelligent representative of one of 
 the oldest and most prominent of the colored 
 families of the city. 
 
 Educated in the schools of his native town, there 
 was developed in him a love for literary pursuits, 
 a result of which is a library of excellence and 
 value, and a well-informed man. In his early days 
 Mr. Jones held various positions in the service of 
 the Pittsburgh & Brownsville Packet Company, 
 but desiring to go into business for himself he 
 resigned and returned to his home, where he has, 
 in various ways, rendered much service to his 
 people and city. He has been to some extent 
 identified with the politics of his city and county, 
 for several years serving on the county committee, 
 his services being recognized by his election as 
 city clerk in 1887, in 1SS9, in 1890 and in 1892, a 
 position he has uniformly filled with dignity and 
 credit. In June, 1891, Mr. Jones was nominated 
 by the Republicans for a county office (jury com- 
 missioner), and at the succeeding election, was 
 accorded a handsome majority, leading the entire 
 county ticket. 
 
 In 1871 our subject married, but was unfortunate 
 in the loss of his amiable wife in 1889. Two sons, 
 the fruit of this marriage, are living, the eldest , 
 Harry, holding a lucrative position in the Govern- 
 ment service; the younger, Fred, a student in the 
 schools of Brownsville, Penn. A barber by pro- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 493 
 
 fession, Mr. Jones owns the finest equipped parlors 
 in the Valley, doing a prosperous business; in 
 addition to the offices heretofore mentioned, held 
 by Mr. Jones, he is corresponding secretary and 
 member of the board of management of the Western 
 Pennsylvania Charitable Association, correspond- 
 ing secretary First District S. S. Association, and 
 for several years served as on officer in Company 
 F, Tenth Regiment National Guards of Pennsyl- 
 vania. He also is identified with Church and Sun- 
 day-school work. Mr. Jones enjoys the respect 
 and esteem of the community in which he lives, 
 and is recognized as a man of ability, and a good 
 citizen. 
 
 djOEL PATTERSON BLAYNEY. This gentle- 
 I man, one of the wealthy and influential citi- 
 ) zens of West Finley township, is a lineal 
 descendant of Cadwallader Blayney, a Welsh- 
 man by birth, and a gallant officer in the British 
 army, who for meritorious services to his country- 
 was made a general, and soon thereafter was 
 given an estate in Ireland, the mansion on which 
 came to be known as " Blayney Castle," while the 
 new occupant was raised to the peerage with the 
 title of "Lord Blayney." Cadwallader had a 
 brother, whose baptismal name is forgotten, a 
 rector in the Church of England. 
 
 John Blayney, grandfather of Joel P., came 
 with his family, in 1795, from his native Ireland 
 to this country, making his first settlement in Ohio 
 county, W. Va. Among his children was one Ed- 
 ward, who was born in the Emerald Isle, in 1785, 
 and. as will be seen, was ten years old when he 
 came to the United States with his father. Ed- 
 ward assisted in the duties of the farm his father 
 had settled on in Ohio county, W. Va., until his 
 marriage with Miss Betsey Potter, of the same 
 county. To this union were born four children, 
 viz.: Joseph, died in West Alexander, Penn.; 
 David, died in Morrow county, Ohio; Matilda, died 
 in Ohio county, W. Va. ; and Eliza, died in Mor- 
 row county, Ohio. The mother of these children 
 dying, Mr. Blayney married, for his second wife, 
 Miss Nancy Patterson, of Ohio county, W. Va., 
 'laughter of Robert Patterson, a native of Ireland, 
 who came to America in pioneer days, settling in 
 Ohio county, where he passed from earth at the 
 advanced age of ninety-six years. By this union 
 there were eight children, as follows: Robert, 
 married to Jane Campbell, and living in Tuscola, 
 Douglas Co., 111.; Edward, married to S. J. Pat- 
 terson, and residing in Osage county, Kans. ; Joel, 
 deceased in infancy; Joel Patterson, our subject; 
 Mary Jane, died in Ohio; Isaiah, married to Nancy 
 Floyd, in Nebraska; John McKinley, married to 
 Sarah Jane Wheatley, and living in Washington, 
 Penn. ; William S., married to Anna Robinson, of 
 
 Ohio county, W. Va., and died April 1, 1875, iu 
 West Alexander, this county, where his widow is 
 yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Blayney resided 
 in Belmont county, Ohio, four years, then returned 
 to Washington county, and died at the home of the 
 subject of this sketch, he dying May 3, 1851, the 
 mother some years later. 
 
 Joel Patterson Blayney was born April 13,1829, in 
 Belmont county, Ohio, where he lived with his father 
 until he was five years of age, when the family 
 moved to Washington county, Penn., settling near 
 Independence. After a four years' residence there 
 they came to Good Intent, West Finley township, 
 afterward moved to Marshall county, W. Va., and 
 thence to the farm where he now lives in West 
 Finley township. Here he was united in marriage 
 April 27, 1854. with Joanna Frazier, daughter of 
 Alexander Frazier, of whom the following interest- 
 ing sketch appeared in the Pittsburgh Leader at 
 the time of his death: 
 
 Alexander Frazier, the oldest man in Washington 
 county, who died last week, was born in Donegal town- 
 ship in 1792. When In- was twelve years old he spout 
 some time with his grandmother, Mrs. Nancy Ross. One 
 morn in l:- he, for some childish reason, pleaded to go home, 
 and was allowed t" have hi- wish. That day Mr-. Ri sb 
 was cruelly murdered by the Indians, and in all proba- 
 bility her grandson would have met the same fate bad 
 
 he I n with her. In his old age Squire Frazier Mill 
 
 looked back at this as a providential escape. In 1799 he 
 attended the Srs1 school taught tn the township by Mr. 
 McDonald, whose work consisted in teaching the pupils 
 from " Diller's Spelling Book," the Bible and the shorter 
 catechism. In 1811 he cast his first vote, and since thai 
 time has not missed an election, being all his life a 
 6trong Democrat, having voted for every Democratic nom 
 inee for President from Madison to Hancock. The 
 greater part of Mr. Frazier's life was spent on a farm 
 between West Alexander and Good Intent. For a num- 
 ber of years he was justice of the peace, and was a 
 pioneer Squire Mayes. Once lie was offered as a mar- 
 riage lee a si bill, witli the remark, "take your change 
 out of this;" in another case, a backwoods bridegroom 
 offered to split, rails. In both cases the generous-hearted 
 Squire refused the proffered payment. Mr. Frazier was 
 married three time-., and has ten living children, thirty- 
 nine grandchildren, and seventeen gnat grandchildren, 
 making a total of sixtj six descendants, many of whom 
 are in tin- West. Squire Frazier was very generous with 
 his means, and assisted generously in the building of 
 three churches. No need}' person asked aid of him in 
 vain. He was a true Christian in profession and practice. 
 We will not soon forget the familiar form and cheerful 
 words of Squire Frazier, linked, as he was, with the in- 
 fancy of our country. 
 
 It may here be added that the Fraziers are de- 
 scended from Lord Alexander Frazier, a Scotch 
 peer, who won fame in the seventeenth century by 
 defending the rights of the Barony of Lovat. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Joel P. Blayney were born 
 eight children as follows: Albert, born in 1855, 
 married to Dessie Malone; Sophia S., born in 1857, 
 married to William B. Gibson; Lillie M., born in 
 L860, married to William Egan; Clement A., born 
 in 1802, died in infancy; and Edward E., Charles 
 
494 
 
 1 1 ,1 SH1XGT0N CO UN TV. 
 
 A., Lizzie A. and S. Rice, bora in 1865, 1869, 
 1871, 1876, respectively, all living in the paternal 
 home. Mr. Blayney is a living example of what 
 patience, perseverance, resolution, steadfast integ- 
 rity and strict attention to business will accomplish 
 in t lie proper channel. He commenced life with 
 but $700, to-day he is the owner of 535 acres of as 
 fine land as can be found in the county, well 
 stocked with cattle, horses, bogs and sheep;and all 
 this is over and above losses he has sustained from 
 time to time in speculation, forfeiture of bonds, 
 etc., aggregating some $1 (),()()(). Mr. Blayney has 
 always been a Democrat, and served in various 
 township offices. The family are members of the 
 Presbyterian Church at West Alexander. 
 
 ISRAEL BREESE. Prominent among the re- 
 tired men of Morris township, who have made 
 life a success, is the subject of this memoir, so 
 well and favorably known in the community. 
 Israel Breese was born near Sparta, in Morris 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., January 20, 
 1817. His father, Henry Breese, was born near 
 Mendham, Morris Co., N. J., December 2, 1783, 
 and emigrated to Washington county, Penn., about 
 the beginning of the present century. Phoebe 
 Breese, mother of our subject, who was a daughter 
 of Jonathan Hayden, was born near the place of her 
 husband's nativity, November 15, 1785, and mar- 
 ried in 1804. Henry Breese removed to Washing- 
 ton county to look after the large estate of his 
 father-in-law, near Sparta; but after a time re- 
 sumed work at his trade, blacksmithing, which he 
 followed the greater part of his lib-. He died in 
 L870; his wife surviving him si\ years. To them 
 were born twelve children, five of whom are now 
 living: Mary Ann (wife of Henry Brown), now re- 
 siding in Athens county, Ohio; Phcebe Jane (wife 
 of Joseph Vauscyoe, of East Finley township, 
 Washington county); Silas F. (now a resilient of 
 Greene county, aearBeulah); Henry (who has for 
 thirty years resided in Iowa), and Israel, the sub- 
 ject i if this sketch. 
 
 After receiving but limited educational advan- 
 tages, Israel, atthe ageof fourteen years, left home 
 and started out to face the "stern realities of life" 
 without a trade or other advantages, save his char- 
 acter and energy, to commend him. He was not 
 Long in gaining a foothold, and his prosperity has 
 been marked. In addition to .i comfortable home 
 in the town of Prosperity, where he resides, he 
 owns a well-improved farm. He at one time con- 
 ducted a successful mercantile business at Nineveh, 
 Greene Co., Penn. His business capacity, integ- 
 rity and genial disposition have commended him 
 as a fitting subject for trusted public positions, 
 which he has often been solicited to accept; but 
 Bave one term of service as auditor of Greene 
 
 county, he has refused to be an office holder ex- 
 cept in his own township. Through his business 
 efforts, while serving as auditor, $16,000 of back 
 taxes were collected, and methods were instituted 
 which resulted in a reduction in the rate of taxa- 
 tion. Many attempts were made to persuade him 
 to accept other trusts, but he steadfastly refused. 
 His political views accord with those of the Dem- 
 ocratic party. Mr. Breese was married in 1842 to 
 Miss Charlotte, daughter of Stephen Cooper", of 
 Franklin township, and to this union ten children 
 were born, viz.: Leroy Woods, William Cooper, 
 Laviua, Mary Louisa, Silas Finley, Clara, James 
 Henry, Lewis Campbell, Forest Adams and Charles 
 Weaver, of whom the first rive are deceased; Clara 
 married, G. M. Wilson, of Morris township; James 
 Henry married Bell Conger; Lewis Campbell mar- 
 ried Florence Andrew; Forest Adams married 
 Bertha Hayden, of Prosperity; Charles Weaver is 
 unmarried and resides with his father. The moth- 
 er of this family died in 1884, and October 14, 
 1NN6, Mr. Breese married Amanda J., daughter of 
 George F. Wolfe, of Greene county, Penn., whose 
 father. Christopher Wolfe, emigrated from near 
 Morrietown, N. J., about the beginuiug of the 
 present century. 
 
 THOMAS M. PATTERSON, one of the oldest 
 and most influential farmers of Cross Creek 
 township, is a native of the same, having 
 been born March 2, 1827, on the J. N. Wal- 
 ker farm. He is a son of James Patterson, 
 and grandson of Gen. Thomas Patterson, whose 
 grandfather (James) was a native of Ireland. James 
 Patterson (1) was born in Ireland in 1708, and 
 coming to America in 172S, settled in Little Britain 
 township, Lancaster Co., Penn. He married in 
 Pennsylvania, and reared a family of ten childreu, 
 the sons being named as follows: William, John. 
 Samuel, James and Thomas. 
 
 William Patterson was born in 1733, and was 
 first married to Rosanna Scott, who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows; Mary. Moses, Samuel, Thomas 
 and James. The mother of these died April 5, 
 L769, and on April 10, 1770, William Patterson 
 married Elizabeth Brown, and ten children were 
 born to this second union: John, Rosanna, Will 
 iani, Nathaniel, Rachel, Elizabeth, Josiah, Han- 
 nah. Nathan and Eleanor. In 1779 the family re 
 moved to Cross Creek township, this county, set- 
 tling on a farm now owned by R. M. Patterson. 
 The father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
 He died June 29, 1818, and his wife passed from 
 
 earth about the year 1 828. 
 
 Gen. Thomas Patterson (grandfather of Bubjeot) 
 was born October 1. 1764, in Lancaster county. 
 Penn., and was about fifteen years of age when his 
 parents removed to Washington county. In 1795 
 
£/* S&.^s&rf£&tjL<r^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 497 
 
 he was married to Elizabeth Finley, of Westmore- 
 land county, Penn. ; and twelve children were born 
 to them, those who lived to an adult age being 
 William, James, Samuel, Mary, John, Thomas, 
 Finley, Elizabeth, Moses and Kosanna. Mr. Pat- 
 terson was a prosperous farmer and very influen 
 tial citizen, having represented Washington county 
 in the United States Congress for several years. 
 He died November 17, 1841. 
 
 James Patterson was born April 24, 1798, in 
 Cross Creek township, and passed his life in the 
 vicinity of his birthplace. On June 29, 1820, he 
 was married to Eliza Walker, daughter of Alexan- 
 der and Elizabeth (Norris) Walker, of Cross Creek 
 township, and they had eleven children, two of 
 whom are deceased. Those now living are Eliza 
 beth (Mrs. Russell T. Johnson), Mary (Mrs. Richard 
 Wells), Thomas M. (subject), Alexander (who was a 
 wool dealer of New York City, married Jane Hodg- 
 ens, and died January 7, 1888), Jane (deceased wife 
 of Robert Marquis), Ambrose (who lived in Nebras- 
 ka, married Margaret A. Richey, and died October 
 15, 1886), James M. (living in Plattsmouth, Neb., 
 and married to Eleanor Campbell), David F. (a 
 lawyer of Allegheny, Perm., married to Mary 
 Gardener) and Emily A. (Mrs. Samuel Latta, liv- 
 ing in Cass county, Neb.). The father of this 
 family died August 17, 1861, at the home of his 
 son, Thomas M. In politics he was a Democrat, 
 active to the interests of his party, and he was a 
 wide-awake and prosperous business man, winning 
 friends and success by his integrity. He was a de- 
 voted member of the Presbyterian Church of Cross 
 Creek township for nearly thirty-four years, and 
 after a painful illness of several months he was 
 laid "where the weary are at rest;" his widow died 
 December 9. 1886. 
 
 Thomas M. Patterson (the subject proper of this 
 sketch) was reared to manhood on the home farm 
 in Cross Creek township, and in early boyhood 
 evinced a passionate fondness for the equine race. 
 At the age of fourteen he was given a six-horse 
 team, which he cared for and drove man} 7 years. 
 At that time it was necessary for him to make a 
 trip to Pittsburgh nearly every week in order to 
 exchange the farm produce for other necessary ar- 
 ticles. On January 14, 1847, he was wedded to 
 Miss Sarah J. Barber, of Jefferson township, this 
 county, born November 18, 1827, on the old home- 
 stead, a daughter of John Barber (deceased), a 
 prominent farmer of that vicinity. In 1 857, Thomas 
 M. Patterson bought a half interest in the store at 
 Patterson's Mills, which he conducted, also rnanag- 
 ing his farm until 1861. He then sold his interest 
 in the store, and bought the two-hundred acre farm 
 upon which he has since worked. He keeps the 
 land in a high state of cultivation, and gives much 
 attention to sheep raising, doing an extensive busi- 
 ness in that branch. Politically he has ever been 
 
 an active Democrat, and has served as justice of 
 the peace, assistant assessor and in various other 
 township offices. He is a liberal supporter of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek village, Mrs. 
 Patterson being a member of that denomination. 
 
 dfOSEPH N. HENRY, a well-known resident 
 of South Strabane township, is a son of John 
 I Henry, who was born October 14, 1825, in 
 South Strabane township, on the farm now 
 ocoupied by his brother, Robert D. John Henry 
 passed his earlier years in attending to the duties 
 of the home farm, but his inclinations led him to 
 follow mechanical work, and he commenced to 
 learn the carpenter's trade. After becoming familiar 
 with each detail of the work, he made a business 
 of general contracting and building, meanwhile 
 managing a farm. He finally devoted his entire 
 attention to the improvement and cultivation of 
 the home place. On May 8, 1851, he was married 
 to Jane N. White, a daughter of one of the pioneers 
 of Chartiers township, and they had the following 
 family of children: Ebenezer W. (residing in 
 Iowa), Nicholas, Robert, Joseph N. ami Lewis A., all 
 living but Nicholas, who died when eighteen months 
 old. John Henry was the architect of his own 
 fortune, and owned over 400 acres of land in 
 Washington county, Penn., also a farm in Iowa. 
 Politically he was formerly a Whig, and afterward 
 became a Republican, ever taking an active 
 interest in the affairs of his party, and serving 
 acceptably many years as school director in the 
 township. He was highly esteemed by all who 
 knew him, and in religion was an active member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, which he served 
 as a trustee. He died July 11, 1887, and was 
 buried in the Washington cemetery. His widow, 
 Jane N. Henry, died February 21, 1892, and was 
 laid to rest by the side of her husband. 
 
 Joseph N. Henry was born -May 21, 1859, on the 
 home farm where his entire life has been passed, 
 and received his early education in the common 
 schools. On September 17, 1885, he was united 
 in marriage with Emma, daughter of Charles S. 
 Van Kirk, of Amwell township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and they have had three children: Mary, 
 John and Katharine E. Mr. Henry is an active 
 member of the Republican party. The family are 
 members of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Pigeon Creek. 
 
 d | AMES S. MOUNTS, a native of Franklin 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., was born 
 J May 6, 1835. He is a son of Joseph Mounts, 
 who was also a native of Washington county, 
 born Novembor 30, 1793, and passed his earlier 
 years at home. On July 28, 1817, he was united 
 
498 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 in marriage with Elizabeth Montgomery, who bore 
 Inn three children: K chard, Mar\ Jane and Eliza- 
 beth. In April, 1824, the father was married to 
 Nancy McLaughlin, who was born April 7. isox, 
 a daughter of Jai bs McLaughlin. James Mc- 
 Laughlin was born in Ireland, where he was mar 
 ried to Sarah Hawthorne, and soon afterward left 
 his home in the. .Id country to seek one in the New 
 World. He finally settled in Washington county, 
 I'enn., where the remainder of hiH life was passed, 
 and the following children were horn and reared: 
 Nancy, .lames, Sarah, Martha and Andrew. 
 
 After his marriage Joseph Mounts settled on a 
 small farm in Buffalo township, Washington county, 
 and remained there twenty eight years, when he 
 purchased the farm on which the remainder of his 
 life was passed. Mis children were: Sarah (Mrs. 
 James Coulson), Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Carson), 
 Eleanor (Mrs. David Clark), Martha, Nancj C. 
 (Mrs. .Tame-, Prigg), .lames S. (subject of this 
 sketch). Rebecca (Mrs. William Prigg), Martha .1. 
 (Mrs. John Logan), Maria A., Rachel and Joseph. 
 Mr. Mounts was a Democrat, and took an active 
 interest in public affairs. He died August 5, 1 ST7, 
 and was buried in Washington cemetery. 
 
 James S. Mounts spent his early life on the home 
 farm, and received his education in the common 
 schools of the neighborhood. < )n October 20, L86 1 . 
 he was married toSusan, daughter of Jacob Werioh, 
 and the following children were born to them: 
 Melvin, Warren M., Fannie (Mrs. Ed. Elwood), 
 
 Nancy and Ja s. The mot her of these children 
 
 dying. Mr. Mounts was married February I. 1892, 
 to Lizzie, daughter of Marquette Wright, of Wash- 
 ington. Mr. -Mounts has always been a successful 
 
 farmer, and is an enterprising citizen. In political 
 opinion he is a prominent and earnest worker in 
 his party, lie was a member of the U. P. Church 
 
 until the Civil war opened, when the Democrats 
 
 were prohibited from fellowship, since which time 
 he has been connected with no church. 
 
 diONAS COOPER. Prominent among the old- 
 est, best known and must highly esteemed 
 J citizens of Washington county stands Jonas 
 Cooper, who in his social and political life 
 
 has proven himself in all respects worthy of the 
 good name he bears. He isa native of the county. 
 having been born Maj 30, [814, on the farm where 
 he now lives in Franklin township. His grand 
 lather. Moses Cooper, was born August iS, 1 7127, 
 in New Jersey, and there married Mary Doty, who 
 was born April 30, 1733, and died November 14, 
 1823. The names and dates of birth of the ehil 
 dren born to this union are as follows: Zebulon, 
 January 13, 1752 (died December 22, 1835); Mo 
 ses, April I, 1754 (died April 16, L831); Mary, 
 June 6, 1 75(1 plied October 21, 1832); Elizabeth, 
 
 Max 26, L759 (died in 1844); Nathaniel, Septem- 
 ber 21, L761 (died April 16, IMS|: Kunice, March 
 
 26, 1764 (died July 11, 1850); Lemuel, March I. 
 1767 (died January 19, 17'.»7i; Penelope, Novem- 
 ber 28, 1769 (died July 28, 1833); Ephraim, July 
 9, 1772 (died February IS, I860); and Stephen, 
 February 14, 1775 (died May 29, L853). In 1778 
 the father, Moses Cooper, stalled with his large 
 family from New Jersey for Washington county, 
 I'enn., but while on the way he died in Fayette coun- 
 ty. I'enn. , where he is buried. He had sold his prop 
 erty in New Jersey, receiving in payment thereof 
 "Continental money," which had so depreciated 
 at the time of his death as to be comparatively 
 worthless. The family, now almost penniless. 
 continued their journey westward, arriving in 
 course of time at their destination. Zebulon. one 
 of the sons, had learned the trade of a tanner in 
 New Jersey, and upon his arrival in Washington 
 county commenced business in a very modest way 
 in that line. He took his brother Ephraim as an 
 apprentice, teaching him both the tanning and 
 shoemaking trades, the first, of which he (Ephraim i 
 subsequently followed nearly his entire life. He 
 commenced by tanning his own Leather, and going 
 from house to house, making shoes at 30 cents a 
 pair. He soon, however, purchased the farm now 
 occupied by our subject, and on it built one of the 
 first tanneries in this section, which stood until 
 L890. On February 27, 1794, he married Marga- 
 ret, daughter of Abram Van Voorhees, who bore 
 him the following children: Daniel, born Februarj 
 17, 1795. died June 26, 1*77; Catherine, born 
 June 17, L798, died February 12, 1876; Nellie, 
 born January <>. IN04. died December Hi, 1S7S; 
 Lany, born December 1. (806; Pamelia, born Feb- 
 ruary 28, 1811; and Jonas, born May 30, 1Mb 
 The father died February IS, I860, the mother on 
 March 6, 1859. Ephraim Cooper was an energet 
 ic man, and one who took a lively interest m the 
 prosperity and growth of his county. He taught 
 liis trade to at least fourteen men and boys. In 
 politics he was an active Whig, and in religion 
 was first a leading supporter of the Upper Ten- 
 Mile Presbyterian Church, of which he was one ot 
 the organizers, and in 1 S3 1 united with the Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Jonas Cooper passed his boyhood and youth 
 with his parents, attending school occasionally. 
 When old enough he learned t lie t rade of a tan ner. 
 and after the retirement of his fattier from active 
 life conducted the tannery which the latter had 
 established. On November 3, \^'M'>. Mr. Cooper 
 married Sarah, daughter of Luther Axtell. of New 
 Jersey, who came at an early date to Washington 
 county. The children born of this union were: 
 Daniel, born September 11. ls::7, died January 
 
 27, 1S7T>, in Jefferson county (he was educated at 
 Waynesburgh College, and for many years was a 
 
\\ AS//I.\i,T()\ COIXTY. 
 
 499 
 
 minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church); 
 1'hilip A., born February 12, L839; Emeline (Mrs. 
 Joseph Riggs, of Morris township), born July 8, 
 1 1842; Aha, bom May 20, IMI (he was educated 
 at Way lies burgh College, and was a minister of 
 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Bentley 
 ville, Washington county); Sarah J. (Mrs. Ira B. 
 Baldwin), born April 13, 1848 (in Decatur county. 
 Kans.); and Jonas J., born July 13, L853, died at 
 the age of ten years. Our subject has been from 
 his youth a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
 terian Church. In politics he was first an Old-line 
 Whig, then a Republican, but is now a pronounced 
 supporter of the Prohibition party. His wife died 
 August 23, 1885. 
 
 Philip A. Cooper enlisted in August, 1802, in 
 Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsy] 
 vania Volunteer Infantry, which was firs! sent to 
 Maryland to guard the railroads, and then joined 
 Hancock's division. He participated in many of 
 the hardest fought battles of the army of the Po 
 tomac, including Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Mine 
 Run, Wilderness, Ford's Tavern, Deep Bottom, 
 Charles City Cross Roads, Reams Station, Peters- 
 burg, and many others, and was present at Lee's 
 surrender. On his return home he commenced 
 farming, an occupation he has since continued. 
 On January 4, 1870, Mr. Cooper married Ellen, 
 daughter of Michael Slusher, of Ainwell township, 
 and of this union have been born the following 
 children: Addie M. , Ashtou Carey, Nora B. , 
 Howard D. and Lewis C. Mr. Cooper is a mem 
 ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 
 politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now 
 a Prohibitionist. 
 
 di'AMES S. ARTHUR, a prominent citizen of 
 Chartiers township, is one of the three chil- 
 J dren born to William Arthur, whose father 
 was also named William. William Arthur, 
 the grandfather of James S. was born in Ire- 
 land, and some time after his marriage came to 
 Washington county, Penn. , with bis family. He 
 settled on a farpi in Chartiers township, where his 
 two sons, William and James, were reared. The 
 father died in 1840, having been preceded by his 
 wife in 1838. 
 
 William Arthur was born in Ireland, and came 
 with his parents to Pennsylvania when only four 
 years of age, there growing to manhood. He then 
 selected as a life companion Rebecca Poster, and 
 after marriage the young people settled on the farm 
 in Chartiers township, which is now occupied by 
 the son James. Three children were born to their 
 union: Elizabeth (wife of John McCarty, of Char- 
 tiers township), James S., and Mary Anne, who died 
 in her eighteenth year. William Arthur passed 
 his whole life in this county. He was an active 
 
 worker in the Democratic party, and in religion a 
 member of the United Presbyterian Church. He 
 died about the year 1847, being followed by his 
 w ife in 1868. 
 
 James S. Arthur was born January 27, 1833, in 
 Chartiers township, this county, and passed his 
 early life on the home farm, being educated in<the 
 subscription and district schools of the period. 
 On January 28, 1804, he was married to Sarah 
 Jane Palmer, who was born in Washington county, 
 September 24, 18 13, a daughter of David and 
 Hannah (Crawford) Palmer. David Palmer was 
 born in July, 1810, in County Armagh, Ireland, 
 and in IS33 came with his parents to Washington 
 county, Perm., wherein 184'-! he was married to 
 Hannah Crawford. After his marriage Mr. Palmer 
 settled on a farm in this county, where the 
 following children were born: Thompson (living 
 in North Strabaue township), Sarah Jane (wife ol 
 • I, ones S. Arthur), Margery (married to Newton G. 
 Watson, and died in Iowa May 27, 1891), Mor- 
 rison (deceased in May, l s ''>"\> and Elizabeth (wife 
 of Prof. S. W. Reed, living in Washington. Iowa). 
 The father of this family died in July, 1800, having 
 been preceded by his wife in May, 1872. 
 
 After his marriage to Sarah Jane Palmer, James 
 Arthur settled on the homestead farm, consisting 
 of 1 10 acres. This farm is underlaid with a valu- 
 able six-foot vein of coal, and the mines have been 
 opened on the farm for a number of years, Mr. 
 Arthur's ancestors having been active coal mer 
 chants. The mines are still under operation by 
 J. S. Arthur & Sons. Mr. Arthur takes an active 
 pari in politics, voting with the Democratic party, 
 and is a well known and enterprising citizen. 
 James S. and Sarah Arthur have been blessed with 
 a family of eight- children, as follows: Ida May, 
 William, Elizabeth Jeannette, Margarete, James S., 
 David Clarence, John (deceased in infancy) and 
 George Lawrence. 
 
 RS. MARTHA G. BELL. Among the 
 well known and highly respected families 
 of East Finley township none hold higher 
 social position than that of the late Zadoc 
 L. Bell. He was a son of Samuel Bell, a 
 native of Fayette county, Penn., born in 1806, of 
 Scotch-Irish parents. 
 
 When Samuel was yet a boy his father died, and 
 his home was made with Iuh widowed mother 
 until he was fourteen years of age, when he was 
 apprenticed to a blacksmith to learn the trade. 
 With him he remained until he was twenty one 
 years old, when to his sorrow he learned that his 
 employer was bankrupt, and he had to take an 
 old, broken down horse in payment of wages due 
 him. Not discouraged, however, at this unexpected 
 interruption to his prospects, Mr. Bell mounted 
 
500 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 his horse, then his only possession, and set out for 
 the West. Horse and rider swam the Mononga- 
 hela river, and then proceeded on to Van Buren, 
 Franklin (then Morris) township, Washington 
 county, where he rented a kit of blacksmith's 
 tools, and purchased a leather apron on time, 
 toward the payment of which the first 50 cents he 
 earned in his new venture went. He worked hard, 
 and was soon able to pay the balance and purchase 
 the tools. He was married to Matilda Luellen, 
 who was born January 14, 1810, and who became 
 the mother of the following named children: Sarah, 
 wife of A. C. Cracroft, of Franklin township; 
 Thomas J., a farmer of East Finley township; 
 Zadoc L.; Elizabeth, wife of M. A. McKeen, of 
 East Finley township; Nancy, wife of David Gantz; 
 Martha, who was married to Dr. T. P. Simpson, 
 but is now deceased; and Robert, a farmer of 
 Franklin township. The untiring energy, industry 
 and perseverance of Samuel Bell soon enabled him 
 to purchase a small tract of land, and afterward 
 another, still larger. In 1840 he abandoned his 
 trade and commenced farming, which he followed 
 the rest of his life, doing, in connection therewith 
 a large business in live stock, buying and selling, 
 in all of which interests he deservedly prospered, 
 and at the time of his death, in 1880, he was the 
 owner of several hundred acres of the very best 
 farm land in the county. He was a thoroughly 
 representative self-made man in every essential. 
 His widow died in 1890. 
 
 Zadoc L. Bell, second son of the above, was 
 born February 12, 1832, at Van Buren, Franklin 
 (then Morris) township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 There he received a liberal education at the country 
 schools, and followed agricultural pursuits on his 
 father's farm. On April 9, 1855, he was united 
 in marriage with Martha G. McKeen, daughter of 
 John and Margaret McKeen, of East Finley town- 
 ship, and she bore him seven children, of whom 
 the following is a brief record: Theodore D. , 
 born July 22, 1850, is now a farmer in Morris 
 township, this county; Matilda, born March 13, 
 1858, married C. H. Andrews, and died May 22, 
 1888; Samuel, born January 20, 1801, is a jeweler 
 in Glaysville, Penn. ; Sarah Ellen, born August 13, 
 1863, is married to E. C. Booth, of Washington, 
 Penn.; Erminie Blanche, born July 12, 1800, is 
 married to J. E. Andrews, of Lindley's Mills, this 
 county; Thomas Remley, born April 5, 1870, is a 
 school teacher and lives at home; Birdie Caroline, 
 born August 29, 1872, is married to L. H. Ramsey, 
 of Lagonda, Penn. Soon after his marriage Zadoc 
 L. Bell purchased of his father the old Van Scyoc 
 farm, on which his widow yet resides and manages. 
 This property is one of the best in East Finley 
 township. Mr. Bell died suddenly July 9, 1891, 
 after a busy and successful life. In addition to 
 his general farming interests he dealt extensively 
 
 in live stock, and in all his business transactions 
 he was recognized as an honorable, straightfor- 
 ward man, one who made and kept hosts of f riends ; 
 and wielded an influence for good in the commu- 
 nity. In politics he was a life-long Democrat, and 
 one of the advisers in his party; in religion he was 
 a most liberal contributor, not only to his own 
 church, the Cumberland Presbyterian at Fair- 
 view, but to all denominations in need of pecuniary 
 assistance. His widow is a member of the Fair 
 view Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 TjpY OBERT LITLE. Among the older and 
 
 ILr/ most successful agriculturists of East Fin- 
 
 r\\ ley township, none stand higher or are more 
 
 J — * respected than the gentleman whose name 
 
 v opens this sketch. 
 
 William Litle, father of our subject, was born 
 in Bedford county, Penn., in 1798, of Scotch-Irish 
 parents. His educational opportunities were very 
 meager, but his practical experiences were almost 
 unlimited. At about the age of eighteen he set 
 out for the then "great West," at that time offer- 
 ing magniticeut opportunities for ambitious young 
 men who were willing to work and encounter hard- 
 ships. About the year 1817 he arrived in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., and soon found employment 
 in the carding-mills there, in which he worked 
 about seven years, or until after his marriage in 
 1823. He then purchased with his hard-earned 
 savings a tract of land in East Finley township, 
 near the Buffalo township line, on which he erected 
 a log cabin, moving thereon with his young wife, 
 and here they passed the remainder of their days, 
 working industriously and adding to their posses- 
 sions. Mrs. Litle was a Miss Mary Ann Patter- 
 son, a native of Washington, Penn., whose father. 
 James Patterson, had emigrated from Ireland. 
 Ten children were born to this union, as follows: 
 James, who died at the age of fifteen years; Henry, 
 now a retired farmer, residing in Hiawatha, Kans. ; 
 Alexander H, living retired in Washington, Penn.; 
 William, who died at the age of thirty five years; 
 Robert, our subject ; Martha, deceased at the age of 
 twenty-one; Isabel, deceased at the age of thirty- 
 nine; Jane, now a resident of Hiawatha, Kans. , 
 married to Stewart Litle; Carpenter, deceased 
 in infancy, and Kate, wife of William McCreery, 
 of Buffalo township. The father died in 1887, 
 the mother in 188(1. They were members of the 
 M. E. Church, and in polities Mr. Litle was a life- 
 long Democrat. 
 
 Robert Litlr, the subject of this memoir, was 
 born February 26, 1831, in Buffalo township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. His education was some- 
 what limited, as regards book learning, but his 
 knowledge of agriculture, which he obtained under 
 the preceptorship of his father, was invaluable. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 501 
 
 On April 1, 1856, he was married to Mary Asb- 
 brook, who was bora February 17, 1835, a daugh- 
 ter of Absalom and Elizabeth (BraddockJ Ashbrook, 
 and to this union the following children were born: 
 A daughter that died in infancy; James, born De- 
 cember 10, 1857, died September 1, 1862; Ida 
 Bell, born April 19, 1860, married to William For- 
 gie, of Washington, Peun. ; Lizzie Ann, born June 
 4, 1862, wife of William Donaldson, of East Fin- 
 ley township; Amelia J., born June 9, 1865, and 
 William A., born September 7, 1869, both living at 
 home. After his marriage Mr. Litle purchased 
 some land adjoining his father's property, situated 
 about three miles southeast of Claysville, on Buf- 
 falo creek, in East Finley township. Here he has 
 since resided, engaged in general farming, in which 
 he has been eminently successful, and he and his 
 worthy life partner enjoy the esteem and respect 
 of all their neighbors. They are members of the 
 M. E. Church at Claysville, and in politics Mr. 
 Litle is a solid Democrat. 
 
 ^=5J DWARD GRAHAM ALEXANDER, a pros- 
 perous farmer of East Finley township, is 
 a grandson of John Alexander, a native of 
 Ireland, who immigrated to Fayette county. 
 Penu., in an early day, where his children were 
 In nil and reared. 
 
 Edward Alexander, son of the pioneer John, was 
 born in Fayette county, Penn., November 14, 
 1792. and when yet a boy came in company with 
 two brothers to Ohio, which was then considered 
 "out West." They located in the northern part 
 of the State, and remained there some time, but 
 Edward, becoming discontented, returned to Wash- 
 ington county, Peun., and took a contract for the 
 construction of one mile of the "National pike," 
 west of Washington borough. On April 4, 1816, 
 Mr. Alexander was married to Sarah Shoaff, a na- 
 tive of Virginia (born near Rnmley), of German 
 ancestry, and the following children were born to 
 them: James, Jacob, Edward Graham (subject), 
 David (deceased in infancy), Hezekiah and Sarah 
 Jane (wife of Jesse Plants), living in East Finley 
 township. Our subject and the daughter just 
 named are the only living members of the above 
 family. After his marriage Mr. Alexander lived 
 some time on Buffalo creek, and in 1825 came to 
 East. Finley township, locating on the farm now 
 occupied by his son Edward, which is situated on 
 Templeton fork of Wheeling creek, about half a 
 mile from its mouth. Mr. Alexander continued to 
 reside on this farm until his death, which occurred 
 in the year 1874. His wife died in 1880. 
 
 Edward Graham Alexander was born in East 
 Finley township, Washington county, June 8, 
 1820, and passed his boyhood on the farm. In 
 1848 he was united in marriage with Hannah Van- 
 
 derhoof, who was born June 24, 1829, a daughter 
 of Peter Vanderhoof, a native of New Jersey. She 
 bore him children as follows: Margaret J., Heze- 
 kiah, William, Isabel (who died February 15, 
 1890), Mary, Sarah, Amanda, James, Rosanna, 
 Catherine and Jacob. After his marriage Mr. 
 Alexander moved into a log cabin near his present 
 home, and began the struggle of life. By dint of 
 incessant toil and tireless energy he has succeeded 
 in accumulating a comfortable property, and also 
 in winning and retaining the highest regard of all 
 who know him. In politics he has always been a 
 Democrat. He attends the Windy Gap C. P.' 
 Church, of which his wife is a member. 
 
 LEWIS A. HENRY, a young and enterpris- 
 ing citizen of South Strabane township, is a 
 I son of John Henry, who was born October 
 14, 1825, on the farm in South Strabane 
 township, Washington county, which is now occu- 
 pied by Robert D. Henry. John Henry passed 
 his earlier years in agricultural duties, and being 
 of a mechanical turn of mind, afterward learned 
 the carpenter's trade, beginning business as a 
 general contractor and builder, and managing a 
 farm at the same time. He ultimately gave his 
 whole time to the latter occupation, making nu- 
 merous improvements on the home place. He was 
 united in marriage May 8, 1851, with Jane N. 
 White, whose parents were among the pioneers of 
 Chartiers township, and to their union were born 
 children as follows: Ebenezer W. (living in Iowa), 
 Nicholas, Robert, Joseph N. and Lewis A., all living 
 but Nicholas, who died when eighteen months old. 
 Mr. Henry owed his financial success to his own 
 exertions, and accumulated a comfortable property, 
 being the owner of over 400 acres of land in 
 Washington county, Penn., also of a farm in Iowa. 
 In political preferences John Henry was formerly 
 a Whig, and upon the organization of the party 
 became identified with the principles of the Repub- 
 lican platform, and filled the office of a school 
 director in the township for many years. He was 
 a highly respected citizen, and in religion an active 
 member of the United Presbyterian Church, in 
 which he filled the office of trustee. On July 1 1 , 
 1887, he passed away, and was laid to rest in 
 Washington cemetery; his wife, Mrs. Jane N. 
 Henry, died February 21, 1892, and was laid to 
 rest beside him. 
 
 Lewis A. Henry was reared in South Strabane 
 township, this county, and acquired his early edu- 
 cation in the common schools. In the year 1880, 
 he entered Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., from which he graduated the same year. 
 He then began to manage the farm, and on Feb- 
 ruary 14, 18S9, was married to Mary, daughter of 
 James McClure, a resident of Chartiers township, 
 
502 
 
 WASHING TON CO UNTY, 
 
 Washington county. They came immediately to 
 the home place where they have since resided. Mr. 
 Henry and his wife are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, and in polit- 
 ical life he is an enthusiastic Republican. 
 
 LOUIS DUVALL, one of the most substantial 
 farmers of Hopewell township, was the 
 I youngest son of Louis, who was a son of 
 
 — ' Alexander and Abigail Duvall. Alexander 
 Dnvall came from France to America at an early 
 day, and first located east of the mountains, after- 
 ward removing to Fayette county, Penn. , near 
 the Monongahela river, where the remainder of his 
 days were passed. 
 
 Louis Duvall received a common-school educa- 
 tion, and after his marriage, to Hannah Mc Adams, 
 removed to Still Water, Ohio, then almost an 
 unbroken wilderness. They were in constant 
 dread of the Indians, and when her husband was 
 obliged to leave home to go to mill the wife would 
 hide herself and children until his return. Mr. 
 Duvall contracted malaria while in Ohio, and 
 returned to Washington county to regain his 
 health. No house being ready for them on their 
 return, they lived for a time in a barn, which was 
 remodeled and fitted up for the purpose. But 
 though living to a goodly age, Mr. Duvall never 
 regained his health, and upon the devoted wife 
 and mother fell the heavy wefght of providing and 
 caring for the needs of the family. She often 
 found it necessary to take her infant to the field, 
 leaving it in a corner of the fence while she he >ed 
 corn. By their united efforts, in spite of the 
 husband's poor health, they were successful and 
 accumulated considerable property. Of the nine 
 children born to them, only three are now living, 
 viz : Hannah (widow of Elias Garrett, of West 
 Bethlehem township), Abigail (wife of Jacob 
 Deems, now residing in West Pike Run township, 
 this county) and Louis. Mary, Eliza, Jane, Maria, 
 Isabel and John are deceased. The father and 
 iikiI her were members of the Society of Friends, 
 being regular attendants at the services, though 
 the meeting house was five miles distant. 
 
 Louis Duvall was born in 1830, in East Pike 
 Run township, this county, and was reared on the 
 home farm. Owing to the feeble health of his 
 father the bulk of the farm work fell upon the 
 boys as soon as they were old enough to be of use. 
 In the summer time he could not attend school, 
 and through the winter, school lasted but three 
 months. All farm work was done by hand in those 
 days. Grain was cut with sickles or cradles, as 
 there were no threshing machines; it was then 
 beaten out with flails or trampled out with horses, 
 lining afterward cleaned in a fanning-mill. The 
 winter season was the time for doing such work, 
 
 and as the process was long and tedious, the 
 opportunities for getting an education were very 
 limited. The schools of that time were very 
 primitive affairs compared with those of to day, 
 and speaking of them Mr. Duvall said: "I wonder 
 that we got any education. If the children of to- 
 day could see with what difficulties we had to con- 
 tend, they would better appreciate the advantages 
 of the present school system. The school-house I 
 attended was as good as the times afforded. It was 
 built of hewn logs, and had windows of four small 
 panes each. The seats were slabs, into which 
 wooden pegs were driven for legs. There were no 
 backs or desks. Around the sides of the room holes 
 were bored into which loug wooden pins were 
 driven. On these pins boards were fastened, 
 forming a writing-desk. The ceiling was low and 
 liberally festooned with cobwebs. No maps or charts 
 were used to help the youngsters with their lessons. 
 Into a room of this kind fifty or sixty pupils were 
 crowded. The teachers were men of muscle as well 
 as brains, and believed in the efficacy of the rod." 
 Mr. Duvall attended school whenever possible 
 until he was sixteen or eighteen years of age, then 
 turned his attention entirely to farming, working 
 his father's place. 
 
 In 1853 he was married to Mary Deems, a 
 native of Clarksville, Greene Co., Penn., daughter 
 of John and Mary (Reynolds) Deems, the former 
 being a native of Washington county, and the 
 latter borh in Fayette county, Penn. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Duvall have been born eleven children, as 
 follows: John R., Hannah M., Annie M. , San 
 Jacinto, William L., Mary Olive, Ulysses G. and 
 Schuyler C. (twins), Lurilla (deceased), W. Claud 
 and Dot Dell. They continued to reside in East 
 Pike Run township until 1879, when Mr. Duvall 
 purchased a farm of 163 acres in Hopewell town- 
 ship, where he has been engaged in farming and 
 wool growing, being ably assisted by his sons, none 
 of whom are married. Two of the daughters are 
 married: Hannah (to John Barnes, residing in 
 Claysville, this county) and San Jacinto (married 
 to Albert Rush, living in Hopewell township, this 
 county). Mr. Duvall lias endeavored to give each 
 of his children as good an education as possible, 
 His twin sons are attending college at Ada, Ohio. 
 In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he 
 and his wife are members of Buffalo Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 ^r\ ] OBERT B. FRYE, a prominent merchant 
 L*^ of Finleyville, is a son of West Frye, whose 
 [TV. father, Luke Frye, was of German descent, 
 JJ -^ and a native of Washington county, living 
 v near the Horseshoe church. Luke Frye 
 
 was married to Miss West, a daughter of Samuel 
 West, of Washington count}', and to this union 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 503 
 
 were born three children, namely: West (whose 
 sketch follows), Hester (wife of Elgy Van Voorbes), 
 and Violet (Mrs. James Jennings). 
 
 West Frye was born in 1818, near the Horseshoe 
 church, Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He was reared to farm life, and in early days dis- 
 tilled whisky in connection with his agricultural 
 duties. In 1840 he was married to Miss Christina 
 Van Voorbes, a daughter of Daniel Van Voorbes, 
 of Fallowfield township, Washington county. She 
 was born in 1821, and reared on the farm, receiv- 
 ing her education at the high school and seminary 
 of Allegheny, Penn. After they were married the 
 young couple located on the old homestead uear 
 Horseshoe church, where they remained several 
 vears. They afterward moved to Monongahela, 
 where he engaged in distilling, but in 1857 mo fed 
 to Union township, this county, where he followed 
 farming and hotel keeping. At that time the town 
 of Finleyville was yet in its infancy, and has since 
 been enlarged so much that it now covers a portion 
 of the Frye farm. Mr. Frye was instrumental in 
 building up the town, having erected several dwell- 
 ings and business blocks. In politics he was a 
 valued member of the Republican party. The fol- 
 lowing children were born to this couple, viz. : 
 Robert B. (whose name opens this sketch); Sarah 
 A. (who was married to J. H. Gaston, and is 
 engaged in the millinery and notion business) ; Mary 
 H. (who was married to I. N. Morrison); Martha 
 E. (Mrs. Boggs, of Des Moines, Iowa), and Ella C. 
 (living at home). 
 
 Robert B. Frye was born in 1841, on the old 
 farm at Horseshoe church, this county, and assisted 
 his father in the general agricultural duties. He 
 graduated from the Iron City College, Pittsburgh, 
 and in 1862 joined the Eighteenth Pennsylvania 
 Cavalry. He served in the army of the Potomac 
 until the siege of Petersburgh, when his regiment 
 joined General Sheridan's forces, and entered the 
 Shenandoah Valley. September 28, 1862, Robert 
 Frye was left on the field for dead, at Rock Fish 
 Gap, near Waynesborough. He was captured by 
 the enemy, and (as soon as his wounds would per- 
 mit) taken to Libby Prison November 10, 1864, 
 where he remained until February 22, 1865. He 
 was then paroled and first taken to Annapolis, 
 thence to Philadelphia, and put in the Mower 
 general hospital, from there receiving his discharge 
 June 17, 1865. After the war he came home and 
 weut West in 1866, but, returning to Washington 
 county in 1870, was married to Catherine B., a 
 daughter of Michael Teeple. The wedding cere- 
 mony took place on the anniversary of the day that 
 he was wounded on the battle field, September 28, 
 1870. The young couple first located in Melrose, 
 Iowa, and then lived in Kansas and Colorado, and 
 different parts of the West. In 1891 they returned 
 to Finleyville, Washiegton county, to help care for 
 
 his aged mother. Mr. and Mrs. Frye are the 
 parents of three children: Ella M., Jennie D. and 
 Robert M. He was one of the first to support the 
 Republican party, but has recently espoused the 
 cause of the Peoples' party, and was the nominee 
 of same, for representative from Washington 
 county, in the campaign of 1892. 
 
 IV\/f( BS " VI0LET G ' HA PPER. John A. 
 I Xf/\ Happer (deceased) was a cultured citizen, 
 
 I "(I and a representative of one of the oldest 
 
 II -* families of Union township, his grand- 
 v father, John Happer, having settled upon 
 the Happer homestead in Union township in 1787. 
 This ancestor was a native of Ireland, from which 
 country he and his wife, Martha (Patton), emi- 
 grated in 177s, and on May 19, 1787, received a 
 patent for 300 acres in Union township. He was 
 a weaver by trade, but after arriving in America 
 devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. His chil- 
 dren were Ann (Mrs. John Steele), Andrew, Bap- 
 tist (who always resided on the old homestead), 
 Andrew (who lived in Ohio), John, Samuel and 
 Jane, none of whom are yet living. 
 
 Baptist Happer, son of John and Martha, was 
 born July 15, 1 7 S 7 , on the home farm in Union 
 township, Washington county. On September 27, 
 1808, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann 
 Arrell, and remained on the homestead all his life. 
 He was a prosperous agriculturist, and an exten- 
 sive stock dealer. Politically he was a supporter 
 of the principles embodied in the Whig party. The 
 following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hap- 
 per: Sarah (deceased wife of Rev. Thomas Gault), 
 who resided in the Western States; John P. (de- 
 ceased); Samuel (deceased), who went West; John 
 A. (deceased); Andrew P. (still living), for forty 
 years a missionary in China, whither he was sent 
 by the Presbyterian Board of Missions; James B. , 
 a resident of Illinois; and Margaret J., who resides 
 in the West. 
 
 John A. Happer was born October 1, 1816, on 
 the ancestral acres in Union township, Washington 
 county. He attended Jefferson College, and be- 
 came a well-educated, intellectual and prominent 
 citizen, serving in the State Legislature in 1862-63. 
 In 1838 he was married to Violet Gardener, who 
 was born in 1818, on a farm in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., daughter of John Gardener, a native of 
 Chester county, Penn. The young couple contin- 
 ued to reside on the homestead, which contains 220 
 acres of fine land, and in connection with general 
 farming, Mr. Happer made a specialty of stock 
 raising. He was the first to bring Berkshire hogs 
 into the neighborhood, and among the first to intro- 
 duce Durham cattle in Union township. In polit- 
 ical opinion he was a Republican, and took a special 
 interest in educational matters, having served for 
 
504 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 many years as a member of the school hoard. In 
 religion he was a member and elder of the Mingo 
 Presbyterian Church. He died November 11, 
 L890, leaving a widow and the following children: 
 Andrew G. (a resident of Washington, Penn.), 
 Maggie A. (wife of J. J. Beacon, LL. D.), Isabella 
 (married to Dr. Cheeseman), James B. (deceased), 
 Frank A. (living in Washington, D. C, is married 
 to Emma Foster), Oliver P. (deceased), Elizabeth, 
 Wilmer, and Ella Blanche (deceased). 
 
 It ¥/ ELON B. LEYDA was born July 27, 1834, 
 
 !■— 4 in Somerset township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He is a son of George and Luz- 
 JJ -* anna (New-Kirk) Lev'da, and grandson of 
 "*' Benjamin and Catherine (Stoody) Leyda. 
 
 The latter couple were natives of Pennsylvania, 
 and settle! in Washington county, Penn., where 
 they reared a family of eleven children. 
 
 George Leyda was born in 1796, and reared on 
 the farm, receiving a limited literary training in 
 the subscription schools. In 1S23 he embarked 
 on the matrimonial sea in company with Luzanna 
 New Kirk, who was born in 1803. He then pur- 
 chased a large tract of land, and followed farming 
 and stock raising extensively in Washington county 
 the remainder of his life. Politically he voted the 
 Republican ticket, and in church connection he 
 and his wife were members of the Pigeon Creek 
 Presbyterian Church. He died in 1864, his wife 
 in 186IS, leaving the following family of children: 
 Catherine ' (wife of I. V. Kiddle, a farmer of 
 Somerset township), Rhoda (married to Noah 
 Myers, a resident of Toronto, Ohio), Julia (widow 
 of David Clark, living in Nottingham township), 
 Mary (widow of Daniel Teeters, of this county), 
 Jane (wife of William Williams, a farmer of this 
 county), James H (a practicing physician of Alle- 
 gheny, Penn.), Isaac N. (practicing medicine with 
 his brother James), Almoud R. (a real estate dealer 
 of Beaver Falls. Beaver Co., Penn.) and Helon B. 
 
 Hilon B. Leyda remained on the home farm 
 during his boyhood, and attended school. On 
 March 23, 18S2, he was married to Mary, daughter 
 of John and Julia A. (Grable) McCormick. Mr. 
 Leyda owns 108 acres of well-cultivated land. In 
 politics he is a Republican, and he and his wife are 
 members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 JOHN L. PROUDFIT. He who begins at 
 the lowest round of the ladder, and, with his 
 eyes fixed on the goal, overcomes each 
 obstacle, rising step by step until that goal 
 is won, is the man to whom all honor is due. 
 Of such a character is the gentleman of whom we 
 write. He is a worthy representative of an old 
 and well-known pioneer family. 
 
 David Proudfit, grandfather of subject, was a 
 native of Scotland, and coming to America, located 
 in York county, Penn., where a son, John, was 
 born to him, January 28, 1775. In 18l>2 this John 
 Proudfit came to Washington county,' Penn., 
 locating in Hanover township. On April 9, 1809, 
 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lyle. a 
 native of Cross Creek (then Hopewell) township, 
 born March 24, 1 793. a daughter of John and 
 Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle. Some time after their 
 marriage John and Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit re- 
 turned to York county, as the father of John was 
 growing old and feeble, and needed the care of his 
 children. The young people remained on the 
 home farm until the death of the father, which 
 event occurred in 1826. John and his family then 
 again moved to Washington county, settling one 
 mile west of Burgettstown, where he passed the 
 remainder of his life. The trips across the mount- 
 ains were fraught with much danger and incon- 
 venience. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit 
 rode 300 miles on horseback to make a visit to 
 relatives in York county, the wife carrying an in- 
 fant in her arms, and many hardships were en- 
 dured on the journey. The following children 
 were born to these pioneers: David, born August 
 13, 1810, died September 19, 1813; John L. 
 (deceased), born September 3, 1812; James K.. 
 born April 21. 1815, died February 2.".. 1816; 
 Eliza J. (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith town- 
 ship), born January 2, 1817, died December 21, 
 1892; Agues, born June 17, 1819, died August 1~>, 
 1824; Robert F., born December 23, 1821, died in 
 Smith township, in September, 1886: Cinderella 
 (wife of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland county. 
 Ohio), born September 16, 1824; William, born 
 May 10, 1828; Andrew J., born March 20, 1831: 
 and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover 
 township, this county), born August 29, 1833, now 
 in Hanover township. 
 
 John L. Proudfit was born in Hanover township, 
 Washington county, and when but eight months 
 old was taken by his parents to York county, Penn., 
 where he received his early education. When 
 sixteen years of age he returned with his parents 
 to Smith township, Washington county, and 
 entered the arena of agricultural pursuits. When 
 a young man he was married to Eleanor Campbell, 
 who bore him four children, as follows: Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. William A. P. Linn), Jennie (wife of Dr. 
 W. P. Taylor), Martha E. (deceased wife of John 
 M. Moore) and Amanda, deceased. On December 
 24, 1867, Mr. Proudfit married, for his second wife, 
 Mrs. Nancy Byers, widow of Alexander Byers. and 
 daughter of Alexander Duncan, who was born 
 November 14, 1792, in Smith township, where his 
 whole life was passed. Mr. Duncan was first 
 married to Matilda Crothers, a native of this 
 county, who bore him two chiklren, James O. and 
 
aZ / l \^^^^jcC^^^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNT)'. 
 
 507 
 
 Matilda E. (wife of Samuel MacFarland, but now 
 deceased). The mother of these children dying, 
 for his second wife Mr. Duncan married Jane 
 Knox White, daughter of Thomas White. They 
 settled near Florence, Penu., and three children 
 were born to their union, of whom the following is 
 a brief record: Nancy D. was married to J. L. 
 Proudtit, as above stated; Jane was the wife of 
 David Van Eman, and became the mother of three 
 children: Alexander, William W. and Jennie 
 White; John W. (deceased) was married to Harriet 
 ( 'alley, who bore him the following children: 
 George A. (deceased I, livers D.. Addie J., Levi 
 H., John C, James M , Hattie and Robert M. Mr. 
 Duncan was tirst a Whig, afterward a Republican 
 in politics, and in religion a member and trustee 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Florence. 
 
 John L. and Nancy Proudtit continued to reside 
 at Burgettstown, where he dealt extensive^ in 
 stock, giving special attention to sheep raising. 
 \\ hen th«' Burgettstown National Bank was organ- 
 ized, he was elected president of that corporation, 
 at first of the Savings Bank connected with it. 
 filling that office until his death, which occurred 
 in L882, when he was seventy years of age. In 
 politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a Pres- 
 byterian, and an elder in that Church, at the time 
 of his death a member of the U. P. Church in 
 Burgettstown. Mrs. Proudtit is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, Since the death of her hus- 
 band she has continued to reside at the old home, 
 having a niece living with her. 
 
 ,\ |\lljijlAM H1C. 1VIC<JUJ-i1jUULi 
 
 t\JJ son °' William, and a graru 
 
 V7 and Margaret McCullough, « 
 
 uary 13, 1840, in Somerset t< 
 
 \ ^ILLIAM Mc MeCULLOTJOH. the only 
 
 ulson of [saac 
 
 was born Jan 
 township, this 
 county. The grandparents emigrated from Ire- 
 land in an early day, and made their permanent 
 home in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 William McCullough (son of Isaac) was born in 
 1813 on the home place in Somerset township, this 
 county, and after his schooldays were over became 
 a merchant in Vanceville, same county. He was 
 married January 10, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Has- 
 sock, also a native of the county. He died July 5, 
 1840, leaving his infant son to the care of the 
 widowed mother, who lived until 1884, when she 
 too crossed "over the dark river." 
 
 William Mc. McCullough was reared to agricult- 
 ural pursuits, and received a district school edu- 
 cation in the schools of Somerset township. He 
 resides on the old homestead, which consists of 155 
 acres of good land. The old place has flourished 
 well under his care, for he has acquired an envia- 
 ble reputation as a prosperous and practical farm- 
 er, and makes a study yif his chosen calling; he is 
 also actively identified with all worthy enterprises 
 
 for the public good. He usually casts his ballot 
 with the Republican party, but, being liberal in 
 his views, votes for the men he considers most com- 
 petent for township and county offices, regardless 
 of their party preferences. Mr. McCullough has 
 filled the position of county auditor for several 
 terms of office, and has been school director for 
 the last two years. He is a member of the Pigeon 
 Creek Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCullough is 
 unmarried. 
 
 ,ILLIAM B. McKENNAN, an influential 
 
 citizen of Washington, was born in 
 Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., March 
 I, L829. Bis grandfather, ('apt. William 
 McKennan (son of the Rev. William McKennan, a 
 Presbyterian minister of New Castle. Deli, was 
 born in 1758. He was married to Elizabeth, 
 daughter of John Thompson, and a niece of Gov. 
 Thomas McKean. Mr. McKennan entered the war 
 of the Revolution, served as captain of a oompany, 
 and was wounded in the engagement at Brandy- 
 wine. In 17U8 he came to West Virginia, thence 
 moving, in 1800, to Washington county, Penn., 
 and, being appointed prothonotary, in 1801 located 
 in Washington borough. He was a trustee of 
 Washington Academy and of Washington College. 
 He died in January. |s|0, leaving a widow arid 
 the following named children: William, John T., 
 Thomas M. T. , David, James W. and Ann E. 
 
 John T. McKennan was born in Washington, 
 this county, and there passed his early life. He 
 received a good education, and graduated at Wash 
 ington College, afterward engaging in the tanning 
 business at Brownsville, Penn. He was married 
 to Harriet Bowman, who was born June lb, 1795, 
 at Brownsville, and she bore him children as fol- 
 lows: Isabella L. , born July 27, 1818, died De- 
 cember 18, 1841, at Brownsville: Elizabeth, vet liv- 
 ing; Mary S., born August <!. 1823. died July 21), 
 186(3, at Brownsville; Jacob, yet living; Annie B., 
 born September 23, 1N-J7. died March 7, 1 Slit I. at 
 Brownsville; and William B., subject of sketch. 
 John T. McKennan acted as cashier of the Nation- 
 al Bank at Brownsville for some time. He was 
 a Whig, and a member of and elder in the Presby- 
 terian Church formany years. There is a remarka 
 blecoincidence in his and his brother's (Thomas M. 
 T.) deaths, taking place in the same house, far re- 
 moved from their homes. In September, 1830, 
 while on business for the Bank of Brownsville, 
 John T. McKennan was taken sick, and died on 
 the 18th of that mouth at the house of his sister- 
 in-law, Mrs. Bell, in Reading, Penn. In July, 
 1852, his brother, Thomas M. T., while in the 
 East on business connected with the Hempfield 
 (now the Baltimore & Ohio) Railroad, was taken 
 sick and died at the same house of the same sister- 
 
508 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 in-law. John T. was buried in the heart of the 
 city of Reading, and an Episcopal church was 
 1 »n i 1 1 over his grave. There the body remained un- 
 til the Reading cemetery was established, when 
 the remains were taken to the cemetery, only a few 
 years since. Mrs. Harriet (Bowman) McKennan, 
 his wife, was called from earth March 8, 1832, at 
 Brownsville, Penn. 
 
 William B. McKennan, son of John T. and Har- 
 riet (Bowman) McKennan, passed his early youth 
 at Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and received 
 his education at Kenyou, afterward attending 
 Washington and Jefferson College. On Septem- 
 ber 4, I860, he was united in marriage with Ade- 
 line, daughter of Benjamin Ramsey. The young 
 couple settled in Franklin township, Washington 
 county, and the following children were born to 
 their union: John T., Martha R. (wife of J. H. 
 Moore), Benjamin R., Thomas R. and Mary S. 
 Mr. McKennan has always resided on the same 
 place, and is universally esteemed by his neigh- 
 bors. In political opinion he is a Republican, and 
 has served three terms as director of the county 
 home. In religious faith, he is a member of the 
 Episcopal Church of Washington borough. 
 
 HARVEY LINDLEY. In recording the 
 names of the prominent citizens of Wash- 
 ington county, the list would be incomplete 
 I were that of Harvey Lindley omitted. 
 
 r He comes of an old New Jersey family, 
 
 from which State his grandfather, Levi Lindley, 
 came to this county (in the year 1788), making 
 the journey on horseback, finally arriving in Mor- 
 ris township, bringing his family later and settling 
 where the village of Lindley *s Mills now is. Here, 
 in the woods, he erected his log cabin, and under- 
 went many hardships and vicissitudes of which the 
 present generation know but little. About the 
 same time his two brothers, Demaa and Caleb, 
 came to this country, each of whom sent a son 
 buck to Princeton College, where thej graduated 
 and both became Presbyterian ministers. 
 
 The three brothers were truly the pioneer set- 
 tlers, and gave character as energetic, Christian 
 men to the community in which they lived. They 
 wnr tin- first to build a fort for protection against 
 Indian invasions. Lindley's Fort, as it was known, 
 was built on the farm of Demas Lindley, now 
 owned by Isaac Coimett, and was located just west 
 of the present brick dwelling. They were, also, 
 the prime movers in organizing and establishing 
 Upper and Lower Ten Mile Presbyterian Churches. 
 Demas erected and ran the first gristmill in Morris 
 township. He kept the firsl postoffice in the town- 
 ship, and it was tiie only otlic<> at that early date 
 between Washington and Waynesburg. The mail 
 was carried ami delivered mice a week on horse- 
 
 back. One by one the giant trees yielded to the 
 pioneer's axe, and ere long the wild animals were 
 driven back by the march of civilization. In most 
 respects the country was comparatively safe, save 
 when marauding bands of Indians made depreda- 
 tory raids on the humble homes of the white man. 
 While a resident of New Jersey, Mr. Lindley was 
 married to a lady of that State, who bore him the 
 following named children: Zabby, William, Benja- 
 min and Timothy. 
 
 Benjamin Lindley, son of Levi, and father of 
 Harvey, was born in New Jersey, July 28, 1770. 
 and was eight years old when he came with his par- 
 ents to Washington county. On May 27, 1800, 
 he married a Miss Logan, who bore him two chil- 
 dren: Experience, born February S, 1802, and 
 Margaret, born September 15, 1803. The mother 
 of these children dying, Mr. Lindley married for 
 his second wife, Jerusha Cooper, who was born Jan- 
 uary 13, 17S2, a daughter of Zebulon Cooper, and 
 by this union there were the following named chil- 
 dren: Zebulon, born August 11, 1808; Mary, born 
 May 9, 1810; Sarah, born July 5, 1812; Cephas, 
 born March 28, 1816; Demas, born August9, 1818; 
 Anna, born June 2S, 1823, and Harvey, born April 
 15, 1826. After marriage Mr. Lindley remained a 
 short time in Morris township, and then purchased 
 the farm now occupied by Harvey Lindley, and 
 which was materially improved by him and his de- 
 scendants. After a long life of usefulness Benjamin 
 Lindley passed from earth in September, 1869, in 
 his ninety-first year, leaving a record that all may 
 well emulate, his second wife having preceded him 
 to the "other shore." He was one of the organizers 
 of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Bethel, 
 in which he was an elder for many years, and in 
 politics he was an Old-time Whig. He was five feet 
 eight inches high, and weighed 165 pounds. 
 
 Harvey Lindley, whose name opens this memoir, 
 is a native of Franklin towuship, born on the old 
 home place where his entire life has been passed 
 His boyhood and youth were occupied in assisting 
 in the hard work of the farm, year in and year out. 
 with the occasional relief of a few weeks attendance 
 at the subscription schools in mid winter. On No 
 vember 11, 1N47, he was united in marriage with 
 Harriet N., daughter of Dr. Henry Blachly, of 
 Morris township, and the children born to this 
 union were: Henry B. , born February 2, 1849, 
 married to Miss Sarah M. , daughter of Dryden 
 Vankirk, of Franklin township, died in his thirty- 
 second year. Anna E., born March 1'.', L853, mar 
 ried to Samuel W., son of Oliver Cozad, of Frank 
 ] in township: they have one child, Orville O. Os- 
 car F., born December 15, 1855, married to Miss 
 Jennie, daughter of David Craft, of Morris town- 
 ship, and living on a farm in Barber county, Kans. ; 
 tlie\ have live children, Willis E., David H, Mary 
 E., Harriet T. and Lutetla. Howard A., born 
 
WASHIXGTOX COUXTY. 
 
 I 
 
 June 20, 1863, married to Miss Adeline, daughter 
 of David Clark, of Buffalo township: they have 
 three children. Laura ML, Henry W. and Herbert 
 S. Abraham Lincoln, born April 7. IS'Jo, married 
 to Miss Mary I., daughter of Stephen Post, Frank- 
 lin township. Howard A. and A. L. are living at 
 the home place, and caring for the farm which con- 
 tain- 31 in acres prime land. The mother of this 
 family was called from earth July 22. 1891, in her 
 sixty-fourth year, and was buried in Prosperity 
 cemetery. She was a noble. Christian woman, and 
 her influence for good will long be felt among the 
 numerous friends she left to mourn her departure 
 from their midst. Both she and Mr. Lindley were 
 members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church 
 at Bethel for many years, and he was an elder in 
 the same for over thirty years. In politics he was 
 originally an Old-time Whig, and since the organ- 
 ization of the party, has been a stanch Republican: 
 in school matters he has always taken a zealous in- 
 terest, and was a director for many years. For 
 several years Mr. Lindley has been in poor health. 
 
 L 
 
 A.WKENCE NOBLE is one of the young 
 business men of Claysville, enjoying and 
 deserving the esteem of the community. He 
 " was born December 5, 1865, in Jackson- 
 ville. Greene Co., Penn., a son of B. L. Noble, who 
 was born in Claysville, Penn., in 1823, and resided 
 till he was twenty-eight years of age. In 
 1845 R. L. Noble was married to Harriet Hoskin- 
 son, of Greene county, and in 1S52 they moved from 
 Claysville to Jacksonville, Greene Co.. Penn. 
 
 Our subject received his education in the Jack- 
 sonville schools, and having acquired a good busi- 
 ness training, he began life for himself at an early 
 age, working at various occupations. In 1883 he 
 acsepted a clerkship in Claysville. in the furniture 
 and undertaking establishment of Isaac Teal. In 
 1886 he bought out his employer, and in company 
 with George M. Gray continued the business until 
 February, 1891, when Mr. Gray was succeeded in 
 the business by Y. ML Eulow. 'in 1889 Mr. Noble 
 bought an interest in the hardware firm now known 
 as James H. Noble A: Co., and is at the present time 
 a member of the firms of Enlow & Noble and 
 James H. Noble & Co. Although a young man, 
 Mr. Noble has achieved an enviable success, and 
 has a good reputation as a business man. Politic- 
 ally he is a Republican. 
 
 T 
 
 :HOMAS J. McCLELLAND. This gentle- 
 man was a worthy representative of the 
 Scottish patriots whose blood flowed in his 
 veins. Many years ago. during the rebellion 
 in Scotland, one William McClelland left 
 his native heath and came to Ireland. There his 
 
 life was passed in agricultural pursuits, and three 
 children were born to him, namely: Hans, James 
 and William. 
 
 Hans McClelland was born in 1756, in Ireland, 
 and there passed his boyhood. When a young 
 man he emigrated to America, locating on a farm 
 two and one-half miles from Canonsburg, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn.. where he was engaged in 
 distilling and general farming. He was married 
 to Catherine Carson, a native of Ireland, who bore 
 him the following children: William, James, Eben- 
 ezer. John. Ann. Nancy and Sarah, all of whom 
 lived to be over fifty years of age. The father 
 died in 1818. 
 
 Ebenezer McClelland was born in 17 r2, in Cecil 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. He was reared 
 to agricultural pursuits, and became one of the 
 extensive wool buyers in Washington and 
 neighboring counties, his annual purchase of wool 
 sometimes amounting to 1,300,000 pounds; and he 
 was also one of the most extensive breeders of fine- 
 wooled sheep in Washington county. In 1823 he 
 wa< married to Esther, daughter of John Camp- 
 bell, of Cecil township, this county. Her father 
 was born in Scotland, and coming to Washington 
 county in pioneer times, was often obliged to flee 
 from the Indians. Her grandfather Campbell was 
 killed May 26, 1 7^2. at Crawford's defeat. To the 
 union of Ebenezer and Esther (Campbell) McClel- 
 land children were born as follows: J. C, Sarah 
 J., Thomas J., William, Ebenezer. James and 
 Catherine. The three yet living are James, Eben- 
 ezer and J. C. 
 
 Thomas J. McClelland was born May 21, 1828, 
 on the old home farm in Cecil township. Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn. He was four years of age when 
 the family moved to North Strabane township, 
 where his education was received. He also attended 
 Jefferson College, and assisted his father in busi- 
 ness. On December I s . 1851, he was married to 
 Mary E.. daughter of Andrew Borland, who emi- 
 grated from County Antrim, Ireland, and settled 
 on Brush run. Peters township, this county. He 
 was married to Elizabeth McCIure. of South Stra 
 bane township, and resided on the old place until 
 1856, when he moved to Clokey. same county, 
 where he died, leaving the following children : 
 Alexander. Mary E. I widow of Thomas J. McClel- 
 land), Rebecca, Margaret A., Ann. Elizabeth. 
 Sarah, Andrew, Catherine, Rachel. Martha and 
 James, of whom Rebecca, Catherine, Rachel and 
 Martha are deceased. Mary E. was boru July 2, 
 1827, on Brush run. Peters township, this county, 
 where her girlhood was passed. 
 
 Tq the union of Thomas J. and Mary E. i Bor- 
 land i McClelland, five children were born, viz.: 
 Catherine M., Elizabeth iwife of Thomas Hill. 
 Union township), Ebenezer E.. living on the home 
 farm (married to Georgia M. , daughter of Hugh 
 
,1(1 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Flanuigan, of Union township, has two children: 
 Ethel B. and Helen J.), Thomas J. and an infant 
 daughter. The father died March 13, 1884, in 
 his fifty-sixth year. He was a stanch member of 
 the Democratic party, and served as school director 
 for tifteeu years, as well as in various other capac- 
 ities. The home place contains 188 acres of very 
 fine land, and part of the rich coal vein underlying 
 the farm has heen sold for $11,500. 
 
 FREDERICK W. COOPER. Among the 
 successful and popular citizens of Notting- 
 ham township, none have been more promi- 
 — " nently identified with the interests of the 
 community than the Cooper family. Frederic 
 Cooper, grandfather of the present generation, was 
 an active business man, conducting a farm, 
 distillery, carding-mill and gristmill, in which he 
 was assisted by his sons Samuel F. and Frederick 
 K. Cooper. 
 
 Samuel F. Cooper was born May 2, 1807, in 
 Nottingham township, and received a good educa- 
 tion at the schools of Waynesburgh, and assisted 
 with the farm work, and other interests with 
 which his father was identified. In 1831 he was 
 married to Sarah Van Voorhis, who was born in 
 1814. Her father, Daniel Van Voorhis, was a 
 prominent man, owning a large distillery and oil 
 mill, and dealing extensively in stock. Five 
 children were born to this marriage, namely: John 
 P., Frederick \Y., Mary J., Clara E. and Van. 
 Of this family, the latter three are deceased, and 
 John P. moved to Tennessee in 1869, where he 
 followed farming. The father was a Democrat, 
 and tilled almost every office in Nottingham town- 
 ship. He possessed a remarkable memory, and 
 was a well-educated man, enjoying the respect and 
 confidence of all who knew him. He was ex- 
 tensively engaged in the fruit growing business. 
 He died May 3, 1875, his widow May 19, 1892. 
 
 Frederick W. Cooper was born March 31, 1837, 
 in Nottingham township, this county, and passed 
 his early boyhood on the home place. On January 
 4. 1860, he married Miss Maria L. Stewart, of 
 Allegheny county, Penn., who bore him two 
 children, both deceased in early infancy. The 
 mother died April 20, 1864, and for his second 
 choice Mr. Cooper married October 20, 1870, Mary 
 W., daughter of John Manown. They have four 
 children, namely: Frank A., Samuel F., Clara G. 
 and Ella F. , all living at home. 
 
 Mr. Cooper has been an extensive traveler. He 
 left home when a young man, and herded cattle 
 six months for his uncle Van Vanvoorhis, in 
 Illinois, in 1854; then returned home, and in the 
 autumn of 1856 went to Missouri and Kansas, 
 arriving in the latter State just at the close of the 
 Kansas troubles. He then traveled throughout the 
 
 West. In 1860 he and his wife moved to a tract 
 of land in Iowa which his father had entered of 
 the Government, remaining there three years, 
 improving the land, when, his wife's health fail- 
 ing, they returned to her home in Pennsylvania, 
 where she died. He stayed at home the following 
 summer, and in 1865 shipped a carload of horses 
 to Illinois, sold his horses, organized a companv 
 with Mr. V. B. Ward, of Richland. Keokuk Co., 
 Iowa, and on April 13, 1S65, they started for 
 California, in wagons, arriving at Salt Lake City, 
 Utah, on the 4th of July following. They re- 
 mained there one year, thence going to northern 
 Montana, where they passed a year in the mines. 
 He then entered the commissary and quarter- 
 master's office as clerk in Montana, and was em- 
 ployed there six months under James L. Fisk, 
 afterward riding his horse 500 miles from Helena, 
 Mont., to Walla Walla, on the Columbia river, 
 thence going to San Francisco, Cal., where he sold 
 books three months for H. H. Bancroft, finally re- 
 turning to his present home in Nottingham town- 
 ship. He is now proprietor of 160 acres, known 
 as the "Nottingham stock farm," near Veiletia post- 
 office. The farm is principally pasture land, and 
 he makes a specialty of raising fine Jersey cattle, 
 also a good grade of roadsters. Mr. Cooper in his 
 political affiliations is a Democrat. 
 
 y 
 
 HUGHES, James M., Workman, Jr., Samuel 
 L. and Thomas McK, prominent citizens of 
 Washington, are sons of S. L. and Susan 
 (Workman) Hughes. 
 
 Barnabas Hughes was a native of Ireland, 
 came to America in 1756, settling in what is now 
 the State of New Jersey. He had two sons, Will- 
 iam and John. John Hughes came to Carlisle in 
 1 77> I. and after a few years entered theContinental 
 army under Capt. Hendricks. The company in 
 which he was placed was formed with eight other 
 companies into a battalion of riflemen in July, 
 1775, and placed in command of Col. William 
 Thompson. They encamped at Cambridge, August. 
 13, 1775, and in the month of September Capt. 
 Hendricks' company, with others, left for Canada 
 under command of Col. Arnold, and took part in 
 the attack upon Quebec. After this expedition Mr. 
 Hughes was promoted from the ranks to a captain- 
 cy, and he remained with the army during the re- 
 mainder of the war. being present at the battles of 
 Princeton, Brandy wine, Germantown and Mon- 
 mouth. At the conclusion of the struggle he mar- 
 ried, in 17S6, Sarah Wiley, and came to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., with Timothy Ryan. Tiny 
 purchased large tracts of land on Fish creek (now 
 in Greene county), patented to them in August. 
 1786; Mr. Hughes purchased Ryan's interest same 
 year. During the year 1793 Mr. Hughes bought 
 
? ; 
 
 t 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 513 
 
 land on north branch of Ten- Mile creek, where he 
 kept a store for about nine years, and in 1802 he 
 removed to the town of Washington, where he con- 
 tinued in the store business. After several years 
 he returned to his land or farm in Amwell town- 
 ship, where he died September 18, 1815, leaving 
 six children: Mary Ann, James, Samuel, Thomas, 
 John and Isabelle. Of these, James married Mary, 
 daughter of Gen. Abner Lacock, and at their de- 
 cease they left five children: Sarah, Susan, Mar- 
 garet, Samuel L. and Ann Hughes. In March, 
 1837, Samuel L. Hughes married Susan Workman. 
 He was a successful farmer, and served as justice of 
 the peace for seven terms, in Amwell township. 
 He died in November, 1880, his widow in May, 
 1885, leaving nine children, viz.: Ann F., Mary V., 
 James M., Workman, Jr., John W., Elizabeth E. , 
 Samuel L. , Susan R. and Thomas McK.,of whom 
 Ann F. Hughes was married in 1861 to Hiram 
 Vankirk, and they have two children: James H. 
 and Francis J. Vankirk. 
 
 James M. Hughes, eldest son of S. L. and Susan 
 W. Hughes, at the age of eighteen years enlisted in 
 the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I., 
 for three years, or during the war. He partici- 
 pated in all the battles and skirmishes of his regi- 
 ment from Chancellorsville to Appomattox, forty- 
 three engagements in all. In 1867 he married 
 Sarah E. Bane, and their family consists of two 
 sons: Blanchard G. and Haldain B. Hughes, who 
 were graduated from Washington and Jefferson 
 College in classes of '91 and '92 respectively. 
 They each selected the law as a profession. Blan- 
 chard is a student at present in the Buffalo Law 
 School, Buffalo, N. Y. ; Haldain is registered with 
 Messrs. Taylor & Mcllvaine, Washington, Penn. 
 
 Workman Hughes, Jr. , second son of S. L. and 
 Susan W. Hughes, was elected to the office of re- 
 corder of deeds in November, 1878, and served six 
 years, being the only recorder elected to that office 
 for more than one term since 1842. During his 
 term of office he, with the assistance of his broth- 
 ers, James M., S. L. and T. McK. Hughes, made a 
 complete index to the record of the office. When 
 his term of office expired, January 1, 1885, he en- 
 tered into the real estate and insurance business. 
 On October 31, 1889, he married Hannah B. Wiu- 
 gett, and they have two children: Susan W. and 
 Howard W. Hughes. 
 
 John W. Hughes, third son of S. L. and Susan 
 W. Hughes, became a master machinist. He mar- 
 ried, July 16, 1877, Martha S. Good, of Illinois; 
 they now reside in New York City. They had a 
 daughter, Susan W., who died of diphtheria at Fair 
 Haven, Vt. , at the age of eight years. 
 
 Samuel L. Hughes, fourth son of S. L. and 
 Susan W. Hughes, was married November 11, 1883, 
 to Minnie G. Spriggs, and they had three children: 
 Margaretta, Susan W. and Thomas McKennan 
 
 Hughes, of whom Margaretta died of diphtheria 
 July 3, 1890. Mr. Hughes has been engaged in 
 the real estate and life insurance business, in con- 
 nection with his brother Workman Hughes, Jr., 
 since January 1, 1885. 
 
 Thomas McK. Hughes, fifth and youngest son of 
 S. L. and Susan W. Hughes, studied law with the 
 former firm of McCracken & Mcllvaine (the latter 
 being the judge of courts of this county), and was 
 admitted to practice in the several courts of the 
 county at the June term, 1S80. At the age of 
 twenty-three, and.since 1881, he has applied him- 
 self to his profession, and is now enjoying a large 
 and substantial practice. 
 
 Mary V., Elizabeth E., Susan R. and Thomas 
 McK. Hughes live on West Chestnut street, Wash- 
 ington, Pennsylvania. 
 
 THOMAS G. HAMILTON is one of the suc- 
 cessful agriculturists of Nottingham town- 
 ship, of which he is a native. His father, 
 James R. Hamilton, was born, in 1818, in 
 Peters township, Washington county, and 
 received a classical education. During his earlier 
 years he followed the profession of school teaching, 
 and, being solely dependent upon his daily earn- 
 ings for a livelihood, was obliged to practice strict 
 economy. 
 
 In 1846 James R. Hamilton was married to 
 Miss Patience Morrison, a native of this county, 
 and, having managed to save a small amount of his 
 salary, the young man bought a little farm in Not- 
 tingham township, this county, upon which he and 
 his bride began their wedded life. They were poor 
 in worldly goods, but happy and rich in the pos- 
 session of health and love. Dame Fortune soon 
 began to smile upon the brave young couple who 
 met her frowns with such, cheery faces, and as 
 years passed on children came to brighten the little 
 home, as follows: Patience B. (wife of James H. 
 Barkley), William H. L., Charles James Reed, 
 John T. G., Joseph G. P., Elizabeth Ann, Mar- 
 garet Elnora and Mary Jane. Of these the three 
 latter are deceased. At the time of his death 
 James R. Hamilton owned 300 acres of land. 
 
 Thomas G. Hamilton was born May 30, 1861, 
 in Nottingham township, Washington county, and 
 there passed his boyhood. On January 10, 1883, 
 he made choice of a life companion in the person 
 of Anna C. , daughter of Benjamin Crawford, a 
 very prominent farmer of this county. Four chil- 
 dren have been born to this marriage, namely: 
 John Reed, R. Lloyd, Patience May and Thomas 
 Gleen. Mr. Hamilton owns eighty-two acres of 
 the old homestead, and devotes much of his time 
 to stock raising, making a specialty of sheep, in 
 connection with general farming. 
 
514 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 W. GREGG is descended from a family 
 who were among the first settlers in East 
 Pike Run township, this count}'. Many 
 years ago three brothers, Henry, William 
 and John Gregg, emigrated from the 
 Emerald Isle, and made a permanent settlement in 
 East Pike Run township. Henry took out a pat- 
 ent for 349 acres of land known as the " Burning 
 Mine," which is now owned by one Mr. Duvall. 
 John Gregg was twice married, and William, the 
 second brother, was the grandfather of R. W. 
 Gregg. William Gregg was married to Ruth 
 Jackman, a native of Ireland, and they settled on 
 the farm in East Pike Run township, where five 
 children were born, as follows: Henry (married to 
 Jane Dowler), John (married to Nancy Gregg), 
 Robert (married to Ann Robinson), Andrew and 
 Margaret (Mrs. Crow). 
 
 Andrew Gregg was born in March. 1808, in 
 East Pike Run township, grew to manhood on the 
 homestead, and was married to Mary Ann Hug- 
 gins, who was born in 1812 in what is now Allen 
 township, Washington county. Of the children 
 born to this union, six are yet living, namely: 
 Lucy Ann, wife of V. C. Jones, of Fallowfield 
 township; Ruth Ann, married to William Sphar, 
 of Allen township; A. J., living in East Pike Run 
 township; R. W. (whose name opens this sketch); 
 Sarah Jane, wife of Thomas F. Frye, of Chase 
 county, Kans.,and J. H, living in Allen township. 
 The father was actively identified with the inter- 
 ests of the Republican party. He died on the old 
 farm in 1872; his widow is yet living on the 
 place. 
 
 R. W. Gregg was born in 1848 on the home 
 farm in East Pike Run township, and attended the 
 common schools of the neighborhood. In 1881 
 he was united in marriage with Emetine Beadle, 
 a native of Fallowfield township, a daughter of 
 Jacob and Mary (Wallace) Beadle, who were born 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Fallowfield 
 township in an early day ; her father died in 1887, 
 her mother in 1872. By this union was born to 
 Mr. Gregg one son, Delbert, who lived about three 
 months and then died. The mother passed away 
 October 17, 1881, and Mr. Gregg afterward mar- 
 ried Lizzie M. Jobes, of Allen township, Washing- 
 ton county, a daughter of William Jobes, whose 
 father, John Jobes, was an early resident of the 
 Monongahela Valley. By this marriage there 
 were two sons: Albert R. and William Andrew. 
 After his first marriage R. W. Gregg settled in 
 Allen township, on the forty-six acres of well-culti- 
 vated land which is now his home. He votes the 
 Republican ticket, and in religious faith he is a 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Mt. 
 Tabor. Mrs. Lizzie M. Cregg died September 1, 
 1892. 
 
 *r""Y R- THOMPSON, a native of Chart iers 
 IWx township, is a son of Andrew Thompson, 
 
 Tl\ who was born February 7, 1793, also in 
 JJ — s Chartiers township, and passed his early 
 V life on the home farm, receiving a limited 
 
 education at the subscription schools. On July 6, 
 1S27, lie married Miss Elizabeth Bell, who was 
 born May 23, 1797, in Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county. 
 
 Andrew Thompson passed his married life on the 
 farm in Chartiers township now occupied by our 
 subject, and four children were born to him: Mary 
 Ann (deceased April 22, 1870); R. R. ; Elizabeth 
 M. (wife of James McBurney, of Hickory, Mt. 
 Pleasant), and Jane (married to Mark Cowden, 
 farmer, of Mt. Pleasant township). Andrew 
 Thompson was a farmer, and in politics a standi 
 Whig. In church connection he was formerly a 
 Seceder, afterward uniting with the Hickory I . P. 
 Church, of which he remained a member until his 
 death, that event occurring January 23, 1860. 
 Mrs. Thompson was laid to rest March 10, 187 1 . 
 
 R. R. Thompson was born October 6, 1830, on 
 the home farm in Chartiers township, this county, 
 and was educated at the subscription and public 
 schools of the vicinity. On October 4, 1871, he 
 was united in marriage with Jane McBurney, a 
 native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, a 
 daughter of John (2) and granddaughter of John 
 (1) McBurney. John McBurney (the grandfather) 
 was born in 1764 in County Down, Ireland, and 
 in 1783 emigrated to America, locating in Washing- 
 ton county, Penn. In 1798 he was married to 
 Sarah Hunter, a native of Chambersburgh, Perm. 
 Her grandfather was married in 1790, and then 
 settled in Robinson township. Washington county, 
 his son and grandchild Sarah (then a child of ten 
 years) also making their home in this county. 
 The grandfather died September 2, 1846, and was 
 followed by his wife in 1863, in her ninetieth year. 
 
 John McBurney (the father of Mrs. R. R. 
 Thompson) was born June 29, 1802, in Robinson 
 township, Washington county, and in early life 
 changed his residence in Robinson township. On 
 February 7, 1S28, he was married to Jane Keys, 
 who was born in 1806, near Poland, Ohio, coming 
 in 1808 to this dounty with her parents, and set 
 ting in Mt. Pleasant township. She was a 
 daughter of James Keys, who was born in 1766, 
 in Washington county, and growing to manhood 
 was married in Mt. Pleasant to Jane McClellan 
 (born in 1783), and they settled on a farm in 
 Smith township, this couuty, where seven children 
 were born to them, three of whom are now living: 
 James (in Steubenville. Ohio), Joseph (in Smith 
 township), and Ezra C. (in Emporia, Kans., having 
 located there). The parents of these children are 
 now deceased. Mr. McBurney passed the first 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 515 
 
 years of his married life on a farm in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, this county, and in 1871 moved to 
 Hickory, also in this county. John and Jane 
 (Keys) McBurney were the parents of the following 
 children: Jane (wife of R. R. Thompson); John 
 (living ia Mt. Pleasant township); Sarah (widow 
 of Robert Jeffery, of Canonsburg); James (living 
 in Hickory, this county); Martha (Mrs. James 
 Mcllvine, of Mt. Pleasant township); Elizabeth 
 (deceased in 1846, aged six years); William (de- 
 ceased in 1840, at the age of three years); Ezra 
 (living with his family on the old homestead in Mt. 
 Pleasant township), and William A. (who recently 
 lost his wife) ; he has located in Canonsburg, Penn. ; 
 his little daughter, Lizzie, died August 1 ■">. IS92. 
 John McBurney was a member of the U. P. Church 
 at Hickory, in which he was an elder for many 
 years. He died April 8, 1S83, at his own homo in 
 Hickory, Penn. ; his wife died at the home of her 
 daughter Jane in Chartiers township, September 
 29, 1884. 
 
 After his marriage to Jane McBurney, Mr. R. R. 
 Thompson settled on his present home of 175 
 acres of well -cultivated land, where his time is 
 principally employed in farming and stock raising. 
 Mr. Thompson votes with the Republican party, 
 but prefers to devote his principal attention to 
 private business. He and his wife are members 
 of the U. P. Church at Hickory, this county. 
 
 M/RS. ELLEN J. CARTER, widow of John 
 Carter,is a native of Mt. Pleasant township, 
 a daughter of Matthew Kemps, who was 
 ^ born in Ireland. He was married to 
 Nancy Peoples, and their children were 
 eight in number, as follows: John, James Peoples, 
 Elizabeth Ann, David, Ellen Jane,, Thomas Slater, 
 Samuel and Matthew McNary, all born in Wash- 
 ington county. The mother of this family died 
 in 1850, and the father afterward moved to Sigour- 
 ney county, Iowa, where he passed the remainder 
 of his life. Ellen J. Kemps was married in Au- 
 gust, 1865, to John Carter, a native of Washington 
 county, son of William Carter, who was born in 
 Scotland and was married to Ann McKee. In 
 1819 they immigrated to America, locating in 
 Washington county, Penn., near the town of 
 Washington, but afterward moved to Mt. Pleasant 
 township, same county, where they died. They 
 had seven children, viz.: Margaret, Robert, Janet, 
 Maria, John, Thomas and Margaret Ann. 
 
 John Carter was born in 1826, near Washington, 
 Penn., and received a limited education in the 
 schools of Mt. Pleasant township, commencing to 
 work on the farm when but ten years of age. 
 After his marriage to Miss Kemps he bought the 
 farm where his son is now living, which contains 
 220 acres, and devoted his time to its cultivation 
 
 f 
 
 and improvement. Three children were born to 
 thisunion: William H., married to Maggie White, 
 who bore him one daughter: Margaret Hazel (they 
 are living on the home farm); Leila Ada, a gradu- 
 ate of Curry University, Pittsburgh, Penn., and 
 Robert Leander, a student at the academy, in 
 Hickory, Penn. Mr. Carter was actively interested 
 in politics, voting with the Republican party, but. 
 preferring to devote the greater part of his time 
 to private business and domestic pleasures. He 
 died in 1N~7, in Mt. Pleasaut township, deeply 
 mourned by all who knew him as a good friend and 
 honorable, useful citizen. His widow is yet resid- 
 ing on the old homestead. She is a member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, at Hickory, with 
 which her husband wits also connected. 
 
 AMUEL RONEY, a prominent agriculturist 
 of the county, was born September 29, 1820, 
 in a round-log cabin built by his father iu 
 West Einley township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. Hercules Roney, his grandfather, was a 
 native of County Donegal, Ireland, whence, when 
 a young man, he emigrated to America, coming 
 direct to Ohio county, W. Va., where he patented 
 100 acres of land and built a cabin thereon. He 
 also patented a large tract of land in what is now- 
 West Fiuley township, this county. He partici- 
 pated in many perilous adventures with the Indians, 
 and took an active part in the battle in which 
 Crawford was defeated. He erected a blockhouse 
 for many years known as " Roney' s blockhouse, " 
 and on this historic spot now stands a handsome 
 residence, occupied by John Roney, a descendant 
 of Hercules Roney, who died in July, 1812. He 
 was one of the very first settlers in Washington 
 county, and was among the most widely known of 
 the county's pioneers. He married Margaret, 
 daughter of William Buchanan, a native of West 
 Finley township, and to this union were born five 
 sons and four daughters, all long since deceased. 
 William Roney, father of subject, was reared on 
 the home farm, where be was born, and where, 
 under his father's preceptorship, he learned prac- 
 tical lessons in agriculture, which in after life 
 served to make him oue of the most successful 
 farmers in his township. On November 9, 1809. 
 he was married to Jane Lawrence, who bore him 
 six children: Samuel and Jane (twins), James, 
 Maggie, William and John. 
 
 Samuel Roney received his education at the 
 schools of the locality of his birth, and April 15, 
 1839, being then nineteen years old, he left home 
 to learn the trade of a tanner, which he followed 
 several years till ill-health compelled him to aban- 
 don it. He then turned his attention to farming 
 pursuits, which he afterward successfully carried 
 on. In May, 1843, he was united in marriage 
 
fill'. 
 
 ii ASHING rOA cot \ TY. 
 
 with Mary A., daughter of John Sutherland, and 
 the following named ohildren have been born to 
 them: Lizzie, Mary, Maggie Bell, W. (>. (a resi 
 dent of Eopewell township), J. L, (in Olayaville, 
 Penn. ,) and Samuel A (who is on the farm with 
 his father). The mother died July 3, 1892, and 
 
 is buried in Buffal aetery. < >n November 22, 
 
 1892, Mr. Roney, with his daughter, Mary, moved 
 i" Claysville, where they are now Living, In 1843 
 he joined the Presbyterian Church in WestAlexan 
 der and moved to Upper Buffalo in 1850. Iu 
 polities he is a lifelong Republican, having cast his 
 first vote in 1841. Mr. Rone} is gifted with a re 
 markable memory, and is considered an authority 
 on all subjects requiring thought and study. 
 
 Q GORGE E. SMITH. George Smith was 
 born in the Emerald Isle, and orossing the 
 ocean at an early date Bettled near Greens- 
 [ burgh, Westmoreland Co., Penn. When a 
 young man he was married to Miss Todd, n 
 native of Westmoreland county, who bore him 
 eight children, namely: William, Mary, Thomas, 
 David, Nancy, George, Edward and .Martha, all 
 now deceased. The father devoted his life toagri- 
 cultural pursuits. 
 
 Thomas Smith was born in 1780, in Westmore- 
 land county, Penn., where his boyhood was passed. 
 Be was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter 
 of David Stewart, a prominent farmer living near 
 Pittsburgh, Allegheny county, and four children 
 Were born to their union, as follows: George E., 
 Amelia and two unnamed. The father learned the 
 saddler's trade when a young man, and followed 
 same for some time iu Voiingstow n, Penn. After 
 the death of his wife he removed to Blizabethtown, 
 
 1\ y . , where he passed his later years. 
 
 George E, Smith was born January IS, 1S20, in 
 foungstown, Penn., and remained there until 
 ab 'in ten years of age, He then accompanied his 
 father to Kentucky, where he resided during his 
 minority, and where he cast his first vote. He then 
 returned to Allegheny oounty, Penn., and saw the 
 first steamboat that landed at Pittsburgh. On 
 October 30, 1845, he married Phoebe, daughter of 
 Thomas and Rebecca Kearns, who lived in Alle 
 gheny county, about two mile- from Pittsburgh. 
 After his marriage he taught school about ten 
 years, then conducteda wholesale grocery bus 
 
 lor about four years, and in 1 S ."> 7 rame to their 
 present farm in Peters township, Washington 
 county. Soon after locating in this county he was 
 elected a justice ,.f the peace by the Democratic 
 party, and he has held this position for seven consec- 
 utive term-, enjoying the distinction of being the 
 only justice in Washington county who has had 
 but one decision reversed by the higher courts. 
 During thirty five years of official service he has 
 
 won the estoem and conlhleiu f all who know 
 
 him, and has) i intrusted with important business 
 
 by many citizens of Peters township. He is a 
 member and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian 
 
 Church at Fairview. Three children have I q 
 
 bom to them, namely: Edward T.. Rebecca K. 
 i wife of George Hayes), and John s. 
 
 Edwaed T. Smith was born September 5, L846,in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., and lived there until he 
 was eight years of age, when he CHIUe to his pies 
 out home iu Peters township, Washington county. 
 \\ ben a young man he learned t he carpenter's t rade, 
 wlneli he followed twelve years, and was then em- 
 ployed as sawyer in a sawmill for five years. Ou 
 January .">. 1865, he was married to Jennie Ham 
 ilion. of Nottingham township, daughter of Henry 
 
 Hamilton. The young couple first settled in Power 
 
 Hill, Washington county, and in the .spring of 1892 
 came to the farm in Peters township which was given 
 him by his aunt, Miss Fannie J. Stewart. Edward 
 T. and Jennie Smith are the parents of the follow- 
 ing children: Margaret A., Carrie I Mrs. Robert 
 Hixon), George H. (deceased), William S,, Ada 
 Bell, Susan A. and Amelia T. Mr. Smith owns 
 tifty one acres of land, also a house and lot in 
 Bower Hill. He is a Democrat in politics, and is 
 past counsellor of the Jr. O. U. A. M. He is a 
 member of Yenetin Council, No. 598. In religious 
 faith he is a member of Peter-- Creek Tinted Pies 
 by terian Church. 
 
 ISRAEL WEIRICH. Late in the last century 
 the ancestors of the Weirich family came from 
 ( lermany . ami located in eastern Pennsylvania. 
 There, iu Lebanon county, in 1804, Jacob 
 Weirich, the father of subject, was born, and then' 
 passed the first few years of his life. At an early 
 age he accompanied his parents westward, settling 
 with them on the original Weirich homestead in 
 Washington county, where the remainder of his 
 long life was spent. The county was then little 
 more than a wilderness, not yet having given evi- 
 dence Of those varied resources which have since 
 
 made it so Famous. 
 
 The story of his boyhood is that of almost any 
 youth in similar circumstances. In early manhood 
 he w as married to Susan. daughter of Fredrick 1 \ >B 
 ter.of Washington, Penn. With small means, but 
 
 full of Confidence and with bright hopes for the fut- 
 ure, the young couple entered upon what proved 
 to be a long and happy married life. Of the five 
 children born to them four survive: Israel, Eliza- 
 beth (Mis. William Eh I. Mary (Mrs. Simon Ash 
 brook) and Susan (Mrs. James Mountz). The 
 youngest daughter, Amanda (Mrs. William Mor 
 ton i, died in 1882 from the effects of blood poison 
 ing. In the spring of 1885, while still active and 
 apparently hale and strong, Mr. Weirich was 
 
<$.-jasu£ ^t^X 
 
WASHINGTON COU.\ VY. 
 
 519 
 
 stricken with paralysis, from the effects of which 
 he died August 12, same year, at the advanced age 
 of eighty-oue years. In his life Mr. Weirich, 
 though singularly quiet and unobtrusive, was yel 
 a man of broad views and unselfish aims, ever ready 
 with moral and financial support for any enter- 
 prise which had for its object the advancement or 
 good of the community. In his occupation he bad, 
 from small beginnings, reached independence and 
 prosperity through perseverance, industry and fru- 
 gality, coupled with that surest method — strict infeg 
 rity. Always living up to those principles which 
 later in life ho openly avowed by uniting with the 
 East Buifalo Presbyterian Church, he was ever rec- 
 ognized as upright and straightforward in business 
 transactions, a kind, indulgent husband and father, 
 and an esteemed neighbor and friend. Regarding his 
 political views, Mr. Weirich was formerly a Whig, 
 afterward a Republican, but always refrained from 
 participating actively in political affairs. His 
 widow, Mrs. Susan Weirich, a lady wonderfully 
 strong and active for her age, still survives and re- 
 sides in Washington, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Israel Weirich, the subject of our sketch, is the 
 oldest child and only son born to Jacob and Susan 
 (Foster) Weirich. Born and raised upon his fat tier's 
 farm, he has followed agricultural pursuits all his 
 life, and his energy, foresight and constant atten 
 tion to duty have been rewarded with a measure of 
 success beyond the average. Mr. Weirioh's boy 
 
 1 il days would hardly accord with the popular 
 
 idea of the early life of an only son. The practi- 
 cal side of the gospel of work was among his lirst 
 lessons. A part of each winter at the dist rict school 
 composed the sum of his school education; and 
 while yet very young he assumed the management 
 of the major portion of his father's increasing in- 
 terests at the sacrifice of opportunities for a more 
 liberal education, a course which he regretted ever 
 afterward. HiH loss in this respect, however, was 
 a gain in the dearer school of experience, the les 
 sons of which were constantly turned to practical 
 account in his after life. On March 80, 1859, Mr. 
 Weirich was united in marriage with Sarah, daugh- 
 ter of James and Sarah Thompson, of Buifalo 
 township, and immediately settled upon and took 
 charge of his father's farm in the same township. 
 Three years later he removed to his present home in 
 Canton township, a farm of 2'2~> acres, which he 
 has since been constantly improving until it is one 
 of the most complete aud desirable in the county. 
 In 1887 the old homestead, which had originally 
 been one of the old taverns in the days of the stage 
 coach, was removed and replaced by an elegant 
 modern structure, beautifully situated and com- 
 plete in all its appointments. A large family — 
 seven sous and two daughters — have been born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Weirich, all yet living with the ex- 
 ception of one daughter who died in childhood. 
 
 Though his sense of duty compelled him to fore 
 go his earlier educational advantages, through the 
 influence of extended travel, constant reading and 
 his lively interest in all public affairs, Mr. Weirich 
 is a man of liberal ideas and broad views. Profit 
 ing by his own experience and fully realizing the 
 benefits of a liberal education, he has sent four 
 sons to Washington and Jefferson College, and his 
 daughter to the Washington Female Seminary. 
 In politics Mr. Weirich is a Republican, though 
 uot a strong partisan. He never allowed party 
 lines to restrain him from casting his vote on what 
 he considered the side of justice and right, in favor 
 of whatever political party it might be. He has 
 been a lifelong member of the Presbyterian 
 Church; was for many years a ruling elder in the 
 East Buffalo Church, and was one of the founders 
 of, and is a ruling elder in, the Third Presbyterian 
 Church of Washing! Pennsylvania. 
 
 Always cautious and prone to weigh well any 
 enterprise before entering into it, it was his prac- 
 tice, when a course was resolved on, to pursue it 
 with an energy characteristic of his German extrac 
 tion, and with results which demonstrated his 
 belief in the truth of the maxim: "Whatever is 
 worth doing at all is worth doing well." 
 
 While good fortune has so uniformly followed 
 him in his various undertakings, Mr. Weirich has 
 ever been ready to extend a helping hand to those 
 who have been less fortunate in this world's 
 affairs. His acts of charity, however, have always 
 been performed in a quiet, undemonstrative manner, 
 rendered the more so by his invariable habit of dis- 
 persing them widely and without regard to sector 
 creed. If, however, hischarities have been extended 
 in any one direction more than another, it has been 
 with a view to the relief and uplifting of the 
 colored race in the South. Ever a friend of the 
 negroes, with a full realization of their present 
 condition, gained directly by travel and observation 
 in the South, and with a firm belief in a bright 
 future for the race, he has been constant with sym- 
 pathy and financial support for their cause. 
 
 JOHN PATTERSON CLUTTER, a prosperous 
 farmer and miller, Morris township, is a de 
 scendant of an old Irish American family. 
 John Clutter, a native of Ireland, immigrated 
 to New Jersey in early colonial days, and is the 
 earliest ancestor of the family in this country. 
 He moved to Washington county, Penn., in L788, 
 and located on a farm of about six hundred acres 
 one mile north of Lindley's Mills, where he died 
 in 1 S28. One of his sons, John, born February 
 17, 1771, married in Pennsylvania, March 1, 1792, 
 Phoebe Headley, a native of New Jersey, born Octo- 
 ber 16, 1774. In 1792 they located on a farm about 
 one mile northwest of Lindley's Mills, in Morris 
 
520 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNT?. 
 
 township, where thej reared a family of thirteen 
 children, their names and dates of birth being as 
 follows: Nancy, October 29, L792; [saae, July 8, 
 IT'.M; Abraham, October 29, 1795; Jacob, August 
 5, 1797; Abigail, July 13, 1799; Martha, August 
 19, 1801; Eunice, Maj 3, 1804; John P. (the 
 father of the subject of tins sketch); Ruth B., 
 October 22, 1 80S, Joseph, October 2, 1810; Phoebe, 
 February is. 1813; Hannah. August is. 181 I; 
 Luvina, January 28, IMS; of whom Joseph and 
 Hannah are t ho only living members. Joseph was 
 married, in Washington county, Penn., and removed 
 to Missouri in 1876, where he now resides, Han 
 nah married, in 1838, Samuel Booth, who died of 
 typhoid fever in 1839, and in L851 Mrs Booth 
 married L. F. Day; Mr. Day died id 1852. He 
 was a Christian gentleman, a strong advocate of 
 tlie abolition of slavery, and an earnest worker in 
 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which 
 Mrs. 1 >iiy is also a member. 
 
 .John Patterson Clutter, the eighth child horn to 
 John and Phoebe (Headley) Clutter, was horn Sep- 
 tember 2, 1807, in Morris township. Washington 
 county. He was reared to farm life, and received 
 but a meager education. He married, in 1835, 
 Margaret Andrew, also a native of Morris town- 
 ship, horn January 11, 1816, and seven children 
 were born to them, five of whom are living, as 
 follows: Maria, born July I, 1836; James Jasper, 
 horn August 28, 1838, now a resident of Hamilton, 
 Caldwell Co., Mo.; Thomas II. Benton, horn 
 August 2, IS II, a prominent physician of Crest- 
 lino. Ohio; Evelina,, born September 16, 1844; 
 Samuel B., hom August II. 1846, engaged in the 
 hotel business at Washington; John Patterson; 
 Robert M., horn April U». 1857, connected with 
 the W. & W. Ft. It. Company, and residing at 
 Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn. 
 
 John Patterson Clutter, the sixth child of John 
 P. and Margaret (Andrew) Clutter, was born Jan 
 
 nary 23, 1854. He received a < imon sol 1 
 
 education, and afterward attended Monongahela 
 College, at Jefferson, Penn, Alter leaving college 
 
 he taught School for a period of three years, when 
 
 be began the operation of the mill, which he now 
 successfully controls. Mr. Clutter married Jan- 
 uary 3, 1880, Mary Alice, a daughter of Hamilton 
 Penn, of Morris township, and to them have been 
 born live children : Cleveland. Joanna Grace, Ber 
 
 nice Margaret, John H. and Emma, till of whom 
 
 (except Cleveland, who died at the age of six 
 
 months) are still living. Mr. Clutter is an ardent 
 
 De oil. and was elected county a u. lit or in 1889, 
 
 receiving the largest vote in his own township of 
 
 any candidate before the people. Both he and 
 Mrs. Clutter are members of the ( 'nmborland I 'res 
 byterian Church, at West Onion, Penn. In addi 
 tion to his mill work he owns and conducts a farm. 
 
 JOSEPH V. MANES, an influential and pros- 
 perous citizen of North Strabane township, 
 was born January 25, 1839, in Elizabeth 
 township, Allegheny Co. , Penn. , the young- 
 est son of Culbert and Susan (Vankirk) Manes, 
 
 Culbert Manes was born August 14, IT'.tS, in 
 Elizabeth township, Allegheny county, where be 
 wns married February IT, 1N24, t,> Susan Alice 
 Vankirk, a daughter of Samuel Vankirk, of New 
 Jersey birth, who belonged to an old pioneer lam 
 ily. He took part in the battle of Urandywiue. ami 
 several of his family served under Gen. Washington. 
 He was married to Mary Price, of New Jersey . and 
 their children were: Samuel, Joseph, John, Isaac. 
 Thomas, William, Sarah, Betsy, Mary, Ruth and 
 Susan (Mrs. Culbert Manes). Mr. Vankirk fol- 
 lowed agricultural pursuits; in politics he was a 
 Democrat. After the marriage of Culbert Manes, 
 he located in Allegheny county, near Elizabeth, but 
 in the spring of PS~>7 made a permanent sett lenient 
 in North Strabane township, Washington county, 
 where he engaged in farming. The following chil- 
 dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Culbert Manes; 
 John P., born December I. 1824; Mary J. (Mrs. 
 Greer), bom March 7, 1N2C>; Samuel, born Janu- 
 ary 'J. L828, died February 6 1829; Margaret A. 
 (Mrs. Lyon), born January 12, 1834, and Joseph 
 V., born January 25, 1839. Mr. Mane-, was a 
 Democrat, and served his party in different capaci- 
 ties. He and his wife were ardent members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. He died August 5, 1889, 
 having been preceded In his wife I Vcember I , lSSl I. 
 Joseph V. Manes passed his early life in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn. , where he obtained a common 
 school education, and when eighteen years of age 
 came to North Strabane township. On May 8, 
 L862, he was married to Caroline Pebout, whowas 
 born January 29, 1844, daughter of Peter Bebout 
 and granddaughter of John Bebout, who came from 
 Scotland in an early day: and died in Washington 
 county. Peter BebOUt was a native of New Jer 
 Sey, and was married to Isabella Cooper, who was 
 born August 12, 1805, in Ohio. They settled in 
 Washington county, Penn.. in an early day, and 
 reared the following children: Mary J. (wife of 
 William Hays), born August 27, 1825; Susan (wile 
 of William Pebout, a retired farmer of Washing- 
 Ion county), born November 26, 1826; Ira. are- 
 tired farmer of Washington county, born Septem- 
 ber 5, 1828; Margaret (wife of Cephas Cochran), 
 bo,,, Augu-t 31,1830, died February 10, 1858; 
 David R., a retired farmer of Washington county, 
 born Septembei 3, 1832; Isabella (wife of John 
 Crouch), born April 7. L834; Joshua, born July 5, 
 L836; Stephen, born October 21, 1838 (deceased); 
 Martha.l. born January 18, 1841 (deceased Feb 
 rnary 2">, 1842); Caroline S. (wife of Joseph 
 Manes), born January 29, 1844; Hermon H. (a re 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 521 
 
 tired farmer ami slock dealer of Canonslmrg), born 
 August 31, 1 S 47. Peter Bebout was married twice, 
 and was the father of twenty children. [There is 
 do record of his first wife. | He bad five brothers 
 
 and four sisters. Mr. and Mrs. Helmut were con 
 sistent members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 To the union of Joseph V. and Caroline (lie 
 bout) Manes have been burn children as follows: 
 
 John .1., born August, 24, 1863 (married February 
 '.I, 1888, to Nannie Wallace, who bore him one 
 child, Flora Myrtle, on March 10,1889); Laura 
 A., bom February 18, 1865 (deceased September 
 '_".», 1867); William H., born .January 17, 1868; 
 .lames K, born November 22, L869; Mary L., born 
 April II. L872; Joseph, born November 21, l*7o; 
 Dora S., bom April 15, 1N7N; Glvde A., born Mav 
 1, 1880; Charles ('., bom Febru'arj L9, 1883; Os 
 oar L., born May 7, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. Manes 
 have been identified with the history of ii onnty 
 
 many years, and have taken an active interest in 
 all public enterprises. Mr. Manes has followed 
 agricultural pursuits, and now owns a fertile ami 
 well cultivated farm of I 15 acres. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Manes are consistent members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 SAMUEL ALEXANDER (deceased). The 
 
 ancestors of this well known citizen were 
 
 numbered with those heroic pioneers, the 
 slory of whose lives is ever new. That 
 "truth is stranger than fiction" is amply proveD 
 when we read the thrilling adventures and hair 
 
 breadth escapes of those who gave to us our fair 
 homes, by sacrificing in many cases all that was 
 dearest, to their own happiness. Men of iron, firm 
 in the lino of duty wheresoe'er it called, never 
 flinching though the nexi moment might be then 
 
 last Women who with teai'leSS eyes could, like the 
 
 Spartan mother, semi their best beloved to victory 
 or death — such were the ancestors of the \l< . 
 ander family. 
 
 Samuel Alexander was bom in (he Emerald Isle 
 of Scotch-Irish parents, and was a soldier in 
 the British army. His children were Joseph, 
 Samuel and Thomas, the latter born March L3, 
 1758. This family emigrated to America some 
 time during the first part of the seventeenth cent 
 ury, settling in Maryland. Joseph was born at 
 Chadd's Ford, Md., in 1766, and about the year 
 L785 came with his brothers, Thomas ami Samuel. 
 lo Washington county, IVnn. In March. 1786, 
 lley took out a patent for 400 acres of land on 
 Millers run, which was then included in Washing 
 ton county, now in Allegheny county. Some time 
 after this purchase Joseph sold his interest in the 
 land to his brothers and purchased, of one Mercer, 
 a farm near Canonslmrg. Descendants of the Mer- 
 cer family may be yet living in Florence, l'enn. 
 
 In early life Joseph Alexander was married lo 
 Elizabeth West, who was bom June 7, 1777. To 
 this marriage were born the children, two soiib 
 and three daughters, namely: Mary (Mrs. Mahoodl, 
 Samuel. Elizabeth (Mrs. Dickson), Dr. J. W. Ales 
 ander. of Ganonsburg, ami Susan (Mi's. Quail), all 
 now deceased. The father of this family died 
 March 23, IS2S; tl .other on September ■'!'. 1866 
 
 Samuel Alexander, second child of Joseph and 
 Elizabeth (West) Alexander, was bom June ;i. 
 In I I , on the home farm near Ganonsburg, North 
 Strabane township, Washington count \ On Jan 
 nary 24, I860, he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary Logan Van Eman, a daughter of Joseph 
 and Isabella Logan Van Eman. The lirst child 
 born to this union was a son that died in infancy; 
 the second whs a daughter, Mary Elizabeth, who 
 was born May 21, L868, and died December 10, 
 INS9. The father was called to enter (he silent 
 
 land October 2, L874, and Mrs. Alexander is now 
 residing in Ganonsburg, though yel retaining pos- 
 Bession of the old homestead in North Strabane 
 township. This family were Presbyterians, as were 
 
 idl the families of the ( nection in past genera 
 
 tions as far as known. 
 
 A. MoCALMONT, This gentleman belongs 
 
 to a prominent pioneer family, who were 
 identified with the early history of Pennsyl- 
 vania. John McCalmonl was born in Lan- 
 caster county, l'enn., and there married Mary 
 Proudfit, a native of the same place. The young 
 couple came to Washington county, and settled in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, where the wife died. He 
 was there married to Mis. Margaret (McKee) 
 Moore, who died on the farm now owned by their 
 grandson. 
 
 John McCalmont, son of John and Mar) 
 
 (Proudfit) McCalmont, was bom in 1818, in Mt. 
 
 Pleasant township, and on April 15, IN 12, was 
 united in marriage with Mary Ann Moore, born 
 January 7, L822, in the same township, a daughter 
 of John and Margaret (McKee) Moore. The 
 
 father who was a lifelong resident of this county, 
 was killed in 1834 while attending the raising of 
 the II P. church in Hickory. His widow some 
 years after married this same John McCalmont. 
 John and Mary A. (Moore) McCalmont celebrated 
 their golden wedding June 14, 1892, and on March 
 10, 1 SDH, he was called to his rest. Their family 
 areas follows: Margaret N. , (yet living with her 
 parents), John II. (sketch of whom follows), S. A. 
 (of whom further mention is made), J. Andrew 
 Hirst married to Anna Marsha, deceased, t hen to 
 Hester Pel i ugh uy son ; is a U. P. minister at Dexter. 
 Iowa), W. A. (married to Emma, daughter of Rev. 
 
522 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 W. A. McConnell, of Hickory, this county), Mary 
 A. (wife of John P. White, of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship), Jennie E. (Mrs. R. G. Jeffrey, Cross Creek 
 township), and Rev. D. T. (married to Lelah 
 Donaldson; is a U. P.' minister at Glade Mills, 
 Butler Co., Penn). The father had been au active 
 worker in the Republican party, and he and his wife 
 were members of the U. P. Church at Hickory, 
 this county. 
 
 John H. McCalmont was born December 21, 
 1844, on the old farm in the southern part of Mt. 
 Pleasant township, near Mt. Prospect church. He 
 is the second child of John and Mary Ann (Moore) 
 McCalmont, whose history is given in these pages. 
 He attended the Rankin and Cherry Valley dis- 
 trict schools during his boyhood, and in March, 
 L865, enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and 
 Tenth P. V. I., was mustered into service at Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., and assigned to the Second Corps, 
 Army of the Potomac. He served till the close of 
 the war, took part in the Grand Review at Wash- 
 ington and Bailey's Cross Roads, and was dis- 
 charged in 1865, at Arlington Heights. After the 
 war the soldier garb was exchanged for the attire 
 of a farmer, and he began working in the harvest 
 field. 
 
 On February 27, 1879, he married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of William and Rachel (May) McConnell, 
 all three natives of Cecil township, this county. 
 In 1883 her parents moved to Hickory, where the 
 mother died January 9, 1887. In 1881 Mr. and 
 Mrs. McCalmont settled on their present farm, 
 which contains 132 acres of well-cultivated land. 
 For the past five years he has been engaged in 
 the dairy business, milking from eighteen to 
 twenty cows per day. He is actively identified 
 with the Republican party, and both he and his 
 wife are members of the Mt. Pleasant U. P. 
 Church, at Hickory. They have two children, 
 Wilbert and Rachel May. 
 
 S. A. McCalmont (whose name opens this sketch) 
 was born December 22, 1846, on the home 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and received his 
 education in the district schools. On September 
 28, 1875, he was married to Mattie A. Jeffrey, who 
 was born in Cross Creek township, this county, 
 daughter of Robert and Eliza (Russell) Jeffrey. 
 The father was born in Canton township, the 
 mother in Chartiers township, and after their mar- 
 riage they settled in Cross Creek township. Mr. 
 Jeffrey commenced life a poor boy, but accumu- 
 lated a good property; his wife died in January, 
 1878. Mr. and Mrs. S. A. McCalmont began mar- 
 ried life in Mount Pleasant township, where she 
 died November 7, 1877. Mr. McCalmont is an act- 
 ive member of the Republican party, and a mem- 
 ber and trustee of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Hickorv. 
 
 J| AMES P. McCALMONT. The genealogy of 
 | the promineut family of which this gentleman 
 I is a worthy representative can be traced to one 
 William McCalmont (then spelled McCain - 
 mout), who was a native of Lancaster county, 
 Penn., and served seven years in the Revolution- 
 ary war. A relative, the famous Maj. James Mc- 
 Cammont, had charge of forty troopers when Gen. 
 Washington crossed the Delaware, and was a dis- 
 tinguished officer throughout the Revolutionary 
 war. William McCammont and his relatives 
 were very prominent workers in the churches of 
 the Cumberland Valley, in eastern Pennsylvania. 
 He came to Cross Creek township, Washington 
 county, soon after the close of the Revolutionary 
 war, and was buried in this county; but little, how- 
 ever, is known concerning his life. 
 
 His son, John McCalmont, was born in 1781, in 
 Lancaster county, Penn., and was married to Mary 
 Proudfit, of York county. In 1808 he and his 
 wife crossed the mountains on horseback with their 
 only child James. They located about one mile 
 west of Hickory, in Mt. Pleasant township, Wash- 
 ington county, where he followed the blacksmith's 
 trade, also being a successful farmer, and rapidly 
 accumulated property. At the age of sixty years 
 he retired from active work. He was a perfect 
 type of the hospitable, generous-hearted, social 
 pioneer, always glad to welcome friends at any 
 time. He died in 1859, and was buried iu the 
 Hickory TJ. P. cemetery, of which church he was a 
 member. In politics he was a Whig originally, 
 and later a Republican. John McCalmont was 
 twice married, and his first wife bore him the fol- 
 lowing children: James, Nancy (never married), 
 Mary (wife of John Henderson, Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship). David (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant township), 
 John (living in Mt. Pleasant township, was married 
 April 15, 1842, and on June 14, 1892, celebrated 
 his golden wedding; he died March 10, 1893, 
 and was buried March 13), Alexander (a retired 
 citizen of West Middletown, Penn. ), Eliza (Mrs, 
 Samuel Moore, of Mt. Pleasant township) and Sam- 
 uel (deceased at the age of twenty years). Alex 
 ander is the only living member of this family. 
 The mother died and was buried in Hickory ceme- 
 tery, and for his second wife John McCalmont was 
 married to Mrs. Margaret (McKee) Moore, a wid- 
 ow lady, who bore him no children, and survived 
 him seven years. She was buried in the Hickory 
 cemetery. 
 
 Jamea McCalmont (son of John) was born Jan- 
 uary 29, 1807, in York county, Penn., and was but 
 a child when he crossed the mountains with his 
 parents to Washington county. His education was 
 received in the log cabin schools of Mt. Pleasant 
 township, and his boyhood was passed on the farm 
 of his father, where, as the eldest son, a consider 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 523 
 
 able amount of work fell to his share. In early 
 youth he took charge of the home farm, and in 
 1835 was married to Sarah McBurney, who was 
 born in 1811, near Midway, in Washington county, 
 a daughter of John and Sarah (Hunter) McBurney. 
 The following children were born to James and 
 Sarah McCalmont: Mary A., Mrs. Samuel Fisher, 
 of Columbiana county, Ohio; Elizabeth J., wife 
 of John H. Miller, of Mt. Pleasant township; John 
 A., a farmer, of Robinson township; James P., 
 whose sketch follows; Sarah H., wife of W. B. Mc- 
 Clure, au expert civil engineer of Los Angeles, 
 Cal. ; David A., a farmer, of Robinson township; 
 Robert Mc. , au agriculturist, living near Xenia, 
 Ohio; Esther A., wife of Rev. Joseph McNab, a 
 U. P. minister, of Tingley, Iowa: and Kate, 
 married to Rev. J. A. Shrader, a U. P. min- 
 ister, of Butler county, Penu. Mr. and Mrs. 
 McCalmont resided on a farm in Mt. Pleasant 
 township for three years after their marriage, 
 and in 1839 removed to Robinson township, this 
 county, purchasing the farm of Rev. Moses Allen, 
 where they lived many years. James McCalmont 
 was a scientific farmer and an extensive wool grower, 
 giving considerable attention and study to the im- 
 provement in quality and length of that staple, 
 and meeting with signal success. He was a leader 
 in the Associate Church, and in 1839 was elected 
 as an elder in the Burgettstown Church, where he 
 remained until 1863. He then transferred his 
 membership to the newly-organized Centre U. P. 
 Church, in which he was installed as elder, hold- 
 ing that office until his death. In politics he was 
 a Whig and Republican, and was a very strong 
 Abolitionist. Although his party was hopelessly 
 in the minority in Robinson township, he was 
 chosen to fill nearly every local office; he was sec- 
 retary of the local division of the first temperance 
 society organized in his neighborhood; was the first 
 road commissioner under the new system, and was 
 elected squire two terms. A true and faithful 
 friend, and an honored citizen, he passed to his 
 rest October 31, 1890, with the words: "The old 
 man is worn out. I am at peace with my friends, 
 my family and my God." His wife had preceded 
 him in 1879, and both are buried in the Centre 
 cemetery, near Midway. 
 
 James P. McCalmont was born November 18, 
 1842, near Candor, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 received a very fair education, considering his 
 limited opportunities, the greater part of his time 
 being devoted to farm work. On August 22, 1867, 
 he was united in marriage with Mary C. McFar- 
 land, who was born December 29, 1844, daughter 
 of Samuel and Jane (Van Emman) McFarland, of 
 Robinson township. The children of this family 
 are as follows: Luella, Sarah J., Samuel J., Jo- 
 seph M., John E. and Robert V. All are living 
 and at home. After his marriage James P. Mc- 
 
 Calmont resided in Mt. Pleasant township four 
 years, then located in North Fayette township, 
 Allegheny county. In 1875 he came to Hanover 
 township. Washington county, and settled on the 
 "John McConneli " farm, where he has suce 9ss 
 fully followed general farming, stock raising and 
 dairy business. He has an excellent, practical 
 education, and is a progressive man. In 186S he 
 was elected an elder of the U. P. Church at Cen- 
 tre, and in 1876 became a member of the Paris U. 
 P. Church, with which his wife and four eldest 
 children are identified. Politically he is a Repub- 
 lican, and is in sympathy with the Prohibition 
 doctrine. 
 
 ILLIAM H. HILL is a descendant (if 
 Joseph Hill, who was the first of the 
 Hill family to settle inWashington county. 
 — ' He was an Irishman, and first came to 
 Maryland in 1774, thence movingto West 
 Bethlehem township, he settled on Plum run, west 
 of Beallsville, and took up 600 acres of land. The 
 Indians at this early date were so numerous and 
 hostile that he was obliged to abandon the tract, 
 and go east for a time; upon his return later 
 he was not molested. Here he lived the remainder 
 of his days, dying upon the farm in about 1820. 
 He was twice married, his first wife being a Miss 
 Ackley, and his second a Miss Margaret Joy. From 
 these marriages thirteen children were born: 
 Joseph, married to Mary Jamison; James, married 
 to Ann Hill; Thomas, married to Rachel Speers; 
 John, married to Nancy Sargeaut; Margaret, wife 
 of James Beatty; Elizabeth, wife of John Welsh; 
 Sarah, married to John Sargeant; Benjamin, mar- 
 ried to Delilah Notestine; William, married to 
 Narcissa Beatty ; Atkinson, married to Miss Reenn'r : 
 Rebecca, who became Mrs. William Freeman; 
 Eleanor, married to William Hawkins, now living 
 in Kansas; and Henry, a bachelor, who removed 
 to Ohio. Politically Joseph Hill was a Federalist 
 and a Whig. 
 
 James Hill was born on the old home place, 
 March 21, 1777, and spent his whole life there. 
 He received a fair education in a country school, 
 •but was a great reader, and possessed a good mem- 
 ory. At twenty-one years of age he engaged in 
 farming, and cleared up the home tract of 160 
 acres. On October 20, 1797, he married Annie, 
 daughter of Robert Hill. To them eight children 
 were born, viz. : Joseph, Margaret, Nancy, John, 
 Fanny, James, Stephen and Robert. The last died 
 January 29, 1893. To each of them he presented 
 a good farm. Joseph, Mrs. Richard Morton, Stephen, 
 Mrs. Henry Weaver, James, Fanny, Robert and 
 John are all gone. Mr. Hill was first a Whig and 
 then a Republican. He was an earnest Bible 
 student, and a deacon of the Baptist Church for 
 
524 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 many years, which office he retained until a year 
 prior to his death, which occurred in 3861. Mrs. 
 Hill always remained in the Church of England. 
 She died November 12, 1856, and both are buried 
 in the family buryiug-ground. 
 
 James Hill, Jr., was born November 27, 1810, on 
 the homestead where his youth was spent. He 
 received the usual education of those early days, 
 became a well-informed man, a good scholar, and 
 taught school several terms. In 1830 he engaged 
 in farming on the place where his son now lives, 
 following this occupation very successfully all his 
 life; he added sixty acres to the 100 which he 
 owned, thus making a valuable farm. He was mar- 
 ried April 14, 1831, to Charlotte, daughter of 
 William Horner, of Fayette county, and the follow- 
 ing children were born to them: Mrs. Cynthia 
 Weaver (deceased); Mary Jane (deceased); Mar- 
 garet Ann and William Horner. Mr. Hill was 
 school director of his township for twelve or fifteen 
 years, and also filled several different offices in the 
 township. He did a great deal of business in set- 
 tling estates. He was a Whig and Republican in 
 politics, and his religious views leaned toward the 
 Baptist Church. He died October 1, 1890. 
 
 William Horner Hill, the only son of James and 
 Charlotte (Horner) Hill, was born July 3, 1841, on the 
 old farm, and has always remained there. He began 
 his education in the common schools, but his health 
 failing, was compelled to give up study when 
 young; but he has been a great reader and is 
 especially interested in works of history and sacred 
 literature. He began business on the farm with 
 his father, having an equal share in the profits, 
 and has since been very successful, still retaining 
 the old farm of 100 acres. Mr. Hill is a Repub- 
 lican, but is inclined to independent views regard- 
 ing men and political parties. He and a sister 
 in' members of the Methodist Church. 
 
 OBERT T. BARBOUR, a retired farmer 
 of Hanover township, is a native of Jeffer- 
 son township, this county, and a grandson 
 of Abraham Barbour, who was the first 
 member of this family to locate in Washing- 
 ton county. 
 
 Abraham Barbour was born of English parents 
 in 1775, in New Jersey, and was there married to 
 Jane Moore, a native of that State, whose parents 
 were also of English extraction. Soon after their 
 marriage this young couple, with Mr. Moore and 
 family, started to seek a home in western Penn- 
 sylvania. The party came together across the 
 mountains in a large, six-horse wagon, which con- 
 tained the passengers and their entire stock of 
 worldly goods. When coming down hill, in the 
 absence of a lock, the men would cut down a small 
 tree, attaching it to the rear eud of the vehicle to 
 
 drag on the ground and hold back the wagon. 
 Other teams having adopted the same scheme, 
 huge piles of such material were soon collected at 
 the foot of the steep hills. On arriving at West- 
 moreland county, Penn., William Moore and his 
 family concluded to remain there, and made a lo- 
 cation in that vicinity, but Abraham Barbour and 
 his bride went farther west, locating in the terri- 
 tory then called Cross Creek township, but which 
 is now Jefferson township. Here he bought a 
 farm by making a small cash payment, and in or- 
 der to pay the amount of his indebtedness then 
 began the traffic of packing salt over the mount- 
 ains, bringirfg it from Winchester, Va. He would 
 start with his two or three horses and so many 
 sacks of feed, leaving the grain at various places 
 along the road, and on the return trip would feed 
 his horses at the same places. This business 
 proved a profitable one, for he was soon freed from 
 debt, and devoted the remainder of his life to 
 •'tilling the virgin soil." In politics he was a 
 Democrat, and was one of the highly-respected 
 citizens of Jefferson township. He died in 1858, 
 and his wife passed away in 1859. The children 
 of this family were born as follows: Cornelius, a 
 deceased farmer of Knox county, Ohio; a daughter, 
 died in early youth; John, whose sketch follows. 
 Jane, deceased wife of George Stewart, of Knox 
 county, Ohio; Eleanor, widow of William Allen, 
 is living in Knox county, Ohio, and Abraham (a 
 farmer of Knox county, Ohio). 
 
 John Barbour was born in 1800, in Jefferson 
 township, having been reared to manhood on the 
 home farm and educated in the rude schools of the 
 period. In 1824 he was married to Elizabeth 
 Moore, who was born in 1803 in Muskingum 
 county, Ohio, a daughter of John Moore. The 
 following children were born to the union of John 
 and Elizabeth Barbour: John M., a farmer of 
 Jefferson township; Cornelius, a farmer of Hanover 
 township; Sarah J., Mrs. T. M. Patterson, of Pat- 
 terson's Mills; Robert T., the subject of this sketch ; 
 Abraham, a farmer of Jefferson township, and 
 Fanny M. , a maiden lady of Jefferson township. 
 The parents passed their first years of wedded life 
 in an old log cabin in Jefferson township, this 
 building being afterward supplanted by a comfort- 
 able dwelling. He was a successful farmer, and 
 in politics a lifelong Democrat, having held several 
 offices in Jefferson township. His death occurred 
 June 30, 1873, and February 19, 1892, his wife 
 was laid by his side in Cross Creek cemetery. 
 
 Robert T. Barbour was born January 14, 1829, 
 in Jefferson township. He grew to manhood on 
 the farm, and was educated in the rate schools. 
 He married Mary E. West, April 27, 1853. She 
 was born May 18, 1838, in Harrison county, Ohio. 
 Her mother dying when Mary was an infant, she 
 was reared to womanhood by an aunt, Eleanor 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 525 
 
 Hill, of Paris, Penn. To this union the following 
 children were born: Elizabeth E., widow of 
 Stephen Peabody; Fanny M., living at home; 
 Sarah J., residing with her parents; William M., 
 agent and operator at Diusmore Station, P. C. C. 
 & St. L. Ry. ; Maggie V., Leoua and Halbert, 
 tin- latter three living at home. After his marriage 
 Robert T. Barbour located in Hanover township, 
 and soon afterward moved to McLean county, III, 
 remaining there until 1859, when he returned to 
 Hanover township, and has since been engaged in 
 general farming and stock raising. In 1885 Mr. 
 Barbour was seized with rheumatism, aud this un- 
 welcome companion has clung to him so tenaciously 
 that he has been obliged to almost retire from act- 
 ive farm work. Mr. Barbour is gifted with a good 
 memory. He is a pleasant and agreeable com- 
 panion, a good neighbor and valued citizen. In 
 politics he has been a lifelong Democrat 
 
 Mary J. (living at home) and Sarah C. (a school 
 teacher, and graduate of the Pennsylvania State 
 Normal School). Mr. and Mrs. Scott have always 
 resided on their present farm, where he follows 
 general farming and stock raising, being an 
 admirer of first-class stock. In politics he is a 
 life-long Democrat, having held numerous offices 
 in Hanover township. On October 18, 1891, he 
 was called to mourn the loss of the wife of his 
 youth, who was buried in the Presbyterian ceme- 
 tery at Frankfort. She was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Scott is an 
 active worker, having held the office of trustee for 
 several years. 
 
 JOHN F. SCOTT Was born Octohei -2 •".. lvv,. 
 on the farm which is yet his home. He is a 
 son of Arthur Scott, who was born about 
 1794, in County Tyrone, Ireland. 
 
 Arthur Scott married Martha Finton, who 
 was bora in Ireland in 1789, and about 1824 fchey 
 sailed for America. On landing at New York 
 they proceeded to Philadelphia, thence to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., making a location on the 
 headwaters of King's creek, in Hanover township. 
 He rented property for some time, finally purchas- 
 ing a tract of fifty acres, from the greater part of 
 which the heavy timber had to be cleared away. 
 He possessed but limited means, but finally 
 managed to accumulate sufficient money to place 
 him in comfortable circumstances. He was a 
 member of the Democratic party. He died 
 December 12, 1852, being preceded by his wife 
 October 29, 1852. They are buried in the Pres- 
 byterian cemetery at Frankfort, both having been 
 members of that denomination. They were the 
 pai iiits of the following children: John F., 
 Martha J. (Mrs. Henry Breen, of New Cumber- 
 land, W. Va.), Letitia (wife of Jesse Sleutz, of 
 Jefferson county, Ohio), Eliza (unmarried, de- 
 ceased November 4, 1852, at the age of seventeen 
 years), aud Robert (deceased October 2<>, 1852, 
 aged fifteen years). All the deceased members of 
 the above. family passed away within five weeks of 
 each other. 
 
 John F. Scott was born on the old farm, 
 attended the rude schools of the period, aud con- 
 tinued work on the farm until some time after the 
 death of his parents. On April 25, 1857, he 
 married Mary Ann Lipsey, who, born in 1821, in 
 Ireland, came to this country with her parents in 
 1823. To this union three children were born, 
 viz.: William McF. (deceased when two years old), 
 
 || AMES WARD, an expert blacksmith, of Cal- 
 ifornia, is a son of William Ward, who was 
 v\\ born near Bel Air, Harford Co., Md. In 
 ^^ early manhood he learned the blacksmith's 
 trade, and then came to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating in Fallowfield township, aud there 
 followed farming in connection with his trade. 
 Prior to locating in Pennsylvania, William Ward 
 had been a slaveholder, hut liberated them after 
 leaving Maryland. He was married to Pleasant, 
 daughter of Henry Speers, of Fallowfield township, 
 and their children were Nancy, Solomon, Wilson, 
 Rebecca, James, Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Amanda, 
 William and Melissa. The father was a Whig and 
 Republican in politics, and in religion was promi- 
 nently 7 identified with the M. E. Church, having 
 served for some time as a local preacher. 
 
 James Ward was born March 16, lS2f>, in Fal- 
 lowfield township, and received his early education 
 in the subscription schools. When he was twenty 
 years of age he opened a blacksmith shop at Twi- 
 light, and six months afterward moved to Green- 
 field, remaining there until 1886, then came to 
 California. On June 15, 1852, he married Sarah, 
 daughter of Solomon Fry, aud she has borne him 
 three children, namely: Addison, Alberta (wife of 
 Dr. Letherman) and Laura. Although Mr. Ward 
 had an inclination for the carpenter's trade, circum- 
 stances compelled him to continue in the black- 
 smith's business, and he was obliged to borrow the 
 money with which to purchase his first set of tools. 
 He became an expert in his trade. Originally a 
 Whig, he has been, since the organization of the 
 Republican party, an active worker in its ranks. 
 He and family are members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 w 
 
 ^ILLIAM RODGERS, a prominent dairy- 
 man and leading agriculturist of Fallow- 
 field township, is a native of the North 
 of Ireland, born in 1828, in County Done- 
 gal. In 1833 his parents, Samuel and Margaret 
 (Cook) Rodgers, also natives of County Donegal, 
 
526 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 embarked with their family for America, and after 
 a voyage of seven weeks lauded in the New World. 
 Proceeding at once to Pennsylvania, they made a 
 permanent home in Clarion county, where the 
 father followed agricultural pursuits during the 
 remainder of his busy life. He died in 1852, his 
 widow in 1860. Their children were as follows: 
 Elizabeth (wife of Matthew Banks, of Butler 
 county, Penn.), deceased in 1889; Susanna (widow 
 of George Harwood, who died in 1891), living in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Jane (widow of Robert Banks), 
 living in Butler county, Penn. ; Sally (wife of 
 William McElhaney, of Armstrong, Penn.), de- 
 ceased in 1891; Margaret, married to Mr. Robert 
 Gailey, of West Belle Vernon, Penn. ; Rebecca, 
 widow of Samuel Rodgers, of Armstrong county, 
 Penn.; Mary (wife of George M. McKinney), de- 
 ceased in 1886, and William, subject of sketch. 
 
 William Rodgers, as will be seen, was five years 
 old when he came with his parents to the United 
 States, aud to Pennsylvania. He received his 
 education at the common school, and in the 
 academies of Clarion and Butler counties, after 
 which he commenced fanning in Clarion county. 
 In 1863 he removed from there to Fallowfield 
 township, Washington county, where he has since 
 resided. In 1859 William Rodgers was united in 
 marriage with Miss S. E. Sphar, daughter of John 
 and Lucy Ann (Scott) Sphar, of Allen township, 
 this county, and ten children have been born to 
 them, as follows: Myron K.. a graduate of Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, civil engineer-in- 
 chief of the "Mountain Consolidated Company, " 
 in Butte City, Mont., where he has lived since 
 18S6 (in 1S',)2 he married Lucy Joiner); Anna M.. 
 a graduate of Washington Female Seminary, 
 married to Dwight Purness, U. S. consular agent 
 for the State of Guanajuato, Mexico, and dealer 
 in high-grade ores, living in the city of Guana- 
 juato; John, a law student, at present residing in 
 Chicago; Samuel Clark, a graduate of Ohio 
 Weslteyan University, now secretary and treasurer 
 of '"The Furness & Lewis Co.," in Guanajuato, 
 Mexico; William G. , attending Washington and 
 Jefferson College; Lillie Gertrude, who attended 
 Ohio Wesleyan University, and is married to Don 
 E. King, a lawyer in Washington C. H., West Va., 
 and Wesley P., Rosetta B., Joseph Henry and 
 Adeline Patti, all four yet under the parental 
 roof. The parents, sensible of the weighty 
 responsibility involved in rearing a large family, 
 and justly appreciatingthe benefits resulting from a 
 thorough education — to the end of educing and 
 cultivating what is best and noblest in the young 
 mind — have given their elder children more than 
 an average academical and collegiate training, 
 while the younger members have before them 
 similar advantages and blessings. Mr. Rodgers 
 has all his life taken an active interest in educa- 
 
 tional matters, and is an especial enthusiast in the 
 common-school system of the present day. When 
 a young man he was the promoter of an academy 
 in Franklin, Penn., and he taught school for some 
 three years with marked success. Politically he 
 votes the Republican ticket, and he and his wife 
 and all their children are members and liberal 
 supporters of the M. E. Church. 
 
 I ISAAC LEADBETER. The life of this gen- 
 tleman is a history in itself, illustrative of what 
 | can be attained by indomitable perseverance, 
 a stout heart and a willing pair of hands. He 
 is a sou of the rugged and romantic land of the 
 Cymri, having been born in Blaenavon, Mon- 
 mouthshire, South Wales, in 1828. In 1840. then 
 a lad of twelve summers, he came with a brother- 
 in-law and family to America, the passage across 
 the Atlantic being made in an American sailing ves- 
 sel. Landing in Alexandria, Va., after a voyage 
 of seven weeks and two days, the party proceeded 
 to Washington, D. C, thence by train to Balti- 
 more, from which city they traveled by canal to a 
 place called Trout Run, on the Susquehanna, and 
 from thereby stage some twenty-five miles through 
 the wilderness to a small town in Tioga county, 
 Penn., called Blossburg, where they resided three 
 years. At the end of that time they retraced their 
 steps by the same route to Trout Run, and from 
 there journeyed to Pittsburgh by canal. The canal 
 boat which conveyed them was built in three sec- 
 tions, which were taken apart when they reached 
 the Alleghanies, being brought separate over the 
 mountains — five inclines up and five inclines down, 
 into the canal again, and then once more hitched- 
 together. They crossed the Allegheny river in 
 the aqueduct, and lauded at Bayardstown, near 
 where the Union depot now stands. There they 
 took boat to Young's Landing, on the Mononga- 
 hela, two miles below Greenfield, now called Coal 
 Centre. 
 
 At the time of the California "gold fever'" Mr. 
 Leadbeter, in company with six others, set out for 
 the new Eldorado in the spring of 1850, taking 
 the overland route, and arriving in Hangtown six 
 months after the day of their starting, manv 
 hardships being endured on the journey. After 
 two years' sojourn in the mines, he returned home 
 via the Isthmus of Panama, and in 1856 he re- 
 visited California, traveling by the Nicaragua 
 route, and again remained in the "gold diggins" 
 two years. In L863 the Smith & Co.- Coal Com- 
 pany was organized, the firm being composed of 
 Isaac Leadbeter, L.' E. Smith and Edward Blinco, 
 which was dissolved on tin- death of Mr. Smith in 
 the year 1873. In 1871 a new company came into 
 existence, styled the I. Leadbeter Company, which 
 did business until 1878, and in the following yeai 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 529 
 
 our subject and family moved to Cherokee county. 
 Kans., but the fascination of his early manhood 
 home still haunted him, and impelled him in 1880 
 to once more become a citizen of the Keystone 
 State. Up to the year 1880, when he retired from 
 active life, Mr. Leadbeter's occupation was for the 
 most part mining and shipping coal. He began 
 life with a coal pick in his hand, and has felt the 
 cutting edge of poverty's lance; but by industry 
 and perseverance, coupled with sound judgment 
 and solid business principles, he succeeded in con- 
 quering every opposition, and today he ranks 
 with the most prosperous men in the land. 
 
 In June, 1849, our subject was united in mar- 
 riage with Isabel, daughter of Robert and Mar- 
 garet Smiley, and six children have been born to 
 them — one son and five daughters, viz. : Sarah 
 Crow, wife of John Crow; Nancy, wife of John 
 Young; Robert Leonard, a general merchant of 
 Coal Centre, married to Cora Hicks; Mary Eliza. 
 wife of Jacob Hormell; Harriet Malinda, wife of 
 A. E. Freeman, and Cora Belle, living at home 
 with her parents. The parents have given their 
 children excellent school advantages, and all have 
 been brought up to a Christian life. Mr. Lead- 
 beter's home since 1855 has been in Coal Centre, 
 with the exception of two years he and his family 
 lived in Kansas (as already related), from which 
 place he and the family moved to their present 
 residence in 1880. In 1858 Mr. Leadbeter united 
 with Pike Run Lodge, No. 491, I. O. O. F., of 
 California, and was one of the organizers and 
 charter members of Vesta Lodge, No. 096, Coal 
 Centre. He has proven a most zealous and active 
 member, and has passed all the Chairs. Mr. 
 Leadbeter has extensive real-estateinterests in the 
 boroughs of California, Granville and Coal Centre. 
 In church affairs he has ever been especially 
 prominent. From the days of his early youth he 
 has been identified with the Methodist Episcopal 
 denomination, and has served in every official 
 capacity, being at the present time district stew- 
 ard. In the Sunday-school he is recognized as a 
 leader, and when the Sabbath day comes Mr. 
 Leadbeter appears in armor, at his post. 
 
 It is but fair to add that in business circles few 
 in his line of trade are better known throughout 
 the Ohio and Mississippi Valleys than Isaac Lead- 
 beter, whose name is the synonym for honor and 
 integrity. As a man he is genial as the sunshine, 
 generous to a fault, respected and beloved by all. 
 
 COTT FAMILY. The sons and daughters 
 of Old Erin have ever been among the first 
 to volunteer in any enterprise requiring 
 pluck, fortitude and gallant heroism. It is 
 therefore notsurprisiug, that, in ascertaining tbena- 
 tionality of our forefathers, so many of those who first 
 
 braved the dangers and privations of pioneer life 
 have been natives of the fair Emerald Isle, small 
 in area, but mighty in the strength of a heroic 
 race. One of their poets aptly expresses the sen- 
 timents of the true Irishman the world over, in the 
 lines: 
 
 When Erin first rose from the dark swelling flood, 
 
 (Jmi blessed tin- green island, He saw it was good. 
 Tin- Emerald of Europe, it sparkled, it shone, 
 In the ring of this world the m ■ • ~ t precious stone. 
 Arm of Erin prove strong; hut he gentle as brave, 
 Ami uplifted to strike, -till be ready t" save. 
 Xm-one feeling of vengeance presume t" defile, 
 The cans.' hi tin- men of tin' Emerald Isle. 
 
 WILLIAM SCOTT, the great-great-great-great - 
 grandfather of the present generation: 
 
 Should auld (relations) be forgol 
 And never brought to mind; 
 Should auld (relations) be forgot, 
 
 And days of auld lang syne. 
 
 William Scott, the progenitor of the family with 
 which this genealogy has to deal (as taken from a 
 late history), was born in Scotland in the latter 
 part of the seventeenth century, the exact date be- 
 ing not known. On account of his loyalty to the 
 principles of the "Church of Scotland," and bitter 
 opposition to popery, he, with many other families 
 of Covenanter sympathies, in order to enjoy peace 
 and safety, was compelled to leave his native land 
 and find a home elsewhere. He accordingly went 
 to the North of Ireland, County Derry. There he 
 laid out a deer park and salmon fishery, as he was 
 a man of considerable wealth ( judged by the 
 standard of those days, not of the present). But 
 few details of his life have come down to us, nor 
 do we know when he died, and of his family we 
 have no account, except of one son, Joseph. 
 
 Joseph Scott, son of William Scott, was born in 
 County Derry, Ireland, in the early part of the 
 eighteenth century. His children (so far as has 
 been ascertained) were one daughter and five 
 sons, viz.: Mary, William, Zaccheus, Nathan, 
 Samuel and James. He died in Ireland, after 
 which his children emigrated to America, first 
 locating in Lancaster cortnty, Penn., some of them 
 afterward moving to Washington (now Allegln n\ l 
 county, same State. William (the eldest son) was 
 killed in one of the Indian wars; Zaccheus settled 
 with his brother James, on a farm in Elizabeth 
 township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and all trace of 
 him has been lost; Nathan located in New Jersey, 
 and nothing further has been heard of him except 
 that he had one son; James, the youngest son of 
 Joseph Scott, Sr. , when became to western Penn- 
 sylvania settled in what is known as the "Forks 
 of the Yough " settlement, now Elizabeth town- 
 ship, Allegheny Co., Penn. This farm he after- 
 ward patented, November 9, 1789; part of this 
 farm is now owned by his grandson, Zaccheus 
 Scott. James Scott had eight children, and three 
 
530 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 •of the sons were in the war of 1812, two of them 
 as captains, one being promoted to colonel (but 
 little further is known of the family connection). 
 
 Mary (the eldest child and only daughter of 
 Joseph Scott, Sr. ) was married near the year 1760, 
 to James Young, of Lancaster county, Penn. Mr. 
 Young lived on the main road from Philadelphia 
 to Lancaster, and kept an inn at which the wagon- 
 ers stopped on their route. Mr. Young died prior 
 to the year 1780, his wife afterward married John 
 Morgan, and with her eight children came to west- 
 ern Pennsylvania in 1780, and located in what is 
 now Robinson township, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 near where the fort (afterward known as the 
 " Cowan Fort") was built. She was known to the 
 succeeding generation as Grandmother Morgan, 
 and her descendants as far as known at this writ- 
 ing are 324. 
 
 Samuel Scott (son of Joseph Scott, Sr. ) was 
 born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1751, and in 
 youth came to this country, first locating in Lan- 
 caster county, Penn. He attended a communion 
 of the Reformed Presbyterian Church at that 
 place, was married about the year 1775, to Eliza- 
 beth Wilson, a sister of Rev. J. R. Wilson, of the 
 same church, and moved to western Pennsylvania, 
 settling on a farm on Mingo creek, Washington 
 Co , Penn. He bought a team of horses in Lan- 
 caster county, a Conestoga wagon and farm imple- 
 ments, and drove through by way of Bedford 
 Springs to the above-named place. There he re- 
 mained until about the year 1795, when he moved 
 to Campbell's run, Washington county (now in 
 Robinson township, Allegheny Co., Penn.), was one 
 of the pioneers of the settlement, and helped to build 
 the Cowan fort, or blockhouse, in which the set- 
 tlers would often leave their wives and children for 
 safety from the Indians. He rented a farm of 331 
 acres from John Bail, which he afterward bought, 
 in November, 1700, the same for £516 specie, the 
 deed thereof being recorded March 1, 1800. Mr. 
 Scott purchased on May 4, 1805, a farm in Wash- 
 ington county on the headwaters of Miller's run, 
 Mt. Pleasant township, containing 3094- acres, for 
 the sum of $2,474 (which farm he afterward willed 
 to his sons John and Joseph), same being the east- 
 ern part of the land granted to Gen. George Wash- 
 ington, owned at that time by Alexander Addison. 
 In the fall of 1805, a communion service was held 
 at the home of Samuel Scott, on Campbell's run, 
 about fifty persons having gathered, most of them 
 coining from a distance. The dwelling was but a 
 log cabin, and consequently the barn floor was 
 covered with straw, over which was spread wagon 
 covers and blankets. Here the guests slept, Mr. 
 Scott lodging with the company, feeding the horses 
 and people. Thursday was kept as a fast day; 
 Friday all the able-bodied men went to work hewing 
 and hauling logs to erect a communion table, seats 
 
 and a tent, so that the minister could address the 
 audience, and services were held Saturday after- 
 noon, Sabbath and Monday morning, after which 
 the worshipers returned to their homes. 
 
 In 1815 Mr. Scott went on a chase on horseback 
 to the land office at Canton or Mansfield, Ohio, be- 
 ing first of the numerous competitors, and entered 
 a section of land (640 acres); he also, at anotherplace 
 entered a half section — in all 960 acres. It was a 
 perilous journey at that time, on account of the 
 Indians. He died in 1819, aged sixty-eight years, 
 owning at the time about 1,600 acres of land. 
 His wife died in 1827, aged seventy-eight years, 
 and they are buried in the cemetery at Union (F. 
 P.) church, in Robinson township, Allegheny 
 county. They were active and influential members 
 of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in which 
 he was a ruling elder for many years. They 
 raised a family of nine children, all of whom grew 
 to maturity and reared families. Their names are 
 as follows: John. Margaret, Elizabeth, William, 
 Mary, Joseph, Samuel, Nancy and James. His 
 descendants at this writing, as far as known, are 619 
 in number. Part of the farm or homestead is still 
 owned by Scott connection. The farm on Miller's 
 run he left by will to his two sons, John and Joseph 
 — the north end, 159J acres to John, and his grand- 
 children still own sixty-five acres of it, and goes by 
 the name of the Scott heirs. The south end, 150 
 acres, he left to his son Joseph, and his son James 
 owns and lives on it. Each of the farms have 
 three producing oil wells, some of them, at this 
 writing, producing at the rate of seventy-five bar- 
 rels per hour. 
 
 Joseph Scott, son of Samuel, was born in 1786, 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., becoming inured 
 from boyhood to the privations and hardships of 
 the frontier settlements. In 1808 he was married 
 to Margaret McCurdy, of Allegheny county, after- 
 ward settling in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 on the farm afterward left him by his father Sam- 
 uel. She bore him eight children, one of whom, 
 Joseph L. (the only one living), is married and 
 resides in Cecil township. The mother died June 
 4, 1827, and in 1829 the father was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah Douglas, who was born in \1U~i, 
 in Cecil township, this county; she was a daughter, 
 of Patrick Douglas, a native of Scotland, who 
 came with his parents to America when but nine 
 years of age, locating in eastern Pennsylvania, and 
 afterward settling in Cecil township, where he 
 died in his eighty-ninth year. The mother passed 
 away when eighty-eight years old. Joseph and 
 Sarah (Douglas) Scott began married life on his 
 farm (as above mentioned) on Miller's run in Mt. 
 Pleasant township (now occupied by their son 
 James), upon which he erected a good brick resi- 
 dence in 1834. Their children were as follows: 
 Nancy (deceased in infancy), Margaret S. (widow 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 531 
 
 of James K. Robb, of Jackson county, Kans., who 
 was reared in this county but died in Ohio), Nancy 
 (deceased in 1887), Robert D. (of whom a sketch 
 follows), James (of whom special mention is made 
 further on) and John (living in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, married to Lizzie Bolton). The father was 
 a soldier in the war of 1812, and an influential 
 citizen, having assisted in settling several estates. 
 He was an active member of the Reformed Pres- 
 byterian Church, of which he was ruling elder sev- 
 eral years. He died .May 14, 1861, and August 2, 
 1882, his wife was laid beside him. 
 
 Robert D. Scott, eldest son of Joseph and Sa- 
 rah (Douglas) Scott, was born January 16, 1834, 
 on the old home place in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 where his early education was received. On May 
 25, 1870, he selected a life companion in the person 
 of Mattie R., daughter of William Thompson. 
 The father was born in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 and was married to Eliza Jane Fleming, a native 
 of the same place. In 1874 they moved to Alle- 
 Allegheny county, Penn. , where he passed away in 
 April, 1882. Mrs. Thompson is yet living in that 
 county, and is the mother of twelve children, viz.: 
 Mary (deceased in her twenty-second year). Mattie 
 R. (Mrs. Robert D. Scott), Sarah Ann (wife of 
 Alexander May, of Cecil township), Eliza Jane 
 ( Mrs. C. R. Potter, of McDonald, Penn.), Ebenezer 
 (at home), Maria (residing with her mother), Alice 
 (Mrs. Samuel Thompson, of Canonsburg, Penn.), 
 Emma (wife of James Riddile, of Allegheny 
 county, Penn.), William Harvey Smith (living in 
 Manstield, Penn.), two deceased in infancy, and 
 Joseph (living in Sioux City, Iowa). Since their 
 marriage Robert D. and Mattie R. (Thompson) 
 Scott have resided on the farm in Cecil township, 
 containing 119^ acres of well-improved land, upon 
 which he has erected good buildings. Four 
 children have blessed this union: John Herbert, 
 Sarah Elizabeth, one deceased in infancy, and 
 Mary (who died at the age of seven years and six 
 months). Mr. and Mrs. Scott and their two 
 children are members of the Reformed Presby- 
 terian Church, of which he is an elder, and he has 
 also served about thirty-five years as treasurer. 
 
 James Scott (second son of Joseph and Sarah 
 (Douglas) Scott) was born January 1, 1836, on the 
 home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 receiving his education in the district schools of 
 the neighborhood. In 1867 he was united in 
 marriage with Eliza Thompson, a native of Carroll 
 county, Ohio, daughter of Hance and Eliza (Hen- 
 derson) Thompson. The parents were born in 
 Ireland, emigrating to America in 1830. In 1834 
 they moved to a farm in Carroll county, Ohio, 
 thence to Harrison county, Ohio, where he died 
 February 9, 1892, having been preceded in 1863 
 by his wife. She was the mother of the following 
 children: Sarah (deceased in Carroll county, Ohio, 
 
 at the age of ten years), Margaret (deceased in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.), George (deceased in childhood), 
 Eliza (wife of James Scott), George (deceased in 
 his eighteenth year), Jane (living in Harrison 
 county, Ohio), Sarah (wife of Joseph Thompson, 
 Carroll county, Ohio) and W. P. (living in 
 Carroll county, Ohio). James and Eliza (Thomp- 
 son) Scott lived on a farm adjoining their present 
 home until 1880, when they removed to the place 
 of 150 acres which they now occupy. The tract 
 has been in the family name since 1805, being 
 originally a part of the George Washington survey. 
 It also contains a producing oil well, which yields 
 from seventy-five to eighty barrels of oil per da\ 
 Mr. and Mrs. Scott are members of the Reformed 
 Presbyterian Church, of which he is ruling elder. 
 They have four children, namely: Lizzie H., Sadie 
 B. , Ida M. and Jennie A. 
 
 If SAAC J. DEEDS is a worthy descendant of a 
 well-known pioneer family. He is a son of 
 Isaac Deeds and a grandson of Andrew Deeds. 
 Andrew Deeds was born Jauuary 1, 1760, in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Washington 
 county, settling on the Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, 
 in Donegal township, about two and three-quarters 
 miles north of Coon Island. He was of German 
 descent, and among the first pioneers of this count v. 
 Andrew Deeds was married to Mary Miller, who 
 was born June 20, 1760, in eastern Pennsylvania, 
 a daughter of Jacob Miller, coming with her parents 
 to Donegal township, this county. 
 
 Her father, Jacob Miller, was of German birth, 
 and, immigrating with his wife to America, was 
 among the early settlers on Dutch fork of Buffalo 
 creek. Jacob Miller and a neighbor, John Hupp, 
 were both killed on Easter Sunday, 1782. They 
 started together to visit a friend, not knowing that 
 a party of Indians had raided in, as was their cus- 
 tom in the springtime and autumn. Miller and 
 Hupp had nearly arrived at their friend's house, 
 when suddenly they were met by the savage red- 
 skins in the path that led through the lonely and 
 uncultivated forest, and, mid the yells and savage 
 shrieks of the painted Indians, they were killed 
 and scalped. Soon the news came to the few set- 
 tlers that the Indians were making a raid among 
 them, and they all left their homes and made a 
 speedy effort to seek safety in the Miller block- 
 house. Soon the few settlers who had succeeded 
 in gaining the blockhouse were surrounded by a 
 party of about seventy Shawanese Indians, and al- 
 most without any ammunition, and totally without 
 provisions to eat. The wives of Miller and Hupp 
 were among those who escaped to the fort, and 
 they there prepared ammunition to keep off the 
 Indians. At this moment the latter, leaping from 
 their concealment, appeared in every direction 
 
532 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 around the blockhouse, and a hot and continuous 
 firing commenced. The female band, in despair 
 and anguish, were forced to the conclusion that the 
 blockhouse would now soon be taken by storm, or 
 envelop them in its flames; and, with no hope of a 
 successful resistance, were about to give up. In 
 this crisis of terrible emergency, but with the con- 
 soling language of hope, and with courage suffi- 
 ciently unfaltering for the dire emergency, Provi- 
 dence panoplied those female heroines with daring 
 courage. And then, nerving their arms and steel- 
 ing their hearts to the severe duties of the moment, 
 they, snatching up their rifles, tired at the ap- 
 proaching savages, and then ran from porthole to 
 porthole, protruding the muzzles in different direc- 
 tions to convey the idea of a great force in the 
 house, at each presentation causing the savages to 
 cower behind trees or other objects for protection. 
 This executed strategy of these pioneer heroines 
 without doubt saved the few inmates from an im- 
 mediate and horrible death. The Indians, evident- 
 ly filled with chagrin and disappointment, skulked 
 about the blockhouse till nightfall, and then a few 
 of them left during the night, bearing away with 
 them the scalps of Miller and Hupp. The loss of 
 these two men to the neighborhood was severely 
 felt at a time when men were so much needed; but 
 all hearts in that blockhouse were overflowing with 
 thankfulness and gratitude to a kind and merciful 
 Preserver for vouchsafing to them His. aid and pro- 
 tection when their great and terror-tilling peril 
 was impending, and saving them from the ruthless 
 hands of the merciless and bloodthirsty savages. 
 
 With sad and anxious hearts the wives of Miller 
 and Hupp lived in hopes that their loving hus- 
 bands would soon arrive in safety at the block- 
 house, not knowing then that they were massacred 
 by the savage Indians; so the lifeless bodies of 
 Miller and Hupp remained for several days where 
 they had been left by the Indians. By and by 
 some friends and a few settlers, concluding it was 
 safe to leave the fort, with cautious steps and 
 armed with a few guns, set out in search of 
 Miller and Hupp, whose bodies they found less 
 than one-half mile north of the fort, on a ridge in 
 a small path that led through the dense forest. 
 (The field is now owned by Clint Miller). They 
 brought the lifeless bodies to the Miller blockhouse, 
 and prepared them for burial. They were in- 
 terred in one grave, a few yards from the block- 
 house, and placed side by side, each body being 
 wrapped in a sheet, without any coffin, and some 
 rude puncheons were placed around them in their 
 grave. There was no time for the mourners to pre- 
 pare a box or coffin for their departed friends, as 
 they did not know how soon the Indians might sur- 
 round them, and kill or take them all prisoners. 
 And in that ancient and lonely graveyard to-day 
 are lying, clustered around the graves of these two 
 
 pioneers, the remains of Jacob Klow, Jacob Miller, 
 Jr., Fredrick Miller, Ann Hupp and her daughter 
 Margaret Titus, and other friends. Fredrick and 
 Gapt. Jacob were sons of the unfortunate Jacob 
 Miller, Sr. Fredrick died on March 27, 1814, 
 aged forty-three years, and Capt. Jacob Miller died 
 August 2(1, 1830, aged sixty-eight years. The 
 graveyard where those heroes are buried is situ- 
 ated a few yards from Clint Miller's residence, in 
 a ravine near the waters of Little Buffalo creek. 
 This is one illustrative incident of pioneer life. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Deeds had the following 
 family of children: Adam, Jacob, John, Isaac, 
 Catherine and Mary. After his marriage Mr. 
 Deeds located on a farm adjoining the " Old Miller 
 blockhouse tract of land." He passed the remain- 
 der of his life on the farm, dying December 5, 
 1831, and was followed by his wife October 15, 
 1842. He was an industrious man, and accumu- 
 lated a considerable property. 
 
 Isaac Deeds, the youngest son of Andrew Deeds, 
 was born August 12, 1800, on the farm in Donegal 
 township, passing his younger days in assisting his 
 father, and attending the subscription schools. He 
 remained at liome until after the death of his 
 father, and took care of his mother. On Novem- 
 ber 15, 1832, he was united in marriage with 
 Sarah Rodgers, who was born September 8, 1809, 
 daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Hupp) Rodg- 
 ers, the latter being the daughter of John Hupp. 
 They had two children, Belle and Isaac J. Mr. 
 Deeds passed the first years of married life on his 
 father's farm, devoting his time to agriculture, and 
 dealing extensively in stock. He afterward pur- 
 chased and moved upon the "Abe Miller " tract of 
 land, adjoining the old Deeds farm. Mr. Deeds 
 was a very successful, sagacious business man, and 
 eventually became one of the largest landholders 
 in Donegal township. Politically, he was original- 
 ly a Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He 
 died September 20, 1886, having been preceded by 
 his wife May 12, 1842. Their two children, Isaac 
 J. and Belle, are living on the home farm. Is;iae 
 J. is an active member of the Republican party. 
 
 JAMES S. BUCHANAN. Of the many coun- 
 I tries represented in America, none have be- 
 i queathed to the New World a better or more 
 inteligent class than has " bonnie Scotland." 
 She has given us the noblest and best blood 
 of a nation eminent in the history of the world as 
 patriots, citizens and statesmen. James Buchanan, 
 grandfather of subject, was born in Scotland, and 
 in early manhood came to America, setling on a 
 farm in Chartiers township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he died many years ago. He and 
 his wife were members of the Seceder Church. 
 Thomas Buchanan, father of our subject, was 
 
J-A«. _. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 535 
 
 born in 1800, in Chartiers township, this county, 
 and in 1824 was united in marriage with Jane 
 Smiley, who was born in 1804, in Cross Creek 
 township, this county. After their marriage the 
 young people settled on the farm now owned by 
 their son James S., and followed farming and 
 wool growing. He was extensively engaged in 
 raising sheep, making a large profit from the busi- 
 ness. In politics he opposed slavery, voted the 
 Democratic ticket, and served the county as super- 
 visor of the poor. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan were 
 formerly members of the Seceder (now U. P. )Church 
 at Hickory, afterward uniting with the North Buf- 
 alo U. P. Church. He died May 7, 1871, followed 
 by his widow in March, 1885. They were the 
 parents of the following children: Nancy Jane 
 (deceased in 1883), Mary Ann (who married Rev. 
 Samuel Alexander, of Abilene, Kane., and died in 
 1862), Sarah Martha (who married Rev. Josiah 
 Alexander, of Belmont, Ohio, and died in 1854, 
 while visiting her parents), Hester (Mrs. Robert 
 Flanigan, of Mt. Pleasant township), Elizabeth E. 
 (wife of J. D. Smith, in Lawrence county, Penn.), 
 Rebecca Margaret (deceased in 1854), James S. 
 (our subject), Harriet (deceased in 1853), Maria 
 Miller (Mrs. James Herriot, living in Lawrence, 
 Kans.), Caroline (deceased in youth) and Ella S. 
 (wife of William Smith, of Douglas county, Kans.). 
 James S. Buchanan was born April 1, 1838, on 
 the present home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 receiving his elementary education in the district 
 schools. He then took a course at Duff's Com- 
 mercial College, graduating with the class of '58. 
 After leaving school he devoted himself to agricult- 
 ural pursuits. In 1878 he was one of the first to 
 introduce Holstein cattle into Washington county, 
 since which time he has made a specialty of rais- 
 ing that breed, also the Dorset horned and Merino 
 sheep. (H. S. Buchanan, the son, in company 
 with J. B. Henderson, imported the first lot of 
 Dorset horned sheep into Washington county, and 
 it is believed the first importation ever made of 
 sheep direct to said county). In 1861 Mr. Bu- 
 chanan was united in marriage with Martha L. Mc- 
 Carrel. Her grandfather, Lodowyck McCarrel, 
 was born in Ireland about the close of the last 
 century, came to Washington county and married 
 Martha Leman. They settled in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, and reared a family. Andrew McCarrel, 
 father of Mrs. Buchanan, was born in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, and in early life was married to Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of William Wilson, pastor of the 
 U. P. Church at Clinton, Penn. After their mar- 
 riage they settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, where Mr. McCarrel died December 29, 1883, 
 having been preceded by his wife in July, 1874. 
 They were members of the U. P. Church at Hickory, 
 afterward uniting with the Chartiers Cross Roads 
 Church. James S. Buchanan and his wife began 
 
 wedded life on the home farm, where they have 
 continued to remain. Three children have been 
 born to their union, viz. : Beulah W. (wife of Dr. 
 C. L. Campbell, Hickory), Herbert S. (married in 
 1889 to Lena, daughter of J. R. Lyle, of Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township) and Lulu F. married November 30, 
 1892, to J. B. Henderson, of Washington, Penn.). 
 Mr. Buchanan's farm contains 400 acres of well-cul- 
 tivated land. In politics he is a Democrat, and is 
 much interested in the recent organization of 
 farmers for mutual protection and co-operation. He 
 is now serving his twenty-second year as justice 
 of the peace, having entered on his fifth term of 
 five years each. He was a strong candidate for 
 the State Legislature in 1886, and has taken an act- 
 ive interest in securing railroads in the commu- 
 nity. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan are members of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect. 
 
 Squire Buchanan was the first man to take an 
 interest in the leasing of land in his part of the 
 county for oil and gas, and was one of the first 
 to call a meeting of the citizens of Mt. Pleasant 
 township; he took an active part in the leasing 
 of 10,000 acres, spending one winter. The first gas 
 well was found on a farm adjoining Mr. Buchanan's, 
 and this led to drilling for gas in Washington 
 county, resulting in oil. Mr. Buchanan has set- 
 tled many estates, and in many instances acted as 
 administrator. His home is about nine miles from 
 Washington borough, and about two and a half 
 miles from Hickory. 
 
 and 
 
 AMUEL CONNER, a member of one of the 
 early families of Washington county, Penn., 
 is the eldest son of John Conner, a son of 
 Samuel Conner. The grandfather was born 
 reared in Maryland, and there married to 
 Sarah Graham. They came to this county many 
 years ago, first settling in Burgettstown, where he 
 followed the wheelwright's trade, and afterward 
 moving to Mt. Pleasant township. His wife died 
 in 1821, and he followed her prior to 1848. 
 
 John Conner was born February 18, 1810, in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where he 
 passed his boyhood. In early life he was married 
 to Margaret Edgar, a native of Cecil township, 
 this county. She was a daughter of Adam Edgar, 
 a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1786. 
 He married Sarah Jamison, who was born and 
 reared in Bucks county, Penn., and they had eleven 
 children, five sons and six daughters, all now de- 
 ceased but Thomas, who lives in Boone county, 
 Iowa. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Conner 
 settled in Mt. Pleasant township, thence moving 
 to the farm in Cecil township, now owned by W. 
 J. Kelso. In 1844 John Conner bought 186 
 acres of the Donald farm in Cecil township, upon 
 which they made their permanent home. Mrs. 
 
536 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Conner died February 14, 1890. They were the 
 parents of six children, as follows: One that 
 died in infancy, Samuel, Adam (who died May 11, 
 1861), Sarah Jane, Abigail (deceased October 31, 
 1885) and John (living in Pittsburgh, Penn.). 
 The father is yet living, and has entered his 
 eighty-third year. He was a member of the U. 
 P. Church at Squeers Springs, with which his wife 
 was also connected, and they afterward trans- 
 ferred their membership to the church in Canons- 
 burg. 
 
 Samuel Conner was born in 1840 on the home 
 place in Cecil township, this county, and received 
 his education in the schools of the home district. 
 He has always resided in the vicinity of his birth- 
 place, and does a general farming and dairy busi- 
 ness. In politics he votes with the Democratic 
 party, and in religious faith he is a member of the 
 U. P. Church. 
 
 *J 
 
 Mi RS. JANE (LEE) KERR, a popular and 
 intelligent lady of Cross Creek township, 
 is a granddaughter of Hugh Lee, who was 
 * born in Ireland, and was there married to 
 Mary Elliott. They immigrated to Amer- 
 ica in 1790, settling on the farm in Cross Creek 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., now occupied by 
 a great-grandson, W. C. Lee. Six children were 
 born to this couple: James, William, Hugh, Robert, 
 Ann and Ellen. Of these, Hugh Lee was born in 
 1773, in County Donegal, Ireland, and came with 
 his father to Washington county. He was reared 
 to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through 
 life. He was united in marriage with Miss Han- 
 nah Orr, who was born in 1787, and to their union 
 came children as follows: Mary, William, John, 
 Margaret, an infant unnamed, Hugh, Hannah A. , 
 and Jane (Mrs. I. H. Kerr). The father was a 
 very influential citizen, and used all the means in 
 his power to promote the interests of others. In 
 religions faith he was a member of the Cross Creek 
 Presbyterian Church, and in 1818 was elected an 
 elder for life. His death occurred in 1837, in 
 Claysville, while he was attending the Presbytery. 
 
 Jane Lee was born March 7, 1827, on the old 
 homestead, and in her early youth attended the 
 common schools of the vicinity. On September 8, 
 1847, she was united in marriage with Isaac 
 Hampton Kerr, a native of New Jersey, and son of 
 Aaron and Sarah (Peppard) Kerr. 
 
 Aaron Kerr was born June 4, 1776, in Maryland, 
 and was married to Sarah Peppard (at the time 
 living near Hackettstown, Md. ), daughter of the 
 late Rev. Francis Peppard, of that place. Aaron 
 Kerr was a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 from early manhood, and had been elected four 
 times as ruling elder, first time in Hackettstown 
 (Md.) Church, when bnt twenty-one years of age. 
 
 After their marriage Aaron and Sarah Kerr settled 
 on Pigeon creek, this county, afterward moving to 
 Washington borough, where he was engaged in 
 mercantile business; he was also a ruling elder in 
 the church there. In 1S31 he moved to Mouonga- 
 hela City, and there carried on commercial busi- 
 ness until 1845, when he came to Cross Creek 
 village, still engaging in mercantile pursuits. In 
 politics he was a Whig, and from 1824 to 1828 
 was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. 
 He served as a member of the constitutional con- 
 vention in 1836, and was again chosen to the 
 Assembly in 1840. He died May 1, 1854, at the 
 age of seventy-eight years. 
 
 Isaac Hampton Kerr, son of Aaron and Sarah 
 (Peppard) Kerr, was born June 24, 1814, in New 
 Jersey, and remained with his father until they 
 came to Cross Creek village. He then married 
 Miss Jane Lee, who bore him three children, viz. : 
 Leeanua (wife of Dr. T. C. M. Stockton, of Cross 
 Creek village); Aaron Hervey (a merchant of Cross 
 Creek village), and Milton Brainard, a merchant 
 in southern Kansas). Mr. Kerr was a thorough 
 business man, following mercantile pursuits during 
 most of his life, and accumulating considerable 
 property. He was a member, trustee and treas- 
 urer of the Cross Creek Church for many years. 
 He died February 1, 1866. 
 
 THOMAS PETTIT, a prosperous and enter-" 
 prising farmer of Cross Creek township, 
 Washington Co. , Penn., is a son of Matthias 
 Pettit, who was born on a farm near Wash- 
 ington borough. He was reared to agricult- 
 ural pursuits, but his inclinations were opposed to 
 farm life, and when a boy he learned the tailor's 
 trade. He was married to Sarah, a daughter of 
 Barnabas Hughes, a prominent farmer living near 
 Washington. Soon thereafter Matthias Pettit 
 moved to Elkhart county, Ind., and there worked 
 at his trade the remainder of his life, dying in 
 L838. He left three children, namely: Margaret 
 Ann (wife of John Munce), Thomas, and William 
 H. (a blacksmith of Beaver Falls, Penn.) 
 
 Thomas Pettit was bom April 4, 1836, in Elk- 
 hart county, Ind., and soon after the death of his 
 father came to the home of his grandfather in Am- 
 well township, Washington Co., Penn. He re- 
 mained on the farm in Amwell township until 
 reaching maturity, and on March 27, 1861, was 
 united in marriage with Miss Margaret Boone, 
 who was born in 1836. The following children 
 have beeu born to their union: Calvin M., born in 
 1862 (a clerk in R. P. Wallace's glass store, Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn.); William H., born in 1864 (living 
 with his father); Minnie, born in 1866 (wife of G. 
 Hunter Patterson, foreman of the R. P. Wallace 
 glass store, Pittsburgh); Charles E., born in 1868, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 537 
 
 and Thomas M., born in 1873, are residing with 
 their parents. Thomas Pettit began life working 
 by the month, continuing to labor as a farm hand 
 for five or six years, when he began farming on 
 shares. Two years after his marriage he pur- 
 chased his first farm, which was situated near 
 Washington, but sold it the following year. He 
 then lived in different parts of the county, some- 
 times buying a farm and occasionally renting one. 
 In 1889 he bought a fine place of 102 acres, where 
 he has since resided, and upon which is a comfort- 
 able residence, which enhances the value of the 
 property. Politically, Thomas Pettit is a stanch 
 Republican, as were his ancestors, his grandfather 
 being one of the two men in Arnwell township, this 
 county, who voted for J. P. Hale for President on 
 the Abolition ticket. Mr. Pettit is an active mem- 
 ber of the Disciple Church at Middletown. 
 
 JAMES HAMILTON (deceased), who in his 
 lifetime was a successful business man of 
 North Strabane township, was of Irish par- 
 entage. His father, Alexander Hamilton, 
 was born in the Emerald Isle, and when a 
 small boy came with his parents to America. 
 They settled in North Strabane township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., where the parents died, 
 and Alexander was married to Jane Colwell. 
 Their children were James, Joseph C. and John 
 (both farming in North Strabane township), Mary 
 (widow of William Crawford), Sarah, Robert C. , 
 Alexander, Elizabeth, James, Anna and Margaret. 
 Of these, Robert O, Alexander, Elizabeth, James, 
 Anna and Margaret are deceased. Mr. Hamilton 
 voted with the Democratic party, but was not an 
 active politician. He and his wife were both act- 
 ive members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian 
 Church. Mrs. Hamilton died in 1860, and was 
 followed to the grave by her husband in 1864. 
 James Hamilton was born December 27, 1809, 
 in North Strabane township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. , and grew to manhood on the home place, 
 receiving his early education at the country schools 
 of the vicinity. On October 1, 1840, he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Lucy Bushyager, 
 who was born February 17, 1816, in Washington 
 county, Penn., daughter of George and Mary 
 Bushyager. Mr. Bushyager was born in Germany 
 and immigrated to Pennsylvania, where he was 
 married to Mary Miller, a native of that State. 
 Nine children were born to them, of whom are 
 now living: Sarah (wife of Joseph Gilchrist, a 
 farmer of Iowa), John (a farmer of Westmoreland 
 county, Penn.,) and Lucy (Mrs. James Hamilton). 
 Mr. Bushyager was a farmer and died in West- 
 moreland county, Penn.; his wife died in Iowa. 
 Mr. and Mrs. James Hamilton had children 
 as follows: Four are now living — Robert C, 
 
 born February 27, 1851; Margaret, born March 
 20, 1853 (married December 21, 1882, to Samuel 
 McNary); James A., born October 16, 1855, and 
 George I. born September 1, 1858; Sarah J., who 
 died March 18, 1889, and three that died in 
 infancy. Of this family George L. was married 
 March 21, 1879, to Miss Sadie A. Chamberlain, 
 who was born October 9, 1859, a native of Wash 
 ington county, and three children were born to 
 them, namely: James H, born December 17, 
 1879; Nelly B., born September 27, 1881, and 
 Hannah F., born October 19, 1883. Mr. Hamil- 
 ton had a good farm of 106 acres, lying half a 
 mile south of Thomas. In politics he was a Dem- 
 ocrat, and was ever interested in all worthy enter- 
 prises. He died November 25, 1892, aged eighty- 
 three years. 
 
 FAMES JOHNSTON, who, since 1884, has 
 lived a retired life in the borough of Wash- 
 ^ I ington, is a native of Canton township, this 
 — ' county, born April 12, 1821. His grand 
 father, James Johnston, was a native of Lancaster 
 county, Penn., where he was married, and reared 
 the following children: Nancy (Mrs. Thomas Con- 
 nelly), Jennie (Mrs. Benjamin McKehan), and 
 Samuel. In 1810 he came to Washington county 
 and settled in Canton township, where he died. 
 He was a leading Democrat, and a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Washington. 
 
 Samuel Johnston, son of this old pioneer, was 
 also a native of Lancaster county, born in 1787. 
 About 1818 he was married to Sarah McClane, of 
 Chartiers township, this county, and they settled 
 down to the stern realities of life on the old home 
 place. The names of the children born to them 
 are James, John M., Samuel G., Sarah Martha 
 and Nancy J. The father of this family died June 
 14, 1870, the mother about 1841. They were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church at Washing- 
 ton, and in politics Mr. Johnston was a Democrat. 
 
 James Johnston was educated in the public 
 schools of his native township, and received a thor- 
 oughly practical training to farm life, which voca- 
 tion he successfully followed until 1884, when he 
 retired from active labor. On January 21, 1845, 
 he was married to Mary M. McClane, who was 
 born December 31, 1824, in Chartiers township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., a daughter of Ebenczer 
 and Jane (McMurray) McClane. and the children 
 born to them were Samuel M. , E. McClane, John 
 (deceased), Sophronia (deceased), John (a physi- 
 cian practicing in Wellsburgh, W. Va. ) and Anna 
 J. The mother of this family was called from 
 earth September 17, 1891, and was buried in Wash- 
 ington cemetery. Of the sons born to James and 
 Mary M. (McClane) Johnston, E. McClane mar- 
 ried, in the fall of 1875, Miss Rachel Hill, daugh- 
 ter of Abner'and Lizzie Hill, and five children were 
 
538 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 born to this union, viz. : Sudie (deceased in May, 
 1890), Mamie (deceased in January, 1886), Bessie, 
 Ora, and one that died in infancy at the time of its 
 mother's death in June, 1887. John married, in 
 1886, Miss Nannie Adams, and three children came 
 to bless their home, viz. : William Parvin, Huldah 
 Margaret and James Howard. Samuel M. and 
 E. McClane Johnston are each operating farms 
 owned by their father in Canton township. 
 
 Mr. Johnston, by assiduous labor and sound 
 judgment in the management of his affairs, accu- 
 mulated, during the three decades of his active 
 life, a comfortable competency, and he now owns 
 330 acres of valuable land in Canton township, be- 
 sides which he has an elegant brick dwelling on 
 Jefferson avenue in the borough of Washington, 
 where he and his daughter, Anna J., reside. He 
 is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church 
 in Washington. In politics he is a straight Dem- 
 ocrat, and has served as school director nine years 
 with marked ability. 
 
 M 
 
 j RS. ELIZABETH J. MILLER is a grand- 
 daughter of David Glenn, who was born 
 in Coleraine, Ireland. He came to Cum- 
 berland county, Penn., and married a 
 Miss Thompson, who died not long after- 
 ward, leaving him one sou, William. After her 
 death David Glenn was married in Cumberland 
 county, Penn., to Nancy Dunlap, a native of 
 County Monaghan, Ireland. They first located 
 near Newville, Perm., thence moving to Westmore- 
 land county, and in 1809 made a permanent settle- 
 ment in Washington county, where his children were 
 reared as follows: William (the son of his first 
 wife, who died in Chartiers township, this county); 
 Gabriel (deceased in Claysville, Ohio); David, 
 Samuel and John; Jane (who died in 1817); Polly 
 (who died in March, 1882, when nearly ninety 
 years of age) and James (the father of Mrs. Mil- 
 ler), all now deceased. David Glenn, Sr., assisted 
 in the organization of the Chartiers Cross Roads 
 Church. He died about 1825. 
 
 James Glenn was born September 3, 179N, near 
 Carlisle, Penn., and March 'J',), 1836, was united in 
 marriage with Maria McCoy, who was born May 
 15, 1804, in Chartiers township. The young peo- 
 ple first settled in Cant mi township, this county, 
 where lie carried on farming for several years, and 
 in 1867 moved to Washington borough, Penn., 
 there living in retirement. He was a Republican 
 in politics, and in religion a member of the Associ- 
 ate Reformed Church, which afterward became 
 the U. P. Society. He died May '.), 1873, followed 
 b\ his wife October 17, 1881. They left two chil- 
 dren: Elizabeth J. (Mrs. Miller), and -lames Dun- 
 la]!, who is married to Sarah S. Laird, and is 
 living on the old homestead in Canton township. 
 
 They have four children: James H, Samuel D., 
 Anna M. and Cora L. 
 
 On May 29, 1884, Elizabeth J. Glenn was 
 united in marriage with Col. Robert W. Miller, 
 son of Jacob and Jane (Filson) Miller. The father 
 was a native of Chester county, Penn., and the 
 mother of eastern Virginia. They came to this 
 county in an early day, and settled on the farm 
 now occupied by his youngest son. He was a 
 wagon maker, and erecting his shop upon the 
 farm, followed his trade until his death, which oc- 
 curred in November, 1857. They had a family of 
 twelve children, but one of whom is now living. 
 
 Robert W. Miller was born October 12, 1815, in 
 Chartiers township, and received his early educa- 
 tion in the district schools of the neighborhood. 
 He afterward entered Washington College, where 
 he was a member of the class of '36, but did not 
 graduate. He taught eleven years in the schools 
 of Washington county, being very successful in 
 that vocation. In 1836 he was united in marriage 
 with Abbie Gray Cundall, Rev. Dr. Eaglesou offi- 
 ciating at the ceremony. She was a daughter of 
 Edward G. and Patience (Bailey) Cundall. Mr. 
 Miller followed teaching for some time after his 
 marriage, then settled on the farm now occupied 
 by his son. He learned the trade of a wagon 
 maker, also following carpentry. His wife died on 
 the farm in March, 1882, leaving five children, one 
 of whom, Emily M. (Mrs. Robert Bell, of North 
 Benton, Ohio), is deceased, and those yet living are 
 Jacob Filson (married and living in North Benton, 
 Ohio); Jane (Mrs. William Anderson, living in 
 South Stiabane township, this county); Edward 
 C. (married and residing in Baltimore, Md.), and 
 Robert Bailey (who is married, and has two chil- 
 dren). After the death of his first wife Col. Mil- 
 ler was married to Elizabeth J. Glenn, continuing 
 to reside on the old farm. He was colonel in the 
 State militia, and in politics an active member of 
 the Democratic party. He was an ardent member 
 of the Presbyterian Church in Washington, and 
 was always ready to do all in his power to further 
 every worth}' enterprise. While en route for Ni- 
 agara Falls, he was suddenly taken ill at the ' ' Hotel 
 Spencer," Niagara, dying August 21, 1891. 
 Col. Miller was a well-known and universally re- 
 spected citizen, his demise being mourned by many 
 friends. He was a man of fine personal appear 
 ance, six feet in stature, and well proportioned. 
 
 MKS. LILLIE M. AXTELL is the daugh- 
 ter of John Gregg, and granddaughter 
 of John and Nancy Gregg. Among the 
 - 1 early settlers of Washington county, whose 
 deeds are an undying monument to their 
 memory, were the ancestors of this well known 
 family. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 541 
 
 In 1790 three brothers — Henry, William and 
 John Gregg — left Ireland, the country of their 
 birth, and crossed the ocean to America. After a 
 voyage of sixteen weeks they all came to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., and settled in East Pike Run 
 township, where Henry secured a tract of 349 
 acres called the " Burning Mine," now owned by 
 a Mr. Duvall. Henry Gregg served as justice of 
 the peace in 1796. He was married to Jane Dow- 
 ler, and of their children were: John, Henry, 
 Thomas and Edward. The parents died in 1834 in 
 West Pike Run township. The second brother of 
 the three who emigrated from Ireland was William 
 Gregg, and he was married in the old country to 
 a lady, who bore him the following children: 
 Henry, John, William, Andrew, Robert, Christina 
 (wife of John Crow) and Mrs. Jaekman. John 
 Gregg, the younger brother of the three who came 
 to America in 1790, married in 1794, Miss Nancy 
 Gregg, a native of Ireland. The names and dates 
 of birth of their children are: James, August 8, 
 1795; Eleanor, May 22, 1797; Andrew, April 9, 
 1799; Mary, September 8, 1801; Henry, April 28, 
 1804; Sarah, September 8, 1806; Ann, November 
 9,1808; John, January 23, 1811; Margaret, Febru- 
 arys, 1813, and Elizabeth, February 11, L815. 
 The father died July 20, 1841, followed by the 
 mother April 14, 1844; she was a member of the 
 M. E. Church. The three brothers who first set- 
 tled in America were all members of the M. E. 
 Church, and in politics affiliated with the Whig 
 party. 
 
 John Gregg, son of John and Nancy Gregg, 
 was born in Washington county, Penn., on the 
 pioneer farm in East Pike Run township, where 
 his boyhood was passed. On September 25, 1851, 
 he was united in marriage with Sarah Conway, 
 who was born August 31, 1824, and they were the 
 parents of the following children: William H, 
 born August 21, 1853; John E., born May 30, 
 1856; Simeon, born February 3, 1858; James, born 
 June 3, 1861 ; Nancy J., born November 9, 1S63; 
 and Lillie M., whose name opens this sketch. Of 
 these the four sons are all married, and live on 
 farms in Vernon county, Mo. , while Nancy J. lives 
 with her sister, Mrs. Lillie M. Axtell, on the home 
 place in East Pike Run township. The father 
 passed his entire life ou the homestead, and was 
 an active worker in the Republican party. He 
 died March 15, 1879, the mother on May 6, 1891. 
 She was a member of the Cumberland Presby- , 
 terian Church. 
 
 Lillie M. Gregg was born January 23, 1865, on 
 the home farm in East Pike Run township, and 
 remained with her parents during girlhood. On 
 April 29, 1886, she was united in marriage with 
 Luther M. Axtell, a son of Rev. Luther Axtell, a 
 Presbyterian clergyman, who was born and reared 
 in Washington county, Penn., and there married 
 
 to Sarah Lincoln. Since his death, which occurred 
 March 23, 1886, his widow has resided in Coal 
 Centre. She is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Luther M. Axtell was born January 9, 1855, in 
 Greene county, Penn., and was reared and edu- 
 cated in the town of Coal Centre, this county. He 
 graduated at the Southwestern State Normal 
 School, California, Penn., in 1880, and afterward 
 founded and conducted private schools with great 
 success for several years, and became principal of 
 the West Brownsville public schools, also serving 
 in succession, and with the same degree of capa- 
 bility, as principal of the Burgettstown and Coal 
 Centre schools. As an instructor in the public 
 schools he has never been surpassed. " He intro 
 duced into his school some of the finest points of 
 the 'New Education,' and with the introduction 
 came his marvelous success, which was the result 
 of a determined and powerful intellect. He ended 
 his brilliant career as a teacher at Grandville, 
 Penn., and from the school at that place will come 
 many who will show the power of his intellect." 
 In 1891 he was elected county recorder on the Re- 
 publican ticket, having from early life taken an 
 active interest in politics. Mr. Axtell died March 
 18, 1891, at Washington, Penn. (whither he had 
 moved soon after his election), leaving a widow, 
 and one daughter, Sarah, who was born March 
 17, 1889. He had a long and severe illness, which 
 he bore with Christian fortitude, and the end came 
 quickly and peacefully, he remaining conscious 
 until the last. His remains repose in Howe ceme- 
 tery, near Coal Centre. Mrs. Axtell has a well- 
 cultivated farm of 136 acres in East Pike Run 
 township, where she has resided since the death 
 of her husband. 
 
 AMUEL McNARY (deceased). No family 
 has been more prominently connected with 
 the history of Washington county, and no 
 name is better known than that of McNary. 
 Samuel McNary is a grandson of Thomas McNary, 
 and a son of David McNary, who was born in 
 Scotland, and, coming to Pennsylvania when yet a 
 lad, was afterward married to Jane Edgar, a na 
 tive of Ireland. Their son, Samuel McNary, was 
 born January 22, 1822, and passed his boyhood in 
 the usual pursuits of rural life. Two weeks after 
 attaining his majority he was united in marriage 
 with Margaret, daughter of David and Margaret 
 (Martin) Templeton, both of whom were natives of 
 this county. Mr. and Mrs. McNary began wedded 
 life as tenants, but when his father died he inner 
 ited 140 acres in North Strabane township, to which 
 they removed, and where they resided until Octo- 
 ber 6, 1891, when they located in Houstonville, 
 Chartiers township. They reared a family of 
 
542 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 thirteen children, as follows: Jane (wife of George 
 Black), Margaret (deceased), Mary (deceased wife 
 of James Pollock), Ann (living at home), Belle 
 (Mrs. Samuel Berry), Lizzie (married to James 
 Kelso), Ella (living at home). Edgar (married to 
 Luella, daughter of William Morgan), David T. 
 (married to Almeda Clark), John (married to Jen- 
 nie Whitely), Joseph B. (married to Mattie Patti- 
 son), James Martin (who married Lizzie Hess) 
 and Emma (at home). Mr. McNary always took 
 an active part in promoting the educational inter- 
 ests of his community, and in politics was an ar- 
 dent supporter of the principles of the Republican 
 party. He was a member of the United Presbyte- 
 rian Church, in which he served as elder for many 
 years, and with which his family are connected. 
 He passed away September 29, 1892. 
 
 ( ARON HERVEY KERR, a prominent figure 
 i\ in Washington county business circles, is a 
 l\ grandson of Aaron Kerr, who was born 
 -> June 4. 177(1, in Maryland, and was married 
 to Sarah Peppard (at the time living near 
 Hackettstown, Md.), daughter of the late Rev. 
 Francis Peppard, of that place. Aaron Kerr was 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church from early 
 manhood, and had been elected four times as ruling 
 elder, first time in the Hackettstown (Md.) Church, 
 when but twenty-one years of age. After their 
 marriage Aaron and Sarah Kerr settled on Pigeon 
 creek, this county, afterward moving to Washing- 
 ton borough, where he was engaged in mercantile 
 business; he was also a ruling elder in the church 
 there. In 1831 he moved to Monongahela City, 
 and there carried on commercial business until 
 1845, when he came to Cross Creek village, still 
 engaging in mercantile pursuits. In politics he 
 was a Whig, and from 1824 to 1828 was a member 
 of the Pennsylvania Legislature. He served as a 
 member of the constitutional convention in 1836, 
 and was again chosen to the Assembly in 1N40. 
 He died May 1, 1854, at the age of seventy-eight. 
 Isaac Hampton Kerr, son of AaroB-^aud Sarah 
 (Peppard) Kerr, was born June 24. iSJJ^in New 
 Jersey, and remained with his father until they 
 came to Cross Creek village. He then married 
 Miss Jane Lee, a granddaughter of Hugh Lee, 
 who was born in Ireland, where he married Mary 
 Elliott. In 1790 they emigrated to America, set- 
 tling on the farm in Cross Creek township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn.,now occupied by a great-grand- 
 son, W. C. Lee. Six children were born to this 
 couple: James, William, Hugh, Robert, Ann and 
 Ellen. Of these Hugh Lee was born in 1773, in 
 County Donegal, Ireland, and came with his father 
 to Washington county. He was reared to agri- 
 cultural pursuits, which he followed through life. 
 He was united in marriage with Miss Hannah Orr, 
 
 who was born in 1787, and to their union came 
 children as follows: Mary, William, John, Mar- 
 garet, an infant unnamed, Hugh, Hannah A. and 
 Jane (Mrs. I. H. Kerr). The father was a very 
 influential citizen, and used all the means in his 
 power to promote the interests of others. In re- 
 ligious faith he was a member of the Cross Creek 
 Presbyterian Church, and in 1818 was elected an 
 elder for life. His death occurred in 1837. in 
 Claysville, while he was attending the Presbytery. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Hampton Kerr were 
 born three children, viz. : Leeanna (wife of Dr. T. 
 C. M. Stockton, of Cross Creek village), Aaron 
 Hervey (a merchant of Cross Creek village) and 
 Milton Brainard (a merchant in southern Kansas). 
 Mr. Kerr was a thorough business man, following 
 mercantile pursuits during most of his life, and 
 accumulating considerable property. He was a 
 member, trustee and treasurer of the Cross Creek 
 Church for many years. He died February 1 , 
 1866; his widow is yet living in Cross Creek town- 
 ship. 
 
 Aaron Hervey Kerr, the eldest son of Isaac H. 
 and Jane (Lee) Kerr, was born May 29, 1850, in 
 Cross Creek village. He passed his boyhood days 
 in assisting his father in the store, and thus gained 
 a knowledge of mercantile life, which has been the 
 foundation of his career as one of the most success- 
 ful business men of Washington county. He 
 attended Duff's Business College, at Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., from which he graduated in 1868. He then 
 took charge of the extensive business of his father 
 (who had died two years previous), having the 
 entire management of the store. In 1867, when 
 but seventeen years of age, Mr. Kerr made his first 
 eastern trip to replenish his stock of goods. From 
 the first he evinced traits which comprise the suc- 
 cessful business man, and though young in yearn. 
 he has achieved a reputation of which many an 
 older and more experienced man might be proud. 
 On May 27, 1S74, Mr. Kerr was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Georgette Gault, daughter of 
 David Gault, a prominent farmer of Cross Creek 
 township. She is a graduate of the Steubenville 
 Seminary, class of '68, and is actively interested in 
 the work of the Woman's Christian Temperance 
 Union. They have two daughters: Janie Blanche, 
 born March 31, 1875 (attending Hollidaysburg, 
 (Penn.) school for girls), and Grace Matilda, born 
 March 14, 1880. Mr. Kerr has been connected 
 with the Burgettstown National Bank since its or- 
 ganization, formerly as a stockholder and member 
 of the first board of directors, then as vice-presi- 
 dent, and is now president of that institution, hav- 
 ing been unanimously elected at the January meet- 
 ing of directors in 1887. In religion he is a mem- 
 ber and treasurer of the Cross Creek Presbyte- 
 rian Church. In politics he has always been a 
 stanch member of the Republican party. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 543 
 
 Jf W. SWART is descended from one of the 
 oldest families of Washington county, and 
 | dates the immigration of his ancestors into 
 Washington county to about the year 1740, 
 when the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania conveyed 
 the land to colonists by the old, original patent, 
 which was printed on parchment. His father was 
 born on Ruff' 8 creek, Greene county, Penn. He fol- 
 lowed farming, and passed nearly all of his life 
 near Amity, Am well township, this county. His 
 children were: John, Jacob, J. W., Henry Clay, 
 Amos, Sarah Ann, Keziah, A. J. and Mary J. 
 
 J. W. Swart was born September 1, 1823. near 
 the present site of Amity, Amwell township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penu., and lived with his father's 
 family until he was twenty-one years of age. He 
 then moved to Greene county, Penn., and there 
 took up and cleared 200 acres of land, to which he 
 afterward added forty acres. On January 1, 1844, 
 he was united in marriage with Sarah Sermon, 
 who bore him the following children: William 
 M. , Mary Adelaide, Asena Ann, George Warren 
 (deceased), Amos Philip, John Thomas, David, 
 Hermon and Sarah Rebecca. Iu 1866 Mr. Swart 
 returned from Greene county, and settling in 
 AVashington county engaged iu agriculture, after- 
 ward operating a mill at Amitv, known as the 
 "Hallam Mill." Mrs. Swartdied March 18, 1865, 
 and September 29, 1866, Mr. Swart was married 
 to Rebecca Carter, who has borne him four sons: 
 Ulysses Grant, Jesse Allfree, Samuel Jackson and 
 Carter Blaine. Mr. Swart is highly esteemed in the 
 community for his many good qualities and is a 
 public-spirited man. In politics he was origi- 
 nally a Whig, and since the organization of the Re- 
 publican party has .been an ardent follower under 
 its banner. 
 
 ,\ILLIAM W. SPROWLS, M. D., the lead- 
 ing physician of Houstonville, Penn., is a 
 son of William and Margaret (Mitchell) 
 Sprowls. The parents were natives of 
 Washington county, Penn., and seven children 
 were born to them, namely: Hiram (deceased), 
 Sarah Ellen, Mary Jane, Margaret Melissa, Will- 
 iam W., Mark Mitchell and Arthur Melville. 
 
 Dr. William W. Sprowls was born March 30, 
 1852, on the old place in Bentleyville, Washington 
 county. At the age of seventeen he began teach- 
 ing school, continuing in that profession for twelve 
 years. He then began reading medicine withMcCar- 
 rell & McElroy, of Hickory, this county, and gradu- 
 ating at the Western Reserve University of Cleve- 
 land, in the spring of 1844, began to practice that 
 profession at McConnell's Mill, Chartiers town- 
 ship. For nine years before practicing medicine 
 he was engaged in the grocery business, and as 
 postmaster at McConnell's Mill, this county. In 
 1886 he located at Houstonville, this county, and 
 
 iu addition to his practice took a half interest in a 
 drug store with J. W. Lyle. They dissolved 
 partnership during the autumn of 1887, and 
 the following year Dr. Sprowls was given the 
 care of the County Children's Homes. He was re- 
 appointed in 1892 as successor to Dr. Weirich. 
 Dr. Sprowls is a member of the I. O. O. F., is 
 connected with the Jr. O. U. A. M. . and is identi- 
 fied with the Washington County Medical Society. 
 On October 8, 1874, he was united in marriage 
 with Mary, daughter of Archie and Nancy (Wil- 
 son) Wylie, and five children have blessed their 
 marriage, namely: Nannie Margretta, Willie 
 Wylie, Lloyd Sumuey, Gemella Mary and one de- 
 ceased in infancy. Dr. and Mrs. Sprowls are 
 members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 JOHN A. DICKIE, a prosperous and well- 
 known farmer of Donegal township, is of 
 Scotch descent. His grandfather, Alexander 
 Dickie, was born in the west of Scotland, and 
 followed a farmer's life. He was there married to 
 a countrywoman, and their children were: Alexan- 
 der, Robert, John, James (deceased in Scotland), 
 Nancy, and one whose name is unknown. These 
 children were all born in Scotland, and all save 
 James accompanied their parents to the United 
 States, in about the year 1832. They landed at 
 New York, and moving westward, located in the 
 northern part of Donegal township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. Here Mr. Alexander continued to fol- 
 low farming until his wife died, when he soon 
 afterward went to live with his daughter-in-law, 
 and at her home passed away. 
 
 John Dickie, son of Alexander Dickie, was born 
 in Scotland, and passed his early years on his 
 father's farm in Pennsylvania. He was married 
 to Margaret Wilson, a native of Fayette coun- 
 ty, Penn., and they had five children, namely: 
 Elizabeth (living in Claysville, this county, the 
 widow of John Mills), John A. (our subject), Ann 
 (Mrs. Nelson McNeal, of Donegal township), Rob- 
 ert (a farmer of Donegal township), and William 
 (deceased in infancy). For a number of years af- 
 ter his marriage Mr. Dickie followed farming in the 
 northern part of Donegal township, and then 
 moved to West Virginia, where he died in 1854. 
 He was a Democrat in political opinions. His wid- 
 ow is now living in Claysville. 
 
 John A. Dickie, the eldest son of John and 
 Margaret (Wilson) Dickie, was born December 7, 
 1844, in Donegal township, and received his edu- 
 cation at the country schools. At the age of ten 
 years, his father having died, he went to live with 
 Guyan Moore, of Donegal township, where he 
 made his home, and assisted in the farm work, un- 
 til the spring of 1862, when he remained a short 
 time with William Lytle. On August 16, 1862, 
 
:.il 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 he enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and 
 Fortieth P. V. I.; he took part in the battle of 
 Gettysburg, and being severely wounded on the 
 second day of that fight, was obliged to remain in 
 the hospital nine months. On recovering, he 
 joined his regiment at Deep Bottom, Va., and the 
 next day was again wounded. Mr. Dickie was un- 
 fit for service during the remainder of the war, 
 and when the struggle was ended, he returned to 
 Washington county, Penn. , and engaged in farm 
 work. On January 27, 1869, he was united in 
 marriage with Mrs. Sarah Jane (Hicks) Miller; 
 widow of William Miller, and a native of Marshall 
 county, W. Va. To their union have been born 
 three daughters: Margaret Elizabeth, Anna Mary 
 and Fannie Esther, all of whom are living at home. 
 After his marriage Mr. Dickie farmed in Donegal 
 township, and in 1879 purchased his present well- 
 improved piece of farm land, located about two 
 miles west of Glaysville, along the National pike, 
 formerly called the "Ned McLaughlin farm." He 
 has erected a new residence, also a good barn, and 
 these improvements have greatly enhanced the 
 value and appearance of the place. Both he and 
 his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Claysville, in which Mr. Dickie is a ruling elder. 
 Politically he is a lifelong Republican 
 
 ILLIAM W. KEENAN. This prominent 
 and successful agriculturist, and highly 
 esteemed citizen of Donegal township, 
 where he owns one of the finest of the 
 many excellent farms to be here seen, deserves 
 more than a passing notice in the pages of this Bio- 
 graphical Record. He was born March 19, 1832, 
 in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., on 
 the farm he now owns. 
 
 Henry Keenan, grandfather of subject, was a 
 native of Belfast, Ireland, where he was twice 
 married, his first wife bearing him two children: 
 James and Samuel, and his second wife also two 
 children: John and Martha. The father of this 
 family, some time prior to the year 1800, came to 
 this country with his wife and some of his children, 
 settling in Independence township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., where he passed the rest of his days. 
 His sou James was one of these pioneer immi- 
 grants, and the first record we can find of him in 
 Washington county is of his working as a day 
 laborer on a farm in Independence township. In 
 1812 he was married to Elizabeth Smith, a native 
 (pf Washington county, who bore him eiyht chil- 
 dren, the following being their names and the 
 dates of their birth: Jane, January 29, 1813; 
 Henry, June 15, 1815; Mary Ann, September 11, 
 1817; John, February 7, 1819; George, September 
 14, 1822; Forgus, February 10, 1824; Samuel, 
 June 25, 1828, and William VV., March 19, 1832. 
 
 After his first marriage Mr. Keenan settled on a 
 tract of land he had purchased in Donegal town- 
 ship, near the confluence of Buck run and Buffalo 
 creek, and here he followed agriculture all his life, 
 meeting with hard-earned success, and increasing, 
 year by year, his possessions. He died April 24, 
 1853, on the farm he had first located on, and was 
 followed by his wife March 2, 1854. He was a 
 prominent member of and liberal contributor 
 toward the Dutch Fork Disciple Church, and in 
 politics he was a lifelong Democrat. 
 
 William W. Keenan early learned the practical 
 lessons of farm life on his father's farm, his liter- 
 ary education, such as it was. being received at the 
 schools of the neighborhood. His parents were 
 for many years almost helpless, requiring no small 
 amount of care and attention ; a great portion of 
 which fell to the lot of our subject, and as a conse- 
 quence his attendance at school was much circum- 
 scribed. He remained with his parents as long as 
 they lived, and after their decease took charge of 
 the home farm, which he has since successfully 
 conducted. On April 3, 1806, Mr. Keenan was 
 married to Amanda Wallace, who was born Febru- 
 ruary 3, 1832, in Ohio county, W. Va., a daughter 
 of Robert Wallace, of Brooke county, W. Va., who 
 was born May 5, 1805, in Westmoreland county, 
 Penn. He went to West Virginia with his parents 
 when a lad, and there married Hannah Arthur, who 
 was born in 1810, in Independence township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. They removed to Licking 
 county, Ohio, where the mother died August 15, 
 1846. They had seven children, as follows: 
 Amanda M. (Mrs. Keenan); Robert A., teaching 
 in a commercial college at Topeka, Kans. ; Mary 
 Jane (deceased at the age of three years); Samuel 
 B., who died at the age of four years; William A. 
 (a farmer, in Kansas); David M. (who died in in- 
 fancy), and one who died unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Keenan have no children of their own, but have 
 adopted two, a boy and a girl, for whom they pro- 
 vided a good home; the girl, now grown to young 
 womanhood, is married to Henry C. Anderson; the 
 boy, now a young man, is yet living with his foster 
 parents. Mr. and Mrs. Keenan are members of 
 the Disciple Church. In political sentiments he 
 was originally a Whig, and since the formation of 
 the party has been a straight Republican. He justly 
 enjoys the respect and esteem of his friends and 
 neighbors, and his success in life is marked to day 
 by a pleasant home and one of the finest farms in 
 Donegal township. 
 
 M 
 
 % 
 
 ICHAEL DAUGHERTY, a leading mer- 
 chant of West Alexander, was born June 
 30, 1819, in Donegal township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn. He is a son of Roger 
 
 Daugherty, who was born in County Done- 
 
 gal, Ireland, and coming to America when a young' 
 
^YASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 545 
 
 man, he was married to Ellen Aiken, a native of 
 Maryland. They then settled in Washington 
 county, Penn. , first locating on Pigeon creek, 
 where they remained several years, after which they 
 came to Donegal township. To this pioneer couple 
 the following children were born: Charles, Mary 
 (Mrs. William Emorick), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas 
 Arnold), Isabella (wife of James Campsey), John, 
 Bridget (Mrs. Samuel Kirk), Michael (our sub- 
 ject), Sarah (wife of S. Patterson), and Eleanor 
 (Mrs. John Kirk). The mother of this family died 
 February 23, 1866, aged seventy-nine years, four 
 months, seventeen days. 
 
 Michael Daugherty received his education at the 
 subscription schools of Donegal township. At the 
 age of eighteen years he was apprenticed to Joseph 
 McKusky, of West Alexander, ti> Irani the tailor's 
 trade, and remained with him three years. He af- 
 terward began business as a merchant tailor in 
 partnership with Samuel Galloway, and so con- 
 tinued for ten years. Mr. Daugherty then purchased 
 a confectionery store, which he has since carried on 
 with well-merited success. On March 8, 1842, he 
 was married to Elizabeth, daughter of David Wil- 
 son, of West Alexander, and they had two children:' 
 Minerva (deceased), and R. B. , of Washington 
 borough. This wife dying May IT), 1849, he was 
 next married on March 27, 1851, to Angelina, 
 daughter of George Young, of West Virginia, and 
 they have had two daughters: Frances E. (deceased 
 wife of Bev. E. J. Smith), and Ida M. (Mrs. 
 James Sutherland). Mr. Daugherty is a repre- 
 sentative self-made man, having commenced life 
 with but little, and by industry and enterprise has 
 achieved success. He is a stanch member of the 
 M. E. Church; in politics he was formerly a Whig, 
 and is now an active worker in the ranks of the 
 Republican party. He has served as burgess of 
 West Alexander, and as a member of the borough 
 council, and is recognized as a useful, loyal citizen. 
 
 JOHN M. WEYGANDT, a leading and suc- 
 cessful agriculturist of Amwell township, is a 
 native of Nottingham township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., having been born February 27, 
 1856, on his father's farm, and when three 
 years of age was brought with the family to the old 
 home in Amwell township, this county. 
 
 G. Weygandt, the pioneer ancestor, emigrated 
 with his family at an early date from Germany to 
 America, and took up a farm of 180 acres on " Gin- 
 ger Hill,'' Nottingham township, this county, 
 where he successfully carried on general agricult- 
 ure. He had the following named children: Su- 
 sanna, Jacob W., Solomon, Isaac and Abraham 
 (all now deceased). Mr. Weygandt died about the 
 year 1840, an active member of the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 Isaac Weygandt, son of G. Weygandt, was born 
 March 4, 1817, in Nottingham township, Washing- 
 ton county. He received his rudimentary education 
 at the subscription schools of the neighborhood of 
 his birthplace, after which he attended an academv , 
 and during a portion of the time taught vocal mu- 
 sic. He was united in marriage with Miss Susan 
 Swickord, of Nottingham township, daughter of 
 John and Mary Swickord, a prominent family of 
 that township, and to them were born the following 
 children: Mary Ann (Mrs. Dague), Margaret (de- 
 ceased), Sadie (Mrs. Pease), Lavina (Mrs. Daly- 
 rimple), George and John M. Mr. Weygandt 
 followed farming principally, and was a prosperous 
 man. He was a prominent Democrat, and held the 
 offices of road commissioner and township clerk. 
 He and his wife were members of the Lutheran 
 Church, while their children are all Presbyterians. 
 Mr. Weygandt died in 1864, on the old farm in 
 Amwell township. 
 
 John M. Weygandt, the subject of this memoir, 
 was married on October 31, 1878, to Miss Anna B. 
 Darlington, daughter of Griffith and Martha Darl- 
 ington, of Washington, this county, and three 
 children have been born to them, viz. : Mabel, Al- 
 bert and Robert. Mr. Weygandt is an active 
 member of the Democratic party, and in religion 
 he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J | AMES GRIER was born Jannary 8, 1820, at 
 his present home in North Strabane town- 
 j ship, this county. He is a grandson of 
 Thomas Grier, a native of Scotland, whence 
 he removed with a brother (whose name is un- 
 known) to Belfast, Ireland. Thomas proceeded to 
 America, followed by the brother some time later, 
 and failing to find each other, both supposed the 
 Indians had killed the other. Thomas Grier 
 located in Chester county, Penn., thence removing 
 to Cumberland, Penn., where he married, and 
 reared a family of twelve children. 
 
 James Grier, a son of the pioneer Thomas, was 
 a native of Cumberland county, Penn. , and in 
 early life was married to a Miss Espy, who died 
 soon after their union. James Grier then made 
 choice of a second wife in the person of Mary 
 Staurt, who bore him the following children: 
 Samuel S. (born in Carlisle, Penn.), and Thomas, 
 James, Guion, Janie and David (all born in Wash- 
 ington county), all now deceased excepting James. 
 In 1810 the father paid $10 per acre for 160 acres 
 of land in North Strabane township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., where he died in 1833, followed by 
 his widow in 185V>, when in her eightieth year. 
 
 James Grier, son of James and Mary (Staurt) 
 Grier. remained with his parents during early 
 youth, and inherited the old place where his parents 
 died. On February 18, 1858, he was united in mar- 
 
546 
 
 WASHIXGTOX COUXTY. 
 
 riage with Hannah, daughter of William and Mary 
 (Bracken) Van Eman, and the following children 
 have been born to their union: Mary V. (deceased), 
 Jennie, Sarah Ann, William James, Rebecca, 
 Frances and Thomas S. All of this family are 
 devout members of the Central Presbyterian 
 Church, of Canonsburg. Mr. Grier votes with 
 the Republican party. 
 
 I, AMES CARROLL, a highly respected and 
 
 ! much esteemed farmer citizen of West Fin- 
 
 t J ley township, was born November 15, 1833, 
 
 ^^ on the old Carroll homestead in East Fiuley 
 
 township, this county. 
 
 Robert Carroll and wife, accompanied by his 
 two brothers, John and Hamilton, and a sister 
 Jane, emigrated in 1760 from Ireland to America, 
 locating in a place called Mingo, western Pennsyl- 
 vania, thence moving in a few years to East Fin- 
 ley township, Washington Co. , where they settled 
 on one of the headwaters of Wheeling creek, near 
 the present postoffice of Gale, and began cutting 
 down the forest trees until a space was cleared for 
 the log cabin (perhaps the first in that vicinity) 
 which they soon erected. Like all the pioneer set- 
 tlers, they were in hourly danger from the hostile 
 savages, and endured the inevitable hardships of 
 1 iack woods life. In 1781 work began in earnest, 
 and Washington county was founded. In the sum- 
 mer of that year John and Hamilton Carroll, who 
 resided with their brother Robert, went out one 
 morning, and when but a short distance from the 
 cabin both men were shot down by the Indians. 
 Robert's wife (who with her two children was in 
 the cabin) heard the report, and knowing the boys 
 had no firearms with them, immediately grasped' 
 the situation; she snatched the infant from his 
 couch and with him in her arms, and her little son 
 of four years clinging to her side, ran to a corn- 
 field near by, where she waited till the Indians 
 reached the cabin. The faithful dog remained on 
 guard at the door, and barked vigorously at the 
 murderers, who were obliged to kill him before they 
 could enter the house. The heroic mother knew 
 when the barking of the dog ceased that the Indians 
 were busily engaged in ransacking the house, and 
 immediately taking advantage of the opportunity 
 ran for life with her children to the nearest fort, 
 which was five miles distant (now at Prosperity), 
 though she had to travel much further; but she 
 reached it safely at last, the infant in her arms, 
 and little James running by her side. While these 
 terrible scenes were in progress the husband and 
 father was absent, having left home a day or two 
 before, and gone to a mill on the Monongahela 
 river. On returning home he was horrified to find 
 the floor stained with blood, and other evidences of 
 the presence of the marauding savages. Almost 
 heart-broken the poor man hurried to the fort, and 
 
 was overjoyed to find his wife and children safe 
 within, but heard with anguish of the terrible fate 
 of his brothers. A few days later a party of men 
 left the fort, and finding the dead bodies of John 
 and Hamilton (whose scalps the Indians had taken 
 as trophies), buried them in what has since been 
 known as the Carroll graveyard: these two victims 
 of Indian fury being the first who were there in- 
 terred. The burying ground is but a short dis- 
 tance from where the cabin stood. After all traces 
 of the Indians had disappeared, Robert and his 
 wife returned home and were not again molested. 
 The infant Robert, who was saved from the Indians 
 by his mother, grew to manhood and married Mar- 
 garet Craig, who bore him one daughter; while 
 James, whose little feet proved of such good 
 service on that memorable day, was united in mar- 
 riage with Margaret Marshall, to which union the 
 following children were born: William, Robert, 
 John, Hamilton, James, Hugh, Joseph, Thomas, 
 Mary and Jane. 
 
 John Carroll, father of subject, was born in 
 1808 on the same farm as was his son James, and 
 was here reared to agricultural pursuits, which he 
 followed on the old homestead until 1855, in which 
 year he moved to West Finley township, where he 
 passed the rest of his days, dying in 1876. He 
 had married a Miss Rebecca Donley, and they had 
 seven children, as follows: James, the subject of 
 this sketch; William D., who married Melissa 
 Alexander; John H, who married Anna Wirt; 
 Hamilton B., who married Ida Underwood; Eliza- 
 beth, married to Harrison Thompson; Mary, mar- 
 ried to Jackson Steele, and Sarah, married to Will- 
 iam Eckols. John Carroll was a practical brick 
 burner. Politically he was a solid Democrat until 
 the breaking out of the Civil war. 
 
 James Carroll came to West Finley township 
 with his father in 1855, and has been a resident of 
 the same ever since, living on various farms from 
 time to time, but finally settling on his present tine 
 property, which is well equipped with all modern 
 improvements, including a comfortable and com- 
 modious dwelling. Mr. Carroll was married Sep- 
 tember 30. 1858, to Miss Agues Patterson, who 
 was born January 12, 1840, in West Finley town- 
 ship, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rodgers) 
 Patterson, and to this union six children have been 
 born, viz.: Ola G, wife of W. L. Blayney; Lulu 
 J., wife of Harry Sprowls, and Ella, Cora M., John 
 H. and Alta Rebecca, all at home. Politically Mr. 
 Carroll is a stanch Republican. 
 
 djOSHFA and ANDREW G. PLYMIRE are 
 descended from a hardy and industrious 
 I race of people, who (according to the earliest 
 authentic record) fir-t settled in York county, 
 Penn. The exact date of their immigration 
 to this country is unknown, but they were among 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ■'.47 
 
 the earliest pioneers of that county. The grand- 
 father of Joshua and Andrew G. Plyrnire moved at 
 an early date to Washington county, Penn., bringing 
 his family with him. The journey was necessarily 
 slow and tedious, the baggage being carried on 
 the backs of horses, while the family usually 
 walked beside them, but they finally arrived in 
 Washington county, and erected their cabin home 
 on the farm which is now the property of their 
 descendants. Years of toil and privations fol- 
 lowed, of which the present generation can form 
 no adequate conception, surrounded as we are to- 
 day by the comforts and luxuries of life. But 
 they struggled bravely on, these heroic pioneers, 
 and prepared the way for the comfortable homes 
 and cultivated fields which we possess. To Mr. 
 and Mrs. Plyrnire were born children as follows: 
 Henry, Adam, Martin, Barney, John, Samuel, 
 Barbara, Elizabeth and Catherine. In political 
 opinions Mr. Plyrnire was a stanch Democrat, and 
 in religion he was one of the organizers of the 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
 John Plyrnire, a son of the above named pio- 
 neer, was born in York county, Penn., and was 
 only two years of age when his father came to 
 Washington county. He passed his boyhood days 
 on the home farm, and received a limited educa- 
 tion, as was the common lot of the children of 
 the frontier. On attaining mature age he was 
 united in marriage with Catherine Gantz, who was 
 a member of one of the old families of the county, 
 and she bore him the following children: Joshua, 
 Absalom G. (born in September, 1824), Sarah 
 (Mrs. Philip Welch), Phoebe (Mrs. William De 
 Normandie), Barbara (Mrs. Joseph England), An- 
 drew G., Mahala (Mrs. Henry De Normandie), 
 Lewis, and Mary (wife of J. H. Stewart). After 
 his marriage Mr. Plyrnire settled on the home 
 place in South Strabane township, where he re- 
 sided until his death. He united with the Lu- 
 theran Church in early youth, and died in that faith 
 in 1870, having been preceded by his wife in ]Nr>3; 
 both are now buried in Washington cemetery. In 
 political preferences he was an active Democrat. 
 
 Joshua Plyrnire, son of John and Catherine 
 (Gantz) Plyrnire, was born March 19, 1823, on his 
 father's farm in South Strabane township, Wash- 
 ington county, and passed his youth at home. He 
 is an active member of the Democratic, party, and 
 a liberal supporter of various enterprises tending 
 toward the general improvement. 
 
 Andrew G. Plyrnire, third son of John and 
 Catherine Plyrnire, was born July 12, 1833, on the 
 paternal acres. On December 19, 1867, he was unit- 
 ed in marriage with Melissa E., daughter of Jacob 
 Harshman, of Buffalo township, this county, and 
 they have had the following children: Harry, 
 Walter, Boyd, Samuel and Alvin. After his mar- 
 riage Mr. Plyrnire came to the farm where he now 
 
 resides. He is an enterprising citizen, and a 
 member of the Democratic party. In religious 
 connection he is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Washington. 
 
 THOMAS FORSYTH. Among the leading 
 business men of Canonsburg this gentleman 
 is a prominent figure. His grandparents 
 were natives of Ireland, and their children 
 immigrated to America in an early day, 
 locating in Independence and Cross Creek town- 
 ships, Washington Co., Penn. 
 
 Thomas Forsyth, one of the children of the 
 above-mentioned family, was born in County Down, 
 Ireland, and was about eighteen years of age when 
 he came with the rest of the family to America, 
 having previously learned the tailor's trade. He 
 first located in Independence township, this 
 county, some years afterward moved to Venice, 
 then purchased a farm in Cecil township, this 
 county, where most of his life was passed. He was 
 married to Margaret, daughter of William Craw- 
 ford, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county, and their children were William C, John, 
 Thomas, Nancy (wife of James Quinn),. George 
 and Oliver. The father was a Whig and Re- 
 publican. In church relations ho was formerly 
 connected with the Covenanter Society, then united 
 with the Seceder Church. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth 
 are buried in Clinton, Allegheny county, whither 
 they had removed a few years before their death. 
 
 Thomas Forsyth, son of Thomas and Margaret 
 (Crawford) Forsyth, was born April 25, 1825, in 
 Independence township, this county, and attended 
 the subscription schools of the neighborhood 
 during his boyhood, which afforded but meager 
 advantages. At the age of fourteen years he 
 entered the employ of his father in the tailor 
 business, serving an apprenticeship of six years. 
 In 1845 he opened a tailor establishment in 
 Hickory, this county, which he conducted formany 
 years. On September 7, 1847, he was married to 
 Jane A. McNary, a native of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, daughter of Samuel McNary. In 1873 Mr. 
 and Mrs. Forsyth moved to Steubenville, Ohio. 
 While a resident of Steubenville Mr. Forsyth in- 
 vented Forsyth's system of actual measurement, 
 whereby an impress of the body is transferred to 
 the cloth, which system is still in practical use. 
 In 1876 he came to Canonsburg, this county, where 
 he conducted an extensive business until 1888. 
 His son, A. M. Forsyth, being a practical tailor, is 
 continuing the business at the old stand. He is 
 married to Miss M. M. Smith, of Canonsburg. 
 Thomas Forsyth is an active worker in the ranks 
 of the Republican party, and is now serving as 
 director of the public schools. In religious faith 
 he is a member and elder of the Central Presby- 
 
548 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 terian Church. The following children have been 
 born to this marriage: McNary (who was educated 
 in "Washington and Jefferson College, is a gradu- 
 ate of Western Theological Seminary, and was a 
 Presbyterian minister; he married Miss Annie 
 Birchtield, of Allegheny City, Penn. ; was placed at 
 Millvale church); Mary Margaret (Mrs. George 
 Ralston); Samuel T. ; Ah in M. ; C." J. (attended 
 Washington and Jefferson College, then attended 
 the Western Theological Seminary and is now a 
 Presbyterian clergyman; he married Miss Anna 
 McGahey, of Hubbard, Ohio; he is situated at 
 West Elizabeth, Penn.), and James W. Of these 
 children, McNary, M. M. Ralston, Samuel T. and 
 James W. are deceased. 
 
 djAMES H. McGOWEN. This well-known, 
 influential citizen of Franklin township is a 
 I native of the county, born February 19, 1828, 
 in Amwell township. 
 His grandfather, James McGoweu, who was born 
 near Philadelphia, Penn. , the youngest of seven 
 children, came to Washington county with his 
 brothers Robert and William, and all three made 
 a settlement here. In early life James McGowen 
 was apprenticed to a manufacturer of reeds, serv- 
 ing his time in this county. He used to go to 
 Cincinnati in a canoe, starting from Wheeling, 
 and bring back material for his trade. When he 
 was quite a young man he accompanied Col. Will- 
 iamson against the Indians through Virginia 
 and Ohio, and had many narrow escapes, though 
 he was never injured. At about the age of twenty- 
 six he was married to Abigail Haris, who bore him 
 a large family of children, of whom James was the 
 only one to attain majority; Mr. McGowen' s sec- 
 ond wife was a Miss Foster, who also bore him a 
 large family. His first dwelling-house was erected 
 on the ground now occupied by the colored M. E. 
 church, and he had to make a clearing for it 
 among the hazel bushes. This venerable pioneer 
 died at the age of ninety-two years, in politics a 
 Jacksonian Democrat, and in religion a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James McGowen, the father of subject, passed 
 his early life both in town and on his father's farm. 
 He was well educated, having attended, in addi- 
 tion to the common schools, Washington College; 
 he taught school for many years in the county, 
 proving a most successful teacher. When a young 
 man he married Mary, daughter of Daniel Hughes, 
 and the children born to their union are: Abigail 
 (Mrs. William Adams), James H. , Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 Wilson Wvlio) and Mary. The father died March 
 26, 1871, the mother August 1, 1886, and both 
 rest in Washington cemetery. They w T ere members 
 of the M. E. Church, and in politics Mr. McGowen 
 was originally a Whig, afterward a Republican. 
 
 James H. McGowen has spent his entire life or 
 the farm where he now resides, where his parent; 
 had moved when be was but three weeks old; he ;it 
 tended during a few of the winter months the schools 
 of his district, but for the most part he is self edu 
 cated. On February 10, 1854, he was united ii: 
 marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of D. T. 
 Hughes, of New York, and their children are 
 Mary Miranda I Mrs. Richard Wilson), Albert A. 
 (married to Laura, daughter of John Ramsej i 
 Eliza I., Warren Blachby, Lizzie A., Edwin It. H., 
 James H. , Jr., and Etta W. The family are all 
 adherents of the M. E. Church at Washington, of 
 which Mr. and Mrs. McGowen have been members 
 for forty years. In his political relations he was 
 originally a Whig, having cast his first vote foi 
 Gen. Scott, and since the organization of the Re- 
 publicans he has been a member of that party. 
 He has been supervisor, and has served as school 
 director nine years with credit to himself and the 
 utmost satisfaction to his constituents. 
 
 H', O. DAY. In 1795 there came by slow and 
 1 \ painful stages a few families from Munis 
 r4'i town, N. J., to Washington county, Penn., 
 II — ' to found homes for themselves on the 
 frontier; and, lured by the reports of old 
 neighbors who had some years previously settled 
 there, they took up land and erected their cabins in 
 Morris township. Among these were the family 
 of Artemas Day— consisting of himself, his wife 
 (Bethany ( Axtell) Day) and their children, Betbuel, 
 Parmelia, Sarah, Luther, Daniel and Artemas 
 and that of Zephaniah Hathaway, with his wife 
 (Sarah (Prudent Hathaway) and their children, 
 Joseph and Hannah. Bound together by old 
 friendship, and common cause against nature and 
 Indians, these families were destined to still closer 
 relationship, for the little Daniel Day, three years 
 old at the time of that trying journey across the 
 mountains, and Hannah Hathaway, two years his 
 junior, were married in 1818. They too, settled in 
 Morris township, where their busy lives were spent. 
 
 Artemas Day, the pioneer of this family, was an 
 unobtrusive citizen, best known as being influential 
 in the organization and support of church and 
 school, still holding proudly the honor of having 
 been a soldier of the Revolution. His son, Daniel. 
 with such educatiou as the country schools of that 
 time afforded, was yet widely read, and among the 
 the best informed men of his day. In politics he 
 was an uncompromising Whig. He served as a 
 soldier in the war of 1S12, and died in 1830, 
 leaving his widow with four children— Cynthia H., 
 Anne E., A. O. and Clarissa. 
 
 A. O. Day, the subject proper of these lines, 
 though but a little lad when his father died, com- 
 menced then his tight with the world. And though 
 

 V 
 
 (ZrfrrS-ay 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 551 
 
 sometimes he had to say: " The battle goeth hard," 
 he triumphed, and may be said to have won suc- 
 cess in the truest meaning of that word. His boy- 
 hood was spent on the farm, and in a life of un- 
 remitting toil he yet managed to secure more than 
 the ordinary education of " district schools;" read- 
 ing history by firelight, in a "sugar camp; " or, with- 
 out a teacher, interpreting the mysterious symbols 
 of higher mathematics. He taught school for 
 several terms, and then, after a brief preparatory 
 coarse in Washington College, read medicine. 
 But the feeling was strong that teaching was his 
 true vocation, and medicine not proving attractive, 
 he again entered the schoolroom as teacher, not to 
 leave it until after thirty years of service. It is as 
 a teacher that he is most widely known and will 
 be longest remembered. He was twice elected 
 register of his county — in 1872, and again in 1875. 
 In politics a Republican, and in religious belief a 
 Cumberland Presbyterian, he can be called neither 
 a narrow partisan nor a bigoted sectarian. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. Day was married to Hannah Jane, 
 daughter of Andrew Bell and Mary A. (Boyd) Bell, 
 of Washington, this county, and he has always 
 lived in or near Washington, for the last fifteen 
 years on his farm in Franklin township. Of his 
 seven living children — four sons and three daugh- 
 ters — Edgar W. is a Presbyterian minister; Alfred 
 M. and John N. are farmers; Minor H. is an editor; 
 Bell M. is a teacher; Jen H. is the wife of Charles 
 B. Andrew, of Franklin township; and Cordelia 
 B., the youngest daughter, is with her parents. 
 
 WILLIAM C. McCOLLUM, a prominent, 
 progressive farmer of Amwell township, is 
 W a grandson of John McCollum, who came 
 with his wife from New Jersey to Wash 
 ington county, Penn., inan early day, and located 
 near Amity, on the spot where Albert Kelsey's res- 
 idence now stands. John McCollum there pur- 
 chased about 100 acres of the original "Thaddeus 
 Dodd" patent, and began farming, takinghispart 
 in the development of the wild new country. His 
 children were Moses, Alexander, Jacob, Stephen, 
 John, Thomas, Japheth B., Mary (Mrs. Miles), 
 Sarah (Mrs. Masters), Hannah, and Deborah (Mrs. 
 Smith). 
 
 Moses McCollum was born in New Jersey Feb- 
 ruary 23, 1784, and in boyhood came with his pat- 
 ents to Amwell township, where he attended the 
 district school in the winter, and assisted his father 
 in summer. Although his educational opportuni- 
 ties were limited, they were sufficient to enable 
 him to become a successful school teacher. He 
 was also a weaver, aud had to employ helpto carry 
 on the farm while he engaged in that business. 
 On March 26, 1818, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary Clutter, of Morris township, and 
 
 27 
 
 to this union were born nine children: Samuel, 
 born June 5, 1819; Sarah, born April 13, 1821; 
 Rachel (Mrs. Bebout), born March 9, 1823; John, 
 born November 29, 1824; Jane (Mrs. Miles), born 
 October 6, 1826; Moses, born November 4, 1828 
 (he enlisted in Company D, One Hundred and For- 
 tieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, in which he was 
 orderly sergeant, and died May 17, 1803, from the 
 effects of a wound received at the battle of Chan- 
 cellorsville, while bravely defending his couotrj I; 
 William C, born November 2, 1830; Lectj C 
 born January 30, 1834, aud Andrew J., born April 
 29, 1836. Mr. McCollum was very successful in 
 business, and accumulated a comfortable property 
 for that period. He was a public-spirited man, 
 and ill politics was an Old-line Whig. On March 
 31, 1839, he died, aged fifty-five, his widow in 
 1881, in her eighty-sixth year. 
 
 William C. McCollum was born on the old farm 
 in Amwell township, this county, and now occupies 
 a portion of the very house wherein he first saw 
 the light. He has never left the home of his child- 
 hood, and the greater part of his earlier years were 
 passed in assisting his widowed mother aud attend 
 ing the common schools, which then afforded very 
 meager opportunities; but by dint of good judg- 
 ment and extended observation, be has acquired a 
 valuable store of general information. On June 5, 
 1801, he was united in marriage with Harriet E. 
 Thomas, of .Morris township, this county, who was 
 born October 10. 1839. Mr. and Mrs. ' McCollum 
 have had five children: James Roscoe, born April 
 2, 1862, now principal of the schools in Wright 
 county. Iowa; Grant, born June 2, 1865; John R., 
 born June 30, 1868, now in the freshman class of 
 Washington aud Jefferson College, Washington; 
 Mary J., born January 19, 1878, and Myrtle, born 
 February 23, 1882. Mr. McCollum has a well- 
 cultivated farm, consisting of 158 acres, the result 
 of his own economy aud hard work. He was school 
 director for three years, and has always been 
 deeply interested in educational matters. Having 
 experienced the lack of such advantages in his own 
 boyhood and youth, he is doubly anxious to see the 
 rising generation enjoy superior school training. 
 He and his family have many years been members 
 of the Methodist Protestant Church. 
 
 JR. HENDERSON, a prominent stockman 
 and farmer of Chartiers township, was born 
 October 5, 1858, in Chartiers township, this 
 county. His father, Robert Henderson, was 
 born January 2, 1816, in the same house where 
 his son first saw the light of day. Robert Hen- 
 derson was reared to agricultural pursuits, and 
 when a young man was married, on September 25, 
 1850, to Margaret Reed, who died August 29, 
 1882, leavingone son and two daughters to mourn 
 
>52 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 her death, namely: J. R. , Mary Martha (wife of 
 William Grounds, has two children) and Jemima 
 J. (Mrs. Linus Welch). The father was a 
 prosperous agriculturist, and for many years had 
 served as ruling elder in the United Presbyterian 
 Church, and also took an active interest in the 
 educational progress of the community. He died 
 June 29, 1886. 
 
 J. R. Henderson passed his youth on the home 
 place, receiving a common-school education, and 
 on June 25, 1884, was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth F. Martin, and they have had two sons, 
 George D. and an infant (deceased). Mr. and 
 Mrs. Henderson are members of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church, and in business life he is very 
 successful, making a specialty of raising a fine 
 breed of stock. 
 
 d JONATHAN McWILLIAMS, a worthy repre- 
 I sentative of one of the oldest and most prom- 
 I inent families of Washington county, is a 
 native of the same, having been born Octo- 
 ber 25, 1823, in Buffalo township. 
 John McWilliams, his grandfather, a native of 
 Ireland, when twelve years of age immigrated, in 
 1703, in company with two brothers — David and 
 William — to America, taking up their first resi- 
 dence in New Castle, Del. Here they remained 
 some time, and then came to Washington county, 
 where they made their permanent home in Buffalo 
 township, on "Lion's Bush," a tract of land 
 granted on a Virginia certificate, and surveyed 
 September 19, 1785. During the early part of 
 their settlement they were much troubled by the 
 Indians, many times having to flee to the nearest 
 blockhouse for safety, and they never thought of 
 going from home, even to church, without their 
 trusty rifles. The farm on which they had set- 
 tled was wild, and all the improvements thereon 
 had to lie made by the ceaseless labor of the family. 
 While yet a young man, John McWilliams mar- 
 ried Jane, daughter of Robert Taylor, an early 
 settler of the county, and the founder of Taylors- 
 town, and the following are the names and dates 
 of birth of the children born to them: Mary, May 
 29, 1781; Martha, October 8, 1783; Wallace, De- 
 cember 2, 1785; John. December 1, 1788; Sarah, 
 December 19, 17S9; Jean, November 18, 1791; 
 Margaret, November 29, 1793; Elizabeth, Decem- 
 ber 29. 1795; Margaret, March 31, 1798; and Han- 
 nah, February 3, 1800. The family were mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, 
 in which Mr. McWilliams was an elder for years; 
 in politics he was a Democrat. Grandfather Mc- 
 Williams died October 8. 1837; the grandmother 
 about 1845. 
 
 Wallace McWilliams, father of subject, was born 
 in Buffalo township, this county, and received his 
 
 education at the primitive schools of the neighbor 
 hood. On April 6, 1819, he married Nancy, 
 daughter of James Cleland, a native of Maryland, 
 and the children born to them were John, Eliza- 
 beth (wife of John Flack), Jonathan and Jane 
 (wife of W. S. Caldwell). The father of this 
 family died June 20, 1800, the mother August 24, 
 1804. Mr. McWilliams was a prominent Demo- 
 crat in his day, and for many years was a leading 
 man in his party, holding several positions of trust 
 in both township and county at various times; he 
 was one of the board of commissioners appointed 
 by the court for the purchase of the Washington 
 County Poor Farm. In 1830 he was nominated 
 and elected a member of the State Legislature, 
 and re-elected for the ensuing term; in 1841 he 
 was again elected to the position. He was a 
 presidential elector in 1830, when Van Buren was 
 elected President. In the militia of the day he 
 took a lively interest, and was one time major- 
 general of the forces in Washington and Greene 
 counties. He was a consistent member and pow- 
 erful supporter of the Presbyterian Church, and 
 was a progressive, loyal citizen, greatly interested 
 in the cause of education in his locality, serving 
 many years on the school board. 
 
 Jonathan McWilliams was reared from earliest 
 boyhood to the arduous duties of farm life, his 
 winter months being for a few years devoted to at- 
 tending the subscription and common schools of 
 the neighborhood. On October 20, 1857, he was 
 married to Z. \\\, daughter of William McCleese, 
 of Chester county, Penn., and the young couple 
 afterward remained on the McWilliams home place 
 till 1871, in which year they came to Claysville, 
 where they have since resided. They have no 
 children. They are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and inpolitics Mr. McWilliams is a lifelong 
 Democrat. He has been a farmer all his days, but 
 is now living retired, having accumulated a satis 
 factory competence. Like his father, he is pro- 
 gressive in the extreme, and in the management of 
 schools it can safely be said that there is no one 
 more zealous, active or useful in the community. 
 
 d | AMES COOPER, one of the oldest residents 
 of Franklin township, is a native of the same, 
 having been born in that locality, April 18, 
 1817. His father, Stephen Cooper, was also 
 born in Franklin township, and his grand- 
 father, Zebulon Cooper, was a native of New Jersey, 
 which had long been the home of the family. Zebu- 
 lon Cooper was married to Mary White (a native of 
 Long Island), and soon afterward came to Pennsyl- 
 vania, where he erected a log cabin, and commenced 
 to establish a home in the forests of Washington 
 county. The following children were born to this 
 pioneer couple: Susanna, born July 22,1770; Zebu- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 553 
 
 Ion, born October 28, 1778; Elizabeth, born April 
 29,1781 ; Mary, bom July 18,1783; John, born Jan- 
 uary 11, 1786; Silvanus, born December 27, 1787; 
 Jerusha, born October 17,1789; Stephen, born Jan- 
 nary 26, 1792; Ephraiin, born June 7, 1794; Eunice, 
 born July 18, 1795, and Hannah, born November 
 17, 1798. Mr. Cooper was a strong advocate of the 
 principles embodied in the Whig party. He was 
 ■one of the earliest Presbyterians of Franklin town- 
 ship, and took a deep interest in the religious wel- 
 fare of the community. He and his wife resided 
 on the farm until their death. 
 
 Stephen Cooper grew to manhood in Franklin 
 township, Washington couuty, on the farm of his 
 father, and shared in the many privations of 
 pioneer life. He received a limited school educa- 
 tion, and on March 22, 1816, was uuited in marriage 
 with Hannah, daughter of James Bane, and their 
 children were: James, Lavina, William, Charlotte, 
 Rebecca. Amasa, Josiah, Lewis W. , Sophia, Stephen, 
 Phebe, Ellen and David. After his marriage Mr. 
 Cooper settled on the farm where the remainder of 
 his life was spent, and which he improved with the 
 aid of his sons. He was interested in all ques- 
 tions pertaining to the growth and improvement of 
 the township, and was a member of the Whig party, 
 afterward becoming a Republican. He died in 
 1880, and his wife rests by his side. 
 
 James Cooper remained on the home farm in 
 Franklin township during his earlier years, and on 
 January 6, 1840, was married to Harriet, daughter 
 of Ezra Young, of New Jersey. After his marriage 
 Mr. Cooper settled on the farm which is his present 
 home. To this union the following children were 
 born: Ann E.,John W., Warren, Addison and 
 Lewis. The mother died in 1849, and Mr. Cooper 
 was afterward married to Susan, daughter of Harry 
 Vau Kirk, an early resident of Washington county, 
 and their children are: Henry, Morris, Marion, 
 Charles P., Bryant, Jane and Mary. Mr. Cooper 
 has made many improvements on his farm. In 
 politics he was formerly a Whig, and since the 
 formation of that party has been a Republican. 
 Although he has never accepted a political office, 
 he is deeply interested in the progress of his party. 
 In religion he has been a member of the Cumber- 
 land Presbyterian Church for many years. 
 
 ^ILLIAM HAZLETT, a prominent and pro- 
 gressive agriculturist, and a worthy rep- 
 resentative of one of the oldest and best- 
 known families of Franklin township, is a 
 native of the same, born March 6, 18 19. 
 The paternal ancestry were English, Samuel 
 Hizlett, grandfather of our subject, having been 
 a native of the " land that bears a well-known 
 name," whence early in life he moved to Ireland. 
 Here he married AnnWhite, a daughter of Erin, and 
 
 shortly afterward emigrated to America, making 
 their first home in the New World near Baltimore, 
 Md., where he followed carpentering, and where 
 were born to them two children — William and 
 Mary. About 1778 they set out with their lit- 
 tle family on a journey to Pennsylvania, on 
 horseback, accompanied by a slave named "Jingo," 
 and a convict whose " time ' ' had been purchased by 
 Mr. Hazlett. Slowly the party wended their way 
 over the rough roads, until they finally reached 
 Washington county, and here they made a halt 
 near where is now the farm occupied by A. O. 
 Day, in Franklin township, being among the first 
 to settle in the township. Here their first dwell- 
 ing was an old abandoned log cabiu, with no floor 
 save mother earth, and here they had to make a 
 clearing for their farm — the men chopping down 
 the forest trees, while the grandmother dug up the 
 briars and other uuderbrush. They afterward 
 learned that the family who had previously occu- 
 pied this old cabin had been murdered by Indians. 
 For the first year the young Hazlett colony raised 
 but little on their small clearing, and their chief 
 article of food was hominy, and such other provis- 
 ions as they may have brought with them; they had 
 to bring salt from Baltimore on horseback. Their 
 nearest neighbors were a long way removed, and 
 consequently they had but few visitors, except it 
 might be a prowling Indian or wolf; on one occa- 
 sion a couple of rattlesnakes entered their cabin, 
 and coiled themselves up for warmth on the stones 
 on which the tire had been burning. After a time 
 the family built and moved into the house where 
 now dwells the subject of this sketch. In Wash- 
 ington county six more children were born to the 
 pioneer Samuel Hazlett, viz.: Elizabeth, Ellen, 
 Nancy, Ruth, James and Samuel. The grand- 
 father died several years ago, the grandmother at 
 the age of ninety-six years, when the grandson, 
 William, was a lad of some twelve or fourteen years. 
 Samuel Hazlett, father of William, was born in 
 1790, in Franklintownship, Washington Co.,Penn., 
 and received his education at the subscription 
 schools of the neighborhood. He followed agri- 
 cultural pursuits on the old homestead all his life, 
 and died August 28, 1872, aged eighty-two years, 
 honored and respected by all. He was a leading 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, and in poli- 
 tics was a sound Democrat. He was twice mar- 
 ried — first time to Rebecca, daughter of Arthur 
 Hamilton, a native of Ireland, and she bore him 
 children as follows: Elsa, William (subject), Ann 
 (in Allegheny county), Elizabeth, Caroline (in 
 Washington county) and Charlotte. This wife 
 dying, Samuel Hazlett was afterward united in 
 marriage with Jemima Forsyth, a native of Frank- 
 lin township, and the children born to this mar- 
 riage were Samuel J. (deceased), Isaac, John, 
 James, Josephine (wife of John Finley) and Ruth 
 
554 
 
 1 1 r A SHIN G TON COUNTY. 
 
 E., all living in Fayette county, Penn., except 
 John, who is a resident of Aurwell township, this 
 county. The mother of these children died in 1870. 
 William Hazlett was reared to agricultural pur- 
 suits on the home place, a few weeks in winter 
 time, during his boyhood, being spent at the 
 schools of the neighborhood, although many a 
 winter's day did he thresh with a flail. On Octo- 
 ber 29, 1844, he was married to Margaret C, 
 daughter of Joshua Dickerson, and the children 
 born to them were Joshua (a physician in Vander- 
 bilt, Fayette county), Samuel and Maggie (both 
 deceased), Rebecca (Mrs. Lewis Hamilton, in Mus- 
 kingum county, Ohio), Addison (on a farm), Matilda 
 (Mrs. William McClenathan, in Amwell township), 
 William (on a farm), Samuel Lewis (on the home 
 farm), and James (deceased). On April 21, 1863, 
 the mother died, and the father afterward married 
 Comfort A. West, of Cadiz, Ohio. In 1852 Mr. 
 Hazlett settled on the home farm, where the family 
 now reside. He was formerly a Whig, and since 
 the formation of the party has been an active Repub- 
 lican, his first Presidential vote being cast for Will- 
 iam H. Harrison. He has always taken a lively in- 
 terest in the prosperity of his county and township, 
 especially in educational matters, and for twenty- 
 five years he has held the office of school director; 
 he has also been supervisor of his township. For 
 many years Mr. Hazlett has been a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Upper Ten-Mile, and one 
 of its leading and most substantial supporters. 
 His farm is situated seven miles from Washington, 
 and comprises 1 50 acres, while the farm on which 
 his sous Addison and William are living has 150 
 acres. Mr. Hazlett has been a hard worker all his 
 life, and enjoyed good health until 1891, when he 
 had an attack of the "grippe," from which he has 
 not yet completely recovered. 
 
 JOHN MOODY, an energetic young agricult- 
 urist of Robinson township, Washington 
 county, is of Irish descent, and traces his lin- 
 eage to one, Joseph Moody, a native of Ire- 
 land. Joseph Moody came to America in 
 early manhood, first settling in Washington county, 
 Penn. In 1812 he moved to Jefferson county, 
 Ohio, where he died. 
 
 David Mood}', a son of Joseph, was born in 
 Washington county, Penn., but, when yet a boy, 
 moved with his parents to Jefferson county, Ohio, 
 where he grew to manhood. Returning to his na- 
 tive county in Penusylvania, he was married to 
 Margaret, daughter of John Flanegin, a native of 
 Ireland, and three children were born to them, 
 viz. : John, Margaret and Jane. 
 
 John Moody (father of subject) was born in 
 Washington county, Penn. He learned the cabi- 
 net maker's trade, and afterward followed under- 
 
 taking, being now engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
 He has served his township twenty years as justice 
 of the peace. He was united in marriage with 
 Margaret Derstine, of Allegheny county, daughter 
 of Benjamin Derstine, a prominent business man 
 of Sewickley, Allegheny county. John and Mar- 
 garet (Derstine) Moody have sis children, namely: 
 John, Albert, Stella, Harry, James and an infant 
 sou. 
 
 John Moody was born in Clinton, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn., and was reared to manhood on the home 
 farm ; he attended several terms at the academv at 
 Sewickley, Allegheny county. He was married to 
 Miss Agnes M. , daughter of John M. Stewart, who 
 was also born in Clinton, Allegheny county. The 
 young people began wedded life on a farm in their 
 native county, soon afterward moving to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn. Three children have been born 
 to this union : Estelle, John and Ralph. Mr. 
 Moody has ninety-two acres of good farm land; 
 in politics he is a Democrat, and has served his 
 township as justice of the peace. In religious faith 
 he is connected with the Robinson United Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 Albert Moody, son of John and Margaret (Der- 
 stine) Moody, was born in Clinton, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn. He was married to Miss Martha E. Hutch- 
 ison, daughter of James aud Susan Hutchison, of 
 Washington county, Penn., and one child has been 
 born to this union, .Susan Margaret. 
 
 Harry Moody, son of John and Margaret (Der- 
 stine) Moody, was born in Clinton, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn., and was married to Miss Maud Burns, 
 daughter of John S. and Annie Burns, of Alle- 
 gheny county. 
 
 1 OHN E. STEWART, for many years a 
 leading and representative agriculturist of 
 f Mt. Pleasant township, now a resident of 
 the borough of Washington, is a native of 
 Allegheny county, born in Fiudlev town- 
 ship, April 5, 1842. 
 
 James Stewart, his great-grandfather, was born 
 in Dauphin county, Penn., April 25, 1754, and 
 August 25, 1779, there married Margaret Mc- 
 Cowen, a native of the same county, born Febru- 
 ary 19, 1759. They settled near Clinton, in that 
 township, their nearest neighbors at the time be- 
 ing — to the north, seven miles distant, to the south, 
 four and one-half miles. Janus Stewart took up a 
 large tract of land, where he passed the remainder 
 of his days, dying July 21, 1821, at the age of 
 sixty-seven years; his wife had passed away July 
 5, 1816, at the age of fifty-seven years. They 
 were the parents of children as follows: James, 
 twice married, first to Elizabeth Dickson, after- 
 ward to Isabella Gladden; John (of whom mention 
 is made further on); Richard, married to Mary 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 557 
 
 Stewart; Thomas, twice married, first to Isabella 
 Browu, afterward to Eleanor Cherry; Joseph, mar- 
 ried to Mary Ewing; Margaret, married to Josiah 
 Guy; Jane, married to Matthew McCoy; Eleanor, 
 married to James Simpson; Ann, married to Will- 
 iam Guy; Mary, married to James Moore; and 
 Sarah, married to Henry Cowan, most of whom 
 lived and died in Allegheny county. 
 
 Of this family, John (grandfather of subject), 
 born June 4, 1780, married Elizabeth Glass, and 
 settled on the farm in Allegheny county, on which 
 his son, James, and grandson, John E. (subject), 
 were born. Here he died in 1846, aged sixty-six 
 years, leaving a widow and six children, the for- 
 mer of whom was called from earth in October, 
 1869, at the age of eighty years. Their children 
 were: James, born July 11, 1809; Robert, burn 
 August 17, 1811; Margaret, born May 31, 1814; 
 Jane, born November 15, 1816; John M., born 
 May 21, 1819; and Elizabeth, born 1812. Of 
 these, Robert died when a young man; Margaret 
 married John Smiley, of Washington county, and 
 is now a widow living in Burgettstown; Jane mar- 
 ried Henry Aten, and is now a widow, with resi- 
 dence in Allegheny county; John M., a farmer, 
 died July 3, 1881, in Allegheny county; Elizabeth 
 married Thomas Armor, of Allegheny county, and 
 died in July, 1890. 
 
 James Stewart grew to manhood on the old 
 home farm, where he spent his entire life. On 
 October 8, 1840, he was married to Miss Rachel 
 P., daughter of Edward Cherry, of Washington 
 county, and they became the parents of the follow- 
 ing interesting family: John E. (subject); Sarah 
 J., married to Samuel Aten, of Wyandot county, 
 Ohio; Amanda E., married to George Jardine, and 
 now living near Clinton, Allegheny county; Maggie 
 E., injured by a fall when three years old, and 
 permanently crippled in her lower limbs (she was 
 born June 3, 1855, and died December 5, 1873); 
 Rankin M., an agriculturist, living on the old 
 home farm in Allegheny county; and Mattie A., 
 unmarried, having her home with her brother Ran- 
 kin M. The father died October 10, 1882, the 
 mother on December 13, same year. Mr. Stewart 
 was not an active politician, nevertheless held vari- 
 ous local public offices of trust; a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, he was an elder in same, as 
 were also nearly all the older members of the Stew- 
 art family. He was a prominent man in his town- 
 ship, and took an active interest in all local matters 
 tending to the advancement and welfare of the com- 
 munity. 
 
 John E. Stewart remained at the parental home 
 until he was twenty- nine years of age, and received 
 a common-school education, necessarily somewhat 
 limited, as being the eldest in the family he had to, 
 •early in life, commence in the farm work, assisting 
 
 his father, who was severely injured in one foot, 
 and had ill health for a few years. After his mar- 
 riage in 1871 he removed to Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county, and settled on a farm which he 
 had purchased and which he still owns. Here 
 they remained till November, 1891, when they 
 moved into the borough of Washington, where 
 they still make their home, having purchased a 
 residence on West Main street. They have no 
 children. Mr. Stewart is a Democrat, and while 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, he served as school di- 
 rector, supervisor and justice of the peace; in 1890 
 he was elected county commissioner, resigning the 
 office of justice of the peace after two years' serv- 
 ice. He and his wife are members of the Third 
 Presbyterian Church of Washington. His farm, 
 which is situated in the northern part of Mt. 
 Pleasant township, comprises 14(1 acres of highly 
 improved land, and is conceded to be one of the 
 finest in the township. 
 
 On August 1<>. 1ST I.Mr. Stewart was married 
 to Miss Jennie M. Stewart, who was born May 5, 
 1S44, daughter of Joseph Stewart, also of Findley 
 township, Allegheny county, but the families are 
 in no other way related. Prior to her marriage 
 she had been a teacher in her native county. Her 
 grandfather, Samuel Stewart, came from Dauphin 
 county, Penn., to Allegheny county in an early 
 day. 
 
 He was married in Dauphin county to Jane 
 Patterson, who lived to be ninety seven years of 
 age, dying in the fall of 1867, her husband pass- 
 ing away in 1837. Their children were James, 
 Robert, Hugh. Flora, Nancy, Margaret, William, 
 Samuel, Joseph and Uriah, of whom Joseph was 
 the father of Mrs. John E. Stewart. He was born 
 May 20, 1816, and married Hannah Glass, daugh- 
 ter of an early settler of Robinson township, Alle- 
 gheny county, and they lived to celebrate their 
 golden wedding October 3, 1889. They were the 
 parents of children as follows: Samuel G., married 
 to Harriet Stoddard; Jennie M. (Mrs. John E. 
 Stewart); Olivia M , wife of Albert Aten, of Alle- 
 gheny county; William J., married to Maggie Mil- 
 ler; John P., married to Lida Plummer; Joseph 
 P., single (the last two named are partners in a 
 mercantile business in Finleyville, Penn.); Sadie 
 A., deceased at the age of about six years; Andrew 
 D. , living on the old home farm with his mother, 
 and Albert E. , a merchant of Hickman, Allegheny 
 county. The father of this family died December 
 19, 1892, a member of the Presbyterian Church; 
 in early manhood he had associated himself with 
 the United Presbyterian Church. The old Stew- 
 art homestead where Mrs. Joseph Stewart and her 
 son, Andrew D., now reside, is the original tract 
 ! settled by the family many years ago, never having 
 changed hands. 
 
558 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 TfOSEPH W. ROBB. Among those undaunted 
 pioneers who braved the hardships and dan- 
 fJJ gers of frontier life to make a home in Wash- 
 ^* ington county, Joseph Robb (grandfather of 
 the present family) and his faithful wife de- 
 serve an honored place. Joseph Robb was born 
 and reared in Chester county, Peun., and was mar- 
 ried to a native of the same State. Soon after 
 their union the young couple came to Washington 
 county, in 1790, purchasing of the Government and 
 moving upon a tract consisting of 400 acres, known 
 as the "Omi tract." A log cabin was soon erected 
 aud improvements energetically begun by the 
 stout-hearted young settler, who often carried salt 
 over the mountains on horseback. Time passed on, 
 and as the rude uncultivated land was transformed 
 into fields of moving grain, the little home took on 
 an air of comfort and civilization. Children as 
 follows were born to these pioneers: Ebenezer, 
 W illiam and John, and as the parents grew weary 
 with the weight of years, strong young arms aud 
 brave young hearts lifted the burdens of life from 
 their shoulders. Joseph Robb was a member and 
 elder of the Associate Reformed Church, and in 
 politics voted with the Whig party. He died April 
 14, 1847, and was buried by the side of his wife in 
 the cemetery of Robinson's Run church. 
 
 Ebenezer Robb, the eldest son of Joseph, was 
 born July 9, 1S03, and was reared and educated on 
 the home farm. On January 26, 1836, he was 
 united in marriage with Eliza Wallace, who was 
 born near Pigeon creek, daughter of Robert Wal- 
 lace. The young people made a permanent home 
 in Robinson township, this county, where he fol- 
 lowed farming and stock raising. Five children 
 were born to their union, namely: William and 
 Joseph (both now deceased); Robert (a prominent 
 business man in Allegheny City, and is an elder in 
 the Westminster Church of that place); Joseph W. 
 and Mary E. (wife of Joseph Reynolds). The 
 father of this family was formerly a member of the 
 Associate Reformed Church of Robinson's Run, 
 and afterward joined the United Presbyterian 
 Church at McDonald, serving as an elder in both 
 Societies. In politics he was originally a Whig, 
 afterward a Republican. He took an active inter- 
 est in educational matters, and served as justice of 
 the peace two terms. Mr. Robb died in August, 
 L884, having been preceded to the grave by his 
 wife in 1877, and their remains rest in the cemetery 
 at Robinson's Run. 
 
 Joseph W. Robb was born May IS, 1851, on the 
 old homestead in Robinson township. His element- 
 ary education was received at the common schools 
 of the neighborhood, and he afterward became a 
 student in the Allegheny City Academy. On No- 
 vember 27, 1879, Mr. Robb married Rachel Lind- 
 Bey, a daughter of William Lindsey, who was born 
 in June, 1811, in Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 
 county, where his earlier years were passed. He 
 was married to Ann Van Eman, a resident of this 
 county, and the young people remained in Mt. 
 Pleasant township till 1876, the following children 
 being born to their uuion: Sarah, John, Elizabeth, 
 Van Eman, Anna, Rebecca, Marguerita, Irene, Rob- 
 ert and Rachel (Mrs. Robb). Mr. Lindsey was an 
 extensive dealer in stock, and in politics voted with 
 the Republican party. He was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. He died in 1883; his widow 
 is yet living with her children. 
 
 Joseph and Rachel (Lindsey) Robb settled on the 
 paternal homestead, where their children have been 
 born as follows: Edmund E., born August 31. 
 1881; Anna Ethel, born September 2, 1883, died 
 January 7, 1885; Mary Margretta, born August 9, 
 18S6; Laura Ellen, born October 24, 1888, and 
 Joseph Lloyd, born December 19, 1892. Mr. Robb 
 is an active Republican, has served his township in 
 various capacities, and has now entered upon his 
 second term as school director. He and his family 
 are members of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 McDonald, in which he is an elder. 
 
 *T~\ OBERT BAMFORD, a practical and pros- 
 L«rfv perous agriculturist of Robinson township, 
 
 r V. is a native of Washington county. 
 JJ = Robert Bamford, his father, was born in 
 v 1824, in Ireland, aud in 1848 came with a 
 
 party of young people to Pittsburgh, Perm. He 
 had learned the blacksmith's trade, which he 
 followed about eighteen months in Pittsburgh. On 
 March 8, 1851, he was united in marriage with 
 Sarah G. , daughter of David and Martha (Adams) 
 Gordon, both natives of Ireland. David Gordon 
 was first married to Sarah Gardener, who bore 
 him eight children, all now deceased. After the 
 death of his first wife, Mr. Gordon was married to 
 Martha Adams, who had eight children, but two 
 of whom are yet living: Sarah G. (wife of Robert 
 Bamford) and Eliza (wife of John Hanley), of 
 Belfast, Ireland. The father died in 1838, in 
 Ireland, his wife following him in 1852. 
 
 Robert and Sarah G. (Gardener) Bamford were 
 the parents of four children, namely: David G. (a 
 miller in Midway, Robinson township), born Feb- 
 ruary 20, 1852; William, born November 16, 1854 
 (farming in this county); Robert, born February 
 16, 1857; and Mary, born February 2, 1859 (living 
 at home). In 1853 Mr. Bamford moved to Nobles- 
 town, Allegheny county, working there at his trade 
 for about two years. He then moved to Bulger, 
 this county, remaining about four years, thence to 
 Primrose, where he resided four years, continuing 
 to follow his trade during these changes of location. 
 In 1863 he bought a farm of fifty-three acres 
 (where his son Robert is now living), in Robinson 
 township, and still followed his trade. He afterward 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 559 
 
 added 182£ acres to the farm, and became an exten- 
 sive dealer in stock, accumulating a large amount of 
 property by combining his agricultural duties 
 with his trade, which he followed thirty-three 
 years. 
 
 He voted with the Democratic party, and was 
 much interested in educational matters, having been 
 school director; he was also one of the directors of 
 the Oakdale Mutual Fire Insurance Company. He 
 was a member and trustee of the U. P. Church 
 for many years. He died January 3, 1887, and 
 his widow is yet living with her son on the home 
 farm. She is a member of the United Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 Robert Bamford was reared on the home farm, 
 and educated in the common schools of the neigh- 
 borhood. On February 16, 1887, he was united 
 in marriage with Jennie M. Donaldson, of this 
 county, who was born August 20, 1856, and was a 
 daughter of John M. Donaldson. John M. 
 Donaldson was a son of Andrew, whose father, 
 James Donaldson, emigrated from Ireland at an 
 early day, locating in Washington county, where 
 children were born and reared as follows: Thomas, 
 Andrew, John, Richard, and four daughters, 
 whose names are unknown. 
 
 Andrew Donaldson was born in this county, 
 being educated in the rate schools of the period, 
 which were built of rough-hewn logs, and fur- 
 nished in the most primitive manner. In early 
 life he was married to Jane, daughter of John 
 McBurney, and they settled on a farm situated 
 between Bavington and North Star, where the 
 following children were born to them: Sally, Jane, 
 Mary Ann, Elizabeth (deceased), Esther (deceased), 
 James, John M. , Margaret, Thomas and an unnamed 
 infant. Of these children seven are now liv- 
 ing. 
 
 Mr. Donaldson was an active Democrat, and in 
 • religion was first united with the Associate Re- 
 formed Church of Robinson township, which 
 afterward became the United Presbyterian Society. 
 He died in 1843. John M. Donaldson was born 
 July 25, 1831, on the home farm in this county. 
 In 1855 he was married to Martha M. Bigger, and 
 they came to the farm where they are now living, 
 which, together with 109 acres presented by Mr. 
 Bigger, forms a good place of 279 acres. The 
 following children were born to their union: Jane 
 M. (Mrs. Bamford), Andrew, Thomas B. , Sarah 
 O, Mary E., Emmett T. (deceased), Elizabeth 
 H. , James W. , Margaret B. , Richard M. , and 
 Holland H. 
 
 Robert and Jennie M. (Donaldson) Bamford 
 have one son, John D., born March 27, 1888. 
 Both Mr. and Mrs. Bamford are earnest members 
 of the Centre United Presbyterian Church, in 
 which he serves as trustee. 
 
 l(OHN G. JOHNSON, a successful business 
 I man of Cross Creek township, is another ex- 
 t J ample of what patience, industry and enter- 
 ^^" prise can accomplish. He is a son of John 
 Johnson, of Canonsburg, Penn., whose father 
 was Richard Johnson. The latter was a native of 
 County Down, Ireland, and immigrated to America 
 in early manhood, settling near Canonsburg, this 
 county, in about 1800. He was married to a Miss 
 Bradford, a resident of Canonsburg, and children 
 were born to them as follows: George, David (a 
 resident of Steubenville, Ohio), Mary (Mrs. Thomas 
 Allison), Elizabeth (widow of John Stockton), John 
 (living in Canonsburg) and William (a physician). 
 
 John Johnson was born in 1806, on the farm 
 near Canonsburg now occupied by R. V. Johnson, 
 and was reared to manhood on the home place. 
 He was married to Miss Rebecca VanEman, of 
 Cecil township, Washington county, a daughter of 
 Joseph VanEman, who was a prominent farmer of 
 that vicinity. After their marriage the young people 
 settled onthe home place, where their three chil- 
 dren were born, namely: R. V., a farmer and civil 
 engineer of North Strabane township, this county; 
 J. B. , a farmer and dairyman of Chartiers town- 
 ship, this county; and John G., the subject of our 
 present sketch. Shortly before his death, which oc- 
 curred October '9, 1888, Mr. Johnson retired to 
 Canonsburg, there passing his declining years. 
 
 John G. Johnson was born Nobember 13, 1845. 
 on the old home farm near Canonsburg, where his 
 boyhood was spent. He attended the academy at 
 Beaver, Penn., afterward beginning an active busi- 
 ness life as a farmer and stock dealer, following 
 that vocation until within the past few years, and 
 making a trip to Pittsburgh with stock nearly every 
 week. In June, 1874, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Annie K. Morrison, of Chartiers town- 
 ship, this county, and four children have blessed 
 their union, namely: George L. , William M., 
 John (deceased in infancy) and Earnest. Mr. John- 
 son owns 166 acres of good land, two houses and 
 lots in Canonsburg, a storeroom and dwelling, and 
 three good houses in Burgettstown. In politics he 
 has been a stanch Republican, although never car- 
 ing to take an active part in the turmoil of political 
 warfare. Mr. Johnson is now living in a beautiful 
 home, situated at the eastern extremity of Cross 
 Creek village, and is enjoying the fruits of a life 
 of industry. 
 
 THOMAS BORLAND McCORKLE, retired 
 farmer, Canonsburg, late of Cross Creek 
 township, was born July 7, 1835, on the old 
 farm of his father, John McCorkle, where 
 his grandfather settled in 1810. 
 The paternal great-grandfather of our subject 
 
560 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 emigrated from the North of Ireland to Pennsyl- 
 vania, settling east of the mountains at an early 
 date, probably in Adams county, as his son Thomas 
 was born in that county. This Thomas McOorkle 
 came to Washington county, and November 7, 1810, 
 purchased the old homestead farm of something 
 over 432 acres. He was born February 12, 1759, 
 in Adams county, Penn., and died on his farm in 
 Cross Creek township May 25, 1843, at the age of 
 eighty-four years, three mouths and thirteen days. 
 His father, Robert McCorkle, came to Washington 
 county, and died on the son's farm June 26, 1822, 
 in his ninetieth year, in Cross Creek township, and 
 he was buried in West Middletown graveyard, 
 Hopewell township, this county. Thomas McCorkle 
 and his wife, Esther (Terrell) McCorkle, were 
 members of the Associate Reformed Church in 
 West Middletown, and he was a ruling elder in the 
 same for many years. He always followed farm- 
 ing, and was a man of fine principle. Esther 
 McCorkle died December 12, 1839, aged sixty -five 
 years. Their children were as follows: Robert, 
 born October 26, IT'.Hi, died when a young man, 
 unmarried; Margaret, born November 22. 1798, 
 married Thomas Ritchey, o*f Hopewell township; 
 Frances, born February 7, 1800, died unmarried; 
 John, born June 4, 1803, married Mary McCorkle, 
 of Somerset township; Jane, born 'September 14, 
 1807, married Charles Phillis, of Claysville, Ohio; 
 Thomas, born March 24, 1814, married Margaret 
 Welch, who is now a widow and is living in Bur- 
 gettstown, Washington county. 
 
 John and Mary (McCorkle) McCorkle were mar- 
 ried January 14, 1834. She was born February 
 22, 1810. They were both members of the Asso- 
 ciate Reformed Church of West Middletown, in 
 which he was a ruling elder. He held various 
 offices of trust, and was a man of more than ordi- 
 nary executive ability and intelligence, serving as 
 county supervisor, school director and as executor, 
 administrator and guardian for many estates. It 
 was through his persistent efforts that the post- 
 office, Woodrow, in Cross Creek township, was 
 established. He was a member of an old militia 
 company. Mr. ami Mrs. McCorkle had one child, 
 Thomas Borland, our subject. The mother died 
 May 25, 1836, and May 12, 1842, the father 
 married Miss Mary Hay, who was born October 13, 
 1814, on the old homestead farm of her father in 
 Chartiers township, this county, a daughter of 
 David and Mary (McCullough) Hay. Of this union 
 no children were born. Mrs. McCorkle is still 
 living in West Middletown, and is a member of 
 West Middletown U. P. Church. She is descended 
 from the Hays of Scotland. 
 
 Thomas B. McCorkle was educated at the com- 
 mon schools of Cross Creek township, known as 
 " Bushy Rock," and when of proper age learned 
 farming with his father. On June 21, 1871, he 
 
 was united in marriage with Miss Asenath M. 
 Nevin, who was born November 18, 1847, in Beaver 
 county, Penn., on her father's farm near Sheffield, 
 a daughter of George and Eliza A. (Harper) Nevin, 
 the former of whom was a son of John and Mar- 
 garet (Murray) Nevin, and both descendants of 
 Scotch-Presbyterian ancestry. George Nevin was 
 a native of Washington county, Penn., where he 
 was reared to agricultural pursuits, at which he 
 worked a short time, and then opened a store at 
 Sheffield, Beaver county. His wife p was born at 
 Frankfort Springs, Beaver Co., Penn., a daughter 
 of Archibald and Mary (Hay) Harper, the former 
 of whom was a miller at Frankfort Springs (where 
 he owned a mill), the latter a native of Cecil town- 
 ship, Washington county, and born on her father's 
 farm. She was a daughter of John and Ann 
 (Burns) Hay, who were born and married in Scot- 
 land, where some of their children were also born. 
 They came to Washington county at an early day. 
 settled on Miller's run, in Cecil township, and 
 sleep their last sleep in Oak Grove cemetery in 
 Chartiers township. Mrs. Ann (Burns) Hay was 
 a full cousin to Robert Burns, the poet; her hus- 
 band, John Hay, was descended from the Hay 
 family of Scotland, whose coat of arms, etc., appear 
 in "Burke's Peerage." To Thomas B. and Ase- 
 nath M. (Nevin) McCorkle have been born three 
 children, two now living: Mary L. and John T. R. 
 Politically our subject is a Democrat, and has filled 
 various local offices of trust. He and his wife are 
 members of the U. P. Church, at Canonsburg, and 
 he is the owner of two. farms in Cross Creek town 
 ship, comprising 270 acres and 144 acres, respect- 
 ively; he also owns a mill in the same township, 
 known as the Buckeye Flouring Mill. Mr. Mc- 
 Corkle is recognized as one of the leading upright 
 and moral citizens of Washington county, and 
 ranks high among its representative and progress- 
 ive agriculturists. 
 
 dfOHN MILLER DAY was born in Morris 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., October 
 i 24, 182], a great-grandson of Samuel Day, 
 who, in or about the year 1755, came from 
 New Jersey to Pennsylvania and took up land 
 in Morris township, this county, where he fanned 
 successfully. He was the father of four sons: 
 Daniel. Samuel, Joseph and Benjamin, and one 
 daughter, Joanna. 
 
 Daniel Day, the grandfather of subject, remained 
 on the same tract of land which his father had 
 taken up until his death, which occurred in 1811. 
 He left six sons: Calvin, William, John, Samuel, 
 Stephen and Cephas, and three daughters, Abigail, 
 Ellenor and Electy. John followed his father on 
 the farm, and retained the old right to the early 
 settlement. He was married September 2, 1813, 
 

 jjj#§?bs 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 563 
 
 by Rev. C. Dodd, to Sarah Miller, of Amwell town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., and to their union 
 were born eleven children: Eliza, Mary, Sarah, J. 
 Miller, Daniel, Harvey, Annie, Abigail, Cyrus, and 
 Jessie and Meribah (twins). Of these, Eliza (de- 
 ceased wife of George Wolf) resided in Nineveh, 
 Greene Co., Penn. ; Mary (deceased wife of John 
 Brownlee) resided in Franklin township, this 
 county; Sally (deceased wife of Robert Baldwin) 
 resided in Morris township, this count} 7 ; Daniel 
 has been married twice, and resides in Canonsburg, 
 Washington Co., Penn. (his first wife was Mary 
 Bates, of Steubenville, Ohio; his present wife was 
 Etta Johns, of Washington, Washington county ); 
 Harvy, living in Lincoln, Neb., was first married 
 to Caroline McCollnm, and afterward to Mrs. Mary 
 Harris, of Wheeling, W. Va. ; Annie (deceased) 
 was first married to Elias Conger, and then became 
 the wife of Dr. Stross, of Amity, Amwell town- 
 ship, this county; Abigail (Mrs. H. C. Swart) re- 
 sides near Washington borough; Cyrus, died at the 
 age of eight years; Meribah and Jessie (twins) 
 died in infancy. 
 
 John Miller Day, our subject, resides on the old 
 homestead, first owned by his great .-grandfather. 
 He received his primary education at the old time 
 subscription schools, which were held chiefly in 
 abandoned log dwellings, one of these being very 
 near the Day residence. (It is safe to say that the 
 then youth must have been full of the mirth and 
 good cheer which now characterize his riper 
 years). 
 
 In the course of time these early colleges gave 
 way to modern innovations, regulated and gov- 
 erned by school laws. Mr. Day was married Janu- 
 ary 19, 1843, to Miss Elizabeth Hanua, eldest 
 daughter of John V. Hanna, of Morris township. 
 This union was followed by seven children: Mar- 
 tha Maria, born July 7, 1S44, married to John N. 
 Weir, of Franklin township; Sarah Ann, born No- 
 vember 7, 1845, died January 24, 1848; John Mil- 
 ton, born August 26, 1S47, married, October 12, 
 1871, to Margaret Weir, of Franklin township; 
 Elsie Jane, born September 6, 18411. united in 
 marriage, January 18, 1882, with William Ash- 
 brook, of East Finley township; George Hamilton, 
 born April 25, 1852, died October 10, 1854; Hugh 
 Allison, born April 24, 1854, married, April 9, 
 1891, to Annie Andrews, of Morris township; Mary 
 Elizabeth, born June 10, 1856, married September 
 12, 1878, to Allen J. Mowl, and now living in 
 West Bethlehem township, this county. Mrs. 
 Day, mother of these children, died August 4, 
 I s 72, and was buried at Prosperity, this county. 
 On May 20, 1874, Mr. Day married Mrs. Mary 
 (Wise) McKanna, of West Bethlehem township, 
 this county, a daughter of Joseph Wise and widow 
 of George R. McKanna. Mrs. Day was the 
 mother of two children by her first marriage: 
 
 Emma J., wife of James D. Tilery, of Chicago, 111., 
 and Frank B., residing in Pittsburgh, Penn. 
 
 When the Day family first came to Washington 
 county, an old fort stood in the southeastern part 
 of Franklin township; and our subject remembers 
 having his grandmother tell of how she and others 
 would frequently have to take shelter in the fort 
 from the Indians, when they were making un- 
 friendly visits to the homes of the settlers; but the 
 old fort has long since disappeared, and the Indians 
 no longer disturb the sweet repose of the now hap- 
 py citizens. The Days have, from the very first, 
 been successful farmers and business men, and our 
 subject is no exception, for he is now the owner of 
 350 acres of land, very rich and fertile, in a high 
 state of cultivation, and improved with the very 
 best buildings, all of which Mr. Day has had the 
 pleasure of putting up under his own inspection, 
 except one old barn, which remains as a relic of 
 the past. (The old mansion built by Grandfather 
 Day still stands on the old foundation, has been 
 repaired, and is now occupied by Hugh Day, son 
 of our subject). In addition to general agriculture, 
 Mr. Day is extensively interested in wool growing. 
 
 Our subject has been a lifelong member and a 
 liberal supporter of Upper Ten Mile Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he has received the marked con- 
 fidence of his fellow-members in being elected 
 deacon, an office he has held for many years. Po- 
 litically he is a Democrat, and has several times 
 been elected to the office of justice of the peace, 
 but has always declined serving. He was elected 
 a director of the Poor Farm, serving from 1866 to 
 1869. 
 
 We can not close this short history of our sub- 
 ject without expressing gratitude that our friend 
 has been spared to a good old age. And now, 
 while living in borrowed time, his genial face is 
 still lighted up with sunny cheerfulness, which 
 makes his company sought after, aud his presence 
 in the home gatherings a delight. [Written by a 
 friend of the family. 
 
 ILLIAM CALDWELL, sou of Samuel 
 Caldwell, was born July 29, 1830, in Pe- 
 ters township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 Samuel Caldwell was born in 1782, in Dau- 
 phin county, eastern Pennsylvania, and came with 
 his parents to Allegheny county when but a child. 
 He served an apprenticeship as a tailor, but after 
 completing the trade was obliged to abandon it on 
 account of poor health. He then began farming, 
 and in 1818 .bought a farm in Peters township, 
 Washington county, to which he moved, eventu- 
 ally becoming a prosperous agriculturist. In pol- 
 itics he was originally a Whig, then a Republican, 
 and served for years as a member of the school 
 board. In religion he was first identified with the 
 Union Church, afterward uniting with the U. P. 
 
564 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Society, then known as the Bridge Church, now 
 called the Canonsburg U. P. Church, to which he 
 was a liberal contributor. In early life he was 
 married to Elizabeth, daughter of James Gilland, 
 of Allegheny county, Penn., and the following 
 children were bom to this union: James (de- 
 ceased), Ann (wife of John Charlton), Jane, Eliza 
 (Mrs. Thomas D. Weaver), Margaret (married to 
 Henry Bennett), Harriet and William. The father 
 died in 1856, having been preceded by his wife in 
 1841, and both are buried in the Speer Spring 
 cemetery. 
 
 William Caldwell was reared and educated in 
 Peters township, and on March 12, 1857, was 
 united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of 
 John and granddaughter of Henry Miller. The 
 grandparents were natives of Germany, and immi- 
 grated to America in the latter part of the last 
 century, locating on the home farm in Chartiers 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. Henry Miller 
 built one of the first mills for grinding grain, 
 which was run by horses. He was a Whig and 
 Republican, and in religion was for many years a 
 member and elder of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Miller's Run. He died February 11, 1845, fol- 
 lowed by his wife April 10, of the same year. 
 Their children were John, Christia Ann (wife of 
 William Bennett) and Nancy (Mrs. Johnson). 
 
 John Miller was born April 24, 1798, on the 
 home place in Chartiers township, this county. 
 On January 18, 1821, he was married to Margaret 
 Jordan, who bore him children as follows: Stew- 
 art, Henry, Mary (wife of Thomas Chapman), Ann, 
 John, Hugh and Margaret (Mrs. William Caldwell). 
 Of these children, Stewart, Mary, Ann and John 
 are deceased. The father was a Whig and Repub- 
 lican. He was for many years a member and elder 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run, and 
 died on the old place November 17, 1874, Mrs. 
 Miller having preceded him November 3, 1873. 
 Both parents are buried in the cemetery at Miller's 
 Run. After marriage William and Margaret (Mil- 
 ler) Caldwell resided on the home place in Peters 
 township until 1868, when they removed to the 
 Miller homestead, and in 1886 came to their pres- 
 ent home in Canonsburg. Three children have 
 been born to this marriage, namely: John M., 
 Annie E., widow of Thomas I. Charlton, and Ella 
 Paretta. Mrs. Charlton is the only one now liv 
 iug. Mr. Caldwell is an active worker in the ranks 
 of the Republican party, and in religion a member 
 of the Chartiers TJ. P. Church. 
 
 LM. MORGAN was born September 18,1853, 
 I on the farm in Mt. Pleasant, township which 
 I is yet his home, the youngest child of R. M. 
 and Mary (Martin) Morgan. The mother 
 was born on the farm where Peter Martin is now 
 
 living, and both parents were natives of Chartiers 
 township. After their marriage they settled near 
 Sugar Grove, this county, and in 1845 located in 
 Mt. Pleasant township on the farm now known as 
 the Rev. Slater farm, and in 1851 bought the pres- 
 ent homestead, a partially improved farm of 210 
 acres, which they cleared and cultivated, and on 
 which they erected a good brick house and fine 
 barn. The farm was originally a portion of the 
 George Washington survey. In 1880 the family 
 moved to Canonsburg. R. M. Morgan was an ar- 
 dent Democrat in politics, serving as supervisor of 
 the township, as member of the school board, and 
 in various other positions. He and his wife were 
 members of the Miller's Run Presbyterian Church, 
 in which he was ruling elder for many years. He 
 died in January, 1891, having been preceded by 
 his wife in March, 1889. Their children were 
 Nancy Jane (living in Canonsburg), Emeline (de- 
 ceased in 1846), Ellen (deceased in 1872), Anna 
 Mary (wife of J. L. Cockins, of Canonsburg). twin 
 sons who died in infancy in 1851, Sarah Bell (mar- 
 ried to R. D. Hamilton, of Chartiers township) 
 and L. M. (a twin of Sarah Bell). 
 
 L. M. Morgan passed his boyhood on the home 
 farm, and received his education in the district 
 schools of Mt. Pleasant township. On November 
 18, 1880, he was united in marriage with Minerva 
 Shelley, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, a 
 daughter of David and Jane (White) Shelley, the 
 father a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, and the 
 mother born in Chartiers township. The parents 
 located in Jefferson county, Ohio, many years ago. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Morgan settled on the old home- 
 stead, containing 210 acres of good land. He is 
 an active Democrat, and a member of the school 
 board. He and his wife are united with the Mt. 
 Pleasant U. P. Church, of which he is a trustee. 
 They have had five children, namely: Maud Alice, 
 Leroy Shelley, Nina Blanche, Mary E., and one 
 deceased in infancv. 
 
 diOHNf MORGAN, a well-known farmer and 
 stock raiser of Chartiers township, is a na- 
 J tive of the same, born April 20, 1821. He is 
 a grandson of Jacob Morgan, who was born 
 in Maryland, and in an early day came with 
 his wife to Washington county, Penn., locating in 
 Chartiers township, where he died. He was a sol- 
 dier in the war of 1812. 
 
 John Morgan (sou of Jacob) was born in Mary- 
 land, and when a small boy was brought with his 
 parents to Chartiers township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He was married in this county to Nancy 
 Montgomery, a native of Chartiers township, and 
 they began life on a neighboring farm. He was 
 deputy sheriff and justice of the peace for many 
 years, and was an active worker in the Democratic 
 
 \ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 565 
 
 party. He died in 1842, and several years later 
 was followed by his wife, who had borue him chil- 
 dren as follows: Martha Jane (deceased wife of 
 Godfrey Cook), Jacob (deceased, married to a 
 daughter of Major McCloskey), Robert M. (died in 
 1891, was married to Mary Martin), Emma Jaue 
 (deceased in 1888 in Tennessee, wife of William 
 Cundel), John (whose sketch follows), Nancy Jane 
 (Mrs. James Harvey, living in this county), Sam- 
 uel P. (residing in Washington borough, Penn.), 
 Anna (deceased wife of A. C. Morrow), Rebecca 
 (Mrs. J. R. McClosky, of Lawrence, Kans.) and 
 Hugh (also living in Kansas). 
 
 John Morgan was born and reared on the farm 
 adjoining his present home, receiving his educa- 
 tion in the schools of Chartiers township, and as- 
 sisting in improving the farm. In 1856 he was 
 united in marriage with >3arah Jane, daughter of 
 Samuel and Jane (White) Martin. The parents 
 located in Chartiers township, this county, where 
 the father died September 29, 1864, the mother 
 having preceded him over the river March 1, 1835. 
 John and Sarah Jane (Martin) Morgan located on 
 their present farm in 1860. It contains 129 acres 
 of well cultivated land, upon which two good resi- 
 dences have been built; he owns considerable 
 stock, and carries on general farming. He is in- 
 terested in the success of the Democratic party, 
 with which he is identified, and he and his wife are 
 members of the U. P. Church in Chartiers town- 
 ship. Their children are Anna Mary (wife of Jo- 
 seph Barry), Belle (married to George Patch, 
 Houstonville, Penn.), Samuel M. (married to a 
 daughter of Andrew Miller, and living in Chartiers 
 township), John H. (residing with his parents), 
 Ella Jane, Hattie and Hugh F. 
 
 C. LINDLEY was born April 28, 1847, in 
 Morris township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 a son of Cephas Lindley, who was also a 
 native of Morris township, born March 28, 
 1816, and received his education in the schools of 
 that period. In early manhood Cephas Lindley 
 was married on March 16, 1840, to Miss Anna 
 Hanna, a resident of Morris township, and they 
 had six children: Mary (Mrs. Smith Day), Louisa 
 J. (Mrs. Jacob Baldwin), B. C. (subject of the 
 present sketch), Lawson L., Laura J. (Mrs. Rich- 
 ard Sargeant) and Sarah A. (Mrs. H. R. Post). 
 The mother of this family died January 31, 1859, 
 and Mr. Lindley married on November 24, 1864, 
 for his second wife, Mary Hackney, who has .no 
 children. Mr. Lindley settled in Franklin town- 
 ship, Washington county, and was for many years 
 engaged in buying and selling stock, becoming quite 
 a wealthy man at one time, but reverses followed 
 his early success, and swept away the greater part 
 of his property. He might have legally retained a 
 
 portion of the wreck, but his fine sense of honor 
 would not permit him to reserve any part of that 
 which should meet his obligations. Mr. Lindley 
 has been a most industrious man, and is highly 
 respected by his neighbors. He and his family 
 are active members of the Cumberland Presby- 
 terian Church. In political opinion he was a Whig, 
 and since the organization of the party has been a 
 Republican. 
 
 B. C. Lindley passed his youth on the farm, and 
 the meager advantages of the country school gave 
 him a taste for literature, which he indulges during 
 his leisure moments. On February 23, 1871, he 
 was united in marriage with Miranda Van Kirk 
 Patterson, daughter of J. W. Patterson, and their 
 familv consists of the following children: Demas, 
 boi Q April 28, 1872; Clyde P., born December 18, 
 1877; Anna C.,born December 1, 1880; Mary L., 
 born July 20, 1888, and Parmelia E., born Decem- 
 ber 29, 1890. After his marriage Mr. Lindley re- 
 mained on the home farm some time, and then 
 moved to Chartiers township, this county, thence 
 to Aniwell township. He afterward came to West 
 Bethlehem township, and finally settled on his 
 present place, which consists of 194 acres of land, 
 known as the Baldwin farm. Mr. Lindley is a 
 popular and progressive man. In political opinion 
 he is a Republican, and has tilled the position of 
 school director seven years. He and his family 
 are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 JLLIAM SMITH, an old and esteemed 
 farmer of Independence township, is a 
 son of John Smith, who was born in 
 L786, in County Fermanagh, Ireland. He 
 passed his youth in assisting his father on the home 
 farm, and in early manhood was married to Jane 
 Graham, who was born in 17811, daughter of Will- 
 iam Graham. In 1818 John Smith' with his wife 
 and infant son, William, sailed from Cork, Ireland, 
 to find a home across the ocean. They landed in 
 New York, and immediately proceeded to Inde- 
 pendence township, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 a brother of Mr. Smith had previously located near 
 Buffalo creek. For some time after his arrival in 
 Independence township, Mr. Smith worked as a 
 farm tenant, but this did not suit his energetic and 
 ambitious disposition. In a few years he purchased 
 the farm that he had rented on arriving in Penn- 
 sylvania, and remained upon it until his death, 
 which occurred in 1831. His widow continued to 
 reside on the place, which was managed by her sons, 
 until her death in 1835. The children born in 
 America were as follows: John (a farmer in Inde- 
 pendence township), Jane (living on the old home- 
 stead with her brother John), Edward (who died 
 at the old homestead in his twenty-first year) and 
 
:,<;<; 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Mary A. (widow of Paul Ralston, of Independence 
 township). 
 
 William Smith (the eldest child of John Smith) 
 was born December 22, 1817, in Couuty Fermanagh, 
 Ireland, being an infant when brough to America 
 with his parents. He received a limited education 
 at the rate schools, and losing his father when but 
 a boy of fourteen years, a heavy burden of care 
 necessarily fell upon him as the eldest son. The 
 mother died but a few years later, yet still the brave 
 boy struggled on, with no one to guide him and no 
 assistance but that of the younger children; but 
 they managed the farm successfully. On October 
 15, 1841), William Smith was married to Margaret 
 Haggarty, who was born April 3, 1 818, daughter of 
 James Haggarty, an early resident of Independence 
 township, and a native of Ireland. After his mar- 
 riage Mr. Smith entered mercantile business at 
 Dunsfort, Penn. , but soon returned to the farm, 
 concluding that after all agriculture was the more 
 desirable vocation, and continued to follow it until 
 recent years. He is now living a semi-retired life 
 in the pleasant home. On October 15, 1890, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Smith celebrated their golden wedding, 
 and were the recipients of many gifts. In politics 
 he was formerly a Whig; he cast his first vote for 
 William H. Harrison, and has also voted for his 
 grandson, Benjamin. Mr. Smith passes much of his 
 time in reading various kinds of literature, with 
 which his library is well filled. In religious connec- 
 tion he is second to the oldest member of the U. P. 
 Church at Mt. Hope, in which he has been an elder 
 over thirty years. He has always been an earnest 
 worker and liberal contributor to the cause. 
 
 L. M. SMITH was born December 8, 1846, 
 in Canonsburg. this county, grandson of 
 John Smith. The last mentioned ances- 
 tor was born in June, 1771, in York county, 
 Penn. In 1796"he was married to Nancy McClure, 
 and came to Allegheny county in 1804, thence to 
 Washington county in 1807, and in 1810 finally 
 located in Beaver county, Penn. He died July 1 7. 
 L851, followed by his wife February '21', 1859. 
 
 John M. Smith was born November 23, 1799, 
 in Gettysburg, Penn., and in 1804 was brought to 
 t he " Pinkerton Place," in Allegheny county, thence 
 to Cecil township, this county, in 1807. They movei 1 
 to Allegheny county in 1812, and in the fall of 
 1815 his father bought a farm in Beaver county. 
 upon which he moved the following year. In 1817 
 John M. Smith went to Pittsburgh, Penn.. and 
 learned the cabinet maker's trade; then worked at 
 carpentry, boarding on the farm which his son now 
 occupies. On April 10, 1833, he was united in 
 marriage with Mary Moore, a daughter of James, 
 and granddaughter of John Moore. The latter 
 was a native of Ligonier Valley, Penn., and in 1 777 
 
 came to Cecil township. He died on the "Forks 
 of the Yough," on the road while moving, leaving 
 his widow to rear the children and pay for the 
 land. The constable, accompanied by Esquire 
 John Donal, came to make a levy of $12, while the 
 widow was in the act of family worship. After 
 the prayers were finished the constable said he 
 would sell no one out who would make a prayer 
 like that, and Esquire John Donal loaned her 
 the $12 to meet the debt. The widow died in 
 Cecil township, and none of the family are now 
 living. 
 
 James Moore, a son of John Moore was born in 
 Ligonier Valley, Penn.. in 1773, and in early life 
 was married to Elizabeth Moore, a native of Butler 
 county, Penn. He moved to the home farm in 
 this county in 1777, and died on the old place 
 July 22, 1859, being followed in 1868 by the wife 
 and mother. 
 
 After their marriage, in 1833, John M. and 
 Mary (Moore) Smith first located on the old Dr. 
 Ramsey farm, near Canonsburg. In the spring of 
 1S40 they removed into Canonsburg, where he 
 worked at his trade in connection with agricultural 
 pursuits. In 1861 he bought, and in 1864 moved 
 upon, the home farm of James Moore, in Cecil 
 township. In July, 1866, he was taken with gan- 
 grene, and a limb was amputated. He died Feb- 
 ruary 14, 1886, his widow following him July 7, 
 1889. They were members of the Seceder Church, 
 and the parents of the following children: James 
 Ramsey, born in April, 1834 (married in 1861 
 to Mary Jane Reyburn, and settled in Canton 
 township); Jane Moore, born in 1836; Mary Cum- 
 mings, born in ISMS: Eliza Glasgow and a twin, 
 born in 1840; Nancy born in 1842; John Park, 
 born in 1844; W. L. M., (whose name opens this 
 shetch); John Murray (married in 1878 to Rebecca 
 McAnley, of Clarion coupty; he was born in 
 1848, and died in 1877, leaving a widow and two 
 children); Mary King, born in January, 1851, 
 (married in 187S to Mr. A. Malone, of Elizabeth, 
 Allegheny county, has two children); Jane Glas- 
 gow, born in 1853 (married in 1875 to William 
 Henry H. Craig, of Clarion county, Penn.. has six 
 children), and Samuel Harper, born in 1855 (mar- 
 ried in 1883 to Mary Nancy Westbay, of Eliz- 
 abeth; has three children; he is a physician and 
 surgeon of McKeesport, Penn). Of these children; 
 Jane, Mary, Eliza, Nancy and John all died in 
 1S47, between February 25 and March 15, of 
 scarlet fever. 
 
 W. L. M. Smith was educated in the public 
 schools of Canonsburg. In 1862 he came to the 
 farm where he is now living. On November 12, 
 1868, he was united in marriage with Grisela 
 Roney, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Gibson) 
 Roney, natives of North Strabane township, this 
 county, where the father died; the mother passed 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 567 
 
 away in 1889. Two children were born to W. L. 
 M. and Grisela Smith, viz. : Elizabeth Jane (wife 
 of D. J. Stirling, Bulger), and Mary Minerva, liv- 
 ing with her mother. She left him in 1872, and 
 June '20, 1878, Mr. Smith, after securing a divorce 
 in 1877, married Margaret S. , daughter of John 
 and Nancy (Greer) Hunter. Her parents were 
 born in eastern Pennsylvania, coming to Cecil 
 township in an early day, where the father died in 
 1865, followed by the mother in 1876. They 
 reared a family of ten children, of whom four sons 
 served in the war, and William died in the serv- 
 ice. Five are yet living, namely: John, a carpen- 
 ter, of McDonald, Penn. ; Joseph, a stonemason, 
 of McDonald; Maggie; James R. , a farmer of AMe 
 gheny county; and Nancy residing with her sister 
 Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Smith began married life 
 on the home farm where they arc now living. 
 which contains 133 acres of good land. In politics 
 he is a Prohibitionist. In religion he and his wife 
 are members of the U. P. Church at Venice. 
 
 VILLI AM S. CRAFT, one of the leading 
 residents of South Strabane township, was 
 born April 3, 1841, in Morris township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. His grand 
 father, John Craft, was married to Abigail Conk- 
 lin, a resident of Morris township, and she bore 
 him children as follows: Lila (Mrs. Thomas 
 Dickersou), David, Perinhna (Mrs. Samuel Farra- 
 bee), Urius, Stewart, Stephen, Conklin, Catherine, 
 and William. After his marriage Mr. Craft re- 
 mained in Morris township several years, then 
 w#nt to East Finley township, where he died. In 
 politics he was a Democrat, and in religion an 
 active worker and class-leader in the Mi E. 
 Church at Mt. Zion. 
 
 David Craft, son of John and Abigail (Conklin) 
 Craft, was born November 17, 1812, in Morris 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and there re- 
 ceived his early education. On March 29, 1838, 
 he was married to Mary, daughter of Stephen 
 Mills, a resident of New Jersey. Mr. Mills was 
 married to Experience Lory, and she bore him 
 the following children: Johanna, Deborah, Jonas, 
 William, James, John, Mary, Phoebe, Eliza, Henry 
 and Samuel. Mr. Mills went to Ohio, where he 
 remained some time, and then returned to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., settling near Taylorstown. 
 He was a carpenter and builder, and in politics 
 belonged to the Democratic party. In religious 
 belief he was united with the Presbyterian Church 
 at Claysville, this county. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Craft spent the first years of their 
 married life in East Finley township, Washington 
 county, and then removed to Morris township, in 
 1841, settling on the home farm. They have had 
 the following family of children: John M. (living 
 
 in Kansas City), William S. (subject of this 
 sketch), Thomas (deceased), Stewart C. (residing 
 in Idaho), Phcebe C. (deceased), Stephen L. (de- 
 ceased), Jonas L. (living in Oregon), Catherine 
 (deceased), Melissa, Delia J. (Mrs. Oscar Lindley, 
 living in Kansas) and Mary A. (Mrs. J. M. Pat- 
 tersou, of Washington, Penn.). Mr. Craft first 
 built a log house, and afterward erected a frame 
 dwelling, which was burned, and which he rebuilt. 
 He was an active member of the Democratic party, 
 and in church connection was an adherent of the 
 M. E. Church for fifty years, serving as trustee dur- 
 ing much of that time. Mr. Craft died February 
 19, 1890, and was buried at Mt. Zion. 
 
 William S. Craft passed his boyhood days on 
 the home farm in Morris township. Washington 
 county, and in August, 1862, enlisted in Company 
 K, Sixteenth P. V. C. and was sent to the army of 
 the Potomac. He took part in the principal 
 battles, and at the close of the war came out 
 unwounded with the exception of a slight bruise 
 made by a ball. On October 13, 1869, he 
 was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of 
 John Montgomery, and they have had six children: 
 Leroy I (deceased), George W., Inez F., Her- 
 schel B. (deceased), John M. and Jane Adeline. 
 On his return from the war he operated a portable 
 sawmill four years, then commenced farming. He 
 first settled on a farm in Morris township, near 
 Prosperity, this county, remaining there two years 
 when he moved to East Finley township, living 
 there one year; thence removed to West Finley 
 township, and eleven years afterward bought and 
 took possession of his present home in South Stra- 
 bane township. Mr. Craft has been engaged in 
 the dairy business the past four years, and has a 
 herd of twenty cows, which supply a large city 
 custom. Politically he votes the Democratic 
 ticket, and is interested in all public enterprises. 
 When a youth he united with the M. E. Church 
 at Mt. Zion, Morris township, but since removing 
 to his present home he has attended the Presby- 
 terian Church at Washington. 
 
 ¥ I It ENRY ROBINSON is a representative of 
 [■ — J one of the early families of this county, 
 and is a grandson of Henry Robinson, 
 I) - 1 who was born in York county, Penn., and 
 v came to Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 
 over a century ago. He first purchased and 
 located on the present site of Hickory village, but 
 losing this land by priority of title, never bought 
 elsewhere, continuing however, to reside in this 
 county. Henry Robinson was a Revolutionary 
 soldier, and in politics was an ardent Democrat. 
 He died in 1826, having been preceded by his wife 
 several years. 
 
 Joseph Robinson, son of Henry, was born in Mt. 
 
568 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Pleasant township, and attended the home schools 
 during his boyhood. In early life he was married 
 to Jane Morrow, who was born on Ten Mile creek 
 in Washington county, and they settled on the 
 farm now occupied by Henry Robinson, where 
 children were born as follows: William (married 
 to Margaret Anderson, living in Delaware county, 
 Ohio), Robert (married to Nancy McNeil, died in 
 1882, in East Liberty, Allegheny county), Henry (of 
 whom further mention is made), Thomas (married 
 to Elizabeth McCauley, living in Mt. Pleasant 
 township), Hannah Jane (residing in Burgetts- 
 town), Joseph (also in Burgettstowu), Mary (wife 
 of Alexander Richardson, living in New Castle, 
 Penn.), John (deceased at the age of twelve or 
 thirteen years) and Julia Ann (who died in her 
 eighth year of Hcarlet fever). The parents were 
 members of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. 
 Mr. Robinson was an active member of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and always followed agricultural 
 pursuits. He died several years ago, the wife and 
 mother having crossed the river some time 
 before. 
 
 Henry Robinson was born July 18, 1818, on the 
 old place in Mt. Pleasant township where he is yet 
 living. He was educated in the log-cabin sub- 
 scription school of the vicinity, with its usual 
 primitive furnishings, consisting of a puncheon 
 floor and slab Beats. In 1S47 he was united in 
 marriage with Jane Barnett, who was born in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, daughter of John and Mary 
 (Thompson) Barnett, both of whom are natives of 
 Washington county, and early settlers of Mt. 
 Pleasant township. The mother died in 1882, 
 having been several years preceded by her hus 
 band. Mr. and Mrs. Robinson began their wedded 
 life on the farm which they now occupy, and the 
 following children have been born to them: Mary 
 (died September 20, 1856), James Negley (at 
 home), Joseph (married to a Miss Wright, is a drug- 
 gist at Chad ron. Neb.), John (engaged in stock 
 business in Nebraska), Jane Ann (wife of David 
 Mc&uyin, a farmer of Custer county, Neb.), 
 Martha (Mrs. Perry Lyle, living at Anaheim, 
 Orange Co., Cal.), Attissa (deceased January 16, 
 1863) and Charlie (married to Belle Caldwell, and 
 living on a place adjoining the old Rankin farm). 
 The home place contains fifty acres of good land, 
 which is in a tine state of cultivation. Mr. Robin- 
 son votes with the Democratic party, and he and 
 his wife are members of the Mt. Prospect Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 \ILLIAM W. DINSMORE. Among the 
 leading citizens of Washington county, 
 the sons of Erin have ever held a promi- 
 nent position. The original Dinsmore 
 family were natives of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish de- 
 
 scent, and from that fair land James Dinsmore 
 immigrated to America, first locating on Miller's run, 
 Allegheny county, Penn., afterward, about 1798, 
 moving to Canton township, Washington county. 
 He had two sons — John and James — also several 
 daughters. John was married to Jane Carr, and 
 settled in Canton township, this county, where five 
 children were born to them, namely: William, 
 James, John, Robert and Mary. 
 
 James Dinsmore (son of James and father of 
 William W.) was born March 4, 1782, in Canton 
 township, this county, and in 1802 was united in 
 marriage with Hester Hamilton, who was born 
 March 6, 1784, a daughter of James and Mary 
 (Renick) Hamilton. Both families were early and 
 prominent settlers of Canton township. To this 
 union children were born as follows: Robert, Feb- 
 ruary 13, 1806; Rebecca, January 30, 1808; Mary, 
 January 6, 1810; Elizabeth, September 22, 1812; 
 James, November 8, 1815; John, July 25, 1818; 
 Alexander W., April 26, 1820; William W., De- 
 cember 3, 1822; and Sarah A., September 8, 1824. 
 Mr. Dinsmore removed to Mt. Pleasant township, 
 where he followed farming very successfully. He 
 was prominent and influential both in the Presby- 
 terian Church and Sunday school (being a member 
 and regular attendant of both), and served for 
 many years as superintendent of the latter. They 
 brought up their children in strict conformity to 
 the tenets of the church. The father died No- 
 vember 15, 1831, from the effects of being thrown 
 from a young horse. After the death of her bus- 
 < band, Mrs. Dinsmore, although in delicate health, 
 cared for and educated her children, sending her 
 sons James and Alexander to college to prepare 
 for the ministry. She died April 13, 1859, in her 
 seventy-fifth year. 
 
 James Dinsmore was an uncompromising and 
 enthusiastic champion of temperance. About the 
 year 1830 Rev. Anderson, D. D. , commenced ad- 
 vocating the cause of temperance, and Mr. Dins- 
 more was among the first to practice it. About 
 that time, being in want of a barn (in those days 
 they were all built of logs), he told some of his 
 neighbors that he was going to have a "barn rais- 
 ing," and that no whisky was to be used in the 
 work. In reply to this it was intimated to him 
 that the men would not raise the barn without 
 whisky. " I will try it anyhow," was Mr. Dins- 
 more's laconic reply, and he did so; he not only 
 tried it, but succeeded; and it is a historical fact 
 that this was the first barn in the country raised 
 without the use of alcoholic liquors. To this rec- 
 ord his son, William W. , adds the following: 'And 
 I, James Dinsmore' s son, am three-score and ten 
 years old. and have yet to take my first dram. I 
 have not chewed an ounce of tobacco, or smoked 
 the bulk of one cigar yet, and I do not feel like 
 breaking my record now." 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 569 
 
 William W. Dinsmore was born on the home 
 place in Mt. Pleasant township, and attended 
 school until about seventeen years of age; he then 
 took charge of the old homestead. 
 
 On October 7, 1847, Mr. Dinsmore was mar- 
 ried to Miss Mary Jane Maxwell, who was born 
 January 11, 1829, daughter of James and Margaret 
 (Greer) Maxwell. The young couple first settled 
 on the old homestead, two or three years later pur- 
 chasing the farm in Hopewell township, which is 
 the present home of our subject. It contains 172 
 acres, and is known as the best farm on the Wash- 
 ington and Wellsburgh roads. In 1875 he pur- 
 chased 163 acres in another part of Hopewell 
 township, and both farms have been improved and 
 cultivated to the utmost extent. Mr. Dinsmore is 
 a great admirer of fine horses, devoting much 
 attention to raising them. For many years he 
 was a teacher in the Sabbath-school, but has re- 
 cently given up his class, and he also served many 
 years as a church trustee, contributing liberally, 
 as well, to the support of the cause. He is an in- 
 telligent man, a great reader and a close student 
 of current events, and has always been energetic 
 and thrifty. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dinsmore both united with the 
 Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church in early 
 youth, taking an active part in both church 
 and Sabbath school work. She died August 7, 
 1889, leaving several children, of whom the fol- 
 lowing is a brief record: Margaret Jane, born No- 
 vember 10, 1848, is the wife of W. M. Dinsmore, 
 of Canton township (they have four children, 
 William M. , Mary Daisy, Sarah Adeline and Hel- 
 en P.); Hetty Amanda, born December 7, 1850, 
 was married to Luther Lawtou, of Cross Creek 
 townslup (they have the following children: John 
 Orr, Mary Luella, Sarah Bessie and Paul Hubert); 
 James Maxwell, born September 1, 1853, married 
 Flora Donaldson (their children are Grace Walker, 
 Mary Josephine, Robert Edwin and William 
 Lloyd); William Benjamin Franklin, born July 
 26, 1857, is living at home, unmarried; Mary Lou, 
 born October 16, 1859, was united in marriage 
 ♦villi J. O. Ely, May 10, 1888 (she died May 10, 
 1890); Robert Addison, born March 17, 1864, 
 studied dentistry and located in Cumberland coun- 
 ty, Ohio, but moved to Cleveland, where on No- 
 vember 5, 1891, he was married to Miss Virgie 
 Green (he is now practicing in Cleveland, Ohio); 
 Emma Rebecca, born September 1, 1866, married 
 J. O. Ely, September 1, 1891, and they reside in 
 Chicago, 111., where he is practicing dentistry. 
 Mrs. Dinsmore was much loved and esteemed as a 
 good, kind-hearted Christian woman, possessing 
 an unbounded influence for good. Her death 
 was deeply mourned by her family and many 
 friends. 
 
 THOMAS WILSON, son of Thomas and Mary 
 (Ellis) Wilson (both of whom are deceased), 
 was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ire- 
 land. 
 At the age of nineteen years, in com- 
 pany with his brother, Joseph, Thomas Wilson 
 came to America, and the two young men located 
 at Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 Thomas was engaged in the butchering business 
 for a short time. He then worked in a brickyard 
 for a period of five years, after which he moved to 
 the "Robert Russell" farm, where he remained 
 for twenty-five years. In the fall of 1879 he pur- 
 chased the John Cummins farm, containing 110 
 acres, in Chartiers township, shortly afterward sell- 
 ing it to Robert H. Russell (now deceased). In the 
 spring of 1882 he purchased an unimproved farm, 
 in Chartiers township, the one on which he now 
 resides, immediately proceeding to erect a hand- 
 some dwelling and new barn. In early manhood 
 Mr. Wilson married Martha H., daughter of 
 George Wilson, and to this union the following 
 children have been born: George S., Mary E., 
 Robert A.. Mat hew C, John R., Anna S., Lizzie 
 J., Jennetta B., Louis T. (deceased), and one that 
 died in infancy. The entire family are members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church, at Canonsburg. 
 
 HELDON B. HAYES, one of the enterpris- 
 ing young bnsiness men of the county, was 
 born February 3, 1855, in Washington 
 borough, Washington Co., Penn. He is a 
 grandson of Sheldon B. Hayes, who was the earli- 
 est carriage manufacturer west of the Alleghanies, 
 having commenced business in Washington in 
 1842. 
 
 Marshall H. Hayes, father of our subject, was 
 bom in June, 1S27, in Connecticut, where he at- 
 tended the common schools and passed his boy- 
 hood until the age of fifteen, when he came to 
 Washington county. In 1861 he went to Hart- 
 ford, Conn., where he remained until 1869, when 
 he returned to this county, and here ended his 
 days. In early manhood he was married to Sarah 
 Morrison, a lady of Scotch ancestry, and who had 
 come to Washington county from Scotland at the 
 age of fourteen years. The children born to this 
 uniou were: Miranda M., who married John A. 
 Storey, of Iowa, and died in 1880; Sheldon B. ; 
 Virgil C. , who died in 1881; John B., who died in 
 1859; Mary, who died in 1862, and George. Mar- 
 shall H. Hayes was a carriage manufacturer by 
 trade, having succeeded his father in the business, 
 and was eminently successful. He was a progres- 
 sive, enterprising man, and all movements tending 
 to the advancement of his section received his 
 heartiest support. He was a prominent member 
 
570 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics was a 
 lifelong Democrat. He died March 26, 1891 ; his 
 
 widow is yet living. 
 
 Sheldon B. Hayes received his primary educa- 
 tion at the schools of Hartford (Conn. ) and Wash- 
 ington, and afterward attended Washington and 
 Jefferson College, where he graduated in L875. 
 On June 21, 1889, he was married to Annie C, 
 daughter of Adam H. Ecker, and two children, 
 Antoinette and Marguerite, have been born to them. 
 Mr. Hayes was engaged from 1875 in the business 
 of carriage manufacturing and that of sash, doors, 
 blinds, etc., established by his grandfather, but in 
 1890 he wound it up, and is now engaged in set- 
 tling up its affairs, and attending to other busi- 
 ness. He is a member of the State militia, being 
 adjutant of the Tenth Regiment, and in politics is 
 an active Democrat. Socially Mr. Hayes is an ad- 
 vanced Freemason, having attained the thirty-sec- 
 ond degree. 
 
 rt( LEXAXDER C. MeCOY, a prominent agri- 
 # l\ culturist i if Chartiers township, was born 
 r^l\ August-!, 1829, in North Strabane township, 
 J -* this county. His grandfather, John Mc- 
 i Coy, was a native of York county, Penn., 
 
 where he was married to Mary McNary. In 1803 
 he purchased and moved upon an uncultivated 
 farm in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 which is yet owned by his grandson, Alexander C. 
 John and Mary (McNary) McCoy were the parents 
 of the following children : Esther, Jane, Margaret, 
 Elizabeth, James and William. The father fol- 
 lowed farming and stock raising. In religious 
 faith he was a member of the Seceder Church, and 
 in politics a Whig. 
 
 William McCoy was born in 1801, on the home 
 place in York county, Penn., and was educated in 
 the schools of Washington county, where his par- 
 ents had settled soon after his birth. He was mar- 
 ried to Martha, daughter of John Chambers, of 
 South Strabane township, this county. Mr. and 
 Mrs. McCoy first settled on the home place, and in 
 1867 moved to Canonsburg, where he died in 1870, 
 leaving the following children: Alexander C, 
 Mary (married to James Templeton i, Sarah J. 
 (wife of Rev. L. Y. Graham, D. D.. pastor of a 
 Presbyterian Church at Philadelphia), Abbie C. 
 (wife of Rev. J. D. Shanks, D. D., pastor of a 
 Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia), and Isa- 
 belle (married to Rev. D. B. Rogers, also a minis- 
 ter in a Philadelphia Presbyterian Church). The 
 father was a man of strong religious convictions 
 and a liberal supporter of the Chartiers U. P. 
 Church, of which he was a trustee for many years. 
 In politics he was a Whig and Republican; he 
 served his township as school director, and often 
 assisted in the settlement of estates. 
 
 Alexander C. McCoy passed his youth on the 
 
 home place in Chartiers township, and received 
 his education at the public schools of Canonsburg. 
 On February 28, 1867, "he married Sarah J. . daugh- 
 ter of James Linn, of Washington, Penn. The 
 first years of their married life were passed on the 
 home place, and in 1891 they settled in Canons- 
 burg. No children having been born to them. Mr. 
 and Mrs. McCoy adopted Maggie Chambers, giv- 
 ing her a good education. In 181*1 she became 
 the wife of Albert Sauer, of Canonsburg. Alex- 
 ander McCoy is a very prominent stockman, and 
 for many years has raised registered sheep and 
 Shorthorn cattle. He is a member of the We-t ern 
 Pennsylvania Agricultural Association. Politically 
 he votes the Republican ticket, and has served as 
 school director. He is an earnest member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church, of which he has been 
 a trustee for nine years. 
 
 EILMER R. DEEMS. This gentleman comes 
 of German ancestry, the first of whom to 
 come to Washington county being Mark 
 - Deems, his great grandfather, who, while a 
 resident of Maryland, served in the Revolutionary 
 war, participating in the battles of Long Island, 
 Brandy wine and Trenton. In October, 1786, lie 
 came to Pike run township, this county, and took 
 up a tract of 341 acres of wild land at the head 
 waters of Pike run, naming it "Deems' Depend 
 ence," on a portion of which Wilbur A. Deems (a 
 brother of Elmer) now lives. John Deems came 
 hither with Mark, but did not remain long, remov- 
 ing to Virginia, where he made a settlement on t he 
 Kanawha river, where his descendants still reside. 
 Mark Deems died on this land April 11, 181 1, his 
 wife about the same time, judging from the follow- 
 ing copy of receipt for wages, filed in the .office of 
 the county register at Washington, which receipt 
 reads as follows: ''April 27, 1M4. Barbary House 
 was employed by Mark Deems and his wife, in 
 their last sickness, three weeks, $3.7T>. Received 
 payment, Barbary House." They were the par- 
 ents of children as follows: George, John, Adam, 
 Mark, Jacob, Catherine (married to Nathaniel 
 Joues, of Washington county), and Mary (married 
 to Samuel Crow, also of this county), all of which 
 are now dead. At the time of his death Mark 
 I teems was owner of over 80(1 acres in West Pike 
 Run township, which laud on his demise was di- 
 vided among his children. His personal property 
 amounted to 61,985.32, a large amount for those 
 early days. 
 
 George Deems, grandfather of Elmer R. , re- 
 ceived as his share of his father's estate the farm 
 now occupied by the heirs of Samuel Yerty. He 
 married Miss Elizabeth Fisher, a lady of English 
 birth, and the result of this union was the follow- 
 ing named children: Mark F. (deceased), Ggorge 
 (living in West Pike Run township). John (who 
 
isbbt*, 
 
 ia^ilA/ Aj \ /D££^7^ut>p 
 
 ^. 
 
\ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 573 
 
 died in Illinois), Jacob (living in West Pike Run 
 township), Mary (deceased wife of David Jenkins, 
 and the mother of Capt. George Jenkins, now of 
 West Pike Run township), Catherine (who was 
 married in Illinois to Jehu Graves, and died with- 
 out issue), and Elizabeth (married to Samuel 
 Heaton). The father of this family died in 1851, 
 the mother a few years earlier. 
 
 George Deems, father of Elmer R., was born in 
 1819, in West Pike Run township, this county, 
 where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, which 
 have been his life vocation. He has been most 
 successful in all his undertakings, and can justly 
 claim a prominent place on the noble roll of self- 
 made men of the county, as from the bottom rung 
 of the ladder he has, unaided, worked his way up 
 to the top. The first labor he was employed in was 
 breaking stone on the National pike, and by indus- 
 try and thrift he is now owner of four of the finest 
 farms of his township. In 1846 he married Eliza 
 Ann, daughter of John Sharp, who at one time 
 owned a fulling mill on Little Pike run, near what 
 is known as the White Hall school-house. When 
 his daughter. Eliza Ann, was a small girl, Mr. 
 Sharp moved to Holmes county, Ohio, where his 
 wife died, and Eliza then came to Pennsylvania to 
 live with her uncle, Lewis Baker, in West Pike Run 
 township. To Mr. and Mrs. George Deems were 
 born five children: Elmer R. ; Mary, who died 
 young; John J., in West Pike Run township; 
 Harvey F., in Canton toXvnship, and Wilbur A., on 
 the old home farm in West Pike Run. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Deems built a new house on their farm, and 
 here she died April 1 1, 1890, at the age of sixty- 
 five years. Mr. Deems, now a man of seventy-three 
 years, is yet living on the farm. Politically he was 
 formerly a Whig and " Freesoiler," now a solid 
 Republican; in religious connection he is a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church, as was also his wife. 
 
 Elmer R. Deems was born in West Pike Run 
 township, Washington county, January 16, L849. 
 He received a common-school education; attended 
 Southwestern State Normal School at California, 
 1865, 1866, and Mount Union College, Ohio, in 
 1868; was a successful teacher in the public schools 
 for several years, and since his marriage, in 1872, 
 has followed the occupation of a farmer. He was 
 too young to participate in the late war, but when 
 there was a call for State troops, after the burning 
 of Chambersburg, in 1861, he enlisted in Capt. 
 Castner's company, being then fifteen years of age, 
 but saw no service. In 1872 he married Emma, 
 daughter of James S. Crawford, Esq., of East 
 Bethlehem township, and of this union were born 
 two children: Sarah O, in 1877, and Ernest, in 
 1887. Mr. and Mrs. Deems moved to the Shenan- 
 doah Valley in 1S75 (where Sarah was born), where 
 they remained only two years, owing to the preju- 
 dice of the natives to Northern people. When 
 
 they returned they located in West Pike Run town- 
 ship, and later moved to East Bethlehem township, 
 where, in 1880, they built a comfortable home. 
 
 Mr. Deems has always been an active Repub- 
 lican, and during the Presidential campaign of 
 ISM he organized the first Blaine and Logan club 
 in the county. The East Bethlehem Cavalry, con- 
 sisting of thirty-three members, being uniformed 
 and equipped by August 1, it was during the cam- 
 paign and as captain of this company, at Freder- 
 icktown, on the evening of September 23, he was 
 brutally attacked by a desperate Democrat tough, 
 and although coming out victorious he received an 
 almost fatal wound, which has rendered him inca- 
 pable of performing manual labor. Thus com- 
 pelled to abandon his occupation as a farmer, he 
 entered the political arena, and in June, 18N7, re- 
 ceived the nomination for prothonotary, only lack- 
 ing two votes of being nominated on first ballot, 
 and in November was elected over W. A. Cracraft, 
 the Democrat nominee, by a majority of 1,401. He 
 has been an efficient and accommodating officer; as 
 a high compliment for the satisfactory manner in 
 which this most difficult of offices has been filled by 
 him, he was, on the meeting of the Republican 
 ci invention, in June, 1890, unanimously re-nomi- 
 nated without opposition. He has been an efficient 
 and accommodating officer, and was re-elected by 
 an appreciative public. Sinae his election to the 
 office of prothonotary, he has lived in the borough 
 of Washington, on East Maiden street. Mr. 
 Deems is a, member of I. O. O. F., O. IT. A. M., 
 the F. & A. M. and Jacques De Molay Command- 
 ery, Knights Templar, and is a member of the 
 M. E. Church. 
 
 f/OHN S. CLARK, an enterprising agricultur- 
 ist of Buffalo township, is a son of Uriah 
 ^" Clark, who was born and reared in Claysville, 
 ^^ Donegal township. Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he received a good common-school ed- 
 ucation. In early life ho learned the trades of a 
 machinist and cabinet maker. He was considered 
 one of the best mechanics of the day, and could 
 make almost any article of wood. He was married 
 in early life to Rosanna, daughter of Jacob Ely, of 
 Buffalo township, this county, and at that time 
 possessed scarcely a dollar, but he continued to fol- 
 low his trades, and finally, by dint of economy and 
 industry, accumulated a good property. He reared 
 the following children : Christina, Thomas P. , 
 Catherine and Rosanna (twins), John S., Hannah 
 Jane, Sarah M., Ann E. and Harriet L., all of 
 whom are living, and residing in Washington 
 county, Penn. After his marriage Mr. Clark con- 
 tinued to work at his trade, until, after fifty years 
 of toil, he bought 152 acres of land, lying in the 
 northeastern part of Buffalo township, and passed 
 
574 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 the remaining years of his life in retirement. He 
 was a man of strong will, and a citizen wbo merited 
 the esteem in which he was held by the communi- 
 ty. He was laid to rest in 1887. 
 
 John S. Clark was born October 1, 1840, in 
 CJaysville, AVashington Co., Penn., and received 
 his elementary education at home, where he re- 
 mained until the opening of the Civil war. He en- 
 listed August 15, 1862, under the Union flag, and 
 was a member of Company C, Twenty-second P. V. 
 O, Capt. G. T. Work, commanding. He was in 
 the service three years, and took part in the en- 
 gagements of Winchester, Cedar Creek, Antietam, 
 and many others of less importance. He was mus- 
 tered out on June 15, 1865. During the conflict 
 Mr. Clark was injured so that he could never after- 
 ward engage in manual labor. Soon after his re- 
 turn to Washington county he was married to Sarah 
 Bell, daughter of John and Isabel Mounts, of South 
 Strabane township, this county, and they have had 
 five children, namely: Anna Belle (wife of Joseph 
 Pense, of Washington county), Clara, Margaret, 
 Maria, and one son that died in infancy. Polit- 
 ically, Mr. Clark is a Democrat. In addition to 
 managing his farm he devotes mtich attention to 
 stuck raising. 
 
 dl AMES N. BEMIS, M. D. The Bemis Family, 
 who are among the leading and cultured 
 ] citizens of Hopewell township, were originally 
 natives of the Green Mountain State. David 
 Bemis was born and reared in Dummers 
 town, Vt., where he was married to Rhoda Sar- 
 geant, who bore him children as follows: Erastus, 
 Daniel (deceased), Samuel (a physician living near 
 the home place in this county), and Horace (de- 
 ceased). The father followed agricultural pursuits, 
 and in politics was aworker in the Democratic party. 
 Erastus Bemis was born October 3, 1817, near 
 the city of Brattleboro, Vt. , and his early life was 
 passed in his native State, where he received an 
 elementary training in literary knowledge. Not 
 content, however, with the educational opportuni- 
 ties of the vicinity of his birthplace, he began to 
 educate himself, and entered the profession of a 
 teacher at an early age, following a course of study 
 during his vacations. He afterward came to 
 Washington county, locating on Pigeon creek, and 
 later lie entered the office of Dr. Emery, remaining 
 there some time; then attended Dartmouth College 
 une year, after which he entered the University of 
 New York, graduating in 1842. On February 14, 
 1S44. he was married to Ruth McCullough, 
 daughter of Isaac McCullough, who was born in 
 Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., a son 
 of Patrick McCullough, a native of County Antrim, 
 Ireland, and who at the age of eighteen years 
 came to America, locating in Somerset township, 
 
 Washington Co.,Penn.,wherehe purchased 600 acres 
 of land and made a permanent home. He (Patrick 
 McCullough) was married to Hannah Smith, and 
 they reared the following children: James, Eliza- 
 beth, John, Ebenezer, Mary and Isaac. The father 
 was actively interested in religious work, and was 
 the first elder of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon 
 Creek. He was an enterprising man, and in poli- 
 tics voted with the Whig party. 
 
 Isaac McCullough was born on the home farm in 
 Somerset township, this county, receiving a rudi- 
 mentary education in the public schools. While 
 yet a young man, he was wedded to Margaret, 
 daughter of William McMillen, by which union 
 there were four children, viz. : William, Mary 
 (Mrs. John Hattery), Ruth (wife of Erastus 
 Bemis, M. D.), and James (a citizen of Chicago). 
 Mr. McCullough was a Whig and a Republican in 
 politics, and in religious faith was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 After his marriage to Miss McCullough, Dr. 
 Bemis settled in the village of Buffalo, Hopewell 
 township, Washington county, where he practiced 
 his profession five years, at the end of which time 
 he removed to West Middletown, same county, 
 where the remainder of his life was passed. He 
 became one of the most successful and well-known 
 physicians of the county, and in educational mat 
 ters was the peer of any citizen in his vicinity. 
 Politically he was a Whig, and a leader in the 
 Abolition party, taking also an active part in the 
 "Underground Railway," of which West Middle- 
 town was then a "station." In religious faith he 
 was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church 
 for many years, and he was an earnest temperance 
 advocate. He died July 14, 1866, leaving three 
 children: James N., Mary and David H. 
 
 James N. Bemis was born June 20, 1845, in 
 Hopewell township, this county, where he was 
 reared. He received his elementary training in the 
 common schools, which was supplemented with a 
 course at Washington and Jefferson College. He 
 then entered Ann Arbor Medical College, remain- 
 ing one year, after which he took a course atBelle- 
 vue Hospital Medical College, graduating in 1870. 
 Dr. Bemis began to follow his profession in West 
 Middletown, this county, where he and his brother 
 David have secured a lucrative practice. On Sep- 
 tember 7, 1876, he married Dora, daughter of A. 
 C. Chapman; she died in July, 1877, and for his 
 second wife Dr. Bemis was united in marriage, in 
 September, 1884, with Jennie B. , daughter of John 
 Brownlee. Three children have blessed their 
 union: Newton (deceased), Ruth and Janet. In 
 his political preferences Dr. James N. Bemis is a 
 stanch Republican. 
 
 David H. Bemis, M. D. (a brother by the double 
 tie of blood and profession), was born June 17, 
 1852, in Hopewell township, this county, and at- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 575 
 
 tended the common schools, also Washington and 
 Jefferson College, retiring in his junior year on 
 account of poor health. Afterward he took a 
 course at the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, 
 from which he graduated in 1879. He is a skilled 
 physician, and an intelligent and energetic citizen. 
 In politics he votes the straight Republican ticket. 
 
 T| R. KELSO, a well-known citizen and enter- 
 . I prising agriculturist of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 (( J j ship, is a son of George M. Kelso, whose 
 ^^ father was Mark Kelso. 
 
 The Kelso family are of Irish descent, and Mark 
 Kelso, after his marriage to Elizabeth Ewing, 
 came to a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., where 
 he remained for some time, and in 1818 bought an 
 improved farm, which became his permanent home. 
 His wife died many years before him, leaving the 
 following children: Mary (Mrs. John Cowden), 
 living in Mt. Pleasant township; Jane, married to 
 George Robb; Esther, deceased in 1888; Elizabeth, 
 deceased iu 1884; George M., the father of our sub- 
 ject; John, married in Ohio, had one child, Ameri- 
 cus, who died some years ago; James, Martha and 
 Letta Ann (mentioned below). Of these children, 
 James Kelso was first married to a Miss Elder, who 
 bore him children as follows: William E., Mark, 
 John, Elizabeth and Lucinda; the mother died, and 
 for his second wife James was married to Jane Mil- 
 ler, and they had three children: Margaret, Alice 
 and Miller; this wife also died, and Mr. Kelso then 
 made a third choice in the person of Mrs. Cathe- 
 rine McMillan, who bore him two children, viz., 
 James and Samuel George. The father of this 
 family died in Allegheny county, two years after 
 the decease of his last wife. Martha Kelso became 
 the wife of Phineas Kelso, of Lawrence county, 
 Ohio, and four children were born to them, as fol- 
 lows: Mark (who entered .the service iu Lawrence 
 county, and was killed in battle), Elizabeth, An- 
 drew and John. Letta Ann was married to John 
 Gregg, of North Fayette township, Allegheny Co. , 
 Penn., the following children being born to their 
 union: Elizabeth, Mark, Edward, Mary, Levi and 
 Esther (twins), Clara, Emma and Ellsworth. 
 
 George M. Kelso, son of Mark and Elizabeth 
 (Ewing) Kelso, was born April 6, 1800, in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., in 1818 coming to Washing- 
 ton county with his parents. The family settled 
 on a farm now owned by J. R. Kelso, where George 
 M. grew to manhood. On March 28, 1838, the 
 latter was married to Maria Rankin, who was born 
 December 22, 1813, in Mt. Pleasant township. 
 The young people settled on the home farm, where 
 their lives were passed. George M. Kelso and his 
 wife were formerly members of the Robinson's 
 Run Union Church, afterward uniting with the 
 United Presbvterian Church at Venice. He died 
 
 March 27, 1879, his wife being laid to rest July 
 30, 1878. They were the parents of nine children: 
 an unnamed infant (deceased); Mary Jane; Lizzie 
 E. (wife of David R. P. Springer); Mark; Abigail 
 Lavina (deceased); Abigail Laviua (living on the 
 home farm); J. R., subject of this sketch; Will- 
 iam James, and Maggie A. Of these children, 
 Lizzie E. was married February 19, 1878, to David 
 R. P. Springer, a native and resident of Robinson 
 township, and to this union were born two chil- 
 dren, one' of whom, Charley Ross, is living (Mr. 
 Springer died August 29, 1887); Mark Kelso was 
 married, October 19, 1871, to Elizabeth Cornelius 
 Allison, a native of Allegheny county (they have 
 had seven children, three of whom are living: 
 George and Alexander (twins) and Mark; the 
 father is a farmer of North Fayette township, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn.); William James was mar- 
 ried May 11, 1882, to Miss Ella Finley, of Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn. (they reside in Cecil township, this 
 oounty, and have one daughter, Mary Elsie). 
 
 J. R. Kelso, son of George and Maria (Rankin) 
 Kelso, was born on the farm where he is now 
 residing, receiving his literary education in the 
 schools of Mt. Pleasant township. Mr. Kelso has 
 always followed agricultural pursuits on the home 
 farm of 189 acres, his sister keeping house for him. 
 He devotes considerable attention to stock raising, 
 and has been successful in all his business under- 
 takings. He is a member of the U. P. Church at 
 Venice, this county, and in politics votes the 
 Republican ticket. 
 
 D 
 
 AVID McCLAY (deceased) was born De- 
 cember 28, 1854, a son of David aud Mar- 
 garet (McElroy) McClay, and was for many 
 years one of the prominent men of his town- 
 ship. His boyhood was passed upon the home 
 farm, and during the winter months he attended 
 the district school, completing his education (as 
 far as text-books were concerned) at the age of 
 fourteen. But in those few years he had acquired 
 that which is of far greater value than technical 
 facts, an intense thirst for general knowledge, 
 which increased in proportion to the informa- 
 tion he had obtained. On January 23, 1873, he 
 married Martha J. Paxton, daughter of Samuel 
 and Martha Paxton, of Chartiers township, this 
 county. Mr. McClay at once brought his bride to 
 the old home farm, where they remained till 1877, 
 when their present pleasant home was erected, to 
 which they removed. The children born to this 
 union were: Maggie E. , James B. , Albert J. , Ralph 
 S., Frank, and Earl (who died young). Mr. Mc- 
 Clay was a stanch Republican, and took a deep 
 interest in the political questions which occupied 
 the attention of his party. He served as school 
 director inany years, and was one of the warmest 
 
576 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 friends of education to be found in the community. 
 At an early age he united with the Disciple Church, 
 and was ever one of the most active, devoted and 
 conscientious members of that body. He was a 
 man of fine physical development, and had always 
 been an utter stranger to any form of ill health, 
 until, stricken down by a fatal fever, he passed 
 away, after a few weeks of suffering, October 27, 
 1889. A useful life was his, cut down in its very 
 prime; a true friend and kind father was called 
 away, and he was laid to rest in Washington 
 cemetery, deeply mourned by his family and many 
 friends. 
 
 AMUEL C. McCLAIN, the oldest living 
 representative of his family, was born Feb- 
 ruary 26, 1850, in Franklin township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penu., near the habitation of the 
 first settler of the township, and is of Scotch-Irish 
 descent. 
 
 John McClaiu was born in Ireland, which had 
 been the home of his ancestors for many years, 
 and in 17TU came to America, settling in Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., the following year. Soon after 
 his arrival in this country Mr. McClain was mar- 
 ried to Rachel Tucker. The young people began 
 their pioneer life in the usual log cabin, where 
 they lived for many years, and reared the follow- 
 ing children: Sarah, Elizabeth, James, Simeon, 
 John and William. Mr. McClain was one of the 
 organizers of the Whig party in his vicinity, and 
 in religious faith he and his family were mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church. He was laid to 
 rest near the new home, by the side of his wife 
 who had preceded him. 
 
 James McClain, son of John and Rachel 
 (Tucker) McClain, was born on the home farm in 
 Franklin township, and attended the schools of 
 those days. In early manhood he was married to 
 Nancy Miller, a daughter of Benjamin Miller, of 
 Greene county, Penn., and the young people im- 
 mediately began housekeeping on the farm, which 
 Mr. McClain continue! to own until his death. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. James McClain were born chil 
 dren as follows: Sarah J. (Mrs. Morris Weir), 
 Samuel (subject of this sketch), Martha (deceased), 
 B. F., Flora (Mrs. Clark), and Addie (deceased). 
 He was a liberal contributor to public enterprises, 
 and a quiet but most efficient worker in all pro- 
 gressive movements. He was a member of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics 
 was formerly a Whig, but after the organization of 
 the party became an active Republican, although 
 he never held political office. On April '23, 1888, 
 he passed away, and his remains were laid by the 
 side of his wife, who died February 28, 1881. 
 
 Samuel C. McClain passed his youth on the old 
 home place, and in early life took an active interest 
 
 in the management of the farm. In 1880 he was 
 united in marriage with Clara, daughter of J. 
 C. Chambers, of Amwell township, Washington 
 county, and they have one son and four daughters: 
 Ella, Morris, Mary, Nettie and Grace. Mr. Mc- 
 Clain has always been a Republican. He is yet 
 engaged in farming, owning the old Jolly farm 
 near Jolly school-house. 
 
 B. F. McClain, youngest son of James, and 
 brother of Samuel C. McClain, also resides on and 
 owns the home farm, and is a stanch Republican. 
 He is unmarried. 
 
 ILLIAM DAVIS, a leading representative 
 and highly esteemed citizen of South 
 Strabane township, is a native of the 
 county, having been born October 6, 1810, 
 in West Bethlehem township. 
 William Davis, grandfather of our subject, emi- 
 grated from his native Scotland to America at an 
 early day, and made a settlement in Washington 
 county, Penn., where he passed the remainder of 
 his life in farming pursuits. His children were 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Edwaril West), Thomas, Sarah 
 (Mrs. William Moore), William, Samuel, Joshua 
 and Rezin. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and in politics a Whig of the old school. 
 Joshua Davis, son of this revered pioneer, was 
 born October 6, 1787, in West Bethlehem town- 
 ship, this county,- and received but a limited edu- 
 cation at the subscription schools of the neighbor- 
 hood. He married Mary McNeelance, who was 
 born November 22, 1785, and the following are the 
 names and dates of births of their children: Will- 
 iam, October 6, 1810; Lucinda, February 2, 1812 
 (married to James Smith); George, July 23, 1815; 
 Eliza, May 25, 1822 (married to William Pease); 
 Margaret A. , July 28, 1825. After marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. Joshua Davis made their home in West Beth- 
 lehem township for a time, and then moved to Buf- 
 falo township, where they remained until in their 
 declining years they had to abandon farm labor, and 
 make their final home with their sou William. 
 Here the father died October 10, 1864, the mother 
 on June 6, 1871, and both are interred in Wash- 
 ington cemetery. They were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church; in politics Mr. Davis was 
 originally a Whig and afterward, on the formation 
 of the party, a stanch Republican. 
 
 William Davis, of whom these lines more par- 
 ticularly refer, attended in his boyhood the rate 
 schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace, and 
 early in life commenced working on his father's 
 farm in North Strabane township, where he re 
 maiued until 1847. In that year, by careful hus- 
 bandry he was enabled to buy a farm for his own 
 account in South Strabane township, and since 
 that time he has devoted himself to agriculture 
 
yr^vL @oaj^ 
 
\ 
 
^YASHINGTO^ T COUNTY. 
 
 579 
 
 and the growing of Saxony wool, in both of which 
 industries he has met with well-merited success, 
 his flock of sheep numbering often 1,000 head. He 
 owns now about 500 acres of the best laud in the 
 county. Mr. Davis has been three times married: 
 first, on January 28, 1836, to Juliet Palmer, who 
 bore him three children: George, Johu K. and 
 Mary Elizabeth. This wife diedOctober 11, 1841, 
 and August 15, 1S44, Mr. Davis married Phebe 
 E. Moore, who died July 8, 1852. On September 
 23, 1853, Mr. Davis took for his third spouse, 
 Mary, daughter of David Kerr, which union has 
 been blessed with one son, William H., now a pro- 
 gressive farmer. Mr. Davis, Sr. , has held a num- 
 ber of important township offices, and waB for 
 nine years a member of the poor board of the 
 county, the duties of which he discharged in a 
 manner highly creditable to himself and most sat- 
 isfactory to his constituents. For several years he 
 was director of the First National Bank of Wash- 
 ington, in which he still is a large stockholder. 
 He has long been a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Pigeon Creek, in which for many years 
 he was an elder. He is now an elder in the First 
 Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn. 
 
 David Kerr, father of Mrs. William Davis, was 
 born near Finleyville, Penn., a son of James Kerr, 
 a native of Chester county, and descended from 
 stalwart Scotch-Irish ancestry. In Chester coun- 
 ty James Kerr married Lizzie Porter, and their 
 children were Martha (Mrs. Alexander Bell), Mar- 
 garet (Mrs. James Taylor), James, Joseph, Han- 
 nah (Mrs. Thomas McVey) and David. The 
 father carried on farming in Union township, this 
 county, where he died in 1825, his wife following 
 hiui to the grave in 1828. They were members of 
 the Mingo Presbyterian Church, and in politics he 
 was a Whig. 
 
 Their son David attended in his boyhood days 
 the subscription schools of the vicinity of his home, 
 proving an apt scholar and a good penman. On 
 January 10, 1810, he married Sarah Varner, of 
 Baldwin township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and the 
 children by that marriage were John, James, Joel 
 (in Pittsburgh), Cyrus (deceased), Howard, Mary 
 (Mrs. William Davis), Willison, David and S. J. 
 The father was called from his earthly labors and 
 life work on the farm, October 9, 1865, the mother 
 dying March 8, 1850, and both are buried in 
 Mingo Creek cemetery. They were members of 
 the Union Church, in which he was an elder, and 
 in politics he was a Democrat. He was a liberal 
 contributor to all educational enterprises as well 
 as matters pertaining to religion. Mr. and Mrs. 
 David Kerr's home after marriage was in Union 
 township until 1816, when they removed to Pigeon 
 Creek, Somerset township, where they passed the 
 remainder of their honorable lives. 
 
 
 D 
 
 AVID V. DONLEY, a successful business 
 man of Amwell township, is a grandson of 
 John Donley, a farmer, who, in 1807, came 
 from Hagerstown, Md., and located in West 
 Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 was married to Sarah Horner, and they had four 
 children: Johu (deceased), James, Homer (de- 
 ceased) and Sarah (Mrs. Weir). The father of this 
 family died in West Bethlehem township in 1S37. 
 Homer Donley, son of John, was born iu Mary- 
 land in 1807, and same year was brought by his 
 parents to West Bethlehem township, Washington 
 Co. , Penn. He received a common-school educa- 
 tion, and when yet a mere boy the duty of caring 
 for his parents devolved upon him. He engaged in 
 the milling business, and at the end of seven years 
 purchased a farm of 110 acres, where he followed 
 agricultural pursuits during the rest of his life. In 
 1VJ7 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
 Wilson, cfaughter of James and Sarah Wilson, of 
 Somerset township, Washington county, and their 
 children were: Mrs. Mary Jane Young, David Y. , 
 Wilson, Mrs. Margaret Young, and Hannah. At 
 the time of his death Mr. Donley was worth $30,- 
 001). He was a prominent citizen of Somerset town- 
 ship, and a member of the Republican party. 
 
 David Y. Donley was born February 8, 1842, in 
 West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and remained on the old home ten years, when the 
 family removed to Somerset township, Washington 
 county. In 1868 he was united in marriage with 
 Emma Whitely, daughter of Peter and Mary 
 Whitely, of Somerset township, and three children 
 have been born to them, viz. : Lizzie, Walter and 
 Everett. Mr. Donley remained at home two years 
 after his marriage, and then rented a farm in North 
 Strabane township, same county, where he resided 
 two years. In 1872 he moved to Amwell township, 
 this county, and purchased the farm of 117 acres 
 which he has since lived upon; he also owns a fine 
 farm of 110 acres, situated near Smithville, also in 
 this county, and has been very successful in busi- 
 ness. He was in the Civil war three years, having 
 enlisted in 1862, in Company F, Eighteenth P. V. 
 O, and took part in the battles of Gettysburg and 
 the Wilderness, besides many minor engagements. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Donley and their daughter Lizzie 
 are members of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 *|rV ANIEL DAY. The Day family is num- 
 1 bered with the old and influential citizens 
 | | J J of Washington county, and of the many 
 who deserve an honored mention in the an- 
 nals of history, this gentleman is a prominent 
 figure. His father, John Day, was born May 2, 
 1788, iu Morris township, this county, and followed 
 
580 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 agricultural pursuits from early youth. He was a 
 volunteer in the war of 1812-15 under Gen. Har- 
 rison. When a young man he was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah Miller, a native of Amwell town- 
 ship, Washington county, who bore him eleven 
 children, namely: Eliza (deceased wife of George 
 Wolfe), a resident of Nineveh, Greene Co., Penn. ; 
 Mary (deceased wife of John Brownlee), lived in 
 Prosperity, Morris township, this county; Sally, 
 widow of Robert Baldwin, of Morris township; J. 
 Miller; Daniel, of whom a sketch follows; Harvey, 
 of Lincoln, Neb. (was first married to Caroline 
 McCallam, then to Mrs. Mary Harris, of Wheeling, 
 W. Va. ); Annie (deceased), was the wife of Elias 
 Conger (deceased), then became the wife of Dr. 
 Strouse, of Amity, Amwell township, this county; 
 Abigail, wife of H. C. Swart, living in Washington 
 borough; Cyrus, deceased at the age of eight years; 
 Jessie and Mary, both deceased in infancy. 
 
 Daniel Day, son of John and Sarah (Miller) 
 Day, was born January 12, 1824, in Morris town- 
 ship, this county, and first attended school in a 
 log cabin twelve feet square, which was erected on 
 the home place. At the age of eighteen years he 
 entered the employ of A. B. Wolf, a cabinet 
 maker of Washington, Penn., with whom he re- 
 mained two years, then passed several months in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1840 he was married to Mary 
 Bates, and in 1847 went to Waynesburg, Penn., 
 where he opened a cabinet, furniture and under- 
 taking establishment. In 1854 he sold out and 
 entered a hotel in Waynesburg, which he con- 
 ducted about eignteen months, then managed the 
 "Old Mansion House" in Washington, Penn., in 
 partnership with his brother Harvey, continuing in 
 that business three years. In 1861 he enlisted, 
 under Capt. Wishart, in Company K, Eighth Penn- 
 sylvania Reserves. He joined the regiment at 
 Washington, D. C, then went to Tenallytown, 
 Md. , where his regiment was encamped with others 
 of the same division, remaining there about two 
 months. During this time they were engaged in 
 no active service, but were employed on picket 
 duty and incidental work, although alarms were 
 often heard along the Potomac line. In October 
 they moved to winter quarters at Pierrepont (or 
 Langley), Va., and in the spring entered active 
 service. Mr. Day took part in the Seven Days' 
 Fight before Richmond, Va., second battle of 
 Bull Run, and entered Maryland with his regi- 
 ment. His health failing, Daniel Day was then 
 sent to the hospital, and afterward received an 
 honorable discharge. After his return from the 
 war in 1863, Mr. Day, in 1865, entered the furni- 
 ture and undertaking business at Canonsburg, 
 Penn., in which he has since continued. 
 
 Mrs. Day died a few years after her marriage, 
 leaving three children: Frank, Ann E. (wife of 
 Addison Ruton), and Oello (Mrs. Collins). Of this 
 
 family Frank is married to Myra V. Mills, of Alle- 
 gheny City, Penn., and has two children: Emma 
 M. and Daniel Day, Jr. On May 10, 1860, Mr. 
 Day was married to Hester A. Johns, a native of 
 Washington, Penn. Daniel Day is an active mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party, and has served two 
 terms as burgess of Canonsburg, and has been 
 notary public for the past ten years. He and his 
 family are members of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 DR. JOHN NELSON SPROWLS. The history 
 | of the Sprowls family in this country dates 
 • back to tb,e close of the Revolutionary war, 
 when John Sprowls, with his wife and nine 
 children, left County Tyrone (or County Ferma- 
 nagh), Ireland, for the United States, and made 
 his home in Pennsylvania, near where Shippens- 
 burg now stands, and in what was known as the 
 "Horseshoe Bend." He afterward moved to 
 Finley township, this county, and settled on what 
 is now known as the William Sprowls farm, near 
 Good Intent, where he and his wife lived till their 
 death. From this parent stock sprung the 
 Sprowlses of now East and West Finley townships. 
 John Sprowls, grandfather of Dr. J. N. , was 
 born in Ireland, and emigrated to this country 
 with his parents. He was the third member in 
 the family of nine children. Just prior to the re- 
 moval of his parents and family from near Ship- 
 pensburg to Washington county he was married 
 to Margaret Graden. The Gradens came west 
 with the Sprowlses, crossed the Ohio river and lo- 
 cated near the present site of Steubenville, Jeffer- 
 son Co., Ohio. John Sprowls and his wife settled 
 on the farm where his son Alexander was born, 
 and which he (Alexander) afterward bought and 
 lived on until his death. After residing here for 
 nearly eight years, John Sprowls and his family 
 moved to the farm now owned by a grandson, 
 Nelson Ealy, in East Finley township.' Here the 
 parents resided till their death. Their children 
 were William, who lived and died a resident of 
 East Finley township; Ellen, who married John 
 Ealy, and lived aud died on the old home place; 
 Nancy who married John Rocky fellow; Alexander; 
 James; Henry; Arthur; John; Nelson and Mary, 
 The six younger sons bought land in West Finley 
 township, near Burnsville, adjoining each other, 
 where they resided until their death, excepting 
 Arthur and Nelson, who remain as landmarks in 
 the flight of time. This large family of ten chil- 
 dren lived to own their own homes, and were en- 
 terprising, industrious and influential citizens, al- 
 ways foremost in educational and religious work. 
 
 John Sprowls, father of Dr John N., was born 
 in 1818 on the old place (now the Ealy farm) in 
 East Finley township, the eighth in a family of 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 581 
 
 tea children. His parents died while he was 
 young, and as a consequence he was at an early 
 age thrown on his own resources. He worked for 
 some years for his elder brothers, eventually saving 
 enough to buy a farm. By perseverance and in- 
 dustrious habits he soon held a front rank with the 
 young men of the neighborhood. He became a 
 charter member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church at Windy Gap, and was a ruling elder for 
 many years. Till his death, which occurred Au- 
 gust 3, 1870, he was looked upon by the people as 
 one of the stanch men of this part of the county. 
 On April 5, 1850, he was united in marriage to 
 Mary Ann McNay, who was born March 18, 1825; 
 she is a woman of inestimable traits of character, 
 who did much toward the success which crowned 
 her husband's efforts. She survives him, and 
 divides her time between the old farm, dear to her 
 from the hallowed memories of the past, and visit- 
 ing her children, of whom there were eight, as fol- 
 lows: James M. , born April 14, 1851; John Nel- 
 son, born September 14, 1852; Isaac N. , born 
 February 20, 1854 (he graduated from Jefferson 
 Medical College, Philadelphia, and died February 
 20, 1882); Leroy M., born December 22, 1856 
 (also graduated from Jefferson Medical College); 
 Anna M., born February 26, 1858; Clara R., born 
 September 24, 1859; Alexander H, born April 29, 
 1861 (he studied pharmacy, and is at present en- 
 gaged in the retail drug business at Elgin, 111.),' 
 and Lucy E., born June 23,, 1863, died September 
 
 6, 1881. All those living are married and have 
 homes of their own. James M. (the eldest in the 
 family) graduated from Waynesburgh College, 
 read law and was admitted to the bar of "Wash- 
 ington county, and now resides in Washington, 
 D. C. 
 
 Dr. John Nelson Sprowls was educated in the 
 common schools and at Oberlin College (Ohio). 
 He read medicine with Dr. Silas C. McCracken, of 
 Claysville, this county, entered Jefferson Medical 
 College in 1875, and graduated from that institu- 
 tion in 1877. After graduating he practiced with 
 his preceptor for one year, since when he has been 
 following his chosen profession in Claysville. He 
 takes a deep interest in his professional work, and 
 keeps himself posted on all improvements and dis- 
 coveries in medical science. When quite young he 
 united with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
 and afterward with the Claysville Presbyterian 
 Church, of which he is now a member. On March 
 
 7, 1878, Dr. Sprowls was united in marriage with 
 Maggie M. McLain, daughter of Hon. Joseph R. 
 McLain, and they have had three children: Joseph 
 William, born May 6, 1882, who died November 
 27, 1884; John Wilson Irwin, born April 20, 1886, 
 who died July 19, 1887, and George Milton, 
 born October 3, 1888, who is the pride of his 
 parents. 
 
 ENJAMIN CHUBBIC is descended from 
 an early family of North Strabane town- 
 ship. His grandfather, also named Benja- 
 min Chubbic, was a sailor, and in early 
 life was married to Bathsheba Harvey. In 1811 he 
 retired from sea-faring life and settled with his fam- 
 ily in Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Harvey Chubbic was about six years of age 
 when his parents moved to Washington county, 
 Penn., where his early life was passed. In 1833 
 he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Runty, 
 who bore him children as follows: Elizabeth (wife of 
 William Watson), Robert (deceased), Benjamin (of 
 whom further mention is made), and Margaret 
 (married to James Auld, of Ohio). Mrs. Chubbic 
 died soon after the birth of her youngest child, 
 and for his second wife the father was married to 
 Rebecca Grable. To this union there was born 
 one son, Philip. The father was a successful 
 business man, and won his way to fortune by tire- 
 less industry. In politics he was a Republican. 
 He died August 4, 1890, the wife and mother 
 having passed away two years before. 
 
 Benjamin Chubbic now owns and resides upon 
 the old homestead. Like his father, he advocates 
 the principles embodied in the Republican party. 
 The family are all members of the Chartiers Pres- 
 byterian Church. He is unmarried. 
 
 El G. EMERY, one of the successful farmers 
 of Mt. Pleasant township, is a son of Dr. 
 Boyd Emery, and a grandson of Walter and 
 — Jane (Blakney) Emery. Walter Emery 
 was born in Ireland, and coming to America in 
 early manhood was married to Jane Blakney. 
 They settled in Canonsburg, this county, where 
 he followed the trade of a shoemaker. During a 
 heavy storm the public bridge in the town was en- 
 dangered, and while assisting in the attempt to 
 save it Mr. Emery was drowned. His widow was 
 afterward married to Squire Duncan, of Smith 
 township, and died about 1865 in Florence, this 
 county. 
 
 Boyd Emery was born in 1805, in Canonsburg, 
 this county, and reared and educated in his native 
 town. He graduated from Jefferson College, 
 standing second in his class, and afterward stud- 
 ied medicine at Canonsburg under Dr. Leather- 
 man. He then entered Jefferson Medical College, 
 Philadelphia, and after receiving his degree, set- 
 tled near Dunningsville, this county, where he 
 passed his life, practicing medicine. He was 
 married to Anna Graham, of Cross Creek town- 
 ship, and the following children were born to their 
 union: E. G. (subject of this sketch), Martha G. 
 (Mrs. W. G. Kammerer, of Chicago), James A. 
 (living in Somerset township, this county), Boyd (a 
 physician and surgeon of Somerset township), Will- 
 
582 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 iaui H. (living on a part of the homestead in Somer- 
 set township) and Anna M. (Mrs. James H. McNary, 
 of Nottiuguam township). Dr. Emery practiced 
 continuously for fifty-five years, and was a popular 
 and skillful physician. He was an active member 
 of the Republican party, and in religious connec- 
 tion he and his wife were members of the Pigeon 
 Creek Presbyterian Church. He died in 18S6, 
 having been preceded by his wife in 1874. 
 
 E. G. Emery was born September 7, 1842, in 
 Somerset township, near Dunningsville, this county, 
 and received his education at Hoges Summit Acad- 
 emy. He enlisted at Canonsburg August 13, 
 1862, in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth 
 P. V. I., for three years, or during the war, and 
 was mustered into the service at Pittsburgh, Penn. 
 He was assigned to the army of the Potomac, 
 under Gen. Hancock, and took part in the battles 
 of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Wilderness, Spott- 
 sylvania, Petersburg, Mine Run and the other 
 principal engagements participated in by the 
 army of the Potomac. E. G. Emery was in thir- 
 teen different battles, and took part in the Grand 
 Review at Washington, D. C. He received an 
 honorable discharge in 1865, at Pittsburgh. Penn., 
 and then returned to Somerset township,this county. 
 On December 13, 1S65, he was married to Miss Mar- 
 tha Ann Hamilton, who was born November 4, 1844, 
 in Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 She was educated at Washington Female Seminary. 
 She is a daughter of the late Alexander Hamilton, 
 who was a prosperous farmer and ruling elder in 
 Pigeon Creek congregation for a number of years, 
 holding the position up to the time of his death. 
 
 After his marriage E. G. Emery settled in 
 Somerset township, and in 1868 purchased 188 
 acres in Mt. Pleasant township, to which he moved 
 the same year, and has since been engaged in 
 farming and stock raising. Seven children have 
 been born to Mr. and Mrs. Emery, namely: Cora G. 
 (Mrs. William L. Mellvain, of Somerset township), 
 Lillie A. (wife of John M. White, of Cross Creek 
 township), William H., Teresa, Boyd A., Myrta 
 and Walter V. Mr. Emery is an active politician 
 in the Republican party, and is interested in all 
 matters of local importance. He and his wife are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church of Mount Pros- 
 pect, in which he is a deacon. 
 
 married to a young lady whose name is not known. 
 She died, and Matthew was afterward united in 
 marriage with Nancy Smith, a native of Smith 
 township. In 1846 they settled on the old farm, 
 where children were born as follows: Elizabeth 
 Martin (wife of John H. Buchanan, deceased in 
 1875), Sarah Lavina (wife of Samuel F. Hart, of 
 Hickory, this county), John S. (residing in Mt. 
 Pleasant township), Margaret Jane (deceased in 
 1872, wife of William Ray) and Matthew (engaged 
 in farming and stock raising on the home place). 
 The father was a member of the U. P. Church at 
 Hickory, and died many years ago, his wife sur- 
 viving him for some time. 
 
 dfOHN SMITH ACHESON is a prosperous 
 ! citizen of Mt. Pleasant township, and a 
 I worthy representative of an early pioneer 
 family. His grandfather, Matthew Reed 
 Acheson.was an early settler of Mt. Pleasant 
 township; he settled on the farm yet owned by his 
 descendants, and passed his life on the old place. 
 His son, Matthew Reed Acheson, was born inMt. 
 Pleasant township, and in early manhood was 
 
 d.OHN CALVIN FRENCH is the youngest son 
 of George M. and Mary (Porter) French, 
 I and was born in Washington county, Penn., 
 October 10. 1836. His mother died when he 
 was less than three years old, and his early 
 childhood was spent with relations in Fayette 
 county, same State. At the age of twelve years he 
 returned to his father's home, where he remained 
 about four years, and then became an inmate of 
 the family of William Lindley, Esq. * He was a 
 boy of all work during the summers, attending the 
 district school in the winter; thus circumstances 
 denied him the advantage of a thorough education, 
 which he so much desired. 
 
 At the age of nineteen he accepted a position in 
 the mercantile house of Robert Porter, at Ritchie 
 C. H, W. Va. , and at the end of one year's service 
 he associated himself with three others in a co- 
 partnership, and embarked in the hoop and stave 
 trade at points on the B. & O. R. R. , east of 
 Parkersburg, Va. This company erected and 
 operated the first establishment for the manufact- 
 ure of oil barrels in that region after the develop- 
 ment of the Kanawha oil field. The sudden break- 
 ing out of the war of the Rebellion destroyed the 
 business of the company, and caused heavy finan- 
 cial losses. In closing up the affairs of the com- 
 pany, Mr. French found himself possessed of 
 little else save good health, and a settled conviction 
 that duty demanded that he should contribute him- 
 self to his country's service. Seeking an inter- 
 view with some of his associates who had not been 
 induced by political intriguers to cast their lots 
 with the cause of secession, an arrangement was 
 secretly entered into by which he and six others 
 like-minded met at an agreed point on the night 
 of June 14, 1861, and made their way to St. 
 Mary's, the nearest point on the Ohio river, a dis- 
 tance of sixteen miles, in time for the morning 
 boat going to Wheeling, where they arrived on the 
 morning of June 16, 1861. Proceeding at once 
 to ''Camp Carlisle" on the island, they enlisted 
 in a company which afterward became Company E, 
 
 V 
 
<gZZ-^^~ 
 
\ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 585 
 
 Second Virginia Infantry. Thus it appears that 
 the subject of this sketch was one of seven who 
 first represented Ritchie county, Va. , in the Union 
 army. 
 
 After serving as private soldier, duty sergeant, 
 and orderly sergeant through all the vicissitudes 
 of the first fifteen months of the war, and having 
 been left in command of the company at the second 
 battle of Bull Run (one of the two commissioned 
 officers present being killed and the other severely 
 wounded), an unusual compliment was shown him, 
 as no commissioned officer was assigned to the 
 company until September 9, 1862, when he was 
 commissioned second lieutenant and assigned to 
 Company H. On December 3, same year, he was 
 commissioned first lieutenant, and assigned back 
 to Company E. For some time he was assigned 
 to the command of Company B, while that com- 
 pany was detached from the regiment at an out- 
 post. While in command of a portion of the forces 
 which made a dash upon the enemy at the Rocky 
 Gap affair on August 26, 1863, he received a severe 
 wound near the left knee, the thigh bone being 
 fractured and the joint distorted, which has meas- 
 urably disabled him ever since. Having been 
 rescued from falling into the hands of the enemy 
 by his comrades, and having been conveyed by 
 ambulance a distance of more than a hundred 
 miles to Beverly, Va., he was kindly sheltered and 
 nursed by Mrs. Jonathan Arnold, a sister of the 
 famous Confederate chieftain, "Stonewall" Jack- 
 son, until he was sufficiently recovered to visit his 
 old home in Pennsylvania. After his return to 
 his regiment he was commissioned adjutant, and 
 served in that capacity until his command was 
 mustered out. The following is copied from the 
 regimental history compiled by Frank S. Reder, 
 Esq. , editor of the Beaver Valley News, who was 
 a comrade of Mr. French: "There was no braver 
 officer in the regiment, and Lieut. French deserves 
 special mention for his gallant conduct at the 
 second battle of Bull Run, and for his splendid 
 leadership in the extreme advance, in the dash 
 where he was wounded at Rocky Gap." 
 
 After three years' service in the army, he re- 
 turned to Washington county, Penn., and on Sep- 
 tember 7, 1864, was married to Miss Sevilla Vaile, 
 in fulfilment of an engagement made in early life. 
 For some years he followed merchandising. In 
 1873 he was elected treasurer of his native county. 
 After the expiration of his term of office he re- 
 turned to his home in Prosperity, Morris township, 
 engaging as far as able in farming. He and his 
 family are members of the Presbyterian Church of 
 Upper Ten Mile, in the prosperity and work of 
 which he and his family have for years taken a 
 deep interest. For some time he has served as 
 superintendent of the Sabbath -school connected 
 with the congregation; for the last six consecutive 
 
 years he has been chosen to preside as moderator 
 at the business meetings of the congregation, and 
 on February 12, 1893, he was chosen a ruling 
 elder. He has long been a member of the Grand 
 Army of the Republic, and was one of the charter 
 members of Luther Day Post, No. 395, Depart- 
 ment of Pennsylvania, and for some time had the 
 honor of being its commander. 
 
 Four children were born to Mr. and Mrs. French, 
 viz. : Dr. Edward E., of Bentleyville; Leah Mary, 
 wife of Dr. A. N. Booth, also of Bentleyville; 
 Charles Clinton, who died in infancy, and John 
 Calvin, Jr., who is now acquiring an education. 
 
 J I OHN A. NESBITT, a leading farmer of Can- 
 I ton township, this county, is a native of the 
 | same, having been born April 3, 1829, on the 
 farm which is now his home. He is a grand- 
 son of John Nesbitt, who was a native of 
 Cecil county, Md., and was married to Martha 
 Donaldson, a native of Allegheny county, Penn. 
 In about 1790, John Nesbitt, in company with 
 three brothers, moved to Washington county, 
 Penn. The brothers bought their lands in com- 
 mon, afterward making a division, John's portion 
 being a farm of 119 acres in Canton township, this 
 county. Of the other brothers, one moved away, 
 but John, Joseph and Jonathan passed their lives 
 in the county, and their descendants are living in 
 Canton and Chartiers townships. In the winter of 
 1837, the family of John Nesbitt was attacked with 
 a fever, and on' December 22, 1837, the father died. 
 Three of his children were also taken, namely: 
 John (deceased October 29, 1837), Margaret (de- 
 ceased November 29, 1837) and Jane (deceased 
 December 19, 1837). Robert and his mother were 
 left to mourn the loss of their dear ones, and on 
 April 26, 1843, the latter was laid to rest beside 
 them. Mrs. Donaldson, the mother of Mrs. Nes- 
 bitt, was a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and 
 made her home with her daughter for some time 
 prior to her death, which occurred March 23, 1828, 
 at the age of one hundred years, four months and 
 twenty-three days. She was buried in the ceme- 
 tery at Cross Roads, in Chartiers township. 
 
 Robert Nesbitt, a son of John and Martha 
 (Donaldson) Nesbitt, was born in 1800, on his 
 father's farm in Cauton township, this county. On 
 June 12, 1828, he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Ann Anderson, a native of Chartiers town- 
 ship, Washington county, after which event he 
 continued to reside on the home farm. Three 
 children were born to this union, namely: John 
 A.; Sarah (married to Edward Dougherty, of Can- 
 ton township), born August 24, 1831; and Martha, 
 born September 6, 1835 (deceased wife of William 
 Stewart, of Canton township, whose children are 
 Frank and Martha, twins). Mrs. Mary Ann 
 
586 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 (Anderson) Nesbitt died September 27, 1N37, and 
 Mr. Nesbitt was afterward married to Margaret 
 Shaw, a resident of Canton township, who bore 
 him one son, Robert D., of Chartiers township. 
 Mr. Nesbitt was a shoemaker and farmer. He was 
 much interested in educational matters, and in 
 politics was a Whig and Republican. He was 
 formerly an elder of the Associate Reformed 
 Church, and then joined the United Presbyterian 
 Congregation at Cross Roads. Robert Nesbitt 
 died August 13, 1861, on the home farm. 
 
 John A. Nesbitt, son of Robert and Mary Ann 
 Nesbitt, passed his early life on the old homestead 
 in Canton township, attending the common schools 
 of both Canton and Chartiers townships. On Feb- 
 ruary 9, 1865, he was married to Mary Reed, daugh- 
 ter of Joseph and Anna (McClain) Reed, natives of 
 Pennsylvania, who came to Washington county in 
 an early day, and died in Cecil township. Mrs. 
 Nesbitt died August 20, 1881, and her husband is 
 yet living on the farm, where he follows agricult- 
 ural pursuits, and occasionally works at the car- 
 penter's trade. His farm consists of seventy-one 
 acres of well-cultivated, fertile land. Mr. Nesbitt 
 i> not an active politician, but votes with the Re- 
 publican party. He is a member of the Associate 
 Presbyterian Church, and a well-known citizen. 
 
 d,OHN H. HUGHES, an extensive farmer and 
 dairyman of Arnwell township, comes of Irish 
 J descent. His grandfather, Samuel Hughes, 
 removed at an early day from New Jersey to 
 Washington county, Penn., locating in Am- 
 well township, and for Several years he kept hotel 
 on the National pike where John Little now re- 
 sides. Samuel Hughes was married to Nancy 
 Sample, and a large family was born to them. He 
 accumulated a good property, and when far ad- 
 vanced in life moved to Iowa, locating near Fort 
 Madison, where he died about 1860. 
 
 Workman Hughes was born February 5, 1822, 
 in South Strabane township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., was educated in the common schools, and 
 when twenty-two years of age began business for 
 himself. He first owned a farm on the National 
 pike, and afterward purchased one of 300 acres in 
 the southern part of Amwell township, now called 
 the " McGiffin farm." He was united in marriage 
 with Rachel Taylor, of South Strabane township, 
 who bore him seven children, viz. : Samuel Taylor, 
 born March 13, 1849; James W., born November 
 5, 1850; John H, born September 11, 1S52; Mary 
 E. (Mis. Closser), born in October, 1854; Nancy 
 J., born October 21, 1856; William, born in Octo- 
 ber, 1858, and Mrs. Rachel Myers, born May 1 2, 
 1861. On May 18, 1862, Mrs. Rachel Hughes 
 died, and Mr. Hughes was afterward married to 
 Margaret Vance, and she dying in 1879, he was 
 
 married to Margaret Scott. Mr. Hughes has been 
 a prosperous business man, and has achieved his 
 Buccess unaided. In politics he has always been 
 a Democrat, and has held several offices, serving in 
 Washington county as director of the poor in 
 1872-74. 
 
 John H. Hughes, son of Workman and Rachel 
 (Taylor) Hughes, passed his boyhood at home, on 
 the old farm in Amwell township, Washington 
 county; he attended the common schools until he 
 was seventeen years of age, and has since been a 
 great reader. On February 19, 1874, he was mar- 
 ried to Lydia Meek, of Amwell township, and they 
 have had the following children: Mary E. , born 
 March 20, 1875; Sarah M., born October 3, 1877; 
 Lydia B., born February 11, 1879; Charles E., 
 born October 28, 1881; Rachel H, born October 1. 
 1883; Alice G., born February 10, 1886; John 
 Franklin, born May 1, 188S, and Hazel Edna, born 
 May 20, 1890. Mr. Hughes has one of the finest 
 creameries in Washington county, and is engaged 
 in cheese and butter making, having made about 
 10,000 pounds of butter and 15,000 pounds of 
 cheese. He owns a half interest in a farm of 170 
 acres which formerly belonged to David Evans. A 
 Democrat in politics, he has tilled several township 
 offices. He is a member of the Cumberland Pres- 
 byterian Church, and Mrs. Hughes is a Baptist. 
 
 \ILLIAM GILFILLAN, M. D., who, in 
 his lifetime was one of the most highly 
 esteemed citizens of West Alexander, was 
 born in 1818, in West Liberty, Ohio Co., 
 Va., a sou of Dr. Edward Gilfillan, who was born 
 in Philadelphia, Penn., where he was reared and 
 educated. 
 
 Dr. Edward Giltillan received a thorough course 
 of training in the grammar schools of his native 
 place, which was supplemented by medical study 
 at a college in Philadelphia. In early manhood 
 he came west, and settled in West Liberty, Va. , 
 where he was married to Mary McKinley, who bore 
 him the following named children: Harriet (Mrs. 
 John Baird), Oberlin (living in Van Buren county, 
 Iowa), George (a physician of Van Buren county, 
 Iowa), and William, the subject of this sketch. 
 After his marriage Dr. Giltillan remained at West 
 Liberty, aud then settled in West Alexander, this 
 county, where he enjoyed a good practice, and bore 
 the reputation of a skillful physician. Politically 
 he was formerly a Whig and then a Republican. 
 He was among the earliest members of the Presby- 
 terian Church at West Alexander. 
 
 William Giltillan passed his youth in West Al- 
 exander, aud was educated at Dr. McClosky's 
 Academy and Washington and Jefferson College, 
 Washington, Penn. He studied medicine with his 
 father until twenty years of age, when he com- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 587 
 
 rnenced active practice in West Alexander, where 
 he remained during the whole of his professional 
 life, dying March 4, 1884. In 1843 the Doctor 
 was married to Margaret, daughter of John Broth - 
 erton, of this county, and their children were 
 Helen, Serena. Edward, John and Campbell. In 
 politics Dr. Gilfillan was first a Whig and then a 
 Republican. He was a member of the Presbyte- 
 rian Church. 
 
 JAMES F. THOMPSON, a prominent and 
 prosperous young farmer of Independence 
 township, was born July 8, 1855, near West 
 Middletown, Cross Creek township, Wash- 
 ington county. He was trained from child- 
 hood to work on the farm, and received a good edu- 
 cation at the common schools. In 1882 he entered 
 the retail grocery business in Washington borough, 
 Penu., and in 1884 returned to the home farm. On 
 November 11, 1884, he was united in marriage 
 with Lucy L. Denny, who was born October 25, 
 1861, daughter of James H. Denny, of West Mid 
 dletown, Penu. This union has been blessed with 
 the following children: James D. , born March 29, 
 1886; William H., born December 18, 1887, and 
 Mary, born October 29, 1890. After his marriage 
 Mr. Thompson located in Independence township, 
 on a farm situated about one and a half miles east 
 of the village of Independence, which has been in 
 the possession of his father over thirty years; but 
 James is the first member of the family who has 
 lived upon it. He has erected a handsome new 
 residence on the place, and made many improve- 
 ments. Mr. Thompson is a scientific farmer, and 
 makes a practical application of any new ideas 
 which he can obtain relative to his chosen profes- 
 sion. Politically he is a member of the Repub- 
 lican party, but takes little part in the warfare of 
 active politicians. He and his wife are members 
 of the U. P. Church at West Middletown. 
 
 JjOSEPH H. PHILIPS is a son of Isaac 
 Philips, whose father, David, was the lead- 
 ] ing pioneer preacher of Peters township. 
 
 Rev. David Philips was born in 1742, in 
 Wales, and emigrating thence many years 
 ago, first settled in Chester county, Penn., where 
 he was married to Miss Mary Thomas. The young 
 couple then came to Washington county, Penn., 
 and took up 400 acres of land on the boundary 
 line of Washington and Allegheny counties, for 
 which a patent was secured March 4, 1786. Prior 
 to locating in Peters township, David Philips had 
 been a captain in the Revolutionary war, and in 
 religious connection was a member of the Great 
 Valley Baptist Church. After settling in Wash- 
 ington county, he served forty years as pastor of 
 
 the Peters Creek Baptist Church, the land upon 
 which the church is now standing having formerly 
 been a portion of his property. The following 
 children were born to this couple: Isaac, Josiah, 
 David, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, Joseph (2), 
 John, Mary, David (2), Martha and Rachel (twins) 
 and Sarah. During the Civil war a full company 
 of the descendants of Rev. David Philips took an 
 active part in the contest, and nearly 1,000 of his 
 descendants are yet living. 
 
 Isaac Philips, son of David and Mary, was born in 
 1787, on the home farm in Peters township, Wash- 
 ington Co. , Penn. When a young man he was 
 married to Nancy Leddie, a resident of Canons- 
 burg, Penn. She was reared to womanhood by 
 Col. Morgan, a soldier of the Revolution, and 
 founder of the Morganza Reform School. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Philips began wedded life on the home 
 farm, where he erected the dwelling which is now 
 the home of his son. Here their children were 
 born as follows: Sarah, Isabella, David, Mary, 
 Jane, Joseph H. , Dr. James L., Joshua (a minis- 
 ter, of Cleveland, Ohio) and Lucinda. 
 
 Joseph H. Philips, whose name opens this 
 sketch, was born August 31, 1822, on the old home- 
 stead in Peters township. In 1846 he was united 
 in marriage with Mary K. Foster, who bore him 
 two children, Joseph and Mary (twins), who died 
 in infancy. The mother died in 1848, and on 
 February 14, 1850, he made a second choice in the 
 person of Mary J., daughter of James McKnight, 
 of Allegheny county, Penn. Ten children have 
 blessed their union, namely: Samautha J., Warren 
 J., Flora, Nannie B., Louisa, Elizabeth M., Mi- 
 randa, Elmer M., Mary E. and an infant. The 
 home farm contains 116 acres of land. In polit- 
 ical opinion Mr. Philips is a Republican, and has 
 served in various local offices; in religion he is a 
 member of the Baptist Church, and has led the 
 choir for fifty years. 
 
 f OHN KNOX, a leading business man of Clavs- 
 ville, was born July 26, 1829, in Buffalo 
 fr I township, this county, and passed his youth 
 ^^ on the home place, attending the common 
 schools and following farming. In 1S4S he 
 was married to Mary J., daughter of Samuel 
 Flack, of Buffalo township, this county, and she 
 bore him two children: Ialam F. and Mary E. 
 (Mrs. William Roney). On February 26, 1856, 
 John Knox was united in marriage with Amanda 
 Kane, a resident of Ohio, and the children born to 
 this union were as follows: Anna J. (deceased), 
 Horace, William M. and Luella. Mrs. Amanda 
 Knox died March 13, 1874, and on October 15, 
 1876, he was married to Mrs. Agnes Jane (Campsy) 
 Griffith, widow of Hosic Griffith, and she bore him 
 two children, John Campsy and Daisy Dell. Mr. 
 
588 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Knox has been a successful farmer and stock rais- 
 er for many years, and in 1891 be purchased a 
 one-half interest in a livery barn at Claysville, this 
 county, which he is now conducting. In politics 
 he has been a lifelong Democrat, and in religion is 
 a member of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Clay8ville. 
 
 I( SAAC W. RICHARDS, a properous agricultur- 
 ist of East Pike Run township, this county, is 
 a native of the same, born October 2, 1842. 
 
 1 He is a son of John Richards, who was born in 
 1799, in Maryland, and when a young man came 
 to Greene county, Penn. After his arrival in Penn- 
 sylvania John Richards was married to Phcebe 
 Woodward, who was born in 1803, in Greene coun- 
 ty, Penn. In 1841 Mr. and Mrs. Richards pur- 
 chased and moved upon the home farm in East 
 Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 their place was for many years known throughout 
 the country as the "Black Horse Tavern." Mr. 
 Richards was a successful farmer, and, politically, 
 voted with the Whig and Republican parties. He 
 and his wife were members of the Baptist Church 
 at Coal Centre. Ho died in 1864, followed by Mrs. 
 Richards in 1881. They were the parents of nine 
 children, namely: Lucinda (widow of Owen Hines), 
 living in Coal Centre, Penn. ; Thomas O, resid- 
 ing in East Pike Run township; Isaac W., whose 
 name opens this sketch; John P. ; Mary Ann; Eliza 
 Jane; Sarah Ann and Amy Ann (twins), and Har- 
 riet M. , of whom the six last mentioned are now 
 deceased. 
 
 Isaac W. Richards remained on the home farm 
 during his youth, there receiving a common-school 
 education. In 1860 he was united in marriage 
 with Mary M. Duvall, who was born December 23, 
 1843, in East Pike Run township, a daughter of 
 Alexander, and granddaughter of Jacob and Jane 
 (Patterson) Duvall. The latter couple were na- 
 tives of Maryland, and were descended from Irish 
 ancestry. They came to Washington county, Penn. , 
 many years ago, where the following children were 
 born and reared: Mary, widow of Moses Billings- 
 ley, of California, Penn. ; Harriet, widow of Rob- 
 ert Duvall, of Illinois; Samantha, wife of Lewis J. 
 Weaver, a farmer of East Pike Run township; Jef- 
 ferson, a resident of East Pike Run township; and 
 eight others who are now deceased. The parents 
 died in East Pike Run township. 
 
 Alexander Duvall was born in 1810, on the home 
 farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and passed his youth under the paternal 
 roof. In early life he was married to Jemima Han- 
 non, who was born in 1809, and they were the par- 
 ents of seven children, namely: Henry, a farmer 
 of Fayette county, Penn. ; Jacob, an agriculturist 
 of Allen township, Washington county; James M. ; 
 
 Jefferson, a farmer of East Pike Run township; 
 Isabella, wife of Jacob Crow, now of Madison 
 county, Iowa; Mary, wife of Isaac Richards, and 
 Julia, married to William H. Jackman, a farmer of 
 East Pike Run township. The father of this fam- 
 ily died in 1884, and in 1887 the mother passed 
 away. They were members of the M. E. Church. 
 To the union of Isaac W. and Mary M. (Du- 
 vall) Richards six children have been born, name 
 ly: Harriet E., Mina, Nellie B., Elsie B., and 
 Luretta and Viletta (both deceased). Mr. Rich- 
 ards owns ninety acres of the old homestead, and 
 gives his principal attention to farming. He has 
 taken an active interest in the Republican party, 
 and has served for twenty-five years as school di- 
 rector. He and his wife are members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church at Coal Centre. 
 
 If ESSE M. DILLE, an esteemed and prosper- 
 ous farmer of Morris township, is a grandson 
 If II of Lewis Dille, who was born in New Jersej - , 
 — ^ and was there united in marriage with Sarah 
 Sanders. After their marriage the young 
 people moved to Morris township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and located on a farm about three miles 
 east of Prosperity 7 , which is now the property of 
 their grandson, Jesse, and there reared the follow- 
 ing family of children: Usual Keziah, Abbie, 
 Sarah, Ephraim, Lewis and Jane. Mr. Dille passed 
 from earth in 1820. 
 
 Lewis Dille, sou of Lewis and Sarah (Sanders) 
 Dille, was born upon the farm of his father August 
 17, 1799, and in early life learned shoemaking. 
 In 1822 he married Miss Lucy McCollum,and their 
 children were: Ira (deceased), Jesse M., Cephas 
 (a resident of Morris township, Greene county), 
 Daniel (who lives in Prosperity, Morris town- 
 ship), Ephraim (residing in Greene county), John 
 (a citizen of Prosperity), David (a resident of Clays- 
 ville, Donegal township, this county), and Keziah 
 (who lives in Morris township). Mr. Dille died 
 April 28, 1885, and was followed within the year 
 by his faithful wife. He was a Democrat in poli- 
 tics, and in religion was a member of the Upper 
 Ten- Mile Presbyterian Church, at Prosperity, in 
 which he was an elder, holding that position until 
 his death. 
 
 Jesse M. Dille was born March 16, 1825, on the 
 home farm in Morris township, this county, where 
 he has always lived. On December 11, 1851, he 
 was united in marriage with Rachel Miuton, also 
 a resident of Morris township, and their children 
 are: W. H. , Addison, Samuel, Eva, Lizzie and 
 Homer. W. H. and Samuel are photographers at 
 Prospect, Ohio; Addison is a dentist in Newton, 
 Jasper Co., Iowa; Eva is the wife of Oliver Booth, 
 of Morris township; Lizzie and Homer reside with 
 their parents. Mr. Dille was formerly engaged in 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 589 
 
 the dry-goods, grocery and hotel business at Wash 
 ington, Penu., and has made a success in all. 
 Politically he is a Democrat with Prohibition tend- 
 encies, and in religion is a member of the Upper 
 Ten- Mile Church at Prosperity. 
 
 J | AMES S. HAYS. Among the well-to-do 
 and influential farmers of this county, James 
 S. Hays is prominently known. He is a 
 representative of an old pioneer family, of 
 whom the earliest ancestor there is record of 
 was one David Hays. David Hays bought land 
 in New Jersey, September 13, 1787, and his chil- 
 dren were born and reared in that State, as fol- 
 lows: Seven sons — John, Thomas, David, Joseph, 
 William, James and Moses — and live daughters 
 whose names are unknown. 
 
 Moses Hays, son of David, was born in New- 
 Jersey, and after partially learning the blacksmith's 
 trade, was drafted, at the age of sixteen, into the 
 Continental army, and with five of his brothers 
 served during that contest. He was employed as 
 regimental blacksmith till the close of his term of 
 service. During the contest, his brother John, 
 who was a lieutenant, received a wound which 
 soon afterward caused his death. In 1783 Moses 
 Hays was married to Jemima Peterson, a native 
 of New Jersey. Soon after the close of the Revo- 
 lutionary war, Moses, with his wife and brothers, 
 went west, settling on 1,000 acres of land about 
 three miles southeast of Burgettstown, this county, 
 on Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this land 
 among themselves, and Moses made a permanent 
 home upon his share which is still owned by Alex- 
 ander Hays, a grandson of Moses, where the follow- 
 ing children were born and reared: Thomas, born 
 on October 5, 1784 (moved to Jackson county, 
 Ohio, where he died); Edith, born February 27, 
 1786 (wife of David Hays, of Ohio); John, born 
 February 3, 1789 (deceased near Moorefield, Har- 
 rison Co., Ohio); William, born April 7, 1791 
 (killed by accident); James, born June 11, 1793 
 (deceased in Allegheny county, Peun.); Alexander, 
 born November 11, 1795; Mary, born December 
 25, 1797 (died in youth); Eleanor, born November 
 15, 1799 (deceased wife of James Todd, of Alle- 
 gheny county); Joseph, born February 15, 1801 
 (deceased on the home farm); David, born May 7, 
 1803 (deceased farmer of Smith township, married 
 to Martha Fulton), and Ann, born June 23, 1805 
 (deceased in youth). Moses Hays possessed a re- 
 markably retentive memory, easily recalling inci- 
 dents of the Revolutionary war fifty years after 
 the conflict. Anything once seen or heard he 
 never forgot, and was easily brought to his mind 
 whenever the subject arose. He was a prominent 
 
 and successful farmer, and in religion was a mem- 
 ber of the Raccoon Church during the ministry of 
 Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend of 
 Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836, 
 being followed in a few days by his wife. 
 
 Alexander Hays was born November 11, 179.">, 
 on the farm of his father in Smith township. His 
 literary attainments were acquired in the primi- 
 tive log cabin school-house of the day, the instruc- 
 tion being as limited as the furniture, but Alexan- 
 der Hays soon gave evidence of unusual mechan- 
 ical ability, readily learning both the carpenter' s and 
 blacksmith's trades. In 1824 he was married to 
 Ann Stevenson, who was born in 1802, daughter 
 of James Stevenson, an extensive landowner of 
 Smith township. The children born to this union 
 were as follows, one deceased in infancy, James 
 S. (whose name opens these lines), Jemima (de- 
 ceased in infancy), John (a farmer of Smith town- 
 ship) and Joseph (a lawyer in Pittsburgh, Penn.). 
 Alexander and Ann (Stevenson) Hays began mar- 
 ried life on a part of the old Stevenson tract, lying 
 about one and a quarter miles west of Burgetts- 
 town, Penn., where they passed all their wedded 
 life. He was an industrious, kind hearted and 
 prosperous man, and possessed many friends. In 
 politics he was a stanch supporter of Democratic 
 principles, and filled several township offices to the 
 entire satisfaction of his party. He died in 1S16; 
 in 1881 his widow was laid to rest beside him. 
 
 James S. Hays was born July 26, 1826, on the 
 home farm in Smith township, being trained from 
 early youth to the vocation of a husbandman, 
 which he has continued to follow through life. He 
 obtained his early knowledge of literature from the 
 3ommon schools, remaining with his parents until 
 attaining maturity. On March 16, 1855, he was 
 united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Samuel 
 Riddile, of Smith township, and the following chil- 
 dren have been born to them: Samuel (who died 
 at the age of twenty-seven years), Annie M. (resid- 
 ing at home), David V. (at home), James G. (a 
 carpenter now farming in Tuscarawas county, 
 Ohio), Mary (living at home), Edgar (who died in 
 youth) and Robert R. (living with his parents). 
 After their marriage James and Sarah (Riddile) 
 Hays located on a part of the " old Stevenson 
 tract " adjoining the birthplace of Mr. Stevenson, 
 where he has always resided with the exception of 
 four years passed in Robinson township, this 
 county. 
 
 He is surrounded by a host of admiring and 
 affectionate friends, all of whom are ever wel- 
 come to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of his 
 pleasant home. In addition to general farming 
 Iih ships a large quantity of milk to Pittsburgh. 
 Having accumulated a considerable property he is 
 now enjoying the reward of many years of toil. 
 
590 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 IfOSEPH H. CLOKEY, an affluent farmer of 
 North Strabane township, is a native of the 
 r II same, having been born July 24, 1845, on the 
 ^^ farm he now owns. James Clokey, his grand- 
 father, was born December 30, 1757, in County 
 Down, Ireland, where he was educated and reared. 
 In an early day he immigrated to this country, 
 making his first home in the land of his adoption 
 in Dauphin county, Peun. , whence in 1812 he came 
 to this county, and in the following year purchased 
 a tract of land containing 300 acres, lying on both 
 sides of Chartiers creek, which farm is now the 
 property of our subject. He had three children, 
 viz. : Sarah (who married James Herron), Samuel 
 and Mary (latter being now deceased). James 
 Clokey was a member of the Seceder Church at 
 Peters Creek, about eleven miles from his home, 
 and he' was wont to make the journey on horseback. 
 As one of the organizers of the Seceder Church 
 near Pigeon Creek, he was a liberal supporter of 
 it, and for years was one of the trustees; in his po- 
 litical associations he was a lifelong, Old line Whig. 
 In addition to his farming interests, he operated 
 distilleries in both Dauphin and Washington coun- 
 ties. He died October 6, 1839; his wife, Jane 
 Clokey, died in her eighty-second year. 
 
 Samuel Clokey, the only son of James and Jane 
 Clokey, was bom April 25. 1787, in Dauphin county, 
 Penn. , and was educated at the subscription schools 
 of the locality. At the age of eighteen he came 
 to Washington county, and until the day of his 
 death remained on the home place settled by his 
 father. On January 1, 1824, he was married to 
 Rebecca, daughter of Alexander McClure, of South 
 Strabane township, and the children born to them 
 were Mary J., wife of P. F. Martin (deceased); 
 James (deceased); Elizabeth B. , wife of James 
 Martin; Alexander (deceased); Sarah H. . wife of 
 Hon. J. G. Clark; Samuel M. (deceased); Abigail 
 F. (deceased); Joseph H. ; Rebecca M., wife of Dr. 
 George A. Dougherty, and Caroline L. The 
 father died December 31, 1871, the mother July 
 11. 1878, and their remains repose in the cemetery 
 at Pigeon Creek. Mr. Clokey in church connec- 
 tion was first a Seceder, but afterward united 
 with the U. P. Church at Pigeon Creek, of which 
 he was a trustee. Politically he was a Whig and 
 afterward, on the organization of the party, a Re- 
 publican. About 1845 he applied for a postoffice 
 at the village on his farm, when there was no of- 
 fice nearer than Washington, five miles distant, 
 which request was granted, and he partially sup- 
 ported the same until the Civil war, from which 
 time to the present the office named Clokey has 
 done a thriving business. Mr. Clokey was post- 
 master of the same until his death. 
 
 Joseph H. Clokey was educated at the common 
 schools of the district in North Strabane township, 
 and had a thorough practical training in agricult- 
 
 ure on his father's farm. On December 12, 1878, 
 he was married to Jennie, daughter of Rev. Joseph 
 White, of Knoxville, Iowa; she died September 4, 
 1885, leaving three children: Samuel J., Ethel R. 
 and Elizabeth Anna. In February, 1889, Mr. 
 Clokey married Lucy E. Toynbee, daughter of 
 Edward and Caroline S. Toynbee. Mr. Clokey 
 owns a fine farm of 300 acres, well adapted for 
 cereal and root crops, besides stock raising. He 
 is a member of the TJ. P. Church at Pigeon Creek, 
 and in politics is a stanch Republican. He is a 
 leader in his township, taking a lively and sub- 
 stantial interest in all public matters tending to 
 the advancement and prosperity of the community 
 at large. Since his father's decease he has held 
 the position of postmaster at the village of Clokey - 
 ville, on his farm. 
 
 / 
 
 HARVEY H. KINDER, a well-known farmer 
 of Washington county, is a native of West 
 Bethlehem township, and a resident of East 
 1 Pike Run township. His father, Valentine 
 Kinder, was a son of George and Ruth Kin- 
 der, who were of German- Welsh descent, and passed 
 their later years on a farm in Washington county, 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 Valentine Kinder was born in 1804, in Wash- 
 ington county, Peun. , and when a young man was 
 united in marriage with Julia A. Booze, who was 
 born in 1806. Their children were born as fol- 
 lows: George, Harvey H. , Louis, Isaac, John, 
 Christian, Elizabeth, Valentine and Samuel, of 
 whom are yet living Harvey H. and Samuel. The 
 father was an active worker in the Whig party, and 
 followed the occupation of farming. He died in 
 June, 1890, having been preceded by the mother 
 in 1884. Both were members of the M. E. Church. 
 Harvey H. Kinder was born September 28, 1833, 
 on the home farm iu West Bethlehem township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., where he received a com- 
 mon-school education. In 1861 he enlisted as a 
 private in Company B, Twenty-second Cavalry, 
 under Capt. A. J. Greenfield, and served in the 
 principal battles of the war, and a number of slur 
 mishes in which his company were engaged. In 
 1864 he received an honorable discharge, and re- 
 turning home was married October 16, 1864, to 
 Maria Bailey, who was born 1843, in Washington 
 county, Penn. She is a daughter of Isaac and 
 Agnes Bailey, and granddaughter of George and 
 Rebecca (Zollars) Garret. The last mentioned 
 couple were of German ancestry, and settled in 
 this county many years ago, where they both died. 
 Isaac Bailey was of Welsh descent, and was 
 born in 1812, in Washington county, Peun. When 
 a young man he was married to Agnes Garret. 
 She was born May 8, 1817. Three children were 
 born to this union, as follows: Maria (Mrs. Kin- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 591 
 
 der), Henry and William G. He was an active 
 worker in the Republican party, and in religion a 
 member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 He died in 1882; his widow still survives. 
 
 Harvey H. and Maria (Bailey) Kinder are the 
 parents of five children, namely: Isaac V., Dora A., 
 Anna, Emma and William. Mr. Kinder is a prom- 
 inent citizen, is actively identified with the Repub- 
 lican party, and has held various township offices. 
 His farm contains ninety-three acres of valuable 
 land, upon which a comfortable two-story brick 
 residence has been erected, also a large frame 
 barn. He and his wife are members of the Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ILLIAM ROSS. Among the prominent 
 and successful citizens of Chartiers town- 
 ship William Ross stands with the Srst. 
 He is the eldest of two children born to 
 Thomas Ross, whose parents were Joseph and 
 Martha (Christy) Ross. The latter were natives 
 of Ireland, and in 1794 came with their first-born 
 child to Mifflin county, Penn. , where they settled 
 and carried on a farm. To Joseph and Martha 
 (Christy) Ross, children were born at follows: 
 James, John, Michael, Joseph (all four of whom 
 were deceased in Mifflin county), Mary, Martha, 
 Jane (Mrs. William M. McLaughlin) and Thomas. 
 Joseph Ross passed the remainder of his life on 
 the pioneer farm, where he and his wife died. 
 
 Thomas Ross was born in 1787, in County 
 Londonderry, Ireland, and came with his parents 
 to Mifflin county, Penn. In 1807 he came to 
 Washington county, and in 1810 was married to 
 Margaret McKnight, also a native of Ireland, a 
 daughter of William and Margaret (Luttou) Mc- 
 Knight, who emigrated from Ireland in an early 
 day, and passed their lives in Washington county, 
 Penn. After his marriage to Margaret McKnight, 
 Thomas Ross settled on a farm in North Strabane 
 township, this county, where two children were 
 born: William and Jane (widow of James Farley, 
 of Washington. Penn.). The father died in 18t>7, 
 being preceded by his wife in 1832. 
 
 William Ross was born September 2, 1811, in 
 North Strabane township, Washington Co. , Penn., 
 and was educated in the log cabin subscription 
 schools of the times. In 1845 he was married to 
 Rachel Watson, who was born June 30, 1818, 
 daughter of David and Mary (Craighead) Watson. 
 They were born in Ireland and came to America 
 before the Revolution, and Gen. Washington made 
 his New Jersey headquarters during the Revolu- 
 tion, at the home of grandfather Craighead. 
 After their marriage David and Mary (Craighead) 
 Watson settled on the farm where William Ross is 
 now living, and the following named children were 
 
 reared by them: Martha, born in January, 1816, 
 (deceased May 17, 1884); Rachel (Mrs. William 
 Ross); Nancy, born March 11, 1820; Milly, born 
 December 8, 1822; Mary Ann, born January 1, 
 1825 (deceased September 29, 1825); Isabel, born 
 January 11, 1827 (deceased in October, 1891, 
 at Canonsburg), and George C, born January 
 27, 1829 (deceased in childhood). After his 
 marriage William Ross settled in a log cabin 
 (one of the oldest in Washington county) on the 
 farm which is yet his home. Children have been 
 born to him as follows: Mary Jane (wife of 
 William Gardener, of Iowa), Amelia (married to 
 John Edwards, of Chartiers township), Anna 
 Maria, Isabelle, William, and David (married to 
 Elizabeth Potter, who has borne him four children). 
 Mr. Ross is one of the oldest living settlers of 
 Chartiers township, and has known all the hard- 
 ships peculiar to pioneer life, and has always been 
 a farmer, now owning a well cultivated farm of 
 ninety-six acres, being also engaged in mining coal 
 from a vein on the place. In politics he has always 
 been a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Gen. 
 Jackson. One grandchild is living with him, 
 George Foster. Mrs. Ross died some years ago. 
 
 d 
 
 ||OSEPH BUFFINGTON stands prominent in 
 
 the array of native-born agriculturists of 
 
 Washington county, as a weather-worn giant 
 
 tree towers in a forest of majestic oaks. He 
 
 is the grandson of John Buffington, of an 
 
 old-time Quaker family, who came into the wilds 
 
 of what is now the State of Pennsylvania with 
 
 their great leader, William Penn. 
 
 This John Buffington was the first postmaster 
 of Philadelphia, when the now great city was a 
 place of a few straggling cabins, built at the inter- 
 section of two country roads. He held this office 
 until the Revolutionary war, when he came to 
 Washington county, making a settlement in Pike 
 Run township, where he patented a large tract of 
 land. He married Sarah Young, of Chester 
 county, who bore him the following named children : 
 Joseph, Sethecia and Aca. A tailor by trade, Mr. 
 Buffington followed it to a certain extent in con- 
 nection with farming, but the latter was his chief 
 employment through life. In politics a Whig, he 
 took an active interest in the affairs of the nation 
 in his day struggling through a period of com- 
 parative infancy. Mr. Buffington died at about 
 the age of seventy years. 
 
 Sethecia Buffington, father of Joseph, was born 
 and reared in Pike Run township, and when a 
 young man learned the hatter's trade, at which he 
 was employed a few years in early life, the latter 
 portion being devoted to farming pursuits. Like 
 his father, he had to undergo the many trials 
 
592 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 and hardships incident to pioneer life, and his 
 name in the vicinity of his labors is " as familiar as 
 household words." For a long term of years he held 
 the office of justice of the peace, in fact, until the 
 revision of the constitution of the United States. 
 In 1840 he pushed farther westward, making a 
 settlement in Iowa, where he passed the remainder 
 of his active life, dying in 1851 at the age of about 
 three-score years. Children as follows were born to 
 him: Orpha, John, Polly, James, Joseph, Seth, 
 Jessie, Robert, Sarah, Abbie and William B., of 
 whom are now living: Joseph (in Washington 
 county, Penn.), Abbie (Mrs. Deems, in Missouri), 
 and William B. (in Henry county, Iowa). 
 
 Joseph Buffington was born March 2, 1806, in 
 East Pike Run township, three miles west of 
 Brownsville, where he was educated and reared to 
 farm life. His education was received at the old- 
 fashioned log school-house of those primitive days, 
 presided over by some worth)' antiquated dominie, 
 who, perhaps, knew but little more than did his 
 pupils. In his youth our subject learned the 
 tanner's trade with David and John McKenuan, 
 and for nine years was engaged in the business, 
 during five of which he conducted a tannery at 
 Beallsville, this county, and then returned to the 
 farm. In February, 1845, he removed from Pike 
 Run to East Bethlehem township, where he has 
 since resided. Mr. Buffington was united in 
 marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of John 
 Thompson, an early resident of East Bethlehem 
 township, and to them were born children as 
 follows: John, Andrew Jackson. Ruth, Mary, 
 Sarah and Emma. Of these John is deceased. 
 Andrew Jackson married Elizabeth Taylor, of 
 West Pike Run township, and now resides in 
 Henry county, Iowa; Ruth married James Irwin, 
 and resides at Front Royal, Va. ; Sarah married 
 Jacob Dague, and has her home in Somerset 
 township, this county; Mary is the widow of Frank 
 Jordan, and lives with her father; Emma is the 
 wife of Miles G. Ruble, and resides in Kentucky 
 (our subject reared two of their children, one of 
 whom is now attending college at California, Penn.). 
 Mr. and Mrs. Buffington celebrated the sixty-third 
 anniversary of their marriage. Mrs. Buffington 
 died October 28, 1892. Mr. Buffington is hale 
 and hearty for a man of his years, and is as straight 
 as an arrow, wonderfully agile, and gifted with a 
 remarkable memory. He is a Democrat, although 
 from principle he voted for Gen. Harrison and 
 Abraham Lincoln. His farm consists of seventy- 
 three acres of prime land, whereon are cultivated 
 under his immediate supervision various small 
 crops. ■ 
 
 Andrew J. Buffington, son of Joseph, is a Re- 
 publican in politics, has twice served in the Penn 
 sylvania Legislature, and is at present county com- 
 missioner of Henry county, Iowa. 
 
 [OSEPH KAMMERER. This prominent mer- 
 chant, agriculturist, distiller and stock dealer 
 
 ri was born May 20, 1835, on the place adjoin- 
 ing where he now resides, and of which in 
 1859 he became owner. 
 
 His father, John Kammerer, was born in Ger- 
 many in 1793. and was educated in the schools of 
 his land. In 1820 he was married to Margaret 
 Dunker, who was born in 1800, and five children 
 were the result of this union, namely: Mary Ann, 
 Barbary, Catharine. John and Martin, all now de- 
 ceased. The mother died in her native land in 
 February, 1830, and the father was, on July 21, 
 1830, united by matrimony with Elizabeth Bender. 
 Then bidding good-bye to the Fatherland, wife and 
 children, he sailed for America. After finding a 
 suitable location for a home, he sent for his wife 
 and children, the next year, and settled in Notting- 
 ham township. Washington Co. , Penn., following 
 the business of millwright and milling. He then 
 worked two years as a carpenter, after which he 
 embarked in general merchandising and the hotel 
 business, on a tract of land of eighty acres leased 
 from Thomas Officer, the patentee of same (near 
 the present site of the village of Kammerer I, which 
 he purchased in 1839. Thereon he erected a store- 
 room and hotel, and the place came to be known 
 as ''Dutch John's.'" To the union of John ami 
 Elizabeth (Bender) Kammerer were children as 
 follows: Jonathan, born July 31, 1831: Joseph 
 (whose sketch follows); Elizabeth, born February 
 28, 1837; Jacob, born November 22, 1838; Will' 
 iam S. , born February 23, 1843; Franklin G., 
 born Februarv 24, 1845. Of these, Jacob died July 
 27, 18311: Jonathan died October 20, 1887; Frank 
 lin G. and William S. are at present engaged in 
 the commission and brokerage business in Chi- 
 cago. The father died Julv 24, 1856, the mother 
 on May IS. 1859. 
 
 Joseph Kammerer, after his father's death, took 
 charge of the business, and under his management 
 it has been conducted to the present time. In 1860 
 he was united in marriage with Lucinda Howden, 
 and to their union five children have been born, 
 namely: Elizabeth Etta Bell, born March 3, 1861; 
 Margaret Jane, born September .">, 1863; Joseph 
 Elmer, born November 2, 1864; James Alvin, born 
 Februarv 9. 1868, and Anna Barbara, born Feb- 
 ruary 8, "1872. 
 
 In 1881 a partnership company was formed, 
 under the name of '"-The Kammerer Manufactur- 
 ing Company (Limited)," between Joseph Kam- 
 merer, Christian Hootman and John Leyda, forthe 
 manufacture of liquors, the two partners last 
 mentioned retiring from the company before the 
 machinery was put into operation. The capacity 
 of the distillery is thirty bushels per day. In con- 
 nection with the distillery. Mr. Kammerer conducts 
 a roller flouring mill, having a capacity of seventy- 
 
&z> 
 
 ^^^ZZ^J, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 595 
 
 five barrels of flour per day, and fitted with all the 
 latest improved machinery, making a market for 
 several townships for grain for which the highest 
 cash prices are paid. He owns 200 acres of land 
 on which mills are located, and is very valuable 
 for its coal and gas, and for grazing and farm pur- 
 poses. On this he is raising a fine herd of cattle. 
 Mr. Kammerer is also in the merchandise business, 
 carrying a stock of goods of about $75,000, con- 
 sisting of a complete line of goods kept in a gen- 
 eral store. In 1873 he was appointed postmaster 
 at Kammerer, which office he still holds. 
 
 JiOSEPH KEYS, a very successful agricultur- 
 I ist, and prominent representative of an old 
 ) family of Smith township, is a grandson of 
 James Keys, who was born and reared in 
 Cumberland county, Penn. , and was there 
 married to a native of the same county, who bore 
 him one son, James. 
 
 Soon after the birth of this sou the father died 
 (about 1777), and his widow was then married to 
 Robert Watson. Her son James lived with them, 
 and in 1794 accompanied the family to Washing- 
 ton county, locating on Chartiers creek, Chartiers 
 township. In 1800 James Keys was united in 
 marriage with Jane McClelland, who was born in 
 1779, a daughter of James McClelland, of Mt. 
 Pleasant township, Washington county, who was a 
 native of Ireland, and in an early day settled in 
 the locality of Miller's run, Washington county. 
 To the union of James and Jane Keys children 
 were born as follows: Martha (married to William 
 McBride, of Robinson township, this county), Jane 
 (married to John McBuriiey),John(dee<-ased I.James 
 (a retired farmer of Steubenville, Ohio), William 
 (deceased farmer of Kansas), Joseph (residing in 
 Smith township) and Ezra (a grocer of Leaveu- 
 worth, Kans.). After his marriage to Jane Mc- 
 Clelland, James Keys moved to Trumbull county, 
 Ohio (then a vast wilderness), remaining there but 
 a short time, and then came to Smith township, 
 this county, locating on a farm in Cherry Valley. 
 In 1822 he represented Washington county in the 
 Legislature, serving five years, and then re- 
 turned to his farm. He was a brilliant and in- 
 tellectual man, a leader in every undertaking for 
 the public good. He was a Whig in politics, and 
 in religious connection he and his wife were mem- 
 bers of the Seceder Church in which he was an elder. 
 His wife died in 1838, and after a useful and suc- 
 cessful life, he was laid by her side in 1854. 
 
 Joseph Keys was born December 24, 1819, on 
 his father's farm, in Cherry Valley, Smith town 
 ship, this county, and during his boyhood assisted 
 in the usual duties of agricultural life, and at- 
 tended the subscription school of his neighbor- 
 hood. On January 15, 1843, he was united in 
 
 marriage with Eleanor Smith, who was born in 
 1821, a daughter of John Smith, a resident of 
 Smith township. The following children have 
 been born to this union: Martha J. (deceased wife 
 of William Rea), Angeline (widow of A. L. Rea), 
 Lizzie (living at home with her father), William J. 
 (a farmer of Barton county, Kans.), and John W. 
 and Joseph F. (both residing with their parents). 
 Mr. and Mrs. Keys located on a farm in Smith 
 township after their marriage, and in 1849 moved 
 to the valuable farm where Mr. Keys is now re- 
 siding. It is one of the finest in the township, 
 and comprises 264 acres of prime land. The 
 place was entered by Lou Washington, a cousin of 
 George Washington, and here for twenty years 
 Mr. Keys has carried on a general farming, stock- 
 raising and dairying business. In 1886 his resi- 
 dence was laid in ashes by a destructive fire, but 
 it was immediately rebuilt on a more substantial 
 and modern plan. Joseph Keys is one of the most 
 solid and prosperous fanners in Smith township. 
 In politics he has been a Whig and Republican. 
 In 1886 he was called to mourn the loss of his 
 wife, who passed from earth after a married life of 
 forty-three years. She was a member of the U. P. 
 Church, with which he is connected. His home 
 is now being cared for by his daughter, Miss Lizzie. 
 
 } H. GREGG. Among the early settlers 
 of Washington county, whose deeds 
 are an undying monument to their 
 memory, were the ancestors of the 
 well-known family of which this gentleman is a 
 representative. 
 
 In 1791 three brothers — Henry, William and 
 John Gregg — left Ireland, the country of their birth, 
 and crossed the ocean to America. After a voyage 
 of sixteen weeks they all came to Washington 
 county, Penn, and settled in East Pike Run town- 
 ship, where Henry secured a tract of 349 acres 
 called the " Burning Mine," now owned by a Mr. 
 Duvall. Henry Gregg served as justice of the 
 peace in 1796. He was married to Jane Dowler, 
 and of their children, whose names are given, are 
 John, Henry, Thomas, Edward, Seth and William. 
 The parents died in 1834, in West Pike Run town- 
 ship. 
 
 John Gregg, son of Henry, was born and reared 
 on the home place in East Pike Run township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. He received a thorough 
 education, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, 
 which he followed several years. When a young 
 man he made choice of a helpmeet in the person 
 of Edith, daughter of Caleb Woodward, who was 
 a native of Scotland, and who, soon after his mar- 
 riage, came to America, first locating in Chester 
 county, Penn., afterward moving to Brownsville, 
 Fayette Co. , where he conducted a mill for many 
 
596 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 years. He was a strong advocate of the principles 
 embodied in the Whig platform, and in religion 
 was a member of the Society of Friends. His chil- 
 dren were as follows: Milton, Alfred, Caleb, Edith 
 (Mrs. Gregg), Charlotte and Sidney. Mr. and 
 Mrs. John Gregg settled in West Pike Run town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Peun. , where he carried on 
 a farm — also conducting a blacksmith shop for 
 several years — and in 1859 moved to California, 
 Penn. In political opinion he was a stanch sup- 
 porter of the Whig and Abolition parties, and in 
 religion was an active member of the Taylor M. E. 
 Church. His children were Thomas, Caleb and 
 W. H. 
 
 W. H. Gregg was born April 6, 1847, in West 
 Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 remained with his parents until twenty years of 
 age. He then worked about four years in the 
 lumber business for Powell & Co., of California, 
 Penn., afterward entering the employ of Morgan & 
 Dixon, with whom he remained five years. In 
 1881 he opened his present business in Coal Centre, 
 and has by good management and honorable deal- 
 ing secured a large and constantly increasing cus- 
 tom. On October 20, 1869, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Jennie M. , daughter of Robert and 
 Augusta Forsythe, of Fayette county, Penn., and 
 one son has been born to this union, Edgar F. , a 
 graduate of a business college, and now a book- 
 keeper in Pittsburgh. Mr. Gregg is deeply inter- 
 ested in the success of the Republican party, and 
 has rilled various borough offices, serving repeat- 
 edly as a member of the school board. He is a 
 member of the board of trustees' of the South- 
 western State Normal School, and has been a di- 
 rector of the First National Bank of California, 
 Penn., since its organization. He is a supporter 
 of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church . 
 
 d,OHN ELLIOTT STEWART, a prosperous 
 young farmer of Jefferson township, is a son 
 of Robert Stewart. He traces his lineage 
 back through the generations to one Lord 
 Stewart, a peer of Scotland, who left his na- 
 tive land, and settled in " Foggy Hill," County Ty- 
 rone, Ireland. 
 
 James Stewart (the great-grandfather of John 
 Elliott) embarked with his family for America on 
 the ship " Doras,'' which was boarded, while on the 
 voyage, by a British man-of-war. All able-bodied 
 men on the "Doras" were impressed into the En- 
 glish service, and Robert Stewart (a son of James), 
 who was then eighteen years of age, was one of 
 them. He served on a British man-of-war for sev- 
 eral months, when he was released by strategy, his 
 father having prevailed upon a young lady to 
 claim him as her husband. The youth then joined 
 his parents in Washington county, Penn., settling 
 in Smith township, and soon after Robert Stewart 
 
 was united in marriage with Ann McGough, also a 
 native of Ireland. Six children were born to their 
 union, namely: John, Elizabeth (Mrs. Kidd), 
 Sarah, Robert, James and Andrew. 
 
 Robert Stewart was born May 21, 1824, in 
 Washington county, Penn. He attended the com- 
 mon schools of the neighborhood and assisted in 
 the farm duties during his boyhood. In 1852 he 
 was married to Miss Sarah Jane Elliott, who bore 
 him three children, namely: John Elliott, born 
 March 13, 1853; James, born November 25, 1855, 
 and Robert, born February 26, 1858. The mother 
 of this familv died in 1858, and for his second wife 
 Robert Stewart was married to Eliza Orr, of Irish 
 descent, who lived but a short time afterward. He 
 was then married to Rebecca H., daughter of Will- 
 iam Provines, a native of Ireland, who settled in 
 Jefferson township. Mrs. Stewart is a member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, of which her hus- 
 band is an earnest supporter. In politics he has 
 always been a counselor and adviser in the Demo- 
 cratic party, and is highly esteemed by all who 
 know him. 
 
 John Elliott Stewart was born on the farm 
 where his father is now living, and was reared to 
 agricultural pursuits, attending the common 
 schools of the neighborhood during the winter 
 months of his boyhood. He was united in mar- 
 riage October 17, 1877, with Belle McKnight, of 
 Hickory, Washington county, daughter of William 
 McKnight, a native of Ireland. One child came to 
 this uuion, Leman E., born September 30, 1878, 
 whose mother died November 7, 1879. After her 
 death John Elliott Stewart made his home for a 
 time with his father, and also traveled through the 
 Western States. On his return home he married on 
 September 8, 1885, Miss Flora Agnes, daughter of 
 H. C. Anderson, a prominent farmer of Cross 
 Creek township, and they have had one daughter, 
 Roberta Vere, born August 16, 1888. Mr. Stew- 
 art is a great reader, and is specially interested in 
 literature tending to impart information to the ag- 
 ricultural and laboring classes. He owns 140 acres 
 of tine farming and grazing land, and is now dep 
 uty-master of Washington county for the State 
 Grange of Pennsylvania. Although the son of an 
 active member of the Democratic party, and him- 
 self favoring their platform, Mr. Stewart believes 
 in voting for the man rather than the politician, 
 regardless of party tenets. He has held several 
 township offices, and is very promiueut in all mat- 
 ters of common interest to the community. 
 
 ROBERT EMERY, one of the most re- 
 spected retired agriculturists of Amwell 
 l\ township, was born April 5, 1807, in Can- 
 * onsburg, Washington Co., Pennsylvania. 
 The first of his ancestors to land in 
 America was the grandfather, Thomas Emery, a 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 597 
 
 native of the Emerald Isle,wbo, with his family, im- 
 migrated to eastern Pennsylvania about 1771. He 
 remained there several years, and finally removing 
 to Washington county, made his permanent home 
 near Canonsburg. The children born to this pio- 
 neer were as follows: Joshua, Walter, Phinney, 
 Jeremiah, Mrs. Nancy Clark and Mrs. Martha 
 Jamison. 
 
 Joshua Emery, father of Robert, in early youth 
 learned the shoemaker's trade, and locating in Can- 
 onsburg, Washington county, followed the busi- 
 ness for several years, at the same time acting as 
 riding constable for Washington county. About 
 1800 he opened a well known tavern in Canons- 
 burg. He was married to a daughter of John 
 McGowen, and she bore him the following chil- 
 dren: Boyd, Robert, Matthew, Mrs. Nancy 
 Anthony, Mrs. Ann Hurst (afterward Mrs. Dr. 
 Herriott), Mary (wife of Mr. Brown, of Valparaiso, 
 Ind.), Phinney, Thomas, Gibbs and Mrs. Martha 
 Pierce, of whom Robert, Ann, Mary and Martha 
 are yet living. 
 
 Robert Emery lived in Canonsburg, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., until 1835, when he removed to 
 Strabane township, and in 1844 located on the 
 present home of the family in Amwell township. 
 In 1836 he was united in marriage with Lucinda 
 Workman, who was born May 15, 1814, a daugh- 
 ter of Robert and Rebecca Workman. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Emery have been blessed with the following 
 children: Boyd, born July 17, 1837; Mary Jane, 
 born August 3, 1830; Georgie Ann, born October 
 21, 1841 (now deceased); James K., born August 
 21, 1844, and William, born April 4, 1856 (now 
 deceased). 
 
 Boyd % Emery, the eldest sou of Robert and 
 Lucinda (Workman) Emerv, was married Novem- 
 ber 26, 1863, to Martha H. Thomas, and their 
 children are William S. , born August 19, 1864, 
 died November 14, 1870; Harriet L. , born Novem- 
 ber 30, 1867, wife of John C. McCoy, and James 
 W., born February 2, 1870. Boyd Emery has 
 been auditor of Amwell township fifteen consecu- 
 tive years, and his services have been eminently 
 satisfactory to all. He and his father own a nice 
 farm situated two and a half miles from the 
 borough of Washington, where they are very suc- 
 cessfully engaged in agricultural pursuits. The 
 family are all members of the Disciple (or Chris- 
 tian) Church, and are honest, upright people, 
 serving their Creator in their daily lives, as well 
 as by their profession of faith. 
 
 \ILLIAM H. PRY, a successful young 
 agriculturist of Cross Creek township, is a 
 \fi' son of Abraham Pry, whose father was a 
 native of Virginia, and was married in 
 that State to a Miss Barnes. The children born to 
 
 their union were John, Abraham, William L., Eliza 
 (Mrs. John Powelson) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel 
 Pascal, of Cross Creek township). The father was 
 a Democrat in politics. 
 
 Abraham Pry was born November 10, 1813, in 
 Hampshire county, W. Va. The father died when 
 Abraham was but four years of age, and the child 
 was left to struggle through the perplexities of 
 boyhood unaided, but he secured an education by 
 dint of perseverance and energy, and when about 
 twenty-two years of age came to Washington coun- 
 ty, settling in Cross Creek township. He was 
 there married to Rachel, daughter of David Mc- 
 Clurg, of Cross Creek township, and they settled 
 on the farm where they are yet living. The fol- 
 lowing children have been born to their union: 
 David M., Catherine J. (deceased), John W., Will- 
 iam H. and Joseph M. (twins, the latter of whom 
 is deceased), Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), 
 Anna M. (deceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and 
 Francis H. The father of this family was orig- 
 inally a Democrat, then a Whig, finally uniting 
 with the Republican party, whose principles he 
 now supports. He attends the Cross Creek Pres- 
 byterian Church, contributing liberally to its main- 
 tenance. 
 
 William H. Pry was born September 11, 1847, 
 on the old homestead of the Pry family, situated 
 half a mile south of Cross Creek village. His boy- 
 hood was passed in attending the common schools 
 and assisting on the farm. On October 7, 1869, 
 he was united in marriage with Miss E. J. McFar- 
 land, who was born in 1851, daughter of Andrew 
 McFarlaud, of Cross Creek township, this county, 
 a tailor by trade. Mr. and Mrs. Pry began their 
 wedded life in Cross Creek village, and remained 
 there twelve years, Mr. Pry meanwhile assisting 
 his father on the farm. He then moved to the 
 farm where he is now living, having erected a fine 
 home and out-buildings upon the place. They 
 have three children: an infant, born in October, 
 1870; Luella Belle, born February 8, 1874; and 
 Mary R., born March 15, 1879. Of these children, 
 Luella Belle is married to Elza M. Dowler, a prom- 
 ising young farmer of Cross Creek township, ami 
 an estimable young man. In politics Mr. Pry has 
 followed in the footsteps of his forefathers, and 
 votes the Republican ticket. 
 
 TfOHN MORGAN SHARP is one of the lead- 
 
 I ing and influential agriculturists of Cross 
 
 ^ J Creek township, and owns an extensive and 
 
 ^^ valuable tract of land, which yields him a 
 
 large annual profit. He is a son of John F. 
 
 Sharp, whose father's name was also John. 
 
 John Sharp (the grandfather of subject) was 
 born January 1, 1774, in New Jersey, where his 
 boyhood was passed, afterward moving to Fayette 
 
598 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 county, Perm. On January 26, 1797, he was 
 wedded in Pennsylvania to Miss Hannah Freeman, 
 who was born March 26, 1778, and after marriage 
 fchey made their first home on a farm in Fayette 
 county, where four children were born to them, 
 namely: Mary (wife of James Gardener, of West 
 Virginia), born November 17, 1797; John F. , born 
 February 20, 1801; Levi, born July 1, 1804, and 
 Ruth (wife of Samuel Gardener, near Eldersville), 
 born August 18, 1806. Afterward the family 
 moved to Washington county, Penn., settling on a 
 farm near Eldersville, where the rest of their chil- 
 dren were born, as follows: Edmund (living in 
 Sharptown, Ind.), born November 18, 1808; Sarah 
 (married to Alexander Walker, of Jefferson town- 
 ship, this county), born May 2, 1811; Jane (wife 
 of John Steene, residing near Eldersville, this 
 county), born July 14, 1813; Hannah (married to 
 John Wheeler, a tailor of Jefferson township, this 
 county), born March 9, 1817, ami Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 John Stephenson, alsoof Jefferson township), born 
 March 23. 1819. John Sharp died September 11, 
 I860, having been preceded by his wife, Hannah, 
 July 26, 1838, and both are buried in Cross Creek 
 graveyard. 
 
 John F. Sharp was seven years of age when he 
 came to Washington county with his parents. 
 About 1826 he was united in marriage in West 
 Virginia, near Steubeuville, Ohio, with Miss Nar- 
 cissa Atkinson, daughter of Thomas Atkinson, and 
 settled on a farm which he purchased from his 
 father, and upon which they lived over sixty years. 
 The children born to this marriage were Eliza J. 
 (Mrs. Nathaniel Halley, of Owen county, Ind.), 
 born December 18, 1827, Thomas A., born May 
 14, 1829 (married to Olivia Walker, daughter of 
 James Walker, of Jefferson township), Absalom, 
 born March 3, 1831 (married to Lucinda Stephens, 
 and living in Indiana), Hannah A., born March 18, 
 1834 (wife of J. G. Walker, son of James Walker, 
 of Jefferson township), John M. (whose name opens 
 this sketch), Harriet N. , born April 3, 1843, died 
 July 13, 1844, and Sarah M., born June 28, 1846, 
 died February 11, 1850, both of whom were buried 
 in Cross Creek graveyard. The mother of these 
 children passed from eartli January 10, 1847, and 
 was laid to rest in Cross Creek graveyard. Mr. 
 Sharp was afterward married to Maria Price, of 
 Perry county, Ohio, to which union three children 
 were born: Mary E. (wife of W. D. McKay), born 
 May 30, 1850; Clara R. (wife of Thomas Lindsey, 
 of Steubeuville, Ohio), and Ella S. (married to 
 John M. Russell, of Smith township, this county). 
 John F. Sharp died December 19, 1887, and was 
 buried in Cross Creek graveyard. 
 
 John Morgan Sharp was born March 7, 1838, 
 on the home farm in Cross Creek township, where 
 his youth was passed. On December 22, 1859, 
 he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah M. 
 
 Virtue, of Cross Creek township, who was born 
 January 23, 1842, daughter of James and Mary 
 Virtue. William Virtue, father of James, came 
 from Ireland in pioneer days. To the union of 
 John Morgan and Sarah M. Sharp the following 
 children have been born: John Freeman, born 
 March 18, 1861; Mary B., born July 12, 1863 
 (wife of Charles W. Scott, residing near Bethel 
 Church, Jefferson township); Flora A., born Au- 
 gust 5, 1865; Hattie May, born December 6, 1868; 
 Jessie Leola, born March 14, 1876, and Jennie E., 
 born October 20, 1880. After their marriage Mr. 
 and Mrs. Sharp resided for twenty years on a farm 
 in the vicinity, belonging to his father, when, upon 
 the death of his father, Mr. Sharp moved to the 
 old home farm near his former residence, and has 
 since remained on the homestead, which he pur- 
 chased under authority of his father's will at $66 
 per acre, at which it was appraised. He carried 
 on an extensive agricultural business, making a 
 specialty of sheep raising, and now owns 223 acres 
 of land, also an interest in 550 acres of his father's 
 estate. In politics he follows the example of his 
 forefathers, voting the straight Democratic ticket, 
 and he has held various offices of trust in his town- 
 ship. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 in Cross Creek village. He is one of the original 
 stockholders, incorporators and directors in " The 
 Cross Creek Cemetery Company." 
 
 TiOHN W. REED, a prominent and influential 
 I agriculturist of East Pike Run township, 
 \t)j is a grandson of Samuel and Maria J. Reed, 
 ^^ who lived in Allegheny county, Penn., the 
 grandfather dying in December, 1869, in his 
 eighty-seventh year, the grandmother at the age 
 of about seventy-live years. 
 
 Thomas R. Reed, the eldest son of Samuel and 
 Maria J. Reed, was born October 31, 1816, and in 
 early life learned the trade of blacksmith, at which 
 he is still working. On September 6. 1S3S, he 
 was married to Mary Ann Pyle, who was eighteen 
 years old at the time, and to this union were born 
 children as follows: Joseph F., born October 11, 
 1839, by trade a blacksmith; Samuel H., bora 
 March 25, 1841, following carpentry; John W., 
 born February 6, 1843; William E., born Decem- 
 ber 5, 1844; Boyd E., born April 30, 1846, a 
 blacksmith by trade; James W., born Jul] 6, 
 1848, by occupation a plasterer and contractor; 
 Thomas Roland, born June 3, 1850, died March 
 21, 1866; Maria E., bom May 21, 1852; Mary •!., 
 born September 17, 1854, died March 10, 1855, 
 Albenah A., born March 20, 1856; Cyrus S. , born 
 February 20, 1858, now a blacksmith; Ida ML, 
 born February 18, I860; and Alfred F., born July 
 19, 1S62, also a blacksmith. The mother of this 
 family died October 30, 1878. The father now 
 
dJn 7f^<^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 601 
 
 lives in Irwin, Westmoreland Co., Perm. He 
 votes with the Democratic party, and for twenty 
 years was a justice of the peace at Allenport, 
 Washington Co., Penn. ; in religious faith he is a 
 member of the Baptist Church. 
 
 John W. Reed was reared to manhood in the 
 town of Allenport (now Independence), where his 
 early education was received. He then learned 
 blacksmithing and boiler making, which trades he 
 followed until purchasing the farm. In November, 
 1865, he was married to Sarah A. Wilson, adopted 
 daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James Stroud, both de- 
 ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson were the parents of 
 five children, viz. : Charles, residing in Belle Ver- 
 non, Fayette county; Emily, wife of Joseph Eller, 
 of Belle Vernon, Fayette county; Mary J., married 
 to Nathan Werrell, of Fayette county; Jemima, 
 wife of Abraham Tinley, of Bentleyville, Washing- 
 ton county, and Sarah A. (Mrs. Reed). Mr. and 
 Mrs. Reed reside on the home farm of 116 acres, 
 located two miles southeast of Coal Centre, Penn. 
 During 1862-63 he worked in the navy yard at 
 Pittsburgh. He and his wife are members of the 
 Ebenezer M. E. Church. In politics Mr. Reed 
 affiliates with the Democratic party, is interested 
 in the progress and welfare of his community, aud 
 lias served as school director. He is one of the 
 directors of the California National Bank. His 
 house and surroundings are a credit to the owner, 
 and place him among the thrifty and progressive 
 men of the county. Mr. Reed has resided upon 
 his present home since 1890. 
 
 If B. KAHL, son of J. D. Kahl, a native of 
 Adams county, Penn. , was born September 
 t[\\ 26, 1855, the eldest of his father's family. 
 ^^ He was educated in the schools of California, 
 this county, and taught for seven years. On 
 December 29, 1881, he was married to Jeanette L. , 
 daughter of David, and granddaughter of Robert 
 Clark. The latter was born in 1784, in Pennsyl- 
 vania, and married Jeanette Paxton, who also was 
 born in 1784. They settled in Nottingham township, 
 where children were born as follows: Margaret, 
 born in 1806, died in 1853 (married in 1836 to 
 John Preston); Jane, born in 1808, died in 1853 
 (married in 1843 to Adam Morrow); Andrew, born 
 in 1810, died in 1874; Robert, born in 1812, died 
 in 1892 (married in 1844 to Margaret Mcllvaine); 
 Paxton, born in 1814, died in 1838; John B., born 
 in 1816, died in 1833; Harriet, born in 1818, died 
 in 1841 (married in 1841 to Samuel Morrison); 
 Eliza, born in 1820 (married in 1843 to John Mor- 
 rison), living in Virginia; Sarah, born in 1822, died 
 in 1882 (married in 1846 to F. C. Morrison); Cas- 
 endana, born in 1823 (married in 1846 to David 
 Aiken), living in Washington, D. C, and David, of 
 whom further mention is made. The mother of 
 
 this family died in 1866, having been preceded by 
 the father in 1850. 
 
 David Clark, youngest son of Robert and Jean- 
 ette (Paxton) Clark, was born in 1824. In 1854 
 he was united in marriage with Julia A. Lyda, who 
 was born in 1832 in this county. He was a farm- 
 er, and in 1862 enlisted in Company D, P. V., 
 Ringgold Battalion. He returned home in June, 
 1863, and died in July of the same year, leaving 
 two children: Frank and Jeanette L. (Mrs. Kahl). 
 
 To the marriage of J. B. and Jeanette L. (Clark) 
 Kahl one son has been born: Maunice C. 
 
 JOHN WELCH was born January 12, 1800, 
 near McConuell's Mill, this county. Little 
 else is known of his parents' history except 
 that they were Scotch emigrants, and became 
 pioneer settlers of Washington county. After the 
 death of his father, which occurred when he was a 
 small boy, John Welch went to live with a brother, 
 Robert. In 1821 he was married to Elizabeth 
 Woodburn, who was born in 1802, daughter of 
 Thomas W. Woodburn, and to their union children 
 were born as follows: Mary (Mrs. Walter Denny, 
 of Independence township); James M. ; Margaret 
 (widow of Capt. John F. Beatty, of Carrollton, 
 Ohio); Jane (Mrs. Thomas Harsha); John D. (a 
 farmer of Harrison county, Ohio); Elizabeth (wife 
 of W. G. Fee, of Cherokee, Iowa); Robert C. (de- 
 ceased, a U. P. minister); Sarah Ann (Mrs. Will- 
 iam Cockins, of Los Angeles, Cal.), and Thomas 
 (deceased). During hrs married life Mr. Welch 
 resided in Chartiers township, engaged in farming 
 and stock raising. Politically he was formerly a 
 Whig, and then a Republican, taking an active 
 part in the abolition of slavery. He died in 1870, 
 and was joined by his wife in 1873. 
 
 James M. Welch, one of the successful farmers 
 of Independence township, who has retired from 
 active life, was born October 2, 1823, in Chartiers 
 township, on the home farm. He attended the 
 common schools, and assisted with the farm work 
 until twenty-one years of age, when, becoming dis- 
 contented at home, he purchased and located on a 
 piece of land, his sister acting as hig housekeeper. 
 He afterward sold this property at a profit, and re- 
 turned to the home farm. On April 14, 1853, he 
 was married to Jane Lee, who was born March 23, 
 1S28, daughter of John aud Mary (Park) Lee, and 
 they have had the following children : Willard Lee, 
 John S. (who died in infancy), Melissa J. (deceased), 
 Joseph A. (mentioned below), Annie (Mrs. Finley 
 Liggett, of Walurba, Penn.), Laura May (living 
 at home), Mary W. (deceased in youth) and Lizzie 
 M. (who died in youth). After his marriage, Mr. 
 Welch resided eleven years near the home farm in 
 Chartiers township, and in 1864 purchased the "Old 
 Garrett" farm, lying in the eastern central portion 
 
602 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 of Independence township, upon which he resided 
 until 1890, when he purchased an adjoining tract 
 on the western side, where he is now living a re- 
 tired life. By dint of energy and perseverance, 
 Mr. Welch now owns over 325 acres of land iu In- 
 dependence township, and has been greatly as- 
 Bisted by his faithful wife, who has been for several 
 years a sufferer from rheumatism. Mr. Welch has 
 also failed in health. Politically he was first a 
 W'hig, and now votes the Republican ticket. Both 
 he and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope U. 
 P. Church. 
 
 Willard Lee Welch, eldest son of James M. and 
 Jane (Lee) Welch, was born January 11, 1854, on 
 the home farm in Chartiers township He received 
 a common-school education, and afterward at- 
 tended Canonsburg Academy, and the Curry In- 
 stitute, of Pittsburgh, Penn. On September 27. 
 1881, he was united in marriage with HattieGour- 
 ley, who was born July 4, 1859, a native of Brooke 
 county, W. Va. , daughter of James M. and Cath- 
 erine (Walker) Gourley. After his marriage Mr. 
 Welch located on the " Andrew Ralston " farm, in 
 the eastern part of Independence township, and 
 has since worked upon that place, which adjoins 
 the home of his father and brother. His farm is 
 one of the best in the township, and he has erected 
 a fine dwelling and other buildings upon it. In 
 politics he was formerly a Republican, but is now 
 a stanch member of the Prohibition party. He 
 and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope Church, 
 in which he is an elder. 
 
 Joseph A. Welch, a brother of Willard Lee, was 
 born January 14, 1859, iu Chartiers township, 
 where he lived five years, and then came with his 
 parents to Independence township, locating on the 
 place he now owns. He received a common-school 
 education, and worked on the farm. On Septem- 
 ber 25, 1890, he was married to Mary B. McNary, 
 who was born November 29, L865, daughter of ex- 
 county commissioner McNary, of Cross Creek town- 
 ship. He then located on the home farm, his par- 
 ents moving to one adjoining it, and now deals 
 extensively in stock. Politically he is a Repub- 
 lican. He and his wife are members of the Mt. 
 Hope U. P. Church. 
 
 Miss Eleanor Morton, a native of the same place. 
 She died in 1862, leaving five children, of whom 
 J. K. (the third son) is the only one yet living. After 
 the death of his first wife Jacob Bedall was married 
 to Miss Morton, and for his third choice selected 
 Eliza Jane, daughter of John and Phoebe Richards, 
 early settlers of Washington county. In politics 
 Mr. Bedall was a Whig and Republican, and in 
 religious faith a member of the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church. He died in November, 1887. 
 
 J. K. Bedall was born July 1, 1854, on his 
 present farm in Fallowfield township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and attended the district schools of the 
 vicinity. On April 14, 1892, he was united in 
 marriage with Anna Eller, daughter of Joseph and 
 Emily (Wilson) Eller, all of whom were residents 
 of Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Penn. Mrs. Bedall 
 is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church; 
 in political opinion Mr. Bedall is an advocate of 
 the principles embodied in the Republican party. 
 
 J I K. BEDALL, son of Jacob, and grandson 
 of James Bedall, is a native of Washington 
 I county, Penn. James Bedall was born and 
 reared in eastern Pennsylvania, where he was 
 married to Elizabeth Moller. They came to 
 Washington county many years ago, and locating 
 in Fallowfield township, died on the old homestead. 
 Jacob Bedall, son of James and Elizabeth, was 
 born in 1809, on the old place in Fallowfield town- 
 ship, Washington Co. , Penn. He always resided 
 on the home farm, to which he brought his bride, 
 
 JOHN HORN, a worthy representative of one 
 I of the oldest families of West Bethlehem 
 J township, is a son of Adam Horn, who was 
 a son of John Horn, Si\, who was a son of 
 Christopher Horn, who was the first of the name 
 to locate in West Bethlehem township. 
 
 On February 28, 1785, Christopher Horn 
 patented 340 acres of land on Ten-Mile creek, 
 which he named "Ballimore." [The original 
 patent for this land is now in the possession of 
 John Horn, the subject of this sketch.] Here he 
 located, cleared and improved the land, and the 
 old home he erected, built of logs and slabs, is 
 still standing, considered to be the oldest house in 
 the township. By trade he was a blacksmith, and 
 he made all the nails, hinges, etc., used in the con- 
 struction of the building. He had two children. 
 John and Jacob, between whom his property was 
 divided at his death. Of these John was born and 
 grew to manhood on his father's tract, his educa- 
 tion being such as the period afforded. In his 
 youth he married a Miss Barbara Young, by whom 
 he had nine children, viz. : Jacob, John, Chris- 
 topher, Jr., David, Adam, Samuel, Mary, Elizabeth 
 and Catherine, all now deceased except Samuel, 
 who is a farmer of Greene county, Penn. The 
 mother of this family dying, the father subse- 
 quently married Mary Shape, and the children by 
 this union were: Susanna, Lydia, Leah, Joel and 
 Joshua, all yet living except Susanna. 
 
 Adam Horn, father of John Horn, the subject 
 of this sketch, was born on this original tract of 
 land, and his boyhood was passed in assisting his 
 father in tilling the soil, and in obtaining such an 
 education as the subscription schools of that day 
 afforded. In his youth he learned the trade of a 
 cooper, at which he was employed for a time, but 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 603 
 
 abandoning this occupation he turned his attention 
 to farming and stock raising, at which he was suc- 
 cessful and prosperous. He purchased the farm 
 now owned by his son J. M. Horn, and erected 
 thereon a large and elegant frame residence, and 
 upon this farm he lived respected and honored by 
 all until death closed his earthly labors. He was 
 a consistent and liberal member of the Lutheran 
 denomination, and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran 
 Church was erected on land donated by him to 
 that Society. He married Hester Bunnell, daugh- 
 ter of John Bonnell, then a citizen of West Beth- 
 lehem township, but later a resident of Ohio. To 
 this union were born the following children: Mor- 
 gan, John, Cephas, James Madison, Simeon B., 
 Adam, Ann, Elizabeth and Maria; of whom are 
 living John, James Madison (a merchant near 
 Zollarsville), Ann (wife of H.- White, also residing 
 near Zollarsville), and Elizabeth. 
 
 John Horn was born September 28, 1833, on the 
 farm adjoining the property on which he now 
 resides, and grew to manhood in West Bethlehem 
 township. Being the chief assistant of his father 
 in his various vocations, his education was some- 
 what limited, but he succeeded in securing not a 
 little practicable learning. At the breaking out 
 of the war of the Rebellion, he enlisted in Com- 
 pany D, Eighty-fifth Regiment, P. V. I., under 
 Capt. Horn, a cousin, Col. Howell commanding. 
 His company was encamped at Uniontown, Peun. 
 He was in the following engagements, led by Gen. 
 MacClellan: Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair Oaks 
 and that known as the Seven Days' Fight before 
 Richmond. On account of impaired health, Mr. 
 Horn was sent to the general hospital at David's 
 Island, N. Y. , from which he was dischargedafter 
 a year's service, and returning home to West 
 Bethlehem township, he was for nearly a year un- 
 able to work. After a time, regaining his strength, 
 he resumed his regular vocation, that of a farmer, 
 and he has also been engaged extensively in dealing 
 in wool for the past twenty-live years. On May 16, 
 1872, Mr. Horn was married to Eliza J. Gayman, 
 daughter of Joseph and Susanna Gayman, of 
 West Bethlehem township. Her grandparents 
 were Daniel and Olivia Gayman, who were pio- 
 neers in this neighborhood and settled in Ten 
 Mile Valley, not far from the present location of 
 the village of Zollarsville, at an early date. Mrs. 
 Horn has four brothers, viz. : Jacob, Thaddeus D. , 
 James and Daniel, and one sister named Emma. 
 They all reside in Washington county, Penn. Mr. 
 Horn and his wife have the following named 
 children: Henry D., Joseph G. , Alice M. , Iris B. 
 and Eugene, all unmarried and living at home with 
 their parents. Politically Mr. Horn is a Repub- 
 lican, but he has never sought office. He is 
 now filling with credit and ability the office of 
 school director of the township in which he re- 
 
 sides. His wife, who is a lady well known for her 
 many virtues, her hospitality and benevolence, is 
 a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 JjACOB ANDREWS, a representative of one of 
 the oldest and most highly esteemed pio- 
 neer families of Smith township, is de- 
 scended from Irish ancestry. Jeremiah 
 Andrews, his grandfather, was born, reared 
 and married in Ireland, coming to America long 
 before 1800. They located on a wild piece of for- 
 est land, lying about three miles north of Bur- 
 gettstown, Washingtown Co., Penn., no improve- 
 ments having then been made. Here a rude cabin 
 was hastily erected, and the couple settled per- 
 manently in their pioneer home, where children 
 were born as follows: Matthew, Jeremiah, Joseph, 
 Robert, John, Elizabeth (wife of Nathan Scott), 
 Catherine (Mrs. Scott) and Nancy (married to 
 Andrew Carlile). 
 
 Jeremiah Andrews, son of Jeremiah, was born 
 about 1790, on the home farm in Smith township, 
 where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, re- 
 ceiving a meager education at the common schools 
 of the period. He was first married to a Miss 
 Carlisle, of this county, whose children were Jere- 
 miah (deceased, a farmer of Beaver county, Penn., 
 who afterward moved to Columbiana county, Ohio), 
 John C. (also a farmer of Beaver county, who 
 lived in Columbiana county, Ohio, for a time, 
 afterward returning to Beaver county, Penn., where 
 he died), and Isabella (deceased wife of William 
 Nichols, a stone mason, who lived in Beaver 
 county, Penn., for some time, and then moved to 
 Kentucky). The mother of these children died, 
 and for his second wife Jeremiah Andrews was 
 united in marriage with Catherine Neiswonger, of 
 Hancock county, W. Va., and the following chil- 
 dren were born to their union: Rachel (Mrs. Francis 
 McBride, of Ashland county, Ohio), Jacob (sub- 
 ject of this sketch), Elizabeth (wife of James Mc- 
 Millen, of Columbiana county, Ohio), Joseph (a 
 farmer of Beaver county, Penn. ), George H. (a 
 farmer in California), Susanna (wife of Capt. J. 
 H. Melvin, of Fairview, W. Va. ) and Catherine 
 (married to W. W. Morrow, of Wellsville, Ohio). 
 After his marriage Jeremiah Andrews followed 
 agricultural pursuits on a farm near Fairview, Han- 
 cock Co., W. Va. He was very successful in his 
 business, possessing energy, enterprise and good 
 management, and at the time of his death was one 
 of the wealthiest citizens of his neighborhood. 
 Politically fie was a lifelong Democrat, but voiced 
 his opinion by his vote alone, leaving the rising 
 generation to choose for themselves their political 
 preference. He was a member and pillar of the U. 
 P. Church, with which his wife was also connected. 
 He died in 1856, being followed by his wife in 
 
604 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1875, and the remains of both were laid to rest in 
 Tomlinson's Run cemetery, Beaver county, Penn. 
 
 Jacob Andrews was born September 6, 1828, in 
 Hancock county, W. Va. , whore he received a 
 common-school education. In 1849 he and his 
 half brother, John C. , went t'o Columbiana county, 
 Ohio, and followed farming, their sister Rachel 
 acting as housekeeper for her brothers uutil her 
 marriage, when Elizabeth (another sister) supplied 
 her place. In 1856 Jacob sold his interest in the 
 farm, returning to Hancock county, W. Va. , where 
 he followed agriculture a short time. On May 3, 
 L857, he was united in marriage with Hannah 
 Carlile, of Columbiana county, Ohio. She was 
 born March 22, 1838, being the tenth in a family 
 of fourteen children born to John and Margaret 
 (Hephner) Carlile. John Carlile was a native of 
 New Jersey, and when but a boy came to Colum- 
 biana county, Ohio, with his parents, Daniel Car- 
 lile and his wife, early settlers of that county. In 
 early life John was married to Margaret Hephner, 
 daughter of Henry and Mary (Shoemaker) Heph- 
 ner, the former a native of Germany who settled 
 in Columbiana county, Ohio, in an early day. 
 
 The following children have been born to Jacob 
 and Hannah (Carlile) Andrews: Josephine (de- 
 ceased in youth); William D. (a conductor on the 
 P. C. C. & St. Louis R. R.); George W. (a clerk 
 in the shipping department of the Edgar Thomson 
 SteelWorks, Hraddock, Penn.); Luella (deceased 
 in infancy); Lizzie (wife of Barcley S. Fennimore, 
 of Jewett, Ohio); John H. (a conductor on the N. 
 Y. C. & H. II. R. R); Mm, da B. (wife of D. C. 
 Fulton, a farmer of Hanover township. Washing 
 ton county), and Harvey (deceased at the age of 
 seventeen years).' Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Andrews 
 began their married life on a farm in Beaver coun- 
 ty, Penn.. and in 1864 came to Washington county, 
 locating on the farm adjoining Burgettstown, 
 Smith township, where they are yet living. He 
 has been a very successful farmer, but of recent 
 years has taken no active part in the work of the 
 place. In politics Jacob Andrews has always been 
 a stanch Democrat. He and his wife are both 
 highly esteemed citizens of the community in which 
 they reside. 
 
 JAMES M. ROSS is a prominent representa 
 live of one of the oldest, pioneer families in 
 Washington county. In L728 one John Ross 
 left the shores of Erin to seek a home in 
 the New World. On arriving in America he 
 seii led permanently on a farm near d-ermantown, 
 Peon., where the following children were born and 
 reared: Thomas, William, John, James, George, 
 Stephen, Sarah, -lane, Margaret and Mary. 
 
 Thomas boss was horn in Chester county, Penn., 
 and in 17M came to a farm near Pittsburgh. In 
 
 early life he was married to Jane Miller, a native 
 of Ireland, who bore him eight children, viz. : 
 Joshua, Jane, Thomas, John, James, Sarah, Mar- 
 garet and Nancy, all deceased. The father was a 
 soldier in the Revolutinary war. 
 
 Joshua Ross was born about the year 1781, in 
 Chester county, Penn., and came with his parents 
 to the place near Pittsburgh, where his youth was 
 passed. In 1810 he was united in marriage with 
 Margaret, daughter of Samuel Emmet, and their 
 children were Rebecca, Thomas, William B., James 
 M., Samuel B. (now living in the Twenty-first 
 Ward of Pittsburgh, Penn.), and John and Johnston 
 (twins). Mr. Ross was a farmer, and lived on a 
 place which is now the Twenty first Ward of Pitts- 
 burgh. In politics he was a Democrat, and in re- 
 ligion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James M. Ross was born in 1819, in what is now 
 the Twenty-tirst Ward of Pittsburgh. He was 
 reared to agricultural pursuits, and worked by the 
 month for four or five years. When a young man 
 he was married to Sarah, daughter of John Mouck, 
 of Washington county, Penn., aud their children 
 have been born as follows: John, Joseph (de- 
 ceased), William E., Lewis, George B. , Mary and 
 Adelaide. In IMS Mr. Ross came to his present 
 farm in Peters township, which he purchased in 
 1855. He is actively interested in the welfare of 
 the Republican party, and in religious faith is a 
 member of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Peters Creek. 
 
 PxOLLOCK FAMILY, Historical Sketch of. 
 ' The Pollock family were originally natives 
 of Scotland, whence one Samuel Pollock, 
 one of those hardy Scotch-Irish Presbyte- 
 rian pioneers, emigrated many years ago, 
 landing in America, there making a new home in 
 the New World. He was born, reared ami married 
 in Scotland, whence, prior to the Revolutionary 
 war, he and his wife and a brother came to this 
 country. They landed in New York, where the 
 brothers separated, thus losing forever, all trace of 
 each other. The one turned his face southward, 
 while Samuel and his wife. Jane, proceeded west- 
 ward to Washington county, Penn., being among 
 the earliest settlers in the locality. Here he pat- 
 ented a tract of land called "Plentj " (now known 
 as the James Pollock farm), situated near Clokej 
 ville, in North Strabane township, and containing 
 148 acres, where he passed the rest of his active 
 pioneer life. Tie' land was wild and uncultivated 
 when he came to it, and he set to work at once, to 
 make improvements on it. Indians and wild ani- 
 mals were numerous, and caused frequent annoy- 
 ances; but the hardy settlers were patient as well 
 as brave, and time brought them a rich harvest, as 
 a reward for their early years of toil aud danger. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 605 
 
 They were members of the Covenanter Church. 
 
 -Samuel Pollock was a man of more than ordinary in- 
 telligence, force and executive ability. At his 
 death he left three sons — John, Samuel and Will- 
 iam — and four daughters — Margaret, Jane, Nancy 
 and Grizella. Of the daughters the following Is a 
 brief sketch: Margaret married Alexander Mc- 
 Nary, and located near Cadiz, Ohio; Jane married 
 John Crowe, and resided in Butler county, Peun. ; 
 Nancy became the wife of James Pursley, and lived 
 near West Alexander, this county; Grizella was 
 married to Robert Johnston, their residence being 
 some five miles west of Washington on the Middle- 
 town road. Of the sons: John never left the pa- 
 ternal home, dying there unmarried; Samuel mar- 
 
 jried Ellen Young, and there were born to them 
 four sons — John, James, Robert and Samuel- and 
 five daughters — Jane, Betsey, Sarah, Margaret and 
 Martha. Jane married James Linn, and resided 
 near Washington, the county seat, the place now 
 known as Linutown; Betsey married John Pollock, 
 a brother of James Pollock, who at one time owned 
 a large flouring-mill on Brush run, near Thompson- 
 ville, this county, and who at the time of his death 
 was treasurer of Washington county, and father of 
 A. W. Pollock, who succeeded him as county treas- 
 urer, and who is at present a lumber merchant at 
 Washington, Penn.; Sarah married Hon. Mat hew 
 Linn, and they passed their wedded lives on what 
 is known as the ''Linn Homestead," North Stra- 
 bane township; Margaret (unmarried) died about 
 sis years ago; Martha married James Harbison, 
 and lived in Bakerstown, Butler Co. , Penn. She 
 is still living, making her home with her son, 
 .Samuel, in Bellevue, Allegheny Co., Penn. Of the 
 sons: John married Nancy Hayes, and located 
 near Uniontown, Belmont Co., Ohio; James and 
 Robert both went west and settled near Sparta, 
 111. (were both married); Samuel married Nancy 
 Breckenridge, and their home was in New Castle, 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 William Pollock, third son of Samuel and Jane 
 Pollock, was born in 1781. He married Nancy, 
 daughter of John McNary, and they had children 
 as follows: Jane, John, Samuel, James and Mal- 
 colm Boyd, the latter born February 9, 1817, and 
 died July 15, 1825. (A record of the others fol- 
 lows this paragraph). William Pollock was born 
 and spent all his days on the original homestead 
 near Clokeyville, which he willed to his youngest 
 son, James, who now lives thereon, and which 
 property has been in possession of, and repre- 
 sented by, the Pollock family for five continuous 
 generations. To his son Samuel he willed the 
 Alexander Scott farm, containing 208 acres, situ- 
 ated on the State road in North Strabane town- 
 ship. To John and Jane he bequeathed their 
 amount in money, obligating Samuel and James 
 to pay them a specified amount, besides giving 
 
 them furniture, which they did. William Pollock 
 was a member of the Associate (Seceder) Church. 
 W T hen the Pigeon Creek Congregation was organ- 
 ized he was elected one of the ruling elders, which 
 office he filled till the close of his life. Politically 
 he was an active worker in the Whig party. He 
 had an ox-mill built on his farm, which is still 
 standing, and which is now used by his grandson 
 as a sheep house. This mill was the first of the 
 kind in the county, and was erected by a man 
 named John Calhoun, theu living on Peters creek. 
 It was a tramp-mill of peculiar construction, very 
 unlike the tramp-mill of the present day. The 
 platform on which the oxen tramped was circular, 
 about thirty feet in diameter, into part of which 
 was placed a shaft at an angle of fifty-five degrees. 
 The stone burrs were from three to three and one- 
 half feet in diameter. Dog tramp mills were made 
 in much the same manner. This old ox-mill 
 ground the grain for many years, and as it was fur- 
 nished with great power, people came to it from 
 considerable distance with their grists packed on 
 horseback. Nancv (McNary), wife of William 
 Pollock, departed this life August 17, 1834; Will- 
 iam (her husband) died August 3, 1856, in the 
 seventy-third year of his age. His remains were 
 laid beside those of his wife in what was theu 
 called the Associate graveyard, now known as 
 Oak Spring Cemetery, near Canonsburg. 
 
 Jane Pollock, only daughter and eldest child of 
 William and Nancy Pollock, was born January 24, 
 1810. Her education was limited to common-school 
 instruction, which was the best afforded ladies 
 of her day. She married Rev. James Wallace, and 
 went with him to Logan county, Ohio. Mr. Wallace 
 was born November 111, 1801, in York, Penn. He 
 was graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, 
 in 1827; studied theology under Rev. Alexander 
 Bullions, D. D. , at Cambridge, N. Y. ; he was li- 
 censed July '. I, is:in,l>\ the Philadelphia Presbytery; 
 was ordained October 25, I 832, by the Miami Valley 
 Presbytery, and at the ordination was installed 
 pastor of the Dorby and Cherokee (now Hunts- 
 ville) Congregations in Logan county, Ohio. In 
 1839 he was released form Dorby, and gave three 
 fourths of his time to Huntsville, and one-fourth 
 to Bellefontaine. On April 10, 1861, he resigned 
 his Huntsville charge, on account of infirmities, but 
 preached occasionally as his health permitted, 
 making his home at Huntsville, then Bellefontaine, 
 and finally Belle Centre, all in Ohio. He was a 
 most excellent man, much blessed in his ministry 
 and greatly devoted to his work. The last year of 
 his life he spent in reading the Old Testament en- 
 tirely through in the original Hebrew. He died 
 after a few hours' illness, November 30, 1878, at the 
 residence of his son-in-law, W. W. Templeton, 
 Huntsville, where he had gone on a visit; his wife 
 had died several years previous, in 1863; their 
 
606 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 remains lie side by side in the cemetery at Huuts- 
 ville, Ohio. They had five children: two daughters 
 --Mary and Nancy — and three sons — William Pol- 
 lock. David and A. Collins. Mary married W. W. 
 Templeton, an elder in the United Presbyterian 
 Church, and resides near Huutsville, Ohio; Nancy 
 married T. L. Baird, and lives in Allerton, Iowa 
 (He is a farmer and a member of Session in the 
 Allerton U. P. Congregation); William Pollock 
 was a member of Company D, Forty -fifth Ohio 
 Volunteer Infantry, was wounded in the battle of 
 Knoxville, Tenu., November IN. 1863, and died 
 from the effects November 29, 1N(1: J >; David mar- 
 ried Jennie Heed, and lives on part of the Wallace 
 homestead farm near Huutsville, Ohio; A. Collins, 
 married to Arabella Peoples, is a druggist located 
 in Bellefontaine, Ohio. 
 
 John Pollock, oldest sou of William and Nancy 
 Pollock, was born in January, 1811. In boyhood 
 he attended the subscription schools of his time, 
 which was the extent of his educational advantages, 
 but being possessed with considerable natural abil- 
 ity he was enabled to meet the demands of life 
 with a marked degree of success. When a young 
 man he went to Logan county, Ohio, where he took 
 up land, and in the spring of 1835 he married Jane 
 Elder, a native of said county. To them were 
 born eight children — three sons and five daughters 
 — namely: Rebecca, Nancy, Margaret, Mary and 
 Narcissa, and James Wallace, William E. and 
 John A. Rebecca married Robert Smart, May, 
 1869, and died August, 1870; Nancy marriedDavid 
 C. Carson, December 29, 1867 (he died November 7, 
 1874) ; Mrs. Carson and her three children reside in 
 Cleveland Ohio. Margaret and Mary (unmarried) 
 live in Huutsville, Ohio; Narcissa married James 
 Peoples, a prosperous farmer near Huutsville, 
 Ohio, and a ruling elder in the United Presbyte- 
 rian Congregation of said place; James Wallace 
 was a member of the Forty-fifth Ohio Regiment 
 during the Civil war (spent fourteen months in Rebel 
 prison, being captured at Philadelphia Fort, Tenn. ; 
 spent six months in Audersonville, the remainder 
 of the time at Belle Isle, Charleston, Florence (S. 
 C), etc. ; after his return from the army he married 
 Nettie Anderson, and they reside on the " Anderson 
 Hill " farm near Cedarville. Ohio; he is at present 
 one of the county commissioners of Greene county, 
 and an elder in theU. P. Church, Cedarville); Will- 
 iam Elder is a coal merchant in Chicago, 111. ; Rev. 
 John A. married Jessie Small, aud resides in In- 
 dianapolis, Ind. Mr. Pollock was elected a mem- 
 ber of Session in the Huutsville Congregation dur- 
 ing the pastorate of his brother-in-law, Rev. James 
 Wallace. He died August 27, 1S68, aud his re- 
 mains lie in the cemetery at Huutsville. Ohio, be- 
 side those of his wife, who died in December, 1872. 
 
 Samuel Pollock, second son of William and Nancy 
 (McNary) Pollock, was born January 10, 1813, on 
 
 the original homestead in North Strabane township, 
 the same farm where his father first saw the light 
 of day, aud which his grandfather had bought, from 
 the Indians, in the early times. On September 1, 
 1840, he married Esther McNary, eldest daugh- 
 ter of John and Jane Hill McNary (whose record 
 appears elsewhere in this history), and they passed 
 the first years of their wedded life on the Alex- 
 ander Scott farm already alluded to, being part of 
 the original Judge McDowell tract of 440 acres, all 
 of which they afterward succeeded in purchasing. 
 In the spring of 1858, having a desire to secure 
 better educational advautages for their childreu, 
 they purchased the fine residenco of the Rev. A. 
 B. Anderson, D. D., and moved to Canonsburg, 
 where they spent the remaining days of their life. 
 They were the parents of seven children, namely: 
 James Wallace, Jennie Hill, John McNary, Will- 
 iam B. , Samuel Murray (who died in boyhood), 
 Oliver Collins and Alexander Clark. In his youth 
 Samuel Pollock was one of the leaders in the sports 
 of the community, being a prominent participant 
 at the husking bees, flax scutchings, wood chop- 
 pings, log rollings and similar amusements of that 
 day. He served seven years in the militia, and 
 was a member of what was known as the " Ginger 
 Hill Troops." In middle life he was hard to excel 
 in the grain -field — in reaping and cradling grain. 
 On one occasion, when his wheat had got very ripe, 
 he was known to cut (with the cradle) 102 dozen 
 sheaves in less than Bix hours. He was a robust 
 man, weighing 170 pounds, and stood five feet ten 
 inches in height; he was quick in his movements, 
 and possessed wonderful endnrauce. Financially, 
 lie was remarkably prosperous. Notwithstanding 
 his father's will entitled him to the Alexander Scott 
 farm, yet this tract had been but recently pur- 
 chased, and but partially paid for, and it was only 
 by the " sweat of his brow," together with his 
 strict honesty and his unswerving integrity of pur- 
 pose, that he was not only enabled to possess a 
 clear title to said farm, but was enabled to add 
 tract to tract until at the time of his death he 
 ranked as one of the wealthiest landowners in the 
 community. He was a most public spirited man, 
 but never an aspirant for any public office or no- 
 toriety of any kind, yet at the solicitation of friends 
 he served most of his life in filling various town- 
 ship offices. Mr. Pollock was one of the founders 
 of the Republican party in Washington county, and 
 in the winter of 1856 went to Pittsburgh in order 
 to secure a lecturer on the subject; helping to pay 
 for the same out of his own pocket. He was one 
 of the committee who were instrumental in getting 
 Dr. Le Moyne. of Washington, to make the first 
 abolition speech in Canonsburg, which was de- 
 livered from the steps of David Templeton's resi- 
 dence, afterward known as " Olome Institute," 
 which he finally purchased, and carried on for 
 
. 
 
 •■ 
 
WASHING! ON COUNTY. 
 
 609 
 
 several years, at his own expense, as a Female Sem- 
 inary. (It was situated on the site now occupied 
 by the First Presbyterian church of Canonsburg). 
 During the Fremont campaign of 1856, when a 
 great political wagon was built and decorated in 
 the yard surrounding his barn, and when on the 
 night before the parade the neighboring Democrats 
 undertook to destroy it, he, with a few other stanch 
 Republicans, defended the wagon with an iron 
 poker, amid the breaking of ribs, shoulders, noses 
 etc., he coming out of the melee unharmed and 
 victorious. The following day the wagon was 
 driven to Canonsburg by bis brother, James Pol- 
 lock, drawn by ten gray horses, and conveying 
 thirty three patriotic young ladies, dressed to rep- 
 resent the thirty-three States in the Union. He 
 was very loyal to his country, and in the time of 
 the great struggle of the Rebellion, too old him- 
 self to enlist, he permitted his oldest son, James 
 W., a youth under age, to buckle on the armor, 
 and help save the great Republic. In his youth 
 he joined the Seceder Church at Pigeon Creek, un- 
 der the pastorate of Rev. Alexander Wilson. After 
 his marriage he connected with the Chartiers Se- 
 ceder (now known as the Chartiers United Presby- 
 terian) Congregation at Canonsburg, in which he 
 was elected a ruling elder February 15, 1N54, 
 which office he held during the remainder of his 
 life. He was one of the prime factors in erecting 
 the present edifice known as Chartiers U. P. 
 Church, at Canonsburg, in 1869-70; paying the 
 largest subscription, besides working gratis and 
 prevailing on others to do likewise. His home at 
 Canonsburg was (in the words of Rev. Samuel 
 Taggart, D. D.): "A minister's free hotel; even 
 the minister's horse knew the place to turn into as 
 he traveled the road." He was the original mover 
 in the organization of the Oak Spriug Cemetery 
 Company. Being chosen first president of said 
 association, he served in that capacity until his 
 death. He died July 4, 1883, in the seventy-first 
 j' ear of his age, and November 9, 1890, his wife, 
 Esther (McNary) Pollock, died in the seventy-sixth 
 year of her age, and was laid by his side in the 
 Oak Spring 'Cemetery, which he had been so in- 
 strumental in establishing and ornamenting. 
 
 James Wallace Pollock, county commissioner, 
 one of the prominent citizens of the borough of 
 Washington, and oldest son of Samuel and Esther 
 (McNary) Pollock, is a native of North Strabane 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., born October 
 10, 1841, in the historic old log house erected, 
 owned and occupied by Judge McDowell, and 
 where Dr. McMillan (according to the record in 
 his journal) preached his first sermon west of the 
 Alleghany mountains, on the fourth Sabbath of 
 August, 1775. The place is designated as " Mount 
 Pleasant" in the original patent, which states that 
 the amount paid was "the sum of six pounds 
 
 twelve shillings for a tract containing 440 acres, 
 with allowance of six per cent, for roads, etc., 
 which was surveyed in pursuance of a warrant 
 granted to John McDowell, Sr. , dated October 29, 
 17M, clear of all restrictions and reservations ex- 
 cept the one-fifth part of all gold and silver ore f or 
 the use of the Commonwealth to be delivered at 
 the pit's mouth clear of all charges." 
 
 Mr. Pollock received his education at the com- 
 mon schools of the district, and at Jefferson Col- 
 lege. In April, 1858, his parents moved to Can- 
 onsburg, where he attended college until August, 
 1862, when he, with many other fellow students, 
 under the leadership of Col. Frazier (then pro- 
 fessor of mathematics in said college), laid aside 
 their books, girded on the armor, and marched 
 forth at their country's call to save it from rebel 
 wrongs. Mr. Pollock served with distinction both 
 in the ranks and at Gen. Hancock's headquarters, 
 and was one of the very few who was seldom sick, 
 and he never missed a day's duty from the time he 
 joined the army in 1862 until the surrender of Lee 
 at Appomattox in 1865? At the latter he was 
 present with three cousins — William T. Pollock, 
 Rev. George R. Murray and Thomas M. McNary 
 — all of whom, remarkable as it may seem, are still 
 living. Although there was not a battle their 
 regiment, the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., 
 participated in from the time it joined the army of 
 the Potomac in the fall of 1862, and prior to the 
 battle of Chancellorsville, until the final struggle 
 at Appomattox Courthouse, in April, 1865, but 
 what some of the cousins, and generally all, were 
 present, yet none of them was the least hurt ex- 
 cept Rev. Murray, who received a slight wound on 
 the historic wheat field at Gettysburg. 
 
 On Mr. Pollock's return home after the close of 
 the war, at his father's urgent request he took 
 charge of the homestead (Alexander Scott farm), 
 which he now owns, and engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits, including the raising of fine stock, event- 
 ually succeeding in becoming one of the most ener- 
 getic and successful farmers in the county. Being 
 alive to every interest, he was often called on to 
 fill positions of trust. Mr. Pollock resided on his 
 farm in North Strabane township until the spring 
 of 1892, at which time he leased it and moved into 
 the city, in order to school his children, and that 
 he might more conveniently perform the duties re- 
 quired of him as county commissioner. He has 
 been a Republican ever since the organization of 
 the party, and was many times chairman of the 
 township committee and member of the county 
 committee. In 1890, at the suggestion of his 
 many friends, he consented to become a candidate 
 for the office of county commissioner, and suc- 
 ceeded in being nominated and elected that same 
 year. When quite a young man he became a member 
 of Chartiers Seceder (now U. P. ) Church, and many 
 
0)10 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 times since has been chosen trustee of that congre- 
 gation. During the erection of their present com- 
 modious edifice in Canonsburg, he was secretary 
 of the board of trustees. He was one of the advo- 
 cates and leaders in starting and establishing what 
 is now a very nourishing and prosperous U. P. 
 Congregation at Houstonville, in which he is a rul- 
 ing elder. 
 
 James W. Pollock and Miss Mary T. McNary 
 (daughter of Samuel and Margaret (Templeton) 
 McNary, born January 24, 1848) were united in 
 marriage December 5, 1867, and ten children — six 
 sons and four daughters — have been born to them, 
 viz. : Fannie Luella, Ulysses Samuel, Maggie Es- 
 ther, D. M. B. McLean, Ernest James, Harry Ed- 
 gar, Annie McNary, William Wallace, Deurell 
 Smiley, and Mary Osee, all yet living with their 
 father in Washington. Mrs. Pollock (a most ami- 
 able and lovely woman) died February 7, 1890, 
 from a stroke of paralysis, superinduced by an 
 attack of " la grippe." 
 
 Jennie Hill Pollock, only daughter of Samuel 
 and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born October 8, 
 1843, in the old log house of "Historic renown," 
 on the State road. North Strabane township, 
 known as the "Old Judge McDowell house," and 
 at present owned by her youngest brother, Alexan- 
 der Clark. So fond was she of her books and her 
 school, that even in childhood days no greater pun- 
 ishment could be inflicted upon her than to 
 require her to absent herself from school for a 
 day. Her education was limited to common-school 
 instruction until the fall of 1857, when she entered 
 Washington Female Seminary — Mrs. Sarah R. 
 Hanua, principal. At the age of seventeen she 
 received her diploma from this institution with 
 honor, her grade in scholarship entitling her to be 
 the valedictorian of a class numbering twenty-one 
 members. This honor she declined, thus confer- 
 ring it upon another. She united with the Char- 
 tiers (Seceder) Church under the pastorate of Rev. 
 J. B. Clark, D. D. , when fifteen years of age. At 
 present she is a member of the Greenside Avenue 
 (United Presbyterian) Congregation, Canonsburg, 
 Penn., Rev. D. R. McDonald, pastor. She has 
 filled various public offices, being treasurer of the 
 Ladies' Presbyterial Missionary Society, and sent 
 (in the spring of 1890) by this association as their 
 representative to the Women's General Missioi 
 Convention of the United Presbyterian Church, 
 which met in Washington, Iowa. She has held 
 continuously different offices in the State and 
 county work in the Women's Christian Temper- 
 ance Union, ever since its organization. She is a 
 ready writer, and a few sketches from her pen have 
 f mnd their way into print. Miss Pollock is noted 
 as a most faithful and efficient church worker. 
 When about fifteen years of age she began teach- 
 ing in the Sabbath-school, and since that time has 
 
 continuously taught. For some years she in- 
 structed two classes each Sabbath: one in the 
 colored school, the other in her own church school ; 
 besides being a regular attendant at other divine 
 services, and an untiring worker in mission bands, 
 Young People's Societies, and other departments 
 of church enterprises. She, with her brother. 
 Alexander Clark, spent the winter of 1884-85 trav- 
 eling in the South, visiting New Orleans Exposi- 
 tion, and other points of interest. Her home has 
 always been with her parents, nursing and caring 
 for them in their old age until "God took them to 
 Himself." At present she owns and resides in the 
 home mansion, No. 504 West Pike street, Canons- 
 burg, Penn., originally known as the "Dr. Ander- 
 son homestead." 
 
 John McNary Pollock, second son of Samuel 
 and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born January 2, 
 1846, in North Strabane township, this county, on 
 the farm now owned by his brother A. C. , being 
 part of the tract patented by Judge McDowell, 
 called " Mt. Pleasant." Although a farmer's son, 
 John Pollock has enjoyed unusual educational ad- 
 vantages, his parents being progressive citizens, 
 who believed a thorough literary training to be 
 essential to the highest success in any business. 
 When John was a lad of twelve years his parents 
 moved to Canonsburg, where he attended college 
 for three years, then returned to the farm for a 
 short time. He afterward took a course in book- 
 keeping at Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., graduating therefrom with honors. In the 
 spring of lSOU he settled permanently on the farm 
 in North Strabane township, the greater part of 
 which he inherited from his father, and has since 
 devoted his time to rural pursuits. On November 
 14, 1 S 7 "_! , he was united in marriage with Mary 
 Jane Templeton, who was born October 20, 1846, 
 daughter of John and Rachel (Rankin) Templeton, 
 and he located on the farm on which he still 
 resides. Excepting the few years spent in obtain- 
 ing an education he, by hard manual labor, and at 
 the sacrifice of his nerves, was his father's main 
 support in all his labors and business transactions. 
 Although he at present enjoys comparatively good 
 health, his physical condition gives evidence of the 
 sacrifice made. To the union of John McNary Pol- 
 lock and Mary Jane (Templeton) the following 
 children have been born: Edith Jane McNary, 
 Mary Esther, John Templeton, Nettie Elmira (de- 
 ceased). Lawrie Samuel, Junietta Luella. and 
 Clara Matilda (deceased). Mr. Pollock follows in 
 the footsteps of his forefathers, and casts his 
 ballot for the Republican party. He and his 
 family worship with the Chartiers United Presby- 
 terian Congregation, Canonsburg, Penn., of which 
 he, his wife and two oldest children are members. 
 He is a member of the board of trustees in said 
 congregation, serving in this office a number of 
 
*at 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 613 
 
 years, having been first elected in 187S. He was 
 chosen a member of the first choir in Chartiers 
 Congregation, but resigned when married, after 
 serving four years. He has always been a con- 
 sistent worker and energetic supporter of the 
 Church. The wife and mother of this family was 
 " called to her reward " since the above sketch was 
 written. A very amiable and highly esteemed 
 woman, she died February 15, 1893. Her remains 
 are laid by the side of her two children in Oak 
 Spring Cemetery. 
 
 William B. Pollock, third son of Samuel and 
 Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born May 26, 1843, 
 in the old log house built by Judge McDowell, 
 the house in which the first sermon, preached west 
 of the Alleghany mountains, was delivered by Rev. 
 John McMillan in August, 1775, in North Stra- 
 baue township, Washington Co., Penn. He re- 
 ceived his education in the graded schools of 
 Canousburg and Duff's Commercial College, 
 Pittsburgh, from which latter he graduated with 
 honors in 1869. On February 11, 1875, at 6:30 
 a. it., he was united in marriage by Rev. W. L. 
 Wallace, D. D., with Miss Hettie Alverta Murray, 
 daughter of Capt. James and Mary C. (Johnston) 
 Murray, a sketch of whose family follows. Six 
 children were born to this union — three living and 
 three buried in Oak Spring Cemetery, namely: 
 Mary Johnstcfa, born November 19, 1875, died 
 April 16, 1876; Samuel Murray, born May 20, 
 1877, attending school at Canonsburg, and a 
 member of the U. P. Church; Cleonie Estella, born 
 October 3, 1881; Ariadne, born February 19, 
 1884, died August 26, 1887; Rose, born September 
 20, 1886, died May 15, 1890; and Clara Jennie, 
 born February 15, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Pollock 
 are members of the Canonsburg United Presby- 
 terian Church, in which Mr. Pollock was elected a 
 rifling elder December 22, 1892. He has held 
 various local offices of trust in the township, but 
 aspires to no political position, preferring a life of 
 domestic felicity. He is a stockholder in the First 
 National Bank at Canonsburg, also in the Western 
 Pennsylvania Agricultural Association at Wash- 
 ington. He is a member and treasurer of the Na- 
 tional Delaine Merino Sheep Association of 
 Washington county; elected treasurer 1891. In 
 that year he was appointed as a committee to rep- 
 resent the association at Chicago, 111., at the 
 Columbian Exposition Commission, to arrange for 
 the World's Fair of 1893. He was sent to meet 
 with the United States Association in 1890, at 
 Sb'iibenville, Ohio, also to meet the same associa- 
 tion at the same place in 1892. He lived three 
 years in the old Olome Institute building, in Can- 
 onsburg. which was a gift to him from his father. 
 On the Murray Hill farm, on which -he now resides 
 with his family, Mr. Pollock built a fine residence, 
 and in addition to this farm of 270 acres, he owns 
 
 one of 100 acres on Plum run, in Chartiers town- 
 ship, known as the " Old Hayes farm." In connec- 
 tion with general agriculture, he is engaged in the 
 raising of fine-bred sheep and cattle, making a 
 specialty of American Red-Polled cattle, and Na- 
 tional Delaine Merino sheep. Mr. Pollock ranks 
 among the leading business men of the country, 
 and is respected and honored by all. 
 
 Oliver Collins Pollock, the fifth son of Samuel 
 and Esther (McNary) Pollock, whose ancestral his- 
 tory precedes this sketch, was born on the Alex- 
 ander Scott farm in North Strabane township (at 
 present owned by James W. Pollock), on Octo- 
 ber 15, 1852. He attended Christy's school when 
 but four years of age. When his parents moved 
 to Canonsburg in 185S, lie attended high school; 
 studied under Colfelt and Stevenson; attended 
 Dickson and Dunbar's Academy during 1869-70; 
 Washington and Jefferson College, at Washington, 
 Penn., 1871-72; Westminster College, at New 
 Wilmington, Penn., 1873-74, where he graduated 
 with honor on June 16, 1874, in a class containing 
 thirty-three students. While attending the United 
 Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Allegheny, 
 being struck with gold fever, from reports of the 
 Black Hills, and wishing free transportation, on 
 November 20, 1875, he enlisted in the United 
 States Cavalry Service; the next day he was sent to 
 Jefferson barracks, St. Louis, Mo., transferred 
 to Fort D. A. Russell, Wyo. ; assigned to Com- 
 pany M, Third U. S. Cavalry, under Capt. Anson 
 Mills, on January 9, 1876; took part in the winter 
 campaign against the Sioux Indians, leaving Fort 
 D. A. Russell on February 20, and Fort Fetter- 
 man March 1, and returning the 26th with the 
 thermometer averaging twenty -six degrees below 
 zero, the greatest cold being on the night of the 
 16 and 17th of March (St. Patrick's day), when 
 the thermometer registered forty-five degrees 
 below zero. They were on a forced march of 
 twenty-four hours' duration to attack Crazy 
 Horse's village, at the mouth of Otter creek in 
 Dakota, said village containing 110 tepees or 600 
 warriors, which was destroyed March 17, 1876. 
 The expedition took part in the summer cam- 
 paign under Brig.-Gen. George Crooke (noted 
 Indian fighter of the plains) against Sitting Bull 
 and Crazy Horse's combined forces, [It was dur- 
 ing the time of this campaign that Gen. Custer 
 and men of the Seventh U. S. Cavalry were 
 massacred,] being encamped within fifty or 
 sixty miles of the death-trap, at the headwaters 
 of Powder river, at the foot of Big Horn mount- 
 ains, awaiting communications with Brig. -Gen. 
 Terry. They were engaged June 17, 1876, in a 
 whole day's ruuniflg fight with Sitting Bull's and 
 Crazy Horse's entire band of 3,300 warriors on 
 Rose Bend river, at the mouth of Dead Man's 
 Canon, Montana, within three miles of the death- 
 
(514 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 trap, and they escaped it only through the sagacity 
 of their noted guide — Frank Guiard. From their 
 supply camp they started on the 5th of August, 
 with fifteen days' rations, on Indian trails to 
 avenge Gen. Custer's death, and following the 
 trail into the Bad Lands of Dakota, the trail be- 
 coming dim, they lost the trail and themselves in 
 those alkali lands, where no wood thicker than rose 
 bush stalks appears, and the water is like the lyes 
 from wood ashes. Running out of rations, and no 
 wild game accessible, they were compelled to live 
 on rose buds and horseflesh to appease their hun- 
 ger and quench their thirst. Having escaped 
 from the Bad Lands, they came upon and destroyed 
 American Horse's village of 104 tepees at Shin 
 Battle, S. Dak., on September 9, 1876; which 
 being rich in dried meat and ponies, they lived 
 passably well until they arrived at Belle Touche 
 river, near where Fort Meade now stands, about 
 September 20, where they procured supplies from 
 the citizens of Crooke's City in the Black Hills. 
 Here they were issued raw beef, flour and green 
 coffee to make a meal, each man having in his pos- 
 session cooking utensils, consisting of a tin plate, 
 a quart tin cup and a knife and fork. They re- 
 mainediu Crooke, Deadwood Hill and Custer cities 
 until their supply train arrived on the 5th of 
 October, just two months after leaving this place 
 at the foot of Big Horn mountains. By this time 
 Mr. Pollock had learned that " all is not gold that 
 glitters," and that gold could not be picked up by 
 the handful in the Blitck Hills; yet being young, 
 and liking the roving and exciting life of a cavalry- 
 man in the West, he preferred to stay with Uncle 
 Sam, and served five years. He came to Camp 
 Sheridan, near Spotted Tail Agency, in the last of 
 October, and soon thereafter, Crazy Horse having 
 surrendered, came to Red Cloud Agency, and stayed 
 over winter, when, becoming tired of Gov. Chuck, 
 and desiring the free and roving life of the prairie, 
 he and a few followers started north, but were 
 overtaken and captured near Spotted Tail Agency 
 by Indian soldiers about 8 o'clock in the evening. 
 Mr . Pollock, known to be a reckless rider, was de- 
 tailed (no one else being willing to volunteer) to 
 carry the news to Fort Robinson at Red Cloud 
 Agency. At night and alone, in order to insure 
 secrecy, and being given direction not to spare 
 horseflesh, he made the distance of forty-five miles, 
 arriving at Fort Robinson about midnight. He 
 was present next day when Crazy Horse, having 
 refused to be placed in the white man's guard- 
 house by Capt. Kennington, received his death 
 wound. That night (the pickets being doubled) 
 about midnight, the Indians at the agency took up 
 the death-song (he having expired). A shot was 
 fired somewhere on the picket lines, and thinking 
 the Fort was attacked, officers' and soldiers' wives 
 came running into the soldiers' quarters in their 
 
 nightclothes, exclaiming "for God's sake save us." 
 It took Mr. Pollock four days to return to Camp 
 Sheridan with the horse (which never recovered). 
 He was present in 1877 when the Third Cavalry so 
 gallantly headed off, captured and subdued the 
 Cheyenne Indians, whose leaders were Wild Hog 
 and Yellow Hand. He was with the soldiers in 
 removing Spotted Tail and Red Cloud bands of 
 Sioux Indians to the Old Ponco Reservation on the 
 Missouri river, in the fall of 1877, and to what is 
 now known as Pine Ridge Agency in the spring of 
 1878. Afterward he was stationed at Fort Sidney, 
 Neb., on the Union Pacific Railroad; at Fort Mc- 
 Kinney, Wyo. ; at Camp Rawlins, on the Union 
 Pacific Railroad, after Maj. Thornburg's (pay- 
 master) massacre by the Piute Indians, Novem- 
 ber, 1879; at Fort Laramie and at Fort D. A. 
 Russell, Wyo., where he was honorably discharged 
 November 19, 1880, at the expiration of five years' 
 service (Capt. Deane Monahan, commander of Com- 
 pany M. Third Cavalry). Mr. Pollock came back 
 to Pennsylvania, and engaged in rural pursuits. 
 On December 3, 1880, he was married to Anna 
 Bell Weaver, who was born November 13, 1854, a 
 daughter of Thomas Dell and Eliza (Caldwell) 
 Weaver. In the spring of 1881 they set up house- 
 keeping in the old Judge McDowell historic man- 
 sion, now owned by A. C. Pollock. In 1884, 
 having inherited from his father a portion of the 
 Judge McDowell tract, known as "Mount Pleas- 
 ant," he erected thereon a domicile, moving to the 
 same December 18, 18S4, and here he still resides. 
 Mr. Pollock has held different offices of trust, 
 serving as auditor, tax collector, etc.; at present 
 he is tilling the office of committee of a lunatic, 
 and guardian of minor children: of that of notary 
 public, having been appointed to said office by the 
 governor of Pennsylvania. He is an ardent and 
 stanch upholder of the principles of the Republican 
 party. To the union of Oliver Collins Pollock and 
 Anna Bell Weaver the following children — five 
 girls and four boys — were born: Bessie Jeanette, 
 Viola Pearl, Oscar Dell. Eliza Weaver, ' Lucy 
 Esther, Edna Loretta (died at the age of four 
 months), Adez Clark, Earl Collins and Samuel 
 Blaine MaeDonald. Mr. Pollock worships with 
 the Canonsburg United Presbyterian Congrega- 
 tion, whose church edifice is situated on Greenside 
 avenue, Canonsburg. Penn.. himself, wife and old- 
 est daughter being members of said congregation. 
 Alexander Clark Pollock, youngest child of 
 Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock, was born on 
 the farm now owned by his brother, James Wal- 
 lace Pollock, situated in North Strabane township, 
 this county. He is unmarried and makes his 
 home with his sister Jennie H. Pollock, Canons- 
 burg, Penn. He owns the homestead farm, on 
 which is the famous log house erected by Judge 
 McDowell in bygone days, and in which his 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 615 
 
 parents lived the first eleven years of their mar- 
 ried life. This house is built of hewn logs, per- 
 fectly joined together; is 40x60 feet square, two 
 stories in height; contains seven rooms, all the in- 
 side work — ceilings, partitions, cup-boards, floors, 
 door, etc. — made of finished walnut lumber. The 
 whole structure, being completed in the best me- 
 chanical manner, was considered in those times a 
 very fine edifice. Said farm (belonging to A. 
 Clark Pollock) is part of the tract patented as 
 "Mount Pleasant" in the year 1784. It is situ- 
 ated in North Strabane township, three and one- 
 half miles south of Cauon3burg, this county, on 
 the State road known in times prior to railroad 
 transportation, as the Drove road, from east to 
 west, and was headquarters for travelers in those 
 days. The old log house still remains, and is 
 used as the dwelling house on the farm. Having 
 recently been repaired, it is in a good state of pres- 
 ervation, and is a comfortable residence. A. Clark 
 Pollock is a progressive business man, and has 
 held a number of positions of trust — such as chief 
 burgess, bookkeeper, treasurer of various associa- 
 tions, guardian for a number of children, etc. He 
 is a member of Greenside Avenue United Presby- 
 terian Church, Canonsburg, Penn., which congre- 
 gation he is now serving as treasurer. He has 
 always been actively interested in the success of- 
 the Republican party. Has served two consecutive 
 terms as chief burgess of Canonsburg, Penn., 
 being the youngest man ever elected to the office. 
 He is a stockholder in the Oak Spring Cemetery 
 Company, made so by the will of his mother, to 
 whom it was left by her husband (Samuel Pollock), 
 who was one of the organizers of the company. 
 After the death of his father, he was given power 
 of attorney by his mother over her stock, and 
 elected by said company one of the business di- 
 rectors, in which capacity he has served ever since, 
 being re-elected some ten consecutive years. He 
 has been a member of the National Guard of Penn- 
 sylvania for a number of years; is at present 
 quartermaster-sergeant of Company H, Tenth 
 Regiment, and experienced a little of soldier life 
 in the recent riots in his State. He is a hearty, 
 robust man, seemingly in the prime of life. 
 
 James Pollock, a well-known farmer in North 
 Strabane township, a representative of one of the 
 oldest pioneer families of the county and a native 
 of the same, is the third and youngest son of Will- 
 iam and Nancy (McNary) Pollock, and is the only 
 member of the family now living. He was born 
 September 19, 1815, on the ancestral farm (which 
 he now owns) situated near Clokey, this county. 
 He received his education at the subscription 
 schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace, and 
 was reared to agricultural pursuits. He was an 
 attentive and apt scholar, and succeeded in becom- 
 ing proficient in the fundamental branches of 
 
 study. On December 19, 1837, he was united in 
 marriage with Abigail, daughter of James Thome, 
 and they had two children: William and Abigail 
 (twins), born September '28, 1^40; William mar- 
 ried Sarah Barr, December 4, 1867; Abigail mar- 
 ried John C. McNary, May 20, 1868. The mother 
 of these two children died March 3, 1843, aged 
 thirty-three years, and was buried in the Pigeon 
 Creek Church graveyard. . On August 19, 1846, 
 Mr. Pollock married Ellen Y., daughter of James 
 Linn, of South Strabane township, two daughters 
 being the result of this union, viz. : Jane L... born 
 May 4, 1847, married November 8, 1882, to James 
 S. McNary, Jr., of Peters township, this county, 
 and Nannie McN., born September 6, 1848, mar- 
 ried October 18, 1870, to Milton O. Brownlee, of 
 this county. The mother of these two girls died 
 April 23, 1885, and was buried in the cemetery at 
 Pigeon Creek. Mr. Pollock, like his forefathers, 
 is a strict churchman, and believes it to be his 
 duty and privilege to support religious enterprises. 
 He and his family have been members of the 
 United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creel; for 
 many years, and he has long been a ruling elder 
 in same. He is the only person now living in 
 the congregation that was a member of it when he 
 connected with it in his youth. In politics he was 
 formerly a Whig, and since the formation of the 
 party a Republican; though rendering valuable aid 
 to his party, he has never accepted any party of- 
 fice. Mr. Pollock still owns and lives on the orig- 
 inal ancestral Pollock tract, patented " Plenty," 
 and situated near Clokey, Washington Co., Penn., 
 which is now superintended by his only son, Will- 
 iam. He (William) is a Republican, and during 
 the war of the Rebellion he served in Company G, 
 One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I. 
 After he returned from the army he married Sarah 
 Barr, to which union have been born five children, 
 thus representing the third, fourth and fifth gener- 
 ations of the Pollock family now living on the farm 
 patented " Plenty." 
 
 qEORGE MURRAY, of Washington county, 
 was born at Marsh Creek, near Gettysburg, 
 Adams Co. , Penn. His grandfather was Rev. 
 , George Murray, of Lockerbie, Scotland, and 
 the following is the epitaph on his gravestone 
 in the kirkyard of Shundergarth ; " Here lies depos- 
 ited the earthly part of the Rev. George Murray, 
 late minister of the Gospel of the Associate Congre- 
 gation of Anuandale, at Lockerbie, who died April 
 1, 1757, in the 42d year of his age, and fourteenth 
 of his ministry. Meekness and zeal mutually 
 qualifying each other in their steadfast adherence 
 to the faith of the Gospel and to the Testimony 
 for Scotland's Reformation amidst the general op- 
 position to both — were his distinguishing charac- 
 teristics." 
 
610 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Rev. John Murray, father of George Murray, 
 above spoken of, was born in 174S at Lockerbie, 
 in the valley of the Annan, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, 
 where his father Rev. George Murray, was pastor 
 of the Associate (Antiburgher) Congregation; he 
 was graduated at Glasgow University, and studied 
 theology in the Associate Hall at Alloe; was li- 
 censed in the summer of 1773 by the Presbytery of 
 Sanquhar. On the 2d of the following Septem- 
 ber he was appointed to go to America, and be- 
 fore the month was out sailed from Glasgow. He 
 was ordained April 17, 1776, by the Associate 
 Presbytery of Pennsylvania; was pastor of Marsh 
 Creek Congregation, near Gettysburg, Adams Co., 
 Penn., from ' November 2, 1777, until his death 
 which occurred in the summer of 1785. He left 
 two children, Mary and George. His wife was 
 Eliza Johnston, youngest child of Thomas John- 
 ston, of Pequea, Salisbury township, Lancaster 
 Co., Penn. 
 
 The parents of George Murray (whose name 
 opens the sketch) dying when he was quite young, 
 he and his sister Mary (afterward Mrs. James Clark, 
 of Mercersburg, Penn.) were reared in the home 
 of their maternal uncle, Thomas Johnston, 
 of Lancaster county, afterward of near Mercers- 
 burg, Penn. There he grew to manhood and 
 acquired the trade of cabinet maker. Seeking 
 his fortune in western Pennsylvania, he settled at 
 Darlington. After he had been there a short time 
 he came to Washington county, to attend the mar- 
 riage of Rev. David Imbrie and Miss Jane Reed. 
 Shortly afterward he returned for the bridesmaid, 
 Miss Mary Reed (first cousin of the former Miss 
 Reed), and took her back as his bride November 28, 
 1805. In 1811 he disposed of his town property 
 in Darlington, came to Washington county and 
 purchased a farm called "Lovely Banks," two 
 miles northeast of Canonsburg (a part of which is 
 now Van Eman Station). He improved this placeby 
 building a large brick house and frame barn on it 
 (the same now owned by Mr. Greer). Afterward he 
 bought several adjoining tracts of land, one of 
 which is now included in the northern part of the 
 Pennsylvania Reform School farm. He was a man 
 of thrift aud honesty, pious and upright, in his de- 
 portment, an humble and devout Christian; a sub- 
 stantial pillar of the Associate Presbyterian (Char- 
 tiers) Church of Canonsburg, and for many years 
 one of its influential elders and liberal supporters. 
 He died June 17, 1832, in the fiftieth year of his 
 age. He aud his wife and children (except John 
 and Maria) are interred in Oak Spring cem- 
 etery (formerly Chartiers graveyard), Canons- 
 burg, Penn. His wife, Mary Reed, daughter of 
 David and Margaret (May) Reed, of near Venice, 
 Washington county, was known by all for her kind- 
 ness and hospitality. The "proverbial" praise of 
 the virtuous woman could aptly be ascribed to her, 
 
 for, " She looked well to the ways of her household, 
 and ate not the bread of idleness." She died No- 
 vember 13, 1840, in the sixty-second year of her 
 age. Their children were as follows: Margaret, 
 born January 1, 1807, Eliza, born January 21, 
 1809, John, born July 31, 1810 (all three born at 
 Darlington, Penn.); David, born March 18, 1813, 
 Maria, born January 9, 1815, James and George 
 (twins), born October 20, 1810, Dr. Thomas John- 
 ston, born January 7, 1819, and Martha, born De- 
 cember 2, 1821 (all six born at Canonsburg, Penn.). 
 Of these Margaret married William H. McXary, 
 and died at her residence in Canonsburg, June 6, 
 1882; Eliza married David Templeton, and lived 
 in Canonsburg until after the death of her hus- 
 band, March 0, 1809. After 1872 she made her 
 home with her daughter, Mrs. M. R. Johnston, at 
 Mercersburg, Penn. Early in life she connected 
 herself with the Associate Presbyterian Church, 
 and later with the Chartiers United Presbyterian 
 Church, and gave liberally of her means for the 
 spreading of the Gospel. She and Mrs. Esther 
 Pollock were for many years prominent members 
 of the first Bible Society of Canonsburg. At the 
 time of her death she was a member of the Cen- 
 tral United Presbyterian Church at Omaha, Neb. 
 Modest and retiring in her disposition, her kindness 
 of heart, her gentle manner and sincere piety 
 caused her to be loved and respected by all. She 
 died March 20, 1891, at the residence of her son- 
 in-law, Thomas C. Johnston, Council Bluffs, Iowa, 
 in the eighty-third year of her age. She left three 
 children, Margaretta Reed Templeton, Caroline 
 and George Murray Templeton. Margaretta Reed 
 Templeton graduated at Washington Seminary. 
 She married Thomas C. Johnston, and spent the 
 greater part of her married life at Mercersburg, 
 Penn., but in 1889 she finally moved to Iowa. At 
 an early age she became connected with the As- 
 sociate Presbyterian Church. She died April 24, 
 1891, at Council Bluffs, Iowa, in the fifty-sixth 
 year of her age. She leaves one son — A. M. John- 
 ston — and one daughter — Ella E. Johnston. Car- 
 oline Templeton graduated at Washington Semi- 
 nary, was a member of the Associate Presbyterian 
 Church, and spent most of her life in Canonsburg. 
 She was possessed of an exceptionally bright and 
 amiable character, and none knew her but to love 
 her. She died April 9, 1874, aged thirty-six years. 
 Capt. George Murray Templeton was born at Can- 
 onsburg, Washington Co., Penn., May 3, 1841, aud 
 died May 4, 1870. Abandoning his studies at 
 Jefferson College he enlisted, at the age of twenty, 
 in Company D, One Hundred and Forty ninth 
 Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; was mustered 
 into service August 23, 1862; appointed captain in 
 the Thirty-second Regiment U. S. Colored Troops 
 February 17, 1804; was wounded at the battle of 
 Honey Creek, S. C, November 30, 1S04; mustered 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 617 
 
 out at close of Civil war, August 22, 1865; entered 
 the regular army, February 23, 1866, as second 
 lieutenant in the Eighteenth Regular TJ. S. Infantry ; 
 October 19, 1867, was appointed a captain in the 
 Twenty-seventh Regular TJ. S. Infantry. He was 
 a man of sterling integrity, and an officer of distin- 
 guished bravery and superior acquirements. 
 
 John Murray married Elizabeth Wilsou,who died 
 December 9, 1842, in her twenty-second year, and 
 he was afterward married to Ellen Peritte. He lived 
 for many years on his farm, now part of the Mor- 
 ganza, Penn., Reform School land. He moved to 
 Illinois, thence to Leavenworth, Kans. , where he re- 
 sided until his death. He left a widow and seven 
 children. He was a volunteer in a militia company 
 (known as the "Republican Rangers") from 1840 
 to 1847. His children are Jennie, Annie, John, 
 Minnie, Mattie, Georgiana and Stella, all living in 
 Kansas. Jennie married Russel McCune; Annie 
 married Samuel Trower; John married Emma 
 Trower; Minnie became Mrs. Will. O. McCune, and 
 Mattie married a Mr Roup. 
 
 David Reed Murray died August 24, 1819. Maria 
 Murray married John Henderson, and they after- 
 ward moved to Kansas, where they died, leaving 
 seven children settled there: John, Clark, Julia, 
 Amanda, George. Mary and James (John was 
 Mrs. Henderson's step-son by his father's first 
 marriage to Miss Anderson). George Murray 
 (twin) died January 18, 1839, on the Murray Hill 
 farm, near Murray Hill Station. 
 
 James Murray (twin brother of George) married 
 Miss Mary Clark Johnston, August 28, 1848, at 
 the house of her father, Alexander Moncreiff 
 Johnston, near Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Penn. 
 He brought his bride across the mountains in a 
 buggy, in the days before railroads. They resided 
 on the Murray farm, in the house built by his 
 father, George Murray, till the spring of 1852, 
 when they moved to the adjoining farm, which he 
 had bought of the executors of the Murdock estate, 
 where he died August 20, 1853, in the house built 
 and formerly owned by Gen. Morgan, and where 
 the Aaron Burr conspiracy was made known in 
 Colonial times. He was energetic, industrious in 
 his worldly affairs, always willing to assist in any 
 public enterprises; pious and exemplary in his 
 Christian deportment. He was very fond of mili- 
 tary matters, and it was only his filial obedience 
 that, prevented him from taking his company to 
 the Mexican war; for twenty-one years he was a 
 member of the Washington Guards, and for four- 
 teen years captain of his company. The following 
 is an extract from the Washington Reporter: "We 
 have the melancholy duty to perform of announc- 
 ing the death of Capt. James Murray, which took 
 place at his residence, Morganza, in North Stra- 
 bane township in this county, on Saturday, August 
 20, 1853. Capt. Murray was one among our most 
 
 useful, public-spirited and highly esteemed citi- 
 zens, universally beloved for those traits of 
 character which command the respect and endear 
 their possessor to the intelligent and good in every 
 community. His sickness was of but few days' 
 continuance, and we believe assumed the character 
 of typhoid fever. He was in the prime of life, be- 
 ing in the thirty seventh year of his age. Society 
 bus had iu Capt. Murray one of its most active and 
 useful citizens, and his family are immensely en- 
 deared to him by his devoted affection, amiable 
 character, upright and exemplary walks and de- 
 portment. AVe, ourself, feel a bereavement in 
 the death of this amiable gentlemen whom we 
 ranked amongst our most attached friends." 
 
 Mary Clark (Johnston), wife of James Murray, 
 was born two miles west of Mercersburg, Penn., 
 January 30, 1828. Her mother was Esther, 
 youngest daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Clark) 
 Rankin. Her father, Alexander Moncreiff Johns- 
 ton, was the youngest son of Thomas Johnston, 
 who came to Mercersburg from Peqnea, Lancaster 
 county, in 1794, and was a lineal descendant of 
 Archibald Johnston (Lord Warriston), of Scotland. 
 [The Johnston coat-of-arms was a winged spur, 
 the motto was " Nunquam nonparitus" (Never un- 
 prepared).] When quite young she (Mary C. 
 Johnston) joined the Ass'ociate Church at Mercers 
 burg, under the Rev. Findley McNaughton. She 
 spent- her married life of five years at Murray 
 Hill, Washington Co., Penn., and after her hus- 
 band's death she made her home at Mercerslmr^ 
 until her death, which occurred February 28, 
 1876. She was a person of strong faith and great 
 zeal for her church, giving the half of her income 
 for the support of the Gospel. She was a strong 
 Abolitionist in her political sentiments before and 
 during the war of the Rebellion, and while her 
 home was surrounded by the Rebel army she gave 
 shelter to homeless refugee colored people: and 
 when her roof was no longer a protection, because 
 the houses were to be searched, she gave them 
 clothing and helped them away by night to the 
 mountains. She rests from her labors, her remains 
 being interred in Fairview cemetery, Mercersburg, 
 Penn., beside her two children and her parents. 
 The children of James and Mary Clark Murray 
 were Mary Emma, who died, aged twelve months, 
 at Mercersburg, Penn. ; Hettie Alverta, now Mrs. 
 William B. Pollock, born September 22, 1851 (a 
 brief sketch of whom follows), and Lidie Martha 
 Murray, who died September 4, 1861, aged seven 
 and one-half years. 
 
 Mrs. William B. Pollock was born in the house 
 built by her grandfather, George Murray, on a 
 farm called "Lovely Banks," in Washington county, 
 Penn., a part of which is at present known as Van- 
 Eman Station, and here she spent the first two 
 years of her life. At the death of her father, 
 
618 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 August 20, 1853, she removed with her mother to 
 Mercersburg, Franklin Go., Penn. Here she at- 
 tended Mercersbnrg College, afterward completing 
 her education at Wilson's Female College, Charn- 
 bersburg, Penn. She united with the Mercersburg 
 United Presbyterian congregation, under the pas- 
 torate of Rev. Gracey Ferguson, D. D., when fif- 
 teen years of age. On February 11, 1875, she was 
 married, and in June of that year she and her 
 husband took a picturesque drive over the Alle- 
 ghany Mountains in their own buggy to their new 
 home, aud began housekeeping in Canonsburg, 
 Penn. Here she lived three years, and then 
 moved to her present dwelling at Murray Hill. 
 Mrs. Pollock possesses a talent given to but few — 
 that of an artist. She received some instruction 
 in drawing in her youth, but sketches readily 
 from nature. The walls of the different apart- 
 ments of her home testify to her skill and handi- 
 work, and many friends have decorative memen- 
 toes of her brush and easel. An oil painting, well 
 executed, of her own residence, at present deco- 
 rates her dining-room. She decorates china with 
 ease and fine finish, and her cupboard contains a 
 large supply, the work of her own brush and kiln. 
 By disposition she is amiable and hospitable. Her 
 friends are welcome guests at her house. 
 
 Dr. Thomas Johnston Murray, brother of James, 
 was born January 7, 1819, and died January 21, 
 1851 . He graduated at Jefferson College, Canons- 
 burg, studied medicine in Philadelphia, and after- 
 ward located in Canonsburg where until his death 
 he was a very successful practicing physician. His 
 wife, Elizabeth Calohan Murray, w T as born October 
 12, 1821, died April 28, 1856. Rev. George Reed 
 Murray and Anna Kelly (Hodgens), now Mis. James 
 M. Thomas, are the children of Thomas and Eliza- 
 beth Murray, both now residing at Thomas, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. 
 
 Rev. George Reed Murray volunteered in the 
 U. S. army August 13, 1862, at the age of sev- 
 enteen years, served in Company G, One Hun- 
 dred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, until 
 after the close of the war. Entered Westmin- 
 ster College in the fall of 1866; graduated from 
 the classical department in the spring of 1871; in 
 the fall of the same year entered the United Pres- 
 byterian Seminary in Newburgh, N. Y., and spent 
 two years there; in the fall of 1873 entered Theo- 
 logical Seminary of Princeton, N. J., and was li- 
 censed to preach in spring of 1874 by the First 
 U. P. Presbytery of New Jersey. 
 
 On October 7, L875, Rev. George R. Murray 
 was married to Miss Mary Henrietta McClees, of 
 Taylorstown, Penn., by whom were born six chil- 
 dren, three of whom are now (February 19, 1893) 
 living, viz. : Harry Alexander Murray, aged sixteen 
 years; Thomas Johnston Arthur Murray, aged 
 eleven years; James McClees Murray, aged nine 
 
 years. Mr. Murray was pastor of the U. P. 
 Church in Centreville, Iowa, some four years; set- 
 tled again in Murray, Cass Co., Neb., in 1880, 
 serving as pastor for ten years, then was released 
 to accept a call to Mount Prospect U. P. Church, 
 Thomas, Penn., July 1, 1891. On March 14, 1889, 
 Mrs. Mary H. Murray died, and Mr. Murray was 
 married December 30, 1890, to Mrs. Agnes C. 
 Blair, of Monmouth, Illinois. 
 
 Martha Murray died unmarried September 2, 
 1854, in her thirty third year. Lovely and win- 
 ning in her ways, kind and affectionate in her dis- 
 position, she was revered by all friends and ac- 
 quaintances. Mrs. William B. Pollock's maternal 
 grandfather, Alexander MoncreifE Johnston, was a 
 son of Thomas and Anne (Houston) Johnston, 
 Anne Houston being one of the Houston family of 
 Lancaster county, a daughter of John Houston, 
 who came from Scotland or the North of Ireland. 
 
 d/OHN L. RIGGS represents a family of the 
 earliest pioneers, who were originally natives 
 J of Wales, the home of mythical legends and 
 weird, yet fascinating ballads. But more 
 fascinating to the childish ear than even an- 
 cient tale or thrilling music were the new stories 
 of a life where truth was stranger than fiction, of 
 a wonderful land across the mighty ocean. At 
 length a hardy band of pioneers joined an expedi- 
 tion to the New World, and among their number 
 were the early ancestors of the Riggs family. After 
 binding in America they settled in Maryland, 
 where their children grew to maturity and were 
 married. 
 
 William Riggs, a son of this family, was born in 
 1750, and in early life married Mary Dodson. The 
 young couple decided to plunge yet deeper into 
 the forest wilds, and in 1773 came to Washington 
 county, Penn., where he took out a patent of laud 
 near Monongahela river, a portion of which is 
 yet in the family name. He served as vestryman 
 in an Episcopal church prior to 1794, and in 1799 
 was licensed to preach by the authorities of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Society. He died in 1833; 
 his wife died in December, 1819, aged sixty-four; 
 both are buried on the home farm. They were 
 the parents of thirteen children, their names and 
 dates of birth being as follows: Jeremiah, Decem- 
 ber 17, 1774; Eleanor, October 3, 1776; James, 
 December 14, 1778; Abrillar, February 11, 1781; 
 Thomas, February 19, 1783; William, April 29, 
 L785; Zachariah, May 25, liS7; Marv, June 11. 
 1789; Lucy, July 16,1 791; Noah, August 6, 1793; 
 Elizabeth, 1795; Mahlon, December 25, 1 797, and 
 Anne, 1799. Quite a number of these lived to very 
 old ages; several went to Marshall county, W. Ya., 
 others to different parts of Ohio. 
 
 Mahlon Riggs, a son of William and Mary (Dod 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 619 
 
 son) Riggs, was born in Washington county, Penn., 
 and passed his entire life in Allen township. On 
 August 10, 1820, he was married, by Rev. Watson, 
 to Lydia Williams, who was born in 1800 in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., a daughter of John and Mar- 
 garet Williams, the former of whom came from 
 Maryland with his mother, who is buried at Cali- 
 fornia, Penn. Grandfather Williams was born 
 February 15, 1776, and died March 10, 1861, aged 
 eighty-five years. He was a Methodist, and was 
 buried at Mount Tabor church. On March 23, 
 17'.i'.). he had married Margaret Howe, who was 
 born in Washington county, Penn., in 1779, and 
 died May 25, 1867. She was a member of the 
 Methodist Church, and was buried at Mount Tabor 
 church. They had children as follows: Lydia, 
 Mary, Elizabeth, Isabel, Hannah, Thomas, John, 
 William N., Simeon, Sarah and Salathiel, all now 
 deceased, except the first and the last two named. 
 John and William N. were traveling preachers in 
 the Methodist Church. The children born to Man- 
 Ion and Lydia Williams were as follows: Mary E., 
 born June 14, 1821, died January 15, 1836, and 
 buried in Howes cemetery; John L., subject of 
 sketch; Thomas Thornton Fleming, born April 29, 
 1826, and married Susan Redd May 31, 1853 
 (both died several years ago in Moundsville, and 
 were buried there); Caroline A., born October 1. 
 1828, and married to G. W. Hazelbaker June 15, 
 1851; Lucinda A. , born September 25, 1830, and 
 was twice married, first, on June 12, 1853, to J. 
 D. Latta, and after his death she married Johnston 
 Noble, who is now deceased (she is now living at 
 California, Penn.); William N. , born March 5, 
 1832, died April 20, 1892, and buried at Mount 
 Tabor Methodist Episcopal church; Margaret E., 
 born February 8, 1834, married to H. J. Furnier 
 December 14, 1854, died September 27, 1850, and 
 buried at Mount Tabor; James L., born March 15, 
 1834, married May 21, '1861, to Emily Rulong, of 
 Moundsville, W. Va. , both now deceased, he hav- 
 ing died February 25, 1866. and buried at Mount 
 Tabor church; Elizabeth A., born August 1 •">, 
 1834, married to H. J. Furnier July 29, I860, died 
 February 5, 1862, and was buried at Mount Tabor. 
 (H T. Furnier is also deceased, and is buried at 
 Mount Tabor church). The parents were members 
 of the Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 The father died iu 1886; his widow is living with 
 her daughter, Lucinda, at California, Penn. 
 
 John L. Riggs was born March 30, 1824, in Allen 
 township, Washington county, and received a sub- 
 scription-school education. On January 25, 1852, 
 he was united in marriage with Dorothy J. , daugh- 
 ter of Alexander P. Biles, a native of Allen town- 
 ship, where her mother died some years ago; her 
 father died in Moundsville, W. Va. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Riggs resided on the old homestead until 1859, 
 when they came to their present home. He bought 
 
 fifty -five acres, which, added to the original tract, 
 comprises 175 acres of well-cultivated land, fur- 
 nished with a good brick residence. Mr. Riggs has 
 given his attention to farming and stock raising; 
 in politics he was a strong Abolitionist, now vot- 
 ing with the Republican party, which he has served 
 as township collector and a member of the school 
 board. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs have had children as 
 follows: Marcellus, born December 9, 1852, un- 
 married and residing with his parents; J. A., born 
 January 21, 1854, unmarried and residing with 
 his parents (he is a contracting carpenter); Cyrenus, 
 born November 29, 1855, married June 15, 1886, 
 to Nancy Rogers, of Iowa (they are now living iu 
 Galva, Ida Co., Iowa, where he is a contracting 
 carpenter); John W., born May 10, 1857, married 
 March 10, 1880, to Anna M. Alden, who was born 
 February 11, 1862, at Toulon, Stark Co., 111. 
 (they now live in Allen township, Washington 
 county. Penn); Oliver S., born September 21, 1860, 
 married to Katie Bell McKenna, and they are now 
 living on the home farm. 
 
 AMUEL PATTERSON, one of the most 
 successful agriculturists of West Bethlehem 
 township, is a grandson of Thomas Patter- 
 son, who was born in Ireland, and came to 
 this country with his family in about the year 
 1 81 H I. He went to New Orleans, where he was 
 seized with the yellow fever, and coming back to 
 Washington county, Penn., died. 
 
 John Patterson, son of the pioneer, Thomas, set- 
 tled upon the farm of one Noble, in Washington 
 county, Penn., and soon afterward he purchased the 
 farm which is now the home of his sou Samuel. He 
 married Jane, daughter of John Simpson, who re- 
 sided in Greene county, Penn., and was also of Irish 
 parentage, her father emigrating early in the history 
 of Greene county, Penn. To them were born the fol- 
 lowing children: Catharine, wife of James 
 Wherry, residing in Hillsboro; Rebecca, wife of 
 John Bumgarner; Elizabeth, wife of Levi Hopkins; 
 Jane, wife of G. P. Baker; Sarah, wife, of Levi 
 Dawson; Andrew (deceased); John (deceased); 
 Samuel, the subject of this biography; Mary 
 Siberts, and Thomas, a minister of the Gospel at 
 Waynesburg. At the time of his death, which oc- 
 curred April 10, 1849, John Patterson owned 250 
 acres of land in Washington county, Penn., por- 
 tions of which he purchased at $3. per acre. He 
 erected the log dwelling in ivhich his son Samuel 
 now lives, and which is one of the oldest in Wash- 
 ington county. Tlie nails used in its construction 
 were purchased from a blacksmith at 12i cents 
 per pound. He attended the subscription schools 
 in the county, and at one time his master was 
 the grandfather of the late J. G. Blaine, by name 
 Gillespie. t 
 
620 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Samuel Patterson was born December 15, 1824, on 
 the old homestead farm where he has continued to 
 reside. He is now a hale and hearty old gentle- 
 man, well deserving the golden opinion he wins 
 from all who delight in his acquaintance. His 
 farm consists of nearly four hundred acres of ex- 
 cellent land. Politically Mr. Patterson is a 
 thorough Democrat, and has always given the can- 
 didates of his party a cordial support, but could 
 never be persuaded to himself accept the nomina- 
 tion for any office. 
 
 v AMUEL CLUTTER, a highly esteemed and 
 worthy citizen of Hanover township, is a 
 son of Daniel D. , whose father (William) was 
 born in New Jersey, and came to Washington 
 county, Penn., about 1800. William Clutter lo- 
 cated in Morris township, this county, on Snaggon 
 run, but very little is known concerning him, ex- 
 cepting that he was twice married, his first choice 
 being a Miss Davis, and that children were born to 
 both marriages. William Clutter was a farmer, 
 and continued to reside in Morris township until 
 his death. Among the children of his first wife 
 was Daniel D. (father of Samuel). 
 
 Daniel D. Clutter was born about 1812, in 
 Morris township, Washington Co. , Penn., and re- 
 ceived an education in the subscription school. He 
 learned the trade of a shoemaker with one Jacob 
 Sanders, and then began business for himself. He 
 set up a shop in Somerset township, this county, 
 on the farm of one William Crouch, and there 
 wooed and won his life companion, Mary Under- 
 wood. She was born in 1815, in Somerset town- 
 ship, a daughter of Jacob Underwood, but was 
 reared by John Leyda, of Somerset township. To 
 this union the following children were born: John 
 L. , went to New Orleans, and while working in a 
 lumber camp enlisted in the Fourth Virginia In- 
 fantry, was taken prisoner and died from starva- 
 tion in Danville prison; Samuel is the subject of 
 this sketch; Noadiah, of Effingham, 111., is con- 
 nected with the Eagle Refining Company; Letitia 
 died in early womanhood; William is a resident of 
 Graysville, Greene Co., Penn.; Elizabeth is the 
 widow of William Vance, of Pittsburgh, Penn.; 
 Nancy J. is deceased. In 1855 the mother of this 
 family died, and for his second choice Daniel D. 
 Clutter married Agnes McAdams, a native of 
 Scotland, who resided near McDonald, Penn., and 
 she now lives in Washington, this county. She 
 bore him three children, viz. : a sou, deceased in 
 infancy; Anna Mary, and Nettie (Mrs. Isaac Sup- 
 ler, of Cameron, W. Va). Mr. and Mrs. Clutter 
 first located near the Pigeon Creek church, inWash- 
 ington county, and resided there for some time, 
 he following his trade. He then went to Greene 
 county, same State, and, purchasing 100 acres near 
 
 Graysville, successfully followed farming the re- 
 mainder of his days. He died July 1, 1881, and 
 was buried in Unity cemetery. In politics he was 
 a Whig, later on a Republican, and while no poli- 
 tician, he took an interest in the success of his 
 party; he was a well-read man and had a good 
 memory, also a very fair practical education. 
 
 Samuel Clutter was born January 25, 1840, on 
 Pigeon creek. He was reared a farm boy, and 
 his education was received at the common schools 
 of the period. His parents moved to Greene 
 county when he was a lad of but twelve or thirteen 
 years of age, and here received his agricultural 
 training on the farm of his father. When the 
 Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company A, 
 One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and partici 
 pated in every engagement that this well-known 
 regiment was in, with one exception, the tight at 
 Gettysburg, at which time he was in the hospital 
 at Fairfax, recovering from the effects of a sun- 
 stroke. He remained there until September 1, 
 1863, when he joined his regiment and served till 
 the close of the war, receiving an honorable dis- 
 charge May 30, 1865. He then returned to Grays- 
 ville, Greene Co., Penn., and followed agriculture 
 on his father's farm, though the first year after his 
 return from the army he was able to do but little 
 work, as he suffered greatly from fever and ague, 
 which he had contracted in the service. On 
 November 11, 1868, he was married to Margaret 
 Vance, who was. born in 1842, a daughter of 
 Robert Vance (deceased), late of Robinson township, 
 Washington county. The following children have 
 been born to the union of Samuel and Margaret 
 (Vance) Clutter: Robert V., in the employ of the 
 Pennsylvania Railroad Company; James M. P.; 
 Daniel N. ; a son, deceased in infancy; and Charles 
 F. After his marriage Mr. Clutter moved to Pitts- 
 burgh, where he remained nine years in the em- 
 ploy of Clark & Co. , transfer agents. In 1 878 he 
 moved to Washington county, locating in Hanover 
 township, about two miles north of Florence, on 
 the old '" Huffman farm," where he has since re- 
 sided, carrying on general farming and stock rais- 
 ing. Mr. Clutter is a very progressive citizen, 
 and is especially interested in school matters. His 
 children have all received a good education. He 
 is an adherent of the Republican party, but does 
 not devote much time to politics. Both he and 
 wife are members of the Frankfort U. P. Church. 
 
 =V ANKIN FAMILY. The first ancestor of 
 fj the Rankin family who settled in Wash. 
 ington county was William Rankin, 
 great-grandfather of our subjects, and a 
 native of Winchester, Va., who, about 
 1774, made the hazardous journey across the 
 mountains to Washington county with his wife and 
 

 
 **iiijft-j*^'% 
 
 ST^^d*^??- jya/r/U^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 623 
 
 family, landing October 31, 1774. He located in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, this county, securing 1 ,800 
 acres of choice land, then a vast wilderness, which 
 is now transformed into some of the finest farms 
 of Washington county. Here he built a log cabin, 
 and made such improvements as were possible, 
 being in constant danger from the treacherous 
 savages. But bravely and patiently he struggled 
 on, establishing the pioneer home. After his sons 
 had grown to manhood, one of them, James, joined 
 a party who went to establish a colony in Kentucky. 
 They arrived safely, but during the return trip 
 were attacked by Indians, and James was killed, his 
 fate being but one addition to that of the many 
 pioneers who were practically martyrs to coloniza- 
 tion. Mr. and Mrs. William Rankin passed the 
 remainder of their lives in the frontier home, both 
 dying the same year. 
 
 Samuel Rankin, the youngest son of John, was 
 born July 18, 1769, in Winchester, Va. , and came 
 to this county in 1774. On January 7, 1796, he 
 was married to Jane McConahey, who was born 
 February 18, 1775, a daughter of a pioneer set- 
 tler The following children were born to their 
 union: William, John, David, Matthew, Samuel, 
 Stephen, James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane, of 
 whom Jane, the only one yet living, is a resident 
 of Burgettstown, now aged seventy years, unmar- 
 ried; the others lived to adult age, and were citi- 
 zens of Washington county. Samuel Rankin be- 
 came a wealthy farmer, and always lived on the 
 old home farm, which is situated about two miles 
 northwest of Hickory. In politics he was a Dem- 
 ocrat, and he was one of the famous "Minute- 
 men." In religion he and his wife were members 
 of the Union Church. He died in October, 1820, 
 being followed by his wife July 20, 1869, in her 
 ninety fourth year; their remains lie in the U. P. 
 cemetery at Hickory. Their children were as fol- 
 lows: William, born November 24, 1796, died Jan- 
 uary- 13, 1884; John, born April 4, 1798, died in 
 April, 1866; David, born February 15, 1800, died 
 July 27, 1858; Matthew, bom February 15, 1802, 
 died in June, 1880; Matilda, born March 22, 1804, 
 died in February. 1875; Samuel, born June 3, 
 1806, died May 27, 1834; Abigail, born in Octo- 
 ber, 1808, lived on the old homestead until No- 
 vember 17, 1892, when she died; James, born 
 March 24, 1811, died July 27, 1887; Stephen, 
 born August 20, 1813, died in February, 1877, and 
 Jane, born February 6, 1817, living in Burgettstown. 
 
 William Rankin, eldest son of Samuel and Jane 
 (McConahey) Rankin, was born in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, this county, and remained on his father's 
 farm during his boyhood, in the meantime receiv- 
 ing a subscription-school education. On Decem- 
 ber 16, 1819, he married Miss Nancy Lyle, who 
 was born January 22, 1801, daughter of John 
 Lyle, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and 
 
 their children were Elizabeth, born January 21, 
 1821, died February 14, 1880; Samuel, born July 
 19, 1823, died in September, 1845; John L., born 
 October 16, 1826, married in 1849, Elizabeth 
 Campbell; David, born May 30, 1829, died in Sep- 
 tember, 1845; William (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant 
 township), born April 4, 1832; Jane, born March 
 24, 1834, is unmarried, living in Burgettstown; and 
 James, born September 2, 1836, married, in 1S64, 
 Elizabeth F. Barnes, who died in 1870, and in 1880 
 he married Maggie E. Forsythe, of Burgettstown. 
 Mr. Rankin, by energy and perseverance, accumu- 
 lated, in his agricultural pursuits, a good property. 
 In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, and filled 
 several township offices. He and his wife were 
 consistent members of the Raccoon Presbyterian 
 Church, afterward uniting with the church at Mt. 
 Prospect. He died January 13, 1884, having been 
 preceded by his life companion in 1870, and both 
 are buried in Mt. Prospect cemetery. 
 
 John L. Rankin was born in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county, on the farm where the earliest 
 pioneer of the family had settled many years be- 
 fore. He grew to manhood on the ancestral acres, as- 
 sisting in agricultural duties, and receiving a neces- 
 sarily limited country-school education. On Septem- 
 ber 6, 1849, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
 Campbell, who was born September 11, 1829, near 
 Monongahela City, Penn.. a daughter of William 
 and Nancy (Randolph) Campbell, who both died 
 when Elizabeth was yet a child; she then lived with 
 an uncle, John Campbell, until her marriage. 
 Children have been born to the union of John L. 
 and Elizabeth (Campbell) Rankin as follows: Will- 
 iam D. , a practicing physician in Allegheny, Penn. ; 
 John J., in Burgettstown; Nancy O. wife of A. C. 
 McClnre, of Burgettstown; Ella Jane, died April 
 8, 1886; Mary Elizabeth, died October 11, 1861; 
 Ida May and Mary L. , residing with their parents; 
 Elgie A. C, in Allegheny; Alice B., Lizzie A., 
 James T., Maggie L., residing with their parents. 
 After his marriage John L. Rankin located on a 
 farm about three miles northwest of Hickory, 
 this county, where he resided sixteen years, ex- 
 tensively engaged in sheep raising. In 1866 he 
 came to Smith township, purchasing a farm one 
 mile south of Burgettstown, where he has since re- 
 mained. Since his residence in that township, his 
 home was completely destroyed by fire, but, with 
 characteristic pluck and energy, he at once erected 
 a building far superior to the one which had been 
 burned. In polities Mr. Rankin has always been 
 a Democrat, and has served his party in various 
 capacities in both townships. He and his wife are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church of Burgetts- 
 town, in which he is an elder. 
 
 William Rankin was born April 4, 1832, on 
 the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and re- 
 ceived his education in the district schools. On 
 
624 
 
 WA SHING TOX CO UN TV. 
 
 November 23, 1858, he was married, iu Wells 
 conntv. lad., to Martha Riddile, a native of Trum- 
 bull county, Ohio. Sbe was a granddaughter of 
 Samuel and Martha (Johnston) Riddile. the former 
 uf whom died in 1S25, in Trumbull county. Ohio, 
 the latter in 1831. Andrew Riddile, father of Mrs. 
 Rankin, was born iu 1799, in this county, and in 
 1805 moved with his parents to Trumbull county, 
 Ohio. In 1S24 he married Matilda Taylor, who 
 was born in November.' 1798, in this county, a 
 daughter of George Taylor, a native of Ireland, 
 who died in 1833, in Mahoning county. Ohio. In 
 IMH Mr. and Mrs. Riddile settled on a farm in 
 Wells county, Ind. , where he died August 12, 
 1854, his wife having died February 8, 1850. 
 Their children were: Elizabeth (deceased iu 1855, 
 wife of John Hammell, of Jay county, Ind. |; 
 Samuel L. (living in Wells county, Ind. I ; George 
 T. (residing iu Fort Dodge. Webster Co.. Iowa l ; 
 Martha (Mrs. William Rankiu). and H. D. (living 
 on the old battle-ground of TippecanAe county. 
 Ind i. Our subject aud wife have always resided on 
 the farm they now occupy, consisting of 100 acres 
 of good land. He is an active Democrat, and has 
 served his township as a member of the school board, 
 aud also as supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Rankiu attend 
 the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. They 
 have two sons: W. F. I attending Duff's Commer- 
 cial College at Pittsburgh. Penn. I and R. S. 
 
 James Rankin was born on the home farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, and was the youngest son 
 of his parents. He received his education in the 
 "Rankin school district," and has since been en- 
 gaged in working on the old -farm. On January 
 8, 1864, he married Elizabeth F. Barnes, a native 
 of Mt. Pleasant township. She was a daughter of 
 Francis and Mary Jane (Forester I Barnes, the 
 former born in Virginia, the latter in Maryland, 
 both settling in this county at an early day. Mrs. 
 Rankin died in 1ST0, leaving three children, 
 namely: William F. (married, and lived iu Creede, 
 Colo., but is now in Washington county), Clement 
 L. (residing in Alliance. Neb. i and Mary Jane (at 
 home). On October •". 1880, Mr. Rankin was 
 united in marriage with Maggie E. Forsythe. a 
 native of Smith township, this county, daughter of 
 William aud Sarah Ann (Gilbert) Forsythe. natives 
 of New Jersey, who settled in Smith township, 
 this county, over seventy years ago. The For- 
 sythe family are now limited to four sisters and 
 one brother, of whom three sisters are living in 
 Washington county. To the union of James and 
 Maggie F. I Forsythe I Rankin four children have 
 been born: Eldon Lee. Leslie. Ernest and Alvin 
 1 rsythe. Mr. Rankin votes the Democratic 
 ticket, and has been a member of the school board. 
 The home farm consists of 103 acres of well-culti- 
 vated land, and he keeps a fine grade of stock. 
 The Rankin faniilv trace their first settlement to 
 
 Halloween. 17<4. James Rankin and wife are mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect. 
 
 EXRY W. JONES, a prominent citizen of 
 Fniou township, is a son of Robert, whose 
 father. William. was a farmer of Shropshire, 
 England. He was the father of four chil- 
 dren, namely: William, Thomas, John 
 and Robeit. 
 
 Robert Jones was born near Shrewsbury, in 
 Shropshire, England, and was apprenticed to a 
 machinist wheu yet a boy. After serving his time 
 he followed this trade, principally in Birmingham, 
 England. He was married to Miss Vienna Harris, 
 a resident of that place, and she bore him seven 
 children, as follows: John. Robert. Henry W.. 
 George, Susan. Mary and Ann, of whom Henry 
 W. aud George are yet living. 
 
 Henry W. Jones was born July '20. 1820, jn 
 Shrewsbury. England, where he was reared to 
 manhood, and learned the machinist's trade. He 
 came to Allegheny county. Penn., in 1850, and 
 was employed as a millwright and steam-engine 
 btiilder till 1S6-J, when he moved to Wood county. 
 W. Va., locating near Parkersburgh. Here he fol- 
 lowed lumbering and farming, also conducting a 
 saw and planing-mill on the place. In 1888 he 
 came to Fnion township. Washington Co., Penn., 
 and. erecting a large planing-mill. engaged in con- 
 tracting and building. He succeeded in securing 
 an excellent trade, and in the spring of 1S92 gave 
 the business to his sons. He was married Novem- 
 ber 16, 1S52, to Miss Catherine Croco, who was 
 born June 1">, 1831, a daughter of Henry Croco. of 
 Allegheny county, Penn.. and to this union have 
 been born eight children: Vienna (deceased), 
 Keffer. Frank C. , Charles. Mary (deceased). Wes- 
 ley, Elmer and Sydney. The six sous are all em- 
 ployed in the planing-mill, or contracting. The 
 mother died April 10, 1SSS, since which time Mr. 
 Jones has made his home with his son Frank C. 
 Iu politics the father is a stanch Prohibitionist, 
 aud has held numerous township offices in West 
 Virginia. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. In 1892, accompanied by hisson Charles, 
 he visited his old home in England, but fouud his 
 relatives all scattered. The old country no longer 
 seemed home to him, for truly has the poet said: 
 "Home is where the heart is;" and the affections 
 and interests of Mr. Jones are now on this side of 
 the Atlantic, although he will ever cherish a fond 
 memory of dear old England. 
 
 *T~\ OBERT SAMPLE is a well-known resident 
 L*^ of the borough of Washington. He is of 
 \ Irish descent, his grandparents having 
 J - lived and died in " Old Erin." 
 v David Sample, his father, was born in 
 
 1801, in County Donegal. Ireland, and when about 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 625 
 
 twenty years of age immigrated to America. He 
 first located in Ohio county, W. Va., where he was 
 united in marriage with Mary Sample, also a na- 
 tive of County Donegal. In 1835 they came to 
 West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn. , 
 and in 1859 purchased and moved upon a farm in 
 Donegal township, same county. Their children 
 were Robert, John (deceased), and Joseph (a res- 
 ident of Donegal township). The mother died 
 January 22, 1867, at the age of seventy-three years, 
 and August 11, 1879, the father was laid by her 
 side. They were members of the West Alexander 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Robert Sample, whose name introduces this 
 memoir, was born October 14, 1827, in Ohio county, 
 W. Va., and when eight years old came with his 
 parents to West Finley townshijD, this county. On 
 January 1, 1857, he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Burns, but 
 she died July 19, 1859, leaving one daughter, Mary 
 Catherine (now the wife of N. R. Tannehill, of 
 Cecil township, Washington county). For his 
 second wife Mr. Sample married on May 6, 1868, 
 Miss Nancy Tannehill. who bore him two children, 
 Nancy and David R. In 1872 our subject came to 
 Washington, and in 187 1 built his present residence 
 on Highland avenue, having rented his farm in 
 Donegal township. He has assisted in the erection of 
 many of the dwellings in the town, and in 1870 was 
 awarded the contract for building the crematory 
 there. Mr. Sample began life a poor boy, and 
 by industry, energy and perseverance has achieved 
 an enviable success. Iq politics he is a member of 
 the Democratic party, in religion a Presbytarian. 
 
 J | AMES RONEY, son of James. and Jane (Mc- 
 Whirter) Roney, was born near Canonsburg, 
 ) August 17, 1813, on the farm now owned by 
 his daughter, Mrs. G. M. Smith. The old 
 farm has been the home and visiting place 
 of seven generations. His parents first settled in 
 South Carolina, where, tradition says, they pros- 
 pered. Their principles being so antagonistic to 
 the institution of human slavery, they left their 
 home in the South and migrated to western Penn- 
 sylvania. Here they built a house (still standing) 
 from logs cut in the forest and hewn into shape by 
 the immediate ancestors of James Roney. His 
 parents were most exemplary members of the Re- 
 formed Presbyterian Church — better known as the 
 Old Side Covenanters. " 
 
 He had four brothers and four sisters, namely: 
 Moses, William, John, and one who died in infancy; 
 Jane, Margaret, Rebecca and Sarah. Moses, in 
 1818, entered Canonsburg Academy, and graduated 
 with first honors from Jefferson College in 1823. 
 He studied theology in Coldenham, N. Y., under 
 
 the direction of Rev. Dr. J. R. Wilson, and was 
 licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbyter} 7 , June 8, 
 1829. He was ordained and installed pastor of the 
 Newburg, N. Y., congregation, afterward accepted 
 the presidency of Westminster College, where he 
 continued to labor until his death. He was one of 
 the most influential and eloquent ministers of the 
 Covenanter Church. On one occasion he was to 
 preach at the old house, and, as the custom was at 
 that time, he preached out of doors. It has been 
 said that every word was distinctly heard half a 
 mile distant. He was married to Miss Elizabeth 
 F. Beattie, of Coldenham, N. Y. , whose mother 
 was descended from the Belknap family of that re- 
 gion. W r illiam was married to Lydia Thomas, of 
 North Strabane township. He resided on his farm 
 near Haneytown, Marshall conuty,W.Va. John mar- 
 ried Margaret George, of near Hickory, Washington 
 county; he owns and lives on a farm near Clays- 
 ville. Margaret married John George, of Venice, 
 Washington Co., Penn.; Jane married Isaac E. 
 MeKenry, of Allegheny, Penn., where they lived 
 for a number of years, then moved to near Craw- 
 fordsville, Iowa; Rebecca and Sarah died in early 
 girlhood at the home of their parents. At this 
 date (1893) only two of the family survive, namely: 
 John Roney and Jane MeKenry. 
 
 James Roney married, March 4, 1844, Elizabeth, 
 daughter of James Gibson. She bore him two 
 daughters and one son, namely : Grizella Margaret, 
 born May 27, 1845; Moses Gibson, born June 28, 
 1854 (deceased when ten months old); Jane Eliza- 
 beth, born September 23, I860, died August 12, 
 1877. Grizella Margaret Roney, in early girlhood, 
 was married to William M. Smith; two daughters 
 were born to this marriage: Elizabeth Jane, wife 
 of David John Sterling (has two children — Hugh 
 Samuel and Margaret Roney), and Maggie Grizella, 
 living at home with her mother. Mrs. Smith owns 
 valuable property in Canonsburg, where she now 
 resides. D. J. Sterling superintends the farm of 
 Mrs. Smith, and operates in oil. The place is well 
 improved and contains three gas wells, and yields 
 a good income. Mrs. Smith and daughter, Mag- 
 gie, are members of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 Church of Miller's Run, near Venice. Mr. and 
 Mrs. D. J. Sterling are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church of Ingram. 
 
 The Roney family have always been noted for 
 their hospitality and kindly disposition. James 
 Roney died of apoplexy November 4, 1884, and 
 was interred in the Hill Church burying ground. 
 His widow, who had suffered from the effects of a 
 paralytic stroke for five years, died at the home of 
 her daughter, Mrs. G. M. Smith, July 24, 1888, and 
 was laid by the side of her husband. 
 
 [For further information of the ancestors of tin- said 
 James Roney, see page 1182 of " The History of Washing- 
 ton County, Penu.," edited by Boyd Crumrine, 1882. 
 
626 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 J. McADAM, professor of mathematics in 
 Washington and Jefferson College, is a 
 
 nJj native of the Buckeye State, born August 
 2, 1843, in Moorefield township, Harrison 
 county, a son of John and Susan (Dunlap) Mc- 
 Adam, worthy farming people of that township; 
 the latter a daughter of John and Nancy Dunlap, 
 of Harrison county. They were the parents of 
 children as follows: Nancy, Eliza and Mary (Mrs. 
 John Compiler), deceased; Sarah, Mrs. John Lewis; 
 Rebecca, Mrs. Samuel Willoughby; George; D. J. 
 and Margaret (Mrs. James Glascow). The mother 
 of this family departed this life in 1849, and for 
 his second wife Mr. McAdam married, in 1851, Har- 
 riet Linn, of Harrison county, Ohio, by whom there 
 was no issue. Mr. McAdam died in 1852; he had 
 been a consistent member of the Union Church 
 from his youth up, and for some years was an elder 
 in the same; politically he was a straight Demo- 
 crat, socially a man of public spirit and enter- 
 prise, popular and generally respected. 
 
 D. J. McAdam was reared to farm work, his 
 education being had at the common schools of his 
 native township, where he proved an apt and dili- 
 gent scholar and from early life he evinced a strong 
 penchant for study and literature. After leaving 
 school, he spent one year in Franklin College, and 
 then entered Washington and Jefferson College, 
 from which he graduated with honor in 1868. His 
 education being now completed, he assumed the 
 role of educator, his first school being at Harlem 
 Springs, Carroll Co., Ohio, whence, after a year he 
 came to Cauonsburg, this county, in which learned 
 town he remained one year, in the capacity of 
 tutor. He then moved to Cadiz, Ohio, and en- 
 tered the office of Lawyer Estep, with whom he 
 remained one year, at the end of which time 
 he was appointed principal of the schools of 
 Carrollton, Ohio, his incumbency covering three 
 years; the public schools at that place had just 
 been opened, and the work of grading, by virtue 
 of his position, fell on him. In 1S73 our subject 
 accepted the chair of Latin in Washington and 
 Jefferson College, but at the end of one year was 
 transferred to the chair of mathematics, in the 
 same college, which he now fills. 
 
 On July 8, 1875, Prof. McAdam was married to 
 Kate, daughter of Capt. Alexander Wishart, of 
 Washington. Penn., and four children were the 
 result of this union, as follows: Alexander (de- 
 ceased), Dunlap, John and Kate. His wife died 
 May 8, 1882. Our subject married in May, 1888, 
 Rebecca, daughter of John D. Braden, and two 
 children have come to further bless their home — 
 Braden and George. Prof. McAdam, in his polit- 
 ical associations, is an ardent Democrat, and in 
 religion is a member of the First Presbyterian 
 Church of Washington. 
 
 WILHELM H. GUNDLACH was born in 
 Germany September 2:!, 1861, a son of 
 Henry and Caroline Gundlach, also na- 
 tives of the Fatherland, the father bcrn 
 in 1806, and died in 1867 at the age of 
 sixty-one years. They were the parents of four 
 sons — Wilhelm H., Henry, Frederick and Charley 
 - — and three daughters — Hannah, Minnie and an- 
 other whose name is not recorded — all yet living in 
 Germany, except Wilhelm H. and Charley, the 
 latter of whom is now a resident of this county. 
 near Hickory. 
 
 Wilhelm H. Gundlach received his education in 
 the public schools of his native land, learning to 
 read from text-books common in use at that time 
 in Germany — the Bible and the catechism. In 
 1881 he immigrated to America, finally locat- 
 ing in Hopewell township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he resided six years, at the end of which time 
 he moved to the farm in W T est Bethlehem town- 
 ship, containing 118 acres of prime land, where he 
 passed the remainder of his life. . On April 19, 
 18S8, he was married to Caroline, daughter of 
 Henry A. and Sophia Gundlach, who were the 
 parents of three sons — Solomon H. , Charley A., 
 and Earnest L. — and three daughters — Caroline 
 (married to Wilhelm H. Gundlach), Louisa A. (mar- 
 ried Julv 23, 1891, to Emmor Ames; they have 
 one child Elsie Pearl, born February 2(1, 1892), 
 and Minnie S. Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Guudlach 
 are members of the Lutheran Church in West 
 Bethlehem township; for twenty-seven years they 
 have been residents of Washington county. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm H. Gundlach were born 
 three children, as follows: Sophia Winnett, born 
 January 10, 1889; Louisa A., born October 5, 
 1890. "died April 5, 1891, and Henry Wilhelm 
 Alfred, born June 5, 1892. The father of these 
 little ones died January 29, 1893, aged thirty-two 
 years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, 
 as is his grief-stricken widow. 
 
 J> 
 
 I M US. MARGARET McCREADY, one of 
 \f\ the oldest settlers, and most highly 
 \i I esteemed in the community where she re- 
 -* sides, is a granddaughter of John Boyd, 
 who was born in Ireland about the mid- 
 dle of the eighteenth century, and coming to 
 America in early manhood settled near West Mid- 
 dletown, Hopewell township, this county. Soon 
 after his arrival in Pennsylvania, he was united in 
 marriage with Miss Martha Mathon, who bore him 
 four sons — John, James, Thomas and Robert — and 
 five daughters — Margaret. Nancy. Mary. Rachel 
 and Sarah. He was a Democrat, and a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Robert Boyd, father of Mrs. McCready, was born 
 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 629 
 
 January 21, 1788, on the home farm near West 
 Middletown, Hopewell township. The Indians 
 were so hostile at that time that the family betook 
 themselves to a more thickly populated district in 
 Beaver county, Penn., where they remained some 
 time. After the Indians had left the country, the 
 family returned to this county, locating in Han- 
 over township, where Robert grew to' manhood, 
 and was married to Miss Catherine McCausland, 
 also a resident of that township. Nine children 
 were born to their union, of whom four are yet liv- 
 ing: George, Presley, Martha and Margaret. In 
 his politics he was a stanch Democrat. 
 
 Margaret Boyd was born August 18, 1822, on 
 the farm in Hanover township. Her childhood 
 and early womanhood were passed in the pioneer 
 home, then surrounded by various wild animals, as 
 many as eight deer being often seen in one group. 
 On February 26, 1857, she became the wife of 
 William McCready, a son of Robert McCready, 
 and now resides in Jefferson township. 
 
 Robert McCready, father of William, was born 
 in Scotland, March 28, 1752, and in 1772 immi- 
 grated to America, first locating in the State of 
 New Jersey. He then went to York county, 
 Penn., teaching school there until the Revolution, 
 when he entered a York county battalion, serving 
 several months in the ''Flying Camp'' Division 
 under Washington. In 1770 he left the service, 
 and came to Washington county, Penn., locating 
 on a tract of 332 acres in Jefferson township. Soon 
 afterward he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Anna Levins, a lady of Irish descent, who bore 
 him nine children, as follows: David, Robert, 
 William, John, Joseph, Mary, Nancy, and two 
 deceased. He died August 10, 1840. 
 
 William McCready was born August 1, 1797, on 
 the home farm in Jefferson township, and was 
 reared to agricultural pursuits, purchasing the 
 old place after the death of his father. He was 
 married, as already stated, to Margaret Boyd, who 
 bore him one son, Robert, April 7, 1858, who was 
 married May 6, 1880, to Nancy E. Cassidy,' daugh- 
 ter of William Cassidy; he lives on the home place, 
 and, like his father and grandfather before him, 
 votes the Democratic ticket. William McCready 
 died November 6, 1860, leaving over 300 acres of 
 fine land to his heirs. He was a typical self-made 
 man, liberal in thought and action, and was highly 
 esteemed by all who knew him. 
 
 Joseph McCready, a nephew of William Mc- 
 Cready, was born and reared in Columbiana county, 
 Ohio, and was there married to Martha Campbell, 
 a native of the same county. She bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: James, Joseph, Robert, Cynthia 
 and Margaret. For his second wife he was mar- 
 ried to Catherine Boyd, a sister of Mrs. Margaret 
 McCready, and the names of the children of this 
 
 union are Lizzie O, Rilla and George. Mr. Mc- 
 Cready was a Republican and a Presbyterian. He 
 and his wife are both now deceased. 
 
 d,AMES A. McILVAINE, one of the enter- 
 prising and prominent citizens of Mt. 
 ) Pleasant township, is a native of the same. 
 born December 22, 1840, on the home farm. 
 His grandfather, Greer Mcllvaine, was of Irish 
 descent, and a native of Lancaster county, Penn., 
 where he was married to Elizabeth Morrow, who 
 was born in the same county. The young couple 
 came to Washington county in an early day, 
 accompanied by a brother, George Mcllvaine. On 
 May 20, 1788, Greer secured 407 acres of land in 
 Somerset township, which was surveyed to him 
 February 11, 1789, and afterward divided with 
 his brother. Greer and Elizabeth Mcllvaine were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon 
 Creek. Their children were Greer, John, Guyan, 
 George. William, Andrew, Margaret, Mary, Ruth, 
 Catherine, Elizabeth, Esther, Ann and Eleanor. 
 
 Guyan Mcllvaine was born in 1 (92, in Somerset 
 township, on the home farm, where his earl}' years 
 were passed. He was united in marriage with 
 Jane Ferguson, a native of Somerset township, 
 who bore him four children: Lydia (widow of John 
 Phillips), living in Greene county, Penn. ; William 
 Greer (deceased in 1882, at Memphis, Tenn.), was 
 married in Vieksburg; Robert F. , residing in 
 Rochester, Beaver Co., Penn.; and John M., 
 living in Mt. Pleasant township. Mrs. Mcllvaine 
 died in 1823, and in 1830 Guyan Mcllvaine was 
 married to Jane Bratton, a native of Lancaster 
 county, Penn., and they settled in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, on the home farm. The following 
 children were born to their union: Harvey (resid- 
 ing in Kansas), Anna Eliza (married to William 
 M. Campbell, of Cross Creek township), Joseph 
 Lawrence (an editor, of New Philadelphia, Ohio), 
 Boyd (a resident of Illinois), Belle Jane (of Mt. 
 Pleasant township), James A., Mary Esther and 
 Martha Ellen (Mrs. Harper Simanton, of Mt. 
 Pleasant township). This family is a remarkable 
 one. The twelve children all grew to maturity; 
 all married and have families of their own, except 
 two, and all are yet living but the oldest son, who 
 died in 1882. Mr. Mcllvaine was first a Whig, 
 then a Know-nothing, and afterward a Republican. 
 He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Mt. Prospect. He died in 1868, having 
 been preceded by his wife in 1860. 
 
 James A. Mcllvaine, a son of Guyan and Jane 
 (Bratton) Mcllvaine, was born on his father's farm 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and 
 attended the schools of the neighborhood. On 
 November 19, 1868, he was united in marriage 
 
r,:>.( i 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTV. 
 
 with Martha A. McBurney, daughter of John and 
 Jane (Keys) McBurney, natives and lifelong 
 residents of Washington county. After his mar 
 riage James A. Mcllvaine settled on the farm of 
 14<; acres, where he was born and has always 
 lived, and has since followed agricultural pursuits. 
 Six children have been born to this couple, viz.: 
 Eulalie (teaching in Hickory, this county), J. C, 
 Mamie (teaching in Hopewell township, Washing- 
 ton county), Nettie. Willie A. and Bessie. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Mcllvaine are members of Mt. Pleasant 
 United Presbyterian Church, at Hickory. He is 
 actively interested in education, being a member 
 of the school board of Mt. Pleasant township. 
 He takes quite an interest in politics, voting with 
 the Republican party. 
 
 EiBENEZER BROWNLEE (deceased), in his 
 lifetime one of the prosperous farmers and 
 successful business men of the county, was 
 agraudson of William Brownlee, Sr., who in 
 an early day came to Washington county from his 
 native land, Scotland, and made a settlement in 
 Franklin township about four miles south of the 
 borough of Washington. He here married Mar- 
 garet Lehman, by whom there were several chil- 
 dren, and of them, William, Jr., born October 13, 
 ITS'.!, in Franklin township, this county, became 
 the father of the subject of this sketch. 
 
 William Brownlee, Jr., in his early life was a 
 regular pioneer farmer boy, and his schooltraining, 
 a somewhat primitive one, w;is most limited. On 
 November 17, 1814, he was married to Jean Car- 
 son, who was born March 22, 1791, and the results 
 of this union were eight children, of whom Eben- 
 ezer, the subject of this sketch, was born April 2, 
 L825, in West Finley township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. The father died March 24, 1846, the 
 mother, January 23, 1N44. 
 
 Early in life Ebenezer Brownlee learned the 
 trade of tanner at Good Intent, West Finley town- 
 ship, which he followed, however, only a short 
 time, as he returned to the home farm and re- 
 mained with his parents during the rest of their 
 lifetime. On November 25, 1847, he was united in 
 marriage with Eliza Davidson, who was born March 
 12, 1824, in West Finley township, a daughter of 
 James Davidson, a native of the county, of Irish 
 descent, born in 17S2 near West Brownsville. To 
 the union of Ebenezer and Eliza (Davidson) Brown- 
 lee there came the following named children: Rob- 
 ert D., born November 13, 1840, now in Otoe 
 county, Neb., where he carries on stock dealing; 
 George, born August 10, 1851, also in Otoe county, 
 a farmer; James C, born February 4, 1854, a 
 physician in Kansas City, Mo.; John, born Febru- 
 ary 28, 1856, died May 24, 1890; Samuel, born 
 October 27, 1858; and Jennie, born March 23, 
 
 1863, an intelligent and cultured young lad}'. 
 After his marriage Mr. Brownlee lived five years 
 in East Finley township, on Robinson's fork of 
 Wheeling creek; then during the subsequent rive 
 years had his residence in West Finley township, 
 on the Martin Armstrong place; thence moved to 
 Donegal township, on the William McMurray 
 farm which he had purchased, and which is situ- 
 ated about half a mile south of West Alexander. 
 Here he continued to reside until his death, which 
 occurred December 14, 1888. He was very suc- 
 cessful in all his undertakings, and accumulated 
 considerable valuable property. He was a mem- 
 ber of the United Presbyterian Church, and in pol- 
 itics he was a stanch Republican, one of the influ- 
 ential advisers of the party. He was a strong Ab- 
 olitionist, a great friend to the negro. His widow 
 departed this life July 14, 1892. 
 
 If F. McCLAY, one of the progressive and in- 
 dustrious young farmers of Canton township, 
 rjj is a native of the same, born May 24, 1859. 
 ^^ He is a grandson of Samuel McClay who em- 
 igrated from Ireland to America at an early 
 date, finally locating in Washington county, where 
 his children were born. 
 
 David McClay, father of subject, was born June 
 11, 1811, near the home farm in Canton township, 
 this county, and there passed his youth, where 
 long hours of toil, brightened with but little recre- 
 ation, was the rule of life. His early education 
 was much neglected, the only problem which he 
 had leisure or opportunity to solve being how to 
 maintain an existence. Thus, amid the wilds of the 
 forest, educated in the rough but thorough school 
 of nature, and surrounded by all the privations of 
 pioneer life, was formed the character of the man 
 who was destined to be a leader among his associ- 
 ates. From the stern teacher, experience, he 
 learned hard lessons, which in after life developed 
 into priceless habits of economy and industry that 
 made his future a success. Notwithstanding the 
 lack of school training Mr. McClay became an 
 earnest reader, and with the aid of keen observa- 
 tion soon overcame the deficiencies of his early 
 youth. On January 31. 1840, he was united in 
 marriage with Margaret McElrov, whose family 
 were among the earlier settlers of the county. After 
 their marriage the young couple settled on the 
 farm which is the present home of their son, J. F. 
 It was then in a rude state of cultivation, but has 
 since been improved until it is now one of the finest 
 places in the township. Mr. and Mrs. McClay had 
 children as follows: James (deceased in infancy); 
 James M. (who enlisted in Company B, First "Wesi 
 Virginia Cavalry, and died February 25, 1862, 
 from disease contracted in the service); William 
 A.; Nanuie (deceased); Samuel; David (deceased), 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 631 
 
 and J. F. Mr. McClay was a Republican and an 
 active worker in the party, and was elected to the 
 same office for three terms, and was serving in that 
 capacity at the time of his death. In 185") he 
 united with the Christian Church at West Middle 
 town, which was under the ministry of Isaac Ever- 
 ett, but eventually he became a member of the 
 Christian Church at Washington. He owned 400 
 acres of land at the time of his death, which oc- 
 curred April 5, 1887. 
 
 J. F. McClay spent his early youth upon the 
 farm, securing his education at the common schools. 
 On November 6, 1879, he married Sarah E. Fer- 
 gus, daughter of John Fergus, of Washington 
 county, and they reared the following family: 
 Charles G., Nannie B., John F. and Thomas M. 
 Since his marriage Mr. McClay has continued to 
 remain on the home farm, which he now owns. 
 He is a promising young man, and is always inter- 
 ested in any enterprise tending to the advancement 
 of the community. He is a valued member of the 
 Republican party. Both he and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Christian Church at Washington. 
 
 JAMES KELLY (deceased) was a son of 
 William Kelly, who was born in Ireland and 
 received a good common-school education. 
 William Kelly was married to Martha Mc- 
 Courtney, who bore him the following chil- 
 dren: Mary (Mrs. Richard Mounts), Jane (wife of 
 John Mounts), Sarah (Mrs. Robert Marshall), 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. William Montgomery), John and 
 James (all of whom are now deceased). After 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kelly immigrated to 
 America, locating in Shippensburgh, Penn., where 
 he died November 1, 1779, and was followed to the 
 grave by his wife January 2, 1827. The sons, 
 John and James, then moved to Washington 
 county, Penn., where they invested extensively in 
 farm land. 
 
 James Kelly was born March 1, 1779, in Ship- 
 pensburgh, Penn., and passed his boyhood on his 
 father's farm. He received a good education, and 
 after removing to Washington county was elected 
 to several offices of trust, the duties of which he 
 tilled to the satisfaction of all. He was an enthu- 
 siastic and prominent member of the Democratic 
 party. He married Catherine, daughter of Andrew 
 and Mary (Duncan) Rogers, and their children 
 were Martha. Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth, Sarah 
 A., Ellen, William, Jackson and James. Of the 
 above family the living members are Jackson (liv- 
 ing in Pittsburgh, Penn.), Catherine and Sarah A. 
 (wife of John W. Exline, living on the old home 
 farm on the National pike in Buffalo township), 
 Ellen (wife of James C. Stewart, of Buffalo town- 
 ship) and Martha (who died May 18, 1891, at the 
 age of seventy years). 
 
 Hi ENRY H. LAMB is a prominent and suc- 
 I cessful merchant of West Alexander. His 
 ancestors were natives of Virginia, his 
 -* grandfather, John Lamb, having passed 
 his entire life in that State, where he was 
 married. John Lamb had one son, John (the 
 father of our subject). He was a leading Dem- 
 ocrat in politics, and in religious faith a prom- 
 inent member of the Dunkard Church. 
 
 John Lamb, only child of John Lamb, was 
 born in Virginia, and was married in his native 
 State to Mary (daughter of John Sponoggle) who 
 bore him children as follows: William (killed at 
 the battle of Gettysburg), Nathaniel, David, 
 Ambrose (deceased), John D., Margaret (Mrs. 
 Noel Whitecotton) and Henry H. Mr. Lamb en- 
 listed in the First Regiment of the Southern army, 
 and served under the gallant General Lee through- 
 out the entire war. Politically he has always been 
 a Democrat, and has taken an active interest in 
 politics. 
 
 Henry H. Lamb was born on August 12, 1864, 
 in Virginia, and passed his youth in Virginia and 
 West Virginia. On October 11, 1882, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary B., an adopted 
 daughter of Benjamin Leonard Craven, whose 
 father (John Craven) was born in Washington 
 county, Penn., of German parents. He was 
 married to Sarah Leonard, a resident of the same 
 county, and to them were born the following chil- 
 dren: Joshua, Regin, Jacob, Benjamin, John, 
 William, Phoebe, Sarah, Mary and Nancy. 
 
 Benjamin Leonard Craven was born in Decem- 
 ber, 1811, near Beallsville, Penn., and received 
 his early education in the schools of that neighbor- 
 hood. At the age of eighteen years he commenced 
 life for himself by driving stage from Cumberland 
 to Wheeling, and followed this occupation for 
 years, when he opened a general store in Taylors- 
 town, this county, and some years later moved to 
 Claysville. In 1840 he came to West Alexander, 
 where he continued in business thirty years, 
 retiring in 1870. He was first married to 
 Jemima Mitchell, who bore him one son, David, 
 who died in youth. For his second wife he was 
 married to Jaue McConahey, of Buffalo township. 
 He was a successful business man, and dealt 
 largely in wool and general produce, obtaining a 
 competence by his own exertions. In politics he 
 was an active Democrat, and served as postmaster 
 several years. He was a member and liberal sup- 
 porter of the Presbyterian Church, in which he 
 filled the office of trustee many years. On Sep- 
 tember 25, 1883, he passed away, and was buried 
 in the cemetery at West Alexander. He was a 
 warm friend of education, taking an active part in 
 the progress of the schools. 
 
 To the union of Henry H. and Mary B. (Craven) 
 Lamb have been born three children: Benjamin. 
 
632 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Leonard, Henry Roy and Lawrence C. Mr. 
 Lamb has been engaged in farming and stock 
 raising. In April, 1891, he entered mercantile 
 business, and is now conducting a general store. 
 Politically he is a Republican. 
 
 »frY OBEET W. MUNNELL was born May 10, 
 lW7 1828, in South Strabane township, Wash- 
 
 (" V^ ington Co., Penn. He is of Irish descent, 
 Jj -^ his grandfather, John Munnell, having 
 v been born and reared in Ireland, where he 
 
 was married to a Miss Wallace, who bore him the 
 followiug named children: Hugh, John, Thomas, 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Scott), Mrs. Hand and Samuel. 
 Mr. Munnell came to Washington county among 
 the earliest settlers, and located in South Strabane 
 township. In political life he was a Democrat, 
 and in religion a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Samuel Munnell was born in 1795 in South Stra- 
 bane township, Washington county, and passed his 
 early life on the home farm. He was married to 
 Nancy McQuiston, of Butler county, Penn., and 
 they immediately settled on the farm place, where 
 their lives were passed. Their children were Isa- 
 bella, John (deceased), Robert W., Sarah J., 
 Samuel, Thomas (deceased), Catherine E. (Mrs. 
 John Herron), William (deceased), James, Mary 
 E. (Mrs. Adam Hall) and Charles (deceased). 
 Mr. Munnell always followed the vocations of agri- 
 culture and stock raising. In politics he was a 
 Democrat, taking an active interest in public mat- 
 ters. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. Samuel Munnell passed away December 
 3, 1881, and was followed to the grave by his 
 widow March 26, 1891. 
 
 Robert W. Munnell passed his early life on the 
 farm in South Strabane township, and gained his 
 first educational knowledge in an abandoned 
 " still-house," which was on the home place, and 
 had been converted into a "hall of learning" for 
 the benefit of the ambitious urchins. On Novem- 
 ber '9, 1860, he was married to Margaret A., 
 daughter of Joseph Herron, and the young people 
 first settled on a farm in South Strabane township, 
 where they remained until 1878, when Mr. Mun- 
 nell moved to his present home. Three children 
 have been born to them: Samuel W,, Thomas H. 
 ■ and John H. Of these, Samuel W. was, on May 
 28, 1891, married to Adda, daughter of John J. 
 Gilbert, of New Stark, Hancock Co., Ohio, who 
 died June 19, L892. Mr. Munnell is an energetic 
 citizen, and in politics is a Democrat. He is a 
 member of the Chart iers Presbyterian Church, 
 and is now serving as an elder. 
 
 John Munnell (deceased brother of Robert W.) 
 passed his boyhood on the home farm, and on 
 March 26. L851, was married to. Susan J. Blackly, 
 
 of Gettysburg, Penn., who bore him children as 
 follows: Nancy J., Mary E. (wife of Samuel Hun- 
 nell), Anna B., James W., Charles E. (deceased), 
 Robert and John W. On December 3, 1869, Mr. 
 Munnell married for his second wife Mary S., 
 daughter of Robert McFerren, of Beaver county. 
 Penn. Mr. Munnell was a merchant in Waynes- 
 burgh, Greene county. In politics he was a Dem- 
 ocrat until the Civil war, and then became an ardent 
 advocate of the Republican principles. He died 
 January 12, 1889, a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Waynesburgh, Greene county. 
 
 H 
 
 ENRY McDONOUGH, a prominent agri- 
 culturist of Somerset township, this county, 
 is a native of the same. His grandfather, 
 Henry McDouough, was a native of Ireland, 
 and came to Pennsylvania in an early day. 
 He followed the blacksmith's trade in connection 
 with farming and distilling, carrying on an ex- 
 tensive distillery, although a strict member of the 
 Baptist Church, of which he was an elder for sev- 
 eral years. Politically he was a Republican. He 
 died in 1869, in Washington county, Penn. The 
 maternal grandfather of our subject, Robert Ma- 
 han, came across the mountains in the seventeenth 
 century, and settled in Washington county, Penn., 
 where he helped to erect a log church where the 
 Pigeon Creek Presbyterian church is now stand 
 ing. The family afterward moved to Ohio. He 
 was an active worker in the Democratic party, 
 serving as a representative of Washington county 
 in the State Legislature. He and his wife died in 
 Medina county, Ohio, the former having passed 
 away in his ninetieth year. 
 
 Henry McDonough was born in 1797, and reared 
 on a farm near Vanceville, Washington Co., Penn., 
 receiving a common school education. He was 
 united in marriage with Margaret Mahan, who bore 
 him children as follows: H^enry (whose name opens 
 this sketch), Robert and David (in Marshall county. 
 111.), Joseph (farming in Monroe county, 111.), 
 Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Hill, a farmer of Benton 
 county, Iowa), Mary, John and -James, the latter 
 three of whom are deceased. Mr. McDonough 
 voted the Republican ticket, and served Somerset 
 township as justice of the peace for several years. 
 He died in 1871, having been preceded to the 
 grave in lst>7 by his wife. Both were members 
 of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Henry McDonough was born January 5, 1831, 
 and grew to manhood on the home farm, atteud- 
 ing the district schools during his boyhood. On 
 November 6, 1S51, he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Smith, who was born in 1829, in Washington 
 county, Penn., daughter of John and Jane (Mor- 
 ton) Smith. To the union of Henry and Mary 
 i Smith) McDouough four children were born, viz.: 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 633 
 
 John S.,born October 30, 1S52 (deceased October 
 2, 1885); Jane (married on December 13, 1889, to 
 Theodore Bargan, a farmer of Somerset township, 
 this county), born in December, 1858; and two that 
 died in infancy. The mother was a member of the 
 Disciple Church. She died August 4, 1S64, and 
 on November 8, 1866, Mr. McDonough made 
 choice of a second wife in the person of Elmira 
 Morton, who was born June 27, 1839, in Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., daughter of James and Elmira 
 (Springer) Morton. To this union three children 
 have been born as follows: Elizabeth (married to 
 James Sprowls, a farmer of Fallowfield township, 
 this county), born November 28, 1867; James H. 
 (deceased), born June 2, 1874; and Ida (living at 
 home), born August 7, 1876. Mr. McDonough is 
 a Republican, and has served his township as audi- 
 tor, assessor and school director. He owns a good 
 and well-cultivated farm, consisting of 160 acres. 
 He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church. 
 
 If SAAC VAN VOORHIS, one of the most prom- 
 inent agriculturists and stockmen of Wash- 
 I ington county, is a son of Daniel Van Voorhis, 
 whose father was also named Daniel. The 
 grandfather was born and reared in Holland, 
 choosing from early boyhood " a life on the ocean 
 wave." He was a sailor for twenty-four years, 
 being captain of an Atlantic vessel during the lat- 
 ter part of that time. Finally tiring of the sea, he 
 located in Long Island, N. Y. , purposing to there 
 make a permanent home; but his roving disposition 
 led him farther west, and he finalty located in 
 Washington county, Penn., on the tract of laud in 
 Carroll township where Monongahela now stands, 
 and here passed the best of his life. 
 
 Daniel Van Voorhis, father of subject, was born 
 and reared on the farm in Carroll township, this 
 county. Here he erected a gristmill, still- house 
 and sawmill, and employed a large number of 
 hands. After the death of his father he took 
 charge of the business, which had rapidly in- 
 creased, virtually being the foundation of Monga- 
 hela City. In early life Daniel Van Voorhis was 
 married to Mary, daughter of Henry Fry, who had 
 married Miss Spears, a sister of the well-known 
 divine, Henry Spears. To Daniel and Mary (Fry) 
 Van Voorhis the following children were born: 
 Newton (deceased); L. G., a resident of Morgan - 
 town, Penn. ; Abraham (deceased); John (living in 
 Kansas); Isaac (of whom further mention is made); 
 Daniel (deceased); Jerome (living in Iowa); Har- 
 vey (residing in Spearville, Kans.); Sarah (Mrs. 
 Cooper, living in Nottingham township, this 
 county); Christina (Mrs. Fry, living in Finleyville, 
 . Penn.), and Mary (married to Frank Bentley, of 
 Monongahela, Penn.). The mother died at the 
 patriarchal age of ninety-five years, and when 
 
 the father passed away he left 1,000 acres of land, 
 which in his active years he had cleared, cultivated 
 and planted to corn. 
 
 Isaac Van Voorhis was born March 27, 1823, in 
 Carroll township, this county, near the head- 
 waters of Pigeon creek. He attended the common 
 school until about sixteen years of age, when he 
 was given entire charge of the stock on his father's 
 immense farm. Before assuming the duties of 
 this position, he started on a trip to Kentucky, 
 intending to purchase cattle, but finding nothing 
 to suit him in the " Blue-Grass region " he jour- 
 neyed northwest to Ohio, and there purchased 150 
 head of stock. On his return home, when about 
 half way, the boy was met by his father and 
 brother Jerome, who took charge of the herd, 
 givingour young " cowboy " instructions to " face 
 about"' and purchase another lot. Accordingly he 
 made a second successful trip, to the satisfaction 
 and delight of the family, who had been half 
 doubtful of the result of the experiment. The 
 youthful drover afterward made frequent western 
 trips, soon accumulating a snug sum of money. 
 He was the first to drive cattle to the East, seventy- 
 five miles below St. Louis. He would start on 
 horseback from the "Big Muddy," swimming 
 the rivers, and on one occasion, on crossing the 
 Muskingum, which was full of floating ice, his 
 cattle sank in a quick sand, and he himself had a 
 narrow escape from drowning. In 1846 he left 
 the paternal roof, and began bjusiness for himself 
 by investing in land in Somerset township, this 
 county. About this time he received $3,000 as 
 his portion of his father's estate, and then began 
 a career almost unparalleled for unfailing business 
 successes. His life has been devoted to rearing, 
 fattening and dealing in stock. In boyhood he 
 earned the first horse he ever owned by splitting 
 rails for 50 cents a hundred. It is needless to 
 add that since the proud day when he received the 
 deserved reward for blistered hands and aching 
 limbs, Isaac Van Voorhis has never been without a 
 good horse. He has reared and broken many of 
 high breed and speed, that have since made good 
 record, one of the most valuable being "Gray 
 Hawk,"' which he sold for $3,000 to his brother 
 Harvey, a resident of Kansas. His real estate 
 now consists of 800 acres of very valuable land, • 
 upon which is erected one of the finest houses in 
 Washington county. It is a matter of special in- 
 terest that this home is situated od the highest 
 point between the Alleghany Mountains and the 
 Rocky Mountains. Mr. Van Voorhis also owns a 
 large farm near Chicago, 111., which he stocks with 
 western cattle. The path to success is never 
 easy, although it may seem so to the admiring or 
 envious onlooker; and, in the case of Mr. Van- 
 Voorhis, many hardships were endured which space 
 forbids us to here enumerate, and many obstacles 
 
634 
 
 WASHING TON CO UN T Y. 
 
 overcome, ere he reached the pinnacle which he 
 now occupies. He has visited nearly every State 
 in the Union, and in his travels has swani every 
 river between the Alleghanies and the Mississippi 
 river. 
 
 On August 26, 1846, our subject was married 
 to Elmira, daughter of Thomas Hopkins, whose 
 ancestors were an old and prominent family of 
 Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Van Voorhis have been 
 blessed with the following children: Samuel (de- 
 ceased); Thomas and Frank (twins), Frank (de- 
 ceased); Thomas (living); Van Enier (living at 
 home); Selina (wife of Henry Huffman, a resident 
 of West Bethlehem township); Lizzie (Mrs. Groot- 
 man, living in Pittsburgh, Penn., where her hus- 
 band is engaged in the oil and soap business); 
 and Charlie (yet living at home). 
 
 In addition to what has been previously stated 
 in regard to the reputation of Mr. Van Voorhis as 
 a stockman, he also enjoys the enviable distinc- 
 tion of having taken a greater number of prizes 
 for stock at the county fair than any other farmer 
 of Washington county. He breeds Hambletonian 
 horses, Short-horn cattle and Poland China pigs. 
 Politically he votes the Republican ticket, but is 
 averse to holiling office, although he was induced 
 to serve as school director for twelve years. His 
 wife is a member of the Baptist Church. Among 
 the celebrated men who have visited at his home 
 were Gen. Grant and James G. Blaine. 
 
 1/OHN C. McKEAN is a son of Robert McKean, 
 whose father, William McKean, was born 
 V and reared in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. 
 ^^ William McKoan received his early education 
 in the country schools of his native land, and 
 was there married to Mary, daughter of William 
 Brown, whose family had been natives of Kirkcud- 
 brightshire for over two hundred years. Mr. and 
 and Mrs. McKean passed their lives on the home 
 farm in Scotland, where the following children 
 were born to them and reared: John, a sea captain, 
 was lost in a wreck in 1837; Mary, wife of Alex- 
 ander Magill; William, a farmer of Mansfield, 
 Penn. ; James, a merchant tailor, of Canada Cor- 
 ners, Mich.; Joseph, living on the old home place 
 in Scotland; Elizabeth, deceased in youth; Andrew, 
 living in Scotland; Robert and Samuel, residing 
 in Fayette county, Penn. The father was a mem- 
 ber of the Established Church of Sootland. 
 
 Robert McKean was born March 7, 1827, on the 
 home place in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, and 
 in boyhood attended the schools of his native par- 
 ish, also assisted in the duties of the farm. On 
 January 1, 1849, he married Janet Caird, who was 
 born at New Abbey, Scotland, a daughter of James 
 
 Caird, a merchant and native of the same place, 
 and a member of the Established Church. The 
 children of Mr. and Mrs. Caird were as follows: 
 Janet, wife of Robert McKean; John; Barbara, 
 wife of Andrew Irving; Agnes, married to a Mr. 
 Thompson; James; William; Mary, and two whose 
 names are unknown. Mr. and Mrs. McKean resided 
 on a farm near New Abbey for about one year after 
 their marriage, and then sailed for America. After a 
 voyage of thirty days they landed, in July, 1850. in 
 New York; thence proceeded to Newburgh, where 
 they spent a few months, from there going to Phil- 
 adelphia, and then by rail to Johnstown, thence by 
 canal to Pittsburgh, finally arriving in Allegheny 
 City. In 1851 they moved to a place about six 
 miles out, on the Steubenville pike, on Chartiers 
 creek, where he followed gardening about six years, 
 also working part of the time for 25 cents a day. 
 He then passed one year in Mansfield, Penn., and 
 was afterward engaged for six years in farming 
 and gardening on a place near that town. In 1865 
 he purchased and moved upon 220 acres at Lock 
 No. 4 (now Charleroi) Washington Co., Perm., 
 having paid for this land with the proceeds of 
 years of arduous labor. Politically he is actively 
 identified with the interests of the Republican 
 party, and in religion he and his family are mem- 
 bers of the U. P. Church. He gives liberally of 
 his means to all worthy enterprises. His children 
 have been as follows: James, postmaster at Pitts- 
 burgh; William, deceased in youth; John C. ; Will- 
 iam; Andrew; Agnes; Robert, and Mary E. , wife of 
 Charles Thompson. 
 
 John C. McKean was born October 18, 1854, and 
 reared near Mansfield, Penn., and worked on the 
 home place during boyhood. He then followed 
 farming and gardening for some years, afterward 
 purchasing a half interest in a packet running 
 from Lock No. 4 to Brownsville. He conducted 
 that business about nine months, then resumed the 
 occupation of a gardener and fruit raiser, shipping 
 his products to Pittsburgh, and successfully con- 
 tinued in the work about nine years. On March 
 4, 1877, he was united in marriage with Lusettie 
 B., daughter of W. P. Spakeman, a resident of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn., and she has borne him the fol- 
 lowing children: Lillie B., Alice K., Nettie G. , 
 Charles S., Mary E. (deceased), and James S. 
 Mr. McKean superintended the excavating and 
 cementing of the Glass Works plant, his work 
 proving eminently satisfactory. In politics he is a 
 loyal Republican, and in 1891 he was appointed 
 postmaster at Charleroi, receiving his commission 
 
 in 1892. In religion he is a member of the Pres- 
 to 
 
 byterian Church. He owns about twenty acres 
 of the original plat of Charleroi. Mr. McKean is 
 a very popular and useful citizen, actively inter- • 
 ested in all public improvements. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 635 
 
 f OHN EEED is one of the oldest citizens of 
 West Alexander, and was born August 24, 
 t( \ 1815, in East Finley township, this county, 
 ^^ a son of James Reed, whose father, William 
 Reed, was reared in Pennsylvania. When a 
 young man William Reed was married to Margaret 
 Linu, who lived near Gettysburg, and their chil- 
 dren were John, William, David, Andrew, Samuel, 
 Ann, Margaret, Jane, Sarah, Elizabeth, Mary and 
 James. Mr. Reed came to Washington county in 
 the latter part of the eighteenth century, locating 
 near the village of Buffalo, on a farm which he 
 and his sons improved and cultivated. He was a 
 member of the Whig party, and in religion was 
 connected with the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James Reed was born September 28, 1784, near 
 Gettysburg, Penn., and was reared in Buffalo 
 township, Washington county, whither his parents 
 moved when he was a child. In 1812 he was 
 married to Sarah, daughter of John Mc Williams, 
 an early resident of the county, and soon after 
 his marriage Mr. Reed purchased a farm in East 
 Finley township, this county, where he made a 
 permanent home, and had the following children: 
 William, born September 24, 1813; John, subject 
 of this sketch; Jane, born July 24, IS ] 7 ; Margaret. 
 born July 24, 1820; and Hannah, born March 3, 
 1823. Mr. Reed was a successful man, and well 
 deserved his prosperity. In politics he was origi- 
 nally a Whig, and afterward became a member of 
 the Democratic party. He was a member of the 
 Upper Ten-Mile Church at Prosperity, of which he 
 was an elder. He died February 25, 1845, having 
 been preceded by his wife March 14, 1839, and 
 both are buried at Prosperity. 
 
 John Reed received his education at the sub- 
 scription schools of East Finley township. On 
 February 20, 1S44, he was married to Jane, daugh- 
 ter of John Burns, a native of West Finley town- 
 ship, born June 13, 1799. John Burns was a son 
 of Alexander Burns, who was born in 1739, in 
 Ireland, and when a young man immigrated to 
 America, settling in Washington county, Penn. 
 He was united in marriage with Jane Carroll, of 
 East Finley township, who bore him children as 
 follows: James, born July 21, 1786; Alexander, 
 born January 13, 1789; Robert, born March 28, 
 1791; Mary, bom October 17, 1793; Nancy, born 
 August 28, 1796; John, born June 13, 1799; and 
 William, born October 3, 1803. Mr. Burns was a 
 soldier in the Indian war, also in the war of 1812, 
 and was captured by the Indians. In politics he 
 was a Democrat, and in religious views a member 
 of the society known as Dissenters. His son, 
 John Burns, was married to Martha Carroll, and 
 their children were Jane (Mrs. John Reed); Robert 
 O, who married Margaretta, a daughter of Rev. 
 Mr. Anderson, and by her had two children: one 
 that died in infancy, and Mary L., wife of Cyrus 
 
 Craig, of Cambridge, Ohio (Robert C. died at the 
 age of twenty-eight years); and Mary (Mrs. Alex- 
 ander Gunn). John Burns was a Democrat in 
 politics, and in religion a member of and elder in 
 the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Reed 
 remained on the home place ten years, and then 
 moved to Burnsville, West Finley township, where 
 they remained fifteen years, thence removing to 
 Dallas, W. Va., where they lived two years. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Reed have had the following children: 
 James Linn, John B. (deceased), Sarah Martha 
 (Mrs. William Barry), Robert J. and Mary L. (the 
 latter died at the age of three years). Mr. Reed 
 has ever been much interested in educational mat- 
 ters, and general public topics. In politics he was 
 always a Democrat, prior to the year 1885, when 
 he became a strong advocate of Prohibition. In 
 religious connection he is an elder in, and has for 
 forty-five years been a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 James Linn Reed, a sou of John Reed, served 
 in the war of the Rebellion from March 4, 1865, 
 to August 11, same year. He was educated at 
 Washington and Jefferson College, and then en- 
 tered Princeton College, graduating there in the 
 class of 1870, and afterward from the Western 
 Theological Seminary. He was called to a church 
 in Independence, where he remained eight years; 
 then passed one year in Pueblo, Colo. On his re- 
 turn home he went to Baruesville, Ohio, and re- 
 mained there six years, being finally called to 
 Leetsdale, Penn., where he is now living. Polit- 
 ically he i&a Republican. 
 
 John B. Reed (deceased), the second son of John 
 Reed, received his preparatory training at Waynes- 
 burgh, and his college education at Washington 
 ami Jefferson. He then attended the Cleveland 
 Medical College, and after graduating practiced 
 one year in Dallas, W. Va.;then went to Cameron, 
 then to West Alexander, and finally settled in 
 Wheeling, W. Va., where he died October 17, 1887, 
 aged forty-one years. He left a widow (formerly 
 Miss Mary L. Stone) and the following children: 
 Mary L., Frank S., John B. , Jane B. and Sarah. 
 During the Civil war he enlisted in the Sixteenth 
 P. V. O, and was sent to the army of the Potomac. 
 In his political views he was a Republican. 
 
 Robert J. Reed, third son of John Reed, was 
 also educated at Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 lege, from which he graduated in 1881, and then 
 entered Bellevue Medical College, N. Y. , gradu- 
 ating in 1884. He afterward entered the Western 
 Pennsylvania Hospital, whence he proceeded to 
 Wheeling, W. Va., where he is now practicing his 
 profession. On November 30, 1887, he was mar- 
 ried to Louise Butler, of Wheeling, W. Va. In 
 his political views he is a Republican. In 1874 
 Mr. and Mrs. Reed located in West Alexander, 
 
636 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 where they have a pleasant home. They united 
 with the Presbyterian Church there, in which they 
 are honored members. 
 
 I Mi RS. MARTHA BAIRD, one of the oldest 
 \/A residents of Peters township, is the widow 
 \'fi I of Thomas Baird, a son of Samuel Baird. 
 -* Samuel Baird was a native of County 
 v Antrim, Ireland, and came to America in 
 
 an early day. Soon after his arrival in this coun- 
 try he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James 
 Anderson. The Andersons and Bairds had emi- 
 grated from Ireland in the same vessel, and settled 
 near each other in Peters township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. Mrs. Anderson passed away in 1809, 
 and as was then customary, was buried on the farm 
 in the old orchard, where fifteen years later the 
 husband and father was laid to rest. Their graves 
 are marked only by a rough stone and a few ever- 
 green trees. After their marriage Samuel and' 
 Elizabeth Baird located on the farm in Peters 
 township, which is now owned by their son Thomas, 
 and the following children were born to them: 
 Jane, William, James, Samuel, Jonathan and 
 Thomas, of whom all are deceased save William, 
 who is living in retirement at Sleeth, Carroll Co., 
 Iud. 
 
 Thomas Baird was born May 22, 1822, on the 
 old place in Peters township, this county, and re- 
 mained with his parents during his minority. On 
 arriving at man's estate he began life as a pilot, 
 and worked as such for many years on the Ohio 
 river; be afterward clerked iu the coal yards for 
 several years, finally returning to Washington 
 county, where he spent the last thirty-five years of 
 his life on a farm in Peters township. On October 
 7, 1851, he was married to Martha Wilson, who 
 was born January 26, 1833, a daughter of the late 
 Thomas Wilson, a prominent farmer of Peters 
 township, this county. The young couple set- 
 tled on the home farm in Peters township, which 
 was then owned by a maiden aunt of Mr. Baird. 
 He leased the farm for fifteen years, and when 
 she died paid off the other heirs. The follow- 
 ing children were born to Thomas and Martha 
 Baird: Elizabeth, Mary, Jennie (deceased), Wilson 
 T., Emma, Caroline, Sarah, John, Frank, Will- 
 iam, Charles and George. The family occupy a 
 prominent position in the community. Mr. Baird 
 enjoyed the highest respect and esteem of all 
 who knew him, and was recognized in all his 
 dealings as a thoroughly honest and upright citi- 
 zen. In politics he was a Democrat, and served 
 in many local offices. He was a member and 
 treasurer of the Presbyterian Church for many 
 years. He died February 4, 1888, of pneumonia. 
 His widow is yet living on the old homestead, 
 which contains 140 acres of well cultivated land. 
 
 THOMAS STEVENSON, who in his day was 
 one of the prominent and progressive agri- 
 culturists of Washington county, was born 
 June 30, 17'. in. in Northampton county, 
 Penn., on the old home farm near Easton. 
 James Stevenson, his father, was a native of the 
 North of Ireland, where he married Ann Miller, 
 and soon thereafter they immigrated to America, 
 and about the year 1786 settled near Ea*ton, 
 Northampton Co., Penn, where they resided till 
 1800. They then crossed the mountains, all their 
 worldly possessions, comprising household goods, 
 their little ones and themselves, being carried in 
 one wagon. Coming to Washington county, they 
 located near Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, and 
 there resided till 1808, when they moved to the 
 southeastern part of Smith township. Iu 1809 
 James Stevenson made a permanent home on a 
 farm situated one mile north of Bulger, in Smith 
 township. He was an honest, energetic citizen, 
 was a successful farmer, and carried on a very ex- 
 tensive distillery. In politics he was an active 
 member of the Whig party. He and his wife passed 
 away at a good old age, and were the parents of 
 the following: John (born about the year 1786, 
 died about 1860, having lived up to the time of his 
 death on the farm where John C. Stevenson now 
 resides; he was a soldier in the war of 1812), 
 Thomas, Margaret (who married Finley Scott), 
 Jane and Mrs. Smith, all now deceased. 
 
 Thomas Stevenson, the subject proper of (his 
 memoir, came with his parents to Washington 
 county when a boy, and here received his educa- 
 tion in the schools of the period, where the " Single 
 Rule of Three" was the test of mathematical 
 knowledge. He hauled loads of produce to Pitts- 
 burgh, returning with merchandise for country 
 merchants. On February 28, 1827, he was mar- 
 ried to Eliza Kerr, who was born November 1 •'>. 1 8( 16, 
 daughter of William and Eleanor Kerr. This wife 
 died March 4, 1849, and on September 28, 1852, 
 Mr. Stevenson married Margaret A. Whan, who 
 was born February 15, L824, daughter of John and 
 Mary (Stevenson) Whan, and their children were: 
 Mary Margaret (wife of David McCoy, of Baca 
 county, Colo), born October 17, 1853; Ann Eliza 
 (living in Burgettstown, Penn., with her widowed 
 mother), born March 22, 1855; Celicia J. (living 
 at home), born January 28, 1857; John C. , James 
 M., and William E. (of whom special mention is 
 made further on); and David S. K., born December 
 29, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson passed all of 
 their married life on a part of the " Old Ravens 
 craft Tract," in Cherry Valley, Smith township. 
 He was a careful manager and excellent financier, 
 year by year adding to his possessions until he 
 owned 750 acres of choice land. He was a kind- 
 hearted, generous man, ever ready to assist those 
 who proved worthy of aid; in business he was a 
 
n^ad/ 
 
 &>c£i/-frri^irt<^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 639 
 
 careful manager. At one time be owned a flour- 
 mill in Midway, Penn., but passed most of his time 
 in agriculture. In politics he was first a Whig, 
 then a Republican, and was much interested in the 
 selection of suitable candidates. He was a charter 
 member of the Mt. Vernon Seceder Church, and 
 was one of the leading organizers of the Centre 
 U. P. Church, serving as an elder and contributing 
 liberally to its support. He died February 28, 
 1881, mourned by the entire community as one who 
 could not well be replaced. His widow continued 
 to reside in the elegant home left to her until 1892, 
 when she moved to Burgettstown, this county, and 
 is now living a retired life. She is one of the most 
 highly respected ladies of the vicinity, and is a 
 consistent member of the U. P. Church. 
 
 John C. Stevenson was born August 4, 1858, 
 in Cherry Valley, Smith township, this county. 
 He received a limited education in the district 
 schools, and being the eldest son, the greater 
 portion of the farm work fell to his share. On 
 February 12, L880, he was united in marriage 
 with Eliza J. Stewart, who was born September 27. 
 1855, daughter of John Stewart. Three daughters 
 have been born to this marriage: Maggie T., Elvia 
 May and Cora Viola. After their marriage John 
 C. and Eliza J. (Stewart) Stevenson settled on the 
 home farm one mile north of Bulger, which has 
 been in the possession of the family since 1809. 
 He has followed farming and stock raising, also 
 devoted some attention to the dairy business. In 
 politics he is a Democrat, and has held various 
 township offices; in religion he and his wife are 
 members of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Midway, this county. 
 
 James M. and William E. Stevenson were born 
 on the home farm in Smith township, September 
 28, 1860, and August 13, 1863, respectively. 
 Their literary education was received at the com- 
 mon schools of the neighborhood,- during which 
 time they were also learning valuable lessons in 
 the principles of successful agriculture and general 
 business. After the death of their father the two 
 brothers took charge of the home place, and in 
 September, 1883, John C. sold his iuterest in cattle 
 to James M. and William E., who then began an 
 extensive business in the breeding of Holstein- 
 Friesau cattle. Their first stock was purchased 
 from J. L. Henderson, of Washington county, and 
 Powell Bros., of Springboro, Penn. Their stock 
 soon increased in quantity and value, and was ex- 
 hibited at various agricultural shows throughout 
 the country — Detroit, Chicago, Toledo. Columbus, 
 Youngstown (Ohio), Wheeling (W. Va.) and sev- 
 eral other places, and they received a large 
 number of premiums as testimonials of their supe- 
 rior grade of cattle. Many gold and silver med- 
 als were awarded them at the various exhibitions, 
 from which they always took some premium. These 
 
 31 
 
 two young men won a national reputation as stock 
 raisers, and command the very highest prices. In 
 1892 they disposed of their farming implements 
 and stock, making one of the largest sales ever 
 held in Smith township. Politically the Messrs. 
 Stevenson are earnest, active members of the Re- 
 publican party and, it is needless to add, are most 
 intelligent, practical and successful business men. 
 Neither are married. 
 
 NDREW CRAWFORD is prominently iden- 
 tified with the oldest and most influential 
 citizens of Peters township. His graudfa- 
 -* ther, Andrew Crawford, issupposed to have 
 emigrated from Ireland. However that 
 may be, it is certain that this ancestor came to 
 Washington county, Penn., prior to 1783, and lo- 
 cated on the farm in North Strabane township yet 
 owned by his descendants. In the same year he 
 received a patent for 415| acres of land, giving 
 in payment .£1, Us. 2d. of Pennsylvania currency. 
 In early life he was united in marriage with Sarah 
 Speer, a native of Moon township, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn. Their lives were passed on the farm in 
 North Strabane township, where he died in 1795 
 from the effects of the bite of a copperhead snake. 
 The children of this family were born as follows: 
 Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret. James, Alexander and 
 Ann. all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 James Crawford was born in 1791, on the old 
 homestead in North Strabane township, and was 
 but four years old when his father died. His 
 mother married again, and the child was thrown 
 on his own resources at a tender age, as the step- 
 father had no property. However, he possessed 
 plenty of perseverance, and worked for some time 
 as a farm hand, meantime availing himself of every 
 opportunity to secure an education. He then be- 
 gan teaching school, and in 1812 went to stay with 
 his sister in Columbiana county, Ohio, while her 
 husband fought in the war of 1812. While mak- 
 ing his home here, young Crawford met Miss Nancy 
 Crawford, who afterward shared his life (she was 
 no relation). They were married in 1814, after 
 which the young couple moved to the old place in 
 North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where they always resided. Their farm contained 
 over 200 acres of the original tract. In political 
 opinion James Crawford was a Democrat,and served 
 in many township offices. For thirty years he was 
 identified with the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Peters Creek, in which he was an elder, and after- 
 ward became a memberof Mount Prospect Church. 
 The following children were born to this couple: 
 Sarah, Andrew, William (deceased in infancy), Ta- 
 mar, Mary A., Agnes, Margaret (wife of A. M. 
 Borland), Lizzie and Priscilla. Of these, Tamar, 
 Mary A., Agnes, Sarah and Priscilla are deceased. 
 
640 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Andrew Crawford, son of James and Nancy Craw- 
 ford, was born December 4, 1816, in the old house 
 on the farm of his forefathers in North Strabane 
 township, Washington county. He remained on the 
 place during his boyhood, and on April 5, 1838, was 
 married to Martha, daughter of James Matthews. 
 She was born in October, 1814, on a farm in Peters 
 township adjoining the home of her future hus- 
 band. After their marriage the young couple in- 
 licrited-seventy-five acres of the old place, where 
 they have since resided. Children have blessed 
 their union as follows: Martha J., Mary J., Al- 
 exander J., Nancy E., Tamar T., W. B. L., Sarah, 
 Henrietta and Anna G., of whom Martha J., Nancy 
 E. and Tamar T. are deceased. The father votes 
 with the Democratic party, and has held various 
 local offices. He was an elder in the United Pres- 
 byterian Church of Peters Creek until his member- 
 ship was transferred to Mt. Prospect; he also led 
 the choir for many years. 
 
 James Alexander Crawford, eldest son of An- 
 drew and Martha (Matthews) Crawford, was born 
 May 6, 184'.!, and on December 21, 1865, was mar- 
 ried by Rev. William Hanna, of the Presbyterian 
 ('lunch of Fairview, to Rhoda J., daughter of 
 James Atkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have 
 had the following children : Nettie B. , William C. , 
 Mattie, James P., Edmund A., Caroline, Wal- 
 lace, May, Harry, Lulu and Laura. Of this 
 family Caroline, Wallace and Laura are now 
 deceased. Mr. Crawford is at present living in 
 McCook, Neb., where he has bought a farm of 160 
 acres, aud expects to make his future home. 
 
 J (AMES MORRISON, who is a grandson of 
 Henry Morrison, was born May 14, 1833, in 
 J Nottingham township, this county. The 
 grandfather was a lieutenant in the Revolu- 
 tionary war, and in 1773 came to this county, and 
 bought 438 acres of land on Mingo creek, where 
 In' died at the age of eighty-two years, leaving 
 three sons, John, James and Henry. 
 
 Henry Morrison, sou of Henry Morrison, Sr. , 
 was born October 2, 1799, in Nottingham town- 
 ship, this couuty, and was married to Anna Stew- 
 art, who was born October 14, 1794, in this county. 
 Five children were born to their marriage, namely: 
 William, born December 18, 1820, died February 
 2d. 1843; Patience (Mrs. Hamilton), born April 
 30, lS2:i; Henry, born August 13, 1827; John, 
 born May 2:'), 1830, died January 6, 1836; and 
 James, «>f wliom a sketch follows. The father 
 owned 152 acres of land, and passed his life in 
 agricultural pursuits, serving the township in va- 
 rious capacities. He died October 7, 1884, having 
 been preceded by the mother December 25, 1877. 
 
 James Morrison was born on the old place in 
 this county, and there passed his school days. On 
 
 May 7, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah 
 J., daughter of John Gaston, a native of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn. They have had three children, 
 namely: H. P., A. L. and H. M. The family 
 moved to Washington, Penn., in 1872, remain- 
 ing there until 1877, when they returned to the 
 farm in Nottingham township. Mr. Morrison has 
 served as inspector of elections on several occa- 
 sions, and in religion the family are all members 
 of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 H( ENRY HARRISON HARFORD WEAV- 
 ER. The Weaver family, with which this 
 gentleman is connected, is of German an- 
 - 1 cestry, and the earliest pioneer of the name 
 to settle in America was one Adam Weaver. 
 He and his son John located in Washington coun- 
 ty, Penn., where the latter purchased 400 acres of 
 land one mile north of Fredericktown, on Fish Pot 
 run, in East Bethlehem township. John Weaver 
 received a limited education, but gained a large 
 fund of general information, becoming a very in- 
 telligent citizen. In 1788 he was married to Cath- 
 arine, daughter of Martin Spoone, and the follow- 
 ing children were born to them: Adam, who died 
 in 1860; Sarah, wife of Jonathan Michener, of 
 Seneca county, Ohio (she is now over ninety 
 years of age); Jacob; Martin, a farmer of Seneca 
 county, Ohio; Daniel; Mrs. Elizabeth Ault, who 
 resided at Orville, Wayne Co., Ohio; Mrs. Cath- 
 erine Huffman; Mrs. Mary Smith; John; Jos- 
 eph, deceased in 1890, and Margaret. Of this 
 family are yet living Sarah, Martin and Marga- 
 ret. The parents died on the home farm in East 
 Bethlehem township. 
 
 John Weaver, son of John and Catharine Weav- 
 er, was born August 17, 1799, in East Bethlehem 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended 
 the rude log cabin schools, and assisted his father 
 in the farm work, using the old-fashioned wooden 
 plow. Their bread was then made entirely from 
 corn, and though whisky was freely used in those 
 days, drunken men were comparatively few. John 
 Weaver learned the tanner's trade at Scenery Hill, 
 Washington county, with a man named Notestine. 
 On March 21, 1822, he was united in marriage 
 with Ann Schoolly, and they had children who 
 were born as follows: William, born December 8, 
 1822, a merchant of San Francisco; Eli, born 
 April 10, 1824, supposed to have been drowned 
 in North River, Cal. : Mrs. Elizabeth Messmore, 
 born April 22, 1826, died November 28, 1878, in 
 Illinois; Thomas, born October 17, 1828, died 
 September 10, 1888, in San Francisco, Cal. ; John, 
 deceased in infancy; E. P. , a miner in Montana, 
 born April 7, 1833, and Isaac, born September '.• 
 1835, who enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Calvary, ■ 
 and died in the army. The mother of this fauiilv 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 641 
 
 was laid to rest December 23, 1S35, and the father 
 then married Mrs. Jane (Woods) Boon ( widow of 
 James Boon), who was born June 24, 1809, in 
 Washington county, Penn., near the Virginia line. 
 To this marriage came the following children: 
 Fiuley, born February 16, 1838, living in Waynes- 
 burgh, Greene Co. , Penn.; Henry Harrison Har- 
 ford, born September 3, 1840; Margaret Jane, 
 born January 12, 1843, wife of John Carpenter, 
 of Seneca county, Ohio; Joseph and Mary N. 
 (twins), born August 9, 1845, the former of whom 
 died October 1, 1854, while the latter is living 
 with her brother Henry; Eleanor S., born June 20, 
 1848, widow of Alonzo B. Crumrine, living in 
 Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn., and Florence 
 C, born April 3, 1851, who died September 30, 
 1854, at the age of three years, one day before the 
 death of her brother Joseph. The father was a 
 very industrious man, having won success by years 
 of patient toil, and in 1842 erected the house now 
 occupied by his son. He was called from earth 
 June 24, 1876, and was followed by his wife Decem- 
 ber 29, 1888. He was a member and elder of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics 
 formerly voted with the Whig party, afterward 
 uniting with the Republicans. 
 
 Henry Harrison Harford Weaver is now resid- 
 ing on the farm where he was born and reared, in 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He learned the tannery business of his father, 
 which he followed several years, and then con- 
 ducted a store in Fredericktown fifteen years. Af- 
 ter leaving the latter business he returned to the 
 homestead, and is now a prosperous agriculturist. 
 He is one of the most zealous adherents of the Re- 
 publican party, and has voted for every nominee 
 of his party since casting his first ballot for Lin- 
 colu. In religion he is a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 1772, 
 Penn., 
 
 August 5, 1803, a daughter of Calvin Day. They 
 resided in Greene county until their death, Jesse 
 passingaway August 17,l880,and his wife June 29, 
 1878. They reared a family of six children: Cyrus, 
 born July 20, 1826 (deceased); Harvey, born April 
 13,1828; Milton, born January 26, 1830 (now a resi- 
 dent of Iowa); Samuel, born September 23, 1835 
 (deceased); Adeline, born November 22,1839 (de- 
 ceased); John N., born January 31, 1842 (living in 
 Van Buren, Franklin township). 
 
 Harvey Andrew remained with his father upon 
 the farm until thirty years of age, when he mar- 
 ried Adaline Craig, who was born June 4, 1832, a 
 daughter of M. B. Craig, of Franklin township, 
 Washington county. After his marriage he re- 
 sided on his father's farm in Greene county, until 
 the winter of 1862-63, when he removed to his 
 present farm in Morris township, four miles west 
 of Prosperity, known as the "Old Post farm," 
 which is an excellent one, and consists of about 
 200 acres. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew have been 
 born five children: Charles Hollace, born Novem- 
 ber 5, 1858, in Greene county (he married Matilda 
 Bell, of East Finley township, who died May 22, 
 1888, aged thirty-three years, and he afterward 
 married Mary, daughter of Harvey Day, of Greene 
 county; he now resides on the old home place in 
 Greene county); Lecta Jane, born March 27, 1864, 
 married to James Sharp, of Prosperity, where they 
 now reside: the other three children, Jesse B. , born 
 December 2, 1860, in Greene county, William 
 Harvey, born September 17, 1868, and Sarah A., 
 born May 29, 1871, make their home with their 
 parents. Mr. Andrew is a Democrat, and a mem- 
 ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of 
 which he was an elder. 
 
 It I ARVEY ANDREW, a representative of an 
 ILarl old pioneer family, and a flourishing farmer 
 of Morris township, is a son of Jesse An- 
 Jj - drew, and grandson of Samuel Andrew, 
 who was born in New Jersey, January 25, 
 and located on Ruff's creek, Greene Co., 
 at an early day, where he entered land. 
 He married Susan Cooper, of Washington county, 
 born July 22, 1777, and reared a family of eight 
 children, as follows: Jacob, Zebulon, Samuel, 
 Jesse, Robert, Kersier, Elizabeth and Emeline, of 
 whom Elizabeth, a resident of Iowa, is the only 
 survivor. Samuel Andrew removed to Crawford 
 county, Ohio, all the family except Jesse accom- 
 panying him, and there died August 28, 1S49, his 
 wife having passed away August 27, 1843. 
 
 Jesse Andrew was born March 15, 1804, and 
 October 20, 1825, married Lecta Day, who was born 
 
 d(AMES T. HEMPHILL. Among the pros- 
 j perous and energetic citizens of West Mid- 
 | dletown, Penn., this gentleman occupies a 
 position of deserved prominence. His an- 
 cestors were natives of Old Erin, but left their 
 island home in an early day to seek a home in the 
 "land of the free and the home of the brave." 
 The earliest pioneer of this well-known family was 
 one John Hemphill, who was born in County 
 Down, Ireland, and married Mary Brooks, a native 
 of the same county. The following children were 
 born to this union: Thomas, Nancy (Mrs. Jesse 
 Merrill), Mary (wife of William McGuffie), John, 
 Margaret, Elizabeth, David and Jane. In 1791 
 the family immigrated to America, first settling 
 in Winchester, Va. , and some years later moved to 
 West Finley township, Washington county, Penn. 
 A short time afterward they settled permanently 
 near West Alexander, Donegal township, this 
 county, with the exception of a few years passed 
 in West Virginia. In politics Mr. Hemphill was a 
 
642 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the 
 Associate Reformed Church. 
 
 Thomas Hemphill was born in 1789, in County 
 Down, Ireland, his parents bringing him to America 
 when but two years of age. His youth was passed 
 in Winchester, Va. , and Washington county, Penn., 
 where his education was received. In early man- 
 hood he was married to Delilah, daughterof James 
 Tearney, of Fayette county, Penn., aud the young 
 people first settled in Fayette county, Penn., 
 thence moving to Steubenville, Ohio, where 
 they remained several years, and finally re- 
 turning to Washington county, Penn. Mr. 
 Hemphill followed the cooper's trade, which 
 he learned in youth. His children were as 
 follows: Mary (wife of John Johnson), Sarah (Mrs. 
 John Sharp), David (deceased), John, J. T., Mar- 
 garet (Mrs. Thomas Patterson), Nancy (wife of 
 Robert C. Stewart) and Elizabeth (married to Hol- 
 liday Sharp). The father never became a natural- 
 ized citizen, but took an active interest in the 
 Democratic party, and in religion was a member 
 of the Disciple Church. He died in 1851, being 
 followed in 1875 by his wife. Both are buried in 
 the Grove cemetery, of West Middletown, Penn. 
 
 James T. Hemphill was born February 11, 1819, 
 in Donegal township, this county, and passed his 
 youth on the home farm, receiving a subscription- 
 school education. On November 12, 1850, he was 
 united in marriage with Saria, daughter of James 
 Murdock, and she has borne him the following 
 children: Anna (wife of Samuel C. Maxwell), 
 Martha V., Joseph T., Milton M., Jennie (wife of 
 Rev. John B. Jamison). Lucy, J. E. B. and Nel- 
 lie (deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Hemphill resided in 
 Hopewell township for four years after their mar- 
 riage; he then conducted a milling business in 
 Independence township, this county, for sis years, 
 and afterward moved to the home farm of the 
 Murdock family. He then resided six years in 
 Donegal township, and returning to Independence 
 township purchased the old Johnstown farm. 
 From there he removed to Washington borough, 
 finally settling at his present home in West Mid- 
 dletown. Hopewell township. Politically Mr. 
 Hemphill has been an active member of the Whig 
 party, and is now a Republican. In 1885 he was 
 elected county sheriff, giving satisfaction to all his 
 constituents. He and his family are member-- of 
 the United Presbyterian Church at Mount Hope, 
 this county. 
 
 by every true American, leaving four children to 
 perpetuate her memory. Mr. Carlile owned iron 
 furnaces and about 600 acres of land inNew Jersey, 
 and was a prosperous business man. 
 
 John Carlile, father of subject, was born in 17S7, 
 in New Jersey, and moving to Pennsylvania in 1820, 
 located near Lone Pine, Amwell township. Wash- 
 ington county. He was engaged in tanning several 
 years, then began to farm, in which he continued 
 the remainder of his life. On May 2, 1822, he was 
 united in marriage with Elizabeth Curry, who bore 
 him six children, viz.: Mary (Mrs. Camp), Mar- 
 garet (Mrs. Onstott), Sarah jane (Mrs. Prall |, Will- 
 iam, Eliza (Mrs. Keeney) and John S. Mr. Car- 
 lile was first a W T hig, and afterward united with 
 the Republican party on its formation. He died 
 in 1861, in his seventy-fifth year, followed by Mrs. 
 Carlile in 1864. 
 
 John S. Carlile was born November 3, 1838, on 
 the old Hatfield farm in Amwell township, and re- 
 mained at home until 1864, in which year his 
 mother died. He was educated at the common 
 schools, and at Pleasant Valley Academy. When 
 yet a boy he learned the carpenter's trade, ser\ing 
 a regular apprenticeship of three years with a M\ . 
 Keeney, and has ever since followed that business, 
 being constantly engaged in contracting and build 
 ing. On March 8, 1866, our subject was married 
 to Rebecca Ann Potts, of Beaver county, Penn., 
 and the children born to them were: G. Lawrence, 
 Elfonsine, William, O. Curtis, Harry (deceased) 
 and Alvin (deceased). Mr. Carlile has always been 
 one of the most earnest and influential Republicans 
 in his township. He was enumerator of the First 
 Precinct of Amwell township for the eleventh cen- 
 sus, and, with the exception of three years, has been 
 a member of the election board for twenty years. 
 
 JOHN S. CARLILE is a grandson of Robert 
 and Mollie Carlile, natives of New Jersey. 
 Mrs. Mollie Carlile was the famous Mollie 
 Stark, of Revolutionary fame, and a daugh- 
 ter of the gallant Gen. John Stark. She died 
 in 1858, in her ninety-sixth year, loved and honored 
 
 n M ATTHEW McCONAUGHY, a well-known 
 IV/I citizen of McDonald, Washington county, 
 
 I "/J i is a grandson of David McConaughy, 
 
 II - 1 who was born and reared in County 
 v Antrim, Ireland, and there married to 
 a Miss Glissen. They came to America in 
 the latter part of the eighteenth century, and 
 made their first settlement in Chester county, 
 Penn. In 1804 they moved by wagons across the 
 mountains to Washington county, settling on a 
 wild farm of 180 acres, part of the George Wash 
 ington tract. Mr. McConaughy was a mason by 
 trade, and in 1812 built a stone house on the 
 place, afterward following his vocation in this 
 this county. He and his wife reared the following 
 children: John, David, Elizabeth and Alexander. 
 In politics the father was a Whig, and in religion 
 a member of the first Seceder Church organized in 
 Hickory, this county. 
 
 Alexander McConaughy, father of subject, was 
 
__ 
 
 
 
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 ayri 
 
 &6^ (ZSW r ~£ '^n^yu^^^ 
 
 / . 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 645 
 
 born in 1799 in Chester county, Penn., and passed 
 bis early life in Chester and Washington counties, 
 receiving a liberal subscription-school education. 
 On April 19, 1832, he married Martha, daughter of 
 Matthew Murdock, who was born in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., and was there married to Mary 
 McElravy; they resided in Mercer county, Penn., 
 for several years after their marriage, and then 
 came to Washington county, where children were 
 born to them as follows: Sarah, Kobert, Ann, 
 Elizabeth, David, Martha, Rebecca, Jane, Nancy 
 and Mary. Politically Mr. McElravy was a Whig, 
 in religion a member of the Associate Reformed 
 Church. 
 
 Alexander and Martha McConaughy made a 
 permanent settlement on the home place in Wash- 
 ington county. Their children were David, Mat- 
 thew, Mary A., Elizabeth, John, Alexander and 
 Sarah J., three of whom are yet living — Matthew, 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert T. McKibben) and Sarah 
 J. Mr. McConaughy was a farmer and stock 
 raiser, and in politics was formerly a Whig, then a 
 Republican. He was first a member of the 
 Seceder Church and then of the United Presby- 
 terian Church. He died in 187(1. 
 
 Matthew McConaughy (the subject proper of 
 this sketch) was bom May 21, 1834. He is a 
 representative citizen and an earnest supporter of 
 church work. Politically he is a Republican, and 
 in church connection is a member and trustee of the 
 United Presbyterian Church of McDonald. 
 
 / 
 
 /HOMAS H. LYON, a well-known citizen of 
 North Strabane township, and one of her 
 many prosperous agriculturists, was born 
 September 4, 1819, in Greene county, 
 Penn., a son of William and Elizabeth 
 (Hathaway) Lyon, the latter of whom was a resident 
 of ( ireene county. Benjamin Lyon, our subject's 
 paternal grandfather, was a native of New Jersey, 
 in which State the family had resided many years. 
 He married Miss Wilcox, a lady of English de- 
 scent, and seven children came to bless their union, 
 viz. : Noah, Elizabeth, Peter, Joanna, Sarah, Will- 
 iam and Matthias. Benjamin Lyon and his wife 
 came to Washington county, and were among the 
 earliest settlers, making their first home in Notting- 
 ham township, owing to the hostile incursions of the 
 Indians. Here, surrounded by such dangers, and 
 experiencing the many hardships incident to pio- 
 neer life, did the family clear up their primitive 
 home, the father, in addition to clearing the land 
 and farming, following his trade of carpenter and 
 builder. Many of the dwellings and barns in his 
 vicinity were of his building, and some of them 
 are still standing. " After his family had grown up 
 Mr. Lyon moved to Greene county, where he 
 erected a fulling-mill, which he conducted for some 
 
 years, and here he and his wife died and were 
 buried. They were members of the Baptist Church , 
 of which he was one of the organizers in his sec- 
 tion, and in which he held various offices. A 
 Democrat " to the back-bone," he was a recognized 
 leader in the party. During the Revolutionary 
 war he served several years under Washington, 
 and experienced many hardships. 
 
 William Lyon, father of subject, was born in 
 Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 his education, which was somewhat meager, being 
 received at the subscription schools of the locality 
 of his birth. He was married to Elizabeth Hath- 
 away, and the children born to them were as fol- 
 lows: Morgan, Thomas H. , Harrison, Jackson and 
 Louisa (wife of David Horner), Perren, William S. 
 After some years' residence in Greene county, Will- 
 iam Lyon moved to Washington county, where he 
 owned Lindley's Mill and 160 acres of land. He 
 was the chief instrument in having Lindley's 
 Mills postoffice established. He moved to Indiana, 
 where he remained two years, and then, on account 
 of sickness, returned to Pennsylvania, where he 
 and his wife passed their last (lays, dying at the 
 residence of our subject, who with true filial devo- 
 tion cared for them, and comforted them in their 
 declining years. Mr. Lyon died in 1844, aged 
 forty-nine years, his wife at the age of sixty-two 
 years. They were members of the Baptist Church, 
 ami Mr. Lyon was an old- school Democrat. 
 
 Thomas H. Lyon was reared and educated in 
 Greene county, Penn., until twelve years old, when 
 he learned the trade of a carpenter, which he com- 
 menced to work at regularly at the age of eighteen 
 years, following the same until middle life, when 
 he laid away the chisel and the plane for the plow 
 and the harrow. He was a most industrious man, 
 many times working half the night and all day, 
 even occasionaly, when things were pressing, spend- 
 ing an entire night at his bench. He is well known 
 in his section as a man of the strictest integrity, 
 and unquestionable veracity. He has always been 
 a firm Democrat, and has rendered efficient service 
 to his party without being an office-seeker, but was 
 township election judge and township clerk twenty 
 years. In 1862 he was appointed postmaster at 
 Beck's Mills, which office he held over thirty years, 
 and which he resigned in IMM. He is an attend- 
 ant of the Presbyterian Church, and has been a 
 trustee of the same several years. He is a strict 
 Prohibitionist, believing intemperance the greatest 
 of curses. On March 7, 1844, Mr. Lyon was united 
 in marriage with Jane, daughter of John McMillan, 
 of North Strabane township, and their children 
 were as follows: William, an extensive lumber 
 dealer at Burlington, Iowa, and John, who died in 
 childhood. Mrs. Lyon died September 24, 1850, 
 and on February 26, 1852, Mr. Lyon married Lydia, 
 daughter of John Cheeseman, one of the farmers of 
 
646 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Peters township, and the children born to them 
 were: George, Frank, Mary B., Lizzie and Warren. 
 After the death of his second wife, April 5, 1S68, 
 our subject married, on February 28, 1871, Martha, 
 daughter of Joseph Horner, of North Strabane 
 township. She died November 25, 1872, and Mr. 
 Lyon on May 24, 1877, married Margaret, daughter 
 of Colbert Manes. Of the last two marriages no 
 children were born. Mr. Lyon ranks among the 
 leading citizens of his county. 
 
 1( LEXANDER G. PATTERSON, than whom 
 l\ there is no more prominent, better- known 
 4\ or more highly- respected citizen in West 
 Finley township, is a native of this county, 
 born in Donegal township in 1819. His 
 father, William Patterson, a native of Ireland, 
 came to America when twenty-one years of age, 
 and settled on the farm whereon our subject now 
 resides. He married Miss Nancy Gordon, a native 
 of Washington county, daughter of Alexander 
 Gordon, whose birthplace was in the land of Scott 
 and Burns. To this union eight children were 
 born, as follows: Grace, wife of James Moss; 
 Eleanor, who died unmarried at the age of sixty; 
 Alexander G. ; Jane, wife of Braddock Dinsmore, 
 at present residing in Missouri; Samuel, unmarried 
 (since the death of his sister Nancy he travels the 
 greater part of his time); Catherine, deceased in 
 her girlhood; Nancy, deceased at the age of fifty- 
 six, unmarried, and William, died when twelve 
 years old. 
 
 Alexander G. Patterson received his education 
 at the subscription schools of the locality of his 
 birth, and received on his father's farm a thorough 
 practical training in the art of agriculture. When 
 Alexander was twelve years of age his father died, 
 leaving a large family of children to be cared for 
 by their widowed mother, and much of the work 
 fell upon our subject, whose willing hands did not 
 a little toward the support of his mother and little 
 brothers and sisters. The habits of economy and 
 industry thus early acquired soon became a second 
 nature to him, and were regarded as characteristic 
 of him by his many friends of later life, by whom 
 he was held in high esteem. 
 
 Mr. Patterson was married in 1854 to Nancy J. 
 Nicksou, who was born in Washington, Penn., in 
 1828, a daughter of William and Mary (Linga- 
 felter) Nicksou, of Washington county, Penn., and 
 two children have been born to their union, viz. : 
 William, born in 1859, married Stella Armstrong, 
 and they have one child named Wray Grayson ; and 
 Catherine, who married Milton Armstrong, and had 
 five children: Maude Ethel, born in 1881; Grace 
 Gordon, born in 1883; Frank Patterson, born in 
 1886 (whodied at the age of five years); Mary Irene, 
 born in 1888; and Blanche Lenore, born in 1891. 
 
 Mr. Patterson has lived upon the same place for 
 seventy- four years, and has had a most successful 
 career, having, from almost nothing at the start, 
 accumulated, by industry and judicious economy, 
 a considerable amount of valuable property, which 
 is still left him, after giving both his children a 
 handsome "send off" in life. In his political 
 preferences Mr. Patterson is a Republican, but is 
 not an active party man. In religious faith the 
 Pattersons are Presbyterians. 
 
 THOMAS WARRELL BROCKMAN, an en- 
 terprising young business man of Morris 
 township, was born January 19, 1863, a son 
 of N. B. Brockman. N. B. Brockman was 
 born of Scotch parents in Claysville, Wash 
 ington county, and married Elizabeth Warrell, a 
 daughter of Thomas Warrell, of whom' subsequent 
 mention is made. Thomas Warrell Brockman, 
 when a small boy, whs taken in charge by his 
 grandfather Warrell, with whom he made his home 
 until he had attained his majority. Shortly after 
 this he married Lizzie McMillan, a daughter of 
 John McMillan, of Morris township. Eor five 
 years after his marriage Mr. Brockman managed 
 the Warrel farm, one-half mile west of Prosperity, 
 which he now owns, and on which he resides. In 
 1889 he opened a furniture and undertaking busi- 
 ness in Prosperity, the undertaking department of 
 which he still conducts on quite an extensive 
 scale, though the furniture department was dropped 
 in 1891. Mr. Brockman is also dealing in real es- 
 tate in Pittsburgh, Penn. He is one of those 
 genial gentlemen who always look on the bright 
 side of life, and his friends are numerous. In pol- 
 itics he adheres to the principles of the Republican 
 party, though he is not a partisan. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Brockman are among those who 
 believe in enjoying life, and devote considerable 
 time to travel. During the oppressive summer 
 months of each year they spend the time at some 
 watering place, having in the summer of 1891 
 made an extensive trip up the great lakes. They 
 are the parents of three children: Sarah, born in 
 May, 1887; Margaret, born in October, 1889, and 
 Mabel, born in February, 1892. 
 
 Mrs. Priscilla Warrell, widow of Thomas War- 
 rell (mentioned above), is the daughter of Luther 
 Day, who was born in 1792, in New Jersey, and 
 came to Washington county with his mother, 
 Bethany Day, in the latter part of the eighteenth 
 century, locating in Morris township. He married 
 Mary Van Kirk, a daughter of William Van Kirk, 
 of Washington county, and to their union eight 
 children were born: William V- (deceased); Dan- 
 iel, a resident of Morris township; Arvida, also a 
 resident of Morris township; Thomas W. , who. 
 died when young; Priscilla; Lavina (deceased); 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 647 
 
 Maria aud Artemus. Luther Day died in 1880, 
 bis wife having preceded him to the grave in 1849. 
 Priscilla Day was married iu 1842 to B. F. Mc- 
 Vay, to which union four children were born: 
 Demas Lindley, of Morris township; Elmas D. 
 (deceased); Samuel Bayard, of Morris township, 
 and Wallace (deceased). Mr. McVay died iu 1853 
 and in 1869 Mrs. McVay married Thomas Warrell, 
 a native of Ireland, who emigrated to Washington 
 county in 1824, locating on the farm now owned 
 by his widow, where he died July 23, 1889. Mrs. 
 Warrell is an amiable Christian lady, revered by 
 all who know her. 
 
 ONIAS MONINGER, one of the prominent 
 citizens of Amwell township, was born 
 / August 24, 1837, on the old home farm in 
 Amwell township, and, with the exception 
 of two years, has always lived on the place of his 
 birth. He is of German ancestry, his grandfather, 
 John Moninger, having emigrated with his family 
 from Germany to Hagerstown, Md., in 1801, and 
 thence journeying to Washington county, located 
 on the farm which is now occupied by Onias Mon- 
 inger. He was a farmer and carpenter, and fol- 
 lowed both vocations very successfully all his life, 
 having a good farm of 130 acres. In politics he 
 was a Whig, and among the first to organize and 
 promote the caiise of that party iu Washington 
 county. His children were Henry M., George, 
 John, Jacob, Mrs. Mary Harshaman, Mrs. Cath- 
 erine Harshaman and Mrs. Elizabeth Moore. 
 
 John Moninger was born March 27, 1791, iu 
 Germany, and when nine years of age immigrated 
 with his parents to America. His youth was passed 
 in attending the rate schools, and assisting in farm 
 duties. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. On 
 September 28, 1814, he was united in marriage with 
 Catherine Dague, and to them were born eight 
 children: John Michael (deceased), Mrs. A. S. 
 Frazee, George W. , Mary Garber (deceased), Mrs. 
 Catherine Riggle, Mrs. D. L. Reynolds, Demas M. 
 and Onias. Mr. Moninger passed his life in agri- 
 cultural duties, and owned a farm of 186 acres. He 
 was very successful, and managed a considerable 
 amount of business in settling estates. Politically 
 he was a Republican, aud in religion was a mem- 
 ber of the Disciple Church. He died in 1872, in 
 his eighty-second year, and his faithful wife sur- 
 vived him but four years. 
 
 Onias Moninger received his earlier education at 
 the common schools, and afterward attended 
 Pleasant "Valley Academy five terms. He began 
 teaching school at the age of twenty -one, and 
 taught four winters in District No. 2, Amwell 
 township. On June 24, 1865, he was united in 
 marriage with Emily A. Leyde, of Ohio, and their 
 
 union has been blessed with five children: Mary 
 Florence, Netta C, John Wildon, Henry Herbert 
 and Olive Leyde. Mr. Moninger is an active worker 
 in the ranks of the Republican party, and is al- 
 ways interested in local matters. He has served 
 as assessor and clerk, and is now assistant assessor; 
 all being positions requiring a man of good judg- 
 ment and energy to acceptably fill, which Mr. 
 Moninger has done. In 1890 a well was drilled 
 on the farm, which proved to be a light gasser 
 (about 300 pounds pressure), which he now has full 
 control of, as he purchased the entire well, and is 
 using it all through the house for both heat and 
 light. 
 
 Mi 
 
 ATHIAS MOUNTS, a prominent and pros- 
 perous agriculturist of Franklin township, 
 was born in Cecil township, Washington 
 ^ Co., Penn., February 15, 1821. 
 / His grandfather, John Mounts, had the 
 
 following named family of children: Richard, 
 John, Mathias, Enoch and William. The family 
 came from Maryland to Pennsylvania about 1785, 
 settling in the town of Washington, this county, 
 where they passed the remainder of their lives. 
 
 William Mounts, father of our subject, was born 
 in Washington county, Penn., in 1777; was educat- 
 ed in the subscription schools of those early days, 
 and was brought up to farm life. He was married 
 in 1808 to Elizabeth, daughter of James McMon- 
 nis, of the same county, and the young couple then 
 settled on the farm now occupied by their son 
 Mathias. The children born to their union were 
 Anna (Mrs. William Uhler), John, James, Enoch, 
 Mathias, Jane (Mrs. Thomas White), William, 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Elisha Van Kirk), Richard and 
 Maria (Mrs. William Ravencroft). The father of 
 this family died August 2, 1872, the mother March 
 17, 1860, aud they lie buried in Washington cem- 
 etery. They were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Amity, and in politics Mr. Mounts was 
 first a Jacksonian Democrat, then a Whig, and 
 lastly a Republican; he served as supervisor for 
 twenty years. 
 
 Mathias Mounts was reared from boyhood to 
 farm life, and received a fair education at the com- 
 mon schools. On March 18, 1852, he was married 
 to Asenath, daughter of Joseph Baker, and the 
 children born to them were: Mary E. , Eunice J. 
 (deceased), Sophia, Joseph, Anna, Hollace G. and 
 Martha. The family are members of Liberty 
 Chapel, M. E. Church, at Washington, in which 
 Mr. Mounts has been trustee and steward, serving 
 in the latter position for twenty-five years. Polit- 
 ically he was originally a Whig, and since the 
 formation of the party he has been a pronounced 
 Republican. 
 
64S 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 T< HOMAS F. ALLEN is a native of Washing- 
 ton county, Peun., having been born Novem- 
 ber 7, lS'JT, in South Strabane township. 
 He is a son of John and Mary (.McClellan) 
 Allen, both natives of Pennsylvania, who 
 were married in 1819 in Washington county. Of 
 the six children born to them, two are now living, 
 namely: Mary J. and Thomas F. ; Nancy died 
 December 12, L892. Grandfather Allen was a 
 soldier of the lievolutinary war, and afterward 
 followed farming. He was a highly respected 
 citizen of the community. He died in 1836, in 
 this county, having been preceded by his wife 
 some years. 
 
 Thomas F. Allen was reared on the home farm 
 in South Strabane township. He received a com- 
 mon business education in the country schools, and 
 on April 12, 1854, was united in marriage with 
 Nancy A. Hill, who was born in 1830, daughter of 
 David and Eliza Hill, early settlers of Washington 
 county. The following children were born to this 
 union: Lizzie J. (wife of David Hamilton, a farm- 
 er of North Strabane township). Mary (married 
 to William Emery, a farmer of Washington 
 county), Anna B. (living at home), John T. (re- 
 siding on the home farm), Robert W. (living with 
 his parents) and Johnnie (decease 1). In 1862 Mr. 
 Allen embarked in mercantile business at Clokey, 
 Washington county, in which he continued until 
 1865. He then moved to Searight's, Fayette Co., 
 Peun.. and sold goods there two years, when he 
 disposed of his stock and came to Washington 
 borough, where he resided one year, and in the 
 spring of 1868 bought the place where he carried 
 on farming and stock raising until September, 
 1892, when he moved into the borough of Wash- 
 ington. Mr. Allen has always taken an active 
 interest in the questions of public moment; in poli- 
 tics he is a Democrat, and has been school director 
 for three years. He is a successful business man, 
 and owns a farm of 188 acres of good land. Mrs. 
 Allen is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JAMES W. HUGHES, a well-known and re- 
 spected citizen of Amwell township, was born 
 November 5, 1850, in South Strabane town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn. His paternal 
 grandfather, S:nnuel Hughes, was a uative of 
 New Jersey, his parents having emigrated from 
 Ireland to that State. Samuel came to Washing 
 ton county at an early day. and. locating in Am 
 well township, conducted a hotel on tin- place 
 which is now the home of John Little. He was 
 united in marriage with Nancy Sample, and reared 
 a large family. He was a successful business man, 
 and in his later years moved to near Fort Madison, 
 Iowa, where he died about 1860. 
 
 Workman Hughes was born February 5, 1822, 
 
 in South Strabane township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. , and received a common-school education. 
 At the age of twenty two years he began business 
 for himself, first buying a farm on the National 
 pike, and afterward purchasing the " McGiffm 
 farm," as it is now called, consisting of 300 acres, 
 situated in the southern part of Amwell township. 
 In 1S47 he was married to Rachel Taylor, of South 
 Strabane township, and their children were Sam- 
 uel Taylor, James W.. John H., Mary E. (Mrs. 
 Closser), Nancy J.. William and Rachel (Mrs. 
 Myers). Mrs. Hughes died May 12. 1862, and Mr. 
 Hughes in 1864 wedded Margaret Vance, who died 
 in 1879, and in December, 1880, he married Martha 
 Scott. As a result of his own untiring efforts he 
 has prospered in life. Politically he is a Demo- 
 crat, and has held several offices. 
 
 James W. Hughes, son of Workman and Rachel 
 (Taylor) Hughes, remained on the parental farm 
 in South Strabane township, this county, and was 
 educated in the common schools until his twenty- 
 second year, when he began business for himself 
 upon a farm below Ten-Mile. Amwell township, 
 where he remained two years. In the fall of 1876 
 he went to Iowa, but, returning home the follow- 
 ing year, he purchased a hundred acres of the old 
 farm in Amwell township, which he now owns. He 
 then rented the H. H. Reynolds farm, and worked 
 upon it for three years, when he moved to the 
 small house on Mr. Lacock's farm, and in 1883 
 built the barn on his own place, erecting a house 
 there in 1886. On January 1, 1880, he was united 
 in marriage with Margaret Horn, and their union 
 has been blessed with the following children : Nel- 
 lie R., born October 13, 1880; Samuel W., born 
 December 24, 1 SS 1 ; Alonzo R., born December 10, 
 
 1883; (i ge Russell, born February 7. 1886; 
 
 Sabina A., bora February 24, 1888, and Elsie 
 Garnet, born March 29, 1891. Mr. Hughes is an 
 eager reader of agricultural papers and current 
 news. He votes the Democratic ticket on State 
 issues, but in local politics he casts his ballot for 
 the best man. He was auditor of the township 
 fro,,, 1878 to ISM. and from 1^S7 to 1889, and is 
 now committee-man from Amwell township, having 
 also held other town offices. 
 
 TAYLOR FAMILY. Some time prior to the 
 Revolutionary war, Henry Taylor, the first 
 ancestor of the family under consideration, 
 took up 1,000 acres of land in South Stra- 
 bane township, part of which is now in 
 the possession of Matthew Taylor's heirs. He was 
 married to Jane White, whose home was at the 
 stone house still standing near the County Home, 
 Washington county, Penn. ; she had ten brothers 
 and one sister. In those days all the grain was 
 gathered by the hand sickle. Mr. White's ten sons 
 
: 
 
 > tffi&u/tfffrj 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 651 
 
 reaping grain in the same field with their father, 
 who prided himself in his farming, and was always 
 out to see that it was properly done. Henry Tay- 
 lor had children as follows: Sons — Matthew, 
 Joseph, John, Henry, James, George — and daugh- 
 ters — Jane (married to Richard Dagg), Mary (wife 
 of A. Patton). Eliza (wife of Dr. Layton) and Ann 
 (married to A. McCalmont). The father of this 
 family was the first judge of Washington county. 
 In 1800 Judge Taylor built the first brick house 
 ever erected in Washington county, Penn., the 
 walls of which are eighteen inches thick from 
 foundation to top; it is still standing, apparently 
 as good as ever, and is now owned by the Willets. 
 
 Joseph Taylor, son of Henry the pioi r, was 
 
 born on the old homestead in South Strabane town- 
 ship, where he passed his entire life. He married 
 Annie Stewart, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, 
 who came over the mountains on horseback from 
 the "Forks of Elk," Maryland. She died in 
 March, 1834, leaving two sons: Henry and David 
 S., and her husband followed her to the grave in 
 
 May or June, 1845, at the age of sixty eight years. 
 David Stewart Taylor, Sr., was bom August 10, 
 1803, (in the Taylor homestead iii South Strabane 
 township, and received a fairly liberal education 
 at the subscription schools of the vicinity, although 
 much of his early boyhood time was passed on the 
 farm. When yet a lad, he followed teaming over 
 the mountains, driving six horses and hauling loads 
 of as much as six thousand pounds, consisting of 
 flour and farm produce, which were exchanged Eor 
 various articles of merchandise. This business he 
 followed thirteen years, during which time but two 
 days were lost, when all travel was stopped on ac- 
 count of the deep snow. On March 14, 1833, he 
 was married to Sarah Oliver, who was born August 
 20, 1812, in Westmoreland county, Penn. , a daugh- 
 ter of Samuel and Mary (Pinkerton) Oliver, of 
 Sewickley township, in that county, of Scotch Irish 
 descent. Andrew Oliver (grandfather of Mrs. D. 
 S. Taylor, Sr.) was married to Margaret Madole. 
 He took up 500 acres under the " tomahawk claim" 
 in Hempfield township, Westmoreland Co., Penn. 
 Samuel Oliver, father of Mrs. David S. Taylor, Sr., 
 was a son of Andrew Oliver, who was born in the 
 "old country," where he married. From there 
 they emigrated to the shores of Columbia, settling 
 finally in Westmoreland county, Penn., where he 
 took a "tomahawk claim," and here they died. 
 Their children were Joseph, Samuel, James. Sarah 
 (married to Thomas McCune, in Pittsburgh), Eliz- 
 abeth (married to James Peoples, near Mt. Pleas- 
 ant, Westmoreland county), and Jane (wife of 
 William Hunter, in Westmoreland county). Sam- 
 uel Oliver was born on his father's farm in West- 
 moreland county, where his entire life was passed. 
 He was three times married, first time to Nancy Hen- 
 derson, by whom he had two daughters: Mary and 
 
 Margaret; his second wife was Mary Pinkerton, 
 who bore him two children: Jane and Sarah (wife 
 of David S. Taylor, Sr.); his third wife was Salome 
 Markle, by whom there was one daughter, Eliza- 
 abeth. Of these five children all are now dec. 
 
 except Jane and Sarah. The father, who had I n 
 
 a lifelong agriculturist, died in Westmoreland 
 county, September 10, 1855, aged seventy seven 
 years; the mother of Jane and Sarah had passed 
 away several years previously. 
 
 At the time of his marriage David S. Taylor, Sr., 
 in company with his brother Henry, was conduct 
 ing a tlourmill at Madison, Westmoreland county, 
 and also managing a hotel. In lS:i4 he came to 
 what is now South Strabane township, this county, 
 remaining there until 184V', when he moved to 
 Adams county, Ohio. The ague being prevalent 
 there, he soon returned to Washington count}, lo 
 eating about one mile north of Raccoon Station on 
 Big Raccoon creek. Smith township, and purchased 
 a farm. The following children were born to him: 
 
 Mary Ann, born D imber 29, l s -'e'> (married to J. 
 
 F. Cooke, and living in Florence, this comity I; 
 Joseph, born December 25, 1835 (in 1859 he went 
 to Michigan Bluff, Cal., in order to dig for geld. 
 taking the overland route, and he is now a butcher 
 in San Jose); Samuel Oliver, born April 4, 1838 
 (a lawyer in Wheeling, W. Va.)'; Henry G., born 
 November 9, 1840 (a farmer in Smith township); 
 William P., born January 7, 1843 (a physician in 
 Noblestown. Allegheny Co., Penn.); JaneO.,born 
 February 22, 1845 (living on the old homestead): 
 David S., born October 7. 1847; -lames Buchanan, 
 born March :'o, 1851 (a carpenter of Smith town- 
 ship), and Matthew, born January 5, 1854 (died 
 March28, L857). The father died '.March 11,1888. 
 He was a member of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Burgettstown, having joined it, along with his wife, 
 in 1855, and in his political affiliations he was a 
 leading member of the Democratic party. In busi- 
 ness he was very successful, accumulating by earn- 
 est and patient toil a considerable amount of 
 property. In height Mr. Taylor stood five feel 
 eleven inches, his weight being 180 pounds, and 
 all his life he enjoyed splendid health until sixteen 
 years prior to his decease, when he received a 
 slight stroke of paralysis, from which he suffered 
 more or less up to the day of his death. His 
 widow, still hale and remarkably active for her 
 years, more like a woman of sixty than one who has 
 seen over four score and one summers and winters, 
 is at the home of her sons David S. and J. B., and 
 an unmarried daughter, calmly awaiting the sum 
 mons that will call her hence. 
 
 Henry G. Taylor was born on a farm situated 
 about one and one half miles north of Wash- 
 ington, Penn., after some years moving with his 
 parents to Smith township. In February. I^iO. 
 he was united in marriage with Susan Scott, 
 
652 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 who was born in 1840, daughter of Benjamin 
 Scott, of Hanover township, this county, a 
 representative of a pioneer family. They re- 
 sided in Havover township a short time af- 
 ter their marriage, and April 1, 1871, came to 
 their present home in Smith township, this county, 
 near the Jefferson township line. He has followed 
 farming, stock raising and dairying. On June 18, 
 1883, the farm was visited by a cyclone, which 
 devastated the neighborhood. His' barn was 
 thrown down, the house unroofed, and the out- 
 buildings completely destroyed. But he set to 
 work with undaunted energy, and soon from out 
 the ruins arose a handsome new residence, the 
 other damage being repaired as rapidly as possi- 
 ble. In political opinion Henry G. Taylor is a 
 counselor and adviser of the Democratic party in 
 his locality, and he frequently held offices of honor 
 and trust to the utmost satisfaction of all con- 
 cerned. He and his estimable wife are supporters 
 and attendants of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Burgettatown. Their family consists of one 
 daughter — Sarah Oliver — a bright girl of twelve 
 summers, who adorns and cheers their home, and 
 who possesses some skill as a musician. 
 
 William Pinkerton Taylor, M. D., was born 
 January 7, 1S43, on the old family homestead in 
 South Strabane township, where the greater part 
 of his boyhood was jmssed. He worked on the 
 farm in summer time, and attended the schools of 
 the neighborhood during winter, his first teacher 
 being J. L. Judson. One year he spent on a farm 
 in Ohio. In 1863 he commenced the study of 
 hum Heine under Dr. T. W. Bradley, of Burgetts- 
 town, and then entered Sterling Medical College 
 at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated in the 
 spring of 1866, and April 2, same year, he located 
 at Noblestown, Penn. , in the general practice of 
 his chosen profession. 
 
 On March 14, 1877, Dr. Taylor was united in 
 marriage with Miss Jennie Proudfit, daughter of 
 J. L. Proudfit of Burgettstown, Penn., and two 
 sous have been horn to them, viz. : David S., a 
 bookkeeper and stenographer, and John P. .tele- 
 graph operator and agent at Canonsburg, Penn. 
 On January 8, 1892, the Doctor had the misfor- 
 tune to lose his house and barn by tire, but he at 
 once rebuilt. He is a Freemason in high stand- 
 ing; a member of Richard Vans Lodge, No. 154, 
 Burgettstown ; Washington Chapter, No. 150, and 
 Jacques de Molay Commandery, No. 3. Washing 
 ton, Penn. 
 
 David S. Taylor was born October 7, 1847, in 
 North Strabane township, this county, and in child- 
 hood eame with his parents to Smith township, 
 locating upon the farm which he and his brother 
 James B. now own. He assumed control of the 
 home place when his father retired from active life, 
 after the elder brothers had left home, and has be- 
 
 come a very successful farmer. Mr. Taylor is a 
 wide-awake and energetic man, and an active mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party. He has filled vari- 
 ous township offices with eminent success, and in 
 the spring of 1892 was elected a justice of the 
 peace for a term of five years. The home farm, 
 which is situated about two miles northeast of Bur- 
 gettstown, comprises 257 acres, nearly all in a high 
 state of cultivation, and the present large and ele- 
 gant residence was built in 18S9. Mr. Taylor has 
 never enlisted in the noble army of Benedicts. 
 
 OBEKT HORACE McCLAY is a promi- 
 nent member of his family, who havp so 
 many years been residents of Canton town- 
 ship. His grandfather, Samuel McClay, 
 emigrated from Ireland when a small boy, 
 and locating in Chester county, Penn. , was, when a 
 young man, married to Sarah McClellan, who was 
 also of Irish birth. Some years after their mar- 
 riage they settled on the farm in Canton township, 
 Washington county, which has since been the home 
 of their children. He died in 1838, and Mrs. Mc- 
 Clay in 1842. 
 
 John McClay, son of Samuel and Sarah McClay, 
 was born in 1809 upon the home farm in Canton 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his 
 early youth upon the farm, receiving a very lim- 
 ited education in the primitive schools of the pe- 
 riod. On April 26, 1838, he married Jane, daugh- 
 ter of James Smith, and after her death married 
 on September 15, 1841, Jane, daughter of Robert 
 Welch, who bore him four children: Sarah (Mrs. 
 W. C. Morrison), William, John H. and Robert 
 H. In 1857 Mr. McClay was again married, this 
 time to Sarah Taggart, and after her death was 
 united to Margaret Brownlee, daughter of James 
 Brownlee, one of the earliest settlers of Washing- 
 ton county. Mr. McClay is an active member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, with which he 
 united in 1853, having formerly been connected 
 with the Seceder Church. Politically he was first 
 a Whig, later a Republican, and is now a leader 
 in the Prohibition party. He is a prosperous man, 
 one who favors all progressive movements. 
 
 Robert Horace McClay, son of John and Jane 
 (Welch) McClay, was born January 12, 1850, on 
 the old farm in Canton township, this county, and 
 passed his youth at home, where he received a very 
 limited education in the usual sense of the term, 
 but daily acquired valuable training in the lessons 
 of economy, which trait has become a characteris- 
 tic of the family, and has greatly enhanced their 
 success in life. On January 11, 1876, he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Rachel A., daughter 
 of William Wright, of Buffalo township, this 
 county, and they settled on a farm in Canton town- 
 ship, where they resided nine years, and erected a 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 653 
 
 handsome residence, making many improvements; 
 but in 1885 they removed to their present admir- 
 ably situated home, a large, commodious dwelling, 
 having all conveniences. The children born to this 
 union are: Annie A., John W. and Maggie M. Mr. 
 McClay has ever been a close observer, and in polit- 
 ical opinion has always been a Republican. With 
 his family he is an active member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at North Buffalo. 
 
 TfTsvOBERT J. MUNCE, M. D., a leading 
 ILA' farmer and retired physician of North 
 
 r V\ Strabane township, was born July 4, 1*24, 
 JJ — > in South Strabane township, Washington 
 v Co.,Penn. His grand father, Thomas Munce, 
 
 was a native of County Down, Ireland, where he 
 was married and had the following named children : 
 Robert, Joseph, Thomas, John, Samuel, and Mattie 
 (Mrs. John Mauown). In 1804 he immigrated 
 with his family to the. United States, landing at 
 New Castle, Del., whence they at once proceeded 
 to South Strabane township, this county, where 
 they settled on a piece of land on which the grand- 
 father passed the rest of his life. 
 
 Robert Munce, father of Dr. Munce, was edu- 
 cated in County Down, Ireland, and was reared to 
 agricultural pursuits. He was married in Ireland 
 to Mary, daughter of William Quail, and in 1804 
 immigrated to this country with the rest of his 
 father's family, making a settlement on the farm in 
 South Strabane township, this county, where, after 
 rearing a family of children, he peacefully passed 
 from earth. The mother died in 1856, and they 
 sleep side by side in the cemetery at Washington 
 borough. They were members of the Chartiers 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Munce was 
 an active Democrat. He was a successful farmer 
 and stock raiser. The children born to this hon- 
 ored pioneer couple were Sarah (Mrs. William Mor- 
 rison, deceased), Mary A. (Mrs. William Andrews, 
 deceased), Margaret (deceased), Jane (Mrs. Robert 
 Carron), Catherine (Mrs. John McLain), Thomas 
 (deceased), William J. and Robert J. 
 
 Dr. Robert J. Munce received his primary edu- 
 cation at the log school-house of the locality of 
 his birth, and as soon as he was old enough com- 
 menced to work on his father's farm, his chief 
 occupation at first being to thresh the grain. 
 Everything was of a very primitive nature, both 
 inside and outside the old log cabin, and "home- 
 spun" was the material from which most of the 
 clothing was made, while boots were looked upon 
 as articles suggestive of extravagance in the ex- 
 treme. In the spring of 1842 he entered Wash- 
 ington College, Washington, Penn., attending and 
 teaching school alternately until September, 1847, 
 when he graduated in a class of thirty- three, one 
 of the number being the late Hon. James G. 
 
 Blaine. In April, 1853, Dr. Munce married Mary 
 Ann, daughter of Lewis Reighard, of Richland 
 county, Ohio, and the young couple took up their 
 residence in Henry county, Iowa, where they re- 
 mained some live years, at the end of which time they 
 returned to North Strabane township. Dr. Munce 
 then purchased his present farm, which, by assiduous 
 labor, he has brought to its present fertile condition. 
 Our subjecthad studied medicine under the pre- 
 ceptorship of Dr. Stephens, of Washington, with 
 whom he remained three years, and later took a 
 course at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. 
 He first practiced in Richland county, Ohio, 
 whence he moved to Henry county, Iowa, where 
 he continued to practice, but his health failing he 
 returned to this county, as already related. The 
 children born to Dr. and Mrs. Munce are: Thomas, 
 Robert, George, William, Anna, Maggie (Mrs. 
 Park Weaver), Phoebe (wife of Rev. J. L. Thome), 
 and Lizzie and Emma, who reside at home. The 
 family are members of the Hill Presbyterian 
 Church, of which the Doctor is a liberal supporter. 
 He is a stanch Republican, and has served as a 
 member of the school board several years. Dr. 
 Munce has prospered in his farming, and is now 
 the owner of 475 acres of as fine land as there is 
 in the county. 
 
 ' 
 
 I JffRS. ELIZABETH (STOCKDALE) 
 Ml SPROWLS, daughter of Robert Stock- 
 ?(| dale, of Allen township, Washington 
 -* Co., Penn., is of English ancestry. She 
 was born October 25, 1832, and on May 
 15, 1856, was married to William W. Sprowls, 
 who was a worthy representative of one of the 
 most prominent pioneer femilies of Washington 
 county. 
 
 John Sprowls was the first pioneer of his name 
 to locate in East Finley township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He was a native of Enniskillen, Ireland, 
 and in 1784 was there married to Elizabeth Love 
 (also of Irish birth), who bore him the following 
 children: Arthur, Jane, Edward, John, Henry, 
 James, Elizabeth, Nancy, William and Mary, the 
 latter two being born after their arrival in America. 
 In 1793 the family emigrated from Ireland, and 
 landing at Philadelphia, pushed westward to 
 Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., where they 
 remained some time, thence removing, in about 
 1795, to Washington county, Penn. Mr. Sprowls 
 located near California, West Pike Run township, 
 and soon afterward went to Allen township, but 
 finally settled in East Finley township, where, 
 in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, he erected 
 a log cabin, about three quarters of a mile south- 
 east of the present postoffice of Good Intent. In 
 this humble little home John and Elizabeth 
 Sprowls passed the remainder of their lives; and 
 
654 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 having well begun the herculean task of establish- 
 ing a home in the desert wilds for his descendants, 
 the courageous pioneer left the completion of his 
 work to his children; he died September 6, 1845, 
 «nd was laid to rest in the land of his adoption. 
 .Mrs. Sprowls died August 10, 1818. The two 
 daughters, Elizabeth and Nancy, never married, 
 and passed their lives on their father's farm. 
 
 William Sprowls, youngest' son of John Sprowls, 
 was born October 5, 1794, in Carlisle, 'Cumberland 
 Co., Penn., and on coming to East Finley town- 
 ship, Washington county, shared the privations 
 of a frontier life. He passed his youth in assisting 
 liis father on the farm, and in 1823 was married 
 to Dorcas Towne, who was born in 1797, a daughter 
 of Eli Towne, of East Finley township, this county. 
 Of the children born to them the following is a 
 brief record: Eli (deceased) lived to an advanced 
 age; .lames died at the age of twenty-four; John 
 married Miss McCreary, and entering the war of 
 the Rebellion, died in the service; William W. is 
 husband of our subject; Abigail died at the age of 
 seventeen; Elizabeth died at an advanced age, 
 unmarried; Henry married Miss McClellau, and is 
 now farming in West Finley township; Dorcas 
 Ann is a resident of Washington, Penn.; Isaac and 
 Ezra died in youth; Cyrus enlisted in the Civil 
 war, in Company E, Eighty-fifth Regiment P. V.I., 
 and died in the service. After his marriage Mr. 
 Sprowls began to farm a place near that of his 
 father, where he remained until his death, which 
 occurred December 27, 1868. Mrs. Sprowls died' 
 January 30, 1870. 
 
 William W. Sprowls was born in East Finley 
 township. Washington Co., Penn., August 17. 1826, 
 and during his earlier years assisted his father 
 mi the farm, afterward learning the cooper's 
 trade. After his marriage to Elizabeth Stockdale 
 Mr. Sprowls settled on the old home farm, and 
 passed his life in agricultural pursuits. The 
 following children came to this union: Fremont, 
 born April 14, 1857 (now living in Morrow county, 
 Oreg.); Stockdale, born October 22, 1858 (residing 
 in East Finley township, this county); Eli W., 
 born May 12, 1861 (a fanner of West Finley 
 township); Deborah, born May 25, 1804 (residing 
 with her mother); Mary B., born August 6, 1865 
 (wife of John Golden, living in Good Intent, this 
 county); Cyrus, born January 8, 1868 (remaining 
 at li.inie): Aslmry. born May 30, 1870 (deceased in 
 infancy); Robert A., born May 12, 1872 (still living 
 :it home), and Hannah A., born August 24, 1873 
 (residing at home). Mr. Sprowls was a. man of 
 sterling worth. In politics he was a Republican. 
 He was a member of the Disciple Church, and con- 
 tributed liberally to its support, He died April 20, 
 1888. His widow now manages the farm. She is 
 a member of the Disciple Church. 
 
 Jl( DAM G. WEAVER. The great-grandfather 
 l\ of our subject, also named Adam Weaver, 
 4\ came from Germany, with his son John, at 
 -* an early period, and locating in Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., bought the land which 
 is just below the present home of Adam G., and 
 there spent the remainder of his life. His son, 
 John, purchased a farm of 400 acres on Fish Pot 
 run, in East Bethlehem township, a mile west of 
 Fredericktown. He had received a limited educa- 
 tion, but was a man of general information. In 
 1 788 he married Catherine, a daughter of Martin 
 Spohn, and the following children were born to 
 them: Adam (deceased), Mrs. Sarah Michner, 
 Jacob (deceased), Martin. Daniel (deceased). Mis. 
 Elizabeth Ault (deceased), Mrs. Catherine Huff- 
 man, Mrs. Mary Smith (deceased), John (deceased), 
 Joseph (deceased) and Margaret. Mrs. Weaver 
 was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church. 
 Mr. Weaver died in 1816, and Mrs. Weaver in 1866. 
 
 Adam Weaver was born in May, 1791, in East 
 Bethlehem township, this county, and there lived 
 all his life. He was educated in the schools of the 
 period, aud when about twenty three years of age, 
 bought a ninety acre farm in East Bethlehem, and 
 began to work upon it. He was very successful, 
 and added to the land as the business prospered. 
 In 1810 he married Elizabeth Black, and she bore 
 him eight children, viz.: Mary (deceased), John 
 (deceased), Daniel (deceased), Mrs. Elizabeth Mech- 
 ner, Jacob, Solomon, Sarah and Adam' G. Mr. 
 Weaver voted an independent ticket, selecting the 
 best men, without regard to party. He was a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church, while his wife belonged 
 to the Bible Christian Society; she died in 1836, 
 and was followed by her husband January 17, 1857. 
 
 Adam G. Weaver was born in East Bethlehem 
 township, October 8, 1828, and remained upon the 
 farm until twenty-two years of age. He received 
 a limited education at the common schools, but lias 
 by general reading acquired much valuable knowl- 
 edge, ami improved his mind. After he became of 
 age he went to Indiana, where he engaged in agri- 
 culture, remained there a year, and on his return 
 worked a farm belonging to an uncle, about two 
 years. On February 10, 1S54, he married Cynthia, 
 daughter of James and Charlotte Hill, of West 
 Betlilehem township, and worked on Mr. Hill's 
 farm live years, at the end of which time (1859) he 
 purchased his present place of 170 acres of prime 
 land. The following children were the residt of 
 his marriage with Miss Hill: James C. . born Au- 
 gust 8, 1856; Sarah E., born March 22, 1859; 
 Clarence E., born January 1, 1863; and Mary J., 
 born September 17. 1865. Sarah E. is the wife of 
 James C. Addleman, and Mary J. married Michael 
 Menchy. Mrs. Cynthia Hill died June 2 ( J, 1869. 
 On June 26, 1873, Mr. Weaver was married to 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 655 
 
 Elizabeth, daughter of James and Catherine 
 Wherry, and the following children were born to 
 this union: Adam E. , born June 19, 1874; Eliza- 
 beth 0., born September 3, 1876; Francis A., 
 born March 21, 1879; John T., born January 8, 
 1882; and Charles E., born April 3, L884. Mr. 
 Weaver has always been a Republican, a zealous 
 worker for the interests of his party. He is a 
 member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 RS. ELIZABETH V. BOYLE is a daugh- 
 ter of Joseph Henderson. The latter was 
 a native of Bucks county, Penn., and re- 
 ceived a subscription-school education. 
 In early life he was employed as a stage 
 driver, finally locating on a farm. He was married 
 to Miss Rachel Stroud, and they had six children, 
 namely: Resen, living in Minneapolis, Minn.; 
 John B. , residing at Washington, this county; 
 Anna (Mrs. Ross), living in Kansas; Sarah, resid- 
 ing at Washington; J. H., and Elizabeth V. The 
 father was a Methodist, and contributed liberally 
 to the support of the cause. Elizabeth V. Hen- 
 derson grew to womanhood on the home place, and 
 in February, 1873, was united in marriage with 
 Felix Boyle, son of Felix. 
 
 Felix Boyle, the father, was born in County 
 Donegal, Ireland. When a young man he crossed 
 the ocean and settled in Pennsylvania, first locating 
 at Williamsport (now Monongahela). He was 
 there married to Ann, daughter of James Rice, who 
 came to Washington county in 1780, and in 1791 
 erected a house, the corner-stone of which perpet- 
 uates his memory. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle began 
 wedded life on the farm in Carroll township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., where he followed his trade of 
 a stone-mason. For several years his farm produce 
 was shipped down the Monongahela river by flat- 
 boat, and in company with other pioneers he made 
 many trips to New Orleans. On arriving at their 
 destination these boats were sold, and the men re- 
 turned home by land or came via Philadelphia by 
 water. During one of these journeys Mr. Boyle 
 was taken seriously ill on the vessel, and so low 
 was the spark of vitality that many of the crew 
 thought him dead, and in accordance with their 
 custom, prepared to throw him overboard. At this 
 critical juncture a comrade named Black stepped 
 above the apparently lifeless body of his friend, 
 and waving aloft a hatchet, dared the men to touch 
 him. His fearless courage and heroic devotion 
 conquered, and life soon becoming apparent, he 
 was permitted to care for the unfortunate man 
 until his health was restored. Mr. Boyle voted 
 with the Democratic party, and in religion was a 
 Catholic, often attending services at Pittsburgh and 
 Brownsville. He owned 123 acres of land in Car- 
 roll township, Washington county, and in connec- 
 
 tion with general farming conducted a distillery, 
 making a specialty of peach brandy. He died Jan- 
 uary 2, 1841, and April 15, 1804, his wife was laid 
 beside him. The children of this family were born 
 as follows: Alice, Connel, John, Esther (Mrs. 
 Richard Crosby), Maria, Felix and James. 
 
 Felix Boyle, son of Felix and Ann (Rice) 
 Boyle, was born June 13, 1813, on the homestead 
 in Carroll township. He received a good educa- 
 tion, and learned carpentry and shipbuilding at 
 Elizabethtown, Penn., working at the latter busi- 
 ness for many years. For a time he was employed 
 on the United States vessels, and in that capacity 
 traveled extensively, having been on the Red river 
 under Capt, Shreve, who founded the town of 
 Shreveport, La. Mr. Boyle was instrumental in 
 breaking up the immense raft in the Red river 
 some years ago, also being employed on the Rio 
 Grande river in Texas. After leaving the river he 
 assisted in the two large shipyards near Mononga- 
 hela on the Monongahela river, operated bv his 
 brothers — Connel and John Boyle, also in the black- 
 smith shops, mills and in opening coal mines, etc. 
 After following this business several years with 
 great success, he retired to his farm in Carroll 
 township, where he died October 4, 18S4, of can 
 cer, for which he had been unsuccessfully treated 
 by skillful New York physicians. Politically he 
 was an ardent Democrat, serving in many town- 
 ship offices, but declined to serve in county posi- 
 tions. An enterprising citizen and successful bus- 
 iness man, he was also a cheerful, kind-hearted 
 neighbor, ever ready to aid the needy. He left a 
 widow and one son, the only daughter, Maria, hav- 
 ing preceded him to the grave on Christmas day, 
 1878. The son, Joseph James, was born October 
 19, 1876, and is now living on the old farm with 
 his widowed mother. He is a leader in his classes 
 at school, and bids fair to do honor to the name he 
 bears. Miss Crosby, granddaughter of Felix Boyle, 
 the elder, is living with Mrs. Boyle. The latter 
 superintends the management of the home place, 
 which contains 123 acres of fertile land. 
 
 LARK M. UNDERWOOD is a son of James, 
 and a grandson of Abraham Underwood 
 The latter was descended from one of nine 
 brothers who were English Quakers, and 
 came to America with William Penn. Abraham 
 Underwood was born in 1765, in Philadelphia, 
 Penn., and after the Revolutionary war, engaged 
 in mercantile pursuits at Baltimore, Md. About 
 the year 1800 he came to Brownsville, Fayette Co., 
 Penn., and there followed his trade of tailor. He 
 reared a family of five children, of whom George 
 is the only one yet living. Another son, Cyrus, has 
 been one of the most prominent and useful citizens 
 of Washington county, and served for twenty-four 
 
656 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 years as member of the school board of Monon- 
 gahela, and recorder of Washington county one 
 term. He was a man of unusual intelligence, and 
 very popular in the community. He died in 1885. 
 The father removed to Monongahela City in 1832, 
 and worked at his trade until just before his death, 
 which occurred in 1840. He was a member of the 
 Whig party. With other brothers' families he was 
 a member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 James Underwood, son of Abraham, was born in 
 1810, in the house which is yet standing on the 
 homestead near Brownsville, Penn. He there 
 learned the trade of a coverlet weaver, making the 
 old fashioned but beautiful bed clothing so seldom 
 seen in the present day. He followed his trade 
 until thirty years of age. The increasing use of 
 machinery then obliged him to abandon the busi- 
 ness, and he learned ship carpentry in the yards at 
 Brownsville, Penn. In early manhood he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Lydia Bright, who was born in 181", 
 and the following children blessed their union: 
 Clark M. ; Cyrus, who was for thirty years a resi- 
 dent of Chicago, and is now the wealthy manager 
 of large safe works at Elizabeth, Penn. ; Catherine, 
 Mosoria, both of whom died in infancy; Sarah, wife 
 of Rev. Fanning, of Minneapolis. Minn., and Mag- 
 gie, widow of Joseph Powell, who died in 1889, 
 living with her mother in Fayette county, Penn. 
 After locating in Brownsville, Mr. Underwood 
 continued to follow his trade until ten years prior 
 to his death in 1884, in his seventy-fourth year. 
 In politics he was a Republican, and served as 
 school director for many years, and was also a 
 member of the M. E. Church. Continuing to re- 
 side on a farm, four miles from Brownsville, and 
 two and a half miles from his birthplace, until his 
 death. The mother is yet living with her daughter 
 in Fayette county, Penn. 
 
 Clark M. Underwood was born January 14, 
 L834, on Front street, in Brownsville, Penn., and 
 learned ship carpentering of his father, with whom 
 lie worked for ten years. He then engaged in the 
 shoe business at St. Louis, Mo. , and sold out 
 when the Civil war began. Commissioned by the 
 Secretary of the Navy, he entered the navy as 
 master ship carpenter, serving on the famous 
 " Essex," under Admiral David D. Porter. He was 
 aboard one of the vessels, the " Lafayette," which 
 ran the blockade at Vicksburg in 1863, and partic- 
 ipated in many other well-known engagements. 
 At t lie close of the war he returned to Washington 
 county, Penn., and settled on a farm near Clays- 
 ville, where he resided until 1800. He then sold 
 the place and moved upon anoth'-r farm in West 
 Finley township, residing there for twelve years, 
 and in 1878 sold that property, and lived in M" 
 Qongahela City for two years, in the residence he 
 bought from Henry McKaine on Chess street. In 
 L880 he bought the beautiful faun in Carroll 
 
 township, where he is now living, containing 104^ 
 acres of land, situated a short distance from Mo- 
 nongahela. He was married May 4, 1852, to Miss 
 Harriet, daughter of Benjamin Foster, who was 
 then living in Monongahela. The following chil- 
 dren were born to this union: Ida, Mrs. H. B. 
 Carroll, of West Finley township; Charles, who 
 resided in Dakota for several years, and recently 
 moved to a farm in Iowa; Edward E. Under- 
 wood, residing in Morton, Kans., is an extensive 
 grain buyer; Clarence P., living in Nebraska, has 
 a farm of 481) acres; Frank, the youngest son, is a 
 student in the West Pennsylvania Medical College, 
 and will graduate in 1894, and Margaret, a teacher 
 in the public schools of Washington county, is the 
 youngest child. Mr. Underwood is an independ- 
 ent voter, always casting his ballot for the candi- 
 date who is best fitted for the office, regardless of 
 his party preferences. In religious faith he and 
 his wife prefer the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JAMES SAMPSON, a patriarchal son of the 
 Keystone State, a retired agriculturist, and, 
 J in his younger days, a typical follower of 
 Nimrod, is a native of Westmoreland county, 
 born in 1806. William Sampson, his father, 
 came, when a young man, in company with several 
 brothers, from their native home in Ireland to the 
 shores of Columbia, and made a permanent set- 
 tlement in Westmoreland county. William mar- 
 ried Mrs. Mary (Neal) Beazell, daughter of the 
 pioneer of the Monongahela Valley, Matthew Neal, 
 and widow of Matthew Beazell. To them were 
 born four children: James (formerly president of 
 the Peoples Bank), Harvey, Thomas and Dorcas. 
 The latter married Elijah Teeple. To her mar- 
 riage with Matthew Beazell five children were born: 
 Catherine, Elizabeth, Margaret, William and John. 
 In 1812 William Sampson moved to Horse Shoe 
 Bottom, in Carroll township, Washington county. 
 where he successfully followed farming and distil- 
 ling, at the time of his death owning 200 acres of 
 laud, part of which he had bought at $12 per acre. 
 In his day grain was cut with a sickle, and hi 1 was 
 famed far and near for his dexterous handling of 
 that primitive implement, and for the amount of 
 win at. barley, oats or grass he could cut in a day. 
 He died at the age of forty-five years. 
 
 James Sampson, of whom this sketch more es- 
 pecially treats, married, in 1S40, Miss Mary, 
 daughter of Robert Grant, of Carroll township. 
 This lady died March 25, 1888. To them were 
 born nine children, of whom two died in infancy. 
 Harriet first married Thomas Reeves, by which 
 union there were two daughters: Mary (wife of 
 Harvey Fry, by whom she has one mphi and Lena 
 (wife of Harry Nuttall, of Pittsburgh: they have 
 one son). Mrs. Reeves was again married, this 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 057 
 
 time to Joseph Truman, since deceased. Mrs. 
 Truman, who is a lady of true refinement, now re- 
 sides with her father on the home farm. William 
 Sampson married Miss Lou Welch, daughter of 
 John Welch, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, and to them 
 five children were born: Mary, Sarah, John, Lulu 
 and Willie. Kate married Capt. Jenkins, and to 
 her two children were born. Mary and Virginia. 
 Jennie married T. J. Weddell, and has three chil- 
 dren, James, Jessie and Mary. Harvey married 
 Miss Jennie Yorty, to whom six children were 
 born : Bertie, Grace, James, Ada, Frank and 
 Ethel. John married Mary V. Williams, and to 
 them five children were born: Gertrude, Howard, 
 Grant, Helen and Alice M. Ada Ethel married 
 C. R. Dallas, of Pittsburgh, they are the parents 
 of four children: James S., Sarah, Charlie and an 
 infant, deceased. 
 
 Mr. Sampson has been a hardworking, holiest 
 and frugal man, and, though now past the eighty- 
 sixth milestone on his journey through life, is 
 keen and bright in intellect. In middle life he 
 was fond of hunting, and took great pride in be- 
 ing the owner of the fleetest dogs in his section. 
 Many a time, after doing a hard day's work on the 
 farm, he would spend almost an entire night in the 
 pursuit of game, accompanied by his faithful dogs. 
 In politics he has been a Whig, Know-nothing 
 and Republican, in the ranks of which latter 
 party he has voted since its organization. Now, in 
 peaceful retirement, the owner of 1,200 acres of 
 land, Mr. Sampson finds himself surrounded with 
 the comforts that come to the sunset of a well 
 spent, iudustrious life. 
 
 BIA MINOR HAYS, a prominent and 
 popular dealer in general merchandise in 
 the village of Simpson's Store, East Finley 
 township, was born April 12, 1852, on the 
 banks of the Little Kanawha river, Wood 
 county, n.ear Parkersburg, W. Va. , his parents 
 having a short time before his birth removed 
 thither from Wayuesburg, Greene Co., Penn. 
 
 His father, James Wilson Hays, who was born 
 in Wayuesburg December 21, 1817, was engaged 
 in mercantile business for many years in his native 
 town, and Graysville, same State. He represented 
 the Fortieth Senatorial District of Pennsylvania in 
 the State Senate, serving two terms. His wife 
 (the mother of our subject), also a native of Greene 
 county, was Hannah M. , daughter of Abia Minor, 
 and granddaughter of Gen. John Minor, who was 
 one of the associate judges of Greene county for 
 many years, in fact, up to the time of his death. 
 William Hays, the paternal grandfather of A. M. 
 H;iys, migrated in 1804 from Adams county, 
 Penn., to Waynesburg, where he embarked in 
 mercantile business, and for nearly a score of years 
 
 held the office of prothonotary of the county. 
 Sarah (Wilson) Hays (grandmother of A. M. Hays) 
 was a daughter of James Wilson, a native of Ire- 
 land, who emigrated to America and settled at 
 Washington, Penn., along with many other so- 
 .called "Scotch-Irish Presbyterians," in the latter 
 part of the last century. He was there married to 
 a Miss Lytle, and removed to Wayuesburg at the 
 time Greene county was founded, and that village 
 was made the county seat; he became the first 
 postmaster at Waynesburg. 
 
 Abia Minor Hays served an apprenticeship <>f 
 several years with his father in the mercantile 
 business at Graysville, Greene Co., Penn., and 
 then, in 1878, embarked in business for himself, 
 in merchandising at Euon, in Richhill township, 
 Greene county. In 1879 he moved to the village 
 of Simpson's Store, subsequently purchasing the 
 property. He sold his interests there to W. E. 
 Jenkins, October 1, 1892, and moved to Washing 
 ton, Penn. Early in 1893 he leased the Whitla 
 store, No. 25 Broadway, New Brighton, Beaver 
 county, and established there an extensive dry- 
 goods house with departments devoted to carpets, 
 millinery, books and stationery. Mr. Hays is a 
 Democrat, but not a politician. He was postmaster 
 at Harvey's, Greene county, for three years, and 
 afterward at Simpson's Store for twelve years, or 
 until his removal to Washington, Penn. Mr. Hays 
 was married April 24, 1879, to Miss Nannie Hous- 
 ton, who was born in Richhill township, Greene 
 county, November 25, 1852. She is a daughter of 
 Simon Houston, Esq., who removed to Greene 
 county in 1848 from Washington county, and died 
 March 14, 1877. Her mother, Maria (Cummins) 
 Houston, now living, was born August 3, 1824, in 
 Greene county, of which her parents were natives. 
 To the marriage of A. M. and Nannie (Houston) 
 Hays four children were born, namely: Nancy 
 Maria, October 20, 1880; Sophia Elizabeth, Feb- 
 ruary 9, 1883; Wilson Houston, February 14, 1887, 
 and Harry Minor, December 10, 1892. The three 
 first named are now (March, 1893) residing at Simp 
 son's Store. Mr. and Mrs. A. M. Hays and their 
 eldest daughter are members of the Christian 
 Church. 
 
 DEMAS L. AMES, one of the prominent 
 citizens of West Bethlehem township, is a 
 / son of John Ames, whose father, Jabez, 
 was born in Maryland, where he grew to 
 manhood and married Elizabeth Smith. 
 
 Jabez Ames came to Washington county, and 
 erected one of the first log cabins here. The country 
 whs \ <*ry wild, and the Indians became so hostile 
 that Mr. Ames, after repeated efforts to clear his 
 land (for which he had previously secured a patent), 
 turned Indian-fighter and hunter. In that lonely 
 little cabin were born five sons and three daughters. 
 
658 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 all of whom are dead. Jobn, who was the young- 
 est of the boys, attended one of the first schools 
 organized in Washington county, and at the early 
 age of seventeen, in the year 1818, married Mary 
 Thompson, a daughter of Thomas Thompson, who 
 came to Washington county about the same time. 
 as the elder Ames, and whose family also consisted 
 of five sons and three daughters. To John and 
 Mary Ames the following named children were 
 born: Rosa Ann, now living in Scottsburgh, Ind. , 
 widow of Otto Mas-heart; Elizabeth, in Hills- 
 borough, this county, widow of Henry Bush; 
 Arthur, a prominent farmer of West Pike Hun 
 township; E. H, living in West Bethlehem town 
 ship: Demas L., our subject; Mary Ann (Mrs. 
 Samuel Yoder), who died in April, 1880; John 
 Mertin, who died in 1878, and Joshua, Celia and 
 Samuel, all three of whom died in infancy, Samuel 
 breathing his last in the arms of his brother Demas. 
 Demas L. Ames was born October 17, 1840, and 
 his early life was spent upon the home farm, and 
 in learning the trade of blacksmith, which he was 
 eventually compelled to abandon because of de- 
 fective eyesight. He then returned to farming, 
 which he has since followed. He married Lydia 
 A. Miller, daughter of Joseph Miller, of Amwell 
 township, December 21, 1861, and to them the 
 following children were born: Joshua, who died in 
 infancy; Elizabeth, a resident of West Bethlehem 
 township, wife of Isaiah Grable; Emmer Marsh, 
 who lives at the home of his parents, and who mar- 
 ried Louisa Gunloe, a daughter of Henry Gunloe, 
 of West Bethlehem township; and Arabella, living 
 in Somerset township, the wife of Jonathan Konkle. 
 The mother of Demas, who is a remarkably pre- 
 possessing old lady, resides at his home. She en- 
 joys the distinction of being the grandmother and 
 the great-grandmother of forty-two descendants. 
 During the war, Demas Ames was a member of 
 Company A, 22d P. V. C, under James P. Hart; he 
 was. however, transferred to Company B, 18th P.Y. 
 ('.. before theclose of the struggle. He was a gal- 
 lant soldier, and served his country long and well, 
 but like many' another, he contracted diseases while 
 in the service, from which he is to-day suffering. 
 Mr. Ames is a life-long Republican, although not 
 an office seeker, and has declined to accept nom- 
 inations proffered by his party. Both himself and 
 wife are earnest members of the Disciple Church. 
 
 Rachel, Mary Ann, Lydia, Catherine, Susan, Sarah, 
 Jacob, Peter, Samuel, John and William. 
 
 Samuel Garrett was born July 15, 1810, in West 
 Bethlehem township. His education was the best 
 that could be secured under the circumstances, 
 but he took advantage of every opportunity which 
 might add to his store of knowledge, and is there- 
 fore a very well read man. In his youth the 
 country was wild, and the young pioneer fre- 
 quently encountered Indians and wild animals. 
 In 1840 he married Deliah Grable, daughter of 
 Samuel Grable, of West Bethlehem township, and 
 after marriage they removed to the farm which he 
 now owns. The following children have been 
 born to them: Cephas, Silas, Lebens, Lavina, 
 Clara, and one that died in infancy. The mother 
 of these children died in 1857. Mr. Garrett is a 
 Democrat, but ill health has prevented his taking 
 an active part in politics for the last rive years. 
 Prior to 1887 he was prominent in the political 
 affairs of his township, and was repeatedly elected 
 to the office of justice of the peace. His farm con- 
 sists of 135 acres of very fine land. The house in 
 which he resides was built by Jacob Garber in 
 IMS. Mr. Garrett is a member of the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 LMUEL GARRETT. This lifelong hon- 
 ored resident of West Bethlehem township 
 is a grandson of Peter Garrett and son of 
 Nicholas, who was born" in Maryland in 
 1 i ?9, and there married Mary Ann Baumgardner. 
 About the commencement of the present century 
 they removed to Washington county, Perni. The 
 children born to them were as follows: Elizabeth, 
 
 QUYON MORRISON. The Morrisons of the 
 Upper Chartiers Valley trace their ancestry 
 to Guyon (or Gavin) Morrison, who removed 
 from East Nottingham, in Chester county. 
 Peuu., and settled on a tract of land on the 
 waters of Chartiers creek, within the limits of 
 Chartiers township, in Washington county, of the 
 same State, prior to the war of the Revolution. By 
 comparison of data, from traditions and records, 
 it is reasonably certain that Guyon Morrison came 
 from Northern Ireland to Delaware Bay with the 
 great Scotch-Irish migration of the year 1721). He 
 was born, probably in Londonderry, about the year 
 17* 15. His ancestors, doubtless, had come with 
 the influx of Presbyterians from Scotland, prior 
 to the famous siege of that place in 1689. The 
 family name "Morrison" had belonged to a clan 
 in Scotland from an early period. 
 
 In this country, as far as known, the earliest 
 mention of the name of Guyon Morrison is found 
 in the taxable lists of East Nottingham, Chester 
 Co., Penn., for the year 1730. In the lists re- 
 ferred to, liis name appears in the class of unmar- 
 ried men; in the lists for the year 1731 his name 
 appears in the class of householders or married 
 men. from which fact we infer that his marriage 
 had taken place in the year 1733. His name re- 
 curs, in the East Nottingham list", continuously 
 until the year 1770, after which date it disappears 
 from the lists. The official records of Chester 
 county show that in December, 1770, Guyon Mor- 
 
jcn^ 
 
WASHING TON CO UN TV. 
 
 661 
 
 rison disposed of his property in Chester cqunty, 
 and, as his name is not found there on records of 
 a later date, it is certain that he must have removed 
 from that county in the year 1771. Some records 
 recently found in Washington county show that 
 in the year 1770 the Morrisons had been settled on 
 the waters of a tributary of Chartiers creek, for a 
 sufficient length of time to give to the stream the 
 name of "Morrison's run." In fact, the name 
 " Morrison's run'' became the official designation 
 of the stream, as will be learned by reference to 
 the Patent records of the Pennsylvania Land Office. 
 The family traditions likewise confirm the conclu- 
 sion that the Morrisons, on their removal from 
 Chester county in the year 1771, came directly to 
 the place of their settlement in the Upper Chartiers 
 Valley. Soon after Guyon Morrison had settled on 
 Chartiers, this entire region jsassed under the con- 
 trol of the'colony of Virginia. For many years he 
 held the tract on which he had settled, under the 
 original "tomahawk" right. He lived, however, 
 to witness the re-establishment of the authority of 
 Pennsylvania, and the creation of the county of 
 Washington. Of the tract on which he settled, 
 the larger portion still remains in the possession 
 of descendants bearing the same name, having 
 passed by inheritance until it is now, after a lapse 
 of 120 years, in the hands of his great-grandchil- 
 dren. 
 
 In the will of Guyon Morrison, which was made 
 on August 28, 1782, his son John and Hon. 
 Matthew Ritchie were named as executors. This 
 will was entered for record on July 2, 1783. From 
 the date of the entrance of the will for record it is 
 reasonably certain that the death of Guyon Mor- 
 rison occurred in June, 1783. Of the history of 
 his wife nothing is known. There is reason to be- 
 lieve that her maiden name was Margaret Wilson. 
 From the fact that her name is not found in the 
 conveyance of the Morrison property, made in De- 
 cembef, 1770, it seems probable that her death had 
 occurred prior to that time. They had issue: 
 William, Elizabeth, John, Jane, Margaret, Fran- 
 cis, Guyon, Jr., and James. 
 
 (1) William, eldest of the family of Guyon 
 Morrison, Sr., was born probably in 1735. About 
 
 the year 1700 he married Ann , and resided 
 
 for a time in Chester county. On his removal to 
 this region he settled on a tract in Peters township, 
 near the east branch of Chartiers creek, where he 
 resided until his death in Jul}', 1818. His wife 
 had died about twenty years before. .They had 
 issue: John, James, George, Elizabeth, Francis, 
 Guyon, Ann, William, Jr.. Seth and David. 
 
 John (eldest of the family of William, Sr. ) died 
 in early manhood. James (son of William, Sr. ) 
 was born probably in 1765; he married Phebe M. 
 
 , and resided in Robinson township, where he 
 
 died September 11, 1832; his wife survived him 
 
 32 
 
 some years; they had issue: John, Barnabas, 
 Keziah (wife of John Brown), James, Martha and 
 Elizabeth. George (son of William, Sr.) was born 
 in 1707; about 1800 he married Mary (iraham, 
 and resided in Robinson township until his death, 
 May 12, 1854; his wife died in 1845; they had 
 issue: John, William, Seth, Mary (wife of Joseph 
 Partridge. Sr.), George, Jr., Rachel. Jared, Ann 
 (wife of William Best), and David. Elizabeth 
 (daughter of William, Sr.) was born in 1771; in 
 1791 she married Stephen Sexton, who was a step 
 son of Thomas Wilson, an early settler of Peters 
 township; in April, 1802, she removed to Poland, 
 in Mahoning county, Ohio, where she resided until 
 her death, April 30, 1830; her husband died in 
 1850, aged ninety-four years; they had issue: 
 John, Nancy (wife of John Justice), Joseph, Will- 
 iam, Stephen, Jr., and Martha (wife of Isaac 
 Justice). Francis (son of William, Sr.) was born 
 in 1773; in 1795 he married Rosanini Frew, 
 daughter of Alexander Frew, and soon afterward 
 removed to Slippery Rock, in Lawrence county, 
 where he resided until his death June 5, 1 V>7; 
 his wife died in 1840; they had issue: Ann (wile 
 of Joseph Eccles), William and Alexander. Guyon 
 (son of William, Sr. ) was born in April, 1775; in 
 1807 he married Hannah Cannon, and resided in 
 Peters township until his death, October 1, 1840; 
 his wife died in 1N7'_\ aged eighty-live years; no 
 issue. Ann (daughter of William, Sr.) was born 
 in 1777; after the death of her father she removed 
 to the home of her sister, Elizabeth Sexton, at 
 Poland, Ohio; in 1821 she married John Frew, son 
 of Alexander Frew, and removed to Slippery Rock, 
 in Lawrence county, where she resided until her 
 death, June 11, 1852; her husband died in 1853, 
 aged eighty-three years; no issue. William, Jr. 
 (son of William, Sr. ), was born in 1779; until 
 middle life he resided in Washington county; in 
 his latter years he removed to Lawrence county, 
 where he resided with his nephew William, son of 
 his brother Francis, until his death in 1855. Seth 
 (son of William, Sr.) was born in 1781; in 1809 
 he married Rachel Laird, daughter of James and 
 Elizabeth Laird; in 1811 he removed to Meso- 
 potamia, in Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was 
 killed by the falling of a tree, June 10, 1823; no 
 isMie; his widow, who married John Chambers. 
 died in 1850, aged sixty years. David (youngest 
 of the family of William, Sr.) was born in 1783; 
 he married Priscilla Braden, and resided in Peters 
 township until his death, January 2S, 1830; no 
 issue; his widow married Alexander McBurney. 
 
 (2) Elizabeth, daughter of Guyon Morrison, Sr., 
 was probably the second in order of birth. About 
 1700 she married John Loughridge, Jr., and 
 resided in East Nottingham, in Chester county, 
 until her death in 1707. Her husband had died in 
 1766. They had issue: Elizabeth and Margaret, 
 
662 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 who accompanied their grandfather Morrison, on 
 his removal to the Chartiers Valley. By his will 
 they were made legatees of his estate. There is 
 reason to believe that Elizabeth married a Mr. 
 Cochrane, prior to the year 1789. It is thought 
 probable that Margaret was unmarried, and had 
 died prior to that year. Nothing further is known 
 of them. 
 
 (3) John, son of Guyon Morrison, Sr., was prob- 
 ably the third in order of birth. He was one of 
 the executors of his father's estate. His name is 
 found in the list of the first grand jury called, un- 
 der the authority of Pennsylvania, to meet in 
 Washington county. He acquired a large tract of 
 land in Peters township, where he resided until his 
 death in March, 1789. He was unmarried. 
 
 (4) Jane, daughter of Guyon Morrison, Sr. , was 
 born probably in 1740. About 1762 she married 
 Thomas Grier, who had come from Northern Ire- 
 land some years before, and removed to the adjoin- 
 ing township of Oxford, in Chester county, where 
 she resided for a time. Afterward she removed to 
 a tract of land near Carlisle, in Cumberland coun- 
 ty, where she resided until her death in January, 
 1823. Her husband had died in March, 1803. 
 They had issue: Catherine, Elizabeth, Mary, James, 
 Guyon, George, Margaret, Jane, David, Rebecca, 
 Thomas and John. 
 
 Catherine (eldest of the family of Jane) was 
 born about 1764; after the death of her mother she 
 removed with her brother John to Perry county, 
 where she died in 1840; she was unmarried. Eliz- 
 abeth (daughter of Jane) was born about the year 
 1766; she married James Wilson, Jr., and resided 
 in Cumberland county; while visiting her kindred 
 in Beaver county she tlied at the home of her 
 brother George about 1835; no issue. Mary 
 (daughter of Jane) was born probably about 1768; 
 after the death of her father she removed to the 
 home of her brother Thomas, with whom she re- 
 sided until her death, the date of which is not 
 known; she was unmarried. James and Guyon 
 (twin sous of Jane) were born in 1770; about 1800 
 James married Miss Espy, who died soon after- 
 ward without issue; in 1807 he married Maria Stu- 
 art; in 1810 he removed to the Chartiers Valley, 
 and resided in North Strabane township, Washing- 
 ton county, until his death November 22, 1833; his 
 wife died in 1859, aged seventy-nine years; they 
 hail issue: Samuel Stuart, Thomas, Guyon, Jane, 
 David and James, Jr. Samuel Stuart, born in 
 1808, married Margaret Donaldson, and resided in 
 Columbiana county, Ohio, until his death in 1886. 
 Thomas, who entered the ministry, became pastor 
 of a Presbyterian Church in a western city, where 
 he died during his pastorate; he was unmarried. 
 Guyon and Jane died on reaching adult years. 
 David completed a course in medicine, and settled 
 in Warren county, 111., where he was engaged in 
 
 practice until his death in 1886. James, Jr., born 
 in 1820, married Hannah Van Eman, and resides 
 on the homestead; they had issue: Mary (deceased), 
 William, Jane, Rebecca, Anna, Frances and Thomas. 
 Guyon (twin son of Jane) came to Washington 
 county probably as early as 1795; about 1800 he 
 married Polly Allison, and removed to Beaver, 
 where he resided until 1819, when he removed 
 elsewhere; some years afterward he returned to 
 Washington county, and resided at the home of his 
 brother James until his death, August 12, 1832; his 
 wife had died probably about 1819; they had issue: 
 John, born probably about 1805, who resided in 
 Wheeling, W. Va., at the time of his father's 
 death, but of whose subsequent history nothing is 
 known. George (son of Jane) was born probably 
 in 1772; about 1800 he removed to Beaver county, 
 and founded the town long known as Gj-iersburgh, 
 now called Darlington; about 1804 he married 
 Anna Taggart, who died in 1811; they had issue: 
 Robert, Jane (wife of John Rider, and afterward 
 wife of John Boon, of Washington county), and 
 Margaret, wife of John Duncan; in August, 1812, 
 he married Elizabeth Woods, who survived him; 
 he died October 10, 1844; they had issue: George, 
 Jr., and Elizabeth (wife of William Adams). Mar- 
 garet (daughter of Jane) was probably the next in 
 order of birth; she married Thomas Clemens, and 
 removed to Beaver county, where she and her hus- 
 band died many years ago; they had issue: 
 Thomas, John, Margaret (wife of Mr. Parkinson), 
 Elizabeth (wife of Jonathan Stewart), James, Jane, 
 Ann, Alexander, Guyon and Robert. Jane 
 (daughter of Jane) was probably the next in order 
 of birth; on March 29, 1796, she married William 
 Campbell, and removed to Beaver county, where 
 her husband died prior to 1820; she survived her 
 husband many years; they had issue: Thomas, 
 James, Robert and Alexander. David (son of 
 Jane) was probably the next in order of birth; 
 about 1800 he married Rachel Stuart, and removed 
 to Beaver county, where he resided for some years; 
 afterward he removed to Portage county, Ohio; 
 about 1840 he removed to the West; he is said to 
 have survived his wife, and to have died about 
 1850; they had issue: Thomas, Alexander, William, 
 James, David, Jr. , and Rachel. Rebecca (daughter 
 of Jane) was probably the next in order of birth; 
 she married Hon. Robert Sears, of New Yuri;, 
 whom she survived; she died many years ago with- 
 out issue. Thomas (son of Jane) was born in 
 1780; he 'graduated at Dickinson College in 1797, 
 studied for the ministry, and was licensed by the 
 Presbytery of New Castle in 1800; in 1801 he was 
 installed as pastor of the Presbyterian Church of 
 Middletown, Lancaster county, where he remained 
 some years; about 1830 he was called to the pas- 
 torate of the church of Cold Spring, in Putnam 
 county, N. Y., where he died May 19, 1834; he 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 663 
 
 was twice married, but the names of his wives are 
 not known; he had issue: George, William, John, 
 Smith, Decatur and Charles. John (youngest of 
 the family of Jane) was born probably in 1782; in 
 1803 he was appointed one of the administra- 
 tors of his father's estate; in 1829 he married 
 Maria Bovard, and soon afterward removed to 
 Perry county, where his wife died in 1848; he re- 
 moved to Harrisburg, where he resided until his 
 death in 1854; they had issue: Mary Ellen (wife of 
 Mr. Crumleigh), Rebecca Jane and Charles. 
 
 (5) Margaret, daughter of Guyon Morrison, Sr., 
 was born probably in 1742. About 1763 she 
 married Josiah Crawford and resided, for a time, 
 in East Nottingham, Chester county. It is prob- 
 able that she accompanied her kindred on their 
 removal to the Chartiers Valley. She resided on 
 a tract in North Strabane township, near the east 
 branch of Chartiers creek, where she died about 
 1795. Her husband died in May, 1797. They 
 had issue: Elizabeth, Andrew, John, Josiah, 
 Jr. , James, Alexander, Guyon, Margaret, Hannah, 
 William and Mary. 
 
 Elizabeth (eldest of the family of Margaret) was 
 born in 1765; about 1788 she married James 
 Laird; in 1809 she removed to Mesopotamia in 
 Trumbull county, Ohio, where she resided until 
 her death, August 23, 1826; her husband survived 
 her some years; they had issue : Rachel (wife 
 of Seth Morrison), John, Matthew, Andrew, Josiah. 
 Seth and James. Andrew (son of Margaret) was 
 probably the next in order of birth; about 1809 he 
 married Mrs. Sarah (Ray) Sparks, and resided 
 in Chartiers township until his death in 1813; his 
 wife died near the same time; they had issue: 
 Hannah, born in 1810, who married David Palmer 
 about 1840, and resided in Chartiers township 
 until her death in 1873; they had issue: Thomp- 
 son, Margaret (wife of George Newton Watson), 
 Elizabeth (wife of Mr. Reed), and Sarah (wife 
 of James Arthurs). John (son of Margaret) was 
 probably the next in order of birth; he was one of 
 the executors of his father's estate; after the 
 settlement of the estate, he removed to Trumbull 
 county, Ohio, where in 1805, he married Margaret 
 Wilson; nothing further is known of him. Josiah, 
 Jr. (son of Margaret) was born in 1770; in 1795 he 
 married Eleanor Reynolds, and resided on the 
 homestead in North Strabane township, where his 
 wife died in 1826; they had issue : John, Marga- 
 ret, William and Elizabeth; secondly, he married 
 Prudence Hanna, who survived him but left no 
 issue; he died March 8, 1851. John, born in 1797, 
 married Sarah Quivey, and they removed to the 
 West where they had issue of whom nothing is 
 known. Margaret, born in 1799, married Daniel 
 Bell, and resided in Peters township until her 
 death in 1889; she survived her husband many 
 years; they had issue: Elizabeth, Eleanor (wife of 
 
 James Coleman), John, Jacob, Solomon, Anna, 
 Margaret and Jane. William, born about 1805, 
 married Miss Bennett, and afterward Miss Hamil- 
 ton, and resided on the homestead until his death 
 in 1887; he had issue: Josiah, John, William 
 Hamilton, Joseph, Eleanor and Mary Jane. Eliza- 
 beth, born about 1815, married James Kerr, and 
 resided on a portion of the homestead until her 
 death in 1889; her husband died in 1891; they 
 had issue: Josiah, Prudence Jane (wife of David 
 Bradford Craig), and James, William and Robert. 
 James (son of Margaret) was born probably in 
 1772; he is said to have removed to Trumbull 
 county, Ohio, but nothing is known of his history. 
 Alexander (son of Margaret) was born probably in 
 1774; at an early day he removed to Trumbull 
 couuty, Ohio, where, in 1816, he married Cathe- 
 rine Hoyles; nothing further is known of him. 
 Guyon (son of Margaret) was born in 1776; he re- 
 moved to Mesopotamia, in Trumbull county, Ohio, 
 where he died in 1822; he was unmarried. Mar- 
 garet (daughter of Margaret) was born in 1780; 
 she married Alexander Shields, and removed to 
 Hanover in Columbiana county, Ohio, where she 
 and her husband died many years ago; they are 
 said to have had issue, but nothing further is 
 known of the family. Hannah (daughter of Mar- 
 garet) was born about 1782; she resided on the 
 homestead, where she died many years ago; she 
 was unmarried. William (son of Margaret) was 
 born probably in 1784; he removed to Trumbull 
 county, Ohio, where he died in 1807. Mary 
 (youngest of the family of Margaret) was born 
 probably in 1787; she married Thomas Ray, and 
 removed from Washington county. They are said 
 to have had issue, but nothing further is known of 
 the family. 
 
 (6) Francis, son of Guyon Morrison, Sr., was 
 born about 1745. In 1768 he married Agnes Frew. 
 On his removal to this region, he settled in Peters 
 township, near the junction of the east and west 
 branches of Chartiers creek. In October, 1778, he 
 was appointed lieutenant of the militia by the court 
 of Yohogania couuty, Va. In December, 1791, 
 he disposed of his property in the Chartiers Valley, 
 and removed to the region of Sugar Loaf mount- 
 tain, in Fayette county, where he resided until his 
 death, which occurred about 1800. His wife died 
 in Lawrence couuty about 1830. They had issue: 
 Elizabeth, Alexander, Guyon, James, William, 
 John, Francis, Jr. , Naucy, Rachel, David and 
 Thomas. 
 
 Elizabeth (eldest of the family of Francis, Sr.) 
 was born September 23, 1769; in 1791 she married 
 Daniel Quivey, Sr., and resided near Canonsburg, 
 in Washington county; she survived her husband 
 some years, dying about 1850; they had issue: 
 John, James, Daniel, Jr., Sarah, Nancy, Julia, 
 Henrietta and Elizabeth. John and James (sons 
 
664 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 of Elizabeth) removed to Ohio, and nothing 
 further is known of them. Daniel, Jr. (son of 
 Elizabeth), married and settled in Chartiers town- 
 ship, where he and his wife died a number of years 
 ago, leaving issue: Maria (wife of Stewart Miller), 
 Letitia, James (who married Mary White, and re- 
 sides on the homestead) and Julia. Sarah (daugh- 
 ter of Elizabeth) married John Crawford, sur- 
 vived her husband and resided in the West until 
 her death, the date of which is not known. Nancy 
 I daughter of Elizabeth), born about 1800, married 
 William Flanagan, and resided near Canonsburg 
 until her death in 1 SIM); she survived her husband 
 some years; they had issue, of whom we have no 
 information. Julia (daughter of Elizabeth) mar- 
 ried John Holland, and resided at Bentleyville, 
 where she and her husband died a number of years 
 ago, leaving issue of whom we have no informa- 
 tion. Henrietta (daughter of Elizabeth) married 
 John Mcllravy, and removed to Harrison county, 
 Ohio, where they resided for some years; after 
 ward they removed to the West, where she and 
 her husband died some years ago, leaving issue of 
 whom nothing is known. Elizabeth (daughter of 
 Elizabeth) married Benjamin Crawford, and re- 
 sided in North Strabane township until her death 
 in 1889, at the age of eighty years; she survived 
 her husband, and left issue: Daniel, Benjamin, 
 John, Morgan, Elizabeth, Nancy, and Margaret 
 (wife of Samuel Phillips). .Daniel married Jane 
 Chubbic, and resided in North Strabane until his 
 death, in 1891; he left issue: D. Quivey, Bath- 
 sheba and Lousarba, who reside in Canonsburg. 
 Of the history of the other members of this family 
 we have no information. 
 
 Alexander (son of Francis, Sr. ) was born May 
 IB, 1773; he married Catherine Hoagland, and re- 
 moved to Lawrence county, where he resided for 
 a number of years; he survived his wife; they had 
 issue: Hoagland, Agnes (wife of John Francis), 
 William, Alexander, Catherine (wife of Charles 
 Lytic), and Guyon; about 1820 he returned to 
 Fayette county, where he resided until his death 
 in 1847; his second wife was Rachel Simmons, 
 who survived him someywirs; they had issue: Mrs. 
 Rachel Dauiels, Mrs. Elizabeth Daniels, Mrs. 
 Anna Woodmansee. Susan, the wife of Andrew 
 Boyd, Francis Thomas, Mrs. Naomi Daniels, and 
 Hannah the wife of Owen Burgess. Guyon (son 
 of Francis. Sr.) was horn on June 21, 1775; 
 about 1SO0 he married, and resided in Somerset 
 comity for a time; afterward he removed to Frank- 
 fortj Ky., where he resided until his death by 
 drowning, the date of which event is not known; 
 he is said to have left issue, but nothing is known 
 of them. James (son of Francis, Sr.) was born 
 July 23, 1777: about 1800 he married Elizabeth 
 Clay; in 1811 he removed to Camj) Run, in Law- 
 rence county, where he resided until his death in 
 
 August, 1821; his wife survived him many years; 
 they had issue: Francis James, Leonard, Mrs. 
 Ruth Ashton, William, Job Clark, David, Nancy 
 (wife of William Avers) and Thomas. William 
 (son of Francis, Sr.) was born June 7, 1779; 
 when eighteen years of age he went on a trip 
 down the Ohio, and was never heard of after- 
 ward. John (son of Francis, Sr.) was born 
 February 22, 1781; it is probable that he died 
 in youth, as nothing further is known of him. 
 Francis, Jr. (son of Francis, Sr.), was born 
 February 13, 1783; about 1804 he married Eliza- 
 beth Wellington whom he survived; they had is- 
 sue: James, Enoch. William and Mrs. Elizabeth 
 Wells: about 1820 he married Mary Thorp: he 
 resided in the region of Sugar Loaf mountain un- 
 til his death, November 14, 1845; his wife survived 
 him; they hail issue: Francis D., Nancy I wife of 
 Isaac Hall), and Mary Ann (wife of Samuel Hall). 
 Nancy (daughter of Francis, Sr.) was born June 
 16, 1785; she married Col. James Stewart, and 
 settled on a tract, near Camp run, in Lawrence 
 county, where she resided until her death, the date 
 of which is not known; she is said to have left is- 
 sue but nothing is known of them. Rachel (daugh- 
 ter of Francis, Sr. ) was born November 5, 17S7; 
 she married John Scott, and settled on a tract, near 
 Camp Run in Lawrence county, where she resided 
 until her death, the date of which is not known; 
 she is said to have left issue, but nothing is known 
 of them. David (son of Francis, Sr.) was born 
 April 5, 1790; he married, and resided for a time 
 in Lawrence county; afterward he removed to 
 Homer, in Champaign county, 111., where he died 
 many years ago; he is said to have left issue, but 
 nothing is known of them. Thomas (youngest of 
 the family of Francis. Sr. ) was born July 16, 
 1792; on February '.). 1813, he married Nancy 
 Eccles, and settled on a tract near Camp run. in 
 Lawrence county, where he resided until his death 
 February 21, 1851; his wife survived him some 
 years; they had issue: Joseph, David, Angelina 
 (wife of Samuel Brandon), and others whose names 
 are not known. 
 
 iTi Guyon Morrison, Jr., son of Guyon Mor- 
 rison, Sr., was born probably in 1750. About 1776 
 he married Hannah Rankin, and settled on a por- 
 tion of the homestead. In October, 1778, he was 
 appointed lieutenant of the militia by the Court of 
 Yohogania county, Va. In May, 1792, he sold the 
 portion of the homestead (which he had inherited 
 from his father) to Rev. Matthew Henderson, and 
 soon afterward removed to Cynthiana, Ky., where 
 he resided until his death September 1, 1825. His 
 wife died in 1846, aged about ninety six years. 
 They had issue: Margaret, Hannah. David and 
 Matilda. Margaret (eldest of the family of Guyon, 
 Jr.) was born about 1778; about 1800 she married 
 Mr. Steele, and resided at Versailles, Ky. , where 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 665 
 
 she died in October, 1808; she is said to have left 
 issue, but nothing is known of them. Hannah 
 (daughter of Guyon, Jr.) was born probably in 
 1782; she married Thompson Wigglesworth, and 
 resided near Cynthiana, Ky. , until her death, May 
 30, 1853; they had no issue. David (son of Guyon, 
 Jr.) was born in 1781; about 1814 he married 
 
 Sarah , and resided on the homestead until 
 
 his death, July 2, 1826; they had issue: Zerelda 
 (wife of Perry Wherritt), John and Guyon. Matil- 
 da (youngest of the family of Guyon, Jr.) was 
 born about 1790; she married Mr. Reenon, and re- 
 moved to Mt. Olivet, Ky. , where she resided until 
 her death February 28, 1819; they had issue: 
 Matilda (wife of Mr. Goff, of Mt. Olivet). 
 
 1^) James, youngest of the family of Guyon 
 Morrison, Sr. , was born in 1755. He inherited that 
 portion of the homestead on which his father had 
 lived and died. After the formation of Washing- 
 ton county, he was commissioned as captain of a 
 company of the Washington Rangers, who were 
 organized for defense against the intrusions of 
 savage foes. In 1791 he married Mary Gibson, 
 daughter of William Gibson, Sr. , of Lancaster 
 county, and sister of the wife of James Bradford, 
 Jr.. of Strabane township. He was a member of 
 the first board of trustees of the Chartiers (Presby- 
 terian) Church, over which Dr. John McMillan so 
 long served as pastor. He resided on the home- 
 stead until his death, November 14, 1813, and was 
 buried in the graveyard on his own farm beside 
 the remains of his father. His wife died August 
 23, 1834, at the age of sixty-five years. Her re- 
 mains were deposited beside those of her husband, 
 in their quiet resting place. A few years ago their 
 remains were removed, and were interred in the 
 cemetery at Washington. They had issue : William, 
 Margaret, John, Elizabeth, James, Jr., Guyon and 
 Mary. 
 
 William, the eldest of the family of James, 
 Sr., was born March 19, 1793; in 1833 he married 
 Sarah Munce, and resided, for a time, on a portion 
 of the homestead; afterward, he purchased an ad- 
 joining tract to which he removed, and on which he 
 resided until his death, on May 13, 1853; his wife 
 died February 26, 1885, aged about eighty years; 
 they had issue: Mary, Sarah, Elizabeth, Margaret, 
 James G. and Anna. Of the family of William, 
 Mary, Margaret and James G. are unmarried, and 
 reside in the borough of Washington. James G. 
 owns his father's portion of the Morrison home- 
 stead. Sarah, daughter of William, married John 
 B. Miller, late of Canton township, but died a num- 
 ber of years ago, without issue. Elizabeth, daugh- 
 ter of William, married John Kussell in 1864, and 
 resides in Chartiers township; she survives her 
 husband, who died in January, 1893, leaving issue: 
 Lula (wife of Rev. J. R. Hosick), Anna and J. Mack 
 
 (a student of medicine). Anna, youngest of the 
 family of William, married John Gibson Johnson, 
 and has since resided in Cross Creek village; they 
 have issue: George V., William M. and Ernest. 
 
 Margaret (daughter of James, Sr. ) was bom 
 January 2, 1795; in 1818 she married James Brad- 
 ford, and removed to Cadiz, in Harrison Co., Ohio, 
 where her husband died in October, 1826, at the 
 age of thirty-seven years. They had issue: James 
 M., David and Elizabeth (surname Bradford). 
 Afterward she returned to the home of her kindred 
 in Washington county. In 1832 she married 
 David Watson, and resided in Chartiers township, 
 where her husband died May 22, 1S43, at the age 
 of fifty-one years. They had issue: John M., 
 Mary and George Newton (surname Watson). 
 Afterward she removed to her inheritance in Peters 
 township, where she resided until her death, Jan- 
 uary 17, 1875. 
 
 James M. Bradford (eldest of the family of Mar- 
 garet) was born in February, 1820; on reaching 
 adult years he returned to Harrison county, Ohio, 
 where he has resided ever since; in 1844 he mar- 
 ried Juliana Lewis, who died in December, 1890; 
 they had issue: Ann Eliza, born in 1845, who mar- 
 ried Dr. J. G. Kennedy, and, secondly, Marion 
 Coats, and died in April, 1890, leaving issue, Wil- 
 bur W. Kennedy. David Bradford (son of Marga- 
 ret) was born December 24, 1821; on July 14, 
 1859, he married Rebecca Ann Bell, and has re- 
 sided in Chartiers township ever since; for many 
 years he was engaged in the mercantile business, 
 but, latterly, he has retired from that employ- 
 ment, and for some time has resided in Houston- 
 ville; politically, he has been honored, by the 
 people of Washington county, with a term as 
 county auditor, and with a term as county com- 
 missioner; they have had issue: John and Mary. 
 John, who was born August 22, 1860, is unmar- 
 ried, and resides with his parents; Mary died 
 October 5, 1889, in early womanhood. Elizabeth 
 Bradford (daughter of Margaret) resided with her 
 mother in her declining years; after the death of 
 her mother she removed to Scio, Harrison Co., Ohio, 
 where she still resides; she is unmarried. John 
 M. Watson (son of Margaret) was born January 
 31, 1834; in 1866 he married Sarah Borland, and 
 resided on the homestead in Peters township for 
 some years; afterward he purchased a tract in 
 North Strabane township where he has since re- 
 sided ; they have no issue. Mary Watson (daughter 
 of Margaret) was born about 1836; in October, 
 1859, she married Peter Martin, and has since re- 
 sided in Chartiers township; they have issue: Eva 
 (wife of John Jamison), Anna, George and Eliza- 
 beth. George Newton Watson (youngest of the 
 family of Margaret) was born in December, 1839; 
 in 1876, he married Margaret Palmer, and 
 
666 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 removed to Washington county, Iowa, where he re- 
 sided until his death in May, 1891; they had issue: 
 two daughters. 
 
 John (son of James, Sr.) was horn March 19, 
 1797. He inherited that portion of the homestead 
 on which his father and grandfather had lived and 
 died. In 1867 he removed to Harrison county, 
 Ohio, where he resided with his nephew, James 
 M. Bradford. In 1870 he sold his inheritance in 
 Chartiers township, in Washington county, to his 
 brother Guyon. Afterward he returned to Wash- 
 ington county, where he resided at the home of 
 his nephew, David Bradford, until his death, 
 November 25, 1880. He was unmarried. 
 
 Elizabeth (daughter of James, Sr. ) was born 
 November 11, 1798. On December 4, 1823, she 
 married Andrew Allison, son of Judge James 
 Allison, and resided on the Allison homestead, in 
 Chartiers township, where her husband died, Jan- 
 uary 26, 1854, at the age of fifty-nine years. 
 After the death of her husband, she removed to 
 Canonsburg, where she resided for some years. 
 Afterward she removed to the home of her daugh- 
 ter, Henrietta, in Warren count}', Ohio, where she 
 resided until her death, November 19,1878. They 
 had issue: Mary, James, George, Rachel, Margaret, 
 Elizabeth, Henrietta and Andrew, Jr. Of the 
 family of Elizabeth, Mary, George and Margaret 
 died in January, 1836. James (son of Elizabeth) 
 was born April 16, 1826; he completed a classical 
 course in Jefferson College, but died soon after- 
 ward, on January 21, 1849. Rachel (daughter of 
 Elizabeth) died, July 26, 1857, in early woman- 
 hood. Elizabeth (daughter of Elizabeth) was born 
 October 21, 1836; on March 29, 1855, she mar- 
 ried Dr. John W. Martin, a physician of Can- 
 onsburg, who afterward entered the mercantile 
 business in which he has been engaged ever since; 
 she died September 14, 1881; they had issue: 
 James Allison (deceased), Charles Edward, John 
 Clark, Ralph, and Mary (wife of William A. 
 Dickson). Henrietta (daughter of Elizabeth) was 
 born March 31, 1840; on May 3, 1865, she married 
 Joseph W. Culbertson, and removed to Warren 
 county, Ohio, where she still resides; they have 
 issue: Mary (wife of John Harkrader), James Mar- 
 tin (deceased) and Isabella. Andrew, Jr. (youngest 
 of the family of Elizabeth) was born January 26. 
 1845; he graduated in the classical course at Jeffer- 
 son College in 1865; he completed a course in 
 medicine in Jefferson Medical College, Philadel- 
 phia, and removed to Westchester, in Butler Co., 
 Ohio, where he was engaged in the practice of 
 medicine until his death, September 26, 1871; he 
 was unmarried. 
 
 James, Jr. (son of James, Sr.) was born Novem- 
 ber 28, 1800. He settled on the portion of the 
 homestead, which he had inherited from his father, 
 where he resided until his death September 27, 
 
 1875. He left his inheritance to his son James, who 
 still owns the property. James, son of James, Jr. , 
 was born April 26, 1S35. On December 11, 1866 t 
 he married Elizabeth McPeak, and for a time re- 
 sided on the homestead. Some years ago he re- 
 moved to Canonsburg, where he has resided ever 
 since. They have no issue. 
 
 Guyon Morrison, whose portrait appears in con- 
 nection with this sketch of the Morrison family, 
 and who is a son of James Morrison, Sr. , was born 
 August 5, 1804. He attended Jefferson College 
 for some time, but did not graduate. On May 23, 
 1S33, he married Jane Johnston, daughter of 
 Richard and Jane (Bradford) Johnston, and re- 
 moved to Belmont county, Ohio, where for a time 
 he was engaged in mercantile business. In ]s:!6 
 he removed to the adjoining county of Harrison, 
 and resided on a farm near Franklin until 1870. 
 In that year he purchased from his brother John 
 the homestead inheritance, in Chartiers township, 
 Washington county. In the same year he returned 
 to the home of his boyhood, where he resided until 
 his death, December 11, 1876. The death of 
 his wife occurred June 2, 1888, at the age of sev- 
 enty seven years. They had issue: John. 
 
 In a brief reference to the life of Guyon Mor- 
 rison, it may be stated that from his youth he was a 
 diligent student of science, history and literature. 
 In regard to public improvements and public issues, 
 his views were liberal and progressive. In accord 
 with the history and traditions of his kindred, he 
 was a Whig, and, later, a Republican. In his re- 
 ligious belief, he was a strict constructionist. He 
 had been reared under the ministry of Dr. John 
 McMillan, who, during his long pastorate, had 
 rigidly adhered to the use of the Scripture Psalms 
 in the worship of the sanctuary. After his removal 
 to Ohio, he became a member of the Associate Re- 
 formed Church, and retained his connection also with 
 its successor the United Presbyterian Church, until 
 his death. He was chosen a ruling elder in the 
 Associate Reformed Church of Franklin, and served 
 in that capacity until his removal from that region. 
 He was tolerant of the opinions and prejudices of 
 his fellow-men. He died as he had lived, a consist- 
 ent Christian. 
 
 John, son of Guyon, was born November 18, 
 1848. He completed a classical course at Mon- 
 mouth College, at Monmouth, 111., where he grad- 
 uated in 1869. In January, 1879, he became as- 
 sociated with Rev. A. G. McCoy in the publication 
 of the Christian Instructor, which they had pur- 
 chased, and removed from Philadelphia to Chicago. 
 He was engaged in this work for sixteen months, 
 when he disposed of his interest in the publication 
 and retired from the management. Afterward he 
 was, for some time, engaged in mercantile business 
 in Chicago. After disposing of this property, he 
 entered upon the study of medicine. He completed 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 667 
 
 the course at Rush Medical College, where, iu 
 1887, he received the degree of Doctor of Medi- 
 cine. Afterward he removed to Canonsburg, 
 Penn., where he has since resided. He is a life 
 member of the Western Pennsylvania Humane So- 
 ciety, Historical Society and University Extension 
 Society. He is still in possession of the Mor- 
 rison homestead in Chartiers township. 
 
 Mary Morrison (youngest of the family of James, 
 Sr.) was born November 16, 1806. In 1829 she 
 married Marshall McOall, and removed to Belmont 
 county, Ohio. From there she removed to the ad- 
 joining county of Harrison, where she resided 
 until her death, September 17, 1849. Her husband 
 married a second time, and removed to Wenona, 
 Marshall Co., 111., where he resided until his death, 
 September 29, 1873, at the age of sixty-eight years. 
 They had issue : John A. , James M. , Mary Jane and 
 Margaret. John A., eldest of the family of Mary, 
 was born probably in 1830. He attended a course 
 at Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio. He studied 
 law at Cadiz, Ohio, where he was admitted to the 
 bar. Soon afterward he married Margaret Hender- 
 son, and removed to Wenona, 111., where he re- 
 sided for a number of years. Afterward he removed 
 to Kansas, where he has since resided. They have 
 issue: Marshall, Elizabeth, Sarah, and perhaps 
 others whose names are not known. James M. , son 
 of Mary, was born probably in 1832. He accompa- 
 nied his brother John on the removal of the latter to 
 Wenona, 111. .where he has resided ever since. He 
 is unmarried. Mary Jane, daughter of Mary, was 
 born about 1835. About 1854 she married Leon- 
 ard D. Rowley, and resided some years in Har- 
 rison county, Ohio. Afterward she removed to 
 Mendota, 111., where she resided until her death 
 about 1876. Her husband, who survived her, re- 
 moved to Akron, Ohio, where he has since resided. 
 They had issue: Catherine (wife of Mr. McGall- 
 iard, of Akron, Ohio) and John (who resides at the 
 same place). Margaret, daughter of Mary, waB 
 born about 1838. About 1858 she married Dr. 
 Arter, of Carrollton, Ohio. After a residence of 
 some years at that place, she removed to Canton, 
 Ohio, where she has since resided. They have no 
 issue. 
 
 THOMAS H. RALSTON is a native of Brooke 
 county, W. Va.. where his ancestors were 
 among the earliest residents along King's 
 creek. The first member of this well- 
 known family to locate in that vicinity was 
 Joseph Ralston, who was born and married in 
 Scotland. He came to America priqr to the Revo- 
 lution, and finally settled in Brooke county, W. 
 Va. , where he took up a vast tract of land on 
 King's creek. Indians were numerous then, and 
 wild beasts roamed through the forest, making pi- 
 oneer life extremely dangerous. The family of 
 
 Joseph Ralston consisted of but two sons, Joseph 
 and Samuel. They were frequently taken with the 
 mother to Fort Pitt (where Pittsburgh now stands), 
 while the father lived for months in his cabin in 
 the wilderness, without a fire, lest the attention of 
 the Indians should be attracted. Joseph Ralston 
 and his wife passed their days on the farm, and in 
 a good old age were laid to rest in Three Springs 
 cemetery, Brooke county, W. Va. The land, which 
 had then increased in value, was left to his two 
 sons. Samuel (the younger son), was married to 
 Martha Tucker, of Hanover township, who bore 
 him four sons and eight daughters, all of whom 
 lived to marry and have children. 
 
 Joseph Ralston, eldest son of Joseph, was first 
 married to Ann McCready, of Beaver county, who 
 lived with her parents on Mill creek, now Hooks- 
 town, Penn. They were early settlers in that sec- 
 tion, and of Irish descent. To this union were 
 born ten sons and one daughter. The youngest 
 child, named McCready, died unmarried at the age 
 of twenty-eight years, and the only daughter was 
 married to Daniel Wilson; the others were also 
 married. The mother died and was buried in 
 Three Springs cemetery. For his second choice 
 Joseph Ralston selected Sarah Greer, a native of 
 Carroll county, Ohio, living near Harlem Springs. 
 She borehim seven children, of whom one died in in- 
 fancy, and another never married. The father 
 lived to be about seveuty-two years of age, dying 
 about 1835. The greater part of his life was 
 passed in farming, and he built the first gristmill 
 in that country. His property became very valua- 
 ble, and the gristmill was owned and operated by 
 his descendants of the two generations following. 
 After a long: and useful life, he was laid to rest in 
 Three Springs cemetery, where his parents ana 
 wives were buried. 
 
 Joseph Ralston was the oldest of the eleven 
 children born to Joseph and Ann (McCready) 
 Ralston. He was born March 5, 1791, on the old 
 homestead in Brooke county, W. Va. When a 
 young man he learned the miller's trade in his 
 father's mill, and finally took charge of the busi- 
 ness, which he conducted for many years. In 1817 
 he married Lucinda P. Holmes, who was born 
 March 7, 1795, east of the mountains. She was a 
 daughter of Thomas and Nancy (McNeely) Holmes, 
 both of whom were natives of County Donegal, 
 Ireland. The McNeely family was an eminent one 
 in Ireland, and the brothers of Nancy were all 
 legislators there. Thomas Holmes was a shoe- 
 maker, and in about 1789 came to America, locating 
 temporarily near New York City. He removed 
 farther west and settled in Brooke coiiuty, W. Va. , 
 where he died at the age of ninety-six years. His 
 wife died when over one hundred years old, in 
 Guernsey county, Ohio, at the home of her son, 
 Isaac Holmes. 
 
668 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 The children of Joseph and Lucinda P. (Holmes) 
 Ralston were born as follows: Isaac, was killed 
 when a young man, by a horse; Mary A., is the 
 wife of J. H. Harper, of Burgettstown, Penn. ; 
 Joseph, a miller, while taking a cargo of flour to 
 New Orleans, contracted bilious fever in that city, 
 died May 30, 1846; Thomas H. , whose sketch fol- 
 lows; Eli, deceased at the age of two years; Car- 
 oline. Mrs. Miller Shane, of Burgettstown, Penn.; 
 and William, a school teacher, died January 1, 
 18(51, at the age of twenty-eight years. Mr. Ral- 
 ston passed his life on the old place, and followed 
 milling. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
 and voted with the Democratic party. • He and his 
 wife were members of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Three Springs, of which he was an elder for many 
 years. In 1846, while on a trip to Buffalo, N. Y., 
 with a cargo of flour, he was taken sick with bil- 
 ious fever, and returning home, died July 18. 
 L846, followed by his wife December 26, of the 
 same year. They were buried in Three Springs 
 cemetery, which now contains four generations of 
 this name, who were at one time by far the most 
 numerous family on King's creek. 
 
 Thomas H. Ralston was born July 19, 1826, in 
 Hancock county, W. Va., on the ancestral acres. 
 In early life he learned the ci oper's trade, in which 
 he became an expert. When his elder brother died, 
 he took charge of his father's mill, in which busi- 
 ness he continued many years. On April '26, 1859, 
 he was married to Rebecca Graham, who was born 
 January 17, 1S33, in Hancock county, W. Va., a 
 daughter of Thomas and Honor Graham. Their 
 union lias been blessed wit h the following children: 
 Lucinda P. ( Mrs. James Work, of Florence), William 
 S. (a farmer of Hanover township), George G. (at 
 home), Anna K. (Mrs. S. F. Campbell, of Hanover 
 township), and Jessie M. (at home). Mr. Ralston 
 conducted the old mill until April 10, 1873, when 
 he came to Hanover township. Washington county, 
 locating on the "Moses McLaughlin'' place, where 
 he has since resided. He is now following farm 
 ing and stock raising, having made many improve- 
 ments on the place, which are indicative of his 
 progressive spirit. He owns several good farms, 
 and is one of the leading men of Hanover town- 
 ship. He, his wife and children are members of 
 the Frankfort Presbyterian Church. 
 
 RS. JEMIMA JACKMAN was born July 
 30, I805,in East Pike Run township, Penn. 
 She is the widow of Joshua Jackman, and 
 daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Dixon) 
 Bailey. Her parents were born in east- 
 ern Pennsylvania, and came, when children, with 
 their parents to Washington county, where they 
 were afterward married. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey 
 were the parents of the following children: Ann, 
 
 John, Mary, Martha, Thomas, Ruth, Hannah, 
 Isaac, Elizabeth, Henry and Jemima. Of this 
 family the latter is the only one living. The 
 father was a farmer and stock dealer, and died at 
 the age of eighty years, the mother having been 
 laid to rest at the age of sixty years. Both were 
 members of the Quaker Church. On April 11. 
 1835, Jemima Bailey was united in marriage with 
 Joshua Jackman, son of William and Elizabeth 
 (Conley) Jackman, who were natives of County 
 Carlo w, Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Jackman came to 
 America many years ago, and settled on a large 
 tract of laud in East Pike Run township, where 
 their children were born and reared as follows: 
 Bernard, William, Mary, Eliza, Joshua, John, 
 Margaret, Nancy, and four who died in infancy. 
 
 Joshua Jackman was born January 29, 1795, on 
 the home place in East Pike Run township. He 
 always resided on the farm, and in politics voted 
 the Republican ticket. He died September 27, 
 1^07, and his widow is living in the old house, 
 which has been her home since 1839. The farm 
 embraces 100 acres of well-cultivated land, in- 
 cluding a good storehouse, barn and all modern 
 improvements. Mrs. Jackman is now in her eighty- 
 seventh year and bids fair to see her fourscore 
 years and ten, being yet as active as many a woman 
 of but sixty years, and still doing the greater part 
 of her housework. She is a member of the Taylor 
 M. E. Church, with which her husband was also 
 identified. They had two daughters, namely: 
 Sarah E., born February 11, 1840, who died De- 
 cember 29, 1S45; and Mary M., born August 10, 
 1841, died January 3, 1846. 
 
 US. MARIA SPEER, oneofthe oldest and 
 most highly esteemed residents of Peters 
 township, Washington county, is the 
 widow of James Speer, a son of James 
 Speer, whose father, Robert Speer, came 
 from Adams county, Penn., at a very early date, and 
 first located in Washington county, but soon after 
 moved with his family to New Concord, Mus- 
 kingum Co., Ohio, where he died. 
 
 James Speer, son of Robert, was born in Adams 
 county, Penn., and when quite young, came east 
 of the mountains with his father, and spent the 
 greater part of his boyhood days near New Con- 
 cord, Ohio. Id those days but few white settlers 
 had penetrated the western forests of Ohio, and 
 the Indians still held possession of the land. The 
 Redmeu of that vicinity were for the most part 
 friendly to the " Palefaces," and often paid visits 
 to the Speer family, on which occasions the squaws 
 would invariably leave their papooses outsides 
 tightly strapped to a board. In the forest wilds, 
 surrounded by Indians and savage beasts, James 
 Speer grew to manhood, and was married to Miss 
 
fe^^-^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 671 
 
 Catherine Latta. After their wedding the young 
 couple moved to Washington county, Penn. , and 
 settled on the farm in Peters township, where they 
 lived until his death, November 14, 1849. Six 
 children were born of their union, viz. : Deborah, 
 Robert, Thomas L., James, Jane and Nancy, all of 
 whom are 'now deceased. James Speer, Sr. , was a 
 member of the Associate Reformed Church, of 
 Cross Roads, and one of its organizers. In poli- 
 ties he was a Whig. 
 
 James Speer, son of James and Catherine Speer, 
 was born December 10, 1810, on the farm in 
 Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 his widow is yet living. He was trained in the 
 usual duties of agriculture, and passed his youth 
 on the place. On February 2, 1839, he married 
 Miss Maria Calahan, who was born October 4, 
 1 S 1 4 , in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 a daughter of the late Thomas Calahan, who was 
 a son of Joseph Calahan, a native of Ireland. Her 
 father was a carpenter. Her mother, died when 
 she was but five years of age, and she went to 
 live with John Rankin, a farmer of Washington 
 county, Penn., where she remained until her mar- 
 riage. Of the union of James and Maria Speer 
 were born eight children, viz.: Mary (Mrs. Will- 
 iam Boon), Kate, Eliza J. (deceased), a son deceased 
 in infancy, Adeline (wife of George Scott, of Des 
 Moines, Iowa), Blanche (Mrs. James Emery, of 
 Washington county), an infant daughter (deceased), 
 Anna Margaret (widow of William Paden, has one 
 son, Lloyd H., and is now living with her mother, 
 Maria Speer). The home farm contains 127 acres 
 of excellent land, on which a test oil well is being 
 put down, oil having already been found in paying 
 quantities; and they are still drilling with the ex- 
 pectation of finding more of the valuable lubricant. 
 Mr. Speer was a Republican, and a member of the 
 Uuited Presbyterian Church, of Mt. Prospect. He 
 died April 29, 1878. 
 
 FJRANK CRAVEN. This enterprising young 
 business man has from early boyhood been 
 identified with the interests of California, 
 Penn. His elementary education was ob- 
 tained in the public schools of this village, and 
 he then attended the Southwestern State Nor- 
 mal School, at California. After leaving school 
 he was engaged in various pursuits near Cali- 
 fornia, and served one year as mail clerk between 
 Pittsburgh and Harrisburg, on the Pennsylvania 
 Central Railroad. He then entered the employ of 
 Morgan & Dixon, and soon afterward purchased 
 a general store in partnership with L. T. Clay- 
 baugh. One year later Mr. Claybaugh sold his in- 
 terest to John Dixon. Later Mr. Dixon retired and 
 John S. Beazell purchased his interest; the firm is 
 now Craven & Beazell, extensive dealers in gro- 
 ceries and general produce. 
 
 Frank Craven married Myrtilla, daughter of 
 Jonathan West, October 17, 1878. This lady's 
 father was a son of Thomas West, and grandson of 
 Jonathan West. The latter was born in Ireland, 
 andcomingto America in youth, located permanent- 
 ly on a farm in Washington county, Penn. He was 
 an Old-line Democrat in politics, and in religion 
 one of the founders of the "West" Protestant Epis- 
 copal Church. His children were born as foHows: 
 Jonathan, Robert, Thomas, Edward, Mary (wife 
 of Robert Gregg), Ann (Mrs. Morris) and Jane 
 (Mrs. Howden). Thomas West, sou of Jonathan, 
 Sr., was born and reared in West Pike Run town- 
 ship. In early life ho was married to Margaret 
 Hopkins, who bore him three children, namely: 
 Thomas, Catherine and Jonathan. The father 
 followed agricultural pursuits, and lived but a few 
 years after his marriage. Jonathan West, son of 
 Thomas, was born in February, 1827, in West 
 Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 receiving his early education in the neighboring 
 schools. In ]sr>0 hi' was united in marriage with 
 Melinda, daughter of Edward Gregg, who was 
 born and reared in Washington county, Penn. 
 Edward Gregg was married to Mary Maple, and 
 their children were Mary J., wife of James Baker; 
 Stephen; Melinda, wife of Jonathan West; Seth; 
 Maria; John and Maple. Mr. Gregg was a pros 
 perous farmer and stock raise]-. He voted with 
 the Whig and Republican parties, and was a mem- 
 ber of the Taylor M. E. Church, in which he offi- 
 ciated as elder, class leader, and Sunday-school 
 superintendent. He and his wife were buried in 
 the Taylor Church cemetery. Mr. and Mrs. West 
 resided on a farm in West Pike Run township un- 
 til 1861, when they moved to Virginia, where he 
 enlisted in Company B, Eighty second O. V. I. He 
 was then sent to the army of the Potomac, and 
 participated in numerous engagements. On July 
 2, 1863, he was captured at the battle of Gettys- 
 burg, and was first taken to Belle Isle, thence to 
 Andersonville, where he died the following June. 
 The children of this soldier were born as follows: 
 .Mary E. (deceased), Margaret E. (wife of D. H. 
 Lewis), Mary J. (married to Emerson Reed), Dora 
 I. (wife of John S. Beazell), Myrtilla (married to 
 Frank Craven) and Kate. 
 
 THOMAS H. ACKLESON, an enterprising 
 and prosperous farmer of Smith township, 
 is a son of Thomas, and grandson of Thomas 
 Ackleson, Sr. The last named was born, 
 reared and married in Ireland, and coming 
 to America soon afterward, located in the Chartiers 
 Valley, Allegheny county, Penn., and reared the 
 following children: Robert (born on the voyage 
 across the ocean), John, James, Samuel, Thomas, 
 Isabel and Mary, all of whom lived to an adult 
 
672 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 age. The father passed his life in agricultural 
 pursuits, both he and his wife dying on the home 
 farm. 
 
 Thomas Ackleson was born in 1800, on the 
 home farm in Allegheny county. He received a 
 limited education, then learned the shoemaker's 
 trade, which he followed in connection with agri- 
 culture almost to the closeof his life. He married 
 Letitia McCounell, daughter of ( Jeorge McConnell, 
 a native of Ireland, who served in the war of the 
 Revolution and in the war of 1812. She was born 
 in Allegheny county in 1802. To her were born 
 Mary Ann (who married Andrew Butler, who died 
 two years after, leaving one daughter, Mary E., 
 now Mrs. William Adams of Allegheny county. 
 She nest married Bingham McKnight, and to 
 them one sou was born —Alexander now of Den- 
 ver, Colo. He died in I860), Surah J. (unmarried, 
 resides with her brother, Thomas H.), Isabel and 
 Elizabeth (unmarried), Martha (deceased wife of 
 John Woodburn), Thomas E. (of whom further 
 mention is made), David McConnell (enlisted in 
 Company I, First P. V. C. . killed near Belle 
 Plains) and Margaret (widow of George M. Pyle). 
 
 Mr. Ackleson followed farming in Allegheny 
 county for some time after his marriage, then 
 came to Washington county, locating on a farm 
 near Hill's Station, Cecil township, and his last 
 days were passed on a farm in Smith township. 
 He was a Democrat before the war, afterward be- 
 coming a Republican; in private life as well as in 
 public, he won the esteem of all. In religious 
 connection he was a member of the U. P. Church. 
 He died in 18S1, having been preceded by his 
 wife in 1856. 
 
 Thomas H. Ackleson was born February 25, 
 1839, in Cecil township, this county, and in early 
 life began to assist in the duties of the farm, being 
 educated in the neighboring district schools. He 
 married Margaret Scott December 25, 1867, who 
 was born in IS Id, daughter of Finley Scott, of 
 Smith township, this county, and they have had 
 the following children: David M. (deceased at the 
 age of nine years) and Finley S., Thomas L., Ida 
 M.. Chessie E., Samuel S., Emma M. , John H. , 
 Annie B. , Lizzie and Jennie Viola, all living 
 at home. Thomas H. and Margaret (Scott) 
 Ackleson first settled on a farm near Bavington, 
 Smith township, and for several years sold agri- 
 cultural implements at Burgettstown, this county. 
 Afterward selling out, he moved to a place near 
 Bulger's Station, and shipped milk to Pittsburgh. 
 In 1887 he moved. upon the well-improved farm he 
 now occupies, situate. 1 about one mile and a half 
 northwest of Burgettstown, Smith township, where 
 he is very extensively engaged in the shipping 
 business, being the leading dairyman in the vicin- 
 ity. He is decidedly practical and progressive in 
 
 his work, and has been president of the first 
 creamery and cheese factory in Washington 
 county, located at Bulger's Station, and has 
 served as school director different terms, and other 
 township offices. He has always been a leader in 
 progressive movements, and identities himself with 
 everything tending to aid or improve his special 
 work. He and his esteemed wife are members of 
 the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown. 
 and politically he is an adviser and counselor in 
 the Republican party. 
 
 [ACOB B. PHILLIS. The Phillis family 
 were among the earliest residents of Smith 
 
 desperation they de- 
 see upon what kind of 
 After observation thev 
 
 I 
 
 ft I township. Washington county. On 'May Id 
 ^^ 1776, Joseph Phillis received the first gen 
 nine land title which was issued in Smith 
 township. He was born in Ireland, about 1744, 
 and was married in that country to Elizabeth Lit- 
 tle. In 177o became to America, locating in this 
 county, near the present site of McDonald village. 
 He raised the first crop of corn in that, part of the 
 county, which crop yielded fifty bushels to the 
 acre, then considered a very large average. Joseph 
 Phillis was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and 
 after its close located on a part of the Hoagland 
 and Crawford tract in Smith township, which has 
 since been in the possession of the Phillis family, 
 a portion of the old farm being now owned 
 by the widow of Andrew Phillis. Before the 
 first crops were raised, the family came near 
 starving, and driven to 
 cided to watch a cow and 
 vegetation she subsisted, 
 made "greens" the food of the family, and bo 
 managed to exist until the grain was ripened to 
 replenish the empty larder. Indians were numer- 
 ous and hostile in those earl}' days, and wild ani- 
 mals were plenty. The home of these early pioneers 
 was known as the " Dunmore War tract,'' and 
 under careful cultivation the wild land soon as- 
 sumed an air of comfort and civilization, becoming 
 in time a valuable piece of property. Joseph Phillis 
 died in 1S30, at an advanced age, his wife having 
 "gone before" in 1827. leaving the following chil- 
 dren: John (who died in Guernsey county. Ohio, 
 was the father of sixteen children), James (deceased 
 in the lumber regions of Pennsylvania), Joseph 
 (passed the latter years of his life in Columbiana 
 county, Ohio), Charles (deceased in Ohio), Jacob 
 (mentioned farther on), William (deceased in 
 youth), Thomas (passed his entire life in Smith 
 (iwnship), Nancy (wife of David Alexander, a 
 farmer of Smith township), Elizabeth (married to 
 Thomas Cherry, of Mt. Pleasant township), Jane 
 (wife of Joseph Walker) and Catharine (Mrs. 
 Gilbert Hnllick, of Smith township). 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 673 
 
 Jacob Phillia was born April 8, 17f)2, and reared 
 ou the home farm in Smith township, receiving a 
 subscription-school education. Ann 15. Phillis, 
 wife of Jacob Phillis, born July 13, 17'. IS, was a 
 daughter of Robert Bruce. She bore him children 
 as follows: Andrew (deceased), Joseph (deceased 
 farmer of Smith township), Elizabeth (deceased 
 wife of William Hammond), Nancy (wife of Thomas 
 Pyles, of Guernsey county, Ohio), John (deceased 
 at Cairo, 111.), Mary (wife of Ephraim Wallower, 
 of Ohio, now living in Des Moines, Iowa), Mar 
 garet (deceased wife of William Vance, Elizabeth- 
 town, Ky.), Jacob (deceased in early manhood), 
 Jane (deceased wife of Isaac James), and Ellen 
 (deceased wife of Talbert Shipley). After his 
 marriage Mr. Phillis made a permanent home on 
 a part of the original farm, and successfully pur- 
 sued agriculture. He died in 1847, and his widow 
 passed away December 17, 1871. 
 
 Andrew Phillis, son of Jacob and Ann (Bruce) 
 Phillis, was born February 5, 1818, on the old 
 homestead in Smith township, where bis boyhood 
 days were passed, receiving his education at the 
 country schools. In 1857 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary M. Leech, who was born in 1828, 
 daughter of James Leech, Esq., of Smith township. 
 This wife died August 1, 1864, having borne him 
 two children: James P. (deceased at the age of 
 four years), and Jacob B. (whose name opens this 
 sketch). The mother was laid to rest in the 
 United Presbyterian cemetery at Burgettstown. 
 On August 28, 1807, Andrew Phillis married, for 
 his second wife, Mary A. Logan, who was born 
 March 0, 1834, in Hancock county, W. Va., daugh- 
 ter of William Logan, a native of Ireland. The 
 children born to the union of Andrew and Mary 
 (Logan) Phillis were as follows: Margaret S. , 
 John L., Lizzie May, Annie M. and Ella J., all of 
 whom are living at home. Andrew Phillis always 
 resided on the home farm, where he died April 1 8, 
 1890. He was formerly a Whig, then united with 
 the Republican party. In religion he was con- 
 nected with the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Burgettstown, this county. He was a successful 
 and respected farmer, and his widow and children 
 have managed the place since his death. 
 
 JOHN NEELY was but an infant when his 
 parents came to Washington county, Penu. 
 His father, John Neely, was born in 1798 in 
 County Tyrone, Ireland, being a weaver by 
 trade. In early life the latter was married 
 to Elizabeth Finton, a native of County Tyrone, 
 Ireland, daughter of Robert Finton. In 1841 this 
 couple sailed from Londonderry, Ireland, on the 
 vessel "North America," commanded by Capt. 
 William Baker. They landed at Philadelphia, 
 Penn., thence pushing westward, and crossing the 
 
 Alleghany mountains on the old inclined planes, 
 located in Hanover township, this county, where 
 they began farming. They were the parents of 
 three children, all of whom were born in Ireland, 
 viz.: Samuel M. and Catherine, living in Hanover 
 township at very advanced ages, and John. The 
 father died in 1884, having been preceded to the 
 grave by his wife. 
 
 John Neely, son of John and Elizabeth Neely, 
 was born February, 20, 1840, in Cooley Parish. 
 County Tyrone, Ireland, and was reared on the 
 farm in Pennsylvania, also attending the subscrip 
 tion schools of bis adopted State. On January 21, 
 L868, he wooed and won Clarissa A. Hart, of 
 Tuscarawas county, Ohio. She was born in Oc 
 tober, 1844, and was a daughter of Leonard Hart. 
 a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who waH an early 
 settler of Ohio. The children of John and Clarissa 
 Neely were as follows: George P., Margaret E., 
 John L., Clarissa J., Stewart E., Catherine A., 
 Emma I., Samuel M. , Clarence H. , Robert S., and 
 Ray, of whom Stewart E. , Catherine A., and Ray are 
 deceased. Mr. and Mis. Neely resided in Tuscar 
 awas county, Ohio, for sixteen years after their 
 marriage, and in 1884 came to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating in Hanover township on the "old 
 Fullerton farm," where they have since lived. 
 Mr. Neely is a farmer and stock raiser, and was 
 among the first to conceive the idea of a creamery 
 in his neighborhood. He took an active part in 
 organizing a stock company for the operation of 
 the proposed industry, which unfortunately failed 
 to materialize, resulting in financial loss to Mr. 
 Neely. Politically he is a Democrat, and in re- 
 ligions faith both he and his estimable wife are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Samuel Neely was married in 1875 to a Miss 
 Maria Dixon, of Clinton, Washington county. 
 They have three children: John D., James S. 
 and Catherine B. 
 
 JOHN IAMES MARTIN, one of the most pro 
 gressive citizens of West Bethlehem town- 
 ship, was born February 28, 1828, on the 
 farm of his father, in that township. 
 
 He is a grandson of James Martin, a na- 
 tive of New Jersey, who emigrated to Washington 
 county in the latter part of the last century, 
 settling upon the tract in West Bethlehem town- 
 ship, part of which his grandson still owns. Here 
 he toiled until death called him, at an advanced 
 age. He was a blacksmith, and made many of the 
 hinges, nails, etc., used on his buildings. His 
 education was received at the subscription schools. 
 Joseph Martin, father of John lames Martin, was 
 born on the old homestead in 1784, and passed his 
 boyhood in attending the common schools, and 
 working on the farm. By taking advantage of 
 
674 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 every opportunity, he succeeded in obtaining an 
 education superior to that of many of his associates. 
 In 1822 he married Nancy lames, daughter of John 
 lames, who for many years conducted a milling 
 business in Amwell township, this county. To this 
 union were born the following children: Morgan, 
 a prominent farmer of Amwell township; Elizabeth. 
 who died in infancy; John lames, subject of this 
 sketch; Ann, the wife of Andrew Van Dyke, of 
 Amwell township; Sarah, wife of Neal Zollars, of 
 East Bethlehem township, and Joseph, who de- 
 parted this life in 1852, aged twenty-two years. 
 
 John lames Martin passed his young days upon 
 the farm, and received a fair education in the 
 schools of the period. In 1852 he married Eliz- 
 abeth Barr, daughter of Samuel Barr, of West 
 Bethlehem township, and to them were born the 
 following children: Joseph, Sarah, Jackson, 
 Martha. Samuel and Clarion, all of whom are liv- 
 ing except Joseph, who died in 1872 at the age of 
 twenty one years. Mr. Martin was a Democrat, and 
 one of the counselors of his party, although by no 
 means a politician in the general sense of the 
 term. He and his family are members of the 
 Winnett Chapel Methodist Church, Mrs. Martin 
 being one of the most active and valued members. 
 The farm of Mr. Martin consists of about 155 acres 
 of land, all in a high state of cultivation. 
 
 FHILO REYNOLDS, an esteemed and pros- 
 perous farmer of Amwell township, is a 
 grandson of Benedict Reynolds, who came 
 from New Jersey and settled in South Stra- 
 bane township on a farm, about six miles 
 southeast of Washington borough. The following 
 are the names of his children: Richard. Henry, 
 Zachariah, Lloyd, Polly, Susan and Sally. Mr. 
 Reynolds was a successful business man, owning 
 several nice farms, and of these he gave one to 
 each of his sons before he died. 
 
 Lloyd Reynolds was born in South Strabane 
 township, Washington Co., Peun.. May It', 17U4, 
 and lived at home until some time after his mar- 
 riage. On March 23, 1826, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah Redd, who was born June 29, 
 1805, and to this union were born children as fol- 
 lows: Louisa, born March 28, 1827; Silas M. 
 Crispin (deceased); Philo, born October 30, 1828; 
 Lucretia (Mrs. McCherry). born July 31, 1830; 
 Alfred (deceased), born July 11, 1832, and An 
 drew Jackson. Mr. Reynolds died in about 1.836. 
 Philo Reynolds, son of Lloyd and Sarah (Redd) 
 Reynolds, was born in South Strabane township, 
 Washington county, and when ten years old was 
 taken by his mother to live on his grandfather 
 Redd' s farm. He attended the common schools a 
 short time, then went to live with James Wright. 
 At the age of sixteen he learned the blacksmith's 
 
 trade of John Morrow, having lived with him four 
 years, receiving $25 per year, and at the end of the 
 four years had $42 coming to him. When twenty 
 years of age he began business for himself by 
 opening a shop near James Wright's place. On 
 March 17, 1852. Mr. Reynolds was married to 
 Rebecca Wright, who was born June 9, 1825. and 
 they have had three children: James E., a lumber 
 dealer in Washington; Marguerite Jane, who died 
 at the age of seventeen, and Sarah Bell (Mrs. 
 Paul). Mr. Reynolds has followed his trade all his 
 life, and by dint of thrift and enterprise, has ac- 
 cumulated a good property: in 1872 he purchased 
 his present home, as fine a farm as can be found 
 in the township. In politics he is a Democrat, 
 but believes in voting independently of any party 
 or politician, when occasion so demands. In relig- 
 ious connection he was formerly a member of 
 the Christian Church, but is not connected with 
 any religious body at present. 
 
 ILLIAM SMITH. About the year 1785 
 ^ \J K° ljt ' rt Smith came from east of the 
 mountains and located in Bethel town- 
 ship, near Bethel church, in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., and followed agricultural 
 pursuits, and the original farm is now owned by 
 his grandson, John Smith. In 1790 he married 
 Jean, daughter of Daniel Moore, and of this union 
 the following children were born: Daniel (who 
 died in Nebraska); Jennie (deceased wife of Robert 
 Cooly, of Beaver county, Penn.); Mary Ann (de- 
 ceased wife of Henry Keifer, of Beaver county, 
 Penn.); Elizabeth (wife of Robert Bryarly, of 
 Beaver county, Penn.); Agnes (deceased wife of 
 Jacob Keifer, of Beaver county, Penn.); Robert 
 (deceased in Iowa); Polly (wife of John Lesnette, 
 living near Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., Penn. l: 
 Margaret (decease! wife of James Orr, of Holmes 
 county, Ohio); William (subject of this sketch), and 
 •John (who died in Allegheny county, Penn.). The 
 father of this family died in 18 — , aged eighty- 
 three years, the mother in 1863, aged ninety-one, 
 and they are buried in Bethel cemetery. 
 
 William Smith was born August 12, 1812, in 
 Bethel township. Allegheny Co., Penn., and re- 
 ceived his education in the common schools, the 
 principal books in use at the time being the United 
 States Speller and Western Calculator. On April 
 1 1'.. IS40, he was married to Sarah H, daughter 
 of George and Jean Ciumiugham, who came from 
 Scotland in 1802. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith eleven 
 children were born, seven of whom were deceased 
 in youth: those yet living are George C. (of Castle 
 Shannon, Penn.); Adaline J. (wife of Alexander 
 Bailey, of Xenia, Ohio); Daniel W. (of Bulger, 
 Penn.) and Anna B. (wife of S. D. Jones, of Mount 
 Pleasant township). Mr. Smith resided in Bethel 
 
'MTV 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 677 
 
 township until 1846, when he moved to Baldwin 
 township, same county, and there resided until 
 1872, when he moved to Bulger, Washington 
 county, and retired from active business. 
 
 When Mr. and Mrs. Smith went into house- 
 keeping he had but $2.50 to provide for himself 
 and wife. He was a regular attendant at the 
 Pittsburgh markets, and one article in demand at 
 that time was cut straw, which he carried to mar- 
 ket on horseback (tied on with ropes), and sold at 
 12J cents a sack: he has sold butter at 6 cents per 
 pound; has packed oats to Pittsburgh on horse- 
 back, and sold them at 12 J cents per bushel. With 
 these prices obtained, he bought and paid for land. 
 
 On April 16, 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Smith cele- 
 brated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. 
 Of the Smith and Cunningham families represented 
 in the union of this couple, there were twenty-two 
 children, all of whom were married and raised 
 families, seven of whom celebrated golden wed- 
 dings. Of the ten children of Robert Smith they 
 lived to an average age of seventy five years. 
 
 Daniel W. Smith, son of William Smith, was 
 born September 5, 1852, in Baldwin township, 
 
 Allegheny Co., Penn., passing his boy] 1 days 
 
 on the farm, and receiving a common-school edu- 
 cation. In 1872 he came with his parents to 
 Washington county, and on August 26, 1880, was 
 united in marriage with Alice J. Russell, who was 
 born December 8, 1855, daughter of J. S. Russell, 
 of Smith township, this county. The following 
 children were born to them: Mary V., Clara B., 
 Sarah C. , Agnes J., William and John R. Daniel 
 W. and Alice J. Smith first located on a part of his 
 father's farm in Smith township, and upon the 
 death of the latter took charge of the home place, 
 where he is now living. In connection with farm- 
 ing he raises stock and manages a dairy. In poli- 
 tics he is a Republican, and in religion he and wife 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church at Candor. 
 
 l\ JlfRS. ELIZA C. ALLEN. George W. Allen 
 \/| (deceased agriculturist) was born June 2, 
 \XI I 1818, in Fayette county,Penn., on a farm 
 I -* two and one-half miles from Coonellsville. 
 v He was a son of Josiah and Rebecca Al- 
 
 len, who were natives of Fayette county, Penn., 
 and came to Washington county in 1834, settling 
 permanently in Carroll township. 
 
 On February 26, 1840, George W. Allen was 
 united in marriage with Eliza O, daughter of 
 Samuel, and granddaughter of Walter Davis. The 
 grandfather died in Franklin county, Penn., and 
 his son Samuel was born March 7, 1786, on the 
 home place in that county. When a young man, 
 Samuel Davis came to Washington county, and lo- 
 cating on Chartiers creek, became prominently con- 
 nected with the earliest history of Somerset town- 
 ship. He was married to Mary, daughter of Isaac 
 
 Vance, and she bore him four children, none of 
 whom are living. The mother died June 1, 1820 r 
 and for his second wife, Mr. Davis selected Mary, 
 daughter of Isaac and Catherine Teeple. Two 
 children were born to this marriage, namely: Sam- 
 uel M. , living in California, Penn., and Eliza C. 
 (Mrs. Allen), whose name opens this sketch. The 
 mother died April 23, 1824, and his third choice^ 
 was Rhoda Falconer. They had six children. Of 
 these, one daughter is living, viz., Emily Maria 
 Taylor, living at Brownsville, Penn. Mr. Davis 
 was a member of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian 
 Church, and in political opinion was a Democrat. 
 He passed away October 16, 1836, and was laid to 
 rest beside his kiudred in the Pigeon Creek ceme 
 tery. 
 
 To the union of George W. and Eliza C. (Davis) 
 Allen, the following children were born: Mary 
 Lucinda (wife of Lyman Jackson, a prominent 
 railroad official in Allegheny City ), born September 
 1, 1841; Emma R., born October 25, 1843; Marl ha 
 T, born December 4, 1845; Elma L. (deceased 
 March 6, 1S54. interred in Round Hill cemetery, 
 Allegheny county), born April 24, 1S48; Edwin 
 Benton (deceased August 20, 1890, interred in 
 Knoxville cemetery, a prominent business man of 
 Knoxville, Iowa), born October 5, 1850; Edith F. 
 (deceased June 9, 1853, interred in Round Hill 
 cemetery, Allegheny county), born January 24, 
 1 853; Clarence M. (a merchant living at Charleroi, 
 Penn.), born May 6, 1854; Milton J., born October 
 21, 1856, died October 25, 1888; Ella S. (wife of 
 Samuel Swabe, a prosperous farmer of Fallowtield 
 township), born February 16, 1859; Myrtilla F., 
 born July 24, 1861; George B. Mc. (a carpenter of 
 Charleroi), born October 8, 1863, and Addison F. 
 (living on the homestead), born May 24, 1867. At 
 the time of his marriage Mr. Allen possessed little 
 property, but by the assistance of his wife, coupled 
 with his own untiring energy, he accumulated a 
 competence, and finally became the owner of 275 
 acres of land. In his political opinion he was 
 a Democrat, and in religion a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Monongahela City. He 
 was interested in all movements tending to advance 
 Washington county, and was especially devoted 
 to educational progress. He died February 19, 
 1879, was interred in Monongahela cemetery. His 
 widow, an agreeable and popular lady, is yet liv- 
 ing on the place. She has in her possession a diary 
 of her husband, containing the incidents of his 
 life, from the date of his marriage until his death. 
 
 fl( NDREW J. PEESE is a representative of 
 1/ \\ one of the oldest families of Washington 
 lp^\ county. His great-grandfather, Nicholas 
 J) Peese, emigrated from Germany with an 
 
 uncle when but twelve years of age. He af- 
 terward married, and located in Cauiguagig, east of 
 
678 
 
 WASHING TON CO UN T } r , 
 
 the mountains. Three children were there born to 
 thein: Mary, Andrew and George. In 1769 he 
 made an exploring trip on foot to western Penn- 
 sylvania, and took possession of 400 acres of land 
 in North Strabane township, Washington county. 
 He then returned to his family, and placing their 
 household goods on one horse, with the youngest 
 child perched on top of the load, the rest of the 
 family journeyed on foot. They finally arrived 
 at their new home, and a small log hut was erect- 
 ed in which they passed the winter near the pres- 
 ent home of John M. Berry. Only two other set 
 tiers were then in the township, and in their 
 pioneer home the four younger children were born: 
 Nicholas, Catherine, Betsey and Susan. Of these 
 children Nicholas died in youth. Mr. Peese was 
 six feet and one inch in height, well formed, and 
 possessed great powers of physical endurance. He 
 died at the age of one hundred and five years, bis 
 wife at the age of ninety years. 
 
 George Peese, the second son of Nicholas, was 
 four years of age when the family settled in Wash 
 ingt-on county, and was the hero of the horseback 
 ride above mentioned. He grew to manhood, and 
 was married to Lydia, daughter of John Vaughn, 
 a native of New Jersey. The children born to this 
 union were Polly, Andrew, Rebecca, Zaeharias, 
 John, Nicholas, George, Joseph, James, Eliza, 
 Polly, Lydia, and two daughters who died in in- 
 fancy. Polly was burned to death in childhood; 
 Joseph died at the age of thirty years, and James 
 died when twenty-five years old. The other chil- 
 dren married, settled in Washington county, and 
 all are now deceased excepting Zaeharias, John 
 and George. Mr. Peese died March 1, 1849, and 
 ■was followed by his wife in 1865. 
 
 Zaeharias Peese was born in the house which is 
 now the home of John M. Berry. He lived at 
 home until twenty years of age, receiving a limited 
 education, and assisted his father in transport- 
 ing the farm produce to Pittsburgh, making the 
 journey by wagons through miles of unbroken 
 forest. When Zaeharias was twenty-one years of 
 age his father traded farms with his uncle, Andrew 
 Peese, and received in the bargain a saw and grist 
 mill, of which Zaeharias took charge and operated 
 fourteen years. On December 27, 1820, Mr. 
 Peese was united in marriage with Hannah, 
 daughter of Andrew and Polly Peese, and to this 
 union came the following children: William, bom 
 October 13, 1821; Joseph, born August 21, 1823; 
 Andrew J., born July 4, 1824; Mary (Mrs. Jacob 
 Anthony), born May 1, 1827; Lydia, (Mrs. Zaeh- 
 arias Peese), born July 24, 1830; Elizabeth, born 
 June 5, 1833 (died March 11, 1841): George, born 
 April 27, 1835 (died May 3. 1S35); Hannah Jane, 
 born May 20, 1839 (died May 16, 1841), and 
 Phoebe, born April 7, 1811 (died October 30, 1841). 
 Mrs. Peese died October 4, 1846, and on January 
 
 13, 1848, Mr. Peese was married to Jane Jackson, 
 a native of Lancaster county, Penn. , and a con- 
 nection of Andrew Jackson. About 1825 Mr. 
 Peese bought and prepared to move upon a farm 
 in Ohio, but yielding to the request of his father, 
 sold it, and settled on the place in North Stra- 
 bane township where his son William isnow living. 
 He then bought the farm now owned by our sub- 
 ject. Mr. Peese has always been a Democrat, and 
 has filled several township offices. He joined the 
 Presbyteriau Church at the age of eighteen years, 
 and was an elder and member of the Pigeon Creek 
 Church for many years. 
 
 Andrew J. Peese was born and reared in North 
 Strabane township, on the home farm where he is 
 now living, and received his education in an old- 
 time log schoolhouse. On September 27, 1852, 
 he was married to Julia A. Dickson, who was born 
 September 15, 1822, in Peters township, Allegheny 
 Co., Penn. Her parents were both natives of 
 Pennsylvania, the father born in 1802, in Wash- 
 ington county, and the mother in 1805, in Lancas- 
 ter county. They were married in this county, 
 and seven children were born to them, all of whom 
 married and had children. They were as follows: 
 Julia A. (now living); Isaac (now living in Iowa; 
 has been twice married and has had five children, 
 three of whom are now living; he is a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church; his wife is an active 
 worker in the W. C. T. U. ); John (married and 
 has two children; his wife is now deceased, and he 
 is now living in his native county, near Library); 
 Henry (married and living in the State of Califor- 
 nia, where he is engaged in the mining business; 
 he enlisted in the Union army, in an infantry reg- 
 iment, during the Civil war, and being wounded 
 in the battle of Spottsylvania, was discharged; he 
 married Miss Mary French, now living, and is con- 
 nected with several prominent families in the 
 Mouongahela region); Elizabeth (widow of Nelson 
 Phillips; she had eight children: William, Sarah, 
 Nancy. Estelle, Charles, Maggie, Bell and Jasper, 
 of whom Sarah is now dead); Sarah (was twice 
 married, first time to James Brown, by which 
 union there were three children: George, Lizzie 
 and John, the last named being deceased; her 
 second husband is Isaac Lindley, by whom she has 
 had six children, all yet living except one); Rebec- 
 ca (married .some time in the "fifties" to Jesse 
 Canady, of Lancaster county, Penn., and one 
 daughter was born to them, Ulalia, married and 
 yet living; Mr. Canady served a period in the 
 Senate of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rebecca Canady is 
 deceased). The father died some time during " the 
 seventies,'' a member of Baptist Church. Mrs. 
 Dickson, who was a member of the Christian 
 Church, died in 1S77. 
 
 To the union of Andrew J. and Julia A. (Dick- 
 son) Peese three children have been born, namely: 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 679 
 
 Mason Z., born April 20, 1858; Ida E., born April 
 6, 1S60, and John D., born May 3, 1863. Of 
 these children, Ida E.was, on January 2, 1881, mar- 
 ried to John Rasel, a farmer of Amwell township, 
 Washington county, aud to their union two sons 
 have been born: Ray and Harry (Mr. Rasel is act- 
 ively engaged in the work aud success of district- 
 school education). In 1890 John D. was united in 
 marriage with Agnes Dunn, who has borne him 
 two children: Nellie M. and Julia Agnes. Mr. 
 Andrew J. Peese owns and resides on the old 
 homestead. In politics he was a Democrat for 
 many years, but of late has been identified with 
 the Prohibition party. He and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Christian Church. 
 
 HENRY L. STUDA is one of the oldest, 
 most successful and highly esteemed farm- 
 ers of Cross Creek township. He is a son 
 - 1 of Charles and grandson of Louis Studa. 
 r The latter ancestor was born in Hanover, 
 
 Germany, in 1757, and was a miller by trade. He 
 there married Idolla Sagulf, a daughter of a lead- 
 ing attorney, and they died in their native land 
 at advanced age, leaving four children, namely: 
 Hannah, Henry, Charles and Lena. Of these 
 Hannah was born in Hanover in 1787, and iu 1817 
 married Christopher Fisher, who was by trade a 
 carpenter, of Shunhogen, aud resided there with 
 his wife until death removed them at an advanced 
 age; their five children were Charles, William, Au- 
 gust, Henry and Christopher. Henry, brother of 
 Hannah, was born in Hanover in 1789, and mar- 
 ried Caroline Henna, daughter of the burgess of 
 Shunhogen; he was a miller by trade; his four 
 children were Charles, Henry, Millicina and Han- 
 nah. Charles, another brother of Hannah, was, 
 like Henry, a native of Hanover and a miller by 
 trade. He married Millicina Steingreiver, whose 
 father was the hotel-keeper of Shunhogen; their 
 children were Henry L. and Lena. This Charles 
 Studa received a good education, and served sev- 
 eral years in the wars of Napoleon. He partici- 
 pated in the memorable battle of Waterloo, and 
 received a silver medal as an acknowledgment 
 of gallant conduct on that occasion. This valua- 
 ble relic is yet in the possession of his son Henry 
 L. At one time Charles Studa, with others, was 
 taken prisoner and sentenced to be shot, but was 
 saved by the arrival of Russian soldiers, who capt- 
 ured the prison but a few hours previous to the 
 time appointed for the execution. After the bat- 
 tle of Waterloo, the young soldier decided to seek 
 a fortune in the New World. Lena, the youngest 
 child of Louis and Idolla Studa, born in 1794, 
 married Henry Alburn, a farmer, and bore him 
 three children-Henry, Charles and Christopher; 
 Louis Studa, his wife and the four children died 
 at Shunhogen, each attaining an advanced age. 
 
 Charles, the son of Henry and grandson of Louis 
 Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1S16, was a 
 miller by trade, and was married to Millicina Stein- 
 greiver, whose father also was a farmer by occu- 
 pation. They remain in their native land. Henry, 
 the son of Henry and grandson of Louis Studa, 
 was born at Shunhogen in 1818, was a farmer by 
 occupation, and was married to Luweza Cook, 
 whose father also was a farmer; they remain in 
 their native land. Millicina, thedaughter of Henry 
 and granddaughter of Louis Studa, was born at 
 Shunhogen in 1820, and was married February 20, 
 1S48, to Henry L. Studa, who was a farmer by oc- 
 cupation; soon after their marriage they set sail 
 for America, aud landed in Washington county, 
 Penn., where they have been residing ever since. 
 Hannah, the daughter of Henry and granddaugh- 
 ter of Louis Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1822, 
 and was married to William Didritch, who was an 
 officer in the military troops; they remain in 
 their native laud, having three children, namely: 
 Richard, Emma and Menny. 
 
 Henry L., the son of Charles and grandson of 
 Louis Studa, was born April 14, 1821, in Hanover. 
 His father was a miller by trade, and was the pos- 
 sessor of both an oil and a grist mill, which were 
 located in Capingburg, Germany; but as a panic 
 set in in 1825 and lasted for several years, he and 
 several of his neighbors became discouraged, and 
 came to the conclusion they would proceed to a 
 better country. He had been corresponding with 
 an acquaintance of his in Jamaica, who informed 
 him of some landlord there who was the possessor 
 of a plantation of 2,000 acres, and was desirous of 
 having it inhabited by Germans, just for the pur- 
 pose of raising ginger and working sugar. So in 
 the year 1833 Charles Studa and several of his 
 neighbors set sail for Jamaica, where he lived for 
 seven years; but as the climate was so much warmer 
 than that of his native land they were troubled 
 with a great deal of sickness, and lost their daugh- 
 ter Lena. In 1840 they set sail for America, 
 landing in New York, where they resided for eight 
 mouths, and then moved to Washington county, 
 Penn., where his son Henry L. supported the fam- 
 ily by working by the month and day for six years. 
 In 1S47 he returned to his native land to transact 
 some business concerning his grandmother's es- 
 tate, and, remaining there eight months, was mar- 
 ried to Millicina Studa, a full cousin. In 184N he 
 returned to America with his young wife, and 
 farmed on the shares for nine years. Putting his 
 money at interest, he was enabled, in 1856, to pur- 
 chase 133 acres, and some time later bought the 
 balance of the present farm of 222 acres, the best 
 land in Cross Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Studa 
 have four children, namely: John, David, Alfred 
 and Albert (twins). Politically Henry L. Studa is 
 a stanch worker in the Democratic party. He is a 
 
CM I 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 member of the German Lutheran Church at Mt. 
 Prospect, also supporting the Mount Prospect 
 Presbyterian Church in that village, which his chil- 
 dren attend. 
 
 DW. MYERS, one of the leading young Re- 
 \ publicans of West Bethlehem township, 
 I was born October 13, 1846, in that towu- 
 ship. He is a grandson of John Myers, 
 who came from Germany to America at a very 
 early day. and located in West Bethlehem town 
 ship, on Daniel's run; there he purchased a farm 
 and passed the remainder of his life in agricultural 
 pursuits. He married Elizabeth Conkle, and the 
 following children were born to them: Mrs. John 
 Let.herman, Mrs. Speh, Mrs. Amos Walton. Mrs. 
 John Hufford, Mrs. Thornton Young, John, Jacob, 
 Henry and Stephen. In his political views Mr. 
 Myers was a Whig; he and his family were all 
 identified with the Lutheran Church. 
 
 Stephen Myers, father of subject, was born on 
 the paternal farm, March 11, 1805. His early 
 years were spent at home and in attendance of the 
 common schools, where he acquired a good edu- 
 cation. After leaving school he followed the 
 drover business a few years, and in 1834 was mar- 
 ried to Lucia Jenkins, a daughter of Nathaniel 
 Jenkins, who lived in West Pike Run township, 
 this county. Soon after his marriage Mr. Myers 
 began business for himself, and in 1852 moved 
 upon the farm of 127 acres which is now the prop- 
 erty of his son Wilson. He was the father of five 
 children: Mrs. S. C. Bane, Mrs. John Yorty, Eliza- 
 beth C, D. W., and Edwin (deceased October 2, 
 1845). Mr. Myers was a successful business man, 
 and was much interested in all matters pertaining 
 to progress in education. He was a Republican, 
 and his colleagues evinced their appreciation of 
 his worth by electing him to the offices of assessor 
 and school director, which positions he held with 
 credit for many years. Both he and his family 
 were members of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 Mr. Myers passed from earth December U, 1875, 
 and was followed by his faithful wife September 
 17. 1882. 
 
 D. W. Myers, sou of Stephen and Lucia, has 
 spent his entire life upon the farm where he now 
 resides, having moved there with his parents when 
 but six years of age. He secured the foundation 
 of a good education at the common schools, after- 
 ward attending the Pleasant Valley Academy, 
 which was followed by a year at Washington and 
 Jefferson College. He has well profited by these 
 advantages, and is now a well-read, intelligent man, 
 one of the leaders in his county. After his edu- 
 cation was completed, Mr. Myers began to work 
 upon the home farm. On November 27, 1873, he 
 was united in marriage with Elizabeth. daughter of 
 
 J. D. Roberts, of Hillsboro, Washington Co., Peun. 
 They have had four children: Nellie, born June 21, 
 1875, died September 17. 1875; Leona Irene, 
 born February 4, 1877; Albert Emerson, born Feb- 
 ruary 21, 1883; and Reno, born October IT,. IS'.tO, 
 died December 1, 1890. Mr. Myers is a sturdy 
 advocate of Republican principles. He has held 
 the office of school director and assistant assessor 
 of his township; in 1889 he was elected one of the 
 directors of the poor for Washington county, for 
 a term of three years, and re-elected in 1892. 
 He has always taken an active part in all matters 
 of interest to the county, and with his family is a 
 member of the U. P. Church of Pigeon Creek, 
 being a ruling elder in the same. 
 
 [( LBERT MORROW, a representative of one 
 l\ of the most prominent families of Donegal 
 1\ township, and a son of Abraham Morrow, 
 -* was born August 13, 18(54, on the home 
 farm in Donegal township, this county, and 
 was reared to agricultural duties, attending, dur- 
 ing the winter months of his boyhood, the common 
 schools of the neighborhood. On April 16, 1891, 
 he was united in marriage with Miss Gertrude 
 Burig, daughter of Charles H. Burig, of Donegal 
 township. 
 
 Albert and Gertrude (Burig) Morrow are resid- 
 ing on a pleasant farm, situated near the home 
 place. He is engaged in wool growing, and is 
 already one of the most prosperous young farmers 
 in the vicinity. In politics he is a member of the 
 Republican party. 
 
 THOMAS McGAHEY (deceased) numbered 
 among the prominent and progressive 
 farmers of North Strabane township, and 
 was a member of an old and highly respected 
 family. His grandfather, Andrew Mc 
 Gahey, was educated for the ministry, but owing 
 to a difference in the churches to which his parents 
 belonged, one a Covenanter, the other a Seceder, 
 he declined to preach, and engaged in teaching. 
 He taught the first select school of Braddock 
 Fields, and there purchased a farm. He had one 
 son and three daughters, all of whom reached 
 maturity, viz.: Elizabeth (Mrs. William Powell). 
 Mary (Mrs. Culberson), Ann (who was first married 
 to Mr. Wilson, and afterward to Mr. Carruthers) 
 and Hugh. 
 
 Hugh McGahey was born in the North of [re- 
 land, and was of a Scotch -Presbyterian family. 
 When a child he came with his parents to America, 
 settling in Allegheny county. Penn. Hugh Mc- 
 Gahey was a man of refined mind and sterling 
 principle, and was a soldier in the war of 1812. 
 He was married, in Allegheny county, to Miss 
 
> 
 
 cByz^^-^ ^a^Uf 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 683 
 
 Margaret Hannah, who was born in that county, 
 a daughter of David Hannah, and their union has 
 hern blessed with two sons: Thomas (born Feb- 
 ruary 1, 1812) and David (born October 17, 1813, 
 and died in infancy). Mr. McGahey died some 
 years after his return from the war of 1812, and 
 was buried in the cemetery at Dr. Herren's Church, 
 in Pittsburgh. Several years afterward his widow 
 married Robert McElroy, and by this marriage 
 had four children, viz.: John (born September 5, 
 L82 1, and died unmarried), Sarah (born December 
 13, 1826, and married to John Groove), Maria 
 (born June 7, 1829, and married to Eli Myers) and 
 Robert G. (who was born August 2, 1832, and 
 married Elizabeth Donnell). The mother died in 
 April, 1833. David Hannah (father of Mrs. Mc- 
 Gahey, who was afterward Mrs. McElroy) was a 
 prosperous farmer, of Scotch ancestry. He 
 settled on a farm near " Braddock Fields," in 
 Allegheny county. 
 
 Thomas McGahey, subject of sketch, was born 
 near Turtle Creek, Wilkins township, Allegheny 
 county, February 1, 1812, a sou of Hugh and 
 Margaret (Hannah) McGahey. Mr. McGahey 
 married Miss Martha Sample, who was born 
 March 27, 1S12, a daughter, of James and Elizabeth 
 Wallace Sample. They were both members of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and were buried in Oak 
 Spring cemetery, Canonsburg. Five children 
 were born of their marriage, viz. : Elizabeth Mary 
 (of Canonsburg, unmarried), Hugh (who died in 
 childhood), James (who died in childhood), Mar- 
 garet Anna (living in Canonsburg, unmarried) and 
 Thomas McGahey. 
 
 James Sample emigrated from the North of 
 Ireland, and after reaching America settled in 
 Pennsylvania, when yet a young man. In 1804 he 
 was married in Cumberland county, Penn., to 
 Elizabeth Wallace, who was born March 19, 1785, 
 and was nineteen years of age at the time of her 
 marriage. She was a daughter of John and Eliza- 
 beth (Eliot) Wallace, of Cumberland county, Penn., 
 the former a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
 Immediately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
 Sample moved to Pittsburgh, Penn., then called 
 " the backwoods " by people in Cumberland county. 
 He had money, and located on Coal hill (now Mt. 
 Washington), where he engaged in farming. At a 
 later date he came to this county, and lived a few 
 years in Washington, then moved to Allegheny 
 county, and rented a farm where Wilkinsburgh now 
 stands. He died on a farm in Versailles township, 
 near Turtle Creek. Ten children were born of 
 their marriage, viz : John (who died unmarried), 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. William Mitchell), James (who 
 married Rachel Dougherty), Mary (Mrs. George 
 Mitchell), Martha (Mrs. Thomas McGahey), 
 William (who married Hannah Dunbar), Adam 
 (who died in childhood), Nancy (Mrs. Robert 
 
 Wiley), Samuel (first married to Margaret Jordan, 
 and afterward to Eliza Thompson) and Rosanna 
 (who died in childhood). 
 
 Thomas McGahey was born January 24, 1854, 
 and was educated in the select schools of Wilkins- 
 burgh. He came with his parents to North Stra- 
 baue township in 1874, and after his father's death 
 conducted the farm for his mother and sisters. On 
 April 2, 1889, Mr. McGahey married Miss Minnie 
 T. Brown; she was born in Fairview, Todd Co., 
 Ky., daughter of Milton D. and Sarah A. (Daniel) 
 Brown. Her parents were both members of the 
 M. E. Church. Her father was raised on a farm, 
 taught school, was admitted to the bar, and is now 
 city judge in Hopkinsville, Ky. After their mar- 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. McGahey came to Canonsburg, 
 Penn., where he owns a handsome residence. They 
 are members of the M. E. Church of Canonsburg, 
 and he is one of the most prosperous men in that 
 borough. In politics he is a Republican. One 
 child has blessed their union, Arthur F., born 
 June 15, 1890. 
 
 Kr\ M. GEE'S SONS. The members of this 
 IWy family are of English descent. The pio- 
 
 \\\ neers of the family in America were Moses, 
 J\ —* William and Joshua Gee; but from Moses 
 v Gee this special branch is descended. He 
 
 emigrated with his brothers and landed at Plym- 
 outh, Mass. John, the grandson of Moses, was a 
 millwright. He died at Wilkesbarre, Penn., at 
 the age of one hundred and five years, and with 
 the honor of service in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 Samuel Gee, son of John (who had fifteen chil- 
 dren, most of whom settled in Pennsylvania and 
 New York), was born and reared in New York 
 State, where, when a lad, he learned the mill- 
 wright's trade — a trade he followed in New York 
 and Pennsylvania. He married Hannah Hopkins 
 (a niece of Stephen Hopkins — the tenth signer of 
 the Declaration of Independence). They had thir- 
 teen children, among whom were John, James, 
 Ransom M., Sylvester and Ruth. Samuel settled 
 with his wife at Painted Post, Penn., where he con- 
 structed the first turbine water-wheel in that sec- 
 tion, and where he was known as an uncompromis- 
 ing Democrat and Presbyterian. 
 
 Ransom M. Gee was born in 1818, in Elmira, 
 N. Y., where he was reared and educated. At the 
 age of fourteen years he commenced to learn har- 
 ness-making with a brother-in-law at Williamsport r 
 Penn., with whom he lived, having left the paternal 
 roof at that early age. When eighteen years old 
 he moved to Massachusetts, and there learned the 
 trade of marble cutter with his brother Johu, and 
 when twenty-one years old he opened a shop in 
 that line at Elmira, N. Y. , where he remained un- 
 til 1847, in which year he went to Waupun, Wis. v 
 
684 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 and after three years' residence there, he proceeded 
 to Allegheny county, where, in West Newton and 
 elsewhere he carried on his trade until 1852, when 
 he came to Monongahela and opened a shop in the 
 first ward, near the present river bridge, and here 
 carried on a prosperous marble and granite busi- 
 ness until his death, March 27, 1890; he was also 
 a contractor for the buildiug of bridges from 1853 
 to 1857. He married Mary M. , daughter of Sam- 
 uel Gangwere, a native of Pennsylvania, of German 
 ancestry, and whose children were Elizabeth, Sarah, 
 Mary M. and Samuel. Mr. Gangwere was by 
 trade a millwright, in politics a Democrat, in relig- 
 ion a Baptist, The children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Ransom M. Gee were as follows: Oris D. (Mrs. 
 William Oliver), Joseph L. (deceased), William R. 
 (deceased), William M. , John R. (deceased), Alex- 
 ander (deceased), Charles W. , Ada L. and Samuel 
 M. The mother died September 11, 1885. Mr. 
 Gee was a Democrat, and held various offices of 
 trust iu the city of his adoption; was a school di- 
 rector, and always took an active interest in every- 
 thing tending to the prosperity of his section. He 
 was for many years a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, but during the later years of 
 his life, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and 
 was a vestryman of St. Paul's. Mrs. Mary M. Gee 
 was a Baptist. 
 
 William M. Gee was born in Pennsylvania 
 March 18, 1845, and received a liberal education 
 in the schools of Monongahela, where his parents 
 settled in 1852. He was employed in the river 
 traffic as far as New Orleans, and became a licensed 
 pilot on the Monongahela river, which he followed 
 ten years. On November 10, 1869, he married 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Fiery, of this county, 
 and their children were Ransom M., Charles W., 
 Mary, Jacob, Alfred D. and Lillie, all now deceased 
 except the last named. 
 
 Charles W. Gee was born in Fond du Lac coun- 
 ty, Wis.. October 23, 1849, and received his edu- 
 cation at the public schools of Monongahela. 
 Oq March 9, 1876, he married Rosanna, daughter 
 of Jonas Weygandt, of Carroll township, this coun- 
 ty, and their children are as follows: Two that 
 died in infancy, Desdemona, Theodore P., Charles 
 F. , Benjamin F., Sarah, and John R., the latter 
 deceased. 
 
 Samuel M. Gee was born September 29, 1856, 
 iu Monongahela, his education being received at 
 the public schools. On April 11, 1878, he married 
 Emma, daughter of Thomas Wilson, and their 
 children are William T., Ada L., Nancy D., Zilla 
 H. A., Bessie L. and Margaret L. 
 
 Since the death of Ransom M. Gee the firm has 
 been known as R. M. Gee's Sons, and they conduct 
 the largest works of the kind in the Monongahela 
 Valley, carrying a full line of marbles and granites 
 
 besides a complete assortment of iron fence work. 
 The brothers are all Democrats and members of 
 the Episcopal Church and M. E. Church. 
 
 H/ENRY C. SWART, the subject of this 
 notice, was born November 8, 1825, and 
 was the fourth child of Philip and Asenah 
 - 1 (Walton) Swart. 
 
 He was born in Amwell township on the 
 home farm near Amity, and was raised to the life 
 of a farmer, receiving his education in the old log 
 schoolhouse, with its slab benches for seats. In 
 his early manhood he dealt iu stock, mostly hogs 
 and horses — driving through on foot to Cumber- 
 land, Md. , and shipping thence to Baltimore, Md., 
 by railroad. He relates seeing, on one of his trips 
 east, a lot of thirty slaves, driven along the Na- 
 tional pike to Baltimore market, all chained and 
 in charge of two men. On August 26, 1852, he 
 married Miss Abigail, daughter of John and Sarah 
 (Miller) Day, of Morris township, and they went 
 to housekeeping on his father's farm, where they 
 resided until he purchased, in 1857, the farm which 
 he still owns, one mile south of Amity, formerly 
 known as the Patterson farm. To them were born 
 two children: John D. and Laura B. ; the sou, 
 having married, still remains on the farm; the 
 daughter, now married to a Mr. Horn, a lawyer, 
 lives at Denver, Colo. On August 22, 1862, Mr. 
 Swart enlisted in the Amity company, raised by 
 Capt. Silas Parker, which afterward became the 
 famous Company D, of the 140th P. V. I. He 
 served faithfully, never missing a roll call. He 
 participated in the battles of Chancellorsville, 
 Gettysburg and Spottsylvania, as well as iu a 
 number of lesser battles and skirmishes. On May 
 12, 1864, at the battle of Spottsylvania, after hav- 
 ing been under fire every day for a week, he re- 
 ceived the terrible wound which made him a cripple 
 for life. In this same battle Mr. Swart had two 
 brothers, John and Amos, the latter killed during 
 the fight. His brother, A. J., was wounded in the 
 battle of Gettysburg. Thus it will be seen that 
 there were four brothers who enlisted and entered 
 their country's service, all of whom left their farms 
 and comfortable homes in the care of wives and 
 children. After Mr. Swart was wounded he lay 
 on the field from 4 o'clock a. m. until eveniug, 
 when he was taken to a field hospital, and during 
 the night was loaded into an army wagon and 
 taken, with others, to Fredericksburg, a distance 
 of some fourteen or fifteen miles, over a very 
 rough road on a fearfully dark night, during which 
 his sufferings were intense. To escape falling 
 into the hands of the enemy, the trip had to be 
 taken. After remaining at Fredericksburg some 
 two weeks, the wounded were taken by trans- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 685 
 
 ports and hospital boats to Washington, D. C, 
 •where he was placed in Lincoln hospital, and where 
 he remained some ten days. He then received a 
 leave of absence from the War Department to re- 
 port when able at nearest army hospital, and was 
 brought home to his family on a hospital stretcher 
 in the latter part of June. Although given the 
 best attendance, Mr. Swart suffered terrible agony 
 for several months, and when only partially able, 
 after an absence from hospital of about ten 
 months, reported personally to a hospital at Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., the following April. Remaining 
 there about a month until his application could be 
 acted upon, he received from the War Department 
 an honorable discharge, returned to his home and 
 family, but will ever bear the marks of suffering, 
 and the scars of war. He has never since been 
 able to do any physical labor, but successfully 
 managed his farm and farm work until the spring 
 of 1872, when he retired and moved to Washing- 
 ton, Penn. , in order that his children might have 
 better educational advantages. 
 
 In 1859 Mr. Swart made a profession of relig- 
 ion, and united with the Methodist Protestant 
 Church at Amity. For nearly thirty five years he 
 has been a zealous, Christian worker, his member- 
 ship still remaining with the church at Amity, in 
 which he filled several important positions, repre- 
 senting it in the Pittsburgh Annual Conference for 
 five or six years, and in 1884 was one of the lay 
 representatives of the Pittsburgh Conference to the 
 General Conference at Baltimore, Md. In early 
 manhood he was a Whig, casting his first presiden- 
 tial vote in 1848 for Zachary Taylor. Upon the 
 organization of the Republican party he united 
 with it, and voted for Gen. Fremont in 1 850, in 
 which party he continued until 1884, in which year 
 he joined the temperance cause, and voted for the 
 Prohibition presidential candidate. From his youth 
 up he has been a strong advocate of temperance, 
 and now, having a political party in the great work 
 of temperance, rejoices that he is in the fight, hav- 
 ing enlisted under its banner there to remain dur- 
 ing the war on the liquor traffic. In addition to 
 Mr. Swart' s severe wound in the hip, received at 
 Spottsylvania, he received a slight injury on the 
 side of the nose which has never healed, and has 
 slowly worked its way into the eye until the sight 
 of that eye is entirely gone, the other being also 
 weakened, so that he is no longer able to read. 
 
 Mr. Swart's father, Philip Swart, was the eld-est 
 son in the family of ten children of Jacob and 
 Sarah (Evans) Swart. Philip was born in 1797, 
 and died in 1876; Asenah, his wife, was born in 
 1798, and died in 1870. The ancestry of this nu- 
 merous family is traced to Philip Swart, a native of 
 Germany. His children were Jacob (before men- 
 tioned) and Susan, who married John Philips, of 
 Greene county, Penn. Mrs. Abigail (Day) Swart 
 
 was born in 1831, and is still a well-preserved 
 woman. Her father, John Day, was born in 1788 
 and died in 1871. During the war of 1812, he 
 served in a cavalry company. His wife, Sarah 
 (Miller) Day, was born in 1794, and died in 1837. 
 Henry C. Swart and his amiable wife now live in 
 a comfortable home in the suburbs of Washington, 
 where they enjoy the fruits of their united labor. 
 
 d| AMES NEELY is a native of Cooley Parish, 
 County Tyrone, Ireland, and the eldest child 
 ) of Charles and Elizabeth (McGinnis) Neely. 
 Charles Neely was born in 1782, in County 
 Tyrone, Ireland, and in early manhood mar- 
 ried Elizabeth, daughter of James McGinnis. She 
 was born in 1792. Nine children blessed this mar- 
 riage, viz. : James, Catherine (deceased in youth), 
 John (deceased in Philadelphia), Ann (unmarried, 
 living in Allegheny, Penn.), Elizabeth (wife of 
 Robert Pringle, in Mercer county, Penn.), Charles 
 (in Allegheny, Penn.), William (a member of the 
 U. S. Army for seven years, and of the Seventh 
 Infantry U. S. A. during the war. He was twice 
 wounded before Richmond, one shot piercing his 
 right lung, from the effects of which he died two 
 years later), and twins, who died in infancy. The 
 father was a linen weaver by trade, following that 
 business in connection with farming. In 1845 
 they came with two children, William and Eliza- 
 beth, to America, and joined those who had pre- 
 ceded them to Mercer county, Penn. The father 
 passed away in 1856, followed by the mother the 
 next year. 
 
 James Neely was born November 11, 1813, and 
 learned the linen weaver's trade under the parental 
 roof. In 1841 he accompanied an uncle, John 
 Neely, to America. They embarked at London- 
 derry, Ireland, on the good ship " North America," 
 commanded by Capt. William Baker, bound for 
 Philadelphia. On landing in America, they pro- 
 ceeded to Hanover township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and soon afterward moved to Mercer 
 county, Penn., where some relatives were living. 
 Here James Neely married Catherine, daughter of 
 John Walford, who was of German parentage. 
 She was born in May, 1811, in Mercer county, 
 Penn., and married Mr. Neely March 10, 1842. 
 For a short time the couple lived with Mr. Walford, 
 then moved upon a small farm. James Neely 
 afterward worked on the Pennsylvania Canal, but 
 finally resumed agricultural pursuits, in Mercer 
 county, Penn. In 1855 he purchased 180 acres 
 of woodland in Sugar Creek township, Venango 
 Co., Penn., which he cleared and cultivated. In 
 1865 he sold this place, and coming to Hanover 
 township, this county, bought 128 acres of land 
 for §10,000. This tract is situated one mile west 
 of Florence, on the Steubenville & Pittsburgh 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 pike, where he has since resided. Beginning life 
 as a poor boy, Mr. Neely has amassed a good prop- 
 erty, and has become prominent in farming and 
 stock raising. In 1888 he was called to Ireland on 
 business, and visited, perhaps for the last time, the 
 scenes of his boyhood, returning on the same vessel 
 on which he made the outward voyage, the "Alas- 
 ka. ' ' Politically Mr. Neely has always been a Deni- 
 orat, and in religious faith he and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church. They have been 
 wedded over fifty years, and have reared the fol- 
 lowing named children: John W., an oil operator 
 of Ohio; Elizabeth, wife of Solomon A. Dow, 
 of Oorry, Penn. ; William O, deceased, in 1888, in 
 Chattanooga, Tenn. ; James Mc. , deceased in in- 
 fancy; James M., a farmer of Hanover township; 
 and Catherine J., living at home. 
 
 dfOHN GARRETT, a well-known and prosper- 
 ous agriculturist and stock raiser of West 
 J Bethlehem township, was born February 16, 
 1825, upon the farm adjoining the one where- 
 on he now resides. He is a grandson of 
 Peter Garrett and son of Nicholas, who was born 
 in Maryland in 1779, and there married Mary Ann 
 Baumgardner. Thence, about the commencement 
 of the present century, they removed to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn. The children born to them 
 were as follows: Elizabeth, Rachel, Mary Ann, 
 Lydia, Catherine, Susan, Sarah, Jacob, Peter, Sam- 
 uel, John and William. 
 
 John Garrett received his education in the sub- 
 scription schools of the neighborhood, and in early 
 boyhood received a thorough training in farm life. 
 On April 1, 1852, he was united in marriage with 
 Margaret, daughter of John Watson, and by her 
 had one child, Franklin Pierce, who assists on the 
 farm. The young mother died at his birth, and in 
 1854 our subject married Miss Lavina, daughter 
 of David Morrow, of North Strabane township, 
 thi-. county, by which union there were born eight 
 children: four died in infancy; Thomas now resides 
 upon a farm adjoining that of his father; Lydia 
 and Sadie are now married and living in Ohio; 
 Elizabeth lives at the parental home. Mr. Garrett 
 owned and operated one of the first threshing ma- 
 chines built in the county, and has given almost 
 his entire attention to threshing ever since. In 
 1869 he, unfortunately, caught his left hand in the 
 machine, and it was ground to a pulp, rendering 
 amputation necessary. Mr. Garrett is a thorough 
 Democrat, and has been elected to many offices of 
 trust by his fellow-citizens, who appreciate his 
 ability. He now owns a fine farm, consisting of 
 260 acres of well-cultivated land; while upon the 
 hillsides and meadow browse nearly 200 sheep 
 and other stock. 
 
 JP. LAWTHER. The beginnings of this family 
 in America post-date the close of the Revo- 
 lution by nine years. James Lawther, Sr. , 
 born in Ireland, March 15, 1769, married 
 Jane Shaw in 1 790, shortly after sailed for 
 the young Republic and settled in Virginia, where 
 they resided for twenty-one years before removing 
 to Pennsylvania (in 1812). Here the pioneer died 
 on his farm December 23, 1821. Of their eleven 
 children, Alexander Lawther was the ninth in order 
 of birth. He was born June 22, 1808, and on May 
 8, 1844, married Nancy Smith (born March 7, 
 1814), a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Smith, 
 of Richland county, Ohio. He died March 19, 
 1878, leaving a widow, now living. Of the five 
 children born to this marriage, Ellen O, born Sep- 
 tember 2, 1845, married Robert Cunningham, of 
 Jefferson township, April 25, 1889; Mary J., born 
 December 10, 1847, died August 7, 1870; J. P. 
 Lawther is the subject of this sketch; Thomas B. 
 was born August 2, 1852; and James A., born No- 
 vember 8, 1854, died October 2, 1863. 
 
 J. P. Lawther was born March 10, 1S50, reared 
 to farm pursuits on the paternal acres, and on 
 August 24, 1876, married Eliza, daughter of James 
 Black, of Hanover township. One daughter was 
 born to this marriage: Nancy, who is yet living. 
 The mother died March 30, 1888, and was buried 
 in Paris cemetery. For his second wife, J. P. Law- 
 ther married, February 25, 1890, Amy Price, of 
 Orange towuship, Carroll Co., Ohio, who was a 
 daughter of Benjamin Price. After his marriage 
 they located on the present farm, having since been 
 engaged in general farming, stock raising and the 
 dairy business. Mr. Lawther is an admirer of fine 
 cattle, and has a specially fine lot of Devons on his 
 farm. He is a progressive citizen, which the many 
 improvements on his farm, such as the new house 
 and barn prove. In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 T|OHN LAWTON (deceased) was a successful 
 l I agriculturist and an energetic, useful citizen. 
 ffjl His father, Joseph Lawton, was born in 
 ^^ Rhode Island, and in early life was married 
 to Mary Alma, of the same State, who bore him 
 the following children: Amy (wife of William Ran- 
 kin), Pardon, Samuel, Sarah, Peter, Joanna, Anna 
 and John. In 1819 Joseph Lawton and his family 
 came to Washington county, Penn., the journey — 
 necessarily a tedious one, having to be made with 
 os-teams — being accomplished in seven weeks. 
 They settled on a farm in Cross Creek township, 
 where Joseph Lawton died in 1839. In his polit- 
 ical preferences he was an old-school Democrat. 
 
 John Lawton was born June 7, 1816, in Rhode 
 Island, and was consequently three years of age 
 when the family moved to Pennsylvania. On 
 August 6, 1835, he married Margaret Miniken, 
 
■T/y}yU-ur^2^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 689 
 
 daughter of William Miniken, who came from 
 England in 1803, settling in Pittsburgh; in 1805 
 he married Margaret Powell, and they had chil- 
 dren as follows: Mary (Mrs. Barlow Folk), John, 
 Nancy (deceased), William, Sarah (wife of Harvey 
 Lawton), Hannah, William, Margaret (married to 
 John Lawton) and Julia (wife of Joseph Maxwell). 
 Mr. Miniken made his first home in the New World 
 in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he resided several 
 years, and then removed to Washington, this county, 
 where he conducted an extensive bakery and con- 
 fectionery. He was a leading politician in the 
 ranks of the Whig party, and in religious connec- 
 tion a zealous member of the Episcopal Church. 
 He died in 1827, and in January, 1853, his wife 
 was laid beside him. 
 
 John and Margaret (Miniken) Lawton passed the 
 earlier portion of their married life in Butler county, 
 Penn., afterward settling on the home place in 
 Cross Creek township, this county, where they re- 
 mained several years. They then moved to West 
 Middletown, and some years later proceeded to 
 Wisconsin, thence to Minnesota (residing there two 
 years), finally returning to the home farm in Cross 
 Creek township. Mr. Lawton was a successful 
 farmer, and for forty years was a resident of Cross 
 Creek township. Politically he was originally a 
 Democrat, afterward becoming an active worker in 
 the ranks of the Republican party. He died 
 January 9, 1882, aged sixty-four years six months, 
 and was laid to rest in Brownsville Cemetery, West 
 Middletown, Penn. He was a prominent member of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, of 
 which his widow is also a member. 
 
 I M RS. ELIZABETH KING. William King, 
 
 \//\ a son of Thomas, was born in Ireland and 
 ■i I came with his father to America. He 
 
 I was married in this country to Margaret, 
 
 v a daughter of James McNall, a native of 
 
 Ireland, and the following children were born to 
 their union: James, born February 27, 1809; 
 Thomas, born October 2, 1810; Eleanor, bom Au- 
 gust 25, 1812; William, born January 30, 1815; 
 John, born December 6, 1817; Joseph, born Janu- 
 ary 26, 1820; Andrew, bora June 16, 1822; Hugh, 
 born December 15, 1824; Wells, born April 13, 
 1828, and Margaret J., born October 25, 1830; all 
 of whom are now deceased except Andrew and 
 Margaret J., and their children are scattered 
 through different parts of the country. 
 
 William King was born January 30, 1815, in 
 Washington county, Penn., and when eleven years 
 of age came with the family to his present home 
 in Robinson township. Though enjoying but lim- 
 ited educational advantages, Mr. King possessed 
 much intelligence and business capacity. In 1840 
 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hooper. 
 
 To them five children were born, namely: Mar- 
 garet, Jane (Mrs. Robert Geary), Martha E. (de- 
 ceased), William J. and Anna Zetta, all of whom 
 are living on the home farm with their widowed 
 mother. The father was a stanch member of the 
 Democratic party, and in religious faith was a 
 member and liberal supporter of the Robinson 
 United Presbyterian Church. He died September 
 6, 1884, leaving to his family a double inheritance, 
 an untarnished name being the first and most im- 
 portant. By careful management he had accumu- 
 lated a good property, leaving 269 acres of excel- 
 lent land, underlaid with a six-foot vein of the best 
 coal, which greatly increases the value of the 
 property, now considered one of the best estates 
 in Robinson township. 
 
 Hugh King, a brother of William, died while on 
 the ship " Claremont," during her passage from 
 New Orleans to Philadelphia. He was traveling 
 for his health at that time. The following state- 
 ment was sent home by the captain of the ship: 
 " Hugh King died January 5, 1847, on board the 
 bark 'Claremont,' on her passage from New Or- 
 leans to Philadelphia, in Latitude 25 degrees 42 
 minutes North, Longitude 84 degrees 12 minutes 
 West. He was a native of Robinson township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. Capt. Edward Lamond, 
 commander." The following lines by Anna L. 
 Lear were written on the death of Hugh King: 
 
 Low in the deep we hud him down! 
 Sweet is his sleep, and bright the crown 
 The sea shall weave around his head, 
 While pearl and amber deck his bed. 
 
 High in the sky the evening star, 
 With pitying eye looked from afar — 
 The tender moon, through the still night. 
 Shed o'er the scene her lambent light. 
 
 His requiem the soft wind wailed 
 As far from him our fleet ship sailed, 
 While he, no more to wake or weep, 
 Unheeding lay, low in the deep. 
 
 No marbled grace o'er him shall rise, 
 No human trace tells where he lies. 
 Yet He, whose hand holds all the waves, 
 Forgets no lonely ocean graves. 
 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Kino, a resident of Robinson 
 township, is a daughter of William Hooper, who is 
 a son of Philip Hooper, who was of German de- 
 scent and a tanner by trade. Philip Hooper came 
 to Allegheny county, Penn., when the forests were 
 teeming with wild beasts and nomadic Indians, 
 naturally jealous of the white man's encroachments 
 on their soil. Mr. Hooper sunk vats for his tan- 
 nery under the branches of sugar trees, as he could 
 not afford to build a shed for them. He was mar- 
 ried to Jane Hill, who bore him seven children: 
 Philip, Alexander, Samuel, John, William, Eliza- 
 beth and Nancy. William Hooper was born on the 
 home place in Allegheny county, becoming famil- 
 iar from boyhood with the hardships and dangers 
 
690 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 incident to frontier life. He selected as Lis life 
 companion Miss Jane Wright, whose father, James 
 Wright, was born in Ireland, and, emigrating to 
 this country, settled in Allegheny county, Penn. 
 The Indians were often heard moving along the 
 creek just below his cabin door, while the listener 
 would wait breathlessly until the sound of their 
 footsteps was lost in the distance, or if com- 
 ing nearer still, then the terrified family would flee 
 to a neighboring fort for refuge. To William and 
 Jane (Wright) Hooper thirteen children were born, 
 of whom the following lived to maturity: James, 
 Philip, John, William, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jane 
 and Archibald, of whom Elizabeth is the only one 
 yet surviving. She was born November 5, 1815, 
 on the old Hooper homestead in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., where she grew to womanhood, as- 
 sisting with the household duties. On December 
 28, 18-40, she gave her hand in marriage to Will- 
 iam King, a son of William, whose father, Thomas 
 King, settled near Washington, this county, at an 
 early day. 
 
 THOMAS ALEXANDER BLACK is the only 
 male representative of an old Irish family, 
 his grandfather, Thomas, having been the 
 first of the family to settle in America. 
 Thomas Black (the grandfather) was born 
 May 12, 1 777, in Ireland, and when a young man was 
 married in his native country to Margaret Hunter, 
 who was born September 1, 1775. Before leaving 
 Ireland, four children were born to this couple: 
 William (a resident of Washington county, Iowa), 
 born December 25, 1799; Samuel (living in Wash- 
 ington county, Ohio), born March 8, 1801; Mary 
 Ann (unmarried), born February 14, 1804; and 
 James, born March 15, 1807. Thomas Black and. 
 his family came to America about 1809, locating in 
 Washington county, Penn. In 1811 he settled on 
 the home farm in Hanover township, upon which 
 his grandson (Thomas A.) is now residing. Mr. 
 Black amassed a valuable property, and passed 
 away June 21, 1851, followed by his \vife,May29, 
 1855. They were buried in Paris cemetery. 
 Both were consistent members of the Seceder 
 Church. After coming to America the following 
 children were added to their family: Marga- 
 ret (first married to a Mr. Bell, now widow of 
 a Mr. McLaughlin, is living in Omaha, Neb.), born 
 July 11, 1810; Grissey (unmarried), born March 
 22, 1813; Jane (wife of John McWhirter, Mercer 
 county, Penn.), born in February, 1818. Of these 
 children Margaret and Grissey are the only ones 
 living. 
 
 James Black, son of Thomas, was born in Ire- 
 land, and was but a child when his parents came 
 to the farm in Hanover township, where his youth 
 was passed. On March 18, 1844, he was married 
 
 to Charlotte McWhirter, a lady of Irish parentage, 
 who was born January 21, 1819. After his mar- 
 riage, James Black located on the old homestead, 
 and continued to follow farming during his life, 
 with the exception of one year in which he was en- 
 gaged in the milling business. He was a success- 
 ful farmer and esteemed citizen. Politically he 
 was a Whig, then a Republican, and in religious 
 faith both he and his wife were members of the U. 
 P. Church. He died March 6, 1881, his wife hav- 
 ing gone before him to the " Silent Land, " Octo- 
 ber 24, 1867, and both are now buried in Paris 
 cemetery. Their children were born as follows: 
 Samuel, born January 21, 1846, is now a U. P. 
 minister of Tarentum, Allegheny Co., Penn.; 
 Mary Jane, born August 10, 1847, deceased wife 
 of Cyrus G. Arnold; Margaret, born September 
 13, 1849, was fatally burned and died November 2, 
 1853; Eliza Ann, born October 31, 1851, deceased 
 wife of J. P. Lawther; Thomas Alexander, whose 
 name opens this sketch; Margaret H, born Octo- 
 ber 10, 1856, deceased wife of Lee Arnold; and 
 Sarah E., Mrs. J. M. Herron, of Hanover town- 
 ship, born March 6, 1859. 
 
 Thomas Alexander Black was born December 
 28, 1853, on the old farm in Hanover township, 
 which he now owns and resides upon. He at- 
 tended the "'Old McCausland School," and assist- 
 ed with the farm duties. On July 4, 1881, he 
 married Alice E. Cassidy, daughter of Hugh and 
 Nancy (McCune) Cassidy, of Hanover township. 
 Since his marriage Mr. Black has followed farm- 
 ing on the old homestead, and in 1883 took an ex- 
 tended tour through the West, visiting several of 
 the growing States. He is an admirer of fine cat- 
 tle, as the number of thoroughbred Holsteins to be 
 found on his farm amply proves. In politics he 
 is a Republican, but upholds the principles of the 
 Prohibitionists. He and his wife are members of 
 the United Presbyterian Church. They have one 
 daughter, Beulah O., born January 6, 1883. 
 
 WILLIAM B. LIBBEY, a dentist, born in 
 Columbiana county, Ohio, is a son of 
 Bennett and Agnes (Lit tell) Libbey, the 
 former a native of Vermont, the latter of 
 Beaver, Penn. Mathias Libbey, grand- 
 father of William B. , was also a native of Vermont, 
 where he died. He was the father of three sons 
 and one daughter — Bennett, William, Haines and 
 Alvira, all now deceased except Haines, who resides 
 at Lynn, Mass. 
 
 Bennett Libbey was a machinist, who moved to 
 Pittsburgh in youth, where he married Agnes Lit- 
 tell, whose father emigrated from Ireland and set- 
 tled in the southern part of Beaver county, where 
 he married Mary Walker. The couple lived at 
 Pittsburgh for a number of years, then moved to 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 691 
 
 Columbiana county, Ohio, where William B. Lib- 
 bey was born; five years later, the family returned 
 to Beaver county, Penn., where Bennett Libbey 
 died December 19, 1856, aged fifty-two years. 
 His widow, Agues, died at Pittsburgh, November 
 15, 1888, in her eightieth year. Their children 
 are: Alice, William B. , John E. and James A., 
 all residents of Pittsburgh except William B., who 
 lives at Washington, Penn. Bennett Libbey was 
 a Presbyterian in religious opiniou. In 1854 or 
 1S56 he abandoned the Democratic and united 
 with the Republican party. 
 
 William B. Libbey was reared in Beaver county, 
 Penn., his education being secured at the common 
 schools of the neighborhood, and at Beaver acad- 
 emy. For some years he was a traveling salesman 
 for a wholesale house, but abandoning commercial 
 life commenced the study of dentistry in the office 
 of Dr. J. G. Templeton, Pittsburgh, Penn., attend- 
 ing also the Dental College at Ann Arbor, Mich., 
 and the Pennsylvania Dental College, where he 
 graduated. In 1880 he came to Washington, and 
 engaged in the active and successful practice of his 
 profession. At Poughkeepsie, N. Y., Dr. Libbey 
 was united in marriage, April 11, 1882, with Ade- 
 laide, daughter of Charles and Phoebe (Lockwood) 
 Sutton, of Fairfax C. H. , Va. , whose ances- 
 tors were Quakers from Dutchess county, N. Y. 
 Mr. Sutton had eight children — Mariana, Alice, 
 Josephine, Adelaide, John and Charles (twin 
 brothers), Jennie and Ella. To this union two 
 children were born, Helen and Florence. The fam- 
 ily residence in Washington is on the corner of 
 Wade avenue and Wheeling street. In 1863 the 
 Doctor enlisted in the one hundred days' service, 
 and in 1864 re-enlisted, this time in Company H, 
 Fifth P. V. A., was promoted second lieutenant of 
 his company, with which he served until the close 
 of the war, being mustered out June 30, 1865, at 
 Vienna, Virginia. 
 
 di OSEPH S. CULLEY. Among the prosper- 
 I ous agriculturists of Hanover township, there 
 are few, if any, who have made more prac- 
 tical application of scientific principles in 
 their vocation than has this progressive 
 citizen. He is a native of Washington county, 
 Penn., and grandson of Levi Culley. 
 
 Levi Cully was born about 1769, in Maryland, 
 and there married Esther Smith, a Marylander, 
 who was born about 1775. Levi was a farmer, 
 who, about 1800, came to Washington county, 
 Penn. The long journey was made in a large 
 covered wagon drawn by four horses. When 
 crossing the Susquehanna river, a singular experi- 
 ence befell them. As the large covered wagon stood 
 on the ferry-boat, a strong breeze was blowing, and 
 the cover served to catch the wind, the force of 
 
 which drove the boat some distance out of its course, 
 causing much trouble in securing a suitable place 
 to land, siuce they were unable to reach the usual 
 place. This wagon contained the father and 
 mother, with their two children, Jesse and Joseph. 
 They proceeded on their journey, sleeping on 
 their wagon beside the road at night, and finally 
 arriving in this county, located near Bulger Station, 
 Smith township, where the father rented a farm. 
 He was a tenant on different farms several years, 
 and by energy and economy eventually accumu- 
 lated a small sum, purchased 277 acres of John L. 
 Proudfoot, partially lying in Hanover and Smith 
 townships. Levi Culley was a cooper, following 
 that trade in connection with his farm. He was a 
 hard worker, and very successful in his business. 
 In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a 
 member of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. 
 He died in 1818, and his widow, with the assistance 
 of her sons, managed the estate which he left, 
 until in 1840 she too was laid to rest by the side 
 of her husband in the Florence cemetery. Of their 
 children, the following is a brief record: Jesse 
 was born in Maryland, and when but a small boy 
 came to Washington county, Penn., with his par 
 ents (he was married to Susan, daughter of 
 Elder John Duncan, and settled on a farm in this 
 county, where he died in his seventy-second year); 
 Joseph, of whom a sketch follows; George was the 
 first child born after the family settled here (he 
 was married to Jane Fulton, and was a farmer; he 
 died in Hanover township, aged seventy-two years); 
 Robert was a cabinet maker by trade (his wife was 
 Amanda McCond; they settled in Florence, this 
 county, where he died August 21, 1848); Siuie 
 never married (she died in early womanhood); 
 Lydia was married to James Cubbison, a cabinet 
 maker (they afterward settled on a farm in Guern- 
 sey county, Ohio, and in 1844 moved to a place 
 near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she died); Rebecca 
 was the wife of William Cole, of Hanover town- 
 ship, where she died; Levi learned the tailor's 
 trade at Florence, afterward entered into a part- 
 nership with Andrew Conn, at Mansfield, Ohio (he 
 was married to Mary Ann Butterfoes, and is now 
 living on a farm in Morrow county, Ohio); Helen 
 married Robert G. Smith, a farmer of Hanover 
 township, where she died; and John. 
 
 Joseph Culley, born in Maryland, was brought 
 by his parents to Washington county, Penn., in 
 infancy. He was reared on the farm, received a 
 subscription-school education, and there learned 
 the cooper's trade. When his father died, the 
 management of the large farm was given to Joseph 
 and an older brother, Jesse. In 1825 Joseph 
 Culley married Martha Scott, who was born 
 December 13, 1796, daughter of a pioneer, Joseph 
 Scott. Three children were born to this marriage, 
 namely : Maria, widow of John Armor, born June 
 
692 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 21, 1826, is now living near Murdocksville, Han- 
 over township; Elizabeth, deceased wife of James 
 Anderson, of Beaver county, born December 21, 
 1829; and Joseph S., whose name opens this 
 sketch. The parents passed their lives on a por- 
 tion of the "Old Scott Tract," near Raccoon 
 creek, in the eastern part of Hanover township. 
 The father followed his trade, and being a very 
 skillful workman could easily set up ten barrels a 
 day, besides attending to the general duties of the 
 farm. He was an old-time Whig, but united 
 with the Republican party upon its organization. 
 He possessed the spirit of industry, which seems to 
 be a special characteristic of this family, and was 
 an influential citizen. He died on the farm, and 
 in 1882 was followed by Mrs. Culley. Both were 
 conscientious members of the Cross Creek Presby- 
 terian Church, and are buried side by side in the 
 Florence cemetery. 
 
 Joseph S. Culley was born March 26, 1838, on 
 the home farm in Hanover township, where his 
 boyhood was passed in attending the old Coventry 
 school, and receiving his initiation into the 
 mysteries of agriculture. His tastes led him to 
 the choice of a rural life, which he has continued 
 to pursue on the old home place. On June 
 15, 1864, he married Sarah Donaldson. Miss 
 Donaldson was born March 31, 1843, in Hanover 
 township, and was a daughter of Richard and 
 Mary (Bigger) Donaldson. Six children were 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Culley, namely: Edward A., 
 now studying for the Presbyterian ministry at the 
 Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, and 
 is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, 
 was born August 8, 1865; Annie M., deceased at 
 the age of fourteen years, born September 9, 1867; 
 George W., living on the home farm, born Feb- 
 ruary 14, 1870; William C, at home, born June 
 5, 1873; Andrew D. , born January 8, 1875; Sarah 
 M., born October 31, 1878. In 1876 Mr. Culley 
 erected his present residence, and to the old farm 
 added an adjoining tract known as the "Richmond 
 Farm." He now owns 300 acres of fine land. 
 His wife died March 12, 1879, and was buried at 
 Florence. On March 30, 1880, he married Carrie 
 Buchanan, a native of Robinson township, and a 
 daughter of John Buchanan. Joseph S. Culley is 
 an ardent supporter of the Republican party, with 
 which his first vote was cast. He is a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Florence, of which he 
 has been a trustee for several years. 
 
 Samuel Poole was a carpenter and builder. He 
 married, in 1842, in Pennsylvania, Margaret 
 Blankney, a native of Bedford count)', and seven 
 children were born to them, two of whom survive: 
 Morgan, a resident of Braddock, Penn., and Arthur 
 A. The parents lived in Allegany county, Md., 
 until 1850, when they removed to Cumberland, 
 Md. , where the father died in 1877, and the mother 
 in March, 1857, at the age of forty years. 
 
 Arthur A. Poole had the advantages of a good 
 common-school education, after which he clerked 
 in a shoe store in Cumberland, Md., until he 
 enlisted in September, 1861, in Company H, 
 Second Maryland Infantry, and served until the 
 close of the war, chiefly in the valley of Virginia. 
 After his discharge he learned the jewelry business 
 with S. T. Little, in Cumberland, Md., and on 
 finishing an apprenticeship, he worked as journey- 
 man in various places. In 1875 he opened a 
 jewelry store in Cumberland, Md., in partnership 
 with P. J. Smith, the style of thefirm being Smith 
 & Poole; in 1878 he came to Washington, and 
 opened a small store in the same line of trade, now 
 one of the finest in the place. By industry and 
 careful attention to business, Mr. Poole has met 
 with well-merited success. To-day he is one of 
 the leading business men of Washington. In 
 October, 1871, our subject married Laura V., 
 daughter of Capt. R. A. French, of Cumberland, 
 Md. Five children were born to them: Arthur 
 French (who graduated from Washington and 
 Jefferson College in the class of 1891, and is now 
 in his father's store), Edith V., Helen May, Her- 
 bert C. and Marguerite. Mr. and Mrs. Poole are 
 members of the First Presbyterian Church of 
 Washington; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 RTHUR A. POOLE, the popular jeweler 
 of Washington, of English ancestry, was 
 born in Bedford county, Penn., November 
 '.», 1S44. Denton Poole, his grandfather, 
 emigrated from England to Maryland, 
 
 where was born, in 1816, Samuel, the father of our 
 
 subject. 
 
 KS. NANCY REED, widow of James 
 
 Reed, is descended from that noble stock 
 
 of Scotch-Presbyterians who, owing to 
 
 religious persecutions, passed over from 
 
 Scotland to the North of Ireland. She 
 
 is a daughter of John and Orpha (Cornwell) Hays, 
 
 both of Chartiers township. 
 
 *The family of Hay (or Hays as they generally spelled 
 
 their na alter making their new home in tin- North of 
 
 Ireland) have prominent place in the history of Scot- 
 land. It is said that about the year 980, in the reign of 
 Kenneth III., the Danes having invaded Scotland, they 
 were encountered by that king near Lancarty, in Perth- 
 shire. The Scots at first gave way and tied through a 
 narrow pass where they were stopped by a countryman 
 of great strength and courage and his two sons, with no 
 other weapons than the yokes of their plows. Upbraid- 
 ing the fugitives lor their cowardice, he succeeded in ral- 
 lying them, and the battle being resumed, the Danes 
 were defeated. After the victory was obtained, the old 
 peasant, while lying on the ground, wounded and 
 fatigued, cried, "Hay, Hay," which word became the 
 
 * Taken from the " Origin and signification of Scottish surnames " 
 bj Clifford Stanley Sims. 
 

 A/s^A^^. !yya^/-c 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 695 
 
 surname of his posterity, and the king, as a reward for 
 his signal service, gave him as much land in the carse 
 of Gowrie as a falcon should flyover before it Bettled; 
 and a falcon being accordingly let off flew over an extent 
 of ground six miles in length, after called Errol, and 
 lighted on a stone, still called " falcon stone." 
 
 $Hay, Earl op Kinnoul. This noble family is a branch 
 of the illustrious family of Errol, and is sprung from 
 Sir William Hay, ancestor of the house of Leys, who was 
 second son of Sir David, and brother-germau of Sir Gil- 
 bert Hay of Errol, who flourished in the reign of King- 
 Alexander III. From him was lineally descended Sir 
 Edmund Hay of Melginch, who made a considerable 
 figure in the reign of King James VI. He was father of 
 Sir Peter, the father of Sir Patrick, who was in much es- 
 timation with King James IV. George, his second son, 
 being, by the care of his father, well brought up, was, for 
 the improvement of his education, sent to France, where 
 he spent some years under the tuition of the learned Ed- 
 mund Hay, his uncle; soon after his return, being about 
 twenty-one years of age, he was introduced to the court 
 of King James VI. by his kinsman, James Hay, Viscount 
 Dowcaster and earl of Carlisle, and in a very short time 
 raised to be one of the gentlemen of his majesty's bed- 
 chamber, and had a gift of the Carthusian priory of 
 Perth. He was by the same king preferred to very prom- 
 inent positions, among them that of lord high chancellor 
 of Scotland, in which post he was continued by Charles 
 I., King of Great Britain (for in the meantime the union 
 of England and Scotland had been consummated), who 
 advanced him to the dignity of Viscount Dupplin, and 
 Earl of Klnnoul. The position of chancellor lie held up 
 to his death, which occurred December 16, 1634, a period 
 of fourteen years. He married Margaret, daughter of 
 Sir James Haliburtou of Pitcur, and by her had issue Sir 
 Peter, who died unmarried; George, his successor; and 
 Lady .Margaret. 
 
 George, second earl, was made captain of the yeomen 
 of the guard to Charles I., and one of his privy council, 
 but lost most of his estate in pursuit of his loyalty to the 
 king. 
 
 William, son of George, third earl, died in 1677, and 
 was succeeded by his second son. 
 
 George, fourth earl, who died in Hungary, 1687, with- 
 out issue, and was succeeded by his brother. 
 
 William, fifth earl, who, dying a bachelor in 1709, the 
 honor descended to Thomas Hay, of Dalhusy, near Perth, 
 the next male heir. 
 
 Which Thomas, sixth earl, was the brother and heir of 
 George Hay, of Belhusy, son of Peter Hay, of the same 
 place, third son of Sir Patrick Ha}", of Melginch, and 
 brother of George, first earl of Kinnoul, and so succeed- 
 ing, was elected one of the fifteen peers of the third and 
 fourth British parliaments. He married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of William Drummond, Viscount Strathallan. 
 Their youngest son, Col. John Hay, of Cromlich, in 1715 
 followed the Pretender from Scotland, who gave him the 
 title of Earl of Inverness. 
 
 George Henry (eldest son of Thomas), Viscount Dup- 
 plin, in 1711 was created a peer of Great Britain by 
 Queen Anne. In 1718 he succeeded his father as seventh 
 Earl of Kinnoul. In 1709 he married Abigail Harley, 
 youngest daughter of Robert, Earl of Oxford, and l>\ her 
 had four sons and six daughters. The sons were Thomas, 
 Viscount Dupplin; Robert, who took the name and arms 
 of Drummond as heir of entail to his great-grandfather, 
 William Drummond, Viscount Strathallan, and was 
 elected in 1748 bishop of St. Asaph; in 1761 was elected 
 bishop of Salisbury, and same year archbishop of York. 
 John was rector of Lincoln; Henry Edward was consul- 
 general in Portugal in May, 1754, and plenipotentiary to 
 same king, 1762. 
 
 {From a work giving an account of the "Clan Hay." 
 
 Thomas, eighth earl of Kinnoul, was commissioner of 
 the revenue in Ireland, afterward commissioner of the 
 board of trade in England; was ambassador to the King 
 of Portugal, 1759, and was soon afterward appointed 
 chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, but resigned all 
 his offices in 1762. In 1741 he married Coustantia, daugh- 
 ter of John Kirle Ernie, of Whetham, in Wiltshire, 
 Esquire; she died 1753 without surviving issue. 
 
 John Hays, a widower, emigrated from Lismore, 
 County Londonderry, to America about the ye;ir 
 1775, accompanied by four sons, one, John, the 
 second eldest, remaining in Ireland. He sett lei 1 
 on Plnm run in Washington county, Penn., taking 
 up in his own name a tract of land containing 
 some 419 acres, which in the patent is called 
 "Hayfield." This patent, which had not been 
 lifted until April, 1794, covered what was after- 
 ward known as the Anderson, Halft and Ramsey 
 properties, the old homestead being on the Ander- 
 son tract. John Hays, after coming to this country, 
 married a second time, and this wife, Jean, died 
 September 15, 1795, aged sixty years. John Hays 
 departed this life December 26, 1801, aged seventy- 
 five years, and was laid beside his wife. He had 
 five sons, all born in Ireland as follows: William. 
 March 1, 1753; John, April 15, 1756; Robert, 
 September 12,1758; James. December 10, 1702; 
 and Samuel, February '27. 1776. As the father 
 lived in the bounds of Dr. McMillan's church, 
 doubtless he was a member of same. Politically 
 he was an Old-line Whig. 
 
 William Hays, eldest son of the pioneer John, 
 on his arrival in the county from Ireland, took 
 possession in his own name of a tract of land 
 about one mile further up the Plum run valley, 
 containing 441 acres, which he designated in the 
 patent "Haywood." Soon afterward (probably 
 about the year 1793) he married Jane Henderson 
 who bore him children as follows: Jane, born 
 November 4, 1794; William, March 26, 1796; 
 Nancy, March 25, 1798; John, July 14, 1799; 
 Isaac, March 15, 1801, died October 6, 1805; Cath- 
 erine, August 29, 1802, died October 24, 1805; 
 Robert, May 12, 1804, and Catherine, December 
 15, 1805, died September 4, 1806. The father of 
 this family died suddenly October 26, 1805, and 
 he and a sou and daughter, all dying within a few 
 hours of each other, were laid to rest in Miller's 
 Run graveyard. The bereaved wife and mother 
 subsequently married Henry McAfee. 
 
 John Hays, second son of William, was born in 
 Chartiers township. He married, March 29, 1819, 
 Miss Orpha Cornwell, and the young couple re- 
 mained in Chartiers township until 1860, when he 
 came to Canonsburg. The children by this union 
 were William, born July 29, 1820, died April 27, 
 1881; Nancy, born June 17, 1822, married to 
 James Reed, sketch of whom follows; Jane E., 
 born September 7, 1824, married to Rev. Mc- 
 Farland; Isaac, born April 17, 1827; John Smith, 
 
696 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 born August 2, 1830; Matilda, born September 29, 
 1832, died September 2, 1833, and George Price, 
 born February 2. 1838. The mother died Novem- 
 ber 2, 1851, in the fifty-fifth year of her age, hav- 
 ing been born in 1796. The father subsequently 
 married Miss Jane Daily, formerly of Mononga- 
 hela City, but then of Pittsburgh". He died July 
 31, 1875; his widow is living on the old homestead 
 in Canonsburg. He was first a Whig, afterward 
 a Republican, and served many years as justice of 
 the peace. He was a member and elder of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run, and at Can- 
 onsburg, and was a trustee of Jefferson College. 
 
 James Reed, only son of Mathew Reed, was 
 reared and educated on the old home place in 
 Cecil township, and December 11, 1845, was mar- 
 ried to Isabel Johnston, of Washington county, 
 Penn. They had four children, namely: Mathew 
 M.. Eliza J., Carr and James I., all of whom died 
 young. This wife dying January 21, 1857, Mr. 
 Reed married, September 15, 1866, Nancy Hays, 
 of Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn. He re- 
 mained on the farm until the spring of 1869, 
 when failing health compelled him to give up 
 agricultural pursuits, and he removed to Canons- 
 burg, where he died December 4, 1890. Like his 
 father he was a thorough Presbyterian and lib- 
 eral supporter of the church. 
 
 ,\ILLIAM H. UNDERWOOD is a descend- 
 ant of a family of Quakers of that name 
 who came to America with William Penn, 
 and made a settlement in what is now 
 the State of Pennsylvania. The paternal 
 grandfather of William H, a tailor by trade, was 
 a resident for a time of Fayette county, this State, 
 whence he moved to Monongahela, where he died 
 about the year 1843, at the age of seventy-seven 
 years. 
 
 George Washington Underwood, father of our 
 subject, was born February 22, 1814, at Red Stone, 
 Fayette Co., Penn., and was reared to the tailor's 
 trade. In Monongahela he married Elizabeth Jay, 
 a native of this county, and this union being out- 
 Bide of the Quaker faith, his name was dropped 
 from the list of Society of Friends, as was then 
 the custom. When William H. was seven or eight 
 years of age the family returned to Fayette county, 
 whence, after a stay of some years, they came, in 
 1850, to Washington, where the father followed 
 tailoring in partnership with George W. Deiver 
 for several years, but is now living retired in Erie 
 county, at the age of seventy-seven years; the 
 mother was called to her long home in 1856, aged 
 forty years. 
 
 William H. Underwood is a native of Washing- 
 ton county, born in Monongahela, June 4, 1839, 
 
 and was consequently eleven years old when the 
 family came to Washington, the common schools of 
 which city he attended in his boyhood and early 
 youth. He then commenced clerking in a store in 
 the borough, continuing iu that capacity until 
 1861, when, in response to Lincoln's call for troops 
 he enlisted in Company E, Twelfth P. V. I., which 
 was ordered to the vicinity of Baltimore, Md. At 
 the end of the three months' term he returned, 
 invalided with camp fever. In January of the 
 following year he re-enlisted for three years, in 
 Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I. (" Round 
 Heads"), and participated in the memorable expe- 
 dition to South Carolina. His war record in this 
 regiment is as follows: Mustered in January 1, 
 L862; promoted first sergeant May 12, 1865; mus- 
 tered out with the company at Harrisburgh, Penn., 
 July 24, 1865. Prior to the expiration of his term 
 he veteranized, in East Tennessee. He was twice 
 wounded, first November 29, 1863, at the sieg<- of 
 Knoxville, Tenn., a minie rifle ball breaking his 
 jaw. Declining to go to hospital, he tied his face 
 up with his handkerchief, and remained on the 
 field. The second wound he received June 2, 
 1864, at Cold Harbor, where he was struck by a 
 minie ball in the right shoulder, which necessitated 
 his going to hospital, where he remained until 
 September following. After that he was present 
 at the siege of Richmond, etc. At the close of the 
 war he returned to Washington, and again took up 
 clerking, which he followed four years, at the end 
 of which time he bought the news-stand now occu- 
 pied by McKay & Co., selling out the same in 
 1881. In the meantime, in the fall of 1878. he 
 had been elected register of wills, in which office 
 he served three years. After selling out his news 
 business, he remained in Washington, engaged in 
 various occupations, until the spring of 1884, when 
 he bought a grocery store, carrying it on alone 
 until his appointment in 1890 to the postmaster- 
 ship of Washington, a position he has since filled 
 with credit to himself and satisfaction to the public. 
 At the time of his appointment he sold an interest 
 in his grocery business to R. B. Dougherty, the 
 firm being now Underwood & Dougherty. On 
 April 29, 1869, Mr. Underwood married, in Wash- 
 ington, Penn., Miss Emma, daughter of Silas 
 Clark, whose family (now almost extinct) came to 
 the county at an early day. They were for the 
 most part stock dealers, and the village of Clarks- 
 ville was named after them. Two children were 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Underwood, viz. : Owen 
 Clark (who is a graduate of Washington and Jeffer- 
 son College, class of 1891, in classics, and is now 
 assisting his father in the postoffice), and Homer 
 Krepps. Mr. Underwood is a member of the M. 
 E. Church, and of William F. Templeton Tost 
 No. 120, G. A. R., Department of Pennsylvania. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 697 
 
 age of 
 March, 
 of her 
 
 J;OSEPH HOWARTH, of the firm of J. How- 
 | arth & Son, of the marble, slate, granite and 
 ! mantel works, Washington, Peun., was born 
 at Barnsley, England, January 14, 1826. 
 Joseph Howarth,his grandfather, was a stone cut- 
 ter in England, where he died. George Howarth, 
 father of our subject, also a native of that " little 
 spot,'' there married Ann Walker, an English- 
 woman, who bore him the following-named chil- 
 dren: Ann Elizabeth, widow of William Day, of 
 Allegheny, Penn.; Joseph; John, who died in Eng- 
 land; Sarah Auna, who died in infancy in Phila- 
 delphia; William James, in the marble business in 
 Washington, Penn.; Hannah Mary and Emma 
 (both deceased), and Emily Mary, deceased wife of 
 George A. Lawman, of Pittsburgh. In 1830 George 
 Howarth and his wife came to the United States, 
 making their first home in Philadelphia, and moved 
 to Pittsburgh in 1833. The father died at Se- 
 wickley, Penn., in January, 1876, at the 
 seventy-nine years; the mother died in 
 1881, at Washington, Penn, in the home 
 son Joseph, aged seventy-eight years. 
 
 Joseph Howarth, of whom this biographical 
 sketch mainly treats, was brought by his parents to 
 this country in 1830. He learned his trade of his 
 father at Pittsburgh, and in 1865 came to Wash- 
 ington, Penn., where he established his present 
 prosperous biisiness. In 1874 he erected the build- 
 ing at present occupied as a business stand and 
 dwelling, in which one store room is rented for a 
 grocery. In 1852 he married, at Pittsburgh, Jane, 
 daughter of John Tyler. Nine children blessed 
 this union, namely: George, in the marble trade at 
 Sacramento, Cal.; Elizabeth A., at home; Joseph-' 
 ine, married to Rev. J. E. Irvine, of Altoona, Penn. ; 
 William E., in partnership with his father; Bertha 
 E., Harry A., Annie W. and Edna Jane, all athome. 
 Mary A. died in Allegheny. Mr. Howarth is 
 the oldest resident marble cutter in Washington, 
 and from a very small beginning has made his own 
 success, and won an enviable popularity through 
 strict attention to business, earnest perseverance, 
 judicious ecouomy and unquestionable integrity in 
 all his dealings. Politically he is a Republican, 
 and has served as a councilman of the borough of 
 Washington. 
 
 * 
 
 MARTIN COULSON. Although this gen- 
 tleman has been identified with the history 
 of Washington for but a short time, he 
 ^ has already taken a place among the most 
 prominent and valued citizens of the com- 
 munity. He was born October 6, 1830, on a farm 
 on the National road, situated about oue mile east 
 of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., and there 
 learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, who 
 had followed that vocation all his life. 
 
 At the age of eighteen years Martin Coulson left 
 home, and, taking a position on a steamboat, 
 was rapidly promoted. For thirty-three years he 
 served as engineer on the Mississippi, Ohio and 
 Missouri rivers, having run on the Missouri river 
 for sixteen years, and during the last seven years 
 of his river life he was captain. On March 4, 
 1857, he married Violet G., daughter of Capt. 
 Joseph Sheplar, a native of Westmoreland county, 
 Penn. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Coulson 
 resided in Allegheny until 1888 (where they moved 
 in the highest social circles), when he purchased 
 his present farm, about two miles west of Monon- 
 gabela. He has given especial attention to stock 
 raising, and now owns nearly fifty blooded trotting 
 horses. The place consists of 260 acres, sur- 
 rounded by a good fence of pine and cedar, which 
 he had erected, and he also erected the buildings 
 on the farm. The dwelling is a handsome modern 
 structure, fitted and furnished in a manner afford- 
 ing ample evidence of the progressive spirit char- 
 acterizing the owner. In politics Mr. Coulson 
 votes with the Democratic party. He takes an 
 active interest in all public enterprises. His chil- 
 dren are Joseph S., Mrs. Margaret E. Adams and 
 A. K. , all living with their parents on the home 
 place. Mrs. Coulson and her daughters are mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Church, and are well-known 
 society ladies. 
 
 JOHN WHITE was born December 10, 1814, 
 in East Pike Run township, Washington 
 J Co., Penn., and is a son of Fisher I. White, 
 whose father, Benjamin White, was a native 
 of Delaware. The last named was a ship- 
 builder by trade, and died in his native State. His 
 childreu were Fisher I., James, and Sarah (wife 
 of John Mcllvaine). 
 
 Fisher I. White was born in 1773, in Delaware, 
 and grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving 
 a subscription-school education. In early life he 
 was married to Helen Joy, who bore him four 
 children, namely: Wesley, Mary, William and 
 John, the latter being the only living representa- 
 tive. The father was identified with the Whig 
 party, and served in many township offices. He 
 died April 28, 1858, and not long after was fol- 
 lowed by his wife to the grave. Both were mem- 
 bers of the M. E. Church. 
 
 John White received an education in the neigh- 
 borhood of his birthplace, and October 26, 1 843, 
 was married to Maria L. Allen, a native of Allen 
 township, this county, born October 28, 1822. 
 She is a daughter of Abia Allen, and grand- 
 daughter of Joshua Allen, whose father, Joseph, 
 was a Quaker of eastern Pennsylvania. The last 
 mentioned came here, and bought of William 
 
698 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Penn a large tract of land near the present 
 Fayette City. This tract was called in his honor 
 " Allen township." He donated the grounds for 
 the Mt. Tabor cemetery, in which three genera- 
 tions of the Allen family are now sleeping, his 
 wife, Deborah (Hill) Allen, being the first tenant 
 of a grave there. Joseph Allen became a wealthy 
 farmer. Among his children was a son, Joshua, 
 who followed his father's agricultural business, 
 and, when a young man, married Elizabeth Mc- 
 Crory, who bore him eight children, all of whom 
 are deceased except Mrs. Stark. 
 
 Abia Allen, son of Joshua and Elizabeth Allen, 
 was born in July, 1799, in Allen township. In 
 1821 he was united in marriage with Mary Hough, 
 born near Mt. Pleasant, December 22, 1799. 
 They were the parents of Charlotta, wife of D. 
 Morlin, a resident of Allen township; Barbara, wid- 
 ow of Wilson Jackman, of Henry county, 111.; A. 
 B., living at Cleveland, Ohio; Maria L., wife of 
 John White, and two who are deceased. Mr. Al- 
 len was a prominent worker in the Republican 
 party, and served in various local offices. He 
 was a successful farmer, and died in 1849. In 
 1886 his wife was laid by his side. Both were 
 members of the Disciple Church. To the union of 
 John and Maria L. (Allen) White, three children 
 were born: Allen J., a resident of Fallow held 
 township; Elliott S., a Methodist clergyman of 
 Elizabethtown, Allegheny county, and Frank W., 
 living at home. The home place contains 148 
 well-cultivated acres, upon which Mr. White car- 
 ries on practical farming with signal success. He 
 is identified with the Republican party, and in re- 
 ligious faith he and his wife are members of the 
 Ebenezer M. E. Church. 
 
 ^ILLIAM IAMS. Prominent among the 
 progressive farmers of West Bethlehem 
 township is the gentleman whose name 
 — ' introduces this sketch. He is a grand- 
 son of John lams, a native of New Jersey, 
 who in early manhood removed to this county, 
 where he secured a patent for nearly one thousand 
 acres of land in West Bethlehem and Amwell 
 townships, nearly all of which land is yet in the 
 possession of his descendants. His children were: 
 John, Mary, Sarah, Nancy, Charity and William, 
 all of whom were born in Amwell township, where 
 they lived and died respected citizens. 
 
 William lams, son of John the pioneer, was born, 
 in 1782, near Martins mill, Amwell township, and 
 received a liberal education in the common branches 
 of the subscription schools. He married Delilah, 
 daughter of Elisha Meek, one of the early settlers of 
 Greene county, Penn., and to them were born the 
 following named children: Betsey (deceased), Miller 
 James, John H. (deceased), Elisha, Thomas, 
 Isaac, William, Delilah Johnson, Mrs. Mary Bigler 
 
 (deceased), Abraham (deceased) and Rachel Smith. 
 Abraham died in the service of his country at the 
 battle of Fair Oaks, while a member of the Eighty- 
 fifth P. V. I., serving under Capt. Sellers. Miller 
 lams resides in Ritchie county, W. Va., where he 
 is a well-known farmer; Delilah Johnson and 
 Thomas live in Greene county, Penn. ; Isaac resides 
 in Amwell township; Elisha, William and Rachel 
 are residents of West Bethlehem township. The 
 father of this family was a Christian, and a member 
 of the Baptist Church; a brilliant Bible scholar and 
 faithful toiler in the service of his Master. He was a 
 Democrat of the Old School, but, aside from doing 
 his duty at the polls, was not prominently iden- 
 tified with politics. His death took place in 1868, 
 aged seventy-nine years. His wife died in 1877, 
 aged eighty-four years. 
 
 William lams, son of William and Delilah lams, 
 was born March 2, 1830, on the old homestead farm 
 still retained in his possession. In early manhood 
 he learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
 five years, when he turned his attention to farm- 
 ing and stock raising, in which he has been very 
 successful. He married February 9, 1854, Eliza, 
 a daughter of Zebulon and Catherine Ferrel, a na- 
 tive of New Jersey, and an early settler of Wash- 
 ington county. They have the following family: 
 Sadie F., John H. (deceased), an infant (deceased) 
 and Laura A. Mrs. Eliza lams died July 8, 1863, 
 and on February 13, 1870, he married Mary, 
 daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Swihart. The 
 children born to this union were: Etta R. (de- 
 ceased), Lizzie B. (deceased), William J., Mary 
 E., Miller A., Clark J., Isaac W., Charlie P. and 
 Tris M. Miss Laura A. lams, who married 
 Samuel Greenlee, resides in Amwell township, also 
 Sadie, married to James Hufford. Mr. lams is a 
 remarkably intelligent man, and an active member 
 of the Democratic party, who have shown their 
 appreciation for him by electing him to town- 
 ship offices of trust, which he has filled with credit 
 to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents. 
 He is a member of the Baptist Church, and an 
 ardent believer in the teachings of our Lord. 
 The home farm consists of 127 acres of very good 
 land, upon which he raises a fine breed of cattle 
 and sheep. 
 
 i ILLIAM WOLF is descended from a stal- 
 wart German family who in an early day 
 made a settlement in Washington county. 
 Peter Wolf, great-grandfather of pur sub- 
 ject, was born in Germany, and prior to 
 the French-Indian war in this country emigrated 
 from his home on the banks of the Rhine, to seek 
 a new one on the less densely populated American 
 continent, where 
 
 A man is a man if he's willing to toil, 
 
 And the poorest may gather the fruits of the soil. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 699 1 
 
 When the Wolf family came to Washington 
 county they made their home in the dense forest, 
 where roamed the wolf, the deer and the bear, and 
 the ofttimes less welcome Indian. Here they lived 
 in comparative safety in their little log house, en- 
 during all the hardships and privations incident 
 to pioneer days, and ere they passed from earth 
 were eyewitnesses to very many of the changes that 
 brought about the development of civilization in 
 their midst. At one time the Indians became so 
 hostile that the settlers were compelled to seek 
 safety in the nearest blockhouse. Peter Wolf 
 bought three farms in this county, one for each of 
 his sons, William, John and Jacob. Two sons, 
 Peter and Cresley, had moved to Ohio, where all 
 trace of them is lost. The father died in this coun- 
 ty at a very advanced age, and it may here be men- 
 tioned that the family have generally been remark- 
 ably long-lived. 
 
 William Wolf, grandfather of William, was born 
 in Lancaster county, Penn. In 1775 he came to 
 Washington county, and soon afterward enlisted 
 in the service of Louis Wetzel, the great Indian- 
 hunter, as a spy. For some time he taught in 
 country schools. In those days the Indians were 
 very hostile, and the only protection the settlers 
 had was a blockhouse or fort, situated some dis- 
 tance off. William Wolf married Miss Susan 
 Ashbaugh, who bore him eight children: Mary, 
 Betsey, Susan, William, Peter, John. Simon and 
 Christopher, all of whom lived to be over eighty 
 years of age, except William who died when sixty 
 years old. The mother died some time in the 
 early part of the present century, and the father 
 afterward remarried in Ohio; he died in 1840, 
 aged fourscore years, his second wife surviving 
 him. Jacob Wolf, his brother, followed farming 
 in Buffalo township, and was also a justice of the 
 peace. His home was on the road usually taken 
 by travelers, and his house frequently served the 
 purposes of an inn. One of his daughters, Sabina, 
 was a beautiful girl of a comely figure. In 1780, 
 when she was eighteen years of age, Judge Hugh 
 H. Brackenridge, of Philadelphia, being enroute, in 
 company with several friends, for Wheeling, W. 
 Va., stopped at her father's house, to seek a night's 
 lodging. Sabina was told to "put the gentle- 
 man's horse away," and supposing herself unob- 
 served sprang lightly on the horse's back, and 
 galloped off to the stable. The Judge, however, 
 saw the act, and also observed that on her return 
 to the house she cleared the fence with a running 
 jump. Brackenridge was so delighted at seeing 
 such an agile female, so different from city girls, 
 that he passed the entire evening in conversation 
 with the fair damsel, and became so infatuated 
 w,ith her, that, just as he was about to renew his 
 journey the following morning, he asked the "old 
 squire" for his daughter's hand in marriage. A 
 
 few days later, on his return trip, the Judge again 
 stopped at the house of his lady-love, married her 
 in her father's house, and took her with him to 
 Philadelphia, where he had her educated in a se- 
 lect seminary. Some of her descendants are now 
 residents of Washington county, where she died 
 some twenty years ago. 
 
 Peter Wolf, father of our subject, was a native 
 of this county, having been born in the year 1786, 
 in Buffalo township, where he was reared to farm 
 life, but subsequently learned the trade of cabinet 
 maker with John Wilson, of Washington borough, 
 where he followed the business forty years. In. 
 1849 he was elected sheriff of the county, serving 
 three years, and then retired into private life. In 
 1813 he married Miss Sarah McGonigal, a lady of 
 Irish parentage, and a native of Carlisle, Penn., 
 who had come to Washington, Penn., when about 
 thirteen years of age. The children born to them 
 were William; Elizabeth, wife of William K. 
 Shannon, of South Strabane township; Jane, wife 
 of John C. Copeland, of Steubenville; Sarah, wife 
 of J. H. Bristow, also of Steubenville, and Simon, 
 who died in Washington, Penn. The father died 
 in 1865 at the age of eighty years, the mother in 
 L846, aged fifty years. 
 
 William Wolf, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born in the borough of Washington, Penn.. 
 June 10, 1815. He was educated at the schools 
 of the place, and learned the trade of cabinet 
 maker, at which he worked in Washington some 
 twenty-eight years. For twenty years he has 
 been speculating and dealing in real estate. He 
 built the John A. Best store, which he afterward 
 sold to Mr. Best. In 1836 Mr. Wolf was married 
 in Washington to Lavina, daughter of Joseph 
 Hallam; they have had no children. He is a Re- 
 publican in politics, and during his father's incum- 
 bency as sheriff he served as deputy under him. 
 He is a Sir Knight Templar, and at one time was 
 a member of the I. O. 0. F. Strictly a temper- 
 ance man, Mr. Wolf has not tasted liquor for forty 
 years, and has never used tobacco in any form. For 
 thirty-four years he has lived at the same home, 
 in South Strabane township, just outside the bor- 
 ough limits. Mr. Wolf has made his own success 
 in life, and has accumulated a comfortable com- 
 petence. 
 
 EORGE W. STACEY, proprietor of a hand- 
 some glassware and china store in Monon- 
 gahela, has become prominently identified 
 with the interests of that town during his 
 short residence within its limits, and is a 
 most valued citizen. 
 
 John Stacey, his father, was born in Cut Lam- 
 beth, London, England, and coming to America, 
 when a young man, settled in Kentucky and fol- 
 
700 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 /J 
 
 lowed the trade of a marble cutter. After remain- 
 ing some time in that State, he came to Allegheny, 
 Penn., where he died in 1858. His wife, Louisa, 
 was the daughter of John Larcombe, also a native 
 of England, who, before coming to America, mar- 
 ried Mary Bird. They located at Burgettstown, 
 Penn., but after a time moved to a permanent 
 home at a place called Joseph's Mills, W. Va. J 
 Their children, eight in number, were born as fol- j 
 lows: Louisa (Mrs. Stacey), Charles, Martha, Jane, 
 George, Levi, Virginia and Ann. The father was 
 a stanch advocate of Democratic principles, and 
 in religion was a member of the Protestant Epis 
 copal Church. He died at his home in 1879. The 
 following named children were born to John and 
 Louisa Stacey: George W. , John W-, Louisa and 
 Deborah. 
 
 George W. Stacey, the subject of this sketch, 
 was born October 15, L849, at Allegheny, Penn., 
 where he was reared and educated. At the age 
 of eighteen years he began working for a mer- 
 chant, with whom he remained three years; then 
 he embarked in the trading business, which he 
 followed seventeen years in different portions of 
 Pennsylvania. In 1890 he opened a glassware 
 and china store in Monongahela, which is now one 
 of the largest and most complete establishments 
 of the kind in the Monongahela Valley. Polit- 
 ically he is an active Republican. He was married 
 August 9, 1886, to Annie, daughter of John 
 Freed, a resident of Beaver Falls, Penn. , to whom 
 one son was born. 
 
 Hi ENRY RIDER. Among those hardy fron- 
 tiersmen whose energy and patient toil have 
 made the dreary wilderness "to blossom as 
 the rose," the ancestors of this gentleman 
 were prominently associated. His grand- 
 parents, Chrystopher and Mary Magdalene Rider, 
 were early settlers of Fallowtield township, and of 
 the children born to them was a son, named John. 
 John Rider was born in 1799, in Fallowtield 
 township, this county. He attended the subscrip- 
 tion schools in early life, and was afterward mar- 
 ried in Washington county, to Hannah Budd, who 
 who was born in Westmoreland county in 18l>0. 
 They settled on a farm adjoining the home place 
 in Fallowtield township, and children were born to 
 them as follows: Joseph; Henry; Hannah, wife of 
 John Carson of East Pike Run township, and five 
 who are deceased. The father was a Whig and 
 Republican, having served as justice of peace, also 
 filling the office of constable for ten or fifteen 
 years. He and his wife were members of the Dis- 
 ciple Church, of which he was an elder. He died 
 in 1882, aged eighty -three years, followed by the 
 mother in 1891. 
 
 Henry Rider was born March 10, 1824, on the 
 
 farm in Fallowtield township. From boyhood he 
 was trained to agricultural pursuits, which he has 
 continued to follow. In early manhood he was 
 married to Eliza, daughter of Solomon and Rebecca 
 (Sheplar) Cooper, pioneers of this county, now de- 
 ceased. The young couple settled on the home- 
 stead in Fallowtield township, where his wife died, 
 leaving four children, namely: John, Teagarden, 
 Rebecca Ann, and Hannah (who is living in Fallow- 
 field township). After the death of his first wife 
 (June 5, 1859), Henry Rider was married Sep- 
 tember 6, 1861, to Rebecca, daughter of Simon 
 and Rebecca (Crawford) Wilson, pioneers of Fal- 
 lowtield township, who have both been laid to rest. 
 After his marriage, Mr. Rider bought 107 acres 
 adjoining the homestead, and now owns 239 acres 
 of well-cultivated land, where he carries on a gen- 
 eral farming and stock raising business. He takes 
 an interest in public questions, votes with the Re- 
 publican party, has been prominently identified 
 with educational progression, and has served as a 
 member of the school board. In religious faith he 
 is a member of the Disciple Church. Mrs. Rider 
 died in 1880, leaving two children, Henry E.-, a 
 widower (living on the home place), and Simon. 
 
 ILLIAM BEALL is a representative of a 
 family of Scottish pioneers, who were 
 early settlers in Brooke (now Hancock) 
 county, W. Va. The first ancestor who 
 came to West Virginia was Philip Beall, who was 
 born in Maryland, of Scotch parentage. In early 
 life he came to Hancock county, W. Va., and took 
 up a tomahawk claim of 600 acres. The family 
 were often compelled to leave their cabin and flee 
 for safety from the Indians, to a fort which the 
 pioneers had united in erecting. After selecting 
 his land, Mr. Beall began to clear ground to plant 
 the amount of corn required by law in order to se- 
 cure the tract. In the meantime their supplies 
 were brought over the mountains from the East, 
 and some years later their salt was all brought 
 from the East. Philip Beall and his faithful wife 
 lived to a ripe old age, and saw the wild country 
 around them dotted first with cabins and then 
 more substantial homes. Mr. Beall possessed 
 great physical strength, and was of massive propor- 
 tions, weighing over two hundred pounds. He 
 died in 1805, and his wife survived him only a few 
 years, when she was buried in "Three Spring" 
 cemetery, Hancock Co., W. Va. Nine children 
 were born to these pioneers, seven daughters and 
 two sons, of whom William moved to Jefferson 
 county, Ohio, where he died. 
 
 Philip Belli, youngest son of Philip, was born in 
 1793, in Hancock county, W. Va. He attended 
 the rude schools of that time until the death of his 
 father, when the care of the farm fell upon him 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 701 
 
 aud his brother William. The former was not yet 
 thirteen years of age, but he went bravely to work, 
 and, preparing the ground, the boys each planted 
 ten acres of corn and oats, using the clumsy im- 
 plements which were then provided. Philip re- 
 mained on the home farm until after the death of 
 his mother, when, the old place being sold, he lived 
 for some time with a brother-in-law. In early 
 manhood he was married to Mary Gibson, who 
 was born in 1800 in Washington county, Penn., a 
 daughter of James and Elizabeth (Campbell) Gib- 
 son. The following children were born to them: 
 Elizabeth (died in early girlhood), Mary Ann (de- 
 ceased wife of John Carson, Stark county, Ohio), 
 William (whose sketch follows), Rebecca (Mrs. 
 James Morrison, of Paris, Penn.), James (living in 
 Kansas), Melinda (an unmarried lady, of Salem, 
 Ohio), Nancy (deceased) and Philip (of Salem, 
 Ohio). The parents began married life in Han- 
 over township, this county, and in 1827 came to 
 the home farm, where the father passed the re- 
 mainder of his active life. He was a popular citi- 
 ,zen, and in politics was a lifelong Democrat, be- 
 ing an enthusiastic supporter of his party. Al- 
 though not a church member, Mr. Beall contrib- 
 uted liberally to the U. P. Church at Paris, of 
 which his wife was a member. He died October 
 24, 1860. His wife died September 12, 1849. 
 They are buried in the Paris cemetery. 
 
 William Beall, son of Philip and Mary (Gibson) 
 Beall, was born December 11, 1826, in Hanover 
 township. When a young man he learned the 
 blacksmith's trade at Frankfort, Penn., which he 
 followed a year and a half. He then sustained an 
 injury which necessitated his temporary absence 
 from the anvil, and finally compelled him to aban- 
 don the business. He returned to the farm, and 
 followed rural pursuits until 1852; then joined in 
 the California Argonauts, making the trip from St. 
 Joseph, Mo., to Placerville (then "Hangtown"), 
 Cal., in 104 days. He remained in California six 
 years and eight months, returning via Aspinwall, 
 Panama City autl New York, and resumed work on 
 his father's farm. In the fall of 1S60 he married 
 Margaret Ann, born in 1836, in Smith township, a 
 daughter of Robert and Mary (Reed) McCready. 
 The following children were born to them: Mary 
 L. (Mrs. Seward Walker, of Toronto, Ohio), Harry 
 E. (a skilled railroad man in Nevada), James A. (a 
 farmer of Hanover township), Addie L. (Mrs. Dr. 
 Mayo Patterson, of Greensburg, Penn. ), Laura V. 
 {wife of Thomas McWright, of Hanover township), 
 Dessa L.. William C. and Alvie J., all of whom 
 are living at home. After his marriage William 
 Beall located on a farm which he had previously 
 purchased near Florence, Penn., and when the old 
 homestead was sold in 1864, he purchased it, and 
 took up his residence there. The old place has 
 been greatly improved under his care, and is now 
 
 adorned by a fine residence. He cultivates small 
 fruits, aud was formerly interested in the wool bus- 
 iness, but now devotes his principal attention to a 
 dairy. In politics Mr. Beall is a lifelong Demo- 
 crat, taking au active interest in his party. Both 
 he and his wife are members of the United Presby- 
 terian Church at Paris, and all the family are 
 highly esteemed. 
 
 f | AMES BROWN TENAN. A record of the 
 substantial citizens of Washington county 
 it)] would be incomplete were the names of this 
 ^^ representative family of Smith township not 
 included in the list. They were among the large 
 number of pioneers who emigrated from Ireland to 
 America during the eighteenth century. 
 
 James Tenan was born in 1758, in County Lon- 
 donderry, Ireland, where he was educated. Soon 
 after the close of the Revolution the young man 
 crossed the ocean to America in a small sailing 
 vessel, and in the course of time located in Penn- 
 sylvania. He married Jane Brown, near the town 
 of Octoraro, Lancaster county, where they re- 
 mained until 1785, when they purchased and 
 settled upon a small tract of laud in Smith town- 
 ship, this county, where the following named chil- 
 dren were born: John, Robert, James, William, 
 Mary and Moses. Mr. Tenan (who then spelled 
 his name Tynan) united with the Democratic 
 party. In religion he was an early member of the 
 Associate Reformed Church. He died in 1S40, 
 having been preceded to the grave by his wife in 
 1836. 
 
 James Tenan, son of James and Jane (Brown) 
 Tenan, was born in 1796, in Smith township, and 
 received his education in the subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood. In 1829 he was united in 
 marriage with Margaret, daughter of George M. 
 McCullough, a native of Lancaster county, Penn. 
 Mr. McCullough grew to manhood there, and there 
 married Agnes Gibson, to whom the following 
 named children were born: Christina (Mrs. James 
 Wilson), Agnes (wife of Thomas McCullough), 
 Susan, Jane (Mrs. Joseph McNall), Mary (wife of 
 James Brown) and Margaret (Mrs. James Tenan). 
 Mr. McCullough came to Washington county and 
 settled on a 400-acre tract of land in Smith town- 
 ship, where his life was passed. He brought a 
 few slaves with him to Washington county, where 
 they remained until they died. Politically he 
 was a Federalist, and in religion a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Florence, where both he 
 and his wife were buried. James and Margaret 
 (McCullough) Tenan passed their married life on 
 the home place iu Smith township, and to their 
 union two sons were born, viz. : George McCul- 
 lough and James Brown. The father was liberal 
 in his political views, and voted with the Jackson- 
 
702 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ian Democrats. In religious faith he was a mem- 
 ber and liberal supporter of the Associate Re- 
 formed Church until his death, which occurred 
 April 1, 1859. 
 
 James Brown Tenan was born September 14, 
 1832, the day of the burning of New York City, in 
 Smith township, where he received a common- 
 school education. On June 5,1860, he married Mary, 
 daughter of Jonas Amspoker, of Smith township, 
 and to this union one son, Douglas, was born 
 (died at the age of three years). On March 21, 
 1864, the mother died, and for his second wife 
 Mr. Tenan married, at Philadelphia, in October, 
 1870, Harriet E., daughter of William H. Bozinan, 
 of McConnellsville, Morgan Co. , Ohio. Her par- 
 ents are both deceased; the father died in Septem- 
 ber, 1860, and the mother died at Athens, Ohio. 
 In politics Mr. Tenan is an active Democrat, and 
 with the exception of three years, spent at Athens, 
 Ohio, has been a resident of Burgettstown ever 
 since. He is a member and earnest supporter of 
 the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, 
 Mrs. Tenan being a member of the M. E. Church. 
 On the farm in Smith township, which is situated 
 two miles from Burgettstown, are two oil wells, 
 with fair prospects for others. Mr. Tenan had 
 (on his mother's side) two aunts (McCullough by 
 name), who lived to be over ninety years of age. 
 
 AMUEL McCOY (deceased), a pioneer farm- 
 er of Chartiers township, is a son of John 
 and Lydia McCoy, who came to Pennsylva- 
 nia about the time of the Revolution, and 
 took out a patent of the land in Chartiers township, 
 Washington county, where the widow of Samuel 
 McCoy is now living. John and Lydia McCoy re- 
 mained on the farm until their death, and reared 
 the following children: Elizabeth, born Decem- 
 ber 2, 1801; Agues, born September 23, 1803; 
 Nancy, born January 19, 1805; Robert (deceased 
 September 19, 1819), born January 25, 1808; Neal 
 (living in Washington county, Penn.), born Sep- 
 tember 16, 1813; John (deceased October 24, 
 L889, in this county), born September 13, 1815; 
 Samuel, born September 17, 1817; and Lydia 
 (Mrs. William McWilliams of Cauonsburg), born 
 May 27, 1820. 
 
 .Samuel McCoy, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born on the farm in Chartiers township, this 
 county, remaining at home during his boyhood 
 and receiving an education at the subscription 
 schools of the vicinity. On March 3, 1859, he was 
 married at Paris, Penn., to Isabelle Anderson, a 
 native of Hancock county, Va., and daughter of 
 Alexander and Anne (Anderson) Anderson, both of 
 whom were also born in Hancock county. Alex- 
 ander Anderson learned the carpenter's trade, 
 which he followed, and in I860 moved with his 
 
 family to Washington county, Penn., settling in 
 Washington borough. He died a few years later, 
 and his widow survived him many years. Their 
 children were Isabelle (Mrs. Samuel McCoy), Sally 
 (widow of Robert Andrews, living in Prosperity, 
 this county), Nancy (Mrs. Joshua Hartman, resid- 
 ing in Liverpool, Ohio, wife of John Arnold, both 
 deceased), Elizabeth Hattie (living in Washing- 
 ton), Minnie (deceased in November, 188'.)), Alfred 
 (enlisted in Washington county in the war, and 
 was killed at the battle of Gettysburg), William 
 (married), a blacksmith in Nebraska, and John, 
 who died a few years ago. 
 
 Samuel McCoy passed his married life on the 
 place where his widow is now residing, and fol- 
 lowed agricultural pursuits. Five children were 
 born to his union with Isabelle Anderson, namely: 
 Mary, born March 5, 1860; Lydia Ann, born March 
 19, 1862 (married on September 9, 1885, to Sam- 
 uel Fee); Samuel (deceased October 8, 1866), born 
 June 16, 1864; John, born February 24, 1867; 
 and Elizabeth, born October 2, 1869. The father 
 of this family died October 9, 1871, in Chartiers 
 township, at the age of fifty-five years. During 
 life he took an interest in political questions, vot- 
 ing with the Democratic party, but preferred to 
 spend the greater part of his time in home work. 
 The old home farm, where Mrs. McCoy is now 
 living has been in the possession of the family for 
 more than a century, and is a valuable piece of 
 property. 
 
 '/ 
 
 V\/If KS ELMIRA REDD is a daughter of 
 x//\ John Conrad, and the widow of Thomas 
 *! I C. Redd, who was a son of Solomon Redd. 
 ■* The latter was born in Washington county, 
 Penn., and there married to Mary, daughter 
 of Squire Scott, also a native of this county. The 
 children of Solomon and Mary Redd were as fol- 
 lows: Thomas C. (deceased), Samuel, Sarah A. 
 I wife of .lame-. Wygant), Margaret (married to Will- 
 iam Dicky), Susan (wife of Dr. Riggs), John, Sol- 
 omon and Parke (the last named being deceased). 
 The father was a farmer, also a boatman on the 
 Ohio aDd Monongahela rivers. In politics he 
 voted with the Whig and Republican parties, and 
 he was a member of the Baptist Church. 
 
 Thomas C. Redd was born April 12, 1822, on the 
 home farm in Fallowtield township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and received his education in the sub- 
 scription schools of the neighborhood. He then 
 worked on the farm, and also went on the river 
 with his father to New Orleans. On September 
 25, 1851, he was united in marriaee with Elmira 
 Conrad, and the following children have been born 
 to their union: Marion P., Josephine, Melissa E., 
 John H. , S. Ellsworth, William Henry, Marguer- 
 ite and Charles F. The parents resided for twenty 
 
?<2JZcf. 
 
■SSK * 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 711 
 
 linen, towels, etc. Shoemakers would carry their 
 tools on their backs from house to house, and 
 "shoe the families" for the winter season; in sum- 
 mer time they generally went without shoes. 
 
 Henry Moninger, son of John Mouinger, the 
 pioneer of the family, was born in 1789 in Shunks- 
 town, Md. , and came with the rest to Washington 
 county, where he followed farming, and was ex- 
 tensively engaged in stock buying, driving cattle 
 to Baltimore and Philadelphia. He also dealt 
 largely in real estate, and finally purchased a farm 
 in Brooke county, W. Va., to which he moved, 
 dying there in 1864. He was a member of the 
 Disciple Church. In early manhood he was mar- 
 ried to Susan Hass, who bore him children as 
 follows: John, George, Mary (wife of Isaac lams), 
 Henry, Ann (wife of Jackson Closser), Jackson, 
 Jacob, Catherine, Sarah (wife of William Gilmore) 
 and Elizabeth. The mother of these children died 
 June 29, 1841, at the age of fifty years, and some 
 time in the following year the father married Mrs. 
 Sarah Pettit (nee Hughes), by whom he had three 
 children: Robert (deceased), James A. and Emma. 
 Politically Mr. Moninger was a Whig, and he took 
 an active part in building up the community in 
 which he lived. 
 
 Jacob Moninger, subject of sketch, was reared 
 on the home place, and received his education at 
 the schools of the neighborhood. While yet young 
 he was wont to assist his father in driving live 
 stock to the Eastern markets, walking the entire 
 distance each way. He seems to have inherited 
 his father's penchant for real estate dealing, and 
 has, probably, owned and improved more farms in 
 Washington county than any other resident. On 
 February 10, 1846, Mr. Moninger was united in 
 marriage with Mary, daughter of Samuel Vance, 
 and by her had four children: John, Martha (Mrs. 
 John Chambers), Margaret (Mrs. Albert McElree) 
 and Samuel. This wife dying July 2, 1856. Mr. 
 Moninger on January 28, 1858, married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of William Fife, and she bore him seven 
 children, named as follows: Morgan, Joseph, 
 William, Frank, Harry, George and Charles E. 
 Mr. Moninger is a member of the Second Presby- 
 terian Church at Washington; in politics he was 
 first a Whig, and has, since the formation of the 
 party, been a strong Republican. His present 
 commodious and elegant residence in South Stra- 
 bane township is one of the pleasantest in his sec- 
 tion. He was a large stock dealer in Washington 
 and adjoining counties, his business running into 
 the hundred thousands yearly; but now in his old 
 age he is resting quietly on his farm, one mile 
 and a half north of Washington. 
 
 [Since the above was prepared for the press, we have 
 information of the sudden death, April 1, 1893, from apo- 
 plexy, of Mr. Jacob Moninger. — Ed. 
 
 AXWELL WORK. Although this gen- 
 tleman has but recently become a citizen 
 of Washington county, he is already 
 prominently identified with its business, 
 political and social interests. He is a son 
 of Alexander and Prudence (Rankin) Work (the 
 former of whom was a resident of Fayette coun- 
 ty, Penn.), and was born December 8, 1856, on 
 the home farm in Dunbar township, Fayette 
 county. His brother's name is Winfield S., and 
 his sister's name is Nancy Jane. His boyhood 
 was passed in the various employments usual to 
 agricultural life, the monotony of which was varied 
 with a few months' attendance at the common 
 schools each winter. As he was the eldest son, 
 the greater portion of the work fell to his share, 
 thus depriving the boy of enjoying even the prim- 
 itive educational advantages within his reach. But 
 the keen observation of an intelligent mind sup- 
 plemented the lack of literary training, and he has 
 become one of the most successful business men 
 of the county. On January 12, 1S77, he married 
 Susan Hair, who was born February 18, 1859, in 
 Dunbar township, Fayette Co., Penn., a daughter 
 of Daniel and Harriet (Work) Hair. Three chil- 
 dren were born to the union of Maxwell and Susan 
 (Hair) Work, namely: Maud D., Bessie F. and 
 one deceased in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Work 
 passed the first thirteen years of married life on a 
 farm in Fayette county, Penn., residing there un- 
 til 1891, in which year they came to Smith town- 
 ship, Washington county, locating in Cherry Val- 
 ley, on the Thomas McFarland farm, a well-im- 
 proved and valuable tract of land upon which they 
 are yet residing. Mr. Work is a very progressive 
 farmer, ever ready to assist in all worthy enter- 
 prises, and takes an active interest in the success 
 of the Republican party, of which he is an active 
 member. 
 
 DANIEL WILSON SOWERS, one of West 
 \ Bethlehem's most enterprising and repre- 
 / sentative citizens, is a grandson of George 
 Sowers, who was born in Maryland about 
 the year 1813. While yet a boy the grandfather 
 came to West Bethlehem township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., thus becoming one of those bold 
 pioneer settlers who inaugurated a work which 
 their descendants are now carrying on to comple- 
 tion — the formation and improvement of Washing- 
 ton county. George Sowers was married to a 
 daughter of Daniel Gardner, one of the earliest 
 settlers of West Bethlehem township. Mr. Sowers 
 spent his life as a farmer in that township, and 
 died at the advanced age of seventy-eight years. 
 Levi Sowers, the only son of George Sowers, 
 passed his boyhood in the usual manner of pioneer 
 
712 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 boys, attending the old log sehoolhouse with its 
 great fireplace, slab benches and primitive fur- 
 nishings. He married Samantha Enoch, and to 
 them were born the following children: Andrew 
 J., Warren, Elizabeth J., Daniel Wilson, Cathe- 
 rine, MaryO, David Enoch, Madison B. , Aman- 
 da, Elmer and George W., all of whom, except 
 Mary and Madison, are yet living; David is a 
 prominent attorney, and resides in Topeka, Ivans. 
 The others are residents of West Bethlehem town- 
 ship. 
 
 Daniel Wilson, son of Levi Sowers, was born 
 July 30, 1848, in the old stone house, on the farm 
 which adjoins his present home, and which is now 
 the property of his brother Warren. His educa- 
 tion was very good for the period. On May 9, 
 1S72, he married Belle Oiler, a daughter of Jona- 
 than Oiler, of West Bethlehem township, and 
 their children are Thorman Tilden and Maggie 
 May, both residing at home with their parents. 
 Politically Mr. Sowers is a Democrat, and has 
 served in the offices of supervisor and auditor of 
 the township where he resides. He is an esteemed 
 citizen, respected by all who know him. 
 
 i MrRS. MARGARET A. HARRISON is a 
 
 \gM\ daughter of Andrew Bryce, a native of 
 Y( 1 1 Scotland, who was there married to Jane 
 ^1 Gilchrist. Mr. and Mrs. Bryce settled 
 V in Fayette county, Penn., where he fol- 
 
 lowed the trade of miller, conducting the mill 
 at Merrittstown for many years. Mrs. Margaret 
 A. Harrison had two sons by her former marriage, 
 October 14, 1845, to Samuel Edmiston, namely: 
 William Alexander, cashier of the Monongahela 
 National Bank, Fayette county, Penn. , and James 
 M., superintendent of the water- works at Atchison, 
 Ivans. On March 2, 1805, Mrs. Margaret A. Ed- 
 miston was married to George W. Harrison, son 
 James Harrison. 
 
 James Harrison was born in Maryland, where 
 he remained until about forty years of age. In 
 early manhood he was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Hedgel, a native of Berkeley county, 
 W. Va., who bore him the following children: 
 William, George W. , James, Joseph (all born in 
 West Virginia), Eliza (deceased), Mrs. Harriet 
 Van Gilder (living in Centreville, Washington Co., 
 Penn.) and Maria (deceased). In 1817 the family 
 moved to Washington county, "Penn., where the 
 father was a cropper for several years, then rented 
 a farm and finally settled near West Brownsville, 
 Penn. He died in 1825, his widow in 1801. In 
 politics he was an active member of the Whig 
 party. 
 
 George W. Harrison was born in 1812, on the 
 eastern shore of Maryland, and when yet a small 
 boy came with his parents to Pennsylvania. His 
 
 father died soon afterward, leaving no property, 
 and, being the eldest of the family, much of the 
 care of his mother and the younger children fell 
 upon his youthful shoulders. The child bravely 
 accepted the heavy responsibility thus suddenly 
 thrust upon him, and continued to bear his share 
 of the burden until the younger ones were old 
 enough to support themselves. He was then re- 
 leased from that duty, but continued to work 
 industriously, and carefully saved his earnings un- 
 til he had accumulated a sufficient amount with 
 which to purchase thirty acres of land in East 
 Bethlehem township, this county. After buying 
 this place he proceeded to cultivate it to the 
 highest extent, and soon sold it at a good profit, 
 then went with his brother Joseph to Indiana, 
 where they bought a farm which he also sold at 
 a good price. The brothers then returning to 
 Washington county, Penn., purchased a handsome 
 place on the National pike, in East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, where they resided together for one year. 
 At the expiration of that time George W. sold his 
 share to his brother, who is yet living on the place. 
 After disposing of this property George W. Har- 
 rison bought 123 acres of well-improved, valuable 
 land, upon which a handsome brick edifice has 
 been erected. Mr. Harrison won his success by 
 years of patient toil, and when he had attained 
 prosperity was ever ready to lend a helping hand 
 to others who were struggling upward. In politics 
 he was a valued member of the Republican party, 
 but invariably declined the political honors of 
 which his friends vainly urged acceptance. The 
 latter years of his life were filled with pain, and he 
 was laid to rest January 5, 1890, in the beautiful 
 "God's acre" adjoining the Taylor M. E. church. 
 Since the death of her husband Mrs. Harrison has 
 continued to reside in her pleasant home, person- 
 ally superintending the work of the farm. Her 
 only daughter, Lillian, a cultured young lady, is 
 living with her mother, and whose son, George W., 
 died in infancy. 
 
 JLLIAM COVENTRY, one of the best 
 known and substantial citizens of Han- 
 over township, traces his ancestry to 
 the "Emerald Isle," from whose shores 
 so many of our early pioneers had sailed. 
 John Coventry was born in 1750, in County Done- 
 gal, Ireland, where he learned the trad* of a weaver^ 
 and when a young man was married to Martha 
 Brown, who was born in 1754. Some years after 
 their marriage this young couple sailed for America. 
 After their landing and securing a temporary home 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, their household effects 
 were moved thence in a churn, and their only child 
 was carried by the parents. John Coventry joined 
 the Continental army, taking an active part in the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 713 
 
 struggle for independence, and undergoing the 
 terrible sufferings which were the common lot of 
 those heroic patriots. Long and difficult marches 
 were made, their only food consisting of cold po- 
 tatoes. After the war money was almost worth- 
 less, and the most common articles sold for fabu- 
 lous prices. A little dress which was purchased 
 for a son, cost $60 in Continental currency. In 
 17N2 John Coventry and family concluded to se- 
 cure one of the cheap homes offered to the settlers 
 in western Pennsylvania, and packing up their 
 few earthly possessions, started on foot to make 
 the long and tedious journey across the mountains. 
 The hardships which they endured can not be im- 
 agined, yet on they toiled, carrying their little son 
 Robert, who was at that time about two years of 
 age. At last they arrived at Hanover township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and purchasing a small 
 piece of land, erected their rude log cabin in the 
 midst of the surrounding woods, and there Mr. 
 Coventry followed his trade of a weaver in con- 
 nection with farming. This cabin was soon sup- 
 planted by one more substantial, which is yet 
 standing. With true Irish enterprise and indus- 
 try John Coventry struggled on, and prosperity 
 finally crowned bis patient efforts. When the 
 need of a permanent piece of ground for a school- 
 house became apparent, he gave the necessary 
 amount of land to be used for ninety-nine years, 
 and the building which was there erected has ever 
 since been known as the "Coventry School." In 
 politics he was a Democrat, adhering to the princi- 
 ples of his party. He and his wife were members 
 of the Seceder Church, which was nearly ten miles 
 from their home, and walked the entire distance. 
 A church was afterward organized at Burgetts- 
 town, to which their membership was then trans- 
 ferred. John Coventry died February 5, 1S45, in 
 his ninety-fifth year, and was laid to rest by the 
 side of the wife who had gone before him April 8, 
 1832. Both were buried in the U. P. cemetery at 
 Burgettstown, Penn. The following children were 
 born to this heroic couple: Robert (deceased in 
 Hanover township), William (of whom a sketch 
 follows), James, John (a school teacher, who lived 
 some time at Steubenville, Ohio, thence moving to 
 Philadelphia, Ohio, where some of his descendants 
 are yet living), Jane (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased 
 wife of William Smiley), and Martha (deceased). 
 William Coventry, son of John and Martha 
 (Brown) Coventry, was born in 1782, having been 
 the first member of the Coventry family who was 
 born in Hanover township. He was reared amid 
 the usual scenes of pioneer life, attending a few 
 months in each year at the subscription schools. 
 In 1815 he selected a life companion in the person 
 of Rebecca Ramsey, who was born in 1791, a 
 daughter of Robert Ramsey, who was born east of 
 the mountains and came to Washington county. 
 
 The children of William and Rebecca Coventry 
 were as follows: Martha, deceased in Carroll 
 county, Ohio, married Thomas Smiley ; Mary, Mrs. 
 Hamilton Walker, of Carroll county, Ohio; John, 
 a carpenter of New Brighton. Penn.; Robert R., 
 deceased farmer of Hanover township; James, a 
 citizen of Des Moines, Iowa; Elizabeth, wife of J. 
 H. Lawther, Carroll county, Ohio; William, whose 
 name opens this sketch; and David, living at East 
 Liverpool, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Coventry settled 
 on Brush run, two miles from Florence, this 
 county, where he successfully followed farming. 
 He was fond of reading, and had a practical and 
 thorough education. He was a member of the 
 Seceder Church, and in politics was a Democrat, 
 serving in numerous township offices, taking a 
 lively interest in all the political and social ques- 
 tions of the day. He died February 26, 1850, 
 followed, March 25, 1872, by his wife, who rests 
 beside him in the U. P. cemetery at Burgettstown. 
 William Coventry was born January 2, 1830, on 
 a farm adjoining his present home, and attended 
 the rude schools of those days, with their rude 
 furnishings; wooden benches, an old, rickety door, 
 and a stove which was accustomed to fall down at 
 the slightest provocation, to the great delight of 
 the weary urchins and the discomfiture of the 
 dignified master. On February 18, 1857, William 
 Coventry was married to Sarah Spence, who was 
 born February 16, 1835, in Beaver county, Penn., 
 a daughter of John and Mary (Adams) Spence. 
 The young couple located on the farm on Brush 
 run, where they are yet living, about two-thirds of 
 which Mr. Coventry has cleared, and by incessant 
 toil and labor has succeeded in converting it from 
 an unbroken forest into a fertile, producing tract 
 of land. He thoroughly understands every depart- 
 ment and detail of agriculture, having won a 
 signal success in this vocation. He votes the 
 Democratic ticket, having been called upon to fill 
 various offices in Hanover township, which he has 
 done with great credit to himself, and to the 
 satisfaction of all. Three daughters were born to 
 this couple, namely: Rebecca J., Mary Agnes and 
 Elizabeth A., all of whom died of diphtheria in 
 October, 1864; thus leaving the parents childless, 
 but living in the anticipation of a glad reunion on 
 the other shore. They are both consistent mem- 
 bers of the Frankfort U. P. Church. 
 
 JfOHN C. LOFINK was bom on the Atlantic 
 Ocean, May 30, 1844, and arrived at Balti- 
 J more, Md., with his mother, Anastasia, her 
 four brothers (Joseph Lofink, Louis Lofink, 
 Simon Lofink and Frank Lofink) and his 
 little sister, Laviua, when he was two weeks old. 
 He was baptized in St. John's Church at Balti- 
 more, and then was taken to Pittsburgh, where the 
 
714 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 family lived for some time before their removal to 
 Caseyville, Ky. In Pittsburgh the mother married 
 George Green, by whom she had two children: 
 Francis and Tone. In Kentucky John C. Lofink 
 worked for Mr. Bell (the candidate of the Free-Soil 
 party), but left that State in 1862 to learn mechan- 
 ical engineering at Pittsburgh. Owing to the de- 
 pressed condition of this branch of industry at 
 that city he went to Monongahela City and found 
 work in the coal mines there. 
 
 Mr. Lorink was married June 20, 1864, to Hester 
 Burgan, daughter of Peter and Mary Burgan. 
 This lady was born at Minersville, Penn. They 
 are the parents of twelve children, namely: John, 
 Peter, Frank, Joseph, Samuel, James, Mary, Eliza- 
 beth, Annabel, Lena, Jane and Catherine. In 
 Centennial year James, Jane and Catherine (trip- 
 lets) were born. Of this large family there are 
 eight children living. The maternal grandfather 
 of these children was a centenarian, and the 
 grandmother sixty-four years old. Both were of 
 French descent. The paternal grandfather is not 
 remembered by even the father, but Mrs. Anastasia 
 Lofink died when the subject of this sketch was 
 only rive years old. The family have resided on 
 the Riverview farm in Carroll township for over 
 twenty years. Here Mr. Lofink owns forty-five 
 acres, devoted to agriculture. On the land is a 
 valuable deposit of coal which he has developed. 
 He carries on a store here and is the postmaster of 
 this section. .The members of the family are 
 Catholics. Politically Mr. Lofink votes with the 
 Democrats of Pennsylvania for State and National 
 officials and legislators. 
 
 fl( DAMS GILLILAND, a highly esteemed 
 // \\ c 't' zeri °f Buffalo township, was born June 
 lf^\ 6, 1826, in Hopewell township, Washing- 
 JJ — i ton Co.. Penn., on the farm of his father, 
 where he remained several years after at- 
 taining his majority. His father was a native of 
 Maryland, and came to Washington county in early 
 life, settling on a farm in Hopewell township, 
 where for several years he successfully followed 
 agricultural pursuits. He died by an accident in 
 1831, and his widow and our subject then moved 
 to Pleasant Hill, near West Middletown, where the 
 latter lived till he was fourteen years old, when he 
 lived with Asa Manchester, a wealthy farmer, in 
 Independence township, sometimes by the month 
 and sometimes bv the year. His mother was born 
 in 1787, died February 1, 1869. 
 
 On April 4, 1849, Adams Gilliland was united 
 in marriage with Louisa Low, who was born June 
 11, 1.N24, in West Virginia, a granddaughter of 
 David Low, a rich planter of the same place, and 
 a daughter of John Low, who lived in Brooke 
 county, Va. , in the days of slavery, and was the 
 
 owner of many slaves. David Low died in 1840, 
 and John, his only son, in 1871. Mary Bryson, 
 beloved wife of John Low, died January 6, 1860. 
 She was born in Indian times, a daughter of John 
 Bryson, a native of Ireland, who came to this 
 country in early life, and married a French lady 
 named Priscilla Lafevers; they settled on a farm 
 near Dunsfort, situated on Buffalo creek in Wash- 
 ington county. It 1861 Mr. Gilliland removed to 
 his present place in Buffalo township. He has 
 been industrious and progressive, and all he has is 
 the result of his own individual efforts. He re- 
 ceived nothing from his father's estate, as there 
 were other heirs. In political preferences he is an 
 ardent advocate of the principles embodied in the 
 platform of the Democratic party, but has never 
 been an aspirant for political office. 
 
 J) 
 
 born to Elijah and 
 
 Isaac, Free Gift, 
 
 The father was a 
 
 Mi RS. RACHEL BELL, a well-known and 
 highly esteemed lady of Burgettstown, is 
 a daughter of Free Gift Crawford, son of 
 ■* Elijah Crawford, and representative of one 
 of the oldest families in Smith township. 
 Elijah Crawford was born in eastern Pennsylva- 
 nia, and on June 22, 1778, was united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth, daughter of Free Gift and Eliza- 
 beth Stout. They afterward moved to Smith town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., there purchasing 
 an unimproved farm, and became the first settlers 
 of that locality. The men were obliged to carry 
 guns with them to their work to defend themselves 
 from the Indians lurking near. Amid these scenes 
 the following children were 
 Elizabeth Crawford: Joseph, 
 Rebecca, Elizabeth and Anna, 
 surveyor, and also served under Gen. Washington 
 in the Revolutionary war. In politics he was a 
 Democrat, and in religion a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church at Florence, this county, where 
 he and his wife were buried. 
 
 Free Gift Crawford was born October 22, 1785, 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, where his boyhood was 
 passed, afterward coming with his parents to 
 Washington county. On January 12, 1811, he 
 was married to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Cole, 
 a native of Maryland. Mr. Cole was married to 
 Nancy Hunter, who bore him children as follows: 
 Sarah, Abraham, Thomas, William, Rachel, Betsy 
 and Nancy. The father was a Democrat in politics, 
 and in religion a member of the M. E. Church. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Crawford passed their married life 
 in Smith township, where he followed farming 
 and milling, also teaming over the mountains. The 
 mill was first called the "Scott mill'' and then the 
 "Burgettstown mill.'' They kept the hotel in 
 Burgettstown for thirty years. Free Gift Craw- 
 ford was also an extensive dealer in stock. In 
 polities he voted with the Democratic party, and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 in 
 
 he held various township offices; in church relation 
 he was connected with the Baptist denomination, 
 Mrs. Crawford being a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. «He died in 1854, aged seventy-six years, 
 followed in 187*3 by his widow at the age of ninety- 
 one years; both are buried in the cemetery at 
 Florence, this county. They were the parents of 
 five children, viz. : Thomas (deceased), Elijah (de- 
 ceased), Sarah (first married to Benjamin F. Wood, 
 afterward to John McCartney), Margaret and 
 Rachel. Of these Rachel Crawford was married 
 August 28, 1861, to George W., son of Samuel 
 Bell, proprietor of the Frankfort Springs at that 
 time. 
 
 Samuel Bell was born in Washington county, 
 and in early life was married to Malvina Sowers, 
 also a native of the county. Their children were: 
 George W., Mattie, William, Delia (wife of W. K. 
 Bailey) and James (deceased). Mr. Bell traveled 
 for a wholesale house in Philadelphia until 1SN0, 
 when he moved to Clark county. Mo. Tu politics 
 he was a Whig, and in religion an active member 
 of the M. E. Church, taking a prominent part in 
 the Sunday-school and church work. 
 
 George W. Bell was born September 12, 1834, 
 in Beallsville, Washington Co., Penn. He was ed- 
 ucated at Washington and Jefferson College, and 
 after graduating attended Jefferson Medical Col- 
 lege, Philadelphia, receiving his degree in 1858. 
 He graduated with first honors in a class of 600 
 students, and was the valedictorian of the class. 
 He read medicine with Dr. Wilson, of Beallsville, 
 where he practiced his profession a short time, 
 afterward locating permanently in Burgettstown, 
 where he practiced for thirty-six years. He won 
 an enviable reputation as a skilled physician, and 
 enjoyed a lucrative practice. In politics he was a 
 stanch Republican, and in religious faith he was a 
 member of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. To 
 his marriage with Rachel Crawford was born one 
 child, Samuel, who died at the age of two years 
 and four months. Dr. Bell was called to rest from 
 his labors September 6, 1884, at the age of fifty- 
 one years. The remains of the deceased, by his 
 own request, made some time prior to his death, 
 were taken to Washington, where the body under- 
 went the process of cremation, and the sleeping dust 
 "was finally placed in the Beallsville cemetery. 
 
 Far away in the land of the pure and the bright, 
 la the city of God, with its golden light; 
 Oh, there is our home, and we ever shall stand 
 'Mid the shining ones of that better land. 
 
 Oh, that beautiful land we are nearing now, 
 Where a crown of bright glory encircles each brow; 
 Where the tree of life grows on that beautiful shore, 
 Where flowers shall freshen to fade no more. 
 
 Oh! beautiful home, oh! beautiful home, 
 Where beautiful saints surround the white throne; 
 How I long to be there and forever to stand 
 'Mid the shining ones of that Better Laud. 
 
 DR. WILLIAM S. DODD, a leading physi- 
 \ cian of Charleroi, is a representative of one 
 / of the oldest and most distinguished families 
 of Pennsylvania. Their lives were indissolu- 
 ble linked with the early history of Washington 
 county, with whose progress they were most prom- 
 inently identified. 
 
 Rev. Cephas Dodd, M. D. and D. D., son of the 
 famous Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, was born October 1 2, 
 1779, on Ten-Mile stream, Washington county, Penn. 
 Cephas Dodd took a thorough classical course at the 
 Canonsburg Academy, then studied theology with 
 Rev. John McMillan. In 1801 he began preaching 
 in Ohio, and in 1817 came to the church at Ten- 
 Mile, Washington county, Penn. He then began to 
 study medicine, and being finally led to believe 
 that he could do more good as a physician than 
 pastor, devoted his later years principally to med- 
 ical work. 
 
 Thaddeus Dodd, a son of Cephas, was born 
 March 22, 1810, near Amity, Amwell township, 
 Washington county, Penn. His early education 
 was obtained at the subscription schools, and he 
 then took acourse of study at Washington College. 
 He afterward attended medical lectures at Jeffer- 
 son Medical College, Philadelphia, having pre- 
 viously studied with his father. After receiving 
 his degree, Dr. Dodd began to practice his profes- 
 sion in Millsborough, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he remained about three years, and then 
 lived in West Bethlehem township a short time. 
 He afterward moved to Amity, and ten years later 
 located in Dunuingsville, remaining there four 
 years, and finally returning to Amity. On April 
 24, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary 
 Stockdale, who was born February 8, 1817, 
 daughter of William Stockdale, a native of Greene 
 county. The following children were born to the 
 union of Thaddeus and Mary Dodd: Hannah, born 
 September 16, 1840, deceased February 28, 1847; 
 Cephas D., born July 16, 1842, a decorator by 
 trade, living in Montgomery, Ala. ; Agnes B. , born 
 June 29, 1844, deceased August 12, 1845; William 
 S., born June 23, 1846; Sarah E., wife of W. C. 
 Sargeant, born February 3, 1848; Thomas D., 
 born November 16, 1849, deceased March 17, 1852; 
 Norton McGiffin, born June 23, L851, living at 
 Charleroi; Alice, born May 15, 1853, wife of J.W. 
 Thatcher, of Columbus, Ohio; Ruth, born April 
 17, 1855, wife- of J. K. Hazelett, living at New 
 Salem, Fayette Co., Penn. ; James D., born March 
 10, 1S57, living in La Fayette, Ind., and Mary M., 
 bom July 6, 1859, wife of John H. Jewel, of 
 Charleroi. The father of this family was a Whig 
 and Republican, and in religious faith a member 
 and elder of the Presbyterian Church. He died 
 August 25, 1877, and Mrs. Dodd was laid by his 
 side July 27, 1883. 
 
 Dr. William S. Dodd was born on the farm in 
 
718 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and attended the public schools of the neighbor- 
 hood. He then began to study medicine in his 
 father's office, afterward taking a thorough course 
 in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, 
 from which he graduated in 1878. He began his 
 professional life at Amity, having been given his 
 father's practice, and remained there until Novem- 
 ber, 1889, when he went to Pittsburgh, and in 1890 
 came to Charleroi, this county. He was married 
 June 9, 1886, to Sarah R. , daughter of J. Wesley 
 Chambers, a native of Amwell township, and they 
 have had one son, John Wesley Chambers, born 
 May 22, 1889. Dr. Dodd has acquired an enviable 
 reputation, both as a citizen and physician. He is 
 a stanch supporter of the principles embodied in 
 the Republican party, and in religion is a member 
 and elder of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 W a i ne's 
 "In the 
 
 L. DODD, M. D., of Amwell township, 
 traces his ancestry back to Rev. Thad- 
 deus Dodd, a man of pioneer fame in that 
 township, concerning whom the follow- 
 ing excerpt has been taken from Dr. 
 'Historical and Farewell Addresses:" 
 summer of 1777 Mr. Thaddeus Dodd, of 
 Morris, N. J., a licentiate of the Presbytery of 
 New York, paid the Ten- Mile people a visit. They 
 were extremely anxious that he should settle 
 among them. But how was he to be supported? 
 Silver and gold they had none; but such as they 
 had they freely offered. Mr. Dodd accepted the 
 call, for he was a man of kindred spirit. He went 
 back to Virginia, was ordained by his Presbytery, 
 and brought his family for a permanent residence 
 to Ten-Mile, in the autumn of 1779. His position 
 was advanced post, the forlorn hope of our 
 Western Zion. Long after the members of other 
 congregations could go and come in safety, those 
 of Ten-Mile were kept in constant terror by the in- 
 roads of the savages. Mr. Dodd was confessedly 
 the most learned among the ministerial compeers 
 <>f the West. He possessed an extraordinary 
 mathematical genius. He was an excellent clas- 
 sical scholar, and, had time permitted and inclina- 
 tion prompted, he might have excelled in the compo- 
 sition of poetry. The first classical school west of 
 the Alleghanies was established by Rev. Dodd in 
 1782, and he was also the first principal of Wash- 
 ington Academy (now Washington and Jefferson 
 College, Washington, Penn.). Rev. Dodd was a 
 great lover of music, he had a delicate ear, and had 
 thoroughly mastered the science. He delivered 
 sermons and lectures on the science, and in that 
 way aroused the interest of the people. Dr. Dodd 
 died of pulmonary consumption on the 20th of 
 May, 1793, after a ministry of nearly sixteen 
 years. Rev. Cephas Dodd, the son of Thaddeus 
 
 Dodd, succeeded his father about ten years after 
 his father's death, in the Upper and Lower Ten- 
 Mile congregation. He was possessed of a clear, 
 strong mind, enriched by manly culture .and v#ried 
 learning." Rev. Cephas Dodd also practiced med- 
 icine in connection with his ministerial duties. He 
 was the great-grandfather of the subject of our 
 sketch on his mother's side, and of his lineal de- 
 scendants seven have chosen the medical profession. 
 
 Daniel F. Dodd, father of subject, was born 
 December 25, 1825. On August 0, 1853, he was 
 married to Ruth McFarland, a lineal descendant of 
 Maj. Daniel McFarland, of Revolutionary fame, 
 through William McFarland, Esq., James and' 
 John McFarland. Daniel F. Dodd, who was a 
 farmer, died August 20, 1880; his widow is still 
 living, and is in her fifty-eighth year. 
 
 Dr. W. L. Dodd was born October 17, 1866, in 
 Amwell township, where he has always resided. 
 He pursued his literary studies at home under the 
 direction of a tutor, and in 1886 attended a course 
 of lectures at the College of Physicians and Sur- 
 geons, Baltimore; then studied a year with his 
 preceptor, Dr. W. S. Dodd, at Amity, this county. 
 In 1887 he began a course at the Western Penn- 
 sylvania Medical College at Pittsburgh, graduating 
 in the spring of 1888, the youngest member in a 
 class of forty-five. After leaving school he prac- 
 ticed with his preceptor at Amity one year, and 
 then, having won a large and lucrative practice, 
 bought him out. Descended from eminent patriots, 
 sturdy soldiers and intellectual leaders, this intel- 
 ligent young physiciau has a bright future opening 
 before him. Young in years, but older in experi- 
 ence, with the wisdom of a race of brilliant men 
 behind him, he can not fail to become one of the 
 foremost men in his profession. 
 
 ^ILLIAM S. MOORE, an enterprising and 
 successful farmer of Independence town- 
 ship, is a son of James Moore, whose 
 father was born near Dublin, Ireland, 
 and when a young man immigrated to America. 
 The latter located in Washington county, Penn., 
 becoming one of the early settlers, and there 
 passed his whole life, enduring all the usual dan- 
 gers and hardships incident to pioneer life. He 
 married and reared the following children: John, 
 James, Joseph, Samuel, Michie (wife of James 
 Wilson), Maria (Mrs. David Waugh), Eliza (wife 
 of Richard Waugh) and Jane (married to William 
 Mayhall), all of whom lived to an adult age. Mr. 
 Moore died at a ripe old age, and his widow after- 
 ward died in Brooke county, W. Va. 
 
 James Moore was born in Washington county, 
 Penn., on his father's farm, and received a pre- 
 liminary education at the primitive schools of the 
 day. He intended to prepare for the ministry,. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 im 
 
 but the death of his father changed his plans, 
 making it impossible for him to finish the course 
 ■which had been mapped out. However, he at- 
 tended the West Liberty (W. Va.) Academy, and 
 being an apt and intelligent student, acquired a 
 considerable amount of information during the 
 short time he remained in the school. After 
 abandoning his former hopes he learned the trade 
 of a millwright under R. Mayhall, assisting in 
 buijding the old " Waugh Mill " of Brooke county, 
 W. Va. On April 12, 1827, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Nancy Boyd, who was born February 
 13, 1806, daughter of James Boyd, of Independ- 
 ence township, and the following children were 
 born to their union: John, born February 13, 
 1828, died March 16, 1889, in Indian Territory, 
 and was buried at Coffeyville, Kans. ; James, born 
 August 6, 1829, died in infancy, and was buried 
 in Lower Buffalo cemetery; David (a farmer of 
 Putnam county, 111.), born February 7, 1831; 
 Marshall, born January 6, 1833 (living in Inde- 
 pendence township); Samuel, born December 28, 
 1834 (residing in Independence, Penn.); Mary J., 
 born November 7, 1836 (formerly widow of G. M. 
 L. Plummer, now Mrs. Stephen Smith, of Florence, 
 Penn.); Joseph (farming in Knox county, Ohio), 
 born July 26, 1838; Margaret, born December 8, 
 1839 (living in Independence township, Penn.); Will- 
 iam S. ; Robert, born June 6, 1845 (residing in Can- 
 onsburg, Penn.); and Richard (deceased in youth). 
 For some time after his marriage Mr. Moore lived 
 in Brooke county, W. Va. , at the home of Richard 
 Waugh, where he superintended a "fulling-mill." 
 In the spring of 1828 he purchased the "John 
 Thorn farm" in Independence township, this 
 county, upon which he removed, and divided his 
 time between farming and performing the work of 
 a civil engineer, being very skillful and efficient in 
 the latter vocation. He was naturally of a mechan- 
 ical turn of mind, and was also a good financier 
 and business manager. He was fond of reading, 
 and was well informed on general topics. Politically 
 he was a Democrat. His death occurred Novem- 
 ber 28, 1848, and in the fall of 1892 his remains, 
 with those of his son Richard, were removed from 
 the old cemetery to the new one at Independence, 
 where a monument i^ erected to their memory in 
 the center of the four lots owned by William S. 
 Moore. The widow of James Moore passed the 
 most of her remaining years with her son William. 
 She died December 16, 1890, and was buried in 
 the new cemetery. 
 
 William S. Moore was born September 8, 1841, 
 on the farm which is yet his home. His boyhood 
 was passed in attending to the usual farm duties, 
 and in obtaining a common-school education, and he 
 partially learned the carpenter's trade, but never 
 followed it continuously. On August 30, 1876, he 
 was married to Martha Ann Murchland, who was 
 
 born March 28, 1851, daughter of John Murch- 
 land, of Jefferson township. To Mr. and Mrs. 
 Moore have been born children as follows: Lydia 
 W., Joseph L., Artie L. and Nancy V., all of whom 
 are living with their parents. For several years 
 previous to his marriage Mr. Moore lived with his 
 mother and sister on the farm which has always 
 been his home. In connection with his other 
 work, he raises first class stock, being very suc- 
 cessful in both vocations. He was one of the pro- 
 moters and founders of the beautiful new Inde- 
 pendence cemetery, which is a credit to the com- 
 munity, much taste having been exercised in its 
 arrangement and construction, the grounds being 
 arranged with exquisite care and neatness. Polit- 
 ically, Mr. Moore favors the Democratic party, but 
 votes according to the dictates of his own judg- 
 ment, believing that more attention should be given 
 to the character and ability of the man than to his 
 political views. On February 12, 1892, Mrs. 
 Moore passed from earth, and was laid to rest in 
 the new cemetery at Independence. She was a 
 consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, 
 with which denomination Mr. Moore is also united. 
 
 DAVID M. McCARRELL, M. D., a prom- 
 inent physician and surgeon of Hickory, 
 1 was born November 6, 1833, in Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township, Washington Co., Penn., a 
 son of Thomas McCarrell, who was a son of Lodo- 
 wyck. The latter was born in Ireland, and left 
 his native land in early youth, coming to America 
 and settling in Mt. Pleasant township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., where he was married to Mar- 
 tha Leman, a native of this county. At Hickory^ 
 in that township, Mr. McCarrell was engaged in 
 mercantile work. Some years later he moved to 
 Ten-Mile, where he carried on a milling business^ 
 but afterward returning to Mt. Pleasant township 
 he settled on the farm yet owned by the McCar- 
 rell family, and here engaged in agriculture and 
 distilling. The following children were born to 
 Lodowyck and Martha McCarrell: John (deceased, 
 who had settled in Venango county, Penn.), Isa- 
 bella (deceased wife of Isaac Hodgens, of Taylors- 
 town, this county), Thomas, James (a minister of 
 the U. P. Church, of Beaver county, Penn.), Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. John Cockins, who died in 1890, at 
 Canonsburg), Andrew (who resided on the old 
 homestead in Mt. Pleasant township), and Leman 
 (deceased in Taylorstown), all born in Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township, and all now deceased. 
 
 Thomas McCarrell was born in Washington 
 county, and was married to Esther McNary, a na- 
 tive of the same place. They settled on a farm in 
 this county, and children were born to them as 
 follows: John (formerly a physician and surgeon 
 of Wellsville, Ohio, who died in 1891), Martha 
 (died January 12, 1893, in this county), Margaret 
 
720 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 (wife of Joseph Cowden, of Cecil township), and 
 James (a physician of Allegheny, Penn.). The 
 mother of this family dying, Thomas McCarrell 
 was married in June, 1832, to Elizabeth McCon- 
 aughey, who bore him the following children: 
 David M. (our subject), Leman (a farmer of Mt. 
 Pleasant township), Thomas Jefferson (deceased in 
 1854), Lodowyck (an attorney of Washington. 
 Penn.), Alexander Donnan (a U. P. minister at 
 Stewart's Station, Westmoreland Co., Penn.). 
 This wife died in 1858, and Thomas McCarrell was 
 again married, his third choice being Margaret 
 Martin, a native of Canousbnrg, this county. Mr. 
 McCarrell was an active member of the Democratic 
 party, and served his county as associate judge 
 and county commissioner, also as justice of the 
 peace for several years. He died October 21, 1872, 
 in Mt. Pleasant township; his widow died in 1891 
 at Canonsburg, this county. 
 
 Dr. David M. McCarrell was reared on the home 
 farm iu Mt. Pleasant township, and educated in 
 the schools of Hickory. After his elementary 
 studies were completed he entered Jefferson Med- 
 ical College, Philadelphia, attending during the 
 year 185(3-57. After graduating, Dr. McCarrell 
 came immediately to Cross Creek village, this 
 county, and began practice. In 1861 he settled 
 in Hickory, where he has since been established, 
 being the oldest physician in that part of Wash- 
 ington county. On December 25, 1862, he was 
 united in marriage with Adeline, a daughter of 
 John and Elizabeth (Campbell) Cassidy, all natives 
 of Cross Creek township. Mr. Cassidy and his 
 wife were members of the Presbyterian Church; 
 he died iu Jefferson township, his wife having long 
 before passed over the river. After his marriage 
 to Adeline Cassidy, Dr. McCarrell settled per- 
 manently in Hickory, this county. During his 
 professional life twelve students have been in- 
 ducted into the mysteries of medical science under 
 his instruction. Mrs. McCarrell died October 6, 
 1888, leaving her husband and the following chil- 
 dren to mourn her loss: Lizzie Ora Lulu Blanche 
 {deceased at the age of eight months), Mattie 
 Leila, David Leander and James Patterson (twins). 
 Dr. McCarrell has erected a handsome brick resi- 
 dence upon his place, and improved his property 
 in many ways. He is a member of the Presbyte 
 rian Church at Mt. Prospect, as was his wife; po- 
 litically he affiliates with the Democratic party. 
 
 llOHN C. MORGAN, the leading dry goods 
 w I merchant of Canonsburg, Penn., was born 
 r_l October 28, 1846, in Allegheny county, Penn. 
 His father, James Morgan, was born on the 
 same farm where his son John C. first saw the light 
 of day. John C. Morgan remained on the home 
 farm until about twenty years of age, when he 
 went to Marshalltown, Iowa, and worked for a rail 
 
 road company. He then returned to Pennsylvania, 
 and in the spring of 1881 came to Washington 
 county, settling in Canonsburg, where he opened 
 a dry-goods store, and has since remained in that 
 business. In April, 1886, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Clara Wilson, and three children 
 have blessed their union, namely: Edith and Edna 
 (twins) and Clara. 
 
 Mr. Morgan is not an old resident of Washing- 
 ton county, but since his first identification with 
 the interests of Canonsburg has been a prominent 
 leader in every movement for the general advance- 
 ment and upbuilding of his adopted city. The 
 beautiful store, which is now the pride of every 
 citizen of Canonsburg, was at the time of Mr. 
 Morgan's arrival a dilapidated and broken-down 
 old structure. With characteristic energy and 
 perseverance he remodeled and added to the origi- 
 nal building until a complete transformation was 
 effected. In 1891 he completed one of the finest 
 four-story blocks within the limits of Washington 
 county. It is built of pressed brick, and has two 
 fronts, nine store rooms, seven offices and two 
 lodge rooms. When this building was in process 
 of erection, this enterprising citizen saw the press 
 ing need of a public hall in Canonsburg, suitable 
 for lectures and other entertainments, tending to 
 educate and entertain the people, and to keep 
 them abreast of the times. To think, with him, 
 was to act, and in an incredibly short time after- 
 ward his beautiful and commodious opera house 
 was erected. This provides a seating capacity of 
 500, and is fully equipped with all necessary 
 articles, being undoubtedly the superior of any 
 similar hall in this county. Mr. Morgan keeps a 
 full stock of goods which meet the wants of the 
 surrounding community. His store is both beau- 
 tiful and expensive, fitted to be an ornament to 
 any city. In the very prime of life, surrounded by 
 friends and family, John C. Morgan is indeed a 
 prosperous man, possessing wonderful business 
 capacity, combined with untiring energy. He be- 
 lieves iu patronizing home industries, and to this 
 end endeavors to supply his customers with a full 
 line of modern goods at reasonable prices. It is 
 almost needless to add that these endeavors have 
 met with hearty approval and earnest co-operation 
 from the citizens of Cauonsburg, who appreciate 
 the debt they owe toenterprising and public spirited 
 men like these. John C. Morgan is a member of 
 the First Presbyterian Church, in the western 
 part of Canonsburg, and in politics is a Republican. 
 
 THOMAS B. HIXON is a prominent farmer 
 of North Strabane township. His paternal 
 grandfather was a native of Germany, and 
 came to the United States prior to the year 
 1790. He fought under Gen. Harrison in 
 the war of 1812, and then made a permanent 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 721 
 
 home in Washington county, Penn. , where he re- 
 mained until his death, which occurred in 1847, 
 his wife passing away in the same year. He was 
 a man of quiet tastes and habits, never entering 
 public or political life. He reared a family of six 
 children, of whom James was the youngest son. 
 
 James Hixon, father of our subject, was born in 
 1790, on the farm adjoining the present home of 
 his son Thomas B. He grew to manhood on the 
 home place, and was then married to Jane Batey, 
 who was born in 1809, and she bore him three chil- 
 dren, namely: Thomas B., Mary and Lucy (wife 
 of H. H. Raney, of Washington county). Mr. 
 Hixon was a representative citizen of the county, 
 and in religion he and his wife were members of 
 the United Presbyterian Church. He died in L881, 
 on the farm where he was born, and his widow was 
 laid beside him in 1889. 
 
 Thomas B. Hixon was born October 11, IS 10, on 
 the old home farm in North Strabane township, 
 where he is now living. He passed his boyhood in 
 attending to the school and farm duties. In the 
 year 1861 he was married to Priscilla J. Horner, 
 who was born in 1843, in North Strabane town- 
 ship, daughter of Robert and Matilda Horner, 
 early pioneers of this county. Mr.- and Mrs. Hixon 
 have had the following children: James H, Mary 
 A. (wife of George Beebout, of Ohio), Nettie P. 
 (married to Thomas Berry, a farmer of Missouri), 
 Louis, Scott, Anna, Thomas, George, Howard, 
 Charles and Ella. Mr. Hixon has owned and oper- 
 ated a public gristmill, and also two portable saw- 
 mills, for many years. He has a fine farm of 114 
 acres, which he manages with marked success. He 
 is a Democrat, and has served the township in the 
 capacity of assessor four years, and as school 
 director for three terms. He and his wife are 
 devoted members of the U. P. Church. 
 
 OBERT S. COOLEY was born September 
 IJ 16, 1843, in Hanover township, Beaver 
 county, Penn. He was a son of Joseph, 
 it - whose father, Robert, was born near Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn. Robert Cooley was married 
 to Jane Smith, who was born near Saw Mill run, in 
 Allegheny county. He was a blacksmith by trade, 
 and worked near Pittsburgh for some time, then 
 moved to Hanover township, Beaver county, locat- 
 ing about two and a half miles east of Frankfort. 
 He worked at his trade there, and afterward turned 
 his attention to farming, following that pursuit the 
 remainder of his active life. His death occurred 
 about 1868, having been preceded by his wife in 
 1863, and both are now buried in Hopewell ceme- 
 tery, Allegheny county. They were the parents of 
 the following children: Joseph, Jane, Mary Ann, 
 Robert, Francis, Nancy, Elizabeth, Mary, Marga- 
 ret, Ellen and William (who died in infancy). The 
 
 children of this family now living are: Francis, 
 residing near Abilene, Kans. ; Elizabeth, a maiden 
 lady of Beaver county; and Margaret (Mrs. Mc- 
 Callister Dunlap), of Beaver count}-. 
 
 Joseph Cooley, son of Robert and Jane Cooley, 
 was born in 1816, in Allegheny county, where he 
 attended the rate schools. He then served a four 
 years' apprenticeship as a carpenter, and worked at 
 his trade in various places. In 1838 he was mar- 
 ried to Matilda Anderson, who was born in 1818, 
 and their children were born as follows: Mary Ann 
 (Mrs. Samuel Kiefer, of Beaver county, Penn.), 
 Elizabeth J. (wife of John Cool, of Allegheny 
 county), Robert S. (whose sketch follows), Letitia 
 E. (Mrs. Thomas), Joseph (a farmer of Beaver 
 county), Matilda (wife of John Donnell, of Alle- 
 gheny county) and Nancy (who died in infancy). 
 After his marriage Joseph Cooley located on the 
 farm of his father, in Beaver county, and resided 
 there the remainder of his life. In politics he was 
 a Republican, taking an active interest in the suc- 
 cess of his party, and in religion was formerly a 
 member of> the Presbyterian Church at Hopewell, 
 in Allegheny county, afterward uniting with the 
 Frankfort Presbyterian Church. He died in 1881. 
 
 Robert S. Cooley was born September 16, 1843, 
 in Beaver county, passing his youth on the farm, 
 and being educated in the common schools. On 
 October '28, 1874, he was married to Jennie L. 
 Gilleland, who was born in 1849, daughter of Will- 
 iam Gilleland, of Beaver county. Robert S. and 
 Jennie L. (Gilleland) Cooley have had six children, 
 viz.: Mary E. , William R. , Harry A., Estella, a 
 son deceased in infancy, and Robert C. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Cooley began wedded life on the farm in 
 Hanover township, Washington county, where they 
 yet reside. He has been engaged in general farm- 
 ing and stock raising, and is numbered among the 
 well-to-do and successful farmers of the commu- 
 nity. He is ever ready to assist in any beneficial 
 enterprise, and was among the first to aid in the 
 establishment of a creamery, which was opened near 
 his home some time since. In politics he is a Re- 
 publican, and in religion he and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Frankfort Presbyterian Church, in 
 which he is a member of the Session. 
 
 RS. NARCISSA V. YANT is the widow 
 of James H. Yant, and daughter of New- 
 ton and Nancy (Cooper) Vanvoorhis. Isaac 
 Vanvoorhis, a well-known farmer of Som- 
 erset township, this county, is an uncle of 
 Mrs. Yant. 
 
 James H. Yant was a son of Daniel, who was 
 born in Chester county, Penn., his parents having 
 emigrated from Germany to Pittsburgh. In 1825 
 Daniel Yant came to Washington county, Penn., 
 and bought a good farm, to which he brought his 
 
722 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 wife, Sarah Applegate, a native of Allegheny 
 ■county, Penn. They were the parents of two chil- 
 dren: Martha, widow of John Stoud, living in 
 Allen township, and James H. The father died on 
 the farm in September, 1867. 
 
 James H. Yant was born April 30, 1S27, in Car- 
 roll township, Washington Co., Penn., and received 
 a subscription-school education. His youth was 
 passed in assisting his parents, and he early evinced 
 a strong inclination for mechanical pursuits. In 
 November, 1852, he selected a life companion, in 
 the person of Miss Narcissa Vanvoorhis, who bore 
 him the following children: Clarence Linden, James 
 Taylor, Lena May (all of whom are deceased); 
 Daniel Newton, born December 13, 1857, is super 
 inteudent of the iron mills at Allegheny City; Sam- 
 uel Linton, living on a farm in Allegheny county, 
 born August 28, 1863; Theodore Clinton, a carpen- 
 ter, of Washington, Penn., born May 22, 1867; 
 Nora Ethel, living at home, born August 24, 1874, 
 and Harvey A. , also at home, born January 20, 
 1879. Mr. Yant was a hard-working man and an 
 excellent manager, having owned 13. r > acres of good 
 land. When his health failed, the- sons took 
 charge of the place, which they have since con- 
 ducted very successfully. Mr. Yant voted with the 
 Republican party, and in religion associated with 
 the Presbyterian Church. In business circles he 
 possessed the thorough confidence of all, and " his 
 word was ever considered as good as his bond. " 
 He died July 10, 1888, and was buried in the Van- 
 voorhis cemetery at Pigeon Creek. Since the 
 death of her' husband, Mrs. Yant has rented a por- 
 tion of the farm, and resides in the handsome brick 
 residence, which is located about two and a half 
 miles from Monongahela City. She is a very pop- 
 ular, agreeable lad}-, and a valued member of a 
 large social circle. 
 
 EORGE H. MILLER, M. D., one of the 
 
 leading physicians of McDonald, in this 
 county, was born near Claysville,' Penn., 
 April 23, 1846. He is a son of Christopher 
 and Sarah J. Miller, who were married in 
 1840. To them were born nine children — six sons 
 and three daughters. The sons are Leatnon, Cal- 
 vin, George H., Charles W., William and John; 
 the girls are Mary Jane, Margaret (wife of John 
 Holmes) and Frances E. (widow of Bruce Ramage). 
 Of the boys, three are dead — Leamou, William and 
 John. 
 
 Dr. Miller was born in Donegal township, this 
 county. He received his elementary education at 
 the common schools, at the Southwestern State 
 Normal School, California, and the normal school 
 at Millsboro, and after teaching four or five years 
 in the different schools of the county commenced 
 (he study of medicine, in 1867, with Dr. John 
 
 Kelly, now of Washington, Penn. In the fall of 
 1870 he attended medical lectures at Jefferson 
 Medical College, Philadelphia. He then con- 
 ducted a drug store at Burgettstown until the 
 fall of 1872; again attended medical lectures at 
 the Miami Medical College, Cincinnati (Ohio), 
 from which he graduated in March, 1873, and 
 commenced the practice of his profession at Clays- 
 ville. After remaining there for eighteen months 
 he moved to Midway, Penn., and after staving 
 there some four years moved to Imperial, Alle- 
 gheny Co., Penn., where he remained for eight 
 years. He then moved to McDonald, his present 
 location, where he is engaged in the practice of 
 his profession, also conducting a drug store. 
 
 On May 30, 1872, the Doctor was united in 
 marriage with Frances E. Woodburn, daughter of 
 John and Margaret Woodburn, of Burgettstown, 
 both of whom are still living — he at the age of 
 eighty-two and his wife at the age of eighty-one. 
 The following named children were born to this 
 union: Lawrence E. (deceased), Anna M. , Will- 
 iam M. , George F. and John Stanley. Dr. Mil- 
 ler is an attendant of the United Presbyterian 
 Church, and in political opinion is a prominent 
 member of the Republican party; was one of the 
 first members of McDonald council, and also one 
 of the first members of its school board. He now 
 enjoys a very lucrative practice, and is a popular 
 physician. 
 
 he died 
 married to 
 of eastern 
 
 ILSON S. CAMPBELL. The great-great- 
 
 grandfather of the subject of this sketch 
 came from Scotland in the beginning of 
 the sixteenth century, and settled in east- 
 ern Pennsylvania or New Jersey, where 
 The great-grandfather of Wilson S. was 
 
 Hammond about 1775 (a native 
 
 Pennsylvania), and shortly afterward 
 they came further west, settling in the northern 
 part of Washington county, Penn., near what is 
 now Cross Creek village, at a time when the forests 
 were abounding in wolves and other wild beasts. 
 They had nine children: Graeie, John, James, 
 William, David, Charles, George H., Betsey and 
 Polly, all of whom lived to be married, and scat- 
 tered. Graeie. John, James, William and David 
 moved to Belmont county, Ohio; the other four 
 married and remained in Pennsylvania. Graeie 
 married Benjamin Bay; John married Betsey Lyle; 
 James married Peggy Smith; William married 
 
 Smith; David married Ann Ray; Charles 
 
 married Easter Mason; George H. married Eliza- 
 beth Ray; Betsey married William Ray; Polly mar- 
 ried William Fulton. George H. and Charles re- 
 mained on the old homestead, aud died there at 
 advanced ages. 
 
 George H. Campbell, grandfather of subject, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 723 
 
 had eleven children: Jane, married to John Wil- 
 son, of Noble county, Ohio; John, married to Eliza 
 Moore, of Hickory, Penu. ; Mary, married to John 
 Graham, of Knox county, Ohio; William, married 
 to Elizabeth Nichols, of Greene county, Penn. ; 
 Elizabeth, who died at the age of fifty-eight, un- 
 married; Samuel S. (named for Dr. Scott, deceased, 
 Mrs. President Harrison's father; was married 
 three times: first time to a daughter of Dr. 
 Wright, of Ashtabula, Ohio; second time, to Ann 
 E. Wallace, of Washington, Penn. ; third time, to 
 Mary Law, of Harrison county, Ohio); George W. 
 (the father of our subject); Esther I. (unmarried), 
 living in Cadiz, Ohio. The others died when 
 young. Mason Campbell, son of Charles, now 
 lives on the old home place. 
 
 George W. Campbell was born in 1826, in Cross 
 Creek township, and was reared to agricultural 
 pursuits on the old home farm, attending in his 
 boyhood the subscription schools of the vicinity. 
 In 1855 he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of 
 James and Margaret Wilson, of West Pike Run 
 township. After marriage they located on the old 
 farm in Cross Creek township, and there remaiued 
 till October, 1867, when they moved to Midway, 
 Robinson township, and two and one-half years 
 later built the hotel in Midway, which they occu- 
 pied and carried on till September, 3, 1885, at 
 which date the father died very suddenly, aged fif- 
 ty-nine years. The family remained at Midway, 
 continuing the hotel business, until March, 1890. 
 Mr. and Mrs. George W. Campbell were the par- 
 ents of five children, as follows: Johnetta Jessie, 
 who died at the age of ten months; Wilson S. (our 
 subject); Graham S., living at McDonald, this coun- 
 ty; Esther Elida, married to W. H. Baldwin, of 
 Cadiz, Ohio, and Mary Velma, deceased at the age 
 of nine months. 
 
 Wilson S. Campbell was born April 20, 1858, in 
 Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn.. mi 
 the homestead where he was reared to farm life, 
 his education being received in the public schools 
 of the neighborhood. He removed with his par- 
 ents to Midway, and at the age of fifteen com-, 
 menced clerking in a general store in that town, in 
 which he continued nine years. Then for six 
 years he conducted a furniture establishment in 
 the same town. On January 5, 1891, he was ap- 
 pointed clerk of the commissioners of Washington 
 county, and removed into the city of Washington, 
 where he is now residing. Under President Ar- 
 thur's administration he had been appointed post- 
 master at Midway, and served in that office until 
 the appointment of a Democratic successor under 
 President Cleveland. On September 20, 1882, Mr. 
 Campbell was united in marriage with Miss Kate 
 E. , daughter of J. J. and Margaret Cleland, of 
 Buffalo township, this county, and two children 
 were born to them, James St. Clair and Flora 
 
 Elida. Mr. and Mrs. Campbell are members of 
 the Second Presbyterian Church at Washington, 
 and while at Midway he was a member of the Ses- 
 sion, of Raccoon Presbyterian Church. In politics 
 he has always been a straight Republican. 
 
 E 
 
 DWARD P. CHERRY. This well-known 
 and successful gentleman can boast a 
 prouder lineage than lord or lady of royal 
 birth, for his ancestors were among the 
 first rulers of the New World, and martyrs for the 
 future generation, freely giving their lives that 
 "the children" might have happier homes and 
 the God giving liberties which were denied our 
 fathers. Shall the memory of these ancestors, our 
 royal peerage, sink into oblivion while we enjoy 
 the priceless liberties for which our fathers toiled, 
 suffered and died? Small wonder that we are 
 eager to obtain and record every incident of those 
 noble lives, hoping to thus rear a monument for our 
 loved and honored ones, which will live in the 
 hearts of our children when we, too, "are gathered 
 to our fathers." Among the earliest of early 
 pioneers the name of Cherry takes a prominent 
 position. 
 
 Thomas and Mary Cherry were born near Bristol, 
 England, and emigrated to America in 1770, first 
 settling in Frederick county, Md. In 1774 they 
 moved to Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he erected a log cabin. He was a 
 spy in the Revolutionary war, and one morning 
 was found lying dead by the spring near the cabin, 
 scalped by the Indians; his son John was also 
 killed by the Indians the following year. In 1774 
 Fort Cherry was built on the home farm, contain- 
 ing three log buildings, one twenty-five feet square, 
 and the smaller ones arranged in a triangular 
 manner. This was used some years as the resi- 
 dence of the Cherry, McCarty and Rankin families. 
 Edward Cherry was born in July, 1776, on the 
 home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 where his boyhood was passed amid the dangers of 
 pioneer life, trebled by the horrors of the 
 Revolution. On March 4, 1802, he was united in 
 marriage with Rebecca Perrin, who was born in 
 1781, in New Jersey, and bore him children, of 
 whom the following is recorded: William P., born 
 in December, 1803, was reared on the farm, 
 receiving a meager subscription-school education, 
 but by close application became an expert 
 mathematician (he was several times offered the 
 chair as professor of mathematics, but would not 
 accept it, preferring to remain on the old farm; 
 he was actively interested in politics; he died 
 April 10, 1890); Eleanor, born March 10, 1805, on 
 January 20, 1825, was married to Thomas Stewart, 
 a farmer, and resided in Allegheny county, Penn. 
 (she passed away February 5, 1872); Nancy, born 
 
724 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 in November, 1806, on March 12, 1835, gave her 
 hand in marriage to Matthew Rankin (they settled 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, where she died Decem- 
 ber 5, 1855; her husband married again and died 
 at Burgettstowu June 13, 1880); Aaron, born 
 August 29, 1808, on May 19, 1834, was united in 
 marriage with Margaret Ben ward, first settling in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, thence moving to Woos- 
 ter, Ohio, and afterward returning to Mt. 
 Pleasant township where th'ey lived twenty years 
 on the farm, then went to Uhrichsville, Ohio, 
 where he died September 17, 1875; Maria L., 
 born in November, 1810, was never married, aud 
 died August 12, 1886; Rebecca, born in Decem- 
 ber, 1812, passed her life on the home farm and 
 died October S, 1881; Rachel, born iu December, 
 1814, was married on October 8, 1840, to James 
 Stewart (they settled in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 where she died); Sarah, born in 1817, lived with 
 her brother, Edward P., until her death, which 
 occurred iu December, 1891; Edward P., born 
 May 19, 1819, whose sketch is given below; Eliza 
 Jane, born in 1821, was married October 8, 1850, 
 to William Cherry, Guernsey county, Ohio (they 
 first settled on the home farm, and in 1S75 moved 
 to near Waco, McLennan Co., Tex., where they 
 now reside). 
 
 The father of this large family was a soldier in 
 the war of 1812, and in politics was a stanch ad- 
 herent of the Whig party. He was a man of 
 sterling moral worth and true piety, but a member 
 of no church. Mrs. Cherry was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church of Candor, this county. He 
 died July 1, 1S54, iu his seventy-eighth year, on 
 the farm where his whole life had been passed. 
 
 Edward P. Cherry was boru on the old farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, on Cherry's run, in Cherry 
 valley, which is yet his home. He was educated 
 in the subscription schools of the neighborhood, 
 and on September 26, 1854, was married to Mary 
 Jane Lawton, a native of Cross Creek township, 
 this county. She is a granddaughter of Joseph 
 and Mary (Alway) Lawton, natives of Rhode Is- 
 land, who came to this county in 1824, and settled 
 iu Cross Creek township, where he died in 1839, 
 his wife passing away in 1841. She is a daughter 
 of Pardon Lawton, who was born, in 1798, in 
 Rhode Island, and in 1824 he and his parents 
 came with a six-ox team over the mountains to 
 Washington county, Peun., settling in Cross Creek 
 township. In 1826 he was married to Tabitha 
 Vincent, daughter of Alexander and Jane Vincent, 
 natives of Maryland, who moved to Washington 
 county, Penn., settling in Hopewell township, and 
 the young people settled permanently in Cross 
 Creek township. He was an active politician of 
 the Whig party. Mrs. Lawton was a member of 
 the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, and both she 
 and her husband were conscientious Christians. 
 
 He died January 27, 1876, aud was followed by 
 his wife October 25, 1884. Their children were 
 born as follows: Joseph (living in West Middle- 
 town, Penn., married to Mary Louisa Quest); 
 Rosanna (married to Samuel Davidson, Hopewell 
 township): Mary Jane, born April 18, 183(1 (mar- 
 ried to Edward P. Cherry); Sarah (living in Hope- 
 well township, wife of George Leggett); Peter (liv- 
 ing iu Cressna Park, Penn., married to Mary 
 McCoy); Alexander (living in West Middle town); 
 Charles (residing in Washington, Penn. , married 
 to Sarah Guiuey); John (enlisted in 1861, at W est 
 Middletown, in the Forty-second P. V. I., serving 
 till the end of the war, when he went to Monmouth; 
 he was married to Matilda Brownlee, and died in 
 September, 1S78); James (living in West Middle- 
 town, this county); Thomas Vincent (a resident of 
 West Middletown) and Margaret Elizabeth (also 
 living in West Middletown). 
 
 Mr. Cherry owns a good farm containing 103 
 acres, part of which he rents and uses as a pasture. 
 It has been in the possession of the Cherry family 
 since 1774. and many improvements have been 
 made, a good house being erected in 1884. Mr. 
 Cherry is fond of hunting and is a skillful marks- 
 man. Politically he has long been an active Re- 
 publican, having voted for General Harrison, and 
 served his party iu various township offices. He 
 and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at 
 Hickory, this county. [Since the above was writ- 
 ten, Mr. Edward P. Cherry died at his home in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, December 23, 1892, in his 
 seventy-fourth year. 
 
 THE FARLEY FAMILY. The oldest mem- 
 ber of the family of this name, of whom 
 there is any record, was Joseph Farley, a 
 farmer by occupation, a native of County 
 Armagh. Ireland, who there married Sarah 
 Carr, a resident of the same county, aud reared the 
 following children: Joseph, William, Robert, 
 James, Samuel, John and Rebecca (Mrs. John 
 Kennedy). Mr. Farley was a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, of which Rev. James Harvey was 
 the pastor. 
 
 Joseph Farley was born in 1779, in County Ar- 
 magh. Ireland, and received his education iu the 
 schools of that country. In early manhood he was 
 married to Nancy Lindsey, a resident of the same 
 neighborhood, and the children born to them in 
 Ireland were: John, Mary (Mrs. Samuel Palmer), 
 James, William, Rebecca and Samuel. In 1824 
 Mr. Farley and his family embarked at Warrens- 
 point, Ireland, for America, and after a voyage of 
 five weeks and three days landed at Quebec, Can 
 ada, in which city they remained eight weeks, and 
 thence traveling slowly by boats and carriages, ar- 
 rived at Pittsburgh with but $15 with which to 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 727 
 
 begin a new life. They pushed bravely on, how- 
 ever, and finally reached Washington county, 
 Penn., where Mr. Farley rented a farm in Char- 
 tiers township. Here he remained four years, and 
 then moved to South Strabane township, where he 
 lived five years, at the end of which *time he re- 
 turned to Chartiers township, where he resided 
 nineteen years, afterward purchasing a farm in 
 South Strabane township, to which he soou added 
 the place now occupied by the family, and hither 
 he moved. After settling in Washington county, 
 two daughters were born to them: Sarah and Nancy 
 J. Mr. Farley was another example of what suc- 
 cess might be achieved by patient industry, for 
 from small beginnings he became a prosperous 
 farmer and stock raiser. In politics he was a lead- 
 ing Democrat, and in religious faith he was a 
 member of and liberal contributor toward the 
 United Presbyterian Church at Cross Roads, in 
 Chartiers township. In June, 1857, he was laid to 
 rest by the side of his wife, who had preceded him 
 to the grave in November, 1856. 
 
 James Farley was born in Ireland, March 2, 
 1814, and when a small boy came with his father 
 to Washington county, Penn., where he imbibed 
 the fundamental principles of education in the 
 common schools, becoming a good reader, well-in- 
 formed on current topics. On August 28, 1851, 
 ,he was united in marriage with Jane Ross, who 
 was born January 12, 1814, daughter of Thomas 
 Ross, a native of eastern Pennsylvania; they after- 
 ward adopted Rebecca Ann McLaughlin, who re- 
 mained with her foster parents till 1877, when she 
 was united in marriage with Rev. Lycurgus 
 Mechlen, of New Athens, Ohio, and their children 
 were James F. , George, Robert D. and Jane Re- 
 becca. Mr. Farley was a successful farmer, and 
 engaged extensively in the live stock business. He 
 was a leading member of the Democratic party. 
 On April 14, 1891, he died, and was buried in the 
 cemetery at Washington. His widow still lives on 
 the farm. 
 
 William Farley (a brother of James) was born 
 in May, 1816, in Ireland, and coming with the 
 family to America in 1824, received the greater 
 part of his education in the common schools of this 
 country. He is an eager reader, and an enterpris- 
 ing member of the community. In political life he 
 is a Democrat, and though never caring to assume 
 a prominence in the arena of politics, still he is 
 ever ready to advance the cause of his party. 
 
 JfOHN FEE, a successful farmer of Chartiers 
 . I township, was born March 10, 1817, in North 
 \\\ Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 His ancestors were natives of the Emerald 
 Isle, the grandparents, William and Elizabeth Fee, 
 having emigrated from Ireland to Maryland, where 
 
 they were married. They afterward came to Can- 
 onsburg, Washington county, where William Fee 
 died about 1815, being followed by his wife a few 
 years later. 
 
 William Fee (father of subject) was born in 
 Maryland, coming to Washington county, Penn., 
 when about sixteen years of age, and was afterward 
 married to Elizabeth Hamilton, a native of North 
 Strabane township, this county, and daughter of 
 David Hamilton, whose father came to Chartiers 
 township when but five years of age. He served 
 six months in the Revolutionary war. The father 
 of Miss Hamilton was born March 10, L750, near 
 Carlisle, Penn., where he was united in marriage 
 with Margaret Gardner, and afterward came to 
 Washington county, settling in South Strabane 
 township, where he followed farming. He died in 
 IS 10, his widow in 1848; both were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 After his marriage to Elizabeth Hamilton, Will- 
 iam Fee lived for some time in North Strabane 
 township, this county, moving to a farm in Char- 
 tiers township about 1S22, where the following 
 children were reared: Harriet (widow of William 
 Harsha, of Canonsburg, this county), Elizabeth 
 (deceased in 1851), John (subject), David (married 
 to Maria McLaughlin, and died in 1852), Samuel 
 (deceased October 8, 1849) and William G. (of 
 whom mention is made further on). Mr. Fee was 
 an active member of the Whig party, serving as 
 justice of the peace for many years, and in religion 
 a member of the Cross Roads United Presbyterian 
 Church. He died November 25, 1861, being fol- 
 lowed by his wife on October 28, 1877. 
 
 John Fee was educated in the schools of Char- 
 tiers township, and then learned the carpenter's 
 trade, which he followed about thirteen years, spend- 
 ing six months in Cincinnati in 1843. On Sep 
 tember 29, 1847, he was married to Hannah Quinn, 
 a native of Washington borough, but reared in 
 Chartiers township. She is a daughter of James 
 Quinn, who was born in Ireland, and settled in 
 Washington county, Penn.,' at an early day. Mrs. 
 Fee has one living brother, James Quinn, of Tyner, 
 Ohio. The following children have been born to 
 John and Hannah Fee: Lida A., John, David 
 (married to Eva Pattison, and living at Canons- 
 burg, this county), Rebecca (wife of Matthew A. 
 Cain, of Chartiers township), Samuel (married to 
 Anna McCoy, and living at McCounell's Mill), 
 Ellis, Harry (married to Jennie McCarty, and living 
 at McCounell's Mill), and William H. (married to 
 Julia M. Humphrey, and living in Canonsburg). 
 After his marriage John Fee settled on the farm of 
 113 acres, where he is now living. This farm is of 
 excellent soil, has upon it a considerable amount of 
 timber and is underlaid with a vein of No. 1 coal. 
 
 Mr. Fee has served the public several terms as 
 school director, and both he and Mrs. Fee are held 
 
728 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 in high esteem by all who know them. Both are 
 faithful and consistent members of Cross Roads 
 United Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Fee 
 is a Republican. 
 
 Mr. Fee's only living brother is Prof. William 
 O. Fee, of Cherokee county, Iowa, married to 
 Elizabeth Welch. He is a noted educator, and 
 has twice held the office of county superintendent 
 of schools for Washington county, Penn. He re- 
 moved from Canousburg to Iowa in 1878, where 
 ne owns a quarter section of land. He is an elder 
 in the United Presbyterian Church, of Quimby, 
 Iowa. 
 
 T' M. BERRYHILL. Among the progress- 
 ive business men of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this gentleman is recognized as one of 
 the leading citizens and most successful 
 dairy farmers. He is a representative of 
 one of the prominent pioneer families of Washing- 
 ton county. 
 
 William Berry hill was of Scotch descent, and 
 served as captain under Washington throughout 
 the Revolution. After that struggle he settled 
 near Greencastle, Penn., and followed the black- 
 smith's trade some years, afterward purchasing the 
 farm where his life was passed. In early manhood 
 he was united in marriage with Ruth Steele, who 
 was born in Ireland, coming with her parents to 
 America when but one year of age. The children 
 born to William and Ruth (Steele) Berryhill were 
 as follows: Alexander S. , Ruth (Mrs. Noble), Will- 
 iam. Samuel, Elias and Isabella (wife of Rev. 
 Blackburn). 'Mr. Berryhill was a Federalist in 
 politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of 
 the county. He and his family were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Alexander Berryhill was born in Lancaster county, 
 Penn., and was educated in the schools of the 
 neighborhood. In early life he came to Union- 
 town, Penn., where he wa,s married to Mary, daugh- 
 ter of Moses Linn. After his marriage he moved 
 to West Virginia, and conducted a tan yard for 
 some time, and then opened a general store at 
 West Liberty. He finally sold out, and became 
 one of the pioneer boatmen of that vicinity, mak- 
 ing trips from West Liberty, to Nashville, Tenn. 
 He exchanged the northern produce for cotton, 
 sugar, and other articles raised in the Southern 
 States. While returning from one trip, he met the 
 first steamboat that was ever on the Ohio river, and 
 challenged the crew for a race to Short Creek. 
 They accepted, and he won the race. In 1830 he 
 came to Cross Creek township, this county, where 
 he made a permanent home. In politics he was 
 formally a Whig, afterward uniting with the Dem- 
 ocratic party. He and his wife were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents 
 
 of the following children: William, Moses L., Alex- 
 ander S., Maria I. (wife of William McKenly), 
 James, John, Samuel and Marbha. 
 
 William G. Berryhill (son of Alexander) was 
 born in 1IS02, in West Liberty, W. Va., and came 
 with his parents to Cross Creek township in an 
 early day. On December 8, 1S31, he was united 
 in marriage with Maria Marshall, who was born in 
 18(>3, in Venango county, Penn., and coming with 
 her parents to North Strabane township, there 
 grew to womanhood. Mr. Berryhill was a teacher 
 of Cross Creek township, and after his marriage 
 resided in different parts of the county until 1841, 
 when he and his wife moved to Knox county, 111., 
 thence to Richland county, Ohio, where they re- 
 mained one winter; then located in Knox county, 
 Ohio, where he followed his profession in connec- 
 tion with farming; in 1848 he returned to Cross 
 Creek village, Washington Co., Penn. In politics 
 he was an ardent Democrat, and in religion he and 
 his wife were members of the Union Church in 
 Mount Vernon, Ohio. He died in June, ]N4s, and 
 within a fortnight his wife was laid beside him. 
 They were the parents of six children, viz.: Alex 
 ander (deceased in 1850, a cabinet maker of Mount 
 Vernon, Ohio), T. M. (whose name opens this 
 sketch), Abner (deceased in 1858, Armstrong 
 county, Penn.), Moses Linn (deceased when two 
 years of age), Arabella (deceased in Allegheny 
 county, Penn.) and James (accidentally killed near 
 Burgettstown, Penn.). 
 
 T. M. Berryhill was born September 19, 1834. 
 in Cross Creek township, this county, where his 
 boyhood was passed, excepting an interval of seven 
 years which he spent in Ohio. His early educa- 
 tion was obtained in Knox county, Ohio, and in 
 1848 returned to Cross Creek village, Penn. On 
 March 21, 1801, he married Miss Jane Griffith, a 
 native of Mt. Pleasant township, the marriage 
 taking place at Hickory, this county. Miss Grif- 
 fith was born on the farm which she and her bus 
 band have occupied. She is a daughter of Isaac, 
 and granddaughter of John and Jane (Martin) Grif- 
 fith, natives of Maryland, who settled on the home 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township many years ago, 
 he dying April 1, 1825, his widow April 2, 1834 
 Isaac Griffith was born, in 1800, on the old home 
 farm, and in 1836 was married to Elizabeth Esler, 
 who came with her parents to Cecil township when 
 a child, locating on Miller's run. Isaac Griffith 
 was a farmer, in politics a Whig, afterward be- 
 coming a Republican; he and his wife were mem- 
 bers of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. 
 She died in 1857, and in 1867 he was laid by her 
 side. The children born to this union were as 
 follows: Jane (Mrs. T. M. Berryhill), Robert (liv- 
 ing in Missouri), John (living in Mt. Pleasant 
 township), James (assassinated in August, 1890, 
 in Arizona, near Flagstaff), Elizabeth (residing 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 729 
 
 in Hickory, this county), Isaac M. (accidentally shot 
 himself in 1884 at Coffeyville, Kans.), Letitia (wife 
 of M. J. Liggett, living in Independence township, 
 this county), and Harriet Ann (wife of J. S. Lig- 
 gett, a resident of Independence township). 
 
 T. M. and Jane (Griffith) Berryhill first settled 
 in Hickory, this county, where he followed the 
 blacksmith's trade until 1863. He then moved to 
 Jefferson county, Ohio, where he bought a farm 
 an' I remained until 1S67, when he sold out, and 
 returning to Washington county, settled on the 
 farm of 16'2 acres which he now owns. He has 
 followed dairy farming exclusively for six years, 
 milking from twenty to twenty four cows daily, and 
 raising enough stock to supply the dairy. He has 
 a good house and barn, and is a prosperous citizen, 
 in politics voting with the Republican party. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Berryhill are members of the U. P. 
 Church at Hickory, of which he is a ruling elder. 
 Their union has been blessed with the following 
 children: Nettie A. (wife of Robert A. Russell. 
 Mount Pleasant township), William G. (a medical 
 student, married to Delia McCarrell), Blanche B. 
 (wife of Harry A. Smith, Mt. Pleasant township), 
 Charley M. aud Lulu A. (the latter two yet living 
 at home). 
 
 *J 
 
 ing the highest respect and esteem of his neigh- 
 bors. In politics he was a stanch Republican; in 
 religion he belonged to the Presbyterian Church 
 at Claysville, toward which he was a liberal con- 
 tributor. 
 
 • To Mr. and Mrs. John Sawhill were born chil 
 dren as follows: Anna M. , born February 8, 1S45, 
 wife of James McConahey, of Donegal township; 
 Mary A., born August 1, 1849, died July 10, 1870; 
 Thomas A., born February 3, 1851, now living in 
 Concordia, Cloud Co., Kans.; Elizabeth Jane, born 
 July 5, 1853, wife of John Post, of East Finley 
 township; William F., born October 16, 1855, now 
 in Concordia, Kans. ; John E., born October 7, 
 1858, residing in Iowa; Eldeu C, born May 30, 
 1861, now a Presbyterian minister in Enon, Law 
 rence Co., Penn., and three that died in infancy. 
 
 ll JJ RS JANE SAWHILL, widow of John 
 \i\ Sawhill, was born in 1824, in Ohio county, 
 ■( I W. Va. . a daughter of Thomas Pollock. 
 * In 1813 she was united in marriage with 
 John Sawhill. who was born December 6, 
 1812, in East Finley township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he received a common school educa- 
 tion, which he afterward considerably improved by 
 reading. Alexander Sawhill, his father, was a na- 
 tive of Ireland, whence he came to this country 
 with his parents who settled in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania where they died. He was there married to 
 Mary Neely, a daughter of native-born Irish par- 
 ents, and after the death of his parents the young 
 couple came, about the year 1803, to Washington 
 county, locating in Buffalo township. Here they 
 remained several years, and then moved to take up 
 their final residence in East Finley township, near 
 the Buffalo township line. Twelve children were 
 born to them, of whom John was sixth in order of 
 birth. 
 
 After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Saw- 
 hill settled down to farm life, in East Finley town- 
 ship, near Claysville. Some years later he pur- 
 chased the Milligan property, situated about one 
 mile from Claysville, in East Finley township, and 
 near the Donegal township line, where his widow 
 still lives. Here he died August 30, 1887. He 
 was a successful farmer, aud by industry and good 
 management accumulated considerable property. 
 He was a prominent man in the community, enjoy- 
 
 D' 
 
 who 
 
 AVID E. McNARY. No family has been 
 more prominently identified with, or can 
 boast a prouder record among, the heroic 
 pioneers of Washington county, than those 
 bear the McNary name. The earliest an- 
 cestors of the race were natives of Scotland, in 
 which country one James McNary was born in 
 1711. His boyhood was passed among his native 
 hills, but in early manhood he went to Ireland, re- 
 maining there a short time. Youth is ever rest- 
 less, and, longing for new and wider fields of 
 action, the young man emigrated to America in 
 L760, where he made a permanent settlement in 
 Chanceford township, York Co., Penn. 
 
 Thomas McNary. was born on his father's farm 
 in York county, and in 1782 located on a place of 
 250 acres on North Strabane township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., for which he paid £375 in current 
 specie. He was married, and reared a large family 
 of children. From 1799 to 1820 he was an elder 
 in what is now the Chartiers United Presbyterian 
 Church. In personal appearance he was a large, 
 fine-looking man. He died in 1820. 
 
 David McNary was born in 1771, in York county, 
 Penn., aud came with his parents to Washington 
 county when yet a boy. He was reared to man- 
 hood on the farm in this county, and was married 
 to Miss Jane Edgar, who was born about 1791 in 
 Ireland, daughter of Samuel Edgar, a very prom- 
 inent man in his day. The following children 
 came to their union: Phcebe, born May 28, 1818; 
 Thomas J., born January 24, 1820; Samuel, born 
 January 22, 1822; Jeanette, born November 29, 
 1823; Mary, born February 6, 1826; David E., 
 born March 3, 1828; Matthew, born February 21, 
 1830; James, born August 17, 1833; and Joseph, 
 born January 28, 1836. Of this family are yet 
 living: Samuel (who is a very large man, weighing 
 330 pounds); Mary (married to John Templeton, a 
 farmer of North Strabane township); Joseph (a 
 
730 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 retired farmer, living in Washington, Penn.), and 
 David E. 
 
 David E. McNary was born on the old McNary 
 homestead in North Strabane township. He worked 
 on the farm in boyhood, mowing hay with an old- 
 fashioned scythe, and gathering it with a wooden 
 fork cut from a bush. On August 11, 1853, he 
 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ann, 
 daughter of Samuel Martin, a well-known citizen 
 of Ohartiers township, and the following children 
 have blessed their union: Samuel M., born May 
 29, 1854; James B.,born July 29, 1856; Adeline, 
 born February 15, 1858; Anetta, born May 23, 
 I860; Thomas A., bora December 17, 1861; Mary 
 B., born November 20, 1865; and Elizabeth E. and 
 David C. (twins), born August 20, 1869. Follow- 
 ing their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McNary resided 
 in North Strabane township until 1S71, when they 
 located on their present place in Cross Creek town- 
 ship, erecting their handsome residence in 1875. 
 
 Mr. McNary is another practical witness to the 
 possibilities which lie before every industrious and 
 intelligent young man. Beginning life a poor boy 
 with limited education, by honest and hard work, 
 strict economy and sturdy integrity he has risen 
 step by step, and to-day he occupies a prominent 
 and enviable position among the citizens of not 
 only Cross Creek township, but of the entire 
 county. He now owns 196 acres of fine land, and 
 is much interested in stock raising, making a 
 specialty of fine-wooled sheep, of which he owns 
 between three and four hundred. Politically, Mr. 
 McNary has ever been a stanch Republican, serv- 
 ing his party as county commissioner during the 
 years 1888, '89 and '90. In religious faith he is 
 a member and elder of the United Presbyterian 
 Church of West Middletown. 
 
 PETER MARTIN, a prominent and enter- 
 ' prising farmer of Chartiers township, is a 
 native of the same, having been born Feb- 
 ruary 6, 1823, on his father's farm in this 
 county. He is a grandson of Peter Martin, 
 who was born in Scotland, and at an early day 
 came here and settled in Washington county, Penn., 
 where he made a permanent home. His son Sam- 
 uel was born on the farm in South Strabane town 
 ship, and there grew to manhood. He was mar- 
 ried to Jane White, a resident of North Strabane 
 township, and the young couple settled, about 1816, 
 in Chartiers township, this county, where they 
 made a permanent home. The following children 
 were born to their union: Mary (Mrs. Robert 
 Morgan, who died in 1SSS), Eleanor (deceased 
 wife of John Fergus), Peter, Sarah, Jane (married 
 to John Morgan, of Chartiers township), and Ann 
 Elizabeth (wife of David E. McNary, of Cross 
 Creek township). Mr. Martin was a farmer, and 
 
 was always prominently identified with the inter- 
 ests of the community. His wife died in 1836, 
 and he passed to his last resting place in 1864. 
 
 Peter Martin passed his boyhood on the home 
 farm, where, together with the neighboring 
 urchins, he attended the country school. On No- 
 vember 10, 1859, he was married to Mary A., 
 daughter of David and Margaret (Morrison) Wat- 
 son. Miss Watson was of Scotch descent, her 
 great grandfather, Gavin Morrison, having come 
 from Scotland in 1773, with his family of three 
 sons. Gavin Morrison died in Washington coun- 
 ty in 1782, and the elder sou, James, grandfather 
 of Mrs. Martin, settled on the land, it having been 
 surveyed for him in 1784. The Morrison family 
 trace their lineage to this ancestor, who died in 
 1813. David Watson married Margaret Morrison. 
 He died many years ago, leaving a family of 
 children, among whom was Mary (Mrs. Martin). 
 His wife died in 1875, aged eighty years and six- 
 teen days. 
 
 After his marriage Peter Martin settled on his 
 present home in Chartiers township, a well-culti- 
 vated, productive farm of 142 acres, with two good 
 gas wells on the place. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have 
 had four children: Anna M., Eva Jane (Mrs. 
 John R. Jamison, of Chartiers township), Lizzie 
 B. , and George C. Mr. Martin has a good grade 
 of stock, and is a successful business man. He is 
 not an active politician, but casts his ballot, with 
 the Republican party. Both Mr. aud Mrs. Martin 
 are members of the Cross Roads United Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 JAMES BUCHANAN MONTGOMERY, a 
 prosperous and progressive young farmer,, 
 and extensive landowner, of East Finley 
 township, is a native of the same, born July 
 27, 1856, a sou of Silas and Margaret (Elliott) 
 Montgomery. 
 
 Hugh Montgomery, his grandfather, was born 
 in Ireland in 1780, and when yet a young man left 
 his native land to seek his fortune in the New 
 World. He landed in Philadelphia, whence he 
 pushed on to Washington county, and October 21, 
 ISO:',, he took up 200 acres of land embracing 
 what is now the home tract of the Alexander Mont- 
 gomery estate, situate about seven miles southeast 
 of Claysville; the farm is situated on the head- 
 waters of Big Wheeling creek. Here he built a 
 log cabin in the midst, of the wilderness, and began 
 to clear the land. In 1808 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Ruth Enlow, a resident of East Finley 
 township, and who was living near the lonely 
 young pioneer, to which union were born the fol- 
 lowing children: Susanna (Mrs Thornberry), born 
 February 20, 1810; Anne (Mrs. Sprowls), born 
 November 17, 1811; James, born October 23, IS 13 
 

 ?5«W" 
 
 ( &i£a^J]'(() " (rnZatrrtt^A/df 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 733 
 
 (moved to Ohio); John, born November 5, 1815 
 (settled in East Finley, where he died); Jesse, born 
 September 27, 1817 (settled in East Finley); Will- 
 iam, born July 23, 1819 (was a resident of Wash- 
 ington borough for many years; he kept a store, 
 and was justice of the peace twelve years); Re- 
 becca (Mrs. Post), born May 24, 1821; Phcebe 
 (Mrs. Martin), born November 14, 1828 (lived in 
 Ohio); Alexander, born August 6, 1825; Mary 
 •(Mrs. Sprowls), born May 13, 1828, and Silas, 
 born June 18, 1830. Only one of this family is now 
 living, Mary, residing in East Finley township, 
 the widow of Simeon Sprowls. Hugh Montgom- 
 ery was a farmer all his life, and his success in 
 business was but a just reward of his industry and 
 economy. In addition to the land which he first 
 took up after settling in Pennsylvania, he after- 
 ward purchased over 600 acres, and at his death 
 he bequeathed 150 acres to each of his six sons; he 
 was also an extensive stock dealer. In politics he 
 was a lifelong Democrat. He died May 17, 1847, 
 aged sixty-seven years, followed by his wife July 
 22, same year, aged sixty-one years. 
 
 Silas Montgomery, the youngest child of Hugh 
 Montgomery, first saw the light in East Finley 
 township, this county, and his boyhood and early 
 youth were passed on his father's farm, his educa- 
 tion being limited to a few weeks' attendance at 
 the old log school -house at Stony Point. On Sep- 
 tember 7, 1855, he was married to Margaret, 
 daughter of William Elliott, of Morris township. 
 By this union two children were born, as follows: 
 James Buchanan and Elliott Wilson, the latter 
 born October 31, 1857, and died September 15, 
 L877. Silas Montgomery died August 27, 1883, 
 since when his widow has made her home with her 
 son J. B. Silas Montgomery was a successful 
 fanner, and at the time of his death owned a con- 
 siderable amount of property. In politics he was 
 a Democrat, and in religious connection he held to 
 the Cumberland Presbyterian doctrine; he was 
 one of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyte- 
 rian Church at Fairview. 
 
 J. B. Montgomery received a good, practical 
 common-school education, and learned farming 
 with his father, an occupation he has since suc- 
 cessfully followed. On August 22, 1878, he was 
 united in marriage with Kate, daughter of Samuel 
 Hunt, of West Finley township, and to this union 
 were born children as follows: Ross, Silas, Ida, 
 Robert, Janettie, Samuel, Lucinda, Rosella 
 and Catherine (latter being now deceased). Since 
 his father's death, Mr. Montgomery has continued 
 to reside on the old home farm, consisting of 333 
 acres of well-improved land lying between Bar- 
 tholdi and East Finley postoffice, on it being one 
 of the finest residences to be seen in the township. 
 Mr. Montgomery, in addition t'o his general farm 
 interests, is extensively engaged in threshing in 
 
 the season, and has a large sawmill on his property 
 which he operates; he also gives particular atten- 
 tion to the breeding of Short-horn cattle. In 
 politics he is a Democrat. Religiously Mr. Mont- 
 gomery belongs to the United Brethren. He has 
 always been very charitable, giving to all charities 
 and helping the poor. 
 
 THOMAS FERGUS. The Fergus family are 
 of Scotch descent, John Fergus, the grand- 
 father of Thomas, having been born in Scot- 
 land, where he was married. He came with 
 his family to America, and settled in Hunt- 
 ingdon county, Penn.. where he died. John Fergus 
 had three sons: Thomas, John and Samuel. 
 
 Samuel Fergus was born in Huntingdon county, 
 Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm, 
 receiving his education in the common schools. In 
 early manhood he was married to Miss Mary Pax- 
 ton, and the following children were born to their 
 union: Hugh, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Hart), Mar- 
 garet (Mrs. Thomas Maxwell), John, Martha.Thomas, 
 Sarah (Mrs. Hugh Fergus), Jane and Nancy. He 
 was a member of the Seceder Church at Canons- 
 burg, and was an elder for many years. In politics 
 he was a Whig. He died April 14, 1853, at the 
 age of ninety years, and was followed by his wife 
 February 18, 1801, in her ninety-third year. 
 
 Thomas Fergus was born November 2, 1802, on 
 the home place in South Strabane township, and 
 received his education at the subscription school, 
 which was at first held in a log cabin on his 
 father's farm. The floor was of ashes, and the 
 seats were slabs of wood supported by wooden 
 pegs. They had no backs for the weary urchins 
 to rest upon, and the chimney consisted of a hole 
 in the roof. The fireplace occupied one end of 
 the building, and the windows were made by re- 
 moving a portion of a log, and covering the space 
 with greased paper. The only text-books used 
 were the Testament, the United States Speller and 
 the Western Calculator. But even with these 
 meager opportunities Thomas acquired a fair edu- 
 cation. On May 3, 1831, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Elizabeth, daughter of John D. Roberts, 
 and to their union have been born the following 
 children: John D. , Mary, Susan (deceased), Han- 
 nah J., Maria, Isabella, Samuel P., Addison R. 
 and Sarah M. After his marriage Mr. Fergus 
 settled on the farm in South Strabane township 
 now owned by Mr. Roberts, and resided there 
 seven years, when he removed to his present home. 
 He was formerly a Whig, and since the formation 
 of the party has been a Republican, being actively 
 interested in the political issues of the day. In 
 religion he is a prominent member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, to which he 
 gives a liberal support. 
 
734 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 l\ Mi H. BORLAND, a leading stock raiser and 
 \/A prominent agriculturist of Cecil town- 
 
 ■i I ship, is a son of Cornelius Borland. His 
 -^ grandfather, Matthew Borland, was born 
 in County Down, Ireland, and about 1790, 
 while in early manhood, immigrated to America, 
 first locating in Allegheny county, Penn. He 
 married Margaret Connor, a native of upper St. 
 Clair township, where the young people began 
 their married life. In 1829 they moved to South 
 Fayette township, Allegheny county, where their 
 lives were ended. He was an active participant in 
 the Whisky Insurrection. Politically he was a 
 Democrat and afterward a Whig, and in religion 
 was a member of the Associate Reformed Presby- 
 terian Church. He died in 1842, his wife in is:>7. 
 
 Cornelius Borland was born June 10, 1806, on the 
 home place in Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny 
 county. In June, 1836, he married Rebecca Kelso, 
 who was born in 1816, in South Fayette township, 
 Allgeheny Co., Penn. The young people first 
 located on the old homestead, afterward moved to 
 North Fayette township, and in April, 1846, bought 
 204 acres of land in Cecil township, upon which 
 they settled. This tract was originally patented by 
 Edward Cheese, who disposed of his right to Mrs. 
 Kerr, who sold it to Arthur Long, who afterward 
 sold it to Dr. Riddile, and Mr. Borland finally 
 purchased it from the heirs of the last-named 
 owner. To Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Borland the 
 following children were born: M. H, Martha M. 
 (wife of David Reed, of Smith township), Margaret 
 C. (Mrs. Vincent McBride, of Canton township), 
 Mar}' E. (wife of James A. Little, of Cecil town- 
 ship), Agnes R. (wife of Andrew R. Paxton, of 
 Savannah, Ohio), Andrew C. (who married Amanda 
 R. Stevenson, is living on the old homestead), and 
 John K. (also living on the home farm). The 
 father was a colonel in the State militia for seven 
 years, and was actively interested in the political 
 questions of Allegheny county. He and his wife 
 were formerly members of the Associate Reformed 
 Church at Robinson's Run, afterward uniting with 
 the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. He died 
 in 1872, aged sixty-seven years. His widow is yet 
 residing on the old home farm. 
 
 M. H. Borland was born August 27, 1837, in 
 Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny Co., Penn. 
 When nine years of age he came with his parents 
 to Cecil township, Washington county, aud there 
 received a district-school education. On July 6, 
 187"), Mr. Borland was united in marriage with 
 Mattie Miller, a native of Canonsburg, this county, 
 a daughter of Reed and Martha (Fergus) Miller, 
 natives of Washington county, and residents of 
 Canonsburg. The father was born in 1S17 and 
 died in 1873; the mother died in 1851. 
 
 After marriage, our subject and his wife settled 
 on the farm of 157 acres where they are now liv- 
 
 ing, aud which is situated on Miller's run. Mr. 
 Borland has made many improvements, and has 
 erected a pleasant new residence and other build- 
 ings. The proprietors of the Ridgeway Bishop 
 Coal Company have bought twenty acres of Mr. 
 Borland's farm, which already has railroad facili- 
 ties, making it easy of access to Pittsburgh. In 
 August. 1862, Mr. Borland enlisted in Compauy 
 G, One Hundred aud Twenty-third P. V. I., for a 
 term of nine months, and was assigned to the army 
 of the Potomac, taking part in the battles of Fred- 
 ericksburg and Chancellorsville. He received an 
 honorable discharge in May, 1S63, at Harrisburg, 
 Penn. , and returned to his farm in Cecil town- 
 ship. In politics he votes with the Republican 
 party; he has been justice of the peace several 
 years; has served in various other positions, and 
 was secretary of the school board for ten years. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Borland are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Venice, this county. They 
 have six children: John M. , Agnes R., Matthew 
 H, Anna M., Ida M. and Rose E. 
 
 JjOHN G. PAXTON, an enterprising and suc- 
 cessful citizen of Chartiers township, is ex- 
 | tensively engaged in the dairy business, 
 together with farming and stock raising. He 
 represents an early pioneer family, being a son of 
 Thomas Paxton, whose father, John Paxton, was 
 born in York county, Penn. John Paxton came to 
 Washington county in 1782, and was married to 
 Martha Paxton, a native of York county, who 
 crossed the mountains on horseback, coming to 
 this county when but a child. She afterward re- 
 turned to York county, and carried salt from there 
 to Washington county on horseback. After their 
 marriage the young couple settled in Chartiers 
 township, where both died, leaving several chil- 
 dren to perpetuate their memory, viz. : Eliza, 
 Thomas, John and Samuel, all dead but Samuel. 
 Thomas Paxton was born in 1804, on the home 
 place in Chartiers township, and in 1833 was 
 united in marriage with Jane Mills, who was born 
 in Jefferson county, Ohio, where the wedding took 
 place. Her parents were of Scotch-Irish descent, 
 and natives of Ohio, the pioneers of the family 
 having settled in that State in an early day, and 
 there their descendants are yet living. They made a 
 permanent home in Chartiers township, this county, 
 and reared the followingchildren: John G., George 
 Mills (deceased at the age of twenty-six years), 
 Samuel (married, aud a farmer of Boone county, 
 Iowa), Mattie (deceased in 1884, second wife of H. 
 O. McKnight), Isaac N. (married and living in 
 Chartiers township), Nancy (Mrs. Thomas McEwen, 
 of Chartiers township), Man* (deceased in her 
 twenty-third year), Thomas (married and living on 
 the old homestead) and Minnie (wife of William 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 735 
 
 Zeb, living near Monongabela City). Of these chil- 
 dren, George Mills was educated at Jefferson Col- 
 tege, Canonsburg, and afterward took a theological 
 course at the United Presbyterian College, Alle- 
 gheny City. He then filled part of an appointment 
 at Rochester, N. Y., under the jurisdiction of the 
 Presbytery, but soon after his return home was 
 taken ill and died. Mr. Paxton followed farming in 
 this county, and in politics was a Whig, afterward 
 uniting with the Republican party. He was a 
 member and trustee of the Cross Roads United 
 Presbyterian Church. He died in 1887, on the 
 old homestead. 
 
 John G. Paxton was born August 18, 1836, on 
 the home farm in Chartiers township, where he was 
 reared and educated. On January 1, 1863, he was 
 united in marriage with Ann Knox Miller, a native 
 of Mt. Pleasant township, and daughter of John 
 and Margaret Miller. They were natives of this 
 county, and of Scotch- Irish ancestry, the grand- 
 parents of Mrs. Paxton having emigrated from 
 Ireland, and patented a claim which is yet in the 
 possession of the family. John Miller was a 
 farmer, and in religious faith was first a member 
 of the Seceder Church at Hickory, this county, 
 then united with the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Cross Roads. He died many years ago, and was 
 followed by his wife in 1872, both being very old 
 at the time of their death. 
 
 In April, 1863, Mr. and Mrs Paxton settled on 
 the farm where they are now living, which he has 
 improved with a good residence and barns. The 
 farm contains 128 acres of well cultivated land. 
 In 1876 he began dealing in stock, having been the 
 first to introduce Holstein cattle into Washington 
 county, Penn. He also dealt in Merino sheep, 
 breeding some fine Black-Top. He milks an av- 
 erage of twenty cows, shipping forty gallons of 
 milk per day, and has been in the dairy business 
 since 1873. He has raised registered Yorkshire 
 swine, having taken premiums at Detroit (Mich.) 
 and other places. Mrs. Paxton died February 22, 
 1872, leaving four children, viz.: George Grant 
 (living in Chartiers township, and married to Mary 
 McNary, daughter of J. C. McNary, of Chartiers 
 township), James, Lillie and John Graham (editor 
 of the Kent Courier, at Kent, Ohio, employing five 
 or six men). In 1873 Mr. Paxton was married to 
 Ellen, daughter of William and Martha (Mitchell) 
 Cameron, natives of South Strabane township, this 
 county. The father was a farmer and died in 1874, 
 having been preceded by the mother to the grave. 
 Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pax- 
 ton, viz.: William, Jennie A.. Emma and Eva 
 (deceased in infancy); the last two were twins. In 
 politics Mr. Paxton votes the Republican ticket, 
 and has frequently held township offices. He and 
 his wife are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Houstonville, and he has been president 
 
 of the board of trustees until quite recently. He 
 ranks among the progressive men and farmers of 
 his county. 
 
 ( LEXANDER BORLAND is a native of 
 A Washington county, Penn., and son of An- 
 il drew Borland, who was born in Washington 
 ^ county. In 1824 he was united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander Mc- 
 Clure, and eleven children were born to their mar- 
 riage, namely : Alexander, Mary, Rebecca, Margaret 
 A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Catherine, Andrew, Martha, 
 Rachel and James. Of this family, Rebecca, 
 Catherine, Martha and Rachel are now deceased. 
 The father always followed farming on the old 
 j place, with the exception of about six years, and 
 died in 1860. The mother passed away April 10, 
 1889. 
 
 Alexander Borland, eldest son of Andrew and 
 Elizabeth Borland, was born December 10, 1825, 
 on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he grew to manhood. On December 
 4, 1849, he was married to Margaret Jane, daugh- 
 ter of James and Agnes Crawford, who were the 
 parents of nine children, namely: William (de- 
 ceased), Sarah, Andrew (living on the old homestead 
 in Peters township), Tamar, Mary Ann, Agnes, 
 Elizabeth, Margaret Jane (Mrs. Borland) and 
 Priscilla; of whom Andrew and Margaret are the 
 only ones yet living. 
 
 To the union of Alexander and Margaret Jane 
 (Crawford) Borland the following children have 
 been born: James Crawford, Elizabeth McClure 
 (Mrs. Caldwell), Andrew Alexander, Mary Agnes, 
 and Elmer Ellsworth (deceased). In 1876 Alex- 
 ander Borland purchased his present home of 110 
 acres in North Strabane township, all under culti- 
 vation. In politics he votes with the Democratic 
 party, and has held various positions of trust in 
 North Strabane township. He is an elder in the 
 U. P. Church. 
 
 DANIEL SWICKARD, a prosperous shoe 
 I merchant of Monongabela, born November 
 ' 26, 1816, in Somerset township, is a son of 
 John and grandson of Martin Swickard who 
 was born and reared in eastern Pennsylvania. 
 
 Martin Swickard came to this county among the 
 earliest settlers, and locating in a log cabin in 
 Somerset township, assisted in clearing up and im- 
 proving the land. He was twice married. To the 
 first union were born the following children: Mat- 
 thias, Daniel, Samuel, John, Lucy and Sarah. Mr. 
 Swickard always followed farming, and in 1805 
 went to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he remained 
 until his death. In politics he was a Democrat, 
 and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church. 
 
730 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 John Swickard was born in 1783, in Somerset 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his 
 youth on the home place. When a young man he 
 married Mary, daughter of John Smith. They con- 
 tinued to reside on the home place, where children 
 were born as follows: Catherine, John, Samuel, 
 Daniel, Mary. Barbara, Susan and Elizabeth. The 
 father was a lifelong agriculturist, and a noted 
 hunter and sportsman; iu politics he voted with 
 the Democratic party. The clothing for his family 
 was made from wool carded by hand and woven by 
 his wife, who died in 1800 and was buried in the 
 Lutheran cemetery, where her husband was buried 
 January 9, 1877. The were both members of the 
 Lutheran Church. 
 
 Daniel Swickard was educated in the subscrip- 
 tion schools of Nottingham township, his text books 
 being limited to the Testament and United States 
 Speller. In 1840 he was married to Harriet, 
 daughter of Abram Leyda, a native of Nottingham 
 township, who has borne him the following chil- 
 dren : John, married to Malissa Beatty, living in 
 Colorado; Mary E., wife of Daniel Berry; Hester 
 A., married to Harrison Leyda; Daniel, deceased; 
 James L., married to Maria Woodward, of Monou- 
 gahela, living at Meadville, Penn.; Alex. Y., mar- 
 ried to May C. Coulter, of Venango, Penn. ; and 
 David M. , married to Carrie E. Van Kirk, of Am- 
 well, now living at Monongahela. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Swickard resided on the home place for twenty 
 years after their marriage, or until he purchased the 
 Leyda Mill in Nottingham township. Conducting 
 that enterprise for thirteen years, he continued to 
 own (he home place. In 1865 he opened a grocery 
 store iu Monongahela City, but live years after- 
 ward sold out, purchasing a furniture and undertak- 
 ing establishment which he kept for thirteen years. 
 At the expiration of that time he opened the shoe 
 store where he is now carrying on a profitable busi- 
 ness. He is a representative citizen, a stanch snp- 
 orter of the Democratic party, and has served in nu- 
 merous capacities; in 1855 he was elected county 
 commissioner, which office he held three years. In 
 religion he is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. Mrs. Swickard died in 1*72, and Mr. 
 Swickard again married, in 1874. M. L. McCurdy, 
 of Allegheny county, Penn. , daughter of Daniel 
 McCurdy. 
 
 j IrENRY COOK, miner, is a well-known resi 
 
 «— -| dent of Carroll township, and was born 
 
 February 29, 1830. and reared in " Old 
 
 England." His father, George Cook, was 
 
 V a laborer in the old country, and was there 
 
 in a rriod to Annie Humphreys, descended from an 
 
 old and prominent English family. After his 
 
 marriage George Cook went to Australia, his 
 
 family remaining in England. He died in the 
 
 latter place when about twenty-seven years of age, 
 leaving a widow and two sons, James and Henry, 
 the elder of whom was accidentally killed with a 
 hay-knife. The mother is yet living in her njative 
 land, and some years ago was married to Richard 
 Cottle, to whom she has borne several children. 
 
 Henry Cook remained in Eugland until five 
 years of age, when, after the death of his father, 
 the family left his birthplace and came to Wales. 
 The mother there supported herself and children 
 for one year by binding shoes, and Henry entered 
 the coal mines, where he remained until nineteen 
 years of age. He then returned to Worcester- 
 shire, England, and was married October 20, 1857, 
 to Mary Ann, daughter of Thomas Hampton, and 
 some years later moved to Yorkshire, finally emi- 
 grating to America in 1803. He first located at 
 Monongahela, Penn., and then sent for his wife, 
 who has borne him the following children: Henry 
 W., George, Samuel (residing at Monongahela), 
 Mary Ann (living in Illinois), Lucy (living at 
 home), Anna, Jane, Elizabeth, Maggie, and Amelia 
 (deceased). Mr. Cook has carefully saved his 
 earnings, which he has invested in a tract of land 
 at Riverview, near Monongahela, having also 
 erected a neat little home near that city. One of 
 his half-brothers is now living in America. In 
 politics he is a stanch member of the Republican 
 party, and holds an honorable place in the esteem 
 of his neighbors, who recognize his sterling worth 
 as a man and citizen. 
 
 THOMAS WRIGHT, who in his lifetime was 
 one of the best-known and most highly re- 
 spected prosperous agriculturists of Buffalo 
 township, was a native of the same, born 
 February 27, 1810. 
 His paternal grandfather, William Wright, a na- 
 tive of Ireland, followed the trade of weaver in 
 County Monaghan, in that country. He was there 
 twice married, and had the following named chil- 
 dren: William, Thomas, Robert, John and Samuel. 
 In 1785 he came to America, and after a short 
 sojourn in Chester county, Penn., settled in Buffalo 
 township, this county, where he continued to follow 
 his trade. Here he and his wife died. He was a 
 member of the Associate Church, and in politics 
 was a Whig. 
 
 Samuel Wright, father of subject, was born 
 in Ireland iu 1782, and when a young lad came 
 with the rest of the family to America. In Buffalo 
 township, this county, he commenced farming on a 
 place which was then entirely wild, but which he 
 and his family, by dint of hard labor, iu course of 
 time reduced to a condition of fertility. In about 
 the year 1804 he was married to Rachel, daughter 
 of Thomas Hill, of Donegal township, but a na- 
 tive of Ireland, and their children were Mary 
 
*■ 
 
 

 • tafa ■/. ^ /<y//// 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 741 
 
 (Mrs. Thomas Carson), William, Tbomas, Robert, 
 Samuel and John, all now deceased except Robert. 
 After the death of the mother of these children, 
 which occurred February 8, 1817, Mr. Wright 
 married Mary Howe, who bore him three children: 
 James, Ann (Mrs. Samuel Graham) and Rachel, 
 all deceased. The father died January 24, 1849, 
 in his sixty-eighth year, the mother December 5, 
 1841. 
 
 Thomas Wright, whose name opens this bio- 
 graphical memoir, was educated at the subscrip- 
 tion schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace, 
 and early in life commenced farming. On De- 
 cember 13, 1844, he married Miss Sarah, daughter 
 of John Carson, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, 
 where his father James was also born. The latter 
 was there married to Mary Hill, a native of Ire- 
 laud, who bore him children as follows: John, 
 Isaac, James, Adam, Mattie (wife of Hugh Mehol- 
 lin), Betsy (wife of David Carson), Ann (wife of 
 Archibald Stewart), and Jane (wife of William 
 Brownlee). Mr. Carson was a farmer, and came 
 to Buffalo township, this county, in an early day, 
 when Indians and wild animals were yet numerous. 
 The family were all members of the Seceder 
 Church. John Carson, son of the above, and 
 father of Mrs. Sarah Wright, in early manhood 
 married Sarah Hill, who bore him the following 
 named children: May, Rebecca, Rachel, Martha, 
 Adam, Jane (wife of James Howe) and Sarah (wife 
 of Thomas Wright). The father died in 1840, the 
 mother in 1855. They were members of the Se- 
 ceder Church at South Buffalo, of which he was 
 an elder and liberal supporter, and in politics he 
 was a lifelong Whig. 
 
 After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wright continued 
 to reside on the home farm, where were born to 
 them three children: Rachel (who died at the age 
 of twenty-four years), and two that died in infancy. 
 Mr. Wright was called from earth May 31, 1881, 
 and his widow is now calmly awaiting the final 
 summons. He was a member and liberal sup- 
 porter (as is his widow) of South Buffalo United 
 Presbyterian Church; politically he was first a 
 Whig, and after, on the formation of the party, a 
 stanch Republican to the day of his death. Mr. 
 Wright was a thoroughly representative, self-made 
 man, and has left to posterity the heritage of a 
 good name. 
 
 QEORGE DORSEY ranks among the success- 
 ful agriculturists and prominent citizens of 
 East Pike Run township, and is a member 
 of an old and highly respected family. His 
 grandfather, Joseph Dorsey, was born near 
 Ellicott's Mills, Md., and in 1782 moved to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., where he purchased 1,500 
 acres of land, two miles from West Brownsville, 
 
 Penn. He erected a log cabin upon this tract, 
 and resided there until 1787, then built a large 
 stone house, which is yet standing on the old farm, 
 in a good state of preservation. He was the father 
 of the following children: Mrs. Dr. Wilson, of 
 Steubenville, Ohio; Nancy, Mrs. John De Bois. of 
 Ohio; Clarissa, Mrs. W T est, and Betsey, Mrs. 
 Daniel Workman, both of whom died in Ohio; 
 Matilda, Mrs. William Blair, who died in Ken- 
 tucky; Edward G., who married Matilda Bia- 
 shears; John D. , who died in Cincinnati, and 
 James. 
 
 James Dorsey, father of subject, was born in 1 790, 
 on the home farm in Washington county, Penn. 
 In early manhood he married Elizabeth Elder, a 
 native of Maryland, who was born February 4, 
 1800. She came to Pennsylvania when a child 
 with her widowed mother — Mrs. Mary Elder, who 
 died at the age of eighty-three in Washington 
 county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Dorsey passed their 
 lives on the old homestead (of which he owned 
 500 acres), where two sons were born to their 
 marriage, viz.: James (who died in 1883, in Alle- 
 gheny county) and George. Mr. Dorsey was 
 actively identified with the Whig party. He died 
 in 1852, and his wife passed away January 27, 
 1883, having been connected with the M. E. 
 Church for over sixty years. 
 
 George Dorsey was born November 11, 1833, in 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and has given his attention wholly to the vocation 
 of agriculture. On June 1, 1854, he selected a 
 life companion in the person of Martha Phillips, a 
 native of Washington county, Penn., who was 
 born August 8, 1836. Her father, Solomon Phil- 
 lips, was born December 23, 1793, in this county, 
 and on May 23, 1835, married Maria Garrett, who 
 was born September 19, 1812, and they were the 
 parents of five children, viz. : Martha (Mrs. Dor- 
 sey), Jonathan, Rebecca (Mrs. Joseph P. Craw- 
 ford, Madison county, Iowa), William (deceased) 
 and Ruth (deceased). Mr. Phillips followed 
 teaching for many years, and then took up farm- 
 ing. He voted with the Whig party. He died in 
 1848, followed by his wife in 1883. He was a 
 Quaker in religious faith, his wife a member of the 
 M. E. Church. George and Martha (Phillips) 
 Dorsey reared the following children: Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. W. S. Grimes), Cassius A. (who married Hen- 
 rietta, daughter of John and Marjory Watkins, of 
 East Bethlehem township), Charles I. (who mar- 
 ried Anna Watkins), William, Anna, John, Ells- 
 worth, and two who died in infancy. Three of 
 these children are now living: Elizabeth, Cassius 
 A. and Charles I. Mr. Dorsey is a prominent 
 worker in the Republican party, and he has 
 served in various local offices; and in religious 
 faith he is a member of the Taylor M. E. Church, 
 having been trustee, steward and Sabbath-school 
 
742 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 superintendent for several years. He owns 315 
 acres of good land on the National pike, where he 
 has erected a handsome two-story brick residence, 
 and a large frame barn. 
 
 given to his private affairs. He occupies the farm 
 together with his sisters Julia A. and Sarah, who 
 have always lived at home. Julia A. is a member 
 of the llegular Baptist Church. 
 
 DEMAS L. HILL. This gentleman enjoys 
 I the distinction of standing among the fore- 
 i most of the prosperous farmers of West 
 Bethlehem township. 
 
 His grandfather, Joseph Hill, was born in Mary- 
 land in 1770. He was educated in the rate schools 
 of the day, and became an exceptionally well-read 
 man. At the age of eighteen he married Mary 
 Jamison, and to them were born: John, David, 
 Mrs. Nancy Jamison, Joseph, James J., Mrs. 
 Nancy Haviland, Margaret, Thomas and Eli. Mr. 
 Hill began life upon the farm adjoining that of D. 
 L. Hill on the north. He was originally a Whig, 
 later a Republican, and was always an active poli- 
 tician. He and his family were members of the 
 regular Baptist Church. Mrs. Hill died in 1835, 
 her husband following her to the grave in 1852. 
 
 •lames J. Hill was born November 10, 1804, on 
 the old home farm, and his younger days were spent 
 at school, where he proved himself a good scholar 
 and an eager reader. In 1826 he married Cathe- 
 rine Lyda, daughter of Benjamin Lyda, of Somer- 
 set township, and they had born to them the 
 following children: Julia A., Mrs. Catherine Mc- 
 Ilvane, George L., Benjamin L., Sarah, DernasL., 
 Mi fry (deceased) and David (deceased). James J. 
 Hill lived upon the home farm one year, and then 
 moved to West Pike Run township, remaining 
 there upon a farm of 100 acres, six years, thence 
 moved to Pigeon creek, and lived there three years. 
 He afterward came to Somerset township, where 
 lie resided twenty-one years, both farms being in 
 this township. On March 26, 1860, he came to 
 the place where his son and daughter now live, and 
 there spent the remainder of his life, dying Octo- 
 ber 9, 1881. Mr. Hill was an active Republican, 
 one of the " wheel horses " of the party, and served 
 as inspector and auditor of his township. Mrs. 
 Hill, who was a member of the Lutheran Church, 
 died in May, 1884. 
 
 Demas L. Hill was born January 8, 1844, in 
 Somerset township, Washington Co.,Penn., and 
 received his education in the common schools. He 
 assisted his father some time after attaining his 
 majority; has always followed farming, and has 
 been very successful. He is giving especial atten- 
 tion to sheep raising, and has some very fine breeds 
 on his farm, which consists of eighty-seven acres. 
 Mr. Hill was married November 12, 1876, to 
 Melissa, daughter of Robert Latta, and they have 
 five children: Orpha, Ulysses Grant, Alexander 
 Leslie, Huber and Edgar. He is a Republican, 
 though not an active politician, his time being all 
 
 El LI TOMBAUGH, an energetic farmer of 
 Somerset township, is a son of Matthias 
 Tombaugh, who was born December 26, 
 
 — 1792, in Ohio, and in early life was united 
 in marriage with Rachel Sphon. who was born 
 April 2, 181)7, in this county, and they reared the 
 following children: Solomon (living in Washing- 
 ton, Penn.), John (a farmer of West Bethlehem 
 township, this county), George (an agriculturist 
 of Gage county, Neb.), Eli (whose name opens 
 this sketch), Isaac (living on the home farm) and 
 Jacob (farming in Livingston county, 111.) (twins), 
 Adam (a grain dealer in Mulberry Grove, 111.). 
 Levina (who was married to Jacob Swagler, and 
 died February 25, 1860). Mary (wife of A. J. Hil- 
 debrand, died August 10, 1877), and Matthias 
 (who was drowned in the Illinois river in attempt- 
 ing to rescue a friend from the same fate). The 
 father of this family died May 21, 1864. He was 
 a member of the German Baptist Church, and in 
 politics was a Republican. The mother died at the 
 old homestead, May 17, 1892. at the advanced age 
 of eighty five years, a member of the German 
 Baptist Church. 
 
 Eli Tombaugh was born May 26, 1838, and was 
 educated in the country schools near the home 
 farm in Somerset township, this county. He en- 
 listed in the Civil war in 1864. and after serving 
 three months under Capt. H. H. Templeton. was 
 honorably discharged. He then returned to rural 
 occupations, and on February 21, 1865, was united 
 in marriage with Rebecca Wise, who was born in 
 1836, a daughter of Joseph and Permelia (Bar- 
 nard) Wise, who were the parents of the following 
 children: Solomon, Morgan, Mary, Elizabeth, Re- 
 becca (Mrs. Eli Tombaugh), Maria, Barbara, Jo- 
 seph and Emily (deceased). Both parents are 
 dead. The father was a Democrat in politics. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Eli Tombaugh had five children, 
 namely: Joseph Allen, born January 7, 1 Srsi', ; 
 Percy Matthias, born August 15, 1867; Walter 
 Scott, born December 24. 1869; Eli Edwin, born 
 April 14, 1873; and Cora Josephine, born January 
 23, 1876. The mother was a member of the Bap- 
 tist Church. She died March 6, 1880, and on 
 April 21, 1887, Mr. Tombaugh was married to 
 Sarah Smith, who was born January 4, 1850, a 
 (laughter of Israel and Hannah Smith. Mr. Tom- 
 baugh owns 204 acres of excellent farm land, 
 which is kept in a good state of cultivation. He 
 takes an active interest in public matters, and 
 votes the Republican ticket. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 743 
 
 JjOSEPH SMITH is a son of Ralph Smith, 
 whose father, also named Ralph, emigrated 
 ) from England many years ago, and locat- 
 ed permanently in Washington county, 
 Penn. His son, Ralph, was born in East 
 Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 was a slave until twenty eight years of age. When a 
 young man he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth H. 
 (Shiveley) Hazelbaker, a widow, who bore him 
 four children, viz.: Henry (deceased), Joseph, 
 James (living in West Pike Run township) and 
 Louisa (deceased). Mrs. Smith was also the 
 mother of four children by her first marriage, 
 namely: Daniel. Abraham, Jacob and Polly, all 
 of whom are now deceased. The mother of these 
 children died in 1850 and was interred in theQuaker 
 cemetery in East Bethlehem township; in 1858 she 
 was followed by her husband, who was buried in 
 the Baptist cemetery at Washington. 
 
 Joseph Smith was born August 20, 1806, in 
 East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and had no opportunity to secure a literary 
 training, being obliged to give his whole time to 
 farm work. In early life he was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary Brown, who was born in 1815, in 
 Washington county, Penn. Their children were 
 born as follows: Matilda, wife of Jacob Simons, 
 a Baptist minister of Monongahela City; Joseph, 
 deceased; Henry, a resident of West Bethlehem 
 township; Simeon, a farmer of West Bethlehem 
 township; William, deceased; John; James; Mary, 
 wife of Howard Wallace; Margaret; and George, 
 deceased. James now residing in East Beth- 
 lehem township, was married to Jennie Maxwell, 
 who died May 2, 1892, leaving three children: 
 Mabel, Hazel and Eli. She was a member of the 
 African M. E. Church. The father of these chil- 
 dren is well known in West Pike Run township as 
 an honest, industrious citizen. He began life as a 
 farm laborer, pushing coal boats during the fall 
 and winter, and by strict economy at length saved 
 enough to purchase 194 acres of good land. He 
 devotes most of his time to the care of this place. 
 Mrs. Smith died in 1880, a member of the M. E. 
 Church; Mr. Smith is associated with the U. P. 
 Church, and in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 OBERT H. HILL, one of the many highly 
 esteemed farmer citizens of East Bethle- 
 hem township, is a grandson of Stephen 
 - Hill, an early settler of that township, 
 who married a Miss Welsh, and had by 
 her the following named children: George, John 
 W., William, Robert, Stephen, Elenor, Mary, 
 Margaret and Nancy. Of this family, William 
 and Robert are living, the former in the borough 
 of Washington, the latter in West Bethlehem 
 township. 
 
 John W. Hill, father of Robert H. , was born in 
 1800 in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and was reared to agricultural pursuits, his 
 education being received at the subscription school 
 of the vicinity, held in an old log cabin, and the 
 copy book used by him is now in the possession of 
 our subject. In 1825 he married Susan Hawkins, 
 who was born in 1808, a daughter of William and 
 Nancy Hawkins, and for a few years the young 
 couple continued to reside in West Bethlehem 
 township. In 1832 Mr. Hill bought a farm in 
 East Bethlehem (where his son, Robert H. , uow 
 resides), and here successfully carried on farming 
 the rest of his life; he died April 21, 1857, thirty- 
 one years after his marriage, and his widow sur- 
 vived him thirty-one years, dying in Beallsville, 
 Penn., October 6, 1887. The children born to 
 them were: William, in East Bethlehem township; 
 Robert H. ; George; John, deceased; Joseph, in 
 Beallsville; Stephen, living with Robert H.; Mary 
 Ann, married to Mr. Bishop, of Claysville, Penn. ; 
 Sarah Ellen, wife of Christopher Horton, in Cen- 
 treville, Penn. ; Eliza Jane, Mrs. Thomas Sargent, 
 in Beallsville; Margaret E. (Mrs. Enloe), in Clays- 
 ville, Penn., and two that died in infancy. The 
 father was a Republican during the later years of 
 his life, in former years a Whig; socially he was 
 a F. & A. M., in church matters a Methodist. 
 
 Robert H. Hill was born July 12, 1832, on the 
 farm now owned by him in East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, and was there reared to the occupation of his 
 forefathers, his school training being restricted to 
 a few months' attendance, in winter time, at the 
 subscription schools of the vicinity. In 1867 he 
 married Caroline Keys, who was born in 1836, a 
 daughter of Abram Keys, of East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, and by this union there has been born one 
 child, Cora May. Like his father before him, Mr. 
 Hill is a Republican in politics, and in church con- 
 nection a Methodist. His fertile and well-kept 
 farm comprises 100 acres of prime land, devoted 
 to general farming inclusive of stock raising, the. 
 breeding of sheep being a specialty with him. His 
 comfortable and elegant residence is well situated, 
 and provided with all modern improvements. 
 
 RS. DELILA KEYS, widow of Parker 
 Keys, was born January 8, 1838, on a 
 farm in Greene county, Penn. She is a 
 daughter of John Goodwin, a native of 
 York, Penn., who came to Greene county 
 young man. He followed farming and 
 , and was married to Sarah Gordon, who 
 bore him the following children: Jackson, Daniel. 
 William. Seth, John, Elizabeth (widow of Sylvester 
 Rush), Mrs. Jane Webster, Mrs. Mary Richey, 
 Mrs. Sarah Shuver, Lucinda (deceased) and 
 Delila. Of this family all except our subject are 
 
744 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 residents of Greene county, Penn. Delila Good- 
 win was uaited in marriage, in 1N55, to Parker 
 Keys, son of Enoch Keys. 
 
 Parker Keys was born in 1826, on the farm in 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 which is now owned by his heirs. He received a 
 common-school education, and learned agricultural 
 pursuits, which he followed, farming all his life. 
 He and his wife were the parents of six children. 
 He was a Democrat in his political preferences, but 
 voted independently when the occasion in his 
 opinion required it. He died February 4, L891, 
 at the age of sixty -five years, since which time his 
 widow and children have resided on the home farm, 
 consisting of ninety-four acres of valuable land. 
 She and all her children are devout members of 
 the Baptist Church. 
 
 JAMES A. MOUNTS, one of the leading 
 representative farmers of Franklin township, 
 of which he is a native, was born January 14, 
 1845, a son of Richard R. and Margaret 
 (Johnson) Mounts. Our subject was educated at 
 the schools of the district, the attendance being 
 limited to a few weeks during the winter season, 
 and the remainder of the year occupied in assist- 
 ing on his father's farm, and learning the practi- 
 cal lessons of agricultural labor. From earliest 
 life he has been accustomed to hard work, and he 
 is now the owner of some 280 acres of prime land 
 in an excellent state of cultivation. In 1870 Mr. 
 Mounts married Martha, daughter of J. W. 
 Chambers, and of this union the following named 
 children were born: Margaret (Mrs. Brook Ander- 
 son), Harriet (Mrs. Mike Buckley), Jennie, Nellie 
 and John W. The mother was called from earth 
 January 27, 1891, deeply lamented by all who 
 knew her. In political life Mr. Mounts has 
 always been an active worker in the ranks of the 
 Republican party, and in Church matters a liberal 
 *<nd earnest supporter of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Buffalo. 
 
 d | AMES CASSIDY, a leading citizen and re- 
 tired farmer of Burgettstown, was born June 
 J 6, 1825, in Jefferson township, Washington 
 county, and is of Irish parentage. 
 John Cassidy (father of subject) was born in 
 1792, in County Donegal, Ireland, where his boy- 
 hood was passed. In early life he crossed the 
 ocean in a sailing vessel, the voyage occupying 
 eleven weeks and two days. He landed at Phila- 
 delphia, and for a few years was employed in a 
 powder-mil] there. The young pioneer then pro- 
 ceeded on foot to Westmoreland county, Penn., 
 afterward revisited Philadelphia, and again walked 
 to Westmoreland county, where he was married to 
 
 Jane, daughter of James Osburn. In 1816 the 
 young couple settled on a farm in Jefferson town- 
 ship, this county, near the Virginia line, and re- 
 sided there a few years, thence moving to the wild 
 tract which has now been transformed by cultiva- 
 tion into a pleasant and comfortable home. In 
 this wild country, surrounded by savage beasts, 
 and yet more savage men, their children were born 
 and reared as follows: Margaret (wife of Charles 
 Scott), William (deceased), Ann (married to Rob- 
 ert M. Smith), James (whose name opens this 
 sketch), Robert, Mary J. (Mrs. Charles Scott), 
 Catherine E. (married to Frances Magee), and 
 Martha E. (wife of Johu Gillespie). Mr. Cassidy 
 made several journeys to Philadelphia on horse- 
 back, bringing back salt to his home. They raised 
 their own flax, and made their clothing from that 
 plant and from wool. Grain was cut with a sickle, 
 threshed by tramping of horses, and cleaned by a 
 sheet and "fanning." Politically John Cassidy 
 was a Whig and Republican, and in religion an 
 earnest, active member of the Protestant Methodist 
 Church. He died in 1870, and was buried at 
 Bethel Church in Jefferson township, this county. 
 James Cassidy remained on the home farm in 
 Jefferson township, during his boyhood, and was 
 an irregular student at the school which was held 
 in a rude log cabin near his home. On January 
 31. 1856, he was united in marriage with Maria, 
 daughter of Hugh Cosgrove, and granddanghter 
 of Michael Cosgrove, who was born in Ireland, 
 and after coming to America was married to Annie 
 Campbell, a native of Maryland, who bore him 
 four children: William, Margaret, Hugh and 
 Hannah. The parents of this family settled in 
 Maryland after their marriage, and the father fol- 
 lowed farming. He was a Democrat in politics, 
 and in religion a member of the Society of 
 Friends. Hugh Cosgrove was born April 2, 1784, 
 in the State of Maryland, passing his youth on the 
 home farm, and also teaching school. He was 
 married to Priscilla Jones, who was born March 
 15, 1789, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Maryland, 
 and she bore him the following children: Eliza A. 
 (wife of Rev. Jacob Comstock), William, Thomas, 
 Amelia (Mrs. Isaac Everett), Catherine, Maria 
 (married to James Cassidy) and Hannah (wife of 
 William Thompson). Mr. and Mrs. Cosgrove 
 passed the first years of their married life in Mary- 
 land, but finally decided to leave their native 
 State. The journey was made in a two-horse 
 wagon, which contained the emigrants and their 
 entire stock of worldly goods. They purchased 
 and located upon a farm in Jefferson township, 
 Washington county, Penn., where the remainder 
 of their lives was passed. Mr. Cosgrove accumu- 
 lated a good property after locating in Pennsylva- 
 nia. He was a Democrat, serving his township as 
 school director, aud in religion supported the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 74f> 
 
 Methodist Church. Mrs. Priscilla Cosgrove died 
 January 17, 1847, and Hugh Cosgrove on March 
 4, 1854. Both are buried iu the Eldersville 
 cemetery. 
 
 James and Maria (Cosgrove) Cassidy resided on 
 the home place in Jefferson township about seven 
 years after their marriage. They then moved to 
 Monroe township, Carroll Co., Ohio, remaining 
 there five years, thence returning to Washington 
 county, Penn., located iu Independence township. 
 Four and one-half years later Mr. Cassidy bought 
 a farm in Cross Creek township, and in 1891 they 
 moved to their present home in Burgettstown. 
 The following children have been born to their 
 marriage: Vista (deceased), Robert C. (married 
 to Jennie M., daughter of George W. 
 has one daughter, Ora), William J. 
 Fannie, daughter of Rev. Tuttle, and 
 Herschel), and Oliver J. Politically 
 was originally a Whig, uniting with 
 lican party at the date of its organization, and has 
 served his township as director; he is especially 
 interested in educational matters. In religious 
 faith he is a member and liberal supporter of the 
 Methodist Church. 
 
 Osburn, and 
 (married to 
 has one son 
 
 Mr. Cassidy 
 the Repub- 
 
 to Washington, where he was employed to haul 
 freight to Philadelphia and other points east of the 
 mountains. Since then he has been engaged in 
 various occupations, of late years having passed 
 the greater part of his time upon the farm, but is 
 now living a retired life with his brother-in-law, 
 Robert Stewart, having never married. In politics 
 Mr. Provines is a stanch Democrat, and has never 
 missed but one election since he came of age. He 
 has voted in the States of Ohio, Pennsylvania and 
 Maryland. 
 
 I( NDREW PROVINES has passed his eighty - 
 |\ seventh birthday, and is now as hale and 
 hearty as many a man of twenty years his 
 junior. He is a son of William Provines. 
 whose father, John, was born and reared 
 among the hills of Scotland, where he was married 
 and whence a few years later he moved to Ireland. 
 William, the son of John Provines, was born in 
 Scotland, and came with the family to Ireland 
 when a boy. He was there reared to agricultural 
 pursuits, and was married to Rebecca Hemphill, a 
 native of Ireland. William Provines remained in 
 Ireland about ten years after his marriage, where 
 his eldest five children were born : Mary. Samuel. 
 Andrew, John and Robert. At the end of that 
 time, the family came to America, locating in 
 Washington county, where children were born as 
 follows: Margaret, James, Sarah, Jane and Re- 
 becca. 
 
 Andrew Provines, the third child of William 
 and Rebecca (Hemphill) Provines, was born August 
 11, 1805, in County Tyrone, Ireland, being seven 
 years of age when his parents emigrated to Amer- 
 ica. They embarked in a sailing vessel named 
 " William S. Bradford," and landed in New York, 
 thence proceeding to the home farm in Washing- 
 ton county, of which our subject still owns a por- 
 tion. Here Andrew grew to manhood and assisted 
 in the general duties of a farm. At the age of 
 eighteen years he began to work for neighboring 
 farmers at a salary of $8. per month. He con- 
 tinued in this employment several years, then went 
 
 OBERT STEWART. Of the prosperous 
 and highly esteemed citizens of Jefferson 
 township, none are more universally es- 
 teemed or more widely known than the 
 gentlemaD whose name introduces this ar- 
 ticle. The Stewart family trace their lineage back 
 through the generations to one Lord Stewart, a na- 
 tive of Scotland, who afterward settled in County 
 Tyrone, Ireland, at a place known as Foggy Hill. 
 James Stewart, a descendant of the old Scottish 
 nobleman just mentioned, was married to Elizabeth 
 Hemphill, and with his family sailed from Ireland 
 for America on the ship "Doras." Along and 
 tedious voyage followed, during which the vessel 
 was boarded by a British man-of-war, and all the 
 able bodied men of the " Doras," as was custom- 
 ary in time of war, were impressed into the navy. 
 Among those who were thus obliged to render un- 
 willing service to the English Government was a 
 son of James Stewart, named Robert, a youth of 
 eighteen years. He was taken on board a British 
 man-of-war, where he remained several months, 
 finally obtaining his release through the efforts of 
 his father, who persuaded a young lady to claim 
 him as her husband. The ruse succeeded, and the 
 young man was liberated, after which he came on to 
 America, and first located in Philadelphia, whence 
 after a year he joined the family in Smith town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., whither they had 
 preceded him. In course of time he moved to Mt. 
 Pleasant township, where his father died. Here he 
 was soon after married to Miss Ann McGough, 
 also a native of Ireland, and though history is 
 silent concerning the identity of the self-sacrificing 
 young lady who freed young Robert from im- 
 prisonment, yet romance would fain hope that she 
 and his chosen bride were one. However, there is 
 no foundation for the supposition, and historians 
 are expected to confine their statements to known 
 facts. After marriage Robert and Ann (McGough) 
 Stewart went to Jefferson township, and they 
 reared a family of six children, named John, Eliz- 
 abeth (Mrs. Kidd), Sarah, Robert, James and 
 Andrew. The father was a Democrat, and a mem- 
 ber of the TJ. P. Church. 
 
 Robert Stewart was born May 21, 1824, on the 
 
746 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 home farm in Jefferson township, this county, 
 where lie passed his youth in attending school and 
 -assisting with the general farm duties. He married 
 Miss Sarah Jane Elliott, who bore him three chil- 
 dren: John Elliott (born March 13, 1853), James 
 (born November 25, 1855), and Robert (born Feb- 
 ruary 26, 1858). The mother died September 25, 
 1 858, and for his second wife Mr. Stewart was 
 married to Miss Eliza Orr, of Irish descent, who 
 died soon afterward, and June 17, 1864, he 
 wedded, for his third wife, Miss Rebecca H. , 
 daughter of William Frovines, who came from Ire- 
 land and settled in Jefferson township, this county. 
 Robert Stewart is a popular and prosperous citizen. 
 In political opinions he has always voted the Dem- 
 ocratic ticket, being a counselor and adviser of that 
 party, and in religious faith he gives a hearty sup- 
 port to the TJ. P. Church, of which his wife is a 
 member. 
 
 ERNARD C. JACKMAN. This well-known 
 gentleman is a representative of a pioneer 
 family of Washington county. His grand- 
 parents, William and Elizabeth (Conley) 
 Jaekman, were born in County Cavan, Ireland, 
 and emigrated in 1789. They settled on a large 
 tract of land in East Pike Run township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn.; where the following children 
 were born and reared: Bernard, William, Mary, 
 Eliza, Joshua, John, Margaret, Nancy, and four 
 who died in infancy. 
 
 John Jaekman, son of William and Elizabeth 
 Jaekman, was born on the farm in East Pike Run 
 township, this county, and received a subscription- 
 school education. Iu early life he was married to 
 Phoebe Taylor, daughter of William and Phoebe 
 (Kirkwood) Taylor. Her parents were of Scotch- 
 Irish desceut, and after coming to Pennsylvania 
 bought 160 acres on the National pike, between 
 Beallsville and Brownsville, Penn. Mr. Taylor 
 then conducted a tavern for several years, and also 
 built the first M. E. Church in that locality, which 
 is yet known by his name. The children of this 
 family were born as follows: Edward, Sophia, 
 William, Isaac (who died in his one hundredth 
 year), Phebe, George, Joshua, Ann, John, and 
 others who died in infancy. The parents both 
 died on the old place, and were buried in the 
 cemetery of the Taylor M. E. Church. To the 
 union of John and Phebe (Ta}'lor) Jaekman eight 
 children were born, namely: Elizabeth, wife of 
 Wesley H. Taylor, a resident of Carroll county, 
 Ohio; Bernard C , whose name opens this sketch; 
 Mary A., Edwin, Caroline, and three who died in 
 infancy. The father was a farmer, and for a num- 
 ber of years served as local preacher at the Taylor 
 M. E. Church, with which his wife was also iden- 
 tified. He also erected the first log school house 
 
 in the neighborhood, serving for many years as 
 school director, and doing all in his power to pro- 
 mote the educational and religious interests of the 
 community. He was actively identified with the 
 Whig party, and was one of the most influential 
 men of his neighborhood. He died in 1861, fol- 
 lowed by Mrs. Jaekman in 1878. 
 
 Bernard C. Jaekman was born August 2(5, 1S21. 
 in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He attended the public schools, and in 
 1852 was united in marriage with Ruth Lilley, 
 who was born in 1829, in East Pike Run township. 
 She is a daughter of Ellis and Elizabeth (Phillips) 
 Lilley, who were pioneer settlers of this county. 
 The children of Mr. and Mrs. Lilley were Solo- 
 mon, residing in Alliance, Ohio; Ruth, wife of 
 Bernard C. Jaekman; Elizabeth, a resident of 
 Ohio; Thomas, deceased; Phebe, living in Ohio, 
 and Alica, deceased. Both parents were members 
 of the Quaker Church. The father died in 1872. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Jaekman reside on the old home- 
 stead, consisting of 132 acres of land, upon which 
 good buildings and other improvements have beeu 
 erected. He votes with the Republican party, and 
 has been school director for several years. They 
 are the parents of three children, namely: Phebe 
 E. (deceased), Hattie M. (wife of John F. Colvin, 
 a farmer of East Pike Run township), and Wilbur 
 S. , a teacher in the Cook County Normal School at 
 Chicago. 
 
 As already stated, Mr. Jackman's grandparents 
 were natives of Cavan, Ireland, with the exception 
 of the grandmother, Phoebe (Hardman) Taylor, who 
 was born in the Scottish Highlands, and came to 
 Ireland with her parents (Moxruder Hardman and 
 wife) to escape the Cromwellian atrocities. "Sirs. 
 Hardman, nee Miss Kirkwood, became owner of 
 1,000 acres of land near Dublin. Phoebe Hard- 
 
 man married William Taylor. 
 1754, and emigrated in 1789. 
 grandparents are as follows: 
 eighty-eight years; Elizabeth 
 eighty-five years; William Jaekman, 
 years, and Phcebe Hardman, his wife, 
 
 He was born in 
 
 The ages of the 
 
 William Jaekman, 
 
 Conley, his wife, 
 
 eighty-six 
 
 ninetv-six 
 
 years. Away back in 1831 William Jaekman pro- 
 vided whisky for his harvesters. One of the men 
 tasted it too freely, returned to his cabin and 
 whipped his wife. On Mr. Jaekman learning of 
 this he emptied the whisky on the ground and in- 
 troduced temperance in the harvest field, being the 
 pioneer of the cause in this section of the State. 
 
 MfATTHEW R. WELCH. In the foremost 
 rank of the honored and prosperous citi- 
 zens of Smith township is the name of 
 II -* this gentleman gladly welcomed. His 
 father was Matthew Welch, who was born 
 in County Down, Ireland. 
 

 i $b 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 747 
 
 Matthew Welch (the father) was educated in his 
 native country, and, at the age of twenty-four 
 years, crossed the ocean in a sailing vessel, the 
 voyage occupying eight weeks. He landed in 
 New York, proceeding thence to Lancaster county, 
 Perm. After residing in that county for about 
 four years in 1797 he was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter of William Reed. The young 
 couple resided in Lancaster county three years af- 
 ter their marriage, and in 1802 moved to Wash 
 ington county, Penn., the journey being made in 
 an emigrant wagon containing their household 
 goods and provisions, drawn by four horses. 
 They were three weeks on the road, and finally 
 settled until spring on a small place in Smith 
 township, this county. They bought a place two 
 miles distant, and immediately began to make im- 
 provements upon it, afterward raising a large 
 amount of stock. In politics Matthew Welch was 
 a Whig, and in religion a member of the Seceder 
 Church, at Burgettstown, to which he gave a 
 hearty support. He died in 1851, and in 1873 his 
 widow was laid beside him in the United Presby- 
 terian cemetery at Burgettstown. The children 
 born to this marriage were:/KTsal)ella (wife of 
 William Galbraith),?»Mary (married to William 
 Canipbell^'&ane (wife of James McNary)rNancy 
 (Mrs. Mark Stephensou)/'Elizabeth (wife of Robert 
 McBurney))<Margaret (Mrs. Thomas McCoikle), 
 J* Rachel (married to R. K. Scott), Julia Xffwife of 
 James Vincent), HanuaLf^Xmarried to Matthew 
 Welch), and Matthew R.Vkif this family Mrs. 
 Robert McBurney, Mrs. Thomas McCorkle, Mrs. 
 James Vincent, Mrs. Matthew Welch and Matthew 
 R. Welch are yet living. 
 
 Matthew R. Welch was born December 19, 1826, 
 on the home farm, in Smith township, where his 
 boyhood was passed in working on the farm and 
 attending school three months each year. The 
 schoolhouse was built of logs and furnished with 
 slab seats and writing desks, an ordinary quill pen 
 being used for the practice. On October 17, 1850, 
 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of 
 John and granddaughter of John White. John 
 White, the grandfather, was born and reared in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, where he was married to 
 Ann Bonar. They made a permanent home in 
 Chartiers township, near Cook's Station, where he 
 purchased a large tract of land. Their children 
 were James, Nancy (wife of Alexander McElroy), 
 Ann (married to John Anderson), Mary (Mrs. John 
 McCall), Sarah (wife of William Stewart), Will- 
 iam, John, Ebenezer, Samuel, Jane, David, Mat- 
 thew, and Margaret, who married John Malone. 
 The father was a Whig. He was a member of 
 the Associate Reformed Church. 
 
 John White was born in 1786, near Canonsburg, 
 Chartiers township, and in early life began to 
 haul goods over the mountains, having carried 
 
 ammunition for the Government during the war 
 of 1812. In 1814 he was united in marriage with 
 Mary, daughter of John May, of Cecil township, 
 this county, who bore him the following children: 
 Ann (Mrs. John Scott), Phoebe (wife of John Far- 
 rar), Julia, Jane, John, James, Mary (wife of Mat- 
 thew R. Welch), Nancy (married to John Reed), 
 Alexander and Samuel. Of these children, Julia, 
 Jane, John and Alexander are deceased. In 1814 
 Mr. and Mrs. White located on Raccoon creek, in 
 Smith township. Selling out in 1850, they 
 bought a farm iu Allegheny county, Penn. , where 
 they resided eight months. Thence they moved 
 to Belmont county, Ohio, and lived there two years, 
 finally returning to Canonsburg, where he died. 
 Politically Mr. White was a Whig and Republican, 
 and held many township offices. In church re- 
 lations he was a member and elder of the Asso- 
 ciate Reformed Church. 
 
 Matthew R. and Mary (White) Welch first set- 
 tled on the home place, in Smith township, but 
 in 1889 moved to Burgettstown, where they are 
 yet living. Five children have been born to them: 
 Elizabeth M. (wife of M. L. Cook), Anna M. (Mrs. 
 J. L. Malcolm), John W. (married to M. A. Daugh- 
 erty), Jennie (Mrs. Robert Russell) and Julia B. 
 (wife of J. C. Morrow). Mr. Welch has been a 
 Republican iu politics, and has held various town- 
 ship offices; he has ever been especially interested 
 in the progress of educational matters. He is a 
 member of the U. P. Church, and of the Session; 
 formerly he was a member of the Associate Church 
 of Burgettstown. 
 
 ¥- 
 
 OBERT D. WYLIE, a well-known repre- 
 sentative, native born citizen of South Stra- 
 bane township, is descended from rugged 
 ^ Scotch ancestry, of whom the first to come 
 to this country were three brothers — two 
 settling in eastern Pennsylvania, the third, the 
 great-great-grandfather of the subject of this 
 sketch, taking up his abode in the western part of 
 the State. 
 
 David Wylie, father of Robert D., was born, in 
 1799, near Wheeling, W. Va., where he was reared 
 and educated. When a young man he came to this 
 county, and for a time made his home in the 
 borough of Washington, with Hugh Wylie, his 
 uncle, at that time a leading citizen of the county. 
 Hugh Wylie was postmaster at Washington, his 
 nephew, David, being his assistant, and served 
 during three administrations, the office during that 
 period being important as a distributing one for 
 Pittsburgh and all points west. In 1828 David 
 Wylie married Eunice, daughter of David Hanna, 
 of Columbiana county, Ohio, and they then settled 
 on the place where David Wylie passed the re- 
 mainder of his days. By this union there was 
 
748 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 one child, Eunice H. (Mrs. E. M. Mansley), de- 
 ceased. This wife dying, Mr. Wylie married, 
 June 1, 1831, for his second helpmate, Harriet 
 Belle, daughter of Gen. Robert Simison, of Colum- 
 biana county, Ohio, who had been a Revolution- 
 ary soldier under Washington, and was afterward 
 sent west, during the latter's administration, to 
 survey the State of Ohio, at which time he took up 
 a large tract of land in what is now Columbiana 
 county. He commanded, as brigadier-general, a 
 division of the army detailed to keep the Indians 
 in check, and, while on a forced march, was seized 
 with a fever from which he died. He was a native 
 of Oumberlaud county, Penn., where he married 
 Margaret Sanderson. They had seven children as 
 follows: Elizabeth* who became the wife of Robert 
 Leonard, of Hancock county, Ohio); Jane (wife of 
 William Blanchard, of Lawrence county, Penn.); 
 Margaret (wife of Robert Filson, in Columbiana 
 county, Ohio); Martha (wife of James Scott, in 
 Jack-urn county. Iowa); Ann, unmarried; Harriet 
 Belle (wife of David Wylie) and Samuel S. By 
 this marriage Mr. Wylie had a family of ten chil- 
 dren, of whom the following is a brief record: 
 Tappan W. died March 1, 1871; Hugh H. died in 
 1834; Simison R., living at home; Edmund B., in 
 Jackson county, Iowa; Robert D. , our subject, of 
 whom special mention is made further on; William 
 S., Catherine I. and James S. (triplets), all de- 
 ceased; Rev. Samuel S.aud David Austin. Of these, 
 Tappan W. attended Washington College three 
 years, and married Nancy, daughter of Ebenezer 
 McLean, of Washington county, Penn. He was a 
 soldier in the Civil war, serving in the army of the 
 Potomac; he was killed in 1871 by the explosion 
 of a boiler; Simison R. attended Washington 
 College two years, after which he engaged in farm- 
 ing on the home farm in South Strabane township, 
 where he still resides: he is still unmarried. Ed- 
 mund B. attended Washington College two years 
 and was married, in 1869, to Lizzie McConnell. a 
 native of Beaver county, Penn., and their children 
 are Robert B., Clyde K. , Scott and Harry B. 
 Edmund B. enlisted in August, 1S62, and served 
 throughout the entire war with Sherman, being at 
 his post of duty without intermission. Since 1865 
 he has resided in Jackson county, Iowa, where he 
 owns and manages a large and profitable farm. 
 Samuel S. graduated from Washington and Jeffer- 
 son College in 1866, studied theology for two 
 years at the Western Theological Seminary, Alle- 
 gheny, Penn., and one year in Edinburgh, Scot- 
 land (he settled at Middle Springs, Cumberland 
 Co.. Penn. , as pastor of the Presbyterian Church 
 at that place, in 187'.!, where he now resides, hav- 
 ing had but one charge in the ministry. While a 
 student at college he enlisted inKnapp'sBatteryand 
 served his country in guarding Washington, D. C, 
 for six months. On November 9, 1873, he was mar- 
 
 ried to Jane M. McCune, of Cumberland county, 
 Penn., and his children are Hattie M., Eva and Sam- 
 uel S.). David Wylie, the father of this family, died 
 April 13, 1879, the mother August 25, 1883. Mr. 
 Wylie commenced with 100 acres of wild land, 
 which he vastly improved and greatly added to. 
 In politics he was a Whig, afterward a Republican, 
 and was one of the leading men in his party; in 
 religion he was a member for many years of the 
 Presbyterian Church in Chartiers township. 
 
 Robert D. Wylie, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born August 23, 1840, on the farm where he 
 now resides; and in the same house, and was here 
 reared. His primary education was received in 
 the schools of the district. In 1857 he entered 
 Washington (Penn.) Union School, attending that 
 school for two years. In 1859 he was enrolled in 
 the senior prep, class of Washington College, 
 and went without interruption until he grad- 
 uated in September, 1863, being graded fifth in 
 his class. Soon after graduation he undertook to 
 fill the different positions of tutor of ancient 
 languages and professor pro tern, of mathematics 
 in the same institution. In 1868 he gave up teach- 
 ing as a profession. During that year he was 
 entered as a law student in Washington bar, read- 
 ing with Alex. Wilson; but owing to continued ill 
 health, at the urgent solicitation of his parents he 
 reluctantly gave up a profession and concluded to 
 try farming. Since 1869 he has been actively 
 engaged in farming on the farm where he now 
 resides. On June 14, 1882, he was married to 
 Margaret E. Walker, youngest daughter of Jona- 
 than Walker, of Butler county, Penn. They have 
 two living children: Walker M. and Leila M. McK. 
 Wylie. R. D. Wylie is a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church, and Mrs. Wylie is a member of the 
 Lutheran church. 
 
 ^r 5 ^ OBERT WRIGHT, a representative native- 
 L»^ born citizen of the county, is one of the 
 C V, most prominent and influential agricultur- 
 al) -^ ists of Buffalo township, standing well with 
 v his neighbors, respected far and wide for 
 
 his many good qualities of head and heart; one 
 who has prospered in those things that make even 
 the humblest life well worth living. 
 
 Mr. Wright was born March 8, 1812, in Buffalo 
 township, where he received his education at the 
 subscription schools of his boyhood days, which 
 was supplemented by considerable home study and 
 
 1 close reading. His paternal grandfather, William 
 Wright, a native of Ireland, followed the trade of 
 weaver in County Monaghan, in that country. He 
 
 ] was there twice married, and had the following 
 named children: William, Thomas, Robert, John 
 and Samuel. In 1785 he came to America, and 
 after a short sojourn iu Chester county, Penn., set- 
 
WASHINGTON CO UN TY. 
 
 751 
 
 tied in Buffalo township, this county, where he 
 continued to follow his trade. Here he and his 
 wife died. He was a member of the Associate 
 Church, and in politics was a Whig. 
 
 Samuel Wright, father of subject, was born in 
 Ireland in 17S2, and when a young lad came with 
 the rest of the family to America. In Buffalo 
 township, this county, he commenced farming on 
 a place which was then entirely wild, but which he 
 and his family by dint of hard labor in course of 
 time reduced to a condition of fertility. About 
 1804 he was married to Rachel, daughter of 
 Thomas Hill, of Donegal township, but a native of 
 Ireland, and their children were Mary (Mrs 
 Thomas Carson), William, Thomas. Robert, Sam- 
 uel and John, all deceased except Robert. After 
 t he death of the mother of these children, which 
 occurred February 8, 1817, Mr. Wright married 
 Mary Howe, who bore him three children: James, 
 Aim {Mrs. Samuel Graham) and Rachel (all de- 
 ceased). The father died January 24, L849, in his 
 sixty-eighth year; the mother December 5, is 11. 
 
 Robert Wright, whose name opens this sketch, 
 in 1847 married Susanna, daughter of Samuel 
 Neely, and one child, Robert N. (now a prosper- 
 ous farmer in Donegal township), was born to 
 them. The mother died in 1850, and June 18, 
 1857, Mr. Wright married Margaret L. , daughter 
 of Robert McNeal, of Claysville, this county, by 
 which union there are two children: Mary (wife of 
 Isaac Grimes) and John S., born October 14, 1865, 
 now conducting the home farm (he was married 
 September 30, 1890, to Miss Lou B. Crawford). 
 After his first marriage, Robert Wright continued 
 to live for some thirty years on the home place, the 
 dwelling being an old log cabin, and then erected 
 his present commodious residence, which is well 
 situated, and admirably equipped with all modern 
 improvements. The farm he cleared up and im- 
 proved with his own hands. He and his worthy 
 wife were originally connected with the Associate 
 Church, but of late years they have been members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church at South Buf- 
 falo, he being one of its most influential support- 
 ers, and a trustee of same. Mr. Wright has al- 
 ways taken an active part in politics, lirst as a 
 Whig, then as a member of the Liberty party, and 
 of late years as a Republican; aud while taking an 
 active interest in all movements for the good of 
 the country, he has invariably avoided public pre- 
 ferments. By hard, honest work, judicious econ- 
 omy and sound judgment, he has secured a com- 
 petence, being now one of the most extensive and 
 prosperous farmers in his section. [Since the 
 above was written, Mr. Wright died December '27, 
 L892. 
 
 Robert McNeal, father of Mrs. Wright, was 
 born February 3, 1789, and learned the trade of 
 blacksmith. His parents came from Scotland at 
 
 an early day, settling near Pittsburgh, Penn. 
 Robert McNeal married Polly Long, and to them 
 was born one child: Jane L. On January 4, 1825, 
 he married Isabella Bonar, a native of Donegal 
 township, Washington county, born December 26, 
 1797, and to them were born the following chil- 
 dren: John H, who died May 3, 1859; James 
 B., who enlisted in the war of 1801-05, and died 
 in hospital September 4, 1804, from the effects of 
 a wound received in the battle of Jonesborough; 
 Nelson R., who served through the Civil war, 
 and now resides in Donegal township; Margaret 
 L. (Mrs. Robert Wright); Sarah F. , deceased at 
 the age of eight years. Mr. and Mrs. McNeal 
 located in Claysville, Penn., where he followed his 
 trade many years. He died November 28, 1863, 
 his wife having preceded him across the River 
 July S, 1855. 
 
 T'HOMAS STOCKTON is a representative of 
 one of the oldest families of Franklin town- 
 ship. Thomas Stockton, the ancestor of the 
 family in Pennsylvania, was a native of Vir- 
 ginia, and at an early age came to Cham- 
 bersburgh, Franklin Co., Penn. He was formany 
 years; i member and elder in the Presbyterian Church. 
 He died May 31, 1795, aged eighty-six years, of 
 whooping-cough, at the house of his son-in law, 
 William Waddell, in Mercersburgh, Penn. (William 
 Waddell was a brother of Rev. James Waddell, of 
 Virginia, whose daughter, Jeanette, was married 
 to Rev. Archibald Alexander, D. D.). Mr. Stock- 
 ton reared the following children: Thomas, John, 
 David, Robert, Elizabeth (Mrs. Waddell), Isabella 
 (Mrs. Neilson), .Mary (Mrs. Bard), and Margaret 
 (Mrs. Johnston). 
 
 Robert Stockton was born October 19, 1737, in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, near Chambersburgh, and on 
 December 22, 1761, he was married to Mary Mc- 
 Kennie. Mr. Stockton served in the Revolution- 
 ary war, taking part in the battles of Trenton and 
 Monmouth. He moved to Washington county in 
 1782, and in the following July purchased a farm 
 of Peter Jolly, which was named in the survey 
 "Beaver Dam." It is situated* three aud a half 
 miles west of Washington borough, in Franklin 
 township, and is still in the possession of the fam- 
 ily. To Mr. and Mrs. Robert (McKennie) Stock- 
 ton were born the following children: Thomas, 
 Col. Robert, Margaret (wife of Col. John Cotton, of 
 Meadville, Penn.), Frances (Mrs. Charles Stewart), 
 Jane (wife of Rev. John Brice), John (married to 
 Margaret McCombs), Rev. Joseph (married to Esther 
 Clark) and Elizabeth (wife of Rev. James Cun- 
 ningham, of Ohio). Col. John Cotton and Col. 
 Robert Stockton were both elders of the Presbyte- 
 rian Church at Meadville, Penn. 
 
 Thomas Stockton inherited the old Stockton 
 
752 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNT F. 
 
 place together with his brother John, who after- 
 ward died, when Thomas purchased the remainder 
 of the farm. He was united in marriage with Miss 
 Sarah Graham, and the children born to them were 
 as follows: Robert, Thomas, John, Mary and Sarah. 
 Mr. Stockton was a Whig in politics, and in relig- 
 ious belief was for many years a member of the 
 First Presbyterian Church of Washington, in which 
 he was an elder. 
 
 Robert Stockton, son of Thomas and Sarah (Gra- 
 ham) Stockton, passed his youth on the home 
 farm, and was united in marriage with Rebecca, 
 daughter of John and Sarah Wilson. To their 
 union were born children as follows: Thomas V., 
 John Wilson, Emma O'Ella (Mrs. C. C. Cozad) 
 and Maggie (Mrs. A. R. Gayhort). Mr. Stockton 
 was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church 
 al Washington. In politics he was a Whig and 
 Republican. He died in October, 1864, aged sixty- 
 si veu years. 
 
 Thomas V. Stockton, son of Robert and Rebecca 
 (Wilson) Stockton, is unmarried, and has managed 
 the home farm since the death of his father. He 
 is an enterprising young citizen of Franklin town- 
 ship, anil a member of the Republican part}'. 
 
 Dr. John Wilson Stockton graduated in the sci- 
 entific department of Washington and Jefferson 
 College in 1868; he graduated from the Eclectic 
 Medical College, Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1877. He 
 was married August 8, 1890, to Romayne Wade 
 McKown, of Allegheny county. He is located ai 
 present at Washington, Penn., where he is engaged 
 in the practice of his chosen profession. 
 
 DANIEL B. MOWRY was born November 17, 
 1 1827, in Allegheny county, Penn., near 
 / Pittsburgh. His father, also named Daniel, 
 was born in 1783, and was married to Jane, 
 daughter of William Wylie, of Washington county, 
 of the lineage of David Wylie, being a full cousin, 
 and the children born to this union were Margaret, 
 wife of Edward Wood, now living in Philadelphia; 
 William, who was killed in Custer's raid at Little 
 Big Horn; John, a physician, who graduated from 
 Philadelphia Medical College; Peter, deceased; 
 Daniel B.; Robert G. ; George W., deceased. 
 Daniel Mowrj', Sr., the father of these children, 
 died in 1862; the mother, Jane Mowry, in 1874. 
 In politics he was an Old line Whig, and in religion 
 a member of the Covenanter Church. Mr. Mowry 
 was a life resident of Pittsburgh, Penn., where he 
 was for a time clerk of the courts, and, afterward, 
 tipstaff. 
 
 Daniel B. Mowry, the subject of this biograph- 
 ical memoir, though born in Pittsburgh, lived with 
 his grandfather Wylie during most of his minority, 
 following the vocation of farming. He was united 
 in marriage with Mary A., daughter of Major 
 
 William Wilson, and the children born to them 
 were William W., a major in the Pennsylvania 
 Militia, and a resident of Washington, this county; 
 John died in infancy; Charles E., in Pittsburgh; 
 Lottie (Mrs. Herbert Wilson, of Nebraska); Harry; 
 Mary A. and Sarah, of Washington county. The 
 mother passed from earth August 27, 1890. In 
 1861, during the war of the Rebellion, Mr. Mowry 
 enlisted in Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I., 
 better known as the Round Heads, and served 
 throughout the entire struggle. In politics he is 
 a stanch Republican, by occupation a farmer. 
 
 'r^J T. JACKMAN is of Teutonic ancestry, his 
 ^V grandparents, William and Barbara (Shively) 
 Jackman, having been natives of the country 
 of the Rhine. They emigrated from Ger- 
 many before their marriage, which ceremony took 
 place in a fort on the Monongahela river, in West- 
 moreland county, Penn. In 1788 William Jack- 
 man took out a patent for 368 acres of land called 
 "Hobson's choice," in Washington county. He 
 paid the Indians, for their right, $15, a gun, and a 
 blanket. He made a permanent home on this 
 tract, where seven children were born to him, all 
 now deceased. The parents were members of the 
 Baptist Church. 
 
 Simeon Jackman, son of William and Barbara 
 (Shively) Jackman, was born, in 1795, in East Pike 
 Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and there 
 attended the subscription schools. In 1819 he was 
 married to Mary Dunlevy, who was born in 1800, 
 in East Pike Run township, and the young couple 
 settled permanently on 100 acres of the original 
 tract (above mentioned) in Allen township. He 
 afterward bought 100 acres from his brother Cyrus, 
 paying him $10 per acre. The following children 
 were born to them : one deceased in infancy ; Jo- 
 seph Wilson, of Henry county, 111.; Anthony D., 
 a resident of El Dorado, Butler Co., Kans. ; Me- 
 lissa, wife of George Morton, a Presbyterian min- 
 ister of Indiana county, Penn.; Elizabeth, wife of 
 James Wilson, of McLean county. 111.; Mary, mar- 
 ried to John Steele, of Fayette county, Penn. 
 Harriet, wife of George Hill, of McLean county, 
 111.; William H., living in Wayne county, Ohio; S. 
 T., whose name opens this sketch; Isaac K., living 
 in Los Angeles, Gal., and Sarah D., wife of Will 
 iam Dunlevy, of Butler county, Kans. Of these 
 children Mary, William H., S. T. , and Isaac K. 
 are yet living. The father was a Republican, and 
 served for many years as justice of the peace; was 
 also captain in the State Militia. He died in 1881, 
 having been preceded by his wife in 1873. Both 
 were members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 S. T. Jackman, the only living representative of 
 his family in Washington county, was born Octo- 
 ber 23, 1835, in Allen township, Washington Co., 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 753 
 
 Y""Y OBERT C. HOLMES, a successful and 
 
 h*C well-known farmer of Cross Creek town- 
 
 || V ship, is a son of James Holmes, whose 
 
 1) — * father died in Ireland, the land of his 
 
 V birth. 
 
 James Holmes emigrated from his native coun- 
 try in 1837, and remained in New York two years 
 after landing on American soil. He then lived 
 four years in Westmoreland county, Penn., after- 
 ward renting a place in Cross Creek township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and purchasing the home 
 farm just before the Civil war. His wife was for- 
 merly a Miss Margaret Thompson, to whom be was 
 wedded in 1836. Children were born to -their 
 union as follows: Jane, Thomas, John, James, 
 Robert C, William, Thompson B. and Joseph D., 
 all of whom were born after the parents had set- 
 tled in America. The father followed general 
 farming and sheep raising, owning a good fertile 
 farm of 144 acres. In politics he affiliated with 
 the Democratic party, to whose interest he was ever 
 keenly active, supporting its principles with en- 
 thusiastic ardor, and holding various offices of 
 honor and trust in Cross Creek township, which he 
 
 Penn. He received his earlier education in the 
 subscription schools of the neighborhood, and then 
 took the sophomore year at Washington College. 
 In 1862 he enlisted at Pittsburgh, Penn., in Com- 
 pany F, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, for 
 three years or during the war, and was afterward 
 promoted to the rank of first lieutenant of Com- 
 pany E, in the same regiment. He served in the 
 battles of Gettysburg, Wilderness, also in the Shen- 
 andoah Valley and the Seven Days' fight before 
 Richmond. In 1865 he received an honorable dis- 
 charge at Cumberland, Md., and returned to the 
 home farm in Allen township, Washington county. 
 On May 20, 1868, he was married to Florence J., 
 daughter of Azariah and Sarah A. (Murphy) Crow, 
 pioneers of Washington county, now living in How- 
 ell county, Mo. 
 
 Mr. Jackman yet owns ninety five acres of the I 
 original patent. In politics he votes with the Re- 
 publican party, and served as a member of the 
 sch' ml board, assessor and road commissioner of | 
 Allen township. Since the Howe cemetery has 
 been established Mr. Jackman has served as treas- 
 urer and trustee, and is also a trustee of the Eben- 
 ezer M. E. Church, of which he and his wife are 
 members. Their children have been born as fol- 
 lows: Nora Elsie, wife of William Steele, a grocer 
 of West Belle Vernon; Leslie T. ; H. Roscoe; Ruby 
 C; Mary S.; A. Parker; J. Riley (deceased at the 
 age of six years) and Morton Hanson (deceased 
 when seventeen months old). In 1891 Mr. and 
 Mrs. Jackman moved to their present home in 
 West Belle Vernon. 
 
 filled to the satisfaction of all. In religious faith 
 he was an active member of the United Presbyte- 
 rian Church at West Middletown, Penn., to which 
 he gave a hearty and liberal support. He died in 
 1869. Of the children born to James and Mar- 
 garet (Thompson) Holmes, William was married 
 to Miss Emma Neely, a native of Donegal town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., and the following 
 children have blessed their union: Robert, Jane 
 M., Grover C, Joseph, James and Mary, all of 
 whom are living with their parents on the old home 
 farm. 
 
 Robert C. Holmes, the fourth or fifth child of 
 James and Margaret Holmes, was born in 1844. 
 His boyhood and youth were passed in the arduous 
 duties of farm life, and attending the district 
 schools of the neighborhood. When his father 
 died, Robert took entire charge of the business, 
 which he is now managing with marked success, 
 and caring for his aged mother, who lives with her 
 son, awaiting the summons which will unite her 
 again with those loved ones who have '"passed over 
 the river home." 
 
 Mrs. Margaret (Thompson) Holmes was born in 
 Ireland in 1819. In IS Ml her parents came to the 
 United States and settled in Chartiers township, 
 Washington county, following their children. 
 Mrs. Holmes was the first of the Thompson fam- 
 ily to emigrate, the other children followed her 
 example, and the parents ultimately decided to set- 
 tle in the New World. Of the eight children who 
 came hither, five are living. The mother of Mrs. 
 Holmes died in Cross Creek township in 1879, 
 aged eighty-seven years. 
 
 : HOMAS A. HINDMAN, a highly esteemed 
 and prosperous citizen of Cross Creek vil- 
 lage, Washington Co., Penn., is a son of 
 William Hiudman, and grandson of Samuel 
 Hindman. The latter was born near Can- 
 onsburg, in Chartiers township, this county, and 
 was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he fol- 
 lowed through life. When a young man he left 
 Washington county and made a permanent home 
 in Brooke county, W. Va. He was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Catherine Davis, a native of east- 
 ern Ohio, and nine children were born to their 
 union, namely: Polly, William, Rebecca, Eliza, 
 Samuel, James, Margaret Ann (Mrs. Barber, of 
 Knox county, Ohio), Harriet (Mrs. Murchland, of 
 Colliers Station) and Evan D. (also living at Col- 
 liers Station). 
 
 William Hindman (the second child of Samuel 
 and Catherine Hindman) was born in 1812, in 
 Brooke county, W. Va. , growing to manhood on 
 the home farm. He received a common -school 
 education, which was supplemented by the reading 
 of good books. He was married to Elizabeth Mc- 
 
754 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Cullougb, a lady of Scotch-Irish descent, and the 
 following children were born to them: Andrew (a 
 blacksmith living near Colliers Station, this 
 county), Catherine (deceased in childhood), Samuel 
 (farming in this county), Thomas A. (subject of 
 this sketch), Charles (died when quite young), 
 Jane (living in Dennison, Ohio), Mary (also a resi- 
 dent of Dennison, Ohio), Eliza (deceased), Evan (a 
 farmer of Cross Creek township, Va.), an unnamed 
 infant (deceased), Rebecca, William (died when 
 eight years of age), and George, all living near 
 Colliers Station. The father of this family pos- 
 sessed a remarkable memory, and was consid- 
 ered one of the most intelligent men of the com- 
 munity. He was a man of generous impulses 
 and warm sympathies', never allowing any person 
 to leave his door hungry, or refusing aid to worthy 
 objects of charity. 
 
 Thomas A. Hindman was born January 23, 1S40, 
 in Brooke county, W. Va., where he worked on the 
 farm during his boyhood. At the age of eighteen 
 years he learned the blacksmith's trade with his 
 brother Andrew, then worked as a journeyman, 
 traveling over several States, and finally, in 1865, 
 settled in Cross Creek village, this county, where 
 he opened a blacksmith shop. In 180S he sold 
 out. and returning to Brooke county, W. Va. , 
 worked two years for his brother Andrew. At the 
 end of that time he returned to Cross Creek village, 
 and purchasing his old shop, has since remained 
 in the place. On November 8, 1871, he was united 
 in marriage with Miss Hannah Stephenson, 
 daughter of Mark Stephenson, of Smith township, 
 this county. Three children have been born to 
 their union: Delia May, Audley Oliver and Nettie 
 Pearl. Delia M. and Audley O. have attended 
 the Cross Creek Academy for several years, the 
 latter now being a student of the Northwestern 
 University at Ada, Ohio. Mr. Hindman began life 
 with no assistance from home, and by industry 
 and perseverance is now one of the best and most 
 successful workmen, owning one of the finest black- 
 smith shops in Washington county. In politics he 
 is a stanch Democrat, and in religion a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek village. 
 
 Catherine (wife of L. Culbertson), Caroline (mar- 
 ried to William Hamilton) and Maggie (Mrs. F. 
 Irwin). The father died in 1886; the mother is 
 yet living. 
 
 James H. Barkley was born May 12, 1850, in 
 Washington county, where his youth was passed. 
 He worked in a sawmill for three years for Maj. 
 James Gaston, and on March 10, 188l>, made choice 
 of a life companion in the person of Patience B. 
 Hamilton, a native of this county, and daughter of 
 James K. Hamilton. The latter was born in IMS, in 
 Peters township, Washington county, and received 
 a classical education. During his earlier years he 
 followed the profession of school-teaching, and lie 
 iug solely dependent upon his daily earnings for a 
 livelihood, he was obliged to practice strict econ- 
 omy. In 1846 James R. Hamilton was married 
 to Miss Patience Morrison, a native of this county, 
 and having managed to save a small amount of his 
 salary, the young man bought a little farm in Not- 
 tingham township, this county, upon which he and 
 his bride began their wedded life. They were 
 poor in worldly goods, but rich in the possession 
 of health and love. Fortune soon began to smile 
 on the brave young couple, who met her frowns 
 with such cheery faces, and as years passed on 
 children came to brighten the little home as fol- 
 lows: Patience B. (Mrs. Barkley), William H. L., 
 Charles James Reed, John H G., Joseph G. P., 
 Elizabeth Ann, Margaret Elnora and Mary Jane. 
 Of these the three latter are deceased. At the 
 time of his death, James R. Hamilton owned 300 
 acres of land. 
 
 James H. and Patience B. (Hamilton) Barkley 
 have had five children, namely: Reed, Lee (de- 
 ceased), Earl, Mary and Ralph. After their mar- 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. Barkley settled on the home 
 place, where they have since resided, and upon which 
 he raises a variety of good stock. Politically he 
 is a firm believer in the principles advanced by the 
 Republican party, and in religion he and his 
 familv are all members of the Methodist Church. 
 
 JAMES H. BAHKLEY, a well-known stock 
 raiser of Nottingham township, is a native of 
 i the same. His father, James N. Barkley, 
 was born in 1814, in this county, and when yet 
 a liov learned tire shoemaker's trade, which he fol- 
 lowed for one year, then bought the home farm, 
 containing fifty-seven acres in Nottingham town 
 ship. On October 25, 1837. he was united in 
 marriage with Sarah Caster, who was born in L816, 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., and their children were 
 bom as follows: Robert, James, Thomas, Frank, 
 
 PATRICK RODGERS. Prominent among 
 ' the most respected and the wealthiest citizens 
 of Donegal township is found this well- 
 known retired agriculturist. 
 He is a son of Francis Rodgers, a native 
 of County Donegal, Ireland, who when a young 
 man came to America, and to Washington county, 
 Penn., making a settlement in Donegal township, 
 about one mile northwest of where is now Coon 
 Island postoffice, and where Franklin Rodgers. his 
 grandson, is at present living. Here he hewed for 
 himself a home out of the unbroken primeval 
 forest, and naturally then began to look around 
 him for a suitable helpmate. Her he was fort 
 
at^yuoA ULscvZajesi^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 757 
 
 unate to find in the person of Elizabeth Hupp, a 
 member of one of the oldest families of the county 
 and first settlers of Donegal township. To their 
 marriage were born children as follows: John, 
 who was a farmer in Washington county, and died 
 at the age of forty-five years; Patrick, the subject 
 of this memoir; Rosanna, wife of Joseph Cox; 
 Nancy, wife of Samuel Cox; Isabel, married to 
 Jacob Stoolfire; Margaret, wife of Thomas Davis; 
 Mary, married to George Liuville; Sarah, wife of 
 Isaac Deeds; and Elizabeth, wife of Thomas Davis, 
 all now deceased except Patrick. The parents died 
 on the old home farm, the father in 1829, and the 
 mother in 18 — . When Francis Rodgers came to 
 America he was but a poor boy, and his success in 
 life was due to the characteristic thrift, energy and 
 good management of himself and his faithful wife. 
 Iu his political life Mr. Rodgers was a lifelong 
 Democrat, a useful, reliable man iu his party. 
 
 Patrick Rodgers was born in February, 1808, in 
 Donegal township, this county, where, on his father's 
 farm, he was well trained to the manifold duties 
 pertaining to agricultural pursuits, while his edu- 
 cation was secured at the subscription schools of 
 his day. At the early age of sixteen the care of a 
 large farm fell on him, thus putting an end to his 
 opportunities of attending school any longer; but 
 the manner in which his extensive and trying 
 duties were performed gave evidence of ideas far 
 beyond his years, and promises of a brilliant 
 future before him in his state of life. 
 
 Mr. Rodgers has been twice married, first time 
 to Harriet, a daughter of Jerry Linville, of Done- 
 gal township, to which union there were born chil- 
 dren as follows: Johnson, who died at the age of 
 twenty-eight years, and Franklin, a farmer iu Don- 
 egal township. The mother of these children dying 
 in 1846, Mr. Rodgers afterward married Jane, 
 daughter of Robert and Eleanor (Mitchell) Me- 
 haft'ey, of Donegal township, and she bore him 
 the following named children: Elizabeth, now the 
 wife of J. O. Scott, of Washington, Penn. ; Mary, 
 at home with her parents, and Emma, now the 
 wife of Avery Counselman, of Brooke county, W. 
 Va. After his first marriage Mr. Rodgers con- 
 tinued on the home farm, engaged in general 
 agriculture and stock raising, until 1870, when he 
 removed to the old Cracraft farm, situated near 
 Dunsfort, in Donegal township, on Buffalo creek, 
 where he has since resided, now several years 
 retired, the farm being operated by others. This 
 property he had purchased some years before. In 
 his political affiliations Mr. Rodgers is a stanch 
 Republican, formerly a Whig, and has held nu- 
 merous township offices pressed upon him by appre- 
 ciative friends. In religious sentiment he is a 
 member of and liberal contributor toward the 
 Dutch Fork Disciple Church. 
 
 „ OBERT M. PATTERSON is a prominent 
 citizen of Cross Creek township, and a son 
 of Samuel, whose father was Gen. Thomas 
 Patterson. Thomas Patterson was of Irish 
 descent, his grandfather having been born 
 in Ireland in 1708, and immigrating to America in 
 1728, settled in Pennsylvania, where his son Will- 
 iam was born in 1733. William was first married 
 to Rosanna Scott, and reared a family of five chil- 
 dren, among whom was Thomas. His first wife 
 died in 1769, and iu April of the following year 
 William was married to Elizabeth Brown, who 
 bore him ten children. 
 
 Gen. Thomas Patterson, the grandfather of our 
 subject, was born October 1, 1764, in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., aud came to Washington county 
 with his parents, at the age of fifteen years. In 
 1795 he was united iu marriage with Elizabeth 
 Finley, of Westmoreland county, Penn. Of the 
 twelve children born to their union the following 
 lived to an adult age: William, James, Samuel, 
 Mary, John, Thomas, Finley, Elizabeth, Moses 
 and Rosanna. Gen. Patterson was a wealthy ag- 
 riculturist, and actively interested in politics, hav- 
 ing represented Washington county in the United 
 States Congress for several years. He passed 
 away November 17, 1841. 
 
 Samuel Patterson was born March 27, 1800, in 
 what is now known as the " Mill Property " in Cross 
 Creek township, this county. He was reared on 
 the home farm, and, when a young man, took 
 charge of the mill for a few years. In 1825 he came 
 to the place now occupied by Robert M. Patterson, 
 and passed the rest of his life in agricultural pur- 
 suits, making a specialty of raising fine-wooled 
 sheep. He was married to Miss Anna McClave, 
 daughter of the late Stewart McClave, who emi- 
 grated from Ireland at an early day and settled in 
 the northern part of Jefferson county, Ohio, where 
 his descendants are yet living. Samuel and Anna 
 (McClave) Patterson were the parents of the follow- 
 ing children: Thomas, Lydia, Eliza, Stewart, Rob- 
 ert M., Eleanor, Mary A., Harriet, Julia, Emily, 
 Franklin (the latter three being deceased in in- 
 fancy), Rosanna, Silas C. and Adeline (deceased at 
 the age of nine years). 
 
 Robert M. Patterson was born June 19, 1829, 
 in the house where he is now living, which was 
 erected by his great-grandfather in 1794. It is a 
 stone structure with massive walls, two and a half 
 feet through; the interior being divided by board 
 partitions into several rooms which are finished in 
 the best manner known to the workmen of those 
 days. In this house Robert M. Patterson grew to 
 manhood, obtaining his knowledge of farming from 
 the instruction of his father. On October 15, 
 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Lydia Ann 
 McClave, daughter of Samuel McClave. She has 
 
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 nn enterprising loyal citizen He bae been a 
 Bepubliea the organization <>f that p 
 
 pi 01 to which be was a Whig and » strong <mti 
 shivery man, a "conductoi on the underground 
 railroad," bating frequently aided in securing tbe 
 i- oape 'if bound boated to the fi i 
 
 i' In. 
 
 *T-\ ECHAED BAWL1S I HOM . ■ ; 
 \^>/ b citizen o( Moi i 
 
 \ nomas, oati re 
 
 I of Wales, born in tbe 'eai 1800 .wan 
 
 sea, in Glamorganshire John Thou 
 fathei died when b ut a small bo - . and bi i 
 
 widowed mother, inspired by bet 
 
 iible cbaoce, immigrated to 
 America In L819 Landing at Philadelphia, tbey 
 i.i to Indiana county, Penn , 
 ted, and the support of tbe mother f'-n 
 upon thi Jobs tb< fathei of 
 
 ject, bad learned the trade of a weaver in bis 
 
 "il in id. 
 if rt, and was enabled 
 
 to make it pay bim wll. At h. 
 copied I. time in obtaining an education 
 
 and in fitting bimsel f for ' 
 
 ..I l v I-, prepare himself foi I 
 /lit scbool at 
 among rs, at Mo Va. 
 
 II. :n prea* I, be 'I' 
 
 If tbe i lif" Among tbe 
 
 different plaei rbieh he preached were '■'' 
 
 If'-r r. lebem Buff ( !i eek and othei 
 
 places in that section OnOctobei 2't 1824 
 
 -Mr. 'I ■: I !' Ightei 'if 
 
 William Roberts, fho va a native of Wales, and 
 althy merchant and prominent man of Cam 
 bria county, Peon I Pot a short time tbi 
 Indiana count] , where Mi I 
 Later they removed to Payette county, near 
 and after vard to Tori i • 
 mi Ireland Here he rema 
 
 when bo removed to Mohonj 
 W< iia. 
 
 To tbe anion of John Thomas and Jane Bob 
 > i" children were born as follows William B 
 Decembei I l, 1825 Elizabi th Oetobei 9, 
 i h Jam Mi rob "> I 9 ''■> John P , January I";, 
 ! James Estep 11, 1884; 
 
 fa I I i -.•: i ii.ii rii I Eliza October 
 
 10, I8.';'.t; Am.... A Jodson, June 29, 
 
 tlrach and Martha December 7, 1843 
 
 I i ., wife 'J James Vand ' 
 
 if', nun, Pens ; John I' and William I:, lire in 
 
 ana county, ;i "'i are prominent coal opei 
 AnnuA Jodson Thi I March 12, 1843; J 
 
 I as a memhei <>f tbe 'I velftb Begiment, I' V 
 I 'luring tbe late war, and died in tl 
 
 i . ' ii wrist, ..,,f<- ',f William Met 
 
 linn. '■'■li <">'• 
 
 Martha were twins; Hhadri 
 gardi mai 
 
 i ied to Boyd I .in"! of 
 
 i , Elizabeth died Jose 
 
 II,. .'.rn Jflfi 
 
 I I , I ■ : i . . I I ' ' ' 
 
 | i .-,1 educa 
 
 Hon, and made bis borne with bi ■ until be 
 
 a in- left i, '.me to 
 battle with tbe world • rn account 
 
 " with 
 
 J (II, 'I I,'. I ■.: ■ 
 
 made bis home vith Lemuel N John, of Morion 
 galia eonnty, W. Va . , when be returned I 
 
 n tbe erection of a house foi I 
 and took a piece ol uncleared land l>">K in M 
 
 tnty, neat '- 
 
 A fl'-r .i few 
 
 I 
 I be was 
 an "i 
 
 im<i a family every comfort bis mod* 
 
 would allow i 
 
 On June 6, If 69 B 
 l: 'I bomas married Snub Hi. 
 31, 1849, a da 
 
 B Blachly. i there b born 
 
 ! Whitfield, born leptembet 
 
 VI, and Mabel G I 
 
 I , Mi Thorn 
 farm* 
 
 farm and tbe nniforn grade of bis stoeh 
 
 attest I be formei 
 
 but ■ " Probib mem 
 
 ' lumberland Pi ' 
 
 West I P 
 
 ii,.- Upper Ten Mile Pi Pi i 
 
 perity. 
 
 J 
 
 ffOHN H. HILL 
 
 ville •' '•'■ 
 
 Octobi 
 tin- borne farm His 
 of tbe Emei 
 
 !' . 'of 
 
 which hi 
 •A tbeit d< 
 
 tbeii log cabin bona 
 
 i 
 ivere a ami rot 
 
 skirm copper i 
 
 An Indian lay in ambn "■ r 
 
 tain spring, and took '■■"■ry opp a 
 
760 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 the unsuspecting pioneer who chanced to come 
 near, but "he was finally killed. Of the children in 
 this family little is known, but one son was born 
 while the parents were crossing the ocean to 
 America. This son grew to manhood, married 
 and settled on the home farm in West Bethlehem 
 township, and reared a family of children, three of 
 whom were Joseph, John and William. The father 
 was a Federalist in politics, and in religion was a 
 member of the Baptist Church. 
 
 John Hill (grandfather of subject) was born 
 November 10, 1785, in West Bethlehem township, 
 Washington Co., Penu., and passed his youth 
 on the home farm. He was united in marriage 
 with Nancy Sargeaut, who was born December 25, 
 L789, and they had four children, namely: Jane, 
 Sarah (Mrs. Joseph Grable), William and James 
 S. Mr. Hill was a Whig in politics. In religions 
 connection he was a member of the Baptist Church, 
 and one of the founders of that Society in Wash- 
 ington county. 
 
 James S. Hill was born June 13, 1811 , on the 
 home farm in West Bethlehem township, this 
 county, where he received his early education. On 
 July 24, 1834, he was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Yohe, of German descent, and the fol- 
 lowing children were born to their union: Nancy 
 (Mrs. Solomon Addleman), John H. , Thomas T. 
 and William H. Politically Mr. Hill was formerly 
 a Whig, and since the formation of the Repub- 
 lican party has been actively connected with it. 
 
 John H. Hill passed his early years on the home 
 farm, and received a common-school education. 
 On June 16, 1859, he was married to Elizabeth 
 \\ ygandt, of Carroll township, this county, and 
 they have had four children, namely: Frank (mar- 
 ried to Artie Enlow), Ella J. (Mrs. Jacob Shoe- 
 maker!, Nannie (deceased wife of E. Shivers, died 
 May 14, 1890), and_ Albert. G. Mrs. Elizabeth Hill 
 died August 31, 1875, and on January 0, 1870, 
 Mr. Hill was married to Sarah McElwee.dauwhter 
 of John McElwee, whose father, Samuel McElwee, 
 was born November 25. 1791, in Lancaster county, 
 Penn., and on January 10, 1811, was united in 
 marriage with Ruth Ann Edwards, who was born 
 January 8, 1793, and she bore him children as 
 follows: John. Samuel and Lavina (Mrs. Robert 
 Simmons). Mr. McElwee was a Methodist Episco- 
 pal minister, and traveled on the Philadelphia 
 Conference, following his calling throughout life. 
 In political opinion he was a Whig. 
 
 John McElwee passed his early youth in Chester 
 county, Penn., and when a young man came to 
 ^ ashington county, where he drove stage on the 
 National pike until the Hemptield (now theB. & O.) 
 B It., was established, when he served as a rail- 
 road agent until 1879. On February 28, 1840, 
 he was married to Susan, daughter of Walter No- 
 ble, of Bradford county, Penn., and the young 
 
 people made a permanent home in Claysville, this 
 county. Their children are Sarah (Mrs. John H. 
 Hill), Ruth A. (deceased) and Celia J. (deceased). 
 Mr. McElwee was formerly a Whig, and after the 
 organization of the party became a Republican. 
 He was an active and enterprising citizen. He 
 and his family were members of the M. E. Church. 
 Mr. McElwee* died January 29, 18S0, and was fol- 
 lowed by his wife November 3, l^ s t. 
 
 In March, 1862, Mr. Hill enlisted in Company 
 B, Twenty second Pennsylvania Cavalry, known 
 as the ''Ringgold Cavalry." He was sent to the army 
 of the Potomac, and appointed first clerk to Gen. 
 Emery, of the regular army. He was afterward ap- 
 pointed chief clerk in the muster office, which posi- 
 tion he tilled until the close of the war. After his 
 return home, Mr. Hill located in Valley Inn, then 
 went to Kammerer, thence to Monongahela City, 
 where he remained seven years, during which 
 time he was elected high const able over three other 
 aspirants for that office, receiving all the votes 
 cast except thirty-sis. Afterward he was engaged 
 in the general commission business at Wheeling, 
 W. Va. In 1884 he came to his present home in 
 Claysville, Washington county, and engaged in 
 the grocery business. In 1889, he was appointed 
 postmaster at Claysville, and abandoned the gro- 
 cery. Mr. Hill is a charter member of Patterson 
 Jobes Post, G. A. R., at Claysville, and is now 
 serving his third term as post commander. He 
 has been a member of the I. O. O. F. for twenty 
 three years, and is now D. D. G. P. of Washing- 
 ton county. He was also a charter memher of the 
 A. O. TJ. W. of Monongahela City, Penn., and is 
 now a member of the Grand Encampment of 
 Pennsylvania, also a representative to the Grand 
 Encampment of the I. O. O. F. and the G. A. R. 
 
 ILLIAM SNODGRASS WHITE, retired 
 
 agriculturist, is one of the highly respected 
 citizens of Washington county. His 
 grandfather, William White, came at an 
 early date to this county, and was mar- 
 ried here. He died in 1822, in Canonsburg, and 
 hi6 wife followed him in 1827. They had three 
 children: one son, John, and two daughters. 
 
 John White, father of our subject, grew to man- 
 hood in Canonsburg, and after attending the 
 elementary schools of his native town, entered 
 Jefferson College, where he graduated in 1804. 
 He next began studying law at Steubenville, where 
 he was admitted to the bar. Later he returned to 
 Washington county, where he married Agnes Park, 
 daughter of John Park, of Cecil township; he took 
 up his residence in Washington, and acted as 
 prothonotary one year. Abandoning the law about 
 this time, he commenced the study of medicine at 
 
4cs$fc& 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 763 
 
 Thompsoaville, Peters township, under the tuition 
 of Dr. Robert Thompson. He resided in Cecil 
 township, and taught school while he studied 
 medicine. After taking his diploma, he commenced 
 the practice of his new profession, and in Novem- 
 ber, 1815, located about one and one-half miles east 
 of Hickory, where he practiced. In the following 
 April he moved to Hickory, where he continued to 
 follow his profession up to the time of his death, 
 which occurred in July, 1853, he beine; then sixty- 
 seven years of age. His wife followed him to the 
 grave August 19, 1866, in her seventy-seventh 
 sear. In religion they were Presbyterians, and in 
 politics he was a Whig. 
 
 William Snodgrass White was born December 
 12, 1812, in Cecil township, Washington county, 
 and was three years old when his parents moved 
 to Hickory. He received his education in the 
 common schools and an academy. From 1835 to 
 1841 he conducted a general store in Hickory, ami 
 then moved on a farm on which he remained until 
 the spring of 1872, at which time he came to 
 Canonsburg. On March 31, 1S39, he married Miss 
 Jane, daughter of Archibald Stewart, of Chartiers 
 township, and of this union were born the follow- 
 ing children: John Stewart (who died in April, 
 1880; he had served in the war of the Rebellion), 
 Agnes Ann (widow of John M. Miller, who died in 
 May, 1888), Margaret Jane (Mrs. R. H. Black, 
 of Canonsburg), W. Vance (of Canonsburg), 
 Rebecca Jane (who died in 1845), Archibald Park 
 (who died April 19, 1859, at the age of twelve 
 years), Jenette (living with her father), Howard 
 (in Ohio) and Matilda K. D. (living at home). 
 Mrs. White died at Canonsburg. August 21, 1N.S1, 
 at the age of sixty years. In 1856 Mr. White was 
 a member of the old Know-Nothing party, but 
 since the formation of the Republican party he 
 enrolled under their banner. He has frequently 
 declined to accept positions of honor and trust. 
 The position of associate judge was offered him, 
 but even that he found it necessary for various 
 causes to refuse. For forty years he has been a 
 consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 His farm, containing 300 acres, lies about half a 
 mile north of Hickory, and in addition he has 
 ninety acres on which there is a coal mine, located 
 near Hickory. Mr. White has retired from active 
 life, and his home is cared for by his dutiful and 
 affectionate daughters. Both his paternal and 
 maternal ancestors were of Scotch-Presbyterian 
 descent, from the North of Ireland. 
 
 ILLIAM M. HUTCHISON, a prominent 
 citizen of West Finley township, is a son 
 of Thomas, whose father, James Hutch- 
 ison, emigrated from Scotland in 1785, 
 and settled in Washington county, Peun., 
 on a portion of the farm now owned by William 
 
 M. Hutchison. He erected a home in the wilder- 
 ness, but was obliged to leave it, as the Indians 
 were hostile and very numerous. Five years later 
 he returned to his pioneer home, bringing with him 
 a bride, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, nee Miss Elizabeth 
 Law. They began married life on the farm where 
 they passed their remaining days. The following 
 children were born to them: Matthew, born July 
 5, 1792; Margaret, born August 5, 1794; Eliza- 
 beth, born October 3, 1796; Thomas, born Janu- 
 ary 28, 1799; Catherine, born June 27, 180], and 
 Nancy, born July 20, 1803. Of these children. 
 Margaret, Thomas and Nancy lived to be over four 
 score years of age. 
 
 Thomas Hutchison passed his earlier years on 
 his father's farm in East Finley township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penu., and assisted in the agricultural 
 duties. In the year 1824 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Elizabeth McClelland, after which 
 event he bought out the heirs of the home place, 
 and settled upon it. To the above union were born 
 children as follows; .lane, born November 20, 
 1825; James, born June 7, L828; William M., 
 born December 17, 1830; Margaret L., born May 
 19, 1836; Mary E., born April 30. 1840; and Cath- 
 erine, born April 2, is 13. The mother of these 
 children died March 30, 1^41, and Mr. Hutchison 
 remained single for three years, caring for his fam- 
 ily as best he could. Iu the year 1847, he was 
 married to Isabella McMillian. In 1875 Mr. and 
 Mrs. Hutchison moved to Independence township, 
 this county, where lie died November 24, 18S4; 
 his widow is still residing on the place. Mr. 
 Hutchison was an elder in the U. P. Church at Dog- 
 wood Grove for over forty years. 
 
 William M. Hutchison was born on a part of the 
 farm in East Finley township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He still resides on part of the farm in West 
 Finley township and passed his youth at home. 
 On March 26, 1857, he was united iu marriage with 
 Miss Sarah G. Gilniore. and began married life in 
 his present home. They have had four children: 
 John G., born February 17, 1858, an attorney at 
 Emporia, Kans., who married Lelia A. McKee, 
 December 11, 18S4, to whom a son, Curtis McKee, 
 was born November 12, 1890; Thomas A., born 
 September 9, 1859, married Zillah E. Giles, Sep- 
 tember 27, 1888, to whom two sons were born — 
 William Henry, September 12, 1889, and Giles 
 Virgil, September 14, 1891; James A., born De- 
 cember 6, 1861, married Ada V. Sutherland, to 
 whom one son, Harry Sutherland, was born June 
 30, 1892, and Eva May Hutchison, born Septem I ler 
 8, 1864. Mrs. Sarah (Gilmore) Hutchison died 
 March 14, 1890. Mr. Hutchison started in life 
 with no financial assistance, and the additional dis- 
 advantage of poor health. But his strong will and 
 invincible determination overcame even these for- 
 midable obstacles. He now has a good farm of 125 
 
\ 
 
 764 
 
 ir.l.s7//.\(,/'OA cot \ I ) . 
 
 aores, apoD whioli are oomfortable dwellings, and 
 he has given to all of his ohildren 1 1 mt invaluable 
 inheritance a good eduoation. lie is ;i member 
 of the United Presbyterian Church at Glaysville, 
 tin . • . • 1 1 1 1 1 \ ; lii-> son John is an elder <>f a United 
 Presbyterian Church in Kansas, and another son, 
 James, is an elder of the same ohuroh in Dogwood 
 Grove, East ETinley township, this oounty. In 
 politics, Mr. Butch ison was Formerly a W 1 1 i ^ . and 
 since the organisation ol the party, lias been a 
 Republican, tie has held Be vera] important town 
 ship offices, and is highly esteemed by all who 
 have tln> pleasure of his acquaintance. 
 
 JOHN M". SON 1 A I.N. one of the well to do 
 and substantial oitizens of East Einley town 
 ship, was born in Cross Creek township, 
 April '.'7. 1841, a sou of John and Eleanor 
 (Sprowls) Ealy, both Datives of the Bame township. 
 John Ealy, Ins paternal grandfather, was a aative 
 of Schuylkill oounty, Penn., where be married and 
 reared a family of ohildren, some of whom and his 
 wife he brought with him when he moved to 
 Washington oounty. He settled here, near where 
 i- now Easl Finley postoffioe, not far from the 
 headwaters of Wheeling oreek, in East Einley 
 township, and here died, as did also his wife. 
 Their oldest son, George, was born in 177:!. in 
 jrlkill oouuty, Penn., and name to Washing 
 ■ i : 1 1 1 _\ wuh his parents, as above related. His 
 boyhood days were passed upon his father's farm 
 and in attending, during a tow months in winter 
 time, the subscription schools of his distriot; bul 
 perhaps the most lasting of his lessons worn those 
 of praotioal experience in iudustry, economy and 
 perse veranoe, which have all along been marked 
 traits in the character of the Ealy family in Wash 
 ington oounty. George Ealy was a farmer all liis 
 He was married to Christina Ealy, who was 
 born in L 780, and to this union worn born the follow 
 ing named ohildren; John, Polly, Henry, George, 
 Michael, Martin, Man and Christina, of whom l>nt 
 two survive, viz.: Michael, In iugin Highlaud oounty, 
 Ohio, and Christina (widow of Silas Sprowls), in 
 Bast Finlej township, this oounty. The father of 
 those ohildren died Juno 10, I860, the mother ha\ 
 i 1 1 i_r passed away in IS 10 
 
 John Ealy, father of subject, was born in I 
 Finley township, in 1803, and at the sohools of the 
 neighborhood seoured a Bomewhat limited eduoa- 
 tion, the better part of his time being oooupied in 
 work ou liis father's farm In ISol he was mar- 
 ried to Eleanor, daughter of John sprowls. of 
 East ETiuley township, and she bore him ohildren 
 as follows: Nancy. Jane, John \ I ewis, David, 
 George W. and Silas, all of whom attained adult 
 age, but there are only two now living: John N. 
 
 and George W. The father was called from earth 
 
 November l, 1857, the mother September 0, 1886 
 
 John N. Ealy reoeived a substantia] common- 
 
 Bohool eduoation, learned agriculture of his father, 
 
 at w hose death he came into possession of I lie home 
 
 place, and has since resided there, engaged in 
 genera] agrioulture, including the breeding of 
 
 blooded Btook, The farm is situated about half a 
 
 mile south of Baal ETinley postoffioe, and is highly 
 improved. Mr. Ealy is a member of the United 
 Brethren Churob, of which he has served as 
 trustee; in politics he is a lifelong Republican 
 
 and one of the advisers and counsellors of his 
 partv. He has never married. 
 
 George W. Ealy, the other surviving son of 
 John Ealy, was born July B, 1847, in Cross Creek 
 township, this county, and received a good com 
 nioii school education. He came to East l'mle\ 
 township when young, learned farming under Ins 
 father's preceptorahip, and his entire life has been 
 devoted to agricultural pursuits. On Deoember 
 17, 1872, he was married to L. V. Carroll, daugh 
 tor of William and Elisabeth (Seeman) Carroll, of 
 [rish ancestry, and the ohildren of this union are 
 Mary E., born October 26, L878; William II.. 
 loll, born August :!, 1876, and John Hamilton, 
 horn August I 1. INSO. all living at home with 
 their parents, Mr. and Mrs George W. Ealy are 
 members of the United Brethren Church at Fair 
 mount, and in politics he is a stanch Kepuhliean. 
 
 D\\ IP si'MNV. The family, of which the 
 subject of this memoir is a prominent mom 
 her, have long been residents of Pennsyl- 
 vania, Isaac Sumny, father of David, tirst 
 saw the light July 5, 1776, the da} after the old 
 
 Libert} Bell had proclaimed the birth of our infant 
 nation. He was horn in Westmoreland county, 
 Penn., and in 1708 was united in marriage with 
 Mary Turney (who was also horn in 1776), 
 lime children were horn to their union, of whom 
 three sons are J el Living. The father followed the 
 pollers' trade all his life. 
 
 David Sumny, the fifth son of Isaac and x 
 (Turnej ) Sumny, was horn June 6, 1808, in \\ est 
 moreland county, Penn., and learned the potters' 
 trade of Ids father, following thai business for 
 thirty years, In 1880 he plighted vows at the 
 marriage altar with Nancy Hand, a native of this 
 countv . w ho was horn in L808. Eleven children 
 have blessed this union, all of whom are living m 
 their native State, the family home circle having 
 never yel been broken by the touch of the Silent 
 Messenger. The children are as follows: W tlliamsou, 
 JuliaA, (wife of Isaao Wolf), Maria (Mrs 3 G 
 
 ■ b.th (Mrs Devre), Mrs. Mary Young, John 
 I served three years in the war. and returned 
 home uninjured'), Pavid H. (in the service three- 
 
WASHINGTON COl ^ 1 1 
 
 785 
 
 years, having < -mcm | mm I any injury), [saao, Daniel, 
 Benjamin I'', and Nanoy fsabelle (Mrs. Gilmore). 
 
 These ohildren are all married, and, with but 
 
 exception, are living in Washington oountj The 
 sons are farmers, and are all engaged in thai vooa 
 linn in connection with the various trades whioh 
 they have mastered. Some years ago the rather 
 
 abandi d his trade and bought a mail (arm In 
 
 Nottingham township, this oounty, consisting of 
 forty acres, whioh is kepi in an exoellenl Btate of 
 cultivation. II" has always been a worker in the 
 Democratic party, having oasi a vote for Gen. 
 Jackson, 1 1 > - lias Berved the township as school 
 director. Mr. Sumny and bis entire family, with a 
 few exceptions, are members * ■ f the Presbyterian 
 ( Ihuroh. 
 
 Williamson Sumny, boh of David and Nanoj 
 (Hand) Sumny, was born April 29, 1827, on the 
 old plaoe in this county, there reoeiving his early 
 education. On April 16, 1850, be aeleoted, as a 
 life partner, Miss Sarah Swiokard, also a native 
 of this oounty, and they have had five children, 
 two of whom are yei Living, namely: John S., who 
 mail icd Melissa Sprowls, of this oounty, and Ann 
 Eliza, wife of William Dusk, residing in this ooun 
 ty, Mr. Sumny lias followed the oarpenter's trade 
 Binoe 1845, also beings millwright, and owns twenty 
 
 acres of land in this county. lie lias tilled various 
 
 offloes in Nottingham township, and in Churoh re 
 
 latum is connected with the .Methodist dcnoliiina 
 t ion. Two of his brothers were soldiers in I he war 
 of i he Rebellion: David and John 'I'. They enlisted 
 In Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth Reg- 
 
 i t P. V. I., partioipal ing in the battle of Gettys 
 
 burg and all other engagements under Gen. Hancook 
 They l >« >t ) ■ remai I until the close of the war, 
 
 when, John's health failing, he returned home, and 
 
 afterward went West, becoming a pioneer settler 
 
 On September 28, L892, a reunion of tl leven 
 
 ohildren, husbands and wives, was held at the old 
 homestead, numbering twenty one. There were 
 present thirty one grandohildren and twenty greal 
 grandohildren, numbering seventy two present, or 
 
 the whole connection, Micro , are living ninety two 
 
 children, grandchildren and greal grandchildren. 
 
 / US. SARAH E. GILLESPIE, a represenl 
 
 alive of one of the best and most pop 
 
 iil.-n families of Washington comity, is a 
 daughter of John Gillespie, whose father 
 (also named John) emigrated with his fain 
 from Ireland at an early dale, and settled in 
 
 Gferson township, Washington Co., P i. The 
 
 wife of this John Gillespie was formerly Mary 
 Derriokson, and six children were born to their 
 union, namely: William, Nathaniel, John, Mary, 
 Sally and Elizabeth, all deceased excepting Eliza 
 
 and John. 
 
 John Gillespie (fathei Of BUbjeot) was horn, in 
 
 the year 1810, in Washington county, ami pa ed 
 his early life on the home farm in Jefferson town 
 hip In L888 he was married to Nanoj Leggett, 
 a native of Washington oounty, and they settled 
 on 1 1 id homestead, where the following ohildren 
 
 were bom to them A) ii i \ Ann (deceased), Saiah 
 
 E. Wesley, and Hosier (deoeased), 
 
 Saiah E, Gillespie (the SUbjeol proper of 
 
 sketch) was born May I, 1842, in Jefferson town 
 
 ship, this county, and assisted in the household 
 
 duties of the home. A i the age of eighteen years 
 b] ntered Pleasant Hill Seminary, whioh she 
 
 attended fifteen months, and was then married to 
 
 W J Gillespie, her second cousin ami son of \\ dl 
 
 iam M. K. Gillespie. Their children wore James 
 
 W., John, Charles 0., Nannie M., Minnie 0., V 
 
 B . , Winifred and Ella Nora a.fter (heir mat 
 riage Mr, and Mrs. Gillespie moved to his father's 
 
 farm, ami tenderly cared for the old gentleman 
 until Ins death. Mr. (iillespie then tOOU charge 
 Of the farm, and DOUghl out the interest of the 
 other heirs. In politics he was a stanch Repub 
 
 lioan, bul being of b retiring disposition would 
 
 accept no political office, preferring to devote his 
 
 time to personal business lie was a comuslonl 
 
 member of the Methodisl Episcopal Churoh of 
 Bethel, Since Mr. Gillespie's death, his widow 
 
 has Kept II bildren together, all of whom live on 
 
 the old homestead. The farm consists of 284 
 acres of highly cultivated and fertile land, well 
 stooked w it h all neoes ary arl ides. 
 
 4 
 
 li ■ PS ELIZABETH GARDNER, an esti 
 
 \i/| niahle and respecled lady of Jefferson 
 
 ■i I township, is a daughter of John and 
 ' grandchild of Caleb Merriman, who were 
 natives of the Slate of Maryland, She 
 was born October 8, 1881, in what, is now West 
 Virginia, and assisted ber mother in the household 
 
 duties ol the faun In hoi early youth. She was 
 
 united In marriage March 15, L855,wil h David Gard 
 
 ner, who was bom January 29, IS'-!7, in I he house 
 
 where Mrs Gard net is now living. It was then 
 Known as a public tavern, and was kepi b) 
 
 David's father, wl aine from Maryland in 1814, 
 
 an. I on l>'el.ruar\ 10, 1820, was married to Nancy 
 
 I ). van, Bis father then erected the tavern for 
 
 the aooomi lation of travelers going from Pitts 
 
 burgh to Steubenville, and also engaged in farm 
 
 ing, To David and Nancy (Donovan! (ianlnoi 
 
 fourli •hihlren were horn, of whom lint ten 
 
 lived to maturity, namely; Kli/.a, John, David, 
 
 James, George M. , William, Rachel, Ann, Marian 
 
 and Mary. Mr. ( ia rdner died Sepl endier 'J, 1845. 
 
 David Gardner was horn on the home farm 
 
 which came into his possession after the death 
 of his father. He lived at home during his early 
 
im 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 manhood, and after his marriage to Miss Merriman 
 continued to reside on the home place, where the 
 following children were born: Laura A., born 
 December 15, 1855; George S., born September 
 25, 1857; Howard, born March 25,1860; Nancy 
 K .born March 18, 1862; Henry, born July 11, 
 1864; John, born September 2S," 1866; David P., 
 born January 11, 1869; Chapline B., born Feb- 
 ruary 12, L871; and Thomas P., born April 26, 
 1873. Mr. Gardner was an industrious man, 
 a good neighbor and an enterprising citizen. He 
 was a member and liberal supporter of the Dis- 
 ciple Church; in politics he was an ardent Demo- 
 crat, and served many years as justice of the 
 peace. He died May 15, 1878, and was buried in 
 the cemetery at Eldersville. He gave all his 
 children a good education, and at the time of his 
 death owned a good farm of 184 acres. 
 
 "T^X INGLAND. The Emerald Isle has con- 
 Lvy ■ tributed largely to the intellect, and, conse- 
 r\\ c l ueu tly, the social and material develop- 
 JJ -^ ment, of America. Many of the brightest 
 v minds and most successful business men 
 
 which the United States has produced have 
 emigrated from, or were descendants of natives 
 of Ireland. Among the latter will be found the 
 name of Ringland. The following is copied from 
 a letter written by Gol. Thomas Ringland at Grand- 
 view, 111., in 1860; 
 
 As respects the Ringland branch, there is a tradition iu 
 our family that our common ancestor came to Ireland 
 from Hanover, in the army of King William III., in the 
 latter pari <>r the seventeenth century, previous to the la 
 mous battle of the Boyne, in which William was victo 
 rious. After the war our ancestor settled iu the North of 
 Ireland, and all of the name of Ringland that I ever knew 
 spiling from that ancestor. My grandfather, whose name 
 «;i- (ieorge, died when my father was an infant, and my 
 grandmother again married another Hugh Ringland, and 
 a Her the death of the latter she lived with my fattier un- 
 til her death. My father, William Ringland, had one 
 brother and one sister, both older than himself, and both 
 living when we bit the country in 1795. My mother, 
 Prudence (Bailie), was born of an old and respectable 
 Scotch-Irish Presbyterian family. Both her parents were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, in the parish of 
 Bellee, County Down, Ireland, and was herself a member 
 Of the Presbyterian Church lor s. mil' years before her 
 death, February <!. 1*24, at her home in Morris township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., aged sixty-three years. 
 
 William Ringland and wife, formerly Prudence 
 Bailie, parents of the above-named Thomas Ring- 
 land, with six children — George, Margaret, Mary, 
 Thomas, William (first James and first Nancy 
 having died in infancy in Ireland) and second 
 •lames — emigrated from Ireland to America, and 
 settled in the summer of 1795 in Morris township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., on the middle fork of 
 Ten-Mile creek. After their arrival in America 
 they had children: second Nancy, Catharine, 
 
 Robert (who died an infant), Eliza and Jane, in 
 all thirteen children. William Ringland, Sr. , died 
 September 9, 1827. 
 
 George Ringland, first son of William, had four 
 children: Thomas, Margaret, Rebecca and Ma- 
 tilda. Thomas settled in Natchez, Miss., became 
 wealthy, and died many years ago. Margaret 
 married Harvey Bane, whose family are very much 
 | scattered. Rebecca married William McKenna, a 
 merchant of Hillsboro, Washington Co., Penn.; 
 had one son, George R. ; lost sight of. Matilda 
 married Cephas Bane, lived in Streator, 111., and 
 both died there a few years ago, leaving a consid- 
 erable family. 
 
 Thomas Ringland, second son of William, mar- 
 ried Anna McCollum in 1813; had six sons: Will- 
 iam, John Newton, Samuel, George, Benjamin 
 Anderson and Alexander Hamilton, and three 
 daughters: Mary, Nancy and Anna. Of these 
 William married Christian Bane in 1836; had four 
 daughters: Elizabeth, Anna Eliza. Clarissa and 
 Emily; died in 1843. Of these Elizabeth married 
 Col. W. A. Lowe, colonel of. the Seventy-ninth Illi- 
 nois Regiment, who died at Newman, 111., iu 
 1869; had one son, George W. Lowe, who is single 
 in Kansas, 111. Anna Eliza died in infancy. Clar- 
 issa married Henry Chambers, of Coles county, 
 111., has several children. Emily married Thomas 
 Lawhead, and lives near Kansas, 111.; no children 
 .^-living. Nancy Ringland, daughter of Thomas, 
 died at Kansas, 111., in February, 1884. Dr. 
 George Ringland, son of Thomas, married Mar- 
 garet Rea, of Greene county, Penn. ; has had three 
 sons and three daughters: John Thomas, William 
 Franklin, Rea Crawford, Hannah, Mary and Mar- 
 garet. Of these John Thomas died in his six- 
 teenth year, at Kansas, 111.; William Franklin, a 
 Presbyterian minister, has had charge at Pana, 
 111., and Hastings, Neb.; is president of Hastings 
 (Neb.) College; in 1881 married Anna C. McCorkle, 
 at Crawfordsville, Iud. ; has three sons: Paul 
 Franklin, George Lyle and William. Rea C. 
 married Josephine Hampshire, of Decatur, 111., 
 where he now lives; has had three sons, one living. 
 Hannah married John Skinner, at Newman, 111., 
 and died soon after. Mary and Margaret, single, 
 live at home with their mother at Kansas, 111. Dr. 
 George Ringland died at Kansas, 111., iu 1891. 
 
 John Newton Ringland married Patty Clark; 
 had one child, and both mother and child died; he 
 afterward married Jane Weir, and had three sons 
 and one daughter: E. Bernard, Adam Weir, 
 Thomas and Annie Mary. Of these, Dr. E. B. 
 Ringland has a water cure establishment at Ham- 
 ilton, 111., op] losite Keokuk, Iowa; has been mar- 
 ried three times; child by second wife living. Rev. 
 Adam Weir Ringland, Presbyterian minister, has 
 had charges at Dubuque, Iowa, Tuscola and Beu- 
 lah, 111., and Duluth, Minn.; has recently been 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 767 
 
 called to the presidency of a theological school in 
 same State; was married to Lena Patten, of Mt. 
 Pleasant, Iowa, in 1873; has young son and 
 daughter living. Thomas married Anna Nixon, 
 lives in Iowa and has some children. Annie Mary 
 is unmarried, living at Hamilton, 111., with Dr. E. 
 B. and his mother. John Newton Riugland died 
 in Lee county, Iowa, in 1851. 
 
 Samuel Ringland, son of Thomas, died unmar- 
 ried at Dudley, 111., November 8, 1874. Benjamin 
 Anderson Ringland, son of Thomas, is living at 
 Oakland, 111. ; married Mary Smith, of Grandview, 
 111., has four sous and four daughters. Alexander 
 Hamilton Ringland, son of Thomas, is living 
 in Chicago, 111., married to Ellen Wallace; have 
 three children living: Allie, Ralph anil Bertha. 
 AAnna Ringland, daughter of Thomas, married 
 Stephen Post, of Washington county, Perm. ; hail 
 two sons, one living, Hamilton B. Post, married to 
 Miss Lindley, and they have two sons. Mary 
 Ringland, daughter of Thomas, married Jacob 
 Biaden in 1838; she died in 1840; had one son, 
 James, and three daughters; Elizabeth Ann, 
 Martha and Isabel. Of these, Elizabeth Ann died 
 in infancy. Martha married a Mr. Bergen, and 
 had two sons and one daughter, her husband hav- 
 ing died, she married J. B. Weir, of Washington 
 county, Penn. , in 1886, and they live in Washing- 
 ton, Penn. Isabel married James S. Hewitt, 
 of Dudley, 111. , has two sons and one daughter. 
 Jacob Braden died at Dudley, 111., February 4, 
 1893, aged eighty-one years. 
 
 Col. Thomas Ringland, son of William, came to 
 America with his father and family in 171)"), and 
 settled in Morris township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he continued to reside until 1857, 
 when he moved to Grandview, Edgar Co., 111. 
 During the war of 1812 the Colonel volunteered 
 his services as a private' soldier, and was afterward 
 promoted to major for gallant conduct, and re- 
 ceived an honorable discharge. By a life of up- 
 rightness the Colonel so endeared himself to the 
 people of his adopted county, that in 1825 he was 
 nominated and elected to a seat in the House of 
 Representatives, and again in 1826 and 1827; and 
 such was the fidelity and ability with which he 
 discharged the duties of the office, that in 1828 he 
 was elected to the Senate from the District then 
 composed of the counties of Washington and 
 Greene, and was re elected and served with the 
 entire approbation of the people until 1834. As 
 an evidence of the high appreciation of his worth 
 and integrity, his brother senators elected him to 
 the honorable and responsible position of Speaker 
 of that body, the duties of which he discharged 
 with a courtesy and impartiality unsurpassed. In 
 politics Col. Ringland was all his life an earnest, 
 unswerving Democrat. He sustained the pure 
 patriot, gallant soldier and eminent statesman, 
 
 Gen. Jackson, throughout his eventful administra- 
 tion. During the struggle of that great and good 
 man with the Bank of the United States, while 
 others faltered and many yielded to the seductive 
 influences of that corporation, Col. Ringland stood 
 firm. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church for some years before his death, which oc 
 curred January 7, 1869, at Grandview, 111., when 
 he was aged eighty-six years. 
 
 William Ringland, third son of William, in 
 1826 married Mary Bane, of north fork of Teh- 
 Mile creek, Washington county, Penn. Had four 
 children: two sons — Isaac B. and Henry W. — and 
 two daughters — Harriet and Mary V. All moved 
 to Marshall county, Iowa, about 1S."i6. Of these 
 children, Isaac B. married, in 1857, Mary A. 
 Evans, of Marshall county, Iowa; had two sons 
 and three daughters: William, Harvey. Emma, 
 Mary Eva and Margaret. Of these William died 
 in infancy. Harvey is at school in Minnesota, 
 studying pharmacy. Emma married H. F. Will- 
 son, in 1878, lives in Wayne, Neb. ; have had two 
 children, one living, Homer. Mary Eva married 
 C. E. Smith in 1881; live in Conectionville, Iowa; 
 no children. Margaret married R. E. K. Mellor 
 in 1.SS3; live in Wayne, Neb.; have four children 
 — William, Mabel, Mary and Zoa. Henry W., 
 second son of William and Mary (Bane), died un- 
 married in Council Bluffs, Iowa, in 1867, aged 
 thirty-five yearsjburied in cemetery at Boone, Iowa. 
 Harriet L., first daughter of William and Mary 
 (Bane), married Samuel Munnell in I860; had five 
 children; four died in infancy, one living: Mary 
 R. Munnell, who is attending school in Chicago, 
 111. Harriet L. died in 1871, aged forty-one 
 years. Mary V., second daughter of William and 
 Mary (Bane), in 1859 married D. M. Moninger, a 
 successful farmer and stock raiser of Marshall 
 county, Iowa, where they now reside; had four 
 sons and one daughter: William R., John H., 
 Frank B., Harry W. , and Anna M. ; of these, 
 William, in 1887, married Mary H. Kellogg, of 
 Grinnell, Iowa; have one daughter, Margaret ; live 
 in Marshall county, Iowa. John H. and Frank 
 B. were drowned in the Iowa river near their home, 
 in 1887. Anna M. , a handsome little girl, died 
 at the home of her grandfather, John Moninger, 
 in Washington county, Penn., in 1870, aged three 
 years. Harry W. lives at home with his parents, 
 unmarried. 
 
 Maj. James Ringland, fourth son of William,^ 
 was born in County Down, Ireland, in June, 1791, ^ 
 came to this country with the family in the sum- 
 mer "of 1795; June 26, 1828, married Sarah, 
 daughter of James Stockdale, who also emigrated 
 from Ireland about the same time. On being 
 duly elected and returned, he was commissioned 
 major of the " First Battalion of the Washington 
 and Greene Vanguards '' (a regiment of volunteers 
 
768 
 
 WASHINGTON COU\ FY. 
 
 of the militia of the Commonwealth of Pennsyl- 
 vania), by the Governor on August 3, following. 
 for the term of seven years. Major Ringland 
 
 joi I the Lower Ten Mile Presbyterian Church 
 
 about 1830, of which he was a faithful member 
 until his death, which occurred May 12, 1871, 
 when he was aged eighty years. Sarah Ringland, 
 wife of Major James, was horn near Zollarsville, 
 Washington Co., Perm., in 1796; joined the Pres- 
 byterian Church at Amity in L830, and died Octo- 
 bei 31, 1878. 
 
 William Ringland. son of James, left Washing- 
 ton county in September, ISiiii, located in Marshall 
 county, L>wa, for a number of years. Then set 
 tied in Boone, Iowa, about 1866, where he now 
 lives; owns a warehouse and lumber yard in Boone; 
 was married to Miss Delia M. Swaine June 9, 
 1870; have had eight children: one died in infancy ; 
 •lames. Edmund Alleman, Guy Jay, Josiah Allen, 
 Cady Stockdale, Annie Mary and Elsie Sarah, who 
 are all at home with parents. George S. Ring- 
 Ian I. son of James, went west in the fall of 1855; 
 spon! about one year in southern Iowa; then set- 
 led in Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa, where he re 
 mained until the commencement of the Civil war. 
 In lSti'2 he assisted in organizing a volunteer 
 cavalry company, which joined the Eleventh Penn- 
 sylvania Cavalry Keginient under Col. Harlin, in 
 which he served for three years in eastern Vir- 
 ginia and North Carolina, during which service he 
 was promoted to the captaincy of his company. 
 After the close of the war, in 1865, he returned to 
 Fort Dodge; about 1868 was married to Miss Anna 
 A., daughter of Woolsey Wells, of Fort Dodge, 
 for many years an attorney there; has one child. 
 Jennie, now taking a course in Wellesloy (Mass.) 
 College. Captain Ringland is now engaged in 
 the manufacture of plaster of paris and in banking. 
 Matliew B., son of James, unmarried, remained at 
 the old home all his life; dint November 23, I SS 1 . 
 Elizabeth J., only daughter of James, married II. 
 H. Conger, in November, 1863; now lives adjoining 
 her birthplace; has three children: George R. (who 
 married Mies Emma Casy in September, 1890), H. 
 Hershel and Omar ]). Of these Dr. George R. 
 Conger is now located at Taylorstown. Washington 
 i'o., Penn., in the practice of medicine. II. Her- 
 shel and Omar D. live tit home with their parents. 
 Josiah, youngest child of James, now owns and 
 lives on the farm which his gran lfather. William 
 Ringland, bought of William Clutter, August 25, 
 1795, the same summer they came to America. 
 lias Edwin and Eva Young living in the house 
 with him; though unmarried, still has hope that 
 
 Cupid may yet i ie his way, and tarry with 
 
 him through bis remaining years. 
 
 Margaret Ringland, first daughter of William, 
 married William Ferguson, and had one son, 
 Henry, who married Nancy Young, and had a large 
 
 family; moved to Clark county. Ind. Nancy Ring- 
 land, second daughter of William, married Moses 
 Braddock, and removed to Hancock county, Ind., 
 near Greenfield. Catherine Ringland, third daugh- 
 ter of William, married James Andrew; moved to 
 Morrow county, Ohio, where James Andrew died; 
 the widow and children returned to Pennsylvania; 
 they had seven children: George, Hindman, Thomas 
 R., Eliza Ann, Prudence, .Mary and Sarah. Of 
 these, George Andrew died before he became of 
 age. Hindman married Ann Mintou in 1855, and 
 had eight children: James E., Lee H, M. W., 
 
 Bell (who died when a child), Inez P., Floret 
 
 Annie M. and Osee B. Hindman Andrew died Feb 
 ruary HI, 1884, near Lindley's Mills. Washington 
 Co., Penn. Thomas Andrew went West about 
 L855, .and married there; now lives in Spring Hill, 
 Iowa; has three sous and two daughters living. 
 Eliza Ann married Ira Andrew, and has one son and 
 two daughters living. Eliza Ann Andrew died the 
 day her brother Hindman lay a corpse. Mary and 
 Sarah went West about 1857. Mary married Mr. 
 Bataw, in Illinois; now live with a daughter in In- 
 dianapolis, Ind. ; have two daughters living. Sarah 
 died unmarried. Jane Ringland, fourth daughter 
 of William, married John Bane about 1830; had 
 .seven children: George, Mary, Thomas, Margaret, 
 Addison, Ann and Nancy. Of these, George mar- 
 ried twice and had a large family; names of wives 
 and children not known. Thomas married Susan 
 Collins, of Charleston, 111.; no children. Mary 
 married Mr. Enlow, who died leaving two small 
 children, son and daughter; she still lives, a widow. 
 at Stockton, Coles Co., 111. Margaret married Mr. 
 Nuby; had some family; she died some years ago. 
 Anna married John McKinley; she is a widow with 
 four children, two boys and two girls. Nancy 
 married Mr. Ball. Addison married; name of 
 wife unknown. Mary Ringland, fifth daughter of 
 William; unmarried; lived with her brother James; 
 died May 25, 1829. Elizabeth Ringland, sixth 
 daughter of William; unmarried; quite handsome; 
 died February 6, 1825, aged twentj four years. 
 
 WILLIAM WHERRY. Among the public- 
 spirited and successful citizens of Sum 
 erset township, the gentleman whose name 
 opens this biography takes a prominent 
 position. He was born July '2. 1815, and 
 is a son of John, and grandson of James and Sarah 
 (McConel) Wherry. The grandparents were na- 
 tives of Chester county. Penn.. and after their 
 marriage settled on 400 acres of land in Washing- 
 ton county, where a family of eleven children were 
 reared. The grandfather died in March, 1807, on 
 the home farm, and was followed to the grave by 
 his widow in the same year. 
 
 John Wherrv. the second child of James Wherry, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 TtSU 
 
 vas born in 1770, on the farm in Washington 
 :ouuty, and attended the subscription schools of 
 In- neighborhood. He followed farming and stock 
 aising. and in early life was wedded to Elizabeth 
 iVelch, who bore him the following named children : 
 William, Mary, James, John, Eli, Stephen, Ellen, 
 Elizabeth and' Margaret. Of this family, William 
 md Mary are the only living members. The father 
 vas a Whig, and, in religion, he and his wife were 
 nembers of the Baptist Church, lie, lied in 1831, 
 wing followed by his widow in 1866, in her 
 eightieth year. 
 
 William Wherry passed his early years on the 
 lome farm, where his grandparents had also passe, I 
 he greater part of their lives. He has always 
 ived on the place of his birth, and having never 
 narried, his maiden sister Mary has managed the 
 Household affairs, and been a companion to him 
 (ince the death of their mother. Mr. Wherry owns 
 iOO acres of land, all in one farm, which is highly 
 cultivated. Last year he shipped 10,000 pounds 
 if wool, in which product he deals extensively. 
 He is a Republican. 
 
 RS. NANCY GILLESPIE, a cultured and 
 
 highly-esteemed lady of Jefferson town 
 ship, this county, was born* October 3, 
 L815, near West Middletown, Hopewell 
 township, Washington county. She is a 
 daughter of Abraham Leggelt, whose father, Snt 
 ton Leggett, was born in Maryland, and in early 
 life was united in marriage with Hannah Green, a 
 native of the same State, who bore him the following 
 named children: Benjamin, John, Sutton, Jesse, 
 Elijah, Ellen, Mrs. Pervard, Abraham and Nathan. 
 In 1794 the family moved to Pennsylvania, locat- 
 ing in Washington county, near West Middletown. 
 Abraham Leggett was born in 1787, in Mary- 
 land, ami was about seven years of age when his 
 fat her moved to Pennsylvania. He was reared to 
 agricultural lib-, and educated in the schools of 
 the period. When a young man he married Miss 
 Nancy Dempster, and six children were born to 
 their union: Lemuel, Sutton, Jesse, Nancy, El- 
 len, and an infant, unnamed. 
 
 Nancy Leggett was born on the home farm near 
 West Middletown, Penn., and grew to woman- 
 hood, assisting in the household duties and attend 
 iug school in the neighborhood. In L 838 she be 
 came the wife of John Gillespie, and a few years 
 later happy voices called her "mother," little feet, 
 pattered through the house, for her home was 
 brightened with four little ones, called by the fol- 
 lowing names: Wesley A., Sarah Ellen, Mary 
 Ann and Hester Ann. The two last named have 
 been laid to rest, and on May 19, 1885, the hus- 
 band ami father passed away, leaving his widow to 
 the comfort of her two remaining children. Mr. 
 
 and Mrs. Gillespie started in life together with lit- 
 tle of this world's goods, but industry and pa 
 tience have accomplished much. A beautiful 
 home, surrounded b\ 200 acres of fertile land, 
 gives ample evidence of the prosperity of the fam 
 ily. Mr. Gillespie was a stanch member of (he 
 Republican party. Mrs. Gillespie is a member of 
 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church at Independence, 
 this county. 
 
 IiOSEPH HENDERSON, a worthy represents 
 I tive of one of the oldest families of Wash 
 t i ington county, and one of its best Known and 
 ^^ most highly respected citizens, was born 
 June 3, 1N17, in Chartiers township, Wash 
 ingtou Co., Penu., a son of William Henderson, a 
 native of eastern Pennsylvania. 
 
 William Henderson married a Miss Patterson, 
 and had children as follows: Samuel, burn Janu 
 an 29, 1784; John, born November 18, L785; 
 William, born January 10, L788; Martha, born 
 June :',it, L789; Hugh, bom April 2, L791; 
 
 Thomas, born March 22, li'JIi; James, limn I )e 
 
 cember L8, 1794; Nancy, bom in March, 1798, and 
 Elizabeth, born August 28, L801. The mother of 
 this family dying, Mr. Henderson married, for his 
 
 second wife, Mrs, Elay (Seffrey) Kain, widow of 
 Jacob Kain, by whom she had children as follows: 
 Jacob, born in October, 17U7; Agnes, born August 
 13, L799;John, bom May 31, 1801; Sarah, bom 
 August 1, L803, and Mary, born June 22, 1805. 
 To the marriage of William Henderson with Mrs. 
 Elay Kain. there came a family of live children, 
 viz.: Matthew, bom June 2b, 1810; Kalv, born 
 May 31, 1812; David P., born November <J, 1M I; 
 Joseph, bom June 3, 1817, and Jennie, born Jan 
 nary 15, L822. In July, 1 S 12, the father was 
 called from earth, and was interred in t he cemetery 
 at North Church. Buffalo township. In politics 
 
 he was an active Whig, and in religion a member 
 of the Seceder Church. From the time of his 
 coming to Washington county he wjis a resident of 
 Chartiers township, where he successfully carried 
 on farming and coopering. Mrs. Elay Henderson 
 died in L865. 
 
 Joseph Henderson, whose name opens this 
 sketch, passed his early life in his native township, 
 where he received his education. On October 12, 
 1841, he was united in marriage with Rebecca, 
 daughter of James Laird, by whom he had one 
 son, James L.,a sketch of whom follows. This 
 wife dying May 12, 1853, Mr. Henderson married 
 in May, 1859, Anna B., daughter of James Stewart, 
 of Chartiers township. Our subject is a member 
 of the United Presbyterian Church at Washington, 
 and since 1871 has been an elder and office-holder 
 in the church at Cross Roads. He is now living 
 retired in Washington. 
 
770 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 • I niES L. Henderson, son of Joseph and Re- 
 becca (Laird) Henderson, is a native of Washing- 
 ton county, born in Chartiera township, March 6, 
 1S44. His boyhood was passed on the home 
 place until he was seventeen years old, when he en 
 listed in August, 1861, in Company B, First 
 Virginia Cavalry, serving with distinction under 
 Gens. Shields and Sheridan. When the regiment 
 was mustered out he returned home, and entered 
 Duff's Business College, from which he was gradu- 
 ated with high honors. On December 15, 1866, 
 he was married to S. Jennie, daughter of John and 
 Sarah (Harsha) Shaw, and the children burn to this 
 union are: Joseph B. , Sarah R., Frank T. , Janus 
 L., and Earnest G. Mr. Henderson is extensively 
 engaged in stock dealing and raising, and is one 
 of the best known importers of sheep and cattle in 
 his section"; he owns one of the finest herds of 
 cattle ever introduced into the county, one which 
 he has collected regardless of labor and expense. 
 In his political predilections he has always sup- 
 ported the Republican party, but close application 
 to business has prevented his accepting political 
 preferments. He has taken au active interest in 
 educational matters, both in Chartiers and Canton 
 townships, and is now serving his fourth term as 
 school director. Mr. Henderson and his family 
 are members of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Washington. 
 
 d'|OHN GOURLEY, a retired agriculturist, 
 ■ having his residence in the borough of Clays- 
 I ville, comes of stalwart Scotch-Irish ancestry, 
 noted for their indomitable perseverance, 
 sound judgment and characteristic probity. His 
 grandfather, Robert Gourley, a native of the Em- 
 erald Isle, at an early day came to the United 
 States, where he married, and reared a family con- 
 sisting of the following named children: Thomas, 
 James, Robert, Mary I Mis. James Jones), Nancy 
 (Mrs. Thomas Dunn) and Mrs. Duulap. 
 
 Of these, Robert was born near Greensburg, 
 Peum, in 1800, where and in Donegal township, 
 this county, his boyhood was passed. He lived on 
 a farm in the latter township, which property came 
 to be known as the " Gourley homestead. " Here 
 he was married to Margaret Roney, who bore him 
 the following named nine children: Alexander, 
 Susanna and Robert (all deceased), Ann Eliza, 
 John, Thomas, Sarah J. (wife of Rev. N. L. 
 Laferty), Catherine (Mrs. James Feather) and 
 James. The father successfully carried on farm- 
 ing operations in Donegal township) until 1859, in 
 which year he moved to Warren county, 111., where 
 he died, July 29, 1883, and the mother in Febru- 
 ary, 1NS4. They were members of the Presbj 
 terian Church, and in his political predilections 
 Mr. Gourley was a wide awake Democrat. 
 
 John Gourley, the subject proper of this bio- 
 graphical sketch, was born January 17, 18^4. in 
 Donegal township, Washington Co., Penu.. and 
 there received his education as well as early lessons 
 in farm work. At the age of eighteen years he 
 went to Warren county, 111., where he followed 
 farming until 1862, and then removed to Done- 
 gal township, this county, and has here since re- 
 sided. He lived on his farm until 1865, when he 
 removed with his family to Claysville, where he 
 has since resided, and where he owns one of the 
 most handsome residences of the village. On 
 March 13, I860, lie was married to Mary J., 
 daughter of John Marshall, a member of one of 
 the oldest families in Buffalo township, and the 
 children by this union were Adele (wife of George 
 M. Gray) and Mary (now deceased). The family 
 are members and strong supporters of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Claysville, and are much respect- 
 ed and esteemed. Politically Mr. Gourley was a 
 Democrat till 1880. since when he has voted the 
 Prohibition ticket, and he is recognized as a pro- 
 gressive, honorable and loyal citizen. 
 
 THOMAS MILLER, a retired agriculturist 
 ami one of the oldest and most highly re- 
 spected citizens of Canonsburg. was born 
 October 15, 1815, in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county. Andrew Miller, his father, 
 came from Ireland to America in 1812, bringing 
 his wife, his parents (Thomas and Sarah Miller I. 
 and their children — Andrew. Thomas, Sarah, Mar- 
 garet and Mary. These children all settled in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, where many of their de- 
 scendants are now living. Andrew Miller was mar- 
 ried, in Ireland, to Sarah Steele, a sister of Rev. 
 James Steele, who for many years was a Presby- 
 terian minister at Strabane, Ireland, where his 
 son, Frederic Steele, attorney at law, now lives. 
 After his arrival in Mt. Pleasant township Andrew 
 Miller commenced farming, an occupation he con- 
 tinued many years, and then, some fort} 7 years 
 ago, moved to Chartiers township, where he died 
 in 1853. at the age of seventy years. After 
 his death, his widow lived with her daughter in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, dying there in 1856 at a 
 very advanced age. Andrew Miller was a prom- 
 inent Democrat in his day. and held various of- 
 fices of trust in his township and county, such as 
 director of the poor. He was a member of the old 
 Associate Church. Of their marriage four chil- 
 dren were bom. viz.: James (who was an attorney 
 in Wooster, Ohio, and died in 1S44), Thomas (our 
 subject), Andrew (who died in Allegheny county, 
 Penn. ). and Jane (widow of Andrew Russell, re 
 siding in Chartiers township, with her daughter 
 Mrs. Homer Wilson). 
 
 Thomas Miller received the rudiments of his 
 

 r-atss^^. 
 
 0-l^LM^ff <..'/£ ts£tA^~ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 773 
 
 education in au old log school-house on Chartiers 
 creek, and his first day's attendance was indelibly 
 fixed on his memory by his being an eye-witness 
 to the singular freak of a snake climbing up the 
 wall of the house. He had a thorough, practical 
 training in all the departments of agriculture, which 
 was his life vocation, and in 1875 retired from act- 
 ive labor. . On May 17, 1843, Mr. Miller married 
 Annie, daughter of David Reed, of Cecil township, 
 Washington county, and the following named chil- 
 dren were born of their union: Andrew S. (who 
 served in the Union army in the defense of his 
 country, and is now au attorney in Pittsburgh), 
 David R. (a United Presbyterian minister in East 
 Palestine, Ohio), J. Martin and John C. (both on 
 the farm in Chartiers township), Almira (wife of 
 Rev. W. T. McConnell, of Des Moines, Iowa), and 
 Sarah Jane (Mrs. W. H. S. Ritchie, of West Point, 
 Ky.). Mrs. Miller died in March, 1858, and No- 
 vember 20, 18*50. our subject married Elizabeth, 
 daughter of James Linn, who was born in South 
 Strabane township, this county. No children were 
 born to this union. In 1875 Mr. Miller built the 
 elegant house in Canonsburg, into which he and 
 his faithful wife moved the same year, and in which 
 they now live, calmly awaiting the summons that 
 shall call them from earth. They are lifelong 
 members of the U. P. Church, in which he has 
 been an elder for about forty-five years. Polit- 
 ically Mr. Miller was originally a. Democrat, but 
 left the ranks of that party on the slavery issue, 
 and united with the old Whig party; he first voted 
 for Martin Van Buren, then for William Henry 
 Harrison. He was a delegate from Canonsburg at 
 the first National Convention of the Republican 
 party, held in Pittsburgh in 1856. In 1884, with 
 a sense of duty to his fellow-men and to his God, 
 he enlisted under the Prohibition banner. Al- 
 though earnest and most conscientious in his polit- 
 ical associations Mr. Miller has, nevertheless, con- 
 sistently refused office. At the first Republican 
 county convention he declined to become the nom- 
 inee of his party for the State Legislature. He 
 was a delegate to the Congressional Convention 
 that nominated Hon. T. M. T. McKennan to fill 
 the vacancy in Congress through the death of Hon. 
 Joseph Lawrence, in 1842. Mr. Miller's old farm 
 in Chartiers township, comprising 250 acres of 
 highly improved land, is now owned and worked 
 by his sons, J. Martin and John C. Miller. 
 
 J. Martin Miller, son of Thomas Miller, was 
 born November 27, 1848, on the farm above men- 
 tioned. He grew to manhood under the parental 
 roof, and was educated in the schools of Cnartiers 
 township, then taking the freshman and sophomore 
 years at Washington and Jefferson College. In 
 1875 he was united in marriage with Mary B. 
 Stewart, a native of St. Clairsville, Belmont Co., 
 Ohio, and daughter of John Stewart, who was 
 
 born in Pennsylvania, and when a young man 
 moved to Belmont county, Ohio. In 1832 he was 
 married to Ann Bell, a native of the same county, 
 and they settled on a farm in Ohio, where their 
 children were born and reared. He was rulino- 
 elder for sixty years in the U. P. Church at St. 
 Clairsville, Ohio. He died in February 1892, aged 
 eighty-seven years, and the faithful wife was laid 
 to rest beside him three week,s later, having passed 
 through eighty years of life. The Stewart family 
 are of Scotch origin, and trace their ancestry to 
 Robert Bruce, of historic fame. They first settled 
 in Pennsylvania, afterward moving to Ohio. 
 
 After his marriage to Mary B. Stewart. Mr. 
 Miller bought the old homestead, consisting of 150 
 acres of land. He has since carried on general 
 farming, including the raising of Holstein cattle 
 and Delaine Merino sheep. Mr. and Mrs. Miller 
 have had six children, viz.: Anna Bell, born No- 
 vember 7, 1875, died at the age of eight years;. 
 Stewart, born July 3, 1877; Lena Alice, born 
 August 16, 1879; Karl Martin, born September 6, 
 1882; Edna Bruce, born December 11, 1886, and 
 Mary Bell, born June 29, 1892. J. Martin Miller 
 is a Republican, and in religious connection he 
 and his wife are members of the Chartiers U. P. 
 Church, Rev. W. B. Smiley, pastor, of which he 
 was elected ruling elder in 1886. 
 
 land. 
 
 J, AMES T. PATTERSON, a leading citizen of 
 Burgettstown, was born April 9, 1851, a son 
 J of John Patterson. His grandfather, James 
 Patterson, was born in County Down, Ireland, 
 receiving his early education in his native 
 At the age of fourteen years he came with 
 his parents to Washington county, Penn., and 
 settled in Canton township, on the farm now owned 
 by John McClay, erecting their cabin home in the 
 wild new country. At the age of twenty-six years. 
 James Patterson was married to Mary Miller, a 
 native of Chartiers township, and after their mar- 
 riage the young couple settled on the farm in Hope- 
 well township, now owned by Lemon Patterson (a 
 grandson). Politically, James Patterson was first 
 a Federalist, then a Whig, and next au active 
 worker with the Abolitionists. He was among the 
 earliest members of the Seceder Church at North 
 Buffalo, his parents being also members of that 
 denomination. He was a member of and elder in the 
 church for fifty years, holding that office at the 
 time of the coalition of the Seceder and Union 
 Churches. He was successful in business matters, 
 having made his own way in the world. He died 
 in 1868, in his ninety-second year, and was buried 
 by the side of his wife in North Buffalo Cemetery. 
 They were the parents of the following children: 
 Alexander, Thomas, Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Leper), 
 Elizabeth (wife of James Richmond), Jane (mar- 
 
774 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ried to James Armstrong), James, David, Mary 
 (Mrs. Taggart), John and Martha. 
 
 John Patterson, son of James and Mary (Miller) 
 Patterson, was born on the home farm in Hope- 
 well township, this county, receiving his train- 
 ing in a school which was held in the upper story 
 of a log spring house. He was married in Feb- 
 ruary, 1850, to Jane, daughter of Thomas McClel- 
 lan, and they continued to reside on the old place 
 until his death. John Patterson was a Whig and 
 an Abolitionist, afterward becoming a Republican, 
 being an active politician, and much interested in 
 school matters, having served as director for years. 
 He was formerly a member of the Seceder Church, 
 and afterward united with the U. P. Church at 
 North Buffalo, contributing liberally to the support 
 of that denomination. Mrs. Patterson is yet living, 
 making her home with her son Lemon. The re- 
 mains of Mr. Patterson were interred in the ceme- 
 tery at North Buffalo. 
 
 James T. Patterson received a common-school 
 education in Hopewell township, and afterward 
 attended Pleasant Hill Academy. He then studied 
 medicine, but other matters taking his attention his 
 medical course was never completed. On Septem- 
 ber 28, L876, he was united in marriage with Jen- 
 nie E. Witherspoon, daughter of John Witherspoon 
 of Smith township, and the following children 
 have blessed their union: Lenora, Lizzie Myrtle, 
 Jennie Estelle, James Witherspoon and Emma 
 Margaret (twins, deceased at the age of rive 
 months). After his marriage James T. Patterson 
 settled on a farm in Hopewell township, remaining 
 there six years. He opened an insurance office in 
 Burgettstown, where he conducts lire and life insur- 
 ance, and also deals in real estate. He and his 
 family are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he has been a ruling elder for 
 thirteen years. In politics he is a leading member 
 of the Republican party, having tilled several town- 
 ship and borough offices, and is actively interested 
 in all political questions. He was appointed 
 notary public by Gov. Beaver, holding that office 
 four years, and reappointed by Gov. Robert E. Pat- 
 tismi in 1 ^' ,: '>. 
 
 I OHN PRESLEY PROUDFIT, an energetic 
 young farmer of Smith township, is a great- 
 fr grandson of David Proudfit, a native of Scot- 
 ^^ land, who came to America and located in 
 York county, Penn., where his son, John, was born 
 January 28, 1775. In 1802 John Proudrit came 
 to Washington county, Penn., locating in Hanover 
 township. On April 9, 1809, he was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a native of Cross 
 Creek (then Hopewell) township, born March 24, 
 1793, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hays) 
 Lyle. Some time after their marriage John and 
 
 Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit returned to York county, 
 Penn., as the father of John was growing old and 
 feeble and needed the care of his children. The 
 young people remained on the home farm until the 
 death of the father, which occurred in 1820, and 
 then John and his family again moved to Washing- 
 ton county, settling one mile west of Burgettstown, 
 where he passed the remainder of hia life. The 
 trips across the mountains were full of dangers 
 and accompanied with many inconveniences. On 
 one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit rode 300 
 miles on horseback to visit relatives in York 
 county, Penn., the wife carrying a young baby in 
 her arms, and many hardships were endured on 
 the journey. The following children were born to 
 these pioneers: David (deceased September 19, 
 1813), born August 13, 1810; John L. (deceased), 
 born September 3, IN 12; James K. (deceased Feb- 
 ruary 25, 181*')), born April 21, 1815; Eliza J. 
 (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith township), born 
 January 2, 1817; Agnes (deceased August 15, 
 L824),born June 17, IS 19; Robert F„, born Decern 
 ber 23, 1821; Cinderella (wife of Jacob Proudfit. re- 
 Bides in Ashland county, Ohio), born September L6, 
 1824; William, bom May 10, 1828; Andrew, born 
 March 20, 1831; and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Ship 
 ley, of Hanover township), born August 29, 1833. 
 Robert F. Proudfit was born in York county, 
 Penn., coming with his parents to Washington 
 county, when about four years of age. The family 
 located one mile and a half west of Burgettstown, 
 where Robert F. grew to manhood, working on the 
 farm and receiving such education as could then 
 be secured in the country schools. On January 
 15, L849, he was married to Sarah E. Porter, who 
 was born August 9, 1823, in the eastern part of 
 the county, near Monongahela City. She was a 
 daughter of Williarn Porter, who kept a hotel 
 along the National pike, two miles from Monon- 
 gahela City. Two children were born to this 
 union, namely: Margaret E. (Mrs. W. J. Mc- 
 Nary, of Smith township), and John P. (subject of 
 our sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit lived near 
 Bavington, Smith township, for several years after 
 their marriage. His father died in 1849 and he 
 then moved upon the home place. When a lad of 
 fifteen years, Mr. Proudfit received an injury from 
 which he never fully recovered, and during his later 
 years spent much time in travel, hoping to improve. 
 |>li\ sically. In 1870 he took a trip to Europe, and 
 the benefit received from the journey, though en- 
 couraging, was but temporary. In 1876 he visited 
 the western States, and the trip seemed to imparl 
 new strength, but, as before, the improvement was 
 not permanent, and August 13, 1887, he passed 
 away. He was an energetic and industrious man, 
 leaving considerable property, and in polities was 
 a lifelong Democrat. He was formerly connected 
 with the Presbyterian Church, but not long before 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 775 
 
 his death joined the U. P. Church. His widow 
 has continued to reside on the home farm, which 
 is owned by her only son, with whom she makes 
 her home. 
 
 John P. Proudfit was born May 5, 1858, on the 
 home farm near Burgettstown where he has al- 
 ways resided. He received a common-school edu- 
 cation, and on September 3, 1879, was married to 
 Carrie I. Russell, who was born April 2">, 185S, 
 daughter of Alexander Russell, a native of Char- 
 tiers township, who settled in Muskingum county. 
 Ohm. To John P. and Carrie I. Proudfit four 
 children have been born, namely: Ethel S., born 
 August 20, 1880; Alexander R.,*born May ■'>, 1NS8; 
 AunieM.,born February 24, 1880; and Robert F., 
 born March 15, 1888. Mr. Proudfit has had 
 charge of the home farm since coming of age, and 
 is a successful and progressive agriculturist. In 
 politics he has always been a Democrat, and in re- 
 ligion he and his wife are members of the U. P. 
 Church at Burgettstown. 
 
 ATTHEW WELCH (deceased) was one of 
 the most prominent and highly esteemed 
 citizens of Smith township. He was a son 
 ,of John Welch, who was born in 1782, in 
 County Down, Ireland, and when ten 
 years of age came with some older brothers to 
 America. They located in Lancaster county, Penn., 
 where he was reared to manhood, and married to 
 Jane McClelland, a native of that county. After 
 marriage this couple came to Washington county, 
 locating in the eastern part of Smith township; 
 afterward moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where 
 their children were born, as follows: Mary (mar- 
 ried to Abraham Barger, of Harrison county, Ohio), 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel Osburn, of Harrison county, 
 Ohio), Ann (deceased wife of Matthew Siemens, of 
 Harrison county, Ohio). Samuel (living in Wash- 
 ington county, Iowa), John (a resident of Union- 
 port, Jefferson Co., Ohio), Matthew (subject of our 
 sketch), Jane (deceased wife of John McCullough), 
 David (a resident of Harrison county, Ohio), James 
 and William (both in Harrison county). Mr. Welch 
 possessed characteristic spirit of energy and enter- 
 prise, and beginning life a poor boy, he became a 
 successful business man. In politics he was first a 
 Whig, afterward a Republican. He and his wife 
 were earnest members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 They both died in 1872, and are buried side by 
 side in the Ridge Church cemetery, Archer town- 
 ship, Harrison Co., Ohio. 
 
 Matthew Welch was born March 27, 1825, in 
 Archer township, Harrison Co., Ohio, and remained 
 on the home farm during boyhood, receiving a 
 common-school education. In early life he took a 
 trip west, but being seized with ague, did not 
 remain, but returned east, settling in Washington 
 
 county, Penn. On December 18, 1856, he was 
 married to Hannah M. Welch, who was born Sep 
 teuiber 19, 1823. in Smith township, this county, 
 daughter of Matthew Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Welch 
 first made their home in this county, in Cross Creek 
 township, then moved to Robinson township, and 
 in 1872 came to Smith township, locating about 
 one mile and a half south of Burgettstown, where 
 Mr. Welch died April 23, 1890. Since the death 
 of her husband, Mrs. Welch has continued to 
 reside on the farm, which is well improved and 
 adorned with an elegant residence. Mr. Welch 
 was a Republican, and was often called upon to 
 fill offices of honor and trust in his township. He 
 was a member of the IT. P. Church, of which his 
 widow is also a member. Their children were 
 John M., Lizzie B., Matthew R. (deceased in 
 childhood) and J. Vincent, all those living being 
 still at home, the two sons having charge of the 
 farm, which they manage with admirable success. 
 
 ( LBERT D. SCOTT, a representative busi- 
 ly ness man and leading grocer of Mononga- 
 l\ hela, is of Irish ancestry. His grandfather. 
 
 James Scott, was born in Ireland, where he 
 followed farming, and came to America 
 when about twenty-five years of age. He and his 
 wife (who was formerly a Miss Scott, and a native 
 of Scotland) first settled on a farm in Maryland, 
 and in 1800 came to Pennsylvania, locating on a 
 wild tract of land in Carroll township, Washington 
 county. They afterward moved to Millsborough. 
 same county, where they died, leaving the follow 
 ing children; JohD, Alexander, William, Joseph, 
 James, Robert, Elmer, Nancy and Rebecca. 
 
 John Scott, son of James, was born in 1798, in 
 Elkton, Md., and in 1800 was brought by his par- 
 ents in a pack-saddle to Washington county, Penn. 
 He received his early education in the schools of 
 Washington county, then learned the shoemaker's 
 trade. In early manhood he was married to Miss 
 Hannah Davis, of Ohio, and children as follows 
 were born unto them: John Davis, Mary Jane. 
 James Alexander, Lucinda, Hannah Louisa, Nan- 
 cy Ann, Albert D., Amanda, Rebecca and Cas 
 sandra. For his second wife he was married to 
 Mary Hazelett, but she bore him no children. 
 After his marriage Mr. Scott followed teaming 
 from Baltimore, often using six-horse teams, and 
 also worked at his trade, proving an enterprising 
 man. In his political opinion he voted with the 
 Democratic party; in religious faith he was a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1890. 
 Albert D. Scott was born April 4, 1845, on the 
 home place in Washington county, where his school 
 days were passed. In 1867 he began business for 
 himself with D. H. Williams in the butchering 
 line, which he continued to follow for ten years, 
 
76 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 and in 1868 opened the grocery establishment 
 which he has since conducted at Monongahela, 
 having won success by untiring industry. On De- 
 cember 15, 1869, he married Rebecca, daughter of 
 Upton Ammon, a resident of Monongahela, Penn. , 
 and they have five children, namely: Anna, Mary, 
 Tracy, Judson and John. 
 
 .If AMES THOMPSON (deceased) was born 
 March 30, 1814, at Evansville, Ind. His 
 V Jj father, John Thompson, was a native of Ire- 
 ^^ land, and was married to Ann Lazalier, of 
 English birth. John and Ann Thompson 
 had three sons who were left orphans at an early 
 age, then being taken charge of by an uncle, James 
 Thompson. He gave them an education and trade, 
 James choosing the tanner's trade and his brothers 
 selecting the saddler's business. James served his 
 apprenticeship, then, deciding to follow agriculture, 
 engaged in that calling. He was offered a position 
 in a mercantile business, but refused it, and with 
 some assistance from his uncle, began to farm. 
 He was married February 29, 1K48, to Mary A. 
 Provines, who was born December 31, 1817, near 
 Burgettstown, Penn., and received a limited edu- 
 cation in the subscription schools, walking three 
 miles to secure her literary advantages. She was 
 the daughter of Charles and Sarah (McCon- 
 nell) Provines, both of Irish parentage. Her ma- 
 ternal grandparents came to Pennsylvania during 
 the Revolutionary period. Mr. Provines died when 
 Mary A. was but nine years of age, and when she 
 had attained the age of womanhood, her mother 
 sold the home farm, removing to West Middle- 
 town, where the daughter was married. Her 
 grandparents were Thomas and Martha MeConnell. 
 After his marriage, James Thompson settled in 
 Cross Creek township, near West Middletown. He 
 then purchased the adjoining farm in Hopewell 
 township, where he remained until his death, 
 which occurred August 5, 1879, he leaving four chil- 
 dren: John L., James Franklin, William W. and 
 Dorcas A. Mr. Thompson was a successful busi- 
 ness man, and owned two large and fertile farms. 
 He was prominent in local affairs, but accepted no 
 public offices, although a zealous supporter of the 
 Republican party, fie was a regular attendant of 
 the United Presbyterian. Church, serving many 
 years as a trustee, although never formally uniting 
 with the congregation. After the death of her 
 husband, Mrs. Thompson continued to reside on 
 the old homestead which nestles among the hills 
 near West Middletowu. In the year 1891 she 
 erected a handsome house of modern design in 
 West Middletown, where she and her daughter are 
 now residing. Among the family records preserved 
 by Mrs. Thompson, there is a faded and worn scrap 
 of paper, upon which is written, in her father's 
 
 hand, the following lines, given as an indication 
 of his character, for Charles Proviues was ever as 
 ready to avow his faith in the Creator, as to name 
 his home: 
 
 Charles Provines is my name, 
 
 Irelaud is my nation; 
 
 Onega is my dwelling place. 
 
 And God is my salvation. 
 
 Two of the sons of Mrs. Thompson are married: 
 John L. selected as a life companion Miss Adeline 
 McNary, of Cross Creek township, and they are 
 living on the old homestead. James Franklin is 
 married to Lucy L. Denny, of West Middletown, 
 and is living in Independence township. They 
 have three children: James D., Harold and Mary. 
 The Thompson family are identified with the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and are descended from an- 
 cestors who were God-fearing men and women. 
 
 lyT/OBLE FAMILY. About the year L80] 
 
 yJ| William Noble, who was a weaver, a trade 
 
 \\ he followed for many years in his native 
 
 J - 1 land, Ireland. Bet sail with his family for 
 America, the voyage across the Atlantic 
 occupying fourteen weeks. They landed at New 
 York, and from there proceeded to Shippensburgh, 
 Penn., where they remained two years, and then 
 came westward to this county, arriving about the 
 year 1810. William Noble settled on a rented 
 farm in Buffalo township, where he engaged in 
 agriculture until 1822, in which year he moved to 
 Stark county, Ohio, where he and his sons, Robert, 
 John and James, purchased a farm near the town 
 of Massillon, which property was entirely unim- 
 proved, but was by the industry and care of the 
 family ere long converted into a fine fertile piece 
 of land. Here he died in 1845. He reared a 
 family of five children, viz.: John, James, Will- 
 iam, Robert and Elizabeth (wife of James John- 
 son). Mr. Noble was a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church, and for thirteen years was an elder 
 of the same in Ohio; politically he was a Demo- 
 crat, at all times taking an active interest in the 
 affairs of the party. 
 
 William Noble, son of this veteran pioneer, was 
 born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1793, and 
 when eight years of age came with his parents to 
 the United States, and to Buffalo township, thisr 
 county, where during the rest of his life he suc- 
 cessfully followed farming, also worked at his trade, 
 that of a weaver. He was married to Rachel 
 Spencer, whose father was a native of Florida, and 
 the children that came to this union were Sarah 
 (wife of George Miller), James, Robert, Eliza, 
 Henry O, Nancy A. (wife of Daniel McPherson), 
 Samuel A. and William. The father passed from 
 earth in 1867, the mother following him to the 
 grave in 1884, and both repose in the cemetery at 
 

 &, 
 
 A 
 
 *1 
 
 >v 
 
 &t^i^l~&4? 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 779 
 
 Claysville. They were devout members and liberal 
 supporters of the Presbyterian Church at Upper 
 Buffalo, aud he was a warm friend of education 
 and a zealous advocate of all public enterprises 
 tending to the promotion of good in the commu- 
 nity. A member of the Democratic party, he was 
 an active worker and fearless partisan. 
 
 James Noble, one of the oldest and most re- 
 spected citizens of Buffalo township, was born 
 August 13, 1816, in Donegal township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Peun., a son of William and Rachel 
 (Spencer) Noble. He received his education at 
 the primitive schools of his boyhood days, and at 
 the age of thirteen years commenced to work on 
 the farm of Isaac Hodgens, with whom he re- 
 mained some twenty-two years, his wages being 
 for first year $6 per month, increasing year by year 
 until he was in receipt of $20 per month. In 
 August, 1839, Mr. Noble was married to Maria, 
 daughter of George Mealy, and one child was born 
 to this union, Mary, now the wife of John Brown, 
 of Donegal township. The mother of this child 
 dying in 1841, Mr. Noble married, August 14, 1849, 
 Rebecca, daughter of George Ritchey,of Donegal 
 township, and the children born to this marriage 
 are Rachel (wife of T. B. Craig), Hester J. (wife 
 of Franklin Bebout), Amanda, Nettie (wife of W. 
 F. Crothers), Clara, Blanche and James. Mr. 
 Noble has passed his entire life in Buffalo and Don- 
 egal townships, twenty-three years in the latter, 
 having, in 1870, come to his present fine home 
 where he has 425 acres of well-improved land. In 
 politics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an 
 active interest in the affairs of the party in both 
 the townships he has been a resident of, and has 
 held various positions of trust. He and his wife 
 are members and prominent supporters of the 
 United Presbyterian Church at Taylorstown. 
 
 Robert Noble, another worthy representative of 
 this prominent family, is also a native of Washing- 
 ton county, born in Buffalo township, April 4, 1819, 
 a son of William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble. He 
 received his education in the subscription schools 
 of the locality in which he was born, and was 
 reared to the arduous and manifold duties of farm 
 life. On September 2, 1842, he was married to 
 Rachel, daughter of John McKean, aud the chil- 
 dren born to this union are: William R. (a farmer 
 in Buffalo township), Margaret J. (Mrs. John H. 
 Van Kirk), aud John W. and Wishart S. (both 
 farmers of Buffalo township). The mother of this 
 family dying May 5, 1855, Mr. Noble in 1856 
 married Mary Graham, who was called from earth 
 in 1887, and our subject afterward, in February, 
 1889, was united in wedlock with Jane, daughter 
 of John Zink, of Brooke county, W. Va. Up to the 
 year 1885 he carried on farming operations in Buf- 
 falo township, and then came to the borough of 
 Claysville, where he has since lived a retired life. 
 
 The family are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Claysville. In his political preferences 
 Mr. Noble has always voted the Democratic ticket, 
 and he has held various township offices with much 
 credit to himself, and the perfect satisfaction of his 
 constituents. He is the owner of 550 acres of fine 
 farming land in Buffalo township, and has always 
 been regarded as an enterprising and progressive 
 man, commanding the respect of all. 
 
 [Since the above was prepared for the press, word has 
 been received of the death of Mr. Robert Noble, Febru- 
 ary 22, 1893.— Ed. 
 
 Henet Clay Noble, a well-known representative 
 citizen of Buffalo township, is a native of the same, 
 having been born November 14, 1825, a son of 
 William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble. His educa- 
 tion was received in the subscription schools of the 
 neighborhood, which, however, owing to his many 
 duties on the farm he was unable to attend with 
 any degree of regularity. His first " book " was 
 a common shingle, on which were chalked the let- 
 ters of the alphabet, and from this our youthful 
 hero and his classmates (who were similarly pro- 
 vided) had to learn their "A,B,C's." This, it may 
 well be imagined, became the source of no small 
 amusement to, and a great deal of ridicule from, 
 the boys of the more advanced classes, who teased 
 these juniors unmercifully and unceasingly, so 
 much so that, after school was dismissed, they 
 took their shingles to the corner of the school-house 
 and broke them into splinters, for which they were 
 duly punished at home. Many were the hardships 
 the early student had to contend with; but it was 
 such hardships that produced brain and brawn in 
 the community from which have evolved some of 
 the very best men in our land. On June 21, 1854, 
 Mr. Noble was married to Rachel C, daughter of 
 Thomas Carson, of Buffalo township, and the chil- 
 dren born to this union were: Thomas G. (living at 
 home) and William L. (married June 13, 1878, to 
 Miss Bertha R., daughter of William Mitchell, of 
 Washington county, Penn. , by which union there 
 has been born one child, Mary H. ; Mr. Noble died 
 March 19, 1885). Henry Clay Noble has passed 
 his entire life in Buffalo township, with the excep- 
 tion of ten years before his marriage and ten years 
 after, during which period he was a resident of 
 Donegal township. He is a typical self-made man, 
 and is justly proud of his success, which he secured 
 by hard work, judicious economy and enterprise. 
 His farm of 208 acres is finely situated and well 
 improved. He is an attendant and liberal sup- 
 porter of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, 
 and in his political preferences is an active Demo- 
 crat; he has frequently been urged to accept office, 
 and has at various times been elected a justice of 
 the peace, but has invariably either refused to 
 accept or declined to serve. Physically, Mr. Noble 
 is a large, strong man, well-preserved for his 
 
780 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 years, with the promise of a long life before 
 him. 
 
 Samuel A. Noble, the next youngest son of 
 William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble, was born 
 October 14, 1827, in Donegal township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., where he was carefully reared to 
 the arduous duties of farm life, attending in the 
 winter months the schools of the neighborhood. 
 Being a diligent student and an apt scholar, Mr. 
 Noble soon fitted himself for the position of teacher, 
 which he filled with marked ability during several 
 winters, in his township. He remained on the 
 home farm until his marriage, and then took up 
 his residence on Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, in 
 the same township, where he followed agricultural 
 pursuits. For a couple of years his family lived 
 in West Alexander, during which time he contin- 
 ued farm work, and in 1N73 he moved to what was 
 known as the " George Stoolfire farm " in the same 
 township, which he now owns and lives on; it is 
 situated two and one half miles north of West 
 Alexander, and is a highly improved piece of prop- 
 erty. On September 3, 1851, Mr. Noble was 
 united in marriage with Catherine B. Shaler, who 
 was born August 31, 1831, in Donegal township, 
 this county, a daughter of William Shaler, of that 
 township, and the following children have come to 
 bless their union: Clara (who was twice married, 
 first time to W. O. Ralston, and after his decease 
 to Joseph Wetzel, of Granville, Licking Co., Ohio), 
 Luther and Flora (both deceased when young), 
 and Harry (living with his parents, and working 
 on his father's farm). Mr. Noble is now one of 
 the largest landowners in this township, the result 
 of hard work, good management and sound finan- 
 ciering. His farm is kept in excellent order, neat 
 and trim, and well-merited success has repaid his 
 labors, and he is extensively engaged in the wool 
 business, keeping over one thousand sheep. He is 
 a prominent member of the Democratic party, and 
 he and his wife are substantial members of the 
 Dutch Fork Disciple Church. 
 
 William R. Noble, one of the most popular and 
 best known farmers and stock raisers of Buffalo 
 township, was born July 2, 1844, on the old home- 
 stead (originally the Carson farm) in Buffalo town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., a son of Robert and 
 Rachel (McKean) Noble. His education was secured 
 at the common schools of his district, which he has 
 supplemented with much reading and general ob- 
 servation, aud to-day he is one of the best informed 
 men in his section. At the age of twenty-two he 
 married Rachel, daughter of George Miller, of 
 Donegal township, by which union there is one 
 child, Laura B., now a highly accomplished young 
 lady, attending the academy at Washington, this 
 county. This wife dying December 16, 1872, Mr. 
 Noble married, August 31, 1876, Miss Emma, 
 daughter of David Clark, of Buffalo township. 
 
 After his first marriage Mr. Noble settled on the 
 farm where the family now reside, and which he 
 has greatly improved, having added many new 
 commodious buildings, thereby making it one of 
 the finest country seats in Buffalo township. It is 
 situated near the western boundary line of the 
 township, and comprises 175 acres of the choicest 
 land. Here Mr. Noble's chief occupation consists 
 in overseeing the work on the farm, and the raising 
 and selling of live stock, in which he does a large 
 business. He is an extensive breeder of Spanish 
 sheep and Shorthorn cattle. Politically, Mr. Noble 
 is a Democrat, and a leading adviser in his party. 
 Mrs. Noble is a very highly esteemed lady, well- 
 known and generally admired for her sterling 
 qualities. 
 
 John \V. Noble, the next youngest son of Rob- 
 ert and Rachel (McKean) Noble, was born July 
 26, 1850, in Buffalo township, this county, on 
 the old farm that has been in the possession 
 of the family ever since it was patented. He 
 was educated in the common schools of his 
 district, and early in life evinced an aptitude 
 for business, which, judiciously applied, has 
 brought him well-merited success. On November 
 14, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Anna M. Jamison, of Donegal township, aud two 
 children have been born to them — Robert Andrew 
 and Lester Floyd. Mr. Noble and his family at- 
 tend the services of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Taylorstown, toward the support of 
 which he gives liberally of his means. He is a 
 stanch member of the Democratic party, always 
 taking an active part in its councils. He is a lead- 
 ing man in his section, enjoying the respect aud 
 esteem of all as an honest, upright, loyal citizen. 
 
 Wishart Stevenson Noble, youngest son of 
 Robert and Rachel (McKean) Noble, was born 
 July 20, 1854, in Buffalo township, this county, 
 on the old home farm. His boyhood was passed 
 in attending the common schools in winter time, 
 and in assisting in the work of the farm during the 
 summer months. Until the age of twenty-two he 
 remained at the parental home, and then, having 
 married, moved to his present farm in the same 
 township, where he has since been engaged in gen- 
 eral farming and stock raising (with the exception 
 of one year he was engaged in the hardware busi- 
 ness, in Finleyville, this county), and in all his 
 enterprises he has been eminently successful. On 
 August 17, 1876, Mr. Noble was married to Flora 
 Bebout, who bore him children as follows: Jennie 
 Bell, born March 25, 1878; Daztmease Burnell, 
 born September 6, 1880; Susie B., born June 24, 
 L888, and Edna, born June 9, 1891, all yet living. 
 Mrs. Noble and other members of the family are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically 
 Mr. Noble is a Democrat, and has tilled with much 
 credit several offices of trust in his township. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 783 
 
 JOHN S. NOBLE is a grandson of William 
 Noble, who was born in Woodside, Scotland, 
 and there received a superior education. In 
 the year 1805, William Noble immigrated to 
 America, abandoning a large estate to seek 
 a fortune in the New World. After arriving in the 
 United States, he finally settled in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., on a tract of land, lie married 
 Elizabeth Howe, and had a family. He was a 
 soldier in the war of 1812, and in that contest gave 
 his life for his adopted country. 
 
 William C, a son of William and Elizabeth 
 (Howe) Noble, was born in America, May 2, 1789, 
 and in early manhood was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter of John Scott, an early settler 
 of Washington county. The following children 
 were born to them: John S., born November 22, 
 1833; Elizabeth, born March 30, 1836; Wlliam H, 
 born July 19, 1837; and James S. (deceased), horn 
 March 1 1, 1839. The father died April 20, 1859. 
 
 John S. Noble (the subject of this sketch) was 
 born on the old homestead in Buffalo township, and 
 received a good education in the common schools. 
 When the Civil war broke out, he enlisted in Com- 
 pany B, First West Virginia Cavalry, ('apt. Forbes 
 commanding. He was taken sick while in the 
 service, and lost his health. Mr. Noble has been 
 a Republican in his political preferences. A sister 
 now makes her home with him. She is a devout 
 Christian lady, and has been a member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church at Claysville, this coun- 
 ty, since she was twenty-two years of age. 
 
 tive 
 
 Sr., 
 
 of 
 his 
 
 L Ml RS. MARTHA MEHAFFEY, widow of 
 
 x//\ Mitchell Mehaffey, was born June 20, 
 
 ■il 1818, in Buffalo township, Washington 
 
 j -* Co., Penn., and is a daughter of Charles 
 
 McRoberts, Jr., who was also a na- 
 
 Buffalo township. Charles McUoberts, 
 
 father, was born in Scotland, and there 
 
 married Mary Herron, shortly after which they 
 
 emigrated to America, making a settlement in 
 
 Washington county, Penn., where he patented a 
 
 large tract of land. At this early period of the 
 
 county's history, Indians and wild animals roamed 
 
 the forests where are now peaceful valleys and 
 
 fertile farms. Here this sturdy Scotch pioneer set 
 
 to work and cleared a portion of the land, whereon 
 
 he erected a saw and grist mill, which, despite 
 
 the incursions and menaces of the Redmen, he 
 
 conducted for many years. He departed for the 
 
 "Better Land" in 1785, leaving a widow and seven 
 
 children: James, William, John, Samuel, Charles, 
 
 Charlotte and Mary, all now deceased 
 
 Of this family, Charles, the father -of the sub- 
 ject proper of these lines, was born June 1, 1773, 
 in Buffalo township, where he received his educa- 
 tion in the primitive schools of the period. In 
 
 early manhood he taught for several years in the 
 schools of Taylorstown and also several terms near 
 Claysville. At the age of about forty years he 
 married Mary, daughter of William Donaldson, a 
 resident of Pennsylvania, east of the mountains. 
 and the children born to this union were twin 
 daughters — Martha (Mrs. Mehaffey) and Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. Grimes, mother of A. J. and W. C. Grimes,, 
 farmers in Buffalo township). The father died 
 May 29, 1857, aged eighty four years, and the 
 mother on October 1, 1855, aged seventy-nine 
 years. They were honored and respected citizens, 
 and devout Christians, members of the North Buf- 
 falo United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Martha McRoberts was born June 20, IMS. She 
 passed her girlhood on her father's farm, and re 
 Ceived her education at the subscription schools of 
 the neighborhood. On January 21, 1839, she was 
 united in wedlock with Mitchell Mehaffey, of 
 Donegal township, Washington county. His par- 
 ents were natives of Ireland, who hail emigrated 
 to this country and made a settlement in Wash 
 ington county, Penn. , in an early day. where he 
 was born December 29, 1814. To this union were 
 born children as follows: Ellen (Mrs. McGuffiD ), died 
 August 3, 1891; Samuel, residing in Washington, 
 Penn., and Robert, John, Charles Madison, Will 
 iam A., Mary J. and Martha, all yet living on the 
 old homestead. Mr. Mehaffey departed this life 
 April 22, 1884. He was a sincere Christian and 
 a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church; 
 in politics he was a prominent Democrat, and had 
 filled with much credit many offices of trust and 
 responsibility in his township. Mrs. Martha Me- 
 haffey is a lady of much intelligence and refine- 
 ment, and possessed of remarkable memory for one 
 of her years. She is a devout member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, as are the entire family ; and 
 she is now calmly awaiting with Christian resig- 
 nation the summons that shall call her to the River 
 of Life. Her sons are highly respected citizens, 
 and thoroughly practical farmers and stock 
 raisers. 
 
 ILBERT ENGLE is a son-in-law of 
 Henry Moninger, who was born in Ha- 
 gerstown, Md. , in 1790, and coming to 
 Washington county at the age of twenty 
 years, finally located near the Lutheran settlement 
 on the place now known as the " Mike Moninger " 
 farm, which he afterward bought. Henry Mon- 
 iuger's education was received in the subscription 
 schools of his day, and he was considered a well- 
 informed man, one possessed of an unusual amount 
 of good judgment. He was united in marriage 
 with a Miss Hess, of Amity, this county, and the 
 following named children blessed their union: 
 John, born 1810; George, 1812; Mary, 1814; 
 
784 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Henry, 1816; Andrew J., 1818; Susanna, 1820; 
 Jacob, 1822; Catherine 1825; Sarah, 1827; and 
 Elizabeth, 1832; one child died in infancy. The 
 children of his second marriage, with Miss Sarah 
 Hughes, of Washington county, were Robert M. , 
 born in 1844, died young; James A., in 1848, 
 and Emma O, in 1850. One child died in in- 
 fancy unnamed. Mr. Moninger was engaged in 
 buying and selling land, farming and stock drov- 
 ing. He was remarkably energetic and perse- 
 vering, as was evinced in the fact that when 
 Beventy-five years of age he moved with his 
 family to Brooke county, W. Va. , and there pur- 
 chased 600 acres of land, upon which he died in 
 1864. He was originally a Whig, and afterward 
 a Republican, and though always willing to give 
 any possible aid to his party, was no office seeker. 
 In religious connection he was an honored member 
 of the Disciple Church at Lone Pine. 
 
 Mrs. Emma C. (Moninger) Engle was born in 
 Char tiers township, and remained with the family 
 in West Virgiuia and Washington county, Penn. 
 She attended school at Washington, Lone Pine 
 and at Pleasant Hill Seminary. She prepared for 
 the vocation of a teacher, but having met with an 
 accident in 1868 was compelled to abandon that 
 profession. Like her sister, Elizabeth, who was a 
 graduate of Olome Institute, Canonsburg, Mrs. 
 Engle was a close student and is an excellent 
 scholar. In April, 1891, she became the wife of 
 Wilbert Engle, a prominent young citizen of Lone 
 Pine. Amwell township. Wilbert Engle was born 
 in Washington county, where he has always re- 
 sided. He is a son of William and Catherine 
 Engle, and was educated in the common schools. 
 Mrs. Engle. is an eager reader of current literature, 
 for from 1868 to 1888, during the period of her 
 lameness, she read many of the standard works 
 and much of all that was good in modern publica- 
 tions. Mr. Engle farms during the summer and 
 mines coal during the winter. Both are devout 
 members of the Church of Christ at Lone Pine. 
 Mrs. Engle and her brother James are the only 
 representatives of this large family, who have re- 
 sided at home within the period covered by her 
 memory, and both are living at Lone Pine. 
 
 [ [\ WILLIAM M. PHILIPS is a son of Jo- 
 siah, whose father, David, was the leading 
 pioneer preacher of Peters township. 
 Rev. David Philips was born in 1742, in 
 Wales, and emigrating many years ago, 
 lirst settled in Chester county, Penn., where he 
 was married to Miss Mary Thomas. The young 
 couple then came to Washington county and took 
 up 100 acres of land on the boundary line of Wash- 
 ington and Allegheny counties, for which a patent 
 was secured March 4, 17b>6. Prior to locating in 
 
 Peters township David Philips had been a captain, 
 in the Revolutionary war, and in religious connec- 
 tion was a member of the Great Valley Baptist 
 Church. After settling in Washington county he 
 served forty years as pastor of the Peters Creek 
 Baptist Church, the land upon which the church is 
 now standing having formerly been a portion of 
 liis property. The following children were born to 
 this couple: Mary, Benjamin, John, Joseph, 
 Joseph 2d, Thomas, Josiah, David, David 2d, Mar- 
 tha and Rachel (twins), Sarah aud Isaac. During 
 the Civil war a full company of the descendants of 
 Rev. David Philips took an active part in the con- 
 test, and nearly one thousand of his descendants 
 are yet living. 
 
 Josiah Philips, son of David and Mary (Thomas) 
 Philips, was born April 14, 1770, in Chester 
 county, Penn., and in 1779 came with his parents 
 to the old homestead near Library, Washington 
 county. He grew to manhood on the old place, 
 and was wedded to Sarah Bell, who bore him the 
 following children: David, Mary, John, Joseph, 
 Isaac, Robert, Elizabeth, Sarah, Nancy and Josiah. 
 The mother died, and for his second wife Josiah 
 Philips married Mary, daughter of John and 
 Jane Boyer, and widow of Richard Blackmore. 
 They had four children, namely: Margaret, Rich- 
 ard (deceased), William M. and James B. 
 
 William M. Philips, whose name introduces this 
 biography, was born April 11, 1826, on the home- 
 stead in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He remained on the farm during boyhood, and in 
 early life learned the cabinetmaker's trade, follow- 
 ing that business for the five years following 1853, 
 On August 18, 1853, he married Miss Mary E. 
 Riggs, of Peters township, who was born June 3, 
 1835. To them were born the following children: 
 Edward B., Lloyd S. , Hettie L., Anna C., Norman 
 W., Roland J. and Harry W. The farm, which he 
 has occupied since 1858, contains sixty-five well- 
 cultivated acres, all improvements having been 
 made by the present owner. He has always voted 
 with the Republican or Prohibition party, and in 
 religious faith is a member (with all his family) of 
 and deacon in the Christian Church. Mrs. Marv 
 E. Philips died July 17, 1892. 
 
 Edward Riggs was a man " ever foremost of his 
 comrades'' in all matters of social, religious, edu- 
 cational and political reform. A stanch advocate 
 of Abolition in its most unpopular days, with 
 Edward Campbell and Edward Anderson — the 
 "Three Edwards'' — comprised for many years 
 the whole of the Abolition party in Peters township. 
 He was one of the leading spirits in forming the 
 Peters Creek Christian Church. He was born 
 July 2, 1802, married Hettie Newmeyer, of Fay- 
 ette county, Penn., January 1, 1826, and to tin in 
 eleven children were born, of whom the late Mrs. 
 Philips was one. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 785 
 
 J| AMES THEODORE DAY. Among the early 
 settlers of Washington county, who helped 
 J to reclaim its fertile lands from the dense 
 primeval forests, was Luther Day. He was 
 descended from a hardy English family, who, in 
 early colonial days had settled in New Jersey. 
 Locating in Morris township about ITSi, he mar- 
 ried Mary Van Kirk, and reared a family of seven 
 children, as follows: William V. , Daniel. Priscilla, 
 Lavina, Arvida, Maria and Artemus; of whom 
 Daniel, Priscilla and Arvida are still living, being 
 residents of Morris township. Luther Day 
 devoted his whole life to farming and was success- 
 fid. He died in 1874. His eldest son, William 
 V. Day, was born July 12, 1812, and on Decem- 
 ber 5, 1834, was married to Sarah Patterson, a 
 native of Morris township, born November 17, 1812. 
 To them were born seven children: Alanson R., 
 born October, 1835, married Lydia M. Cort, and at 
 present resides in Carroll township, Washington 
 county; James Theodore, whose sketch follows; 
 Almus L., born May 2, 1840, and died February 
 28, 1845; Sarah L., born December 9, 1842, 
 married Joseph Andrew, and resides in Boulder 
 county, Colo.; Mary E. , born August 1, 1845, 
 was married September 21, 1873, to Oresta Vail, 
 and died April 2, 1880; William Howard, born 
 February 19, 1848, was married September 10, 
 1876, to Mary E. Rowley, of Texas, where they 
 now reside; Ida P., born February 28, 1854, mar- 
 ried October 13, 1875, to W. J. Fleniken, now de- 
 ceased. The father died May 2, 1883, and the 
 mother in 1887. Luther Day was a great reader — 
 possessed a wonderful memory, and was a ready 
 .speaker. His height was five feet and ten inches, 
 and his weight 170 pounds. 
 
 James Theodore Day, born March 7, 1837, was 
 reared on his father's farm, and trained to a good 
 practical knowledge of farm work. His early 
 mental training was received in the neighborhood 
 schools, from which he obtained an ordinary busi- 
 ness education. In beginning business life, he 
 started as a farmer, in which he has since success- 
 fully continued. He entered the Federal army 
 August 12, 1861, as a member of the Twenty- 
 Second Cavalry Regiment, of Pennsylvania Volun- 
 teers. He rendered gallant service until Septem- 
 ber, 1863, when he was honorably discharged on 
 account of disability, resulting from a serious 
 wound received in making a charge near Moore- 
 held, W. Va. One year later he returned to his 
 home in Washington county, and on May 24, 1866, 
 was married to Elizabeth Horton, a daughter of 
 Thomas Horton, of East Bethlehem township. 
 To them five children have been born, viz. : Maria 
 S., torn July 9, 1869; Annie M., born October 19, 
 1871; Lizzie Bell, born June 15, 1874; Margaret 
 Elnora, born May 2, 1880, and died January 9, 
 1882; Mabel Ida, born November 17, 1881. The 
 
 daughters that have attained a requisite age are 
 teaching school, and preparing themselves for a 
 high class of educational work. Mr. Da/ gives 
 his exclusive attention to the management of his 
 excellent farm, located at the west end of Sparta, 
 and which has in turn been owned by grandfather, 
 father and son. In politics Mr. Day is a Repub- 
 lican. Both he and his wife are members of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Concord. 
 
 It Mi RS. MARTHA STILLWAGEN is a daugh- 
 v/l ter of Joseph Miller, whose father, Chris- 
 XII topher Miller, emigrated from Germany to 
 ^ this country and settled on Dutch Fork 
 v creek, Buffalo township, Washington Co., 
 
 Penn., where his son Joseph was born (supposed 
 in 1804) and reared. Joseph Miller passed his 
 early years on the home farm, and was afterward 
 united in marriage with Miss Sally Cellars, of 
 Washington county, Penn. He settled on a farm 
 near Claysville, this county, and followed agricult- 
 ural pursuits all his life. The following children 
 were born to them: Valentine, John, Thomas, Mary, 
 Martha, Joseph, Cellars, James, and an unnamed 
 infant. Mr. Miller was a generous, kiud-heaiH'd 
 man, and enjoyed a deserved popularity among his 
 neighbors. He was a stanch member of the Whig 
 party, but not an active politician. 
 
 Martha Miller was born April 19, 1830, and was 
 the fifth child in the order of birth. She was 
 reared on the home farm, and assisted with the 
 household duties until her marriage to Charles 
 Stillwagen (who was born January 19, 1819), which 
 event occurred on February 14, 1850. The young 
 couple began their married life in Donegal town- 
 ship, Washington county, and afterward re- 
 moved to the present home of the family in West 
 Finley township. Fifteen children have been born 
 to them (but ten of whom are now living), viz. : 
 George J., Andrew J., Charles, Mary E., Martha 
 J., Annie,. Vanissie, Joseph, Michael, Clarissa, 
 Caroline, Eliza B., Thomas, John and William. 
 Mr. Stillwagen was a stanch Democrat, and held 
 several important offices. He was always indus- 
 trious, and owned over two hundred acres of fine 
 land at the time of his death, which occurred De- 
 cember 4, 1886. In religion he was a member of 
 the Catholic Church. 
 
 IfSAAC HODGENS, a progressive and popular 
 young farmer citizen of Buffalo township, is 
 a native of the same, born March 27. 1858, on 
 the farm where he yet resides. He is a son 
 of Thomas and Margaret (Wilson) Hodgens, the 
 latter of whom was a daughter of William Wilson, 
 late of Buffalo township. 
 
 Thomas Hodgens was a native of the same town- 
 
786 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ship, whither his parents had come in an early day, 
 and here he was born June 29, 1826, and reared 
 to the many and varied arduous duties of farm life. 
 His winter months were to a considerable extent 
 devoted to attending the neighboring subscription | 
 schools, and improving what he may there have 
 learned by study at home, acquiring in course of 
 time, by earnest application to his books, a good, 
 useful education. While yet a young man, Mr. 
 Hodgens was married to Margaret Wilson, who was 
 born in Taylorstown, January 5, 1829, and the 
 young couple then took up their residence on the 
 farm now occupied by R. W. Crothers, from which, 
 after a few years, they moved to the place that is 
 at present the home of our subject and his brother. 
 This farm was totally unimproved, and was brought 
 to its present state of cultivation by the assiduous 
 labor, industry and perseverance of Thomas Hodg- 
 ens. the buildings thereon having been erected by 
 him and his family. The children born to Thomas 
 and Margaret (Wilson) Hodgens were: William 
 and Ella (both deceased), James W. , Isaac and 
 Clara. On May 8, 1*62, the father passed from 
 earth, and was followed to the grave by the mother 
 April 13, 1869. They were constant attendants 
 and liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Claysville, and enterprising citizens, earning a 
 reputation of which the family are justly proud. 
 Mr. Hodgens was a stanch and loyal Democrat, 
 and, although rarely accepting political prefer- 
 ment, was ever a zealous worker for the party's 
 cause. 
 
 Isaac Hodgens received his education at the 
 common schools of the district, and was reared in 
 the practical lessons of farm life — lessons more val- 
 uable to him in his sphere of life than all the 
 classic lore of Athens and Rome. On October 27, 
 1881, he was married to Caroline V., daughter of 
 Abraham and Margaret (Wright) Hair, of Done- 
 gal township, and the children born to this union 
 are Harry and William. The family attend the 
 services of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville; 
 in politics Mr. Hodgens is an active Democrat, and 
 has served his township in various position-- of 
 trust and responsibility, now holding the office of 
 school director. He is a well-known and valuable 
 citizen, prominent in all undertakings conducive to 
 the prosperity of the township and county. 
 
 \ILLIAM A. GABBY, an enterprising citi- 
 zen of Washington borough, comes of 
 Scottish ancestry. His grandfather, James 
 Gabby, emigrated from Scotland with two 
 brothers, John and William, to Maryland, thence 
 moving to Washington county in the year 1 7^7, 
 and, locating on the farm in Franklin township 
 which is now the home of his heirs, became one of 
 the pioneer settlers of this county. He was united 
 
 in marriage with Miss Jean Gabby, who bore him 
 children as follows: William, Joseph, Mary, Ann, 
 Jane, Margaret and Emma. 
 
 Washington county was then almost an unbroken 
 wilderness, inhabited principally by tierce savages, 
 who often wreaked their fury on the daring pioneers 
 who presumed to invade their domain. One night 
 they attacked the house of Mr. Gabby and burned 
 it to the ground, the family, who had barely time 
 to escape with their lives, saving nothing but a 
 Bible and a rifle. James Gabby was originally a 
 Federalist, and then a Whig. In religious faith 
 he was a member of the Covenanter Church. 
 
 William Gabby (father of subject) was born 
 September 14, 1803, on the home farm in Franklin 
 township, this county, and in 1829 was married to 
 Margaret, daughter of John and Mary McClellan. 
 The following children were born to this union: 
 .Mary (.Mrs. .lames G. Allison), James F., Margaret 
 A. (Mrs. Jonathan Allison) and Jane (Mis. Ezra 
 Cavey) (twins). William A., Frank M. and Ellen 
 (twins). Hugh A., Robert R., John and Joseph. 
 After his marriage Mr. Gabby settled on the farm 
 where his son (William A.) now resides, and re- 
 mained there thirty-three years; then removed to 
 another part of the farm, now owned by J. P. 
 Sayers, where he died May 21, 1883. He was an 
 ardent member of the early Republican party. Iu 
 religious faith he united in youth with the TJ. P. 
 Church, and formerly attended the churches both 
 at North and South Buffalo. He was one of the 
 organizers of that denomination at Washington 
 borough, and served as one of the first elders in the 
 church, tilling that position until his death. 
 
 William A. Gabby was born January 8, 1840. on 
 the old home farm in Frankliu township, and there 
 passed his early life, attending school and Washing- 
 ton College. He then entered the war of the Re- 
 bellion, enlisting August 28, 1861, in Company A, 
 One Hundredth P. V. I., and was sent to South 
 Carolina under T. W. Sherman, against Beaufort 
 Island, and under Burnside to Kentucky and Ten- 
 nessee; theuce marching under Grant he took part 
 in the siege of Knoxville. Mr. Gabby then reen- 
 listed December 28, 1863, for three years more, 
 and was sent to the army of the Potomac. During 
 the war he took part iu the following engagements: 
 Fort Wagner, Second Bull Run. Chantilly. South 
 Mountain. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg, 
 evacuation of Jackson, siege of Knoxville, Wilder- 
 ness, Spottsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, 
 Petersburg and the mine explosion which occurred 
 there. During one battle a bullet struck Mr. Gab 
 by's canteen, but he escaped any injury, and was 
 one of the participants in the grand review at 
 Washington. He was discharged from the service 
 July 26, 1865. 
 
 On November 22, 1870, Mr. Gabby was united 
 in marriage with Edith, daughter of Henry H. and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 787 
 
 Phoebe (Mintor) Wilson, of Washington county, 
 Penn., and, locating on the farm which is yet his 
 home, reared the following named children: Harry 
 W. , John, Helen, Mary and Margaret. Mr. Gabby 
 is a leading citizen, noted for his industry and enter- 
 prise. In politics he is a Republican; in religion 
 he has been a member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Washington for many years. 
 
 w 
 
 VILSON and JOSEPH ARNOLD, members 
 of the prosperous and well-known firm 
 of Arnold Bros. , stock dealers in Chartiers 
 township, are sons of John and Elizabeth 
 (McMillen) Arnold, and are representatives of oue 
 of the earliest and most prominent pioneer fami- 
 lies of Washington county. 
 
 Henry Arnold, a native of Germany, immigrated 
 to America prior to the Revolution, and settled in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, taking an active part in the 
 conflict. After the close of the war he was mar- 
 ried to Sarah Taylor, and moved upon a farm in 
 Washington county, Penn., where his life was 
 passed. He died at the age of ninety-nine years, 
 and was buried with the honors of war, his aged 
 wife surviving him about two years. 
 
 John Arnold, son of the pioneer Henry Arnold, 
 was born, in 1790, in Washington county, Penn., 
 and received his education at the so-called sub- 
 scription schools of the day, in the meantime be- 
 ing reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1815 he 
 married Elizabeth McMillen. who was born Sep- 
 tember 15, 1797, in eastern Pennsylvania. She 
 was a daughter of Robert and Sarah McMillen, 
 who were of Scotch-Irish descent and settled in 
 Chartiers township in 1803. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold 
 settled on a farm in Chartiers township, where he- 
 died in 1842. He was a member of the Associate 
 Reformed Church at Cross Roads, and in politics 
 affiliated with the Whig party. Mrs. Arnold passed 
 away iu May, 1879, leaving a large family of 
 children, of whom the following is a brief record: 
 Levi, born in 1816, was married in 1837 to Miss 
 Jane Donaldson, of Canonsburg, this county, and 
 ten children were born to them, five of whom are 
 yet living, namely: Mary (wife of Dr. Clark, of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.), John (married to a Miss Smith, 
 of Canonsburg), Ettie, Simon and Sadie, the latter 
 four living in Canonsburg (the father died in 1880, 
 and his widow is yet living). Simon, born in Sep- 
 tember, 1817, was married in 1861, to Josephine 
 McMillen, of Cambridge, Ohio (he entered the serv- 
 ice in 1862 in the One Hundred andFortieth P. V. I., 
 and was killed July 2, 1863, at the battle of Gettys- 
 burg; his wife died a few weeks before). Robert, 
 born April 21, 1820, was married, about 1845, to 
 Rachel Morrow, a native of this county (he was a 
 blacksmith, also conducted a grocery in Washing- 
 ton and Pittsburgh; ho died in this county, April 
 
 26, 1886, leaving a widow and five sons, namely: 
 Henry H. , living in Chartiers township; J. M. , 
 Robert and James S. , all three married and resi- 
 dents of Pittsburgh; and William Simon, a wid- 
 ower, in Pittsburgh). Henry, born on February 22, 
 1822, died in 1844. Nancy Jane, born April 17, 
 L824, was married to Thomas Wallace, and settled 
 in Knox county, Ohio, where two daughters were 
 born to her: Elizabeth (Mrs. Dr. Hanna) and Jen- 
 nie (wife of James L. Lindsey, living in Columbi- 
 ana county, Ohio, but born in Washington county), 
 the mother died in October, 1883. John, born 
 March 14, 1826, was married to Mary Ann Ander- 
 son, a native of Virginia, who came to Washington 
 county, Penn., in an early day (after his marriage 
 John settled in Chartiers township, but in 1862 
 left home and enlisted in Company B, One Hun- 
 dred and Fortieth P. V. I. ; he fought in the army 
 of the Potomac, taking part in all the engagements 
 of that division, and after the close of the war re- 
 turned home to find that his wife had passed away 
 in 1864, while he was in the service; he was acci- 
 dentally killed in 1869, in Washington; he left 
 five children, viz. : John Logan, born October 
 4, 1853, died December 25, 1881 ; Anna (wife of 
 William White, of Chartiers township), born in 
 1855; George, living in Chartiers township, born 
 December 28, 1857; William, living in Chartiers 
 township, born in 1859, and Elizabeth, born April 
 26, 1861, her home being with Arnold Bros., Char- 
 tiers). Sarah, born in March, 1828, married to 
 William Harsha, who first settled in Ohio, then in 
 McLean county, 111., where he died in 1872, leav- 
 ing a widow and the following children: William 
 H. (married and living in Missouri), Maggie, Liz- 
 zie, Jennie, Hattie, Simon, Samuel Farley, Wilson, 
 Joseph and James. Elizabeth, born February 
 12, 1831, wife of Samuel Farley (she died in Feb- 
 ruary, 1864, leaving three children: James, living 
 at Bosfon, Penn. ; Samuel, married to Anna Mani- 
 fodd, and Elizabeth, deceased June 14, 1890, wife 
 of John Manifodd). Esther Ann. born January 2( •, 
 1833, wife of D. M. Stewart, of Cross Creek town- 
 ship. Wilson and Joseph. 
 
 Wilson Arnold was born July 27, 1836, on the 
 home farm in Chartiers township, and received his 
 education at the common schools of the neighbor- 
 hood. After leaving school he began business as 
 a farmer and stock raiser, which he and his 
 brother Joseph have followed with signal success. 
 The home farm consists of 240 acres of well- culti- 
 vated land, upon which they raise large numbers 
 of sheep and cattle. Politically Mr. Arnold is an 
 active Democrat, and he is a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Houstonville. 
 
 Joseph Aenold was born March 28, 1838, in 
 Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., on 
 the home place, where he grew to manhood. On 
 June 1, 1864, he was married to Maria Stewart, of 
 
788 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Cross Creek township, this county, who bore him 
 three children, namely: J. F. (living in Chartiers 
 township), born April 6, 1866; Sadie, born Novem- 
 ber 29, 1867, drowned February 10, 1880; and 
 Simon, born July 29, 1870. The mother of these 
 children died December 26, 1872, and on April 29, 
 1875, Mr. Arnold married Miss Mary L. Black, of 
 Canonsburg, this county, born October 2, 1817. 
 She is a daughter of John E. Black, who was born, 
 in lS14,in Allegheny county, Penn., and in 1840 was 
 united in marriage with Alice Hanson, a native of 
 Cecil township, this county, born in 1818. After 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Black settled in 
 Canonsburg, this county, where he became a prom- 
 inent and successful merchant. He was treasurer 
 of Washington and Jefferson College for some 
 time, and during his later years carried on a bank- 
 ing business at Canonsburg. He voted with the 
 Republican party, and in religious faith was a 
 member and ruling elder of the Associate Reformed 
 Church in Canonsburg. He died in December 
 1868; his widow is yet living in the town. 
 
 Joseph and Mary (Black) Arnold began married 
 life on the farm where he is yet living, which he 
 and his brother, Wilsou, had conducted for several 
 years prior to the marriage of Joseph, doing a 
 profitable business in sheep raising. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Arnold have had the following children: Kate, 
 born June 11, 1878; Joseph, born August 21, 
 1882, died at the age of three weeks; one deceased 
 in infancy; James, born July 21, 1884, and 
 Joseph J., born December 9, 1885. In politics 
 Mr. Arnold is an active member of the Democratic- 
 party. He and his wife are members of the 
 United Presbyterian Church at Houstonville. 
 
 he purchased first the half and later the entire in- 
 terest in his present drug store in the borough. Mr. 
 McMillan is a registered pharmacist (1887). and 
 his store is equipped with everything essential to a 
 first-class prescription establishment and general 
 drug business. In 1879 our subject was united in 
 marriage with Miss Kate E. Jones, daughter of 
 William McK. Jones, a farmer of the county, of 
 Somerset township, now of Monongahela City. 
 Three children have blessed this union, viz. : Bes- 
 sie Ula, Ariel Vivene and John Adrian, all at home. 
 The family are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
 McMillan is a member of the F. & A. M. ; in pol- 
 itics he is a Democrat. 
 
 JOHN K. McMILLAN was bom December 10, 
 1 S 5'J, in Fallowfield township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., a sou of Robert McMillan, a 
 native of this county, whose father was a 
 farmer by occupation. Robert was married to 
 Elizabeth Bennett, and nine children were born to 
 them, of whom the following is a brief record: 
 Leauder is deceased; Harvey lives in Pittsburgh: 
 Mary is the wife of Jacob Gibson, of Fallowfield 
 township; Amanda is the deceased wife of Smith 
 Carson, who also lives in Fallowfield; Anna Louisa 
 died in infancy; Cynthia, Robert, Jr., and Jennie 
 H. reside at home; John K. is the subject of this 
 memoir. The mother died in 1867. 
 
 John K. McMillan was reared on his father's 
 farm, and received his elementary education in the 
 common schools of his native township, which was 
 supplemented with a course at the Southwestern 
 State Normal School, California, Penn., and at 
 Duff's Business College. Pittsburgh, class of 1877- 
 78. He then came to Washington, and for a time 
 carried on an insurance business. In 1881 
 
 I 
 
 JOHN MEHAFFEY, the largest landholder 
 in Donegal township, and one of the most 
 extensive in Washington county, is descended 
 from a vigorous Scotch-Irish race, noted for 
 their honesty, industry, energy and loyalty. 
 Robert Mehaffey, a native of Ireland, born in 
 1772 in County Tyrone, set sail about the year 
 1800 for the Western Hemisphere, landing at New 
 York after a lengthy voyage. From "Gotham" 
 he proceeded to Lancaster county, Penn., where 
 for some time he rented and worked a farm. Here 
 in 1801 he married Eleanor Mitchell, who bore 
 him the following named eight children: James, 
 Joseph, Robert, Mitchell, Jane, John, Ellen and 
 Lizzie, all of whom lived to an adult age except 
 Lizzie, who died in infancy, and two are yet living, 
 viz. : Jane (wife of Patrick Rodgers, of Donegal 
 township) and John. About the year 1816 Robert 
 Mehaffey moved from Lancaster to this county, 
 where he leased the McDowell farm in Buffalo 
 township, along the National pike, and here re- 
 mained some years, after which he came to Done- 
 gal township, settling on a farm about four miles 
 northwest of Claysville. Here he followed agri- 
 cultural pursuits during the remainder of his busy 
 life, dying July 22, 1824, aged fifty-two years; his 
 widow continued to live on this farm (it being op- 
 erated by her sons) until her death, which occurred 
 September 9, 1846, when she was sixty- six ye;irs old. 
 John Mehaffey is a native of the county, as has 
 already been intimated, having been born January 
 11, 1821, in Douegal township, his education, 
 which owing to circumstances was very limited, 
 being obtained at the public schools of his locality. 
 He was but three years old when his father died, 
 so, his widowed mother requiring all the assistance 
 on the farm she could muster, he began very early 
 in life to work about the place, " doing chore-," 
 etc. But it was a sound, practical training that 
 proved of invaluable service to him in after life — 
 an education that brought him wealth that no clas- 
 sic lore of ancient Rome or Athens could ever help 
 him to, as a tiller of the soil. Farming has been 
 

 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 791 
 
 his life-work from boyhood, and fortune has smiled 
 upon his labors. By good management, sound 
 judgment, indefatigable perseverance and wonder- 
 ful sagacity he has accumulated possessions, until 
 he is now the owner of over 1,000 acres of prime 
 farm land, on which he has many tenants, and 
 whereon browse his sheep, numbering in the hun- 
 dreds, for Mr. Mehaffey, in addition to general 
 farming, is extensively engaged in wool growing. 
 He himself now does little or no real active farm 
 work, as the management of his vast estate, to- 
 gether with his other business affairs, occupies 
 about all his time. 
 
 On March 31, 1859, Mr. Mehaffey was married 
 to Sarah Jane Barr, who was born in Buffalo 
 township, this county, March 6, 1834, a daughter 
 of Robert Barr; she died September 4, 1804, leav- 
 ing one child, Eleanor, an accomplished and re- 
 fined young lady, still living with her father. His 
 second wife, whom he wedded November --. I Mill. 
 was Elizabeth Sawhill, also a native of Buffalo 
 township, born November 29, 1830, who bore him 
 one son, William J., a promising young man. Mr. 
 Mehaffey, after his marriage with Miss Barr, lived 
 in various parts of his native township up to 1870, 
 in which year he located on his present piece of 
 well-improved land lying four miles northwest of 
 Claysville, and here he has since made his home. 
 His residence, which he erected himself, stands on 
 an elevated part of the grounds, and commands a 
 fine view of the surrounding country. Prior to his 
 first marriage he had followed farming on the old 
 homestead, the ptlace of his birth. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Mehaffey are consistent members 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, and they 
 are known and respected, far and wide, for their 
 philanthropy and many charitable acts. In his 
 political associations our subject was first a Whig, 
 and since the organization of the party has been 
 an equally zealous Republican. He believes in 
 protection for American industries and workmen. 
 Much of his attention has been devoted to the wool 
 industry, which he believes to be dependent upon 
 a protective tariff. Mr. Mehaffey is a man of pro- 
 nounced views, genial and quiet and pleasant in 
 his manner; and though now somewhat advanced 
 in years, he is still hale and active. He and his 
 family enjoy the respect and esteem of a wide cir- 
 cle of friends and acquaintances. 
 
 O. STEVENSON. The first ancestor of 
 this gentleman, of whom we have authen- 
 tic record, was Richard Stevenson, of 
 Berkeley county, Va. (uowW. Va.), where 
 he was born and Seared. 
 Richard Stevenson was married in early man- 
 hood to Mrs Onora Crawford (widow of Hugh 
 Crawford, an old Indian trader, by whom she had 
 
 two sons, William and Valentine). William Craw- 
 ford was colonel of the Fifth Virginia Regulars, 
 commissioned in 1781. The circumstances of his 
 death, which occurred June 11, 1782, in Sandusky, 
 Ohio, are recorded in nearly every U. S. history. 
 He was burned at the stake by Indians (who had 
 captured him) for the evident purpose of wreaking 
 vengeance on their victim in return for the historic 
 massacre at Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, 
 many Indians having been there slaughtered by 
 the whites. At the time of his capture Col. Craw- 
 ford was conducting a campaign against the 
 Wyandotts and Moravian tribes. To the union of 
 Richard and Onora (Crawford) Stevenson children 
 were born as follows: John, Hugh, Richard, 
 James, Marcus and one daughter. Mrs. Steven- 
 son possessed great physical strength, and was a 
 kind and affectionate mother; she died in 1776. 
 Gen. George Washington was a frequent visitor at 
 this home, often taking part in athletic contests 
 with the sons. The early friendship ripened with 
 the passing years, and when Gen. AYashington rose 
 to prominence in military life, James Stevenson 
 was yet his dearest friend and constant companion. 
 James Stevenson, son of Richard, was born and 
 reared on his father's farm in Berkeley county (W. 
 Va.), where he was united in marriage with Rachel 
 McKeever; their children were Moses, William, 
 Mary, Theodosia, James and Sarah. In 1781 Mr. 
 Stevenson concluded to take advantage of the 
 cheap lands then open in western Pennsylvania. 
 He was then in the prime of life, and a splendid 
 specimen of physical manhood. In company with 
 a negro slave named Fortune (who had been the 
 property of George Washington, from whom Mr. 
 Stevenson purchased him), he started on foot on a 
 journey of exploration, leaving his family at home, 
 not wishing them to undergo the perils of such a 
 hazardous expedition. The two men arrived safely 
 in Washington county, Penn., and Mr. Stevenson 
 took up a "tomahawk claim" of 500 acres of 
 choice land, four miles southeast of Burgetts- 
 town, Smith township. A humble cabin was 
 soon erected, some rude improvements made, and 
 a crop of corn planted. The negro previously 
 mentioned was then left to manage the place, and 
 Mr. Stevenson then returned to West Virginia, the 
 negro subsisting on game and roots during his ab- 
 sence. The entire family were located in their 
 pioneer home, which was afterward supplanted by 
 a larger log cabin. Mrs. Stevenson died Decem- 
 ber 14, 1789, and for his second wife Mr. Steven- 
 son married Martha Barr, the following children 
 being born to their union: Benjamin, Richard, 
 Joseph, Achsah and John. The land increased in 
 value as civilization progressed, and at the time of 
 his death Mr. Stevenson was a wealthy man. He 
 died in 1813, being followed by his wife in 1810. 
 William Stevenson, born January 24, 1771, was a 
 
792 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 son of James and Rachel (McKeevers) Stevenson, 
 and the grandfather of W. 0. Stevenson. He 
 was married to Margaret Crawford, and they 
 reared a family of ten children. Their father 
 diedMaroh 1. 1851, their mother May 11, 1819. 
 Oliver Stevenson, their son, was born in 1801 in 
 Smith township, on his father's farm, and received 
 his elementary education at the country schools. 
 On January 12, 1826, he was united in marriage 
 with Sarah Curry, who was born in 18(13. daughter 
 of Itobert Curry, a cooper by trade, and a native 
 of Scotland. He immigrated to Pennsylvania, 
 locating in Allegheny county, near the present 
 site of Allegheny, and was often obliged to flee to 
 a neighboring blockhouse from the Indians. The 
 children of Oliver and Sarah Stevenson were as 
 follows: Margaret A., born January 15, 1827 (wife 
 of J. B. Haines, a prominent wholesale merchant 
 of Pittsburgh, Penn.); Isabel M.,born June 5, 1829 
 (died at the age of twenty-one years); W. O., born 
 May 5, 1832; R. T. C, bom August 15, 183'.). a 
 citizen of Burgettstown, Penn.; Sarah Juliet, born 
 August 15, 18-43 (died in youth); and Oliver M. , 
 born December 5, 1S4S, died in infancy. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Stevenson first settled on a farm in Smith 
 township, and afterward moved to the farm where 
 the remainder of their lives was passed. At the 
 time of his death Oliver Stevenson was quite an ex- 
 tensive landowner. In politics he was much inter- 
 ested in the success of the Democratic party, with 
 which he was connected. He died in 1854, his 
 widow on June IS, 1885, aged eighty-three years. 
 W. O. Stevenson was born on the home farm 
 in Smith township, where he is now living. On 
 March 2, 1869, he was married to Ophelia Ann 
 Walker, who was born September 21, 1S47, in 
 Jefferson township, this county, daughter of Sam 
 uel and Elizabeth (Jerome) Walker. They have 
 had three children, namely: Sarah L. (deceased in 
 infancy), Maggie B. (at home), and Nellie Ophelia. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Steveuson have always lived on the 
 home farm, which consists of 160 acres of valuable 
 land, lying four miles south of Burgettstown. He 
 has successfully followed agricultural pursuits; in 
 politics he is a lifelong Democrat. 
 
 IfOHN B. WEIR. In the galaxy of names of 
 1 the influential citizens of Washington bor- 
 t | ough, that of John B. Weir ranks with the 
 ^^ first. He is a descendant of Scotch-Irish an- 
 cestors, to which two races many of the most 
 intelligent and enterprising citizens are proud to 
 trace their lineage. In the latter part of the 
 eighteenth century three brothers first landed on 
 American soil, whose descendants are numbered 
 among the leading families of the Eastern States: 
 Adam, William and Samuel Weir (with his wife) 
 crossed the ocean together, and soon after their 
 
 arrival in the United States settled near the head of 
 Chartiers creek. The families of Adam and Will- 
 iam in after years pushed farther westward, their 
 descendants being scattered throughout Ipwa and 
 the neighboring States. 
 
 Samuel Weir, the grandfather of John B., made 
 a permanent settlement on a farm in Washington 
 county, Penn., where he followed agricultural pur- 
 suits and distilling, the latter industry being then 
 a common occupation; and not many years ago one 
 could count, from a neighboring hill on his pioneer 
 farm, the smoke from fifteen distilleries, all in 
 operation. Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Weir were the 
 parents of the following children: Joseph, Adam, 
 Thomas, Polly (married to Thomas Axtell, of this 
 county, and leaving descendants in Solsberry, 
 Ind. ), Jane (deceased wife of John Buck, a stage 
 driver on the National road, who settled in Ohio, 
 where her descendants are living). Rachel Ide- 
 ceased), Sarah (widow of Charles Rettig, in Am- 
 well township) and Mrs. Deaver (of Hillsborough, 
 this, county). Samuel Weir was a Democrat in 
 politics. He died many years ago, and his widow 
 afterward married George Ivingland. She died in 
 the year 1847, at an advanced age. 
 
 Joseph Weir, a son of Samuel, was born in 
 Franklin township, on the farm now owned by 
 Stephen Post. He was married to Jemima 
 Squires, a native of Morris township. (The Squireses 
 were among the pioneer settlers of Franklin town- 
 ship, now scattered, some of the members having 
 moved to Ohio). The young couple settled on the 
 farm in Franklin 'township which is still in the 
 possession of their descendants. Their children 
 were as follows: Samuel C. (died at the age of 
 sixty-one years, leaving two sons, who are residents 
 of this county), William L. (died at the age of 
 thirty-three), Elizabeth (Mrs. Post), Jane, George 
 and Joseph (all three died in infancy) and 
 John B. (subject of this sketch). The mother of 
 these children died in 1842, at the age of forty- 
 two years, and in 1844 Mr. Weir married Mrs. 
 Phcebe Hanna, of Carrollton, Ohio, to whom two 
 children were born, namely: Morris (living near 
 Washington) and Margaret (wife of John M. Day, 
 of Franklin township). Mr. Weir was an active 
 member of the Democratic party. He served one 
 term as director of the poor, ami filled various 
 township offices. He was school director for many 
 years, also supervisor, and was twice elected jus- 
 tice of the peace. He was familiarly known as 
 "Uncle Joe" among his friends, being a genial and 
 popular man. He followed farming, but devoted 
 
 his attention to raising si \>. being so fond of 
 
 these animals that he would neither kill one nor 
 eat its flesh. He shipped the wool one year to 
 Lowell, Mass., and received the highest price paid 
 for fleeces in the entire county. Joseph Weir 
 was a regular attendant and supporter of the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 793 
 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was a man 
 of strong convictions, one who never swerved from 
 anv duty which lay before him, and a perfect speci- 
 men of physical manhood. Though far advanced 
 in years, his death was an unexpected blow to 
 all. He was salting the sheep one morning, and, 
 failing to return to the house, was found dead in 
 the pasture. The medical authorities gave a ver- 
 dict of heart failure, but his son John is of the 
 opinion that the old gentleman, being crip] >led by 
 sciatica, tripped in the deep grass over the salt 
 pail, and could not regain his breath. Joseph 
 Weir died in 1867, at the age of seventy-one 
 years, being followed by his widow in 1881. 
 
 John B. Weir was born in 1837, in Franklin 
 (then Morris) township, and received his early 
 education in the common schools. He attended 
 Waynesburg College, and finally graduated at 
 Duff's Business College, at Pittsburgh. He after- 
 ward taught a term of school, later going to Van- 
 Buren, where he sold goods for his uncle (Adam 
 Weir), and in the summer of 1865 began business 
 for himself. In this he continued three years, 
 then finding his health failing, retired to a farm in 
 Morris township, this county, where he remained 
 fifteen years. In 1804 he married Miss Julia Bane, 
 granddaughter of Benjamin Lindley, a pioneer 
 settler of Washington county. To them four 
 children were born: Mary J. (wife of W. E. 
 Baldwin, of Franklin township), Ida M. (studying 
 for a professional nurse, at the Homoeopathic 
 Hospital, Pittsburgh, Penn.), Chester and Annie 
 (living with their parents). The mother died in 
 January, 1886, and in 1887 Mr. Weir married 
 Mrs. Mattie Burgan, daughter of Jacob Braden, of, 
 Edgar county, 111., and widow of Langdon Bur- 
 gan, by whom she had two children: James (a 
 telegraph operator at Terre Haute, Ind. ) and 
 Mollie (wife of Rev. W. F. Schrontz, of New 
 York). No children have been born to Mr. Weir's 
 last marriage. Fifteen years after settling on the 
 farm in Morris township, the house of John B. 
 Weir was burned. He then sold the farm, and 
 moved to his present home in Washington 
 borough, where he is living a retired life. His 
 early years were actively employed, as a general 
 farmer, giving attention to the breeding of heavy 
 draft horses, having been the first to introduce the 
 registered heavy draft horse brought into Wash- 
 ington county in the year 1879. In politics he is 
 a Democrat. The position of road commissioner 
 in Morris township was filled by him for nine 
 years, and he served as a constable and assessor 
 several years. His business career has been most 
 successful, and during the period of active life he 
 settled many estates, and collected the county 
 school and road taxes. He has been a member of 
 the Church for twenty-five years, and is now a 
 
 member of the Second Presbyterian Church of 
 Washington. Mr. Weir is one of the most hon- 
 ored citizens of Washington. 
 
 ILLIAM ARMSTRONG, one of the oldest 
 ') native-born, prosperous agriculturists of 
 
 the county, is a grandson of the veteran 
 
 pioneer, James Armstrong. 
 
 James Armstrong came from eastern 
 Pennsylvania, the locality of his birth, to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn. , several years prior to the 
 close of the last century. He served as a soldier 
 in the Revolution. Some time before coming here 
 he had married Margaret Martin, and they with 
 some of their children made the trip westward 
 over the mountains, experiencing in their long and 
 hazardous journey not a few hardships. They set- 
 tled in Donegal township about one and one-half 
 miles south of West Alexander, and erected a log 
 cabin and set to work to make a clearing in the 
 then unbroken forest, converting it into what is 
 now a fertile and beautiful farm. Here they toiled 
 from year to year, surrounded by the innumerable 
 dangers incident to pioneer days, until finally 
 called to their long home, the grandmother dying 
 in 1838, the grandfather in 1849. The children 
 born to them were as follows: Hugh (of whom 
 special mention will presently be made), Mary 
 (who died at the age of seventy-five years), John 
 (who died in Darke county, Ohio, where he was 
 an early settler), James and Joseph (both of whom 
 died in Donegal township), David (who was a mil- 
 ler and farmer, at Triadelphia, W. Ya., and who 
 died at the age of seventy-three years), Margaret 
 (married to Robert Stewart, and now deceased), 
 Martin (a farmer of West Finley township, now 
 deceased), Samuel (who died in Donegal township, 
 leaving several children), and William (who died 
 in childhood). 
 
 Hugh Armstrong was born in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, and came with his parents to Washington 
 county as above stated. He learned blacksmith - 
 ing, a trade he followed for some time, and then 
 began farming, which he carried on during the 
 rest of his life. In 1816 he was married to Jane 
 McCoy, a native of Finley township (since divided 
 into East and West Finley townships), and to this 
 union were born children as follows: Margaret, 
 William, James (who moved to Missouri and there 
 died), Isabella (Mrs. John M. Oldham, now living 
 in Jefferson City, Mo.), John (who died in West 
 Union, Marshall Co., W. Va. ), Thomas, Martin 
 and Jane (all three deceased when aged thirteen, 
 four and three years, respectively), and David 
 (who was a farmer in West Finley township, and 
 died in February, 1892). The mother of this 
 family dying in 1847, Mr. Armstrong married, for 
 
794 
 
 WASHING TON CO UN T Y. 
 
 his second wife, Elizabeth McCoy, who died in 
 L 850, without issue. After his first marriage Mr. 
 Armstrong made a settlement in the northwest 
 • corner of West Fiuley township, near the West 
 Virginia line, where he carried on farming. He 
 was called from earth in 1854, having lived a life of 
 honest industry which brought him 'well-merited 
 success. He was an elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church, and, in politics, was tirst a Whig, after- 
 ward a Republican, and served for many years as 
 a justice of the peace. 
 
 William Armstrong, whose nameappears at the 
 opening of this sketch, was born December 9, 
 1819, in what is now West Finley township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., where he was reared to 
 agricultural pursuits on his father's farm, his edu- 
 cation being received at the subscription schools 
 of the locality. In 1851 he was married to Mary 
 M. Oldham, who was born in 1828, in Ohio 
 county, W. Va., a daughter of Samuel and Rebecca 
 (Wylie) Oldham, of that county, and to this union 
 the following named children were born: Jennie 
 (now wife of John C. Hamilton, of Donegal town- 
 ship), a son that died in infancy (unnamed). Lina 
 (Mrs. W. F. Whitham). Milton B. (a farmer in 
 Donegal township), Lizzie B. and William W. 
 (both at home), Frank E. (who graduated from 
 Washington and Jefferson College, and afterward 
 attended the Western Theological Seminary at 
 Allegheny, and the Union Seminary at New York; 
 he is now a Presbyterian minister at Evanston, 
 Wyo.), Celestine (a school teacher, living at home), 
 Samuel O. (a farmer in West Finley township) 
 and Irene M. (a college graduate, now teach- 
 ing school, her home being with her parents). 
 Mr. Armstrong in his younger days taught school, 
 and after his marriage commenced agricultural 
 pursuits on the old home farm in West Finley 
 township, remaining there until 186(3, in which 
 year he came to Donegal township, settling on his 
 present farm, situated about one and one-half 
 miles south of West Alexander, and on which he 
 has erected a neat and commodious residence. He 
 and his wife are devout members of the Presby 
 terian Church at West Alexander; in his political 
 preferences he is a lifelong Republican, and has 
 served his township as school director for several 
 years. The family are highly respected in the com- 
 munity, and are all well-to-do, Mr. Armstrong him- 
 self having made his life-work an eminent success. 
 
 HOMAS H. BRUCE, an enterprising citizen 
 of Buffalo township is a son of Henry, 
 and grandson of George Bruce, who was 
 born in Scone, Perthshire, Scotland, and 
 never left the country of his birth. George 
 Bruce followed the vocation of a weaver, and dur- 
 ing the latter part of his life had charge of the 
 
 Forestry in his native heath. His wife was for- 
 merly Helen Norwell, who bore him the follow- 
 ing children, all of whom are now deceased: 
 Robert, Agnes, Janet, Lillie, David, Margaret and 
 Henry. Of these children, Robert and Henry im- 
 migrated to America. Robert located in Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., and subsequently became president 
 of the Western University of Pennsylvania. His 
 descendants are now living In Pittsburgh. 
 
 Henry Bruce was born in 1788, in the parish of 
 Scone, Scotland, and there grew to manhood, re- 
 ceiving a common-school education, and learning 
 the weaver'-s trade. He (as previously stated) 
 afterward sailed to America, and rirst landed 'in 
 New York, but immediately pushed westward, 
 making a permanent location near Taylorstown, 
 Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 was then married to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas 
 Brownlee, and to them were born children as fol- 
 lows: Henry (deceased in youth), Lizzie and Helen 
 (both of whom grew to womanhood, but are now 
 deceased), and Thomas H. Soon after his mar- 
 riage, Mr. Bruce located on the farm now owned 
 by his son, which is situated in Buffalo township, 
 on the National pike, cultivated the land and also 
 conducted a store. On his arrival in Washington 
 county, Henry Bruce had scarcely any capital, and 
 his later success was due wholly to his own efforts. 
 He was an active and consistent member of the 1". 
 P. Church, to which he gave a liberal support. 
 In political life he was a follower of the Free Soil 
 party while it existed, and afterward became a 
 Republican. He departed this life in 1862, his re- 
 mains being interred in Washington cemetery, 
 His widow followed him in 18S7. 
 
 JOHN R. LEONARD, one of the best known 
 i and most prominent citizens of the borough 
 rjl of Washington, is a native of the county, 
 ^^ having been born in Morris township, De- 
 cember 7, 1821. He is of Teutonic descent, his 
 great-grandfather, John Leonard, having come 
 from Germany to America many years ago. John 
 Leonard, grandfather of John R. , was born in 
 Ohio, where he married Nancy Huffman, of Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., anil one of their sons, John, 
 became the father of John R. Leonard, the subjeci 
 of this sketch. Grandfather Leonard died in Ohio. 
 
 John Leonard, son of John and Nancy (Huffman) 
 Leonard, was born in Washington county, Penn., 
 where he was reared and educated. He settled in 
 Monis township, and here married Rebecca, a 
 daughter of John Robertson, of same township. 
 and ten children were born to them, as follows: 
 Jesse, killed at Chattanooga, Tenn., during the 
 war of the Rebellion; John R. ; Ann, deceased wile 
 of Jackson Delong; Abigail, married to Je9se De- 
 long, and died in Ohio; Elizabeth, deceased wife 
 

 r 
 
 ■it 
 
 y<?¥£?z <^?X^c^ ■aotHL/ 
 
\ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 797 
 
 of Conrad Maloy; Emeline, who died at the age of 
 four years; Benjamin F. and James W. , both in 
 Noble county, Ohio; Sarah, wife of Aaron Deloug, 
 in Portage county, Ohio; and Margaret, widow of 
 James E. Ray, of Greene county, Penn. After 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leonard remained in Mor- 
 ris township a year or two. and then moved to Ohio, 
 where they died, the mother in 1871, at the age of 
 seventy-three years, and the father in 1872, aged 
 seventy-seven years; he had been a soldier in the 
 war of 1812. 
 
 John It. Leonard, whose name opens this memoir, 
 was but an infant when his parents moved to Ohio, 
 where, in Warren and Trumbull counties he learned 
 the trade of a carpenter, at which he worked some 
 fortv -sis years. On July 5, 1845, he returned to 
 Washington county, Penn., and settled on a farm 
 in Morris township, which he operated, at the same 
 time carrying on his trade. He built many of the 
 best houses in that and East Finley townships, be- 
 sides some in Greene county, on the boundary line. 
 On January 22, 1846, Mr. Leonard married Miss 
 Matilda, daughter of Stacy Farabee, of Morris 
 township, and two children were born to them, 
 both of whom died in childhood, the one at the age 
 of tive years, and the other at the age of six months. 
 Mrs. Leonard was called from earth June 3, 1891, 
 and March 16, 1892, Mr. Leonard was united in 
 wedlock with Mrs. Henrietta Farabee, widow of 
 Benjamin Farabee (deceased in November, 1884), 
 by whom she had three children, as follows: Laura 
 Belle, who was twice married, first to Simeon 
 Clarke, and after his death to William Chambers; 
 John Franklin and Homer. Mrs. Leonard was 
 born in Allegany county, Md., a daughter of 
 Aaron and Rachel (Coleman) Hixenbaugh. She 
 is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. 
 
 On September 22, 1809, Mr. Leonard came to 
 Washington borough, taking up his residence in 
 the house where he is yet living, and which he had 
 built. Here he continued at his trade until his 
 final retirement, doing a great deal of contract 
 work, besides building some eight houses for him- 
 self in various parts of the borough. In 1847 he 
 joined the M. E. Church, Mt. Zion, but a few 
 years ago he identified himself with the Methodist 
 Protestant Church, of which he is now trustee, 
 class-leader, assistant superintendent of Sunday- 
 school, and a teacher of the Bible class. At the time 
 of his joining Mt. Zion Church, there were forty- 
 five members, and when he visited it last winter he 
 found he was the only one living of those forty-five. 
 Politically he is a lifelong Democrat. Mr. Leonard 
 is a typical self-made man, having risen by sheer 
 industry, perseverance and economy, from compar- 
 ative poverty to a condition of enviable affluence, 
 and is highly respected in the community in which 
 he lives, now enjoying the income of his hard- 
 earned competence. 
 
 38 
 
 ILLIAM ALLISON CONKLIN. The 
 
 history of the development of any new 
 country affords interesting illustrations 
 of zeal and rigid determination, so essen- 
 tial to the successful prosecution of a difficult 
 undertaking. 
 
 Of this Captain John Conklin, one of the old 
 pioneers of Washington county, presents a striking 
 example, and his numerous descendants of the 
 present day possess the same characteristics in no 
 small degree. Capt. John Conklin was born in 
 Morris county, N. J., September 30, 1703. In 
 1784 he married Elizabeth Mills, a native of the 
 same county, who was born March 29, 1760. In 
 November, 1790. with his wife and three daughters, 
 he started for Washington county. It is hard to 
 realize the difficulties of that journey by wagon. 
 The route was a very hilly one, the grading steep, 
 rendering it necessary to make frequent stops in 
 ascending a hill, in order that the team might rest. 
 These rests necessitated the services of " a blocker " 
 to follow the wagon, and place a block behind a 
 wheel when a stop was made. This duty devolved 
 upon Mrs. Conklin. In many instances, to render 
 this assistance she left the youngest child at the foot 
 of the hill, and the wagon having reached the sum- 
 mit, she would return and carry the child. Arriv- 
 ing at the glades in the mountains, they were com- 
 pelled to stop three or four mouths on account of 
 Mrs. Conklin' s illness. Then, renewing their 
 journey, with their four children, on horseback, 
 and leaving all behind except what clothing they 
 could carry on two horses, they arrived in Wash- 
 ington county in May or June, 1791. Capt. Conk- 
 lin purchased 440 acres of land, near Sparta, on 
 the south fork of the north branch of Ten-Mile 
 creek, the present property of W. A. Conklin. 
 Here he devoted his energy to the improvement of 
 the place, which was made to yield a good income. 
 Capt. Conklin died July 12, 1824, having given to 
 the country a family of twelve children — eight 
 daughters and four sons — all of whom married, 
 forming twelve families of eighty- four children; 
 sixty-six of the grandchildren married, all but 
 about seven having families, some very large ones. 
 The eldest son, John, grew up, always having 
 close friends. He married, in 1820, Jane Andrew, 
 a quiet, kind and loving wife and mother. Two 
 years after he moved west to a quarter section of 
 laud, given to him by his mother, on the west 
 bank of Little Darby creek, now opposite West Jef- 
 ferson, Madison Co. , Ohio. Here he lived until 
 his death, October 26, 1873. He reared a family, 
 and lived to see four out of seven children married 
 well. John was a great hunter, and was soon 
 known for hundreds of miles around by that class 
 of people through the wilderness of central Ohio. 
 All strangers or friends were so cordially wel- 
 comed by him that they soon were his loving 
 
798 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 friends. As soon as his visitors rested, John 
 would order his best team and rig, suitable for 
 the occasion, and rations for each, and off they 
 would go, until all parties were satisfied. 
 
 Two years after her husband's death, Mrs. 
 (Jonkliu married Caleb Lindley. Mr. Lindley lived 
 about ten years, and the widow returned to the old 
 homestead, and lived with her son William, hardly 
 knowing what sickness was, until she died sud- 
 denly August 1(3, 1852. 
 
 William Gonklin, born July 4, 1810, was the 
 youngest of this family of twelve children. He 
 remained with his father until the latter's death. 
 Then, being fourteen years of age, he was bound 
 to John Griffith to learn the shoemaker's trade. 
 Having served his term, he worked as a journey- 
 man shoemaker at different places in Ohio, until 
 1835, when he returned and settled on his farm in 
 Washington county, where he dwelt until his 
 death, June 25, 1880 (he died within a few feet 
 of the log cabin where he was born), in a brick 
 mansion, built in 1862. He was a farmer. As a 
 justice of the pease, for ten years he filled the office 
 with credit to himself and satisfaction to the 
 people. On March 2, 1838, he married Catherine, 
 born May 16, 1818, a daughter of Jacob and Abi- 
 gail Ross, of Greene county. Jacob was one of 
 the prominent drovers of the time and section. 
 Jacob Ross' parents, John and Elizabeth Ross, 
 were the first owners of the tract of land on Ruff's 
 creek, near Jefferson, Greene county. John died 
 in 1813, and was buried on the farm, there being 
 no graveyard. He owned slaves, and frequently 
 had serious trouble with the Indians. Jacob Ross, 
 her father, donated the land for the first grave- 
 yard, and lot 'for the first church (Baptist) that 
 was built in that section of the country. It still 
 stands, enclosed with the old stone wall. Timothy 
 and Rachel Ross settled on a tract four miles west. 
 (John and Timothy were no relation, but of the 
 same name). On this farm the Indians found a 
 man and his two sons clearing a lot for corn. 
 They shot and scalped two of them, one son escap- 
 ing to the fort. This was the last murder by the 
 Indians in that section. Timothy Ross died on 
 one of his farms, near Shinstown, Monongalia 
 Co.. W. Va., aged eighty-five years. Mr. Ross 
 was one of the first Campbellites in this part of 
 tin' country. He often rode his big sorrel horse, 
 "Mose," to Bethany, Brooke Co., W. Va., to hear 
 Elder Alexander Campbell preach. Elizabeth Ross 
 died at the home of her son William, in Ohio, in 
 1834, aged almost one hundred years. Jacob Ross 
 died in 1856. Abigail Ross, Catharine's mother, 
 died July 2, 1881. With remarkable eyesight 
 and strength, she was out overseeing her farms in 
 Richhill township, Greene Co., up to a few days 
 before her death. 
 
 To William and Catharine Conklin nine chil- 
 
 dren were born: Phebe Jane, born December 2, 
 1838, married, April 2, 1868, to Cephas Meek (he 
 died on his farm on Ruff's creek in Greene Co. , 
 leaving a widow and one son); William Allison is 
 the subject proper of this sketch; Benjamin Frank- 
 lin, born September 12, 1841, taught school for sev- 
 eral terms, read medicine, attended Jefferson Med- 
 ical College, Philadelphia, and the following winter 
 graduated from the Western Reserve Medical 
 College, Cleveland (he settled in Fayette City, 
 Penn., and in 1871 married Millie J. Kelley, of 
 Salem, Ohio. He was the father of one child, now 
 the wife of Guy W. Boudinot, of Cleveland, Ohio. 
 He practiced medicine until his death, January 18, 
 1873. He was one of the most prominent and 
 successful physicians in the Monongahela Valley). 
 Thomas H. Benton, born May 25, 1844, died June 
 1, 1845; Cinderella, born March 27, 1847, married 
 Noah D. Sowers, February 17, 1881, and resides 
 in Vermilion county, 111. ; Gleason P., born March 
 29, 1849, married, January 1, 1879, to Victorine 
 Wilson, daughter of James Wilson, of Franklin 
 township (they reside near West Union, Greene 
 Co., and are the parents of six children); one who 
 died in infancy; Ophelia Belle, born February (>, 
 1853, married, in 1875, to Ross McClain (they reside 
 in Greene county. She is the mother of seven 
 children, all living); Catharine Ivagenia, born 
 July 4, 1856, married March 7, 1888, to George E. 
 Mann (they reside in Vermilion county, 111. She 
 is the mother of one child, Chloe); RossM., born 
 August 4, 1861, received a common-school educa- 
 tion, attended college a number of terms, and 
 graduated at Duff's Commercial College, Pitts- 
 burgh (he went to McPherson, Kans., in 1884, 
 where he taught school four years, and married 
 Madeline Burwell, of McPherson, May 28, 1888. 
 Shortly after they moved to Oregon, where he lias 
 been principal of the Roseburg College ever since, 
 and in which his wife is an instructor). 
 
 William Allison Conklin, born March 28, 1840, 
 received a common-school education, and taught a 
 number of terms. He attended a commercial 
 college, and then chose a farmer's life. He has 
 always been a hard worker, and is possessed of 
 more than ordinary intellect and culture. A 
 genial disposition, which is only found in those 
 who are temperate, characterizes him. He never 
 uses strong drinks or tobacco; never has been 
 known to swear an oath under the most trying 
 circumstances; has always been kind to the poor, 
 true to his word and firm for his rights. His 
 widowed mother, kind, gentle and affectionate, 
 lives with him on the old place, which has been 
 handed down from father to son for three gener- 
 ations. He has been a member of the M. E. 
 Church for over twenty years, and has served as 
 superintendent of Sunday-school, steward and trus- 
 tee. He is a Democrat, who seeks not office, but is 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 799 
 
 always found working for the man best fitted for 
 the office. No one rejoiced more heartily than he 
 did over the results of the elections of November 
 8, 1892. 
 
 WILLIAM W. JACKMAN, one of the old- 
 est citizens of East Pike Run township, 
 is a native of the same, having been born 
 December 10, 1814. He is a son of Will- 
 iam Jackman, whose father was Robert 
 Jackman, a native of Ireland. 
 
 Robert Jackman came, when a young man, to 
 America with three brothers, and located in Wash 
 ington county. ■ In March, 1784, he obtained from 
 the Pennsylvania land office a warrant for the 
 land now the sites of the towns of California and 
 Coal Centre, on the waters of Pike run. These 
 tracts were surveyed and enrolled in Patent Book 
 No. 15, page 255. The tract on the east side of 
 the creek was called "Allybar," and that- on 
 the west side, "Ararat." Robert married Sarah 
 Whittiker, and afterward Ann Dixon. Of his nine 
 children, two were born to the first wife and seven 
 to the last wife. They are named as follows: 
 Robert (born May 16, 1772), Henry (born August 
 7, 1774, married Sarah Sphar), Ruth (born May 
 7, 1779, married William Gregg), Sarah (born May 
 15, 1781, married Joseph Nealan), Samuel (born 
 February 8, 1784), William (born January 4, 
 1780, married Nancy Steele), Dixon (born April 
 5, 1789, married Elizabeth Phillips), John (born 
 January 5, 1792, married Miss Stockdale), James 
 A. (born September 1, 1794). Many members of 
 this family finally settled in Indiana, Illinois and 
 Iowa. The father died in Washington county, and 
 was buried in the cemetery at California. 
 
 William Jackman was married to a daughter of 
 William Steele, and she bore him one son, Will- 
 iam. For his second wife Mr. Jackman selected 
 Ann Wilkins, a native of Washington county, and 
 they had two children: Ann (wife of William 
 Reeder) and William W. The father followed 
 farming all his life until drowned in the Mononga- 
 hela river. 
 
 William W. Jackman received a limited educa- 
 tion in the subscription schools of the home neigh- 
 borhood, then at the juvenile age of twelve years 
 began life for himself. He worked at various oc- 
 cupations, and at the age of eighteen took a boat- 
 load of coal down the river to Maysville, Ky.; con- 
 tinued in that business for several years, also act- 
 ing as pilot for boats to Louisville, Ky. In 1839 
 he was married to Ruth, daughter of William Mor 
 gan, one child having been born to their union, 
 Louisa, wife of Alexander Carlisle. The mother 
 died a short time after the birth of this daughter. 
 For his second wife William W. Jackman married 
 Eliza Jane, daughter of William Miller, a resident 
 
 of Greene county. To this union nine children 
 were born as follows: Leroy, Dora, Arabella, 
 Lena (deceased wife of Charles Minehart), Albert, 
 William E., Calvin, Santford and Louis S. Of 
 these, Leroy, William E. and Louis S. are living. 
 After laying out the town of California, and before 
 the lots were sold, William W. Jackman joined the 
 advance army of "Argonauts" from "the States" 
 in " '49" for the Sacramento Valley, Cal., for which 
 the Pennsylvania town was named. In 1849 Mr. 
 Jackman, in company with Job Johnson, Abraui 
 Fry, George Hornback, Samuel Ashmade and John 
 Woods, purchased 311 acres in East Pike Run 
 township, laid out the town of California, and di- 
 vided the upland tract among themselves, the 
 share of Mr. Jackman being fifty acres. He has 
 been a Whig and Abolitionist in politics, and is 
 deeply interested in educational progress, having 
 been a prime mover in the Southwestern State 
 Normal School at California, to which he has con- 
 tributed largely. 
 
 AMUEL GEORGE is descended from an 
 early pioneer family of Hibernian ancestry. 
 Robert and Christiana George were natives 
 of Ireland, where they were married, and 
 soon afterward immigrated to America. In 1 772 
 they settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 this county, where he died many years ago. His 
 widow survived him twenty years, making her 
 home with her son John George, of Washington 
 county. Penn. 
 
 David George was born on the home place in Mt. 
 Pleasant township. In early life he was married 
 to Nancy Scott, who bore him children as follows: 
 Betsey (deceased), Christy (deceased), Margaret 
 (wife of John Roney), Nancy (deceased in 1888, 
 wife of William Connor), Robert and Mary (twins), 
 the former living in Allegheny, Penn., and Samuel 
 (of whom a sketch follows). Mr. and Mrs. George 
 were members of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 Church in Chartiers township for many years. He 
 died February 7, 1856, and his wife in 1857. 
 
 Samuel George was born September 19, 1828, 
 on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, re- 
 ceiving his education in the district schools of the 
 neighborhood. On December 24, 1866, he was 
 united in marriage with Christiana, a native of Mt. 
 Pleasant township, daughter of John and Jane 
 (Slater) George, who were of Irish descent, and 
 natives of Allegheny county, Penn., moving to Mt, 
 Pleasant township, Washington county, in an early 
 day. Her father died in Beaver Falls some years 
 ago; her mother is yet living in Beaver Falls. 
 
 Samuel and Christiana George settled on the 
 farm where they now reside, containing 190 acres 
 of excellent land. Their children are Jennie 
 Slater, Annette Mary, John D. , Harrison, Lizzie, 
 
800 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Emma, Maggie M. and Willie L. In religious 
 faith Mr. and Mrs. George are members of the 
 Iteformed Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JAMES M. CHANEY, a prosperous and well- 
 known farmer, is a native of Donegal town- 
 J ship, Washington Co., Penn. , and a son of 
 James Chaney, whose father Abraham was 
 born in Maryland, and married in his native 
 State. The last named came to Washington 
 county in the latter part of the eighteenth century, 
 and located in Donegal township, where his family 
 was reared. 
 
 James Chaney was born on his father's farm in 
 1806, and passed his boyhood in the usual farm 
 duties, receiving a very meager education. He be- 
 gan life at an early age, and had many hardships 
 to contend with. He made rails for George Wilson, 
 of West Alexander, receiving for his work '25 cents 
 per hundred, which he was expected to spend at 
 the store of his employer. He could get a yard of 
 muslin for 25 cents, or was obliged to make 300 
 rails to buy goods enough for one shirt. On 
 March 25, 1831, Mr. Chaney was married to Su- 
 sanna McMillan, who was born in 1805, daughter 
 of John McMillan. They had the following family: 
 Thornton, born December 20, 1831 (deceased 
 August 1, 1880); Mary, born August 9, 1833; 
 George W., born November 15, 1835 (living in 
 West Alexander, Penn.); James M. , born Novem- 
 ber 6, 1837; Sarah, born October 12, 1839 (de- 
 ceased in 1879); John, born January 18, 1842 
 (deceased in youth); and Barnet B., born March 
 1, 1844 (a farmer of Donegal township). For some 
 time after his marriage Mr. Chaney resided on a 
 farm about two miles south of West Alexander, 
 Donegal township. He afterward moved to Coon 
 Island, same township, where he resided several 
 years, and in 1853 purchased and moved to a farm 
 about two miles north of West Alexander, where 
 he lived and worked on the farm until his death. 
 Mr. Chaney's success in life was wholly due to his 
 own efforts. In politics he was formerly a Whig, 
 and afterward a Republican. He and his wife 
 were members of the Presbyterian Church at W T est 
 Alexander. He died in February, 1879, having 
 been preceded by his wife in 1874. 
 
 James M. Chaney was born in Coon Island, this 
 county, aud passed his early years on the home 
 farm, receiving a common-school education. On 
 October 13, 1862, he enlisted in Company H, 
 Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and 
 served till the close of the war. He took part in 
 the engagements at White Sulphur Springs, Va. , 
 Beverly, W. Va., Droop Mountain, Fisher's Hill, 
 Cedar Creek, and numerous other minor conflicts. 
 On June 5, 1865, he was honorably discharged, 
 and coming home worked on his father's farm. 
 
 On February 6, 1868, he was united in marriage 
 with Pamelia, daughter of Andrew and Pamelia 
 (Gilfillan) Alexander, also of Donegal township, 
 and seven children were born to them: Fannie 
 (wife of John Gibson, a wholesale grocer of 
 Wheeling, W. Va.), Jennie (wife of Prof. John M. 
 Oliver), Andrew M., James, Susanna, John H. and 
 Maggie Grace, all living at home. After his mar- 
 riage Mr. Chaney first located a quarter of a mile 
 east of West Alexander. In 1874 he purchased 
 the "Joseph Alexander" farm, situated about 
 three and a half miles north of West Alexander, 
 in Donegal township. He is engaged in farming 
 on this place, and deals largely in stock. Polit- 
 ically he is a Republican, and though he has been ' 
 elected to numerous township offices, he is not a 
 politician. Mr. Chaney is an enterprising and 
 progressive farmer. In religious connection he 
 and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 t Y^ATHANIEL NEELY. In the first rank of 
 
 VI. the intelligent and prominent farmer cit.i- 
 
 \\ zens of Washington county stands the Bub 
 
 J - 1 ject of this sketch. 
 
 His grandfather, Robert Neely, was born 
 in Ireland, where he learned the trade of weaver. 
 He married Susan Rutherford, a native of his own 
 county, and together they immigrated to the United 
 States, coming to Lancaster county, Penn., where 
 he engaged at farming and worked at his trade. 
 Here for some years they remained, and then, in 
 1800, removed to this county, taking up their resi- 
 dence in Canton township, on the farm now occu- 
 pied by the David McClay family, whence after a 
 time they moved to Buffalo township, and finally 
 settled on a farm, their first home being a log cabin, 
 where they passed the rest of their busy and hon- 
 orable lives. The children born to them were: 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Andrew Herron), Samuel, Mary 
 (Mrs. John Jamison), and John. The father died 
 in 1804, the mother ten years later. They were 
 members of the North Buffalo Church (Seceders). 
 of which Mr. Neely was one of the organizers, and 
 in politics he was a Federalist. 
 
 Samuel Neely, father of subject, was born in 
 Lancaster county, Penn., in 1793, where his early 
 boyhood was passed, and when seven years old he 
 was brought by his parents to this county, where 
 he received his school training. At the age of 
 twenty -three he married Sarah, daughter of Na- 
 thaniel McDowell, and the young couple resided on 
 the Neely homestead, in Buffalo township, until 
 1S43, in which year our subject purchased the 
 farm now occupied by James Noble, and moved 
 thereon. Here he died in 1862, the father of nine 
 children: Susanna (Mrs. Robert Wright), Nathaniel 
 (our subject), Robert, John, Samuel, James and 
 
i//adfaz444£s£< c/y^JL&s^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 803 
 
 David, all of whom are deceased, the latter dying 
 of measles; Sarah J. (Mrs. David McConahey), 
 and Leman. Politically Samuel Neely was a 
 Whig, taking an active interest in the party's 
 affairs. At an early age he united with the North 
 Buffalo (Seceders) Church, of which he was an 
 elder for years, and assisted materially in the erec- 
 tion of the present church building. 
 
 Nathaniel Neely, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born in Buffalo township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., July 16, 1822, and being the eldest boy in 
 his father's family had a large share of farm work 
 to perform. His education was received at the 
 subscription schools of the locality, but being 
 quick and apt he learned more in the practical 
 school of life, and to-day he is recognized as one 
 of the best-informed men in the township. On 
 December 5, 1850, Mr. Neely was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary C, daughter of James Irwin, of 
 Canton township, this county, and their children 
 are Susan (wife of James McCabe), James L., and 
 Nannie (wife of Martin Rolston). The mother of 
 these children dying September 7, 1862, in her 
 thirty- sixth year, Mr. Neely, for his second wife, 
 married, October 4, 1864, Rose W. , daughter of 
 Samuel and Hannah (Way) Graham, of Buffalo 
 township, by which union there is one child, Vena 
 M. Samuel Graham was an early pioneer of Buf- 
 falo township, coming there from Ireland about the 
 year 1800. He died March 23, 1850, in his eight- 
 ieth year; his wife passing from earth November 
 17, 1869, in her seventy-fifth year. 
 
 The family are members of the U. P. Church at 
 Taylorstown. Mr. Neely having been one of the 
 members that helped to organize the church; he 
 was elected one of the elders, in which he served 
 for some time and then resigned. He has given 
 liberally of his means toward the support of 
 churches. Politically he was originally a Whig, 
 and since the formation of the party he has been a 
 solid Republican. He has served as assessor of 
 his township with marked ability and characteristic 
 prudence. Mr. Neely is a typical self-made man, 
 enterprising and prosperous, and a leading, up- 
 right citizen, descended from au old honored fam- 
 ily. His highly improved and well-kept farm now 
 comprises 200 acres of prime land. 
 
 DONALDSON, JACOB M. and ROBERT S. 
 Among the leading families of Washington 
 ' county, none are more worthy of prominent 
 mention in the pages of this Biographical 
 Record than that of the gentlemen whose names 
 open this sketch. 
 
 Jacob Donaldson, their grandfather, was born in 
 1763, in Ireland, and came to America in early 
 manhood, locating in Washington county, Penn. 
 He married a Miss McKinney, and first settled on 
 
 a farm in Hopewell township, thence moving to the 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet owned 
 by his descendants. He was a member of the Se- 
 ceder Church at Hickory, this county, afterward 
 uniting with the U. P. Society. In April, 1850, he 
 moved to the village of Hickory, where he died in 
 August of the same year, having been long pre- 
 ceded by his wife, who had borne him the follow- 
 ing children: William (who settled in Somerset 
 township, this county, where he died), James (who 
 settled in Hopewell township, and died in Clays- 
 ville), Richard (a tailor, of Hickory, who afterward 
 bought a farm and was killed by a falling limb 
 while on his way home from Noblestown), Andrew 
 (who resided in Mt. Pleasant township, where he 
 died), Isaac (of whom further mention is made), 
 Margaret (who died in Hickory), and Mary (de- 
 ceased wife of James Ackleson, of Hanover town- 
 ship). 
 
 Isaac Donaldson was born July 4, 1805, in Hope- 
 well township, this county, where his boyhood was 
 passed. On January 31, 1828, he was united in 
 marriage with Sarah Maxwell, who was born Feb- 
 ruary 18, 1808, in Hopewell township. The young 
 couple resided on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township 
 several years (the farm where William Donaldson 
 now lives), and about 1838 moved to the farm now 
 owned by their sou Jacob M. , where the remainder 
 of their lives was passed. The father was a prom- 
 inent farmer, and in politics voted the Democratic 
 ticket, giving that party his cordial and hearty 
 support. In church relations he was formerly a 
 member of the Seceder Church at North Buffalo, 
 later transferred his membership to the United 
 Presbyterian Church, of West Middletown, and 
 afterward united with the Associate Reformed 
 Church at Patterson's Mills. He died November 
 13, 1882, and was followed by his wife August 19, 
 1883, in her seventy-fifth year. They were buried 
 in the cemetery at North Buffalo, and left three 
 children, all now living, to mourn their loss, viz. : 
 Jacob M., Robert S. and Hannah J. (wife of David 
 Davidson, Hopewell township). 
 
 Jacob M. Donaldson was born June 5, 1829, in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and was reared 
 and educated on the farm adjoining his present 
 home. In 1862 he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary Elizabeth Pry, a native of Cross Creek 
 township, who was reared in Hopewell township, a 
 daughter of John and Hester Ann (Forester) Pry. 
 Mr. Pry was born August 10, 1811, in the "Old 
 Dominion," and in early manhood came to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., and settled in Hopewell 
 township, where, in June, 1838, he married Hester 
 Ann Forester, born June 2, 1817, in Maryland. 
 She was a daughter of George William and Eliza- 
 beth (Clark) Forester, natives of Maryland, of 
 English descent, who moved to Washington county, 
 Penn., about 1817, settling in Buffalo village, 
 
804 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Hopewell township. Mr. Forester was a school 
 teacher, which profession he followed for many 
 years, and in religion was a member of the Old 
 Presbyterian Church. He died in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, having been preceded by his wife many 
 years. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Pry located on a farm in Cross 
 Creek township, and in 1853 moved to Hopewell 
 township, thence to Canton township, and finally 
 settled in Burgettstown, Smith township. He died 
 April 12, 1882, his wife having died October 7, 
 1868. Their children were as follows: J. Conrad 
 (a soldier in the Civil war, who afterward married 
 Minnie Aiken, at Prairie dn Sac, Wis., and lives in 
 Montecito, Cal.), Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Donaldson), 
 George William (deceased in infancy), James D. 
 (enlisted at Washington and served till the close of 
 the war; he married Mary Bigelow, and lives in 
 Minnesota), John Henry (who died May 8, 1885, 
 was married to Mary Boley, of Allegheny), Samuel 
 Clark (married to Emma Root, of Minnesota, lives 
 in Prairie du Sac, Wis.) and Catherine Rowena 
 (deceased December 11, 1885, in Burgettstown, 
 Penn. , wife of Edward B. Evans). 
 
 Nine children have blessed the union of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Jacob M. Donaldson, viz. : Ina Hester (who 
 was married in 18S0 to Dr. McClure, of Alpha, 
 Greene Co., Ohio, and has five children: Roy Don- 
 aldson, Robert Templeton, Carl Ralston, James 
 Albert and Mary Etta); Willard Brady (who was 
 married September 11, 1888, to Jennie F. Jack 
 son, a native of Mt. Pleasant township; he grad- 
 uated from the Western Pennsylvania Medical 
 College with the class of '89, and located at Mid- 
 way, this county, where he is now successfully fol- 
 lowing his profession as physician and surgeon. 
 They have had two children; one deceased at the 
 age of six months, and Mary L.); Leoline (who 
 was married June 5, 1890, to Rev. D. T. McCal- 
 mont, a U. P. minister of Butler county, Penn., 
 and has one child, Howard Donaldson); Minnie 
 Etta; Edmund I.; John P.; James C. ; Robert 
 Lester and Percy J. M. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson since their marriage 
 have lived on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 containing 230 acres of good land, a portion of the 
 old homestead. Politically he is an enthusiastic 
 Democrat; is actively interested in educational 
 matters, and has been a member of the school 
 board. He and his wife are members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church at Mt. Prospect. 
 
 Robert S. Donaldson was born June 16, 1831, 
 on the home place in Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county, where he was reared to manhood, and 
 received an education in the district schools. On 
 May 14, 1857, he was united in marriage with Ra- 
 chel V. Walker, daughter of John Norris and Ann 
 (Vance) Walker, of Cross Creek township, and na- 
 tives of Jefferson and Smith townships, respect- 
 
 ively. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Walker 
 settled in Cross Creek township, this county, where 
 he died in February, 1882, aged seventy-six, 
 having been preceded by his wife in 1870. Both 
 were members of the Presbyterian Church at Cross 
 Creek village. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson began wedded life on 
 the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where he is yet 
 living. Mrs. Donaldson died May 26, 1871. She 
 was the mother of six children, viz.: Frank W., 
 who was married November 8, 1883, to Annie, 
 daughter of James Taggart, and has three chil- 
 dren: Earl, Mabel V. and James T. ; Flora M., 
 who was married in November, 1880, to James M. 
 Dinsmore, and has four children: Grace W. , 
 Mary J., Robert Edwin and William Lloyd; Anna 
 V., who was married December 25, 1884, to Dr. 
 Hugh Hanna, a graduate of Jefferson Medical In- 
 stitute, class of '92, and has two children: Eva and 
 Hugh; Sarah M., who was married in October, 
 1887, to John M. Thompson, a farmer of Buffalo 
 township, this county; Charley I. (at home); and 
 Harry N. , a dentist of Bellevue, Ohio. 
 
 After the death of his first wife, Mr. Donaldson 
 was married June 25, 1873, to Hettie J. Byers, a 
 native of Donegal township, this county, and 
 daughter of Thomas Byers. Her grandfather, 
 Thomas Byers, was born September 7, 1757, in 
 Ireland, and came to this country in early life. 
 On September 18, 1783, he was united in marriage 
 with Margaret Shannon, of Scotch descent, and 
 settled on a farm in Finley township. The chil- 
 dren of this couple were as follows: Samuel, born 
 July 10, 1784 (lived in Ohio); John, born July 22, 
 1786 (a physician of Piqua, Ohio); Sarah, born 
 March 25, 1788 (wife of Dr. Wiley, of Ripley, 
 Ohio); Thomas, who enlisted in the war of 1812; 
 Jane, born April 3, 1792 (wife of David Stewart, 
 of Ohio county, W. Va.); Margaret, born Febru- 
 ary 7, 1794 (Mrs. John McDonald, of Donegal 
 township); Ann, born June 20, 1797 (wife of An- 
 drew Yates, of Ohio county, W. Va.); James, born 
 June 20, 1799 (lived in Noble county, Ohio); 
 Nancy, born February 21, 1802 (married to John 
 Brice, of Belmont county, Ohio); Rachel, born 
 June 22, 1804 (Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Ohio); and 
 William, born March 13, 1809 (resided in Butler 
 county, Penn.). 
 
 Thomas Byers, father of Mrs. Donaldson, was 
 born April 22, 1790, in East Finley township, this 
 county, where his boyhood was passed. On April 
 12, 1813, he was married to Margaret Hamilton, 
 who was born May 9, 1794, in Canton township, 
 this county. After marriage the young people re- 
 sided in Donegal township till 1851, when they 
 moved to Washington, where Mr. Byers died Sep- 
 tember 8, 1863. He lost a limb in early life, but 
 the sad accident made him none the less a useful 
 and energetic citizen. He was an ardent advocate 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 805- 
 
 of temperance, and held many township offices. 
 He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and he was superintendent of the Sabbath- 
 school for years. They were the parents of the 
 following children: R. H. (a Presbyterian minis- 
 ter of Houston, Tex.), Thomas (who died Decem- 
 ber 25, 1870, an attorney of Fairfield, Iowa), Mary 
 R. (wife of James Todd, of Ohio county. W. Va.), 
 Margaret S. (deceased October 11, 1887, married 
 to Benjamin Oldham, of Dallas, W. Va.), John C. 
 (an attorney of Stockton, Cal.), Samuel (deceased 
 February 22, 1872, in Marshall county, 111.), Alex- 
 ander R. (a physician and surgeon of Pike county, 
 Ind.), Hettie J. (Mrs. Robert S. Donaldson) and 
 Sarah J. (deceased April 11, 1852). 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson have continued to re- 
 side on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, upon 
 which he has made many improvements; in 1860 
 he erected a comfortable brick residence, and has 
 also put up other buildings. The farm contains 
 235 acres of good laud, which is cultivated to the 
 highest degree. Mr. Donaldson votes the Demo- 
 cratic ticket, and in religious faith he and his wife 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church at Buf- 
 falo, of which he is a trustee. 
 
 CALVIN L. MILLER, a prominent and suc- 
 cessful farmer of Donegal township, is of 
 Irish descent. The first member of the 
 family to locate in Washington county was 
 Christopher Miller, who was born and married east 
 of the Alleghany mountains. In 1782 he and his 
 family made the perilous journey across the mount- 
 ains, and entered Washington county, locating about 
 three miles north of Claysville, near the headwaters 
 of Buck run. Here he secured a "tomahawk claim " 
 of 400 acres, upon which he erected his cabin 
 home, and began to clear the forest. The Indians 
 were still troublesome, and made frequent raids 
 through that part of the country* and for defense 
 against their common foe, Christopher Miller, to- 
 gether with his few and distant neighbors, erected 
 a blockhouse, to which they were several times 
 compelled to flee for safety. Mr. Miller was a 
 pioneer of Donegal township, and passed the re- 
 mainder of his life in that neighborhood. He was 
 twice married, but the names of his wives are un- 
 known. His children were William, John, Chris- 
 topher, Jacob, Sarah, Mary and Margaret, all of 
 whom passed their lives in Washington county. 
 The four sons located on portions of the 400 acre 
 tract, which land was equally divided among 
 them. 
 
 John Miller was born in 1780, east of the Alle- 
 ghany mountains, and when yet a child came with 
 his parents to Washington 4 county. In 1802 he 
 was married to Margaret Guy, who was born 
 March 15, 1776, near Fredericktown, Md. , and 
 
 afterward came to Washington county with her 
 parents, John and Elizabeth Guy. To the union 
 of John and Margaret (Guy) Miller were born the 
 following children: William, born July 17, 1803 
 (lived and died in Washington county); John, 
 born January 1, 1805 (deceased in Washington 
 county); Elizabeth, born January 11, 1S07 (died 
 unmarried in Washington county); Susanna, born 
 February 23, 1809 (deceased wife of William Mc- 
 Kay, of Washington, Penn.); Christopher (father 
 of our subject), and George B., born December 10, 
 1812 (deceased in Washington county). Mr. 
 Miller's share of the original 400 acres whicn 
 his father had owned was 100 acres. He lived and 
 farmed upon this tract until his death, which oc- 
 curred July 8, 1814. His sons then carried on the 
 farm, upon which his widow continued to reside 
 until her death, which took place May 26, 1847. 
 
 Christopher Miller, now a hale and hearty old 
 gentleman, of Donegal township, was born Feb- 
 ruary 14, 1811, and passed his boyhood days on 
 the home farm with his widowed mother. He was 
 obliged to assist with the farm work, and was thus 
 deprived of a good education, but managed by 
 close application to make the most of his meager op- 
 portunities. On May 21, 1840, he was united in 
 marriage with Sarah J. Knight (who was born No- 
 vember 21, 1823), daughter of Charles Knight, of 
 Washington county, and their children were as fol- 
 lows: Leamon (deceased), born February 10, 184] ; 
 Calvin L. (subject of this sketch); Mary J., born 
 July 19, 1844 (unmarried, and living at home); 
 George H., bora April 23, 1846 (a physician at 
 McDonald, Penn.); Charles W., born March 15, 
 1848 (living near Coon Island, Penn.); Margaret 
 C, born September 12, 1849 (Mrs. John Holmes, 
 of Donegal township); Frances E. , born February 
 18, 1851 (widow of Bruce Ramage, residing with 
 her father); William B. (deceased), born August 
 28, 1854; and JohnB. (deceased), born September 
 1, 1857. After his marriage Mr. Miller located 
 on a part of the " tomahawk claim," which was 
 Srst secured by his grandfather, and is his present 
 home. He has always been a farmer, and although 
 now well advanced in years has never been sick 
 but once in his life, and that was in early youth. 
 In political life he was formerly a Whig, and when 
 the party was formed, became a Republican. His 
 wife died in 1884, and his daughter has lived with 
 him since that time. 
 
 Calvin L. Miller was born August 18, 1843, in 
 Donegal township, this county, on the headwaters 
 of Buck run. He attended the common schools, 
 and worked on his father's farm until twenty years 
 of age, when he worked one season for Adam Car- 
 son, and having pleased his employer by his energy 
 and steady habits, he remained with Mr. Carson 
 eight years. In 1873 he was married to Margaret 
 Taylor (who was born December 29, 1853), daugh- 
 
sdfi 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ter of Thomas and Susan (Darlington) Taylor, of 
 West Finley township, this county, and they had 
 rive children: Christopher W., Carrie E., Jessie 
 Belle, John L. and George Lawrence. For some 
 time after his marriage Mr. Miller resided on the 
 " Graham Farm," located about two miles north of 
 Claysville, this county. He then moved to West 
 Finley township, and in 1886 located on his present 
 home, situated about one mile north of Claysville, 
 in Donegal township, on a part of the old Gourley 
 farm. He has erected a fine house, barn and out- 
 buildings, which have greatly enhanced the value 
 of his property. Politically he has always been a 
 Republican. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Cum- 
 berland Presbyterian Church at Windy Gap. 
 
 JjOSEPH PATTERSON is a son of Richard 
 I Patterson, whose father, John Patterson, 
 | came in 1806 with his parents from Ireland 
 and first settled in Delaware. Eight years 
 later John Patterson came to Allegheny 
 county, Penn. He was married to Miss Mary 
 Miller, also a native of the Emerald Isle, who bore 
 him eight children, viz. : Robert, James, Moses, 
 Richard, three that died in infancy, and John, all 
 now dead. 
 
 Richard Patterson was born March 2, 1800, in 
 Ireland, and came to Allegheny county with his 
 father. On June 21, 1832, he was married to Miss 
 Mary Moss, who was born February 28, 1800, a 
 daughter of John Moss, of Washington county, 
 Penn. In 1834 Richard Patterson came to the 
 home farm in Peters township; Washington Co., 
 Penn. He was a member and elder of the Pres- 
 byterian Church until 1854, when he joined the 
 United Presbyterian Church, in which he shortly 
 afterward served as elder. Four children were 
 born to his first marriage: Elizabeth J., Joseph, 
 John and James R. The mother of this family 
 died in 1847, and in 1840 the father was married 
 to Miss Margaret Ross, a daughter of George Ross, 
 and she died in 1 ST) 4. In 1857 he was united in 
 marriage with Miss Jane MoMurray, a daughter of 
 James McMurray, of Allegheny county, Penn., and 
 to this union were born two children, viz. : Mary 
 B. (who was married to R. M. Patterson, a promi- 
 nent minister of Armstrong county, Penn.), and 
 Richard M., who died in infancy. Richard Patter- 
 son died April 17, 1891, having been preceded by 
 his wife, Jane (McMurrav) Patterson, September 
 
 9, 1888. 
 
 Joseph Patterson, sou of Richard and Mary 
 (Moss) Patterson, was born September 28, 1835, 
 on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he is now living. He was there 
 reared to manhood and on May 15, 1862, was 
 married to Miss Jane W. Douglass, daughter of 
 Thomas Douglass, of Allegheny county, Penn. 
 
 To them have been born seven children, namely: 
 Thomas J., Mary J., Alice M., Richard M., Caro- 
 line, Edwin (deceased in infancy) and James W. 
 After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Patterson came 
 immediately to the home place, where they have 
 since resided. He has been a stanch Republican, 
 and has held the office of school director. He is a 
 member and has been a trustee of the United 
 Presbyterian Church of Peters Creek. The Pat- 
 terson family have 144 acres of excellent land in 
 their possession. 
 
 ALEM FLACK. Among the early pioneers 
 of Washington county was John Flack, who 
 came from Lancaster, Penn. , to Washington, 
 where, in 1784, he purchased a town lot, be- 
 ing one of the first lot owners in the town. In 
 17^N he removed to Buffalo township, and here he 
 purchased a farm on which he erected the first 
 frame house in that section of the county. He 
 married Jane Gault, a native of Canonsburg, 
 Washington county, and to them were born chil- 
 dren as follows: James, John, Samuel, David, and 
 Mary. The mother of these children died on the 
 homestead in Buffalo township December 1 1. 1823, 
 in her sixty third year. 
 
 John Flack was known among the early pioneers 
 of Buffalo township, and after his location there, 
 continued to reside on his farm until his death, 
 which occurred in 1832. The homestead has ever 
 since remained in the possession of the family, and 
 there may be found members of the fifth gen- 
 eration. 
 
 Samuel Flack, third child of John and Jane 
 (Gault) Flack, was born April 12, 1791, on the old 
 homestead in Buffalo township. During his early 
 manhood he went to Ohio, and there married 
 Sarah Brown, by which union there were four chil- 
 dren, viz.: Salem, Mary Jane, Elizabeth A., and 
 Luther B. (who graduated at Washington College, 
 and died soon after graduating). They resided in 
 Wayne county, Ohio, until 1827, in which year 
 they removed to Washington county, Penn., set 
 tling on a farm in Buffalo township, where they 
 resided during the remainder of their lives. Sam- 
 uel Flack was a man of much force of character, 
 and determination, and was prominent among his 
 fellows in the pioneer days. During the Black 
 Hawk war, in response to a call for troops, he vol- 
 unteered his services, enlisting with a company at 
 Taylorstown. They proceeded to \\ eirich's tavern, 
 a well-known landmark of the early days, and 
 there went into camp for the night. The follow- 
 ing morning they received notice that they were 
 not required, whereupon they reluctantly returned 
 tot heir homes. Samuel Flack was a quiet, unassmn 
 ingman in his way, and while never seeking public 
 position was always conspicuous by reason of the 
 

 J<JaJ^^ zc£l*JL- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 809 
 
 active part he took in all public movements. He 
 died in Buffalo township in 1850 in his sixty-sixth 
 year, honored and respected by all. His widow 
 survived him until 1873, when she, too, was called 
 to a higher and better home. 
 
 Salem Flack, the immediate subject of this 
 sketch, was born May 19, 1824, in Wayne county, 
 Ohio, by the historic waters of the Killbuck. He 
 was but three years of age when his parents re- 
 moved to Buffalo township, this county, and set- 
 tled near Taylorstown. Here our subject was 
 reared to manhood, a part of his literary education 
 being secured at the old log schoolhouseand part at 
 the brick one, of the neighborhood, while his more 
 practical training was received under the able pre 
 ceptorship of his father, on the home farm, lessons 
 being there given that have been invaluable to him 
 in his life work. On the death of his father Mr. 
 Flack purchased the interests of the other heirs, 
 and has since remained on the home farm, where 
 he has continued to follow agricultural pursuits, 
 including stock raising and other kindred interests. 
 
 In February, 1864, he was united in marriage 
 with Margaret A., daughter of Aaron Farrar, and 
 to them have been born the following named chil 
 ■dren: Samuel L. (assisting his father in the man- 
 agement of the farm), Sarah Virginia (who died at 
 the age of eighteen), John A. (married to Elizabeth 
 Ashbrook), and Jennie A., both living at home 
 with and assisting their parents. The eutire fam- 
 ily are members of the Presbyterian Church, and 
 in politics Mr. Flack is a stanch though not active 
 Republican. His farm, which is one of the finest 
 in the county, and is situated about four miles 
 from the borough of Washington, contains 290 
 acres of choice land, whereon stand a handsome 
 pleasant residence and commodious out-houses, all 
 of which, together with the general surroundings, 
 bespeak enterprise, judicious management, pros- 
 perity and contentment. 
 
 The Farrar family in Washington county are de- 
 scended from James Farrar, who resided, at the 
 beginning of the Revolutionary war, in Hunterdon 
 county, N. J. , where he and his eldest son, James, 
 worked as blacksmiths for the American arm)' dor- 
 its operations in that State. Two sons, John and 
 Peter, were soldiers in Washington's army, and 
 were both killed at the battle of Long Island. In 
 the year 1785 Andrew Farrar, with his wife Mar- 
 garet (Moore), a lady of Scotch-Irish parentage, 
 crossed the mountains to western Pennsylvania, 
 and settled in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington 
 county, where he died November 5, 1832. He 
 reared a family of seven sons and three daughters, 
 the ninth child in the family being a son, Aaron, 
 who became the father of Mrs. Flack. He mar- 
 ried Jane Griffith, a native of Washington county, 
 Penn. , born in 1812. They purchased a farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, and resided thereon until 
 
 1845, when they came to Buffalo township, and 
 purchased a farm from Robert Dinsmore, near 
 Taylorstown, now owned by David Haggerty. 
 They had resided there but a year, when death en- 
 tered the home, calling the father and husband to 
 his long home. He passed away January 0, 1846, 
 in his thirty-sixth year, at peace with all the world, 
 a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 Their union had been blessed with rive children, as 
 follows: Margaret A. (Mrs. Salem Flack); Jennie 
 M., married, November 1, 1S60, to Milton B. Curry, 
 of Amweli township, Washington county; John (i., 
 married to Caroline Kerr, and resided in West 
 Virginia until his death (he served in the war of 
 the Rebellion, was with Sherman on his march to 
 the sea, was taken prisoner, and paroled and ex- 
 changed); Mary E. (Mrs. James Hodgens). and 
 Harriet N. (who died at the age of two years). In 
 1848 Mrs. Jane Griffith Farrar was united in mar- 
 riage with David Haggerty, and to them were born 
 three daughters: Sarah Josephine (now Mrs. Sam 
 uel Thompson), Lettitia M. (married to Frank 
 Moore), and Annie V. (at home with her father). 
 The mother passed away July 4, 1872. 
 
 :HE FULTON FAMILY. John Fulton was 
 born in May, 1810, in Philadelphia, Penu., 
 and after receiving a limited education, 
 learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- 
 lowed in Washington county, Penn. On 
 January 12, 1832, he was married to Miss Hannah 
 McMillan, who was born March 3, 1815, in this 
 county, in the dwelling now occupied by James C. 
 Fulton. Miss McMillan was a granddaughter of 
 John McMillan, D. D. , who settled on the same farm 
 in 1775. Although beginning life as a poor boy, 
 John Fulton, by dint of honest effort and careful 
 economy, became a prosperous citizen. He pur 
 chased 160 acres in North Strabane township, this 
 county, to which many improvements have since 
 been made. He and his wife were devoted mem- 
 bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Canons- 
 burg. He died October 18, 1869, followed Sep- 
 tember 14, 1891, by his wife whohad borne him nine 
 children, viz.: Samuel (deceased) Joseph R., 
 William, Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Pry, now living in 
 Brooke county, W. Va.), Thomas K., Robert D., 
 John, Catherine Isabel (residing on the old home- 
 stead with her brother R. D. Fulton) and James C. 
 Robert D. Fulton, son of John and Hannah 
 Fulton, was born April 8, 1846, and reared on the 
 old place in North Strabane township, this county, 
 receiving a common school education. On Novem- 
 ber 23, 1881, he was married to Aggie M., daugh- 
 ter of James and Rachel, (Hamilton) Rath, and to 
 this union were born a son and a daughter, namely: 
 James R. and Maggie J. The mother died May 
 7, 1886. She was a member of the United Presby- 
 
810 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 terian Church, with which the father is also identi- 
 fied. He is a member of the Democratic party, 
 and is now serving as supervisor of roads in his 
 district. 
 
 John Fulton, seventh child of John and Hannah 
 Fulton, was born April 29, 1849, on the old home- 
 stead in North Strabane township. On October 
 11, IN16, he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Sallie C. Crawford, who has borne him four chil- 
 dren, namely: Chatham Crawford, Dora Martha, 
 Samuel Reed and Alexander Clyde. Mr. Fulton 
 is actively interested in the educational interests 
 of the community, and is now serving as school 
 trustee. Iu politics he is a Democrat, and in 
 religion he and his wife are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. 
 
 James C. Fulton, youngest son of John and 
 Hannah Fulton, was born February 8, 1857, ou 
 the old homestead in North Strabane township. 
 He attended the country schools of the neighbor- 
 hood, and has since remained upon his birthplace. 
 On October 28, 1886, he was united in marriage 
 with Etta V., daughter of Isaac and Isabel (Lewis) 
 Walker. Three children have blessed this union, 
 namely: Thomas O, Mabel H. and Elsie Anetta. 
 Both parents are members of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church at Cauonsburg, and in polit- 
 ical opinion the father is a Democrat. The old 
 homestead contains 295 acres in North Strabane 
 township; since the death of John Fulton it has 
 been under the management of the three sons 
 above mentioned, Robert D. , John and James C. 
 
 CLINTON L. MILLER, a progressive citizen 
 of Donegal township, is a son of William 
 and a grandson of Frederick Miller. Little 
 is known of the latter' s parents save that 
 they were of German birth, and among the earliest 
 settlers of Donegal township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. There their son Frederick was born in an old 
 blockhouse where the parents resided for safety 
 from the Indians. Frederick Miller grew to man- 
 hood amid the surroundings of pioneer life, and 
 was married to Elizabeth Miller, also a member of 
 an old family, but no relation to her husband's 
 people. Among the children born to their union 
 was the father of our subject. 
 
 William Miller was born March 4, 1809, on the 
 farm in Donegal township, this county, and 
 passed his boyhood days on the home place, attend- 
 ing the rude schools of the period. On January 
 1, 1852, he was united in marriage with Catherine 
 Clemens, who was born November 19, 1824, 
 daughter of Nicholas Clemens, of Donegal town- 
 ship, and to their union were born the following 
 .children: Lehman (deceased in infancy), Clinton 
 L., Luther G. (deceased iu infancy), Ermina L. 
 (Mrs. Joseph Miller, of Donegal township) and 
 
 Florence V. (Mrs. James Castner, of Independence 
 township). After his marriage Mr. Miller located 
 on the Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, about two and 
 a half miles north of Coon Island, where he made 
 a permanent home. He was a successful farmer, 
 and in politics was a nfemher of the Democratic 
 party. He died in 1880, since which time his 
 widow has resided on the home farm, now man- 
 aged by her son, Clinton L. 
 
 Clinton L. Miller was born December 16, 1854, 
 on the home farm near Coon Island, where he is 
 now living, which has remained in the possession 
 of the Miller family since it was first patented. 
 Clinton L. received a common-school education, 
 and has always been a farmer, in which vocation 
 he is very successful. He is in a fair way to be- 
 come one of the wealthiest men of Donegal town- 
 ship. Politically he is a member of the Demo- 
 cratic party. 
 
 GHARLES H. BURIG, a prosperous and 
 highly respected agriculturist of Donegal 
 township, is a native of Germany. His 
 father, Charles W. Burig, was born in July, 
 1797, in the town of Brunswick, Germany, and 
 attended the public schools of the place until four- 
 teen years of age. He then learned the trade of 
 miller, which he followed for forty years. In 1827 
 he was married to Fredericka Ide, who was born 
 in 1807, also in Germany, and to their union were 
 born four children: Sophia (widow of Frederick 
 Miller, living in Triadelphia, Ohio Co. , W. Va. ), 
 Caroline (deceased wife of August Miller), Amelia 
 (Mrs. Henry Snyder, of Moundsville, W. Va.) and 
 Charles H. In 1848 Mr. Burig set sail from Bre- 
 men for America, but as war was then raging 
 between Prussia and Denmark, but few vessels 
 were sailing from German ports, and the emigrants 
 were obliged to come over in an English packet. 
 They were sixty days on the ocean, but finally 
 landed safely in New York. Thence they went by 
 boat up the Hudson river to Albany; by railroad 
 to Buffalo, N. Y.; by Lake Erie steamer to Erie, 
 Penn ; from Erie to Beaver by canal, from Beaver 
 down the Ohio river to Wheeling. Mr. Burig 
 located on Peters run, in Ohio county, \X. Va., 
 where he followed milling and farmiug until 1860, 
 when, on account of age and failing health, he- 
 retired. During the last years of his life Mr. 
 Burig lived at the home of his daughter, Mrs. 
 Miller, in Wheeling, W. Va., and there died in- 
 1S75, having been preceded by his wife in 1866. 
 
 Charles H. Burig was born December 21, is:',s, 
 at Fursteuberg, Duchy of Brunswick, Germany, 
 and came to America with his parents. He received 
 his education at the common schools, at the same 
 time, in his boyhood and early youth, assisting his- 
 father in the mill work, and the duties of the farm. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 811 
 
 On September 4, 1862, he was united in marriage 
 with Catherine Helfenbien, who was born February 
 27, 1843, in Marburg, Hessen Cassel, Germany, 
 and was but six years of age when her parents 
 immigrated to America, settling in Ohio county, 
 W. Va. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Burig had the 
 following children: William (a farmer of West 
 Finley township), Amelia (Mrs. Armour J. Roney, 
 of West Finley township), George (also of West 
 Finley township), A. Elmer (living with his par- 
 ents), Gertrude (Mrs. Albert Morrow, of Donegal 
 township) and Charlton L. (living at home). After 
 his marriage Mr. Burig farmed for some time in 
 Ohio county, W. Va., and in 1865 settled in Done- 
 gal township, Washington Co., Penn., locating on 
 the old " De France farm," lying a short distance 
 from the mouth of Dutch fork of Buffalo creek. 
 He was engaged in milling for twenty years: but 
 in 1885 he abandoned this business to devote his 
 entire attention to farming. In political life Mr. 
 Burig was a Democrat until 1880, when he united 
 with the Republican party. He has recently 
 erected an elegant residence which is equal to any 
 in the vicinity. 
 
 dfAMES H. SUPLER. The Supler family are 
 identified with the early settlement and im- 
 | provement of Washington county, and the first 
 pioneer of that name, of whom there is any 
 authentic record, was John Supler, the great- 
 grandfather of our subject. He was born about 
 1757, in eastern Pennsylvania, and was there mar- 
 ried to Rachel Kirk, who was born August 13, 
 1767. In company with his wife and a sister of 
 Mr. Supler's, the young conple made the rough 
 and tedious journey over the mountains. They 
 filially located in Donegal township, about three 
 miles southeast of West Alexander, where in the 
 midst of an unbroken wilderness they erected their 
 log cabin home. The following children were 
 born to them: Susanna, born December 21, 1783; 
 Rachel, born February 18, 1785; Margaret, born 
 March 17, 1787; John, born January 25, 1790; 
 Sarah, born May 6, 1792: Ann, born January 30, 
 1795; and Edward, born February 18, 1804; all of 
 whom lived to an adult age, and are now deceased. 
 The father of this family died June 14, 1835, after 
 many years of toil and care, and the mother fol- 
 lowed him August 28, 1850. 
 
 John Supler was born on the pioneer farm in 
 Donegal township, this county, and shared all the 
 hardships incident to pioneer life. In later years 
 he was united in marriage with Margaret Sargent, 
 a member of an old family of Washington county, 
 and the children born to them were as follows: 
 Thomas, John, Isaac, William. Henry, Elizabeth, 
 Sarah Ann, Margaret, Rachel, Mary and Jane. 
 Of this family those now living are Rachel, Eliza- 
 
 beth, Sarah Ann and Isaac. Mr. Supler passed 
 his life farming on the old home place, and died 
 April 28, 1871. His widow died in 1881. 
 
 Thomas Supler was born February 23, 1814, on 
 the farm in Donegal township, this county, and 
 was the eldest son of his parents. He received a 
 common-school education, and was trained to agri- 
 cultural pursuits by his father. In 1838 he was 
 married to Margaret Hill, who was born August 
 19, 1813, and their children were: Nancy Jane, 
 born January 8, 1840; John H, born January 6, 
 1842; Joseph G., born November 4, 1843; Alexan 
 der D., born March 21. 1847; Henry H., bom 
 January 26, 1849; and James H., the only child 
 now living. After his marriage Thomas Supler 
 located in Greene county, Penn., where he re- 
 mained some time, then moved near Beallsville, 
 West Bethlehem township, Washington county. 
 He afterward purchased and moved upon the 
 old home farm of the Suplers in Donegal township, 
 this county. In 1876 he moved to West Alexan- 
 der, same township, where his wife died May 5, 
 1883, and October 20, 1884, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Mrs. Caroline (Rogers) Mounts, widow 
 of James Mounts. After his marriage to Caroline 
 Mounts, Thomas Supler located in Claysville, April 
 1, 1885, where he died February 15, 1886. Polit- 
 ically he was a Republican, and in religion was a 
 member of the M. E. Church. His widow is still 
 living. 
 
 James H. Supler was born March 18, 1850, near 
 Beallsville, West Bethlehem township, this county, 
 and came with his parents to Donegal township. 
 He received a common-school education, and as- 
 sisted his father in the farm work. On December 
 29, 1875, he was married to Elizabeth Bryans, 
 who was born April 3, 1855, at Port Stanley, 
 Ontario, Canada, daughter of William and Marga- 
 ret (Bamford) Bryans. They have four children, 
 namely: William H., Bessie M., Minnie M. and 
 James W., all of whom are living with their par- 
 ents. Mr. Supler located on the home farm, 
 where he is now living, and which has been in the 
 possession of the family four generations. He is 
 engaged in general farming, and also operates a 
 threshing machine in the summer season. Polit- 
 ically he is a Republican, and he is an energetic 
 and prosperous young man. 
 
 QEORGE W. RITCHEY, a skillful black 
 smith and well-known citizen of West Alex- 
 ander, was born December 10, 1827, in 
 Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He is a son of John and grandson of George 
 Ritchey, who was born and grew to manhood in 
 Ireland. George Ritchey was married in his 
 native country, and some time afterward came to 
 
812 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 America, locating in Buffalo township, Washing- 
 ton county, near Taylorstown. They remained 
 there several years, and then came to Donegal 
 township, where Mr. Ritchey purchased the home 
 farm. He had a family of twenty-one children. 
 In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious 
 ■connection a member of the U. B. Church of Done- 
 gal township. 
 
 John Ritchey was born in Donegal township, 
 Washington Co., Peun. , and there received his 
 early education at the primitivesubscription schools. 
 He was united in marriage with Elizabeth Fowler, 
 a resident of Washington county, and their chil- 
 dren were: Margaret J. (deceased wife of George 
 Karnes), Elizabeth M. (first married to John Miller, 
 now the wife of Thomas Phillips), George W. (our 
 subject), David, William T. (deceased minister of 
 the U. B. Church) and John. After his marriage 
 Mr. Ritchey made his permanent home in Done- 
 gal township. He was a public-spirited man, in- 
 terested in all progressive movements, and an act- 
 ive worker in the Democratic party; in relig- 
 ion he was a member of the U. B. Church of 
 Donegal township. He died in 1861, and was fol- 
 lowed by his widow in 180(5. The remains of both 
 rest in the V. B. Church cemetery. 
 
 George W. Ritchey received his early education 
 and passed his boyhood in Donegal township. At 
 the age of eighteen years he was apprenticed to 
 Lewis Hallom, of Washington borough, to learn 
 the blacksmith's trade. He remained there two 
 years, anil then entered the employ of John Mor- 
 row, with whom he worked four years, when he 
 established a shop at Taylorstown. Mr. Ritchey 
 conducted the blacksmith business at that place 
 for eight and a half years, and then entered the 
 employ of William McCoy, in West Alexander, re- 
 maining with him until 1862, when he enlisted in 
 Company C, "Ringgold Cavalry," serving until the 
 close of the struggle. After the war he worked at 
 his trade in West Alexander until 1871, when he 
 settled in Buffalo village, which was his home 
 thirteen years, but finally came to West Alexander 
 where he has since remained. On April 5, 1848, 
 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter 
 of James Mitchell, of Bentleyville, Washington 
 county, and their union has been blessed with the 
 following children : Winfield S. , Lena (Mrs. Robert 
 Martin), Thomas, A. E., Mary (Mrs. George Tim- 
 rnons), William and Lester G. Of this family, 
 Thomas, A. E. and William are deceased. Mr. 
 Ritchey has always been a progressive man, and 
 has taken au active part in the development of the 
 community. Politically he is an earnest Repub- 
 lican, and while residing in Hopewell township, 
 served three terms as justice of the peace. He is 
 a substantial member of the Presbyterian Church 
 at West Alexander. 
 
 QEORGE BLACK. Chief among the well- 
 known farmers and breeders of fine Black- 
 Top Merino sheep ranks George Black, who 
 resides on his farm adjoining Canonsbnrg. 
 James and Elizabeth (Horner) Black, 
 grandparents of our subject, came from the Cum- 
 berland Valley in company with William Horner, 
 making the trip across the mountains in a wagon 
 drawn by four horses. James Black owned a farm 
 in Cumberland county, but was not satisfied with 
 the settlement of his father's estate, and after sell- 
 ing his farm moved to the wilds of Washington 
 county, known at that time as "the backwoods." 
 He first settled on the land in North Strabane 
 township now owned by the Samuel McNary heirs; 
 from there moved to Peters township, and for a 
 time lived near Bethany Church on Miners run, 
 Allegheny county, Penn. His wife died in Peters 
 township, April 10, 1834, at the age of sixty years, 
 and he passed away at the residence of his son in- 
 law, Daniel Hickman, in Peters township, Novem- 
 ber 6, 1842, aged seventy-two. Both are buried 
 in the Chartiers cemetery, North Strabane town- 
 ship. The children born of their union were: 
 Margaret S., born July 22, 1796 (she was married, 
 in 1818, to James Hare, who bought a farm near 
 Claysville, where they both died); Nancy, born 
 March 1, 1798, and married, in 1825, to James 
 Lyons (she and her husband died on their farm 
 near Industry, Beaver Co., Penn.); Elizabeth, born 
 May 31, 1800 (she married Thomas Cotuer in 1826, 
 and moved to Carroll county, Ohio); William, born 
 June 22, 1S02 (married Eleanor Manifold); Sallie, 
 born in October, 1804 (married Daniel Hickman, 
 and settled in Stark county, Ohio); Richard, born 
 in December, 1806 (he married Jane Speer; he was 
 a carpenter and resided in Allegheny City, where 
 he died); Robert, born January 9, 1809 (first mar 
 ried Sadie Rankin, and afterward Elizabeth Mani- 
 fold; he made his home on a farm near Beck's 
 Mills, North Strabane township); James, born May 
 25, 1812 (married Nancy Gilmore, on March 27, 
 IS 11; he settled in Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn.); and Rebecca, born February 14, 1816 
 (married March 2, 1843, to Robert Johnston). To 
 each of these marriages were born children. Will- 
 iam Horner, brother-in-law of James Black, owned 
 three farms near Beck's Mills, in North Strabane 
 township. He was a member of Chartiers Presby 
 fcerian Church, and died February 23, 1860, aged 
 eighty-two. 
 
 William Black, father of subject, was born June 
 22, 1802, in Washington county, a son of James 
 and Elizabeth (Horner) Black. He married Miss 
 Eleanor Manifold, a native of York county, Penn. , 
 who came with her parents across the mount 
 ains when twelve years of age. After their mar- 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. Black settled on the farm in 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 813 
 
 North Strabaoe township now owned by our sub- 
 ject, where they both died. William Black was a 
 man of pure principle and of more than ordinary 
 intelligence. He and his wife were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and he was an elder in the 
 Chartiers Church for a number of years. Six sons 
 and four daughters were born of their union, viz. : 
 Margaret (wife of Rev. William Grimes, of Bel 
 mont county, Ohio), Ann (who died at the age of 
 twelve years), Mary (wife of Rev. James S. Ban - , 
 of Sealkote, northern India, where he is a mission- 
 ary of the United Presbyterian Church), Elizabeth 
 (who married Joseph Willison of this count}', now 
 deceased), William (who married Mary Bebout, 
 and resides in North Strabane township), Benja- 
 min (who enlisted in the Fortieth Regiment, P. V. 
 I., as a sergeant, and was killed at Gettysburg; he 
 was unmarried), James L. (who enlisted in the 
 Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers; he was 
 admitted to the bar, located in Pittsburgh, and at 
 present is an attorney at law in Lumpkin county, 
 Ga. ), George (our subject), Richard (who married 
 Flora White, and lives on a farm in North Stra- 
 bane township), and Robert (who married Margaret 
 White, and owns a marble and granite yard in 
 Canonsburg). 
 
 George Black was born December 3, 1843, in 
 Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., a son 
 of William and Eleanor (Manifold) Black. He at- 
 tended the common schools of Canonsburg, learned 
 farming with his father, and upon the latter' s 
 death came into possession of the old homestead 
 farm. This laud was purchased of James Murray, 
 who had bought it from the old Jefferson College 
 trustees. On January 26, 1871, Mr. Black was 
 married to Miss Jane E., a daughter of Samuel 
 and Margaret (Templeton) McNary, born on her 
 father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. Black are members 
 of the First Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg, 
 of which they are liberal supporters. Two sons 
 and one daughter have blessed their marriage, 
 viz.: Samuel O. , Benjamin M. and Jeanette. In 
 September, 1862, Mr. Black enlisted in the Eight- 
 eenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was 
 stationed at Hagerstown, Md., but after a few 
 weeks his services were no longer needed, and he 
 was sent home. Our subject is a representative 
 and progressive farmer, unassuming, but practical 
 and reliable. He is one of the few agriculturists 
 who realize that successful farming recpiires more 
 study, concentration of mind and executive ability 
 than any profession. Mr. Black is one of the or- 
 ganizers of the Black-Top Merino Sheep Breeders 
 Association of Washington county, and was treas- 
 urer of this association two years. Politically, he 
 works with the Republican party. He enjoys the 
 confidence and respect of all who know him, and 
 is universally considered an upright and honorable 
 gentleman. 
 
 | AMES 
 
 taker, 
 
 C. MATTHEWS, farmer and under- 
 taker, is a resident of North Strabane town- 
 ft J ) ship, of which he is a native, born July 20, 
 ^^ 1843. James Matthews, his grandfather, 
 was born February 17, 1785, in Ireland, and 
 in a very early day immigrated to America, set- 
 tling in Washington county, Penn., where he fol- 
 lowed farming the rest of his life, dying February 
 18, 1853; in politics he was a typical old-school 
 Democrat. 
 
 James Matthews, father of James C. , was also 
 a prominent agriculturist of Washington county, 
 where he was born. He was here married, in 1836, 
 to Sarah Crawford, who was born February 6, I 8 1 5, 
 by whom he had a family of ten children, all of 
 whom grew to maturity, viz.: Nancy J., wife of 
 Matthew Ross, a farmer of Washington count v; 
 Tamar M. , wife of John B. Milholland, of Pitts- 
 burgh. Penn.; James C, subject of sketch; Eliza- 
 beth, wife of William Caldwell, a farmer in Al- 
 legheny county, Penn. ; Leonard, a farmer, of 
 Columbiana county, Ohio; Andrew, proprietor of 
 grocery store, Canonsburg, Penn. ; Levi, proprietor 
 of a furniture store at Beaver Falls, Penn. ; Sarah 
 M., wife of J. H. McMurray, a farmer in Peters 
 township, this county; Chatham G., a grocery mer- 
 chant in Allegheny county, Penn. ; and Martha A., 
 now deceased. The father died December 30, 1885, 
 the mother having some years preceded him to the 
 grave. They were both active members of the 
 United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James C. Matthews was educated at the dis- 
 trict schools of his native township, and was reared 
 from boyhood to the Arcadian pursuits of the farm. 
 On November 4, 1869, he was married to Miss 
 Belle M. Thomas, a native of North Strabane 
 township, born May 17, 1848, a daughter of Liver- 
 ton and Mary A. (Glandon) Thomas, the former of 
 whom was born in North Strabane township, May 
 12, 1808, the latter in Maryland, October 2, 1S13, 
 and moved with her parents to Harrison county, 
 Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Liverton Thomas were mar- 
 ried in 1834, in Ohio, and shortly afterward set- 
 tled in North Strabane township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. They reared a family of nine children, 
 eight of whom are yet living, viz. : Edmund, a 
 farmer in Saline county, Neb.; William, a farmer 
 in Chase county, Neb. ; James M. , a merchant 
 in the village of Thomas, Washington Co., 
 Penn. ; Rhoda L. , wife of John Hodgens, in Des- 
 Moines county, Iowa; Liverton G., a physician in 
 Philadelphia, Penn.; Belle M. , wife of James C. 
 Matthews; A. J., a farmer of North Strabane 
 township, and Ida M. , wife of William Kittle, of 
 Rush eounty, Kans. (Caleb F. died in infancy). 
 The father of this family is at present living with 
 his daughter, Mrs. John Hodgens, at Middletown, 
 Des Moines Co., Iowa; he is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics a stanch 
 
814 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Democrat; his wife passed away December 10, 
 1873. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. James C. Matthews have been 
 born six children — three sons and three daughters 
 — as follows: Thomas C, born August 12, 1870 
 (he is a mechanical draughtsman in Barberton, 
 Ohio); James F., born September 10, 1S73 (en- 
 gaged in the photography business); Ernest 
 W., born November 17, 1875; Sarah E. and 
 Mary A. (twins), born July 27, 1880, and Lena 
 M., born May 16, 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Matthews 
 are members of the U. P. Church, in which he has 
 been an elder for the past fifteen years, and is 
 superintendent of the Sabbath-school of Mount 
 Prospect Church. He is a solid Democrat in his 
 political preferences, and February 15, 1892, was 
 elected township assessor. In his farming opera- 
 tions he has been eminently successful, and since 
 1875 has conducted an undertaking establishment 
 in the village of Thomas. 
 
 I[ RA M. BUTLER is of Welsh descent, his grand- 
 father, Benjamin Butler, having been a native 
 of Wales. The latter ancestor, a Quaker in 
 religious faith, in 1776 accompanied his 
 parents to America. The Butler family settled in 
 Lancaster county, Penn., and there secured 1,000 
 acres of land, part of which was in Chester county. 
 Benjamin Butler was married in this country, and 
 reared his family on the farm, but finally deciding 
 to move to Ohio, sold the place, and purchased 
 farms for the children. In 1805 sixteen persons 
 began the journey to Ohio, with a two-horse team 
 and carriage, arriving at Monongahela City on the 
 evening of October 7, 1805. The following morn- 
 ing Mr. Butler was suddenly stricken with apo- 
 plexy and died that day. The other members of 
 the family fell sick with malaria, which a 
 quack doctor of the neighborhood pronounced 
 yellow fever. These misfortunes compelled the 
 family to remain in Washington county for some 
 time, and they finally abandoned the idea of pro- 
 ceeding farther. The mother resided with her son 
 Ira R. until her death. She left the following 
 children: Jonathan, a wagon and plow maker; 
 Abner, a cabinet maker; Noble; Eunice; Isaac; 
 Benjamin; Joel; Joseph and Ira R.,of whom the 
 younger sons were carpenters with the exception 
 of Ira R. 
 
 Ira It. Butler was born November 15, 1792, in 
 Lancaster county, Penn., and in 1805 came with 
 the family to Washington county. After his ar- 
 rival in this county he attended school for two 
 years, then learned the saddlery business. His 
 health failing, he abandoned this pursuit by the 
 advice of a physician, and in 1S14 engaged as cap- 
 tain of a freight vessel on Lake Erie. He followed 
 this vocation three years, then returned to Monon- 
 
 gahela City and became captain of "The Eagle," 
 a passenger boat on the river, remaining in that 
 position two years, at the end of which time he 
 bought a farm near Monongahela City, meanwhile 
 working in the boatyard for Robert Beebe. On 
 June 4, 1822, Ira R. Butler was married to Mary 
 
 A. Boyd, a resident of Washington county, and 
 their children were as follows: Benjamin, William, 
 Samuel M., Ira R., Eunice J. (wife of C. Z. Kcech- 
 lin), Mary E. (married to Richard Pratt), Eliza- 
 beth (wife of James Blythe), Emmeline (wife of 
 Dr. R. S. H. Keys; she was the widow of Maj. S. 
 
 B. Howe, of the First W. Va. Cavalry, who had 
 served during the entire Civil war without receiv- 
 ing a wound. On April 8, 1865, the night before 
 the surrender of Lee, he was shot and killed by a 
 rebel sharpshooter at Appomattox), Sarah (mar- 
 ried to Charles Fry), and Ira M. In 1839 Mr. 
 Butler sold his property, and in 1840 purchased 
 the "John Stockdale farm,'' where he died July 
 18, 1884, his wife having gone before September 
 7, 1874. He was a leading member of both the 
 Whig and Republican parties, and served for 
 twenty-five years as justice of the peace. In re- 
 ligion he was actively identified with the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 Ira M. Butler was born January 22, 1843, on 
 the home farm in Carroll township, Washington 
 Co. , Penn. He received a common-school educa- 
 tion, and on May 17, 1874, brought his bride, 
 Nancy J. Frederick, to the home place. She is a 
 native of West Pike Run towuship, this county, 
 and daughter of Joseph Frederick. In 1880 the 
 young couple moved to Elizabeth, Penn., where 
 they resided until 1883, then returned to the home 
 place and managed the farm until 1885. He 
 afterward engaged in the livery business at Mo- 
 nongahela City, which he continued to follow two 
 and a half years, then worked on the railroad for 
 two years. In 1889 he opened a feed store which 
 he has since conducted. Politically he is a Repub- 
 lican, but votes independently in local matters. 
 He is a member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 Jl( DAM AUOHENDOBLER was born August 
 l\ 14, 1823, near the city of Nuremberg, 
 ^\ Bavaria, Germany, where his parents passed 
 -^ their lives. His mother died when he was 
 eleven years old, leaving one child. Adam 
 Aughendobler remained at the home of his uncle 
 after the death of his parents, and there learned 
 the weaver's trade, also assisting on the farm. In 
 1852 he embarked on a vessel bound for America, 
 and after a voyage of seven weeks landed at Balti- 
 more, Md. He then came to Washington county, 
 Penn., and worked on a farm for Major Millinger, 
 also for James Stockdale. On May 4, 1853. he 
 was united in marriage with Mrs. Lizzie Zeh, a 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 815 
 
 lady of German parentage, and the widow of 
 J. B. Zeb, by whom she had one child — John 
 B. Zeb, born in Germauy. She was married to 
 Mr. Zeb in the Fatherland, where he died. She 
 came to America in the same vessel as Adam 
 Aughendobler, to whom she was married, as just 
 related, and in 1865 they came to Monongahela, 
 where the family have since resided. Mr. Augh- 
 endobler is an active member of the Republican 
 party, has served as councilman, and for twenty- 
 eight years has been superintendent of the ceme- 
 tery, which position he now holds. In religious faith 
 he is identified with the Lutheran Church, which 
 he has served as elder. To Mr. and Mrs. Aughen- 
 dobler have been born the following children: 
 Maria (Mrs. Levi Friend) and Bessie (Mrs. William 
 Woodward), (twins), Jane (wife of James Dickey), 
 Maggie (Mrs. Hoffman), Anna (wife of John Staib), 
 George (deceased) and John L. 
 
 JiOHN A. FRAZEE, who belongs to one of 
 the oldest and most prominent families of 
 ) Amwell township, is a native of the same, 
 bora May 28, 1834. His grandfather, Col. 
 David Frazee, was the son of David Frazee\ 
 who moved from New Jersey in about 17S0, locat- 
 ing in Amwell township, this county, where he 
 died in June, 1789. 
 
 Col. David Frazee was born about 1782 in Am- 
 well township, and afterward removed to West Beth- 
 lehem township. The father dying when David 
 was a boy of seven years, the family were soon sep- 
 arated, and his early life was passed in West Beth- 
 lehem, where he purchased what was afterward 
 known as the" Frazee Homestead," on Brush run, 
 a tributary of North Ten-Mile creek. He was 
 married to Catherine Sutton, daughter of Andrew 
 Sutton, and their children were David, Andrew 
 and Sallie (who married Peter Miller), all now de- 
 ceased. The father passed from earth in 1850. 
 Col. Frazee was one of the leading men of the 
 time, and was often asked to decide matters of 
 difference by arbitration. At one time he and his 
 son David owned 1,000 acres in the two townships 
 — Amwell and West Bethlehem. In politics he was 
 a Whig, and though by no means an office seeker, 
 he worked earnestly for the interests of his party. 
 He was a member and one of the founders of the 
 Disciple Church at Lone Pine. 
 
 David Frazee, son of Col. David Frazee, was 
 born in 1812, and came with his parents to West 
 Bethlehem township. He received a limited edu- 
 cation in the common schools, but became a well- 
 read, intelligent man. He was united in marriage 
 with Amy Cooper, of Amwell township, daughter 
 of Moses and Christine Cooper, and to this union 
 were born two children: Mrs. Sarah Curry and 
 John A. Politically Mr. Frazee was first a Whig 
 and afterward a Republican; in religious faith he 
 
 was an earnest member of the Disciple Church at 
 Lone Pine, in which he was an elder for many 
 years. Mrs. Frazee died in 188-1, and was fol- 
 lowed by her husband March 29, 1888, when in 
 his seventy-sixth year. 
 
 John A. Frazee received his primary education 
 at the common schools, attended Pleasant Valley 
 Academy for two years, and also spent one term at 
 Washington and Jefferson College. He remained 
 at home until October 23, 1859, when he was 
 united in marriage with Maria Woodruff, daughter 
 of Joshua and Priscilla Woodruff, of Knox comity, 
 Ohio. Mrs. Frazee has the following brothers 
 and sisters all living in Ohio: Mrs. Benjamin Bell, 
 residing near Martinsburgh; Morgan, a resident of 
 Licking county; Mrs. Amanda Murdick, living in 
 Newark, and L. M. Woodruff, a resident of Utica. 
 The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Frazee were 
 Calvin, born August 25, 1860; John Hamlin, born 
 March 21, 1862 (died February 25, 1864); Mrs. 
 Priscilla Paul, born January 20, 1864, residing in 
 Washington; Allison J., born January 14, 1866; 
 William W. , bom January 15, 1868; Eddie, born 
 November 19, 1870 (deceased December 26, 1884); 
 Ida M., born September 19, 1S72; Olive, born 
 August 17, 1874; Isa, born November 4, 1876; 
 Odessa, born November 22, 1878; and Angeline, 
 born September 24, 1880, deceased January 11, 
 1885. Mr. Frazee has been a very successful farm- 
 er, and now owns 473 acres of as good land as 
 can be found in his township. In politics he has 
 always been a Republican, and he is much inter- 
 ested in public matters. In religious faith he is 
 a member of the Disciple Church at Lone Pine. 
 
 d 
 
 1766, 
 
 ¥ OHN W. FERGUSON, one of the wide-awake, 
 enterprising and prosperous merchants of 
 Smith township, is a representative of an old 
 pioneer family who trace their genealogy from 
 one John Ferguson, who was bom July 5, 
 in County Down, Ireland, and was reared to 
 agricultural pursuits. In 1793 the good ship 
 " Wilmington " (commanded by Capt. James Jeff- 
 ries, with John Magee as first mate) sailed for 
 America. Among the passengers bound for the 
 New World were John Ferguson and a neighbor 
 family by the name of Warnock. They lauded at 
 Philadelphia, where the friends parted, the War- 
 nocks remaining in that city, while young Fergu- 
 son went further west. He invested his small 
 savings in a peddler's pack, and with this meager 
 provision for the future started on his lonely 
 journey of exploration. But among the members 
 of the Warnock family was a daughter Jane, born 
 October 23, 1772, in County Down, Ireland, to 
 whom he had plighted his troth, promising to 
 return and claim his bride when success should 
 reward his efforts. He journeyed along the Ohio 
 and Mississippi rivers, trading on the way. From 
 
816 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Pittsburgh, Perm., he made a trip to New Orleans, 
 walking the entire distance on the return journey. 
 He made various other expeditions, finally realiz- 
 ing enough money to enable him to fulfill his long- 
 cherished plans, and return to his love in Phila- 
 delphia, who was patiently awaiting his arrival. 
 In 1795 they were made one, and immediately 
 went to Washington county, Penn., locating as 
 tenants on part of a tract of 1,000 acres in Smith 
 township, near the Hanover township line, which 
 had been patented by Capt. Daniel Bavington. 
 The young couple began life in their frontier 
 home, enduring many inconveniences and dan- 
 gers, and, as was then necessary, he was often 
 obliged to cross the mountains to get salt and 
 provisions. On one of these occasions the young 
 wife was left alone in the cabin, and the wolves 
 (which were at that time very numerous) sur- 
 rounded it. Unable to keep them outside, the 
 helpless woman fled to the garret, leaving the 
 lower room to the mercy of the brutes, thus escap- 
 ing with her life. Some years after this, John 
 Ferguson purchased the land on which he resided, 
 and later an adjoining tract, where the rest of his 
 life was passed. He was a representative citizen, 
 possessing good judgment; in politics he was a 
 Democrat, and was often sought for advice on ques- 
 tions of moment, while his wife was no less a val- 
 ued member of the community. She was a famous 
 nurse, being more successful with her patients 
 than the majority of physicians, and both Mr. and 
 Mrs. Ferguson were members of the old Seceder 
 Church. Their children were Elizabeth (wife of 
 James Smith), born July 7, 1798, who died in 
 1871, in Beaver county, Penn. ; Anne, born Decem- 
 ber 17, 1801 (deceased in 1819); Mary, born Sep- 
 tember 5, 1805 (was fatally burned in an accident, 
 dying November 4. 1887, unmarried); and John, 
 born December 14, 1 807. The father died Feb- 
 ruary 22. 1842, and November 24, 1850, the wife 
 and mother passed away. 
 
 John Ferguson was born on the home farm in 
 Smith township, near' Bavington, being reared to 
 agricultural pursuits, and receiving a country- 
 school education. On October 23, 1851, he was 
 married to Martha C. Kryster, who was born Jan- 
 uary 25, 1S25, in Stark county, Ohio, the cere- 
 mony taking place at North Springfield, Summit 
 Co., Ohio. She was a daughter of Isaac and 
 Frances (Fraker) Kryster, the former a member of 
 an aristocratic family of Philadelphia, Penn., the 
 latter born near Greensburgh, Westmoreland Co., 
 Penn. They were early settlers of Stark county, 
 Ohio, and parents of seven sons and six daughters. 
 
 John and Martha C. (Kryster) Ferguson settled 
 on the home farm in Smith township, and four 
 children were born to them, viz.: Jennie A. (wife of 
 William Beal, a farmer of Beaver county, Penn.), 
 Isaac C. (an agriculturist of Smith township), 
 
 John \Y. (whose name opens this sketch) and May 
 F. (wife of F. B. Stewart). Mr. Ferguson was an 
 eager reader, a practical scholar, and one of the 
 most influential citizens of the community. In 
 early life he gave some attention to dentistry, but 
 never learned it as a profession. In politics he 
 was a Democrat, and served as justice of the peace 
 under the old constitution (which elected for life 
 or good behavior), also serving .two terms after tin' 
 present laws were introduced, filling the position 
 in all for twenty- one years. Being a very careful 
 business man, he was often called on to transact 
 important affairs for others, and among the estates 
 which he settled were the Garrett Van Ennnan, 
 the Calvert, the Free Crafford, the Samuel Clokey, 
 the James Brimner, the Samuel Neil and the James 
 Stephenson estates, and was also associated with 
 Squire Pollock in settling up the extensive Baving- 
 ton estate. He held various township offices, was 
 school director for eighteen years, serving as presi- 
 dent of the board, and acted as guardiau for many 
 children and minors. In religion Mr. and Mrs. 
 Ferguson were members of the U. P. Church at 
 Burgettstown, of which he was an elder over thirty 
 years, and was also a member of the building com- 
 mittee when the second building was erected. 
 His useful life closed January 31, 1882, and Mrs. 
 Ferguson resided on the farm some time after his 
 death, but afterward removed to Bavington, this 
 county, where she is now living with her children, 
 May and John W., enjoying the affection and re- 
 spect of all who know her. 
 
 John W. Ferguson was born January 1, 1858, on 
 the old place in Smith township, where he passed 
 his youth working on the farm and attending the 
 schools of the vicinity. He resided with his par 
 ents until twenty-eight years of age, then began 
 clerking for John McBride, a merchant of Baving- 
 ton, and two years later became a partner. In 
 1892 he purchased the entire business, which has 
 virtually been under his control for several years, 
 Mr. McBride having devoted his attention princi- 
 pally to other interests. Mr. Ferguson is a pro- 
 gressive and thoroughly competent merchant, and 
 enjoys a large custom. In politics he has for sev 
 eral years been a leading figure in the Democratic 
 party, and has held various township offices with 
 credit to himself. Of late he has been obliged to 
 partially retire from political life, to meet the in- 
 creasing pressure of his growing business. In re- 
 ligion he is a member of the U. P. Church at 
 Robinson. 
 
 | AMES HODGENS. The family, of which 
 this gentleman is a worthy member, is one of 
 fr I the earliest to make a settlement in Buffalo 
 ^^ township, and one of the most highly re- 
 spected and esteemed in the county. 
 
 Thomas Hodgeus, grandfather of the subject 
 
%k 
 
 J^t£<Z>7>C-£^ ^O 5 ^*^- 
 
 -^i>L<f 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 819 
 
 proper of this biographical memoir, was a native 
 of County Armagh, Ireland, whence, in the spring 
 of 1807, he emigrated with his family to America. 
 After a brief sojourn in Philadelphia they came to 
 Washington, this county, and in the spring of 
 1808 Mr. Hodgens purchased a farm in Buffalo 
 township, near the village of Taylorstown, on which 
 they settled. Here Grandfather Hodgens ended 
 his pioneer life, dying in 1821, at the age of sixty- 
 five years, his wife following him to the grave sev- 
 eral years later. In his native land Thomas Hod- 
 gens has been, in religious faith, a strict Seceder, 
 but after coming to this county, for reasons sound 
 and just, no doubt, he associated himself with the 
 Christian (or Disciple) Church, dying an earnest 
 and devout member thereof, after having taken an 
 active interest in the establishment and welfare of 
 that Society in his township. 
 
 Of the four children comprising the family of 
 Thomas Hodgens, a son, by name Isaac, was born 
 in 1794, in County Armagh, Ireland, where he re- 
 ceived an excellent educational training under the 
 preceptorship of Alexander Campbell, who after- 
 ward came to this country, and established, at 
 Bethany, W. Va. , an academy, now known as 
 Bethany College, where Isaac Hodgens (who had 
 immigrated with his parents) completed his edu- 
 cation. During their voyage across the Atlantic, 
 the vessel on which were the Hodgens family was 
 boarded by a Britisli man-of war (probably for the 
 purpose of impressing some of the able-bodied 
 sailors of the merchant ship into the regular navy, 
 as was the custom in those days in time of war — 
 for Great Britain was then at war with France), 
 and by some means Isaac became separated from 
 the rest of the family, and was carried off by the 
 warship. Later, however, he was placed on board 
 the American ship "Martha," and ultimately re- 
 stored to his parents. In Buffalo township he 
 passed the rest of his active life, engaged in agri- 
 cultural pursuits, and distinguished himself among 
 his fellows as a man of unimpeachable character, 
 a great reader, deep thinker and possessed of much 
 knowledge. He was a zealous Democrat, and a 
 personal friend of Andrew Jackson. So popular 
 was he, and in such high esteem was he held by 
 the community in which he lived, that he held 
 every position of honor and trust in his township 
 that could be conferred upon him by the people. 
 He served as associate judge of the courts, also as 
 county commissioner, and in the militia of his 
 early times he took an active and conspicuous part, 
 rising to the exalted rank of major-general. 
 
 In 1822 Isaac Hodgens married Isabella McCar- 
 rell, daughter of Ludawick and Martha (Lemon) 
 McCarrell, the former of whom came from Ireland 
 to Washington county, Penn.,in 1790, the latter 
 being a native of the county; they were the parents 
 of a large family. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 Hodgens resided on the old homestead in Buffalo 
 township till 1835, when they moved into Taylors- 
 town; but after one year's residence there they pur- 
 chased a farm (now occupied by R. W. Crothers) 
 adjoining the village, and here they passed their 
 declining years, the father dying February 24, 
 I860, the mother in June, 1872. They were the 
 parents of eleven children, of whom five yet sur- 
 vive, viz.: James. Martha (Mrs. Vance), Isaac (in 
 Kansas City). William L. (a farmer in Iowa) and 
 Robert A. (in Washington county, Pennsylvania). 
 
 James Hodgens, whose name opens this sketch, 
 is the fourth child of Isaac and Isabella (McCar- 
 rt'll i Hodgens, and was born September 19, 1829, 
 on the old original homestead in Buffalo town- 
 ship. His rudimentary education he received at 
 the public schools of the neighborhood of his boy- 
 hood home, afterward completing his literary 
 training at Jefferson College; and in all his studies, 
 from the child's primer up, he proved an apt and 
 dijigent scholar, remarkably cpiick and intelligent 
 — such a one as the philosopher might have had in 
 his mind's eye when he penned the immortal axiom: 
 "The boy is father to the man." At college he 
 found a favorite study in mathematics, in connec- 
 tion with which he learned civil engineering, of 
 which science he made himself master: and in after 
 life he practiced surveying, in connection with 
 farming and stock raising, for forty years. Mr. 
 Hodgens remained on the old homestead up to the 
 time of his father's death, and then took charge of 
 his present farm in the same township, comprising 
 250 acres of prime land. In addition to his home 
 interests he owns property in Iowa and elsewhere. 
 He is a prominent member and supporter of the U. 
 P. Church at Taylorstown, and in his political 
 preferences is an active and influential Democrat. 
 He has served as justice of the peace and in other 
 township offices of trust. 
 
 On December 24, 1863, James Hodgens was 
 united in marriage with Mary E. Farrar, a native 
 of Washington county, Penn. , and a member of an 
 old representative family, of whom special mention 
 will presently be made. Nine children were born 
 to Mr. and Mrs. Hodgens, and of them six are yet 
 living, viz. : Thomas Milton (cashier of the State 
 Savings Bank, in Butte City, Mont.), Ella Maude, 
 Isaac Walter, James Oscar, Albert McClees and 
 Ralph Morrow. 
 
 The Faebar family in Washington county are 
 descended from James Farrar, who at the com- 
 mencement of the Revolutionary war resided in 
 Hunterdon county, N. J., where he and his eldest 
 son, James, did blacksmith's work for the Ameri- 
 can army during its operations in that State. Two 
 other sons — John and Peter — were soldiers in Wash- 
 ington's army, and were both killed at the battle 
 of Long Island. In 1775 Andrew Farrar (an- 
 other son of the original James Farrar), together 
 
820 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 with bis wife, Margaret (Moore) Farrar, a lady of 
 Irish parentage, crossed the Alleghany mountains 
 into western Pennsylvania and settled in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county, where he died 
 November 5, 1832, the father of a large family — 
 seven of them being sons, all of whom he reared to 
 maturity. 
 
 Aaron Farrar, who was tbe eighth child, married 
 Jane Griffith, a native of Washington county, born 
 in 1812, and five children came by this union, to 
 wit: Margaret A., Jennie M. , John G. (deceased), 
 Mary E. (Mrs. James Hodgens) and Harriet N. 
 (deceased at the age of two years). Mr. and Mrs. 
 Aaron Farrar resided in Mt. Pleasant township un- 
 til 1845, and then moved to Buffalo township, 
 where he purchased a farm near Taylorstowu. A 
 year after settling on this farm Mr. Farrar was 
 summoned to his long home January 6, 1845, pass- 
 ing away in the thirty-sixth year of his age, at 
 peace with all the world. For years he had been 
 a constant and earnest member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and his life was one of exemplary piety. 
 
 JLLIAM S. LEE is a great-grandson of 
 Robert Lee, a native of Ireland, who im- 
 migrated to America, and settled in Cross 
 Creek township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 His son Hugh was the grandfather of our 
 subject. 
 
 John Lee, father of William S., was born on the 
 home farm in Cross Creek township, this county, 
 and in early life was united in marriage with Mary 
 Anu Walker, who bore him two daughters. He 
 afterward married Jane Ann Scott, who was born 
 October 3, 1817, near Washington, Penn. She 
 wa-- a daughter of Samuel Scott, whose father, 
 Josiah Scott, a native of Scotland, came to this 
 country, where he ended his days. He was mar- 
 ried to Jane Noble, who bore him eight children: 
 four sons — Samuel, John, Hugh and Alexander — 
 and four daughters. Samuel Scott was born about 
 1779, near Washington borough, and remained on 
 the home farm during his boyhood. He was mar- 
 ried to Miss Mary Ann, daughter of William 
 Wiley, of this county, and the following children 
 were born to them: William W. , Josiah N., Jane 
 Ann and Samuel G. (a prominent farmer of this 
 county). 
 
 After his marriage to Jane Ann Scott, John Lee 
 settled on the home farm in Cross Creek township, 
 this county, where the following children were 
 born, the names and dates <>f birth being given: 
 William S., October IS, 1838; Eliza A., June 13, 
 1841; Mary M., March 25, 1843; Hannah J., 
 March 20, 1846; John O.. August 2, 1847; Samuel 
 W.. January 14, 1850; Hugh, December 25, 1N51; 
 Alice, January 26, 1853; Lucy, July 19, 1856. 
 The father died April 23, 1856. He was a success- 
 
 ful business man, and owned 310 acres of land at 
 the time of his death, which property is now in 
 the possession of his heirs, who occupy it. He 
 was one of the most active politicians in the Whig 
 party; in religion he was a member of the Pres 
 byterian Church, holding the office of trustee, and 
 working for the Master in many ways. 
 
 William S. Lee passed his early life on the 
 home place. On December 31, 1863, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of 
 Thomas P. Vance, whose father, William Vance, 
 born in 1776, was reared in Washington county, 
 where he received a necessarily limited education, 
 as schools were few, and at best afforded but 
 meager opportunities. He was first married to 
 Rachel Patterson, a resident of Cross Creek town 
 ship, who bore him six children. She died, and a 
 few years afterward he selected a second wife in 
 the person of Hannah Patterson, a member of an 
 old family of Cross Creek township, and to this 
 union, also, there were born six children. William 
 Vance always lived in Cross Creek township, and 
 was one of the representative men of the day. He 
 died in 1S56. He was a Whig in politics, and in 
 religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Thomas P. Vance, son of William and Hannah 
 (Patterson) Vance, was born July 15, 1819. He 
 was reared on the pioneer farm, experiencing the 
 privations of early frontiersmen, and received his 
 education at the subscription schools. In early 
 manhood Thomas P. Vance was united in marriage 
 with Mary, daughter of George and Mary (Mar- 
 quis) Newell, of Ohio, whose children were Hugh, 
 Jane, Marquis, Margaret, David, Mary W.. Ann, 
 Sarah, Elanore, Joseph, Bentley, and Elzania. Mr. 
 Newell was a Democrat, and in Church connection 
 was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Vance settled 
 on a farm in Cross Creek township, this county, 
 where he passed his life in agricultural pursuits. 
 He paid much attention to stock raising, making a 
 specialty of blooded stock. He was formerly a 
 Whig, and upon the organization of the party, be- 
 came a Republican. In religion he was a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Cross Creek. On 
 May 31, 1891, he was laid to rest in Cross Creek 
 cemetery, leaving bis wife and two children, W. 
 W. (who married Miss J. A. Porter, of Cross 
 Creek, and is now a successful merchant of Bur- 
 gettstown), and Mary E. (Mrs. W. S. Lee). 
 
 William S. and Mary E. (Vance) Lee began 
 married life on the home farm in Jefferson town- 
 ship, this county, and six years afterward moved 
 to Burgettstown, where they have since resided. 
 They have two children: H. May (wife of \Y. F. 
 Scott) and Thomas V. (who was married June :l. 
 1891, to Miss Willa Carnahan, of Burgettstown). 
 William S. Lee carried on a livery business for 
 five years after removing to Burgettstown, but. has 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 s-j] 
 
 since been giving bis exclusive attention to under- 
 taking. He is now identified with the U. P. 
 Church. He is a leading citizen and an active 
 member of the Republican party, and has been a 
 councilman of Burgettstown for three years. 
 
 JL. AUGHENDOBLEK, proprietor of meat 
 market, Monongahela, is a native of the 
 I county, born in Carroll township, July 17, 
 1856, a son of Adam Aughendobler. He 
 had very early in life to commence working 
 for a living, and as a consequence had but little 
 opportunity to attend school. He was first em- 
 ployed by Robert Van Voorhis, a farmer of Monon- 
 gahela, with whom he remained one year; then 
 entered the employ of W. C. Shaw, a gardener who 
 resided at Pine Creek, Allegheny county, and, after 
 three years' engagement with him, clerked for 
 William Kennan, of Monongahela, some years. 
 He also worked for George Kern, in Monongahela, 
 in meat shop twelve years. In 1885 Mr. Aughen- 
 dobler opened his present meat market and butch- 
 ering business, in which, by close attention to 
 the wants of his customers, by care in furnishing the 
 choicest meats, and by his well-known urbanity of 
 manner and honorable dealing, he has earned a 
 well-merited success. 
 
 On June 8, 1878, our subject was married to 
 Margaret E., daughter of William Brooks, of Mo- 
 nongahela, and the children born to this union are 
 Maude, Adam, Bessie, Leonard and Donald, all liv- 
 ing. Mr. Aughendobler is a straight Democrat, 
 and has held the office of councilman in Monon- 
 gahela two years; he has also served on the 
 school board, having been recently reelected for his 
 second term. He and his wife are members of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 V\ Ai RS ' MARY KEYS - John Ke }' s (deceased) 
 
 \//\ was one of the most respected citizens and 
 *i I prominent business men of Smith town- 
 
 J ship. He was a son of James and a grand- 
 
 son of James Keys, who was born and 
 reared in Cumberland county, Penn., and was there 
 married to a native of the same county, who bore 
 him one son James. Soon after the birth of this 
 son, the father died (about 1777), and his widow 
 was then married to Robert Watson. Her son 
 James lived with them, and in 1794 accompanied 
 the family to Washington county, where they lo- 
 cated on Chartiers creek. 
 
 In 1800 James Keys was united in marriage 
 with Jane McClelland, who was born in 1779, a 
 daughter of James McClelland, a native of Ire- 
 land, who, in an early day settled in the locality of 
 
 Miller's Run. To the union of James and Jane 
 Keys children were born as follows: Martha (mar- 
 ried to William McBride, of Robinson township, 
 this county), Jane (wife of John McBurney, of Mt. 
 Pleasant township), John, James (a retired farmer 
 of Steubenville, Ohio), William (a farmer of Kan- 
 sas, deceased), Joseph (residing in Smith town- 
 ship) and Ezra (a grocer of Leavenworth, Kans). 
 After his marriage to Jane McClelland, James 
 Keys moved to Trumbull county, Ohio (then a 
 vast wilderness), remaining there but a short time, 
 and then coming to Smith township, this county, 
 located on a farm in Cherry Valley. In 1822 he 
 represented Washington county in the Legislature, 
 serving five years, and then returned to his farm. 
 He was a brilliant and intellectual man, a leader 
 in every undertaking for the public good. He was 
 a Whig in politics, and in religious connection he 
 and his wife were members of the Seceder Church, 
 in which he was an elder. His wife died in 1838, 
 and, after a useful aud successful life, he was laid 
 by her side in 1854. 
 
 John Keys was born June IS, 1808, in Smith 
 township, this county, his boyhood being passed 
 on his father's farm. The children of those days 
 had but limited educational advantages, but John 
 Keys eagerly availed himself of such aB were 
 within his reach. In 1832 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Ann May, who was born in 1808, 
 daughter of John May, of Cecil township, this 
 county. To this union were born the following 
 children: Jane, James M. (a farmer who lives in 
 Jefferson county, Ohio), and Phebe (wife of 
 Matthew Galbraith) and Annie B. (wife of John 
 McCalmont), both deceased. The mother died in 
 1846, and January 23, 1849, he was married to 
 Mary Shillito, who was born January 6, 1822, in 
 Harrison couuty, Ohio, daughter of John Shillito, 
 the latter a native of Beaver couuty, Penn. He 
 was married to Jane Biggert, afterward moved to 
 Harrison county, Ohio, and finally located in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn. John and Mary Keys had 
 the following children: Agnes E., Maggie M., 
 Albert.M. (an energetic young farmer of Smith town- 
 ship), and Clara (widow of T. P. Weaver) and John 
 (deceased at the age of nineteen years) (twins). 
 Mr. and Mrs. Keys began wedded life on a place 
 in Smith township, and in 1869 settled on the farm 
 where his widow is now living, situated about one 
 mile south of Raccoon Station. In politics Mr. 
 Keys was originally an Old-line Whig, and after- 
 ward became a Republican. He was connected 
 with the U. P. Church, being an elder therein for 
 several years, and contributing liberally to its 
 support. He died in May, 1883. His widow is also 
 a member of the U. P. Church, and enjoys the re- 
 spect of all who know her. She is living on the 
 farm, which is managed by her son, A. M. 
 
822 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 JOHN G. McCORMICK, a progressive agri- 
 culturist of Somerset township, is the eldest 
 child of John McCormick, and a grandson 
 of John McCormick, who was born in 1762, 
 in Ireland, and came to America in 1783. 
 He located in Washington county, Penu., where, in 
 1812, he was married to Elizabeth Figley, who was 
 born in 1772, and she bore him three children: 
 Margaret, Jacob and John. The father followed 
 farming all his life, and died in his adopted country 
 July 17, 1828, his wife passing away in 1863. 
 
 John McCormick, a son of John and Elizabeth 
 (Figley) McCormick. was born June 1, 1815, and 
 received his education in the schools of the period. 
 In 1838 he was married to Juliana Grable, who 
 was born August 15, 1815, and they had rive chil- 
 dren, namely: John G., Mary (wife of H. B. 
 Leyda, a farmer of Somerset township), Salome, 
 Albert J. (living in Bentleyville), and Elizabeth 
 (deceased). The father of this family was a Dem- 
 ocrat in politics. He died May 8, 1887, having 
 been preceded to the grave bv his wife Mav 19, 
 1 845. 
 
 John G. McCormick was born June 11, 1839, on 
 the home farm in Somerset township, this county, 
 receiving a common-school education. Ou Decern - 
 , ber 21, 1869, he was united in marriage with Susau 
 Dickerson, who was born November 19, 1847, in 
 Harrison county, Ohio. She is a daughter of 
 Joshua Dickerson, who was horn in 1804, in Penn- 
 sylvania, and in 1828 was married to Belijah Laf- 
 ferty, who bore him nine children, namely: Samuel, 
 Edward, Margaret (wife of David B. Wallace, a 
 farmer of Harrison county, Ohio), Jane (married to 
 Robert Moore, also farming in Harrison county, 
 Ohio), Susan (wife of John G. McCormick), Mary, 
 Louisa, Joshua and Sarah (the four last named being 
 deceased ). Joshua Dickerson followed farming, and 
 in polities was a Democrat. He died October 6, 
 1^72, and the mother was laid by his side August 
 11. 1887. Both were members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have had one daugh- 
 ter, Juliana, born June 16, 1871. Mr. McCormick 
 is a practical farmer, and deals extensively in stock, 
 which he ships from Chicago. He votes with the 
 Democratic party, but takes little part in active 
 politics, preferring to spend his time in the cultiva- 
 tion of his well -improved farm. He is one of the 
 most enterprising citizens of Somerset township, 
 ever ready to aid all progressive movements. 
 
 AMUEL ALEXANDER MARKS was born 
 October lu, 1849, in Wellsburg, W. Va., and 
 attended the schools of that city during his 
 boyhood. He learned furniture finishing 
 and undertaking, a business he followed in his native 
 town until 1886. He then removed to West Mid- 
 
 dletown, where he has since been engaged in an 
 undertaking and house furnishing establishment. 
 
 was united in marriage 
 only daughter of John 
 was born in 1811, in 
 a child came with his 
 Washington county, 
 
 On March 25, 1886, he 
 with Elizabeth Caroline, 
 Sampson. Mr. Sampson 
 Pennsylvania, and when 
 parents to Cannonsburg 
 
 where his boyhood was passed. He rceived as 
 good an education as was obtainable, and then 
 learned cabinet making. In 1834 lie was married 
 to Sarah McCauley, of Washington county, and 
 removed from Canonsburg to West Middletown. He 
 immediately opened a modest establishment in 
 undertaking and cabinet making, and by upright 
 dealing combined with perseverance, his trade soon 
 increased. He enlarged his factory, employing a 
 number of young men, many of whom there learned 
 the trade. John Sampson acquired a wide reputa- 
 tion as a manufacturer and undertaker, his custom 
 in the latter department extending many miles in 
 all directions. During his active business career 
 of over fifty years, Mr. Sampson carried over five 
 thousand persons to their last resting place, and 
 in all that time he was never late at a funeral. He 
 was a man of unusual intelligence and rare judg- 
 ment, always interested in the welfare of the com- 
 munity, in which he was an unassuming but earn- 
 est worker. Politically he was a firm believer in 
 the principles of the Democratic party, but was 
 never a politican; however, he served three years 
 as director of the poor. In religious connection 
 he was a consistent member of the Upper Buffalo 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he served many 
 years as a member of the board of trust. Although 
 his home was four miles from church, his pew was 
 never vacant on the Sabbath day, unless he was 
 called upon to perform the necessary duties of his 
 vocation. His wife was laid to rest February 20, 
 1881. and to her memory no fitter or more tender 
 tribute can be given than the testimony of her rel- 
 atives and friends: "She was a true Christian wife 
 ami mother.'' Mr. Sampson died February 3, 
 1886, and was laid to rest by the side of his wife. 
 The life of this well-known and valued citizen is 
 comprised in the simple sentence: " He was a gi >od 
 man and a just," and such lives, we can not doubt, 
 reap their merited reward. 
 
 f | AMES M. K. REED. Among the leading 
 citizens of Cross Creek township none are 
 If"!] more prominently identified with the inter 
 " — ests of the community than the above-named 
 gentleman. 
 
 Joseph Reed, the first of the family of whom 
 mention is made, was born November 27, 1733, in 
 Ireland, whence he emigrated to America prior to 
 the year 1763. He first located in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., and in 1763 moved to York county, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 825 
 
 same State. On January 23, 1765, he was united 
 in marriage with Jeanette Brotherton, who was 
 born December 3, 1745, in Ireland, and when two 
 years of age was brought by her parents to America. 
 To this marriage children were born as follows: 
 James, June 7, 1766; Nicholas, April 17, 1768; Ag- 
 nes, May 8, 1770; Margaret, October 8, 1772; Jean- 
 ette, May 1, 1776; Esther, December 24, 1780; 
 Joseph, May 6, 1784; Ann, December 16, 1787, 
 and William, April 18, 1790. Of these, Agnes 
 married her relative, Joseph Reed (who had been 
 in the Continental army during the Revolution), 
 and they came in 1789 to Washington county, 
 where they continued to reside; they are buried in 
 Cross Creek graveyard; their children afterward 
 removed to Armstrong county, Penu. James mar- 
 ried his second cousin, Elizabeth Reed, removed to 
 Washington county about 1798, and settled on 
 200 acres of Col. Reed's 359-acre tract; they 
 reared a family of six children: Joseph, married 
 to Jane Beatty, settled in Richland county, Ohio, 
 and raised a family; William, married to Rosan- 
 nah, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rea) Lyle, 
 settled in Ashland county, Ohio (they are the par- 
 ents of Hon. Joseph R. Reed, now chief justice 
 of U. S. Court of Laud Claims); James, married 
 to Margaret Glass, died near Washington, Penn. , 
 leaviDg children; John, married, and moved to 
 Hardin county, Ky., and has three daughters; Jane 
 died unmarried; Mary married Joseph Lyle (now 
 deceased), and resides with her son, James Reed 
 Lyle, near Hickory, Washington Co., Penn. Mar- 
 garet married James McNary, came to Washing- 
 ton county and settled on part of Col. Reed's 359- 
 acre tract. She raised a family of three sons and 
 three daughters, all of whom married and left de- 
 scendants. Many of her descendants still live in 
 this county. She died May 25, 1866. and is buried 
 in Hickory graveyard. The other sons and daugh- 
 ters of Col.. Reed remained in York county, where 
 many of their descendants still reside. 
 
 In 1780 Joseph Reed received of Col. Marshall a 
 farm consisting of 190 acres seventy- five perches 
 and allowances, making over 200 acres, patented 
 as "Pensacola," in Cross Creek township, Washing- 
 ton county. This was given in payment for mov- 
 ing the household effects of Rev. Joseph Smith 
 from York county to Washington county, Penn., 
 and the wagon used is said to have been the first 
 driven west of Washington. He then bought 359 
 additional acres of Col. Marshall, which is now a 
 part of the McNary tract, owned by John L. 
 Thompson & Bro., but did not move from his old 
 home. Mr. Reed was a miller and farmer. He 
 was a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania 
 in 1780, having presented the Act leading to the 
 liberation of the slaves in Pennsylvania, and was a 
 member of the Continental Congress in 1787 and 
 
 1788. He held the commission of colonel in the 
 American army during the war of the Revolution, 
 and acted for some time in the capacity of quarter- 
 master. He died October 19, 1804, at the age of 
 seventy one, and is buried in Chanceford grave- 
 yard, York county, Penn. His widow came to 
 Washington county after his death, and died Jan- 
 uary 27, 1838; she is buried in Cross Creek grave- 
 yard. She and her young sons, James and Nich- 
 olas, operated the mill duriug the absence of her 
 husband in the army. 
 
 Nicholas Reed was born at Reed's Mill, in York 
 county, Penn, and in early life was married to 
 Elizabeth, daughter of James Fulton, of same 
 county. In IT'.lT the young people settled on the 
 farm in Cross Creek township, Washington county, 
 which had been bought of Col. James Marshall. 
 It was then all heavily timbered woods. Nicholas 
 erected a log cabin where the house of J. C. Reed 
 is now standing, which in 1867 replaced the first. 
 Nicholas Reed passed away in 1854, leaving the 
 following children: Joseph, who settled in Rich- 
 land county, Ohio; James, who died September 
 22, 1823, in Huron county, Ohio; William; Hugh, 
 who settled in Richland county, Ohio; Samuel, in 
 Marion county, Ohio; John, in Wabash county, 
 Ind. ; Robert, who died unmarried; Jane, who died 
 unmarried; and Eliza, married to James Wilson, 
 and has one daughter, Mrs. Eliza J. Burns, near 
 Claysville, Penn. 
 
 William Reed was born February 10, 1801, in 
 Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 in early life learned the trade of a cabinet maker. 
 In 1828 he was united in marriage with Isabella, 
 daughter of Robert and Isabella (McKenzie) 
 Curry, and they then made their first home in 
 Cross Creek village. In 1836 they came to his 
 father's farm in this county, whence in 1840 they 
 went to Allegheny county, finally returning to 
 Washington county in 1844. In 1855, by pur- 
 chase, he became owner of his father's farm in 
 "Pensacola." In 1859 he deeded 103 acres of 
 his farm to his son, James M. K. Reed, in consider- 
 ation of $4,000, and the remainder was left to 
 John C. Reed, who is residing on the old home- 
 stead. To William and Isabella (Curry) Reed 
 were born children as follows: Eliza J., June 14, 
 1829, died October 25, 1890, unmarried; James 
 M. K, September 5, 1831; Isabella M., January 
 16, 1836, married Eli Marquis, and died Decem- 
 ber 28, 1865, leaving one daughter, Flora M. 
 Pyles, of Orange county, Cal. ; and John O, March 
 6, 1838, residing on the old homestead. The 
 father of these children died in February, 1877, 
 the mother October 1, 1849. William Reed was 
 much honored in his community, taking an active 
 interest in the general welfare of the county, and 
 holding various positions of trust and honor in his 
 
826 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 township. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and a trustee of the same. 
 
 J. M. K. Reed received a liberal common-school 
 education, and at the age of twenty years began 
 teaching a district school. In the spring of 1852 
 he entered Pittsburgh Commercial College, from 
 which he graduated. During the following summer 
 he studied privately under the instruction of 
 Robert Curry, Ph. D., principal of Canonsburg 
 union schools, and then again taught school, con- 
 tinuing until 1860, during the winter months. 
 One summer he taught with Dr. Curry in Wist 
 Manchester (now a part of Allegheny), and one 
 summer was professor of penmanship in the New 
 Brighton Female Seminary, established by Dr. 
 Curry. 
 
 On October 28, 1858, Mr. Reed married Miss 
 Mary P. Tucker, who was born in Merrimack 
 county, N. H., a daughter of David and Clarissa 
 Tucker, who in 1849 removed to Richland county, 
 Ohio. John Tucker, grandfather of Mrs. Reed, 
 came from Scotland to New Hampshire, and he was 
 a son of Ezra, who was a son of Jacob. David 
 Tucker was a prominent man in New Hampshire, 
 was a justice of the peace, and prior to his mar- 
 riage he went to Ohio, where he entered land, to 
 which he afterward finally moved- Mrs. Reed, 
 before marriage, taught several terms in common 
 schools of Ohio. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
 Reed settled on their present farm in Cross Creek 
 township, their first residence thereon being a log 
 house built in 1826 by an uncle, Hugh Reed, and 
 which is still standing. In 1879 our subject 
 erected the present fine house, and in 1889 his 
 commodious barn. The children born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. J. M. K. Reed were as follows: Clara Bell, 
 born August 29, 1859 (a teacher in the public 
 schools of Imperial, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Irene 
 Jane, born January 24, 1861 (married June 2, 
 1887, to John H. Chapman, and they now reside 
 in Hanover township, Washington county); Clinton 
 May, born May 1, 1864, died June 1, 1866; 
 Alice Mary, born May 14, 1867 (a teacher); 
 Mabel Blanche, born November 30, 1870; Alma 
 Livonia, born June 12, 1874; and James Winlield, 
 born January 30, 1878. The parents are members 
 of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church (in which 
 Mr. Reed has been trustee several years; he was 
 formerly member of the U. P. Church at Patter- 
 son's Mills). Politically he is a Democrat, and has 
 served as school director, auditor, supervisor, and 
 he is now serving his fourth term (of five years 
 each) as justice of the peace. He is one of the 
 original incorporators, stockholders and directors 
 of the Cross Creek Cemetery Association, and, 
 being their secretary, largely assisted in laying 
 out and starting their beautiful cemetery at Cross 
 Creek village. 
 
 r~\ OBERT GILLIS TAYLOR. Among the 
 
 l^/y prominent agriculturists of East Bethlehem 
 
 \f\^ township, the above named gentleman 
 
 I) — occupies a leading place. He traces his 
 
 v lineage back through the years to one 
 
 Beriah Taylor, who was born in England, and, 
 
 emigrating to America, settled in New Jersey. 
 
 He was there married to Keziah Gaskill, who bore 
 
 him eleven children, of whom Beriah is named; 
 
 the parents died at a good old age. 
 
 Beriah Taylor, son of Beriah and Keziah Taylor, 
 was born June 18, 1785, and served in the war of 
 1812. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and was 
 married to Elizabeth Short, who was born Feb- 
 ruary 8, 1786, in Virginia. She was a daughter 
 of John Short, a native of Scotland, who, having 
 been forbidden to leave his native land, concealed 
 himself in the hull of an American-bound vessel 
 until well out at sea. He setth-d in Virginia, and 
 there was united in marriage with Alsie Craven, a 
 native of Germany, who was then residing in 
 Loudoun county, Va. John and Alsie Short reared 
 a family of ten children, and died at an advanced 
 age. To the marriage of Beriah and Elizabeth 
 (Short) Taylor twelve children were born. The 
 father died at the age of eighty-eight years. 
 
 Caleb Taylor, son of Beriah and Elizabeth 
 Tayor, was born April 15, 1811, and learned the 
 wugon-maker's trade. He was married to Mary 
 Gillis, daughter of Robert, and granddaughter of 
 John Gillis, who was a native of Ireland. The 
 grandfather was married in Old Erin to Mary 
 Martin, and she bore him two sons, viz.: Robert 
 and Samuel. These children came to America, 
 locating in Huntingdon county, Penn. , where 
 Robert Gillis was married, in October, 1814, to Agnes 
 Porter, who was born June 20, 1787, and was a 
 daughter of James and Sarah Porter. Robert and 
 Agnes Gillis settled in Washington county, Penn., 
 where their daughter Mary (who became the wife 
 of Caleb Taylor) was born. Caleb and Mary Taylor 
 were the parents of thirteen children, four of whom 
 are yet living. The parents passed their lives in 
 Washington county, where their father died 
 August 3, 1870, followed by the mother July 30, 
 
 I SMI. 
 
 Robert Gillis Taylor was born December 1 3, 
 1834, in Washington county, Penn., and attended 
 the country schools of the locality of his birth. On 
 September 30, 1861, he answered the call of his 
 troubled country, and served thirteen months 
 under Col. Joshua B. Howell, of Uniontown, Penn., 
 as second lieutenant, in Company E, Eighty-Fifth 
 P. V. I., but being attacked with partial paralysis 
 he was obliged to resign his commission. After 
 regaining his health Mr. Taylor was for two years 
 receiving clerk for the A. V. R. R. at Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., then became first clerk on one of the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 827 
 
 packets belonging to the Pittsburgh, Brownsville 
 & Geneva Packet Company. In 1886 Gov. 
 Pattison appointed him to fill the vacancy caused 
 by the death of Moses McKeag, late commissioner 
 of the Cumberland Road. Mr. Taylor is now 
 engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm, which 
 is located four miles from West Brownsville, in 
 East Bethlehem township. He is a loyal member 
 of the Democratic party, and in 1887 was elected 
 county commissioner of Washington county, 
 having received 5,705 votes, which was next to the 
 highest number on his ticket. Our subject was 
 twice married: first, November 7, 1807, to Mary 
 Ann, daughter of Nathan and Jane Tannehill, and 
 three sons were born of this union: John William. 
 August 28, 1869; Nathan T., April 4, 1872, died 
 February 23, 1876, and James Robert, November 
 29, 1875. The mother of these children dying 
 August 21, 1876, Mr. Taylor married, on October 
 27,1878, Ellen W., daughter of Zephaniah and 
 Aun W. Crawford. The sons of Mr. Taylor are 
 attending school, John William studying for the 
 ministry. 
 
 \ILLIAM DENNISTON sailed from Ireland 
 in 177-1, and a short time after landing in 
 America he enlisted as a soldier in the 
 war of the Revolution. After peace was 
 declared he settled in Chester county, 
 Penn., and afterward married Elizabeth Wilson, 
 daughter of an early pioneer. A few years later 
 they moved to Allegheuy county, same State, and 
 settled on Chartiers creek, on the old Neville farm, 
 so famous as the scene of the Whisky Insurrection. 
 Their family consisted of the following children: 
 Nancy Abbie, Mary, Thomas, Sarah, Samuel, 
 Joseph and William. In the year 1827 three of 
 tlir sons — Samuel, Joseph and William — purchased 
 the Jacob Long farm in Peters township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., whither they moved with their 
 parents. The father died in 1842, the mother in 
 1846, and both are buried in the cemetery at Cen- 
 tre Church. 
 
 Samuel Denniston was born February 27, 1796, 
 in Allegheny county, and April 21, 1836, was mar- 
 ried to Elizabeth, daughter of William Caldwell. 
 They lived on the farm near Thompsonville until 
 April 1, 1839, when they bought the William James 
 farm in Union township, same county. Here he 
 conducted an extensive farming business, giving 
 his attention chiefly to that of sheep and cattle 
 raising. In 1S50 he erected all necessary build- 
 ings. In 1851 the mother died leaving the follow- 
 ing children: William, John W. (deceased), Mary 
 J., Elizabeth, Thomas and Sarah A. (deceased). On 
 March 17, 1853, Mr. Denniston married Elizabeth 
 Applegate, and two children were the result of this 
 marriage: James A. and Rachel N. (both de- 
 
 ceased). In politics he was a strong advocate of 
 the principles embodied in the Republican party.' 
 In religion he held to the faith of his father who 
 was a rigid Presbyterian. He died September 7, 
 1879, and was buried in Mingo cemetery, Union 
 township. 
 
 William Denniston, son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
 (Caldwell) Denniston, was born February 11, 1838, 
 near Thompsonville, Peters township. On August 
 19, 1861, he, with many other brave boys of Union 
 township, in answer to their country's call, enlisted 
 in Company I, First Pennsylvania Reserve Caval- 
 ry, under Col. George D. Bayard. After return- 
 ing home he remained on the farm until 1870, when 
 he spent a year in the West. The father died in 
 1879. William and his brother Thomas have 
 managed the farm, giving their attention princi- 
 pally to stock raising. 
 
 Thomas Denniston was born May, 19, 1847. On 
 August 14, 1884, he was married to Marian V., 
 daughter of Isaac Lytle, Esq., of Gastonville. 
 They, with their two children, Lawrence and Helen, 
 live at the old home. 
 
 ILLIAM COULTER, a wealthy and lead- 
 
 1/ ing citizen of Monongahela, was born No- 
 vember 11, 1817, in western Pennsylva- 
 nia. His father, James Coulter, was 
 born in Ireland, and when but six years 
 of age came with his parents to America. They 
 first located in western Pennsylvania, then came to 
 Williamsport (now Monongahela), Washington Co. , 
 Penn. When a young man James Coulter was 
 married to a Miss Blakney, who lived but a short 
 time, and his second choice was Nancy Nichols, 
 who resided near Pittsburgh, Penn. She bore him 
 children as follows: Raphael B. (deceased), Will- 
 iam, James (deceased), and Robert. The father 
 was a Whig and Republican in politics, and in re- 
 ligious faith a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 He passed the remainder of his life in Mononga- 
 hela, and was killed while hauling a load of fodder, 
 having been thrown from a wagon, whereby his leg 
 was broken above the ankle. He died in 1823, 
 from the effects of the injury, at the age of sixty- 
 nine years, and was followed to the grave by his 
 wife in 1843. 
 
 William Coulter came to Monongahela in 1817, 
 and received his education in one of the earliest 
 subscription schools, which he attended during the 
 winter season only. At the age of fourteen years 
 he began working in a brickyard, where he re- 
 mained three years. He then learned and com- 
 pleted the carpenter and millwright trades, to 
 which most of his time has since been devoted, 
 having taken contracts in different portions of 
 Washington county. In February, 1840, he mar- 
 ried Rebecca, daughter of James Collins, of 
 
828 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Monongahela. She died in 1856, leaving eight chil- 
 dren, all now deceased. For his second wife Will- 
 iam Coulter was married June 25, 1857, to Forbes, 
 a daughter of William Stoekdale, of Carroll town- 
 ship, this county. Her father was born in County 
 Down, Ireland, where he grew to manhood and 
 was married to Jane Manown; they came to Amer- 
 ica in 1811, and first settled on a farm in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., afterward locating in Wash- 
 ington county, same State. He followed fanning 
 all his life, and in politics he was a Whig. Will- 
 iam Stoekdale died in 1851, in Washington county, 
 Penn., having been preceded by his wife in 1834; 
 who had borne him children as follows: Sarah, 
 John, Rachel. Richard, Margaret, James, William, 
 Eliza J., Forbes (Mrs. Coulter) and Robert, To 
 the union of William and Forbes (Stoekdale) Coul- 
 ter the following children have been born: Sarah, 
 William, Ella, Carrie, P. Sheridan and Robert, 
 all living except William and Robert, Mr, Will- 
 iam Coulter has been the architect of his own 
 fortune, and has ever made the interests of the 
 community identical with his own. In politics he 
 was originally a Whig, and now votes with the 
 Republican party, and he has served as a mem- 
 ber of the council and school board. 
 
 THE SAMPSON FAMILY, who are among 
 the most influential and wealthy citizens of 
 Carroll township, were originally natives of 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., where Will- 
 iam Sampson was burn in 1765. He was 
 married in that State to Mary-Nill (who bore him 
 four children), and some time after his marriage 
 the family came to Washington county, where the 
 father died in 1815. 
 
 James Sampson, son of William and Mary 
 Sampson, was born February 5, 1S06, just above 
 Webster, on the Monongahela river, in Westmore- 
 land county, Penn. He came with his parents to 
 Washington county in 1810, and in 1840 was mar- 
 ried to Mary Grant, a native of the last named 
 county. She bore him seven children, of whom are 
 named William T., Harvey J. and John G. The 
 mother died in 1888. James Sampson has carried 
 on a distillery for twenty years in connection with 
 farming, and now owns 1,250 acres of land. He 
 was president of the People's Bank of Mononga- 
 helaCity for twenty two years, and is one of the 
 leading citizens of Washington county. 
 
 Harvey J. Sampson was born April 21, 1850, in 
 Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn., and was 
 reared to agricultural pursuits. On February 17, 
 1876, hi' married Miss Jennie P. Yorty, a native of 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., and daughter of 
 John and Nancy (Brewer) Yorty, prominent citi- 
 zens of Carroll township, now deceased. Harvey 
 J. and Jennie B. Sampson are the parents of the 
 
 following children: Bertie O., born June 17, 18/7; 
 Grace L., born September 19, 1879; James E., 
 born April 11, 1881; Ada E., born August 4, 1885; 
 Frank H., born February 20, 1ISS8, and Ethel J., 
 born September 8, 1890. Mr. Sampson is a very 
 progressive and enterprising citizen, and, polit- 
 ically, affiliates with the Republican party. He 
 owns 276 acres of land in Carroll township, and 
 breeds some of the best trotting horses in Wash- 
 ington county. 
 
 PEV. WILLIAM R. M'KEE. the earnest 
 and well-known pastor of the United Pres- 
 byterian Congregation of Robinson, traces 
 ^ his lineage back to one Joseph M'Kee, a 
 native of the North of Ireland, who immi- 
 grated to this country near the close of the last 
 century, and located on a farm in Jefferson county, 
 Ohio. His wife was a Miss Ramsey, of that county, 
 and to them were born nine sons and two daughters. 
 Two of their sous are still living: Joseph (a min- 
 ister in Los Angeles, Cal.), and Ralston (a farmer 
 near Mansfield, Ohio). Mr. M'Kee was a promi- 
 nent citizen of eastern Ohio, being called to serve 
 as a member of the first Legislature of the State of 
 Ohio, and as associate judge of Jefferson county 
 for a number of years. He was also a ruling elder 
 in the Associate Presbyterian Congregation of 
 Mount Pleasant, Ohio, for many years. He died 
 af the advanced age of ninety-five. 
 
 James M'Kee, the father of the subject of this 
 sketch, was born February 6, 1800, and reared on 
 the home farm in Jefferson county. When a young 
 man he followed the profession of teaching for 
 some time. He was able to take a class in arith- 
 metic as far as through the "Single rule of three,*' 
 corresponding to the first case of proportion in 
 modern text books. This was as far as classes in 
 common schools were usually taken in arithmetic 
 in those days. On February 27, 1821, he was 
 married to Miss Susanna Ramsey, who bore him 
 one daughter, Jane. The mother died April 18, 
 1822, and for his second wife Mr. M'Kee married 
 Miss Martha Humphry, who was born November 
 3, 1791, in Ohio county, W. Va. She was a 
 daughter of Robert Humphry, a soldier of the 
 Revolutionary war, and among the many engage- 
 ments in which he participated are mentioned: 
 Bunker Hill, Brandywine and Germantown, 
 Shortly after the close of the war he was married, 
 and the young couple settled in what was then the 
 wilds of Virginia, within the bounds of what is now 
 known as Ohio county, W. Va., but near to the Penn- 
 sylvania line. They were many times compelled to 
 flee from their home to the fort, for safety from the 
 Indians, the last time when the infant daughter Mar- 
 tha was three weeks old. Mr. Humphry laid out the 
 village of West Alexander, Penn., on one of his 
 
•'1 
 
 /2-^^ 
 
 ^--^C-o- £--£, / 
 
 f- 
 
 5fcu 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 831 
 
 farms, calling it. for bis wife, whose maiden name 
 was Jane Alexander. Five children were born to 
 the union of James and Martha M'Kee, viz. : Rob- 
 ert and John (who both died in boyhood), Joseph 
 (a physician of Denver,Colo.), James A. (for twenty - 
 seveu years pastor of the TJ. P. Congregation of 
 Wheeling, five miles south of Claysville in this 
 county, now of Emporia, Kans. ) and William R. 
 The father and mother both died in Washington, 
 Iowa, the former August 1, 1873, the latter March 
 17. 1866. 
 
 William R. M'Kee was born in Ohio county, 
 W. Va., September 13, 1832. His father's fanihy 
 removed to Ohio, settling when he was seven years 
 old on a farm near Wooster, Wayne county. Here 
 they lived until he was sixteen, and then removed 
 to Harrison county, Ohio, near to New Athens, the 
 seat of Franklin College, from which institution 
 he graduated September 8, 1854. After spending 
 one year in teaching he commenced the study of 
 medicine, but, before completingthe course, aban- 
 doned it, and entered the United Presbyterian 
 Theological Seminary of Xenia, Ohio, where he 
 graduated in the spring of 1859, and was licensed 
 to preach the Gospel April 19, 1859, by the U. P. 
 Presbytery of Wheeling, inthecity of Wheeling, 
 W. Va. During his miuistry of thirty-three years 
 he has had but two -charges, both substantial 
 country congregations. His first settlement was 
 in the congregation of West Hebron, Washington 
 Co., N. Y. , where he was ordained and installed, 
 September 19, 1860. Here he remained until the 
 fall of 1867. On April 30, 1863, he was united in 
 marriage with Miss Frances Lytle, of Xenia, Ohio. 
 Her father was born and reared in Mifflin, Penn. 
 On April 15. 1821, he married Miss Fannie Smart, 
 of Huntington, Penn., a granddaughter of Rev. 
 John Smart, who came to this country from Scot- 
 land in 1701. and a sister of Revs. J. P. and John 
 G. Smart, well-known ministers of the U. P. 
 Church. To them were born John S. (long a 
 wholesale dry-goods merchant of Dayton, Ohio), 
 David and James P. (boot and shoe merchants of 
 Cincinnati, Ohio), Robert (of the Second National 
 Bank, Xenia, Ohio), Rachel Mary, J. Smith, Mar- 
 garet Jane (deceased), and Frances. When 
 Frances was six years old the family removed to 
 Ohio, settling on a farm in Greene county; after- 
 ward they located in Xenia, where she graduated 
 from the Union Female Seminary, an institution 
 conducted for several years under the superintend- 
 ence of Mrs. Hannah, of Washington, Penn. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. M'Kee have been born three daugh- 
 ters: Martha Luella, Etta Lytle (Mrs. D. J. Mc- 
 Cabe, Coraopolis, Penn.) and Emma Jane (de- 
 ceased). 
 
 On October 18, 1869, Mr. M'Kee was installed 
 pastor of Robinson Congregation, by the Presby- 
 tery of Frankfort. Here he has remained to the 
 
 present time, February, 1893, a period of twenty- 
 three and one-half years, being, we believe, the 
 longest present existing pastorate, with one excep- 
 tion, in all those parts of Pennsylvania and Wesl 
 Virginia bounded by the Pan Handle Railroad and 
 the Ohio river. This charge has been no sinecure. 
 Being almost ten miles long from north to south and 
 seven miles wide from east to west it has given him 
 almost, incessant labor, and yet he believes that few 
 pastors have found fields of labor affording them 
 a higher degree of pleasure than has he. In this 
 field he has met with a good degree of success. 
 While no great revivals have marked their career, 
 yet there has been a steady growth in numbers and 
 efficiency. Although situated entirely in the 
 country, and in a community where almost all the 
 families are in connection with some church, with 
 but little emigration into it. but subject to the 
 usual depletion by death, emigration from it. and 
 especially that drain of our young men to the cities, 
 which is telling so fearfully on all of our country 
 churches, it has increased in membership from 1 10 
 to 200. Never in. all these years has there been a 
 deeper sympathy or more cordial feeling than ex- 
 ists between this pastor and his people to-day, 
 and never has his work, and theirs with him, been 
 more efficient for good than it is to-day. It is 
 \ pleasant to close this sketch with such a record, 
 and we but echo the wish of especially the Chris- 
 tian people of this county, that the days of one so 
 long and favorably known among us may yet be 
 many, and that his last days may be his best days, 
 both in usefulness and in happiness. 
 
 < 
 
 Mi RS. JOANNA BOONE is a daughter of 
 Samuel K. Weirich, now a resident, of 
 Washington borough, and the widow of 
 — ' James M. Boone, to whom she was united 
 in marriage April 23, 1863. 
 James M. Boone (deceased) was born March 29, 
 L829, in Washington county, Perm., a sou of James 
 M. and Margaret (Miller) Boone, who were of Irish 
 descent. He passed his youth on the farm, where 
 he received a good education. He inherited and 
 also acquired habits of sobriety and industry, to 
 which much of his success in life was due. After 
 his marriage to Miss Weirich. he lived in Canton 
 township, Washington county, until 1871, when 
 he removed to the place in Buffalo township, which 
 is situated on the line of the B. & O. R. R., 
 Chartiers Station. Mr. and Mrs. Boone had the 
 following children: Mattie, Edwin, Susie, Anna, 
 Emma (wife of David Moore) and Maggie (who is 
 married to Robert W. Davis, of Canton township, 
 Washington county, son of Dr. R. W. Davis). 
 The unmarried children are living on the home 
 farm with their mother. James M. Boone was 
 esteemed by all who knew him, being a devout 
 
832 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Christian man, benevolent, almost to a fault. He 
 believed that an abundance of worldly goods is in- 
 trusted to some men by the Creator for the purpose 
 of doing good, and that "he that giveth to the 
 poor, lendeth to the Lord"' — a Bible precept to 
 which he strictly adhered. The truth of a com- 
 panion saying: "Cast thy bread upon the waters, 
 and after many days it shall return to thee," was 
 forcibly illustrated in the life of Mr. Boone. He 
 had an abundance of property which was acquired 
 by industry and enterprise, and the advancement 
 of the Master's cause was ever uppermost in his 
 mind. His earnest efforts in the church will long 
 be remembered. Some men are practically dead 
 even while existing, and others, though their 
 " tenement of clay " has crumbled to its primitive 
 dust, yet live in the lives and hearts of others, ex- 
 erting a powerful influence for good. We do not 
 exaggerate the simple truth when we affirm that 
 •James M. Boone was a good example of the latter 
 class, and none can estimate the good inculcated 
 by his life on both the present and future of W;ish 
 ington county. He passed away December 23, 
 1891, after a protracted illness of three months. 
 
 S. THOMPSON, a prominent farmer of 
 Mt. Pleasant township, is a son of Allen 
 Thompson, who was a son of Allen Thomp- 
 son, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, 
 who, when a young mau, came to Washington county. 
 About the year 1812 Allen Thompson (1) was 
 married to Martha Lindsay, and. settling on the 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township adjoining the pres- 
 ent home of W. S. Thompson, passed his life in 
 the county. His wife died in 1871. 
 
 Allen Thompson, son of the pioneer Allen, was 
 born in February, 1824, on the home farm in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, where he remained during his 
 boyhood. In 1848 he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Jane Griffith, who was born in June, 1827, 
 in Chartiers towrfehip, a daughter of Samuel and 
 Elizabeth (Boone) Griffith. Samuel Griffith was 
 born in Maryland, and when a boy came with his 
 parents to Buffalo township, this county. He was 
 married in Chartiers township to Elizabeth Boone, 
 a native of Delaware, and settled in Chartiers town- 
 ship, this county, where he died in 1869 at the 
 age of seventy years. In 1888 his wife was laid 
 to rest by his side. They were both members of 
 Miller's Run Presbyterian Church. In 1849 Al- 
 len Thompson and his young wife came to Mt. 
 Pleasant township, settling in 1852 on the home 
 farm, which was then owned by one Guthrie. Three 
 children were born to this couple: Nancy M. (mar- 
 ried to James Kerr, of Chartiers township, this 
 county), W. S. (subject of this sketch) and Martha 
 Elizabeth (wife of Hamilton Crawford, of North 
 Strabane township). The father followed carpen- 
 
 tering and farming in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 afterward moving to Cecil township, this county, 
 where he died in 1853. He was a member of 
 Miller's Run Presbyterian Church. In 1872 his 
 widow (who is yet living) was married to William 
 Havs (a native of Chartiers township), who died 
 in April, 1881. 
 
 W. S. Thompson was born February 22, 1851, 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, this eounty, and was 
 educated in the McNary's district school in Char- 
 tiers township. In 1878 he was married to Mat- 
 tie Henry, a native of Cecil township, and daugh- 
 ter of Samuel and Martha (McConnell) Henry, 
 also natives of Cecil township, this county, who 
 died many years ago. After his marriage W. S. 
 Thompson remained in Chartiers township until 
 ISSit, when he bought eighty-two acres of land in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, where he has since resided; 
 he has made many improvements, and erected a 
 good house and barn upon the farm. His wife 
 died in 1883, leaving two children to mourn her 
 death: Lizzie M. and Mattie Henry. In 1885 Mr. 
 Thompson was united in marriage with Belle Bar- 
 nett, a native of Chartiers township, daughter of 
 Ephraim Barnett. The latter was born and reared 
 in Chartiers township, this county, and was mar- 
 ried to Sarah Willard, a native of Cecil township, 
 this county. They lived in Chartiers township, 
 where Ephraim Barnett died in 1876; his widow 
 is yet living on the homestead. 
 
 W. S. and Belle (Barnett) Thompson have had 
 one child, Boyd Barnett. Mr. Thompson is a 
 Republican, but casts his ballot for the l^est man, 
 regardless of party preferences. In religious con- 
 nection he and his wife are members of Miller's 
 Run Presbyterian Church, in which he is a ruling 
 elder. 
 
 TEPHEN D. MILLER, a well-known citi- 
 zen of Aniwell township, is a son of Joseph 
 Miller, whose father emigrated from Ire- 
 land, and located in Greene county, Penn., 
 where Joseph was born February 1, 1791. 
 
 Joseph Miller learned the carpenter's trade, 
 cabinet making and undertaking, and in the course 
 of his wide experience in the latter vocation was 
 called on to bury the remains of Rev. Solomon 
 Spauiding, who wrote the romance entitled "Man- 
 uscript Found,'' on which, it is claimed, the "Book 
 of Mormon'' was founded. In the war of 1812 
 Joseph Miller became a member of Capt. William 
 Patterson's military company, and was sent to 
 Black Rock, on the Niagara river. He saw no 
 active service, but remained there with his com- 
 pany until they were ordered into winter quarters, 
 when the volunteers returned home on furlough, 
 and Mr. Miller's company traveled on foot through 
 southern New York to Amwell township, Washing- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 833 
 
 ton county. It was a toilsome and adventurous 
 journey, over several feet of crusted snow, at times 
 guided only by a narrow Indftn trail, traveling 
 twenty-eight miles, one day, with no human 
 habitation in sight. Joseph and a comrade were 
 obliged to carry, besides their own burdens, an- 
 other brother who was sick; but they finally arrived 
 home the day before Christmas, after having been 
 thirteen days on the route. On March 4, 1813, 
 Joseph Miller was married to Parmelia Harris, of 
 Amwell township, Washington county, and then 
 began work on the farm in the same township, 
 which is now owned by George Swart, in 1M6 mov- 
 ing to the farm now owned by A. J. Swart. Joseph 
 and Parmelia Miller had the following named 
 children: Nehemiah, Mulvina (deceased), William 
 (deceased), John F., Benjamin (deceased), Tunis 
 and Stephen D. Mr. Miller owned a farm of 
 forty-two acres near the village of Ten-Mile, in 
 Amwell township, and was considered a good busi- 
 ness man. In politics he was formerely an Old- 
 line Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He 
 was an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church, of which he and his wife were members 
 for many years. Mrs. Miller died in 1862, and 
 Mr. Miller followed her, April 12, 1885, in his 
 ninety-fifth year. 
 
 Stephen D. Miller was born August 29, 1833, 
 in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 acquired but a meager education in the public 
 schools of the neighborhood, which, however, he 
 made a good practical use of. On August 11, 
 1853, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
 Baldwin, of Amwell township, and their children 
 were as follows: John F., born December 11, 1854, 
 died January 11, 1855; William, born March 28, 
 1860, was killed June 29, 1870; Emma Frances, 
 born March 20, 1864; Phcebe Jane, born Decem- 
 ber 25, 1865; John B. , born January 1, 1870; and 
 Thomas and Elizabeth (twins), born October 10, 
 1872. The mother of this family dying October 
 22, 1872, Mr. Miller married, April 30, 1873, 
 Sarah McCracken, who bore him the following 
 children: Herbert McCracken, born February 18, 
 1874; Clark H, born November 16, 1875; Effie Z., 
 born December 20, 1 877 ; Myrtie Iona, born April 
 24, 1879, and Melville D., born March 2, 1882. 
 
 After his first marriage Mr. Miller began work in 
 a sawmill, disposing of which he worked the Evans 
 farm three years, and in 1867 purchased the farm 
 of eighty-five acres where he has since resided, en- 
 gaged in general agriculture, and also following the 
 undertaking business; by industry and good man- 
 agement he has been most successful. In politics 
 he has been a Republican ever since the formation 
 of the party, having voted for John C. Fremont, 
 the first candidate in that party for President. 
 He has been treasurer of the school board twelve 
 
 years, and is now road commissioner. Mr. Miller 
 and the greater part of the family are members of 
 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 place 
 
 AMUEL C. IMHOFF, one of the young and 
 energetic farmers of Canton township, was 
 born August 16, 1863, upon the farm where 
 he still resides, and which was also the birth- 
 of his father. Very little is known of the 
 grandfather of our subject, except that he was a 
 native of eastern Pennsylvania, and died in middle 
 life, leaving the following children: George, 
 William,. Henry, Samuel and two daughters. 
 Samuel Imhoff was born December 30, 1816, and 
 although receiving but a limited education, he pos- 
 sessed a strong mind which easily grasped the 
 knotty problems of life, and came from each con- 
 test fresh and vigorous, ready for another battle. 
 In early manhood he went to California, and re- 
 mained there six years. He was married to Mary 
 J. Stewart, a resident of Canton township, and she 
 bore him only one child. Samuel C. Mr. Imhoff 
 was originally a Whig, later becoming an active 
 worker in the Republican ranks; in religious faith 
 he was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He 
 died in December, 1874, and was followed by his 
 wife March 22, 1881. They both rest in the Upper 
 Buffalo cemetery. 
 
 Samuel C. Imhoff attended the common schools 
 of the neighborhood during his minority, and 
 when old enough assumed the management of the 
 farm, upon which he has always lived. On Jan- 
 uary 28, 1886, he married Emma J., daughter of 
 James Smiley, of Cross Creek township, and they 
 have two children: Mary S., born November 21, 
 1886, and James O, bora May 19, 1889. He is 
 an energetic supporter of the Republican party, 
 and, with his family, is a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church of North Buffalo. 
 
 H. WINGET (deceased) was a native of 
 Washington, Washington Co., Penn., born 
 November 24, 1818. His father, Moses 
 Wiuget, removed in an early day from New 
 Jersey to Washington county, Penn. , where he 
 purchased land and reared a large family, giving 
 them such educational advantages as the neighbor- 
 ing schools afforded. Reared under these auspices, 
 young Mr. Winget began life as a farmer, which 
 vocation he followed during the whole of his life. 
 By dint of energy and economy he had amassed a 
 comfortable fortune at the time of his death. 
 
 He was married February 28, 1838, to Miss 
 Matilda, a daughter of William Garrett, who 
 moved from Maryland in the early days to Har- 
 rison county, Ohio, and thence to Lancaster, Ohio, 
 
 '- 
 
 
834 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 where ilrs. Winget was born. To the union of B. 
 H. and Matilda Winget were born twelve children, 
 seven of whom are living, as follows: Caroline M. , 
 Theodore, Mary E., Osborne, Florella A., Steven 
 and Clara. Mr. Winget died in 1878, and Mrs. 
 Winget and the family still reside on the farm, 
 which is located just outside of Sparta, in Morris 
 township. 
 
 Pli W. MILLER. Among the representative 
 
 / \\ and prosperous agriculturists of Chartiers 
 lf^\ township, A. W. Miller is prominently 
 J —^ identified. His grandfather, Andrew Miller, 
 was born and reared in Ireland, where he 
 was married to Sarah Steele, and came to America 
 about 1800. He first located on the road from 
 Hickory to Canonsburg, on a farm in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, and then moved to a place one mile and 
 a half northwest of Hickory, this county, afterward 
 settling on the farm on the north fork of Chartiers 
 creek, which is now occupied by our subject. Their 
 children were James, Thomas, Andrew and Jane. 
 
 James Miller was born in 1812, in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, this county, and was reared on the home 
 farm. He attended Jefferson College, and after 
 graduating read law in Washington with Hon. 
 Isaac Leet, being admitted to the bar in 1840. In 
 the same year he was united in marriage with Mary 
 Watson, who was born in 1820, in Canonsburg, 
 daughter of John Watson, a native of Pennsylva- 
 nia. After his marriage Mr. Miller moved to 
 Wooster, Ohio, there following his profession, and 
 taking an active part in the politics of Wayne 
 county, Ohio. He was a member of the Seceder 
 Church, afterward uniting with the United Presby- 
 terian Church. After his death, which occurred 
 in 1S44, Mrs. Miller returned to Mt. Pleasant 
 township, this county, then moved to Houstonville, 
 where she is now residing. She is the mother of 
 two children: A. W., and Mary E. (wife of A. T. 
 Haft, of Houstonville). 
 
 A. W. Miller was born September 27, 1841, in 
 Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and was the eldest of 
 his father's family. He was brought to this county 
 when but a child, reared in Mt. Pleasant and Char- 
 tiers townships, and received a subscription school 
 education. On November 25, 1861, he was united 
 in marriage with Allie A., daughter of Levi and 
 Margaret (McClellan) Griffith. Mr. Griffith was 
 a carpenter and builder, who located near Canons- 
 burg after his marriage, and there followed his 
 trade for many years. He died in 1886 in Canons- 
 burg, where his widow is yet living. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Miller settled on the old farm 
 where his grandfather located in 1848, and the 
 following children have blessed their union: George 
 B. (married, and in the boot and shoe business at 
 Mansfield, Allegheny Co., Penu. ), Ida (wife of 
 
 Samuel Morgan, of Chartiers township), Minnie, 
 Andrew (a merchant of Pittsburgh, Penn.), James 
 (a boot and shoe merchant at Kensington, Alle- 
 gheny Co., Penn.), Edward, Clarence and Alvin, 
 the last three named living at home. The home 
 farm consists of 177 acres of good land, which is 
 well improved, and is adorned with a fine brick 
 resideuce and good outbuildings. Mr. Miller 
 devotes a considerable portion of his time to raisiug 
 a fine grade of stock. He is actively interested in 
 politics, voting with the Democratic party, as did 
 his fathers before him. He has served as super- 
 visor of Chartiers township, as a member of the 
 school board, and has always been interested in 
 school matters. He ami his wife are members of 
 the United Presbyterian Church at Houstonville, of 
 which he is a trustee. 
 
 AMUEL SMITH, one of the leading citizens 
 of Canonsburg, is a son of Christopher 
 Smith, who was born, reared and educated 
 in Washington county. In early manhood 
 he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of 
 Reuben Hull, a native of this county. The follow- 
 ing children were born to this marriage: Andrew, 
 William, Robert, John, Richard, Samuel, May 
 bury, J. P., Elizabeth (wife of George Shields)and 
 Lydia (Mrs. George Buchanan). The father of 
 this family was a farmer and stock raiser; he had 
 purchased an unimproved farm in Smith township, 
 where he always resided. He was a Whig, and in 
 religions faith was connected with the Raccoon 
 Presbyterian Church from the time of its first 
 organization. He died in 1814, and was buried by 
 the side of his wife in the Raccoon cemetery. 
 
 Samuel Smith was born in March, 1812, on the 
 home farm in Smith township, this county, and 
 attended the log cabin subscription school of the 
 vicinity. In 1828 he went to Guernsey county. 
 Ohio, becoming the apprentice of Samuel Lawrence, 
 a tanner, with whom he remained four and one half 
 years. At the expiration of that time he returned 
 to Pennsylvania, and opened a tannery in Canons- 
 burg, which he has since conducted. In 1835 he 
 was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of 
 John McCoy. North Strabane township, this 
 county, and she dying July 20, 1855, he was mar- 
 ried October 3, 1856, to Mary, daughter of Stewart 
 Goshorn, and she bore him children as follows: 
 Tryphenia I Mrs. B. C. Arnold). Samuel C. Mr-. 
 Joseph Carter, Mary (wife of Alvin Forsythe), 
 George Y. and Sadie. The mother of these chil- 
 dren died February 4, 1865, and on December 10, 
 1S7:'>, Mr. Smith was married to Ella Hanna, and 
 after her death to Sarah J., daughter of Daniel 
 Gault. 
 
 Politically Mr. Smith was a Whig, and has been 
 a Republican since the organization of the latter 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 835 
 
 party, and has taken an active part in local offices, 
 especially those pertaining to school and borough 
 interests. In religion he has for many years been 
 a member of the U. P. Church at Canonsburg, and 
 was also a member of the Session. He is a suc- 
 cessful business man and prominent citizen. 
 
 ILLIAM LOUGEAY GASTON. Among 
 tin' citizens of Union township, whose 
 names »are indissolubly associated with 
 its history and general progress, is this 
 well-known gentleman. His early an<:< is 
 tors were natives of France, whence one Samuel 
 Gaston emigrated to this country many years ago. 
 He located in Washington county, Peun., on a tract 
 of 350 acres, where his life was passed, he dying at 
 about eighty years of age; he was buried in Mingo 
 cemetery. He was twice married, and reared a 
 large family of children. He was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 William Gastou, son of Samuel Gaston, was born 
 in 1808, in Gastonville. Union township. Washing- 
 ton county, and attended school in the log school- 
 house of the period. He was married to a Miss 
 Morrison, who bore him two children, and died in 
 1834. Mr. Gaston was a member of the I. O. O. 
 F., and in politics voted with the Democratic 
 party; in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. 
 He gave his children a good education. He was a 
 generous, kind-hearted, fine-looking man, and a 
 friend to every one alike. He died in 18S4. 
 
 Maj. James M. Gaston, son of William Gaston, 
 was born in 1832, in Gastonville, Washington 
 county. He attended the common schools, and 
 then entered Washington and Jefferson College. 
 In early life he married Matilda Ensell, of Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., a daughter of Edward Eusell, who 
 was of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston 
 resided in Lawrence county, Penn., for a short 
 time after their marriage. He was a farmer by 
 occupation, and during the latter part of his life 
 was a sawyer and lumberman. Their children 
 were as follows: Mary P., living in Gastonville; 
 Ida S., wife of John McChain; Haddie B. ; Ed- 
 ward, deceased in infancy, and William Lougeay. 
 The father entered the Civil war as a volunteer, 
 and served three years in the First Pennsylvania 
 Cavalry; he was wounded three times, once at the 
 battle of Gettysburg, and being taken sick while 
 in the service, returned home to Washington 
 county. Politically he was a Democrat, and in 
 religion a member of the Methodist Church. He 
 died September 8, 1885, in his fifty-sixth year. 
 
 William Lougeay Gaston was born April 15, 
 1861, in Gastonville, Penn. He received his edu- 
 cation in the common schools of his native village, 
 and attended Duff's Commercial College, Pitts- 
 
 burgh. Beginning life without capital, Mr. Gas- 
 ton has secured a snug property, having sue 
 fully engaged in the lumber, sawmill and farming 
 businesses, and is now conducting a butchery. In 
 political opinion he is a Democrat. On Septem- 
 ber 10, 1885, he was united in marriage with 
 Emma, daughter of Frank P. Scott, M. D., of 
 Monongahela, and she has borne him two children: 
 Myrnaand Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston are mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church. For ten years 
 he resided at Gastonville. At present he is a resi- 
 dent of Fiuleyville. 
 
 AMUEL PROVINES was born in 1803, iu 
 County Tyrone. Ireland. In about 1S12 
 his parents, William and Rebecca (Hemp- 
 hill) Provines, came fco America with their 
 family of five children — Mary, Samuel. Andrew, 
 John and Robert — landing at Philadelphia, where 
 they remained some time, and then came farther 
 west. Having but a limited supply of money, 
 their manner of traveling was in the most econom- 
 ical fashion, several members of the family walk- 
 ing a considerable part of the distance. In about 
 L813 they came to Washington county, Penn., first 
 locating in Cherry Valley, where other children 
 were born, viz.: Margaret, James, Sarah, Jane 
 and Rebecca; later they removed to Jefferson 
 township. 
 
 Samuel Provines was reared to manhood on the 
 farm of his father, receiving but limited opportu- 
 nities for an education. In 1836 he was married 
 to Isabella Gracey, a native of Cross Creek town- 
 ship, this county, and daughter of John Gracey. 
 To the union of Samuel and Isabella Provines 
 children were born as follows: John (who now 
 has charge of the home farm, together with his 
 brother Andrew), William (a carpenter, of Denni- 
 son, Ohio). James (a carpenter), Rebecca (living 
 at home), Andrew (also at home), Margaret (living 
 on the old place), Samuel (a carpenter, of Wells- 
 burg, W. Va. ), Henry (deceased in early manhood) 
 and Harper H. (a carpenter, of Wilmerding, Alle- 
 gheny county). After his marriage, Samuel Pro- 
 vines settled in Hanover township, on the farm 
 which he had purchased before his marriage, and 
 at the time it was nearly all covered with woods, 
 which he cleared away. Although beginning life 
 with comparatively nothing, he accumulated a 
 good property. In politics he was a lifelong 
 Democrat, and an ardent supporter of that party. 
 He was called from the scene of his labors in 1877, 
 and was followed to the grave by his wife in 1885; 
 their remains rest in Burgettstown United Presby- 
 terian Cemetery. They were both consistent mem- 
 bers of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
836 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 l\ Mi ORGAN L. DUNN, farmer, was born on 
 
 \f,\- Ruff creek, Morgan township, Greene 
 ■ill Co., Penn., a son of Joseph and Jane 
 
 J -* Dunn. His paternal grandfather, Isaac 
 v Dunn, was born in eastern Virginia, and 
 
 his boyhood days were passed in the place of his 
 birth; but in early manhood he removed to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., which then included the ter- 
 ritory that is now Greene county. He settled on 
 Castile run, near the dividing line between Wash- 
 ington and Greene counties, and here he lived and 
 died. When he first came to Washington county 
 he was offered land, now one of the finest farms in 
 Greene county, in exchange for a horse. He was 
 one of the pioneers of Washington county, and 
 was respected and esteemed by all who knew 
 him, for his integrity, enterprise and thrift. He 
 was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his 
 gallantry and bravery are already historical. Mr. 
 Dunn's long life was one of hardship and toil. 
 Labor was to him more a pleasure than a neces- 
 sity, 80 accustomed had he become to it. He made 
 many trips to Winchester, Va., trading farm prod- 
 uce for salt, which was "racked" across the mount- 
 ains in pack saddles, made of crooked roots and 
 limbs of trees. His method of life, however, did 
 not seem to affect his health, for he was one of the 
 best preserved meu recorded within these pages. 
 At the age of ninety-two years he bound wheat, 
 and kept up with two cradles. He died at the ad- 
 vanced age of ninety-seven. 
 
 Joseph Dunn, the father of subject, was born in 
 Greene county, Penn. In his early days he at- 
 tended the subscription schools, but the principal 
 part of his education was received under his 
 father's personal supervision in learning the suc- 
 cessful management of a farm. He married Jane, 
 a daughter of James Martin, who emigrated from 
 New Jersey to Washington county in its early days, 
 the trip being made overland and in wagons. 
 During the journey they passed many great tract 
 of beautiful land, which might have become theirs 
 for the asking; but they continued their journey 
 toward the glorious West, the land of which they 
 had heard so much, but had never seen. Accord 
 ing to rumor, this land, which was called "Red I 
 St one," was a veritable paradise; and they were 
 immeasurably disappointed and disheartened to 
 find, instead of this imaginary "Eden," nothing 
 but dense woods. Reluctantly they went to work, 
 clearing off the land on which they had Located. 
 As there was no clearance in which to place the 
 timber and underbrush cut down, they were obliged 
 to burn great stretches of giant oaks. DuriDg the 
 closing part of Mr. Martin's life he was obliged, 
 for several years, to sleep in his chair, being un- 
 able to rest in the natural position. The family of 
 Joseph and Jane Dunn consisted of the following 
 children: Washington, James M. (he went to Cali- 
 
 fornia during the first gold excitement, and is liv- 
 ing in that State to-day with his family), Morgan 
 L., Joseph (a prominent merchant of Millsborough, 
 East Bethlehem township), William (who, after 
 serving in the Civil war under Capt. Crea, died 
 soon after his return home, of disease contracted 
 in the service; his widow, who survives him, re- 
 ceives a pension secured her by the untiring efforts 
 of our subject), John and Ann, both of whom were 
 never married (they live in Washington township, 
 Greene Co., Penn., John being fhere engaged in 
 the nursery business). 
 
 Morgan L. Dunn was born in 1824, and his boj 
 hood was spent in much the same manner as that 
 of his father. The little education he received 
 was obtained at the subscription schools, almost 
 the only kind the period afforded. At the break- 
 ing out of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Dunn 
 raised over $3,000 by subscription for substitutes 
 in Washington and Greene counties. He has been 
 married three times: his first wife was Phoebe 
 Ann, a daughter of Mr. Taylor, whose father was 
 a drummer in the Revolutionary war; to this union 
 were born five children: Jane, Mary, George W.. 
 Dorcas and Phoebe A. Jane is the wife of Milton 
 Bigler, a Baptist minister, and resides in West 
 Bethlehem township, this county; George W. lives 
 in West Bethlehem township (he was married to 
 Maria Hoover June 15, 1876, and three children 
 have been born to them, viz.: Winston, Sherman 
 and Elsie); Mary is the wife of George Hufford, 
 and resides in Ten Mile, Washington count \ . 
 Phcebe A. married Addison Swihart, and they re- 
 side in Washington township, Greene Co., Penn. 
 (none of the three married daughters had any T child- 
 ren born to them). Mr. Dunn's second wife was 
 Eliza Corwin, a daughter of William Corwin and a 
 granddaughter of Stephen Corwin, prominent resi- 
 dents of Washington county. This wife bore him 
 the following children: William, a resident of 
 Lone Pine, Amwell township, married Cora Gray, 
 and two children have been born to them: Rerie 
 and Murral; Flora, the wife of James Huffman, 
 residing in Washington (they have three children: 
 Frank. Willie and Lulu); Walter, a prominent farm- 
 er of West Bethlehem township, married Maggie 
 Yoders, and they had two children: one that died 
 in infancyvmnd Myrtle, still living; Richard, who 
 lives in Easn^jiberty, married Nannie Huffman, 
 daughter of George Huffman, and Loualin, whore- 
 sides at home with his father. The departure of 
 Mrs. Dunn from this life was mourned not only by 
 her husband and children, but by her numerous 
 friends. Mr. Dunn married for his third wife 
 Emma Curry, a daughter of Philip Curry, and to 
 this union have been born two children: Arthur 
 Extell and Earl Guy. 
 
 Mr. Dunn is one of the best-known and most 
 successful agriculturists in West Bethlehem town- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 837 
 
 ship. He is also extensively engaged in stock 
 raising — coach and Clydesdale horses and Merino 
 sheep being his specialties. Politically he is a 
 stanch Democrat. When a young man he was 
 possessed of a splendid physique. He thought 
 nothing of making 200 rails in one day, mow- 
 ing three acres with a scythe or cradling 200 
 dozen of wheat. 
 
 JlOHN F. NICHOLSON, a leading jeweler of 
 1 Monongahela, is descended from Irish ances- 
 1 try. His grandfather, James Nicholson, was 
 born in Ireland, and, immigrating to America 
 in about 1790, settled in Union township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., locating in 1795 on his farm on 
 Mingo creek. The land in that region was wild 
 and covered with forests, but the hardy pioneer 
 persevered until the dreary wilderness was trans- 
 formed into a comfortable homestead. The chil- 
 dren of this family were as follows: John, William 
 McKendrie, James, Asa, Sarah (wife of Andrew 
 Pierce), Mary, Jennie (wife of Matthew Murdy), 
 Nancy (wife of James McAllister) and Elizabeth 
 (wife of William Tidball). The father was a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church, and in politics voted with 
 the Whig party. For many years in those early 
 days his home was the Methodist preaching place, 
 services being held there every two weeks, on 
 Saturdays, by Rev. Asa Shinn, who was succeeded 
 in that work by Rev. George S. Holmes. 
 
 William McKendrie Nicholson was born April 
 21, 1820, on the home farm in Union township, 
 Washington Co. , Penn. He attended the subscrip- 
 tion and public schools, proved an eager reader 
 and close student, and was trained from boyhood 
 to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through- 
 out life. He was married to Rachel, daughter of 
 Samuel Morrison, of Nottingham township, and 
 their children were: William Alvin, Arilinda J. (wife 
 of E. J. McClure), John Fletcher, Violet A. 
 (wife of Samuel McMillan), Flora B. (deceased), 
 Sarah Adalaide, Clara Lucina (wife of George 
 Kahl) and Laura Pricilla. Mr. Nicholson con- 
 ducted a general store at Ginger Hill from 1844 
 to 1840; then followed farming, but in 1887 re 
 tired from active life. He has been an enthusi- 
 astic leader in politics, has voted with the Whig 
 and Republican parties, and has taken a special 
 interest in school matters. In religion he is a 
 member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Rachel Nich- 
 olson died in 1880. 
 
 John Fletcher Nicholson was born April 21, 
 1851, in Union township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and received a common-school education. In 
 1872 he came to Monongahela, and opened the 
 jewelry and music store, which he has since con- 
 ducted. In 1877 he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Sue E. Wilson, and their children are: 
 
 Alverda, Jessie Rebecca, John Fletcher, James 
 Bloomfield, Marjorie Ann and Louis McKendrie. 
 Mr. Nicholson is a shrewd, honest business man, 
 and enjoys a large and constantly increasing 
 custom. He is an active member of the Repub- 
 lican party, and has served two terms as treasurer 
 of Monongahela, also as Congressional and Sena- 
 torial conferre, as well as in various other offices. 
 He was elected mayor at the February election and 
 was duly sworn in to serve as mayor for one year 
 from April 3, 1893. Mr. Nicholson shows his 
 identification with the people of the city in their 
 social and moral interests, by his church ami so 
 ciety relations. He has been secretary of the 
 Royal Arcanum Council for twelve years, is past 
 master by service in the Masonic Lodge of this 
 city, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. He is past 
 grand in Nucleus Lodge of Odd Fellows, and was 
 D. D. G. M for Washington county for three 
 years. He is an Encampment member, and was 
 D. G. P. for three years; he is a member of the 
 American Mechanics, is deputy State councillor 
 now, and a past chief in the order of the Golden 
 Eagle. In this way he contributes largely to the 
 social Orders, giving them part of his time and 
 ability, and always for good. He is a member of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present 
 secretary of the Sabbath-school, which position 
 he has acceptably filled for some time. 
 
 H. HOUSTON, a leading dentist of Monon- 
 gahela, is a grandson of Isaac Houston, who 
 was a son of James Houston, who was born 
 in this country of Scotch-Irish parents. 
 He came with his family to Washington county, 
 Penn., many years ago, and located in Buffalo 
 township, where he died. 
 
 Isaac Houston was born and reared on the home 
 place in Buffalo township. He learned the trade 
 of bricklayer and mason, which he followed most 
 of his life. Politically he voted with the Demo- 
 cratic party, and in religion he was a zealous mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo. 
 He was married to Nancy Ashbrook, who bore him 
 ten children, among whom was a son James; the 
 father died at the age of sixty-two years. 
 
 James Houston, son of Isaac, was born Novem- 
 ber 11, 1825, in Buffalo township, Washington 
 Co. , Penn., where he learned his father's trade, 
 and followed same for several years. In 1860 he 
 moved to Washington borough, Penn., and is now 
 doing a prosperous business. , He erected the 
 First Presbyterian and United Presbyterian 
 churches in that city, also built the brick work for 
 the town hall. By unremitting effort he has 
 achieved success. He has served the Democratic 
 fmrty as a member of the council, and in other 
 offices. In religion he is a member of the Third 
 
838 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Presbyterian Church. On March 22, 1855, James 
 Houston was united in marriage with Martha, 
 daughter of John Ramsey, and she has borne him 
 four children: S. H., Flora M., and two who died 
 when young. 
 
 S. H. Houston was born May 3, 1860, in Wash- 
 ington, Penn., and graduated from the high school 
 of his native city. In 1877 he entered Washing- 
 ton and Jefferson College, graduating in 1882 
 with the degree of A. B. In 1884 he attended the 
 dental department, of the University of Michigan, 
 and the following year went to the Baltimore 
 Dental College, from which he graduated in 1886. 
 He then settled in Monongahela, where he has 
 since practiced his profession. On September 29, 
 1887, S. H. Houston was united in marriage with 
 Margaret G. , daughter of William Power. They 
 have three children: James Power, Rebecca 
 Ramsey and Ada Florence. In 1S90 Dr. Houston 
 was elected mayor of Monongahela City, and was 
 re-elected in 1892. He is an ardent and valued 
 member of the Republican party. 
 
 J. ANDERSON, a prosperous farmer of 
 Union township, is a grandson of John An- 
 derson, who came from Ireland in 1771, 
 and first settled in Beaver county, Penn. ' 
 He was compelled to leave that section on 
 account of the Indians, and prior to 1788, he hav- 
 ing paid tax in that year, came to the place in 
 Washington county, Penn., where his descendants 
 are yet living. While living in Ireland he was 
 married to Miss Elizabeth Bigger, who came with 
 them to America. The descendants of Thomas 
 Bigger, brother of Miss Elizabeth Bigger, now re- 
 side in Robinson township, Washington county. 
 To John and Elizabeth Anderson five children 
 were born, viz. : James, Benjamin, Matthew, 
 Martha and John, all born in Pennsylvania, except 
 James, who was born in Ireland. In September, 
 1786, he bought the farm on which the subject of 
 this sketch now resides. 
 
 John Anderson, the youngest son of John and 
 Elizabeth, was born June ">, 1789, on the farm in 
 Union township, Washington county, in a cabin 
 which stood on the site now occupied by the house 
 of W. J. Anderson. John Anderson was reared 
 to farm life, and remained at home until 1843, 
 when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Scott, a 
 native of West Virginia, residing near East Liver- 
 pool, Ohio, and they then settled on the home 
 farm in Washington county. Penn., where he died 
 June 3, 1868, followed by his wife, April 20, 1S73. 
 The father was a stanch, " High-Tariff" Repub- 
 lican. They had six children, viz. : W. J., two 
 died in infancy, James G. (dead), Martha E. (mar* 
 ried to J. C. Borland, of Peters township, now a 
 
 grocer in Sewickley, Penn.), and Ada Y., who is 
 living with her brother. W. J. 
 
 W. J. Anderson was born January 22, 1*44. on 
 the farm in Union township. Washington county. 
 On December 21, 1876, he was married to Agnes, 
 daughter of Thomas Kiddoo, and granddaughter of 
 James Kiddoo, a native of England. The family 
 are now residents of Allegheny county, Penn. Af- 
 ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came 
 to their present home, where he has been success- 
 fully engaged in general farming. In politics he 
 is a Republican, having held a number of town- 
 ship offices, and in religion is a member of the 
 Peters CreekUnited Presbyterian Church, in which 
 he is also trustee. They conduct a small dairy in 
 connection with the farm, and for twenty years 
 have sold butter to W. J. Caskey & Co., Pitts- 
 burgh. The home place contains eighty four 
 acres of excellent land. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson 
 had one child that died in infancy. 
 
 HOMAS F. HILTON, a prominent and 
 wealthy resident of Claysville, was born 
 September 26, 183~>, in Chartiers township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and is descended 
 T 7 of rugged ancestry, of the "Land of the 
 mountain and the flood," that "Caledonia, stern 
 and wild," immortalized so beautifully in verse 
 and song by Scott and Burns. His grandfather, 
 a native of Scotland, had four sons and one daugh- 
 ter — William, Robert, Thomas, George and 
 Margaret — all born in Scotland, and with his 
 family immigrated to the United States, making a 
 settlement in Chartiers and Buffalo townships, 
 this county. 
 
 George Hilton, father of Thomas F., was mar- 
 ried in Scotland to a native of the same part, and 
 they had children as follows: John, Robert, Mary, 
 Jane, Sarah A., Isabelle, George James and 
 Thomas F., all natives of Washington county. 
 Mr. Hilton came with his father's family to this 
 county, and here followed the trade of miller, which 
 In- had learned in his native land. He died in 
 1837, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and 
 in politics a Whig; his wife was called to her long 
 home in 1835. 
 
 The early life of Thomas F. Hilton was passed at 
 the home of Joseph Donahey, a resident of Buffalo 
 township, and his education was received at the 
 common schools of the district. On May 21, 1874, 
 he was married to Sevena, a daughter of Benjamin 
 Bartilson. of Hopewell township, and the results 
 of this union were live children: Sadie, George, 
 Mary, Benjamin and Roland (the latter being 
 deceased). After marriage Mr. Hilton settled on 
 a farm in Buffalo township, and here remained 
 until 1NS9, when he moved into Claysville, and built 
 
&. 
 
 /?/? 
 
 #?</ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 841 
 
 his present residence, one of the finest in the 
 borough. The family are all members of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Claysville; in politics Mr. 
 Hilton is a stanch Republican, and an active 
 worker in the party: 
 
 EILLA M. GREGG. The Gregg family were 
 among the earliest settlers of East Pike 
 Run township. Henry Gregg, Sr. , came 
 — from Ireland to Pennsylvania, took up be- 
 tween 300 and 400 acres of public land, and also 
 purchased a tract from the Indians. He then sent 
 for his brothers, John and William, and sister, 
 Peggy. He was a bachelor, but raised many chil- 
 dren to manhood and womanhood; he served as 
 justice of the peace for many years. Margaret 
 Gregg married Jacob Springer, who also came from 
 Ireland, and her brother Henry gave her the farm 
 on which Eli Williams now lives. The same Henry 
 Gregg gave the farm (on which Mrs. Ann Hugans 
 now lives) to his brother William, and a farm to 
 his brother John, on the State Road between Pitts- 
 burgh and Brownsville, where the " Black Horse" 
 tavern stood, now owned by E. Richard. 
 
 Ella M. Gregg's paternal great-grandfather, 
 William Gregg, had five sous and one daughter, 
 namely: Margaret, who married William Crow; 
 Henry, who married Jane Dowler; John, who mar- 
 ried Nancy Gregg; Andrew, who married Dorcas 
 Nichols; William, who married Ruth Jackmau, and 
 Robert, who married Ann Robison; they were all 
 born in Ireland. Henry and Jane Dowler' s chil- 
 dren were: Henry, Thomas, John, Robert, Seth, 
 Israel and Edward. William Gregg had three 
 sons — Robert (who married Mary West), Henry 
 (who died in manhood) and Andrew (married to 
 Mary Ann Hugans — and four daughters — Mary 
 Ann (married to Jonathan West), Jemima (married 
 to Robert Jackman), Sarah (married to Col. Frie) 
 and Peggy (married to Henry Sphar). Henry 
 Gregg has two sons living: William and John. 
 John Gregg married Sadie Price. His brothers 
 were: William and Henry (deceased). Henry and 
 Nellie Gregg's children were: Jane, Ala, Nancy, 
 Sarah and Emily. Andrew Gregg had three 
 daughters and one son. Polly, when thirteen 
 years old, married Andrew Moore, and gave birth 
 to a sou in her fourteenth year. She subsequently 
 married John Reeves, and by him had three chil- 
 dren, Katy, Dacious and Jesse. Old Henry Gregg 
 died on the farm now owned by Alexander Devaul. 
 It was left to our subject's mother, but some one 
 stole the will. The children of Robert and Ann 
 (Robison) Gregg (grandparents of Ella M. Gregg) 
 were: John R., William, Mary, Jane, Andrew, 
 Ann, Harriet Matilda, all now deceased except 
 Jane, Andrew and Ann. John R. married Sarah 
 G. Wallace; William never married, and died ten 
 
 40 
 
 years ago; Andrew married Mary Ann Ailes. and 
 had no issue; Jane married Daniel Williams, and 
 had eight children (she resides in Ohio, and has 
 ten great-grandchildren; of her children — John R. 
 married Mary Peppers (he is a merchant in Coal 
 Centre); Robert, (unmarried) resides in Coal Centre; 
 Amanda married Caspar Williams, who resides on 
 his farm near Brownsville; Ann married a farmer 
 and lives in Ohio; Elizabeth married a Mr. Mill- 
 horn; Eliza married an Ohio merchant; Keziah is 
 unmarried); Ann married Thomas Hugans. a farmer, 
 .and had two children: Sarah Jane (deceased), and 
 Will (a bachelor, living on the old Hugans farm); 
 Sarah Jane, married to Jehu West, and had one 
 daughter, Deborah West. Mrs. Ann (Robison) 
 Gregg's father settled in East Pike Run township 
 in 1793, and was there married. He kept a tavern 
 on the National pike for many years. Robert 
 Gregg was actively identified with the Democratic 
 party, and his wife was a member of the M. E. 
 Church. He died May 19, 1872, aged ninety-two 
 years, having been preceded by Mrs. Gregg in, 
 1870. 
 
 John R. Gregg, son of Robert and Ann (Robi- 
 son) Gregg, was born April 5, 1810, in East Pike 
 Run township, where he was reared and educated, 
 then taught several terms of school in his native 
 township; at one time he taught thirteen mouths 
 without any vacation. On November 29, 1832, he- 
 married Sarah G. Wallace, a native of this county, 
 born May 1, 1812, and the young couple resided 
 in East Pike Run township for a short time after 
 their marriage. They then conducted a hotel for 
 several years at Coal Centre, and Mr. Gregg after- 
 ward engaged in mercantile business; he also 
 served many years as postmaster. Politically he 
 was identified with the Democratic party. He died 
 April 17, 1885, in his seventy-fifth year. Mrs. 
 Gregg was a member of the M. E. Church at Coal 
 Centre. She died June 5, 1871, aged fifty-nine 
 years, and left four children, namely: Ella M. ; 
 Ann Jane, wife of L. W. Morgan, merchant, of 
 California, Penn.; William Henry, living in Coal 
 Centre, and married to Mary Lambert, and Mary 
 E. , a member of the M. E. Church in Coal Centre, 
 who died January 11, 1875. William Henry Gregg 
 served four years during the Civil war as sergeant 
 in Company I, First West Virginia Cavalry. Of 
 his five children, John R., Lusetta Jane and Eliz- 
 abeth M. are living. Ann Jane Gregg married 
 L. W. Morgan, and of their seven children, Peto 
 W. is cashier of the Pennsylvania Railroad Com- 
 pany at Erwin depot; Albeit T. is principal of the 
 Derry schools; Elizabeth is teacher in the Normal 
 School at California, Penn. Ella M. Gregg, 
 daughter of John R. and Sarah Gregg, repre- 
 sents five generations of her family who have 
 resided in the Monongahela Valley. In 1886 she- 
 bought a lot in Stockdale, and having erected a 
 
842 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 pleasant residence, has since made her home in the 
 village. She owns a farm of 133 acres in Allen 
 township, which was the Crow farm bought by her 
 father She has in her possession a thimble that 
 was used by "old Uncle Heury," who did his own 
 sewing, patching and knitting. 
 
 John Gregg, brother of Henry, and sou of one 
 of the immigrants from Ireland, had three daugh- 
 ters — Nancy, Sarah and Eleanor — and two sons, 
 who died of consumption. Eleanor (who died in 
 1813) married William Wallace, who served with 
 the Maryland troops in the war of 1812, and at its. 
 close settled in Washington county. (Sarah G. 
 Wallace, who married John R. Gregg, a son of 
 Robert, was a daughter of William and Eleanor 
 Wallace). John Gregg, Sr. . married after the 
 death of his first wife, and to this second marriage 
 three sons — Audrew, Robert and Jacob — and four 
 daughters were born. One daughter married Rich- 
 ard Hugans, and has one son, Jacob Hngans, liv- 
 ing in California, Penn. ; another daughter married 
 William Hanuon. Robert married Ala Hugans; 
 Andrew married Peggy Hugans; Jacob married 
 Nannie Hanua. Jacob Gregg has three daughters 
 living — Jemima, Jane and Elizabeth — and one son, 
 Henry Gregg, of Greene county, Penn. Nancy, 
 Sarah and Eleanor were children to John, by first 
 wife. Nancy married John Gregg, Sr. ; Sarah 
 married John Greer, and Eleanor (as told above) 
 married William Wallace. John and Nancy Gregg 
 had four sons. James, Audrew, Henry, John, 
 Mary, Nela, Sarah, Nancy and Elizabeth are all 
 dead. John's daughter, Lila, lives on the old 
 home that came from the old Henry estate. She 
 is the widow of Luther Axtell. Edward Gregg 
 has two daughters living: Malinda West, of Cali- 
 fornia, and Mary J. Baker, of Centreville. Malin- 
 da West had five daughters: Emma, married to H. 
 Louis; Myrtle, married to Frank Craven; Dora, 
 married to John Beazell; Mary, married to Ember- 
 son Reade, and Kate, unmarried. John Gregg's 
 widow is living. Edith (Woodward) Gregg has 
 one son, William H. , a merchant in Coal Centre 
 (married to Jane Forsythe, and has one son, Ed- 
 gar, living in Pittsburgh), and another son, Thomas 
 (married to a Miss Cooper, and living in West Vir- 
 ginia). 
 
 JOSEPH MOORE CURRY, one of the leading 
 business men of Union township, is a native 
 i if Allegheny county, Penn. He is a grand- 
 son of Moses Curry, who was born in eastern 
 Maryland, and was there married to Miss 
 Sarah Moore. Their children were Samuel, David, 
 Moses, Robert, John, Ezekiel, Joseph and Hiram. 
 Joseph Gurry was born in 1778, in Chester coun- 
 ty, Penn., and was educated as a physician. In 
 1804, in company with the progenitors of many 
 of the old families of Washington and Allegheny 
 
 counties, such astheFinleys, Campbells, HindmanB, 
 McClellans, etc., he came to western Pennsyl- 
 vania, and purchased a large tract of land near 
 Pittsburgh, at what is now Curry Station, Baltimore 
 & Ohio Railroad. Here for a period of sixty years 
 Dr. Curry carried on an extensive medical prac- 
 tice, covering a circuit of many miles. He also 
 conducted large farming operations, together with 
 other industries, such as gristmills, sawmills, dis- 
 tilleries, etc., located on his property. Soon after 
 coming to this place he was married to Jane, 
 daughter of John Finley. She bore him the fol- 
 lowing children: John F., Joseph M. (mentioned 
 below), Sarah (wife of Samuel Happer), Margaret 
 (Mrs. Richard Storer), Mary J. (wife of Dr John- 
 son). Susan (married to Robert Foster), Isabelle 
 (Mrs. Robert Hutchinson), and William E. The 
 father voted with the Democratic party, and in re- 
 ligions faith was a member and elder of the Associ- 
 ate Reformed Church. Dr. Curry died in 1862. 
 His wife survived him fifteen years, dying in 1875 
 at the age of eighty -four years. 
 
 Joseph Moore Curry, whose name introduces 
 this biography, was born July 24, 1813, on the 
 place in Allegheny county, Penn. He, also, was edu- 
 cated for the medical profession, but abandoned 
 that career for a mercantile life. He embarked in 
 the dry-goods business in Pittsburgh, in 1834, in 
 company with H. B. Green, forming the house of 
 Curry & Green, situated on Market street. In 1841 
 this became Chadwick & Curry, and continued for 
 a number of years. In 1839 he established a gen- 
 eral store and supply depot at the sign of the " Roe- 
 Galley" (now the town of Finley ville), a post sta- 
 tion, fourteen miles out from Pittsburgh, on the 
 Pittsburgh and Brownsville stage road. The goods 
 with which this famous old establishment was 
 stocked, comprising every known commodity, were 
 transported by canal boat and conestoga wagon 
 direct from the East, in immense cargoes 
 four times a year. Great quantities of country 
 produce of every kind — butter, eggs, lard, tallow, 
 wool, fruit, vegetables, grain, cheese, beeswax, vin- 
 egar, etc., were taken in exchange for supplies, and 
 shipped to Pittsburgh every morning by wagon. A 
 glance over the books and records of this old estab- 
 lishment is a revelation of the wonderful variety 
 and immense quantity of merchandise carried by 
 these old country stores. 
 
 In 1845 the subject of this sketch was married 
 to Mary J., daughter of Robert Campbell. In 
 1852 he purchased a tract of land one mile below 
 Finleyville, from J. S. Gaston, and there built a 
 huge store, mansion house, a number of tenant 
 houses and shops, thus founding the town of Cur- 
 ryville, which he afterward had changed to Gaston- 
 ville. in honor of the original landholder. He 
 removed to his new place in 1854, where he has 
 since resided, continuing in active business until 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 843 
 
 five years ago, when he retired from active busi- 
 ness, being succeeded by his son George A., in 
 1889. He was bereaved of his beloved wife, De- 
 cember 14, 1870, who left the following children: 
 Joseph Roland, William Hindman, Edward Camp 
 bell, George A., Frank Morgan, Mary J., Lilly B. 
 and Robert Charles. 
 
 Politically Mr. Curry has always supported 
 the Democratic party, and in religion is a rneniber 
 of the Presbyterian church at Mingo. He has al- 
 ways been a public-spirited citizen, contributing 
 liberally toward all worthy objects. 
 
 ¥ OHN A. MoKEAN, M. D., a physician of Wash- 
 ington, Washington county, of which he is a 
 *M native, was born July 14, 1846, in the 
 ^^ borough of Washington, a son of Thomas and 
 Fannie J. (Snodgrass) McKean, of whom 
 special mention will be found elsewhere. Dr. 
 McKean is, to » great extent, a self-made man, 
 having learned the trade of tobacconist in his early 
 years, and at which he continued to work during his 
 spare time while attending college and also while 
 pursuing his professional studies. His education 
 was received at the public schools of the place, and 
 Washington and Jefferson College. In 1867 he 
 commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Thomas 
 McKennan; then during the winter of 1868-69 he 
 attended lectures at the University of Ann Arbor, 
 Mich. , and, in the winter of 1869-70? lectures at 
 the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 
 graduating in the spring of 1870. In the fall of 
 that year he moved to Independence, a village in 
 the western part of Washington county, where he 
 commenced the practice of his profession, and here 
 continued until June, 1871, when he returned to 
 Washington, and has ever since been in successful 
 practice in the borough and surrounding country. 
 
 In October, 1876, Dr. McKean was united in 
 marriage with Jennie B., daughter of Capt. John 
 C. McCoy, now residing in Allegheny county. 
 Three children came of this union, viz. : Fannie S. 
 and John C, both at home with their father, and 
 Harry M. , who died at the age of nine years. The 
 mother of these children was called from earth in 
 1882, and in 1886 Dr. McKean married Mrs. Sarah 
 J. Zedeker, widow of B. B. Zedeker, formerly of 
 South Strabane township; she had one daughter 
 by her first husband. The Doctor is a mem- 
 ber of and elder in the Third Presbyterian 
 Church of Washington. In his political prefer- 
 ences he is a Republican, and serves as a member 
 of the school board of South Strabane township. 
 His home in South Strabane township is situated 
 on East Maiden street, with his office at No. 162 
 South Main street. Dr. McKean has made a fair 
 success of his chosen profession. For four years 
 he was the physician attending the County Farm 
 and the Jail. 
 
 J. McNARY is the representative of one 
 of the oldest pioneer families of Washing- 
 *f[ ton county, whose descendants are very 
 numerous, and are numbered among the 
 most energetic and prominent citizens of the 
 county. James McNary, the earliest ancestor of 
 whom we have a record, was a native of the High- 
 lauds of Scotland, born about the year 1711. It 
 is supposed that he went to Ireland, and before 
 1760 emigrated thence to America with his family, 
 consisting of a wife, four sons and one daughter. 
 During 1760 he bought a tract of land in York 
 county, Penn. He died at the home of his sou, 
 David, in Hanover township, Washington county, 
 same State, in 1796. 
 
 John McNary, great-grandfather of our subject, 
 was born and reared in Scotland. He married 
 Esther Boyle, a native of Ireland, who bore him 
 children as follows: Elizabeth, wife of William 
 Douglass; Mary, wife of James McCoy; James; 
 Margaret, wife of James Martin; Malcom; Esther, 
 wife of Thomas Irving; Agnes, wife of William 
 Pollock; John; Thomas; Alexander; Margaret; 
 Jane, married to James Marshall; and Janet, wife 
 of Robert McKibben. The parents of this family 
 came, with such children as had been born to 
 them, to York county, Penn., some time prior to 
 the Revolutionary war, and in 1801 the father 
 visited North Strabane township, this county, 
 where he purchased the farm now in the posses- 
 sion of his grandson, James S. After returning 
 to his home in York county, he died in 1802, 
 and the family subsequently removed to the farm 
 he had purchased. Of these children, James 
 McNary was the grandfather of W. J. He mar- 
 ried and reared a family of children, of whom 
 Joseph McNary was one. 
 
 Joseph McNary was born in 1802, in Cross 
 Creek township, this county, and received a 
 meager education in the country schools of the 
 period. He learned and followed the carpentry 
 trade. He was married to Jane, daughter of 
 William Rea, of Cross Creek township, this 
 county, and the children born to this union were 
 Margaret (deceased), Esther I. (unmarried, living 
 in Burgettstown, Penn.), Jane R. (first married to 
 James McNary, now the wife of Samuel Cowen, of 
 Elizabethtown, Ky.), Rhoda (Mrs. Robert Withe- 
 i row, of Murdocksville, Penn.), Nancy A. (deceased 
 | wife of Eli Marquis), Sarah A. (deceased), Mary 
 E. (Mrs. J. W. Bailey), Harriet A. (wife of John 
 Witherow, of Beaver county, Penn.), Julia 
 (strangled with a grain of corn), Joseph R. (a 
 farmer of Smith township), W. J. (whose name 
 opens these lines) and an infant daughter (de- 
 ceased). Mr. and Mrs. McNary lived in Cross 
 Creek township one year after their marriage, 
 then located one mile west of Burgettstown, Smith 
 ! township, where the remainder of his life was 
 
844 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNT?. 
 
 passed. Beginning life with no capital, he man- 
 aged his affairs so successfully that at the time of 
 his death his personal property was valued at 
 over $20,000. He and his wife were members of 
 the U. P. Church at Burgettstown, in which he 
 served as an elder a long time. In politics he was 
 always a Democrat, and had been chosen to till 
 niany township offices. He died in 1874. 
 
 W. J. Mc Nary was born December 1, 1850, on 
 the farm adjoining his present home in Smith 
 township, this county, where his early life was 
 passed. On December 25, 1879, he was married 
 to Maggie E. Proudfit, who was born August 15, 
 1855, daughter of R. F. and Sarah E. (Porter) 
 Proudtit, of Smith township, and two daughters 
 have been born to their union: Sarah J. and 
 Esther R., both yet living at home. Mr. and 
 Mrs. McNary began wedded life half a mile west 
 of Burgettstown, this county, on a part of the old 
 home place, where he has since resided and made 
 many improvements. He is a very energetic and 
 " hustling" young farmer, always ready to assist 
 any worthy enterprise. Politically he is an active 
 worker in the Democratic party, and has held 
 various township offices with satisfaction to his 
 constituents. He and his wife are members of the 
 United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown. 
 
 AMUEL T. MARTIN, a representative citi- 
 zen and practical farmer of North Strabane 
 township, was born in Washington county 
 on the home farm. His ancestors were na- 
 tives of York county, Penn. Toward the begin- 
 ning of the eighteenth century, Peter Martin moved 
 with his wife and family to Washington county, 
 Penn., settling on the farm which is now occupied 
 by his descendants. He died at the age of eighty 
 years, having reared a family of seven children. 
 James Martin, a son of this early settler, was 
 born in 1792, in York county, Penn., and came 
 with his parents to this county when a boy. In 
 
 1821 he was married to Mary White, who bore him 
 children as follows: Peter B. , born February 4, 
 
 1822 (deceased); Samuel T., born January 24, 
 1824; James, born December 12, 1826; John 
 White (a merchant of Canonsburg, this county), 
 born January 11, 1828; Matthew, born December 
 7, 1829; Mary Jane (deceased), born September 
 21, 1832; Ebenezer Henderson (drowned in the 
 Potomac river), born June 21, 1834; Ann Eliza- 
 beth (deceased), bora November 2, 1837; Eliza- 
 beth Margaret, born October 10, 1S39; William 
 Henry, born September 4, 1842, and Thomas Jef- 
 ferson, born Angust 28, 1847. Mr. Martin con- 
 
 . tinued to improve his farm in connection with 
 managing a sawmill, during his active business 
 life. He was formerly a Whig, then a Republican, 
 and held several political offices. In religion he 
 
 first united with the Seceder Church, then joined 
 the United Presbyterians. He died in 18S7, hav- 
 ing been preceded by his wife in 1878. 
 
 Samuel T. Martin received a subscription and 
 district-school education, and November 6. 1856, 
 was united in marriage with Sarah Herron, who 
 was born in 1827, in this county, daughter of 
 James Herron, a pioneer settler of Washington 
 county. Mrs. Martin died July 17, 1885, leaviug 
 the following children to mourn her death: Lizzie 
 M. (wife of William S. Whiteley), William, Sarah 
 and Charles E. The mother was a member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church, with which Mr. 
 Martin is also connected. He is a liberal con- 
 tributor to all public enterprises of the county, 
 and a most successful agriculturist. He has an 
 excellent dairy, milking fourteen Holstein cows, 
 and shipping daily an average of twenty-five gal- 
 lons of milk to Pittsburgh, Penn. His farm con- 
 sists of 120 acres of fertile, well-eVltivated land. 
 
 d/ D. McNARY. Among the representatives 
 of old families in Washington county the 
 subject of this memoir stands prominent. 
 He is a son of David McNary, who in 1782 
 came from York county, Penn., to Washing- 
 ton county, making a settlement in North Strabane 
 township. 
 
 Thomas McNary, grandfather of subject, was a 
 son of James McNary, who, some time prior to 
 1760, emigrated from Scotland to this country, and 
 located in York county, Penn., afterward, in 1787, 
 oettling in Hanover township, Washington county. 
 Thomas McNary was elected elder in the Chartiers 
 Church in about the year 1799, and continued to 
 serve in that capacity until his death in 1820. 
 
 David McNary, father of subject, was born in 
 1771, in (it is believed) York county, Penn., and 
 about the year 1795 located in North Strabane 
 township, where he purchased a farm of 320 acres, 
 on which he continued to reside until his death. 
 In 1816 he was married to Jane Edgar, daughter 
 of Samuel Edgar, and born in County Down, 
 Ireland, coming to this country with her father in 
 1794; for six years they lived in New York City, 
 and then came to Washington county, Penn. To 
 David and Jane McNary were born children as 
 follows: Phoebe, born in 1818, married James Beal, 
 of West Virginia, and removed to Licking county, 
 Ohio, where she died, leaving six children — two 
 sons and four daughters; Thomas, born in 1820, 
 died in early manhood; Samuel, born in 1822, 
 died in 1892, leaving eleven children — five sons 
 and six daughters (for fifteen years he was an 
 elder in Chartiers U. P. Church); Jeanetta. born 
 in 1824, died in early womanhood; Mary, born in 
 1826, married John Templeton, and has four 
 sons, living in North Strabane township; David 
 
"WW 
 
 £ %L t^tUsij, 
 

WASHINGTON CO UN TY. 
 
 847 
 
 E., born iu 1828, is living in Cross Creek township, 
 and has three sons and three daughters (for twelve 
 years he was an elder iu West Middletown United 
 Presbyterian Church); Matthew, born in 1830. 
 died in the State of California in 1852; James R., 
 born in 1833, died in 1891, leaving four daughters 
 (for ten years he was an elder in Chartiers U. P. 
 Church), and Joseph D., subject of sketch. The 
 father of this family died in 1847, the mother in 
 1868. 
 
 J. D. McNary was born January 28, 1836, on the 
 home place in North Strabane township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., where he was reared to agricultural 
 pursuits, attending, during a few weeks in winter 
 time, the common schools in the neighborhood. 
 After this primary instruction, he entered Jeffer- 
 son College, at Canonsburg, where he remained 
 until his sophomore year. On April 1, 1857, he 
 removed to South Strabane township, since when 
 he has successfully followed agricultural pursuits 
 on the farm on which he now resides. On Feb- 
 ruary 5, 1857, Mr. McNary was united in marriage 
 with Mary W., daughter of John Caldwell, of 
 West Virginia, and the children born to this union 
 were Lizzie J. (deceased), Lou J., Mattie E., 
 Clara V. (Mrs. Rowley Cook), John R., Thomas 
 H. and Mary J. The family are members of the 
 United Presbyterian Church at Washington, of 
 which Mr. McNary has been an elder since 1864. 
 In politics he has always been a Republican, an 
 active worker in the party, and an influential 
 counselor. For the past eighteen years he has 
 served as school director, and in all things he has 
 proven himself a progressive and loyal citizen. 
 
 TEMPLETON BROTHERS. David Temple- 
 ton was born in 1800, in Washington county, 
 Penn., where his life was passed in agri- 
 cultural pursuits. On February 20, 1823, 
 he was married to Miss Margaret Martin, 
 who bore him the following named children: 
 Margaret, John, Samuel and James, the two latter 
 being deceased. The mother died May 25, 1833, 
 and on February 20, 1834, David Templetou was 
 again married, his second choice being Jane Mc- 
 Nary, and their children were born as follows: 
 Matthew, born January 27, 1836; Thomas, born 
 March 21, 1838; David, born June 6, 1840; Ann 
 (deceased wife of John White Anderson), born 
 January 26, 1844; Joseph, born April 26, 1846, 
 and William H. (deceased), born December 7, 1851. 
 The father of this family was a devoted Christian, 
 and both he and his wife were untiring Bible 
 students. With but one exception the family 
 worship at the U. P. Church. He died June 28, 
 1867, and the old homestead is now owned by 
 his sons, Matthew, David and Joseph Templeton. 
 Of these three sons David Templeton is married to 
 
 Nannie C. Horner, who has borne him four 
 children. 
 
 Joseph Templetou wedded Miss Katie Spear, 
 and they have two children. 
 
 Matthew Templeton has never married. On 
 September 16, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, 
 Eighty-Fifth Pennsylvania Regiment, command- 
 ed by Capt. H. J. Van Kirk. He served three 
 years and two months, was in the Peninsular 
 Campaign, and fought at the battle of Fair Oaks. 
 Immediately after the engagement at Fair Oaks, 
 Matthew Templeton was seized with a fever, and 
 was sent for treatment to the hospital at Philadel- 
 phia. On recovering he joined his regiment in 
 North Carolina, taking part in the engagements of 
 Yorktown, Williamsburg and Fort Wagner. At 
 the last-mentioned place he was slightly wounded 
 iu the hip by a ball which killed a comrade at his 
 side. He received an honorable discharge Novem- 
 ber 22, 1864, and returned to the old home where 
 he is yet living. 
 
 Q 
 
 EORGE VALENTINE, who in his lifetime 
 
 was one of the representative, well-to-do citi- 
 
 ( zens of Donegal township, Washington Co., 
 
 ll Penn., was a native of the county, born in 
 
 ^ Washington, November 22, 1822. 
 
 His father, John Valentine, was born in June, 
 1794, also in Washington. On May 11, 1818, he 
 married Catherine May, daughter of George May 
 (she was born March 20, 1800, in Bedford county, 
 Penn., and died August 21, 1831), and she bore 
 him the following named children: Julia A. 
 (wife of Templeton Lucas, of West Alexander), 
 George, John, Elizabeth M. (deceased wife of Joel 
 Truesdell, of West Alexander), Daniel and Charles. 
 Mr. Valentine, Sr., continued to live in Washing- 
 ton, Peun., for sometime after his marriage, but 
 afterward kept hotel in Claysville, and subsequent- 
 ly bought a farm and public house one-half mile 
 east of West Alexander, on the "National pike," 
 where the family were noted for their hospitality 
 and good entertainment, and where he lived until 
 his death May 14, 1808. He was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church of West Alexander, and in 
 political persuasion was an Old-line Whig. His 
 second marriage, to Mrs. Elizabeth Mehaffey, of 
 Sn'iii'iset county, Penn., was on December 28, 
 1839; she died July 14, 1867. 
 
 George Valentine received his primary education 
 in the common school, which was supplemented 
 with a course of study at Dr. McClusky's academy, 
 in West Alexander, and an attendance for a short 
 time at Washington College, Penn. He was a 
 skillful and prosperous farmer, in addition to 
 which he dealt in wool, grain and many kinds of 
 produce as well as stock. In politics he was a 
 Republican, a prominent leader in the party; was 
 
848 
 
 WA SHIN G TON CO UN T Y. 
 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church of West 
 Alexander for many years. He was a liberal man, 
 and a progressive citizen, a warm-hearted friend of 
 education, and for years was a trustee of West 
 Alexander Academy. He passed most of his life 
 on the farm owned formerly by his father, after- 
 ward by himself, dying November 5, 1881. As 
 husband, father, friend, he was one of the most 
 genial, loving and kind, always cheerful, with a 
 smile for all; in tenderness almost feminine, but 
 firm and unwavering in principle and convictions 
 of duty. On October 7, 1852, Mr. Valentine mar- 
 ried Louise Bayha, of Wheeling, W. Va. , who 
 bore him one son, Louis B. , who still lives in the 
 old homestead, and is in the mercantile business in 
 West Alexander. On September 27, 1883, he 
 married Laura B. Anderson, of West Alexander, 
 and they are the parents of three bright boys: 
 George A. , John B. and Charles T. The death of 
 his first wife occurred on February 19, 1854, and 
 March 16, 1859, Mr. Valentine married Anna B., 
 daughter of Andrew Yates, a native of Ohio 
 county, W. Va. , a lifelong farmer. Mr. Yates 
 married May 25, 1820, Anne Byers, of near Clays- 
 ville, Penn., by whom he had the following chil- 
 dren: Mary F. (wife of Thomas Ralston), Thomas, 
 Byers T. , William, Margaret S., one daughter 
 deceased in infancy, Andrew and Anna B. (twins), 
 and Jane S. These parents were of Scotch-Irish 
 descent, and could trace their ancestry back for 
 many generations as a strictly religious people, 
 many of them office bearers in the Church. Mr. 
 Yates held the office of ruling elder in the Presby- 
 terian Church for the space of half a century, and 
 was for years justice of the peace, under the old 
 constitution of Virginia. He was born July 16, 
 1795, and died on the farm, where he had lived 
 over fifty years, December 19, 1876, in the eighty- 
 second year of his age; his widow was born June 
 25, 1797, and died August 27, 1887, in the ninety- 
 first year of her age. The children all died young 
 and unmarried, except the two daughters alreadj' 
 named, and Byers T., who married Margaret 
 Purcell, of West Liberty, W. Va. (she died March, 
 1889, and her husband February 16, 1892). 
 
 Anna B., widow of George Valentine, was mar- 
 ried February 18, 1892, to Rev. J. S. Gilmor, of 
 Congers, N. Y., also a native of West Virginia, his 
 childhood's home, and that of many of his relatives, 
 being in the immediate vicinity of West Alexander, 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 J/OHN FLACK. The Flack family have for 
 many years been identified with the iuter- 
 I ests of Washington county. About 1800 one 
 Robert Flack sailed from County Monaghan, 
 Ireland, and on arriving in America first 
 located in Chester county, Penn. He then moved 
 
 to Westmoreland county, same State, but in 1820 
 made a permanent location on the forks of Char- 
 tiers creek, Peter9 township, Washington county. 
 He was married in his native land to a native of 
 County Monaghan, Ireland, Miss Mary Douglass, 
 who bore him the following children: James, Alex- 
 ander, Mary, John, Nancy, Robert, Jane, Margaret, 
 Eliza and Sarah, all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 Alexander Flack, son of Robert Flack, was born 
 about 1794, in County Monaghan, Ireland, and 
 coming with his parents to America, was reared in 
 Chester and Westmoreland counties. He began 
 life as a teamster, and in 1835 opened a store at 
 Bower Hill, Washington county. -He conducted 
 this business ten years, then bought the home farm 
 in Peters township. When a young man he was 
 married to Mary Porter, a native of this county, 
 who died not long after their marriage. For his 
 second wife Alexander Flack was married to Lillie 
 Ann McAlister, of Peters township, a daughter of 
 John McAlister, who, with his father, Archibald 
 McAlister, emigrated from County Antrim, Ireland, 
 about 180(1, and settled first in Chester county, 
 Penn., and in 1802 removed with his parents to 
 Washington county. John McAlister was married to 
 Isabelle McAllister, a resident of County Antrim, 
 Ireland, who bore him seven children, namely: 
 Archie, Nancy, Mary, Lillie Ann, John, Hannah, and 
 James, all of whom are now deceased. Lillie Ann 
 McAlister was reared to womanhood in Peters 
 township. To the union of Alexander and Lillie 
 Flack one son was born, John. The father was 
 an active member of the Democratic party, and 
 held nearly every office in Peters township. He 
 died in 1857. 
 
 John Flack was born May 27, 1839, in Bower 
 Hill, Washington county, Penn. He began a 
 course at Jefferson College, but, being called home 
 by the death of his father, took charge of the old 
 place. On November 20, 1865, he was united in 
 marriage with Hester B., daughter of Albert Hol- 
 bert, a native of Franklin township, Washington 
 county. She died in 1882, leaving the following 
 children : Bertha A. , John A. , Florence W., William 
 L., Minnie B. , and Bessie L. , the last-named of 
 whom is now attending school at Bower Hill. On 
 March 3, 1885, John Flack was united in marriage 
 with Virginia M. Ruth, whose father, John Ruth, 
 was a native of New Jersey, and learned the car- 
 penter's trade. He was married to Miss Mar- 
 garet Barr, of Washington county, Penn.. who 
 bore him one daughter, Virginia M. (Mrs. Flack). 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ruth died at Bethany, W. Va. , of 
 cholera, and were buried in the same grave. The 
 orphan daughter was reared to womanhood by Miss 
 Jane Hardy, of Bower Hill, where she resided 
 until her marriage to John Flack. 
 
 To the union of John and Virginia M. Flack 
 four children have been born, namelv: Walter H, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 849 
 
 Wallace R., Allan M., and Margaret Lillian. 
 After bis first marriage Mr. Flack resided on a 
 farm in this county until 1869, when he moved to 
 Iowa. In 1871 he returned to the home farm, and 
 in 1884 opened a store at Bower Hill, this county. 
 Since 1880 he has lived on the farm which is now 
 his home. He is a Democrat in politics, and has 
 held various local offices. In religious faith he is 
 a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 C. GRIMES is a son of William Grimes, 
 whose father was born in eastern Penn- 
 sylvania, and on attaining majority set- 
 tled in Donegal township, Washington 
 county, where he married Miss Mary 
 Gregg, and reared a family of nine children. 
 William Grimes was born in 1818, on the home 
 farm in Donegal township, ibis county, and after- 
 ward moved to Ohio, where he lived twenty years. 
 He then returned to Pennsylvania, and settled on 
 the farm in Buffalo township, which is now the 
 home of his son Andrew. In 1843 William Grimes 
 was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles 
 McCroberts, of Washington county, Penn. They 
 reared a family of nine children, as follows: Will- 
 iam C, Mary (wife of Samuel Woodburn), J. 
 Thomas, Lawson, Lizzie M., David A., Sallie J., 
 Andrew J., and Nannie B. (wife of J. A. Lind- 
 say), all living but Lizzie M. Mr. Grimes died 
 in' 1881. 
 
 W. C. Grimes was born February 22, 1844, on 
 his father's farm in Ohio. Ho attended the com- 
 mon schools, and when fourteen years of ago re- 
 turned to Pennsylvania with his father. In 1807 
 he was united in marriage with Sarah E., daughter 
 of James Allison, of Irish descent. They have 
 had the following children: Andrew J., Lizzie M. , 
 Nannie B., William C, Lena B. , Sadie L. , Ollie 
 L., Alice H. , an infant, and Birdella (the latter 
 two of whom, with Nannie, are deceased). Mr. 
 Grimes farms extensively, and is also engaged in 
 stock raising. His farm consists of 165 acres of 
 good land, lying on Buffalo creek, in the northern 
 part of Buffalo township, this county. In politics 
 he is a stanch Democrat, but not a politician. His 
 wife is a member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Taylorstown, Washington county. 
 
 Li 
 
 EMAN CARSON, a prominent stock raiser 
 and agriculturist of Buffalo township, of 
 which he is a native, was born March 26, 
 1849, on the farm where he now resides, 
 which is one of the most productive in the town- 
 ship. Isaac Carson, his grandfather, was born 
 and married in eastern Pennsylvania, whence he 
 came to this county. He was one of the earliest 
 settlers of Buffalo township, and a prosperous 
 
 farmer. His children were as follows: James, 
 born April 17, 1798; Thomas, born September 30, 
 1800; Adam, born June 20, 1803; Mary (Mrs. 
 William Bell), born Februarv 14, 1806; Rebecca 
 (Mrs. William Ely), born May 18, 1808; Ann (Mrs. 
 William Wright), born April 15, 1810; Margaret 
 (Mrs. Albough), born May 27, 1812; Isaac, born 
 July 22, 1815; Samuel, born January 25, 1819, 
 and Jane, born May 2, 1821. The parents of this 
 family lie buried side by side in North Buffalo 
 cemetery; they were members of the Seceder 
 Church, and in politics he was a Democrat. 
 
 Thomas Carson, father of subject, was married 
 in 1829 to Mary Wright, daughter of Samuel 
 Wright. The children by this union are Rachel 
 (Mrs. H. C. Noble), Isaac, Samuel W. and Leman. 
 After his marriage Mr. Carson continued to reside 
 on the home place, where he carried on farming 
 and stock raising, and where he and his wife passed 
 the remainder of their busy lives, the father dying 
 January 15, 1865, and the mother January 5, 
 1S86; they were consistent members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Carson 
 was an ardent Democrat. 
 
 Leman Carson received his education at the 
 schools of his native township, and was reared to 
 agricultural pursuits under the preceptorship of 
 his father. On August 3, 1887, he was married to 
 Maggie Gillespie, of Buffalo township, and one 
 child, Willie, has blessed their union. Mr. Car- 
 son is successfully engaged in general farming, in- 
 cluding stock raising, and is well and favorably 
 known in the community in which he lives. HiH 
 political preferences are Democratic, and he is an 
 active party man. 
 
 OBERT E. WEIR was born May 10, 1S50, 
 in West Bethlehem township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., a grandson of James Weir, who 
 located in Somerset township, this county, 
 at an early day, and engaged in agricult- 
 ure. He had the following family of children: 
 Samuel, Joseph, Thomas (who died in 1863), Re- 
 becca (Mrs. Robinson), Mary (Mrs. Roberts) and 
 Lavina (Mrs. Marshall). In politics he was a Re- 
 publican, and in religious belief he was a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Col. Samuel Weir, son of James, was born April 
 3, 1800, in West Bethlehem township, Washington 
 county, and made his home there many years, re- 
 ceiving a common-school education. In 1825 he 
 was united in marriage with Ellen Weir, of Som- 
 erset township, a daughter of Thomas and Nancy 
 Weir, and the children born to this union were 
 James, Thomas, Samuel, Joseph, Robert E., Nancy 
 (deceased), Mary, Sarah Ellen, Martha and Susan. 
 Mr. Weir carried on farming several years, and 
 also operated the gristmill known as " Weir's 
 
850 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Mills." He was a colonel iu the milita for several 
 years. Mr. Weir was a Republican since the for- 
 mation of the party, and with his family was for 
 many years a faithful and earnest member of the 
 Baptist Church. Mrs. Weir died in 1885, and on 
 June 5, 1892, he too passed away, aged ninety-two 
 years. He was buried in the cemetery of the Bap- 
 tist Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 Robert E. Weir has passed his whole life on the 
 old farm in West Bethlehem township, and in his 
 boyhood received a limited education in the com- 
 mon schools. On July 3, 1879, he was married to 
 Elnora Kahl, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah 
 Kahl, of Amwell township, Washington county, 
 whose children with George, Eliza (Mrs. Arnold), 
 Catherine (Mrs. Simpson), Clara (Mrs. Bedillion), 
 Flora (Mrs. Post), Sadie (Mrs. Horn), Ida (Mrs. 
 Snee) and Elnora (Mrs. Weir). Immediately after 
 his marriage Mr. Weir began business for himself, 
 and first located on the Hazlett farm near ' ' Pan- 
 cake" or "Laboratory," in Amwell township, 
 Washington county, where he remained three 
 years, afterward residing on the National pike 
 thirteen years. Since that time he has resided at 
 his present home, which is brightened by a son and 
 daughter — Ellsworth, born October 13, 1881, and 
 Pearl, born November 23, 1883. Mr. Weir is one 
 of the thrifty farmers and good business men of 
 Amwell township, his well-cultivated farm com- 
 prising 103 acres of excellent land. In politics he 
 has always been a stanch Republican. Mrs. Weir 
 is a member of the Christian Church at Lone Pine. 
 
 1 
 
 B. BOYLE. Prominently identified with 
 the enterprising and successful citizens of 
 North Strabane township is the gentleman 
 above named. He is a son of William 
 Boyle, who was born in 1794, iu Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and there learned the carpenter's trade. In 
 1823 he came to Washington county, and pur- 
 chased the farm in North Strabane township now 
 occupied by his son. When a young man William 
 Boyle was united in marriage with Elizabeth Wei 
 ler, a native of Washington county, Penn., born in 
 1800, and eight sons were born to their union, 
 namely: Daniel (deceased), Hugh (residing in 
 Washington, Penn.), J. W. (living in Oklahoma), 
 William (a citizen of Iowa), E. B. (whose name 
 introduces this biography), Andrew Jackson (res- 
 idence unknown), Benjamin Franklin (of Lawrence 
 county, Penn.), and James G. (living in Pitts 
 burgh). The mothor of this family died in 1861, 
 followed by the father in 1865, and they were 
 buried in the private cemetery on the old Weller 
 homestead. Both were earnest members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 E. ii. Boyle was born October 22, 1826, on the 
 old farm iu North Strabane township, Washington 
 
 Co. , Penn., and received all the literary training 
 which could be imparted by the pedagogue of the 
 country school. On October 28, 1852, he was 
 united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Col. Moses and Nancy Linn. To the union of E. 
 B. and Elizabeth Boyle the following children have 
 been born: Agnes J., Lizzie W., Clara B. (Mrs. 
 R. J. Wallace, has one son, E. B. F.), Nettie (1. 
 (wife of Charles Wilkinson, Lawrence county, 
 Penn., has two sons, Lawrence B. and Earnest), 
 Anna (Mrs. E. G. Walker, has one son, Fred), 
 William F., Blanche L., John Grant, H. A. and 
 Mamie. Of this family the three eldest daughters 
 have taught school, and all are regular attendants 
 and ardent supporters of the Presbyterian Church. 
 In political opinion Mr. Boyle votes according to 
 the ability of the candidate, regardless of part; 
 preferences. Luring his father's lifetime, our sub- 
 ject purchased one-half of the home farm, which 
 contains 175 acres, and after the death of his 
 father he purchased the remainder from his 
 brothers, B. F. and A. J. Boyle. His principal 
 attention is devoted to the general care of his farm 
 and the breeding of Jersey cattle. The home place, 
 on which ho resides, is improved to the highest 
 point of cultivation. 
 
 lORK, MAJ. GEORGE T. and SAMUEL 
 
 C. History may be properly regarded as 
 the biography of a few earnest, toiling, 
 self-reliant men, who were courageous 
 enough to stand by their convictions, possessing 
 the requisite patience and energy to reach the 
 goal for which they were striving. The lives 
 of such men are worthy of record, and the name of 
 Work is justly numbered among the progressive 
 citizens of Washington county, who, overcoming 
 all obstacles, have achieved a deserved success. 
 
 George Work was born and reared iu County 
 Londonderry, Ireland. He followed the occupa- 
 tion of a weaver. On*March 3, 1780, he was united 
 in wedlock with Martha Dunlap, also a native of 
 "Old Erin," and two children came to their 
 union: Alexander, born February 11, 1781; and 
 Jane, born May 9, 1783. A few years after their 
 birth the father decided to seek a home in the 
 New World, and on July 24, 1789, he and his 
 family boarded the brig "Keziah," at London- 
 derry, Ireland. After a stormy voyage of eight 
 weeks, they landed at Wilmington, Del. (one child, 
 a son, was born and died at sea). In 1795 they 
 pushed farther westward in search of a cheap 
 home, the long, tedious journey being made by 
 wagon, the family finally arriving in Hopewell 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. They Located 
 first on the Sam Davis farm, but soon afterward 
 moved to the log cabin near Buffalo, and on May 
 24, 1802, they purchased the farm now known as 
 
< -" * 
 
 e 
 
\ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 853 
 
 the Work farm. He became a successful farmer. 
 Three children were bora after they arrived in 
 America: Mary, November 8, 1790; James, Sep- 
 tember 12, 1792, and John D., November 14. 1794. 
 The parents both died in this county, and their 
 remains are lying in the Buffalo cemetery. 
 
 James Work was born in Wilmington, Del., and 
 when three years old was brought by his parents 
 to the farm in Hopewell township, this county, it 
 being then a dense forest. He received a meager 
 education in the subscription schools, and followed 
 agricultural pursuits during his early youth. On 
 February 7, 1822, he married Grizzilla, daughter 
 of Robert Tweed, by his first wife, Elizabeth 
 Wylie, daughter of Adam Wvlie, and sister of Adam 
 Wylie, M. D., and Andrew Wylie, D. D. By this 
 union were born two children: Elizabeth Grizzilla, 
 December 20, 1823 (who became the wife of 
 Robert Denny, and died in Morrow county, Ohio), 
 and George Tweed, born April 7, 1825. The 
 mother of these children was called to her rest 
 January 27, 1827, and July 3, 1828, James Work 
 was married to Margaret Caldwell, a lady of 
 Scotch descent, and the following children were 
 the result of their union: Martha L., born June 1, 
 1829, died August 19, 1832; Agnes A., born 
 November 17, 1831, wife of Robert S. Caldwell; 
 Sarah J., born October 14, 1832, wife of William 
 Denny, of Hervey county, Kans."; Mary B. , born 
 May 8, 1834, died August 14, 1834; Clarissa E., 
 born November 8, 1835, died August 29, 1840; 
 Samuel O, born July 16, 1838, married to Anna 
 Donahey; Maria I., born August 11, 1840, married 
 to William Morrow, October 1, 1889, and died 
 Jauuary 8, 1892; Margaret Emma, born October 
 26, 1842, wife of Joseph Rankin; Sophia M. A., 
 born March 6, 1846, wife of William Smiley. 
 James Work, the father, died September 26, 1868; 
 his second wife, Margaret (Caldwell), died in De- 
 cember, 1885. 
 
 George Tweed Work received a common school 
 education, and assisted his father on the farm 
 until he was twenty-six years of age, excepting two 
 winters in which he taught school in Harrison 
 county, Ohio, and also occasionally working at the 
 carpenter's trade. He then engaged in the lumber 
 business, putting up the first steam sawmill in the 
 vicinity. Excepting during the war he followed 
 that business until 1889, since when he has given 
 his time to farming. On September 19; 1850, he 
 married Catharine Denny, daughter of Robert 
 Denny, of Chartiers township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and their children were James Alexander, 
 born August 1, 1851;Lydia Jane, born January 
 13, 1854, died by drowning June 29, 1854; Mar- 
 garet Eliza, born February' 15, 1856; John Dun- 
 lap, born August 17, 1858, died January 30, 1878; 
 Grizzilla Mary, born February 13, 1861, became 
 the wife of William Patterson May 11, 1882, and 
 
 died December 28, 1886, leaving two sons, George 
 W. and John Vance Patterson; Emma K., born 
 October 8, 1867; George Rankin, born October 7, 
 1870. Of these, James A. married Laura B. 
 Logan January 28, 1880, and is now (1893) 
 engaged in a lumber business in Sussex county, 
 Virginia. 
 
 When the Civil war began, and soon after the 
 firing of Fort Sumter, George T. Work, acting 
 for a number of volunteers, offered a company of 
 cavalry to Gov. Curtin, but was refused for reason 
 that no cavalry were needed at that time. Soon 
 after the first battle of Bull Run the same company 
 elected W. W. McNulty captain, and again offer- 
 ing their service were accepted and ordered into 
 camp. On the way there Mr. Work was appointed 
 orderly sergeant, and on the final organization of 
 the company became second lieutenant; soon after, 
 the captaiu having resigned to accept pro- 
 motion, he became first lieutenant, and in Novem- 
 ber following became captain. The compauy 
 meanwhile being attached to the First P. V. O, 
 by order of Maj.-Gen. Stoneman, chief of cavalry, 
 army of the Potomac, as captain of Company I, 
 First P. V. C, he commanded a squadron at the 
 battle of Drainesville, and participated in other 
 minor engagements; was under Gen. McDowell 
 in his movement to the Rappahannock, until his 
 regiment was ordered to join Gen. Fremont in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, and was with his column in 
 advance at Mt. Jackson, having participated, in all 
 the marches and skirmishes of his regiment up to 
 that time. Here he was prostrated by malarial 
 fever, and sent by Surgeon D. Stanton to Douglass 
 Hospital, Washington City, June 5, 1862. Having, 
 by advice of the hospital surgeon, tendered his 
 resignation, he was discharged for disability July 
 25, 1862. On his way home he called on Gov. 
 Curtin, and received authority to recruit two com- 
 panies of cavalry, or more if he could get the men. 
 As soon as able to ride, he began recruiting, and 
 uniting his efforts with Capt. John Keys succeeded 
 in enlisting two cavalry companies, besides send- 
 ing many men to infantry and artillery regiments, 
 and was again mustered into the D. S. cavalry 
 service as captain of Company C, Ringgold Battal- 
 ion, September 6, 1862. By the addition of other 
 companies this battlion was raised to a full regi- 
 ment in February, 1863, and Capt. Work was 
 commissioned first major Twenty-second P. V. C, 
 in which rank he served till the close of the war, 
 participating in all the marches, scouts, and 
 battles of the Shenandoah Valley campaign, until 
 he was wounded near Harrisonburg, September 
 27, 1863. His immediate command was the 
 extreme right of the line in each of the general 
 movements of the Union forces in 1864, in the 
 Valley. At his own request he was mustered out 
 in July, 1865, by reason of close of the war, and 
 
854 
 
 WASHINGTON CO UN T V. 
 
 in August following took an agency as superintend- 
 ent of an oil company operating in West Virginia. 
 This enterprise proved disastrous to the company, 
 and especially to their agent, whose sanguine 
 temperament led him to rashly put all he was 
 worth, aud more, into it. Much broken in health, 
 he returned home, and again took up the business 
 of lumbering and milling, which he diligently fol- 
 lowed when able until 1S76, when he received the 
 Republican nomination for sheriff, and was elected, 
 his term commencing January 1, 1877, and euding 
 January 1, 1880. This term was noted for the 
 serious disturbances among the mines of the 
 Monongahela river, and on the Panhandle Rail- 
 road. The sheriff's prompt action in arresting 
 those charged with riot, and at the same time 
 organizing such a posse comitatus as he thought 
 necessary to preserve the peace and enforce his 
 authority, had the desired affect; and what at 
 times assumed most threatening proportions passed 
 off without serious conflict, and the prompt (though 
 mild) sentences imposed by the courts preserved 
 Washington county from any serious trouble from 
 ♦ bat source since. For his conduct of this affair, 
 the sheriff received the thanks of the best citizens 
 regardless of party, also the compliments of Gov. 
 Hoyt. But what gave him even more pleasure than 
 this was the presentation to him by the miners and 
 their friends of a very handsome cane, suitably in- 
 scribed, and presented at a public meeting of the 
 citizens of California and vicinity. This cane is 
 still one of his most cherished possessions. The 
 history of this affair demonstrates the possibility of 
 a sheriff effectually quelling riot and preserving 
 the peace, by the prompt use of the power given 
 him by the laws, without using any military force 
 other than the " power of the county," at all times 
 subject to his control for that purpose. Although 
 retired from the more arduous duties of agricult- 
 ural life, Maj. Work yet supervises ^he cultivation 
 of his large farm. He possesses some literary 
 gifts, which he sometimes exercises in correspond- 
 ence for various papers. 
 
 Maj. Work, now nearing the close of life, 
 desires us to conclude this sketch by tendering to 
 his many comrades of the G. A. R. and all others, 
 his most sincere thanks for the many words and 
 acts of kindness received at their hands, and asks 
 their kind remembrance in the future. 
 
 Samuel C. Work was born in Hopewell town- 
 ship, on the same farm where he is now living, and 
 received a common-school education. On August 
 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company I, First Penn- 
 sylvania Cavalry, and being assigned to the army 
 of the Potomac took part in most of the engage- 
 ments participated in by that division of the army; 
 was wounded August 14, 1864, six days after the 
 expiration of his term of service, while in command 
 of a squadron, and he received an honorable dis- 
 
 Harrv A., March 
 L872; Nellie A., 
 April 25. L879; 
 
 charge September 9, 1864. He then returned to 
 Washington county, and on February 8, 1865, 
 was united in marriage with Sarah A., daughter of 
 W. R. Donahey, of Buffalo township, of whose 
 family a sketch follows. The children born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Work were as follows: James E. , 
 born June 16, 1866; William D., January 15, 
 1868; Luretta M., May 27, 1869; 
 16, 1871; Ora P., October 12, 
 March 2, 1875; Harvey B. S. R., 
 Samuel C, May 10, 1881; George R. , November 
 11, 1884; and John Calvin, November 24. 1SS6. 
 Of these children, Harry A. died May 16, 1872, 
 and James E., June 19, 1892, leaving a daughter, 
 Mary Elvalena (he was married November 20, 
 1890, to Miss Mattie Stewart, of Canton township, 
 daughter of William Stewart). 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Work have always resided on the 
 home farm, a valuable and well improved piece 
 of property. He has followed farming and stock 
 raising with marked success, and is one of the fore- 
 most breeders of Spanish Merino sheep of the De- 
 laine type. He is an enterprising and progres- 
 sive agriculturist, ever ready to adopt modern 
 methods, provided they are conducive to the best 
 results. Mr. Work is one of the most ardent sup- 
 porters of education in both Church and State; and 
 to his perseverance and energy there now stands 
 the Buffalo Academy, it being the third academy 
 erected in this part of Hopewell township. Po- 
 litically he is an enthusiastic supporter of the doc- 
 trines embodied in the Republican platform, be- 
 ing a counselor of that party, and has held several 
 township offices. He and his wife anil five of the 
 elder children are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Buffalo village, under the pastorate of 
 Rev. T. A. Anderson. 
 
 Donahey Family. This is one of the first fami- 
 lies to settle in Washington county. Joseph Do- 
 nahey aud Mary, his wife, with their children — 
 Jane, William, Samuel and Mary — emigrated from 
 Omagh, in County Tyrone, Ireland, May 23, 1790, 
 arriving in America August 24, same year. 
 They settled near Taylorstown, in Buffalo town- 
 ship, on the place now owned by Jacob White, 
 which is known as one of the best oil farms in the 
 Taylorstown oil field. Two other children were 
 born to them in Washington county, named Joseph 
 aud Margaret. 
 
 Samuel Donahey was born in May, 17S7. and 
 emigrated with his parents from Ireland. He was 
 married to Anna Reed, daughter of William Reed, 
 and they located on what is now known as the 
 James and Isaac Hodgens farm. In 1840 he was 
 ordained as a ruling elder in Buffalo Presbyterian 
 Church. He died suddenly iu his own yard De- 
 cember 25, 1 840. To them were born six children, 
 viz. : Joseph, married to Mary A. Lowry, of Hope- 
 well township (he resided near Buffalo, and was a 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 855 
 
 leader of the music in the Buffalo Presbyterian 
 Church. In April, 1879, he and his family moved 
 to Adair, Iowa, where he served as a ruling elder 
 in the Presbyterian Church the rest of his life. 
 He died August 27, 1890, a man of a quiet dispo- 
 sition, a kind husband and father and a devout 
 Christian); William R., born January 14, 1816; 
 Margaret, who married Rev. James Smith; Mary, 
 widow of Vincent Blayney, still resides on the 
 Blayney homestead near Taylorstown; Jane, mar- 
 ried to Rev. Marshal, and Sarah A., married to 
 Rev. James Shields, now a resident of Allegheny, 
 William R. Donahey was married in Decem- 
 ber, 1843, to Mary Ely, daughter of Marten Ely, 
 an elder in East Buffalo Church. He located on 
 what is known as the William Donahey farm, two 
 miles south of Taylorstown. Pour children were 
 born to them: Sarah A., born September 9, 1844, 
 was married to S. C. Work; Samuel, born Decem- 
 ber 15, 1845, who now resides with his mother in 
 Buffalo village; Martin L., born September 22, 
 1847, was married to Frances E. Fergus, of Can- 
 onsburg, Penn., November 2, 1872 (he was licensed 
 by the Presbytery of Washington, and is now pas- 
 tor of the Presbyterian Church of Napoleon, Ohio); 
 Joseph A., born February 6, 1850, married Lizzie 
 H. McCleese, of Taylorstown, July 13, 1870, and is 
 now pastor of the Capitol Avenue Presbyterian 
 Church of Denver, Colo. William Donahey was 
 ordained an elder in Buffalo Presbyterian Church 
 in 1853, and served until his death, August 14, 
 1884. Much of his time and means were spent in 
 behalf of his fellow-men. In his youthful days he 
 taught school, which he took great delight in, as it 
 opened many ways for usefulness in after years. 
 He took special delight in the Sabbath-school, and 
 was for many years elected superintendent of Buf- 
 falo Sabbath-school. Mr. Donahey was a devout 
 and earnest follower of Christ, honoring God in 
 his household, and was extremely conscientious and 
 faithful as a ruling elder. 
 
 ' 
 
 M[ RS. ANN TAYLOR is the widow of Max- 
 well H. Taylor, who was a son of Joshua, 
 and grandson of William and Phrebe 
 ■* (Heardman) Taylor. The lalter couple 
 emigrated from Ireland in 1788, and com- 
 ing to America located in Washington county, 
 Penn., near Taylor's church, where their last days 
 were passed. The father died in 1841, followed 
 by his widow in 1855. Joshua Taylor, son of 
 William and Phoebe, was born in County Cavan, 
 Ireland, where he married Jane Quinn, a country- 
 woman, and immigrated to Pennsylvania. In 
 1829 they settled on a farm in Washington county, 
 and five children were born to them, of whom but 
 one is now living, Sophia, widow of William Stew- 
 
 art, The father died July 3, 1851, followed by 
 his widow December 23, 1886. 
 
 Maxwell H. Taylor was born July 3, 1833, in 
 Washington county, Penn., and passed his whole 
 life on the home farm in East Bethlehem town- 
 ship. On June 28, 1866, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Ann, daughter of William O, and 
 granddaughter of Isaac C. Wolf. The latter was 
 a native of Virginia, and there married Susanna 
 Dehaven, who bore him four children, viz.: Will- 
 iam C. , Joseph, Elizabeth and Rachel A. The 
 father voted with the Democratic party, and in relig- 
 ious faith was a member of the M. E. Church. 
 Mrs. Wolf died January 19, 1846, and he was laid 
 to rest Julv 27, 1870. 
 
 William" C. Wolf was born July 22, 1820, in 
 Virginia, and came with his parents to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., in 1829, receiving his education 
 in the subscription schools, and following agri- 
 cultural pursuits. On July 1, 1841, he selected a 
 life companion in the person of Melinda J. Small- 
 wood, who was born June 2, 1823, in Washington 
 county, where they settled, and he followed teach- 
 ing and cabinet making. In political opinion he 
 was a Democrat, and in religious connection a 
 member of the M. E. Church. His children were 
 Alfred D., who enlisted in Company I, Second 
 Regiment, Virginia Infantry, and served three 
 years; Susanna, wife of James K. Ward; Joseph, 
 who enlisted in Company D, Seventy- ninth Regi- 
 ment P. V. I.; Ann, wife of Maxwell Taylor; 
 Henry W,; Sarah N. ; Abram, and Isaac C. Mr. 
 Wolf died March 4, 1855, and was followed to the 
 grave by his wife April 9, 1874. The father was 
 a Democrat. 
 
 Maxwell H. and Ann (Wolf) Taylor had four 
 children, namely: Melinda J., wife of Luciau H. 
 Patterson; Felicia H. ; Phoebe A., and one who is 
 deceased. Mr. Taylor was a successful farmer, and 
 in politics was actively identified with the Repub- 
 lican party. He died September 25, 1876, and 
 his widow is yet residing on the well-improved 
 farm of seventy-three acres. She is a member of 
 the Taylor M. E. Church. 
 
 FIi LEXANDER S. HAYS is a cousin of the 
 // 1\ other representatives of that name who are 
 fh\\ mentioned in this volume as residents of 
 Jl -* Smith township, this county. His grand- 
 v father, Moses Hays, was the youngest son 
 
 of a large family born to David Hays, of New 
 Jersey, whose sons were Thomas, David, Joseph, 
 William, James and Moses. 
 
 Moses Hays was born in the State of New 
 Jersey, and after partially learning the blacksmith's 
 trade, he was drafted at the age of nineteen into 
 Continental army, together with five of his broth- 
 ers. He followed his trade till the close of the war, 
 
856 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 and during the contest his brother John received 
 a wound, which was the cause of his death. In 
 1783 Moses was married to Jemima Patterson, a 
 native of New Jersey. Soon after the close of the 
 Revolutionary war, Moses, with his wife and 
 brothers, went west, settling on 1,000 acres of land 
 about three miles southeast of Burgettstown, this 
 county, on Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this 
 land, and Moses made a permanent home upon his 
 share, where the following children were born and 
 reared: Thomas (moved to Jackson county, Ohio, 
 where he died), born October 5, 1784; Edith (wife 
 of David Hayes, of Ohio), born February 27, 1780; 
 John (deceased, near Mooreiieid, Harrison Co., 
 Ohio), born February 3, 1789; William (killed by 
 accident), born April 7, 1791; James (deceased 
 in Allegheny county, Perm.), born June 11, 1793: 
 Alexander, born November 11, 1795; Mary (de- 
 ceased in youth), born December 25, 1797; Eleanor 
 (deceased wife of James Todd, of Allegheny coun- 
 ty), born November 15, 1799; Joseph (deceased 
 on the home farm), born February 15, 1801; David 
 (deceased farmer of Smith township, married to 
 Martha Fulton), born May 7, 1803; and Ann (de- 
 ceased in youth), born June 23, 1805. Moses 
 Hays possessed a remarkably retentive memory, 
 easily recalling incidents of the war fifty years 
 after the conflict. Anything once seen or heard 
 he never forgot, and easily brought it to mind 
 whenever the subject arose. He was a prominent 
 and successful farmer, and in religion was a mem- 
 ber of the Raccoon Church during the ministry of 
 Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend of 
 Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836, 
 being followed in a few days by his wife. 
 
 Joseph Hays was" born February 15, 1801, on 
 the old home place, situated on Raccoon creek, 
 about two and a half miles east of Burgettstown, 
 Smith township. He attended the county schools 
 near the home farm, receiving but a meager educa- 
 tion, then learned the blacksmith's trade of his 
 father, which he followed until about twenty-live 
 years of age. He then worked as a miller, and 
 having a natural taste for mechanical work he 
 easily learned different trades, also followed drov- 
 ing. In 1842 he was united in marriage with 
 Eleanor Kerr, who was born about 1812, in Cross 
 Creek township, this county, daughter of William 
 and Eleanor (Lyle) Kerr. The children born to 
 this union were: Elizabeth L. (living at home), 
 Mary E. (deceased in early womanhood), Alex- 
 ander S. (subject of our sketch), William Kerr (a 
 farmer of Allegheny county, Penn.), and Eleanor 
 J. diving with her brother Alexander on the home 
 farm). Joseph and Eleanor (Kerr) Hays settled 
 on the home farm after their marriage, where he 
 followed farming and stock raising with marked 
 success. He always voted with the Democratic 
 party, and in religion he and his wife were mem- 
 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hays died 
 February 6, 1882, having been preceded by his 
 wife September 30, 1871. 
 
 Alexander S. Hays was born October 8, 1849, on 
 the home farm, where he is now living, and re- 
 received a common-school education, at the same 
 time assisting his father to cultivate the soil. 
 After the death of the latter, Alexander S. Hays 
 purchased the '' Old Home Farm," where his an- 
 cestors had located over one hundred years ago, 
 and has since improved and cultivated the old 
 place. He raises first-class stock, making a spe- 
 cialty of fine horses, for which he possesses a strong 
 admiration. He is a very progressive farmer, con- 
 stantly making some new improvement, or illustrat- 
 ing some new idea, and in 1891 he erected a hand- 
 some new residence. Politically he is a prominent 
 member of the Democratic party, having frequently 
 served in township offices and given valuable as- 
 sistance to the party in various ways. In religion 
 he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He 
 has never married. 
 
 n M RS. SARAH BELLE MORRIS was born 
 l\/| in 1856, in Fallowtield township, Wash- 
 
 I ■! I ington Co. , Penn. , a daughter of Joseph 
 
 II -^ and Charlotte (Carson) Rider, both of 
 v whom were born in 1822, also in Fallow- 
 field township. Her father was reared from boy- 
 hood to agricultural pursuits, and has been a 
 practical, industrious farmer. Her parents are yet 
 residing on the old homestead, at the age of 
 seventy years, and two daughters have blessed 
 their wedded life, viz. : Hannah E., wife of Lewis 
 Carson, a farmer of West Pike Run township, and 
 Sarah Belle, widow of Emery Morris. 
 
 Emery Morris was born in 1855, on the old 
 home place in Fallowtield township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Hill) 
 Morris, both of whom are natives of Washington 
 county, Penn. Elizabeth Morris is deceased; but 
 Jonathan now resides on the farm in Fallowtield 
 township, where the children were born, as follows: 
 Isaac, living in Carroll township, Washington 
 county; Emma J., wife of Henry Heanon, a farmer 
 of West Pike Run township, and Emery, deceased. 
 The last named attended the schools of the home 
 neighborhood, and his life was passed in agricult- 
 ural pursuits. He was married in 1876 to Sarah 
 Belle Rider, and died March 15, 1890, deeply 
 mourned by the many friends who knew and ap- 
 preciated his worth. In politics he was actively 
 identified with the Republican party, and was 
 ever zealous in matters of public interest. Since 
 the death of her husband, Mrs. Morris has con- 
 tinued to reside on the farm, consisting of 104 
 acres, on which are two good gas wells, each yield- 
 ing an annual income of $500. Five children 
 
1 1 'A S II I X G TOX CO UN T Y. 
 
 857 
 
 have been bora to Mr. and Mrs. Morris, two of 
 whom died in infancy; those now living are: Flor- 
 ence, born in 1879; Eugene, born in 1885, and 
 Noretta, born in 1888. 
 
 AMU EL ORES WELL, one of the oldest, 
 most intelligent and highly respected 
 farmers of Jefferson township, Washington 
 Co., Perm., is a grandson of James Cres- 
 well, who came from Fort Deposit, Md. ; settled in 
 Washington county about the year 1790; removed 
 to Brooke county, W. Va., about 1800; was married 
 to Miss Mary Johnston, a native of Lancaster 
 county, Penn., and was engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits. Their union was blessed with nine chil- 
 dren, namely: Robert, John, Samuel, Margaret, 
 Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine and James, all 
 of whom died, leaving numerous descendants, who 
 are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific 
 oceans. 
 
 Robert, the eldest son of James and Mary (John- 
 ston) Creswell, was born December 23, 1780, and 
 came to Washington county with his father in 
 early life. Robert was reared on the farm, but 
 turned his attention to milling soon after becoming 
 of age, and built for himself a mill, now known as 
 Ryland's Mill, Brooke Co., W. Va., which he 
 operated for many years. He was united in mar- 
 riage about 1808, with Miss Mary McCarrell, 
 whose father, Thomas McCarrell, came from Ire- 
 land at an early date, and took part in the Revoki-' 
 tionary war, serving until the close of the conflict. 
 To this union were born seven children, viz. : James, 
 Eleanor, Thomas, Samuel, Robert J., Mary and 
 Jane, of whom but two are living: James and 
 Samuel. 
 
 Samuel Creswell was born February 22, 1815, 
 in Brooke county, Va. , and attended the common 
 schools of that section. He afterward became a 
 millwright, in which business he was successful, 
 having built his first sawmill when but fourteen 
 years of age. This mill is still in operation, and 
 is known as the " Ryland's Mill." Among the many 
 witnesses to the skill and ingenuity' of Mr. Cres- 
 well are the old Wilson Mill, near West Middle- 
 town; the McBain Mill in Columbiana county, 
 Ohio, and the old mill now known as the " Kidd 
 Mill," which Mr. Creswell built, and operated for a 
 number of years. He afterward came to the farm 
 where he has since continuously resided. He was 
 married February 2, 1837, to Mary Cunningham, a 
 native of Washington county, born April 25, 1820, 
 a daughter of John Cunningham, who came from 
 Ireland at an early date. She died August 9, 1890. 
 She was the mother of four children, viz. : Su- 
 sanna, married February 7, 1861, to William Han- 
 lin (deceased) (she first settled in Washington 
 county, but now resides at Richmond, Ohio. She 
 
 has had eight children: Samuel (deceased), Rachel 
 J., Grace M., M. D. , George A., Marie E., John 
 D., and William F., deceased); Mary Eleanor (de- 
 ceased), Rachel Jane and Emma F. Mr. Cress- 
 well has been a stanch Democrat, and one of the 
 counselors of hie party. He has 186 acres of fine 
 land, and a comfortable home. In religion he 'has 
 always been a consistent member of the Meth- 
 odist Protestant Church. His daughter, Emma 
 F., has been a photographer for several years, and 
 has in her possession quite a number of historical 
 photographs, the product of her own work. 
 
 ENOPHON COOKE is a representative 
 farmer, and is a descendant of an old time- 
 honored family of Smith township. He is 
 a great-grandson of James Cooke. James 
 (the great-grandfather) was a native of 
 Lancaster county, Penn. , where, in 1752, he was 
 united in marriage with a native of the same coun- 
 ty, who bore him the following children: James, 
 born August 11, 1758; Dorcas, born October 12, 
 1764; John, born December 29, 1766; David, born 
 August 16, 1769; and Margaret, born February 
 28, 1773. Little is known of this family, save that 
 the father followed agricultural pursuits in Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., and the three sons moved to 
 Washington county soon after the Revolutionary 
 war. James Cooke was reared to manhood in his na- 
 tive county, and served as a commissioned officer in 
 the Revolution, and about 1785 came to Washing- 
 ton county. He purchased a tract of 649 acres in 
 Smith township, situated about three and one-half 
 miles south of Burgettstown, where he erected 
 a rude cabin, and began to cultivate the virgin 
 soil. On April 17, 1788, he was married to Hetty 
 Galbraith, of Lancaster county, Penn., where 
 Mary A. was born May 20, 1793. In 1795 the 
 mother died, and Mary A., the only child then liv- 
 ing, was taken to Lancaster county, Penn., by her 
 mother's relatives, and was married to a Mr. Car- 
 penter, of Lancaster, where her descendants still 
 reside. On May 10, 1797, Mr. Cooke made choice 
 of a second wife in the person of Martha McCombs, 
 of Washington county, and to this union were born 
 the following children: David, born March 28, 
 1798; Julia A. (wife of JameB McDonald, a farmer 
 of Washington county), born December 17, 1799; 
 Samuel (deceased on the old homestead in 1879), 
 born April 22, 1803; Jane (wife of Joseph Vance), 
 born August 6, 1806; Dorcas (consort of Moses 
 Lyle), born May 18, 1809; Oliver P. (a farmer of 
 Smith township), born October 23, US14; and Ma- 
 tilda (married to David Gault of Cross Creek town- 
 ship), born May, 1817, all now deceased. James 
 Cooke passed all his married life on the farm in 
 Smith township, which eventually became one of 
 the most valuable places of the neighborhood. 
 David Cooke, the eldest son in the above named 
 
858 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 family, was born and reared on the home farm, and 
 was united in marriage with Agnes B. Ritchey. 
 She was born in 1808, in Harrison county, Ohio, 
 afterward coming with her parents, Mr. aud Mrs. 
 Charles Ritchey, to Washington county. Mrs. 
 Ritchey was a member of the well-known Mc Will- 
 iams family of Washington county. To the union 
 of David and Agnes (Ritchey) Cooke children were 
 born as follows: John (a carpenter, of Faducah. 
 Ky., afterward enlisting in Company A, One Hun- 
 dredth Regiment, the "Round Heads," serving 
 until honorably discharged on account of physical 
 disability), Xenophon (of whom further mention is 
 made), Jane A. (Mrs. W. K. Lyle, of Washington, 
 Penn. ), Martha J. (deceased wife of Rev. Alexan- 
 der White, all. P. minister, of Washington county), 
 Silas (a Presbyterian minister, of Nebraska, also a 
 member of Company K, One Hundred and For 
 tieth P. V. I., wounded in the battle of the Wil- 
 derness), Marietta (wife of Prof. S. C. Farrar, 
 of Allegheny, Peun.) and Oliver R. (a law- 
 yer of the Pittsburgh bar). Although enjoying 
 but meager educational advantages in early life, 
 Mr. Cooke succeeded by close and earnest study 
 in becoming a scholarly man, equal to many of his 
 more favored neighbors. He read Greek and 
 Latin, was a fine mathematician (becoming a 
 prominent civil engineer), all of which he secured 
 by close application after attaining the age of ma- 
 turity. In his example the lesson is obvious to 
 those yet in the prime of life who bemoan the lack 
 or neglect of early education. ' ' Never too late to 
 learn " is a trite maxim, but one whose truth is evi- 
 dent in all cases where people have had the cour- 
 age and perseverance to devote time (otherwise 
 spent in a less profitable manner) to the acquire- 
 ment of needed knowledge. Politically Mr. Cooke 
 was formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the 
 Republican party, and served in several offices. He 
 was a member and liberal supporter of the Pres- 
 byterian Church in Cross Creek township. He 
 died December 24, 1857; his widow is now resid- 
 ing in Allegheny, Penn. 
 
 Xenophon Cooke was born November 29, 1835, 
 on the farm in Smith township where he is yet re- 
 siding. On September 23, 1863, he was united in 
 marriage with Jane Galbraith, who was born Oc- 
 tober 20, 1835, daughter of William and Isabella 
 (Welch) Galbraith, of Smith township, and two chil- 
 dren have blessed this union: David M. (deceased 
 at the age of twenty-two years) and Bella (an ac- 
 complished young lady, living at home). After 
 his marriage Xenophon Cooke settled on the home 
 farm, aud has since followed agricultural pursuits. 
 He is a very influential man, and in politics votes 
 the Republican ticket, having been elected to dif- 
 ferent offices, and was chosen a justice of the peace, 
 but declined to serve. He and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. 
 
 AMUEL McCLAY, who is a son of David 
 and Margaret (McElroy) McClay, was born 
 February 25, 1853, upon the old farm in 
 Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he passed his boyhood days and received 
 his tirst lessons in the fundamental principles of 
 success. He received a common-school education, 
 and was early inducted into the mysteries of 
 agricultural life. On March 4, 1873, he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Sarah, a daughter of 
 Joseph Wolf, who was one of the pioneer settlers 
 of the county. The young wife lived but a short 
 time after marriage, dying July 28, 1879, and on 
 November 30, 1882, Mr. McClay married Miss 
 Isabella, a daughter of John Fergus, whose father, 
 Hugh Fergus, was born in Chartiers township, 
 where he passed his early years, and ; on attaining 
 the age of maturity, wedded Miss Nancy McClain. 
 To them were born: Sarah (deceased wife of James 
 Stewart), John (now living in Olathe, Kans. ), 
 Mary (deceased wife of William Boone), Thomas 
 (deceased), Agnes (Mrs. Matthew Miller). Martha 
 (Mrs. Reed Miller), aud Hugh (deceased). Hugh 
 Fergus was a self-made man, and always followed 
 agricultural pursuits. He was a Whig, but held no 
 political offices, and in religious views was formerly 
 a Seceder, but afterward united with the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and was a ruling elder. 
 His son, John Fergus, was born in May, 1822, 
 and beginning life for himself at an early age, 
 became a most progressive aud energetic citizen. 
 'He was married in March, 1844, to Miss Ellen, 
 daughter of Samuel Martin, and then settled on a 
 farm where he remained many years. Like his 
 father, he was a member of the U. P. Church, and 
 in politics was a Whig. 
 
 After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McClay 
 settled upon the old home farm where they now 
 reside. The children born to them are: Ora B., 
 Eben M., Esther A. and Ellen Blanche. Mr. McClay 
 is active in the rauks of the Republican party, and, 
 like his ancestors, is a member of the Disciple 
 Church. 
 
 N- B. BUCKINGHAM was born August 3, 
 1845, in Somerset township, this county, 
 where he is now known as a successful and 
 Jj -^ industrious farmer. He is a son of Igna- 
 v tius Buckingham, who was born in 1817, in 
 
 East Bethlehem township, this county, and being 
 reared to agriculture, followed that vocation all 
 his life. In early manhood he was united in mar- 
 riage with Martha Baker, who was born in 1820. 
 in East Bethlehem township, this county. Five 
 children were born to this union, of whom three 
 are yet living: Susan I. (wife of Henry Reade), 
 Phoebe E. (unmarried) and N. B. (subject of this 
 sketch). The father was a public-spirited man, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 859 
 
 holding various township offices. He died in 1885, 
 and the mother is now living with her daughter, 
 Susan I. 
 
 N. B. Buckingham was reared on the home 
 farm, receiving a district school education. In 
 1872 he was married to Miss Nancy B. Camp, who 
 was born February 25, 1843, in Washington 
 county, Penn. She is a daughter of Peter (who 
 was born in 1804) and Rosanna (Smiley) Camp 
 (who was born November 9, 1805). Their chil- 
 dren were born as follows: Owen. Mary, Phoebe 
 (who married William Martin, of Greene county, 
 Penn.), Emma (unmarried), William H. (a farmer 
 of Somerset township), Matilda (wife of David G. 
 Bonner), Nancy B. (Mrs. N. B. Buckingham), 
 David G. , Maria (deceased) and Joseph (deceased). 
 The father died in 1870, and in 1882 his wife was 
 laid beside him. Both were members of the M. 
 E. Church. To the union of N. B. and Nancy B. 
 (Camp) Buckingham three children have been 
 born: Walter H., born June 19, 1871; Frank R., 
 bom in 1875; and Edwin C, born in 1879. Mr. 
 Buckingham is a practical agriculturist, owning 
 136 acres of fine, well-improved laud. He is a 
 public-spirited citizen, interested in all progres- 
 sive movements. He and his wife are members of 
 the M. E. Church, of which he is a steward. 
 
 El W. McCONNELL, a prosperous and intelli- 
 gent young farmer of Independence town- 
 ship, is a son of William and grandson of 
 — George McConnell, a pioneer settler of 
 Ashland county, Ohio. William McConnell re- 
 ceived a limited common-school education, and' 
 then left home and ran on the Ohio river from 
 Pittsburgh to New Orleans. While on a visit to 
 relatives in West Middletown, Washington Co., 
 Penn., he met the lady who afterward became his 
 wife, Martha Ann Culbertson (who was born Oc- 
 tober 24, 1816, in Independence (then Hopewell) 
 township, daughter of John Culbertson). Mr. 
 Culbertson was born February 13, 1786, near 
 Chambersburg, Penn., and was married to Martha 
 Adams (who was born east of the mountains No- 
 vember 10, 1777), daughter of David Adams, who 
 was among the early settlers of Washington 
 county, and an old river man. He made the re- 
 turn trip from New Orleans on foot or horseback, 
 subsisting meanwhile on corn dodgers. It was 
 necessary to sleep out of doors, as the country was 
 unsettled, and their dreams were often interrupted 
 by the war-whoop of the savage or the scream of 
 some wild animal. Mr. Culbertson was a resident 
 of Independence township, where his daughter, 
 Martha Ann, was born. Mr. and Mrs. William 
 McConnell had the following children: Jane, John 
 (both deceased in youth), E. W., Margaret (Mrs. 
 Joseph Ralston, of Independence township), Annie 
 
 M. (deceased in youth) and William (a farmer). 
 After his marriage Mr. McConnell located on the 
 old Culbertson farm, lying about two miles 
 southeast of Independence, where he resided until 
 his death. He also owned the place now known 
 as the "McConnell Homestead," and was a pros- 
 perous farmer. Politically he was a Democrat, 
 and filled many offices of trust. His widow, a 
 most estimable lady, is now living on the home 
 farm, and is a consistent member of the Lower 
 Buffalo Presbyterian Church, with which her de- 
 ceased husband was also connected. 
 
 E. W. McConnell was born August 2, 1849, on 
 the place in Independence township, which was 
 made a part of the homestead before the death of 
 his father. His boyhood was passed in farm work, 
 and receiving a common-school education, which 
 was in supplemented by a partial course at Mount 
 Union College, in Stark county, Ohio. He then 
 taught school for some time in Elizabethtown, Ky., 
 and afterward returned to his birthplace, where he 
 has since resided. On October 6, 1881, he was 
 united in marriage with Annie Gourley (who was 
 born in 1862, in Brooke county, W. Va. ), daugh- 
 ter of James Gourley, a native of that place; and 
 to their union have been born children as follows: 
 James G., Annie M. .Willard W.,and William Cul- 
 bertson, an infant son. Mr. McConnell erected a 
 pleasant residence on the home farm adjoining the 
 original tract owned by his father, and engaged in 
 farming. He is one of the progressive men in his 
 vocation; in politics he has been a Democrat, but 
 at present is independent of any party connection. 
 Both he and his wife are members of the Lower 
 Buffalo Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ILLIAM A. SMILEY. There are men in 
 all communities whose influence is felt 
 rather than seen; whose lives and char 
 acters, like the deep undercurrent of a 
 mighty stream, have deeper, greater and weightier 
 effects in moulding their surroundings and shap- 
 ing the course of events, than others who in out- 
 ward appearances may have an important showing 
 in the affairs of the community. Among those 
 quiet, earnest men, whose depth of character and 
 firm uprightness of principles excite the admiration 
 of those who know them, is William A. Smiley, 
 who comes of a long line of honored ancestors. 
 
 William A. Smiley was born April 22, 1848, in 
 Hopewell township, this county. His father, 
 Caldwell Smiley, was a son of William Smiley, 
 who was of Scotch ancestry, and came to America 
 at a very early day. He was one of the first 
 elders of Upper Buffalo Presbyteriau Church, and 
 with Robert Caldwell, in 1779 selected the site 
 for the church. Prior to coming to Washington 
 county, he had lived in York county, Penn. The 
 
sen 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 personal appearance of Mr. William Smiley is thus 
 described ill "Old Redstone:" "He was a Scotch- 
 man oT strong mind, very shrewd, and extremely 
 pious. His manners were somewhat blunt, and 
 he had an integrity and honesty about him which 
 would not allow him to connive at anything he 
 thought to be wrong. He disliked everything 
 which in any way set aside the claims of religion, 
 and did Dot give it its proper place in the business 
 
 of life or tl DJoymenl of the social circle." It 
 
 is related of Mr. Smiley that where at one time 
 the church of Upper Buffalo had been unable for 
 some years to pay the salary of Rev. James Smith, 
 he volunteered to make the trip to New Orleans 
 with a boat load of flour. Although sixty-four 
 years of age, he made the trip successfully, and 
 from the proceeds of the sale of the flour paid the 
 church debt He died November 21, L813, aged 
 eighty-two years. William Smiley was the father 
 of seven children, their names and dates of births 
 being as follows: Margaret, in January, 1796; 
 William, October 30, 1797; John, November 22j 
 17 ( .IU; Robert, October 10, L801; James, November 
 II, 1803; Samuel. November 28, 1805, and ('aid 
 well, August 5, 1807. After a long career of use- 
 fulness, Mr. Smiley passed away at the age of 
 eighty-two years. 
 
 Caldwell Smiley, youngest son of William, was 
 reared in Hopewell township, this county, and. 
 after receiving a fair English education in the com- 
 mon schools, engaged in farming. He was first 
 married to a Miss Tweed, and after her death was 
 united in marriage with Martha Smiley, daughter 
 of Samuel Smiley, who bore him one son, William 
 A Caldwell Smiley wielded a strong influence in 
 the community in which he lived. In politics he 
 was a Whig prior to the formation of the Repub 
 licans, after which he became a strict adherent of 
 the principles of that party. He possessed gnat 
 determination and industry, and accumulated a 
 handsome competence, the result of his own 
 efforts. 
 
 After the death of his mother, which occurred 
 May 6, IMS, William A. Smiley was taken into 
 the family of his uncle, where he remained, at- 
 tending school, until eighteen years of age, when 
 the failing health of his father obliged him to re- 
 turn ami take charge of the home farm. On Octo- 
 ber 1 . 1875, he was married to Miss Linnie A. Work, 
 daughter of James and Margaret (Caldwell) Work, 
 of Hopewell township, residing near Buffalo vil- 
 lage. After his father's death. Mr. Smiley pur- 
 chased the farm upon which he is DOW residing, 
 containing I OS acres. He gives special attention 
 lo the raising of sheep, hogs, horses ami cattle, ami 
 the usual farm products. The children born to 
 William A. and Linnie A. (Work) Smiley are: 
 James O, Austin Vincent, William A., Viola M., 
 Harold H, Elsie Belle, and one child deceased in 
 
 infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Smiley are members and 
 regular attendants of church and Sabbath-school 
 of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church. 
 
 LYSANDER PATTERSON, a well-known 
 surveyor in Washington county, Penn., was 
 S born March 19, 1820, on the farm in Cross 
 Creek township where he is yet living. He 
 is a grandson of Thomas Patterson, and a son of 
 William and Margaret (Lyle) Patterson, the latter 
 of whom was a daughter of Hon. Aaron Lyle. 
 Lysander Patterson attended the English Depart- 
 ment of Washington College, under the tuition of 
 Hon. John L. Gow, and also enjoyed the advan- 
 tage of private lessons from the renowned mat he 
 matician, Prof. John Armstrong, who was then 
 teaching in Franklin College, New Athens, Ohio. 
 After leaving school he returned to farming and 
 surveying. • 
 
 On March 27, 1845, Mr. Patterson was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth M., daughter of David 
 Wallace, of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Patter- 
 son owns ninety four acres of the old homestead, 
 where his father first made a settlement. He is a 
 stanch Democrat, and has served for many years 
 as township auditor and justice of the peace. 
 
 JOHN BAVINGTON McBRIDE was born on 
 the farm on which he now resides in North 
 ) Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 March 15, 1837. 
 
 He received a good primary and more ad- 
 vanced education at the common schools of his 
 district, supplemented by an extended course of 
 study at Jefferson College, then located at Canons- 
 burg, this county. Indeed it may be truly said of 
 him that he has been a life student, a diligent and 
 thoughtful reader of selected books that furnished 
 the best food for the mind, keeping himself posted 
 in the current literature of the times, a close ob- 
 server of men and things, and thus trained he has 
 always been ready to take a leading part in all ques- 
 tions and enterprises of interest to the community . 
 In his political predilections he is a leading Dem- 
 ocrat and a strong advocate of "clean politics.'' 
 He has held with characteristic ability various 
 township oflices. Without solicitation mi his part 
 he was nominated for the Legislature in 1869, and 
 again in 1890. In both contests he led his col- 
 leagues, and although in a strongly Republican 
 district, was defeated in both contests by less than 
 11)0 votes. He was one of the corporators of and 
 is a stockholder in the "Oak Spring Cemetery 
 Company," located near Canonsburg, Penn. Mr. 
 McBride has been twice appointed, by Gov. Patti- 
 son, a member of the board of managers of Mor- 
 gan/.a Reform school, and takes a special interest 
 

 /^ % /S^L 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 si;:; 
 
 in the commoQ schools in his community, having 
 been for many years identified with their manage- 
 ment, believing this to be the children's golden op- 
 portunity. He is a zealous worker for their suc- 
 cess, and in touch with such methods and appli- 
 ances as will elevate and ennoble the schools. 
 
 Mr. McBride's aucestral history is an interesting 
 one. The great-grandparents of the present gener- 
 ation of the most numerous family of Washington 
 county McBrides were natives of near Belfast, 
 County Antrim, Ireland, where they lived and 
 died. The great-grandfather's name was Nathan- 
 iel McBride and the great-grandmother's maiden 
 name was Hamilton. The grandfather's name 
 was James McBride, and the grandmother's maiden 
 name was Sarah Sprowls; both were natives of 
 "Ireland but were married in this country. Na- 
 thaniel and some other brothers never came to this 
 country. James McBride, when twenty-three 
 years of age, came to America with his brothers, 
 Isaac and Samuel, about 1772, and settled first on 
 what was afterward taken up and known as the 
 "' Washington lands " on Miller's run, Washington 
 Co., Penn. Soon after their settlement here, Gen. 
 Washington, at the suggestion of his agent, Capt. 
 William Crawford, had a survey made of these 
 lands, and on July 5, 1775, a military patent 
 was issued to Washington for 2,813 acres, from 
 Lord Dunmore, Governor-general of Virginia. 
 In the meantime they, with other settlers, made im- 
 provements on said lauds, believing, as Col. George 
 Croghan, an Indian agent, told them, that Wash- 
 ington had no right there and advised them to re- 
 main. Washington's journal shows that on Sep- 
 tember, 19, 1784, "he came to the settlement," 
 but having learned that they were a religious 
 people deferred his visit until " Monday, Septem- 
 ber 20, went early this morning to view the land 
 and to receive the final determination of those who 
 lived upon it." . . . " Having obtained a pilot 
 near the land, I went first to the plantation of Samuel 
 McBride, who has about five acres of meadow and 
 thirty acres of arable land under good fencing, a 
 logged dwelling house with a puncheon roof and 
 stable or small barn of the same kind. The land 
 rather hilly but good, chiefly white oak. . . . Next 
 James McBride's three or four acres of meadow, 
 twenty eight acres of arable land, pretty good 
 fencing, land rather broken but good, white and 
 black oak timber mixed, a dwelling house and 
 barn — of middling size — with puncheon roofs." 
 His journal further shows that they with Thomas 
 Biggert and nine others were ejected from their 
 improved lauds in 1785. Samuel McBride and 
 family, with his brother Isaac, a bachelor, went 
 to Mahoning in eastern Ohio. James McBride, 
 with Thomas Biggert and several others of those 
 ejected, settled in what is now Robinson township, 
 Washington Co. , Penn. These sturdy pioneer set- 
 
 tlers felt that they were not justly treated by Gen. 
 Washington, believing that they were entitled to 
 their lands by improvement of them according to 
 the custom of the country. Ejected from these 
 homes which they had literally hewed out of the 
 forest, defeated but not disheartened, they again 
 entered the forest to carve out for themselves new 
 homes. James McBride selected 240 acres, and in 
 1785 secured a patent under the name of " Pump- 
 ton " from the receiver-general's offices of Penn- 
 sylvania, which pateut contained this unique clause: 
 " Reserving only the fifth part of all gold and silver 
 for the use of the commonwealth, to be delivered at 
 the pit's month free of all charges. " This tract was 
 owned successively by his sons, William and Alex- 
 ander, and is now owned by his grandson, John C. 
 McBride. Another grandson, William, now owns 
 and lives upon a part of the " Washington lands " 
 in Mt. Pleasant township. It is said that the Mc- 
 Bride settlements were on the land now owned by 
 Luther Morgan in said township. 
 
 Mr. McBride's family was one of the three that 
 first formed the organization of the Associate Pres- 
 byterian Church of Clinton, Rev. William Wilson,, 
 pastor. James McBride died October 0, 1827, 
 aged eighty-four years, his wife died March 6, 
 1838, aged eighty-one years, and both are buried 
 in the Clinton Church cemetery. They had an 
 issue of ten sons, as follows: Nathaniel, died in 
 1860, aged eighty-two years; Francis, James and 
 John were at their deaths aged fifty-nine, sixty- 
 nine, and eighty-eight years, respectively; Mat- 
 thew Hamilton, born in 1787, died March 12, 
 1871, aged eighty-four years; Samuel died in 1877,. 
 aged eighty-seven years; Isaac died aged eighty- 
 three years; David died aged seventy-two vears; 
 William, born 1797, died October 22, 1878," aged 
 eighty one years; Alex., born in 1800, died Novem- 
 ber 20, 1885, aged eighty-five years. By the help 
 and industry of this large family of boys Mr. 
 McBride accumulated a large estate, about eleven 
 hundred acres of land, which he divided among 
 his children. 
 
 Matthew H. McBride was born in Robinson 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and received as 
 liberal an education as the schools of his day af- 
 forded. For a time he taught the district Bchool, 
 and worked on the farm. He was by his father's 
 will made one of the executors of the estate. He 
 was married March 12, 1834, to Mary Bavington^ 
 daughter of Capt. John and Ruth (McKiunon) 
 Bavington, one of the pioneer families of Smith 
 township. 
 
 Captain John Bavington was born February 2, 
 1750, and was married to Ruth McKinnon about 
 the year 1785. On February 22. 1780, he took 
 out a patent called "Mill Town," containing 404 
 acres near the east branch of Raccoon creek. 
 Soon after this he built a grist-and saw-mill,. 
 
864 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 which did the grinding and sawing for many miles 
 around. He built a cabin on the hillside about a 
 quarter of a mile east of the village of Bavington. 
 Later he built a house on the part of the farm near 
 the village of Bavington, where he lived until his 
 death, which occurred June 23, 1810, under the 
 following sad circumstances: He was on his way to 
 Steubenville with a four-horse load of Hour, and 
 when crossing the Ohio river at Kelly's Ferry, 
 near the mouth of Harman's creek, the stamping 
 of the horses Loosened the planks of the bottom of 
 the boat, letting in the water till it sank, and 
 both Capt. Bavington and the ferryman were 
 drowned. Capt. Bavington's body was recovered, 
 brought home and buried in the Cross Roads 
 (now Florence) cemetery. He left a widow and 
 five sons: Daniel, Charles, Henry, John and Thomas. 
 
 His widow and eldest son, Daniel, were ad- 
 ministrators of the estate, and the property was 
 divided. Daniel obtained the homestead and 
 mill property; later he sold the mill property to 
 James Clark, Sr., and went to Illinois. Charles 
 purchased mill property near Mnrdocksville, lived 
 therefor a time, and then migrated to Ohio. Henry 
 lived and died comparatively young at the home- 
 stead. John received his portion of the estate in 
 money, and went to Oregon. Thomas received the 
 east portion of the farm now owned by D. Stewart 
 McBride, and which was rated as one of the best 
 farms in that part of the county. During the 
 palmy days of the "Steubenville Pike," Thomas 
 kept a public house for many years, it being about 
 midway between Pittsbugh and Steubenville; there 
 being quite a traffic between the-*e two places 
 made it a good place for the accommodation of the 
 public. He was a good and public-spirited citizen. 
 In IS,")."), when the Pittsburgh & Steubenville Rail- 
 road was first projected, he took an active part in 
 securing it, and was a liberal subscriber to its 
 stock, although the road was not located near 
 li is farm. He lived upon this farm until his death, 
 which occurred about the year 1803. Hischildren 
 nearly all died during their minority; only one 
 daughter. Eliza, now is living. 
 
 Capt. Bavington had live daughters: Nancy 
 married Matthew Hartford, a millwright who built 
 the Bavington mill; Elizabeth married Charles B. 
 Patterson, and they settled near Bavington, where 
 both died; Sarah married a Mr. Backhouse, who 
 owned a farm eight miles below Pittsburgh, now 
 owned by the " Pennsylvania Insane Asylum" at 
 Dismont (here she was killed August 27, 1851, by 
 a passing train on the Pittsburgh & Ft. Wayne 
 Railroad i; Catherine married J. Burns, and lived 
 and died near Clinton, Allegheny Co., Penn. ; Mary 
 married Matthew H. McBride, March 12, 1834, 
 and settled in North Strabane township. The 
 Bavington family is now entirely extinct in Smith 
 township. 
 
 To Matthew H. and Mary (Bavington) McBride 
 were born three children, viz.: James Hamilton 
 (who died October 23, 1862, from wounds received 
 while in the service of the State that year), John 
 Bavington (our subject), and Samuel Bruce (who 
 graduated at Jefferson College in 1861, and who 
 at the call of his country then enlisted in Company 
 O (Capt. Frazer), One Hundred and Fortieth 
 Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers: he was se- 
 verely wounded at Fredericksburg, and was subse- 
 quently discharged on account of this disability; 
 as soon as his health permitted, he resumed his 
 theological studies, and was licensed to preach by 
 Chartiers U. P. Presbytery; he now resides near 
 Sewickley, Allegheny Co., Penn.). In 1824 Mr. 
 McBride and his brother, David, bought the home- 
 stead in North Strabane township, which they 
 jointly held until November 3, 1835, when Mat- 
 thew bought David's interest in the farm. This 
 farm is located in what is known as the "Rich 
 Hill section," three miles south of Canonsburg, 
 and one mile from Johnson's Station, C. V. R. R. 
 Immediately after buying David's interest, Mr. 
 McBride with his wife permanently located on the 
 farm, bringiug up their children to manhood. 
 Here the parents died, Matthew H. McBride, Sep- 
 tember 12, 1871, aged eighty-four years, his wife 
 February 12, 1873, aged seventy-six years. They 
 were members of the Associate (now United Pres- 
 bj'terian) Congregation of Chartiers, where the 
 venerable Dr. James Ramsey, so long ministered. 
 Mr. McBride was an old-school Democrat, but 
 never made himself prominent in politics. In 
 educational matters, however, and in every other 
 question claiming the earnest consideration of 
 thinking men, he took a deep interest, and he 
 served as school trustee in his township for many 
 years. He was a progressive farmer and successful 
 stock raiser. 
 
 After his parents' death, J. B. McBride ob- 
 tained full control of the farm, and on May 1, 
 1873, he was married to Alice, daughter of Maj. 
 James S. Scott, of Washington county, Penn. An 
 interesting family of sis children have come to 
 brighten their home, as follows: James Scott, 
 John Bavington, Charles Cubbage, Samuel Bruce, 
 Mary Alice and George Wallace. The mother of 
 these children dying November 17, 1884, Mr. Mc 
 Bride wedded on June 28, 18X7, Frances Emma 
 Jones, of Canonsburg, Penn., whose parents were 
 Ephraim Jones, of Jones Ferry, Pittsburgh, and 
 Mary E. Rambo, of Covington, Ky. By this union 
 there is no issue. The family are members of and 
 liberal contributors toward the Chartiers TJ. P. 
 congregation, Canonsburg, Penn. , and enjoy the 
 respect and esteem of the entire community. Mr. 
 McBride is extensively engaged in general agricult- 
 ure and stock raising. He is noted as a thorough 
 and successful farmer in a region celebrated for 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 865 
 
 its good farms and its model farmers. Like his 
 father, he has devoted much of his income to the 
 improvement and adornment of his farm, and as a 
 result he has now one of the most desirable and 
 best improved farms in this section of Washing- 
 ton county. In all his undertakings he has met 
 with well-merited success, a success due to his per- 
 severance, sound judgment and progressive enter- 
 prise. 
 
 JENNIE A. MORGAN. From time immemo- 
 rial it has been the custom of all nations to 
 extol, in story and in song, the valor of those 
 who have performed gallant deeds in time of 
 war, but it. has been left to civilized nations to 
 commemorate that truer manliness, that nobler 
 courage, which enables men to live uprightly and 
 deal justly, seeking no preferment or approval save 
 that of God and their own consciences. In heat 
 of battle, men long trained in the grim trade of 
 war, without forethought oft achieved most daring 
 deeds. Shall the soldier hero receive a greater 
 tribute of respect than one who silently, uncom- 
 plainingly takes up his burden and tights back the 
 thousand adverse fates that se6k to block his path- 
 way to success ? Shall we wreathe the laurel and 
 rear the beautiful arch for the one, and bury the 
 memories of the other in the tomb that enshrines 
 his mortal dust? Civilized — Christianized human- 
 ity cries out against it. The deeds of a good man 
 should live after him, and in these days of wide 
 dissemination of thought, the transmission of the 
 story from father to son is inadequate. Perpetu- 
 ate his deeds, and thus perpetuate his influence. 
 The pioneers of Washington county possessed such 
 noble characteristics that not one whit of their 
 lives' record should be lost. The old resideuts of 
 Washington county look back over a long and uni- 
 formly prosperous period, which is attributed to 
 the mode of life of the people. No county in the 
 State has been more favored, and no county in the 
 State can exhibit better public institutions than 
 this; and this condition of affairs can be traced to 
 the efforts of the people who first settled the 
 county, founded and fostered its religious and edu- 
 cational institutions, and directed its political ca- 
 reer. It has been said that the pioneers of Wash- 
 ington county were a God-loving people, whose 
 first thought upon entering the wilderness was to 
 erect an altar to His worship, and from whose cab- 
 ins rose at morn and eve the voice of praise, 
 thanksgiving and appeal. Such were the founders 
 of Washington county, and such were the ances- 
 tors of the subject of this sketch. 
 
 Miss Jennie A. Morgan's (of West Middletown, 
 Penn.) maternal grandfather, William Greer, came 
 to America when western Pennsylvania was still a 
 wilderness. William Greer was born and reared 
 
 in Ireland. Emigrating about the time he became 
 of age, he settled in Lancaster county, Penn., 
 where he was afterward married to Jane Graham. 
 About the year 1S05, William Greer and family (a 
 child having been born in Lancaster county) pushed 
 westward into Washington county, locating near 
 Noblestown, where they remained until 1836. They 
 then removed to Hopewell township, and in 1845 
 settled in West Middletown, where he died in \S'\'2. 
 William Greer is described as a man of medium 
 height, and of delicate rather than robust form. 
 His constitution being shattered by the effects of 
 fever and ague, he was an invalid for many years, 
 but was cheerful and patient, having a kind dis- 
 position and a pleasant word for all. He was very 
 modest in demeanor, and withheld himself from 
 publicity, but was very active in promoting Church 
 matters, holding membership in the Grove United 
 Presbyterian Church. He was a man of unusual 
 intelligence, and an insatiable searcher for infor- 
 mation. Being for many years unable to work, he 
 found his chief diversion in books, and his solace, 
 and comfort in his family and Church. Five chil- 
 dren were born to William and Jane (Graham) 
 Greer: Margaret (married James Maxwell, and 
 resided in Hopewell township until her death in 
 1870); Jane (lived in West Middletown until her 
 death, which occurred in 1890); Elizabeth (men- 
 tioned below); John (left home and died when a 
 young man), and Mary (wife of James France, of 
 West Middletown, where she died in 1866). Of 
 these children, Elizabeth Greer was born Febru- 
 ary 5, 1810, on the home place, and in 1832 was 
 married to Billingsley Morgan, a native of Alle- 
 gheny county, Pennsylvania. ' 
 
 Billingsley Morgan was born in 181 1. He was 
 a son of Hugh Morgan, who came with his parents 
 to western Pennsylvania, settling on the old Mor- 
 gan tract about twelve miles below Pittsburgh, 
 when the county was very new, and secured their 
 land by "tomahawk right." The times were un- 
 settled, and the Indians very hostile, the settlers 
 having to take refuge in the forts and blockhouses 
 to escape being massacred. Billingsley received a 
 common-school education, and after his marriage, 
 in 1833, opened a shoe store in West Middletown, 
 Penn., where he remained until his death in March, 
 1836. He left two daughters — Jane A. (the subject 
 of this sketch) and Margaret (deceased at the age 
 of three years). At the time of his death Mr. Mor- 
 gan was too young to have obtained great promi- 
 nence in his community, yet he was regarded as a 
 young man of extraordinary promise, and enjoyed 
 the esteem of those with whom he was associated, 
 possessing a bright, cheerful disposition, and fight- 
 ing the adversities of life with smiles. He was a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Morgan 
 was a member of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at West Middletown. She was left alone to care 
 
806 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 for and educate her children while yet very young, 
 but she performed every duty toward them, and at 
 the same time her influence was felt in every de- 
 partment of church work. Her devotion and piety 
 were remarkable, and she was ever ready to assist 
 in every plan for forwarding the course of moral- 
 ity. She passed away August 14, 1872, her death 
 being a severe blow to the entire community, and 
 it was said of her that " a true Christian woman 
 had gone home." 
 
 The ladies of the Greer family have all been 
 noted for their piety, and Miss Jane Greer (an 
 aunt of our subject) was no exception to the rule. 
 Having no family depending upon her she adopted 
 the sick, suffering and distressed; wherever snch 
 were to be found, Miss Jane Greer appeared, nurs- 
 ing the sick, comforting the distressed and serving 
 her Master as best she could. Her labors were 
 not for glory or gain, but " she saw her duty and 
 performed it and counted it naught." Miss 
 Jennie A. Morgan, like the other members of her 
 • family, is a devoted member of the Church, and 
 none of the precepts and examples of the others 
 have been lost on her. Though frail in form and 
 an invalid during much of the time, her influence 
 is felt in the community, and while prevented by 
 her infirmity from following the philanthropic 
 example of other members of her family to the 
 same extent, she " hath done what she could/' and 
 none could do more. She is a member of the 
 Grove United Presbyterian Church, and, following 
 the rule long established in her family, contributes 
 the tenth part of her income to the support of 
 church work, in addition thereto responding liber- 
 ally to appeals for other worthy projects. Miss 
 Morgan resides in West Middletown, Penu., where 
 she has a pleasant home, and is much esteemed. 
 
 ¥|OHN SPHAR, The Sphar family have been 
 identified with the history of Washington 
 \(1] county for many years. Mattern Sphar was 
 born in Switzerland, and, in company with 
 two brothers and one sister, emigrated to America 
 at the age of seventeen years, about the year 1760. 
 He first settled in Williamsburgh, Va. , and 
 on April 21, 1767, took the oath of allegiance 
 under Queen Anne. He was there married to 
 Margaret Shively. and in 1780 came to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn.,and purchased of one Colonel 
 Cooke 200 acres, on the Monongahela river, in 
 what is now Washington county. He took an 
 active part in the Whiskey Insurrection, and was a 
 soldier in the war of 1812. He died about the 
 year 1822, leaving three children: John, Mattern 
 (who moved to Adams county, Ohio, thence to 
 Indiana), and Henry (lived in this county). 
 
 John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun county, 
 Va., and when but three years of age came 
 
 with his parents to Washington county, Penn. He 
 received a subscription-school education in Allen 
 township, and when a young man was married to 
 Susanna Redd, a native of Washington county, and 
 reared the following children : Mary, wife of John 
 Shively, in Guernsey county, Ohio; Jacob, was first 
 married to Susan Wood, who died, and he was 
 then married to Charlotte Wilson; Elizabeth, wife 
 of Joseph Dunlevy; Daniel, married to Mary 
 Speer, and lived in Kentucky; Ann, wife of Will 
 iam Spah, of Indiana; Barbara, wife of William 
 Hollingshead: Mattern, married to Margaret Coyle, 
 of Ohio; Sarah, widow of Joseph Beazell, in Allen 
 township; Rachel, married to Robert Gailey. of 
 Clarion county, Penn. ; John, married to Lucy Ann 
 Scott, and Henry. Of this family three are living, 
 Sarah, John and Henry. The father voted with 
 the Whig and Republican parties, and served as 
 supervisor of the township. He and his wife were 
 members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1856, 
 having been preceded by his wife in 1852. 
 
 John Sphar was born February 26, 1817, on the 
 old place in Allen township, Washington county, 
 Penn. In 1839 he was united in marriage with 
 Lucy Ann Scott, a daughter of Parker and Sarah 
 (Carson) Scott, all* of whom were natives of Fal- 
 lowfield township. Her parents had twelve daugh- 
 ters, of whom Mrs. Sphar is the only one yet living. 
 Mr. Sphar owns seventy -five acres of the old home- 
 stead, where he has followed general farming. He 
 cast a vote for William Henry Harrison, and since 
 the organization of the Republican party has been 
 an earnest supporter of that faction; he has served 
 as a member of the school board and also as super- 
 visor. He is no less interested in religious than 
 in political movements, having been licensed as an 
 exhorter and class leader in the Ebenezer M. E. 
 Church, with which his wife is also identified. The 
 children of this influential family are as follows: 
 Sarah, wife of William Rogers, of Fallowfield 
 township; Parker S. ; Henry, married to a Miss 
 McElhaney, of Armstrong county, Penu. ; James, 
 deceased in his twenty-sixth year; John E. ; Ann, 
 widow of Ephraim McKee; Gertrude, married to J. 
 H. Redd, and Wesley, deceased at the age of nine- 
 teen years. 
 
 JOHN M. BERRY, a leading and influential 
 farmer and stock dealer of North Strabane 
 township, is a native of Washington county, 
 Penn., born January 14, 1839. He is a de- 
 scendant of John Berry, a native of Ireland, 
 who immigrated to America, settling in pioneer 
 days in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where 
 in about the year 1796 he purchased 251 acres of 
 land. Here he passed the remainder of his days. 
 He left two sons — John and William Gilmore — of 
 whom John remained on the original tract, and 
 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 869 
 
 followed agricultural pursuits, in which he was re- 
 markably successful. 
 
 William Gilmore Berry was boru in Colerain town- 
 ship, Lancaster Co., Penn., December 2, 1781. In 
 the spring of 1795 or 1796 he came with his father, 
 John Berry, to Mt. Pleasant township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and when able to do for himself he moved 
 to Venice, Cecil township, where he purchased a 
 farm and mill property, afterward buying and set- 
 tling on a farm in North Strabane township. In 
 1804 he married Jane, daughter of Matthew Mc- 
 Connell, and they had boru to them eight children: 
 John, Mary, Elizabeth, Jane, William. Prudence, 
 Matthew and James. About 1850 Mr. Berry re- 
 tired from active work and took up bis residence in 
 Canonsburg, where he died October 26, 1866; his 
 wife died February 25, 1848, and they are both 
 buried in the Canonsburg U. P. Church cemetery, 
 they having been members of that church. 
 
 John Berry, son of William G. and Jane (Mc- 
 Connell) Berry, was born August 1 , 1 N< )5, near 
 Venice, Cecil township, Washington Co. , Penn. On 
 December 1, 1829, he married Jane, daughter of 
 John Eagleton, a native of Ireland, and to them 
 were born six children: Jane (married to Ebenezer 
 Carson), Rachel (married to Robert Herron), Will- 
 iam, John M. , David W. and Carson M. After 
 marriage Mr. Berry resided for seventeen years on 
 the Watson farm in Cecil township; then moved to 
 and lived in Canonsburg for three years, after 
 which he returned to Cecil township, remaining 
 three years. He then, in 1853, came to North 
 Strabane township, having purchased the "Am- 
 sterdam" farm from the Pees brothers, where he 
 passed the remainder of his life, with the excep- 
 tion of five years he lived in the borough of Wash- 
 ington. During the earlier period of his life he 
 was a member of the Associate Reformed Church 
 of Robinson's Run, then of Canonsburg, afterward 
 joining the United Presbyterian Church, in which 
 he was a member of the Session fifteen years, and 
 after coming to North Strabane township he con- 
 nected himself with the U. P. Church at Pigeon 
 Creek. In his political preferences he was first a 
 Whig, then a Republican with strong Abolition 
 sentiments, and he held various offices of trust in 
 his township. He died in June, 1881, and is 
 interred in the TJ. P. cemetery of Pigeon Creek; 
 his wife departed this life in January, 1844, and 
 she is interred at Miller's Run. 
 
 John M. Berry, the subject proper of these lines, 
 passed his youth in the township of his birth, at- 
 tending the common schools of the district, and 
 learning practical lessons in agriculture on the 
 home farm. In 1853 he came to North Strabane 
 township with his father where he has since 
 resided, with the exception of the time he was 
 serving his country in the Civil war. In August, 
 
 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and 
 Fortieth P. V. I., and followed the fortunes of his 
 regiment until the battle of Spottsylvania, where 
 he was wounded in the left shoulder. They were 
 fighting in what was called the "Bloody Angle," 
 and our subject was one of the first, if not the first, 
 to get inside the rebel redoubt; he was on the 
 right of the foremost company which led that 
 famous charge. The company numbered twenty- 
 one men, and nearly half of them were killed or 
 wounded. Mr. Berry, after spending, in all, six 
 months in hospital, recovered from his wound and 
 proceeded to Washington, D. C. , where he re- 
 mained on duty till the close of the war, being 
 mustered out June 28, 1865. He then returned 
 home and settled down to the vocation of peace on 
 his farm in North Strabane township, where he 
 carries on general agriculture and is extensively 
 engaged in stock raising, but he is best known to 
 the public as a successful breeder and exhibitor of 
 "Bhick-Top Merino Sheep," for which he has a 
 large sale all over the United States. 
 
 On December 22, 1870, Mr. Berry married Mary 
 J., daughter of Samuel L. Weir, of Somerset town- 
 ship, this county, and the children born to this 
 union were Samuel C. (deceased), Minnie J., John 
 L. W. and William E. Mr. and Mrs. Berry are 
 prominent members of the U. P. Church at Pigeon 
 Creek, in which he is an elder. In politics he is a 
 Republican, and has faithfully served his township 
 in various official capacities. In 1885 he was 
 elected justice of the peace, and again elected in 
 1890, which office he fills with emiuent ability. Mr. 
 Berry has been successful and prosperous in his 
 many business interests, and is the owner of a 
 highly improved farm of 178 acres, well adapted to 
 stock raising. In 1890 he erected one of the hand- 
 somest and most commodious residences to be 
 found in Washington county, finished throughout 
 with natural woods, and equipped with all the 
 latest improvements in plumbing, having hard and 
 soft, hot and cold water in both first and second 
 stories. 
 
 David W. Bebry, sou of John and Jane (Eagle- 
 ton) Berry, and brother of John M. , was born in 
 Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., in April 
 1841. He passed his youth in the township of 
 his birth, and in 1853 moved with his father to 
 North Strabane township. He attended the com- 
 mon schools of the district, and afterward entered 
 Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, where he pros- 
 ecuted his studies with success until the close of 
 the sophomore year, when, along with his brother, 
 John M., he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred 
 and Fortieth P. V. I. He followed the fortunes of 
 his regiment, participating in all of its battles up 
 to that of Cold Harbor, where, on June 2, 1864, he 
 was mortally wounded, dying in the hospital at 
 
NTH 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Alexandria, Va., on July 4, 18(34; his remains are 
 interred in the cemetery of the U. P. Church at 
 Pigeon Creek, Washington county, he having been 
 a member of that Church. 
 
 f OHN P. WOOD, in his lifetime one of the 
 . I leading citizens of Burgettstovra, came of 
 ^J English ancestry. His grandfather, Peter 
 Wood, was born and reared in the mother 
 country, where he married, and reared a large 
 family. They crossed the ocean and settled in 
 Philadelphia, Penn. , where the grandfather en- 
 gaged in the wholesale dry-goods business. Some 
 time later the family moved to Bucks county, 
 same State, where they resided several years. He 
 was a Quaker prior to his marriage, but, having 
 made choice of a Baptist wife, was on that account 
 dismissed from the Society. He died in Philadel- 
 phia. 
 
 Ingham Wood was born on the home farm in 
 Bucks county, Penn., where his boyhood was 
 passed. In early life he spent three years as an 
 apprentice in the pottery business, continuing in 
 that vocation the rest of his life. He was married 
 in Lancaster county, Penn., to Catherine Hoffman, 
 who bore him the following children: Ingham B. 
 (who was a graduate at West Point, and a lieuten- 
 ant at Fort Snelling, dying at Baton Rouge), 
 Ann E. (Mrs. William B. Whitehill, of Salt Lake 
 City, Utah), Margaret (wife of James Phillips, of 
 St. Louis, Mo.), John P. (of whom special mention 
 is made further on), William, Benjamin F., Har- 
 riet (married to Dr. Donnan), and Jackson. In 
 1834 the father moved from Lancaster county, to 
 Peoria, 111., and thence proceeded to St. Louis, 
 Mo. ; but his wife dying, he afterward returned to 
 Lancaster county. He died at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 
 
 John P. Wood was born November 27, 1815, in 
 Lancaster county, and passed his boyhood in the 
 town of Lancaster. At the age of seventeen years 
 he began to learn the pottery trade, serving a full 
 apprenticeship with his father. When twenty-one 
 years of age he came to Burgettstown, purchased 
 a pottery establishment of Robert Brown, con- 
 ducted that business for sixteen years, then sold 
 out and bought the farm upon which he resided 
 until March, 1877. On January 2, 1839, he was 
 united in marriage with Esther M. , daughter of 
 Thomas Miller, iand grandchild of Samuel Miller, 
 the latter of whom was a native of Ireland, and 
 was married in that country to Miss McNinch. 
 They came to America, and resided iu Cecil 
 county, Md., until 1795, thence moving to Mt. 
 Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 he purchased a large tract of land. Both were 
 members of the Seceder Church, and their chil- 
 dren were Thomas, John, Samuel, Jane, Margaret, 
 Mary and Sarah. 
 
 Thomas Miller was born July 15, 17S8, in Cecil 
 county, Md., where he grew to manhood, and on 
 July 10, 1809, was united in marriage with Eliz- 
 abeth, daughter of Richard Simpson. The young 
 couple immediately moved to Washington county, 
 making their unique bridal trip on horseback, and 
 resided in Mt. Pleasant township until 1810, when 
 they purchased a hotel in Burgettstown, Penn. 
 Five children were born to their marriage, viz.: 
 Anna M. , Elizabeth, Samuel, John and Esther M. 
 Mr. Miller was a drover in early life, buying and 
 selling cattle, and driving them over the mountains 
 to the eastern markets. He was captain in the 
 militia during the war of 1812, and assisted in the 
 defense at Lake Erie. He kept the first postoffice 
 in Burgettstown, Penn. He was a member of the 
 Seceder Church, and in politics voted the Demo- 
 cratic ticket. He died September 3, 1819, his 
 widow in 1871. 
 
 John P. Wood passed suddenly away, June 27, 
 1892, his death being unexpected to all. He was 
 the architect of his own fortune, and was his own 
 success. He took an active part in politics, voting 
 the Democratic ticket, and at the time of his de- 
 mise was serving his third term as justice of the 
 peace. He was a member of the U. P. Church, 
 and one of the building committee who superin- 
 tended the erection of the present house of wor- 
 ship in Burgettstown. 
 
 OBERT MEHAFFEY (deceased) was an 
 example of the success which may be won 
 by frugality and industry, coupled with 
 business sagacity. His father, Robert Me- 
 haffey, was a native of Ireland, who emi- 
 , in early life, to America, where he was 
 married to Eleanor Mitchell, of Scotch- Irish par- 
 entage. Their children were: James, Joseph. 
 Robert (the subject of this sketch), Mitchell, Jaue, 
 John and Eleanor. 
 
 Robert Mehaffey was born December 4, 1810, 
 in Donegal township. His boyhood was passed 
 near his birthplace. His education was limited to 
 two or three months' attendance each year at a log 
 schoolhouse provided with rude wooden benches, 
 a puncheon Uoor, and in the absence of a door a 
 sheet coveredHthe vacancy. When Robert was 
 thirteen years oPage, their home was darkened by 
 a sudden calamity. It was in the harvest field, and 
 the father had just completed a stack of hay. and 
 was sliding to the ground, when a wooden fork 
 which had been placed, prongs upward, against 
 its side, penetrated his bowels. He was carried 
 to the shade of a tree, and in a few hours the 
 strong man, in the prime of life, was dead. The 
 mother, left with seven children, the youngest but 
 a little over one year old, on a small farm, man- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 871 
 
 aged not only to exist, but to live well, and there 
 her children acquired those sterling principles and 
 practical knowledge which formed the basis of 
 most successful business lives. 
 
 As the years rolled on the family dispersed. 
 James purchased and removed to a farm a few miles 
 distant, where he resided until his death, March 16, 
 1858. Joseph, being of a more roving disposition 
 than his brothers, "pitched his tent" southward, 
 making his home near Vicksburg, Miss. After an 
 absence of twenty-one years he returned, purchased 
 land near the old homestead, and continued to reside 
 there until his death, May 22. 1891. Mitchell and 
 Jane married. The mother died in 1840; the sister, 
 Eleanor, a few years later; and Robert ami John 
 were left alone on the home farm. They needed not 
 the admonition which Joseph gave his brethren, 
 "See that ye fall not out by the way," for in all 
 their daily intercourse and business transactions 
 they never had a dispute as to " which should be 
 the greater." On June 22, 1858, Robert married 
 Mary McCoy, daughter of Kenneth and Jane 
 (Brownlee) McCoy. To them three children were 
 born: Jennie E. (wife of Rev. \Y. R. Jamison, a 
 U. P. minister of Frankfort, Beaver county), Jo- 
 seph B. (one of the leading and progressive 
 farmers of Independence township, living on the 
 home farm of which he has charge) and Lizzie M. 
 (residing with her mother and brother). In 1864, 
 Mr. Mehaffey removed to Independence township, 
 having purchased the "Jackson Spriggs'' farm, 
 situated two miles northeast of Dunsfort, where 
 he resided the remainder of his life. In politics 
 he was a stanch Republican, and in religion a 
 valued member of the U. P. Church of Mt. Hope. 
 At the time of his death, August 17, 1890, Mr. 
 Mehaffey owned 864 acres of unusually good farm 
 laud, besides a comfortable income. Though he 
 almost reached four-score years, yet the infirmities 
 of age sat lightly upon him. His cheerful dispo- 
 sition and equable temper made him seem younger 
 than he was. Diffident and retiring in disposition, 
 his many excellencies were more appreciated in the 
 home circle, and by those who were his neighbors, 
 than by the noisy world around. 
 
 JOHN McCABE, who ranks among the oldest 
 and most prosperous citizens' of Peters town- 
 ship, is a sou of Joseph E. McCabe, whose 
 father, William McCabe, born and reared in 
 Ireland, came to the United States about 17JS3 and 
 settled in North Strabane township, Washington 
 Co. He followed carpentry, and erected many of 
 the buildings in that locality. His eight children 
 were James, William, Samuel, John, Robert, 
 Joseph E., a daughter (name unknown), and 
 Martha, all of whom have passed away, leaving 
 
 many descendants. He was an elder in the Hill 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Joseph I*. McCabe, son of William, was born in 
 February, 1790, in North Strabane township. His 
 youth was passed in rural pursuits, and he then 
 carried on a distillery for several years. Wheu a 
 young man, he married Margaret Fife, born in 
 L790, a daughter of John Fife, a resident of 
 Allegheny county, Penn., and to them the follow- 
 ing children were born: Eliza, John, William, Isa- 
 belle, Mary, Thompson and Lavinia. Of these Eliza 
 and William are deceased, while the others are 
 living in different parts of the United States. 
 After his marriage he settled on a farm in Alle- 
 gheny county, and carried on a distillery. After 
 his children were born, the father abandoned the 
 distillery business, and followed carpentry for 
 some time. He finally settled on a farm, and in 
 1818 had one of the finest places in Allegheny 
 county; but owing to a sudden financial depres 
 sion, he was eventually compelled to give up his- 
 home. He was a colonel in the State militia, and 
 for almost half a century commanded a battalion 
 in the county as well as in Pittsburgh. He was- 
 possessed of excellent business qualifications, was 
 one of the best educated agriculturists then living 
 in that locality, an excellent justice of the peace 
 and one of the most capable militia officers of the- 
 State. He died February 5, 1870, his wife having 
 preceded him to the grave, July 29, 1831. In 
 church connection they were members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church; in politics he was a Democrat. 
 
 John McCabe, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born August 16, 1814, in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and at the age of seventeen years, began 
 work by the month for neighboring farmers. On 
 February 9, 1837, he married Sarah, daughter of 
 Robert Thompson, of Peters township, and after 
 their marriage the young couple remained in Alle- 
 gheny county for two years, then removed to their 
 present farm in Peters township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., containing 225 acres of good land. 
 Their children are Robert (a farmer, now living in 
 Canonsburg), Joseph (an agriculturist, of Peters 
 township), and Catharine and John (both deceased). 
 Mrs. McCabe was laid to rest September 14, 1879, 
 and since then her husband has continued to reside 
 on the old place, keeping a family in the house to 
 care for the property. He has made a specialty of 
 sheep raising, and given much attention to general 
 farming. Politically, Mr. McCabe is an enthusi- 
 astic Democrat, and he served as supervisor of his 
 township. In matters of religion he is a member 
 of the Centre Presbyterian Church, which he has 
 served as trustee. Though almost eighty years 
 old, he retains much of the strength which marked 
 his younger days, and can hitch up his horse and 
 ride where he pleases, without the aid of hostler 
 or driver. 
 
iu' 
 
 WASIIIAGTON CGI XT) 
 
 THE HESLEP FAMILY. Robert B. Hes- 
 lc|> (deceased) was a grandson of Thomas 
 Heslep. who was a prominent fanner of 
 Coatsville, Chester Co., Penn. Desiring to 
 own more land, and knowing of the grand 
 resources which the Monongahela Valley afforded, 
 In- concluded to looate there. He brought with 
 him his two sons, and purchased a tractof land on 
 tin- Monongahela river in 1792. Remaining with 
 his two suns a short time, he returned to his home 
 In Chester county, ami there died at a ripe old 
 age. He served through the Revolution, and had 
 acquired a good estate. 
 
 John Heslep, a sun of Thomas, was born at 
 Coatsville, in Chester county, and was among the 
 early settlers of Washington county. Arriving at 
 manhood he married .Miss Polly Grant, an accom- 
 plished and well to do farmer's daughter of New 
 Jersey. The following children were born to this 
 marriage: John 1). Heslep, at one time a student of 
 the Western University of Pittsburgh, afterward 
 read law with Judge Hampden, of Pittsburgh, was 
 admitted to the bar; he formed a law partnership 
 with a Mr. Sliker, and the firm was known as 
 'Slik,.,- & Heslep," of Pittsburgh. He died, a 
 bachelor, in 1S7N. 
 
 Thomas Heslep is a well-known school teacher 
 of Washington county, and a member of the 
 Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. 
 
 George T. Heslepis a popular major in theState 
 militia. He raised two sous who served through 
 the Civil war, fighting for the grand old Hag of the 
 1 uion. 
 
 Hubert B. Heslep, the youngest son, was born 
 April 19, 1819, in Carroll township, and there 
 passed the days of his boyhood. At eighteen 
 yens of age he was commissioned captain of a 
 company in the State militia, and held that posi 
 tiou up to 1849. On November 29, 1849, he mar- 
 ried .Miss Margaret, a daughter of Ezekial Job, an 
 early Jersey settler and well-to-do farmer of Eliza- 
 beth township, Allegheny Co., Penn.. whose peo 
 pie were among the early explorers ami active 
 Revolutionary soldiers of this country. The chil- 
 dren born to them are as follows: Thomas McK. f 
 a prominent member of the Good Templars, and 
 among the leading workers for local option in Car- 
 roll township in 1N7L!; -lames Heslep, a farmer; 
 I). Grant Heslep (deceased); W. R. Heslep, who 
 entered the Sr. Prep, class of Washington 
 and .Jefferson College in September, 1887, and 
 remained in that college for four terms. N'ot 
 satisfied with the system of teaching, he removed 
 to Waynesburg College in January, 1889, and 
 graduated in the classical course with the class of 
 1891. He was a member of the Philomat hean 
 Literary Society of the college, and is now an 
 honorary member. He was twice chosen a candi- 
 date to represent the society as orator for the 
 
 Interstate Oratorical Contest, but never served. 
 lb- decided upon the law for a profession, and regis- 
 tered with the well known lawyer. John H. Mur- 
 doch, of Washington, Penn., ami is there pursuing 
 his studies. Noah John Heslep was the youngest 
 son of Robert I!. Heslep. He died in January, 
 1892. He was a fair scholar, ;i natural genius in 
 the mechanical line, and was highly respected and 
 loved by the people and family. He was noted for 
 his veracity and business integrity, as well as for 
 his high moral character, but a kinder Father took 
 
 him to His everlasting ho at the age of twenty 
 
 one years; Harriet P. Heslep, the only daughter. 
 is a member of the Webster M. E. Church, and 
 remains with her aged mother, leading a useful 
 and happy life. The one hundredth anniversary 
 of their location in Carroll township was cele- 
 brated by the Heslep family in June, 1892. Mr. 
 Heslep was an industrious, economical man. and 
 accumulated a good property. Politically he voted 
 with the Republican party, also taking an active 
 interest in all religious work. He died October '1, 
 1S7*_', and his widow is now residing on the home 
 place, in the old house which was elected in 1801. 
 The farm, which is now carried on by the sons. 
 consists of Hitl acres, and includes a lovely grove 
 often used for picnic purposes, and is known as 
 Heslep's Grove. 
 
 AXTON FAMILY. The beautiful "Erne- 
 aid Isle'* has contributed largely to the pop 
 niatiou of Hanover township, and among 
 those of her sons who sought a home in 
 America, many years ago, was David Saxton. 
 
 He was born about 1775, in Ireland, and when a 
 young man came to America, remaining some years 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, and in 1796 came to 
 Washington county, Perm., locating in what is 
 now Hanover township, about two and one-half 
 miles northeast of Florence, near the old site of 
 Fort Dillo. Here he purchased and moved upon 
 forty acres of land, and in 1S0O was married to 
 Elizabeth Moore, widow of Samuel Moore twith 
 whom he got forty acres more), an early settler 
 and very extensive landholder of that locality. 
 The children of David and Elizabeth Saxton were as 
 follows: Samuel, James (who resided fur some time 
 on the old farm in Hanover township, finally dis 
 posing of it to his brother Samuel, then moved to 
 Missouri, locating near California), Harriet (wife 
 of William Burns, and a resident of Hanover town- 
 ship), Nancy (Mrs. John Saxton, living in Cumber- 
 land county, Penn.) and Mary (married to Collins 
 Kimmell, of Hanover township). Of this family 
 Nancy is the only one yet living. The parents 
 passed their lives on the pioneer farm, in a rude 
 log cabin, which stood for several years afterward. 
 He was a farmer, also carrying on a distillery, a 
 
>£ 
 
WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 875 
 
 common practice among the early settlers. At 
 that time wild animals were yet numerous in the 
 country, and his son James once killed a deer not 
 far from home. In politics the father was a Whig. 
 He and his wife both died at an advanced age, and 
 they were buried side by side in Frankfort cem- 
 etery. She was an exemplary Christian woman, 
 and a member of the Frankfort Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Samuel Saxton, son of David and Elizabeth 
 (Moore) Saxton, was born July 27, 1801, on the 
 old farm, and, being the oldest son, a great deal of 
 work fell to his share. He was thus deprived of 
 even such meager educational facilities as were 
 then afforded, having but little opportunity to 
 attend school. When but eighteen years of age 
 he and his father made an agreement by which he 
 was to have the use of the home farm for ten years. 
 He at once began to work at whatever would yield 
 him an income, and, in addition to his farm inter- 
 ests, looked after the hauling of coal to certain 
 sections where that article was scarce, realizing a 
 considerable profit from this source. In the fruit 
 season he carried the produce of vines and orchard 
 to Ohio, Canton, New Philadelphia, and other 
 places; then, on his return, bought oats and hauled 
 them to Pittsburgh, where they were sold at a good 
 price. He was an excellent judge of horses, which 
 knowledge was instrumental in making some good 
 purchases and excellent sales. He was equal to, 
 if not the best reinsman in Hanover township at 
 that time, and on several occasions accomplished 
 feats with six-horse teams, pronounced impossible 
 by other skilled drivers. He always possessed some 
 good specimen of the equine variety, often keeping 
 them for sale. By using economy, he continued to 
 prosper, owning over 400 acres of land, paying 
 $11 per acre for the tirBt 100 acres, upon which he 
 erected a substantial brick residence, where he re- 
 sided during his natural life time. He was an Old- 
 line Whig till 1864, then became a Democrat, sup- 
 porting that party the rest of his life. When the 
 law of Pennsylvania required the militia to muster, 
 he was captain of a company. On October 15, 
 1833, he was married to Jane Dougherty, who was 
 born August 3, 1801, a daughter of James Dough- 
 erty, a merchant of Washington, Penn., who was 
 atone time elected recorder of Washington county, 
 and whose children became illustrious citizens. To 
 the union of Samuel and Jane Saxton children 
 were born as follows: James D. , Samuel S. and 
 Margaret. The father died June 14, 1875, followed 
 by his wife February 3, 1883, and they now lie side 
 by side in the Florence cemetery. Both were mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church at Florence, this 
 county. 
 
 Samuel S. Saxton was born June 26, 1838, on 
 fhe old farm in Hanover township, this county. 
 
 He first attended the common schools, supplement 
 ing this training by a course at the Paris Academy 
 and then at Florence. After leaving school he 
 taught in Beaver, Allegheny and Washington coun- 
 ties; then became a traveling representative (as a 
 collector) of Hosteter & Smith, of Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., the extensive manufacturers of patent med- 
 icines, his territory being through Illinois. On 
 September 30, 1875, he married Maggie J. Melviu, 
 who was born August 17, 1846, daughter of John 
 and Mary (Moore) Melvin. The children of this 
 marriage are: Samuel Lawrence and Silas Warren, 
 both of whom are improving their educational ad- 
 vantages. Mr. Saxton has always lived on the 
 place of his birth, and has given his attention prin- 
 cipally to buying and selling stock, also super- 
 vising the farm work; being apt in driving success- 
 ful bargains, and dealing honestly and fairly in 
 all business transactions, he has been crowned with 
 honor and financial success. He is a most inter- 
 esting companion, a jovial and intelligent conversa- 
 tionalist. 
 
 In politics his sympathies are with the 
 Democratic party, to which his support is usually 
 given, but he always votes according to the ability 
 of the candidates. Mrs. Saxton, a pleasant lady, is 
 a member of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. 
 As a wife and mother she has no superior, always 
 kind and generous to all with whom she comes in 
 contact. Their beautiful home lacks no comfort, 
 and is situated in a charming spot. 
 
 James D. Saxton was born January 21, 1835, 
 in Hanover township, this county, on a farm ad- 
 joining his present home. He attended the coun- 
 try schools of his neighborhood, and passed his 
 youth working on his father's farm. On August 
 22, 1861, he married Mary Applegate. a daughter 
 of Isaac Applegate and Margaret Proudtit, the 
 latter of whom was a daughter of James Proudtit, 
 who was a justice of the peace thirty years, and a 
 ruling elder in the Florence Presbyterian Church 
 for nearly fifty years; he died over thirty-five years 
 ago, at the age of ninety six. James D. and Mary 
 Saxton are the parents of the following children: 
 George M. O, Florence P., Addie May, Samuel 
 J. and Elmer Wylie, all yet living at home except- 
 ing George M. C. , who is residing in Hanover 
 township. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Saxton resided with his 
 parents for six years, then came to his present well- 
 improved farm, where his grandfather had located 
 nearly one hundred years ago. He followed gen- 
 eral farming and stock raising until quite recently, 
 and is now partially retired from active life, the 
 sons performing the laborious part of the work 
 under his direction. Mr. Saxton is one of the 
 substantial Democrats of Hanover township, and 
 has held several local offices. 
 
876 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 L. HENRY is a son of Joseph Henry. The 
 latter was born in 1811, in Washington coun- 
 ty, Perm., and attended school in the home 
 neighborhood. In 1833 he was united in 
 marriage with Margaret Orr, also a native 
 of Washington county, Penn. They passed their 
 lives on the home farm, where seven children were 
 born to their marriage, of whom two are now de- 
 ceased. He served the township in various ways, 
 and died in 1889, his wife passing away in the 
 same year. She was also born in 1811. 
 
 A. L. Henry was born in 1849, in Nottingham 
 township, where his school days were passed. He 
 spent one year in Allegheny county, Penn. , and on 
 October 28, 1891, was married to a Miss Craw- 
 ford. She is a daughter of Benjamin Crawford, an 
 old and prosperous farmer of this county, who died 
 several years ago. Mr. Henry has been engaged 
 in the piano and organ business for years, and is 
 still in the same business. J. A. and M. W., and 
 also a sister, M. A. Henry, reside on their tine farm 
 of 165 acres. 
 
 NDREW B. DONALDSON. No man has 
 been more closely identified with the best in- 
 terests of Hanover township than this well- 
 known gentleman, who is a lineal descend- 
 ant of William Donaldson. 
 
 William Donaldson was born in Ireland, where 
 he was a farmer, and was married to Mary Mitchell. 
 He emigrated to America, and located in Hanover 
 township at a very early date, settling on the same 
 farm where Andrew B. is now living, there passing 
 the remainder of his life. He was among the lead- 
 ing pioneers of his time, respected by all who knew 
 him. His death occurred February 17, 1843, aged 
 eighty three, and on June 30, 1855, in the eighty- 
 third year of her age, his wife was laid by his side 
 in the Robinson Church cemetery, they having been 
 consistent members of that church, in which he 
 was also a ruling elder. The children of his 
 family were Richard, John (who followed the Ohio 
 river, and passed his later years in the South), 
 Margaret, Jane (who was first married to Thomas 
 Gormley, then to Jacob George), Susan (wife of 
 Robert McClarren, of Finley township, Allegheny 
 county), and Mary (who was never married). 
 
 Richard Donaldsou was born in 1801, in Hanover 
 township, where his life was passed. In 1842 he 
 married Mary A. Bigger, who was born in 1822. 
 She is a daughter of Andrew Bigger, an early 
 settler in Robinson township. To the union of 
 Richard and Mary Donaldson the following chil- 
 dren were born: Sarah (deceased wife of J. S. 
 Culley), born March 31, 1843; William, born May 
 8, 1845; Mary E. (Mrs. J. 1). Sett, of Hanover 
 township), born March 19. 1848, and Andrew B., 
 born October 1, 1851. The parents always lived 
 
 on the home farm, where his life was devoted to 
 agriculture and stock raising. In politics he was 
 a VVhig and then a Republican. They were both 
 members of the U. P. Church of Robinson, to 
 which he was a liberal contributor. Richard Don- 
 aldson died November 4, 1867, having been pre- 
 ceded by his wife, who died March 11, 1859, aged 
 thirty-seven years. Their remains were interred 
 in the Robinson cemetery. 
 
 Andrew B. Donaldson, whose name opens this 
 sketch, was born on the old home farm which has 
 been in the possession of their family for nearly 
 100 years. After the death of his parents he as- 
 sumed charge of the old place where he still re- 
 sides, and upon which he has erected a new res- 
 idence and barn, and made other improvements. 
 Mr. Donaldson has been a prosperous agricultur- 
 ist, but for several years has rented his place. 
 Politically he has always been a Republican, tak- 
 ing an interest in the success of his party. In 
 religion he is a member of Robinson U. P. Church. 
 He has never married. 
 
 OBERT COULTER, one of the representa- 
 tive farmers of Carroll township, is a son 
 of James Coulter, who was born in Ireland. 
 When but six years of age, James came 
 with his parents to America, and they tirst 
 located in eastern Pennsylvania, and then came to 
 Williamsport (now Monongahela). When a young 
 man he married Miss Blakney, who lived but a 
 short time, and his second choice was Nancy 
 Nichols, who resided near Pittsburgh, Penn. She 
 bore him children as follows: Rachel B. (deceased), 
 William (now living in Monongahela), James 
 (deceased), and Robert. The father was a Whig 
 and Republican in politics, and in religious faith a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. He passed 
 the remainder of his life in Monongahela, and 
 was injured while hauling a load of fodder, having 
 been thrown from a wagon, and breaking his leg 
 above the ankle. He died in 1823, from the effects 
 of the injury, at the age of sixty-nine years, fol- 
 lowed by his wife in 1843. 
 
 Robert Coulter was born February 18, 1822, in 
 Monongahela, Penn., and there learned the car- 
 penter's trade. He was a poor boy, but by con- 
 stant industry succeeded in accumulating properly 
 in a few years. He followed his trade for eleven 
 years, and during that time was married, in June, 
 1N42, to Miss Eliza Keeuan. who was a daughterof 
 Samuel Keenan. and granddaughter of James Kee- 
 nan. Mrs. Coulter died leaving the following chil- 
 dren, none of whom are living: James, Samuel K.. 
 Raphael, Robert, and William K. Robert Coulter 
 married Miss Mary Jane McCain, of Mononga- 
 hela, January 4, 1855, and to them twelve chil- 
 dren were born. Those yet living are named as 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 877 
 
 follows: Edward R., Joseph H. , Charles H., 
 Rowland C. . Eliza May, and Dora F. , all of whom 
 are residing with their parents. 
 
 Alter making several very profitable invest- 
 ments in coal land, Robert Coulter bought 202 
 acres of fine land in Carroll township, where he is 
 now living. Many improvements have been made 
 upon this farm since the present owner purchased 
 it, and his eminent success is due to no other 
 human aid than his own. He suffered a terrible 
 misfortune in the loss of one limb and injury to 
 the other. His right leg was amputated ju3t 
 below the knee to prevent mortification, and the 
 left leg was broken. It is now as useful as before 
 the accident, while an artificial limb takes the 
 place of that which was amputated. He was 
 formerly a Whig, and has been a Republican since 
 the organization of that party. In religious faith 
 he is a member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 f'OHN H. STAIB. This gentleman, a prosper- 
 ous grocer of Monongahela, comes of Ger- 
 t( ' man parentage. His grandfather, J. Michael 
 ^^ Staib, was born, reared, and married in Ger- 
 many, where his three children were born as 
 follows: Lewis, John and Fredericka. In 1847 
 the family emigrated to America, locating on a 
 farm in Butler county, Penn., where the father 
 continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his 
 death. In political opinion he was a Democrat, 
 and in religious faith a member of the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 Lewis Staib was born in Germany, and there re- 
 ceived a thorough education. He remained at home 
 some years after his arrival in this country, and 
 then entered the employ of Peter Graff, who was 
 the proprietor of an extensive iron establishment. 
 Lewis Staib remained in this business about ten 
 years; then came to Mingo, Penn., and conducted 
 a general store in company with William A. Rodg- 
 ers. In 1864 he embarked in the coal producing 
 business, and managed the Victory Coal Works 
 until 1S73, being also interested in the Harlem 
 Works. He then opened the Rea Coal Works in 
 Westmoreland county, and finally established the 
 works at Catsburg, which he conducted until 1889, 
 in which year he retired from active life. He was 
 an ardent member of the Republican party, and in 
 religion was associated with the Lutheran Church. 
 When a young man Lewis Staib married Martha 
 Jane, daughter of David Aultman, a resident of 
 Armstrong county, Penn., and to them children 
 were born as follows: Mary, "wife of Adam Kiel; 
 Josephine; Mattie, married to M. S. Warne; John 
 H. ; Alberta, wife of F. M. Warne; Anna B., mar- 
 ried to R. M. Gee; Alice; Lewis, and Fred W. 
 
 John H. Staib was born October 3, 1862, in 
 Carroll township, this county, receiving a common- 
 school education. Some time after leaving school 
 
 he clerked for John Van Voorhis; then worked for 
 T. J. Wood, and on October 27, 1891, opened his 
 present business in Monongahela. On June 28, 
 1885, he married Anna, a native of that city, and 
 a daughter of Adam Aughendobler. 
 
 Adam Aughendobler was born August 14, 1823, 
 near Nuremberg, Bavaria. His mother died there 
 when he was eleven years of age, leaving but the one 
 child. Adam Aughendobler remained at the home 
 of his uncle in Bavaria after the death of his par- 
 ents, and there learned the weaver's trade, and 
 assisted on the farm. In 1852 he sailed for America, 
 and after a voyage of seven weeks lauded at Balti- 
 more, Md. He then came to Washington, Penn., 
 and worked on a farm for Major Millinger and 
 James Stockdale. On May 4, 1853, he married 
 Lizzie Zeh, who is of German parentage, and 
 in 1865 they came to Monongahela, where the 
 family have since resided. He is an active mem- 
 ber of the Republican party, has served as council- 
 man, and for twenty-eight years has been super- 
 intendent of the cemetery. He is identified with 
 the Lutheran Church, which he has served as elder. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Aughendobler are the parents of the 
 following children: Maria (Mrs. Levi Friend) and 
 Bessie (Mrs. William Woodward) (who are twins), 
 Jane (wife of James Dickey), Maggie (Mrs. Hoff- 
 man), Anna (Mrs. Staib), George (deceased) and 
 John L. 
 
 John H. and Anna (Aughendobler) Staib are the 
 parents of two sons, Lewis and Harold. Mr. Staib 
 , carries a full line of groceries and produce, and is 
 a very successful business man. In politics he is 
 a supporter of the Republican party, andiu relig- 
 ion a member of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 rii C. McKEAN, one of the leading young 
 |/\\ business men of Charleroi, was born in 
 fr^\ Robinson township, Allegheny Co., Penn. 
 Jl = He received a public school education, then 
 v took a course at Duff's Business College, at 
 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. , and after graduating there, de- 
 voted his attention chiefly to agriculture and 
 horticulture. When the town of Charleroi was 
 organized in 1890, he opened a real estate and in- 
 surance office, in company with James K. Clarke. 
 They conduct an extensive insurance business, and 
 also deal largely in real estate, being the sole 
 agents for the Charleroi Land Company. Mr. Mc- 
 Kean owned about twenty acres of the original 
 plat of Charleroi, and erected the first building in 
 the town. The village has one of the largest and 
 most complete glass factories in the county, be- 
 sides other important industries. Mr. McKean is 
 a pushing young business man, a thorough " hus- 
 tler," allowing no favorable opportunity to pass for 
 the advancement of Charleroi. He is a stanch 
 advocate of the policy of the Republican party. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 THOMAS ARMITAGE. England has given 
 to this country a host of substantial, pro- 
 gressive and law-abiding citizens, and among 
 the number is the gentleman whose name 
 opens this biographical memoir. 
 He was born May 8, 1844, to George and Mary 
 Armitage, who died in England, his brothers and 
 sisters being William (deceased), Joseph (in York- 
 shire, England), Sarah (deceased) and Hannah 
 (wife of P. C. Reniers, of Pittsburgh). 
 
 In 18(54 Thomas Armitage came to America, 
 locating first in Pittsburgh, where he worked at the 
 marble cutter's trade for ten years. In 1870 he 
 came to Washington, this county, and opened out 
 for himself a general marble, stone-cutting and 
 mantel business; and notwithstanding that he had to 
 compete with old-established firms, he succeeded, 
 by close attention to business and upright dealings 
 with his patrons, in gaining a well-earned popu- 
 larity, and a large patronage. His workmanship 
 is of the best, and his works find conspicuous place 
 in the most prominent yards in the country within 
 a radius of twenty-five miles. His place of busi- 
 ness is at 305 South Main street. Mr. Armitage 
 married Miss Margaret Shaffer, of Pittsburgh, 
 July 7, 1870. Her parents, John and Louisa 
 Shaffer, are residents of Ohio. No children have 
 been born to this union. 
 
 Ever since coming to Washington Mr. Armitage 
 has taken an active interest, in the affairs of the 
 borough, and his energy and enterprise have not 
 been excelled by any of the older or wealthier men 
 residents. He was among the first to assist in the 
 development of the oil industry in and around 
 Washington, and was interested in the pioneer well 
 known as the " Gantz Well,'' situated near the 
 Chartiers railroad depot, being one of the direct- 
 ors of same. His property on South Main street 
 he bought and materially improved, and has done 
 much toward beautifying that portion of the bor- 
 ough. He was one of the founders, and is at pres- 
 ent one of the directors, of the Washington Glass 
 Works. It maybe said that no enterprise tending 
 to the advancement of the city has been established 
 or proposed without his prompt, and willing assist- 
 ance. Politically our subject is a Democrat, and 
 he is a member of the borough council. Of the 
 Second Presbyterian Church, of Washington, lie 
 and his wife have been members for sixteen years. 
 He is now one of the school directors of the city. 
 
 Bethlehem township, where be died in 1831, fol- 
 lowed by his wife in 1838. 
 
 To the union of Nathan and Sarah (Linton) 
 Cleaver one daughter was born, Martha, wife of 
 William H. Mitchell. Mr. Cleaver was a promi- 
 nent citizen and prosperous farmer. He voted 
 with the Republican party, and served one term 
 as county commissioner. He died June Tl. 1887, 
 at his home in Monongahela, to which city he 
 removed from his farm after his second marriage, in 
 1 888, with Mrs. E. C. Leonard. He was laid to rest 
 in the old Friends' burying ground at Westland 
 beside his first wife, who died in 1873. and near 
 the site of the Friends' meeting-house where they 
 were publicly united in marriage under the Friends' 
 ceremonial, fifty-five years before. Both died in 
 the Quaker faith. 
 
 IV If ATHAN CLEAVER, born in York county, 
 1^1 Penn., in 1801, was married, March 1, 1832, 
 ^1 to Sarah Linton, a daughter of Mahlon 
 II -" Linton, who was born east of the mount- 
 v ains, in 1776. He married Ann Hilles in 
 
 1803, and after their marriage they came to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., locating on a farm in East 
 
 If AMES A. STEPHENSON traces his ancestry 
 
 to an old and prosperous family of Berkeley 
 
 fr | county, Va. (now W. Va. ), where Richard 
 
 ^^ Stephenson, the first of his ancestry of whom 
 
 we have any authentic record, was born and 
 
 reared. 
 
 Richard Stephenson married Mrs. Onora Craw- 
 ford. She was the widow of Hugh Crawford (an 
 old Indian trader), and bore him two sons, William 
 and Valentine. William Crawford was colonel of 
 the Fifth Virginia Regulars, having been commis- 
 sioned in 1781. The circumstances of his death 
 (which event occurred June 11, 1782, at Sandusky, 
 Ohio), are recorded in nearly every U. S. history. 
 He was burned at the stake by Indians who had 
 captured him, for the evident purpose of wreaking 
 vengeance on their victim, in return for the his- 
 toric massacre at Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas Co., 
 Ohio, many Indians being there slaughtered by 
 the whites. At the time of his capture Col. Craw- 
 ford was conducting a campaign against the Wyan- 
 dot ts, and Senecas and other tribes who were 
 associated with the British and Moravians. To 
 the union of Richard and Onora (Crawford) Ste- 
 phenson children were born as follows: John, 
 Hugh, Richard, James, Marcus and one daughter. 
 Mrs. Stephenson possessed great physical strength, 
 and was a kind and affectionate mother. She died 
 in 1776. Gen. George Washington was a fre- 
 (juent visitor in this home, often taking part in 
 athletic contests with the sons. The early friend 
 ship ripened with the passing years, and when 
 General Washington rose to prominence in mili- 
 tary life, James Stephenson was yet his dearest 
 friend and constant, companion. 
 
 James Stephenson, son of Richard, was born in 
 Berkeley county (W. Va.), where he married 
 Rachel McKee^ers. Their children were Moses, 
 William, Mary, Theodosia, James and Sarah. In 
 17S1 Mr. Stephenson concluded to take advantage 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 879 
 
 of the cheap lands then open in western Pennsyl- 
 vania. He was then in the prime of life, and a 
 splendid specimen of physical manhood. In com- 
 pany with a negro slave, named Fortune, he started 
 on foot on a journey of exploration, leaving his 
 family at home, not wishing them to undergo the 
 perils of such a hazardous expedition. The two 
 men arrived safely in Washington county, Penn., 
 and Mr. Stephenson took up a '' tomahawk claim ' ' 
 of 500 acres of choice laud, four miles southeast of 
 Burgettstowu. A humble cabin was soon erected, 
 some rude improvements made, and a crop of corn 
 planted. The negro previously mentioned was 
 then left to manage the place. He was originally 
 the property of George Washington, from whom 
 James Stephenson purchased him. The latter 
 then returned to West Virginia, the negro subsist 
 ing on game and roots during his absence. The 
 entire family were soon located in their pioneer 
 home, which was afterward supplanted by a larger 
 log cabin. The wife and mother died December 
 14, 1789, and for his second wife Mr. Stephenson 
 was married to Martha Barr, the following children 
 being born to their union: Benjamin, Richard, 
 Joseph, Achsah and John. The land increased in 
 value as civilization progressed, and at the time of 
 his death Mr. Stephenson was a wealthy man. He 
 died in 1813, being followed by his wife in 1816. 
 The comforts and luxuries of our modern days are 
 largely due to the patient effort and brave courage 
 of these early pioneers. 
 
 James Stephenson, a son of James and Rachel 
 Stephenson, was born August 5, 1784, passing his 
 boyhood among the exciting and dangerous scenes 
 of frontier life. He received a very limited edu- 
 cation in the subscription schools, much of his 
 time being employed in hunting, and the old 
 "flint lock" which he used was instrumental in 
 bringing down a large amount of game. He was 
 a volunteer in the war of 1812, enlisting at Hick- 
 ory, Penn., and serving until the close of the war. 
 In 1827 he was united in marriage with Emeline 
 Honeywell. She was born in 1808 in New York 
 State, and at the age of fourteen years came to 
 Washington county, Penn., with her parents, Israel 
 and Judith (Spicer) Honeywell. James and Em- 
 eline Stephenson were the parents of Rachel (de- 
 ceased wife of Christopher Matchett, of Robinson 
 township), Sylvester (deceased when four years of 
 age), Sylvester (deceased in infancy), Elmira (liv- 
 ing on the home place), James A. (subject of this 
 sketch) and Amanda (wife of J. J. Campbell, liv- 
 ing in Hardin county, Ky.). Mr. and Mrs. Ste- 
 phenson resided on the home farm some time after 
 their marriage, then moved to the place now occu- 
 pied by James A., where the father followed farm- 
 ing and stock raising with marked success. He 
 died June 7, 1852, his wife passing away May 20, 
 
 1883, and was buried by the side of her husband in 
 Prospect cemetery. 
 
 James A. Stephenson was born June 22, 1837, 
 on the home farm in Smith township, which he 
 now owns and occupies. He received a meager 
 common-school education, afterward learning the 
 carpenter's trade, which he followed some time, 
 but has devoted the greater part of his life to agri- 
 cultural pursuits with the exception of seven years 
 passed at Candor, this county. He was formerly 
 a well-known hunter, and to-day keeps, as a relic of 
 the exciting adventures of boyhood, a rifle-ball, with 
 which, when but ten years of age, he killed his 
 first fox. He also retains in his possession the old 
 hoe which was used by the negro slave Fortune 
 over a hundred years ago, when working for James 
 Stephenson, the grandfather. Mr. Stephenson 
 takes great delight in the preservation of old relics 
 and curiosities, being assisted in the gratification 
 of this taste by many contributions from friends. 
 Although owning and residing upon a valuable 
 farm, he has never taken an active part in the ag- 
 ricultural work, which is done by his tenants or 
 croppers or crofters. He invented a superior bee- 
 hive, and can duplicate almost any article which he 
 once examines. In politics his sympathy and in- 
 fluence are given to the Democratic party, al- 
 though he is not a strict partisan. 
 
 d(OHN WHERRY, JR., is one of the most 
 I widely-known and popular agriculturists of 
 ) West Bethlehem township. His grandfather, 
 John Wherry, was born in Somerset township, 
 where his father had secured a patent for 
 nearly 500 acres of land, in what was known as 
 the "tomahawk improvement.'' Here his boy- 
 hood was spent, and his education, which was 
 very good for the time, was received in the old 
 subscription school, a considerable distance from 
 his home. After a long and successful career, he 
 died about the beginning of the present century. 
 John W. Wherry, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Somerset township. His education was 
 like that of his father, but the schools were then 
 public or "common." He married Catherine, a 
 daughter of George Weaver, of West Pike Run 
 township, after which they remained upon the 
 farm about twelve years, then removed to West 
 Bethlehem township. To them were born the fol- 
 lowing named children: Amy, John, Jr., William, 
 Elizabeth, Eleanor, George W., Eli, Mary and 
 James; all of whom are living in Washington 
 county, excepting Elizabeth, who died in 1887. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born October 29, 
 1843, in Somerset township, and his boyhood was 
 principally employed in assisting his father in the 
 care of the farm. After the family removed to 
 
SMI 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 West Bethlehem township, he attended the school 
 known as " Wherry's School-house," situated on 
 his father's farm. In 1867 he married Elizabeth 
 Bigler, daughter of Henry Bigler, of West Bethle- 
 hem township, after which he moved to the farm 
 he now owns, and where the following children 
 have been born to them: Elizabeth, Mary, Will- 
 iam, Ida and Charles, all of whom, with the ex- 
 ception of Elizabeth, who died in 1877, are living 
 at home with their parents. In 1890 Mr. Wherry 
 built one of the finest houses in this section. When 
 he took possession there was scarcely a building 
 or fence upon the place, whereas it is now one of the 
 best improved farms in West Bethlehem township. 
 Its strong and neat board fences and elegant 
 buildings bestow upon it an air of thrift and pros- 
 perity. Mr. Wherry is a Republican, and although 
 he is no office seeker has been elected to many 
 positions of trust. He was a soldier in Company 
 G, One Hundred and Tenth P. V. I. , but escaped 
 in battle, only to meet with injury thirty years 
 later. In November, 1892, while hauling logs, he 
 got his arm broken, which left it crooked and help- 
 less for a time. He is a member of the Ten Mile 
 Baptist Church (of which he is deacon), as are also 
 his wife and children. Mrs. Wherry is a lady 
 commanding the esteem and regard of all who 
 know her. The entire family are intelligent and 
 industrous citizens. 
 
 CORNELIUS WEYGANDT was born in Ger- 
 many, whence so many of our strong intel- 
 lectual people trace their ancestry. Phys- 
 ical and mental development go hand in 
 hand in the country of the Rhine, making some of 
 the grandest specimens of symmetrical humanity 
 fcbe world has ever seen. In early manhood Cor- 
 nelius Weygandt left his native land and came to 
 America, locating in the then wilderness of Penn- 
 sylvania. Here was the pioneer cabin erected, 
 the hardships of frontier life endured, and finally 
 a little town arose destined to become a mighty city. 
 Amid these early scenes Cornelius Weygandt 
 passed the remainder of his life, becoming identi- 
 fied with the history of the country. He lived to 
 an advanced age, and reared a large family of 
 children, among whom was a son who bore his 
 father's name. 
 
 Cornelius Weygandt {'2) was born in Northamp- 
 ton county, Penn., and received a very limited 
 education. During the earlier part of his life he 
 learned and followed the cooper trade, afterward 
 purchasing 300 acres of land in Carroll township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. One hundred years ago 
 he erected buildings on that part of the land which 
 is now owned by the subject of this sketch, and 
 there passed the remainder of his life. He married 
 Barbara Stacker, who bore him many children, 'and 
 
 both parents died on the old home place many 
 years ago. 
 
 Cornelius Weygandt (3) was born on the home- 
 stead in Carroll township, and received a subscrip- 
 tion school education. He always followed agri- 
 cultural pursuits on the old home place, and in 
 early life was married to Rosanua Bonniwitz, a na- 
 tive of Fayette county, Penn. They had seven 
 children, of whom but three are living. In poli- 
 tics he voted with the Democratic party, and served 
 as school director and auditor of the township. In 
 religion he was a member of the Lutheran Church. 
 He died in 1858, being followed by his wife five 
 years later. 
 
 Cornelius Weygandt (4), the subject proper of 
 this sketch, was born May 5, 1832, in the house 
 where he is yet living on the ancestral acres in 
 Carroll township. He attended the log cabin 
 school of the neighborhood, and has passed his life 
 on the old place, now owning 115 acres of land. 
 In political opinion he is a Democrat, and in relig- 
 ious faith a member of the Lutheran Church. He 
 has never married, and though somewhat enfeebled 
 by hard work, is yet a vigorous man for his age. 
 His nephew Jesse has charge of the place. 
 
 KP\\ OBERT KNOX, who is prominently identi- 
 L/' tied with the insurance business in the bor- 
 
 r\\ ou g u °f Washington, is a native of the 
 \\ -^ county, having been born in Buffalo town- 
 V ship, February 19, 1858. 
 
 John Knox, his grandfather, came from Ireland 
 to this county about the year 1808, bringing with 
 him his young wife, and settled on a farm in Buf- 
 falo township, where they both died. Their eldest 
 child was born on the Atlantic ocean while they 
 were on their way to America, and is now living in 
 Texas, at the age of nearly ninety years. The 
 grandmother died some years before the grand- 
 father, who passed away when eighty-four years 
 old. They were the parents of eight children, live 
 of whom are living, viz.: William, in Buffalo town- 
 ship; John, in Claysville; Margaret, wife of George 
 Smith, in Buffalo township; Thomas, in Kansas; 
 and Jenny, relict of Dr. Milliken. 
 
 Robert Knox, Sr., was born in Buffalo township, 
 and for many years was a tailor in Taylorstown. 
 11'- purchased a farm in the township, which lie 
 curried on in connection with his trade. In L845 
 he married Anne, daughter of James Irwin, of 
 Canton township, and three children came to bless 
 their home, viz.: John, now in Taylorstown; J. 
 Irwin, living on the old farm; and Robert, our 
 subject. The father was called to his long home 
 in July, 1SS9, when seventy years of age. He 
 was a stanch Democrat. In religion he was a 
 member of the U. P. Church of North Buffalo. 
 
 Robert Knox, whose name opens this sketch, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 881 
 
 received his education at the common schools of his 
 native township, and when a young man taught 
 school during the winter mouths while he worked 
 on the farm in summer time. For ten years he 
 taught in Chartiers, Canton and Buffalo townships 
 and four terms in Taylorstown. In April, L886, 
 he opened out a general store, in partnership with 
 his brother John, at Taylorstown, but sold out in 
 March, 1S91. In November, 1890, he came to 
 Washington borough, where he has since been 
 successfully engaged in the insurance business. 
 He and his brother, J. Irwin, still retain control of 
 the old farm property in Buffalo township, on 
 which are located twenty four oil wells. He mar- 
 ried, January 17, 1889, Miss Ella B. , daughter of 
 James Wilson, of Taylorstown, and two children, 
 named Robert James and Russel VY.. have come to 
 brighten their home. Politically, Mr. Knox is a 
 Democrat, and has served as assessor of Buffalo 
 township, also as clerk of elections several times. 
 In his religious connections he is a member of the 
 First United Presbyterian Church of Washington. 
 
 J 
 
 OHN SLATER, manufacturer and wholesale 
 dealer iu cigars, is a prosperous and promi- 
 nent citizen of Washington. He is a native 
 of the borough, born June 11, 1858, a son of 
 Theodore Slater, who was born January 22, 1821, 
 in the city of Treves (Trier), Rhenish Prussia, and 
 who, in the year 1846, came, in company with his 
 brother. Matthias, to America, located at Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., and thence, some time later, pro- 
 ceeded to Louisville, Ky. On July 19, 1847, the 
 war with Mexico being in progress, he enlisted, 
 although not yet an American citizen, in Company 
 K (Capt. Gardner), First U. S. Infantry, and 
 served under Gen. Wintield Scott during the re- 
 mainder of the campaign, including the capture of 
 the City of Mexico. On July 23, 1848, he was 
 honorably discharged, and returned to Pittsburgh, 
 whence, after a short time, he moved to Greene 
 county, and embarked, iu partnership with two of 
 his brothers-in law, in the manufacture of shoes, 
 carrying on also a grocery and provision store. 
 
 Theodore Slater revisited his old home by the 
 Rhine in 1851, where he married Miss Apolonia, 
 daughter of Matthias Weis. Her father died in 
 Germany in 1884, at the age of eighty- four years. 
 Iu May, 1851, Mr. Slater returned with his bride, 
 and finally settled in Washington, this county, 
 where they made their first home on the corner of 
 Main and Maiden streets, now the site of Acheson's 
 grocery store. He commenced in the boot and 
 shoe business on his own account. Later they 
 lived where now stands G. W. Roberts' drug store. 
 In 1866 they were burned out, losing everything, 
 including their furniture and clothing. In the 
 following year they moved to Main street, where 
 
 Mr. Slater established a trade in tobacco and the 
 manufacture of cigars, etc., and here passed the 
 remainder of his days, dying May 14, 1879, at the 
 age of fifty-eight years. He was an ardent Demo- 
 crat, but not ambitious for office, though he was 
 nominated by his party for commissioner, and also 
 assistant burgess, to which latter position he was 
 duly elected. He was a member of the Catholic 
 Church, and a strong supporter of educational 
 measures. His widow is still living at the old 
 home in Washington, the mother of four children: 
 John, who died in childhood; Mary L. , known as 
 Sister Mary Xavier, of the Order of The Visitation 
 in the convent at Mt. Chantel. near Wheeling, W. 
 Va. , of which she has been a member for some 
 fourteen years; John, of whom special mention will 
 be presently made; and Annie, who died at the 
 age of nineteen years. Annie was an extensive 
 reader, and possessed a fine intellect. Her power 
 of memorizing was almost phenomenal. When in 
 her eighteenth year, she participated in a prize 
 literary contest in the East, the subject of her 
 essay being: " What Catholics have done for 
 America." She had the honor of carrying off the 
 second prize, notwithstanding the fact that she had 
 to contend against many older competitors; truly 
 an honor of which the family feel justly proud. 
 
 John Slater received his rudimentary education 
 at the common schools of Washington borough, 
 which was supplemented by a t wo-j ear's course at 
 St. Vincent College, Latrobe, Westmoreland county. 
 Returning to his home, he worked at his trade of 
 cigar making uuder his father, at whose death he 
 succeeded to the business, and has since continued 
 to carry it on. The industry includes the general 
 manufacture of several brands of cigars, and job- 
 bing in all kinds of plug and smoking tobacco. 
 Under Mr. Slater's management the business has 
 become the most extensive of the kind in the 
 county. The factory, which is in size 100x22 feet, 
 two and three stories iu height, gives employment 
 to a large number of hands. On August 25, 1886, 
 Mr. Slater was married to Regina, daughter of 
 Michael Stillwagen, of Claysville. This marriage 
 was blessed by three children, viz. : John Joseph, 
 Charles Francis and Edward Theodore. In politics 
 Mr. Slater is an ardent Democrat, and in religion 
 a consistent Catholic. 
 
 JLLIAM McCREREY is one of the most 
 successful business men, and deservedly 
 popular citizens of Buffalo township. He 
 was born June 30, 1838, in Marshall 
 W. Va., and passed his boyhood in the 
 usual uneventful manner of farmer boys. He 
 afterward worked at the carpenter's trade. On De- 
 cember 27, 1864, he was united in marriage with 
 Kate, daughter of William Litle, of Buffalo town- 
 
882 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ship, and the following children were born to them: 
 Virginia Lee, Alexander H., William Litle, Emily, 
 Mary Ann and Bessie Bell, all of whom are living 
 at home. Mr. McCrerey began life with practi- 
 cally nothing, his success being due solely to his 
 own energy and management. When his father 
 died, he inherited a portion of the estate, but in- 
 stead of using it himself, allowed a brother, Thomas 
 (who had remained on the old homestead, and 
 cared for the father in his declining years), to use 
 and occupy the entire portion until sufficiently 
 remunerated for his years of self-denial. When 
 Mr. Litle (Ids father in-law) died, William McCre- 
 rey bought of the heirs the entire farm of 190 
 acres, which is now his home. It is a pleasant 
 place, well-improved, and having an air of enter- 
 prise, thrift and comfort surrounding it. In poli- 
 tics he is a Democrat, and has served five consecu- 
 tive terms as school director. In addition to gen- 
 eral farming, Mr. McCrerey is an extensive wool- 
 grower, and breeder of Black-Top sheep, now own- 
 ing nearly two hundred and fifty of that breed. 
 He commands the respect and friendship of a large 
 circle of acquaintances. His wife is a devoted 
 member of the Methodist Church, and is widely 
 known for her good deeds. 
 
 THOMAS B. CRAIG was born in Buffalo 
 township, this county, June 6, 1840. He 
 came of a talented Scotch-Irish family, one of 
 the most influential and successful in the 
 county — a parentage that exercised no lit- 
 tle influence in laying the foundation of modern 
 government and religion. This has made Wash- 
 ington county widely known, in State and Nation; 
 has given her sons no little pride in saying "I had 
 from Washington county." His parents were 
 Hugh and Hannah (Henderson) Craig. His father, 
 though a farmer, was needed in official position, 
 and served his township and county, and finally 
 the State Legislature, to the entire satisfaction of 
 his constituents. 
 
 Thomas B. Craig is the youngest of eight chil- 
 dren, among whom were Rev. Dr. Hugh K. Craig, 
 who ranked high in the pulpit, and was president 
 for a time of Monongahela College. Hon. John 
 H. Craig, another brother, distinguished himself 
 for his scholarly attainments at college, and is 
 widely known in Iowa as a platform orator. Hon. 
 A. K. Craig, who served his party in Congress, and 
 a sketch of whose life is found in this volume, was 
 also a brother. Thomas B. Craig was raised on 
 the old Craig farm near Claysville, where he im- 
 bibed those principles that gave to bis character 
 tiic> elements necessary for complete success. He 
 always held his own with the brightest pupils at 
 Science Hill School, among whom was the Hon. 
 
 S. J. McCarrel, now a member of the State Senate 
 of Pennsylvania. 
 
 Scarcely having attained his majority, the Civil 
 war broke out, and fired with zeal for the cause of 
 right, as it appeared to him, enlisted in August, 
 1862, in Company B, "Ringgold Cavalry'' Bat- 
 talion, serving in it for some two years, at which 
 time the battalion was reorganized into a regi- 
 ment, known as the Twenty-second P. V. C. He 
 served in Company C, of this regiment, until the 
 close of the war. He was a member of the corps 
 under General Sheridan in his " famous raid"' in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, and took part in the engage- 
 ments, the most important of which were the bat 
 ties of Winchester (the scene of "Sheridan's 
 Ride," immortalized by Buchanan), Fisher's Hill 
 and Cedar Creek. After the war Mr. Craig en- 
 tered into partnership with L. C. Truesdell in 
 general mercantile business at Claysville, which 
 continued for fouryears. He then embarked alone, 
 conducting a general store in which he has since 
 been very successful, and for many years has been 
 recognized by the public as the leading merchant 
 of Claysville. In 1871 Mr. Craig married Rachel, 
 daughter of James Noble, of Buffalo township, one 
 of the most successful farmers of the county. To 
 them were born four children, James, who is as- 
 sisting his father in the mercantile business; 
 Homer, a student in Washington and Jefferson 
 College, McWilliams and Clarence, who are at- 
 tending the public schools at Claysville. 
 
 Mr. Craig has always been a strong Democrat, 
 and has taken an active interest in politics; and the 
 Democratic party owes a great deal to his zeal and 
 fidelity for its success, and especially for its late 
 success, in having a Democratic representation in 
 the Twenty-fourth Congressional District of Penn- 
 sylvania, of which this county is a part. A late 
 writer in speaking of Mr. Craig says: " Among the 
 well-known and enterprising business men of Clays- 
 ville, none occupy a more prominent position, or 
 are more worthy of confidence and respect, than 
 the subject of this sketch. " Mr. Craig has been and 
 is at present a member of the City Council, and 
 has been frequently a member of the school board, 
 besides holding other offices of trust. He and his 
 family are members of the Presbyterian Church, 
 the church of his boyhood, to which he has given 
 his liberal support and work. 
 
 JOSEPH REED. In the front ranks of pros- 
 perous agriculturists and prominent citizens 
 of Cecil township, we find the name of this 
 gentlemau. His great-great grandparents 
 were of Scotch-Irish parentage. His great- 
 grandfather, David Reed, was born on the ocean 
 when his parents and two brothers were coming to 
 America in the early part of the eighteenth century, 
 
G&^L^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 885 
 
 or about 1700 to 1715. One brother settled in 
 Kentucky and- one in Carolina. The father, 
 mother and David settled in Lancaster county, 
 Penn. David was married to Miss Caldwell, 
 daughter of Capt. Caldwell, who commanded a 
 company called "The Blue Hen's Chickens " dur- 
 ing the Revolutionary war. Capt. Caldwell lived 
 on an island in the Susquehanna river. The chil- 
 dren of this union were, in the order of age: Mol- 
 lie, married to Peter Clark; Nancy, married to 
 James Clark (lived near Harrisburg, Penn. Peter 
 and James Clark were not related); Jane, married 
 to Matthew Atcheson, of Hickory, Penn. ; Rebecca, 
 married to Humphrey Atcheson, brother of Mat- 
 thew; Lydia, married to Samuel McBride, of Ma- 
 honing county, Ohio; John, married to Anna 
 Atcheson, sister of Matthew and Humphrey, and 
 David, married to Margaret May. 
 
 (The grandparents of the subject of this sketch). 
 Col. Crogau offered John and David very flattering 
 inducements to come from Lancaster county and 
 settle in what is now Mt. Pleasant township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., which were accepted by the two 
 young men, who came here in 1777, and settled on 
 what afterward proved to be "The Washington 
 Land," in Mt. Pleasant township. In the autumn 
 of 1777 David returned to Lancaster county, and 
 married Miss Margaret May, daughter of Alex 
 May, in the spring of 1778. They soon came to 
 their new farm, where they lived for several years. 
 On September 20, 1784, Gen. George Washington, 
 then traveling through this section, came and 
 dined with Mr. David Reed. During the day Gen. 
 Washington claimed that he owned the title to the 
 land on which Mr. Reed lived, which he afterward 
 proved, and that Col. Crogan did not have a title 
 to the property, and had unlawfully placed the 
 Messrs. Reed and others thereon. Gen. Washing 
 ton would not allow the settlers any rights nor any 
 compensation for the improvements. Finally he 
 made the following offer, a transcript of which is 
 taken from the journal of Gen. Washington, in 
 Washington, D. C. : 
 
 September 20, 1784, dined at David Reed's, after which 
 Mr. Jamea Scott and Squire Reed i ><■•_:.- i i i in enquire 
 whether 1 would pari with the Land, and upon what terms; 
 adding that, though tin > did not conceive they could lie 
 dispossessed, yet, to avoid contention, they would buy if 
 my terms were moderate. I told them 1 had no inclination 
 to sell; however, alter hearing a great deal of their hard- 
 ships, their religious principles which had brought them 
 together as a society of Ceceders, and unwillingness to 
 separate or remove, 1 told them I would make them a 
 last offer, and this was— The whole trad at 25 -.hillings 
 "per acre. The money to be paid in three annual pay- 
 ments with interest— or to become tenants upon leases of 
 099 years, at the annual rental of 10 pounds per (' per an- 
 num, etc. 
 
 The above goes on to say that the settlers decided 
 to stand suit, and abide by the issue of the law. 
 In the December term of court, 1784, ejectment 
 
 suits were entered, and as the rights of Gen. Wash- 
 ington by the Virginia patents were well authenti- 
 cated, the settlers did not make a claim of priority 
 of title. The suit was decided against the settlers, 
 who, of course, had to move elsewhere or become 
 tenants of the land they had previously thought 
 was their own. John Reed purchased another 
 farm in Cecil township, now owned by Mrs. John 
 Cubbage. He died there April 14, 1817, aged sev- 
 enty-three years. David Reed, about the year 
 1 788, also purchased 300 acres of land in Cecil town- 
 ship from Thomas Waller, which had been taken 
 up by him previous to 1780, for which he gave one 
 horse, one pair blankets and 13 pounds sterling. 
 A warrant of acceptance was issued to David Reed 
 by the board of Property, March 2, 1790, and 
 patent granted April 21, 1813. He moved to this 
 farm after the contest for the Washington lands 
 was decided against him, and lived there until he 
 died, September 30, 1824, aged seventy-seven 
 years, leaving his wife, who died November 19, 
 L840, aged eighty-two years. David in his young- 
 er days underwent many hardships in clearing his 
 property, and from the treachery of the Indians. 
 He was a noted Indian fighter, and was at the«In- 
 dian massacre at Yellow creek, Ohio. But bright- 
 er years were ahead of him, for financial prosperity 
 finally crowned his efforts. He wasone of the elders 
 in Chartiers Associate Reformed (now U. P.) Church 
 at Canonsburg, Penn. Thev had five sons and one 
 daughter. The older son, Alexander, was married 
 to Martha Anderson; the second son, David, mar- 
 ried Euphemia Paxton; Mary ("Polly'') became 
 the wife of George Murray ; John, the third son, 
 married Jane May, and lived in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship; James, born April 10, 1793, married Jane 
 Ann Allison (He was for many years a jeweler of 
 Washington, Penn., but afterward moved to Pitts- 
 burgh, and founded the present jewelry house of 
 J. R. Reed & Co. He died June 5, 1878); Joseph, 
 the youngest son, was born April 30, 1796, and al- 
 ways lived on the homestead of his father. 
 
 On October 18, 1821, Joseph Reed (just men- 
 tioned) was married to Elizabeth Alexander, who 
 died May 1, 1822, without issue. For his second 
 wife Mr. Reed married Anna, daughter of Rev. 
 Daniel McLean, of Jamestown, Penn. Of this union 
 there were four children: (1) Margaret, born Feb- 
 ruary 20, 1825, died August 29, 1882, was married 
 to Robert Henderson (They had four children: 
 Anna, deceased; Mary Martha, who is the wife of 
 William Grounds; Joseph Reed Henderson, who 
 married Elizabeth Martin, and Mina, who became 
 the wife of Linus Welsh). (2) Mary, born Novem- 
 ber 13, 1826, died August 20, 1881, was the 
 wife of John Nesbit, of Chartiers township. (3) 
 David, born January 1, 1829, was twice married; 
 his first wife was Vashti Elder (deceased), of West 
 Virginia; to his second wife, Amelia Forbes, he 
 
886 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 had two children: Ernest and Ellis Anderson; 
 David was a leading physician of Cedar Rapids, 
 Iowa, and died there March 21, 1869. (4) Jane 
 Ann, born December 28, 1830, is the wife of John 
 B. May, of Venice, Penn. ; their two children died 
 in infancy. Anna, the mother of these children, 
 having died August 3, 1831, Mr. Reed was after- 
 ward married to Martha Anderson, who was born 
 October 2, 1816, a' daughter of Matthew Anderson, 
 of Chartiers township; she died October 2, 1882, 
 about three years before Mr. Reed's decease. 
 Eight children were born to them, as follows: 
 (1) Elizabeth, born August 1, 1833, is the wife of 
 David White, of Canonsburg, Penn. ; they had two 
 children: Joseph Reed, and Elva (deceased). (2) 
 John, born November 10, 1835; he was a minister 
 in the U. P. Church, and died in Indiana, Septem- 
 ber 21, 1863. (3) Matthew Anderson, born Janu- 
 ary 26, 1838, resides in Allegheny, Penn. ; he was 
 married in 1862 to Anna Mary, daughter of Henry 
 Donnell, of Cecil township; their three children 
 are Harry French, Clara Mary and Anna Martha. 
 (4) Thomas Alexander, born March 20, 1840, mar- 
 ried Martha Gladden; they now live in Pasadena, 
 Cah (5) Joseph, born April 30, 1843, married 
 Ella C. Cubbage, daughter of John and Mary 
 ( Hutchison) Cubbage, who were natives of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., and Guernsey county, Ohio, 
 respectively; three children brighten this home, 
 Lettie Myrtle, Joseph Houston and Ethel. (6) 
 George Murray, boruUuly 22, 1848, is a minister 
 in the TJ. P. Church of Newville, Cumberland Co., 
 Penn.; he married Lizzie Kinner, of New Wilming- 
 ton, Penn., and four children have blessed their 
 union; George Kinner, Gertrude, Chloe and Paul 
 Mehard. (7) Julia A., born June 9, 1850, wife of 
 Alouzo Hemphill, of Houstonville, Penn. ; they 
 have two children: Helen and John. (8) Campbell 
 Ledlie, born June 29, 1853, was married to Annie 
 D. Cowden, deceased; they had two daughters, 
 Margaret Alberta and Martha Maud, also oue son, 
 Ralph Rockwood, deceased. Mr. Reed afterward 
 married Jennie M. Patterson. They have one 
 daughter, Katharine Pauline. He resides in Cecil 
 township. 
 
 Joseph Reed, the father of the above, was a 
 gentleman of the old school. His tine personal 
 appearance alone commanded respect everywhere. 
 For honesty of principle, goodness and charity, Mr. 
 Reed had no superiors, and his home was always 
 characterized by generous hospitality. He always 
 lived on the homestead of his father. He was for 
 many years justice of the peace; and it can be said 
 of him that during all these years he had only two 
 hearings before him, as he always used his influence 
 to get an amicable settlement between the parties, 
 rather than have a trial. Many other important 
 positions of local trust were held by him. In his 
 younger days he was a noted violinist, which ait he 
 
 kept in practice until a short time before his 
 death. Those who knew him placed a high esti- 
 mate upon his judgment, and esteemed him for his 
 uprightness, and the impress of his character was 
 left upon all who met him. He was ordained an 
 elder in Chartiers U. P. Church, February 1 5, 
 1854, but a few years later severed his connections 
 with this church, and afterward attended the U. 
 P. Church at Venice, which was much nearer his 
 home. He retired from active business many years 
 before his death. His memory never became im- 
 paired, and his faculties for conversing even during 
 the latter years of his life were remarkably clear. 
 He died October 4, 1885, in his ninetieth year. 
 
 Joseph Reed, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born April 30, 1843, on the farm in Cecil 
 township where he is still living. His education 
 was received in the public schools of the neighbor- 
 hood, and July 11, 1883, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Ella C. Cubbage. Since their marriage 
 our subject and wife have resided on the old home- 
 stead, which contains 206 acres of well -cultivated 
 land. Three children have blessed this home. 
 Mr. Reed makes a specialty of raising a high grade 
 of sheep. In politics he votes the Republican 
 ticket, and he is serving his second term as justice 
 of the peace. 
 
 J JOHN CUBBAGE was a native of Allegheny 
 I county, Penn., born January 12, 1812, in 
 I what is now the town of Mansfield. George 
 Cubbage, his father, who was a native of Ire- 
 land, and a butcher by trade, came to America at 
 an early day, settling in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 on a farm on which the present town of Mansfield 
 now stands. He married Nancy Caldwell, who 
 bore him the following children: Hannah (Mrs. 
 Henry Cowan), John, Abbie (Mrs. Hugh Graham), 
 Martha, Sarah (Mrs. Jacob Doolittle), Nancy 
 (Mrs. Robert Small) and William. The father 
 died in 1853, the mother on May 2, 1883, in her 
 ninety fourth year; they were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 John Cubbage was reared and educated in Mans- 
 field, Allegheny county, and when of suitable age 
 entered the employ of a Mr. Fahnestock, a drug- 
 gist, and also studied medicine for some years. In 
 18 — he was united in marriage with Eliza J. 
 Ewing, and the}' had two children : George A. and 
 James S. This wife dying in 18 — , Mr. Cubbage 
 married, for his second, Mary Hutchison, by which 
 union there were six children, viz.: Sarah M.,* 
 Hannah P. (Mrs. Theodore McCloy), Nancy J., 
 Sarah A., Ella C. (Mrs. Joseph Reed) and Lyda 
 J. (Mrs. John Harper). The mother of this family 
 departed this life December 16, 1863, and our sub- 
 ject afterward married Ann J. Holland, who bore 
 him three children: Aun M. (Mrs. William Small), 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Martha J. (Mrs. George Lenning) and Enretia M. 
 (Mrs. Harry McKeown). John Cabbage died 
 August 4, 1880. Mr. Cubbage in religious faith 
 was a Covenanter. He was a farmer by occupation 
 after 1865, the year in which he came to Cecil 
 township, this county. 
 
 ILLIAM H. MORRISON, a prosperous 
 manufacturer of Monongahela, is de- 
 scended from a well-kuown family who 
 emigrated from Ireland. James Morri- 
 son, the earliest ancestor of our subject 
 to settle in Pennsylvania, was born in County Lon- 
 donderry, Ireland, and there grew to manhood. 
 Some time after his marriage he came to America 
 and located in Chester county, Penn. In 1773, 
 accompanied by their two sons, John and Henry, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Morrison moved to Nottingham town 
 ship, Washington county, where both parents died. 
 Henry Morrison was born in 1752, in New Lon- 
 don, Chester Co., Penn., and was there reared and 
 educated. He then came with his parents to Not- 
 tingham township, where he was married to Pa- 
 tience Sayers, who bore him the following chil- 
 dren: William, John, James, Henry, Elizabeth 
 (wife of William Donaldson), Patience (married to 
 John Gaston), Sarah (wife of William Gault), 
 Susan (wife of William Gaston), and others who 
 died in infancy. Mr. Morrison served as lieuten- 
 ant in the Revolution, and parsed his later years 
 on the home farm, a tract of 400 acres in Notting- 
 ham township. He was au active member of the 
 Democratic party, and in religion a member of 
 Mingo Presbyterian Church. He died at the age 
 of eighty-two years. 
 
 John Morrison, son of Henry and Patience 
 (Sayers) Morrison, was born July 2, 1792, on the 
 home place in Nottingham township, received a 
 subscription school education, and passed his en- 
 tire life on the homestead, where he followed farm- 
 ing and stock raising. Politically he was a Whig 
 and Republican, held various township offices, and 
 was an ardent supporter of the school bill of 1837, 
 doing all in his power to advance the interests of 
 the public schools. He married Mary, daughter 
 of Daniel Huston, a native of Nottingham town- 
 ship, November 27, 1817, and their children were 
 William H, Joel, Daniel, John, Mary C. (wife of 
 Dr. Barnett), Patience (married to John Giffin) 
 and Elizabeth J. (wife of Robert McAllister). 
 The mother was called home in 1845, and in 1870 
 the father was laid to rest by her side in Mingo 
 cemetery. 
 
 William H. Morrison was born December 19, 
 1819, on the old homestead in Nottingham town- 
 ship, and attended the schools of the vicinity. On 
 May 20, 1879, he married Susan B., daughter of 
 Joseph B. Abell. Mr. Abell was a native of New 
 
 Jersey, who settled in Philadelphia and there mar- 
 ried Jane A. Lambert, whose children were: John 
 L. , Joseph Edward, Susan B. (Mrs. Morrison), 
 Jane and Anna E. In 1870 Mr. Abell and his 
 family came to Washington county, where they 
 made a permanent home. He was a cooper by 
 trade, and in politics voted with the Democratic 
 party. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. W. H. Morrison came to Monongahela 
 in 1876, where he has been engaged in manufact- 
 uring enterprises. He has for several years served 
 a prosperous firm as secretary and treasurer, and 
 the company, being largely interested in coal works, 
 has some of the largest plants for coal hauling in 
 the country. Mr. Morrison is actively identified 
 with the interests of the Republican party, and in 
 religious faith is a member of and elder in the 
 Presbyterian Church at Monongahela. He has 
 one son, William A. 
 
 D ; 
 
 AVID HAGERTY, a well-known agricult- 
 urist of the county, but now retired from 
 active labor, having his residence in the 
 borough of Washington, was born in 1822 
 in Canton township, three miles from Washington. 
 Joseph Hagerty, his father, came from Ireland 
 and married Mrs. Hannah Blair Fleming, a widow, 
 whose first husband, who was a merchant, died in 
 New York State. Mr. and Mrs. Hagerty came to 
 Washington county in 1812, just as the war of 
 that period had broken out, and the Indians were 
 very hostile. Some of them were encamped on 
 the farm on which Mr. Hagerty had settled, and 
 on which two former settlers had been taken pris- 
 oners. The nearest fort was at Taylorstown. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hagerty were the parents of children, as 
 follows: John, Joseph, Robert, Blair and William, 
 all deceased; Joseph and David (twins), of whom 
 Joseph is living in Kansas, and David is our sub- 
 ject; Nancy, deceased wife of James Van Kirk; 
 Mary, deceased wife of Samuel Wilkey; Betsey, 
 deceased, unmarried; and one that died at the age 
 of three years. The father died in 1825, at the 
 age of sixty years; the mother passed away in 
 1850, at the home of her son, David, when aged 
 ninety-three years. 
 
 David Hagerty, whose name opens this sketch, 
 helped, when a boy, to clear the farm which he 
 now owns. The subscription school which he at- 
 tended, three miles from his home, was a primitive 
 structure, 24x40 feet in area, made of cut logs, 
 the windows being simply greased paper pasted 
 over openings in the wall. The benches were made 
 of split logs without backs. The only books then 
 used were the United States Speller, the English 
 Reader, the Western Calculator and the Bible. 
 Our subject attended school three months in the 
 year. Mr. Hagerty was married to Mrs. Jennie 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Griffith Farrer, of Buffalo township, this county, 
 who died iu 1873, leaving daughters, viz.: Sarah 
 Josephine (wife of Samuel Thompson, of Holton, 
 Kans.), Letitia M. (wife of Francis Moore, of Buf- 
 falo township) and Anna Virginia (living with her 
 father). The old home farm of Mr. Hagerty is 
 where the sons of Joshua Russell were taken cap- 
 tive by the Indians. They were traced as far as 
 the Ohio river, where their pursuers found that the 
 boys had escaped while the Indians slept. On the 
 farm there are nineteen oil-producing wells. In 
 1890 Mr. Hagerty came to Washington to live re- 
 t i red the rest of his days. Politically he is a 
 Democrat, and has held several offices. 
 
 T^HE McCLURG FAMILY. This well- 
 known family of Hanover township are of 
 Irish ancestry, and trace their genealogy to 
 one Robert McOlurg, who was born about 
 the middle of the eighteenth century in 
 County Tyrone, Ireland. When a young man he 
 was married in his native country, and in June, 
 1773, the young people came to America. 
 
 They made a temporary location in the eastern 
 States, and some years later came to Hanover town- 
 ship, locating on King's creek. They occupied 
 the primitive log cabin so common in those early 
 days, and this one stood for many years afterward. 
 Here Robert McOlurg and his wife passed the re- 
 mainder of their lives, and died at a ripe old age, 
 having endured the hardships and struggles com- 
 mon to those perilous days, to which no pen can 
 do full justice. Husband and wife were laid to 
 rest in the Paris cemetery. Both were members 
 of the Seceder Church. Their children were born 
 as follows: Jane, Anna (wife of David Andrews, 
 Jefferson county, Ohio) and John. 
 
 John McOlurg was born January 3, 1774, on 
 the home farm in Hanover township. He attended 
 the rate schools of his time, receiving but a meager 
 education, and, when a young man, learned the 
 trade of a shoemaker. In August, 1823, he was 
 married to Nancy Herron, who was born in 1800, 
 a daughter of John and Nancy (Galliher) Herron. 
 John Herron came from Ireland about the time 
 that Robert McClurg left that country, first locat- 
 ing in Maryland, but later in Washington county. 
 The following children were born to John and 
 Nancy McClurg: Jane, Nancy, Anna, Sarah A., 
 Mary J., Robert W., John J., William and David A., 
 all of whom are living. The father was a prosperous 
 man, and followed farming in connection with his 
 trade. He remained on the old place all his life, 
 and died there March 10, 1838, after two or three 
 years' suffering from consumption. He was laid 
 to rest in the Paris cemetery. His widow survived 
 until January 10, 1883, when she was laid to rest 
 
 by the side of her husband. He was a hearty 
 supporter of the Democratic party, and both par- 
 ents were zealous members of the Seceder Church, 
 which eventually became the United Presbyterian 
 Church. Of their children Jane, Anna, Sarah A. 
 and Mary J. are yet unmarried, and live on the 
 home farm with their brothers Robert W. and 
 John J., who have been farming the place since 
 the death of the father. William is a blacksmith, 
 and is working at his trade on the home farm. 
 David A. is a merchant of Beaver Falls, and Nancy 
 is now Mrs. Joseph Lyons, of Hanover township. 
 
 EV. W. B. SMILEY. John Smiley was 
 born in 1730, in Ireland, to which country 
 his grandfather had fled from Scotland 
 about 1612 for religious freedom. With 
 his father John came to this country when 
 quite young. About 17">8 he married Ann Houton 
 Stewart, and they lived in Dauphin county, Penn. , 
 where ten children — six sons and four daughters — 
 were born to them. The family belonged to what 
 is known as the "Seceder" Church, one of the 
 " straitest sects;" and because Thomas, the 
 eldest son, turned Baptist, he became as a stranger 
 to the rest of the family, and so remained behind 
 when the father and mother and other nine chil- 
 dren crossed the mountains and located in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., in 
 L785. Thomas, however, became renowned as a 
 Baptist missionary in the early history of Penn- 
 sylvania. He died in 1S32 at the age of seventy- 
 three, leaving a large posterity, and his monument 
 stands in White Deer cemetery, iu Lycoming 
 county, Perm., where he had organized a church 
 in 1808. John Smiley, the pioneer of the family, 
 died in 1811 in the eighty -first year of his age, 
 and Ann, his wife, passed away in 181-1, aged 
 seventy-five years. The sons who came west with 
 them were: James (who died in 1N44, aged eighty 
 two years), Robert (who died in 1853), John (who 
 died in 1818, aged fifty-eight years, leaving no 
 descendants), Samuel (who died in 1806, and 
 whoso family afterward moved west, and their de 
 scendants are now living in Illinois and Iowa) and 
 William (who died iu 1866, iu the eighty-eighth 
 year of his age). The only descendants of James 
 Smiley now living are two grandsons, -lames A. 
 and Leander, the former of whom now lives on hi-- 
 grandfather's farm in Mt. Pleasant township. 
 Robert has one son living, .lames (1. , who is a farm- 
 er living on the " Middletown Road." Robert's 
 other children were John, who died in 1877; Jane 
 (Gabby by marriage), who died in 1842, leaving 
 three children; Anne (Coulter by marriage), who 
 died in L882, leaving one son, Nathaniel; Thomas, 
 who died in 1885, leaving two daughters and one 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 891 
 
 son, who live ou a part of their great-grandfather's 
 farm; Margaret (Thompson by marriage), who died 
 
 in 1890; Sarah (Thompson by marriage), who died 
 in 1865, leaving descendants in northern Pennsyl- 
 vania; Mary, who died in 1858, and three that 
 died in infancy. John had no children, and Sam- 
 uel's family moved to the West. When William 
 married he located in Robinson township and 
 raised eleven children — nine sons and two daugh- 
 ters. William and his wife on their wedding day 
 weighed just 400 pounds, he weighing 198 pounds 
 and she 202 pounds, and the aggregate height of 
 the nine sons was fifty-five feet. "There were 
 giants in those days.'' But these nine sons have 
 only left four sons, now alive, to carry the name 
 down to future generations. The older ones all 
 left the county, and all but one the State. John, 
 the oldest, locating in Beaver county, Penn. The 
 one next the youngest died just after he had fin- 
 ished his education for the ministry. David, the 
 youngest, inherited his father's farm, but after- 
 ward sold it and located near Burgettstown, where 
 he lived until 1890, when he moved to Coraopolis, 
 Penn. The farm is now occupied by two of his 
 children, the oldest, Martha J. (now Mrs. W. F. 
 Purdy), and the youngest, John N. Both these 
 have families, the former a daughter and a son 
 living, and a daughter and a son dead; the latter 
 has two boys and two girls, all living. 
 
 The second son, William Brownlee, very early 
 in life manifested a strong inclination for study, 
 and when six years of age memorized and recited 
 without missing a single word the " shorter cate- 
 chism of the Westminster divines." .He received 
 his English education in the public schools of 
 Burgettstown, which he completed in the spring 
 of 1873, at sixteen years of age. During the win- 
 ter of 1874-75 he taught school in Kobinson town- 
 ship, having spent eighteen months in the mean- 
 time on the farm with his father. In the fall of 
 1875 he commenced the study of the classics in 
 Jefferson Academy, Canonsburg, Penn., and in the 
 autumn of 187G entered the sophomore class in 
 Westminster College, from which he graduated in 
 1879 at the head of his class. Together with J. 
 S. Garvin, his intimate friend and room mate at 
 college, more than a year was spent as joint prin- 
 cipal of McKeesport Academy and Normal School. 
 He entered the Theological Seminary in Septem- 
 ber, 1880, having studied privately a year under 
 Rev. James Kelso, of McKeesport, and graduated 
 in 1882. The following is taken from the Bur 
 gettstown Call : " W. B. Smiley has just com- 
 pleted the course at TJ. P. Theological Seminary, 
 Allegheny City, with the highest grade in a class 
 of eleven. We believe he is the first young man 
 that has been raised, educated and licensed to 
 preach within the bounds of Burgettstown IT. P. 
 Congregation. The young gentleman has fine 
 
 abilities, and is, no doubt, entering upon a career of 
 great usefulness.'' 
 
 Rev. Smiley was married June 7, 1882, to Miss 
 Maggie D. Fergus, a daughter of Thomas Fergus, 
 of Elizabeth, Penn., and in publishing an account 
 of the wedding, among other things the McKees- 
 port Times said: "The bride-elect was most hand 
 somely dressed, though richer than robes of silk 
 is the tender grace of youth and maidenly worth 
 with which she was adorned. The happy groom 
 was our former fellow citizen, Prof. W. B. Smiley, 
 who is held in such high esteem by all who know 
 him here, for his Christian character and intellect- 
 ual attainments." Three bright children have 
 blessed this marriage — one daughter and two sons. 
 Mr. Smiley was licensed to preach by the Presby- 
 tery of Allegheny on April 4, 1882, and by the 
 1st of July had the opportunity of three settle- 
 ments — West Newton (Penn.), Washington (Iowa) 
 and Chartiers Congregation, Canonsburg (Penn.). 
 The latter he decided to accept, and on August 1 
 entered upon his duties as pastor of one of the 
 oldest and most substantial congregations in the 
 Church. He preached his tenth anniversary ser- 
 mon on the first Sabbath of August, 1892, in which 
 it was stated that -IS I persons had been received 
 into membership in the congregation during the 
 ten years of his pastorate, or an average of one for 
 every two sermons preached. A large congrega- 
 tion of the most intelligent people wait regularly 
 upon his ministry, and manifest in "very way their 
 loyalty and devotion to him as their pastor. He 
 was recently urged to take charge of an important 
 station in the West, but the ties' by which he and 
 his people were bound together were so strong that 
 the thought of separation could not be entertained. 
 Just recently the people have greatly beautified 
 and enlarged the seating capacity of their church 
 building, and they have now a very inviting place 
 in which to worship. 
 
 DESCENDANTS OF JOHN AND ANN SMILEY: 
 — Thomas, a Baptist preacher who remained in 
 the eastern part of the State. James — descend- 
 ants: James A. and Leander. 
 
 Robert — children: James G. (has four children 
 — three living and one dead — all daughters); John, 
 who died in 1877; Jane (Gabby, by marriage), who 
 died in 1842, leaving three children; Anne (Coulter, 
 by marriage), who died in 1882, leaving one son, 
 Nathaniel; Thomas, who died in 1885, leaving two 
 daughters and one son, who live on a part of their 
 great-grandfather's farm; Margaret (Thompson, 
 by marriage), who died in 1890; Sarah (Thompson, 
 by marriage), who died in 1805, leaving descend- 
 ants in northern Pennsylvania; Mary, who died in 
 1858, and three that died in infancy. 
 
 John, who had no family. 
 
 Samuel, whose family moved west. 
 
 William — children (1) John, who had no chil- 
 
892 
 
 WASIIlXdTOX COUNTY. 
 
 dren, and died in Burgettstown, Penn. , after spend- 
 ing most of his life in Beaver county, Penn. ; (2) 
 Margaret, who married John Witherspoon, and 
 moved to West Virginia (she has two sons living); 
 (3) Thomas, still living in Ohio (has no children); 
 III Ann, who married Matthew Bailey, lived all 
 her life near the old homestead in Robinson town- 
 ship, and left eight children; (">) William, who 
 left one daughter, living in Ohio; (<i) Robert, who 
 left two sons and one daughter in Iowa; (7) Eben- 
 ezer, who lives in New Lisbon, Ohio (has no chil- 
 dren, but one grandson); (8) James, who left one 
 daughter; (9) Samuel, living in Bloomtield, Ohio 
 (has no children); (10) Archibald, who died upon 
 entering the ministry; (11) David, who had three 
 children: (1) Martha J. Purdy (has two children 
 living: Maggie Belle and Brownlee Smiley, and 
 buried two: Lizzie Lena, and an infant unnamed); 
 (2) John N., who has four children, all living: 
 Eva Leona, Earl Brownlee, Lena Florence and 
 Charles Raymond; (3) William Brownlee, who has 
 three children, all living: Olive Bell, Thomas Fer- 
 gus and Howard Brownlee. 
 
 The four daughters of John and Ann Smiley 
 married, respectively, Robert Thome, Archibald 
 
 Brownlee, Atchison (who moved to Ohio), and 
 
 Stewart (who moved to the northern part of 
 
 Pennsylvania). 
 
 Through all the different generations there has 
 been manifest in the Smiley family that integrity 
 of character and devotion to religious principles 
 which characterized their forefathers. There has 
 not been one of the descendants of John and Ann 
 Smiley, so far as known, that has been a dishonor 
 to the family name. When John Smiley first set- 
 tled in Washington county, he became identified 
 with what is now known as the North Buffalo TJ. P. 
 Church, then known as the Associate (or Seceder) 
 Church, and to this faith his descendants remained 
 true, bein<,' characterized, with scarcely an excep- 
 tion, as faithful and earnest Christian men and 
 women, and a great many of them holding office in 
 the church. They have not aspired much after po- 
 litical honors, and not many of them have turned 
 aside from the pursuits of their father — agricult- 
 ure — but sterling worth of character has been a 
 feature prominently marked in the family history. 
 An ensign, in the form of a chevron, with an armed 
 arm (on which is a wreath) as a crest, and bearing 
 the motto: "vibibus virtus" (meaning "valor in 
 arms," or "virtue with power"), was conferred 
 upon the ancestors of the Smiley family in Ireland, 
 probably in the seventeenth century, and was con- 
 firmed by the Crown through Sir William Betham, 
 Knight, Deputy of Ulster King of Arms, in 1815, 
 and duly recorded. The occasion of its being con- 
 firmed was probably some special act of valor or 
 bravery manifested in defense of the Crown. 
 
 CHARLTON M. LIGGETT is a prosperous 
 \<iiing merchant of Independence, Penn., 
 and a son of David A., whose father, Thorn - 
 as Liggett, came from Scotland with a 
 brother, and after landing in America, remained a 
 short time in Baltimore, Md. They made a per- 
 manent settlement in Washington county, Penn., 
 where Thomas was united in marriage with Par- 
 melia Dempster. The young people settled in 
 Independence township, where the following chil- 
 dren were born and reared: Joshua, Elizabeth 
 (deceased), James (deceased), Harriet (widow of 
 Labau Headington), Robert, Mary Ann (deceased 
 widow of John Hemphill), William, Thomas, Da- 
 vid A., and Anderson. Mr. Liggett was a man of 
 perfect physical proportions, and was noted for 
 his firm character and strict integrity. He died 
 January 29, 1801, his widow on September 17, 1882, 
 David A. Liggett was born September 1, 1831, 
 on his father's farm in Independence township, 
 and received his early education in the country 
 schools, afterward taking a course at the West 
 Alexander (Penn.) Academy, which is now aban- 
 doned, but at that time was a popular and flourish- 
 ing institution. After leaving school he followed 
 the mercantile business in Independence, this 
 county, for thirty years; then became a traveling 
 salesman, visiting the principal cities and towns 
 of western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and West 
 Virginia. This business afforded him an excellent 
 knowledge of that portion of the country, with 
 which he became very familiar during sixteen 
 years of life as a commercial traveler. On August 
 10, 1852, he*was united in marriage with Esther 
 Armstrong, who was born January 15, 1832, 
 daughter of James Armstrong, of Hopewell town- 
 ship. The children born to them are Charlton 
 M., Emma J. (Mrs. J. T. Raybuck, of Omaha, 
 Neb.), Ella L. (wife of Rev. John Buckey, an M. 
 E. minister of Holbrook, Mass.), Annie F. (wife of 
 Rev. A. H. McKee, an M. E. minister of Hamilton, 
 Ind.), Nettie S. (married to Rev. J. C. Burnworth, 
 an M. E. minister of Newton, Greene Co., Penn.), 
 Carrie A. (Mrs. William Kinnaman, wife of a 
 farmer of Cass county, Ind.), Lizzie Bertha (living 
 at home), Orie W. (a traveling salesman) and 
 Grace E. (living with her parents). This family 
 are among the leaders of the community, as are the 
 other representatives of the name. Politically Mr. 
 Liggett has always been a Democrat. 
 
 Charlton M. Liggett was born May 18, 1853, 
 at McConnell's Mill, near Canonsburg, Penn. 
 During his boyhood his parents moved to the vil- 
 lage of Independence, where he attended the com- 
 mon schools, and assisted hie father as clerk in the 
 store. He afterward took a position with the 
 wholesale grocery house of J. A. Miller, of Wheel- 
 ing, W. Va., with whom he remained two years. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Sill! 
 
 He then accepted a similar situation at an increased 
 salary with Nicholas Schultz, of the same city, 
 where he remained about the same length of time. 
 The experience thus gained had given him much 
 valuable information concerning mercantile life, 
 and also made him acquainted with the leading 
 merchants of eastern Ohio, western Pennsylvania 
 and West Virginia, advantages which he was not 
 slow to appreciate, After leaving the employ of 
 Mr. Schultz, he engaged in the manufacture of 
 cigars, being the proprietor of a factory in Steu- 
 ben ville, Ohio. In the year 1877 he sold this 
 business, and returning to Washington county 
 again entered mercantile life, in which he is now 
 engaged. On May 6, 1880, he was married to 
 Clara A., daughter of W. A. Smith, a resident of 
 Brooke county, W. Va. The children of Mr. and 
 Mrs. Charles Liggett were Mabel O, Harry H., 
 Sheldon S. (deceased), Merwyin, Roscoe, Esther 
 and Paul W. " Charley," as Mr. Liggett is 
 familiarly tailed by his many friends, is a very 
 popular and prosperous merchant. Politically he 
 is a Democrat, and although that party is in the 
 minority in his neighborhood, he has held vatic ms 
 offices of trust, to which he has been elected by 
 admiring friends, regardless of party connection. 
 The efficient manner in which he has discharged 
 such duties is evidence of the good judgment of 
 those who elected him to the positions. 
 
 ^ILLIAM B. WINTER, a young and 
 prosperous farmer of Donegal township, 
 is a native of the same, born February 1, 
 1854, on the farm of his father, David B. 
 Winter. His great-grandfather, Chris- 
 topher Winter, was born in Rhine Pfalz, Germany, 
 and immigrated to America, locating in Donegal 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. A log cabin 
 home was soon erected in the wilderness, and he 
 was united in marriage with Catherine Schaeffer, 
 living near Washington, Penn. The Indians were 
 then numerous and very hostile, and oftentimes 
 compelled the adventurous pioneer to flee for life, 
 while the savages ruthlessly burned or plundered 
 the desolated homes. But, nothing daunted, these 
 "pale-faced" heroes of the forest struggled on, 
 and established their home in the face of innumer- 
 able dangers and obstacles. Mr. and Mrs. Winter 
 died on their pioneer farm, leaving their children 
 to finish the work so bravely begun. 
 
 David Winter was born on the home farm in 
 Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 worked on his father's farm, attending the sub- 
 scription schools during the winter months. He 
 was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Perry Mc- 
 Coy, also of Donegal township, and the following 
 children were born to them: David B., and Eliza 
 beth Margaret (deceased wife of Alexander Wyeth). 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Winter built a residence 
 near that of his father, and farmed successfully. 
 In politics he was a Democrat. He and his wife 
 were buried near the scene of their labors. 
 
 David B. Winter was born November 1, 1823, in 
 the old house, which is but a short distance from 
 his present comfortable home. He passed his 
 youth attending the common schools and assisting 
 in the farm duties. In 1846 he was united in 
 marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of William 
 Bryson, of Donegal township, this county, and to 
 them were born children as follows: Elizabeth, 
 Hannah (deceased), David A., William B. , Joseph, 
 Nancy, Alice, Mary (deceased), and John F. (de- 
 ceased in infancy)- Mrs. Winter died, and in the 
 year 1866 Mr. Wiuter was married to Sarah, 
 daughter of William Milligan, of East Finley 
 township, this county, and they have two children: 
 George K. and Eudora, both of whom are residing 
 with their parents. Some years after his marriage 
 Mr. Winter removed from the home farm, and 
 erected a handsome residence on an adjoining 
 piece of land, which is his present home. He has 
 always been a successful farmer, and in political 
 life was a Democrat until the year 1860, when he 
 voted for Lincoln, and has since been an enthusi- 
 astic worker in the Republican party. He con- 
 tributes regularly to the Dutch Fork Baptist 
 Church, of which he and his wife are members. 
 
 William B. Winter worked on his father's farm 
 and attended the common schools during his 
 minority. On December 15, 1881, he was married 
 to Barbara Clemens, who was born June 6, 1856, 
 daughter of George and Margaret Jane (Crow) 
 Clemens. They have had three children, namely: 
 Elizabeth W. J. , Selina C. and Ethel Mary W. 
 During the first years of his married life Mr. Win- 
 ter lived on some rented property, and followed 
 farming. In 1886 he purchased a farm which ad- 
 joins that of the birthplace of himself, his father 
 and grandfather. Mr. Winter is a modern scien- 
 tific farmer, and also gives considerable attention 
 to wool growing. Politically he is a Democrat, 
 and well informed in the current questions of the 
 day. He and his wife are members of the U. B. 
 Church, in which he is both steward and trustee. 
 
 Fl( LEXANDER J. CULBERTSON, one of the 
 l/l\ leading dentists of Washington, was born 
 fpT in Westmoreland county, Penn., a son of 
 J — > Alexander and Amanda (Giffen) Culbert- 
 i son, natives of the same county. The father 
 
 died in Greensburg, Penn., in March, 1871; the 
 mother is yet living. The family are of Scotch- 
 Irish extraction, and the grandfather, Alexander 
 Culbertson, came to this country from the North 
 of Ireland at an early day. 
 
 Alexander J. Culbertson, the subject proper of 
 

 SIM 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 these Hues, passed bis boyhood and youth iu 
 Greensburg, Penn., and there commenced t lie 
 study of dentistry. In the spring of 188"' he came 
 to Washington, this county, and having just grad- 
 uated from Pennsylvania Dental College, in Phila- 
 delphia, he opened out for the practice of his pro 
 fession in the building where he is now thoroughly 
 established. In June, 1891, Dr. Culbertson mar- 
 ried Etta M. , daughter of Col. J. P>. Ruple, and 
 same year he finished his elegant home on Wade 
 avenue, where they now reside. Dr. and Mrs. 
 Culbertson are members of the first Presbyterian 
 Church; in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 *~~\, OBEHT C. OSBURN, a leading and emi- 
 LL«^ nently prosperous merchant of Eldersville, 
 i \\ l ;>eun -' was born in 1842 iu Robinson town- 
 JJ -^ ship, this county. The pioneers of the 
 v family resided in Westmoreland county, 
 
 same State. His grandfather, James Osburn, 
 was born in Ireland, and married to a Miss Cutch- 
 eon, of the same part of that country. Emigrat- 
 ing to America, they, settling in Washington coun- 
 ty, Penn., reared a large family. Some of their 
 numerous descendants remained in Westmoreland 
 count)', while others settled in Johnstown, Penn., 
 and among those who perished in the dreadful 
 flood were Squire Fisher, his wife (a cousin of 
 Robert C. Osburn) and six children. James Os- 
 burn died in Westmoreland county. 
 
 James Osburn was born in Ireland, being nine 
 years of age when his parents settled in Westmore- 
 land county, Penn. He was reared on the farm, 
 and continued to follow agriculture most of his 
 life; also worked at the milling business for a time 
 in Jefferson township, this county. In early man- 
 hood he was married to Martha McKennett, of 
 Robinson township, this county. Her father, 
 Adam McKennett, was born iu Ireland, and, immi- 
 grating to America, first settled in Fayette county, 
 Penn., thence coming to Cecil township, this 
 county, locating on what is now called Miller's 
 run. Remaining there but a short time, he finally 
 bought a place in Robinson township, now known 
 as the old Adam McKennett farm, occupied by his 
 descendants. He was married to Rebecca John- 
 ston. To James Osburn four children were born: 
 One deceased in infancy, James J. (living in Rob- 
 inson township), George W. (a resident of Bur 
 gettstown, Penn.), and Robert C. The fat her .lied 
 in 1843, iu his forty-second year, and his wife 
 mourned her loss until the age of eighty-two years, 
 when she was called to her rest, passing away in 
 1885. 
 
 Robert C. Osburn lived on the home place until 
 eighteen years of age, and received a good com- 
 mon-school and academic education. He then 
 taught live terms of school, afterward taking a 
 
 course at Duff's Mercantile College, Pittsburgh, 
 Penn. He graduated in 1864, after which he 
 opened a general store in Eldersville, Penn. At 
 that time goods were yet sold at war prices, and 
 even a small store required a large amount' of 
 money. To illustrate the marked contrast between 
 the prices then and those of the present day, we 
 give a few examples: Prints now selling at 7 and 
 8 cents a yard, then brought from 45 to 50 cents; 
 muslin now worth 8 or 9 cents a yard, then sold at 
 7"' or 80 cents; all-wool flannel cost $1 per 
 yard, which is now procured at about one-third of 
 that "price; kerosene was 8< I cents a gallon; sugar 
 25 cents a pound, and coffee so expensive that rye, 
 chicory, burnt crusts, etc., were used by everyone 
 as a substitute. 
 
 In 186S Robert C. Osburn was married to Mary, 
 daughter of James 1'. Robertson, of Eldersville, 
 Penn. She died in 1877, and he was afterward 
 married to Hannah M. , daughter of W. W. Knight, 
 of Jefferson township, this county. This wife 
 died in 18S2, and Mr. Osburn's third choice was 
 made in the person of Hattie M., daughter of Cy- 
 rus McConnell, of Hanover township, this county. 
 Mr. Osburn's business has steadily increased, and 
 he is now the proprietor of a large store replete 
 with a complete and varied stock of dry goods, gro- 
 ceries and hardware. When he began business at 
 Eldersville he was obliged to haul goods eight 
 miles from Steubenville to his store; but no ob- 
 stacles daunted his energetic spirit, and his life 
 success has been made in the town where he had 
 made so humble a beginning twenty-eight years 
 ago. In 1871 the large and comfortable dwelling 
 was erected which is now his home and place of 
 business. In politics Mr. Osburn is a Republican, 
 an active worker in the party, and has tilled vari- 
 ous township offices. 
 
 PKKSSLY LEECH. Men of business ca- 
 pacity and intellectual force need no formal 
 introduction in a work of this character, for 
 their names are indelibly printed in the 
 minds and hearts of the surrounding com- 
 munity, whose interests they are continually plan- 
 ning to advance. In the foremost rank of the best 
 citizens of this county, the name of Leech has 
 ever been identified and interwoven with its earli- 
 est history. 
 
 James Leech (the grandfather of subject) was 
 born in County Down, Ireland, and there married 
 Jane Reynolds. Three children were born to 
 them: John, Thomas and William. Having de- 
 cided to try life in the New World, the grand- 
 lather, in company with his family and a brother 
 named Robert, sailed from Ireland in 1774. They 
 landed at Philadelphia, where the brothers sepa- 
 rated, Robert going south, eventually settling in 
 
A^J^jZw 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 897 
 
 South Carolina, while .James and his family pushed 
 farther west, first locating in Northampton county, 
 Penu. In August, 1775, they came to Smith 
 township, Washington county, and in the unbroken 
 wilderness erected their one-room log cabin home, 
 which compared very favorably with the houses of 
 the other early settlers. With his firearms as 
 constant companions. James Leech began the her- 
 culean task of transforming the unsightly forest 
 into a fertile farm. Eight years passed away be- 
 fore civilization had rendered the little home com- 
 paratively safe from attacks of the Indians, and in 
 the meantime the settlers were often forced to flee 
 to the neighboring blockhouse for protection, which 
 blockhouse stood on the old Leech farm. Un- 
 daunted by the toil and privations of this life, 
 James Leech found time and strength to take part 
 in the national struggle of his adopted country. 
 Her cause was his, her liberties dearer to his heart 
 than life, and with the beginning of the Revolu- 
 tion he enlisted in a company organized by ('apt. 
 Joseph Erwin, afterward incorporated under Col. 
 Samuel Miles' Pennsylvania RiHe Regiment. This 
 division finally became a part of the Thirteenth 
 Pennsylvania, then of the Second Pennsylvania, 
 and on January 1, 177s, having served his time, 
 he was discharged from the service at Valley 
 Forge. He was paid in "Continental money," 
 which was worthless, and part of it is still in the 
 possession of the family. He then returned to the 
 farm in Washington county, where he died in De- 
 cember, 1823, having been preceded by his wife 
 in 1812. The children who were born after the 
 family had settled in Pennsylvania were as follows: 
 James, Robert, Samuel, Margaret (wife of John 
 Cunningham) and Jane (unmarried), all of whom 
 lived to an adult age. 
 
 James Leech, son of the old pioneer James, was 
 born September 17, 1775, in Northampton county, 
 Penn. His youth was passed on the home farm, 
 and he received a subscription-school education. 
 Early evincing a taste for mechanical work, lie 
 learned the trade of millwright. He bought a 
 farm where the old fort stands, and had a saw and 
 grist mill, to which latter wheat was brought on 
 horseback. In 1803 he was united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth Wishart, who was born in 1782, in 
 Franklin county, Penn., and came with her parents 
 to Washington county when thirteen years of age. 
 James and Elizabeth Leech were the parents of 
 the following children: James, Jane (wife of James 
 McKeen, of Greene county, Penn.. both deceased), 
 Nancy (Mrs. James McGhee, of Tama county, 
 Iowa, both deceased), John, Robert, David, Thomas, 
 Elizabeth (living with her brother Joseph), Joseph 
 P., Mary (wife of A. Phillis, of Smith township) 
 and Pressly. Of these children there are yet liv- 
 ing: Elizabeth, Joseph P. and Pressly. After his 
 
 marriage James Leech settled on a farm in Smith 
 township. In 1812 he entered the war of that 
 period, serving under Harrison throughout the 
 campaign. In politics he was a Whig, first a 
 Jackson man; but changed on the bank question, 
 and took a very active part in the campaign pre- 
 ceding the election of President Harrison. He 
 was an enthusiastic admirer of his older leader, and 
 did all in his power to secure the election of the 
 sturdy, fearless veteran. In 1818 Mr. Leech was ap- 
 pointed a justice of the peace, tilling that office twen- 
 ty-two years, dining which time his rulings were 
 invariably sustained by the higher courts. He and 
 hte wife were members of the Seceder Church ami 
 then of the Union Church, to which he contrib- 
 uted liberally, having given the land for a church 
 at Mt. Vernon before the project was abandoned, 
 owing to disorganization. He was a ruling elder 
 in the Seceder Church and of the Associate 
 Union Church during his life. The old church 
 .stands. He was called to his long home June 27, 
 l s "'2, and June J, 18(37, his wife was laid to rest 
 beside him. 
 
 Pressly Leech (son of James and Elizabeth 
 Leech) was born October 20, 1832, on the home 
 farm in Smith township, where his boyhood was 
 passed. His early education was received at the 
 country schools, after which he was a student at 
 Washington and Jefferson College for one year, 
 being then obliged to leave school on account of 
 an attack of inflammatory rheumatism. Return- 
 ing to the farm, and upon regaining his health, he 
 taught from 1854 to 1857 in Smith township, also 
 followed agricultural pursuits. On January 8, 
 L857, he was united in marriage with Susan R. 
 Marshall, who was born in 1S35, in Queen Anne's 
 county, Md., daughter of Stewart and Maria 
 (Tittle) Marshall. Stewart Marshall was born in 
 Cross Creek township, a son of William Marshall, 
 who came from Ireland to America when twelve 
 years old, and died in Cross Creek township. 
 Stewart Marshall, who was a stone mason, was 
 married in Baltimore to Maria Little, and by her 
 had four children: Elizabeth, in Midway; Louisa, 
 widow of John Robertson, of Cross Creek village; 
 Susan R., Mrs. Pressly Leech, and Sarah, wife of 
 John Barnes, living in Jefferson county, Iowa. 
 Mr. Marshall died in Iowa, his wife in Maryland. 
 Mrs. Leech spent, her girlhood in Baltimore, and 
 after coming to Pennsylvania taught school for a 
 t ime in Cross Creek township prior to her marriage. 
 The children of Pressly and Susan R. (Marshall) 
 Leech are Lizzie Wishart (living at home), Susan 
 L. (wife of William Mcllvaine, of Mount Pleasant 
 township), James P. (a farmer of Smith township, 
 living on the old Grandfather Leech farm), Robert 
 V. (deceased in youth), John C. (residing with his 
 parents), Linda E. (a graduate of California 
 
898 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 (Penn.) College, now teaching school in Mt. 
 Pleasant township), J. Gibson and Ernest A. (liv- 
 ing at home). 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Leech began married life on the 
 old Leech homestead, where they resided until 
 1867. He then purchased some land adjoining 
 the old place, to which he has continued to add, 
 now owning almost two hundred acres of choice 
 land. A few years ago he erected one of the finest 
 country residences in Smith township, including 
 many conveniences which can be found in no other 
 farm-house of the neighborhood. The dwelling is 
 elegantly furnished and very commodious, while 
 the barn— a substantial structure 10x60 feet, with 
 wing 28x80 feet — was built in 1892, and is one of 
 the finest in the township. In 1891 Mr. Leech 
 erected an aermotor, which pumps water, shells 
 corn, grinds chop feed for his own use, as well as 
 thousands of bushels per annum for his neighbors. 
 The first steam thresher used in the township was 
 owned by a company of which Mr. Leech was a 
 member. The first sewing machine (a " Wheeler 
 & Wilson ") in the vicinity was owned by the fam- 
 ily, and was a curiosity in its day. His farm is 
 situated about five miles from Burgettstown, on 
 what is called the "Contention tract," the Vance, 
 Campbell and Stevenson families all at one time 
 advancing claims to it, but which finally became 
 the "Campbell farm." 
 
 In politics he was formerly a Whig, and upon 
 the organization of the party became a Republican, 
 but has always limited his political interests to the 
 ballot, preferring to spend his time in other ways. 
 He and his wife are members of the Mt. Pros- 
 pect Presbyterian Church, of which he is a deacon. 
 
 JlOHN GARDNER, Sk., one of the pioneer 
 I settlers of this county, was born in 1757, 
 ] and died September 10, 1821. He came 
 from Wales to America about the middle of 
 the eighteenth century, settling on the banks of 
 the Potomac river, near Mt. Vernon, the home 
 of Washington, and was familiar with the patriot. 
 In his early days he came to Washington county 
 (between 1770 and 1774), married Elizabeth Clark 
 (in 1783), daughter of James Clark, and moved to 
 the farm, then known as Greathouse Castle, where 
 they both died. They were buried in Cross Creek 
 graveyard, where a marble monument, eight feet 
 high, marks their resting place, and bears their 
 names. 
 
 Elizabeth Clark, born in 1748, died October 1, 
 1853, was left by herself one day before her mar- 
 riage, busy at her loom, while her father, James 
 Clark, Alexander Leeper, a brother inlaw Samuel 
 Leeper, 'and others went to the Leeper farm to 
 build some fence; and John Yeaman went to a 
 garden, about one and one-half miles off, to get 
 
 some parsnips for dinner. The latter, on his re- 
 turn, stopped at a spring to get a drink of water, 
 and was sitting on a log resting, when the Indians 
 rushed on him, and killed and scalped him. The 
 same day, before they killed Yeaman, they came 
 on James Robinson and his son, where they were 
 fixing or preparing ground to plant potatoes. 
 The boy got on the horse, but the father missed 
 his jump and fell, and the Indians killed and 
 scalped him. The boy made home in safety. 
 The Indians came along where Miss Clark was 
 weaving. She, seeing them, got up in the loft of 
 the loom-shop, and covered herself with flaxtow. 
 They came in and took some meat from the pot 
 that was boiling on the fire, cut some of the web 
 off the loom and left. She expected to be burnt 
 alive, but they did not know she was there. When 
 the men came for dinner, she told the tale, and 
 they went to hunt up Yeaman, but found him as 
 described. They started in pursuit of the Indians 
 as soon as they could get help, aDd traced them 
 to the Ohio river, near Mingo bottom, in time to 
 see them climb the bank on the other side. Know- 
 ing there was a large force at Mingo, they re- 
 turned home, and next day they buried Mr. Yeaman 
 near where he was killed, under a gum tree on 
 the farm now owned by George Criss' heirs, one 
 and one-half miles west of Eldersville, where there 
 were several persons buried from 1770 to 1775. 
 Those were the last deaths at the hands of the 
 Indians in these parts. The whites had a fort 
 on the Richard Wells farm; but had not been 
 troubled much with Indians for sometime, so were 
 not on the lookout, and they had just come from 
 the fort a short time before. The grant of land 
 to John Greathouse, made by the Commonwealth 
 of Pennsylvania, comprised 289 acres on Harmon 
 run. It was surveyed March 7, 1775, and Septem- 
 ber 15, 1784, and deeded to Greathouse July 7, 
 1786, with other lands amounting to 4(111 acres. 
 
 The children boru to John and Elizabeth (Clark) 
 Gardner were William, born August 7. 1784; 
 Sarah, January 7, 1786; Margaret, July 26, 1785; 
 Lvdia, March 27, 1790; Rachel, November 25, 
 1792; John, October 2, 1794; James. May 29,1796; 
 David, March 28, 1798; Samuel, May 15, 1801. 
 All have passed away except •lames, who is living 
 with his son, Levi, in Hancock county, W. Va. , 
 where he has seventeen oil-producing wells on his 
 farm of 300 acres in the Turkey Foot oil region. 
 David Gardner, born March 23, 17 ( .»S, married 
 Nancy Donovan in 1819, and to this union the fol 
 lowing named children were born: Eliza, born 
 November 22. 1820 (married G. Swearingen); John, 
 October 1, 1S22 (married Parmelia Gardner, Au- 
 gust. 20, 1846); David (married Lizzie Merryman, 
 of Brooke county); Thomas (died in youth); James 
 (married Mary Sanders, of Brooke county, Va.); 
 George (married Mrs. Lizzie Robinson, of Steuben- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 899 
 
 ville, Ohio); Rezin (died in early youth); William 
 (married Carity Hendricks, of Brooke county, 
 Va. ); Rachel (married Reason Walker, of Wash 
 ington county, Penn.): Anne (married W. B. 
 Morrow, of Brooke county, Va. . now of Seliua, 
 Kans.); Martin (married Lizzie Sanders, of this 
 county); Mary (married D. F. Patterson, of Pat- 
 terson's Mills, Penn., now a prominent lawyer of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.). Thomas Donovan, Sr. , came 
 from Baltimore, Md., with his family in 1812, and 
 settled on the farm now occupied by his son, 
 Thomas, now a man over ninety years old. The 
 pioneer of the name in this county was born Sep- 
 tember 10, 17 — . On August 3, 1787, he married 
 Anne Cole, born November 7, 1765, and their 
 children were Honor, born May 26, 1788, married 
 Thomas Wheeler; John, born June 8, 1790, died 
 January 5, 1N34; Abram (1), born November 26, 
 1792, died November 26, 1795; Sarah, born March 
 11, 1795; Harriet, born March 17, 1797; Ellen, 
 born March 11, 1799; Nancy, born December Hi. 
 1800, married David Gardner in 1819; Thomas, 
 born February 14, 1803; Abram (2), born May 3, 
 1805; Cornelius, born September 20, 1807; Ruth, 
 born March 26, 1810; and Selina, born February 
 9, 1813. All are numbered with the dead, except 
 Thomas Donovan, named above. 
 
 Samuel Gardner, born May 15, ISO 1 , married 
 Ruth Sharp, in 1826. Their children were Per- 
 melia, born November 8. 1S27; Clarissa, Novem- 
 ber 17, 1829; Edward M., January 7, 1832; Jane, 
 July 14, 1834; John F., December 27, 1836; Levi 
 S., May 23, 1839; Samuel Scott, June 27, 1842; 
 James H, April 13, 1845, aud David Reeves. April 
 13, 1845. The father of this family died April 1, 
 1877, leaving to the heirs a tract of 600 acres con- 
 nected with the home farm. John Gardner, born 
 October 1; 1822, married Permelia Gardner, 
 August 20, 1846. She is the eldest daughter of 
 Samuel Gardner, named above. The children of 
 this marriage are D. S. Gardner, born July 9, 1847; 
 Edward Morgan, born June 16, 1849, died January 
 23, 1854; Thomas D., born October 14, 1850, died 
 March 21, 1S76; Marion F., born October 23, 1852; 
 Emma, born April 29, 1855; Ruth Ella, born De- 
 cember 7, 1858; Reason Walker, born November 
 19, 1861; Freeman Sharp, born September 14, 
 1864; Lucy Etta, born July 3, 1866; Nancy Cora 
 Austa, born January 21, 1869, and Robert C, 
 born November 12, 1872. 
 
 John Gardner, Sr., was a Presbyterian: Eliza 
 beth, his wife, united with the Disciple Church, 
 founded by Alexander Campbell, of Bethany, Va., 
 and commonly called Campbellites, now known as 
 the Christian Church, and was a faithful member, 
 and regular at all convenient meetings until she 
 lost her sight. Being blind for many years, but 
 very industrious, she was nearly always knitting, 
 and could shape a very nice stocking, knowing 
 
 when she would drop a stitch. Their son, William, 
 married Patty Wilcoxou, and settled near Lisbon, 
 Ohio; afterward settled on a farm near Holliday's 
 Cove, Va. Their children were John, Samuel, 
 Robert, William, Betsy, Verlinda and Margaret. 
 Sarah married Arch Freshwater, their children 
 being John, Arch, William, David, Fanny and 
 Betsy. Margaret married John Hindman, of 
 Brooke county, Va., settled on a farm on the road 
 from Washington (Penn.) to Steubenville (Ohio), 
 but exchanged that for other land and mill prop- 
 erty at Holliday's Cove, where they ended their 
 days. Their children were Betty, John (represent- 
 ative to Richmond, who was killed by the cars 
 while walking on the track in sight of his house 
 a few years ago), James, William, Samuel, Frank, 
 Cyrus, Harriet, Margaret and Mary, nearly all 
 devout Christians. Lydia married David Cham- 
 bers, settled at Cadiz, Ohio, kept a hotel for many 
 years, went on a farm and died, leaving John, 
 David, Nancy and Rachel. Rachel married Robert 
 Scott, settled and spent their days on a farm on 
 the pike from Wellsburg, Va., to Washington, 
 Penn., where they kept a tavern and store, and 
 worked their large and fertile farm, which still 
 belongs to their heirs, for many years. Both were 
 very useful members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church, and were the means of building the Frank- 
 lin meeting house. Their children were Eliza, 
 married to Rezin Reeves, of Wellsburg, Va. ; Per- 
 melia, married to Rev. James Hopkins, and located 
 at Sewickley, Penn. (Mr. Hopkins died a few years 
 ago; he was a ruling elder for many years; his 
 widow is still living); Katharine, married to Rev. 
 Crea, and they lived on part of the home farm 
 until their death; Mary, married Edward Hunter, 
 aud took the home house to live in, which is 
 now occupied by their two children, Robert and 
 Ella; Rachel, married to Rev. George Hudson (he 
 and family own part of her father's farm, she 
 being dead for many years); David, who went West 
 while young; McKendry, Fletcher and Ella, living 
 at Washington, D. C. ; John, married to Eliza 
 Reeves, of Brooke county, Va. , and lived at Wells 
 burg many years, where he kept a store and tavern, 
 and had an interest in a steamboat called "The 
 Swan" (he ran coaches, and was a very useful 
 man; he moved to a point opposite East Liverpool, 
 Ohio, where he had a large tract of land, built a 
 large house, established a ferry, aud left a consider- 
 ble fortune to his three children; he was justice of 
 the peace for many years); James, married to Mary 
 Sharp, and settled near Paris, Penn., on a beautiful 
 farm, raised a large family, became rich, and is 
 yet living (his wife died many years ago; his sons 
 were good workers, as were also his two daughters); 
 Eliza, married to Rev. James Campbell, who 
 preached in the Paris church for many years, 
 moved to near Cincinnati, Ohio, and died leaving 
 
900 
 
 11.1 SHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 his family on a fine farm; Levi, who owns ;i large 
 farm (on which there is much oil), and lives on it 
 (his children are all married; he married Miss 
 Hannah Vanordstrand) ; Samuel, a bachelor, lives 
 a rather retired life, spending the summer on 
 his farm near Paris, Penn., and at his line resi- 
 dence near Natchez, Miss., where he went to live 
 with an old aunt in his younger days (he saw- 
 pretty hard times during the war, and had a great 
 amount of property taken); David, married to 
 Miss Amanda Butterfoss, of Paris, Penn., settled 
 near his old home, and raised a large family; 
 James, the youngest son. married to Miss Mary 
 McGuire, who had two daughters, and died on her 
 way to Tennessee, where they were moving (he 
 owns a small farm near Colliers. Ya. ; his daughters 
 are both married, and he is alone). 
 
 David and Nancy, his wife, belonged to the M. 
 P. Church until their death in IN4V In Augu-I 
 David was a delegate to Conference, returned 
 home, and but a few days after was taken ill with 
 dysentery and died I he was a Jackson Democrat). 
 Their children were Eliza, who married George 
 Swearingen (they moved last to Ida county, Iowa, 
 where he died and she is still living); John, mar- 
 ried to Permelia Gardner, and living on the old 
 Samuel Gardner home 1 1 heir children are scattered, 
 two being in Dakota, the rest near home; three 
 are married, six single and two deceased); Samuel, 
 married to Ruth Sharp (they belong to the Church 
 of Christ); Edward is living on a partof the home 
 farm, married to Rebecca Gardner (he has erected 
 a fine house and other good buildings); S. S. has 
 a part of the homestead, and resides on it; D. R. 
 owns the farm of forty seven acres, well improved 
 land, where his father died. 
 
 M 
 
 ISS ANN C. MARSHALL. The Mar- 
 shall of Pennsylvania, Virginia and Ohio 
 are descendants of the four brothers — 
 John, William, Thomas and Robert Mar- 
 shall — who accompanied their sister Mary 
 from Ireland to America, early in the second half 
 of the eighteenth century. They were natives of 
 County Down. John Marshall was married in 
 Ireland to Nancy Kyle. They settled in Cross 
 Creek township, Washington Co., Penn., but re- 
 moved to Wayne county, Ohio, wheresomeof their 
 descendants still reside, others being found in 
 Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 William Marshall, the greal grandfather of Miss 
 Ann C. Marshall, married Mary Speers in Ireland, 
 ami to them five children were born: Thomas, 
 William, James, Jane and Barbara. He came here 
 before the Revolution to inquire into the condition 
 of the country; but the war of the Revolution 
 breaking out, he joined the patriots and fought for 
 the right. After the close of the Revolution ho 
 
 sent for his wife and children, and in 1783 they 
 arrived at Philadelphia. That year the reunited 
 family proceeded to Washington county, where 
 they found a temporary home in the house of An- 
 drew Russell, of Chartiers township, until they 
 settled on the farm in Cross Creek township, now 
 owned by A. V. Reed, later in that year. In 1788 
 William purchased I'M acres from David Vance at 
 15 shillings (or $1.87J) per acre (the same now 
 owned by David Gault). and on this tract the fam- 
 ily resided until the death of the mother in 1817, 
 when he and his son James removed to Wayne 
 county, Ohio, where the soldier anil pioneer shortly 
 after died. Of his children, Thomas was grand- 
 father of T. M. Berryhill, of Hickory, Penn., ami 
 was married to Katie Hamilton, and whose de- 
 scendants now reside in Ohio. James married 
 Jane Mc.Nary. of Wayne county, Ohio, removed to 
 Iowa, founded Marshalltown, and died there. Jane 
 married John Moore, and settled near Bulger, 
 Penn. Their children were William, John, Mary, 
 Elizabeth. Nancy, Jane and Ellen. Barbara mar- 
 ried Robert Glass, and settled with him near Liver- 
 pool, Ohio. William, grandfather of Miss Ann C. 
 Marshall, is referred to at greater length. Thomas 
 Marshall, one of the immigrants, married Margaret 
 Woodburn, settled for a time in Washington coun- 
 ty, but removed to a point near New Athens, Ohio, 
 where he died, and where many of his descendants 
 now reside. 
 
 Robert Marshall, born in Ireland in 1760, died 
 in L833. Coming to America in his youth, he en- 
 listed in the Continental line at the age of sixteen 
 years, in opposition to the wish of his mother, 
 who protested solely on account of his youth. He 
 served in six general engagements. At the age of 
 twenty three years he began to study theology un- 
 der Rev. Graham, continuing under Rev. McMill- 
 an, of Canonsburg, Penn., and was licensed to 
 preach by the Redstone Presbytery. For some time 
 he preached in what is now West Virginia; but in 
 1791 he removed to a point eight miles from Lex- 
 ington, Ky. , where he died. His first wife was a 
 Miss McCandless. After her death he married Miss 
 Glass. Descendants of Robert Marshall are found 
 toda\ in Kentucky. Mary Marshall, who married 
 Robert Walker, settled in Washington county, and 
 thence removed to Mar, Lawrence county. They 
 were the parents of six daughters and three sons. 
 
 William Marshall, grandfather of subject, mar- 
 ried Ann Crawford, daughter of Thomas Crawford 
 (who died in June. 1783) and Judith Crawford 
 Cassell-Adams, nee Jones (born in 174'2, died Oc- 
 tober 5, 1839). Mrs. Crawford was married three 
 times. From Thomas and Judith Crawford are 
 descended the Stephenson?, Marshalls. Creighs, 
 Moores and many other extensive families settled 
 in Washington county. Thomas was a son of Mar- 
 garet Shearer, by her first husband Crawford. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 901 
 
 It is related that on the return home of some of 
 her family from the interment of the first corpse 
 in Cross Creek graveyard, Mrs. Margaret Shearer 
 inquired where the grave was made, aud on being 
 informed, exclaimed, throwing up her hands: "There 
 is now a graveyard started, and I know I will be 
 the next;" which prediction came true. 
 
 William Marshall, born December 11, 1769, died 
 October 1, 1860, married Ann Crawford, born 
 February 19, 1774, died October 27, 1860. Their 
 children were Crawford (born in 1795j died in 
 1857); William (1797-1874); Thomas (1799-1890) ; 
 Stewart C. (1806-1871); Elizabeth (17114- 1838); 
 Judith (1802-1863); Margaret (1808 L867); Ann 
 Jones (1810-1877); Mary (1804 L878); Ruth 
 (1812 L846); Louisa (1815 L852) and Barbara 
 Jane (1818-1870). Of these, Elizabeth married 
 John Glass; to them one daughter was born, who 
 married Douglass Geary, of Candor, Penn. , where 
 their son, Robert Geary, now resides. Judith mar 
 ried Ewell Canon; Margaret married William 
 Aiken, who was born in 1799, died in L868; Ann 
 Jones married Thomas Wilson, who was born in 
 180(3, and died in 1882; Louisa married John 
 Duugan, while the other daughters never married. 
 The father of this family, William Marshall, son 
 of William, came from Ireland at the age of twelve 
 years; was in the service against, the Indians from 
 March 1, 1792, to September I. L792, under 
 Captains Samuel Smith and Robert Stephenson, 
 stationed awhile at Yellow creek, and then at 
 Goes. For this service he received a pension about 
 1837, and warrants for land. William, Jr., married 
 Mary Linville, and died near Des Moines, Iowa, 
 where his descendants still live. Stewart C. 
 married Mrs. Ann M. Register (who had one son 
 by first marriage, Wilson Register), and had four 
 daughters: Elizabeth A., Louisa J. (married John 
 M. Robertson), Susan Rebecca (married Pressly 
 Leech), Sarah A. (married John C. Barnes, now of 
 Fairfield, Iowa). 
 
 William and Margaret (Marshall) Aiken were 
 married March 16, 1829, by Rev. Alex. Donnan, 
 settled near Candor, where they resided until their 
 deaths, and were buried at Centre church. A 
 memorial window was erected to his memory in 
 Midway U. P. church. Their sous are William 
 Marshall, born October 22, 1832 (married Lizzie 
 Elder, and has two daughters); Joseph Wilson, 
 born December 29, 1845, died in 1892 (he married 
 Lulu Crawford; they resided at Burgettstown, and 
 had two children); Nancy married Samuel Jones 
 (now deceased), aud they resided at the old Aiken 
 homestead, near Candor, Pen u. (had two children — 
 Dellar and Frank); Ann married David Manson, 
 of Burgettstown (their children are Fred, Robert, 
 Mary, Ellen and Elizabeth, the latter of whom is 
 a successful teacher of music and painting); 
 Elizabeth married Benjamin R. McCarty, of Mid- 
 
 way (her children are Edward and Joseph); 
 Louisa married William H. McPeak, of Hickory 
 (they are the parents of one son, Robert Wilson 
 McPeak). Ann and Thomas Wilson had children as 
 follows: William Marshall, married Phebe, daugh- 
 ter of Col. S. Magill, reside in northern Nebraska; 
 Eleanor Ruth married A. W. Pry, near Hickory; 
 Margaret Jane married Craig Tweed Bebout, re- 
 moved to Caldwell county, Mo. (they have two sons 
 and three daughters). 
 
 Thomas Marshall, father of subject, married Si- 
 bella Campbell, who was a daughter of Jesse 
 Campbell (1779-1858), a sou of William Camp- 
 bell (1739-1801), who was a soldier in the Revo- 
 lution. William Campbell had a sister who mar- 
 ried Andrew Ritchie, and settled in Cross Creek 
 township. Jesse Campbell's wife was Sibella Mc- 
 Clure (1777-1840). They had sons: William 
 
 (married Mary Welch), Jesse (married — 
 
 Jones}, Robert (married Mary McCTure), John Mc- 
 C. (married Sarah A. Puder), Edward (married 
 Rusina Rankin). Of the three daughters: Sibella, 
 Elizabeth married Daniel McGugin, of Knox 
 county, Ohio, and Rebecca married her cousin, 
 < reorge Campbell; Sibella McClure's brothers were 
 Richard, Andrew, Robert (father of R. B. Mc- 
 Clure, Benjamin F. and Alexander McClure) and 
 
 John. Her sisters, Margaret (married Gal- 
 
 braifch), Rebecca (married James Ridgeway), Cath- 
 erine (married Sloan). Tho McClures 
 
 came from Ireland. 
 
 Thomas Marshall (born November 25, 1799, died 
 October 30, 1890) was married January 30, 1834, 
 by Rev. David Hervey, of Mt. Prospect Church, to 
 Miss Sibella Campbell, who was born March 1 5, 
 1806, and died September 14, 1807; their children 
 were Ann Crawford, born October 18, 1S36, un- 
 married; William, born January 10, 1839, married 
 Harriet ML Noah I have one son, William); Hadassah 
 Melissa, born March 2, 1840, married John Mil- 
 ton Rankin, March 3, 1864 (settled near Hickory; 
 removed in 1872 to a point near Elizabethtown, 
 Hardin Co., Ky., where Mr. Rankin died June 6, 
 1873; the widow and family returned to Washing 
 ton county, land lived with her father, and at his 
 death inherited part of the old homestead, where 
 they still reside. Her children are John Taylor, 
 Lincoln county, Neb.; Mary Sibella, a prominent 
 teacher; Thomas Marshall, Dessa Elm Orlou, Will- 
 iam Matthew Milton, who reside with their mother) ; 
 Rosannah, born June 17, 1841, married February 
 9, 1860, to Hervey B. Mcllvaine, removed to a 
 poiut near Fort Scott, Bourbon Co., Kans. (her 
 children are Frank Marshall, Nina Hervey, Sibella 
 J., Dessa A., Mary Ellen, Cora C. and Thomas 
 Lawrence); Mary Ruth, born September 20, 1842, 
 died March 18, 1892 (she married May 10, 1860, 
 William Perry, resided on the old Crawford Mar- 
 shall farm; they have two sons: Thomas Marshall, 
 
902 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 married to Anna Armstrong, and residing near 
 Washington, Iowa, and Lave children; and Will- 
 iam Campbell, who resides with his father at the 
 old home). 
 
 Miss Ann C. Marshall, a daughter of Thomas 
 Marshall and Sibella Campbell, is one of the highly 
 esteemed and most successful school teachers of 
 Cross Creek township. She was born on the farm 
 in Cross Creek township, which is now occupied 
 by William Perry, and began teaching school in 
 her early girlhood. She taught several years, and 
 achieved an enviable reputation in her chosen call- 
 ing, but retired from the profession on the death 
 of°her mother in 1867, and kept house for her 
 father. 
 
 JAMES B. BOYER was born February 25. 
 1822, in Butler county, Penn., and died July 
 '.I, 1889, in Monongahela City, respected by 
 
 clll. 
 
 His ancestors in this country were natives of 
 New Jersey, in which State James Boyer (his 
 grandfather) passed his early youth among the 
 peaceful Society of Friends. When a young man 
 he came to Pennsylvania, and purchasing a farm 
 in Peters township, Washington county, was there 
 married to Nancy, daughter of Col. Williarn 
 Blackmore. Five children were born to this mar- 
 riage, namely: John, Amy, Samuel, Peter and 
 Sarah (wife of Carvel Rigdon, brother of Rigdon, 
 the Mormon preacher), none of whom are now 
 living. 
 
 Samuel Boyer, son of James and Nancy Boyer, 
 was born in 1791, in Peters township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn. He attended the subscription 
 schools of the neighborhood, then taught several 
 terms in Beaver county, Penn. On February 8, 
 1821, he was united in marriage with Mary Boyer, 
 who was born April 10, 1800, died November 16, 
 1853, a daughter of Leonard Boyer, of Bethel 
 township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Samuel and 
 Mary Boyer resided in Beaver county, Penn., for 
 six years after their marriage; then returning to 
 Washington county, lived on the old home place 
 six vears. They finally bought and moved upon 
 what is now the Higbee farm, adjoining the old 
 homestead, where they died, the father July 18, 
 1878, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, leav- 
 ing children as follows: James B. ; Peter, living 
 near Library, Allegheny county; John W., are 
 tired farmer of Union township; Elizabeth, de- 
 ceased wife of David Higbee; Nancy, married to 
 E. T. Townsend, of Peters township; Amy, de- 
 ceased wife of D. Welch, of Limetown, and Lu- 
 cinda, second wife of her brother-in-law, David 
 Higbee. 
 
 James B. Boyer was reared to agricultural pur- 
 suits on the home farm, and received his education 
 
 at the subscription schools of his native township. 
 On August 24, 1853, he married Mary, daughter 
 of Henry Pomerene, of Allegheny county, Penn., 
 and to this union were burn two children: Mary E., 
 married to Samuel Cook, andMelinda. After mar- 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. Boyer took up their residence 
 on a farm in Peters township, whereon they re- 
 mained several years; then removed to Allegheny 
 county, where they made their home until 1873, 
 in which year they returned to Washington county, 
 and in Monongahela City prepared to pass the re- 
 mainder of their lives, where Mrs. Boyer is yet 
 living. Mr. Boyer was a typical self-made man, 
 one who by industry, prudence and judicious 
 economy made a success, and when he died he was 
 one of the largest property owners in the city. He 
 was enterprising, and at all times strove to advance 
 the interests of his locality. An ardent Repub- 
 lican, he for several years was a member of the Mo- 
 nongahela City Council. Consistent in his church 
 connection, he was a prominent adherent of the 
 Baptist faith. His wife is also a member of the 
 Baptist Church. 
 
 DAVID M. BOYD, a well-known and p 
 citizen of West Middletown, is a gn 
 of David Boyd, whose father, John 
 
 popular 
 grandson 
 Boyd, 
 was born in Ireland. This John Boyd came 
 to America when but a lad, and settled in Cumber- 
 land county, Penn., where he was married to Mary 
 Urie, who bore him four children: David, John, 
 Sarah and Rhoda. 
 
 While John Boyd the pioneer was on a business 
 trip to the house of Stewart, his children were all 
 captured by the Indians, and his wife scalped and 
 killed. The husband and father, on returning to 
 his little home, found his cabin in flames, and the 
 mutilated body of his wife lying upon the ground. 
 The children were nowhere in sight, and the 
 agonized father, after a frantic but almost hope- 
 less search, gave up the quest and mourned them 
 as dead. Meanwhile the little ones had been car- 
 ried off by the Indians. The son John and the 
 two daughters were never heard from afterward, 
 but David was taken to Fort Du Quesne in 1758. 
 He was then returned by the old Indian who 
 adopted him, and remained with his father at Car 
 lisle, Penn. As may be supposed, the young man 
 had little love for the Redskins who had so wan- 
 tonly destroyed the home of his boyhood, and he 
 became an active soldier in the Indian war. He 
 enlisted' under Washington, and served through 
 the entire contest, being present at the surrender 
 of Burgoyne and, later, at that of Cornwallis at 
 Yorktown in 1781. 
 
 After the close of the war David Boyd returned 
 to Cumberland county, Penn. , and was there mar- 
 ried to Elizabeth Henderson, who bore him chil- 
 ren as follows: James, John, Thomas, David, Will- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 903 
 
 iam, Nancy, Sarah, Elizabeth and Nellie. David 
 Boyd and his family came to Washington county 
 in 1787, and settled on the farm now occupied by 
 \V. W. Dinsmore. In politics Mr. Boyd was first 
 a Jacksoniau Democrat, afterward an ardent 
 Whig. He was an active politician, and served as 
 justice of the peace twenty-five years. He was for 
 many years a member of the Buffalo Presbyterian 
 Church oE Hopewell township. He died in 1830. 
 
 John Boyd, father of subject, was born iu 1784, 
 in Cumberland couuty, Penn., but was reared and 
 educated in Hopewell township, this couuty. Iu 
 early life he was married to Aseuath, daughter of 
 Eleven Williams, of Buffalo township, and the 
 following children were born to them: Hester 
 (married to Ellis Jones, and moved to Missouri), 
 David M. , Christiaua (married to Amos Clemens), 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Dr. McCabe), Sarah (Mrs. Cox, of 
 Kansas City), Caroline (widow of John Dougherty), 
 Parmelia (died in 1853, wife of Hugh Wilson), 
 James (died in 1842*. Nancy J. (wife of Hugh 
 Clark, of Wheeling, W. Va. ), Johu Q. A. (mar- 
 ried to Eliza Black) and Asenath (Mrs. John 
 Canon). Mr. Boyd served iu the war of 1812. In 
 early life he learned the carpenter's trade, which 
 he followed many years, and also kept an hotel 
 eight years. He took au active part in public 
 affairs, and was an ardent Republican, serving as 
 justice of the peace twenty five years. He died in 
 1860, his wife in 1808, aud both lie buried in the 
 Union Grove cemetery. 
 
 David M. Boyd, sou of John and Asenath (Will- 
 iams) Boyd, was born March '23, 1810, at West 
 Middletown, Hopewell township, and there re- 
 ceived his early education. On May 10, 1844, he 
 was married to Eliza Boyd, who bore him three 
 children: Cassius, Ruth and Thomas. The mother 
 died in 1805, and on May 3, 1866, Mr. Boyd was 
 united in marriage with Anna McNulty, of Colum- 
 bus, Ohio, who died in 1887. In early life he 
 learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
 twenty-five years, and was then (1853) appointed 
 postmaster at West Middletown. He held that 
 position eight years, and has since followed mer 
 cantile business. Politically he was a Democrat 
 from 1845 to 1861, but upon the organization of 
 the Republican party became a member of it. He 
 has held all the political offices of the borough, has 
 been a member of the school board for twenty 
 years, and justice of the peace twenty-five years. 
 In religion he was formerly a member of the M. 
 E. Church, but is now connected with the Presby- 
 terian Church of Buffalo. 
 
 AMUEL S. ROTHWELL, one of the oldest 
 residents of California, this county, was 
 born February 21, 1815, in East Bethlehem 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and is de- 
 scended from an English family who came to 
 
 America at au early day. Peter Rothwell, his 
 grandfather, was born, reared and educated in 
 Delaware, and was there married to Hannah Gregg, 
 who bore him the following children: Isaac G. , 
 born near Wilmington, Del., November 27, 1780; 
 Jared, who married Sarah Jackman, of East Pike 
 Run, Washington Co., Penn. ; and Samuel. Peter 
 Rothwell, who was a farmer in Delaware, came to 
 Washington county about the year 1800, locating 
 in Webster, where he remained some years, later 
 removing to Columbiana, Ohio; after some years 
 spent there he finally went to Adams county, Ohio, 
 and settled on Brush creek, where he and his wife 
 died of cholera. 
 
 Isaac G. Rothwell was reared in the State of 
 Delaware and Washington county Penn., receiv- 
 ing a fair common-school education. While yet a 
 boy he commenced an apprenticeship at the build- 
 ing trade with Daniel Johnson, at old Beason- 
 town, now Uniontown, remaining with him un- 
 til he had completed his apprenticeship. He 
 then took up his residence in Centreville, build- 
 ing the first house there in 1820; he also erected 
 the first tavern in the place. Here he followed his 
 trade some ten years, and then removed to East 
 Pike Run, where he purchased a farm, built a resi- 
 dence thereon and remained three years. His home 
 was in Greenfield, Washington Co. , Penn. ; his wife 
 died October 27, 1844, in Greenfield, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and he then removed to Adams county, 
 Ohio, whence, after a sojourn of about three years, 
 he returned to his old home in Delaware, and there 
 died, August 22, 1S46, and was buried in the 
 cemetery connected with the Presbyterian Church, 
 in which the grandfather of Judge McKennan 
 preached for over forty years. In 1813 he had 
 married Mary, daughter of Benjamin Kenney, a 
 native of Maryland, where he was married Septem- 
 ber 17, 1789, to Elizabeth Blair, who bore him the 
 following named children: Margaret, Mary, John, 
 James, Wesley, Rebecca and William. Mr. Ken- 
 ney was in p6litics a Whig and Abolitionist, in re- 
 ligion a member of the M. E. Church, having been 
 among the first to attend the Taylor church. The 
 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Isaac G. Rothwell 
 were Samuel S. ; Elizabeth, wife of Lemuel Beazell; 
 Hannah, Mrs. George Hornbake; Sidney, Mrs. 
 James Chapman; John, who served in the war of 
 the Rebellion; Jared; and Margaret, wife of John 
 R. Powell; all dead but Samuel S. The mother of 
 this family died October 27, 1844. Isaac G. 
 Rothwell was first a Whig, and afterward an out- 
 spoken Abolitionist; in his church preference he 
 was a Methodist. 
 
 Samuel S. Rothwell attended the common 
 schools, and so apt a scholar was he that he soon 
 found himself capable of teaching school, a voca- 
 tion he followed for many years. He learned the 
 trades of cabinet maker aud builder, and followed 
 
904 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 both in California for a period of about forty years, 
 many of the first houses in the place having been 
 erected by him. On December 22, 1835, he was 
 married to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Ashcroft, 
 a native of England, who when about twenty-two 
 years of age came to the United States, locating 
 near Webster, in this county. By trade he was a 
 machinist, and he made the cotton-carding-ma- 
 chine used in Brownsville; after moving from 
 place to place, in and around Washington county, 
 Mr. Ashcroft proceeded to Ohio, and* resided near 
 the town of Crestline, until the death of his wife, 
 when he returned to Washington, and for about 
 ten years made his home with Mr. Roth well (his 
 son-in-law), after which he revisited Ohio, and 
 there died at the age of ninety-six years, and was 
 buried. Mr. Ashcroft was a well-educated and 
 enterprising man; politically he was a Whig origi- 
 nally, and then on the formation of the party be- 
 came a Republican; in religion he was a prominent 
 member of the M. I']. Church, in which he was a 
 local preacher. After his marriage, Samuel S. 
 Rothwell made his home at what is now known as 
 Coal Centre, in this county, until 1849, in which 
 year he moved to the borough of California, where 
 he now lives. His children are J. W. (a photog- 
 rapher, in Washington, Penn.), Mary E. , Sidney. 
 Sarah O, Andrew L. (who was a teacher in Coal 
 Centre, but is now in West Brownsville), Isaac N. 
 (an artist, in San Antonio, Tex.), Charles Sumner 
 and F. J. LeMoyne, the last two named being de- 
 ceased. Mr. Rothwell was originally a Whig, and 
 afterward an Abolitionist; in 1854 he was a dele- 
 gate to the first Republican convention held in 
 Pittsburgh. He is a member of the M. E. Church, 
 and in 1840 was licensed as a local preacher, in 
 which capacity lie still serves with encouraging 
 success. 
 
 B 
 
 ENJAMIN F. GREENLEE, one of the 
 prosperous agriculturists of West Bethle- 
 1) hem township, is a native of the same, born 
 .July 12, L825, on the old homestead set 
 tied by his father. He is a son of Samuel Green- 
 lee, who was born, about the year 1787, in Dela- 
 ware, of German parentage, 
 
 Samuel Greenlee, father of Benjamin F., was 
 born and reared in Maryland, his boyhood being 
 passed in attending the schools of the neighbor- 
 hood of his home, and helping on his father's farm. 
 When yet a young man he moved with his parents 
 to Fayette county, Penn., where he was further in- 
 structed in agricultural pursuits under the precep 
 tor ship of his father. Be was married to Nancy 
 Gantz, after which lie removed to Washington 
 county, buying here L 30 acres of land, now owned 
 and cultivated by his son, Benjamin F. This land, 
 which was then a forest and thicket, has all been. 
 
 cleared, and is to-day one of the best farms in 
 West Bethlehem township. To the union of Sam- 
 uel and Nancy (Gantz) Greenlee were born chil- 
 dren as follows: Elizabeth, George, Jacob, Lewis, 
 John, James, Susanna, Mary. Margaret, Benjamin 
 F., Daniel, Albert and Anna, six of whom are still 
 enjoying the blessings of life, viz.: Lewis, a farm- 
 er, of East Bethlehem; Anna, now Mrs. Cooper, a 
 widow, living in Ohio; John and James, residing 
 in Morgan township, Greene county; Daniel and 
 Benjamin F., both in West Bethlehem township. 
 
 Benjamin F. Greenlee received in his boyhood 
 such education as was obtainable at the schools of 
 those early days. He learned farming, which he 
 has since followed on the homestead, where he still 
 resides. In March, 1854, he married Rebecca 
 Bigler, daughter of Michael Bigler, of German 
 lineage, and their children are: Nancy, wife of 
 James A. Gass. of Morgan township, Greene Co., 
 Penn. ; James, living at home with his father, mar- 
 ried to Sadie Imes, daughte* of Thomas and Sarah 
 (Johnson) lines, old settlers of West Bethlehem; 
 Henderson, a prominent business man of McKees 
 port, Penn., and Minnie, wife of William Woods. 
 residing in Homestead, Penn. Mr. Greenlee built 
 the residence in which he lives, making many im- 
 provements, and there prevails about the homelike 
 place an air of thrift and enterprise. There are 
 140 acres of his farm, all line land, upon which he 
 raises various kinds of stock, besides cereals and 
 root crops. Politically Mr. Greenlee is a solid 
 Democrat, and one of the influential advisers of 
 the party in his vicinity. He is respected and 
 esteemed by all who enjoy his acquaintance. 
 
 [( RNOLD LAWTON is the oldest living resi- 
 
 |\ dent of Cross Creek township, and has the 
 ^\ enviable and deserved reputation of being 
 one of the most successful agriculturists of 
 Washington county. 
 His father, John Lawton, was born in 1760, near 
 Newport, R. I., of English parents. He remained 
 on the home farm during his boyhood, and in 
 early life was married to Hannah Manchester, also 
 a native of Rhode Island. The young couple first 
 settled on a farm in their native State, but in 1812 
 Mr. Lawton concluded to seek his fortune in the 
 backwoods of Washington county, Penn. Being 
 prudent, he did notendanger his family by bringing 
 them with him on the first prospecting trip, but 
 walked all the way from Portsmouth, R. I., to 
 Washington county, viewing the land as he passed 
 along. He finally decided to settle on a tract near 
 West Middletown, in the fertile Cross Creek valley, 
 and returned to Rhode Island lor his family. In 
 the siuiiig of 1813 the journey to the new home in 
 the wilderness was made with wagons drawn by 
 oxen and one team of horses, and the party 
 
<rns 
 
WASHING TON CO UN TY. 
 
 DOT 
 
 arrived safely at their destination after traveling 
 some three months. To this pioneer couple the 
 following children were born: Job T., Phoebe, 
 Owen, Lucinda, Jessie Joanna, Arnold and 
 Harvey. 
 
 Arnold Lawton was born April 9, 1804. near 
 Portsmouth, R. I., and was ten years of age when 
 brought by his parents to Washington county. 
 On the last morning that Arnold spent in Ports- 
 mouth, his father bought a rosewood military rife, 
 which had attracted the fancy of the eager lad, and 
 the little instrument — purchased over seventy- 
 eight years ago — is yet in his possession, seemingly 
 uninjured by age. Another relic worthy of record 
 is an old fashioned skillet, made of very highly- 
 polished bell-metal, and bearing the name of the 
 manufacturer, also the date "1730." This article 
 was in constant use by the family until 1887, when 
 it was laid away as a relic, and the only evident 
 signs of the many years of service is in the legs, 
 which are worn short. Mr. Lawton has also in his 
 possession a very handsome violin made by himself 
 when a young man eighteen years of age. Since 
 his father's family first settled in Washington 
 county, Mr. Lawton has lived on his present farm 
 in Cross Creek township, upon which he has mad'' 
 many improvements of a most substantial nature 
 In 1857 he erected a large, handsome and substan- 
 tial barn, 60x80 feet, which was erected upon an 
 original plan of Mr. Lawton'sown, every part dis- 
 playing the very best style of workmanship, and 
 being executed under the direct supervision of the 
 owner. When at last finished, this barn was 
 universally conceded to be the finest structure of 
 the kind within the limits of Washington county. 
 It was pointed to with pride by the entire com- 
 munity, as an evidence of the mechanical skill and 
 taste possessed by a leading citizen, but in the fall 
 of 1887 it was burned with all its contents. This 
 was a heavy blow to Mr. Lawton, who had taken 
 so much pride and comfort in its erection. 
 
 In 1874 he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Mary Andrews, who was born in 1842, in Belfast, 
 Ireland, coming with her grandparents to America 
 when but seven years of age. They first located 
 in Steubenville, Ohio, but afterward settled in 
 Patterson's Mills, this county, where they died. 
 She then made her home with Mr. Lawton and his 
 sister, who was then keeping house for him. After 
 the death of this sister, Arnold Lawton felt the 
 need of a companion, and Miss Andrews being in 
 need of a home, the two (who had become very 
 much attached to each other) decided to unite 
 their lives. They have had four children, namely: 
 Ida, Minnie, John, and one unnamed, all of whom 
 died in infancy, and were buried in the family 
 burying ground, excepting Ida, who was interred 
 at West Middletown. At one time Arnold Lawton 
 owned over 700 acres of fine land, but has disposed 
 
 43 
 
 of all but 412 acres, which he keeps in an excellent 
 state of cultivation; and he has given much atten- 
 tion to raising sheep, having had as many as 600 
 at one time. Politically he is a stanch member of 
 the Democratic party. Now four-score and eight 
 years of age, he is yet remarkably bright and en- 
 ergetic, although he has retired from active farm 
 labor. 
 
 Cameron W. Lawton was born in 1874. He is 
 an adopted son of Arnold Lawton, and evinces- a 
 strong inclination for the higher and more instruct 
 ive class of literature. 
 
 f/OHN A. FINLEY. The Pinley family are 
 numbered with the earliest pioneers of 
 t Washington county, and are of Scotch origin. 
 ^^ John Finley was born in Scotland, whence 
 he emigrated in an early day. Coming to 
 America he first settled in Maryland, then moved 
 to Pennsylvania, and took out a patent for 1,000 
 ani's of land in Allegheny county. He was mar- 
 ried in the State of Maryland to Margaret Row- 
 land, who bore him the following children: Will 
 iam, John, Robert (a general in the militia), Jane 
 (Mis Curry), Margaret (Mrs. Baldwin), Isabelle 
 (Mrs. Cochran), Mary (Mrs. St. Clair), Susan 
 (Mrs. Wilson), Levi, James and Sarah (Mrs. 
 Neal), all of whom have passed away. The father 
 of this family was a Democrat in politics, and in 
 religion a member of the Presbyterian Church, of 
 which Dr. Marshall was then pastor; both parents 
 dieil on the farm in Allegheny county. 
 
 Levi Finley, son of John and Margaret Finley, 
 was born in 1798, on the home place in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., and his youth was passed amid the 
 scenes of pioneer life. He attended the subscrip- 
 tion schools, and after graduating at Jefferson Col- 
 lege, returned to the old place, remaining there 
 until 1830. On January 31, 1822, he was married 
 to Rachel Neal, youngest daughter of James and 
 Rachel Neal, born October 19, 1795, seven miles 
 above Pittsburgh, in the Moiiongahela Valley. 
 When her parents settled on the Monongahela 
 river, the surrounding country was inhabited by 
 roving Indians, and even at the time of her birth 
 it was necessary for the white settlers to protect 
 their homes and families from the torch and scalp- 
 ing knife of the Redmen. After their marriage 
 Mr. and Mrs. Levi Finley moved to Washington 
 county, and commenced housekeeping in the same 
 house in Finleyville in which she died, November 
 12, 1883, in the eighty-ninth year of her age. 
 Hence, with the exception of a few years, her 
 whole married and widowed life, extending over 
 a period of sixty years, were passed in that same 
 house. She was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, where she listened to the preachings of 
 Dr. Woods. Dr. Rolston and other good old divines 
 
908 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 that have all gone to their long homes many years 
 since. The following children were born to 
 Levi and Rachel (Neal) Finley: Margaret, Melissa 
 (wife of H.Baldwin Wallace), Susan M. (wife of 
 Rev. W. W. Laverty). John A., F. M. , and Bachel 
 N. (deceased wife of John S. Collins). In 1832 
 Mr. and Mrs. Finley moved to Greene county, 
 Penn., where they resided two years on a farm at 
 Rice's Landing, and he conducted a still-house. 
 They then came to Union township, Washington 
 county, and bought the Huston and Fawcett farms, 
 where they remained eight years, selling a large 
 quantity of coal. They finally bought the farm 
 of 5011 acres in Union township, adjoining Finley- 
 ville, and settled in Finleyville, then called " Row 
 Galley," but nicknamed " Rogues' Alley." The 
 name was then changed to Finleyville, and for 
 thirteen years Mr. Finley managed a hotel in the 
 old stone house which is yet standing. He was a 
 Whig and Republican in politics, and was a mem- 
 ber of the .Mingo Presbyterian Church. He died 
 June 21, 1861. 
 
 John A. Finley was born March 26, 1830, on the 
 Huston farm in Union township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. When a boy he came with his parents to 
 Finleyville, where his youth was passed. In 1854 
 he was married to Miss Alice Campbell, who was 
 born July 7, 1830, in Union township, this county, a 
 granddaughter of John Campbell, a native of Ire- 
 land, who emigrated from Ireland to America and 
 located near Finleyville, Washington Co., Penn.; 
 lie was married to Alice Huey, who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: Ed., Robert, George, John, Eliza 
 beth, Mary, Eleanor, Sarah, Alice and Elizabeth, 
 of whom none are now living. Robert Campbell, 
 father of Mrs. Finley, was born, in 179(1, on the 
 Swagler farm in Washington county. He married 
 Mai v, daughter of John Hindman, and their chil- 
 dren were Alice (1). John, Ed., William, Sarah, 
 Mary J.. Robert, and Alice (2) (Mrs. Finley). Of 
 this family Alice (1) and John are deceased; Ed. 
 was married to Miss E. Moore, and in 1800 was 
 elected prothonotary of Allegheny county. He 
 afterward moved to Fairfield, Iowa, where he owns 
 1,000 acres of land, and has been appointed United 
 States marshal. 
 
 John A. and Alice (Campbell) Finley began 
 wedded life on the farm in Union township, which 
 they yet occupy. Four children have blessed their 
 union, viz.: Mary (wife of William McChain; has 
 four children: Ed., William. James and Mary), 
 Levi Alvin (deceased June 15, 1S90, in his twenty- 
 ninth year); Alice (wile (jf R. C. McChain, ofUnion 
 township; lias three children: Louis, Bessie and 
 Bernice), and Susan M. Mr. Finley is a member 
 of the Republican party. The home farm contains 
 10.'! acres, from which he has sold a large amount 
 of coal. 
 
 ILLIAM BERRY, the subject of this 
 sketch, was born February 23, 1837, in 
 Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He is a son of John and Jane (Eagleton) 
 Berry, formerly residents of Mt. Pleasant 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. His mother 
 died in January, 1844, and was interred in the 
 Presbyterian cemetery near Venice. His father 
 died in June, 1881, and was interred in the United 
 Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek. William 
 Berry had two sisters and four brothers: Jane, 
 married to Ebenezer Carson, residing in Paxton, 
 Ford Co., 111.; Rachel, married to Robert Herron, 
 residing in North Strabane towuship, this county; 
 John M., residing in North Strabane township, this 
 county; David W., who fell mortally wounded in the 
 battle of Cold Harbor, June 2, 1804, and was in- 
 terred in the United Presbyterian cemetery at 
 Pigeon Creek; Carson M., residing in South 
 Strabane township, this county; Joseph B., died in 
 November, 1881, and was interred in the United 
 Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 William Berry spent his youthful days on his 
 father's farm in Cecil township, receiving a com- 
 mon school education at the Plum Run school in 
 Chartiere township. When fifteen years of age he 
 removed with his father to North Strabane town- 
 ship, where he resided until May 29, 1862, when 
 he married Jane, daughter of William and Mary 
 (Boyd) Barr, of Somerset township, this county; 
 she died August 26, 1865, and was interred in the 
 United Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek. 
 On May 22, 1867, Mr. Berry married Martha Stew- 
 art, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Barr) Pat 
 tison, of White township, Indiana Co., Penn., and 
 to them were born live children: Margaret J., 
 David W., Robert P., Mary E. and Martha P., 
 whose lives have all been spared by a kind Provi- 
 dence. William Berry has always been a liberal 
 friend of education, giving his children the advan- 
 tage of a college course. He connected, when 
 young, with the United Presbyterian branch of the 
 Church, of which he still remains a member. His 
 political sentiments have always been Republican. 
 After marriage he settled on a farm near Clokey 
 villi', where he has since resided, making a specialty 
 of bleeding and caring for Black-Top Merino sheep, 
 in which he has been very successful, having a 
 large flock which he has a right to be proud of. 
 
 JfOHN POLLOCK. This gentleman has been 
 a prominent figure in the political, business 
 | and religious circles of Washington county. 
 His grandfather. John Pollock, was born near 
 Gettysburg, Penn., and when a young man came 
 to Washington county, locating on 133 acres of 
 land in Union township, where his three children — 
 .lames. Samuel and Mary — were reared. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 909 
 
 James Pollock, son of John, was horn about 
 1795, near Gettysburg, and came with his parents 
 to Washington county. At an early day he evinced 
 the unusual mechanical ability which is so char 
 acteristic of the entire family. He made all sorts 
 of articles from wood or iron, and finally learned 
 the cabinet maker's trade, which he carried on, 
 and in later life he followed farming. When yet 
 a young man he was married to Mary, daughter 
 (if William Patten, and the following children 
 were born to them: Samuel, John, Martha (wife of 
 Dr. J. B. Williams, of East End, Pittsburgh), 
 Esther, William, Mary, James, Sarah, and David 
 (who was a soldier in the Union army). Of these 
 William, Mary and James are deceased. The 
 father was a Whig, and a member of the Mingo 
 Presbyterian Church. He died in 1N44. 
 
 John Pollock, son of James and Mary (Patten) 
 Pollock, was born December 18, 1818, on the old 
 place in Union township, Washington county. On 
 January 1, 1851, he was united in marriage with 
 Nancy, daughter of Isaac Van Voorhis, of Carroll 
 towuship, Washington county. The young people 
 then moved to Mouongahela, where he was en- 
 gaged in the lumber business for six years, after 
 which they returned .to their present farm of ninety 
 six acres in Union township, Washington county. 
 To them were born children as follows: Mary, 
 Coralinn, Sarah B. , James K. , Isaac V., William 
 J., and one that died in infancy. Of these the 
 only two living are Isaac V. nnd William J. The 
 mother died July 9, 18N4, since which time Mr. 
 Pollock has resigned the management of the place 
 to his two sons. He has always voted the Republican 
 ticket, ami has served in various township offices. 
 In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyte- 
 rian Church at Mingo, and has tilled the office of 
 trustee of same. 
 
 Isaac V. Pollock was born on the home place in 
 Union township in 1860. He graduated at Duff's 
 Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1888 
 he was married to Mary E., daughter of William 
 B. Henry (deceased), an insurance agent of Green 
 ville. Penn., and they have had one daughter, 
 Mary. W. J. Pollock was born October 13. 186S, 
 and is living on the old homestead in Union town- 
 ship with his father and brother. 
 
 J (AMES P. CHAMBERS is one of the most 
 prominent of the many successful farmers of 
 J Donegal township. The great-grandfather 
 Chambers came from County Derry, Ireland, 
 in 1790, and settled in Lancaster county, 
 Penn. His wife died during the voyage, and was 
 buried at sea. One of his sons, James Hamilton 
 Chambers, who had settled in Virginia some time 
 before, was the first representative of the family to 
 land on American soil. Among the children of 
 
 James Hamilton Chambers we hud recorded Joseph 
 H, a successful shoe merchant, who, in later years, 
 turned his attention to farming, having purchased 
 the home farm from the other heirs in Marshall 
 county, W. Va. He was united in marriage with 
 Rebecca Bell, a lady of American birth, and of the 
 children born to this union our subject is the sec- 
 ond in order of birth. 
 
 James P. Chambers was born September 30, 
 L825, in Marshall county, W. Va. He worked on 
 his father's farm until the age of nineteen, and 
 then began the carpentry business. On Decem- 
 ber 25, 1849, Mr. Chambers married Mary Porter, 
 then purchased a valuable farm of PJO acres, one 
 mile east of West Alexander, on which he has 
 erected a fine dwelling and a commodious barn. 
 To his marriage with Miss Porter seven children 
 were born: Samantha J. , the oldest daughter, be- 
 came, at the age of fifteen years, a successful 
 school teacher in the district school, and continued 
 teaching for four years, or to the date of her mar- 
 riage with William G. Lewis, October 27, 1870, 
 he being a farmer of Ohio county, W. Va. Mar- 
 garet N., second in order of birth, was also a noted 
 instructor, in music, and as a successful school 
 teacher; she began her six years of successful 
 teaching at the age of eighteen, and married John 
 W. Murray, real estate agent of Washington, 
 I' October 14, 1875. William P. died in in- 
 fancy. Mary R. died at the age of sixteen years. 
 Laura Bell, noted for her correct instructions and 
 powerful voice in music, married Samuel Bushfield 
 October 2, 1879 (Mr. Bushfield is a skilled and 
 competent workman at the carpentry business in 
 West Alexander). James A., sixth in order of 
 birth, residing here, has become a successful 
 grower of fine stock. Ada M. resides with her 
 parents. 
 
 The greatgrandfather Porter was Scotch Irish, 
 and came from Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1791, and 
 settled in the East. One of the sons, William, 
 came from the East and took up 225 acres of laud 
 in West Finley township, upon which he resided 
 until his death June 4, 1818. He and his devoted 
 wife were successful in their many efforts, although 
 their crops were often destroyed by the Redmen, 
 and they had often to flee to the blockhouse for 
 safety, leaving all their possessions at the mercy 
 of the Indians. They had seven children. Thomas, 
 the eldest son, was our subject's father. Mr. Por- 
 ter married Margaret Neal, of pure Scotch descent, 
 who devoted her noble life to her husband and fain 
 ily. They resided at Pittsburgh, Penn., for a 
 number of years, where he was foreman in a boiler 
 foundry. As that occupation was not suited to his 
 constitution, he left the city, came to the farm, pur- 
 chased his brothers' and sisters' interests in the 
 old homestead, and followed blacksmithing and 
 farming. Of the seven children that blessed their 
 
910 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 union, our subject was fourth in order of birth, 
 having been l>orn April 14, 1825. Thomas Porter 
 resided upon the farm until his death, March 22, 
 1S4<). Mary P., our subject, was noted as a school 
 teacher, and was a devout and Christian woman, 
 always the idol of her many Christian admirers. 
 
 diOSEPH BELL traces his ancestry to one 
 George Bell, a native of eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, who was there married and reared a 
 large family. In the latter part of the last 
 century, George Bell, and a neighbor, Mr. 
 McDonald, came with their families to Allegheny 
 county, Penn. They had previously intended to 
 locate on the present site of Pittsburgh, but being 
 dissatisfied with the country in that vicinity came 
 down the Monougahela river until they arrived at 
 the first large branch, Chartiers creek, which they 
 followed to Mansfield. The two families thensop- 
 arated, the McDonalds moving west and the Bells 
 ascending the Chartiers. The latter pioneers finally 
 located on a large tract in the vicinity of Canons- 
 burg, this county, where George Bell passed his 
 life in forming the foundation of a home for his 
 descendants. He was one of the first members of 
 the Seceder Church in Washington county. 
 
 Joseph Bell, a son of this hardy pioneer, was 
 born in 17<57, in eastern Pennsylvania, and passed 
 his youth on the home place. In early life he was 
 united in matrimony with Elizabeth Sharp, and 
 the young couple soon afterward moved to Beaver 
 county, where they purchased a farm, and reared 
 the following children: John, Mary, Robert, James, 
 Keziah and Joseph. The father was a Whig in 
 polities, ami in religion was formerly an active 
 member of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting 
 with the Associate Reformed. He passed the last 
 years of his life at the home of his son in Colum- 
 biana county, Ohio. 
 
 Robert Bell, father of subject, was born May 5, 
 1801, in Beaver county, Penn., and remained on 
 the home place .luring his boyhood. In early life 
 he was united in marriage with .lane, daughter of 
 James Tornes, and she bore him five children: 
 James, Robert, Eliza, .lane and Joseph. Mr. Bell 
 when a young man learned the cooper's trade, 
 which he carried on in connection with farming. 
 Up was very well educated for those days, having 
 had the advantage of an academic training, and 
 was an energetic and progressive citizen. In poli- 
 tics he was originally a Whig, afterward uniting 
 with the Republican party. He was a member and 
 trustee of the U. P. Church On September 26, 
 1S70. Mr. Bell was accidentally killed. 
 
 Joseph Bell, the subject proper of this memoir, 
 was born January 'J. 1835, in Beaver county, Penn. , 
 and received his elementary instruction inthecom- 
 ii schools, afterward attending the academv at 
 
 Murdocksville aud Paris, Penn. He commenced 
 teaching at the age of seventeen years, a profession 
 he followed with eminent success until he was 
 thirty-five years of age.. In 1870 he began the 
 practice of dentistry in Florence, this county, con 
 tinning in that profession there fifteen years; then 
 opened an office in Pittsburgh, where he practices. 
 After a time he moved to Burgettstowu, this county, 
 and here has his residence. On January S, 1859, 
 he was united in marriage with Agnes, daughter 
 of Adam Reed, of Beaver county, Penn., who bore 
 him two children: Annie and William. Mrs. Bell 
 died January 10, 1870, and on March 14, 1871, 
 Mr. Bell married Mary, daughter of Martin Tucker. 
 They have had two children: Martin F. (deceased) 
 and Mary A. Our subject has attained eminence 
 in his chosen calling, and enjoys a large and lucra- 
 tive clientage, his success being due entirely to his 
 ability as a dentist and courtesy as a gentleman. 
 He is a member of the TJ. P. Church, and has been 
 trustee of his church several years. Politically he 
 is an active Republican. 
 
 J/ AMES ACKELSON enjoys the distinction of 
 I being one of the oldest living representatives 
 | of the early settlers in Hanover township. 
 having resided upon the farm where he is 
 now living for more than four-score years. 
 Samuel Ackelson, his father, was born about tho 
 year 1760, in County Down, Ireland, where he re- 
 ceived a common-school education, and there 
 learned the trade of weaver. In 1792 he married 
 Margaret Donaldson, also a native of Ireland, born 
 December 15, 1772, in County Down. The young 
 couple sailed for America soon after their marriage, 
 landing in New York at the close of a seventeen- 
 weeks voyage. Their first permanent location was 
 made near Cauonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he purchased a small farm and followed the 
 weaver's trade. He resided in Robinson township 
 several years, and coming to Hanover township in 
 1814, located on the home farm where he died in 
 L832, followed by his wife in 1849. The following 
 children were born to them: Mary (wife of Joseph 
 Bailey, Robinson township), born November 12, 
 1793; Thomas (a farmer, living near Washington 
 borough), born August 10, 1796; Margaret (Mrs 
 Samuel Lindsey, of Pittsburgh), born August 26, 
 I7'.H); James, sketch of whom follows, and Samuel. 
 born June 12, 1814. Of this family James is the 
 only living member. 
 
 James Ackelson was born October 3, 1807, in 
 Chartiers township. Washington Co., Penn., and 
 during his boyhood attended the old log school 
 house, furnished with slab seats, puncheon floors, 
 and lighted by means of greased paper windows. 
 In L832 he was married to Mary Donaldson, who 
 was born in 1813, a daughter of Jacob Donaldson. 
 
ccry^e^l 
 
WASlllXGTON COUNTY. 
 
 913 
 
 a resident of Hopewell township. Three children 
 were born to this marriage, namely: Samuel (de- 
 ceased), Thomas (living on the home farm) and 
 Margaret (wife of William Frazier, of Frankfort, 
 Beaver Co., Penn.). The mother died in 1863, 
 and was laid to rest in the Robinson Church cem- 
 etery. On March 18, 1869, Mr. Ackelson made a 
 second choice in the person of Rachel, daughter of 
 Hugh and Rachel (Reed) Wilson, of Allegheny 
 county, Penn. Mr. Ackelson has always been a 
 prosperous farmer, and of late years has retired 
 from active business, his sun managing the place. 
 Before the war he was a Democrat, but since then 
 he has been an earnest advocate of the principles 
 embodied in the Republican party. He is a vigor 
 ous man for one of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Ackel- 
 son are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Frankfort. 
 
 diOHN A. GAULT, fruit grower and agrieultur 
 ist, is a graudson of David Gault. who was born 
 of Scotch-Irish parents, and resided in Can 
 onsburg, Washington Co., Penn. He learned 
 and followed the tanner's trade, and when a 
 young man was married to Jane Russell, by win mi 
 he had the following children: Alexander, John. 
 Mary, Ibbie, Margaret, William, David, Betsey, 
 Sarah and Andrew Russell. 
 
 Andrew Russell Gault, father of John A., was 
 born about the year 1800, in Canonsburg, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., where he learned the tanner's 
 trade. After attaining his majority he removed to 
 Jefferson township, Allegheny county, where for 
 twenty-five years he followed the distilling busi 
 ness, also in Mifflin township, same county. He 
 then moved to the adjoining township of Elizabeth, 
 where he resided fifteen years, finally returning to 
 Washington county. About the age of forty he 
 was married to Miss Mary Ami Mowry, daughter 
 of John Mowry, a prominent citizen of Allegheny 
 county. Their children were: Christina J., John 
 A., William (1) and William (2) (both of whom died 
 in infancy), Sarah E. and Andrew R. M. Mr. 
 Gault was possessed of decided opinions, but was 
 unassuming in manner. Politically he voted with 
 the Republican party, and in religion was a mem 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church at Mingo. He died 
 in 1879, his wife in 1889. 
 
 John A. Gault was born August 23, 1846, in 
 Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 passed his boyhood days in Elizabeth township, 
 Allegheny county. He attended the common 
 schools, and, afterward, Duff's Business College, 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. On November 10, 1875, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of 
 William Pease, a prominent farmer of North Stra- 
 bane township, Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Gault began their married life on the farm which 
 
 they now occupy in Union township, this county, 
 and seven children complete their family circle, as 
 follows: Mary E., Donald L., Emma C, Olive E., 
 Nora V., Jennie M. and John A. The home place 
 contains 108 acres of very fine land, a portion of 
 which is used exclusively for the raising of fruit. 
 Mr. Gault is a Democrat in politics, and has been 
 elected to various offices of trust in his township. 
 He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 _- HE BENTLEY BROTHERS. These well- 
 known citizens and prosperous agriculturists 
 of Union township are of English descent. 
 During the Colonial period one George 
 Bentley was drafted into the British ser\ ice. 
 and came to America as a member of the royal 
 troops. After the war he located permanently in 
 Chester county, Penn., where he was married to 
 Jane Carson, a native of Ireland. Their son 
 Joseph was born in Chester county, Penn.. and for 
 some time resided in Shireoaks. Washington Co., 
 Penn. He was married to Mercy, daughter of 
 Samuel Dailey, and then settled on a part of the 
 Nathan Dailey tract. He afterward bought the 
 Logan tract, and there built the stone house and 
 distillery which is yet standing, the latter having 
 been in operation until 1802. Children were born 
 to these pioneers as follows: Benjamin, Levi, Eli, 
 Jesse, Absalom, George, Mary (wife of Thomas 
 Wilson) and Wilson, all of whom are now deceased. 
 Jesse Bentley, son of Joseph and Mercy Bent- 
 ley, was born in 1797, in the old stone house at 
 Shireoaks, Washington Co., Penn. In 1820 he 
 was married to a cousin, Mercy Dailey, and moved 
 to Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, where he followed 
 the business of millwright. He remained in that 
 place eight years, where four children were born to 
 him, namely: Angeline, Caroline, Carrodan and 
 David. The family then returned to the old home 
 at Shireoaks, Washington Co., Penn., locating on 
 the Taylor farm, where Benjamin, the fifth child, 
 was born. The father followed the coal business 
 here between the years 1828 and 1840. He died 
 in 1842, and the family continued to reside on the 
 farm until 1855, when they moved to Parkersburg, 
 W.Va., and years later went to Sadorus, Champaign 
 Co., 111. The mother died in 1869, and in 1879 
 David and Benjamin returned to Pennsylvania, 
 and took charge of the estate left by their uncle, 
 George Bentley. They remained until June, 1892, 
 when they sold the place for $350 per acre to a 
 manufacturing company, since which time they 
 have retired from active life. Samuel and Joseph 
 are yet living in Illinois. David Bentley was born 
 November 3, 1826 and Benjamin was born August 
 25, 1829. Both are members of the Republican 
 party. 
 
914 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 liS. MARY D. BLAYNEY. The earliest 
 representatives of the Blayney family in 
 the United States, of whom there is any 
 record, were Charles Blayney and his par- 
 ents, who came from Ireland to America 
 when Charles was seven years of age. Soon after 
 landing they settled in what is now Ohio county, 
 W. Va., ami here the parents carried on farming 
 during the remainder of their lives, and here 
 Charles alsn passed the rest of his days. He ac- 
 quired his education at the subscription schools of 
 the period. He married Ann Potter, who bore 
 him children as follows: William. Vincent M. and 
 Josiah. The mother of these dying. Mr. Blayney 
 for his second wife married Nancy Faris, and the 
 children born to this union were John, Elizabeth 
 (wife of William Reed), Susanna (wife of John Val- 
 entine), Charles, Martha (wife of Rev. George 
 McDonald), James, David, Adam, Rev. Henry 
 and Rev. J. McCluskey. The father of this fam- 
 ily died June 11, 1800, the mother November 10, 
 1880. 
 
 Vincent M. Blayney. the second son of Charles 
 and Ann (Potter) Blayney, was born in Ohio coun- 
 ty, W. Va., January 12, 1815, and received a lib 
 era! education at the schools of his locality. On 
 August 27, 1844, he was married to Mary D. , 
 daughter of Samuel Douahey, of Buffalo township. 
 Joseph Donahey, father of Samuel, was a native 
 of Ireland, whence he emigrated to this country 
 with his wife Mary Alexander, and two children, 
 becoming one of the earliest settlers of Washington 
 county, Perm. His children were William and 
 Jane, born in Ireland; and Samuel, Joseph, Mary 
 and Margaret born here. The father of this fam- 
 ily was a member and for years an elder of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo; in politics he 
 was an Old-line Whig, and he was a successful and 
 enterprising citizen. Samuel Donahey was born 
 in Buffalo township, Washington Co.,Penn., about 
 1786, where he was reared to farm life, receiving 
 his education at the schools of the neighborhood. 
 In his early manhood he was married to Anna, 
 daughter of William Reed, and to this union were 
 born the following children: Joseph. William, 
 Margaret (wife of Rev. J. M. Smith), Mary D. 
 (Mrs. Vincent M. Blayney), Jane (wife of Rev. J. 
 Marshall) and Anna (wife of Rev. J. M. Shields). 
 Samuel Donahey was a consistent member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, and at the 
 time of his death, December 25, 1840, was an elder 
 in the same. Politically he was originally a Whig, 
 and afterward, on the formation of the party, a 
 stanch Republican. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Vincent M. Blayney, after a resi 
 dence of six years in Ohio county, W. Va. , settled 
 on the farm in Buffalo township (where the family 
 continue to reside). Mr. Blayney had by his first 
 marriage one child, John S., and by his second, 
 
 five children: Anna J. (wife of Dr. D. S. Eagleson), 
 Rev. Charles P.. Samuel D. (ruling elder in the 
 I'pper Buffalo Presbyterian Church), William V. 
 and Joseph C. Mr. Blayney was called from 
 earth March 18, 1887. He was a warm supporter 
 of the Presbyterian Church, and a devout member; 
 politically he was a stanch Republican, and at 
 various times held offices of trust in his township. 
 His life vocation was general farming and stock 
 raising, at which he made a well-merited success 
 through assiduous industry and perseverance. A 
 progressive and loyal citizen, he gave liberally of 
 his means to all public enterprises. 
 
 d|OHN BAILEY, one of the oldest living resi- 
 dents of Washington county, was born 
 j August 11, 1817, in Robinson township. He 
 is a grandson of Alexander Bailey, who was 
 born in Scotland, removed to Ireland when a 
 small boy, and was there married to Jane Brown, 
 a native of that country. Eight children were 
 burn to this union, viz.: Matthew and William, 
 both born in Ireland, the former June 6, 1749, the 
 latter May 2, 1752; Anna, born November 30, 
 1753; Mary, born July 14, 1755; Jane, born 
 March 22, 1858; Alexander, born December 29, 
 1761; James, born September 27, 1763; and John, 
 born September 24, 1765, all of whom were born 
 in America. In an early day the parents, with 
 their two eldest children, left their native shore, 
 and coming to America first located in Maryland. 
 In 1785 they moved to Pennsylvania and, pur- 
 chasing 190 acres of land in Washington county, 
 there made a permanent home. The wife of Alex- 
 ander Bailey survived him many years, and died 
 on the old homestead at the age of one hundred 
 and seven years, when the home farm was be- 
 queathed to John, her youngest son. 
 
 John Bailey was born in Maryland, and in 1799 
 was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Gailey, 
 who bore him the following children: Jane (resid 
 ing in Robinson township), born April 27, 1 S()( 1 ; 
 .Matthew, born May 7, 1802 (deceased); Nancy 
 (living in Indiana county, Penn.). born .Fulv 6, 
 1804; Alexander, born October 31, 1806 (deceased); 
 Margaret, born April 7, 1809 (deceased); James, 
 born October 7. 1811 (deceased); Mary (widow of 
 S. Ewing, of this county), born February 6, 1814; 
 John (subject of this sketch ); Anna, born November 
 7, 1819; and William, born May 13, 1823. Mr. 
 Bailey cast his first vote for George Washington; 
 he afterward became an active worker in the Dem- 
 ocratic party, and gave liberally to all public 
 improvements, being especially interested in re- 
 ligious and educational enterprises. He died in 
 L851, having been preceded by his wife in 1845. 
 Both were members of the Raccoon Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
WASHING TON CO I X T V. 
 
 915 
 
 John Bailey (whose name opens this sketch) re- 
 ceived his early education in the schools of Robin- 
 son township. In June, 1869, he was united in 
 marriage with Margaret Stewart, who was born 
 June 27, 1833, daughter of John and Harriet 
 (White) Stewart, both of whom were natives of 
 Washington county; they were the parents of 
 three children: Margaret, Charles and David, of 
 whom Margaret, the eldest, is the only one now 
 living. Mr. Stewart died when Margaret was very 
 young, and his wife (who was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church) died in 1887. Two children 
 have come to the union of John and Margaret 
 (Stewart) Bailey, viz. : Cora L. , born March S, 
 1870; and Harriet B., bom October 25, 1874. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are active members of the 
 Raccoon Presbyterian Church, and he not only 
 favors, but emphasizes his approval by giving 
 financial assistance to all worthy enterprises of the 
 neighborhood; he is an active worker in the Dem- 
 ocratic party. His farm contains ninety-five acres 
 of the old homestead, which is in an excellent 
 state of cultivation. A brother, William, and 
 sister, Anna, both of whom are unmarried, are also 
 living on ninety-five acres of the old farm. 
 
 William Bailey (an uncle of subject), two 
 Shearer boys, two McCandlasses and one McNely 
 were captured by the Indians while working in 
 the harvest field, William being the only one of 
 the party who esoaped alive. 
 
 WILLIAM DONLEY. The first of the 
 Donley family to come to Washington 
 county was the grandfather of the subject 
 of this sketch. He was a teamster on the 
 National pike, and his occupation taking 
 him frequently through the county he had ample 
 opportunity to become acquainted with its many 
 attractions. The promising appearance presented 
 to him decided him in making it his future home, 
 and accordingly he made a settlement. His wife, 
 Mary, was of German parentage. 
 
 William Donley, a son of this honored pioneer 
 couple, spent all his life in Washington county, of 
 which he was a native. In his early manhood he 
 had learned the trade of brick maker, which was 
 his life vocation. His first brickyards were situ- 
 ated on what is now East Wheeling street, in 
 Washington borough, and the entire hillside from 
 where is now the home of Samuel B. Donley to 
 the residence of Judge Mcllvaine, and from 
 Wheeling street to Beau street, was cut down a 
 foot deep or more in order to furnish clay for the 
 manufacture, in Donley's yard, of bricks, of which 
 many of the prominent buildings of Washington 
 are constructed. William Donley 'married Miss 
 Mary Claffey, and children as follows were born to 
 them: William, now a resident of Virginia; Thomas 
 
 and Robert (both deceased); Samuel B., George 
 and Charles, all residing in Washington, Penn. : 
 Mary, wife of Luther Miller, of Washington; 
 Margaret (deceased) and Ellen, wife of S. B. 
 Sumney. The father died at the age of fifty-five 
 years, the mother in 1880, aged sixty-five. 
 
 Samuel B. Donley was born in Washington, 
 Washington Co., Perm., December 1, 1845, and 
 his education was received at the common schools 
 of the borough. Early in life he went to work in 
 his father's brickyard, and for twenty years he lias 
 been in the business. His present yard is situated 
 in the southern extremity of the borough limits, and 
 gives employment to from fifteen to twenty hands, 
 the production averaging 12,500,000 brick per 
 annum. 
 
 On February 28, 1869, Mr. Donley was united 
 in marriage with Miss Eliza McQuay, of Canton 
 township, a descendant of one of the early settlers 
 of that part of the county, and to this union have 
 been born five children, to wit: William, married, 
 and living in Washington, Pent).; and Frank, 
 David, Mary and Loietta, all yet under the 
 parental roof. The Donley residence is situated 
 on East Wheeling street, which has recently been 
 built up and improved till it is now one of the 
 most pleasant and attractive thoroughfares in the 
 borough, and on which for several years Mr. 
 Donley's family were the only residents. In 
 politics our subject is a Democrat, and in church 
 connections a Presbyterian. 
 
 LOUIS KINDER (deceased) was a son of 
 , Valentine Kinder, and a brother of George 
 I Kinder. His great-grandfather, George 
 — ' Kinder, resided on Plum Brush, and fol- 
 lowed the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as a tradei 
 and boatman. For a time he was successful in 
 business, but, being overtaken by financial trouble, 
 a few years later went to New Orleans and never 
 returned. His son George was born in East Beth- 
 lehem township, this county, and lived in that 
 vicinity until after his marriage, when he was ac- 
 cidentally killed in a carding-mill which he owned 
 and operated. The maternal grandfather of our 
 subject, Christian Boone, was born in Greene 
 county, Penn. He had no educational opportuni- 
 ties, and followed farming and carpentry, but 
 eventually became a successful business man. 
 
 Valentine Kinder, father of subject, was born in 
 1805, in East Bethlehem township. He received 
 a limited education in the common schools, and 
 was a good penman. When a young man he went 
 to Galena, 111., upon a mining expedition, thence 
 proceeding to St. Louis he raised a crop of corn, 
 and returning home, taught school for a time. He 
 then married Miss Julia Boone, at which time his 
 entire worldly property amounted to $35. He 
 
916 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 located just below the present home of his son. 
 George, and remained there two years. He 
 then removed to West Mill. Six years later he 
 bought the home of his sun Louis, where he lived 
 a number of years, and thence removed to the old 
 Nicholls farm near Hillsborough. At the time of 
 his death, which occurred June 12, 1890, he left 
 $10,000 for distribution, having previously divided 
 $50,000 among his children. 
 
 Louis Kinder was born October 21, 1834, on 
 Pigeon creek, West Bethlehem township, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn. When a young child his par- 
 ents moved to the old home farm, where he was 
 reared, and resided with his family. Although his 
 school advantages were comparatively limited. 
 Louis Kinder became a good scholar and an 
 earnest reader, and one of the best informed men 
 in his community. On December 10, 1S56, he was 
 married to Nancy Roberts, a daughter of J. D. 
 and Elizabeth Roberts, and soon after his mar- 
 riage he began business for himself upon the home 
 farm. 
 
 J. D. Roberts, the father of Mrs. Louis Kinder, 
 was born in 1802 upon the old farm in West Beth- 
 lehem township, and in early life followed the 
 carpenter's trade, from which he saved enough to 
 purchase his farm, where he spent, the remainder 
 of his life, accumulating a good property. In 
 1827 he married Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter of 
 Alexander and Catherine Hamilton, and they had 
 the following named family of children: Sarah. 
 Leonard, Henrietta, Catherine, John, Wesley, 
 Elizabeth, James, Antoinette and Nancy. Mr. 
 Roberts and family were members of the Methodist 
 Chm - ch. He died on the farm on January 10, 1877, 
 and his wife at Hillsborough on January 10, 1889. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kinder had the following 
 children born to them: Elizabeth Jane (deceased). 
 Wilber Leonard, Curtin, Iona, Anna, Valentine 
 and Frank. Mr. 'Kinder was a Republican, and 
 took much interest in the workings of his party. 
 He was a highly-esteemed citizen and neighbor, 
 and a successful business man. He was in the 
 United States service about nine months, enlisting 
 in the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry in 
 March, 1864. In religion he was a Lutheran, 
 while most of his family were members of the 
 Methodist Church. Mr. Kinder died October fi. 
 1889, deeply mourned by his friends and neigh 
 bors. He left to his family an excellent farm of 
 130 acres. 
 
 ¥ OHN W. PRY, one of the leading merchants 
 of Burgettstown, was born May 9, 1846, in 
 fr Cross Creek township. His father, Abraham 
 ^^ Pry, was born November 10, 1813, in Hamp 
 shire county, W. Va. , and died when the son 
 was but four years of age. The child was left to 
 struggle through the perplexities of boyhood un- 
 
 aided, but by dint of perseverance and energy he 
 secured an education, and when about twenty-two 
 years of age came to Washington county, Penn.. 
 settling in Cross Creek township. In 1840 he was 
 there married to Rachel, daughter of David Mc 
 Clurg, of same township, and the young people 
 settled on the farm where they are yet living. The 
 following children have been born to their union: 
 David M., Catherine J. (deceased), John W.. Will 
 iam H. and Joseph M. (twins, the latter of whom 
 is deceased), Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), Anna 
 M. (deceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and 
 Francis H. (deceased). The father of this family 
 was originally a Democrat, then a Whig, and 
 finally united with the Republican party, whose 
 principles he now supports. He attends the Cross 
 Creek Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally 
 to its maintenance. 
 
 John W. Pry, second son of Abraham and Rachel 
 (McClurg) Pry, passed his youth on the home 
 farm, receiving a common-school education. In 
 1804 he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-first 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry, being sent to the army of 
 the Potomac in the vicinity of Richmond, Va., 
 where he took part in the closing scenes of the 
 war. In August, 1865, he was mustered out of 
 the service and returned home, afterward remain- 
 ing with his parents until twenty-three years of 
 age. He then moved on a farm in Cross Creek 
 township, where he lived four years, and finally 
 opened a general merchandise store in Burgetts- 
 town, where he has since been employed. On 
 September 26, 1867, he was married to Mary E., 
 daughter of John C. Rea, of Cross Creek town- 
 ship, this county. Mrs. Pry died January 5, 1887, 
 and is buried in the family cemetery at Cross 
 Creek. She left two children: Charles Lyle and 
 Rachel C. Mr. Pry is a successful and energetic 
 business man, and in politics is an active member 
 of the Republican party. 
 
 IfOSEPH E. JACKSON is probably the oldest 
 . I native born citizen of Hanover township 
 ^ J) whose life has been wholly spent in the 
 
 township, and is the oldest living represent 
 alive of the oldest family in the township. The 
 family were numbered among the first of those 
 heroic men and women, who, leaving childhood's 
 home and early friends, braved the innumerable 
 perils to establish civilization in the unbroken 
 wilderness. When we read the record of these 
 early martyrs we may well exclaim with the poet: 
 
 Wlimn do we call our heroes, to whom our praises sing? 
 Tlir pampered child of fortune, the titled lord or king) 
 They live by others' labor; take all ami nothing give. 
 The noblest types of manhood are those who work to live. 
 
 In 1772, two brothers, Joseph and Philip Jack 
 son, came from their eastern home in search of Gov 
 
s ^fc 
 
 
 ~v r» 
 
 c^eWisn/ Up. Uto&4&<UrK^ 
 
WASIILXGTOA COUNTY 
 
 919 
 
 eminent land, and crossing the mountains, pushed 
 on till they stood on the western shore of the Mo- 
 nongahela river, within the limits of what is now 
 Washington county. They were finally attracted 
 by the heavy timber and thick shrubbery indica- 
 tive of fertile soil, and pausing on the boundaries 
 of Hanover township, proceeded to mark out an 
 extensive claim with their tomahawks. Their only 
 weapons were two trusty flint-locks, with which to 
 defend themselves against the prowling beasts of 
 the forest or a more wily human foe. Traces of 
 Indians were plentiful, and with the utmost can 
 tion did the young men move from tree to tree, 
 marking off their claim, and ever listening for the 
 stealthy footfall of moccasined feet. They suc- 
 ceeded in thus taking up an immense tract of land, 
 but, desiring to form a colony, returned to their 
 homes before making any improvements. By 
 offering every possible inducement they persuaded 
 a number to return with them and seek a fortune 
 in the "far West." Any article of clothing was 
 accepted in lieu of payment for laud, some giving 
 a hat, or shirt, or any article most easily spared. 
 When the colony was at length fully organized, 
 they bid a last farewell to friends and neighbors, 
 and with necessary supplies began the toilsome 
 journey over the mountains, finally arriving safely 
 at their destination. A rough shelter of poles and 
 leaves was immediately erected, which was soon 
 supplanted by log cabins, and religious services 
 were then held regularly. In the absence of any 
 minister, prayer-meetings were held, and a church 
 being organized the two Jackson brothers were 
 appointed as the first elders, both of whom con- 
 tributed liberally to its support. It is impossible 
 to exaggerate the intrepid spirit and untiring en- 
 ergy of these men, who gave their lives that future 
 generations might enjoy the blessings of a pros- 
 perous home. The following children were born 
 to Joseph Jackson: Thomas (who moved to Bel- 
 mont county, Ohio, locating on a farm which is now 
 the site of Centreville), Edward, Fanny (wife of 
 Robert Scott), Rosanna (Mrs. Jonathan Potts), and 
 Deborah (married to Joseph Crawford). 
 
 Edward Jackson was reared among the priva 
 tions of frontier life, receiving a very limited edu- 
 cation, and from early youth assisting in clearing 
 the land. He was married to Rebecca Jackson, a 
 native of Maryland. She was a daughter of Will 
 iam Jackson, who was no relation of Edward, but 
 came to Hanover township in an early day. To 
 the union of Edward and Rebecca Jackson sixteen 
 children were born, of whom the following attained 
 an adult age: Elizabeth (Mrs. John Mayhew. Pugh, 
 W. Va.), Mary (wife of David Fulton, Hanover 
 township), Lydia (Mrs. John McCullongh, of 
 Florence), William (of Hanover township), Ed- 
 ward, George, Thomas. Andrew, David, Simeon and 
 
 Rebecca. Of these, Joseph E. and Andrew are 
 yet living. The father was originally a Whig, but 
 during Jackson's administration joined the Dem- 
 ocratic party. In church relation he was a zealous 
 member of the M. E. Church, although reared in 
 the Presbyterian faith. He died in 1848, having 
 been preceded to the grave by his wife about five 
 mouths. They are buried in the cemetery at 
 Florence. 
 
 Joseph E. Jackson (the subject proper of this 
 sketch) was born July 31, 1807, on the old Jackson 
 homestead in Hanover township. He grew to 
 manhood on his father's farm, and for a short time 
 in the winter season attended the rate schools of 
 the vicinity. The children were usually set to 
 work on the farm at an early age, and Joseph was 
 no exception to that rule. In 1832 he was mar 
 ried to Mary Cunningham, who was born in 1802, 
 a daughter of Francis Cunningham, who was a na- 
 tive of Maryland and an early settler of Hanover 
 township. After his marriage Joseph Jackson lo- 
 cated in Hanover township, along the headwaters 
 of King's creek, where he erected a very substan 
 tial and commodious dwelling, also making numer 
 ous other improvements. Being overtaken by a 
 disastrous fire, this residence was entirely con 
 sumed with all the contents. After the accident 
 he removed to an adjoining farm, which he owned 
 and has ever siuce resided there. Mr. Jackson 
 began life with no capital, and has always been a 
 leading farmer, now owning over six hundred acres 
 of good land. He is yet able to do chores about 
 the house and light farm work, in which he de- 
 lights to be employed. Politically he has always 
 supported the Democratic party, and in religion 
 for over fifty years has been a member of the M. 
 E. Church. Mrs. Jackson passed away in 1868, 
 leaving the following children: James (a farmer of 
 Jefferson township), Edward (a farmer of Hanover 
 township), Margaret (Mrs. John Anderson, of Jef- 
 ferson township) and Rebecca (wife of Johnson 
 Hitchcock, of Harrison county, Ohio). 
 
 AMUEL B. BARNARD is a prosperous ag- 
 riculturist of unusual culture and brilliant 
 business faculties, and is one of the most 
 highly respected citizens of West Bethlehem 
 township. The Barnard family is of Scotch origin, 
 the early ancestors having emigrated from Scot- 
 land to America, where they settled in Washington 
 county, Penn. 
 
 Ignatius Barnard, a son of these pioneers, and 
 grandfather of subject, was born October 25, 
 1762, on the home farm in West Bethlehem town- 
 ship, this county. In early life he married Eliza- 
 beth Lewis, of Virginia, who bore him children as 
 
920 
 
 WA SI fix a TON COUNTY, 
 
 follows: Mary (Mrs. William Buckingham), James 
 (who married Julia Bricker), Samuel (mentioned 
 below), Ignatius (who died in infancy), Permelia 
 (Mrs. Joseph Wise), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Ross), 
 Nathan (who married Hannah Zollars), and Cath- 
 erine (unmarried). 
 
 Samuel Barnard, father of subject, was born 
 December 1, 1796, in West Bethlehem township, 
 and after receiving a limited education began life 
 on the old homestead, which ho afterward 
 inherited. He was a prominent farmer and stock 
 raiser, ami very successful in his chosen vocation. 
 On April 6, 1820, he married Eleanor Barnes, who 
 bore him rive children: John (who died in in- 
 fancy), Demas (mentioned presently), Samuel B. 
 and Elizabeth (Mrs. George Gayman) (twins), and 
 Eleanor (Mrs. Isaac Kinder) (deceased). Of these 
 children, Demas volunteered at Grafton, Va., and 
 entered the Washington Cavalry, under Capt. A. 
 J. Greenfield. He was wounded in Virginia, and 
 when told that his hours were numbered he said 
 to his captain: "They say I must die. I would 
 like to live a while longer to kill more traitors." 
 He died mourned by every comrade, February 12, 
 1863, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery, 
 near his home. Mrs. Barnard died February 23, 
 1839, and on March 12, 1843, Samuel Barnard was 
 united in marriage with Elizabeth Drake, who 
 passed away August 10, 1860, and January 26, 
 1881, Mr. Barnard followed her to the grave. 
 
 Samuel B. Barnard was born August 31, 1835, 
 on the home farm, where he assisted his father in 
 the management of his estate until the Civil war 
 began. The farmerwas then quickly transformed 
 into a Union soldier, enlisting October 14, 1862. in 
 Company E, of the "Ringgold Battalion." He 
 was a gallant and efficient defender of the flag, 
 taking part in many important engagements, and 
 was eventually transferred to Company F, Twenty- 
 second Pennsylvania Cavalry. On July 19, 1865, 
 he received an honorable discharge. At the close 
 of the war he returned to the home farm, which 
 he has since conducted very successfully. On 
 June 12, 1884, Mr. Barnard married Mary L. 
 White, whose parents were early residents of 
 Washington county, Penn. Of this union were 
 born five children, viz.: Twin daughters, born 
 June 15, 1885 (deceased): Samuel W.. born June 
 '20, 1886; Mary Eleanor, born February 3, 1888, 
 and Charles L., born October 3, 1890 (deceased). 
 The home farm contains 145 acres of valuable 
 land, situated in the southern part of West Bethle- 
 hem township. In politics Mr. Barnard is a Re- 
 publican, and has tilled various offices of trust sat- 
 isfactorily to all concerned. He is honored as a 
 man and as a citizen, and, having achieved pros- 
 perity by honest effort, fully merits the reward he 
 has won. 
 
 JfOHN McCLAY, one of the oldest living rep- 
 resentatives of his family in America, was 
 J born in 1809, in Hopewell township, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn., a sou of Samuel McClay, 
 who was born in Ireland, and who, at the tender 
 age of ten years, resolved to seek his fortune in 
 the New World. 
 
 Embarking on a sailing vessel, Samuel com- 
 menced his voyage to America, and after a stormy 
 passage of many weeks landed at New York; 
 thence proceeded to Pennsylvania, where he worked 
 out his passage, as was the custom of the time. 
 (The transportation companies would bind out 
 their passengers until their wages had paid the 
 expenses of the passage across the ocean.) When 
 the youth had paid the debt in the manner we have 
 described, he commenced life for himself, and 
 settling in Chester county, in the Keystone State, 
 began business upon the economical principles 
 which have become the peculiar characteristics of 
 his descendants. In early manhood he was united 
 in marriage with Sarah McClellan, a resident of 
 Chester county, whose family had at an early day 
 come from Ireland to the shores of America. Mr. 
 and Mrs. McClay remained in Chester county until 
 they had accumulated a little wealth, and then re- 
 moved to Washington county, where they pur- 
 chased a small tract of laud (110 acres), which 
 they at once engaged in clearing and improving. 
 Their children managed this part of the work, as 
 the health of the father began to fail, and he had 
 to occupy himself in the less arduous business of 
 teaming and stock trading. The children of this 
 pioneer family were Margaret (Mrs. Robert Dins- 
 more). Elizabeth (Mrs. William Morrow), John, 
 David, Robert, William and Sarah Jane. They 
 were all members of the Covenanter Church, and 
 so thoroughly were they imbued with the principles 
 of their faith, that the impress of their zeal is still 
 plainly seen in their descendants, who are nearly 
 all ardent and conscientious workers in the church 
 of their forefathers. Politically Mr. McClay was 
 an enthusiastic Whig, and was very active in the 
 interests of hie party. After a useful life he 
 passed from earth in the year 1838, followed by 
 his wife in 1842. He left his family a comfort- 
 able inheritance. The influence of such men never 
 dies, although they may spend but few years 
 among us. 
 
 John McClay, the subject of this memoir, spent 
 his earlier years in active work upon the home farm, 
 receiving but a limited education, at the rate 
 schools of the vicinity, the only test books used 
 being the " United States Speller," the " Western 
 Calculator" and the Bible. The school-house was 
 a log building, and the huge fireplace which 
 extended across one end of the room was filled with 
 logs which the older pupils cut from the forest 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 921 
 
 trees. Tbe clothing of the family was entirely 
 home-made — the flax being first spun into linen, 
 and then the fabric was dyed and made into gar- 
 ments. On April 26, 1838, Mr. McClay was mar- 
 ried to Jane, daughter of James Smith. She died, 
 and September 15, 1841, our subject married Jane, 
 daughter of Robert Welch. By this union there 
 were born the following children: Sarah (Mrs. D. 
 W. Morrison), who died August 6, 181)2; William 
 W., John H. and Robert H. In 1857 Mr. McClay 
 married Sarah Taggart, who lived but fifteen 
 months, and December 15, 1869, he married 
 Margaret, daughter of James Brownlee, who was 
 one of the earliest settlers of Washington county. 
 She had no children. 
 
 Mr. McClay has been one of the most successful 
 husbandmen in his township, securing by hard 
 work and economy a comfortable competence, and 
 is now, toward the close of a long and useful life, 
 enjoying the fruits of his earl)' toil. Mr. McClay 
 had long been a member of the Covenanter Church, 
 and remained with them until 1 sr«S. when he united 
 with the U. P. Church, in which he has ever since 
 been an active and zealous worker. Politically he 
 was originally a Whig, later a Republican, and is 
 now in the ranks of the Prohibition party. He has 
 always favored progressiveness, and has done all in 
 his power to advance the interests of his township. 
 
 J [AMES TAGGART MARQUIS was born 
 October 9, 1825, on the farm in Jefferson 
 township, this county, which is now his 
 home. His grandfather, John Marquis, was 
 a native of Wales, and, coming to America, settled 
 near Baltimore, Md., where he remained but a 
 short time. He then came to Cross Creek town- 
 ship, and located on the farm where he died. His 
 wife was formerly Sarah Griffith, a native of 
 Virginia, and they were the parents of nine chil- 
 dren — six sons and three daughters — namely: 
 Thomas, John, Mary, Sarah, Edward, Robert, 
 James, Anne and William. 
 
 John Marquis (father of subject) was born 
 January 10, 1784, and was trained from early 
 youth to the duties of a pioneer farm. He en- 
 listed in the war of 1812, remaining in the service 
 till the close of the conflict. On November 10, 
 1816, he married Elizabeth Taggart, and they 
 had a family of seven children, namely: Samuel 
 F., M. D., Julia A., Margaret, James T. John R , 
 Sarah J. and William E., of whom are yet living. 
 William E., in New Cumberland, W. Va., and 
 James T. . subject of the present sketch. 
 
 James Taggart Marquis was early in life inducted 
 into the mysteries of agricultural pursuits, which 
 have always been his vocation. On January 31, 
 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary 
 Bucher, a school teacher, daughter of Abner 
 
 Bucher (who was also a school teacher in early 
 life), and nine children have been born to them, 
 namely: John A., Lizzie R. (wife of Rev. J. B. 
 Lyle), Lawrence Verne, Julia Belle, Mary Lee, 
 Lulu Pauline, Maggie Lenora (called by the tender 
 Shepherd to His Bosom in infancy), James Tag- 
 gart (triumphantly entered into rest March 28, 
 IV')', and Nannie Archer. Mr. Marquis has 
 always resided on the home farm, and is the owner 
 of 100 acres of land. His children are all well 
 educated, several of them having graduated: John 
 A. is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson 
 College, Washington, Penn., also of the Western 
 Theological Seminary, Allegheny, Penn., now 
 pastor of the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 
 Greensburg, Penn. ; Lizzie R. and Mary both 
 graduated from Blairsville Ladies' Seminary 
 (subsequently Mary taught three years in this same 
 institution); Lulu and Belle attended the Blairs- 
 ville Seminary (Belle is now engaged in teaching 
 in the High School Department of Brainerd In- 
 stitute, Chester, S. C). In religious connection 
 the family are all members of the Cross Creek 
 Presbyterian Church, of which Mr. Marquis has 
 been a ruling elder since his ordination, March 11, 
 1880. 
 
 [For historical sketch of the ancestry of Mr. Marquis 
 
 sec history of Marquises elsewhere in this work. 
 
 rINLEY B. WINNETT, M. D. Washington 
 county enjoys the reputation of having in 
 her midst some of the most skillful physi- 
 cians of the State, and not by any means the 
 least of them is the gentleman whose name here 
 appears. Dr. Winnett was born in Fallowfield 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., August 10, 1848, 
 a son of J. W. Winnett, whose wife was Mary 
 Biddile, and they had four children: Finley B., 
 Hiram (deceased), Margery (deceased wife of S. 
 B. Weir), and Elizabeth (deceased wife of Dr. H. 
 H. McDonough). 
 
 Finley B. Winnett received his rudimentary edu- 
 cation at the academy at Hoges Summit, Penn. 
 In 1867 he commenced to read medicine with Dr. 
 David Shauor, of Beallsville, Penn. After two 
 years he commenced a course of study in Jefferson 
 Medical College, Philadelphia, which was followed 
 by a course at Long Island College, Brooklyn. 
 N. Y., where he graduated in the class of 1870. 
 The Doctor then commenced the practice of his 
 profession at Scenery Hill, a town situated on the 
 National pike, some twelve miles from the borough 
 of Washington, this county. Here he remained 
 eight years, when, his health having become im- 
 paired, he moved to Nebraska, where he received 
 the appointment of assistant surgeon for the U. P. 
 P. R. R. Company, a position he held during his 
 sojourn in that State; was also for some time pen- 
 
922 
 
 WASHINGTON ( 'OUNTT. 
 
 sion examining agent for the U. S. Government. 
 In 1884 he was nominated for the Legislature to 
 represent the couuties of Cheyenne, Sioux and 
 Keith, coming within seventeen votes of being 
 elected. In 1875 Dr. Winnett received the "ad- 
 ritiulem medicine degree" from Cleveland Med 
 ical College. In 1885 he returned to Washington 
 county, to the vicinity of his former home/con- 
 tinuing his practice until 1889, when he moved 
 into the borough of Washington. He enjoys an 
 enviable popularity as a successful physician and 
 general practioner, his ride being a very extensive 
 one, and his practice one of the largest in the 
 i". unity, all his old patients remaining with him. 
 He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and of 
 the I. O. O. F., and vice-president of the U. S. 
 Excelsior Building & Loan Association of Wash 
 ington. 
 
 In 1869 Dr. Winnett was married to Miss Isabel 
 Scott, daughter of John D. Scott, of Somerset 
 township, and two children were born to them: John 
 Elmer (who attended college one year at Thiel ami 
 one at Washington), and Ray (attending Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College). John Elmer was 
 for a short time at the head of his father's 
 drug store, which he conducted with an abil- 
 ity seldom attained by men of his age. But 
 the grim monster, death, loves a shining mark, 
 and after a slight exposure and cold, at first 
 trivial or slight, it developed into tuberculosis. 
 He was prescribed for by some of the best 
 physicians of the East, and tried for a while the 
 seashore. Finding no relief, he was taken to Colo- 
 rado, and Manitou Springs, and from there to 
 Mexico. Finding no panacea there, he was 
 brought home to his father, where he lived only a 
 few weeks. His classmates in both colleges de- 
 plore his taking away. He was an honored mem- 
 ber of the I. O. Heptasophs, who feel that a brother 
 is gone. His parents feel the loss of a noble son 
 more than mere words can express. 
 
 i\ILLIAM GALBRAITH. an influential citi- 
 zen of Carroll township, is a native of the 
 fair " Green Island " which has given so lib 
 erally to America of its noblest product 
 — the warm-hearted energetic sons and daughters 
 of Erin. Robert Galbraith was born in 1774, in 
 Ireland, where he was married to Elizabeth Alexan- 
 der, ami whore the following children were born to 
 them: Robert. William and Frances. In 1825 lie 
 and his family came to America, locating in Carroll 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 
 William Galbraith, the only living representa- 
 tive of his family, was born July 14. 1810, in Ire- 
 land, where he attended school and resided until 
 fifteen years of age. when he came with his parents 
 to America. His education was practically fin 
 
 ished in the old country, as one day's experience 
 in an American public school was all he afterward 
 received. He learned the boat-building business, 
 and was set to work at an early age to assist in 
 paving off the debt on the home farm, consisting of 
 200 acres. He followed the boat business between 
 the years 1827 and 1840. when the hard times of 
 1837 brought disaster upon that branch of indue 
 try. On A pril 211, 1N35, he was united in marriage 
 with Lucinda, daughter of Noah Fry. William 
 and Lucinda Galbraith reared the followiug chil- 
 dren: Robert, living in Allegheny County, served 
 three years in the war of the Rebellion: William. 
 who was also a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, 
 and served three years under Col. Hambrightin the 
 Seventy-ninth Regiment P. V. I., and was killed 
 in an accident in Nevada in the silver mines; Noah, 
 a farmer in Delaware county, Ohio; Emeline. de- 
 ceased wife of Frank Williams, ami Cornelius, a 
 resident of Kentucky. The mother died in 1845, 
 and for his second choice William Galbraith was 
 married November 30, 1848, to Mary, daughter of 
 William Hill. The children of this union were 
 Samuel, an enterprising farmer; Elizabeth, de- 
 ceased wife of Albert Wickerham; John, assisting 
 on the home place; Alexander, a farmer of Ea.-t 
 Pike Run township: Mary Frances, wife of John 
 P. Mosier, of North Strabaue township, this 
 county; Thomas, living on the old place; Stephen 
 A. B. (deceased), who was a graduate in the class of 
 1SS6 at Washington and Jefferson College (died 
 while attending the Medical College, Philadelphia. 
 December 3. 1SSU) and Ethel, living at home. In 
 1829 Mr. Galbraith erected the large barn, which 
 is a model of workmanship and convenience, and 
 in 1S66 he built the handsome brick residence 
 which is his home. He is the inventor of the "steel 
 bit," a carpenter's tool, and is a most enterprising 
 citizen. 
 
 THE SAMPSON FAMILY, who are among 
 the most influential and wealthy citizens of 
 Carroll township, were formerly natives of 
 Westmoreland county. Penn.. where Will- 
 iam Sampson was born iu 1765. He was 
 married in that county to Mary Neal, who bore 
 him four children. Some time after his marriage 
 the family moved to Washington county. Penn.. 
 where the father died in 1815. 
 
 James Sampson, son of William and Mary, was 
 born February 5, 1806, just above Webster, on 
 the Monougahela river, in Westmoreland county, 
 Penn., and in 1S40 was married to Mary Grant, a 
 native of Washington county. She bore him 
 seven children, of whom are named William T. , 
 Harvey J., and John G. The mother died in 1888. 
 James Sampson carried on a distillery in his early 
 years in connection with farming, and he now 
 owns 1 ,250 acres of land. He was president of the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 923 
 
 Bank of Monongahela City for ten years, and is 
 oiie of the leading citizens of Washington county. 
 John Grant Sampson, a very prominent young 
 farmer and wealthy stockman of Carroll township, 
 was born February 6, 1852, on the old Sampson 
 homestead in this county. He passed his youth 
 on the old place, assisting with the usual duties of 
 the farm, and on Christmas Day, 1879, linked his 
 future with Mary V., daughter of John S. Will- 
 iams, of Carroll township. To this union have 
 been born live children, viz.: Mary Gertrude, Will 
 iam Howard, James Grant, Helen Marguerite, 
 and Alice May Virginia. Mr. Sampson owns and 
 occupies the old homestead containing 200 acres 
 of fertile laud, and is extensively engaged in agri 
 cultural pursuits. At one time he sold a herd of 
 cattle worth $1,000 to a stranger, who never paid 
 for them. He is a Republican in his political 
 views, and in religious faith he is an earnest mem 
 ber of the Methodist Church. 
 
 JfOSEPH B. DONALDSON is one of the rep 
 resentative business men of Canonsburg. 
 | He was born December 15, 1840, in Can 
 onsburg, forty six years ago, and has been 
 behind the counter for over thirty years, 
 twenty-four of which he has been in the drug 
 business. In 1870 he opened a drug store in 
 Canonsburg, and has the largest and must varied 
 stock of drugs and fancy goods in the city. 
 
 He has been the architect of his own fortunes 
 Beginning with a small stock, his business has 
 rapidly increased, his line store now being crowded 
 with novelties and the usual paraphernalia of a 
 drug store doing a good business. On October 30, 
 1872, Mr. Donaldsou was married to Miss Maria 
 M. Adams, of Canonsburg, and they are the par- 
 ents of the following children: Louis, Mary, Susie 
 and Lawrence. In his political preferences Mr. 
 Donaldson is a Democrat, and in religion he is a 
 Presbyterian. 
 
 OON FAMILY. This is one of the oldest in 
 Washington county. Of the early family 
 of Boons, John was born in Ireland, where 
 he grew to manhood and married. The 
 family came to America many years ago, and first 
 settled in Dauphin county, Penn. , where John 
 Boon engaged in farming and distilling, most of the 
 wheat being distilled, as produce brought no profit. 
 He finally moved to Canonsburg, Penn., then to 
 Chartiers township, where he died. Their chil- 
 dren were as follows: Mary, Nancy, William, 
 James, Jane, Elizabeth, John, Margaret and 
 Joseph; of whom William, James and John were 
 soldiers in the war of 1812. In politics Mr. Boon 
 was a Whig, and in religion a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run. 
 
 William Boon was born and reared near Wil- 
 mington, Del., and was there married to Margaret 
 McHargue. They resided in Delaware some time 
 after their marriage, then moved to Dauphin 
 county, Penn., soon after crossing the mountains 
 to Washington county, the journey occupying sev- 
 eral days. They finally arrived in Chartiers town- 
 ship, and Mr. Boon purchased the tract of land 
 now owned by William Russell, which was cleared 
 and cultivated by the Boon family. In 1824 they 
 removed to Smith township, this county, and a few 
 years later settled permanently on the farm in Ce- 
 cil township, which is now the property of James 
 Boon. William Boon won success by his own un- 
 tiring efforts, and was prominently identified with 
 the interests of the community, especially those re- 
 lating to educational matters. In politics he was 
 a Whig and Republican, and held nearly every 
 local office; in religious faith he was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. His children were Levi, 
 Alexander, Sarah, John, Margaret, William and 
 James. 
 
 f ( S. BLAYNEY. Among the prominent families 
 
 of Washington county, the name of Blayney 
 
 ( is identified as representing men of sterling 
 
 ' — worth, who lived lives of practical benefit to 
 
 the community in which they resided. 
 
 The earliest representatives of this family in the 
 United States, of whom there is any record, were 
 Charles Blayney and his parents who emigrated 
 From Ireland to this country, when Charles was 
 seven years old. They settled in Ohio county, W. 
 Va., where Charles passed the rest of his life. He 
 was reared to agricultural pursuits, and received 
 his education at the subscription schools of the 
 period. In early manhood he married Ann Potter, 
 by which union were born children as follows: 
 William, Vincent M. and Josiah. This wife dying 
 in the spring of 1816, soon after the birth of her 
 youngest son, Mr. Blayney, for his second help- 
 
 n t, married Nancy Faris, of Ohio county, W. 
 
 Va., and the children of this union were John, 
 Elizabeth (wife of William Reed), Susanna (wife 
 of John Valentine), Charles, Martha (wife of Rev. 
 George McDonald), James, David, Adam, Rev. 
 Henry and Rev. J. McCluskey, all now living far 
 apart; some near the Atlantic ocean, others on the 
 golden shores of the Pacific. The father died 
 June 11, 1860, the mother November 10, 1880. 
 
 Vincent M. Blayney, secoud son of Charles and 
 Ann (Potter) Blayney, was born January 12, 1815, 
 in Ohio county, W. Va. and was reared to man- 
 hood on the home farm, receiving at the same 
 time a liberal education at the schools of his lo- 
 cality. In 1840 he was married to Mrs. Dora 
 (Smith) Blaney, to which union one child was 
 born — J. S. , the subject of this sketch. The 
 
924 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 mother died when J. S. was but a week old. The 
 father afterward, August 27, 1844, married Mary 
 D., daughter of Samuel Donihey, of Buffalo town- 
 ship, and by this marriage there were five chil- 
 dren, viz. : Aana J. (wife of Dr. D. S. Eagleson), 
 Rev. Charles P., Samuel D. (ruliug elder in the 
 Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church), William V. 
 and Joseph C. Vincent M. Blayney was called 
 from earth March IS, 1887. Politically he was a 
 stanch Republican, and at various times held offices 
 of trust in his township. He was a warm sup- 
 pi uter of the Presbyterian Church, and a devout 
 member. In his life vocation — general farming 
 and stock raising — he made a well-merited success. 
 J. 8. Blayney was born October 10, 1842, in 
 Ohio county, VV. Va. On the same day that his 
 mother died, his grandmother lost an infant, and 
 immediately took the motherless little one to her 
 home. Our subject remained in the home of his 
 grandmother three years, then went to live with 
 his father. In February 1865, he entered Com- 
 pany K, Sixty-first Regiment P. V. I., attached to 
 the Sixth Army Corps, and took part in the battle 
 of Petersburg and other engagements. When the 
 war was ended he came home, and engaged in ag- 
 ricultural duties. On December 31, 1808, Mr. 
 Blayney was married to Nancy M. Caldwell, who 
 was born March 13, 1841, in Washington county, 
 a daughter of Robert Caldwell. No children have 
 blessed their union, but two adopted little ones — 
 •James W. and Mary Oliver — have found parental 
 love and tender care beneath their roof. Mr. 
 Blayuey owns one of the finest farms in Washing- 
 ton county, which his father aided him to pur- 
 chase. His luxurious home is elaborately fur- 
 nished, and lighted and heated with gas, having 
 every comfort and convenience. Politically he is 
 an active Republican, and a vahied member of the 
 party; he has held nearly all the township offices. 
 He is connected with the Buffalo Presbyterian 
 Church, to which he gives a liberal support, both 
 socially and financially. Mr. Blayney is one of 
 the leading citizens and most prosperous farmers 
 of Hopewell township. 
 
 V AMUEL ADAMS, an energetic citizen of 
 Union township, is a native of Allegheny 
 il) county, Penn., born at Port Perry February 
 ^^ 21, 1851. His family have long been resi 
 dents of that county, the grandfather, John Adams, 
 having settled on the Allegheny river. The chil- 
 dren of John Adams were born as follows: Alex- 
 ander, Joseph, John, Samuel, Lewis, Mary, and an 
 unnamed infant. Of this family Samuel is the 
 only living member, and is residing on a farm 
 near Wellsville, Ohio; John, Samuel and Lewis 
 served in the war between the North and the 
 South. 
 
 John Adams, sou of John, was born in 1820, on 
 the banks of the Allegheny river where his boy- 
 hood was pased. On arriving at an age of matu- 
 rity lie was united in marriage with Ellen, daugh- 
 ter of Aaron Tharp, a native of eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania. Mr. and Mrs. Adams located near Port 
 Perry, Allegheny Co., Penn., and he followed 
 teaming in that locality; also worked on the railroad, 
 and in digging coal. They were the parents of 
 seven children, namely: Eva, Samuel, Mary, John, 
 Ellen, James D. , and Jennie. 
 
 Samuel Adams, whose name introduces this 
 biography, was born at Port Perry, in Allegheny 
 county. He was trained to hard manual labor from 
 early youth, having worked in the mines during 
 boyhood. He was the only support of the family 
 while his father was in the army. In 1872 he bought 
 a property in Port Perry, which he still owns. In 
 1ST I he married Minerva, daughter of Benjamin 
 Oilmore, a farmer of Allegheny county, and after 
 marriage Mr. Adams continued working for five 
 years; then attended the Southwestern State Nor 
 mal School, at California, Penn., afterward return 
 ing to Port Perry. He conducted a butcher busi 
 ness at the last mentioned place for about one 
 year, and in 1884 moved to the farm in Washing 
 ton county, Penn., which contains 100 acres. In 
 1888 he purchased this place, and since that time 
 has continued to reside upon it. He is a member 
 and trustee of the Methodist Church; in politics he 
 is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and 
 has held various local offices in Allegheny county. 
 Children were born to Mr. and Mrs.- Adams as fol 
 lows: Elizabeth, born November 17, 1874, died 
 March 3, 1875; Mary Ellen, deceased in infancy; 
 James G. Blaine, born at Port Perry September 
 15, 1881, "and is a jewel in the home on the farm, 
 being twelve years of age, and bright as a silver 
 dollar." 
 
 »r-*JLIJAH T. TOWNSEND. The Townsend 
 
 L^J family, of which this gentlemau is a 
 
 member, are of English descent. Many 
 
 — ' years ago, three brothers, Elijah, John and 
 
 Isaiah Townsend (cousins of Glen Townsend, of 
 
 Quebec), left the shores of the mother country and 
 
 sailed to America. They settled in Egg Harbor 
 
 City, N. J., and Elijah there reared a family of 
 
 children, among whom was one named Daniel. 
 
 Daniel Townsend was born August 14, 1747, in 
 Egg Harbor City. N. J., where he grew to man 
 hood and engaged in the lumber business. In 17 76 
 he entered the Revolutionary war, serving about 
 two years, participating in the battles of Trenton. 
 I'riiicoton, Brandywine, and Monmouth. In 1779 
 he came to Washington county, Penn., bought 400 
 acres of land of Joshua Wright, and settled perma 
 nently on that tract. He was married to Lydia 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 925 
 
 Sawens, of Massachusetts, who bore him children 
 as follows: Catherine (Mrs. John Baird, Beaver 
 county), Naomi (Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of 
 Peters Sharp), Margaret (wife of William Chisler, 
 Ohio), Rebecca (Mrs. John Hozer, Mercer county, 
 Penn.), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Higby, Ohio), Lydia 
 (wife of Arthur Devore, Ohio), Elijah (a lieutenant 
 in the war of 1812, died in 1871), and Joseph, all 
 of whom were married, and are now deceased. 
 The father was a Democrat in politics; he died 
 September 1, 1833. 
 
 Joseph Townsend, son of Daniel and Lydia 
 (Sawens) Townsend, was born March 1, 179(>, on 
 the old place in Washington county, Penn. He 
 lived at home until fifteen years of age, then en- 
 tered the war of 1812 as a fifer, but was brought 
 borne by his father. A few years later the juvenile 
 warrior had so far modified his views as to prefer 
 rural life. He became an excellent farmer, and de- 
 villed much attention to sheep raising. In early life 
 he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of 
 Cul. William Blackmore, and granddaughter of 
 Samuel Blackmore, the latter of whom owned 100 
 acres on the site of the present city of Washington. 
 The property was leased for ninety-nine years, the 
 heirs having never claimed it. William Blackmore, 
 son of Samuel, came with his father from Wash- 
 ington, D. C, to Washington county, Penn., and 
 there reared six children, viz.: Thomas, Charles, 
 Nancy (Mrs. Townsend), Eliza, Ellen, and Ara- 
 bella, all now deceased but Nancy. To Joseph and 
 Nancy (Blackmore) Townsend were born three chil- 
 dren, namely: Charles W. , Daniel B. and William 
 (deceased in youth). The mother died September 
 5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend was mar- 
 ried to Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack. Her 
 father was born in Ireland, and about 1800 emi- 
 grated to this country, settling on Chartiers creek, 
 in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. To 
 Joseph and Nancy (Flack) Townsend were born 
 three children, viz.: Robert (deceased), Elijah T., 
 and Margaret J. (Mrs. J. W. Boyer, of Finleyville). 
 The father voted with the Democratic party, and in 
 religion was a member of the Baptist Church. He 
 died on his seventy-fifth birthday, March 1, 1871, 
 being followed by his wife in August, 1S74, in her 
 seventy -fifth year. 
 
 Elijah T. Townsend, sou of Joseph and Nancy 
 (Flack) Townsend, was born December 23,1836, 
 mi the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., which is now his home. He attended 
 Beaver Academy and Allegheny College, in Mead- 
 ville, Penn., and in 1858 was married to Nancy, 
 daughter of Samuel Boyer, whose father was James. 
 After his marriage Elijah T. Townsend remained 
 on the home farm until the death of his father, 
 when he took possession of the old place, which 
 contains 135 acres of good land. He has been a 
 very active member of the Democratic party, and, 
 
 though they were then in the minority, was elected 
 in 1878 as county commissioner. He served until 
 1882, and in 1884 was nominated by acclamation 
 for treasure)' of the county, but was defeated. He 
 was a delegate to the State convention in 1882 and 
 in 1892. He is a member and trustee of the Peters 
 Creek Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend 
 are the parents of three children, viz. : Anna M. 
 la graduate of Washington Seminary), married to 
 David F. Templeton; Robert F. (at home), and 
 Joseph B. (member of the sophomore class, Le- 
 high University). 
 
 THOMAS GRIMES. Prominently identified 
 with the representative and successful farm- 
 ers of Independence township stands the 
 gentleman whose name introduces this brief 
 sketch. He is a son of John Grimes, whose 
 lather, William Grimes, came from Ireland and 
 settled in Buffalo township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. William Grimes was among the earliest of 
 pioneer settlers, coming to this county before the 
 Indians had abandoned their former hunting 
 ground. He cleared a small piece of land, and 
 built a rude cabin, to which he soon afterward 
 brought a youthful bride, who bore him the follow- 
 ing children: John, Jane (wife of Adam Miller), 
 Mary (wife of Daniel Lane) and Robert, all of 
 whom are deceased, the latter having passed away 
 in Donegal township, this county. The parents 
 both died on the farm in Buffalo township. 
 
 John Grimes was born, in 1793, on the home 
 farm in Buffalo township, where his parents passed 
 their wedded lives. He received a meager educa- 
 tion at the primitive schools of the place, and 
 being obliged to attend irregularly, could not avail 
 himself even of the poor opportunities then offered 
 the seeker after literary knowledge. In 1813 he 
 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Reed, who 
 was born in 1792, in the beautiful Shenandoah 
 Valley of West Virginia, and afterward came with 
 her parents to Washington county, Penn. Of 
 their union were born the following children: 
 Jane (deceased wife of Thomas Patterson, of Bel- 
 mont county, Ohio), Sarah (unmarried, residing in 
 Claysville, Donegal township), Robert (farming in 
 Des Moines county, Iowa), William (a retired U. 
 P. minister), Edward (deceased in Donegal town- 
 ship, at an adult age), Samuel (killed while serv- 
 ing in the Civil war), John (an agriculturist of 
 Buffalo township, this county), and Thomas. John 
 Grimes lived on a rented farm during the twelve 
 years following his marriage, and then purchased 
 the remaining interest in the old home place, where 
 the remainder of his life was passed. He was a 
 successful agriculturist and a valued citizen. In 
 politics he was formerly an Old line Whig, and 
 upon the organization of the Republican party 
 
926 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 became an active worker in its ranks. His wife 
 died in 1871, and in 1884 he was laid by her side 
 at the good old age of ninety-one years. 
 
 Thomas Grimes, the subject of this sketch, was 
 born December 28, 1828, in Buffalo township, this 
 county, was reared to farm work from earliest boy- 
 hood, and received a common-school education. 
 On November 1, 1855, he married Susanna Saw- 
 hill, who was born October 10, 1833, daughter of 
 William and Jane (Lorimer) Sawhill. Of this 
 union the following children have been born: 
 Chester, Lorimer (married January 1, 1890, to Miss 
 Nettie Farrer, of Independence township), Sarah 
 J., Nancy Irene (wife of A. L. Farrar, of Donegal 
 township, this county), John Lemon, Mary Udella 
 and Ida May. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
 Grimes located on his father's farm in the eastern 
 part of Donegal township, and in 1868 moved to a 
 place on Buffalo creek. In 1870 he purchased the 
 old Lawrence farm adjoining Mt. Hope church in 
 Independence township, where he has since re- 
 sided. He devotes considerable attention to stock 
 raising, and is a very progressive farmer, his home 
 being supplied with modern appliances for con- 
 venience and comfort. He has recently erected a 
 handsome residence, which enhances both the 
 beauty and value of his property. In politics he 
 is a stanch Republican, and has been selected to 
 till various offices of honor and trust, the duties of 
 which he has performed with much credit to him- 
 self and the party. He is much esteemed by all 
 who know him. He and his wife are members of 
 the Mt. Hope United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J/OHN SCOTT is a worthy representative of 
 an old and enterprising family of Washing 
 | ton county, noted alike for intelligence and 
 integrity. His grandfather, Abraham Scott, 
 was born and reared in Maryland, and when 
 a young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn., afterward 
 settling in Washington county with his brother 
 Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of land 
 near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township, this 
 county, where his life was passed in agricultural 
 pursuits. He was married to Jane, a sister of 
 John Finley (the founder of Finleyville), and 
 reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. James 
 Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), Ann 
 (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David 
 White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan 
 (married to John McBride), Abraham, Finley, 
 Holland and Samuel. The father was a Democrat 
 in politics, and in religion a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Raccoon. 
 
 Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson 
 township, this county, and here educated. In 
 1822 he was married to Margaret, daughter of 
 James Stephenson, of Smith township. The 
 
 young people first settled on a farm in Robinson 
 township, this county, remaining there a few years, 
 when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward 
 purchasing a place in Smith township where they 
 resided twenty years, and finally removed to the 
 home where they passed the remainder of their 
 lives. The children of this couple were Ann, 
 Robert K., James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi, 
 Jane F. (Mrs. William Cole) and Margaret (wife 
 of Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the archi- 
 tect of his own fortune, and owned 450 acres of 
 land at the time of his death, which occurred in 
 IST'J. He was a Democrat, and held various 
 township offices. In church connection he was 
 first a member of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Burgettstowu, afterward uniting with the Asso- 
 ciate Reformed Church, in which he was an elder. 
 He and his wife are buried in the U. P. cemetery. 
 
 John Scott was born March 13, 1834, in Smith 
 township, and passed his boyhood on the home 
 farm. On March 3, 1868, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary Agnes Carlisle, a native of Mt. 
 Pleasant township, daughter of John Carlisle, and 
 the children born to this union are Holland A. (of 
 Burgettstown), John A., Finley I., Samuel M., 
 Susie B., Lillie M. and jGracie D. After his mar- 
 riage John Scott settled on the farm where he is 
 now living, carrying on a general farming and 
 slock raising business, and also managing an ex- 
 tensive dairy. Mr. Scott is a very successful and 
 popular business man, and in politics has always 
 been a Democrat; he has tilled various offices, and 
 given satisfaction to all parties. He and his wife 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 P^ TEPHEN SANDERS. Washington county 
 has received a number of her most valued 
 citizens from New Jersey, and among the 
 most worthy of these is the Sanders family. 
 
 Stephen Sanders, a native of New Jersey, was 
 among the first to enter land in Morris township, 
 where he died in 1825. His son, Daniel, but a boy 
 when his father removed to Pennsylvania, was 
 born in 1783. In 1804 he married Catherine liu- 
 tan, a daughter of Samuel Rutan, of Morris town- 
 ship, and of this union were born the following 
 children: Eleanor, Stephen, Phcebe, Sarah, Ann. 
 Daniel and Eunice, of whom Eleanor, Sarah and 
 Daniel are deceased. 
 
 Stephen Sanders was born in 1809, and reared 
 to farm life, which he has always followed. In 
 
 1834 he was married to Catherine , and to 
 
 their union were burn eight children: Simeon, 
 Samuel, Jacob, Isaac Newton, Henry, Absalom, 
 Aaariah and Sample. Of these, Samuel, Isaac 
 Newton, Henry and Absalom are still living, Isaac 
 Newton and Henry being prosperous young farmers 
 of Morris township. Mrs. Sanders died in 1887, 
 
3 
 
 
 2^ \jt/(2<r* 
 
 ^t&fe/lsdr 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 929 
 
 and since that time Mr. Sanders has made his 
 home with his son Isaac Newton. 
 
 Isaac Newton Sanders married, October 17, 1872, 
 Hannah, daughter of Obadiah and Elizabeth Clut- 
 ter, and by her had four children: William Emmor, 
 Stephen Byard, Estella Belva and Bertha May. 
 He is a member of Upper Ten- Mile Church. Henry 
 Sanders married Elizabeth Dille, June 19, 1871, 
 and of this union have been born five children: 
 Hugh (who died at the age of nineteen), and Lil- 
 lian, Cora, Grace Edna and Florence, all living. 
 Samuel Sanders, of Waynesburgh, Penn., married 
 Hattie Halset, and has one child, Katheriue Eliza 
 beth Lee. Absalom Sanders, of Clarkestown, Penn., 
 was married, in 1880, to Rebecca Huffman, and 
 lias no children. Jacob Sanders was married March 
 30, 1865, to Mary Axtell, and died March 19, 1869, 
 leaving two children: Clarissa and Sarah Ellen. 
 Simeon Sanders, during the Civil war, enlisted in 
 the Federal army from Iowa, and died of fever at 
 Little Rock, Arkansas. 
 
 Obadiah Clutter, father of Mrs. Isaac Newton 
 Sanders, was a shoemaker by trade, lived in Amity 
 and died there. On January 17, 1836, he married 
 Elizabeth Yoder, daughter of George and Sarah 
 (Coulter) Yoder. They died in Greene county, 
 where Elizabeth was born, near Rice's Landing, 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Clutter were born the following 
 children: Sarah, wife of John Kelly, of Cumber 
 land, Md. ; Pluebe, Mrs. John Gaines, of Amwell 
 township; Mary J., in Washington: Eli Webb; 
 Genrge Brown; Margaret Ann; Catherine, wife of 
 Warren Sanders, Bellaire, Ohio; Hannah (Mrs. 
 Isaac Newton Sanders): Samuel Clawson; William 
 M. (deceased). Mr. Clutter died in Amity in 1872, 
 and Mrs. Clutter has since that time made her 
 home with her children. 
 
 < 
 
 IV JfflCHAEL HACKARESS, who is perhaps 
 \fy| the oldest man in Washington county, is 
 Mi II a son of James Hackaress, who was born 
 in Old Virginia, during the eighteenth 
 century. The father was born a slave, 
 but bought his freedom with money received from 
 the sale of coon skins, and a little additional help 
 from neighboring planters. After gaining free 
 dom, he was married to Miss Catherine McDow, 
 who had been freed because her owner had failed 
 to register her until the time alloted for that pur- 
 pose had expired. After his marriage, Mr. Hack- 
 aress moved to Washington county, Penn., where 
 he farmed on shares, and worked at various odd 
 jobs until his death, which occurred in the year 
 1831. 
 
 Michael Hackaress was born on Peters creek, 
 Washington county, Penn., February 25, 1792, 
 and when his father died moved to the farm on 
 which he now lives. At that time the only im- 
 
 provements were a little hut, and a garden patch 
 which had been made by some settler who aban- 
 doned it to return to a civilized country. Michael 
 was first married to Peggy Jenkins, and they had 
 ten children, namely: James, Edward, Lydia, 
 Maria, Margaret, Eliza, Mary, Michael, an infant 
 sun (unnamed) and W. Oasley. Of these chil- 
 dren all are now deceased with the exception of 
 Eliza. For his second wife Mr. Hackaress was 
 united in marriage May 9, 1853, with Miss Sarah 
 A. Brown, of Washington, Penn., and their chil- 
 dren were Sarah Catherine, Virginia B. , Eva A. 
 and an infant. Two of these children are living 
 with their father, who, although over a century has 
 passed since he entered the world, bears lightly 
 the weight of his hundred years, and is still a com- 
 paratively strong man. Although he can not 
 labor as in his younger years, he eats as heartily 
 as though he were yet ill tin- prime of life. Mr. 
 Hackaress has been a very successful business 
 man, and now owns 21 1 acres of as good land as 
 can be found in the township. He is upright and 
 honest, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors, 
 being one of the few colored men who have taken 
 advantage of the opportunities iriven them by the 
 Government. In politics In' is a stiff Republican, 
 and can boast of having voted for every President 
 from Madison to Harrison, and will probably cast 
 a ballot at the next. Presidential election. 
 
 "*/ AMUEL STEWART. Among the prosper- 
 ous and well-known citizens of Nottingham 
 township, this name is prominently identi- 
 fied. William Stewart was born, in 1803, 
 in Washington county, Penn., and in early life was 
 united in marriage with Jeanetta Gardener, who 
 was born in 1803, in Ireland, coming to America in 
 early youth. Mr. Stewart devoted his time to 
 agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of stock 
 raising. He was too old to enter the Civil war, 
 but was represented on the field by his son Will- 
 iam, and took an active part in local affairs. He 
 was township supervisor fourteen years, township 
 clerk several years, also served on the board of elec 
 tion. He died in 1874; his widow is yet living. 
 
 Samuel Stewart was born, in 1842, in Washing 
 ton county, Penn., and during his boyhood at- 
 tended the schools of this county. In 187(5 he 
 married Miss Eleanor A., daughter of William Bark 
 ley. Her grandfather, Andrew Barkley, was born 
 in 1775, in Ireland, and was married to Elizabeth 
 Jolly, who was born in 1757, in Pennsylvania, and 
 died in 1846. They were the parents of eight 
 children, all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 William Barkley, son of Andrew and Elizabeth 
 (Jolly) Barkley, was born in 1800, in Washington 
 county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home 
 farm now owned by Butler Huggins. In 1822 he 
 
930 
 
 WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 
 married Elizabeth Ogden, who was born in 1802, 
 in this county, daughter of Samuel Ogden. Mr. 
 Ogden was born in 1750, and when a young man 
 was married to Elizabeth Crouch, who was born in 
 1701, in this county. They had ten children. Mr. 
 Ogden was a tailor by trade, ami a soldier in the 
 Revolutionary war. He died in 1S48, having been 
 preceded by his wife in 1880. To the union of 
 William and Elizabeth (Ogden) Barkley ten chil- 
 dren were born, of whom rive are yet living, 
 namely. Elizabeth, Sarah J., Eleanor A. (Mrs. 
 Stewart), William and Margaret. Mr. Barkley 
 owned 148 acres of land, all under cultivation, and 
 conducted an extensive sheep and other stock farm. 
 He was a very prominent man in the politics of 
 Washington county, having served in nearly all 
 the township offices, and was collector several 
 years. 
 
 To the union of Samuel and Eleanor A. (Bark- 
 ley) Stewart a son and daughter have been born: 
 Boyd T. and Jennie L. The farm of 127 acres of 
 fertile, well-cultivated land is owned by Samuel 
 and his brother William's children jointly. Sam 
 uel Stewart is an enterprising citizen, and has filled 
 almost every office in Nottingham township. He 
 gave among the lirst $100 subscribed to the build- 
 ing of a railroad in Nottingham township. 
 
 J JONATHAN CAESBER, JR., was born Septem- 
 ber 17, 1821, in North Strabane township, this 
 ) county, a grandson of Jonathan Caesber who 
 was born in 1750, in the State of Delaware. 
 In 1774 the grandfather came to Washington 
 county, Penn., and here purchased a farm where 
 he died in 1839. In the warof 1812 he furnished 
 the United Slates Government with the last, pack 
 horses used at that time. In religion he was a 
 Methodist. 
 
 John Caesber (son of Jonathan the pioneer) was 
 born, in 1 704, in Nottingham township, this county. 
 He was a physician, devoting his entire life to 
 that profession. In October, 1820, he was united 
 in marriage with Hannah Holland, who was born 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., in 1800, and five chil- 
 dren were born to them, of whom two are yet liv- 
 ing: John and Jonathan. The father died Feb- 
 ruary '■',, L833, and in 1867 Mrs. Caesber entered 
 the ''valley of the shadow." 
 
 Jonathan Caesber, Jr., attended school in the 
 home district, and was but twelve years of age when 
 his father died. The fatherless boy, being thus early 
 thrown on his own resources, worked on a farm 
 four or five years, and completed his education. 
 At the age of seventeen he began teaching a sub 
 scription school, following that vocation eighteen 
 years; at the same time he owned a store and shoe 
 shop. He finally learned the shoemaking business, 
 to which he has devoted his later years On May 
 
 HO, 1844, he married Elizabeth Yant (who was 
 born in 1822 in this county), and they have had 
 six children, three of whom are deceased. Those 
 yet living are Carrie H., Elizabeth B. and Fred- 
 erick Y. Caesber. In 1888 Mr. Caesber was ap- 
 pointed postmaster at Mnnntown, and served in that 
 office until 1S70, when he opened a shoe store and 
 boarding house in Washington borough. In 1883 
 he returned to his present home, consisting of four 
 acres of excellent land, situated near the depot of 
 the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and affording him 
 a comfortable income. In politics he has always 
 been a Democrat, and has served several times as 
 school director and four terms as justice of the 
 peace, which office he is yet holding. He was too 
 old to enter the Civil war, but has ever been iden 
 tiffed with the best interests of the county. He is 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ILLIAM B. SUMNY. The family of 
 which the subject of this memoir is a 
 prominent member have long been resi 
 dents of Pennsylvania. Isaac Sumny, 
 father of William B. , first saw the light 
 July 5, 1770, the day after the old Liberty Bell had 
 proclaimed the birth of our infant nation. He 
 was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and in 
 1798 was united in marriage with Mary Turney 
 (who was also born in 1776), and nine children 
 were born to their union, of whom three sons are 
 yet living. The father followed the trade of pot 
 ter all his life. 
 
 William B. Sumny was born August 14, 1805, 
 on the home place in Washington county, Penn., 
 and passed his boyhood in attending the schools of 
 the county. On November 14. 1829, he was mar 
 ried to Ruth Gamble, a native of this county, born 
 inlSIO. To this union one son and nine daugh- 
 ters were born, namely: Mary (Mrs. Mahood), re- 
 siding at Melvin, Ford Co., 111.; Elizabeth (wife of 
 William Harbison), at Glade Mills, Butler Co., 
 Penn. ; Esther, still living with her father; Sarah 
 (Mrs. Coneby), at Brownsdale, Butler Co., Penn.; 
 Mrs. Hannah Sumny, at Beaver City, Furnas 
 Co., Neb. ; Emma (Mrs. Morrison), at McKeesport, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn.; William (deceased); Nancy 
 (deceased); Harriet (wife of Dr. Murray), at Am 
 ity, Washington Co. , Perm., and Angelina (Mrs. 
 Hamilton), at Thomas, Washington Co., Penn. 
 The mother died December 21, 1891. 
 
 Prior to his marriage Mr. Sumny worked with his 
 father at the potter's trade, ami then after that 
 event he bought fifty acres of land, to which he 
 now devotes his attention. Politically he is an ad- 
 herent of Democratic principles, and in religious 
 faith he and his family are members of the Pres 
 byterian Chinch 
 
washing ton covn ty. 
 
 931 
 
 DAVID W. GAULT. The prominent and 
 ] influential family, of which the subject of 
 ' this sketch is a worthy member, are repre- 
 sentative citizens of Nottingham township. 
 
 Alexander Gault was born in 1797, on a farm in 
 Washington county, Penn., where his youth was 
 passed in the usual duties of agricultural life. On 
 December 8, 1825, he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary Wilson, who bore him live children, 
 namely: James, Edith, Sarah, John W. (who en- 
 listed in Company K, P. V. Cavalry, and died in 
 the service December 7, 186'2) and Alexander (de 
 ceased). The mother died soon after the birth of 
 her youngest son, and Mr. Gault was afterward 
 married to Jane Flack, who was born in 1807. 
 The children of this marriage were as follows: 
 Robert, Mary J. and Addie, the last named being 
 the only one yet living. The father owned about 
 150 acres of land. He died in 1872; the mother 
 on February 15, 1887. 
 
 James Gault, son of Alexander and Mary (Wil- 
 son) Gault, was born in 1826, in Washington county, 
 Penn., where his youth was passed. In 1853 he 
 married Maria Sumney, a native of Nottingham 
 township, this county, who was born in 1832, and 
 has always resided in the vicinity of her birthplace. 
 Pour sons and two daughters have been born to 
 this marriage as follows: Mary, David W., Alex- 
 ander, John (deceased), Ettie and William. Mr. 
 Gault has, with the exception of short intervals, 
 always resided in Nottingham township, and has 
 held almost every local office. He owns twenty - 
 tive acres of fertile land, and makes a specialty of 
 fruit raising. 
 
 David W. Gault was born April 11, 1856, in 
 Washington county, Penn. He completed his educa- 
 tion at Pittsburgh, Penn., and received a diploma 
 from Duff's Commercial College. After leaving 
 school he embarked in a sawmill and lumber 
 business, and also managed a farm of 130 acres. 
 On September 4, 1884, he was united in marriage 
 with Mary, daughter of Martin Kammerer, a son 
 of John Kammerer, who was born, in 1793, in 
 Germany, and was educated in the schools of his 
 native land. In 1820 her grandfather was mar- 
 ried to Margaret Rigar, who was born in 1800 in 
 Germany, and, bidding farewell to his young wife 
 for a time, sailed for America in 1821. After 
 finding a suitable location for a home, he sent for 
 Mrs. Kammerer the next year, and settled in Wash 
 ington county, Penn., where he followed the busi- 
 ness of a millwright and miller. He then worked 
 two years as a carpenter, and afterward engaged 
 in a general mercantile business. He also leased, 
 of one Thomas Officer, eighty acres of land on the 
 present site of Kammerer village, which laud he 
 purchased in 1881, and erected thereon a dwelling 
 and store room. He then built a tavern, and in 
 1845 erected a saw and grist mill, which was 
 
 burned September 22, L850, but was rebuilt the 
 following year. Five children were born to his 
 first marriage, namely: Mary Ann, born Decem- 
 ber 16. 1821; Barbara, born August 11, 1822; 
 Catherine, born May 20, 1N25; John, born April 
 1, 1827; and Martin, born April 14, 1829, all now 
 deceased. The mother of this family died in Feb- 
 ruary, 1830, and on July 21, 1830, Mr. Kammerer 
 married Elizabeth Bender, a native of Germany, 
 and the following children came to this union: 
 Jonathan, born July 31, 1831; Joseph, born May 
 20, 1835; Elizabeth, born February 28, 1837; 
 Jacob, born November 22, 183S; William S.. born 
 February 23, 1843 (on the Board of Trade in Chi 
 cago), married to a daughter of Dr. Emery, of 
 Dnnningsville, Va. ; and Franklin G., born Feb 
 ruary 24, 1845 (with William S., Room No. 35, 
 Board of Trade, Chicago, known as the Kammerer 
 Co., brokers), married to a daughter of Dr. Hild 
 reth, of Wheeling, W. Va. Of this family Jacob 
 died July 27, 1839, and Jonathan died October 
 20, 1887. The mother died May 18, 1859, having 
 been preceded by the father July 24. 1856. He 
 served in many township offices. 
 
 Martin Kammerer was born on the home place, 
 and in early life was married to Catherine Sumney, 
 who was born in 1829. They had three children: 
 Mary (Mrs. David Gault), Flora (wife of Robert 
 McNary) and Ella (married to William McGregor). 
 Mr. Kammerer was a miller and distiller, and un- 
 til shortly before his death was a partner in busi- 
 ness with his brother Joseph. The latter years of 
 his life were spent on the farm, where he died June 
 25, 1890, having been preceded by his wife June 4, 
 of the same year. 
 
 Three children have brightened the wedded life 
 of David and Mary (Kammerer) Gault, namely: 
 Donald, Charles and Frank. Mr. Gault has filled 
 many local offices in Nottingham township, and is 
 a representative farmer. 
 
 IiOSEPH S. STOCKDALE, employed by the 
 . I Stockdale and Allen Coal Companies, includ- 
 l(l) ing the Acme and Allen mines, has been con 
 nected with this firm at Stockdale since 1888. 
 The town of Stockdale was begun in 1883, and in 
 1885 mines were opened on the Stockdale farm. 
 
 He is a grandson of Thomas Stockdale, who was 
 born in Montgomery county, Penn., of English 
 Quaker parents, and was there married to a lady 
 who died leaving three sons, William, Thomas and 
 John. In 1781, after the death of the wife and 
 mother, the remainder of the family came to Wash 
 ington county, Penn. He bought 100 acres of 
 land, to which he afterward added another hundred 
 acres, and was married in this county to his second 
 wife. Amy Allen, who bore him children as follows: 
 Joseph, Robert, Deborah, Allen and Hannah. 
 
932 
 
 WASHING TON Col X T > '. 
 
 Jf AMES B. VAN DYKE. The Van Dyke fam- 
 ily are of Holland origin, their name signify - 
 | ing "beyond the dyke." Many years ago 
 three brothers of the family, John, James 
 and William, sailed from Holland to Amer- 
 ica, first locating in New Jersey, where John was 
 married to a native of that State, his brothers hav- 
 ing previously settled in Philadelphia county, 
 Penn. In 1800 John Van Dyke moved with his 
 family to an unimproved farm near Liudley's Mills, 
 Morris township, Washington Co , Penn., remain- 
 ing there but one year. He then returned to New 
 Jersey, where he died, having left his family on 
 the pioneer farm in Pennsylvania. He was twice 
 married, and to the lirst union were born two chil 
 dren, John and Hannah. The children of his sec 
 mid marriage were Wright, Catherine, Nancy and 
 Rena. The father was a Whig in political opinion, 
 in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Wright Van Dyke was born December 15, 171*9, 
 on the home farm in New Jersey, and was reared 
 and educated in the subscription schools of Wash 
 ington county, Penn. In early manhood he mar 
 ried Rebecca, daughter of James Pane, a native of 
 Amwell township, this county, and she bore him 
 three children, viz. : Sarah, wife of Nathan Veatch; 
 Elizabeth, deceased, and James B. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Van Dyke passed their wedded life in Amwell 
 township, where he died in 1S47, followed by his 
 wife in 1856. They were members of the Baptist 
 Church, and in politics he affiliated with the Whig 
 party. 
 
 Both the parents of this family died on the farm in 
 Washington county. 
 
 Robert Stockdale, father of subject, was born 
 April 19, 1801, on the home place in Allen town- 
 ship, Washington county, and there received a 
 subscription-school education. On November 6, 
 1825, he was united in marriage with Deborah Al- 
 len, a native of this county, and daughter of Jo- 
 seph Allen. The young couple settled on the old 
 farm, where the following children were born and 
 reared: William, married to Rebecca Ailes, now 
 living in Oregon; Amy, deceased at the age of six 
 years; Elizabeth, widow of William Sprowls, West 
 Pinley township; Allen; Robert M.; Deborah E. ; 
 Sarah Mary, and Hannah Amy, wife of I. K. Jack 
 man, Los Angeles, Cal. The mother of this fam- 
 ily died March 13, 1850, and the father was then 
 married to Dorcas Price, a native of Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., who is yet living on the homestead. 
 They were the parents of three children, namely : 
 Joseph Snyder, Cyrus Field (living in Stockdale). 
 and Martin J. (deceased). The father was a Deiu 
 ocrat in politics, and in religious faith was a mem- 
 ber of the Church of Christ at Fayette City, Penn. 
 Ho died December 15, 1878. 
 
 James B. Van Dyke was born January 20, 1834, 
 on the home place in Amwell township, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn. On September 18, 1855, he 
 was married to Mary J., daughter of Rev. John 
 Thomas, of Morris township. In 1862 he enlisted 
 in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth Regi- 
 ment P. V. I., serving until 1864. At the battle 
 of Chancel lorsville he was shot under the right 
 arm (the ball lodging back of his left lung, where 
 it still remains), and, being paralyzed, was re- 
 ported dead. He was taken from the field to the 
 general hospital, then sent to Washington, return 
 ing home as soon as he was able. Before his fur 
 lough had expired he returned to follow the fort 
 une8 of his regiment, with which he remained un- 
 til his health failed; in 1803 he was couunissioned 
 first lieutenant of his company. 
 
 After returning from the war Lieut. Van Dyke 
 followed carpentering and building about three 
 years, then opened a grain anil feed store at Wash- 
 ington. He afterward conducted a grocery at 
 Brownsville, Fayette county, and in 1875 came to 
 California, to fill the position of steward of the 
 Southwestern State Normal School. In 1880 he 
 opened a general store, which was supplanted in 
 1SS'_! by the dry-goods establishment he is now con- 
 ducting. In political opinion Mr. Van Dyke was 
 originally a Know-Nothing, but has been a Repub- 
 lican since the organization of that party. He is 
 president of the California Glass Company, also 
 deals in real estate. He and his wife are members 
 of the Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon. 
 They are the parents of four children, viz. : John 
 W., George M. , William S., and Mary Catherine 
 (deceased). The three sons are all graduates of the 
 State Normal College. George M. is also a grad 
 uate of Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, 
 and is now practicing his profession at West New 
 ton, Penn.; William S. is cashier of M. M. Dick's 
 bank, West Newton, Penn., burgess of the town, 
 also one of the principal stockholders and treas- 
 urer of the West Newton Wall Paper Company; 
 John W. remains at home with his parents, and as- 
 sists his father in the management of his business; 
 William S. married Miss Carrie Taylor, of West 
 Newton, who has borne him one child. Mildred. 
 
 V AMUEL HINDMAN. The ancestors of this 
 well-known gentleman were born in a land 
 of song and story, where wild legends were 
 told the little ones as they sat by the fire 
 side or wandered amid the romantic scenery of 
 Wales. But sometimes even tho legends were for 
 gotten, and tales of a far off land, whose wealth 
 and grandeur surpassed their wildest dreams, were 
 told the children. Eagerly the people listened 
 for tidings of those daring men who had crossed 
 the ocean, and proved " truth stranger than tic- 
 
^yOkyVVtOJ^ ^U C4 U&OtAA^lyPx^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 935 
 
 tion." Many a bold Welshman then sought a home 
 in the New World, and among their number sailed 
 Samuel Hindman with his family.' They landed 
 safely in America, and located in the State of 
 Maryland. Mr. Hindman was twice married, and 
 three children were born to him, among whom a 
 son, John, is named. 
 
 John Hindman was born in 1709, near Port De 
 posit, in Maryland. He was there married to Sarah 
 Patten and in 1796 came to Pennsylvania, the 
 journey being made in a six -horse wagon, which 
 carried all their personal possessions. They were 
 accompanied by William Patten and his wife, the 
 former of whom was a brother of Mrs. Hindman. 
 They first made a halt in Finilley township, Alle 
 gheny county, and thence moved to Union town- 
 ship, this county, where Mr. Hindman, in 1798, 
 bought seventy-two acres of one Thomas Gannon, 
 and afterward eighty -four acres of Nathan Dailey, 
 which became the home of his descendants. It 
 was then in an uncultivated state, only twenty 
 acres having been cleared, and many improvements 
 were made by Mr. Hindman. In politics he was 
 actively identified with the Whig party, and in 
 religion he was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Mingo. He died on the farm in 1851, 
 being followed in 1852 by his wife, who had borne 
 him the following children: Mary (wife of Robert 
 Campbell), William (married to Sarah Campbell, 
 of Union township), Sarah (wife of John Storer, of 
 Allegheny county), Robert (married to Hannah 
 Pollock, also of Allegheny county), Martha (Mrs. 
 William Morrow), John (deceased at the age of 
 seventeen years), Eliza (wife of James Morgan), 
 Jane (Mrs. Joseph S. Gaston) and Samuel. 
 
 Samuel Hindman was born August 25, 1812, in 
 Union township, Washington Co., Penu. , and re- 
 ceived his education at the subscription school on 
 the Pollock farm. On May 9, 1839, he married 
 Martha J., daughter of Joseph Hull, of Allegheny 
 county, and they resided on the home place in 
 Union township until 1864, when they came to 
 their present home in Gastonville. Politically 
 Mr. Hindman was a Whig and Republican, but is 
 now voting with the Prohibition party, having al- 
 ways supported the temperance cause. In religion 
 he has been an elder of the Mingo Presbyterian 
 Church for thirty years. Mrs. Hindman died in 
 September, 1889, leaving no children; but they 
 had adopted and reared two little ones, one of 
 whom, Virginia B., is married to Harry W. Mil- 
 linger, of Finleyville. 
 
 IfSAAC C. MOUNTS. This highly esteemed 
 and prominent young citizen of Buffalo town- 
 ship, of which he is a native, was born May 31, 
 1855, a son of William H and Mary (Malone) 
 Mounts, the latter of whom was a daughter of 
 
 David Malone. William H. Mounts was born in 
 Rankiutown (now a part of Washington), this 
 county, June 19, 1800, and was brought up to 
 practical farm life from his earliest boyhood. The 
 school he attended during a few winter weeks in 
 each year was held in a deserted log cabin, through 
 which the winter wind gleefully whistled. In Oc- 
 tober, 1828, Mr. Mounts was married to Mary Ma- 
 lone, whose family were also old settlers, and after 
 marriage the young couple made their home in 
 Franklin township until 1852, in which year they 
 removed to Buffalo township, where Mrs. Mounts 
 died September 7, 1882, and Mr. Mounts June 22, 
 1885. He was emphatically a self made man, and 
 at the time of his death owned a large farm. Po- 
 litically he was first a Whig, afterward a Repub- 
 lican, and although always taking a deep interest 
 in the affairs of his party, would never accept 
 office. Among the earliest members of East Buf- 
 falo Presbyterian Church, he was also one of its 
 leading and most substantial supporters. The 
 children born to this honored pioneer were: Sarah 
 Jane (deceased), William (in Buffalo township), 
 Adam (in Franklin township), Richard (in Buffalo 
 township), Mary A. (deceased wife of Wishart 
 Houston), Margaret (Mrs. Abraham Huston), 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Kelly), Martha (wife of 
 Samuel Parker, of Washington borough), Thomas 
 J. (in Buffalo township), Theodore (deceased) and 
 Isaac C. 
 
 Isaac C. Mounts was reared to farm life at the 
 parental home, and educated at the common 
 schools of the district. He was married Decem- 
 ber 25, 1879, to Laura V. , daughter of George 
 Coogle. the result of which uuion are four chil 
 dren. The parents are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo, and in poli- 
 tics Mr. Mounts is a Republican, though not a 
 strong partisan. He is a progressive farmer, and 
 in connection with general agriculture is actively 
 interested in stook raising. 
 
 /HE ARMOR FAMILY. William Armor, 
 the pioneer of the Armor family, was a na- 
 tive of Scotland, where his youth and early 
 manhood were passed. Many years ago he 
 came with his family to America, locating 
 in York county, Penn. , where he followed agricult- 
 • ural pursuits. In religious faith he was a Pres- 
 byterian. 
 
 Thomas Armor, a son of this pioneer, came at 
 an early age to what is now Washington county, 
 Penn., and settled on a 400- acre tract on Rac- 
 coon creek, Hanover township. The patent for 
 this land was applied for September 15, 1784. 
 He also, at the same time, applied for the adjoin 
 ing tract, of the same amount, in the name of his 
 brother, who died after the confirmation of the 
 
936 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 application. Therefore, Thomas held and occupied 
 
 both tracts, or 800 acres in all. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Cross-roads Presbyterian Church (now 
 
 Florence), and assisted in the organization of 
 Hopewell Church, of which he became one of the 
 first three elders. In politics he was a Democrat. 
 He married Jennie Moore, and to them were born 
 four sons and two daughters, who all married and 
 -ei tied on his land, which he divided among them 
 before his death in 1826. 
 
 Nancy married Benjamin Bilbbitt — to them were 
 born six children. William married Nancy Mc 
 Clelland — to them were born seven children. John 
 married Matilda Glasgow — to them were born five 
 children. John, with his family, moved to Holmes 
 county, Ohio, about the year 1830. Mary married 
 James Thompson, to whom were born eight chil 
 dren. They moved to Armstrong county, Pen n. 
 about the year 1837. Thomas married Hannah 
 Crooks, and to them were born four children. 
 James, the youngest, was born April 17, 1797. 
 He occupied the homestead. His first wife was 
 Margaret AVilson; to them were born four children. 
 These children were as follows: John, who mar 
 ried Maria Culley, in March, 1850; Thomas and 
 Wilson, deceased; Margaret Ann, married to James 
 Donaldson, in March, 1852. Some time after the 
 death of his first wife, or in December, 1832, Mr. 
 Armor married Nancy, daughter of Alexander 
 McCandless (who was of Scotch Irish descent), 
 of Allegheny county, Penn., and to them were 
 born four sons and one daughter. James Armor 
 was an elder in the Hopewell Presbyterian Church 
 for a number of years. In politics he was a Dem- 
 ocrat-until his death, February 7, 1871. He was 
 followed to the grave by his widow, December 10, 
 1880. 
 
 A. M. Armok was born October 30, 1833; mar 
 iied Anna M., daughter of John Moreland, of 
 Fayette county, Penn., October 26, 1865, who 
 died March 17, 18S0. For his second wife he 
 married Mrs. Rebecca Wilson McCluskey (who 
 had one daughter), June 15, 1882. In religion he 
 was a Presbyterian, an elder in Hopewell Church, 
 and afterward in the Hebron Church — a branch 
 of the Hopewell Church. Politically he was a. 
 Democrat. He moved to Burgettstown, Penn., in 
 November, 1892, where he now resides. 
 
 J. Ray Armor was born October 8,1835; married 
 Ella C, daughter of Robert Walker, of Washington 
 county, Penn., April 3, 1878, who died June 12, 
 1885. He moved to Burgettstown in June, 1886, 
 and engaged in the lumber business with J. P. 
 and W. B. Linn — the firm name being Armor, 
 Linn & Co. He is a Presbyterian in religion, 
 and a Democrat in politics. 
 
 W. Sample was born April 24, 1838; married 
 Sarah Moreland in June. 1864. To this union 
 
 were born six children. He is a Presbyterian in 
 religion, and a Democrat in politics. 
 
 Jane E. was born January 26, 1841; married 
 Samuel Witherspoon. December 9, 1863. To this 
 union were born eight children. She was for- 
 nierlv a Presbyterian, but now is a member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 George P., born September 4, 1843, died Au- 
 gust 'J, 1S72. James Armor's sons were a family 
 of farmers. They still retain a large portion of 
 the original 800 acres. W. Sample occupies the 
 homestead, and likely to be followed by his sons, 
 which will make the fourth generation of the 
 family in occupancy. 
 
 THOMAS McGOWAN, superintendent of re- 
 pairs of the Monongahela river slackwater 
 improvement, a position he has held forty- 
 nine years, is a son of John and Margaret 
 (McGill) McGowan, natives of County Down, 
 Ireland. 
 
 About the year 1831 they immigrated to Anier 
 ica, settling on a farm in Fallowfield township. 
 Washington Co., Penn., where the father followed 
 milling and general farming. He took an active 
 interest in the workings of the Whigparty. They 
 died several years ago, leaving children as follows: 
 Martha, wife of Howard Kerr, of Foxburgh, Penn. ; 
 Thomas, whose name opens this sketch ; Sarah 
 Jane, living at Lock No. 4; John, who died at Lock 
 No. 4, some years ago, and Nancy E., widow of 
 Alfred Van Horn, of Lock No. 4. 
 
 Thomas McGowan was born in 1826, in County 
 Down, Ireland, coming to America with his par- 
 ents when but a child. He was educated in the 
 district schools of Fallowfield township, and in 
 April, 1844. he began life as a laborer on the Mo- 
 nongahela river, since when he has mastered all the 
 details of navigation. He was superintendent of 
 Lock No. 4 and adjoining places for some time, 
 being rapidly promoted from one position to an- 
 other. For over thirty years he has been superin- 
 tendent of repairs, which business ealls him to all 
 points between Pittsburgh and Geneva, Penn. 
 On November 18, 1852, he was married to Sarah 
 A., daughter of Abram Fry and granddaughter of 
 Samuel Fry. The Fry family are numbered 
 with the earliest and most prominent citizens of 
 Washington county. The first of the name to set- 
 tle in Pennsylvania was one Samuel Fry, who 
 was born in 1749. in Virginia, and was there mar 
 ried to Christina Speers, also a native of Virginia, 
 born in 1752. They came overland to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., in a very early day, and July 
 19, 1792, took a "tomahawk right" for a large 
 tract of land in Fallowfield township. He was a 
 famous hunter, and also worked on his farm. 
 
WASH I. \ (HON COUNTY. 
 
 937 
 
 remaining in the fort at night for protection from 
 the Indians. He died in 1814, being followed by 
 his wife November 9, 1841. 
 
 Abraham Fry, son of Samuel and Christina 
 (Speers) Fry, was born in 1792, on the home 
 farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He received a subscription -school educa- 
 tion, and in early life was married to Isabella 
 Ringland, a native of Washington county. She 
 bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel, living 
 in Allen township, Washington county; John, also 
 living in Allen township; Christina (Mrs. Abraham 
 Colvin), of Fallowfield township; Abraham, who 
 entered the U. S. service in Washington county, 
 and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.; Henry, a 
 resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cum 
 berland river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield 
 township; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan; Jack- 
 son, living in Cowley county, Kans. (he enlisted 
 in the Civil war, was taken prisoner, and was 
 confined in Andersonville prison eleven months); 
 Clarissa, who married Alexander Alman, and died 
 in East Pike Run township; Smith, who owns the 
 Fry homestead, and Isabella, wife of Elgy T. Van- 
 Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. After their mar- 
 riage Abraham and Isabella Fry settled on the 
 upper part of the old homestead in Fallowfield 
 township. He was actively interested in public mat 
 ters, and first affiliated with the Democratic party, 
 then became a Whig and later a Republican. He 
 died December 11, 1866. followed by his widow 
 April 2, 1881, she having lived to see her youngest 
 daughter the mother of twelve children. Both 
 parents were members of the Disciple Church. 
 
 Thomas and Sarah A. McGowan settled on a 
 home in the village of Lock No. 4. He has erect- 
 ed an elegaut residence, surrounded by beautiful 
 grounds, and among other improvements a hand- 
 some greenhouse adorns the place. In political 
 opinion he is a member of the Republican party. 
 In religion Mrs. McGowan is a member of the 
 Disciple Church. They are the parents of three 
 children, namely: J. K. M., married, and now has 
 charge of Lock No. 4; Isabelle, wife of T. J. Allen, 
 civil engineer, of Lock No. 4; and AbramF. , mar 
 ried and residing at the same place. Mr. McGowan 
 is one of the oldest navigators in Washington 
 county, aud is an expert in his vocation. 
 
 THEODORE J. ALLEN is a son of David B. 
 H. Allen, a native of Allen township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., who when a young man 
 was married to Martina Springer, of Fayette 
 county, Penn. They became the parents of 
 twelve children, of whom Theodore J. is the fourth 
 in order of birth. The father followed farming 
 and land surveying all his life, and died in 1882; 
 the mother is yet living on the old place. 
 
 Theodore J. Allen was born July 28, 18T>4, in 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., where his early edu 
 cation was obtained. He then entered the South 
 western State Normal School, at California, Penn , 
 and, afterward, Bethany College, in West Virginia, 
 graduating from the civil engineering department 
 in 1875. He has since followed the profession of 
 civil engineer, at the same time being engaged in 
 business with a coal company, as well as in farming. 
 
 On March 22, 1877, he married Isabelle, daugh- 
 ter of Maj. Thomas McGowan, a son of John and 
 Margaret (McGill) McGowan, natives of County 
 Down, Ireland, who, about 1831, immigrated to 
 America, settling permanently on a farm in Fal- 
 lowfield township, Washington Co., Penn , where 
 Mr. McGowan followed milling and general farm- 
 ing; he took an active interest in the politics of the 
 Whig party. John and Margaret McGowan died 
 several years ago, leaving children as follows: 
 Martha, wife of Howard Kerr, of Foxburgh, Penn. ; 
 Thomas; Sarah Jane, living at Lock No. 4; John. 
 who died at Lock No. 4, some years ago; and 
 Nancy E. , living at Lock No 4, widow of Alfred 
 Vanhorn. 
 
 Thomas McGowan was born in 1826, in County 
 Down, Ireland, and, coming to Washington county 
 with his parents when but a child, was educated 
 in the district schools in Fallowfield township. In 
 April, 1844, he began life as a laborer on the Mon 
 gahela river, and since that time has mastered all 
 the details of navigation. He was superintendent, 
 of Lock No. 4 and adjoining places for some time, 
 being rapidly promoted from one position to 
 another. For over thirty years he has been 
 superintendent of repairs, which business calls him 
 to all points between Pittsburgh and Geneva, Penn. 
 On November 18, 1852, Major McGowan was mar- 
 ried to Sarah A., daughter of Abram and Isabella 
 Fry. Mr. and Mrs. McGowan settled on a home 
 in the village of Lock No. 4, where he has erected 
 an elegant residence, surrounded by beautiful 
 grounds, and among other improvements, a hand 
 some greenhouse adorns the place. In political 
 opinion he is a member of the Republican party, 
 and in religion Mrs. McGowan is a member of the 
 Disciple Church. They are the parents of three 
 children, namely: J. K. M., married, and now in 
 charge of Lock No. 4; Isabelle, wife of T. J. Allen; 
 and Abram F., married and residing at Lock No. 
 4. Major McGowan is one of the oldest navigators 
 in Washington county,' and is an expert in his 
 vocation. 
 
 To the union of Theodore J. and Isabelle (Mc- 
 Gowan) Allen four children have been born, 
 namely: Edwin R., Eva W., Mable N., and Donald 
 M. Mr. Allen has been an extensive traveler, hav- 
 ing visited about twenty of the States in the Union 
 and Mexico, passing one year in Los Angeles, Cal. , 
 
 passing oneyt 
 as an engineer. He has been 
 
 a resident of Lock 
 
938 
 
 UW.SIIJNUTOX COI'NTY. 
 
 No. 4, Washington Co., Penn., for twelve yearn. He 
 lias served as justice of the peace, school director 
 ami postmaster, at Lock No. 4. 
 
 It BHAHAM HAIR. The life of this gentle 
 1\ man bears testimony, in language not to be 
 ^\ misunderstood, to what it is possible for man. 
 -* with willing heart and hands, to accomplish. 
 Few people, if any, in Washington county, 
 deserve as much credit for advancement in life, 
 commencing with dark days of poverty and adver- 
 sity, and rising solely by their own unaided efforts 
 to prominence and opulence, as does the subject 
 of this memoir. 
 
 Abraham Hair was born April 23, 1823, in Buf- 
 falo township, Washington Co. , Penn. When but 
 a young boy he was indentured to one William 
 Wilson, to learn the trade of spinning-wheel maker, 
 and with him he remained until sixteen years of 
 age, when he commenced working at various occu- 
 pations, including carpentering, civil engineering, 
 etc., and was for a time interested in the oil busi- 
 ness. On May 19, 1858, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Caroline Forsythe, who was born De- 
 cember 29, IS 10. a daughter of Job Forsythe, of 
 Parkersburgh, W. Va., and died April 15, 1800. 
 For his second wife Mr. Hair wedded Margaret 
 Wright, a native of Fayette county, Penn., born 
 March 22, 1838, a daughter of Abraham Wright, 
 of Point Marion, Penn., near the mouth of Cheat 
 river, and to this union the following children were 
 burn: Caroline V. , now Mrs. Isaac Hodgens. of 
 Buffalo township; Laura L.,now Mrs. R. W. Dodd, 
 of Donegal township; Kate, wife of William Burig, 
 of West Finley township; Adocia, living at home, 
 and Maggie, who died in infancy. The mother of 
 this family was called from earth January 27, 1S73. 
 After his first marriage Mr. Hair took up his 
 residence in Taylorstown, Penn., where he was en- 
 gaged in the milling business for some consider- 
 able time, then moved to California, same State. 
 whore he worked in a boat yard, after which he 
 was in the oil business on Dunkards creek, Penn., 
 whence he proceeded to Clay township,Monouga- 
 lia Co., W. Va., and there followed farming for 
 sometime. In 1872 he purchased the Shepherd 
 L. Guy farm, iu Donegal township, situated at 
 the confluence of the Little and Big Buffalo creeks. 
 Here he has since been engaged iu general farm 
 ing. including stock dealing to a considerable ex- 
 tent. He has lately erected an improved roller 
 mill at a great outlay, thereby filling a long-felt 
 want in his neighborhood, and which in itself is a 
 practical illustration of his enterprise and pro- 
 gressiveuess, and which is of invaluable service to 
 the farming community; anil in addition to all 
 these industries he owns 3-46 acres of choice faun 
 
 land, all the results of hard work, steadfast pur- 
 pose, sound judgment and sterling integrity. Mr. 
 Hair has no time to devote from his busy life to 
 politics, but he invariably votes the straight Dem 
 ocratic ticket. 
 
 rtpHEOPHILUS HAWKINS, a prosperous 
 farmer of West Pike Run township, a native 
 of the same, was born February 1, 1852, 
 II on the home farm. He is a son of Elijah 
 v and Elizabeth Hawkins, the latter of whom 
 died February 21, 1889, aged seventy years. He re 
 ceived a liberal education at the common schools of 
 his district, and was reared from boyhood to agri 
 cultural pursuits. On September 9, 1880, he was 
 united in marriage with Arminda Deems, who was 
 born May 30, 1861, a daughter of Harrison and 
 Catherine (Horn) Deems, pioneer settlers of this 
 county. Mr. and Mrs. Deems were the parents of 
 the following children: Ella, wife of Thomas 
 Dague, a farmer of West Bethlehem to wh ship; 
 Belle, married to John Frederick, an agriculturist 
 of West Pike Run township; Lizzie, wife of Stanton 
 Lutes, a blacksmith of West Pike Run township; 
 Arminda, Mrs. Hawkins; and Jennie, who is living 
 at home. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins live with his aged father 
 on the old homestead in West Pike Run township. 
 The farm comprises ninety-five well cultivated acres, 
 upon which a comfortable stone residence, a com 
 modious baru, and out buildings have been Erected. 
 Our subject and wife have two children, viz. : 
 Ernest R., born September 19, 1881, and Edna I., 
 born September 28, 1891. Mrs. Hawkins is a 
 member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 f(OHN GRAHAM, one of the best known and 
 
 most highly respected native-born farmer 
 
 v}\ citizens of Donegal township, is a grandson 
 
 of Robert Graham, one of the earliest settlers 
 
 of that township, having lived here at a time 
 
 when the Indian was yet a denizen of the forest 
 
 wild. 
 
 Little is known of him, save that he was of Irish 
 descent, and that ho and his wife lived in Wash 
 iugton county, about two and one-half miles north 
 east of Claysville. Their family consisted of nine 
 children, five sons and four daughters — of whom 
 Robert was born on the farm just spoken of, in 
 Donegal township, and was here married to Sarah 
 Jamison, who bore him the following children: 
 John, Robert, Mary, Samuel, Jane, Sarah (Mrs. 
 James Buchanan, of Brooke county, W. Va.), 
 William (living in Nebraska, was twiceelected to the 
 United Slates Congress from Pennsylvania), and 
 Margaret (Mrs. James Chambers, of Buffalo town- 
 ship) Of these, Robert, Mary, Samuel and Jane 
 
C T^ 
 
 1^-lA^ 
 
 PlXA-/~klA^/ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 941 
 
 are deceased, the last two named having died be- 
 fore reaching maturity. The parents lived to a 
 patriarchal age, the father dying in 1800, aged 
 ninety-five, and the mother June 27, 1880, aged 
 ninety one years. 
 
 John Graham, the subject proper of these lines, 
 was born January 14, 1814, and his boyhood days 
 were passed in hard work on the farm, and in at- 
 tending, dining a few winter months in each year, 
 the old log school-house with its primitive furnish- 
 ings and not less primitive antiquated "dominie." 
 Mr. Graham remained with his parents during 
 their lifetime, and after their decease he continued 
 the farm work till a few years ago, when he leased 
 the farm to tenants, and has since lived compara- 
 tively retired, simply overseeing the work. He 
 has b 'en very successful in all his undertakings, and 
 is in the enjoyment of a well earned competence. 
 Mr. Graham is blessed with escellont health, and 
 has seen but little sickness in all his long life. He 
 has never married. A member of the U. P. Cunrch 
 of Claysville, he is one of its liberal contributors. 
 In politics, first a Whig, afterward a Republican 
 and an enthusiastic Abolitionist, he has ever been 
 a zealous party-man and a loyal citizen. His suc- 
 cess in life is due entirely to his own efforts and 
 assiduous perseverance, coupled with sound judg- 
 ment and characteristic prudence. He is public 
 spirited and progressive, and enjoys the esteem 
 and respect of all. 
 
 If RA L. LACOCK, an enterprising citizen of 
 I Franklin township, Washington Co., Penu., is 
 a native of the same, having been born January 
 19, I860, on the farm of his father. He is a 
 son of John V., and grandson of Ira Lacock, who 
 was born December 13, 1794, in Amwell township, 
 Washington county, where his boyhood was passed 
 in attending school and afterward in farming. He 
 was married to Anna Bane, daughter of Isaac 
 Bane, and the following children were born to 
 them: William, Samuel (deceased), Isaac, John V., 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. William Mounts) and Ira J. After 
 his marriage Mr. Lacock lived in Amwell town- 
 ship two years, then moved to Franklin township, 
 and in 1856 settled in Washington, where he died 
 December 13, 1870. He was a Democrat in politics. 
 John V. Lacock was born September 5, 1822, in 
 Amwell township, Washington county, and was 
 educated at the subscription schools. On Decem- 
 ber 2, 1850, he was married to Sarah, daughter of 
 William McClenathan, a native of Ireland. He 
 then settled in Franklin township, afterward mov- 
 ing to Washington borough, then to the home 
 place, and finally locating at Point Lookout, on the 
 farm where he now resides, which consists of fifty 
 three acres of good laud. Mr. and Mrs. Lacock 
 have had the following children: George S. (mar- 
 
 ried to Mary Slusher, who has borne him two chil 
 dreu, Biddell and Birdie), Dr. S. A., William R., 
 Ira L. , and Marion (deceased). Politically, he is 
 an active worker in the Democratic party, and in 
 religion is a member of the Disciple Church at 
 Washington borough. 
 
 IraL. Lacock received his early education during 
 the winter season at the school house at Point 
 Lookout, and worked on the farm during the sum 
 mers. February 23, 1882, he was united in mar 
 riage with Jennie, daughter of Lewis McKahan, 
 of Washington, this county, and they have had two 
 children: Lester, born April 15, 1883, and Earl (de 
 ceased), born January 11, 1801. One year after 
 his marriage Mr. Lacock moved to the farm in 
 Amwell township, purchased in December, 1881, 
 of Dr. F.J. LeMoyue, and then bought and moved 
 to the Braddock farm, where he remained three 
 years, when, in 1887, he sold it to J. F. Wilson. 
 He then purchased the home farm of his father, 
 where he erected his present residence. He has a 
 large and valuable farm, containing 175 acres, 
 which he has managed very successfully. In pol- 
 itics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an 
 active interest in the success of his party. 
 
 MITH F. SCOTT, son of Joseph A. and 
 Eliza (Sheplar) Scott, was born April 2, 
 1840, in Fallowfield township. Washington 
 Co., Penu. He is the fourth in a family of 
 eight children, and received his early education in 
 the schools of Fallowfield and Somerset townships. 
 On November 22, 1800, he led to the altar Sarah 
 F. Rogers, who was born April 30, 1844, in Bealls 
 ville, Washington Co., Penn. She is a daughter 
 of Samuel W. and Sarah F. (Crawford) Rogers, 
 both of whom were natives of Maryland., The 
 children of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were as follows: 
 Priscilla W., wife of Adah W. Crouch, a farmer of 
 West Pike Run township; Joseph H.,of Bealls 
 ville, Penn.; Sarah F., wife of Smith F. Scott; 
 Emma E., married to George R. Deems, an agri 
 culturist of West Pike Run township; Mary A., 
 deceased; and two who died in infancy. . The 
 father was a prosperous farmer, and in party pref- 
 erences was a Republican, serving in various town- 
 ship offices. He died in 1890, the mother having 
 passed away in 1882. Both were members of the 
 M. E. Church at Beallsville, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Smith F. and Sarah F. (Rogers) Scott have four 
 children, viz.: Alpheus C, born September 5, 
 1807; John E.,born June 10, 1870; Samuel Clyde, 
 born June 2, 1877, and Tryphena May, born Octo- 
 ber 18, 1881. Mr. Scott owns a good farm, which 
 contains seventy-five acres, furnished with good 
 buildings, and all modern improvements. He is a 
 progressive, public-spirited citizen, actively inter 
 ested in all progressive movements, having filled 
 
942 
 
 WASHINGTON COl \ I) 
 
 various local offices. H.> votes with the Repub 
 lican party. He and his wife are members of the 
 Beallsville M. E. Church, to which he gives » lib 
 era] support. 
 
 There arc still living of Joseph A. Scott's chil- 
 dren four, namely- Henry S. Soott, of Bentleyville, 
 who has a wife ami three children, till boys; S I 
 Scott, whose family is described in this sketch; J. 
 Y. Scot i. M. !>.. and wife, of Washington, Penn., 
 and Margaret M.Miller, of Washington. Penn., who 
 is married and has two children. Below are found 
 the names and dates of births and deaths: Joseph 
 Alexander Scott, born October 5, 1806, died Feb 
 ruarv 15, 1881; Eliza Sheplar Scott, born June 11, 
 1815, died April L5, 1892; Joseph A. Scott and 
 Eliza Sheplar were married November 23, 1835, at 
 Peoria, 111.; Henry Sheplar Scott, horn July 27, 
 L840; Sarah Catherine Scott, born April 30, 1842, 
 died January 26, 1S47; James Anderson Scott, 
 born May 10, 1844, died October 28, 1853; Smith 
 Fry Scott, born April 2, 1846; Jesse Yager Scott, 
 born November Pi. 1848; Margaret Malissa Scott, 
 bom September 2, 1850; Nancy Peoria Scott, born 
 July 27, 1X,>:5, died November l>, IS">6, ami Joseph 
 Clark Scott, who was born September 1'-'. 1855, 
 and died October 30, 1881. 
 
 \ILLIAM L. PORTER, now retired from 
 active business, is one of the representa- 
 tive men of West Alexander. Hi> grand - 
 father. William Porter, was born and 
 reared in eastern Pennsylvania, and was 
 there married to Mary Lawson. who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: John, William, Mary, Thomas. 
 • lames, Margaret and Elizabeth. Some time after 
 his marriage Mr Porter and his family started on 
 the tedious journey to Washington county, Penn.. 
 and after several weeks arrived in West Finley 
 township. He purchased and settled on a tract of 
 '2'2~< acres of uncultivated land. Neighbors were 
 few in those days, and the Indians were ofttimes 
 troublesome, but the brave pioneers struggled on 
 until success crowned their efforts. Politically, 
 Mr. Porter was a Whig, ami in religion a member 
 of the Seceder Church. He was an energetic man, 
 and took an active interest in the improvement of 
 the vicinity. He and his wife died on the old 
 farm. 
 
 Thomas Porter was born in 1789, in West Fin- 
 ley township, Washington county, on the home 
 farm, where he received his education. In early 
 manhood he was united in marriage with Margaret, 
 daughter of John Neal. of Carlisle, Penn., and 
 thej made a permanent home in West Finley town 
 --hip. where the following children were born to 
 them and reared: William L. (subject of our 
 
 sketch), Mary. John. Thomas, Lngeline and Eliza 
 beth Mr, Potter was a farmer, also conducted a 
 
 blacksmith shop, employing four men, and he made a 
 success in both vocations. He was an active poli- 
 tician in the Democratic party, and in religion was 
 a member and liberal supporter of the Associate 
 Reformed Church. 
 
 William L. Porter was horn January it, IMS, 
 near Pittsburgh, Penn. and worked on the farm 
 during his boyhood days, receiving a subscription 
 school education. He was married January \ 1839, 
 to Elizabeth, daughter of John Kimmotis. who bore 
 him four children: Joseph R. M. J. (Mrs. A. J. 
 Post ). Harriet A. (Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer) and 
 Lewis. The mother of these children died May 1. 
 1861, and Mr. Porter was afterward married on 
 February 26, 1863, to Mrs. Elizabeth White. He 
 passed the first twelve years of married life on his 
 father's farm, and then purchased a place east of 
 West Alexander, where he resided twenty six 
 years. He then sold out, and clerked eight years 
 in a general store tit West Alexander. He after 
 ward commenced business for himself, and having 
 won the esteem and confidence of the community, 
 was very successful in this venture. In 1 S S 3 ill 
 health compelled him to retire from business, but 
 he is still an active man. Mr. Porter is a very 
 popular citizen, and has many friends, who rejoice 
 with him in the success which he has so well 
 earned. Politically he has always been an active 
 member of the Democratic party, but has never 
 accepted office. In religious connection lie is the 
 oldest member of the U. P. Church, with which he 
 is connected, and to which he is a liberal contrib- 
 utor. He is a member of the Session, and has ever 
 been a zealous worker in the cause, encouraging 
 all progressive movements. Since the present edi 
 face has been erected, Mr. Porter has twice served 
 as treasurer, and has taken an active part in the 
 upbuilding of the Society. 
 
 QEORGE HUNTEB 'BRIGHT. This high 
 ly-esteemed octogenarian is a living example 
 of what patient purpose, resolute work 
 ing, steadfast integrity and life of rectitude 
 can accomplish in the ranks of the indus- 
 trious, plodding agriculturists. He was bom Jan 
 uar\ 22. 1813, in Chester county, Penn., where he 
 received ti limited education at the schools of the 
 period. Hi- grandfather, Robert Wright, wns a 
 native of County Monaghan. Ireland, where he 
 passed his entire life, married, and had a numer 
 ons family, of which one son, named James, became 
 the father of the subject of this sketch. 
 
 James Wright was born in County Monaghan, 
 Ireland, in 177S. and when a lad of ten years 
 emigrated from his native land to America, land 
 ing in Philadelphia. Penn., whence he shortly af- 
 terward proceeded to Chester county, same State 
 Here he was "bound out" to one Daniel Gornick, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 943 
 
 a farmer, with whom he made his home, being 
 trained in agricultural pursuits, until eighteen 
 years of age, when he commenced the stone mason's 
 trade, which he followed until 1818, in which year 
 he came to Washington county, locating in Amwell 
 township. Here he purchased a tract of land lying 
 about three miles northeast of Amity, where he 
 passed the remainder of his busy life. While a 
 resident of Chester county he was married fco Jane 
 Burns, a native of the same, horn of English 
 parents, and to this union came the following chil- 
 dren: Sarah, who lived to the age of fourscore; 
 Samuel, who also lived to a ripe old age; James, 
 who lived to adult age; George H. , subject; An- 
 drew Jackson and Henry Burns, both lived to 
 manhood, and Margaret, now living in Amwell 
 township, the widow of Nicholas Horn. The father 
 of this family died September 6, 1855, the mother 
 following him to the grave June 3, 1870, at the 
 patriarchal age of ninety-one. In politics Mr. 
 Wright was a Democrat. 
 
 George H. Wright, of whom this memoir chiefly 
 treats, under the careful preeeptorshipof his father, 
 was early taught lasting lessons in industry and 
 economy — -lessons that formed in him habits of life 
 which brought to bim the success which secured 
 him an ample competence for his declining years. 
 At the age of nineteen fin 1832) our subject com- 
 menced life for himself, leaving home and working 
 at different places by the month, on farms, in 
 which he continued until the spring of 1838, when 
 he took up his residence in Richhill township, 
 Greene Co. , same State, where he remained 
 until 1840, at which time he came to East Finley 
 township, this county, locating near where he now 
 lives, about one mile southeast of East Finley 
 postoffice. At that time the place was a " howling 
 wilderness," but. Mr. Wright manfully set, to work, 
 soon made a clearing on which he erected a sub 
 Htantial log cabin, a primitive but comfortable home 
 for his wife and little ones; and by hard work, in- 
 domitable perseverance and good management, 
 what was when he first saw it. a vista of wild rocks, 
 he transformed into smiling fields of grain, and 
 gardens that were made to "blossom as the rose." 
 
 On April 14. 1832. Mr. Wright was united in 
 marriage with Lvdia Hoi hurt, a native of Virginia, 
 born June 4, 1809, daughter of John Holburt. of 
 what was then Morris fnow Franklin) township, 
 this county, and this union was blessed with chil- 
 dren as follows: Frances Jane, born December 27, 
 1832, deceased in infancy; Catherine, born Novem- 
 ber 25, 1833, now living in East Finley township, 
 the widow of George Ealy; John Holburt. born 
 January 8, 1839, died July 27, 1859-, James 
 Riley, born December 27, 1840, now in West Fin- 
 ley township, married to Jane Sprowls; Henry, 
 born September 25, 1842, now in East Finley 
 township, married to Rachel Rockefeller; Sarah 
 
 Margaret, born May 10. 1846, at home with her 
 father; George W. and Isaac B. (twins), born Sep 
 tember 13, 1848 (George W. is living in East Fin- 
 ley, married to Juliette Day; Isaac lives in the 
 same township, married to Frances Mills); Ben- 
 jamin Franklin, born March Hi, 1851, now lives in 
 East Finley township, married to Pluebe .lane 
 Tucker, of Amwell township. The mother of this 
 large family died August 7, 1889, deeply regretted 
 by all who knew her. She was a consistent mem 
 ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at 
 Old Concord, as is Mr. Wright, and in his political 
 preferences he has been a lifelong Democrat. 
 
 fjOHN WOODS, a pioneer settler of Chartiers 
 ^ I township, was born November 23, 1817, a 
 ((J grandson of John Woods, a native of Ireland, 
 who was there married to Mary Allen. They 
 soon afterward immigrated to America, first 
 locating in Westmoreland county. Penn , thence 
 proceeding to Mt. Pleasant township. Washington 
 Co., Penn., and then moved to North Strabane 
 township, whence they finally came to the farm in 
 Chartiers township, now owned by their grandson 
 John, where they kept a tavern. The grandfather 
 was a member of the Seceder Church, and both he 
 and his wife died in this county, leaving a family 
 of children, among whom was the father of our 
 subject, Nathaniel. 
 
 Nathaniel Woods was born in Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., and coming to Washington county 
 in early manhood, was there united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth Updegraff, born in the Shenan 
 doah Valley, Loudoun county, Va. Her paternal 
 grandfather had also been a native of Virginia, 
 and coming to Chartiers township had made his 
 permanent home in this county, where his children 
 afterward settled. After his marriage Nathaniel 
 Woods settled in Chartiers township, where the 
 following children were born and reared: John, 
 Margaret (who died in Cincinnati, Ohio), Mary 
 fdeceased). Nathaniel fliving in Chartiers township, 
 was a soldier in the Mexican war), Kate (living in 
 Washington borough), Henry (deceased in 1852, a 
 soldier of the Mexican war) and Elizabeth (resid- 
 ing in Washington). Mr. Woods was a farmer 
 and distiller, and in politics voted the Democratic 
 ticket. He was a soldier under Gen. Harrison in 
 the war of 1812. On March 2, 1836, he was laid 
 to rest, and was followed by his widow in 1885. 
 
 John Woods was reared on his father's farm, 
 and received a limited education in the schools of 
 Chartiers township. He then learned the trade of 
 a painter, continuing in that work over forty years 
 In 1857 John Woods was married to Amanda 
 Dickson, a native of Washington county. Ohio, 
 and a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth 
 (Snyder) Dickson, who were natives of Virginia, 
 
'.Ml 
 
 WASHINGTON C0U1S, I) 
 
 but settled in Ludlow township, Washington Co., 
 Ohio, in an early day, where the remainder of their 
 lives was passed. After his marriage Mr. Woods 
 settled on the farm in Ghartiers township, where 
 he yet resides. His wife died January 20, 1890, 
 leaving five children, namely: Maggie (living in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.); Mary (wife of Edward Timmons, 
 of Chartiers township); Henry (living in Canons - 
 burg); Auna (Mrs. Rankin Zerba, of Clermont, 
 Penn.), and John. Mr. Woods has followed his 
 trade the greater part of his life, together with 
 managing a farm. He has been a member of the 
 Republican party since its first organization, and 
 cast a vote for William Henry Harrison; he has 
 served three or four years as township assessor, 
 and has also filled several other offices of trust. 
 Mrs. Woods was an earnest worker and member in 
 the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. 
 
 HrlRAM VAN KIRK. The ancestry of this 
 gentleman were natives of New Jersey, in 
 | which State his grandfather, Jacob Van 
 Kirk, was born September 27, 1766. In 
 v early manhood he came with his father's 
 
 family to West Bethlehem township, this county. 
 He was married to Elizabeth Lee, who was born 
 December 9, 1777, and they reared four children, 
 viz.: Enoch, born April 14, 1796; Joseph, born 
 January 17, 1798; Anna, born February 15, 1806; 
 and Leah, born May 18, 1817. 
 
 Hiram Van Kirk, son of Joseph and Eliza (Cor- 
 wiu) Van Kirk, was born September 18, 1830, in 
 Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn.. where 
 his entire life has been passed. Ho received his 
 education in the common schools, and profited by 
 his early opportunities. On May 15, 1862, he 
 was united in marriage with Anna F. Hughes, 
 who was born December 1, 1837, a daughter of 
 Samuel L. and Susan Hughes, of Amwell town- 
 ship, who were the parents of nine children — five 
 sons and four daughters. They are old residents 
 of Washington county, and further record of the 
 family will be found in the sketches of John and 
 James W. Hughes. Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk have 
 two sons: James H, born July 17, 1863; and 
 Francis J., born August 2, 1869, both of whom 
 yet remain with their parents on the old home 
 farm, which has been the property of Mr. Van- 
 Kirk for twenty-nine years, and consists of 150 
 acres of prime land. He is also the owner of an- 
 other farm of 144 acres, known as the John P. 
 Van Kirk place Politically, Mr. Van Kirk is an 
 ardent supporter of the Democratic party, having 
 1 ii one of the " wheel horses " in Amwell town- 
 ship for many years. Mrs. Van Kirk is a mem- 
 ber of the Christian Church, and though her hus- 
 band is not connected with that body, lie gives 
 liberally to the cause, and does all in his power to 
 promote the interests of morality and religion. 
 
 ILLIAM JAMES KELSO. The Kelso 
 family are of Irish descent, and Mark 
 Kelso, after his marriage to Elizabeth 
 Ewing, came to a farm in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., remaining there some time. 
 In 1818 he bought an improved farm, which lie 
 came his permanent home. His wife died many 
 years before him, leaving the following chil 
 dren: Mary (Mrs. John Cowden, living in Mt. 
 Pleasant township), Esther (who died in INNS). 
 Elizabeth (who died in 1884), George, John (wbo 
 married in Ohio, and had one child, Americus, now 
 deceased), James, Martha and Letta Ann. Of these 
 children James Kelso was first married to a Miss 
 Elder, who bore him children as follows: William 
 E., Mark, John, Elizabeth and Lucinda. The 
 mother died, and for his second wife James was 
 married to Jane Miller, and they had three chil- 
 dren: Margaret, Alice and Miller. This wife also 
 died, and the father then made a third choice in 
 the person of Mrs. Catherine M. Millan, who bore 
 him two children, viz.: James and Samuel George. 
 The father of this family died in Allegheny coun 
 ty, Penn., two years after the death of his last. 
 wife. Martha Kelso became the wife of Phineas 
 Kelso, of Lawrence county, Ohio, and four chil 
 dren were born to them as follows: Mark (who en- 
 tered the service in Lawrence county, Ohio, and 
 was killed in battle), Elizabeth, Andrew and John. 
 Letta Ann Kelso was married to John Gregg, of 
 North Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 the following children being born to their union: 
 Elizabeth, Mark, Edward, Mary, Levi and Esther 
 (twins), Clara, Emma and Ellsworth. 
 
 George M. Kelso, son of Mark and Elizabeth 
 (Ewing) Kelso, was born April 6, 1806, in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., coming in 1818 to Washing- 
 ton county with his parents. The family settled 
 on the farm now owned by J. R. Kelso, where 
 George M. grew to manhood. On March 28, 1838, 
 the latter was married to Maria Rankin, who was 
 born December 22, 1813, in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship. The young people settled on the home 
 farm where their lives were passed. George Kelso 
 and his wife were formerly members of the Union 
 Church, afterward uniting with the United Presby- 
 terian Church at Venice. He died March 27, 1879, 
 his wife being laid to rest July 30, 1878. They 
 were the parents of nine children: one who died 
 unnamed; Mary Jane; Lizzie E. (wife of David R. 
 P. Springer); Mark; Abigail Lavina, born in Feb- 
 ruary, 1846 (deceased in March, 1847); Abigail 
 Lavina, born December 21, 1847 (living on the 
 home farm); J. R. (living on the home farm); Will- 
 iam James, born May 5, 1852, and Maggie A., 
 born July 2, 1854. Of these children Lizzie E. 
 was married February 19, 1878, to David Springer, 
 a native and resident of Robinson township, and 
 to this union were born two children, one of whom 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 945 
 
 is living, Charley Ross (Mr. Springer died August 
 29, 1887); Mark Kelso was married on October 19, 
 1871, to Elizabeth Cornelius Allison, a native of 
 Allegheny county (they have had seven children, 
 three of whom are living: George and Alexander 
 (twins) and Mark; the father was a farmer of Fay- 
 ette township, Allegheny Co , Perm.). 
 
 William James Kelso was born on the old place 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, there re- 
 ceiving his early education. On May 10, 1882, he 
 was married to Ella Finley, a native of Allegheny 
 City, daughter of William Finley, who was born 
 in County Derry, Ireland. In about 1855 they 
 came to America and located in Allegheny City. 
 Penn., where they are now living. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Kelso bought and moved 
 upon the William McConnell farm in Cecil town- 
 ship, containing 103iJ acres. He has made many 
 improvements, and has erected a good barn. He 
 votes with the Republican party, and in religion 
 Mr. and Mrs. Kelso are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Venice, this county. They 
 have one daughter, Mary Elsie. 
 
 J I AMES JOHNSTON HOWE is a well-known 
 citizen of Peters township. His ancestors 
 came from Scotland many years ago and set- 
 tled in eastern Pennsylvania, where James 
 Howe was born and reared. James Howe 
 learned the blacksmith's trade, and then settled on 
 a farm near Washington, in Washington Co , 
 Perm. He was married to Miss Margaret Clark, 
 of this county, who bore him the following chil 
 dnn : William, Mary, Ann, Jane, Thomas, James, 
 Elizabeth, David, Nancy and Margaret, of whom 
 James, Elizabeth, Nancy and Margaret are yet 
 living. Mr. Howe followed his trade until 1822, 
 then came to the home farm in Peters township, 
 this county, where he was also engaged in farm- 
 ing. Prior to 1840 he was a Democrat, but after 
 the Harrison campaign joined the Whig party, 
 which was eventually merged into the Republican 
 faction. He died in 1863. 
 
 William Howe, eldest son of James and Marga- 
 ret Howe, was born October 29, 1816, in Buffalo 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. He passed his 
 youth in performing the usual duties of farm life, 
 and also learned the blacksmith's trade. In 1847 
 he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter 
 of James Johnston, of Peters township, this 
 county, and the young people located on a farm 
 near the old place, where he worked at his trade, 
 but afterward removed to Allegheny county, Penn., 
 whore they remained two years. In 1865 they re- 
 turned to Washington county, and locating on the 
 home place, he abandoned his trade and devoted 
 the remnant of his life to farming. He died Feb 
 ruary 7, 1872, leaving one son, James Johnston. 
 
 James Johnston Howe, son of William and 
 Nancy Howe, was born on the home place, in 
 Peters township, August 23, 1848. He attended 
 the Canonsburg Academy for two terms, and when 
 his father died left school to take charge of the 
 home farm. On October 18, 1882, he married 
 Elizabeth M., daughter of William H. Carpenter, 
 a prominent farmer of Lawrence county, Penn. 
 The home farm contains eighty -live acres of ex- 
 cellent land, and when wool was selling at a high 
 price Mr. Howe made a specialty of sheep raising. 
 Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and in re 
 ligion is a member and liberal supporter of the 
 Greenside Avenue United Presbyterian Church, of 
 Canonsburg. 
 
 1/ If UGH HANNA, M. D., a retired physician 
 p— "I of Washington county, now living on a 
 farm in Chartiers township, is the son of 
 1) -^ Hugh and Dorothy Hanna, the former of 
 V whom was born in Ireland, and came to 
 
 Washington county in an early day, settling in Ce 
 cil township. He was there married to Dorothy 
 Whitely, a native of Peters township, this county, 
 and the following children were born to their 
 union: William (a wagon-maker in Monongahela 
 City), Thomas (who went to California in an early 
 day and was killed in 1866, while in Nevada), 
 Frederick (a saddler and harness maker, deceased 
 in Peters township when in the prime of man 
 hood), Eleanor (deceased wife of Samuel Smith, of 
 Canonsburg), Nancy (married to James McLoney, 
 of Odessa, West Bethlehem township, this county), 
 James (farming in North Strabane township), 
 Hugh, and Samuel (who died when about two years 
 of age). The father of this family conducted a 
 woolen mill on the " Craighead " farm in Cecil 
 township for many years, and afterward devoted 
 his time to agricultural work in Peters and Not- 
 tingham townships, this county. He was an active 
 worker in the Democratic party, and held various 
 offices of trust in said townships. At the time of 
 his death, which occurred in 1842, he was a mem- 
 ber of the U. P. Church at Peters Creek. His wife 
 died in 1858, while residing in Nottingham town 
 ship. 
 
 Hugh Hanna, M. D., was born in Cecil town 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., and received his ed- 
 ucation in the district schools of Nottingham town- 
 ship, and at an academy in Somerset township, 
 taught by J. C. Messenger, the family having 
 moved upon a farm in that vicinity. He began 
 life as a school teacher in his native township, 
 where he remained several terms, then taught one 
 winter in Fallowfield township, and three winters 
 in Peters township. He next taught three terms 
 in Union township, at the end of which time he 
 went to Allegheny county, remaining there one 
 
94(3 
 
 Washington county. 
 
 term. Daring this period of bis life, the young 
 man passed every leisure hour reading medicine, 
 afterward attending one term of lectures at Ann 
 Arbor (Mich.) University. In 1869 he entered 
 Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, graduat 
 ing March 12, 1870, and then commenced the 
 practice of medicine in Allegheny county, Penn. 
 In the fall of 187] he went to Canonsburg, this 
 county, and November 1, 1876, was married to 
 Lizzie A. Wallace, a native of that town, a daugh 
 ter of Thomas and Nancy (Arnold) Wallace. 
 Thomas Wallace was a native of Washington 
 county, Penn., and moved to Knox county, Ohio, 
 where he died in 1865; his wife died in October, 
 1883, at Cambridge, Ohio. 
 
 Dr. Hanna remained in Canonsburg until 1878, 
 when, after having been identified with the med 
 ical profession about eight years, he retired to a 
 farm iu Oh artier a township. This farm is a part 
 of the Henderson homestead, and was in the pos- 
 session of that family over one hundred years. Dr. 
 Hanna first purchased 101| acres, but has since 
 added to it, and now owns 131 1 acres of good pro 
 ductive land. He and his wife have three chil- 
 dren: Howard Thomas, Leota May and Birdie 
 Bell, the latter of whom has become a good reader 
 and mathematician under the instruction of her 
 father, never having attended school. Dr. Hanna 
 raises a fine breed of stock on his farm. The place 
 is within the coal belt near McConnell's Mill. In 
 politics the Doctor is a Democrat, Ad at this writ 
 ing is a member of the school board. He started 
 in life with but little, the success he has achieved 
 being due to enterprise and industry. Mrs. Hanna 
 is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Houstonville, this county. 
 
 /"T'EORGE KELSO. Among the early resi 
 || dents of Cecil township were Benjamin and 
 
 V [ Mary (McCormick) Kelso, who settled in 
 ^4 Allegheny county, Penn., about the year 
 " 1800. Benjamin Kelso served seven years 
 and nine months in the Revolutionary war, and 
 died from disease contracted while in the service. 
 
 Benjamin Kelso, a son of the pioneer couple above 
 mentioned, was born in 1801, and reared in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., where he received his edu 
 cation. In 1823 he was united in marriage with 
 Martha, daughter of John Murdock, an' early pin 
 Deer of Allegheny county, who afterward moved 
 to Ohio, dying there many years ago. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Kelso settled on the old homestead in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., where he died in 1880, be 
 ing followed to the grave by his wife in 1888 
 They reared the following family of children: Re- 
 becca (married in 1836 to Cornelius Borland, now 
 living in Cecil township, this county), John (a res- 
 ident of Allegheny county, Penn., married to Mary 
 Hall). Mary (wife of Richard Gladden), George 
 
 (whose sketch follows), James (living in Pasadena, 
 Cal.), Nancy (married to William Herron, of 
 Noblestown), Margaret, Martha (wife of John P. 
 McConnell), Benjamin (residing on the homestead 
 in Allegheny county), Mark (living iu North Stra 
 bane township), Samuel (residing in Xenia. Ohio) 
 and Elizabeth. Of these are yet living Rebecca, 
 George, James, Benjamin, Mark and Samuel. The 
 father was a Whig and Republican in politics, 
 and in religious faith he and his wife were formerlj 
 members of the Associate Reformed Church at 
 Robinson's Run, afterward uniting with the U. P. 
 Church at the same place. 
 
 George Kelso, son of Benjamin and Martha 
 (Murdock) Kelso, was born April 28, 1822, in South 
 Fayette township, Allegheny Co.. Penn. , attending 
 the subscription schools of the day during his 
 boyhood. He began farming on the old homestead, 
 and June 1, 1852, was married to Sarah Jane 
 Wallace, also a native of Allegheny county, daugh- 
 ter of William and Elizabeth (Gilfilland) Wal 
 lace The parents were natives of eastern Penn 
 sylvania, coming when children with their parents 
 to Allegheny county, where they were married. 
 They were both members of the United Presbyte 
 rian Church at Robinson's Run, and Mr. Wallace 
 was for some years a member of the Session. He 
 died in 1NS4, being followed by his wife a few 
 years later. His son William lives at the old home. 
 
 George and Sarah Jane Kelso passed the first 
 years of married life in Allegheny county, and in 
 1857 bought 178 acres in Cecil township, Wash- 
 ington county. He has made many improvements 
 on the place, and in 1881 erected a comfortable 
 house; in addition to general fanning he raises a 
 good grade of sheep. He is a Republican in poli- 
 tics, and has served his township as inspector of 
 elections and auditor. In religious faith Mr. and 
 Mrs. Kelso are members of the U. P. Church at 
 Venice. They have had children, five of whom are 
 yet living, as follows: James, a teacher in North 
 Strabane township, married to Lizzie McNary; 
 William Wallace, married to Anna A., daughter 
 of Rev. Anderson, and living on the home farm; 
 Benjamin McCormick, married to Mary Miller, a 
 resident of Pasadena, Cal.; George A., a farmer; 
 and John, a bookkeeper, in Pittsburgh. Those 
 deceased are Lizzie, who died in 1854, aged fifteen 
 months; Maggie, who died in 1S72, aged seven 
 years; Sarah Bella, who died in 1876, aged fifteen 
 years; and Mattie, deceased in 1880, aged twenty 
 one years. 
 
 J/OSIAH MELOY was born October 20, L826, 
 j in Franklin (then Morris) township, Wash 
 ; ington Co., Penn.. a son of Reese Melo\ . 
 whose father, William Meloy, was born in 
 17r>:{, near Salem, Salem Co., N. J. William 
 Meloy was t here married to Lydia McCray, who 
 
Washington cocnty. 
 
 947 
 
 was also a native of New Jersey, born in 1703, and 
 in the year 1809 they started, in company with 
 another family, to move to Ohio. While passing 
 through Washington county, Penn., some of the 
 family were taken ill, and they were obliged to 
 atop at Coon Island, and the Meloy family became 
 permanent residents of Pennsylvania. Mr. Meloy 
 rented the "Hupp" farm in Washington county, 
 and there passed the remainder of his life. His 
 widow died in 1857. 
 
 Reese Meloy, a son of William Meloy, was born 
 in 1796, near Salem, Salem Co., N. J., and coming 
 to Pennsylvania with his parents grew to man- 
 hood in Washington county. He worked for a 
 time on different farms, and in 1824 was united in 
 marriage with Jane Caldwell, who was born in 
 1805, near West Middletown, Penn., daughter of 
 Samuel Caldwell. They had the following chil 
 dren: Cyrus A. (farming in Amwell township, this 
 county); Josiah (subject of sketch); Angeline (de- 
 ceased in infancy); Hester, Mary and Reese; of this 
 family the three last named died after attaining 
 adult age. After his marriage Mr. Meloy located 
 in Franklin (then Morris) township, this county, 
 aud some time afterward came to Donegal town 
 ship, where he located on a farm about two miles 
 west of Claysville. He continued to farm on this 
 place until his death, which occurred May 23, 
 I860, his widow surviving him till February 2, 
 1889. Mr. Meloy began life with but little, but 
 by hard work and good management succeeded in 
 accumulating a considerable property. Politically 
 he was formerly a Whig, and after the organiza- 
 tion of the party, became a Republican. 
 
 Josiah Meloy, the second child in his father's 
 family, came with his parents to Donegal town- 
 ship, where he received his education, and was 
 trained to farm work. On July 9, 1 803, he was 
 married to Jane, daughter of Isaac Sutherland, 
 of West Finley township, Washington county, and 
 their children are Reese G. and Anna M., both 
 living with their parents.' After his marriage Mr. 
 Meloy settled on the farm which is his present 
 home, and has successfully followed agricultural 
 pursuits, devoting considerable attention to stock 
 raising. Politically, he is a Republican. 
 
 D 
 
 ^AVID WEAVER, one of the oldest repre- 
 sentative citizens in Peters township, 
 comes of Irish descent, and is a grandson 
 of John W. Weaver, who is supposed to 
 have been born in the Emerald Isle. He came 
 from Chester county, Penn., in 1787, and first 
 located in Lancaster county, then bought 160 
 acres of land near Canonsburg, in Chartiers town- 
 ship, Washington county. He was a mason by 
 trade, and followed that business until his death. 
 His children were John, Sarah, Mary Jane, Nancy, 
 Isaac, Thomas H., Dell, George and Joshua . 
 
 Thomas H. Weaver was born in 1790, in Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., aud in early life came with 
 his father to Washington county. He worked on 
 the home farm during his youth, and was married 
 to Mary, daughter of James White, an early 
 settler of Washington county. They began wedded 
 life on a farm about two miles from Canonsburg, 
 in North Strabane township, where children were 
 born as follows: James, Isaac, Thomas, David, 
 Jane, an infant son, an infant daughter, John, 
 George, Mary, Moses and Elizabeth. Of this 
 family James, Isaac, Thomas. David and Mary are 
 yet living. 
 
 David Weaver, son of Thomas H .and Mary (White) 
 Weaver, was born July 27, 1818, in North Strabane 
 township, and received his education in the sub 
 scription schools. On February 2S, 1850, he was 
 united in marriage with Clarissa M., daughter of 
 the late Amos Enlow, a prominent farmer of this 
 county, who spent about ten years in Illinois, which 
 was then known as the " far west." In 1856 Mr. 
 and Mrs. Weaver moved to their present home in 
 Peters township, where the following children 
 were born and reared: Isaac P., Mary C, Ben 
 jamin F., George J., Thomas P. and Amos Enlow. 
 of whom but two are yet living, Mary C. (Mrs. 
 Robert Donaldson, of Canonsburg) and George J. 
 (married to Viola Cook, of Minnesota, who is 
 living with his father and managing the farm). 
 The old place contains ninety-three acres of good 
 land, and Mr. Weaver has conducted an extensive 
 dairy business. He also keeps about fifty hives 
 of bees, which bring a good profit. In politics he 
 is a " true blue " Democrat, and has served in 
 many township offices. In religious faith he is a 
 member and liberal supporter of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church at Canonsburg. 
 
 FRANK M. GABBY, one of the most pro- 
 gressive citizens of Franklin township, was 
 born March 6, 1842, in Canton township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and passed his 
 early life on the home farm. He attended the 
 common schools of his vicinity, until about eighteen 
 years of age, when his father needed his assist- 
 ance in the duties of the farm. On December '21, 
 1870, Mr. Gabby was united in marriage with 
 Sarah, daughter of Adam Weir, and their union 
 has been blessed with one daughter, Jennie W. 
 Mr. Gabby commenced married life on the farm of 
 his father, and in 1881 moved to his present home 
 in Franklin township, where he has since been 
 engaged in farming and stock raising. He has 
 always taken an active interest in any progressive 
 enterprise of his township, giving his most hearty 
 co-operation to every worthy cause. Politically he 
 is an ardent worker in the ranks of the Republican 
 party, and in religion he and his wife are members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church at Washington. 
 
948 
 
 ii ASHIXGTON GOUNfY. 
 
 OBERT D. HENRY. For more than a 
 century the Henry family have been resi- 
 dents of Washington county, more espe- 
 cially that portion of'it in and about South 
 Strabane township. They are of Irish 
 descent, Robert, the great grandfather of our sub- 
 ject, having been born in the " Green Isle of Erin,'" 
 where he married a countrywoman and reared a 
 family of four sons— David, John, Nicholas and 
 Joseph — and three daughters —Jennie, Margaret 
 and Isabella. In 1783 they came to this country, 
 finally settling near where is now the village of 
 Claysville, this county, where the head of the fam- 
 ily remained a short time, and then moved to South 
 Strabane township, where he died. 
 
 Robert Henry, son of this pioneer, was married 
 in early life to Ann, daughter of Nicholas Little, 
 and by her had seven children: Joseph, Jane, 
 Nicholas, Margaret, David, Isabella and John (all 
 deceased). For many years Mr. Henry was en 
 gaged in trading, and among other ventures brought 
 salt across the mountains with a train of saddle 
 horses. He also followed agricultural pursuits 
 with considerable success, having settled on the 
 farm now occupied by our subject. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Seceder Church of Pigeon Creek, and 
 one of its early founders. He was a very prominent 
 man in all social organizations, and in politics he 
 was an Old line Whig. 
 
 Nicholas Henry, father of our subject, passed 
 his boyhood and youth on the home farm, and early 
 in life married Margaret, daughter of John Zed- 
 iker, of the same township. The following chil- 
 dren were born to this union: Robert D. ; Mary, 
 .Mrs. Nathaniel White; Louis; Joseph, who died 
 in 1854; anil John. Of these, Louis enlisted in 
 Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., 
 and was wounded at the battle of the Wilderness 
 in May, 1S64; he died May 24 following, his body 
 being brought home and interred in Pigeon Creek 
 U. P. Cemetery. The father of this family died 
 April 24, 1838, and the mother on April 8, 1862. 
 Mr. Henry early united with the Seceder Church, 
 and, like his parents, gave it his earnest and 
 heartiest support; politically he was an Old line 
 Whig; socially he was an upright citizen, highly 
 respected in the community. 
 
 Robert D. Henry was born July 31, 1820, on his 
 present farm in South Strabane township, and at- 
 tended the subscription schools of the neighbor- 
 hood. He was one of the closest students of his 
 time, and has since taken an active interest in edu- 
 cational matters, continually advocating better 
 school privileges and a more thorough system. On 
 November, 16, 1876, he was married to Catherine, 
 daughter of Andrew Holland, and one child, Rob- 
 ert Howard (now deceased) was born to them; the 
 mother died April 27, 1889. Mr. Henry has 
 always lived on the old home place, which was 
 
 patented to Thomas Kerr. From earliest youth he 
 has been a member of the U. P. Church at Pigeon 
 Creek, of which he has served as trustee several 
 years. In his political preferences he is a stanch 
 Republican, and was, prior to the organization of 
 his party, an Old-line Whig. He has held many 
 offices of trust in his township, and for years served 
 as justice of the peace; he also served one term as 
 jury commissioner of the county, from 1876 to 
 1 879, and is an enterprising and substantial citizen. 
 
 If If ENRY T. BAILEY, a well-known citizen of 
 
 r~"l Amwell township, is a son of Isaac Bailey, 
 
 whose father came from Chester county, 
 
 J) — Penn., and located in Washington county. 
 
 Isaac Bailey was united in marriage, 
 
 November 20, 1841, with Agnes Garrett, and to 
 
 them wefe born three children: Maria (now Mrs. 
 
 H. 11. Kinder), Henry T. and William (i., the 
 
 latter of whom died June 24, 1884; he lived on the 
 
 old homestead. 
 
 Henry T. Bailey was born in East Pike Run 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., where he re- 
 mained until he was about thirty years of age. 
 He obtained his earlier education in the common 
 schools, afterward, in 1866, attending Iron City 
 College. He then attended the Southwestern State 
 Normal School, at California, Penn., for several 
 terms. During the years 1875 and 1876 he attended 
 the National School of Elocution. Philadelphia, 
 from which he graduated December 10, 1.S76. He 
 was a successful teacher in the common schools, 
 and also in East Liverpool, Ohio, as well as at 
 California, Penn., covering a period, in all, of 
 eight years. On November 15, 1N77, Mr. Bailey 
 was married to Miss M. Emma Swart, of Amwell 
 township, Washington count}', and three children 
 have come to brighten their home: Inez A., born 
 April 3, 1880; Lena S., born January 18, 1883, 
 and Harry Hiram, born November 23, 1891. 
 Since his marriage he has been engaged in farm- 
 ing and stock raising. Mr. Bailey is Republican 
 in politics, and in 1880 was appointed census 
 enumerator for Amwell township; in 1884 he was 
 elected county auditor, which office he held for 
 three years. In religion he and his family are 
 members of the Methodist Protestant Church at 
 Amity. 
 
 ^ILLIAM C. RAMSEY, a representative 
 agriculturist of Franklin township, and 
 one of the enterprising citizens of the 
 county, is a native of the same, having 
 been born in Amwell township March 5, 1843. 
 
 George Ramsey, grandfather of subject, mar 
 ried Mrs. Lydia Lloyd, daughter of Mordecai 
 Chandler, of Chester county, Penn., a member of 
 one of the leading families of that part of the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 951 
 
 Keystone State. Her grandfather came from 
 England at an early day. Mrs. George Ramsey's 
 first husband was a Mr. Lloyd, by whom she had 
 five children — three sons and two daughters — of 
 whom one son, Samuel, is yet living in Amwell town- 
 hip, aged eighty-eight years. After Mr. Lloyd's 
 death his widow was united in marriage with 
 George Ramsey, and one child was born to them, 
 Reuben, father of the subject of this sketch. Mrs. 
 George Ramsey died, in J 872, at the home of her 
 sou in Amwell township, aged ninety-five years, 
 and to the end was able to read ordinary print 
 without the aid of glasses. In religious faith she 
 was a member of the Society of Friends, and al- 
 ways wore the habiliments peculiar to the sect. 
 She was a close student of the Bible, and had the 
 faculty of quoting off-hand from any portion of 
 the Scriptures. 
 
 Reuben Ramsey was born in Washington, this 
 county, near the corner of College ami Maiden 
 streets, and received his education in the schools 
 of the county. He learned the trade of cooper, at 
 which he worked for a time in the southeastern part 
 of the county and near the river. \V hen yet a young 
 man lie married Margaret, daughter of Michael and 
 Elizabeth (Closser) Horn, and a native of Amwell 
 township. After marriage the young couple made 
 a settlement in Amwell township, where he con- 
 tinued to follow his trade in connection with farm- 
 ing. Five children were born to them, of whom 
 the following is a brief record: William Calvin, 
 tin- subject proper of this sketch, has special men- 
 tion further on; Robert Hamilton was a member 
 of Company A, F. V. C, and served to the close 
 of the Civil war (he died of disease contracted 
 while in the army, leaving a family now living in 
 Indiana); George Washington died, in 1874, of 
 lockjaw, leaving no family; Nicholas Murray is 
 yet living on the home farm in Amwell town- 
 ship; John Nelson, when a young man (in 
 1873) died in Amwell township, of scrofula. The 
 parents both died in Amwell township, the father 
 in 1882, the mother October 8, 1890. In politics 
 he was an ardent Democrat, and in religion he was 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church at Amity. 
 
 William C. Ramsey passed his boyhood on the 
 home farm, and attended the common schools of the 
 neighborhood, his primary education there being 
 supplemented with instruction at an academy and 
 a normal school. On August 8, 1862, he enlisted 
 in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth F. V. 
 I, served to the close of the war, and was dis- 
 charged June 25, 1865, at Albany, N. Y. He 
 participated in two battles — Chancellorsville and 
 Gettysburg — at which latter he was struck by a 
 minie -ball which fractured the bone between knee 
 and instep. By reason of this he was confined to 
 hospital ten months, and when he recovered was 
 transferred to the Eleventh Veteran Corps, in 
 
 which he was made quattermaster sergeant, prior 
 to which he had been a color corporal. Returning 
 to Washington county, he followed fanning during 
 the summer months, and taught school in the win- 
 ter time, teaching, in all, seven terms, part of the 
 time prior to his enlistment. In 1870 he was 
 elected, on the Democratic ticket, sheriff of the 
 county, serving the term of three years with satis- 
 faction to all. He resided in town during his 
 shrievaltyship, and at the expiration of term pur- 
 chased his present farm, situated about rive miles 
 from Washington, where his home has since been, 
 and where he built a comfortable residence. 
 
 In 1803 Mr. Ramsey was united in marriage 
 with Miss Elizabeth Jane, daughter of Levi and 
 Cynthia Sower, of West Bethlehem township, this 
 county, and five children have come to bless their 
 home: Ulysses Bernard, Levi Harlan, Kate Flor 
 ence, Wilmetta Maud Estella ami Lillie Blanche. 
 Mr. Ramsey has held various township offices with 
 honor to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. 
 He and his wife are members of the East Buffalo 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an 
 elder since 1885. When the Farmers and Me- 
 chanics Bank was organized, he assisted in placing 
 the stock, along with Dr. Roberts, and was chosen 
 one of the directors. .Mr. Ramsey is a self-made 
 man in all respects, having, unaided, worked his 
 way up from the bottom rung of the ladder of suc- 
 cess; and beginning life a poor boy, with no capi- 
 tal save brains and a willing pair of hands, assist- 
 ed by an indomitable perseverance, he is now the 
 owner of 225 acres of fair farm land. He is a 
 man of firm convictions, having the courage in all 
 contests of standing and fighting for what he 
 deems to be right and for the good of his fellow- 
 men. 
 
 LUKE P. BEAZELL is a son of William 
 Beazell, the oldest voter in Fallowfield 
 township, who was born February 22, 1807, 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., a son of Luke 
 Beazell, whose mother was of Irish birth, and father 
 a native of Germauy. Luke Beazell was born in 
 1773, in Westmoreland county, Penn., and when a 
 young man was married to Elizabeth English, also 
 a native of Westmoreland county. Ten children 
 were born to this union, of whom one son and 
 three daughters are yet living, namely: William, 
 Catherine (Mrs. Ails), Mary (Mrs. Smith), and 
 Eliza (unmarried). Luke Beazell, who always 
 followed farming, died in 1857. 
 
 William Beazell learned the shoemaker's trade, 
 which he has followed in connection with farming. 
 On May 6, 1830, he married Susan West, a native 
 of Fallowfield township, this county, and they 
 have had seven sons and three daughters, viz. : 
 Leander N. (deceased, served three years in the 
 
952 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 army). Elmira, R. West, Luke P., Margaret E., 
 Mary L., William H., John S., R. W. B. (de- 
 ceased) and Samuel. Mr. Beazell owns ten acres 
 of land located four and one half miles from Mo- 
 nongahela City. He has filled almost every public 
 office in Fallowfield township. 
 
 Luke P. Beazell was born January 19, 1839, on 
 the home farm in Fallovvfield township, and first 
 attended the common schools, completing his edu- 
 cation at Monongahela City, Penn. In 1861 he 
 enlisted in Company D, Seventy-ninth Regiment, P. 
 V. I., under Captain McBride; they were first sent to 
 Louisville, Ky. , and took part in the battle of 
 Perryville, then inarched into Tennessee, and 
 fought at Stone River; from the latter place 
 they followed Bragg to Chickamauga, and after 
 that engagement returned to Tennessee, taking 
 part in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Mis 
 sionary Ridge. At this time Mr. Beazell re-enlisted, 
 and being assigned to the same division, joined in 
 the contest at Buzzards Roost, Ga. ; then remained 
 with Sherman until the capture of Atlanta, after- 
 ward accompanying him in his famous march to 
 the sea. Luke P. Beazell also fought in the battle 
 of Bentonville, where his division had to confront 
 Johnston's entire army, and, finally, participated 
 in the grand review at Washington, D. C. He 
 was promoted during Sherman's raid to the rank 
 of lieutenant, and July 12, 1865. received an hon- 
 orable discharge. After the war Mr. Beazell re- 
 turned home to Washington county, and opened a 
 planing mill at Monongahela City. On August 
 HO, 1866, he was married to Josephine, daughter 
 of John MeCrory, and she has borne him the fob 
 lowing children: Effie, Harry, Albert, Lillie, 
 Josie May, Bessie' and Bertha; of this family 
 Harry. Lillie and Bertha are yet living. After 
 his marriage Mr. Beazell opened a saw and 
 planing mill at Coal Centre, and then conducted a 
 tannery business for three years. He afterward 
 opened a meat market, which he kept for twenty 
 years, and is now a partner in and superintendent 
 of the California Glass Company, dealing also in 
 agricultural implements. In political matters he 
 votes with the Republican party, and has held 
 many borough offices; he has served for fourteen 
 years as trustee of the Southwestern State Normal 
 School at California. He is a member and trustee 
 of the Disciple Church. Socially he is a member 
 of Harry Billingsley Post, No. 168, G. A. R., hav- 
 ing joined the post as a charter member in 1867. 
 
 \ILLIAM C. ANDERSON, a prominent 
 business man of Claysville. is a native of 
 this county, born April 5, 1 S3 1 , on the 
 Stevenson farm in Donegal township. 
 He is a son of Benjamin Anderson, who was 
 born in 1789 in [reland, and came with his parents 
 
 to America and to Washington county. Penn., 
 where his boyhood was passed on the pioneer farm. 
 In the war of 1812 he was captain of a company of 
 drafted infantry, First Regiment of Pennsylvania 
 Militia, and was afterward promoted to the rank of 
 colonel. In 1816 he was married to Margaret 
 Cook, daughter of Gen. James Stevenson, a civil 
 engineer of Pennsylvania, who was born July 25, 
 1755; he was a soldier in the Revolutionary war. 
 and was taken prisoner by the British and con- 
 fined in a prison ship. To Benjamin and Marga- 
 ret C. Anderson were born eight children: Ann 
 Eliza, Mrs. John Moore, of Buffalo township, who 
 died at the age of thirty-five years; James Steven- 
 son, a farmer of Donegal township; Thomas Love, 
 who died March 7, 1892; Nancy Jane, deceased at 
 the age of nineteen; Catharine, Mrs. Jonathan 
 Brownlee, of Buffalo township; William Cook- 
 Mary Melila, deceased at the age of nineteen, and 
 John, who died when seven years old. Col. An- 
 derson passed the first five years of his married 
 life on the old home farm, situated about three 
 miles west of West Middletown, in Hopewell town- 
 ship. He then moved to Donegal township, set- 
 tling about one mile west of Claysville, along the 
 National pike, where he owned 250 acres of land, 
 which became his permanent residence. He was 
 a stanch Democrat, and, besides holding different 
 township offices, he was elected county commis- 
 sioner in 1836. He was brigade inspector of 
 Washington county for seven years. Col. Ander- 
 son and his wife were members of the South 
 Buffalo United Presbyterian Church. He died in 
 1861, Mrs. Anderson in 1875. 
 
 William C. Anderson was reared and educated 
 on the home place in Donegal township, and at 
 the age of fifteen years commenced clerking for 
 Joel Truesdell, with whom he remained two years. 
 He then entered into partnership with James G. 
 Noble, of Claysville, and two years later went to 
 Cameron, W. Va., remaining with William McCon- 
 aughy for three years. In 1856 he dissolved 
 partnership with Mr. Noble, and passed one year 
 with Samuel Prother, in Wheeling, W. Va. In 
 1856 William C. Anderson was married to Eliza, 
 daughter of John Simpson, of Wheeling, W. Va. , 
 and they had the following children: Dr. John 
 B., Sara (Mrs. William H- Lester), Mary, Dr. 
 Thomas (a. physician in Mansfield, Penn.), Robert 
 and William. Of these children. Mrs. Lester 
 was a missionary in Santiago, Chili, S. A., but 
 died after a few years' work in the service of her 
 Master, beloved by all both for her beauty of 
 character and person. Her only son, Harold, ar- 
 rived in this county in January, 1893, making his 
 third trip to and from his Southern home, at the 
 age of eight and one-half years. His language is 
 Spanish, which he speaks and writes fluently with 
 the language of his father and mother. He will 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 053 
 
 remain to continue his education in the United 
 States. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Anderson 
 engaged in general merchandise in West Alex- 
 ander, Donegal township, and ten years later 
 came to Claysville, where he bought out Schroutz, 
 Martin & Brokman, and is still conducting the 
 business. His success is due to his own efforts, 
 and he is one of the leading men of Claysville. 
 Politically he is an active member of the Demo 
 cratic party. He and his family are. among the 
 leading members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 to 
 
 SAAC LYTLE. Robert Lytle was born in 
 Scotland, his family removing to Ireland when 
 he was fifteen years old. Being dissatisfied 
 he ran away from home at that age, and came 
 America, locating in Westmoreland county, 
 Penn., which was on the extreme border <if civiliza- 
 tion. He there grew up to manhood, and married 
 Anne Mason, adopted daughter of Joseph Markle, 
 formerly governor of this State. Her own parents 
 had been massacred by the Indians, and their 
 house burned to ashes, Rhe and ;i little brother 
 witnessing the sad scene from a distance and un- 
 observed by the Indians. They ran to the nearest, 
 sett-lenient, which was that of Mr. Markle, and be 
 ing alone and friendless in the world, he immedi 
 ately adopted them as members of his own family. 
 After the marriage of Robert Lytle to Anne Mason 
 they came to Allegheny county, Penn., and patented 
 415 acres of land on the waters of Peters creek. 
 The tract was called Littleton, for which the patent 
 was granted December 11, 1784. To them were 
 born fourteen sons and one daughter, of whom are 
 named, Samuel, Robert, David, John, Joseph, 
 George, Isaac and Abraham (twins), Benjamin. 
 William and Elizabeth (afterward Mrs. Holcroft), 
 none of whom are now living. 
 
 Joseph Lytle was born in 1700, at the old home- 
 stead in Allegheny county, Penn. He married 
 Margaret Murphy, of Washington county, and re- 
 moved to Mercer county, same State, but after 
 some years returned to the old homestead in Alle- 
 gheny county. Joseph died leaving five children, 
 viz.: Benjamin, Anne, Sarah, Isaac and Mary, 
 Isaac being the only surviving member of the 
 family at this time. 
 
 Isaac Lytle, the subject of this sketch, born May 
 25, 1824, removed with his widowed mother to 
 Washington county when he was about seventeen 
 years of age. Shortly afterward he took charge of 
 a store for Graham, Giltillan & Co., on the Mo- 
 nongahela pike, viz., Myers'. Remaining there a 
 year, he removed the stock of goods to Brownsville, 
 and enlarging the business remained there one 
 year, which was in 1845. On December 31, 1846, 
 Isaac Lytle was married to Eliza Jane Gaston, 
 daughter of William Gaston, of Gastonville. Wash- 
 
 ington county. After their marriage he gave his 
 attention to farming, in 1858 purchasing and lo- 
 cating the farm on which they now reside, at 
 Gastonville, Washington county. Squire Lytle 
 (as he is generally called) is a stanch member of 
 the Democratic party, and served as jubtice of the 
 peace from 1860 to 1865. He is steward and 
 trustee of the M. E. Church, with which he is 
 identified. The children of this family are nine 
 in number, viz., Frances 1)., Marian V., James 
 Warren, Susan E., Robert C, William Gaston, 
 Harry M. , Ethel W. and George Herbert, all of 
 whom are living. 
 
 N. HATHAWAY, a prominent citizen and 
 prosperous agriculturist of Franklin town- 
 ship, was born June II, 1856, on the farm 
 of his father. Jacob Hathaway, the first 
 of the family name of whom there is any 
 authentic record, was born in Pennsylvania, and in 
 early life came to Washington county, where he 
 made the first improvements in the vicinity, sur- 
 rounded by fierce animals and roaming Indians. 
 Here the following children were born to him: 
 Jacob, Richard, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, John, 
 and one daughter, who was captured by the In- 
 dians when a child and adopted by them. On ar- 
 riving at womanhood she was married to one of the 
 tribe, and she passed the remainder of her life 
 with the children of the forest. Mr. Hathaway 
 was connected with the church from the date of its 
 earliest organization, and in politics he was a Fed- 
 eralist. 
 
 John Hathaway, son of the pioneer Jacob, was 
 born in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and attended the rate schools of that period. In 
 early manhood he was united in marriage with 
 Electa, daughter of Timothy Lindley, and she bore 
 him two children: Jackson and Benjamin Frank- 
 lin. After their marriage the young people re- 
 mained for a time on the home farm, and in 1838 
 moved to Greene county, Penn., where they re- 
 sided until 1844, when they came to Washington 
 county, and about one year afterward moved to the 
 village of Ten Mile. For his second wife John 
 Hathaway married Selena Bratton, and the chil- 
 dren born to this union were Jane Ann (Mrs. Ja- 
 cob Yoders) and James. Politically Mr. Hatha- 
 way was a Whig, taking an active interest in the 
 affairs of his party. The family were members of 
 the Baptist Church. Mr. Hathaway died at the 
 home of his daughter at an advanced age. 
 
 Jackson Hathaway was born in Morris township, 
 this county, and was educated in the common 
 schools of the neighborhood. On May 11, 1848, 
 he was married to Martha, daughter of James Gor- 
 don, of Washington county, and they have had 
 seven children: William, John. Lenard, Daniel, 
 
954 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Nelson, Sarah and Mary. In politics Mr. Hatha- 
 way was formerly a Whig, and is now an active 
 Republican. 
 
 A.. N. Hathaway, the subject proper of this mem 
 oir, received a liberal common -school education, 
 ami in early life he commenced business for him- 
 self. On December 26, 1882, he was married to 
 Belle, daughter of Jacob and Jenny Yoders, of 
 Greene county, Penn., who were the parents of 
 seven children, viz. : Anna, Maggie, William, 
 John, David, Newton and Minnie. To the mar- 
 riage of A. N. and Belle (Yoders) Hathaway the 
 following children have been born: Clarence, Mat 
 tie, Frank and Eddie Mr. Hathaway has always 
 been a Republican, prominently identified with the 
 party. He purchased his present residence in 1889, 
 and now owns one of the best farms in his vicinity. 
 
 J|OHN F. SCHUONTZ. a typical self-made 
 business man, and a prominent agriculturist 
 | of Washington county, whose highly im- 
 proved farm of 200 acres, in South Strabane 
 township, is situated one mile from Washing- 
 ton borough, is a native of the county, having been 
 born in Amwell township March 2, 1828. His 
 grandfather, John Schrontz, a native of Wurtem- 
 berg, Germany, was a merchant tailor of consider- 
 able repute in the Fatherland. In 1804 he came 
 to the United States with his family, and for a 
 short time they had their residence in Harmony, a 
 small town in Beaver county, Penn. From there 
 they moved to Hamilton county, Ohio, where they 
 remained one year, and then came to Washington 
 county, where the grandparents passed the remain- 
 der of their days. 
 
 They had two children. John F., father of our 
 sketch, being the elder. He was born in Wurtem 
 berg. Germany, in the year 1781, and there learned 
 the tailor's trade, which he followed in his native 
 land until he was about twenty one years of age, 
 when he set sail for America, the voyage occupying 
 about three months. Landing in Baltimore, Md.. 
 he sojourned but a few days, and then came to 
 Washington county, Penn., where he remained a 
 few days, and then proceeded to Harmony, Beaver 
 county, soon after which he entered 160 acres of 
 land in Hamilton county, Ohio. This property he 
 soon afterward exchanged for a farm in West Beth- 
 lehem township, this county, which in a few years 
 he sold, and in IS 17 purchased a homestead in Am- 
 well township, where lie ended his days; he bought 
 another farm in the same towuship, which he also 
 retained. In 1S11 Mr. Schrontz married Eliza 
 beth, daughter of Jacob Schidler, and the children 
 born to this union were Catherine (wife of Zebulon 
 1'Vtrel] ), Reginal wife of Thomas Baldwin), George, 
 Jacob (living in Ohio), Eliza (wife of .John Feath 
 erland), Ann (wife of David Friend), and John F 
 
 The mother of this family dying in 1839, Mr. 
 Schrontz married, in 1842, forhis second wife, Sarah 
 Titus, of Buffalo township, this county, who bore 
 him one child, Frank T. The father was called 
 from earth in 1863, aged eighty-two years, a mem- 
 ber of the Disciple Church, of which society at 
 Pleasani Valley he was one of the organizers, from 
 which time he was an elder and one of its most 
 zealous supporters. In politics he was a Whig, 
 and was a leader and counselor in the party. 
 
 John F. Schrontz passed his boyhood at the 
 home of his birth, receiving at the subscription 
 schools of the locality a liberal education, which 
 was greatly improved by after reading on his part. 
 For several years he was engaged in farming. 
 After leaving the place of his birth in 1864, Mr. 
 Schrontz resided in Amwell township some years, 
 and then moved to Union township, remaining 
 there one and one-half years, and thence proceeded 
 to Allegheny county, same State, where he was in 
 business twelve years; then came to Somerset 
 township, this county, thence to Middletown„ re- 
 maining two years; thence to West Bethlehem 
 township, and from there after a year's stay to 
 Amwell township; here he remained one year, and 
 then proceeded to Claysville, in which village he 
 was in business four years, at the end of which 
 time he came to his present place in South Stra- 
 bane township. On February 12, 1861, Mr. 
 Schrontz married Nancy, daughter of Samuel 
 Blackmore, of Peters township, and the children 
 born to this union are Frederick (living in Tully, 
 N. Y.), Annie, Charles, Lizzie and Emma. The 
 mother of this family dying in 1874, Mr. Schrontz 
 married on May 11, 1875, Nancy Griffith, daugh- 
 ter of John Griffith, of East Finley township, this 
 county, and their children are John F. and Clark. 
 The family are all members of the Disciple Church, 
 in which Mr. Schrontz has been an active worker; 
 politically he has always been a zealous adherent 
 of the Republican party. 
 
 J (AMES, JOHN and JOSIAH BLYTHE are 
 sons of William and Mary S. (Marshall) 
 j Blythe, the former of whom, a farmer by 
 occupation, was born on the old family farm 
 in Fallowtield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., in 1800. 
 
 William Blythe was a son of James Blythe, a 
 native of the North of Ireland, whence, in company 
 with his brothers, John and Harry, he emigrated 
 to America James settled on the farm that yet 
 remains in the family, in Fallowtield township, 
 this county; John near what is now Fayette City, 
 Fayette Co., Penn., while Henry went to Ohio, 
 thence to the South. They were all Scotch Irish 
 Presbyterians. William married Mary S. Mar 
 shall, a native of Cross Creek township, Washing 
 
(zM^pzt<i /ib£jf&^s^ 
 
1 1 • . I SHING TON CO UNTY. 
 
 957 
 
 ton county, born in 1809, a daughter of James K. 
 and Rebecca (Hanover) Marshall, the father a na- 
 tive of Ireland, whence, when but a child, his 
 parents brought him to this country, and to Cross 
 Creek township, this county. He was a soldier in 
 the war of 1812, and for his services to theGovern- 
 nient was given a warrant for 160 acres of land. 
 He and his wife were Presbyterians of Scotch-Irish 
 ancestry. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. William Blythe were the parents 
 of eight children— five sous and three daughters — 
 viz. : James, Alexander F. (who died in June, 
 1840, aged seven years), John, Emeline (who died 
 in 1848, aged twelve years), Elmira (married to 
 Smith Carson, and residing on their farm in Fal- 
 lowtield township), Josiah, William F. (who was a 
 soldier in the Civil war, having enlisted, when 
 eighteen years of age, in the Sixth Heavy Artil- 
 lery, Two Hundred and Twelfth Regiment P. V.. 
 and died in November, 1864, of fever incurred 
 through exposure in the field; he was unmarried), 
 Harriet A. (married to Morgan Redd; they reside 
 on their farm in Ohio). The mother died in Sep- 
 tember. 1863, the father on January 31, 1883. 
 He was the owner of 300 acres of land in Wash 
 ington county, and 320 in the West. 
 
 James Blythe, eldest son of William and Mary 
 S. Blythe, is a prominent contractor, builder and 
 lumber dealer in Monongahela. He was born No- 
 vember9, 1831, in Fallowfield township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., on the old homestead farm, which 
 he now owns, and which was the property of his 
 father and grandfather before him. He remained 
 on the farm until he was twenty years old. when 
 ho came to Monongahela and followed the trade of 
 a carpenter. On March 20. 1856, he was married 
 in Monongahela to Miss Elizabeth Butler, who 
 was born on her father's farm in Carroll township, 
 three miles southeast of Monongahela, a daughter 
 of Ira R. and Mary (Boyd) Butler, the former born 
 in Chester county, the latter near Havre-de-Grace, 
 Md. Mr. Butler was a Quaker, and was descended 
 from the followers of William Penn. The latter 
 gave 1,000 acres to the family ancestor in Chester 
 county, and a lot in Philadelphia, which latter is 
 still in the possession of the family. The late 
 Gen. Benjamin F. Butler was of the same family. 
 In 1859 James Blythe moved to the old homestead 
 farm in Fallowfield township, which he purchased 
 in 1869. In 1876 he engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness under the firm name of Foster, Blythe & 
 Neel. In 1884 he moved into Monongahela, where 
 he has since resided. He and his wife have had 
 children as follows: William H.. burgess of Char- 
 leroi, and engaged in real estate and farming (he 
 married Miss Joanna Carson, who died in 1871, 
 and they had one daughter, Millie); Ira R., a 
 farmer owning a farm near Scenery Hill. Bethle- 
 hem township (he married Miss Josephine Carson, 
 
 and they have five children: Cora, Luella, Alpha, 
 James and Russell); and Mary A., residing with 
 her parents. Mr. Blythe is a member of Henry 
 M. Phillips Lodge, A. F. <fe A.M. He is a Repub- 
 lican, and has held various offices of trust, includ- 
 ing president of the select and common councils. 
 In October, 1862, he enlisted in Company I, One 
 Hundred and Fifty-fourth P. V. I., serving until 
 July, 1863, and was first sergeant of his company. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Blythe are members of the M. E. 
 Church, and rank among the leading citizens of 
 their town. 
 
 John Blythe, third son of William and Mary S. 
 Blythe, was born on the old farm in Fallowfield 
 township. He is a prominent architect and lum- 
 ber merchant of Monongahela. He has been twice 
 married, first to Miss Martha Pierce, by whom he 
 had four children, only one of them surviving, 
 Lorena, a thoroughly accomplished and well-edu- 
 cated young lady. She spent one year in an art 
 school in Paris, France, and now resides in Mo- 
 nongahela. Her mother died in 1867, and Mr. 
 Blythe then married Miss Lavina Campbell, by 
 whom he has two children. Harry and May. 
 
 Josiah Blythe, fourth son of William and Mary 
 S. Blythe, was born on the old home farm in Fal- 
 lowfield township. When he was a youth his 
 father purchased a farm in Carroll township, this 
 county, to which Josiah removed, and has here 
 since resided. At the death of his father he 
 bought the interest in this farm of the remaining 
 heirs. In 1872 he married MissNannieS. Teeters, 
 of Monongahela, a daughter of Abraham and 
 Fauny S. Teeters, and to this union have been 
 boru six children, as follows: William J.. Minnie 
 C, Lulu V., Sallie E., Laura V. and Norman B., 
 all yet living under the parental roof. Mr. Blythe 
 is a thorough French scholar, speaking the Ian. 
 gnage fluently, as well as reading and writing it. 
 He is a Republican, and takes an active iuterest in 
 all political matters. He and his wife are members 
 of the Methodist Church. He is engaged in gen- 
 eral agriculture, including stock raising, and 
 makes a specialty of Poland China swine. He is 
 also interested in other fine stock, including fancy 
 poultry, turkeys and geese, of which he breeds 
 many fine specimens of different varieties. 
 
 AMUEL McFARLAND (deceased) was the 
 sou of Samuel McFarland, who was born 
 in Northern Ireland, and was married to 
 Jane Fulton. He (the father) emigrated 
 to America about the year 1793, first living in or 
 about Philadelphia, Penn., then coming to Wash- 
 ington, Penn., and settling in Smith township. 
 On April 6, 1804, he bought 159 acres of land of 
 Thomas Glass, and on September 3, of the same 
 year, purchased 102 acres of Ephraim Chidester. 
 
958 
 
 WASHINGTON VOUN TY. 
 
 He settled upon the former piece of land, and liis 
 family were all horn and reared there. The farm 
 remained hi the family name until about the year 
 1890, when the heirs of his son Thomas sold it to 
 Maxiel Work. The children of Samuel McFarland 
 are now all dead except Andrew. . The son Will 
 iam settled upon one of his father's farms, near 
 the home place. John settled on another farm, 
 sold it and removed to Ohio. David, a Presbyte- 
 rian minister, was married to Amanda Reed, 
 first located in Peoria, 111., then at Santa Fe, N. 
 lU. ; then at San Diego, Cal., and finally be- 
 came a missionary to the Indians, and died at 
 Lapwai, Idaho; his widow afterward went into 
 the Alaska mission field, being the first woman 
 there. Joseph went to California during the gold 
 fever of 1849, and died there. Thomas lived on 
 the old home farm until a few years before his 
 death, then removed to the borough of McDonald 
 in the same county, where he died in December, 
 1886. Andrew spent most of his life in Cross 
 Creek village, Washington county, then removed 
 to Burgettstown, and thence to Missouri, where 
 he is living with his son. Mary never married, 
 but died in the household of her brother Samuel 
 in 1859. Catherine married Thomas Farrar, and 
 died in 1880 at the residence of her daughter in 
 Peoria, 111. Jane married James Farrar, and 
 afterward died in Ohio. 
 
 Samuel McFarland, the subject of this sketch, 
 was born June 11, 1812, in Smith township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and all his life was spent 
 in that township and the adjoining one of Robin 
 son. except the year 1872, when he lived in the 
 city of Allegheny. On May 25. 1837, he was 
 united in marriage with Jane Van Eman, who bore 
 him children as follows: Margaret, born January 
 28, 1838; William Van Eman, born March 11, 
 1840; Sarah Caroline, born August 12, 1842; Mary 
 Catherine, born December 29, 1844; John Wiley, 
 born August 23. 1848, and Joseph Fulton, born 
 August 11. 1850. Of this family, Margaret mar 
 ried Thomas Donaldson, of Candor, December 18, 
 1862, and had nine children, of whom three are 
 now living: Joseph, John and Frank. William 
 Van E. married Jane Dunbar, of Steubenville. 
 Ohio, and to them were born three children: Olner, 
 Charles and Ira (Olner died when three years old. 
 in Washington county, Penn.; William then moved 
 with his family to Sumner, Wash., where he still 
 resides; his wife died in 1893). Sarah Caroline 
 married October 21. 1868, W. C. Aiken, an elder 
 in the Centre U. P. Church, of Midway, Penn. 
 (their children were Joseph and Samuel; the 
 mother died April 3, 1873. and two years later 
 little Samuel died). Mary Catherine married An 
 gust 22, 1807. James l'\ McCalmont, of Paris. 
 Washington county, an elder in the IT. P. Church, 
 and they had born to them six children: Luella, 
 
 Jennie, Samuel, Joseph, John and Robert. Rev. 
 John Wiley was married in 1883, at Ft. Wrangle, 
 Alaska, to Margaret Dunbar, of Steubenville. 
 Ohio (they gave a few years of mission work at the 
 McFarland Home, Ft. Wrangle, Alaska; at their 
 own request they were transferred to the Hoonyah 
 Mission, Alaska, where they still labor, the first 
 and only missionaries in that far-off region; their 
 children were Edna and Harry Seward, the last 
 named dying of diphtheria in his third year, and 
 buried in the Hoonyah Mission cemetery). Joseph 
 F. , now an attorney at law in Washington, Penn., 
 was married in 1882 to Mary A., daughter of Rev. 
 James and Katherine Ranken, and their children 
 are Samuel Audley and Joseph. Mrs. Jane Van- 
 Eman McFarland died August 24, 1853, and, for 
 his second wife, Samuel McFarland was married 
 May 22, 1861, to Matilda Duncan, who was killed 
 by a run away team April 23, 1865. On Decem- 
 ber 25, 1866, Mr. McFarland was married to his 
 third wife, in the person of Margaret Bingham, 
 and by this union, one son, Albert Agnew, was 
 born January 6, 1872. Mr. McFarland was a 
 farmer, but during the last sixteen years of his 
 life, was retired from active business, and during 
 all the years of his activity he was a constant suf- 
 ferer; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 from early manhood, contributing liberally to its 
 support, and was interested in all its work. In 
 politics he was an unswerving member of the 
 Democratic party, but was not an active politician, 
 and never asked for any office. He died June 29, 
 1889. 
 
 Samuel McFarland, a nephew of our subject, 
 and son of William, was a missionary in Siam, and 
 is now filling a position in the Educational De- 
 partment of the Court of Siam. 
 
 Capt. Charles W. Bingham was an officer in the 
 army in the war of 1812. He was born in Adams 
 county, remaining there during his boyhood and 
 early manhood, and was married to Margaret Ag- 
 new, of Emmitsbuiir, Frederick Co.,Md.,who bore 
 him children as follows: Sophia, William, Agnew, 
 Albert, Martha. Margaret, James. Emma, Mary, 
 and Charles Carrol. Of this family, all are dead 
 but Margaret, Dr. James (of Clinton, Alleghenv 
 Co.. Penn), Emma (wife of Dr. W. V. Riddile), 
 and Mary. The father was a Democrat, and a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. Margaret 
 Bingham, above mentioned, is the widow of Samuel 
 McFarland, the subject of this sketch. 
 
 \ILLIAM PARCEL was born March 30, 
 
 1819, in Morris township, Washington 
 
 wlMI G°-< P e Q Q t and ' s a representative of an 
 
 — ' early pioneer family of the county, who 
 
 were originally natives of New Jersey. 
 
 His grandfather. John Parcel, was three times 
 
 married, and by his first wife had six children — 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 959 
 
 three sons and three daughters — all of whom went 
 West with the exception of one daughter; by the 
 second wife there were two children, Stephen and 
 Phebe; by the third marriage there were no chil 
 dren. John Parcel died at. the age of eighty nine 
 years, his last wife having preceded him to the 
 grave some time. 
 
 Stephen Parcel, son of this old pioneer, was 
 born in 1789 in Washington county. He learned 
 the blacksmith's trade, which he followed in his 
 earlier days at Point Industry, Morris township. 
 Later he conducted a mercantile business at the 
 same place, and during the latter years of his life 
 gave his attention to farming. He was very success- 
 ful in each of his vocations, and accumulated a con- 
 siderable fortune. Early in life he married Miss 
 Dorcas Ambler, of Belmont county, Ohio, daughter 
 of William Ambler, and they became the parents 
 of ten children, as follows: John and Sally, both 
 deceased; Phoebe, widow of John Gardner, of 
 Bellefontaine, Ohio; William, the subject of this 
 sketch; Stephen, Isaac and Dorcas, all three de- 
 ceased; Elizabeth Jane, widow of Lewis Hoge. and 
 now living at the old home (she has one son, James 
 Lewis); and Samuel Ambler aud Solomon Lee, 
 both deceased. The father died July 4, 1844. tin- 
 mother a year later, both at the age of fifty-four 
 years. The Parcel family were at one time mere 
 bers of the Mount Herman Baptist Church, later 
 of the Beulah Baptist Church. In his political 
 preferences he was an Old-line Whig. 
 
 William Parcel received his education in the 
 subscription school of the neighborhood, which 
 was held in an old log dwelling. He was reared 
 to agricultural pursuits, and now owns and resides 
 on the farm which was owned by both his father 
 and grandfather, and which is a valuable property, 
 located one mile southwest of Sparta. With the ex- 
 ception of twelve years devoted to general mer- 
 chandising at Point Industry (now Sparta) Mr. 
 Parcel has given his exclusive attention to farm- 
 ing. Success has crowned his honest efforts, and 
 he is now the possessor of a comfortable compe- 
 tence. He has never married. His sister Eliza- 
 beth Jane lost her husband some thirty -five years 
 ago, and she has since lived with our subject. In 
 1871 Mr. Parcel was elected a justice of the peace 
 on the Republican ticket, in a Democratic town- 
 ship, which speaks volumes for his popularity, 
 especially when it is considered that he was again 
 nominated, though he declined re-election. In 
 church connection he is a Baptist. 
 
 I( NDERSON HOOTMAN, a well-read and in- 
 1\ telligent citizen of Amwell township, is a 
 ^\ grandson of David Hootman. who was of 
 German birth, and as a soldier in the pay 
 of the British came to America during the 
 Revolutionary war. No sooner did an opportunity 
 
 offer, however, than the brave young German de- 
 serted from the British ranks and enlisted as a 
 drummer boy with the patriots in their struggle 
 for liberty. After the close of the war he re- 
 mained in America, locating on a farm in Donegal 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., where as a 
 true patriot he resided from 1780 until his death, 
 which occurred in 1859. The young soldier ap- 
 preciated liberty so highly that he never drew any 
 pay for his service in the cause of liberty. After 
 settling on his farm he married, and had children 
 as follows: sous — Henry, Jacob. John, David and 
 Christopher; daughters — Mis Miller, Mrs. Shaler 
 and Mrs. Deeds. Mr. Hootman was a Democrat, 
 aud held several offices in the district in which he 
 resided. 
 
 David Hootman, father of the subject of this 
 sketch, was born in 1793 in Donegal township, 
 where he passed his youthful days. He attended 
 the rate school in the neighborhood of his home, 
 and became a well informed and successful man. 
 When about the age of seventeen years he learned 
 the blacksmith's trade, and after serving an ap- 
 prenticeship of four years he opened a shop on the 
 Monongahela pike at the then well-known "Par- 
 kinson House. " In 1 8 1 5 David Hootman was united 
 in marriage with Nancy, daughter of Benjamin 
 Parkinson, of Nottingham township, and she bore 
 him nine children, viz.: sous— Benjamin, David, 
 John, Christopher. William aud Anderson; and 
 daughters— Clarinda, Polly and Nancy. David 
 Hootman began life with 0J cents, and at his death 
 his estate was valued at $40,000. For years he was 
 captain in the State militia, and at one time he was 
 a candidate for the State Legislature, but, having 
 been prominent in advocating the Jefferson doc- 
 trine, he was defeated. He and his wife were for 
 many years members of the Pigeon Creek Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 Benjamin Parkinson, father of this Mrs. David 
 Hootman. took a very active part in the Whiskey 
 Rebellion, which rising was the cause of the re- 
 peal of the excise law, a statute at that time too 
 grievous and burdensome for the then West to bear. 
 The document containing Parkinson's pardon, 
 granted by George Washington, is still in the pos- 
 session of the Hootman family. 
 
 Anderson Hootman, the subject proper of this 
 brief memoir, was born on February 27, 1832, in 
 Nottingham township, this county, and spent his 
 early youth on the home farm, receiving his educa- 
 tion in the common schools of his district, and re- 
 maining under the parental roof until he was 
 twenty-five years of age. In 1859 he was married 
 to Emily Leysa, of Somerset township, and the 
 names of the children born to this union are David • 
 A., Mary F., John E.. Lizzie B., Maximilian, 
 Nancy K.. William A., Franklin W., Osceola (de- 
 ceased), O. Vern and Harry H. Some time aftor 
 
960 
 
 W.\SHI.X<;T<>.\ <i)IX T)\ 
 
 his Qiarriage Anderson Boatman moved to Monon- 
 gahela City, and engaged in mercantile business, 
 but sickness in the family compelled him to close 
 his store and return to the farm. Twenty four 
 years ago he came to his present home, where lie 
 has since remained industriously engaged in agri- 
 cultural pursuits. He has accumulated a comfori 
 able property on the Cumberland pike in Amwell 
 township, and also owns one hundred acres in 
 South Strabane township. Mr. Hootman has al- 
 ways been a patriotic Democrat, and as a close ob 
 server of the financial issues of the country, is now 
 in favor of a Third, or People's, party, in order to 
 protect the mass of American industry, as he is 
 of the opinion that the two great national parties 
 have diverged too far from the cause his grand- 
 father fought for. Mis. Hootman and a portion 
 of the family are members of Mt. Pleasant Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 DAVID McCLURE is a grandson of James 
 | and Nancy (Crouch) McClure, who were 
 ' born in Scotland, whence they emigrated 
 to Pennsylvania in an early day. They 
 settled on a farm in North Strabane township, 
 Washington county, where thirteen children were 
 born to them, and where the father died in 1854. 
 David McClure (father of our subject), a son of 
 this pioneer couple, was born in the year 1802, in 
 North Strabane township. He grew to manhood 
 on the home farm, and in 1 823 was married to 
 Mary Cameron, who was born in 1802, a resident 
 of the same neighborhood. Eleven children were 
 born to them, of whom the following are living: 
 James, David, Samuel, Mary, Joseph, Belle (wife 
 of William Hickson), Martha (Mrs. Robert Kerr), 
 William and Robert. Mr. McClure was a prosper- 
 ous and influential farmer. In politics he affiliated 
 with the Democratic party, and in religious con- 
 nection both he and his wife were very active mem- 
 bers of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, 
 with which they were connected many years. Mr. 
 McClure died in 1871), having been preceded by 
 his wife in 1X34. 
 
 David McClure was born October 20, 1830. in 
 North Strabane township, and was educated in 
 I he schools of the vicinity. On November 10, 
 ISIS, he was united in marriage with Nannie A. 
 Thomas, who was born February 20, 1831, in North 
 Strabane township, a daughter of Jonathan 
 Thomas. Jonathan Thomas was born February 
 Hi. 1803, in Washington county. Penn., and in 
 1825 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Cow- 
 yer, also a native of this county, born November 
 9, 1806. Their family consisted of the following 
 children: Elizabeth, wife of G. G. Good (of Wash- 
 ington county, Ark.), Phoebe Martha. Maggie, 
 Lydia, Liverton and Nannie A., all now deceased 
 
 except Elizabeth, Liverton and Nannie A. Mr. 
 Thomas was a prominent farmer and early settler 
 of Washington county. In church connection he 
 and his wife were devout members of the Centre 
 Presbyterian Church. He died August 9, 1840, 
 ami was followed by his wife December 27, 1869. 
 Mr. and Mrs. McClure are the parents of nine 
 children, namely: Mary (wife of William Willett) ; 
 Maggie (Mrs. J. Smith): John Boyd (married to 
 Miss Jennie Dunn); William W. (married to Miss 
 Elizabeth Dunn); Allie B. (wife of George Nelson ) ; 
 and Wheeler T. , Sadie M., David R. and Jennie 
 (all four residing with their parents). Mr. Mc- 
 Clure has been prominently identified with the 
 political history of North Strabane township. In 
 his political preferences he is a Democrat. He has 
 been auditor of the township three years, road- 
 commissioner thirteen years, and is a liberal con- 
 tributor to all worthy enterprises. In religious 
 connection he and his estimable wife are members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 [( RTHTJR CAMPBELL. This gentleman, 
 l\ who stands among the first of the success- 
 \\ ful and representative business men of 
 Smith township, is a descendant of an old 
 and well-known family of pioneer settlers 
 Arthur Campbell (his grandfather) was born and 
 reared in County Donegal, Ireland, where he was 
 married, after which he emigrated to America. 
 The young people came to Pennsylvania and lo- 
 cated permanently on a farm in Smith township, 
 Washington county, situated about two miles west 
 of Burgettstown, then a wild and uncultivated 
 tract of land. The following children were born 
 to them: William (who moved to Jefferson county, 
 Ohio, where he died), John (always lived on the 
 home place), Robert (mentioned below), Arthur 
 (married, and resided in Jefferson, then called 
 Cross Creek, township), Joseph A. (a physician, 
 who practiced in western Pennsylvania), Nancy 
 (never married), Elizabeth (wife of James Gibson, 
 of Hanover township), and Margaret (Mrs. Thomas 
 Elder), all now deceased. Mr. Campbell accumu- 
 lated a considerable property, and was a highly 
 esteemed citizen. He died on the old homestead. 
 Robert Campbell was born on the home place in 
 Smith township, this county, and in boyhood he 
 assisted in the farm duties, and attended the sub 
 scription schools. In 1811 he was married to 
 Jean, daughter of Ebenezer Smith, of Smith town 
 ship Ibis county, and she bore him children as 
 follows: Eleanor, born November 27, 1812 (be- 
 came the first wife of Squire John Proudfit, of 
 Burgettstown); Arthur, born January 20, 1815: 
 Elizabeth, born June 20, 1818; Ebenezer, born 
 May I. 1820; William, born December 2, 1822 
 (wet to California, and has not been heard from 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 963 
 
 for years); Martha, horn Deceinher 25, 1824, mar 
 ried to John McGough; Margaret, born September 
 25, 1827, married to Samuel Wilson, of near 
 Gordonsville, Va. ; and James, born in 1829, died 
 at the age of fourteen years. Of these children 
 the only one yet living is Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Campbell settled on a part of the old home farm 
 where he became a very successful business man. 
 Politically he was a member of the Democratic 
 party. He died on the farm, and his widow, who 
 survived him many years, passed her last, days 
 among her children. 
 
 Arthur Campbell received a limited education 
 in the subscription schools of the neighborhood 
 of his place of birth. On June 15, 1843, he was 
 married to Eliza J. Proudfit, who was born Janu- 
 ary 2, 1817, daughter of John P. Proudfit, an 
 early settler of Smith township. Five children 
 were born to their union, viz. : Jane E., at home; 
 John L., a carpenter, living at home; Amanda M., 
 at home, and who for the past two years has suf- 
 fered from rheumatism so as to be unable to walk; 
 Elizabeth C. , deceased in infancy, and Robert J., 
 married to Lulu Mayo (a daughter of Frank and 
 Margaret Mayo, residents of Ohio), and living in 
 the old house on his father's farm. To them were 
 born three little girls: Mary A., Ida M. and Nellie 
 P. On December 8, 1892, Mrs. Eliza J. Campbell 
 died suddenly of paralysis, and she is buried in 
 the cemetery at Burgettstown. Mi - . Campbell re- 
 mained on the old farm until he was twenty-seven 
 years of age (at which time he married), and then 
 moved to his present place, adjoining the old home 
 where he was born. He is a very successful agri- 
 culturist, and devotes some time to the raising of 
 fine-bred stock. In politics he is a lifelong Dem- 
 ocrat. His wife was a member of the U. P. 
 Church at Burgettstown. 
 
 fpVOBERT M. CARRONS. Leslie Carrons, 
 lWy grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
 r\\ was a son °^ Daniel Carrons, who lived in 
 JJ -^ County Down, Ireland, where he followed 
 v the vocation of farmer. He died there in 
 
 the latter part of the eighteenth century, leaving 
 Leslie, his only child, with little inheritance save 
 a good education, which, however, proved a suffi- 
 cient capital for this brave son of "Old Erin." In 
 1797 Leslie Carrons was married to Mary Cham 
 bers, daughter of James and Mary Chambers, and 
 of this union were born : Daniel, James and Mary, 
 before the parents decided to emigrate from Ire- 
 land and seek a home in the New World. The 
 journey was made in about 1803, and the little 
 family came to Pennsylvania, locating first at 
 Chambers' Mills, Washington county, afterward 
 removing to Amity, Amwell township, where they 
 remained some years. In 1801 Mr. Carrons pur- 
 
 chased the " Acheson" place of 164 acres, to which 
 (a short time afterward i he added the " Stokley " 
 tract of ninety acres, took possession, and there 
 spent the remainder of his life in farming and con- 
 ducting a distillery. After the family came to 
 Pennsylvania three other children were born: 
 Eliza (Mrs. Elkins), late of Iowa; Sarah, wife of 
 Dr. James Stevens, of Washington county; and 
 Robert, late of Henry county, Iowa. Mr. Car- 
 rons was a self-made and public spirited man, and 
 was always consulted by his neighbors for advice 
 upon any troublesome question; he was very suc- 
 cessful in business. Politically he was an Orange- 
 man in Ireland, and a Democrat in America. He 
 was a charter member of the Episcopal Church at 
 Washington, and assisted in building it up. He 
 died in 1851, his wife in 1876, in her ninety-eighth 
 year. 
 
 Robert Carrons, the father of our subject, was 
 born in Amity, Amwell township, this county, 
 October 12, 1812, and received in the common 
 schools a fair education, which he afterward made 
 the foundation of a broad and varied store of 
 knowledge. In 1847 he moved to Henry county, 
 Iowa, and began farming upon a half section of 
 land, to which he added as opportunity offered, 
 until at the time of his death he owned nearly one 
 thousand three hundred acres. On October 4, 
 1849, he was united in marriage with Jane Munce, 
 daughter of Robert and Mary Munce, of South 
 Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 of this union three children were born: Leslie, 
 born January 4, 1851; Mary, born May 30, 1853; 
 Robert M., born November 2, 1S54. Mr. Carrons 
 was a conservative business man, who, unaided, 
 gained enviable success. He was an enthusiastic 
 Republican, yielding to no man in his loyalty to 
 his party. He died in Iowa, December 7, 1883. 
 
 Robert M. Carrons was born in Henry county, 
 Iowa, and after attending the common schools 
 until seventeen years of age, passed one year at an 
 academy. When twenty two years of age he came 
 to Washington county, Penn., spending one win- 
 ter there. In 1877 he again returned to Wash- 
 ington county, and began business for himself. He 
 had been deeded his Uncle Daniel's interest in the 
 farm, and some years afterward he bought out the 
 heirs of his Uncle James. On October 4, 1877, 
 Mr. Carrons married Emma Chambers, daughter 
 of George and Catherine Chambers, and they are 
 the parents of two children: Frank Leslie, born 
 October 1, 1878, and Kate Jane, born May 20, 
 1890. Our subject is radically independent in 
 politics. He is now engaged in farming and stock 
 raising; beginning with Black-top Merino sheep, 
 he now breeds Ayrshire cattle, and has bought 
 some high-priced stock, sparing no expense to se- 
 cure the best. His first lot was purchased, in 1880, 
 of Dr. Sturdevaut, of Massachusetts, and he has 
 
964 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 
 now a herd of 100 head of this famous breed, said 
 to be the largest herd of Ayrshires in the West, 
 and the second largest in America. 
 
 d(OHN B. HAINER, one of the successful farm- 
 ers of West Bethlehem township, is a son 
 ) of G. H. Hairier, who was born in Germany, 
 where he married Christina Loewer. They 
 emigrated to this country and to Washington 
 county, Penn. , in 1832, bringing with them the fol- 
 lowing children: John B., Mary, Henry, Chris 
 tina, Adam, Catherine and George; two other 
 children — Elizabeth and Nicholas — were born in 
 America. They are all living except Catherine. 
 Nicholas and Adam are in the grocery business 
 and live in New Castle, Penn. ; Elizabeth is in 
 Wheeling, W. Va. ; Mary, George and Henry live 
 iu Ohio, and Christina is in Indiana. 
 
 John B. Hainer, son of the pioneer G. H. , was 
 born January 26, 1816, in Germany, and attended 
 the schools of his native land, being under one in- 
 structor seven years. At the expiration of that 
 time he was released from further attendance 
 through the aid of influential friends, although the 
 German law requires eight years' schooling for ev- 
 ery boy. He then came to America with his father, 
 and when nineteen years of age assisted in the 
 cultivation of a farm in South Strabane township. 
 He married Elizabeth Lauterbauch, who had also 
 come to America, her father settliug in Washing- 
 ton county. The following children have been 
 born to them: Henry, John, George, Catherine, 
 Adam, Jacob, Mary and Edward. Henry died at 
 the age of twenty eight years; the remainder are 
 residents of Washington county. 
 
 Jacob Hainer was born in Canton township, this 
 county, April 28, 1851. He now lives with his 
 father. On October 17. 1874, he married Esther, 
 daughter of Frederick Basel, and they have the 
 following family: George. Annie. Sadie, Norman. 
 Flora and Nellie, all yet under the paternal roof. 
 Mr. Hainer and his father, who resides with him, 
 are both stanch Republicans, and in religion all 
 the family are members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 T'HE ARCHER FAMILY. Samuel Archer 
 was born in Scotland in 1745. He, with a 
 number of others, left that country on ac- 
 count of religious persecutions, and went to 
 Ireland, where he married Miss Nancy 
 Thompson, about 1768. 
 
 In 1770 he, together with many others, emigrated 
 to America, arriving in the fall of that year in Bal- 
 timore, at which place they separated, locating at 
 different places. Mr. Archer seems to have had 
 two brothers in the company who settled in sep;i 
 rate localities. From different branches of the 
 
 Archer family have sprung some of the eminent 
 men of this country, who have occupied prominent 
 positions in the national councils, they having oc- 
 cupied seats in Congress with credit to themselves 
 and honor to their country. Mr. Archer, soon 
 after landing in America, removed to Carlisle, 
 Penn., and took a claim to a tract of land. While 
 he was building a house on his land, which was 
 some distance from the settlement, a heavy snow- 
 storm tilled the paths, and on his return in the even- 
 ing he lost his way and remained in the woods all 
 night; his feet were so badly frozen that amputa 
 tion above the ankles became necessary. His faith 
 fid dug laid down on his knees, which prevented 
 his limbs from further freezing, and perhaps saved 
 his life. He was confined to his house some two 
 years before his limbs were healed. About eight 
 years after this occurrence he removed from Car 
 lisle to Cauonsburg, and about 1799 he removed to 
 Brooke county, W. Va., to a farm lately owned by 
 Samuel Hindman, now by Ross Wright, where he 
 cultivated a nursery, being obliged to walk on his 
 knees. His wife and two daughters died ami were 
 buried on that farm. Mr. Archer died about 1819, 
 near Independence. Penn., and is buried iu Mt. 
 Hope Church cemetery. 
 
 Ebenezer Archer, son of Samuel Archer, was 
 born about 1770, and came with his parents to 
 Washington county, Penn., when young. Iu 1794 
 he married Miss Elizabeth Jordon, and removed to 
 Brooke county, W. Va., in 1799, when he settled 
 on the farm now owned by Mr. Roy Glass, his 
 great-grandnephew, near the Eldersville road, 
 about two miles east of Steubenville, Ohio. He 
 died on that farm in 1814, and was buried in the 
 Cross Creek United Presbyterian cemetery. Eben- 
 ezer Archer was a very exemplary man, of great 
 piety, and a ruling elder in the Associate (or Se- 
 ceder) Church; a strong friend of peace and a good 
 neighbor. 
 
 Samuel Archer, son of Ebenezer Archer, was 
 born near Canonsburg, Penn. , July 11,1 795, and 
 came with his parents to Brooke county, W. Va. , 
 when about four years old. In March, 1821, he 
 married Miss Mary Lee, by which marriage he 
 reared a family of six children — five sons and one 
 daughter — their names being: Elizabeth, William 
 Lee, Ebenezer, David Thompson, James and Sam- 
 uel. In 1831 he bought the George Atkison farm, 
 situated one half mile from the river, directly east 
 of Steubenville. Ohio, where he long resided and 
 filled positions of honor and trust in his neighbor- 
 hood. After residing for a time at Washington 
 and Burgettstown, Penn.. and at the home of his 
 son, William L.. he returned to the old homestead 
 in Brooke county. W. Va. , where he died at the 
 home of his son James, August 14. 1SS7. at the 
 advanced age of over ninety two years, honored 
 and respected by all who knew him. His first wife 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 965 
 
 died May 1, 1851; his second wife, who was Mrs. 
 Jane (Parkhill) McNary, of Jefferson county, Ohio, 
 died in December, 1861. 
 
 William Lee Archer, the principal subject of 
 this sketch, was born in Brooke county, W. Va., 
 April 15, 1824. When he grew to manhood he 
 attended the academy in Holiday's Cove, W. Va., 
 thus obtaining a liberal education. After assisting 
 in conducting his father's business some years, his 
 father settled him on one of the choicest farms in 
 the neighborhood, where he now resides. After 
 manfully, by his own exertion, freeing himself from 
 debt, he rose to be one of the honored and success- 
 ful business men of Jefferson township, and none 
 more richly deserve the enviable ruputatiou that 
 they have won, than this representative citizen. 
 On October 16, 1859. he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Harriet Louisa, daughter of James 
 Whiting, of Torrington, Litchfield Co., Conn., a 
 representative of that famous family of Whitings 
 whose history is inseparable with tbe early history 
 of that State. Miss Whiting, with her early re- 
 ligious training and education, and New England 
 culture and refinement, was eminently qualified to 
 make their home what it is — a "model home." 
 
 As a result of their union children have been 
 born as follows: Mary A., born September 2, 1861, 
 died March 7, 1865; Lizzie J., born August 26, 
 1863, died January 27. 1865; Nannie Lee, born 
 November 25, 1865, died June 6, 1877; Harriet 
 B., born May 2, 1871, and Susan O, born April 
 26, 1874; the latter two have been educated at the 
 best institutions of learning in the country. Mr. 
 Archer and his family, true to the faith of their 
 Se >tch Irish ancestry, are members and support- 
 ers of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 MARY ANNGRABLE, an estimable lady of 
 Bentleyville, is a representative of one of 
 the old families of Washington county. 
 II J She is a daughter of John Grable. a na- 
 tive of the county, where his whole life 
 was passed in farming. In early manhood Mr. 
 Grable was united in marriage with Mary Carson, 
 who was born September 8, 1796, and she bore 
 him children, as follows: Julia A. (wife of John 
 MeCormiek, of Washington county), Mary Ann 
 (whose name opens this sketch). Julia A. (deceased), 
 Jerome (also deceased) and Joel. After their mar- 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. Grable settled in Fallowtield 
 township, this county, where he died in 1822. 
 Mrs. Grable was afterward married to Charles 
 Farquhar, who was born August 6, 1800, and was 
 by occupation a farmer and tanner. They passed 
 their wedded life in Washington county, and here 
 Mr. Farquhar died in 1871, being followed by his 
 wife in 1881, in her eighty-fifth year. She left 
 four children by this marriage: Elizabeth (born 
 
 March 13, 1834), John G., Salome and Isabella, 
 all of whom are deceased save Elizabeth. 
 
 The Misses Mary Ann Grable and Elizabeth 
 Farquhar have continued, since the death of their 
 parents, to reside together on the old homestead. 
 They have an abundance of this world's goods left 
 to them by the industry and prudence of their 
 parents, and are now only waiting the summons 
 which will unite them on the other shore, in an un- 
 broken family circle, never to part. 
 
 [( LEXANDER TOTTEN is a native and proni- 
 i\ inent citizen of Washington county, Penn., 
 ^i but in his veins Hows the warm blood of 
 Spanish ancestors. William Totten passed 
 the early portion of his life near Red river, 
 Penn.. and afterward came to Hillsborough, Wash- 
 ington county. He was a tanner, and also worked 
 at various other employments. When a young 
 man he was united in marriage with Nellie Hamil- 
 ton, who bore him five children, all of whom are 
 deceased. The father passed away in his ninety- 
 fifth year, and his widow lived to celebrate her 
 one hundred and fourteenth birthday. 
 
 James Totten, the eldest son of William ami 
 Nellie Totten, was born about tin' year 1761 on the 
 place in Washington county, Penn. He learned 
 the blacksmith's trade, continuing in that business 
 for twenty years, then settled on a farm. In per- 
 sonal appearance he was large, portly, and good- 
 looking. He must have been a worthy represent- 
 ative of the gallant Spanish seiiors who never 
 brook an insult, for at the age of eighty years he 
 conquered the bully of Washington county, who 
 had dared to call him a liar. In early manhood 
 he was united in marriage with Margaret Fister, 
 a resident of Upper Ten Mile creek. They were 
 the parents of nine children, viz.: Sarah, Ellen, 
 Hannah (deceased), George. Alexander, Henry, 
 Marian (deceased), Almira (deceased) and Lavina. 
 Alexander Totten was born September 18, 1826, 
 near Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn. His 
 youth was passed on the home place, and he then 
 len rned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for 
 three years. He afterward worked for almost forty 
 years at carpentry, and since 1848 has given his 
 time to contracting. On August 12, 1846, he was 
 married to Elizabeth Richey, of Washington 
 county, Penn., and they had three children: Sarah, 
 Mary, and an infant. The mother died in 1853. 
 and on March 16, 1858. Alexander Totten married, 
 for his second wife, Mary Dick, a native of Alle- 
 gheny, Penn. The children born to this marriage 
 were: Alexander and Annie. This wife died in 
 1863. and on April 14, 1864, he married Margaret 
 Murphy, whose children were Maggie, James. Etta 
 and an infant son, who was buried beside his 
 mother in 1876. After the death of this wife Mr. 
 
966 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Totten married, September 21, 1883, Samautha 
 Figley, of Washington county, who Las borne him 
 five children, namely: Lillie, Robert, Katie, and 
 Amelia and Adelia (twins). Mr. Totten has leased 
 one hundred and twenty-eight acres of the home 
 place; he owns a farm in Allegheny county, Penn. 
 He votes with the Democratic party, and in Church 
 relations was connected with the Baptist Society 
 during his residence in Somerset township. 
 
 T^HOMAS HUDSON WILLIAMS (deceased) 
 was born August 8, 1 834, in Carroll town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., a son of James 
 and Nancy (Manown) Williams. James 
 Williams, whose father came from Ireland 
 in an early day, was also a native of Washington 
 county, born July 4, 1801, was educated at the 
 subscription schools and reared to the occupation 
 of a farmer. He married Nancy, daughter of 
 William Manown, of Allegheny county, Penn., 
 and the children born to them were as follows: 
 William, Margaret (Mrs. A. C. Sampson), John, 
 Thomas H., Sarah (Mrs. Aaron Browdy), Robert, 
 Leomon, David and Frank. In 1828 Mr. Will- 
 iams settled on the home place in Carroll township, 
 and here died October 4, 1869, his widow follow 
 ing him to the grave June 12, 1892. In addition 
 to plain farming he was a prominent stock raiser 
 and dealer. He was a director of the Mononga- 
 hela cemetery. Politically he was originally a 
 Whig, and on the formation of the party became 
 a Bepublican; in matters pertaining to religion he 
 was a member and zealous supporter of the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 Thomas H. Williams, the subject of these lines, 
 was educated at a private school in Monongahela, 
 and at the age of sixteen entered Duff's Business 
 College in Pittsburgh. On leaving this, in 1852, 
 he set sail from New York for California, via Cape 
 Horn, the voyage consuming six weeks. On his 
 arrival at the "New Eldorado'' he at once com- 
 menced to work in the mines, at which he contin- 
 ued two years; then was engaged in banking at 
 Maripoza, with Sullivan & Cashman, with whom 
 he remained until 1S58, when he returned home 
 by the same route he went. We next find Mr. 
 Williams at Pittsburgh, where he was engaged in 
 the wholesale grocery business for two years; from 
 there he went to Oil City, where for fifteen years 
 he was engaged in general merchandising and oil 
 producing. In 1875 he returned to Monongahela, 
 and purchased the home farm, where he passed the 
 remainder of his days, dying June 11, 1891. On 
 September 21, 1859, he was united in marriage 
 with M. Frances, daughter of Aaron Browdy, of 
 Allegheny, and four children were born to them, 
 viz.: Harry, Mattie, Bertha (deceased), and Frances 
 (living). Mr. Williams was a Republican, and at 
 
 one time served as mayor of Monongahela; in 
 church connection he was a prominent and influ- 
 ential Presbyterian. In all educational matters he 
 took special interest, and was instrumental in hav 
 ing the present public-school building erected; 
 being at the time secretary of the school board 
 and president of the building committee. He was 
 kind hearted and generous to a fault, and was 
 recognized by all as a public-spirited, upright 
 citizen. His widow is a resident of Monongahela. 
 
 JfOSEPH HARRISON. Washington county 
 is unusually favored with citizens who have 
 I ever been as deeply interested in her progress 
 as in their own, and who have taken an active 
 part in the promotion of all public enter 
 prises. Among this class of early settlers Har- 
 rison is a familiar and honored name, the early 
 representatives of the family, at present under con- 
 sideration, having emigrated from England to 
 Maryland many years ago. 
 
 James Harrison remained there, and in early 
 manhood he was united in marriage with Eliza- 
 beth Hudgel, a native of Berkeley county, W. Va., 
 who bore him the following children: William, 
 James, George W. , Joseph (all born in Virginia), 
 and Eliza, Mrs. Harriet Van Gilder (living in 
 Centreville, Washington county) and Maria (de- 
 ceased), all three born in East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn. Of this family Jo- 
 seph and Harriet are the only ones yet living. In 
 1817 the family came to Washington county, Penn., 
 where the father settled on a farm near West 
 Brownsville. He died in 1825, followed by his 
 widow in 1861. In politics he was an active mem- 
 berof the Whig party. Of their family, William pur- 
 chased a farm in Iowa, near Oskaloosa.in 1868, and 
 died in July, 1868, leaving his family in good cir- 
 cumstances. James settled on a farm in Har- 
 rison county, W. Va. , and died in 1892. George 
 W. settled on a farm in East Bethlehem township, 
 Washington county, and died in 1890. 
 
 Joseph Harrison passed his youth in Washing- 
 ton county, and at the age of eighteen years began 
 to work for himself. After ten years' hard labor 
 he and a brother invested in a farm near Logans- 
 port, Cass Co., Ind. , but his health failing, Joseph 
 induced his brother to sell the property. After 
 disposing of the place they returned to Washing- 
 ton county and bought a farm located on the Na- 
 tional pike, near Brownsville. In 1867 he was- 
 united in marriage with Orella Tower, daughter 
 of G. H. Tower, a native of Massachusetts, who 
 graduated from Brown University in 1776. studied 
 law, went to Warren, Ohio, and won a wide repu- 
 tation in his chosen work. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison 
 are the parents of two children: Joseph Tower, 
 and Mary Orella, who is now attending the Pitts 
 
"'%:, 
 
 O^r 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 969 
 
 burgh Female College. In a few years after their 
 return to Washington county, Mr. Harrison bought 
 his brother's interest iu the farm, which contains 
 155 acres of valuable land, on which stands an 
 imposing brick mansion erected in 1878, the most 
 elegant structure to be seen for many miles. Mr. 
 Harrison has been a very successful man, and his 
 present prosperity has been due to his own indi- 
 vidual effort, for he never received financial aid 
 from any source. In politics he has always been a 
 Whig and Republican, and of late years has been 
 also a Prohibitionist. It has been seventy years 
 since he has tasted whisky, and in looking over his 
 past life he attributes his success in a great meas- 
 ure to his temperate habits. 
 
 «^i 
 
 Miss Boon, was practically the founder of the pros- 
 perous town of West Middletown. The warm 
 blood of Irish patriots coursed through the veins 
 of this pioneer, a worthy representative of his race. 
 Galbraith Stewart was born in America, and early 
 evinced the economical and industrious traits of 
 his people. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and 
 in early manhood was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Scott (a native of Scotland), who with 
 two other children was left an orphan at an early 
 age. She was afterward brought to Pennsylvania 
 by an uncle, and there grew to womanhood. Mr. 
 Stewart secured a large tract of land, lying north 
 of the present site of West Middletown, and after 
 his marriage erected a shop and the first cabin of 
 what afterward became West Middletown. It was 
 situated on the north side of the road, which was 
 much traveled by emigrants for Ohio county, Va., 
 this being for some time the only building in the 
 neighborhood. Plenty of custom came to the 
 pioneer smithy, and when her household duties 
 were done Mrs. Stewart would work the bellows, 
 while her husband mended a chain or forged a 
 bolt for the broken wagon of some traveler. 
 
 As time passed on the place became a stopping 
 point for westward bound emigrants, and Mr. Stew- 
 art erected a more commodious building for the 
 accommodation of travelers. The fire in the 
 blacksmith shop died out as the labors of the tav- 
 ern-keeper and his wife increased. Prosperity 
 came to them, Mr. Stewart erected several other 
 buildings, and the nucleus of West Middletown 
 was formed. In after years "Grandma Stewart'' 
 often declared to the children about her that 
 the happiest days of -her life were passed in 
 the little one- room cabin by the roadside. For 
 in following the path of duty which lay before 
 them, they found that priceless pearl for which 
 
 T~5J LIZABETH M. BOON is a lady whose an 
 yf-i cestors were among the earliest and most 
 prominent pioneers of the county. Gal- 
 J braith Stewart, the maternal grandfather of 
 
 many a wealthy pleasure seeker has sought in 
 vain — contentment. One by one little children 
 came to bless their home, until eleven were gath- 
 ered at their fireside, and only once did the angel 
 of death hover over this happy pioneer family. 
 Ten of the children lived to an adult age; seven of 
 them were daughters: Eleanor (married to Thomas 
 Boon), Mary (wife of Thomas McCall), Eliza (wife 
 of Dr. David Adams), Margaret (married to James 
 McFadden), Rebecca (Mrs. David McKennen), 
 Harriet (wife of George Pentecost) and Clarissa 
 (unmarried). The sons were William (married to 
 Mary Cummins), Benjamin (married to Elizabeth 
 Acheson) and Galbraith (married to Phcebe Mc- 
 Keever). Of these, Clarissa is the only one still 
 living; she is residing in the State of Ohio. 
 
 Eleanor Stewart (mother of the subject of this 
 sketch) was married to Thomas Boon, who came 
 from the eastern part of Pennsylvania and was a 
 grandnephewof the famo as pioneer, Daniel Boone, 
 to whose descendants our subject is said to bear a 
 strong resemblance. Shortly after his marriage 
 Mr. Boon removed to Wellsburg, W. Va". , and en- 
 gaged in the New Orleans trade, making frequent 
 trips and prospering. While on one of his trips 
 in the year 1822, he was stricken with yellow fever 
 and died in a short time. His widow, with her 
 four children: Elizabeth M., Thomas, Stewart and 
 William, returned to West Middletown, where she 
 resided until her death, which occurred April 10, 
 1874. She never married again, but mourned for 
 the companion of her youth until called to meet 
 him. Her constant companion was her only daugh- 
 ter, who remained with her. Her solace and com- 
 fort was her deep-seated faith in the teachings 
 of Christ. She was a member of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 Thomas Boon (the eldest brother of Elizabeth 
 M. ) learned the tanner's trade, and removed to 
 Ohio, where he married a Miss Criss. He now re- 
 sides in Wayne county, Ohio. Stewart married 
 Mary McKennen, of Reading, Penn. William 
 married Miss Johnson, of Wayne county, Ohio. 
 
 DR. W. B. DONALDSON. Among the prom- 
 ising young physicians of Washington 
 / county none are better or more favorably 
 known than Dr. Donaldson. He was born 
 March 15, 1805, in Mount Pleasant township, this 
 county, where his family are yet residing. He at- 
 tended the common schools, then entered the East- 
 man Business College, graduating in 1885. After 
 his graduation he worked as a book-keeper for a 
 time, finally entering the office of Drs. McElroy 
 & McCarrell, of Hickory, where he studied medicine 
 for some time. He afterward entered the Western 
 Pennsylvania Medical College, graduating in 1889, 
 then began to practice his profession in Pittsburgh. 
 
970 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 One year later he came to Midway, this county, 
 associating himself with Dr. Patterson, whose in- 
 terests he purchased in 1891. In 1892 Dr. Don 
 aldeon was appointed physician of the Pennsyl- 
 vania Railroad, west of Pittsburgh. On Septem- 
 ber 11, 1888, he was united in marriage witb Jen 
 uie F. Jackson, a resident of Mount Pleasant town- 
 ship, to whom two children have been born, 
 Braden Maxwell (deceased) and Mary Lucile. 
 Politically, Dr. Donaldson is a Democrat, and in 
 religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 \ILLIAM LEONARD was born December 
 '■•, 1824, in Greene county, Peun., and his 
 lather, Lot Leonard, was also a native of 
 the same county. His grandfather, Lot 
 Leonard, was born in New Jersey, and in 
 early life came to Greene county, Penn., where he 
 was married to a Miss Huge, who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: William, John, Lot, Isaac, George, 
 Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah and Leah. Mr. Leonard 
 was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a 
 Federalist in politics. He preached Presbyterian- 
 ism, Methodism and Quakerism, bu4 finally became 
 a Freethinker, and preached his own new doctrine 
 until he died, at the age of ninety-two years. 
 
 Lot Leonard (2) was born in Greene county, 
 Penn., in the year 1796, and remained on the 
 home farm during his lifetime. He was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John Mosher, 
 a resident of Washington county, and they had 
 seven children, namely: Merritt, Jonathan, Me 
 linda (Mrs. John S. Bayard), William, Levi, Lot 
 and Aaron. Mr. Leonard was a successful farmer, 
 and in political life was formerly a Whig, but, 
 after the organization of the party, became a Re- 
 publican. He was a warm friend of progressive 
 education, and was school director of his district 
 many years. He died in Greene county, Penn., in 
 the year 1865, having been preceded to the grave 
 by his wife in 1850. 
 
 William Leonard was born and educated in 
 Greene county, Perm., the schools of the neigh 
 borhood then affording but meager advantages. 
 In early youth he was cast on his own resources, 
 and began life for himself. On September 28, 
 IS IS, h,- married Miss Cynthia Dickerson, daugh- 
 ter of William Dickerson, a prominent resident of 
 Washington county. After their marriage Mr. 
 and Mrs. Leonard settled on a farm in Greene 
 county, where they remained rive years, removing 
 thence to their present home, upon which they 
 have made many improvements, having erected a 
 large brick residence, and a comfortable and com- 
 modious stock and grain barn. The following 
 children have been born to this estimable couple: 
 Elizabeth M. (deceased), William C, Wilson (de- 
 ceased), Martha M. and Cynthia C. Mr. Leonard 
 
 was originally a Whig, ami. since the organization 
 of the party, has been a Republican. He has 
 always been interested in all matters of impor- 
 tance to the township, and has been school director 
 for many years. 
 
 CHRISTOPHER SHELLER. a leading rep- 
 resentative of the Shelter family, was born 
 July 16, 1M9, in Donegal township, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn., where he has since re- 
 sided. He is a son of Samuel Sheller, and grand- 
 son of William, who was born, reared and married 
 in Germany. The children of William were Will- 
 iam, Henry, John, Samuel, Mary (Mrs. Jacob 
 Ruple), Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin Stephenson), 
 Mrs. Beckly and Mrs. McKee. The family emi- 
 grated to America in an early day, and became the 
 first pioneer settlers of Donegal township. In- 
 dians were numerous in those days, and the men 
 attended church with guns upon their shoulders, 
 ready for instant use. Mr. Sheller was a Federal 
 ist, and he was one of the founders of the United 
 Brethren Church, of which he was a member. 
 
 Samuel Sheller was born in Donegal township. 
 Washington county, and received an education in 
 the German language. He was married to Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of Christopher Winter, and the 
 following children were born to them: Daniel, 
 Elizabeth, Christopher (our subject), Catherine 
 (Mrs. John J. Clemens), Mary, Susanna (wife of 
 Alexander Noble), and Lueinda (Mrs. Alexander 
 Blair). Mr. Sheller always lived on the home 
 farm. He was connected with the United Brethren 
 Church. In politics he was a member of the Old- 
 line Whig party. He died Jauuarv 1, 183S, his 
 wife in 1860. 
 
 Christopher Sheller passed his youth on the 
 home farm, and received a common-school educa 
 tion. He then learned the carpenter's trade of Isaac 
 Winter, in West Alexander, serving three years as 
 an apprentice, and three years as foreman. He 
 then began life for himself, following his trade till 
 1872, when he retired from business. On October 
 7. L852, he was united in marriage with Frances 
 Jane, daughter of Philip Crow, of Donegal town- 
 ship, and the children born to their union were as 
 follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Barnet Chaney, de- 
 ceased), Emma (Mrs. T. G. Peacock), Zillah 
 and Adda (twins, deceased), and Fannie (deceased). 
 On August 13, 1862, the mother of this family died, 
 and October '_'7, 1863, Mr. Sheller married Nancy, 
 daughter of Kenneth McCoy, whose father. Daniel 
 McCoy, was of Scotch birth, and came with his 
 parents to America, where he was married to Nancy 
 McCoy, who bore him the following children: 
 John, Alexander, William, Christina, Kenneth, 
 Angus, Elizabeth, Joseph, James and Jane. In 
 politics Mr. McCoy was a Republican. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 971 
 
 [Kenneth McCoy passed bis entire life in Wesl 
 Finley township, Washington, Co., Perm., and was 
 united in marriage with Jane, daughter of James 
 Brownlee, a pioneer settler of the county. Their 
 children were Jane, Joseph, Nancy, Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. Joseph Whitham), Mary (Mrs. Roberl Me 
 haffey) and John. Mr. McCoy was a Wing, and 
 a strong advocate of the anti slavery doctrine. He 
 was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, 
 and died in 1872, having been preceded by liis 
 wife in L868.] 
 
 Mr. Sheller has become a successful man by his 
 own exertions, and in politics was originally a 
 Whig. Upon the formation of. the party he be 
 came a Republican, and is now one of the Leading 
 Prohibitionists of his locality. He is a membei 
 of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 A.MUEL C. SWABE. Among the prosper 
 ous agriculturists and well-known citizens 
 of Fallowiield township, this gentleman oc- 
 cupies a prominent position. His father. 
 Samuel Swabe, was a native of Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., having been born iuthal locality in 
 L821. lie passed his youth near the home place, 
 and in 1841 was united in marriage with Eliza 
 beth Coltlesher, also a native of Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., whose parents were of Holland 
 birth. To this marriage were born three children, 
 namely. Catherine, burn in 1842; Lavina (de- 
 censed in 1889), born in L845, and Samuel ('. In 
 IS 17 the mother died. In 1850 Mr. Swabe was 
 married to his second wife, Miss Maria Bort 
 ner, who bore him one daughter, Margaret S., 
 born in 18")."). This wife died in 1859, and in 1861 
 he made a third choice in the person of Mrs. 
 Margaret Coyle, a member of a well known fam- 
 ily of Washington county. They had two daugh- 
 ters, namely: Dora 13., born in 1862, and Ella, born 
 in 1864. The wife and mother was called from 
 earth in 1884. Mr. Swabe was a shoemaker ami 
 followed his trade until 1850, when he bought a 
 farm in Pallowfield township, Washington county, 
 to which the family removed in 1851. In 1855 
 he was elected justice of the peace, serving in thai 
 capacity for live years, and filling many other local 
 offices. At his death, in 1888, he owned -i<'>") acres 
 of land, now occupied by his son. 
 
 Samuel C. Swabe was born April 6, 1847, on the 
 home farm in Westmoreland county, Penn. He 
 was but four years of age when his parents brought 
 him to the farm in Washington county, where his 
 school days were passed. Since the death of his 
 father he has managed the home place. On Septem 
 berl8, 1890, he selected a bride in the person of Ella 
 S., daughter of the late George Allen, a prominent 
 farmer of Washington county, Penn. They have 
 one daughter, Garnet A., born August 23, L891. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Swabe reside on a farm lying two and 
 
 a half miles from Charleroi, and live miles from 
 Monongahela City. lb' raises a large quantity of 
 excellent stock. In politics he is a Republican, ami 
 has served his township in various offices of trust. 
 
 ONEY. The Roney family are among the 
 most prominent of the pioneers of Wash 
 ington counts. The first ancestor of the 
 family name, who came to America, was 
 Hercules Rorley, who was born in Ireland, 
 
 and emigrated to America. His brother .lames 
 soon followed him, and they settled in Washington 
 county, Penn., where they took up a " tomahawk 
 claim " of about sixteen hundred acres in North 
 Strabane township, and passed the remainder of 
 
 their lives in clearing and improving their farms. 
 
 James Honey, a S if Hercules, was the grand 
 
 lather of the present feneration here. He was 
 horn on the home farm, where his entire life was 
 passed. In early life lie was married to Jane Mc- 
 Whorter, of Washington county, Penn., and the 
 following children were horn to their union: 
 Moses. William, John, James. -Jane (Mrs. Mc- 
 Kenry) and Margaret. Mr. Honey was a member 
 and stanch supporter of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 John Honey was horn January 25, 1811, on the 
 home farm in North Strabane township, Washing- 
 ton county, and when a young man was united in 
 marriage with Margaret, daughter of David 
 George, of Smith township, thiscounty. Soon af- 
 im Ins marriage Mr. Honey settled on a farm in 
 West Finley township, where he is still living, a 
 successful farmer and leading citizen. He is a 
 prominent member of the H. I'. Church. His 
 children are James, Horn June 'J. 1838, enlisted in 
 Company K. Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and 
 was sent to the army of the Potomac, where he 
 was taken prisoner, dying on March 22, L863, from 
 the effects of exposure; David <!.. born August 
 13, IS 10, in West Finley township, this county, 
 married. May 1, L872, Martha J., daughter of Rob 
 ert Sutherland, ami they have three children: E. 
 Iv, H. R., and J. J. (David G. was a soldier in 
 the Civil war; he is an energetic businessman, and 
 a member of the It. P. Church); Nancy, was mar- 
 ried to John Patterson, of Ohio county, W. Va. , 
 October 19, 1870, died April 4, 1 S78; Jane, who 
 lives with her parents; Robert M., who died Janu- 
 ary 8, 1S712; Samuel S., who died March 14, 1852; 
 William S. , who married Alice, daughter of John 
 Wood burn, of Washington county, is a carpenter, 
 residing at Claysville, Washington county; J. W., 
 who married Mary, daughter of Samuel McNinch, 
 of Washington county, is a farmer of Douegal 
 township, Washington county; Albert, who went 
 to Ness City, Kans., in April, 1886, died there in 
 July, 1886, of fever; A. J., who married Amelia, 
 daughter of Charles Unrig, of Washington county, 
 is a farmer residing on the home farm. 
 
972 
 
 WASHINGTON COIW T) . 
 
 J. C. Rones passed his younger days on the 
 home farm in West Finley township, and on Sep 
 tember 11. L872, was married to Mary, daughter 
 of Joshua Blake, of Marshall county, W. Va., and 
 she bore him children as follows: Myrtie, Earl, 
 Beulah, Florence and Robert. The mother died 
 April 19, 1881, and for his second wife Mr. Roney 
 was united in marriage September 29, 1885, with 
 Marie, daughter of Mrs. M. J. McBurney, of New 
 Castle, I'enn. Mr. Roney first engaged in the 
 mercantile business with Adam Hall, at West 
 Middletown, I'enn.. where he remained but a short 
 time, and then went to Wellsburg with the same 
 man. He afterward moved to Bethany, where he 
 remained a few years, and, in L885, Mr. Roney 
 came to West Alexander, where he has since been 
 engaged with his brother, David G., in the grain 
 business. They also conduct a general store, and 
 are known as reliable business men. Politically 
 Mr. Roney is a prominent member of the Repub- 
 lican party. He is a member of the U. P. Church 
 of which he has been an elder several years. 
 
 ¥|OHN JAMES 0. and K. NOBLE McDON- 
 ALD, of Robinson township, are among the 
 fjj largest landholders in the northern part of 
 ~~^ the county. They are grandsons of John 
 McDonald, who was born in Lishavanich, County 
 Fermanagh, Ireland, April 30, 1730. John Mc- 
 Donald emigrated to this country in 1773, and 
 purchased a tract, of land called Mt. Pleasant, on 
 Robinson's run, now included in Robinson and Mt. 
 Pleasant townships. In 177."' he settled on the 
 Mt. Pleasant property, and afterward bought other 
 lauds adjoining Mt. Pleasant, called Blackberry 
 Plain, Gooseberry Thicket, Highlands and Prim- 
 rose Hill. He also bought large tracts in Alle- 
 gheny and Beaver counties, and in West Virginia. 
 All these lands were well located and are now very 
 valuable. On April 28, 1778, he married Martha 
 T. Noble, daughter of Col. Noble, who lived in 
 Allegheny county, near Noblestown. They had 
 six sous Andrew and William (twins), John, 
 James, Alexander and Edward -and four daugh- 
 ters -Margaret, Martha. Elizabeth and Mary — all 
 now deceased. The eldest son, Andrew, was a 
 graduate of Jefferson College, studied for the min- 
 istry, and was pastor of White Oak Flats Presby- 
 terian Church for a number of years. The sur- 
 viving children of Rev. Andrew McDonald are An- 
 drew (a farmer), Abram (a boatman) and Mrs. 
 Bryne. John, the third son of John McDonald, 
 was a distinguished member of the Pittsburgh bar, 
 and contributed by his wealth and public spirit to 
 the early improvement of the city of Pittsburgh. 
 He was a prominent real estate owner in that city, 
 and built the old "St. Charles Hotel." at tirst 
 called the " Exchange Hotel," where the "Ander- 
 son House" now stands, and he was at one time 
 president of the Bank of Pittsburgh. He married 
 
 and reared a family, still represented in Pitts- 
 burgh. The remaining sons, William (twin of 
 Andrew), James, Alexander and Edward, gave 
 their attention to farming. 
 
 The four daughters, Margaret (wife of Dr. 
 Glenn), Martha (wife of George Allison), Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. John Mitchell) and Mary (wife of 
 Rev. William Nesbit), were more than ordinary 
 women in mental endowment, usefulness and 
 piety. Grandfather John McDonald died, in 1817, 
 on his own farm, "Mt. Pleasant," Washington 
 county, and was buried in Raccoon cemetery. He 
 was a man of wealth as well as moral worth. He 
 gave his aid in first organizing the Raccoon Church 
 at Candor. James Cooke, maternal grandfather 
 of the subjects of this sketch, was an officer in the 
 Revolutionary war, and soon after the close of that 
 struggle came to Cross Creek township, this 
 county, where he purchased a large tract of land 
 and passed the rest of his days. He married 
 Martha McCombs, and descendants are still to be 
 found in Cross Creek township. 
 
 James McDonald, better known as "Colonel 
 McDonald," father of the subjects of this sketch, 
 was the fourth son of John McDonald, and was 
 born August 29, 1783. He received his education 
 at a subscription school of the vicinity. His fathei 
 gave him part of his Washington count) lands — 
 which were then a wilderness, and which he im- 
 proved. On September 25, 1825, he was united in 
 marriage with Juliana Cooke, daughter of James 
 Cooke, who resided near Cross Creek village, this 
 county. They had four children: Martha Malvina, 
 Margaretta Jane (deceased July 'IX, 1874, aged 
 forty two years), John James ('.. and K. Noble. 
 The mother, at the age of eighty-five years, April 
 29, 1881, passed from earth at the old home, where 
 her surviving children now live. The father 
 passed his entire life on this estate, dying on April 
 3, 1863, and was buried in the Raccoon cemetery. 
 He was the owner at the time of his death of a 
 large farm of 1,000 acres. In his political affilia- 
 tions he was originally a Whig, then, on the organi- 
 zation of the party, became a Republican, and was 
 active in the interests of the cause, but no office 
 seeker. At the beginning of the Rebellion of L86 I . 
 he was heard to utter these words: "This war 
 will never be ended until every slave is free." He 
 was noted through life for the possession of a 
 strong, independent will, but was always found a 
 ready and kind sympathizer for the afflicted and 
 distressed. He was a regular attendant and lib- 
 eral supporter of Raccoon Presbyterian Church, in 
 which he was raised, and which his father aided in 
 first organizing. 
 
 The two sons, John James C. and K. Noble, 
 live on the home farm with their sister, and carry 
 on farming, giving their attention to raising line 
 stock, more particularly horses, making roadsters 
 a specialty. They are Presbyterians, and in 
 politics have always been Republican. 
 
WASHINGTON CO&NTY 
 
 973 
 
 f- 
 
 ALPH VAN KIRK. Of the first families 
 9) in Washington county, none are more prom- 
 ^ inent than the Nan Kirks. John, Henry 
 
 ^ and Van Kirk, natives of New Jersey, 
 
 came to this county, and settled in Amwell 
 township. John first left his native State, and on 
 December 10, 1785, purchased of Abner Howell a 
 tract of 359 acres in this county, which was pat- 
 ented February 20, 1792. Here he lived until his 
 death, which occurred in 1797, when the farm was 
 divided between his three sons, Jacob, Henry and 
 Joseph. He left four sons and three daughters, 
 who were born in New Jersey: Sarah, Jacob and 
 Henry being the children of his firjjt wife; and Jo- 
 seph, Elizabeth, John and Catherine were children 
 of a second marriage. Henry Van Kirk, the second 
 of the three brothers, purchased a tract of 260 acres 
 of land which was known as " Red Thorn Bottom." 
 On this farm he lived and died, leaving six chil- 
 dren, namely: William, Gideon, Arthur, Henry, 
 John and Mary, all of whom were born in New 
 Jersey, and William remained there. Arthur, the 
 second son of Henry Van Kirk, learned the trade 
 of a cabinet-maker, and after his marriage to Eliza- 
 beth Parkinson, settled in Amwell township, whero 
 the following children were born: Asher, Edward, 
 Ralph, William, Lucretia, Emma and Sarah. 
 
 Ralph Van Kirk was born December 27, 1815, 
 and married Sarah Cooper, November 11, 1841, a 
 daughter of Sylvan us Cooper, of Kranklin town- 
 ship. To Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk were born the 
 following named children: Charles, Addison (who 
 died in infancy), Jennie and Ella (who lives at 
 home with her mother). Charles married Elizabeth 
 Gamble, daughter of Levi Gamble, of West Beth- 
 lehem township, and to them was born one daugh- 
 ter, Dora (who died of typhoid fever March 20, 
 lS"v!, at the age of fourteen); Jennie married 
 George McElree,of Franklin township. They have 
 two sons: Hiram Winnett, Ralph Alexander, and 
 one daughter, Nellie Brown. Mr. Van Kirk was 
 for six years director of " Washington County 
 Home," which office he filled with much credit. He 
 was one of the leaders of the Republican party in 
 his neighborhood, and commanded the esteem of 
 all who knew him. An honest citizen, an earnest 
 Christian and member of the Methodist Church, he 
 was a leader in the community. Mr. Van Kirk 
 was called to his " long home" in January, 1890, 
 deeply mourned by all. 
 
 Sylvanus Cooper, named above, is descended 
 from John Cooper, who emigrated from Buck- 
 inghamshire, England, in 1035, and settled at 
 Lynn, Mass. Four years later he located at 
 Southampton, L. I., whence the family spread 
 out to other settlements. Zebulon, the father 
 of Sylvanus, born in New Jersey, emigrated 
 to Washington county, Pennsylvania, where he 
 married Mary White. To them were born four 
 
 boys and four girls. Sylvanus was born December 
 27, 1789. In 1812 he married Mary Bryant, a 
 lady of noble character -and a cousin of William 
 Cullen Bryant He had twelve children. Zebu- 
 lon, the oldest, married Sarah Nicely, and resides 
 in Iowa. He has nine children. David married 
 Hanna Dille. They have ten children. He died 
 in Memphis, Mo., of paralysis. Charles married 
 Sarah F. Daychurck, of New Brunswick, N. J. 
 He was a minister of the Presbyterian Church. 
 His last charge was at South Centerville, N. Y. 
 He had three children. John married a lady in 
 Texas, and resides in Oarrollton, Mo. Five chil- 
 ren were born to them. Catharine married Har- 
 vey Gamble. Their late home was in Winfield, 
 Iowa, where they both died. They had four 
 children. Ifane married Thomas Hanna. They 
 have five children. She has been dead for sev- 
 eral years. Mary married John Atkinson. They 
 had four children. She died at the residence of her 
 son Charles in Missouri. Sarah married Ralph Van 
 Kirk, of Washington county. She has three chil- 
 dren living: Charles, Jennie and Ella. Addison 
 died in infancy. Elizabeth married Nelson Day. 
 Three children were born to them. She now re- 
 sides in Iowa. Caroline married Gallatin Vaile 
 and they reside in Rochelle, 111. They have 
 five children. Henrietta, the youngest, lives in 
 Carrollton, Mo. Sylvanus Cooper died at the 
 residence of his son, Zebulon, in Winfield, Iowa, 
 on April 10, 1873, at the age of eight-four years. 
 His wife died August 9, IS 10, at the age of fifty- 
 three years. 
 
 GYRUS G. ARNOLD, a leading citizen of 
 Hanover township, traces his ancestry to one 
 ) Samuel Arnold, who was born in County 
 Down, Ireland, about ten miles from Newry, 
 and the same distance from Banbridge. 
 
 When a young man he was there married to 
 Margaret Glass, whobore him the following chil- 
 dren in Ireland: Nancy (married to William An- 
 derson), and Mary (died of " king's evil"). Some 
 time during the latter part of the eighteenth cen- 
 tury this family came to America, and made their 
 first permanent location in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 where other children were born, namely: John (of 
 whom a sketch follows); Margaret (wife of John 
 Stewart, Noblestown, Allegheny county, Penn.); 
 Jane (Mrs. John Moore), and Elizabeth (married 
 to Hugh Glenn, died in Richland county, Ohio). 
 Samuel Arnold and his wife died in Allegheny 
 county. 
 
 John Arnold (the father of our subject) was born 
 August 19, 1800, in Allegheny, county, Penn. 
 He received a meager education in the schools of 
 that period, and worked on his father's farm until 
 he was a boy of sixteen or seventeen. He then 
 
974 
 
 WASHINGTON COUXTY 
 
 began to learn the trade of a saddler ( which at 
 that time was a very lucrative vocation), working 
 under his brother-in-law, John Stewart, at Nobles- 
 town, Penn. In 1N21 he was married to Mary 
 Cavitt, who was born in ISO,"), in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., daughter of George Cavitt, a native of 
 Franklin county, Penn., whose father, Patrick Cav- 
 itt, was born in Ireland. After his marriage John 
 Arnold located ten miles west of Pittsburgh, along 
 the Pittsburgh & Steubenville Pike, in Allegheny 
 county. He finally secured a small tract of land, 
 to which he added by patient industry and toil. 
 They remained in Allegheny county twenty-five 
 vears, and in 1846 removed to Hanover township, 
 Washington county, Penn., along King's creek, 
 where he continued to follow farming. In politics 
 John Arnold was a Whig and Republican. At an 
 early age he made the good confession in the Union 
 Church, and in 1854 was elected elder in the King's 
 Creek Associate Reformed Church, which position 
 he held until his death, November '20, 1863. His 
 widow survived him until January 29, 1880, when 
 she was laid by his side in Frankfort cemetery. 
 She also was connected with the same church as 
 her husband, and when the United Presbyterian 
 Church was organized, united with that Society. 
 They were the parents of the following children: 
 George C. (a U. P. minister), born February 19, 
 1825, deceased December 1, 1863; Margaret (wife 
 of Robert Ramsey, Beaver county, Penn.), born 
 November 1, 1826; Samuel, born October 11, 1829, 
 deceased December 2, 1S49; John (living in Cedar 
 Rapids, Iowa), born February 23, 1832; William 
 T., born December 2, 1833; Agnes (Mrs. B. V. 
 Mevey, of Allegheny, Penn.\ born June 24, 1831); 
 J. G., born November 9, 1839, deceased June 5, 
 1857; Cyrus G., whose name opens this sketch, 
 born September 5, 1842; and .I.Lee (living in Chi- 
 cago), born January 23, 1S50. 
 
 Cyrus G. Arnold was born on the home place in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., and moved with the 
 family to Washington county,- Penn., where he at- 
 tended the public schools and passed his youth at 
 home. In 1867 he was married to Mary G. Black, 
 a native of Hanover township, this county, daugh- 
 ter of James Black. Their children were John H., 
 born November I, 1867; Mary C, born February 
 23, 1870, and Grizzie B. (deceased in infancy). 
 The mother died in 1872, and was buried in Paris 
 cemetery. For his second wife Cyrus G. Arnold 
 selected Nannie L. McWhirter, of Mercer county, 
 Penn., daughter of John McWhirter. This wife 
 died in 1S83, the mother of four children, Will- 
 liam K., Vesta, Margaret E. (born July 10, 1882,) 
 and Nannie L. (born August 25, 1883), of whom 
 Vesta died in infancy, and Nannie L. is living with 
 her grandparents in Mercer county, Penn. 
 
 In April, 1886, our subject was married to his 
 present wife, Nettie M. Savage, daughter of Will- 
 
 iam and Jane (Duncan) Savage, who was born in 
 Allegheny county, Penn. The children of this 
 marriage are Cyrus I)., born May 7, 1885; James 
 S., born July 25, 1887; and Edna Jane Cavitt, 
 bom May 31, 1890, all of whom are living. Mr. 
 Arnold took charge of the home place on King's 
 Creek after his first marriage, and has ever since 
 resided there. He has given his attention to farm- 
 ing and stock-raising, and is a prosperous agricult- 
 urist. He is well versed in questions of local and 
 general interest, and is a leader in church matters, 
 being an elder in King's Creek United Presby- 
 terian Church, with which his wife is also connected. 
 Politically, he is. a supporter of Republican doc- 
 trine, and is much interested in the success of his 
 party. 
 
 I OSEPH COATSWORTH. This enterprising 
 A I gentleman is a native of the County of Dur- 
 t ! ham, England, where he was born July 12, 
 ^"^ 1842. His father, Joseph Coatsworth, was 
 also born and reared in that English county, and 
 was there married to Sarah Allison, who bore 
 him seven children, Ann, Thomas, Margaret, 
 Joseph, William, Sarah and John. Mr. Coatsworth 
 was an expert lead-ore miner, and investigated its 
 different branches in his native country. He con- 
 cluded that America offered opportunities for his 
 family, and emigrated in 1853, and followed coal- 
 mining at Pittsburgh, Penn. A few years later he 
 purchased a farm in Carroll township, but finally 
 removed to Monongahela City, where he died in 
 1861. He was a strong supporter of Whig and 
 Abolition principles, and upheld his views with 
 tenacity. He was connected with the primitive 
 Methodist Episcopal Church, but on coming to 
 America united with the Methodist Episcopal So- 
 ciety of Monongahela City, of which he was a most 
 conscientious member. 
 
 Joseph Coatsworth came with his parents to 
 America when but a lad, and passed his minority in 
 Washington county, Penn. In 1872 he opened a 
 grocery store, and engaged in the coal business at 
 California, afterward conducting a grocery at Mo- 
 nongahela ( 'ity. He finally abandoned the grocery 
 and opened a butcher shop, where he is now doing 
 a very good business. On May 4, 1864, he mar- 
 ried Trovillo, daughter of Washington Eckles, for- 
 merly of Westmoreland county, Penn. Mr. Eckles 
 was born in that county, where he learned the car- 
 penter trade, and coming to Washington county, 
 finally settled at Monongahela City many years ago. 
 He was married to Eleanor Mumbowcr, a native of 
 this county, who bore him the following children: 
 Alfred, Jefferson, Artilissia, Amanda, Amzi, Tro- 
 villo, Floral, Ida and Ira. Mr. Eckles was a Demo- 
 crat, and in religion a member of the Cumberland 
 Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Coatsworth 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 975 
 
 are the parents of seven children, namely: Anna 
 V. (wife of L. T. Olaybaugh ), Charles W., J. W., 
 May, Kate G., Bessie and Eva. Mr. Coatsworth is 
 an active member of the Democratic party, and has 
 served the borough as councilman. 
 
 Jonas Crowthers, who came to this country from 
 Yorkshire, England, in 1850, married a daughter of 
 the late Joseph and Sarah Coatsworth, Sr., in 1851. 
 To them were born: Joseph B., W. H., J. J., Sarah, 
 Thomas A. and R. C, Jonas and Lee, all nearly 
 grown to manhood and womanhood in this county. 
 On coming to the United States, Mr. Crowthers 
 engaged in coal-mining, and being an expert mi- 
 ner, soon became an operator in and shipper of 
 coal, in which business he has been very successful. 
 
 d/AMES M. M< MURRAY, one of the prosper- 
 ous rising young agriculturists of Donegal 
 township, comes of that rugged Scotch-Irish 
 race, of whom it is said that wherever mem- 
 bers of it are gathered together there are sure to 
 be found men of large character, imbued with the 
 fundamental principles that abide in the race — love 
 of civil and religious liberty. Samuel McMurray, 
 his paternal grandfather, was born about the year 
 1702 in County Down, Ireland, and was there 
 married to Margaret Brown, who was born in 
 1765, also a native of Ireland, by whom there were 
 seven children, all born in Donegal township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., as follows: James, Ann, 
 Eliza, John, Margaret (married to John Rees), 
 Mary (married to John Erskine), and Jane (married 
 to Samuel Barr), all now deceased, John being the 
 last of them to " cross the river." After his mar- 
 riage Samuel McMurray and his wife came to the 
 United States, landing in Philadelphia, whence 
 they proceeded to Washington county, same State, 
 settling on the farm in Donegal township, which 
 our subject now owns. Here he passed the re- 
 mainder of his busy life, dying February 18, 1849. 
 John McMurray, the fourth child born to Samuel 
 and Margaret (Brown) McMurray, first saw the 
 light in 1804 in Donegal township, this county, 
 and here his boyhood days were passed on his 
 father's farm, his education being received at the 
 somewhat primitive subscription schools of the 
 period. In 1852 he was married to Margaret 
 Boyd, who was born May 12, 1813, in Hopewell 
 township, this county, a daughter of James Boyd, 
 and to this union were born two children, viz.: 
 William (deceased), who was a farmer in Inde- 
 pendence township, and was married to Kate Arm- 
 strong, and James M. After his marriage John 
 McMurray settled on a farm in Donegal township, 
 near where his son now lives, situated about one 
 mile east of West Alexander, and here followed 
 general farming up to the time of his death, which 
 occurred February 7, 1867, after which event his 
 
 widow removed to the borough of West Alexander, 
 where she is still living at a ripe old age. He was 
 a prominent Republican, and held numerous town- 
 ship offices. As a farmer he was eminently suc- 
 cessful, being possessed of superior business 
 capacity and sound judgment, and by the time of 
 his decease he had accumulated considerable prop- 
 erty. 
 
 James M. McMurray was born December 13, 
 1854, on the farm he now owns and lives on, in 
 Dunegal township, and where he received all his 
 instruction in agriculture, his education in the 
 meantime being received, during the winter 
 months, at the common schools of the district. On 
 the death of his father he moved to West Alex- 
 ander with his widowed mother, and after a resi- 
 dence there of about three years returned to the 
 farm, where he has since remained, successfully 
 following his life work. On September 27, 1877, 
 Mr. McMurray was married to Augusta Slater, 
 who was born November 3, 1857, a daughter of 
 David Slater, of Ohio county, W. Va., and by this 
 union there are two children: Lizzie A., born 
 July 1, 1878, and James W., born July 14, 1881, 
 both living at home with their parents. In his 
 political predilections Mr. McMurray is a Repub- 
 lican, and has held several township offices, such 
 as school director, but does not waste time on poli- 
 tics. He is progressive and popular, and has a 
 bright future before him. 
 
 r ^j TEPHEN APPLEGATE, than whom there 
 is no more enterprising citizen in the county, 
 t) was born in Allegheny county, Penn., May 
 5, 1825. He is a grandson of Benjamin 
 Applegate, the place of whose birth was eastern 
 Pennsylvania, where he was reared and educa- 
 ted, and whence, in 1767, he migrated to this 
 county, settling near the Monongahela river, in 
 what is now Forward township, Allegheny county, 
 where he patented a tract of 400 acres of land, 
 subsequently entirely improved by the family He 
 came in the spring of 1767, and, having made a 
 dealing, seeded it to corn, then returned home, but 
 when he again came, in the fall, he found bears 
 had destroyed the entire crop. He was one of the 
 earliest members of the U. P. Church in this sec- 
 tion, their place of worship being known as the 
 "Henderson Meeting House," and he was one of 
 the most active and progressive of the earlier 
 pioneers. 
 
 Vincent Applegate, son of Benjamin, was born 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., where he was edu- 
 cated, trained to farming pursuits, and where, on 
 the old home farm, he passed his entire life. He 
 married Riodosha Harker, of Virginia, and their 
 children were Richard, Delilah ( Mrs. Abraham 
 Applegate), Harvey, Elizabeth, Josiah, Harrison, 
 
976 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Rebecca (Mrs. Gideon Wall), Keziah (Mrs. Jacob 
 Conklin), Eli and Stephen. The father died Au- 
 gust 3, 1839, the mother September 3, 1859. They 
 sleep in the family burying-ground. They were 
 members of the Henderson U. P. Church; in poli- 
 tics he was an active Whig. 
 
 Stephen Applegate was reared on the farm where 
 he was born; his education was, necessarily, very 
 limited. For some years after his marriage he re- 
 mained on the home place, and in 1873 came to 
 Monongahela City, where he has since resided, re- 
 tired from active life. On October 29, 1846, he 
 was married to Minerva, daughter of James Ap- 
 plegate, also a native of Allegheny county, whose 
 wife was Rachel (Holdcraft), and children as fol- 
 lows: Elsie (Mrs. Samuel Dennison), John, Eliza- 
 beth, Rachel, Harriet J. and Minerva (Mrs. Stephen 
 Applegate). James Applegate was a prominent 
 farmer and stock-raiser, in politics a Whig, in re- 
 ligion a Baptist. Our subject and wife have had 
 one child, Josephine, married to Moses Colvin, and 
 their children are Minnie, Mary and May. Mr. Ap- 
 plegate was originally a Whig, but a Republican 
 since the formation of the party. He is a repre- 
 sentative, self-made man, one who has attained 
 success by his own efforts, industry, perseverance 
 and thrift. 
 
 L855, married to S. L. Day; Mary Elizabeth, born 
 in 1864, at home with her father. Mrs. Patterson 
 died August 20, 18S9. Mr. Patterson has been re- 
 markably successful as a farmer, and has accumu- 
 lated valuable property. He is a life-long Democrat, 
 and a member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant 
 Grove. 
 
 FI( MOS PATTERSON. The Patterson family, 
 II V\ of which the subject of this sketch is an 
 fr^i honored member, comes of direct English 
 J -* descent, now several generations removed, 
 v Robert Patterson, a native of New Jer- 
 
 sey, the great ancestor of the family in Washing- 
 ton county, in 1794 came from York (now Adams) 
 county, Pent)., to this county, with his family, 
 locating in Morris township. The trip was made 
 in wagons, at that time an undertaking of no small 
 magnitude. The names of Robert Patterson's chil- 
 dren are Joanna, James, Timothy, William, John, 
 Robert, Polly, Abigail and Peter. 
 
 John Patterson, son of the pioneer Robert, was 
 born in 1782, in York (now Adams) county, Penn.; 
 he married Mary Enlow, a daughter of Elliott En- 
 low, who removed from Maryland to East Finley 
 township, this county, prior to 1800. To this union 
 twelve children were born, eight of whom lived to 
 maturity, as follows: Elliott, Rachel, James, Phi i be, 
 Amos, John, Jesse and Aaron. Of these children 
 are now living: Amos (our subject), John (in Greene 
 county, Penn.), and Aaron (in Mercer county, 111. )• 
 Amos Patterson was born in 1816, and received 
 the limited educational advantages which the neigh- 
 In .ring schools afforded. In 1843 he was married 
 to Harriet Cooper, who was born in 1821, a daugh- 
 ter of John Cooper, of Morris township, this county, 
 and to their union have been born three children: 
 John A., born in 184(5, died in 1853; Clara, born in 
 
 JOSHUA WRIGHT was born May 4, 1822, in 
 Peters township, where he lived continuously 
 j until 1859, when he moved into Washington 
 borough, in order to give his children a thor- 
 ough education. 
 
 Joshua Wright, great-grandfather of the subject 
 of this memoir, came with his brother James from 
 the Cumberland Valley, and settled about 1765, in 
 Nottingham township, this county, on Peters creek. 
 They obtained a tract of land containing over 800 
 acres (near what is now Finleyville ) from Indians, 
 part of which land still remains in the family, 
 Joshua, the great-grandson, having 210 acres of it. 
 In 1779 the great-grandfather bought of his brother 
 James all his share of their joint purchase, and our 
 subject has in bis possession the quit- claim deed 
 for same, in which the following words occur: " I 
 quit-claim to my brother against all save God Al- 
 mighty, who being maker of the Universe, I cannot 
 quit-claim against Him." After he had part of this 
 land cleared and a crop put in, he returned to Har- 
 ris! mrgh and married Charity Sauns, daughter of 
 John Harris, for whom Harrisburgh was named. 
 In October, 1776, Joshua Wright was one of the 
 justices of the peace in Youghiogheny county, and 
 ex-otficio judge of the court. He presided over 
 the court in April, 1777, and was also through the 
 Crawford expedition in 1782. After this sale, 
 James Wright went to Kentucky, where he was 
 killed by the Indians. In 1783 Joshua Wright, 
 while on his way with two other men to New ( )r- 
 leans with a boat-load of provisions, was attacked 
 by the Indians, who shot the two companions, and 
 Wright, bravely defending himself to the last, shot 
 several of the Redskins with his own musket and 
 those of his slain companions. ( )verpowered by 
 numbers, however, he was finally captured, and 
 taken to a point near Sandusky, < )hio, where he was 
 made to " run the gauntlet," and was burned at the 
 stake. It was supposed he was decoyed to this 
 tragical fate by Simon Gerty, the white renegade 
 from Fort Pitt. He left three children: Lydia, 
 Enoch and Agnes. 
 
 Enoch Wright was born March 10, 1776, on the 
 home farm in Peters township, this county, and was 
 reared to agricultural pursuits. He was but a boy 
 when his father was killed. He married Rachel 
 James, and of their children but one grew to ma- 
 turity, Joseph, who became the father of our sub- 
 ject. Enoch Wright and his wife both died on the 
 
' 
 
 
 
 : 
 
 ?& 
 
 o-J 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 979 
 
 old farm, be in 1840 at the age of seventy years. 
 He was an active man, enjoying most robust health. 
 For over thirtv years he was a justice of the peace. 
 He participated in the " Whiskey Insurrection" in 
 1794, opposing the rising, as he was in favor of 
 paying the tax imposed, and firmly held to his po- 
 sition, even in the face of threatening letters re- 
 ceived by him, some of them conveying notice that 
 his buildings would be burned did he not join the 
 insurrectionists. He was by no means easily per- 
 suaded, but finally he reluctantly united himself on 
 the side of the Rebellion, ami after the shootinc' of 
 one man, he entered with zeal into it. He served 
 as county commissioner, was director of the poor, 
 and during his incumbency he superintended the 
 building of the first poor house in the county. He 
 was a member of the Baptist Society, and gave the 
 lands and means for the building of a church. 
 Being a strong antislavery man he had it inserted 
 in the deed for this property that no slavery doc- 
 trine or sentiments should be preached or discussed 
 in this church. When the church divided he trans- 
 ferred his membership, and deeded land and build- 
 ing to the Methodist Society. His wife survived 
 him nearly twenty years, and died at the age of 
 ninety years. 
 
 Joseph Wright, father of subject, was born on 
 the home farm in Peters township, August 4, 
 1794. He received a common-school education, 
 which was supplemented by study at Canonsburg 
 College, where he was at the point of graduating 
 when failing health compelled him to leave. After 
 this he became a local preacher in the M. E. Church, 
 and every Sabbath he conducted Divine service up 
 to the day of his death, which occurred in 1854. 
 He was a close student, making it a rule to read 
 six hours every day. In politics he was a Whig. 
 On November (3, 1814, he married Catherine, daugh- 
 ter of Colonel Thomas and Catherine (Hurd) Hop- 
 kins. The Hopkinses came to the county at a very 
 early day, and have since been prominently con- 
 nected with it. Eleven children were born to this 
 union, as follows: Darthula (married Dr. James 
 Miller, and died in Pittsburgh); Catherine (mar- 
 ried Thomas Rankin, now of Nebraska; they first 
 settled on a farm in this county); Lucinda (married 
 John Storer, and died leaving one child); Joshua; 
 Enoch (died in Iowa in 1891); Thomas Andrew 
 (died at the age of five years); Joseph Thornton 
 (died in Pittsburgh in 1871); Margaret Ann (mar- 
 ried Dr. C. W. Townsend, lives in Peters town- 
 ship, near Bower Hill); Mary Ellen (married Rev. 
 John C Brown, of the M. E. Church, lives in Iowa); 
 Hopkins (who has been an invalid ever since he 
 was five years of age); and Charity S. (wife of Dr. 
 D. M. Anderson, living on part of the old home- 
 stead). The mother of this family died in 1863. 
 They were all members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 Joshua Wright, the subject of this memoir, was 
 reared on the old farm, where he was born, then 
 for a short time attended the subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood, and afterward studied at an 
 academy. The principal part of his education was 
 received from his father, who commenced to teach 
 him Hebrew before he was ten years of age, making 
 him rise in the morning at four or five o'clock for 
 the purpose of study. For a private tutor he had 
 one Aaron Gammel, under whom he studied every 
 day, without a vacation, for a year. On March 17, 
 1844, Mr. Wright was married to Miss Sarah ('., 
 daughter of Rev. John White, and sister to Judge 
 J. W. F. White, of Pittsburgh. Her mother was a 
 member of the James family. The following chil- 
 dren were born to this union: John A., a Methodist 
 Episcopal minister; Speranza Kate (widow of 
 George Brown, now living at Findlay, Ohio); Jo- 
 seph Enoch (a Methodist Episcopal minister); 
 Elizabeth Ann (married to L. G. Linn, an attorney 
 of Butler, Penn.); William Fletcher (an insurance 
 agent of Buffalo, N. Y.); James Sauns (who died 
 at the age of fifteen years); Hallie Lucinda (wife of 
 Everett Smith, an attorney of Ravenswood, W. 
 Va. ); Ada Blanche ( wife of Joseph B. Spriggs, of 
 Washington, Penn. ) ; Frank Laurance (a dentist 
 of Duluth, Minn.); and Robert J. (an attorney of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.). The mother of this family 
 died in 1808, in Washington, at the age of about 
 forty-two years, and in July, 1870, Mr. Wright 
 married Mrs. Jane Dill (nee McFerran), a full 
 cousin of the late Mrs. President Harrison, by whom 
 there are no children. In 1870 he opened-a bank, 
 in partnership with Col. William Hopkins and Hon. 
 James H. Hopkin«, and continued in same until his 
 retirement in 1885. For many years he has been 
 a member of the M. E. Church. At this writing, 
 March, 1893, there are nine children livino-, with 
 five daughters-in law, three sons-in-law, twenty 
 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. 
 
 P\ OBERT WARD is a son of Thomas, and 
 grandson of Stephen Ward, a native of 
 Maryland, of English descent, who passed 
 his youth in that State. When a young 
 man Stephen Ward came to Washington 
 county, and settled on a farm near Bentleyville, 
 where he worked 'Squire Bentley's farm on shares. 
 While living in Maryland Stephen Ward was mar- 
 ried to Hannah Thurston, who bore him five chil- 
 dren, none of whom are living. In political opinion 
 the father was a Democrat. He was thrown from 
 a load of hay, the accident resulting in his death. 
 Thomas Ward, son of Stephen, was born on the 
 farm near Bentleyville, and attended the log cabin 
 subscription schools of the neighborhood. At the 
 age of eighteen years he came to a farm in East 
 Pike Run township, this county, remaining there 
 
980 
 
 WASHINGTON COCA TV. 
 
 fifteen years. After locating on this place he mar- 
 ried Elizabeth, daughter of John Williams — the 
 old wagoner on the Washington Pike. Seven chil- 
 dren were born to their union, as follows: Mary, 
 wife of Thomas Worley, living near Shireoaks, 
 this county; Melinda, married to Daniel Linn, of 
 Fayette county, Penu.; John, living at California, 
 Penn.; Stephen; Robert; James, living at Califor- 
 nia, Penn., and Thomas, a resident of Uniontown, 
 Penn. Stephen is deceased. The father voted with 
 the Republican party, and in religious faith was a 
 member of the Methodist Church. Mrs. Ward died 
 in 1846, and he was laid by her side May 18, 1891. 
 Robert Ward was born November 2, IS 42, on a 
 farm in East Bethlehem township. He married 
 Anna Hobinson, a native of East Pike Run town- 
 ship, February 16, 1867. She was born March 23, 
 1842. They have had six children, namely: Aus- 
 tin, Lizzie, Averel, John, Annie (deceased in in- 
 fancy) and Pearl. Mr. Ward owns and resides 
 upon eighty acres of good land, which is the fruit 
 of his own industry. He casts his ballot with the 
 Republican party. In church relations he is iden- 
 tified with the Methodist Society. Austin, his oldest 
 son, was married to Miss Laurie B. Pepper, No- 
 vember 3, 1891. They have one child, Alonzo. 
 Austin resides on a farm of forty acres in the same 
 township. 
 
 rti LEXANDER McKINLEY, retired jeweler, 
 /' \\ Washington, is a native of the borough, 
 fh\\ born January 4, 1817, a son of Alexander, 
 J -* who was born in this county. Samuel Mc- 
 v Kinley, grandfather of our subject, was a 
 
 pioneer in North Strabane township, where he 
 bought land and passed the remainder of a very 
 busy life. He married a daughter of Thomas Scott, 
 who Avas the first prothonotary and the first repre- 
 sentative in Congress from Washington county. 
 
 Samuel McKinley had several children, of whom 
 Samuel went to Ohio, and Alexander, the father of 
 our subject, remained in his native county, where 
 he learned the trade of mechanic, working chiefly 
 at furniture making. He married Hettie, daughter 
 of Abednego Jones, a tailor, whose trade was 
 mostly among the Quakers, and who came from 
 Philadelphia to Washington. He was in the for- 
 mer city when the British captured it, and was 
 arrested by them as a spy, but was released; he 
 died in Washington. Alexander McKinley died 
 suddenly in middle life while at dinner; his widow 
 survived him several years, passing away in Wash- 
 ington. They were the parents of ten children, of 
 whom three sons and four daughters were living at 
 the time of their mother's death; now (1892) there 
 are surviving one son, our subject, and one daugh- 
 ter, Clara, widow of William Bryson, of Washing- 
 toe 
 
 Alexander McKinley, whose name commences 
 this sketch, received his education at the public 
 schools in his native city, and afterward attended 
 Washington and Jefferson College. He learned 
 the jewelers' trade, and in 184(1 opened a store for 
 himself, continuing until 1886. On April 27, 1852, 
 Mr. McKinley was married to Margaret D. Hayes, 
 of West Granby, Conn., who was visiting her 
 brother when she met her future husband. She 
 died in 1871, the mother of eight children: Frances 
 E.; Thomas, in eastern Pennsylvania; Lucian, a 
 physician in Ohio; Frank B.; Samuel, in Washing- 
 ton; and Alexander, Ella and Alice, who died 
 young, the latter preceding her mother to the 
 grave. Mr. McKinley's next marriage was on 
 January 30, 1872, with Mrs. C. J. Dalbey, whose 
 maiden name was Bailey, an English lady, a resi- 
 dent of Wheeling, W. Va. Politically, our subject 
 was first a Whig, and since the organization of the 
 party has been a stanch Republican, standing firm 
 in the ranks, and is now an uncompromising Pro- 
 tectionist. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 F. B. McKinley, the third son of Alexander Mc- 
 Kinley, was born April 26, I860, in Washington, 
 Penn., and attended the LInion High School, after- 
 ward studying Latin under the preceptorship of 
 Rev. George P. Wilson. He commenced to learn 
 the jewelry and watchmaking trade with his father, 
 and continued with him until February, 1 SN6, when 
 Alexander McKinley retired. In March, 1886, he 
 opened business on his own account. On Septem- 
 ber 22, [886, he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Queen M., daughter of David F. Ross, of Wash- 
 ington, and a member of one of the oldest families 
 of the county. She is a graduate of the Union 
 High School, and of the Washington Female 
 seminary. One child, Ethelynn May, has come 
 to bless this happy union. Mr. McKinley is a Re- 
 publican, a member of the Improved Order of 
 Ileptasophs, and a deacon of the Second Presby- 
 terian Church of Washington, lie is one of the 
 most popular rising young business men in the 
 borough, and has surrounded himself with hosts of 
 friends. 
 
 JAMES S. KORSVTHE, one of the well-to- 
 do, progressive agriculturists of Washington 
 county, is a native of the Keystone State, 
 born in Fayette county December 2, 1845. 
 William Forsythe, his grandfather, moved, in 
 177o, to that county from Maryland, and "toma- 
 hawked " a claim to a tract of wild land that is 
 now a fertile farm, in the possession of some of his 
 descendants. He died at the age of eighty-two 
 years, the father of ten children. One of his sons, 
 Eli Forsythe, married a Miss Jane McKee, a native 
 of Ireland, and by her had ten children, of whom 
 
WASHING TON CO UA TY. 
 
 981 
 
 William, born in Fayette county August 27, 1799, 
 became the father of the subject of this sketch. 
 William Forsythe, son of fc^li and Jane (McKee) 
 Forsythe, was reared in the old home, and for the 
 most part followed agricultural pursuits throughout 
 his long and busy life. At one time he shipped 
 coal to the southern markets. In 1829 he married 
 Jane, daughter of John Steele, and settled on 
 " Snow Hill," where he died at the age of eighty 
 years. His widow died three years after, when 
 aged seventy-five. They were the parents of eight 
 children, of whom the following is a brief record: 
 John died in California in 1852; Eli died in 189(1; 
 Nancy married James S.Elliott and lives in Fayette 
 county; Johnson died in 1891; Elizabeth is the 
 wife of Isaac T. Crouch; Mary is the wife of L. S. 
 Miller; James S. is the subject proper of this 
 memoir; Ruth is married to Frank Hough, and 
 lives in Fayette county. 
 
 James S. Forsythe was reared to farm life in his 
 native county, his boyhood winter months being 
 passed in the common schools of the district, and 
 for a time in an academy, after which he took a 
 commercial course at the Iron City Business Col- 
 lege, Pittsburgh. He then returned home, and 
 remained on the farm until the death of his parents. 
 In 1879 he embarked in mercantile business at 
 Redstone, Fayette county, which he carried on 
 three years; then, in 1882, purchased a farm in 
 Am well township, this county, which he still con- 
 ducts, and in connection with general farming 
 deals considerably in live stock, making a specialty 
 of Short- horn cattle. In 1890 he moved into the 
 borough of Washington, where he now has his 
 home, situated about one mile from the court- 
 house. Mr. Forsythe married Miss Mary E. Mor- 
 ton, daughter of George Morton, of Philadelphia, 
 Penn., a native of Ireland, of Irish lineage, Octo- 
 ber 4, 187(5. By this union five children were 
 born, viz.: Lilian S.; John Morton, who died Sep- 
 tember 24, 1886; Jesse H., Raymond D. and 
 Robert N. Politically, our subject is a Repub- 
 lican, and has held various township offices. He 
 is a Presbyterian in church connection. 
 
 "^ EORGE A. DOUGHERTY, M. I )., one of the 
 best known and most successful physicians of 
 Washington county, was born in County 
 Derry, Ireland, December 15, 1839, a son of 
 Edward and Lillie (Allender) Dougherty, 
 both natives of the " land of the shamrock." 
 
 The family came to America in 1840 and made 
 their new home in Washington, this county. Our 
 subject attended the common schools of the bor- 
 ough, later attended Washington College, and then 
 commenced reading medicine. In 1859 the family 
 returned to the mother country, and our subject 
 entered the University of Glasgow (Scotland), 
 
 where he passed through a full curriculum — four 
 years, graduating with tae class of l864-'65. The 
 buysar fee which he paid on entering the university 
 was ten pounds sterling. 
 
 At the hospital he took a special course in medi- 
 cine, and received from the university the degrees 
 of M. D. and C. M. (Master in Surgery). The 
 University of Glasgow is far famed as a seat of 
 learning, and is one of the oldest institutions of 
 the kind, having been founded in the year 11 Tilt. 
 After finishing his course at the university the 
 Doctor spent one year in a dispensary. In 1806 
 he returned to this country, and in the following 
 year commenced the practice of his profession, 
 in which he has since remained. On January 14, 
 L880, Dr. Dougherty was united in marriage with 
 Rebecca M. Clokey, to whom two children were 
 born: Anna Elizabeth, and a son who died in 
 infancy. Dr. and Mrs. Dougherty are members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church of Washington. 
 He has a very extensive general practice, his ride 
 being not only far and wide over the county, but 
 even considerably beyond. The Doctor possesses 
 a very complete and select library, and keeps 
 abreast of the times. 
 
 ILLIAM N. McCLAIN was born October 
 30, 1847, in Franklin township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn. He is a grandson of John 
 — ' McClain, a native of Ireland who emi- 
 grated to America about 1779 and located in this 
 county. He was soon afterward married to Rachel 
 Tucker, who bore him the following family : Sarah, 
 Elizabeth, James, Simeon, John and William. In 
 political life John McClain was one of the first 
 adherents of the Whig party in Washington county. 
 In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. His remains, with those of his wife,. are 
 interred near their pioneer home. Simeon McClain 
 passed his youth in working on the home farm, and 
 attending the common schools. In early manhood 
 he was married to Jane, daughter of Isaac Carter, 
 who bore him children as follows: John, Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. H. K. Bell), William N. and Ellen (twins, 
 the latter of whom is married to S. S. Bell), W. 
 Ross, and Mary (Mrs. Holmes Andrews). Mr. 
 Met lain was the architect of his own fortune, and 
 an industrious, enterprising man. He was formerly 
 a Whig, afterward becoming an active member of 
 the Republican party, although he would never 
 accept any political office. 
 
 William N. McClain passed the days of his boy- 
 hood on his father's farm, and received, in connection 
 with a good grammar-school education, that prac- 
 tical home training, which was no doubt the foun- 
 dation of his subsequent successful business career. 
 He is now one of the most progressive farmers of 
 his section, and though residing in Washington 
 
982 
 
 WASHING TON C OL'XTY. 
 
 Penn., supervises the work of bis tenants, 
 doing a large share of the same himself. He has 
 several times held township otlice, faithfully dis- 
 charging the duties thereof, and by his upright 
 moral character winning the highest esteem of all 
 his friends and acquaintances. His farm of nearly 
 200 acres is rich and productive and yields him a 
 large annual income. In March, 1873, he was 
 united in marriage with Flora E., daughter of 
 .losiah Cooper, also a resident of Franklin town- 
 ship. Mr. Cooper was a member of the old Cooper 
 family which settled in that section in the pioneer 
 days, and was married to Clarissa Penn, who bore 
 him on son and one daughter, Flora F. and 
 Herschel ( the latter deceased). Mr. Cooper was 
 an active member and liberal supporter of his 
 church, and a man prominent in his community. 
 He was first a Whig then a l.'epublican, at one 
 time serving as county commissioner in the latter 
 party. Later he became an ardent Prohibitionist, 
 leading the forces of the cold water advocates in 
 Washington county, and by his activity in the 
 lecture field and genuine enthusiasm for the cause 
 enabling them to make large inroads into the ranks 
 of the old parties. He died an honored and re- 
 spected citizen. Mr. and Mrs. McClain now live 
 queitly in their Washington home, enjoying the 
 well-earned fruits of a successful life of economy. 
 They have no children. 
 
 DFMAS LINDLFY is a son of Benjamin 
 I Lindley, who was a son of Levi Lindley, 
 I who came from near Mendham, N. .1., with 
 his two brothers, Caleb and Demas, being 
 among the first settlers in Morris township, coming 
 about the year 1780. 
 
 < >ur subject is a worthy representative of the 
 family of Lindleys in Washington county, and is 
 one of the most prominent and enterprising fanners 
 of Franklin township. He was born August 9, 
 1818, in .Morris township, this county, a son of 
 Benjamin and .lerusha (Cooper) Lindley, and his 
 boyhood and youth were passed under the paternal 
 roof, his education being acquired at the neighbor- 
 ing subscription schools, which in those days were 
 at the best but limited. Demas Lindley was mar- 
 ried first in 1812, to Lovina, daughter of Luther 
 Day, of Morris township, who came from New Jer- 
 sey, and whose wife was a Vankirk. The young 
 ( ouple commenced their married life on a farm in 
 Buffalo township, where they remained four years, 
 and then moved to the present home i,n Franklin 
 township, where Mr. Lindley yet resides. His wife 
 departed this life April 8, IMS'.*, and now sleeps in 
 the cemetery al Prosperity, a handsome monument 
 marking her resting-place. Side by side for nearly 
 half a century this worthy couple had toiled indus- 
 triously and prospered, and who shall say that her 
 
 work and aid were not essential elements of his 
 success in life? She was a woman of true Christian 
 virtue, ever seeking to make her friends better and 
 happier. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Lindley had no children, but 
 adopted a niece, Sarah A. Lindley, daughter of 
 Cephas Lindley, and who, on October 16, lsTU, 
 married Hamilton Post, a son of Stephen Post. 
 The children born of this union are: Demas L., 
 Homer S., Grace L. and Levina A. In politics 
 Mr. Lindley is a stanch Republican, having been 
 originally an old-time Whig, and was assessor and 
 school director of his township for many years. 
 He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 ( !hurch at Bethel, and is held in high esteem by 
 all who know him. 
 
 
 J JOSEPH M. SPRIGGS,a leading merchant 
 I in the borough of Washington, is a native of 
 I the same, having been l»>rn on Chestnut 
 street April 26, 1831. 
 His grandfather, Joseph Spriggs, came in an 
 early day from New Jersey to Washington county 
 and settled in Canton township, where he followed 
 agricultural pursuits. He died in West Virginia 
 at the age of seventy-live years, the father of seven 
 children, all of whom are deceased. James Spriggs, 
 one of these children, was born in Washington 
 county February 11, 1801, and reared on his 
 father's farm, attending in his boyhood the sub- 
 scription schools of his district, which in those early 
 days were of a somewhat primitive character. He 
 held the office of constable eleven years; was 
 sheriff one term (1837-'40), register of wills one 
 term ( 1812-'4.") ), and was assistant burgess at the 
 time of his death, August 6, 1851, which was 
 caused by falling on his head when jumping out of 
 a wagon, death ensuing a few days afterward. 
 His widow, who was a daughter of David and 
 Elizabeth Boyce, and was born in Washington 
 county January 6, 1805, died June 14, 187<>, at the 
 age of seventy-one years. They had a family of 
 ten children, all of whom died young except one 
 daughter, Mary Ann (married to I )r. If. W. Davis, 
 of Washington), and our subject, the latter being 
 now the only survivor. .Mrs. Davis died in 1869, 
 the mother of three children, two of whom are living. 
 Joseph M. Spriggs, whose name appears at the 
 opening of this biographical sketch, attended the 
 common schools of Washington and Washington 
 College, and when yet a boy commenced clerking 
 in William Duvall's grocery store, a line of trade 
 in which he has ever since continued, with some 
 slight interruption, in the city of his birth. Jn 
 1854 he embarked in business for himself in the 
 building nearly opposite where he now is, and 
 there remained seventeen years. He was a year 
 out of business, and in 1886 he erected his present 
 
■'■"•' 
 

 _rf**' 
 
 
 <5 
 
 ^>7^ux^ jL^y* 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 \\s' t 
 
 three-storv building, equipped with all modern 
 improvements, including an elevator, and here, 
 under the firm of Joseph M. Spriggs & Sons, he 
 has since been engaged in a large and increasing 
 business, comprising general grocery, hardware, 
 feed, etc., the largest of the kind in Washington. 
 In May, 1891, he commenced a grain elevator busi- 
 ness in the city, which is in charge of his son, 
 Charles 11. In ls54 Mr. Spriggs was married to 
 Margaret, daughter of James Donahoe, of the vil- 
 lage of Cross Creek, in this county, whose family 
 were among the early pioneers of the county. 
 James Donahoe was born in 1801, and died in 
 Cross Creek in 1872. For thirty years he was a 
 justice of the peace; was commissioner two terms, 
 and at one time was in the State Legislature, rep- 
 resenting Washington county. His widow is now 
 a resident of New Cumberland, W. Va. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Spriggs were born eight chil- 
 dren, of whom the following is a brief record: 
 James 1). is a Presbyterian minister at South 
 Lyon, Mich, (he married Annie Wilson, of Fay- 
 ette county ); Mary Eliza died in infancy; Charles 
 H. lives in Washington, Penn. ( married Alice 
 Hallam, and has three children); William died in 
 infancy; Joseph B. is married to a daughter of 
 Joshua Wright and resides in Washington; Mar- 
 garet died in 1891 at the age of twenty-two years; 
 George D. died in infancy; John M. is still at 
 home. On February 2, 1888, the mother passed 
 through the "golden gates" at the age of fifty 
 years, and on October 16, 1889, Mr. Spriggs mar- 
 ried Margaret A. Seaman, daughter of Alexander 
 Seaman (deceased), who for many years was one 
 of the leading grocerymen of Washington. Mr. 
 Spriggs is a Republican in politics, and in church 
 connection has for forty years been a member of 
 the M. K. Church, of which he is at present steward. 
 
 GAPT. SAMUEL CAMPBELL (deceased) was 
 a native-born citizen of Hanover township. 
 His grandfather, Archibald Campbell, was 
 born in Ireland, where he was married to a 
 countrywoman, who bore him several children, and 
 died in Ireland about the year 1800. 
 
 Archibald came to America after the so-called 
 Act of Union, locating near Candor, in Washing- 
 ton county. He was here married to Mrs. Eliza- 
 beth (Fletcher) Scott, a widow lady, who bore 
 Archibald Campbell two sons: Josiah S. (of whom 
 a sketch follows) and Samuel (deceased, who was a 
 law student). Archibald Campbell died about 
 1811, near Candor, this county, followed by his 
 widow about 1830, and both were buried in the 
 Raccoon cemetery. 
 
 Josiah S. Campbell was born here April 16, 
 1806. He attended the common schools, remain- 
 ing with his widowed mother after the death of the 
 
 father. He then learned the carpenter and wheel- 
 wright trades, also working at wagon-making. On 
 August 15, 1825, he was married to Rosanna Teel, 
 who was born January 20, 1804, daughter of John 
 Teel, a Revolutionary soldier. The following chil- 
 dren were born to Josiah S; and Rosanna Camp- 
 bell: Catherine (Mrs. .1. W. l'.utz, of Frankfort, 
 Beaver Co., Penn.), Elizabeth ( Mrs. John 'Anderson, 
 of Mansfield Penn.), Samuel (the subject of this 
 sketch), James T. (an undertaker of Galion, Craw- 
 ford Co., Ohio), John J. (a mechanic of Memphis, 
 Tenn.), Stephen M. S. (a mechanic of Paducah, 
 Ky.), Thomas F. (a member of the Fourth P. V. O, 
 taken prisoner during the operations along the 
 Welden Railroad, and after surrendering his arms, 
 was shot down by the enemy), Nancy A., Mary A. 
 and Margaret (the latter three died m early youth). 
 For many years Mr. Campbell followed his trade 
 at Frankfort, Penn., where most of his life was 
 passed. He died December 9, L858, and in 1879 
 his wife was laid beside him in the Presbyterian 
 cemetery at Frankfort. Both were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Frankfort, in which 
 Mr. Campbell had been an active worker, serving 
 as superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and was 
 for many years a trustee of that church. In poli- 
 tics he was formerly a Whig, then became a lead- 
 ing member of the Republican party. 
 
 Samuel Campbell was born February 24, 1831, 
 in Florence, Washington Co., Penn. He received 
 a common-school education, and when a young man 
 learned the trade of a cabinet-maker under Robert 
 Stevens, of Frankfort, Penn., where his parents 
 then resided. On March 14, 1855, he was married 
 to .lane Vance, who was born March 14, 1S34, near 
 Burgettstown, Penn., a daughter of William P. 
 and Mary (Stephenson ) Vance. Mr. Campbell re- 
 mained at Frankfort one year after his marriage, 
 then moved to a farm in Hanover township, Beaver 
 county, which, in the fall of 1861, he traded for a 
 place near the northwestern boundary of Wash- 
 ington county, where he made a permanent home. 
 On August 25, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, One 
 Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., at Beaver, Penn. 
 His first engagement was at Chancellorsville, and 
 he followed the fortunes of his regiment until the 
 second day's battle at Gettysburg. On that mem- 
 orable afternoon, while fighting in the wheat field 
 near the stone wall, he received a wound in the 
 neck, which disabled him from service for sixty 
 days. He returned to the field in September of 
 that year, and was stationed for some time at An- 
 napolis, Md., afterward joining his regiment. On 
 September 10, 1862, he was appointed second 
 lieutenant of his company, and on November 1 
 was made captain, serving in that capacity until the 
 close of his service. In September, 1864, he was 
 honorably discharged, and returned to his home in 
 Washington county, bearing with him the reputa- 
 
988 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 tion of a fearless soldier and just commander. He 
 then resumed farming, which he followed during 
 his active life, engaging extensively in stock-raising 
 and fine wool-growing. With the assistance of an 
 economical wife, combined with his own industry, 
 (Japt. Camphell was as successful in private busi- 
 ness as on the field of battle. In politics he was 
 formerly a Whig, then a Republican, having been 
 an advisor and counselor of the latter party. He 
 died March 8, 18cS7, and was laid to rest in Frank- 
 fort cemetery. Since his death Mrs. Campbell has 
 been living on the old home farm, to which Mr. 
 Campbell had made several additions. The chil- 
 dren of Samuel and Jane Campbell are William 
 .1., S. F 1 ., Anna Mary (Mrs. J. A. Hanlin), Thomas 
 F. and Joseph V., all of whom are living on the 
 home place, which is managed by the sons, Samuel 
 F. and Thomas F. 
 
 IT ITATTHEW II. CROUSE (deceased) was 
 I\a| descended from German ancestry. His 
 I \[ I grandfather was a member of the United 
 I -* .States Navy, and was killed on a man-of- 
 v war in the war of 1812. His wife, also a 
 
 German, died of yellow fever about the same time. 
 Philip J. Crouse was born April 2, 1802, in Phila- 
 delphia, Perm., and became an orphan when not 
 more than ten years of age. He was the only 
 child, and after the death of his parents came to 
 Washington county with his guardian, Robert Rus- 
 sell. His education was obtained in the subscrip- 
 tion schools of the day, and he lived near Florence, 
 Peun., until he became of age. In April, 1826, 
 1 'hi lip J. Crouse was married by Rev. McCurdy to 
 Ruth Ann Mayhew, a native of Maryland, who 
 came to Washington county with her parents when 
 but two years of age. The children of Philip and 
 Ruth Ann Crouse were as follows: Rebecca (de- 
 ceased wife of James Blakely, Henry county, 111.), 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Barnett MeOracken, of East End, 
 Pittsburgh), Nancy (married to William Burns), 
 Matthew H. (mentioned below), Thamar A. (Mrs. 
 J. A. Bubbett, of Hanover township), Richard M. 
 (corporal of Company II, One Hundred and Fortieth 
 P. V. I., received wounds at Hatcher's Run, Ya., 
 which resulted in his death), Margaret G. (widow 
 of Samuel McKibben, living in McKeesport, Penn.) 
 and Mary J. (wife of Mr. 1). M. Wylie, Hancock 
 county, W. Va.). After attaining his majority Philip 
 Crouse came into possession of a farm, which his 
 guardian had purchased, but the title proving 
 faulty, lost both farm and the money invested. He 
 then went to Georgetown, Beaver Co., Penn., and 
 was a steamboat pilot on the Ohio river for several 
 years, finally returning to Hanover township, this 
 county, where his remaining days were passed, 
 lie died December 12, 1855, and his wife passed 
 away February 8, 1888. They are buried in Flor- 
 
 ence cemetery. Mrs. Crouse was a member of the 
 U. P. Church, and in politics Mr. Crouse was a Re- 
 publican. 
 
 Matthew II. Crouse, son of Philip and Ruth Ann 
 Crouse, was born January 10, 1833, near George- 
 town, in Beaver county, where he attended the 
 common schools and worked on the farm. After 
 his father's death he and his brother, Richard, pur- 
 chased a place in Hanover township, Washington 
 county, near the northwest corner. The two broth- 
 ers removed with their widowed mother to this 
 place, and being energetic, industrious farmers, 
 prospered. After the death of Richard, Matthew 
 took his share, and by incessant toil succeeded in 
 clearing it of debt. On November 26, 1 N7'J, he 
 selected as a life companion Agnes L. Tarr, who 
 was born January 27, 1819, in Hancock county, 
 W. Va. She was a daughter of Jackson and Mary 
 Ann (Crawford) Tarr, and grandchild of Peter 
 Tarr, a native of Germany. To the union of Mat- 
 thew Henderson and Agnes L. (Tarr) Crouse the 
 following children were born: Anna Marv, born 
 December (3, 1880; Edith, born December 25, 
 1882; and Lila M., born August 25, 1885, all of 
 whom are living. Mr. Crouse continued to reside 
 on the farm which had been in his possession since 
 the death of his brother. He died February 10, 
 1888, having been preceded by his widowed mother 
 February 8, L888. Both were buried on the same 
 day. Mr. Crouse was a very successful business 
 man, and left his family an excellent farm of 210 
 acres, upon which a fine house and other improve- 
 ments were erected. In politics he was a Demo- 
 crat up to the war, when he joined the Republican 
 forces. He was a member of the U. P. Church at 
 King's Creek, with which his widow is identified. 
 Since his death his widow and children have 
 resided on the home farm, which Mrs. Crouse 
 manages. 
 
 ^HOMAS D. McCARTY, a leading business 
 man of Midway, this county, was born May 3, 
 1858, in Mount Pleasant township. The 
 earliest pioneer of the family name in this 
 county was one John McCarty, who settled 
 in Robinson township and reared a family of chil- 
 dren, of whom Timothy was married to a daughter 
 of Thomas McConnell. 
 
 John McCarty (a son of Timothy McCarty) was 
 born, reared and educated in Mount Pleasant 
 township, this county. He attended school in a 
 rude log cabin equipped with all the usual primi- 
 tive furnishings of the period, the greased paper 
 which served as window-panes being but a poor 
 medium for the transmission of light. In early 
 manhood he was united in marriage with Jane 
 Roseberry, who was born September 5, 1810, 
 daughter of Benjamin Roseberry, of Robinson 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 989 
 
 township. The following children were born to 
 their union: Martha (wife of Russell Thompson, 
 and mother of three sons and five daughters); 
 Timothy ( deceased, a young physician who grad- 
 uated at the Philadelphia Medical College; he was 
 married to Tillie George, who bore him one daugh- 
 ter, Cora M.); Benjamin R. (living in Mount 
 Pleasant township); James H. (deceased, physician 
 of Jefferson, Harrison Co., Ohio, and graduate of 
 Philadelphia Medical College); John S. (living in 
 Midway, this county ); Richard C. (drowned July 
 4, 1851); Elizabeth M., and Thomas 1). (whose 
 name opens this biography). Mr. McCarty was an 
 active member of the Democratic party, and in 
 religious connection was a member of the Raccoon 
 Presbyterian Church from early youth, contributing 
 liberally to its support and serving many years as 
 elder. He always followed farming and stock- 
 raising. He died January 19, 1886, and was laid 
 to rest in the Raccoon cemetery by the side of his 
 wife, who had preceded him to the grave April 11, 
 1874. 
 
 Thomas I). McCarty lived on the home farm 
 during his boyhood, and attended the common 
 schools. He then entered the academy at Mc- 
 Donald, Penn., remaining there some time, after- 
 ward spending some years at the Western Penn- 
 sylvania University. In February, 1883, he opened 
 a general hardware store at Midway, Penn., which 
 he now manages, and in 1888 purchased a half 
 interest in his brother's (John S. ) lumber yard. 
 In 1891 he bought an undertaking business of 
 James Meloney, and conducts these various enter- 
 prises with energetic vim and eminent success. 
 On January 3, 1890, he was united in marriage 
 with Anna, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth 
 Stark, natives of Scotland. One daughter and a 
 son, Elvie L. and John T., have blessed their 
 union. Politically, Mr. McCarty is an energetic 
 Democrat, and takes an active interest in all pro- 
 gressive movements. 
 
 DANIEL DUNCAN. Among the prosperous 
 \ and influential citizens of Smith township, 
 / none is more prominently identified with 
 the best interests of the community than 
 this gentleman, who is a grandson of Alexander 
 Duncan. 
 
 Jchn Duncan, father of subject, was born about 
 the year 1768, in Lancaster county, Penn., where 
 he was married, and in 1780 he came to Washing- 
 ton county, locating in Smith township, about one 
 mile and a half north of Burgettstown. At that 
 time it was a wild tract of land, covered with heavy 
 woods, inhabited only by Indians and wild beasts. 
 Here the young couple made their home, and began 
 to clear away the surrounding forest. A brother, 
 Daniel Duncan, who came West with him, was 
 
 killed by lightning. To this marriage of John 
 Duncan, five children were born: Alexander, Da- 
 vid, John, Elisha and Susan, all of whom lived to 
 adult age, and Susan, who was born June 30, L800, 
 died at Florence in 1890, having lived to see her 
 great-great-grandchild. Mrs. John Duncan died 
 soon after the birth of her youngest child, and Mr. 
 Duncan then married Nancy Morrison, of Wash- 
 ington county, who bore him children as follows: 
 James, Elizabeth, Jane, and a son deceased in in- 
 fancy (twins), Joseph, Daniel ( whose name opens 
 this sketch), and Norris. Of this family Daniel is 
 the only one yet living. The mother passed away, 
 and John Duncan for his third spouse married Mrs. 
 Emery, who died in 1852. He was extensively 
 engaged in the stock business during his later years, 
 being one of the first to brine tine-bred cattle into 
 that part of Washington county. He was very 
 successful in business, accumulating a considera- 
 ble property; in political opinions he was an en- 
 thusiastic Whig. 
 
 Daniel Duncan was born May 12, 1815, on the 
 home farm where he is yet living, and where his 
 father first located after coming to Washington 
 county. Our subject received a limited education 
 in the primitive old log schoolhouse of the day, and 
 on September 20, 1851, he was married to Rachel 
 Van Eman, who was born in 1825, a daughter of 
 Garrett Van Eman, a native of Smith township. To 
 this union children were born as follows: Ella (at 
 home), Logan V. and < ). C. (twins), the former a 
 farmer living on a part of the home place, the latter 
 living at home, and Norris, who died in infancy. 
 Tins wife died in 1855, and was buried at Florence, 
 this county. On June 18, 1800, Daniel Duncan was 
 married to Margaret, daughter of John Horner, of 
 Hanover township, this county. The. home farm of 
 215 acres, upon which Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are 
 residing, has been in the possession of the family 
 over one hundred years, and is now in an excellent 
 state of cultivation, all the improvements having 
 been made by him. He has been extensively en- 
 gaged in the breeding of fine stock. In politics 
 Mr. Duncan was originally a Whig, and since the 
 organization of the party has been a Republican. 
 He has held several township offices. Both he and 
 his wife are consistent members of the U. P. Church 
 at Burgettstown. 
 
 C. BALDWIN, long and favorably 
 known as a thorough-going wide-awake 
 business man, was born January 12, 1858, 
 in the village of Amity, Amwell town- 
 ship, Washington county. In 1860 his father, Rev. 
 John Sealey Baldwin, removed to Brookville, 
 Penn., where he was pastor of the M. P. Church. 
 In 1802 he returned to his native county, and was 
 stationed at Washington at the time of his death 
 
990 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 which occurred March 10, 1863. His wife, Jane 
 E., who was a daughter of William lams, of Am- 
 ity, died February '.".', 1878. The family consisted 
 of two sons and one daughter: Samuel F., born 
 July 8, 1860, died December 8, 1862; Florella E., 
 born July 8, 1854, married to W. L. -Milne, of 
 Washington, Penn., and William C, who was 
 about four years old when he lost his father. 
 
 Our subject attended public school until ten 
 years of age, and then entered the dry-goods store 
 of William Smith, where he remained several 
 years. In 1873 he went to Bellaire, Ohio, where 
 he clerked in the dry-goods store of George 1!. 
 Taylor, remaining there until 1875, in which year 
 he returned to Washington and opened a confec- 
 tionery store in the room now occupied by R. W. 
 Hallam. In 1876 Mr. Baldwin sold out to John 
 Brown, and entered the employ of W. S. Kam- 
 merer, who was then in the dry-goods business in 
 the Montgomery building. In 1879 Mr. Ram- 
 merer, being in poor health, closed out his store. 
 Mr. Baldwin, then twenty years of age, had spent 
 ten years in stores, and had made up his mind to 
 continue in it. lie formed a partnership with 
 Frank H. Judson in the furnishing goods business. 
 In 1882 our subject bought out Mr. Judson, he 
 wishing to engage in the printing business, this 
 beincr his trade. Mr. Baldwin continued in busi- 
 ness until 1890, when he sold out to E. G. Cundall 
 & Suns; at the time he sold he was doing the larg- 
 est business in his line in the city. < )ur subject 
 was also one of the founders of the Ethanmont 
 Stock farm. 
 
 In 1889 he, with others, organized the Willow 
 ( rrove Oil Co., operating in Washington and Greene 
 counties, Penn. On January 1, 1893, the New- 
 York Life Insurance Company appointed Mr. 
 Baldwin general agent of southwestern Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 In 1879 Mr. Baldwin married Miss Josie E. 
 McCortnick, daughter of William and Sarah Mc< !or- 
 mick, of Clarksburg, W. Ya. Mr. Baldwin's office 
 is in the Donnan Paw building; his residence is on 
 College street. 
 
 I-SAAC P. COWDEN was horn in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, this county, in 1798, a son of John 
 and Ann (Sloan) Cowden. He was reared on 
 -> the farm, and received such education as was 
 obtainable in the schools of the period. In 1823 
 he married Esther Nelson, who was born in 
 1799 on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where 
 their son John is yet residing. She was a daugh- 
 ter of James and Ann (Duncan) Nelson, and 
 granddaughter of John and Margaret (Gilliland) 
 Nelson. 
 
 John and Margaret Nelson were both natives of 
 Ireland, where they were married shortly before 
 
 emigrating to America. After reaching this coun- 
 try they took up their abode in York county, Penn., 
 where they resided for a number of years, then 
 moved to Washington county, at that lime a wil- 
 derness. To reach their destination, they had to 
 move their household belongings on packhorses, 
 the children being carried in creels (great wicker 
 baskets), slung one on each side of a horse. In 
 this way they accomplished the wearisome journey 
 over the mountains, sometimes receiving the hospi- 
 tality of a pioneer, whose lonely cabin they dis- 
 covered, sometimes camping by the wayside when 
 night overtook them, but always with stout hearts 
 pushing on, until their destination was reached in 
 safety, and they found their new home in the 
 wilderness. Only one clearing marked the west- 
 ern march of civilization, but undaunted by the 
 dreary outlook they went to work. Fortune smiled 
 upon them, and soon they were able to provide 
 themselves with not only the bare necessaries of 
 life, but also with a comfortable, well-furnished 
 house. They were industrious, and therefore pros- 
 perous, contented and happy. Nine children grew 
 up around the family hearthstone, viz.: Esther, 
 William, John, Margaret, Archibald, Nancy, Ann, 
 James and Samuel. Of the privations endured by 
 these pioneers, we need mention only a few. Salt 
 was an article much needed and very difficult to 
 obtain. To procure a supply it was necessary to 
 make a trip over the mountains and transport it on 
 packhorses. At first neighbors were few, living 
 long distances apart. To attend church they had 
 to go to Canonsburg. Schools were decidedly 
 primitive affairs. Amid such surroundings James 
 Nelson grew to manhood, and was then married to 
 Ann Duncan, a member of an Irish family of pio- 
 neers who had eight children : John, Samuel, 
 Mary, Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan, Isabelle and 
 Ann. After his marriage to Ann Duncan, James 
 Nelson removed to Beaver county, Penn., and re- 
 mained on a farm in that county until his death. 
 His children by the first marriage were John, Mar- 
 garet, Isabelle and Esther. This wife died and 
 Mr. Nelson then married Delilah Ralston, who bore 
 him two children — James and Ann. After her 
 mother's death, Esther, then a small child, lived 
 with her grandparents, by whom she was reared 
 and educated, remaining with them until her mar- 
 riage with Isaac Cowden. 
 
 Isaac P. and P. Esther (Nelson) Cowden had 
 the following children : Lillie Ann ( widow of 
 Robert Thompson, now living in California), John 
 ( who married Louisa Scott, now residing on the 
 old Nelson homestead in Mt. Pleasant township), 
 James (married to Violet Glass, residing in south- 
 ern Kansas), Martha and Margaret (to whom we are 
 indebted for this sketch ), who are unmarried, and 
 reside together in West Middletown, Penn. Isaac 
 P. Cowden was a successful farmer and stock raiser, 
 
wAsf/ixoroy corxTY. 
 
 991 
 
 and resided in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 all his life. He was never actively engaged in 
 political affairs, finding in domestic life and agri- 
 cultural pursuits a more congenial atmosphere. In 
 religion he was a member of the United Presby- 
 terian Church, like his wife and daughters. His 
 death occurred in May, 1865, his widow mourning 
 his loss until 1877, when she, too, answered the last 
 call. 
 
 \ILLIAM DEVORE is descended from a 
 gallant Holland pioneer, by name An- 
 drew Devore, who was born in 1730, and 
 was one of the Hessian soldiers captured 
 at Trenton by Gen. Washington, and though but a 
 boy in years, the lad was roused with indignation 
 against the tyranny of the Hessian prince, who had 
 sold his countrymen to serve the English. When 
 an opportunity was offered for him to return to the 
 British army, he ilatly refused, and enlisted with 
 the colonial cause. In the summer of 1782 he lo- 
 cated on a farm in Nottingham township, Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., part of which is yet owned by 
 his descendants. Here, amidst the scenes of pioneer 
 life, his children were born as follows: Adam, 
 Henry, William, Samuel, James, Andrew (de- 
 ceased in infancy ), Polly and Betsey, none of whom 
 are now living. Mr. Devore became a wealthy 
 farmer, and his industry was evinced by the crooked 
 finger on the hand thus maimed through hard work. 
 He gave 133 acres of land to each of his children, 
 and died on the old place. Politically, he was a 
 member of the Democratic party. 
 
 William Devore, the third son of Andrew, was 
 born and reared on the homestead in Nottingham 
 township, this county, and attended the log school- 
 house of the period. He learned the shoemaker's 
 trade, and followed that vocation in connection 
 with farming all his life. In 1821 he was united 
 in marriage with Mary Martin, a native of New 
 Jersey, and she bore him children as follows: 
 Lydia, Andrew ( living in North Strabane town- 
 ship), David (a resident of Monongahela City), 
 Phoebe ( wife of James Kelsey, Washington, Penn. ), 
 Jackson (a resident of Iowa), Mary (a resident of 
 Missouri), Sarah (Mrs. Fox, of Butler county, 
 Penn. ), William and Margaret. The mother was 
 a member of the Methodist, the father of the Bap- 
 tist Church. He voted with the Democratic party. 
 William Devore, son of William and Mary (Mar- 
 tin) Devore, was born January 19, 1836, in Fal- 
 lowfield township, Washington county, Penn., on 
 Maple creek. When about five years of age he 
 came to the home place in Nottingham township, 
 this county, where his youth was passed. On 
 March 6, 1802, he married Sarah Ann, daughter of 
 James Fox, and they continued to reside on the 
 home farm until 1867, in the spring of which year 
 
 he bought a small farm in Fallowfield township, to 
 which they removed in the autumn. They resided 
 there several years and then bought 135| aires in 
 Carroll township, where they are yet living. He 
 woiked six months at $8.00 per month, and from 
 that pittance saved $42.00. He was afterward, 
 employed at $9.00 per month, then cropped on 
 shares, afterward worked at 50 cents per day for 
 eleven months, saving from these wages $270. 
 He and his brother then worked four months to 
 perfect a sawmill, and on the first investment 
 cleared §106, on the next $200, and then $1,850. 
 In 1873 he owed $5, 000, which has been paid with 
 10 per cent, interest. He is now engaged in farm- 
 ing and stock-raising, and owns some property in 
 Monongahela City. Politically he is a Democrat. 
 The children of this family are Mary Elizabeth, 
 wife of S. Worman; James, interested in the saw- 
 mills at Monongahela City; Arabella and Henry ( '., 
 living with their parents. 
 
 »p"\ OBERT S. McCULLOUGH. In proper- 
 ly fcion to its population, Hanover township 
 
 [F V. can justly claim as large a number of pio- 
 j\ A neer families whose names have been 
 v indissolubly woven with the history of 
 
 Pennsylvania, as any township in the noble Key- 
 stone State. Among the many who have assisted 
 in the development of Hanover township is the 
 gentleman whose name introduces this biography. 
 
 John McCullough ( familiarly known as " 'Squire 
 Mc " ) was born in 1807, near Hookstown, Beaver 
 Co., Penn. He passed his boyhood .in attending 
 the ordinary subscription schools, then learned the 
 carpenter's trade, and in early manhood he began 
 to follow that business in Florence, Washington 
 county. He was there married to Lydia Jackson, 
 who was born in 1807, in Hanover township, this 
 county. She bore him four children, viz.: Rebecca 
 (wife of Alexander McConnell ), Agnes (Mrs. Levi 
 Culley, of Florence), Elizabeth (married to Silas 
 Dorman, of Burgettstown, Penn.) and John E. (of 
 Florence, Penn.). The mother of this family was 
 laid to rest July 6, 1842, in Florence, Penn., and 
 Mr. McCullough afterward married Mrs. Deborah 
 (Jackson) Smith, a widow lady, and two children 
 blessed their union, viz.: Robert S., of whom a 
 sketch follows, and Margaret E., deceased wife of 
 Robert Scott, a merchant of Florence, Penn. Mr. 
 and Mrs. McCullough resided in Florence, where 
 he followed his trade for many years. He finally 
 bought a farm, which his son managed, the father 
 continuing to reside in town. John McCullough 
 was possessed of a very sympathetic nature'', and 
 was a warm friend of the colored race, having been 
 a sturdy Abolitionist; in politics he was an enthu- 
 siastic advocate of the principles embodied in the 
 Democratic platform. He served as justice of the 
 
 
992 
 
 WL 1 SITING TON COUNTY. 
 
 peace in Hanover township for thirty-two years, 
 giving perfect satisfaction. He and his wife were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he 
 was trustee. He died June 4, 1875, mourned by 
 many warm friends. His widow is yet living with 
 her son Robert S., and her step is as firm, her 
 movements as swift as those of many a woman of 
 sixty years, though she has passed her four score 
 years and six. 
 
 Robert S. McCullough, son of John and Deborah 
 McCullough, was born February 14, 1844, in Flor- 
 ence, Penn., and received a common-school educa- 
 tion. He was an active, energetic youth, and 
 passed his early manhood in various pursuits. On 
 February 27, 1868, he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Carrie Shields, who was born in 1842 in Han- 
 over township. The young couple first located in 
 Florence, Penn., and in 1874 moved to the farm in 
 Hanover township, which he now occupies. He 
 purchased it on time, and by excellent manage- 
 ment combined with industry soon freed his home 
 from debt. He believes in looking at the bright 
 side of life; therefore, while many others were 
 wasting time grumbling about " hard times," he 
 was persevering in the duties of each day, until he 
 is now recognized as one of the most systematic 
 and successful farmers of Hanover township. Mr. 
 McCullough deals extensively in stock and wool, 
 and is specially interested in the wool-grow- 
 ing industry. Politically he has always supported 
 the Democratic party; his wife is a member of the 
 Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCul- 
 lough has never sought political preference, choosing 
 rather to devote his time and attention to his varied 
 business interests, in which he has been eminently 
 successful. His career in life furnishes a striking 
 example of what may be accomplished by energy 
 and enterprise. Starting at the foot of the ladder, 
 with a capital consisting of naught but pluck and 
 energy, he has pushed himself forward through his 
 own efforts, unaided save by the wise counsels of a 
 faithful wife. 
 
 PHILIP CURRY is a son of Jesse Curry, 
 whose father, Andrew, was a native of Vir- 
 ginia, m soldier in the war of 1812, and 
 died in 1868. 
 Jesse ( 'urry was born in 1817, in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, Ya., coming in 1827 with his 
 parents t > Pennsylvania. In 1843 he was married 
 to I tebeoca A xt ell, who was born in 1807, in Frank- 
 lin township, Washington Co., Penn., a daughter 
 of Philip Axtell. Mr. Axtell was born in 1778 
 in New Jersey, and at the age of eighteen years 
 came to Pennsylvania, following farming all his 
 life. He served several terms as justice of tin- 
 peace, and died in 1875. To the union of Jesse 
 and Rebecca (Axtell) Curry three sons have been 
 
 born, as follows: William 13. (deceased), born in 
 1846; Philip, whose name opens this sketch; and 
 Richmond L., a carpenter, living in this county, 
 born in 1852. Mr. Curry was too old to enter the 
 war, but was represented by his two eldest sons. 
 
 Philip Curry was born May 4, 1848, in Morris 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the 
 home school during his boyhood. In 1864 he en- 
 listed in Co. C, Ringgold Cavalry Battalion, taking 
 part in the battle of Droop Mountain and in 
 numerous skirmishes. At the close of the war he 
 returned to his father's farm in Washington county, 
 and January 17, 1867, he was married to Eliza 
 Jane Yoders, by which union four children — three 
 daughters and one son — were born, viz.: Minnie 
 Viola, Emma R., Clara M. and ( )scar. Mr. Curry's 
 second marriage was on June 27, 1877, with Sarah 
 E., daughter of Andrew J. Curry, and by her seven 
 children were born, viz.: Daisy 1)., Sidna W., 
 William B., .Joseph P., James V., Alice L. and 
 Francis M. 
 
 DEMAS M. FRAZEE, senior member of the 
 linn of Frazee & McClain, dealers in boots 
 j and shoes, Washington, is a native of Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., born January <i, 1854. 
 His grandfather, David Frazee, came to the county 
 when a small boy, and in after years became an ex- 
 tensive landowner, having several hundred acres. 
 He was here married to Catherine Sutton, and they 
 both died in this county, the latter in 1850, the 
 former in 1855. Three of their children lived to 
 maturity: David, Andrew S., and a daughter who 
 was married to Peter Miller, but died soon there- 
 after. 
 
 Andrew S. Frazee was born in 1816, near the 
 present village of Lone Pine, in Washington 
 county. He received his education at the schools 
 of the place of his nativity, and was reared to farm 
 life. In the summer of 1861 he enlisted in Co. 
 A, Twenty-second Cavalry (Ringgold Battalion), 
 in which he served over one and one-half years, 
 when he was seized with typhoid fever, in conse- 
 quence of which he was discharged, and on his re- 
 turn home he resumed the peaceful occupations of 
 the farm. In 1836 he was married to Miss Leah 
 Moninger, who bore him fourteen children, ten of 
 whom grew to maturity, viz.: Catherine A., who 
 married Richard McMillan, and died in Missouri; 
 Martin V., now in the commission business in Chi- 
 cago; Mary J., widow of Robert C. Vandegrift, of 
 Washington; Sarah E., wife of H. H. Riggle, of 
 Amwell township; David L., also in Amwell town- 
 ship; Demas M.; Permelia S., wife of James E. 
 Reynolds, in Washington; Priscilla \Y, married to 
 T. J. Harshman, of Washington; Clarinda C, wife 
 of William Moore, in Chicago; and Maggie L., in 
 Amwell township. One of the family, Barbara A., 
 
IF. I SUING TON COUNTY. 
 
 993 
 
 died at the age of fifteen years. The father died 
 in November, 1889, his death being 1 caused by the 
 bursting of a bloodvessel while coughing; one year 
 previously he was stricken with paralysis, from 
 which he had partly recovered. The mother is 
 still living, at the age of seventy-two years. 
 
 Demas M. Frazee remained on the old home 
 farm until he attained manhood, and while his father 
 and eldest brother, Martin V., were gone to the 
 war, all the general care of the farm devolved on 
 David L. and himself, then mere lads. Many a day 
 before he was nine years of age did he have to fol- 
 low the plow and attend to the general work of the 
 farm; but he yet found time to improve his mind, 
 for he attended both the common schools of his 
 township and the Lone Pine Academy. In course 
 of time he taught school two winters in Amwell 
 township, but during the gresiter part of the follow- 
 ing winter he was laid up with typhoid fever. In 
 the following summer ( 1881 ) he opened out a gen- 
 eral store at the locality where is now Topsail post- 
 office, whence after a time he moved to the village 
 of California, on the Monongahela river, where he 
 remained about five and one-half years, engaged 
 in general merchandise business. Selling this 
 establishment out, he came to the borough of 
 Washington, and in February, 1885, formed a 
 partnership with R. C. Vandegrift in the bcot and 
 shoe business, the firm later becoming Frazee & 
 Montgomery, by the retirement of Mr. Vandegrift 
 in favor of 15. F. Montgomery, which continued 
 until February, 1891, when the present firm of 
 Frazee <& McClain was formed by the retirement 
 of Mr. Montgomery in favor of Hiram McClain. 
 In 1883 Mr. Frazee was married to Miss Joanna L., 
 daughter of Isaac Powell, of California, this county- 
 Her father died in 1879; her mother, Caroline 
 Shutterly, is still living in Washington. Mr. Fra- 
 zee is a member of the Christian Church, of which 
 he is treasurer and a deacon, and of its Sunday- 
 school he was superintendent one year. Socially 
 he is a member of the Equitable Aid Union, and is 
 a popular, progressive, wide-awake citizen. 
 
 If I ENRY BROSCHART, the genial and pop- 
 |»— I ular landlord of the " Auld House," Wash- 
 ington, was born December 17, 1849, in the 
 JJ - 1 town of Permesence, Germany, of which 
 ' country his father was also a native, born 
 
 in 1820. The elder Broschart, who is a stonemason 
 by trade, came with his family to America in 1852, 
 and made a settlement in Sullivan county, Penn., 
 where he now resides. He is a Democrat, and a 
 member of the Catholic Church. In the Father- 
 land he had married Mary Press, who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: Frederick, Christian, Henry, Jacob, 
 Michael, Frances, Gottlieb and Mary, the last two 
 named beincr deceased. 
 
 Henry Broschart came with the family to the United 
 States, and here he was reared to manhood and edu- 
 cated. His first business was lumbering in Forest, 
 Clarion and Jefferson counties, Penn., and then he 
 went into the oil country where he kept hotel until 
 1885, in which year he moved to Washington, this 
 county. Here he conducted the " Rush House" for 
 one and one half years, and then leased the " Auld 
 House" which he manages with well-merited suc- 
 cess. On June 19, 1878, Mr. Broschart was united 
 in marriage with Lena, daughter of Valentine Smith 
 of Sullivan county, Penn., and the children born to 
 them were Helen, Ernest, Leo, Paul and Clara, the 
 last named being deceased. Mr. Broschart has 
 lately been interested in an extensive glass indus- 
 try at Redkey, Ind. He is a sound Democrat, and 
 in religion is a member of the Catholic ( 'hurch. 
 
 RS. JANE BOYD is one of the popular 
 and intelligent ladies of Canonsburg. Her 
 father, Zacheus Patterson, was born and 
 reared in Cumberland county, Penn., 
 where he was married to Margaret, a native 
 of Adams county, same State, daughter of David 
 and Jane (Carrick) Waugh. The young couple 
 made their home in Cumberland county till 1808, 
 when he purchased a farm in North Strabane town- 
 ship, this county, to which they removed. The par- 
 ents were members of the Chartiers Seceder Church, 
 and the father was an active worker in the Whig 
 party. They were the parents of the following 
 children: John, Robert, David, Stewart, Sarah, 
 Ezra, James, Josiah, Eliza, Tabitha, Jane and Mary. 
 Of this family Jane grew to womanhood and on 
 March 15, 1835, gave her band in marriage to Wil- 
 son Boyd, son of Hugh Boyd. 
 
 Hugh Boyd, a native of Ireland, was there married 
 to Elizabeth Scott, who bore him children as fol- 
 lows: Mary, Robert, Wilson, Bankhead, Margaret 
 and Joseph. In 1823 the family came to America, 
 first locating on Mingo creek, Nottingham town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., where they remained 
 some time, thence removing to the farm now occu- 
 pied by C. M. Berry. Hugh Boyd was a Whig in 
 politics, and in religion a member of the Seceder 
 Church in Ireland, having transferred his member- 
 ship to the church in Washington county, Penn., 
 after his immigration. He and his wife died in 
 South Strabane township, this county, and both are 
 buried in the cemetery at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 Wilson Boyd was born August 9, 1800, near the 
 town of Newtown, Limavadv, County Derry, Ire- 
 land, there receiving his early education. At the 
 age of eighteen years he immigrated to Canada, 
 then went to Philadelphia, thence to Pittsburgh, 
 and worked on a farm in Washington county, Penn., 
 until the arrival of his family, when he lived with 
 his parents. After his marriage with Miss Patter- 
 
994 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 son he settled in North Strabane township, this 
 county, residing there fourteen years. They then 
 moved to Somerset township, where Mr. Boyd died 
 in 1876. He was a Whig and Republican, and in 
 religion was formerly a member of the Seceder 
 Church at Pigeon Creek, afterward uniting with 
 the U. P. Church, to which he gave a liberal sup- 
 port. Mrs. Boyd continued to reside in Somerset 
 township till 1890, when she moved to Canonsburg 
 where sue has her home. She reared the following 
 named children: Robert, David, Elizabeth, Hugh S., 
 Bankhead, Sarah M., Mary J., Robert and Anna T. 
 ( If these David enlisted in Company G, One Hun- 
 dred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I., and was killed 
 at the battle of Gettysburgb. Elizabeth was married 
 to Murdoch Smith, and has one son, Boyd D., born 
 March 27, 1S7S. Hugh S., married to Bell J. Wat- 
 son, was licensed to preach the Gospel August 8, 
 1876, by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of 
 Cleveland, and ordained and installed pastor of the 
 Vnited Presbyterian congregation at New Bedford, 
 Lawrence Co., Penn., where he remained until the 
 early part of 1888, when he accepted the pastorate 
 of the U. P. congregation at Greensburgh, Penn.; 
 he graduated at Westminster College, at New 
 Wilmington, Lawrence Co., Penn., in June, 1875, 
 standing second in a good class. Bankhead was 
 graduated from Washington and Jefferson College 
 in June, 1867; he was licensed to preach the Gospel 
 by the United Presbyterian Presbytery of Chartiers 
 in January, 1870, and died March 7, same year. 
 Sarah M. died March 2, L869. Mary .1., died May 
 27, 1871. Robert died January 17, 187:5. 
 
 dAMKS MILLER. In the array of progressive 
 agriculturists who have risen to prominence, 
 and who have contributed substantially to 
 the material prosperity of Washington county, 
 stands the worthy man whose name opens this 
 biographical sketch. 
 
 James Miller, grandfather of subject, was born 
 in the Emerald Isle, immigrating to America in 
 early manhood. He first located in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., where in 1782 he married Miss 
 Margaret Shearer, who was also born in Ireland. 
 In L786 the young couple moved to Washington 
 county, Penn., and made a home on the farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township now occupied by their 
 descendants. Mr. Miller made three visits to 
 Ireland after settling in America. He took an 
 active part in politics, and served his township as 
 justice of the peace. He died in 1819 in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, his widow surviving him many- 
 years. Both were members of the Seceder Church. 
 John Miller, father of subject, was born on the 
 home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and in 1815 
 was united in marriage with Margaret Miller, a 
 native of Ireland, who came with her parents to 
 
 America in 1811. After their marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. Miller settled on the home farm, where seven 
 children were born to them, namely: Margaret, 
 who was married to John Givan, of Beaver county, 
 Penn., and died in 1872; James; Sarah, married to 
 William Marshall, of near Lawrence, Kans.; Mary, 
 who was married to Robert Givan, of Beaver 
 county, Penn., and died in 1872;. Nancy, first 
 married to Samuel H. White (who was murdered 
 for money in 1857, hi Chartiers township), now 
 living in New Concord, Ohio, the widow of Rev. 
 McManus; Elizabeth, who married John Miller, 
 and died in July, 1890; and Ann, deceased wife of 
 J. G. Paxton, of Chartiers township, this county. 
 Mr. Miller, who always followed farming, died in 
 1 859, when over seventy years of age, his widow 
 surviving him till 1871. Both were formerly 
 members of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting 
 with the Chartiers Cross Roads United Presbyterian 
 Congregation. 
 
 James Miller, the subject proper of this memoir, 
 was born September 23, 1819, on the old home 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington < o., 
 Penn., where he grew to manhood, receiving his 
 education in the primitive subscription schools of 
 the period. On February 11, 1852, he was united 
 in marriage with Margaret Givan, a native of 
 Beaver county, Penn., daughter of William and 
 Letitia Givan, natives of Ireland, who made their 
 permanent home in Beaver county, Penn. The 
 father died in 1873, the mother having passed away- 
 some years before. After their marriage Mrs. 
 Miller lived on the home farm, eight miles from 
 Washington, which contains 257 acres of well- 
 improved land, and has been in the possession of 
 the family for 106 years. Mr. Miller has erected 
 a good residence, a tenant house, three comfortable 
 barns and two sheep houses, all commodious and 
 well-built. Politically he is a Democrat, has served 
 as supervisor, and nine years on the school board. 
 He and his wife have been members of the Chartiers 
 Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church for forty 
 years. They have no children. 
 
 NDREW J. PROUDFIT is descended from 
 a well-known family of Washington county. 
 His grandfather, David Proudfit, was a na- 
 tive of Scotland, and coming to America 
 located in York county, Penn., where his 
 son John was born January 28,1775. In L802 
 John Proudfit came to Washington county, Penn., 
 locating in Hanover township. On April '.<, 1809, 
 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a 
 native of Cross Creek (then Hopewell) township, 
 born March 21, 1793. She was a daughter of John 
 and Elizabeth ( Bays) lyle. Some time after their 
 marriage John and Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit re- 
 turned to York county, Penn., as the father of John 
 
WASHING TON COCA TV. 
 
 997 
 
 was growing old and feeble, and needed the care 
 of his children. The young couple remained on 
 the home farm until the father's death, which oc- 
 curred in 1826, and John and his family then again 
 moved to Washington county, settling one mile 
 west of Burgettstown, where he passed the re- 
 mainder of his life. The trips across the mountains 
 were full of danger and accompanied with many 
 inconveniences. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs. 
 Proudfit rode three hundred miles on horseback to 
 visit relatives in York county, Penn., the wife car- 
 rying an infant in her arms, and many hardships 
 were endured on the journey. The following chil- 
 dren were born to these pioneers: David, born Au- 
 gust 13, 1810 (deceased September 19, 1813); 
 John L., born September 3,1812 (deceased Sep- 
 tember 22, 1882); James K., born April 21, 1815 
 (deceased February 25, 1816) ; Eliza J., born Janu- 
 ary 2, 1817, was married to Arthur Campbell, of 
 Smith township (and died December 7, 1892); 
 Agnes, born June 17, 1819 (deceased August 15, 
 lS'Jh; Robert F., born December 23, L821 (de- 
 ceased); Cinderella, born September 16, 182 1 ( wife 
 of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland county, 
 Ohio); William, born May 10, 1828; Andrew J., 
 born March 20, 1831; and Eleanor, born August 
 29, 1833 (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover town- 
 ship, this county). 
 
 Andrew J. Proudfit was born on the old home 
 farm, situated one mile and a half west of Bur- 
 gettstown, this county, where he was trained to 
 agricultural pursuits from early bovhood, receiving 
 an education in the common schools. On January 
 21, 1865, he was married to Elizabeth Porter, who 
 was born September 19, 1839, daughter of Andrew 
 Porter, of Jefferson township, this county. One 
 daughter has been born to Andrew J. and Eliza- 
 beth (Porter) Proudfit, namely: Ida A., who gradu- 
 ated from Washington Female Seminary in the 
 class of 1890, and still remains with her parents. 
 Since his marriage Mr. Proudfit has resided on a 
 farm one and a half miles north of Burgettitown, 
 and has followed farming and stock-raising, giving 
 special attention to fine-wool sheep. He is well 
 and favorably known as a good citizen and success- 
 ful farmer, and is surrounded by many friends. In 
 politics he has been a lifelong Democrat. He and 
 his wife are both members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 H/ENRY CHAPMAN. Among the success- 
 ful agriculturists and business men of Wash- 
 ington county none stands higher in the 
 ) — * estimation of the intelligent members of the 
 community than the gentleman whose name 
 here appears. 
 
 He comes of rugged, loyal Scotch- Irish ancestry, 
 his grandfather, Richard Chapman, Sr., having 
 i; 
 
 been born in County Monaghan, Ireland, where he 
 married Sarah Patterson, also a native of that 
 county, and where six children came to brighten 
 their home, an humble one indeed, for -they were 
 poor but honest small farm tenants. Having now 
 so many mouths to fill, and little ones to clothe 
 besides themselves, the parents decided on seek- 
 ing a new home in America, " where children are 
 blessings, and he who hath most, hath aid for his 
 fortune, and riches to boast." Accordingly they 
 took passage for themselves and six children on a 
 vessel sailing from Belfast, and as they gazed from 
 the deck, with tear-bedimmed eyes, on the now 
 fast receding isle of their birth and childhood, 
 their hearts were buoyed with hope for a bright 
 and happy future, the hope that ever "springs 
 eternal in the human breast." But, alas! they had 
 not proceeded far on the briny deep ere misfortune 
 befel the little family circle. The vessel was 
 overcrowded, water was scarce, the weather tem- 
 pestuous, and as a consequence sickness came 
 among them — a sickness so fatal that all the chil- 
 dren of Mr. and Mrs. Chapman succumbed, sank to 
 the " dreamless rest that lulls the dead," and were 
 buried at sea. 
 
 With resolute purpose and stout hearts the be- 
 reaved parents, after landing in Philadelphia, 
 strangers in a strange land, and possessing but 
 little of this world's goods, started out, for the then 
 " Far West," with no small difficulty ultimately 
 succeeding in reaching Washington county, Penn., 
 where they made a settlement in Mount Pleasant 
 township. Here they built them a log cabin, and 
 here they experienced all the hardships and en- 
 countered the many dangers incident to pioneer 
 life. Six children, four sons and two daughters, 
 were born to them in this, their new home, the 
 following 1 being- a brief record of them: Robert 
 moved to Ohio, becoming an early settler in 
 Holmes county, where he died; Mary married 
 James McNinch, and lived and died in West Fin- 
 ley township; Andrew was a farmer in Donegal 
 township, where he died; Alexander died in Clays- 
 ville, this county, where he kept store; Jane mar- 
 ried Joel Lamborn,and died in Washington county, 
 where she had passed her entire life; Richard, Jr., 
 will have special mention presently. The father 
 of this family died in Mount Pleasant township, 
 near Hickory, May 26, 1803, the mother passing 
 away December 17, 1826, in Pittsburgh, Penn., 
 while visiting friends. 
 
 Richard Chapman, Jr., was born May 15, 1794, 
 on the old homestead in Mount Pleasant township, 
 and received but a meager education at the primi- 
 tive subscription schools of the day. When he 
 was yet a boy his father died, and his mother then 
 conducted a roadside inn near the town of Hickory, 
 which tavern enjoyed considerable patronage from 
 the traveling public, particularly emigrants moving 
 
998 
 
 WASHINGTON COCXTY. 
 
 westward. At this time Richard's spare hours 
 from school were spent in assisting his mother, and 
 so continued until his marriage, when he settled 
 on a farm in the same township, where he followed 
 agriculture up to the time of his death. On Feb 
 ruary 3, 1815, he was married to Catherine Upde- 
 graff, a member of an old Washington county 
 family, who was born December 22, 17'Jo. The 
 children born to this union were as follows: Pat- 
 terson, born November 15, 1815, a physician, who 
 died in Belmont county, Ohio, at the age of 
 seventy-two years; John, born April 20, 1817, 
 died when ten years of age; Andrew, born Decem- 
 ber 10, 181 S, died at the age of thirty-one years; 
 Richard, born October 22, 1820, died aged fifty-five 
 years in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where he was 
 practicing medicine; Margaret, born duly 31, 1822, 
 died unmarried; Henry, the subject of our bio- 
 graphical narrative; Julia, born July 15, 1826, 
 deceased wife of A. C. Chapman; Eliza Jane, born 
 September 29, 1828, wife of Benjamin Bungard, 
 of Greene county, Penn.; Alexander, born Sep- 
 tember 5, 1831, died aged fifty; Hiram J., born 
 June 1, 1833, resides in Guernsey county, ( )hio, 
 where he is a physician; Barzillai, born October 2, 
 is:!."), is a physician in Bakersville, Coshocton Co., 
 ( )hio, where he now resides; Robert U., born July 
 24, 1837, is practicing medicine in Des Moines, 
 Iowa; and Minerva, born June 2, 1839, died in 
 infancy. The father of this large family was called 
 from earth June 6, 1861, in Greene county, Penn., 
 whither he had moved. Be was a member of the 
 Disciple Church at Hickory, as was also his widow. 
 In politics he was a strong Democrat, a prominent 
 figure in the party. For seventeen years he was 
 constable of the township, and was a widely known 
 and very popular man in the community. His 
 widow survived him a few years, dying suddenly 
 December 25, 1866, of heart disease, while on a 
 visit to her sons in Ohio. 
 
 Henry Chapman was born September 1, 1824, in 
 Hickory, Mount Pleasant township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., his education ( which was most limited, 
 as he had to commence working for himself very 
 early in life ) being secured at the common schools 
 of the district. At the age of twelve years he left 
 home, and for some time worked for James Ross, 
 a farmer in the same township, after which he 
 worked at various other places until 1847, when he 
 went to Belmont county, Ohio, whence in 1850 he 
 returned to Washington county, settling on a farm 
 on Buok run, in Donegal township, where he has 
 since resided, and which property he purchased in 
 1875. This highly improved piece of land is sit- 
 uated about two miles southwest of Atchison, and 
 is equipped with some of the finest farm buildings 
 in the township. On February 24, 1848, Mr. 
 Chapman was united in marriage with Susan Bot- 
 kins, a native of Belmont county, Ohio, born in 
 
 1 832, a daughter of Col. R. C. Botkins, of that 
 locality. Col. Botkins was born in Fayette county, 
 Penn. He was married April 16, ISIS, to Rachel 
 Vernon, of same county, and three children were 
 there born to them. After moving to Ohio the 
 Colonel was engaged in farming, and he and his 
 wife passed the rest of their days there, the former 
 dying in 1S61 at the age of sixty-seven years, the 
 latter in 1810 at about the age of fifty years. Col. 
 Botkins was a school teacher for a time, in both 
 Pennsylvania and Ohio, and Mrs. Chapman has in 
 her possession some of the books he used. The 
 arithmetic is written in a neat, legible hand, show- 
 ing much care and proficiency. He was active in 
 the cause of education, and in military matters he 
 took much interest, rising to the rank of colonel. 
 Ten children were born to him and his wife, nine 
 of whom attained adult age, four of them being yet 
 alive, viz.: Benjamin V. (in Adams county, Iowa ) ; 
 Elma Ann (widow of David Bell, and residing in 
 Iowa); Susan (Mrs. Henry Chapman ), and Isaac 
 Harry (in Bates county, Mo.). 
 
 Eleven children have come to bless our subject 
 and wife: Frank, a farmer in Baylor county, 
 Tex.; Maria, deceased in infancy; Eber, died at the 
 a^e of twenty-four years; Margaret, living with 
 her parents; Henry, a resident of Lincoln, Kas.; 
 Ella, wife of Edward Kinyon, in Nebraska; Rachel, 
 at home with her parents; Clara, who died at the 
 age of fourteen years; Eva, wife of Frank Linville, 
 of Donegal township; Cora, a school teacher, living 
 with her parents; and A. Campbell, also at the 
 paternal home. Mr. and Mrs. Chapman are con- 
 sistent members of the Dutch Fork Disciple 
 Church, and in politics he is a lifelong Democrat. 
 His fine farm comprises 200 acres of prime land, 
 and he raises pure-bred Spanish Merino sheep, of 
 which he has a flock of 350; also Devonshire and 
 Jersey cattle. He has in his possession a church 
 " letter " over 100 years old from the Seceder 
 Church in Monaghan, Ireland, to the church here, 
 which letter was brought by his grandfather from 
 across the ocean. Mr. Chapman is a highly re- 
 spected citizen, justly honored and admired for his 
 many noble traits of character. He is a typical 
 self-made man, one who has fought his way un- 
 aided through life, his weapons — a stout heart and 
 willing band; his watchword and battle- cry — " Ex- 
 celsior." 
 
 "XT OI. BERT T. SHIPLEY, one of the oldest 
 
 and best-known native-born residents of 
 
 Smith township, was born April 10, 1S12, a 
 
 I) son of John Shipley, whose father was a na- 
 
 V tive of Maryland. 
 
 John Shipley was born about twelve miles from 
 Baltimore, Md., and passed his boyhood in his na- 
 tive State, there receiving his early education. At 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 999 
 
 the age of twenty-one years he came to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., and purchased a wild tract of 
 land in Smith township, to which he added from 
 time to time until he had 135 acres, where a log 
 cabin was erected. He was united in marriage 
 with Miss Lydia Day, and to this marriage were 
 born the following children: Benjamin, George, 
 John, William, Nancy, Tolbert T., Richard, 
 Samuel, Catherine, Rachel and Henry. John 
 Shipley was an active worker in the Whig party, 
 and in religious faith a member of the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 Tolbert T. Shipley received his early education 
 at the primitive log schoolhouses of the day, with 
 no floor, puncheon seats and greased paper win- 
 dows. Their first instruction was given from a 
 paddle upon which some of the more simple char- 
 acters were inscribed. On January 8, 1834, he 
 was united in marriage with Ellen, daughter of 
 Samuel Clokey, of Smith township, this county. 
 Samuel Clokey was born and reared to farm life; 
 he married Sarah Thompson, a native of Lancaster 
 county, Penn., and coming to Washington in an 
 early day, settled in Smith township. In politics 
 he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church. He died April 12, IS Is, 
 leaving children as follows: Mary (Mrs. David 
 Woods), Andrew, William, Robert, Elizabeth, 
 Sarah, Margaret, Jane, Ellen (Mrs. Shipley ) and 
 Julia. 
 
 Tolbert T. and Ellen Shipley resided on the old 
 farm three years after their marriage, then lived in 
 Carroll county, Ohio, four years, finally returning 
 to the home place, and in 1870 settled in Burgetts- 
 town, where they are yet living. As no children 
 have blessed their union, they took as their own a 
 niece, Martha Pyles, who was married to Capt. 
 .1. 1 1. Day. After her marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Shipley took a boy named Pressby, who is now 
 living in Mansfield, Penn. They then took a young 
 girl named Agnes Bell, who remained with them 
 until her marriage to William D. Andrews, and is 
 now living in Dennison, Ohio. Politically, Mr. 
 Shipley was first a Whig and then a Democrat. In 
 religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Burgettstown. 
 
 p^> REER Mc.MAXNIS, a representative citizen 
 of Buffalo township, is a son of James, and 
 nephew of John McMannis, whose father, 
 William, was born in the year 1787, in East- 
 ern Pensylvaftia. 
 William McMannis passed his youth at home 
 and then came to Washington county, Penn., set- 
 tling in Canton township. He was married to 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Patrick Burns, a native of 
 Ireland, and the children born to them were as fol- 
 lows: John, William, James, Ann, Elizabeth and 
 
 Hannah. Mr. McMannis sold his farm in Canton 
 township, then located on a farm in South Strabaue 
 township, and in 1830 came to Buffalo township, 
 settling on a farm in Pleasant valley, where he died 
 in 1849, being followed by his wife in 1873. In 
 politics he was a Whig. 
 
 James McMannis was born, in 1825, in Canton 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and was edu- 
 cated in the district schools. He was married Feb- 
 ruary 23, 1854, to Caroline, daughter of Greer 
 Hair, of Buffalo township, and after marriage he 
 settled near Claysville, this county, where he re- 
 mained eleven years; then purchased a farm of 170 
 acres, which he continued to improve up to the time 
 of his death. His children were: William, Lizzie, 
 Mary (Mrs. James W. Hodgens), Greer, Flora, 
 Sylvia (Mrs. Joseph Lacroix) and Kate. The 
 mother of this family died in September, 1877, the 
 father on November 26, L891. He owed his suc- 
 cess to a life of industry. In politics he was a 
 Democrat. 
 
 Greer McMannis was born March 28, 1861, and 
 passed his youth on the home place, where he has 
 since resided, receiving a common-school education. 
 On January 15, 1885, he was married to Jennie, 
 daughter of Alexander Buchanan, of Taylorstown, 
 this county, and they have one child — Ella V. 
 Mr. McMannis is an enterprising, progressive citi- 
 zen, and a worthy representative of the name he 
 bears. Politically, he is an ardent member of the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 ILLIAM S. KAMMERER, commission 
 merchant, No. 35 Board of Trade Build- 
 ing, Chicago, 111., was born on the old 
 ™ homestead farm of his father in Notting- 
 ham township, Washington county, Penn., Febru- 
 ary 23, 1843, a son of John and Elizabeth (Bender) 
 Kammerer. He was educated in the common 
 school of his native township, and immediately after 
 his father's death ( then but thirteen years of age ) 
 he entered the store at the old homestead as clerk, 
 where he remained until about the age of twenty, 
 when he engaged with J. S. Dilworth & Co., of 
 Pittsburgh, in the wholesale grocery business as 
 clerk. His health, however, apparently giving 
 way, he, at the solicitation of his brother Joseph, 
 opened a general store at Hillsboro, Penn. But 
 finding this a very limited field for success, after 
 about one year he removed to Baltimore, Md., 
 where he engaged in furnishing grain to Govern- 
 ment contractors, which business, though profitable, 
 came to a close with the war, after which he removed 
 to Springfield, 111., and engaged as clerk in the 
 dry-goods store of Kimber, Ragsdale & Co., where 
 he remained almost four years. Returning to the 
 old homestead in the fall of 1868, he conneoted 
 himself in business with his brothers, Joseph, and 
 
1000 
 
 WASHING TON f Ot'XTY. 
 
 Frank G., under the firm name of Kammerer 
 Brothers, remaining in the above firm until the 
 spring of 1873. 
 
 On October 31, 1872, Mr. Kammerer was mar- 
 ried to Miss Mattie G. Emery, daughter of Or. 
 Boyd Emery, of Dunningsville, same county. In 
 the following spring lie located in Monongabela 
 City, where he engaged in the dry-goods, notion 
 and millinery business. In 187!) he sold out, and 
 removed to Washington, where he engaged in the 
 same business, remaining there until 1879, when, 
 owing to severe illness, he closed out his business, 
 and again returned to the old homestead. Improv- 
 ing in health, he went into his brother's store as 
 clerk, where he remained until the summer of 1881, 
 when he removed to Chicago, and engaged in the 
 grain eommisssion business with his brother Frank 
 G., where he still remains. Mr. Kammerer resides 
 at Riverside, a suburb of Chicago. He and his 
 wife are the parents of one child, Boyd L., born 
 December 21, L876. Mr. and Mrs. Kammerer are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he 
 has been a trustee and treasurer during the past 
 five years in the church at Riverside. 
 
 IIOMAS SLATER, a well-know farmer of 
 Cecil township, is a son of James Slater, 
 who was born, in 17(57, in County Armagh, 
 Ireland, and learned the shoemaker's trade. 
 In 1792 he embarked on an American-bound 
 vessel, landing tirst in New York City, where he 
 followed his trade, and was married to Martha 
 Thompson. She was a native of Ireland, and a 
 fellow- voyager with Mr. Slater. In 1800 they 
 came to Allegheny county, Perm., soon afterward 
 locating on the farm where he died in 1842, having 
 been preceded by his wife in 1832. They were 
 members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in 
 which he was ruling elder for many years. Their 
 children were: Mary, who married Matthew Craw- 
 ford, of Mt. Pleasant township, and died in 1832; 
 Elizabeth, married to William Crawford, and died 
 in 1838; John, who died in infancy; John (who 
 died in March, 1883 ), married to Margaret George 
 Thompson of Pittsburgh, Penn., and first locating 
 in Allegheny county, afterward moved to Cecil 
 township, this county; James (a shoemaker and 
 farmer, deceased in 1863, married to Margaret 
 Watters, of Allegheny county, Penn., thence 
 moving to Indiana); William (married in 1854 to 
 Margaret McCoy of West Virginia), was pastor of 
 the Reformed Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run 
 between the years 1843 and 1847, then resigned 
 on account of ill health and died March 24, 1889; 
 Margaret (deceased in March, 1891 at Beaver 
 Falls, Penn.), became the wife of John McAnlis, of 
 Heaver county, Penn.; Jane, widow of John George, 
 of Mt. Pleasant township, now residing at Beaver 
 
 Falls, Penn.; Thomas, of whom a sketch follows; 
 and Martha, unmarried, who died in 1839, in Beaver 
 county, Penn. 
 
 Thomas Slater was born in 1819, in North 
 Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Perm., arrd 
 received his early education in the subscription 
 schools of that locality. In 1813 he came to Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county, locating near 
 Hickory, and was married same year to Christina 
 J., a native of Pittsburgh, and daughter of William 
 and Margaret (George) Thompson. The father was 
 born in Allegheny county, Perm., and the mother 
 was a native of Mt. Pleasant township. After 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Slater resided on a 
 farm near Hickory until September, 1855, when he 
 came to his present farm in Cecil township, this 
 county. It contains 173 acres of good land, upon 
 which he has erected a comfortable house and 
 commodious barn, also made various other improve- 
 ments. The following children have been born to 
 this union: William T., a teacher of Wilkinsburg, 
 Perm.; John R., living in Cecil township; George 
 W., a physician in Baltimore, Md.; Elizabeth G., 
 wife of Sherman G. Sackett, Colorado; Jane Allison, 
 married to F. L. McClelland of Topeka, Kans.; 
 Anna, who died in 1872; Emma arrd Ella (twins); 
 Margaret wife of Dr. S. A. S. Metheney, arrd 
 Thomas Melville. 
 
 Mr. Slater has much of the force and foresight 
 that characterizes all self-made men, who, from 
 small beginnings, have carved out for themselves a 
 competence or a fortune. Himself a diligent reader, 
 and a consistent friend of higher education, he has 
 spared no pains to give his family advantages in 
 this respect, often at much personal self sacrifice. 
 He is a man of strong character and of well-defined 
 opinions, especially on moral questions; and stands 
 high in the estimation of all who know him, or have 
 dealings with him, for his personal integrity and 
 worth. In his early life he traveled somewhat in 
 the West and South, visiting at one time in South 
 Carolina where friends of his mother lived, near 
 Abbeville; since the Civil war, however, he has 
 heard nothing of them. Cousin " Jimmy Wilson " 
 had a large plantation and many slaves. 
 
 FRANK G. KAMMERER, commission mer- 
 chant, and prominent and influential as a 
 member of the Board of Trade, Chicago, 
 111., is a native of Washington county, Penn., 
 born February 24, 1S45, on the old homestead 
 farm of his father in Nottingham township. 
 
 John Kammerer, father of the subject of this 
 memoir, was born in 1790, in Germany, where he 
 was educated and became prominent in business 
 circles as a lumber merchant in the city of Frank- 
 fort-on-the-Main. He was twice married in his 
 native land; tirst in 1820, to Margaret Dunker, by 
 

 y$$& 
 
 
 '% 
 
 'Pa> 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1003 
 
 whom he had five children, and she dying in 1830, 
 he married for his second wife Elizabeth Bender. 
 In 1831 he and his family came to America, settling 
 in Washington county, Penn., and embarking in 
 mercantile and other businesses on a tract of land he 
 afterward ( in 1839 ) purchased, in Nottingham town- 
 ship. Here were born to him children as follows: 
 Jonathan, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jacob, William S. and 
 Frank Gr. Of these Jacob died in 1839, and Jona- 
 than in 1890. Frank G. and William S. are in 
 business in Chicago. The father died July 2-4, 
 1856, the mother May 18, 1859. 
 
 Frank G. Kammerer was educated in the common 
 schools of his native county, and received a 
 thorough business training at the Iron City Com- 
 mercial College, Pittsburgh. He then engaged in 
 business with his brother in the village of Kam- 
 merer, Washington county, remaining there until 
 1875, when he traveled for a year, after which he 
 embarked in the insurance business at Washington, 
 Penn., with Major A. G. Happer, under the firm 
 name of Happer and Kammerer. This continued 
 until the latter part of September, 1879, when he 
 retired from the firm and moved to Chicago. In 
 the meantime (in 1877) Mr. Kammerer assumed 
 control, as vice-president and general manager, 
 under Dr. Geo. P. Hayes, of what became the 
 Pittsburgh Southern Railroad (now the B. it ( >. 
 Short Line), running from Washington to Pitts- 
 hurgh, and built the road from Finleyville to Wash- 
 ington. With this road he was connected two 
 ■years, or until its completion, at which time he 
 retired from the management. 
 
 In 1880 Mr. Kammerer became a member of the 
 Board of Trade of Chicago, and established the 
 present flourishing firm of F. G. Kammerer & Co., 
 office No. 35 Board of Trade Building, he being 
 sole member of the firm. From the account of 
 the Chicago Board of Trade given in Andreas' his- 
 tory [" 1885-p. 315"] we quote the following: 
 " Frank G. Kammerer is one of the very few busi- 
 ness men of Chicago, who, in a comparatively short 
 period of time, have been able to firmly establish 
 themselves among the ablest and most untiring 
 competitors of the most enterprising city in the 
 world. Coming here only six years ago from 
 Washington county, Penn., where he passed his 
 earlier years in the successful prosecution of var- 
 ious mercantile and manufacturing enterprises, Mr. 
 Kammerer at once engaged in the grain and pro- 
 vision trade, and by his energy and business fore- 
 sight he has made the house of F. G. Kammerer & 
 Co. a synonym for fair dealing and stability. He 
 has been a prominent member of the Board of 
 Trade since coming to Chicago in 1878, and in 
 January, 1884, was honored by being elected a 
 
 member of the committee of arbitration. 
 
 On 
 
 P a .£I 
 
 320, same history, we notice that Mr. Kammerer 
 was a member of the committee on arbitration 
 
 1884-85-86, with William Gardner, J. C. -Merrill, 
 G. W. Phillips and F. G. Logan. In 1886 Mr. 
 Kammerer was elected a director of the Board of 
 Trade, serving the full term, retiring in 1889. 
 
 In addition to his Board of Trade business 
 interests Mr. Kammerer has made several success- 
 ful real estate investments, and is the owner of a 
 considerable amount of property. He was one of 
 the leading promotors of the artificial ice industry 
 in Chicago, and was one of the first stockholders of 
 the present company — the Consumers Pure Ice 
 Company — of which he was elected president, and 
 at present is a director and member of the execu- 
 tive committee. This is the largest original enter- 
 prise of the kind in Chicago, and one of the largest 
 in the world. He is also largely interested in the 
 manufacture and introduction of the " Hinson Car 
 Coupler," one of the leading couplers of the 
 Master Car Builders' type which has recently been 
 legalized and endorsed by Congress, and he is 
 president of the company that has control of the 
 patent. 
 
 On December 9, 1886, Frank G. Kammerer was 
 united in marriage with Miss Dorrie List Hildreth, 
 daughter of E. A. Hildreth, M. ])., and Susan L. 
 McMehen, of Wheeling, W. Va., and two children 
 have come to brighten their home: Eugene, born 
 January 23, 1888, and Frances, born October 21, 
 1889. Mr. Kammerer owns an elegant residence 
 on Woodlawn avenue, one of the most beautiful 
 and fashionable streets in the "Garden City," South 
 Side. 
 
 V ARON BANE, one of the intelligent busi- 
 l\ ness men of Amwell township, is a grandson 
 
 r""l\ of Nathan Bane, who with his father and 
 
 / *i five bi 
 
 A 
 
 J] -* five brothers came from Virginia to Wash- 
 / ington county, Penn., thus becoming iden- 
 
 tified with its earliest history. 
 
 One brother, Joseph, pushed on to the ( thio 
 river and died in Kentucky; the others settled in 
 Washington county. Indians were numerous in 
 those early days, and they had a very disagreeable 
 manner of informing the pale-faced intruder of 
 their presence, and also of their intentions, which 
 were by no means of a friendly nature at that pe- 
 riod. It was soon found necessary to organize a 
 company in order to provide a defense against 
 sudden attacks of the savages, and of this company 
 Nathan Bane was made captain. Here follows a 
 very interesting item of philological information, as 
 given by Mr. Aaron Bane: " While instructing the 
 men of the company, Capt. Bane was accustomed 
 to give the order "Aim well,' and from this order 
 the township received its present name." Mr. 
 Bane was married to a Miss Nelson, who bore him 
 six children: Abraham, Jake, Hannah, Becky, 
 James and Joseph. 
 
1004 
 
 WASHINGTON COLW TV. 
 
 Joseph Bane was born in 177(3, on the middle 
 fork of Ten-Mile creek, and passed his youth at- 
 tending the rate schools and assisting on the farm, 
 until he was twenty-four years of age, when he took 
 the farm now owned and occupied by his son 
 Aaron. Mr. Bane died in 1836, in his sixty-second 
 \i ar, his wife following him to her long home in 
 1839. 
 
 Aaron Bane was born on the old homestead Sep- 
 tember 1-4, 1824, and has there passed the sixty- 
 eio-ht years of his life. His earlier years were 
 employed in farm work and a few months' attend- 
 ance at the winter schools. In 1860 he was mar- 
 ried to Mary W. Curry, daughter of John and 
 Deborah ( 'urry. They have three children: John 
 C, Albert G. and Edith. Of these, John C. is a 
 rising young lawyer of Washington; Albert G. is 
 now twenty-five years of age, and has charge of 
 his father's farm of 220 fertile acres, which he will 
 eventually own. Mr. Bane has always been a Re- 
 publican, while his two sons vote the Democratic 
 ticket. The family belong to the earliest settlers 
 of the county, and have always been highly es- 
 teemed for their moral and intellectual worth. Mr. 
 Bane is of Quaker descent, and does honor to his 
 ancestors. 
 
 D 
 
 -\ HYDEN VAN KIRK, the oldest living 
 representative of his family, was born in 
 Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 August '27, 1815. He is a grandson of 
 Henry Van Kirk, who was born January 9, 1742, 
 and in early manhood was married to Sarah Van- 
 Kirk, who was born July 22, 1749. She bore him 
 the following children: William, born February 1, 
 1763; Johnson, born January 11, 1765; Mary, born 
 April 7, 1771; Gideon, born April 19, 1775; Ira, 
 born January 29, 1779; Arihur, born June 6, 1781; 
 Sarah, born July 18, 1784; Henry and John ( twins ), 
 born May 12, 1788; Ann, born January 1(3, 1791; 
 Elizabeth, born September 7, J 794, and Jennie, 
 born December 14, 1796. Mr. Van Kirk was one 
 of the pioneers of Washington county, Penn., and 
 settled in Amwell township, where he continued to 
 reside until his death, which occurred April 3, 
 1797. He was a Federalist in politics, and in re- 
 ligion a member of the Baptist Church. 
 
 Henry Van Kirk was born in Amwell township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and passed bis early boy- 
 hood in work on the home place; then served an 
 apprenticeship as a mason, which trade he followed 
 several years. He was united in marriage with 
 Ruth Jolly, who was born January 1, 1792, and 
 she bore him the following children: Mary E., 
 born February 7, 1810; I tryilen, born August 27, 
 1815; Jane, born December 12, 1S17; Charles, 
 born July 19, 1820; Ruth, born January 15, 1824; 
 Susanna, born August 19, 1826, and Milton, born 
 
 May 14, 1829. Mr. Van Kirk first settled in Am- 
 well township, Washington county, but afterward 
 moved to Franklin township, where he remained 
 until his death. He was a member of the Baptist 
 Church, and in political views was a Whig. 
 
 Dryden Van Kirk was born on the home farm in 
 Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 passed his youth at home, where he learned of his 
 lather the trade of a mason. He followed that 
 business throughout his early life, being for many 
 years employed in different parts of the county, 
 and the testimonials of his skill are yet standing. 
 lie is now enjoying the fruits of those early years 
 of toil, and is the owner of one of the best farms in 
 the township. lie was united in marriage with 
 Miss Matilda Sowers, a resident of Winchester, 
 Va., and then settled in Franklin township, where 
 he has since resided, and reared the following chil- 
 dren: John < )., born September IS, ls:i: J >; Henry 
 (deceased), born January 11, 1885; William, born 
 September 24, 1836; < 'harles, born April 20, L838; 
 Simeon (deceased), born September 21, 1840; 
 George M. (deceased), born August 12, 1849; 
 Nancy J. (Mrs. John McClelland), born July 28, 
 1845; Sarah (Mrs. Henry Lindley), born Novem- 
 bers, 1847; and Hiram, born May 15, 1858. Mr. 
 Van Kirk is an energetic member of the Republi- 
 can party. 
 
 John O. Van Kirk was born on the home farm in 
 Franklin township, Washington county, and passed 
 his early life at home. On November 12. 1868, he 
 was united in marriage with Eliza, daughter of 
 William Long, and they have two children: Frank 
 and Howard. Mr. Van Kirk is an active member 
 of the Republican party, and for years has been 
 the assessor of Franklin township, and has also 
 served as constable many times. The family are 
 members of the Disciple Church at Washington. 
 
 E 
 
 MANUEL W. KELLER. This well-known 
 citizen is a member of one of the oldest fami- 
 lies of Monongahela. His father, George 
 J A. Keller, was a native of Bedford county, 
 Penn., and there grew to manhood and was married 
 to Margaret Waltman, daughter of a neighboring 
 farmer. In 1836 George A. Keller and his family 
 came to Monongahela, where the following children 
 grew to maturity: William I., George A., Andrew 
 J., Emanuel \\\, Samuel P., Letnan Me., A. Jane 
 (wife of Isaac Vohe ) and Margaret (married to 
 John W. Teiters). The mother was a member of 
 the Lutheran Church, and later of the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 Emanuel . W. Keller was born November 14, 
 1832, in Bedford county, Penn., and 'received his 
 early education in the schools of Monongahela. 
 He began life for himself at an early age, working 
 for some tirm as cabin boy and steward on the 
 
WAStiim TON COUXTY. 
 
 Kin., 
 
 river boats running to New Orleans. In 1852 he 
 opened a grocery store at Monongahela, and con- 
 ducted that business for eleven years; then sold 
 out and worked in a foundry several years, finally 
 purchasing his present dry-goods store in company 
 with his brothers, George A. and Samuel P.; 
 George A. retired from the business several years 
 ago. On June 7, 1855, Emanuel W. Keller was 
 united in marriage with Eunice J., daughter of 
 Noble Woodard, and she bore him one son, W. 
 ( lyde E., now deceased. Mr. Keller is a public- 
 spirited citizen, and takes an active interest in the 
 success of the Republican party. He has been for 
 many years a zealous member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 JAMES McCORMICK NEILL, who now 
 occupies the old homestead of the American 
 branch of the family, was the first of the fam- 
 ily born therein, although it has been the 
 property of his ancestors for about a century. 
 
 Reynolds Christy Neill was born in County 
 Antrim, Ireland, in 1774, where the Reynolds and 
 Neill families were as old as the Pillar Towers. 
 He emigrated to America when a young man, and 
 located at Canonsburg, Penn. Soon afterward he 
 married Sarah Bowlen, and engaged in the mer- 
 cantile business, riding to Philadelphia on horse- 
 back to order his goods, after which they were 
 hauled over the mountains to Canonsburg. He 
 was engaged in the mercantile business for many 
 years. Reynolds C. Neill was the father of four 
 children, namely: Samuel, Reynolds Christy, James 
 and Nancy. He purchased a farm in North Stra- 
 bane township in 1810, one mile south of Canons- 
 burg, which still remains in the. name. 'He died 
 April 14, 1842, his wife June 3, 1859, in the eighty- 
 sixth year of her age, and both are interred in Oak 
 Spring cemetery. Samuel received an education 
 at Jefferson College, after which he went West, 
 locating at Shelbyville, 111. James married and 
 raised a family. He died on his farm in Ohio. 
 Nancy died in the thirty-eighth year of her age. 
 
 Reynolds Christy Neill learned the shoemaker's 
 trade in his boyhood days at Canonsburg. He was 
 married August 7, 1827, to Miss Flora McCormick, 
 who was born in Mifflin county, Penn., removing 
 with her parents to Ohio in early childhood. In 
 L831 they returned to Washington county, and in 
 1838 located on the old farm, one mile south of 
 Canonsburg, where they resided the rest of their 
 lives. He died May 21, 1877, being in the eighty- 
 third year of his age. His wife died April 24, 
 1887, in the ninetieth year of her age, and both are 
 interred in Oak Spring cemetery. Their family 
 consisted of six children, namely: Thomas, Samuel, 
 Sarah Ann, Nancy Jane, James McCormick and 
 Reynolds C. 
 
 Thomas Neill was born September 30, 1829, and 
 was married twice, his first wife being Jane Wea- 
 ver, to whom two children were born, namely: 
 Flora Jane and Thomas Reynolds. They reside on 
 part of the old farm. His second wife was Miss 
 Kate Kerr. 
 
 Samuel Neill, second son of Reynolds Christy, 
 was born May 4, 1833, and was married to Miss 
 Lizzie Berry, of Dunningsville, Penn., January 20, 
 1859. He is a farmer and stock-raiser, and during 
 his stay in this county raised fine Merino sheep. 
 On February 22, 1882, he left Washington county 
 and located in Humeston, Wayne county, Iowa, 
 where he purchased a farm and now resides. His 
 family consists of five children, namely: Anna M., 
 born May 21, 1801 ; Flora E., born June 5, 1863; 
 John Christy, born April 29, 1870; Lizzie E., born 
 July 14, 1874, and William M., born February 15, 
 1877. Anna and Flora are married, and live in 
 Humeston. John attended College, and Lizzie 
 attended the High School at Humeston. Samuel 
 is an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of 
 Humeston. James McCormick, born in 1838, is 
 noticed at the close of this sketch. Reynolds 
 C, the youngest son, was born October 15, 1840. 
 He married Miss Mattie Wilson, May 14, 1885, and 
 is the father of two children, Clark and Eva. He 
 now resides on Greenside avenue, Canonsburg. 
 
 Sarah Ann and Nancy Jane reside on Central 
 avenue, Canonsburg, on the lot where their 
 grandfather used to keep his store, 100 years ago. 
 
 James McCormick Neill was born October 1 5, 
 1838, he being the first member of his family born 
 on the farm which has been so long in the name. 
 He was married March 5, 1873, to Miss Mary Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of Thos. D. and Eliza Caldwell 
 Weaver. Settled near Clinton, Allegheny county, 
 and then near Candor, Washington county; re- 
 turned to the old homestead in 1890. To them 
 were born six children, namely: James Weaver, 
 Flora Annetta, Mary, Dora Bell, Elizabeth and 
 Edna, all of whom are at home. It has been the 
 custom of the family while living on the homestead 
 to attend the Chartiers Presbyterian Church, the 
 oldest church in the community. 
 
 VV Ji( ^' GREER is a member of one of the pio- 
 
 \f/\ neer families of Cecil township, and a son 
 
 ~( I of Robert Greer, who was born in 1804, in 
 
 I -* County Down, Ireland, and in 1820 came 
 
 with his parents to Chartiers township, 
 
 Washington Co., Penn., locating on the Allison 
 
 farm. He was soon afterward married to Nancy 
 
 Rice, and in 1828 began wedded life on the old 
 
 homestead in Cecil township, this county, where 
 
 five children were born to their union, namely: 
 
 Adam R., living in Hancock county, Ohio; Mary 
 
 Isabelle, wife of H. Rial, of Hancock county, Ohio; 
 
1006 
 
 WA s/nXO Toy ( ■() ( XTY 
 
 M. T., whose name opens this sketch; Robert, who 
 enlisted in 1.861, in the Eighty-fifth Regiment, P. 
 V. I., for three years or during the war, and died 
 in 1862 at the White House Hospital, Richmond, 
 Ya.; and Sarah Ann, living with her brother, M. T. 
 The father died in February, 1887, having been 
 preceded by the mother in 1S67. Both parents 
 were members of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Centre. 
 
 M. T. Greer was born January 12, 1835, on the 
 farm in Cecil township which is yet his home, and 
 received his education in the district schools of the 
 neighborhood. The homestead contains 132 acres 
 of good land, which is kept in the highest state of 
 cultivation by the present owner, who also gives 
 considerable attention to raising a tine grade of 
 cattle. He has watched the development of the 
 county, having seen all of the railroads enter it, 
 and Greer's Station is located on his farm. He has 
 taken an active interest in politics, voting with the 
 Democratic party, and has filled various offices of 
 trust in the township. He is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Centre. 
 
 T/AMES J. HUNTER, a representative farmer 
 
 of East Finley township, is a son of James 
 
 rj] Hunter, who was born about the year 1776, 
 
 s — - of Irish parents in eastern Pennsylvania, and 
 
 spent his early life in that State. 
 
 < >n June 21, 1810, he was there married to Elea- 
 nor Garrett, and immediately thereafter they moved 
 to Buffalo township, this county. To this union 
 were born the following named children: Margaret 
 (deceased), born April 12, 181 1 ; Susan (deceased), 
 born October 24, 1814; Elizabeth, born April 13, 
 1818, now living in East Finley township, this 
 county, the widow of Robert Marshall; James J.; 
 and William, residing in West Finley township. 
 Mrs. Hunter died in 1824, and March 29,1827, Mr. 
 Hunter was united in marriage with Sarah Clark, 
 of Buffalo township, this county, and they had two 
 children: John Clark (deceased), born December 
 24, 1827, and Sarah Ann (deceased), born October 
 6, L830. The mother of these children died in 
 I 8 16, and November 2, 1848, Mr. Hunter was united 
 in marriage with Jane Welsh, who died in L888. 
 Mr. Hunter followed farming and distilling until 
 1839, when he came to East Finley township, set- 
 tling on the farm now owned by his son, James J. 
 Hunter, and which is situated about a mile east of 
 I rood Intent, near the western line of East Fiidey 
 township. He passed the remainder of his life on 
 this farm, and died in the year L858. He was a 
 member of the U. P. Church at Wheeling, and in 
 politics he was a Whig. 
 
 James J. Hunter was born October 26, 1820, in 
 Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn.; and was 
 in early life inducted into the mysteries of agricult- 
 
 ure by his parents. He came with the family to 
 East Finley township, and in 1843 began life for 
 himself by doing farm work for other people, and 
 cropping on his father's place. On October l ( .i, 
 L84&, he was united in marriage with .lane Ilutch- 
 isson, who was born in 1S25, daughter of Thomas 
 Hutchisson, of East Finley township, and by this 
 union there are three children: .Joseph S., born 
 June 24, 1840, now a farmer living in Franklin 
 township, this county; Thomas II., born June 14, 
 IMS, m farmer living in East Finley township, this 
 county; and James C, born June 30, 1ST)2, residing 
 in Brilliant, Jefferson Co., Ohio. Mrs. Hunter died 
 in 185;', and on November 13, 1860, Mr. Hunter 
 was married to Elizabeth Marshall, who was born 
 in 1822, a daughter of Gilbert Marshall, of East 
 Finley township, a hardy pioneer, who lived to be 
 nearly one hundred years of age. James J. and 
 Elizabeth (Marshall) Hunter have had the following 
 children: Mary E., born March 27, 1862, married 
 November 5, 1891, to Alfred Sprowls; Jane A., 
 born September 12, 1863, still living with her par- 
 ents; and Florence M., born July 27, 1865, also at 
 home. After his first marriage (in 1845) Mr. 
 Hunter resided for some time in West Finley town- 
 ship, this county, then came to East Finley town- 
 ship, and in a short time returned to his former 
 home, but finally, in 1861, moved back to East 
 Finley township where he has since remained. Mr. 
 Hunter, as did his father before him, has made a 
 financial and social success of his life by practicing 
 the valuable virtues of industry, perseverance and 
 thrift. In politics he is a worker in the ranks of 
 the Republican party. In religious connection he 
 and his wife are members of the United Presby- 
 terian Church at Dog Wood Grove, East Finley 
 township^ 
 
 JOSEPH WILSON. To the energetic, patri- 
 otic, warm-hearted and enthusiastic sons of 
 the Emerald Isle America owes a lasting debt 
 of gratitude. The blood of Erin's sons has 
 ever freely Mowed in behalf of American liberties 
 and for the American people. From the days of 
 the Revolution, when Patrick Henry voiced the 
 anguished cry of a maddened nation in burning 
 words of eloquence, to the present time, as gold- 
 crowned Monopoly would crush the toiling millions 
 beneath her feet, laugh to scorn their cries for 
 mercy — through all these years has rung that cry 
 which is echoed in the heart of every true Irishmay 
 — "Give me liberty or give me death;" and many 
 have accepted death, that their adopted and be- 
 loved Country might enjoy the blessings of liberty. 
 ( )f this noble race the family of which we write are 
 worthy representatives. Thomas Wilson was born 
 and reared in County Antrim, Ireland, and in early 
 life made choice of a helpmeet in the person of 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 L009 
 
 Mary Ellis, whose children were as follows: Joseph, 
 Margaret (wife of William Chapman), Nancy (Mrs. 
 Archie Wilney), Matthew, Thomas, Eliza (wife of 
 Patrick Rush) and Robert. The father was a 
 member of the Seceder Church. He followed 
 farming, and both parents died in their native 
 land. 
 
 Joseph Wilson was born February 28, 1827, in 
 County Antrim, Ireland, and was there married to 
 Nancy Kerr. In 1858 the children of the Wilson 
 family came to America; Joseph came a year ahead 
 of wife and two sons: John and Joseph E., aged two 
 and four years respectively. They had a stormy 
 voyage of nine weeks' duration, but finally landing 
 in Baltimore, Md., proceeded to Washington county, 
 locating in Canonsburg, where Joseph Wilson fol- 
 lowed the boating and coal business until 1862. 
 He then enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and 
 Fortieth P. V. I., with the army of the Potomac. 
 He was wounded in the foot by a minie ball, at 
 Cold Harbor, and after returning home he engaged 
 in business. In 1871 he opened the grocery which 
 he is now conducting. In politics he is a Republi- 
 can, and served as burgess of Canonsburg one year 
 and assistant burgess several years. He is a mem- 
 ber and liberal supporter of the U. P. Church. Of 
 the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson the fol- 
 lowing is a brief record: John, born in County 
 Antrim, Ireland, was reared and educated in Canons- 
 burg, this county; was married to Mary, daughter 
 of William Skyls, and she has borne him eight 
 children. John Wilson is the manager of the < lak 
 Spring cemetery. Joseph E., born in Ireland and 
 reared in Canonsburg, Penn., in early life was mar- 
 ried to Vianna Ferguson; is engaged in the coal 
 business. Thomas is living at home. David fol- 
 lows teaming for a livelihood; in early life he was 
 united in marriage with Mary Jones. Matthew is 
 an enterprising and prosperous grocer of Canons- 
 burg; selected a life companion in the person of 
 Miss Jennie Giffin. George was married to Amanda 
 Gutherie, and they are now residing in the State of 
 Ohio, where he carries on a profitable business. 
 Robert, who married Martha Thompson, is a huck- 
 ster. Mary E. was educated at the common schools 
 of Canonsburg, at the academy, and also attending 
 the normal school at California, this county; she is 
 now teaching in the schools of Canonsburg. The 
 family are members of the U. P. Church, and the 
 sons are all stanch Republicans. 
 
 AMUEL A. LACOCK, M. D., of Canons- 
 burg, is a physician recognized by the pro- 
 fession and the public as a man of eminent 
 ability, skill and enterprise, having hewed 
 his own way to the prominent position he now 
 occupies. He is a representative of one of the 
 oldest families of Washington county, one Samuel 
 
 Lacock — whose children were Ira, John R. and 
 Samuel — -being the first to settle here. Ira Lacock 
 was born in this county, and in early manhood was 
 married to Annie Bane, who bore him children as 
 follows: William (living in Washington county), 
 Isaac (a resident of Missouri), Samuel (deceased), 
 John V. (of whom a sketch follows), Elizabeth 
 (wife of William Mounts) and Ira J. (an attorney 
 of Hiawatha, Kans. ). The father died in January, 
 1877, at the age of seventy-three years, the mother 
 having preceded him to the grave in 1871, in her 
 seventy-first year. 
 
 John V. Lacock was also born in Washington 
 county, where he was educated and grew to man- 
 hood. He selected a life companion in the person 
 of Sarah J., daughter of William and Mary ^Coul- 
 son) McClenathan, of Am well township, this county, 
 who were connected with the Death family, of 
 England. James Death, Sr., emigrated from En- 
 gland about 1680, with his wife Sophia. Their 
 children were Edward, James, William, Charity 
 and George Death. Charity Death married Samuel 
 Coulson. Their children were Mary, William, John, 
 Sarah, James, Rachael, Thomas and Anna. Mary 
 Coulson married William McClenathan. Their 
 children were Isabella, Samuel, William, John, 
 James, Blair, Allen, Thomas, George S., Mary and 
 Sarah Jane. The last named became the wife of 
 John V. Lacock. To the union of John V. and 
 Sarah J. Lacock five sons were born, viz.: George 
 S. (living in Kansas), Samuel A. (whose name 
 opens this sketch), William R. (living in Amwell 
 township), Ira L. (a resident of Franklin town- 
 ship), and John Marion (deceased in infancy). The 
 father is yet living on a farm in Franklin township, 
 owned by his son, Samuel A. The mother died 
 December 14, 1889, aged sixty-four years. 
 
 Dr. Samuel A. Lacock was born December 23, 
 1849, in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and passed his youth on the home farm, attending 
 during the winter months the public schools of the 
 neighborhood. His later education was received 
 at Washington and Jefferson College, and in 1870 
 he entered Bethany College, W. Va., graduating 
 therefrom in June, 1873. After his studies were 
 finished, he taught school for two years, then read 
 medicine at Washington. In 1875 he took a medi- 
 cal course at Ann Arbor, Mich., and in 1876 entered 
 Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he 
 graduated in March, 1877. In July of the same 
 year Dr. Lacock commenced the practice of his 
 profession at McConnell's Mill, in Chartiera town- 
 ship, remaining there three years. In April, 1883, 
 he came to Canonsburg, where he has since resided. 
 In early life the Doctor was married to Flora 
 Slusher, who died leaving one child, Hallie M. In 
 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Olive 
 Kate, daughter of Hugh C. De France, of Chartiers 
 township, who has borne him two daughters— Elva 
 
11)1(1 
 
 WASHING TON CO L'XTY. 
 
 E. and Ida M. — and one son — Joseph C. Dr. La- 
 cock has a large practice. In politics he is an active 
 worker in the Democratic party, having served his 
 party in many ways. During the nine years he 
 has been a resident of Canonsburg he has taken an 
 active part in extending the borough limits and 
 generally improving the town, and is at present 
 greatly interested in the prosecution of the estab- 
 lishment of water-works, electric light, and sewer- 
 age of the town. He has served one term as city 
 burgess, nearly eight years as school director, and 
 is now a director in the Citizens' Bank. 
 
 ENRY CONRAD, proprietor of the only tin 
 shop in Burgettstown, was born November 
 5, 1838, in Prussia, and is a son of Charles 
 Conrad, whose father was born and reared 
 in that country, being there married to a 
 Miss Schules. Grandfather Conrad was a merchant 
 and farmer, and both he and his wife died in 
 Prussia. 
 
 Charles Conrad was born in 1798, in Prussia. 
 In early manhood he married Catherine Conrad, a 
 member of another family of the same name, and 
 their children were Catharina, Julia, Elizabeth, 
 Caroline, Charles, Henry, Jacob and Daniel. In 
 184(5 he and his family embarked in a sailing ves- 
 sel for America, landing at New York after a 
 heavy storm, which lasted a day and a night, the 
 crew and passengers thinking every moment would 
 be their last. After arriving in New York, the 
 family proceeded westward to Lock No. 17, Tus- 
 carawas Co., Ohio, where Mr. Conrad purchased a 
 farm, on which he remained twenty years. He 
 then moved to Wabash county, Ind., and there 
 passed the remainder of his life. He was an ardent 
 member of the Evangelical Church, and contrib- 
 uted liberally to its support; in politics he was a 
 Democrat. He followed agricultural pursuits. 
 
 Henry Conrad, a son of Charles and Catherine 
 Conrad, lived with his parents until sixteen years 
 of age, when he began learning the trade of tin- 
 ner with one John Luchenbough, of Canal Dover, 
 ( )hio, serving an apprenticeship of three and a half 
 years. He then followed his trade at Zoar, same 
 State, afterward moving to Pittsburgh, Penn., and 
 few years later to New York, where he remained 
 one year. He then returned to Pittsburgh, and in 
 1872 opened a tin shop in Burgettstown, this 
 county, where he has since continued. On July 
 12, 1866, he was united in marriage with Margaret, 
 daughter of Andrew I'lrich, a native of Germany, 
 and two children have been born to their union: 
 George II. and Margaret. In 1876 Mr. Conrad 
 started a small greenhouse, which has increased to 
 his present magnificent collection of beautiful and 
 varied vegetation, including 1 both flowers and vege- 
 tables, which are kept in a large and elegant con- 
 
 servatory. Mr. Conrad has made his own way to 
 the upper round of the ladder of success. In poli- 
 tics he is a Republican, and in religion has been a 
 member of the Evangelical Church for years. 
 
 George H. Conrad was born June 30, 1 8157, re- 
 ceived his early education in the schools of Bur- 
 gettstown, and at the age of fourteen years 
 attended the Evangelical School at Pittsburgh, 
 Penn. When sixteen years of age he entered his 
 father's shop, where he has since remained. On 
 January 21, 1892, he married Sadie K., daughter of 
 William Jones, of Midway, Penn. Politically 
 George H. Conrad is a Republican, and in religious 
 faith he is a member of the Evangelical Church. 
 
 w 
 
 ^ V. RIDDILE, M. D., is one of the promi- 
 nent physicians of Burgettstown. His 
 early ancestors were natives of Rox- 
 burghshire, Scotland, one of whom emi- 
 grated to America at an early day, and reared a 
 family of children in this country. John Riddile 
 (the grandfather of W. V.) was born and grew to 
 manhood in America, and married here. He came 
 to Washington county, Penn., in an early day, 
 purchasing a tract of land in Smith township, where 
 he remained until his death. He was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church of Candor. In politics 
 he affiliated with the Democratic party, serving 
 several years as justice, in which position he gave 
 satisfaction to all. He was the father of six chil- 
 dren, namely: Abraham, Joseph, John, Catherine, 
 .lames and Ann. 
 
 Samuel Riddile, father of Dr. Riddile, was born 
 on the farm in Smith township, receiving his early 
 education in the log schoolhouse of the period, and 
 remaining at home during his boyhood. In early 
 life he was united in marriage with Margaret, 
 daughter of Joseph Scott, and the young people 
 settled on a farm in Smith township, this county, 
 where the following children were born: John, 
 Mary (wife of Robert McFarland), J. S. (de- 
 ceased), S. P., James (living in California), David 
 (deceased), Robert (deceased), Sarah (Mrs. James 
 Hayes), Catherine (wife of William Proudlit ), 
 Abraham (deceased) and W. V. (our subject). 
 Mr. Riddile followed building and farming. In 
 politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church at ( 'andor, afterward 
 uniting with the one at Burgettstown. 
 
 W. V. Riddile, M. D., was born October (5, 1839, 
 in Smith township, being educated at the common 
 schools and Burgettstown Academy. In 18(11 he 
 entered the office of Dr. T. W. Bradley, remaining 
 with him three years, during which time he entered 
 the University of Michigan in 1863, graduating in 
 18(51. He then began to practice at Noblestown, 
 Allegheny county, afterward moving to Candor, 
 living there five years, when he passed one year in 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 1011 
 
 Pittsburgh,' and finally settled in Burgettstown, 
 where he has since resided. He was united in mar- 
 riage with Rosa, daughter of Hon. Finley Patterson, 
 of Cross Creek township, twenty-three years ago. 
 She died in 1875 leaving three children: Thomas 
 (deceased), Fred C. and Harry B. For his second 
 wife Dr. Riddile was married to Emma, daughter 
 of Charles W. Bingham, by which union there is 
 one daughter, Mamie J. Dr. Riddile has taken an 
 active interest in educational matters, and in poli- 
 tics is a Democrat. He is an elder in the Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 WILLIAM C. CONDIT. The pioneer an- 
 cestors of this family date back to L678, 
 when the name of John Condit was first 
 heard. He located in the town of New- 
 ark, Essex Co., N. J., in 1(389, and in 1691 was 
 married to a widow, Mrs. Catherine Barton, a niece 
 of Sir Isaac Newton, whose estate she inherited. 
 Mr. Condit succeeded Sir Isaac as Master and 
 Warden of the English Mint. His wife died May 
 27, 1737, and on January 20, 1739, Mr. Condit 
 passed away, leaving the estate to his son Peter, 
 whose eldest son, Samuel, inherited it in turn. In 
 188") there were 1023 descendants of Samuel Con- 
 dit, first grandson of John, living in the United 
 States. Peter, the fifth grandson of John (the 
 ancestor, who resided in Morristown, N. .).), was 
 the individual to whom the Condit family in An- 
 well township trace their genealogy. Philip Con- 
 dit was born in Newark, N. J., in April, 1709, and 
 passed his life near Morristown, same State, where 
 he died December 3, 1801, aged ninety-two years. 
 He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Jabez Condit, son of Philip, was born February 
 8, 1739, and was married to Phube .Smith, of 
 Morristown, N. J. He passed his life on his 
 father's farm, and the old home is filled with 
 sacred mementoes of these ancestors of the past 
 century. He died November 22, 180-1, followed 
 by his wife March 6, 1813. Jonas Condit, son of 
 Jabez and Phoebe (Smith) Condit, was born 
 January 14, 17(39, and came to Washington county 
 when about twenty-five years of age. His second 
 wife was Hannah, daughter of Rev. Thaddeus 
 Dodd, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Condit was a man of 
 fine physique and strong moral character. He 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Upper and Lower Ten-Mile, and in 1805 was 
 elected an elder. He and his family assisted very 
 materially with the sacred music, and members 
 of their family have led the choir exclusively 
 since 1843. Mr. Condit was a justice of the peace 
 many years by appointment of the Governor of 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 Daniel Condit, son of Jonas and Hannah Condit, 
 was born December 10, 1813, in Amwell township, 
 
 and was educated in the commom schools. On 
 February 2, 1837, he was married to Priscilla 
 Carter, who died October 20, 1874. On Novem- 
 ber 24, 1875, he wedded Amanda Chitter, and she 
 died January 1, 1878. On April 14, 1880, he 
 selected his third wife in the person of Mary John- 
 son. Mr. Condit's children were William O, born 
 October 6, 1830; Mrs. Henry Horan, born October 
 14, 1842, and Mrs. Ruth A. Brownlee, born April 
 12, 1850. Mr. Condit was for many years a useful 
 and zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, 
 and was ordained an elder September 12, 1858. 
 He was superintendent of the Sunday-school, and 
 leader of the choir for twenty years, the latter 
 position being now occupied by his son. He was 
 very fond of Scripture and historical reading. 
 Politically he was first a Whig and then a Repub- 
 lican, serving as school director and treasurer of 
 the township for many years. 
 
 William C. Condit, son of Daniel and Priscilla, 
 was born in Amity, Washington county, and when 
 six months old was brought by his parents to 
 Lindley's Mills, where he remained for two years, 
 when his parents again moved to the place adj. lin- 
 ing the one which he now owns and occupies. 
 In 1859 he was married to Mary J. Strouse, grand- 
 daughter of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, and they have 
 had' four children: Silas, born November 8, 1860; 
 Jennie McAfee, born December 81, 1805; Anna 
 McAfee, born July 28, 1871, and Lottie M., born 
 May 31, 1878, died January 28, 1881. Mr. Condit 
 has always been a great reader, and like his father 
 is an earnest student of Scripture and history. He 
 has a fertile farm of 100 acres. In politics he has 
 always been an active worker in the ranks of the 
 Republican party, having held several township 
 offices. In August, 1802, he enlisted in the Ring- 
 gold Cavalry Battalion for three years. On June 
 6, 1864, he was shot through the right lung, receiv- 
 ing injuries from which he yet suffers. He and 
 wife have been members of the Presbyterian 
 Church for thirty-four years, while their children 
 have been members for seventeen years. 
 
 RCHIBALD B. DARRAGH. Robert Burns 
 expressed the universal desire of every 
 earnest man and woman, when, in his inimi- 
 table style, he penned the lines now quoted 
 the world around: 
 
 Oh, wad some Power the giftie gie us, 
 To see oursels as ithers see us. 
 It wad frae mouy a blunder free us, 
 An foolish notion. 
 
 Had the Scottish bard written no other word, 
 that verse would have immortalized his name. 
 Ample proof of this is given in the insatiable crav- 
 ino- of the world for biographical literature. The 
 be^t and most satisfactory way to "see oursels 
 
1012 
 
 WASIlTMtTOy (Of \ TV. 
 
 as ithers see us," is in the study of the character- 
 istics of humanity as exemplified in our fellow 
 mortals. This favorite study is less wounding to 
 our personal vanity than a rigid self-examination 
 would probably be, and answers the same purpose. 
 Therefore are we interested in the lives of those 
 around us, especially in those who have made a 
 signal success, and, overcoming every obstacle, 
 stand to-day in honored places. John I >arragh 
 was born in Ireland, but emigrating to America at 
 an early day became a prosperous farmer. Of 
 his large family, Daniel was the second child in 
 order of birth. 
 
 Daniel 1 )arragh was born in 1 767, in Ireland, 
 and in 1771 came with his parents and brother, 
 John, to America. They located in Nottingham 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., on the old home 
 farm yet occupied by their descendants, where 
 Neal and Archibald, the younger brothers, were 
 born. His sisters were Isabella, Margaret, Eliza- 
 beth, Jane and Mary. Daniel passed his youth on 
 the home place, and in 1815 was married to Sarah 
 Sheldon, a native of Brownsville, Fayette (_'o., 
 Penn. Three children were born to their union: 
 John C, moved to California in 1849, thence to 
 Nevada, where he died; Mary, wife of Harris 
 Thusbar, died in 1861, at Pontiac, Mich.; and 
 Archibald 15., born September 1, 1826. The father 
 always followed farming, serving his township in 
 almost every office. He took the census of Wash- 
 ington county twice, riding on horseback to per- 
 form that duty. He died in 1859, followed by Mrs. 
 Darragh in 1865. 
 
 Archibald 13. Darragh was born on the old 
 place in Nottingham township, Washington Co., 
 l'enn., there securing his early education. In 
 January, 1 85 1 , he selected as a life companion 
 Miss Amy Gamble, who died in 1853. For his 
 second wife he married Sarah A., daughter of 
 Alexander Gault, a representative citi/.en of 
 Nottingham township. They have had nine chil- 
 dren, four of whom are yet living, viz.: Amy Jane, 
 Daniel C, Alexander W. and Annie E. When the 
 war opened in 1861, the father left his widowed 
 mother, and his wife and children, to fight for the 
 honor of the Stars and Stripes. He enlisted in the 
 First Pennsylvania Cavalry as a private, taking 
 part in the battle of the Wilderness, and the other 
 engagements of the army of the Potomac. He 
 retured home in 1864, having been promoted to 
 the rank of orderly sergeant, and laying aside the 
 sword once more resumed the peaceful life of a 
 farmer, in which he has since been engaged. He 
 owns 192 acres of well-cultivated land, including 
 a large coal mine, which he sold to the Nottingham 
 Coal Co. at $55 per acre. He has been county 
 auditor for three years and served in different 
 capacities. Mr. Darragh now has a deed in his 
 possession which is over 10b' years old. 
 
 Of the pioneers of this family in America, John 
 moved to Pittsburgh, and was elected the second 
 mayor of the young city; Archibald entered the 
 United States army, and was commissioned cap- 
 tain; Isabella married Daniel Liggett, and lived to 
 be eighty-six years old; Margaret married I >r. 
 Baird, and lived to be eighty-seven years old, and 
 Jane, who married Joseph Scott, and died in her 
 eighty-sixth year. Of the Sheldon family of live 
 sisters and four brothers, Mrs. Charlotte Graff is 
 now living in the eighty-fourth year of her age. 
 
 JfOHN G. MARTIN was born March 17, L824, 
 in Wales, and passed his early childhood amid 
 ] the wild scenes of that picturesque land. His 
 father, William Martin, was born in Scotland, 
 and was married to Margaret Creighton, a highland 
 lassie. The young couple resided in Wales for 
 some time after their marriage, and in 1832 sailed 
 to America, first locating near Allegheny City, Al- 
 legheny Co., Penn., where he followed gardening. 
 About I860 they moved to Alliance, Ohio, where 
 he died in 1870, followed by his wife in 1871. 
 They were the parents of the following named 
 children: John G.; William, living in Alliance, 
 ( )hio; Isabelle, wife of Joseph Kirkpatrick, a miner, 
 of Upper Michigan; Mrs. Marion Porter, living 
 near Alliance, ( >hio, and Maggie, widow of John 
 Atwell, of Mount Union, Ohio. 
 
 John G. Martin came with his parents to Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., in 1832, and remained there 
 until 1850, when he was married December 20 of 
 that year to Charlotte 1). Allen, a native of Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., and daughter of Abiah 
 Allen. The grandparents of Abiah Allen were 
 Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen. Joseph Allen 
 was a native of England, and member of the 
 (Quaker Society, lie came to America about the 
 year 1770, and in 1771 took out a patent for a 
 large tract of land on the Monongahela river, in 
 Washington county, Penn. Ten years later he 
 secured 354 additional acres, called "Allen's De- 
 light." This farm adjoined his lirst purchase, and 
 the two tracts contained over 880 acres of land, 
 which he divided among his children in 1799, keep- 
 ing one portion for himself and wife. In this pio- 
 neer home, surrounded by the beasts of the forest 
 and wild Indians, were born the following children: 
 Eli, John, Samuel, William, Joshua, Emma ( .Mrs. 
 Thomas Stockdale), I (eborah ( Mrs. Wenders |, and 
 Benjamin. The latter son received no land, but 
 was dependent upon the others for his support. 
 The father died at an advanced ago in 1839. 
 .Joshua, son of Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen, 
 was born on the home farm in Allen township, 
 Washington county, and when a young man was 
 married to Elizabeth McCrory. They passed their 
 lives on the old place. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 1013 
 
 Abiah Allen, son of Joshua and Elizabeth (Mc- 
 Crory) Allen, was born in 1790, in Allen township, 
 Washington county, where he grew to manhood. 
 In 1822 he was married to .Mary Hough, who was 
 born in 1799, in Fayette county, Penn., where the 
 wedding ceremony took place. They settled in 
 Allen township, Washington county, and five 
 children were born to them, namely: Maria Ellen, 
 wife of .John White; J)avid 13. H., who died in 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., in 1880; Charlotte 
 D. (Mrs. Martin), Barbara Ann (widow of Wilson 
 Jack man ), in Galva, 111., and Alexander Bonaparte, 
 of Cleveland, ( )hio. The parents always resided on 
 the home place. In 1N47 the father was killed by 
 falling from a tree; his widow died in 1887. 
 
 John G. and Charlotte 1). (Allen) Martin moved 
 to their present home in Allen township, in the 
 spring of 1850. The place contains 120 acres of 
 fertile land where he is engaged in gardening and 
 general agriculture. He is actively interested in 
 politics, voting with the Republican party, and has 
 served for years as a member of the school board. 
 He and his wife are members of the Disciple 
 Church at Fayette City. Their children have been 
 born as follows: Maggie, wife of George Maxwell, 
 of Allen township; William D.; Mary Belle, wife 
 of Herman McFall, living on the home place, and 
 Eliza Jane, deceased wife of George Maxwell. 
 
 P. VANCE. Among the leading business 
 men of Burgettstown, this enterprising 
 merchant takes a prominent position. I lis 
 family are numbered with the earliest 
 pioneers of Washington county. Maj. William 
 Vance, born in Scotland in 171S, died in Pennsyl- 
 vania in 1788, and was buried in Cross Creek ceme- 
 tery. Joseph Vance, the son of Maj. Vance, was 
 born about the middle of the eighteenth century in 
 Scotland, but emigrated in early manhood. He 
 first settled in Winchester, Va., and in 1774 came 
 to Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek town- 
 ship, Washington county, while the Indians were 
 still numerous, and soon achieved a wide-spread 
 reputation as an Indian fighter, many of the dusky 
 warriors having fallen by his unerring rifle. Few, 
 if any, were more prominently identified with the 
 early settlement of the western portion of Wash- 
 ington county, than was Joseph Vance. He mar- 
 ried and passed the remainder of his life in the 
 wilderness, where his first log cabin was erected. 
 The uncultivated land has now become a fertile 
 farm. He and his wife were called to their rest at 
 an advanced age, leaving their children to finish 
 the work so nobly begun. 
 
 Among these children was a son, William, born 
 in the year 1776, and reared in Washington county 
 amid the usual trials and dangers of pioneer life. 
 His education was necessarily limited, as schools 
 
 were few, and at best afforded but meager oppor- 
 tunities. He was first married to Rachel Patter- 
 son, a resident of Cross Creek township, who bore 
 him six children. She died, and a few years after- 
 ward he 'selected a second wife, Hannah Patterson, 
 a member of an old family of Cross Creek town- 
 ship. To this union, also, there were born six chil- 
 dren. Mr. Vance always lived in Cross ('reek 
 township, and was one of the representative men of 
 the day. He died in the year 1856. He was a 
 Whig in politics, and in religion a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. Vance's Fort was located 
 on the home tract, having been used as a church, 
 the first sermon preached in the .vicinity being 
 given in that building. 
 
 Allison Vance, son of William Vance, was born 
 in 1808, on the home farm, and was educated in 
 the neighboring schools. He was married to Mar- 
 garet, daughter of John Campbell, of Smith town- 
 ship, this county, and settled on a farm adjoining 
 the old place, where the following named children 
 were born and reared: John (deceased), W. P. 
 (subject of this sketch), Rachel (deceased), David 
 (deceased), Robert C, James L. and Leander. In 
 politics, Allison Vance was an active worker in the 
 Whig party, and in religion a member in and liberal 
 supporter of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church. 
 After a successful life he died in 1890, his wife 
 having crossed the dark river three months pre- 
 viously. The remains of both now rest in Cross 
 Creek cemetery. 
 
 W. P. Vance was born September 1, 1842, in 
 Cross Creek township, this county, remaining at 
 home until twenty years of age. He then went 
 to Washington, Penn., and learned photography. 
 After following that vocation a few years, his 
 health failing, he sold out, and coming to Burgetts- 
 town, this county, opened a hardware store, which 
 he has since conducted. On July 4, 1865, W. P. 
 Vance was united in marriage with Alice M., daugh- 
 ter of Andrew McFarland, of Cross Creek town- 
 ship, this county, and their children are Annie M., 
 Charles M. and Alice M. Mr. Vance is a public- 
 spirited man and very successful in business, own- 
 ing a fine stock of-hardware, and supplying a large 
 amount of custom. In politics he is a Republican. 
 He and his family are attendants of the Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 f^^j ILAS BALDWIN. Among the pioneer 
 families of Franklin township, the name of 
 Baldwin has ever been a synonym for enter- 
 prise and industry. The early home of 
 that family was in the State of New Jersey, where 
 they were engaged for many years in agriculture. 
 Jonathan Baldwin first came, to Washington 
 county, Penn., with his family, and settling in 
 Morris township, made a new home in the un- 
 
1014 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 broken wilderness. His three sons, William, 
 Francis and Jonathan, assisted their father, toiling 
 early and late to secure a comfortable home. In a 
 few years the father and mother were laid to rest 
 near the scene of their labors, and the soils began 
 life for themselves. After the death of the par- 
 ents, Francis Baldwin, in 181)3, married Rebecca, 
 daughter of Thomas Hill, a resident of East Finley 
 township, and the following children were born to 
 them: Stephen, Sarah, Thomas, Jonathan, John, 
 Phoebe, Francis, Sealy, James, Amos, Silas and 
 Cephas. Mr. Baldwin was one of the organizers 
 and a liberal supporter of the Cumberland Presby- 
 terian Church at Van Buren. In politics he was a 
 member of the Whig party. Thomas Hill was in 
 the war of the Revolution, and when it was over he 
 settled in Fast Finley township and married Je- 
 mima Enloe. He had several thrilling adventures 
 with the Indians and many narrow escapes. Three 
 children were born to them: James, Isem, and Re- 
 becca, who married Francis Baldwin. 
 
 Silas, son of Francis and Rebecca Baldwin, was 
 born December 4, 1827, in Morris township, and 
 passed his boyhood on the farm. In early man- 
 hood he was married to Sarah (daughter of Thomas 
 and Margaret Sargeant), who bore him children as 
 follows: John T., Mary J., Sarah M., Anna V., 
 William E., Elizabeth E., Ida F. and Ira F. 
 Mr. Baldwin still manages the farm with 
 the aid of his children, and his property is 
 the result of his own economy and industry. 
 Politically he was a Whig, but since the Re- 
 publican party was organized, has been an active 
 worker for the principles embodied in that plat- 
 form. William E. Baldwin was married to Mary 
 .1., daughter of John B. Weir, and they have four 
 children: Morris P., Leo D., Julia Audrey, and an 
 unnamed infant. This family is second to none in 
 industry and enterprise, and enjoy the esteem of 
 the community in which they reside. John T. 
 Baldwin married Alice Mires, to whom one daugh- 
 ter, Eva Jane Baldwin, was born. 
 
 THOMAS MOORE BIGGER. The sons of 
 Erin are and ever have been among the 
 leaders of all enterprises in which bravery, 
 energy and enthusiasm are the requisite in- 
 */ gredients No dangers appall, no obstacles 
 conquer, no failures overcome the dauntless spirit 
 of a true Irishman. About the middle of the last 
 century Thomas Bigger, a native of County Antrim, 
 Ireland, was there married to Elizabeth Moore, who 
 was born in the same county. The young couple 
 decided that their wedding trip should be an ocean 
 voyage, accordingly they embarked for the New 
 World not many days after their marriage rites 
 were over. After landing in America, they came 
 to Pennsylvania and first located on a piece of 
 
 land near Hickory, this county, which belonged to 
 George Washington, but was then in court. His 
 rights, however, were soon established, after which 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bigger settled on a farm in Robin- 
 son township, which is yet in the family name, 
 being now the property of Matthew Bigger. The 
 Indians had not then entirely abandoned the old 
 hunting grounds, and often compelled the advent- 
 urous pioneers to flee for life to Fort McDonald, 
 but as new settlers entered, and the forests were 
 cleared away, the red men roved further west, 
 finally leaving the pale faces, in undisturbed pos- 
 session of their homes. Eleven children were born 
 to Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Bigger, as fol- 
 lows: Matthew, Jane, John, James, Thomas, Ann, 
 James, Samuel, Martha, Andrew and Elizabeth. 
 
 Andrew Bigger, the youngest son of Thomas, 
 was born April 1, 1793, and from boyhood was 
 reared to farm duties, continuing to follow farming 
 all his life. In early life he was married to Miss 
 Sarah Campbell, who was born January S, 1796, in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, and after their marriage set- 
 tled on the farm of 500 acres, now owned by their 
 son, Thomas M. Game was yet abundant in those 
 days, deer, wild turkeys and panther being plenti- 
 ful. Mr. Bigger was a stanch adherent of the 
 Whigs until the Free-Soil party was organized, 
 when he became a Democrat, and in religious faith 
 was an organizer of the Robinson U. P. Church. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bigger were the parents of the fol- 
 lowing children: Mary A., Eliza, Jane, Martha, 
 Rachel and Thomas Moore. 
 
 Thomas Moore Bigger was born June 1, 1836, 
 in the old home which is yet standing across the 
 road from his present residence. He assisted with 
 the general duties of the home farm during his 
 boyhood, and on March Id, 1859, entered matri- 
 monial life in company with Margaret, daughter 
 of the late Andrew Donaldson, of Robinson town- 
 ship, this county. The children of this couple are 
 Andrew R., born August 31, I860; James 1)., born 
 November 13, 1864; Sarah E., born January 5, 
 L868; Mary J., born April 30,1870; and Martha 
 M., born March 12, 1873, all of whom have enjoyed 
 the advantages of a college education. Thomas 
 Moore Bigger yet owns the old homestead, which 
 is kept in a tine state of cultivation and yields him 
 a good incom6. Politically he has always been a 
 stanch Democrat, having served his township and 
 party by filling various offices of honor and trust. 
 He is an earnest member and hearty supporter of 
 the Robinson U. P. Church. 
 
 AVID B. WINTER, an old and highly re- 
 spected citizen of Donegal township, is a 
 son of David, whose father, Christopher 
 Winter, was born in Rhine 1'falz, Ger- 
 many. Christopher Winter emigrated from his 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 1015 
 
 native land at an early clay, and coming to Amer- 
 ica settled in Donegal township, Washington 
 county, Penu., there erecting a log cabin, and be- 
 gan to clear the forest from his land. He soon 
 thereafter married Miss Catherine Schaeffer, a lady 
 of German ancestry, whose parents lived near 
 Washington borough, Penn. At this period the 
 Indians were yet very troublesome, and made fre- 
 quent raids — -murdering, plundering and burning 
 as they swept on. At such times the pioneers fled 
 to the blockhouses, leaving their property to the 
 tender mercies of the savages. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Winter lived to a good old age, dying on the farm 
 where they had spent so many hours of toil and 
 danger. They left a family of children, among 
 whom was a son David. 
 
 David Winter ( father of subject) was born on 
 the pioneer farm in Donegal township, this county, 
 and passed his boyhood days in the usual manner 
 of frontier children; assisting in the farm work, 
 and attending the subscription schools (which were 
 then held in rude log cabins), during a few months 
 of each year. He was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Perry McCoy, of Donegal 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and she bore 
 him two children: David B. and Elizabeth Marga- 
 ret (deceased wife of Alexander Wiath). After 
 his marriage, 1 )avid Winter erected a house on 
 the home farm, near the residence of his father, 
 and became a successful farmer, lie was a popu- 
 lar and enterprising citizen, and in politics a Dem- 
 ocrat. After long and useful lives, he and his 
 wife were laid to rest beside the home where their 
 lives had been passed. 
 
 David 13. Winter, the only son of the above 
 couple, was born November 1, 1823, in the old 
 house of his father, which is yet standing but a 
 short distance from the large and commodious res- 
 idence of the son. Mr. Winter worked for his 
 father on the farm in his youth, and attended the 
 common schools. In 1846 he was married to Mary 
 Jane, daughter of William Bryson, of Donegal 
 township, Washington county, and their children 
 were as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Franklin Chap- 
 man, of Donegal township), Hannah (deceased), 
 David A. (a carpenter, living in Abiline, Tex. ), 
 William (a farmer of Donegal township), Joseph 
 (farming in Clark county, Ivans.), Nancy C. (Mrs. 
 Joel Snodgrass, of Omaha, Neb.), Alice (Mrs. 
 John Leinville, of Donegal township, this county), 
 Mary (deceased), and John F. (deceased in in- 
 fancy). The mother of these children died, and in 
 1870 Mr. Winter was married to Sarah, daughter 
 of William Milligan, of East Finley township, this 
 county, and they have one son and one daughter: 
 George K. and Udora, both living at home. Mr. 
 Winter remained on his father's farm until some 
 time after his marriage, when he erected a beauti- 
 ful home on an adjoining piece of land, where he 
 
 is now residing. He has always been a farmer 
 and has been very successful. Politically, he was 
 a Democrat until 1860, when he cast his ballot for 
 Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has been an 
 ardent supporter of the principles embodied in the 
 Republican platform. He and his wife are both 
 members of the Dutch Fork Baptist Church, to 
 which Society he is a liberal contributor. 
 
 f/OHN REED (deceased) was a son of David 
 Reed, one of the earliest pioneers of Wash- 
 t\ iiigtou county, Penn. David Reed, who was 
 of Scotch-Irish descent, and a native of Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., about the year 1777 came 
 with a brother, John, to Washington county. They 
 were offered settlement rights by the State of Vir- 
 ginia on certain conditions which they accepted, 
 and immediately erected their cabins on the lalid. 
 In the fall they returned to Lancaster county, 
 where John's wife was awaiting him, and David's 
 betrothed then becoming his bride, the two couples 
 moved to their new homes in the following sprincr. 
 They lived there several years in undisturbed pos- 
 session, but the land being really a portion of the 
 George Washington survey, was afterward claimed 
 by that famous personage, while the title was being 
 investigated. 
 
 After the ejectment suit was decided, the two 
 brothers removed to Cecil township, where they 
 purchased land. John died in 1816, leaving the 
 following children: David (who settled on the 
 home farm), John (sold ' his land, which is now 
 owned by John Cabbage), Catherine (Mrs. Daniel 
 Met lean, ( henango, Penn.), Ann (married to 
 Robert Story), Jane (wife of Rev. David Emery, 
 Darlington, Beaver Co., Penn.) and Mary (wife of 
 Rev. Alexander Murray, Slippery Rock, Penn.) 
 David Reed took a tomahawk claim of 400 acres, 
 and passed his life in Cecil township, this county. 
 He was a ruling elder in the Seceder Church at 
 Canon sburg, of which his wife was also a member; 
 she died many years ago, and he is now buried by 
 her side. Their children were Alexander (married 
 in Cecil township), David (farmer of Cecil town- 
 ship), Mary (wife of George Murray, Chartiers 
 township), John, James (formerly a jeweler of 
 Washington, afterward living in Pittsburgh, Penn.) 
 and Joseph (deceased in 1888, formerly lived on 
 the old homestead in Cecil township). All of 
 these children lived to an advanced age, but are 
 now deceased. 
 
 John Reed (the subject of this sketch) was born 
 in 1787, in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington 
 county, and was reared in Cecil township, there re- 
 ceiving his early education. He afterward at- 
 tended Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, under 
 the preceptorship of Dr. McMillan, during the 
 early history of that institution, graduating in 1806. 
 

 1016 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 In 1821) John Reed was married to Jane May, a 
 native of Cecil township, this county, and daughter 
 of John and Phoebe (Ross) May, who were born in 
 Lancaster county, Perm., and after their marriage 
 settled in Cecil township, where they lived and 
 died. 
 
 After their marriage John and .lane (May) Reed 
 made a permanent home in Mouut Pleasant town- 
 ship, and the homestead is still in the possession of 
 the family. John Reed was actively interested in 
 politics, being a member of the Federalist 
 party. He represented Washington county in the 
 Slate Legislature from 1816 to 1822, also served 
 many years as justice of the peace, and was county 
 commissioner. He and his wife were formerly 
 members of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting 
 with the I . P. Church at Mount Pleasant in which 
 he wa.s a ruling elder. His wife died many years 
 ago, and he was laid to rest beside her in 1ST", 
 weary with the weight of ninety-two years of life. 
 The following children were born to the union of 
 John and Jane (May) Reed: Pho-be, Mrs. A. J. 
 Miller, of Hickory, this countv (deceased in 1X^ : '>); 
 Margaret, living on the home farm; David, a 
 farmer of Smith township, married to Martha Bor- 
 land; John (deceased in 1861)); George, of whom 
 further mention is made below; Jane, Mrs. John 
 Wilson (living in this county); Samuel (men- 
 tioned farther on), Mary and Elizabeth (living in 
 this county }. 
 
 Of the children of the above family, George 
 Peed is living on the old homestead, following 
 farming. He is not an active politician, but votes 
 with the Republican party, and in religion is a 
 member of the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. 
 Samuel Reed was married in September, 1885, to 
 Lizzie Harper, a native of ( 'ecil township, this 
 county, and daughter of John Harper, who was 
 born in Cecil township. John Harper was 
 married to Ellen Jane Wallace, a native of Ireland 
 who was brought to America when but three years 
 of age. She is still living on the home farm in 
 i !ecil township, but her husband died in March, 
 L885. Samuel Heed and his wife are members of 
 the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. Their 
 home is in McDonald, Robinson township. 
 
 ; ^ILLIAM LIGGETT, the oldest living rep- 
 resentative of what has ever been one of 
 the most progressive and time-honored 
 Eamilies of Washington county, was born 
 April 28, 1821, in Independence township. The 
 Liggett family are of Scotch descent, and trace 
 their origin to two brothers who left their Scottish 
 Ik niie and crossed the ocean to America. Landing 
 at Baltimore, Md., they there remained but a short 
 time, and then pushed westward, finally locating in 
 Washington county, Petm. One of these brothers, 
 
 Thomas Liggett was married to Parmelia Dempster, 
 a resident of Washington county, and passed his 
 life in Independence township. He was a man of 
 stalwart frame, six feet tall, well-proportioned in 
 every way, and possessing great courage and pow- 
 ers of endurance. He was noted for his positive 
 character and sturdy adherence to his word, which 
 principles were implanted on the minds, and were 
 evident in the lives of all his children, who were 
 as follows: Joshua, (a farmer of Tuscarawas county, 
 Ohio), Elizabeth (deceased in Iowa), James (de- 
 ceased in Coshocton county, Ohio), Harriet (widow 
 of Laban Headington), Robert (of whom mention 
 is made in sketch of John S. Liggett), Mary Ann 
 (deceased in Illinois), Sarah (widow of John Hemp- 
 hill ), William (of whom mention is made below), 
 Thomas (farming in Hopewell township), David A. 
 (a merchant of Independence, Penn.),and Ander- 
 son ( living in Hot Springs, Arkansas ). Mr. Liggett 
 died January 29, 1861, Mrs. Liggett on September 
 17, 1882. 
 
 William Liggett was born on a part of the farm 
 which he now owns. He lived at home during his 
 boyhood, and received a limited education in the 
 rate schools, much of his time being employed in 
 farm work. On September 16, 1845, he was mar- 
 ried to Nancy Jane ( who was born September 24, 
 1827), daughter of John Mulholland. This union 
 was blessed with the following family of children: 
 Addison (a gardener in Emporia, Kansas), born 
 October 5, 1846; Sarah J., born May 1, 1850, died 
 June 9, 1875; Adeline, born March 8, lS.jlLdied May 
 t, 1 SS 4 ; William W. ( farming in Cass county, Mo. I. 
 born October 12, 1855; John T., born December 22, 
 L857, died January 19, 1889, and Marion A. (a 
 sketch of whom appears further on). The mother 
 of these children died April 9, 1862, and on De- 
 cember 22, 1863, Mr. Liggett was united in mar- 
 riage with Elizabeth ('., who was born June 1(1, 
 1834, a daughter of Samuel Co wen, of Mt. Pleas- 
 ant township,and their children are as follows: Anna 
 M. (Mrs. Geo. Worley, living in Silver Lake, 
 Kosciusko ('o., Ind.), born December 6, 1864; 
 Lewis S. (of whom a sketch follows ), born Sep- 
 tember 16, 1866; Charlev, born March 8, 1869; 
 Liny J., born June 27, 1871; and Irene G., born 
 November 22, 1874. Soon after his marriage Mr. 
 Liggett settled on the home place, where he yet 
 resides. He carries on general fanning and stock- 
 raising, making a specialty of the wool-growing 
 business in which he has been very successful. Ho 
 now owns a large amount of land, and is one of the 
 substantial business men of the townbhip. Politi- 
 cally, he has always been a Democrat, and both he 
 and his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. 
 
 Samuel Cowen, father of Mrs. William Liggett, 
 was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., July 9, 1X07, a son of John and Martha 
 
\- : m$W^' i 
 
 
WAS// 1 AT,' TON CO UXTY. 
 
 1019 
 
 (Caldwell) Cowen, the former a native of York 
 county, Penn., the latter of this county. Their 
 children were William, James, John, Robert, Mar- 
 tha, Anna, Jane (Mrs. James Lee) and Samuel. 
 The father of this family came to Washington 
 county at an early day, and purchased from the 
 Government the place now owned and occupied by 
 John McCalmont. It was all wild land when Mr. 
 Cowen came to it, but was cleared and improved 
 by the family. He was an Old-line Whig in his 
 day, and a stanch Presbyterian, a member at one 
 time of the Upper Buffalo Church, later of the one 
 at Prospect, and was an elder in both. He died 
 in August, 1883, his wife having passed away in 
 1815. Samuel Cowen was educated in the sub- 
 scription schools of the locality of his birthplace. 
 He was a farmer and stock dealer all his life. In 
 1837 he was married to Mary Dinsmore, and their 
 children were John, Elizabeth (Mrs. William Lig- 
 gett), William IL, Martha J., Mary B., Samuel 
 Calvin, Nancy Ann (deceased ) and ( lhalmers. The 
 father departed this life January 7, 1S70, and was 
 buried at Fort Scott, Kansas; the mother was called 
 to her long home October 13, 1888. Mr. Cowen 
 was originally a Whig, and on the organization of 
 the party became a Republican. In religious faith 
 he was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church at Mt. Prospect. 
 
 Marion A. Liggett was born March 31, 1860, 
 on the home farm about two miles northwest of 
 West Middletown. His early years were spent on 
 the farm of his father, and he obtained a common- 
 school education. On September 27, L882, he was 
 married to Alice 15. 1 >enny, who was born January 
 24, 1862, daughter of Walter and Mary (Welch) 
 Denny, of Hopewell township. They have had four 
 children, two of whom died in infancy. The two 
 living daughters are twins: Margaret and Mary, 
 born October 4, 1890. After his marriage Mr. Lig- 
 gett located two and a half miles north of ( 'laysville, 
 this county, where he is still farming. He recently 
 erected a fine dwelling and barn, which afford an 
 evidence of his prosperity, having also purchased 
 additional land. In politics Mr. Liggett has always 
 supported the Democratic party. In religious con- 
 nection he and his wife are members of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Claysville. 
 
 Lewis S. Liggett received his early education 
 in the common schools of Independence township, 
 and afterward took a four years' course at Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, Washington, Penn. 
 After leaving school he returned home and began 
 farming on a part of the old place. On June 18, 
 1890, he was married to Hannah M. (who was born 
 September 24, 1864), daughter of William Patter- 
 son, of Cross Creek township, and they have two 
 sons, William Leonard, and John Patterson. Since 
 his marriage Mr. Liggett has resided in a handsome 
 residence which he erected and furnished with all 
 
 IS 
 
 modern conveniences, making a beautiful home. 
 He is an active and industrious young man, evi- 
 dently inheriting the characteristic traits of energy 
 and integrity, which have distinguished his family 
 for generations. Both he and his wife are members 
 of the U. P. Church, of West Middletown, Penn- 
 sylvania. 
 
 ^ 
 
 Mr ORGAN MARTIN, a native of West 
 Bethlehem, and now a citizen of Amwell 
 township, is a descendant of Zephaniah 
 ^ Martin, a blacksmith and a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, who came with his 
 wife and family from Morris county, New Jersey, 
 about the year 17811. His son, James Martin 
 (grandfather of our subject), married Anna Mc- 
 Myrtre, in New Jersey. Securing a patent for 200 
 acres of land, they located in West Bethlehem 
 township, this county. They had children born to 
 them as follows: Thomas Martin (married Mary 
 Bradbury in 1821, died September, 1851, aged 
 sixty-five years, leaving three children: John M., 
 residing in Greene county, Penn.; Thomas, who died 
 in Missouri in February, L892, and David, resid- 
 ing in Kansas); Joseph (of whom a sketch is 
 given below); Zephaniah (a blacksmith, mar- 
 ried Belle Hood, to whom were born John and 
 Anna, all of whom are dead); Jane (married Joseph 
 Dunn died, June 13, 1863, aged seventy-two); Jos- 
 eph Dunn (died December 15, L865, aged seventy- 
 seven, leaving seven children: Washing- 
 ton (dead), James, Morgan L., Joseph, William 
 (dead), Anna and John); Sarah (married David 
 Bowman, who removed to Ashland county, Ohio, 
 in IS'J'.t, where eight children were born, of whom 
 no recent account is at hand); Elizabeth (married 
 Stephen Jewell in 1822, and removed to Ohio in 
 L828; they had nine children: James (deceased), 
 Jonathan and Joseph ( reside in Ohio), John Mar- 
 tin (deceased), Mary A. (deceased ), A. J. Jewell 
 (residing in Iowa), Jacob (residing in Kansas), 
 Patience (deceased), and Sarah J., deceased). 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Jewell died in 1844. The mother 
 of this large family died in 1800. Mr. Martin aft- 
 erward married Katberine Moore, with whom he 
 resided on the farm until the time of his death in 
 L827. 
 
 Joseph Martin (father of our subject) was born 
 on the farm in West Bethlehem township, March 
 IT), 1790, and spent his early years attending school 
 in the winter and working on the farm in the sum- 
 mer. He married Elizabeth Hayden, who died 
 shortly after without issue. He next married 
 Nancy lams, of Amwell township, December 27, 
 1821, living at lams' Mills. John lams, the mater- 
 nal grandfather of Morgan Martin, came to Wash- 
 ington county, from Maryland, about 1776, and 
 purchased of a Mr. Keys the property, formerly 
 
1020 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 known as lams' Mills ( now Bissell P. O.), which 
 had been previously patented by a Mr. Kelsey. 
 Mr. lams and his wife, whose maiden name was 
 Ilampson, walked and carried all their worldly 
 po3 sessions from .Maryland to Pennsylvania; but 
 being a miller and millwright, he prospered, pur- 
 chased an old mill on the site of the one now owned 
 by Morgan Martin, and tearing it down erected a 
 new building, where he continued to follow his vo- 
 cation the remainder of his life. In addition to the 
 mill property Mr. lams owned about 300 acres of 
 land, and was verv successful in business. He died 
 July 4, 1823, leaving the following named chil- 
 dren: William lams (married Delilah Meek, died 
 April I, L869, aged seventy-seven years; she died 
 September 6, L876, aged ninety-three years, leav- 
 ing ten children: Miller, John H., Elisha, Thomas, 
 Isaac, William, Delilah, Mary, Abraham and 
 Rachel); John lams (died April 30, IS Mi, aged 
 thirty-four years and six months); Nancy (who 
 married Joseph Martin) ; Charity (wife of John 
 D. Smith, died January' 19, 1870, aged seventy- 
 seven years). Her husband died March 12, 1876, 
 aged eighty-one years, leaving the following chil- 
 dren: Martin, Thomas (deceased), Amos, John, 
 Joseph, Nathan, William, Freeman, Elizabeth, 
 Nancv and Ira (deceased). Sarah, wife of Will- 
 iam H. Hathaway, died April 15, 1838, aged thir- 
 ty-four years and six months. Mary married 
 Moses Smith, died September ,">, 1859, aged fifty- 
 nine years four months and five days. Moses Smith 
 died September 11, 1848, aged forty-one years ten 
 months and twenty-eight days. Thev had children 
 born to them as fpllows: John (who died in the 
 army, at the battle of Fair Oaks), Moses, Joseph 
 and Sarah (Mrs. Huffman). 
 
 Joseph Martin owned 280 acres of land. In pol- 
 itics he was a Democrat, and though not a politi- 
 cian, took an active interest in securing good local 
 government. He died December 25, 1850, aged 
 sixty years, nine months and ten days. Mrs. Mar- 
 tin was a member of the IJaptist Church, and died 
 in that faith on January 21, i879, aged eighty-four 
 years and eleven days. The record of Joseph and 
 Nancv (lams) Martin's children is as follows: 
 Morgan, born October 19, 1823; Elizabeth I., No- 
 vember 24, 1825, died December 13, 1825; John 
 I., February 8, 1828, died November 8, 1892; 
 Joseph, April 2, 1831, died May 13, 1853; Anna, 
 July 23, 1S33; and Sarah, February 1, 1836, all 
 of whom were born in West Bethlehem township. 
 John I. married Elizabeth Barr November lit', 
 1851, and to them children were born as follows: 
 Joseph (deoeased), Sarah (Mrs. Keys), A. Jack- 
 son, Martha, Samuel and C. W. Martin, who re- 
 side on the farm located by their grandfather in 
 West Bethlehem. Anna married A. P. Van- 
 Dyke January 25, 1855. To them were born: 
 Leroy M,, Nancy (Mrs, Swart), Elizabeth (Mr.-. 
 
 Bebout ), Kate M., Hannah C. (Mrs. Allen, de- 
 ceased), Thomas and Florence A. Van Dyke. 
 Sarah married Neal Xollars November 7, 1860. 
 They had eight children: George, Joseph, Nancy 
 (deceased), Ezekiel (deceased), Grant, Kate, El- 
 mira, and Martha Xollars. 
 
 Morgan Martin, son of Joseph and Nancy ( lams) 
 Martin, was born October lit, 1823, and remained 
 on the farm until twenty-seven years of age. About 
 1850 he began the milling business at Martin's 
 Mills (now Bissell postoffice), of which he is post- 
 master, which business he has ever since followed 
 with success. On Ssptember IS, 1856, he was 
 united in marriage with Anna Reese, daughter of 
 Thomas and Anna (Sunderland) Reese, of West 
 Bethlehem township. To Mr. and Mrs. Morgan 
 Martin have been born eight children, namely: 
 Sanford, born June IS, 1ST.7, married Alice Bigler 
 March 9, 1882, and died September 5, L889, at 
 Tacoma, State of Washington; Eliza Jane, born 
 December 19, 1859, married October 13, 1883, 
 William S. Bigler (she died August 22, 1887, 
 leaving two children, Israel G., born August 11, 
 1 SSI, and Estella, born February 11, 1SS7); William 
 R., born December 28, 1802; Anna, born December 
 17, 1864; Sarah, born June S, 1807; Nancy, born 
 August 12, 1869; Mary Ellen, born September 6, 
 1872, died December 30, 1885, and Lucinda, born 
 October 10, 1S7 1. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan Martin, 
 with their family, belong to the M. E. Church. 
 Politically he is a Democrat, though not a politi- 
 cian. He commenced keeping a general store in 
 1870, and continues to operate both mill and store 
 with marked success. He built the residence in 
 which he now resides in 1854, and erected the store 
 in 1880, in which is carried on his mercantile busi- 
 ness and the business of the Bissell postoffice. 
 
 The brothers and sisters of Thomas Reese are: 
 Jesse, Solomon, William, James, Rachel ( Mrs. 
 Fisher), Nancy (Mrs. Egy), Sally (Mrs. McCor- 
 mick), and Sena (Mrs. Scott). The record of the 
 the children of Thomas Reese and Anna Sunder- 
 land Reese is as follows: William Reese (married 
 Matilda Mikesel, and had born to them: James, 
 Henry, Nancy (Mrs. Miller), Frank, Elsworth, 
 Effie and Ida, the most of whom reside in Illinois. 
 By his second wife he has two children). Henry 
 Reese (married Catherine Argo, had born to them 
 Semantha (Mrs. Cole), William, Addie (Mrs. 
 K'oiitli), Jennie, Lyman, and Oran. By his second 
 wife he had three children, all residing in Illinois). 
 Sarah (married Samuel Braden; their children 
 are named as follows: John Newton (deceased), 
 Leroy, Flora (Mrs. Sharp ), Mary Ellen (deceased ), 
 Martha, Anna (Mrs. Shrontz), Rebecca (Mrs. 
 Gray), William, Henry, Sarah and Samuel B. 
 Braden, all residents of this county). Rebecca 
 (married "John Ferrell; their children are: Eli- 
 zab, Henry, John §., Jerry, Joseph, A,. J,, Harvey, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1021 
 
 Lizzie (Mrs. Keller), Mary (Mrs. Smith), part of 
 whom reside in Iowa, the rest are residents of Ne- 
 braska). Isabell (married A. J. Grable, and had 
 born to them: Emerson, Laura, Alvin, Mary, Will, 
 Oscar, Anna, Edward and Lizzie, the most of whom 
 reside in Kansas). Anna (married Morgan Mar- 
 tin, as already related). Nancy (married Albert 
 Clarke, and to them were born Alice and William, 
 who reside in Kansas). Mary ( married A. J. Gar- 
 rett, and had born to them Zadie (Mrs. Wood- 
 head), Nora (Mrs. Glogan), Jackson, Martin R., 
 and Daisy. They are residents of Kansas). Lu- 
 cinda (married Cyrus Critchfield, and to their 
 union was born one son, Sanford Critchfield, who 
 resides at Denver, Colo.). Thomas Reese married 
 Martha Thomas, and had born to their union Anna, 
 John, William, Archibald, Charles and Georgia 
 May, all residents of Coal Centre, this county. 
 
 d,OSEPH G. CHARLTON. In tracing the 
 history of our civilization we find no influ- 
 ence has been more potent for good than 
 that of the daily press; especially is this true 
 of the present century, when every important fact 
 around the globe is brought to our very doors, and 
 he who runs may read the record. Few of us often 
 pause to think of the vast amount of brain power 
 and energy required to keep this wonderful ma- 
 chinery of the press in motion. We twine fair 
 laurel wreaths to crown our heroes who battle in 
 deadly strife for liberty, and why should the heroes 
 of literature go down to the grave in utter obli- 
 vion? Their victories are no less important to the 
 world than were those won on bloody fields, and 
 manv a martyred hero has fallen after a warfare of 
 not four, but four-score years in the army of the 
 Scribes. All honor to our soldiers whether in the 
 fields of carnage or of literature; both are fighting 
 for liberty and right if they are true soldiers, and 
 through the efforts of both "the truth is marching 
 on." 
 
 Joseph G. Charlton was born May 17, 184 t, in 
 Washington, Washington Co., Penn., and passed 
 his boyhood at the home of his uncle, in North 
 Strabane township, receiving a common-school 
 education. At the age of eighteen years he 
 entered the printing office of The Reporter, Wash- 
 ington, Penn., remaining there about four years. 
 He then went to Pittsburgh, also working in other 
 places. In 1870 he opened a confectionery store 
 in Washington, Penn., and some years later pro- 
 ceeded to Indianapolis, Ind. On Oct. 16, 1874, he 
 was married to Tabitha S., daughter of James Hall, 
 of Washington, Penn., and she has borne him two 
 children, Maud and Harry. After their marriage 
 Mr. and Mrs. Charlton resided five years at MoCon- 
 nell's Mill, Washington Co., Penn., where he con- 
 ducted 2 general §tore, At the end of that time 
 
 he entered the publishing otlice of the Canons- 
 burg Notes, and in 1886 opened an office, pub- 
 lishing a paper called The Local. In 1888 he 
 purchased the Canonsburg Herald, and is now the 
 sole proprietor of both publications issued under 
 the latter name, consisting of a seven-columm 
 folio. Mr. Charlton attends the Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church, and in political opinion is a 
 Republican. 
 
 JOHN McCOY, a descendant of one of the 
 prominent early pioneers of this county, and 
 himself one of the most highly respected 
 citizens of West Finley township, is a native 
 of the same, born in 1836 on the farm whereon he 
 now lives. 
 
 Daniel McCoy, his grandfather, a native of 
 Scotland, came to America in L772, with his broth- 
 ers, Angus and James, landing in Baltimore, Md., 
 where, as was the custom at that period with 
 impecunious immigrants, they were hired to a 
 tobacco planter to work out the price of passage. 
 On the same trip there came over a Miss Nancy 
 McCoy, who for a similar reason was hired to the 
 same planter who employed Daniel, and the 
 friendship which sprung up between Nancy and 
 Daniel ripened, in course of time, into a love which 
 resulted in their union for life as soon as their 
 passage had been fully worked out. They then 
 came to Washington county, Penn., and here 
 bought the farm, in what is now. West Finley 
 township, that has been in the possession of the 
 McCoy family ever since, the original land patent 
 for which was obtained from the Craig heirs. The 
 old deed, dated 1788, is still in the possession of 
 the subject of this sketch. To Daniel and Nancy 
 (McCoy) McCoy were born nine children: Alex- 
 ander, John, William, Angus, Kenneth, James, 
 Betsey, Christy and Joseph, all now deceased. 
 Angus McCoy's children were Joseph D., Janet, 
 Margaret, William and Alexander; while the 
 children of James McCoy were Alexander, John, 
 William, Daniel and David. 
 
 Kenneth McCoy, who was the fifth child in the 
 family, was born May 25, 1791, on the farm his 
 father had settled on, and here lived all his life 
 cultivating the soil, and every year adding to the 
 improvements thereon. This farm he bought at 
 the time of his marriage with Jane Brownlee, 
 which happy event occurred April IS, 1817. Their 
 home was brightened by the birth of children 
 as follows: Jane, born June 4, 1818; Joseph, born 
 November 1, 1819; Elizabeth, born October 4, 
 18:24; Mary, born August 29, 1827, and John, our 
 subject, all yet living except Jane and Joseph, the 
 former of whom died August 15 1844, ami the 
 latter December 27, 1KS7. ' The father departed t (l 
 
 fcbat Better Land, " where &1! b&ve gone god &U must 
 
1022 
 
 WASHING TON COUNTY 
 
 go," January 19, L873, the mother, July 27, 1869. 
 John Mc( oy was reared to the occupation of his 
 forefathers, and has never left the old home farm, 
 excepting the time lie spent in traveling in the 
 western States, shortly alter his father's decease. 
 His education was received at the common schools 
 of his district, which he supplemented with much 
 reading and close observation of men and things. 
 With the savings from his hard earnings, he was 
 enabled, on his return home from the West, to buy 
 off the other heirs to his father's estate, and he is 
 now sole proprietor, the property being one of the 
 finest in the township. Mr. McCoy was married 
 November 19, 1877, to Mary E., daughter of George 
 Eckles, of West Finley township, and their union 
 has been blessed with four children: Margaret, 
 born August 26, 1878; John, born December 7, 
 1879; George, born February 18, 1882, and Edwin 
 B., born September 10, 1886. In politics Mr. 
 McCoy has been a lifelong Republican, but has 
 never aspired to office. The McCoys have always 
 been liberty-loving people, and some members of 
 the family, in days gone by, were prominent 
 Abolitionists. 
 
 Kenneth McCoy, father of our subject, aided 
 at various times many slaves in their escape by the 
 " Underground Railroad " into Canada, and at one 
 time he had eleven colored fugitives secreted in 
 his barn, whom he fed and sheltered until an 
 importunity offered for them to continue on their 
 flight to liberty. It is said of his cousin Kenneth 
 McCoy, of Ripley, Ohio, that some years ago he 
 pried open the doors of a jail, cut the hand-cuffs 
 and shackles off the prisoners, and liberated a 
 number of unfortunate runaway slaves, who had 
 been recaptured and temporarily incarcerated. He 
 was a blacksmith and tool-dresser. Knowing where 
 quarrymen had left a crowbar, he seized it and 
 carried out his project of freeing the slaves. The 
 authorities arrested another man, and summoned 
 McCoy as a witness to identify the crowbar. The 
 prosecutor asked him when he saw the crowbar 
 last? "Why,'' he responded, "at the jail, the 
 night 1 let the darkies out." The prisoner was 
 discharged; but there is no record of the prosecu- 
 tion of McCoy for this early effort to emancipate 
 the colored brothers. 
 
 . AMUEL M. M.CONNELL. Among the 
 representative and well-known old citizens 
 I of Hanover township, none stand higher 
 than this gentleman. 
 The genealogy of the family can be traced to 
 two brothers, Alexander and Matthew, who left 
 Scotland, their native land, for America, prior to 
 t he Revolutionary war. Matthew McConnell was 
 born about tin- year 171'.'. Alter landing in Amer- 
 ica he was attracted by the fertile valleys in Lan- 
 
 caster county, Penn., and, there making his first 
 permanent settlement, commenced agricultural pur- 
 suits. Here he was married to Mary Alexander, a 
 native of Lancaster county, and about 177'J this 
 couple started to seek their fortunes in the " far 
 west," as Washington county was then considered, 
 making the tedious journey over the mountains. 
 They were frequently obliged to cut roads through 
 the forests as tbey proceeded. All the streams were 
 forded, and the nights passed under some spread- 
 ing oak, or perhaps they slept in their wagon. 
 Their location in Washington (then a part of West- 
 moreland) county was made within the present 
 limits of Cecil township, where some of their de- 
 scendants are yet living. A log cabin was soon 
 erected, and the giant oaks fell beneath the axe of 
 the pioneer until a space was cleared, on which 
 they planted the essential crop of corn. Matthew 
 McConnell passed the remainder of his days in 
 this wilderness home, and the rude cabin which 
 had first been erected was soon displaced by a 
 more substantial and commodious dwelling which 
 stood for many years after. As new settlements 
 were made, the wilderness was gradually trans- 
 formed into waving fields of grain, and comfort- 
 able homes were made. Politically Mr. McConnell 
 was a prominent member of the Federalist party, 
 and filled several offices in the county at various 
 times; he was one of the twelve justices of the 
 peace who constituted the court of Washington 
 county. In religion he was a prominent member 
 of the Union or Associate Reformed Church. His 
 children were Alexander, who died of small-pox 
 when young, vaccination being then unknown; 
 Elizabeth, who also died of small-pox; John, who 
 moved to Trumbull county, Ohio, where he was an 
 early settler; Frances, who resided in Harrison 
 county, Ohio; Jane, who was married to William 
 Berry, and died in Canonsburg, Penn.; Prudence, 
 who married John Dunlap, and lived near Poland, 
 Mahoning Co., Ohio; William, who resided in 
 Richland county, Ohio; Mary, who lived in Cecil 
 township; James and Lettice (twins), the latter of 
 whom never married, and Martha, never married. 
 
 Matthew McConnell, son of Matthew and Mary 
 ( Alexander ) McConnell, was born in Cecil town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., October 8, 1778, and 
 passed his boyhood on the farm of his father, at- 
 tending the subscription schools. He then taught 
 school in Richland county, ( )hio, living at home 
 most of the time. In 1812 he was married to Ann 
 Merchant, daughter of Samuel Merchant, a native 
 of County Londonderry, Ireland, who immigrated 
 to America and to Washington county, Penn., set- 
 tling in Hanover township in early times; he was 
 driven out by Indians only to return in later years, 
 and passed his remaining days on the farm. The 
 following children were born to the union of Mat- 
 thew and Ann McConnell: Matthew A. (deceased 
 

WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 I OSS 
 
 in youth), Margaret (now the widow of Thomas 
 Merchant, and living in Florence), Elizabeth A. 
 ( deceased in youth), Samuel M. (whose name opens 
 this sketch), Prudence ( who resides in Florence), 
 Matthew F. (farmer of Hanover township, who was 
 born September 4, 1827, and died March 8, 189] |, 
 and Mary Jane ( unmarried, living in Florence, 
 Penn.). Mr. and Mrs. MeConnell passed their 
 wedded lives on the "Old Merchant Homestead" 
 in Hanover township, where he followed farming 
 until his death, December 29, 1829. He was a 
 very progressive man, and though dying in the 
 very prime of life, had become prominently iden- 
 tified with many public movements. In politics he 
 was a Whig, and in religion believed in the creed 
 of the Associate Reformed Church, but owing to 
 the loner distance which must be traveled in those 
 days to attend a church of that denomination, he 
 united with the Presbyterian Church at Cross 
 Roads, of which his wife had previously been a 
 member. She died in 1870, in her seventy-sixth 
 year, on the same farm where she was born and 
 where she had passed her life. 
 
 Samuel M. MeConnell was born October 14, 
 1821, in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and received a subscription-school education. His 
 first " book " was the letters of the alphabet pasted 
 on a wooden paddle, and the length of a school 
 term was very uncertain, as no stated time was 
 designated. He worked for his father on the home 
 place, and afterward labored as a farm hand at 
 several places in the neighborhood. On October 
 2, 18(50, he was married to Sarah J. Wallace, daugh- 
 ter of .fames Wallace, who was descended from an 
 old family, prominently identified with the pioneer 
 history of Hanover township. 
 
 Robert Wallace, a native of Scotland, immi- 
 grated to America and settled in Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., where he remained about three 
 years. He there married Jane McCoy, and the 
 young couple came to what is now Hanover town- 
 ship, this county, where in 1771 he took out a 
 patent for 300 acres of land on Brush creek. In- 
 dians were numerous and settlers scarce, and several 
 times they were driven from their home to return 
 again after the Indians had gone. So they con- 
 tinued to reside in their cabin home until about 
 1775, when one day in May of that year, Mr. Wal- 
 lace, returning from a search in the forest for some 
 calves that had strayed away, found his cabin in 
 ashes and his family (then consisting of his wife 
 and three children ) gone. He at once knew it to 
 be the work of the savages, who as he afterward 
 discovered had lain hidden in a convenient flax 
 patch until they had seen him leave home. Hastily 
 arousing the few neighbors, the little band of de- 
 termined men started in pursuit. They soon struck 
 the trail, and had not proceeded far when they 
 found the body of the youngest child, who bad thus 
 
 early fallen a victim to the bloodthirsty instincts of 
 the savages. They followed the trail to the Ohio 
 river, but arrived too late to prevent the Redskins 
 crossing; and further pursuit being futile, returned 
 to their homes. Mrs. Wallace was also massacred 
 on the way, and her mutilated body was afterward 
 found near that of her babe. The two remaining 
 children were taken by the Indians as far west as 
 Indiana^ where the younger died in captivity. The 
 eldest child, Robert, was restored to his father 
 three years later through an exchange of prisoners. 
 This son, Robert, lived until his death in Robinson 
 township, where he was known as " Indian Bob;" a 
 term indicative of his early captivity, and one of 
 his sons still resides upon his farm there. Robert 
 Wallace, Sr., afterward married Mary Walker, and 
 they had the following children: John, Jane, James, 
 Ann, Sarah and Elsie. The youngest daughter of 
 James Wallace, of this family, became Mrs. S. M. 
 MeConnell. Robert Wallace, Sr., resided on his 
 farm, on Brush creek, until his death, which occurred 
 about the year 1807, when he was aged eighty- 
 seven years, and was buried at Florence. Among 
 the earliest settlers of Hanover township, he was 
 indeed one of those sturdy men who braved untold 
 dangers and opened a pathway through the wilder- 
 ness, which has made possible the march of civiliza- 
 tion and the wonderful progress of the nineteenth 
 century. 
 
 One daughter has been born to the union of 
 Samuel MeConnell and Sarah Wallace, viz.: Annie 
 J. (Mrs. George Saxton ), who with her husband is 
 yet living on her father's farm. Alter his marriage 
 Samuel M. MeConnell located on the old Wallace 
 farm, situated about two miles east of Florence, in 
 Hanover township, and has given his entire atten- 
 tion to general farming and stock raising, in which 
 Jie has been very successful. Politically he was 
 originally a Whig, now a Republican, and is one of 
 the influential men of his party, which he has served 
 in various local offices. He is one of the best- 
 known men in the community, and has hosts of 
 friends. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he is very active, having been a 
 member of Session, of which he officiated as clerk 
 for more than twenty-five years. He was also clerk 
 of the board of trustees for more than twenty years. 
 In 1883 the faithful wife and loving mother was 
 called by the Master to her higher abode. On De- 
 cember PHier spirit passed beyond the river of death 
 to that heavenly home " where no storms ever beat 
 on that glittering strand, while the years of eternity 
 roll." Early in youth she became a member of the 
 Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, and her whole 
 life had been one of exemplary Christian woman- 
 hood. She passed away in her forty-seventh year, 
 honored and revered by all. 
 
 Mr. MeConnell still resides at his old home where 
 he has passed so many years of his life, enjoying a 
 
KILT, 
 
 WASHINGTON COU.XTY. 
 
 handsome competence, the direct result of industry 
 
 and economy. He is a man of strong personalities, 
 and adheres to what he considers right with a 
 tenacity characteristic of the race from which he is 
 descended. He, however, is not intolerant, but has 
 for the opinions of those who differ from him the 
 utmost deference and respect. Though in his 
 se\ enty-second year, he is the mental and physical 
 superior of many younger men, while his hair and 
 beard, now whitened by time, become the wearer 
 as the silver crown of a life well spent, rather than 
 as a mark of the passing years. 
 
 ri( .1. THOMAS, one of the best-known and 
 //' l\ most enterprising native-born farmer citi- 
 r^t\ zens of North Strabane township, first 
 
 Jl —> opened his eyes to the wonders of the world 
 
 V April 21, 1851. 
 
 Kdward Thomas, grandfather of A. J., is the 
 first of the family in this county of whom there is 
 any data. lie was a native of eastern Pennsvl vania, 
 whence, when a young man, he came hither and 
 made a settlement in North Strabane township, 
 where he carried on farming to the end of his busy 
 life, becoming one of the leading citizens, ever in 
 the van of all progressive movements. He was 
 here married to Rhoda, daughter of David Leonard, 
 of Washington county, who resided near the 
 village of Bentleyville, and the children born to 
 them were Sarah, Mary, Ann, (still living at ninety- 
 two years), Rebecca, Phoebe, Liverton, Lydia, 
 Rhoda and Nancy. Rebecca was blind from the age 
 of seventeen years to her death in her seventieth 
 pear. Mr. Thomas early united with the Pres- 
 byterian Church, in after life becoming a trustee, 
 serving for many years, and an elder. Politically 
 he was a zealous 1 )emocrat. 
 
 Liverton Thomas, father of our subject, was 
 born in North Strabane township, Washington 
 Co., I Vim., May 12, 1808, and his education was 
 received at the schools of his district, which he 
 enhanced by much after study. In 1834, he was 
 married, in ( >hio, to Miss Mary A. Glandon, who 
 was born in Maryland October 2, INF! (a daughter 
 of William and Mary M. Glandon ), who moved with 
 her parents to I larrison county, ( thio; the results of 
 
 this union were nine children, eiirht of whom are 
 
 ... . - . ~ 
 
 yet living, viz.: Edmond, in Saline county. Neb.; 
 
 William, a firmer in Chase county, Neb.; .lames 
 
 M., a merchant in Nottingham township; Rhoda L., 
 
 wife of .John Hodgens, of I tes Moines county, Iowa; 
 G. I .., a physician in Philadelphia, 1 Vnn.; lie lie M., 
 wife of James C. Matthews, a farmer and under- 
 taker in North Strabane township; A. J., on the old 
 home farm, and Ida M., wife of William Kettle, of 
 Kush county, Fans.; ( ( 'aleb F. died in infancy). 
 The mother died December 10, L873 and the 
 father then went to live with his daughter, Mrs. 
 
 John Hodgens, in lies Moines county, Iowa, where 
 he now is. A member of the Presbyterian Church, 
 he has always been a liberal supporter, was the 
 donator of the land on which the Fairview church 
 now stands, and materially contributed toward its 
 erection. Politically he is a lifelong Democrat, 
 and has been in his day a hard worker for the 
 party's interests. 
 
 The boyhood and youth of A. J. Thomas were 
 spent on the homestead where he was born, attend- 
 ing during the winter months the common schools 
 of his district, the remainder of the year being 
 reserved for hard out-of-door work on the farm. In 
 1873 he was married to Jennie M., daughter of 
 Andrew ('ouch, of Nottingham township, and four 
 children have come to brighten their domestic 
 hearth: Alma (died at eleven months), Errol M. (died 
 at eleven years and two months I, Wallace ( '., and 
 Josie A. (died at two years and three months). Their 
 mother dying (January 5, lSMt), Mr. Thomas wedded, 
 November 10, 189Q, Rilla C, daughter of Andrew 
 Crawford, of Peters township. The family are 
 members of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Mount Prospect, of which Mr. Thomas is trustee. 
 Politically he was born a Democrat, has lived a 
 Democrat, and expects to die one; he has repeat- 
 edly been urged to accept office, but has, on account 
 of his many home duties and responsibilities, 
 invariably declined the proffered honor. Soon after 
 his marriage Mr. Thomas purchased a portion of 
 the home place, on which he has continued to 
 reside. He is a successful farmer and stock raiser, 
 and is respected in the community as an upright, 
 progressive and loyal citizen. 
 
 r AMUEL \V. CRAFT. The well-known 
 family, of which this gentleman is a conspic- 
 uous member, are of German descent, and 
 the earliest record of them now extant is of 
 one Daniel ('raft, who came to Fayette county, 
 Perm., about the year l~">n, and settling near Mer 
 rittstown, there entered a wild, uncultivated tract 
 of land, which continued to remain in the family 
 name until L891. This Daniel Craft had three 
 sous, Samuel, Daniel and Benjamin. 
 
 Samuel Craft, son of the pioneer, Daniel, was 
 born in Germany, and there received his early 
 education. He learned and followed the trade of 
 a silversmith in the Fatherland, and when a young 
 man came to America. He here bought several 
 teams, and carried goods across the mountains to 
 Philadelphia and Baltimore, but finally abandoned 
 that business, anil took up the trade of clock mak- 
 ing, lie had two children, Samuel ami Elizabeth. 
 In religious faith he was a member of the Baptist 
 Church. Samuel Craft, son of Samuel, was born 
 and reared in Fayette county, Penn., where he 
 attended the subscription schools. In early life he 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 io'JT 
 
 was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Chess- 
 round, of Washington county, Penn., and the 
 following children were born to this union: Adam, 
 Peter, Washington, Jonathan, Abel, Leroy, Joshua 
 and Eli. The rather passed his life in agricultural 
 pursuits. In 1821 he went to Vincennes, Ind., 
 and resided there about ten years, and then re- 
 turned to Washington county, and lived for some 
 time in Failowfield township. Some years later he 
 removed to Fayette county, Penn., whence in 1850 
 he went to Iowa, where he died. In religious faith 
 he was a member of the Biptist Church; in poli- 
 tics he was an active Whig. Adam Craft, son of 
 Samuel and Elizabeth Craft, was born in 1810, in 
 Fayette county, Penn., where he was reared and 
 educated. In early manhood he selected a life 
 companion in the person of Margaret, daughter of 
 Jacob Bird, and their children were Jacob, Samuel 
 W., Elizabeth (wife of John L. Trent), Sarah (de- 
 ceased wife of Jacob Huggins) and three whose 
 names are not given. After his marriage Mr. 
 Craft settled on a farm in Failowfield township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and followed farming in 
 connection with the carpentry and building busi- 
 ness. He remained on that place about four years, 
 then moved to a farm owned by his father- in-law, 
 and in 1841 came to East Pike Run township. In 
 1850 he moved to California, this county, and died 
 in that village September 6, 1853, his widow sur- 
 viving till February 22, 1887. They were members 
 of the Baptist Church, and in political opinion he 
 was a Democrat. 
 
 Samuel W. Craft, whose name opens this sketch, 
 son of Adam and Margaret Craft, was born at 
 Jonestown, Washington Co., Penn., July 1, 1835, 
 and was reared in the same county, attending 
 school in the log schoolhouse of that age. He 
 worked on a farm till he was seventeen years old, 
 when he learned the trade of ship-carpenter, work- 
 ing as a common hand until 1859, when he became 
 foreman of the yard, continuing as foreman till 
 1865, then becoming a partner in the ship-building 
 business, and remained in the business till 1870, 
 when the railroad completely destroyed their yard. 
 He then open up in the furniture and undertaking 
 business, which he is still successfully engaged in. 
 He became a member of the M. E. Church at the 
 age of sixteen years, was leader of choir about 
 thirty years, retiring on account of failure of voice; 
 serving also as class leader, trustee, steward and 
 treasurer for many years. On May 24, 1862, Mr. 
 Craft was united in marriage with Martha, daughter 
 of Joseph Powell, a native of Washington county, 
 Penn., and she has borne him nine children, of 
 whom Josephine and Katharine are still living. 
 Mr. Craft became deeply interested in the success 
 and welfare of the Southwestern State Normal 
 School, located at California in 1866, giving liber- 
 ally of his time and money. In 1867 he was 
 
 elected a member of the Board of Trustees, and 
 has served continually ever since, serving as chair- 
 man of important committees, and as vice-president 
 for years. Soon after Mr. Craft entered the Board 
 he was recognized as its financial leader, and in 
 1873, when the school had reached the end of its 
 resources, and the trustees had done all they were 
 able to do, and the sheriff was pushing claims on 
 them, it became imperative on the Board to raise 
 money to save the institution from financial wreck. 
 The duty of formulating a policy to raise the 
 needed money speedily, fell on Mr. Craft, who 
 successfully planned a financial policy by issuing 
 five fifteen -year and five twenty-year first and 
 second mortgage coupon bonds which were suc- 
 cessfully placed on the market at par, from which 
 they realized in a short time sufficient funds to save 
 the school financially, and since that time he is 
 known as the father of the successful financial pol- 
 icy which saved the institution, and the guardian 
 of the treasury. In politics, like his father, he has 
 always been a Democrat and takes special interest 
 in local affairs. 
 
 f OHN J. GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, 
 Mt. Pleasant township, was born February 5, 
 t 1847, in Columbiana county, Ohio, a son 
 ^^ of David H. and Christiana J. (George) 
 George. His paternal grandfather was Judge 
 Thomas George, who married Jane Hunter, and 
 she died many years ago. He was married the 
 second time, and passed away in August, 1873. 
 
 David H. George, a son of Judge Thomas 
 George, was born in 1813, in Jefferson county, 
 Ohio. In 1839 a he was married to Christiana J. 
 George, who was born in 1819, in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, Washington county, Penn., a daughter 
 of Jacob and Isabella (Berry) George, both of 
 Washington county, Penn. Jacob George was a 
 Covenanter originally, jind then joined the United 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he was a ruling 
 elder. He died November 29, 1880. After their 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. David H. George settled 
 in Columbiana county, Ohio, and children were 
 born to them as follows: J. Newton (deceased in 
 March, 1880), Thos. P. (living in McDonald, Penn.), 
 William K. (yet living in Columbiana county, 
 Ohio), John J. (whose name opens this sketch), 
 Robert E. (living on the old homestead), Bella J. 
 (wife of Rev. S. J. Kyle, a minister of Cambridge, 
 Washington Co., N. Y.), and Margaret T. (who 
 died unmarried December 6, 1861, in Ohio). The 
 parents were formerly members of the Associate 
 Reformed Church, then united with the U. P. So- 
 ciety. The father was an active member of the 
 Whig and Republican parties, and an ardent Abol- 
 itionist. He died DecemberlO, 1861, in Ohio, 
 where bis widow is yet residing. David H. George 
 
102S 
 
 II'. I SHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 had eleven brothers and sisters, all now deceased 
 except two brothers and one sister; his wife had 
 one brother and two sisters, of whom the brother 
 and one sister are dead. 
 
 John J. George was educated in the district 
 schools of his birthplace. In 1874 he came to a 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and March 3, 1881, was married to Miss A. 
 Kin ma, who was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., only 
 daughter of John and Nancy Lindsay, natives of 
 Ireland, who came to America many years ago, 
 locating in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the father is 
 yet living; the mother died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. 
 John J. George have resided all their married life 
 on the farm of 137 acres which belongs to Mrs. C. 
 T. George, and they own (adjoining the property) 
 sixty-two acres of land which contains a producing 
 nil-well. Mr. George is an active member of the 
 Republican party. He and his wife are members 
 of the Centre U. P. Church at Midway, in which 
 he is a ruling elder. They have an adopted daugh- 
 ter, Bertha B. 
 
 \ILLIAM PErCS is one of the most enter- 
 prising and prosperous agriculturists of 
 North Strabane township, and is a mem- 
 ber of an old and highly-respected family. 
 Nicholas Pees, great-grandfather of subject, in 
 company with an uncle emigrated from Germany 
 and settled in Canigaugig, " east of the mountains." 
 Bere he married and had three children: Mary, 
 Andrew and George. About the year 1769 lie 
 journeyed on foot to what was then known as the 
 " backwoods," and took up 400 acres of land on 
 Little Chartiers creek, in what is now North Stra- 
 bane township, Washington Co., Penn. lie re- 
 turned East, and brought back to his new home his 
 wife and three children, above named, the boy 
 George, together with all their worldly effects, be- 
 ing conveyed on the back of a horse, the rest jour- 
 neying on foot. During the first winter the family 
 lived in a small log cabin, which the father had 
 erected near the present residence of John M. 
 Berry, on the original tract of 400 acres. Here 
 were born four more children: Nicholas, Catherine, 
 Betsy and Susan. All of the children except 
 Nicholas married and had children. Andrew 
 served in the war of I SI "J. This honored pioneer, 
 Nicholas Pees, died at the patriarchal age of 105 
 years. In stature six feet one inch, and well pro- 
 portioned, he was a modern Goliath in physique and 
 strength. His faithful wife lived to be upward of 
 ninety years of age. 
 
 George Pees, grandfather of subject, was four 
 years old when the family came to Washington 
 county, he being the one that came along with the 
 chattels on horseback. He was married to Lydia 
 Vaughn, a native of New Jersey, daughter of John 
 
 Vaughn, and the children born to this union were: 
 Polly (1), Andrew, Rebecca, Xachariah, John, 
 Nicholas, George, Joseph, James, Eliza, Polly (2), 
 Lydia, and two daughters who died in infancy. ( if 
 these children Polly ( 1 ) was burned to death when 
 quite young; Joseph died at the age of thirty, and 
 James at the age of twenty five. The others mar- 
 ried, had families, and remained in Washington 
 county. George Pees passed from earth March I, 
 1849, and his wife followed him to the grave Octo- 
 ber 10, L865. Both are buried in the cemetery of 
 Pigeon ('reek Presbyterian Church, of which they 
 were active and prominent members. 
 
 Zachariah Pees, father of subject, was born July 
 1T>, 1700, in the house now owned and occupied by 
 John M. Berry. When twenty-one years of age 
 his father exchanged farms with his uncle, Andrew 
 Pees, securing in the exchange a saw and grist 
 mill, known far and wide as "Pees Mills," which 
 was operated by Zachariah Pecs fourteen years. 
 On December 27, 1820, he married Hannah Pees, 
 and the following- is a brief record of the children 
 born to them: William is the subject proper of this 
 memoir; Joseph, born August 21, 1823, was mar- 
 rie I to Sarah Newsom; Andrew, born July 4, 1825, 
 married Julia Ann, daughter of John and Sarah 
 Ann (Haines) Dickson, by whom he had the fol- 
 lowing children: Zachariah Mason, Ida, Elizabeth 
 and John; Mary, born May 1, L827, married Jacob 
 Anthony, a farmer in Illinois, and had ten children: 
 I human, Pearson, Belle, Jane, Ann, Abbie, Ettie, 
 Grant, John and Zachariah; Lydia, born July 21, 
 183Q, married Zachariah Pees, a farmer in Illinois, 
 and had four children: Sloan, Francis, Clark and 
 Leslie; Elizabeth, born June •">, 1833, died March 11, 
 Isll; George, born April 27, 1835, died May 3, 
 1835; Hannah Jane, born May 20, 1839, died May 
 10, 1841; and Phoebe, born April 7, 1S41, died 
 October 30, same year. Mrs. Pees died October 4, 
 1846, and Mr. Pees was married, January 13, 1S4S, 
 to Jane, daughter of Robert and Margaret Jackson, 
 and born in Lancaster county, Penn., October IS, 
 1806. Her family were connections of President 
 Andrew Jackson. By this second marriage Zacha- 
 riah Pees had one child, Margaret, who was born 
 May 12, 1849, and died May is, 1S77. About the 
 year 1825 Mr. Pees bought a farm in Ohio, which 
 lie afterward sold, and then purchased the farm in 
 North Strabane township, this county, now occupied 
 by his son William. lie died October 10, 1885, an 
 elder in the Pigeon Creek Church, in the cemetery 
 of which he now sleeps. 
 
 William Pees was born October 13, L821. He 
 was reared from boyhood to farm life, and received 
 his education at the schools of his district. On May 
 30, |Sll, he married Mary Jane Cheesman, and 
 this union was blessed with one child: Mary J., 
 who was born December 31 , 1S45 (on November 
 10, 1S75, she* married John Alexander Gault, by 
 
/Z<H 
 
 ~£&4 
 
WASHINGTON COL.YTY. 
 
 1031 
 
 whom she had the following children: Mary Emma, 
 born September 1, 1876; D. Leroy, born September 
 26, 1878; Emma C, born September 12, 1880; 
 Olive E., born October 25, 1882; Xora Virginia, 
 born October 19, 1884; Jennie Mowry, born 
 October 12, 1886; and John Alexander, Jr., born 
 December 19, 1889. They live in Union township, 
 near Courtney). Mrs. Pees died February 12, 1846, 
 and William Pees was married in 1848 to Eliza .1. 
 Davis, who was born August 25, 1822. Two 
 children came to them: Hannah, born December 
 14, 1849, and William A., born January 6, 1852, 
 both deceased. Their mother passed away on May 
 26, 1853, and Mr. Pees was married, on January 
 12, 1854, to Cordelia Sutman, who was born April 
 14, 1833, a daughter of Joseph and Susannah 
 (Myers) Sutman, and this third marriage was 
 blessed with seven children: Catherine, born May 
 2, 1855, married, September 28, 1880, to Samuel 
 H. Brehm, of Uniontown, Penn., by whom she has 
 had three children: Hoy E., Clyde G. and Cora 
 Lena; Anna M., born January 10, 1856, and 
 married, August 26, 1879, to J. B. Thomas, of West 
 Alexander, by whom she has had three children: 
 Ada 1 )., ( )liver W. and James William ( deceased ) ; 
 William T., born November 5, L858, and married 
 September 11, 1879, to Josephine Kelsey, who 
 bore him four children: Violet Myrtle, Anna Bell, 
 Jessie Melvin and Orlo, who died when two months 
 old (William T. is a farmer of North Strabane 
 township, Washington Co., Penn.); Albert E., born 
 August 17, 1861, married to Lilli'e Arend, who bore 
 him one son, Albert Floyd ( he lives on the old 
 homestead); Clara B., born November 13, 1863, 
 was married, June 7, 1883, to John Thomas, of 
 Chartiers township, by whom she had the following 
 children: Charles EL, and Olive Pearl and William 
 J. (twins, the last married being deceased); John 
 M., born May 20, 1865 (living on the old home 
 stead); and Sudie E., born September 22, 1866, 
 married, June 30, 1885, to John It. Gamble (she 
 has no children). Mrs. Pees is the eldest in a family 
 of nine children born to Joseph and Susannah 
 ( Myers ) Sutman, viz.: Cordelia, Leman ( deceased ), 
 Brittie C. (widow of William Stark), John M., 
 Aaron (deceased), Hiram, William, Henry and 
 Mary (Mrs. Fred Schively). Joseph Sutman died 
 November 1, 1880, and his wife October 30, L883. 
 He had been a soldier in the Civil war, as were also 
 his sons, John M. and Aaron. Hiram ran away and 
 enlisted in Pittsburgh, but he was too young, and 
 his mother went after him. 
 
 William Pees is a strong Democrat, and takes 
 considerable interest in politics. He has served as 
 school director four terms, or twelve years; justice 
 of the peace ten years; and also as township 
 inspector and auditor. In 1880 he was appointed 
 postmaster at Kerr's "Station, and held that office 
 until 1890. He and his wife have been consistent 
 
 members of the Fairvievv Piesbyteriau Church for 
 the last thirty years, and enjoy the respect and 
 esteem of a wide circle of friends. He was a leading 
 elder, and superintendent of Sabbath-school of 
 Fairview a number of years. 
 
 J, AMES CRAWFORD (deceased). Among 
 the widely-known and universally esteemed 
 citizens of Canonsburg and Peters township, 
 none have proven more worthy of love and 
 respect than has this gentleman, a trusted and 
 honorable business man, a true-hearted Christian 
 gentleman. His father, James Crawford, was horn 
 in County Down, Ireland, where he was married to' 
 Miss Mary Carson, a native of the same place, who 
 bore him six children, namely: Hamilton, Marga- 
 ret, Mary Ann, James, Ellen ami Francis. Of 
 these, James and Mary Ann settled in Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., the other four in ( lanada. 
 
 James Crawford, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born about 1812, in County Down, Ireland, 
 and came to America with the family. In early 
 life he settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked at 
 the mason's trade, afterward becoming a contrac- 
 tor. He was united in marriage with Esther, 
 daughter of John Watson, of Peters township, 
 Washington county, and granddaughter of Will- 
 iam Watson. The latter emigrated from County 
 Down, Ireland, to America, settled in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., and later came to Peters township, 
 where he purchased a timbered farm, and erected 
 a cabin, then returned to Lancaster county for his 
 family, cutting a door in the cabin after their arrival. 
 It had no floor, and weeds had grown up inside. 
 His wife sat on a log nursing John Watson, grand- 
 father of Miss Mary Crawford ami Mrs. Jennie 
 Wasson. He served in the Revolutionary war, tak- 
 ing part in the engagements at Brandywine, Ger- 
 raantown and many others. Iff; married Mary 
 Edgar, who came from County Down, Ireland, to 
 America when yet a little girl, and who bore him 
 one son, John. William Watson and his wife 
 were truly pioneers. 
 
 John Watson was born in Lancaster county, 
 Penn., and came to Peters township, this county, 
 with his father when quite young. • He followed 
 farming, and in early life married Miss Mray Gib- 
 son, of Pigeon Creek, this county, and by her had 
 four children: Esther, Mary (Mrs. John Kerr), 
 Jane (Mrs. James Kerr, of Pittsburgh), and Wil- 
 liam. Esther was born February 24, 1806, and 
 her father dying when she was but a child, she 
 lived with her grandfather until his death, then re- 
 sided with an uncle, James Gibson, of North Stra- 
 bane township, Washington county, until her mar- 
 riage to James Crawford. 
 
 James Crawford followed the business of con- 
 tractor in Pittsburgh, Penn., for seven or eight 
 
1032 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 years after his marriage, then moved to Canonsburg, 
 in order to send their children to the Olome Insti- 
 tute. They lived in town eight or ten years, 
 finally returning to the farm. In polities Mr. Craw- 
 ford was a Republican, and had been offered many 
 offices of trust, but for many years declined to 
 serve; was finally induced, however, to accept the 
 office of burgess of Canonsburg, holding that 
 position several terms. He was a member of the 
 U. P. Church, in which he was also trustee. ( )n 
 June 12, 1877, he died, leaving a wife and two 
 daughters to mourn his departure. Mary, the eldest 
 daughter, graduated from the seminary at Canons- 
 burg, where she is now living. Mrs. Crawford died 
 June 30, 1892. Mary owns the homestead, com- 
 prising 100 acres of land in Peters township, this 
 county, which has been in possession of the family 
 over one hundred years. 
 
 Jennie Crawford (sister of Mary and younger 
 daughter of James and Esther (Watson ) Crawford, 
 in early womanhood was united in marriage with 
 Rev. Luke J. Wasson, an earnest and eloquent 
 youno- minister of Fairview, and son of Hugh and 
 Elizabeth (McQueety) Wasson, who emigrated to 
 America. Mrs. Wasson and sister reside in 
 Canonsburg. 
 
 Luke J. Wasson was born in October, 1846, in 
 County Antrim, Ireland, and was but two years of 
 ao-e when his parents settled in Robinson township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., where the remainder of 
 their lives was passed. He attended the academy 
 at Candor, this county, and in 1803 entered 
 the junior class of Jefferson College, graduating 
 in 1805. He then took a theological course of 
 study at the Western Theological Seminary, Alle- 
 gheny City, receiving his license to preach in 
 1808. He was soon after called to the Presby- 
 terian Church at Calcutta, Columbiana Co., Ohio, 
 and after preaching there one year, declined to 
 accept the call. < >n April 23, 1869, he was or- 
 dained by the Presbytery of New Lisbon, and in 
 June, 1870, united with the Pittsburgh Presbytery. 
 On October 12, of the same year, he became the 
 pastor of the Fairview Church. On November 5, 
 1868, he married Miss Jane Crawford, whose 
 family history is above recorded. Two daughters 
 blessed their union: Alice G. and Frances C. In 
 April, 1873, Lev. Wasson was released from minis- 
 terial duties, and, his health having failed, went 
 west to recuperate, but while in Minneapolis he 
 died, June 3, IS73. A brief life, as we mortals 
 count time, and taken from earth in the very prime 
 of early manhood, yet who can say how many years 
 of fruitful service were compressed into those few 
 months of devoted work. Only Eternity can 
 determine if his crown may not have more jewels 
 than that of many whose hairs have grown white 
 with the burden of many years. One item is 
 culled from the many tributes of affection and re- 
 
 spect given by those who knew Rev. Wasson most 
 intimately: " As a man he was much respected; as 
 a laborer for Christ he was diligent and conse- 
 crated; and as a preacher earnest and successful 
 among his late parishioners, his character and min- 
 istry are held in fond and grateful remembrance." 
 
 L MrATTIIEW RVBURN, a well-known citi- 
 
 \j/| zen of Chartiers township, comes of Scot 
 ■l I tish ancestry. His grandfather was James 
 
 j -* Ryburn, who was born in York county, 
 V Penn., of Scotch parents, lie became a 
 
 soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving from 
 April 1, 1777, to April, 1780, when he received an 
 honorable discharge; then coming to Washington 
 county, Penn., bought a tract of land of one James 
 Smith. He was married to Elizabeth Gordon, and 
 their union was blessed with four children, namely: 
 Matthew, Elizabeth, James and David. The father 
 of this family died in 1826, and the mother lived 
 with her children for many years afterward. 
 
 Matthew Ryburn (father of subject) was born 
 in York county, Penn., and when ten years old 
 came with his parents to Washington county. He 
 was educated in the subscription schools of Char- 
 tiers township, and in early manhood was married 
 to Catherine Gordon, daughter of Thomas Gordon, 
 of Buffalo township, this county. The young 
 couple settled on the farm in Chartiers township 
 where the widow of John Ryburn is now living, 
 and the following children were born to their union: 
 John (deceased December 17, 1SSS, was married to 
 Rebecca Thompson, who is living on the old home- 
 stead), Elizabeth (living with her brother Mat 
 thew), Matthew, Thomas (deceased September 4, 
 1851 ), Mary Jane (wife of J. R. Smith, of Canton 
 township), Nancy and Catherine, twins (the former 
 deceased at the age of eighteen years, the latter 
 when nineteen years old ), and James (deceased 1 >e 
 oember 9, 1863). The father of this family died 
 in 18115, being followed by the mother, in June, 
 L884. He was a member of the Whig party. 
 
 James Ryburn, son of James Ryburn, married 
 Mary Ann Bigley June 23, 1825. They moved to 
 Heyworth, 111., a few years after their marriage. 
 John married Rebecca Thompson December 20, 
 1801), and the following children were born to them: 
 Joseph, John, Katharine, Emma and Matthew. 
 
 Matthew Ryburn, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born September 0, t822,in Chartiers township, 
 this county. He was reared on the farm and edu- 
 cated in the district schools of Chartiers township, 
 afterward learning the cooper and carpenter trades. 
 He is an expert cooper, having made twenty bar- 
 rels in one day, and has followed various other 
 occupations. He owns a good farm of 120 acres, 
 and has erected about $5,000 worth of buildings 
 upon the place, together with other improvements. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1033 
 
 Mr. Ryburn has achieved success by hard work, 
 being now a prosperous business man. He belongs 
 to the Republican party, and in religion is a mem- 
 ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Cross 
 Roads. 
 
 I/SAAC NEWTON CONNETT. Members of 
 the Connett family have been important factors 
 in the social and material history of Washing- 
 -i ton county for nearly a century. The immedi- 
 ate subject of this sketch, whose name appears at 
 the opening thereof, was born in Morris township 
 in 1826. Roth his father, James Connett, and his 
 grandfather, whose name was also James, immi- 
 grated to Morris township from New Jersey in 
 1801. Upon locating in Morris township the 
 senior James Connett, grandfather of subject, pur- 
 chased what is known as the "Connett farm," six 
 months after its entry, located one and one-half 
 miles northeast of Prosperity. It is one of the best 
 in that section. James Connett, Sr., was a weaver 
 by trade, to which he gave his sole attention, and 
 at one time he did all the weaving of linen and 
 woolen croods in the southern part of the county. 
 His death occurred in 1845. 
 
 James Connett, Jr., father of Isaac N., was born 
 in 1797, in the town of the nativity of T. I)e Witt 
 Talmage — Bainbrook, N. J. He remained with 
 his father until about seventeen years of age, re- 
 ceiving such an education as the times and sur- 
 roundings afforded, which were by no means such 
 as are enjoyed at present. After leaving the pater- 
 nal roof, young Connett worked about in various 
 places at sundry things until 1821, when he married 
 Miss Rebecca Cary, a daughter of Henry Cary, who 
 had removed to Washington county, from Morris- 
 town, N. J., in 1802. Isaac Newton Connett was 
 the second in a family of three children born to this 
 union. His brothers, Henry and ( Miver, died at the 
 ages of four and nineteen, respectively. The father 
 died in 1882, and the mother in 1872. 
 
 Educated to practical farm life, Isaac N. Connett 
 has made farming his lifetime vocation. His suc- 
 cess attests to his energy and practical judgment. 
 He has seen Washington county evolve from almost 
 a wilderness to its present prosperous state. He 
 speaks of hearing his mother tell of how, in the 
 days of their early location there, travelers were 
 actually compelled to construct their own roads in 
 many instances. Mr. Connett was in 1847 united 
 in marriage with Lucinda Lindley, of Morris town- 
 ship. She is descended from a family of early pio- 
 neers, who settled in Washington county as early 
 as 1783, the first members having immigrated from 
 New Jersey. Her grandfather was one of three 
 brothers who were all Revolutionary soldiers, and 
 who in later years came to Washington county and 
 constructed a fort called Lindley's Fort, near where 
 
 Isaac Connett now resides. This fort was at that 
 time the strongest fortification between Wheeling 
 (W. Va.) and Brownsville (Penn.). It withstood 
 all the attacks of the Indians, the barricades never 
 having in any part been broken down. To the 
 union of Mr. and Mrs. Connett have been born 
 four children, all of whom are living, viz.: Flora 
 Samantha, who married, in 1868, S. B. McVay, of 
 Morris township; Hannah Rebecca, married, in 1872, 
 to Joseph Shafer, of Knox county, Ohio, where 
 they now reside; Sarah Cordelia, married, in 1879, 
 to Wiley Parkinson, of Greene county, Penn. (.Mr. 
 Parkinson died in 188"), and Mrs. Parkinson now 
 resides with her parents); Clara Bethany, the 
 youngest, was married, in 1884, 'to Joshua Heironi- 
 mous, of Madison county, Ohio (Mr. and Mrs. 
 Heironimous now reside at Plymouth, Iowa, where 
 he is telegraph operator in the office of the Chicago, 
 Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, which position he 
 has held a number of years). Prior to 1884 Mr. 
 Connett was allied with the Republican party, 
 since which time he has given his influence and 
 support to the Prohibition cause. In the sense of 
 an office-seeker he is not a politician, though he 
 takes an active interest in matters pertaining to 
 the welfare of his county and community. A con- 
 tinuous residence of fifty-eight years at the same 
 place has proven him worthy of the esteem in which 
 he is held. 
 
 JfOHN E. SPHAR. The Sphar family have 
 I been identified with the history of Wash- 
 I ington county for many years. Mat- 
 tern Spnar was born in Switzerland, and, in 
 company with two brothers and one sister, immi- 
 grated to America at the age of seventeen years, 
 about the year 1760. He first settled in Williams- 
 burg, Va., and on April 21, 1767, took the oath of 
 allegiance under Queen Anne. He was there 
 married to Margaret Shively, and in 1780 came to 
 Washington county, Penn., and purchased of one 
 Colonel Cooke 200 acres of land on the Mononga- 
 hela river, in what is now Washington county. He 
 took an active part in the Whiskey Insurrection, 
 and was a soldier in the war of 1812. He died 
 about the year 1822, leaving three children, namely: 
 John, Mattern (who moved to Adams county, Ohio, 
 thence to Indiana), and Henry (who lived in this 
 county). 
 
 John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun 
 county, Va., and when but three years of age came 
 with his parents to Washington county, Penn. He 
 received a subscription-school education in Allen 
 township, and when a young man was married to 
 Susanna Redd, a native of Washington county, 
 and reared the following children: Mary, wife of 
 John Shively, Guernsey county, Ohio; Jacob was 
 first married to Susan Wood, who died, and he was 
 
L034 
 
 WASHING TON CO UN ft. 
 
 then married to Charlotte Wilson; Elizabeth, wife 
 of Joseph Dunlevy; Daniel, married to Mary Speer, 
 and lived in Kentucky; Ann, wife of William 
 Spah, of Indiana; Barbara, wife of William Hol- 
 lingshead; Mattern, married to Margaret Coyle, of 
 Ohio; Sarah, widow of Joseph Peazell, Allen town- 
 ship; Rachel, married to Robert Gailey, Clarion 
 county, Penn.; John, married to Lucy Ann Scott, 
 and Henry. Of this family, three are yet living: 
 Sarah, John and Henry. The father voted with 
 the Whig and Republican parties, and served as 
 supervisor of the township. He and his wife were 
 members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1850, 
 having been preceded by his wife and mother in 
 1852. 
 
 John Sphar was born February 26, 1817, on the 
 old place in Allen township, Washington county, 
 Pennsylvania. In 1839 he was united in marriage 
 with Lucy Ann Scott, daughter of Parker and 
 Sarah (Carson) Scott, all of whom were natives of 
 Fallowheld township. Her parents had twelve 
 daughters, of whom Mrs. Sphar is the only one yet 
 living. Mr. Sphar owns seventy-five acres of the 
 old homestead, where he has followed general farm- 
 ing. He cast a vote for William Henry Harrison, 
 and since the organization of the Republican party 
 has been an earnest supporter of that faction, hav- 
 ing served as a member of the school board and 
 also as supervisor. He is no less interested in 
 religious than in political movements, having been 
 licensed as an exhorter and class leader in the 
 Ebenezer M. E. ( 'hurch, with which his wife is also 
 identified. The children of this influential family 
 are as follows: Sarah, wife of William Rogers, of 
 Fallowheld township; Parker S.; Henry, married 
 to a Miss McElhaney, of Armstrong county, Penn.; 
 James, deceased in his twenty-sixth year; John E.; 
 Susanna, widow of Fphraim McKee; Gertrude, 
 married to J. H. Redd, and Wesley, deceased at 
 the age of nineteen years. 
 
 John E. Sphar, the fourth son of John and Lucy 
 Ann (Scott) Sphar, was born December 27, 1849, 
 in Allen township, this county. He received a 
 district-school education, then attended one term 
 at the college at California, this county. After 
 leaving school he began to follow farming, and on 
 ( (ctober 29, 1872, was married to Sarah Jane, 
 daughter of Cornelius and Harriet (Phillips) 
 McKenna. They were early settlers of Allen 
 township, this county, where their daughter, Sarah 
 Jane, was born. They moved to Ohio, but in the 
 spring of 1873 Mr. and Mrs. Sphar settled on the 
 homestead farm in Allen township, where they now 
 are livino-. He is an ardent Republican. He 
 assisted his father on the farm till L887, when he 
 became owner <>f part of the farm. While he was 
 thus engaged, foreseeing in the near future the 
 development of the coal lands for which the Mon- 
 oncrahela Valley is noted, he turned his spare time 
 
 to reading surveying. After some practice in land 
 surveying and town plats, he was called to con- 
 struct maps of coal fields. He drew the first map 
 of the coal field that is now known as the Red 
 Bird mine. Then followed the mapping of the 
 extensive field now owned by the Laughlins, known 
 by the name of Vesta Coal Mines. He also located 
 the main gas line from the famous Parson Well in 
 the Maple Creek gas field; then carved out and 
 optioned some coal land for which he found ready 
 sale, besides doing much other work, being the only 
 surveyor in Allen township. Pie is a member of 
 the Mt. Tabor M. E. Church and secretary of the 
 Sabbath-school. The following- children havecom- 
 pleted the family circle: Clark Herbert, at the age 
 of nineteen is wire chief in the main office of the 
 Western Union Telegraph Company, in Chicago; 
 Nellie Ethel, Rena Maud, Kldora Belle, Gertrude, 
 Lawrence Garfield, Jennie May, Evangeline, John 
 McKenna, Russell Harrison, and Bessie Inez. 
 Parker S. married a Miss Dunlevy, daughter of 
 Andrew Dunlevy, of Washington county. 
 
 Fl< NDREW BORLAND, a representative of 
 I l\ one of the oldest families of Peters town- 
 /p^\ ship, was born November 12, L793, in that 
 J -* locality. He grew to manhood on the 
 v home farm in Peters township, and when a 
 
 young man, March 3, 1825, was married to Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of Alexander McClure, a native of 
 Ireland. They were the parents of the following 
 named children: Alexander Mc. Borland, Mary 
 (Mrs. Thomas McClelland), Rebecca ( Mrs. Arthur 
 Hopper), .Margaret A. (Mrs. John Bell), Elizabeth 
 I Mrs. J. R. McClure), Sarah J. (Mrs. John Wat- 
 son), Andrew J., Catherine (Mrs. R. I). Henry), 
 Rachel, Martha W. and James L. Borland. Of 
 these children, Rebecca, Catherine, Martha and 
 Rachel are deceased. Mr. Borland passed the 
 first years of his married life in Peters township, 
 Washington county, and afterward made a perma- 
 nent home in South Strabane township, lie was a 
 successful business man, and took an active inter- 
 est in all public enterprises or charities which were 
 worthy of his aid. In politics he was a stanch 
 1 )emocrat, and was frequently elected to county 
 offices by his party. In religious faith he was a 
 leading member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. He died July IS, I860, on the farm now 
 owned by A. J. and J. L. Borland, and was 
 mourned by a large circle of friends. 
 
 Andrew and James Borland were born on the 
 home farm in Peters township, Washington county, 
 and received a common-school education. In early 
 youth they assumed the management of the home 
 place in South Strabane, which they still own, 
 transacting all business together. They are among 
 the leading men of the township, and enjoy the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1035 
 
 esteem of all who know them. They have never 
 married, and a sister, Margaret A., and her daugh- 
 ter, Mary M. Bell, attend to the household duties. 
 They have au excellent farm, and deal largely in 
 stock. Both of the brothers are active workers in 
 the Democratic party, of which they are members. 
 The Borland family were among the organizers of 
 the United Presbyterian Church at Peters Creek, 
 and the brothers contributed liberally to the sup- 
 port of the Pigeon Creek U. P. Church, of which 
 they are members. 
 
 IT LBERT ZELT. Jacob Zelt was a native 
 
 1/ \\ of Bremen, Germany, where the family 
 f~"Y\ were engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
 Jl -j But after many years of faithful toil in the 
 land of his birth, the father at last came to 
 the conclusion that success could be more easily 
 won in newer fields, where there was less compe- 
 tition and more freedom. No sooner was this de- 
 cision made than his eyes turned to that Mecca of 
 all oppressed children of the world — America — 
 and in 1838 he emigrated to this the " Land of 
 Promise." 
 
 The long and perilous journey was made in a 
 sailing vessel, and, did space permit, we might tell 
 of weeks of danger and suspense, ere the travelers 
 arrived in safety at their destination. Jacob Zelt 
 was then a boy of eighteen, and soon after the ar- 
 rival of the family in America he went to Vir- 
 ginia, where he was employed upon the public 
 works for some time, and then came to Pittsburgh, 
 Penn. After a year's residence there, he removed 
 with his family to Washington county, Penn., 
 where he passed the remainder of his life. In 
 1842, in Pittsburgh, Penn., he was married to 
 Mary Bartz, and this union was blessed with the 
 following children: William, John, Jacob, Lewis, 
 Adam, Prank, Henry, Albert, Mary ( Mrs. William 
 Hartman) and Ella (Mrs. Douglas McMurray). 
 Politically, Mr. Zelt was a Democrat, and an active 
 worker in his party. He was a member of the 
 Lutheran Church, giving it a liberal financial sup- 
 port. Beginning life for himself when a mere 
 boy, with neither friends nor'money and' a stranger 
 in a foreign laud, Mr. Zelt was in every sense of 
 the term a self-made man, and his success in busi- 
 ness, achieved as it was in the face of so many ob- 
 stacles, should serve as a strong incentive to all 
 struggling young men. Mr. Zelt passed from the 
 scene of his labors May 10, 1882, to join the wife 
 who had preceded him to the dark valley on Feb- 
 ruary 15, 1879. 
 
 Albert Zelt, the subject proper of this memoir, 
 was born December 7, I860, in Washington, this 
 county, where he has passed his entire life, and 
 received his education at the schools of the 
 borough. On June '23, 1884, he was married to 
 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Lewis Fleming, of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., and the children born to 
 them are John, born in March, 1886; Mary, born 
 in December, 18S9, and Harry, born in May, 1891. 
 Mr. Zelt has always been an enthusiastic advocate 
 of Democratic principles. He is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. He and his brother are the 
 proprietors of a mill which they purchased in 1887, 
 and since they have assumed the management of 
 the property it has been much improved in many 
 ways. The present owners employ all the latest 
 improved machinery, and have doubled the capacity 
 of the mill, which was found to be essential in 
 order to supply their customers, as their work is 
 famous for its excellent quality. They are an en- 
 terprising and progressive firm, and enjoy the con- 
 fidence and respect of the entire community. 
 
 T\i II. ALLISON, a prominent farmer and 
 I / 1\ stock raiser of Chartiers township, is a 
 fj^Yi native of the same, having been born here 
 Jl —^ November 21, 1828, a son of Hugh and 
 Jane (Gabby) Allison, also natives of Wash- 
 ington county. 
 
 John and Jane (Brownlee) Allison, grandparents 
 of subject, were natives of the Highlands of Scot- 
 land, emigrating to Washington county, Penn., in 
 1768. On April 5,1786, they obtained a patent 
 for 415 acres of land, and settled on the same, 
 cultivating and adding to it until they had 640 
 acres. They were the parents of nine children, 
 eight sons (all of whom died in Washington county, 
 except Gavin, who died in Butler county, Penn.) 
 and one daughter. They were as follows: John, 
 deceased in 1804; Gavin, deceased; Archibald, de- 
 ceased in 1835; William, deceased in 1764; James, 
 deceased in 1810; Thomas, deceased in 1840; 
 Ebenezer, deceased in 1812; Hugh, deceased in 
 lN3:j, and Jane. The father of this family died 
 in March, 17 ( J0, in Washington county; his widow 
 survived him several years. 
 
 Hugh Allison, the father of subject, was born in 
 1773, in Washington county, Perm., on the farm in 
 Chartiers township, and was reared to farm life. 
 In 1791 he was married to Miss Jane Irwin, a 
 native of this county, who bore him one child, 
 Jane, who became the wife of George Morrison, 
 and died in 1871, in Mattoon, Coles Co., 111., leav- 
 ing seven children. Mrs. Allison died in Wash- 
 ington county in 1795, and in 1798 Mr. Allison was 
 married to Miss Jane Brownlee, a native of Wash- 
 ington county, who died in 1802, the mother of 
 two children: Eliza, who married William Scott, 
 and afterward moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, 
 where she died, leaving seven children; and Ammi, 
 who died in Washington county at the age of four- 
 teen. In 1804 Mr. Allison was again married, this 
 time to Miss Rebecca McBride, of this county. To 
 
1036 
 
 WASHINGTON < OUNTY. 
 
 this union were born the following children: 
 Maria, who became the wife of Hugh Lee, and 
 moved to Henderson county, 111., where she died; 
 Rebecca, wife of John C. Hanna, died in Washing- 
 ton county, the mother of four children; Hugh 
 and James, both deceased in infancy; John, mar- 
 ried three times ( he moved to Henderson county, 
 111., and died there, leaving a large family); 
 Thomas, moved to Henderson county, 111., and mar- 
 ried a Miss Graham (his death occurred in 1869, in 
 Illinois); and one that died in infancy. The 
 mother of this family died in 1818. In 1820 Mr. 
 Allison married Miss .fane Gabby, a native of 
 Washington county, daughter of James and Janet 
 (lirownlee) Gabby, natives of Maryland, who 
 came in an early day from Chambersburgh to 
 Washington county, where they died. To Huorh 
 and Jane (Gabby) Allison were born eight children, 
 as follows: Jane G., born June 11, 1822, married 
 to Joseph McNary, and residing in Chartiers town- 
 ship, this county (they have nine children); James 
 G., born Septemoer 18, 1824, married to Mary 
 Gabby, and now residing in Nuckolls county, Neb. 
 ( he had a family of ten children, eig-ht of whom 
 are now living ) ; M-irgaret, born March 11, 1826, 
 widow of E. K. Rogers, residing in Washington 
 county (she has six children ); Archibald H; Hugh 
 Brownlee, born April 20, 1830, first married to Mary 
 Jane Gabby, and they had five children, but one of 
 whom is living (his second wife was Mrs. Oakison; 
 he moved to 1 )es Moines, Iowa, where he is now 
 residing); one' that died in infancy; Anna Hender- 
 son, born June 27, 1833; and Ebenezer, born Au- 
 gust 12, 1835, married in 1873 to Orpha Jane 
 Hayes, and residing on a part of the old homestead. 
 Mr. Allison was a man of robust health. He was 
 an active worker in the United Presbyterian 
 Church, and was chosen elder at the age of about 
 twenty years. He attended all the synods and 
 meetings of the Presbytery, and was present at 
 the meeting that made slavery a question of com- 
 munion; he was also an ardent advocate of the 
 temperance cause. He was commissioned major 
 in the State Militia. He was a Whiff, active in 
 politics, and held several offices of public trust in 
 the township. He died in Washington county 
 September 3, 1853, his wife surviving him until 
 December 14, 1870. 
 
 Archibald II. Allison was reared on the home 
 farm, and received his education in the district 
 schools of the county. For a while he taught 
 school in Washington county, and studied under 
 private teachers, but his life work has been agri- 
 culture. Mr. Allison has made many improve- 
 ments on the farm upon which he now resides. It 
 consists of 125 acres of good land, in a tine state 
 of cultivation, upon which he has built a substan- 
 tiil dwelling house and barn. Politically, Mr. Al- 
 lison is an active Republican, ai)4 has held various 
 
 offices of trust in Chartiers township. He was in 
 the convention that opposed " Know-Nothingism" 
 in the county; is active in all that pertains to the 
 public welfare, and is a prominent, enterprising 
 man. 
 
 J | AMES HANNA was born October 3, 1831), in 
 Washington county, Penn., a son of Hugh 
 ] Hanna, who was born June 14, 1798. On 
 March 31, 1825, Hugh Hanna was united in 
 marriage with Dorothy Whitely, who was born 
 May 22, 1801, and to their union were born eight 
 children. The father died June 8, 1842, and the 
 mother passed away June 11, 1858, and was buried 
 in Brush Run cemetery. 
 
 James Hanna passed his early life at home, and 
 at the age di seventeen years began to learn 
 cabinet making, but abandoning this for the car- 
 penter's trade, continued to follow the latter voca- 
 tion until 1877. On September 1, 1870, he made 
 choice of a bride in the person of Catherine, daugh- 
 ter of George and Jane (McMahon) Johnston. 
 To the union of James and Catherine Hanna the 
 following children have been born: Hugh Willard 
 (a school teacher), Mary Jane, George Johnston, 
 and two that died in infancy. In 1868 Mr. Hanna 
 bought sixty- four acres of land in North Strabane 
 township, and to the original tract he has added 
 thirty acres, which makes a very pleasant home. 
 The family attend the Chartiers Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 ALTER DENNY, a son of Robert, and 
 and grandson of Walter Denny, is one of 
 the well-known and most highly esteemed 
 citizens of his township. His grandfather 
 was born in the year 1750, east of the mountains, 
 and followed the occupations of a farmer and mil- 
 ler. He was there married to Esther Maxwell, and 
 in the year 1788 came to Washington county, lo- 
 cating near Canonsburg. After several years he 
 moved to a farm near Washington borough, where 
 he passed the remainder of his life, and reared the 
 following children: Catherine, Martha, Margaret, 
 Esther, Eleanor, James, Robert and Walter, all of 
 whom lived to an adult age. Mr. Denny died in 
 the year 1802, and was followed by his wife in the 
 year 1843. 
 
 Robert Denny was born in the year 187ji, east of 
 the mountains, and when but a child came with his 
 parents to Washington county. He received his 
 education at the rate schools, and in the year ISM, 
 was united in marriage to Lydia (who was born in 
 1795), daughter of James McMannis, and their 
 children were Walter, Anne (Mrs. J. C. Sloan, of 
 Hopewell township), Esther, , Fames, Robert, Eliza- 
 betb (these four are deceased.), WiUiftB) ami ( 'ath.e' 
 
WASHINGTON COCW'TY. 
 
 1037 
 
 rine (twins, the former living in Kansas, and the 
 latter, Mrs. Work, of Buffalo township), and Lydia 
 (widow of Alexander Work, of Harrison county, 
 Ohio). After his marriage Mr. Denny located one 
 mile and a half north of Washington borough, in 
 South Strabane township. He then moved to 
 Chartiers township, and there continued farming 
 until his death, which occurred in the year 1832. 
 His widow followed him in 1853. Politically he 
 was a Democrat, and in religious connection a 
 member of the Associate Reformed Church. 
 
 Walter Denny was born April 30, 1816, in South 
 Strabane township, this county. He assisted his 
 father on the farm, and received his education in 
 the usual log schoolhouse. In the year 1842 he 
 was married to Mary (who was born February 28, 
 1822), daughter of John Welch, of Chartiers town- 
 ship. The children born to them were as follows: 
 Mary Jane (Mrs. Samuel Leper, of Beaver county, 
 Penn.); Elizabeth Ann (wife of John Wilson, super- 
 intendent of the County Home); Margaret L. (Mrs. 
 J. G. Hanna) ; Sarah L. (deceased in infancy) ; Sarah 
 E. (deceased); Robert X. (deceased in infancy); 
 John W. and Laura (Mrs. William Patterson, of 
 Hopewell township) (twins); Samuel T. (a farmer 
 of Hopewell township); Alice (Mrs. Marion Lig- 
 gett, of Donegal township); Agnes; Cora (Mrs. 
 Robert Buchanan); and Martha ( living at home). 
 After his marriage Mr. Denny first located in South 
 Strabane township, and in the year 1849 went to 
 Hopewell township, moving in 1875 to his present 
 home, which is situated about one mile and a half 
 west of West Middletown, near the boundary line of 
 Hopewell and Independence townships. Mr. Denny 
 has always been a farmer, but of late years has been 
 enjoying a comparatively retired life in his elegant 
 home. Politically he was originally a Whig, and 
 a strong Abolitionist, then a Democrat, afterward 
 a Republican, and now a Prohibitionist. He has 
 never been bound closely to party lines, but has 
 voted according to the dictates of his own judg- 
 ment, and held various township" offices. He and 
 his wife are members of the U. P. Church at West 
 Middletown. 
 
 J (AMES PRIGG, now retired from active work, 
 is a worthy representative of a family long 
 and favorably known in Canton township, of 
 which he is a native, having been born in 
 1822, a son of Samuel Prigg, a sketch of whom 
 appears in that of William Prigg, elsewhere. Our 
 subject was reared to farm life almost from the 
 cradle, and in his boyhood, during a few weeks in 
 the winter time, attended the subscription schools, 
 which were situated at a great distance from his 
 home; and although his educational advantages 
 were extremely limited, yet his opportunites for 
 le&rning in the sphgol of practical life were abun- 
 
 dant. At an early day Mr. Prigg commenced life 
 for himself as an agriculturist, and with the aid of 
 his faithful wife he has met with well-merited suc- 
 cess, being now the owner of 250 acres of well- 
 improved land, besides a fine dwelling house in the 
 borough of Washington, whither he and his wife 
 moved in 1885, and where they are now living re- 
 tired, enjoying the fruits of their industry. 
 
 On September 9, 1852, James Prigg was united 
 in marriage with Nancy G, daughter of Joseph and 
 Nancy Mountz, of this county, and the children 
 born to them were: Ellen A. (deceased), Oliver J. 
 and Laura (Mrs. John H. Wilson). The family 
 are all Presbyterians and prominent in church mat- 
 ters. Politically, Mr. Prigg has been a lifelong 
 Democrat, and has ever manifested a deep interest 
 in the welfare of his township and county, where he 
 is recognized as a leader in the community. 
 
 .pjNOCH D. PRIGG, one of the best-known 
 native-born farmers of the county, is a son 
 of Samuel and Hetty (Day) Prigg. He 
 was born November 11, 1817, in Canton 
 township, and from very early life experienced little 
 else than hard work on his father's farm, varied occa- 
 sionally during the winter season by a few weeks' 
 attendance at the nearest subscription school, to 
 reach which entailed a long journey through the 
 deep snow, often in the teeth of a piercing wind. 
 The schoolhouse was an old log cabin, the floor 
 made of puncheons, seats of undressed slabs sup- 
 ported by wooden pegs, while the writing desk was 
 simply a slab extending across the room, and placed 
 so high that the younger scholars could scarcely 
 reach it. The fireplace was a huge affair at one 
 end of the room, the generous fire being replen- 
 ished by the older students usually during the noon 
 hour. The other medium for keeping the boys 
 " warm," the indispensable " birch," was under the 
 immediate care of the dreaded dominie himself, 
 who considerately kept it in a condition of chronic 
 "pickle." Leaving school at an early age, our 
 subject commenced his life-work in earnest, but 
 true to his filial instincts remained at home with his 
 parents, until his assistance was no longer necessary. 
 He then, in company with his brother William, 
 purchased a farm, which they worked on shares 
 and greatly improved, until they bought another 
 tract, when they divided their property, the old 
 home place falling to Enoch's share. 
 
 In June, 1858, Mr. Prigg married Matilda M., 
 daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth M. Daniels, and 
 the children born to them are: Andrew, who mar- 
 ried Miss Thomasene Elwood; Sarah (Mrs. Charles 
 Taylor); Belle (Mrs. Elmer Longdon); Lottie (Mrs. 
 James Lacock ), and Morgan. Mr. Prigg owns 385 
 acres of land in Canton township, and is a member 
 of a company owning large areas in the ( ' Sunny 
 
1038 
 
 WASHINGTON COC'XTY. 
 
 South." In politics he has always been an enthu- 
 siastic Democrat, but in county and township elec- 
 tions votes for those whom he thinks will best serve 
 the people, irrespective of party considerations, 
 lie is a liberal and useful citizen, one who unaided 
 has made his own success. 
 
 When a small boy Enoch frequently accompanied 
 his father across the mountains, assisting him to the 
 Kiltimore market, whither he went to sell horses, 
 he being a large dealer for those early times, and 
 at the same mart Enoch witnessed the sale of negro 
 slaves. 
 
 ENJAMIN FARABEE. Foremost among 
 the successful farmers of Morris township, 
 Ij Washington county, stands our subject. He 
 is a self made man in every particular, hav- 
 ing acquired the wealth he now possesses by indus- 
 try and strict integrity. 
 
 Benjamin Farabee is a son of Thomas Farabee, 
 whose parents emigrated to this country from En- 
 gland in the early part of 1700, settling in Bucks 
 county, Penn. Thomas Farabee had hve brothers 
 and one sister. Their names were as follows: 
 Joseph, John, Samuel, George, Benjamin and Jane. 
 The last named brother and sister settled in South 
 Carolina, where they died. Thomas Farabee mar- 
 ried, in Bucks county, Jane Coffey, a native of that 
 county. He, being attracted with the fertile hills 
 and valleys of Washington county, emigrated 
 thither with his four brothers, at about the same 
 time (being about the year 1800), each purchasing 
 land, Thomas owning what now forms a part of the 
 immense tract of our subject. The wife of Thomas 
 Farabee died in 1836 at the age of fifty-six, and 
 Thomas Farabee died in 1849, aged seventy-six 
 years. To their union were born the following 
 children: Jane (Mrs. Stephen Craft), Mary ( Mrs. 
 Charles Bogue), Sarah (Mrs. Daniel Robison ), 
 William ( who died in Athens county, Ohio), Stacy 
 1). (in Washington county, Penn.), Samuel D. (in 
 Missouri), Thomas 1). (in Washington county, 
 Penn.), Nancy (Mrs. Mr. Doddridge), and Benja- 
 min, the only member of the family now living. 
 Mrs. Bogue had three children; Mrs. Robison nine; 
 William eight; and two of the hitter's sons — Spen- 
 cer and Thomas — are practicing physicians in < >hio; 
 Stacy D. had three children, as had also Mrs. Dod- 
 dridge; Samuel 1). had three children, one son — 
 Harvey — who was a valiant soldier and officer in 
 the Civil war, serving as captain and major, re- 
 turning home al the close of the struggle. Benja- 
 min Farabee was born in 1822, and was first mar- 
 ried to Phcebe I'ay in 1842, who died in 1849 
 without issue. In 18">t5 he married Margaret Mc- 
 Kerrihan (Bane), a good Christian woman and an 
 earnest church worker, who died March 10, L889, 
 aged fifty-eight years. Mr. Farabee afterward mar- 
 
 ried, on March 18, 1891, his present wife, an esti- 
 mable and refined Christian lady, Miss Mary E. 
 I mlay, daughter of John F. Imlay, of East Pike 
 Run township, Washington county. 
 
 Mr. Farabee has been variously connected in 
 church relations, having been a class-leader, and 
 teacher in the Sunday-school for more than twenty- 
 eight years, and superintendent a part of that time, 
 and is at the present time teacher of a Bible class, 
 also holding the office of steward and trustee. The 
 Mount Zion M. E. Church has the liberal support 
 of Mr. Farabee in the way of contribution to all its 
 various demands. He is a true and loyal friend to 
 the Church of his choice, and is appreciated as a 
 useful, intelligent and pious citizen in the com- 
 munity in which he lives. His health has been 
 somewhat impaired by an attack of la grippe a few 
 years ago, which necessitates his comparative re- 
 tirement from active farm work. Politically he has 
 been a lifelong Republican. 
 
 JOHN H. VAN KIRK is a representative of 
 the family of that name in franklin township. 
 His grandfather, Joseph Van Kirk ( 1 ), was a 
 native of the State of New Jersey, which had 
 long been the home of his ancestors, but in early 
 youth he came to Pennsylvania, and located in 
 what is now South Franklin township, Washington 
 county. Joseph Van Kirk ( 1 ) was united in mar- 
 riage with a Miss Beabout, and there were born to 
 them the following children: Eben, Reuben, Osee, 
 Sarah, Christina and Joseph (2). Mr. Van Kirk 
 passed the greater part of his married life on the 
 farm, but some years before his death he sold his 
 f-irin, and with all his family except his son, 
 Joseph (2), removed to Wayne county, Ohio, 
 which in those days (18~4) was considered the 
 'Far West." 
 
 Joseph Van Kirk (2) was born April 14, 1M>7. 
 His early life was spent on the farm, consequently 
 he had but limited means and opportunities for an 
 education. In 1825 he was married to Nancy 
 1 1 agerty, and there were born to them four children, 
 all of whom died in childhood except Christina. 
 She lived to womanhood, and was married to Colin 
 Dickerson, but about one year after she died, 
 ]<'<i\ ing one son, Joseph Dickerson, who now resides 
 in Champaign county, 111. Mr. Van Kirk was mar- 
 ried (the second time) May 11, 1837, to Martha 
 Adams, who was born May 11, 1805, and to this 
 union there came four children, viz.: Joseph A. 
 ( sketch of whom appears further on); Sarah Mar- 
 garet, born March 2 I, 1X4'-'; John H. (of whom a 
 brief sketch follows ); Mary Ellen, born February 
 14, ISIS, died in 1ST>4. Of these, Sarah Margaret 
 was married to 'Silas Tharp, of Amwell township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., December 4, IS";'. Joseph 
 Van Kirk had, as already intimated, but a limited 
 
^ 
 
 ^cP -3 1st., 0t VrUy?^/ SC^-fr 
 
WASHINGTON COUXTY 
 
 1041 
 
 education, but by diligent use of such means as 
 were at his command, he succeeded in fitting himself 
 for all the numerous duties which devolved upon 
 him from time to time. Possessed of a good 
 memory, and a taste for reading, he was well- 
 informed and well up with the times in which he 
 lived, always ready to give aid in money or influ- 
 ence for the promotion of improvements for the 
 public good. He was a shareholder in the first 
 railroad built in the county, know as the "Hemp- 
 field Railroad," and also in the (Jhartiers Valley 
 Railroad, and was a stanch supporter and share- 
 holder of the Upper Ten-Mile Plank Road Co., 
 which he served for many years as manager, and 
 for several years occupied the position of president 
 of the company. He was frequently called to 
 serve his fellow-citizens in different offices in his 
 township, all of which duties he performed with 
 conscientious fidelity. In religion he was a Pres- 
 byterian, uniting with the Church of East Buffalo 
 in 1833, soon after which he was chosen to the 
 office of ruling elder, a position he filled acceptably 
 until the close of the pastorate of Rev. William P. 
 Aldrich; he afterward united with the Second 
 Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn., and 
 was a member of this church at the time of his 
 death, which occurred May 8, 1870; his funeral 
 service was conducted by his pastor, Rev. Henry 
 Woods, 1). 13. Having no capital to begin business 
 save willing hands and a strong will, he nevertheless 
 succeeded in securing a competence, which enabled 
 him to spend his last years in comfort and content- 
 ment. His first land purchase adjoined the farm 
 formerly belonging to his father,and here he built his 
 home, and lived until he was called to his final rest. 
 
 John H. Van Kirk was born on the home farm in 
 South Franklin township, Washington I 'o., Penn., 
 July 12, 1844. On November 21, 1872, he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Margaret J. Xoble, a 
 resident of Buffalo township, Washington county, 
 and they have had five children, as follows: One, a 
 daughter, born February 2, 1876, died in infancy; 
 Mary V., born February 10, 1877; Robert N., born 
 December 17, 1878; Mattie Bell, born March 24, 
 1881, and Sarah Margaret, born March 17, 1884. 
 
 Joseph A. Van Kibe was born August 29, 1840, 
 on the home farm in South Franklin township. 
 His youth was here passed, and in attending the 
 common schools, until he attained his majority. 
 On October 22, 1863, he was married to Sarah E. 
 Van Kirk, who was born October 14, 1842, a 
 daughter of Captain Joseph Van Kirk, of Amwell 
 township, Washington county. 
 
 After marriage they settled on a portion of the 
 farm, where they continued to reside and where 
 the following children were born to them: Clarence 
 B., December 20, L865; I iharles, October 29, 1869, 
 and Joseph B., August 29, 1871. Mr. Van Kirk 
 was welj-jqformed in the current topics of the day, 
 
 he was an ardent worker in the ranks of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and was chosen at different times to 
 fill positions to which he was elected; in religious 
 belief he was a Presbyterian, having united with 
 the church of East Buffalo in his youth, but after- 
 ward transferred his membership to the Second 
 Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn., of 
 which he was a member at the time of his death, 
 which occurred April 14, 1883. 
 
 JfOSEPH ADAMS was born in Ireland, May 
 27, 1770, and died June 2, 1832. He was 
 J married in 1793 to Martha Moore, who was 
 born November 12, 1768, and died Septem- 
 ber 29, 1828. There were born to them five sons 
 and three daughters: the sons were James, Will- 
 iam, Robert, John and Joseph, all of whom removed 
 to Perry county, Ohio, after the death of their 
 parents, and none of them are now living except 
 Joseph, who removed to Sigourney, Keokuk Co., 
 Iowa; the daughters were Margaret, Mary and 
 Martha, of whom, Margaret was married to Samuel 
 Mustard, and to them were born nine children, 
 four sons and five daughters. The sons are now 
 all dead; the youngest was a prominent minister of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, and died in Wal- 
 ton, Kans., in August, 1890; two daughters, Mar- 
 garet G. and Esther Jane, still in Claysville., Wash- 
 ington county, and are esteemed for their social- 
 qualities and upright Christian characters. Mary 
 Adams was married to John Dickerson, and to 
 them were born two children: Margaret and Johsua; 
 Margaret died in early womanhood, while Joshua 
 is living in South Franklin township, Washington 
 county, one of its respected citizens. Martha Adams 
 was married to Joseph Van Kirk, May 11, 1837. 
 
 Joseph Adams and his wife, Martha Moore, came 
 from Ireland in the same ship, but did not know 
 each other until after they arrived in America, al- 
 though the vessel was thirteen weeks making the 
 voyage. They were Presbyterians, and members 
 of the Church of Upper Buffalo at the time of the 
 pastorate oE Dr. Anderson. Their children were 
 early in life instructed in the doctrines of their re- 
 ligion, and some of them were able to ask and an- 
 swer every question in the Shorter Catechism 
 without the aid of a book. These early impressions 
 were so stamped on their memories that it bore 
 much fruit during their lives, as they all possessed 
 a high regard for truth and morality, and with 
 them carried an influence for all that was good and 
 pure; in fact, their religion was to them their com- 
 fort through life and triumph in death. Joseph 
 and Martha Adams settled in Buffalo township, 
 Washington county, where they spent their re- 
 maining years, and after death their bodies were 
 laid to rest in the cemetery of Upper Buffalo, 
 Washington coijnty, Pennsylvania- 
 
1042 
 
 WAS EING TO N COl XTY. 
 
 I < >HN V. HAXNA, a worthy and honored rep- 
 resentative of one of the oldest families of 
 t J Washington county, is a native of the same, 
 ^^ having been born January 6, L829, in Morris 
 township. 
 
 His grandfather had come to the county at a 
 very early day, married, reared a family, and died 
 after a long life of usefulness as a pioneei farmer. 
 His children were John V ., Hugh, James, Kleanor, 
 Martha and Nancy. Of these, James was brought 
 up from boyhood to agricultural pursuits, his edu- 
 cation being received at the common schools. 
 When a young man he served a full apprenticeship 
 to the trade of wheelwright, which he afterward 
 followed in his own and neighboring counties. 
 Soon after finishing his apprenticeship he was 
 married to Phoebe, daugher of Benjamin Day, and 
 the results of this union were the following named 
 children: Benjamin A. (who died in Washington 
 county), Hugh (died June, 1892, in Carroll county, 
 Ohio), Rebecca, John V. (the only one of the 
 family now living), Samuel and James M. (the 
 latter deceased in Washington county in 1S72). 
 James Hanna removed to Carrollton, Ohio, where 
 he followed his trade many years and died. His 
 widow afterward returned to Washington county, 
 having in the meantime been married to Joseph 
 Weir. She died in the fall of 1881. Mr. Hanna 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 The youth of our subject was passed on the 
 home place of his stepfather, with whom he re- 
 mained until old enough to start out in life for 
 himself (which he did at an early age), his edu- 
 cation being secured at the common schools, which 
 he attended a few months each year. He com- 
 menced life as a hired man on the farm, and by 
 hard work and economical habits finally succeeded 
 in purchasing a portion of the home place, thus 
 step by step plodding on until now he is one of 
 the solid men of his township; he has resided on 
 his present place eighteen years. Mr. Hanna en- 
 listed August 16, 18(52, in Company K, Sixteenth 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served three years, being 
 discharged in June, lSfio. Politically Mr. Hanna 
 has always been a strong Democrat, and has held 
 various townshiD offices; in religious faith he is a 
 liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 ff ff ENRV CAIN, an old and successful farmer 
 |»- A of Donegal township, is a son of Thomas 
 Cain and grandson of John Cain, the latter 
 II -* of whom, a native of Ireland, in early man- 
 v hood immigrated to America, locating in 
 
 Maryland, where he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Means. About the year 1785 he came to 
 Greene county, Penn., where brothers of his wife 
 had located a year or two before. Here the fol- 
 lowing children were born to him: Thomas, Dennis, 
 
 John, Nancy, Mary, Klizabeth and Catherine, all 
 now deceased. John Cain, the father of this fam- 
 ily, was among the early pioneers of Greene 
 county, and shared the hardships and dangers of 
 frontier life. He died about 1830, and his widow 
 then returned to her native Maryland, passing the 
 remainder of her life among her relatives. 
 
 Thomas Cain, the eldest in the above-mentioned 
 family, was born in 1784, in Maryland, and, when 
 a young child, was brought by his parents to 
 Greene county, Penn. Almost every farmer oper- 
 ated a distillery in those days, and the youth of 
 Thomas was passed in assisting in that work, and 
 in the farm duties. He was naturally an apt and 
 intelligent boy, and his meager educational oppor- 
 tunities were thus supplemented; he was also a 
 mechanical genius, and made good use of almost any 
 tool. In 1 812 he was married to Mary Montague, 
 who was born in 17S4, a daughter of Henry and 
 Rosanna Montague, who left County Tyrone, Ire- 
 land, in 1792, and after a stormy voyage of eleven 
 weeks and three days, landed at New Castle, Del. 
 They first located in eastern Pennsylvania, and 
 soon afterward began the long journey to Ken- 
 tucky, of which State they had heard so many 
 glowing descriptions. But the severe winter of 
 1793 set in when the travelers had reached Wash- 
 ington county, so they concluded to remain there 
 till spring, and made a temporary stop in Canton 
 township. During this interval they met an old 
 frontiersman who had been in Kentucky, and 
 knowing the hostile disposition of the Indians at 
 that time, he advised this family to remain in Penn- 
 sylvania. Mr. Montague took the advice, and pro- 
 ceeding a few miles farther west, made a permanent 
 home in Donegal township, near the present post- 
 office of Coon Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas 
 Cain were born the following children: Henry 
 (deceased at the age of ten years), Nancy (de- 
 ceased wife of James Reynolds), Rosanna (married 
 Patrick Reynolds, and died at a good old age), 
 John (farming in Donegal township), Thomas 
 (also farming in Donegal township), and Henry 
 (our subject). Mr. Cain lived in Greene county 
 for some time after his marriage, and in 1824 
 came to and made a permanent home on the old 
 Montague farm, near Coon Island, Donegal town- 
 ship, Washington county. He was an industrious 
 and successful man, respected by all who knew 
 him. He died in 1S87, his widow on March 
 17, 1860. 
 
 Henry Cain, the youngest son of Thomas and 
 Mary I Montague) Cain, was born February '.'•"■ 
 1825, on the farm where he is now living, and 
 which is located about one mile northwest of 
 Coon Island, in Donegal township. When he was 
 twelve years of age his father died, and the farm 
 was then managed by the elder sons, with what 
 little assistance young Henry could give. In 1882 
 
WASHINGTON COC.XTY. 
 
 1043 
 
 our subject was married to Bridget Ryan, who was 
 born December 1, 1848, a daughter of Martin and 
 Mary (Fitzpatrick) Ryan, residents of Washington, 
 Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Cain have no children. He 
 is engaged in general farming- and stock raising 
 on the old home place, and has met with well- 
 merited success. Politically he was formerly a 
 Whig, and is now a Democrat. He and his wife 
 are both devout members of the Catholic Church. 
 
 dfAMES STEVENSON and THOMAS LOVE 
 ANDERS* )N are descended from that sturdy 
 | people known as the Scotch- Irish race. Their 
 ancestry lived originally in Scotland, and were 
 of the Covenanter faith.' To escape religious per- 
 secution, they (led their native land and settled in 
 County Donegal, Ireland. Here the great-grand- 
 parents of James S. and Thomas L. lived and reared 
 a large family: George, Matthew, Benjamin and a 
 daughter — Mrs. Scott, her son John, a merchant, 
 settled in Baltimore, Md. — being among the 
 number. 
 
 Benjamin, their grandfather, was married in 
 1780, to Nancy Love, of County Tyrone, Ireland, 
 where they became the parents of six children: 
 William, Thomas, Benjamin, George, Jane and 
 Nancy, none of whom are now living. Grand- 
 father Anderson followed the blacksmith trade in 
 Ireland, and in 179"i he sailed with his family to 
 America, accompanied by his brother Matthew and 
 family. After a long and tedious voyage of over 
 thirteen weeks, during which time little George 
 was seized with a fatal disease and his body buried 
 in an ocean grave, the family landed in New York. 
 They proceeded to Washington county, Penn., and 
 settled on Brush run, in what is now Hopewell 
 township, the neighborhood being then very thinly 
 settled. Mr. Anderson continued to work at his 
 trade while the sons attended to the duties of the 
 home farm. Here he died in 1827, his wife having 
 been called home a short time before. Of their 
 children, William settled in Harrison county, Ohio, 
 where he married Melila Thompson; Thomas was a 
 river trader, and died in New Orleans; Jane be- 
 came the wife of Holstin Bartleson, of Hopewell 
 township; Nancy married John Daucherty. 
 
 Benjamin Anderson, their father, was born in 
 Ireland in 1789. He came with his parents to 
 Washington county, where his boyhood was passed 
 on the pioneer farm. At the outbreak of the war 
 of 1812, he was made captain of a company of 
 drafted infantry, which entered the service under 
 the command of Gen. Richard Crooks, whose bat- 
 talion was a part of the First Regiment of Penn- 
 sylvania Militia, which was assigned to duty in the 
 West under Gen. William Henry Harrison. About 
 the close of the war Capt. Anderson (afterward 
 raised to the rank of a colonel) returned home, and 
 
 in 1816 was married to Margaret Cook, daughter 
 of Gen. James Stevenson. To them were born 
 eight children: Ann Eliza (Mrs. John Moore, of 
 Buffalo township, deceased at the age of thirty- 
 five), James Stevenson (farmer of Donegal town- 
 ship), Thomas Love (died March 7, 1892), Nancy 
 Jane (deceased at the age of nineteen), Catharine 
 (Mrs. Jonathan Brownlee, of Buffalo township), 
 William Cook (merchant, Claysville, Penn. |, Mary 
 Melila (deceased at the age of nineteen) and John 
 (died when seven years old). Col. Anderson 
 passed the first five years of his married life on the 
 old home farm, located about three miles west of 
 West Middletown, in Hopewell township. He then 
 moved to Donegal township, settling about one 
 mile west of Claysville, along the National pike, 
 where he owned 250 acres of land, and which be- 
 came his permanent residence. He was brigade 
 inspector of Washington county for seven years. 
 In politics he was a stanch Democrat, and besides 
 holding different township offices, he was elected 
 county commissioner in 1836. Col. Benjamin An- 
 derson and his wife were both members of the 
 South Buffalo U. P. Church. He died in 1861, 
 Mrs. Anderson in 1875. 
 
 Mrs. Margaret Cook Anderson's father, Gen. 
 James Stevenson, a civil engineer, was a native of 
 Pennsylvania, born July 25, 1755. The place of 
 his birth is not definitely known, but his boyhood 
 home was in Letterkenny township, Cumberland 
 county. Though scarcely more than a boy at the 
 outbreak of the Revolution, he enlisted in the 
 struggle for independence, endured the hardships 
 of the Colonial soldier on the field, suffered the 
 misery and want with fellow-prisoners in the hole 
 of an English prison-ship, where the greater num- 
 ber of his companions starved to death; and bore 
 as the evidence of close encounter, the scar of a 
 saber-stroke on his head. About the year 1787 he 
 came west and settled on the Dutch fork of Buffalo 
 creek, in what is now Donegal township, Washing- 
 ■ton Co., Penn., where he owned some 600 acres of 
 land. In 1791 he was married to Catharine Bonar, 
 the daughter of a pioneer neighbor, born Novem- 
 ber 7, 1766. Their children were Margaret Cook, 
 John, Ann, Mary, Elizabeth, Catharine and Nancy. 
 Gen. Stevenson for several years held the office of 
 justice of the peace. He was twice elected State 
 senator from Washington county, and also served 
 five sessions in the House of Representatives. He 
 died during the last session, and is buried in the 
 cemetery at Harrisburg. His obituary, on record 
 at the State capitol, is in part: "Died December 
 20, 1815, Major General James Stevenson, member 
 of the House of Representatives from Washington 
 county. In him were united the venerable and 
 worthy citizen: the firm and enlightened patriot: 
 the soldier and officer of the Revolution: the gen- 
 erous friend and the indulgent father: the affec- 
 
1044 
 
 WASHINGTON COC'XTY. 
 
 tionate husband and the honest man." The House, 
 on hearing of his death, Thursday, the Kith, sus- 
 pended business, and the Governor and heads of 
 departments were invited to attend the funeral. 
 As a mark of respect his fellow-members wore 
 crepe on the left arm for thirty days. They had 
 inscribed on his tomb: "In memory of Gen. 
 James Stevenson, of the House of Representatives. 
 * * * * lie was a native of the State and one 
 of the heroes of '70. lie served his country: his 
 country honored him." Gen. Stevenson also served 
 as major-general in the war of 1812. 
 
 James Steyenson Anderson was born in the 
 year L820, in Hopewell township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He received his early education in the sub- 
 scription schools of the neighborhood. He came 
 with his parents to Donegal township, where he 
 assisted with the farm work. In 1847 he made a 
 trip through the western States. He was married 
 in 1856, to Mary E., daughter of John and Mary 
 (Milligan) Miller, of Cadiz, Harrison Co., Ohio. 
 John Miller was the son of John and Mary (Heed) 
 Miller, the former of whom came to this country 
 from the North of Ireland, the latter being a native 
 of Pennsylvania. The children of James S. and 
 Mary E. Anderson were John Benjamin, a teacher 
 by profession, who received his education in the 
 public schools, and in the Jefferson Academy, Can- 
 onsburg, Penn., under Dr. William Ewing (he 
 commenced to teach at the age of seventeen years; 
 in the summer of 1884 he was elected principal of 
 the Canonsburg public schools, which position he 
 held until the spring of 1891, when on account x>f 
 failing health he resigned; he died October 4, 
 lS'.ll); Anna Eliza, deceased at the age of seven 
 years; Mary Elizabeth, residing at home; William 
 Prank, a contractor and rig builder, living at Craf- 
 ton, Allegheny Co., Penn.; Albert Reed, now in 
 the State of Iowa; Jennie, deceased in infancy; 
 Margaret Cook, living with her parents; and Charles, 
 also at home and managing the work on the farm. 
 In I860 J. S. Anderson was chosen to succeed 
 ('apt. Cracraft as captain of the Claysville Blues, 
 a company of Pennsylvania volunteers. Capt. An- 
 derson was a commissioned officer in the Pennsyl- 
 vania Militia for twenty-two years. After his 
 marriage he located on his farm, west of Claysville 
 and near the National pike, which is his present 
 home. His farm, by care and cultivation, has be- 
 come one of the most valuable in Donegal town- 
 ship. He is now living a retired life. In politics 
 he has always been an active Democrat. Capt. An- 
 derson and his family belong to the U. P. Church 
 at West Alexander, Penn., where he is also a mem- 
 ber of the church's Session. 
 
 Thomas Love Anderson was born July ft, 1822, 
 mi his father's farm, situated about one mile west 
 of Claysville, along the National pike. Here his 
 
 early ]jfe was passed, and here he received bis 
 
 agricultural training and an education in the pub- 
 lic schools. He was married November 30, 1864, 
 to Celia Rachel, daughter of Alfred and Margaret 
 Crump, of Millersburg, Holmes Co., Ohio. Three 
 children were born to them: William Howard, 
 Benjamin and Catharine Brownlee, all of whom 
 are living and at home. After his marriage Mr. 
 Anderson settled on a part of the old Stevenson 
 tract, always his home. The farm is well improved, 
 and its location makes it a valuable property. He 
 was a successful farmer, a Democrat in politics, 
 active in the interests of his party, and held differ- 
 ent local offices. His family are members of the 
 U. P. Church at Claysville, Penn., to which he be- 
 longed at the time of his death. 
 
 Alfred Crump, the father of Mrs. T. L. Ander- 
 son, was a native of Virginia, a wagon-maker by 
 trade, and a soldier in the war of 1812. Her 
 mother was Margaret Walter, daughter of Peter 
 Walter, of Baltimore, Md. After their marriage 
 Mr. Crump and his wife moved to Ohio and settled 
 on a farm near Georgetown, Columbiana county, 
 afterward moving to Millersburg. Mrs. Anderson 
 was the eighth of a family of ten children. 
 
 GHARLES M. CRAIG. This highly respected 
 gentleman, a native-born and lifelong resi- 
 dent of Donegal township, is descended 
 from vigorous and robust North-of-Ireland 
 people, a race known the wide world over for their 
 resolute and honest lives. 
 
 The first of the Craig family, in Washington 
 county, to come to American shores, was James 
 Craig, a native of Antrim, Ireland, where he mar- 
 ried a Miss Martin, and the young couple then set 
 sail for the distant shores of Columbia. This was 
 toward the close of the last century, and about 
 the year 1800 they settled in Washington county, 
 Penn., in West Pinley township, where they reared 
 an interesting family of sturdy children named, re- 
 spectively, Hugh, Samuel A., James, Margaret, 
 William, Ann and John. Here this honored pio- 
 neer couple closed their eyes forever, after a life of 
 honest toil and characteristic rectitude. 
 
 Hugh Craig, the eldest son of James Craig, was 
 born in West Finley township, this county, and 
 there was married to Martha Martin, by whom were 
 born to him the following named children: Jane, 
 who died after reaching adult age; James, de- 
 ceased when nineteen years old; Martin, who died 
 in October, 1828, at the age of fourteen years; 
 Enos, who died in April, 1840, aged eighteen 
 years; Charles M., the subject of this sketch; Mar- 
 garet, who died at the age of twenty-one years, 
 and one son and one daughter, both of whom died 
 in infancy. Hugh Craig followed farming, and 
 also his trade, that of shoemaking, in the township 
 of bis birth until 1829, whet) he moved, to Donegal 
 
SsSsS 
 
 < 4<^ 
 
 JtyO^^Q 
 
WA SUING TON C 1 WTY 
 
 1041 
 
 township, having purchased a farm about three and 
 one-half miles northwest of Claysville. Here he 
 passed the remainder of his days, dying in 1833. 
 
 Charles M. Craig, the subject proper of this 
 biographical memoir, was born Marcu 4, 1822, near 
 Claysville, and at the common schools of the dis- 
 trict received a fair education, which he afterward 
 greatly improved by home reading and study. 
 Early in life he began the arduous duties incident 
 to the farm, and followed agricultural pursuits 
 under the tuition of his father until the latter's 
 death, when he took entire charge of the home- 
 stead, living with his mother and sister, Jane, up to 
 the time of their respective deaths, the mother 
 dying in 1873, the sistor in 1890. Mr. Craig has 
 since made his home with a neighbor, whose farm 
 adjoins his. For several years he has done no real 
 work, but spends the greater part of his time in 
 reading, of which he is passionately fond, and he 
 keeps himself thoroughly posted on the issues of 
 the day, political and otherwise. He has always 
 been a great reader, an ardent lover of books, a 
 keen observer of men and things; indeed, there is 
 scarce a topic, either of the past or present, with 
 which he is not familiar, and his conversation on 
 all subjects is bright and of a most entertaining 
 nature. At one time an Old-line Whig, he is now, 
 and has been since the formation of the party, an 
 enthusiastic Republican, and, whilst loyal to the 
 cause, has always shunned political preferment. 
 
 J(OSHUA COFFIELD, another energetic de- 
 scendant of pioneers who left the Emerald 
 | Isle to make a home in America, is a prosper- 
 ous farmer of East Finley township, and a 
 grandson of John Coffield, who was born in County 
 Leitrim, Ireland, about 1757. He was one of five 
 brothers who were famous for their physical powers, 
 and had no equals in their native county for mus- 
 cular strength. He was a man of massive frame, a 
 splendid specimen of well-developed manhood. Mr. 
 Cofneld was married in Ireland, and had nine chil- 
 dren. In 1798 he took passage on the ship "Happy 
 Return,' 1 which was very filthy and carried all kinds 
 of freight, but as he was a poor man the cheapest 
 had to suffice. After the vessel was a few weeks 
 out, drinking water became scarce, and before the 
 voyage (which lasted three months) was ended, 
 nearly one-third of the crew and some of the pas- 
 sengers died, three of Mr. Coffield's children being 
 among the number. At last the terrible journey 
 was ended, and the family landed at New Castle, 
 Del., near which place they lived for a time, doing 
 farm work, but the father soon after died, and the 
 five children (Arthur, Lawrence, James, Ann and 
 Elizabeth) were obliged to earn a living for them- 
 selves and their widowed mother. By working 
 their way, the family finally reached Washington 
 
 county, Penn., and first located near Washington 
 borough, where they remained a short time, then 
 came to East Finley township, and locating on the 
 present farm of J. Wiley Patterson, the boys began 
 to clear the land and make a home. The mother 
 died in 1811, and the children (all except Arthur) 
 grew to an adult age and married. 
 
 Lawrence Coffield was married in 1810, to Eliza- 
 beth Rawden (who was born in 1773), whose par- 
 ents came from Ireland in the same ship as the 
 family of John Coffield. To their union were born 
 children as follows: John (moved to Illinois and 
 died in Adams county, in 1891); Joshua (subject 
 of this sketch); Thomas (a farmer in Belmont 
 county, Ohio, deceased in 1887); James, Jane and 
 Elizabeth (all three deceased in infancy). After 
 his marriage Mr. Coffield located on the home farm 
 in East Finley township, where he resided until 
 1846, when his wife died, and he removed to Adams 
 county, 111., and there died in 1848. 
 
 Joshua Coffield was born in East Finley town- 
 ship, this county, January 17, 1813, and passed his 
 boyhood on his father's farm, receiving but a limited 
 education, which he improved by cultivating his 
 natural inclination for reading. After the death of 
 his father he purchased the old " Rawden farm,"' 
 on the head waters of Wheeling creek, which had 
 been previously entered by his maternal grand- 
 father. Mr. Coffield enjoys the esteem of all who 
 know him, and though well advanced in years can 
 do a day's work which would do credit to many 
 younger men. Politically he was formerly a Whig, 
 ami is now a stanch supporter of the Republican 
 party. 
 
 di AMES WILSON, one of the leading citizens 
 of Taylorstown, Penn., was born ( (ctober 4, 
 J 1826, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and is a grandson of William Wilson. 
 The grandfather was born and married in Ireland, 
 where his eldest child was reared, and the familv 
 afterward came to America. They remained in 
 Philadelphia some time, then went to Dauphin 
 county, Penn., where they remained until the 
 death of Mr. Wilson. His children were James (a 
 tailoi and clothier in Philadelphia, Penn. ), Eliza- 
 beth ( Mrs. William Rogers ) and William. After 
 the death of her father Mrs. Rogers lived some time 
 with her brother .lames, and finally accompanied 
 her husband to < )hio, where she died. 
 
 William Wilson (father of our subject) was 
 born March 18, 1789, in Dauphin county, Penn., 
 and in early life learned the wheelwright trade, 
 which he followed both in Dauphin and Washington 
 counties. He enlisted in the war of 1812, and took 
 part in the battle of Baltimore, serving until the 
 close of the war, then came to Washington county, 
 Penn., and purchased a small tract of land in 
 
HUN 
 
 WASHINGTON COL XTY. 
 
 Buffalo township, on which he made a permanent 
 home. On October 10, 1822, he was married to 
 Rachel, daughter of James Keer, of Buffalo town- 
 ship, and the following children were born to them: 
 Elizabeth, Jane, James, Margaret (Mrs. Thomas 
 Hodgens), John M., Mary (Mrs. George M. 
 Wariek), Emily, Rachel and William. Mr. Wilson 
 was an enterprising citizen; in politics he was a 
 I democrat, and served faithfully in various township 
 offices. In religious connection he was an active 
 member of the Presbyterian Church at. Claysville, 
 this county, of which he was a trustee. He died 
 April '27, 1869, having been preceded bv his wife 
 August 2, IMS. 
 
 .lames Wilson passed his youth on the home place 
 in Buffalo township, and received a good common- 
 school education. At the age of twenty years he 
 went to Philadelphia, and studied ornamental work, 
 remaining there several years, then came to 
 Taylorstown, this county, where he has since 
 resided. On June 4, 1855, he was united in 
 marriage with Rebecca J., daughter of Jesse 
 Wilson, of Bridgeport, Ohio, and children have 
 been born to them as follows: William ( who died 
 in youth), De Forest, Kate (Mrs. A. T. Anderson), 
 Ellen (Mrs. Robert Knox), Ida (Mrs. N. A.Sutton), 
 Rachel and Susan Gertrude. The family are mem- 
 bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Taylors- 
 town, of which Mr. Wilson is an elder and liberal 
 supporter. He is engaged in painting; in politics 
 he is a stanch Democrat and an able worker, and 
 has held nearly all the township offices, being 
 for fifteen years connected in various ways with 
 the school board. 
 
 THE MARTIN FAMILY. This well-known 
 and time-honored family will become extinct 
 in Washington county with the death of 
 Rebecca Martin. Their genealogy can be 
 traced to one John Martin, a native of 
 ( lounty Armagh, Ireland, who was married to 
 Mary McClave. They were faithful disciples of 
 the Protestant faith, and their old Bible, which 
 was printed in 1695, is yet in the possession of the 
 family. 
 
 Robert Martin, a son of John and Mary ( Mc- 
 Clave) Martin, was born about 1768, in County 
 Armagh, Ireland, and there married Nancy Burris, 
 who was born about 177:!, in County Down, Ire- 
 land. The young couple came to America in 
 1794, landing at Philadelphia after a loner, rough 
 voyage. They made a temporary location in Lan- 
 caster county, then west to Venango county, Perm., 
 where their hard-earned savings were invested in 
 400 acres of land, which he purchased in all good 
 faith, only to discover, when too late, that he had 
 bought of some unscrupulous rascal who had no 
 title to the property. This tract has since devel- 
 
 oped into one of the finest oil-producing territories 
 in the United States. After spending a large sum 
 of money in attempting to prove his title, Mr. Mar- 
 tin was obliged to resign himself to the loss of the 
 whole, and leaving Venango county, descended 
 the Allegheny river. The family then resided at 
 Pittsburgh a short time, but finally located on a 
 small farm in Hanover township, this county, where 
 their remaining days were passed. Robert Martin 
 died in 1N'2)S, followed by his wife several years 
 later. Their children were: John (referred to be- 
 low ), Mary (never married, deceased at the age of 
 eighty-three years), Ellen (unmarried, died in her 
 eighty-second year), Robert, James (unmarried, 
 lived in Hanover township), Thomas (a resident of 
 Ritchie county, W. Va.), Agnes (deceased in 
 youth), Samuel and Rebecca (twins). Of this 
 family Rebecca is the only one living. 
 
 Robert Martin (son of Robert and Nancy (Bur- 
 ris ) Martin ) grew to manhood on the home place, 
 and in 1828 was married to Elizabeth, daughter of 
 William at.d Elizabeth (Grant) Ilanlin. To this 
 union seven children were born, viz.: Nancy, Eliza- 
 beth (of Paris, Penn.), William (deceased at the 
 age of twenty-eight years), James (a farmer of 
 Jefferson county, Ohio), Thomas H. ( living in the 
 West), Samuel (deceased, a farmer of Jefferson 
 county, Ohio), and John L. ( who died in Jefferson 
 county. < Hiio). I )f these children the eldest daugh- 
 ter, Nancy, was born in 1830, and in early woman- 
 hood was married to David Parkhill. He was born 
 in 1833, in (,'ounty Antrim, Ireland, and coming to 
 America when but sixteen years of age, followed 
 the vocation of papering and plastering. Seven 
 children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parkhill, three 
 of whom are living, viz.: Lizzie M. (of Paris, 
 Penn.), John C. (an electrician of Wellsville, Ohio), 
 and W. J. (an employee of the Pittsburgh Car 
 Service Association). The father died in 1872, fol- 
 lowed by his wife in 1878, and both are buried in 
 the Mooretown cemetery, Jefferson county, Ohio. 
 Robert Martin (father of Mrs. Parkhill) died in 
 1864, followed by his wife in 1N7'~J. Their remains 
 are interred in the Mooretown cemetery, Jefferson 
 county, ( )hio. 
 
 Samuel Martin, son of Robert and Nancy (Bur- 
 ris) Martirr, and twin brother of Rebecca, was born 
 October 24,1811. He was naturally inclined to 
 mechanical life and learned several trades, but 
 evinced his good judgment by purchasing from the 
 other heirs a small farm of his lather's, to which he 
 added other land and on which he made various im- 
 provements. I If carried on a mercantile business 
 for a short time at Knoxville, Jefferson Co., Ohio, 
 but soon returned to his farm in Washington coun- 
 ty, Penn. He accumulated a good property by 
 his own efforts and loaned some money. Politi- 
 cally, he was a prominent member of the Demo- 
 cratic party, having served as 'squire until he 
 
WAS&IXGTON i or.YTY. 
 
 1040 
 
 resigned the office. In religion he was a member 
 of the United Presbyterian Church until his death, 
 August 13, 1879. 
 
 Rebecca Martin, daughter of Robert and Nancy 
 (Burris) Martin, has never married, and is living on 
 her brother's farm (which was bequeathed to her), 
 with two representatives of the two generations 
 following her own — Miss Lizzie Martin (a niece of 
 Rebecca Martin) and Miss Lizzie Parkhill (a niece of 
 Lizzie Martin), who have charge of the farm, which 
 they conduct with signal success. Although Miss 
 Rebecca Martin has passed through the joys and 
 sorrows of four score years, she is yet an active 
 woman, easily calling to mind events which oc- 
 curred when she was a child. 
 
 John Martin, son of Robert and Nancy (Burris) 
 Martin, married Mary Williamson in 18 19, and 
 moved to .Jefferson county, Ohio. To this union 
 eight children were born, of whom five are living: 
 Mrs. Jane Warren, Mrs. Margaret Warren, both of 
 Iowa; Mrs. Mary White, of California; Rev. J. W. 
 Martin, of Mt. Perry, Ohio, and Dr. Samuel Mar- 
 tin, of Sealkote, India. Thomas Martin, son of Rob- 
 ert and Nancy (Burris) Martin, married Miss 
 Cathariue J. Moates, of Ritchie county, in 1854, to 
 whom one son was born, Robert EL, a clerk in the 
 War Department, Washington, D. C. 
 
 JOHN McCORKLE (deceased). The subject 
 of this biographical sketch was a son of 
 Thomas McCorkle, who was born and raised 
 in Adams county, Penn., and there married 
 Esther Terrell, a resident of the same county. 
 They moved to Washington county, Penn., in the 
 year 1810, purchasing a large farm in Cross Creek 
 township. Their family consisted of six children, 
 namely: Robert (died unmarried), Margaret ( Mrs. 
 Thomas Ritchey), John (the subject of this sketch), 
 Frances (died unmarried), Jane (wife of Charles 
 Phillis) and Thomas (who married Margaret Welch), 
 all dead. The father followed farming, and in 
 politics voted the Democratic ticket. He was a 
 ruling elder of the Associate, now United Presby- 
 terian Church, at West Middletown. 
 
 John McCorkle was born June 4, 1803, in Adams 
 county, Penn., and removed when quite young with 
 his parents to Washington county, where he was 
 reared and educated. He was first married Janu- 
 ary 14, 1834, to Mary McCorkle, of Somerset town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn. They had one son, 
 Thomas 13. Her death occurred May 25, 1836, 
 and on May 12, 1842, he chose for his second wife 
 Mary, daughter of David B. Hay. David was a 
 son of John Hay, who was born in Scotland, and 
 there married, in 1777, Anna Burns, a near relative 
 of the famous Scottish poet, Robert Burns. The 
 following children were born to John and Anna 
 (Burns) Hay: John, Alexander, James, Ephraim 
 
 and David B., Jane ( Mrs. John McKimman), Anna 
 ( Mrs. Thomas Struthers), Catherine (wife of Rob- 
 ert Braden), Elizabeth ( Mrs. James Harper), Mary 
 ( wife of Archibald Harper). 
 
 The family emigrated to America, but during 
 the voyage two sons died and the ocean was their 
 winding sheet. After arriving in Ameriea they 
 first settled in Lancaster county, Penn. Then the 
 family settled permanently on Miller's run, in Cecil 
 township, where they lost two more sons in youth, 
 immediately after their settlement. Mr. Hay was a 
 Democrat, and in religion a ruling elder of the 
 Seceder Church for many years. David B. Hay 
 was born in 1785 in Lancaster county, Penn., and 
 received his education at his home in Washington 
 county. He was united in marriage, in early life, 
 with Mary, daughter of Patrick McCullough. Their 
 children were Anna (Mrs. Henry Donnell), Mary 
 (wife of John McCorkle), Elizabeth, Jane (Mrs. 
 Robert Scott) and Hannah (died in infancy). The 
 father followed farming. Politically he was a 
 Democrat, and served as justice of the peace for 
 several terms. He was a member of the Associate 
 Reformed Church until his death in 1873, in his 
 eighty-seventh year. He was preceded to the grave 
 by his wife, who died in 1865, being then eighty- 
 one years of age. 
 
 John and Mary (Hay) McCorkle had no children. 
 He was an active and progressive citizen. Politi- 
 cally he was a Democrat, and religiously a ruling 
 elder in the U. P. Church until his death on July 
 18, 1863. Mrs. Mary McCorkle, his widow, re- 
 sides at West Middletown. 
 
 L 
 
 EROY WOODS DAY, one of the successful 
 farmers and stock raisers and influential citi- 
 zens of Morris township, is a native of Wash- 
 ington county, born in this township, April 
 24, 1833. He is the youngest of a family of five 
 children born to Lemuel Fordham Day and Nancy 
 Jordan Day. 
 
 The family is an old and well-known one of 
 English descent, and can be traced to the nobility 
 of that country. Of the five children born to Lem- 
 uel F. and Nancy Day, two died in infancy. The 
 others are as follows: Stephen F., born July 22, 
 1S27, left Washington county in 1852, and died 
 March 6, 1892, in Nebraska. He was never mar- 
 ried. He left a large landed estate to his brother, 
 L. W. Day, and his niece, Cora B. Minton. Eliza, 
 born April 7, 1831, was married in 1S52 to Dr. 
 Artemas Day, of this township, and became the 
 mother of one child, Cora Bell, who married S. D 
 Minton. Mrs. Day died in 1804. Leroy Woods 
 Day received such an education as was afforded 
 the country youth of that day, and was reared to a 
 practical knowledge of farm life, which he has 
 turned to good account. He resides on the valua- 
 
1050 
 
 WASiuxirros < ocxty. 
 
 ble tract of land lying about one-half mile in nth 
 of Sparta, which has been in the possession of the 
 Day family for more than fifty years. He gives 
 much attention to sheep-raising, to which his place 
 is especially adapted, and he is one of the most 
 successful wool-growers of this county. Through 
 some means, which he attributes to the lay of the 
 land and the breed of sheep, his stock has never 
 been infected with those diseases which so ma- 
 terially lessen the profits of most sheep raisers. 
 
 Mr. Day was married April 27, 1855, to Miss 
 .Miranda Vankirk Day, a daughter of Daniel Day, 
 of Morris township, to which union there have 
 been born eight children, all of whom are living 
 except the eldest, Horace Maim, who was born De- 
 cember 27, 1856, and died November 12, 1S57. 
 Charles Sumner, born February 2, 1858, married 
 October 21, 1SS0, Miss Sarah M. Auld, of Greene 
 county, Perm., a daughter of John Auld; Stephen 
 Ellsworth, a graduate of the Normal School at < 'ali- 
 fornia, and also of Washington and Jefferson 
 College, class of L892, was born August 8, [861, 
 married Annie M., daughter of Theodore Day, 
 July 21, 18D2, and now resides at Washington, 
 Penn.; E Iward Sullivan, a vocal and instrumental 
 musician, and dealer in musical instiuments, was 
 bom February 7, L865, and married Josie, daugh- 
 ter of Shepherd Kerns, December 24, 1891 ; Lemuel 
 Clarence, born July 15, 18(37, graduated with the 
 class of 1892 from the State Normal School at 
 Edinboro; Howard Woods, born December 5, L869; 
 Ililliard Daniel, born November 15. 1S72, anil 
 Minor Harold, born February 28, 1876. The family 
 is an accomplished one, and especially gifted in 
 music. They have among their own members a 
 sextet brass band, and their musical performances 
 are of the most creditable character. In August, 
 L862, Mr. Day enlisted in Company D, One Hun- 
 dred and Fortieth Regiment P. V. I., in which he 
 served until honorably discharged, on account of 
 disability, in January, 1864, at which time he was 
 third corporal. In politics he is a Republican, and 
 in religion both he and Mrs. Day are members, of 
 the Cumberland Presbyterian ( 'hureh at < >ld Con- 
 cord. Mr. Day is also a member of Luther Day 
 Post, No. 395, G. A. P., and is at present Post 
 Commander. 
 
 NELSON VAN KIRK, a prominent con- 
 tractor and builder, and a well-known citi- 
 zen of Washington, is a native of the county, 
 i -» born in Am well township, January 30, 1823, 
 V a son of William and Margaret (Bollen) 
 
 Van Kirk, the former of whom was also a native 
 of that township. The grandfather, William Van 
 Kirk, came from New Jersey to this county, along 
 with other early settlers, bought land which he 
 improved, and died here. He was the father of 
 ten children, none of whom are now living. 
 
 William Van Kirk, lather of our subject, received 
 his education at the subscription schools of his 
 native township, and learned the trades of cabinet- 
 maker and carpenter, which he successfully carried 
 on in Washington borough ( whither he had come 
 in IN28) until 18H8, in which year he moved to a 
 farm in South Strabane township. He was married 
 to Margaret Bollen, a native of the county, who 
 bore him ten children, of whom five grew to 
 maturity, viz.: Ann Eliza, who died at the age of 
 twenty-five years; Matilda, widow of John Charters; 
 Nelson; Harvey J., an attorney at law, and Mar- 
 garet, wife of Stephen Reppert, residing in Ken- 
 tucky. In 1862 the father died, aged sixty-five 
 years, and in March, 1875, the mother passed away 
 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Charters, in 
 South Strabane township, at the age of eighty-four 
 years. Mr. Van Kirk had served as associate judge 
 for several terms. 
 
 Nelson Van Kirk secured a liberal education at 
 the common schools of South Strabane toyvnship, 
 and learned the trade of carpenter of his father. 
 In 1846 he returned to Washington borough, 
 where he yet resides. Since the year 1858 he has 
 been a contractor ami builder, and has put up a 
 great many buildings in and about Washington. 
 In I860 he erected, on South Main street, the 
 "Strain Building," which has an iron front; in 
 1861 he built lor William Smith the "Iron Hall," 
 on the corner of Main and Beau streets, one of the 
 finest structures in the city; he also erected the 
 National Bank building, the dwellings of Judge 
 Mcllvaine and W. P. Hastings, the First and Third 
 Presbyterian churches, in addition to which he put 
 up, at various times, many dwelling houses outside 
 the borough limits, and erected churches at Pigeon 
 Creek and North Buffalo, also the County Home. 
 
 In 1854 Mr. Van Kirk was united in marriage 
 with Miss Ann M. Chidester, of West Virginia, a 
 daughter of Ephraim and Mary (Gilchrist) Chides- 
 ter, natives of Washington county, Penn., the 
 father born in November, 1798, died in 1876, the 
 mother born in 1800, died in 1830. Nelson and 
 Ann M. Van Kirk had a family of seven children, 
 all sons: John, James and Harvey (deceased), and 
 William E., Edward M., George W. and Nelson 
 ('. (living). (II these, William E. and Edward M. 
 are both contractors in company with their father; 
 George W. is a druggist in Monongahela City, 
 Penn.; Nelson C. is a clerk in W. P. Hastings' 
 hardware store in Washington; William E. is a 
 member of Washington borough council, now 
 serving his second term. 
 
 Of Mr. Van Kirk it may truly be said that he is 
 a thoroughly representative, self-made man, having 
 attained success by his own individual energy and 
 perseverance, and accumulated a comfortable com- 
 petence, part of which consists of eight dwelling 
 houses in the borough of Washington. Socially, 
 

 £rr*U-' 
 
 tUZ^fiJ 
 
ii i ///'.'. TO ■ COL i I 
 
 
 he is genial, whole-souled, ■..urn hearted and 
 
 atti ibutea he beai with b becoming mod 
 
 I'sty, in pari natural, in pari thi refle ol th( amia 
 l.iliiy mill refinement oharaoteristic "I bii faithful 
 spouse. A call at the elegant and oomfortabli 
 home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk will assure the 
 visitor thai within its hospil ible walli love i I ing 
 \li and Mrs. V.-m Kirk are member! of the First 
 
 Presbyterian Church ol Washington Penn Po 
 ly in- was In il ;> Whig, and since the forma 
 
 resnytena 
 
 i iofl lly he 
 tion of Ok- party baa been a stanch Republican 
 I- oi i ■ con ■ -Hi i ■■ years he haa aei red with ac 
 Icnowledged ability aa a membei of the Washing 
 inn borough oi mncil. 
 
 JOHN S. GALLEY. Petei Galley, grpal 
 1 grandfather of John Galley, emigrated to 
 A merioa from Gei man , about I be > eai I 770, 
 and erved u » drummer during the Revolu 
 tionary war. He settled in Lancasti i county, Penn.. 
 win in he married Sophia Stern, of the same county. 
 'I'n them wa born Philip, irrandfathi i ol John 
 Galley, in 1 77 I. 
 
 Philip Galli y married Vfagdali na Newcomi 
 Lancastei county. Afterward tln-y emigrated to 
 Payette county, Penn , and settled on the Vou 
 ofMuniy river, In the midst of the now famous 
 region. To them were born eleven ohildn 
 follows: Peter, Catharene, John Jacob, Da 
 Elizabeth, Samuel, Jonathan, Barbara, Abraham 
 and lli-nry. 
 
 Peter Galley was born in l 799, in Fayette county, 
 passing bis youth mi ilin home farm. He wa mai 
 ri<:<l to Miuy Striokler, of Fayette county, and 
 children wi-m born to them as follows: Franci 
 Martha, William, Mary, Elizabeth and Henry. 
 The mother died, and foi his second wife Petei 
 Galley was united in marriagi vith l ranees, daugh 
 tei of John Sherriok, who bore him the folio 
 named children: Ann, Sarah, I 'lnli|i, < lyrus, Sh an, 
 Catherine, John S., Joanna, Melinda and Mum 
 This wife also died, and for bis third ohoioe Mr. 
 Galley selected Susan Newmyer Stauffer, of ! 
 
 ette rnillity. 
 
 John S. Galley, son of Petei and Franc* | hei 
 rick) Galley, was born -Inly 12, 1842, in Fayette 
 county. He attended the academy al Pleasant 
 Valley, then took one term at Hiram College, and 
 boarded with the father of Mi . Jami i A. Garfield 
 In 1864 John S, ' ralley enlisted in the Sixth Penn 
 sylvania Heavy Artillery, and served with the 
 army of the Potomac until the close of the war. 
 WIh-ii the contest was ended In- returned to Faj 
 ette county, and on October 'I, 1865, was united 
 In marriage with Mary, daugbtei of Samuel and 
 granddaughter of Riohard Blaokmore, of W'asli 
 ington county. The latter whh a brother of Col. 
 William Blaokmore. Richard followed agricult 
 
 ural pui mi i and ited wii Ii the I lemocrat io 
 [nearly life he whh married to Marj B 
 
 i hi m i n I. 
 
 imuel I llackmore wa boi n f)ctobei - ; I I 
 and "H Mai '■. I 127, wa i united In mai i 
 
 ,u;iii Toi renoe, of Alleghen 
 dren bl< ed 1 hi i union iz.: Albei tnd 
 
 John. The mothei dii d and on itobei ' ', I 141 • 
 
 .n,,ii. I 1 1 ri led i" Anna, daughti i 
 
 ol i Ibadiah Higbee, who bore him two children 
 Mary and I Ibadiah, * If thi • Mai j attendi d the 
 • ( 1 1 Valley Academy, and i here mi t for t he 
 first • ime hei future hu band, John alley. 
 
 To the union ol John S. and Mary | Bla< I mi u - | 
 (ialley nine children were born: Anna F. Will 
 nun r. C, ' oi man, Lori Ita E., Bcati ice ! , Eva 
 M., Nellie M., Edna R and J, I larl ' H tbi fam 
 ily, Loretta i now attending the Normal School al 
 
 and William h en a Indent at 1 1 nun 
 
 i lollege. The parenti of these children began thi ii 
 wedded life in Library, Alleghenj county, arhere 
 Mr. Galley conducted a store foi two years, then 
 Ii .1 mi ;i farm in towa f<>i three years. At the 
 end of i hat time he i ame to A county 
 
 and bouc lit llfj i J land in l 'etei town hip, 
 
 underlaid with a fine coal ein Mr. Gall ej con 
 duct ■ a small 'limy. In politic i he wa i a Rep 
 can until the origin oi the Prohibition party in 
 
 in'-i- then In- has ca • hi rote for i be * 
 throw ol the whisky traffic, the nation's curse. In 
 religion I"- i a membei and eldei ol the ( hurch of 
 < in 1st, of l V| ' i Creel 
 
 EiNOCIl I RENCtf. The French family In 
 I 'ennsylvania is an old Re olut ionai v one. 
 Alexander French, the rrandfathei of 
 
 Eno ih I rench (tbi ubjeot ol thia sketch }, 
 
 having been a membi i - ' V*a hington's 
 
 bodyguard. Hi n idi I neai Philadelphia, Penn., 
 at i be i mi. ni In death. .'■ ; narried a 
 
 MiHH McElroy, of Chambei burgh, Penn., and 
 moved t" Fayette county, this State, where be 
 reared a family ol children, of whom '■■ 
 Frenoh wai one. He died in Fayette county. 
 George French wasborn March 14, L 799, and in 
 man ied Mai y Porter, a daugbtei ol J ui 
 Charle Porter, of Fayette county. In 1832 he 
 removed to Morri town bip, Wa hington com 
 and purcha ed the farm located one ball mile north 
 , , i of Dunn's Station, on which bi '<n, Enoch, 
 now resides, where he remained until bis death, Oc 
 
 tober8, 1890, bis lif bracing a period of fit 
 
 eight rears. Mrs. French died in 1839, having 
 become the mother of eight children five boys* 
 and three girls. A. Ii., the eldest, enlisted in tin- 
 Eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Re erves, and was 
 killed ni the battleof Fredericksburg; Charles P., 
 :i Presbyterian ministei of La Salle county, 111., 
 
io:>4 
 
 WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 died February 8, 1870; Washington, born in 1830, 
 died at the age of fourteen years, ( )ctober 10, 1844; 
 one child died in infancy; Anne A. Miles died in 
 May, 1869; J. O, born October 10, 1830, served 
 in the Fifth West Virginia Cavalry during the 
 Civil war, and is now a prominent citizen of Pros- 
 perity, Washington county; Jane resides at Amity, 
 and Enoch in Morris township. 
 
 Enoch French, the immediate subject of this 
 sketch, was born where he now resides, June 28, 
 1834. He received a common-school education 
 and remained with his father, assisting in conduct 
 ing the farm until the beginning of the late war. 
 On August 22, 1862, he enlisted at Amity in Com- 
 pany D, < )ne Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P. 
 V. I., and served fourteen months, when he received 
 an honorable discharge and returned home. The 
 failing health of his father rendered it necessary for 
 him to assume the management of the farm. On 
 August 28, 1876, he married Lizzie J. Gardner, a 
 daughter of John Gardner, of Amwell township. 
 Under his managment the splendid farm, on which he 
 has worked since boyhood, has been much improved, 
 and is made to yield a good income. Mr. French 
 is a man of much more than ordinary intelligence, 
 is an omnivorous reader, and is possessed of a re- 
 markable memory, whereby he is enabled to give 
 dates and recite events of historical importance 
 with great preciseness. He is an authority on mat- 
 ters of this kind. He is a Republican in politics, 
 though not bitterly partisan. 
 
 It IrENRY B. McMURRAY is a leader among 
 tj—-l the representative citizens of Washington 
 county. He is descended from Scotch 
 II -* ancestors, a race noted for the integrity and 
 V honor of its people. John McMurray was 
 
 the pioneer of the family to land on American soil. 
 He was married in Scotland to Mary Brown, and 
 with his wife and infant daughter, Susanna, 
 embarked on the most substantial vessel then 
 procurable, sailing from Liverpool to America. 
 When some weeks at sea the captain and mate had 
 a quarrel, and during the trouble the captain shot 
 the mate. He was supposed to be mortally wounded, 
 but the captain sailed north, thinking the cold 
 climate would benefit the victim. The experiment 
 proved successful, and the mate was soon out of 
 danger. They then resumed their journey, but 
 owing to the long voyage the water supply gave 
 out, and all on board seemed in imminent danger 
 of meeting a horrible death. A rain fell, and, by 
 spreading articles on the deck, enough water was 
 caught to avert the danger. 
 
 After a voyage of three months, crew and passen- 
 gers were finally landed safely at New York. John 
 McMurray soon after proceeded to Winchester, W. 
 \"a., where the family lived a few years, then 
 
 moved to Washington county, Penn., resided in 
 Buffalo township a short time, and finally, in 
 company with bis brother Peter, settled in Guern- 
 sey county, ( )hio, while Samuel settled in Donegal 
 township, this county. John took a large tract of 
 land upon which he erected a log cabin, and there 
 passed the remainder of his life. In those days the 
 clothing of the family was made of flax, spun and 
 woven by their own hands; the wheat which the 
 settlers raised was carried on horseback to Wells- 
 burg, W. Va., and then ground by a treadmill into 
 flour. Special trips were also made to Winchester, 
 W. \ a., for salt. The settlers usually made these 
 journeys in large parties, taking with them sutli- 
 cient provisions to last until their return. On the 
 outward trip they left provision for one meal at 
 each stopping-place, so that by the time they 
 arrived at Winchester the horses were unloaded 
 and a supply of food ready for the homeward 
 journey obtained. Grain was harvested by a 
 sickle, and the ground cultivated with a wooden 
 plow, while wagons and sleds were articles of 
 luxury unknown to the pioneers. Amid all these 
 privations and discouragements they bravely strug- 
 gled on, the only effect of their trials being to 
 unite them more closely into a bond of brotherhood. 
 Politically John McMurray was a Federalist, and in 
 religion a member of the Three Ridge Presbyterian 
 Church at West Alexander. He died at the age of 
 eighty-nine, and was buried at West Alexander, 
 this county. The children born to this couple were 
 as follows: Susanna, John, Jane, Samuel, William, 
 James, Eliza and Mary. 
 
 William McMurray, son of John and Mary 
 (Brown) McMurray, was born March 29, 1805, in 
 Donegal township, and remained on the home farm 
 during his boyhood, receiving a subscription-school 
 education. In early manhood he was united in 
 marriage with Jane, daughter of William Martin. 
 Air. Martin was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, 
 and in early life came to America, settling near 
 Elm Grove, W. Ya. He Was married to Margaret 
 Blayney, who bore him children as follows: Martha, 
 Eliza, Andrew, Margaret, Jane and Mary. In 
 politics Mr. Martin was a Democrat. His wife was 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church. William 
 and Jane (Martin) McMurray began their wedded 
 life April 12, L838, on a farm near West Alexander, 
 this county, and afterward purchased the home 
 place. In 187."> he moved to Burgettstown, Penn., 
 where he died March 14, 1SS1, and was buried by 
 the side of his wife, who had crossed the river 
 September 4, 1864. Mr. McMurray was an ener- 
 getic, enterprising citizen and in politics w;is 
 formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the 
 Republican party. In religious faith he was an 
 active Presbyterian. 
 
 Henry B. McMurray was born September 24, 
 1840, in Donegal township, this county. His 
 
WASHINGTON COLWTY. 
 
 1055 
 
 earlier education was received at the common 
 schools; afterward attended the academy conducted 
 by Rev. W. H. Lester of West Alexander, of which 
 William McMurray, his father, was a trustee. In 
 August, 1862, Henry B. McMurray enlisted in 
 Company H, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was 
 sent to the Shenandoah Valley, and served till the 
 close of the war, under Sheridan and Custer. He 
 was taken prisoner at Ashby's Gap, and confined 
 in Libby prison three and a half months, being 
 released, together with several other prisoners, 
 about ten days prior to the surrender at Appo- 
 mattox. Mr. McMurray then returned home, and 
 in 1865 opened a drug store at Burgettstown, 
 where he has since remained. On August 3, 1876, 
 he was united in marriage with Annie C. Watter- 
 son, daughter of Robert and Mary Watterson, of 
 Wheeling, W. Va., who bore him three children: 
 Jennie C, Lee W. and Henry H. Mr. McMurray 
 is a Republican in politics, and in religion is a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as 
 trustee. Henry B. McMurray's brothers and sisters 
 were born on the following dates: John, December 
 5, 1843; William M., April 21, 1846; Martha J., 
 November 12, 1848; Eliza Ann, March 5, 1851, and 
 Mary Miller McMurray, May 2, 1856. John married 
 Julia Kelly, of Pittsburgh, in July, 1865 (To them 
 were born: Henry (deceased ), Elie, Fred, Frank, 
 Lizzie (deceased), and Lylie). William M., mar- 
 ried Julia S. Moore at Burgettstown, September 4, 
 1878 (They are the parents of Fanny May, 
 Nellie Moore, William M. and Florence Espin). 
 Eliza married James Rooth, of West Alexander, in 
 July, 1875. Martha Jane married Alvin Curtis, at 
 Claysville, in September, 1868, and to them were 
 born Jessie and Alvin Curtis. 
 
 It If ENRY WESLEY HILDEBRAND, one of 
 k— "1 the most successful farmers of West Beth- 
 lehem township, is a grandson of Michael 
 1) -* Hildebrand, who was born in 1796, in West 
 v Bethlehem township, this county. 
 
 His father left Germany in early life, and set- 
 tling in Washington county, Penn., erected a cabin 
 in the wilderness where Michael was born. Mi- 
 chael was a soldier in the war of 1812, unsurpassed 
 for bravery and daring. He was one of the build- 
 ers of that once famous thoroughfare, the " National 
 pike." He married Christina Harsh, a daughter of 
 Philip Harsh, who was also one of the first to settle 
 in Washington county. To this couple were born: 
 Demas, Andrew, Sarah Ann, Levi, Mary Jane and 
 Elizabeth, who ( with the exception of Mary Jane, 
 who died in 1876) are all still living. Andrew is 
 a farmer of prominence and resides on the old home- 
 stead; Sarah Ann is the wife of Samuel Walton, of 
 Rice's Landing, Greene county; Levi is a black- 
 smith, and lives at Ten-Mile village, Amwell town- 
 
 ship; Elizabeth lives in West Bethlehem township, 
 and is the wife of John Hannah, a well-known 
 farmer. 
 
 Demas Hildebrand, the fatherof our subject, was 
 born August 24, 1824, and in early life made many 
 dangerous trips, with heavy wagons to Zanesville, 
 Ohio; and, did space permit, many incidents of 
 peril then encountered by this brave pioneer might 
 be recounted. He afterward operated the first 
 threshinor machine broucrht to Washington county. 
 In March, 184o, he married Margaret Keys, who 
 was born September 27, 1823, a daughter of Henry 
 Keys, who was born and reared on the farm now 
 owned by his son, Henry. The following named 
 children were born to this couple: Henry Wesley; 
 Sarah Isabel, born November 1,1848, died August 
 16, 1872; William A. S., born May 24, 1855, died 
 September 22, 1877; Iria Anson, born June 26, 
 1859, now a prominent farmer of Greene county, 
 Ind.; James B. McClelland, born February 26, 
 1863, also a resident of Greene county, Ind.; Lu- 
 ella, born June 1, 1865; and Carrie Etta, born June 
 8, 1870, both living with their father, who is an 
 extensive landowner in Greene county, Ind. 
 
 Henry Wesley Hildebrand, the subject of this 
 sketch, was born December 211, IS 15, in West 
 Bethlehem township, this county. Here his early 
 years were passed at work upon the farm, and he 
 received but little education, for being the eldest, 
 of the family he shared with his father much of the 
 responsibility and management of the place. On 
 January 2, 1868, he married Catherine Wonsettler, 
 a daughter of David Wonsettler, and they have 
 two sons: William, born August 28, 1870, and 
 Finley W., born October 15, 1877, now attending 
 school. Mrs. Hildebrand died March 2, 18 l J<>, at 
 the age of forty-two years, three months and twenty- 
 one days. To her memory a handsome monument 
 was erected. Mr. Hildebrand was married March 
 19, 1891, to Emma Grable, a daughter of David 
 Grable, a prominent farmer of West Bethlehem 
 township. Mr. Hildebrand is an elder in the Lu- 4 
 theran Church, of which he and his wife are mem- 
 bers, and in politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 [( DAM MOUNTS, one of the most intelligent 
 l\ and progressive citizens of Franklin town- 
 \\ ship, was born in Canton township, February 
 =i 23, 1832. 
 
 His father, William Mounts, was born in 
 this county January 14, 1800, and was brought up 
 to practical farm life from his earliest boyhood. 
 The school he attended during a few winter weeks 
 in each year was held in a deserted log cabin, 
 through which the wintry winds whistled with 
 gleeful defiance at the huge fire that burned 
 brightly in the spacious fireplace, which monopo- 
 lized one end-of the schoolroom. In October, 1823, 
 
1056 
 
 WASHINGTON COUATY. 
 
 Mr. Mounts was married to Mary Malone, whose 
 family were also old settlers, and after their marri- 
 age the young couple made their home in Franklin 
 township until 1852, when he moved to Valley 
 Inn, Buffalo township. Later he settled on Wolf 
 Farm, where he died in June, 18N4. He was 
 emphatically a self-made man, and at the time of 
 his death owned a large farm. Politically he was 
 first a Whig, and afterward a Republican, but 
 though always taking a deep interest in the affairs 
 of his party, he would never accept office. Among 
 the earliest members of East Buffalo Presbyterian 
 Church, he was one of its leading and most 
 esteemed supporters. The children of this honored 
 pioneer were: William, Adam, Richard, Mary A. 
 (Mrs. Robert Huston), Marguerite (Mrs. Abraham 
 Huston), Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Kelley), Martha 
 (Mrs. Samuel Parker), Thomas Theodore and 
 Isaac C. Richard, Thomas and Calvin reside on 
 Wolf Farm. Sarah Jane, the oldest of the family, 
 married J. C. Johnson. 
 
 The early life of Adam Mounts was passed at 
 the paternal home, where he was employed for the 
 most part in assisting in the work on the farm 
 until he was about nineteen years old, when for a 
 time he attended the school of his section known 
 as .lolley's schoolhouse. On February 23, 1860, 
 Mr. Mounts was married to Susan, a daughter of 
 Jacob Miller, of Donegal township, and since his 
 marriage has resided in Franklin township. His 
 fine farm in Franklin township comprises 200 acres 
 of fertile land, on which he has made many improve- 
 ments, and his present residence, a large two-story 
 frame building, was built in 1884. He also owns 
 a farm of 200 acres in West Finley township, and 
 the fine residence on that farm is constructed of 
 brick made in about the year 1832. Mr. Mounts 
 also owns the first land deeded to his father in 
 October, 1831. The names of the children born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Adam Mounts are as follows: Mary 
 A. (Mrs. Bernard Ramsey), William O, J. Melvin, 
 Harry B., James A., Flora B., Alvin and Cora. 
 Mr. Mounts is a member of East Buffalo Presby- 
 terian Church, and in politics he is a Republican. 
 
 If IrUGH WILSON. In many vocations of life 
 k-J are found those who possess a reputation 
 for business sagacity which they do not 
 II — * really deserve. Thev are prosperous, not 
 v as a reward of their own struggles for suc- 
 
 cess, but having inherited the fruit of others' toil, 
 are in no way blameworthy for this fact. Vet it is 
 evident to any thoughtful mind, that a man whose 
 business has been organized and placed in a pros- 
 perous condition before he assumed control, does 
 not require the experience and judgment which 
 are essential to those who make their own road to 
 fortune. In this respect the agriculturist possesses 
 
 an advantage over his city brethren, inasmuch as 
 his reputation is of necessity based almost entirely 
 upon his own personal ability. He may inherit 
 lands and gold, but if he lacks the prerequisites of 
 his vocation, he cannot lie a successful farmer even 
 in name, for in no other path of life is incompe- 
 tency so apparent. Therefore, the successful and 
 prosperous agriculturist is always the man who 
 must possess sterling qualities of his own, regard- 
 less of the property he may inherit. Among the 
 latter class the name of Wilson is prominently 
 identified. Henry Wilson was born east of the 
 mountains, and in early manhood became a pioneer 
 settler of Allegheny county, Penn., locating near 
 McDonald. He was a prosperous farmer, and died 
 on the old place, leaving a family of nine children. 
 
 William W. Wilson, a son of that pioneer, was 
 born May 14, 1815, in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 and received a subscription-school education. He 
 then learned the waoron-makinP' trade, and first 
 located at Eldersville, Washington Co., Penn. < In 
 April 8, 1836, he selected a life companion in the 
 person of Jane Smith, who was born December 
 25, 1811. She was a daughter of Robert Smith, 
 of Jefferson township, this county. The young 
 couple continued to reside in Eldersville until 
 1839, when they moved to Paris, Hanover town- 
 ship. The children of this family bore the follow- 
 ing names: Alexander, living in Steubenville, 
 Ohio, was born January 10, 1837; Hugh, born Au- 
 gust 15, 1839; John S., a farmer of Hanover 
 township, born November 6, 1841; William II., a 
 liveryman of Burgettstown, Penn., born March L5, 
 1844; Rowena, wife of Russell Parks, Burgetts- 
 town, Penn., born March 23, 1847; Robert G., de- 
 ceased at the age of two years, born January 8, 
 1850; Rachel J., wife of W. V. Dunbar, of Smith 
 township, born December 29, 1851; and James B., 
 living in Washington State, born August 26, 1856. 
 Mr. Wilson was a leading member of the Democratic 
 party, having held several local offices. In 1874 
 he fell from his haymow, and, dislocating his neck, 
 died instantly. In 1SS7 his widow was laid beside 
 him in Paris cemetery. Both were consistent mem- 
 bers of the I". P. Church. 
 
 Hugh Wilson, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born at Kldersville, this county, having been 
 but an infant when his parents located in Paris. 
 He attended the common schools, then hired out ti> 
 Et. S. Cook, living near Bulger, Washington county, 
 with whom he remained some time. < >n March 2i>, 
 1868, he led to the altar Ophelia Russell, who was 
 born in 1840. She was a daughter of John and 
 Jane (Simpson ) Russell, of Smith township. One 
 son, John, was born to this marriage, February 4, 
 1882. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson 
 remained for some time as tenants on his father-in- 
 law's farm. In 1880 he located on his present 
 home in Hanover township,' upon which he has 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1057 
 
 made many improvements, successfully devoting 
 his attention to general farming, stock raising and 
 dairying. Politically he has always voted the 
 Democrat ticket, and in religion he and his wife 
 are members of the Florence Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Thomas Mcdonough, one of the weii- 
 known retired farmers of Washington county, 
 is a native of the same, born in Somerset 
 township, October 27, 1830. 
 He is a grandson of Henry McDonough, 
 who came from Baltimore, Md., to this county at a 
 very early day, when the Indians were so hostile 
 that he had to sleep in his rude cabin with his gun, 
 pitchlork and axe near his bed, ready for any sud- 
 den nocturnal attack. He revisited Baltimore after 
 a time, and returning to Washington county after 
 a four years' absence, bought a farm and settled 
 down to agricultural pursuits. On the occasion of 
 his second coming to the county he brought with 
 him a slave woman who kept house for him until 
 his marriage, after which she remained as a mem- 
 ber of the family until she died of sheer old age, 
 and was buried in the family lot in Pigeon Creek 
 cemetery. Henry McDonough married Jane, daugh- 
 ter of 'Squire Hamilton, of "Ginger Hill," west of 
 Monongahela City, and tbey became the parents of 
 a large family. 
 
 1 )avid McDonough, son of this pioneer, was born 
 in Washington county, November 14, 1799, his 
 education being received at the subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood of his birthplace. He was reared 
 to the occupation of his forefathers on the old home 
 farm, whereon he lived all his days. On May 16, 
 1827, he was married to Levinah, daughter of Adam 
 Weir, of West Bethlehem township, and a descend- 
 ant of one of the early settlers of the county. Four 
 children were born to this union, viz.: Joseph, in 
 Somerset township; Thomas, our subject; Adam, 
 who died at the age of eight years, and Henry H., 
 a practicing physician at Claysville, Penn. In 
 1859 the father passed from earth at the age of 
 sixtv years. He was originally a Whig in politics, 
 later a stanch Republican, and held various town- 
 ship offices in the gift of his party. His widow 
 survived him until March 2, 1876, when she too 
 passed from earth. 
 
 Thomas McDonough received his education at 
 the old log school- house of the period. His "A-B- 
 C" was learned off what was called a "paddle," 
 having the large letters of the alphabet pasted on 
 one side of it, and the small letters on the other 
 side, and the readers and other books used were 
 the Greenleaf and Adams Arithmetic, and Town's 
 and Cobb's spellers. His first teacher was Thomas 
 Hall, a prominent dominie in his time, the father of 
 Gen. John Hall, of Washington. Later Mr. Mc- 
 Donough wjs under the preceptorship of a teacher 
 
 under the public-school law — a Mr. Leet, a Wash- 
 ington attorney about that time — and his last win- 
 ter attendance at any school was for but eleven 
 days in a four-months' term. On December 31, 
 1858, Thomas McDonough was united in marriaore 
 with Jane McGregor, of Nottingham township, 
 daughter of William McGregor, a pioneer of the 
 county. To this union were born two children, 
 who died young, and their mother followed them 
 to the grave December 30, 1872. On August 25, 
 1874, our subject married Miss C. V. Burgan, of 
 Terre Haute, Ind., to which State her parents had 
 moved from Washington county, Penn. By this 
 marriage there is one child, Alice Gertrude, born 
 January 16, 1879. In April, 1891, the family 
 moved from the farm into Washington, partly on 
 account of Mr. McDonough's health, which had 
 become somewhat impaired, and partly in order to 
 give his daughter the benefit of the best city edu- 
 cation to be had in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Mc- 
 Donough are members of the Christian Church of 
 Washington, and in his political preferences he is 
 a stanch Republican. 
 
 / 
 
 Hi ENRY SCHOENTHAL, who, by a life of 
 plodding industry and judicious economy, 
 coupled with keen foresight and character- 
 - istic prudence, has risen to no small degree 
 of prominence as one of the well-to-do and 
 progressive citizens of Washington borough, is a 
 native of Germany. He was born May 20, 1843, 
 in the village of Sielen, then in the Electorate 
 HessenCassel, now in the Prussian Province of 
 Hessen-Nassau. 
 
 Levi and Henriette (Hamberg) Schoenthal, his 
 parents, were also natives of Germany, the former, 
 a shoemaker by trade, born in 1813. They had a 
 family of twelve children, nine sons and three 
 daughters, two sons dying in infancy. The rest 
 are living, two still in Germany, viz.: Jacob, 
 living in Cologne, and Rosalie, married to Willie 
 Heymann, residing in Geldernon- the-Rhine. Those 
 who came to America are Mrs. Hannah Stern 
 (widow), and Amalie, married to Elias Wolf, both 
 living in Allegheny, Penn.; Felix is in Pittsburgh; 
 Julius, in Washington, D. O; Nathan, in Philadel- 
 phia; Simon,in Atlantic City; and Isidore and Henry, 
 in Washington, Penn. The father died in Germany 
 in 1875, aged sixty-two years, the mother in Wash- 
 ington, Penn., in 1882, aged sixty-five years. 
 
 Henry Schoenthal attended the school of his na- 
 tive village up to his fourteenth year, at the same 
 time learning his father's trade, beginning when 
 only ten and one-half years old, and working at the 
 same until he was fifteen years old. For two years 
 after this he took private literary instruction, and 
 in the year 1859 was admitted into the Jewish 
 Seminary in Cassel, (iermany, an institution where, 
 
1058 
 
 WASIIlXn TON ror.YTY. 
 
 young men were educated to become teachers in 
 Jewish schools, and leaders of the service in the 
 synagogue. At the end of the third year he passed 
 an examination, and then (taught school for three 
 years in one place. In 1866 he came to the United 
 States; the rest came later,*at intervals of several 
 years. The two youngest, Isidore and Rosalie, 
 together with the mother, came with Henry in 
 1881, when he returned from a visit to Germany, 
 accompanied by wife and two children. Rosalie, 
 alter a sojourn of a few years, returned to Germany 
 and was married there. Henry returned to "Wash- 
 ington after his marriage, as he was in busi- 
 ness at that time. He is an Independent in 
 politics, with a very warm feeling for the party that 
 was good enough for Lincoln, Grant, Garfield, 
 Blaine and Harrison. Selecting as his abiding 
 place in the land of his adoption the thriving town 
 of Washington, this county, he clerked for three 
 years in the clothing storejof Jacob Goldsmith, at 
 the sign of the " Golden Eagle," in the room now 
 occupied by C. A. House as a music store. Then 
 in 1869, Mr. Schoenthal bought out the stationery 
 business of Rev. James McFarland, at the " Green 
 Tree Corner," and has ever since conducted a pros- 
 perous and lucrative trade in books, stationery, 
 notions, etc., at the same stand. In 1872 our sub- 
 ject revisited his native land, and on May 8 of that 
 year was there married to Helen, daughter of Meyer 
 Lilienfeld, of Gudensberg, in Hessen-Nassau. 
 Four children blessed this union, viz.: Madaline. 
 born March 16, 1873, died in infancy; Hilda, born 
 June 25, 1S74; Lionel, born April 14, 1877; and 
 Meyer, born August 12, 1883. He is a member of 
 the following secret societies: A. F. & A. M., 
 Heptasophs, Royal Arcanum, and Protected Home 
 Circle. 
 
 JOHN METCALF is one of the oldest and 
 most highly respected farmers of his neigh- 
 ! borhood. He is of Irish descent, his grand- 
 father, Edward Metcalf, being a native of 
 Ireland, who emigrated to America in early days, 
 and settled on a farm of 1,000 acres in Jefferson 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. Edward Metcalf 
 reared a family of seven children, of whom his son 
 Edward was the fourth in order of birth. 
 
 Edward Metcalf was born about the year 1800, 
 and trained to agricultural pursuits, which he fol- 
 lowed throughout life. He was united in marriage 
 with Miss Margaret Meneely, of Washington county, 
 and to their union were born the following chil- 
 dren: Jane, John, William, Nancy, Mary, James, 
 Margaret, Edward, Sarah, Alexander, Judy and an 
 unnamed infant. 
 
 John Metealf (subject of sketch) was born Octo- 
 ber 17, 1821, in a log cabin, and reared in Wash- 
 ington county, remaining on the home farm during 
 
 his boyhood. On FebruaryS, 1840, he was married 
 to Judy Cole. The young people first settled on 
 the farm where they now reside. He then moved 
 to his father-in-law's farm, lying between Jewett 
 and Scio, in Harrison county, Ohio, where they re- 
 mained until the death of Mr. Cole. They finally 
 returned to the present home in Jefferson town- 
 ship, this county, where they have since remained. 
 Five children have been born to this couple, namely: 
 Moses, Nancy Jane, Edward, John and Margaret 
 Ann. Mrs. Metcalf's father was a son of Moses 
 Cole, who came from the State of New Jersey and 
 settled in Washington county, Penn. Indians were 
 numerous in those days. Mrs. Moses Cole (the 
 grandmother of Mrs. Metcalf) says that she has 
 seen twenty-four Indians pass the house at one 
 time, and that she often gave them food and shel- 
 ter. Mrs. John Cole is now ninety-three years of 
 atre, and makes her home with her daughter and 
 son-in-law. 
 
 OWNSEND VAN VOORHIS. This gen- 
 tleman traces his lineage back through the 
 mist of many years to the days of 1670, when 
 three Van Voorhis brothers sailed from 
 Amsterdam, Holland, and first landed in the 
 strange " Xew World." They settled on Long 
 Island, where one brother was killed by a poisoned 
 arrow, the other remaining on the island. 
 
 On December 17, 1701, Daniel Van Voorhis was 
 born, and to him the present generation in Wash- 
 ington county trace their origin. On November 
 27, 1724, he contracted a matrimonial alliance with 
 Femmyte Bennett, who was born April 4, 1706, 
 and they became the parents of the following chil- 
 dren: Abraham, Jerome, Ange, John, Cornelius, 
 Elizabeth, Femmyte and Daniel. Daniel Van- 
 Yoorhis was born July 7, 1728, at Oyster Bay, 
 Long Island. He received a thorough education, 
 soon evincing an unususl taste for any study per- 
 taining to navigation, and many of his books 
 treating on that science are yet in possession of the 
 family. He was captain of a merchant vessel for 
 many years, twice lost his vessel and cargo, and 
 was taken prisoner by the British many times. On 
 one occasion he was pursued by a British man-of- 
 war, and had just raised the flag of surrender, but 
 before the enemy saw the signal, a cannon-ball 
 tore away the post close by where he was standing. 
 The captain was three times married: first to a 
 widow lady, Mrs. Britt, who bore him two children: 
 Samuel, a successful merchant of New York City, 
 who came to this county about 180(1, residing for 
 some time in a cabin near the present site of the 
 Black Diamond Coal Works ( he afterward moved 
 to Bucyrus, Ohio, and died there a few years ago ) ; 
 and Sirah, who married John Van Voorhis, and 
 died November 17, 1807, near Goshen, N. Y., aged 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1059 
 
 eighty-two years. After the mother of these chil- 
 dren died Capt. Van Voorhis was united in marriage 
 with Mary Newton. In 1785 he came to Wash- 
 ington county, Perm., and bought sixty acres of 
 land of one Decker, in what is now Carroll town- 
 ship. Some time afterward he moved his family to 
 the new home, where his second wife died, I )eoember 
 31, 1789, leaving three children: John (deceased 
 June 28, 1874, in Muskingum county, Ohio, at the 
 atje of ninety-three years), Daniel (who died in 
 L852,at the age of sixty- nine) and Abraham (of whom 
 further mention will be presently made). The 
 mother of this family was the first person interred 
 in the Van Voorhis cemetery at Pigeon Creek, 
 where four generations of the name are now lying. 
 For his third wife Capt. Van Voorhis selected 
 Nancy Myers, a native of Hagerstown, Md., who 
 bore him one son and one daughter: Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. Frye), and Isaac, who was born March 15, 
 L794. ('apt. Daniel Van Voorhis was called from 
 earth February 21, 1819. 
 
 Abraham Van Voorhis, son of Capt. Daniel and 
 Mary ( Newton) Van Voorhis, was born December 
 28, 1 785, near Rancocas creek, on the 1 )elaware 
 river, in New Jersey. In early manhood he was 
 united in marriage with Ann Watkins, a native of 
 Washington county, Penn., and their children 
 were born as follows. Garret T., born February 
 18, 1819, married Hester Frye, died March 20, 
 1864; had two children (Abraham and Melinda); 
 for his second wife, he married Mary J. Baxter, 
 had one son ( Luther T.). Joseph was born August 
 
 27, 1820, died November 17, 1822. Robert, born 
 July 21, L822, married Caroline Frye, had one 
 child ( Narcissa). Mary born May 5, 1826, died 
 January 31, I 863, married Vincent Colvin, had two 
 children (Jay and Abraham). Abraham Van- 
 Voorhis married, for his second wife, Jane Phillips, 
 and had se,ven children: Eliza, Lucinda, John, 
 Emeline, Caroline, Serena and Cynthia. Eliza was 
 born September 1, 1830, died February 28, L850; 
 married Thorton Watkins, had one child (James). 
 Lucinda, born August 7, 1832, died June 24, 1840. 
 John, born September 6, 1835, married Isa H. 
 Teeple, had six children (Charles, Lulu, Carrie, 
 Serena, Will and Eva). Emeline, born February 
 
 28, I 838, married Joseph Brown, had five children 
 (Van, Samuel, Curtis, Cora and Joseph). Caroline, 
 born November 1, 1840, married James Jones, had 
 seven children (Endsley, Jennie, Allie, Etta, Rena, 
 Emma and Ira). Serena, born July 2, 1843, died 
 March 23, 1861, and Cynthia, born January 16, 
 1848, who married Cooper Bentley, October 15, 
 1868. Of these children Robert is one of the best 
 authorities in the United States on all questions 
 pertaining to sheep culture, and has contributed 
 to the Congressional stock paper an article entitled 
 "Diseases of Domestic Animals." John is a system- 
 atic farmer and sheep-raiser, having been president 
 
 of the Monongahela Valley Agricultural and 
 Horticultural Society. Mrs. Jane Van Voorhis is 
 still active and enjoying good health. She has 
 for many years been a devoted member of the M. 
 E. Church, and resides on the 600 acres of land 
 which her husband owned near Monongahela City. 
 Townsend Van Voorhis, son of Abraham and Ann 
 (Watkins) Van Voorhis, was born February 18, 
 1819, as stated hitherto, in Carroll township. He 
 received his early education at the old Calhoun 
 school, and in 1840 selected a life companion in 
 the person of Hester, daughter of Noah and Lucy 
 (Colvin) Frye. To this union were born two 
 sons: Abraham, living in Kansas, and Butler T., 
 residing with his parents. Mr. Van Voorhis owns 
 193 acres of land situated four miles from Monon- 
 gahela City, and devotes his principal attention to 
 stock raising. He has been school director for 
 several years. 
 
 ATTHEW WILSON is a prosperous 
 stockman and substantial citizen of Can- 
 onsburg. He was born November 28, 
 1833, in County Antrim, Ireland, where 
 he grew to manhood. His early education 
 was very limited, as he was obliged to leave school 
 at the age of eight years. From early youth he 
 was interested in stock, and finally decided to ac- 
 company his uncle, George Wilson, on a voyage 
 to America. They had a tempestous passage, ar- 
 riving in New Vork harbor after a voyage of six 
 weeks and three days. They then came by steamer 
 to Philadelphia, thence by canal to Pittsburgh, 
 from which place they walked to Canonsburo-, 
 where they arrived at day-break on November 14, 
 L851, the journey having been made in fourteen 
 days. Matthew hired out to a farmer for one year 
 at $8,00 per month, and at the expiration of that 
 time engaged for the next nine months. He then 
 began working for a butcher, and purchasing a 
 copy-book, slate, pencil and candle, devoted his 
 evenings to energetic study. He remained with 
 his employer four years, taking charge of the busi- 
 ness after the first twelve months. Having saved 
 about $600, he then invested in stock, and driving 
 them to Allegheny, sold them in three months at a 
 profit of $600. 
 
 On April 3, 1856, he was married to Jane, daugh- 
 ter of George Wilson, and they have had three 
 daughters, namely: Jennie, Mary (wife of S. C. 
 Smith), and Martha B. (Mrs Wilson, died Novem- 
 ber 11, 1862). After his marriage he took a con- 
 tract for furnishing meat to the hands of a new 
 railroad then in progress of construction along 
 Chartiers Valley, and lost in that transaction $3,000. 
 He had good credit and perseverance, so he rallied, 
 and in 1863 went into the oil business in Oil City, 
 buying and shipping oil from that city t-> Pitts- 
 
1060 
 
 WASHING TON COrXTY. 
 
 burgh. Losing all the money he had accumulated, 
 he came back from Oil City and again started in the 
 butchering and stock business, driving sheep and 
 cattle over the mountains, and making about five 
 trips during the summer, selling the stock in Lan- 
 caster and the States of Delaware and New Jersey. 
 In 1892 a book was sent to him that had been 
 edited and published by a friend of his in regard 
 to his life and travels while in the stock business. 
 This friend sold the copyright of it for $1,000 to a 
 firm at St. Louis, Mo. Of this publication Mr. 
 Wilson was entirely ignorant until he received a 
 copy of the book. In the year 1886 he took a trip 
 to Europe, taking a nephew aged ten years with 
 him. They sailed from Philadelphia on the Ameri- 
 can Line May 14, making the voyage going in four- 
 teen days, and in returning they were on the water 
 twelve days. Of late years Mr. Wilson has de- 
 voted his principal attention to the butchery, con- 
 ducting a very extensive and profitable business. 
 He has shipped a large amount of stock to Phila- 
 delphia and Xew York, alway realizing a good 
 profit from the sales. In politics, he is an active 
 and zealous worker in the Democratic party, of 
 which he is a valued member. 
 
 OBEPT C. McNARY. This prominent 
 and highly-esteemed agriculturist of Cecil 
 township, a worthy scion of one of the old- 
 est families in the county, deserves more 
 than a passing notice in this Biographical 
 I ,'iriinl. 
 
 lie is descended from Thomas McNary, who in 
 an early day came to North Strabane township and 
 bought land. He was a son of James McNary, hy 
 trade a shoemaker, who was born in Scotland about 
 the year 1711, and, according to tradition, moved 
 with his family to the North of Ireland. After so- 
 journing there for a time, he and his wife emigrated 
 to America, bringing with them their four sons and 
 one daughter, some of whom had married in Ire- 
 land. In 1760 (so records show) James McNary 
 bought a tract of land in York county, Penn., where 
 he remained a number of years. He was an elder 
 in the Seceder congregation of Guinston, one of 
 the oldest congregations of that denomination in 
 America. His sons were John, James, Thomas 
 and David, all of whom came to Washington 
 county; his daughter, .lane, married William Rob- 
 ison, anil passed the rest of her life in York county. 
 The father of this family also came to this county, 
 and lived, up to the time of his death, with his son 
 David in Hanover township, dying in 1790 at the 
 age of eighty-five years; he was buried in the 
 Sec< del churchyard near Paris, this county. 
 
 •fames McNary, father of subject, was born in 
 North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and. received hjg education at the subscription 
 
 schools of the period. On March 7, 1811, he was 
 married to Ann Caldwell, of Washington county, 
 and after a few years married life in North Stra- 
 bane tbey moved to Nottingham township, where 
 they passed the remainder of their days. They 
 were the parents of nine children, as follows: 
 Mary E., Jane (Mrs. David Templeton), James, 
 Eliza (Mrs. James Thome), Robert O, Thomas, 
 Samuel, Ann (Mrs. John Fife) and David. The 
 father died May 19, 1841, the mother September 
 24, 1868. They were for a time members of the 
 Seceder Church at Pigeon creek, later uniting with 
 the U. P. Church, in which Mr. McNary was an 
 elder for years. In his political preferences he 
 was a Whig, but voted for the most part independ- 
 ent of party. Well-known in his day, he com- 
 manded the highest respect in the community both 
 in his private life and in his occupation as a pro- 
 gressive farmer and stock raiser. 
 
 Robert C. McNary was born in Nottingham 
 township, this county, June 17, 1823, his education 
 being received at the common schools of his dis- 
 trict, where he proved a diligent and apt scholar. 
 In early boyhood he commenced working on his 
 father's farm, and the lessons then inculcated in 
 him proved invaluable to him in after life, and 
 have been an important factor in making him what 
 he is— a successful practical agriculturist, second 
 to none in the county. On May 8, 1845, Mr. Mc- 
 Nary was married to Sarah, daughter of Robert and 
 Mary McCorkle,of Somerset township, this county. 
 The children of this marriage were the following 
 named: Mary E. (deceased), Ann (wife of W. B. 
 L. Crawford), James, Robert O, Samuel W., Sarah 
 J. ( wife of Richard Weaver), John, Houston F. 
 and Thomas. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Mc- 
 Nary made their home in Peters township until 
 L876, when he purchased his present residence in 
 Cecil township. Mrs. McNary departed this life 
 October 31, 1878, and was laid to ie"st in the Char- 
 tiers U. P. cemetery. Mr. McNary (as was his 
 wife) is a member of the Chartiers U. P. Church, 
 but was formerly a member of the Seceder Church. 
 
 DAVID GAULT, a representative citizen, and 
 | a member of one of the most prosperous 
 , pioneer families of Cross Creek township, is 
 a grandson of James Gault, who was of 
 Irish ancestry, and followed farming for many years 
 near Canon sburg, this county. Grandfather Gault 
 reared a family of eight children, three sons and 
 five daughters. The sons were: David, who lived 
 and died in Washington county, and had a family 
 who survived him (he was one of the first purchasers 
 of lots in Canonsburg); James, who served in the 
 war of 1812, and died a bachelor; and William, the 
 father of the subject of this sketch, 
 

 '■***•*' 
 
 ~€ <s/ c *S& 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1063 
 
 William Gault was born on the home farm near 
 Canonsburg, Washington county, and was reared to 
 agricultural life. He was married to Miss Mar- 
 garet Brown, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., 
 and seven children were born to their union, viz.: 
 James (who died before reaching maturity), Mary, 
 Jane, John, William, Samuel and David, all save 
 the latter being now deceased. The father died 
 in 1816, the mother passing away about 1854. 
 
 David Gault was born February 8, 1815, near 
 Florence, Washington county, Penn., and his father 
 dying the following year, the family moved to 
 Cross Creek township, settling on a farm. David 
 passed his boyhood days in gaining an insight into 
 agricultural pursuits, and attending for a few 
 months in winter time the primitive subscription 
 school of the vicinity. But he was chiefly self- 
 taught, being a close reader and apt student. At 
 the age of twelve years he found himself of some 
 assistance, to bis mother, and about this time he 
 "worked out" as a hired hand until he was sixteen 
 years old, when he and his mother, and his brother 
 William, moved to a rented farm near Cross Creek 
 village. The following yearWilliam went to Ashland 
 county, t )hio, and I )avid was thus left in sole charge 
 of the farm, which he conducted fifteen years, his 
 mother making her home with him until her remo- 
 val to Ashland county, Ohio, where she died. She 
 was a remarkable woman, a typical pioneer wife and 
 mother, who spun, wove and made all the clothing 
 for the family; and to her early teachings her son 
 David attributes much of his success. 
 
 On May 22, L845, David Gault was united in 
 marriage with Matilda, daughter of James Cook, a 
 native of Washington county, Penn., and thev had 
 four children, as follows: Georgette, born March 
 23, 1846, married to A. H. Kerr, and living in 
 Cross Creek village; Henry M., born March 16, 
 1848, residing in Plattsmouth, Neb.; James C, 
 born December 7, 1850, living in ('ross Creek 
 township; and Silas, born April 13, 1S53, a business 
 man of Chicago, 111. The mother of this family 
 died April 18, 1853, in her thirty -fifth year, and on 
 August 15, 1859, Mr. Gault was wedded to Mrs. 
 Mary ( Patterson ) Marquis, who has borne him two 
 daughters, Alice and Laura (both deceased in in- 
 fancy). She was born August 24, 1821, in Cross 
 Creek, this county, a daughter of William and Mar- 
 garet Patterson, and was married to Newton Mar- 
 quis, by whom she had one child, Alvin, who died 
 at the age of two years. Mr. Marquis was called 
 from earth in 1855. Mrs. Gault is a granddaughter 
 of Gen. Thomas Patterson, and her maternal grand- 
 father was Aaron Lyle, who represented his Dis- 
 trict in Congress. The Pattersons and Lyles are 
 very old families in this part of the Keystone State. 
 Mr. Gault's farm comprises 300 acres of highly 
 improved land, where he carries on general agri- 
 culture, including stock raising, making a specialty 
 50 
 
 of sheep. In politics he was formally a Republican, 
 but since the formation of the party has been an 
 active worker in the ranks of the Prohibitionists, 
 and he takes an active interest in all public enter- 
 prises. In religious connection he and his wife have 
 long been members of the Cross Creek Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he has been an elder for fifteen 
 years, while Mrs. Gault takes an active and sub- 
 stantial interest in foreign missions. 
 
 dtAMES H. Mi MURRAY. Among the most 
 prominent residents of Peters township, this 
 name is an honored one. James McMurray 
 was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, and 
 when a young man sailed to America. He first 
 located near Irisbtown, Allegheny Co., Penn., and 
 there followed agricultural pursuits. Soon after 
 arriving in this country he married Isabelle Balen- 
 tine, a native of the Emerald Isle, who had crossed 
 the ocean in early youth. The young people 
 settled on a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 where the following children were born to them: 
 James, Jane, John, William, Nancy (wife of Paul 
 Black, of Aledo, 111.), Margaret (living on the 
 home farm with her brother Hervey), Esther, 
 Mary A., Archie (a farmer in Allegheny county), 
 Andrew, Hervey, Edward, an infant son, and ;iu 
 infant daughter. Of this family James, Jane, 
 William, Either, Mary A., Andrew, and the two 
 youngest are deceased. 
 
 William McMurray, son of James and Isabelle 
 McMurray, was born in 1817, on the old home- 
 stead in Allegheny county, Penn. In early man- 
 hood he was married to Jane, daughter of John 
 Mouck, of Washington county, Penn. They lived 
 on a farm near Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 fourteen years after their marriage, then came to 
 the home place in Washington county, Penn., 
 where the family are now living. William McMur- 
 ray was an active member of the Democratic 
 party, and held various township offices. He was 
 connected with the United Presbyterian Church, 
 and gave to that Society a most liberal support. 
 He died February 23, 1889, leaving three children, 
 viz.: Mary I. (wife of J. C. Crouch), James H.,and 
 Eliza Jane (deceased at the age of fourteen years). 
 James H. McMurray, whose name opens this 
 sketch, was born September 3, 1847, on the farm 
 near Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn. He came 
 to the farm in Washington county when but a lad, 
 and there grew to manhood. He was married 
 December 24, 1874, to Sarah M. Matthews, who 
 was born March 8, 1855, daughter of James Mat- 
 thews, a resident of Peters township, this county. 
 The young people began wedded life on the farm 
 in Peters township where they are yet living. Six 
 children have blessed their union as follows: James 
 M.G., William W. (who died in infancy), Levi A., 
 
1064 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Jennie M. (who died at the age of two years), 
 George W. and Taniar M. Mr. McMurray has 
 been a very successful business man, and now owns 
 about 174 acres of land in several tracts. He has 
 always taken a lively interest in the welfare of the 
 Democratic party, has held many local offices, and 
 in religion is a member and elder of the Mt. Pros- 
 pect United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 AMUEL LINN. No township in Wash- 
 ington county has been more favored in the 
 1) matter of tine farm land, and prosperous, 
 intelligent husbandmen, than North Stra- 
 bane, and a record of the agricultural pre-eminence 
 would be uncomplete were the life sketch of 
 Samuel [jinn omitted. He is a native of the town- 
 ship, born January 30, 1831, a son of Matthew 
 and Sarah (Pollock) Linn. 
 
 Matthew Linn was a son of James Linn, a native 
 of Scotland, whence, when a young man, he came 
 to America with his parents, who made a settle- 
 ment in Lancaster county, Penn. Here James 
 married Ellen, daughter of Robert Young, of that 
 county, and in 1792 came with his family to North 
 Strabane township, Washington county, where he 
 purchased 300 acres of wild land (the same at his 
 death being divided between his sons), on which 
 he erected a log cabin wherein were born nearly 
 all his children — five sons and two daughters — of 
 whom the following is a brief record: William 
 settled in West Newton, Penn., and died there; 
 Mary married George Ferry, and they settled in 
 East Liberty, Allegheny Co., Penn.; Sarah married 
 William Hunter; Robert settled on the home farm 
 (his descendants moved West); Moses died on his 
 portion of the paternal estate; James late in life 
 sold out his share in the homestead, and settled 
 near Washington borough, on a farm where now 
 stands the village of Linntown; Matthew is more 
 particularly spoken of further on. The father of 
 this family died at the age of eighty-four years. 
 He was a member of the Seceder Church (of which 
 Dr. Ramsey was the minister), and in politics he 
 was an Old-school Democrat. 
 
 Matthew Linn was born in North Strabane 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1796, and 
 when yet a young man was married to Sarah, 
 daughter of Samuel Pollock, their children being 
 James, Ellen (deceased), Mary (Mrs. James Bruce), 
 Samuel, Martha (Mrs. Lee Crouch), Matthew (who 
 died in the army), William, Jane (who married 
 James Patterson, and they reside in Nottingham 
 township, this county), Harriet (Mrs. Charles 
 Pitman, living on the old homestead), and John P. 
 (deceased). The parentsdied in Washington county^ 
 the father in 1870, the mother in 1876, and they 
 are buried at ( 'anonsburg; they were members of 
 the U. P. Church. In politics Mr. Linn was a 
 
 Democrat, and held various offices of trust in his 
 township; in 1840 he was elected county commis- 
 sioner, during the building of the courthouse; from 
 the age of twenty-two years until his death he 
 served as a justice of the peace; in 1S.V1 he was 
 elected a member of the State Legislature, serving 
 one term, and for thirty-three years he was in the 
 State militia, in which he held every rank, in rotation, 
 up to general. 
 
 Samuel Linn received his education at the 
 common schools of his district in North Strabane 
 township, and on the home farm had a thorough, 
 practical training to agricultural pursuits, which 
 have been his life vocation, and in which he has 
 met with gratifying success. On October 20, 1858, 
 he was wedded to Ellen, daughter of James Harbi- 
 son, of Allegheny county, Penn., and the names of 
 the children born to this union are Surah J. (at 
 home), Nettie and Mattie (twins, the former of whom 
 is yet living at home, the latter married to James 
 Wylie Vasbinder), Nannie (deceased), J. Bruce, 
 Clark, Mary (married to A. ]). Weller, of Canons- 
 burg ) and Thomas B. Mr. Linn was formerly an 
 adherent of the Seceder Church, and is now a 
 member of the Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church. 
 In his political associations he is a Democrat. 
 
 T "TERVEY McMURRAY. Among the most 
 V—A prominent residents of Peters township, this 
 
 name is an honored one. James McMurray 
 I) was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, 
 
 ~ and when a young man sailed to America. 
 
 He first located near Irishtown, Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and there followed agricultural pursuits. 
 Soon after arriving in this country he married 
 Isabelle Balentine, a native of the Emerald Isle 
 who had come across the ocean in early youth. 
 The young people settled on a farm in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., where the following children were 
 born to them: James, Jane, John, William, 
 Nancy (wife of Paul Black, of Aledo, 111. ), Mar- 
 garet ( living on the home farm with her brother 
 Hervey), Esther, Mary A., Archie (a farmer in 
 Allegheny county), Andrew, Hervey, Edward, an 
 infant son, and an infant daughter. Of this family 
 James, Jane, William, Esther, Mary A., Andrew, 
 and the youngest two are deceased. 
 
 Hervey McMurray, whose name introduces t his 
 biography, was born May 3, 1S29, on the old farm 
 in Allegheny county, Penn. His father died when 
 Hervey was a lad of fifteen years, and the care of 
 the family fell upon his youthful shoulders. But 
 with the indomitable spirit so characteristic of his 
 race, young McMurray cheerfully accepted the 
 burden, and passed his youth and early manhood 
 in supporting the family. On December 13, 1855, 
 he was united in marriage with Emily, daughter of 
 John Mouck, a prominent fanner of Washington 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1065 
 
 county, Penn. Mr. McMurray had received 1000 
 from his lather's estate, and after his marriage 
 located on his present farm in Peters township. 
 He then invested his capital in a flock of sheep, 
 having usually four or five hundred on the place. 
 His property consists of 280 acres of land, an ex- 
 cellent roller-process mill (known as McMurray's 
 mills), a fine dwelling and store-room in Beltz- 
 hoover borough (a suburban town of Pittsburgh), 
 and an interest in the store-room at Hill's Station. 
 In politics he has ever been a stanch member of 
 the Democratic party, but has invariably declined 
 nominations for official positions. However, he 
 was instrumental in having a postoffice established 
 at McMurray's Mills, and was the first postmaster, 
 which office is yet filled by members of the family. 
 Mr. and Mrs. McMurray are the parents of nine 
 children, viz.: J. Henry, John A., Mary B., Marga- 
 ret J., William J., Emma L., Caroline, Hervey B. 
 and Charles R. 
 
 L Mi PS. NANCY POWELL was born in 1829, 
 \/| in West" Pike Run township, Washington 
 "(I Co., Penn., a daughter of John Deems, 
 I — ' whose father, alsonamed John, was a native 
 of this county. John Deems, Jr., was 
 born and reared on the home farm in West Pike 
 Run township, where he grew to manhood. He 
 was married to Jane, daughter of Abraham 
 Greene, a native of York county, Penn., and who 
 moved to Washington county many years ago, 
 where he died. John and Jane (Greene) Deems 
 reared the following children: John (living in 
 Iowa), George, Mark, Uriah, Reason, Susan, Polly, 
 Betsey, Martha J., and Xancy, whose name opens 
 this sketch. Of this family but two are yet living, 
 John and Nancy. The father died in 1833 (when 
 Nancy was four years of age), and the mother 
 several years later, at the age of ' seventy years. 
 She was a member of the Baptist Church; in poli- 
 tics he was a Republican. 
 
 Nancy Deems was reared on the home place, 
 and in 1848 was married to Edward Yorty, a native 
 of this county, who followed farming. To this 
 union were born three children, namely: Martha J., 
 wife of James Harrison, a farmer of Harrison 
 county, W. Va. ; Nancy, married to John Robison, 
 a grocer of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn.; and 
 Clay, deceased. The father was a Republican in 
 politics. He died in 1858, and in 1862 Mrs. Yorty 
 was married to Joseph Powell, also a native-born 
 agriculturist of Washington county. He died in 
 1881, since which time his widow has continued to 
 reside on the home place, consisting of 114 acres 
 of well-cultivated land, equipped with a good resi- 
 dence, barn and outbuildings. After the death of 
 her husband the farm was for several years con- 
 ducted by Clay Yorty, a son of Mrs. Powell. 
 
 Clay Yorty always resided on the home place. 
 When a young man he was married to Catherine 
 Hill, who bore him six children, namely: Robert 
 G., born in 1875; Solomon, born in 1877; Nancy, 
 born in 1880; Grace, born in 1882; Blanche, born 
 in 1884; and one deceased in infancy. The mother 
 died July 2, 1884, at the age of thirty-three years, 
 followed by the father in 1801, who passed away 
 in his forty-ninth year. In politics he was a Re- 
 publican, and was a member of the Masonic Frater- 
 nity at Beallsville. Since the death of this son 
 Mrs. Powell has cared for his children, who are 
 living with her on the home farm. 
 
 |(OHN WILEY DAY. In every vocation of 
 life there are those who by dint of " brain 
 t I J and brawn " have pushed through the ranks 
 ^^ of the many and taken positions with the few. 
 To the man who without the aid of noble birth or 
 bequeathed fortune succeeds in rising to this place 
 among his fellows much credit is due, and the 
 story of such lives cannot be other than beneficial 
 to the struggling youth of the rising generation. 
 Among this class our subject finds a graceful 
 position. 
 
 J. Wiley Dayjis a descendant of an Englishman 
 by the name of George Day, who emigrated from 
 England to the United States in the seventeenth 
 century. He resided for a time in Connecticut, 
 but later made a permanent settlement at Newark, 
 N. J., where the descendants became quite numer- 
 ous. The subject of this sketch is more immedi- 
 ately descended from one Samuel Day, who emi- 
 grated from Morristown, N. J., near the middle of 
 the eighteenth century, and settled in Morris town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., on North Ten- Mile 
 creek, northwest of the village of Prosperity, on a 
 farm now owned by J. Miller Day. His will bears 
 the date of November 27, 1793, probated in 1796; 
 he had four sons and one daughter, viz.: Daniel, 
 Samuel, Joseph, Benjamin and Joanna. Of these, 
 Daniel remained on the land bequeathed to him by 
 his father, now owned by J. M. Day; Samuel emi- 
 grated to Belmont county, Ohio, where the name 
 of Day is quite common; Joseph also settled on 
 land bequeathed to him by his father in Morris 
 township; Benjamin emigrated in 1812 to the 
 northern part of Ohio, near the city of Cleveland, 
 where he purchased a large body of land, upon a 
 part of which the city has since grown, conse- 
 quently becoming quite wealthy. Daniel Day 
 died in 1811. He had six sons: Colvin, William, 
 John, Stephen, Samuel and Cephas — and three 
 daughters: Abigail, Nelly and Electy. 
 
 Samuel Day married Hannah Cooper, who was 
 born November 17, 1798, a daughter of Zebulon 
 Cooper, of Morris township. The Cooper family, 
 which is an old one in this county, came to Penn- 
 
1066 
 
 WA s 1IING TON COL XTY. 
 
 sylvania from Sag Harbor, Long Island. To the 
 union of Samuel and Hannah (Cooper) Day came 
 eight children: Maria, born February 27, 1820, 
 died in Morris township, September 11, 1861; El- 
 mus, born November 23, 1 82 I , now a farmer in 
 Muscatine county, Iowa; Emeline, born March 5, 
 1824, died September 4, 1883; Josiah, born July 
 13, 1S27, is now living in Muscatine county, Iowa; 
 Cephas, born April 6, 1830, died May 20, L845; 
 Samuel A., born February 25, L835, is now a resi- 
 dent of Philadelphia; J. Wiley and Ann Eliza 
 (twins), born December 15, 1837 (Ann Eliza died 
 August 11, 1845). The father of this family died 
 December 18, 1870, and the mother passed away 
 September 6, 1878. 
 
 The Day family are represented in various occu- 
 pations, and valued for their integrity and public- 
 spiritedness. John Wiley Day, though not afforded 
 an opportunity for a finished education, is a man 
 who has kept well up with the times, and is con- 
 versant with all matters pertaining to the public. 
 He was a candidate on the Democratic ticket for 
 State Representative in the fall of 1890, and, 
 though defeated, his popularity is evinced by the 
 fact that he reduced the Republican majority from 
 1,000 to 123. In 1863 Mr. Day married Caroline 
 C, daughter of Joseph Dunn, of Morris township, 
 Greene Co., Penn., and of this union were born 
 four children: Samuel Cassius, Anna 15., Joseph 
 E. and Lizzie II. Their mother died in 1874, and 
 in 1876 Mr. Day married Maria E., daughter of 
 Thomas Horton, of East Bethlehem township, to 
 which union two children have been born: Bessie 
 Oraand John W. This wife died July 5,1890. 
 Mr. Day is giving his children the educational ad- 
 vantages afforded in the schools of that section, as 
 thev arrive at the age at which they appreciate it. 
 He is an active member of and an elder in the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 BUTLER HUGGINS, prominent in the agri- 
 cultural community, is a son of Jacob Hug- 
 ) gins, a farmer, who was born in 1700, in 
 Greene county, Penn., and in early life was 
 married to Margaret Campbell. She was born in 
 1702, in Adams county, Ohio, and became the 
 mother of eight children, of whom but three are 
 now living, viz.: Mutler, William P. and Agnes 
 (Mrs. George). Four sons of this family took 
 part in the Civil war, Butler remaining at home 
 to care for the rest. James enlisted in the I Ine 
 Hundred and Thirty-ninth P.V.I. The mother 
 passed away in 1863, having met with an accident, 
 breaking a limb, which resulted in her death; the 
 father died in 1 868. 
 
 Butler Huggins was born April 17, 1820, in Ross 
 township, Allegheny county, Penn. He attended 
 the schools of Butler county, that State, for ten 
 
 months, and then served an apprenticeship at black- 
 smithing, a trade he followed twenty years. On 
 August 21, 1S46, he was married to Sarah Harger, 
 of Allegheny county, Penn., and four children were 
 born to them, viz.: Holmes (married); Emily ( wife 
 of E.C.Fulton); My ra (married to William Mo- 
 Clure); and John (deceased). The mother of 
 these died September 21, IS-"):'!, and May 30, 1855, 
 Mr. Huggins married Miss Mary Ann Leslie, a 
 distant relative of Frank Leslie, also a cousin of 
 \\'.(). Leslie, the noted lawyer of Pittsburgh, Penn. 
 Mr. Huggins began life a penniless boy, but by 
 dint of tireless industry and perseverance has risen 
 to his present enviable position. He was a dealer 
 in all kinds of live stock, and of late years he has 
 dealt extensively in horses, which business he is 
 now following in connection with farmingf. Mr. 
 Butler Huggins, it may here be said, is considered 
 to be as good a judge of horses as can be found in 
 the Keystone State, and it has often been remarked 
 of him that " he could see more about a horse by 
 walking around him once, than most men could by 
 looking at the animal all day." He owns 140 acres 
 of fine land in Greene county, and the home farm 
 in this county, also containing 140 acres, including 
 an undeveloped oil well. A Republican in politics, 
 he has served his township as justice of the peace, 
 judge of election and road commissioner, filling 
 each office with credit to himself, and the entire 
 satisfaction of his constituents. 
 
 ISS MARTHA D. TWEED is a repre- 
 sentative of another well-known family 
 who are prominently identified with the 
 
 ■ organization, growth and development of 
 Washington county. Samuel Tweed and 
 his wife, Jane ( Anderson) Tweed, were natives of 
 Ireland, coming to America at a very early date, 
 probably prior to the Revolution. They first set- 
 tled east of the mountains, afterward moving to 
 Washington county, and locating near Buffalo 
 village. Their children were John, Robert, Will- 
 iam, Samuel, Griselda and Annie. 
 
 Robert Tweed (father of subject ) was first mar- 
 ried in 1801 to Elizabeth Wylie, a sister of Adam 
 Wylie, M. D., and Rev. William Wylie, 1). D. Of 
 the children born to this union, six grew to ma- 
 turity, viz.: John, Eliza, Griselda, Nancy, Marga- 
 ret and Mary. After the death of his first wife 
 September 3, 1820, Robert, was married October 
 11, 1821, to Mary Work, daughter of George and 
 Martha (Dunlap ) Work. By this marriage there 
 were four children, namely: Martha D., Jane, Ann 
 and Samuel. Robert Tweed succeeded in rearing 
 his large family, and gave each a fair practical edu- 
 cation. He was a man of domestic tastes, devot- 
 ing little attention to political affairs. In religion 
 he and his wife were members of the Upper 
 
r rt^ /¥/uf^ytJ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 1069 
 
 Buffalo Presbyterian Church, and endeavored to 
 bring up their children in accordance with its 
 teachings. He died April 2(3, 1828, aged fifty- five 
 years. His widow passed away at the advanced 
 acre of over eighty years, July 22, 1809. 
 
 She was a woman of much more than ordinary 
 intelligence and business sagacity, and managed 
 the farm successfully many years after the death 
 of her husband. At the same time she found time 
 to inform herself upon all subjects of general in- 
 terest, and especially the history and doctrines of 
 the Church. She was recognized as one of the 
 best informed Bible scholars in the Church of which 
 she was a member. 
 
 George Work came to Hopewell township in 
 L802, and bought of Mr. Tweed 100 acres of land 
 adjoining Buffalo village. In early life he was 
 married to Margaret Dunlap, and five children 
 were born to them: James, Alexander, John, Jane 
 and Mary. 
 
 Of the children born to Robert and Mary 
 (Work) Tweed, Jane Tweed was married to 
 Thomas Ralston, and only one of her children, 
 William (residing in West Middletown), is now 
 living; Ann Tweed was married to John McCully, 
 and removed to Smithfield, Ohio, where her six chil- 
 dren are now residing; Martha D. and Samuel 
 were never married, and after the death of their 
 parents they took charge of the estate, living on 
 the old homestead. Samuel died October 10, 1891, 
 aged sixty-six years, and Miss Martha Tweed is 
 now the last representative of the family name 
 in this county. 
 
 t JlfRS. NANCY C. ROLLSTIN, one of the 
 \//\ most popular and intelligent ladies of 
 
 ■! I Buffalo township, was born in Guernsey 
 I -* county, Ohio, January 8, 1820. She is 
 v the daughter of John and Jane (McGuffin) 
 
 Adams. 
 
 John Adams was a native of Ireland, who came 
 to America when eighteen years old. He first lo- 
 cated in Washington county, Penn., where he spent 
 several years as a farm hand. Removing to Guern- 
 sey county, Ohio, he invested his savings in land, 
 and prepared a rude home in the wilderness. The 
 humble "cage" being prepared, he returned 
 to Washington county to secure the bird, and 
 three months later brought his bride, Miss Jane 
 McGuffin, to the pioneer cabin. Together the 
 young couple began to build their home, and 
 here were born to them the following eight 
 children: Thomas, Elizabeth, Nancy C, Mary 
 J., Margaret, Ann, William P. and Rebecca E. Of 
 these children, Thomas, Elizabeth and Margaret 
 are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Adams passed the re- 
 mainder of their days on the old farm, where the 
 first years of their married life were spent, and 
 
 where their youngest son, William P., still resides. 
 In religion, they were Covenanters of the Old 
 School, and the religious training of the family was 
 that strict type, characteristic of the denomination. 
 
 Nancy C. Adams, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was first married October 23, 1849, t < > .lames 
 McKeown, whose parents emigrated from the Prov- 
 ince of Munster, Ireland, when he was one year 
 old, or in 1824. In the spring of 1850, the young 
 couple located in Harrison county, Ohio, with 
 buoyant spirits and bright prospects for the future; 
 but, alas! how little we know of what the future 
 has in store for us. Only three short months had 
 passed since beginning housekeeping, when on 
 June 29, 1850, Mr. McKeown, in assisting in tear- 
 ing down a frame barn, received injuries from a 
 fall which caused his death, July 7, 1850. Mrs. 
 McKeown now returned to the home of her parents, 
 where her son James A. was born January 9, 1851, 
 and where she continued to make her home until 
 April, 1858, when she was again married; this time 
 to John Rollstin, a son of James Rollstin, of Buf- 
 falo township. 
 
 James Rollstin was born in Ireland in 1785, and 
 emigrated to this country when quite young. He 
 was united in marriage with Miss Nancy McGuffin 
 March 29, 1S10, and to them were born five sons 
 and eight daughters: William, John, Joseph, Eliza- 
 beth, Esther, Rebecca, Jane, Nancy, Martha, 
 Margaret, James, Porter and Rachel. Of these, 
 only three are now living: Esther (Mrs. Knox, of 
 Olaysville ), Martha ( Mrs. McDowell, of Iowa), and 
 Rachel ( Mrs. Woods, of Iowa). 
 
 John Rollstin was born December 18, 1812, in 
 Buffalo township, and was reared on the farm, re- 
 ceiving a common- school education. His first wife 
 was Eliza Finley, of East Finley township, and to 
 them were born two daughters: Nancy J., born in 
 1844, and Mattie E., in 1847. Nancy J. married 
 John Allender, and is now deceased; Mattie E. 
 married E. H. Stringham, of Ringgold county, 
 Iowa, where she now resides. The mother died in 
 1856, and Mr. Rollstin afterward married Nancy 
 (Adams) McKeown. The children born of this 
 union were: Lizzie J., June 4, 1859, and Anna R., 
 May 31, 1861. Lizzie J. was married to R. J. 
 Me( 'leery, of West Finley township, in the fall of 
 1883. She died January 16, 1888. Anna R. was 
 married to W. H. Craig in the spring of 1887. Mr. 
 Craig died August 9, 1891, since which time Anna 
 has made her home with her mother. 
 
 Politically, John Rollstin was a Republican, an 
 active supporter of his party, and in religion a de- 
 vout and consistent member of the U. P. Church. 
 Mrs. Rollstin is also a member of the U. P. Church 
 of Claysville, and enjoys the respect of all who 
 know her. By the death of John Rollstin', which 
 occurred April 6, 1864, Mrs. R. was again left a 
 widow. Assuming the management of the farm, 
 

 1070 
 
 WASHINGTON COUXTY. 
 
 her business capacity and thrift enabled her not 
 only to support herself and family, besides hiring 
 the labor done, but to lay something by for a 
 " rainy day." 
 
 Her son, J. A. McKeown, was a teacher in the 
 public schools for eighteen winters. In the fall of 
 1877 he was united in marriage with Lizzie J., 
 daughter of A. K. Craig. Three children were 
 born to them, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. 
 McKeown died December 2, 1884. Mr. McKeown 
 selected, as his second wife, Kthilind Brimner, of 
 Burgettstown, with whom he was united in mar- 
 riage August 29, 1888. They have one son, Clark 
 B., now living. A daughter, Mary L., died June 
 22, 1891, aged thirteen months. Mr. McKeown is 
 a justly popular young man, winning many friends 
 by his recognized ability and genial courtesy cf 
 manner. He successfully manages his mother's 
 farm, which consists of 100 acres of good land lying 
 south of the National pike, in Buffalo township, as 
 well as eighty acres of his own in East Finley 
 township, two miles south of the home farm, and 
 also devotes much attention to stock raising. Po- 
 litically, he is a straight Republican, and is now 
 serving his second term as county auditor, a po- 
 sition for which ha is well qualified, both by natural 
 inclination and intellectual training. 
 
 OBERT McKEAN, a successful business 
 */ man of Charleroi, is a son 'of William Mc- 
 Kean, who was born and reared in Kirkcud- 
 brightshire, Scotland. 
 
 William McKean received his early edu- 
 cation in the country schools of his native land, and 
 was there married to Mary, daughter of William 
 Brown, whose family had been natives of Kircud- 
 brightshire for over two hundred years. Mr. and 
 Mrs. McKean passed their lives on the home farm 
 in Scotland, where the following children were 
 born to them, and reared: John, a sea captain, who 
 was lost in a wreck in 1837; Mary, wife of Alex- 
 ander Magill; William, a farmer of Mansfield, 
 Penn.; James, a merchant tailor in Canada Corners, 
 Mich.; Joseph, living on the old home place in 
 Scotland; Elizabeth, deceased in youth; Andrew, 
 living in Scotland; Robert, and Samuel, the last 
 named residing in Fayette county, Penn. The 
 father was a member of the Established Church of 
 Scotland. 
 
 Robert McKean was born March 7, 1 827, on the 
 home place in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland, and 
 in boyhood attended the schools of his native 
 parish, assisting also in the duties of the farm. On 
 January 1, 1840, he married Janet Caird, who was 
 born at New Abbey, Scotland, a daughter of 
 James Caird, a native and merchant of the same 
 place, and a member of the Established Church. 
 The children of Mr and Mrs. Caird were born as 
 
 follows: Janet, wife of Robert M^K-au; John; 
 Barbara, wife of Andrew Irving; Agnes, married 
 to a Mr. Thompson; James; William; Mary, and 
 two whose names are unknown. Mr. and Mrs. 
 McKean resided on a farm near New Abbey for 
 about one year after their marriage, then set sail 
 for America. After a voyage of thirty days they 
 landed in New York, in July, 185(1; thence pro- 
 ceeded to Newburgh, where they spent a few 
 months, going from there by rail to Johnstown, 
 finally arriving in Allegheny City. In 1850 he 
 worked for four months for seventy-five cents a 
 day, and then moved to a place about six miles 
 out, on the Steubenville pike, on Chartiers creek, 
 where he followed gardening about six years. He 
 then passed seven years at Mansfield, farming and 
 gardening on a place near that town. In 1865 he 
 purchased and moved on 220 acres at Lock No. 4 
 (now Charleroi), Washington Co., Penn., having 
 paid for this laud with the proceeds of years of 
 hard labor. Politically he is actively identified 
 with the interests of the Republican party, and in 
 religion he and his family are members of the U. 
 P. Church. He gives liberally" of his means to all 
 worthy enterprises. His children have been as 
 follows: James, postmaster at Pittsburgh; William, 
 who died in youth; John C. (postmaster), William, 
 Andrew, Agnes, Robert and Mary (wife of C. F. 
 Thompson). Miss Agnes McKean was the first 
 postmistress at Charleroi and also the first telegraph 
 operator, receiving and sending the first message 
 received or sent from Charleroi. The mother of 
 these children died in April, 1890. 
 
 JfUDGE ABRAHAM WOTRING (deceased) 
 was a prominent gentleman of Washington 
 county, and a representative of an old pioneer 
 family. His father, Abraham Wotring, was 
 a descendant of French Huguenots, who sailed 
 from France in the days of religious persecution, 
 to find a home where they might worship God 
 according to the dictates of conscience only, and 
 in free America they found the object of their 
 quest. He was born in York county, Penn., from 
 whence he removed to Hagerstown, Md., and there 
 purchased a large tract of land upon which he 
 lived for some years. He then located in 
 Washington county, Penn., on a part of the 
 present site of Washington borough, some time 
 later moving to the home farm now occupied by 
 his descendants. He erected a mill and store- 
 room, built an addition to the house, and opened 
 a milling business in connection with conducting 
 the store and farm. Mr. Wotring entered the 
 Revolutionary war at the beginning of the conllict, 
 serving until the close. In politics he was a very 
 influential Democrat. One son was born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Wotring, Abraham. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNT?. 
 
 1071 
 
 Abraham Wotring was born in 1804 in Mary- 
 land, coming to Washington county, Penn., when 
 but ten years of age. He assisted his father in the 
 extensive business which he conducted, and in L824 
 was unitad in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Rev. Jonathan Rahauser, one of the first ministers 
 of the Gdrman Reformed Church, of Hagerstmvn, 
 Md. Some years after the marriage of her daugh- 
 ter, Mrs. Rahauser, being a widow, removed with her 
 family to Washington county, Penn., bringing with 
 them one of the first pianos ever brought over the 
 mountains. People came from many miles around 
 to hear the wonderful music, and see the unusual 
 curiosity which is yet in the possession of the fam- 
 ily. Mr. Wotring inherited the land and exten- 
 sive business owned by his father, who died soon 
 after the marriage of the former. Mr. Wotring 
 sold the greater portion of the land, reserving 
 about 250 acres of the best to his own use, and 
 continuing to conduct the mill and store. To 
 Abraham and Elizabeth (Rahauser) Wotring were 
 born the following children: Mary (Mrs. Pointlex- 
 ter, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Abraham (living at 
 home), Jonathan (a physician of Newark, Ohio), 
 Katherine (Mrs. Howard, of Allegheny), Elizabeth 
 (living on the home farm), Amelia (also residing 
 at home), Frederick (a minister of Rawlins, Wyo- 
 ming), Roaanna (Mrs. Clark, of Washington, I ).<'.), 
 Francis L. (living on the home place), Dr. Louisa 
 Lyle (of Cincinnati, Ohio) and Cornelia (Mrs. Con- 
 ger, of Clinton, Iowa). 
 
 After conducting the mill for a number of years 
 
 .\lr. Wotring closed it, and dividing it into r s, 
 
 opened an academy which flourished for some time. 
 I ii politics he was originally a Democrat, but after- 
 ward joined the Republican party. He served as 
 postmaster for some time, was justice of the peace 
 lor several years, and was twice elected associate 
 judge of Washington county. He was a leading 
 citizen, being called upon for advice and counsel 
 in many important matters. In religious faith he 
 was a member and trustee of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Buffalo, this county. He died in 1874. 
 
 P,ARKER S. SPHAR. The Sphar family 
 ' have been identified with the history of 
 Washington county for many years. Mat- 
 tern Sphar was born in Switzerland, and, 
 in company with two brothers and one sis- 
 ter, immigrated to America about 1760, at the age 
 of seventeen years. He first settled in Williams- 
 burgh, Va., and on April 21, 1767, took the oath 
 of allegiance under Queen Anne. He was there 
 married to Margaret Shively, and in 1780 came to 
 Washington county, Penn., and purchased of one 
 Col. Cooke 200 acres on the Monongahela river, in 
 what is now Washington county. He took an active 
 part in the Whisky Insurrection, and was a soldier 
 
 in the war of 1812. He died about 1822, leaving 
 three children, namely: John, Mattern (who moved 
 to Adams county, Ohio, thence to Indiana), and 
 Henry (who lived in this county). 
 
 John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun 
 county, Va., and when but three years of age cime 
 with his parents to Washington county, Penn. He 
 received a subscription-school education in Allen 
 township, and when a young man was married to 
 Susanna Redd, a native of Washington county. 
 They settled on a farm in Allen township, and 
 reared the following children: Mary, wife of John 
 Shively, Guernsey county, Ohio; Jacob, who was 
 first married to Susanna Wood, and after her death 
 to Charlotte Wilson; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph 
 Dunlevy; Daniel, who married Mary Speer, and 
 lived in Kentucky; Ann, wife of William Spah, of 
 Indiana; Barbara, wife of William Hollingshead; 
 Mattern, married to Margaret Coy le, of Ohio; Sarah, 
 widow of Joseph Beazell, of Allen township; Ra- 
 chel, married to Robert Gailey, of Clarion county, 
 Penn.; John, who married Lucy Ann Scott, and 
 Henry. Of this family three are yet living, viz.: 
 Sarah, John and Henry. The father voted first 
 with the Whig, afterward with the Republican 
 party, and served as supervisor of the township. 
 He and his wife were members of the Baptist 
 Church. He died in 1856, having beeji preceded 
 by his wife in 1852. 
 
 John Sphar was born February 26, 1817, on the 
 old place in xVllen township, Washington county. 
 In 1839 he was united in marriage with Lucy Ann 
 Scott, daughter of Parker and Sarah (Carson) 
 Scott, all of whom were natives of Fallowfield 
 township. Her parents had twelve daughters, of 
 whom Mrs. Sphar is the only one yet living. Mr. 
 Sphar owns seventy-five acres of the old home- 
 stead, where he has followed general farming. He 
 cast a vote for William Henry Harrison, and since 
 the organization of the Republican party has been 
 one of its most earnest supporters, and has served 
 as a member of the school board and also as super- 
 visor. He is no less interested in religious than in 
 political movements, having been licensed as an 
 exhorter and class-leader in the Ebenezer M. E. 
 Church, with which his wife is also identified. 
 Mr. and Mrs. John Sphar have had children as fol- 
 lows: Sarah, wife of William Rodgers, of Fallow- 
 field township; Parker S.; Henry, married to a 
 Miss McElhaney, of Armstrong county, Penn.; 
 James, who died in his twenty-sixth year; John 
 E., living in Allen township; Ann, widow of 
 Ephraim McKee; Gertrude, married to J. H. Redd, 
 and Wesley, deceased at the age of nineteen 
 years. 
 
 Parker S. Sphar was born April 9, 1842, in Allen 
 township, Washington county, and was reared to 
 manhood on the home place. On September 18, 
 1862, he was united iu marriage with Sarah R. 
 
1072 
 
 WASIIINirntX < OCX TV. 
 
 Dunlevy, a native of Allen township, and daughter 
 of Andrew Dunlevy. After his marriacre Parker 
 S. Sphar located on ninety-six acres of land in 
 Allen township, containing a good stone quarry 
 adjoining Charleroi. He does an extensive busi- 
 ness in building stone, besides general farming. 
 In political opinion he is a Republican, and in re- 
 ligion he and his wife are members of the Ebenezer 
 M. E. Church. Their children are Cora D., wife of 
 Ellsworth Redd, of Fallowfield township; William 
 A., married to Maggie Williams, of Fallowfield 
 township; Andrew and James. 
 
 THOMAS RAMSEY, a prosperous and promi- 
 nent agriculturist of Hanover township, is a 
 grandson of Robert Ramsey, who was born 
 in Maryland and there married to Mary 
 Mitchell. Several years before the close of 
 the eighteenth century, with his wife, family and 
 few earthly possessions, he made the long and 
 tedious journey over the mountains, locatincr on 
 Peters creek, in Washington county, Penn. In 
 1799 they settled in Hanover township, on the 
 farm which is the present home of their grandson, 
 Thomas. Here they resided during the rest of 
 their lives, and became prosperous. In politics 
 Mr. Ramsey was a stanch Democrat; he was one 
 of the founders of the Seceder Congregation at 
 Kings Creek, of which he was an earnest member 
 and an elder. Six sons an J nine daughters were 
 born to these pioneers, of whom the youngest died 
 at the age of thirty-seven years, the first of the 
 children to pass away. All were married except- 
 ing Nancy, who died in 1827. The eldest son, 
 James, became a Doctor of Divinity in the Canons- 
 burg Theological Seminary, and for forty years 
 was pastor of the Seceder Church in Canonsburg. 
 Mitchell Ramsey, who was the thirteenth child 
 and youngest son of Robert and Mary (Mitchell) 
 Ramsey, was born in 1797 on Peters creek, Wash- 
 ington county, being but two years of age when 
 his parents came to Hanover township, where he 
 grew to manhood. In 1818 he was married to 
 Anna George, who was born about 1799, near 
 Venice, on Miller's run, in Washington county, 
 Penn. Her fatner, Robert George, came from Ire- 
 land, and her mother was of German descent. 
 The children of Mitchell and Anna Ramsey were 
 as follows: Robert G. (living in Carroll county, 
 Ohio), James (who died in Carroll county, Ohio ), 
 Thomas (whose name opens this sketch), Mary 
 (widow of James McGinnis, of Monroe county, 
 Iowa ), Christina (Mrs. Alexander George, living 
 in Jefferson county, Ohio), William M. (a black- 
 smith of Hanover township) and Ann Eliza (wife 
 of W. T. Arnold, of Hanover township). The 
 parents always lived on the old place, where the 
 father followed fanning. He was a prominent 
 
 member of the Democratic party, and held all the 
 offices of the township. He died April 17, 1857, 
 and was buried in Kings Creek cemetery; his 
 widow passed away September 5, 1882, and was 
 laid to rest in Frankfort cemetery. He was a mem- 
 ber and elder of the Kings Creek U. P. Church, 
 was a leading farmer, and took an active interest 
 in all measures tending to the public good, being 
 recognized as a most useful, able and progressive 
 citizen. 
 
 Thomas Ramsey was born January 22, 1823, on 
 the farm which he yet owns, and the house where 
 he was born is standing as a relic of olden times, 
 lie attended the old-fashioned schools of the com- 
 munity, and worked on his father's farm during 
 boyhood. On November 6, 1801, he was married 
 to Jane Slater, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., 
 and daughter of John and Margaret (George) 
 Slater. This wife died August 3, 18<54, and was 
 buried in Frankfort cemetery. She left one child, 
 Georgetta, who was but twenty-three days old 
 when her mother died, and is yet living at home. 
 For his second wife Thomas Ramsey married Nan- 
 nie (Hood ) Ackleson, widow of Samuel Ackleson. 
 To this union were born three children, viz.: a son 
 deceased in infancy; Margaret (who died when 
 three months old); and James P. (deceased when 
 two years of age). The mother died December 
 19, 1874, and was buried in Frankfort cemetery. 
 After the death of his father, Thomas ltamsey paid 
 off the claims of the other heirs, and took entire 
 charge of the home farm where he is now living. 
 Fanning has been his principal vocation. In poli- 
 tics he has been independent, and has held several 
 offices in Hanover township at the wish of his 
 friends. For thirty-five years he has been a lead- 
 ing member and elder in Kings Creek U. P. Con- 
 gregation. At the age of sixteen he was a mem- 
 ber of the Frankfort Congregation. 
 
 ly M ARSHAL MATHEWS is descended from 
 
 \f/\ a pioneer family of Washington county, 
 ■ I l'enn. His grandfather, Paul Mathews, 
 
 I -* married Jane McCorkle, a native of 
 v Washington county, and purchased an 
 
 unimproved farm in Peters township. Their 
 children were James, Robert, Margaret (wife 
 of James Ilultz), Paul, Jane (Mrs. Isaac Weaver) 
 ami Sarah (wife of James Riglaud). The father 
 was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a mem- 
 ber of the Seceder Church. 
 
 James Mathews was born and reared on the 
 home farm in Peters township, this county, where 
 he followed farming and stock raising. When a 
 young man he was married to Margaret, daughter 
 of John Bowers, of Peters township, and she bore 
 him five children, viz.: Mary J. (wife of Francis 
 Kerr, deceased), Marshal, John B., Margaret A. 
 
QaviAj- 
 
 'M' 
 
WASHING TO X C O r\YTY. 
 
 1075 
 
 (Mrs. A. J. Kelly), and David (deceased). Mr. 
 Mathews was a leading politician in the Demo- 
 cratic party. 
 
 Marshal Mathews was born November 26, 
 1831, in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and received a very limited education, as he was 
 obliged to assist on the farm a great deal. At the 
 age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to John 
 E. Bell, a harness and saddle maker of Canons- 
 burg, with whom he remained four years, and then 
 conducted a shop at Dunningsville, Penn., for two 
 years, when he removed to his present place of 
 business in Canonsburg. On January lit, 1S.J6, he 
 was united in marriacre with Helen P., daughter of 
 John Haggerty, of Canonsburg, and they have had 
 two daughters: Mary A. (wife of Samuel C. Mc- 
 Nary) and Isabelle B. Mrs. Mathews died Sep- 
 tember 1, 1883. Mr. Mathews has won success 
 by earnest, untiring effort, and well deserves his 
 reputation as a successful and representative busi- 
 ness man. lie affiliates with the Democratic party, 
 and has held various local offices. From the time 
 of its organization he has been a member and dea- 
 con of the Central Presbyterian Church at Canons- 
 burg, this county. 
 
 DEMAS LINDLEY McVAY, an energetic 
 \ and prosperous farmer of Morris township, 
 I is a grandson of Samuel McVay, who 
 moved from New Jersey to Morris town- 
 ship, Washington county, Penn., in an early day, 
 becoming one of the pioneer settlers of the State. 
 Franklin McVay, son of Samuel, was born on 
 his father's farm in Morris township, and like his 
 father became a successful farmer. He married 
 Priscilla, a daughter of Luther Day, of Morris 
 township, who was also descended from a pioneer 
 family that had moved from New Jersey, and who 
 were among the first to secure excellent land in 
 Washington county. Franklin and Priscilla Mc- 
 Vay had four children: Demas Lindley; Elmas 
 D., who was a farmer in Morris township, and died 
 in 1868; Samuel B., a farmer of Morris township, 
 and Franklin Wallace, a cabinet-maker and under- 
 taker, of Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., who died in 
 1882. 
 
 Demas Lindley McVay was born January 13, 
 1844, in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 When he was but ten years of age his father died, 
 and he and his mother struggled bravely on, en- 
 during many hardships, but, nevertheless, they 
 succeeded in keeping the fatherless family together 
 until they were able. to care for themselves. On 
 September 24, 1869, Mr. McVay was united in 
 marriage with Mary E., daughter of Thomas Hanna, 
 of Morris township, whose family were also pioneer 
 settlers of that township, and natives of New Jer- 
 sey. To this union have been born five children: 
 
 two that died in infancy; Lee Anna J. and Priscilla 
 D., living with their parents; and T. Franklin, who 
 assists his father in the farm work. Mr. McVay re- 
 sides on the place known as the "Old Hanna farm," 
 the property of his father-in-law, but he owns a 
 well-improved farm, situated one mile below Pros- 
 perity, this county, on Ten-Mile creek. He is a 
 prominent stock-raiser, and gives considerable at- 
 tention to the breeding and raising of Shorthorn 
 cattle and Blacktop sheep. An uncle of his, 
 Samuel McVay, was appointed administrator of the 
 estate of another uncle, named Nelson, and upon 
 the death of the former, D. L. McVay, together 
 witli .1. M. Dunn, was appointed administrator, and 
 upon them devolved the duty of settling up the 
 estate, consisting of $20,000 to $25,000 worth of 
 property. The lands, located near Prosperity, this 
 county, had been in the possession of the Mc\ ay 
 family over sixty years. Mr. McVay enlisted in 
 the war of the Rebellion, August 18, L862, in 
 Company I, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, served 
 until the end of the war, and now draws a small 
 pension. He resided in Franklin township eleven 
 years after his marriage. Contrary to the political 
 opinions of his ancestors, he has always been a 
 straight Republican, and he and his wile are mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a 
 deacon. 
 
 J. Nelson McVay, an uncle of Dernas P., was a 
 native of Morris township, where he passed his 
 entire life, and was an extensive landowner. He 
 was a lifelong Democrat, and was never married. 
 A man of perfect physical strength, he knew noth- 
 ing of sickness, until called to cross the dark river 
 at an advanced age. 
 
 Samuel McVay, another bachelor uncle of our 
 subject, was also a native of Morris township, this 
 county, and always remained near the place of his 
 birth. He was a strict business man, and took an 
 active interest in educational matters, serving as 
 secretary of the school board of Morris township 
 for several years. 
 
 LEWIS PERSHING, who in his lifetime was 
 a progressive and prosperous agriculturist, 
 received a good education in the common 
 — * schools of the neighborhood of his place of 
 birth, and afterward became well-read in history, 
 Scripture and standard literature. 
 
 In October, 1851, he was united in marriage with 
 Julia Ann Harris, daughter of Joseph and Martha 
 Harris, and three children were born to them, of 
 whom but one is now living — Frances, who was 
 born January 5, 1857. Mr. Pershing was a very 
 successful business man. In politics he was a 
 Democrat, but voted for men whose principles he 
 considered were above reproach, rather than for 
 party candidates, and he held several township 
 
iiw> 
 
 WASHINGTON < 01 XTY. 
 
 offices; in religious faith he belonged to the Meth- 
 odist Episcopal Church. He died April 22, 1888, 
 and the following obituary appeared at the time in 
 a Washington paper: " Lewis F. Pershing, an aged 
 and highly- respected citizen of Am well township, 
 died in his seventy-third year. lie had been en- 
 gaged in farming for a great many years. He 
 leaves a widow and one daughter. He was a 
 cousin of Judge Cyrus L. Pershing, of Schuylkill 
 county, Penn. The deceased was a kind husband 
 and indulgent father." 
 
 Mrs. Pershing is a representative of a family 
 eminent in Church and State. Her brother, John 
 Harris, graduated from Washington and Jefferson 
 College, and then removed to Georgia, where he 
 has for many years represented that State in Con- 
 gress. She is a cousin of Bishop Harris. 
 
 li ¥ i ARPJSON LEYDA, butcher, was born No- 
 \—4 vember 15, 1843, in Somerset township, 
 Washington county, Penn. He is a son of 
 II -* Henry Leyda, whose parents were natives of 
 V eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Wash- 
 
 ington county with the earliest pioneer settlers, 
 part of the journey having been made on horseback. 
 The country was then wild and full of danger to the 
 inexperienced traveler, but with undaunted courage 
 Mr. and Mrs. Leyda began their humble home in 
 Washington county, and Success finally rewarded 
 their patient toil. In their pioneer cabin the fol- 
 lowing children were born and reared: James, 
 George, Henry and Jacob. The father affiliated 
 with the Whig party, and in religious faith was one 
 of the earliest members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 He died on the farm where he tirst settled. 
 
 Henry Leyda was born in Somerset township, 
 Washington county, Penn., and was early taught 
 the fundamental principles of business success, 
 "constant toil and close economy." By following 
 this rule he eventually became a most successful 
 agriculturist, dealing very extensively in stock, 
 lie gave especial attention to raising sheep and 
 cattle, shipping large numbers to eastern markets. 
 In political matters he voted first with the Whig 
 party and afterward with the Republican. When 
 a young man he was married to Catherine Myers, 
 of Somerset township, who bore him children as 
 follows: one deceased in infancy, Harriet (wife of 
 Harvey Wilson ), Hannah (married to Albert Har- 
 ris), Amanda, Emma ( wile of Anderson Whitman ). 
 Lizzie (wife of Thomas * lollins), Harrison, William 
 and James. 
 
 Harrison Leyda passed his youth in assisting 
 with the duties of the farm, and October 10, L867, 
 he married Easther A., daughter of Daniel Swick- 
 ard. Her father, who is a prosperous shoe mer- 
 chant of Monongahela City, was born November 
 
 26, L816, in Somerset township, Washington county, 
 Penn., a son of John Swickard and grandson of 
 Martin Swickard, who was born and reared in east- 
 ern Pennsylvania. The last named came to Wash- 
 ing county among the early settlers, and, locating 
 in a log cabin in Somerset township, assisted in 
 clearing up and improving the land. He was twice 
 married, and to the first union were born the fol- 
 lowing children: Matthias, Daniel, Samuel, John, 
 Lucy and Sarah. Mr. Swickard, in 1805, moved 
 tn Jefferson county, Ohio, where he remained until 
 his death. In political opinion he was a Democrat, 
 and in relig-ion a member of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 John Swickard was born in 1783, in Somerset 
 township, Washington county, Penn., and passed his 
 youth on the home place. When a young man he 
 married Mary, daughter of John Smith, and the 
 young couple continued to reside on the home place, 
 where children were born to them as follows: 
 Catherine, John, Samuel, Daniel, Mary, Barbara, 
 Susan and Margaret. The father was a lifelong 
 agriculturist, and a noted hunter and sportsman; 
 in politics he voted with the Democratic party. 
 The clothing for the family was made from wool 
 carded by hand and woven by his wife; she died 
 several years ago, and was buried in the Lutheran 
 cemetery, where her husband has been laid to rest. 
 They were both members of the Lutheran Church. 
 Daniel Swickard was educated at the subscription 
 schools of Somerset township, his text books being 
 limited to the Testament and United States Spel- 
 ler, while the log schoolhouse was furnished in the 
 usual primitive fashion of the day. In 1811) he was 
 married to Harriet, daughter of Abram Leyda (a 
 native of Nottingham township), who has borne him 
 the following children: John, living in Colorado; 
 Mary E., wife of Daniel Berry; Easther A., Mrs. 
 Harrison Leyda; Daniel, deceased; James L., liv- 
 ing in Meadville, Penn.; A. Y. and David M. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Swickard resided on the home place for 
 twenty years after their marriage, when he pur- 
 chased the Leyda mill in Nottingham township, 
 conducting that enterprise for thirteen years, but 
 continuing to own the home place. In lSliTi he 
 opened a grocery store in Monongahela City, but 
 five years afterward sold out, purchasing a furniture 
 and undertaking establishment, which fie kept for 
 thirteen years. At the expiration of that time he 
 opened the shoe store, where he is now carrying on 
 a profitable business. He is a representative citi- 
 zen, and a stanch supporter of the Democratic 
 party; he has served in numerous capacities, and in 
 1 855 was elected a county commissioner, which 
 office he held three years. In. religious faith lie is 
 a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Alter their marriage Harrison and Kasther A. 
 (Swickard) Leyda resided in Somerset township 
 for a few years, then came to Monongahela City, 
 where he opened his present butchering establish- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1077 
 
 inent. He conducts an extensive business, yield- 
 ing a large annual profit. In politics he is a leading 
 member of the Republican party. His children 
 are Addie, Frank, Fannie, Bert, Edgar J., Annie 
 and Harry. 
 
 w 
 
 G. TIK >MPS< >N\ a prosperous farmer and 
 stock raiser of Cecil township, is of Irish 
 descent, and the youngest son of William 
 Thompson, who was born in Ireland. The 
 latter immigrated to America in early manhood, 
 first locating in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 and married Miss Warden of that city, who bore 
 him one child, Martha (deceased wife of Moses T. 
 Glasgow, of North wood, Ohio). This wife dying, 
 Mr. Thompson married Margaret George, a native 
 of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. They set- 
 tled in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the father died in 
 1833, leaving the following children: Christina 
 G. (wife of Thomas Slater, of Cecil township), 
 II. A. (a banker, of Salineville, Ohio), R. G. (alh<i 
 in Saliueville ) and W. G. R. G. enlisted in the 
 Sixty-third Regiment, 0. V. I., remaining in the 
 service about two years, when he received an 
 honorable discharge. The parents were members 
 of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. After the 
 death of her husband the mother married John 
 Slater, settled in Allegheny county, Penn., and 
 afterward in Cecil township, this county, where she 
 died. 
 
 W. G. Thompson, youngest son of William and 
 Margaret (George) Thompson, was born February 
 11, 1831, in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he lived until 
 six years of age. When sixteen years old he began 
 teaching, and continued the profession for many 
 years in different schools in Allegheny county. 
 He was principal of the Sharpsburg school for four 
 years, and in 1858 moved to the farm in Cecil 
 township, Washington county, which is now his 
 home. ( )n October 15, 1853, Mr. Thompson was 
 united in marriage with Christina G., daughter of 
 George and Jane (George) Robb, natives of Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county, both of whom are 
 now deceased. 
 
 Mrs. Thompson died in 1870, in Cecil township, 
 leaving five children: J. S. (a minister of the Re- 
 formed Presbyterian Church at Utica, Ohio, mar- 
 ried to Jennie Slater), Etta H. (a teacher in the 
 Indian Mission at Fort Sill, Ind. T.), Lizzie E. 
 (living at home), George R. (also at home) and 
 W. T. Knox (attending college at Beaver Falls, 
 Penn.). Emma Jennie, the eldest in the family, 
 died in 1870 at the age of fourteen years, just one 
 week prior to the death of her mother. After the 
 death of the mother Mr. Thompson was married, 
 August 15, 1871, to Lizzie C. Shane, a native of 
 Allegheny county, and daughter of Henry and 
 Margaret (Musser) Shane, who were born near 
 
 Nublestown, same county. Both are now deceased, 
 and the mother was blind many years before her 
 death. W. G. Thompson bought a partially im- 
 proved farm in Cecil township, containing 111 
 acres, which he has cultivated to the highest ex- 
 tent, and on which he has erected a commodious 
 house and barn, put out shade trees, and planted a 
 good orchard. After coming to Washington county 
 Mr. Thompson taught three winters in Cecil town- 
 ship, two winters at Venice, and one in the home 
 district, but he has devoted his principal attention 
 to agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in 
 Chartiers township, this county. 
 
 RS. CATHERINE McKEE. Hugh Mc- 
 Kee (deceased) was a son of John and 
 Mary (Seaborn) McKee, who were natives 
 of eastern Pennsylvania and who moved 
 manyjyears ago to Westmoreland countv, 
 Penn., where they died. The father was a soldier 
 of the Revolution, and also participated in the war 
 of 1812. They were the parents often children. 
 
 Hugh McKee was born in 1800, in Chambers- 
 burgh, Franklin Co., Penn., and coming with his 
 parents to Westmoreland county, Penn., was 
 there reared and educated. On January 29, 1829, 
 he was united in marriage with Catherine Lutz, a 
 native of eastern Pennsylvania, and daughter of 
 Martin and Catherine (Cliue) Lutz. Her parents 
 were born in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to 
 Westmoreland county in an early day. Mr. 
 and Mrs. McKee resided on the home place until 
 1837, when they moved to Washington county, 
 Penn., and in 1842 bought 150 acres of the 
 " I )ixon place," and sold fifty acres. 
 
 In politics Mr. Hugh McKee was actively identi- 
 fied with the Democratic party, and in religion he and 
 his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 Their children were as follows: Margaret (wife of 
 of Richard Ward, was born in 1832), John, Anna, 
 Thomas, Mary (wife of Jehu Dunlevy), Anna, 
 (married to James Bailey), Sarah Jane (wife of 
 Bartemus Dunlevy), Catherine, and Ephraim (who 
 was married to Annie, daughter of John Sphar). 
 The children of this family are all now deceased, 
 and the father passed away January 3, 188(3. 
 Mrs. McKee, who is now the only living repre- 
 sentative of the family, is living on the home farm 
 in Allen township. 
 
 J (AMES B. HAMILTON was born September 
 1 24, 1854, in Nottingham township, Washing - 
 | ton county. He is a son of Henry Hamilton, 
 who was born in 1816, in Nottingham town- 
 ship, and received his education in the schools 
 of the home neighborhhod. After leaving school 
 
1078 
 
 WASHINGTON (OCW'TY. 
 
 Henry learned the blacksmith's trade, and follow- 
 ed that vocation until 1869, when he began to carry 
 mail from Bentleyville to Pittsburgh. He continued 
 in this business four years, then followed huckstering 
 alone the river. In 1847 he was united in marriage 
 with Margaret A. Morrow, who was born in 1828, in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., and seven children were 
 born to them, namely: Margaret (deceased), David, 
 Carrie (Mrs. Nelson, deceased), James B., Alex 
 ander, Jane (Mrs. Smith), and William. The 
 father of this family died June 21, 188*5, and was 
 followed by the mother on October 24, 1890. 
 
 James B. Hamilton attended the schools of the 
 county, and learned afterward the blacksmith's: 
 trade of Henry Watson, in Houstonville. On Novem- 
 ber 6, 1881, he was married to Miss Minnie B., 
 daughter of Simon C. Wolf, a prosperous black- 
 smith and ex-soldier of Washington county. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hamilton have had born to them children 
 as follows: Simon W., William Glen, Lulu M. and 
 Paul. Mr. Hamilton has continued to follow his 
 trade, and is a very successful business man. 
 
 IIS. ELIZABETH B. CALDWELL. 
 
 This highly esteemed lady is the widow 
 of George J. Caldwell, and daughter of 
 Alexander Borland, whose father, Andrew 
 Borland, a native of Ireland, immigrated 
 to the United States at an early day. In 1824 he 
 was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Alexander McClure, and children as follows 
 were born to their union: Alexander, Mary E., 
 Rebecca, Margaret A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Catherine, 
 Andrew, Martha, Rachel and James, of whom 
 Rebecca, Catherine, Martha and Rachel are now 
 deceased. The father of this family followed farm- 
 ing during his manhood on the old Borland place, 
 with the exception of about six years, and died in 
 I860, the mother passing away April 10, 1889. 
 
 Alexander Borland, eldest son of Andrew and 
 Elizabeth Borland, was born December 10, 1825, 
 on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he grew to manhood. In early life 
 he married Margaret Jane, daughter of James and 
 Agnes Crawford, who were the parents of nine 
 children, namely: William (deceased), Sarah, 
 Andrew (living on the old homestead in Peters 
 township), Tamar, Mary Ann, Agnes, Elizabeth, 
 Margaret Jane (Mrs. Borland) and Priscilla: of 
 whom Andrew and Margaret Jane are the only 
 ones yet living. To the union of Alexander and 
 Margaret Jane ( Crawford) Borland the following 
 children have been born: James Crawford, Eliza- 
 beth McClure ( Mrs. Caldwell), Andrew Alexander, 
 Mary Agnes and Elmer Ellsworth (the last 
 named being deceased). In 1876 Alexander 
 Borland purchased his present home of 113 acres 
 in North Strabane township, all being under culti- 
 
 vation. In political opinion he votes with the 
 Democratic party, and he has held various positions 
 of trust in North Strabane township. In religious 
 faith he is a member of the U. P. Church, and a 
 ruling elder in the same. 
 
 On October 17, 1878, Elizabeth B. Borland was 
 married to George J. Caldwell, a son of Joseph, 
 and a grandson of William Caldwell. The latter 
 was born in Ireland, where he was reared, and in 
 an early day he emigrated to America, coming at 
 once to Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he made a settlement and followed his trade, 
 blacks inithing, in connection with farming. He 
 married Jane Hazelett, and their children were 
 .Margaret, Ann, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy, John, 
 Robert, William and Joseph, all now deceased. 
 He was an active man up to the time of his death, 
 and a prosperous agriculturist, a member of the 
 Centre Presbyterian Church, and in political faith 
 a stanch Democrat. 
 
 Joseph Caldwell, son of William and Jane 
 (Hazelett) Caldwell, was born and reared in Peters 
 township, this county, and received a liberal educa- 
 tion at the subscription schools. In March, 1840, 
 he was united in marriage with Agnes, daughter 
 of George Johnston, of Allegheny county, Penn., 
 whose wife was Jane McMachen, their children 
 being Robert, Agnes, Sarah J., Mary, Margaret, 
 Catherine, Tamar and George. Mr. Johnston was 
 a carpenter and builder, a major in the Slate 
 militia, a 1 >emocrat of the old school, and a member 
 of the Centre Presbyterian Church. After mar- 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Caldwell settled on the 
 home farm where he passed the remainder of his 
 days, and where his widow is yet living. Their 
 children were George J., Jennie ( Mrs S. N. Hop 
 per), Lizzie ( Mrs. Finley D. Brown), Annie M. 
 ( Mrs. William P. Hopper) and Ada. The father 
 of this family passed from earth April 14, ls7o. 
 He was a self-made man, enterprising and highly- 
 respected. As an agriculturist he had no superior, 
 and he was a leading wool farmer in his township. 
 In church connection he was a Presbyterian, a 
 member of the Society at Centre, and his political 
 leanings were of the solid Democratic type. 
 
 George Johnston Caldwell, son of Joseph and 
 Agnes (Johnston) Caldwell, was born January 
 26, 1851, on the old farm in Peters township, where 
 his widow is yet living. He assisted his father in 
 farming until the death of the latter in 1875, 
 when he, by his father's bequest, took entire charge 
 of the farm. He was a standi supporter of the princi- 
 ples embodied in the Democratic party, and for 
 twenty-one years filled the office of school director. 
 In religion he was a member of Centre Presby- 
 terian Church, and taught the same class in Sunday- 
 school fifteen years. As a farmer he had no superior; 
 as a neighbor he was universally esteemed. His 
 hand was ever opeu to the needy, and his heart to 
 
•f 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1079 
 
 sympathize with the afflicted. His devotion to his 
 family was untiring. By tireless energy he suc- 
 ceeded in paying off the rest of the heirs, and 
 clearing the farm of that encumbrance, hut the 
 task proved too much for his bodily strength; 
 consumption made inroads on his system, and 
 despite the efforts of skilled physicians, his spirit 
 winged its way to God on Sabbath morn, October 
 20, L889, leaving the entire community to mourn 
 his departure from among them. His widow and 
 twn sons — Joseph H., born August 9, 1879, and 
 Alex. Borland, born September 23, 1881 — still live 
 on the farm containing about 200 acres of fertile 
 land. 
 
 No family is more worthy of honorable mention, 
 or has been more closely identified with the 
 interests of Washington county, than that bearing 
 the name of Caldwell. 
 
 I 
 
 !] J. AGNEW is descended from a represen- 
 4\ tative family of Washington county, and is 
 a grandson of Samuel Agnew, who was born 
 J in eastern Pennsylvania, and there married 
 to a Miss Elizabeth Johnston. In 1780 they left 
 York county, Penn., locating in Washington county, 
 where in 1785 he. secured a patent for two tracts 
 of land, each containing 400 acres, located on 
 George's run, a branch of Chartiers creek. The 
 warrant was issued in 1785, one part being the 
 property of Matthew Henderson, who sold it to 
 Mr. Agnew t lie following year. Samuel Agnew 
 passed his life on this place, and died in 1819. He 
 was a Whig in politics and served his party as a 
 member of the State Legislature, having previously 
 been justice of the peace in his district, which in- 
 cluded several townships. In religious connection 
 he was a member and elder of the Seceder ( now 
 the United Presbyterian) Church. 
 
 Samuel Agnew was born in 1767, in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, and in early manhood was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth Mitchell, who was born in 
 1778, in eastern Pennsylvania. He settled in 
 Washington county about the year 1786, on the 
 farm in Chartiers township, where children were 
 born as follows: John (deceased in 1863); Samuel 
 (who died in 1826); James (married to Nancy 
 Jane Buchanan, who died leaving two children: 
 James, living in Alt. Pleasant township, and Nancy 
 Jane, wife of William Stewart; after the death of 
 the mother James Agnew was married to Alargaret 
 Brown, now deceased, then to Alargaret Aiken, 
 who is living in Alt. Plesar.t township. He died in 
 1880); Joseph (deceased in 1885, married to Aliss 
 Alary Peterson); Eliza Jane (deceased in 1883, wife 
 of Matthew White); E. J. (a sketch of whom fol- 
 lows), and Thomas (deceased in 1870, married to 
 Sarah Dougherty). Samuel Agnew was a Jack- 
 soniarj Democrat, holding several township offices 
 
 and taking an active part in the political questions 
 of the county. In religion he first united with the 
 Seceder (now the U. P.) Church, officiating as an 
 elder for several years. He died in 1839, being 
 followed by the mother in 1850. 
 
 E. J. Agnew was born Alarch 30, 1814, on the 
 home farm in Chartiers township, receiving a lib- 
 eral education in West Aliddletown Academy, and 
 afterward attending AVashington College for a 
 short time. In 1837 he began teaching in the 
 county schools, having previously held the position 
 of assistant teacher in the AVest Aliddletown Acad- 
 emy for a year or two, and also teaching one year in 
 Muskingum county, Ohio. On September 1, 1841, 
 he was married to Aiiss Ann White, a native of 
 Canton township, this county, daughter of Ebene- 
 zer and Jane (Nesbit) White. The parents were 
 born in Alaryland, and coming to Canton township, 
 AVashington county, remained there until their 
 death, which occurred many years ago. Mr. and 
 Airs. Agnew settled on the farm which is their 
 present home, and four children have completed 
 the family circle, namely: Jennie (wife of Thomas 
 Shaw), Lizzie (living at home), Samuel E. (mar- 
 ried to Anna Allison, has one son, Samuel), and 
 Annie (Airs. AVilliam Russell, of Alt. Pleasant town- 
 ship). E. J. Agnew has erected a good two-story 
 frame house, two barns, sheep sheds and other 
 buildings upon his farm, to the value of $4,000. 
 His farm contains 118 acres of most productive 
 land, and is one of the best improved farms in 
 Chartiers township, upon which there is a good gas- 
 well in operation. It has now been in the posses- 
 sion of the family 106 years. Air. Agnew has set- 
 tled seventeen estates in the vicinity of his home, 
 and has been a very active man in all matters of 
 public and educational interest, having served 
 thirteen years as school director and secretary of 
 the board. In politics he is a Republican. In re- 
 ligion he is a member and elder of the Cross Roads 
 United Presbyterian Church. Although seventy- 
 seven years of age, Air. Agnew reads and writes 
 without the use of glasses, having never required 
 their aid, and is in moderate health, being even yet 
 an active and enterprising citizen. His wife died 
 in the summer of 1883, at the age of sixty-three, 
 after a married life of forty- two years. 
 
 JfOHN J. HOFFAIAN, a representative, wide- 
 awake successful agriculturist of Amwell 
 township, was born January 24, 1856, in 
 Washington township, Greene county, Penn. 
 His grandfather, George Hoffman, came to Greene 
 county at an early day, and took up 250 acres of 
 land. He married a Aliss Frye, and they had three 
 sons and four daughters, as follows: Peter (de- 
 ceased), George, Abraham, Alahala (Airs. AlcCarl), 
 Sarah (Airs. Cameron), Airs. Smith and Mrs. Eliza 
 
1080 
 
 WASHINGTON COCXTY. 
 
 Hedley. Mr. Hoffman was a successful business 
 man, and in his political predilections always up- 
 held the principles of the Democratic party. 
 
 George Hoffman, son of George, was born April 
 2, 1S17, in Washington township, Greene county, 
 Penn., and received bis education in the common 
 schools. Although his educational opportunities 
 were limited, he was an earnest Bible student, 
 making himself familiar with all its truths. He 
 was united in marriage with Susan Stegner, of 
 Greene county, Penn., who formerly lived near 
 Philadelphia, and the following children were born 
 to them: Jane (Mrs. Ross Johns), George, Thomas 
 and John J. Immediately after his marriage Mr. 
 Hoffman began farming for himself, which vocation 
 he followed very successfully, and in connection 
 engaged to a considerable extent in sheep raising. 
 At one time he had about 1,450 acres of land in 
 his own name, after giving his sons a generous 
 portion to start them in life. He is not a politician, 
 but has held several offices of trust in the township. 
 In religious faith he is a member of the Baptist 
 ( 'hurch, and has been one of the most faithful 
 workers in that body. 
 
 John J. Hoffman passed his earlier years at home, 
 working on the farm in summer, and attending the 
 common school during the winter. He attended the 
 academy at Jefferson, Greene county, one term. On 
 November 16, 1876, he was married to Miss Alice 
 Swart, who was born April 20, 1857, in Amwell 
 township, this county, a daughter of George and 
 Elizabeth Swart, and to this union has come one 
 son, George Clarence, born May IS, 188(3. Imme- 
 diately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman 
 settled on the farm adjoining his father's in Greene 
 county, Penn. (formerly owned by Samuel Bra- 
 den), and remained there until the fall of 1890. 
 They then removed to the farm of 182 acres in 
 Amwell township, this county, where they now re- 
 side. Mr. Hoffman is also the owner of 287 acres 
 in Greene county. He and his family are honored 
 and useful members of the Baptist (Jhurch, and in 
 politics he is a straight Democrat, liberal in his 
 views, and voting more for principle that for politi- 
 cal influence. 
 
 THE McPEAKE BROTHERS, partners in one 
 of the leading groceries of Canonsburg, are 
 representatives of a prominent pioneer 
 family. Thomas McPeake, the grandfather, 
 was a native of Ireland, but came to America, 
 with his parents, at age of seven years. His parents 
 located in Washington county, Penn., where he 
 was brought up and learnt d shoemaking. In L810 
 he married a Miss Updegraff; he served in the 
 war of 1812. He was a Whig in politics, and in 
 religion was a member of the Union Church, but 
 afterward became a Methodist. His children 
 
 were, in order of birth, Harman, Harriet, Margaret, 
 Nancy, William, John, Mary, Henry C, Eliza and 
 James. 
 
 Henry C. McPeake was born in 1 S'JT, in Canons- 
 burs', where he was reared to manhood. He was 
 one of the best known teamsters on the celebrated 
 Pittsburgh Turnpike. He then conducted a grocery 
 store for ten years, and selling out engaged in 
 speculation for two years, finally resuming the 
 grocery business, which he followed for six years, 
 and then he retired from active life. In early 
 manhood he was married to a Miss Bacon, who 
 bore him the following children: Stewart, Mary E., 
 Harry, George C. and Oliver. Mr. McPeake was 
 very successful in business and in politics was a 
 prominent member of the Republican party, hold- 
 ing various local offices. He possessed a kindly 
 disposition, and was a liberal man. 
 
 Stewart McPeake is the senior member of the 
 well-known firm of McPeake Brothers in Canons- 
 burg, and is yet unmarried. His brother, George 
 ('., is the junior partner, and is married to Agnes, 
 daughter of S. B. Thompson. The two brothers 
 commenced business in a modest way three years 
 ago on Pike street; but by industry and good 
 management soon increased their custom, and 
 being compelled to seek larger quarters moved to 
 their present location in 188U. Both are stanch 
 members of the Republican party. 
 
 L 
 
 EAMON J. BROWNLEE, a highly esteemed 
 and prominent young citizen of Hopewell 
 township, is a representative of an old pio- 
 neer family, who have been potent factors 
 in the affairs of Washington county for more than 
 a hundred years. His grandfather, Archibald Brown- 
 lee, was the second son of James Brownlee. James 
 Brownlee was of Scotch ancestry, his father having 
 been born and reared in Scotland, where he (the 
 father of James) was married to a Miss Hamilton, 
 and reared children as follows: James, William, 
 John, Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John Allison), 
 and Hugh (who died on the ocean). This family 
 immigrated to America about the year 1765, first 
 settling in Lancaster county, Penn., and in 1775 
 made a permanent home in Canton township, Wash- 
 ington county. The father was formerly a member 
 of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, afterward be- 
 coming a Seceder. 
 
 James Brownlee was born January 1, 1745, in 
 I ianarkshire, Scotland, and after coming to America 
 learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed 
 several years in eastern Pennsylvania, then settled 
 on a farm in Canton township, Washington county, 
 where the remainder of his life was passed. In 
 early manhood he was united in marriage with Jane 
 Leman, a member of a pioneer family of Washing- 
 ton county, who hail emigrated from Ireland, The 
 
Ti*. I S/IIX); TON COUXTY 
 
 1081 
 
 following children were born to their union: John, 
 born October 1">, 1777; Archibald, born February 
 28, 17711; .lames, born September 27, 1780; Hugh, 
 born July 23, 1782; Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel Brown- 
 lee), born .May 17, 1784; William, horn January 
 13, 1786; Thomas, born December I, 17S7; Sam- 
 uel, born August 9, 17NSJ; Joseph, born August 8, 
 17'.U; Jane (wife of Kenneth McCoy), born April 
 20, 1793; and David, born April 8, 1797. The 
 home of Mr. Brownlee was situated two miles west 
 of Washington borough. He was a member of 
 and ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North 
 Buffalo, and in politics was a Whig. He died in 
 1822, and was buried beside his wife, who had pre- 
 ceded him. 
 
 Archibald Brownlee (grandfather of our subject) 
 was born cm the old National pike, three miles west 
 of Washington. In early manhood he was married 
 to Mary Clark, of Washington county, Penn., who 
 bore him children as follows: James, Joseph ( who 
 removed to Morrow county, Ohio), John, Clark 
 (who moved to Morrow county, Ohio), Samuel, 
 Elizabeth (wife of Dr. Hayes, of Taylorstown, 
 this county) and Jane (married to a Mr. Shunk, a 
 merchant of Morrow county, Ohio). Mr. Brownlee 
 was an energetic man, and possessed much influ- 
 ence in his neighborhood. He served as justice of 
 the peace, and was employed in various capacities 
 as an authority in legal matters. In religion he 
 was a member and ruling elder of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Claysville, this county. He died in 
 1^1 l,and his widow remained with her son Samuel 
 until the time of her death, which occurred about 
 1S63. - 
 
 John Brownlee was born in 1807, in Chartiers 
 township, this county, remaining on the home place 
 during his boyhood. The family afterward re- 
 moved to a farm two miles below Taylorstown, in 
 Buffalo township, this county, where he remained 
 until forty years of age. He was then united in 
 marriage with Sarah E. Logan, and settled on a 
 farm about two and a half miles south of West 
 Middletown, in Hopewell township. His children 
 were Newton (who died in early manhood), Jennie 
 ( wife of Dr. J. N. Bemis, of West Middletown, 
 Penn.), Alice (deceased), Leamon J., Frank S., 
 and Harry H. (a resident of Claysville, this county). 
 John Brownlee was a man of limited literary at- 
 tainments, but possessed unusual intelligence and 
 instinctive perception, combined with excellent 
 judgment. He was of a retiring disposition, shrink- 
 ing from publicity, but though reserved in common 
 conversations, was fond of profiting by the wisdom 
 of others, and among his friends became a genial, 
 open-hearted man. He always attended church, 
 and in the latter part of his life united with the 
 United Presbyterian Society at West Middletown. 
 Being always an upright, God-fearing man, his life 
 was governed by the dictates of his conscience 
 
 rather than Church tenets. He was a successful 
 business man, and accumulated considerable prop- 
 erty. In politics he was a Republican. In 1887 
 he left his farm, removing to West Middletown, 
 where he died January 31, 1892, at an advanced 
 age, never having required the services of a physi- 
 cian. His widow is residing in West Middletown 
 with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Bemis. 
 
 Leamon J. Brownlee, son of John and Sarah E. 
 (Logan) Brownlee, was born April 28, 1860, in 
 Hopewell township, passing his boyhood on the 
 farm, where be received a common-school educa- 
 tion. He afterward attended the Commercial Col- 
 lege at Pittsburgh, Penn., and then returning to 
 the old homestead, engaged in farming. On Octo- 
 ber 18, 1888, he was united in marriage with Mary 
 F. Scott, daughter of J. Finley and Margaret 
 A. Scott, of Canton township. Immediately after 
 their marriage the young people settled on the 
 farm where they are now living, which is situated 
 two and a half miles southeast of West Middle- 
 town. He has made many improvements upon the 
 place, and has erected a handsome two-story mod- 
 ern dwelling, a large barn and other buildings. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee have two bright little 
 daughters: Nellie and Alice. Mr. Brownlee de- 
 votes his principal attention to wool growing and 
 Stock raising; in politics he is a Republican, but 
 confines his political work to the ballot. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Brownlee are members of the United Presby- 
 terian Church in West Middletown. 
 
 WILLIAM J. JOHNSTON. The record 
 of successful business men needs no 
 introductory preface among the citizens 
 of their native county, and this gentleman 
 is undoubtedly a leading member of the class just 
 mentioned. His ancestors were of Irish origin, 
 the first of the family to emigrate being one John 
 Johnston. He and his family sailed to America, 
 locating near the present site of Pittsburgh, in 
 South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Of 
 those early days many traditions have been given 
 us, describing the dangers and sufferings endured 
 by our forefathers. The Indians in many instances 
 were very hostile, and wreaked bitter vengeance 
 on the presumptuous palefaces who dared to cross 
 their path. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Johnston, viz.: William, Thomas and John. 
 
 John Johnston was born in 1802, and his youth 
 was passed amid the scenes and duties of pioneer 
 life. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Thomas Roy; she was born in County Down, 
 Ireland, and came to America with her parents 
 when a little girl. Seven children were born to 
 John and Elizabeth Johnston, namely: Rachel 
 (deceased), Margaret (deceased wife of Joseph 
 Campbell, of Alleghenyjcounty ), infant, Elizabeth 
 
1082 
 
 WASH ISO To X ( OCXTY. 
 
 (Mrs. William Bowman), .lames, William J., and 
 Mattie J. (wife of AN". P. Morgan, of Canonsburg). 
 The father died in 1853. 
 
 William J. Johnston was born March 16, IS 1 "J , 
 in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 where he remained until 1866. He and his 
 widowed mother then came to a farm in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., where he worked until the 
 Civil war opened. In 1862 he enlisted in Company 
 1), under Col. Stone, One Hundred and Forty-ninth 
 Regiment, P. V. I., serving three years. He was 
 with the army of the Potomac at the battles of the 
 Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and many 
 others of equal importance. At the close of the 
 struggle be returned to the farm in Washington 
 county, Penn., and February 26, 1874, was mar- 
 ried to Ella J., daughter of Hugh McDowell. 
 They began wedded life on the farm in Peters 
 township, which is now their home. Five children 
 have been born to them, viz.: Eva L., John E., 
 William McDowell, Bessie M., and Warren Blaine. 
 The home place contains 202 acres of fertile, well- 
 cultivated land, and Mr. Johnston is extensively 
 engaged in the dairy business, usually keeping 
 twenty-five cows on the farm. Politically, he 
 advocates the principles embodied in the Repub- 
 lican platform, but has invariably declined to 
 accept office. He is a member and trustee of the 
 United Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg. 
 
 f^j AMUEL FRYE. The Frye family, of which 
 this gentlemen is an honored member, are 
 numbered with the earliest and must promi- 
 nent citizens of Washington county. The 
 first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania was one 
 
 Sa 1 Frye, who was born, in 172_9,-in Virginia, 
 
 and was there married to Christina Speers, also a 
 native of Virginia, born in 1752. They came over- 
 laud to Washington county in a very early day, 
 and July 19, 1792, took a "tomahawk right" to a 
 luge tract "f land in Fallowfield township. He 
 was a famous hunter, and also worked on his farm, 
 remaining in the fort at night for protection from 
 the Indians. He died in 1814, and was followed 
 by his wife November 9, 1841. 
 
 Abraham Frye, son of Samuel and Christina 
 (Speers) Frye, was born in 1792, on the home 
 farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He received a subscription-school educa- 
 tion, and in early life was married to Isabella 
 Ringland, a native of Washington county. She 
 bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel, living 
 in Allen township, Washington county; John, also 
 living in All.-n township; Christina, Mrs. Abraham 
 Colvin, of Fallowfield township; Abraham, who 
 entered tin; U. S. service in Washington county, 
 and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.; Henry, a 
 i evident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber- 
 
 land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town- 
 ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 
 4, Fallowfield township; Jackson, living in Cowley 
 county, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was 
 taken prisoner, and confined in Andersonville pris- 
 on eleven months); Clarissa, who married Alexan- 
 der Allman, and died in East Pike Run township; 
 Smith, living in Fallowfield township, and Isabelle, 
 wife of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. 
 After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye 
 settled on the upper ^>art of the old homestead in 
 Fallowfield township. He was actively interested 
 in public matters, and first affiliated with the Dem- 
 ocratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub- 
 lican. He died Decamber 11, 1866, followed by 
 his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see 
 her youngest daughter the mother of twelve chil- 
 dren. Both parents were members of the Disciple 
 Church. 
 
 Samuel Frye, the eldest son of Abraham and 
 Isabelle Frye, was born July 1, 1814, in Fallow- 
 field township, Washington county. He attended 
 the subscription schools of that township, held in 
 the log cabin schoolhouse of the period, furnished 
 with puncheon floor, slab seats, and gla/.ed paper 
 in lieu of windows. After leaving school he taught 
 several terms, then devoted his time to teaming. 
 On Christmas Day, 1835, he was married to Anna 
 E., daughter of Parker and Sarah (Carson) Scott, 
 natives of Fallowfield township. After his mar- 
 riage Samuel Frye located on a farm near his pres- 
 ent home, and in 1839 bought and moved upon 
 thej .seventy acres of land he now occupies. Mrs. 
 Frye died in 1888, leaving one daughter, Christina 
 I Mrs. Henry J. McCrory, of Allen township, form- 
 erly the widow of Henry Allman). On July 6, 
 1891, he made a second choice in the person of 
 Belle (Housman) Ward, widow of Richard Ward, 
 who was born in Westmoreland county, Penn. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Frye are members of the Disciple 
 Church, in which he is an elder. Politically fie 
 was originally a Whig, and since its organization 
 has been a member of the Republican party. Mr. 
 Frye is now nearing his eightieth milestone on. 
 life's highway, and is remarkably well preserved 
 in mental and physical vigor. 
 
 Hi E. RIGGLE was born November 7, 1849, 
 in Amwell township, this county, the 
 youngest of two children born to Ellis and 
 j - 1 Catherine Riggle. Ellis Riggle was born 
 r and reared in Washington county, Penn., 
 
 where he was married to Catherine, daughter of 
 Henry Moninger, a native of this county. Two 
 children were born to this union: Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 William Price, of Canonsburg), and II. E. (subject 
 of sketch). The father died in 1849, and was 
 
efoue/ 
 
ir. 1 SUING TON CO [ 'XTY. 
 
 1085 
 
 buried on the day that his only son was born. The 
 mother lived until her youngest child was eight 
 years of age, when she too passed away. 
 
 H. E. Riggle made his home with an uncle, John 
 Moninger, after the death of his parents, and was 
 educated in the schools of Uhartiers township. 
 John Moninger was a brother of Mrs. Ellis Riggle, 
 and a native of Washington county, born May 10, 
 1810, in Amwell township. He was the eldest of 
 a family of ten children, and passed his boyhood on 
 the farm, receiving a country school educatipn. 
 About the year 1848 he moved to Chartiers town- 
 ship, this county, locating on the farm now owned 
 by our subject. John Moninger was an active 
 politician of the Republican party, and was assist- 
 ant assessor for several years, besides serving in 
 other ways. He was highly esteemed by all who 
 knew him, and was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. He died in June, 1880, in (Jhartiers town- 
 town. H. E. Riggle was married August 4, 1809, 
 to Mary E. Weaver, a native of Canonsburg, this 
 county. She was a daughter of Thomas and Mary 
 Jane ( Griffin) Weaver, who were also born in Wash- 
 ington county. The father followed the vocation 
 of a saddler in Canonsburg, where he died in 1858, 
 the mother passing away the same year. After his 
 marriage to Mary E. Weaver, H. E. Riggle settled 
 on the farm where he is now residing. It is a fer- 
 tile, well-cultivated tract of 150 acres, has two gas 
 wells, and adjoins the town of Houstonville, this 
 county. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Riggle have had 
 children as follows: John M. (a graduate of Duff's 
 Commercial College, class of '87, deceased March 
 25, 1892, aged twenty-two years), Mary Jane, 
 Charles R. (also a graduate of Duff's Mercantile 
 College, class of '91), Ida May, Ellis Reed, Thomas 
 Andrew, James, Bertha Elizabeth, Mabel Cather- 
 ine, Dora Giffin (deceased July 0, 1892, aged two 
 years, nine months and eight days), and Grace 
 Douglas. Mr. Riggle deals extensively in stock, 
 making a specialty of sheep raising: He is inter- 
 ested in all public movements, is an active worker 
 in the Republican party, and has served on the 
 board of election, also as assistant assessor. Mrs. 
 Riggle, together with several of her children, is a 
 member of the Houstonville United Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 f/OHN McADOO is one of the well-known and 
 successful farmers of Donegal township, and 
 ^ I is a son of James McAdoo, who was born 
 ^^ December 10, 1780, in County Donegal, Ire- 
 land, and being the son of a farmer, he in early 
 life received a practical training in that vocation. In 
 1807 he was married to Catherine Ralston, who was 
 born in September, 1780, in the same county, and 
 the children born to them in Ireland were as fol- 
 lows: Jane, born August 12, 1808, living in John- 
 
 son county, Mo.; James, born August 30, 1810, also 
 living in Johnson county, Mo.; Letitia, born Nov- 
 ember 18, 1812, died February 8, 1870; John 
 (subject of this sketch), born May 15, 1815; 
 Margaret, born July 10, 1818, died November 9, 
 1870; and Catherine, born August 29, 1820, died 
 June, 1, 1800. 
 
 In 1821 Mr. McAdoo and his family sailed from 
 Londonderry, Ireland, on the vessel " Marquis Hill " 
 commanded by Capt. Bryson, and after a voyage of 
 nine weeks they reached St. Johns, Newfoundland, 
 thence sailed to Baltimore, and then traveled from 
 there by wagon to West Alexander, Washington 
 county, Penn. Though then but a child of six 
 years, John McAdoo (our subject) distinctly re- 
 members the journey. He recollects riding on the 
 high front seat with Tupper, the driver, who took 
 a fancy to him. James McAdoa purchased some 
 land in Donegal township, lying about three miles 
 north of West Alexander, and erected a log cabin, 
 which was afterward supplanted by a larger and 
 more comfortable residence. On this farm the fol- 
 lowing children were born: Elizabeth, born Dcember 
 17, 1822, died July 13, 1804; Alexander, born June 
 15, 1825, died March 17, 1863; William, born July 
 23, 1827, died December 1, 1801; David, born Jan- 
 uary 16, 1830, died August 11, 1804; and Robert 
 (a miller of Ashland, Ohio), born November 14, 
 1833. Mr. McAdoo resided on his first farm sev- 
 eral years, and then bought a place of John Hus- 
 ton, where he lived the remainder of his life, dying 
 December 6, 1843; Mrs. McAdoo died in Feb- 
 ruary, 1852. John McAdoo was born in Coun- 
 ty Donegal, Ireland, and, as previously stated, 
 came with his parents to America, where he re- 
 ceived a common-school education, and assisted on 
 the farm. In 1837 he was married to Julia Ann 
 Porter, of Harrison county, Ohio. Their children 
 were as follows: Catherine (who died in infancy); 
 Margaret Ellen (Mrs. Thomas Muldoon, of Pettis 
 county, Mo.); Julia Anne (Mrs. C. F. DeFrance, 
 of Donegal township), John (farming in Indepen- 
 dence township); James (a farmer of Brooke 
 county, W. Va.); Catherine (Mrs. Robert Mealy, of 
 Donegal township); Oliver (farming in Donegal 
 township); and John (deceased in infancy). The 
 mother of these children died in 1803, and in 1805 
 Mr. McAdoo was married to Mrs. Margaret (Mil- 
 ler) Anderson, widow of George Anderson. 
 
 Mr. McAdoo passed the earlier years of his mar- 
 ried life in Donegal township, afterward moving to 
 Brooke county, W. Va., but finally returning to 
 Donegal township. He has since remained on the 
 farm, which is located about six miles north of 
 West Alexander. Politically, he has always been 
 a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Martin Van- 
 Buren. He possesses a remarkable memory, easily 
 recalling incidents which occurred many years ago; 
 in personal appearance he is a fine specimen of 
 
lose, 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 of perfect physical manhood. He began life with 
 no financial aid, but by years of hard work and per- 
 severance has succeeded in securing a comfortable 
 competency. He and his wife are both members 
 of the Baptist Church. 
 
 / 
 
 HIRAM HORNER. Among the intelligent 
 citizens of East Bethlehem township none 
 occupy a more prominent position than the 
 
 gentleman whose name opens this sketch. 
 
 He is a son of William Horner, whose father, 
 also named William, was a native of Maryland, 
 born of English ancestry. In early life grand- 
 father William Horner moved to Fayette county, 
 I'enn., and there patented a large tract of land, 
 part of which was bounded by the Monongahela 
 river. Here he passed the remainder of his life, 
 dying at an extreme old age, being yet remembered 
 as a (jentleman of unusual intelligence and keen 
 sense of honor; who was a thorough Christian, ever 
 giving liberally to the cause of the Master. His 
 children were born and reared as follows: James; 
 William; Thomas, an extensive landowner in 
 Greene county, Penn.; Ephraim, who lived to be 
 ninety years of age, and died in Adams county, 
 Ohio; Benedict, who started West, and being sud- 
 denly taken ill, died in Pittsburgh, Penn.; Ben- 
 nett, who resided in Wisconsin; Mrs. Sarah Moore, 
 of Jefferson county, Ohio, and Mrs Harriet Pres- 
 ton, who lived near the village of Chatham, near 
 Newark, Licking Co., Ohio. None of this family 
 are now living. It is said of Ephraim, who was a 
 famous fisherman, that he once had an encounter 
 with a monster tortoise, which possessed such great 
 strength that it carried him on its back for nearly 
 half a mile. 
 
 William Horner, son of William, the pioneer of 
 this family, was born on the farm in Fayette county, 
 Penn., and passed his boyhood in the usual pur- 
 suits of agricultural life. His school advantages 
 were limited to a few winter months, which were 
 spent with his brothers and sisters. After leaving 
 school he became a wagoner on the National pike, 
 and for many years made trips over the mountains 
 to Baltimore. He was married to a Miss Swively, 
 of Fayette county, who bore him fourteen children, 
 of whom Hiram is the only one mentioned. Mr. 
 Horner was killed by a horse, which kicked him to 
 death near Uniontown, Penn. 
 
 Iliram Horner, our subject, was born June 21, 
 1 SM 1, beside the Monongahela river, in Fayette 
 county, Penn. He was left an orphan in early 
 boyhood, and being obliged to earn his own living, 
 learned the carpenter trade. For four years he re- 
 sided with James Hill, of West Bethlehem town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., then followed the 
 drover business several years, making freipient 
 trips across the mountains with large numbers of 
 
 hogs and cattle. For these services he received 
 the meager pittance of 30 cents per day. In L850 
 he went to Licking county, Ohio, where a brother 
 was living, and remained near Chatham two years, 
 meanwhile working at his trade, and following the 
 drover business. He then engaged with a party 
 to take a drove of cattle from Licking county to 
 Lancaster county, Penn., receiving $10 per month 
 for his services. Upon arriving at Lancaster he 
 visited the home of his boyhood, and his brothers 
 and sisters; then hired out as a drover for the re- 
 mainder of the season at $1 per day. After this 
 work was finished he resumed the carpenter trade, 
 and in the latter part of 1854 assisted in repairing 
 a mill at Amity, Amwell township, Washington 
 county. He then took a drove of cattle to Vermil- 
 ion county, 111., afterward resuming work on the 
 mill, and in March, 1855, he again entered the em- 
 ploy of the same firm for whom he had worked the 
 previous autumn. He started on the trip with 170 
 head of cattle, arriving at his destination in June, 
 then returning to Washington county, spent the 
 following winter in completing the mill, and other 
 carpenter work. The spring of 185(5 found him 
 with tools packed, on his way to Ottawa, III., where 
 he worked the following summer, and returning to 
 Pennsylvania in the fall, passed the winter of 
 1856 57 in Millsboro, Washington county. During 
 the spring of 1857 he assisted his brothers on a 
 freight barge on the Monongahela river, purchasing 
 grain and produce along the river, which he sold 
 in Pittsburgh. In the midst of his success as a 
 boatman, Mr. Horner was taken sick, and suffered 
 with a long and tedious illness. After regaining 
 his health, he accepted a position in the mercantile 
 establishment of his brother, at Millsboro, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. He then attended a commercial 
 college at Pittsburgh, afterward resuming his for- 
 mer position at Millsboro, and finally started on a 
 western tour. He first located in Adams county, 
 Ohio, where he assisted an uncle with his farm 
 work, and the spring of 1859 found our traveler 
 teaching writing in the schools of Licking county, 
 Ohio, where he continued for several months, then 
 returning to Millsboro, Penn., took charge of a 
 general store. This establishment was soon after- 
 ward moved to Merrittstown, Fayette Co., Penn., 
 and Hiram Horner became a partner, remaining in 
 that business eighteen months, during which time 
 he served as postmaster. In the spring of 18*52 he 
 sold his interest in the store, and with a brother 
 opened a mercantile business at Clarksville, Greene 
 Co., Penn., which they conducted successfully for 
 nine months. In the autumn of 1862 he was united 
 in marriao-e with Elizabeth, daughter of William 
 and Charlotte (Rush) Litzenberg. After his mar- 
 riage Mr. Horner bought the 132 acres of valuable 
 land in East Bethlehem township, to which he has 
 since added fifty acres, which are located in Greene 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1087 
 
 county, Perm. In this home children have been 
 born as follows: Joseph H., born November 2, 
 1863; Frank W., born June 15, 1865, and Julia, 
 born March 30, 1870, all of whom are living with 
 their parents. Mr. Horner conducts a general agri- 
 cultural business, devoting special attention to the 
 breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Black top sheep. 
 In politics he is a Republican, and has served as 
 auditor and school commissioner, in which offices 
 he has given good satisfaction. His wife is an 
 active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 If MON ENGLAND is a representative of one 
 1\ of the pioneer families of East Finley 
 4\ township, this county, who were promi- 
 — > nently identified with the early history of 
 that township. The first of the name to 
 settle in America was the great-grandfather of 
 Anion, by name Samuel England, who emigrated 
 from" England and located in Philadelphia during 
 the earlier part of the eighteenth century. He had 
 a family of three sons: Samuel, John and Robert. 
 
 Samuel England was born in 1756, in Philadel- 
 phia, Peim., and at an early age learned the car- 
 penter trade, which he followed in Baltimore for 
 some time. In 1778 he removed to Washington 
 county, where he secured a " tomahawk claim, " and 
 also purchased of Thomas Atkinson 200 additional 
 acres, located near the headwaters of the Temple- 
 ton fork of Wheeling creek, adjoining Pleasant 
 Grove in East Finley township. He was married 
 to Tacy Evans, who bore him the following named 
 children, all of whom lived to an adult age: Tacy, 
 Jane, Mary, Hannah, Joseph, Samuel and George. 
 Mr. England was an intelligent and successful 
 man, doing all in his power to improve the county, 
 and advance the interests of its citizens. Politi- 
 cally he was a Whig, and served as 'squire for 
 many years. In religion he was a Quaker, a fol- 
 lower of William Penn. Mrs. England died in 
 1836, Mr. England in 1838. 
 
 Samuel England, father of our subject, was born 
 December 2, 1800, near the present home of his 
 son in East Finley township. He received a lim- 
 ited education, and in early life began to farm, 
 learning also the trade of a cabinet ma'ker and car- 
 penter. On May 1, 1833, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Emma Given, who was born October 
 27, 1801, a daughter of Moses Given, of East Fin- 
 ley township, this county, and their children were 
 as follows: Moses G., born January 22, 1834 (a 
 Protestant Methodist minister in Cedar county, 
 Ark.); Samuel T., born April 28, 1835 (a farmer 
 living near Lincoln, Neb.); Tacy, born May 20, 
 1836 (deceased at the age of nineteen years); 
 Amnn (subject- of the present memoir); Joel, born 
 Novemoer 28, 1839 (residing in Washington county, 
 
 Iowa), and Mary Ann, born October 7, 1844 (now 
 deceased). After his marriage Mr. England set- 
 tled near the home of his father, and as years 
 passed by added to his property, until at the time 
 of his death he owned over 1,000 acres of farm 
 land, located in Washington county (Penn.), Illi- 
 nois and Iowa. Mr. England was a rigid supporter 
 of the temperance cause, and would not allow in- 
 toxicating beverages to be given to the workmen 
 during harvest, although such was then the univer- 
 sal custom. He gladly furnished any other refresh- 
 ments, but would not deviate from his temperance 
 principles. He was a man of exemplary habits, 
 and by industry coupled with shrewd financiering, 
 became very successful in business. The present 
 postoffice, " England," was named in his honor. 
 In politics he was originally a Whig, and after the 
 formation of the Republican party became an active 
 worker in its ranks. He died January 9, 1SS6, his 
 wife having preceded him to the " Better Land " 
 October 25, 1870. 
 
 Amon England was born in East Finley town 
 shiD, Washington Co., Penn., July 7, 1836, and 
 passed his boyhood days on his father's farm. On 
 September 16, 1869, he was married to Deborah J. 
 Knox, born in 1841, a daughter of Joseph Knox, of 
 Edst Finley township, and they have had two daugh- 
 ters: Margaret E., born November 20, 1870, and 
 Elnora Josephine, born February 10, 1874, both at 
 home. After his marriage Mr. England continued 
 to live with his parents on the home farm, which he 
 now owns, and which is one of the best in the 
 township. He has been a very successful business 
 man, and enjoys the esteem of all acquaintances. 
 In his political preferences he is a member of the 
 Republican party. 
 
 GEORGE L. TAYLOR, a citizen of West 
 Finley township, was born March 7, 1846. 
 His father, Thomas Taylor, was a son of 
 Matthew Taylor, who settled in South Stra- 
 bane township, Washington (Jo., Penn., and 
 there his son Thomas was born. 
 „ Thomas Taylor was born in 1805, on the farm 
 of his father as above mentioned, and was early 
 inducted into the mysteries of agriculture, which 
 vocation he followed all his life. He was united 
 in marriage with Susan Darlington, who was born 
 about 1813, near Hagerstown, Md. The young 
 couple commenced married life on the farm which 
 is now known as the " Old Taylor Homestead," 
 and children were born to them as follows: Juli* 
 A., Sarah O, Griffith D., Henry M., Isabella, Will- 
 iam G., George L., Thomas F., Nancy J., James 
 W., Mary M. and John M. Three sons of this 
 family entered the Civil war, and fought for the 
 cause of freedom. Griffith D. was the first man to 
 enlist in West Finley township. He was a mem- 
 
Kiss 
 
 WASHINGTON COC'XTY. 
 
 her of the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, and fell 
 December 13, 1 862, gallantly fighting at the battle 
 of Fredericksburg, under the command of Gen. 
 Burnsides. Henry M. enlisted in Company E, 
 Eighty-fifth P. V.I.; he was taken sick at Mars Is- 
 land, and died before he could be taken home. 
 William G. enlisted at West Alexander, Washing- 
 ton county, in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
 and six days later was in the battle of Peters- 
 burg; he lived to get home, where he died, hon- 
 ored and mourned by all who knew him. 
 
 I OHN FRYE. The Frye family, of which 
 this gentlemen is an honored member, are 
 ^ . numbered with the earliest and most promi- 
 nent citizens of Washington county. The 
 first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania was one 
 Samuel Frye, who was born, in 1729, in Virginia, 
 and was there married to Christina Speers, also a 
 native of Virginia, born in 1752. They came over- 
 land to Washington county in a very early day, 
 and July 19, 1792, took a "tomahawk right" to a 
 large tract of land in Fallowfield township. He 
 was a famous hunter, and also worked on his farm, 
 remaining in the fort at night for protection from 
 the Indians. He died in 1814, and was followed 
 by his wife November 9, 1841. 
 
 Abraham Frye, son of Samuel and Christina 
 (Speers) Frye, was born in 1792, on the home 
 farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He received a subscription-school educa- 
 tion, and in early life was married to Isabella 
 Ringland, a native of Washington county. She 
 bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel, living 
 in Allen township, Washington county; John, also 
 living in Allen township; Christina, Mrs. Abraham, 
 Colvin, of Fallowfield township; Abraham, who 
 entered the U. S. service in Washington county, 
 and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.; Henry, a 
 resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber- 
 land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town- 
 ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock N41. 
 4, Fallowfield township; Jackson, living in Cowley 
 county, Fans, (he enlisted in the Civil war, was 
 taken prisoner, and confined in Andersonville pris- 
 on eleven months); Clarissa, who married Alexan- 
 der Allman, and died in East Pike Run township; 
 Smith, living in Fallowfield township, and Isabelle, 
 wife of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. 
 After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye 
 settled on the upper part of the old homestead in 
 Fallowfield township. He was actively interested 
 in public matters, and first affiliated with the Dem- 
 ocratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub- 
 lican, lie died Decamber 11, 1866, followed by 
 his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see 
 
 her youngest daughter the mother of twelve chil- 
 dren. Both parents were members of the Disciple 
 Church. 
 
 John Frye, son of Abrahim and Isabella Frye, 
 was born December 25, 1815, on a farm near Lock 
 No. 4, Washington Co., Penn. He was reared to 
 manhood in Fallowfield township, and educated in 
 the subscription schools. In October, 1839, he 
 married Christina, daughter of Parker and Sarah 
 (Carson) Scott, natives of this connty, who died 
 many years ago. After his marriage John Frye 
 bought the 137 acres in Fallowfield township which 
 he now owns, and upon which he has mide many 
 improvements. One year after her marriage Mrs. 
 Frye died, leaving one son, Abraham, who was 
 accidently killed at Lock No. 4, this county. On 
 January 19, 1844, John Frye married, for his sec- 
 ond wife, Elizabeth, daughter of George and Eliza 
 (Jackman) Carroll, who were natives of East Pike 
 Run township, Washington county. They moved 
 to Ohio, thence to Wheeling creek, West Virginia, 
 where the father died; the mother is now livinc in 
 Meigs county, Ohio. In 1849 John Frye erected 
 a handsome brick residence, also a commodious 
 barn 32 by 48 feet, and has been engaged in farm- 
 ing and stock raising, making a specialty of sheep. 
 In politics he votes with the Republican party, 
 and in religion he and his wife are members of the 
 Disciple Church, in which he is an elder. They 
 have two children: Josephine, wife of M. S. 
 Krepps, and Ida B. Mr. Frye is now seventy- 
 seven years old. He has settled sixteen estates, 
 and has been guardian for twenty-one children and 
 two lunatics. 
 
 THEODORE F. BURGAN, son of John Bur- 
 gan, was born December 12, 1844. His 
 grandfather, James Burgan, was a native of 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., and was there 
 married to Elizabeth Smock, who was born 
 in the same county. Eleven children was the re- 
 sult of this union, of whom the living members are 
 Joseph (residing in Washington, Penn.), Matthias 
 (an agriculturist of Somerset township) and John 
 (whose sketch is given below). James Burgan 
 followed farming all his life, and died at the age 
 of sixty-five years on the place now occupied by 
 his grandson, Theodore. His widow passed away 
 on the same farm in her eighty fourth year. 
 
 John Kurgan was born February 27, 1S0S, in 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., and received his 
 early education in the subscription schools of the 
 period, and afterward came with his parents to the 
 farm in Washington county, where he is now liv- 
 ing. In 1834 he was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Huffman, who was born December 26, 
 1812, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of 
 Latimer and Mary (Kelly) Ilutf.nan, early settlers 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1091 
 
 of Pennsylvania, who reared a family of fifteen 
 children, two of whom are yet living, Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. Burgan) and Cassandra (widow of Joseph 
 Taylor, living in Monongahela City, I'enn.); the 
 father was a farmer and stock dealer; he died at 
 the age of forty-nine years; his widow died in her 
 eighty first year. John and Elizabeth (Huffman) 
 Burgan were the parents of the following children: 
 Mary A. (wife of Harrison Long, a merchant of 
 Vanceville, this county), born August 25, 183S; 
 Keturah L., born October 20, 1842; Theodore F., 
 (the subject of this biography); Elizabeth J. (liv- 
 ing at home), born October 19, 1846; John W., 
 born December 19, 1848; Clarinda (residing at 
 home), born February 8, 1850; Sarah J. (wife of 
 William Wright, a farmer of Somerset township), 
 born March 21,1855; Emily and James L. (both 
 deceased), and one that died in infancy. John 
 Burgan has always followed agricultural pursuits, 
 giving considerable attention to stock raising. He 
 and his wife are members of the Disciple Church. 
 
 Theodore F. Burcfan grew to manhood on the 
 home farm, and on December 13, 1889, was united 
 in marriage with Jane McDonough, who was born 
 December 25, 1859, in this county, daughter of 
 Henry and Mary (Smith) McDonough. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Burgan are members of the Disciple Church 
 in Vanceville, this county; in his political opinions 
 he votes the Republican ticket, and is actively in- 
 terested in the success of his party. They are liv- 
 ing on the home farm with his parents. 
 
 THOMAS FEPPER, farmer and stock dealer 
 of East Pike Run township, is a native of 
 the same, and was born July 15, 1834. His 
 parents were William and Harriet ( Nanki- 
 vel) Pepper, who were natives of England, 
 where the father was born in 1797, the mother in 
 1807. William Pepper was a butcher and a farm- 
 er and emigrated to Pennsylvania many years 
 ago, settling permanently on a farm in Washing- 
 ton county. He was a supporter of the Democratic 
 party, held various local offices, and was also pro- 
 minently identified with the religious and educa- 
 tional interests of the locality. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper 
 reared a family of seven children, namely: 
 William, an agriculturist of West Pike Run town- 
 ship; Mary, wife of Alexander Moffitt, a resident of 
 Washington, D. O; Thomas, whose name opens 
 this sketch; Anna, wife of B. F. Jeffries, a farmer 
 of West Pike Run township; James, John C. and 
 Elizabeth, of whom the latter three are now 
 deceased. The father died in October, 1879, 
 having been preceded by the mother in March, 
 1877. 
 
 Thomas Pepper received a subscription -school 
 education in the home neighborhood, then learned 
 the carriage maker's trade. He settled on a farm 
 
 in Washington county, and on December 2, 1856, 
 was united in marriage with Mary Crable, who 
 was born in 1836, in Fayette county, a daughter 
 of George W. and Hannah (McDonough) Crable, 
 early settlers of Washington county, Penn. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Pepper are the parents of eight 
 children, namely: Hannah J., wife of Joseph L. 
 Walker, a resident of West Pike Run township; 
 Harriet D.; James O; Thomas W.; Elizabeth A.; 
 Caroline I.; Mary E. (deceased), and one who 
 died in infancy. Mr. Pepper owns 113 acres of 
 good land, which is cultivated to the highest ex- 
 tent. He is a practical farmer, using all modern 
 improvements to facilitate his work; in politics he 
 is a stanch supporter of the Republican party. 
 Mrs. Pepper is a member of the Catholic Church. 
 
 JLLIAM COOPER, a prosperous agri- 
 culturist, and a descendant of one of the 
 oldest families in the county, is a native 
 of Franklin township, born November 13, 
 1821, a son of Stephen and Hannah Cooper. He 
 reoeived a thorough practical training on the old 
 home farm, and his literary education was limited 
 to the subscription schools of the vicinity. On 
 April 13, 1847, he was married to Eleanor, daugh- 
 ter of Stephen and Sarah Day, and soon afterward 
 the young couple came to their present farm in 
 Franklin township, on which they made many im- 
 provements, a comfortable residence and all other 
 buildings having been built by them. Here, by 
 industry, perseverance, econony and sound judg- 
 ment, Mr. Cooper has made an enviable success, 
 and is now the owner of a large and highly im- 
 proved farm. Two children were born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. Cooper: Murray A. and Howard C. (the last 
 named being deceased). Mr. Cooper is a member 
 and supporter of the Presbyterian Church of Pros- 
 perity. In politics he was first a Whig, and, since 
 the party was organized, has been a Republican. 
 He has never sought office, but has attended 
 strictly to his occupation as a farmer and stock 
 raiser, and now, at a ripe old age, finds himself 
 surrounded by the comforts of life and a com- 
 petency of this world's goods. 
 
 Murray A. Cooper, son of William and Eleanor 
 Cooper, was born in Franklin township, September 
 18, 1849. He was educated at the Southwestern 
 State Normal College of Pennsylvania, and at Union 
 Collesre Ohio. At the acre of seventeen he com- 
 menced teaching, and continued in that vocation 
 in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Read medicine but 
 never practiced. On September 18, 1871, he es- 
 tablished the Washington Advance (name changed 
 to Observer), with H. B. Durant as partner, and 
 continued its publication until November, 1873. 
 This he sold and then purchased the Mt. Pleasant 
 (Penn.) Journal, which be edited and published 
 
1092 
 
 Washing ton county. 
 
 live years. He was recording secretary of the Penn- 
 sylvania Editorial Association in 1877. In 1879 
 he located in Steubenville, ( )hio, and was connected 
 with the Herald two years. For three years he 
 was special correspondent with the Cincinnati 
 Gazette. Owing to failing health, Mr. Cooper re- 
 tired from newspaper work in 1884, and turned 
 his attention to fanning and stock raising, locating 
 upon the home farm in Franklin township. In 
 1890 he became interested in Dorset Horn sheep, 
 and was the first to introduce this important brand 
 of English sheep into western Pennsylvania. In 
 June, 1891, he made an importation from the best 
 flocks in England. On March 31, 1891, at Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., he. assisted in organizing the Dorset 
 Horn Sheep Breeders Association of America, be- 
 ing unanimously elected secretary and treasurer of 
 the organization; reelected in 1892, and Jan- 
 uary 11, 1893, in New York City, was elected to 
 the same position. He is now a resident of Wash- 
 ington, Penn., where he conducts the business of the 
 Association, which has become one of the most suc- 
 cessful organizations of the kind in the country, 
 having members in twenty-four States, Canada and 
 England. In politics he is a strong Republican, 
 and in religion he is a Presbyterian. 
 
 J (AMES CALDWELL, a well-known farmer of 
 Hanover township, is of Irish descent. His 
 grandfather, James Caldwell, was born, reared 
 and married in Ireland, and finally immigrat- 
 ing to America, located in Hanover township, near 
 Paris, Washington county, Penn. In the midst of 
 a wild and lonely forest his cabin was erected, and 
 he passed the remainder of his life as a " tiller of the 
 soil." He and his wife died, and they were buried 
 in the Paris cemetery. James Caldwell was a promi- 
 nent man, highly respected by all, and was elected 
 a justice of the peace by the Democratic party, of 
 which he was an enthusiastic supporter. The chil- 
 dren of this family were as follows: Samuel, who 
 owned, lived and died on a little farm now owned 
 by John McClurg, adjoining the home farm on the 
 north; William, who lived in Carroll county, Ohio; 
 Joseph, who resided in Hanover township, this 
 county; Elizabeth, married to Matthew Russell, of 
 Hanover township; Thomas, of whom further men- 
 tion is made; Jane, Mrs. Parks; Andrew; Robert 
 and James; all are now deceased. 
 
 Thomas Caldwell was born in 1805, near Paris, 
 Hanover township, Washington county, Penn., on 
 the farm where his father first located, on his arri- 
 val in the county. He was reared on the home 
 farm, and attended the subscription schools. In 
 early manhood he was married to Jane, daughter 
 of Samuel Carson, a native of Ireland, who came to 
 America with her parents when very young, and 
 they located in Carroll county, Ohio. Thomas and 
 
 Jane Caldwell located on the home farm, near 
 Paris, this county, where he successfully followed 
 agriculture during the remainder of his active life. 
 He was a popular citizen, took an active interest in 
 elections, and during almost every polititical dem- 
 onstration his wagon and horses bore an enthusi- 
 astic load of Democrats to the meeting. He passed 
 away in 1875, and in 1885 the wife of his youth 
 was laid to rest by his side in Paris cemetery. 
 
 James Caldwell, son of Thomas and Jane Cald- 
 well, was born January 20, 1841, on the same farm 
 which he now owns and resides upon. He attended 
 the common schools, and when a young man began 
 to learn the carpenter trade under David McClurg. 
 After serving his apprenticeship he followed his 
 business until his marriage, February 17, 1876, to 
 .Amanda Elizabeth Freshwater, who was born 
 March I, 1852, daughter of Archibald Freshwater, 
 of Hanover township, this county. After his mar- 
 riage he located on the old Caldwell home- 
 stead near Paris, where he is yet living, devoting 
 his attention to general farming and stock raising. 
 In politics he has always been a Democrat, but 
 gives his personal business the g eater portion of 
 of his time. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Paris, which he has served in various 
 offices. His children are: Charles, Elizabeth, James 
 L., Jenny, Robert O, Grover O, Mina, Clara Bell 
 and Donald 1)., of whom Robert C. and Grover C. 
 died when young. 
 
 DANIEL DUNN ( deceased) was a native of 
 \ Greene county, Penn., born December 6, 
 1S07. His father, Samuel Dunn, was a na- 
 tive of New Jersey, born in 171')."). When a 
 young man he moved to Greene county, Penn. fc 
 where he married Jane Mclntire, of the same 
 county, who bore him six children: Joseph, Will- 
 iam, Daniel, Emund, Elizabeth and Anna. 
 
 I )aniel, the third child in the order of their birth, 
 left home at the age of twelve years, and became 
 an apprentice in Buckingham's woolen factory, at 
 Ten Mde creek, Washington county, where he 
 learned the trade of carder. He married, in 1834, 
 Sarah Baker, who was born November 9, 1813, a 
 daughter of David Biker, of East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, where the father had settled at an early day, 
 having come from New Jersey with his lather. 
 For six years succeeding his marriage, Daniel Dunn 
 worked at his trade, near Clarksville, Greene county. 
 In 1840 he purchased the farm, one-half mile west 
 of what is now Dunn's Station, upon which his 
 widow still resides. Here he remained, giving his 
 attention to his farm, until his death, December 27, 
 1 862. 1 taniel Dunn was a representative self-made 
 man. Starting under the most adverse circum- 
 stances, he made a success of life, and left an un- 
 sullied record. He reared a family of nine chil- 
 
WASHINGTON COUATY. 
 
 1093 
 
 dren (six of who.n are living): Malinda Jane, born 
 October 4, 1835, married to Milton Day, and re- 
 siding in Waynosburgh, Greene county; Emmeline, 
 born January 30, 1838, married to Oliver Day, of 
 Somerville, Mo., where they now reside; Edward, 
 born August 29, 1840, married to Rhoda Yeagly, 
 of (Jonnellsville, Penn., at which place they make 
 their residence; David B., born March 7, 1843, 
 married to Mary E. Auld, of Morris township, where 
 he resides; Margaret Ann, born November 3, L8 15, 
 married to J. N. Minton (now deceased), and re- 
 siding in Morris township; Hiram 13., born June 15, 
 IS IS, died October 29, 1854; Alexander H. (of 
 whom special mention is made further on ); Flo- 
 rella W., born. December 2, 1854, married to 
 Thomas Rice, of Greene county, anil died May 13, 
 1877; Apollos B., born in October, 1858, died June 
 11, 1881. 
 
 Alexander Hamilton Dunn is one of the most 
 prosperous young farmers of Morris township. He 
 was born January 25, 1851, was reared to farm 
 life, and received a common-school education. 
 Since starting out life for himself he has given his 
 attention wholly to farming and stock raising. He 
 manages the old home farm, upon which he raises 
 considerable graded stock. He was married Janu- 
 ary 0, 1878, to Maria J. Loughman, a daughter of 
 Erederick Loughman, of Morris township, Greene 
 county, and they have one child, Clarence M., born 
 December 5, 1878. In polities Mr. Dunti is an 
 ardent Republican. Both he and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 RS. RACHEL WILSON (widow of Thomas 
 Wilson, of Somerset township) was born 
 November 9, 1833, in Washington county, 
 Penn., and is a representative of one of 
 the oldest families of the county. She is a 
 daughter of Nicholas Peese, a native of this county, 
 born in 1812, who when a young man was united 
 in marriage with Elizabeth Wallar, who was born 
 in 1800. After his marriage Mr. Peese settled on 
 a farm where children were born to their union as 
 follows: Rachel (the lady of whom this sketch is 
 written), Lydia, Lawrence (farming in Somerset 
 township), George W. (farming in South Strabane 
 township), William (an agriculturist of Hardin 
 county,* )hio), Andrew (a farmer of Hardin county, 
 Ohio), Martha A. (wife of Homer Vaughn, alGO 
 of Hardin county, Ohio), Mary E., Nancy (mar- 
 ried to George Wygandt, a farmer of South 
 Strabane township) and Nicholas. The father 
 died in 1877, in South Strabane township, the 
 mother in 1885; both were members of the 
 Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Rachel Peese grew to womanhood in the home 
 of her parents, and on June 24, 1856, gave her 
 hand in marriage to Thomas Wilson, a farmer, who 
 
 was born December Hi. L835, in Washington 
 county, Penn., a son of James and Mary (Van- 
 Eman) Wilson. He died December 3, 1878. In 
 religious faith he was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, of which Mrs. Wilson is also a member. 
 
 ^ILLIAM F. RALSTON was born August 
 31, 180), in Carroll township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and passed his school days in 
 the vicinity. His father, Lev. Samuel 
 Ralston, was born in 1758, in Ireland, and received 
 a theological education at Glasgow, Scotland. He 
 was licensed to preach by the Presbytery, and soon 
 afterward immigrated to America. He settled in 
 Washington county, Penn., and preached several 
 years in Monongahela City, and Horse-Shoe; then 
 took charge of the Mingo church, of which he 
 was pastor during his later life. His mother after- 
 ward came to America, and resided with him and 
 another son, Ralf, for some time on the latter's 
 farm of 150 acres in Carroll township; died there 
 and was buried at Mingo. Samuel Ralston was 
 married to Rachel, daughter of William Ferguson, 
 and children were born to them, as follows: Sarah 
 (wife of Benjamin Williams), Matilda, Mary (Mrs. 
 James McVey, of Mingo creek ), James, Margaret 
 (wife of Samuel Kidoo), Lizzie (Mrs. Robert 
 (Patten), Samuel, and William F. 
 
 William F. Ralston grew to manhood in his 
 native county, and on March 8, 1837, was married 
 to Jane R. Hackett, a native of Chester county, 
 Penn., whose father, David Hackett, is a well- 
 know agriculturist of that place. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Rilston have had three sons and two daughters, 
 namelv: Samuel (who served three years in the 
 First Pennsylvania Cavalry under a cousin, Joseph 
 William, and was slightly wounded), James H., 
 Martha (deceased), Margaret, and William. 
 
 Mr. Ralston owns thirty acres of land upon 
 which he is now boring a gas well. He is a Repub- 
 lican, has taken an active interest in local politics, 
 and served in various township offices. He is the 
 only remaining one of the family of Samuel 
 Ralston. 
 
 T/HE FURNIER FAMILY in Fallowfield 
 township come of French ancestry, David 
 Furnier, the first of them to emigrate to 
 America, having been a native of France, 
 from which country he fled in the days of 
 religious persecution. 
 
 He first located near Hagerstown, Maryland, 
 afterward coming to Washington county, Pennsyl- 
 vania, and making a settlement near ^Speers run 
 some time prior to 1772. In 1798 he purchased of 
 Henry Speers a tract of ninety-four acres of land 
 near the stream just mentioned, having a riverfront 
 
unit 
 
 WASHINGTON COl \ TY. 
 
 of 100 rods. A log house was erected on this land 
 either by Speers or Furnier, probably the latter. 
 In addition to this tract David Furnier also owned a 
 large portion of the land now in the possession of 
 the heirs of Levi Johnson, the title of which has 
 long been disputed. In 1828 this land was deeded 
 by the heirs of Furnier to Solomon Speers, who, in 
 turn, sold it to L. M. Speers, and it is now the prop- 
 erty of S. F. and William Jones. A log flouring- 
 mill was erected on this land many years ago, just 
 below the stone house of Samuel McKean. The 
 original owners of this mill are not certainly known, 
 but it is supposed that Elliott and Williams erected 
 on a lease of several years' duration. At all events 
 David Furnier was the sole proprietor of both mill 
 and store in 1790, and also conducted a distillery — 
 the entire business being known as the " Barter 
 Mills," the name having been characteristic of the 
 enterprise. This was the first store opened in that 
 locality, and at the same time David Furnier owned 
 an establishment at 1 )evore's Ferry, opposite 
 Monongahela City, and one at Pittsburgh. He 
 did an immense business, keeping all kinds of 
 goods, including groceries, etc., and of the vast 
 quantities of grain brought in from the surround- 
 ing country the rye was transformed into whiskey, 
 while the wheat sold in adjacent cities. This was 
 perhaps the largest business existing at that time in 
 the Valley. The old distillery was situated above 
 the log mill, and was afterward supplanted by the 
 stone still-house, which was near the greenhouse of 
 Samuel McKean. In 1803 a large brick mill was 
 erected near the present stone bridge crossing 
 Speers run, but it was torn down in 1887, part of 
 the brick being yet in use in the old schoolhouse in 
 Gould's hollow. A sawmill was afterward erected 
 by Solomon Speers, near the site of the old brick 
 mill. David Furnier had three brothers, Henry, 
 John and James, of whom James lived with Henry 
 in Washington county, and was never married. 
 He died of sunstroke. John, who was also a bache- 
 lor, owned a tannery on the present farm of John 
 Irons, and was also proprietor of a store at Becket's 
 place, now Degg's ferry. Henry, the remaining 
 brother of David Furnier, had two sons, David and 
 Simeon. The father erected the stone part of the 
 house now owned by Philip Johnson, where his son, 
 Simeon Furnier, died in 1848. The latter was 
 married to Jane Stout, and their children were 
 Henry, Jesse, John W., William, Simeon and Mary. 
 David, eldest son of Henry Furnier, had four chil- 
 dren, namely: Bela, Matilda, Lucinda (wife of 
 Judge James Fuller, of Perryopolis, Penn.) and 
 Bowman. 
 
 David Ftjrniee was born in 1N25, in Adams 
 county, OUio, and in 1827 was brought by his 
 parents to Washington county, Penn. Here he 
 was educated, and when a young man he worked 
 on a steamboat. On October 15, 1850, Mr. Furnier 
 
 was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Stephen Colvin, and she has borne him two sons 
 and four daughters, namely: Eliza S., wife of Henry 
 Carson ; Florentine ; Henry, of whom a sketch fol- 
 lows; Joan; Lincoln, married to Lydia Sickman; 
 and Allie, living at home. Mr. Furnier is distantly 
 related to the Marquis de La Fayette, that famous 
 patriot (now so long since deceased) having been 
 a cousin of Mr. Furnier's grandfather. David Fur- 
 nier's mother was a Dunlevy, and her mother was a 
 Crawford, a full cousin of Col. Crawford, who 
 was burned at the stake by the Indians in what is 
 now Crawford county, Ohio. 
 
 Henry Furnier, son of David and Elizabeth 
 (Colvin) Furnier, was born October 8, 1855, on the 
 home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington 
 county, Penn. He attended the common schools, 
 was early inducted into the mysteries of agricul- 
 ture, and has since continued to follow rural 
 life. In October, 1882, he married Martha, daugh- 
 ter of Henry Frye, a well-known agriculturist of 
 Washington county, Penn., and they have had 
 two children: Charles L. and Edna A., both liv- 
 ing with their parents. The home farm contains 
 eighty-four acres of land, situated five miles from 
 Monongahela City. 
 
 < 
 
 I M < >SES SCOTT (deceased) was a native of 
 
 \//\ Washington county, Penn., born in Union 
 l[(j township, October 12, 1809. He was of 
 ■* Irish descent, his father, Thomas Scott, 
 having emigrated from Ireland to America 
 in I796,^beingj then a young man of some twenty- 
 two summers. 
 
 Aft a r landing, Thomas Scott proceeded to this 
 county, making a settlement on Mingo creek in 
 Union township, where he cleared the land and 
 followed farming and milling until 1850, in which 
 year he moved into Monongahela City, and there 
 ended his useful life, dying February 19, 1856. 
 In politics he was a Whig, in religion a member of 
 the Mingo Creek Presbyterian Church. In 1802 
 he had married Margaret Turner, a resident of the 
 county, and the children born to them were Re- 
 becca ( Mrs. Franklin Goldthrop ), William, Joseph, 
 Alexander, Moses, Mary, John, James, Matilda 
 (Mrs. James Rodgers), Elizabeth and Jane. The 
 mother was called to her long home December 24, 
 IS 19. 
 
 Moses Scott, of whom this memoir is written, 
 received a rudimentary education in the schools of 
 the neighborhood, afterward attending Marshall's 
 academy and a school in Monongahela Citv. He 
 learned the milling business which he followed in 
 his intive township until 1850, when he came to 
 Monongahela City. Here, in 1856, he opened a 
 general grocery store, which he conducted several 
 years, and then, selling out the business, moved to 
 

 w^- • 
 
 jeJ & £>£^~ ? 
 
WASHINGTON COUA'TY. 
 
 1097 
 
 Beaver, same State, where he remained some three 
 years, at the end of which time he returned to 
 Monongahela City, and there passed the rest of 
 his life, dying March 5, 1891. Moses Scott was 
 married in 1855 to Miss Rowanna A. McFarland, 
 of Franklin county, Penn. In his political affilia- 
 tions he was for some time a Republican, but in 
 the later years of his life he voted the Independent 
 ticket. For five years he served as alderman of 
 his adopted city. In early life he identified him- 
 self with the Presbyterian Church, but afterward 
 enlisted under the banner of the Baptist faith. 
 His widow is still a resident of Monongahela. 
 
 James Scott, M. D., brother of Moses, was born 
 in Union township, April 15, 1815. In the sub- 
 scription schools and at Marshall's academy he re- 
 ceived a liberal education. He studied medicine, 
 and at Ohio Medical College took his degree, after 
 which he commenced practice at Lebanon, Warren 
 Co., Ohio. He was a very prominent and influen- 
 tial man, and for some time represented his State 
 in the Legislature on the Republican ticket. He 
 married Hannah Fowler, of Cincinnati, and by her 
 had one child that died young. In church con- 
 nection the Doctor is a Presbyterian. 
 
 ^ 
 
 lV JffRS. SUSANNAH ALLEN, a well-known 
 
 \m/\ and intelligent lady of Cross Creek town- 
 
 ?! I ship, was born November 21, 1823, a 
 
 A daughter of the late John Harper, of 
 
 Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 
 On November 19, 1850, she was united in marriage 
 
 with Josiah Allen, son of John Allen. 
 
 John Allen was born in Chambersburgh, Penn., 
 and, coming to Washington county about the year 
 1800, settled on the farm now occupied by his de- 
 scendants. The land was then covered with dense 
 forest, but two acres had been cleared off, and an 
 orchard planted. Here the young pioneer con- 
 structed a cabin from round logs, and immediately 
 brought his bride (Miss Anna Tweed) to assist in 
 building the new home. He then began clearing 
 the forest from the land, and soon the wild, unculti- 
 vated region assumed an air of civilization as 
 various improvements were made. Time passed 
 on, and the once lonely forest rang with the shouts 
 of happy children, who came to bless the homes of 
 the early pioneers. To John and Anna Allen 
 were born Martha, John, Josiah, Nancy, Samuel 
 and William, all now deceased. 
 
 Josiah Allen was born November 15, 1808, on 
 the home farm, in the house where his widow is 
 now living. His boyhood days were passed at 
 home, in attending to the usual farm duties. After 
 his marriage to Susannah Harper they settled on 
 the old farm, where children were born to them as 
 follows: William Harper, born August 24, 1851, 
 married to Emma Anderson, daughter of H. C. 
 
 Anderson, of Cros3 Creek township) they have 
 four children, namely: John Ellsworth, Lemuel 
 Harper, Emma M. (deceased in infancy) and Will- 
 iam Earl); Anna Martha, born November 30, 
 1852; Phcebe Jane, born March 1-1, 1851; John 
 Graham, born July 11, 1855; Ada Ethelinda, born 
 May 26, 1857; Ella Agnes, born March 21, 
 1859; Francinia Elizabeth (wife of Joseph Mar- 
 quis), born January 23, 1861; James Craig, born 
 October 14, 1862; and Josiah Harvey, born Decem- 
 ber 19, 1865. Of this family, Phu-be Jane, John 
 Graham and Ada Ethelinda are deceased. Mr. 
 Allen was a stanch Democrat, but took no active 
 part in politics. He was a consistent member and 
 liberal supporter of the I'resbyterian Church of 
 Cross Creek village. He commanded the respect 
 and admiration of all who knew him, being one of 
 the most useful, honorable and public-spirited men 
 of the community. Josiah Allen died July 14, 1883. 
 At the time of his death he owned 137 acres of 
 land, which was left to his widow and children. 
 
 c 
 
 ■/OLIN L. BAKER is a son of Nathan Baker 
 and a grandson of Enoch Baker, whose father 
 
 1) (Nathan) lived in Maryland, where, on No- 
 ^^ vember 28, 17o8, Enoch was born, and 
 whence when an infant he was brought to Penn- 
 sylvania. Although deprived of educational op- 
 portunities, Enoch Baker became a successful man. 
 He first learned -blacksmithing, and after serving 
 his time at that trade worked four years as a jour- 
 neyman; then purchased a farm, and passed the 
 remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, at 
 one time being owner of 500 acres in xVmwell 
 township. < )n March 3, 1814, he was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth Jennings, and to them 
 were born the following children: Nathan, Lemuel, 
 Elmer, Evans, Parmelia (deceased), David (de- 
 ceased), Mrs. Lucinda Stockdale (deceased) and 
 DanieL Enoch Baker was a very prominent Re- 
 publican. In religion he was a member of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with which he 
 united in 1831, ever taking an active interest in 
 all questions touching its welfare. His parents 
 were Quakers. He died August 29, 1861, his wife 
 following him to the " Better Land " August 5, 
 1862. 
 
 Nathan Baker was born October 24, 1816, on 
 the old home farm in Amwell township, Washing- 
 ton county, and obtained his education in the com- 
 mon schools, which at that early day afforded but 
 meager opportunities; yet such as they were he 
 turned to good account, and he has become a well- 
 informed man. He left home in 1845, and the 
 same year was wedded to Maria Horan, who bore 
 him four sons: John W., born May 16, 1846; 
 David E., born January 5, 1849; Robert C, born 
 June 24, 1854, and Colin L., born July 11, 1856. 
 
1098 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Mr. Baker resided on two or three different farms, 
 remaining on each about a year, and finally settled 
 on a place where he remained twenty-one years, 
 thence removed to the home he now occupies. 
 He is a Republican, and has always been actively 
 interested in public matters. He is a member of 
 the Cumberland 1'resbyterian Church. 
 
 Colin L. Baker was born on the old farm, and 
 moved with his father to the home where he now 
 lives. He received a common-school education, 
 and afterward attended the Pleasant Valley Acad- 
 emy, preparing himself for the profession of a 
 teacher, which, however, he never followed. On 
 October 12, 1883, he was united in marriage with 
 Roberta Horn, of Amwell township, and to their 
 union four children have been born: Bernard, born 
 August 4, 1885; Ruby and Cherry (twins), born 
 August 5, 1886, and Nellie, born April 4, 1889. 
 He is a successful business man, an extensive 
 reader and student of history, and in politics is one 
 of the most active young Republicans in the town- 
 ship. 
 
 G'MIARLES PTTTMAN, a much esteemed, 
 progressive citizen of Hopewell township, 
 |) one who has made his own way to the front 
 ranks of business life, is a son of Frederick 
 and Mary Ann (Armstrong) Pittman, the former 
 a native of Maryland, the latter of Germany, whence 
 she came to the United States when twenty years 
 of age. Frederick and Mary Ann Pittman were 
 the parents of six children, namely: William,. John, 
 Charles, Fred, John and Anna. The father died in 
 1852. 
 
 Charles Pittman was born in 1849 in Steuben- 
 ville, Ohio. After the death of the father his 
 mother removed to Washington, afterward settling 
 in South Strabane township, this county, where 
 Charles attended school. The support of the 
 family depending upon the sons, Charles had little 
 opportunity for securing an education. After the 
 Civil war broke out, William, the eldest son, en- 
 tered the service, in the Eighteenth Pennsylvania 
 Cavalry, remaining during the conflict. The brunt 
 of the family support then fell upon Charles, who 
 was the next in age, his elder brother, John, being 
 previously deceased. After William returned from 
 the army, the sons all worked out until they secured 
 sufficient funds to start farming for themselves. 
 About three years after his return from the service, 
 William married, went West, and is now residing 
 near Mexico, Missouri. Charles and his other broth- 
 ers worked together until 1874, when he was 
 married to Harriet Linn, daughter of " Squire " 
 Linn, of North Strabane township. Charles Pittman 
 resided in that township for eight years after his 
 marriage, then lived in Washington for two years, 
 in 1884 settling in Hopewell township, where he is 
 
 now residing. Seven children have been born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Pittman, named as follows: Sadie, 
 Lorena, Mot, Mary, Claretta, Garnet, and Charles 
 (deceased at the age of seven months). The farm 
 is located north of the Washington and Middletowu 
 road at Tarrtown schoolhouse. It consists of 127 
 acres, beautifully situated, on three sides sloping 
 gently toward the center where his buildings are 
 located, while the fourth side opens out into the 
 beautiful Cross Creek valley. Mr. Pittman gives 
 his attention almost entirely to farming, raising 
 only such stock as is required in carrying on his 
 business. He takes little part in political questions 
 other than to attend the elections. In local affairs 
 he is independent, but in State and National con- 
 tests he votes with the Democratic party. 
 
 d(OIIN I. CARSON, a prominent real estate 
 and insurance broker in the borough of 
 I Washington, is a native of Virginia, born in 
 Ohio county October 21, 1S5: J >. ' 
 
 Richard Carson, grandfather of subject, an Amer- 
 ican by birth, married Elizabeth Irwin, who bore 
 him the following children: Abner, John, Nancy, 
 Joseph, David, Elizabeth and Irwin. He moved to 
 Ohio county, Va., from Dauphin county, Penn. 
 (near Harrisburg), some time in the latter part of the 
 eighteenth century, and there purchased the farm 
 which was afterward occupied by his son Joseph. 
 He served in the war of 1812, and while on his way 
 home from the army died at Delaware, Ohio; his 
 widow subsequently married William Faris. In 
 politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a mem- 
 ber of the Ridge Presbyterian Church at West 
 Alexander, in which he was an elder. 
 
 Joseph ( 'arson, father of John I., was born August 
 21, 1801, in Ohio county, Va., on the old home 
 farm, and received his education at the subscription 
 schools of the period. For several years he taught 
 in his native county, one of his scholars being Prof. 
 Ray. In 1S2S Mr. Carson married Anna, daughter 
 of William Brown, of Ohio county, Virginia, and 
 their children were Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Cris- 
 well ), Hannah J. (Mrs. Harvey J. Milligan ), Richard, 
 Mary A. (Mrs. David B. Boggs), Sarah (Mrs. Van- 
 Tassell), William, Almira S. (deceased), Harriet 
 (deceased), Vincent B. and John I. The father 
 died July 2(1, 1SS7, on the farm on which he was 
 born, after a long life of usefulness, activity and 
 enterprise, being always deeply interested in reli- 
 gious and educational affairs. He was a straight 
 Democrat, and served as a justice of the peace ; he 
 was a consistent member of the West Alexander 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder for 
 a quarter of a century. 
 
 John I.Carson, the youngest in the family of ten 
 children born to Joseph and Anna (Brown) Carson, 
 received his rudimentary education at the common 
 
WASHINGTON COr.YTY. 
 
 1099 
 
 schools of the vicinity of his place of birth, and 
 West Alexander Academy, and at the age of six- 
 teen he entered Waynesburgh College. On com- 
 pleting; his studies he taught school in Ohio 
 and Marshall counties, W. Va., and finally in 
 Peoria county, III., from which latter locality he 
 returned to his old home in 1875. On Novem- 
 ber 25 of that year Mr. Carson was married to 
 Josephine M., daughter of Perry Whitham, of 
 Ohio county, W. Va., and the children that have 
 blessed this union are named respectively Ross 
 Milligan, Glenn Pere, Muriel .loy and Salome. 
 After marriage our subject resided in Chesterfield 
 county, Va., four or five years, farming; thence 
 moved to Philadelphia as clerk in a commission 
 house, and from there, after one year's sojourn, 
 came to West Alexander, and was principal of the 
 Public Schools of West Alexander, this county, 
 1882. In July, 1891, he came to Washington and 
 entered into partnership with J. W. Murray as 
 pension agents, and in the real-estate insurance and 
 loan business. Mr. Carson is a Republican, and in 
 L887 he was elected a justice of the peace at West 
 Alexander, serving until 1892, and m 1892-93 he 
 was secretary of the Republican County Committee. 
 Mr. Carson is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
 and was leader of the choir at West Alexander ten 
 years On January 1, 1893, he was appointed 
 deputy-collector of Internal Revenue of the Twenty- 
 third District, having charge of the. Seventh Divi- 
 sion, embracing Washington, Greene, and part of 
 Fayette counties. 
 
 Ii JlfRS. MARGARET DUNBAR was born 
 
 \/| November 10, 1838, near Bulger, Smith 
 
 *1 I township, Washington Co., Penn., a daugh- 
 
 -* ter of John S. Russell, who was a son of 
 
 v William Russell. 
 
 William Russell was born in the latter part of 
 the last century, in Smith township, this county, 
 and received a somewhat limited school training, 
 as the educational opportunities of those days were 
 comparatively meager and primitive. In 1798 he 
 was married to Nancy Strain, whose parents were 
 early settlers in Smith township, this county. In 
 about 1800 Mr. and Mrs. Russell, with an infant 
 son, removed to Portage county, Ohio, residing 
 there until the close of the war of 1812, in which 
 William served as a soldier. Being dissatisfied 
 with the country, he returned, about 1815, to 
 Smith township, locating near the line of Cross 
 Creek township, where he continued to follow farm- 
 ing till his death. In politics he was a Democrat. 
 His wife died several years prior to his demise, and 
 left the following children: Abraham (deceased in 
 this county at the age of eighty-five; was never 
 married ), Sarah (deceased wife of James Fulton, 
 formerly of Cross Creek township, afterward of 
 
 Hmovar township, this ounty), John S , Saman- 
 tha (cared for her father in his old age, and died 
 unmarried) and James (deceased in Smith town- 
 ship). 
 
 John S. Russell was horn February 14, 1806, on 
 the home farm, in Portage county, Ohio, and was 
 reared to agricultural pursuits. On February 12, 
 1833, he married Jane Simpson, who was born 
 September 3, 1S15, daughter of James and Ellen 
 (Stewart) Simpson, early residents of the town- 
 ship. The children born to this union were as fol- 
 lows: Ellen (living in Burgettstown, Penn., un- 
 married), Cynthia (unmarried, also residing in Bur- 
 gettstown), Margarat ( widow of James Dunbar), 
 Ophelia ( Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Hanover township, 
 this county), William S., Agnes (an unmarried 
 lady of Burgettstown, Penn.), James C. (an agri- 
 culturist of Smith township) and David A. (de- 
 ceased farmer of Smith township). The mother of 
 this family died July 23, 1851, and Mr. Russell 
 afterward wedded Mary A. Vincent, who was born 
 February 20, 1818, daughter of Joseph and Sarah 
 (Rea) Vincent, of Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county. Two children were born to John S. and 
 Mary A. (Vincent) Russell: John (deceased in 
 youth) and Sarah (Mrs. I). W. Smith, of Smith 
 township, this county). After his first marriage 
 Mr. John S. Russell settled on a farm one mile 
 west of Bulger, Smith township, where his life was 
 passed successfully in agricultural pursuits. Year 
 by year his possessions increased, until by dint of 
 careful management, business sagacity and good 
 financiering he became one of the most extensive 
 wool growers and largest landholders of the town- 
 ship, at the time of his death owning nearly 600 
 acres of valuable and productive real estate. In 
 politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a mem- 
 ber of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, which he 
 served as an elder. He died September 15, 1879. 
 
 James Dunbar, who became, the husband of Mar- 
 garet Russell, was one of the most highly esteemed 
 farmers of Smith township, and was a representa- 
 tive of an old and prominent family. His grand- 
 father, James Dunbar, was born near Belfast, 
 County Antrim, Ireland, and, being of an advent- 
 urous disposition, became a sailor in early life. 
 He came to America and made a permanent settle- 
 ment on Raccoon creek, Smith township, this 
 county, where he was obliged to "grub out" a site 
 for the first cabin which he erected; but his energy 
 knew no discouragement, and success at length 
 crowned his efforts. He was united in marriage with 
 Mary McConnell, of Robinson township, thiscounty, 
 who bore him twelve children, namely: James, 
 Jane, Thomas, Joseph, Robert, Martin, Elizabeth, 
 John, Samuel, Mary, William, and an infant son 
 (deceased). In the latter part of his life Mr. Dun- 
 bar lived for some time in Robinson township, this 
 county. Although beginning life a poor sailor boy, 
 
1100 
 
 Washington couxty. 
 
 he was possessed of the right spirit of persever- 
 ance, and at the time of his death was a wealthy 
 man. He died in 1842, having been preceded by 
 his wife many years. Thomas Dunbar (a son of 
 James and Mary (McConnell) Dunbar) was born 
 and reared on his father's farm in Robinson town- 
 ship, this county, and received a common-school 
 education. He was married to Mary Scott, who 
 bore him three children. After her death he mar- 
 ried Mrs. Susanna (Scott) McBride, widow of John 
 McBride. She bore him no children. He died at 
 an advanced age; his widow is yet living in Bav- 
 ington, this county. 
 
 James Dunbar, son of Thomas Dunbar, was born 
 April 3, 1So4, in Robinson township, this county, 
 was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and 
 obtained a common-school education. On Decem- 
 ber 18, 18(32, he was united in marriage with Mar- 
 garet Russell, and three children were born to 
 them: John T. (deceased in infancy), Mary E., 
 and Thomas E. ( managing the home farm). After 
 his marriage Mr. Dunbar purchased the farm, 
 which he owned and cultivated at the time of his 
 death. It is located about one mile and a half 
 south of Bavington, in Smith township. He de- 
 voted some attention to stock raising. In politics 
 he was a strong adherent to the principles embod- 
 ied in the Democratic party. He was a member of 
 the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, giving liberally 
 to its maintenance. Mr. Dunbar passed away May 
 10, 1891, and since his death his widow has re- 
 sided on the farm, which is managed by her son 
 Thomas E. 
 
 AMUEL CASTNER is one of those success- 
 ful farmers who merit the hearty commenda- 
 tion of every good citi/en, for the manner in 
 which they have achieved such favorable re- 
 sults, by years of patient toil. 
 
 He is a son of George Castner, whose father was 
 born in Germany, and in early manhood immigra- 
 ted to America. He located in New Jersey and 
 was there married, passing the remainder of his life 
 in his adopted State. Among the children of this 
 couple was the son George, who was married to 
 Susan Nicholson, of Mifflin county, Penn., and 
 reared the following children: Mary, Sydney, 
 James, Frederick (living in Holmes county, Ohio), 
 William, Nancy (widow of Jacob Miller, of Done- 
 gal township), Samuel, Susan (living near Midway, 
 Penn.), George (lived in Kentucky), Hannah, 
 Sarah (living in Missouri), Maggie (widow of 
 James Davis, of Bethany, W. Va.), Eliza and John 
 T. (a farmer of Hopewell township). Of this fam- 
 ily Mary, Sydney, James, William, George, Han- 
 nah and Eliza are deceased. Mr. Castner removed 
 
 to Washington county, Penn., some years after his 
 marriage, and died there in the year 1860, being 
 followed by his wife in 1864. 
 
 Samuel Castner (subject of sketch) was born 
 August 25, 1823, in Mifflin county, Penn., and 
 attended the country schools in that vicinity, until 
 he became old enough to assist on the farm. His 
 parents were growing old and soon became depend- 
 ent upon him, but in a short time he accumulated 
 enough to support them, and continued to supply 
 their needs as long as they lived. In IMS Mr. 
 Castner was united in marriage with Martha Dun- 
 bar (who was born March 2, 1832), daughter of 
 James and Mary (Elder) Dunbar. The children 
 born to them were as follows: Susan (Mrs. Albeit 
 Piggett, of Hopewell township), James 1). (of 
 Bethany, W. Va.), George J., Mary L. and Samuel 
 W. (all three of whom are deceased), Elmer E. E. 
 (a carpenter of Bethany, W. Va.), and Charles A. 
 ( living at home ). Mr. Castner passed the first por- 
 tion of his married life near Burgettstown, Penn., 
 and then moved to Judge McKeever's farm, where 
 he resided as a tenant for seventeen years. Five 
 years previous to leaving this place he bought an 
 adjoining farm, and then managed both places. In 
 the year 1!S7.~> he sold the farm in Hopewell town- 
 ship, and purchased the valuable property where he 
 now resides, which is situated in the eastern part 
 of Independence township, near the Hopewell line. 
 Mr. Castner is extensively engaged in raising stock, 
 the farm being well managed, and capable of ac- 
 commodating a large amount of stock. Mr. Cast- 
 ner has been the architect of his own fortune, but 
 like the greater portion of the successful citizens, 
 much of his prosperity is justly due to the sympathy, 
 tact and assistance of the faithful wife who has 
 shared the joys and sorrows of her husband's life. 
 Politically, he was formerly a Whig and an active 
 Abolitionist, feeding and sheltering many a fugi- 
 tive, while they attempted to escape from the cruel 
 bonds of slavery. During the slavery troubles, he 
 frequently had six or eight negroes under his pro- 
 tection at one time. He is now a Republican. 
 Both he and his wife are memhers of the M. K. 
 Church. 
 
 JLLTAM IIENRV DAGUE. The great- 
 grandfather of this gentleman, in com- 
 pany with two brothers, immigrated to 
 America some time during the last cen- 
 tury, and while crossing the ocean a warm discus- 
 sion concerning 1 their different religious views hav- 
 ing arisen among the passengers, the three brothers 
 took part in the debate, in which their opinions 
 differed. The dispute became so heated that the 
 brothers quarreled, and upon landing in»New York 
 each went his own way, and they never met again. 
 One of them went to Maryland, and there had chil- 
 
WASHINGTON < '01 .XTY. 
 
 11111 
 
 dren, one of whom, John, was born in 1788. After 
 a stay of some years in Maryland, the family set 
 out for Pennsylvania, the journey across the moun- 
 tains being 1 made with horses and mules. John and 
 a twin brother were placed in pack-saddles (with 
 only their heads protruding), which were thrown 
 across the back of a mule. The family settled in 
 West Bethlehem township, Washington county, 
 where John grew to manhood on his father's farm, 
 in the cultivation of which he assisted. He mar- 
 ried Catherine Horn, a native of Germany, to whom 
 whom were born children as follows: Jacob, John, 
 Henry, Samuel, Levi, Dewalt, George, Catherine, 
 Elizabeth, Ann and Livina, all of whom are now 
 deceased, with the exceptions of Levi and Ann, who 
 are residents of Washington county. Of this fam- 
 ily, Henry was born in West Bethlehem township, 
 and here grew to manhood, assisting his father in 
 the duties of the farm. He married Eliza Amos, 
 and to them were born John, George, Levi, Mor- 
 decai, Mary Ann, Eliza Jane, Rachel M. and Will- 
 iam Henry. 
 
 William Henry Dague was born November 13, 
 L848, in West Bethlehem township, and attended 
 school till twelve years of age, when, much to his 
 regret, he was taken from his books to assist his 
 father on the farm. However, his ambition to se- 
 cure an education was not dampened, for he occu- 
 pied every spare moment in study. When a young 
 man he attended school twelve weeks, two terms 
 in the Southwestern State Normal School at Cali- 
 fornia, this county, and taught in the common 
 schools for four winter terms. On March 13, 187',), 
 he married Isabell U. Ross, a daughter of Samuel 
 Ross, and then settled upon the farm of 173 acres 
 which he now owns in West Bethlehem township. 
 To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dague have been born 
 the following children: Hubert R. (who when six 
 years of age lost his right arnl), Samuel Blaine, 
 William Grant, Ethel G. and Mabel B., all yet 
 at home. Mr. Dague is a Republican, and has 
 been elected to the office of school director of his 
 township. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, 
 while his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. 
 Mr. Dague is one of the most enterprising and es- 
 teemed residents of West Bethlehem township. 
 
 DEMAS ELWOOD TOMBAUGH is a 
 \ worthy representative of one of the promi- 
 / nent families of West Bethlehem township. 
 His grandfather, Matthias Tombaugh, who 
 was of German parentage, when the country was 
 yet new settled in Somerset township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. It was then perilous to travel after 
 nightfall, as the wolves were very numerous and 
 fierce. He married Rachel Spohn, and reared the 
 following family: Solomon, John, George, Mat- 
 thias, Eli, Isaac and Jacob (twins), Adam, Lavina, 
 
 and Mary. Of these, Lavina, Mary and Matthias 
 are deceased. While filling the office of superin- 
 tendent of schools of Livingston county, 111., Mat- 
 thias was accidentally drowned. He was out fish- 
 ing with several companions, when the boat sud- 
 denly lurched, which caused one of his friends to 
 be thrown overboard. Matthias made an heroic at- 
 tempt to rescue him, succeeding at the expense of 
 his own life. Jacob now resides in Livingston 
 county, 111., where he is a prosperous and well- 
 known farmer. Adam lives in Bond county, 111., 
 where he is esteemed by all who know him. John, 
 Isaac and Eli are residents of Washington county, 
 and are influential farmers. 
 
 Solomon Tombaugh, the father of Demas El- 
 wood, was born in Somerset township, Washington 
 I !o ., Penn., in 1823. His boyhood was spent upon 
 his father's farm, and he received a fair education. 
 When a young man he taught school one year in 
 Indiana, and after his return to Washington county 
 married Lydia Leatherman, daughter of John 
 Leatherman, who was one of the first and strong- 
 est Abolitionists of Washington county. The fol- 
 lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tom- 
 baugh: Irvin, John, Leon, Demas El wood, James, 
 Byron, Lucy, Ida and Annie. Of these, Irvin, 
 Lucy, and Annie are dead; John is a resident of 
 West Bethlehem township; Leon is a practising 
 physician in Millburn, Lake Co., 111.; James is a 
 minister of the Gospel, residing in Fayette county, 
 Ohio; Byron is county superintendent of schools, 
 and lives in Washington (the county seat); Ida is 
 with her husband, David Hootman, in Philadelphia. 
 
 Demas Elwood Tombaugh was born Novem- 
 ber 22, 1854, in West Bethlehem township, this 
 county, and received a common-school education. 
 He was married November 20, 1879, to Lola Wil- 
 son, a daughter of Harvey Wilson, of Somerset 
 township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tombaugh are influ- 
 ential members of the society in which they move, 
 and are esteemed by all who have their acquaint- 
 ance. The Tombaughs are all Republicans, and no 
 Tombaugh has ever asked for political office, save 
 occasionally, and then it is for an educational office. 
 
 ZEDIKER. John Zediker, son of Louis Zed- 
 iker, was born in 1818, on the family home 
 place in South Strabane township, Wash- 
 — * ington Co., Penn. In his boyhood he at- 
 tended the subscription schools of the vicinity, in 
 the winter time, while in the summer months he 
 assisted his father in the duties of the farm. In 
 early manhood he was united in marriage with 
 Susan, daughter of John Kuntz, also a resident of 
 Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Zediker 
 were born seven children, namelv: Maria J. (Mrs. 
 Andrew Plymire), Lizzie, Isabella (Mrs. Boyd 
 Zediker), Matthew C, Sarah A., Mary (Mrs. Leroy 
 
1102 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Van Kirk) and Lewis M. Mr. Zediker began life 
 on the home place in South Strabane township, and 
 afterward removed to the farm which is now the 
 home of his sons. He was frequently intrusted 
 with the business of others, and was always faith- 
 ful to any confidence which had been thus reposed 
 in him. An ardent friend to educational progress, 
 he was ever active in any enterprise tending to the 
 improvement of the schools. He was equally en- 
 thusiastic in religious matters, as a leading mem- 
 ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon 
 Creek. In political opinions he was formerly a 
 Whig, and after the formation of the Republican 
 party, became actively identified with it. He 
 served many years in the township as justice of the 
 peace, being elected by an almost unanimous vote, 
 although the Democratic party were in the major- 
 ity in that locality. He passed from life May 24, 
 1887, and was buried at Pigeon Creek. His widow 
 still resides on the home farm. 
 
 Matthew C. Zedikek, son of John and Susan 
 (Kuntz) Zediker, was born on the home farm in 
 South Strabane township, Washington county, and 
 has there passed his entire life. His education, ob 
 tained at the common schools, has been improved by 
 general observation, reading and study. On No- 
 vember 5, 1S77, he was united in marriage with 
 Jennie, daughter of John Moninger, and they have 
 three children: Edith P., Sheldon R. and Hester 
 C. Mr. Zediker is one of the leading young men 
 of his township, and in politics is a prominent Re- 
 publican. He is a member of the United Presby- 
 terian Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 Lewis M. Zediker, son of John and Susan 
 (Kuntz) Zediker, was born in South Strabane 
 township, this county, and received his education 
 at the common schools of the neighborhood. On 
 November 24, 1882, he was united in marriage 
 with Annie, daughter of James Adams, and thev 
 have one son and one daughter: Harry W. and 
 Ellen .lane. Mr. and Mrs. Zediker are living on 
 ihe home place. He is an adherent of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, and in pol- 
 itics is a well-known Republican. Mr. Zediker 
 has always resided in the vicinity of the place of 
 his birth. 
 
 iT^-EORGK KINDER was born May 30, 1831, 
 
 I near the place where he now lives, in West 
 
 II Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 ^"1 His great-grandfather, George Kinder, re- 
 sided on Plum Brush, and followed the Ohio 
 
 and Mississippi rivers as a trader and boatman. 
 Eor a time he was successful in business, but being 
 overtaken by financial trouble, a few years later 
 moved to New Orleans ami never returned. His 
 son George was born in East Bethlehem township, 
 this county, and lived in that vicinity until after 
 
 his marriage, when he was accidentally killed in a 
 carding mill, which he owned and operated. The 
 maternal grandfather of our subject, Christian 
 Booze, was born in Greene county, Penn. He fol- 
 lowed farming and carpentry, and eventually be- 
 came a successful business man. 
 
 Valentine Kinder, the father of subject, was 
 born in 1805, in East Bethlehem township. He 
 received bis education in the common schools, and 
 was a good penman. When a young man he went 
 to Galena, 111., upon a mining expedition; thence 
 proceeding to St. Louis, he there raised a crop of 
 corn, and on returning home taught school for a 
 time. He then married Miss Julia Booze, at which 
 time his entire wealth amounted to the modest sum 
 •of $35. He located just below the present home 
 of his son, George, where he remained two years, 
 and then removed to West Mill. Six years later 
 he bought the home of his son, Louis, where he 
 lived a number of years; and thence removed to 
 the old Nicholl farm, near Hillsboro. At the 
 time of his death, which occurred June 12,1890, 
 he left §10,000 for distribution, having previously 
 divided $50,000 among his children. 
 
 George Kinder, the subject of this sketch, re- 
 ceived but a limited education in the country 
 schools, as, being the eldest son, he had to work 
 on the farm from early boyhood. Notwithstand- 
 ing these disadvantages, being naturally a student, 
 he is one of the best-read men in his township. 
 Much of his life has been spent in farming, and he 
 has given some time to the carpenter trade. He 
 owns the farm of 163 acres where he resides, be- 
 sides also other land. Mr. Kinder was married, in 
 1853, to Miss Esther A. Wilson, and children as 
 follows have been born to them: James V., Calvin 
 (deceased), Julius (was first married to Miss 
 Emma Nichols, and later to Miss Ida McCarthy), 
 Wilson, Frank S., White L., Emma Eliza and Vo- 
 sier. Mr. Kinder is a Republican, and has been 
 auditor of the township for many years, proving a 
 most efficient officer. In church connection, he 
 was formerly a Methodist, but about ten years ago, 
 he united with the Old Christian Church; the fam- 
 ily, however, are Methodists. Mr. Kinder is a 
 representative self-made man, and has won the 
 esteem and friendship of all who know him. [Since 
 the above was prepared for the press, we have been 
 informed of the death of Mr. George Kinder — Ed. 
 
 I M/ANNINGM. BROCKMAN. Of the well- 
 
 \g\ known and successful citizens of Smith 
 
 ■( I township, Manning M. Brockman is prom- 
 
 i inent among the ieaders. He is a son of 
 
 John, whose father, Edward Brockman, 
 
 was an agriculturist. 
 
 John Brockman was born in 17S8, near Kennett 
 Square, Chester Co., Penn. He learned the shoe- 
 
 ' 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1103 
 
 maker's trade when a lad, and after serving an ap- 
 prenticeship followed same for some time. In 
 L809 he was married to Jane Thomas, a native of 
 the same county, who bore him one son, N. R. 
 The mother died in 1811, and was buried in Ches- 
 ter county. In IMS .Mr. Brockman came to Wash- 
 ington county, locating in Claysville, where he 
 followed his trade. On June 13, 1822, he was 
 married to Margaret Martin, who was born Janu- 
 ary 17, 1798, in Donegal township, this county, 
 daughter of Manning Martin, who was born in 
 175S, in County Donegal, Ireland, and coming to 
 America settled one mile and a half southwest of 
 Claysville, Donegal township, this county. To 
 the union of John and Margaret (Martin) Brock- 
 man the following children were born: Margaret 
 (Mrs. Amos Shreves) and Jane (Mrs. Aaron Lo- 
 baugh) (twins, both deceased), and Manning M. 
 (subject of this sketch). N. R., the only son born 
 to John and Jane ( Thomas ) Brockman, came with 
 his father to East Finley township, Washington 
 county, and followed farming till his death. After 
 his second marriage John Brockman (the father of 
 this family) resided in Claysville until 1837, when 
 he removed to Coon Island, same county, and suc- 
 cessfully followed farming for many years, being 
 a very vigorous man up to the last of his life. In 
 politics he was originally an Old-line Whig, then 
 a Democrat, and in the latter portion of nis life 
 voted the Republican ticket, being a hearty sup- 
 porter of each in turn. His wife died April 26, 
 1849, and he then resided with his children until 
 his death, which event occurred December 2, 1870. 
 
 Manning M. Brockman was born September 7, 
 1827, in Claysville, Donegal township, this county, 
 where he received a common-school education. ( )n 
 April 3, 1843, he began to learn the wagon maker's 
 trade, of John M. Mahanna, at West Alexander, 
 Donegal township. He remained there but a short 
 time and then for three years worked in the shop of 
 J. T. Lucas. In 1846 he became an employe of 
 Busley & Little, extensive wagon makers on Main 
 St., Wheeling, W. Va., and with them remained 
 some time. He then returned to West Alexander, 
 dividing his time between the last mentioned place 
 and Burgettstown, and following his trade. On 
 April 12, 1849, he married Julia P. Canon, who 
 was born September 14, 1825, daughter of Joshua 
 < miii m, whose father was the founder of Canons- 
 burg. 
 
 Manning M. and Julia P. Brockman were the 
 parents of the following children: Leah M., widow 
 of A. Wiley Montgomery, now living at the home 
 of her father, with her son and daughter, Harry W. 
 and Ella M.; Carrie A., Mrs. Robert E. Hill, of 
 East Liverpool, Ohio; John O, deceased at the 
 age of eighteen years; Calvin M., who died in 
 youth; William II., a telegraph operator at Mid- 
 way, Penn.; Amanda J., deceased in youth; Ella 
 
 R., wife of Dr. Gracey, of Jonesborough, Ark.; 
 Cynthia W., deceased wife of A. M. Keys, of Smith 
 township, and Harry E., a telegraph operator, of 
 Burgettstown. After his marriage Mr. Brockman 
 followed his trade in Burgettstown till March 1, 
 1852, when, in company with some others, he 
 started to California on a gold-hunting expedition, 
 taking the " water route." The distance to Pitts- 
 burgh was made partly on foot and partly by con- 
 veyance. The Pennsylvania R. R. was at that time 
 completed as far as Turtle Creek, from which place 
 they proceeded by stage to Latrobe, thence by rail 
 to Johnstown. From the latter point they passed 
 over the old " Inclined Plane " to Hollidaysburg, 
 thence going by rail to New York, where they 
 took passage on the vessel " Crescent City " to 
 Aspinwall, at which plaje the journey across the 
 Isthmus of Panama was begun. The first seven- 
 teen miles of this fever-haunted part of the route 
 were traversed by rail, then they went by water, 
 and the last twenty miles were walked by the 
 whole party. After reaching Panama they em- 
 barked on the vessel " Panama," and April 7, 1852, 
 landed at SanFrancisco. Mr. Brockman followed 
 gold- mining in Placer and El Dorado counties for 
 about one year after his arrival, meeting with fair 
 success; but having concluded that gold was more 
 easily and perhaps as quickly obtained by other 
 means than mining, he decided to resume his 
 trade, which he did for two years in the " gold- 
 diggings." On September 16, 1854, he started on 
 the homeward journey, embarking at San Fran- 
 cisco on the vessel " Sierra Nevada," which he left 
 at San Juan, Nicaragua, thence traveling by way 
 of Virgin Bay to the mouth of the San Juan river, 
 in Costa Rica. He then took passage in the ship 
 "Northern Light," which landed him at New York, 
 whence he proceeded to Burgettstown, Penn., and 
 here again he began to work at his trade. 
 
 On September 3, 1861, Mr. Brockman enlisted 
 at New Brighton, rent)., in Campany C, Twenty- 
 second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was sent with 
 the regiment to the Shenandoah Valley. At the 
 close of the war he received an honorable dis- 
 charge, and returning to Burgettstown, resumed 
 his trade. In 1884 he began farming on the place 
 adjoining 1 Burgettstown, where he had located in 
 1861. Mr. Brockman was first a Whig, and is now 
 a Republican; he is a leader in the political ques- 
 tions of his neighborhood, and has held various 
 township offices. In 1869-70 he served as mer- 
 cantile appraiser, and in 1879 became the success- 
 ful one of eleven candidates for the office of 
 county commissioner, which position he held from 
 1879 to 1881, inclusive; he has served two terms 
 in this position. In 1892 he was again appointed 
 to the office of mercantile appraiser, filling the 
 duties incumbent upon him with judgment and 
 ability. His acquaintance is very extensive through- 
 
1104 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 out the county, few being more widely known or 
 more universally esteemed. On January 6, 1892, he 
 was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, 
 who was buried in Burgettstown cemetery. 
 
 ^ ffOAH COX, prominent among the enterpris- 
 VI ing and intelligent agriculturists of East 
 ^1 Bethlehem township, is a grandson of Chris- 
 j -* topher Cox, a native of Germany, whence in 
 * early life he emigrated to America, at once 
 
 settled in Greene county, Penn., where he pat- 
 ented a large tract of laud, which he improved. 
 1 1 is children were John, Jessie, Hiram, Aaron, 
 Christopher, Moses, Jacob, Matilda Ann, Mary and 
 India, all now deceased with the possible excep- 
 tion of Mary, who, years ago, removed to Iowa. 
 Grandfather Cox died at a very advanced age. 
 
 Jacob Cox, father of Noah, was born in 1762, in 
 Greene county, Penn., and was reared on bis 
 father's farm, attending, during the winter months, 
 for a year or two, the subscription school in the 
 neighborhood, one of the first ever opened in 
 Greene county. He married Elizabeth, daughter 
 of Henry Ilartsoc, who came to America from the 
 Fatherland about the time of Christopher Cox's im- 
 migration, making his new home in East Bethle- 
 hem township. Shortly after the birth of their son 
 Noah, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Cox settled on the old 
 Ilartsoc homestead in that township, where they 
 reared the following children: Nancy, Susan, An- 
 nie, Elizabeth, Catherine Ann, India Ann, Mary, 
 Noah, Christopher, Jacob, Hiram, Andrew, Jona- 
 than and Henry, of whom the following are yet 
 living: Mary, relict of Joshua Martin; Henry, in 
 Fayette county, Penn.; Christopher, in Summit 
 county, Ohio; Hiram, in Iowa; Jacob and Andrew, 
 both in Missouri, and Noah, in Washington county, 
 Penn. The father died August 2, 1839, a patri- 
 otic Whig; the mother in March, 1875. 
 
 Mary Cox, sister of Noah, was married to Joshua 
 Martin, by whom she had the following children: 
 Brady (in Summit county, Ohio), Jacob (living 
 near Bentleyville, this county), William (a gradu- 
 ate of a medical college, now residing in Lone 
 Fine, Washington Co., Penn.), Kate (wife of 
 George Matthews, of West Bethlehem township, 
 this county), Emma (married to Samuel Hill, of East 
 Bethlehem township), Sadie, Hattie (wife of Charles 
 Hill), and Nannie, living with the subject of this 
 sketch, as is also their mother. Joshua Martin 
 died in August, 1871. 
 
 Noah Cox. of whom this memoir more particu- 
 larly relates, was born March 12, 1819, in Greene 
 county, Penn., and a short time thereafter his par- 
 ents removed to East Bethlehem township, this 
 county, as already related. He attended the sub- 
 scription schools of the neighborhood of his new 
 liuine, receiving a fairly liberal education 'for those 
 
 early times, and was reared to agricultural pur- 
 suits. He owned one of the first threshing outfits 
 in the county, and for fourteen years it did service 
 throughout the vicinity. Mr. Cox never married, 
 but with true filial piety remained with his parents, 
 caring for them in their old age, and closing their 
 eyes in death. As a philanthropist he is known 
 far and near, and his many deeds of kindness 
 toward those less fortunate have perpetuated his 
 good name. He has reared many orphans, and in 
 every way in his power befriended the worthy poor. 
 It is stated on good authority that at one time he 
 had in his house, and cared for, as many as four- 
 teen orphans, two widows and two maiden ladies. 
 Politically he is a Republican, and although fre- 
 quently urged to accept office, has preferred to 
 serve his country in other ways more beneficent 
 and more in accordance with the generosity of his 
 charitable nature and the warmth of his heart. His 
 farm comprises 160 acres of prime land, the culti- 
 vation of which he superintends in person. 
 
 v OBERT J. STEWART. Among the citi- 
 zens of Smith township, none can claim 
 more noble ancestry than the gentleman 
 of whom we write, he being descended 
 from the Scottish royal house of Stewart, 
 his great-great-grandfather having been Lord 
 Stewart. 
 
 Many generations ago Lord Stewart left his 
 highland home in Scotland, and settled in County 
 Tyrone, Ireland, where some of his descendants 
 yet remain (as Lord Robert, brother of James, re- 
 mained as lord), while others of them emigrated to 
 America. James Stewart embarked with his fam- 
 ily for America on the ship "Doras," which was 
 boarded while on the voyage by a British man-of- 
 war. All able-bodied men on the " Doras" were 
 impressed into the British navy, and Robert Stew- 
 art (a son of James), being eighteen years of age, 
 was one of them, and he served on board a man-of- 
 war for several months, when he was released. 
 The youth then joined his parents in Washington 
 county, Penn., settling in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 and soon afterward he was united in marriage with 
 Ann McGaugh, also a native of Ireland. Six chil- 
 dren were born to their union, namely: John, 
 Eliza T. (Mrs. Kidd), Sarah, Robert, James and 
 Andrew. 
 
 John Stewart (a son of Robert and grandson of 
 James) was born in 1818, in Jefferson township, 
 this county, where he assisted in the duties of the 
 farm during his earlier years. In 1843 he was mar- 
 ried to Tamar McClurg, who was born in 1821, 
 daughter of Joseph McClurg, and their children 
 were Mary A., Sarah F., Robert J. ( whose name 
 opens this biography), Rachel L., Eliza J., and 
 Cynthia M. (deceased). After his marriage John 
 

 
 V' 
 
 ;• 
 
 -i 
 
 kJj &ti Stft 
 
 ' (#■"■ 
 
 <C*r& 
 

WA S HING TON CO L XTY. 
 
 1107 
 
 Stewart located in Jefferson township, where he 
 followed farming till 1858. He then moved to a 
 farm in Smith township, where he died August 14, 
 1881, his widow being laid beside him in 1888. 
 John Stewart was successful in business, and gen- 
 erous and kind-hearted in private life. Politically 
 he always voted the Democratic ticket, and he and 
 his wife were members of the U. P. Church at 
 Burgettstown. 
 
 Robert J. Stewart was born April 2, 1849, in 
 Jefferson township, this county, and received a 
 common-school education. Being naturally adapted 
 to work of a mechanical nature, he followed the 
 carpenter trade without serving any apprentice- 
 ship, while he also farmed on the home place. On 
 September 21), 1870, he married Elizabeth J. John- 
 ston, who was born April 2, 1848, a daughter of 
 Frederick Johnston, of Cecil township, this county. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Stewart passed the first portion of 
 their wedded life on a part of the home farm in 
 Smith township, and in 1872 moved to Venice, 
 same county, where he farmed for two years; then 
 in 1874 he located on part of the home farm in 
 Smith township, where he is now residing, all the 
 present buildings on the place having been erected 
 by his own hands. He is a prosperous farmer and 
 stock raiser. Like his father he votes with the 
 Democratic party, though taking no active part in 
 the contests of the different factions. He and his 
 wife are conscientious members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 diOHN J. RICHARDS, a representative citizen 
 of East Pike Run township, is a son of 
 Thomas Richards, who was born November 
 18, 1801, in the State of Maryland, where 
 he grew to manhood, and on November 28, 1824, 
 was united in marriage with Esther Richards, who 
 was born June 14, 1807. They moved to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., many years ago, and settled 
 on a large tract of land in East Pike Run town- 
 ship, upon which he made many improvements. 
 He was a Republican in political views, and in re- 
 ligion a member of the M. E. Church, with which 
 his wife was also identified. They were the parents 
 of three children, viz.: John J., Sarah A. (de- 
 ceased), and one that died in infancy. The father 
 died October 2, 1873, and was laid beside his wife, 
 who passed away August 29, 1868. 
 
 John J. Richards was born September 30, 1829, 
 on the home farm in East Pike Run township, where 
 bis school days were passed. On November 17, 
 1857, he married Elizabeth Ward, born August 10, 
 1830, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of 
 William Ward, who was born December 16, 1787, 
 in Harford county, Md., and coming to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., was there married to Pleasant 
 Speers ( born November 29, 1796), daughter of 
 
 53 
 
 Henry and Nancy Speers, who were of Irish de- 
 scent, and early settlers of Washington county. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ward were the parents of the follow- 
 ing named children: Nancy, wife of James War- 
 ren; Solomon; Wilson; Rebecca; James; Eliza- 
 beth, wife of John J. Richards; Mary J.; Sarah M., 
 wife of Noah Speers; Melissa, Henry, Martha and 
 William (the latter three being now deceased). 
 The father of this family was a Republican. He 
 followed farming and blacksmithing in Allen town- 
 ship, this county, and was also a local Methodist 
 minister, with which denomination he and his wife 
 were identified. He died November 8, 1863, and 
 Mrs. Ward entered the dark valley July 12, 1874. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Richards have passed their wedded 
 life on the~old homestead, consisting of 100 acres. 
 An elegant two-story residence, a barn, and other 
 buildings, have been erected upon this farm, which 
 is an ideal rural home, furnished with all modern 
 improvements. Mr. Richards is a Republican, and 
 has served in nearly all the township offices. He 
 and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 DAVID MYERS. The Myers family are nu- 
 \ merous in Washington county. They are 
 I of German descent, and trace their ancestry 
 to one George Myers, who in 1785 pur- 
 chased an extensive tract of land situated on the 
 north branch of Pigeon creek, on the boundary 
 line between Somerset and Nottingham townships. 
 The tract, the greater part of which is yet in the 
 possession of the family, contained about 700 acres. 
 George Myers had eight or ten children, all of 
 whom are now deceased. His descendants now 
 living are named as follows: David, Henry, An- 
 drew, Jesse, Samuel, L<3vi, Jacob, Hiram, Jeremiah, 
 Abner, William, John and Anderson. 
 
 Jacob Myers, a son of George, was born in 1784 
 in Washington county, Penn., and was a lifelong 
 farmer. In 1811 he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mary Swickard (who was born in 1792, in this 
 county), and to their marriage came the following 
 children: Samuel, David, Levi, Catherine D. (Mrs. 
 Oiler), Mary (Mrs. Kammerer), Jessie, Barbara, 
 Susan, Daniel, Andrew and Eliza. Of this family 
 the five last mentioned are deceased. The father 
 served in many township offiaes. He died in 1848, 
 the mother in 1886. 
 
 David Myers was born in 1828 in Somerset town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., and in his boyhood 
 attended school in the home neighborhood. He 
 assisted his father on the farm, and upon the death 
 of the latter took charge of the home place, con- 
 sisting of 232 acres. In 1876 he married Miss 
 Margaret Howden, a native of this county, daugh- 
 ter of John Howden, and granddaughter of An- 
 drew Howden, who was born and reared in Ireland, 
 and there married a Miss Nixion, a cousin of Mrs. 
 
1108 
 
 WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 John Arbuckle, of Coffee county. They came to 
 this county in about 1789, when the Indians were 
 very numerous. For two years their home was in 
 a hollow tree fitted up as a room, where two of 
 their children were born. Andrew Ilowden was a 
 prominent pioneer settler of Washington county, 
 and followed farming all his life. He owned sev- 
 eral thousand acres of land, which eventually bc- 
 came the property of the West family, and also 
 owned the island below Pittsburgh, known as the 
 Seven Miles Island, which is yet in the possession 
 of the family. His children were born as follows: 
 .lane, August 4, 1785; James, June 1, ITS' * ; Maty, 
 April L0, L792; John (whose sketch follows); Ann, 
 April 30, L798; Margaret, April 1,1801; Andrew, 
 January 23, 1804; Thomas, September 16, 1807; 
 William, January 25, 1810. Of this family An- 
 drew was married on March 2, 1831, to Anna 15. 
 Dito, and died January 31, 1838; Thomas died 
 May 30, 1848, and all are deceased save Margaret, 
 who is now living in the State of Ohio. 
 
 John Ilowden was born May 12, 1795, in this 
 county, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
 which he followed through life. On September 
 23, 1819, he was married to Elizabeth West, a 
 native of the same place, born April 20, 1800, and 
 eight children came to tbem, as follows: Frances 
 (wife of M. McJunkin, of Washington county I; 
 Andrew (married to Louisa Newkirk, of Kansas 
 City), formerly a merchant, now a retired stock 
 raiser (he has traveled extensively in the South 
 and West); Margaret, Mrs. Myers; Elizabeth, Mrs. 
 Galaway, of Illinois; Lucinda, Mrs. Kammerer; 
 Myra M., wife of Joseph Jennings, professor in 
 the Third Ward school in Pittsburgh, Penn.; John 
 A. (married to Miss Kiddile), a real-estate broker, 
 of Washington county; and Mary Ann (deceased 
 in early youth). The parents passed their lives 
 in this county, where the father died in October, 
 1869, the mother on July 14, 1880. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Myers settled on the 
 home farm, and has given special attention to 
 raising cattle. The place contains a coal mine 
 which yields a paying quantity. 
 
 w 
 
 aLLIAM M. McNARY. The pioneer an- 
 cestor of this eminent family was one 
 James McNary, a native of Scotland, who 
 sailed to America about 1 760, first locating, 
 in the New World, on a farm in York county, Penn. 
 His son James afterward moved with his family to 
 Washington county, locating in Hanover township. 
 Thomas McNary, son of James, was born in York 
 county, Penn., and after coming to Washington 
 county he bought 219 acres of land called the 
 " Sugar Tree " tract. The children of Thomas 
 McNary were Samuel, James, David, Joseph and 
 Matthew. 
 
 James McNary, son of Thomas, was born Febru- 
 ary 25, L803, in Washington county, Penn. In 
 1S43 he was married to Miss Caldwell, a native of 
 Virginia, and soon afterward settled on a farm in 
 Nottingham township, this county, containing 116 
 acres of land. The children of this marriage were 
 as follows: Ann ( Mrs. McClain), Samuel, John, 
 Belle (deceased). Adeline, James ( who has charge 
 of the home farm), Joseph and William M. During 
 the Civil war Mr. McNary was too old to enlist, 
 but he always took a lively interest in public mat- 
 ters; he served his township in almost every capac- 
 ity, and was supervisor and justice of the peace for 
 many years. 
 
 William M. McNary, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was born in 1861 in Nottingham township, 
 this county, where he was reared to manhood. In 
 1884 he was united in marriage with Jennie Lash, 
 who was born in 1863, in Washington county, 
 Penn., and they have bad two sons, Walter and 
 Albert. Mr. McNary owns a fine farm of L33 
 acres, and is very successful in his chosen calling. 
 
 ILL1AM J. ELLIOTT, a prosperous mer- 
 chant and substantial citizen of Canons- 
 burg, was born December 15, 1857, in 
 Cecil township, Washington county. The 
 family were natives of New Jersey, where the 
 great-grandfather, William Elliott, was married and 
 reared a large familv of children. In 1799 he and 
 his family crossed the mountains to Washington 
 county, Penn., and located permanently on a small 
 homestead in Cecil township. His son William, 
 also a native of New Jersey, always worked on the 
 farm, and when a young man was married to a Miss 
 Smith, of Washington county, who bore him three 
 children, namely: Ellen (Mrs James Moore), James 
 S. and William. The father was a leading poli- 
 tician in the Whig party, and in religion was an 
 active member of Dr. McMillan's Church, the first 
 church founded in Washington county. 
 
 James S. Elliott also passed his entire life on the 
 old place in Cecil township, where he attended 
 school. He was married to Mary, daughter of John 
 Wilson, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and 
 the children born to this marriage were as follows: 
 John W., Lizzie, Maxwell, William .1. and Mary P. 
 ( )f these children Lizzie, Maxwell and Mary P. are 
 deceased. John W., the eldest son, attended Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, then, entering Prince- 
 ton at the age of seventeen years, took a post- 
 graduate course. After completing his general 
 studies he took a course at the Theological Semi- 
 nary, graduating with honor in his twentieth year, 
 and receiving his first call to preach before he was 
 twenty-one. The father was a very prominent man 
 in all local enterprises, and during the Civil war he 
 was one of the relief committee appointed by the 
 
 
WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 L109 
 
 county to aid the destitute. He was one of the 
 first citizens of Washington county to introduce 
 the Spanish Merino sheep. In politics he was a 
 Whig and Republican, and served as justice of the 
 peace many years, county commissioner two terms, 
 and in various other capacities. He first joined 
 the Seceder Church, then united with the Chartiers 
 U. P. Church, of which he was a trustee. He died 
 March 18, 1874, and August 25, 1882, his widow 
 followed him to the grave. 
 
 William J. Elliott was born in Cecil township, 
 and received a good business education. He man- 
 aged the home place for some time, and on Decem- 
 ber 14, 1882, was married to Flora J., daughter of 
 Enoch Hixon, a native of Canonsburg, Penn. They 
 have three sons, namely: James Maxwell, John 
 Lloyd and Norwood. In 1886 Mr. Elliott entered 
 into partnership with D. F. Young, a hardware 
 merchant of Canonsburg, and in 1891 Mr. Elliott 
 purchased the entire business, which is now the 
 most extensive of any in the place; he handles all 
 kinds of farm machinery, in addition to the regular 
 lines in the hardware trade. He is an active worker 
 in the ranks of the Republican party, and in re- 
 ligion is a member of the U. P. Church, to which 
 he gives a liberal support. 
 
 JAMES EDWARD LONG, M. D.. is an ardent 
 devotee of the ^Esculapian art, to which his 
 life has been devoted. He is a son of Thomas 
 H. Long, a native of the District of Colum- 
 bia, who married Sarah Fullyard. Thomas H. Long 
 followed carpentry in early life, and afterward en- 
 tered mercantile business at Dunuingsville, Penn., 
 thence moving to Independence, same State. He 
 finally went to Grafton, W. Va., and conducted a 
 hardware business in that place, where he died, 
 leaving the following children: Sadie (wife of 
 Dr. Hill, of Dunuingsville, Penn.), Thomas C. 
 (residing at Grafton, W. Va.), William, James Ed- 
 ward, and Harry L. (also in West Virginia). The 
 mother died when the children were small, and 
 since the death of the father the hardware store 
 has been conducted by two of the sons, Thomas C. 
 and Harry L., under the firm name of Long Bros. 
 Dr. James Edward Long was born in 1862, in 
 Washington county, Penn., and attended the com- 
 mon 'schools during boyhood. He afterward gradu- 
 ated at Independence, Penn., and then took a five 
 years' course of study at the academy of Prof. J. 
 C. Messenger. After finishing this course he en- 
 tered the office of Dr. Parkinson, at Independence, 
 also reading medicine three years with Dr. Hill, of 
 Dunningsville, Penn. He then passed two years 
 at the Baltimore College of Physicians and Sur- 
 geons, and returning to Washington county, Penn., 
 practiced his profession one year, then returning 
 to college, graduated in 1881. On March 1, 18S3, 
 
 he located in Karamcrer, Somerset township, this 
 county, where he has since resided. In Jun6, 
 L887, he was united in marriage with Miss Maggie 
 Kammerer, who has borne him two children: Fran- 
 cis O., and Edith Virginia (deceased in early youth). 
 1 )r. Long has served in many local offices in Somer- 
 set township. The family are all members of the 
 Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. 
 
 I M , c CLELLAND. The genealogy of the 
 \//\ family of this name, in East Finley town- 
 ii\ ship, can be traced to Thomas McClelland, 
 I ^ a native of Ireland, descended from a 
 v sturdy and rugged race who left their 
 
 heather-clad mountain homes in Scotland for the 
 North of Ireland during the days of religious per- 
 secutions. 
 
 About the middle of the eighteenth century 
 Thomas McClelland, then but a boy, left his native 
 country for America, landing at Philadelphia, 
 where he was employed at various kinds of work 
 for some time; then moved to the eastern part of 
 the State, and commenced farming on a small piece 
 of land he had purchased with his hard-earned sav- 
 ings. Here he married Nancy Ferguson, a native- 
 born American of Irish parentage. At the break- 
 ing out of the Revolutionary war Thomas McClel- 
 land enlisted in the defense of his adopted country, 
 was in active service and severely wounded on 
 several occasions, which caused his return home to 
 his wife and little ones before the close of the 
 struggle. In 1790 he came to Washington county, 
 and located in South Strabane township, where the 
 rest of his children were born, and where he and 
 his wife passed the remainder of their days, both 
 dying at a ripe old age, she several years before him. 
 Hugh McClelland, the fourth child in the order 
 of birth of Thomas and Nancy (Ferguson) Mc- 
 Clelland, was born December 13, 1789, in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, and came to Washington county 
 with his parents, with whom he lived sometime 
 afterward, laboring on the farm and attending 
 school during a few weeks in winter. About 1810 
 he commenced learning reed-making with James 
 McKeown, of Washington borough, which trade he 
 followed several years. In 1815 he was married to 
 Elizabeth Martin, born February 26, 1795, a 
 daughter of Peter Martin, of South Strabane town- 
 ship, this county, and the result of this union was 
 nine children, as follows: Thomas, born January 
 31, 1816, died June 13, 1842 ; Peter M. (special 
 mention of whom is made further on); William, 
 born August 9, 1820, died January 24, 1821; 
 Samuel, born August 14, 1822, died September 3, 
 L842 ; Hugh F. and Mary Jane (of whom special 
 mention is made further on) ; John, born Novem- 
 ber 16, 1830, died September 3D, 1854 ; James, 
 born July 31, 1833, died October 14, 1843, and 
 
1110 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Nancy, bon. July T- J ,, 1836, died * April 26, L838. 
 On June 26, 1849, the mother of this family died, 
 and in 1 ST> 1 Mr. McClelland was married to Ann, 
 daughter of Alexander Craig, of Buffalo township, 
 ihis county, and she died in 1882 without issue. 
 After his first marriage Hugh McClelland followed 
 his trade of reed-making until 1 S'JT, in which year 
 he purchased a tract of land in South Strabane 
 township, near where his father located when first 
 coming to Washington comity. Here he success- 
 fully carried on farming till 1833, when he bought 
 of Frank Stone a large tract of land lying in East 
 I'inley township, not far from the Buffalo township 
 line, where he continued to follow agricultural 
 pursuits up to 1 8(32. In that year he retired from 
 active farm work and removed into the borough of 
 Washington, where he lived some years; then took 
 up his residence in Claysville, where he peacefully 
 passed from earth at the patriarchal age of ninety- 
 live years. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and in politics was a Democrat. Of his 
 family only three are now living: Peter M., born 
 September 11, ISIS; Hugh !■'., born April 27, 1S23, 
 and Mary .lane, born July 31, 182S. 
 
 In 1862 the two brothers, Peter M. and Hugh F., 
 rented the home farm in East Finley township, 
 which a few years later they purchased. The prop- 
 erty consists of 206 acres of prime land, equipped 
 with commodious residence and out-houses. The 
 brothers have been constant companions from boy- 
 hood days, have never married, and are quiet, un- 
 assuming men, good citizens and respected neigh- 
 bors. Both have been lifelong Democrats. They 
 now rent their land, and are living retired lives in 
 harmony and peace along with their sister, Mary 
 Jane, a spinster, who has been with her brothers 
 since 1862, attending to the household duties. 
 
 Such is a brief record of the only surviving re- 
 presentatives of the family descended from Thomas 
 McClelland, the pioneer immigrant to Washington 
 county of over a century ago. 
 
 "^ OBERT K. SCOTT, a leading citizen and 
 representative agriculturist of Smith town- 
 ship, is a grandson of Abraham Scott, who 
 ^ was born and reared in Maryland, and when 
 a young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn., af- 
 terward settling in Washington county with his 
 brother Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of 
 land near Raccoon postoflice, Robinson township, 
 where his active life was passed in agricultural 
 pursuits. He was married to Jane Finley, a sister 
 of John finley, the founder of Finleyville, and 
 reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. James 
 Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher ), Ann 
 (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David 
 White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan 
 (married to John McBride), Abraham, finley, Hol- 
 
 land and Samuel. The father of this family was a 
 Democrat in politics, and in religion was a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Raccoon. 
 
 Finley Scott, son of the pioneer Abraham Scott, 
 was born in 1800 in Robinson township, this coun- 
 ty, and educated in the schools of the neighbor- 
 hood of his birthplace. In 1822 he married Mar 
 garet Stephenson, a daughter of James Stephenson, 
 of Smith township. The voung people first lo- 
 cated on a farm in Robinson township, remaining 
 there a few years, when they rented a neighboring 
 farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith town- 
 ship, where they lived twenty years, and finally 
 moved to the home where the remainder of their 
 useful lives was passed. The children born to this 
 couple were Ann, Robert K., James, Samuel, Fin- 
 ley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen) 
 and Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott 
 was the architect of his own fortune, and owned 
 150 acres of land at the time of his death, which 
 occurred in 1878. He was a Democrat, and held 
 various township offices. In church connection he 
 was first a member of the Associate Reformed 
 Church, in which he was an elder, afterward unit- 
 ing with the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. Both 
 he and his wife are buried in the United Presby- 
 terian cemetery. 
 
 Robert K. Scott was born November 8, 182-1, on 
 the home place in Robinson township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and received his education at the prim- 
 itive log schoolhouse of the day. He has been 
 reared to agricultural pursuits, which have been 
 his life vocation. On June 13, fSTiO, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Rachel, daughter of Matthew Welch, 
 of Smith township, and they have had children as 
 follows: Margaret A. ( wife of John Moore), Eliza- 
 beth H. (Mrs. S. D. Moore), Jennie C. (wife of 
 Hugh Lee), Matthew W. and William F. (twins), 
 Agnes (married to John Russell), Robert P. (de- 
 ceased), Mary C. and Flora M. (wife of T. Nichols). 
 Mr. and Mrs. Scott passed their married life on the 
 old Mathon farm, where the mother died May 18, 
 1865, and the following year the family moved to 
 their present home in Smith township. Mr. Rob- 
 ert K. Scott adheres to the political faith of his 
 forefathers, being a stanch Democrat, and has 
 served his township as school director and in vari- 
 ous other capacities. In church relation he was 
 formerly a member of and an elder in the Associate 
 Reformed Church, which is now the United Pres- 
 byterian Church, in which he is an elder and active 
 worker. 
 
 \ILLIAM HANLIN. The Hanlin family 
 for almost a century have been identified 
 with the progress and development of 
 Hanover township. They have assisted 
 in the advancement and support of the schools and 
 churches, and all other enterprises which have 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 111:! 
 
 served to place Hanover township in its present 
 position with the magnificent galaxy of townships 
 contained in Washington county. The present 
 generation of this family trace thi ir ancestry to 
 four brothers, William, John, James and Alexander 
 Hanlin, who were children of Alexander and Nancy 
 (Stewart) Hanlin, and natives of County Tyrone, 
 Ireland. The father dying in County Tyrone, the 
 family, consisting of the widow, the four sons and 
 three daughters ( Elizabeth, Nancy and Jane), came 
 to America in 1792. Their first location was in 
 Lancaster county, Penn., where the sons engaged 
 in various kinds of employment, in fact, energy and 
 health was their sole capital. One daughter, Nancy, 
 was married in eastern Pennsylvania, and there 
 passed her days. Between 1795 and 1800 the 
 other members of the family came further west, lo- 
 cating on the waters of Buffalo creek, in Washing- 
 ton county, on the " Lawton Farm." The brothers 
 continued to work in partnership until the begin- 
 ning of the present century, when James purchased 
 land near Paris, Hanover township, this county, and 
 followed the river, making trips to New Orleans. 
 He was married to Miss Miller. William, John and 
 Alexander jointly purchased of one Charles Camp- 
 bell a large tract of land near Harmon's Creek, in 
 Hanover township, this county, to which they moved. 
 William was allianced to Anna, daughter of John 
 Fulton, of Hanover township, and his wedding day 
 was set, but he died before the marriage was con- 
 summated. 
 
 John Hanlin was born in 1771, in County Ty- 
 rone, Ireland, and in 1823 married Nancy Hanlin, 
 a distant relative, and a native of Ireland. Her par- 
 ents came to America, locating in Steubenville, 
 Ohio, leaving their infant daughter with an aunt in 
 Ireland, with whom she crossed the ocean when 
 but two years of age. To the union of John and 
 Nancy ( Hanlin) . Hanlin the following children 
 were born: A. M., Margery (unmarried, living 
 with her brothers in Hanover township), William, 
 John (a farmer of Hanover township), James (de- 
 ceased), and Eliza (unmarried, living with her 
 brothers). After his marriage John Hanlin located 
 on that portion of the original tract which the three 
 brothers had purchased together, where he resided 
 the remainder of his life. He died in 1846. He 
 was a respected citizen, kind-hearted and generous. 
 In 1878 his widow passed away at the advanced age 
 of nearly eighty-six years. She was buried beside 
 her husband in St. John's Episcopal cemetery, in 
 Brooke county, W. Va. They were both members 
 of that church. 
 
 William Hanlin was born August 5, 1829, in 
 Hanover township, this county, and passed his boy- 
 hood on the farm of his father, where his first 
 knowledge of farming was obtained. He remained 
 at home until the Civil war began, then enlisted at 
 Paris, in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth 
 
 Regiment, P. V. I.; the first active engagement 
 was at Chancellorsville, after which he followed the 
 fortunes of his regiment until the afternoon of the 
 second day at Gettysburg, when he was shot in the 
 left leg, while fighting at a point about 200 yards 
 northwest of Devil's Den. He was put in an am- 
 bulance by his captain and taken to the field hos- 
 pital, thence removed to the general hospital at 
 York, Penn. His wound kept him from duty until 
 the close of the war, when he was honorably dis- 
 charged May 20, 1865, and returning to his native 
 county, resumed work on the farm. On November 
 2, 1865, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
 Wilson, who was born in 1839, a daughter of Henry- 
 Wilson, of Hanover township. They have one son, 
 Horace W., who is living at home. The farm, 
 which has been the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hanlin 
 since their marriage, adjoins the old place which 
 he and his brother purchased in 1856. He carries 
 on general farming and stock raising. No person 
 needs to go hungry or in want when in the neigh- 
 borhood of the Hanlins, whose traits of generosity- 
 are characteristic of their name. In politics Will- 
 iam Hanlin is a most enthusiastic Republican "from 
 the crown of his head to the sole of his foot." He 
 is a member of the Episcopal Church, his wife 
 being identified with the Presbyterian denomina- 
 tion. 
 
 DAVID M. FULTON, a respected citizen of 
 \ Hanover township, is descended from natives 
 j of the Emerald Isle. His grandfather, John 
 Fulton, was the first member of this family 
 to come to America, and was a distant relative of 
 the numerous other emigrants of the same name 
 who came from Ireland and settled in Hanover 
 township, this county, about the same date. John 
 Fulton was born about 1756, in County Derry, an I 
 in 1786 was married to Jane Hunter. In 17SS 
 this young couple came to America, making their 
 first location on a farm in Franklin county, Penn., 
 where he labored at various employments. About 
 1 798 they concluded to go farther west, and cross- 
 ing the mountains made a temporary location in 
 Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. They 
 brought their household effects, farming utensils, 
 and family^, in a wagon drawn by three horses, 
 their two cows being driven along behind. In 
 1801 they settled on the farm where David M. is 
 now living. Mr. Fulton became a prosperous and 
 successful farmer. He died in 1832, followed by 
 his widow in 1810, who was laid by his side in Paris 
 cemetery. Their children were as follows: James, 
 born in 1787, in Ireland; Annie, who never mar- 
 ried, and lived to the age of ninety years; Mar- 
 garet, who never married, and lived to be seventy- 
 five years of age; Jane, died unmarried, and lived 
 to be eighty-five years of age; a"d Mary, who 
 
1114 
 
 WASHINGTON ( OUNTY. 
 
 married Joseph Bell, of Columbiana county, Ohio. 
 David M. Fulton, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born February 12, 18*27, on the same farm in 
 Hanover township which he now owns, where he 
 was reareii to manhood. He was educated in the 
 country schools of the neighborhood, and in 1867 
 was married to Martha Aten, a native of Hanover 
 township, this county. She lived but a short time 
 after her marriage, and for his second wife he mar- 
 ried Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph and Margaret 
 ( McGonnigle) Caldwell, of Hanover township. 
 Mr. Fulton has always resided on the old home- 
 stead, and has always been a successful tiller of 
 the soil. In polities he was formerly a Whig, then 
 joined the Republican forces, with which he has 
 ever since been identified, and both he and his wife 
 are members of the Paris United Presbyterian 
 Church. They have two sons, James II. and An- 
 drew G, both working on the home farm. 
 
 JiAMES H. LUSK was born in 1862 in Alle- 
 1 gheny county, l'enn. His father, James M. 
 I Lusk, was born in INI 7 in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and received his education in the 
 home schools. In 1844 he was married to Miss 
 Hannah Snodgrass, a native of this county, and 
 their children were Eliza A. (wife of E. H. Sum- 
 ney), William B. (who entered the army when yet 
 a boy, serving to the close), Martha J. ( Mrs. A. J. 
 Adams ), Hugh Is.., Wilson A., Nancy B. (deceased), 
 George ( deceased ), James 11. ( subject) and Frank, 
 (deceased). Mr. Lusk began life on a farm given 
 him by his father, containing eighty-three acres of 
 well cultivated land. He died in L889. 
 
 James II. Lusk grew to manhood on the home 
 place, and in 1885 was married to Clara, daughter 
 of Isaac Sumney, of this county. Her father has 
 always been a farmer, and is now living at the age 
 of seventy-nine years. After their marriage Mr. 
 and Mrs. Lusk continued to reside on the old farm, 
 which he has owned since the death of his father. 
 They have three children, namely: Edgar C, Clyde 
 A. and Ethel B. Mr. Lusk is an advocate of Dem- 
 ocratic principles; he has held numerous local 
 ollices. The family are members of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. 
 
 T'HOMAS M. BARCLAY, a prominent citi- 
 zen of Carroll township, is a son of James 
 Barclay, who was an old resident of Wash- 
 ington county. The latter died when his 
 youngest son was but six years of age; he 
 had a family of eight children, three of whom are 
 yet living, namely: John, a resident of Forward 
 township, Allegheny county; William, living near 
 Coal Bluff, and Thomas M. 
 
 Thomas M. Barclay was born October 13, 1830, 
 on the home place in Union township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and was trained to hard work from 
 earliest boyhood, as his father left no property for 
 the family. At the age of thirteen years he began 
 to work on a farm for a Mr. Gaston, with whom Iih 
 remained six years, then learned the trades of car- 
 penter and builder, which he has since continued 
 in follow in Washington county. In 1855 he was 
 united in marriage with Margaret J., daughter of 
 John McYey, a native of Nottingham township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. The young couple resided 
 on the McVey farm for five years after their mar- 
 riage, then moved to Shireoaks, this county, where 
 they lived twenty years, during which time he was 
 weighmaster for a coal company. Tn 1882 he 
 erected and took possession of the handsome resi- 
 de! which they now occupy; he is employed as 
 
 muster mechanic by Blythe & Co. Politically he 
 affiliates with the Republican party, and in religion 
 is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Monon- 
 gahela. Five children have been born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. Barclay, namely: Edward, married to Lizzie 
 Bradshaw, living on the home place; Joseph; Min 
 nie, deceased; Emma, Mrs. Powell; and one de- 
 ceased in infancy. 
 
 L 
 
 EVI R. CAMPBELL, a representative citizen 
 and popular shoe merchant of Monongahela, 
 was horn January 14, 181(5, in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. He is a grandson of Levi 
 Campbell, who was born February 13, 1798, in 
 Chester county, Penn., and was there reared to 
 manho >il. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and 
 was marrie I to Martha Carson, also a native of 
 Chester county, Penn. She bore him the follow- 
 ing children: David C; Sarah, wife of Joseph 
 Young; Joseph; John; George; James; Amzie F., 
 and Martha. Mr. Campbell followed his trade for 
 several years after his marriage, and then, in com- 
 pany with the Irving ami Kennedy families, moved 
 to Carroll township, Washington county. In 1827 
 Mr. Campbell came to Monongahela, and opened 
 a shoe store which he conducted until 1870, and 
 then moved to a permanent home in New Castle, 
 Penn. He was a member of the Episcopal Church, 
 and in political opinion was actively identified with 
 the I 'emocratic party. 
 
 David C. Campbell was born April 'i, 1821, in 
 t'hester county, l'enn., where he remained until 
 six years of age, when the family settled in Mon- 
 ongahela. He was there reared and educated, 
 then learned and followed the shoemaker's trade 
 for some time, and in 1851 moved to New Castle, 
 l'enn. lie was there married to Nancy, daughter 
 of Seth Uigby, a resident of New Castle, and she 
 bore him the following children: George W., Levi 
 R., John, Amzie F., Edward C, James C, Pitta J., 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1115 
 
 Martha A. and Sarah. For li is second wife Mr. 
 ( tampbell was married to Mary Ann Bush, and 
 their children were William, Charles M., David C. 
 and Flora. Mr. Campbell was a stanch advocate 
 of the principles embodied in the Democratic party, 
 and in religion he and his wife were members of 
 the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Levi R. Campbell passed his youth in Mononga- 
 hela and New Castle, receiving a public-school 
 education. At the age of fifteen years he entered 
 the shoe shop owned by his father, with whom he 
 remained three or four years. He passed one year 
 in Monongahela, then began to work for John M. 
 Sutman, and afterward entered the store of Isaac 
 Yohe, finally opening his present shoe store in 
 Monongahela. In 1870 he married Sarah A., 
 daughter of Messig Haywood, a resident of Mon- 
 ongahela, and she has borne him two children: 
 Fannie, wife of T. M. Boggs, and Charles. Mr. 
 ( 'ampbell has been an active business man for 
 twenty-one years, and in politics has taken an 
 active interest in the Democratic party; has served 
 several terms as a member of the council. He and 
 his family are members of the Methodist Episco- 
 pal Church. 
 
 di J. ANDREWS. Many of the best and most 
 intellectual citizens of Washington county 
 trace their lineage to the warm-hearted and 
 brilliant sons of Erin, of whom J. J. Andrews 
 is a worthy representative. 
 
 James Andrews was born in Ireland, where he 
 was married, and in 1799 concluded to seek a home 
 for himself and family in the United States, whither 
 so many of his friends had recently immigrated. 
 After landing in America, the Andrews family 
 proceeded to Pennsylvania, and made their first 
 permanent location near Bavington, in Smith 
 township, Washington county. Although a poor 
 man, James Andrews possessed an energetic char- 
 acter and habits of industry as capital stock, which 
 proved very instrumental in the accumulation of a 
 competency. He first located on a piece of land 
 as a tenant, but was soon able to purchase land, 
 and in later years removed to a farm in the north- 
 ern part of Smith township, where the remainder 
 of his days were passed. This place has ever since 
 been known as the " Old Andrews farm." James 
 Andrews and his wife passed away on the old farm, 
 after a long and useful life. In politics he was a 
 Democrat. He was among the prominent cattle 
 dealers of those days, and drove cattle over the 
 mountains to the markets of the eastern cities, 
 eventually succeeding in securing a goodly amount 
 of this world's goods. The children of this family 
 were seven in number. 
 
 John Andrews was born in 1799, in mid-ocean, 
 while his parents were coining to America. He 
 
 was reared on the farm in Washington co;inty, 
 Penn., attending to the usual duties of the pioneer 
 youth of the day, and receiving his education at 
 the log-cabin schools with their primitive furnish- 
 ings and puncheon floors. The pupils sat with 
 their backs to the teacher and the seats were 
 placed around the room; his attendance was lim- 
 ited to a few months in the winter season. He 
 was married to Mary, daughter of James Christy, a 
 native of Ireland, and their children were born as 
 follows: Elizabeth J., living in Burgettstown, 
 Penn., widow of David Leech; Jeremiah C, who 
 followed agricultural pursuits on the home farm 
 (now deceased); Mary, deceased wife of Jackson 
 Potts, of Florence, Penn.; Nancy A., Mrs. John 
 Stroud, of Hanover township, this county, and J. 
 J. (whose sketch follows). John and Mary An- 
 drews located on the old homestead in Smith town- 
 ship, this county, where their lives were passed. 
 He was a successful and respected business man. 
 In politics he was an enthusiastic Democrat, and 
 held various offices in the township with credit to 
 himself and satisfaction to his constituents. Both 
 Mr. and Mrs. Andrews were zealous members of 
 the Burgettstown U. P. Church. He died in 1867, 
 and both are buried in the Burgettstown cemetery. 
 J. J. Andrews was born September 10, 1S49, in 
 Smith township, Washington Co., Penn. He was 
 reared to manhood on the home farm, and attended 
 the common schools. Soon after his father's death 
 he made a trip through the West, but not being 
 satisfied with the country, returned to his native 
 county, and in 1870 was married to Rebecca Cle- 
 land, youngest daughter of John and Rebecca 
 (Hindman) Cleland. The children of J. J. and 
 Rebecca Andrews are as follows: John C. and 
 Susie. After his marriage Mr. Andrews was a 
 tenant for some time, but afterward bought a good 
 farm in Hanover township, this county, which he 
 owns, but is residing on an adjoining place, devot- 
 ing his attention to general farming and stock 
 raising. "Johnny," as he is familiarly known, is 
 very popular among his friends, a good neighbor 
 and progressive citizen, ever ready to encourage 
 any enterprise, which will benefit himself or neigh- 
 bors. In politics he has always voted with the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 ipSJ- EORGE BOYD. Among the venerable citi- 
 II zens of Hanover township, whose heads are 
 
 V f crowned with the silver of many well-spent 
 
 ^""1, years, is found this well-known gentleman 1 . 
 The fair "Isle of Erin" was the home of 
 his ancestors, and in that country his grandfather, 
 John Boyd, first saw the light of day. The latter 
 was born about 1747, in County Antrim, where he 
 learned the tailor's trade, and was married to Mar- 
 tha Mahan. The young people soon thereafter 
 
1116 
 
 WASIIIXU TON CO L'XTY. 
 
 sailed to America, and with tine ardor John Boyd 
 entered heart and soul into the American struggle 
 for Independence. He enlisted in North Carolina, 
 serving seven years under Gen. Greene and Capt. 
 Smith, was employed as a scout much of the time, 
 and received several wounds. When the war \v:is 
 ended he came to Washington county, Penn., 
 locating between Gross ('reek village and West 
 Middletown, and there followed his trade. In 
 L793 he moved to Hanover township, Beaver Co., 
 Penn., and in 1817 located near Harlem Springs, 
 Carroll Co., Ohio, where he remained until about 
 1840, then returning to Beaver county, Penn., died 
 soon afterward, and was buried in the King's Creek 
 cemetery. He left the following children: .fames, 
 born May 28, 1781; John, born July 20, 1782; 
 Mary (Mrs. David Moody, of Carroll county, Ohio), 
 born February 2(5, 1784; Agnes (wife of James 
 Sharp, of Columbiana county, Ohio), born October 
 15, 1785; Sarah (Mrs. James Moore, of Beaver 
 county, Penn.), born July 16, 1787; Margaret 
 ( wife of Robert Campbell, of Columbiana county, 
 
 < (hio), born July 8, 178'J; Robert, born December 
 28,1791; Thomas, born October 15, 17U3; Martha. 
 born in November, 1795 (killed by lightning); 
 Rachel (Mrs. John Anderson, of Iowa), horn in 
 September, 17U7; and David, born in June, 1799. 
 In politics the father was a Democrat, and in re- 
 ligion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Robert Boyd was born December 28, 1791, on 
 the home farm between Cross Creek village and 
 West Middletown. In 1816 he was married to 
 
 < 'atherine McCausland, who was born March 7, 
 1 793, daughter of George and Catherine (Kidd) 
 McCausland. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boyd first 
 located on a farm in Hanover township, Beaver 
 Co., Penn., and in 1834 moved to the home place 
 in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 was a successful agriculturist, and in politics was a 
 Democrat. He died in 1878, having been pre- 
 ceded by his wife in 1875, and their children were 
 John, born April 15, 1817 (who lived in Hanover 
 township, this county); Martha (widow of John 
 Smith, of Jefferson township), born October 21, 
 IMS; ('atherine (wife of Joseph MeCready, of 
 Columbiana county, Ohio), born December 3. L820; 
 Margaret (widow of William MeCready), born Au- 
 gust 17, 1822; George, born March 7, 1824; Hob 
 in, bom February 28, L826; Francis, horn March 
 21, 1828 (killed in Wesl Virginia by a falling 
 limb of a tree); Presley (a farmer of Columbiana 
 county, Ohio), born March 9, 1830; and Mary, 
 born February 23, 1832. 
 
 George Boyd was born on the home farm in 
 Hanover township, Beaver Co., Penn., and passed 
 his youth in attending the schools of the period. 
 He spent sevepal years with a sister in Jefferson 
 township, this county. In 1880 he was united in 
 marriage with Jane, daughter of Peter Lance, a 
 
 farmer, who was married to Jane Nicholson, and 
 had children as follows: Eleanor, Emeline, Addi- 
 son, Peminda, Jane, Sarah, Theresa, William and 
 Matteson. The father died August 24, 1850, the 
 mother on March 27, 1857, and they are buried in 
 Hopewell Presbyterian Church cemetery, of which 
 church they were members and he was a trustee. 
 In politics he was a Republican Mr. and Mrs. 
 Boyd have for several years been residents of 
 Hanover township, Washington county, where he 
 is engaged in farming. Politically he is a Demo- 
 crat. Mrs. Boyd is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Paris, this county. 
 
 TEPBEN POST. Within the confines of 
 Washington county, few are the men who 
 |i in their chosen vocation have made so 
 marked a success as the gentleman whose 
 name appears at the opening of this sketch. Many 
 a man mistakes his life work, yet by earnest appli- 
 cation makes a partial success. Of Mr. Post it 
 may be said that he has chosen well. A farmer in 
 the full significance of the word. From a poor, 
 obscure boy, earning only one hundred dollars a 
 year, by his own hard efforts, he has fought his way 
 upward. Such men are a credit to any community 
 and it is a pleasure to give the following brief 
 sketch of him and his family. 
 
 Stephen Post was born August 23, 1824, on the 
 farm now occupied by A. N. Hathaway. His father, 
 Samuel Post, also a native of Washington 
 county, was married to Nellie Day, who bore him 
 (lie following named children: Frank, Stephen 
 and Martha ( Mrs. Jas. Hilton, deceased many 
 years ago). The father was the first to lay down 
 life's sorrows, passing to the grave in 1827; the 
 mother departed for the Better Land March 28, 
 I 853, and they were buried at Bethel C. P. Church 
 near Van Buren. Samuel Post in politics was an 
 active adherent of the Democratic party; in relig- 
 ious faith he was a member of the Presbyterian 
 ( Ihnrch. 
 
 Stephen Post, our subject, in 1865 came to his 
 present home in Franklin township. His farm 
 consists of 220 acres, all well improved and equipped 
 with excellent buildings, every one of which 
 was erected by himself. He is possessed of invent- 
 ive genius. He has now a grinding buhr mill of 
 his own invention, and with it he grinds most of 
 the corn for the neighborhood. He was for a num- 
 ber of years a thresher, but now his sons have 
 taken his place in that industry. Mr. Post has 
 been thrice married: first time to Elizabeth, daugh- 
 ter of Joseph Weir, and the results of this union 
 were two children: Clarinda, who died April 10, 
 lsr>3, and Elizabeth, who died April 29, 1852; the 
 mother of these children dying April 8, 1853, Mr. 
 Post took for his second wife, Anna, daughter of 
 
m 
 
 s 
 
 
 ^/ 
 
 <& 
 
WASHINGTON COUNT? 
 
 1119 
 
 Thomas Ringland, and by her there were three 
 children: Hamilton, Joseph Weir and Annie; Jo- 
 seph Weir died April 18, 18(56, and Annie died 
 March 4, 1860. After the decease of this wife, 
 which occurred January 20, 186<l, Mr. Post mar- 
 ried Sarah Tucker, daughter of John Tucker, of 
 Franklin township, and she has borne him three 
 children: John, Mary and Frank. Our subject is 
 a lifelong Democrat, and a firm advocate of every 
 measure tending to the advancement of his town- 
 ship and countv. He has always given liberally of 
 bis means to the church, and has for many years 
 been an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Pros- 
 perity. 
 
 GRASPER SIGHTS, a well-known citizen of 
 Donegal township, is the only male repre- 
 j) sentative of the family in Washington county, 
 Penn. The pioneer ancestor of that name 
 was David Sights, who was born in Germany and 
 came to America in the latter part of the eighteenth 
 century, locating in Washington, Penn., where he 
 was married to a lady of Welsh parentage, her parents 
 having emigrated from Wales. Their children were 
 as follows: John, William, Casper, Frazier, David 
 and Jane, all now deceased. Of this family, John 
 and William moved West and died there; Casper 
 followed the business of a stone mason and con- 
 tractor, and built all the bridges on the National 
 pike between Claysville and West Alexander (he 
 afterward went to Guernsey county, Ohio, and re- 
 mained there until his death); Frazier also died 
 in that county, and Jane married and went to Mis- 
 souri, where she died. The father of this family 
 kept a tavern for several years at Coon Island, 
 Washington Co., Penn., where the stages then 
 stopped on their regular route over the once famous 
 road. He remained there several years, and then 
 moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he followed 
 farming. He died August 20, 1841, and his wife 
 June 22, 1855. 
 
 David Sights (father of subject) was born No- 
 vember 14, 1803, in Washington, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and when a boy was brought with his parents 
 to Coon Island, this county, where in boyhood he 
 worked for different farmers, and attended the dis- 
 trict school in the winters. On July 18, 1826, he 
 was united in marriage with Martha McMillen,who 
 was born November 12, 1803, a daughter of David 
 McMillen. Their children were as follows: David 
 F., born March 31, 1827 (deceased in New Comers- 
 town, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio), was a harness maker; 
 Elizabeth J., born March 8, 1829 (widow of E. B. 
 Jolley, of near West Middletown, Penn.); Chris- 
 tianne, born March 31, 1831 (Mrs. J. L. McGill, of 
 Donegal township); Casper (subject of our present 
 sketch); John, born October 21, 1835, deceased; 
 Susanna, born January 29, 1839, died unmarried; 
 
 and Martha Ann, born June 27, 1841, now living 
 with her brother Casper. After his marriage Mr. 
 Sights settled three miles northwest of Claysville, 
 Donegal township, on a part of the " William Der- 
 ringer" tract. Some years afterward he purchased 
 of Joseph Campsey an adjoining tract of land, 
 where he erected a comfortable dwelling, and passed 
 the remainder of his life. Politically he was a 
 Democrat, and stood high in the esteem of his 
 neighbors. He died July 6, 1861, and his wife 
 died September 26, 1868. 
 
 Casper Sights was born March 28, 1833, in Done- 
 gal township, Washington Co., Penn., and lived on 
 the home farm until the death of his father, receiv- 
 ing a common-school education. When his father 
 died he took charge of the farm which he now 
 owns. On October 15, 1800, he was married to 
 Catherine Ann, daughter of William Robertson, of 
 Guernsey countv, Ohio. They have had no chil- 
 dren. In political life Mr. Sights is an active 
 worker in the Democratic party, and has been fre- 
 quently elected to township offices by his constitu- 
 ents. He is a member of the U. P. Church at West 
 Alexander. 
 
 Ji ADD. CLARK. Among the prominent 
 business men of Canonsburg, J. Add. Clark 
 is one of the leading grocers. He is a son of 
 James Clark, who was born February 14, 
 1814, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and received his education at the home schools of 
 the neighborhood. In 1853 he was united in 
 marriage with Mary, daughter of William Dickson, 
 a son of George Dickson, who emigrated from Ire- 
 land many years ago, and purchased a farm of 400 
 acres in Allegheny county, Penn., where he died. 
 His son, William, was born in 1700, and grew to 
 manhood on the home place. In early life he was 
 united in marriage with Margaret Glenn, who bore 
 him children as follows: George A. (a surveyor, of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.), James A. (a practicing phy- 
 sician,of Canonsburg,Penn.), Mary( widow of James 
 Clark, of Canonsburg), William (a resident of 
 Robinson township) and three deceased in infancy. 
 When but seventeen years of age the father united 
 with the Old Secader Church, during the last 
 twenty years of his life was a member of the U. P. 
 Church, and was a ruling elder in both churches for 
 fifty-five years; in business he was a prominent and 
 successful agriculturist. He died March 19, 1872. 
 James and Mary (Dickson) Clark continued to 
 reside on the home place until 1866, when they re- 
 moved to Canonsburg, Penn., where he died in 
 December, 1885, leaving the following children: 
 William D., Jeanette (since deceased^, Marguerite 
 S. (Mrs. C. M. Grier), Anna M. (wife of Rev. D.C. 
 Stewart) and J. Add. Mr. Clark was a farmer and 
 a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and 
 
1120 
 
 WASHING TON COUNTY. 
 
 held various local offices. He was first a member 
 of the U. P. Church at North Buffalo, then united 
 with the one at Chartiers, of which he was trustee 
 for many years. 
 
 J. Add. Clark was horn on the home place in 
 Buffalo township, this county, where his boyhood 
 was passed. In 1891 he opened a grocery store in 
 
 Canonsburg, and now carries a full line of g Is. 
 
 He is a Republican, and in religion was form- 
 erly a member of the United Presbyterian Church, 
 having since united with the Greenside Avenue 
 Church. 
 
 VEN. E. PHILIPS is one of those energetic, 
 industrious and cultured citizens who are 
 naturally fitted to become leaders in any 
 - 1 community where their lot is cast. 
 
 The family are pioneers of Washington county, 
 and the grandfather, David Philips, was born in 
 1742, in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, and in early 
 manhood set sail for the "land of the free and the 
 home of the brave." Although a preacher of the 
 Gospel, he believed in defending the rights of his 
 adopted country, and served three years as captain 
 in the Revolutionary war. He then settled on a 
 tract of 400 acres of land, partly in Washington 
 county, Penn., devoting the remainder of his life 
 to farming and ministerial work. When the war 
 of 1812 began he was drafted into service, but 
 paid the fine rather than to again participate in the 
 horrors of war. He accepted no political honors, 
 but was a very prominent citizen. He died in 
 1829. 
 
 David Philips, son of David, was born April 7, 
 1780, in Chester county, Penn., and when yet a 
 boy moved to Allegheny county. In 1805 he was 
 married to Ann Richardson, born in 1785, daughter 
 of Thomas Richardson. Seven children were born 
 to this marriage, namely: Thomas, Lucinda, Em- 
 ily, Mary Ann, Sarah, Amanda and Even E. ( If 
 these children the only two now living are Mary 
 Ann and Even E. The father always followed 
 agricultural pursuits, owning 150 acres of land on 
 the boundary line of Washington and Allegheny 
 counties. He died in 1856, and the mother passed 
 away in 1870. 
 
 Even E. Philips was born in 181(5 in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., where the greater part of his early 
 education was received. On February 18, In 17, 
 he was married to a Miss Weller, a native of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., who has borne him children 
 as follows: Jacob, Isabelle, Ann, Irene, < Jrlando, 
 William, and two deceased. The eldest son is a 
 physician in Venetia; Orlando owns the home farm, 
 where he is residing with his father; and William 
 is a mail agent on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh 
 Railroad. 
 
 Mr. Philips owns sixty-eight acres of fine land, 
 underlaid with a heavy vein of coal. He has sold 
 the coal for $5,400. Politically he is a stanch ad- 
 herent of Republican principles, and has served 
 faithfully as inspector of elections, and in various 
 other ways. In religious faith he is connected 
 with the Baptist denomination. 
 
 OBERT HAGGARTY is a son of Samuel 
 Haggarty, who was born in County Down, 
 Ireland, and was brought to America by 
 his parents when but four years old. He 
 grew to manhood on a farm in Fayette 
 county, Penn., which was located one mile from 
 Coal Centre, Washington county, and there at- 
 tended the log-cabin schools of the period. In 
 early manhood he was married to Elizabeth Blay- 
 ney, a member of a prominent pioneer family, and 
 she bore him the following named children: Mrs. 
 Louisa Kussell, of Fayette county, Penn.; Will- 
 iam, living in Monongahela; Samuel, deceased at 
 the age of nine years; Johnson, who died in Ohio 
 at the age of twenty-two years; Reuben, who went 
 to Missouri with $1,500, and died seventeen years 
 later, leaving a property of 150,000, and Robert. 
 The father died in 1857 at the age of sixty-one 
 years. He was a prominent member of the Demo- 
 cratic party. 
 
 Robert Haggarty was born March 17, 1835, on 
 the old homestead in Fayette county, Penn., and 
 there attended the common schools. At the age 
 of seventeen years he began to learn the stone- 
 cutting and mason trade, receiving for the first 
 year's pay $3 per month while learning. The 
 second year he received $4 per month, and the 
 third year he was paid 75 cents per day, after which 
 he began business for himself. He was united in 
 marriage with Elmira Amnion, a native of Carroll 
 township, and at that time had but $5 with which 
 to begin his wedded life. He now owns fifty acres 
 of land in Carroll township, and twenty- five acres 
 in Fallowfield township, but has given most of his 
 time to his trade. In political opinion he votes 
 with the Democratic party, and has served in Car- 
 roll township as president of the school board. He 
 and his wife are the parents of five children, who 
 were born as follows: Clarence Linton; Mrs. Mar- 
 garet H. Coulter, of Carroll township; Harry El- 
 wood, a stone mason of Monongahela; Violet El- 
 mira, and Robert I >. 
 
 J | AMES H. FERGUSON, a representative 
 farmer of South Strabane township, is a son 
 of Harvey W. Ferguson, whose father was a 
 native of County Down, Ireland. The latter 
 came to America when a young man, and made a 
 permanent home in Allegheny county, Peon., where 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1121 
 
 he married and the following children were born to 
 him: Mary, Elizabeth, Harriet, David, James, Har- 
 vey W., Robert and Hugh. .Mr. Ferguson was an 
 active member of the Federalist and Whig parties, 
 and in religion was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Perrysville. 
 
 Harvey W. Ferguson was born in 1820, on the 
 home farm in Allegheny county, Penn., and re- 
 ceived his education at the home schools. In early 
 manhood he was united in marriage with Grisella, 
 a daughter of Robert McElhany, a native of Scot- 
 land, whose family consisted of three daughters; he 
 was an active member of the Whig party, and in 
 religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 The young couple settled on the McP]lhany farm, 
 where they remained four years, thence removing 
 to the home farm. In polities Mr. Ferguson is an 
 active worker in the Republican party, and has been 
 a school director many years. He and his family 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church at Sharps- 
 burgh, Allegheny Co., Penn., in which congrega- 
 tion he has been an elder twenty years. 
 
 James H. Ferguson was born in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., on the home farm still occupied by 
 his father, and passed his earlier youth at home, 
 attending the common schools. lie afterward en- 
 tered NewelTs Institute, Pittsburgh, and remained 
 there two years. On December 24, 1875, he was 
 united in marriage with Ollie Newton, daughter 
 of .1. T. McDonald, of Allegheny county, Penn., and 
 five children have been born to them: Frank (de- 
 ceased), Alice, Maggie, Travis and Hannah. After 
 his marriage Mr. Ferguson remained in Allegheny 
 county until 1879, when he came to his present 
 farm, consisting of 118 acres of good land, and 
 upon which he has made many improvements. His 
 home is thirty-two feet square, and the barn is GO 
 by 40. He is engaged in farming and stock rais- 
 ing, and has recently embarked in the dairy busi- 
 ness. In political opinion Mr. Ferguson is a 
 Republican, and an active worker in that party. 
 The family are members of the First Presbyterian 
 Church at Washington. 
 
 GEORGE E. LOCKHART, ex-sheriff of 
 Washington county, is a native of the Key- 
 stone State, born in Beaver county in 1848. 
 His father, George K. Lock hart, a native of 
 Lawrence county, Penn., was married in 
 Allegheny county to Margaret Ann Savage, who 
 bore him three children: William A., a resident of 
 McDonald, Washington county; George E., and 
 Agnes J., deceased wife of L. G. Mcllhinney, of 
 Cecil township. The father died in 1854 of small- 
 pox, at the age of thirty-four years, and his widow 
 was afterward married to John Allen, by whom 
 she had one child, Annie E., wife of J. A. Evans, 
 an attorney at law of Pittsburgh. 
 
 George E. Lockhart was re ire 1 by his grand- 
 father, William Savage, on a farm near McDonald, 
 in this county, his education being obtained at the 
 public schools of the locality. Here he remained 
 until he was fourteen years of age. In 1864 he 
 enlisted in company A, One Hundred and Forty- 
 seventh P. V. I., and participated in the fortunes 
 of that regiment; was with Sherman at Atlanta, 
 and on the march to the sea, his regiment being 
 the first to enter the city of Savannah, and was 
 present at the battle of Resaca, May 15, L864. He 
 was never woun led, but soon after being ordered 
 to the front was seized with typhoid fever and was 
 sent to hospital at Nashville, Tenn., whither his 
 mother went from Pennsylvania to visit him. On 
 his recovery he returned to his regiment and served 
 to the close of the war, being mastered out of the 
 service at Alexandria June 5, 1865, and discharged 
 July 21, same year. He then proceeded to the 
 home of his mother in Allegheny county, and com- 
 menced working in the mines as director of ship- 
 ping. In 1 885 he was appointed deputy sheriff 
 under Sheriff Hemphill, serving to the close of the 
 term, and then, in 1888, was elected sheriff on the 
 Republican ticket, for a three years' term, receiving 
 a majority of 2,159 votes in the county. During 
 this incumbency, the colored murderer, West, was 
 executed, the first person hanged in Washington 
 county since L867, Mr. Lockhart is a member of 
 Stock weather Post No. 60, G. A. R., and of the Jr. 
 <). II. A. M. 
 
 [P^ AMUEL ASH BROOK, a leading dentist in 
 the boroncrh of Washington, is a native cf 
 the county, born September 2, L864, in Buf- 
 falo township, where he received a liberal 
 education at the district schools. His great-grand- 
 father, Simon Ashbrook, was a native of Lancaster 
 county, Penn., where he was married to a native of 
 the same county, and the children born to them 
 were Jacob, John, Margaret, Mary, Nancy, Solo- 
 mon, Simon, Abraham, Absolom and William. In 
 17 — Simon Ashbrook came to Washington county, 
 making a settlement in Buffalo township, where he 
 and his wife died. 
 
 Absolom Ashbrook, son of this old pionee*, re- 
 ceived his education in Buffalo township, and was 
 there married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Brad- 
 dock, of Franklin township. They continued to 
 reside on the home farm until 1872, when they 
 came to Washington borough, where they now re- 
 side. Their children were as follows : Airs. Rob- 
 ert Lytle, Simon F., John and William (both de- 
 ceased), Abraham L., Solomon (deceased) and 
 Sarah (Mrs. W. P. Hastings). Mr. Ashbrook in 
 politics was a Democrat, and was a warm supporter 
 of the Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo. 
 
 Simon F. Ashbrook, father of the subject of these 
 lines, was born February 28, 1836, in Buffalo town- 
 
ir."j 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ship, this county, and received his education at the 
 common schools of the neighborhood of his birth- 
 place. Like his forefathers he has been engaged all 
 his life in farming and stock raising, and has been 
 successful in his dealings. On November 3, 1859, he 
 was married to Mary, daughter of Jacob Weirich, 
 and children as follows have been born to them : 
 Edward, Susan (deceased), Samuel, Benton, Lizzie 
 (Mrs. John Flack) and Maude. Mr. Ashbrook and 
 family are members of the Presbyterian Church at 
 East Buffalo, and in politics he is independent. 
 
 Samuel Ashbrook, whose name opens this sketch, 
 at the age of twenty years entered, as a student, 
 the dental office of W. L. McCleary, wh^re he re- 
 mained one year; in 1885 he commenced a course 
 of study at the Baltimore Dental College, where, 
 in 1887, he graduated with honors. Returning to 
 Washington, Dr. Ashbrook commenced the practice 
 of his profession with A. L. Ashbrook, with whom 
 he remained a short time, and then again entered 
 the office of his preceptor. In July, 1891, he pur- 
 chased Mr. McCleary's interest, and has since been 
 conducting the business alone. In August, 1890, 
 the Doctor was married to Margaret Connors, of 
 Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and one child, Edmund, 
 has been born to them. Our subject and his esti- 
 mable wife are members of the First Presbyterian 
 Church of Washington, and in his political associa- 
 tions he is a Democrat. 
 
 BERMAN. In the year 1732 Johannes 
 Eberman and his son, Johannes, left their 
 ancestral home in Ebermanstadt, Germany, 
 ^ bound for America with the purpose in view 
 of making it their home, and with the determination 
 to assist in its conquest. The family owned large 
 estates in the center of which was the town above 
 named. As was the custom, they had their genea- 
 logical tree tracing the family back through many 
 generations and through centuries of time. Early 
 in its history for services rendered, the family, by 
 royal grant, was given a coat of arms, and the 
 motto thereon — "Ad finem fidelis" — has been a 
 source of inspiration throughout successive genera- 
 tion^. 
 
 With the pride of birth and station and the sturdy 
 courage of the pioneer these two reached London 
 and embarked for the land of their choice. The 
 records in Philadelphia show that Sept. 19, 1832, 
 the good ship " Johnson," of London, landed at 
 that port, and in the passenger list are the names of 
 Johannes Eberman and son, Johannes, a lad under 
 sixteen years of age. These were the first of the 
 name to land on .American soil, and the elder was 
 the great-great-great-grandfather of John S. Eber- 
 man, a personal sketch of whom follows. They 
 remained at Philadelphia but a short time, and then 
 removed to Lancaster, same Stare, where they at 
 
 once became identified with public affairs. On 
 Dec. '22, 1743, the son married Juliana Schweich, 
 and their son John, on April 23, 1772, married 
 Elizabeth Frank. 
 
 John's interest in municipal affairs led him to 
 present to the town of Lancaster a large clock 
 which was placed in the town hall. When the 
 courthouse was built the clock was put therein 
 and for more than 100 years has been repaired and 
 wound bv the Eberman family, and at present con- 
 tinues to be the timepiece of the city. In "Penn- 
 sylvania Archives " it is related that Christopher 
 Eberman did gallant service in the Continental line 
 of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment during our 
 struggle for independence. In the Moravian Church 
 records of Lancaster is the complete genealogy of 
 the family from 1732 to the present. 
 
 About the year 1815 Jacob, son of Gottlieb, son 
 -of Johannes, removed from Lancaster to West- 
 moreland county, and settled upon a large tract of 
 land in that county. He was married to Jane An- 
 derson, a native of Ireland, who bore him the fol- 
 lowing children: William, Rebecca, George M., 
 W. A., Elizabeth and Samuel. Mr. Eberman was a 
 Democrat in political opinion, and in religion sup- 
 ported the M. E. Church. He followed building 
 and carpentry in Pittsburgh for several years, then 
 moved to Elizabeth, Allegheny county, in 1829, 
 where he died. 
 
 George M. Eberman was born April 29, 
 1821, and reared on the home farm in West- 
 moreland county, Penn., and attended the sub- 
 scription schools of the vicinity. At the age 
 of fourteen years he began clerking in a store 
 where he remained until 1854, when he em- 
 barked in a general mercantile businese in Cali- 
 fornia, Penn. In 1859 he opened a ship-building 
 yard in company with William McFall, and they 
 conducted that business until .1879, when they dis- 
 solved partnership, and he commenced in his present 
 general store in California, the firm now being 
 known as Hart & Co. Politically Mr. Eberman has 
 been a zealous worker in the Whig and Republican 
 parties, and has served as a member of the council, 
 school director and in several other ollires. He lias 
 alwavs been deeply interested in the educational 
 work of his locality, and for the past twenty-five 
 years has been a trustee of the Southwestern State 
 Normal School, at California, of which he was the 
 first treasurer. He and his wife are members of 
 the M. E. Church, and he has been a trustee of same 
 for several years. In early manhood Mr. Eberman 
 was married to Ellen, daughter of Peter Wilson, 
 of Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn., and the names 
 of the children horn to them are as follows: Sid- 
 ney, Albert, Mary, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Anna, 
 George, John S., Charles, Wilson and Cora. 
 
 John S. Eberman, son of George M. and 
 Ellen Eberman, was born March 6, 1859, in 
 
WASHING TON CO CATI' 
 
 1123 
 
 California, Washington Co., Penn. He received 
 a public-school education, and then attended the 
 Southwestern State Normal School, at California, 
 from which he graduated in 1878. After gradu- 
 ating he entered the employ of J. W. Smith, 
 a druggist of California, remaining there until 
 1882, and then formed a partnership with Miss 
 Jennie Smith in the drug business. In 1888 
 he purchased her interest, and has since continued 
 the establishment, carrying on a full line of drugs 
 and sundries, and by good management has se- 
 cured a large and profitable custom. On October 
 23, 188(5, he was married to Mary G., daughter of 
 John Guffey. Mr. Eberman is identified with the 
 Republican party, has served in various local 
 offices, and in 1882 he was appointed postmaster at 
 California, holding that position until the election 
 of Cleveland as President, when he resigned. He 
 has served as director of the First National Bank 
 of California since that institution was first incor- 
 porated, and has been treasurer of the Southwest- 
 ern State Normal School for the past seven years. 
 In religious connection he is a zealous member of 
 the M. E. Church. He has in his possession a book 
 which has been in the family for 118 years, and 
 a number of deeds and articles almost as ancient. 
 He is in correspondence with a branch of the family 
 in Stuttgart, Germany, who own the leading bank- 
 ing house there, and who have sent him the very 
 interesting early history of the family. 
 
 OBERT CARR BYERS, M. D., was born 
 in Cumberland county, Perm., April 20, 
 1820, a son of Isaac and Mary (< 'arr) Byers. 
 Abraham Byers, his grandfather, was also 
 a native of Cumberland county, born near 
 Carlisle, where he was reared and educated. He 
 became an extensive teamster or wagoner, his route 
 being for the most part between Baltimore and 
 Philadelphia, and points farther west, he having as 
 many as five teams on the road. This vocation he 
 followed for several years and then went West, 
 after which nothing was heard of him. He had 
 married, in Chester county, Penn., Margaret Bren- 
 neman, who bore him two children: Isaac and 
 Samuel. 
 
 Isaac Byers, father of Robert C, was educated 
 in the subscription schools of his native county 
 (Chester, Penn.), and when yet a youth proceeded 
 to Philadelphia, where he learned the trade of shoe- 
 maker. Soon after completing his apprenticeship 
 he moved to Cumberland county, same State, and 
 there followed his trade some years, at the end of 
 which time he came to Washington county, and 
 took up his residence near Canonsburg. Here he 
 carried on another trade, that of carpenter and 
 builder, up to 1849, in which year he moved to 
 Portsmouth, ( )hio, where he died in 1865. In 1811 
 
 he married Mary Carr, a resident of Cumberland 
 county, and the following named eight children 
 were born to them: Hiram, Elizabeth, Sarah (Mrs. 
 James Munn), Mary (Mrs. David Woodring), Ro- 
 bert G, Isaac, Fannie and Hannah (Mrs. Masters). 
 Mr. Byers was a Democrat in his political sym- 
 pathies, and in religion he was a member of the 
 M. E. Church, although the faith of his forefathers 
 was Presbyterian. 
 
 Robert C. Byers was a boy when his parents 
 came to Washington county (in 1823), and it may 
 be said of him that he is self-educated, as his school 
 experiences were very limited. At the age of ten 
 years he commenced to work on a farm, and when 
 he was about twelve years old entered the employ 
 of his brother, Hiram, in Monongahela (then called 
 Williamsport), to learn the tailor trade, becoming 
 a journeyman at the end of two years. His first 
 venture in business for himself was, in 1839, made 
 in Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn., where he 
 carried on tailoring six years. In 1815 he moved 
 to Perryopolis, Fayette county, where he remained 
 three years. While there he studied medicine under 
 Dr. Estep, thence, in 1818, went to Fayette City, 
 same county (then called Cookstown), and em- 
 barked in the drug business, in which he has since 
 continued with eminent success, moving to Belle 
 Vernon, Fayette county, in 1860, thence, in 1873, 
 to Monongahela, this county, where he now resides. 
 On September 17, 1839, Dr. Byers married Emily 
 F., daughter of Micajah Churchman, a native of 
 Delaware, who was twice married, first time to Eliza 
 Sinclair, of New York, who bore him the following 
 named children: Sinclair, William, Emily F. and 
 Caroline. Mr. Churchman's second wife was Mrs. 
 Sarah May, widow of Rev. May, an Episcopal min- 
 ister, and by her marriage with Mr. Churchman she 
 had three children: Francis M., Edward and Hen- 
 rietta. Mr. Churchman was a Whig and a strong 
 Abolitionist; in religious faith he was a member of 
 the Society of Friends. He was an enterprising and 
 well-to-do farmer and stock raiser. The children 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Byers were: Albert 
 S.; Mary J., married to Isaac Bailey, now deceased 
 (they had no children; she resides in Monongahela) ; 
 Emma E., married to John Furnier (they reside 
 near Allenport, Washington county, and they have 
 seven children, viz.: Oliver, Bertha, Robert, Clyde, 
 Thurman, Lilly and Garnet); Robert Eugene 
 Byers, a leading druggist of Monongahela, was 
 married to Miss Josephine Camp; William C. is a 
 graduate physician of Jefferson Medical College, 
 Philadelphia, and is a member of the medical firm 
 of Copeland, Hall and Byers, Pittsburgh and Phila- 
 delphia (he married Miss Mary Clark, daughter of 
 Capt. Wm. Clark, and resides in Pittsburgh. They 
 had two children: Mazey, and Birdie, who died at 
 the age of ten months); E Iward I. Byers (de- 
 ceased), who was a druggist, and was married to 
 
1124 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Miss Sarah Nevada Ulark, and had two children: 
 Emma and Robert W.; Theodore M. Byers, a dry- 
 goods merchant of Monongahela, married to Miss 
 Agnes J. ('line, of Nebraska; and Carrie L., who 
 died at the age of three years. 
 
 The paternal ancestor of Dr. Robert C. Byers was 
 German, while his maternal ancestor was Welsh. 
 His grandmother, Mary Bruce, was born in Scot- 
 land, whence she came with her brothers, Robert 
 and William Bruce, to Cumberland county, Penn. 
 The brothers were soldiers in the war of 1812, 
 and volunteered under Gen. Scott; both were cap- 
 tured and taken to England, and William died in 
 a prison; Kobert returned to Cumberland county, 
 where he died soon after from the effects of his con- 
 linement in prison. Both these brothers died with- 
 out issue. Dr. Byers is a member of the M. E. 
 Church; in politics he was a Whig and Republican, 
 but is now a Greenbacker. He is a member of the 
 I. ().(). F. His wife, Emily F., had a birthright 
 by her parents among the Society of Friends; there 
 being no Society of Friends where she has resided 
 since her marriage, she has united with the M. E. 
 Church. Dr. Byers ranks among the leading men 
 of the town, and he and his wife enjoy the confi- 
 dence and respect of all who know them. 
 
 D 
 
 ANIEL SNYDER represents one of the 
 
 earliest and most prosperous families of 
 
 Washington county, his ancestors having 
 
 come to the State over one hundred years 
 
 ago. 
 
 They were probably natives of the eastern por- 
 tion of the Slate, although the exact place is not 
 known. The grandfather of our subject was the 
 tirst of the family to settle in Washington county, 
 and he made his home in Nottingham township, 
 where his son, Peter, the father of our subject, was 
 born and reared. 
 
 Peter Snyder was born February 23, 182:', and 
 when a young man learned the trade of shoemak- 
 ing which, in connection with farming, he followed 
 for vears, but his later life was spent in agricult- 
 ural pursuits. In 1 S 17 he married Julia A. Crabb, 
 who was born May 9, 1830, in Fallowfield township. 
 Her family were also early settlers of the county. 
 Her grandfather, Henry Crabb, a shoemaker by 
 trade, died in Fallowfield township. His son, Philip 
 Crabb, tie- lather of Mrs. Snyder, was twice mar- 
 ried; his first wife died without children, and fur a 
 second wife he married Elizabeth House, who bore 
 him children as follows: Henry, Philip, Elizabeth, 
 Julia Ann, Lucy, Charlotte and Caroline. 
 
 The father of these children died in L846, aged 
 
 eighty-four years. The mother died some years 
 
 I. iter. After their marriage Mr. ami Mrs. Snyder 
 
 ed on the fifty-acre tract of land where our 
 
 subject now makes his home, and here their chil- 
 dren were born as follows: Mary J., the wife of 
 Abram Stecher; Alexander, married to Flora All- 
 man; Daniel, of whom mention is made further on; 
 John G., who was a farmer of Fallowfield township, 
 and died June 30, 1891; Henry M., of Carroll town- 
 ship, who married Cynthia Bentley; Luoretia, mar- 
 ried to Samuel Beazell; George B., a school 
 teacher, of Washington county, still living witli his 
 mother; Frank P., a stone mason, who also resides 
 at his mother's home; and James S., also on the 
 home farm. Of Peter Snyder it may be said that, 
 although he began life with no financial assistance, 
 by hard work and good business management he 
 accumulated a very considerable property, having 
 purchased 111) acres of fine land in addition to the 
 fifty acres on which his home was first made after 
 his marriage; on this large tract he passed the rest of 
 his days and his widow now makes it her home. Mr. 
 Snyder served his township in almost every capac- 
 ity and was one of the most popular men in the 
 community. He died November 23, 1S82, at the 
 age of fifty-eight years. 
 
 Daniel Snyder, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born May 9, 1851, on the farm where he now 
 resides. On June 16, 1892, he was married to Miss 
 Alice Jacobs, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., 
 and daughter of Isaac Jacobs, a well-known agri- 
 culturist of Washington county, but formerly of 
 Allegheny county. Mr. Snyder, while living on the 
 old farm, has charge of the entire farm, nearly 1 *'> I 
 acres, and carries on a general farming and stock 
 business, making a specialty of sheep. He is a 
 1 )emocrat in his political preferences, and has tilled 
 various local offices. He is a well-known man and 
 a worthy son of honored parents. 
 
 1p>jMMOR M. G. CRAWFORD is a native of 
 L*l| the county, born one mile from the borough 
 of Beallsville, June 3, 1857, a son of Mor- 
 ^ decai and Catherine (Kreider) Crawford, 
 the former a native of Cumberland, Md., the latter 
 of Uankintown, Washington county, Penn. Chris- 
 topher Kreider, the maternal grandfather of the 
 subject of this sketch, was a native of Germany, 
 and many years ago came to America, settling in 
 Indiana, near Lake Michigan, where he died. His 
 son, Christopher, married in Indiana, and in course 
 of time came to Rankintown (now called West 
 Washington), Penn., and here kept hotel for several 
 years, working also at his trade, that of blacksmith. 
 Returning to Indiana, he and his wife passed the 
 remainder of their days in Cass county, the husband 
 dying first, the wife many years afterward at the 
 age of eighty-eight years. Their children were: 
 Mary, Catherine, Nancy, Christopher, John, Philip, 
 Jacob, William, and two that died when young. Of 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 LI 25 
 
 these, William, ( 'atherine and Nancy are living: 
 William in Logansport, Ind.; Nancy, in Cass county, 
 Ind., and Catherine ( Mrs. Crawford). 
 
 William Crawford, grandfather of subject, died 
 in Cumberland, Md. Mordecai Crawford came to 
 Washington county, Penn., when but a small child, 
 and here learned wagon making with his uncle, 
 Samuel J. Rogers, at Beallsville, a trade he fol- 
 lowed some twenty-six years. Afterward he carried 
 on farming operations for nine years, and then re- 
 moved to Indiana. In 1862 he returned to Wash- 
 ington county, where he has since resided, and 
 with his wife, who is now aged seventy-nine years, 
 while he is nearing his ninetieth milestone on life's 
 journey, is making his home in Beallsville. They 
 are the parents of eleven children, seven of whom 
 are now living, vi/,.: Samuel R., in West Pike 
 Run township; John A., in Cass county, Ind.; 
 Margaret Emma, married to Frank D. Nicholl, of 
 Somerset township; Alonzo, in South Strabane 
 township; Charles K., in Somerset township; E. 
 M. G., the subject of these lines, and Josephine, 
 wife of Ira Chamberlain, in Fayette county, Penn. 
 
 E. M. G. Crawford received a liberal education 
 at the common schools of his district, and until 
 twenty-six years of age lived on the paternal home- 
 stead, assisting in the manifold duties of the farm. 
 He then learned the photographic art in Washing- 
 ton, working for S. G. Rodgers five and one-half 
 years,and afterward was employed for six months by 
 F. S. Hawkins as finisher. In 1890 he opened a gal- 
 lery in Brownsville, Fayette county, Penn., which 
 he carried on till 1891, when he returned to Wash- 
 ington and commenced business for his own ac- 
 count. Mr. Crawford has made a good start, and 
 being well-known, exceedingly popular and a good 
 workman, devoted to his business, keeping up to 
 the times in improvements in his line, has a bright 
 future before him. 
 
 On August 28, 1884, Mr. Crawford was married 
 to Miss Annie R., daughter of W. C. La Masters, 
 of Washington, Penn., and by this union three 
 children have been born: Walter M. (deceased), 
 and Leola R. and Essie May, at home. 
 
 K. RENSHAW, proprietor of the leading 
 livery stable in Washington, was born in 
 l\ 1854, in Armstrong county, Penn., as on 
 of W. H. Renshaw, a native of Philadel- 
 phia, where he followed the occupation of 
 a river pilot for many years, but is now a farmer in 
 Armstrong county. He married Miss Louisa Rog- 
 ers (now deceased), of "old-country" parentage, 
 and nine children were born to them, all of whom 
 live in Armstrong county except the subject of 
 these lines. 
 
 A. R. Renshaw was reared in his native county, 
 at the common schools of which he received a lib- 
 
 eral education. Early in life he learned the trade 
 of a carpenter, which he followed for several years. 
 On February 15, 1890, he came to Washington 
 county, and bought out the livery stable which he 
 has since successfully conducted. On January 1, 
 L890, he was united in marriage with Annie B. 
 Kerr, of Armstrong county, Penn. Our subject's 
 home is on East Wheeling street. 
 
 E. I >WARDTH< )MAS was born in 1809, in this 
 county, a son of Joseph Thomas, who came 
 to Washington county at an early period, but 
 ' years afterward moved to Ohio, and died 
 in that State. Edward grew to manhood on the 
 home place, and in 1834 was united in marriage 
 with Eliza Beck, whose grandfather (Isaiah Beck) 
 was born in Philadelphia, and married in his native 
 city, afterward moving to Washington county, 
 where he died. Edward and Eliza Thomas first 
 settled near Canonsburg, Penn., then moved upon 
 the. farm now occupied by their son Edmund, and 
 reared the following children: Martha Jane (Mrs. 
 McClellan, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Nancy 
 (living in Ohio), Lydia (wife of James Johnson, of 
 Ohio), Sarah (deceased several years ago), Isaiah 
 (living in Chartiers township), William (living in 
 East Finley township, this county), Mary (married 
 to Andrew Gamble), Maggie (living in Ohio), 
 Anna (deceased in youth), Edmund, Emma (de- 
 ceased) and Caroline (Mrs. Baker Lewis, of Tus- 
 carawas county, Ohio). The father of these chil- 
 dren died in 1885, at the home of his son Edmund, 
 lie was an active politician, first as a Democrat and 
 then as a Republican. Mrs. Thomas is yet living 
 in Tuscarawas, Ohio. 
 
 Isaiah Thomas was born in Canonsburg, Char- 
 tiers township, and there received his early educa- 
 tion. In 1874 he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Mattie Agnew, daughter of Thomas and Sarah 
 (Dougherty) Agnew, natives of this county; the 
 father died some years ago, and the mother is now 
 living with her daughter Mattie. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Thomas have two sons : George N. and Albert R. 
 Afjer his marriage Isaiah Thomas settled on the 
 farm where he is now living. He owns eighty- 
 eight acres of the home farm, also fourteen acres in 
 Canton township, and has erected a good residence 
 and farm buildings on the place, a good gas well 
 being an other valuable feature of his farm. Mr. 
 Thomas is an active Republican, and has held sev- 
 eral township offices. He and his wife are both 
 members of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Edmund Thomas was born November 14, 1856, 
 in Chartiers township, Washington county. He 
 passed his youth in Chartiers township, there re- 
 ceiving his elementary education in the district 
 schools. After leaving school he began farming 
 on the old homestead, which he now owns, and 
 
1126 
 
 WASHINGTON. COUNTY. 
 
 which consists of 106 acres of fertile and well-cul- 
 tivated soil. He has two good gas wells on the 
 place, and is a prosperous farmer, devoting con- 
 siderable attention to stock raising. Politically he 
 is a Republican, actively interested in the success 
 of his party, as well as in all worthy public en- 
 terprises. 
 
 J [AMES M. MELONEY, a well-known and 
 prosperous business man of Midway, is a 
 bright example of the results which can be 
 obtained by those who possess energy and 
 patience, coupled with a willing heart and physical 
 strength. He is descended from a pioneer family 
 of Irish extraction. 
 
 Samuel Moloney, the grandfather of the family 
 at present under consideration, was born in east- 
 ern Pennsylvania, where he was married and bad 
 two children, Alexander and Rachel. After the 
 death of his first wife, Samuel Meloney was united 
 in marriage with Nancy Berry, who bore him the 
 following family of children: William, James, 
 Samuel, John, Mary, Kate, Margaret, Nancy, Rose, 
 Ann, Susan and Robert. At the time of the settle- 
 ment in western Pennsylvania, the land was wild, 
 wolves and other animals yet roaming the forests; 
 and like that of other early settlers, the life of 
 Samuel Meloney was filled with toil, privation 
 and danger. Politically he was actively interested 
 in the success of the Democratic party, and in re- 
 ligion was a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian 
 Church. lie died on the home farm. 
 
 Alexander Meloney was born in the latter part 
 of the eighteenth century, on the pioneer farm in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., where his entire life was 
 passed. He was early inducted into the mysteries 
 of agriculture, assisting with the home work. In 
 early manhood he was united in marriage with 
 .lane, daughter of David McAdams, who bore him 
 two sons, James M. and John (deceased). Alex 
 ander Meloney was a hard-working man, and was 
 actively engaged in the growth and prosperity of 
 the Raccoon Presbyterian Church of Robinson 
 township, of which he was a member. He w#s 
 buried in the Valley Church cemetery. 
 
 James M. Meloney, whose name commences 
 these lines, was born July 25, 1N25, in Finley 
 township, Allegheny county, Penn., and was 
 trained to farm work from early boyhood. He fol- 
 lowed agricultural life for several years, and on 
 June 17, 1849, selected, as his life companion, Isa- 
 bella, daughter of Samuel Eckleson, a native of Ire- 
 and, who came with his parents to America. He 
 was afterward married in this country to Anna Mo 
 i 'ague, and reared the following family of children: 
 Thomas, John, Isabella, Martha, Euphemia, Samuel 
 and Mary A. The father settled in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., where his life was passed. He was 
 
 a Whig and Republican in politics, and in religion 
 a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 In 1871) Mr. Meloney discontinued agricultural 
 work, and opened an undertaking establishment 
 upon his farm. The business soon increased to 
 such proportions that he decided to remove to town 
 and devote his entire attention to it. Accordingly 
 in 1880 the family moved to Midway, this county, 
 where he carried on a very profitable business until 
 1 SOI, when he sold out and retired from active life. 
 For many years Mr. Meloney has been a zealous 
 member of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, hav- 
 ing held nearly all the church offices, and is now 
 filling the various duties of elder, trustee, collector, 
 and treasurer of the Sabbath-school. Politically 
 he is an ardent worker in the ranks of the Demo- 
 cratic party. 
 
 JfOHN HUGHES, retired farmer, is a native 
 of Washington county, Penn., having been 
 born in Atnwell township, May 15, 1821. 
 His grandfather, John Hughes, a native of 
 Ireland, came to the United States when a young 
 man, and participated in the Revolutionary war in 
 the capacity of captain. He married Miss Sarah 
 Wiley, who bore him seven children: Thomas, 
 James, Barnabas, Samuel, John, Annie and Isa- 
 bella. The parents of this family both died in 
 Washington county, and are buried in the Van- 
 Kirk graveyard in Amwell township. 
 
 Barnabas Hughes, third son of Capt. John Hughes, 
 was born in Amwell township, Washington Co., 
 l'enn., where he was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
 attending during a few weeks in winter time the 
 schools of the district. He married Annie Van- 
 Kirk, of his native township, and they had seven 
 children born to them, viz.: James, William, 
 Thomas, John (our subject), Sarah (Mrs. Monin- 
 ger), Mary (Mrs. J. C. Chambers) and Margaret 
 (Mrs. Ross, formerly of Indiana), all now deceased 
 except John. The parents died in Amwell town- 
 ship, the mother at the age of sixty-six years, and 
 the father some years later at the age of eighty-six. 
 They were members of the Christian Church, and 
 in politics Mr. Hughes was for some time a Jack- 
 sonian Democrat, but of later years voted the Re- 
 publican ticket. 
 
 John Hughes, the subject of this sketch, spent 
 his early life on the farm, attending during the 
 winter months the elementary schools of his district, 
 after which ha entered Washington College, from 
 which he graduated in 1843, taking a classical 
 course. He then returned to the farm and renewed 
 his life vocation. He taught school for some time. 
 In 1855 he removed from Amwell township, having 
 bought the Nichol farm in Franklin township, 
 which in 1886 he disposed of, and then moved into 
 the borough of Washington, where he now resides. 
 
.«- > 
 
 *% 
 
 
 : « i\ 
 
 etsti-ijeJ 
 
 MA 
 
 <71?X/i 
 
 7 
 
w. i shwg tox c o i wty. 
 
 1129 
 
 In 1845 Mr. Hughes was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Nichol, of Franklin 
 township, and they had three children born to them: 
 Franklin and Samuel, both of whom died while 
 young, and Mary, living with her parents. The 
 family are members of the Christian Church, in 
 which for forty years Mr. Hughes has been an elder. 
 Politically he was first a Republican, but now votes 
 the straight Prohibition ticket. 
 
 J /AMES M. DAWSON. The family of which 
 this gentleman is a prominent member has 
 | for many years been closely identified with the 
 interests and progress of Union township, the 
 grandfather (James ) having settled here in an early 
 day. The latter was born in Ireland, and on arriv- 
 ing in America came to Pennsylvania. He located 
 on a farm near Pigeon Creek church, in Washing- 
 ton county, where the following children were born 
 to him: John, Mary, Thomas, Matthew, James, 
 Sarah, Jane, Margaret, Elizabeth, Catherine, and 
 William. 
 
 William Dawson, youngest child of James Daw- 
 son, the pioneer, was born October 4, 1800, in the 
 old cabin on Pigeon creek, Washington county, 
 Penn., and his youth was passed amid the hardships 
 arid dangers inseparable from the life of a frontiers- 
 man. In L835 he married Martha Kennedy, ana 
 tive of Mingo, Washington county. After their 
 marriage the young people resided on Pigeon creek 
 until 1847, when they settled on a tract of seventy 
 five acres in Union township, same county. Will- 
 iam Dawson passed away September 1, 1887, having 
 been preceded by his wife, who died June 30, 1883, 
 leaving three children, viz.: Mary J., James M. and 
 Martha A., all of whom are living on the home 
 place. 
 
 ship, this county; Elizabeth, married to Jacob Yohe, 
 of Carroll township, this county; Sarah, wife of 
 Mark Yohe, cousin of Jacob Yohe; Henry, and 
 Jacob. The father died January 13,1834. 
 
 Manuel Stoody grew to manhood on the home 
 farm, and in 184(5 was united in marriage with 
 Mary, daughter of John Jones, a native of Fallow- 
 field township. The following children were born 
 to them: Jacob A., Rachel Ann, Melissa J., Will- 
 iam M. (deceased; he was a graduate of the South- 
 western State Normal School, at California, Penn., 
 and became a prominent teacher in the county), 
 Louella L. (deceased; she also graduated at the 
 Southwestern State Normal School, and afterward 
 at the National School of Elocution and < tratory, 
 at Philadelphia), and John H., a Methodist minis- 
 tor, a graduate of the University of Rochester, X. 
 Y. The mother was called to her long home Sep- 
 tember K, 1889. Mr. Stoody learned and until re- 
 cently followed the carpenter trade, and is now 
 farming on his place, which contains seventy acres 
 of land, situated about six miles south of Monon- 
 gahela, and four miles west of Charleroi. 
 
 ANUEL STOODY is a native of Washing- 
 ton county, having been born in 1821 on 
 the north fork of Pigeon creek, where his 
 -* school days were passed. His father, Jacob 
 Stoody, was born of German ancestry in 
 179S, in Somerset township, this county, and passed 
 his youth on the home farm. When he was a 
 young man, a family moved into the neighborhood 
 from Maryland. Young Stoody soon made the ac- 
 quaintance of Andrew Long, the new-comer, for his 
 pretty daughter Barbara was a most desirable addi- 
 tion to the social circle. Jacob Stoody and Bar- 
 bara Long soon became warm friends, and this in- 
 timacy finally culminated in their marriage. Mrs. 
 Stoody was born in 1801 and died in 1865, leaving 
 the following children: Margaret, wife of Joshua 
 Craven, this county; Rosanna, married to John 
 Guthrie, a farmer of this county; John; Manuel; 
 Mary, wife of James Morrison, of Nottingham town- 
 
 53 
 
 THOMAS M. PATTERSON represents a 
 pioneer family of Washington county, Penn. 
 His grandfather, James Patterson, was born 
 in County Down, Ireland, and received his 
 early education in his native land. At the 
 age of fourteen years he came with his parents to 
 Washington county, Penn., and they settled in 
 Canton township, on the farm now owned by John 
 McClay, erecting their cabin home in the wild 
 woods of the new country. At the age of twenty- 
 six years James Patterson was married to Mary 
 Miller, a native of ( 'hartiers township, and after 
 marriage the young couple settled on the farm in 
 Hopewell township, now owned by Lemon Patter- 
 son (a grandson). Politically, James Patterson was 
 first a Federalist, then a Whig, and next an active 
 worker with the Abolitionists. He was among the 
 earliest members of the Seceder Church at North 
 Buffalo, his parents being also members of that de- 
 nomination; he was a member of and elder in same 
 for fifty years, holding that office at the time of the 
 coalition of the Seceder and Union Churches, and 
 was always very active in church work. He was 
 also successful in business matters, having made 
 his own way in the world. He died in 18B8, in his 
 ninetv-second year, and was buried by the side of 
 his wife in North Buffalo cemetery. They were 
 the parents of the following children: Alexander, 
 Thomas, Margaret ( Mrs. Samuel Leper), Elizabeth 
 (wife of James Richmond), Jane (married to James 
 Armstrong), James, David, Mary (Mrs. Taggart), 
 John and Martha. 
 
 John Patterson, son of James and Mary (Miller) 
 Patterson, was born on the home farm in Hope- 
 
1130 
 
 i I". I SHINQ TON C UNTY. 
 
 well township, this county, receiving his education 
 in a school which was held in the upper story of a 
 log spring house. He was married to Jane, daugh- 
 ter of Thomas McClellan, and they continued to 
 reside on the old place until his death. John Pat- 
 terson was originally an active Whig and Aboli- 
 tionist, afterward becoming an ardent Republican; 
 he was much interested in school matters, and 
 served as school director for years. He was formerly 
 a member of the Seceder Church, but later in life 
 united with the U. P. Church at North Buffalo, 
 contributing liberally to the support of each. Mrs. 
 Patterson is yet living, and makes her home with 
 her son, Lemon. The remains of Mr. Patterson 
 were interred in the cemetery at North Buffalo. 
 
 Thomas M. Patterson, son of John and Jane 
 (McClellan) Patterson, was born April 1, 1853, in 
 Hopewell township, this county, where his early 
 life was passed in attending the public schools, and 
 in working on the farm. When but fourteen years 
 of age he began business for himself, but remained 
 at home some time after reaching maturity. ( )n 
 January 3, 1878, he was united in marriage with Liz- 
 zie. daughter of William Proudfit,of Smith township, 
 this county. For three years after their marriage 
 they remained on a farm in Hopewell township, 
 then moved to another one in the same township, 
 upon which they also lived three years, afterward 
 settling in Burgettstown, Penn., where, they 
 have since resided. The children of Thomas M. 
 and Lizzie (Proudfit) Patterson are John, Willie, 
 Kate, Jennie and Thomas M. In 1891 Mr. Patter- 
 son was nominated by the Republican party for 
 State representative, and was not only elected, but 
 ran ahead of his ticket; he is now filling that posi- 
 tion. He is a member of the U. P. Church of 
 Burgettstown, in which he takes an active interest. 
 
 ILLIAM J. MUNCE, one of the prosper- 
 ous agriculturists of th^ county, whose 
 residence lias been on East Beau street, 
 Washington, since 1889, is a native of 
 Washington county, having been born in South 
 Strabane township in 1818. 
 
 His father, Robert Munce, a native of County 
 Down, Ireland, came to America in 1803, bringing 
 with him his wife, whose maiden name was Mary 
 Quaile. Her father, William Quaile, came to this 
 country and county some years later, and died in 
 North Strabane township at an advanced age. 
 Robert Munce bought a farm in South Strabane 
 township, where, when our subject was but a lad, 
 he died at the age of fifty-four years; his wife sur- 
 vived him several years, dying at the age of seventy- 
 two. They were the parents of the following chil- 
 dren: Thomas, William J., Robert (in North Stra- 
 bane township), Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Jane 
 
 (widow of Robert Games), and Catherine (wife of 
 John McLain, in Texas), all now deceased except 
 William J., Robert, Jane and Catherine. 
 
 William J. Munce was brought up on the old 
 home farm, which is situated three miles northeast 
 of Washington, receiving his education at the 
 schools of the neighborhood. After his parents' 
 death he married Elizabeth Miller, daughter of 
 Hugh Miller, who came from Ireland in 1854, and 
 died in Washington, this county, as did also his 
 wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Munce nine children were 
 born: Robert, Miller and Samuel (all on farms), 
 Russell, James, Edward, Mary, and William and 
 David (both of whom died when young). One of 
 Mr. Munce's three farms lies in the oil belt, and 
 comprises 630 acres in one body. Politically, our 
 subject is a Republican, but is not now active in 
 his party. 
 
 JLLIAM DkGARMO, who for fourscore 
 years was a resident of Washington 
 county, was a grandson of Paul DeGarmo, 
 a Frenchman, who immigrated to America 
 and died in Washington county, Penn. 
 
 Jacob DeGarmo, father of subject, was a na- 
 tive of the Keystone State, and was united in 
 marriacre with Hannah Ames, who was born in 
 171*0, a daughter of Joshua Ames, a shoemaker by 
 trade. She became the mother of fourteen chil- 
 dren, viz.: Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Hannah, 
 John, Mary, Martin Smith, Absalom, Jacob John- 
 son, . I abez G iff ord, Maria ( wife of William Bell), 
 Hiram, Jerome and an infant diughter, twelve of 
 whom lived to maturity. Jacob J., Jabez G. and 
 Maria are in WestVirginia. She died in 1882. One 
 son, Hiram, entered the "Ringgold Battalion," and 
 served three years under Capt. Gibson. 
 
 William DeGarmo, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was born December 11, 1810, in Pennsylva- 
 nia, and was two years of age when his parents 
 moved to Washington comtity, where he was 
 reared and educated. On April 15, 1830, he was 
 married to Elizabeth Case, a native of this county, 
 daughter of Stephen Case, who died when she was 
 a child, and their children were Julia A., wife of 
 Isaac Hartman (she died July 3, 1801, leaving one 
 child, six weeks old, named Lizzie, whose home 
 was afterward made with her grandparents; her 
 father married, for his second wife, Adeline Dague, 
 who bore him two children: ( 1 harles Lindsey and 
 Anna May; the father died about the year 1872); 
 Hannah, Mrs. Thomas Lytle, of Nottingham town- 
 ship; Elizabeth, married to M. Hartley, of Am- 
 well township; Lucinda, wife of Adam Fergus, of 
 Somerset township; and Maria, who all her lifetime 
 remained at home with her parents, caring for them 
 in their declining years, and now that they are 
 gone, her niece and herself remain at the old home 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1131 
 
 which has been left to her by her father. On Sep- 
 tember 6, 1892, Mrs. DeGarmo passed from earth 
 at the age of eighty-three years, and six months 
 later, Feb. 28, 1893, her husband, at the same ad- 
 vanced age, followed her over the "dark river." 
 They had been married nearly sixty-three years. 
 Mr. DeGarmo was a Democrat and had filled sev- 
 eral local offices. They commenced life in a very 
 humble way, and all their possessions were accum- 
 ulated by hard work and judicious economy. Mr. 
 DeGarmo in addition to his farming persuits made 
 many sleds out of the roots of trees, and this in- 
 dustry he followed in connection with agriculture 
 till his eyesight began to fail him. He was gen- 
 erally in the enjoyment of good health, was of 
 medium size and at the time of his death his hair 
 and beard were as white as the driven snow. The 
 old homestead contains sixty acres of prime land. 
 
 THEODORE M. BYERS, a leading dry-goods 
 merchant of Monongahela, is a native of the 
 Keystone State, born November 15, 1852, 
 in Allenport, Washington county, as son of 
 Robert C. and Emily F. (Churchman) Byers. 
 
 Our subject received a liberal education at the 
 common schools of his native town, and early in 
 life commenced gaining an insight into the mer- 
 cantile business in his father's drug store, where he 
 remained several years, completely mastering that 
 line of trade. On the death of his brother Edward 
 I., he took his drug store, which had but recently 
 been stocked, intending to close out the business; 
 but after a time concluded to continue it. By 
 energy and close attention to business he succeeded 
 beyond his most sanguine expectations. In 1880 he 
 embarked in his present enterprise, the dry-goo Is 
 business in which he is successfully engaged. 
 
 On August 8, 1883, Mr. Byers was married to 
 Arrnes J., daughter of James Cline, of Nebraska. 
 Mr. Byers is an active Republican in his political 
 predilections, and in religion is a member of the M. 
 E. Church, in which be has served as steward, and 
 of the Sabbath-school of which he has been super- 
 intendent eleven years. Socially he is a member 
 of Lodge No. 337, F. & A. M., Monongahela, of 
 the Royal Arch, Chapter 249, and of St. Otner 
 Oommandery No. 7 K. T. Mr. Byers is enterpris- 
 ing and progressive, genial in his manner and pop- 
 ular among his many friends with whom he has 
 surrounded himself. 
 
 AMUEL DUNN (deceased) was born in 
 1817, in County Down, Ireland, where he 
 received his education, and learned and fol- 
 lowed the trade of a weaver. In 1811 he 
 was united in marriage with Miss Grace Campbell, 
 who was born in 1819, in County Down, Ireland, a 
 
 daughter of William and Grace (Smith) Campbell, 
 the former of whom was a merchant there. 
 
 In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dunn, casting 
 their eyes to the Western World, embarked at Bel- 
 fast, Ireland, on the ocean steamer " Enterprise," 
 and a few weeks later landed at New York. With 
 but' little capital to invest, the young people suc- 
 ceeded in making their way successfully, although 
 strangers in a strange land, and finally located at 
 McDonald, in Washington county, Penn. Samuel 
 Dunn remained there as a tenant for some time, 
 when, having saved a considerable amount from 
 his hard-earned savings, he bought some land at 
 Centre (now known as Midway), in Smith town- 
 ship, and followed teaming, hauling coal, etc. 
 With the assistance of his faithful wife, who was 
 both economical and industrious, he made a fair 
 income, and was able to save some money from his 
 daily profits. On April 30, 1880, he was laid to 
 rest. Mrs. Dunn is now living a retired life, in the 
 enjoyment of the respect and good wishes of the 
 entire community. She is a consistent member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, as was also her 
 deceased husband. 
 
 dM. M< K )RE, M. D., a popular physician of 
 Midway, Penn., is the eldest son of .1. S. 
 Moore, of Cecil township, this county. Dr. 
 .1. M. Moore was born March 26, 1861, in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county, and received his 
 early education in the common schools of the day. 
 He then entered ( 'anonsburg Academy, where he 
 remained three years, meanwhile paying his way 
 by employment outside of school hours. The young 
 student soon decided to follow the life of a physi- 
 cian, and thus far he and the patients who have 
 been under his care may congratulate themselves 
 that such was his choice. Every man is undoubt- 
 edly adapted to some particular vocation, and that 
 I >r. Moore has taken the vocation best suited to 
 his talents is demonstrated by the laurels he has 
 already won as a healer of bodily infirmities. He 
 commenced his medical studies under the direction 
 of Dr. J. II. Christy, of Paris, from whom he ob- 
 tained a thorough and practical knowledge of the 
 medical science. In 1883 he entered Cleveland 
 Medical College, graduating February 25, 1885. 
 He then began his professional career at Florence, 
 a small town in Hanover township, this county, 
 where he remained six years, thjnce moving to his 
 present home in Midway, this county, many of his 
 former patients yet coming from Florence to him. 
 Dr. Moore has a large and lucrative practice, and 
 enjoys the confidence of all who know him. 
 
 < )n September 23, 1886, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary, daughter of Robert McCready, of 
 Hanover township, this county, and one daughter 
 has been born to them, Ola Winifred, 
 
L132 
 
 WASHING TOy COLWTY. 
 
 In church relationship the Doctor is a zealous 
 worker in and devoted member of the United Pres 
 byterian Church. Politically he was formerly a 
 Republican, but since the temperance question 
 arose has been an advocate of Prohibition. 
 
 OBERT McCREADY is a representative of 
 an old and well-known family. His grand- 
 father, Alexander McCready, was born 
 about 17(50, in Ireland, where he married 
 
 Sarah , who was born in 1758. He 
 
 learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. In 
 17S(> he sailed for America, and six months after 
 his arrival, after making the necessary arrange- 
 ments, he sent for his wife. While Mrs. McCready 
 was on the ocean her eldest daughter were born. 
 Soon after the family was united in this country 
 they came to Washington county, Penn., locat- 
 ing in Burgettstown, where Alexander worked 
 at his trade and other employment. He assisted 
 in digging the race for the old mill which used to 
 stand southeast of Burgettstown, known as " Mc- 
 Farland's Mill," and for doing his work received 
 seventy-five acres of land in Smith township. 
 He removed to this farm, and passed the remaining 
 days of his life in agricultural pursuits. He was a 
 Whig in politics. He died February 24, 18150, his 
 wife on May '25, 1847, and they were buried in the 
 U. P. cemetery of Burgettstown, Penn. They left 
 the following children: Ann (Mrs. John Maxwell), 
 Alexander, John, William, Robert, Rebecca (wife 
 of John Custard), and Mary (Mrs. White), all now 
 deceased. 
 
 Robert McCready was born in 1801, near Bur- 
 gettstown, Penn., where he attended the rate schools 
 of that period, and learning the shoemaker's trade, 
 followed it in Burgettstown. In early life he was 
 married to Mary Reed, who was born in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., in 1797. The young couple lived a 
 short time in Burgettstown, thence moving to Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., where he worked at his trade, and 
 later conducted a hotel on Smithfield street, oppo- 
 site the present site of the " Monongahela House." 
 In 1840 he left Pittsburgh and returned to Burgetts- 
 town. In 1842 he removed to Hanlin Station, 
 Washington county, and there passed the remain- 
 der of his life. In politics he was a lifelong Dem- 
 ocrat. He died in 1872, his wife having crossed 
 the river October IT), 1859, and both were buried 
 in the U. P. cemetery at Paris. Their children 
 were as follows: Sarah Jane (Mrs. Lewis Saxton, of 
 Pittsburgh); Alexander (who died in Brooke 
 county, W. Va.); Robert (our subject); Margaret 
 Ann (Mrs. William Beall, of Hanover township); 
 and Mary E. (married to James Gibson). 
 
 Robert McCready was born December 10, 1833, 
 in Pittsburgh, Penn. When but a small boy his 
 parents removed to Harliu Station, Washington 
 
 county, where he was educated: he learned the 
 trade of a shoemaker. On March 24, 1859, he was 
 married to Elizabeth Gibson, who was born No- 
 vember 16, 1836, daughter of Robert and Jane 
 (• unningham) Gibson, of Hanover township, a 
 representative of one of the oldest families in the 
 vicinity. The following children have been horn 
 to Robert and Elizabeth McCready: Mary (wife of 
 Dr. J. M. Moore, of Midway, Perm.); Jennie V. 
 (Mrs. John McConnell, of Hanover township |; 
 Luella (at home); Robert D. (a clerk at McDon- 
 ald, Penn.); James A. and George G. (both living 
 with their parents ). Mr. and Mrs. McCready began 
 wedded life on the place near Hanlin Station, 
 where be worked at his trade, then went to Brooke 
 county, W. Va., thence coming to Jefferson town- 
 ship, this county. He erected a home on a small 
 piece of land which he had purchased in Jefferson 
 township, residing there till 1S72, then settled on 
 his present piece of excellent farming land, called 
 the " old Gibson homestead," in Hanover township. 
 He has ever since resided on this tract, being en- 
 gaged in general farming, small-fruit growing, 
 stock raising and the dairy business, prospering in 
 each department. He votes with the Democratic 
 party, and in religion both he and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the U. P. Church. 
 
 P^REER M.ILVAIN. The Mcllvain family 
 were originally natives of New Jersey, 
 where the grandfather (also named Greer 
 Mcllvain) was born and reared to manhood. 
 Over a century has rolled away since he, 
 with his brother George, first came to Washington 
 county, Penn., and locating on a farm in Somerset 
 township, died there at an advanced age. 
 
 Greer Mcllvain, son of the pioneer, Greer, was 
 born October 14, 1793, on the farm in Somerset 
 township, Washington county, Penn. He attended 
 the subscription schools and passed his entire life 
 in that township. There he married Jane, daugh- 
 ter of Robert C.Campbell. The latter was of Scotch- 
 | Irish ancestry, and took part in the Revolutionary 
 
 war. In early life he was married to a Miss Pax 
 I ton, and they were early settlers of this county. 
 The father died in 1840, at the age of ninety-eight 
 years, followed by his wife in her 105th year. 
 'I'c Mr. and Mrs. Mcllvain were born Eliza, 
 widow of John Kerr, of Butler county, Penn., and 
 mother of R^v. G. M. Kerr; Martha, now living 
 with her relatives in Illinois, formerly resided with 
 her father until his death; Mrs. Margaret Clark, a 
 widow, living in Illinois; Mrs. Jane Greenlee, also 
 a resident of Illinois; Mary Ann, deceased in 1855; 
 R. C, a prominent agriculturist of Somerset town- 
 ship; and Greer. The father was a stanch supporter 
 of the Republican party, having taken an active 
 interest in all public matters. In religion he was a 
 
> ■-> 
 
 -yi^^^- iS^u? t/cinx^u^^ 
 
WASHING TON CO UXTY. 
 
 L13-: 
 
 member and elder of the Presbyterian Church, with 
 which his wife and daughters were also identified. 
 He died in June, 1889, at the age of ninety-six years. 
 Greer Mcllvain, son of Greer and Jane, was born 
 October 13, 1825, on the home farm in Somerset 
 township. He attended some time at the subscrip- 
 tion and public schools, and assisted his father with 
 the uuties of the farm for several years after attain- 
 ing his majority. He was married November 14, 
 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of F. H. Williams, a 
 native of Fallowfield township, and a member of an 
 old family. In 1861 Mr. Mcllvain came to his 
 present home in Carroll township, which is a beau- 
 tiful farm of 150 acres, bounded on the east by the 
 Monongahela river. lie yet superintends the care 
 of the place, and has been a very enterprising citi- 
 zen. He is a Republican, and was in the Revenue 
 service nine years during the administrations 
 of Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Mcllvain are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. Their children are Francis William, liv- 
 ing in Charleroi, Washington county; Mary Vir- 
 ginia, at home; .lames Kdgar, a lumberman of 
 Pittsburgh; Charles G., a rising attorney of Pitts- 
 burgh and Monongahela; Ida Jane and Rose Ella, 
 living on the home place. 
 
 JOSEPH H. LITTLE, M. D. In the year L066 
 William the Conqueror, with his horde of Nor- 
 mans, effected a landing in England, and at 
 the battle of Hastings asserted his claim to 
 the throne of England. Of the many thousands of 
 descendants to-day of the Norman heroes the only 
 family in Ireland who can claim direct lineage are 
 the Littles, of whom the subject of this sketch is a 
 member. 
 
 Moses Little, his grandfather, was born in County 
 Down, Ireland, whence, when a younw man, he 
 emigrated to this country, settling in Washington 
 county, Penn., where he purchased land in Stra- 
 bane (now South Strabane) township. At that 
 time Virginia still claimed jurisdiction over this sec- 
 tion of the country, and the land was only partly im- 
 proved. Wild animals were numerous, and neigh- 
 bors had long distances to go through the dense 
 forest to visit each other. Moses Little's first 
 home on his settlement was made of logs, but that 
 has long since given place to modern improve- 
 ments, and all that is now left of the surroundings 
 of those primitive days is the ever-living spring of 
 water which flowed near the door of the old log 
 house. Here, in Washington county, Mr. Little 
 married Margaret Locke, who had come from Ire- 
 land in the same ship he did. They were the par- 
 ents of four children, viz.: John, who died in 
 Franklin, Venango Co., Penn.; David, who died 
 in South Strabane township, Washington Co., 
 Penn.; Moses, father of Dr. Little, and Mary, 
 
 deceased wife of Zach. Reynolds (their son, Squire 
 D. L. Reynolds, is now a resident of South Stra- 
 bane township). 
 
 Moses Little, the third son of Moses and Mar- 
 garet (Locke) Little, was born in 1800, on a farm 
 in what is now South Strabane township, atid was 
 there reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1823 he 
 was united in marriage with Miss Xancy, daughter 
 of Joseph Harris, of Amwell township, this county, 
 and the children born to them were Eni»line (still 
 living); Margaret, widow of Samuel W. Melvin 
 (deceased), and the mother of two children — 
 Alice and Anna; John H., a farmer in South Stra- 
 bane township; Leroy Woods, who practiced law 
 in Washington, Penn., and died in 1873, leaving 
 a widow but no children; Dr. Joseph H. and 
 Moses, living in Washington. The father died of 
 heart disease November 11, 1875, on the farm now 
 owned bv his son Moses. He began life quite a 
 poor boy, having been disinherited by his father 
 for some imaginary trivial offense, but he made a 
 success. At one time he was coroner of the coun- 
 ty, and he was an elder in the Cumberland Pres- 
 byterian Church. The mother died in 1879 at the 
 age of eighty-four years. 
 
 Joseph H. Little was born in Amwell township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. (on the line of South Stra- 
 bane township), May 6, 1835, and grew to man- 
 hood on the farm, sharing in the many duties 
 incident to agricultural life. His primary educa- 
 tion was received at the common schools of the 
 neighborhood, and later he attended select schools, 
 after which he entered Washington College, where 
 he took a classical course. On June 21, 1855, on 
 completion of the college course, he received the 
 degree of A. B.; in June, 1858, the degree of 
 A. M. from the same institution; in March, 1859, 
 M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and 
 February 22, 1861, Ad Eundem degree of M. D. 
 from Columbia University, Washington, D. C. 
 During his vacations he taught school, whereby he 
 acquired means to enable him to prosecute his 
 studies and aid him through his course. Having 
 completed his studies, our subject was then ap- 
 pointed principal of Blairsville Academy, in Indi- 
 ana county, Penn., which incumbency he filled one 
 year, and then received the appointment of prin- 
 cipal of the academy at West Alexander, this 
 county. While at Blairsville he commenced the 
 study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. 
 J. W. Answalt, of that place, afterward continuing 
 same under Dr. John Wishart & Son, of Washing- 
 ton, this county. He began the practice of his 
 profession in Allegheny county, Penn., residing 
 one year at Library, that State, and then proceeded 
 to Washington, D. C, to fill the position of resi- 
 dent physician at a hospital, receiving the appoint- 
 ment under President Buchanan. Here he re- 
 mained until March, 1861, when he again came to 
 
L136 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 West Alexander, and commenced practice. He 
 had planned to go to North Carolina, but the 
 breaking out of the Rebellion caused him to 
 change his plans. In West Alexander he re- 
 mained some thirteen years, or until 1874, in which 
 year, owing to his father's failing health, he came 
 into the borough of Washington, where he has 
 since remained, successfully practicing his chosen 
 profession. The Doctor has been a busy man, his 
 ride extending far and wide in the county, and 
 even beyond, no weather ever being too cold or 
 stormy, and no night at any time too dark or dis- 
 agreeable to prevent him from speeding on his 
 mission of humanity. His practice is a general 
 one, and he has been eminently successful in all 
 branches. His library is replete with modern 
 works, for the Doctor, busy as he is, finds time to 
 drink of the Pierian spring, and he keeps well 
 abreast witli the times. 
 
 On .March 26, L862, 1 >r. Little was married to 
 Margaret Ann, daughter of Harvey Wadsworth, of 
 Allegheny county, of English descent. By this 
 union there is one son, George B., now a druggist 
 at Greensburgh, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Polit- 
 ically Dr. Little is a Democrat, and in 1870 he ran 
 for the State Legislature, but the District being 
 Republican he was defeated. Socially he is a 
 member of the Masonic Fraternity, and of the 
 Second Presbyterian Church at Washington. The 
 Doctor is possessed of a remarkably rugged con- 
 stitution, and is endowed with robust health. He 
 would frequently be engaged in harvest work dur- 
 ing the day, overseeing the hands, and then at 
 night be riding over the country, visiting his 
 numerous patients. The residence of Dr. Joseph 
 H. Little is No. 215 South Main street, in the bor- 
 ough of Washington. 
 
 DR. A. LkGRAND RUNION, a successful and 
 \ popular physician of Canonsburg, Penn., is 
 I a representative of an old and prominent 
 pioneer family of Pennsylvania. His ances- 
 tors were among the number of persecuted French 
 Huguenots, whose wrongs have been so graphically 
 pictured in the immortal lines of Longfellow's 
 
 " Evangeline." 1 >urinu; the Humienot troubles in 
 
 o n ... 
 
 Europe, the family went to Bavaria, and in the lat- 
 ter part of the eighteenth century one Richard 
 Runion, leaving his native land, came to America, 
 locating in New Jersey. Prior to his immigration 
 he had married a young countrywoman, Margaret 
 •lensenie, who bore him children as follows: Charles, 
 Richard (a soldier in the war of 1812, and buried 
 nt Meadville), Jonathan, Rachel (buried at Bed- 
 ford, Penn. ), and Sarah (buried at Carlisle, Penn. ). 
 The father was a plasterer by trade; in church re- 
 lation he was a Seceder. 
 
 Charles Runion, son of Richard and Margaret 
 Runion, was born in New Jersey, and passed his 
 boyhood on the home place. lie learned the plas- 
 terer's trade, and followed that vocation throughout 
 life, lie married Martha Moorehead, a native 
 Chambersburg, Penn., and their children were: 
 Richard, William C. ( a resident of Carrollton, 
 Ohio), Charles S., Jonathan, Wallace, Margaret 
 ( widow of George F. Kennedy, who was a captain 
 in the war of the Rebellion, and died from the ef- 
 fects of wounds received in the battle of the Wilder- 
 ness), Mary, Martha ( wife of Isaac Harsh), and 
 Rebecca (married to Hugh McCart). Of this fam- 
 ily Richard, William 0., Jonathan and Margaret 
 are yet living. Mr. and Mrs. Runion moved to 
 West Middletown, Penn., some years after their 
 marriage, remaining there three years, then went 
 to Carrollton, Ohio, where he died. 
 
 Richard Runion was born May 15, 181 ( J, in Cham- 
 bersburg, Penn., where his boyhood was passed. 
 He then learned the saddler's trade in Carrollton, 
 < )hio, following that business nine years, and after- 
 ward entered a general store, retiring from busi- 
 ness in 1869. When a young man he was united 
 in marriage with Dorothy Prosser, a resident of 
 Carrollton, Ohio, and live children were born to 
 their marriage, namely: A. LeGrand, Etta (wife of 
 George A. Cams), Viola, Florence and Martha. 
 Mr. Runion has been a Whig and Republican, hav- 
 ing served as a member of the council and trustee 
 of Canonsburg. His wife died March 2, 1892. 
 
 Dr. A. LeGrand Runion was born September lti, 
 1850, in Carrollton, Carroll Co., Ohio. He re- 
 mained at home until eighteen years of age, then 
 worked eleven months in a printing office at Salem, 
 Columbiana Co., Ohio, afterward entering the Free 
 Press office in Carrollton, same State. In Novem- 
 ber, 1872, he entered the employ of T. M. Potts, 
 Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., with whom 
 he remained until the autumn of 1874. On June 
 2, 1874, he selected as a helpmeet Nancy E., daugh- 
 ter of Howe Dunlap. After their marriage the 
 young couple resided one year in Martin's Ferry, 
 Belmont Co., Ohio, and he then took a course at 
 the Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. After leaving 
 this, Dr. Runion followed the drug business for 
 four months in Sharon, Mercer Co., Penn., then 
 opened a drug store in Canonsburg, this county. 
 He resided here two years, studying medicine, and 
 teaching chemistry and physiology in Jefferson 
 Academy. At the end of that time he took a 
 three months' course of study in the Homcepathic 
 Medical College, followed by two years at the 
 Western Pennsylvania Medical College, receiving 
 his degree in March, 1888. During his course at 
 the Medical College he was the assistant of the 
 resident physician of the Allegheny County Gen- 
 eral Hospital, and after graduation located in 
 Cmonsburg, where he has achieved a well earned 
 
WASHINGTON COUXTY. 
 
 113" 
 
 reputation as a skillful and intelligent physician, 
 having a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Runion 
 has made a special study of pathology, bacteriolo- 
 gy and microscopy. Politically he is a Republi- 
 can, and in church connection a zealous member 
 of the Chartiers U. P. Society. 
 
 G'i LINTON TBEPLE was born March 28, 1841, 
 in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 |j He is a grandson of Isaac Teeple, who was 
 born August 1, 1760, in the State of New 
 Jersey. 
 
 At the age of seventeen years Isaac Teeple came 
 to Washington county, Penn., locating at Columbia, 
 in "Horseshoe Bottom" (so called by the Indians), 
 Carroll township. On November 22, 1788, he 
 married Catherine Castner, who was born January 
 24, 1772, a member of one of the earliest families. 
 The young pair began wedded life on a new farm 
 in Carroll township, where he erected a log cabin 
 and conducted one of the first distilleries in that 
 locality, a business he followed throughout life in 
 connection with farming. He was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics voted with the 
 Democratic party. The names and dates of birth 
 of the children of this couple are as follows: Jere- 
 miah, October 26, 1790; Christopher and Peter, 
 August 6, 1792; Mary, September 1, 1794; Joseph, 
 December 13, 1797; Elijah, January 7, 1799; El- 
 zath, February 27, 1801 ; Isaac, February 1 1, 1803; 
 Michael, May 9, 180,"); Katie, March 29, 1807; 
 Christina, April 12, 1809; Susanna, October 20, 
 1811; and Teresa, April 4, 1814. The father died 
 September 17, 1828, followed by Mrs. Teeple Jan- 
 uary 9, 1849, and both were buried in the cemetery 
 at Monongahela City. 
 
 Michael Teeple, father of subject, was born 
 on the old homestead in Carroll township, and at- 
 tended the subscription schools of the neighborhood 
 until thirteen years of age. In early manhood he 
 married Eliza .)., daughter of Jesse Montra, of 
 Monongahela City, and they had four children, viz.: 
 Jesse, Clinton, Thomas B., and Catherine 15., wife 
 of R. B. Fry. During his earlier life Mr. Teeple 
 conducted a distillery, but after the death of his 
 parents he devoted his entire attention to farming 
 and stock raising. He was a very industrious, en- 
 terprising man, and was ever interested in public 
 questions, especially those pertaining to religious 
 or educational progress. In politics he was an ac- 
 tive supporter of the Democratic party, and was 
 equally zealous in upholding the Presbyterian 
 Church, with which he was identified. He died 
 November 6, 1874, followed by his wife March 4, 
 1883, and both are buried in the cemetery at Mo- 
 nongahela City. 
 
 Clinton Teeple passed his early youth at home, 
 receiving a common-school education. In 1862 he 
 
 enlisted in Company E, Twenty-sacond Pennsyl- 
 vania Cavalry. After his term of service had ex- 
 pired he re-enlisted and remained until the close of 
 the war, having participated in all the battles of 
 his regiment. He entered as a private, and was 
 first promoted to the rank of orderly sergeant, in 
 which position he remained eighteen months, then 
 became second lieutenant. He was at the battle 
 of Winchester during Sheridan's famous ride, had 
 two horses shot from under him, and was under fire 
 fifty-two times. He was mustered out June 9, 
 1865, and returned home to Washington county, 
 Penn. On February 15, 1867, Mr. Teeple married 
 Margaret A., daughter of William Wickerham, and 
 they first located on a farm in East Bethlehem 
 township, this county, then lived on another farm 
 for six months, after which thev came to the 
 home place. In 1875 they went to Lucas county, 
 Iowa, but returned to the old place two years later, 
 where they have since resided. Mr. Teeple is a 
 Democrat, but votes independently; is a member of 
 the G. A. R., Post 60; also of the F. & A. M. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Teeple have three children, viz.: Nannie 
 B., wife of Charles 0. Weaver; C. C. W., and Ger- 
 trude M. 
 
 AMUEL B. LINDLEY, one of the success- 
 ful business men of Claysville, is a grandson 
 of Philip Lindley, who was a native of the 
 State of New Jersey, which had been the 
 home of the family for many generations. Philip 
 Lindley was married four times, and had six chil- 
 dren. He learned the trade of a gunsmith, which 
 he followed the greater part of his life. When the 
 country was wild and inhabited only by Indians he 
 came to Washington county, Penn., and amid the 
 forests of Morris township selected a small tract of 
 land, to which he afterward added, and on which he 
 erected a cabin home. He was a soldier in the 
 Revolution, and served under Washington till the 
 close of the war. While in one battle he was struck 
 by a bullet, which inflicted a painful, but not a 
 dangerous wound, and as they dare not probe for 
 it, the leaden missile remained with him, a relic of 
 those days of hardship and danger. Mr. Lindley 
 was an earnest, energetic citizen, and in politics he 
 was a Democrat. 
 
 Lewis Lindley was born in the pioneer home in 
 Morris township, Washington county, and received 
 a limited education in the subscription schools. In 
 early manhood he was united in marriage with 
 Bethany, daughter of Bethuel Day, and the follow- 
 ing children were born to their union: Lucretia 
 (Mrs. Daniel McAllister), Caleb, Stephen, Blachly, 
 Lucinda ( Mrs. Isaac Condit), Samuel B., Hannah 
 (Mrs. Andrew Squier), Cordelia (Mrs. Leonard 
 Baker), Parmelia (Mrs. Colin Andrew), and Elias D. 
 Mr. Lewis Lindley was interested in all public 
 
1138 
 
 WASHINGTON I OUNTlt. 
 
 movements, and in politics was a Democrat. He 
 died in the year 1860, and was soon followed by 
 his faithful wife. 
 
 Samuel B. Lindley was born in .Morris township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and received a good edu- 
 cation in the common schools. In 1841 he came 
 to ( 'laysville, Donegal township, and served an ap- 
 prenticeship of two and a half years with Daniel 
 Kirk, a harness and saddle maker. He afterward 
 remained a year or two in the employ of Mr. Kirk, 
 doing the work of a journeyman. He then went to 
 West Finley township, this county, where he re- 
 mained two years, thence to Greene county, same 
 State, and lived there two years. He then engaged 
 in the milling' business at Lone Pine, Washing-ton 
 county, and three years later purchased a farm in 
 West Finley township, residing upon it twelve 
 years. Finally he settled in his present home in 
 i 'laysville. In early life he married Isabella — 
 who bore him two children: Lewis and Lucretia 
 i Mrs. Russell). For his second wife he was united 
 in marriage with Margaret Laird, and she also had 
 two children: Eliza ( Mrs. Theodore Bell ) and John 
 K. His third wife was Mary Alexander, and to 
 their union were born children as follows: Alexan- 
 der, Mary Margaret ( Mrs. Dr. McDough), Mont- 
 ville, Elias D., Luther D., Laura L. and Mary. 
 For his fourth wife he married Mrs. Mary Hender- 
 shot, and they have two daughters: Bessie and 
 Cordelia C. . 
 
 On August 8, 1862, Mr. Lindley enlisted in Com- 
 pany K, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cav- 
 alry, and served throughout the war in the army of 
 the Potomac. Before the war he was a Democrat, 
 but since that time has voted the Republican ticket. 
 
 f*r AMUEL TAGGART. Among the well- 
 known and influential husbandmen of Char- 
 tiers township our subject is prominently 
 identified, occupying a leading position 
 among the agricultural and business men. He is 
 descended from an old and well-known pioneer 
 family of Washington county. 
 
 James Taggart, the earliest ancestor of whom we 
 have an authentic record, was born in Ireland and 
 immigrated to America, locating first in Phila- 
 delphia, where he was married to Margaret Fer- 
 guson, and in 1784 moved to Washington county. 
 settling on a farm in Canton township. He was a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, being the first 
 trustee elected in Washington county, and the 
 organization is yet in existence, having passed its 
 centennial. He and his wife both died in Canton 
 township many years ago. 
 
 .1 ames Taggart was born on the home farm in 
 t 'anton township, and selected a life companion in 
 the person of Martha Fergus, who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: Margaret ( wife of Dr. McCall, of 
 
 Cambridge, Ohio), Thomas (deceased in 1836), 
 James (living in Canton township), Samuel, Sarah 
 (wife of John McClay, Canton township), Rebecca, 
 William, John and Mary. Of these children James 
 and Samuel are the only ones now living. William, 
 John and Mary died of scarlet fever. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Taggart settled on a farm in Canton township. 
 He was an early member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and in politics was an ardent Democrat, 
 being actively interested in county matters. James 
 Taggart died in this county .August tiO, 1863, his 
 wife having preceded him many years. 
 
 Samuel Taggart, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was born May 5, 1826, on the home place 
 in ( 'anton township, this county, and received his 
 early education in the township schools. In 1849 
 he married Jemima Hannah Kyle, a native of Harri- 
 son county, Ohio, and daughter of William Kyle. 
 Mr. Kyle was born in Ireland, and came to America 
 when but a boy, settling in Harrison county, Ohio, 
 where he married a native of Mercer county, Penn., 
 and where he followed farming and died about 
 1 863. His wife had passed away some years before. 
 After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Taggart settled 
 in Chartiers township, on 160 acres of land, which 
 contained a good gas well. He has put down 
 another well since purchasing the farm, besides 
 making various other improvements. Mrs. Taggart 
 died in 1862, leaving one daughter, Jennie ( wife 
 of < (soar Wilson, of Canton township), and in 1866 
 Mr. Taggart married Elizabeth Allison, a daughter 
 of John and Ann (Paxton) Allison, the former a 
 native of Washington county, the latter of Mercer 
 county, Penn.; they settled jn this county at an 
 early day. Of this union two children were born, 
 both of whom died in infancy, and the mother fol- 
 lowed them in 1869. In 1887 Mr. Taggart married 
 Mary E. Seaman, daughter of Alexander and Mar- 
 garet (Daggs) Seaman, natives of this county. The 
 father died in 1886, the mother a short time before. 
 Mr. Taggart is an active worker in the Republican 
 party, and has held various offices, such as member 
 of the school board, supervisor, and other offices of 
 trust and responsibility. 
 
 d|ACOP. MILLER. 
 Heaven is not readied by a single bound; 
 We build the ladder by which we rise, 
 Prom the lowly earth to the vaulted skies 
 And we mount to its summit round by round. 
 
 Never were words more true than is the 
 poetic declaration just quoted; true in regard to 
 the heavenly life, and equally applicable to our 
 struggles for earthly success. Holland pos- 
 sessed a wonderful knowledge of human nature, as 
 is evinced in every line of his writing, which never 
 fails to find an answering chord in the heart of the 
 
t% 
 
 &#/£suuuj>^ ^{kJ? q asOU 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1141 
 
 reader. The really successful business men are 
 those who have mounted " round by round" to the 
 summit of their lives, pausing not to moan over the 
 hardships by the way, but ever climbing higher 
 " act to the living present, heart within and God 
 o'erhead." Of such material is the gentleman 
 whose name opens this biography. 
 
 His father, Charles Miller, was born and reared 
 in Germany, receiving an education in the schools 
 of his native land. When nineteen years of age, 
 Charles Miller bade farewell to the Fatherland, and 
 turned his face to the shores of America. After 
 bis arrival he first located in Pennsylvania, and was 
 married in Lancaster county to Elizabeth Getlmo- 
 cher, a lady of German descent, and they reared 
 a family of sixteen children. He was a weaver by 
 trade, following that vocation until 1827, when he 
 came to Washington county and opened a tavern. 
 He was a prosperous man, and in politics a member 
 of the Democratic party. He died in 1846. 
 
 Jacob Miller was born November 22, 1819, near 
 Baltimore, Md., ;md passed his youth at home, re- 
 ceiving a country-school education. In 1835 he 
 came to Washington county and commenced the 
 tanners' trade with N. F. Brobst, remaining four 
 and one-half years. On July 1, 184U, he was 
 united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Simon 
 Wolf, and to this union were born eleven children, 
 two of whom are deceased. Mr. Miller began life 
 on a salary of $5.00 per week, and at the time of 
 his marriage had $40.00 with which to meet his new 
 responsibilities. In 1844 he opened a tin and stove 
 store on Main street, being also engaged in roofing. 
 He retired from business in 1887, having accumu- 
 lated an independent competence. He was one of 
 the incorporators of the Gas Company, and also of 
 the Natural Gas Company of Washington, and has 
 ever been interested in all public enterprises. In 
 politics he is an Independent Democrat, and in re- 
 ligious faith a member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 OBERT McMILLAN is a son of Robert 
 McMillan, whose parents were natives of 
 Ireland, and came to America many years 
 ago. Robert McMillan, the father, was 
 born in 1751, in York county, Penn., where 
 he learned the trade of cloth-dressing. He moved 
 to Beaver county, Penn., and there followed his 
 trade for several years, finally settling on a farm in 
 Washington county, Penn. In early manhood he 
 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Thompson, 
 who was born in 1751, near Canonsburg, Washing- 
 ington county. They were the parents of three 
 children, of whom Robert was the eldest. The 
 father died in 1833; his wife had preceded him in 
 1814. 
 
 Robert McMillan was born in 1808, in Fallow- 
 field township, Washington Co., Penn., and in 
 
 1837 was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ben- 
 nett, who was born in IS 12, in Fayette county, 
 Penn. She died in 1805, leaving the following 
 children: Leander, who served for three years in 
 the Civil war, in the Twenty-sixth Illinois Regi- 
 ment (he took part in the battle of Shiloh, was in 
 Sherman's march to the sea, and in various other 
 engagements; he was shot in the shoulder, and died 
 of disease contracted in the service); Harvey, who 
 also served three years in the Twenty-sixth Illinois 
 Regiment (he was sick for two years, being con- 
 fined to hospital for some months; he is now re- 
 siding in Pittsburgh ) ; Mary, wife of Jacob Gibson; 
 Amanda, deceased wife of Smith Carson; Robert, 
 living with his father on the home farm; Jane, 
 living at home; Cynthia, also at home; and John, 
 who owns a large drug store in Washington. Mr- 
 McMillan owns 104 acres of a well-cultivated 
 stock farm, six miles from Monongahela, and 
 though over eighty-five years have passed over 
 him, he is yet aide to superintend the farm work, 
 being remarkably active for a man of his age. The 
 men of this family have all been active supporters 
 of the Democratic party, and in religion all are 
 members of the Methodist Church. 
 
 THE WILSON KAMI I .V, of whom this bio- 
 graphical sketch treats, are very prominently 
 identified with the early leading citizens of 
 Washington county. They come of Scotch- 
 Irish ancestry. Robert and Thomas were 
 the only ones of the family to come to this country, 
 and they were from County Antrim, Ireland. 
 Thomas married, but left no family. Robert mar- 
 ried a Welsh lady, Martha Ewing by name, who 
 was an orphan and came from east of the mountains. 
 When the Wilsons came to this country is not 
 known, as the records are lost, but it was not later 
 than some time in the seventies of last century. 
 They were married in this country, and settled in 
 Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. In re- 
 ligion they were Seceders ( now United Presby- 
 terian). In the early times it was customary for 
 the neighbors to help each other at log-rollings; 
 in harvest time at reaping grain, which was done 
 with sickles, and in mowing grass, which was done 
 with scythes; and it was considered something to 
 be the best reaper or mower in the neighborhood, 
 also the best scutcher of flax, which was a common 
 employment, as the early settlers made their own 
 linen and also their own woolen goods. In those 
 days the young ladies, instead of playing the 
 piano, had to play on the spinning-wheel, and to be 
 a good spinner she must spin her dozen cuts of 
 yarn per day. The ladies also helped scutch flax; 
 also weave linen, tow-cloth and flannel, all their 
 every-day wear being made at home. 
 
III-.' 
 
 Washington cot/A />'. 
 
 Robert Wilson, while returning from a reaping 
 party at one of his neighbors, it then getting late, 
 had to go through a large tract of woods, when he 
 found he was being followed by a panther. He 
 was carrying two sickles, and he kept jingling 
 them together and facing the animal; as it moved 
 around him, he still kept his eyes on it, and jingled 
 his sickles, when at last it gave it up and moved 
 off, greatly to Mr. Wilson's relief. Wild animals 
 and wild turkeys were quite common then. Robert 
 and Martha E. Wilson had seven children burn to 
 them, viz.: .lames, Isabell, Jane, William, Annie, 
 Thomas and Mary. James married Jane Gilmore, 
 by whom he had ten children. Robert, the eldest 
 married, had no children. Elizabeth married John 
 Murray, the owner of what is now known as the 
 " Morgan za farm;" died and left no family. Nancy, 
 Bell and Eleanor, all deceased, no family. Mar- 
 tha married the Rev. David Collins, and had one 
 son, now living in Allegheny, a lawyer by pro- 
 fession. William L., a U. P. minister of the Gos- 
 pel, married and left one child — Mrs. Yourd, of 
 Mansfield, Penn. James married three times, and 
 left two daughters and one son by his first wife, 
 and two daughters by his second. Thomas, a U. P. 
 minister, now living (it is believed) in Portland, 
 ( (regon, married and has several children. Mary 
 A. is now living with her niece, Mrs. Yourd, of 
 Mansfield. James, Sr., inherited the old home- 
 stead in Cecil township, to which he added others. 
 James, Jr., and Robert were both fa'iners, in poli- 
 tics Republicans, in religion United Presbyterians. 
 
 Thomas Wilson, youngest son of Robert and 
 Martha Wilson, was educated at Washington and 
 Jefferson College and was a Seeeder minister of 
 the Gospel, lie was pastor of Carrollton Church, 
 Carrollton, Ohio. In 1N41 he married Jane Brown, 
 of Smith township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 they had four children: James B., Robert I)., 
 Martha J. and Thomas E. The sons all responded 
 to the call of their country during the Rebellion. 
 Thomas E. died of measles while in Alabama, and 
 was interred there. Robert married and has two 
 children: William and Nannie; lives in Jefferson 
 county, Ohio. James married and has two children: 
 Carrie and Eva Mary; lives in Harrison county, 
 Ohio. Martha J. married and lives in .Jefferson 
 county, Ohio; no children. Their father, Thomas, 
 inherited his uncle's estate in Cecil township, 
 Washington county, which he sold. 
 
 William E. Wilson, second son of Robert and 
 Martha E. Wilson, was reared to farm life, and de- 
 voted his time to agricultural pursuits. He was 
 married to Margaret, daughter of John Park, a son 
 of Samuel and Margaret Park, natives of the North 
 of Ireland, who came to America in the same ves- 
 sel and were married in America; they were six 
 months on the ocean, the passage being a very 
 stormy and perilous one. The ancestral records 
 
 were lost, and we have no knowledge of their an- 
 cestry. Samuel Park dealt considerably in horses; 
 he returned three times to Ireland, and imported 
 horses from that country. They settled in Done- 
 gal township, Lancaster ( 'o., Penn., where they re- 
 sided until the close of the Revolutionary war. 
 There were born to them three sons and two 
 daughters: John, James, Isabell, Mary and Hugh. 
 In the autumn of 1777 Simuel Park came over the 
 mountains into what is now Washington county, 
 and bought of Matthew Rogers, of Yohogania 
 county, Colony of Virginia, in consideration of 
 £450 in hand paid, a parcel of land on Chartiers 
 waters, and containing 566 acres, the bill of sale 
 being dated December 7, 1777. He then returned 
 to Lancaster county. His sons, John and James, 
 were sent in advance to clear the land, build a 
 cabin and plant a crop. Their sister Isabell came 
 as housekeeper. The preparations being made, the 
 rest of the family moved out. 
 
 John Wilson was born December 18, 1758, mar- 
 ried Sarah McDowell in June < ;]7S7, and from them 
 has sprung the Park family/one of whose history 
 we are endeavoring to sketcn. Sarah McDowell 
 was the daughter of Hon. John McDowell and 
 Agnes Bradford, his wife, and was born October 
 'J4, 1769. Mr. McDowell was born September 23, 
 1736, in the North of Ireland, near Belfast. Noth- 
 ing is known of his ancestry except that they came 
 from Scotland, and that his father was a judge and 
 a man of prominence. But to return to John, the 
 father of Sarah: When a young man he came to 
 this country and lived awhile in or near Elizabeth- 
 town, N. J., where he met and married Agnes 
 Bradford, and they afterward lived for some years 
 at Peach Bottom, York Co., Penn. In company 
 with the Bradfords, Scotts and Allisons of that re- 
 gion, they removed to Washington county about 
 the year 177M. Mr. McDowell obtained a tract of 
 land containing 410 acres, and erected a log cabin 
 which has been rendered memorable as being the 
 place where Rev. John McMillan, D. D., preached 
 his first sermon in this western country, as learned 
 from the Doctor's diary (this was on the fourth 
 Sabbath or '2'2d day of August, 1775). This log 
 cabin was afterward superseded by a two-story log 
 cabin with a mammoth fireplace, which was long 
 considered the finest dwelling in that vicinity. 
 Mr. McDowell was one of the first elders in Char- 
 tiers church; one of the first commissioners of 
 Washington county; one of the Council of Censors 
 for the State, and was appointed one of the As- 
 sociate Judges of the Court of Common Pleas for 
 Washington county, by the Governor, Thomas 
 McKean. We now return to Sarah, his daughter, 
 who married John Park in June, 1787; they set- 
 tled on a farm there owned by him, called "Ex- 
 periment," where they lived seven years. His 
 father having died, he then bought the homestead 
 
U'AS/IIXtWtX VtMWTY. 
 
 m$ 
 
 called "Deer Park," where they spent the remain- 
 der of their days. John Park, though quite young 
 at the outbreak of the Revolutionary war, did not 
 withhold his services from his country. During 
 that struggle he acted as a scout for some time, and 
 rendered valuable service, but was in no severe 
 engagement. He preceded his parents in their re- 
 moval to Washington county. He is said to have 
 recrossed the mountains over a dozen times, and 
 brought back salt and other necessities, which com- 
 modities were carried on pack horses, and journeys 
 were slow and wearisome, and they were occasions 
 of much fatigue, exposure and self-denial. During 
 his early history he had frequent calls from the In- 
 dians, but these were generally of a friendly charac- 
 ter. He was an active member of the church, and 
 for years served as a trustee. One of them relates 
 that she never knew him to stay at home from 
 church, even on stormy days. Sarah Park, his 
 wife, was of vigorous mind and extraordinary in- 
 dustry; she was in every sense a helpmeet to her 
 husband. This incident will illustrate her nerve: 
 A wolf caught a lamb in the meadow below the 
 house, and she saw it in the act, and seizing a stick 
 started in pursuit of it. By the time the wolf 
 reached the fence, she was close upon it, and in at- 
 tempting to cross, the lamb was dropped, and she 
 recovered it alive, though severely wounded. Like 
 her husband, she was a devoted Christian. They 
 often walked five miles to church when the roads 
 were bad, or the horses had been worked hard in 
 the busy season. One of the family remembers 
 that she walked more than she wanted to, and says 
 "when mother thought they ought to go, there was 
 no alternative." The first cabin was built over one 
 hundred years ago. It was constructed of roughly 
 hewn logs, puncheon floor, and had but one room. 
 This sufficed until enough land was cleared to 
 afford sustenance. Then a two-story edifice was 
 built, which was considered superior to the average 
 house of the neighborhood, as it had glass windows 
 and a floor of boards. This was burned down about 
 the 1st of August, 1836, with a part of the con- 
 tents. The furniture in early times was plain, but 
 durable; the chairs were split-bottomed, straight- 
 backed and unpainted; carpets were at first un- 
 known, and afterwards were home-made; the cook- 
 ing was done at an open fireplace, with its crane 
 and andirons, the baking being done either in the 
 Dutch oven or in an outside oven; the dishes were 
 decorated with colored figures much like some of 
 the present time; pewter dishes, spoons and plates, 
 and also wooden ones, were used. The writer of 
 this sketch saw quite a quantity of George Wash- 
 ington's household goods, and among other things 
 were some plates such as are common at the present 
 day — white, with a blue edge; some were pewter 
 and some were wooden; also a pewter coffee-pot. 
 A secretary, bequeathed by Judge McDowell to 
 
 John Park, and considered in his day a fine piece 
 of furniture, is now in possession of one of the de- 
 scendants, and also the family clock, extending 
 from the floor to near the ceiling. The clothings of 
 the early settlers was chiefly of home manufacture, 
 being made of flax or wool. Mrs. Park was con- 
 sidered an expert she could spin her sixteen cuts 
 per day, and could weave her ten yards of cloth 
 per day — six yards being an ordinary day's work 
 for women. This home rnanufasture formed the 
 ordinary wear for both male and female, except on 
 special occasions, when the latter would wear 
 calico, costing at that time about $1 per yard. 
 Bonnets were mostly of straw, and were worn two 
 or three years without change. The men in early 
 times wore knee-breeches to church, and on special 
 occasions; at home they wore linsey pants and 
 woolen wamuses. Shoes for wearing abroad were 
 made of thick cloth with leather soles, and in win- 
 ter shoes were made of strong leather sewed with 
 flaxen thread well waxed. The school-house was 
 about a mile from home, and was constructed of 
 logs; the room was separated into two parts, the 
 larger being laid with puncheon floor and occupied 
 by the school, while the smaller part was used as a 
 stable to keep the master's horse in during school 
 hours. The seats were small logs split and shaved, 
 and were without backs; the windows were made 
 by cutting out a portion of a log and covering the 
 aperture with greased paper to admit the light. 
 The term only lasted three or four months. 
 
 The Park family attended the Chartiers church, 
 the pastor being Rev. John McMillan, 1). D. He 
 usually gave them two long sermons, with a half 
 hour between as intermission. He paid little re- 
 gard to dress, and often appeared in the pulpit in 
 knee-breeches made of buckskin (the fronts of them 
 so japanned with grease that they glistened), and 
 without either coat, vest or suspenders; but his 
 heart was in his work, and he gave them the Gos- 
 pel truth in an impressive manner. The writer of 
 this heard the Rev. John Lee say that when Doctor 
 McMillan and another minister ( whose name the 
 writer forgets) were on their way from east of the 
 mountains to Washington county, their provisions 
 ran out with the exception of a little parched corn 
 and bear's grease; that after they had eaten this a 
 few times, and their stomachs turned against it, 
 they prayed that as they were engaged in the 
 Lord's work He would provide them with what 
 they needed. They were asked if the Lord gave 
 them anything else to eat. "No," said they, "but 
 He gave us stomachs to eat what we had." They 
 traveled for days without coming to any habita- 
 tion, and at night lay down without anything over 
 them except the blue sky and stars. Carriages 
 were unknown then, and the traveling was by 
 horseback principally, with a pair of saddle-bags 
 to carry what they wanted to take with them. The 
 
[144 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 produce was hauled in wagons to Pittsburgh, and 
 there sold. Wheat varied in price from 50 cents 
 to *1 per bushel; corn and oats from 12 cents to 
 50. The river was crossed sometimes in skirl's, but 
 chiefly in flat-hoats propelled by poles. Teams 
 were afterward taken across in horse-boats. When 
 in market butter was sold sometimes as low as 5 
 cents per pound, and at other times as high as 50; 
 eggs as low as 6^ cents per dozen, and as high as 
 30. The social gatherings were chiefly weddings, 
 singings, huskings, quiltings and log-rollings. The 
 weddings generally occupied two days; on the liist 
 the groom was attended by a company of his friends 
 to the home of the bride, their way being often ob- 
 structed by trees being felled across the way by 
 mischievous neighbors, or other obstructions placed 
 in the way. What part the Park family took in 
 these amusements the writer does not know. 
 
 But to return to the family: John and Sarah 
 Park had ten children born to them, viz.: Agnes, 
 John, Samuel, Wiljiam, Margaret, James, Isabell, 
 Sarah, McDowell and Rebecca. Of these, Mar- 
 garet married, May -SI), 1822, William E. Wilson, 
 son of Robert and Martha E. Wilson, and for seven 
 years they lived on the old homestead farm of the 
 Wilsons. On April 10, 182 ( J, they settled on a 
 farm called " Plenty," near Burgettstown, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., which they had purchased a short 
 time before. He was a successful farmer and wool 
 grower. In 1837 he was elected elder in the Se- 
 ceder Church of Burgettstown, a position he held 
 until the union with the Associate Reformed Church 
 in 1858. He stood aloof from this union, and re- 
 mained a Seceder. He died ( )ctober 2, 1870, when 
 almost eighty years of age, being followed in 1884 
 by his widow in her eighty-fifth year. They had 
 eight children: Sarah A., Samuel P., Martha E., 
 Nancy (deceased), Isabell V., John P., Rebecca 
 (wife of Thomas Malone ), and William L. (de- 
 ceased). 
 
 Samuei, P. Wilson spent his early years at home 
 on the farm, and then engaged in the mercantile 
 business, continuing until 1871. He was post- 
 master at Burgettstown from 1805 until 1871, and 
 for several years he was treasurer of the Union 
 Agricultural Association. In the fall of 1871 he 
 purchased a farm near Gordonsville, Va., and in 
 March following he moved his family thither. He 
 was married to Margaret Campbell, of Smith town- 
 ship, Penn. Mrs. Wilson died July 21, 1S87. In 
 November, 1887, he sold out at Gordonsville and 
 moved his family to Chinook, Mont., and stayed 
 there until 1890, when he returned to Burgetts- 
 town, where he at present resides. They had four 
 children, viz.: Robert C, Maggie A., William E. 
 and Jennie E. Martha E. Wilson is the widow of 
 Alexander Russell (deceased), formerly of Bur- 
 gettstown. John P. Wilson's biographical record 
 will be found at page 284, this volume. 
 
 William 1.. Wilson, son of William E. and 
 Margaret P. Wilson, was born on the home place 
 in Smith township, where his youth was passed. 
 He attended the public schools, receiving a thor- 
 ough training in the common branches. Though 
 he selected agriculture as his life work, yet he be- 
 lieved education to be essential to any department 
 of life. In IS88 or 1889 he bought the residence 
 of the Rev. J. T. Frederick, in Burgettstown, and 
 the following spring moved to town. He was un- 
 married, his two sisters, Sarah and Isabell, living 
 with him. On the evening of the 25th of October, 
 1892, while returning from the farm to his home in 
 town, he had to cross the railroad track.' A freight 
 train was just moving off the crossing, and at that 
 moment he stepped on to cross over, when he was 
 struck by the limited express and instantly killed. 
 He could not see the express for the freight train. 
 In religious matters he was a United Presbyterian. 
 In politics he was a Republican, cast his first vote 
 for the Republicans, and so continued. 
 
 JOHN II. CHARLTON, proprietor of the 
 widely known and popular meat market in 
 the borough of Washington, is a grandson of 
 Robert Charlton, who came from Germany to 
 Washington county in 1813, and died at Cook's 
 Place, Chartiers township, in 1828, his wife (who 
 accompanied him from the Fatherland I dying some 
 time later. They had children as follows: Samuel, 
 Joseph (now in Iowa), John, Daniel, Jacob and 
 Robert. 
 
 Samuel Charlton, son of Robert, was born in 
 Germany, and came with his parents to this country 
 and county. 15y occupation he was a wagoner on 
 the National pike between Washington, Penn., and 
 Baltimore, Md. He was twice married, first time 
 to Miss Shipe, who died leaving two children: 
 Robert (now deceased) and Frank (in Mannington, 
 W. Va.). His second marriage was with Mrs. 
 Elizabeth Marie (nee Hervey), a lady of Irish 
 parentage, and they had a family of five children, 
 as follows: John H., our subject; Mary, wife of 
 Fred Hood, of Washington; Susan, also in that 
 borough; Rebecca, deceased wife of Henry Lle- 
 wellen (she died in 1874), and Samuel M., in 
 Washington. The parents, soon after marriage, 
 came to live in the borough of Washington, where 
 the father died about the year 1858, at the age of 
 fifty-four years, the mother in L876, at the age of 
 sixty-five. 
 
 John H. Charlton, of whom this sketch more 
 particularly relates, was born in this county, in 
 1842, and his boyhood was passed alternately in 
 attending the schools of the neighborhood of his 
 birthplace and laboring on the farm till coming 
 into the borough of Washington. Here he carried 
 on a butchering business till 1870, when he moved 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1145 
 
 to Ohio and there conducted a similar line of trade 
 until 1880, in which year he returned to Washing- 
 ton, and opened out his present meat market, in 
 which he has met with unqualified success. 
 
 In October, 1 ST'J, Mr. Charlton was united in 
 marriage with Miss Armmella A. Levering, of Knox 
 county, Ohio, and four children were born to th*em, 
 viz.: Mary L., wife of Charles L. Stone; and Addie 
 H., Ethel B. and Clayton 13., all at home with their 
 parents. Mr. and Mrs. Charlton are members of the 
 Second Presbyterian Church of Washington. In 
 politics he is a Republican, and at one time served 
 as assessor. He was but a lad of sixteen when his 
 father died, and, being the eldest of five children, 
 had for years to give all his earnings toward the 
 support of the family. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. BENTLEY, a leading and 
 influential citizen of Monongahela, is a na- 
 ) tive of the county, born in Carroll town- 
 ship in December, 1821. I lis grandfather, 
 Sheshbazzar Bentley, was born in Chester county, 
 Penn., where he learned the trade of millwright, 
 which he followed in both that and Washington 
 counties. In Chester county he was married, and 
 had one child, Hannah. Afterward he came with 
 his little family to Washington county, a wagon 
 being their mode of conveyance, in which they 
 brought all their chattels. They crossed into the 
 county through the river at what is now Mononga- 
 hela, and for the first night camped out near 
 where the present fair grounds are located. They 
 then proceeded up Pigeon creek until they arrived 
 at a point where Mr. Bentley established a mill 
 site and built the first mill on the creek. On an 
 adjoining hill he,put up for himself and family a 
 log cabin, in which they lived some years, and then 
 erected a hewed log house, where he passed the 
 remainder of his pioneer life. He also at this 
 place founded, in 1SP3, the village of Bentleyville, 
 in Somerset township. His children, born in this 
 county were House, George and Sheshbazzar. Mr. 
 Bentley was a Democrat in politics, and in relig- 
 ious faith a member of the Society of Friends. 
 
 House Bentley attended in his early boyhood 
 the subscription schools of the neighborhood of 
 the place of his birth, Bentleyville, until he was 
 old enough to work, when he entered his father's 
 mill to learn the trade. While a resident of 
 Bentleyville he married Fannie, daughter of Will- 
 iam Wallace, of Somerset township, and the chil- 
 dren born to them were Hannah (Mrs. John Ken- 
 nedy), Elizabeth, Sheshbazzar, William, Martha, 
 Margaret, Benjamin F. and Amanda ( Mrs. Joshua 
 Stevens). After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bentley 
 moved to Carroll township, where he built a mill 
 on Mingo creek, which he carried on many years. 
 In 1824 he moved to a farm near Monongahela 
 
 river, and there passed the remainder of his busy 
 life, dying in 1852, a member of the M. E. Church. 
 Politically he was a Whig, actively and enthusi- 
 astically patriotic, and was considerably interested 
 in militia matters, having at one time been a 
 general. 
 
 Benjamin F. Bentley was reared in Carroll 
 township, in the primitive subscription schools of 
 which he received a fair education for those early 
 days. The schoolhouse was made of logs, the 
 floor and seats being rough puncheons, and the 
 windows of greased paper in lieu of glass. He 
 lived on the farm four or five years after marriage, 
 and then came to Monongahela, where he has since 
 made his home. He built his present comfortable 
 and commodious residence in 1873. In 1849 Mr. 
 Beutley was married to Mary, daughter of Daniel 
 Van Voorhis. They have no children. They are 
 members of the Baptist Church, in which he has 
 served as deacon, and in his political affiliations he 
 is a Republican. Mr. Bentley represents a family 
 prominent and influential in the affairs of Wash- 
 ington county. 
 
 E. LACK. Samuel Black, the first of this family 
 in Washington county, of whom there is any 
 PJ record, was born in 1775, in County Down, 
 Ireland, where the family were all farmers. 
 In 1791 he came to America, landing in New 
 York, whence in 1793 he proceeded to Washington 
 county, Penn., and here embarked in trading, Open- 
 ing a general store in Williamsport (now Mononga- 
 hela), the first in the place, which he conducted a 
 few years. This store was known as the " Old Red 
 House," and stock was brought from the East on 
 pack horses, and traded for farm products which 
 Mr. Black would take to New Orleans, down the 
 river on flat boats, there sell for cash, proceed to 
 New York, purchase a new stock of merchandise, 
 and bring same back to Williamspoit. He pur- 
 chased of Joseph Parkison a lot near First street, 
 on which he erected a house and store combined; 
 also bought large tracts of land in Washington 
 county, and at the time of his death was one of the 
 largest landholders in the county. In 1824 Mr. 
 Black built the first mill at Dry Run (a "tramp 
 mill"), the power for which was supplied by oxen, 
 and he operated a sawmill on Pigeon creek. He 
 also erected the glass factory at Dry Run, besides 
 the dwelling houses surrounding same. In short, 
 he was a thoroughly representative self-made man, 
 a progressive and useful citizen. His death occurred 
 in 1846. 
 
 In 1793 Mr. Black married Mary ,who bore 
 
 him the following named children: Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 William Bentley), Maria (wife of Dr. Simuel. 
 King), Mary, Simiiel, Marcus, Cyrus, Caroline (Mrs, 
 Robert Smith), Jane ( Mrs. Win. S. Mallingar), Ross 
 
1 1 41', 
 
 1 1 . 1 5 IIING TON C O I XTY. 
 
 Wilson S., Mary (Mrs. George A. Clark), and Hes- 
 ter A. (Mrs. John McNeal). In his political prefer- 
 ences Mr. Black was a Federalist, and in his church 
 connection was a leading Presbyterian, and one of 
 the first trustees of his church. 
 
 GBARLES W. ADAMS, for sixteen years a 
 well-known harness maker in the borough of 
 Washington, and since 1890 a prominent 
 real-estate dealer and insurance broker, is a 
 Virginian by birth, having first seen the light on 
 May 10, IS tit. 
 
 His father, Charles Adams, also a native of Vir- 
 ginia, a miller by trade, married Charlotte, a daugh- 
 ter of James Yates, also of that State, and they had 
 three children, our subject being the only survivor, 
 the other two having died when young. The father 
 departed this life in 1843, aged forty-three years, and 
 the widowed mother continued to reside in Virginia 
 until her son, Charles W., was about eleven years 
 old. She passed from earth in 1808, in Marion 
 county, W. \ r a., at the age of sixty-three years. 
 
 Charles W. Adams received a limited education 
 at the public schools of the neighborhood of his 
 home, but being fatherless had to commence work 
 very early in life. When eleven years old he en- 
 tered upon a three years' apprenticeship to the har- 
 ness business in Taylor county, Va., and before 
 finishing, attended school for a time, but in this 
 essential his opportunities were of necessity much 
 circumscribed. His mother was not exempt from 
 toil either, for, having lost the greater part of her 
 means through becoming security for others, she 
 had to seek employment in order to support herself 
 and son during his boyhood days. After finishing 
 his trade, Mr. Adams moved to Marion county, 
 same State, where, as already related, his mother 
 died. In L863 he was married to Sarah Weddle, 
 whose parents were of Wheeling, YV. Va., and 
 three children came to this union: Alice and Louisa, 
 now living in Washington, and one that died in 
 infancy. In 1882, while residing in Washington, 
 the mother was called to her long home, at the 
 early age of thirty-five years. In 1867 Mr. Adams 
 moved with his family to Wheeling, W. Va., where 
 he carried on a harness business for his own account 
 until 1874, in which year he came to Washington, 
 Penn., and embarked in the harness trade, which he 
 carried on with satisfactory success until 1890, when 
 he sold out and engaged in his present real-estate 
 and insurance business. 
 
 Under the President's call, in 1863, for "more 
 men" to suppress the Rebellion, Mr. Adams enlisted 
 in Company E, Sixth West Virginia Cavalry, and 
 served in Virginia and West Virginia to the close 
 of the struggle. He participated in many engage- 
 ments, but was never wounded, though he had a 
 narrow escape from capture on November 28, 1864, 
 
 when he was obliged to swim the Potomac to save 
 falling into the hands of the enemy. Along with 
 him was a personal friend, James A. Taggart, who 
 was a better swimmer; Mr. Adams struck a stiff 
 current and thought he would drown before getting 
 out of it, so called to his comrade, who was swim- 
 ming ahead of him, for help. Taggart responded 
 by turning back, with true patriotic friendship, but 
 by dint of much struggling our subject succeeded 
 in reaching the shore, where, thoroughly exhausted, 
 he laid down among some weeds, while the enemy 
 passed by fortunately without seeing him. His 
 wife was with him up to the time of his plunge into 
 the river, and she fell into the hands of the Con- 
 federates, who, after searching her trunk, released 
 her without further molestation. Poor Taggart 
 died of " spotted fever" while in the service. At 
 the close of the war Mr. Adams was sent to the 
 plains of Nebraska and Colorado, on Indian service, 
 and in this as in his war experiences, he escaped in- 
 jury of any kind. In IS66 he returned to West 
 Virginia, and in 1867 settled down to his trade in 
 Wheeling, as above narrated. In 1884 Mr. Adams 
 married, for his second wife, Alice Weddle, sister 
 to his first, and by this union two children were 
 born, viz.: Charlotte, in 1885, and Charles W., in 
 1891. Our subject is a member of the G. A. R., 
 W. Templeton Post, of Washington, also of the 
 I. ().(). F. He and his wife are members of the 
 First M. E. Church. 
 
 CAPTAIN ROBERT PHILLIPS is a son of 
 William Phillips, who was born and reared 
 | in Pennsylvania, and was united in marriage 
 with a widow lady, Mrs. Elizabeth (Matthews) 
 Paden. She was the mother of, four children by 
 her first marriage, namely: Samuel, Mary, Marga- 
 ret, and Martha. After the death of Mr. Paden she 
 became the wife of William Phillips, and bore him 
 the following children: John, Rezin, David, Jane 
 (wife of Abraham Van Voorhis), Nancy (married 
 to William Wickerham), and Robert. The father, 
 who was a miller by trade, died in Fayette county, 
 Penn., when Robert was eight months old. After 
 the death of her husband Mrs. Phillips was married 
 to William Jones, of Monongahela. 
 
 Captain Robert Phillips was born March 31, 1817, 
 near Broadford, Fayette county, Penn. When 
 about ten years of age he came to Monongahela, 
 and there received a public-school education. At 
 the age of fifteen years he began life for himself, 
 working on a farm for several years, then went on 
 the Monongahela, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers. He 
 was promoted from a deck-hand to the position of 
 mate, and in 1866 became captain of a vessel, hav- 
 ing run on both freight and passenger service. < >n 
 March '.'•'), 1839, he married Olivia, daughter of 
 lj-njamin Parkison. She died July !•>, 1880, and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1141 
 
 on January 5, 18S8, he was united in marriage with 
 Anna, daughter of John Longwell. Mr. Phillips 
 has won success by earnest, unremitting efforts, and 
 thoucrh the struggle was a hard one, many amusing 
 incidents occurred tD brighten his early life. In 
 politics he alliliates with the Democratic party, and 
 in relio-ion he is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 I IffAHTIN M. SLATER (deceased) was a 
 Vjyi native of Donegal township, this county, 
 \Xi\ born August 4, 1815, on his father's farm. 
 ^ He was of Irish ancestry, his grandfather, 
 v William, having been born in County 
 
 Down, Ireland, where he was educated, and mar- 
 ried to Elizabeth Bell, a resident of the same 
 county. He immigrated to America soon after the 
 Revolutionary war, and took a farm of 160 acres, 
 lying near West Alexander, in this county. Soon 
 afterward he purchased a farm south of West Alex- 
 ander, where he made a permanent home. He had 
 five children, namely: Betsey, Margaret, Jane, 
 David and James. Politically Mr. Slater was a 
 Republican, and in religion a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 James Slater was born in 1787, in Donegal town- 
 ship, and was there married to Citherine, daughter 
 of Manning Martin. Mr. Martin was born in 
 County Down, Ireland, and came to America in 
 early manhood. He was united in marriage with 
 .lane Thomas, of Wilmington, Del., and she bore 
 him children as follows: Martha, Hannah, Cather- 
 ine, Margaret, Jane, Leah, Mary A., Rachel, Sarah 
 and John T. Mr. Martin came to Washington 
 county and settled in Djnegal township, where he 
 remained until his death. In religious faith he was 
 a Presbyterian. After their marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. James Slater settled on the old home farm in 
 I) inegal township, and reared the following family 
 of children: William, Martin M., David, Eli/.a 
 (Mrs. Joseph Miller), Mary A. (Mrs. John McKa- 
 han), John (deceased), Caroline (Mrs. G. W. 
 Anderson), Melissa (Mrs. Thomas Show), Rachel 
 (Mrs. Roland Craig), and James E. Wheeling. Mr. 
 Slater was a successful and enterprising business 
 man. In politics he was an active member of the 
 Wtiig party. He died June 27, 1857, his widow 
 on August 24, 1872. 
 
 Martin M. Slater was reared and educated on the 
 old homestead. On April 3, 1845, he was married 
 to Margaret, daughter of Rjbert Nixon, a resident 
 of I »onegal township, and native of County Antrim, 
 Ireland. To this union were born six children: 
 Mary C. (deceased), Mariin (deceased), Leah, Sarah 
 (deceased), Luther T. and C. K. Mr. Slater passed 
 the first years of his married life in West Alexan- 
 der, and engaged in the butcher business. He then 
 served four years as a constable and was repeatedly 
 
 re-elected. He carried on a wagon trade from 
 Cumberland to Wheeling; then farmed one year 
 on the Noble farm, and spent the next year in 
 Ohio, after which he proceeded to Brooke county, 
 where he remained eight years. In politics he 
 was originally a Whig, voted for W. H. Har- 
 rison in 1836 and 1840, and in later years he was 
 a member of the Republican party. He died 
 April 30, 1892. 
 
 C. K. Slater, a son of Martin M. Slater, was 
 married on July 8, 1880, to Lillie, daughter of 
 Jackson Mitchell, of Waynesburgh, Penn., and 
 they have two children: Vera and Fred M. Mr. 
 Slater is a Republican in politics. 
 
 di S. MOORE is a prominent representative of 
 one of the old families of Cecil township. He 
 is a son of John Moore, whose parents were 
 born in Ireland, and coming to America about 
 the time of the Revolution, settled in North Stra- 
 bane township, Washington Co., Penn. Their son, 
 John, was a native of Chartiers township, this 
 county, where he was reared. He married Marga- 
 ret Mytee, a native of the same township, and they 
 had nine children, namely: Samuel (who died in 
 March, 18S4, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county), 
 Ellen (wife of David McCalmont, of Mt. Pleasant 
 township), J. S., Mary (Mrs. John McCalmont, of 
 Mt. Pleasant township), Margaret (widow of John 
 L. Gormley, of Dickinson county, Kans.), Eliza 
 (Mrs. Thomas McCallister, of Smith township), 
 John (who died in the West), David (living in 
 Missouri) and Rebecca (living in Allegheny 
 county, Penn.). The family afterward moved to 
 Mt. Pleasant township. Both parents were mem- 
 bers of the I". P. Church at Hickory, this county, 
 in which the father was for years a ruling elder, 
 and in politics he was an ardent Whig. While 
 attending the raising of a church in Hickory in 
 1834 he was accidentally killed. Mrs. Moore died 
 in 1882. 
 
 J. S. Moore was born in 1820, in Chartiers town- 
 ship, this county, and in early boyhood came with 
 the family to Mt. Pleasant township, where he 
 received his education in the subscription schools. 
 In 1800 he was united in marriage with Margaret 
 McBurney, a native of Robinson township, daugh- 
 ter of James and Jane (Acheson) McBurney. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Moore resided in Mt. Pleasant township 
 until 1813, when he bought and moved upon sev- 
 enty-six acres of land in Cecil township, where 
 they are now living. Six children have been born 
 to them, as follows: James C. McBurney, a physi- 
 cian and surgeon of Midway, this county (married 
 to Mary McCready); Jessie, living at home; John 
 T., residing with his parents; Jennie O, a teacher 
 of this county; Joseph S. and Mary E., living at 
 
1148 
 
 WASHING TON C 1 '.YTY. 
 
 home. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the 
 Chartiers United Presbyterian Church at Canons- 
 burg, Penn. In politics he votes the Republican 
 ticket, and is an enthusiastic supporter of Prohibi- 
 tion. 
 
 OBERT CAMPBELL McILVAIN was 
 
 born November 8, 1827, in Somerset town- 
 shin, this county, a son of Greer Mcllvain, 
 whose father was also named Greer. The 
 grandfather was born in Lancaster county, 
 Perm., of English descent, and was there married to 
 Elizabeth Morrow, a native of the same county. 
 The young couple came to "Washington county in 
 an early day, accompanied by a brother, George 
 Mcllvain. On May 20, 1788, Greer secured 407 
 acres of land in Somerset township, which was sur- 
 veyed to him February 11, 1780, and afterward di- 
 vided with his brother. Greer and Elizabeth Mc- 
 11 vain were members of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Pigeon ('reek. Their children were Greer, John, 
 Guyan, George, William, Andrew, Margaret, Mary, 
 Ruth, Catherine, Elizabeth, Either, Ann and 
 Eleanor. 
 
 Greer Mcllvain was born October 11,1 793, on 
 the home farm in Somerset township, and on No- 
 vember 20, 1X17, was united in marriage with Jane 
 Campbell, who bore him the following children: 
 Eliza ( widow of John Kerr, living in Butler county, 
 Penn.); Martha (unmarried); Margaret (widow of 
 Robert Clark, of McLean county, 111.); Greer and 
 Jane (twins) (the latter being the widow of John 
 Greenlee, of McLean county, 111.); Robert C, and 
 Mary (deceased). Mr. Mcllvain followed farm- 
 ing, took an active interest in all progressive enter 
 prises, and was elected to several township offices 
 lay the Republican voters of his district. He died 
 June 6, 1889, his wife on September 18,1871. 
 Both were active members of the Pigeon Creek 
 Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Mel vain was an 
 elder from 1849 until his death. 
 
 Robert C. Mcllvain, son of Greer and Jane Mc- 
 llvain, remained on the home farm during his boy- 
 hood, and after attending the common schools 
 spent two terms at an academy in Monongahela 
 City, Perm. On December 5, 18(51, he married 
 Sarah L. Sloan, who was born January 14, 1833, a 
 daughter of James and Sarah Sloan, natives of this 
 county. Rev. James Sloan was born September 16, 
 1X07, in this county, and was married to Sarah 
 Lindsey, who bore him one child: Sarah L. (Mrs. 
 Mcllvain); James G., a physician of Monongahela 
 City, and Martin A. (deceased), were children by 
 his second wife, Margaret Gordon. Mr. Sloan was 
 a Presbyterian minister, and preached about nine- 
 teen years at the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian 
 Church, 390 members being added to the original 
 
 number during his ministry. He organized the 
 first Presbyterian Church erected at Frankfort 
 Springs, Beaver county, Penn., where he preached 
 eight years. He was trustee of Jefferson College, 
 Washington county, twenty years. Mr. Sloan died 
 March 11, 1871, his wife having crossed the dark 
 river in 1833. 
 
 To Robert C. and Sarah L. Mcllvain six children 
 have been born as follows: Ella F. (wife of Rev. J. 
 C. Mechlin, a missionary in Persia); William L. (a 
 farmer of Somerset township, this county); Margaret 
 I. (deceased); James G. (deceased); Gertrude E. 
 and Elmer S. (residing on the home place). Mr. 
 and Mrs. Mcllvain reside on the well-cultivated 
 farm consisting of 312 acres, which was his birth- 
 place. They have been members of the Pigeon 
 Creek Presbyterian Church for some time; he has 
 served as a member of the Session and treasurer for 
 fourteen years, still filling both offices. He votes 
 with the Republican party, and is interested in all 
 public issues of the day. 
 
 JOHN" L. SHANNON is a son of Charles D. 
 Shannon, who was born June 4, 1802, on a 
 farm in Beaver county, Perm., and there in- 
 ducted into the mysteries of agricultural pur- 
 suits, which he continued to follow all his life. 
 When a young man he was married to Jeanette 
 ( !rawford, who was born May 7, 1810, and they 
 were the parents of seven children, namely: Re- 
 becca J., married to George Mancha ; G. W., 
 married to a Miss Mitchell ; S. C, now residing in 
 Kansas ; Mary L., wife of Enoch Colvin ; Irene 
 S., wife of Henry M. Crab, residing at Lick No. 4; 
 V. D., married to Rebecca A. Wilson, and John 
 L. The father died in 18X5, and at that time was 
 filling the office of justice of the peace; he had 
 previously served as county commissioner and in 
 other positions. 
 
 John L. Shannon was born in 1850 in Fallow- 
 field township, Washington Co., Penn., and at- 
 tended the common schools. On September 15, 
 1880, he married Alice V., daughter of Matthew 
 McKerahan, of Allegheny county, Penn. She has 
 borne him the following children: Wilbur V., 
 William A., Jessie Mable, Arthur Scott, Alice 
 Lenora and Nora, all living at home. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Shannon reside on a farm which his father 
 owned, and where he is now conducting a fruit and 
 dairy business. The place is located one mile and 
 a half from Charleroi and four miles from Monon- 
 gahela. In religion he is a member of the Chris- 
 tian Church, with which his wife is also identified. 
 His widowed mother is living with him on the 
 home farm. Mr. Shannon is now serving his town- 
 ship as school director. 
 
4 Otf^'01^^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1151 
 
 ¥f~\ OBERT FINLEY PATTERSON. Among 
 ]LJy the old, prominent families of Washington 
 \f\. county, the Patterson family ranks high. 
 II ^ Robert Patterson, the grandfather of 
 V Robert Finley, was a native of York county, 
 
 Penn., and moved to Washington county about 
 17 l J'2, settling in East Finley township. A son, 
 Robert, also a native of York county, Perm., born 
 February 4, 1785, came to Washington county 
 with his father, where he married, in 1806, Nancy 
 Tiltou, a native of East Finley township, born 
 January 1, 1790. They reared a family of ten 
 children, of whom Robert Finley is the youngest. 
 William, born January 24, 1808, married Eliza 
 beth Cooper, and resided in Athens county, Ohio, 
 where he died; John, born November, 1810, mar 
 ried Octava Farlan, of Athens county, Ohio, where 
 he died; Catharine, born February L9, 1812, mar 
 ried Royal Bingham,of Athens county, Ohio, where 
 shedied; Rhoda, born February 7, IM I. married 
 R. S. Andrews, of Morris township, where she 
 died, March 15, 1S40; Eunice, born March 11, 
 1816, married Daniel Day, of Morris township 
 (she died January (5, 185<t); Asenutli, born March 
 4, 1818, married Zenas Axtal, of Morris township, 
 Greene couuty, Penn. , where she now resides: 
 Lettice, born September 29, 1820, married L. 
 Bane, of Amwell township, where she died July 
 13, 1843; Ann, born December 23, 1824, married 
 Stephen Parcel, of Morris township, and died May 
 IS, 1854; Josiah, born July 24, 1827, married 
 Emma Jane Browne, of Westmoreland county, 
 Penn., and now resides in Franklin township, 
 Washington county, and Robert. The father died 
 June 16, 1803, and the mother January 27. 
 1865. 
 
 Robert Finley Patterson was born March 2, 
 L830, and November 15, 1852, married Lydia ( Siem- 
 ens, a daughter of William Clemens, of Morris 
 township. Mrs. Patterson was born February 17, 
 1831, her parents being natives of Virginia. To 
 this uuion the following children were born: 
 Josiah M. was born November 27, 1853. He mar- 
 ried Annie Craft, daughter of David Craft, Sr., of 
 said township. He is now engaged in the practice 
 of law at Washington, Penn. Clara Am:, born 
 May 3, 185(5, wife of John Reed, a real estate 
 agent of Claysville, Penn. ; John Bryant, born 
 December f>, 1858, who manages his father's farm; 
 and Cora Asenath, born March 16, 1872, at home. 
 Mr. Patterson has succeeded well as a farmer, 
 and is known as one of the successful business 
 men of Morris township. A portion of the farm 
 now owned by him belonged formerly to his father, 
 and consequently has been in the Patterson name 
 for more than three-quarters of a century. Both 
 he and his wife are members of Pleasant Grove 
 Baptist Church. 
 
 THE CAMERON FAMILY are among the 
 oldest and most prominent residents of 
 South Strabane township. John Cameron 
 was born in Scotland, and in early youth 
 removed to County Armagh, Ireland, where 
 he was united in marriage with Esther Twinem, a 
 native of Ireland, and soon after his marriage 
 emigrated to America, making his home in Somer- 
 set township, Washington Co., Penn. To the 
 union of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron were born the fol 
 lowing children: John, James C, Esther, Mar 
 garet and William. Mr. Cameron was a prominent 
 citizen, and in politics voted with the Democratic 
 party. In religion he was a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 William, son of John and Esther Cameron, was 
 born in the year 1808, "ii the home farm in Somer- 
 set township, this county, and there received his 
 early education. On September 28, 1837, he was 
 married to Martha, daughter of George Mitchell, 
 residing in South Strabane township, Washington 
 county. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Ireland, and 
 in early manhood came to America, settling in 
 Washington county, Penn., where he was married 
 to a Miss Alexander. They reared the following 
 children: Martha (Mrs. William Cameron), born 
 August II. 1804; Man (Mrs. John McMillan), born 
 November 10, 1810; Eleanor, born in the year 
 1812, died February 29, 1832; Thomas, born 
 August 13, L815, and Catherine (Mrs. Joseph 
 Horner), born August 20, IS 17. Mr. Mitchell was 
 a Democrat, and in religion a member of the First 
 Presbyterian Church at Washington. He died at 
 the residence of Mr. William Cameron, May 8, 
 L847. 
 
 After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cameron 
 settled on the place which is now occupied by their 
 sons, and to the original tract of twenty-one acres 
 they added over 200 acres, formerly owned by 
 George Mitchell. This farm was uncultivated, 
 and he made his own improvements upon it. The 
 children of this couple were as follows: John, 
 Ellen (Mrs. John G. Paxton), Margaret, Mary J., 
 George M. and Martha A. (Mrs. J. C. Pease). 
 Mr. Cameron was an enterprising man and took an 
 active interest in the progress of the Democratic 
 party; he was also interested in educational mat- 
 ters, having frequently served as a school director 
 in the township. In religion he was a member of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Washington. He 
 passed away October 15, 1873, having been pre- 
 ceded by his wile August 16, I860. 
 
 John Cameron, son of William and Martha 
 (Mitchell) Cameron, was born August 12, 1838, 
 on the home farm in South Strabane township, 
 Washington county, and received a common school 
 education. In early life he commenced farming, 
 and has since followed that vocation. He is actively 
 

 1152 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 interested in all questions pertaining to the wel- 
 fare of the community, and is a firm supporter of 
 tbe Democratic party. 
 
 George M. Cameron, second son of William and 
 Martha (Mitchell) Cameron, was born April 22, 
 1849, and passed his early youth on the home farm, 
 receiving his education in the schools of South 
 Strabane township. On May 23, 1872, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Col. 
 James M. and Maria Potter Byers, residents of 
 Washington, Washington county, and the follow- 
 ing children were born to their union: William 1!., 
 Ada E., Mary E., James M. , George and John A. 
 Mr. and Mrs. George M. Cameron have always lived 
 on the home place, and are adherents of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. In 1880 Mr. Cameron and his 
 brother built the handsome residence now occupied 
 by them, which is furnished with all modern con- 
 veniences. He is a Democrat, and a valued mem- 
 ber of that party. He has always been especially 
 interested in the schools of the township, having 
 been a school director several years. 
 
 JjOHN V. LACOCK, a successful and esteemed 
 I citizen of Franklin township, is a son of Ira 
 J and grandson of Samuel Lacock. Samuel 
 Lacock was born in New Jersey, and in an 
 early day came with his wife and family to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., locating in Amwell town- 
 ship. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel 
 Lacock were as follows: Ira, John R., Eliza (Mrs. 
 Chrispin) and Mary (Mrs. Thomas Service). Mr. 
 Lacock was an active worker in the Whig party. 
 
 Ira Lacock was born December 13, 1794, in Am- 
 well township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed 
 his boyhood at home, attending the rate schools 
 and afterward teaching school. In early manhood 
 he was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of 
 Isaac Dane, of Amwell township, Washington 
 county, and she bore him children as follows: 
 William. Samuel (deceased), Isaac, John V., Eliza 
 beth (Mrs. William Mounts) and Ira J. After his 
 marriage Mr. Lacock settled in Amwell township, 
 this county, where he resided two years, thence 
 moving to Morris township, this county, and in 
 1857 settling in Washington borough, where he 
 died December 13, 1876. In politics he was an 
 active supporter of the Jacksonian DemoeniU 
 
 John V. Lacock was born September 5, 1822, in 
 Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 received lii^ education at the subscription schools 
 of the county. In December, 1848, he was united 
 in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of William 
 McClenathan. Mr. McClenathan was born August 
 10, 1705, in Ireland, and, emigrating to America 
 at an early age, settled in Amwell township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. He was married to Mary Coul. 
 son, who was boru September Id. 1780, and they 
 
 reared the following children: Isabella (Mrs. John 
 Tucker), born July 9, 1801 (died March 5, 1873); 
 Samuel, born January 15, 1803 (died February 12, 
 1873); William, born January 16, 1805 (died Oc- 
 tober 15, 1835); John, born February 10, 1807 
 (died November 10, 1878); James, born June 25, 
 1809 (died July 9, 1870); Blair, born November 
 26, 1811 (died August 18, 1870); Allen, born June 
 10, 1814; Thomas, born October 17, INK); Sim 
 mons, born April 9, 1819: Mary (Mrs. Nathaniel 
 Bane), born October 22, 1822, and Sarah J., born 
 June 10, 1825 (died December 14, 1889). Mr. 
 McClenathan was a Democrat. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Lacock settled in Frank 
 lin township, afterward moving to Washington 
 borough, where he remained three years, then 
 came to the home place, and thence to his present 
 farm at Point Lookout of fifty acres. Mr. Lacock 
 has live children, viz. : George S. (married to Mary 
 Slusher; their children are Biddle and Birdie), Dr. 
 S. A., William R., Ira L. and Marion (deceased). 
 In politics Mr. Lacock is an active Democrat, and 
 in religion belongs to the Disciple Church at 
 Washington. Over six feet high, he is a fine speci- 
 men of the native American. 
 
 THOMAS J. NICHOL, one of the progressive 
 and well-to-do agriculturists of South Stra- 
 bane township, was born May 3, 1828, in 
 Canton (now Franklin) township. His 
 grandfather, Thomas Nichol, came to this 
 county from County Antrim, Ireland, and took 
 out a warrant, February 14, 1785, for a tract of 
 land now owned by John Hughes, whose wife is a 
 granddaughter of Thomas Nichol. This tract of 
 land was surveyed on May 13, 1785, and was 
 named in the survey " Crystal," containing 281 
 acres, adjoining lands of James Workman, James 
 Huston and others. While yet a young man he was 
 married to a young lady who had come from Scot- 
 land. After marriage they took up their residence 
 in Washington borough for some time., and then 
 removed to the farm in Canton township, which 
 he had entered; there they passed the rest of their 
 day r s. They were consistent members of the Pres- 
 byterian Church. Two children were born to 
 this honored pioneer couple: Samuel and Eliza 
 beth (Mrs. Alexander Reynolds). 
 
 Samuel Nichol, the only son of Thomas Nichol, 
 was born in Washington borough, this county, 
 where his boyhood and youth were passed, and 
 where he received his education. He was married 
 to Rebecca Bane, daughter of David Bane, of 
 Amwell township, ami their children were: James, 
 Franklin, Mary, Hannah. Elizabeth (Mrs. John 
 Hughes), and Thomas J. After marriage the young 
 couple settled in Franklin township, and there re- 
 mained until the death of the husband, which OC- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1153 
 
 curred November 19, 1870; his wife departed tbis 
 life iu February, 1854. They were members of the 
 Disciple Church, iu which he was an elder many 
 years; he was a Whig, and took an active part in 
 politics. 
 
 Thomas J. Nichol, whose name opens this sketch, 
 passed his early life at the place of his nativity, and 
 received his education at the schools of the (lis 
 trict. While a youug man he took a trip West, 
 being absent for some time, and then returned to 
 his native township. In January, 1859, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary, daughter of ex- 
 Judge James C. Chambers, of Amwell township, 
 this county. After marriage the young couple 
 carried on farming in Amwell township eight 
 years, and then moved to Franklin township. 
 where they remained one year, thence coming to 
 South Strabane township, to their present home. 
 The names of the children born to them are: 
 Annie, Lizzie, Jennie, John, Lotta, Clark and 
 Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Nichol are members of the 
 Disciple Church at Washington, and in politics he 
 has always been a stanch Republican. 
 
 h 
 
 ( UGUST E. MOLLENAUER, a successful 
 
 farmer and dairyman of North Strabane 
 township, is a sou of Ernest Mollenauer, 
 born in 1828, whose parents were natives of 
 Germany, and came to Allegheny county, 
 Penn., in the year 1848. Ernest Mollenauer was 
 married to Wilhelmina Huth, born in 1882, mar- 
 ried in the year 1850, and settled on the old home- 
 stead, where thirteen children were born to them, 
 of whom are now living: August E. , Charles. 
 Henry P., Louisa (wife of A. T. Linn), Harriet E. 
 (wife of Jacob Keitzer), Samuel H.. Frederick H. 
 and Mary J. (Mrs. Scott Higbee). Mr. and Mrs. 
 Mollenauer are members of the German Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 August E. Mollenauer was born February 20, 
 1856, in Allegheny county, Penn., and was reared 
 and educated on the home farm. On February 
 26, 1880, he was united in marriage with Mary E. 
 Froebe (who was born May 1, 1858), daughter of 
 Valentine and Elizabeth (Gutbub) Froebe. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Froebe were both natives of Germany, 
 and came separately without their parents to 
 America when young. The two families settled 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., and on attaining the 
 age of maturity, Valentine Froebe was married to 
 Elizabeth Gutbub, who bore him seven children, 
 five sons and two daughters, three of whom are 
 living: Elizabeth (Mrs. Mollenauer). Philip and 
 George W. Mr. Froebe died in the year 1881, 
 and his widow is yet living. She is a member of 
 the Lutheran Church, as was her deceased hus- 
 band. 
 
 August and Mary (Froebe) Mollenauer have had 
 
 born to them six children — three hoys and three 
 girls: Anna E., born January 12, 1881; Sarah 
 W, born February 23, 1883; Samuel, born Sep- 
 tember 28, 1886; Eva M., born December 31, 
 isss; Edward C, born December 29, 1890; and 
 George (deceased). Mr. Mollenauer owns 147 
 acres of land, and he has been engaged in the 
 daily business for the past eleven years, having 
 twenty cows, and in 1891 shipped 6,650 gallons of 
 milk to Pittsburgh. Penn. He and his wife are 
 members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically 
 Mr. Mollenauer is a Republican. 
 
 4 
 
 NOAH F. GILMORE was born September 
 11, 1825, in Pitt township, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn. He is a son of William, whose 
 father (also named William Gilmore) was a 
 native of Ireland. The last mentioned an- 
 cestor immigrated to America many years ago, and 
 locating on a farm in Susquehanna county, Penn., 
 successfully engaged in the farming business. In 
 1799 he came to Pittsburgh, Penn., and purchased 
 the Oakland farm, which was the scene of the 
 famous duel between Bates and Stewart, that con- 
 flict having been witnessed by his son, William 
 Gilmore, and his brother James. The father re- 
 sided on this farm for several years, having trans- 
 ported coal to Pittsburgh by horses and mules, and 
 finally moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, where 
 he died. He was married to a Miss Sample, who 
 belonged to a famous pioneer family of Allegheny 
 county, and four sons were born to their union: 
 John, William, James and Hugh, and two daugh- 
 ters. The father was a Federalist in politics. 
 
 William Gilmore, son of the above mentioned 
 pioneer, was born about the year 1789, in Susque- 
 hanna county, Penn., afterward coming with his 
 parents to Allegheny county. His school days 
 were necessarily limited, as his aid was needed by 
 his parents, who were in moderate circumstances. 
 He passed his youth in farm work and mining coal, 
 and in 1812 was united in marriage with Susanna 
 Fisher, a native of Susquehanna county, Penn., 
 and daughter of Henry Fisher, who purchased and 
 moved upon a farm in Ohio, where he died. After 
 his marriage William Gilmore continued to mine 
 coal, and when the old "Oakland" farm was sold 
 he purchased the place, finally succeeding in pay- 
 ing off the heavy indebtedness. He then moved to 
 Ohio, but finally returned to Pittsburgh, Penn., 
 where he died in 1852, leaving to his heirs a prop- 
 erty of 120,000. At one time he was very wealthy, 
 but lost a large amount through unfortunate cir 
 cumstances. In politics he was a Whig, and filled 
 important offices in Allegheny county for over 
 twenty years; in religious faith he was a valued 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. His children 
 were born as follows: John, William (deceased in 
 
1154 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Ohio, in 1891), Margaret. Mary Ann, Fisher H., 
 Noah F. and Eliza, of whom Noah F. is the only 
 one yet living. 
 
 Noah F. Gilmore remained on the home place 
 during hi* early manhood, and in 1851 he married 
 Harriet McCortney, who was a native of Chartiers 
 township, Allegheny Co., Penn. She died in 
 March, 1S61, leaving one daughter, Mary A., wife of 
 George Gilmore, a merchant of Allegheny county. 
 In 1871 Noah F. Gilmore married, for his second 
 wife, Sarah, daughter of John Young, a native of 
 Pittsburgh, and a steamboat engineer. To this 
 union children have been born as follows: Laura 
 1!.. Margaret J., S. Blanche, Susanna M., William 
 N., ClarenceS., Charles B. and Grant K. Prior to 
 1887 Mr. Gilmore was actively engaged in mining 
 operations, and sold out at that time; he is now re- 
 tired from active business, but conducts the ferry 
 which is located on his property. He was origi- 
 nally a Whig, and was present when the Repub- 
 lican party was organized at the corner of Fourth 
 and Wood streets, Pittsburgh, Penn. Although he 
 has from that time been a zealous Republican, Mr. 
 Gilmore has invariably refused to accept official 
 honors. 
 
 I LAS HALEY, probably the oldest, and one 
 of the most prominent, merchants in the 
 Monongahela Valley, is a son of Sedgwick 
 Haley, whose father was born in Ireland, 
 and came to America many years ago, when he 
 married a Miss Jeans. Of the children born to 
 this union the following are named: Daniel, James, 
 John, Richard, Euoch and Sedgwick. The father 
 of this family was a Democrat in political opin- 
 ions, and iu religion a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. He died in Holmes county, Ohio. 
 
 Sedgwick Haley was born and reared in Holmes 
 county, Ohio, and attended the schools of the 
 neighborhood, passing his youth on the home 
 place. A few years after attaining his majority 
 he chose as his wife, Rebecca Dailey, a native of 
 Washington county, Penn., and the young couple 
 resided in Middletown, Ohio, for five years after 
 their marriage. They then removed to a farm in 
 Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where the remainder of 
 their lives was passed. He was identified with the 
 Whig party, and served ten years as justice of the 
 peace; he was equally zealous in religious matters, 
 as an active member of the M. E. Church. He 
 died in his forty fourth year, leaving to mourn his 
 loss a widow and nine children: Jefferson, Simeon, 
 Sarah, John, Silas, Mary and Sedgwick (twins), 
 liehncca and Charles. 
 
 Silas Hale} was born July 30, 1832, in Holmes 
 county. Ohio. He learned the tailor's t rade. and at 
 the age of eighteen years came to Monongahela 
 City, where he followed thai vocation until 1ST>|. 
 
 when he opened a clothing establishment which he 
 has since conducted. On March 10, 1853, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary O, daughter of Levi 
 Priggs, a native of Huntingdon county, Penn., 
 ami three children have blessed this union, namely : 
 Rebecca, wife of W. C. Robison; C. E. and Will 
 iam A. Mr. Haley was originally a Whig, and is 
 now a Republican; he has served as a member of 
 the council. In religious faith he is an earnest, 
 active member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 iT^EORGE W. POGUE, prominently identi 
 I fied with the representative citizens and 
 
 lill successful farmers of Hanover township, is 
 ^^1 descended from an old Irish family. His 
 grandfather, John Pogue, who was the first 
 of the name to locate in Washington county, 
 Penn., was born in Ireland, August 11, 1742, and, 
 after landing in America, located on a farm iu 
 Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., near 
 Cross Creek. Like all the early settlers, he 
 labored under many disadvantages, and had to 
 make several trips across the mountains for salt. 
 On one occasion, while returning from a trip over 
 the mountains with a load of salt, he reached 
 Pittsburgh on Saturday night, and would not pro 
 ceed with his load on the Sabbath; and while re- 
 maining there, he was completely disgusted with the 
 desecration of the sacred day. On the following 
 morning he was offered several acres of valuable 
 land in the heart of the city for his load of salt, 
 but decidedly refused the proposition, as he did 
 not care for land where the Sabbath was not ob- 
 served. He and his wife were leading members 
 of the Seceder Church, and lived to old age, on the 
 place where they first settled, and were laid to 
 rest in a private burying ground on the home 
 farm; be died December 21,1837; they were the 
 parents of seven children as follows: William, James 
 (a school teacher), Samuel, George, Sarah (Mrs. 
 John Curry), Robert and David. 
 
 George Pogue was born January 16, 1781), and 
 when old enough assisted in clearing up the 
 forest of the pioneer farm, attending, in the mean- 
 time, the rude subscription schools of the time. 
 When a young man he was married to Nancy, 
 daughter of David Davis, a native of Washington 
 county, on Cross creek. After his marriage Mr. 
 Pogue located for a short time on a farm adjoining 
 the old place, and in 1836 went to Belmont county, 
 Ohio, settling on a place near St. Clairsville. He 
 died in 1882. his wife in 1884. .Mr. and Mrs. 
 Pogue were active members of the M. E. Church: 
 in politics he was a Democrat prior to Jackson's 
 administration, when he joined the Whig party, 
 finally becoming a Republican. The children of 
 this family were as follows: David. Robert. 
 George W . Rebecca B., Ruth and John F., of 
 

 
 ^U), Iff JnyjstA^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1 1 r.T 
 
 whom only three are living: George W., Ruth 
 (Mrs. Hugh Rogers, of Belmont county, Ohio), and 
 Rebecca E. (wife of Griffith Lemon, living in Bel 
 mont county, Ohio). 
 
 George W. Pogue was horn July 4, 1827, in 
 Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 when nine years of age came with his parents to 
 Belmont county, Ohio. On May 17, 1859, he was 
 married to Pauline Robinson, who was born in 
 1839, a daughter of Rev. James Robinson, a Meth- 
 odist Protestant minister, of Muskingum county, 
 Ohio. After his marriage George W. Pogue pur- 
 chased 240 acres of excellent land in the Rock 
 River country, Whiteside Co. , 111., remaining there 
 but a short time, and then made a trade with an 
 uncle (his father's brother) who was living in Jef 
 ferson township, Washington Co.. Penn. By this 
 bargain he received a farm of 100 acres, to which 
 he removed in 1860, and when his uncle Robert 
 died, George W. Pogue settled up the affairs of 
 the estate. In 1863 he came to his present farm 
 (situated on the Pittsburgh and Steuben ville pike, 
 three miles west of Florence), to which he has 
 added an adjoining tract. Mr. Pogue has been 
 extensively engaged in the wool and live stock 
 business, having been successful in both, and has 
 accumulated a good property by his own efforts. 
 In politics he was originally a Whig, now ;i !!<■ 
 publican, and is well posted on the issues of his 
 party; in principle he is a Prohibitionist. In 1851 
 he made the good confession in the Methodist 
 Protestant Church of Eldersville, Penn., in which 
 he has served as steward and in other offices. His 
 wife is a member of the same church. They have 
 two daughters: Mary (Mrs. C. F. Gardner, of 
 Hanover township) and Ella (wife of George S. 
 Hanlin, also of Hanover township). At the time 
 of the first settlement of the Pogue family. Indians 
 were numerous, and many times he and his family 
 were compelled to spend their nights iu the grain 
 fields. The horses wore bells, and as they could de- 
 tect the presence of the Indians first, the settlers 
 depended on them for warning. 
 
 Rev. James Robinson, father of Mrs. George W. 
 Pogue, was born in Geneva, Fayette Co., Penn., 
 June 27, 1812. His father, James Robinson, a 
 farmer, was a native of Ireland, and came to 
 America when a young man. He was married 
 twice, the second time to Sarah Clelland, who bore 
 him the following children: James, John and 
 Sarah Ann. Mr. Robinson was a Covenanter. He 
 died in West Virginia, at Barraeksville. Rev. 
 James Robinson was educated atMeadville, Penn., 
 and was licensed to preach in 1837 in the M. P. 
 Church, this first charge being in the Zanesville 
 circuit, Ohio Conference. He came to the Pitts- 
 burgh Conference, and spent the remainder of his 
 life in same. He was married to Susan, daughter 
 of John Johnson, of Muskingum county, Ohio, and 
 
 the children of this marriage were Pauline, John 
 W., Virginia (Mrs. Thomas Stevenson), Mary E., 
 James F. , William and Marshall, all now deceased 
 save Mrs. Pogue. Politically Mr. Robinson was a 
 Whig and Republican. 
 
 V Ai *"*• KREPPS, a prosperous blacksmith and 
 
 \//\ wasron maker, was born December 13,1847, 
 "L I in Fayette City, Fayette Co., Penn.. the 
 
 I youngest in the family of children born 
 
 to Lewis and Elizabeth (Biland) Krepps. 
 
 Lewis Krepps was born of German ancestry, in 
 1809 in Harper's Ferry, Va., where his boyhood 
 and early youth were passed. In 1828 he and his 
 brother Christian walked from Harpers Ferry to 
 Brownsville, Penn., and there he worked at his 
 trade, that of blacksmith. He was married in 
 Brownsville to Miss Elizabeth Biland, of West 
 Pike Run township, Washington county. After- 
 ward they settled in Fayette City, Fayette Co., 
 Penn. They became the parents of seven chil- 
 dren, as follows: John W., living at Grand 
 Rapids, Mich.; Jeremiah A., deceased iu I860; 
 Lewis Thornton, living in Richland county, 111.; 
 Sarah, wife of Eli Croop, of Ravenna, Ohio; 
 Enos Clark, who died in 1882, at St. Louis, Mo. ; 
 Mary C. and M. S. (twins), the former of whom 
 married J. W. Burton, and they are now living in 
 North Dakota. The mother of this family died in 
 Fayette City, in 1865, and in 1867 the father mar- 
 ried a second time. In 1869 he purchased a farm 
 in Westmoreland county, Penn., moved thereon, 
 and there died in 1881, in his seventy-fourth year. 
 
 M. S. Krepps received his education in the pub- 
 lic schools, and learned the trade of blacksmith in 
 his native town. In 1870 he moved to Alien town- 
 ship, Washington county, where he continued his 
 trade, and iu connection carried on agriculture. 
 On July 2, 1872, he was married to Josephine, 
 daughter of John Fry, the ceremony taking place 
 in California, Penn., and the young couple at once 
 took up their home on a farm iu Allen township, 
 comprising sixty-eight acres of good land. The 
 children born to this union were John F.. born 
 December 4, 1878; Joe E. , born November 3, 1881; 
 Frank G., born December 6, 1883, and died of 
 diphtheria July 17, 1892. In politics Mr. Krepps 
 is actively interested in the Republican party, and 
 he and his wife are members of the Disciple 
 Church. 
 
 Kr\ EZIN C. TUCKER, a well-known farmer 
 |w^ and progressive citizen of Hanover town- 
 r\\ SU 'P' is descended from one of the pioneers 
 JJ -^ of the county. 
 
 v Prior to 1770 there came from Maryland 
 
 one John Tucker, who, after the Government sur- 
 
1 1 58 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 vey, took up 100 acres of what is known as the 
 " Grace tract " in Hanover township, having made 
 improvements on a tomahawk claim, several years 
 in advance of the Government survey. He was a 
 large man and as straight as an Indian, a despiser 
 of the lazy man and the rascal, and was an honest. 
 Quaker. Before coming here his first wife died, 
 leaving two sons, Rev. Samuel, who was killed by 
 Indians while en route to Kentucky, and John, 
 who moved to Ohio. He married his second wife 
 shortly before leaving Marvland, and she. with 
 the two sons, accompanied him to this county. 
 There were two daughters born to this second 
 marriage, who became Mrs. Ralston and Mrs. 
 Sadler, respectively. Jonathan, the eldest son of 
 the second marriage, was born in Fort Vance dur- 
 ing an Indian raid in 1771. Thomas, the fourth 
 child, moved to Ohio; David was the youngest. John 
 Tucker was the founder of Tucker's Church, which 
 was built in 1823, and which is yet known by that 
 name. He was among the earliest residents of this 
 county, from whom the majority of the families of 
 this name in Hanover township are descended. 
 Many were the trials and struggles endured by 
 this old pioneer, of which, did space permit, we 
 would gladly give a detailed description. He 
 lived to the ripe old age of one hundred years, and 
 was buried in the Tucker's Church cemetery, where 
 his wife was also interred. 
 
 David Tucker, youngest son of John, was reared 
 on the old homestead where his father had first 
 located. When a young ma:i he was married to 
 Christie Ann Hill, who bore him the following 
 children: Ellen. Rezin. Mary Ann. David. Philip 
 Rowland, Nancy and Samuel, all of whom lived to 
 adult age, some moving to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois 
 and Iowa, while a few remained in their native 
 county. The father was a Democrat, and in re- 
 ligious faith his wife was a Baptist He died in 
 1819, and was buried in a private cemetery on the 
 home place. His widow was married to John 
 Clark, and had two children by her second mar 
 riage, viz. : Matthew (who went to Texas) and 
 Harriet (deceased in youth). The mother died in 
 Ohio, where she lived with her elder sons. 
 
 David Tucker, son of David and Christie Ann 
 Tucker, was born in 1812. and received but a com- 
 mon-school education, his father dying when he 
 was but a boy of seven years. He then went to 
 live with his uncle, Nathan Hill, near Eldersville, 
 Jefferson township, this county, of whom he learned 
 the tanner's trade. In 1820 he left the tanning 
 business, and going to Pittsburgh worked for some 
 time in an iron mill. When his brother, who had 
 been living on the home place, left there for the 
 West, he came from Pittsburgh and took charge of 
 the farm. Tn 1837 he was married to Sarah S. 
 Watt, who was born in 1813. in Hanover town- 
 ship, daughter of John Watt. The children born 
 
 to this union were as follows: Rezin O, Angelina 
 E. (deceased in youth), Mary Ellen (unmarried, is 
 yei living on the hoirte farm), Harriet L. (Mrs. R. 
 W. Crisswell of Hanover township), David S. 
 (married, of Florence), John W. (deceased) , Sarah 
 S. (wife of George S. Graham, M. D., a leading 
 physician of Florence) and Lemuel J. (professor 
 in a college at Defiance, Ohio). Of these children 
 John W. enlisted in Company K, One Hundred 
 and Fortieth P. V. I., and was killed near Todds 
 Tavern at the battle of the Wilderness. Owing to 
 an order previously issued by the commander in 
 chief, the body was never secured, and was buried 
 in the field. The parents always lived in this 
 township. David Tucker was a Democrat until 
 the close of Jackson's administration, when he lie 
 came a Whig and Republican. He was among the 
 leading men. and a liberal contributor to the M. 
 E. Church (Tucker's Church). He was twice mar 
 ried. his second wife being Rachel B. (Miller) 
 Hall, a widow, who died in 1884, followed by her 
 husband in October, 1K00. He was a man of pow 
 erf ul physique, weighing over 200 pounds. 
 
 Rezin C. Tucker, son of David and Sarah S. 
 Tucker, and the subject proper of this sketch, was 
 born April 27. 1838, in Hanover township, this 
 county. His first education was received in tin 
 common schools, afterward attending the Florence 
 academy for some time. In youth he gave his 
 name to the M. E. Church. After leaving school 
 he learned the carpenter's trade, which he com- 
 pleted and followed at various places in the county. 
 For the past few years he has been living on the 
 home place, of which he now has charge, having 
 been administrator of his father's estate. In poli- 
 tics he is a Republican, taking an interest in the 
 success of his party. He has never married. 
 
 \ILLIAM DUNBAR is an esteemed citi 
 zen of Robinson township, who is rapidly 
 converting the products of the soil into a 
 golden harvest, the reward of patient, in 
 dustrious toil. His grandparents. James 
 and Mary Dunbar, natives of Ireland, emigrated 
 to America in an early day, settling in Pennsyl 
 vania, and thus becoming identified with the pio 
 neer history of that State. Twelve children were 
 born to them, of whom but two are now living: 
 Mary (widow of Joseph Wallace, living in Oak 
 dale, Allegheny Co., Penn.), and William (a farmer 
 of Cross Creek township, this county). Mr. Dun- 
 bar followed farming and stock raising. He died 
 in 1830, and in 1831 his wife was laid beside him. 
 Thomas Dunbar was born February 12, 1805, 
 in Washington county, and in 1833 was married to 
 Mary Scott, who was born in 1817 in the same 
 
 i nly. The following children were born to 
 
 then union: Alexander S., Mary (wife of Dallas 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1 1 59 
 
 Garrison), William (of whom a sketch is given be- 
 low), Martha, James, Elizabeth, Susan, ami an 
 unnamed infant. Of these children the ones now 
 living are Alexander, Mary and William. Thomas 
 Dunbar cared little for political life, but was 
 actively interested in public improvements and 
 church affairs, to which he contributed liberally, 
 and with his wife was a devoted member of the 
 Raccoon Presbyterian Church. He died in 1891, 
 having been preceded by his wife in 1852. 
 
 William Dunbar was born July 9, 1847, and was 
 reared on the home farm. On May 19, 1881, he 
 married Nancy Annan, born June 17, 1847, in 
 Washington county, Penn., daughter of William 
 (a carpenter) and Maria (Trimmer) Annan, early 
 settlers of this county. They reared four chil- 
 dren, viz. : Mary, Nancy (Mrs. Dunbar), and 
 James and Emma (both deceased). Mr. and Mrs. 
 Annan were members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 He died in 1876; his widow (who was born in 
 1810) is living with her daughter, Mary, in 
 Candor, this county. William and Nancy (Annan) 
 Dunbar are active members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. He owns a well-cultivated farm of 157 
 acres, and raises a considerable amount of stock. 
 In politics he is a Democrat. 
 
 GL. KINDER was born February 27, 1842, 
 His great-grandfather, George Kinder, re- 
 sided on Plum Brush, and followed the Ohio 
 and Mississippi rivers as a trader and boat- 
 man. For a time he was successful in business, 
 but being overtaken by financial trouble, a few 
 years later went to New Orleans, and never re- 
 turned. His son George was born in East Beth- 
 lehem township, this county, and lived in that 
 vicinity until after his marriage, when he was ac- 
 cidentally killed in a carding-mill, which he 
 owned and operated. The maternal grandfather 
 of our subject, Christian Booze, was born in Greene 
 county, Penn. He had no educational opportuni- 
 ties, and followed carpentry and farming, eventu- 
 ally becoming a successful business man. 
 
 Valentine Kinder, the father of our subject, was 
 born in 1805 in East Bethlehem township. He 
 received a limited education in the common schools, 
 but was a good penman. When a young man he 
 went to Galena, 111., upon a mining expedition, 
 thence coming to St. Louis he raised a crop of 
 corn, and then returning home taught school for a 
 time. He then married Miss Julia Booze, at which 
 time his entire worldly property amounted to $35. 
 He located just below the present home of his son 
 George, and remained there two years. He then 
 removed to West Mill. Six years later he bought 
 the home of his son, Louis, where he lived a num- 
 ber of years, and thence removed to the old Nich- 
 olls farm, near Hillsborough. At the time of his 
 
 death, which occurred June 12, 1890, he left $10.- 
 000 for distribution, having previously divided 
 $50,000 among his children. 
 
 Our subject was born on the old homestead just 
 south of Hillsborough; where he lived with his father 
 until he moved to the Nicholls farm in 1857, leav- 
 ing the old farm in charge of his two sons, Louis 
 and Harvy. C. L. Kinder was educated in tin- 
 common schools, and though his opportunities were 
 limited, he was an eager reader and a very well 
 informed man. He remained at home until his 
 enlistment, August, 1861, in the "Ringgold Cav 
 airy," an independent company. Capt. John Keyes 
 commanding. He was in the service three and 
 one-half years, and during two months of that 
 time was confined in Andersonville and Florence 
 Station prisons. He served in no general engage- 
 ment, being under Gen. Keller, protecting the B. 
 & O. R. R. On June 10, 1863. he was taken 
 prisoner at Lester's River Gap, W. Va., and was 
 twice slightly wounded while in the service. He 
 was mustered out of the army March 17, 1865, and 
 on retiring to his home resumed the occupation of 
 farming, working his father's place on shares. In 
 1868 he and his brother Louis purchased the farm 
 of over one hundred acres where Samuel Kinder 
 now lives. Here he remained for about five years, 
 and in thespringof 1873, together with his brother 
 Valentine, he purchased the farm of 207 acres 
 upon which he passed the rest of his life. Mrs. 
 Kinder has since added ten acres to this tract. 
 Valentine Kinder remained upon the farm one 
 year; then purchased a portable sawmill, and soon 
 after this was killed by falling upon the saw. He 
 left a wife and one child. Our subject then bought 
 out the interests of his brother's heirs in the farm, 
 and became very successful in business, having 
 made the greater share of his property himself. 
 There is probably no finer place in the township 
 than this farm. On Thursday, January 17. 1867. Mr. 
 Kinder married Sarah Worrell, daughter of Elias and 
 Aves Worrell of Allen township. Mrs. Kinder had 
 the following half-brothers: Allen Worrell, deceased 
 in July, 1867; William Worrell, deceased in June, 
 1873; John Worrell, deceased in July, 1873. Elias 
 Worrell, the father, died in May," 1873. Mrs. 
 Kinder had one full brother, Elias Irvin Worrell, 
 and one sister, Elizabeth, wife of Eli Williams. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Kinder had six children: Aves Ann, 
 born October 7, 1867; Elias I., born Mav 22, 1868, 
 died May 25, 1868; John Irwin, born July 2, 1871; 
 Elizabeth Nora, born March 18. 1873, was married 
 October 18, 1892. to Ira' Friend; Julia Josephine, 
 born April 7. 1877, and Sarah Gertrude, born 
 August 22, 1881. C. L. Kinder died March 17, 
 1892. He had always been a Republican, and took 
 an active interest in the affairs of his party. He 
 was, as is his family, an active and devout mem 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
11 fill 
 
 WASH INGTON CO I W T V. 
 
 THOMAS (i. WALLACE, one of the best 
 and most systematic farmers of West Finley 
 township, iH a son of Charles, whose 
 father, Robert Wallace, was born and mar- 
 ried in County Down, Ireland. His wife 
 was formerly Esther Walkingshaw, daughter of 
 John Walkingshaw. a miller of County Down. 
 After his marriage, Mr. Wallace sailed (in 1804) 
 with their oldest son from Ireland to America, and 
 while on the ocean, the second son, Robert, was 
 born. The family first settled in Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., and resided there ten or twelve 
 years, finally making a permanent home in West- 
 Finley township, Washington county. Their other 
 children were John, Samuel, Mary Ann. Martha 
 and Jane. Of this family Robert is now the only 
 living member. The mother died June 14, 1848, 
 and the father lingered until 1850, when he, too. 
 passed away. 
 
 Charles Wallace, the eldest son of the above 
 family, was born January 2, 1802, in Countj 
 Down, Ireland, and passed his youth in America, 
 on the farm of his father. He learned the trade 
 of a weaver, and followed that vocation until he 
 settled on the farm now occupied by his son, 
 Thomas G. He was united in marriage with Ann 
 Griffith, daughter of Thomas Griffith, of Donegal 
 township, Washington county, who was a native 
 of Wales. To this union were born children as 
 follows, the names and dates of birth being given: 
 Margaret, October 15, 1826: Robert, January 4, 
 1828; Thomas G.. March T.I. 1829; Samuel. Sep- 
 tember 10, 1830; John, November 8; 1832; Charles, 
 July 14, 1833; Esther, January 8, 1830; William, 
 July 10, 1837; Marv J.. February 7, 1830, and 
 Arthur. May 15, 1842. Of these children, Esther, 
 Samuel, John and Mary J. are deceased. Mr. 
 Wallace was a charter member of the Hanev 
 town Presbyterian Church. In politics he was 
 formerly a Whig, and on the formation of the 
 party became a Republican. On May 19, 1871, he 
 was laid to rest, and on February 6. 1879, was fol- 
 lowed by his wife. 
 
 Thomas G. Wallace was born in Donegal town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., and came with his 
 father to West Finley township, where he as- 
 sisted in the general duties of the home farm until 
 he was twenty-two years of age, when he began 
 working by the month for the neighboring farmers, 
 in which he continued three years. On March 14, 
 1 sr>4, he was married to Elizabeth Haggerty, of 
 Independence township, Washington county, who 
 bore him one daughter, Anna Mary, who died 
 February 11. 1855, the mother having died Febru- 
 ary 5. On February 9, 1800. Mr. Wallace was 
 married to Harriet L., daughter of Alexander Pat 
 terson, whose ancestors were of Irish birth, and 
 to their union were born the following children: 
 Beverage P., born January 31, 1861; Anna M. , 
 
 bom May I. 1802; William A., born June is. 
 1S03: Charles EL, born September 8, 1804; Lizzie 
 J., born October 23. 1865; James P., born Janu- 
 ary 23. 1807; Lelia A., born March 25, 1808; 
 Samuel M.. born August 25, 1809; Ida B., born 
 November 3, 1870; Thomas H. , born January 20, 
 1872; Nancy M., bom May 13, 1873; Edward L., 
 born February 17, 1875; John A., born November 
 20, 1870, and Laura E., born May 11, 1881. Of 
 the above family. Samuel, James and Leliaarede 
 ceased. When Mr. Wallace began married life he 
 was too poor to purchase a home, and so continued 
 to icut until he had paid $7,000 for the use of 
 farms. He then concluded that renting was as ex- 
 pensive as purchasing property, and so bought the 
 old home farm, which by the practice of economy 
 and good management he has nearly paid for. He 
 is one of the few farmers who keep a strict account 
 of the sales and expenditures of the family. Dur- 
 ing the last year Mr. Wallace has sold about 
 $1,500 worth of stock and produce from his farm. 
 He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of 
 Haneytown, W. Va. . to which he gives a liberal 
 support. In politics he is a leading Republican. 
 
 L 
 
 EWIS LINN, a representative agriculturist 
 of Peters township, was born December 17, 
 1827, in Union township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and is a son of Aaron Linn. 
 Aaron Linn was born in 1790, in New Bruns 
 wick, N. J., and in early manhood was married to 
 Eliza Henkison, a native of the same State. 
 They afterward located in Union township. Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., where he worked by the day. 
 Their children were born as follows: David, Will 
 iam, L"wis, Hannah, Marv (1), Zephanalia, James. 
 Mary (2). Elizabeth and Ann C. Of this family 
 David, William. Mary, Zephanalia and James are 
 deceased. The latter enlisted in Company G, One 
 Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and was killed at 
 the battle of Gettysburg. 
 
 Lewis Linn, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 passed his youth on the home place. On April 13, 
 IMS. he was married to Margaret .1., daughter of 
 James Sheets, a shoemaker of Peters township. 
 The young couple then lived as tenants in Peters 
 township, also near Canonsburg, and in 1801 
 bought the home farm in Peters township, contain 
 ing ISO acres of fine land, upon which he has 
 made many improvements. He owns twenty five 
 cows, and has a milk route in Pittsburgh, which is 
 managed by his son, William, who also buys milk 
 of the neighboring farmers. Mr. Linn votes the 
 Democratic ticket, and has served nine years as 
 road supervisor, but prefers to devote his principal 
 time to personal matters. He assisted in the or- 
 ganization of the Presbyterian Church at Finley. 
 villi-, of which he is an elder and stanch supporter. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1163 
 
 Nine children have been born to this union, namely : 
 James, Aaron, Nancy, Belle, William, John A. 
 (deceased), one deceased in infancy, Robert and 
 Margaret. Of these four are married, viz. : James, 
 Aaron, Nancy and Belle. Mr. Linn has had fif 
 teen grandchildren, three of whom are deceased. 
 
 dfAMES BELL. Of the many European 
 countries that have given to America their 
 I best and bravest citizens, the fair Emerald 
 Isle has ever been found in the foremost 
 rank. Persecuted and oppressed by power- 
 ful nations, many of her high spirited sons and 
 daughters have sought a land of freedom, and 
 finding the object of their quest in America, have 
 bled and died to maintain the honor of their 
 adopted country. 
 
 James Bell was born February 9, 1844, near 
 Bangor, County Down, Ireland, and grew to man- 
 hood on his father's farm. He soon evinced an 
 inclination for mechanical work, and by indulging 
 this natural taste, finally became quite a success- 
 ful carpenter. On March 17. 1873, he was united 
 in the bonds of matrimony with Jane Major, a 
 native of the same county. She was born Decem- 
 ber 3, 1855, and was a daughter of David Major, 
 a merchant of Bangor. County Down, Ireland. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bell decided to begin their mar- 
 ried life in the New World, and in June, 1873, 
 sailed from Larne, County Antrim, on the State- 
 line ship "Pennsylvania." After a voyage of 
 thirteen days they landed at New York, thence 
 proceeded to Steubenville, Ohio, where they re- 
 mained a short time, then settled at Midway, Penn. 
 Mr. Bell there found employment in outside work 
 at the coal mines, but through working with un- 
 tiring industry, his health began to fail from the 
 unaccustomed and severe manual labor. In 1880 
 he opened a small grocery, being obliged to begin 
 on a modest scale, as his finances were very 
 limited. But undaunted by the many obstacles 
 before him, with the spirit of energy and phick 
 characteristic of the sons of Erin. James Bell be- 
 gan at the foot of the commercial ladder. Slowly, 
 yet steadily, he began to rise; round by round he 
 ascended, watching and working, with his faithful 
 wife by his side to encourage and aid in the stub- 
 born conflict; at last success dawned and the 
 darkest hours were over. To-day James Bell con- 
 ducts the most extensive individual mercantile 
 business at Midway. He has been compelled to 
 enlarge his business facilities, and is enjoying the 
 well-earned reward of those weary, toilsome years. 
 The following children have been born to Mr. and 
 Mrs. James Bell; Minnie. David, William M.. Bessie 
 M. N.. James A., Hugh W.. John (deceased in in- 
 fancy). Mattie S. and John N. In politics Mr. 
 Bell was formerly a Republican, and in 1884 joined 
 
 the Prohibition party, with which he has since 
 been connected. He and his wife are earnest 
 members of the U. P. Church. 
 
 ESLEY L. OWINGS, a well-to-do farmer 
 
 and substantial citizen of Hanover town 
 ship, is of Welsh extraction. His grand- 
 father, Asa Owings, was burn in Wales, 
 and on his arrival in America settled 
 near Harmon's Creek, where his life was passed in 
 "tilling the virgin soil." Many were the hard- 
 ships and trials with which this family contended 
 before the victory was won beyond a question. 
 Twelve children were born to Asa Owings, among 
 whom, and second in the order of birth, was one 
 named Ephraim. 
 
 Ephraim Owings was born January 6, 1801, in 
 Brooke county. W. Va., in the pioneer cabin on 
 Harmon's creek, this county. His early life was 
 passed on the frontier. On January 12, 1826, he 
 was married to Blanche Swearingen, who was 
 born August 20, 1807, in Brooke county, W. Va., 
 where her father, John Swearingen, after coining 
 from Maryland, settled. The following children 
 were born to Ephraim and Blanche Owings: Vir- 
 linder, the widow of Henry Fullerton; Michael, 
 married to James Mahan, and living in De Kalb 
 county. Mo. ; John S.. a farmer of Hancock county, 
 W. Va. ; Asa, an agriculturist of Webster county, 
 Mo.; Frances, deceased wife of John Snedeter; 
 Helen, married to John N. Griffith, of Hanover 
 township; Catherine, widow of Daniel Sturgeon, 
 of Beaver Falls, Penn.; William E., a farmer of 
 De Kalb county, Mo.; Wesley L., of whom further 
 mention is made; George E., deceased in infancy; 
 Minerva and Mary (twins), deceased in infancy. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Owings lived in Hancock and Brooke 
 counties, W. Va., where he followed the river in 
 connection with farming until 1864, when he 
 purchased the Henry Bow farm, in Hanover town 
 ship, this county, where his last years were Hpent. 
 At length, worn out with the toil of many indus 
 trious years, he passed away, July 13, 1884, fol- 
 lowed by his wife July 14, 1891, and they are 
 buried in the Florence cemetery. Mrs. Owings 
 was a member of the Baptist Church at Holliday's 
 Cove, W. Va. , in which her husband was an 
 elder and leading member for many years. He 
 was a zealous Democrat, a successful farmer and 
 an excellent citizen. 
 
 Wesley L. Owings was born July 18, 1846, in 
 Brooke county, W. Va. On the old place, where 
 the father had passed his boyhood, the son grew 
 to maturity. When a young man he came, with 
 his parents, to Washington county, Penn. On 
 February 17, 1870, he married Margaret E. Davis, 
 who was born May 20, 1848, a daughter of Will- 
 iam and Margaret (Bruce) Davis, of Hanover 
 
1164 
 
 WASliI.xaTON COUNTY. 
 
 township. The children of Wesley and Margaret 
 Owings are as follows: George D., Liunie A.. 
 Margaret E., William E., Ralph G. and Elva C, 
 all of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mis. 
 Owings remain on the old place where the father 
 first settled. Like his ancestors for generations, 
 Wesley Owings devotes his attention to the culti- 
 vation of his farm and stock raising, in which 
 business he has prospered. He is an enthusiastic 
 supporter of the doctrines embraced in the Demo- 
 cratic party. The family share the respect and 
 esteem of the entire community, and Mrs. Owings 
 is a member of the U. P. Church at Frankfort 
 Springs. 
 
 J I L. BRADY was born in Washington, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., a descendant of Freeman 
 | Brady, who came to Washington, Penn.. in 
 about 1812, where he worked at his trade, thai 
 of mason. He married a Miss Means, of South 
 Strabane township, this county, whose family reside 
 on the place now known as the ' ' Taylor farm,' ' and 
 their children were as follows: Sophia, Seaman (de- 
 ceased), Andrew (deceased), John and Freeman, 
 Samuel, James, David (deceased), Benjamin, and 
 Martha (deceased). Mr. Brady took a very active 
 part in local affairs, and at one time was post- 
 master at Washington. He was contractor for 
 many of the abutments to the bridges, along the 
 National pike, and built the courthouse and old 
 jail. Although lie had but a limited education, 
 he became one of the most prominent men of the 
 day. Politically, he was one of the old wheel 
 horses of the Democratic party in Washington 
 county. He and his wife were members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. He died in 1S72, when 
 over seventy years of age, having been preceded to 
 the grave by his wife. 
 
 Benjamin Brady, son of Freeman, was born in 
 Washington borough in 1836, and there passed 
 his entire life. In 1859 he was married to Rebecca 
 Jordan, of Washington, and three children were 
 born to them: W. C, born March 4. 1860; J. L. 
 (a sketch of whom follows), born September 28, 
 L862; and Katie H. born August 14, 1804 (mar- 
 ried to John W. Hallam). Mr. Brady was a 
 butcher and conducted a meat market, a business 
 he followed all his life. He was generous to a 
 fault, and ever ready to give a helping hand to the 
 
 i ly. He died in October, 1864, and his widow 
 
 is still living in the borough of Washington. 
 
 J. L. Brady lived in Washington until he was 
 five years of age, when he came to Amwell town- 
 ship, and made his home with his granduncle and 
 grandaunt, Isaac and Isabella Dager, the former of 
 whom died when J. L. was a lad of fifteen sum 
 mors, since which time he has successfully man 
 aged the farm, having previously received his edu 
 
 cation in the common schools. On October 16, 
 1889, ho was uuited in marriage with Ella Hilde 
 brand, (laughter of Andrew and Mary Hildebrand, 
 of West Bethlehem township, whose other children 
 are Marion, Eli, Alviu, Frank, Rachel and Zoe. 
 Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Brady have one child, Glenn, born 
 May 28, 1891. Our subject is a Democrat, and is 
 active in the politics of his township, always voting 
 for the best man in local politics, regardless of 
 party distinctions. 
 
 Isaac Dager, granduncle of J. L. Brady, was 
 born March 29. 1808, on the farm now occupied 
 by our subject, and received a good rate school ed- 
 ucation. He was married to Isabella Means, and 
 there was born to them bne daughter, Catherine 
 Ann, who died at the age of nine years. Mr. 
 Dager died December 4, 1S70, on the farm where 
 his life was passed, and his widow followed him to 
 the grave September 27, 1888. 
 
 It f/ENRY MORRISON, son of Henry, and 
 i l—j grandson of Henry Morrison, was born An 
 
 gust 13, 1827, in Nottingham township, 
 I) - this county. The grandfather was a lieu 
 
 tenant in the Revolutionary war. In 1773 
 he came to this county and bought 466 acres of 
 laud on Mingo creek, where he died at the age of ' 
 eighty-two years, leaving three sons: John, James 
 and Henry. Henry Morrison was born October 2, 
 1799, in Nottingham township, and at an early 
 day was married to Anna Stewart, who was born 
 here October 14. 1794. Five children blessed this 
 marriage, namelv: William, born December 18, 
 1820, died February 26, 1843; Patience (Mrs. 
 Hamilton), born April 30, 1823; Henry, of whom a 
 sketch follows; John, born May 2:!. 1830, died 
 January 6, 1836, and James, born May 14, is:!:! 
 The father owned 152 acres of land and passed 
 his life iu agricultural pursuits, serving the town 
 ship iu various capacities. He died October 7. 
 1884, having been preceded by the mother De- 
 cember 25, 1877. 
 
 Henry Morrison, whose name opens this sketch, 
 grew to manhood on the home place in Notting- 
 ham township, and on March 30. ISIS, married 
 Margaret, daughter of Charles Hamilton, of Peters 
 township. She was born July 16, 1829. To this 
 union the following children have been born: 
 Charles H. . born March 12, 1849; Margaret A., 
 born October 24. 1852; Sarah B. , born November 
 
 I. 1855, died August 16, 1859; Patience L.. born 
 July 21, 1858, .lied August 17, 1859; Henrv W . 
 born June 12. 1860, died October 1. 1865; James 
 S., born October 7. 1862; Willett A., born April 
 
 II. 1865; Harry M., born July 24. 1807. and How- 
 ard F., born July 11, 1871. 
 
 Mr. Morrison is a prosperous farmer, now own- 
 ing seventy-eight and one half acres of well-culti 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1165 
 
 vated land, and at one time gave his entire atten 
 tion to stock raising. He has been supervisor, 
 also serving as school director for several years. 
 In political affairs he affiliates with the Democratic 
 party. 
 
 EA. WILLIAMS is of French descent, his 
 grandparents, James and Sarah (Kherson) 
 Richards, having been 1 ion i in France. 
 When but sixteen years of age James Rich- 
 ards served as a fifer in the French revolution. 
 being a brave soldier; he received a wound in the 
 leg which he carried through life. Emigrating to 
 America, he became a farmer and active politician. 
 They were the parents of three children, viz. : 
 Hester, Hannah and Lucy. The parents died in 
 East Pike Run township, Washington Co. . Penn. 
 
 Titus Williams, son of Elder Williams (known 
 as a great minister of his day), was born in 1808. 
 on the home place in East Pike Run township, and 
 for several years was a boat, pilot on the Monon- 
 gahela river. He was married to Lucy Richards, 
 wIki was born in 1809, and she bore him three 
 children, namely: Hester A. (deceased), Eli A. 
 and James E. . a Methodist minister of Pittsburgh. 
 Penn. The father was a representative citizen of 
 the community, and voted with the Whig party. 
 He died in 1842, at the age of thirty-four years. 
 and his widow, who is now a hale and hearty 
 woman of eighty-two years, is yet living with her 
 son. She is a member of the M. E. Church, with 
 which her husband was also identified. 
 
 Eli A. Williams, son of Titus and Lucy Will- 
 iams, was born February 27, 1842, in Fayette 
 county, Penn., and there learned the blacksmith's 
 trade. He married Elizabeth Worrell. August, 26, 
 1874, who was born in 1854, in Washington county. 
 Penn. She is the daughter of Elias and Aves 
 (Smith) Worrell, both of whom were natives of 
 Pennsylvania. The father was an agriculturist, 
 and in politics a Republican. He died in 1872. 
 Both parents were members of the M. E. Church ; 
 their children were Sarah, widow of C. L. Kinder; 
 Elizabeth, wife of Eli A. Williams, and E. I. Wor- 
 rell, of Allen township, living on and owning the 
 old homestead. Eli A. and Elizabeth (Worrell) 
 Williams are the parents ef three children, namely: 
 John A., born in 1875; Elverson I., horn in 1878, 
 and Arthur L.. born in 1887. Mr. Williams is a 
 manufacturer of coal picks and tools for several 
 different companies, being a very expert workman, 
 and also carrying on his farm of 106 acres. He 
 is a prominent citizen, always interested in public 
 enterprises, and votes with the Republican party, 
 having filled various local offices. He is also a 
 member of the Masonic Fraternity, and in religious 
 faith he and his wife are members of the M. E. 
 Church, of which he is trustee. 
 
 I'OHN B. ANDREW was born in Morris town 
 | ship, Washington Co., Penn., October 28, 
 fl; 1852. He is a son of Robert S. and Sarah 
 (Cooper) Andrew, and grandson of James 
 Andrew, who was born and married in the 
 State of New Jersey, removing to Washington 
 county, Penn., early in the present century. The 
 grandfather located near Mt. Zion church. Morris 
 township, aud there reared the following family, 
 all of whom are now deceased: Ruth, Mary, Mar- 
 garet, James. John. William, Peter and Robert S. 
 Peter was born in Morris township, August 25, 
 1799, died April 23, 1883. Robert S. was born in 
 Morris township, November 6, 1812. Mr. Andrew 
 died in 1826. 
 
 Robert S. Andrew received his early education 
 at the subscription schools, hut on the death of his 
 father was obliged to assume the care of the farm, 
 together with his brothers. In 1836 he -married 
 Rhoda Patterson, daughter of Thomas Patterson, 
 of Morris township. She bore him two children 
 (twins), who died in infancy. Mrs. Andrew died 
 in 1837, and in 1842 Mr. Andrew was united in 
 marriage with Sarah Cooper, daughter of Zebulon 
 Cooper, of Butler county, Penn., to which union 
 were horn the following children: Sarah Ann and 
 Mary Elizabeth (twins), born February 2. 1813 
 (Mary Elizabeth, deceased in infancy, and Sarah 
 Ann is the wife of George W. Craft, of Morris 
 township); James Herschel, born January 21. 1845, 
 yet living (unmarried) with his brother. John B. 
 Andrew; Zebulon C, born January 2, 1847. mar- 
 ried to Jennie Booth (of Greene county, Penn.) 
 and residing in Washington. Penn.; Margaret E., 
 born February 15, 1850, widow of Spencer Clut- 
 ter, and living in Greene county, Penn., and John 
 B.. subject of this memoir. The mother of these 
 children died November 3, 1852, and Mr. Andrew, 
 in 1858, wedded Hannah (Hathaway) Emerson. 
 She was born in 1821. Their children were: 
 Robert S., born September 10, 1859. living in 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.; Carrie, born September 27, 
 1862, wife of J. F. Post, and residing in Morris 
 township, and William H., born October 10, 1865, 
 livinsr in Washington. Mrs. Andrew died March 
 4. 1877. and in 1884 he married Sarah Anderson, 
 of Washington, Penn. Mr. Andrew passed his 
 entire life upon the old home farm, and always 
 followed agriculture. He was a Democrat, and in 
 religion was a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
 terian Church at Concord, hut attended the M. E. 
 Church at Mt. Zion. Robert S. Andrew died 
 June 9. 1891. 
 
 John B. Andrew remained at home and assisted 
 his father in the farm duties until he was twenty 
 six years of age. On November 1, 1878, he mar 
 ried Flora Samantha Cooper (born December 25, 
 1855), daughter of Nathaniel Cooper, of Mercer 
 county, Penn., and their children are Oliver Woods. 
 
1166 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 born September 5, 1879; John Elmer, born Sep- 
 tember 27, 1883, and Harry Clark, born October 
 1 7, 1 887. Mr. Andrew raises some stock, and is 
 a successful farmer. Politically, he is a Demo- 
 crat but not a politician, and in religion he and his 
 wife are members of the M. E. Church at Mt. Zion. 
 
 \\ILLIAM W. HUNTER. Lord Bacon 
 fj aptly expressed the universal belief when 
 he penned the lines, "Though kings, 
 princes and great personages be few, yet 
 there are many excellent men who deserve better 
 than vague reports and barren elegies." History 
 is biography of men whose deeds have left an 
 impress on the life of a nation or a people. If 
 such be an evident fact, the lives of those men who 
 have risked their all for the dear old flag are 
 especially interesting to every true patriot and 
 most worthy of permanent record, that future 
 generations may be benefited by their perusal. 
 
 The Hunter family were originally natives of 
 Ireland, where the grandparents of the present 
 
 g< ration, John and Jane (Work) Hunter, were 
 
 born and reared. They were married in the old 
 country, where John had learned the weaver's trade. 
 In 1800 they sailed to America, first locating on a 
 farm adjoining Buffalo village, this county. He 
 packed salt over the mountains, then drove a team, 
 and afterward took a contract to build a mile of 
 the old National pike. He then bought a farm in 
 Buffalo township, successfully following agricult- 
 ural pursuits until becoming advanced in years, 
 when he resumed his trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter 
 reared the following children: Robert (removed 
 to Belmont county, Ohio), David (moved to Iowa). 
 Alexander (deceased in Ohio), Joshua (deceased of 
 cholera in Wheeling. W. Va. ), James (settled in 
 Iowa), Margaret (deceased in Washington county. 
 Penn.), William (of whom a sketch follows). Samuel 
 (moved West) and one deceased in youth. The 
 parents moved to Belmont county. Ohio, and 
 passed their declining years with their son Robert. 
 They were members of the North Buffalo United 
 Presbyterian Church under the ministry of Rev. 
 David French. The mother of Mr. Hunter was 
 born in Ireland and lived to be one hundred and 
 nine years of acre. 
 
 William Hunter was born in Buffalo township, 
 this county, soon after his parents arrived in 
 America, receiving a meager education in the 
 country schools. When but thirteen years of age 
 he drove a four horse team — also assisting with 
 various duties of the farm. In 1830 he was mar- 
 ried to Mrs. Maria J. (Maher) Chambers, widow of 
 Joseph G. Chambers, and daughter of John 
 Maher, Sr. , a prominent merchant, and sister of 
 John Maher, Jr., a leading attorney. Purchasing 
 the place now occupied by his namesake, he began 
 
 to follow farming. Mr. Hunter was a quiet, un- 
 demonstrative man, and was a radical Democrat, 
 though never taking a very active part in polities. 
 He and his wife were members of the Upper 
 Buffalo Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hunter was 
 a woman of excellent mind and possessed an inex- 
 haustible fund of general information. He died 
 March 23, 1S87. having been preceded to the 
 grave by his wife. May 12. 1856. Their children 
 are named, Joseph C. , Jane, William W. and 
 Joshua J, 
 
 William W. Hunter (whose name opens this 
 sketch) was born March 4, 1837, in Hopewell 
 township, this county, and attended the common 
 schools of the vicinity until twenty years of age, 
 when he taught school in Hopewell township four 
 years. When the Civil war began he had arrange- 
 ments made for studying law in Washington. Penn., 
 being unable to enlist in the army, having lost his 
 right arm in a threshing machine in 1859, but he 
 engaged as a teamster, remaining in that work 
 until March 12, 1863. He then returned to farm 
 life, and December 15, 1864, was united in mar- 
 riage with Lizzie T.. born April 3, 1837, .laughter 
 of Caldwell Smiley. Their children are: Joseph W., 
 John S., Clarence M., and Howard T. Joseph W. 
 is a student at the Philadelphia Medical College. 
 Mr. Hunter was born on the farm where he is now 
 living. The home place contains 911 acres, and 
 he owns an additional tract of I12i acres. When 
 a young man of twenty years he began contribut- 
 ing to newspapers, having obtained a high reputa 
 tion as a writer, and is at present a regular con- 
 tributor to the Pittsburgh National Stockman. 
 Western Agriculturist, Dakota Farmer and 
 Breeders? Gazette. He is regarded as an enter 
 taining public speaker. Probably no other man in 
 private life in this county has been called upon as 
 often to speak at religious, educational, patriotic 
 and agricultural meetings. He devotes his prin- 
 cipal attention to the breeding of draft horses. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Hunter are members of the Upper 
 Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in which he has been 
 an elder twenty years, and superintendent of the 
 Sabbath school for fifteen years, where he is now a 
 teacher. He was a commissioner from the Wash- 
 ington Presbvtery to the Presbyterian General 
 Assembly at Detroit. Mich., in 1891. In politics 
 he votes the Republican ticket, but though often 
 urged to do so. has never allowed his name to 
 appear as a candidate for office. 
 
 Joseph C. Hunter, a brother of William W.. 
 and eldest son of William and Maria (Chambers) 
 Hunter, was born in 1831. on the farm in Hope- 
 well township, and was educated at the Millers 
 burg, Lancaster Co , Penn., Normal School, gradu 
 afing with the class of T>8. He fitted himself for 
 teaching, and followed that occupation until 
 I the war began. He enlisted in August. 1862, in 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1161 
 
 Company C, Twenty second Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
 and participated in all the engagements of his 
 regiment until his death, in 1864, resulting from 
 exposure. Among the battles in which he fought 
 may be mentioned Loomy Creek, Devil's Hole, 
 Moortield, Pancake Gap. Petersburg, Fredericks- 
 burg, Monocacy Junction, Cedar Creek, and many 
 other engagements. 
 
 Jane Hunter (a sister of Joseph C.) was born 
 in 1835 in Hopewell township, this county, receiv- 
 ing her education in the common schools and Buf 
 falo Academy; she afterward taught two terms of 
 school, and, in 1862, was married to Hon. J. li. 
 Kelley, who enlisted in 1861 in an Ohio regiment, 
 was discharged because of broken health in 1862, 
 and returned to bis home. He represented Wash- 
 ington county in the State Legislature of 1864, 
 1865 and 1866, being Speaker of the House the 
 last year, and afterward edited the Washington 
 Reporter. He died in 1871, leaving three chil- 
 dren: Mary 1! (wife of C. B. Jackson, Clays 
 vide, has one child, Kathleen), Annie L. (wife of 
 James Ray, of Claysville) and John W. (married 
 to Annie Milligan, Claysville, now of Mannington, 
 W. Va.). 
 
 Joshua J. Hunter (a brother of Joseph C. ) was 
 born June 1, 1832, and reared in Hopewell town 
 ship, this county, receiving his education in the 
 Buffalo Academy. lie followed farming until the 
 war opened, and in August. L861, enlisted in 
 Company I, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, being dis- 
 charged for physical disability in May, lSli2. He 
 re-enlisted in August, 1862, with his brother, in 
 Company C, Twenty-second Cavalry, as commis 
 sary sergeant. He died in February, 18<>.">. in 
 the hospital, from the effects of hardship and ex 
 posure in the service. 
 
 </ 
 
 li JlfRS. MARY BOON, widow of William 
 \//\ Boon, is a daughter of James Speer, who 
 ■i I was a son of James, and grandson of 
 ^ Robert Speer. The latter was a native 
 of Adams county, Penn., and settled in 
 Washington county at a very early date. He and 
 his family afterward moved to New Concord, Mus- 
 kingum Co., Ohio, where he died. His sou, James, 
 was born in Adams county, Penn., and came to 
 Ohio with his parents in early childhood, passing 
 the most of his life near New Concord. At that 
 time the Indians were yet numerous in the coun- 
 try, but were usually friendly, and often visited 
 the Speer family. During these calls the squaws 
 invariably left their poor little "papooses" 
 strapped to a board outside the door. Thus, amid 
 the scenes of pioneer days, was James Speer 
 reared to manhood. In early life he was married 
 to Miss Catheriue Latta, and settled in Washing 
 
 ton county, Penn., where he died November 14, 
 1849. Their children were born as follows: Deb 
 orah, Robert, Thomas L. , James, Jane and Nancy, 
 all of whom are now deceased. 
 
 James Speer, son of James and Catherine Speer, 
 was born in 1810, on the farm in Peters township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., where his widow is now 
 living. In 1839 he was united in marriage with 
 Maria Calahan, who was born in 1814 in Peters 
 township, this county. She is a daughter of 
 Thomas Calahan (carpenter), a son of Joseph 
 Calahan, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Thomas Cala- 
 han died when her daughter Maria was but five 
 years of age, and the child passed her girlhood in 
 the house of John Rankin, of Washington county, 
 where she remained until her marriage. 
 
 James and Maria Speer were the parents of 
 eight children, viz. : Mary, Kate, Eliza J. (de- 
 ceased), a son deceased in infancy, Adeline (wife 
 of George Scott, of Des Moines, Iowa), Blanche 
 ( Mrs. James Emery, of Washington county, Penn.), 
 Anna Margaret (widow of William Paden, has one 
 son, Lloyd H), and an infant daughter (deceased). 
 The father died April 29, 1878. Of these children, 
 Mary Speer was married to William Boon, grand- 
 son of John. 
 
 John Boon, the grandfather, was born in Ire- 
 land, where he grew to manhood and married. 
 This family came to America many years ago, 
 and first settled in Dauphin county, Penn., where 
 Mr. Boon was engaged in farming and distilling, 
 most of the wheat being then distilled, as prod 
 uce brought no profit. He finally moved to Can- 
 onsburg, Penn., where the parents died. Their 
 children were born as follows: William, James, 
 John, Mary, Jane, Margaret Elizabeth, Joseph 
 and Nancy. In politics Mr. Boon was a Whig, 
 and in religion a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Miller's Run. 
 
 William Boon, grandson of John Boon and son 
 of William and Margaret Boon, was born July 10, 
 1831, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and passed his youth on the home farm. In 
 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty 
 fourth Regiment, P. V. L, serving nine months, 
 then returning to Cecil township, this county, was 
 married February 9, 1865, to Miss Mary Speer. 
 To this marriage were born four children, namely: 
 Nettie E., James L., John A. and Blaine, all of 
 whom are living. The father followed general ag 
 riculture and devoted considerable attention to 
 Bheep raising. In politics he was a Republican. 
 He died July 20, 1884, in his fifty-third year. 
 Since the death of her husband Mrs. Boon has 
 continued to reside on the old place, which has 
 been her home for twenty-six years. It contains 
 100 acres of good land. Mrs. Boon is a member 
 of the United Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. 
 
L168 
 
 i! AS/flNGTON COUNT)'. 
 
 fli DAM S. FERGUSON, a prominent farmer 
 
 /,' l\ of Somerset township, is a native of the 
 
 r" l\ same and a son of Robert Ferguson, whose 
 
 J -* father (Robert) was born in Lancaster 
 
 county, Penn., and there married to Lydia 
 
 Ferguson, who was born in the same county. 
 
 Eleven children were born to them, and the grand 
 
 father died at the age of eighty three years; his 
 
 wife had died several years before. 
 
 Robert Ferguson was born February 29, 1S04, on 
 a farm in Washington county, receiving a common- 
 school education. He was married to Elizabeth 
 Smith, and they had eight children (only three of 
 whom are living), viz.: Adam S., Sarah J. (married 
 to Richard Huffman, a resident of Washington 
 county, Penn.), Robert (a farmer of Somerset 
 township), Lydia (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased) 
 and three others who died in infancy. The father 
 and mother are both deceased. 
 
 Adam S. Ferguson was born May 7, L836, in 
 Somerset township, this county, and from early 
 childhood was trained to agricultural duties, re 
 ceiving a common business education. In 1869 he 
 married Rachel McDonough, a native of this 
 county, who bore him one daughter, deceased in 
 infancy, the mother following it in 1873. In l^iH 
 Adam S. Ferguson was united in marriage with 
 Lucinda Degarmo, who was born in 1830, daughter 
 of William and Elizabeth Degarmo, natives of 
 Washington county. Mr. Degarmo was a farmer, 
 and the parent of five children, four of whom are 
 now living: Hannah (wife of Thomes Lytle, a 
 farmer of Fallowfield township, this county). 
 Elizabeth (married to Matthias Hartley, a farmer 
 of Amwell township), Maria and Lucinda (Mrs. 
 Ferguson). The parents are yet living in Fallow- 
 tield township, aged eighty years. 
 
 Adam S. Ferguson and his wife have had two 
 children, namely: Elizabeth G. (living at home) 
 and Lavina (deceased). Mr. Ferguson is identified 
 with the Democratic party. He devotes particular 
 attention to his well cultivated farm of 180 acres. 
 His wife is a member of the Disciple Church. 
 
 1 1LLIAM PROUDFIT is descended from 
 ' a well known family of Washington 
 county. David Proudfit, Ids grandfather, 
 was a native of Scotland, and. coming to 
 America, located in York county, Penn., 
 where his son John was born January 28, 177"). 
 
 In 1802 this John Proudfit came to Washington 
 county, Penn., locating in Hanover township. On 
 April 9, 1809, he was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Lyle, a native of Cross Creek (then 
 
 Hopewell) township, born March 24, 1793, a 
 daughter of John and* Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle. 
 
 Some time after their marriage, John and Eliza 
 beth (Lyle) Proudfit returned to York county, as 
 the father of John was growing old and feeble, 
 and needed the care of his children. The young 
 couple remained on the home farm until the death 
 of the father, which event occurred in 1826, 
 John and his family then again moved to Wash 
 ington county, settling one mile west of Burgetts- 
 town, where he passed the remainder of his life. 
 The trips across the mountains were fraught with 
 much danger and inconvenience. On one occasion 
 Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit rode 300 miles on horse- 
 back to visit relatives in York county, the wife 
 carrying an infant in her arms, and many hard 
 ships were endured on the journey. The follow- 
 ing children were born to these pioneers: David, 
 born August 13, 1810, died September 19, 1813; 
 John L. (deceased), born September 3, 1M'_'; 
 James K., horn April 21, 1815, died February 25, 
 1816; Eliza J. (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith 
 township), born January 2, 1S17, died December 
 21, 1892; Agnes, born June 17, 1819, died August 
 15, 1824; Robert F., born December 23, 1821, 
 died in Smith township, in September, 1886; Cin- 
 derella (wife of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland 
 county, Ohio), born September 16, 1824; William, 
 born May 10, 1828; Andrew, born March 20, 1831 ; 
 and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover 
 township, this county), born August 29, 1 833, now 
 in Hanover township. 
 
 William Proudfit was born and reared in Smith 
 township, Washington county, attending the home 
 schools and working on the farm during his boy 
 hood. On January 4, 1855, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Catherine Riddile, who was born April 
 5, 1833, a daughter of Samuel Riddile, of Sruith 
 township. She has borne him the following chil 
 dren: Elizabeth C. (Mrs. Hon. T. M. Patterson, 
 of Burgettstown, Penn.), Margaret S. (wife of Dr. 
 S. L. McCullough, of Frankfort Springs, Beaver 
 Co., Penn.), Andrew C. (a farmer of Smith town- 
 ship), Mary J. (Mrs. Miller Russell, of Robinson 
 township), Samuel R. (living at home), William R. 
 (deceased), John L. (who is a student of Washington 
 and Jefferson College) and Kate B. (residing with 
 her parents). Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit resided on 
 the home farm a short time after their marriage, 
 then moved to a pleasant place situated at the 
 confluence of Middle Raccoon creek with the main 
 stream, his farm comprising 221 acres. He has 
 followed general agriculture, including stock rais- 
 ing, and was extensively engaged in breeding fine 
 sheep, being now much interested in the dairy 
 business. Mr. Proudfit is a successful man in the 
 best sense of the term, having won a large number 
 of warm friends. Politically, he has always been 
 a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1169 
 
 J I AMES McCLEERY, a prosperous fanner, 
 wool-grower and stock raiser of Hopewell 
 ) township, was born October 7, 1854, in West 
 Finley township, Washington Go., Penn. 
 Ho comes of pioneer stock, his parents, Alexander 
 and Mary (Davidson) McCleery, being natives of 
 West Finley township, while his grandparents, 
 James and Catherine (Ferbis) McCleery, were 
 reared in this county. 
 
 James McCleery (the grandfather) was born in 
 Ireland, and his parents sailed for America when 
 he was small. They came to Donegal township, 
 this county, where he grew to manhood and was 
 married to Catherine Ferbis. After their marriage 
 they removed to West Finley township, where 
 their children were reared: John, Alexander, 
 Joseph, Thomas, Jane and James, the latter dying 
 in youth. 
 
 Alexander McCleery was reared on the farm, 
 receiving such education as was afforded in his 
 time. When he was thirty-one years of age he 
 married Mary Davidson, and afterward purchased 
 a farm. His wife died in 1866, leaving four chil- 
 dren: William D., James (subject of this sketch), 
 Nettie J. and Robert D. His second wife was 
 Elizabeth Ackley, of Greene county, who has borne 
 him one daughter, Mary Elizabeth. He resides in 
 West Finley township with two of his unmarried 
 children, Robert D. and Mary E. His eldest son, 
 William D., is a physician at Hanoverton, Ohio. 
 Nettie J. is married to R. J. Buchanan, and is re- 
 siding in Ohio county, W. Va. 
 
 James McCleery, son of Alexander and Mary 
 (Davidson) McCleery, received his early education 
 in the public schools of West Finley township. He 
 then went to Oberlin, Ohio, where he pursued a 
 scientific course of study for nine terms. After 
 leaving college he turned his attention to farming, 
 remaining with his father until 1885. On January 
 24, 1884, he was married to Lulu V., daughter of 
 Robert and Jane (Lucas) Sutherland. In 18S5 he 
 removed to a farm in the southwestern part of 
 Hopewell township. He now owns 171 acres of 
 well improved and well-stocked laud. Politically 
 he is a Republican, but while taking a lively in- 
 lerest in political affairs, voices his sentiment by 
 his ballot alone. Mr. McCleery has two children, 
 Frank Ross and Mary Templeton. 
 
 \ILLIAM T. COURSON, a public spirited 
 and intelligent citizen of Amwell town 
 ship, is a son of Benjamin Courson, who 
 — ' married a daughter of John Carter, of 
 that township. The young couple lived 
 in Franklin township several years, and then moved 
 to the old farm in Amwell township, which he still 
 owns, and where were born their seven children, 
 as follows: William T. , John N. (deceased), Mrs. 
 
 Nancy Van Kirk, Mrs. Margaret Lacock, Mrs. Jane 
 Galley, Frank M. and Fannie. 
 
 William T. Courson, the eldest in the above 
 named family, was born in Franklin township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and when six years old 
 was brought by his parents to Amwell township, 
 where he has since resided. On May 21, 187(5, he 
 was united in marriage with Miss Sidney Watson, 
 a daughter of William W. and Catherine Watson, 
 whose children were: Mrs. Sarah Jane Shipe, Mrs. 
 Mary Callie McFee, Robert, Henry (deceased). 
 Mena, Lenora (deceased) and Sidney. Mr. Watson 
 died November 30, 1891, and Mr. William T. 
 Courson has since bought the home farm of the 
 deceased, which property comprises sixty-one acres. 
 
 William T. and Catherine (Watson) Courson 
 have had live children, namely: Lillie, Herschel, 
 Willie, Ray and John. Mr. Courson has been a 
 farmer all his life, and is the owner of about 122 
 acres of tine land, to which he gives his principal 
 attention. He has accumulated a comfortable 
 competence by his own unaided efforts, and al- 
 though barely forty years of age, is already enjoy- 
 ing the fruits of early toil. He is a "hustling" 
 Republican, and has held several minor offices in 
 a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to 
 his constituency. In religious faith he is a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church. 
 
 J | AMES JOHNSTON. Of the prosperous and 
 representative farmers of Cecil township, this 
 J gentleman deserves prominent mention. His 
 ancestors were natives of Ireland, from which 
 country his grandparents, John and Elizabeth 
 Johnston, emigrated to this country, settling per- 
 manently in South Fayette township, Allegheny 
 Co., Penn. John Johnston passed away in 1841, 
 and was followed by bis wife two years later. 
 
 John Johnston (a son of this pioneer couple) was 
 born in 1802, on the home place in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. He was reared to manhood in 
 South Fayette township, and in early life was 
 married to Elizabeth Roy, who was born in 1803, 
 in Ireland. She was a daughter of Thomas and 
 Margaret Roy, who came to America many years 
 ago, locating on a farm on Miller's run, Cecil town- 
 ship, this county, where the father died in 1849, 
 his wife soon following him. Seven children were 
 born to the union of John and Elizabeth (Roy) 
 Johnston, namely: Rachel (who died in 1849, at 
 the age of eighteen years), Margaret (deceased 
 April 3, 1887, wife of Joseph Campbell, Allegheny 
 county, Penn.), Elizabeth (deceased iu childhood), 
 Elizabeth (married to William Bowman, Allegheny 
 county), James (subject), W. J. (residing in Peters 
 township, this county) and Martha Jane (wife of 
 W. P. Morgan, Canonsburg). Mr. Johnston was a 
 conservative in politics, and iu religion he and his 
 
1170 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 wife were members of the U. P. Church at Robin - 
 sun's Run. He died February 7, 1853, in South 
 Fayette township, Allegheny county, and the 
 in ither passed away December 14, 1891, while re- 
 siding in Canonsburg, this county. 
 
 James Johnston was born January 14, 1840, on 
 the home farm in South Fayette township, Alle- 
 gheny Co., Penn., receiving his education in the 
 district schools. In 18(50 he came to Cecil town- 
 ship, Washington county (where he has since re- 
 mained), and purchased 208 acres of Land, which 
 had been patented by William Long in 1784. He 
 was united in marriage with Susanna, daughter of 
 Robert and Susanna Bell, early settlers of Peters 
 township, this county. Mr. Johnston has made 
 many improvements on his farm, and is prospering 
 in his chosen vocation. Politically he votes with 
 the Republican party. He is a member of the 
 Greenside U. P. Church at Canonsburg, and his 
 wife was connected with the Presbyterian Society 
 at Centre. She died March 7, 1892, aged forty- 
 four years three months seventeen days, leaving 
 five children: John B., MaryE., Robert, Laura 
 and James Harvey. , 
 
 PvHILIP ADDISON MINTON, one of the 
 successful and enterprising farmers of 
 Morris township, is a grandson of Philip 
 Minton, who was born in New Jersey, of 
 English parentage, and in 1780 moved with 
 his brother Matthias to Washington county, Penn., 
 locating a mile south of Sparta, in Morris town- 
 ship. He soon after married a Miss Clutter, of the 
 same county, who bore him the following children : 
 John, Thaddeus, George W., Sophronia, Harriet 
 and Ruth, of whom George W. is the only surviv- 
 ing member, and he resides on the old homestead. 
 Thaddeus Minton was born August 15, 1805, 
 and received but a limited education at the sub- 
 scription schools. He was a natural mechanic, 
 and worked successfully at carpentering, milling 
 and shoemaking. He was married to Parmelia 
 Squires, of Morris township, and their children 
 were: Warren, engaged in the lumber and coal 
 business, at Charleston, III.; Philip A., the subject 
 of this biography; J. W., who lives in Washing- 
 ton, Penn.. a trusted employe in a large iron mill; 
 Rachel, wife of J. M. Dille. of Morris township; 
 Ruth, married to E. Dille, a resident of Waynes- 
 burgh, Greene Co., Penn., and Anna L., the widow 
 of H. Adams, living in Prosperity. 
 
 Philip Addison Minton was born in Morris town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., October 12, 1837, and 
 was educated in the common schools. At the age 
 i if seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade, which 
 he lias followed for twenty-two years, and has won 
 t he reputation of a skilled workman. On February 
 28, 1801, he was united in marriage with Keziah 
 
 Dille, who was born April 11, 1830, a daughter of 
 Lewis Dille. Mr. Minton lived in Prosperity, 
 Morris township, for two years after his marriage, 
 then in 1863 removed to the "Old Jeduthian 
 Sanders" farm, lying three miles northeast of 
 Prosperity, and in 1805 came to the well-improved 
 farm where he has since resided. They have had the 
 following children: James O., born December 28, 
 1861, married to Victoria Tharp; Laura V., born 
 July 17, 1804, died in infancy; Annie May, born 
 December 12, 1805, wife of Stephen Tharp, and . 
 living near Ten-Mile village, Washington county; 
 Chester W., born June 21, 1808, a dentist, practic- 
 ing in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Lillie F., born April 1, 
 1871, died November 1, 1877; Lizzie B., born 
 November 20, 1873, died November 9, 1877, and 
 Herschel P., born May 24, 1879, yet living with 
 his parents. 
 
 In 1 S05 a terrible conflagration destroyed all the 
 property of Mr. Minton, and amid the confusion, 
 a beloved child was lost before it could be rescued. 
 Once more he began life with no property except 
 ing one horse and a cow; but with the kind assist- 
 ance of sympathetic neighbors, he began farming 
 on a very limited scale. However, his " never- 
 say-die" disposition soon put him "on his feet" 
 again, and today he owns a good, well stocked 
 farm, upon which he has erected one of the finest 
 barns in the township, built and modeled by him- 
 self. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religious 
 conviction is an elder in the Upper Ten Mile 
 Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is also a 
 member. 
 
 JOHN SWAGLER, a wealthy farmer of Peters 
 township, is a grandson of Jacob Swagler, 
 who emigrated from Germany to America, 
 and coming to Washington county, Penn., 
 bought a farm on Pigeon creek, in Somerset 
 township. In early manhood he was wedded to a 
 Miss Layton, who bore him several children, among 
 whom were two sons: Jacob (who settled in Wayne 
 county, Ohio) and Jonathan. 
 
 Jonathan Swagler, son of the pioneer Jacob, 
 was born in 1795, on the farm in Somerset town- 
 ship, Washington county, where his entire life was 
 passed. He was married to Miss Sarah Horn, of 
 Amwell township, Washington county, and their 
 children were as follows: Solomon, Hannah (de- 
 ceased), Delilah, Elizabeth, Eliza J., John, Jacob, 
 Mary (deceased), and Susanna. The father died 
 in 1870, having been preceded by the mother in 
 1872. 
 
 John Swagler, son of John and Sarah (Horn) 
 Swagler, was born in 1827 on the old Swagler 
 homestead in Somerset township, this county. 
 His youth was passed on the home place, and in 
 1859 he was married to Margaret, a daughter of 
 
/ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 1173 
 
 Jonathan Dague, of West Bethlehem township. 
 After his marriage John Swagler bought and moved 
 upon 187 acres in Peters township, which he pur- 
 chased by payments. Not only has he cleared the 
 farm from indebtedness, but has added to the 
 original tract 130 adjoining acres. He also owns 
 forty acres near Venetia, upon which is located the 
 Swagler mills. In addition to managing the mill 
 Mr. Swagler has been a successful farmer and 
 stock dealer, having until quite recently enjoyed 
 the reputation of raising the finest wooled sheep in 
 Washington county. He has recently sold the 
 coal which has been found under his land for 
 $30,000. He is quiet and unassuming in manner, 
 never boasting of his own success. In politics lie 
 is a Republican. To his first marriage three chil- 
 dren were born, viz.: Sarah J., Jonathan and Em 
 ma. For his second wife he wedded, November 
 27, 1879, Margaret, daughter of James McCor- 
 mick, of Peters township, and she has borne him 
 one son, Charles. 
 
 \ILLIAM McPEAK was bora February 7, 
 1841, on the farm in Cecil township where 
 he is now living. He is a son of .lames 
 McPeak, whose lather was a native of 
 Maryland, and in 1802 crosed the mount 
 ains, locating permanently in Mt. Pleasant town 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn. 
 
 James McPeak was born in 1800, in " The 
 Glades, "and when but two years of age was 
 brought, by his parents to a farm near Hickory, 
 Penn. When a young man he was married to 
 Jane Cochran, a native of North Strabane town 
 ship, and in 183') they settled on the farm where the 
 remainder of their lives was passed. He was an 
 active member of the Whig ami Republican party. 
 and held several township offices He ami his 
 wife were formerly members of the Seceder Ch urch 
 at Noblestown, and afterward united with the 11. P. 
 Church at Venice. In 1851 he was elected a mem- 
 ber of the Session, filling that position until his 
 death, which event occurred in 1880, the mother 
 being laid beside him in 1885. Their children 
 were: Samuel, living in Mansfield, Penn.; Will 
 iam, of whom further mentiou is made; Sarah, 
 wife of J. R. Dinsmore, Allegheny county, Penn. ; 
 Elizabeth, wife of D. L. McConnell, of Cecil town- 
 ship; David, living in Smith township; and Martha, 
 wife of J. F. Mawhinney, of Cecil township. 
 
 William McPeak remained on the home place 
 during his boyhood, attending school in District 
 No. 3, Cecil township. When the Civil war opened 
 he became a member of the State Guards ami was 
 drafted in the first nine months' draft. In 1861 
 he was united in marriage with Abigail, daughter 
 of Stewart and Nancy (Alexander) Hickman, all of 
 whom were natives of South Fayette township, Alle 
 
 gheny Co., Penn. The father died in 1874, in his 
 native county; the mother is now residing in Can 
 onsburg, Penn. Since their marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. McPeak have resided on the old homestead, 
 which contains 100 acres in a good state of cultiva- 
 tion. He is an active member of the Prohibition 
 party, and is now serving his second term as town- 
 ship commissioner. He and his wife are members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice. 
 They have two children: S. J. and W. H. 
 
 d/ H. GREGG is descended from a family who 
 were among the first settlers of East Pike 
 | Run township. Many years ago three broth 
 ers, Henry, William and John Gregg, emi 
 grated from the Emerald Isle and made a 
 permanent settlement in Fast Pike Kiln township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. Henry took a patent for 
 310 acres of land known as the "Burning Mine," 
 which is now owned by a Mr. Duvall. John Gregg 
 was twice married; William, the second brother, 
 was the grandfather of J. H. Gregg. William 
 Gregg was married to Ruth Jackman, a native of 
 Ireland, and they settled on the farm in Fast Pike 
 Run township, where eight children were born as 
 follows: Robert (married to Ann Robison), An- 
 drew. Henry (married to Jane Dowler), John 
 (married to N'ancv Gregg), Mary Ann, Sarah, 
 Jemima and Margaret (Mrs. Crow). 
 
 Andrew Gregg was born in March, 1808, in 
 East Pike Run township, Washington county, and 
 ;>,is-,ed his youth on the homestead. He was mar- 
 ried to Mary Ann Huggins, who was born in 1816, 
 in what is now Allen township, Washington coun- 
 ty, and of the children born to this union six are 
 yet living, namely: Lucy Ann, wife of V. C. 
 Jones, of Fallowfield township; Ruth Ann, married 
 to William Sphar, of Allen township; A. J., 
 living in East. Pike Run township; R. W. ; Sarah 
 Jane, wife of Thomas F. Fry, of Chase county, 
 Kans., and J. H. The father was actively identi- 
 fied with the interests of the Republican party. 
 He died in 1872, on the old farm where his widow 
 is yet living. 
 
 J. H. Gregg was born March 16, 1853, in East 
 Pike Run township, and is the youngest in his 
 father's family. His youth and earlier manhood 
 were passed in the home neighborhood where he 
 attended school. In 18N2 he came to the farm in 
 Allen township, upon which he has erected a good 
 house and barn. On February 8, 1888, he was 
 united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of Stephen 
 and Hannah (Shaw) Ward, and a native of Allen 
 township. Her parents are early settlers of Wash- 
 ington county, and are now living at Wood's Run. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Gregg are the parents of three 
 children, viz.: Frank, Alpharetta and Joseph 
 Riley. The home place contains eighty acres of 
 
1174 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 well cultivated land, and he is a prosperous farmer. 
 Iu politics be is identified with the Republican 
 party. Mrs. Gregg is a member of the M. E. 
 Church at Lueyville. 
 
 +/ 
 
 li Mi US. MARGARET BLACK, widow of 
 \//\ John A. Black, is a native of Morris town 
 \l I ship, this county, where she still resides. 
 ^ She was born in 1832, on what is known 
 as the old " Rutan farm," where she 
 spent the days of her girlhood, and was one of a 
 family of thirteen born to John Rutan, a prosper- 
 ous farmer. They were of New Jersey descent. 
 Margaret Rutan united with the Presbyterian 
 Church when eighteen years of age. She was mar- 
 ried to John A. Black in I860. 
 
 John A. Black was born April 18, 1826, near 
 Johnstown, and was one of a family of six chil- 
 dren, all of whom emigrated West except himself, lo- 
 cating in the States of Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri. 
 The ancestors came from Ireland, and the family 
 lias been characterized by honesty and sterling 
 worth. Mr. Black early chose as his vocation that 
 of a carpenter, in which he made himself proficient, 
 and locating in Morris township, where he devoted 
 his energy to his calling, was amply prosperous. 
 When his country was in peril he did not hesitate 
 in the performance of his duty, but, in 1862, left 
 his young wife and home, and gave himself over 
 to the "fortunes of war,'' enlisting in Company 
 D, 140th Regiment, P. V. I., and served until the 
 war closed. He was captured at Gettysburg, and 
 consigned to Belle Isle prison, where he was for 
 six months held a prisoner of war, enduring all the 
 hardships incident to prison life. 'In conjunction 
 with three of his fellow-prisoners, plans for escape 
 were laid, but the hardships and ill food to which 
 he had been subjected had so reduced him physic- 
 ally as to render him unable to travel. So much 
 attached to him were his companions in misfortune 
 that, rather than accept liberty at the cost of leav- 
 ing him behind, they chose to remain and share 
 his fate. The war ending, Mr. Black returned to 
 his home, where he resided until his death, which 
 resulted in 1880 from the kick of a horse. By his 
 kind disposition, sterling uprightness and Christian 
 charity he won many lasting friends, and enjoyed 
 an enviable popularity. He was an active member 
 of the Presbyterian Church, iu which he was an 
 elder, and an enthusiastic Sunda} 7 school worker, 
 being an instructor in the Sunday-school at the 
 time of his death. In political views he was a Re- 
 publican, though conservative. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Black were born three sons, 
 namely: Brice, born March 25, 1801 (married 
 June 11, 1892, to Lizzie Reller, of this county); 
 John Miller, born June 8, 1807 (married Septem- 
 ber 13, 1892, to Lizzie Dille, of Washington 
 
 county), and Boyd E., born March 18, 1871. 
 Since her husband's death, Mrs. Black and her 
 two sons, Brice and Boyd E., have managed to 
 good advantage the farm and other property. The 
 place on which they reside, known as the " Tim- 
 othy Lindley " farm, has been their home since 
 1806. John M. Black works at the carpenter's 
 trade, which was also followed by his father. 
 
 JlOHN F. BUCHANAN is a worthy represent;! 
 tive of one of the leading pioneer families of 
 ) Buffalo township. His ancestors were of 
 Irish birth, and his grandfather, John Bu- 
 chanan, was married in Ireland to a Miss Foster, 
 a native of the same country. The young couple 
 remained in their native land several years, and 
 then, in company with several others, embarked for 
 America in a small sailing vessel. They had a 
 long and tedious voyage of sixteen weeks, and 
 finally landing in New York, remained a short time 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, afterward moving to 
 Washington county, same State. They made a 
 permanent settlement as farmers in Chartierstown 
 ship, and died there, leaving a family of children. 
 Mr. Buchanan was an active member of the Se- 
 ceder Church in Buffalo township for man}' years. 
 He was a member of the Democratic party. He 
 and his wife were buried in the cemeterv at North 
 Buffalo. 
 
 Thomas Buchanan (father of subject) was born 
 and reared in Chartiers township, Washington 
 Co.,Penn., there receiving his early education. 
 He was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter 
 of James Simley, of Cross Creek township, this 
 county, who bore him the following children: 
 James S., John F., Alexander and Samuel. Mr. 
 Buchanan was a farmer, and passed his early married 
 life in Peters township, this county, afterward pur- 
 chasing a farm in Buffalo township, where he re- 
 mained some years, finally settling in Cross Creek 
 township. In early life he evinced an unusual 
 strength of character, and ever exerted a beneficial 
 influence upon the moral and religious sentiment 
 of the community. Mr. Buchanan was also a 
 warm friend of education, and served on the school 
 board many years. He died July 16, 1869, and 
 was followed by his wife in June, 1875. 
 
 John F. Buchanan was born October 2, 182'.), 
 and passed his earlier years at home. He then 
 learned the trade of a miller, which he has since fol 
 lowed, for a number of years operating a mill in 
 Cross Creek township, and now owning one in 
 Taylorstown, same county. He is known in the 
 community as a man who never loses an oppor- 
 tunity of doing a good deed, and never allows it 
 to be known. Mr. Buchanan has never married. 
 Iu political life he is a Democrat. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1175 
 
 \ILSON LINVILLE is a native of Wash 
 ington county, Perm., born March 12, 1S46, 
 on his father's farm in Donegal township. 
 He is a son of George Linville, whose 
 grandfather, Peter Linville, was a pioneer 
 farmer of Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and there reared a family of children, one 
 of whom was Jeremiah Linville, grandfather of the 
 subject of this sketch; three other sons — Peter, 
 Aaron and Lewis — moved to Kentucky, where they 
 lived and died. 
 
 Jeremiah Linville was born in 1790, in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, and on attaining a mature age 
 enlisted in the army during the war of 1812. In 
 the Ohio campaign he chanced to see Aaron Lin 
 villa, one of his three brothers who had gone to 
 Kentucky many years before, and was then a mem- 
 ber of a Kentucky regiment. But tiny were on a 
 rapid march, which was immediately followed by 
 an engagement, so the brothers had no chance to 
 speak — a formal salute as their eyes met in startled 
 recognition, and again they parted. In 1S11 Jere- 
 miah Linville was united in marriage with Eliza 
 beth Riley, who was born in 1795, near Winchester, 
 Va., and afterward came with her parents to 
 Washington county, Penn. To Mr. and Airs. Lin- 
 ville children were born as follows: Lavina (de- 
 ceased), Maria (deceased), George \V. , Lucretia 
 (Mrs. Samuel Hanen, of Maidsville, \Y. Va.), liar 
 riet, Drusilla, Cyrena (the latter three being de- 
 ceased), Caroline (widow of Henry Hilloc, of 
 Wetzel county, W. Va.) and Amanda (Mrs. Frank 
 lin Fisher, of Claysville, Penn.). Mr. Linville 
 lived near Atchison, Donegal township, the greater 
 part of his life, but in later years moved to West 
 Middletown, same county, and lived in retirement 
 with his wife until they were both laid to rest, 
 after a life of many and useful years. 
 
 George W. Linville, father of our subject, was 
 born August 10, 1816, in Donegal township, and 
 secured his education in the common schools of the 
 day. In 1836 he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Rodgers, who was born January 22, 1819, a 
 daughter of Francis Rodgers, and she bore him 
 children as follows: Alfred (deceased). George, 
 Elizabeth, Mary Jane (deceased), Francis, Wilson, 
 Jeremiah, John and Calvin Terry. The mother of 
 these children died in 1865, and in 1867 Mr. Lin- 
 ville was married to Lydia Lucas, who was born 
 September 29, 1838, a daughter of Benjamin Lu- 
 cas, of Donegal township, Washington county, and 
 they had two sons: Roley and Newton, both of 
 whom are living at home. Mr. Linville has always 
 been a farmer. In politics he is a Republican, 
 and he and his wife are members of the Dutch 
 Fork Disciple Church. 
 
 Wilson Linville, son of George and Mary (Rod- 
 gers) Linville, was brought when a young child to 
 Independence township, this county, with his par- 
 
 ents, receiving his education at the common schools. 
 On October 16, 1884, he was married to Ella Cou- 
 dit, who was born June 9, 1863, a daughter of 
 Cephas Condit, of Amwell township, and to this 
 union were born two children: Florence May and 
 Harry Wilson. After his marriage Mr. Linville 
 located on the old "Bane farm," a valuable tract 
 of land, located one mile southwest of Atchison, 
 which is now owned by himself and his brother 
 Frank. They are extensive wool growers. Po- 
 litically Wilson Linville is a Republican, and lias 
 frequently filled offices of trust in his township, 
 the duties of which he has performed with much 
 credit. In religious connection he is an officei in 
 and prominent member of the Disciple Church. 
 
 Francis Linville, a brother of Wilson, with 
 whom he is engaged in business, followed the car- 
 penter's trade in early life, and afterward formed 
 the above spoken of partnership with his brother. 
 In polities he also is a Republican. The Linville 
 Bros are recognized as honest and upright citizens, 
 and enjoy the reputation of being thoroughly capa- 
 ble business men. The Linville brothers -Wilson, 
 Francis and Calvin Terry— located on the old farm 
 in Donegal township in October, 1874. 
 
 /GEORGE W. COFFEY. That Scotland has 
 I furnished the United States with many of 
 
 VI her best and most loyal citizens has never 
 
 ^"11 been disputed, anil in this respect no sec 
 tion has been more favored than Washing- 
 ton county. Prominent among such is the Coffey 
 family, of whom the subject of this memoir is a 
 worthy member. 
 
 He is a son of George R. Coffey, who was born 
 in 1801, in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he learned 
 the trade of wheelwright, which he followed in 
 his native laud. In 1836 he emigrated to Anier 
 ica, landing in New York on the Fourth of July, 
 our great national holiday. From New York he 
 proceeded westward, and landing in Washington 
 county took up his residence near the borough of 
 that name, at what was then known as "Rankin," 
 but is at the present day called "West End." 
 After a brief sojourn here, he moved to Buffalo 
 township, same county, where he put up a dwell 
 ing and workshop on the then famous National 
 pike, ami where he continued to industriously 
 work at bis trade. Saving his earnings, he was at 
 last enabled to purchase a tract of laud containing 
 seventy-two acres, where he resided until four 
 years prior to his death, when he moved into the 
 borough of Washington. Before leaving Scotland 
 Mr. Coffey had married Agnes, daughter of Alex- 
 ander Dickey, and her he brought with him to this 
 country, together with the following named chil- 
 dren: Alexander (who died September 13, 1892), 
 Margaret (deceased) and Ann (now in Washing- 
 
1176 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ton county, Penn. ). The children born to them on 
 this side the Atlantic were: Jane, William (de- 
 ceased April 4, 1875), Georgo W. and Agnes (who 
 died October 4, 1888). On June 30, 1886, the 
 father passed from earth, the mother having pre- 
 ceded him to the silent tomb some ten years be- 
 fore. 
 
 George VV. Coffey was born September 7, 1S41, 
 at his parents' first home in Buffalo township, 
 which, as above stated, stood by the National pike, 
 and he received a good common school - education. 
 On November 16, 1865, he was married to Nar- 
 cissa A., daughter of William McCoy, and the young 
 couple afterward, for twelve years, made their 
 home in West Virginia, where Mr. Coffey followed 
 with success the business of contractor. In 1879 
 they returned to this county and took up their 
 residence on the old Coffey homestead, where they 
 now reside. The following named children have 
 been born to them: George R., Martha It., 
 Earnest Lester, Grace, Bessie, Clark and Chester, 
 all yet under the parental roof. In 1890 Mr. 
 Coffey erected his present handsome and com- 
 modious residence, on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- 
 road, at the station known as " Coffey's," and the 
 building and grounds are considered to be among 
 the finest in the county, his farm covering 138 acres 
 of the most fertile land. Here, in addition to 
 general farming, he pays considerable attention to 
 the breeding of blooded stock, including Poland- 
 China hogs, and Oxford-Down sheep. Politically, 
 he is a Democrat, and has tilled numerous town- 
 ship offices with credit f~» himself and to the satis 
 faction of his constituents. He affiliates with the 
 United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 \ILLIAM McCONNELL has been a suc- 
 cessfnl fanner of Cecil township, ami, 
 being retired from active business, is now 
 — ' living in Hickory. He is a son of James 
 McConnell, who was born in Cecil town 
 ship. James McConnell was married to Sarah 
 Phillips, who was born here in 1800, and passed 
 their lives farming in the township. In politics he 
 was originally a Whig, afterward becoming a Re- 
 publican. He and his wife were members of the 
 l'. 1'. Church at Robinson's Ran, in which he was 
 a ruling elder. He died about 1872, having been 
 preceded by his wife several years. 
 
 James and Sarah McConnell were the parents of 
 the following children: Mary (Mrs. Hugh Mc- 
 Dowell, of Peters township), Martha (widow of 
 Samuel Vaneman, of North Strabane township, 
 who died in 1891), John (living on the old home- 
 stead in Cecil township), William (subject of this 
 sketch), James (residing in Peters township, a 
 widower), Sarah (wife of Samuel McPeak, of 
 Oanonsburg), Jane (living on the old home farm), 
 
 Elizabeth (wife of Mark Kelso, of North Strabane 
 township) and David (living in Cecil township). 
 
 William McConnell was born March 29, 1831, on 
 the farm in Cecil township, Washington county, 
 and received his education in the subscription 
 schools. He chose a life companion in the person 
 of Rachel P. May, a native of Cecil township, and 
 daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Bern) .May. 
 January 8, 1857. Alexander May was born in 
 Cecil township, and his wife was a native of 
 Mt. Pleasant township, this county. After their 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. May settled in Cecil 
 township. They were members of the Asso- 
 ciate Church until the union, and in politics he 
 was active in the Republican party. Mr. May 
 died at Venice, this county, in 1872, being fol- 
 lowed by his wife in 1884. William and Rachel 
 (May) McConnell passed the first years of married 
 life on a farm in Peters township, thiB county, but 
 in 1862 he bought and moved upon a farm in 
 Cecil township, remaining there until 1882, He 
 then sold the place, and buying eight acres in 
 Hickory, has since led a retired life in that village. 
 His wife died in 18S7, leaving one daughter, Sarah 
 Elizabeth, wife of John H. McCalmont, of Mt. 
 Pleasant township. 
 
 JS. VANCE. The Vance family were among 
 the earliest pioneers of Washington county, 
 . and as nearly as can be ascertained are per- 
 haps the oldest settlers of Smith township. 
 The first ancestor of these prominent citizens, 
 if whom we have an accurate history, was one Maj. 
 William Vance, born in 1718 in Scotland, andcame 
 to Virginia in early life, afterward moving to Wash 
 ington county, Penn., where he died April 18, 
 1788. His son Joseph was born, about 175(1, 
 near Winchester, Va., where he was married, and 
 coming to Washington county, Penn., about 1773, 
 located about three miles southwest of Burgetts 
 town, in Smith township, on a large tract of land. 
 This land was then an unbroken wilderness, or, to 
 quote a pioneer phrase, " there was not a stick 
 amiss," but it has since been divided into nine (if 
 the finest farms in Washington county. As soon 
 as a rude shelter had been erected for the family, 
 Joseph Vance, in company with afew of his widelj 
 parted neighbors, began the erection of what was 
 known as " Vance's Fort." This was intended to 
 protect the settlers from the onslaughts of the In- 
 dians, who were yet numerous in the Territory, and 
 bitterly resented the encroachment of the pale faces 
 upon their hunting grounds. The fort was 
 situated but a short distance from the cabin of 
 Joseph Vance, and stood for many years, the only 
 signs of its existence now visible being a piece of 
 brick-colored ground and an old stone chimney. 
 At tin' gates of Fort Vance, under a white oak 
 
.. '!,"■ ■ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1179 
 
 tree, ou October 14, 1778, the Rev. James Powers 
 preached the first sermon known to have been 
 heard west of the Alleghany mountains. On this 
 wild tract Joseph Vance and his wife passed their 
 lives, with the exception of occasional visits to his 
 birthplace, and as the immigration increased, prop- 
 erty rose in value. The vast tract of laud, once 
 seemingly worthless, became very valuable and the 
 pioneers reaped the deserved reward of early years 
 of toil, privation and danger. The first wife of 
 Joseph Vance died many years ago, leaving him 
 six children, viz. : William, John, Joseph, Eliza 
 beth, Jeannette and Mary. Of this family, Eliza 
 beth married William Wylie, and Bettled in Harri- 
 son county, Ohio; Jeannette married James Stephen - 
 sou, and settled in Smith township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. ; Mary married Robert Lee, and set- 
 tled in Belmont county, Ohio; one son, Joseph, re- 
 turned with his father on a visit to Virginia, then 
 went west, and his fate was never known. For his 
 secoud wife Mr. Vance was married to a native of 
 Winchester, Va. , who died soon after their mar- 
 riage, and he made a third choice in the person of 
 Mary Moore, a native of Winchester, Va. , who 
 bore him two daughters: Anna Mary (wife of 
 William Brady, Ohio county, W. Va.), and Hannah 
 (married to Edward Morgan, Ohio county. W. 
 Va.). The father died May 6, 1832, and in 1852 
 his faithful wife was laid beside him. 
 
 William Vance, eldest son of Joseph, was born 
 November 30, 1775, on the old "Fort Vance farm" 
 in Smith township, where his boyhood was passed 
 in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large portion 
 of them falling to him as the eldest son. On De- 
 cember 24, 1799, he was married to Rachel Fatter- 
 son, who was born June 3, 1781, daughter of 
 William Patterson, of Cross Creek township, this 
 county. To the uuion of William and Rachel 
 Vance children were born, of whom the following 
 is a brief record: Cynthia, born March 8, 1801, 
 married William Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne 
 county, Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph, 
 born September 18, 1802, was a farmer in Smith 
 township, and died in 1864; James, born July 23, 
 1804, followed agriculture in Jefferson township, 
 this county, and died in 1881; William P., born 
 September 4, 1806, lived on a farm in this county 
 for some time, thence moving to Hardin county, 
 Ky. , and is now a retired farmer of Caldwell 
 county, Mo. ; Allison, born December 14, 1808, 
 died in Washington county ou the home farm; 
 Elizabeth, born February 17, 1811, is now living 
 in Burgettstown, Penn., the widow of David S. 
 Walker; Ann, born November 8, 1812, was united 
 in marriage with Norris Walker (she died, leaving 
 a large family of children); David, born April 14, 
 1815, died in infancy; and Rachel, born December 
 28, 1816, was married to Josiah N. Soott, and is 
 now deceased, On January 9, 1817, the mother 
 
 of these children passed from earth, and on Juue 
 12, 1818, Mr. Vance was married to her sister, 
 Hannah Patterson, who was born in 1786. Five 
 children were born to this union, namely: Thomas 
 P. (deceased farmer of Cross Creek township), 
 born July 15, 1819;- Mary (unmarried, living in 
 Rome, Ga. ), born June 1, 1821 ; Caroline (deceased 
 wife of R. S. Caldwell, Hopewell township, this 
 county), born December 30, 1824; John S., born 
 June 7, 1827; and Jane (wife of J. S. Young, of 
 Ohio, died in Rome, Ga., where they resided), born 
 September 7, 1830. During his earlier life the 
 father resided on the home faim in Smith town 
 ship, in company with his brother John, whose in- 
 terest he afterward purchased. In 1816 William 
 Vance was elected a representative of Washing 
 ton county in the State Legislature. He was an 
 enthusiastic member of the Whig party, was a 
 counselor and adviser among his friends, and 
 favored the tariff bill from its infancy. After his 
 term of office had expired, Hon. William Vance 
 returned to his farm, haviug made a signal success 
 in the performance of his duties. He was a liberal 
 contributor toward and consistent attendant of the 
 Presbyterian Church with which his wife was con- 
 nected. He died April 18, 1856, and iu 1878 his 
 widow followed him "across the dark river." 
 Both are buried in the Cross Creek cemetery. 
 
 John S. Vance was the second son of William 
 and Hannah Vance. He grew to manhood on the 
 home farm iu Smith township, where he was born, 
 and received a common school education. On No- 
 vember 9, 1848, he married Emily H. Jerome, who 
 was born December 19, 1827, a daughter of John 
 Jerome, of West Liberty, Ohio Co., W. Va., but a 
 native of Maryland, whose widow (nee Harriet 
 Miller) moved to Cross Creek village. Washington 
 Co., Penn., after his death. Mrs. Vance has but one 
 brother, James Jerome, living in Minerva, Stark 
 Co., Ohio. John S. and Emily H. Vance have had 
 the following children: Caroline J. (Mrs. Robert 
 Campbell, of Sheridan, Penn.), William O. (living 
 at home), Charles J. (residing in Oakdale Station, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn.), Thomas W. (county re- 
 corder of Jefferson county, Ohio), Joseph G. (a 
 farmer of Cross Creek township, this county), Ed- 
 win L. (deceased in youth), John F. (a resident of 
 Bridgeville, Penn., in the office of the Pennsylvania 
 Railroad Company), Jessie B. (deceased in child 
 hood), Frank B. , Viola V. and Mary G. (the latter 
 three living at home). 
 
 After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Vance lived 
 on the home farm in Smith township until 1858, 
 when they settled on their present home, a portion 
 of the original Vance tract, upon which Mr. Vance 
 has erected new and commodious buildings. He 
 follows farming and stock raising, giving consider 
 able attention to the breeds of fine-grade sheep, 
 and like all who have borne the name, is a most 
 
1180 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 successful business man. He was a Whig, now 
 voting the Republican ticket, bnt is not an active 
 politician, as he has no ambition for office. He 
 attends the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek. 
 His house, all the improvements on which were 
 made by himself, is situated 'two miles southwest 
 of Burgettstown. Mr. Vance is a man of large 
 stature, and is in the enjoyment of good health. 
 
 \ILLIAM M. REA is a descendant of one 
 of the oldest families of Cross Creek 
 township, whose ancestors have limy been 
 identified with the history of northwest- 
 ern Washington county. The first mem- 
 ber of the family to locate in Washington county 
 was William Rea, of whom it is only known that 
 his life was passed among the early settlers of 
 Cross Creek township, this county, where his chil- 
 dren were horn and reared. 
 
 William Rea was born on the home farm in 
 Cross Creek township, and in early manhood was 
 married to a Miss Campbell, a member of a pioneer 
 family. Their children were John C, William 
 (who became blind at the age of seventeen years, 
 but lived to old age, spending most of his time 
 with a brother Charles), Joseph V. (a farmer of 
 Mt. Pleasant township), Jane (deceased wife of 
 Cyrus Wells). Elizabeth (married to William T. 
 Kerr, and died in Canonsburg, this county), Samuel 
 (deceased in youth) and Charles C. (a farmer of 
 Cross Creek township). The father of these chil- 
 dren was a successful farmer, and in politics first 
 an Old line Whig, then a Republican. He died in 
 1865, being followed a few years later by his 
 widow. 
 
 John C. Rea was born March 13, 1813, on the 
 home farm in Cross Creek township, and received 
 a subscription school education. In 183(5 he was 
 married to Mary A. Lyle, who was born in 1816, 
 daughter of James and Mary (Campbell) Lyle. 
 Her father was a descendant of the prominent 
 pioneer family of that name who resided in Cross 
 Creek and Smith townships, this county. To the 
 union of John C. and Mary A. (Lyle) Rea, the fol- 
 lowing children were born: James L. (deceased). 
 William M. (of whom a sketch follows), Samuel J. 
 (of Harrison county, Ohio), Elizabeth J. (deceased 
 wife of D. M. Pry), Mary E. (deceased wife of 
 John W. Pry), Aaron Tj. (was a soldier in the war 
 of the Rebellion and died from tin 1 effects of dis 
 ease contracted while in the service). Joseph V. 
 (deceased), Alice M. (wife of Prof. Ewing S. Mc 
 Wreath, of Hopewell township, this county), Eliza 
 A. (Mrs. J. D. Cook, of Cross Creek township) and 
 Elvira (deceased in infancy). The parents always 
 resided on the old homestead in Cross Creek town- 
 ship, this county, where the father followed agri- 
 cultural pursuits. In politics he was, like his 
 
 father, a Whig and Republican, and in reborns 
 faith an earnest member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. He died several years ago. and his 
 widow is now living a retired life in West Middle- 
 town, Penn. 
 
 William M. Rea was born March 5, 1839. in 
 Cross Creek township, this county, passing his 
 boyhood on the home farm. He received a com 
 iiion school education, and then began a course at 
 Jefferson College. Canonsburg. which was inter- 
 rupted by the opening of the Civil war. On Au- 
 gust 21, 1862, he enlisted at Cross Creek village 
 in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth Regi 
 ment, P. V. I. His first duty was the guarding 
 of the railroad lines between Baltimore and Har- 
 risburg, and he afterward took part in the other 
 engagements in which his regiment participated. 
 On May 8, 1864. at Todd's Tavern, in the battle 
 of the Wilderness, he was wounded by a musket 
 ball, which passed through the right ankle joint of 
 his right limb. Amputation being found neces- 
 sary, he was placed in Lincoln Hospital, and being 
 discharged about the close of the war returned to 
 Washington county in May, 18(55. Some time 
 after his return home. Mr. Rea entered mercantile 
 business at Pittsburgh, thence moved to Burgetts 
 town, but finally selected farming as his life work, 
 and moved to Cross Creek township. On Sep- 
 tember 20, 1866, he was married to Martha J. 
 Keys, who was born February 17. 1844. daughter 
 of Joseph Keys, of Smith township. Four daugh- 
 ters were born to this union: Ida M. , Josephine 
 E. (both of whom are living in Canonsburg, this 
 county), Anna T. and Martha V. (living at home). 
 On November 23, 1875. the mother passed from 
 earth, and for his second choice Mr. Rea was mar- 
 ried to Nannie A., daughter of James McElroy. 
 She was born October 21. 1844, in Chartiers 
 township. AVashington Co. . Penn.. and the chil- 
 dren of this marriage are James M.. John C. (de- 
 ceived in youth). Samuel J. and William M. Some 
 time after locating on the farm in Cross Creek 
 township Mr. Rea moved to Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, thence to North Strabane township, but. 
 finally settled on his present home in Smith town- 
 ship, where he is known as one of the most suc- 
 cessful farmers of the neighborhood. He is an 
 ardent worker in the Republican party, and in 
 religious faith he and his family are members of 
 the Raccoon Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JJlt RTHITR B. WARD. The Ward family trace 
 
 f/V Tne i'' lineage through four generations to 
 
 Ip4\ one James Ward, an Englishman, who 
 
 Jl came to America many years ago and set 
 
 tied in Virginia, where he died leaving a 
 
 large family. Stephen Ward, a son of this James, 
 
 was born and reared near Martinsbnrg. Va. , where 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1181 
 
 be was married to Hannah Thurston, and they had 
 three children, namely: James, Hannah and 
 Thomas. The father followed farming and stock 
 raising, and in politics affiliated with the Whigparty. 
 The family finally moved to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating near Maiden, in East Bethlehem 
 township, where the parents died, both members of 
 the M. E. Church. 
 
 Thomas Ward, son of Stephen and Hannah, was 
 born February 27, 1S11, near Winchester, Va., 
 and attended the schools of his native State. After 
 attaining his majority, he left home and com- 
 menced farming in Washington county, Penn. , 
 there passing the remainder of his life, with the 
 exception of six years he spent in Fayette county, 
 Penn. When a young man, Thomas Ward was 
 united in marriage with Elizabeth Williams, a 
 daughter of John Williams, who was born October 
 12, 1784, and was married in Winchester, Va., to 
 Mary Thompson, who was born in March, 1789. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of the 
 following children, their names and dates of birth 
 being here given: Alfred, March 1(5. 1806; Susau, 
 April 22, 1808; Daniel, January 9, 1809; Mary 
 Ann, January 11, 1811; Robert," March 9, 1813; 
 Thomas, January 28, 1815; Elizabeth, January 4, 
 1817; John, April 6, 1820; Catherine, August 17, 
 1821; Sarah J., January 2, 1823; James Knox, 
 April 17, 1824; Clara E., November 14, 1826; 
 Margaret, January 9, 1830. * After his removal to 
 Pennsylvania the father followed teaming from 
 Baltimore on the National pike. In political opin- 
 ion he was a Whig and Republican, with strong 
 Abolition sympathies, and in religion he was a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church. To the union of Thomas 
 and Elizabeth (Williams) Ward the following chil- 
 dren were born: Mary J. (wife of Thomas Wholly), 
 Melinda (wife of Daniel Linn), John W. (who en- 
 listed in the 18th Regiment, P. V. C), Stephen 
 (who enlisted in Company I. Second Virginia In- 
 fantry), Robert, James Knox and Thomas. Mrs. 
 Ward died in March, 1846, followed by her hus- 
 band May 18, 1891. 
 
 James Knox Ward was born March 31. 1844, in 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and remained at home until March, 1865. He then 
 enlisted in Company B, Second Regiment. P. V. 
 C. , and served with the army of the Potomac. On 
 May 10, 1866, he was married to Susannah, 
 daughter of William C. Wolfe, who was born in 
 Virginia, and was a son of Isaac C. Wolfe. The 
 latter was also a native of Virginia, and there mar- 
 ried Susanna De Haven, who bore him four chil- 
 dren, viz.: William O, Joseph, Elizabeth and 
 Rachel A. The father voted with the Democratic 
 party, and in religious faith was a member of the 
 M. E. Church. Mrs. Wolfe died January 19, 
 1846. and he was laid to rest July 27, 1870. 
 
 William C. Wolfe was born July 22, 1820, in 
 
 Virginia, and in 1829 came with his parents to 
 Washington county, Penn. ; he received his educa- 
 tion in the subscription schools, and followed ag- 
 ricultural pursuits. On July 1, 1841, he was 
 united in marriage with Melinda J. (Small) Wood, 
 who was born June 2, 1823, in Washington county, 
 where they settled, and he followed teaching and 
 cabinet making. In political opinion he was a 
 Democrat, and in religious connection a member of 
 the M. E. Church. Hischildren were Alfred D., who 
 enlisted in Company I, Second Regiment Virginia 
 Volunteer Infantry, and served three years; Susan 
 nah (wife of James K. Ward); Joseph, who enlist- 
 ed in Company D. Seventy-ninth P. V. I. ; Ann, 
 wife of Herdman Maxwell Taylor; Henry W. ; Sarah 
 N. ; Abram and Isaac C. The father was a Demo- 
 crat in politics. 
 
 William C. Wolfe died March 4, 1855, and was 
 followed by his widow April 7, 1874. To the 
 union of James Knox and Susannah (Wolfe) Ward 
 five children have been born, viz.: Arthur B. , 
 Thomas H, Elizabeth, William S. and Louis. 
 The family have, with the exception of one year, 
 passed their lives in Washington county. Mr. 
 Ward affiliates with the Republican party in poli- 
 tics, and in religious faith is a member and trustee 
 of the M. E. Church. 
 
 Arthur B. Ward was born February 25, 1867, 
 in West Brownsville, Penn.. receiving his educa 
 tion at the Southwestern State Normal School, 
 California, Penn. At the age of fifteen he entered 
 the store of Robert Lynch, with whom he remained 
 as clerk for about two years, then served as man- 
 ager until 1888, afterward purchasing the busi- 
 ness, and conducting it for several years. In April, 
 1891, he removed to the Hotel Arlington Building, 
 having increased his old stock of goods, and added 
 a large line of gents' furnishings. On August 27, 
 1891, he was united in marriage with Luella, 
 daughter of J. P. McCain, a resideut of California, 
 Penn. Mr. Ward is actively identified with the 
 Republican party, and is a member of the M. E. 
 Church, 
 
 YfOHN M. WATSON, a prominent farmer of 
 North Strabane township, was born January 
 rjl 31, 1833, in Chartiers township, Washington 
 ^^Co., Penn. His father, David Watson, was 
 also a native of Chartiers township, born in 1791, 
 and passed his early life on the home farm. He 
 received a good common-school education, and in 
 early manhood was married to a Miss Craighead, 
 who bore him children as follows: Martha (de- 
 ceased), Amelia (deceased), Nancy (Mrs. Alexan- 
 der Henderson), Rachel (wife of William Ross), 
 Belle (deceased wife of John Chambers) and 
 George. For his second wife Mr. Watson was 
 united in marriage with Margaret Morrison, also 
 
1182 
 
 WASHIXfjTOX COUXTY. 
 
 born in Chartiers township, this county, a daugh- 
 ter of James Morrison, ami tin children born to 
 this marriage were John M., Mary (Mrs. Peter 
 
 Martin), and G -ge X. (who died in Washington 
 
 county, aged fifty-three years). David Watson 
 died at the age of lift\ two, Mrs. David Watson 
 when aged eighty-four years. Mr. Watson had 
 charge of the Washington turnpike for many 
 years, and managed its affairs with marked sue 
 cess. He was a stanch member and active par- 
 tisan "f the Whig party, and was one of the most 
 ardent supporters of the U. P. Church at Cross 
 Roads, Chartiers township. 
 
 John M. Watson passed his early years on the 
 home farm in Chartiers township, and after the 
 death of his father began life at a very early age. 
 On August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, 
 One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volun 
 teers, and served until the close of the war; he 
 was mustered out June 5, 1865. near Alexandria, 
 W. Va. On November 15, ISfifi, he was married 
 to Sarah J., daughter of Andrew Borland, and one 
 daughter, Ida, has been born to their union. Mr. 
 \\ atson is a successful business man, and owns a 
 large and productive farm in North Strabane town- 
 ship. He is a stanch Republican, and is always 
 active in the interests of his party. He and his 
 family are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Mt. Prospect, and he is a member of the 
 Session. 
 
 THOMAS C. SHIPLEY. Among the pro- 
 gressive citizens of Hanover township is the 
 a hove mentioned gentleman, a sou of Ben 
 jamin Shiplev, who was a son of John 
 Shipley. 
 John Shipley was born about twelve miles from 
 Baltimore, Md., and passed his boyhood in his na 
 tive State, there receiving his early education. At 
 the age of twenty-one years he came to Washing- 
 ton county. Penn., and purchased a wild tract of 
 laud in Smith township. He added to this from 
 time to time until he had 135 acres, where a 
 small log cabin was erected, which Miss Lydia 
 Day consented to share. To this marriage the 
 following children were born : Benjamin, (ieorge, 
 John, William, Nancy, Talbert T.. Richard, Sam- 
 uel, Lavina, Catherine, Rachel and Henry. Al 
 though the Indians were then very numerous, 
 those in their vicinity were usually of a peace- 
 able disposition. John Shipley was a soldier in 
 the war of 1812, and while he was defending his 
 home, the brave wife followed the plow in his 
 stead. He was an active worker in the Whig 
 party, and in religious faith was a member of the 
 M. E Church. 
 
 Benjamin Shipley was reared on the home farm, 
 and educated in the rude subscription schools, In 
 
 1824 he was married to Nancy Colo, who was born 
 in 1802, a daughter of Thomas Cole. The children 
 of Benjamin and Nancy Shipley were ;is follows. 
 Rachel (wile of James White), John and Nancy 
 (were scalded to death when small). Thomas C. 
 
 (our subject), Lydia (Mrs. John Frederick, of Bur- 
 gettstown), Mary (widow of John Vance), Richard 
 (a farmer, deceased in 1883), Talbot (a farmer, 
 died in 1890), Catherine (deceased, unmarried) and 
 Dallas (deceased in infancy). Mr.andMrs. Shipley 
 passed their married life in Smith township, this 
 county. He was a successful agriculturist, and in 
 politics was first a Whig, then a Republican, He 
 died in 1876, and Mrs. Shipley survived him till 
 1884. Both were members of the M. E. Church, 
 and are buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at 
 Burgettstown. 
 
 Thomas C. Shipley was born February 28, 1833, 
 on the home farm in Smith township, this county. 
 On October 24. 1861, he was married to Eleanor 
 K. Proudfit, who was horn August 29, 1833, a 
 daughter of John and Eliza (Lyle) Proudfit. The 
 children of T. C. and Eleanor Shipley are: Eliza- 
 beth Nancy (Mrs. David Riddile, of Wellsville, 
 Ohio), Isa Mary (wife of Frank Hill, of Wellsville, 
 Ohio), John P. (married December 28, 1891, Mary 
 G. E. Sims, and to this union Thomas Earl Ship 
 ley was born), Willie D. (deceased at the age of 
 sixteen years) and Ella Nora (living at home). Af- 
 ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shipley located 
 for some time on the farm in Smith township, and 
 in 1863 settled in Hanover township, on the place 
 where they are now residing, but which then con- 
 tained all old buildings. Three years later he re- 
 turned to Smith township, and in 1883 came back 
 to the same farm and erected new buildings, in- 
 cluding a residence and barn. Since that time he 
 has resided in Hanover township, following gen 
 eral farming, stock raising, aud the dairy business. 
 Both he and his wife are members of the Presby 
 terian Church at Florence. 
 
 J JAMES W. BIGGER. Of the prominent, 
 I prosperous and respected citizens of Robin 
 son township, none are better or more favor 
 ably known than the gentleman whose name 
 opens this brief sketch. The sons of Erin are and 
 ever have been among the leaders of all enterprises 
 in which bravery, energy and enthusiasm are the 
 requisite ingredients. 
 
 About the middle of the last century, Thomas 
 Bigger, a native of County Antrim. Ireland, was 
 there married to Elizabeth Moore, who was born 
 in the same county. The young couple decided 
 that their wedding trip should be an ocean voyage. 
 and accordingly they embarked for the New World 
 not many days after their marriage. After land- 
 ing in America they came to Pennsylvania, first 
 
 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1185 
 
 locating on a piece of land near Hickory, this 
 county, which belonged to George Washington but 
 was theu iu court. His rights, however, were soou 
 established, after which Mr. and Mrs. Bigger set- 
 tled on a farm in Robinson township, which is yet 
 in the family name, being now the property of 
 Matthew Bigger. The Indians had not then en 
 tirely left the old hunting grounds, and often com 
 pellet! the adventurous pioneer to flee for life to 
 Fort McDonald; but as new settlers entered, and 
 the forests were cleared away, the Redmen roved 
 farther west, finally leaving the pale faces in uudis 
 tuilii.il possession of their homes. Eleven children 
 were born to Thomas and Elizabeth ( Moure) Bigger, 
 as follows: Matthew, Jane, John, James, Thomas, 
 Ann, James, Samuel, Martha, Andrew and Eliza 
 beth. 
 
 Samuel Bigger waH born on the old Bigger 
 homestead in Robinson township, this county, 
 which is now occupied by his son Matthew. Sam 
 uel passed his youth on the old place, being em- 
 ployed in the usual manner of a farmer boy, and 
 in early manhood married a Miss Wills, a native of 
 Ireland, who bore him a large family of children, 
 of whom are yet living: Thomas, Elizabeth, James 
 W., Matthew, Mary J., Ann, Jennette, Martha, 
 Samuel and Jane (twins); John died when he was 
 about two years old. The father was a Presby- 
 terian, then a Seceder, and afterward a member of 
 the TJ. P. Church, in which he was an elder. In 
 politics he was first a Democrat, then a Whig, 
 finally a Republican. 
 
 James W. Bigger, the second son' of Samuel 
 Bigger, first saw the light of day November 30, 
 1828. He remained on the old homestead during 
 his boyhood and early youth, receiving his educa- 
 tion in the common schools of the period, which, 
 to quote the gentleman's own language, were: "Ac- 
 cording to my judgment better adapted to give the 
 pupil a more thorough knowledge of the branches 
 taught than the schools of the present day." On 
 January 1, 1857, Mr. Bigger was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Sarah H. , daughter of the late 
 Richard Donaldson, a resident of Hanover town- 
 ship. Children came to brighten their pleasant 
 home as follows: Jennie W. , Esther Mc. , Lizzie, 
 Isaac, Ida and S. W. (twins), Richard, W. M. and 
 •). M. Of these, Lizzie is deceased, while the other 
 children are scattered, some living near their par- 
 ents, others gone far from the home nest. The 
 mother died June 5, 1891. Mr. Bigger has con- 
 tinued to reside on the farm where he had settled 
 immediately after his marriage. He is a repre- 
 sentative citizen, and in politics has ever been a 
 firm advocate of the principles embodied in the 
 platform of the Republican party. In religious 
 faith he has for many years been a member and 
 liberal supporter of the Robinson United Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 W. JACKSON, a rising young agricult 
 urist of Cross Creek township, is a 
 representative of a well-known family. 
 His grandfather, Andrew Jackson, was 
 born in 1785 in Cecil county, Md., and 
 when ten years of age came with his parents to 
 Washington county, Penn. They settled on King's 
 creek, iu Hanover township, where Andrew was 
 reared to manhood. 
 
 Andrew Jackson was united in marriage in 1808 
 with Elizabeth Cool, of Hanover township, who 
 was born June 27, 1782, and children were born 
 as follows: Mary, born April 25, 1S09; W. O, 
 born November 12, 1810; Isaac, born January 1, 
 1812; Elizabeth, born October 2, 1 S 1 P> ; Eli, born 
 October 27, 1818; Elsie, born October 23, 1820; 
 John, born September 9, 1822; James, born April 
 20, 1825; and Sarah, born May 24, 1827. Of 
 these the only ones yet living are James and Elsie. 
 The father was a soldier in the war of 1812. 
 
 W. C. Jackson, the second son of Andrew and 
 Elizabeth Jackson, was born on King's creek, 
 Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. His 
 youth was passed on the home farm and he at- 
 tended the Florence Academy for several years 
 He then began the study of theology under the 
 tutelage of Rev. William Wallace, of Wheeling, 
 W. Va. , afterward taking a course at the Alle- 
 gheny Theological Seminary, graduating in 1846 
 In 1842 he selected as his life companion Miss 
 Martha H. Lawton, who was born May 1, 1825, 
 daughter of Job T. Lawton, a native of Rhode 
 Island, who came to this county with his parents 
 in 1813. After graduating, Mr. Jackson preached 
 as a supply at different U. P. Churches for several 
 years, but never took charge of a congregation, as 
 his wife could not leave her aged parents. Two 
 children were born to the union of W. C. and 
 Martha H. (Lawton) Jackson, namely: W. W., 
 born March 19, 1844; and Mary E., born Octobei 
 22, 1850, the latter of whom was married to Will 
 iam Cole, a prominent hotel landlord of Burgetts 
 town, Penn. In politics Mr. Jackson was a stanch 
 Democrat. He die"d August 20, 1888. 
 
 W. W. Jackson (son of W. O, and grandson of 
 Andrew) was born at Wheeling, W. Va. , and 
 pa-sed most of his early life in Cross Creek town- 
 ship, Washington county. He attended the Cross 
 Creek Academy several terms, and then entered 
 Washington and Jefferson College, graduating at 
 the early age of nineteen years. He afterward re- 
 turned to the farm and assisted his father, who 
 was unable to do much manual work, having been 
 crippled by a falling tree in 1803. On September 
 30, 1872, W. W. Jackson was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary Boyles, of St. Clairsville, Ohio, 
 daughter of Jacob Boyles. The farm contains 105 
 acres of land. In politics Mr. Jackson is a Demo- 
 crat, and iu religious faith amemberof the Presby- 
 
118fi 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 terian Church, and of the Session at Cross Creek. 
 To William and Mary E. (Jackson) Cole was 
 born William A. Cole, November 22, 1868. He 
 married Alice It. Crawford, of Westmoreland 
 county, Penn., in 1889, and to this union the fol- 
 lowing named children were born: Willa Marie, in 
 L890; Alfred* Orlando, who died when one year 
 old, and Alice Margie, born in September, 1892. 
 William A. Cole resides at Pittsburgh, where lie is 
 in the real estate business. 
 
 fll LEXANDEll S. BERRYHILL, a citizen 
 
 ^\\ of Burgettstown who has risen unaided 
 
 f^W from the lowest round of the ladder to a 
 
 JJ prominent position in business and social 
 
 life, was born August 15, 1808, in West 
 
 Liberty, W. Va. He is a son of Alexander, and 
 
 grandson <>f William Berryhill. 
 
 William Berryhill was of Scotch descent and 
 served as captain under Washington throughout 
 the Revolution. After the war he settled near 
 Greeneastle, Penn., and followed the blacksmith's 
 trade some years, afterward purchasing the farm 
 where his life was passed. In early manhood he 
 was united in marriage with Ruth Steele, who was 
 born in Ireland, coming with her parents to 
 America when but one year of age. The children 
 horn to William and Ruth (Steele) Berryhill were 
 as follows: Alexander S., Ruth (Mrs. Noble), 
 William, Samuel, Elias and Isabella (wife of Rev. 
 Blackburn). Mr. Berryhill was a Federalist in 
 politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of 
 the county. He and his family were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Alexander Berryhill, father of Alexander S., 
 was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and was 
 educated in the schools of the neighborhood. In 
 early life he came to Uniontown, Penn., where he 
 was married to Mary, daughter of Moses Linn. 
 After his marriage he moved to West Virginia, 
 and conducted a tanyard for some time, then 
 opened a general store at West Liberty, W. Va. 
 He finally sold out and became one of the pioneer 
 boatmen of that vicinity, making trips from West 
 Liberty, W. Va. , to Nashville, Tenn. He ex- 
 changed the Northern produce for cotton, sugar 
 and other articles raised in the Southern States. 
 While returning from one trip, he met the first 
 steamboat that was ever on the Ohio river, and 
 challenged the crew for a race to Short Creek. 
 They accepted, and he won the race. In 1830 he 
 came to Cross Creek township, this county, where 
 he made a permanent home. In politics he was 
 formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the 
 Democratic party. He and his wife were members 
 of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents 
 of the following children: William, Moses L., 
 Alexander S., Mary E. (wife of William McKin 
 ley), JameH, John, Samuel and Martha. 
 
 Alexander S. Berryhill (the subject of this 
 biography) received a common school education in 
 the home district, and on April 15, 1840, was 
 united in matrimony with Catherine, daughter of 
 John Shipley. The young people immediately 
 settled in Burgettstown, Penn., where they re- 
 mained nine years, then went to Burlington, Iowa, 
 being there one year, thence moved to Lancaster, 
 Wis. They remained three years in the latter 
 place, when the father of Mr. Berryhill died, and 
 he returned home. He settled in Cross Creek, 
 where he remained for some years. He then spent 
 some time in Florence and at Cumberland, W. Va., 
 and removed from Cumberland to Burgettstown at 
 the time the railroad was being constructed. The 
 railroad passed the town about half a mile north- 
 east, and the station was called Cardville, by which 
 it was known until the towns were incorporated as 
 one, under the name of Burgettstown, in 1881. Mr. 
 Berryhill built the first house in Cardville, and 
 started a grocery store, continuing in this business 
 until 1887, when he retired from active business 
 and has since been leading a retired life. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Berryhill have had the following children: 
 Martha (wife of James Jackson), Mary L (Mrs. 
 Simpson), Flora, Belle (formerly Mrs. Richard 
 Henrich, now wife of James P. Kelso, of the Bur 
 gettstown National Bank), Richana (wife W. E. 
 Fisher, of Columbus, Ohio) and Ella. In religious 
 faith he and his family are active members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Demo- 
 crat, having cast his first vote for Jackson and his 
 last for Grover Cleveland. In addition to the 
 family of Alexander S. Berryhill above mentioned: 
 Thomas M. Berryhill, son of William, Jr., and 
 nephew of Alexander S., is the only surviving 
 member of the Berryhill family. He resides on a 
 farm near Hickory, Pennsylvania. 
 
 El LIAS D. OWEN. Among those who have 
 made farming in Morris township a thor- 
 ough success, is Elias D. Owen. He is a 
 son of Aaron Owen, and a grandson of 
 John Owen, whose father emigrated from Wales in 
 the early part of the eighteenth century, and located 
 in New Jersey, where. he married, and reared a 
 family of children, of whom John Owen is the oidy 
 one recorded. John Owen married a Miss Pool in 
 New Jersey, who bore him five children, all boys, 
 as follows: Benjamin, Daniel, John, Aaron and 
 Gudiah. The parents died in New Jersey, as also 
 did their son John. Daniel emigrated to Ohio, 
 thence to Michigan, where he died. Aaron, Ben- 
 jamin and Gudiah all emigrated to Washington 
 county, Penn. Benjamin came first, and located 
 in Morris township, followed by Gudiah. 
 
 Aaron Owen, father of our subject, came next, 
 locating in Morris township about 1822. He was 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1187 
 
 born in New Jersey about 1796, and there married 
 Mary D. Day. He was a weaver by trade, which 
 occupation lie followed for some time after coming 
 to Washington county. Three children were born 
 to them here — Phcebe, Lavina and Benjamin, all 
 of whom are living. Phoebe, widow of Edmund 
 McVay, lives in Greene county, Penn. Lavina, 
 wife of John Young, lives in the same county. 
 Benjamin married Julia Day, and lives near Jack 
 sonville, Greene Co., Penn.; he is an elder of the 
 Jacksonville C. P. Church. The father died in 
 1854, and the mother in 1883. Both were Cum 
 berland Presbyterians. Elias D. Owen, the eldest 
 child of Aaron and Mary Owen, was born in New 
 Jersey, July 24, 1819, and came to Washington 
 county in 1822 with his parents at the age of 
 eighteen years; he joined the Cumberland Pres- 
 byterian Church at West Union and has been a 
 Sabbath school teacher ever since. In 1842 he 
 married Sarah Auld, born June 17, 1822, whose 
 ancestors came from Ireland about the middle 
 of the eighteenth century, locating in New 
 Jersey, whence they moved to Washington 
 county soon after 1800. After his marriage Mr. 
 Owen moved to what was then known as the 
 " Jolly Farm," where he has since resided. 
 
 James E. Ray, half brother of Aaron Owen, and 
 uncle of Elias Owen, was born in the'year 1807, 
 and married Margaret Lenot'd. Three children 
 blessed their union. The eldest, I. M. Ray, 
 elected congressman in 1888, is a prominent lawyer 
 in Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn; the second. J. 
 L. Ray. a resident of Morris township, Greene Co., 
 died in 1893, aged thirty-six years. His daughter 
 Jane, who married John Powers, died some years 
 ago. 
 
 To the union of Elias D. Owen and Sarah Auld 
 there were born two children : Caroline, the eldest, 
 was born in 1813. and married Milton Robertson, 
 whose death occurred April 2, 1875; Mrs. Robert 
 son and children have since lived with her parents. 
 Mary Ann, born 1853, married B. F. Reeves, and 
 is the mother of six children. Mr. Owen, although 
 well along in years, is still able to do a day's work 
 on the farm, to which he gives his personal atten- 
 tion. Ho is possessed of a remarkably strong con- 
 stitution, having sustained on three different occa- 
 sions injuries that would ordinarily have resulted 
 in death. In politics Mr. Owen was a Democrat 
 prior to 1884, but his views on the tariff question 
 being at variance with those advocated in the plat- 
 form of that year, he voted for Blaine, and has 
 since been an active supporter of the principles of 
 the Republican party. On his farm Mr. Owen 
 gives considerable attention to sheep raising, in 
 which he has been remarkably successful, his flocks 
 never having, in his fifty years' experience, been 
 affected with an epidemic so common in that 
 section. Mr. Owen has made life a success in 
 
 many ways, not excepting financially. He is a 
 member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 
 at West Union, as is also his wife. Mr. Owen's 
 grandfather, on his mother's side, was Samuel 
 Day, who was born in New Jersey, and there mar 
 ried Sophia Hayden, who bore him twenty-one 
 children, eighteen of whom lived to maturity and 
 raised families. In 1831 the family of Samuel 
 Day had a reunion, there being present seventy 
 five representatives. He joined the Presbyterian 
 Church early in life; but when the Cumberland 
 Presbyterians organized here in 1831. he joined 
 the congregation of that church at Old Concord, 
 becoming an active member thereof and serving as 
 older for several years. He then moved to Athens, 
 Ohio, with the intention of having a Cumberland 
 Presbyterian Church organized there, which he 
 soon succeeded in accomplishing. He died some 
 time afterward in the triumph of a living faith. 
 
 Y| AMES MARTIN is one of the progressive and 
 therefore successful farmers of South Stra- 
 ([ JJ bane township, and is a representative of an 
 ^^ old pioneer family of the county. They were 
 originally natives of York county, Penn.. and 
 toward the close of the eighteenth century, Peter 
 Martin moved with his wife and family to Wash 
 ington county, settling on the farm which is now 
 occupied by his descendants. He died at the age 
 of eighty years, having reared a family of seven 
 children. 
 
 James Martin, a son of this early settler, was 
 born in 1792, in York county, Penn., coming with 
 his parents to this county when a boy. In 1821 
 he was married to Mary White, who bore him chil- 
 dren as follows: Peter B. , born February 4, 1822; 
 Samuel, born January 24, 1824; James, born De- 
 cember 12, 1820; John White (a merchant of Can- 
 onsburg, this county), born January 11, 1828; 
 Matthew, born December 7, 1829; Mary Jane (de- 
 ceased), born September 21, 1832; Ebenezer Hen- 
 derson (drowned in the Potomac river), born June 
 21, 1834; Ann Elizabeth (deceased), born Novem- 
 ber 2, 1837; Elizabeth Margaret, born October It). 
 1839; William Henry, born September 4, 1842, 
 and Thomas Jefferson, born August 28, 1847. Mr. 
 Martin continued to improve his farm, in connec- 
 tion with managing a sawmill, during his active 
 business life. He was formerly a Whig, afterward 
 a Republican, and held several political offices. 
 In religion he first united with the Seceder Church, 
 then joined the United Presbyterians. He died in 
 1887, having been preceded by his wife in 1878. 
 
 James Martin was reared on the home farm in 
 North Strabane township, this county, and at- 
 tended the common schools. He was early inducted 
 into the mysteries of agricultural pursuits, and de- 
 cided to devote his life to farming. He believed 
 
1188 
 
 H'.l SUING TON C ■() I T A 7T 
 
 that a knowledge of science, especially of that 
 branch which pertains to agriculture, was neces- 
 sary to secure the highest success as a farmer. He 
 has therefore read and studied much on the sul> 
 jects connected with his vocation. On November 
 12, 1868, James Martin was united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel Clokey. Sam 
 uel Clokey was a son of James Clokey, a native of 
 County Down, Ireland, who was reared and edu 
 cated in the old country, coming to America at an 
 early date. He settled in Dauphin county, Penn., 
 remaining there until 1812, when he moved to 
 Washington county and purchased the farm now 
 occupied by his son. following farming and stock 
 raisiug in connection with the distilling business 
 most of his life. In politics he was an active 
 worker in the Whig party, and in religion was a 
 member of the Seceder Church at Peters Creek, 
 and assisted in organizing the Seceder Church at 
 Pigeon Creek. He was the father of two chil- 
 dren: Sarah (Mrs. James Herron) and Samuel. 
 
 Samuel Clokey was born in Dauphin county, 
 Penn., and came to Washington county at the age 
 of eighteen years. He was married to Rebecca, 
 daughter of Alexander McClure, of South Stra- 
 bane township, and settled on the home farm, 
 where the following children were born: James, 
 Alexander, Mary J., Elizabeth (Mrs. James Mar- 
 tin), Sarah (wife of John G. Clark), Samuel, Abi- 
 gail, Rebecca (married to George A. Dougherty) 
 and Caroline. Of this family James, Alexander, 
 Samuel and Abigail are deceased. Mr. Clokey 
 was formerly a Whig, and then a Republican, 
 being a leader both in political and business cir- 
 cles. In church connection he was first a Seceder, 
 after uniting with the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Pigeon Creek, in which lie was a trustee and 
 leading member. His wife died in 1878, and he 
 rests by her side in the cemetery at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 James and Elizabeth (Clokey) Martin have had 
 no children. He is a member and liberal sup- 
 porter of the U. P. Church at Pigeon Creek. In 
 politics he is an active member of the Republican 
 party, though never accepting office. 
 
 QEORGE R. DEEMS, a successful farmer of 
 West Pike Run township, is a native of the 
 same, born October 3, 1841,_ on the old 
 homestead. The father, John Deems, was 
 also a native of the county, and here learned 
 the carpenter and wagon making trades. When a 
 young man he was married to Mary Reynolds, a 
 native of Fayette county, Penn., who bore him 
 nine children, namely: Mary, wife of Lewis Duvall, 
 a farmer of Hopewell township, Washington 
 Co., Penn.; Martha, widow of Nickson Ailes, a 
 resident of California, Penn.; Sarah J., widow of 
 S W. Rogers, of Beallsville, Penn. ; George R., 
 
 whose name opens this sketch; Margaret E., wife 
 of Robert Elwood, a resident of Beallsville; Cor 
 nelia, married to John D. Springle, a boat builder 
 of Brownsville, Penn.; Frank, living in Ottumwa. 
 Iowa; Elizabeth and Jacob R., both deceased. 
 The father died soon after the birth of his young 
 est child; his widow is now living, at the age .it 
 seventy-seven years, with her daughter, Mrs. 
 Rogers, in the village of Beallsville. 
 
 George R. Deems was reared in the West Pike 
 run township, where he received a common school 
 education, and when seventeen years old learned 
 the cabinet maker's trade. In 18(51 he enlisted in 
 Company I, Eighth P. V. I., and participated in 
 the Seven Days' Fight, the second battle of Bull 
 Run, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, and numer- 
 ous other engagements. He served until the close 
 of the war, then returning to Washington county 
 followed his trade about five years in West Browns 
 ville. On November 25, 1869, he was united in 
 marriage with Emma E. Rogers, who was born 
 December 12, 1846, in Washington county, Penn., 
 a daughter of Samuel and Sarah F. (Crawford) 
 Rogers, natives of Maryland, and the parents 
 of children, as follows: Priscilla, wife of Adah 
 Crouch, a farmer of West Pike Run township; 
 Joseph H , a farmer of Beallsville, Washington 
 county: Sarah F., married to Smith F. Scott; 
 Emma E. , wife of George Deems; Mary A., de- 
 ceased; and four who died in infancy. The 
 father of this family was a public-spirited citizen, 
 and a successful agriculturist. He died in 1890, 
 having been preceded to the grave by his wife in 
 1882. Both were members of the M. E. Church, 
 and in politics he was a Republican. 
 
 After their marriage George R. and Emma E. 
 (Rogers) Deems located on the pleasant farm in 
 West Pike Run township which is now their home. 
 It contains seventy-three acres of valuable, well 
 cultivated land, to which Mr. Deems devotes the 
 greater portion of his time. He is identified with 
 the Republican party in politics, and is deeply in- 
 terested in all public matters. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Deems are members of the Beallsville M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 d|OSEPH HAYBURN, a prominent represents 
 ! tive of one of the oldest pioneer families of 
 | Donegal township, and an enterprising and 
 progressive citizen of Claysville, is a native 
 of Donegal township, born August 20, 1859. 
 His father, James Hayburn, was also a native of 
 that township, born in May, 1820. Joseph Hay 
 burn, grandfather of Joseph, was born and reared 
 in Ireland, and was there united in marriage with 
 Margaret Laird, a native of County Donegal. The 
 young people immigrated to America, and finally 
 settled iu Donegal township, Washington Co., 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1189 
 
 Penn. Their children were as follows: Alexander, 
 .Mary, John, Robert, Fannie. Ada M. (Mrs. John 
 Griffith), James, Joseph and Elizabeth (Mrs. Isaac 
 Titus). Mr. Hayburn was always a farmer. In 
 religion he was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, and in politics he was a stanch Democrat. 
 
 James Hayburn, father of Joseph, was reared 
 and educated on the home farm in Donegal town- 
 ship. In 1857 he was married to Margaret, daugh- 
 ter of Alexander Reed, and the following children 
 were born to them: Belle, Joseph, Jennie and Liz- 
 zie. Mr. Hayburn was a successful farmer and 
 progressive citizen. Politically he was a leading 
 member of the Democratic party, and in religion 
 was an adherent of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. 
 Hayburn died January 22, 1884, and was followed 
 by her husband within the next month. 
 
 Joseph Hayburn passed his early life in Done- 
 gal township, where, June 24, 1886, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Jennie E. Griffith, and they have one 
 daughter, Ethel Bernadeen, born November 27, 
 1888. Mr. Hayburn lived on the farm and 
 engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1891, when 
 he purchased a livery business of L. D. Lindley, 
 which he now conducts in company with John 
 Knox. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 J | AMES SHANNON McCUTCHEN. No citi- 
 I zeu of East Bethlehem township, and for 
 that matter, it may even be said, of the enl ire 
 county, can boast of a wider circle of friends 
 than this successful agriculturist, snch is his 
 well-earned popularity. 
 
 Hugh McCntchen, grandfather df our subject, 
 when a young man emigrated from Ireland to 
 America, landing in New York about the year 
 L786, all he brought with him being the clothes on 
 his back, a stout heart, and strong and willing 
 haniis. After leading for a time a somewhat wan- 
 dering life — working here and there — he finally 
 settled in Fallowrield township, this county, and 
 after some live years, during which time he was 
 employed in various occupations, he invested his 
 entire earnings in a small stock of goods, and em- 
 barked in mercantile business. He became very 
 successful, enjoying a wide and profitable trade 
 among the pioneer families. He married a lady 
 whose parents were natives of Scotland, and sev- 
 eral children, all now deceased, were born to them; 
 both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age, she 
 preceding him to the grave some few years. Po- 
 litically he was a Whig, and is remembered as 
 having been an oft-sought local adviser in his 
 party. The following interesting family anecdote 
 is related: When Grandfather McCntchen was 
 about to board the ship that was to carry him 
 across the Atlantic from his native land, he and a 
 
 brother, who had come to see him off, exchanged 
 watches, each one agreeing to treasure the other's 
 timepiece as a family heirloom to be handed down 
 to posterity. This compact each kept faithfully: 
 yet, although carefully and jealously guarded, the 
 watch that came to America was stolen some years 
 since, after having been "handed down" to the 
 grandson, James S. McCutchen. 
 
 Samuel McCutchen, the second son of Hugh and 
 Jane McCutchen, was born, in 1798, in Fallow- 
 tield township, this county, where he received a 
 limited education at the subscription schools of the 
 vicinity. In boyhood he learned the trade of a 
 shoemaker, which he successfully followed during 
 the greater part of his life, in connection with 
 farming pursuits. He commenced life poor, for 
 his father's estate, after being divided among 
 many heirs, rendered him but little assistance. 
 By dint of hard work, however, he was enabled to 
 earn and save sufficient to buy a small farm, and 
 being successful in his undertakings, particularly 
 as a financier, and by reason of various specula- 
 tions, in buying and trading laud, turning out 
 profitably, he in course of time accumulated a con- 
 siderable share of this world's goods. His wife, 
 Melinda Furnier, was a daughter of Henry and 
 Julia (Horine) Furnier, natives of Germany, who 
 came to America shortly after the Revolutionary 
 war, locating in Hagerstown, Md. , whence they re- 
 moved to Washington county, Penn., making a 
 final settlement near Belle Vernon, in Fallow- 
 field township. To Samuel and Melinda Mc- 
 Cutchen were born children as follows: Henry 
 Erwin, who died at the age of seventeen years; 
 Sarah Jane, now Mrs. John Stacker, residing in 
 Monongahela City, and James Shannon. The 
 mother died in 18<51, the father in 1862, he was a 
 strong supporter of the principles of the Whig 
 party. 
 
 James Shannon McCutchen, the subject proper 
 of this memoir, was born January 15, 1828, in 
 Fallowtield township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 was two years old when his parents moved to East 
 Bethlehem township, where he was reared on the 
 farm, and educated at the common schools. In 
 his youth he was employed as a farm assistant, 
 receiving for his services from $5 to $10 per 
 month. He has never used tobacco or intoxicants 
 in any form, and as a result he saved his earnings, 
 which he judiciously invested, and to-day is de- 
 servedly well circumstanced financially. He is the 
 owner of 127 acres of valuable land situated on 
 the banks of the Monongahela river, within but a 
 short distance of Lock No. 5, and the elegant resi 
 dence thereon, together with the entire surround- 
 ings, gives evidence of superior taste, prudent 
 thrift and easy affluence. 
 
 Mr. McCutchen is perhaps the most widely read 
 gentleman in his vicinity, and his library contains 
 
L190 
 
 ii ASHINGTOh COl NTY 
 
 some ISO volumes of handsomely bound works 
 bj eminent authors, tie is not onlj a man of 
 letters, but also a traveler of do Little experience, 
 his journeyings from tim»> to time baving been 
 many, which, to a man of observation such as Mr. 
 Mel lutohen, means a vast amount of additional in 
 formation and mental pabulum. Among many 
 points of interest which he has visited in the Must 
 and in Canada, mav be mentioned Washington 
 il>. i\ ), Now York, Boston, Montreal, Toronto, 
 Niagara Falls, etc. Some three years since, along 
 with a party of neighbors, be visited the "far 
 West," during which tour he remained six days in 
 San Francisco, was in Seattle i Wash. ), Portland 
 (Ore.), St. Paul (Minn), Yellowstone Park, Hot 
 Springs (Ark.), etc. Our subject is a faithful Re 
 publican, and although not a politician, has been 
 called upon at times to till offices of trust in his 
 township, where his popularity is unbounded, 
 which incumbencies he has invariably filled with 
 characteristic care and natural ability. 
 
 FvAKK -I HAMILTON, an enterprising citi 
 /.on of Nottingham township, this county, 
 is a son of James R. Hamilton. The latter 
 was horn in ISIS, in Peters township, 
 Washington county , and received n classical 
 education. During his earlier years he followed 
 the profession of school teaching, and being solely 
 
 dependent upon his daily earnings for a liveli 
 
 hood, was obliged to practice strict economy. In 
 IS It) he was married to Miss Patience Morrison, a 
 native of this county, and having managed to save 
 a small amount of his salary, the young man 
 bought a little farm in Nottingham township, this 
 
 county, UpOD which he and his bride began their 
 
 wedded life. They were poor in worldly goods, 
 but happy and rich in the possession of health and 
 love. Fortune soon began to smile upon the brave 
 
 young OOUple who met her frowns with such cheery 
 face-., and as years passed on children came to 
 brighten the little home as follows: Patience B. 
 (wife oi James H. Barkley), William H. L., 
 Charles James Reed, John T. G., Joseph G. 1'., 
 Elizabeth Ann, Margaret Elnora and Mary Jane. 
 
 Of these the latter three are deceased. At the 
 
 time of his death .lames R, Hamilton owned 300 
 acres of land. 
 
 Park J. Hamilton was bom October 15, 1863, 
 on the home farm in Nottingham township, this 
 county, attending the home schools during his 
 early youth. On October I s , 1888, he was united 
 in marriage with Miss Agnes J. Miller, a well 
 known school teacher of Nottingham township, 
 and a daughter of John Miller, a prominent agri 
 oultnrist of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Hamil 
 ton had been working with his father on the home 
 place previous to ins marriage, and the young 
 
 oouple immediately took up then- residence on the 
 paternal homestead. He now owns eighty-one 
 acres of the old place, which he keeps in an excel 
 lent state of cultivation, and also raises a good 
 grade of cattle. Two children have been born to 
 this marriage, viz.: Elfra Augusta ami John Park. 
 
 FT J. HESS was born May :i, 1848, in Fallow 
 f |\ held township, Washington Co., Penn., a 
 l\\ son of John Hess, who was born in 1SI7. 
 JJ -* in Pennsylvania, of Dutch parents, who 
 were among the earliest pioneers of that 
 State. In early manhood he was united in mar 
 riage with Ann Jones who was born in I S I it, in 
 Fallowfield township. Washington county, of Eng 
 lish parents; her father lived to the age of one 
 hundred years. To the union of John and Ann 
 (Jones) Hess were born eight children, of whom 
 are named: William, who enlisted in the " Kino 
 gold Battalion," serving three years and m\ 
 months, part of the time as clerk of his regiment; 
 A. J.; Mary K ., wife of ('apt, Fairfield, of Alio 
 gheny county, Penn. ; Amanda, deoeased in 1844, 
 wife of Thomas Teeple; Maggie J. and John E. 
 The father was a leading agriculturist, and raised 
 a large quantity of sheep and cattle; the farm win 
 tamed eighty eight acres of very fertile land. He 
 served his township in different offices, and was a 
 Valued citizen. He died ill 1SS7, followed by his 
 wife in 1889. 
 
 A. J. Hess, son of John and Ann Hess, has al 
 ways resided on the old place, and since the death 
 of his father has lived there with his brother John 
 I' 1 .. He owns forty four acres of the homestead, 
 and devotes bis principal attention to its oultiva 
 tiou. Politically he is an advocate of Republican 
 principles, and in religion is a member of the 
 Methodist Church. On January 27, 1ST I, he was 
 united in marriage with EmmaS. Teeple, a native 
 of Carroll township, Washington Co., IVnn. 
 
 Their union has been blessed with three sous and 
 
 two daughters, namely: Charles W., Aloinous J.. 
 Elizabeth L., Angelia P. and Howard Floyd. 
 
 dOHN H. HAMILTON, one of the successful 
 stock raisers in Washington county, is a sou 
 of Robert C. and Mary (Young) Hamilton. 
 and was born in 1849, On the home farm in 
 Washington county. From earliest boyhood 
 he evinced an unusual fondness for the animals 
 on the farm, and soon developed rare judgment 
 in the care of stock. lb' attended the common 
 schools of the neighborhood, acquiring as well a 
 good practical education, thus laying deep the 
 foundations of a life which has been most useful 
 and prosperous. On January II. 1 NSti, he married 
 Emma L, the only daughter of P. H. and Eliza- 
 
ii iSHJNOTON COUNTY. 
 
 I I'M 
 
 both Stevenson, of Allegheny county, Penn Two 
 daughters bavo been born to theii anion, namely 
 
 Mabel Paul uml Diary Elizabeth 
 
 \it Hamilton is a mombei ol the Delaine A 
 
 mil ( Sheen Breeders, serving thai organization 
 
 :i , corresponding si oretarj , and bis principal ntten 
 1 1 < ,n is devoted to thi - branch of stock raising In 
 politics he votes with the Democratic party, and in 
 religious faith he is o membei of Hi" Presbyti rian 
 ( Ihurob "l ( lanonsburg 
 
 T. HI'; MAIt'l'IN FAMILY wore nativa oi 
 Yoi Ii ( ii v, Penn , and in i be lal tei pari 
 of the eighteenth eenturj Petei Martin 
 came to Washing! lounty, Peon , with 
 his wife and family, iind settled on the farm 
 
 where the remi lei of his life was passed, and 
 
 which is the present home oi his descendants He 
 died al the age "I eighty years, and r< I bi ide 
 his wife, who bore him seven children, nil of whom 
 are now deceased, 
 
 James Martin, ion of Peter Martin, was born in 
 1702, in Void county, Penn., and came with his 
 purents to Washington county, where, in 1821, he 
 was united In marriage with Mary Whiti (who 
 was born in 1800), daughtei of Samuel Whiti 
 ami she bore him the following children Petei 
 It., born February I, 1822 (deceased); Samuel, 
 
 boi n January 24, 1824 Jai , born I 'scomber 
 
 12, 1826; John White (now it merchant in I lanon 
 burg, Hum county), born January II, 182 
 Matthew, born December 7, I829j MaryJane(de 
 oeti md at the ago of twenty two), born Septembei 
 21, 1882; Ebenezer Henderson (drowned in the 
 Appomattox river), born June 21, 1884; Ann 
 Elizabeth (deoeased in 1888), born Novembei '. 
 1887; Elizabeth Margaret, born Ootoboi 10, I Ifl 
 William Henry, born Septembei I, 1842, and 
 Thomas Jefferson, born August 28, 1847, Of 
 these children Ebenezer Hendei ion enlisted in the 
 Civil war, Company Q, I I'M.b p, v. [,,andaftei 
 ward became a member of the Signal I lorps Mi 
 Martin cleared and improved his farm, and, with 
 the aid of his sons, also managed b sawmill 1 1 « « 
 whh actively interested in politios, having first been 
 a Whi^, and after the formation "l that part} be 
 came a Republican II" held several polities! 
 offices, and in early manhood was oaptain of o 
 militia company, [n religion he was formerly a 
 member of the Seoeder Churob, afterward uniting 
 with the United Presbyterian Church, He died 
 ni the age of eighty five yeai i, following hm wife, 
 who died in 1878 in her seventy eighth year, 
 
 \r inn ,\ Mabtix, son of James and Mnry 
 (White) Martin, grew to manhood on the home 
 in, in in South Strabane township, Washington 
 county, and received his earliesl education in an 
 old log ichool bouse, whioh whh built and furnished 
 
 in ii,r most primitive mannei the largo chimney 
 ai ,,,,,. end, 'i' ii ied papei foi « indows, n rough 
 
 punol floor, the writing desk fastened to the 
 
 wall, and tho rude seal mpportod by wooden pi 
 A 1 1 , ' i leaving sohool, young Matthew workod on 
 
 Hi, farm and n i ted bis rati i the sawmill 
 
 ll,. , , I,, ,w o prosperous man He votes the Ii" 
 
 publican ticket, and has filled the posil I supei 
 
 , i ioi ol n iads i hreo oi foui tei ms 
 
 William 1 1 1 ih M itis (brol hei of Mai i hi w I 
 was married January 17, I 87, to Annie M. Thome, 
 a resident of North Strabane town hip, this count} 
 and they have I wi i ohildren A bbia El tii (wifi 
 of Rev, William .Ion,, a, pastoi of " Presbyterian 
 Church ni Pittsburgh), and James Willis William 
 II Martin is now a school direotoi of his town 
 ni, 1 1 1, an, l in religion n mombei ol the C P 
 i Iburch, of whioh be i an oldei I a 181 1 1 i li" 
 brol liei ■ reoted theii pro eel handsome dwelling 
 
 Tl farm c i ol ovei 100 acres of land, sil u 
 
 ai, .1 five mill ettsl ol Wa bington I igh, in 
 
 South Strabane township, whioh is one of the mo I 
 comfortable and cosy homes in the vicinity, Tho 
 brothers devote a groat deal of time to itock rai 
 ing, and now own nboul oigbl hundred fine Black 
 Top Merino sheep Tina farm was patented to 
 Jacob Sbivoly, in 1786 The patentee sold to 
 Peter Minim in 181 I, and il has been in tho Mai 
 in, fmnii y lince i inii year 
 
 T;iloiYlAS WEAVER, a native of Washington 
 county, and early settlei of Cecil township 
 ii, i in, eldest "on of John, and gi and if 
 Thomas Dill Weavei The Weavei familj 
 are of Welsh desoont, and tract theii settli 
 ment in Pennsylvania to the time of William Penn 
 Thomas Dill Weavei was born in Chestei county, 
 Penn , and there married to Jane linn, ion, who 
 came with hei parents from Ireland to Chestei 
 county, Penn., at the age ol seven years, A r i < • , 
 lb,' birth of their third child tho young couple 
 came with pack hoi ei to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating at Oanonsburg, where both died 
 many yeai agi i 
 
 John Weaver, a son of this pioneer couple, was 
 born in Chestei county, Penn., having come wit.li 
 In:, parents to Obartiera township, this oounty, 
 when but seven years of age. He grew to man 
 
 l ,| in this county, and learned the trade of a 
 
 .I,,,,,- mason When a young man bo selected a 
 life companion in the person of Mary McMillan, a 
 native oi North Strabane township, daughtei of 
 Di John and Catherine (Brown) McMillan. Thi 
 parents were born in Chester county, Penn., com 
 ing to thi county in an early day, and locating in 
 North Strabane township, The fathei was pastoi 
 of the < Ihartiei Pro ibyterian Church foi fiftj 
 yourH, uIho the founder of Jefferson College", II" 
 
 
1192 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 died in 1828, having been preceded by the mother 
 in 1818. 
 
 John and Mary (McMillan) Weaver made a per- 
 manent home near Canonsburg, Fenn., and were 
 members of the Chartiers L'resbyterian Church. 
 The children born to this union were as follows: 
 Thomas (whose name opens this sketch), Catherine 
 (.Mrs. Patterson White, of Paxton, 111.) and Jane (a 
 twin, wife of John Jeffrey, of Jefferson county, Ohio), 
 Sarah (deceased at the age of seventeen years), 
 Mary (deceased in 1887, wife of Wilson Lesnett, 
 Allegheny county, Penn.), John (died in Canons 
 burg), Margaret (Mrs. John Perry, of Missouri), 
 Nancy (married to William McNutt, of Canons 
 burg) and Samuel (deceased iu Canonsburg). 
 Thomas Weaver was born April 16, 1811, in Char- 
 tiers township, this county, being educated in the 
 subscription schools of the home district. On 
 March 17, 1835, he was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick nad Isabella 
 (Wilson) Lesnett, early pioneers of Allegheny coun- 
 ty, Penn., where their lives were passed. After 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Weaver resided in 
 Chartiers township until ISIS; then bought a par- 
 tially improved farm of 10(3 acres in Cecil town- 
 ship, of which he yet retains eighty six acres, well 
 improved and cultivated. He votes with the Dem- 
 ocratic party, and in religion both are members of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg, of which 
 he has for many years been a ruling elder. They 
 are the parents of the following named children: 
 (1) John, born December 25, 1835 (a physician 
 and surgeon of Canonsburg, was united in mar 
 riage with Belle A. Boyce, December 10, 1803, and 
 died March 18, 1872. The children of this union 
 are Lizzie B., Thomas McKeag (died in childhood), 
 Mary J., Thomas C. and John B., twins, the lat- 
 ter of whom died January 10, 1892); (2) Fred 
 erick, born January 14, 1838 (farmer ami dairy 
 man, living in Cecil township, was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah A. Henry, February 17, 1881. 
 They are the parents of the following named chil- 
 dren: Martha M. , Ida E., Thomas V. and William 
 McO); (3) Mary, bora February 9, 1840 (wife of 
 James M. White, of Cecil township, married March 
 10. 1866); (4) Thomas, born November 5, 1841 
 (preferred to follow the profession of a teacher, but 
 entered the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment P. 
 V.I. , and died as a prisoner of war at Louisanna Hos- 
 pital, Va., November 27. 1863); (5) Isaac, (6) Isa- 
 bella, and (7) Calvin (all died in childhood); (S) Isaac 
 Calvin, born June 29, 1849 (farmer and mechanic, 
 living iu Cecil township, was united in marriage 
 with Mary J. McLaughlin, October 10, 1876, and 
 died December 25, 1890. The children of this 
 union are Mary E., Fred R., Annie B., Alice L., 
 Thomas D. , Olive M. and Francis J.); (9) Samuel 
 \\ '., born January '.•. 1853 (a physician and sur- 
 geon of Oregon, was united in marriage with Alice 
 
 Grim, November 1, 188S. The children of this 
 union are Francis and Grey Grim); (10) Frank 
 Ritchie, born August 17, 1855 (farmer, living in 
 Cecil township, was united in marriage with Sarah 
 J. McNary, August 9, 1892). 
 
 AMUEL SCOTT, a leading and representa- 
 tive citizen of Smith township, is a son of 
 Finley Scott, and a grandson of Abraham 
 Scott, who was born and reared in Mary 
 land, and when a young man (about the year 17SO) 
 came to Washington county with his brother Al 
 exander, settling near Raccoon, Robinson town 
 ship. Here he purchased a wild tract of land, 
 where the remainder of his active life was passed 
 in agricultural pursuits. He married Jane, a 
 sister of John Finley (the founder of Finleyville), 
 and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. 
 James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), 
 Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David 
 White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan 
 (married to John McBride), Samuel, Finley and 
 Holland. Abraham Scott was a Democrat in poll 
 tics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Raccoon. 
 
 Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson 
 township, and educated in the schools of the neigh 
 borhood of his home. In 1822 he married Mar- 
 garet, daughter of James Stephenson, of Smith 
 township. The young people made their first 
 home after marriage on a farm in Robinson town- 
 ship, this county, remaining there a few years, 
 when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward 
 purchasing a place in Smith township, where they 
 lived twenty years, and finally moved to the home 
 where the remainder of their lives was passed 
 The children of this couple were Ann, Robert K. , 
 James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. 
 William Cowan), and Margaret (wife of Thomas 
 Akleson). Mr. Scott was the architect of his own 
 fortune, and owned 450 acres of laud at the time 
 of his death, which occurred April 5, 1878. He 
 was a Democrat, and held various township offices. 
 In church connection ho was first a member of the 
 Associate Reformed Church, in which he was an 
 elder, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church at 
 Burgettstown. He and his wife are buried in the 
 United l'resbyterian cemetery. 
 
 Samuel Scott was born August 13, 1829, on the 
 home place in Robinson township, and came with 
 his parents to Smith township, where he was 
 reared and educated, receiving a country school 
 education. On January 31, 1878, lie married 
 Mary M., daughter of John Ross, and she has 
 borne him children as follows: Margaret J., Wal- 
 ter S. , Martha A. and Samuel O. Mr. Scott was 
 an Old line Democrat, but since the organization 
 of the party has been a Republican; he has held 
 

 
 ^y^yM^c^ ^ye^W 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1195 
 
 various township offices, ami served three years as 
 county auditor. He and his family are members 
 df the United Presbyterian Church at Burgetts 
 town, of which he has been trustee for many years, 
 and has contributed liberally to the cause. Fur ;i 
 time he taught school in Cross Creek, Smith town 
 ship, and Robinson township. 
 
 ACHARIAH BAKER is descended from a 
 
 Quaker family, whose characteristic spirit 
 of honor and morality is still manifested in 
 the lives of the present generation of that 
 name. 
 Nathan Baker was a resident of New Jersey, and 
 lived near Philadelphia for several years, finally 
 removing with his family to Chester county, Penn. 
 Afterward he purchased a farm of 150 acres in 
 Washington county, near Fredericktown, where he 
 managed a mill, drove stock and carried on the 
 work of the farm. His first wife was Elizabeth 
 Baker, of New Jersey, and their children were 
 Aaron, Nehemiah, David, Joseph, Nathan, Enoch, 
 Mrs. Lydia Townsend and Mrs. Mary Linton. 
 Alter the death of the mother of this family, Mr. 
 Baker married a widow, Mrs. Jordan, who bore 
 him the following children: William, Israel, 
 Mahlon and Mrs. Hannah Rejester. Soon after 
 Mr. Baker came to Washington county he went to 
 Baltimore, Md., with stock, and while there was 
 taken sick and died; this occurred in 1803, and he 
 was buried beside his first wife. 
 
 Joseph Baker, son of Nathan, was born July 9, 
 1780, in the State of New Jersey, and passed his 
 early youth at home, attending the rate schools, 
 and assisting in the farm duties. When seventeen 
 years of age, his father died, and he then learned 
 the carpenter's trade of Spencer McKay, which he 
 followed many years. He first purchased the 
 Miller farm, comprising thirty acres, and in L830 
 bought the place which is now the property of his 
 son Zachariah, and here passed the remainder of 
 his life. On January 1, 1818, he was united in 
 marriage with May Corwin, of Amwell township, 
 who was born November 1, 1797, and the results 
 of this union were the following children: Eunice, 
 born November 15, 1818; Alpheus, born May 27, 
 1 82 I ; Stephen, born June 8, 1824; Sophia, born 
 September 29, 1826 (deceased August 9, 1840); 
 Aseuath, born August 22, 1829; Enoch, born April 
 5, 1832; Zachariah, born December 19, 1835; 
 Ruth, born November 11, 1*837; and David, born 
 August 20, 1842. Mr. Baker was a successful 
 business man, and his property represented the 
 result of his own integrity, economy and persever- 
 ance. Politically he was formerly an Old line 
 Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He 
 and his wife were members of the Baptist Church 
 at Mount Vernon. He died July 22, 1803, after a 
 long and useful life. 
 
 Zachariah Baker, son of Joseph, was born on 
 the farm in Amwell township, where his entire life 
 has been passed. In his boyhood days he attended 
 the district schools, but at the age of twenty-one 
 he began working by the month, continuing in 
 that way several years. On August 22, 1862, he 
 enlisted at Amity in the One Hundred and Fortieth 
 P. V. I., remaining in the service until July 6, 
 1S65. He participated in the battles of Gettys- 
 burg, Auburn Heights and Spottsylvania Court 
 house, in which latter engagement he was 
 wounded. On December 21, 1865, he was united 
 in marriage with Rosa X. Voorhes, who was born 
 March 6, 1839, near Amity, in Amwell township, 
 a daughter >>f A. W. and Mary Voorhes; the other 
 children in her father's family were Nelson, born 
 February 27, 1829; Samuel, born June 12, 1830; 
 Jane, born March 21, 1832; Albert, born Decem- 
 ber 26, 1833; Margaret, born October 16, 1835; 
 Nancy, born May II. L837; Rose A. born March 
 6, 1839; Julia (Mrs. Swiggler), born February 4, 
 1841; Elizabeth, boru August 24. 1842; Mary, born 
 .March 24, 1844; Andrew, born March 28, 1845; 
 and Peter, born February 28, 1847. 
 
 The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Zachariah Baker is as follows: Sophia Jane, born 
 October 19, 1866, is the wife of Joseph Tucker, of 
 Amity; Victoren, born July 25, 1868, died Sep- 
 tember 14, 1869; Elizabeth Ann was born January 
 11, 1S74; William Horner, born December 22, 
 1879, died November 16, 1880. Mr. Baker has 
 been a successful business man, and is a highly es- 
 teemed citizen. He is a zealous worker in the Re- 
 publican party, and he and his family are all 
 members of the Methodist Church at Amity. 
 
 IfSAAC C. PATCH is a son of William Patch, 
 i who was born June 1, 1820, in Washington 
 i county, Perm., and when a young man was 
 married to Annie E. Clemens. They moved to 
 Triadelphia, W. Va. , in 1854, but after eight years 
 returned to this county, and are now residing in 
 Allegheny, Penn. Their children were born as 
 follows: Alexander M. , Isaac O, William E., 
 George A. O, Lizzie M., Katie B., Alice A., Birney 
 M. , and Ralph C. Alexander M. graduated at 
 West Point in 1876; lost his leg at Fort Brown, 
 Tex., and is now a merchant at Cornwall, Penn. 
 William E., Katie B. and Birney M. are dead. 
 George A. C. is engaged in oil and gas drilling. 
 Lizzie M. married Albert Boone, and lives in Alle- 
 gheny, Penn.; Alice A. and Ralph C. live with 
 their parents. 
 
 Isaac C. Patch was born January 19, 1856, in Tri- 
 adelphia, W. Va. , and when fifteen years of age 
 began to learn the blacksmith's trade in his father's 
 shop. This business he has since followed with 
 a full measure of success. In 1872 the family 
 

 1196 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 moved from Claysville to Houstonville, Penn. , 
 whore Isaac C. and George A. C. still reside. On 
 February 10, 1886, Isaac C. Patch was united in 
 marriage with Jennie, daughter of James and 
 Ellen Ferris. There were born to him the fol- 
 lowing named children: Anna Mazie, Emma Elsie, 
 William Clark and Albert Boon. 
 
 ,\ILLIAM J. MATHEWS, for many years 
 a leading merchant of Washington, was 
 born in Washington county, Penn., No- 
 vember 10, 1817. His early home was in 
 the country a few miles from Noblestown, 
 in this State. Here he spent the first twenty years 
 of his life, gathering what education he could at 
 the school in the neighborhood, and at the same 
 time forming habits of industry by assisting his 
 father and only brother in a flouring mill. The 
 death of his mother broke up the home. His 
 brother John was married and became a farmer in 
 Noblestown, taking the father with him. 
 
 William J. Mathews, the subject of this sketch, 
 came to Washington and entered the dry-goods 
 store of C. M. Reed, Sr., who was then in busi- 
 ness on the corner of Main and Wheeling streets, 
 where the Pittsburgh store is now. Here he 
 served several years as a clerk, and, when Mr. Reed 
 sold his interest in the house, the firm became 
 known as that of Chambers & Mathews. This 
 partnership continued a harmonious and success- 
 ful one for twenty live years, when failing health 
 decided both members to retire. The transfer of 
 the business was just about to be made when 
 death called Mr. Matkews from his earthly labors. 
 He died suddenly of pneumonia, November 30, 
 1N74, aged fifty seven years and twenty days. He 
 was married in 1860 to Frances S. Pelletrean. of 
 Southampton, N. Y. , who graduated from the 
 Washington Seminary in 1849. She, her three 
 sons and one daughter, survive him. While Mr. 
 Mathews' life may in some ways be called unevent- 
 ful, his was one of those sterling characters which 
 are ever to be held in high esteem. Beginning 
 life a poor boy with few opportunities for mental 
 improvement, he became, because of hard work, 
 scrupulous honesty and strict integrity, a prosper- 
 ous man. At the same time, as well as being 
 "diligent in business," he found time to cultivate 
 the higher interests of his being. He joined the 
 Presbyterian Church early in the pastorate of Rev. 
 J. I. Brownson, D. D., and became by a consistent 
 diiily life a witness for Christ. He was a trustee 
 in the church, and at a meeting held December 4, 
 1874, the following action was taken in relation to 
 his death: 
 
 William J. Mathews, whose death we are called upon 
 to record, died November 30, 1874. He had been a 
 trustee for four vears, the confidence "I the congrega 
 
 tiou being manifested by his election annually from 
 1870 to 1874. Iu the discharge of the duties of the office 
 he was conscientious and faithful, taking a deep interest 
 in all matters pertaining to the business of the congrega- 
 tion, and advocating libera] measures for the promotion 
 oi the welfare of pastor and people. During a residence 
 in the community for a period of thirty years he main- 
 tained the character of an upright, honest citizen. The 
 trustees bear cheerful testimony to his uniform courtesy 
 and kindness in his intercourse with them and to his 
 consistent character as a member of the church. They 
 direct a copy of this minute to be furnished to Ids widow 
 with the assurance of their sympathy in her bereave 
 ment. (Signed by) M. II. Ewing, C.M. Reed, A. 3. Baird, 
 A lex Wilson. 
 
 ffERRY MYERS was born December 29, 1837, 
 and is a son of Henry Myers, who was born 
 rjj in 1807. In 1832 Henry Myers was united 
 ■-— in marriage with Mary Ann Myers, who was 
 born in 1812. They reared a family of four- 
 teen children, twelve of whom are now living, viz.: 
 Hiram, a farmer of Somerset township, married 
 to Miss Sarah Ann Wilson; Ursula, married to 
 Christian Hootman, an agriculturist of Nottingham 
 township; Elizabeth, married to William Keenan, 
 an agriculturist of Fallowrield township; Jerry, 
 married to Sarah Rainey; Abner, farming in 
 Somerset township, married to Miss Mary Horner; 
 William, a farmer of North Strabane township, 
 married to Eliza J. Leyda; John, a stock dealer, 
 of Castle Shannon, Allegheny county, married to 
 Dora West; Anderson, an agriculturist of Somer- 
 set township, married toLucinda Huffman; Jacob, 
 an agriculturist of Somerset township, married to 
 Josephine Red; Mary J., married to Linsey Heth- 
 erington, a farmer of Somerset township; Henry, 
 an agriculturist of Somerset township, married to 
 Isabelle Crouch; Sarah A., married to Alva Leyda, 
 a farmer of Somerset township. The mother of 
 this family died May 16, 1892. She was a member 
 of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. The 
 father is now in his eighty-sixth year, and is living 
 at the old homestead; he is a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 Jerry Myers received his early education in the 
 common schools of Somerset township, this county. 
 In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-second 
 Pennsylvania Calvary, under Capt. J. T. Chess- 
 rown, and took part in all the principal battles, 
 and many skirmishes, of the West Virginia cam 
 paign, serving until the close of the war. In 1865 
 he returned home and resumed his agricultural 
 duties. On March 8, 186(5, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Miss Sarah Rainey, who was born 
 November 11, 1838, in Somerset township, this 
 county, daughter of William and Mary (Gamble) 
 Rainey. William Rainey was born in 1805, and - 
 in early life was married to Mary Gamble, who 
 was born in 1813; they reared a family of nine 
 children, six of whom are now living, viz. : Jane M. 
 (wife of George Adams, a fanner of Page county, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1191 
 
 Iowa), Sarah (Mrs Jerry Myers), Levi G. (a farmer 
 of Somerset township), Eunice E. (married to 
 George Young, an agriculturist of Somerset town- 
 ship), Minerva (wife of Charles Floyd, also an 
 agriculturist of Somerset township) and George 
 M. (a stock dealer, of Somerset township). The 
 father of this family died in 1886. He was a 
 member of the Pigeon Greek Presbyterian Church. 
 The mother is uow in her eightieth year, and is liv- 
 ing with her daughter, Mrs. Floyd. Slie is a mem 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 Jerry and Sarah (Itainey) Myers have had live 
 children, viz.: Harry A., born August 1, 1870; 
 Jennie G., born November 10, 1872; Pearl G, 
 born December '2(5, 1880; William (deceased) and 
 one that died in infancy. Mr. Myers is a progress 
 ive citizen, rapidly rising to prominence in public 
 and business life, and taking an active interest in 
 all movements tending to elevate or improve the 
 condition of the community. He owns a fertile 
 farm of 247 acres, the resources of which are de- 
 veloped to their utmost capacity. He and his 
 wife are members of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 JOHN CUNNINGHAM is a well known resi- 
 w I dent of Donegal township, and, like man} of 
 \jl our most successful and honored citizens, he 
 v is a native of the fair "Emerald Isle." His 
 father, Peter Cunningham, was burn in 1799, in 
 County Down, Ireland, and in early life learned 
 thu weaver's trade, which he followed but a short 
 time. He then became a farmer, and also dealt 
 very extensively in stock. He was married to 
 Dorothea Wilkinson, who was born in the year 
 1812, also a native of County Down, Ireland, and 
 to them were born the following children: John, 
 Eliza, George, Thomas, Peter, Ellen, Sarah and 
 Abigail, all of whom passed their lives in Ireland, 
 with the exception of John. The father died in the 
 year 1844, and was followed by the mother in 1863. 
 
 John Cunningham, the eldest son in the above 
 mentioned family, was born July 24, 1829, in 
 County Down, Ireland. He learned the trade of 
 weaver during his boyhood, but never followed it. 
 His education was obtained in the schools of the 
 country, and he remained at home until April 12, 
 1849, when he resolved to seek a fortune in the 
 New World. Embarking at Belfast on the vessel 
 " Agitator " (so named for Daniel O'Connell, the 
 great Irish agitator), the ardent youth sailed to Amer- 
 ica, and after a voyage of six weeks and live days 
 landed at Philadelphia. He then went to Pitts- 
 burgh by way of canal boat and rail, but work 
 being poor, he remained there only a short, time, 
 and soon came to Washington county, Penn. The 
 first man he worked for after leaving Pittsburgh 
 was Isaac Hodgens, of Taylorstowu, with whom 
 he remained one month, being treated very kindly, 
 
 and receiving $10 for his services. From there 
 he went to James Campsey, an extensive land- 
 owner, with whom he remained fourteen years. 
 On September 17, 1863, he was united in marriage 
 with Margaret J. Heyburn, who was born in 1840, 
 daughter of Alexander Heyburn, and they have had 
 children as follows: John (living with his parents, 
 is a speculator), Mary Jane (deceased in infancy), 
 George (residing at. home), Joseph (living at 
 home), Amanda (also living with her parents) and 
 Margaret Jane (deceased in infancy). The mother 
 of these children died December 25, 1879, and for 
 his second wife Mr. Cunningham was married, 
 December 29, 1885, to Mary Ann Heyburn, who 
 was born in 1847, a sister of his first wife. They 
 have had no children. Mr. Cunningham passed 
 the first few years of his married life as a tenant 
 on t he farm of his former employer, and finally 
 saved enough money to purchase a home. In 
 1!S72 he bought and moved upon a farm which was 
 located near Atchison, Donegal township, this 
 county, and remained there till 1881. He then 
 moved onto a part of the " Heyburn " tract, lying 
 three miles northwest of Claysville, in Donegal 
 township, and has since resided on this farm, 
 which belongs to his wife. Mr. Cunningham has 
 been the architect of his own fortune. He was 
 but a poor Irish hoy when he first landed on 
 American soil, and by dint of industry and enter- 
 prise has accumulated a competency. In religious 
 faith he is a Presbyterian, and with his family he 
 enjoys the esteem of the community. In political 
 life he has always been a Republican. The fol- 
 lowing is from the pen of Mr. Cunningham: 
 
 Ireland my country I'm mm going to leave yen, 
 
 I'll bid you farewell for a while; 
 To a far distant country I'm new going to wander, 
 
 Where wild beasts and savage are king. 
 But Erin my country I'll still think upon you; 
 
 And of your sweet vales I will sing. 
 
 When far distant from you I will think on yen still, 
 Your sweet purling streams and your daisj clad hill. 
 The ship she is waiting with Sags waving high, 
 Which bears me from Ireland my fortune to try. 
 
 But ne'er will I forget till the day I shall die, 
 The pleasures I spent there when I was a boy. 
 
 In the old County Down, near the town of Hillsborough, 
 
 Where my youthful days I have spent; 
 When I think upon them my heart tills with Borrow, 
 
 Alas, for their sakes I lament; 
 But I hope that kind Providence will still be my guide, 
 And conduct me safe over the ocean so wide 
 With a full flowing glass on the ether side. 
 I will drink to Old Erin the Green. 
 
 Farewell to the land where the shamrocks do flourish; 
 Farewell to its green Bowery vales; 
 
 Farewell to the green w Is, where the songsters chant 
 
 chorus, 
 And tell to the warblers their tales. 
 
 .May the bright sun of heaven still shine round your isle; 
 And peace and prosperity still on yon smile; 
 
 This is the prayer of your wandering exile, 
 
 In a land far from Erin the Green. 
 

 1198 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 h 
 
 EVI SCOTT (deceased) was a son of Finley 
 and grandson of Abraham Scott, the latter 
 of whom was born and reared in Maryland, 
 and when a young man came to Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., afterward settling in Washington county 
 with his brother Alexander. He purchased a wild 
 tract of land near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson 
 township, this county, where his life was passed in 
 agricultural pursuits. He was married to Jane, a 
 sister of John Finley (the founder of Finleyville), 
 and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. 
 James Russell). Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), 
 Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David 
 White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan 
 (married to John McBride), Abraham, Finley r , 
 Holland and Samuel. The father was a Democrat 
 in politics, and in religion a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Raccoon. 
 
 Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson 
 township, and educated in this county. In 1822 
 he was married to Margaret, daughter of James 
 Stephenson, of Smith township. The young peo- 
 ple first settled on a farm in Robinson township, 
 and remained there a few years, when they rented 
 a neighboring farm, afterward purchasing a place 
 in Smith township, where they lived twenty years, 
 and finally moving to the home where the remain- 
 der of their lives was passed. Their children were 
 Ann, Robert K., James, Samuel, Finley, John, 
 Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen) and Margaret 
 (wife of Thomas Akleson). Mr. Scott was the 
 architect of his own fortune and owned 450 acres 
 of land at the time of his death, which occurred in 
 1870. He was a Democrat, and held various 
 township offices. In religious connection he first 
 united with the Associate Reformed Church, in 
 which he was an elder, and afterward became a 
 member of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. 
 Both he and his wife are buried in the U. P. 
 cemetery. 
 
 Levi Scott was born January 18, 1837, in Smith 
 township, on the farm now occupied by his widow. 
 He remained on the home place, and attended the 
 common schools of the neighborhood until seven 
 teen years of age, when he came with his parents 
 to a farm a short distance north of his birthplace. 
 In August, 1802, he enlisted in Company C, 
 Twenty-second P. V. C, in which he was a bugler, 
 remaining until the close of the war, when he was 
 honorably discharged. After the war the young 
 soldier returned to his home in Washington county, 
 and on June 5, 1867, was married to Lizzie J. Lee, 
 who was born August 10, 1844, daughter of Robert 
 and Elizabeth (Hindman) Lee. Mrs. Scott had 
 two sisters, Mrs. Mary L. Pry, and Miss Nannie 
 H. Lee, who died February 24, 1892, and was 
 buried beside her father and mother in the old 
 cemetery at ('n>ss Creek village. 
 
 After his marriage Levi Scott settled on the old 
 
 home farm. He was a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, and was one 
 of the building committee who superintended the 
 erection of the handsome edifice which is their 
 present house of worship. In politics he was an 
 influential worker in tin- Republican party. On 
 June 2, 1883, he was working at a portable 
 sawmill near Rankin's Mill, in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, and by some accident was thrown be- 
 tween the huge saw logs, being instantly killed. 
 He was buried in the United Presbyterian cemetery, 
 and left a widow and one son, Robert Lee, who was 
 born June 19, 1868. Since the death of her hus 
 band Mrs. Scott and her son have continued to re 
 side on the home place, upon which Mr. Scott had 
 erected one of the most handsome farm residences 
 in Smith township. The farm work is carried cm 
 by the son and his assistant, Mr. B. D. Malone, a 
 faithful and energetic man, who has been in the 
 employ of the Scott family for twenty years. 
 
 JLLIAM C. IRWIN. Prominent among 
 the enterprising and prosperous agricult- 
 \f/ urists of Canton township is the subject 
 — of this brief biographical sketch. He 
 was born May 6, 1830, in Canton town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., a grandson of David 
 Irwin, who was among the earliest settlers of the 
 county, but the particulars of whose emigration 
 are unknown. However, the family settled in 
 Canton township, where they at once began clear- 
 ing up and improving a farm. 
 
 James Irwin, son of the old pioneer, David Ir- 
 win, was married October 8, 1818, to Margaret 
 Smith, who died July 6, 1819. On March 1, 1821, 
 Mr. Irwin married Nancy Clark, who bore him the 
 following named children: Margaret, Ann, Jane, 
 Mary, William C, Martha, David, Nancy and 
 Adeline. The mother died October 15, 1860, the 
 father December 12, 1854. Mr. Irwin was an 
 energetic worker in the Democratic ranks, and an 
 active member of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at North Buffalo, where he and his wife lie buried. 
 
 William C. Irwin, son of James and Nancy 
 (Clark) Irwin, passed his early youth and manhood 
 upon the home farm, and was educated at the 
 public schools of the neighborhood of his birth 
 place. On October 19, 1854, he was married to 
 Mary It., daughter of Leet and Elizabeth Dye, and 
 immediately brought his bride to the home of his 
 boyhood. The union of Mr. and Mrs. Irwin has 
 been blessed with the following named children: 
 Florence A. (deceased), James D. , John L.. Laura 
 A., Leman N., William M., Edith E. , Asa C, Minnie 
 J. (deceased), Mary Etta, Charles Milton, Nellie 
 S. and Clifford T. The mother was called from 
 earth December 12, 1S86. Since early manhood 
 Mr Irwin lias been engaged in agricultural pur 
 
ructstsr^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1201 
 
 suits, and he now owns one of the best farms in 
 Canton township. He is a member of the Second 
 Presbyterian Church at Washington, with which 
 he has long been identified. Politically he is a 
 Democrat, active and zealous in* the interests of 
 his party. 
 
 d J ARIES PATTERSON, a prominent citizen of 
 I Chartiers township, was born February 20, 
 ] IS28, in Allegheny county, Penn., and is a 
 grandson of John and Mary (Miller) Patter- 
 son, natives of Ireland, who came to Amer 
 ioa, first settling near Wilmington, Del. In 180(5, 
 with one horse and a wagon to transport their 
 worldly goods and themselves, the family moved 
 to a partially improved place in Allegheny county. 
 Penn., where John Patterson died, his widow sur- 
 viving him many years. 
 
 Robert Patterson, son of John and RIary ( Miller) 
 Patterson, was born in 1791, in Ireland, and passed 
 his earlier youth in his native land, coming to Amer- 
 ica with his parents, who finally settled in Pennsyl- 
 vania. Robert Patterson married RIary McConnell, 
 a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and settled 
 on the homestead in that county. He was one of 
 the minute men in the factory at Wilmington, Del., 
 previous to his arrival in Pennsylvania. Rlr. and 
 Mrs. Patterson were formerly members of the As- 
 sociate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run, after- 
 ward uniting with the TJ. P. Church at that place. 
 Mrs. Patterson died in the spring of 1863, and on 
 RIarch 31, 1876, he passed away on the old home- 
 stead, while in his eighty-fifth year. 
 
 James Patterson received his education in the 
 schools of his native county, and then learned the 
 carpenter's trade, following that vocation several 
 years. In November, 1861. he was married to 
 Miss Catherine Stewart, a native of the Emerald 
 Isle, and a daughter of John and RIary (Walker) 
 Stewart, also natives of Ireland, who immigrated 
 in 1852 to Allegheny county, Penn., where the 
 mother died in 1875; the lather is now living with 
 his daughter Catherine. James Patterson re- 
 mained in Allegheny county several years after 
 his marriage, and in 1867 removed to his present 
 home in Washington county. Penn. The ohildren 
 of James and Catherine (Stewart) Patterson are 
 Robert M., John W., Mary Jane, Anna Martha, 
 Sarah Ellen and Mary Rebecca. Of this family, 
 John W. was married in 1890 to Lizzie J. Phillips, 
 a native of Cecil township, and daughter of John 
 Wayne and Anna Mary (Cummins) Phillips, na- 
 tives of Chartiers township, this county. To the 
 union of John W. and Lizzie J. Patterson has been 
 born one daughter, Anna Laura. Mary Jane Pat- 
 terson (the third child of James) is married to C. 
 L. Reed, of Cecil township, and they have one 
 child, Catherine Pauline. Mr. Patterson has 135 
 
 acres of laud, to which his attention is principally 
 given; he also raises a fine breed of stock. Polit- 
 ically, he is au active worker in the Republican 
 party. 
 
 \ILLIAM M. RUSSELL, a prosperous 
 farmer of Chartiers township, is a son of 
 Andrew Russell, whose father was a native 
 of Scotland, and came to eastern Penn- 
 sylvania, afterward moving to Washing 
 ton county, where he died. Andrew Russell was 
 born in 1777, in Cecil township, this county, and 
 in 1782 came to a farm in Chartiers township, 
 where he grew to manhood and was married to 
 Ann RlcClellan. They passed their lives in their 
 native county. In politics Andrew Russell was a 
 Whig, and an active worker in the party. He died 
 in 1861, and was followed to the grave by his widow 
 February 17, 1868. They were formerly both 
 members of the Associate Reformed Church, and 
 afterward united with the U. P. Church at Canons- 
 burg. They were the parents of eleven children. 
 
 William Rl. Russell was born October 10, 1825, 
 in Chartiers township, Washington county, being 
 the youngest child in his father's family. He 
 was reared on the home farm, and educated in the 
 subscription schools of the county. In 1855 he 
 was married to Rlargaret Jane Thompson, a native 
 of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and a 
 daughter of Joseph and Rlargaret (Wilson) Thomp 
 son, natives of Ireland, of Scotch descent. They 
 immigrated to America in an early day, settling in 
 RIt. Pleasant township, where Joseph Thompson 
 passed the rest of his life in agricultural pursuits. 
 He was actively interested in political questions, 
 and in religion was connected with the TJ. P. 
 Church of Hickory, this county. His wife, who 
 was a member of the Associate Reformed Church, 
 died in 1847, and in 1861 he was laid by her side. 
 After his marriage William RI. Russell opened a 
 book and drug store at Canonsburg, this county, 
 keeping a full line of school and college text-books. 
 In 1862 he moved to a farm in RIt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county, and in 1881 settled on the farm 
 in Chartiers township which he now occupies, com- 
 prising 135 acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Russell have had ten children, but four of whom 
 are now living, namely: L. A. (living in Chartiers 
 township), William Frank (an operator at Bridge- 
 ville, Allegheny Co., Penn ), Mamie Bell Agnes 
 (married to James M. Paxton) and Robert Lee 
 (studying for the ministry at New Wilmington 
 College). In politics Mr. Russell is a Republican, 
 and has served as supervisor and member of the 
 school board. His wife died January 19, 1892. 
 She was a member of the TJ. P. Church at Hick- 
 ory, in which her husband was an elder, now be- 
 ing a member of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Houstonville. 
 
1202 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 \ILLIAM VAN KIRK was born Septem- 
 ber 24, 1836, in Franklin township, Wash- 
 ington Co., 1 Vnn.. and is a great-grand- 
 son of Henry Van Kirk, who was born 
 January 9, 1 74—. ami who married Sarah 
 Van Kirk. To their anion were born the follow 
 ing children: William. Johnson, Mary, Gideon, 
 Ira, Arthur. Sarah. Henry, John, Ann, Elizabeth 
 and Jennie. Mr. Van Kirk settled in Amwell 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., in an early day, 
 and remained there until his death, April 3, lT'.'T. 
 He was a member of the Baptist Church, and in 
 politics was a Federalist. 
 
 Henry Van Kirk was born in Amwell township, 
 Washington county, and in early life learned the 
 mason's trade, which vocation he followed several 
 years. He was married to Ruth Jolly, and reared 
 the following children: Mary E., Dryden, Jane, 
 Charles. Ruth, Susanna and Milton. After a few 
 years' residence in Amwell township, Mr. Van- 
 Kirk removed to Franklin township, where he 
 passed the remainder of his life. In politics he 
 was a Whig, and in religious faith a member of 
 the Baptist Church. 
 
 Dryden Van Kirk was born on the home farm 
 in Franklin township, and in early life learned 
 the mason's trade of his father, which was after- 
 ward his chief occupation. He was married to 
 Matilda Sowers, a resident of eastern Pennsylvania, 
 and she bore him children as follows: John O., 
 Henry (deceased), William, Charles, Simeou (de- 
 ceased), George M. (deceased), Nancy J. (Mrs. 
 John McClelland), Sarah (Mrs. Henry Lindley) 
 and Hiram. Politically Mr. Van Kirk is a Repnb 
 lican. He is now residing on his farm, one of the 
 best in Franklin township. 
 
 William Van Kirk passed his early life on the 
 he mic farm, attending Hie common schools. Like 
 his father and grandfather, he learned the mason's 
 trade, and followed it until the commencement of 
 the Civil war, when he enlisted, in August, 1862. 
 in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. 
 I. His company was commanded by Capt. Ache- 
 son, and was sent to the South, where he did 
 guard duty on the West Central Railroad, and 
 thence going to Fredericksburg, he remained with 
 the company until the close of the war. When on 
 the skirmish line near Deep Bottom he was struck 
 by the Bplinters of a sapling nearby, which went 
 through the knapsack and its contents and killed 
 the man beside him. He also stood near a man 
 whose head was shot, off by a cannon ball. On his 
 return from the war Mr. Van Kirk engaged in buy- 
 ing stock. In May, 1872, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Sidney A., daughter of George Van- 
 Kirk, of Amwell township, and to their union have 
 been born the following children: Blanche, infant, 
 Howard (deceased), Julius C. and Jessie V. (twins) 
 and Merle W. Mr. Van Kirk has achieved suc- 
 
 cess through his own efforts. He has always sup- 
 ported the Republican party, and has served as 
 school director, supervisor, and inspector of elec- 
 tions. The family are members of the Disciple 
 Church at Washington. 
 
 Simeon Van Kirk, a brother of William, also en 
 listed in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth 
 P. V. I., and followed the fortunes of his regi 
 nient until in the battle of Gettysburg they were 
 called to assist in a charge, and were outflanked 
 by the enemy. Tin' regiment suffered a heavy loss 
 when they attempted to close up the ranks, in 
 front of Little Round Top Mountain, and Simeon 
 Van Kirk was one of the men killed at that time. 
 
 OBERT ZEDIKER. This progressive and 
 
 enterprising citizen of South Strabane 
 
 ^ township is a representative of one of the 
 
 ^ best-known and most prominent families in 
 
 the county. 
 
 John Zediker, grandfather of subject, was a na- 
 tive of eastern Pennsylvania, and in their youth he 
 and his brother David, having an eye to the 
 grandeur and fertility of tl*e then "far West," 
 set out to " spy the land," ostensibly on a hunting 
 expedition, and finally arriving in Washington 
 county, they were so fascinated with the beauties 
 and attractions of South Strabane township, that 
 they here resolved to remain and cast their lot. 
 John, while in eastern Pennsylvania, had learned 
 the trade of blacksmith, which he carried on for 
 many years in the county of his adoption. Soon 
 after his arrival he married Margaret, daughter of 
 Ludwig Smith, who was among the earliest settlers 
 of the county, and the children born to this union 
 were Lewis, Susan (Mrs. Joseph Hallam), Eliza 
 beth (Mrs. George Smith), Julia A. (Mrs James 
 Schwisher), Mary (Mrs. Matthew Doak) and John. 
 Mr. Smith took a " tomahawk claim " of nearly a 
 thousand acres of wild laud, a part of which is 
 now occupied by the subject of this sketch. He 
 early identified himself with the politics of his sec- 
 tion, and was prominent among the Federalists. 
 In church matters he also took an active interest, 
 ami in the organization of the Lutheran Church in 
 Amwell township he was a prominent factor. In 
 this Society he was an elder for many years. 
 
 Lewis Zediker, father of our subject, was born 
 in 1792 in South Strabane township, and passed 
 his boyhood and youth on the home place, attend- 
 ing the subscription schools of his locality. In his 
 eai ! . manhood he was married to Isabella, daugh- 
 ter of Robert Henry, and the children born to them 
 were John (deceased), George, Robert, Nicholas, 
 Sarah (Mrs. William Birmingham), Mary A., 
 Susan (Mrs. E. R. Smith), Julia (Mrs. Frank Mar- 
 tin) and Harriet (Mrs. John Redick). After mar 
 riage Mr. and Mrs. Zediker took up their residence 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1203 
 
 on the farm of bis father-in-law, where he built a 
 log cabin in which they lived some years; then 
 moved to the place known as the " B. B. Zediker 
 farm," on which they passed the remainder of 
 their days, Mr. Zediker dying in 1867, his widow 
 in 1876. Their remains repose in the Pigeon 
 Creek U. P. cemetery. As members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creel - , Mr. and 
 Mrs. Zediker were among its most active and lib- 
 eral supporters. In politics originally a Whig, 
 afterward a Republican, he was a leading coun- 
 selor in the ranks of either party. 
 
 Robert Zediker was born August 24, 1822, on 
 the old homestead, where he was early inducted 
 into the multifarious duties of farm life. He at- 
 tended the common schools of the district, and 
 was regarded as one of the most apt scholars of his 
 section. On December 25, 1849, Mr. Zediker was 
 united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of John 
 Hewitt, of Amwell township, and the children 
 born to them are Mary J. (Mrs. John Berk), Anna 
 M. (Mrs Aaron Gamble), Martha B. (Mrs. George 
 Shipe), Margaret K. (deceased), John H. (de- 
 ceased), Emma G. (deceased), Lizzie (Mrs. John 
 N. White) and Fannie. After marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. Zediker took up their residence on the home 
 farm, where they yet live, and on which they have 
 made material improvements, having built two 
 commodious dwellings; the one in which they at 
 present reside was erected in 1885. 
 
 A zealous and enthusiastic Republican. Mr. 
 Zediker has for many years been one of the lead- 
 ers of the party in his section, and he has ever 
 taken a deep interest in all matters tending to the 
 advancement of his township and county, particu- 
 larly in educational affairs, in connection with 
 which he has done much to elevate the standard 
 of instruction, and for a long period he served as 
 director of schools. Mr. Zediker, through his lib 
 erality and influence, was of valued assistance in 
 getting the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad through 
 his locality, giving the right of way, and donating 
 grounds for the station. 
 
 / 
 
 HAMILTON DAVIS (deceased) was a son of 
 Samuel Davis, who was born in Canton 
 township, Washington Co., Penn , June 19, 
 1 1794. On February 19, 1816, Samuel 
 Davis was united in marriage with Nancy 
 Hamilton, a resident of the same county, and she 
 bore him the following children: John, William, 
 Hugh, Mary, Samuel, Hamilton and Robert. In 
 politics Mr. Davis was formerly a Whig, and on 
 the organization of the Republican party became 
 one of their most active workers. He kept a tav- 
 ern for many years, dealt largely in stock and was 
 a leader in all public enterprises. On November 
 22, 1861, he passed from earth. Mrs. Davis fol- 
 lowing him to the grave October 8, 1872. 
 
 Hamilton Davis was born August 22, 1830, in 
 Canton township, this county and passed his 
 youth upon the farm, receiving his education in 
 the common schools. He was an ardent and pro- 
 found student, and always took an active part in 
 the political and religious questions of the day. 
 On March 8, 1865, he was married to Mary G., 
 daughter of David Morrow, whose ancestors emi- 
 grated to America about the middle of the eight- 
 eenth century; her mother was Grizella, daughter 
 of Robert Johnson. After their marriage the 
 young people immediately took possession of the 
 old home farm where the family still reside. The 
 children born to them are: Harry N., born Novem- 
 ber 3, 1865; John W. , born April 16, 1868; Charles 
 M. , born July 16, 1870; Samuel A., born June 1, 
 1874; Minnie H, born June 28, 1876; Retta C, 
 born March 10, 1879; Frank L., born January 20, 
 1881; and David O., born May 10, 1885. Mr. 
 Davis was for many years engaged in buying stock 
 from different parts of the country, a business in 
 which he was successful. In political life he was 
 an earnest advocate of Republican principles, al- 
 though he never accepted official positions, and 
 in religion was for many years a trustee in the 
 Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, of which 
 he was a zealous member. Mr. Davis died Janu 
 ary 31, 1889. 
 
 4 
 
 j If ENRY STEPHEN DAY, a successful and 
 «— «l prosperous young farmer of Morris town- 
 ship, is a sou of I, N. Day, and a grandson 
 of Stephen Dav. Henrv S. Day was bom 
 January 13, 1852. and* March 2, 1876, 
 was married to Alice K. Vaile, daughter of Leonard 
 Vaile, of Morris township, to which union have been 
 born five children, as follows: Clinton H, Arthur 
 W., Howard N., Harry V. and Mary C, all living. 
 Mr. Day has lived for fifteen years on the excellent 
 farm of 135 acres which he now owns, which was 
 formerly known as the old "Hathaway" farm. He 
 gives considerable attention to stock raising, espe- 
 cially sheep. He was the first stock raiser to 
 introduce Dorset-Horn sheep into Morris township. 
 Mr. Day is a lifelong Democrat, and both he and 
 his wife are members of Upper Ten-Mile Presby- 
 terian Church at Prosperity. Few young men of 
 this section have succeeded better or stand higher 
 in the estimation of the best citizens, than Henry 
 S. Day. 
 
 ( NDREW MILLER, a farmer of Mt. Pleas- 
 l\ ant township, is a native of the same, hav- 
 l\ ing been born there July 17, 1828, and is 
 -^ a representative of one of the pioneer fam- 
 ilies of Washington county. 
 James Miller (his grandfather) was born in Ire- 
 
1204 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 hind, and coming to Lancaster county, Fenn. , just 
 before the Revolution, served five years in the war. 
 In L782 he was married to Margaret Shearer, 
 afterward serving one year more as a soldier. In 
 178(3 he returned to his wife, settling on a farm in 
 ML Pleasant township, this county, and followed 
 agricultural pursuits. He and his wife were mem 
 bers of the Seceder Church. 
 
 Thomas Miller, a sun of James and Margaret 
 Miller, was horn in 1783, in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 Washington county. In 1806 he bought the farm 
 now owned by liis son, Andrew, and in the spring 
 of 1812 was united in marriage with Sarah Miller, 
 daughter of Thomas and Margaret Miller, also na- 
 tives of Ireland. The latter had emigrated from 
 their native country, and, coming to Washington 
 county, settled in Mt. Pleasant township, where 
 they passed the remainder of their lives, the father 
 dying in his eighty-seventh year. They were both 
 members of the Seceder Church at Hickory. After 
 his marriage Thomas Miller settled on the home 
 farm. ami there passed his life, combining agricult- 
 ural duties with carpentry, having erected the 
 first house in Claysville. He was a worker in the 
 Democratic party, and in religious connection he 
 and his wife were both members of the Seceder 
 Church at Hickory. He died in 1859, being fol 
 lowed in 1805 by his wife, who had borne him 
 children as follows: James (deceased at the age 
 of twenty three years), Margaret, Catherine, Mary, 
 Sarah, Ami, Thomas, Elizabeth (deceased at the 
 age of seven years) and Andrew (subject of this 
 sketch), all now deceased except the last mentioned 
 son. 
 
 Andrew Miller was reared on the home farm, 
 receiving a subscription-school education. On 
 March 11. 1852, he was married to Sarah Stewart 
 (a nativeof Chartiers township), daughter of Archi- 
 bald and Rebecca (Reed) Stewart. Archibald 
 Stewart was a blacksmith, and passed his entire 
 life in Chartiers township, where both he and his 
 wife died some years ago. After their marriage 
 Andrew and Sarah (Stewart) Miller settled on the 
 home farm and reared the following children: 
 Thomas, Archibald S. (a merchant, living in Wash 
 inglon, Penn., married to Miss Susannah Espy), 
 James B., John N. (a physician of Dorseyville, 
 Penn., married to Maggie Weber; he is an elder 
 in the U. P. church), Andrew Reed (an attorney of 
 Steubenville, Ohio), W. W. (a physician and sur 
 geon at Bakerstown, Penn), David M. (a physi 
 cian and surgeon at Pittsburgh, Penn.), Alvin and 
 Rebecca Jane. Andrew Miller has a good coal 
 land farm of 212 acres, upon which is a pleasant 
 and comfortable residence and barn, with many 
 other improvements. He is not an active politi 
 cian, but has held some township offices. He and 
 his wife are members of the Cross Roads United 
 Presbyterian Church. Many changes have been 
 
 wrought since the ancestors first settled on the old 
 farm. The grandfather, James Miller, used to 
 make the trip by boat to New Orleans, returning 
 home on foot through miles of unbroken wilder- 
 ness, where now the locomotive sweeps by with a 
 scream and pleasant homes dot the grassy hills and 
 valleys. 
 
 \ILLIAM A. DICKSON, a successful 
 l\fl\// farmerof Robinson township, is a grand 
 son of George Dickson, who was a native 
 of Ireland, immigrating to Allegheny 
 county, Penn., at an early day. He then 
 purchased 400 acres of land, and followed farming 
 and stock raising until his death. 
 
 William Dickson, father of William A., was 
 born in IT'.II), and reared on the home farm iu 
 Allegheny county. He was married to Margaret 
 Glenn, who bore him children as follows: George 
 (a surveyor, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Rachel (widow 
 of Robert Potter, of Noblestown, Penn.), James G. 
 (a practicing physician of Canonsburg, this county), 
 Mary (widowof James Clarke, of Canonsburg), Will- 
 iam A., and three that died in infancy. The father 
 united with the old Seceder Church when but sev- 
 enteen years of age, and during the last twenty 
 years of his life was a member of the U. P. 
 Church of Noblestown. He was a ruling elder in 
 these Societies for fifty-five years, and in business 
 was a prominent and successful agriculturist. He 
 died March 19, 1872. 
 
 William A. Dickson was born June 15, 1831, and 
 reared to manhood on the old home farm. His 
 elementary instruction was obtained at the country 
 schools, after which he attended Duff's Commer- 
 cial College at Pittsburgh, completing the course 
 in 1856. He then returned home and worked on 
 the home farm. On October 15, 1857, he was 
 united in the bonds of matrimony with Elizabeth 
 McBurney, who was born on February 28, 1835, 
 in Washington county, an only child of Robert 
 and Eliza (Welch) McBurney, the former of whom 
 was a son of John McBurney, Sr. Robert Mc 
 Burney was originally a Democrat, then became 
 an Abolitionist and finally a Republican. He was 
 a member of the Centre U. P. Church, and an 
 elder in same for some years. For years he served 
 as a justice of the peace. He died in 1875; his 
 widow is still living with her son in law. 
 
 To the union of William A. and Elizabeth (Mc- 
 Burney) Dickson the following children have been 
 born: Margaret G., Elizabeth W. (a graduate of 
 the Steubenville Female Seminary, class of '85, 
 afterward teaching two years in the Oswego Col 
 lege, now teaching at Chase City, Va.), Robert M. 
 (who graduated at Du(T's College), William R. 
 (graduated at New Wilmington College, now a 
 student in the Medical College at Pittsburgh, 
 
^ 
 
 Z7Z-L- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1207 
 
 Penn.), Anna S. (a graduate of New Wilmington, 
 Lawrence Co., Penn., now teaching at Chase City, 
 Va. ), Agnes J. (student at New Wilmington), Wal- 
 ter E. and Bertha L. Mr. Dickson still retains a 
 portion of the ancestral acres. In 1875 he moved 
 to his present home in Washington county. He 
 and his family are members of the United Presby- 
 terian Church, and he was an elder in the U. P. 
 Church at Noblestown, at present in the Midway 
 U. P. Church. 
 
 THOMAS MeCLELLAND is of Irish descent, 
 his grandfather, TJiojaas McClelland, hav- 
 ing been born in County Donegal, Ireland, 
 and immigrated to~~A~meri<'a when about 
 seventeen years of age, first landing at New 
 York. Thomas McClelland entered the war of the 
 Revolution", "and served till the close of the contest, 
 peCeTving a cut in the head, besides being 
 wounded in both ankles. He was afterward mar- 
 ried to Nancy, daughter of Samuel Fergus, and 
 their children were William., Margaret (Mrs. Will- 
 iam McLain), Mary (Mrs. John Allen), Hugh, 
 John. Martha (Mrs. James Brown) and Thomas. 
 Mr. McClelland passed the earlier part of his 
 married life in Adams county, Penn., and in the 
 year 1790 removed to South Strabane township, 
 Washington Co., same State, where he remained 
 until his death. Politically he was identified with 
 the Democratic party, and in religion was formerly 
 a member of the Covenanter Church, but afterward 
 united with the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Washington. 
 
 W')ljam McClellan d, son of Thomas and Nancy 
 (Fergus) McClelland, was born in Adams county. 
 Penn., in 1783, and was six years of age when his 
 parents brought, him to Washington county, where 
 he obtained his education. He was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary, daughter of John Allen, also aresi- 
 dent of South Strabane township, and to theirunion 
 were born the following children: Eliza, Nancy 
 (Mis , Samuel McQ uayJ, Thomas, Rebecca (Mrs. 
 ' . I anies Waller). Jane and John. Mr. McClelland 
 was a Democrat in politics. In religion he was 
 formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Washington, but after united with the United 
 Presbyterian. 
 
 Thomas McClelland was born March 6, 1818, on 
 the farm in South Strabane township which is his 
 present home, and received a subscription school 
 education. On March 17, 1842, he was married 
 to Martha, daughter of William Waller, a resident 
 of Somerset township; he was united in marriage 
 with Mary Peese, and settled on the home farm. 
 His children are Andrew, Elizabeth, Mary, Will- 
 iam, Ruth A., Rachel, Sarah, George, James, 
 Margaret, Martha and William. Mr. McClelland 
 is a Democrat in politics, and has held the offices 
 
 of road supervisor aud school director. In religion 
 he is an adherent of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Pigeon Creek. 
 
 If O. McKNIGHT. Among the early fam 
 
 1— A dies of Washington county, none are 
 
 more deserving of prominent mention 
 
 j - 1 than that of the gentleman whose name 
 
 v opens this sketch. His grandfather, Hugh 
 
 McKnight, was born in Ireland, and came to 
 
 America in early life, first settling in Cecil county, 
 
 Mil., where he was married to Mary Nesbit. In 
 
 1784 they moved to Washington county, settling 
 
 on the Littleton tract of 193 acres. He died in 
 
 this county. 
 
 Joseph McKnight, father of subject, was born 
 in 1774, in Cecil county, Md., and in 1818 was 
 united in marriage with Sarah Anderson, a native 
 of Ireland, who came with her parents in 1781 to 
 eastern Pennsylvania, and settled in Chartiers 
 township in 1800. She was a daugher of Abraham 
 and Elizabeth (Chestnut) Anderson, natives of Ire- 
 land, who settled in Chartiers township, this 
 county. They had a son in the war in 1812. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Anderson died some time prior to 1850. 
 The young people began married life on a farm in 
 Chartiers township, where two children were born 
 to tliem, viz.: Eliza Mary (Mrs. Alexander Mc 
 Connell, of Chartiers township) and H. O. (subject 
 of our sketch). Mrs. McKnight died in 1850, and 
 in 1856 Mr. McKnight was married to Margaret, 
 widow of John Campbell, and daughter of Thomas 
 McEwen, of Allegheny county, Penn. Joseph Me 
 Knight was a soldier in the war of 1812, and was 
 at Erie with Commodore Perry, at the time the 
 fleet was building in 1813. He was an active poli- 
 tician of the Whig party, and afterward became a 
 Republican. In religion he was a member and 
 ruling elder of the Seceder Church at Hickory, 
 this county. He died in 1872 on the home farm 
 nearly in his hundredth year: he had lost his sight 
 some years before. Mrs. McKnight died in 1892. 
 in her ninety-second year. She was formerly a 
 member of the Associate Reformed Churcly-which 
 afterward became the United Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 H. O McKnight, was born September 29, 1822. 
 on the home farm in Chartiers township, and was 
 the youngest child born to his father's first mar- 
 riage. He received a district-school education, and. 
 May 19, 1859, he married Margaret, daughter of 
 Robert and Elizabeth (Dawson) Welch, natives of 
 Maryland, who came to Washington county and 
 settled in Chartiers township, where their lives 
 were passed. Mrs. McKnight died June 10, 1871, 
 leaving four children : Sarah Anderson (Mrs. A. 
 T. Cowden. of Mt. Pleasant township). Joseph A. 
 (who married Lizzie J. Welch, and lives on the 
 
1208 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 home farm), FloreDce Emma (who died in Decem- 
 ber, 1889, wife of A. C. Smith, of Canton town- 
 ship) and Ella Margaret Welch (living at home). 
 On October 1, 1873, Mr. McKnight married 
 Martha E., daughter of Thomas and Jane (Mills) 
 Paxton, natives of Washington county and Ohio, 
 respectively. Mr. Paxton died in 1886, and his 
 widow is now living in Chartiers township. Mrs. 
 McKnight died April 20, 1884. H. O. McKnight 
 owns a good farm, containing 240 acres of fertile, 
 well -improved land, upon which is a large tract of 
 timber. In 1879 he erected a comfortable barn, 
 70x3(>, and in 1878 built an eight-roomed, two- 
 story house. He was formerly a Whig, and has 
 been a member of the Republican party since its 
 organization; he has held various township offices, 
 having served as justice of the peace and member 
 of the school board. He is a member of the Char- 
 tiers Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church, 
 formerly of Mt. Pleasant U. P. Church, with 
 which his wife was also connected. 
 
 J JOHN A. BOONE is a prominent representa- 
 i tive of a pioneer family of Washington 
 | county. John Boone, his grandfather, was 
 born in County Antrim, Ireland, where he 
 was married to Nancy Badger. The family came 
 to America many years ago, and first settled in 
 Dauphin county. Penn., where Mr. Boone was en- 
 gaged in farming and distilling, most of the wheat 
 being then distilled, as produce brought no profit. 
 He finally moved to Canonsburg, Penn., where he 
 died. Their children were as follows: William, 
 James, John, Mary, Jane, Margaret, Elizabeth, 
 Joseph and Nancy. In politics Mr. Boone was a 
 Whig, and in religion a member of the Presbyte- 
 rian Church at Miller's Run. 
 
 Joseph Boone, son of John, was born in 1798, 
 in Diiuphin county, Perm., and came to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., with his parents, when yet a 
 child. He attended the schools of Washington 
 county, and was early inducted into the mysteries 
 of agriculture. In early life he was married to 
 Nancy, daughter of John McCoy, a resident of 
 Chartiers township, this county, and a native of 
 Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Boone began married 
 life on the farm now occupied by John C. McNary, 
 where they resided about three years, then pur 
 chased and moved upon a farm in Cecil township, 
 and three years later settled in North Strabane 
 township, this county. Mr. Boone died Septem- 
 ber 1(5, 1850, having made a success in life solely 
 by his own exertions. He was a Whig, and in 
 religion a member of the Chartiers Presbyterian 
 Church. Mrs. Boone is yet living, now in her 
 eighty-eighth year. She is the mother of the fol- 
 lowing children: John A., Samuel (who gradu- 
 ated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, in August, 
 
 1853, and is now living in Ohio), Thomas (de- 
 ceased) and Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Pettil). 
 
 John A. Boone, eldest son of Joseph and Nancy 
 (McCoy) Boone, was born June 13, 1829, in 
 Chartiers township, this county, and received his 
 early education at the common schools. On May 28, 
 1874, he was united in marriage with Ada, daugh 
 ter of Levi Griffith, and three children have been 
 born to them, viz.: Ada C. and Alice E. (twins) 
 and Joseph G. Mr. Boone is an energetic, repre- 
 sentative citizen, in politics a Republican, and in 
 church connection a member of the First Presby- 
 terian congregation of Canonsburg. His home is 
 a large and beautiful residence, pleasantly situated 
 on the principal street of Canonsburg. 
 
 If AMES D. HUSTON, a public-spirited and en- 
 terprising citizen of Amwell township, is a 
 ft J grandson of Joseph Huston, who came to 
 ^^ Washington, this county, in 1786, and es- 
 tablished the old ''Huston Inn'' (as it was 
 then called), situated on the east side of Main 
 street, below Maiden. He kept the tavern until 
 his death, making a good profit in the business. 
 He married Miss Elizabeth Beckwith, and to their 
 union were born the following children: Mrs. Sarah 
 Meetkirk (deceased at the age of ninety one years), 
 Mrs. Isabella Sarratt (deceased when aged forty- 
 two), Cyrus (who died in his seventy- eighth year), 
 Mary, wife of Zachariah Reynolds (she died when 
 eighty-seven years old), Joseph (who died in his 
 eighty-fifth year), Hamilton (who died in his 
 eighty-first year), William B. (deceased in his 
 eighty fourth year; he continued the old "Huston 
 Inn" for many yearn), and Mrs. Eliza Oliver (who 
 died when eighty-six years old). At the time of 
 his death, which occurred in 1813. Joseph Huston, 
 the father of this family, owned nearly all the 
 southwestern part of Washington, Penn. His 
 wife survived him many years, and died about 
 1855, in her eighty-fifth year. 
 
 Cyrus Huston, son of Joseph, was born Febru- 
 ary 23, 1797. at Washington, Penn., in the old 
 " Huston Inn." In early manhood he learned the 
 trade of a cabinet maker, which he followed for 
 a time in what is now known as Monongahela, 
 thence in about 1843 removed to Pittsburgh, and 
 was there during the great fire of 1845. He after- 
 ward sold out and invested in a tan-yard, opposite 
 Horse Island, on the Allegheny side of the river; 
 he was then a very wealthy man. but the flood of 
 1852 completely ruined him, and he afterward re- 
 turned to Pittsburgh, where he lived about twenty 
 years, engaged in the real estate and brokerage 
 business. In 1848 he was married to Miss Mary 
 Swart, and they had one child. Sarah. The mother 
 lived but a short time afterward, and Mr. Huston 
 was afterward married to Mrs. Nancy Howden, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1209 
 
 by which union were born James D. (whose name 
 opens this sketch) and Mrs. Martha Belle Hornish. 
 About 1872 Mr. Huston came to Washington 
 county, Penn., where he remained till his death, 
 which occurred May 3, 1874. 
 
 James D. Huston was born August 4, 1838, in 
 Washington, Penn., and remained with his parents 
 until they moved to Pittsburgh, when he went to 
 Holmes county, Ohio, and for a time attended a 
 small academy in Knox county, same State. He 
 then went to Pittsburgh and learned the trade of 
 cabinet making, which business he followed, to- 
 gether with carpentering, five years, and removing 
 in 1859 to Amity, this county, he embarked in mer- 
 cantile business. In 1860 he went to Monticello, 
 Ind. , and clerked in a store there for a time, but 
 returning to Amity in 1864 lie bought out James 
 Hughes, Sr. , and in April, 1865, again began mer- 
 cantile business. On April 29, 1862, Mr. Huston 
 was united in marriage with Rosetta Hughes, who 
 has borne him five children, namely: William (de 
 ceased), born July 15, 1863; Charles (deceased). 
 bom September 23, 1864; Mrs. Doisey M. Bur- 
 roughs, born November 28, 1867; Harry H. . born 
 January 14, 1870 (still living at home), and Jessie 
 B. (Mrs. Kerr), bora August 7, 1871. In 1869 
 Mr. Huston removed to Lone Pine, and served as 
 postmaster there for sixteen years. He was pres- 
 ident of the academy of Pleasant Valley three 
 years. He has always taken an active interest in 
 school matters, and is ever ready to aid a worthy 
 cause. He has always been a Republican. 
 
 LEXANDER McCONNELL represents one 
 of the earliest pioneers of Washington 
 county, his grandfather, Alexander McCon- 
 nell, who was a native of Virginia, coming 
 to Washington county in 1787, with a 
 brother Matthew. The brothers each took a farm, 
 and Alexander afterward bought 200 acres of the 
 "Black Woods" tract, of one Mr. Black. Alexan- 
 der was married in Cecil township, this county, to 
 Elizabeth McCrory, and they settled on a farm 
 adjoining that of his grandson and namesake. He 
 took an active part in the Whiskey Insurrection. 
 In church relation he and his wife were members 
 of the Seceder denomination. He died many years 
 ago, being followed several years later by his wife. 
 She was the mother of six children, viz. : Alexan- 
 der, who resided in Cecil township; David, whose 
 sketch follows; Prudence, wife of James Oram: 
 Jane; Nancy; and Matthew, of Chartiers town- 
 ship, all now deceased. 
 
 David McConnell, son of Alexander and Eliza- 
 beth (McCrory) McConnell, was born in 1791, on 
 the home farm in Cecil township, where he grew 
 to manhood. In 1828 he was united in marriage 
 with Sarah Campbell, who was born in 1805 in 
 
 Cecil township, and to their union were born the 
 following children : Alexander (who died at, the age 
 of fourteen years), Mary Margaret (Mrs. James 
 Johnston, of Helena, Mont.), John C. (a widower, 
 living in Washington, Iowa, near Ainsworth), Eliz- 
 abeth (deceased, first married to James Giffin, 
 then to Frank Collins, of Peters township, this 
 county), David (who died at the age of four years), 
 Jane (deceased in youth), Alexander (whose name 
 opens this sketch), Isabella (Mrs. John Skiles, of 
 Dallas county, Iowa), and Sarah (wife of J. R. 
 Gladden, of Cecil township). 
 
 After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McConnell 
 settled on the homestead in Cecil township. In 
 politics he was formerly a Whig, then a Democrat, 
 and served some years as supervisor. He and his 
 wife were first connected with the U. P. Church at 
 Robinson's Run, afterward uniting with the same 
 society at Venice, he having been one of the organ- 
 izers of the church in the latter place. David Mc 
 Connell died in 1873, and was followed by his wife 
 in 1881. 
 
 Alexander McConnell was born in 1840. on the 
 old place in Cecil township, this county, attend 
 ing during his boyhood the district schools of 
 the vicinity. In 1881 he was married to Mary 
 Jane, daughter of John and Mary (Spence) Mat 
 thews, natives of Cecil township; they moved to 
 Jefferson county, Kans. , where the father died in 
 1887, the mother following him to the grave in 
 1889. Alexander and Mary Jane McConnell set- 
 tled on the place where they are now living, and 
 whicli contains 109 well-cultivated acres. The 
 barn, yet in a good condition, was erected in 1794, 
 and the house was built in 1805. In politics 
 he is a Democrat, but votes independently in 
 county elections. He has served two or three 
 terms as supervisor, and in religion he and his wife 
 are members of the U. P. Church at Venice. They 
 have three children: Esther Mary, Sarah Eveline 
 and John Walter. 
 
 y. OBERT HERRON, a descendant of a lead- 
 \J ing pioneer of North Strabane township, 
 ^ was born September 30, 1826, on the farm 
 -^ now occupied by his brother James. He 
 is a son of Joseph Herron and grandson of 
 James, whose father, Charles Herron. was bora in 
 Ireland, where he was married, and reared a large 
 family, coming with them to America in an early 
 day. His son James was born in County Down, 
 Ireland, and passed his boyhood in his native land. 
 He came to America in the latter part of the eight- 
 eenth century, locating in North Strabane town- 
 ship, this county, on the farm now owned by James 
 Herron, the grandson. The place was then in a 
 rude state of cultivation, but was soon transformed 
 into a comfortable home. In early manhood Mr. 
 
i2M 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 Herron was united in marriage with Rachel Reed, 
 a resident of Ohio, and the following children were 
 born to them: Charles. John, William, James, 
 Robert, John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel. Po- 
 litically, Mr. Herron was a Democrat, and took au 
 active part in the questions of the day. He was an 
 earnest member of the Seceder Church. 
 
 Joseph Herron was born January 2, 1797, in 
 North Strabaue township, Washington couuty, on 
 I lie farm of his father, and received his early 
 education in the schools of the vicinity. On Jan- 
 uary 3, 1824, he was married to Margaret, daughter 
 of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset township, this 
 couuty, and then settled on the home place, where 
 the remainder of his life was passed. In 1850 he 
 erected the brick residence now occupied by his 
 son James. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Herron were 
 born children as follows: Rachel, born December 
 15, 1824; Robert, born September 30, 1826; James, 
 born September 18, 1828; John, born July 24. 
 1830; Sarah J. (Mrs. Jonathan Peese), born April 
 22, 1833; Joseph, born December 8, 1834; Mar- 
 garet A. (Mrs. Robert Munnel), born October 4, 
 1837; and Elizabeth M. (Mrs. John B. Herron), 
 I "ini October 0, 1842. Mr. Herron was a Demo- 
 crat in politics, and served as judge of elections 
 and school director. He was also a lieutenant in 
 the militia, and in religious connection was a mem- 
 ber and liberal supporter of the Seceder Church. 
 Mr. Herron died January 25. 1852, and was fol- 
 lowed by his wife March 18, 1854. Both are buried 
 in the cemetery of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 Robert. Herron worked on the home farm during 
 his boyhood, and on May 13, 1858, was united in 
 marriage with Rachel E., daughter of John Berry, 
 and she bore him the following children: William 
 G., Margaret J. (Mrs. W. B. McNarv). Lizzie R. 
 (Mrs. M. H Munce). Anna M. (Mrs! W. H. Mc- 
 Narv), Sadie Thome and Robert Walker. Mr. 
 Herron has always been a Democrat, in politics, and 
 has held various township offices. He is a very 
 prominent, citizen, and in religious connection he 
 and his family are members of the United Presby 
 terian Church at Mt. Prospect, to which he gives 
 a liberal support. Mr. Herron has in his posses- 
 sion one of the oldest Ribles in Washington county, 
 which was formerly the property of one of his 
 paternal ancestors. 
 
 ICHARD GLADDEN occupies a conspicu- 
 ous position in the large circle of prorni 
 nent agriculturists of Cecil township, and 
 x is descended from a pioneer familv. The 
 earliest ancestors of the name, whose 
 history can be obtained, were William and Mary 
 (Woods) Gladden, both of whom were born in 
 eastern Pennsylvania. They came to Cecil town- 
 
 ship in May, 1795, and bought of one Nicholas 
 Gauuce 206J acres, of which tract he had secured 
 the patentin 1789, and which became their perma 
 nent home. After the death of William, the land 
 became the property of Richard Gladden, and has 
 continued to remain in the family name up to the 
 present time. 
 
 Richard Gladden, son of William and Mary 
 (Woods) Gladden, was born on the old homestead 
 in Cecil township, and was reared to agricultural 
 pursuits. In early life he was married to Mary 
 Kelso, who was born near Noblestown, Allegheny 
 Co., Penn. He brought his bride to the old farm 
 and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, also 
 giving considerable attention to politics; he voted 
 with the Whig and Republican parties. To the 
 union of Richar 1 and Mary Gladden came the fol- 
 lowing children: William, living in Canonsburg, 
 Penn.; Martha, wife of Thomas Reed, living at 
 Pasadena, Cal. ; Benjamin John, residing in Car- 
 thage, Mo. ; George, a physician aud surgeon of 
 Homestead, Allegheny Co., Penn.; Richard, whose 
 sketch follows; and Joseph, living at Canonsburg, 
 Penn. The father of this family died in 1864, 
 the mother passing away in 1885. Both were 
 members of the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run. 
 
 Richard Gladden, son of Richard and Mary 
 (Kelso) Gladden, was born in 1855, in Cecil town- 
 ship, in a house which was used as a fort in colonial 
 times. The schoolhouse which he first attended 
 was built on the ground where an oil well is now in 
 operation. On October 25, 1876, he was united in 
 with Lavina Tuten, who was born in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 of George and Catherine (Trimmer) 
 Tuten, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, who settled 
 in this county many years ago. The father died 
 in Hickory, Penn.. and the mother is yet living, in 
 Pittsburgh. Richard and Lavina (Tuten) Gladden 
 began married life on the farm in Cecil township 
 which they now occupy, consisting of 200 acres of 
 well cultivated land. He has been engaged in the 
 dairy business, and three oil wells are in operation 
 on the place. In politics he is a Republican, and 
 in religion Mr. and Mrs. Gladden are members of 
 the U. P. Church at McDonald, Penn. They are 
 the parents of three children, viz. : Anna Mary, 
 Iva and Frank. 
 
 marriage 
 Hickory, 
 daughter 
 
 J 
 
 W. GIFFIN is descended from a family 
 who originally settled in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania. In 1795 Andrew and Jane (Hervey) 
 Giffin bought 450 acres of land on the 
 boundary line of Allegheny and Washington coun- 
 ties. They settled in Cecil township, this county, 
 where he died in 1815, being followed by his wife 
 a few years later. 
 
 John Giffin, sou of Andrew and Jane Giffin, was 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1211 
 
 born in 1785, in Chester county, Penn., and when 
 t mii years of age came with his parents to Cecil 
 township, where his youth was passed. In 1804 
 he was united in marriage with Jane Hanson, who 
 was born about the year 1787, in Fayette town- 
 ship, Allegheny Co., Penn., and they settled per 
 manently on a farm in Allegheny county, to which 
 he devoted his time; he took an active part in the 
 Whig and Republican factions. He died in 1870, 
 having been several years preceded by his wife. 
 Their children were as follows: Andrew H. (liv- 
 ing in Cecil township), Margaret (deceased in 
 youth), Jane (widow of William Young, in Cecil 
 township), Alice (wife of John Ballantine, in Mus- 
 kingum county, Ohio), Nancy (who died in 1890, in 
 New Concord, Ohio, wife of Andrew Hanson), J. W. 
 (whose sketch is given below), Jacob Hanson (do- 
 ceased), William (a widower, living in Canons 
 burg, Penn.), Mary (Mrs. Itichard Boyce, of Mis- 
 souri), Thomas (a widower, living in Kansas), 
 Rebecca (deceased wife of Archibald Rutherford, 
 of West Virginia) and Sarah (Mrs. George Ruth- 
 erford, of West Virginia). The parents were 
 members of the Associate Reformed Church at 
 Robinson's Run. 
 
 J. W. GifTm was born December 1, 1815, in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., and was educated in the 
 log-cabin subscription schools of Fayette township. 
 He was first married to Elizabeth Patterson, a na- 
 tive of Allegheny county, daughter of James Pat- 
 terson, who was born in Ireland, and immigrated 
 to this country many years ago. The young peo- 
 ple settled in Fayette township, Allegheny county, 
 and the wife died in Cecil township, this county, 
 in LS60, leaving three children, viz. : Mary Abi- 
 gail, Samuel Hanson (living at McKeesport, Penn.) 
 and James P. (a widower, of Pittsburgh, Penn.). 
 On March 19, 1803, Mr. Giffin was united in mar 
 riage with Patience Morrison, a native of Notting- 
 ham township, this county, the ceremony taking 
 place in Cecil township. She was a daughter of 
 Maj. John Morrison, an early pioneer of Notting- 
 ham township. This wife died in 1870 in Cecil 
 township, leaving four children, as follows: Eliza- 
 beth, Mrs. William R. Miller, of Mt. Washington, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn.; John B., living at home; 
 Anna, wife of Harry Wilson, of Noblestown, 
 Penn., and Ella Y., living at home. In 1874 
 Mr. Giffin bought an improved farm of 111 acres 
 adjoining Venice, this county, where he carries 
 on general farming, and upon which is an oil well 
 nearly ready for operation. Politically he was 
 formerly a Whig, and has been a member of the 
 Republican party since its organization; has 
 served as supervisor, member of the school board, 
 assessor and in various other offices of public 
 trust. He is a member of the U. P. Church at 
 Venice. 
 
 »T= V OBERT JOHNSTON. The Johnston family 
 lWy were for many years residents of Allegheny 
 
 \\\ county, Penn. , where one James Johnston 
 JJ - 1 was born and reared. In early life he was 
 v married to Jane Morrow, a native of the 
 
 same county, and the young couple immediately 
 settled in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He died in his seventy third year, his wife passing 
 away at the age of seventy two, leaving a family 
 of children, among whom was a son Robert. 
 
 Robert Johnston was born September 30, 1817, 
 on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and during his earlier years assisted his 
 father with the work on the place. On March 2, 
 1841, he married Miss Rebecca Black, and they 
 began housekeeping on a farm which he had pur- 
 chased of his father, near Canonsburg, this county. 
 In 1863 he bought 141 acres of land in North 
 Strabane township, this county, to which he re- 
 moved in the fall of that year. On this farm he 
 has continued to reside, and has reared four chil 
 dreu, namely: Sarah Jane, James L. (living in 
 Canonsburg), Richard and Mary Eliza. The 
 mother died in 1872, at the age of fifty-eight years, 
 but her memory is ever living in tho hearts of those 
 who knew and loved her. The family are mem- 
 bers of the First Presbyterian Church at Canons 
 burg, and Mr. Johnston has taken an active part 
 in questions of public interest, having served in 
 various township offices. 
 
 Richard Johnston, the second son of Robert and 
 Rebecca Johnston, was born February 20, 1848, 
 on the place near Canonsburg, this county, and has 
 passed his life under the parental roof, receiving 
 a common school education. On November 13, 
 1873, he married Anna M., daughter of Isaac and 
 Jane (Matthews) Weaver, and she has borne him 
 three children, namely: Eva M. , Robert B. and 
 Harry W. Like his father, Richard Johnston 
 affiliates with the Democratic party, and in relig- 
 ion he and his wife are members of the First 
 Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. 
 
 OBERT WARRELL. Among the esteemed 
 residents of East Finley township, none 
 are more worthy than the subject of this 
 sketch. He is a son of James Warrell, who 
 was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, 
 to which country Washington county is indebted 
 for many of her substantial and enterprising 
 citizens. 
 
 James Warrell received a fair education, of 
 which he made good use in later years, and 
 learned the shoemaker's trade. In about 1815 he 
 was united in marriage with Sarah Wilson t a native 
 of the same county, and before leaving Ireland the 
 following children were born to them: Thomas 
 
1212 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 (deceased), Rebecca (living in Allegheny county, 
 Peun.), Rachel (deceased), Charles (residing in 
 Glaysville, this county) and James (deceased). Mr. 
 Warrell was engaged in the mercantile and broker 
 business at Convoy, County Donegal, Ireland, and 
 during the war of 1812 was frequently called on 
 business to New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia 
 and many other large eastern cities. In 1825 he 
 immigrated with his family to America, and land- 
 ing at New York, resided in that city for some 
 time, where another child, Robert, was born to 
 him. In 1826 he moved to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating near Glaysville, Donegal township, 
 where he purchased some property, upon which 
 was a hotel, conducted for a short time by John 
 Valentine, then purchasing a farm, engaged in 
 agriculture. Three other children were there born: 
 William, a farmer in East Finley township, this 
 county; Sarah Ann (Mrs. William L. Oliver), of East 
 Finley township, and John, a farmer of Richland 
 county, Ohio. Mr. Warrell was never sick a day 
 in his life before his last illness, and was a man of 
 wonderful vigor and vitality. He once walked 
 from Claysville to Pittsburgh and returned, in one 
 day and two hours of the night. Politically he 
 was a Republican, and in religious faith a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church. His wife died in 
 1834, and after a short sickness he sank peacefully 
 to rest. 
 
 Robert Warrell (the eldest of the children born 
 in America) was born in New York City, July 4, 
 1826, and was early brought by his parents to 
 Washington county, Penn., where he received a 
 limited education. After attaining his majority he 
 was employed as a tanner, afterward becoming a 
 partner in the business with his brother. He then 
 clerked in the dry-goods store of George K. Scott, 
 Washington, Penn., for some time, when he went 
 to Pittsburgh and clerked for Stephen Barton, a 
 jeweler and notion dealer on the corner of Wood 
 and Water streets. At this time there were no 
 railroads in the city. On July 30, 1850, Mr. War- 
 rell was united in marriage with Rebecca Crisswell, 
 who was born November 15, 1825, a daughter of 
 Richard and Jemima (McKenzie) Crisswell. To 
 this union two children were born: Sarah E. 
 (widow of Rev. William Gamble, a M. E. minister 
 and native of Allegheny county), born May 29, 
 1851 (has four children: Mamie R., Clara E., 
 Estelle and Walter D.), and Robert B. , born Sep- 
 tember — , 1854 (deceased when four months old). 
 After his marriage Mr. Warrell remained some 
 time in Pittsburgh, and then moved to Henry 
 county, Ohio, locating near Napoleon (the county 
 seat). He remained there two years, returning in 
 1850 to Washington county, Penn., where he 
 finally settled on his present well-improved farm, 
 situated five miles south of Claysville, in East 
 Finley township, this county, and successfully 
 
 followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Warrell is a 
 versatile man, and has au extensive acquaintance 
 throughout the county. He is an enthusiastic 
 worker in the Republican party, and has been 
 called on to till several political offices, but has in- 
 variably declined. He and his wife are both mem- 
 bers of the Stony Point M. E. Church. Their 
 widowed daughter, with her four children, resides 
 with her parents. 
 
 JfAMES SMITH was born January 1, 1817, on 
 the old farm in Washington county, where he 
 J remained until he reached the age of maturity. 
 He is a grandson of Demas Smith, who 
 emigrated to this country from Germany, 
 and was married to Elizabeth Zook, a native of 
 the same country. They had the following family 
 of children: Betsey (Mrs. Juhns), Joseph, Peter, 
 Polly (Mrs. Iamso), Susau (Mrs. Clark), Chris- 
 topher, Hannah (Mrs. Huffmau), Rachel (Mrs. 
 Scales), A brain, Susan, Dennis, David and Cath- 
 erine (Mrs. Meeks). Mr. Smith served seven years 
 in the war of the Revolution, being among the 
 band of suffering heroes who for the cause of lib- 
 erty endured those terrible winters at Valley 
 Forge. He entered Washington county about 1785, 
 locating in West Bethlehem township, at the head 
 of Daniels run. Here he resided two years, and 
 then moved to Greene county, settling on a farm of 
 200 acres in what is now Washington township. 
 He there passed the remainder of his life, dying 
 about 1824 in his ninety-sixth year. In politics, 
 he was an Old-time Whig. 
 
 Peter Smith, son of Demas and Elizabeth Smith, 
 was born in the State of Pennsylvania (east of the 
 mountains) in 1775, and in 1785 removed with his 
 father's family to West Bethlehem township, 
 Washington county. He remained with his parents 
 (who afterward moved to Greene county) until he 
 was twenty nine years old, but had no educational 
 privileges. In 1804 he was united in marriage 
 with Priscilla Cooper, daughter of Moses and 
 Sarah Cooper, of Amwell township, this county, 
 and to this union were born children as follows: 
 Dennis, Moses (deceased), Polly (Mrs. Garber), 
 Peter, Betsey (Mrs. Riggle), Sally (Mrs. Potts, 
 residing in Missouri), James, David (deceased), 
 Mrs. Eunice Johnson (deceased), Hannah (Mrs. 
 Hutford) and Priscilla (Mrs. Bealer). Mr. Smith 
 was a hard working and successful man, owning at 
 one time 300 acres of land. He was a Whig, and 
 took an active interest in the political affairs of the 
 township and county. He and his father were for 
 many years members of the Baptist Church. Mrs. 
 Smith died in 1840, Mr. Smith in 1848. 
 
 James. Smith, son of Peter and Priscilla Smith, 
 received his education in the common schools of 
 Washington county, Penn., and is fond of his 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1213 
 
 torieal and current literature. In 1843 he was 
 united in marriage with Margaret Johnson, daugh- 
 ter of Zenis and Sarah Johnson, of Greene county, 
 Penn., and to this union were born two children: 
 Johnson, a resident of McKeesport, Allegheny 
 Co., Penn., and Sarah, deceased wife of Mr. Wat- 
 son. After his marriage Mr. Smith moved on the 
 farm he now occupies, which he purchased when 
 his father died. His first wife dying March 4, 1871, 
 Mr. Smith married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah 
 Paul, widow of Philo Paul. In political affiliation 
 Mr. Smith was a Whig, first casting his vote for 
 Gen. Harrison, and since its formation has been an 
 active member of the Republican party. He is 
 much interested in local politics, and has been su- 
 pervisor and school director for a number of years. 
 He has been a valuable member of the Baptist 
 Church forty seven years. 
 
 ,\ILSON T. DENNY, son of Josiah, grand 
 son of William and Elizabeth Denny, was 
 born September 11, 1843, in Cecil town 
 ship, this county. The grandparents 
 came with their family in 1790 from 
 eastern Pennsylvania to Washington county, where 
 both died. William Denny was a soldier in the 
 Revolutionary war. 
 
 Josiah Denny was born 'June 10, 1798, in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., and passed his youth on the 
 home place. On October 19, 1820, he was united 
 in marriage with Jane Simcox, who was born Au- 
 gust 18, 1798, in this county. They settled on the 
 farm in Cecil township now owned by W. T. Denny, 
 and children were born to them as follows: Will- 
 iam W. (deceased March 3, 1808), a physician and 
 surgeon, of Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Joseph, living in 
 Noble county, Ohio; Mary (wife of William H. 
 McClay), died in October, 1883, at Cumberland, 
 Ohio; Martha Jane, Mrs. Hugh Liggett, of Mus- 
 kingum county, Ohio; John A., living at Canons- 
 burg, Penn.; and W. T., whose sketch follows. 
 The father passed away April 1, 1850, followed by 
 his widow July 7, 1808. Both were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run. 
 
 W. T. Denny was educated in the schools of the 
 home district, and then followed agricultural pur- 
 suits. On February 27, 1800, he made choice of 
 a life companion in the person of Margaret Tid- 
 ball, who was born December 24, 1845, a daughter 
 of William and Elizabeth (Nicholson) Tidball, all 
 three being natives of Robinson township, Alle- 
 gheny Co. , Penn. The father passed away May 
 12, 1884, the mother on November, 10, 1849. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Denny have resided on the old 
 homestead since their marriage. Many improve 
 inents have been made on the place since the pres 
 
 ent owner has had possession. A good house and 
 two good barns have been erected, one barn having 
 been burned. The farm contains seventy -five acres 
 of well-cultivated, fertile land. In the autumn of 
 1871 Mr. Denny embarked in mercantile business 
 at Burgettstown, but in 1870 returned to the old 
 place, resuming his former occupation. He votes 
 the Republican ticket, and is now serving his sec- 
 ond term as a member of the school board. He and 
 his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Ven- 
 ice, this county. Four children have been born 
 to them, viz. : Harry W., William W.,Eva Jane 
 and Laura M. 
 
 EiLIJAH MILES. Of the many prominent 
 and esteemed citizens of Buffalo township, 
 the name of this family ranks among the 
 — J first. 
 
 Elijah Miles was a son of Elijah Miles, who was 
 born in the State of Virginia in 1705, and in his 
 later years removed to Canton township, Washing 
 ton Co., Penn. He died August 27, 1834, in 
 Ohio, on his farm (where he was settling up his 
 business affairs), honored by all who knew him. 
 His wife and four children survived him at the date 
 of his death. John died in 1891, in Marietta, 
 Ohio, at the age of eighty-five years; Mary died 
 January 20, 1837, in the twenty eighth year of her 
 age; Nancy died April 13, 1837, in the twenty- 
 sixth year of her age. Their mother, Elizabeth, 
 died at the age of sixty years. 
 
 Elijah Miles, our subject, the only surviving one 
 of the four children, was born in Canton township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. He moved to Keokuk 
 county, Iowa, in 1855, and came back to Buffalo 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1850, where 
 he permanently settled. Elijah Miles was married 
 in 1802 to Caroline, daughter of Lewis Snyder, 
 and the children born to this union were Mary, 
 wife of Frank M. Caffey, of Buffalo township, Eliz- 
 abeth and John. 
 
 Lewis Snyder, father of Mrs. Caroline Miles, 
 was born in 1801 in Germany. He was well edu 
 cated, and became a soldier in the German army. 
 He was married to Catherine Mary Cook, and the 
 children born to them were Caroline, who was 
 born October 0, 1835, in Germany, and came with 
 her parents to America; and Charles, George, 
 Louisa, Lewis, William, Catherine and Frank, born 
 in America, the last named being now deceased, 
 the only one in the Snyder family that has been taken 
 away. The living children of this family are all resi- 
 dents of Washington county, Penn. In 1844 Mr. Sny- 
 der came to America with his family, and first set- 
 tled on a farm in Franklin township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., where he made his permanent home. 
 
1214 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 J [AMES A. THOMPSON. Among tin- self- 
 made men of Washington county, none are 
 I hotter deserving of prominent mention in 
 this Biographical Record than the above- 
 named citizen. His parents were Allen and 
 Martha (Lindsay) Thompson, early pioneers of 
 Washington county. The father was born in 17U4, 
 and the mother in 17117. The following children 
 were born to them: William, John L., Josiah, 
 James A., Allen, Martha J., Mary Ann, Harvey 
 H , .Sarah, William, John A. (deceased), and 
 Ebenezer (deceased). The mother passed away in 
 1870, followed by the father in 1872. 
 
 James A. Thompson was born December 10, 
 1822, on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. He assisted his father in 
 the care of the farm and, receiving but little 
 financial aid from home, began life with no capital 
 but that i if a willing heart, strong hands and cheerful 
 spirit. On Christmas Day, 1845, he was united in 
 marriage with Margaret Griffith, and soon after 
 their wedding he rented his father's farm and con- 
 tinued to live there as a tenant for several years, 
 finally purchasing the old place. His wife died 
 April 3, 1857, leaving two small children: Allen 
 and Samuel (deceased), and on March 9, 1858, he 
 was joined in wedlock with Margaret, daughter of 
 James and Mary (Geis) Kerr. To this union have 
 been born four children: Mary Eva, William K. , 
 Martha E. and Sadie M. The name of Ella 
 Steele, a little orphan girl, completes this family 
 circle, for she is cherished as tenderly as their own 
 by her foster-parents. Mr. Thompson has done 
 all in his power to advance the educational inter- 
 ests of the community. He has served as super- 
 visor, but though shirking no responsibility, he 
 has no desire for political honors. He declares 
 that " the Republican party is good enough for 
 him," and votes accordingly. He is a wide awake, 
 progressive man. In 1858 he sold the old place, 
 and bought 156 acres now known as the " Guthrie 
 farm," in Chartiers township, and in 1875 bought 
 the eighty three acres which is now his home. To 
 this he has added thirty-three acres of another 
 tract, and is now living near Canonsburg. 
 
 B. DUVALL. The Duvall family, of which 
 this gentleman is a prominent representa- 
 tive, has for many years been closely asso- 
 ciated with the progress and improvement 
 of Washington county. 
 Alexander and Elizabeth Duvall were natives of 
 Maryland, born of French descent. They came to 
 Pennsylvania many years ago, and located in 
 Washington county, where he lived several years, 
 and then settled on a farm in Fayette county, 
 near Brownsville, where he died at the age of 
 eighty five years. Of their children are named 
 
 John, David, Jacob, Lewis, Eli, Jehu, Hiram and 
 Elizabeth, all now deceased. 
 
 David Duvall was born April 7, 1785, in East 
 Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 passed his youth on the home farm. He began 
 life with no financial aid, but. willing hands, an 
 active brain and stout bod}' proved sufficient cap 
 ital, and he soon acquired a comfortable property, 
 all in agricultural pursuits. When a young man 
 he was united in marriage with Mary Bailey, who 
 was born in 1782, in East Pike Run township, and 
 they reared the ^following family of children: 
 Nancy, widow of S. Robison, now residing in Cal 
 ifornia, Washington Co., Penn.; Eliza, wife of 
 John 15. Hanen, of East Pike Run township; Rath, 
 widow of George Garrett, a resident of California, 
 Washington county; Mary; Alexander R ; John; 
 Lewis; Abigail, and Sarah, of whom the four last 
 mentioned are now deceased. The father in his 
 political affiliations voted with the Republican 
 party. He died August 24, 1865, having been pre- 
 ceded by his wife in 1862. 
 
 Alexander B. Duvall, son of David and Mary 
 (Bailey) Duvall, was born March 1 ( J, 1825, in East 
 Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 received a subscription-school education, and grew 
 to manhood on the home farm, working the old 
 place on shares until the death of his father. In 
 1870 he was united in marriage with Josephine 
 Pester, who was born in Washington county, Penn. , 
 a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Smith) Pester, 
 also natives of this county. Her father was a cab 
 inet maker at Coal Centre, Penn., and in politics 
 voted with the Democratic party. He and his 
 wife died in Coal Centre, leaving two children, 
 Ann and Josephine (Mrs. Duvall). To the union 
 of Alexander B. and Josephine (Pester) Duvall the 
 following children have been born: Emma, David 
 R., Nellie S., Carolus, Anna Thames, Chauncy 
 Slocum, John Shanton, Flora G., Belva L., Pierre 
 L., Alexander V., Cassius A., and Jessie. 
 
 The old homestead contains 210 acres of well- 
 cultivated land, and is universally admitted to be 
 one of the finest farms in Washington county. In 
 1875 Mr. Duvall erected a handsome two-story 
 house upon the property, commanding a beautiful 
 landscape view for many miles, carrying the eye 
 to the mountain beyond. Since 1852 he has been 
 a member of the F. & A. M. at Coal Centre. He 
 is a fearless, conscientious man, and worships at 
 the Disciple Church, his wife being identified with 
 the Methodist Episcopal denomination. 
 
 If AMES H. ALLEN. Among the prosperous 
 citizens of Carroll township, perhaps none 
 ([ J ] have had more varied or thrilling experiences 
 ^^ of life than this gentleman. His grandfather, 
 David Allen, was an early settler of Forward town- 
 ship, Allegheny Co., Penn., where he carried on 
 
p ■ 
 
 
 &^~ ^J^^ 
 
WASHINGTON < 'OINTY. 
 
 1211 
 
 farming and stock raising, also operating a distill- 
 ery. He married Mary Warne, who bore him chil 
 dren as follows: John, Dorcas, Joseph, James, 
 David, Eliza, Fiances, Mary and Bela. The 
 father of this family died about the year 1823. 
 He was a leading member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Round Hill, and in politics he was a 
 Democrat. 
 
 David P. Allen, father of subject, was born in 
 1805, in Forward township, Allegheny Go.,Penn., 
 and learned the trade of tanner. He married 
 Miss Mary Whorley, and, with the exception of 
 short intervals, their lives were passed in Forward 
 township, Allegheny county. He owned twenty - 
 one acres of coal land, and followed farming dur- 
 ing his later years. On October 30, 1889, he 
 died, aged eighty-four years six months, leaving 
 the following children: James H., Joseph W. (liv- 
 ing in Kansas), Ann Eliza (deceased), Dorcas (Mrs. 
 McConnell, living in Majors, Buffalo Co., Neb.), 
 Bradford (residing near Denver, Colo.), Albert G. 
 (a resident of Pittsburgh, Penu.), Florence (Mrs. 
 McTeeter, of Braddock, Penn.), and Mrs. Mary J. 
 Fleming, of Fayette City, Penn. The mother is 
 yet living on the old homestead in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., aged eighty-three years. In poli- 
 tics the father was a Whig and Republican. 
 
 James H. Allen was born November 23, 1832, 
 in Wheeling, \V. Va. , and was brought with his 
 parents to Allegheny county, Penn., when an in 
 fant. At the age of twenty years he took a course 
 of engineering at Brownsville, Penn. , and passed 
 fouryearslearningthemachinist's business. After 
 completing his studies he became a steamboat en- 
 gineer, and for thirty-five years sailed the western 
 waters — the Ohio and Mississippi — going as far 
 north as St. Paul, and as far south as New Orleans. 
 During the Civil war he was engaged in transport 
 ing troops and provisions, and was held as a pris- 
 oner for some time on the Cumberland river. He 
 was on a boat that sank in the Ohio river, near 
 Battingrape Island. After the war he returned 
 home, and February 28, 1867, he was married to 
 Miss M. A. Thompson, daughter of Wilson Thomp- 
 son, of Monongahela. The children born to them 
 were as follows: Bertha (deceased), Wilson T. , 
 Albert and Harry. Wilson Thompson was a na- 
 tive of Maryland, whence, when a young man, he 
 came to Monongahela, and learned the trade of 
 glass blowing, which he followed some time. He 
 was married to Margaret, daughter of Elias Wat 
 kins, of Monongahela, and the children born to 
 them were: Martha A. and William (deceased in 
 infancy). The father died in 1872, the mother in 
 1840, and both are buried in Monongahela. He 
 was a leading member of the M. E. Church, and 
 was deeply interested in educational affairs. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. James H. Allen have a beautiful 
 home in Bellwood, near Monongahela, where they 
 
 57 
 
 have resided some fifteen years. They are mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Church. Mr. Allen is one 
 of the leading citizens of his locality, a typical 
 self-mademan, one whose integrity is unquestioned. 
 In his political affiliations he is a stanch supporter 
 of the Republican party. 
 
 IfOSEPH HAWKINS. The Hawkins family 
 have long beeu residents of Pennsylvania. 
 f I Robert and Ruth Hawkins (grandparents of 
 Joseph) were born in eastern Pennsylvania, 
 where they married and reared the following 
 children: William (a resident of Newton Falls. 
 Trumbull Co.. Ohio), Robert (living in West Beth- 
 lehem township, this county), Elizabeth (living in 
 Springfield, Ohio, widow of George Taylor), Lydia 
 A. (residing in Ohio, widow of Eli Hill), Mary 
 (widow of Thomas Dutou, Ohio), Louisa (wife of 
 Joseph Weaver, a farmer of Ohio), Elijah, Thomas 
 and Gideon, the latter two being deceased. The 
 father of this family was a preacher for the Dis- 
 ciple Church; in politics lie voted the Republican 
 ticket. He died in 1850, at the age of seventy two 
 years, after a busy life in agricultural pursuits. 
 
 Elijah Hawkins was born September 17, 1815, 
 in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and was reared on the farm. He received 
 a business education, and began mercantile life at 
 Beallsville, tins county, remaining there five years. 
 He then moved to Zollarsville, this county, con- 
 ducting business in that place for twenty years, 
 but finally sold out and retired to his present farm 
 in Pike Run township. He was first married to 
 Mary A. Greenfield, a native of Washington 
 county, Penn., who bore him one daughter, Mary 
 A. (wife of James Hedge, a farmer of Jefferson 
 county, Iowa). The mother died in 1841, and in 
 1842 Elijah Hawkins was married to Elizabeth 
 Weaver, who was born in 181"), in Washington 
 county, Penn. Their children were as follows: 
 Louisa (wife of Isaac Hill, a farmer of West Pike 
 Run township), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Hill, of Polk 
 county, Mo.), George (a farmer of Fayette county, 
 Penn.), Joseph (of whom a sketch follows), Theo- 
 dore (a merchant of Beallsville), Theophilus (farm- 
 ing the home place), Walter (farming in West Pike 
 Run township), William (deceased) and Avorilla 
 (deceased). The mother of these children died in 
 188U, in her seventy second year. The father is a 
 preacher in the Christian Church, of which both 
 his wives were earnest members. In politics he 
 votes with the Republican party, and is interested 
 in both the civil and religious welfare of the 
 people. 
 
 Joseph Hawkins was born September lu, 1848, 
 in Beallsville, West Bethlehem township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., being reared in the village and 
 educated at the public schools. In 1873 he was 
 
1218 
 
 WASH IN G TON CO UN TV. 
 
 united in marriage with Elizabeth Deemes, who 
 was horn September 15, 1841, in Washington 
 county, Penn., a daughter of Mark F. and Mar- 
 garet Deemes. Her parents were both natives of 
 this county, and reared the following children: 
 Joshua (a resident of Colorado), George W. (farm 
 ing in Beallsville, Penn.), Maria (wife of W. F. 
 Wilson, of West Pike Run township, this county), 
 Samuel P. (a ranchman of Nebraska), Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. Hawkins), and Willie and Oliver, both de 
 ceased in infancy. The parents both died in their 
 sixty-fifth year. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have been born two 
 daughters: Maudie and Ada. In politics Mr. 
 Hawkins votes the Republican ticket. He is a 
 member of no church. 
 
 AMUEL J. GHRIST. one of the most pros- 
 perous and influential citizens of Burgetts- 
 town, is a son of Isaac Ghrist, who was 
 bora in Maryland, where he was reared and 
 educated. He was a blacksmith by trade, and in 
 early life was united in marriage with Maria Will 
 ison, also a native of Maryland, where the young 
 people continued to reside for several years after 
 their marriage. They then moved to Fayette 
 county, Penn., finally going farther west, to near 
 fronton, Ohio. The children born to them were: 
 Samuel J., John, Peter, Isabel, Isaac, Elias, Will- 
 iam, Sabina and Sarah A., of whom Samuel J. is 
 the only one living in Washington county. The 
 father and other members of the family died of 
 cholera during the outbreak of that disease at 
 fronton. The mother afterward married Mr. 
 McCoy of Ironton, and after his death removed to 
 Illinois with her sons, Elias and William, where 
 she died. 
 
 Samuel J. Ghrist, the subject proper of this 
 sketch, was born January 1, 1818, in the State of 
 Maryland, and when a young man came from Fay 
 ette county to Smith township, this county. He 
 commenced working on a farm for one John Hobbs, 
 remaining with him four years, at the end of which 
 time he began working on another farm. Several 
 years later he purchased a small place, to which 
 he added from time to time, and he now owns over 
 230 acres of good land in Smith township, and a 
 tine residence in Burgettstown. Iu March, 1 S;5S, 
 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter 
 of James and Jane (Vance) Stevenson, of Smith 
 township, the latter of whom was a daughter of Will- 
 iam Vance, of Vance's Fort. The following named 
 children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ghrist: 
 Jane, deceased February 15, 1892; Sarah M. ; 
 Mai! ha A ; M. Elizabeth; Catherine W., wife of J. 
 It. McNary. of Smith township (they have six 
 children); Anna M., deceased January 31, 1892, 
 was married to G. M.. Miller, of Claysville, now a 
 
 druggist of Burgettstown (had one child, Sara 
 Edna); and S. Vance Ghrist, now an attorney at law 
 in South Dakota. He married Miss May Putnam, 
 who holds the honor of teaching the first school in 
 Hand county. S. Dak. They have two children: 
 Elizabeth Vance and Bayard Sidney. The mother 
 of this family dying March 3, 1854, Mr. Ghrist 
 married in August, 1873, Rachel Stroud, of Steu- 
 benville, Ohio, who died July 24, 18S8, leaving no 
 issue. In 1878 Mr. Ghrist moved to Burgettstown, 
 where he is yet residing, his home being cared for 
 by his daughters, who are still under the paternal 
 roof. His success in life is to be attributed solely 
 to his own efforts, which have been untiring, and 
 now, a man of about seventy five years of age, he 
 is in the enjoyment of good health. Until he was 
 twenty years of age he never wore a coat of any 
 kind, only a kind of knitted jacket, and his first 
 coat he worked for and earned by the sweat of his 
 brow. His farm, when he came to it, was but 
 partly cleared, but by assiduous labor he highly 
 improved it. His present home in Burgettstown 
 he bought, besides which he owns other houses in 
 that borough. The family are all great readers. 
 Catharine and Martha were educators in Washing 
 ton and Allegheny counties, and S. V. in Wash- 
 ington county and in several western States, and 
 has been admitted to the practice of law in Kansas, 
 Illinois and South Dakota. In political opinion 
 Mr. Ghrist was formerly a Whig, afterward a Re- 
 publican upon the organization of the party; has 
 been actively interested in politics, and has held 
 various township offices. He is a member, and has 
 been a liberal supporter, of the Presbyterian 
 Church from early youth, at the same time con- 
 tributing largely to all charitable and public enter 
 prises. 
 
 7 If UGH McDOWELL, a prominent agricult- 
 *J tirist of Peters township, is a son of Joseph 
 McDowell, ami a grandson of Thomas Mc- 
 Jj 4 Dowell. The grandfather was born in Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., and followed farming 
 and hunting, being an enthusiast in the latter pur- 
 suit. In early life he selected a life companion in 
 the person of Jeanette Clark, and of the children 
 born to their union the following are named: 
 Joseph, James and Jane. 
 
 Joseph McDowell, son of Thomas, was born 
 about 1790, in Lancaster county, Penn., where he 
 grew to manhood. In 1808 he and his father came 
 to Washington county, where the latter bought a 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township. After the death 
 of his father Joseph worked on neighboring farms, 
 and devoted his leisure hours to hunting, many a 
 turkey and deer falling beneath his unerring rifle. 
 In early life he was married to Eleanor McKnight, 
 of Washington county, who bore him seven ehil- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1219 
 
 dren', viz.: John, Joseph, Hugh, Mary, Jane, 
 Elizabeth and Ellen; of these Hugh (of whom a 
 sketch follows), Ellen and Jane (wife of Benjamin 
 Vannatta, of Noblestown, Allegheny county) are 
 yet living. 
 
 Hugh McDowell was born September 28, 1815, 
 near Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. His youth was passed in rural pur- 
 suits, and at tho age of seventeen years he learned 
 carpentry, a trade he followed twenty years. He 
 finally purchased 173 acres of land in the Char- 
 tiers Valley, taking possession of the place in 1863, 
 where he has since carried on general farming, in- 
 cluding sheep raising. On February 25, 1847, he 
 was united in marriage with Mar}', daughter of 
 James McConnell, a pioneer farmer of Cecil town- 
 sliip, this county, and their children were as fol- 
 lows: Ellen J. (wife of W. J. Johnston), Elizabeth, 
 Margaret and Ida (these three died of diphtheria 
 in 1861), Samuel (deceased in 1863), Mary M. 
 (living at home), John J. (living on a part of the 
 Alexander McConnell homestead, being now part 
 of the McDowell farm, married to Elizabeth Mc- 
 Millian), and Effie A. (living with her parents). 
 The daughters all attended the academy at 
 Canonsburg. 
 
 Many improvements have been made on the 
 place, and Mr. McDowell personally erected the 
 handsome buildings thereon. Politically he is a 
 stanch Republican, having originally been an Anti- 
 slavery Whig, and served as a delegate to the con- 
 vention held at Pittsburgh when the Republican 
 party was organized. He has held many local of- 
 fices, but does not care to take a prominent place 
 in politics. In religious faith he is a member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has 
 served in many ways. Mr. McDowell did not in- 
 herit a cent, but, by the industry and economy of 
 himself and wife, now owns one of the best farms 
 in the country. This should serve as an incentive 
 to young men in like circumstances, to go and do 
 likewise. 
 
 p^J I. WORRELL is a son of Elias, and grand- 
 son of Robert Worrell, the latter having 
 
 E 
 
 been a pioneer of Fayette county, Penn. 
 
 Robert was a relative of William Penn. 
 Elias Worrell was born in 1798, on his father's 
 farm in Fayette county, Penn., and came with his 
 parents to Allen township, Washington county, 
 when a boy. In early life he was united in mar 
 riage with Sarah Allen, a native of Allen township, 
 this county, who bore him children as follows: 
 Allen, a cabinet maker, who died at California, 
 Penn., July 24, 1866; William, a merchant of 
 Brownsville, Penn., who died June 19, 1872; 
 John, a clerk on a steamboat, died July 25, 1872, 
 at Brownsville, and Joshua, who enlisted in 1862, 
 in the Eighteenth Cavalry, under General Kil- 
 
 patrick. After the war he moved to Kansas, then 
 returned to Washington county, where he died 
 February 22, 1872. For his second wife Elias 
 Worrell married Aves Smith, a native of East Pike 
 Run township, and their children were S. W., 
 wife of C. L. Kinder, who died in 1892, at Scenery 
 Hill; Mary Elizabeth, wife of E. A. Williams, of 
 East Pike Run township, and E. I., whose name 
 opens this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell always 
 resided in Allen township. Mr. Worrell owned 
 land in Wooster, Ohio. In politics he was an 
 active Republican, having held various local offices. 
 He died May 1, 1873, having been preceded to the 
 grave by his wife July 6, 1861. 
 
 E. I. Worrell was born November 12, 1848, on 
 the home farm in Allen township, Washington 
 county, received a district-school education and 
 also attended the Normal at California, Peuu. He 
 was married March 2, 1881, to Emma, daughter 
 of George W. and Caroline ( Kiggs) Hazelbaker, 
 and a native of Allen township, this county. Her 
 parents were born in Washington county. Both 
 parents are now living in this county. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Worrell have had three children, namely: 
 J. H., Cora and Irwin. The father is an active 
 member of the Republican party, and has held the 
 position of county auditor since the fall of 1890, 
 receiving 6,686 votes. The farm contains 106 
 acres of good land. In religious faith Mr. and 
 Mrs. Worrell are members of the Methodist Church 
 at, Ebenezer. He studied pharmacy when a young 
 man, with the intent ion of becoming a druggist; 
 but at the solicitation of his father, took charge of 
 the farm and has ever since been an agriculturist. 
 Mr. Worrell has been a member of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church since boyhood, serving as super- 
 intendent of Sabbath school, secretary of the board 
 of trustees and leader of the choir. He has been 
 administrator, trustee and assignee of many es- 
 tates, and has always been faithful in every posi- 
 tion. 
 
 [( BRAM COLVIN is a son of Stephen Colvin, 
 l\ whose father, Vincent, was an early settler 
 1\ of Fallowfield township. The latter in- 
 vested largely in land, having at one time 
 owned nearly 2,000 acres in Fallowfield 
 township. On March 28, 1780, he received a 
 grant for the home place, which was situated on 
 Pigeon creek, and contained 470 acres. The fol- 
 lowing children were born to Vincent Colvin: 
 Stephen (who inherited 200 acres of the old place), 
 John, Vincent, Joshua, Moses, Lott, Agnes (Mrs. 
 Powell), Susanua (Mrs. Wilson), Charlotte (Mrs. 
 Frye), Lucy (Mrs. Frye) and Harriet, who married 
 a Baxter. 
 
 Stephen Colvin was born in 1778, in Fallowfield 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and became a 
 leading agriculturist, devoting special attention to 
 
1220 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 stock raining. He was married to Mary, daughter 
 of Ahram Frye, who married a Miss Wilson, of 
 Washington county, who bore him thirteen chil- 
 dren, whose names are given as follows: Hester, 
 Julia, Nancy, Abrain, Lucinda, Sarah, Stephen, 
 Mary, Elizabeth, John, Lewis, Rebecca and Vin- 
 cent, of whom Vincent and Lewis enlisted in the 
 army, Vincent dying while in the seivice. The 
 father died in 1846. 
 
 Abram Col vin was born April 21, 1820, on the 
 homestead in Fallowfield township, and his educa- 
 tion was received in the log-cabin schoolhouse of 
 the district. In 1848 he was married to Miss 
 Frye, daughter of Abraham, and granddaughter of 
 Samuel Frye, a farmer of Washington county, who 
 erected the first house on the west side of the 
 Monongahela river, in this county. Samuel Frye 
 was born in 1729, in Virginia, and was there mar- 
 ried to Christina Speers, who was born in 1752 in 
 the same State. They came overland to Washing- 
 ton county at a very early day, and July 19, 1792/ 
 took out a ''tomahawk right" to a large tract of 
 land in Fallowfield township, where the Gibson 
 distillery is now located. He was a famous 
 hunter, and also worked on the farm, remaining 
 in the neighboring fort at night for protection "from 
 the Indians. He died in 1814, his widow, Novem- 
 ber 9, 1841. 
 
 Abraham Frye, sou of Samuel and Christina 
 (. Speers) Frye, was boru in 1792, on the homo 
 farm in Fallowfield township. He received a 
 subscription school education, and in early life was 
 married to Isabella Ringland, a native of Wash- 
 ington countv. who bore him eleven children, 
 namely: Samuel and John, both in Allen town- 
 ship; Christina, Mrs. Abram Colvin; Abraham, 
 wlio entered the service in Washington county, and 
 is now living near Nashville, Tenn. ; Henry, a 
 resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber 
 land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town- 
 ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 4, 
 same township; Jackson, living in Cowley county, 
 Ivans., enlisted and was taken prisoner, being con 
 fined in Andersonville prison eleven months; 
 Clarissa, married to Alexander Allman, and died in 
 East Pike Run township; Smith; and Isabelle.wife 
 of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. 
 After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye 
 settled on the lower part of the old homestead in 
 Fallowfield township. He was actively interested 
 in public matters, first affiliating with the Demo- 
 cratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub . 
 lican. lie died December 11, 1866, followed by his 
 widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see her 
 youngest daughter the mother of twelve children. 
 Roth parents were members of the Disciple 
 Church. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Colvin are the parents of seven 
 children, namely: Stephen, Belle Abram. Chris 
 
 tiana, Smith, Fremont and Ellsworth, of whom the 
 youngest child has for the past five years been a 
 resident of Los Angeles, Cal. The home farm 
 contains 110 acres of land, located about five miles 
 southwest of Monongahela City, where Mr. Colvin 
 deals extensively in stock. Politically, he votes 
 with the Republican party. 
 
 li ffENRY M. CONKLIN, one of the most 
 
 k— 4 prominent of the agricultural citizens of 
 
 Morris township, is a native of the same, 
 
 J) ~ J born April 12, 1835. He is a worthy rep- 
 
 ~' resentative of one of the pioneer families 
 
 of his native township. 
 
 John Conklin. his grandfather, was born in New 
 Jersey, and in 1790 moved with his family to Mor 
 ris township, Washington Co., Penn., locating 
 near the town of Sparta. John Conklin had seven 
 children, of whom one son, Isaac, was born in the 
 State of Pennsylvania in 1805. In 1825 he was 
 married to Lydia Sears, also a native of Pennsyl- 
 vania, and the following children were born to this 
 union: Sarah Ann (deceased wife of William 
 Rogers, of Iowa), Elizabeth (living in Greene 
 county, Penn., the widow of Morgan Thompson), 
 John (a farmer of the same county), William (a 
 farmer near Van Buret), in Morris township), 
 Henry M., Oliver S. (a resident of Missouri), 
 Margaret (living in the State of Kansas, married 
 to John A. W. Dyer), Samuel A. (a prominent 
 practicing physician of Canton, Ohio), Stephen 
 Munroe (a farmer of Morris township), Warren 
 B. (living near Sparta, this county), and Lydia 
 Viola (wife of I. N. Lucas, a physician in North 
 Dakota). 
 
 Henry M. Conklin, whose name opens this sketch, 
 received a limited education at the common schools 
 of the home district, and at the age of twenty- 
 one years commenced to learn the trade of paint- 
 ing with his brother John, his financial wealth 
 being, at the start, very limited indeed. After 
 working at his trade for a number of years in the 
 different parts of the county, and in Western Vir- 
 ginia, he returned in 1861 to Washington county. 
 On February 28, 1861, he was united in marriage 
 with Jerusha Jane Blakeway, a native of East 
 Finley township, this county, daughter of Eliza- 
 beth and Humphrey Blakeway, both of whom 
 died in that township, and lie buried in the grave 
 yard at Old Concord, Penn. On March 14, 1861, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Conklin moved to their present home, 
 which is now a well-improved farm situated two 
 miles northeastof Prosperity, where he has erected 
 one amongst the finest residences in the township. 
 Mrs. Jerusha Jane Conklin died September 26, 
 1889, and lies buried in the cemetery at Prosperity. 
 On October :i 1 . I SKI, Mr. H. Conklin married 
 Miss Mattie Sampson, daughter of Abraham 
 
i$m 
 
 & 0&. T&^M^ 
 
WASHING TON COUN TY 
 
 1223 
 
 Sampson, of East Finley township, and one son, 
 Grover Stephenson, was born to them September 
 6, 1892. Politically Mr. Conklin has been a 
 Democrat, and has served as inspector of elections 
 in his township. In 1853 he became united with 
 the Church of Upper Ten-Mile, at Prosperity, 
 Washington Co., Pennsylvania. 
 
 JjOHN A. McCALMONT, one of the leading 
 I dairymen and a successful agriculturist of 
 | Robinson township, is a native-born citizen. 
 John McCalmout (his grandfather) was of 
 the fearless and sturdy Scottish race, and possess- 
 ing an adventurous spirit, decided to seek the 
 New World. In early manhood he came to 
 America, following the blacksmith's trade, during 
 the early part of his life in York county, afterward 
 settling on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county, where eight children were born to him. 
 He died in 1858. 
 
 James McCalmout (the eldest son of the Scotch 
 immigrant just mentioned) was born January 31, 
 1807, in York county, coming with his parents to 
 Mt. Pleasant township at the age of one year, 
 where he was reared and educated. On May 31, 
 1835, he was united in marriage with Sarah Mc 
 Burney. who was born April 7, 1811. a daughter 
 of John McBuruey, whose father, James McBur 
 ney, was a common ancestor of the McBuruey 
 family of the present generation. James McBur- 
 uey was born in County Down, Ireland, and there 
 learned merchant tailoring. In 1762 he was mar- 
 ried to Jeanett Milligau, and they had two chil- 
 dren: John and Elizabeth. In 1783 they came to 
 America and settled in Washington county, Penn. 
 Mr. McBurney was prominent in both political 
 and church work, serving as justice of the peace 
 in Cecil township until obliged to resign his posi- 
 tion on account of enfeebled health. He was one 
 of the first ruling elders of the Associate Reformed 
 Church. He died August 11, 1820, having passed 
 the age of fourscore years. 
 
 John McBurney was born in County Down, Ire- 
 land, and came with his parents to America. In 
 1703 be was married to Sarah Hunter, a native of 
 Pennsylvania and a^member of the Associate Re- 
 formed Church. A large family were born to the 
 union, as follows: Jennie, James, Esther, John, 
 Eliza, Robert, Sarah, David and Samuel, and of 
 these Sarah was married to James McCalmont. 
 
 James and Sarah (McBurney) McCalmont be- 
 gan their wedded life on a farm near Hickory, 
 this county, where they remained four years, and 
 then, in 1839, came to Robinson township, where 
 he remained until his death, which occurred in 
 1800, when he was in his eighty-third year. He 
 was elected an elder in the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Burgettstown, in 1839, and in 1863 
 transferred his membership to Centre, where he 
 
 was again elected and installed elder, serving many 
 years in that capacity. He was a Republican, 
 actively interested in the success of his party, and 
 served as school director several years, also justice 
 of the peace two terms. His children were as fol 
 lows: Mary, Lizzie, John A., James P., Sarah 
 H., David A., R. M., Esther Agnes, and Kate (the 
 latter being deceased). 
 
 John A. , son of James and Sarah (McBurney) 
 McCalmont, was born February 22, 1840, and re 
 ceived a common business education. On August 
 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred 
 and Fortieth P. V. I., under Capt. William A. 
 Stockton, of Cross Creek township, Washington 
 county. He served with his regiment in all the 
 principal battles and in anumberofskirmish.es, 
 remaining until the close of the war in 1865. 
 After returning home he engaged in agricultural 
 pursuits, which he has since followed with success. 
 In February, 1870, be was united in marriage 
 with Anna B. Keys, who was born in 1846, a na- 
 tive of Washington county, and five children were 
 born to them, namely: James K., Mary J., John 
 O, Sarah M. and one deceased. The mother was 
 a member of the U. P. Church. She passed away 
 in 1880, and on June 15, 1887, Mr. McCalmont 
 was married to Minnie Henderson, who was born 
 November 5, 1853, in Washington county, a 
 daughter of Alexander Henderson. The latter's 
 grandfather was Rev. Matthew Henderson, who 
 was born in Scotland and, coming to America at an 
 early day, preached the first sermon in English 
 west of the mountains in Pennsylvania. He died 
 in 1795. His son Robert was a farmer, and in 
 early manhood was married to Elizabeth Russell. 
 He died in December, 1866. Alexander Hender- 
 son, son of Robert Henderson, was born in April, 
 1809, and when a young man was united in mar 
 riage with Nancy Watson, who was born in March, 
 1819. They had eleven children, five of whom 
 are now living: Mary W., Robert M.. Lizzie, Min- 
 nie (Mrs. John A. McCalmont) and Rebecca. The 
 father died in April, 1890, the mother having pre- 
 ceded him in February, 1864. Both were members 
 of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCal- 
 mont has a farm of 154 acres, and carries on a 
 very extensive milk-dairy. He and his wife are 
 members of the Centre United Presbyterian 
 Church of Midway. In politics Mr. McCalmont is 
 a Republican. 
 
 JfOSEPH SCOTT, one of the oldest, and un- 
 doubtedly one of the most robust men of his 
 ) age in Independence township, is descended 
 from a prominent family. He is a son of 
 Arthur Scott, who was born in 1761, in Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., and there passed his boy- 
 hood days. When only a stripling he joined the 
 Continental army, and served during the war of the 
 
1224 
 
 WASHINGT<>\ COt'.XTY. 
 
 Revolution. H« was one <>f those half-clothed and 
 nearly starved heroes who suffered in that never 
 t<> be Forgotten winter at Valley Forge. He wan 
 sick for many weeks; be Berved as a teamster in 
 the struggle, and has often related to liis son 
 Joseph the terrible scenes of those early days, the 
 outlines of which are familiar to every student of 
 United States history. 
 
 At the close of the war young Arthur resolved to 
 seel; a home ill the wilds of western Pennsylvania. 
 of which he had heard thrilling tides of adventure. 
 After a long and tedious journey, traveling l>y nar 
 row paths through unbroken forests, the sun his 
 only compass, our daring pioneer at last came to 
 the eastern boundary of Washington county, and 
 paused for a time at a place called Ginger Hill. 
 He there met Miss Ann Hamilton, the young lady 
 he afterward wooed and won. She was born iu 
 the year I T7*i, in Adams county, Penn., near Get- 
 tysburg. In 1786 Arthur Scott came with his 
 older brother. Samuel, to Washington county, and 
 bought 175 acres of land, lying near Buffalo creek, 
 about one mile from the Pennsylvania and West 
 Virginia (then Virginia) lines, in Hopewell (now 
 Independence) township. It was then an un- 
 broken forest, and the Indians, who had but recent 
 ly moved across the river into Ohio, often made 
 raids through (heir former hunting grounds. Dur 
 ing these periods of danger, the pioneers were 
 compelled to seek a temporary refuge in the blocli 
 houses constructed for that purpose. Wild ani- 
 mals were numerous; hears, deer, and wild turkeys 
 roamed through the forest, and the unearthly 
 scream of the panther made the night hideous to 
 human ears. After purchasing their land, the 
 two brothers erected a log cabin, and began the 
 herculean task of clearing away the forest. Rut 
 the toil and privations were endured with the 
 lightest of hearts, for each of the young men were 
 looking eagerly forward to a happy home in the 
 very near future. When the first cabin was 
 finished, Samuel brought home his young wife, 
 and they then begun to prepare for the coming of 
 Arthur's bride. But the plans of one were doomed 
 to disappointment. One day Samuel Scott, in com 
 pany with a brother in law, .lames Law, crossed 
 
 the Ohio river in search of game. They soon Sep 
 arated, promising to join each other at a given 
 point, and, after a circuitous course, Scott came 
 to the place of me'ting and waited for Law. 
 Meanwhile Law had approached the place in 
 search of game, and, mistaking him for a deer, 
 fired, and the unfortunate man fell dead. The 
 news of the terrible accident was broken to the 
 young wife, who continued to reside on the farm 
 with her two children —Joseph anil John for 
 some time. She was afterward married to a Mr. 
 Hutchinson, and the home place eventually became 
 the property of her son John. He took charge of 
 
 it in the year 1808, and with his wife (formerly a 
 Miss Ferguson) resided upon it till the year 1830, 
 when it was then purchased of him by his cousin 
 Joseph. 
 
 Soon after they had erected the cabin of Samuel 
 Scott, Arthur also built his home on a part of the 
 original tract, and in 1780 he was married to Ann 
 Hamilton. This couple pasjsed their entire lives on 
 the home farm, and reared the following children: 
 William (deceased September 20, 1851), born No- 
 vember 20, 1790, moved to a farm in Richland 
 county, Ohio, which he cleared from the forest, 
 and there remained until bis death: John, born 
 March 6, 17112, during his youth hauled loads of 
 salt and merchandise over the mountains (just be- 
 fore the war of 1812 he hauled a wagon load of 
 specie for the Government from Philadelphia to 
 Pittsburgh, being accompanied by a detachment of 
 soldiers. For this service he received $10 per 
 cwt.); Elizabeth (deceased August 8, 1866), bom 
 August 8. 1794, was the wife of Walter Craig, a 
 well known politician, statesman and legislator of 
 Washington county; Agnes (deceased February I I. 
 1869), horn February 3. 1797, wife of William 
 Gilmore, of Ohio county, W. Va. ; Mary, wife of 
 John Alexander, born February IS, 1 791* ; David 
 (deceased in 1887. at Portsmouth. Ohio), born 
 January 12. 1801, learned piano and organ mak 
 ing in Philadelphia, and afterward became a piano 
 tuner; Samuel (deceased March 25, 186(1, at the 
 home of his brother Joseph), born March P», 1803. 
 passed his early life on the farm, afterward be- 
 coming a merchant in Pittsburgh; Jane (deceased 
 July 22, 1886), born November 11, 1805, was mar- 
 ried to Hugh Miller, of Knox county; Joseph (sub- 
 ject of the present sketch): and Margaret Ann 
 (deceased March 15. 1838, at her home in Inde- 
 pendence township, Washington county), born No- 
 vember 10. 1811, wife of Henry Smith. 
 
 Although Arthur Scott had but a limited early 
 education, by close application and observation he 
 became a well informed and fluent man, and was 
 an eager reader. He never tasted whisky, was a 
 strong advocate of temperance, and an earnest re 
 ligious worker. The "still house" that was found 
 on almost every farm in those days was "conspic- 
 uous by its absence" on the farm of Mr. Scott, 
 who instilled the same principles into the minds of 
 his children. Politically he was first a Democrat, 
 but after the election of Andrew Jackson, became a 
 Whig. In the latter part of hislife he lived with his 
 son Joseph until the time of his death, which OC- 
 itiviI .1 uly 24, 1843. His widow survived him S6V 
 era! years, when she passed away October 15, 1848, 
 while visiting a daughter in Summit county, Ohio. 
 
 Joseph Scott was the ninth child in the order 
 of birth, and was horn May 12, 1808, in Hope 
 well (now Independence) (ownship. and passed 
 hi-- earlier years attending to thecommou duties of 
 
II ASHINOTON COUNTY 
 
 1 225 
 
 a farmer boy. He received his education in tlit> 
 usual log hut, which required neither nails nor 
 glass in its construction, greased paper serv- 
 ing all practical purposes as a window. The 
 teacher was hired by a subscription from those 
 of the parents who felt inclined to pay for the in- 
 struction. Adventurous urchins had no lack of 
 material sport, for in those days wild animals were 
 often seen, and bears were frequent visitors in the 
 neighborhood. Joseph Scott attended school 
 about three months in the winter season, and dur- 
 ing the summer assisted on the farm. On August 
 22, 1832, he was united in marriage with Eliza- 
 beth Cozad (who was born November 1 1, 18(17, in 
 Carroll county, Ohio), daughter of Jacob Cozad. a 
 Presbyterian minister of New Hagerstown, Ohio. 
 They have had children as follows: John (a farmer 
 of Independence township), born August 16, 1833; 
 Margaret Ann (deceased in 1837), born August 3, 
 1835; William H. (deceased, a farmer of Wash- 
 ington State), born Jauuary 20, 1S37; Elizabeth J. 
 (Mrs. George U. Chaney, of West Alexander), 
 bom March 22, 1839; Rebecca B. (Mrs. Klinefel- 
 ter, of Washington, Penn.), born February 4, 1 S4 1 ; 
 David A. (a merchant of Independence. Penn i. 
 born December 2, 1842; Joseph (a farmer of Osage 
 county, Kaus.), born January 3, 1845; Jacob O. 
 (a citizen of Washington, this county), born De- 
 cember 27, 1848; and Sarah M. (Mrs. Thomas 
 Lang, of Grafton, W. Va.). born October ,">, 1849. 
 After his marriage Mr. Scott took charge of the 
 home place, as his father was growing old, and re- 
 mained upon it until 1887. following his vocation 
 of farming and stock raising. His wife died on 
 January 25. of that year, and he afterward moved 
 to the home of his son David, where he has since 
 remained. He is now livings a retired life, but 
 still owns the old place. Mr. Scott happily pos 
 sesses a very retentive memory, and easily recalls 
 incidents of his boyhood as if they had occurred 
 but yesterday. No man is better known, or more 
 highly respected than this gentleman. He organ- 
 ized and was the prime mover in the first Sabbath- 
 school held in the Presbyterian Church, in Inde- 
 pendence. Penn., of which he has been a member 
 for sixty five years, serving as elder fifty four 
 years. Politically, he has ever been an enthusias- 
 tic supporter of the Republican party since its 
 formation, previous to which he was a Whig. He 
 has never missed a county, township, State or 
 national election since he was old enough to vote, 
 and was an active Anti-slavery man. In addition 
 to his regular business, he has performed many 
 public duties, having been guardian for twelve 
 children at one time. He was colonel in the Tenth 
 Pennsylvania Militia for four years and is fre- 
 quently called by that title. • 
 
 [Since the above was written, the subject of the sketch 
 died January 1, 1893. 
 
 FINLEY SCOTT, a skilled blacksmith and 
 energetic husbandman of Smith township, 
 is a sou of Finley and grandson of Abraham 
 Scott. Abraham Scott was born and reared 
 in Maryland, and when a young man came to Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., afterward settling in Washington 
 county with his brother Alexander. He purchased 
 a tract of wild land on Raccoon creek, Robinson 
 township, this county, where his life was passed in 
 agricultural pursuits. He was married In .lane, a 
 sister of John Finley, the founder of Fiuleyville, 
 and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. 
 James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), 
 Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David 
 White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Sus<m 
 (married to John McBride) Abraham, Finley, Hoi 
 land and Samuel. The father was a Democrat in 
 politics, and in religion a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Raccoou. 
 
 Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson town- 
 ship, this county, and here educated. In 1822 he 
 married Margaret, daughter of -lames Stephenson. 
 of Smith township. The young people first set- 
 tled on a farm in Robinson township, remaining 
 there a few years, when they rented a neighboring 
 farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith town- 
 ship where they lived twenty years, and finally 
 moved to the home where the remainder of their 
 lives was passed. The children of this couple are 
 Ann, Robert K., Samuel, James, Finley, John, 
 Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Coweni and .Marga- 
 ret (wife of Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the 
 architect of his own fortune, and owned 45(1 acres 
 of laud at the time of his death, which occurred in 
 1879. He was a Democrat and held various town- 
 ship offices. In ohurch connection he was first a 
 member of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Burgettstown, this county, afterward uniting with 
 the Associate Reformed Church, in which he was 
 an elder. Both he and his wife are buried in the 
 U. P. cemetery. 
 
 Finley Soott, the subject of this biography, was 
 born December 10, 1831, on the " Hanover Farm " 
 in Smith township, receiving a common-school edu- 
 cation. In early youth he learned the black- 
 smith's trade with Josiah Scott, of Burgettstown, 
 which he followed until 1852, when, with his 
 brother James and a few others, he started for 
 California. They traveled to New York, then took 
 passage to Aspiuwall by the steamer "Eldorado;" 
 they crossed the Isthmus, walking the last twenty - 
 one miles, and upon arriving at Panama one of tlre^r 
 number was attacked with the ' ' Isthmus fever. ' ' He\ 
 soon was able to continue the journey, and they 
 sailed for San Francisco on the steamer " J. L. 
 Stevens," but when opposite San Pedro bay, 
 the steamer was disabled. Assistance was soon 
 brought from San Francisco, but not long after 
 reaching theendof their journey, William Shields, 
 
1 -2-2C> 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 the sick companion, died and was buried at San 
 Francisco. Finley Scott proceeded with liis friends 
 from San Francisco to Eldorado county, and fol- 
 lowed mining with fair succesB. Mr. Scott after- 
 ward worked at his trade in California, but 
 eventually returned to Burgettatown, this county. 
 In September, 1857, he was married to Theresa 
 A. Crawford, who was horn August 1, 1838, 
 daughter of Thomas Crawford, of Burgettstown, 
 Penn., who has borne him children as follows: 
 Fiance L. (an engineer on the P. C. C. & St. L. 
 li. I; I. Thomas L. (an engineer on the same rail- 
 way), Samuel J. (deceased in infancy), Clara A. 
 (living at home), John E. (an employe of the B. 
 & 0. R. R. Co. at Cincinnati. Ohio), Ella M. (liv- 
 ing with her parents), Theresa Bell ami Laura A. 
 (twins, living at home), Annie E. and Charles L. 
 (both residing on the home farm). Mr.and Mrs. Fin 
 ley Scott began married life in Burgettstown, this 
 county, where he followed his trade till 1866, and 
 then moved to a farm about one mile and a half 
 northwest of that borough, in Smith township. In 
 1NN1 he removed to his present pleasant home, 
 situated on the Florence road two miles from 
 Burgettstown. He has since divided his time be- 
 tween his trade and agricultural pursuits, shipping 
 some milk to Pittsburgh. Personally Finley Scot! 
 is a very pleasaut and entertaining conversa- 
 tionalist, and is a popular and respected citizen. 
 In politics he is a Democrat. Both he and his 
 wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Burgettstown. 
 
 /GEORGE W. DIWALL is a grandson of 
 Lewis and Hannah Duvall, who were pio 
 VIj neer settlers of Washington county, Penn., 
 
 ^Ta and died on the home farm. 
 
 John Duvall, father of subject, was born 
 and reared on the home place in Washington 
 county, and always followed agricultural pursuits, 
 giving considerable attention to stock raising. 
 He voted with the Republican party. He was 
 first married to Mary Tarty, who bore him seven 
 children, viz.: George W. , Hannah. Amanda 
 (wife of William Hornbake, of West Pike Run 
 township), Ellen (married to Frank Bake, a car- 
 penter, of Allenport, this county), Elizabeth, 
 Lewis, and John L. (a farmer of Fayette county. 
 Penn.). The mother died in 1869, and Mr. Duvall 
 was then married to Elizabeth Lash, whose chil- 
 dren were Tory (deceased), Robert. Isaac (both of 
 whom are living in Charleroi, Washington county), 
 William (a painter of Charleroi). and Frank (a 
 farmer, of Fayette county, Penn.). The father 
 die.l October :!." INN I. and April 27, 1885, the wife 
 and mother passed away. She was a member of 
 the M. E. Church. 
 
 George W. Duvall. son of John and Mary Du- 
 
 vall, was born January 5, 1853, in West Pike Run 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and was edu- 
 cated in the district schools. On February 22, 
 1877, he married Miss Maggie Marker, who was 
 born September 8, 1854, in Washington county, 
 Penn., a daughter of Lewis anil Eliza (Williams) 
 Marker, natives of this county, whose children 
 were as follows: John, a resident of West Browns 
 ville, Penn. ; William, living in East Pike Run 
 township; James, living in West Brownsville; 
 Charles, also of West Brownsville; Maggie, wife 
 of George W. Duvall, and Mary, deceased. The 
 father followed farming all his life, and in politics 
 voted with the Democratic party. He died Au- 
 gust 31, 1891, his wife having passed away in 
 1802. They were members of the M. E. Church 
 George W. and Maggie (Marker) Duvall have two 
 sons: Charles W., born September 16, 1880, and 
 John L., born August 23. 1883. Mr. Duvall owns 
 the old homestead of eighty four acres, where liis 
 grandfather first located many years ago. In 
 politics he is a Republican, and he has served as 
 school director for the past three years. 
 
 with 
 
 JIOHN COOK was born October 1, 17N7, in 
 Ohanibersbiirg, Franklin Co. , Penn., a son of 
 I Robert and Mary (Brown) Cook, who were 
 born, reared and married in Ireland. In 
 1785 they emigrated to America, first locating in 
 Chamhershuig. Franklin Co., Penn., and in 1787 
 crossed the country to Washington county, locat- 
 ing on the farm where their descendants are yet 
 living. They passed their lives on the old place, 
 makintr many improvements on it. Robert and 
 Mary Cook were members of the Associate Re- 
 formed Church, and both died many years ago. 
 Their children were Jane, Martha, Archibald, 
 John and Margaret. 
 
 John Cook, at the age of ten years, ci 
 his parents to Cecil township, this county, where 
 ho passed the rest of his days in agricultural pnr 
 suits. On April 7, 1814, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Olevia Coulter, a native of Allegheny 
 county, Penn., who bore him six children, namely: 
 Robert (deceased). Moses C. (a widower, living in 
 Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., Penn.). John (mar 
 ried, residing in Belmont county, Ohio), Jane, 
 Mary and Margaret, all three deceased. The 
 mother died August 22, 1824, having been fatally 
 injured by an accident while returning from 
 church, and February 16, 1N26, Mr. Cook married 
 Ursula Herriott, a native of Allegheny county, 
 Penn.. by which union five children were born, 
 viz.: George H. (married, a physician and surgeon 
 of McDonald, Penn.), Archibald (deceased), Sam 
 lie! H. (of whom special mention is made further on), 
 Elizabeth and Hester (both deceased). This wife 
 died July 7. 1838, and on March 10, 1840, Mr. 
 
-%f,M2.lD<>-crfc 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1229 
 
 Cook made a third choice in the person of Nancy 
 Grier, who was bora in 1802, in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., and one son, N. G. , came by this marriage. 
 The father, in his political affiliations, voted with 
 the Democratic party, and served as supervisor of 
 ( 'ceil township. He and his wife were members of 
 the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run, in which he 
 was an elder. He died August 4, 1861, and March 
 2, 1804, his widow was laid to rest. 
 
 Samuel H. Cook, sou of John and Ursula (Her 
 riott) Cook, was reared on the home place, and re- 
 ceived his education in the common schools. He 
 remained at heme until twenty-five years of age, 
 meanwhile working on the farm. In 1868 lie 
 moved to McDonald, where he embarked in the 
 undertaking business, and in 1882 he opened a 
 general store, which he conducted eight months; 
 then engaged iu the furniture business, which, in 
 connection with undertaking, he still conducts; he 
 also does embalming. Mr. Cook has made his own 
 success, and deservedly enjoys the confidence of 
 tin- public. In April, 1857, he was married to 
 Rebecca, daughter of James Donaldson, by which 
 union was born one child that died in infancy, its 
 mother following it to the grave in 1858. On June 
 5, 1861, Mr. Cook married Mary A., daughter of 
 Andrew Gilfillan, of Allegheny county, Penn.. and 
 three children were born to them: Nancy Crier 
 (wife of Prof. J. M. Shaffer, of Slippery Rock), 
 Dora (deceased at the age of eighteen) and Mary 
 E., at home. The mother of these children dying 
 December 22. 1884, Mr. Cook married, for his 
 third wife, March 14, 1892, Amanda C. Smith, of 
 Pittsburgh. He is a member of the U. P. Church 
 and for the past twenty-five years has been an 
 elder in same — about ten years at Robinson's Run, 
 the remainder of the time at McDonald. He was 
 a substantial donator toward the building of the 
 present IT. P. Church at McDonald. 
 
 N. G. Cook, only son of John and Nancy (Grier) 
 Cook, was born July 8, 1842, on the home farm in 
 Cecil township, where he was reared, receiving his 
 early education in the common schools of the 
 neighborhood. On March 28. 1872, he was united 
 in marriage with N. Isabella Gladden, a native of 
 Smith township, daughter of William and Nancy 
 (Brown) Gladden, and granddaughter of William 
 and Mary Ann (Woods) Gladden, the former born 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, the latter in England. 
 William Gladden (a son of this couple) was born 
 in 1797, in Cecil township, and in early manhood 
 was married to Nancy Brown, who was born in 
 1800, in Allegheny county, Penn., a daughter of 
 John and Mary (Acheson) Brown, natives of Lan- 
 caster county, Penn., who migrated to Noblest own, 
 Allegheny county, in 1792, and in 1800 moved to a 
 farm in South Fayette township, same county. He 
 died in 1848, having been preceded to the " long 
 home" several years by his wife. Mr. and Mrs. 
 
 Gladden resided on a farm in Smith towuship, this 
 county, until 1855, when they moved to a place in 
 Allegheny county, where the rest of their lives was 
 passed. They were the parents of three children: 
 Mary Ann (who married Joseph McConnell, and 
 died in 1863), William (married, died in 1872) and 
 N. Isabella (wife of N. G. Cook). The father died 
 iu 1871, the mother on December 31, 1884; they 
 were members of the Robinson Run U. P. Church. 
 N. G. and N. Isabella (Gladden) Cook located 
 on the farm where they are now living, containing 
 212 acres of good land, which has been in the 
 possession of the family over one hundred years. 
 Four children have blessed their union: Nannie B. 
 (deceased in March, 1888, at the age of fourteen 
 years and six months), John L. , William G. and 
 Isabella Haddessa. Mr. Cook votes with the Demo- 
 cratic party, and has served as a member of the 
 school board. He and his wife are members of 
 the United Presbvterian Church at Robinson's Run. 
 
 D 
 
 AVID WHITE is a well-known farmer and 
 worthy representative of one of the oldest 
 Pennsylvania families. His grandfather. 
 James White, was born in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, coming with his parents to North Strabane 
 township, Washington county, where he died in 
 1835. 
 
 James, son of James White, was born in 1788, 
 on the home farm in North Strabane township, 
 where his youth was passed. In early manhood he 
 was married to Isabella May, who was born De- 
 cember 11, 1798, in Cecil township. He served in 
 the war of 1812 as first lieutenant, and in politics 
 was a Whig, casting his Presidential vote for Gen. 
 William H. Harrison. In April. 1827, the young 
 people settled on a farm in Cecil township, and 
 the following children were born to their union: 
 Jane Ann (deceased in 1866), Margaret (widow of 
 John Ralston, of Cecil township), Phoebe (deceased 
 in youth), John M. (living in Wayne county, Ohio), 
 David (whose sketch follows), Eliza Jane (widow 
 of William Stewart, of Canton township), Samuel 
 (living in Canonsburg) and Phoebe (widow of John 
 McLaughlin, of Chartiers township). The parents 
 were members of the Seceder Church at Chartiers 
 The father died in 1871, having been preceded in 
 1863 by the mother. 
 
 David White, whose name opens this sketch, was 
 born May 30, 1832, in Cecil township, receiving 
 his education in the schools of the neighborhood. 
 On January 7, 1864, he selected as his life com 
 panion Anna E. Anderson, a native of Chartiers 
 township. She was a daughter of John and Ann 
 (White) Anderson, the former a native of Ireland. 
 and the latter born in Chartiers township, where 
 their married life was passed. He died in 1868, 
 and his widow lived several years afterward. Two 
 
1230 
 
 i l 'A SHIN G TON CO UN TY. 
 
 children were born to the union of David and Anna 
 E. (Anderson) White: James R. (who married Anna 
 Scott, and lives in Cecil township), and Annie Bell, 
 who died in infancy. The mother died December 
 15, 1866, in Chartiers township, where they had 
 resided after their marriage. In 1809 Mr. White 
 moved to Cecil township, and was married Novem- 
 ber 11, 1869, to Lizzie E., daughter of Joseph and 
 Martha (Anderson) Reed. Joseph was a son of 
 David Reed, who was born and reared in Lan- 
 caster county, Penn. David Reed was married in 
 early life, and brought his bride to the farm in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, where they remained until Gen.- 
 Washington had proven his title to this tract of 
 laud. The famous General took dinner one day 
 with Mr. and Mrs. Reed, and is said to have de- 
 clared that he would allow the settlers no rights or 
 compensation for improvements, but would take 
 possession of the land, offering, however, to sell it 
 at an exorbitant price. Mr. Reed harvested his 
 crop, and September 22, 1784, bought and moved 
 upon a place in Cecil township, this county. He 
 died in 1824, his widow surviving him until 1840. 
 Joseph Reed was born April 30, 1796, on the 
 home farm in Cecil township, where his boyhood 
 was passed. He was first married to Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Thomas Alexander, who died six 
 mouths after the wedding, and for his second wife 
 Mr. Reed was married to Anna, daughter of Rev. 
 David McLean, of Ohio. She bore him four chil- 
 dren, viz. : Margaret (deceased wife of Robert 
 Henderson, resided in Chartiers township), Mary 
 (deceased wife of John Nesbit, Chartiers town 
 ship), David (a leading physician of Cedar Rapids, 
 deceased in 1878) and Jane Ann (wife of John B. 
 Moy, Venice, this county). The mother of these 
 children died, and he was afterward married to 
 Maitha Anderson, who was born October 2. 1816, 
 in Chartiers township. They settled on the old 
 homestead where children were born to them, 
 as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. David White), John 
 (deceased September 21, 1863, in Indiana. Hewasa 
 minister in the U. P. Church), Matthew Anderson 
 (living in Allegheny City, Penn.), Thomas Alex- 
 ander (living in Pasadena, Cal. ), George Murry (a 
 U. P. minister of Cumberland county, Penn.), 
 Julia Ann (wife of Alonza F. Hemphill, Houstnn- 
 ville, Penn.) and Lidlie Campbell (living in Cecil 
 township). Mr. Reed was always identified with 
 the interests of Cecil township. He possessed a 
 strong constitution and lived to be ninety eight 
 years of age, dying in October, 1885, his wife 
 having gone before in October, 1882. In 1877 
 David White bought his present farm in Cecil 
 township, containing 110 acres of good land, and 
 moved upon it the following year. Two children 
 have blessed his second marriage: Joseph A., a 
 graduate of the Iron City Commercial College, at 
 Pittsburgh, and Elva Minetta (deceased in 1889, in 
 
 her thirteenth year). Politically Mr. White is a 
 Prohibitionist. He was formerly a member of the 
 TJ. P. Church at Venice, but he and his wife are 
 now connected with the Cauousburg Chartiers 
 Congregation. 
 
 ILLIAM S. GRIMES. When young men 
 of culture, intellect and education deliber- 
 ately choose a peaceful rural life in pref- 
 erence to the glittering show and cease- 
 less din of a metropolis, it augurs well for progress 
 ive agriculture. No profession is more free from 
 petty annoyances or more conducive to mental and 
 moral as well as physical, growth, than is that of 
 an intelligent farmer. The youth of to-day realize 
 this fact as never before, and the illiterate farmer 
 from the rural districts will soon be a legend of 
 the past, for his place is even now filled with men 
 who are equally able to take their places in college 
 halls or harvest fields, and among whom is the 
 family of William S. Grimes. 
 
 William S.Grimes is a grandson of Isaac Grimes, 
 who was born in Washington county, Penn.. and 
 followed the blacksmith's trade in early life. When 
 a young man he was married to Sarah Pool, a na- 
 tive of this county, and they were the parents of 
 four children, viz. : William (deceased). Joshua N., 
 Mary (deceased), and one that died in infancy. 
 Both parents died on the old place in 1871. 
 
 William Grimes, father of subject, was born 
 June 19, 1823, in East Pike Run township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. He learned and followed the 
 blacksmith's trade when a young man, and in 1851 
 was married to Margaret A. Springer, who was 
 born in 1831, in East Pike Run township, this 
 county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Grimes 
 located on the home place, where he followed farm- 
 ing and stock raising. He took an active interest 
 in the Republican party, and served in local offices; 
 in religious faith he and his wife were members of 
 the Presbyterian Church at Coal Centre, Penn., of 
 which he was an elder about thirty years. Their 
 children were as follows: William S. ; Leroy C. , a 
 farmer of Stark county, Ohio; Anna L. . wife of C. 
 Miller, a physician of Fayette county, Penn., and 
 Mary B., deceased wife of Townsend Theakston. 
 The father died November 22, 1880, the mother 
 having "gone before" in February, 1877. 
 
 William S. Grimes was born October 11, 1852. 
 on the home farm in East Pike Run township, this 
 county. His elementary education was secured at 
 the district schools, and he then attended the 
 Southwestern State Normal School, at California, 
 several terms. After completing his studies he 
 taught for some time, and finally settling on the 
 homestead, has since devoted his attention to agri- 
 culture. On March 25, 1874, he was united in 
 marriage with Lizzie Dorsey, who was born Sep- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1231 
 
 tember 1, 1855, in East Pike Run township, this 
 county, a daughter of George and Martha (Phil 
 lips) Dorsey, also natives of this county, who were 
 the parents of nine children, of whom three are 
 now living: Cassius A., Charles I. and Lizzie. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are living on the old home- 
 stead, consisting of 114 acres of well cultivated 
 laud, upon which he carries on practical farming 
 with signal success. Good buildings have been 
 erected on the place, and the stone part of the 
 house was built over one hundred years ago. He 
 votes with the Republican party, and in religion he 
 aud his wife are members of the Taylor M. E. 
 Church, of which he is a trustee. The names and 
 dates of birth of the children of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Grimes are as follows: Nora E., August 8, 1875; 
 Elva L., October 23, 1876; Margaret A.. April '2'-'. 
 1878; George D., August 15. 1880; William C, 
 July 20, 1884: Mattie R., March 24, 188(5, and 
 Mansoll F. , December 14, 1891. Mr. Grimes iB 
 the present auditor of West Pike Run. 
 
 YLVESTER HERTIG, a prominent fanner 
 and wool-grower of Donegal towuship, is a 
 son of John G. Hertig, who was born in 
 1804, in the Canton Neufchatel, near the 
 beautiful city and lake of the same name, the coun- 
 try being at lhattime an annex of the French Em- 
 pire. The Hertig family were ardent admirers of 
 the world renowned Napoleon, and Charles (the 
 eldest son of the family) though a youth of barely 
 twenty years, had already won the epaulets of a 
 subaltern officer, in the sanguinary battle of 
 Waterloo, where he received a severe wound. The 
 father of this family was a battle scarred veteran, 
 and had then been placed on the retired list. 
 
 John G. Hertig was to have beeu educated for 
 the church in accordance with his parents' desires, 
 but the ideas of the youth did not agree with the 
 expressed wishes of the family. Ho had no taste 
 for thelifeof a churchman, but secretly determined 
 to secure as good an education as possible, and then 
 flee to America, whose free institutions imparted 
 so roseate a tint to his boyish dreams. Quittiug 
 school at the age of sixteen years, with the repu- 
 tation of being a prodigy in scholarship, he gained 
 the consent of his parents to go to Holland, as the 
 fall of Napoleon had given the then hated Prus- 
 sians the control of his birthplace. He was limited 
 in finances at this time, which fact prevented his 
 coming at once to America, but it was only hope 
 deferred. The long-cherished ambition was hid- 
 den for a time, but never once forgotten. John 
 Hertig soon became tutor in a wealthy family, and 
 giving them four hours daily of his time, received 
 a libera] compensation. In addition to the luxu- 
 ries of aristocratic life, which included unlimited 
 quantities of the most elegant wearing apparel, he 
 
 also received the annual sum of $300 in gold. But 
 certain galling restraints were imposed, and his 
 proud spirit, brooking no fetters, longed eagerly 
 for absolute freedom. He must realize the dream 
 of his life, naught else would satisfy, and at the 
 end of two years he decided that the time for ac- 
 tion had arrived. Having saved $1,000, the daring 
 youth bid adieu to the family with whom he had 
 been an honored guest (who entreated him t<> re 
 main with them), and sending a farewell to his 
 parents, looked his last on the shores of Europe. 
 Perhaps a faint regret came over him as the banks 
 of his sunny France faded from sight, and he re- 
 alized that he was forever leaving all who loved 
 him, to dwell a stranger in a strange laud. But 
 youth is buoyant, and seldom spends much time 
 in vain regret; new scenes were before him, a new 
 life lay just beyond. In 1824 the young man 
 landed in New York, where he remained some 
 time, then went to Uniontown, Fayette Co., Penn. , 
 entering in a partnership school with an American, 
 who attempted to cheat the young foreigner. 
 After discovering the treachery, young Hertig 
 withdrew from the school, and began teaching in 
 George township, Fayette Co., Penn. Soon after- 
 ward he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Joseph Showalter, a farmer of the 
 neighborhood, and eleven children were born to 
 their union, of whom eight are yet living. Mr. 
 Hertig passed many years of his life in Fayette 
 county, Penn., and was one of the best-known and 
 most popular men of the county. He possessed 
 remarkable mathematical skill, and never saw or 
 heard of a problem which he could not solve. He 
 was a fluent scholar, speaking, reading and writing 
 the English. French and German languages with 
 perfect ease; translating Latin as a pastime; 
 solving the most difficult mathematical problems 
 readily as if but child's play; surveying lands, 
 drawing plats, and drawing up all kinds of legal 
 documents, with more ease than an average law- 
 yer. Mr. Hertig was indeed a man of wonderful 
 power aud versatility. The latter years of his life 
 were passed in Tennessee (where he owned some 
 real estate), thinking that the balmy southern air 
 might lessen the pain of the infirmities he was 
 obliged to suffer, although not confined to the 
 bed, and never accepting a physician's aid. He 
 died August 24, 1885, at Cleveland, Tenn. ; his 
 widow still survives him. 
 
 Sylvester Hertig was born January 20, 1 850, in 
 George township. Fayette Co., Penn. He received 
 a common school education, and passed his boy 
 hood on his father's farm. On February 19, 1880, 
 he was married to Emma L. Eberhart. who was 
 born March 25, 1861, daughter of Adolph and 
 Sarah (Beatty) Eberhart, and she has borne him 
 children as follows: Charles, Adolph, Hortense 
 and John G. After his marriage Mr. Hertig 
 
1232 
 
 II ASIIINGTON COUXTV. 
 
 resided some time in Springhill township, Fayette 
 Co., Penn., and followed farming and stock raising. 
 He tben moved to Buffalo township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and located about six miles west of 
 Washington. In 1888 he came to Donegiil town- 
 ship, this county, locatingon the " James Dickey'' 
 farm, which ho now owns, lying about one mile 
 and a half south of Duusfort, near the line of 
 West Virginia, where he is extensively engaged 
 in wool-growing. Mr. Hertig casts his ballot for 
 the one he considers most capable of tilling the po 
 sitiou, regardless of political standing. 
 
 
 dfACOB F. McDOWELL is a worthy repre- 
 sentative of one of the early families of 
 | Mt. Pleasant township. The McDowells are 
 of Scotch descent, the first settlement having 
 been made in Lancaster county, Penn., in 
 colonial days, by Thomas McDowell. He first 
 settled near McConnell's Mill, Chartiers township, 
 and in 177',) took a patent for 400 acres in Mt. Pleas- 
 aut township, now in the McDowell and Miller 
 name. He died in this county, and was buried in 
 Buffalo village. 
 
 The grandfather, James McDowell, was born in 
 Lancaster county, Penn., and when a young man 
 came to Washington county, taking out a patent 
 for land in Mt. Pleasant township. He was mar- 
 ried in Chartiers township to Mary McKnight, a 
 native of the last named place, and the young 
 couple settled on the place in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship now occupied by their grandson, Jacob F. 
 Mrs. James McDowell died in 1853. 
 
 John McDowell was born in 1811, on the old 
 home place in Mt. Pleasant township, and attended 
 the subscription schools during his boyhood. In 
 1838 he was married to Margaret Miller, who was 
 born in Chartiers township, and they continued to 
 reside on the old homestead, where he followed 
 agricultural pursuits. In political opinion he was 
 a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife were 
 among the first members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Mt. Prospect. He died August 18, 
 18S6, having been preceded by the wife and mother 
 February 20, 1866. They were the parents of 
 seven children, namely: James W., an attorney 
 at Washington, Penn. ; Jacob F., of whom a sketch 
 follows; Margaret, wife of J. M. K. Donaldson; 
 Rebecca, married to James Agnew, of Mt. Pleasant 
 township; John, living at Canonsburg, Penn.; 
 Sarah, residing on the home farm; and Lizzie, also 
 at home. 
 
 Jacob F. McDowell was born June 3, 1843, on 
 the old homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, re- 
 ceiving his education at the schools of the home 
 district, and beginning life for himself on his 
 birthplace. On January 29, 1874, he married 
 Margaret Dickson, a native of Cecil township, this 
 
 county, whose parents were early settlers of the 
 same locality. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have 
 always remained on the old place, which contains 
 eighty six acres of well-cultivated land, and he is 
 engaged in general farming and stock raising. He 
 is actively interested in the success of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and has served two terms on the 
 school board, and also as auditor of Mt. Pleasant 
 township. In religion he and his wife are members 
 of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a 
 deacon. Three children have blessed their union, 
 namely: Ida Margaret, Theresa Elizabeth and 
 John Howard. 
 
 ICHAKD M. FITZWILLIAM, a prosper 
 ous and popular citizen of Franklin town- 
 ship, whose tine farm of 240 acres is situ- 
 ated near the borough of Washington, was 
 born June 28, ]S2.\ in Rankintowu, Wash 
 ingtou Co., Pennsylvania. 
 
 His grandfather. William Fitzwilliam, was a 
 native of County Down, Ireland, where he was 
 married to Jane McCullough, and a few years 
 thereafter they came to America, landing at Phila- 
 delphia, thence proceeding to Little York, same 
 State, where they remained some time. During 
 the "Whisky Insurrection" he volunteered into 
 the militia, and was sent to Washington county, 
 where he concluded to make his home, so brought 
 his family and made a settlement in Frauklin 
 township. Afterward he moved to Mercer county, 
 same State, where he remained some time; thence 
 went to Ross county, Ohio, where he passed the 
 remaining days of his busy life; his widow re- 
 turned to Washington county, and here died in 
 1S42. By trade Mr. Fitzwilliam was a weaver, 
 which he followed both in Ireland and in this 
 country. He was an adherent of the Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 Francis Fitzwilliam, father of subject, was born 
 in Franklin township, this county, in 1801. While 
 in Ross county, Ohio, he learned blacksmithing, 
 and after serving his apprenticeship moved to 
 Metcer county, Penn., where he remained one 
 year, working at his trade; then located in Ran 
 kintown, this county, where he worked eight years. 
 In 1832 he purchased the farm in Franklin town 
 ship now occupied by his son Richard M. In 1824 
 Mr. Fitzwilliam married Mary, daughter of Rich- 
 ard Mounts, a member of one of the earliest 
 families of the county, and the children boin to this 
 union were Richard M., Jane (widow of James H. 
 Wheeler), Frank (who was educated at Washing- 
 ton and Jefferson College, was admitted to the liar, 
 went to Kansas, and there died; he had married 
 Eliza Clay Jackson, of Bowling Green, Ky., and 
 they had four children: Mary, Lizzie, Frank and 
 Romaiue, all residents of Leavenworth, Kaus.), aud 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1233 
 
 Mary (also deceased). The father was called from 
 earth April 15, 1875, the mother having preceded 
 him to the grave March 31, 1S72. Francis Fitz- 
 william was a self-made man in every sense, and 
 won his own success unaided. He was, in his politi- 
 cal predilections, first a Whig and Abolitionist, and 
 afterward a Republican, and in church connection 
 he was a thorough Presbyterian. 
 
 Richard M. Fitzwilliam, the subject of this 
 sketch, passed his early life on his father's farm, 
 and was educated at the common schools of his 
 vicinity. On April 23, 1864, he was united in 
 marriage witli Ella, daughter of James C. Cham- 
 bers, of Amwell township, and they at once set- 
 tled on the home place where they yet reside. Mr. 
 Fitzwilliam attends the First M. E. Church at 
 Washington, and in his political sympathies is an 
 active Republican. 
 
 J| AMES McKEE is a well known and prosperous 
 | farmer of Chartiers township. His father, 
 j John McKee, was a son of Samuel McKee, 
 the latter being a native of Ireland, who 
 emigrated to America in about 178(1, settling in 
 Washington county, Penn., on the farm where 
 he died. 
 
 John McKee was born in 1803, in Washington 
 county, Penn., and on arriving at man's estate 
 married Miss Nancy McNary, a native of Chartiers 
 township, this county. The young couple first set- 
 tled in Canton township, this county, and a few 
 years afterward moved to the home farm, where Mr. 
 McKee is yet living at the age of eighty nine years. 
 Five children were born to them, four of whom 
 died in infancy. The mother died in 1844, on the 
 farm in Canton township, and John McKee was 
 afterward married to Leviah Irwin, daughter of 
 John Irwin, an early pioneer of Washington 
 county, and to this union were born three children, 
 viz. : John T. (living in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 this county), Elizabeth N. and Mary M. (both resid- 
 ing at home). This wife died in 1880. 
 
 James McKee, son of John and Nancy McKee, 
 was born in 1830, in Canton township, being the 
 youngest of his father's family. He was educated 
 in the common schools of Chartiers township, and 
 also attended a term or two in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county. He has always followed fann- 
 ing and stock raising, making a specialty of good 
 Shorthorn cattle. The farm consists of 100 acres 
 of highly-cultivated land. James McKee is an 
 active member of the Democratic party, and served 
 as township supervisor for six years, also filling the 
 positions of auditor and inspector. He and his 
 Bisters are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church, of which the father is also a member. 
 
 ILLIAM WOODBURN, a well-known and 
 representative farmer of Independence 
 township, is a son of Thomas, whose fa- 
 ther, Thomas Woodburn, was a native of 
 Ireland, and there learned the trade of a weaver. 
 He afterward immigrated to America, locating in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where he was married, and brought his bride to 
 the log-cabin home, erected by his own hands. The 
 young people were frequently obliged to flee to the 
 neighboring blockhouse from the furious attacks of 
 the blood-thirsty savages. Fourteen children were 
 born to this pioneer couple, seven sons and seven 
 daughters, all of whom lived to an adult age and 
 two are yet living: Samuel, a resident of Tyler 
 county, W. Va., and John, living in Bnrgettstown, 
 Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Woodburn passed 
 their lives on the farm, where they died at an ad- 
 vanced age. 
 
 Thomas Woodburn, a son of Thomas Wood- 
 burn, the pioneer, was born about the year 1800, 
 on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and re- 
 ceived an education in the subscription schools of 
 the neighborhood. When yet a boy he began 
 working for the farmers in the vicinity, and in 
 1832 was married to Clarissa Jackson, who was 
 born about 1800, in Ohio county, W.Va., and died 
 in the year 1841, leaving the following children: 
 James, William, Thomas and Martha (Mrs. Mar- 
 shall Meredith, of Randolph county, W. Va.). For 
 his second wife, Mr. Woodburn was united in mar- 
 riage, in 1845, with Margaret McHenry, of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn. , and the children born to this 
 union were Nathan (a soldier in the late war, who 
 was killed in the service), Sarah (deceased), James 
 (deceased), John, Susan, Rebecca and Elizabeth. 
 Of these children, the latter four are all residents 
 of Tyler county, W. Va. Soon after his marriage 
 Mr. Woodburn located in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 where he engaged in farming, and in the latter 
 part of his life moved to a farm in Tyler county, 
 \V. Va., where he died in 1869. Mr. Woodburn 
 was a successful and respected business man. 
 Politically he was formerly a Whig, and after the 
 organization of the party became a Republican. 
 He was a member of the U. B. Church. Mrs. 
 Woodburn is now living in Tyler county, W. Va. 
 William Woodburn was born November 18, 
 1835, in West Liberty, Brooke Co. , W.Va., and being 
 left without a mother when but sis years of age, 
 he made his home with his paternal grandfather. 
 He remained there six years, then went to live 
 with his father in Allegheny county, Penn. At 
 the age of twenty years he began to "paddle his 
 own canoe," by working for different farmers. On 
 August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company C, 
 Twenty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
 and took part in all the engagements of that com- 
 
1234 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 pany. In the year L865 he was honorably dis- 
 charged, and returning home, began work upon 
 the farm. On April 16, 1868, he was married to 
 Sarah Meloy, who was born August 16, 1833, in 
 Buffalo township, and they have had the follow 
 ing children: Nina E., Lee Anna B. and Jennie 
 K., all "f whom are yet living with their parents, 
 the latter two being school teachers. The first 
 years of married life were passed by Mr. Wood- 
 born in German township, Harrison Co., Ohio, 
 near Cadiz Junction. In the year 1875 he moved 
 to his present home in Independence township, 
 Washington county, locating near Mt. Hope. He 
 is a farmer and stock 'raiser, and in politics is a 
 Republican. He and his wife are both members 
 of the Alt. Hope U. P. Church. 
 
 OBERT D. CRAIG, one of the stirring, go 
 ahead young farmers of Hopewell town 
 ship. Washington comity, was born in 
 1867, on the farm where he now resides. 
 He is a son of William Craig, who was a 
 William and Susan (Leaper) Craig, the 
 a native of the North of Ireland, and the 
 latter born in Pennsylvania. 
 
 William Craig, the grandfather, grew to man 
 hood in Ireland, when the family sought a home 
 in this country. William came to Washington 
 county. Penn.. and established himself on a farm 
 near West Middletown, there residing until his 
 death. His family consisted of the following 
 named children: John, Walter, William, Jane, Re 
 becca, Susan, Catherine and Margaret. The father 
 died in 1834, in his sixtieth year. His widow sur- 
 vived him until 1866, when she too passed away, 
 at the advanced age of eighty years. With Mr. 
 Craig came his two brothers — David (who resided 
 at Middletown) and Walter (who lived at Cross 
 Creek village). 
 
 William Craig, father of Robert D. Craig, was 
 born on the home farm in Hopewell township, 
 though the family residence was then in Independ- 
 ence township, this county. He was educated in the 
 common schools of Independence township, at- 
 tending whenever possible, and acquiring a good 
 English education. When about twenty three 
 years of age he married Margaret MeFadden, who 
 died in October, L864, leaving six children, namely: 
 Alexander, William, John S., Susan, Margaret and 
 Lucy, of whom Alexander, Susan and Margaret 
 are deceased. In 1865 Mr. Craig was married to 
 Margaret Dalzell, and a son and daughter were 
 born to them: Robert D. and Lavina Jennie. The 
 father was always a successful fanner, and was 
 the owner of some excellent places. During the 
 later years of his life he also dealt largely in stuck, 
 in which vocation he was equally successful, con 
 ducting a large business. His success was due to 
 
 energy and industry, combined with economy and 
 business foresight. In politics he differed from 
 other members of his family, being an earnest ad 
 vocate of the principles of the Republican party, 
 but though always koenly on the lookout for 
 the welfare of his county, neither sought nor de- 
 sired public office. During the last years of his 
 life ho was a member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. He died October 3, 1890. Of the chil 
 dren of his family the following is a brief record: 
 William Craig, the eldest living son, is married to 
 Miss Ada Nuzum, of West Virginia, and is now 
 residing in Independence township, this county 
 (they have had two children: Eva Pearl, now about 
 five years of age, and Anna, deceased); John, the 
 second living son of William Craig, was married 
 to Miss Kate Botes, who has borne' him two chil 
 dren, Alvin and Mary Belle; Lucy, daughter of 
 William and Margaret Craig, is married to James 
 McMurray, and is living iu Kansas City, Mo. ; 
 Robert D. (subject) and Lavina J. are unmarried, 
 and reside with their mother on the old homestead. 
 Like their father, the men of the Craig family are 
 adherents of the Republican party. 
 
 AMUEL J. MELVIN, a well known farmer 
 and one of the representative citizens of 
 Hanover township, traces the genealogy of 
 the Melvin family to two brothers, Samuel 
 and William Melvin, who came to America in early 
 days with their parents, and located on a farm iu 
 Cecil county, Md. 
 
 Samuel Melvin was born March 28, 1772, in 
 Ireland, coming with his parents to this country 
 when a child. He grew to manhood in Cecil county. 
 Md. , and on December 31, 1795, was married to 
 Tamar Miller, who was born August 5, 1774, in 
 Maryland. Some time after their marriage they 
 set out for the West, and in 1803 came to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., locating on a farm in the ter- 
 ritory now named Jefferson (then Cross Creek) 
 township, where he began to clear away the forest 
 and make a home. After a prosperous and indus 
 trious life he died March 17, 1826, having been 
 preceded by his wife, October 13, 1821. They are 
 buried at Bethel Church cemetery in Jefferson 
 township. His brother William came to Jefferson 
 township in 1808, afterward moving to Brooke 
 county, W. Va. , and in 1S48 settled in Burgetts 
 town, where he died in 1856. The following chil 
 dren were born to Samuel and Tamar Melvin: 
 Ann. born February 21, 1797, Mrs. Edward J 
 Jones, of Jefferson township; John, died October 
 13, 1821, and was buried with his mother (he was 
 born March 5, 1799); Henry, a merchant at Wells 
 ville, Ohio, and other places, died at Wellsburg, 
 W. Va., born April 29, 1801; Sarah, born April 2, 
 1803; William, whose sketch follows; Tamar, born 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1235 
 
 August 23, 1807, wife of George Elliott, of Davis 
 county, Iowa; James, a cabinet maker and under- 
 taker at Pugbtown, W. Va. (father of ex- Judge 
 Thayer Melvin, of Wheeling, W. Va.), born March 
 9, 1810; Samuel, died when twelve years of age, 
 born August 1, 1812; and Lydia, Mrs. James T. 
 Jones, born November 9, 1816. Of this family 
 none are now living. 
 
 William Melvin was born June 9, 1805, in Jef- 
 ferson township, this county, and received a very 
 limited subscription- school education, working on 
 the farm. His elder brother Henry being a crip 
 pie. the greater part of the work fell on William. 
 On June 14, 1827, he was married to Abigail Jones, 
 a native of Maryland, daughter of Edward J. Jones, 
 also a native of Maryland, who resided in Jeffer 
 son township, Washington county, at the time of 
 their marriage. William and Abigail Melvin were 
 tin' parents of the following children: Ann, widow 
 of David Thorley. of Jefferson township; John, a 
 farmer of Jefferson township; Tamar E., deceased 
 wife of Robert Hamilton, of Davis county, Iowa; 
 Mary M., widow of Cyrus M. Stephenson, of El- 
 dersville, Penn.; Samuel J., our subject; Lydia, 
 married Robert P. Cooper, went to Iowa, but died 
 on the home place in Jefferson township, this 
 county; and William, a farmer living on the home 
 place. Mrs. Melvin died July 3, 1850, and was 
 buried in the Bethel graveyard. For his second 
 wife William Melvin married Susan Ann McKeever, 
 a sister of the well-known Judge McKeever, of 
 Hopewell township, who is the only member of her 
 family now living. Mr. Melvin began his married 
 life on the home farm, which was then considera- 
 bly involved. But with untiring energy he labored 
 (often making flour barrels after night, for sale) 
 until the place was free from incumbrance, and va- 
 rious additions and improvements were made and 
 paid for. He possessed abundant vitality, under- 
 going several accidents which would have resulted 
 fatally to an ordinary man. He was over six feet 
 in stature and well proportioned. He was a bitter 
 enemy of slavery, and at one time the only Aboli- 
 tionist in Jefferson township. In politics he was 
 first a Democrat, then a Whig, next an Abolitionist 
 nr Freesoiler, and finally a Prohibitionist, casting 
 his last ballot for Gen. Clinton B. Fisk for Presi- 
 dent — his last public act. He was a member of the 
 Wesleyan Methodist Church at Eldersville, Penn., 
 and a zealous worker for the cause of the Master. 
 When he passed away, December 23, 1888, Jeffer- 
 son township lost one of her most worthy and 
 valued citizens, and Methodism one of its most 
 zealous supporters. 
 
 Samuel Jones Melvin (our subject) was born 
 February 3, 1839, in Jefferson township, this 
 county. His earlier education was supplemented 
 by a two years' preparatory course at Adrian Col- 
 lege, Adrian, Mich, where he was a student when 
 
 the Civil war opened. He came home intending to 
 enlist, but was persuaded by friends to remain at 
 home, as his health was rather feeble. When Lin- 
 coln issued a call for ninety-day men, the name of 
 Samuel J. Melvin was drawn, but rather than be 
 drafted, he enlisted, October 21, 1862, as a volun- 
 teer in Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I. 
 (Roundheads) at Eldersville, Penn. He served 
 two years and nine months, and during that time 
 was employed as clerk in different departments, 
 from company to corps headquarters, his ability in 
 this line having been discovered in the early part 
 of the service. When drafted he was engaged in 
 teaching school in what is known as Lee's School, 
 Jefferson township, having completed one month 
 of the term when the draft was made. While in 
 the army he suffered from inflammatory rheu 
 matism, chronic diarrhoea and typhoid fever. He 
 was honorably discharged July 24, 1865, and re- 
 turned to Washington county, Penn. Afterward 
 he took a western trip, and, finally returning to his 
 birthplace, began farming on the home place. On 
 November 14, 1867, he was married to Helen M. 
 Hanlin, who was born December 23, 1845, a daugh- 
 ter of Alexander and Margaret (Gracey) Hanlin, of 
 Hanover township. The children of Samuel J. and 
 Helen M. Melvin are as follows: Charles P., a pat- 
 tern maker of Pittsburgh, Penn.; William Alexan- 
 der, deceased at the age of seven years; Galbraith 
 Stewart, Mary Gracey and Alice Gertrude, all of 
 whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Melvin 
 remained on the old Melvin farm in Jefferson 
 township until February 24, 1875, when they came 
 to Hanover township and located on the Alexander 
 Hanlin farm, part of which is now their home. He 
 has made many improvements on the place and has 
 erected a pleasant residence, which commands a 
 fine view of the surrounding farms. He follows 
 general farming and stock raising, and is also con- 
 ducting a dairy business. He voted with the Re- 
 publican party until 1884, since which time he has 
 been a member of the Prohibition party. He and 
 his wife are leading members of the Wesleyan 
 Methodist Church of Eldersville, Penn., of which 
 he is a trustee and class-leader. He has also, for 
 a number of years, been superintendent of a Union 
 Sabbath school at Hanlin Station. 
 
 If AMES M. THOMAS. Among the leading f am- 
 
 I ilies of Washington county, none have a bet- 
 
 fr ter claim to prominent mention in the pages 
 
 ^^ of this Biographical Record than the one of 
 
 which the gentleman is a worthy member. 
 
 Edmund Thomas, grandfather of James M., is 
 the first of the family in this county of whom there 
 are any data. He was a native of eastern Penn- 
 sylvania, and when a young man came hither and 
 made a settlement in North Strabaue township, 
 
1236 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 where lie carried on farming to the end of his busy 
 life, becoming one of the leading citizens, ever in 
 the van of all progressive movements. He was 
 her.- married to Rhoda, daughter of David Leon- 
 ard, of Washington county, a resident of near the 
 village of Beutleyville, and the children born to 
 them were Sarah, Mary, Rebecca, Ann, Phoebe, 
 Lydia, Rhoda, Nancy and Liverton. Mr. Thomas 
 early united with the Presbyterian Cburqh, in after 
 life serving for many years as a trustee and an 
 elder. Politically he was a zealous Democrat. 
 
 Liverton Thomas, father of subject, was born in 
 North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 .May 12, 1809, and his education was received at 
 the schools of his district, which he enhanced by 
 much after study. In 1834 he was married, in 
 Ohio, to Miss Mary A. Glandon, who was born in 
 Maryland, October 2, 1813, and moved with her 
 parents to Harrison county, Ohio, and the results 
 of this union were nine children, eight of whom 
 are yet living, viz. : Edmund, in Saline county, 
 Neb. ; William, a farmer in Chase county, Neb. ; 
 James M.; Rhoda L., wife of John Hodgens, in 
 Dea Moines, Iowa; Liverton G., a physician in 
 Philadelphia, Penn.; Belle M., wife of James C. 
 Matthews, a farmer and undertaker in North Stra- 
 bane township; A. J., also a farmer in North Stra- 
 bane township; and Ida M., wife of William Ket- 
 tle, of Rush county, Kans. ; Caleb F. died in in- 
 fancy. The mother died Decembei 10, 1873. and 
 the father then went to live with his daughter, 
 Mrs. John Hodgens, in Des Moines, Iowa, where 
 he now is. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, of which he has always been a liberal sn im- 
 porter, and was the donator of the land on which 
 the Fairview church now stands, having materially 
 contributed toward its erection, and has been an 
 elder from its organization. Politically, he is a 
 lifelong Democrat, and has been in his day a 
 hard worker for the party's interests. 
 
 James M. Thomas was born December 29, 1838, 
 in North Strabane township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and received a thorough common-school 
 training, which, being a diligent student and apt 
 scholar, he turned to the best account. He assist- 
 ed in the duties of his father's farm until 1866, in 
 which year he embarked in general mercantile 
 business in the village of Thomas, inclusive of the 
 buying and shipping of all kinds of farm produce. 
 He is one of the heaviest wool dealers in his local- 
 ity, and has justly earned the confidence of every 
 one with whom he has had dealings. His first 
 store was a 16x20 room, which was soon enlarged 
 to H'ix4(), to meet the growth of his business. In 
 1876 he erected bis present business block in the 
 same village, 24x70, two stories and a basement. 
 The store is finished in natural wood, and is one of 
 the finest country stores in the county. Mr. 
 Thomas carries full lineh of all classes of goods, 
 
 dealing heavily, in produce, and his success is en- 
 tirely of his own making. On September 20, 181)9, 
 James M. Thomas was united in marriage with 
 Mary J., daughter of Alexander Hamilton, of Not- 
 tingham township, and the children born to them 
 are Carrie B. , Howard N., Cora B. and Clyde B. 
 The mother of this family died July 10, 1885, and 
 December 28, 1886, Mr. Thomas for his second 
 wife married Mrs. Anna Hodgens, daughter of Dr. 
 Murray, of Canonsburg. The family are members 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Fairview, in which 
 Mr. Thomas is an elder and has held various 
 offices. His political predilections are Democratic, 
 but of late years he has preferred to vote for the 
 best man, irrespective of party claims, at all times 
 having first in view the best interests of his town 
 ship, county and State. 
 
 DAVID A. BROWNLEE is a representative 
 j of one of the most prominent pioneer fami- 
 lies of Washington county, and traces his 
 lineage back through the generations to a 
 hardy, robust Scotch " lad and lassie." 
 
 Archibald Brownlee was born and reared in 
 Scotland, and was there married to a Miss Hamilton, 
 who bore him the following children: James, Will- 
 iam, John, Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John 
 Allison), and Hugh (who died when the family 
 were crossing the ocean). About the year 1765 he 
 immigrated to America, first locating in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., where he remained some time, and 
 in 1775 purchased a farm in Canton township, 
 Washington county, which became their perma- 
 nent home. James Brownlee, a brother of Archi- 
 bald, also settled in Washington county, where he 
 resided until 1800, since which time the family 
 have all removed from the county. Archibald was 
 first a member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, 
 and afterward united with the Seceder Church. 
 He followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and 
 died in Canton township. 
 
 James Brownlee was born January 4, 1745, in 
 Lanarkshire, Scotland, and after coming to Amer- 
 ica learned the trade of a millwright, which he fol- 
 lowed several years in eastern Pennsylvania. He 
 then settled on a farm in Canton township, Wash- 
 ington county, where the remainder of his life was 
 passed. In early manhood he was united in mar- 
 riage with Jane Leman, a member of a pioneer 
 family of Washington county, who had emigrated 
 from Ireland, and to this union came the following 
 children, their names and dates of birth being 
 given: John, October 15, 1777; Archibald, Febru 
 arv 28, 1779; James, September 27, 1780; Hugh, 
 July 23, 1782; Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel Brownlee), 
 May 17, 1784; William, January 13, 1786; Thomas, 
 December 1, 1787; Samuel, August 9, 1789; Jo 
 seph, August 8, 1791; Jane (wife of Kenneth 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1239 
 
 McCoy), April 20, 1793; and David, April 8, 1797. 
 The home of Mr. Brownlee was situated two miles 
 west of Washington borough. He was a member 
 of and ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North 
 Buffalo, and in politics he was a Whig. He died 
 in 1822, and was buried beside his wife, who had 
 preceded him to the grave. 
 
 Joseph Brownlee was born in Canton township, 
 Washington .Co., Penn., passed his early life on the 
 home place, and was for some time engaged in 
 hauling goods from Philadelphia. He married 
 Esther, daughter of John Templeton, of Washing- 
 ton county, and in 1819 the young couple settled 
 on a farm in Independence township, where their 
 lives were passed and the following children born: 
 Ann, James H. (living in Knoxville, Tenn.), John 
 T. and Jane (Mrs. Robert Y. Meloy). Mrs. Brown- 
 lee died December 8, 1832, and Mr. Brownlee, 
 May 1T>, 1834, married Jane Auld, of Washington 
 county. Of this union were born: David A., Jo- 
 seph W. (residing in Cross Creek township), Sarah 
 M. (Mrs. Samuel Donaldson), Esther H. (Mrs. 
 Samuel L. Moore, of Independence), and Martin 
 B. (a minister of the U. P. Church in Iowa). Mr. 
 Brownlee was an energetic man, exerting a marked 
 influence on the lives of the surrounding people. 
 He was a member of the Mt. Hope U. 1'. Church, 
 in which he was an elder forty years. Politically 
 he was formerly a Whig and an Abolitionist, after 
 ward a Republican, and always took an active pari 
 in all questions of public interest. He died No- 
 vember 23, 1867, aud was buried by the side of 
 his wife in the cemetery at Mt. Hope. 
 
 David Auld, grandfather of subject, was born near 
 Coleraiue, in the North of Ireland, came to Amer- 
 ica at an early day, and settled in the southern 
 part of Washington county. Toward the beginning 
 of the present century he was married to hiscousin, 
 Mary Auld, by whom he had the following chil- 
 dren: James, Jane (married to Joseph Brownlee), 
 John, David and Mary, all now deceased. The 
 mother of these children died March 11, 1819, and 
 April 12, 1821, he was married to Sarah Jackson, 
 who survived him. He was a Whig, a member of 
 the Associate Church, and a farmer in Buffalo 
 township. 
 
 David A. Brownlee, our subject, was born Feb- 
 ruary 9, 1835, on the home farm, situated two and 
 a half miles northeast of Independence, in Inde- 
 pendence township. On October 15, 1868, he 
 married Jane Ann Templeton, who was born Jan 
 uary 13, 1838, daughter of Alexander Templeton. 
 Alexander Templeton was reared in Cross Creek 
 township. He married Margaret M. Gabby, 
 (daughter of James Gabby), by whom he had the 
 following children: John (who died at the age of 
 thirteen years from the kick of a horse), Dr. James 
 G. (in Pittsburgh), Thomas B. (deceased, was a 
 member of Company A, One Hundredth Pennsyl- 
 
 vania Infantry, and died after the battle of the 
 Wilderness), Jane Ann (Mrs. D. A. Brownlee), 
 Hugh A. (deceased), Esther M. (Mrs. John Scott), 
 Mary E. , Alexander Brown (deceased). Mr. Tem- 
 pleton was a Democrat in politics, and in religion 
 was a member of the U. I*. Church. In 1855 he 
 moved to New Wilmington, Penn., and died there 
 in April, 1861; his wife died in April, 1874, and 
 they are buried in the cemetery at New Wilming- 
 ton. Mr. aud Mrs. Brownlee have one child: 
 William T., born July 3, 1869, now a well educated 
 and prepossessing young man. After his marriage 
 our subject lived with his widowed mother until 
 her death, which occurred April 7, 1SS3 (she was 
 buried in Mt. Hope cemetery), since which time he 
 has owned aud managed the home place. Mr. 
 Brownlee has been very successful in business, and 
 has erected a large and commodious dwelling upon 
 his farm. Politically he is a Republican, and has 
 been elected to various township offices, in which 
 his efficiency has been ably demonstrated. He 
 and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope U. P. 
 Church, in which In- is an elder. They have re- 
 cently taken a verj nice little girl named Anna, 
 born September IS, 1884, and intend to raise her 
 as their own child. 
 
 J (AMES JONES, a well-known undertaker, liv- 
 ing at St. Cloud, Somerset township, is the 
 youngest sou of Perry Jones, whose father, 
 Abednago Jones, came to New York in an 
 early day and worked at his trade, that of a 
 tailor. He afterward moved to Washington 
 county, there making a permanent home. , 
 
 Perry Jones was born in 1783, in New York, 
 and when yet a boy learned the carpenter's trade, 
 which he followed all his life. In early manhood 
 he married Susanna McCelvy, who bore him four 
 sons and four daughters, of whom are yet living: 
 William A. (a carpenter of Wayne county, Ohio), 
 Isabel and James. Mr. and Mrs. Jones were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon 
 Creek. He died October 8, 1852, having been 
 preceded by his wife February 9, 1848. 
 
 James Jones (whose name opens this biography) 
 was born September 28, 1825, in Somerset town- 
 ship, this county, and when but a small boy learned 
 the trade of carpentry with his father. In I860 
 he opened an undertaking establishment which he 
 is yet conducting. On October 21, 1851, he was 
 united in marriage with Rachel P. Craig, who was 
 born September 22, 1824, in Allegheny county, 
 daughter of John and Ann (Larimor) Craig; tier 
 father was born on the ocean while his parents 
 were crossing from Ireland to America. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Craig both died in this county. To the 
 union of James and Rachel P. (Craig) Jones the 
 following children were born: Sarah B., born 
 
1240 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 October 12, 1852, died March 6, 1858; Austin H., 
 bora January 4, IS.")."), died April 3, 1856; Anna(wife 
 of William Leyde, a farmer of Nottingham town- 
 ship, this county), born August 18, 1856; John P. (a 
 farmer of Nottingham township), born August 17, 
 1858; William A (a Presbyterian minister of Knox - 
 ville, Pittsburgh, Penn.), born November 27, 1860; 
 Hanford M. , carpenter, born October 20, 1862; 
 James A. (a carpenter of Somerset township), born 
 December 30, 1864; and Nannie A. (living at home), 
 born FobruaiyS, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are 
 members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he was ruling elder many years, 
 also acting as first deacon, and he was superin- 
 tendent of the Sabbath school four years. On 
 August 1, 1884, he was. appointed postmaster at 
 St. Cloud, which office he is now filling; he also 
 served as director of the poor. In politics he was 
 formerly a Democrat, but is now a Prohibitionist. 
 
 J. CROTHERS was born in Mt. Pleas- 
 ant, Jefferson Co. , Ohio, June 25, 1812. In 
 1834 he located on the farm in Buffalo town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., now owned by 
 Samuel Blayney. On March 4, 1835, he was mar- 
 ried to Miss Jean Brownlee, daughter of William 
 Brownlee, one of the earliest pioneers of western 
 Pennsylvania. On that farm Mr. Crothers re- 
 mained until 1845, when he removed to the one 
 now owned by L. M. Crothers, his youngest son, 
 which lie had bought some years before. He re- 
 mained on this farm until his death, which oc- 
 curred July 20, 1889. 
 
 Mr. Crothers was known as one of the most 
 thorough agriculturists of the county. He was 
 very public spirited, taking an active and special 
 interest in every movement tending to the welfare 
 of his neighborhood. His characteristics, which 
 were strongly pronounced, and as unchangeable and 
 linn as a rock of adamant, may be summed up in a 
 few words: He thought for himself, he said exactly 
 what he thought; and he did exactly what he 
 said. 
 
 ^ILLIAM T. ARNOLD, a well-to-do 
 
 farmer of Hanover township, is the lineal 
 descendant of an old Irish family, the first 
 of whom to come to America was his 
 grandfather, Samuel Arnold. The latter was born 
 in Ireland, about ten miles from Newry, and the 
 sajne distance from Banbridge, County Down. 
 
 When Samuel Arnold was a young man he was 
 there married to Margaret Glass, who bore him the 
 following children in Ireland: Nancy (married to 
 William Anderson); Mary (died of "king's evil"). 
 
 Some til luring the latter part of the eighteenth 
 
 century this family came to America, and made 
 
 their first permanent location in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., where other children were born, namely: 
 John (of whom a sketch follows); Margaret (wife 
 of John Stewart, Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn.); 
 Jane (Mrs. John Moore), and Elizabeth (married 
 to Hugh Glenn, died in Richland county, Ohio). 
 Samuel Arnold and his wife died in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. 
 
 John Arnold (the father of our • subject) was 
 born August 19, 1800, in Allegheny county, Penn. 
 He received a meager education in the schools of 
 that period, and worked on his father's farm until 
 he was a boy of sixteen or seventeen. He then 
 began to learn the trade of a saddler (which at that 
 time was a very lucrative one), working under his 
 brother-in-law, John Stewart, at Noblestown, Penn. 
 In 1821 he was married to Mary Cavitt, who was 
 born in 1805, in Allegheny county, daughter of 
 George Cavitt, a native of Franklin county, whose 
 father, Patrick Cavitt, was born in Ireland. After 
 his marriage John Arnold located ten miles west 
 of Pittsburgh, along the Pittsburgh & Steubenville 
 pike. He finally secured a small tract of land, to 
 which, by patient industry and toil, he added. 
 They remained in Allegheny county twenty-five 
 years, and in 1846 removed to Hanover township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., along King's creek, where 
 he continued to follow farming. In politics, John 
 Arnold was a Whig and a Republican. At an 
 early age he made the good confession in the 
 Union Church, and in 1854 was elected elder of 
 the King's Creek Associate Reformed Church, 
 which position he held until his death, November 
 20, 1863. His widow survived him until January 
 29, 1880, when she was laid by his side in the 
 Frankfort cemetery. She also was connected with 
 the same church as her husband, and when the 
 United Presbyterian Church was organized, united 
 with that Society. They were the parents of the 
 following children: George C. (a U. P. minister), 
 born February 19, 1825, deceased December 1, 
 L863; Margaret (wife of Robert Ramsey, Beaver 
 county. Penn), born November 1, 1826; Samuel, 
 born October 11, 1829, deceased December 2, 
 1849; John (living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa), born 
 February 23, 1832; William T. (whose name opens 
 this sketch); Agnes (Mrs. B. F. Mevey, of Alle- 
 gheny, Penn.), born June 24. 1836; J. G., born 
 November 9, 1839, deceased June 5, 1857; Cyrus 
 G., born September 5, 1842; and J. Lee (living in 
 Chicago), born January 3. 1X50. 
 
 William T. Arnold was born December 22, 1833, 
 in Allegheny county, and attended the country 
 schools of his vicinity. He was reared on the 
 farm and performed the usual duties of agricult 
 ural life. On October 24, 1860, he married Ann 
 Eliza Ramsey, who was born November 4, 1835, in 
 Hanover township, Washington county, daughter 
 of Mitchell and Ann (George) Ramsey. The fol 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1241 
 
 lowing children Lave blessed this union: Thomas 
 G., a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; John, de- 
 ceased in youth; James M. ; Anna Mary; William 
 C. , and Charles S. ; the last four are living at home. 
 After his marriage William T. Arnold located 
 on the farm in Hanover township, this county, 
 adjoining the Beaver county line, where he 
 has ever since resided," following farming and 
 stock raising. He has also dealt in agricultural 
 implements. Although not a wealthy man, Mr. 
 Arnold enjoys the world and takes life cheerfully, 
 doing his duty day by day. In politics he is an 
 enthusiastic Republican, taking a warm interest in 
 the success of his party. Mrs. Arnold is a mem- 
 ber of the King's Creek U. P. Church. 
 
 / 
 
 HER O. BROWNLEE is descended from 
 one of the oldest pioneer families "I Wash 
 ingtou county, Penn. Archibald Brownlee, 
 the earliest known ancestor, was born near 
 Glasgow, Scotland, and passed his early 
 youth in his native land. When a young man he 
 emigrated to America with his wife and family, 
 and Inciting in eastern Pennsylvania resided there 
 many years previous to the Revolution, and there 
 reared a family of children, three of whom were: 
 Thomas (born in Scotland), James and William.' 
 The Indians becoming hostile drove settlers (men- 
 tioned) backto eastern Pennsylvania. The Revolu- 
 tion breaking out, Thomas enlisted under General 
 Washington, and was one of his ferrymen crossing 
 the Delaware. He was also one of Washington's 
 select marksmen, and was a man of great muscular 
 power, weighing from two huudred and fifty to 
 three hundred pounds. 
 
 Thomas Brownlee, son of Archibald, grew to 
 manhood, and was married to Martha Shearer. 
 After taking up his claim and after the Revolution 
 the young man came farther west, locating in Buf- 
 falo township, Washington Co., Penn. He there 
 entered 600 acres of land, nearly half of which tract 
 is still in the possession of his descendants. His 
 brothers, James and William, and his cousins, 
 James and John Brownlee, eacli took up 600 acres. 
 The following children were born to Thomas and 
 Martha Brownlee: Hamilton, Archibald. David, 
 Margaret, Jane and Martha; all of whom are now 
 deceased. The mother of these children died, and 
 after several lonely years, Mr. Brownlee was united 
 in marriage with Elizabeth Muncy, who bore him 
 four children: William T., Elizabeth, Rachel and 
 Susan, ail of whom are deceased. Of these chil- 
 dren, William T. Brownlee was killed in Missouri, 
 by a neighbor with whom he had some trouble. 
 
 Archibald, son of Thomas and Martha (Shearer) 
 Brownlee, was born January 12, 179r>, on the farm 
 in Buffalo township, Washington county. He was 
 one of the first Abolitionists, and took an active 
 
 part in smuggling slaves, being interested in the 
 underground railway, which was made to assist 
 the fugitive negro in escaping to Canada. Mr. 
 Brownlee was married to Keziah, daughter of 
 William, and descendant of Archibald Brownlee, 
 and the following children were born to their 
 union: Joanna (residing in Kansas), Ariel (living 
 in Buffalo township, Washington county), Eben- 
 ezer (a minister in Blue Earth City, Minn.), Mar- 
 garet (living in Washington county), Keziah (de- 
 ceased), Martha, Elizabeth and Jonathan (residents 
 of Washington county). Of the above family, 
 Ariel Brownlee was born July 10, 1829, on the 
 property in Buffalo township, which he now owns. 
 He received a common-school education, and was 
 reared to farm work. He enlisted in Company A, 
 Eighty-fifth P. V. I., under Capt. H. J. Van 
 Kirk, and took part in the engagements of Pair 
 Oaks, Deep Bottom and numerous skirmishes 
 lo reiving his discharge, he returned to the farm, 
 upon which he has since resided. Politically he 
 is a Republican, and in religion a United Presbj 
 terian. 
 
 Jonathan Brownlee, son of Archibald and Keziah 
 Brownlee, was born in Buffalo township, Washington 
 county, and passed his youth on the farm, where 
 he received a fair education, and afterward taught 
 eight terms of school. On November 28, 1854, he 
 was married to Catherine Anderson, daughter of 
 Benjamin Anderson, Donegal township, Washing- 
 ton county, and to them the following children 
 have been born: Anderson (a minister (U. P.) liv 
 ing at Martin's Ferry, Ohio), Alvin (deceased), 
 Nettie, Ner O. , Carrie, Jennie. Melvin (deceased) 
 and Hervey (deceased). Mr. Brownlee has a farm 
 of 136 acres and is engaged in stock raising, giv- 
 ing especial attention to breeding hogs, sheep and 
 cattle. In polities he is an active Republican, 
 having filled various township otlices. 
 
 Ner O. Brownlee, born March 3, 1861, son of 
 Jonathan and Catherine (Anderson) Brownlee, re- 
 ceived a fair education, to which he has added 
 much valuable knowledge, making stock raising a 
 special study. On October 20, 1886, he was mar- 
 ried to Beatrice, daughter of Thomas Noble, of 
 Wheeling, W. Va. This lady died November 28,1892, 
 leaving two children: Thomas Owen, born Janu 
 ary 4, 1888, and Louisa O, born July 16, 1889 
 (died June 20, 1891). Like his father Mr. Brown- 
 lee is a Republican, but not an active politician. 
 In religion he is connected with the United Pies 
 byterian Church at Claysville. 
 
 EiBENEZER BUCHANAN, a retired farmer 
 of West Alexander, Penn., was born July 
 
 7, 1815, in Ohio county, W.Va. He is a son of 
 John Buchanan, whose father was a native 
 
 of Ireland, and the first of the family to emigrate 
 to America. He located in Pennsylvania, where 
 
1-242 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 his son John was born, who there grew to man- 
 hood, and was united in marriage with Catherine 
 Blayney, of Ohio county, W. Va. 
 
 After his mariage, Mr. Buchanan remained in 
 Ohio county some time. In 1816 he moved to 
 Champaign county, Ohio, becoming a pioneer of 
 that county, where he died in the following year. 
 He had seven children, only three of whom lived 
 to an adult age, namely: George (deceased at the 
 age of seventy years), Ebeuezer (subject of this 
 sketch) and Martha (living on the home farm). 
 Alter the death of her husband, Mrs. Buchanan 
 and her three living children removed to Belmont 
 county, Ohio, where she lived for sometime, thence 
 proceeded to her native place in Ohio county, W. 
 Va. She died in 1870, at the age of eighty-six 
 years, and is now buried in the U. P. graveyard, 
 at West Alexander. 
 
 Ebenezer Buchanan is the youngest of a family 
 of seven children. He was but a small boy when 
 his father .lied, and at the age of twelve years he 
 becan to learn the tanner's trade at Taylorstown, 
 F .-nil. After serving his apprenticeship, he began 
 business for himself in 1836, at Good Intent, 
 Washington county. In the year 1838 he was 
 married to Jane Templeton. who was born Novem- 
 ber 12, 1818, in West Finley township; she is the 
 daughter of Alexander Templeton, a pioneer. 
 Alexander Templeton was born in 1786, one mile 
 east of Washington, Penn., of Irish parentage. 
 He married Charity McClaiu, of Pigeon Creek, in 
 1816, settled on a farm in West Finley township, 
 aid to them were born two sons and four daugh- 
 ters. Their sons became Presbyterian ministers. 
 Samuel M. married Margaret, daughter of Rev. 
 James Dickey, and died in 1867. Milo married 
 Agnes Rentoul, of Montrose, Scotland, and died 
 in lSf'>:i, both leaving families. The daughters are 
 all married, and are still living. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have had the following 
 children: MaKina C. (Mrs. William Henderson, 
 of Ohio Co., W. Va.), John Alexander (whose 
 health was wrecked in the Civil war, is an apiarist 
 (if Holiday's Cove. Hancock Co., W. Va.), Elmira 
 J. (deceased at the age of ten years), Theresa C. 
 (deceased at the age of twelve years), Caroline V. 
 (also deceased in her twelfth year), George Mil- 
 ton (deceased when seven years of age) and Ells- 
 worth (a groceryman of Claysville, Penu.). After 
 his marriage Mr. Buchanan farmed in Marshall 
 county, W. Va. , until 1847, when he removed to 
 Ohio county. In the year 1865 he came to Done- 
 gal township, Washington Co., Penn., and located 
 tin the borders of West Alexander. Since the town 
 has increased in extent. Mr. Buchanan has prac- 
 tically become a citizen. In 1885 he retired from 
 active life, and with his wife is now enjoying the 
 fruits of fifty five years of toil. He is an enthu- 
 siastic member of the Republican party, but 
 
 though nominations have been tendered him, he 
 prefers to give his time to his private business. 
 Both Mr. Buchanan and his wife are members of 
 the Presbyterian Church at West Alexander. 
 
 MITH FRY. The Fry family, of whom this 
 gentleman is a prominent member, are num- 
 bered with the earliest and most progressive 
 citizens of Washington county. 
 The first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania 
 was one Samuel Fry, who was born in 17 — , in 
 Virginia, and was there married to Christina 
 Speers, also a native of Virginia, born in 1752. 
 They came overland to Washington county, Penn., 
 in an early day, and July 19, 1792, took a "toma- 
 hawk right" to a large tract of laud in Fallowfield 
 township. Samuel Fry was a famous hunter, and 
 also worked on his farm, remaining in the fort at 
 night, for protection from the Indians. He died 
 in 1S14, being survived by his wife till November 
 9, 1841, when she too passed away. 
 
 Abraham Fry, son of Samuel and Christina 
 (Speers) Fry, was born in 1792, on the home farm 
 in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He received a subscription-school education, and 
 in early life was married to Isabella Ringland, a 
 native of Washington county. She bore him 
 eleven children, namely: Samuel (living in Allen 
 township, Washington county), John (also living 
 in Allen township), Christina (Mrs. Abraham Colvin, 
 of Fallowfield township), Abraham (who entered 
 the United States service in Washington county, 
 and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.), Henry, a 
 resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber 
 landriver), Noah (who died in Fallowfieldtownship), 
 Sarah (wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 4, Fal- 
 lowfield township), Jackson, living in Cowley coun- 
 ty, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was taken 
 prisoner, and was confined in Andersonville prison 
 eleven months), Clarissa (who married Alexander 
 Allnian, and died in East Pike Run township), 
 Smith (of whom a sketch follows) and Isabelle 
 I wife of Elgy Van Voorhis, of Kansas City., Mo). 
 After their marriage Abraham and Isabelle Fry 
 settled on the upper part of the old homestead in 
 Fallowfield township. He was actively interested 
 in public matters, and first affiliated with the 
 Democratic party, then becoming a Whig and Re- 
 publican. He died December 11, 1866, followed 
 by his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to 
 see her youngest daughter the mother of twelve 
 children. Both parents were members of the 
 Church of Christ. 
 
 Smith Fry was born March 4, 1836, on the old 
 homestead in Fallowfield township, and is the tenth 
 child in onler of birth. He attended the district 
 schools, passing his boyhood on the farm, and 
 March 21, 1861, he married Mary Ann Mitchell, a 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1245 
 
 native of Fallowlield township, Washington Co., 
 l'enn. Her parents were Mark and Lucinda (Bur- 
 gan) Mitchell, natives of Washington county, Penu. , 
 and members of the Church of Christ. James and 
 Elizabeth (Smock) Burgan, natives of Westmore- 
 land county, were among the early pioneers of 
 Washington county, and members of the Church 
 of Christ. He was remarkably well versed in the 
 Scriptures, and it is said of him that he could re- 
 cite entire chapters without prompting. He 
 served in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Fry be- 
 gan wedded life on the old place, where he owns 
 136 acres of good land, and is giving considerable 
 attention to stock raising, especially heavy-draft 
 Clydesdale horses. In his political preferences he 
 votes with the Republican party. His wife is a 
 member of the Church of Christ. Their children 
 are Harvey J. Fry, living in Fallowfield township. 
 married to Miss Maie Reeves, January 12, 1888; 
 Lucinda Isabella, wife of Joseph Nutt; Charley 
 Smith; Abram Elgy; Clara Estella, and Cora Oella. 
 
 JIOHN MAHAFFEY RUSH, a prominent 
 farmer and stock raiser of Hopewell town- 
 I ship, is of Irish descent, his father. Patrick 
 Rush, having been boru December 25, 1797, 
 in County Tyrone, Ireland. Patrick's parents 
 were John and Mary Rush, natives of County 
 Tyrone, where they resided during their entire 
 lives. 
 
 Patrick Rush evinced a desire to come to 
 America, and when but fourteen years of age, 
 joined a party of friends, named Miller, who were 
 about to emigrate. His parents pleaded with him 
 to remain at home until he reached manhood, but 
 with the impetuosity of youth he determined to 
 sail immediately, and was permitted to accompany 
 his friends on board the vessel, where he concealed 
 himself until out of port. His friends paid for his 
 passage, and he promised to work for them after 
 reaching America until he could repay them. The 
 Miller family came to Mt. Pleasant township, 
 this county, and began clearing land. After work- 
 ing out his debt, young Patrick Rush hired to Mr. 
 Miller by the year, remaining in his employ for 
 several years. On Christmas Day, 1829, he was 
 married to Sarah Mehaffey, a native of Ireland, 
 boru September 18, 1799, in County Down, Ireland. 
 She was the daughter of John and Nancy Mehaffey. 
 The latter family came to America and settled in 
 Chartiers township, when Sarah was thirteen years 
 of age, locating near Cross Roads Church, where 
 Mr. Mehaffey was killed September 25, 1825, by a 
 falling tree, while cutting timber for the church. 
 After his marriage to Sarah Mehaffey. Patrick 
 Rush rented a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 this county, upon which he remained for thirty 
 years. He purchased two farms, which he sold, 
 
 and in 1849 removed to Hopewell township, where 
 the subject of our sketch is now living. Five 
 children were born to Patrick and Sarah Rush, 
 namely: John M., Nancy (wife of James Bigger, 
 of Muskingum county, Ohio), Mary Jane (wife of 
 Matthew Knox, of Guernsey county, Ohio), Robert 
 (lieutenant of the Ringgold Battalion, Pennsylvania 
 Cavalry, killed at Rodney, Va.) and Sarah (married 
 to Samuel Armstrong, of Guernsey county, Ohio). 
 The mother died in October, 1880. She and her 
 husband were members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. In politics Mr. Rush was a Democrat, 
 but aside from attending election, took no active 
 part in political affairs. He was a man of keen 
 perceptive faculties and good judgment. Begin 
 ning life for himself when so very young, he had 
 no opportunity for getting a literary education, 
 yet he was in every sense of the word a successful 
 man, and accumulated a handsome property. He 
 died in August, 1880. 
 
 John M. Rush was born October 22, 1830, in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, and was sent to a subscrip- 
 tion school, which he attended during the winters 
 until seventeen years of age. He has a vivid 
 recollection of the schools of that time, which were 
 in sharp contrast to the present school system. 
 The rude log schoolhouse with its primitive furni- 
 ture familiar to every pioneer was the " temple of 
 learning " where he received his education. The 
 course of study pursued at that time included such 
 text-books as "Cobb's Speller" and " U. S. 
 Speller," "Western Calculator" and "English 
 Reader." Quill pens were used, and the "copies 
 were set by the master." Primitive as were the 
 methods employed in those days, it was in such 
 schools and by such methods that many of the 
 most intellectual and able men of our day laid the 
 foundation of their education. The training Mr. 
 Rush then received has served well in his success- 
 ful business career. At the age of seventeen year* 
 he left school and engaged in wagoning between 
 Hickory and Pittsburgh, hauling grain and mer 
 chaudise, driving four or six horses to a great 
 " Conostoga " wagon. He followed that business 
 nine years, and in 1856 took charge of his father's 
 farm, having since pursued the occupation of 
 farming and stock raising. In 1857 he was mar- 
 ried to Nancy, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth 
 (Fronacker) 'Stoolfire, of Donegal township, and 
 to them were born five children: Albert Stoolfire, 
 Eudora Winona, Lillian, Sallie M. and Herbert. 
 Mr. Rush is residing on his farm two miles south- 
 east of West Middletown. He is a Democrat, but 
 seeks no political prominence. Mrs. Rush and 
 her daughters (all of whom are living at home) 
 are members of the Disciple Church at West Mid- 
 dletown. Mr. Rush has no church affiliations. 
 
 Albert S. Rush, son of John M. and Nancy (Stool 
 fire) Rush, was born August 20, 1860, and was reared 
 
1240 
 
 WAS HIN GTON CO UN TV. 
 
 on his father's farm in Hopewell township, this 
 county. He received his early education at the 
 district school known as Tartown school, attending 
 there until about eighteen years of age. He then 
 followed farming, working with his father until 
 twenty two years of age, when he entered Duff's 
 Commercial College at Pittsburgh, Penn., where 
 he remained about three months, when sickness 
 compelled his return home. Ou June 6, 1883, he 
 was married to Miss San Jacinto Dnvall. daughter 
 of Louis Dnvall. Their children are Albert John, 
 Mary Nila and Stanley Oklahoma. In addition to 
 managing a large farm, Mr. Rush does an exten- 
 sive business in breeding, raising and selling pure 
 blood Poland China pigs, Shropshire sheep, and 
 Jersey cattle, all registered. His exhibits of stock 
 raised on his farm during the last three years have 
 excited the comment and admiration of tine stock 
 fanciers throughout western Pennsylvania. His 
 business is growing, and his sales book holds 
 orders from Ohio, New York, Maryland and Vir- 
 ginia, besides different localities in his own State. 
 He possesses in an eminent degree those qualities 
 which form a first class citizen, and is a credit to 
 his community, enjoying the esteem of his neigh- 
 bors. He leaves to others the business of politics, 
 carit»g nothing for the allurements of office-holding, 
 but voices his sentiments at every election by his 
 ballot, being liberal in local elections, supporting 
 the most suitable candidate. In national elections 
 he supports the principles of pure Democracy. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Rush are members of the Dutch Fork 
 Disciple Church, and by precept, practice and 
 financial support, perform their duty toward bus 
 taining and promoting the cause of Christianity in 
 the community. 
 
 JfOHN M< MANNIS, one of the most prominent 
 | native born agriculturists of Washington 
 j county, is a son of William McMannis, who in 
 very early days had settled in what is now 
 Canton township, this county, having come, when a 
 young man, from eastern Pennsylvania, where he 
 was born in 1 7N7. 
 
 William McMannis was married to Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Patrick Burns, a native of Ireland, 
 and the children born to this union were John, 
 William, James, Ann, Elizabeth and Hannah. The 
 father of this family died in 1S4U, the mother in 
 lK7o. Mr. McMannis removed from Canton town 
 ship many years ago, and took up his residence in 
 Strabane township until 1830, in which year he 
 came to Buffalo township and settled on a farm in 
 Rural valley. In his political preferences he was 
 an Old-line Whig. 
 
 John McMannis, the eldest son of this honored 
 pioneer, was born February 1. 1817, in Canton 
 township, where his boyhood and youth were spent 
 
 alternately in working on the farm and in attending 
 the subscription schools of the locality On Feb 
 ruary 20, 1S40, he was united in marriage with 
 Mary, daughter of John Irwin, a farmer of Buffalo 
 township, where he was reared, and where he was 
 married to Elizabeth Anderson, who bore him the 
 following named children: Thomas S., Leviah 
 (wife of John McKee), Mary (wife of John Mc- 
 Mannis). Matthew A., Sarah (wife of John P. 
 Gamble), Elizabeth M. Iwifeof John Williamson) 
 and John. Mr. Irwin was a member of the Seceder 
 Church, and in politics an uncompromising Whig. 
 After marriage Mr. and Mrs. McMannis resided 
 three years on the farm with his father. He then 
 located on a rented farm in Buffalo township, 
 situated about one and one-half miles from Tay 
 lorstown. This place he afterward purchased, and 
 it was on this farm that the first oil well in the 
 township was sunk. The names of the children 
 born to them are Elizabeth (wife of J. R. Littell), 
 Anna, Catherine (Mrs. William H. Torrence). 
 Myra. and Tilla (wife of W. S. Richey). The 
 mother of this family departed this life December 
 21, 1871. in her fifty sixth year, a devout member 
 of the U. P. Church. Mr. McMannis was originally 
 a Democrat, but since 1856 he has been a Repub- 
 lican; for twenty-four years he was a school di- 
 rector, and from 1805 he served as a justice of the 
 peace for ten years, or. in fact, till he declined to 
 serve longer, even when re-elected. 
 
 In the summer of 1889 Mr. McMannis retired 
 from active business life, and having sold the farm 
 to the Washington Oil Company, he moved into 
 the village of Taylorstown. where he now resides 
 enjoying in the sunset of his life the fruits of his 
 earlier labors. He is well known among the old 
 residents of Buffalo township, and has always been 
 identified with its advancement. He is a repre 
 sentative self-made man, one who from small be 
 gi nnings has by industry, economy and sound judg- 
 ment accumulated an ample competence. He has 
 never used tobacco or liquor in any form, and is 
 hale and hearty, universally respected and es- 
 teemed. 
 
 fli LEXANDER McCONNEL is one of the 
 I |\ leading agriculturists and stockmen of 
 r~"l\ Chartiers township. His grandfather, 
 
 Jl -* Alexander McConnel, was born July 10, 
 i 1755, in Charlotte county, Va., and in early 
 
 manhood married Esther Reed, who was born May 
 16, 1750. She died November 30, 1786, and on 
 April 28, 1789, Mr. McConnel was united in mar- 
 riage with Elizabeth McCrory, who was born Feb- 
 ruary 20, 1707. They settled near Carlisle, Penn., 
 and a few years later came to Cecil township, this 
 county, where he took a patent of land. He died 
 many years ago. and his wife survived him several 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY". 
 
 1247 
 
 years. To them were born the following children: 
 Alexander, David (deceased in Cecil township), 
 oorn October 5, 1791 ; Jean, born October 11, 1793; 
 Prudence, born November 14, 1795 (wife of James 
 Oram, of Cecil township, Washington Co., Penu., 
 deceased at Washington, Iowa, in 1890); Nancy, 
 born September 26, 1797; and Matthew, born Oc- 
 tober 25, 1799. 
 
 Alexander McConuel, father of subject, was born 
 February 2, 1790, on the home farm in Cecil town- 
 ship, where he grew to manhood, and was married 
 to Ann Berry, a native of this county. The young 
 people first located in Allegheny county, Perm. , 
 then moved to Cecil township, this county, and six 
 year's afterward settled on a farm in North Stra- 
 bane township, carrying on a mill in connection 
 with farm duties. Mr. and Mrs. McConnel were 
 the parents of the following children: Alexander, 
 Elizabeth, Jane (first married to Daniel Boyle--. 
 and is now living in Washington, the widow of 
 Mr. Collins), Mary A. (living in North Strabane 
 township, widow of Richard Fife, his third wife), 
 Isabelle (deceased wife of Dr. Vail, of Roche] le, 
 111.), John (married, living in North Strabane town- 
 ship, on the old homestead). David (who died about 
 1856), William (a United Presbyterian minister, 
 licensed in June, 1856, first called to the church at 
 Hanover, Beaver Co., Penn., and in 1858 came to 
 West Newton, Penn. He married Miss Anna Mc- 
 Clurkin. of Pittsburgh, and died July IS. 1866, 
 in Allegheny, Penn.), Matthew (deceased in 1886), 
 James (married, living in Houstonville, this 
 county) and Anderson (deceased in 1884). After 
 the mother of these children died, Mr. McConnel 
 married a Miss Torrence, who survived him about 
 one year. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. in 
 politics was first a Whig, then a Republican, and a 
 strong opponent of slavery. He assisted in the 
 organization of the Society which is now the 
 Greenside United Presbyterian Church, of which 
 he was an elder from the first organization of the 
 body, holding that position until his death. He 
 resided in North Strabane township for more than 
 sixty years, then moved to Peters township, this 
 county, where he died about two years afterward. 
 
 Alexander McConnel. whose name opens this 
 sketch, was born December 20, 1816, in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., being the eldest in his father's 
 family. When but three years of age he came 
 with them to Cecil township, this county, and 
 when he was nine years of age, the parents settled 
 on the home place in North Strabane township, 
 where Alexander completed his education in the 
 subscription schools. He learned the trade of a 
 millwright, and in 1847 came to Chartiers town 
 ship, erecting a flouring-mill known as McConnel's 
 Mill, on Chartiers creek, which business he fol- 
 lowed fifteen years, also working at his trade. On 
 December 8, 1853, he was united in marriage with 
 
 the 
 In 
 H. 
 
 Eliza McKnight, of Chartiers township, daughter 
 of Joseph and Sarah (Anderson) McKnight, the 
 father a native of Cecil county, Md., and the 
 mother a native of Ireland. After their marriage 
 the young people settled on the farm in Chartiers 
 township which is their present home. Four 
 children have blessed their union, viz.: Alexander 
 Anderson (who died July 6, 1862), born April 8, 
 1856; J. M., born SeptemberH, 1858; John O., born 
 August 24, 1860; and one deceased in infancy. Of 
 these children, John graduated in 1883 from 
 Westminster College, read medicine one year, and 
 was then educated for the ministry at Allegheny, 
 Penn., finishing at Xenia (Ohio) Seminary, and 
 was licensed to preach. He was ordained in 
 Westmoreland Presbytery at Ligouier, Penn. 
 1889 he married Mary, daughter of Rev. J. 
 Timmous. 
 
 Mr. McConnel owns a fertile and well-cultivated 
 farm of 230 acres, and, since coming to Chartiers 
 township, has devoted his time to its improvement 
 and management. He was formerly a Whig, but 
 since the organization of the Republican party 
 has voted the latter ticket, and has served four 
 terms as township supervisor. He and his wife 
 are' earnest members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Cross Roads, in which he has been a 
 ruling elder for many years. In his youth Mi. 
 McConnel joined the Spear Spring Church, now 
 known as the Greenside Church. 
 
 At Dr. Martin's store in Canonsburg, the second 
 attempt was made to build the Chartiers Railroad. 
 Wesley Grier, David Houston and Alexander Mc- 
 Connel were talking with others about the great 
 benefit that the building of this road would be. 
 The three at once subscribed $1,000 apiece, and got 
 others at the store to subscribe smaller amounts 
 These three men also raised more money: Mr 
 McConnel raised $8,000 within four miles of his 
 home; the start thus made secured the road. -and 
 Mr. McConnel took $1,800 worth of stock. 
 
 JAMES R. STEWART. Prominent among the 
 many families of Irish descent who have 
 added so greatly to the improvement of 
 America, ranks the one of which this gentle- 
 man was an honored member. As early as 
 1795 John and Mary Stewart emigrated from Ire- 
 land, bringing with them their four children, and 
 made for themselves a new home in what was then 
 an undeveloped country. Mr. Stewart died, 
 December 18. 1836, when eighty-six years old; his 
 wife preceded him to the grave February 12, 1836, 
 being at the time eighty-five years of age. 
 
 The eldest son, Archibald Stewart, married 
 Rebecca Reed, a native of Pennsylvania, and after 
 his marriage settled in ChartieiB township, Wash- 
 ington Co. , Penn., where he engaged in farming 
 
1248 
 
 WASHINGTON COUN TY. 
 
 and also carried on the blacksmith's trade. He was 
 an elder in the Associate Reformed Church and in 
 the United Presbyterian Church at Cross Roads. 
 Politically he was a Republican. His death 
 occurred June 5, 1862, after he had attained his 
 seventy fifth year, and on May 3, 1857, his wife 
 passed from earth in her sixty fourth year. Their 
 children were: James R., who married Elizabeth 
 T. Miller; Mary, Mrs. Samuel Griffith, of Hickory, 
 Mt. Pleasant township. Washington county; Jane, 
 Mrs. William S. White, who died in 1883; Joseph, 
 who was married in Illinois, and died there; Will- 
 iam, who lives in Villisea, Iowa, and is married; 
 Margaret, who married David Miller, and died in 
 1872; Sarah, Mrs. Andrew Miller, of Mt. Pleasant 
 township, and John, who first married Miss Eliza 
 McLaughlin, and afterward Miss Elizabeth Slem- 
 uions. He died in 188(3. in Donegal township, 
 Washington county. 
 
 James R. Stewart was born June 9, 1812, on the 
 farm where his widow now resides. His educa- 
 tional advantages were very limited, the schools of 
 that time being only rude huts, and the teachers 
 being but indifferently prepared to impart knowl- 
 edge. However, he learned the blacksmith's trade 
 thoroughly under the tutorage of his father, and 
 afterward followed it in connection with farming. 
 On May 23. 1839, Mr. Stewart married Miss Eliza 
 beth T. Miller, a daughter of Jacob and Jane 
 (Filston) Miller, and after their marriage the young 
 couple resided on the home farm, where Mrs. 
 Stewart is now living, and where Mr. Stewart died, 
 May 22, 1880. He was siucerely mourned by the 
 numerous friends who appreciated his sterling 
 worth and strict integrity. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart 
 were earnest church workers, and devoted much 
 attention to deeds of charity. Their union was 
 blessed with two children: JacnbM. (of Chartiers 
 township, who married Miss Rebecca Todd, and 
 after" her death married Miss Lizzie Grounds) and 
 Rebecca, who married, October 20, 1 804, William 
 H. Thompson, who was born in Canonsburg. May 
 17. 1837. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- 
 son located in Canonsburg, where he engaged in 
 wagon making, and then moved to Hickory, where 
 he died February 1, 1873. at the age of thirty-six 
 yeiirs. He was an active worker in the Repub- 
 lican party; and was a member of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church at Canonsburg. The children 
 horn of their union were: a son who died in in 
 fancy; Stewart J:, a farmer by occupation, who 
 owns the valuable farm on which he lives; Joseph 
 H, a graduate of Duff's Commercial College, 
 Pittsburgh, Penn. ; Elizabeth Emma (deceased) 
 and Millie R. Mrs. Thompson has given her 
 children superior educations; she now makes her 
 homo with her children on the farm. 
 
 Jacob Miller, father of Mrs. Stewart, was born 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, and there married Jane 
 
 Filston, also a native of that section of the State. 
 Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller 
 moved to Washington county, locating near Mc 
 Council's Mill, in Chartiers township, and a few 
 years later took possession of the property, now 
 known as the "Col. Robert Miller" farm, where 
 the following children were born: Rachel. Mrs. 
 Thomas Sproat, of South Strabane; Mary, Mrs 
 Samuel McNary (she and her husband have 
 each been married before); Nancy. Mrs. John 
 Boon; Jane, Mrs Richard Sproat, of Ohio; Samuel, 
 who married Miss Mary Ann Cockins, and lives in 
 Mt. Pleasant township; Catherine, Mrs. James 
 McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant township; Jacob, who 
 married and moved to Ohio; Margaret, Mrs. John 
 McDowell, Mt. Pleasant township; Robert, who 
 first married Abbicah Cnndal, and afterward made 
 Elizabeth Glen his wife (he died in October, 1891); 
 Elizabeth T , Mrs. James R. Stewart; Sarah, Mrs. 
 James Patterson; and Sophia, who has never mar- 
 ried. Mrs. Elizabeth T. Stewart is the only 
 member of the Miller family now living, and is a 
 worthy representative of her highly respected 
 ancestors. 
 
 GLARE PRESTON, an honored citizen and 
 representative agriculturist of Somerset 
 township, is a native of the same, having 
 been born October 10, 1837, a son of John 
 Preston and grandson of Bernard Preston. 
 Bernard Preston was born April 29. 1754. in 
 Maryland, and was reared on the home place in his 
 native State. On May 7, 1776, he was united in 
 marriage with Mary Preston, also a native of Mary- 
 land, born March 19, 1759. He followed farming, 
 and in 1784 moved to Pennsylvania, purchasing a 
 large tract of land in Washington county, where 
 he and his devoted wife remained the rest of their 
 lives, rearing the following children: Sarah, 
 Nathan, Jacob, Samuel, Anna, Elizabeth, Daniel, 
 Jonathan, Silas, Bernard and John. The parents 
 of this family were members of the M. E. Church, 
 the old church building of that denomination 
 being on the farm now owned and occupied by our 
 subject. 
 
 John Preston, the youngest son of Bernard and 
 Mary (Preston) Preston, was reared on the home 
 farm, and early in life was married to Margaret. 
 daughter of Robert and Jane Clark, the latter of 
 whom died in 1800. To this union were born live 
 children, viz. : Mary J. (deceased wife of Dr. W. 
 L. S. Willes, of Washington county, Penn.), Clark 
 (subject of sketch), Loanimi (deceased), John F. 
 (living in Neosho county, Ivans.), and Lacy A. 
 (unmarried), a resident of Monougahela City, 
 Penn. The father died September 24, 1884, the 
 mother in 1851, the former a member of the 
 M. F. Church, the latter a Presbyterian. 
 

 ^duO-4 (M-C^nrU 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1251 
 
 Clark Prestou grew to manhood on the Lome 
 farm, receiving « common-school education. In 
 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Ringgold Bat- 
 talion. P. V. C, was honorably discharged, and is 
 now drawing a pension. On September 18, 1807, 
 he was married to Catherine C. Teeple, who was 
 born September 22, 1844, in Washington county, 
 Penn., daughter of Isaac and Margaret (Williams) 
 Teeple, both also natives of Washington county, 
 and who had nine children: Thomas (a farmer of 
 Neosho county, Kans.), Theodore (a farmer of 
 Carroll township, Washington county), Catherine 
 C. (wife of Clark Preston). Sarah (unmarried), 
 Emma S. (married to A. J. Hess, a farmer of Pal 
 lowfield township, this county), Adda T. (wife of 
 Robert McKee, deceased farmer of Allegheny 
 county), and Josephine T. (wife of Thomas Edgar); 
 the others died in infancy. The father died in 
 1881, a member of the Presbyterian Church; the 
 mother passed awav in 1868, an adherent of the 
 Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 Clark and Catherine C. (Teeple) Preston have 
 had the following children: Clyde A., born July 
 27, 1868; Harry A., born September 26, 1869; Metta 
 M., born July 19, 1871; Theodore A., born March 
 17, 1873; Isaac O, born February 28, 1875; Vance 
 L. G , born October 28, 1876. and Cooper M, 
 born August 27, 1879. Mr. Preston is not in- 
 terested in political questions, but votes the Re- 
 publican ticket, and takes an active part in all mat 
 ters pertaining to church or school: he has served 
 fifteen years as school director. He and his wife 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church. The 
 home farm consists of 140 acres of land, in a high 
 state of cultivation, upon which is erected a com- 
 fortable two-story dwelling, also a commodious 
 barn and substantial outbuildings. 
 
 y\ILLIAM PATTERSON, a worthy repre- 
 / sentative of an old pioneer family, is a 
 son of William Patterson, whose grand- 
 father. James, was the first of the family 
 to settle in America. Of the children of 
 this James Patterson, William was born in 1733. 
 anil in 1758 was married to Rosanna Scott, of Cecil 
 county, Md. She died April 5, 1769. and on April 
 10, 1770, he was married to Elizabeth Brown, who 
 "bore him ten children. In the spring of 1778 he 
 and several of his sons secured 350 acres of land 
 in Cross Creek township, this county, upon which 
 he settled in the fall of same year, dying there in 
 1818. 
 
 Thomas Patterson, a son of William and Rosan- 
 na (Scott) Patterson, was born October 1, 1764. and 
 passed his boyhood on the home farm. In 1794 he 
 bought some of his father's land, erecting a grist 
 and flour mill upon it, and also purchased addi- 
 tional property from Mary Patterson. On Octo- 
 
 ber 6, 1795, he was married to Elizabeth Findley, 
 daughter of Hon. William Findley, of Westmore 
 land county, Penn. The young people began house 
 keeping in a log cabin, which was formerly used 
 as a store, and in this pioneer home eleven chil- 
 dren were born: William, James, Samuel, John, 
 Thomas, Findley, Moses and David, and Mary, 
 Elizabeth and Rosanna. Thomas Patterson, Sr., 
 was a major-general in the militia. He was a 
 member of Congress from 1817 to 1825, and of the 
 Electoral College in 1816. He died of apoplexy 
 November 17, 1841. 
 
 William Patterson, son of Thomas and Elizabeth 
 (Findley) Patterson, was born September 25, 1796, 
 and at an early age was entrusted with the care of 
 the farm and mills, during his father's absence on 
 political business. In 1812 his father established 
 a fulling mill, of which William took charge as 
 soon as he was competent. In 1819 he was united 
 in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Hon. Aaron 
 Lyle, a resident of Cross Creek township, this 
 county. William Patterson was a prominent officer 
 in the militia, and organized and commanded the 
 Union Volunteer Battalion; was also major on the 
 staff of the brigadier general of militia. In 1828 
 he was elected to the State Legislature, serving 
 four consecutive terms, and during the last term 
 was Speaker of the House. He took a very active 
 interest in all educational matters, secured the 
 erection of an elegant schoolhouse near his home, ■ 
 contributing liberally to the expenses, and serving 
 most efficiently as director. While in the Legisla- 
 ture he obtained $8,000 from the State to erect a new 
 building for Jefferson College. In 1844 he became 
 a member of the Electoral College, and in 1859, 
 retiring from a brilliant public career, he passed 
 his last days in quiet. The children born to Will- 
 iam and Margaret Patterson were Lysander, Mary, 
 James, Robert, Aaron Lyle, Caroline, William. 
 Margaret, Thomas A., and Samuel Findley. The 
 father died in April, 1879, the mother in March. 
 1883. 
 
 William Patterson, son of William and Margaret 
 (Lyle) Patterson, was born January 4, 1832, in 
 Cross Creek township, this county, and received a 
 common- school education, assisting at the same time, 
 his father on the farm and in the mill. On Jan 
 uary 8, 1856, he was wedded to Sarah Margaret 
 Jackson, who was born December 22, 1838. in Jef 
 ferson county, Ohio, daughter of James Jackson 
 They have had the following children: Mary (Mrs. 
 Eli Sheets, of Ashland county, Ohio), Sarah Ella 
 (wife of Newton Simpson, of Hill Grove. Hardin 
 Co., Ky.), James J. (deceased in youth), Margaret 
 (a school teacher), Jennie, Lewis Cass, Annie. 
 Robert Lee (deceased in youth). Elvira B. and 
 William B. Mr. Patterson farmed in Independ- 
 ence township for some time after his marriage, 
 then moved to Ashland county, Ohio, remaining 
 
1252 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 there several years, but again came to this county. 
 He afterward located near Springfield, Ohio, but 
 in the fall of 1875 returned to his native home, 
 settling about two and a half miles south of Iu 
 dependence, this county, adjoining the West Vir- 
 ginia line, where he has since resided. He is en 
 gaged in farming, stock raising and iu fruit and 
 vegetable culture. 
 
 He enjoys a reputation for integrity and veracity, 
 as well as that of being an independent thinker, 
 un trammeled by any creed, dogma, superstition, 
 preconceived or inherited notion. He is not a 
 member of any religious or secret organization, 
 but claims the right to investigate all questions 
 (both secular and religious) for himself, subject to 
 no dictator except instructed reason. He believes 
 that, faith without knowledge is a delusion and a 
 snare. His motto, expressed in the language of 
 the poet, is: 
 
 New occasions teach new duties, 
 Time makes ancient creeds untruth; 
 He must upward then ami onward, 
 Who would keep abreast of truth. 
 
 Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in Mis. 
 (The times change, and we change with them.) 
 
 WILLIAM S. RUSSELL was born Febru- 
 ary 12, 1843, in Smith township, this 
 county. He is one of the leading agri- 
 culturists of the vicinity, and a lineal de 
 scendant of Abraham Russell, who was 
 born in Ireland, and, coming to America soon after 
 the war of the Revolution, was married in this 
 country. He became one of the earliest settlers 
 of Smith township, this county, at a time when 
 the Indians made fearful slaughter among the 
 white pioneers. He was a successful farmer, and 
 served his country in the war of 1812, dying at an 
 advanced age, and leaving the following children, 
 who also lived to advanced ages: William (men- 
 tioned below). James and John (twins, the latter 
 of whom died in Allegheny county, Penn.) and 
 Nancy (wife of Jacob Drake, a farmer of Arm 
 strong county, Penn.). 
 
 William Russell, eldest son of Abraham Rus- 
 sell, was born in the latter part of the last century, 
 in Smith township, this county, receiving a some- 
 what imperfect schooling, as the opportunities of 
 those days were very meager and primitive. In 
 1708 he was married to Nancy Strain, whose par- 
 ents were early settlers in Smith township, and in 
 about 1800 Mr. and Mrs. Russell, with their in- 
 fant son. removed to Portage county. Ohio, resid- 
 ing there until the close of the war of 1812, in 
 which William was a soldier. Being dissatisfied 
 with the country, he returned about 1815 to Smith 
 township, and located near the line of Cross Creek 
 township, where he continued to follow farming 
 
 until his death. In politics he was a Democrat. 
 His wife died several years before her husband, 
 and left the following children : Abraham (deceased 
 in this county at the age of eighty-five; he never 
 married), Sarah (deceased wife of James Fulton, 
 formerly of Cross Creek township, then moved to 
 Hanover township, this county), John S., Samah- 
 tha (who cared for her father in his old age and 
 died unmarried) and James (deceased iu Colum- 
 biana county, Ohio). 
 
 John S. Russell was born February 14, 1806, in 
 Portage county, Ohio, on the home farm, where he 
 was initiated into the mysteries of agricultural Life. 
 On February 12, 1833, he was married to Jane 
 Simpson, who was born September 3, 1815, daugh- 
 ter of James and Ellen (Stewart) Simpson, old and 
 early residents of the township. The children 
 born to this union were as follows: Ellen (living 
 iu Burgettstowu, Penn., unmarried). Cynthia (un- 
 married, also residing in Burgettstown), Margaret 
 (wife of James Dunbar, of Smith township), Ophe 
 lia (Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Hanover township, this 
 county), William S. (subject of our sketch), Agnes 
 (an unmarried lady of Burgettstown, Penn.), James 
 C. (an agriculturist of Smith township) and David 
 A. (deceased farmer of Smith township). Mrs. 
 Russell died July 23, 1851, and for his second 
 wife Mr. Russell married Mary A. Vincent, who 
 was born February 20, 1818, daughter of Joseph 
 and Sarah (Rea) Vincent, of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, this county. Two children were born to 
 John S. and Mary (Vincent) Russell: John (who 
 died in youth) and Jane (Mrs. D. W. Smith, of 
 Smith township, this county). After his first mar- 
 riage Mr. Russell settled on a farm one mile west 
 of Bulger, Smith towuship, where his life was 
 passed successfully in agricultural pursuits. Year 
 by year his possessions increased, until, by dint of 
 careful management, business sagacity and good 
 financiering, he became among the most extensive 
 wool growers and largest landholders of the town- 
 ship, at the time of his death owning nearly six 
 hundred acres of valuable and productive real 
 estate. In politics he was a Democrat, and in re- 
 ligion a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian 
 Church, which he served as an elder. He died 
 September 15. 1879. 
 
 William S. Russell was boru on a portion of the 
 farm in Smith township, where he is now living, 
 and was reared to rural life. On April 7, 1870, he 
 was united in marriage with Miss Mary McBride, 
 who was born March 5, 1842, a daughter of John 
 McBride. The following children have blessed 
 this union: Eva J., John M. , Holland S., Annie 
 S., Clement K , Cynthia S., Walter S.. Luella and 
 Dwight M. William S. and Mary (McBride) Rus 
 sell settled on the "Old Simpson farm," one mile 
 west of Bulger, where his maternal grandfather 
 resided in early days. He devotes a considerable 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 T253 
 
 portion of his time to general agriculture and 
 stock raising, and also conducts a small dairy. 
 H« was formerly a Democrat, afterward uniting 
 with the Prohibition party, and in religion he and 
 his wife are consistent members of the Raccoon 
 Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder. 
 
 D 
 
 AVID M. PRY is a substantial and pro- 
 gressive citizen of Burgettstown, Penn. 
 His grandfather was married in Virginia to 
 a Miss Barnes, who bore him children as 
 follows: John, Abraham, William L., Eliza (Mrs. 
 John Powelson), Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Pascal, 
 of Cross Creek township) and Mary. The father 
 of this family was a Democrat in politics. 
 
 Abraham Pry, father of David M. , was born 
 November 10, 1813, in Hampshire county, \V. Va. 
 The father died when the son was but four years of 
 age, and the child was left to struggle through the 
 perplexities of boyhood unaided, but he secured an 
 education by dint of perseverance and energy, and 
 when about twenty-two years of age came to 
 Washington county, settling in Cross Creek town 
 ship. In 1840 he was there married to Rachel, 
 daughter of David McClurg, of the same township, 
 and the young people then settled on the farm 
 where they are yet living. The following children 
 have been born to their union: David M., Cather- 
 ine J. (deceased), John W., William H. and Jo- 
 seph M. (twins, the latter of whom is deceased), 
 Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), Anna M. (de- 
 ceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and Francis H. 
 (deceased). The father of this family was origi- 
 nally a Democrat, then a Whig, finally uniting with 
 the Republican party, whose principles he now sup- 
 ports. He attends the Cross Creek Presbyterian 
 Church, contributing liberally to its maintenance. 
 David M. Pry, eldest son of Abraham and Rachel 
 (McClurg) Pry, was born June 16, 1842, on the 
 home farm in Cross Creek township, and remained 
 with his parents until about twenty years of age. 
 He enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and 
 Fortieth P. V. I., serving throughout the Civil 
 war. He was wounded at Spottsylvania, being 
 shot in the leg by a musket ball, and was sent to 
 the"Finley" hospital at Washington City. He 
 remained there until mustered out of the service 
 August 16, 1865, then returned home and engaged 
 in farming. On October 5, 1865, he was united 
 in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John Rea, 
 of Cross Creek township, this county, and the 
 children born to them were Nora L. , Jennie O. , 
 Mary G., William R. (deceased) and Edwin B. 
 After his marriage Mr. Pry followed farming for 
 two years, and in 1868 opened a general store in 
 Burgettstown, Penn. In 1884 he was elected 
 recorder of the county, and served in that office 
 until 1887, then returned to Burgettstown, resum- 
 
 ing his former business. Mrs. Pry died in .Sep- 
 tember, 1877, and was buried in the Presbyterian 
 cemetery at Burgettstown. On February 5, 1885, 
 Mr. Pry was united in marriage with Mary D., 
 daughter of Robert Lee, of Jefferson township, 
 this county. In politics Mr. Pry is a Republican, 
 and has always been active in promoting the wel- 
 fare of his party, being prominent in the county 
 conventions, and has twice represented his county 
 in the State conventions at Harrisburg. He has 
 been five times appointed, by the Governor of the 
 State, a notary public, serving in that capacity 
 sixteen years, and on February 21, 1893, was 
 elected a justice of the peace in the borough of 
 Burgettstown. He is also enrolled as agent or at- 
 torney, and admitted to practice before the De- 
 partment <>f the Interior in Washington, D. ( '. : 
 he has secured many pensions for disabled soldiers, 
 widows, orphans and dependent parents of the late 
 Civil war. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Burgettstown. and has held the office 
 of elder since 1874. He was a delegate from the 
 Washington Presbytery to the General Assembly 
 of the Presbyterian Church of the United States, 
 which met in Chicago in 1877. 
 
 ¥| C. CROUCH, farmer, is a prosperous citizen 
 of Peters township. The first ancestor of 
 rj) his family, concerning whose history there is 
 ^^ any record, was one Robert Crouch, a native 
 of Maryland. This pioneer left his native 
 State, and many years ago settled in Nottingham 
 township, Washington Co.. Penn., where he re- 
 ceived a Government patent for land, and passed 
 his life in tilling the soil. His children were 
 William, John, and two daughters, whose names 
 are unknown. 
 
 William Crouch, son of Robert, was born in 
 Lindenfort, Penn., and reared to manhood in 
 Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 In early life he married Miss Mcllvaine, and set- 
 tled on a farm in North Strabane township, this 
 county, where ten children were born to them, 
 namely: George, Robert, John, Joseph, Isaiah, 
 Watson, Daniel, Sarah, and two whose names are 
 unknown. Mr. Crouch was an elder in the Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 Watson Crouch was born in 1819, on the farm 
 in North Strabane township. When a youug man 
 he was married to Agnes, daughter of James 
 Crawford, of Peters township, and she died leav- 
 ing two children: an infant (deceased), and J. C, 
 whose sketch follows. For his second wife Wat 
 sou Crouch married Deborah, daughter of David 
 Wells, and she has borne him eight children. In 
 1858 the family moved to Marshall county, W. Va. , 
 where they are yet living. 
 
 J. C. Crouch, son of Watson and Agnes (Craw- 
 
1254 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 ford) Crouch, was born March 11, 1844, in North 
 Strabane township, this county. In 1802 he en- 
 listed in the Twelfth Regiment, W. Va. V. I., and 
 served in the army of the James river. He re- 
 mained until the contest was ended, and was pres- 
 ent at Lee's surrender, then coining home resumed 
 work on the farm. On December 17, 1809, he 
 was married to Mary, daughter of William Mc- 
 Murray, of Peters township, and six children have 
 blessed their home, viz. : William J., Harvey W., 
 Thomas B., Frank M., Charles M., and Ross" Em- 
 mett, all of whom are living under the parental 
 roof. The farm contains 160 acres of land. Mr. 
 Crouch is actively interested in the success of the 
 Republican party, and has held many township 
 offices. He is a member and trustee of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Peters Creek. 
 
 dl AMES and LEANDER McCORMICK. John 
 McCormick was born in Scotland, and after 
 landing in America came to Pennsylvania. 
 About the year 177H he located on a farm 
 situated on the boundary line between Allegheny 
 and Washington counties. He was married in this 
 country to Elizabeth McMillian, a native of Scot- 
 land, who bore him six children, namely: John, 
 James, Samuel, Griselda, Elizabeth and Mary, all 
 of whom are now deceased. The father was a 
 Revolutionary soldier, and returning home after 
 the war, died on the old place. 
 
 John McCormick, son of John and Elizabeth 
 McCormick, was born in 1787, in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania. He was there married to Margaret John 
 ston, who was born in 1789, daughter of Robert 
 Johnston, a Revolutionary soldier, and the follow 
 ing children were born to this union: John. Mary, 
 Robert, James, Samuel, Agnes, Elizabeth, Margaret 
 and George. Of this family James, Samuel and 
 Margaret are yet living. 
 
 James McCormick was born October 14, 1814, 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., and passed his boy 
 hood on the home place. He then learned the 
 carpenter's trade, following the same for nineteen 
 years, when he came to his present farm in Peters 
 township. On December 14, 1843, he was mar- 
 ried to Jane Wright, and their children were as 
 follows: John, Leander, Jane, Margaret, Almira 
 and Elizabeth. Those now living are John, Lean- 
 der and Margaret. The mother died in 1859, and 
 for his second wife James McCormick married on 
 May 3. 1861, Elizabeth Mouck, who bore him two 
 sons. William and James. This wife was laid to 
 rest December 16, 1883. Mr. McCormick began 
 life with no financial aid, and has accumulated a 
 good property. He has eighty acres of fine land, 
 upon which a good house has been erected.- In 
 politics he is a stanch Republican, and has held 
 many township offices. He has been a member of 
 
 and elder in the United Presbyterian Church for 
 thirty years. 
 
 Leauder McCormick was born March 9, 1857, 
 on the farm near Bower Hill, Washington county, 
 Penn., where he remained during his minority. 
 He then taught school three years in Chartiers, 
 Peters, and Nottingham townships, and in 1881 
 opened a store at Venetia, same county. On No 
 vember 7, 1882, he was united in marriage with 
 Angie, daughter of Amos Caseber, a resident of 
 Nottingham township, this county. Leander Mc- 
 Cormick was appointed the first postmaster of 
 Venetia, and retained that office until 1886, when 
 he was removed, owing to a change in the admin- 
 istration. In 1889 he was reinstated by President 
 Harrison, and has since tilled that position in con 
 nection with his store. His property consists of 
 two houses and lots in the town, the store room and 
 a fine dwelling now in process of erection. Polit- 
 ically, he is a stanch Republican, and has served 
 in various township offices; in religion he is a 
 member, trustee, and treasurer of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Finleyville. Mr. and Mrs. McCormick 
 have three children: Eva J., Elmer L. and James 
 Benjamin Harrison. 
 
 Jl W. DONALDSON is an enterprising young 
 I farmer of North Strabane township. He is 
 I a son of John Donaldson (who was a son of 
 James), who passed his youth on the home 
 farm in Westmoreland county, Penn. , where he 
 was educated. He was married to Margaret Salis- 
 bury, a resident of Red Oak. Brown Co., Ohio, 
 who bore him children, as follows: Josephine 
 (who died at the age of fourteen), Thomas W. and 
 Margaret (Mrs. William H. Jones). For his sec- 
 ond wife Mr. Donaldson married Rebecca Van- 
 Eman, and their children were Mary E., J. William, 
 Jennie R. and Alexander B. Mr. Donaldson was 
 a Whig, and an ardent partisan. He served many 
 years as justice of the peace in Brown county. 
 Ohio, to which State he removed from Penney 1 
 vania six mouths before his first marriage, where 
 he was engaged in coach building and afterward 
 in farming. He was a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he was an elder for years. He 
 died in Brown county. Ohio, and the family then 
 removed to Washington county, Penn., first locat- 
 ing near Canonsburg. 
 
 J W. Donaldson was born September 13, 1853, 
 in Brown county, Ohio, and came to Pennsylvania 
 with the family when but a small boy. His edu- 
 cation was principally obtained by self -study, as 
 he was obliged to earn his living at a very early 
 age, working at any employment he could secure. 
 On January 1, 1880, he was united in marriage 
 with Mary B., daughter of T. H. Lyon, and their 
 union has been blessed by the following children: 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1255 
 
 Mary L., Arthur V., Bertha B., Nellie J., Aunie 
 Grace and William Harvy. After his marriage, 
 Mr. Donaldson purchased a portion of the Linn 
 farm in North Strabaue township, where he re- 
 mained several years, and then bought and moved 
 upon his present home in the same township. He 
 has, by enterprise and perseverance, achieved his 
 own success, and is a liberal supporter of all pub- 
 lic enterprises. He takes an active part in church 
 work, serving in the Presbyterian Church as trus- 
 tee nine years, and holding the office of ruling 
 elder for the past six years. The Society of which 
 he and his family are members is known as the 
 "Dr. McMillan Church.'' In politic^ he is an act- 
 ive and valued member of the Republican party. 
 
 JiOHN CONRAD. Among the prominent citi- 
 zens and successful agriculturists of Fallow- 
 | field township, this gentleman is prominent. 
 He is a son of John Conrad, who was born in 
 1795, in West Pike Run township, Washing 
 ton Co., Penn., and grew to manhood on the home 
 farm. When a young man he selected a life com 
 panion in the person of Catherine, daughter of 
 Robert Ferguson, a farmer of Somerset township, 
 Washington county, and to this union were born 
 the following named children: William, Hannah, 
 Margaret, Jane, Elmira, John, Catherine, David 
 and Elizabeth. The latter two are numbered with 
 the dead. The father always followed agricultural 
 pursuits; he served the township in various offices 
 until he died, in 1868. He was followed to the 
 grave by the mother in 1869. 
 
 John Conrad was born November 12, 1830, in 
 Fallowfield township, and there received his early 
 education. On attaining the age of maturity he 
 took charge of the home place, consisting of 180 
 acres of fertile land, lying live miles from Monon- 
 gahela City. He now owns 105 acres of land ad- 
 joining the village of Lock No. 4, where he 
 deals in stock. Of the village of Lock No. 4 Mr. 
 Conrad platted a part, a portion of the village 
 being at one time part of the farm. He is the 
 owner of a handsome modern dwelling and nicely 
 decorated grounds. He votes with the Democrat 
 party, and has served as judge of election and tilled 
 other offices. In religion he is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. Mr. Conrad is yet unmarried. 
 
 UlLYSSES S. WHEELER, one of the most 
 enterprising farmers of Jefferson township, 
 ) is a son of John Wheeler, whose father, 
 Thomas Wheeler, came from Maryland to 
 West Virginia, locating near Steubenville. 
 Thomas Wheeler was married in Maryland to Miss 
 Honor Donovan, who bore him eleven children, as 
 follows: James, John, Thomas, William, Zacha- 
 
 riah, Andrew, David, Benjamin, Honor, Sarah and 
 Nancy. 
 
 John Wheeler was born August 18, 1812, on the 
 home place in West Virginia, and assisted in the 
 duties of the farm until about twenty years of age, 
 when he learned tailoring. In connection with 
 his trade he carried on a general store in the town 
 of Eldersville, for twelve years, and then bought 
 the farm which is now in the possession of his 
 son Ulysses. John Wheeler was united in mar 
 riage in 1839 with Hannah Sharp, who was born 
 March 9, 1817, in Washington county, Penn. The 
 young couple afterward moved to Eldersville, 
 where their six children were born: Amanda, born 
 March 28, 1840; Ulysses S., born June 8, 1841; 
 Jasper, born March 16, 1844; Lorenzo, Henrietta 
 and Loretta (triplets), bom July 26, 1848. Of 
 these children, the last four died in infancy, and 
 Amanda (Mrs. Dr. McCullough) died May 25, 
 1881. John Wheeler died February 1, 1867, and 
 Mrs. Hannah Wheeler, August 30, 1877. 
 
 Ulysses S. Wheeler (the subject of this sketch), 
 the only living representative of his family, came 
 to the farm in Jefferson township when about 
 thirteen years old, which has since been his home. 
 In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One 
 Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and served in the 
 First Brigade, First Division, Second Army 
 Corps, under Gen. Hancock, during the whole war. 
 Ulysses Wheeler was engaged in thirty-two battles 
 and skirmishes, among the more important of 
 which were Cold Harbor, Spottsylvania Court 
 House, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg. Mr. 
 Wheeler was slightly wounded at Chancellorsville. 
 In the year 1865 he received an honorable dis- 
 charge, and returned home. In the following 
 year he was united in marriage with Frances, 
 daughter of B. M. Sharp, an undertaker of Sten 
 benville. She was a student and graduate of the 
 Steubenville Fetnale Seminary. Ulysses S. and 
 Frances Wheeler have two children, both of whom 
 are living with their parents on the farm. In poli- 
 ties Mr. Wheeler is an ardent Republican, and al- 
 though his township is strongly Democratic, he 
 has been elected to several official positions, having 
 been tax collector nine years, and was census 
 taker in the year 1890. He is honored by all his 
 acquaintances, and is a devoted husband and 
 father. 
 
 q 
 
 Isaac 
 
 Bethlehem 
 
 educated 
 
 G. GAYMAN. In the van of Washington 
 county's prominent farmers and progressive 
 men stands this gentleman. He is a native 
 of the county, born March 11, 1830, in 
 West Bethlehem township. His father, 
 Gayman, was also born, in 1804, in West 
 township, where he was reared and 
 He was twice married; first to Eliza- 
 
1256 
 
 Washing ton co vn ty. 
 
 beth Greenlee, by whom he had children as fol- 
 lows: Olivia, G. G. , Caroline, Samuel, Daniel 
 (deceased) and Mary Ann. The mother of these 
 children died at the age of twenty eight years, 
 and Isaac Gayinan then married Amanda Wye 
 waner, by which union there were three children: 
 Isaac, Emelino and Barbara. The father departed 
 this life in 1879. He was a Democrat in politics. 
 In religious matters he worshiped at the Disciple 
 Church. 
 
 At the common schools of his district the sub- 
 ject of this sketch received a fairly liberal educa- 
 tion, and was reared to agricultural pursuits on the 
 home farm. In the spring of 1S56 he moved into 
 Bast Bethlehem township, where he owns a fine 
 farm of 1 < >T acres, situated on one of the most 
 pleasant sites in the township, and having thereon 
 a commodious residence and splendid outside build 
 ings. In addition to general agriculture, he de- 
 votes a portion of his time to the raising of fine- 
 bred sheep. In 1890 he and his son invented a 
 device for curing foot-rot in sheep, said to be most 
 wonderful in its success, and they have now an ex- 
 tensive factory for the manufacture of same, at 
 Clarksville, Greene Co., Peun., which gives em- 
 ployment to several hands. They have salesmen 
 and agents distributed through different parts of 
 the Union; and although their invention is but a 
 few years old. it has already attained a high repu- 
 tation, having in every respect proved most satis 
 factory to all who have tried it, as evidenced by 
 the numerous testimonials received from all parts 
 of the country. On December 27, 1855, Mr. 
 dayman was married to Miss Elizabeth Barnard, 
 and two children have been born to them: Samuel 
 and Emma. Of these Samuel married Ella Buck- 
 ingham, who died in 1890, leaving two children: 
 Cora and Clyde (the last named being now de- 
 ceased), and he then took, for his second wife, 
 Jessie Matthews, by whom he has one son, Glen. 
 Emma married William K. Buckingham, and they 
 have two children: George and Grace. Polit 
 ically Mr. Gayman is a Democrat. He is descended 
 from one of the oldest and most prominent fam- 
 ilies of Washington county, his grandparents hav- 
 ing settled here when it was a wild, uncleared 
 region. 
 
 QEORGE W. OSBUKN, retired merchant, of 
 Burgettstown, is descended of Irish au- 
 i cestry, his father and grandfather having 
 I been natives of the Emerald Isle. 
 
 James Oslmrn (grandfather of subject) 
 was married to a Miss McCutcheon, of his local- 
 ity, and they soon afterward emigrated to America, 
 landing at New York. Proceeding to Westmore- 
 land county, Penn., they there made a permanent 
 settlement, and reared a family of children, as 
 
 follows: James, Jane, Robert, George, Margaret, 
 Catherine, Martha and John. Mr. Osburn was a 
 Democrat in politics, and in religious faith a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church. 
 
 James Osburn, father of George W., was reared 
 and educated in Westmoreland county, Penn., and 
 was first married to a Miss Johnston, who bore 
 him two children, Thomas and Jane. For his 
 second wife, he was united in marriage with 
 Martha, daughter of Adam McKennet, a native of 
 Ireland, and a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. 
 McKennet settled on a farm in Kobinson township, 
 this county, in the early part of the present cent 
 ury, and there passed the remainder of his days. 
 After his second marriage James Osburn settled on 
 the McKennet farm, where he died in 1843. Polit 
 ically Mr. Osburn was a Democrat, and in religion 
 an adherent of the M. E. Church. Martha, wife 
 of James Osburn, survived him until the year 
 1885, when she died on August 5, leaving three 
 sons, James J., George W. and Robert C. 
 
 George W. Osburn, whose 'name opens this 
 sketch, was born June 9, 1830, and passed his 
 youth on the home farm in Kobinson township, re- 
 ceiving a common school education. On October 
 20, 1859, he was united in marriage with Mai)', 
 daughter of James Hastings, of Allegheny county, 
 Penn. She was a very estimable lady and model 
 wife, whose demise occurred January 5, 1865. As 
 a result of this union three children were born, of 
 whom two died in infancy. The surviving child, 
 Martha J., was born January 19, 1861, and was 
 reared on the home farm under Presbyterian iutlu 
 ences. She was educated in the common school. 
 She married R. C. Cassidy, November 18, 1884. As 
 a result of this marriage the birth of Ora R. Cas- 
 sidy occurred on April 17, 1888. Mr. Osburn con- 
 tinued to reside on the home farm until 1888, in 
 which year he came to Burgettstown, where he 
 formed a partnership with R. C. Cassidy in the 
 grocery business, which they conducted until 1891, 
 when Mr. Osburn retired. He is an active Re- 
 publican, and has held various public offices. 
 
 If S. WALTZ, a leading citizen of West 
 Alexander, was born at Washington, Wash 
 It J iugton Co., Penn. He is a son of Abraham, 
 --^ whose father, Daniel Waltz, was united in 
 marriago with Margaret Bedillion, of Fayette 
 county, Penn. Daniel Waltz was a painter and 
 chair maker by trade, and followed that business 
 all his life. Soon after his marriage he moved to 
 Washington county, where eight children were 
 born and reared, and where the remainder of his 
 life was passed. In politics he was a Jacksonian 
 Democrat, and took an active iuterest in the wel- 
 fare of his party. 
 
 Abraham Waltz passed his early life on the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1257 
 
 home farm in Washington county, where he re- 
 ceived a common school education and where he 
 began to learn his father's trade of painter and 
 chair maker, which he afterward followed. He 
 was married to Margaret B., daughter of John 
 Peters. Mr. Peters was born and reared in Massa- 
 chusetts, and was married to Margaret Saladay, of 
 Fayette county, Penn., where five children were 
 born and reared. Mr. Peters and his wife passed 
 the remainder of their life in Brownsville, Penn., 
 and were buried there. Mr. and Mrs. Abraham 
 Waltz were active members of the M. E. Church 
 at Washington, he being class- leader several 
 years. He affiliated with the Democratic party. 
 The death of this man occurred in 1841, and he 
 was buried in the cemetery at Washington. 
 
 J. S. Waltz, the only child of Abraham and 
 Margaret (Peters) Waltz, was reared and educated 
 at Washington, Penn. He has been an extensive 
 reader and instructor in vocal music. At the age 
 of eighteen years he began to learn the cigar trade, 
 remaining four years with Thomas McKeau, of 
 Washington. He then began business for himself 
 in the " Black Factory," where he continued two 
 years. In the year 1868, Mr. Waltz came to West 
 Alexander, Perm., and there conducted a dry- 
 goods and grocery store for three years, when he 
 opened a cigar factory, which he now carries on 
 in connection with the insurance brokerage busi- 
 ness. He was married to Nannie J., daughter of 
 Isaac Post, of Donegal township, September 24, 
 1862. There were three children born to this 
 union: Linnette M. (a music teacher, died March 
 24, 1890), Harry P. (a bookkeeper and musician 
 in Wheeling, W. Va. ), and Isaac N. (a book- 
 keeper), graduated from the business college at 
 Wheeling, W. Va. ; he is also a musician. The 
 mother died June 24, 1890. Mr. Waltz was for- 
 merly a Democrat, but is now a Republican. He 
 has been administrator and executor of several 
 estates. When the borough of West Alexander 
 was organized he was elected the first justice of 
 the peace, and on the expiration of his term was 
 re-elected, serving in all ten years. He has also 
 served as burgess, has been a member of council, 
 and a school director, and was again elected justice 
 of thepeace, his commission dating from May, 1892, 
 to serve five years. During his long service as 
 justice of the peace he joined in marriage several 
 hundred couples, representing every State in the 
 Union, who look upon West Alexander as a west- 
 ern "Gretna Green." In church connection he 
 was formerly a Baptist, but afterward united with 
 the U. P. Church at West Alexander, Penn., in 
 which he has for years been leader of the choir. 
 During the building of the church he served both 
 as trustee and treasurer, and has ever taken an 
 active part in the support of that Society. 
 
 The Waltz family are descendants of Frederick 
 
 Reinhart Waltz, whose posterity now numbers 
 several thousands, and they are residents of almost 
 every State in the Union. The American pioneers 
 of the family emigrated from Switzerland to 
 America in the year 1731. 
 
 NDREW RUSSELL (deceased). The family 
 of which this gentleman was a representa- 
 tive is descended from prominent early 
 pioneers of Washington county, Penn., and 
 the blood of Scottish patriots flows in their 
 veins. Andrew Russell and his wife (the grand 
 parents) were born in Scotland and emigrated to 
 this country many years ago, first locating near 
 Oxford, Chester Co., Penn. In 1782 he purchased 
 and moved upon a part of the Crawford-Neville 
 Military Patent, in Chartiers township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., also purchasing another farm on 
 the north branch of Chartiers creek. A log cabin 
 was erected, which in due time was supplanted by 
 a more commodious residence, their original home 
 being afterward used for a blacksmith shop. Seven 
 daughters and three sons were born to this couple. 
 Andrew, son of Andrew Russell, was born in 
 1777, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and in early life was married to Anna Mc- 
 Clelland, who bore him eleven children, viz. : James 
 (married to Miss McElroy, living in Unionport, 
 Ohio), Andrew, Alexander, Robert, John, William, 
 Jane. Isabella, Ann, Eliza and Nancy, of whom 
 William and Ann are living. The father died in 
 1862. 
 
 Andrew Russell was born December 31, 1814, 
 on the farm now owned by his brother John, where 
 his boyhood days were passed. On April 18, 1839, 
 Andrew Russell was united in marriage with Jane, 
 daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Steele) Miller, 
 who came from Ireland in 1810. Andrew and 
 Jane Russell reared a family of ten children, of 
 whom the following is a brief record: Sarah Jane 
 was married to Sampson Smith, and they reside 
 in Allegheny City, Penn. ; of their six children, 
 Jennie L., Anna R. and Clara S. are living. An- 
 drew J. was first married to Margaret McBurney, 
 who bore him one son, Andrew Lyle (now attend- 
 ing the Philadelphia Medical College); the mother 
 died in October, 1884, and for his second wife Mr. 
 Russell married, August 4, 1886, Alice M. Smith 
 (he is station agent and merchant at Bulger, Penn., 
 and is an elder of the U. P. Church). James H. 
 Russell died when twenty-one years of age. Thomas 
 A. died in infancy. Letitia A. gave her hand in 
 marriage to Ezra McBurney, and was the mother 
 of five children, three of whom are living, namely: 
 Jennie D., Mary L. and Mattie L. Isabella M. 
 Russell was the wife of Matthew Brown, and bore 
 him eight children, namely: David Andrew, John 
 Edmund, Anna Doret, William Ralph, Joseph 
 

 1258 
 
 WASHING TON COUN TV. 
 
 McElroy, Walter Earl, Robert Russell and Jennie 
 Miller. William M. married Annie J. Agnew, to 
 whom one son, Johnson Miller, was born. Rob- 
 bert A. was married to Nettie Berrybill, who bore 
 him one daughter, Jennie Gertrude. Dorett M. 
 married. Homer J. Willison, January 4, 1883; to 
 them were born two sons, Howard Linford and 
 Knowlie Clark, the latter died of pneumonia Jan 
 uary 7, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Russell began their 
 married life in a room sixteen feet square, but by 
 patient industry soon accumulated a good prop 
 erty, and owned some very fine stock. He was 
 school director and supervisor, being always inter- 
 ested in all movements tending toward progression, 
 and in religious faith was an earnest member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church. He died April 
 25j 1891, leaving many warm friends to mourn his 
 loss, who gave to the bereaved family their heart 
 felt sympathy. 
 
 JiOSEPH SHAW is one of the most prosperous 
 agriculturists of Chartiers township, giving 
 | especial attention to the raising of tine stock, 
 and is a representative of one of the oldest 
 pioneer families of Washington county. He is 
 I ho second son of John Shaw, and a grandson of 
 Joseph Shaw, the latter of whom was born in the 
 Ninth of Ireland, and married a Miss Sankey, 
 finally settling in Chartiers township, Washington 
 county. 
 
 John Shaw (a son of the above-named couple) 
 was born in 1804, on the pioneer farm in Chartiers 
 township, this county. In 1832 he was married 
 to Sarah Harsha, a native of the same county, and 
 they settled on the home farm, where the following 
 children were born to them: Esther Ann and Jane 
 (both deceased in infancy), William D. (who en- 
 listed in Company A, Eighty-fifth Regiment, P. 
 V. I., serving three years, two months and ten 
 days; married Sarah Bancroff, have two sons and 
 one daughter, and is now living in Adams county. 
 Iowa), Joseph, John H. (deceased at the age of 
 fourteen years), an infant and James (twins, the 
 latter of whom was a veteran of Company B, First 
 Virginia Cavalry; married Mary Boyce, who died, 
 leaving four sons and three daughters; he then 
 married Rella St. Clare, by which union there is 
 one son now living in Guernsey county, Ohio), 
 Sarah Jane (who married J. L. Henderson, and 
 died leaving four sons and one daughter), Har 
 rison Marshall (who died of typhoid fever, at the 
 age of seven years), Thomas (residing on the old 
 pioneer farm, married Hannah Grounds, who died 
 leaving one son, and he then married Jennie \\ . 
 Agnew, by whom he has one son and two daugh- 
 ters), Rebecca Agnes (deceased in youth), Robert 
 Theodore (a graduate of Washington and Jeffer- 
 son College, now a physician and surgeon at Silver 
 
 Plume, Colo., and who has served twice as a mem- 
 ber of the Legislature from his county) and Har 
 riet (married about the year 1878 to David Bedow, 
 to whom she bore a son; she died in March, 1880). 
 The mother of this family died of apoplexy in 
 1809. She was a daughter of John Harsha, whose 
 parents were early pioneers of Washington county, 
 of Scotch-Irish ancestry. John Harsha was a 
 hunter in Kentucky in the days of Daniel Boone, 
 but in his younger life he had learned the trade of 
 chair maker in his native State. He married Es 
 ther Ann McMillan, a native of Chartiers town 
 ship, also a member of an early pioneer family. 
 They died in this county. John Shaw was a Dem- 
 ocrat until 1840, when he became a Whig, and 
 upon the organization of the Republican party, he 
 joined its ranks; he was an enthusiastic worker 
 with them, and one of the most patriotic of nun. 
 universally respected. In church relationship he 
 was a member of and elder in the United Presby- 
 terian Church of Cross Roads, in Chartiers town- 
 ship. He died in February, 1879. 
 
 Joseph Shaw (whose name opens this biography) 
 was born August 10, 1837, on the home farm in 
 Chartiers township, this county, and was educated 
 in District No. 2, that township. On September 
 13, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Eighty-fifth 
 Regiment P. V. I., for a term of three years, or 
 during the war, and was assigned to the army of 
 the Potomac under Gen. MacClellan. The army 
 of the Potomac then lay encamped from Fortress 
 Monroe to Newport News, and commenced move- 
 ment on May 4, 1862. The enemy evacuated his 
 position at Yorktown the night before, and upon 
 discovering this the Union army began a hot pur- 
 suit, overtaking them at Williamsburg, where a 
 terrible tight ensued, lasting till night, when the 
 Confederates retreated. The regiment then fol- 
 lowed, taking part in a few skirmishes, and finally 
 halted at Fair Oaks. From here, after a fierce 
 battle, they were forced to retreat to Harrison's 
 Landing, the retreat including what is termed the 
 Seven Days Fight. The army soon afterward 
 evacuated Harrison's Landing, proceeding to For- 
 tress Monroe and Hampton Roads. At this junct- 
 ure, Companies A and F were detailed to guard 
 the hospital at Point Lookout for three months. 
 Companies A and F received orders to join the 
 regiment at Suffolk, Va., and while there had a 
 skirmish with the enemy at Blackwater. In the 
 latter part of January, 1863, they were sent to St. 
 Helen's Island, on a fleet comprising about fifty 
 wooden and iron-clad vessels. They landed Feb- 
 ruary 8, 1863, and saw the engagement which took 
 place at Charleston Harbor, many vessels being 
 engaged, also the bombardment or Ft. Sumter by 
 Dupont. The Union troops were then in posses- 
 sion of Folly Island. A battery was there ambushed 
 which enabled them to take Morris Island, and then 
 
tf a *„jL8..jF$* n & 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1261 
 
 followed the siege with Forts Wagner and Gregg, 
 which were protecting Charleston. Joseph Shaw 
 assisted in building the "Swamp Angel," after the 
 siege. The regiment was then transferred to Hil- 
 ton Head, where it remained until April 23, 1804. 
 An expedition was then sent to Bermuda Hundred, 
 being the first regiment to land under Gen. Ben. 
 Butler, and afterward took part in the bloody bat- 
 tles near Petersburg. Leaving there they went 
 to Turkey Bend, thence to the Gap, where a heavy 
 tight ensued on Chapman's Farm, at Deep Bottom. 
 In this engagement the Eighty fifth Regiment 
 captured two stands of colors, but nearly half of 
 those heroic men fell martyrs to the Union cause 
 that fearful day, and Mr. Shaw received a flesh 
 wound. From there they went to Norfolk on duty, 
 and on November 22, 1864, Joseph Shaw received 
 an honorable discharge at Pittsburgh, Penn., and 
 he immediately returned to Washington county. 
 On December 5, 1865, the wedding bells pro 
 claimed the union of Joseph Shaw and Helen Jane 
 McBurney, a native of Canton township, this 
 county, reared and educated in Washington. She 
 is a daughter of Ebenezer and Mary (Maxwell) 
 McBurney, natives of South Strabane township, 
 descended from Scotch ancestors, members of the 
 TJ. P. Church. The mother died in ISSN, and in 
 1889 the father passed away, while residing at 
 Antelope Gap (his ranch near Goldthwaite, Mills 
 Co., Texas). 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Shaw passed the first years of 
 their married life on the place known as the Sam- 
 uel Morgan farm, which he sold, and in 1881 he 
 purchased the farm of over 127 acres which he now 
 owns in Chartiers township. Five children have 
 been born to them, viz. : Dr. John H. (a dentist 
 of Pittsburgh, Penn. ), Harry McBurney (a farmer), 
 Mary, Florence and Margaret E. ; the daughters 
 all attend the Washington Female Seminary. Mr. 
 Shaw has given special attention to raising English 
 Shropshire sheep. He and his wife and family are 
 members of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Houstonville, and they are now living in that vil- 
 lage. Politically Mr. Shaw votes with the Repub- 
 lican party. 
 
 f/OSEPH McDOWELL is a representative of 
 one of the early families of Mt. Pleasant 
 r_^ J township. The McDowells are of Scotch- 
 ^^ Irish descent, the first settlement having been 
 made in colonial days by Thomas McDowell, in 
 Little Britain township, Lancaster Co., Penn. 
 
 The great-grandfather, Thomas McDowell, was 
 born there, and in 1773 came to Washington 
 county, first settling near the mouth of the north 
 branch of Chartiers creek, in Chartiers township, 
 taking out a patent for 400 acres of laud. In 1787 
 he purchased a patent of 899J acres in Mt. Pleas- 
 
 ant township, from John Neiper, the assignee of 
 Robert Dowuing, which was patented in John 
 Neiper's name January 3, 1788, described as lying 
 near the headwaters of Chartiers creek, and named 
 Long Meadow. In a will made by Thomas Mc- 
 Dowell and his wife Jennet, the following named 
 daughters are mentioned: Hester Miller, Rachel 
 Stiil, Dina McKnight, Jane Clarke, Rebecca, 
 Martha, Abigail, and sons: William, John, James 
 and Joseph, and the grandson: Benoni Stulbs. 
 Thomas McDowell died in the year 1797, and was 
 interred in the Buffalo Presbyterian church bury- 
 ing ground in Hopewell township. 
 
 James McDowell, sou of Thomas and Jennet, 
 was born in Lancaster county. Penn., and moved 
 with his father's family to Washington county, 
 where he married Mary McKnight, a native of 
 Chartiers township. They settled on the farm in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, James having in the year 
 L796 bought of his father 160 acres of the orig- 
 inal John Neiper patent, paying in consideration 
 therefor the sum of tl(tl) current money of Penn 
 sylvauia. The following children were born to 
 them: Eleanor Nesbit, Rebecca Smith, Jane Mc 
 Elroy, and James and John. James McDowell, 
 the grandfather, died June 21, 1S27, his wife sur- 
 viving him a number of years. Both lie in the 
 Cross Roads U. P. Church burying ground. 
 
 James McDowell, the father, was born on the 
 farm of his father, James, on June 21, 1S(I4, and in 
 the year 1828 married Katharine Miller, of Char- 
 tiers township, who was born also in 1804, and 
 was a sister to Col. R. W. Miller. They set- 
 tled on part of the farm, it having been willed to 
 him and his brother John to be divided between 
 them. He followed farming, stock raising and 
 hunting as an occupation, and was considered in 
 his day a great marksman and hunter. When 
 about fifteen years of age he, with a flint-lock 
 rifle, went hunting, taking along with him a young 
 fox-hound. Before he was off their own farm, he 
 came up to a black bear. The young hound would 
 not leave him, but with his tail down and bristle's 
 up, kept a sniffing. He finally discoved the bear 
 standing up on its haunches and on firing, the 
 powder flashed in the pau, causing the gun to 
 hang fire. In the meantime the bear had got 
 down on all fours and ran about a rod before the 
 gun discharged the ball. This bear was the last 
 one seen in these parts and was a few days after 
 ward killed near what is now the village of Hick 
 ory, in Mt. Pleasant township. When dressed the 
 bear weighed 300 pounds. James McDowell's po 
 litical views were Democratic, his first vote being cast 
 for Andrew Jackson for President. He voted for 
 all the Democratic nominees down to his last vote, 
 which was cast for Grover Cleveland in 1884. Al 
 though not a member of any church, he was never 
 known to speak disrespectfully of the Christian 
 
1262 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 religion, and all that is known of his religious be 
 lief is what he said to the minister on his death- 
 bed which was: "when Christ died He sent the 
 Holy Ghost as a Comforter." Catharine McDowell, 
 the mother, was a member of Mt. Prospect Pres- 
 byterian Church by certificate, having joined the 
 First Presbyterian Church of Washington before 
 marriage. She was a kind mother and a conscien- 
 tious Christian. The following children were born 
 to them: Mary, Jane, James (died in youth), 
 Rachel, Jacob, John (died in youth), Samuel (now 
 living in Miami county, Kans.), Robert (died in 
 Miami county, Kans., March 30, 1889), Joseph 
 and Katharine. The mother died February 10, 
 1881, and the father July 10, 1886. Both are 
 buried in Mt. Prospect cemetery. 
 
 Jacob McDowell, son of James and Catharine, 
 volunteered in the year 1861 and served as a cav- 
 alryman in the First Pennsylvania Reserve Cavalry, 
 Company K, until honorably discharged in 1864, 
 having served for three years. Ho died in 1875, 
 from the effects of a wound on the left cheek bone 
 received while in the army. 
 
 Fit J. GREGG. Among the early settlers of 
 
 / l\ Washington county, whose deeds are an un- 
 
 //^\\ dying monument to their memory, were the 
 
 J -* ancestors of the well known family, repre- 
 
 i sented here by the gentleman whose name 
 
 here appears. 
 
 In the year 1790 three brothers — Henry, Will- 
 iam and John Gregg— left Ireland, the country of 
 their birth, and crossed the ocean to America. 
 After a voyage of sixteen weeks they all came to 
 Washington county, Penn., and settled in East 
 Pike Run township, where Henry secured a tract 
 of 349 acres called the "Burning Mine," and now 
 owned by a Mr. Duvall. Henry Gregg served as 
 justice of the peace in 1796. He was married to 
 Jane Dowler, and of their children whose names 
 are given are John, Henry, Thomas, Edward, Seth 
 and William. The parents died in 1834 in West 
 Pike Run township. The second brother of the 
 three who emigrated from Ireland was William 
 Gregg, and he was married in the old country to 
 a lady who bore him the following children: 
 Henry, John, William, Andrew, Robert, Christina 
 (wife of John Crow) and a Mrs. Jackinan. 
 
 Robert Gregg, son of William, was born in Ire- 
 land, and was about twelve years of age when 
 the parents and uncles came to America in 1790. 
 He attended the subscription schools of Washing- 
 ton county, Penn.. and in early manhood was 
 married to Ann, daughter of John Robison, a 
 Dative of Ireland, where he was married. Coming 
 to America in an early day, he opened the first 
 tavern mi the old Washington n>ad in Pennsyl- 
 
 vania. His children were Joseph, John, William, 
 Susan, Sarah and Ann (Mrs. Gregg). 
 
 Robert and Ann Gregg resided on the home 
 place until his health failed, when they moved to 
 Greenfield (now Coal Centre), where he died. He 
 was a pilot on the Monongahela, Ohio and 
 Mississippi rivers. In politics he was actively 
 identified with the Democratic party, and served 
 for years as supervisor, as well as in other town- 
 ship offices. The children of this family were 
 born as follows: John R., William, Mary, Jane 
 (wife of Daniel Williams), Andrew J., Ann (mar- 
 ried to Thomas Huggins) and Matilda. Of these 
 Andrew J. and Ann are yet living. Robert Gregg 
 helped to build the first steamboat launched on the 
 Monongahela river. His son, John R., started the 
 first general store in Greenfield in 1835, which he 
 kept for fifty years. He, in partnership with 
 Hiram Smith, loaded the first coal boat there, and 
 ran it by hand to Cincinnati. Boats in those days 
 were loaded three feet deep, and were sixty five 
 feet long, and he lived to see his son W. H. Gregg 
 load boats six and seven feet deep and 165 feet 
 long, and towed by steamboats. 
 
 Andrew J. Gregg was born in November, 1817, 
 in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and attended the pioneer schools of the 
 period. On July 6, 1852, he entered matrimonial 
 life in company with Mary A., daughter of James 
 Ailes, who was a son of Amos Ailes, whose father 
 was Stephen Ailes, a native of Chester county, 
 Penn. Amos Ailes was born in 1751, and grew to 
 manhood in his native county. In early life Amos 
 Ailes was married to Ann, daughter of Joseph 
 Brown, a farmer of Chester county, Penn., and 
 soon after their marriage they came to Washington 
 county, locating on a tract of land in East Pike 
 Run township, which had then been in the pos 
 session of Joseph Brown for about two years. At 
 the time Amos Ailes settled upon it, the place was 
 an unbroken wilderness, inhabited only by wild 
 animals and wandering Indians. Two young girls 
 named Scott were killed by the Redskins about 
 this time, and Mrs. Ailes shot a deer in the door- 
 yard soon after their arrival. In this wild forest 
 home children were born to these pioneers, and 
 reared, as follows: Joseph, Stephen, Aaron, Mary 
 (wife of Eli Gause), James, Sarah (wife of John 
 Waites), Isaac and Amos. Mr. Ailes was a Whig 
 in politics, and in religion a member of the 
 Society of Friends. He died in February, 1S35, 
 and was buried by the side of his wife in the West- 
 land cemetery, in East Bethlehem township, Wash- 
 ington county. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg resided on 
 the home place for three years after their mar- 
 riage, then purchased and moved upon an adjoin- 
 ing farm. They finally settled on the Ailes home- 
 stead, and in 1889 erected their present residence. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1263 
 
 In addition to general farming, Mr. Gregg has 
 conducted a gristmill for the past few years. In 
 polities he is a stanch Democrat, and has held 
 various local offices. He is a member and ardent 
 supporter of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 D' 
 
 V ANIEL SHELLER, a well-known citizen of 
 Claysville, was born February 1, 1816, in 
 Donegal township. He is a son of Samuel 
 Sheller, also a native of that township, 
 whose father, William, was born in Germany, from 
 which counbry so many of t lie best and most intel- 
 lectual citizens of America are descended. 
 
 William Sheller, grandfather of our subject, 
 passed his youth in his native land, and there mar- 
 ried a German lady, who bore him children as fol- 
 lows: William, Henry, John, Samuel, Mary (Mrs. 
 Jacob Ruple), Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin Stephen 
 son), Mrs. Beckley and Mrs. McKee. This family 
 emigrated from Germany, and settling in Wash- 
 ington county, were among the earliest pioneers of 
 Donegal township. Indians were still .numerous, 
 and when the settlers attended church, which they 
 did usually in a body, the men of their number 
 carried their guns with them. In politics Mr. 
 Sheller was a Federalist; in religious faith he was 
 one of the founders of the United Brethren Church, 
 with which he was connected. 
 
 Samuel Sheller, father of Daniel, always lived in 
 Donegal township, and was educated in the German 
 language. He was united in marriage with Eliza 
 beth, daughter of Christopher Winter (of whom 
 special mention will presently be made), and their 
 children were: Daniel, Elizabeth, Christopher 
 (living in West Alexander), Catherine (Mrs. John 
 J. Clemmens), Mary, Susanna (Mrs. Alexander 
 Noble) and Lucinda (Mrs. Alexander Blair). After 
 his marriage, Mr. Sheller settled on the farm 
 where the remainder of his life was passed. He 
 was a member of the United Brethren Church, and 
 in politics he was an active worker in the Old-line 
 Whig party. He died January 1, 1838, his widow 
 surviving him until 1860, when she, too, passed 
 away. 
 
 Daniel Sheller, the subject of these lines, re- 
 mained on his father's farm in Donegal township 
 during his early years, and was educated chiefly in 
 the German language, attending the English 
 school but three months. On May 20, 1847, he 
 married Rachel, daughter of Joshua Stoolfill, and 
 their family consists of two sons and two 
 daughters, viz. : Samuel M. , Margaretta (Mrs. 
 Samuel Blayney), Joshua S. and Ida F., all now 
 deceased. After his marriage Mr. Sheller settled 
 in Buffalo township, this county, where he re- 
 mained until 1878; then came to his present home 
 in Claysville, where he is living a retired life. His 
 original farm comprised ninety acres, but he has 
 
 added to it until he now owns '228 acres of excel 
 lent laud. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and 
 is now a member of the Prohibition party. In 
 church relations he is connected with the United 
 Brethren Church at Zion Chapel. 
 
 Christopher Winter, our subject's maternal 
 grandfather, was a native of Ruinepfalz, Germany, 
 whence, when a young man, he came to America, 
 and to Washington county, where he purchased a 
 tract of land in Donegal township, before the be- 
 ginning of the present century. He married Kath- 
 arine Schaffer, a lady of German descent, born in 
 Washington county. They remained in Donegal 
 township until their deaths, and they now lie at 
 rest in the cemetery at Zion Chapel. They were 
 among the early pioneers of the township. The 
 country at the time of their settlement, there was a 
 wilderness, inhabited by wild animals and Indians; 
 and when on the Sabbath the pioneers walked 
 through the forest to the little log building, used 
 both as a schoolhouse and church, they would 
 carry their trusty rifles with tliem for protection. 
 
 Samuel M. Sheller, son of Daniel and Rachel 
 Sheller, was born in Buffalo township, educated in 
 the State Normal School at California and taught 
 school for several years For some time he was 
 engaged in mercantile business at Claysville. In 
 March, 1879, he married Jennie D., daughter of 
 Thomas McLeary, Esq. To this marriage were born 
 Elmer E., A. Garfield, Ida F., Margaretta A. and 
 Mary K. He then followed agriculture on the 
 home farm, and became one of the most successful 
 breeders of fine stock. Mr. Sheller was a member 
 of the United Brethren Church, and in politics 
 was a strong Prohibitionist. His death took place 
 March 22, 1892, and he was laid to rest in the 
 Claysville cemetery. 
 
 h 
 
 ( LEXANDER C. CHAPMAN, retired farmer 
 l\ and now a leading citizen of Claysville, is a 
 l\ native of the county, having been born 
 ^ March 5, 1823, in Donegal township, of 
 stalwart Scotch-Irish descent. 
 His grandfather, Richard Chapman, a native of 
 Ireland, was there married to Sarah Patterson, and 
 had a numerous family, the names of the four sons 
 being: Richard, Alexander, Andrew L. and Robert, 
 and of the two daughters: Jane and Mary. The 
 family emigrated to the United States in about the 
 year 1781, landing in New York, whence, the same 
 year, they moved to Washington county, Penn., 
 where grandfather Chapman kept a hotel near 
 Washington some years, then purchased a farm 
 and resided in the county until their deaths. 
 
 Andrew L. Chapman, a son of the above pioneer, 
 came with his parents from Ireland to this country, 
 where he received his education. While quite a 
 young man he was married to Nancy, daughter of 
 
1264 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Elder Thomas Campbell, of whom farther mention 
 will be presently made, and the children born of 
 this union were: Jane (wife of Daniel Mooney), 
 Sarah (deceased wife of Jacob Mooney), Selina 
 (deceased), Nancy (deceased wife of Rev. Walter 
 Russell), Phoabe (deceased wife of David Oden- 
 baugh), and Alicia (deceased wife of Thomas Mc- 
 Fadden), Alexander C. (subject), Dr. Andrew L., 
 Thomas (deceased), Cornelius (deceased), and Dr. 
 Campbell (deceased). Mr. Chapman was an active 
 member of the Whig party, a warm friend of edu- 
 cation and a public-spirited, progressive citizen. 
 He was one of the early teachers of the schools in 
 his township. A prominent member of the Chris- 
 tian Church at Dutch Fork, he was one of its most 
 liberal supporters, and was for many years an elder 
 in same. As a successful farmer he had no superior 
 in his section, and in addition to general agricult- 
 ure he was for a long time engaged in sheep rais- 
 ing. He died in this county in 1845. 
 
 Elder Thomas Campbell, grandfather of sub 
 ject (a descendant of Archibald Campbell, Duke 
 of Argyll, Scotland), was born February 1, 1763, 
 in County Down, Ireland, where in June, 1787, he 
 was married to Jane Corneigle, a descendant of 
 the French Huguenots. In an early day (1807) 
 he came to this country, making his home near 
 Washington, Penn., finally removing to Bethany, 
 W. Va. , where he died at the advanced age of 
 ninety-one years. The following is a brief record 
 of his children that grew to maturity: His eldest 
 son, Alexander, while in Ireland became a student 
 of theology, concluding his education at Glasgow, 
 Scotland. He aud his father were eminent minis- 
 ters of the Seceder Church. In 1809 he joined 
 his father in this country. In the meantime they 
 both became dissatisfied with the divided state of 
 Christendom, and proposed a remedy by inviting 
 all Christians to unite with them ''on the Bible and 
 the Bible alone." And thus Thomas and Alex 
 ander Campbell inaugurated the •'Reformation of 
 the Nineteenth Century," forming churcheson this 
 basis, known as "Churches of Christ," or "Dis- 
 ciples," which have attained high standing among 
 the religionists of the world, and to-day numbers 
 1,000,000 members in the United States. Alex- 
 ander also founded Bethany College, Bethany, W. 
 Va., of which he was president until his death in 
 1866. The second son, Thomas, was a leading 
 physician in this county. Archibald was also a 
 prominent physician, as well as an able preacher. 
 Dorothy became the wife of Joseph Bryant. 
 Nancy (mother of subject) became the wife <>f 
 Andrew L. Chapman. Alicia became the wife of 
 Mathew Clapp, and Jane, the wife of Mathew Me- 
 Keever. 
 
 Alexander C. Chapman received his education 
 at the subscription schools of his native township, 
 and was reared to agricultural pursuits. On April 
 
 13, 1847, he was married to Julia A., daughter 
 of Richard Chapman, of Washington county, 
 Penn., and the children born to them were: Agnes 
 (deceased wife of Dr. Mont. Linville), Dorothy 
 (deceased wife of Dr. James Bemis), Kate (de- 
 ceased), Selina (deceased), and Lizzie B., Grafton 
 K. and Campbell A., who are now living. The 
 mother of these children dying in 1874, Mr. 
 Chapman married, for his second wife, Mrs. M. 
 Hodgens, widow of John Hodgens, of this county, 
 she dying in the spring of 1889. In politics Mr. 
 Chapman was a Whig until that party ceased to 
 exist, after which he became a Democrat, and of 
 late years he has voted the Prohibition ticket. In 
 1875 he was elected to the office of justice of the 
 peace, which he tilled with credit. He remain) d 
 on the farm until 1889, when he retired from act- 
 ive life, and located at Claysville. He still owns 
 280 acres of tine land in Donegal township. While 
 engaged on the farm he was recognized as one of 
 the leading citizens of that section; was for years 
 engaged in buying wool, and took particular pride 
 in tine stock, and the production of tine wool; he is 
 regarded as competent authority on sheep and wool. 
 Mr. Chapman has been for years a consistent mem- 
 ber i if the Christian Church at Dutch Fork, and is 
 looked upon as a brainy, well balanced man, and an 
 able debater. 
 
 H. CRAWFORD, a prominent and pros- 
 perous farmer of East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, is a grandson of Elijah Crawford, a 
 native of Fayette county, Penn., who in 
 his lifetime was a Democrat of no small 
 repute. For a long term of years he held the 
 office of justice of the peace, and in his religious 
 faith he was a member of the Society of Friends. 
 He married Christina Oase, of Philadelphia, who 
 bore him children as follows: Lee, Levi, Josiah, 
 Jacob, James Sidwell, Cassie and Elizabeth, who 
 married Johnson Craft, and is now a resident of one 
 of the Western States. 
 
 James Sidwell Crawford, father of subject, was 
 born July 25, 1809, in Fayette county, Penn., 
 where he received a fairly liberal education and 
 was reared to agricultural pursuits, which became 
 his life work in connection with distilling. On 
 April 14, 1836, he married Sarah Hawkins, daugh- 
 ter of Richard and Cynthia Hawkins, of Washing- 
 ton county, and the young couple then settled on 
 the farm now occupied by their son, R. H. He 
 was successful as a farmer and stock raiser, and 
 made many substantial improvements on his prop- 
 erty, among which may be mentioned the hand- 
 some and comfortable residence erected in 1845, a 
 tine commodious barn and various outbuildings. 
 At the time of his death he had by energy, per- 
 severance and judicious economy accumulated a 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1267 
 
 handsome competence, his farm comprising no less 
 than 322 acres of superior laud. In his political 
 preferences he was a solid Democrat, but not an 
 active one, his farm interests occupying his entire 
 time and attention. He departed this life April 3, 
 1869, his widow in 1883, in her seventy-second 
 year. Their children were R. H., Mary Emma, 
 Sarah Melissa, James Josiah and Edwin Elijah. 
 The last mentioned participated in the Civil war, 
 serving under Col. William J. Palmer in Company 
 K, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and died in 
 Nashville, Tenu., February 12, 1863, aged twenty- 
 two years four months nineteen days. James 
 Josiah died July 29. 1862, aged thirteen years 
 ten months fourteen days; Sarah Melissa married 
 Robert Hawkins, and now resides at Newton Falls, 
 Trumbull Co., Ohio; Mary Emma is the wife of 
 Elmer R. Deems, of Washington, Penn. 
 
 R. H. Crawford was born October 2N, 1 N37, on 
 the farm he now owns in East Bethlehem town 
 ship, and in his boyhood attended the common 
 schools of his district. He was reared to farm 
 work under the able instruction of his father, and 
 became, like him, one of the most successful agri- 
 culturists of the county. On January 3, 1884, he 
 married Miss Anna E.. daughter of Casper and 
 Sarah Ann (Griffith) Wyland, of Washington, 
 Penn. Mr. Crawford is a Democrat to the back- 
 bone, but in minor elections votes for the best 
 man, regardless of party interests; he and his 
 wife are members of the Lutheran Church. His 
 farm covers 150 acres of prime land situated near 
 the center of East Bethlehem township, where he 
 carries on general farming, including stock raising 
 — buying and selling — and has continually on the 
 place a flock of about 150 sheep. 
 
 AMUEL WALKER. The earliest record ex 
 tant of the Walker family, to which the sub- 
 ject of this memoir claims relationship, is 
 of one David Walker, a native of New 
 Jersey, who married Elizabeth Elliott, of the same 
 State. About the year 1772, the young couple 
 settled near a little town called Burnt Cabins, 
 Huntingdon Co., Penn. Ten children were born 
 to them, viz.: Alexander, John, David, James, 
 Martha, Sarah, Mrs. Cree, Susan, Polly and Isa- 
 belle, all now deceased. 
 
 Alexander Walker, eldest son of David, was 
 born May 10, 1773, in Huntingdon county, and 
 passed his boyhood on the borne farm. In 1795 
 he came to Washington county, and located in 
 Jefferson township, on the farm now owned and 
 occupied by his son. Here he met Miss Elizabeth 
 Norris, who was born December 19, 1778, in this 
 county, and October 26, 1800, they were married. 
 They settled on the home farm mentioned, and Mr. 
 Walker also managed a still-house, which was, at 
 
 that time, as important an industry as a mill of 
 the present day. The names and dates of birth 
 of the children born to them are as follows: 
 Elizabeth, February 22, 1802; John, June 8, 1803; 
 David, September 19, 1804; James, January 1. 
 1807; John N. , June 24, 1808; Susanna, December 
 22, 1809; Alexander, June 21, 1811; Mary Ann," 
 February 7, 1814; David S., July 6, 1816; Isabel le. 
 November 17, 1818; Drusilla, February 16, 1821; 
 and Samuel, April 18, 1823. The father died 
 September 8, 1854, the mother on December 17, 
 1855. They were Presbyterians. Mr. Walker 
 was a Democrat. 
 
 Samuel Walker was born in the house where he 
 is now living, and was reared to agricultural pur- 
 suits, attending the common schools of the neigh 
 borhood. On September 2, 1844, he was married 
 to Miss Elizabeth H. Jerome, born June 10, 1825, 
 in Ohio county, W. Va., daughter of John Jerome, 
 a pioneer of that neighborhood. After marriage 
 they settled on the home place, and cared for his 
 aged father. After his death, the son became the 
 legal owner of the 200 acres of productive land 
 which is his present home. The names and dates 
 of birth of the children born to Samuel and Eliza- 
 beth H. (Jerome) Walker are as follows: Thomas 
 P., July 22, 1845; Ophelia A., September 21, 1848; 
 W. Scott, August 8, 1852; James J., September 6, 
 1855; Harriet Bell, April 9, 1858; and Alexander, 
 February 16,1862. In politics Mr. Walker was 
 first a Whig, and afterward a Republican. He at- 
 tends the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, to 
 which he gives a liberal support. 
 
 ILLIAM S. GREGG. Among the early 
 settlers of Washington county, Penn., 
 whose deeds are an undying monument 
 to their memory, were the ancestors of 
 the well-known family, of which the sub- 
 ject of this memoir is a worthy representative. 
 
 In 1790 three brothers— Henry, William and 
 John Gregg— left Ireland, the country of their 
 birth, for the shores of Columbia. After a voyage 
 of sixteen weeks, they all came to Washington 
 county, Penn., and settled in East Pike Run town- 
 ship. Of these brothers William was the great- 
 grandfather of our subject, and his son Henry se- 
 cured a tract of 349 acres called "the Burning 
 Mine," in East Pike Run township, now owned by 
 a Mr. Duvall. This Henry Gregg served as a justice 
 of the peace in 1796. He was married to Jane Dow- 
 ler, and they had'ehildren as follows: John, Henry, 
 Thomas and Edward. The parents of this family 
 died in 1834, in West Pike Run township. John 
 Gregg, the youngest of the three who came to 
 America in 1790, was twice married, his second 
 choice having been Miss Nancy Gregg, a native of 
 Ireland, to whom he was married in 1794. Their 
 
1208 
 
 WASHINGTON COI'.XTY 
 
 children were James, born August 8, 1795; Eleanor, 
 horn May 22. 1797; Andrew, horn April 8, 1799; 
 Mary', born September 8, 1801; Henry, horn April 
 28, 1804: Sarah, bora September 8, 1806; Ann, 
 horn November 9. ISDN; John, horn January 23, 
 1811; Margaret, born February 8, 1813; andEliz- 
 abeth, horn February 11, 1815. The father died 
 July 20. IS 11, follower] by the mother April 14, 
 1811. She was a member of the M. E. Church. 
 The three brothers who first settled in America 
 were ;ill members of the M E. Church, and in 
 politics affiliated with the Whig party. 
 
 William Gregg, another son of the pioneer Will 
 iam, married Ruth . who bore him the fol- 
 lowing children: Henry, John, William, Andrew. 
 Robert, Christina (wife of John Crow), and an- 
 other daughter (who became the wife of a Ml". 
 Jackman). 
 
 Robert Gregt;. son of William and Ruth Gregg, 
 was horn in 1808. in East Pike Run township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. He lived on the home 
 farm during early life, and February 8, 1821, was 
 married to Mary West, who was born in 1812, 
 in this county. They were the parents of six 
 children, namely: William S., West J., Robert 
 J. (living in Coal Centre, this county), Matilda, 
 Francis and Ruth A. The father was a practical, 
 energetic fanner. In politics he affiliated with 
 the Democratic party, and held various township 
 offices. He died in 1874, and in 1890 the wife 
 and mother was laid beside him. They were mem 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church at Coal Centre. 
 
 William S. Gregg was horn July 4. 1847, in 
 East Pike Run township. Washington Co.. Penn., 
 where his boyhood was passed. In 1872 he mar 
 ried Sarah J. Lutes, who was born in 1852, in 
 Washington county, a daughter of Joseph and 
 Mary A. Lutes, representative of an old family. 
 Four daughters were born to this union, namely: 
 Nora, Estella J., Laura (deceased) and Mary A. 
 (deceased). The mother, who was a member of 
 the Preshyterian Church at Coal Centre, died in 
 1886, and in 181)1 Mr Gregg married Mrs. Mary 
 E. (Wright) Newman, daughter of Isaac Wright. 
 Her father was horn in 1813, in Washington county. 
 Penn.. and was married to Mary J. Long, a native 
 of this county, horn in 1818. The following chil- 
 dren were born to Mr. and Mrs. Wright: Eliza (de- 
 ceased); William H , a resident of Fayette county. 
 Penn.; Luke, living in East Pike Run township: 
 Samuel; Lizzie, wife of Samuel Worrell, a farmer 
 of East Bethlehem township; Mary E., wife of 
 William S. Gregg, Molissa; Matilda; Mary C. ; 
 Joseph; Thomas J. and John. Of this family the 
 six last mentioned are deceased. The father 
 passed his life on the home farm, where he died in 
 1885, having been preceded bythe mother in 1859. 
 In politics he is a Republican. In 1878 Mary E. 
 Wright was married to John Newman, a native of 
 
 Washington county. Penn., and they settled in 
 Beallsville, same county, where he carried on a 
 general merchandise business, and died in 1885. 
 Mrs. Newman was afterward married to William 
 S. Gregg, and to the latter union one son, Harry, 
 was born July 21, 1892. Mr. Gregg owns fifty 
 seven acres of highly- cultivated land, and conducts 
 a general farming business. He is a member of 
 the Coal Centre Presbyterian Church, while his 
 wife is identified with the M. E. Society, at Coal 
 Centre. 
 
 G ARSON, SMITH 
 Carson, great gr 
 of this sketch, Wf 
 land. Comintr t 
 
 fd ARSON, SMITH and JEROME G. Thomas 
 grandfather of the subjects 
 ■as born and married in Ire- 
 coming to this country, he located 
 in Maryland, whence a few years afterward he 
 moved to Fallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he died on the farm now owned and 
 occupied by Henry Carson. His children were 
 Joseph, Thomas, William and John. 
 
 Thomas Carson, grandfather of subjects, was 
 born in eastern Pennsylvania, and coming to Wash 
 ington county many years ago was married January 
 25, 1791, to Mary Gibson, a native of Kentucky. 
 They settled on the farm in Fallowfield township, 
 still owned by their descendants, and here he car- 
 ried on agriculture, and followed shoemaking; also 
 served as justice of the peace several terms. At 
 one time, being pursued by Indians, he traveled 
 seventy-five miles in one day, carrying his rifle, and 
 thus escaped. He died in 1848, leaving the fol- 
 lowing children: Elizabeth (wife of James Young I: 
 Thomas G. (married to Elizabeth Scott); Mary 
 (wife of John Grable); James S. (married to Dor- 
 cas Redd); John 13. (married to Sarah Scott); Ann 
 (wife of John Grable); Charlotta (wife of John 
 Carson). 
 
 John B. Carson (father of subjects) was born 
 April 25, 1802, on the old home place on Pigeon 
 creek, Fallowfield township. Washington Co , 
 Penn.. where he arrew to manhood. He was mar- 
 lied to Sarah Scott, who was born December 6, 
 1813. a daughter of Parker Scott, Esq.. a farmer 
 by occupation, and owner of 700 acres of laud; in 
 addition to general agriculture, he was a heavy 
 dealer in sheep and horses. Mr. Carson after 
 marriage located on the Pigeon Creek farm, now 
 occupied by his son Smith, but in the spring of 
 !*(('> he moved to Maple creek, on the farm his 
 son, Jerome G. now lives on. He died January 
 27, 1872, and September 17. 1887, his wife passed 
 away, leaving the following children: Newton (who 
 was a real estate dealer, also founder of West 
 Belle Vernon, and died December 24,' 1888). Mary 
 (wife of Jackson Carson, of Fallowfield township), 
 Smith (a fanner living on Pigeon creek), Lewis 
 (living in West Pike Run township), John B. (who 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1269 
 
 resided in Allen township until the spring of 1893, 
 when he moved to Ohio), Jerome G. (on the home 
 farm), and Sarah J. (now deceased). Mr. Carson 
 voted the Democratic ticket, and served in various 
 offices. In religion he and his wife were members 
 of the Baptist Church. He served as major in the 
 old-time militia. 
 
 Smith Carson was born October 16, 1836, in 
 Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Peun. He 
 remained on the place up to the time of his mar- 
 riage, which occurred in May, 1873, with Miss 
 Amanda McMillan, who died on March 6, 1877, 
 leading three sons: Charlie M., Barkley M. and 
 Mack B. She belonged to the M. E. Church. Mr. 
 Carson married, October 17, 1880, for his second 
 wife, Miss Elmira, daughter of William Blythe, 
 and they are living on the old homestead, where 
 they are engaged in farming and stock raising. 
 The Carsous are generally Old school Baptists and 
 Democrats. 
 
 Jerome G. Carson was born November 19, 1852, 
 on the ancestral acres in Fallowfield township, and 
 is the youngest son in his father's family. He at- 
 tended the commou schools during boyhood, and 
 has always followed farming and stock raising. 
 On November 4, 187."), he was united in marriage 
 with Isabelle Fry, daughter of Noah and Lydia 
 (Hill) Fry, the former of whom was a native of 
 Fallowfield township, the latter having been born, 
 reared and married in West Pike Hun township. 
 Noah Fry died in 1884, having been preceded to 
 the grave by his wife several years. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Carson began married life on 100| acres in Fal- 
 lowfield township, where they are yet living. He 
 has erected a good residence on the place, and 
 does a profitable business in general farming, in- 
 cluding stock raising. In politics he affiliates with 
 the Democratic party, aud in religion he is a mem- 
 ber of the Disciple Church, of which his wife is 
 also an adherent. Children have blessed their 
 union as follows: Lydia May, Joel (deceased in 
 1885), Alonzo, Val and Norman F. 
 
 COLONEL JAMES T. KIRK, who was born 
 at Canonsburg, Penn., September 21, 1825, 
 died at Washington, same county, December 
 7, 1886. He was reared and educated at 
 Canonsburg, aud there established a merchant 
 tailoring house, which he carried on successfully 
 until 1851, when he moved to Washington, and 
 opened a similar business there, in a store which 
 occupied the site of the present A. B. Caldwell 
 store. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil war, he 
 was a member of the "Jefferson Light Guards," 
 of Canonsburg, which disbanded in 1860, or early 
 in 1861. The call of April 15, 1861, for troops, 
 led to the reorganization of the guards, and as Mr. 
 Kirk was a lieutenant in the old command, so now 
 
 he was elected captain of the new organization. 
 Gov. Curtin accepted the company, and confirmed 
 the selection of Mr. Kirk as captain; but on the 
 arrival of the men at Pittsburgh, April 27, 1861, 
 the quota of Pennsylvania was filled, and the 
 guards were ordered to return. On May 7, follow- 
 ing, the command was again ordered to Camp 
 Williins, and there, on June 19, the members en- 
 listed for three years, and the name " Jefferson 
 Light Guards " was lost in that of Company D, 
 Tenth Regiment of the Reserve Corps, which was 
 mustered into State service June 19, and organized 
 June 21, 1861, the date on which Capt. Kirk was 
 promoted to lieutenant-colonel. On July 1 the 
 regiment occupied Camp Wright, on the Allegheny 
 river, proceeded to Harrisburg on the 18th, was 
 received into the United States service on the 21st, 
 moved to Baltimore on the 22d, and to Washing- 
 ton, D. C, on the 24th. On August 1 the ad 
 vance to Tenallytown, Md., was entered upon, and 
 from that date to muster-out. on June 11, 1864, 
 the regiment participated in all the brilliant affairs 
 of the brigades to which it was attached. On the 
 resignation of Col. McCalmont, Lieut. Col. Kirk 
 was commissioned colonel May 15, 1862, and gal- 
 lantly led the command from Mechanicsville, June 
 26, 1862, to Fredericksburg Church, April 30, 1864. 
 Before the regiment was ordered to the Peninsula, 
 the people of Canonsburg presented their first cit- 
 izen with a sword and horse iu recognition of his 
 services in the army. During the battle at New- 
 market Cross Roads. Col. Kirk received a sunstroke; 
 at the second Bull Run, the Colonel was shot 
 through the side, while commanding the Third 
 Brigade, and at Gaines' Mills he was also wounded. 
 After being snnstruck he returned home, but was 
 again'with the command at Manassas Junction* 
 the night before the battle. Owing to his wounds 
 and the poor condition of his health, he resigned 
 October 18, 1862, and retired with honor from the 
 service. On returning to Washington, Penn.. he 
 served as assistant provost- marshal until the close 
 of the war. 
 
 Resuming a business life. Col. Kirk and his 
 brother George became landlords of the old "Man- 
 sion House." on Main and Chestnut streets, which 
 they conducted for several years. Subsequently 
 he established a gents' furnishing and notion store, 
 on Reed's corner (now occupied by the Pittsburgh 
 Dry Goods Store), and carried on that business 
 until 1876, when he sold his interests therein, and, 
 practically retired from mercantile life. During 
 the decade preceding his death he worked at his 
 trade occasionally. He was the first captain of 
 Company H, Tenth Regiment, Pennsylvania N. G., 
 and that company turned out to take part in his 
 funeral on December 9, 1886, which was carried 
 out under direction of William F. Templeton 
 Post, G. A. R.. No. 120, the burial ritual being 
 
1270 
 
 UASIIJ.XGTON COUXl'Y 
 
 observed, Major Vankirk delivering the eulogy. 
 
 • !ol Kirk married Miss Mary Jane Swan, a sister of 
 Editor William Swan, and both made their home 
 at Canonsburg. The children born to that mar- 
 riage are as follows: William M. (deceased);. 
 George W , residing at Tyrone, Penn. ; James ('., 
 a resident of Washington, Penn.: Samuel W., 
 residing at Johnstown, Penn.: and Edwin T. , 
 a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn. The mother, 
 now seventy years old, resides with her son, James 
 C in Washington. 
 
 George A. Kirk, the father of Col. Kirk, was the 
 pioneer of the family in Washington county. To 
 his marriage with Jane Bell Thompson eight ebil- 
 dren were born, of whom the following named are 
 living: Harriet, now Mrs. Boyd Crmnrine, in Wash- 
 ington; Mary and Lizzie, also in Washington; 
 Robert T., in Canonsburg, and William H., a 
 physician of Doylestown, Penn. Each member of 
 the family fills a place in the history of the State, 
 while the late Colonel fills one in the history of the 
 Nation. The American ancestor of the family was 
 married in Londonderry, Ireland, in 179fi, came 
 to the United States shortly thereafter, and after 
 a stay east of the mountains, arrived in Washing- 
 ton county and settled on the Pentecost lands. In 
 1811 he moved to Canonsburg, where he pur- 
 chased a house and lot. In LSI 3 he and two 
 neighbors went East with a band of horses, and at 
 the ''South Mountain House" disappeared. 
 Some days after his body was found in the mount- 
 ains: but it will never be known whether he was 
 lured thither by robbers, or met death while pursuing 
 his journey in the nighttime. One of his sons. 
 George Kirk, was postmaster at Canonsburg, 
 Penn., from 1851 to 1859, when he died. 
 
 J (NO. C. BANE was born in Amwell township. 
 Washington Co., Penn.. on Wednesday, the 
 ) 6th day of November. 1861. He is the oldest 
 son of Aaron and Mary W. Bane. He has 
 one brother, Albert G. Bane, and one sister, 
 Edith Bane. His father is a farmer. His ances- 
 tors were Scotch Quakers, and the first branch of 
 the family to oome to America settled in Penn- 
 sylvania, before the Revolutionary war. 
 
 The early life or boyhood days of Bane were 
 spent upon his father's farm. During the winter 
 seasons lie attended the public schools of the dis- 
 trict, completing his common-school education in 
 March of 1876. On the 22nd day of May, I876,he 
 began a course of study at Hoge's Summit Acad- 
 emy, at that time taught by Prof. John C. Messen 
 ger. Hi' rode on horseback, six miles across the 
 country, from his home, to attend this school, for 
 a period of four years, completing his studies there 
 in the early part of the year 1880. He obtained 
 at this school the rudiments of a classical and 
 scientific education. 
 
 In September. IS8<>, he entered Washington and 
 Jefferson College, where he took a special course, 
 completing his studies in that institution, with the 
 class of 1882. Between the years L882 and 1886 
 he spent his time upon his father's farm, devoting 
 his leisure moments to reading and the study of 
 shorthand. On the 23rd day of November, 1886, 
 Bane was registered as a student at law, at the 
 Washington County Bar. He devoted the succeed 
 ing three years to the study of his chosen profes- 
 sion, supporting himself in the meantime by the 
 practice of shorthand, in which he is an expert. 
 
 On Monday, the 13th day of January, 1890, he 
 was admitted to the bar. He at once commenced 
 the practice of his profession in Washington. He 
 has, from the very beginning of his practice, met 
 with well merited success. He is to day one of the 
 leading young lawyers at the Washington County 
 Bar. 
 
 Bane is an enthusiastic Democrat. Ever since 
 his admission to the bar, he has been conspicuous 
 as an ardent and successful party worker. He was 
 elected Chairman of the Democratic County Com 
 mittee of Vigilance, of Washington County, in 
 1891, and re-elected in 1892. Washington Coun- 
 ty, at the time he was first elected Chairman of the 
 Vigilance Committee, was one of the strongest Re- 
 publican Counties in Pennsylvania, but by his 
 perseverance, and his abilities as an organizer, 
 Bane has placed it among the doubtful counties. 
 His skill as a political manager is recognized by 
 his own party, and feared by his opponents in the 
 opposing party. This fact has made him the most 
 prominent among the politicians of the county. 
 Beyond local politics, he has figured extensively in 
 the politics of the State. He has been several 
 times a delegate to State Conventions of his 
 party, where he has always taken an active part. 
 Bane is a member of the Jacques de Molay Coin 
 mandery, No. 3, Knights Templar. 
 
 ,HITE H. WILSON is a worthy represent- 
 ative of a pioneer family of Washington 
 county. He is a son of James Wilson, 
 whose father, Thomas, was a sou of 
 Thomas Wilson. The latter was of Irish 
 birtb, and in 1719 located on little Chartiers creek, 
 Washington county, Penn. He was married to 
 Hannah Brown, who died in 1830; he died in 1833. 
 Thomas Wilson, son of Thomas and Hannah 
 (Brown) Wilson, was born in 1787, and was a 
 farmer and stock dealer. In 1810 he married Es- 
 ther McCorkle, who was born in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, and they became the parents of nine ehil 
 dren, namely : James, Mary (wife of Leonard Weaver, 
 a resident of Beallsville, Penn.). Margaret (wife of 
 Samuel Graves, both deceased), Hannah (wife of 
 White F Uoj .kins, both deceased), Jane (deceased), 
 
/LiiAiMu^ 
 
 tH.O& 
 
 O/yri 
 
 'f^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1273 
 
 Esther (deceased wife of Samuel Thompson), Eliz- 
 abeth (wife of George L. Thompson, both deceased), 
 Thomas C. and Robert, (both deceased), whereby it 
 will be seen that James and Mary are the ouly 
 survivors. The father of this family died in 1859, 
 followed by the mother in 1864; both were mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church, and in .politics he 
 voted with the Democratic party. 
 
 James Wilson, the eldest son of Thomas and 
 Esther (McCorkle) Wilson, was born February 26, 
 1811, in Washington county, Penn. He attended 
 the schools of the neighborhood, and was reared to 
 fanning. In L831 he was united in marriage with 
 Mrs. Elizabeth (Horn) Falconer (who was born in 
 1801, in Washington county, Penn.), widow of 
 Samuel Falconer, to whom she had borne two chil- 
 dren: Thornton (deceased) and Eliza J. (wife of 
 Thomas H. Howden, a farmer of West Bethlehem 
 township). Mrs. Falconer was a daughter of Da 
 vid and Anna (Black) Horn, early settlers of this 
 county. To the union of James and Elizabeth 
 (Falconer) Wilson children were born as follows: 
 Esther A., wife of George Kinder (deceased), who 
 was a farmer of West Bethlehem township; Char- 
 lotte W., widow of G. W. Campbell, since married 
 to A. J. Buffington, of Salem. Henry Co., Iowa; 
 Jacob, a farmer of West Pike Run township; 
 Asenath, wife of J. P. Wilson, of La Salle county, 
 III.; Thomas H, a farmer of Clay county, Ind. ; 
 White H., whose name introduces this biography; 
 David, deceased; Elizabeth, married to Valentine 
 Crumrine, of East Bethlehem township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn. ; and Margaret, married to Joseph 
 K. Horn, living in Portage county, Ohio. The 
 mother died May 7, 1887, at the age of eighty-six 
 years; she was a member of the M. E. Church. 
 The father is yet living in West Pike Run town- 
 ship, at the age of eighty-two years; he has always 
 voted with the Republican party. 
 
 White H. Wilson was born October 12, 1839, on 
 the home place in West Pike Run township, Wash 
 ington Co., Penn. He attended the public schools, 
 and was reared to agricultural pursuits. On De- 
 cember 24, 1863, he was married to Maria Deems, 
 who was born in 1840 in West Pike Run township, 
 a daughter of Mark F. and Margaret (Baker) 
 Deems, the former of whom was a farmer. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Deems were the parents of the following 
 children: Joshua (a farmer in Colorado), G. W. (a 
 resident of Beallsville, Penn.), Samuel P. (living 
 in Nebraska), Elizabeth (wife of Joseph Hawkins, 
 a farmer of Somerset township) and Maria (wife of 
 White H. Wilson). The mother died in 1864, fol- 
 lowed by the father in 1880. Both were members of 
 the M. E. Church. To the union of White H. and 
 Maria (Deems) Wilson four children have been 
 born, namely: Samuel C, a grocer of Allegheny, 
 Penn. ; Clara, wife of John T. Baker (they have 
 one child, Lewis V.); Lelia D., wife of J. F. 
 
 Yorty (they have two children, Maud E. and Paul 
 A.), and Maggie D., still at home. Mr. Wilson in 
 1892 was elected a justice of the peace in West 
 Pike Run township for the term of five years. He 
 and his wife are members of the Oak Grove Pres 
 byteriau Church, of which he is a trustee. 
 
 // 
 
 MARTIN RANKIN is of Hibernian ancestry, 
 his grandfather, John Rankin, having 
 been born near Belfast, in County Down, 
 Ireland. He was married in the old 
 country, where his only son, John, was 
 born and reared to manhood. The latter was mar- 
 ried to Miss Kate Martin, a native of the same 
 place, and the young people (accompanied by the 
 elder Rankin) then immigrated to America. John 
 and Kate (Martin) Rankin located on a farm of 
 eighty acres in Allegheny county, Penn., where 
 children were born to them as follows: Mary J., 
 Charlotte, Ellen, William, John A., Andrew," Ed- 
 ward, Joseph and Martin. 
 
 Martin Rankin, whose name introduces this 
 sketch, was born June 17, 1835, on the pioneer 
 farm in Allegheny county, Penn. He was married 
 to Appalonia, daughter of Jerry Stilley, a resident 
 of Allegheny county, and they settled on a farm 
 near Gill Hall, in that county. In 1876 he pur- 
 chased 181 acres in Union township, this county, 
 where they are yet living, and in addition to gen- 
 eral farming he conducts a profitable dairy, keep- 
 ing about twenty cows. Politically he is an earnest 
 advocate of the principles embodied in the Repub 
 lican party. The following children have been 
 born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rankin: Albert, Ed- 
 ward, Sarah, Linnie, Lewis, George, John and 
 William. 
 
 4 
 
 V\A( ATTHEW F - McCONNELL (deceased), 
 v/l son of Matthew and Ann (Merchant) Mc- 
 ~i I Connell (a record of whom appears on 
 page 1022, this volume), was born Sep- 
 tember 4, 1827, in Hanover township, 
 this county, on the old McConnell homestead, sit- 
 uated near Raccoon creek. He remained on his 
 father's farm during boyhood, and received his 
 first education at the country schools, which was 
 supplemented by several terms at. Florence Acad 
 emy. After leaving school he successfully fol- 
 lowed the profession of school teaching in Washing- 
 ton, Beaver and Allegheny counties, Penn., work- 
 ing on his father's farm during the summer. He 
 finally abandoned school teaching, and gave his en- 
 tire attention to agricultural pursuits. On April 
 4, 1873, he was married to Sarah Ann Hutton, 
 who was born August 1, 1851, a daughter of C. 
 D. and Mary Jane (Pugh) Hutton, of near Pugli 
 town, W. Va. The grandfather of Mrs. Hutton 
 
1274 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 
 was the founder of Pughtown, and was au early 
 settler of Hancock county, in the same State. 
 
 ■ Two children were born to the union of Matthew 
 F. and Sarah Ann McConnell: Samuel F. F., born 
 December 30, 1875; and William A., born July 3, 
 1877, both of whom are assisting their widowed 
 mother in the management of the farm. Mr. Mc- 
 Connell passed his whole life on his birthplace, 
 and followed general farming until the time of his 
 Budden demise, March 8, 1891, which was caused 
 by heart failure; he was buried in Cross Roads 
 cemetery, at Florence, Penn. In politics he was a 
 lifelong Democrat, and in religion a consistent 
 member of the Presbyterian Church at Florence, 
 of which he was a trustee. Since his death Mrs. 
 McConnell has been living on the old place, which 
 she conducts with the assistance of her two sons. 
 Before her marriage she was a member of the Rob- 
 inson United Presbyterian Church, since which 
 time she has been identified with the Cross Roads 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 / 
 
 V\/If B ' MERCER (deceased), a well-known 
 Xf/\ resident and successful merchant of 
 li I Florence, Penn., was a son of William 
 ' Mercer, who was born near Canonsburg, 
 Penn., in 1707. 
 William Mercer was educated in the subscrip- 
 tion schools of the day, and in 1815 entered the 
 store of Robert Bowland, Esq., of Burgettstown, 
 Penn., as a clerk, being a most trusted employe. 
 On March 28, 1821, he was married to Eliza Bow- 
 land, who was born September 27, 1801, in Can- 
 onsburg, daughter of his employer. In 1824 Mr. 
 Mercer entered business in Florence, Penn., which 
 he successfully conducted until his retirement from 
 active life in 1848. He then removed to the edge 
 of the town and erected a very pleasant brick 
 residence on a nice tract of land, there living a 
 retired life. On March 28. 1871. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Mercer celebrated their golden wedding. He died 
 at the advanced age of eighty years. His venerable 
 widow, although a sufferer for twenty years, sur- 
 vived him until March 12. 1877, when she too 
 passed away. In politics he was a Whig, and 
 later a Republican, taking an interest in the suc- 
 cess of his party. In 1829 he was appointed 
 postmaster of Florence, which office he filled for 
 many years. For over sixty years he was a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church, with which he 
 united in 1816. In 1853 he was chosen ruling 
 elder in the Florence Presbyterian Church, and 
 held that office until his death, being a strong 
 pillar in the church. Both he and his wife were 
 buried in Florence cemetery. Seven children were 
 born to this union, namely: Elizabeth, the wife of 
 Hon. Lecky Harper, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, propri- 
 etor and publisher of The Banner; Robert B., a 
 
 farmer of Hanover township; Martha, wife of Dr. 
 J. W. McCabe, died in 1857; William B. . a drug 
 gist of Mansfield, Ohio; Harriot, married to Seaton 
 Walker, a woolen manufacturer of Allegheny 
 county, Penn. ; M. B., our subject, and Gay lord. 
 Of these children Elizabeth is the only one yet liv- 
 ing. 
 
 M. B. Mercer was born February 23, 1839, at 
 Florence, Penn., and being an apt scholar and close 
 student at the common schools, completed his 
 education at the higher institutions of learning. 
 When a young man he entered the drug store of 
 his brother,. William B. , at Mansfield, Ohio, re 
 maining there some time, and then entered Book- 
 ing's drug store at Wheeling, W. Va. He finally 
 began business for himself in Allegheny, Penn., 
 where he was established on Beaver avenue. 
 Here he married Mary E. Hollins, July 7, 1869, 
 who was born February 20, 1849, in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., a lady of English parentage. Her 
 father, George Hollins, was a native of Stafford- 
 shire, England, and her mother, Elizabeth (Green) 
 Hollins, was born in Gloucestershire, England. 
 After his marriage Mr. Mercer opened a drug store in 
 Pittsburgh, corner of Wylie and Washington streets, 
 and was among the prominent pharmacopolists 
 of the ''Smoky City." In 1875, owing to the fail- 
 ing health of his aged parents, he disposed of his 
 interests there, and removed to Florence, Wash- 
 ington county, where he continued to care for 
 them until they died. In 1878 he opened a drug 
 store in Florence, this county, on the site where 
 his father won success. Here he remained until 
 heart failure caused his death, while on his way to 
 Pittsburgh, January 14, 1891. Mr. Mercer was 
 very popular socially, an efficient druggist, and an 
 enterprising citizen. He was a Democrat, serving 
 as postmaster during Cleveland's administration, 
 and was assistant postmaster at the time of his 
 death. He was an active member and trustee of 
 the Presbyterian Church, also serving in other- 
 capacities. He was also a member of Cardville 
 Lodge, No. 407, I. O. O. F. Since his death his 
 widow has been living in Florence, surrounded by 
 her many friends. 
 
 d | AMES SCOTT, one of the foremost business 
 men of Smith township, is a native of the 
 J same, having been born December 27, 1827, 
 on his father's farm. He is a son of Finley 
 and grandsou of Abraham Scott. Abraham Scott 
 was born and reared in Maryland, and when a 
 young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn, afterward 
 settling in Washington county, with his brother 
 Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of land 
 near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township, where 
 his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He 
 was married to .lane, a sister of John Finley (the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1275 
 
 founder of Fiuleyville), and reared the following 
 children: Rachel (Mrs. James Russell), Mary (wife 
 of Thomas Fletcher), Ann (married to James Kerr), 
 Jane (wife of David White), Elizabeth (Mrs. Will 
 iam Scott), Susan (married to John McBride), Abra- 
 ham, Finley, Holland and Samuel. The father was 
 a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Raccoon. 
 
 F'itdey Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson town- 
 ship, and educated in this county. In 1822 he se- 
 lected, as his life companion, Margaret, daughter 
 of James Stephenson, of Smith township. The 
 young people first settled on a farm in Robinson 
 township, this county, remaining there a few years, 
 when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward 
 purchasing a place in Smith township, where they 
 lived twenty years, and finally moved to the home 
 where the remainder of their lives was passed. 
 The children of this couple were: Ann, Robert K., 
 James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi. Jane F. (Mrs. 
 William Cowen) and Margaret (wife of Thomas 
 Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the architect of his own 
 fortune, and owned 450 acres of land at the time 
 of his death, which occurred in 1879. He was a 
 Democrat, ami held various township offices. In 
 church connection he was first a member of the 
 U. P. Church at Bnrgettstown, this county, after 
 ward uniting with the Associate Reformed Church, 
 in which he was an elder. Both he and his wife 
 are buried in the TJ. P. cemetery. 
 
 James Scott received a common school education, 
 and followed agricultural pursuits on the home 
 farm until 1852. He and his brother Finley then 
 joined the throng of gold seekers bound for Cali 
 fornia. first going to New York, then sailing in the 
 steamer "Eldorado" to Aspinwall, thence crossing 
 the fever haunted Isthmus, partly by water, partly 
 by rail, the rest on foot, and at length, after 
 tramping some twenty-one miles, they reached 
 Panama. One of the men was there taken sick 
 with the fever prevalent in that locality, and the 
 entire party was detained a few days. When he 
 had partially recovered, they took passage for San 
 Francisco on the steamer " J. L. Stevens," pro 
 ceeding on their journey until opposite San Pedro 
 bay, in California. The ship then became disabled, 
 and they were obliged to lay to until assistance 
 could be brought from San Francisco. They had 
 barely reached their destination when the sick 
 companion, William Shields, succumbed to the 
 fever and passed away. James Scott followed the 
 life of a miner in El Dorado county, but not real- 
 izing his expectations of success returned to Wash- 
 ington county the following year, by the same 
 route as on the outward journey. He then took 
 charge of the "Old Egypt Mill" at Midway, con- 
 ducting that business for several years. On June 
 12, 1855, he was married to Lizzie Galbraith, who 
 was born in 1831, daughter of William Galbraith, 
 
 of Smith township. They have had the following 
 children: Finley S. (deceased, married to Anna 
 Riddile), William G. (a machinist of Wellsville, 
 Ohio), Harry C. F. (living at home), Samuel G. (a 
 blacksmith of Cross Creek village) and George R. 
 (living with his father). The mother of this family 
 died in 1873, ana" on August 20, 1878, the father 
 was united in marriage with Lizzie E. B., daughter 
 of John Gregg, who has borne him one son, John 
 G. After his marriage Mr. Scott located on a farm 
 situated about two miles eastof Bnrgettstown, this 
 comity, where he resided until 1859. then located 
 on his present home, which is one mile and a half 
 south of that borough. Mr. Scott was engaged in 
 the agricultural and implement business for three 
 years, having since followed farming and stock 
 raising. He is well and favorably known in the 
 township, and in polities was a Democrat before 
 the war, having since voted the Republican ticket. 
 He is not an active politician, but has held various 
 township offices. He and his wife are both con- 
 sistei t members of the TJ. P. Church. 
 
 I( SAAC N. SPRINGER is descended from Swed- 
 ish ancestry, and traces his lineage to one 
 J Charles C. Springer, a nobleman from Stock 
 holm. Sweden, who landed in this country 
 about 1689. He settled where Wilmington. Del., 
 now stands, where in time he owned an extensive 
 plantation. He was a prominent member of the 
 Swedish Church. His son, Jacob Springer, assisted 
 in the erection of the first church in the colonies, 
 known as the Swedish Church of Wilmington, 
 Del. In 1770 the ground where is now the city of 
 Wilmington, Del., wasleased for a term of ninety 
 nine years, and the lease or deed is still in the pos- 
 session of the descendants of the Springer family 
 
 John G. Springer was born August 6, 17Si5. a 
 son of Jacob Springer, Jr., was reared and edu- 
 cated in Wilmington, Del., and came to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., many years ago. On February 
 1, 1810, he was married to Miss Jennie Newkirk, 
 of this county, and they first located on a farm in 
 East Pike Run township, moving in 1826 to a 
 property in West Pike Run township. He was a 
 Whig in politics, and served repeatedly in an 
 official capacity. He was sergeant in Robert Kerr 
 Company, Ninety-ninth Regiment of the Pennsyl- 
 vania Militia, which was noted in the war of 1812- 
 14. In religion he was one of the first trustees of 
 the old West Church, located in West Pike Run 
 township. His children were Newton (deceased). 
 Henry N. , Rhoda (wife of David Knight), Nancy 
 (Mrs McJunkins), Elmira (deceased wife of James 
 Morton), Mrs. John Taylor, John and Jane (de- 
 ceased). 
 
 Henry N. Springer, son of John G. Springer, 
 was born August 19, 1817, in East Pike Run town- 
 
1 276 
 
 WA SHING TON COVN TY. 
 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the 
 primitive subscription schools of the day. In 1844 
 h«» was united in marriage with Phoebe Hill, daugh- 
 ter of Joseph Hill, of West Pike Run township, 
 and their children are Helen, H. Ed., Isaac N., 
 Elmira (wife of Isaac Morris), Catherine (wife of 
 Samuel Morris), and Joseph J. A. Mr. Springer 
 was formerly a builder and contractor, and in his 
 business experience erected many of the buildings 
 in the eastern part of the comity. In 1844 he 
 moved to West Brownsville, and there engaged in 
 ship building, a business lie followed until 1855, 
 when he retired to the farm. In political opinion 
 lie was a Whig until the organization of the Re- 
 publican party, since when he has been identified 
 with the latter. He is a member of the M. E. 
 Church at Newkirk's. 
 
 Isaac N. Springer, son of Henry N. and Phoebe 
 (Hill) Springer, was born September 5, 1855, in 
 West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He attended the neighborhood schools, remaining 
 on the farm until 1877. when he bought a pho- 
 tographic car, and traveled through western Penn- 
 sylvania. On May 14, 1881, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Ellen M. , daughter of Jacob and Helen 
 French, of California, Penn. (Jacob French died 
 in 1866, in Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn.). After 
 his marriage he opened a store at Garwood, this 
 county, of which place he was appointed postmas- 
 ter in March, 1884. In the fall of 1884 Mr. 
 Springer's life was endangered through robbers 
 entering his store and dwelling at Garwood. Mr. 
 Springer has been very unfortunate in this re 
 spect, as burglars have entered his place of busi- 
 ness three times, but he has always had them ap- 
 prehended and brought to justice. In 1887 he 
 bought out the store of James Herrou. at Cali- 
 fornia, in partnership with whom he conducted the 
 business until 1891, since which time he has been 
 sole proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have 
 one son, H. Earle. Our subject is a Republican, 
 and has served as auditor and school director at 
 California. In religion he is a member of the M. 
 E. Church, of which he is a trustee, and was one 
 of a committee of three chosen to erect a parson- 
 age, which is a credit to the town. 
 
 YfOHN B. HAYS is one of the representative 
 ^ I citizens of Smith township, and comes of an 
 (f J J eminent pioneer family, of whom one David 
 Hays, on September 13, 17S7, purchased 
 land in New Jersey, where children were born to 
 him and reared as follows: John, Thomas, David, 
 Joseph, William, James and Moses, and five daugh- 
 ters, whose names are unknown. 
 
 Moses Hays was born in the State of New 
 Jersey, and after partially learning the black- 
 smith's trade was drafted, at the age of sixteen. 
 
 into the Continental army, and with five brothers 
 of his he served through the war as regimental 
 blacksmith, and during the contest his brother 
 John, who was a lieutenant, received a wound 
 which afterward caused his death. In 1783 Moses 
 was married to Jemima Peterson, a native of New 
 Jersey. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary 
 war, Moses, with his wife and brothers, went 
 West, settling on 1.000 acres of land* about three 
 miles southeast of Burgettstown, this county, on 
 Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this tract, 
 and Moses made a permanent home upon his share, 
 which is still owned by Alex Hays, where the 
 following children were born to him and reared: 
 Thomas (moved to Jackson county, Ohio, where he 
 died), born October 5, 1784; Edith (wife of David 
 Hays, of Ohio), born February 27, 1786; John (de 
 ceased near Moorefield, Harrison Co., Ohio), born 
 February 3. 1789; William (killed by accident), 
 born April 7, 1791; James (deceased in Allegheny 
 county, Penn.), born June 11, 1793; Alexander, 
 born November 11,1795; Mary (deceased in youth), 
 born December 25, 1797; Eleanor (deceased wife 
 of James Todd, of Allegheny county), born No 
 vember 15, 1799; Joseph (deceased on the home 
 farm), born February 15, 1801; David (deceased 
 farmer of Smith township, married to Martha 
 Fulton), born May 7, 1803; and Ann (deceased in 
 youth), born June 23, 1805. Moses Hays pos 
 sessed a remarkably retentive memory, easily re- 
 calling incidents of the Revolutionary war fifty 
 years after the conflict. Anything once seen or 
 heard he never forgot, and easily brought it to 
 mind whenever the subject arose. He was a prom- 
 inent and successful farmer, and in religion was a 
 member of the Raccoon Church during the ministry 
 of Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend 
 of Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836, 
 being followed a few days thereafter by his wife. 
 Alexander Hays was born November 11, 1795, 
 on the farm of his father in Smith township. His 
 literary attainments were acquired in the primitive 
 log-cabin schoolhouse of the day, the instruction 
 being as limited as the furniture, but Alexander 
 Hays soon gave evidence of unusual mechanical 
 ability, readily learning both the carpenter's and 
 blacksmith's trades. In 1824 he made choice of a 
 wife in the person of Ann Stevenson, who was 
 born in 1802, daughter of James Stevenson, an ex- 
 tensive landowner of Smith township. The chil- 
 dren born to this union were as follows: One de- 
 ceased in infancy, James S. (whose name opens 
 this sketch), Jemima (deceased in infancy), John 
 B. (a farmer of Smith township) and Joseph (a 
 lawyer in Pittsburgh, Penn.). Alexander and Ann 
 (Stevenson) Hays began married life on a part of 
 the old Stevenson tract, lying about one mile and 
 a quarter west of Burgettstown, Penn., where they 
 passed all of their wedded life. He was an 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1277 
 
 industrious, kind-hearted man, possessing man; 
 friends. In politics be was a stanch supporter of 
 Democratic principles, and filled several township 
 offices to the eutire satisfaction of his party. He 
 died in 18-16, and in 1881 his widow was laid to 
 rest beside him. 
 
 John B. Hays (a sou of Alexander and Ann 
 (Stevenson) Hays) was the fourth child in his 
 father's family. He was born on the farm in 
 Smith township, this county, where he is now liv- 
 ing, and attended the rate schools during bis boy- 
 hood. He cherished a youthful ambition to be- 
 come a lawyer, and to this end took a practical 
 course in Washington College, but owing to the 
 failing health of his parents, he soon returned to 
 the farm. During the "gold fever" excitement 
 he went to California, remaining three years, then 
 returned to his widowed mother, and was after- 
 ward employed as a dry-goods clerk in the store of 
 his uncle, J. B. Phillis, of Burgettstown, this 
 county. John B. Hays was a soldier in the Civil 
 war, being promoted for bravery and efficient 
 service to the rank of captain. At the close of the 
 war he returned to the home place, and September 
 30, 1875, was united in marriage with Mary A. 
 Scott, who was born January '20, 1840, daughter 
 of Josiah N. and Rachel (Vance) Scott, of Jeffer 
 son township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hays 
 are the parents of the following children: Ernest 
 B., George P., John VV., and Joseph (deceased at 
 the age of three years), the living children all re- 
 siding at home. Mr. Hays has been extensively 
 engaged in the dairy business, but has been more 
 active in political than agricultural life. He is 
 one of the leading advisers and workers of the 
 Republican party in his vicinity, and has held 
 various township offices, in which be has always 
 given perfect satisfaction. He was a justice of tin- 
 peace for fifteen years, first elected in 1850, and in 
 1890 was appointed by President Harrison to the 
 position of Government gauger and storekeeper in 
 the District of Washington, Greene and West- 
 moreland counties, Pennsylvania. 
 
 ^ILLIAM W. PAUL, of Amwell township, 
 is a descendant of William Paul, who was 
 born in 1615, emigrated from Gravesend, 
 England, June 10, 16:15, in the ship 
 "True Love," of Loudon, and in 1637 
 located in Taunton, Mass. 
 
 William Paul, a descendant of this pioneer, 
 was born in Washington county, Penn. , and after- 
 ward located in Amwell township, south of Amity, 
 where he purchased the farm now owned by J. Ful- 
 ton Bell and Philip Swart, which he owned until his 
 death. He was married to Hannah Slaught, who 
 bore him the following named children: James, 
 Huston, Nathan, Sarah (Mrs. Abel McFarland), 
 
 Rosa (Mrs. Cristopher Venum), Andrew, Daniel 
 M., Lavinia (Mrs. Michael Schulser), John, Will- 
 iam, Philo, and Adaline (Mrs. Thomas Reese). 
 The father of this family died in Ohio; the mother 
 died near Lone Pine, Penn., aged eighty two years. 
 
 Philo Paul was born in Amwell township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., March '26, 1824, and passed 
 his early youth on the farm with his father. In 
 1841 he purchased a farm in West Bethlehem 
 township, where he lived until August, 1862, when 
 he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in Com 
 pany D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. ; he 
 was killed at Spottsylvania Court-house. He was 
 married to Miss Sarah Hughes, of Amwell town 
 ship, and they had nine children: William W., 
 James M. , John A., Daniel W., Alexander H., 
 David C, Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln 
 and Laura Jewell Day. 
 
 William W. Paul, son of Philo and Sarah Paul, 
 was born December 26, 1843, in Amwell township, 
 this county; he received his education in the com 
 moil schools, and was afterward a student for some 
 time at Pleasant Valley Academy. He lived in 
 West Bethlehem township and worked on a farm, 
 but when twenty years of age removed to Amwell, 
 afterward carrying on a sawmill for his father, 
 which he finally bought. He continued in that 
 business twenty years, and then engaged in mer- 
 cantile business at Lone Pine. On November 24, 
 1864, Mr. Paul was united in marriage with Phoebe 
 Jane Egy, and to this union have been born three 
 daughters, viz.: Sarah Lillian, born in 1868; Nora 
 Jewell, born in 1873, and Dale W., born in 1879, 
 all of whom are attending school and living at 
 home. Mr. Paul is a Republican in politics, and 
 now tills the position of postmaster at. Lone Pine. 
 He and his family are members of the Christian 
 Church at that place. 
 
 ILLIAM C. AIKEN. Among the emi- 
 nent names connected with Washington 
 county, none are more favorably known 
 than that of this gentleman. He is a son 
 of Joseph, who was a son of Joseph, the 
 first of the Aiken family to locate in Smith town- 
 ship. 
 
 Joseph Aiken was born in 1760, east of the 
 mountains. His birthplace is uuknown, but Mary- 
 land was probably his native State. He was mar 
 ried to Nancy Wilson, who was born in 1764, 
 daughter of William Wilson, and in 1794 the 
 young couple made the long and difficult journey 
 over the mountains, locating one mile south of 
 Bulger Station, Smith township, this county. They 
 first erected a rude log cabin, and began to improve 
 | the property with such primitive tools as were ob- 
 i taiuable. But perseverance and industry will con- 
 quer almost any obstacle, and success at last 
 
1278 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 crowned the efforts of these heroic frontiersmen. 
 Five children came to bless the union of Joseph 
 and Nancy Aiken, viz. : One deceased in infancy, 
 William (killed by a falling tree), Martha (married 
 to James Montgomery, of Allegheny county, after 
 ward moved to Iowa), Nancy (deceased in Guernsey 
 county, Ohio, married to Alexander Cowan, a 
 blacksmith) and Joseph. The father was a Whig 
 in politics, and a soldier in the war of 1812; he 
 and his wife both died in the home where our sub- 
 ject now lives, the father on November 1(3, 1836, 
 the mother in 1849. Both were members of the 
 Seceder Church. 
 
 Joseph Aiken was born February 19, 1800, on 
 the farm in Smith township, where his father had 
 first located. His boyhood was passed on the home 
 place, and he received a common-school education. 
 On June 11, 1835, he was married to Margaret 
 Mackey, who was born March 16, 1810, in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., a daughter of William and 
 Deborah Mackey, natives of Ireland, who came to 
 Allegheny county in an early day, and moved to 
 Spencer, Guernsey Co., Ohio, when their daughter 
 Margaret was but four years of age. She grew to 
 womanhood in Ohio, and was there married to Joseph 
 Aiken, who located on the old Aiken place in Smith 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and four chil- 
 dren were born to them, as follows: W. C. (whose 
 name opens this sketch), Alexander W. (deceased, 
 at one time a grocer in Allegheny City, Penn. ), 
 Fanny J. (deceased wife of Vance Smith, of Mt. 
 Pleasant) and Joseph M. (a grocerymau of Alle- 
 gheny City, Penn.). The father was a Whig in 
 politics, and in church connection a member of the 
 Seceder Society, now the U. P. Church. He died 
 February 24, 1840, and his widow has continued 
 to reside on the home place with her son William 
 C. Much credit is due this lady for the manner in 
 which she has borne the double responsibilities of 
 a widowed life so many long years. A faithful 
 mother and Christian lady, she has inculcated the 
 principles of honor and industry in the minds of 
 her fatherless children, who have done credit to 
 her training. She is a member of the TJ. P. 
 Church, and a most highly esteemed lady. 
 
 William C. Aiken, the eldest son of Joseph and 
 Margaret Aiken, was born March 27, 1836, on the 
 old homestead where he is yet living. He received 
 but a limited education, for, being the eldest son, 
 when his father died he was needed to assist his 
 widowed mother, with whom he has always resided. 
 On October 21, 1868, he married Sarah C. McFar- 
 land, who was born August 12, 1842, a daughter of 
 Samuel McFarland, of Smith township, and two 
 sons were born to them: Joseph M. (living at 
 home), born July 12, 1870; and Samuel A., born 
 March 13, 1872, died March 20, 1874. The mother 
 was called away April 3, 1872, and was buried in 
 the Centre cemetery at Midway, this county. On 
 
 May 1, 1879, W. C. Aiken was married to Sarah 
 A. Tannehill, who was born February 3, 1847, a 
 daughter of John and Margaret (McCahan) Tanne- 
 hill. Three children have been born to this mar 
 riage, as follows: Oscar V., born January 22, 1880; 
 Margaret C. , born September 25, 1881, and Ida, 
 deceased when nineteen days old. 
 
 William C. Aiken has always resided on the 
 home farm, which he now owns, and has been a 
 successful business man. In politics he is an active 
 member of the Republican party, and has voted 
 each year since old enough, his first vote being cast 
 for Abraham Lincoln. He has served in various 
 township offices, and was elected justice of the 
 peace, but declined to accept that position. For 
 twenty or more years Mr. Aiken has been in the 
 dairy business, being the second shipper of milk 
 from Bulger. They are members of the Centre 
 United Presbyterian Church at Midway, and he 
 has served as a member of the Session for over 
 twenty years. 
 
 JjOHN DUNBAR. Foremost among the suc- 
 | cessful and progressive farmers of Smith 
 J township stands the name of John Dunbar, 
 who represents an old and prominent family 
 of Irish descent. James Dunbar (grandfather of our 
 subject) was born near Belfast, County Antrim. Ire- 
 land, and being of an adventurous disposition, be- 
 came a sailor in early life. He came to America and 
 made a permanent settlement on Raccoon creek, 
 Smith township, this county, being obliged to 
 •'grub out" a site for the first, cabin which he 
 erected, but his energy knew no discouragement, 
 and success at length crowned his efforts. He 
 was united in marriage with Mary McConnell, of 
 Robinson township, this county, who bore him 
 ! twelve children, namely: James, Jane, Thomas, 
 Joseph, Robert, Martha, Elizabeth, John, Samuel, 
 Mary, William, and an infant son (deceased). In 
 the latter part, of his life Mr. Dunbar lived for 
 sometime in Robinson township. Although begin- 
 ning life as a poor sailor boy,he possessed the right 
 spirit of perseverance, and at the time of his death 
 was a wealthy man. He died in 1842, having been 
 preceded by his wife many years. 
 
 James Dunbar (the eldest son in the above men- 
 tioned family) was born May 11, 1802, in Robin- 
 son township, this couuty, and assisted his father 
 in agricultural duties during early life. He then 
 learned the carpenter's trade, ami followed it ever 
 afterward. On February 15, 1827, he was united 
 in marriage with Mary Elder, who was born Octo- 
 ber 20, 1806, daughter of David Elder, of Robin- 
 son township, this county, and their children were 
 Mary J., born January 12, 1830, deceased August 
 15, 1852, wife of Samuel Scroggs, a merchant of 
 Candor; Martha(wife of Samuel Castuer,of Inde- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1279 
 
 peudence township), born March 2, 1832; John, 
 horn August 15, 1835; David E., born December 
 17, 1837 (went West and no tidings have been since 
 received of him); James A. (deceased, a well-edu- 
 cated man), born April 1, 1839; Margaret (de- 
 ceased wife of William McBride), born June 24, 
 1841; Robert (a traveler in California), born No- 
 vember 17, 1844; Ann Eliza (wife of William 
 Waters, of Pittsburgh), born June 10, 1846; and 
 Thomas J. (deceased in infancy), born January 23, 
 1848. Besides working at his trade, James Dun- 
 bar owned and partially managed a farm. He 
 was a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife 
 were members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church. 
 He died August 28, 1878, being followed by his 
 wife June 25, 1880. 
 
 John Dunbar (the eldest son of James) was 
 born August 15, 1835, on the same farm where he 
 is now residing. As the eldest of the children, 
 the greater share of the work fell to him, and in 
 order to attend school in the daytime he was 
 obliged to mine coal at night. On January 8, 
 1874, he chose a wife in the person of Ann M. 
 Springer, who was born July 10, 1844, in Smith 
 township, daughter of John and Mary (Spencer) 
 Spriuger. The young people located on the home 
 farm, upon which they have erected new buildings 
 and made many improvements. In politics John 
 Dunbar voted the Democratic ticket, taking an 
 active interest in the success of his party. He 
 ami liis wife are consistent members of the Raccoon 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 QEORGE M. MILLER is a representative of 
 a prominent pioneer family of Washington 
 county, and is a grandson of Christopher 
 Miller, who was married in Donegal town- 
 ship, this county, where his children were 
 born and reared, as follows: Mrs. McConahey, 
 John, Margaret, Jesse, Mary (wife of John Birch) 
 and George. 
 
 George Miller, youngest son of Christopher, was 
 born on the home farm in Donegal township, re- 
 ceiving an education at the public schools of the 
 vicinity. He was married to Sarah, daughter of 
 William Noble, and reared the following children: 
 Isaac, Luciuda (deceased), Isabella (wife of J. P. 
 McAdow), William H. (who enlisted in Company 
 K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. , was killed 
 at Gettysburg on the evening of July 2), George 
 M., Rachel (married to William R. Noble), Mary, 
 H. C. (deceased) and Ella. Of these children 
 Mary, Ella and Rachel died of fever within two 
 weeks of each other. Isaac enlisted in 1862, in 
 Company K. One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. , 
 attached to the army of the Potomac; he was 
 wounded May 1, 1S64, in the battle of the Wilder- 
 ness, and remained with the Todd family for two 
 
 weeks, when he was taken by the Confederates to 
 Libby Prison. He was exchanged four months 
 later, returned home, and is now a resident of 
 McCurie, Kans. The father was a shoemaker by 
 trade. In politics he was first a Whig, then a 
 member of the Know nothing party, and after- 
 ward an Abolitionist and Republican. He died in 
 1872. 
 
 George M. Miller was born June 7, 1847, in 
 Donegal township, this county, and remained at 
 home during his early life. When eighteen years 
 of age he attended Claysville Normal School, 
 teaching the Hore School in East Finley township 
 the following winter. The next summer he again 
 went to the normal, and taught the home school in 
 the ensuing winter. He then began the study of 
 medicine, and in 1871 entered into partnership 
 with G. H. Miller in the drug business, in which 
 he remained until taken sick. He then taught 
 school until 1875, when he entered the employ of 
 David Campsey, of Claysville, this county, remain- 
 ing with him until March, 1880, when he opened 
 out his present drug business in Burgettstown. In 
 1876 he was united in marriage with Anna, daugh- 
 ter of Samuel J. Ghrist, who died leaving him one 
 daughter, Sarah E. Mr. Miller is a Republican, 
 and in religious faith is an active member of and 
 an elder in the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 JOHN M. ENLOW, an enterprising business 
 man of Claysville, was born September 6,1845, 
 in East Finley township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and is a great grandson of Abraham 
 Enlow, who came to East Finley township 
 in an early day, and patented 3,000 acres of land 
 in the wilderness, to which he finally moved with 
 his family, and there passed his remaining years. 
 Abraham Enlow had ten children, seven sons and 
 three daughters: two sons (whose names are un- 
 known, went to Tennessee), Elliott, William, 
 Michael, Luke, Henry, Mrs. Rachel St. Clair, 
 Mrs. Jemima Hill and Mrs. Mary Post. When 
 the parents died the land was divided among the 
 children, each of whom settled on their respective 
 farms, and made improvements. In politics Mr. 
 Enlow was a Democrat, and in religion an enthu- 
 siastic member of the M-. E. Church. 
 
 Elliott Enlow was born in Maryland, and when 
 a small boy was brought to Washington county. 
 In early life he was united in marriage with Martha 
 Atkinson, a resident of East Finley township, and 
 they had nine children, viz. : Henry, John, Gideon, 
 Mrs. Mary Patterson, Mrs. Rachel Marshall, Mrs. 
 Elizabeth Thornberg. Mrs. Eleanor Sprowls, Mrs. 
 Jemima Patterson, and Martha, unmarried. His 
 entire life was passed in farming. Irr religion 
 Elliott Enlow and his brother Henry were instru 
 mental in founding what was formerly called 
 

 1280 
 
 WASHING TON CO UN T V. 
 
 Enlow's Chapel, and uow known as the Stony Point 
 M. E. Church, of which he was for many years one 
 of the most effective workers and liberal support- 
 ers. In politics he was an active Democrat, but 
 never could be induced to accept any official posi- 
 tion. His brother Henry was for many years a 
 justice of the peace, andenjoyed a favorable repu- 
 tation in the community. 
 
 John Eulow was born in 1802, in East Finley 
 township, Washington county, and received his 
 education in the home school. He was married to 
 Nancy, daughter of Robert Woods, one of the old- 
 est pioneers of the township, and the young peo- 
 ple immediately settled on the homo farm in East 
 Finley township, which became their permanent 
 abiding place. They had one son, who died when 
 ten years of age. After the death of his first wife 
 John Enlow married Jemima Post, and to this 
 union were born seven children: Sarah, wife of 
 Rev. J. W. Hill; Martha, wife of John Hopkins; 
 Mary, wife of Amos Sprowls; Nancy, wife of S. 
 E. Martin; John M. ; Gideon and Eleanor, both of 
 whom died before reaching maturity. Mr. Enlow 
 was a prominent member of the M. E. Church 
 which was founded by his father. In political 
 views he was a Democrat. He died September 10, 
 L876, and was followed to the grave by his wife in 
 May, IS so. 
 
 John M. Enlow passed his early life on the farm 
 where he was born, and was reared to agricultural 
 pursuits, receiving a common -school education. 
 On November 7, 1877, he was married to Lizzie 
 E., daughter of John W. Hill. He remained on 
 the home farm on which his great-grandfather had 
 located until 1888, when he came to Claysville.and 
 in 1891 purchased his present stock of furniture 
 and an undertaking establishment. The firm are 
 Enlow & Noble. They do all kinds of cabinet 
 work and embalm in the best and most approved 
 manner, making a success of their business, as 
 they are both energetic men. Mr. Enlow is a 
 leader in the Republican party, and being a warm 
 friend of education, has frequently served the 
 township as school director. In religion he united 
 in early life with the Stony Point M. E. Church, 
 and ever took an active interest in the work of that 
 Society, having held various offices in the church 
 and Sunday-school, which he has tilled to the satis- 
 faction of all. 
 
 FM. MORRISON, a prosperous stock raiser 
 of Nottingham township, is a son of Benja 
 niin P. Morrison, who was born November 
 2, INI 1, in Nottingham township, this coun- 
 ty. On May 31, 1838, Benjamin was mar- 
 ried to Rebecca Rea, who died April 21, 1849, 
 leaving four children: Elizabeth J., Hamilton R. , 
 John D. and Sarah E. On April 17, 1851, he 
 married, for his second wife, Mary McKowu, a 
 
 native of Allegheny county, Penn. , who was born 
 in 1814, near Bridgeville, Penn. One child was 
 born to this marriage, P. M. Morrison, whose 
 name opens this sketch. The father was a farmer 
 and stock dealer. He died July 25, 1800, and 
 the mother is yet living with her son. 
 
 P. M. Morrison was born October 7, 1853, 
 on the home farm in Nottingham township, this 
 county, where his early education was received. 
 On October 10, 1872, he was united in marriage 
 with a daughter of James Hamilton, who bore him 
 five children, viz. : Lucy G., Maggie E., Delia B., 
 Viola J. and Lomau P. The mother died March 
 13, 1889, and on September 24, 1891. he made a 
 second choice in the person of Mary, daughter of 
 John Sleeth. Her parents resided near Hickory, 
 this county, and she is a native of the county. 
 One son has been born to this marriage, John M. 
 
 Mr. Morrison resides on the home farm, which 
 consists of 177 acres, and devotes his principal 
 attention to raising sheep and cattle, usually keep 
 ing from one to three hundred sheep, and making 
 a specialty of Shropshire stock. The farm con- 
 tains a rich vein of coal, which he sold recently for 
 a good price. He also owns two acres of land 
 fronting on the railroad, and two double dwellings 
 in the village of Venetia, one containing twelve 
 rooms and the other six. Politically he is an ad- 
 vocate of the principles embodied in the Demo- 
 cratic party, and has served as township auditor 
 and supervisor. In religion he is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Fairview, and is leading 
 the choir, having filled that position very accept- 
 ably for several years. 
 
 JAMES TUCKER, a representative of one of 
 the pioneer families of Washington county, 
 ,' comes of English descent, his ancestors hav- 
 ing emigrated to Virginia in the early part 
 of the eighteenth century. They settled in the 
 Shenandoah Valley, where James Tucker (from 
 whom the present generation trace their geneal- 
 ogy) was born. In 1775 he came to Pennsyl 
 vania and secured a '"tomahawk right" in Amwell 
 township, Washington county, and the land re- 
 mained in the possession of the family until 1891, 
 when it was sold. At the early date he came here 
 but one settler was in the vicinity, a Mr. Bane. 
 Mr. Tucker was married to Elizabeth Bane, a 
 resident of Virginia, and the following children 
 brightened the rude pioneer home: Isaac, Tem- 
 pest, Thomas, Joseph, James, Rachel, Ruth, Han 
 nah, Elizabeth and Mary. Mr. Tucker was a 
 member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Herman. 
 
 Tempest Tucker was born in Amwell township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., April 1, 1770, and passed 
 liis earlier years on the farm of his father. In 
 1800 he was united in marriage with Sarah Mc 
 (Main, who bore him five children: John, James, 
 
w 
 
 t> 
 
 1/^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1283 
 
 Elizabeth, Phoebe (Mrs. Adam Weir) and Sarah. 
 After his marriage Mr. Tucker built a grist-mill, 
 which was one of the first water mills in Wash- 
 ington county, and was situated on Bane's fork of 
 Ten-Mile creek. He remained on that farm until 
 1851, when he removed to the place now occupied 
 by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Tucker ac- 
 cumulated a comfortable property, the result of 
 his early toil. He was a member of the Baptist 
 Church at Mt. Herman, and a liberal contributor 
 to that Society. He died on the farm iu February, 
 1854, his wife on August 30, 1851, and the re- 
 mains of both rest in the cemetery at Mt. Herman. 
 
 John Tucker was born in Amwell township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., May 23, 1803, and lived 
 at home until about twenty years of age, when he 
 served an apprenticeship of three years with Patter- 
 son Pollock, a leading wheelwright of Greene 
 county, Penn. He then followed that vocation in 
 Greene and Washington counties, until about the 
 year 1853. when he retired to the farm, and built 
 the grist-mill at Meadow Lands. On November 
 10, 1831, he was married to Isabelle, daughter of 
 William McClenathan, and the following children 
 were born to them: Sarah (Mrs. Stephen Post), 
 William M. , James and John (deceased). In 1841 
 Mr. Tucker purchased the farm of 200 acres upon 
 which his father resided. In politics he was a 
 Republican, and served several terms as school 
 director. His wife passed away March 13, 1873, 
 and he followed her March 15, 1875. 
 
 James Tucker, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born September 7, 1839, in Amwell township, 
 Washington county, and obtained his early edu- 
 cation at the same school-house his father had at- 
 tended. Mr. Tucker has ever been a zealous 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, and in polit- 
 ical opinion he is a Republican. His farm com- 
 prises 200 acres of land. 
 
 William M. Tucker (an elder brother of James) 
 was born in Amwell township, Washington county, 
 August 14, 1836, and received his education at the 
 same school-house which his father had attended 
 in his boyhood days. On October 18, 1860, Will- 
 iam M. Tucker was married to Sarah, daughter of 
 Thomas Weir, and they then settled on the home 
 farm where they yet reside. Their children are 
 Thomas Weir (married to Mrs. Mattie Crosgray 
 Thomas), John G., Ettie F. and William C. He 
 is an active worker in the Republican party, and 
 has been school director twenty-six years in suc- 
 cession. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Upper Ten-Mile. 
 
 BENJAMIN F. JEFFRIES. The well- 
 known family, of which this gentleman 
 is an honored member, have for many 
 years been closely identified with the his- 
 tory and progress of West Pike Run township. 
 
 Joseph J. Jeffries was born of Irish parents in 
 1772, in Chester county, Penn., and iu 1788 pur- 
 chased the old farm in West Pike Run township, 
 Washington county. In 1796 he married Betsey 
 Robison, who was born in 1781 in Loudoun county, 
 Va. , and the young couple soon thereafter moved 
 to the farm he had purchased. The place con- 
 tained about two hundred acres of land, and here , 
 he carried on a profitable business in farming and 
 stock raising. Joseph J. Jeffries died April 9, 
 1854, having been preceded by his wife June 16, 
 1833. The children born to them were as follows: 
 Amor, John, Plessie, Mary, Benjamin and Job, 
 all now deceased except the last named, who is 
 now living in Lemont Furnace, Fayette county. 
 
 Amor Jeffries was born March 21, 1803, on the 
 home farm in West Pike Run township, Washing- 
 ton county, was educated at the subscription 
 schools of the neighborhood, and learned the trade 
 of wool carder, which he followed during early 
 life, afterward devoting his attention to milling 
 and agricultural pursuits. On April 6, 1828, he 
 was united in marriage with Sarah Gregg, a na- 
 tive of Washington county, born September 8, 
 1805. By this union were born the following chil- 
 dren: Eliza, wife of Henry Gregg, a farmer of 
 Greene county, Penn. ; Joseph, landlord of a hotel 
 at Centreville, Washington Co., Penn.; Anderson; 
 Benjamin F. ; Elizabeth, died February 18, 1875; 
 Jacob, died May 16, 1883; John, died March 16, 
 1855; George W. , died December 25, 1870; James 
 J., died October 18, 1874; Eleanor, died October 
 20, 1876, and Jackman, died Jauuary 24, 1844. 
 The father of these children was fond of literary 
 pursuits, and in political opinion voted with the 
 Democratic party. He died June 15, 1S85, having 
 been preceded by his wife June 9, 1880. 
 
 Benjamin F. Jeffries was born October 22, 1841, 
 on the home place in West Pike Run township, 
 Washington county, and attended the common 
 schools of the home neighborhood. On August 
 26, 1875, he was united in marriage with Anna 
 Pepper, who was born in 1846, in East Pike Run 
 township, a daughter of William and Harriet (Nan- 
 kivel) Pepper, natives of England, the former born 
 in 1787, the latter in 1797. William Pepper, who 
 was a butcher and farmer, immigrated to Pennsyl- 
 vania many years ago, settling permanently on a 
 farm in Washington county. He was an ardent 
 supporter of the Democratic party, and held vari- 
 ous local offices; he was also prominently identi- 
 fied with the religious and educational interests of 
 his locality. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper reared a fam- 
 ily of seven children, namely: William, an agri- 
 culturist of East Bethlehem township; Mary, wife 
 of Alexander Moffitt, a resident of Washington, D. 
 C. ; Thomas; Anna, Mrs. Jeffries; James, John C. and 
 Elizabeth, of whom the last three are now deceased. 
 The father died October 9, 1879, having been 
 
1284 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 
 preceded by the mother March 7, 1877. Both were 
 members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 To the union of Benjamin F. and Anna (Pep- 
 per) Jeffries have come four children, as follows: 
 Mary E., born March 8, 1878, in Jefferson town- 
 ship, Greene county; Annie P., born December 9, 
 1879, in West Pike Run township, this county; 
 Hattieaud Pollie (twins), born February 14, 1885, 
 in West Pike Run township, all in Pennsylvania. 
 Mr. Jeffries is identified with the Democratic 
 party, and has served as school director for several 
 'years. In religious faith he is a member of the 
 M. E. Church, and is superintendent of the Sab- 
 bath school. He owns a well-cultivated farm, 
 which contains eighty-two acres of prime land. 
 
 ARRY H. BROWNLEE was born January 
 28, 1867, in Hopewell township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., a representative of a prom- 
 inent pioneer family of Scottish descent. 
 Archibald Brownlee was a native of Scot- 
 land, and there married a Miss Hamilton, who bore 
 him children as follows: James, William, John, 
 Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John Allison), and 
 Hugh (deceased while on the ocean). Mr. Brown- 
 lee came to America in 1705, and first settled in 
 Lancaster county, Penn. In 1775 he moved to 
 Washington county, and purchased a farm in 
 Canton township, where he passed the remainder 
 of his life. 
 
 James Brownlee, eldest son of Archibald, in 
 early life learned the trade of a millwright, which 
 vocation he followed some years. He was married 
 to Jane Lemon, daughter of pioneers of Washing- 
 ton county, but a native of Ireland. The young 
 couple began married life on a farm in Canton 
 township, where the following children were born 
 and reared: John, Archibald, James, Hugh, Eliza- 
 beth, William, Thomas, Samuel, Joseph, Jane and 
 David. Mr. Brownlee was a Whig, and in religion 
 was a ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North 
 Buffalo. 
 
 Archibald Brownlee (grandfather of subject) was 
 born February 28, 1779, three miles west of Wash- 
 ington, in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and in early life was married to Mary Clark, of 
 Washington county, who bore him children as fol- 
 lows: James, Joseph, John, Clark, Samuel, Eliza- 
 beth and Jane. 
 
 John Brownlee (father of subject) was born in 
 1807, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and passed his boyhood days at bis birth- 
 place. His parents afterward removed to Buffalo 
 township, same county, where he lived until forty 
 years of age. He was then married to Sarah 
 Logan, and removed to a farm about two and one- 
 half miles south of West Middletown, in Hopewell 
 township. Six children were born to him, namely: 
 
 Newton (deceased in youth), Jennie (wife of Dr. J. 
 N. Bemis, of West Middletown), Alice (deceased), 
 Leamon J., Frank S. and Harry H. Mr. 
 Brownlee had but a limited literary education, but 
 he possessed excellent judgment and became a 
 prosperous business man. He was of a retiring but 
 social disposition, and in religion was a devout 
 member of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 West Middletown. In politics he was a Republican. 
 He never needed a physician's service. He died 
 January 31, 1892, and his widow now resides in 
 West Middletown. 
 
 Harry H. Brownlee received his early education 
 at the district school in Hopewell township, this 
 county, and in March, 1886, left home, and en- 
 gaged in the general hardware business with T. 
 M. Patterson at Burgettstown, Washington county. 
 In January, 1887, he sold out, and entered the 
 furniture business, in September, 1889, forming a 
 partnership with William Barr, of Buffalo town- 
 ship. They then came to their present place of 
 business, in Claysville, where they occupy a three- 
 story building, which is crowded with goods; they 
 also do a general undertaking business, having all 
 the necessary facilities for that line. On June 22, 
 1889, Mr. Brownlee was married to Ida, daughter 
 of David Cummings, formerly a resident of Hope- 
 well township, this county, but now living in Har- 
 rison county, Ohio. In politics Mr. Brownlee is 
 an active Republican, and in religion he is a mem- 
 ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Clays- 
 ville. 
 
 THOMAS S. BAILEY was born June 8, 1836, 
 in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., a son of John Bailey, who was also a 
 native of Fallowfield township, having been 
 born on the home place in 1785. 
 John Bailey was trained from early childhood to 
 agricultural duties, and made farming his life 
 work. On arriving at maturity he was married to 
 Margaret Scott, also a native of Fallowfield town- 
 ship, and ten children were born to their marriage: 
 Cynthia, Sarah, Isaac, Noah and one unnamed, all 
 five of whom died in infancy, those yet living being 
 Mary, wife of George Bane, a farmer of Greene 
 county, Penn. ; Nancy, wife of John Bell, a 
 farmer living near Monongahela City; James, an 
 agriculturist of East Pike Run township; John, 
 living in East Bethlehem township, and Thomas 
 S. , whose name opens this sketch. The father 
 was a firm supporter of the Republican party. He 
 died in 1870, at the age of eighty-five years; his 
 wife passed awav in 1809. She was a member 
 of the M. E. Church. 
 
 Thomas S. Bailey passed his youth on the home 
 place, where he received but limited literary oppor- 
 tunities, his whole life having been devoted to agri- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1285 
 
 cultural pursuits. In 1874 be was united in mar- 
 riage with Sarah J. Elliott, who was born in 18-47, 
 in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. She is a daughter of Samuel and Susanna 
 (Bane) 'Elliott, who were the parents of nine chil- 
 dren, viz. : Sebastian, a farmer of East Bethlehem 
 township; Joseph, a farmer; Margaret, wife of 
 John Martin; Emma; Sarah J., wife of Thomas 
 S. Bailey; William, a blacksmith, of Carmichael's, 
 Greene county; Oliver K. ; Lizzie, and Martha. 
 The father was a native of East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, this county, where he followed farming and 
 veterinary work. Politically, he was an independ- 
 ent Republican, but devoted most of his time to 
 personal matters. He died on the home place 
 in 1858, and in 1877 Mrs. Elliott (who was a native 
 of eastern Virginia, and came with her parents to 
 Washington county in early childhood) was laid 
 by the side of her husband. Both were members 
 of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey re- 
 side on a farm of fifty-five acres, the condition of 
 which gives evidence of the taste and care of 
 the present owners. In religion they are identi- 
 fied with the M. E. Church. 
 
 D' 
 
 , ANIEL DAY. The Day family is old and 
 well known in Washington county. It is 
 well deserving of the space devoted to its 
 history in this work, and no member is 
 more worthy of mention than he whose name 
 heads this sketch. Daniel Day was born May 7, 
 1813, a son of Calvin Day, one of the pioneers of 
 Washington county. The father came from New 
 Jersey, locating in Morris township, Washington 
 county, prior to 1800. His death ocurred in July, 
 1823. Daniel Day spent his boyhood days on his 
 father's farm, and upon entering life for himself 
 he chose agriculture as his vocation. He resided 
 for forty years prior to his death upon the place 
 now owned by his widow, which is located about 
 two miles west of Sparta, in Morris township, and 
 is known as the " Hoagland farm." Mr. Day 
 was a truly representative man, public-spirited and 
 admired for his sterling worth. He voted with 
 the Republican party, though he was never an 
 active politician. Mr. Day was twice married, 
 first on October 17, 1844, to Miss Eunice Patter- 
 son, a daughter of Robert Patterson, of Morris 
 township. She was born March 11, 1817, and 
 died January 6, 1856; no children were born to 
 them. He was married, a second time, on May 
 28, 1857, to Miss Nancy Cooper, who was the 
 seventh in a family of ten children born to John 
 and Martha (Atkinson) Cooper. 
 
 John Cooper was born January 11, 1786, in New 
 Jersey, and on April 6, 1809, was married to 
 Martha Atkinson, who was born September 4, 
 1789; she died December 28, 1859, and was fol- 
 
 lowed to the grave by her husband September 15, 
 1876. The following is a brief record of their 
 children: Elizabeth was born March 2, 1810, and 
 April 22, 1830, was married to William Patterson 
 (she died March 19, 1892); Selina, born June 28, 
 1812, was married May 17, 1838, to William Atkin- 
 son, and died July 26, 1873; Mary was born June 
 
 15, 1814, and was married November 11, 1847, to 
 Thomas McNees; Ephraim was born July 17, 
 1816, and September 19, 1S65, married Miss A. 
 E. Cooper (he died July 21, 1868); Thomas H. 
 was born November 2, 1818, and married, June 
 
 16, 1842, Miss Mary AnnAuld (he died December 
 28, 1883); Harriet, "born July 19, 1821, was united 
 in marriage May 11, 1843, with Amos Patterson 
 (she passed away August 20, 1889); Nancy, born 
 February 19, 1824, is the widow of Daniel Day; 
 Amelia was born October 25, 1826, and was mar- 
 ried March 15, 1862, to John Simpson (she died 
 April 26, 1884); Martha A., born September 29, 
 1830, was united in marriage November 15, 1855, 
 with William Elliott Craft (she died December 2, 
 1860); Sarah Jane, born March 29, 1833, was mar- 
 ried March 8, 1859, to Sylvester Cary. 
 
 Daniel Day died May 26, 1885, leaving no chil- 
 dren. His widow, a most estimable lady, is yet 
 residing on the old homestead. 
 
 fl( LEXANDER McCALMONT, a prosperous 
 
 f \\ and representative citizen of West Middle- 
 
 lp^\ town, Washington county, is descended 
 
 II from one of the old pioneer families of his 
 
 i native State. 
 
 John McCalmont, the father of subject, was born 
 in 1780, in Cumberland county, Penn., on the farm 
 of his father, who was also a native-born Pennsyl- 
 vanian. John passed his early life on the home 
 farm, receiving a common-school education, and 
 afterward learning the trade of blacksmith, and 
 when a young man was married to Mary, daughter 
 of John Proudfit, of York county, Penn. In 1805 
 the young couple came to Washington county, 
 first settling in Smith township, and afterward 
 moving to Mt. Pleasant township, where a home 
 was made. The following children were born to 
 their union: James (who died in 1891), Nancy 
 (who died in 1833), Polly (wife of John Henderson), 
 David (deceased), Eliza (Mrs. Samuel Moore), 
 John (residing in Mt. Pleasant township), Alex- 
 ander (mentioned below), William (deceased) and 
 Samuel. In politics the father was first a Whig, 
 afterward a Republican, and was actively interested 
 in the success of his party. In religious faith he 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church several 
 years, and then united with the Seceders, finally 
 joining with the United Presbyterians. He fol- 
 lowed his trade in connection with farming all his 
 life, and was an energetic and enterprising citizen. 
 
1286 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 His first wife dying in 1840, he was afterward mar- 
 ried to a Mrs. Moore, who bore him no children. 
 He died in October, 1861, in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship. 
 
 Alexander McCalmont (whose name opens these 
 lines) was bom March 28, 1821. in Mt. Pleasant 
 township, this county, where his boyhood was 
 passed in attending the county schools. On Feb- 
 ruary 28, 1849, he was married to Mary, daughter 
 of Samuel Allison, a native of Beaver county, 
 Penn., born August 26, 1829; she went when a 
 child with her parents to West Virginia. After 
 marriage the young people settled on the home 
 place in Mt. Pleasant township, where they have 
 since resided, and chiUlren have been born to them 
 as follows: Mary (wife of Stewart White), John 
 (married to a Miss Glass), Agnes (Mrs. B. Lindsey), 
 Cora (wife of William Connor), Emma (married to 
 Jauies Manson), Samuel (married to Elizabeth 
 McCarrell), James (married to a Miss Farrow), 
 Ida (Mrs. William McBurney), Abraham L. (mar- 
 ried to Ellen Keudricks, and living in Allegheny, 
 Penn. I, Lillie (wife of William Lane) and Maud 
 (Mrs. E. McCabe). In 1S88 Mr. McCalmont re- 
 tired from active business life, and is now residing 
 in West Middletown. In politics he was formerly 
 a Whig, and since the organization of the Repub- 
 lican party has been an active worker in its ranks. 
 In the spring of 1889 he was elected a member of 
 the council of West Middletown, and was chosen 
 president of same by his colleagues. He is a 
 warm friend of education, and served zealously as 
 school director. When but seventeen years of age 
 Mr. McCalmont united with the United Presbyterian 
 Church of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 which he has served as trustee, and with which 
 his family are also connected. Mr. McCalmont 
 still retains his farm in Mt. Pleasant township. It 
 consists of 266 acres, and is one of the finest prop- 
 erties of the kind in the county. He was at one 
 time extensively engaged in the sheep industry, 
 raising fine Spanish Merinos. 
 
 pj, ICHA.RD HAWKINS STULL. This gen- 
 L/' tleman is of German descent, his grand- 
 
 r V. father, John Stull. having emigrated from 
 IJ —*■ his native land in an early day. John and 
 v Elizabeth Stull settled on the tract of land 
 
 in East Bethlehem township, a portion of which is 
 yet in the possession of their descendants, and 
 there reared the following children: John, Martin, 
 Abraham, Andrew, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowser, Mrs. 
 Mary Horner, Philip, Mrs. Barbara Hupp, and 
 Isaac. 
 
 Isaac Stull was born in 1807, in the old log 
 house which his father had erected on the farm in 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He attended the subscription schools, and in early 
 
 manhood was married to Matilda, daughter of 
 Richard Hawkins, a native of Greene county, 
 Penn. The children of Isaac and Matilda Stull 
 were as follows: Joseph, Mrs. Lizzie Overholt, 
 John (a resident of Iowa City, Iowa), Richard 
 Hawkins, Jackson C. (living on a farm in East 
 Bethlehem township), James (deceased), and Abra- 
 ham and Thomas (twins) (the latter of whom is an 
 eminent physician living in Grant county, Wis |. 
 Richard Hawkins Stull was born August 9, 1842, 
 on the place in East Bethlehem township now 
 owned by G. G. Gayman, and soon after his birth 
 the parents moved to the farm in East Bethlehem 
 township, which he yet owns. In October, 1886, 
 he was united in marriage with Maggie, daughter 
 of Samuel Lewis, and they have one son, Samuel. 
 The home place contains 126 acres of valuable 
 land, upon which Mr. Stull conducts a general 
 farming business, and also gives special attention 
 to the breeding of Harnbletonian and Clay horses, 
 and his stock has taken many premiums at county 
 fairs. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the 
 Republican party, and cast his first vote for Presi- 
 dent Lincoln. 
 
 I/AMES P. HICKMAN was born February 26, 
 . I 1839, on the old homestead in Cecil township, 
 (( J j this county. He is a prosperous stock raiser 
 and farmer, and is descended from a pioneer 
 family of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Peter 
 Hickman, a native of Lancaster county, Penn. , 
 married Abigail Fawcett, and after marriage they 
 settled in South Fayette township, Allegheny 
 county, many years ago, enduring all the priva- 
 tions and dangers inseparable from frontier life. 
 He was a Whig, and he and his wife were mem- 
 bers of the Presbyterian Church. They both died 
 on the old farm. Their children were: Joseph, 
 Moses, Abigail, John, Elizabeth, Ann, Steward, 
 Peter, Daniel and Benjamin. 
 
 Benjamin Hickman was born June 8, 1801, in 
 South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 where he grew to manhood. He married Nancy 
 Jordan, who was born in 1811, also a native of 
 South. Fayette township. The young people set- 
 tled on a farm in Cecil township, and eight chil- 
 dren were born to them, of whom four are yet liv- 
 ing, viz. : John S. (residing on the home place), 
 Moses (living in Cecil township), James P. (whose 
 sketch follows) and Mary Jane (wife of John Neal, 
 of Canonsburg). The parents were members of 
 the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. The father died in the spring of 
 1S81, and in August, 1890, the mother passed 
 away. He was a Whig, and a self-made man, who 
 was very enterprising. 
 
 James P. Hickman was reared on the home farm 
 in Cecil township, and educated in the schools 
 
w 
 
 ^^W /°rr4eJU>7^a^-. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1289 
 
 of the neighborhood. On February 27, 1873, he 
 married Miss Viola Jane, daughter of Arthur J. 
 and Elizabeth (Middleswath) Hopper. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Hickman began married life on a farm of 190 
 acres in Peters township, this county, but in 1880 
 they moved to a farm in Cecil township, having 
 purchased the Park homestead, containing 190 
 acres and adjoining the home farm of the Hickman 
 family. Since locating on this farm, Mr. Hick- 
 man has made various improvements and dealt 
 largely in stock, making a specialty of sheep rais- 
 ing. In politics be is a Republican, and has 
 served faithfully two years as supervisor. Though 
 not a member of a church, he has been treasurer 
 and trustee of the Centre Presbyterian Church. 
 Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hickman: Elizabeth Alcinda, William Arthur and 
 James C. 
 
 Arthur J. Hopper, father of Mrs. Hickman, was 
 born November 15, 1816, in Lancaster county, 
 Penn. His father, Samuel Hopper, was born in 
 Ireland, and came to America when a youth. He 
 settled in Lancaster county, Penn., and there mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Barclay. In 1817 they came to 
 Allegheny county, settling in Fayette township, 
 and purchased a farm with but ten acres improved. 
 Their children were: Robert, Andrew, Samuel, 
 Arthur J., John, James and Nora (Mrs. Alexander 
 Fitch), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Campbell), Mary 
 A. (Mrs. James Wallace). He was a Whig and 
 later a Republican, and was among the organizers 
 of the United Presbyterian Church. They came 
 over the mountains in a two-horse wagon, and 
 when they arrived exchanged the wagon in part 
 payment for a farm. The youth of Arthur J. 
 Hopper was spent on the home place, and he was 
 educated at the common schools. On July 22, 1N41, 
 he married Elizabeth Middleswath, of Allegheny 
 county. Their children were: John O, Samuel 
 N., Elizabeth A. and Viola J. Mrs. Hopper died 
 September 5, 1891. Mr. Hopper settled in Alle- 
 gheny county, and there continued farming until 
 1847, when he came to Peters township, remaining 
 there until 1856, when he came to his present resi- 
 dence. He is a Republican ; a member of the U. 
 P. Church; is a self-made man, very enterprising. 
 
 'ARSON. The family of this name, with which 
 Elgy S. and John A. Carson are more im- 
 mediately connected, have for many years 
 been prominently associated with the lead- 
 ing citizens of Washington county. 
 
 Thomas Carson was born in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, # and, coming to Washington county many 
 years ago, was married to Mary Gibson, a native 
 of Kentucky. They settled on the farm in Fallow- 
 field township which is yet owned by their de- 
 
 scendants, and here he carried on agriculture and 
 followed shoemaking, also serving as justice of the 
 peace. At one time being pursued by Indians, 
 he traveled seventy-five miles in one day, carrying 
 his rifle, and thus escaped. He died in 1814, 
 leaving the following children: James, who moved 
 to Ohio; Joseph, who first located in Ohio, then 
 moved to Indiana; Thomas G. ; William, married 
 to Mary Burgess, and who lived on the old home- 
 stead; James S. ; John B.; Mary, Mrs. Grable; 
 Elizabeth, wife of James Young; Ann, Mrs. Gra- 
 ble; and Charlotte, wife of John Carson. 
 
 Parker Carson, son of Thomas G. and Elizabeth 
 Carson, was born in 1819, in Fallowtield township, 
 Washington county. In 1844 he selected a life 
 companion in the person of Margaret Carson, a 
 native of this county, and the young people moved 
 to Indiana. They resided on a farm in that State 
 for six years, then returned to Washington county, 
 and in 1852 bought and settled upon 188 acres of 
 land in Fallowtield township. They were the 
 parents of the following named seven children: 
 Sarah E. ; Margaret A.; Melissa; Elgy S. ; John 
 A. ; Thomas G., and Mary J. Of this family Elgy 
 S., John A. and Mary J. are yet living. The 
 father devoted his attention wholly to agricultural 
 pursuits, and served his township in various local 
 offices. He died in 1878, having been preceded 
 to the grave by his wife in 1874. 
 
 Elgy S. Carson was born July 9, 1852, on the 
 home farm in Fallowtield township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. He resided with his parents during 
 his minority, and November 20, 1873, was mar- 
 ried to Ruth, daughter of Joseph Morton, a well- 
 known agriculturist of Washington county. This 
 marriage has been blessed with the following chil- 
 dren: Margaret (deceased), Laura A., Elgy H., 
 Cecelia R., Joella, Rollo H. and Anna B., all yet 
 living with their parents. Mr. Carson owns 189 
 acres of land, all of which is well cultivated, and 
 here he raises sheep and cattle; he also buys and 
 sells a large amount of live stock. In politics he 
 affiliates with the Democratic party, and has filled 
 many local offices. In religious faith he is an ad- 
 herent of the Old-school Baptist Church. 
 
 John A. Carson, son of Parker and Margaret 
 Carson, was born in 1855, in Fallowfield township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. In 1880 he was united 
 in marriage with Lizzie May, daughter of John 
 S. Williams, a native of Pennsylvania, and to this 
 union there have been born five sons and two 
 daughters, as follows: Nora W., Carl C, Oscar 
 P., Carrie E., Harvey S. (deceased), John R., 
 and Jo Reese. Mr. Carson is now serving as 
 chairman of the Democratic convention of Fal- 
 lowfield township, has filled many other political 
 offices, and for six years has been clerk of the town- 
 ship. He is a stockholder of the Maple Creek 
 cemetery, of which he has always been secretary. 
 
1290 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 and is now holding the position of treasurer. His 
 farm contains 108 acres, lying seven miles south of 
 Monongahela, and three and one-half miles from 
 Charleroi. Lover postoffice is situated half a 
 mile from the farm. 
 
 JAMES TAGGART (deceased). Among the 
 early pioneers to whom the citizens of Wash- 
 ington county owe a lasting debt of gratitude, 
 is the familiar name of Taggart. This 
 prominent family has for many years been 
 identified with the best interests of the county, and 
 took an active part in the hardships of frontier life. 
 The earliest representatives of the name were na- 
 tives of Ireland, from which country one James Tag- 
 gart emigrated to America in 1783, and coming to 
 Washington county, Penn., bought a tract of land 
 called "Chestnut," containing 260 acres, situated 
 on the headwaters of Chartiers creek. In L83I 
 he bought a farm of 405 acres, in Licking county, 
 Ohio. He also bought a farm in Tuscarawas 
 county, Ohio. He was united in marriage with 
 Mary Ferguson, who bore him seven children, 
 namely: John, James, Samuel, Robert, Jane, Eliza- 
 beth and Mary, all of whom are now deceased, 
 leaving numerous descendants, who are scattered 
 throughout the United States. The parents died 
 in Washington county. 
 
 James Taggart, son of James and Mary (Fer- 
 guson) Taggart, was born on the farm in Wash- 
 ington county, where his life was passed. He fol- 
 lowed general farming and raised a large number 
 of sheep. He was united in marriage with Martha 
 Fergus, who bore him ten children, namely: 
 Thomas, James, Samuel, William, John, Margaret, 
 Sarah, Rebecca, Martha and Mary, all now de- 
 ceased except Samuel, who lives near Washington, 
 Penn. The father of this family was an elder in 
 Upper Buffalo Congregation for twenty-four years. 
 He died July 28, 1863. 
 
 James Taggart, sou of James and Martha (Fer- 
 gus) Taggart, was born November 10, 1823, in 
 Canton township, on the old homestead where his 
 ancestors had first settled on their arrival in Penn- 
 sylvania. He passed his boyhood in the usual 
 manner of a farmer lad, and received his education 
 at the Wotring Academy, which was established 
 about 1818, by Judge Wotring. When a young 
 man James Taggart was married to Jane Ander- 
 son, of Cross Creek township, this county, a 
 daughter of Dr. Henry A. Anderson. To this 
 union was born one child, who died in infancy, 
 followed two months later by the mother. On 
 October 20, 1857, Mr. Taggart was married to his 
 second wife, Margaret A., a daughter of James 
 and Ann (Cockins) McBride. They were residents 
 of Canton township, Washington county, where a 
 son, Vincent, is engaged in agricultural pursuits. 
 
 To the union of James and Margaret (McBride) 
 Taggart children were born as follows: James 
 M. (married to Miss Jennie Maxwell), Annie F. 
 (wife of F. W. Donaldson), Archibald A. (married 
 to Ella W. McCarrell), Urania Bell and Charles 
 Leslie, both of whom still reside with their mother 
 on the old homestead. Mr. Taggart voted with 
 the Democratic party before the Civil war, and in 
 1862 joined the ranks of the Republican party, of 
 which he became a trusted and valued member, 
 and served one term as county auditor. In religious 
 faith he was a member and trustee of the Buffalo 
 Presbyterian Church, and led the choir for many 
 years. He was called over the river February Tl, 
 1892, leaving many friends to mourn his death, who 
 are yet waiting the hour when they shall meet on 
 the other side. 
 
 DR. BEBOUT, a well-known farmer and 
 I stock raiser of Cecil township, was born 
 ' September 3, 1832, on the old homestead 
 in North Strabane township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. He is a sou of Peter Bebout, and 
 grandson of John. 
 
 John Bebout was born June 20, 1752, in Hol- 
 land, and when a young man sailed to America. 
 He first located in New Jersey and was there mar- 
 ried to Mary Agnew.who was born October 23, 1757. 
 The young people resided in Sussex county, N. 
 J., until 1801, when they moved overland to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., there making a permanent 
 home. They were the parents of nine children, viz. : 
 William, born April 21, 1778 (lived in Cross Creek 
 township); Peter, born February 20, 1780; Sarah 
 B., born February 28, 1782, wife of Joseph Mc- 
 Lain, Mercer county, Penn. ; John, born March 21, 
 1789, resided in Carroll county, Ohio; Mary, born 
 June 23, 1791 (Mrs. Harmon Haines, of North 
 Strabane township); Israel, born August 12, 
 1793 (a farmer); Susan, born December 30, 1796 
 (Mrs. Long, who first settled in Cecil township, 
 this county, then moved to Ohio); Betsey, born 
 December 4, 1798 (wife of Isaac Weaver, of 
 Chartiers township), and Ira, born February 3, 
 1800 (deceased in 1891, first lived in North Stra- 
 bane township, this county, thence moved to 
 Muskingum county, Ohio). All of this family are 
 now deceased. The father died in 1836, in Mercer 
 county, Penn., his wife having preceded him 
 several years. 
 
 Peter Bebont was born ou Staten Island, N. J., 
 and when twenty years of age took a trip on foot 
 to Washington county, Penn., returning to New 
 Jersey the same fall. In 1S01 he and his parents 
 moved to Washington county, locating in North 
 Strabane township, on Chartiers creek, where 
 Peter Bebout was married to Isabella Cooper, a 
 native of Columbiana county, Ohio. The young 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1291 
 
 couple settled on the old homestead in North 
 Strabane township, and children were born to 
 them as follows; Mary (deceased wife of William 
 Hays), Susan (married to William Bebout, of 
 Washington, Penn.), Ira (living in Monongahela 
 City), Margaret (deceased wife of Cephas Cochran), 
 D. It. (whose name opens this sketch), Isabelle 
 (wife of John Crouch, of North Strabane township), 
 Joshua (who moved to Missouri), Stephen (de- 
 ceased in 1872, at Canonsburg I, Martha Jane 
 (deceased at the age of two years), one who died 
 in infancy, Caroline (Mrs. Joseph Manes, living on 
 the old homestead) and Herman (a stock dealer, 
 residing in Canonsburg, Penn.). The parents 
 were members of the Hill Presbyterian Church. 
 The father of this family died about 1861 in North 
 Strabane township, and was followed by the mother 
 in 1889. 
 
 D. R. Bebout attended the district schools of 
 North Strabane township, and then learned the 
 carpenter's trade, which he followed some years. 
 He was appointed agent of the Chartiers Valley 
 Railroad, at Canonsburg, before it was completed. 
 On March 10, 1859, he was married to Dorothea, 
 daughter of James and Katie ( Whitely) McMurray. 
 James McMurray was a native of Ireland, aud 
 coining to America married and settled perma- 
 nently in Washington county, Penn. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bebout remained in Chartiers 
 township until 1878, when they bought and moved 
 upon the farm in Cecil township where they are 
 now living. It contains eighty acres of well-im- 
 proved land, upon which he has erect.ed good 
 buildings and operates three good oil wells, in 
 addition to the usual farm duties. Politically he 
 votes with the Democratic party, but devotes the 
 greater part of his time to private interests. In 
 religion he and his wife are members of the First 
 Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. Their chil- 
 dren are: James, an elder in the First Presby- 
 terian Church at Canonsburg, living at home; 
 Catherine, wife of S. W. McNary, of Cecil town- 
 ship; Mary Belle; Frank, married, a clerk in a 
 furniture store in Monongahela City; Martha Jane, 
 wife of William McCorkle, of Somerset township; 
 and Elizabeth, attending school at Slippery Rock, 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 OYD McNARY, one of the popular young 
 citizens of North Strabane township, is a 
 son of Samuel McNary, who was born 
 August 16, 1825, in Nottingham township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., and passed his boyhood 
 on the farm, receiving a common-school education. 
 He was married to Margaret McClure, who was 
 born July 7, 1828, and seven children were born 
 to their union, as follows: James S., born October 
 27, 1851; David, born June 23, 1853, died Octo- 
 
 ber 28, 1875; William Boyd, born February 17, 
 1856; Joseph R., born August 13, 1858; Mary, 
 bora August 10, 1860, died April 19, 1876; Mattie, 
 born November 23, 1862, married, July 3, 1884, 
 W. F. Wiskeman, and died October 2, 1888; and 
 Clark J., born June 20, 1865. Samuel McNary 
 was an enterprising and progressive citizen and 
 served in various township offices, tilling the posi- 
 tion of school director fifteen years. He was a 
 lifelong member of the TJ. P. Church, and died 
 February 10, 1883. His widow passed away 
 March 5, 1886. 
 
 Boyd McNary was born February 17, 1856, on 
 the home farm, and followed the usual routine of 
 a farmer boy, but received a thorough common- 
 school education. On October 22, 1885, he was 
 united in marriage with Jennie M. Herron.who was 
 born January 8, 1861, daughter of Robert and 
 Rachel (Berry) Herron. Robert Herron was a son 
 of Joseph Herron, whose father, James, was a 
 native of Ireland. James Herron emigrated to 
 America in the latter part of the eighteenth cent- 
 ury, and settled in North Strabane township, this 
 county, on the farm now owned by his descendants. 
 When a young man he was married to Rachel 
 Reed, a native of Ohio, and the following children 
 were born to their union: Charles, John, William, 
 James, Robert, John, Joseph, Thomas aud Rachel. 
 In politics Mr. Herron was a Democrat, and in 
 religion a devout member of the Seceder Church. 
 Joseph Herron, son of James, was born January 
 2, 1797, on his father's farm in North Strabane 
 township, and was educated in the country schools. 
 On January 3, 1824, he married Margaret Hast- 
 ings, of Somerset township, this county, and they 
 settled on the home place, where children were 
 born as follows: Rachel, Robert, James, John, 
 Sarah, Joseph, Margaret and Elizabeth M. The 
 father was an active worker in the Democratic 
 party, and in religious connection supported the 
 Seceder Church. He died January 25, 1852, his 
 wife being laid beside him March 18, 1854, and 
 both rest in the U. P. cemetery at Pigeon Creek. 
 Robert Herron was born September 30, 1826, on 
 the farm where his brother James is now living. 
 On May 13, 1858, he was united in marriage with 
 Rachel E., daughter of John Berry, who bore him 
 children as follows: William G., Margaret J. (Mrs. 
 W. B. McNary), Lizzie R. (Mrs. M. H. Munce), 
 Anna M. (Mrs. W. H. McNary), Sadie T. and 
 Robert W. Mr. Herron has always been a Demo- 
 crat and has served his party in various ways. He 
 and his family are members of the U. P. Church 
 at Mt. Prospect. 
 
 After marriage Mr. and Mrs. McNary settled on 
 the old farm, where three children were born, as 
 follows: Robert B., September 25, 1886; Mary R., 
 March 20, 1889, and Carrie M., November 17, 1890. 
 Boyd McNary is one of the successful farmers in 
 
1292 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 North Strabane township. He and his two 
 brothers, Joseph and Clark, own 134 acres of good 
 land. He has a considerable influence in politics, 
 and votes the Republican ticket. He and his wife 
 are members of the U. P. Church. 
 
 IfAMES HERRON. a leading business man of 
 the village of California, is descended from 
 If" J Hibernian ancestors, his grandfather, James 
 ~—^ Herron, having been a native of Ireland, in 
 which country he grew to manhood and was 
 married. The family finally came to America, lo- 
 cating in Greensburgh, Westmoreland Co., Penn., 
 where the grandparents died, leaving two sons, 
 Nelson and John. 
 
 John Herron, son of the pioneer James, was 
 born on the farm in Westmoreland county, Penn., 
 there received his early education, and learned the 
 carpenter's trade. When a young man he moved 
 to Allegheny county, Penn., where he met and 
 married Elizabeth, daughter of Francis and Ellen 
 (Vandervort) Cooley, who were natives of New 
 York. Mr. and Mrs. Cooley were the parents of 
 the following children: Joseph, Robert, William, 
 John, Francis, Samuel, Harrison, Elizabeth and 
 Mary. The father of this family followed farming 
 near New York City for several years, afterward 
 moving to a place in Washington county, Penn., 
 and finally settling on a farm in Allegheny county, 
 near Pittsburgh, where he died. He was original- 
 ly a Democrat, but afterward became a member of 
 the Whig party, and in religion was connected 
 with the English Lutheran Church. John and 
 Elizabeth (Cooley) Herron passed their married 
 life in Allegheny county, and he followed the car- 
 penter's trade in Pittsburgh. They had two sons, 
 Francis C, a farmer, and postmaster at Oklahoma, 
 and James. John Herron died in 1828, and was 
 followed to the grave by his widow in 1839. 
 
 James Herron, son of John and Elizabeth 
 (Cooley) Herron, was born August 8, 1S25, in Al- 
 legheny county, Penn., and received his early edu- 
 cation at the subscription and public schools, of 
 the vicinity. Being left an orphan, he had to 
 commence life for himself at an early age, and 
 when sixteen years of age was apprenticed to 
 Thomas McKee, a blacksmith of Pittsburgh, Penn., 
 with whom he remained about ten years. He then 
 purchased the shop, and conducted the business 
 for five years, when he entered the employ of the 
 Lippincott Manufacturing Company. In 1859 he 
 purchased an interest in the store of his brother- 
 in-law, William F. Barclay, at Coal Bluff, this 
 county. Mr. Herron served as postmaster of that 
 place during the Civil war, but, resigning this 
 position in June, 1805, opened his present general 
 merchandise store in California, which is now one 
 of the oldest and most prosperous establishments 
 
 in the village. Politically he has been a Repub- 
 lican, and recently he became a Prohibitionist; in 
 religion he is a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
 terian Church. On May 28, 1846, James Herron 
 was united in marriage with Hannah M., daughter 
 of James and Rachel (McVay) Barclay, of Finley- 
 ville, Washington Co., Penn. They have had no 
 children, but adopted a little girl, and reared her 
 as their own; she is now the wife of John H. Wil- 
 kins, to whom she has borne three sons, viz. : Fred 
 B., James H. and Frank S. 
 
 I OHN C. McBRlDE. one of the most progress- 
 1 ive, influential and successful citizens of 
 ^ J Robinson township, is descended from pio- 
 ^^ neer ancestors of Washington county. 
 
 James McBride (the grandfather) left the 
 Emerald Isle in early manhood, and coming to 
 Washington count y. Penn., settled near Miller's 
 run, on some land which legally belonged to 
 George Washington. When the latter discovered 
 that his rights were endangered, he made known 
 his claims to the property, and the immigrants 
 were forced to evacuate that locality. They then 
 moved to a tract of 240 acres in the northern end 
 of the county, near which was erected the Associ- 
 ate church of Robinson in 1832 (now the U. P. 
 church), the patent for which tract of land was 
 issued in 17S6, and is still in the possession of our 
 subject. This tract has since been the homestead 
 of the McBride family. James McBride was mar- 
 ried in Washington county to Miss Sarah Sprowls, 
 arid they settled on the farm in a small house 
 which had been previously erected, but which was 
 afterward burned by the Indians while the family 
 were on a visit to their old home. Ten sons were 
 born to this couple, all of whom lived to advanced 
 age, namely: Francis, Nathaniel, Matthew, James, 
 John, Isaac, Samuel, David, William and Alex- 
 ander. The father was a Democrat, and a mem- 
 ber of the Associate Church of Clinton, and was 
 a member of one of three families who first formed 
 the organization. 
 
 William McBride was born in 1798 on the old 
 homestead in this county, and followed farming 
 from early boyhood throughout his active life. He 
 was married to Martha Keys, who was born June 
 11, 1805, near Bulger, this county, a daughter of 
 James Keys, and the following children blessed 
 their union: James, born October 8, 1832 (now 
 deceased); William, born October 24, 1836; Jane 
 and John C. (twins), born March 27, 1840, the 
 former married to John Purdy, and living in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn. The father of this famdy 
 died October 22, 1878, the mother on February 4, 
 1875. Mr. McBride passed his entire life on the 
 home farm, engaged in general agriculture and 
 stock raising, proving an enterprising and pro- 
 
/U&L£_j 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1295 
 
 gressive mau. In his political affiliations be was a 
 Democrat. 
 
 John C. McBride was married December 30, 
 1874, to Elizabeth Galbreath, who was born near 
 Candor, this county, a daughter of William Gal- 
 breath, a native of Allegheny county, Pedn., born 
 about the year 1796. His father, Samuel Gal- 
 breath, was of Scotch ancestry, and was reared in 
 eastern Pennsylvania. He early came to Alle- 
 gheny county, where he carried on farming, an 
 occupation he followed during the rest of his life. 
 He married Nancy Gilmore, who bore him the fol- 
 lowing children: James, Robert, Annie, Nancy, 
 Elizabeth and William. Samuel Galbreath was a 
 member of the Noblestown U. P. Church. Will- 
 iam Galbreath was thrice married: first time to 
 Margaret Bingham, who bore him one child, 
 Henry P. ; his second wife was Esther Ewing, and 
 by this marriage there were children as follows: 
 Letticia E., Nancy G. , Isabell C. (married to 
 Thomas Munn), Samuel, Margaret B. (married to 
 James G. Wilson), Esther A. (married to W. S. 
 Bailey) and Elizabeth. For his third wife Will- 
 iam Galbreath wedded Jane Bailey, who bore him 
 one child, William, and she is now living with our 
 subject and wife, at the patriarchal age of ninety- 
 three years. William Galbreath died August 21, 
 1874. 
 
 After their marriage John C. and Elizabeth G. Mc- 
 Bride moved to a farm about three miles east of 
 the old homestead, on which he has erected a fine 
 dwelling house. One daughter has come to bless 
 their union, Martha Keys, born June 1, 1877. 
 Politically, Mr. McBride was identified with the 
 Democratic party until of late years, since when 
 he has been in sympathy with the Prohibition 
 movement. He is a well-known, enterprising 
 citizen, has filled various township offices, and has 
 ever given his aid to enterprises tending to the 
 good of the community at large. In religious 
 faith he is a consistent member of the Robinson 
 U. P. Church. 
 
 1757. 
 
 OBERT C. HOOTMAN is a well-known and 
 successful farmer of Donegal township. 
 His grandfather, Christian Hootman, was 
 a native of Hessen-Darrnstadt, Germany, 
 having been born there about the year 
 Christian enlisted in the army when a 
 young man, and was among the Hessian soldiers 
 who came to America during the Revolutionary 
 war, and were hired by the English government to 
 fight the Colonists. 
 
 Christian Hootman was a drummer boy, and 
 upon first landing in America was delighted with 
 the country, often longing for freedom, that he 
 might assist the Colonists in their struggle for lib- 
 erty. At the battle of Brandywine he was taken 
 
 prisoner, and (making no effort to escape) was soon 
 drumming in the Continental army under Gen. 
 Washington. He served till the close of the war, 
 and decided to remain in the " land of the free," 
 where the galling restraints of the old country 
 were unknown. In the year 1785 the yoiing man 
 came to Donegal township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., after a long and tedious journey over the 
 mountains. He took up a " tomahawk claim '' in 
 the northwest corner of Donegal township, imme- 
 diately on the line then bounding Pennsylvania 
 and Virginia. Here he erected a cabin home in the 
 wilderness, and began to clear a piece of land upon 
 which to raise corn. He was then married, and 
 the following children were born to him: Henry 
 and Jacob (who moved to Iowa, where they died); 
 John (moved West and there died); Mary (wife of 
 Adam Deeds), moved to Coshocton county, Ohio; 
 Catherine (Mrs. William Shaler), who died in Don- 
 egal township; David, who learned the blacksmith 
 trade, and followed it on the Monongahela pike, 
 where he died; Tenie (deceased wife of Samuel 
 Miller), lived in Donegal township; and Christian 
 (the father of our subject). The mother of these 
 children died, and Mr. Hootman was afterward 
 united in marriage with Susan Cavanaugh, who 
 bore him no children. He continued to live on the 
 same farm until his death, which occurred in the 
 year 1845, after sixty years of pioneer life in 
 Washington county. His second wife had also pre- 
 ceded him to the grave. 
 
 Christian Hootman was born October 12. 1800, 
 in Donegal township, on the farm which is now 
 owned by his son Robert. His early life was 
 passed in attending to the duties of the pioneer 
 farm, and his education was limited to the advan- 
 tages of the subscription schools, but this was 
 afterward supplemented by home instruction from 
 his stepmother, who was an educated woman. He 
 thus became a well-informed man. In about the 
 year 1830, Christian Hootman was married to 
 Sarah McBroom, who was born in 1808, daughter 
 of Robert McBroom, of Brooke county, W. Va., 
 but a native of Ireland. Two children were born 
 to them: Nancy S. M. (Mrs. E. Buchanan, of 
 Wheeling, W. Va.), and Robert C. (subject of this 
 sketch). Mr. Hootman passed his entire life on 
 the home place, and was a successful farmer. In 
 religion he was an active member of the U. B. 
 Church, to which he and his father were liberal 
 contributors. Mr. Hootman died February 27, 
 1874, and was followed by his widow April 22, 1891. 
 Politically he was a lifelong Democrat. 
 
 Robert C. Hootman was the only son of his 
 parents, and was born November 14, 1844, on the 
 home farm, where he is yet living. He was trained 
 to farm work from boyhood, and received a com- 
 mon-school education. On September 13, 1866, 
 he was united in marriage with Maggie Yant, who 
 

 1296 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 was born April '20, 1850, a daughter of Jacob and 
 Lizzie (Wilson) Yant, and the following children 
 have been born to this union: an infant daughter 
 (deceased), and Luetta, Frank S., Laurence V. and 
 Bruce O, all of whom are living at home. After 
 his marriage, Mr. Hootman settled on the home 
 farm, which has been in the possession of the 
 Hootman family since it was patented, and is one 
 of the most valuable pieces of farm land in Done- 
 gal township. Mr. Hootman is a very systematic 
 and progressive farmer, and is extensively en- 
 gaged in raising sheep. Politically he is a Dem- 
 ocrat, but often votes for the man he thinks best 
 qualified, regardless of his party connection. 
 
 JOHN P. SCOTT, a prosperous, popular and 
 I cultured citizen of Cecil township, is a son of 
 I John, and grandson of John Scott. John 
 Scott (the grandfather) was born in 1777, at 
 Mingo creek, Washington Co., Penn., of Scotch 
 parents, and was married to Esther Phillips. In 
 1800 they moved to Mt. Pleasant township, Wash- 
 ington county, locating on 305 acres of land, 
 which was originally a portion of the George 
 Washington survey. They were members of the 
 Associate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run, 
 in which he was a ruling elder. He died Febru- 
 ary 19, 1817, and July 19 of the same year his 
 life companion was laid by his side. They were 
 the parents of the following children: Hannah 
 (born 1801, married to Capt. John Young, of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn. ), Esther (born 1811, wife of 
 William Gribben, Allegheny county), Rachel (Mrs. 
 Allen Dunn, of Pittsburgh, Penn), Elizabeth 
 (born 1803, wife of John Cairus, of Pittsburgh, 
 Penn.), a daughter Mary (born in 1805. died in 
 early womanhood), Samuel (born 1807, died more 
 than fifty years ago in Allegheny county), Jonathan 
 (born 1809, moved West) and John (whose sketch 
 follows). The parents were among the earliest of 
 early settlers in Allegheny county. 
 
 John Scott was born in 1813, on the home farm 
 in Mt. Pleasant township, where his boyhood days 
 were passed. On August 29, 1836, he was united 
 in marriage to Ann White, who was born in 1X15, 
 in Smith township, this county, and the young 
 people settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 where four children were born to them: Mary 
 (deceased February 13, 1889, aged fifty-one years, 
 seven months and fifteen days), born in 1837, was 
 married in September, 1858, to R. W. Lawrence, 
 of Independence township; John P., whose name 
 opens this sketch; William J. (deceased March 25, 
 L873), born June 25. 1811 (entered the service 
 for a thirty days' call to Gettysburg), and married 
 Sarah A. Douglas in 1863, settled in Cecil town- 
 
 ship; and Samuel Wilson (died in April, 1888), 
 born August 1, 1852, and married April 27, 1881, 
 to Miss Anna M. May. Mr. and Mrs. John Scott 
 were first members of the Associate Reformed 
 Church at Robinson's Run, and in 1850 united 
 with the Associate Reformed Church at Venice, 
 this county. In 1858 they became members of the 
 IJ. P. Church, of which Mr. Scott was elected an 
 elder, but refused to serve. He died June 10, 
 1887, his widow passing away January 31, 1892. 
 
 John P. Scott was born April 17, 1839, in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, and attended the common schools 
 of the neighborhood. On January 1, 1861, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary Ann Cook. Her 
 father, Robert Cook, was born June 2, 1805, in 
 Cecil township, and on April 23, 1835, made choice 
 of a wife in the person of Mary Gladden, who was 
 born August 15, 1798. After their marriage Mr. 
 and Mrs. Cook settled on the farm now occupied 
 by their daughter, Mary A. He was a farmer, 
 taking an active part in the politics of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and in religion was a member of the 
 now United Presbyterian Church at Robinson's 
 Run, afterward uniting with the church at Venice, 
 this county. Mrs. Cook died July 22, 1842, leaving 
 two daughters: Mary Ann (Mrs. Scott) and Anna 
 E. (living in Cecil township). On February 27, 
 1841, the father was married to Rebecca Glen- 
 denen, who bore him one child, deceased in in- 
 fancy. Mr. Cook died January 6, 1857, followed 
 by his widow August 30, 1886, in her eighty-first 
 year. 
 
 John P. and Mary Ann (Cook) Scott began mar- 
 ried life on the farm in Cecil township where they 
 are yet living. He taught school three years in 
 Mt. Pleasant and Cecil townships, having since 
 been engaged in cultivating the farm, containing 
 280 fertile acres. Among the man}' improvements 
 which have been made may be mentioned the erec- 
 tion of a good, commodious barn, 42 by 62 feet. 
 Mr. Scott makes a specialty of raising Delaine 
 wool Merino sheep. In politics he is a strong ad- 
 herent of the Prohibition party, and has been a 
 candidate for county commissioner. In religious 
 faith he and his wife are members of the U. P. 
 Church at Venice, in which he ia an elder, having 
 been elected to that office August 28, 1864. Five 
 children have gladdened the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Scott, namely: Robert Cook, born May 17, 1862; 
 Anna (married on January 1, 1890, to James R. 
 White, has one child, John Lee), born September 
 10, 1864; John Elmer, born March 19, 1867 
 (married October 26, 1892, to Luella Bell McPeak); 
 William Lawrence (graduated at Westminster, 
 Penn., with class of '91, now attending the Med- 
 ical Department of the University of Pennsylvan ia 
 at Philadelphia), born April 7, 1870, and George 
 Wilson, born July 22, 1878. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1297 
 
 III Ml ATTHEW B. BROWN, a well-known agri- 
 
 I \//\ culturist of Mt. Pleasant township, was 
 
 I *( I born in 1851, in Allegheny county, Penn. 
 
 II -* He is a sou of David Brown, whose father, 
 v John Brown, was born in Lancaster county, 
 Penn. John Brown was there married to Mary 
 Acheson, and in 1785 the young people moved to 
 Noblestowu, Allegheny county, where he followed 
 the tailor's trade and conducted a hotel. He after- 
 ward moved to a farm in the same county and 
 reared his children. He died about 1851, his wife 
 having entered the dark valley a few years before. 
 
 David Brown was born in 1803, on the home 
 farm in Allegheny county, and was trained from 
 early boyhood to agricultural life. He was married 
 in his native county to Rebecca Borland, remaining 
 there a short time after that event. In 1847 he 
 bought a partially improved farm of 339 acres in 
 Mount Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 to which he moved in 1855, his wife having died 
 in Allegheny county the year before. 
 
 P 
 
 j, OBERT H. RUSSELL (deceased) was one 
 ') of the leading and prosperous citizens of 
 l\ Chartiers township. In business circles he 
 ^ stood in the front rank of prosperous and 
 enterprising stockmen, in social life he was 
 equally renowned for a generous, affectionate dis- 
 position, and in religious faith he was a devoted and 
 liberal churchman. His father, Andrew Russell, 
 was born January 3, 1777, in Cecil township, this 
 county, coming with his parents to Chartiers town- 
 ship when about two years of age. In 1800 he 
 was married to Ann McClellan, who was born in 
 1784, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and 
 after marriage began to manage the home farm. 
 He was a Whig, taking an active part in the early 
 political history of the county; he had a brother 
 who served in the war of 1812. In religious faith 
 he was first a Seceder, then joined the U. P. 
 Church at Canonsburg. He died March 2, 1861, 
 in his eighty-fourth year, being followed by his 
 wife February 17, 1868, who had borne him chil- 
 dren as follows: Jane (wife of Samuel Lee, de- 
 ceased January 24, 1880); Isabelle (deceased in 
 1845, wife of William McCall); James (deceased 
 in January, 1890, married in 1844 to Elizabeth 
 McElroy); Ann (living in New Concord, Ohio); 
 Elizabeth (deceased January 10, 1868, in her six- 
 ty-fifth year, married to Robert Jeffrey, of Mt. 
 Pleasant township); Andrew (deceased in April, 
 1891, married April 18, 1839, to Jane Miller); 
 Alexander (deceased September 29, 1886, in his 
 seventy-eighth year, married first to Margaret Ann 
 Acheson (deceased), then to Lavina Calkins); Rob- 
 ert (deceased in May, 1887; first married to Eliz- 
 abeth McConaughey, then to Martha Jane Mc- 
 Nary); John (living in Chartiers township, mar- 
 
 ried to Elizabeth G. Morrison); John Russell, died 
 January 16, 1893, after a brief illness; William 
 (married to Margaret Thompson, who died in 1892, 
 living in Chartiers township) and Nancy (deceased 
 in 1849). 
 
 Robert H. Russell was born in 1819, in Char- 
 tiers township, Washington Co., Penn., being 
 reared and educated in the district schools of the 
 township. He was first married to Elizabeth Mc- 
 Conaughey, who died within a few years. On May 
 17, 1858, he made a second choice in the person 
 of Martha Jane McNary, daughter of William and 
 granddaughter of John McNary. John McNary 
 was married to Jane Hill, and in 1784 made a per- 
 manent settlement in North Strabane township, 
 this county. They were both members of the Se- 
 ceder Church. William H. McNary was united in 
 marriage with Margaret Murray, daughter of 
 George Murray, who came from Scotland in an 
 early day, and was married to Mary Reed. In 
 1832 he moved from North Strabane township 
 to Chartiers township, where he died, being fol- 
 lowed by his wife three years afterward. 
 
 Robert H. and Martha Jane Russell began mar- 
 ried life on one of the finest farms in Chartiers 
 township, where his widow is still living, which he 
 had purchased in 1845. Mr. Russell took pride 
 and pleasure in making all possible improvements 
 upon his farm, having erected a handsome brick 
 dwelling and good outbuildings. He was espe- 
 cially interested in raising sheep, having been one 
 of the charter members of the National Delaine 
 Merino Sheep Breeders' Association. In religion 
 he was an earnest worker in the Chartiers United 
 Presbyterian Church, having been a member of 
 the Session for twenty- three years. He also served 
 as elder, and always contributed to the Master's 
 cause to the utmost of his ability. He passed from 
 earth May 17, 1887, and his widow is yet residing 
 on the old place. Many hearts were saddened by 
 the loss of this honorable, generous, Christian man, 
 for in this world such characters are rarely found 
 and are sorely missed when called away. 
 
 L. A. Russell, one of the most prominent busi- 
 ness men of Washington county, has devoted his 
 time to stock raising, making a specialty of breed- 
 ing sheep, and has achieved an enviable success in 
 that business. He is a representative of an old 
 and honored pioneer family of this county. He is 
 a son of William and grandson of Andrew Russell, 
 whose father was born in 1723, in Scotland, com- 
 ing to America in 1758, where he was united in 
 marriage with Isabel Mays, a native of Ireland. 
 They first settled near Oxford, Chester Co., Penn., 
 then went to Canonsburg, and in 1782 bought the 
 home farm in Chartiers township. He was a 
 blacksmith, and having brought his tools from 
 eastern Pennsylvania, enjoyed a great deal of cus- 
 tom, having no competitor in that vocation. 
 
1298 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Andrew Russell was born in 1777, in Cecil town- 
 ship, this county, and in 1782 came to a farm in 
 Chartiers township, where he grew to manhood 
 and was married to Ann McClellan. The couple 
 passed their lives in their native county. Andrew 
 Russell was a Whig, being an active worker in the 
 party. He died in 1861, the wife and mother be- 
 ing laid to rest February 17. 1868. They were 
 formerly members of the Associate Reformed 
 Church, then united with the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Canonsburg. They were the parents of 
 eleven children. 
 
 William Russell was born October 10, 1825, in 
 Chartiers township, Washington county, being the 
 youngest child in his father's family. He was 
 reared on the home farm, and educated in the 
 subscription schools of the vicinity. In 1855 he 
 was married to Margaret Jane Thompson, a na- 
 tive of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. She 
 is a daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Wilson) 
 Thompson, who were natives of Ireland, and of 
 Scotch descent. They immigrated to America at 
 an early day, aud settled in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, where Joseph Thompson passed the rest of 
 his life in agricviltural pursuits. He was actively 
 interested in political questions; in religion he was 
 united with the U. P. Church of Hickory, this 
 county. His wife, who was a member of the 
 Associate Reformed Church, died in 1847, and in 
 1861 he was laid by her side. After his marriage 
 William Russell opened a book store' in Canons- 
 burg, this county, keeping a full line of school 
 and college text-books. In 1862 he moved to a 
 farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and in 1881 settled 
 on the farm in Chartiers township which he now 
 occupies. It consists of 135 acres of good land. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Russell have had ten children, four 
 of whom are now living, namely: L. A., William 
 Frank (an operator at Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., 
 Penn.), Mamie Bell Agnes, and Robert Lee (study- 
 ing for the ministry at New Wilmington College). 
 In politics William Russell is a Republican, and 
 has served as supervisor and member of the school 
 board. His wife died January 19, 1892. She 
 was a member of the U. P. Church at Hickory, in 
 which her husband was an elder, now being a mem- 
 ber of the church at Houstonville. 
 
 L. A. Russell was born June 15, 1863, on the 
 home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, 
 being reared in Chartiers township. After attend- 
 ing the common schools he took a commercial 
 course at the Iron City College, Pittsburgh, Penn. , 
 and graduated February 16, 1884. He then re- 
 turned to the home place, and began to follow 
 farming and stock raising. He raises a large 
 amount of thoroughbred National Delaine Merino 
 sheep, shipping them to all points in the United 
 States. He is a member of the National Delaine 
 Merino Sheep Association, and is one of the lead- 
 
 ing sheep breeders of Washington county, although 
 some of his time is given to the raising of Short- 
 horn cattle. In 1884 and 1885 Mr. Russell made 
 an exhibit at the New Orleans' Fair, where he was 
 awarded eleven prizes on twelve sheep. He casts 
 his ballot with the Republican party, and was 
 chairman of this precinct during the Prohibition 
 movement, securing many votes for the Amend- 
 ment. Iu religious faith he is a member and 
 trustee of the Chartiers United Presbyterian 
 Church at Canonsburg, serving as a teacher in 
 the Sabbath-school, and assistant leader in the 
 choir. In business, social and religious circles, 
 Mr. Russell has proven himself a zealous and 
 active worker, and an ardent, capable leader. 
 
 JR. GLADDEN occupies a prominent position 
 in the large circle of leading agriculturists of 
 Cecil township, and is descended from one of 
 the pioneer families. His earliest ancestors, 
 whose history can be obtained, were William 
 and Mary (Woods) Gladden; they were both born 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, William being a miller by 
 trade. They came to Cecil township in May, 
 1795, and bought of one Nicholas Gaunce 206J 
 acres, of which he had secured the patent in 1789, 
 and made this their permanent home. After the 
 death of William, the land became the property of 
 Richard Gladden, and has remained iu the family 
 name up to the present time. 
 
 Joseph Gladden, son of William and Mary 
 Woods Gladden, was born in 1795, in Cecil town- 
 ship, this county, and was reared and educated on 
 the old homestead. In early manhood he married 
 Jane Donaldson, a native of Robinson township, 
 this county, and first settled near Midway, on what 
 is known as the Campbell farm. In the spring of 
 1842 he bought and moved upon a farm in South 
 Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., remain- 
 ing there until his death, which occurred in 1866, 
 being followed by his wife in 1881. Both were 
 members* of the United Presbyterian Church at 
 Robinson's Run. Their children were: Thomas 
 D. (living on the homestead in Allegheny county, 
 Penn.), William (deceased in 1891, a resident of 
 Jefferson county, Ohio), James (deceased in youth), 
 J. R., and Mary Jane (wife of R. A. Warren, Jef- 
 ferson county, Ohio). 
 
 J. R. Gladden, son of Joseph and Jane (Donald- 
 son) Gladden, was born in 1842. iu South Fayette 
 township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and received his ed- 
 ucation in the common schools of the neighborhood. 
 In 1869 he married Sarah A., daughter of David 
 and Sarah (Campbell) McConnell, early pioneers of 
 Cecil township, where their daughter Sarah was 
 born. On January 15, 1884, J. R. Gladden, in 
 company with his brother, Thomas D., bought the 
 old home farm of their grandfather, William Glad- 
 
w 
 
 Ot 
 
 c/js^^yz^y 
 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1301 
 
 deu, iu Cecil township, from their uncle, Richard 
 Gladden, and in 1888 J. R. Gladden bought his 
 brother's interest, and made it his permanent home. 
 The place contains 321 acres of good land, located 
 about one mile from McDonald, and contains four 
 producing oil wells. Mr. Gladden conducts a gen- 
 eral farming business in connection with a profit- 
 able dairy, and has built a good barn, being now 
 engaged in building a comfortable tenant house. 
 He votes the Democratic ticket. He and his wife 
 are members of the First Presbyterian Church at 
 McDonald, of which he is a trustee. They have 
 had four children: David (deceased at the age of 
 two years), Joseph, Thomas Donaldson and Mary 
 Jane. 
 
 JfOHN SMITH, a successful farmer of Inde- 
 pendence township, was born Juue 22, 1820, 
 j near Mt. Hope church, Independence town- 
 ship, this county. He is a son of John Smith, 
 who was born in 1786, in County Fermanagh, Ire- 
 land, and lived on the farm during his boyhood. 
 He was married to Jane Graham, who was born in 
 1786, a daughter of William Graham. In ISIS. 
 with his wife and infant son, he embarked from 
 Cork, Ireland, for America, and landing in New 
 York came to Independence township, this county, 
 where a brother of Mr. Smith had previously 
 located, near Buffalo creek. Mr. Smith worked 
 as a farm tenant for some time after his arrival in 
 Independence township, but soon purchased the 
 place on which he lived, and continued to reside 
 there until his death, which occurred in 1831. 
 His widow remained on the place until 1835, when 
 she too passed away, leaving the following chil- 
 dren: William (born in Ireland), John (a farmer 
 of Independence township), Jane (deceased), Ed- 
 ward (died in 1847 of consumption) and Mary A. 
 (widow of Paul Ralston, of Independence town- 
 ship). 
 
 John Smith, son of John and Jane (Graham) 
 Smith, worked on the home farm from earliest 
 boyhood, and received his education in the rude 
 country schools of the period. When his parents 
 died he took charge of the place, which is situated 
 about three miles south of Independence, near the 
 West Virginia line. His two sisters lived on the 
 farm with him until the death of one in 1891, and 
 Jane, the remaining sister, has since been keeping 
 house for him. Mr. Smith is unmarried, and his 
 health having been poor for several years, he has 
 consequently lived in a retired manner. He is 
 naturally a quiet and unassuming man, having the 
 respect and esteem of all who know him. Polit- 
 ically he was formerly a Whig, and is now a mem- 
 ber of the Republican party. He is a member of 
 the M. E. Church at Independence. 
 
 JrOSHUA DICKERSON, a representative of 
 one of the early families of Washington 
 I county, was born January 3, 1845, on the 
 farm where he now resides in Franklin town- 
 ship. His great-grandfather, Henry Dicker- 
 son, was married in New Jersey, his native State, 
 and reared the following named children: Joshua, 
 Henry, George, Gideon, Leonard, Asa, Margaret 
 and Ruth. He was a leading member and liberal 
 supporter of the M. E. Church, and withal was a 
 hard-working, industrious man. 
 
 Joshua Dickersou, grandfather of our subject, 
 was born May 3, 1781, in Washington county, 
 Penn., whither his father had come in a very early 
 day. He was for the most part a self-educated 
 man, making himself well acquainted with the 
 ordinary branches of education, and he made a 
 special study of surveying, a profession in which 
 he had no superior in the county. He was well 
 versed in wood craft and was considered one of 
 the best hunters of his time; his business as sur- 
 veyor naturally brought him in contact with a 
 large number of citizens, and he at once became a 
 popular man. He early identified himself with 
 the leading party, was elected auditor of his native 
 county, and so well did he discharge the duties of 
 his office that he was nominated for, and elected, 
 representative from Washington and Greene coun- 
 ties, a position he filled eight consecutive years; 
 he was then elected to the State Senate, in which 
 he served six years, and then resigned to accept 
 the secretaryship of the laud office, which he filled 
 till 1830. In 1S31 he was chosen to the constitu- 
 tional convention of the State, and took an active 
 and zealous part in the labors of the same. In 
 these many years of public life and prominence, Mr. 
 Dickerson was totally unpretentious, his home being 
 all along in the old log cabin where he was born. 
 He was a man of magnificent physique, stalwart 
 and active, and the very beau ideal of a Nimrod. 
 At the time of La Fayette's visit to Washington, 
 Penn.. he furnished the carriage which conveyed 
 the illustrious visitor, and he took a prominent 
 part in the reception. On April 30, 1853, he 
 passed from earth full of years and honor. The 
 children born to this remarkable pioneer and his 
 first wife, Margaret McPherson, are as follows: 
 Joshua D., Nancy, Alexander, Mary, John, Jennie 
 (Mrs. Samuel Walters), Ruth (Mrs. Lewis Barker), 
 Henry, Lydia (Mrs. Howard Trussell), Margaret 
 (Mrs. William Hazlett) and Matilda. Joshua 
 Dickerson's second wife was Cornelia Craig, who 
 bore him no children. 
 
 John Dickerson, father of our subject, was a na- 
 tive of Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 born April 13, 1810. He passed his boyhood and 
 youth on the old home place, and was married to 
 Mary, daughter of Robert Adams, of Washington 
 
1302 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 couaty. The children born to this union were 
 Margaret (deceased) and Joshua. This wife dy- 
 ing in 1851, Mr. Dickerson married Miss Mary 
 Johnson, by which union came the following named 
 children: Harvey, Mary A., Ruth A. (deceased), 
 Lewis (deceased) and Flora B. On April 10, 
 1865, Mr. Dickerson was called from earth after a 
 long and industrious life. In politics he was first 
 a Whig, and afterward, on the formation of the 
 party, a Republican. 
 
 The entire life of the subject of this sketch has 
 been passed on the homestead of his immediate 
 ancestry, the days of his boyhood and early youth 
 having been occupied in receiving a thorough 
 course of training to agricultural pursuits, and in 
 attending in the winter months the common schools 
 of the district. On June 2, 1867, he was united 
 in marriage with Sarah, daughter of the Hon. J. 
 C. Chambers (a sketch of whom is given else- 
 where), and two children were born to them: Mary 
 (deceased) and Lewis B. Mr. Dickerson and fam- 
 ily are adherents of the Disciple Church, and in 
 politics he is a Republican. He has been pros- 
 perous, thanks to his industry, intelligence and 
 foresight, and is a leader in his community, where 
 he is highly respected. 
 
 THE JEFFRIES FAMILY. This well known 
 family have been closely identified with the 
 progress of West Pike Run township. 
 Joseph Jeffries was born of English par- 
 ents in Chester county, Penn. (on the 
 Brandy wine river, near Chadd's Ford), in 1772. 
 He moved from that county to Loudoun county, 
 Va. , and there married Betsey Robison, who was 
 born in 1781 in that Virginia county. In 1796 
 they came to Washington county and settled in 
 West Pike Run township. The following named 
 children were born to this couple: Plessie, born 
 in 179S; Benjamin Amor, born March 21, 1803; 
 Bennet, Mary, John, Job, all deceased except the 
 last named, who is now living at Lemont Furnace, 
 Fayette county. Joseph Jeffries died April 9, 
 1854, preceded by his wife June 16, 1833. 
 
 Amor, born on Buffington's farm, East Pike Run 
 township, was educated at the subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood, and learned the wool carder's 
 trade, which he followed during early life, after- 
 ward devoting his attention to milling and agri- 
 culture. He married (April 6, 1828) Sarah Gregg, 
 who was born in Washington county, September 
 8, 1806, and by this union there were the follow- 
 ing named children: Eliza, born June 12, 1829 
 (married Henry Gregg, a farmer of Greene county); 
 Joseph, born November 1, 1830 (married Nancy 
 Jane Hess, a native of Ohio, and he is now living 
 at Centreville, Penn.); Elizabeth A., born Novem- 
 ber 19, 1831, died February 18, 1875; Jacob, born 
 
 March 26, 1833, died May 16, 1SS3; John, born 
 October 16, 1834, died March 16, 1865; Anderson, 
 born February 11, 1836; George N., born Sep- 
 tember 10, 1837, died December 16, 1870; Jack- 
 man, born April 15, 1839, died January 24, 1844; 
 Benjamin F., born October 22, 1841 (married An- 
 nie Peppers in 1875); Elenor J., born March 
 27, 1845, died October 22, 1876; James J., born 
 May 28, 1849, died October 18, 1874. The father 
 was fond of reading, and in politics voted with the 
 Democrats. He died June 15, 1885, preceded by 
 his wife June 9, 1880. 
 
 Anderson Jeffries was born in the old home in 
 this county, and in the schools of the district se- 
 cured a knowledge of the common studies. On 
 June 18, 1882, he married Mattie J. Elliott, born 
 March 6, 1856, in this county, a daughter of 
 Michael Elliott, a native of this county, born No- 
 vember 15, 1825. Mr. Elliott learned the gun- 
 smith's trade, and on June 15, L855, married Eliza 
 Amos, who was born December 25, 183S. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Elliott were the parents of one daughter, 
 Mattie J., wife of Anderson Jeffries. Mr. Elliott 
 died in 1857, and Mrs. Elliott married Fredrick 
 Staley. To them were born the following chil- 
 dren: John O, Catherine E. (wife of Henry 
 Hanen), Anna M., Samuel J., Daniel E., Fredrick 
 F. (deceased), Emaline (deceased), David R., Hugh 
 O, Eliza L., Hannah B. , Thomas C. and Clarence 
 V. Mr. and Mrs. Staley are now living on a farm 
 in West Pike Run township. To the union of 
 Anderson and Mattie J. (Elliott) Jeffries five chil- 
 dren were born, namely: Corene E. , Sarah A. (de- 
 ceased), Emma J. and Minnie May (twins) and 
 Bessie L. The father is a stanch Democrat. He 
 cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas. Mr. 
 Jeffries owns 276 acres of land. The stone house 
 where he was born, and in which the family now 
 reside, was built by Benjamin White over one 
 hundred years ago. Mrs. Jeffries and daughter. 
 Corene, are members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 FJREDERICK McMURRAY is descended 
 from natives of the Emerald Isle, whence 
 so many of our most industrious and patri- 
 otic citizens trace their lineage. His father, 
 James McMurray, was born March 13, 1796, in 
 Ireland, and when but a small boy came with his 
 parents to Pennsylvania, being reared to manhood 
 upon a pioneer farm. He was married, in 1830, 
 in Washington county, Penn., to Catherine Whit- 
 ley, who was born December 22, 1804, and they 
 had children as follows: John (now living in Ken- 
 tucky), born May 20, 1831 ; Frederick, born in 1832; 
 Dorothy (wife of David Bebout, a farmer of Cecil 
 township, this county), born April 17,1834; Esther 
 (unmarried, is keeping house for her brother 
 Frederick), born February 17, 1836; Nancy (mar- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1303 
 
 ried to David C. Dunlap, a farmer of North Stra- 
 bane township), born October 15, 1837; Catherine 
 (wife of Samuel Rankin, a resident of South Stra- 
 bane township), born August 13, 1839; Mary J. 
 (Mrs. Albert Stimpson, a farmer of West Finley 
 township, this county), born May 20, 1841; Belle 
 (wife of Demas Leyda, a farmer of Washington 
 county, Ohio), born May 27, 1842; James (living 
 in Kansas City, Mo.), born March 6, 1844; and 
 Lizzie (married to John Hawkins, a farmer of 
 Greene county, Penn.), born December 5, 1846. 
 The father was a prominent farmer of Somerset 
 township, and an active worker in the United 
 Presbyterian Church of Pigeon Creek, but cared 
 little for politics. He died April 15, 1875, having 
 been preceded December 26, 1867, by his wife. 
 
 Frederick McMurray owns and resides upon the 
 home farm, consisting of 109 acres, which was 
 purchased in 1847 by his father. He is a prac- 
 tical and progressive farmer, and in politics affili- 
 ates with the Prohibition party. Mr. McMurray 
 has never married. 
 
 IiONAS C. MeCRACEEN, a successful agri- 
 . I culturist of Amwell township, is of Scottish 
 \j\ descent. His grandfather, Andrew Mc- 
 ^^ Cracken, with a brother, David, removed 
 from Scotland to County Down, Ireland. From 
 there David immigrated to America about 1768, and 
 in 1792 was followed by Andrew and his family, 
 who lived with David two years. Andrew then 
 bought sixty-three acres of land of Jacob Housing, 
 to which he afterward added forty-one acres, 
 purchased of William McClenahan, comprising the 
 farm on which his descendants still live. In 1843 
 he went to Ohio, and there died. His wife was 
 Sarah Jennison, of Ireland, aud they had five chil- 
 dren — two sons and three daughters: John, Archi- 
 bald, Elizabeth, Isabelle and Nancy. 
 
 Archibald McCracken, son of Andrew and Sarah 
 (Jennison) McCracken, was born May 23, 1799. on 
 the old homestead in Amwell township, Washing- 
 ton county, where he always remained, aud was 
 educated in the common schools. In 1825 he was 
 married to Lerana, daughter of Luther Axtell, by 
 which union there were the following children: 
 Phebe, Elizabeth, Andrew J., Mary, M. L. A., 
 Rachel (deceased), Sarah, Cloah (deceased), Jonas 
 O, and Martha J. (deceased). Archibald Mc- 
 Cracken was a successful business man, and at the 
 time of his death owned 184 acres of land. He 
 was a Whig, then a Republican, and was always in- 
 terested in township and county affairs. He died 
 August 31, 1884, his wife having preceded him to 
 the grave in 1859, and they are buried at Amity. 
 
 Jonas C. McCracken was born on the old farm 
 in Amwell township, Washington county, June 11, 
 1843. His boyhood was passed in attending 
 
 school, and working on the farm. He took an ex- 
 tensive western trip, but evidently concluding that 
 Washington county could not be excelled, soon re- 
 turned here to make a permanent home. In 1SS5 
 he spent two months in Glasgow, Scotland, the 
 guest of relatives who had not been heard from for 
 fifty-five years, and in 1887 he took a trip to Texas. 
 On March 15, 1888, he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Ross, of Washington township, Greene Co. , 
 Penn. He purchased from the heirs that portion 
 of the old farm which he now owns, consisting of 
 seventy-five acres of fertile soil, and carries on 
 mixed farming. 
 
 dfOHN REED, a prosperous agriculturist of 
 1 Hopewell township, is a grandson of James 
 J Reed, the latter of whom was a carpenter, 
 and built the first courthouse in Washington 
 borough. James Reed was born in Scotland, 
 and was married to Sina Parker, who bore him 
 seven children, the sons being named as follows: 
 John, James, Samuel and Parker. 
 
 Samuel Reed was reared and educated in Hope- 
 well township, this county, and was afterward 
 united in marriage with Mary Ann Vincent, 
 daughter of Alexander Vincent. The following 
 children were born to this union: James (livino- 
 in Missouri), Alexander, Sina Ann (deceased), 
 Jane, Mary, Nancy, John and Catherine. Of 
 this family James was married to Lydia B. Me- 
 Williams, of Westmoreland county, Penn., who 
 died leaving four children: Harry, Cally, Samuel 
 and Dell; their father is pastor of a Presbyterian 
 Church in Missouri; Alexander was first married 
 to Jane Ann White, of Washington county, who 
 bore him children as follows: White, Samuel, Net- 
 tie and Annie (the mother died, and Alexander was 
 then married to Mary White, of West Virginia); 
 Catherine is the widow of R. E. Merchant, and 
 has three sons: Frankie, Orr and Eddie (she is 
 living with her brother John); Mrs. Samuel Reed 
 died February 22, 1881, followed by her husband 
 April 5, 1887. He always followed farming, and 
 in politics was a Democrat. He and his wife 
 were members of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian 
 Church, in which he served as trustee. 
 
 John Reed, son of Samuel Reed, was born 
 November 13, 1846, and was about three years 
 of age when his father purchased the farm now 
 occupied by S. P. Wilson. John Reed attended 
 the common schools, afterward becoming a student 
 of the academy; which he attended one session; 
 he then devoted his whole attention to farming. 
 On October 3, 1877, he was married to Amanda 
 Merchant, a native of Ohio, who bore him two 
 children: Sina Mabel aud Mary Ella (deceased). 
 Mrs. Reed was called to her last home August 8, 
 1881. Mr. Reed was a member of the Upper 
 Buffalo Presbvteriau Church. 
 
1304 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 F. CROTHERS is the eldest son of 
 William B. Crothers, who was born June 
 14, 1836, in Buffalo township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., and passed his earlier 
 years at home, alternately working on the 
 farm, and attending the district school, at which 
 he secured a thorough knowledge of the common 
 branches. He began farming in early life, and 
 has since continued in that calling, also devoting 
 much attention to stock" raising. On February 
 28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Emma, 
 daughter of James Maxwell, of Hopewell town- 
 ship, this county. After their marriage Mr. and 
 Mrs. Crothers settled on the place where they now 
 reside, and the following children have been born 
 to them: Anna (Mrs. Samuel Cleland), Wylie F., 
 Maggie (Mrs. Walter Coulson), Harry, Albert, 
 James. Arthur and John. Mr. Crothers is a suc- 
 cessful farmer, and owns a farm of 500 acres, 
 upon which he has made many improvements, near 
 the village of Taylorstown. In early life he 
 united with the United Presbyterian Church, and 
 has ever been an active member, having held some 
 important offices, the duties of which he has faith- 
 fully performed. He has ever been interested in 
 public enterprises, and in politics is a member of 
 the Republican party. 
 
 Wylie F. Crothers was born January 19, 1863, 
 on the home place in Buffalo township, this coun- 
 ty. He remained at home during his minority, 
 and was educated at the schools of Taylorstown, 
 where he was considered one of the best students. 
 On January 19, 1888, he was united in marriage 
 with Nettie M., daughter of James Noble, and 
 they have one child, Homer N. In February, 
 1889, Mr. Crothers opened a general store in Tay- 
 lorstown, Buffalo township, and by his honesty, 
 enterprise and uniform courtesy has the largest 
 custom of any store in the town. His stock occu- 
 pies a large building with two floors and a base- 
 ment, also a large warehouse adjoining. He keeps 
 a complete assortment of all kinds of goods, and 
 has the largest and best equipped store (outside 
 of Washington) in western Washington county. 
 He has succeeded in business by earnest effort, 
 and isone of the leading young men of the vicinity. 
 Politically he is an ardent Republican, and though 
 not a politician gives all possible aid to the suc- 
 cess of his party. He and his family are mem- 
 bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Tay- 
 lorstown, to which they are liberal contributors. 
 
 ^INFIELD SCOTT ARMSTRONG, a citi- 
 zen of West Finley township, is a grand- 
 son of James A. Armstrong, a native of 
 Ireland. The latter immigrated to Amer- 
 ica, and settled east of the Alleghany 
 mountains, where he was married to Miss Mar- 
 
 w 
 
 garet Martin. After their marriage the young 
 couple settled in Donegal township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., where ten children were born to them. 
 Mr. Armstrong was one of the first volunteers in 
 the war of 1812, and served till the close of the 
 war, when he received an honorable discharge. 
 
 Samuel Armstrong was the tenth child in the 
 order of birth, and was born April 20, 1812, on the 
 farm in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He was united in marriage in 1833, with Mary 
 Crow, daughter of William Crow, also a resident 
 of Donegal township, and to their union were born 
 the following children: Mrs. Mary Watson, Mar- 
 garet, Mrs. Sarah J. Hair, William H. , Catherine 
 (Mrs. Guess), and Winfield Scott. Mr. Armstrong 
 removed to West Alexander four years before his 
 death, which occurred June 12, 1867, having been 
 preceded by his wife in October, 1855. 
 
 Winfield Scott Armstrong was born August 13, 
 1847, in Donegal township, Washington county, 
 and lived at home until old enough to earn his 
 own living, when he began to work by the month 
 for different farmers. On March 27, 1865, he en- 
 listed in the One Hundred and Third Regiment, 
 P. V. I., and served until the close of the war. 
 His brother, William H. Armstrong, enlisted in 
 Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, 
 P. V. I. He served in many of the battles, and 
 was captured at Gettysburg, being taken to Libby 
 Prison, where, in December, 1863, he died of 
 starvation, thus adding another name to the long 
 list of martyred heroes. On February 19, 1873, 
 Winfield Scott Armstrong was married to Miss 
 Kate Gordon, and they have had two children, 
 William H. , born April 28, 1876, and Flora Gor- 
 don, born January 23, 1890. After his marriage 
 Mr. Armstrong bought the old water-power grist- 
 mill which he still owns, and made the good, old- 
 fashioned sweet flour. The old mill has been kept 
 in excellent repair, and is one of the few of that 
 kind now in operation. 
 
 /HOMAS SHAW. Among the honored citi- 
 zens of Chartiers township, the name of 
 Thomas Shaw occupies a prominent posi- 
 tion. He is a successful agriculturist and 
 worthy representative of an old pioneer fam- 
 ily. His grandfather, Joseph Shaw, was born of 
 Scotch parents in Ireland, where, in early manhood, 
 he married a Miss Sankey, and coming to America, 
 he settled in Chartiers township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where he reared a family of children. 
 
 John Shaw, father of subject, was born in 
 1804, on the pioneer farm in Chartiers township, 
 Washington county. In early manhood he mar- 
 ried Sarah Harsha, a native of the same county, 
 and settled on the home farm, where the following 
 children were born: Esther Ann (who died in 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1307 
 
 infancy), Jane (who died in infancy), William D. 
 (who enlisted in Company A, Eighth-fifth Regi- 
 ment, P. V. I., served three years, two months 
 and ten days, and is now living in Adams county, 
 Iowa), Joseph (residing in Ghartiers township), 
 John H. (who died at the age of fourteen years), 
 an infant and James (twins, the former deceased 
 and the latter a veteran of Company B, First Vir- 
 ginia Cavalry), Sarah Jane (who married J. L. 
 Henderson, and died leaving four sons and one 
 daughter), Harrison Marshall(whodiedat theageof 
 seven years of typhoid fever), Thomas (our subject), 
 Rebecca Agnes (who died in youth), Robert Theo- 
 dore (a graduate of Washington and Jefferson 
 College, now a physician and surgeon of Silver 
 Plume, Colo. ; he has served as a member of the 
 Legislature from his county), and Harriet (who 
 was married about 1878, to David Bedow; she had 
 one child, and died in March, 1880). Mrs. John 
 Shaw died of apoplexy in 1869. She was a daugh- 
 ter of John Harsha, a son of early pioneers of 
 Washington county, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. 
 He was a hunter in Kentucky in the days of Daniel 
 Boone, learned the trade of chairmaker in his na- 
 tive State, and was married to Esther Ann Mc- 
 Millan, a native of Chartiers township, also a 
 member of an early pioneer family. They both 
 died in Washington county. John Shaw was a 
 Democrat until 1840, when he joined the Whigs, and 
 upon the organization of the Republican party 
 became an enthusiastic Republican. He was a 
 member of and elder in the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Chartiers Cross Roads, and died in 
 February, 1879. 
 
 Thomas Shaw, the subject of this biographical 
 sketch, was born September 20, 1844, on the farm 
 owned by his father, and where he is now living. 
 He attended the district schools of Chartiers town- 
 ship, and October 26, 187(5, chose a bride in the 
 person of HallieM. , daughter of John and Jemima 
 Grounds, early settlers of Washington county, 
 and residents of Mt. Pleasant township. One son 
 was born of this union, Wilbert Lawrence. Mrs. 
 Shaw died June 27, 1879, and on March 16, 1881, 
 Mr. Shaw married Jennie W. , daughter of E. J. 
 and Ann (White) Agnew, prominent pioneer set- 
 tlers of Washington county, and residents of 
 Chartiers township. Mr. Agnew has been an elder 
 in Hickory and Cross Roads Churches for many 
 years. Three children have been born to our sub 
 ject and his wife, viz. : Sarah Ann Gertrude, 
 Franklin Agnew and Lizzie Edna. The home 
 farm contains 200 acres of well-cultivated land. 
 and in connection with the general management 
 of the place Mr. Shaw devotes much attention to 
 stock raising, making a specialty of Holstein cat- 
 tle, Shropshire sheep and Chester- White swine. 
 In politics, he votes the Republican tickel ; and he 
 
 and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Chartiers 
 61 . 
 
 Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church in 
 Chartiers township, in which he is an elder, an 
 office also rilled by his father in the same church 
 for many years. 
 
 b 
 
 EWIS F. McCRORY, a citizen of Califor- 
 nia, is a representative of one of the promi- 
 nent families of Allen township. His grand- 
 father, John McCrory, was born and reared 
 in Washington county, Pjenn., there receiving 
 his early education. When a young man he 
 was married to Catherine Speers, a member of a 
 pioneer family of this county, and they settled on 
 a farm in Fallowfield township. Their children 
 were Elizabeth (wife of David McClain), Samuel 
 S., James, Rebecca, John, Plesey, Henry, Jacob, 
 Solomon, Emily (wife of George Lang) and 
 Nathaniel. The father was a Whig in political 
 opinion. 
 
 Samuel S. McCrory was born in 1S09, in Fal- 
 lowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. , and 
 attended the subscription schools of that locality. 
 In early manhood he married Nancy, daughter of 
 Samuel Fry, and she bore him the following chil- 
 dren* Sarah E. (deceased), Mary K., Lewis F., 
 Christina (deceased), Henry J., Emily and John. 
 Mr. McCrory worked at boat building and kin- 
 dred occupations during early life, and after his 
 marriage bought a farm, on which he passed the 
 rest of his days. In political opinion he was 
 originally a Whig, afterward a Republican. He 
 died in September, 1853, his widow passing away 
 June 1, 1892. 
 
 Lewis F. McCrory was born February 17, 1839, 
 in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and was reared to agricultural pursuits in Allen 
 township, where he attended the public schools. 
 In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth 
 Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving until the close of 
 the war. On October 20, 1869, he married Han- 
 nah J., daughter of Allen Bowlen. The latter was 
 a son of Nelson Bowlen, a farmer, whose parents 
 were natives of Ireland, and came to America in an 
 early day. Nelson Bowlen was married to Mary 
 Coalbank, who bore him six children, namely: 
 Bailey, William, Allen, Eliza, Mary Jane and 
 Elizabeth. The father served in the war of 1812; 
 in politics he voted with the Whig party, and in 
 religious faith he was a member of the Disciple 
 Church. 
 
 Allen Bowlen (deceased), son of Nelson and 
 Mary Bowlen, was born in 1822, in West Virginia, 
 and there learned the tailor's trade, which he fol- 
 lowed for several years. He was twice married, 
 first to Anna Hugh, and their children were Han- 
 nah (wife of Lewis F. McCrory), Sarah (married 
 to Samuel Artis), Isaac, Mary E., Margaret and 
 James, all except Hannah being now deceased. 
 
1308 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 
 For his second wife Allen Bowleu was married to 
 Susan McCarty, who bore him children as fol- 
 lows: Minerva (deceased), Nelson (deceased), Ke- 
 ziah (deceased), Samuel, May, Michael and Will- 
 iam. Mr. Bowlen was formerly a Democrat, and 
 afterward united with the Republican party, and 
 in religion he was a member of the M. E. Church, 
 in which he served as steward and trustee. 
 
 Lewis F. and Hannah J. (Bowlen) McCrory re- 
 sided in Washington county, Penn., for some years 
 after their marriage, then moved to a farm in Fay- 
 ette county, finally returning to Allen township, 
 this county. Mr. McCrory was identified with the 
 Republicans, but since the organization of the 
 Prohibition party has been an enthusiastic advo- 
 cate of the principles embodied in their platform. 
 He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 OWERN BROS. These gentlemen, who 
 conduct an extensive carriage-making es- 
 tablishment, and are also dealers in harness 
 and horse goods, in Canonsburg, are prom- 
 inently identified with the leading business 
 interests of that place. The family are of Irish 
 descent, the grandfather, William Gowern, having 
 been born and reared in Ireland, where he was 
 married to a Miss Annie Nugent. Soon after mar- 
 riage the young couple came to America, and 
 located permanently in New York, where three 
 children were born to them: Robert F., Mary and 
 Katie. 
 
 Robert F. Gowern, eldest son of William Gow- 
 ern, served an apprenticeship in New York with 
 Brewster, at the wagon-making trade. After com- 
 pleting it he took a tour through the Southern 
 States, working as he traveled. Returning to New 
 York he was married, on July 18, 1852, to Alice 
 Robinson, a native of that city, of Scotch parent- 
 age. Two years later Mr. Gowern located in 
 South Egremont, Mass. , and not long afterward 
 moved to Lincoln, 111., thence to Harrodsburg, 
 Ky.,and finally came to Pittsburgh, Allegheny 
 Co., Penn. In 1875 he organized the firm of R. 
 F. Gowern & Sons, for the manufacture and sale 
 of carriages. The firm commenced business on a 
 modest scale, in a small frame building where they 
 remained until 1886, in which year they erected 
 their present extensive factory. Robert F. Gow- 
 ern has had four children, namely: William J., 
 Robert F. , Lillie (wife of John Boyce), and Annie 
 (deceased). In politics the father is a loyal mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party. 
 
 William J. Gowern was born December 5, 1853, 
 in New York City, and passed his boyhood at 
 home. In early youth he entered a carriage-mak- 
 ing establishment at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he 
 .remained two years, then completed his appren- 
 
 ticeship with the firm of S. B. & C. Hayes, Wash- 
 ington, Penn. He is familiar with every depart- 
 ment of the business, which he conducts with char- 
 acteristic energy. Like his father before him, he 
 is an active Democrat. He is yet unmarried. 
 
 Robert F. Gowern, Jr., was born March 8, 1856, 
 in South Egremont, Mass. He learned the carriage- 
 making trade of S. B. & C. Hayes, of Washington, 
 Penn., and is an accomplished workman, thorough- 
 ly understanding his business. On July 15, 1880, 
 he was married to Miss Nannie A. Simpson, and 
 has three children, all living. In 1887 the broth- 
 ers bought the entire interest in their father's es- 
 tablishment, and added to the business harness 
 and horse goods, the firm being now known as the 
 Gowern Bros. They make 100 carriages per year, 
 and are constantly busied with filling orders, work- 
 ing to their fullest capacity. 
 
 LT. CLAYBAUGH, a prominent contractor 
 . and builder of California, Penn., is the sec- 
 ond son of Moses B. Claybaugh, whose 
 father, Michael Claybaugh, was born and 
 reared in Germany. The latter was married in his 
 native land, and there learned the blacksmith's 
 trade, afterward coming to Brownsville, Fayette 
 Co., Penn., where he and his wife died many years 
 ago. 
 
 Moses B. Claybaugh, son of Michael, was born 
 in Fayette county, Penn., where his youth was 
 passed. He was married at Coal Centre, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., to Miss Rebecca Troy, a native of 
 that place. The young couple first resided in Cal- 
 ifornia, this county, where he followed the black- 
 smith's trade, until 1S54, and then moved to Law- 
 rence county, Ohio. In 1861 he enlisted, in Gal- 
 lia county, Ohio, for three years, or during the 
 war, and served under General Buruside; he died 
 of cholera at St. Louis, Mo., in 1865, while en route 
 home. In 1864 his wife removed to her present 
 home in California, Penn. She has had three 
 children, namely: Loretta (who died in 1863, in 
 Ohio), L. T, and Eva (wife of J. F. Furlong, of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn.). 
 
 L. T. Claybaugh was born in 1856, in Lawrence 
 county, Ohio, and in 1864 came to California, Penn., 
 where he received a limited education, as his wid- 
 owed mother needed his assistance when he was 
 yet a boy. He first commenced working in the 
 boatyard, then learned the carpenter and joiner's 
 trade at McKeesport, Penn. He worked as a 
 journeyman for several years, and in 1880 com- 
 menced business for himself as a builder and con- 
 tractor. In 1880 he was married to Anna Coats- 
 worth, a native of Monongahela City, and daughter 
 of Joseph Coatswortb. The latter was born July 
 12, 1842, in Durham, England. His father, Jo- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1309 
 
 seph Coatsworth, was also born and reared in Dur- 
 ham, England, and was there married to Sarah 
 Ellison, who bore him six children, namely: 
 Thomas, Margaret, Joseph, William, Sarah and 
 John. Mr. Coatsworth was an expert lead-ore 
 miner, and devoted much time to investigating the 
 different branches of that business in his native 
 country. He finally concluded that America of- 
 fered superior opportunities for his family, and in 
 1853 crossed the ocean, first locating at Pittsburgh, 
 Penn. He there followed coal mining for some 
 time, and a few years later purchased a farm in 
 Carroll township, this county, finally removing to 
 Monongahela City, where he died in 1861. He was 
 a strong supporter of Whig and Abolition princi- 
 ples, and upheld his views with the tenacity of a 
 true Englishman. He was formerly connected with 
 the primitive M. E. Church, and after coming to 
 America united with the M. E. Society at Monon- 
 gahela City, of which he was a most conscientious 
 member. 
 
 Joseph Coatsworth came with his parents to 
 America when but a lad, and passed his minority 
 in Washington county, Peun. In 1872 he opened 
 a grocery store, and engaged in the coal business 
 at California, this county, afterward conducting a 
 grocery at Monongahela City. He finally aban- 
 doned the grocery and opened the butcher shop 
 where he is now doing a profitable business. On 
 November 4, 1863, he was united in marriage with 
 Trovillo, daughter of Washington Eckles, formerly 
 of Westmoreland county, Peun., and they are the 
 parents of seven children, namely: Anna, wife of 
 L. T. Claybaugh; Charles W., J. W., May, Kate 
 G., Bessie and Eva. Mr. Coatsworth is an active 
 member of the Democratic party, and has served 
 as councilman. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Claybaugh settled in California, 
 Penn., where he owns a pleasant residence and 
 other valuable property, which he rents. As a 
 contractor he is pre-eminently successful, giving 
 constant daily employment to an average of thirty- 
 one men, and for the past two years has taken the 
 output of the California brickyard, averaging 100,- 
 000 bricks per month. Mr. Claybaugh is one of 
 the directors of the California Glass Company; 
 is a director in the Minerva Land and Improve- 
 ment Company, of Fayette county, Penn. ; a di- j 
 rector in the local branch of the Security Building 
 and Loan Association, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; and 
 a director in the local branch of the Southern 
 Building and Loan Association, of Knoxville,Teun. 
 He is actively identified with the Republican party, 
 and has served as a member of the town council; 
 he is a member of the Royal Arcanum of Califor 
 nia. Mr. and Mrs. Claybaugh are the parents of 
 four children, namely: Lon W., Eva, Ruth and 
 L. T., Jr. 
 
 JiEHU DUNLEVY is a representative of an 
 early pioneer family of Washington county, 
 and a son of Andrew Dunlevy, whose parents 
 located in Allen township some time prior to 
 1795, and died in that vicinity. 
 
 Andrew Dunlevy was born July 1, 1795, on the 
 home farm in Allen township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., where his youth was passed. On May 22, 
 1816, he was united in marriage with Sarah Jack- 
 man, who was born March 25, 1799, in Washing- 
 ton county, and to this marriage children were 
 born as follows: Joseph (who died in 1840), Will- 
 iam (who moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois, 
 and theuce to Nebraska, where he is now living), 
 Matilda (who died single), Crawford (now living in 
 Hot Springs, Ark.), Jehu, Anthony (a ship car- 
 penter, was killed in an explosion on a vessel on 
 Galveston Bay, Texas), Jesse (deceased in infancy), 
 Barbara Ann (wife of S. T. Williams, of Cherokee 
 county, Iowa), and Sarah Rebecca (wife of Parker 
 S. Sphar, of Allen township). The father was 
 a Democrat in politics, and in religion an ardent 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he 
 was a ruling elder for many years. He died July 
 24, 1879, having been preceded by his wife in 
 1845. 
 
 Jehu Dunlevy, son of Andrew and Sarah (Jack- 
 man) Dunlevy, was born October 5, 1833, in Allen 
 township. He has never left his birthplace, and 
 November 20, 1856, brought thither his bride, Mary 
 McKee, a native of Allen township. She was a 
 daughter of Hugh and Catherine (Lute) McKee, 
 early pioneers of Fayette county. Penn., and mem- 
 bers of the Rehobeth Church. The mother is yet 
 living in Allen township, Washington county, the 
 father having passed away some years ago. Mrs. 
 Dunlevy died April 14, 1868, leaving two sons, of 
 whom the following is a brief record: James H. is 
 a railroad agent at Munhall, Penn., at which sta- 
 tion are located the great Carnegie Steel Works, 
 where, on July 6, 1892, occurred the famous riot. 
 
 On June 17, 1891, James H. Dunlevy was mar- 
 ried to Mary A. daughter of Rev. Levi Risher, of 
 Dravosburgh, Penn., and one son has been born to 
 their union, viz: Risher A. They reside in Home- 
 stead, which city adjoins the Steel Works of Car- 
 negie & Co. Thomas T. , youngest sou of Jehu 
 and Mary (McKee) Dunlevy, is a steamboat master 
 and pilot on the Monongahela and Ohio rivers. 
 On June 1, 1870, Jehu Dunlevy was married to 
 Mary E., daughter of James and Mary (Swauger) 
 Patterson, pioneers of Allegheny county, Penn., 
 and ardent members of the Reformed Presbyterian 
 Church. Two daughters have been born to the 
 union of Jehu and Mary E. Dunlevy, viz. : Etta 
 M. and Jessie F. The home farm contains eighty 
 acres of river land, upon which a mining town is 
 now being established to further the coal industry. 
 
1310 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Politically Mr. Dunlevy is a Democrat, anil has 
 served for many years as a member of the school 
 board, and takes a special interest in all educa- 
 tional matters. His wife is a member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 J (AMES CRAIG, one of the leading represent- 
 ative progressive farmers of Donegal town- 
 ! ship, is a grandson of John Craig, a native 
 of County Donegal, Ireland, whence in an 
 early day he immigrated to this country, tak- 
 ing up his residence in Fayette county, Penn. 
 Here he married Rebecca Stevens (by whom he 
 had some eight or ten children), and followed farm- 
 ing, also teaching school up to the time of his 
 death. The widowed mother afterward came with 
 her son John to this county, where for a few years 
 he kept a tavern on the National pike, about two 
 miles east of West Alexander, in Donegal township, 
 where Joseph Sample now resides. Here John 
 Craig married Ellen, a daughter of James Craig, 
 and one child was born to their union, Rebecca, 
 who died after reaching adult age This wife be- 
 ing called to her long home, Mr. Craig married, for 
 his second wife, Eleanor, a daughter of Patrick 
 Craig, of Donegal township, and the results of 
 this union were the following children: Jane, 
 William, John, Eleanor, Mary, Samuel, James, 
 Roland and Margaret, all now deceased except 
 James. After his first marriage John Craig lo- 
 cated in West Finley township, near the State line 
 of West Virginia, where for a short time he followed 
 farming, and then moved to Donegal township, 
 settling one-half mile south of Toll-gate No. 6, on 
 the National pike, where he passed the remainder 
 of his days, dying September 80, 1864, in his 
 eighty-fourth year, his wife having preceded him 
 to the grave in 1852. In politics Mr. Craig was 
 first a Whig and afterward, from the time of its 
 organization, a member of the Republican party. 
 He was a successful agriculturist, and accumulated 
 a comfortable competence by hard work and judi- 
 cious economy. 
 
 James Craig was born May 25, 1825, in Done- 
 gal township, Washington Co., Penn., where his* 
 boyhood and youth were passed, alternating be- 
 tween book lessons at school and practical lessons 
 on his father's farm. On December 4, 1851, he 
 was married to Elizabeth Dickey, who was born in 
 Germantown (now a part of Philadelphia), October 
 7. L827, a daughter of Nathaniel Dickey, a native 
 of County Donegal, Ireland, who, when a young 
 man, came to America, settling near Philadelphia. 
 There he married Elizabeth Kelter, a native of 
 eastern Pennsylvania, and to them were born the 
 following children: William, Mary, Tacy, Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. Craig), Anna. Sarah J., Caroline, 
 Susan and Martha. About 1830 they came to 
 
 Donegal township, this county, where they resided 
 until their deaths; the father dying June 11, 1852, 
 in his sixty-second year, having been thrown from 
 a horse and killed, and the mother on June 17, 
 1870, in her seventy-third year. To Mr. and Mrs. 
 James Craig were born nine children, as follows: 
 Mary E. (Mrs. George Browulee, of Otoe county, 
 Neb.), John (a carpenter, also in Otoe county), 
 William D. (a farmer in Donegal township), James 
 (deceased when twenty-eight years of age), Emma 
 J., Samuel L. and Elizabeth B. (all three living 
 with their parents), Nathaniel H. (who died at the 
 age of seventeen years) and Carrie V. (at home 
 with her parents). Soon after marriage Mr. Craig 
 settled on one of his father's farms, situated three 
 miles southeast of West Alexander, where he has 
 resided over forty years, successfully engaged in 
 farming and stock raising. In politics he is a 
 Republican, and has held various township offices, 
 to which, however, he never aspired; his wife is a 
 consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
 Craig; and the entire family enjoy the esteem and 
 respect of a wide circle of acquaintances and 
 friends. 
 
 I' SAAC T. CROUCH. As we record the lives i ,f 
 those whose acts have made a lasting impress 
 on the community in which they live, or whose 
 beneficial influence is ever reaching out farther, 
 there is a special pleasure in tracing the history of 
 men who were numbered among the gallant 
 soldiers of the Union. The gentleman of whom 
 we write is a son of Benedict, and grandson of 
 Elijah Crouch. The latter, who was of English 
 descent, reared a family of four children, viz. : 
 Elisha, Benedict, Stephen, and Mary, all of whom 
 lived over fourscore years, and are now deceased. 
 Benedict Crouch was born in June, 1800, near 
 Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., there passing his 
 early youth. He learned the saddler's trade, which 
 he followed a short time, and was then married to 
 Rebecca, daughter of James Wallace. It seems 
 this adventurous young Romeo had little faith 
 in the popular maxim that " When poverty 
 enters the door; love flies out of the window," for 
 it is said that he commenced wedded life with a 
 capital of thirty-seven cents. But far better than 
 wealth, a stout body, active brain, and cheerful 
 heart were his, which, with the unselfish love of his 
 fair bride, proved far more efficient aids to success 
 than a bank account in the hands of another. 
 They were tenants on a farm for several years after 
 their marriage, when he bought 288 acres near 
 Bciitli'yville, Washington Co., Penn. Here hecar- 
 ried on an extensive farming business, and reared 
 a large family of children, as follows: James, 
 Sarah, John, William, Adah, Mary Ann, Thomas, 
 Nathan, Hiram, Isaac T. , Elizabeth, Bennett and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1313 
 
 Nesbit, of whom John, Sarah, Elizabeth, Thomas, 
 Hiram, Nesbit and Mary Ann are now deceased. 
 Adah and Isaac T. served under Gen. Philip Sheri- 
 dan in the famous Ringgold Cavalry, which was 
 finally merged into the Twenty-second Cavalry, 
 under which title it was mustered out. Hiram was 
 also a soldier of the Union, and William, then resid- 
 ing in Arkansas, felt that duty called him to defend 
 his home and family rather than the nation; he 
 therefore entered the Confederate army, and served 
 throughout the conflict as captain of an Arkansas 
 regiment. Benedict Crouch, for his second spouse, 
 married Charity Wallace, a sister of his first wife, 
 and the children by this union were S. Bentley, Hud- 
 son C. and Allison B. Notwithstanding the con- 
 dition of his finances in early manhood, Benedict 
 Crouch succeeded in paying for his home, rearing 
 his large family of children in a respectable man- 
 ner, and also saving quite a sum of money. He 
 was an earnest Christian, and was identified with 
 the Methodist Church, in which he was a class- 
 leader. In politics, he wasnrst a Whig, and after- 
 ward, on the formation of the party, a stanch Re- 
 publican. 
 
 Isaac T. Crouch, son of Benedict and Rebecca 
 Crouch, was born August 22, 1842, near Bealls- 
 ville, Washington Co., Penn. At the age of 
 twenty-one years he entered the war (as above 
 related) as a private, being afterward promoted to 
 the rank of sergeant. He participated in the bat- 
 tle of Cedar Creek, the scene of "Sheridan's 
 Ride, " and served until the close of the war. He 
 then returned to Washington county, where he 
 worked on a farm for several years. On Septem- 
 ber 4, 1872, he was united in marriage with Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of William Forsythe, of Fayette 
 county, Penn. The young people soon afterward 
 located in Peters township, Washington county, 
 where they remained as tenants for several years. 
 In 1879 he bought the farm where he is now liv- 
 ing, containing 117 acres of some of the best land 
 in the county; it is underlaid with a valuable vein 
 of coal which was recently sold at $50 per acre. 
 Politically, Mr. Crouch has always been devoted to 
 the interests of the Republican party, but invaria- 
 bly declines official honors. He is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and has served as elder and 
 Sabbath-school superintendent. Two daughters 
 complete the family circle, Jennie R. , attending 
 the Washington Female Seminary, and Nellie R. 
 
 lyJIf ARTIN BOM CRAIG, a substantial farmer 
 
 X//\ of Franklin township, is of Irish parent- 
 
 ^1 a S e > hi s father, William Craig, having 
 
 . J been born in the Emerald Isle, and when 
 
 a small boy emigrated with his parents to 
 
 America. The sole method of navigation in those 
 
 days was by sailing vessels, and the emigrants 
 
 were nearly two and a half mouths in crossing the 
 
 ocean, the weather being extremely rough, but the 
 journey was at last ended in safety. 
 
 The Craig family settled in Franklin township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., where William grew to 
 manhood and was married to Lydia Stokly, a 
 daughter of one of the oldest pioneers of that 
 township. The following children were born to 
 them, their names and dates of birth being given: 
 Eli, May 17, 1788; Otho, April 2, 1790; John, 
 September 2, 1792; Arthur, July 13, 1794; 
 Thomas, March 13, 1796; Elizabeth, July 31, 
 1798; Samuel, June 22, 1800; Prudence and 
 Cornelia (twins), February 14, 1803; and Martin 
 B., February 8, 1808. Mr. Craig resided in Wash- 
 ington borough several years after his marriage, 
 and then purchased the farm now occupied by his 
 son Martin B. It was then an uncultivated tract 
 of land, and its present comfortable and homelike 
 condition is due wholly to the efforts of Mr. Craig 
 and his children. He was an energetic man, and 
 earned the success which he won. In political 
 life he was a Democrat, and for many years served 
 as justice of the peace in Franklin township, a 
 position which he filled to the entire satisfaction 
 of every one. He died July 30, 1823, his widow 
 on June 26, 1848. 
 
 Martin B. Craig passed his childhood on the 
 home farm in Franklin township, but was obliged 
 to begin life for himself at a very early age, and 
 the experience thus gained has since enabled him 
 to overcome many obstacles to success which would 
 have proved insurmountable to those possessing 
 less practical knowledge. He received a very lim- 
 ited education at the subscription schools, and re- 
 tains a most vivid recollection of the scenes there 
 enacted, and the primitive surrounding of his boy- 
 ish days. The schoolhouse was an old deserted 
 cabin, with a puncheon floor, upon which the slab 
 seats and writing desks were placed beside the 
 walls. The windows consisted of a single pane of 
 glass, or a slip of greased paper placed over an 
 epening made by the removal of a portion of a log. 
 The old fireplace extended nearly across one end 
 of the room, and was fed by huge logs, which were 
 exit down at noon time by the larger boys. 
 
 On December 24, 1831, Mr. Craig was united in 
 marriage with Sarah, daughter of Abram Elliott, 
 a native of New Jersey, and their children are 
 Jane (deceased), Adeline. Elizabeth, Lydia, Will 
 iam, Atkinson and Sample (all three deceased), 
 and Nancy, living at home. After his marriage 
 Mr. Craig settled on the home place, having pur- 
 chased the interest of the other heirs, and hi 1851 
 he erected the handsome brick residence which is 
 his present home. He commenced life with very 
 little, but by industry and enterprise has become a 
 most prosperous citizen. In politics he is an ardent 
 Democrat, outspoken in his opinions. He is a 
 member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 
13U 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ^ILLIAM P. MORGAN is a great-grand- 
 son of John Morgan, who was born in 
 AY ales, where his boyhood and youth were 
 — ' passed. He was there married to a young 
 countrywoman, and some years afterward 
 brought his family to America, locating in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. Three children were born to these 
 early pioneers, viz. : Hugh, Samuel and Anna. 
 The parents continued to reside on the farm, where 
 they first settled, until their death. They were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church, and in polit- 
 ical opinion Mr. Morgan was a Democrat. 
 
 Hugh Morgan was born and educated in Wales, 
 and came to America with his parents in early life. 
 He was married to Margaret Billingsby, of West 
 Virginia, and settled permanently in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. They reared the followingchildren : 
 John, Samuel, Anna, Mary, Frank, Hannah, Web- 
 ster, Hugh, James, Billingsby, Josiah and Will- 
 iam (the two last named being deceased). The 
 father died in 1846. He was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and politically he was an 
 adherent of the Democratic party. 
 
 James Morgan, son of Hugh and Margaret 
 (Billingsby) Morgan, was born January 17, 1809, 
 on the home place in Allegheny county, Penn. , 
 and attended the subscription schools of the vicinity 
 during his youth. In early life he was wedded to 
 Elizabeth, daughter of John Hindman, a native of 
 Washington county, Penn., who bore him children 
 as follows: Hugh, Sarah J. (Mrs. William Herri 
 ott), Samuel, Billingsby, William P., John C. and 
 Maggie (wife of James Fife). Mr. Morgan has 
 for threescore years been a zealous member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. He has always followed 
 farming and stock raising. Politically, he was 
 formerly a Whig, and has voted the Republican 
 ticket since the organization of that party. Mrs. 
 Morgan passed over the silent river in 1870. 
 
 William P. Morgan was born May 4, 1842, on 
 the old place in Allegheny county, Penn., receiving 
 his early education in the home schools. On 
 March 7, 1867, he was united in marriage with 
 Martha J., daughter of John and Elizabeth John- 
 son. While yet a young man AVilliam P. Morgan 
 began a successful mercantile career. He first 
 opened a store at Morganza, this county, remain- 
 ing there five years, then moved to Canonsburg, 
 and since that time he has conducted a very profit- 
 able business in the latter place, his custom having 
 increased to large proportions. He is an active 
 member of the Republican party. In religion he 
 is prominently identified with the U. P. Church 
 at Canonsburg, having served for years as a mem- 
 ber of the Session, and also as Sunday-school su- 
 perintendent . Mr. Morgan is one of the influential 
 and progressive men of his community. Two daugh- 
 ters have blessed his home, namely: Lizzie Luella 
 (Mrs. Ed. McNary), and Laura (living at home). 
 
 GARY PIPER. In every community there 
 are to be found some who have achieved 
 success in life by sturdy, patient, unceasing 
 toil, and among this class the Piper family, 
 of whom the subject of this sketch is a prominent 
 member, have been justly welcomed. 
 
 William Piper was born in Virginia of German- 
 English parents, and he followed carpentry in 
 conjunction with agricultural pursuits, becoming 
 a successful man. He left a large family, of 
 whom, Thomas D. Piper was born in the Shenan- 
 doah Valley, Va., where his boyhood was passed. 
 He there learned and followed the carpenter's 
 trade, and after a time, coming to Coal Centre, 
 Washington Co., Penn., commenced business as a 
 builder and contractor, many of the buildings there 
 being erected by him. At Coal Centre he married 
 Ella Holmon, who bore him one son, William 
 (who married Catherine Crow, and died in the 
 State of California), and shortly thereafter died. 
 Thomas D. Piper was then married to Mary 
 Duvall, daughter of Lewis Duvall, one of the 
 highly respected and well-to-do farmers of East 
 Pike Run township, who had children as follows: 
 Mary (wife of Thomas D. Piper), Hannah (wife of 
 Elias Garrett), Abigail (wife of Jacob Deems), Isa- 
 bel and Eliza (both unmarried), John (married to 
 Hannah Yosty) and Lewis (married to Mary 
 Deems). To Thomas D. and Mary Piper were 
 born the following children: Ann (wife of H. D. 
 Wilkins), Hannah (who married Joseph Moffat), 
 Lewis D., J. W., Mary (wife of Henry F. Jami- 
 son), Cary and A. C. The father of this family 
 died January '26, 1880, the mother on January 23, 
 1 88 1. Politically Mr. Piper voted with the Whig 
 and Republican parties, and in religion he was a 
 leading member of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Cary Piper was born December 8, 1851, in Coal 
 Centre, Washington Co., Penn., and received his 
 early education in the public schools. In 1873 he 
 opened a grocery business at Coal Centre, in con- 
 nection with his brother A. O, which they ex- 
 changed for a drug store in 1874. They. have 
 been very successful in the latter enterprise, which 
 is conducted under the firm name of Piper Bros., 
 and they own some of the best property in Coal 
 Centre. On September 11, 1879, Cary Piper was 
 united in marriage with Alice F., daughter of E. 
 C. Furlong, who is a son of John Furlong, whose 
 father was born in Ireland, and coming to America 
 made a permanent settlement in Maryland. John 
 Furlong was born on the home place in Maryland, 
 where he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Henry and Catherine Holman, also natives of 
 Maryland. The father was a Revolutionary sol- 
 dier, holding the rank of captain, and both parents 
 died in Allen township, Washington county, where 
 their later years were passed. To the union of 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1315 
 
 John and Elizabeth Furlong three children were 
 born, viz. : Catherine E. (married to James Dow- 
 ler, of West Pike Run township, and died in 1890), 
 Otho H. (deceased in 1882, at Fayette City, Penn.) 
 and E. C. After their marriage (about 1830) Mr. 
 and Mrs. Furlong came to Washington county, 
 Penn., locating on a farm in Allen township, and 
 during the last twenty years of his life he followed 
 the coal business in Fayette county. He was a 
 soldier in the war of 1812, and politically was a 
 Jacksonian Democrat, taking an active interest in 
 the affairs of his party. He died in March, 1883, 
 at the age of ninety-three years, the wife and 
 mother having passed away long before, at the age 
 of seventy- five years. Both parents were members 
 of the M. E. Church at Mt. Tabor. 
 
 E. C. Furlong, youngest son of John and Eliza- 
 beth Furlong, was born February 27, 1823, on 
 the home farm in Maryland, and coming with his 
 parents to Pennsylvania, was reared in Allen town- 
 ship, Washington county. He attended the sub- 
 scription schools of the neighborhood, and after 
 the death of his father engaged with his brother 
 Otho in the coal business on the river, shipping to 
 all points on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. E. 
 C. Furlong was pilot on the river coal boats for 
 about thirty years, making many trips to Cairo, 
 Louisville and Cincinnati. In 1850 he was united 
 in marriage with Amy Ann Stockdale, a native of 
 Allen township, this county, a daughter of Allen 
 Stockdale, who was born in 1788; be married 
 Letitia Allen, who was born July 27, 1788, a 
 daughter of Joseph Allen, for whom Allen town- 
 ship was named. The Aliens were among the 
 earliest settlers of Washington county, and owned 
 a vast tract of laud on the Monongahela river 
 where their lives were passed. Joseph Allen died 
 December 10, 1832, his wife having been laid to 
 rest December 27, 1827. E. C. and Amy Ann 
 Furlong began wedded life on the farm where they 
 are now living, and the following children have 
 blessed their union: Josephine (wife of Frank 
 Hernett, of Pasadena, Cal.), William Allen (pro- 
 prietor of a drug store at Laceyville, Penn.), John 
 F. (residing at Pittsburgh), Sarah, Alice F. (wife 
 of C. Piper), Letitia and Otho (living in Charleroi, 
 Penn.). Mr. Furlong conducts a prosperous real- 
 estate business, and owns nine houses in Roscoe. 
 Politically he votes with the Democratic party, 
 and has served as a member of the school board; 
 in religion he and his wife are members of the 
 M. E. Church. 
 
 Cary and Alice F. (Furlong) Piper have had two 
 sons, viz. : Edward C. (deceased) and Earle. Mr. 
 Piper is an active worker in the Republican party, 
 and served as postmaster at Coal Centre, under 
 Garfield, also Harrison. He is interested in relig- 
 ious matters, as a zealous member of the Cumberland 
 Presbyterian Church, of which he has been trustee. 
 
 G ARSON. The first member of the family, of 
 which Isaac and Cornelius Carson are hon- 
 ored representatives, emigrated from his 
 native land, Ireland, to America, and made 
 a settlement in this county, taking out a patent for 
 land in Fallowtield township over one hundred 
 years ago. Subsequently he traded a part of the- 
 original farm for a shot-gun, in order to induce a 
 traveler who had the gun to settle near him in the 
 wilderness. He died on this property, which has 
 been in the possession of the family ever since. 
 
 John Carson, his son, was born, reared and edu- 
 cated on the home place in Fallowtield township, 
 and when a young man married Elizabeth 
 Springer, of the same locality. After marriage 
 they settled on the homestead, where Mr. Carson 
 carried on general farming and stock raising. 
 Their children were Mary (Mrs. Abraham Van- 
 Voorhis), Margaret (Mrs. Parker Carson), Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. Noah Fry), John S. (father of subject), 
 Sarah A. (Mrs. H. Allman) and Caroline (Mrs. M. 
 Hazen). The parents of this family both died on 
 the home place, and lie side by side in the Speers 
 burying ground. They were members of the 
 Speers Baptist Church; in politics Mr. Carson was. 
 a Democrat, and he held various township offices. 
 John S. Carson was born May 31, 1823, in Fal- 
 lowtield township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 married Margaret Jones, a native of the township, 
 daughter of Elijah and Mary (Warren) Jones, farm- 
 ers, who were the parents of the following chil- 
 dren: William, Eliza J. (Mrs. John Beadle), Mar- 
 garet (Mrs. John S. Carson), Wesley, James, Noah 
 and Isaac W. Mr. Jones was a member of the M. 
 E. Church, and in politics was a Whig and Repub- 
 lican. After his marriage John S. Carson purchased 
 a farm adjoining the homestead in Fallowtield 
 township, and here passed the remainder of his 
 life, dying September 24, 1882, his wife having 
 preceded him to the grave December 16, 1870; 
 they sleep their last sleep in Maple Creek 
 cemetery, which is on the Carson farm. Mrs. 
 Elizabeth Carson was the first buried there. 
 They were members of the Baptist Church, 
 and Mr. Carson was always regarded as an ener- 
 getic and substantial citizen. In his political 
 preferences he was an active Democrat, held va- 
 rious offices of trust in his township, and was school 
 director for over a quarter of a century. Their 
 children were Isaac, Cornelius, John Clarkson 
 (who died in April, 1891, at Salt Lake City, Utah), 
 Henry (a farmer in Fallowtield township), Robert 
 B. (a resident of Aspen, Colo.), Mary E., Van C, 
 Margaret M. (Mrs. I. N. Carson, of Fallowtield 
 township), Caroline (Mrs. John W. Carson), Noah 
 T. and Joseph (both living on the old Carson 
 homestead). 
 
 Isaac Carson was born December 29, 1846, in 
 Fallowtield township, and received a liberal edu- 
 
1316 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 cation at the common schools of his district. On 
 May 1, 187'.!, he married Lorinda, daughter of 
 Noah and Lydia (Hill) Fry, natives of Fallowfield 
 township. Her father died in December, 1884, the 
 mother several years prior to his demise. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Carson continued their residence in Fallow - 
 field township until 1877, when he bought 140 
 acres in Allen township, to which they removed. 
 He yet owns sixty-four acres in Fallowlield town- 
 ship, and in addition to general farming is con- 
 siderably interested in live stock, making it a 
 specialty. Politically he votes independent of 
 party in local politics, but supports the Democrats 
 in national issues. He is a member of the school 
 board. Mrs. Carson is identified with the Disciple 
 Church. Their children are Noah F., John S., 
 Van C Carl B. , Omadell, Raymond, Edgar and 
 Annie Elizabeth. 
 
 Cornelius Carson was born December 29, 1848, 
 in Fallowfield township, where his primary educa- 
 tion was received. He attended the private 
 academy of John C. Messenger, and later the 
 Southwestern State Normal School at California. 
 On the completion of his studies he taught school 
 for some few terms, during the winter months, 
 working on the farm the rest of the year, which 
 latter vocation he followed until 1882 when he 
 came to Monongahela, and here for a short time 
 was in partnership with Yohe Brothers, in their 
 planing mill. He then opened a furniture store 
 which he conducted about four years, afterward 
 embarking in his present grocery business. On 
 October 30, 1873, Mr. Carson was married to 
 Sarah, daughter of Joseph Beazell, of Fallowfield 
 township. To them have been born: Laura I., 
 Margaret A., Sarah B., Van C, Emma J., May E., 
 Cornelius G. , Isaac W. and Joseph Bascom. Our 
 subject is an active Democrat, a leader in the party 
 for many years. He has been twice elected a 
 member of the borough council in a ward where 
 the Republicans outnumber the Democrats two to 
 one — a forcible evidence of Mr. Carson's popular- 
 ity, and a practical recognition of his capabilities. 
 He is a member of the M. E. Church, a highly 
 successful business man, and an energetic, useful 
 citizen. 
 
 It It ENRY M. KEENY, one of the most popu- 
 IwJ lar, wide-awake citizens of Franklin town- 
 ship, was born January 13, 1837, in West 
 I) Bethlehem township, Washington Co., 
 
 v Penn., a son of Daniel and Mary (Shipe) 
 
 Keeny, the former of whom was born in Amwell 
 township, same county, the latter a daughter of 
 one of the early settlers here. Daniel Shipe served 
 in the war of 1812, and was reported among the 
 missing. After marriage Daniel and Mary Keeny 
 resided in various townships in the county, finally 
 
 settling in Amwell, where they died. The children 
 born to them were Levi (deceased), Rebecca (widow 
 of Mr. House), Elizabeth, Isaac, John, Abraham, 
 Henry M., Mary A. (wife of J. Bowen, of Canton 
 township), Catherine (Mrs. Charles Van Kirk), 
 Daniel (who enlisted in Company C, One Hun- 
 dred and Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded in the 
 battle of Gettysburg by a shell, and died of blood 
 poisoning at the hospital in Philadelphia), and 
 George (who was in Company B, same regiment 
 as his brother). In politics the father was a 
 Democrat. 
 
 Henry M. Keeny began attending school in his 
 native township, about three mouths of each year 
 being so passed, and this continued till he was 
 eighteen years of age. When nineteen he com- 
 menced teaching in the "Red District." where he 
 remained one year; then taught three terms in 
 Greene county, and afterward eight terms under 
 an engagement in Franklin township, this county. 
 On September 1, 1881, he was married to Sarah 
 C, daughter of Rybert Chambers, now deceased 
 of Franklin township, and they then settled on the 
 place where they yet reside. Their union has been 
 blessed with the following named children: Bessie 
 E., born November 1, 1882, and Birdie, born 
 December 1, 1883. Mr. Keeny has always been a 
 Republican, and at the age of twenty-one was 
 elected to the office of auditor of Amwell township, 
 serving two years. In Franklin township he has 
 served as auditor three years; school director, 
 twelve years; clerk of the election board, six years; 
 supervisor, three years, and is now serving his 
 fifteenth year as justice of the peace. Mr. Keeny 
 is a typical self made, and, for the most part, self- 
 educated man, and he is now the owner of 400 acres 
 of valuable land, all accumulated by industry, 
 economy and good management. For twenty-one 
 years he has been a buyer of wool. Some few 
 years back his health commenced to fail somewhat. 
 
 JlOHN T. MOFFITT represents an old and 
 I pioneer family of Washington county. James 
 j Moffitt (grandfather), born in Ireland No- 
 vember 4, 1766, on the banks of Loch Erin, 
 emigrated to thi's country in 1789. He was mar- 
 ried, September 18, 1791, to Elizabeth Nichols, 
 and reared a family of nine children — five sons 
 and four daughters — of whom one daughter and 
 two sons are yet living. He was a weaver by 
 trade, but, settling on a farm in West Pike Run 
 township, this county, became successful as a 
 farmer, leaving, at his death, which occurred when 
 he was eighty-six years old, a large amount of 
 property to his heirs. Elizabeth, his wife, died at 
 the age of eighty-eight years, and both are buried 
 on the old homestead. 
 
 John Moffitt, son of James and Elizabeth 
 
^r.Jf< 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1319 
 
 Moffitt, was born December 2, 1804, and was en- 
 gaged during the earlier part of bis active life in 
 boating coal and apples, making some trips to 
 New Orleans. He was a strong supporter of tbe 
 Republican party, and served several years as 
 constable under Ephraim Blaine, the father of the 
 late James G. Blaine. At that time any failure 
 to pay an honest debt was considered a grave 
 crime, punishable by imprisonment. Later in life 
 he settled on the old homestead, and followed ag- 
 riculture and stock raising. He was married to 
 Hannah Mason. He died September 13, 1878, in 
 the seventy-third year of his age, his wife follow- 
 ing soon after; both were members of the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 John T. Moffitt, son of John Moffitt, was born 
 August 14, 1844, and secured a limited education. 
 On May 13, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Hor- 
 mell, born March 31, 1850, in Guernsey county, 
 Ohio, a daughter of Jacob Hormell, who was born 
 December 19, 1825, and on August 26, 1847, he 
 married Minerva Lilley, who was born December 
 26, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Hormell were the par- 
 ents of ten children, eight of whom are yet liv- 
 ing. John T. and Mary E. Moffitt have had the 
 following family: John H., born June 5, 1870; 
 Victor Noir, born April 10, 1873; Thomas Edgar, 
 born May 10, 1879; Guy, born June 4, 1886; 
 Mary, born May 26, 1889, and Lillian, born April 
 12, 1875, died in the fourth year of her age. 
 
 Mr. Moffitt has taken pride in fine stock. He 
 has been a breeder of Jersey cattle for eighteen 
 years, was early in life engaged in raising fine 
 sheep, and has on the farm (the old homestead), 
 which he now superintends, a flock of thorough 
 bred Black-Top Merino sheep. He has erected on 
 his place excellent buildings. In political opinion 
 Mr. Moffitt is a Prohibitionist, has filled the office 
 ■of school director for two terms, and is road 
 commissioner. He and his wife are identified 
 with the Disciple Church, in which he is an elder. 
 
 J|OHN WOODBURN. Among the residents 
 | of East Finley township, who by their ex- 
 | emplary lives have not only won for them- 
 selves esteem, but have also acted an im- 
 portant part in molding the lives of others, none 
 are more prominent or influential than the Wood- 
 burns. The earliest record known of this family 
 is that of one John Woodburn, a native of County 
 Antrim, Ireland, where he was a landholder. 
 There he married Martha Scott, who bore him in 
 that country six children, one of whom died there, 
 the remaining five — Rosanna, Mary, Samuel, 
 Martha and Joseph — coming to America with 
 their parents in 1812. After a stormy voyage of 
 sixteen weeks they landed, in the spring of the 
 year, at Philadelphia, and from there pushed on 
 
 to Washington county, where they settled in Buf- 
 falo township, near Taylorstown. Here Mr. 
 Woodburn purchased 160 acres of land, ten of 
 which were under cultivation, and successfully 
 followed farming until 1842, when, old age coming 
 upon him, he went to live with his children, but 
 died in the following year. His wife had preceded 
 him to the grave in 1822. By hard work, indus- 
 try and good management he accumulated consid- 
 erable property. His children are all now dead, 
 Joseph, the father of our subject, being the last to 
 pass away. 
 
 Joseph Woodburn was born May 22, 1804, in 
 County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America with 
 his parents in 1812. He attended the subscrip- 
 tion schools in Buffalo township, this county, and 
 received practical instruction in agriculture on his 
 father's farm until the age of nineteen, when he 
 began to learn the tanner's trade with Adam Law- 
 rence, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after 
 which he embarked in the business for himself. 
 On March 4, 1829, he was united in marriage with 
 Ruth Garrett, who was born in 1802, a daughter 
 of James and Sarah (Ross) Garrett, who were of 
 Irish extraction. Mrs. Woodburn died July 24, 
 1842, leaving four children : John, James R., 
 Samuel and Mary A., of whom Samuel died in 
 1863, and Mary A. on June 29, 1886. On April 
 27, 1843, Mr. Woodburn married Mrs. Hannah 
 Downie, the widow of Robert Dowuie, and of this 
 union were born two children : Jennie (who died 
 January 9, 1866) and Luther S. (who died June 9, 
 1866). After his first marriage Mr. Woodburn 
 followed his trade of tanner until 1832, when he 
 moved to Donegal township and purchased a farm 
 near West Alexander. Here he carried on farm- 
 ing for about five years, and then came to East 
 Finley township, settling on land about one and 
 one-half miles south of Claysville, along Buffalo 
 creek. In 1866 he and his wife moved into Wash- 
 ington, where they lived until her death, which 
 occurred in 1883, after which he made his home 
 with his children until his summons from earth, 
 which came August 23, 1889. He was successful 
 in all his undertakings, and at the time of his 
 death owned over four hundred acres of choice 
 farm land, the fruits of his labor and toil. Mr. 
 Woodburn was formerly a Democrat, voting for 
 Andrew Jackson, but after 1840 he followed the 
 fortunes of the Whigs, and after the formation of 
 the Republican party united with it, proving one 
 of its strongest supporters up to the day of his 
 death. His sons, John and James R., are the 
 only survivors of his family. 
 
 John Woodburn was born July 2, 1830, in Buf- 
 falo township, Washington Co., Penn., and is the 
 eldest son of Joseph and Ruth (Garrett) Wood- 
 burn. He received a liberal common school edu- 
 cation, and a thorough, practical training in agri- 
 
1320 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 culture on bis father's farm. Ou May 24, 1855, 
 be was united in marriage with Sarah A. Jones, who 
 was born September 30, 1836, a daughter of 
 Alexander and Mary (Dickel) Jones, natives of 
 Lancaster county, Penn., who afterward moved to 
 Wayne county, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn 
 were born eleven children, their names and dates 
 of birth being as follows: Luther S., July 29, 
 1856 (died September 5, 1861); Alice E., January 
 25, 1S57 (married to William Rooney, of Clays- 
 ville, Penn.); George J., August 16, 1859 (a farmer 
 in East Finley township); Elmer E., January 17, 
 1861 (a farmer in Franklin township); Mary E., 
 July 2, 1862 (married to E. Ashbrook, of Buffalo 
 township); Willie L. , April 27, 1864 (a resident of 
 Washington, Penn.); Frank M., December 8, 1865 
 (living in Allegheny, Penn.); and James S., Octo- 
 ber 1, 1867; Pliney E., February 14, 1869; Ina 
 May, January 28, 1871, and Eddie B., July 28, 
 1876, all at home. Ou July 1, 1855, Mr. Wood-- 
 burn moved to his present well-improved farm, 
 situated about two miles south of Claysville, on 
 Buffalo creek. He has inherited all the progress- 
 ive spirit for which his ancestors were noted, and 
 his success in life is due to that, and to his busi- 
 ness sagacity, careful management and industry. 
 He possesses a wonderful memory, is a most inter- 
 esting conversationalist, and can speak of events 
 long past with the utmost accuracy and ease. In 
 lss? he built one of the finest brick residences in 
 East- Finley, and his barn has no superior in the 
 township. He and Mrs. Woodburn are members 
 of the U. P. Church, and in politics he has been a 
 stanch Republican since the formation of that 
 party. 
 
 / 
 
 Warrensburg, Mo.), William (deceased in Texas), 
 David and Abraham (deceased in youth), Margaret 
 (Mrs. William McHugh, of Taylorstown, Penn.), 
 Mary (deceased in youth) and Hannah (de- 
 ceased in 1882). Mr. Bryson passed his married 
 life on the farm now owned by the family 
 of his son Joseph. He was a successful business 
 man, and in politics a Republican. He died April 
 13, 1878, having been preceded by his wife Sep- 
 tember 29, 1872. 
 
 Joseph A. Bryson was born on the home farm, 
 in Donegal township, which is situated. about half 
 a mile west of Dunsfort, Penn. He always followed 
 agricultural pursuits, and remained on the old 
 place throughout his life. He died January 5, 
 1890, leaving a widow and the following children: 
 Mary Jane, Emma L., Nora B. , William H. and 
 Charles D. (twins). All of the children are living 
 with their mother on the home farm, which is suc- 
 cessfully carried on under her management. 
 
 L Mt RS. ISABEL M. BRYSON, widow of 
 \/A Joseph A. Bryson, was born June 21, 
 ■ I 1834, a daughter of Henry L. and Rachel 
 - 1 Ann (Nixon) Rizer, and in 1872 was mar- 
 ried to Joseph A. Bryson. 
 Joseph A. Bryson was born July 19, 1827, of 
 Irish descent. His grandfather was born in County 
 Donegal, Ireland, and after marriage immigrated 
 with his family to America, first locating in Mary- 
 land, and afterward settling in the northern part 
 of Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 near the union of the Little and Big Buffalo 
 streams. He was among the pioneers of the town- 
 ship, and passed the remainder of his life on the 
 farm, his wife surviving him several years, living 
 with the children. 
 
 William Bryson (a son of this old pioneer) was 
 born in 1808 in Ireland, and came with his parents 
 to Washington county, Penn.; he was united in 
 marriage with Hannah Bryson, who was born in 
 L792, daughter of John Bryson, an old pioneer of 
 the county, and their children were John (living in 
 
 dfOHN LAIRD, a worthy representative of one 
 of the oldest families of Donegal township, 
 ) is a native of the same, born June 4, 1828. 
 His paternal grandfather, John Laird, was 
 born in Ireland in 1758, and was there married to 
 Man' Snodgrass, who bore him children as follows: 
 Alexander, Margaret (wife of Joseph Hayburn), 
 Robert, Jesse, James and John. He came to the 
 United States about 1792, alone, and finding em- 
 ployment on a farm, worked diligently until he 
 had earned sufficient means to bring his family 
 from the " ould sod." Receiving the necessary 
 welcome remittance, Mrs. Laird, Alexander, Jesse, 
 Margaret and John, Jr. , crossed the broad Atlan- 
 tic, and about 1800, after landing, with some diffi- 
 culty found their father, who had set out to meet 
 them with a team. He brought them to his new 
 home in Lancaster county, Penn., and the follow- 
 ing year they moved by wagon to Washington 
 county, where they made a settlement near Tay- 
 lorstown, Mr. Laird having purchased a tract of 
 land in Donegal township. John Laird died 
 June 3, 1S3S, his wife having preceded him to the 
 grave in February, 1829. Politically he was a 
 Democrat, and took a lively interest in the advance- 
 ment of his adopted country. Robert and James 
 Laird, uncles of the subject of this sketch, came 
 over subsequently. 
 
 John Laird, son of this pioneer, was born in 
 County Donegal, Ireland, in April, 1792, and 
 when yet a boy came with the rest of the family 
 to the United States and to Washington county, 
 where he received his education. When yet a 
 young man he was married to Margaret, daughter 
 of William and Margaret (Todd) Snodgrass, of 
 Donegal township, the former a native of Ireland, 
 the latter of Scotland. The children born to Mr. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1321 
 
 and Mrs. Laird were Jesse, Robert, James, Will- 
 iam A., John, Mary J. (wife of Samuel Dougherty), 
 Grizzella and Margaret (Mrs. S. B. Lindley). The 
 mother of this family dying December 15, 1835, 
 Mr. Laird married, for his second wife, Agnes 
 Maxwell, who died February 8, 1878, leaving one 
 child, Ann E. (wife of Dr. John W. Kelly). Mr. 
 Laird departed this life July 18, 1847. He was 
 one of the first members, and all his life a sub- 
 stantial supporter, of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Claysville. Politically he was a Democrat, and 
 took an active interest in educational matters in 
 his locality. Enterprising and energetic, he was 
 self made, succeeding by hard labor and unceasing 
 toil in amassing, before retiring from active work, 
 a comfortable competence. 
 
 John Laird, the subject proper of these lines, 
 was reared to farm life, and what education he 
 succeeded in securing was obtained at the sub- 
 scription schools, but he is chiefly self-educated, 
 having devoted much of his spare time to reading 
 at home. On January 8, 1852, he was united in 
 marriage with Eveline Potter, who was born in 
 Marshall county, W. Va., March 11, 1828, a 
 daughter of John Potter, a native of Washington 
 county, Penn., where he married a Miss Supler, a 
 native of Donegal township, same county. Soon 
 after their marriage they moved to Marshall, 
 county, W. Va. , where they purchased a large 
 tract of land and where the father also followed 
 milling. They reared a large family of children, 
 and resided there until their deaths. Mrs. Laird 
 died September 14, 1870. Mr. Laird remained on 
 the old home farm in Donegal township until 
 1872, in which year he came to Claysville, where 
 he has since resided. He is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics is a lifelong 
 solid Democrat. 
 
 T'jKE PRY FAMILY. Among the well- 
 known and prosperous early settlers of 
 Washington county, the Pry family takes a 
 prominent position. Conrad Pry was a na- 
 tive of Germany, and coming to America 
 began farming on a place about eight miles from 
 Romney, W. Va. His son, Jacob C, was born in 
 the latter part of the eighteenth century, in West 
 Virginia, where his early life was passed on the 
 home farm. He was married when a young man 
 to Miss Catherine Barnes, of Hampshire county, 
 W. Va. , who bore him the following children: 
 Eliza, Elizabeth, Mary, John, Abraham and Will- 
 iam. Of these children, Betsey (as she is famil- 
 iarly called), married to Samuel Paskel, of Cross 
 Creek township, and Abraham (mentioned below) 
 are the only ones living. 
 
 Abraham Pry was born November 10, 1813, in 
 Hampshire county, W. Va., and his father died 
 
 when he was but four years of age. He learned 
 the cooper's trade in early life, but did not continue 
 to follow it. When about twenty-two years of age, 
 he came to Washington county, locating on 150 
 acres in Cross Creek township. In 1840 he was 
 united in marriage with Miss Rachel McClurg, of 
 Cross Creek township, daughter of David McClurg, 
 who came from Ireland, and settled on the farm 
 adjoining that of Mr. Pry. Since purchasing his 
 farm Mr. Pry has added to the original tract, and 
 now has 241 acres. Abraham and Rachel Pry are 
 the parents of the following children: David M., 
 John W., William H. and Joseph M. (twins, the 
 latter now deceased), R. A., Abraham, Ambrose, 
 Catherine J., Cynthia Ann, Anna M. and Francis 
 H. The father was originally a Democrat, then a 
 Whig, finally becoming a Republican, being now 
 an active supporter of the latter party. He is a 
 regular attendant of and liberal contributor to the 
 Cross Creek Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Abraham Pry (son of Abraham and Rachel (Mc- 
 Clurg) Pry) was born November 17, 1852, in the 
 old home, where he was trained to farm duties 
 from early boyhood. On February 22, 1877, he 
 was married to Elizabeth A. Dimit, of Independ- 
 ence township, this county, who has borne him two 
 sons, Brainard K. and Wiley C. He is a Repub- 
 lican, to which party the family have always been 
 stanch adherents, being actively interested in pro- 
 moting the growth of Republican principles. They 
 are principally engaged in farming and sheep 
 raising, usually wintering three or four hundred 
 sheep. Mr. Pry is an influential and prosperous 
 citizen, a worthy representative of an honored 
 name. 
 
 11 m RS. JANE ANN LEE, a popular and in- 
 |\iy| telligent lady of Jefferson township, is a 
 
 I »! I daughter of Samuel Scott, whose father, 
 
 II — Josiah, of Scotch descent, was a resident 
 v of Washington county, Penn., where he was 
 united in marriage with Jane Noble. Eight chil- 
 dren were born to Josiah and Jane (Noble) Scott, 
 namely: Samuel, John, Hugh, Alexander, and four 
 daughters, whose names have not been ascertained. 
 
 Samuel Scott (the father of our subject) was 
 born about the year 1779, near Washington bor- 
 ough, where he was trained to agricultural pur- 
 suits, which he followed through life. He was 
 united in marriage with Miss Mary Ann, daughter 
 of William Wiley, a farmer of Washington county, 
 and their children were: William W., Josiah N., 
 Jane Ann and Samuel G. Of this family, William 
 and Josiah N. are deceased, and Samuel G. is a 
 prominent farmer of Smith township, this county. 
 
 Jane Ann (Scott) Lee (subject of this sketch) 
 was born October 3, 1817, near Washington bor- 
 ough, and assisted in the household duties of the 
 
1322 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 home until she grew to womanhood. Miss Scott 
 then attended Washington Female Seminary for 
 two years, and was married October 5, 1837, to 
 John Lee. His father, Hugh Lee, was a native of 
 Ireland, who, emigrating, settled on the farm in 
 Cross Creek township, Washington county, Penn., 
 where Mr. W. C. Lee is now living. After the 
 marriage of John and Jane (Scott) Lee they came 
 to the present home farm in Jefferson township, 
 where children were born and reared as follows: 
 William S., born October 18, 1838; Eliza A., born 
 June 13, 1841; Mary M., born March 25, 1843; 
 Hannah J., born March 20, 184(5; John C, born 
 August 2, 1847; Samuel W., born January 14, 
 1850; Hugh, born December 25, 1851; Alice, born 
 January 26, 1853; and Lucy, born July 19, 1856, 
 all of whom are living. Mr. Lee died April 23, 
 1856, and at that time owned over 300 acres of 
 fertile farm land, which is kept in an excellent 
 state of cultivation by the present owners. In pol- 
 itics he was a counselor and adviser of the Whig 
 party. In religion he was a member of the Pres 
 byterian Church, which he served as trustee and in 
 various other capacities. 
 
 Eliza Ann, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John 
 Lee, grew to womanhood under the parental roof, 
 and was united in marriage December 29, 1859, 
 with A. M. Foster. To this union were born four 
 children: Lenora, born April 14, 1861; Eliza Jane, 
 born April 2, 1862; Harry W., born June 4, 1864; 
 and Lee Ellis, born October 2, 1869. Of these 
 children, Lee Ellis is the only living member (the 
 others having died in youth). He resides with his 
 mother and grandmother, and has entire control of 
 the home place. 
 
 Hugh Lee, the youngest son of John and Jane 
 Ann Lee, was born on the farm in Jefferson town- 
 ship, where his mother is now living. He passed 
 his younger days in attending the common schools 
 of his neighborhood, and assisting in the general 
 duties of the home place. On October 7, 1873, he 
 was married to Jennie R., daughter of Robert 
 Scott, of Burgettstown, Penn. The young couple 
 lived on an adjoining farm until they erected their 
 present beautiful home (which was built in 1885) 
 upon the old place. One son has blessed their 
 union: Harry Scott Lee, born October 14, 1874. 
 Hugh Lee bears the family name, through which 
 he inherits his present home. In politics he has 
 always been a stanch Republican. He is a con- 
 scientious member of the Cross Creek Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 I AMES WILSON, a representative of one of 
 the pioneer families of Franklin township, 
 fr\\ was born December 9, 1821, in that town- 
 ^^ ship. His grandfather was a native of Mary- 
 land, where he was married, and in 1780 
 moved to Washington county, settling in Franklin 
 
 township. The country was then very new, and 
 Indians were numerous, but he erected a log cabin, 
 and with his family braved the dangers and en- 
 dured the privations of frontier life. He reared 
 the following children: Robert, Douglas, Jane, 
 Margaret, Mary, Effie, Sarah, Nancy and Johnson. 
 In politics Mr. Wilson was a Democrat, and in 
 religion a member of the M. E. Church. 
 
 Robert Wilson was born on the home farm in 
 Franklin township, and received a meager educa- 
 tion in the common schools. He remained at home 
 until some time after his marriage, when he re- 
 moved to the farm where he died. He was mar- 
 ried to Elizabeth, daughter of Elisha and Mary 
 Lacock, and she bore him the following children: 
 Emily (Mrs. William Haggerty), Sabrina (Mrs. 
 James Powers), Simeon, Eliza (Mrs. James War- 
 rick), James, Atlas, Abner and Douglas. Mr. 
 Wilson was a liberal contributor to the cause of 
 Christianity, although a member of no church. 
 In politics he was a Whig, and took an active in- 
 terest in all questions pertaining to the welfare of 
 the township. 
 
 James Wilson, son of Robert and Elizabeth 
 Wilson, was born in Franklin township, Washing- 
 ton county, and attended the common schools of 
 the neigbboshood, which offered but poor advan- 
 tages. In 1847 he was united in marriage with 
 Isabella, daughter of John Fulton, a resident of 
 Morris township, this county, and to their union 
 were born children as follows: Mary (Mrs. Albert 
 Lacock), Frank and Victoria (Mrs. Gleason Oonk- 
 lin). After his marriage Mr. Wilson settled on 
 the farm of 145 acres of valuable land, where he 
 still resides, the improvements having been made 
 by his own industry. In politics he was originally 
 a Whig, and since the formation of the party has 
 been a Republican. He has served as assessor 
 two terms, and has also been school director nine 
 years. He is a liberal supporter of the church. 
 
 ILLIAM T. SAMPSON. The Sampson 
 family, of whom this gentleman is a 
 worthy representative, are among the 
 most influential and wealthy citizens of 
 Carroll township. They originally were 
 natives of Westmoreland county, Penn., where 
 William Sampson was born in 1765. He was mar- 
 ried in that county to Mary Nill (who bore him four 
 children), and some time after his marriage the 
 family moved to Washington county, Penn., where 
 the father died in 1815. 
 
 James Sampson, son of William and Mary 
 Sampson, was born February 5, 1806, just above 
 Webster, on the Monongahela river, in Westmore- 
 land county, Penn. He came with his parents to 
 this county in 1810, and in 1840 was married to 
 Mary Grant, a native of Washington county. She 
 
yZdtn^/ 
 

WASHING TON CO UN T Y. 
 
 1325 
 
 bore him seven children, of whom are named Will- 
 iam T., Harvey J. and John G. The mother died 
 in 18S9. James Sampson has carried on a distill- 
 ery for twenty years in connection with farming, 
 and now owns 1,250 acres of land. He was pres- 
 ident of the Bank of Monongahela City for twenty- 
 two years, and is one of the leading citizens of 
 Washington county. 
 
 William T. Sampson was born January 22, 1844, 
 in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 received his education in the schools of the county. 
 On May 23, 1876, he was united in marriage with 
 Lucretia Welsh, daughter of John and Sarah Jane 
 (Bell) Welsh, the former of whom is a farmer of 
 Knox county, Ohio, and they have two sons and 
 three daughters, namely: Mary B. , Sarah J., John 
 \V., Lucretia V. and William K. The home place 
 is situated three miles from Monongahela and con- 
 tains 265 acres of land, and upon it he raises a 
 good quality of stock, besides carrying on general 
 farming. Mr. Sampson is a Republican, and has 
 served his township as supervisor for several years. 
 Mrs. Sampson is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 ILLIAM STOLLAR, an old and success- 
 ful farmer of East Finley township, is a 
 son of Andrew Stollar, who was born in 
 1777 in Schuylkill county, Penn., where 
 he was married to Rosanna Ealy, a native of the 
 same county, also born in 1777, a daughter of 
 George Ealy, who afterward moved to Washington 
 county. The following children were born to their 
 union: Rosamond, Peter, Christina, Catherine 
 (residing in Illinois), Henry (living in Claysville, 
 this county), William (subject of sketch), Daniel, 
 Mollie (living in West Finley township, this county), 
 and one deceased in infancy, unnamed; all except 
 the two last named were born in Schuylkill county, 
 Penn. In 1818 Mr. Stollar packed a wagon with 
 household goods, and crowding, with the family, 
 inside, moved to Washington county, locating about 
 two miles south of Washington, where they re- 
 mained a short time, thence moving to East Finley 
 township, settled in the midst of a partially cleared 
 wilderness, about half a mile north of East Finley 
 postoffice, and there, in the new home, their two 
 younger children were born. Mr. Stollar died in 
 1846, and January 5, 1863, his wife followed him 
 to the "undiscovered country." 
 
 William Stollar was born January 16, 1813, in 
 Schuylkill county, Penn., and was brought, with 
 his father's family, to Washington county, where 
 he received very little schooling, as his parents 
 were poor and needed his aid in the farm work. 
 He remained at home until he reached the age of 
 maturity, and, on October 18, 1833, was united in 
 marriage with Annie Rockefeller, of East Fiuley 
 
 township, born October 30, 1818, daughter of Na- 
 than Rockefeller, and they had the following chil- 
 dren: Rosanna, born September 20, 1835 (de- 
 ceased); Nathan, born January 19, 1838 (a farmer, 
 living in East Finley township); John, born May 
 17, 1840 (residing in Nebraska); Rachel, born May 
 5, 1842 (living in East Finley township); Andrew, 
 born July 17, 1844 (a resident of East Finley town- 
 ship); Nancy, born April 28, 1850 (residing in 
 Washington, Penn.); Henry, born January 14, 
 1853 (deceased in infancy), and two other children 
 (deceased in infancy). Mrs. Stollar died January 
 19, 1854, and in 1855 Mr. Stollar was married to 
 Susanna Martin, who was born January 9, 1822, 
 daughter of Daniel Martin, and their children 
 were as follows: Daniel, born March 1, 1856 
 (deceased May 22, 1858); Margaret Jane, born 
 April 13, 1858 (living in Morris township, this 
 county), and Mary Elizabeth, born December 15, 
 1861 (living in Johnstown, Penn.). The mother 
 of these children died November 26, 1877, and in 
 1885 Mr. Stollar was married to Rebecca Bedill 
 ion, born January 3, 1845, daughter of John 
 Bedillion, of Frankliu township. 
 
 In 1834 Mr. Stollar moved to his present farm 
 (then an unbroken wilderness, which he himself 
 cleared), situated about one mile and a quarter 
 south of East Finley postoffice, in East Finley 
 township, and continued to follow farming with 
 marked success until he retired from active life to 
 enjoy the fruits of early toil. He has been a Re- 
 publican since the formation of the party. In 
 church relation he is a member of the Valley M. 
 E. Church; Lub wife is a member of the C. P. 
 Church at Bethel. 
 
 *\ ILLIAM PRIGO. Of that noble army of 
 stalwart pioneers who braved so many 
 dangers and endured such innumerable 
 hardships in the early settlement of 
 Washington county, none can claim greater prom- 
 inence than the Prigg family. 
 
 Samuel Prigg, the first of the name to settle in 
 the county, was a native of Maryland, whence, when 
 a young man, he came with his parents to Buffalo 
 township, where Salem Flack now resides, and- 
 here built and operated a tannery for some years; 
 later he settled in Canton township. In his native 
 State he had been apprenticed to a tanner, with 
 whom he thoroughly learned the trade, and after 
 following the same for many years, finally settled 
 on a farm, where he passed the remainder of his 
 days. While yet a young man he married Hetty 
 Day, a resident of Washington county, and the 
 children born of this union were: John, Robert, 
 Samuel, Margaret, Rebecca, William, Enoch D. 
 and James. The father died about 1855, the 
 mother about 1853. They were zealous members 
 

 1326 
 
 IVASHIXGTOX COUXTY. 
 
 of the Baptist Church, and in politics Mr. Prigg 
 was an Old-school Democrat, an ardent supporter 
 of the principles of Jefferson and Jackson, and one 
 of the organizers of the party in his township. 
 
 William Prigg was born August 6, 1815, in Can- 
 ton township, this county, and was reared a typical 
 "farmer boy." His schooling, which was limited 
 to a few weeks in the winter time, was obtained at 
 the primitive establishments of learning in vogue 
 at that time. During his early manhood, when he 
 first started out for himself, his life was one of 
 continual hard work, and it was then that he more 
 particularly manifested those traits of character 
 which have made him so well known in this sec- 
 tion. In company with his brother, Enoch D., he 
 purchased a farm, on which they lived, keeping 
 ''bachelor's hall," working and improving the same 
 until they bought another tract, when they divided 
 their holdings, the old home place falling to 
 Enoch's share. William is now the owner of 250 
 acres of land in Canton township, and is rated as 
 one of its most successful and substantial citizens. 
 On October 6, 1856, Mr. Prigg married Rebecca, 
 daughter of Joseph Mountz. The young couple 
 took up their residence on the Prigg farm, where 
 they remained fifteen years, then moved to the 
 Wolf farm, and in 1886 came to their present 
 place of residence. The children born of their 
 union were: Samuel (deceased), Jackson (married 
 to Margaret McQuay). William (married to Nora 
 Weaver), and Joseph. Like the family generally. 
 in politics, Mr. Prigg has maintained the princi- 
 ples of the Democratic party, but in voting, as far 
 as county and township politics are concerned, he 
 is Independent. A lifelong member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church, he has ever been one of its most 
 active workers and liberal supporters, and lets not 
 his left hand know what his right hand doeth. 
 
 [since the above was written, we have received infor- 
 mation of the death of Mr. William Prigg. — En. 
 
 AMUEL W. CARSON, the oldest living 
 representative of the Carson family in 
 Washington county, was born January 24, 
 1838, and is a son of Thomas and Mary 
 (Wright) Carson. Isaac Carson, his grandfather, 
 was born and married in eastern Pennsylvania, 
 whence he came to this county, becoming one of 
 the earliest settlers of Buffalo township, and a 
 prosperous farmer. His children were as follows: 
 James, born April 17, 1798; Thomas, born Sep- 
 tember 30, 1800; Adam, born June 20, 1803; Mary 
 (Mrs. William Bell), born February 14, 1806 
 Rebecca (Mrs. William Ely), born May 18, 1808 
 Ann (Mrs. William Wright), born April 1."., 1810 
 Margaret (Mrs. Albongh), born May 27, 1812 
 Isaac, born Julv 22, 1815; Samuel, born January 
 25, 1819, and Jane, born May 2, 1821. The par- 
 
 ents of this family lie buried side by side in North 
 Buffalo cemetery: they were members of the 
 Seceder Church, and in politics he was a Whig. 
 
 Thomas Carson, father of our subject, was mar- 
 ried in 1829 to Mary, daughter of Samuel Wright, 
 and the children by this union are Rachel (Mrs. 
 H. C. Noble), Isaac, Samuel W. and Leman. 
 After marriage Mr. Carson continued to reside on 
 the home place, where he carried on farming and 
 stock raising, and where he and his wife passed 
 the remainder of their busy lives, the father dying 
 January 5, 1865, and the mother January 5, 1876^ 
 they were consistent members of the United Pres- 
 byterian Church, and in politics Mr. Carson was 
 an ardent Democrat. 
 
 Samuel W. Carson lived nearly half a century 
 on the place of his birth, and in 1885 moved to his 
 present commodious residence, where he has a fine 
 farm of 200 acres, besides which he has another 
 tract of K'O acres in the western part of the town- 
 ship. He has always been engaged in farming, 
 and has met with well-merited success. On 
 December 24, 1874, he was married to Margaret 
 A., daughter of Abraham Zigler, a native of Cum- 
 berland county, Penn. , where he married, and had 
 the following named children: Alexander, Mary, 
 Margaret A., Dora, John, Sadie, Agnes and Mar- 
 tha. The Zigler family are all members of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Claysville (near which 
 town they reside), and in politics he is a Democrat. 
 The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Carson were 
 Frank, Mac, Etta B., Mary (deceased), Van R., 
 Wright, Otto (deceased) and S. C. The family 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church at Clays- 
 ville; in politics Mr. Carson is a Democrat, and 
 has been one of the party's leaders in his section 
 for years. He has served his township in several- 
 capacities with much merit, and for the past six 
 years has been a member of the school board. 
 
 JOHN M. GRIFFITH, a well known citizen 
 and prosperous dairyman of Mt. Pleasant 
 i township, is a graadson of John Griffith. 
 His great-grandfather, John Griffith, was 
 born in Wales and married Letitia Blackburn. 
 They settled in Mt. Pleasant township, and some 
 of the family located in Maryland in 1765. 
 Their son, John Griffith, (grandfather of subject), 
 came to Mt. Pleasant township, and settled on the 
 old Griffith homestead, where he died. 
 
 Isaac Griffith, father of our subject, was born, 
 in 1800, on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship, on the headwaters of Raccoon creek, 
 where he grew to manhood. He married Eliza- 
 beth Esler, a native of Mt, Pleasant township, who 
 bore him the following children: Robert (living in 
 Cass county, Mo.), John M. (our subject). James 
 M. (assassinated in Arizona), Isaac M. (deceased), 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1327 
 
 Jane (Mrs. T. M. Berryhill, of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship), Lizzie (unmarried, living at Hickory, this 
 county), Letitia (wife of T. M. Liggett, of Inde- 
 pendence township) and Hattie Ann (wife of John 
 Liggett, also of Independence township). Mr. 
 Griffith followed farming, and in politics was first 
 a Whig, then a Know-nothing, and finally a Re- 
 publican. In religious belief he and his wife 
 were members of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. 
 Prospect. He died in 1867, and his wife in 1857. 
 
 John M. Griffith was born March 17, 1842, in 
 Mt, Pleasant township, this county, and was edu- 
 cated in the schools of Hickory, attending also six 
 weeks at the normal school; he afterward taught 
 school several terms in Washington county. On 
 October 22, 1863, he was united in marriage with 
 Mary Lyle Smith, a native of Smith township, 
 and a daughter of Ebenezer and Margaret (Lyle) 
 Smith, natives of Cross Creek township. Mr. 
 Smith carried on a commercial business in Smith 
 township, this county, for several years, and was a 
 Republican. He and his wife both died in Smith 
 township. Mrs. Griffith has two sisters living: 
 Sarah Margaretta (wife of A. M. Russell) and 
 Jennie O. (wife of Samuel Farrar), both residents 
 of Mt. Pleasant township. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Griffith began life on their pres- 
 ent farm, which contains 140 acres of well -culti- 
 vated land, where they conduct a profitable dairy 
 business, milking an average of eighteen cows per 
 day. He built his residence in 1862, and remod- 
 eled it in 1892. In politics Mr. Griffith was for- 
 merly a Republican, but is now a zealous Prohibi- 
 tionist, and he cast the first Prohibition party vote 
 in his township; in 1888 he was nominated for the 
 State Legislature on the Prohibition ticket. He 
 and his wife are connected with the Mt. Pleasant 
 United Presbyterian Church at Hickory, in which 
 he is a ruling elder. They have two children: 
 Maggie Venalla and Edwin Smith, both at home, 
 the former of whom attended Washington Semi- 
 nary, and graduated from Geneva College in 1888; 
 the latter is at present attending Hickory Academy. 
 
 iT^-EORGE W. LUELLEN is a grandson of 
 
 I Henry Luellen, who came from the banks 
 
 II J of theOcheeche river in " Old Virginia," to 
 ^^t Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 
 about 1783, and locating on the farm now 
 owned by Grant Moninger, took up 200 acres of 
 land. He was united in marriage with a Miss 
 Barnet, of Washington county, and to their union 
 were born three sons and four daughters: Asa, 
 Luellen (deceased), Mrs. Betsey Slusher (deceased), 
 Jessie (deceased), Reason (deceased), Polly (Mrs. 
 Kearn), and Mrs. Millie Featherland (deceased). 
 Mr. Luellen spent the rest of his life on the farm, 
 and was successful in business. 
 
 Reason Luellen, son of Henry, was born in 
 1795, on the old home farm in Amwell township, 
 this county, where he passed his life, receiving a 
 limited education in the schools of the period. He 
 was married to Sarah Pettit, who bore him the 
 following children: Charles, George W., Jonathan, 
 Bowen (deceased), Henry and Andrew Jackson (the 
 last named being deceased). The mother of these 
 children dying, Mr. Luellen was united in mar- 
 riage with a Miss Reynolds, and they had two 
 children: Sarah (Mrs. Riggle), and Simon, who 
 died in the army. Mr. Luellen devoted his life to 
 farming, and owned a good farm of 180 acres in 
 Amwell township, Washington county, also about 
 three hundred and sixty acres in Iowa. He died 
 on the old farm in 1858, in his sixty-third year. 
 
 George W. Luellen was born in 1825 on the old 
 homestead in Amwell township, Washington county, 
 and remained at home until twenty-five years of 
 age, receiving a common -school education. In 
 1850 he was married to Miss Rebecca Thomp- 
 son, of Amwell township, who has borne him four 
 children: Mary Ann (Mrs. Closser), Margaret 
 Ellen (Mrs. Russell), Allison (deceased), and 
 Emma (Mrs. Swart). Mr. Luellen has a good 
 farm of 150 acres in Amwell township, and has 
 been a busy and successful mau. In politics he 
 has always been a Democrat, and has held the 
 office of road commissioner three terms, or nine 
 years. Now sixty-seven years of age, he is a 
 strong, healthy man, and has yet the promise of 
 many useful and happy years to come. 
 
 < 
 
 M(RS. ELIZA JANE KIDD, one of the 
 most estimable and intelligent ladies of 
 Jefferson township, is a daughter of Robert 
 Stewart, whose father was born in County 
 Down, Ireland, where he was married to 
 Betsey Hemphill. In 1812 the family set out for 
 America; during the voyage the ship (as was the 
 custom in times of war) was boarded by a British 
 man-of-war in search of recruits for the navy, and 
 several able-bodied men were pressed into the 
 British regular service. The son Robert (then a 
 young man of eighteen years) was one of them, 
 and heserved three weeks in the navy, but at the end 
 of that time he was released by his father paying a 
 ransom. The family finally arrived at Philadelphia, 
 Penn., without further mishap, aud thence pro- 
 ceeded to Hickory, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 they made a permanent settlement. The son, 
 Robert Stewart, was soon afterward married to 
 Miss Ann McGaugh, who was born January 27, 
 1794, in Londonderry, Ireland, and their children 
 were John, Eliza Jane, Sarah, Robert, James and 
 Andrew. The living members of this family are 
 Robert, James and Eliza Jane. 
 
 Eliza Jane Stewart was born March 19, 1820, 
 
132S 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 on the home farm in Jefferson township, and as- 
 sisted her mother with the household duties during 
 uer girlhood. She was united in marriage with 
 David, son of Joseph Kidd, a native and life 
 resident of Ireland, of whose family David was the 
 only member to settle in America. After their 
 marriage the young people settled in Guernsey 
 county, Ohio, where they resided fifteen years, and 
 reared the following children: Sarah, born July 
 12, 1850; Ann Jane, born October 10, 1852; Mary 
 E., born February 5, 1855; Robert, born January 
 14, 1857; Agnes, born August 30, 1860, and 
 Rebecca (wife of George Boles), born March 31, 
 1864. 
 
 On July 13, 1868, David Kidd passed away, and 
 his widow then returned to Jefferson township, 
 and bought the farm of 177 acres where she is 
 now living. This farm consists of very fine land, 
 upon which is a grist and saw mill, both in con- 
 stant operation. Mrs. Kidd is a consistent mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church, and is loved and 
 respected by all who know her. She has in her 
 possession a cane which was used by Gen. Murray, 
 who fought under Washington in the Revolu- 
 tionary war. 
 
 JV. OLARK passed his early life in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, Washington Co.,Penn., 
 I receiving his education at the common schools 
 of West Middletown, and at Washington and 
 Jefferson College. On December 8, 1 886, 
 he was united in marriage with Mary E. , daughter 
 of Rev. Samuel Taggart. 
 
 Samuel Taggart, a leading clergyman of this 
 county, was born March 26, 1803, in County An- 
 trim, Ireland, son of John Taggart, who was also 
 born in Ireland, and there married Mary B. Con- 
 uahon, who bore him three sons: James, John and 
 Samuel. John Taggart was an extensive cattle 
 dealer. He died in Ireland and in 1820 the fam- 
 ily immigrated to America, landing at Montreal, 
 where James had previously settled and engaged 
 in the shoe business. John and Mrs. Taergart 
 afterward came to Pittsburgh, Penn., where the 
 mother died. John engaged in shoe manufactur- 
 ing at Pittsburgh, being very successful in that 
 business. He was married to Elizabeth Orr, of 
 Pittsburgh, who bore him the following children: 
 John, Robert, Samuel, William, Mary A., Tillie 
 and Lizzie. He was a Democrat, and in religion 
 a member of the Associate Reformed Church. 
 
 Samuel Taggart passed his youth in Montreal 
 and Pittsburgh. He first attended the Western 
 University, and then entered the Theological Sem- 
 inary of Allegheny, from which he graduated in 
 1S34. On July 18, 1839, he was married to Mar- 
 garet, daughter of Robert McAyeal, who was born 
 in 1784, in Belfast, Ireland, where he was reared 
 
 and educated. He emigrated when a young man, 
 and coming to Pittsburgh, Penn., engaged in 
 mercantile business. He was there married to 
 Rebecca Matthews, whose family came from Ire- 
 land when she was but six years of age, and set- 
 tled in Wilmington, Del., where the remainder of 
 their lives was passed. Their children were: 
 Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Taggart), Sarah, James, 
 Robert, Rebecca (Mrs. Alexander McKeever), 
 Nancy (wife of Rev. Reed), and Mary (married to 
 Dr. McComey). In politics Mr. McAyeal was at 
 first a Democrat, and then a Republican. He was 
 a member of the Covenanter Church, and died in 
 1865, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife 
 followed him to the grave May 1, 1889, in her 
 ninety -sixth year. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Taggart had three chil- 
 dren, namely: Robert, Samuel A. and Mary E. 
 (Mrs. J. V. Clark). His first charge was at West 
 Middletown and at Mt. Vernon, where he remained 
 fifteen years, then lived in Harmony, 111., eighteen 
 months, when he returned to West Middletown, 
 where he passed the remainder of his ministerial 
 life, retiring in 1884. He was a Free-Soil man 
 and afterward joined the Republican party. He 
 died October 21, 1885. 
 
 To the union of J. V. and Mary E. (Taggart) 
 Clark was born one daughter, Margaret. In 1885 
 Mr. Clark engaged in general mercantile business, 
 in which he has siuce continued. In politics he is 
 an active member of the Republican party, and he ' 
 is an energetic and prosperous business man. He 
 is a member of the U. P. Church at West Middle - 
 town. 
 
 JiOHN FINLEY KENNEDY, one of the most 
 energetic business men of Washington coun- 
 ty, is a grandson of Samuel Kennedy (a 
 farmer), who was born of Irish parents, 
 and grew to manhood in Union township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. John and Martha (Young) 
 Kennedy, parents of Samuel Kennedy, were born 
 in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America, 
 the father at the age of twenty-one years, the 
 mother when quite small. She was married to 
 John Kennedy at the age of thirteen and one-half 
 years, he being twenty-four years old. They first 
 lived at Coal Hill (then called Fort Pitt, now 
 Pittsburgh, S. S.). From Fort Pitt they moved to 
 Mingo, where they passed the remainder of their 
 days, John Kennedy dying in 1842, in his eighty- 
 second year, his wife in 1847, when seventy-six 
 years old. Twelve children were born to them, of 
 whom two died in infancy, and ten lived to good 
 old age. In early manhood Samuel Kennedy mar- 
 ried Elizabeth McVey, who bore him the following 
 named children: Thomas, Hannah A., John, 
 Martha, James K, Joseph M., Mary and Samuel 
 
' 1 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1331 
 
 L. In politics be was a Federalist, and in relig- 
 ious faith a member of tbe Mingo Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Thomas Kennedy, son of Samuel and Elizabeth 
 (McVey) Kennedy, was born in 1825, on the home 
 place in Union township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He learned the trade of cooper, but followed car- 
 pentering. On December 9, 1845, he was united 
 in marriage with Hannah E. , daughter of William 
 and Nancy (Osbnrn) Roberts, of Carroll township, 
 this county. They settled on the home place in 
 Union township, where three children were born to 
 them, namely: J. F. , W. A. and Samuel D. In 
 politics Mr. Kennedy was a Whig and Republican; 
 in church connection he was a member of the 
 Mingo Presbyterian Congregation. 
 
 J. F. Kennedy was born November 10, 1846, in 
 Union township, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 he remained until eighteen yearsof age. He then 
 became bookkeeper for S. B. Kennedy, of Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., and was afterward a partner in the 
 coal business; then worked two years in the oil 
 fields of Tidioute, Warren county, same State. 
 After leaving that place he conducted a mercantile 
 business at Huston's Run, thence moving to Court- 
 ney, Union township, Washington county, where 
 he resided eighteen years. He was interested in the 
 coal mines at that place twelve years and served 
 as postmaster for nine years. He now owns a 
 store and butcher shop. He has thirty acres of 
 land, also eight dwellings in Courtney, and he 
 erected the first house in the village; has an inter- 
 est in the Courtney Fire-Brick Works. He gives 
 considerable attention to stock, including the 
 breeding of trotting and pacing horses, and has 
 Jersey cattle for sale. On June 3, 1872, Mr. 
 Kennedy married Sarah E., daughter of Andrew 
 Gault. Our subject is a Republican, and has 
 served his township in many ways; was appointed 
 coroner by Governor Beaver, and re-elected in 
 1887; was elected a justice of the peace of Union 
 township. He is a member of Courtney Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 lady. They have two children, Elizabeth Lenore 
 and David Rea, both living at home. Since his 
 marriage W. H. Buchanan has resided on the 
 home farm, consisting of 300 acres of well-im- 
 proved and valuable farm land; he gives consider- 
 able attention to sheep raising, having many very 
 fine animals, some of which are registered 
 in the United States and the Delaine Registers. 
 Mr. Buchanan belongs to the progressive type of 
 farmers and is a public-spirited citizen, well fitted 
 to manage the extensive real estate which he owns. 
 In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion he and 
 his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo Presby- 
 terian Church at Independence. 
 
 H. BUCHANAN, a prosperous and en- 
 ergetic young farmer of Independence 
 township, is a son of David and Fannie 
 (Hamilton) Buchanan. Our subject was 
 born March 24, 1863, in the house where he is now 
 living, and received his elementary instruction in 
 the common schools; he afterward attended Beth- 
 any College, West Virgiuia, and also college at 
 Canonsburg, Penn. He and his brother then began 
 farming on the home place. On June 1, 1887, he 
 was united in marriage with Winnie, daughter of 
 C. C. Rea, of Cross Creek township, this county. 
 She attended Cross Creek Academy, and taught 
 school five years, being an educated and intelligent 
 
 dl AMES THOME, one of the oldest living 
 I members of the family of that name, was 
 ] born in August, 1816, in North Strabane 
 township, Washington Co. , Penn. His grand- 
 father, James Thome, was a native of Dauphin 
 county, Penn. He was married and had six 
 children, viz. : William, John, James, Margaret, 
 Samuel and Abigail. Of these James was born in 
 Dauphin county, same State, and there received 
 such education as the subscription schools of the 
 period afforded. Not being satisfied with the out- 
 look for success in his native county, so far as he 
 was individually interested, he came to Washing- 
 ton county about the time of the " Whiskey Insur- 
 rection," was with Washington during this insur- 
 rection, and purchased, in North Strabane town- 
 ship, the farm now occupied by his son, James. 
 Their first humble dwelling thereon was a rude 
 cabin built of hewn logs. Many improvements 
 were made by Mr. Thome and his family, and the 
 once forest-grown wilderness was to a great extent 
 brought to its present high state of fertility 
 through their unceasing toil. Mr. Thome was 
 united in marriage with Abbie Hill, who bore him 
 the following named children: Jane (deceased), 
 William, John, Abbie (wife of James Pollock), 
 Margaret (wife of Rev. Bankhead Boyd), James 
 (subject) and Samuel (deceased). The father of 
 this family died in May, 1861. He and his wife 
 were members of the Seceder Church, in which 
 Mr. Thome was an elder for many years. In pol- 
 itics he was a Whig. 
 
 James Thome received a good common-school 
 training, and was early inducted into the mysteries 
 of agriculture, and the hard, never-ceasing work 
 incident to that vocation. On April 13, 1S43, he 
 was married to Eliza, daughter of James McNary, 
 of Nottingham township, which union has been 
 blessed with six children, as follows: Abbie (wife 
 of Rev. D. C. Wilson), Annie (wife of William 
 Martin), Rev. J. L. , William, Samuel and Emma. 
 After marriage Mr. Thome settled permanently on 
 the home farm, where he successfully cultivated the 
 
1332 
 
 WA SHIXG TON CO UX TV. 
 
 soil, bat. has retired from active work and is now 
 passing the last days of his useful life in the en- 
 joyment of the fruits of his toil. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Thome are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Pigeon Creek. In politics he was first 
 a Whig, but for many years back he has been 
 an uncompromising Democrat, and has been 
 supervisor a number of years. He has been emi- 
 nently successful in all his pursuits, and to-day is 
 the owner of 250 acres of highly-improved land. 
 He is proverbially kind-hearted and charitable, 
 and his hospitality is of the genuine old-fashioned 
 kind. 
 
 JOHN A. HUNTER, a skilled builder and 
 contractor of McDonald borough, is descended 
 from natives of the Emerald Isle, whence so 
 many of our most enterprising antl worthy 
 citizens trace their origin. 
 
 Robert Hunter first saw the light of day in 
 County Down, Ireland, where he grew to manhood 
 and was married. The young people soon after 
 ward set sail for America, immediately after their 
 arrival proceeding to Washington county, and 
 settling in Cecil township. A log cabin was soon 
 erected and the work of clearing the farm begun, 
 which he continued until his death. The children 
 born to them were Mary (wife of Alexander Jef- 
 frey), Elizabeth (Mrs. Lindsey I, Jane (Mrs. Hunter) 
 and John. Robert Hunter and his family were 
 members of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's 
 Run, of which he was au active supporter. In 
 politics he was au active member of the Whig 
 party. His wife died in 1854, at the age of 
 ninety-six years. 
 
 John Hunter was born in Cecil township, this 
 county, on the Hunter homestead, and passed his 
 youth in attending the country schools, receiving 
 a good education. He was married to Nancy 
 Greer, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who bore 
 him children as follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Robert, 
 George, John A., Margaret, William (who enlisted 
 in Company D, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, and 
 died in the service), Joseph, James and Nancy J. 
 The father of this family followed agricultural 
 pursuits. In political opinion he was first a Whig, 
 then a Democrat; and in religious connection was 
 a stanch member of the Covenanter Church, in 
 which faith he died in 1868, being followed by his 
 wife in 1878; both are buried in the Covenanter 
 Church cemetery. 
 
 John A. Hunter was born January 19, lS3(i. in 
 Cecil township, this county, and received a com- 
 mon-school education. He began farming for 
 himself at the age of seventeen years; in 1870 he 
 came to McDonald, here following the business of 
 a builder and contractor, and he has erected the 
 majority of the buildings in the town. On July 3, 
 
 1861, he was married to Mattie A., daughter of 
 Williarn Harper; the latter was a son'of Robert 
 Harper, a native of Ireland, who was there married, 
 and, afterward coming to America, settled in Cecil 
 township- at an early day. He was a Whig in 
 politics, and in religious faith a member of the 
 Seceder Church. His son, William Harper, was 
 reared and educated in Cecil township, this county, 
 and in early manhood was married to Mary, 
 daughter of John Lindsey, of Cecil township; 
 their children were Mattie A., David, Marv, 
 Tamar, Wilson, Joseph and Melissa. The father 
 followed agriculture and stock raising; in politics 
 he was formerly a Whig, and united with the 
 Republicans upon the formation of the party. 
 
 To the union of John A. and Mattie A. (Harper) 
 Hunter, two children have been born: Addie G. 
 (deceased) and William J. Mr. Hunter votes the 
 Republican ticket, and in religion he is a member 
 and trustee of the United Presbvterian Church. 
 
 JLLIAM E. CRAFT, a representative of 
 one of the prominent pioneer families of 
 Washington county, was born in 1816 
 in this county. His great-grandfather, 
 John Craft, was a native of Maryland, 
 and removed to Washington cguuty before the 
 Revolution, being among the first settlers of the 
 locality- He reared four sons, viz.: Lawrence, 
 John, Thomas and William. 
 
 Lawrence Craft was born in 1750. He married 
 Annie Thompson, a native of Winchester, Va., and 
 became the father of five children: John. Thomas, 
 William, Linda (wife of Benjamin Hoagland) and 
 a son who died in infancy. William, the father of 
 the subject of this sketch, was born in 1789 in 
 Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 married Mary Elliot, who was born in 179-1, a 
 daughter of William Elliot, an old pioneer of 
 this section. To this union eleven children were 
 born, as follows: Betsy, Lawrence, Annie, Will- 
 iam E., Martha, Melinda, Jane. David, George, 
 Isaac and Mary. Of these, nine lived to maturity. 
 Martha, Jane, David, George and William E. are 
 at present the only surviving members. 
 
 William E. Craft was born on his father's farm, 
 where his boyhood was passed. He was first mar- 
 ried in 1853 to Martha, daughter of John Cooper, 
 of Morris township, and to this union were bom 
 three children: Alice (wife of W. S. Waters, of 
 Franklin township), born October 7, 1850; Harriet, 
 born August 31, 1858, resides with her father, and 
 Martha Jane, born November 14, 1860, wife of 
 Randolph Rush, of Prosperity. Mrs. Craft died 
 December 2, I860, and on June 14, lSlilj, Mr. 
 Craft was married to Mary J., daughter of George 
 McCarrahan. To this union were born children 
 as follows: Ida D., born July 10, 1867; Maggie 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1333 
 
 E.,born April 30, 1869; William E., born July 
 25, 1872, and Edgar, born January 30, 1876, all 
 living at home. The mother of these children 
 died August 24, 1891. The farm owned by Mr. 
 Craft, lying along what is known as Craft's creek, 
 two and onedialf miles west of Prosperity, is a 
 fine one, and yields a good income. Mr. Craft 
 has always voted with the Democratic party, 
 though he is not an active politician. He is a 
 worthy member of the Mt. Zion M. E. Church. 
 
 land Presbyterian Church, and has served a num- 
 ber of years as superintendent of the Sunday- 
 school. 
 
 fjOHN C. BALDWIN, one of the most pros- 
 perous citizens of West Finley township, is a 
 Vjj grandson of William Baldwin, who was born 
 ^^ in Franklin township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and there grew to manhood. When the 
 war of 1812 began, he was among the first to vol- 
 unteer his services, and remained in the war until 
 the close. He was afterward married, and reared 
 a family of eight children: Thomas, Phoebe, 
 Jonathan, Silas, Seely, Cephas, Amos and Frank 
 (deceased in youth). 
 
 Thomas Baldwin was born about 1820, on the 
 farm in Franklin township, and received his early 
 education at the subscription schoolhouse, with its 
 puncheon floor and slab seats. When about 
 twenty-one years of age he learned the trade of a 
 cabinet maker, which he followed several years. 
 He was united in marriage with Miss Regina 
 Schrontz, and their children were as follows: Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. Miller), Francis F. (lieutenant in an Iowa 
 regiment, who was killed near Dallas, Ga., while 
 cheering on his men), Jacob S., Milton, John C. , 
 Mrs. Mary Booth, Silas, Begina and Anna M., of 
 whom the latter three died in early life. After 
 saving some money by following his trade, Mr. 
 Baldwin bought a farm and devoted the summer 
 season to its cultivation. - 
 
 John C. Baldwin was born February 19, 1846, 
 in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 passed most of his earlier years in farming. At 
 the age of twenty- one he taught a term of school, 
 and the following winter entered Waynesburgh 
 College. He continued to attend school and teach 
 alternately for three years, and during this period 
 became acquainted with a fellow student, Melissa 
 Ann McMay, who graduated in 1872. The friend- 
 ship of the young students continued to grow, and 
 after his graduation, on April 24, 1873, they were 
 united in marriage. Mr. Baldwin then engaged 
 in the mercantile business in the little town of 
 Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Penn., but a year later 
 began farming, which vocation he has since suc- 
 cessfully followed. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have 
 nine children, all of whom are living with their 
 parents. In political life, he is a stanch Repub- 
 lican, and has been justice of the peace fourteen 
 years. In religion he is an elder in the Cumber- 
 
 JfOHN W. BOYER. The well-known family 
 in Washington county, of which this gentle- 
 man is a member, were represented among 
 the earliest of early pioneers. The ancestors 
 in this country were natives of New Jersey, 
 in which State James Boyer passed his early youth, 
 among the peaceful Society of Friends. When a 
 young man he came to Pennsylvania, and, pur- 
 chasing a farm in Peters township, Washington 
 county, was there married to Nancy, daughter of 
 Col. William Blackmore. Five children were born 
 to this marriage, namely: John, Amy, Samuel, 
 Peter, and Sarah (wife of Carvel Rigdon, a brother 
 of Rigdon, the Mormon preacher), none of whom 
 are yet living. 
 
 Samuel Boyer, son of James and Nancy Boyer, 
 was born in 1784, in Peters township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. He attended the subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood, then taught several terms in 
 Beaver county, Penn. He was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary Boyer, who was born in 1803, 
 daughter of Leonard Boyer, of Bethel township, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn. Samuel and Mary Boyer 
 resided in Beaver county, Penn., for six years after 
 their marriage, then returning to Washington 
 county, lived on the old home place sis years. 
 They finally bought and moved upon the Higbee 
 farm, adjoining the old homestead, where they 
 died, leaving children as follows: James B. , de- 
 ceased; Peter, living near Library, Allegheny 
 county; John W. ; Elizabeth, deceased wife of 
 David Higbee; Nancy, married to E. T. Townsend, 
 of Peters township; Amy, deceased wife of D. 
 Welch, of Limetown, and Lucinda, second wife of 
 her brother-in-law, David Higbee. 
 
 John W. Boyer, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born August 16, 1828, on the home place in 
 Peters township, this county, where he was trained 
 to agricultural pursuits. On December 10, 1857, 
 he was united in marriage with Margaret J. Town- 
 send, who was born in 1840, daughter of Joseph 
 Townsend. The latter was a son of Daniel Town- 
 send, who was born August 14, 1747, in Egg 
 Harbor City, N. J., where he grew to manhood and 
 engaged in the lumber business. In 1776 he en- 
 tered tho Revolutionary war, serving about two 
 years, participating in the battles of Trenton. 
 Princeton, Brandywine, and Monmouth. In 1779 he 
 came to Washington county, Penn. .bought 400 acres 
 of land of Joshua Wright, and settled permanently 
 upon that tract. He was married to Lydia Sawens, 
 of Massachusetts, who bore him children as fol- 
 lows: Catherine (Mrs. John Baird, of Beaver 
 county), Naomi (Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of 
 
1334 
 
 WASHINGTON COUN T Y. 
 
 Peters Sharp), Margaret (wife of William Chisler, 
 of Ohio), Rebecca (Mrs. John Hozer, of Mercer 
 county, Penn.), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Higbee, of 
 Ohio), Lydia (wife of Arthur Devote), Elijah (a 
 lieutenant in the war of 1812), and Joseph, all of 
 whom were married, and are now deceased. The 
 father was a Democrat in politics; he died Sep- 
 tember 1, 1833. 
 
 Joseph Townsend, son of Daniel and Lydia 
 (Sawens) Townsend, was born March 1, 1796, on 
 the old place in Washington Co., Penn. He lived 
 at home until fifteen years of age, then entered 
 the war of 1812 as a fifer, but was brought home 
 by his father. A few years later the juvenile war- 
 rior had so far modified his views as to prefer 
 rural life. He became an excellent farmer, and 
 devoted much attention to sheep raising. In early 
 life he was united in marriage with Nancy, daugh- 
 ter of Col. William Blackmore, and granddaughter 
 of Samuel Blackmore. The latter owned 400 acres 
 on the site of the present city of Washington. The 
 property was leased for ninety- nine years, which 
 expired in 1870, the heirs having never claimed it. 
 William Blackmore, son of Samuel, came with his 
 family from Washington, D. O, to Washington 
 Co., Penn., and there reared six children, viz.: 
 Thomas, Charles, Nancy (Mrs. Townsend), Eliza, 
 Ellen, and Arabella, all now deceased but Nancy. 
 To Joseph and Nancy Townsend were born three 
 children, namely: Charles W., Daniel B., and 
 William (deceased in youth). The mother died 
 September 5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend 
 was married to Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack. 
 Her father was born in Ireland, and about 1800 
 emigrated to this country, settling on Chartiers 
 creek, in Peters township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. To Joseph and Nancy Townsend were 
 born three children, viz. : Robert (deceased), 
 Elijah T., and Margaret J. (Mrs. J. W. Boyer, of 
 Finleyville). The father voted with the Demo- 
 cratic party, and in religion was a member of the 
 Baptist Church. He died on his seventy-fifth 
 birthday, March 1, 1871, being followed by his 
 wife in August, 1874, in her seventy- fifth year. 
 
 John W. and Margaret J. Boyer first located on 
 h small farm near Bower Hill, in Peters township, 
 this county, where they lived five years, during 
 which time he dealt extensively in stock. He 
 afterward bought the 240 acres which he yet owns 
 in Union township, and there he managed a profita- 
 ble dairy for several years in connection with 
 stock raising. In 18S4 he settled in Finleyville, 
 this county, where he is now living a compara- 
 tively retired life. He has erected several elegant 
 dwellings, which have contributed largely to im- 
 prove the appearance of the village. He also buys 
 some wool each year, having formerly made large 
 annual investments in that article. Politically he 
 votes with the Republican party, and in religion 
 
 is a member of the Baptist Church of Library, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are 
 the parents of four children, namely: Joseph, 
 born November 24, 1858, living on the farm; Sam- 
 uel F., born July 8, 1861, in the hardware busi- 
 ness at Finleyville; Charles L., born October 29, 
 1863, a farmer near Finleyville, and James, born 
 May 4, 1871, in partnership with his brother Sam- 
 uel in the hardware business. 
 
 ILLIAM PATTERSON, farmer and stock 
 raiser of Cecil township, was born in May, 
 1^37, in North Strabaue township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. He is a son of Ezra 
 Patterson, whose parents came to North 
 Strabane township many years ago. 
 
 Ezra Patterson was born in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, and coming west with his parents when a 
 young man, continued to reside on the farm in 
 North Strabane township, this county. He was 
 married to Nancy Horner, and settled on the old 
 homestead, becoming a successful agriculturist. 
 In political opinion he was an earnest supporter of 
 the Whig and Republican parties. He and his wife 
 were formerly members of the Seceder Church, 
 afterward uniting with the U. P. Church at Pigeon 
 Creek, in which he was an elder. They were the 
 parents of the following children: Margaret (wife 
 of Josiah Kerr, of North Strabane township), 
 William, Joseph (living in Virginia) and David 
 (residing in Illinois) (twins), Lizzie (Mrs. L. Dagg, 
 deceased in 1881), Sarah (married to Peter Dow, 
 of Illinois), James (living on the old farm) and 
 Anna (wife of William Murray, of Bentleyville, 
 this county). The father of this family died in 
 December, 1863, and was followed by his wife in 
 January, 1892, when in her eighty-second year. 
 
 William Patterson was reared on the home place, 
 and educated in the schools of North Strabane 
 township, this county. In August, 1860, he was 
 married to Jennie Speer, a native of Chartiers 
 township. She is a daughter of Robert Speer, 
 and granddaughter of James and Catherine (Latta) 
 Speer, early settlers of Peters township, where 
 their son, Robert, was born and reared. The lat- 
 ter followed farming in connection with the busi- 
 ness of a carder and fuller. He was married to 
 Nancy Harsha, daughter of Thomas and Jane 
 (Hutchinson) Harsha, early settlers of Chartiers 
 township, where the daughter was born, and where 
 the young people resided for some time after their 
 marriage. In 1851 they moved to North Strabane 
 township, this county. Mr. Speer was an active 
 politician, and in religion he and his wife were 
 formerly members of the Cross Roads U. P. 
 Church, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church 
 in North Strabane township, this county. He died 
 in 1853, and Mrs. Speer is now .residing in Canons- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1335 
 
 burg, Penn. They had seven children, namely: 
 Thomas (deceased in October, 1861), Jennie (wife 
 of William Patterson), James (residing in Canons- 
 burg, eulisted iu the Eighty-fifth P. V. I., served 
 three years and was twice wounded), Robert (en- 
 listed," at Chartiers township, iu the One Hundred 
 and Fortieth P. V. I. for three years, or during 
 the war; he was wounded and died while home on 
 a furlough), Stewart (who settled in Missouri in 
 1865, died in 1869), Alexander (living in Canons- 
 burg, Penn.), and Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Temple- 
 ton, of North Strabaue township). 
 
 William and Jennie (Speer) Patterson resided in 
 North Strabane township until 1874, when he 
 bought the present home in Cecil township, con- 
 taining fifty-two acres of well cultivated land. 
 Mr. Patterson is an ardent worker in the Prohibi- 
 tion party, and in religious connection he and his 
 wife are members of the U. P. Church at Venice, 
 this county. The following children have been 
 born to them: Robert Latta (deceased in 1881. in 
 his nineteenth year), Eva Jane (married in 1884 
 to William Moore, now living at Bulger, Penn. : 
 she has three children), John Stewart (a mason), 
 Anna Balph (married in 1888 to William Carlisle, 
 living at Hickory, they have one child), William 
 Dow (a driller), James Boyd (a blacksmith at Ven- 
 ice), Walter, David and Mary, the latter four be- 
 ing yet at home. 
 
 water to New York City, finally arriving at Wash- 
 ington county, his former home, when he began to 
 follow agricultural pursuits. In 1872 he bought 
 his present home in Chartiers township, consisting 
 of forty acres of well cultivated land, upon which is 
 a tine spring of water. Mr. McKnight has always 
 been actively interested in all public questions and 
 votes with the Democratic party. 
 
 fjOSEPH McKNIGHT is the only living repre- 
 sentative of the family name. His grand- 
 t J father, Hugh McKnight, was born in Ire- 
 ^^ land, and after immigrating to America lived 
 for some time in Cecil couuty, Md., where 
 he was married, and where two sons, John and 
 Joseph, were born. In 1784 he went West and 
 bought 193 acres of land, which had been war- 
 ranted in November, 1784, to one Samuel Irwin. 
 Hugh McKnight received a patent of this tract 
 June 18, 1799, and remained upon it till his death, 
 when his sons inherited it. 
 
 John McKnight was born iu Cecil county, Md., 
 and came with the family to Washington county, 
 Penn., when yet a boy. He was married to Sarah 
 Nesbitt, a native of Chartiers township, this 
 county, where they made their permanent home. 
 John McKnight was an ardent Democrat and active 
 politician. He died in 1857, having been preceded 
 by his wife in August, 1836. 
 
 Joseph McKnight was boru in 1832, in Chartiers 
 township, and received his early education in the 
 subscription schools, in the meantime assisting 
 with the duties of the farm. In 1859 he crossed 
 the plains to California with an ox team, being 
 about six months on the journey. He was a miner 
 for some time, then worked on a ranch, remaining 
 there until the fall of 1865. He then returned by 
 
 JOHN W. NESBIT, a representative citizen of 
 Chartiers township, is a grandson of Jona- 
 than Nesbit. Jonathan Nesbit was a native 
 of Cecil county, Md., and was there married 
 to a Miss Lyons. About 1791, in company with 
 three brothers, he came to Washington county, 
 Penn., and invested in land. One of the brothers 
 returned to his native State, but the others made 
 permanent homes in Washington county, and the 
 land is still owned by their descendants. 
 
 Alexander Nesbit, a son of the pioneer above 
 mentioned, was born on the frontier farm in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., and iu 1847 was married to 
 Eliza Rankin, a native of the same place. The 
 young people settled on the farm now occupied by 
 their son John W., and reared the following chil- 
 dren: Rebecca J., John W., William R., Joseph 
 (a blacksmith, deceased in March, 1887), Lizzie 
 (deceased in August, 1890), James S. (a druggist 
 of Bergholz, Jefferson Co., Ohio), and Jesse (de- 
 ceased in infancy). The father of these children 
 followed agricultural pursuits. In politics he was 
 a member of the Democratic party ; he was inter- 
 ested in church matters, contributing to the sup- 
 port of various societies. He died in 1872, and 
 his widow is living with her son, John W. 
 
 John W. Nesbit was born in 1851, on the farm in 
 Chartiers township where he is now living. He 
 was reared to agricultural pursuits, and educated 
 in the township schools. Mr. Nesbit owns a well- 
 cultivated farm of 119 acres, upon which he spends 
 the greater portion of his time. Politically he is 
 an active member of the Democratic party; he has 
 held the office of assessor for years, and is now en- 
 tering on another term; he has also served several 
 terms on the election board. 
 
 JfOHN GORDON. Among the well-known 
 pioneer families of Donegal township, the 
 name of Gordon is one of the most prominent. 
 Their ancestry is traced to one Alexander 
 Gordon, grandfather of the present genera- 
 tion, who was born in Scotland, and immigrated to 
 America soon after the war of the Revolution. 
 Landing at Philadelphia, he proceeded to Wash- 
 ington county, locating in the southwest part of 
 Donegal township, half a mile southeast of West. 
 Alexander. He then began to clear away the 
 
1336 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 almost "unbroken forest, and was soon thereafter 
 married to Catherine McDonald, whose parents 
 were also pioneer settlers. The young couple be- 
 gan their humble home, which was cheered by the 
 following children: William, Margaret, Barbara, 
 Jane, John, Ethel, Hugh and Nancy, all of whom 
 lived to an adult age, but are now deceased. The 
 father and mother lived to a good old age, and 
 always resided on the farm after coming here. 
 
 Hugh Gordon was born in 1804, on the farm 
 now occupied by his son John, aud received his 
 education in the common schools. In 1853 he was 
 married to Margaret Beeks, born August 27, 1820, 
 daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Henry) Beeks. 
 Mrs. Beeks was a native of Ireland, and came to 
 America in an early day; while her husband, Jacob 
 Beeks, was born in Maryland, whence he moved to 
 Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Gordon were born two 
 children: Catherine (Mrs. W. S. Armstrong, of West 
 Finley township) and John (subject of this sketch). 
 Hugh Gordon first brought his bride to the old 
 homestead, where he followed farming and dealing 
 in stock. By close attention to business and hon- 
 orable methods of dealing, he succeeded in secur- 
 ing both the esteem and friendship of his neigh- 
 bors, and in accumulating a considerable property. 
 He and his wife were members of the M. E. 
 Church. He died in 1876; his widow is yet living 
 with her sons on the home farm. 
 
 John Gordon was born February 24, 1854, in 
 the same house where he is now living. He as- 
 sisted with the work on the home farm and at- 
 tended the common schools. On September 25, 
 1889, he was united in marriage with Etta Mitchell, 
 who was born August 6, 1860, daughter of Will- 
 iam aud Mary Mitchell, residents of Buffalo town- 
 ship, this county. They have one daughter, Mag- 
 gie May. Mr. Gordon has had charge of the home 
 farm since his marriage, and is engaged in general 
 farming and dairy work. He is a popular young 
 farmer, and in political opinion is a Republican, 
 but not an active politician. 
 
 dlOHN Z. BECK, an enterprising citizen of 
 \ South Strabane township, Washington Co., 
 I Van., was born on the farm in Franklin 
 township now occupied by his parents. He 
 is a sou of Adam Beck, who was born January 16, 
 1816, in County Armagh, Ireland, the only son of 
 John Beck. Mr. Beck died when Adam was but a 
 small boy, and his widow (formerly Margaret 
 Clark) was afterward united in marriage with Will- 
 iam Jackson. She came with him to America, 
 leaving her son Adam with his uncle, where he re- 
 mained until twelve years of age, when he em- 
 barked for America on one of the large sailing 
 vessels, a totally utter stranger among (he 
 
 1,500 passengers on board. The brave child 
 conquered his timidity, and arrived in safety at 
 his journey's end, after a stormy voyage of six 
 weeks and four days. He lauded at New York, 
 where he remained a year, then went to the home 
 of his mother in Washington county, Penn. , liv- 
 ing there but a short time. Three children were 
 born to the union of Mrs. Beck with William Jack- 
 son: Margaret (Mrs. Robert Barre), Mary (Mis. 
 Andrew Gamble) and Thomas C. The parents 
 passed the remainder of their lives in Washington 
 county. At the age of fourteen years Adam Beck 
 began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he 
 followed several years in this county. On June 
 11, 1840, he was united in marriage with Julia A., 
 daughter of Samuel Munce, who belonged to one 
 of the oldest families in the township, and the fol- 
 lowing children were born to them: John Z., Marga- 
 ret, Harriet (Mrs. Alvin Smith), Henrietta and 
 William J. After his marriage Mr. Beck settled 
 on the farm where he yet resides, which was for- 
 merly a portion of the old Smith place. He and his 
 family are members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church at Pigeon Creek. In politics he was for- 
 merly a Whig, and since the formation of the party 
 has been a stanch Republican. 
 
 John Z. Beck received his education in the com- 
 mon schools of the vicinity, and on January 16, 
 1874, he was married to Mary J., daughter of 
 Robert Zediker; they have had no children. Mr. 
 Beck began his married life in South Strabaue 
 township, Washington county, where he has since 
 remained, with the exception of a three years' 
 residence in Washington borough. In political 
 opinion Mr. Beck is prominently identified with 
 the Republican party, and has served as assessor 
 and constable, also in several minor offices. He 
 aud his wife are members of the United Presby- 
 terian Church at Pigeou Creek. 
 
 i ARNE. This family have for many years 
 been closely identified with the growth 
 and early history of Washington county. 
 They are of English origin, and the earli- 
 est ancestor of whom we have an au- 
 thentic record was one Joseph AVarne, a native of 
 New Jersey. He was there reared and married to 
 a Miss Miller, who was born in that State, and 
 their children were as follows: Stephen, Abrarn, 
 James, Mary (wife of David Allen), and Frances 
 (married to Solomon Johnson). He and his fam- 
 ily came to Pennsylvania in the year 177(1, locat- 
 ing in what is now Allegheny county, buying 400 
 acres of land near Sunnyside, and there he passed 
 the remainder of his life. He was a leading mem- 
 ber of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church, and 
 in politics affiliated with the Democratic party. 
 Maj. James Warne was born December 6, 1779, 
 
% ..'■' 
 
 '£'.'. h .- ' 'rtrTry^mtf n 
 
 IS s 
 
 £zy?-i^u^f 
 
 "2n 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1339 
 
 near Sunnyside, Allegheny Co., Penn. He re- 
 ceived a common-school education, then attended 
 the academy at the Forks, intending to prepare 
 for the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, but, 
 owing to circumstances, went into mercantile pur- 
 suits at the age of eighteen. Soon after leaving 
 school he came to Washington county, and con- 
 ducted a store for one McKinley; then engaged in 
 river traffic, and finally came to Parkison's Ferry 
 (now Mouongahela City), where he took part in 
 various enterprises. About the year 1815 James 
 Warne and his brother-in-law, William Parkison, 
 built and operated the first window-glass factory 
 erected in western Pennsylvania. In connection 
 with the glass manufacture, he carried on a boat- 
 yard, and also did a general mercantile business, 
 buying various kinds of stock and selling it in the 
 eastern markets. In 1805 he was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary, the only daughter of Joseph 
 Parkison. Her father was born and reared near 
 Carlisle, Penn., where he was married to Margaret 
 Weaver, and their children were born as follows: 
 James, David, William and Mary (Mrs. Warne). 
 Joseph Parkison built the first ferry at Mononga- 
 hela City, from whence the first name given the 
 place, which afterward became so famous in con- 
 nection with the Whisky Insurrection, namely, 
 Parkison's Ferry, the first United States postoffice 
 in this region. He was a very prominent citizen, 
 serving as a justice of the peace for many years. 
 But Joseph Parkison made his place in the history 
 of Washiugton county, by laying out and founding 
 the town of William's Port (now Mouongahela 
 City), in the year 1796. There is a question as to 
 the date of the founding, which is not a very 
 material point, but the evidence is on the side of 
 those holding to 1796. The Parkisous were Vir- 
 ginians, and came of English ancestry. Maj. 
 James Warne was a scrivener of much ability, and 
 many legal papers are yet extant, which bear his 
 handwriting. He performed the duties of legal 
 adviser in the settlement of estates and business 
 matters generally throughout the community. His 
 descendants are the only living representatives of 
 the founder of William's Port (now Monongahela 
 City), now resident in this county. In 1811 
 James Warne was commissioned by Gov. Snyder 
 as captain of a William's Port company, attached 
 to the Fifty-third Regimentof the militiaof Penn- 
 sylvania. In 1812 they offered their services to 
 the Government, which were accepted, and the 
 company went to the United States barracks at 
 Meadville, Penn. In the autumn of 1812 he re- 
 ceived a commission as major of the First Battalion 
 in the Third Infantry Regiment, and held that 
 position until receiving his discharge. He was a 
 liberal supporter of public enterprises, and voted 
 with the Democratic party. He died October 28, 
 1855. Of the children of the family who grew to 
 
 mature age the following are named: Amuzet I. 
 (married to Mary Jacobs, deceased in 1879, at 
 Parkersburgh, W. Ya.), born December 5, 1805; 
 Margaret (wife of Samuel Devore, living near 
 Parkersburgh, W. Va.), born December 28, 1807; 
 Joseph P. (married to Eliza J. Irwin, living on the 
 old homestead near Mouongahela City), born Jan- 
 uary 0, 1810; James, born May 11, 1812; Hiram 
 (married to Elizabeth Nichols, is a farmer near 
 Washington, Penn.), born February 16, 1822, and 
 Eliza J. (Mrs. John Watkins, of Richmond, Ray 
 Co., Mo.), born June 26, 1824. 
 
 James Wabhe, son of James and Mary Parkison 
 Warne, was born in William's Port (now Monon- 
 gahela City), in the frame house now standing on 
 
 the corner of Main street and alley, opposite 
 
 the Episcopal church (St. Pattl's), where he lived 
 uutil the age of fourteen, when his parents moved 
 to the farm on which Joseph P. Warne now re- 
 sides in the First Ward Monongahela City. He 
 continued to live there until he was thirty-one 
 years of age. He was educated in the common 
 schools of the day. In 1836 he was married to 
 Casandra Nichols, a daughter of James and Mary 
 Nichols, of Allegheny county, Penn., who died in 
 the year 1856, without issue. For his second wife, 
 James Warne was married in 1858 to Mary Eliza- 
 beth, daughter of James Dunn, of Allegheny 
 county, Penn. , a woman especially noted for her 
 Christian piety and lofty moral character. She 
 was reared in the strict faith of the Covenanter 
 Church, and the precepts of her adopted creed 
 were fruitful of good and worthy deeds in her 
 after life. Mrs. Warne became connected with 
 the church to which her husband belonged, the 
 Methodist Episcopal, after her marriage to Mr. 
 Warne, and continued ever after, until her death, 
 August, 1868, a true and earnest worshiper of 
 God, and a lovely example of a follower after 
 truth and righteousness. She died in the mid- 
 day of life, but, having measured full up in the 
 life of a true Christian wife and mother, she lives 
 in the hearts of those who loved her. Their chil- 
 dren were: William Parkison, James J. (deceased 
 1874), and Mary Eliza (wife of Dr. George S. 
 Stathers, of Monongahela City). James Warne 
 settled on a farm in Fallowfield township, in the 
 year 1843, where he resided until 1884, then re- 
 turned to Monongahela City, his former and pres- 
 ent home. He was a lieutenant in the old Jack- 
 •son Guards, when a young man, holding his com- 
 mission under the then governor of Pennsylvania; 
 and throughout his life has been actively interested 
 in public matters. By industry and frugality he 
 has amassed quite a competency in this world's 
 goods. He owns one of the finest Washington 
 county farms of 235 acres, and also several val- 
 uable properties in Monongahela City, and is 
 one of the heaviest taxpayers. Although at the 
 
1340 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 advanced age of eighty years, he laid out and ex- 
 pended in building some $5,000 in 1891, in the 
 place of his nativity and present residence. From 
 early life he has been a leading member and very 
 liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, and he 
 was for many years a member of the board of trus- 
 tees, and in 1869-70 an active member of the 
 building committee for the erection of the hand 
 some church of the Edwards Chapel congregation 
 at Ginger Hill, this county. 
 
 Although never having enjoyed the advantages 
 of an education, such as is now afforded the youth 
 of this State, under the magnificent public-school 
 system, he was fully alive to the necessity of an 
 early training and a liberal college education for 
 his children, that they might be prepared to grap- 
 ple with the advanced ideas and broader civiliza- 
 tion of the age. He therefore made it his aim in 
 life to give his children a complete education. His 
 daughter was educated in the public schools of the 
 neighborhood, and finished her studies at the 
 Washington Female Seminary, at Washington, 
 Penn. She is now the accomplished wife of Dr. 
 George S. Stathers, of Monongahela City, Penn. 
 
 William Parkison Warne, a leading young law- 
 yer of Monongahela City, was born February 28, 
 1860, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He attended the schools of the home neigh- 
 borhood until the age of fourteen, when he placed 
 himself under the tutorship of Prof. John C. Mes- 
 senger, at Hoge's Summit Academy, in Washington 
 county, Penn. , where he first learned to decline 
 mensa and conjugate the Greek verb. Having ob- 
 tained a preparatory course at the above institution, 
 and at Allegheny College, at Meadville, Penn., he 
 then entered Washington and Jefferson College, 
 from which he graduated in 1882, with the degree 
 of Bachelor of Science. In early boyhood he 
 evinced a strong inclination for earnest study, and 
 became an excellent student. After graduating, he 
 returned to the farm and rested from mental labors 
 for two years, then with mind and body renewed by 
 the invigorating rural life, entered the law office of 
 the Hon. Thomas H. Baird, Esq. , in Monongahela 
 City, Penn., with whom he remained until admitted 
 to legal practice in the county of his birth. During 
 this interval, he was a student in the law depart- 
 ment of the University of West Virginia, ranking 
 among the first in his classes. On May 12, 1890, 
 he began the practice of his profession in Monon- 
 gahela City, Penn., where he has already won lau- 
 rels which promise him a brilliant future. Mr. 
 Warne served as editor of the Monongahela Daily 
 Democrat during the Cleveland-Harrison campaign 
 of 1892. He was highly complimented by the 
 press and public on account of his able manage- 
 ment and direction of the paper while under his 
 control. His views taken on all subjects showed 
 that he was thoroughly up to the times and level- 
 
 headed on all questions, and that his education 
 proved its superiority for liberality and broadness 
 of mind over the narrow ideas and prejudices of the 
 uneducated. 
 
 On November 10, 1891, he selected a bride in 
 the person of Abbie M., daughter of T. W. and 
 Mary Scott Kemp, a resident of Ironton, Ohio. 
 Mrs. Warne's mother's maiden name was Mary E. 
 Scott, a daughter of the late Alexander Scott, one 
 of the old Williamsporters and settlers of Wash- 
 ington county, Penn. Her father, T. W. Kemp, is 
 a son of the late Judge George Kemp, one of the 
 original settlers and founders of the city of Iron- 
 ton, Ohio. The Kemps are Virginians, having 
 moved to Ohio at the beginning of this century. 
 They are of English origin. Mrs. Abbie Kemp 
 Warne attended the public schools of her native 
 city, and was graduated in full honors from Kings- 
 bury High School in June, 1886, standing at the 
 head of her class. In 1887-90 she attended the 
 Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, 
 where she was a very bright student, and she was 
 well liked by all who learned to know her, and 
 loved by her school companions, as she was en- 
 dowed with a very sweet disposition, always happy, 
 good and kind to those about her. Mrs. Warne 
 left college at the end of the junior year, on ac- 
 count of poor health, and was not permitted to 
 graduate with her class. She subsequently pur- 
 sued a course in elocution and voice culture under 
 the celebrated elocutionist, Dr. Fulton, and was 
 one of his talented students in a class of one hun- 
 dred. To Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Warne was born, 
 July 11, 1892, a lovely daughter, Madeleine Warne. 
 
 At its annual commencement in June, 1892, the 
 board of trustees and faculty of Washington and 
 Jefferson College conferred the degree of Master 
 of Science upon Mr. Warne. He served as city 
 solicitor of the corporation of Monongahela City 
 during the year 1891. He is an enthusiastic mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party, and is a leading mem- 
 ber of the Masonic Fraternity. He is a lineal 
 descendant of the founder (Joseph Parkison) of 
 Mouongahela City, Penn., and is one of her most 
 public-spirited citizens. 
 
 Joseph P. Warne was born and reared in 
 Monongahela City, and his first literary training 
 was obtained in a subscription school kept by 
 Widow McKeever, in a frame house near the pres- 
 ent depot. The only text books then in use were 
 the U. S. Speller, English Reader, and Western 
 Calculator. At the age of fifteen years he came 
 with his parents to the farm where he is yet living, 
 and remained there until his marriage, February 
 20, 1844, with Eliza J., daughter of James Irwin. 
 Her father was born and reared in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., where he was married to Miss Jane 
 Morton, and their children were Eliza, Harriet. 
 Marv A. and William. In an earlv day this 
 
'Otf~tA 
 
 tfJlS^JL 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1343 
 
 family moved by wagon to a farm on Mingo creek, 
 near Monongahela City, where the father followed 
 the trade of cooper. In politics he was a Demo- 
 crat, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 Joseph P. and Eliza J. (Irwin) Warne began 
 wedded life on the home farm, where he worked 
 for several years in partnership with his brothers 
 James and Hiram, but they finally separated. 
 He is now retired from active life. He is a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church, and has served as class- 
 leader and in other prominent positions. In pol- 
 itics he has always voted with the Democratic 
 party. Mrs. Warne was laid to rest August 1, 
 1891, leaving the following children: Hiram A. 
 (on the home place), Theodore (married to Anna 
 Long, and living in Greene county, Penn.), Emma 
 J. (wife of S. B. Kernan, in Wichita, Kans. ), 
 James I., Wilbur, William and Albert (all four 
 deceased), Ella V. (at home), Matthew S. , Joseph 
 P. (married to Louisa Hayes, and living in Sedg- 
 wick, Kans.), and Francis M. (married to Alberta 
 Staib, and living in Greene county, Penn.). 
 
 Matthew S. Warne was born December 16, 
 1859, on the home farm near Monongahela City. 
 He received his education at the public schools, and 
 was one of the first graduates from same; later he at- 
 tended Allegheny College at Meadville, Penn. In 
 early manhood he opened a hardware store in 
 Monongahela City, afterward moving to Wichita, 
 Kans., where he continued in the same business. 
 In 1891 he returned to Monongahela City, and has 
 since resided on the home place. On November 
 25, 1884, he was married to Mattie, daughter of 
 Lewis Staib, of Monongahela City, and she has 
 borne him three children, viz. : Lewis, Edith and 
 Blanche. Mr. Warne is a member of the Demo- 
 cratic party. 
 
 \ILLIAM A. BABRY, a leading merchant 
 of West Alexander, is a sou of Jacob 
 Xtf A. Barry, who was born in Beverly, Mass., 
 near Boston, where he passed his youth. 
 Jacob A. Barry received a superior literary and 
 musical education in Boston, and then came to 
 Pennsylvania,- where he accepted a position in the 
 female seminary at Kittanning. He there met and 
 was soon after married to Harriet Newton, of 
 Westmoreland county, Penn., and the young 
 couple made a home in Columbus, Ohio, where he 
 was engaged in teaching music. The children 
 born to their union were: Josephine A. (deceased), 
 William A., George A. (U. S. land register at Eau 
 Claire, Wis.), and Mary E. S. (deceased in youth). 
 Of this family, Josephine A. was married to W. 
 W. Young, who then engaged in the lumber busi- 
 ness at Philadelphia, and was afterward appointed 
 
 general agent of ticket offices on the Pennsylvania 
 lines, which position he held until his death, the 
 result of an accident. In 1845 Mr. Barry entered 
 into partnership with a Mr. Goodall, organizing 
 the firm of Goodall cv. Barry, for the manufacture 
 of pianos, etc., and they carried on an extensive 
 business. Mr. Barry started with a boatload of 
 pianos down the Ohio river, but was suddenly 
 taken ill on the wa}', and died at Marietta, Ohio, 
 where he was buried. The widow aud family 
 came to Wheeling, W. Va. , where she was after- 
 ward married to A. D. Bedillion, a citizen of that 
 town, and they then removed to Pittsburgh, Penn. 
 Mr. Barry served as major in the Seminole war in 
 Florida. In politics he was a Whig; in religion 
 a member of the Episcopal Church. 
 
 William A. Barry was born January 8, 1844, in 
 Beverly, near Boston, Mass., and was reared and 
 educated in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Wheeling, W. 
 Va. At the age of sixteen years he enlisted in the 
 Independent Light Artillery, Battery E, known 
 as "Knapp's Light Battery." They were sent to 
 Point of Rocks, Md., went with Banks down the 
 Shenandoah Valley, and were under Pope at the 
 second battle of Bull Run, also at Cedar Mountain, 
 Antietam, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and at 
 Culp's and Power's Hill. He re-enlisted in 1864, 
 as a veteran, and served until the close of the war. 
 His regiment joined Sherman at Northville, and 
 they were in the fight at Lookout Mountain ; then 
 followed Sherman to the sea, participating in all 
 the battles of that campaign. At Atlanta Mr. 
 Barry was made orderly to Gen. John A. Reynolds, 
 with whom he remained until the close of the 
 struggle. 
 
 On August 30, 1870, Mr. Barry was united in 
 marriage with Sarah M., daughter of John Reed, 
 of West Finley township, Washington county, and 
 the following children were born to them: John 
 A., Hattie R., Robert B. and Mary L. After his 
 return from the war, Mr. Barry took up his home 
 in Dallas, W. Va., where he was postmaster for 
 eight years. He also conducted a general store, 
 which he finally sold, and then moved to Barnes- 
 ville, where he remained one year; then returning 
 to Dallas, he reopened his store, and remained in 
 business two and one-half years. In 1874 he 
 opened a store at West Alexander, this county, 
 which he conducted eight years, and then pur- 
 chased the hardware business he now owns. He 
 has also carried on an extensive picture-enlarging 
 business for several years, having in his youth 
 learned painting. In politics Mr. Barry has al- 
 ways been a Republican, and has filled the offices 
 of burgess, treasurer, member of the council, and 
 school director. He has served for three terms as 
 commander of James Noble Post, of which he was 
 the originator and organizer. In religious faith 
 he is an active worker in the Presbyterian Church. 
 

 1344 
 
 WA SHTXG TOX COVX TY 
 
 PARKER S. JOHNSON was horn March 9, 
 I S 40, in West Pike Run township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. He is a son of Thomas 
 Johnson, who was born in October, 1807, in 
 Maryland, where he grew to manhood, and 
 was captain of a steamboat on the Monongahela 
 river for several years. When a young man 
 Thomas Johnson was married to Nancy Scott, a 
 native of Pallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Perm., and she bore him three children, viz. : John, 
 a car inspector for the Char-tiers Railroad Co., 
 living in Pittsburgh, Penn.; Barnett, a resident of 
 Kansas City, Mo., and Parker S., whose sketch 
 follows. The mother died in 1841, and in 1S51 
 Thomas Johnson was married, for his second wife, 
 to Dorcas Frew, a native of West Pike Run town- 
 ship, and daughter of Alexander Frew, a pioneer 
 settler of Washington county. She died in 1855, 
 and Mr. Johnson was then married to Mary Crow, 
 a native of Allen township, this county, and 
 daughter of Jacob and Ann Crow. To this union 
 was born one son, William, now in the grocery bus- 
 iness at California, Penn. The father was a mem- 
 ber of the Republican party, aud served for sev- 
 eral years as constable of West Pike Run township, 
 but devoted his principal attention to personal 
 matters. He died September 19, 1885, at Cali- 
 fornia. Penn., where Mrs. Johnson is yet residing. 
 Parker S. Johnson, son of Thomas and Nancy 
 (Scott) Johnson, attended the public schools, and 
 passed his youth on the home place, where he was 
 born. On September 26, I860, he was united in 
 marriage with Ruth A. Cooper, who was born 
 August 31, 1842, in West Pike Run township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. She is a daughter of 
 Lemuel and Sarah (Krepps) Cooper; her mother 
 was a native of Maryland, and when a small child 
 came with her parents to Pennsylvania. Lemuel 
 Cooper was a native of Washington county, born 
 February 4, 1797, near Amity. He learned the 
 fuller's trade and conducted a woolen mill on 
 West Pike Run creek, afterward devoting his at- 
 tention to agriculture. He died in 1882; Mrs. 
 Cooper passed away in 1868. Lemuel Cooper 
 was twice married, first time on September 21, 
 1820, to Mary Morton, by whom he had eight chil- 
 dren. This wife died in 1840, and in 1841 Mr. 
 Cooper married Sarah Krepps, to which union 
 there were born four children, of whom only 
 Ruth A., is now living. 
 
 Parker S. and Ruth A. (Cooper) Johnson re- 
 side on a farm of 102 fertile acres, to which his 
 principal attention is given. He is identified with 
 all progressive movements in his locality, and votes 
 with the Prohibition party. He and his wife are 
 members of the M. E. Church. One daughter has 
 been born to their union, namely: Sarah S., wife 
 of Columbus I. Long, a carpenter and farmer of 
 Morgantowu, West Virginia. 
 
 I ¥ ENRY SPHAR. The Sphar family have 
 I— «l been identified with the history of Wash- 
 ington county for many years. Mattern 
 Jj Sphar was born in Switzerland, and, in 
 
 company with two brothers and one sister, 
 immigrated to America at the age of seventeen 
 years, about the year 1760. He first settled in 
 Williamsburg, Va., and on April 21, 1767, took the 
 oath of allegiance under King George. He was 
 there married to Margaret Shively, and in 1780 
 came to Washington county, Penn., and purchased 
 of one Col. Cooke 200 acres, on the Monongahela 
 river, in what is now Washington county. He 
 took an active part in the Whiskey Insurrection, 
 and was a soldier in the war of 1S12. He died 
 about 1822, leaving three children, namely: John, 
 Mattern (who moved to Adams county, Ohio, 
 thence to Indiana), and Henry (who lived in this 
 county). 
 
 John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun county, 
 Va., and when but three years of age came with 
 his parents to Washington county, Penn., where 
 he received a subscription school education in 
 Allen township. When a young man he was mar- 
 ried to Susanna Redd, a native of Washington 
 county, Penn., and they settled on a farm in Allen 
 township, and reared the following children: 
 Mary, wife of John Shively, of Guernsey county, 
 Ohio; Jacob, first married to Susan Wood, who 
 died, and he was then married to Charlotte "Wil- 
 son; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Dunlevy; Daniel, 
 married to Mary Speer, and lived in Kentucky; 
 Ann, wife of William Spah, of Indiana; Barbara, 
 wife of William Hollingshead; Mattern, married to 
 Margaret Coyle, of Ohio; Sarah, widow of Joseph 
 Beazell, of Allen township; Rachel, married to 
 Robert Gailey, of Clarion county, Penn. ; John, 
 married to Lucy Ann Scott, and Henry, whose 
 name opens this sketch. Of this family three are 
 yet living, viz.: Sarah, John and Henry. The 
 father voted with the Whig and Republican 
 parties, and served as supervisor of the township. 
 He and his wife were members of the Baptist 
 Church. He died in 1856, having been preceded 
 by the wife and mother in 1852. 
 
 Henry Sphar was born in 1820, on the old home- 
 stead in Allen township, Washington county, and 
 was the youngest child in his father's family. He 
 attended the log- cabin school of the period, fur- 
 nished with puncheon floor, slab seats, and other 
 meager articles. On November 5, 1843, he was 
 united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of 
 William and Ruth (Jackman) Gregg, early pio- 
 neers of Washington county. Mrs. Sphar died 
 May 28, 1844, leaving one son, William G., who 
 is married to Ruth Gregg, and is living in Allen 
 township; he has three children: Annie Bertha, 
 George Henry, aud Maggie Pearl. On June 15, 
 1847, Mr. Sphar married, for his second wife, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 1345 
 
 Mary Jackuian, a native of East Pike Run town- 
 ship, and daughter of Dixon and Elizabeth (Phil- 
 lips) Jackman. Mr. and Mrs. Sphar are living on 
 a farm in Allen township containing 100 acres 
 of land, and he makes a specialty of raising tine 
 Spanish Merino sheep, also keeping a good grade 
 of cattle. In political opinion he is a Republican, 
 and is a member of the school board. He and his 
 wife are active workers in the Methodist Episcopal- 
 Church at Mount Tabor. 
 
 QEORGE McCULLOUGH TENAN. A rec- 
 ord of the substantial and intelligent citi- 
 zens of Washington county would be most 
 incomplete were the names of this repre- 
 sentative family not included. They were 
 among the large number of pioneers who emigrated 
 from Ireland during the past century. 
 
 James Tenan was born in 1758, in County 
 Londonderry, Ireland, of Scotch Irish parents. 
 Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, the 
 young man crossed the ocean to America, locating 
 in the State of Pennsylvania. He was married 
 near the town of Octoraro, Lancaster county, to 
 Jane Brown, and there they remained until 1785, 
 when they purchased and settled upon a small 
 tract of land in Smith township, Washington 
 county. Here children were born to them, and 
 reared as follows: John, Robert, James, William, 
 Mary and Moses. Mr. Tenan (who then spelled 
 his name Tynan) in politics affiliated with the 
 Democratic party, and in religion was an early 
 member of the Associate Church. He died in 
 1S40, having been preceded by his wife in 1836. 
 
 James Tenan was born in 1796, in Smith town- 
 ship, this county, and received his education in 
 the subscription schools of the home neighborhood. 
 In 1829 he was united in marriage with Margaret 
 McCullough, daughter of George and Agnes Mc- 
 Cullough. The McCulloughs came from Little 
 Britain township, Lancaster Co. , Penn. , to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., about 1786, making a set- 
 tlement in Smith township, two miles north of 
 Burgettstown. He was one of the original pro- 
 prietors of the land, having been the one to get 
 out a patent for same. George McCullough was 
 a farmer, and died in 1811, in a very old age, on 
 the farm in Smith township where he had located, 
 having been preceded to the grave by his wife. 
 She was the mother of the following children: 
 Christiana, who married James Wilson, and died 
 at the age of ninety-eight years, in Mahoning, 
 county, Ohio; Elizabeth, who married Thomas Mc 
 Cullough, and died in Ohio; Jane, married to 
 James McNall, and died in Findley township, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn., at the age of ninety-eight; 
 Mary, who married James Brown, and died in 
 Allegheny county when ninety-six years of age; 
 
 Susan, who died unmarried, aged ninety-six years; 
 Margaret, who married James Tenan, and one who 
 died in infancy. George McCullough was a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church at Florence. The 
 old McCullough homestead is now in the posses- 
 sion of the Tenan brothers, they having inherited 
 it. George McCullough had a brother who served 
 in the Revolutionary war. 
 
 James and Margaret (McCullough) Tenan passed 
 their married life on the home place in Smith 
 township, and to their union two sons were born, 
 viz. : George McCullough and James Brown. Mr. 
 Tenan was liberal in his political views, and voted 
 with the Jacksonian Democrats. In religious 
 faith he was a member and liberal supporter of the 
 Associate Church at Burgettstown until his death, 
 which occurred April 1, 1859. 
 
 George McCullough Tenan, who has been a life- 
 long farmer, was born December 2, 1830, in 
 Smith township, this county, and passed his boy- 
 hood in attending the common schools of the vi- 
 cinity. On February 21, 1863, he was united in 
 marriage with Martha I., daughter of Deacon 
 Whittaker, who was born on the farm where Mr. 
 Tenan is now living, and was married to Jane 
 Moore; their children were Martha I., Elizabeth 
 (wife of J. B. Cunningham), Mary, Samuel and 
 Jane, all now deceased. In politics Mr. Whit- 
 taker was formerly a Whig, but in 1850 he became 
 a Democrat. In religion he was first a Methodist, 
 then united with the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 After their marriage George and Martha I. Te- 
 nan located in Smith township, this county, then 
 resided in Pittsburgh two years, and from there 
 came to the home farm of Mrs. Tenan. Here Mrs. 
 Tenan died May 11, 1891, aged fifty-four years 
 twelve days, and is buried in the U. P. cemetery 
 at Burgettstown. They had two children: Jennie 
 L. (wife of Oliver Perrine, of Mingo Junction) 
 and Effie S. Politically George M. Tenan was a 
 Democrat, but in 1863 became a worker in the 
 ranks of the Republican party, and he has served 
 in various township offices, though desiring no po- 
 litical preferment. In 1876 he was elected justice 
 of the peace, and in 1892 commenced a fourth 
 term of five years. He is a member of the "United 
 Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, this county. 
 
 rif DAH WINNET is descended from English 
 I'll ancestors, his grandfather, William Win- 
 f^\\ nett, having been born in Liverpool, Eng- 
 JJ -^ land. He was kidnapped in early boyhood, 
 i and carried to the American colonies, where 
 
 he was bound out until twenty-one years of age. 
 On arriving at mature age he came to Washington 
 county, Penn., where he was married to Sally, 
 daughter of John Strange. Both father and daugh- 
 ter were natives of England, and early settlers of 
 
1346 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Wilmington, Del. Mr. Winnett took a patent for 
 a tract of land in Washington county, Penn., and 
 made a borne in what is now Fallowfield township. 
 
 William Winnett was born in September, 1761, 
 on the home farm in Fallowfield township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. When a young man he was 
 married to Rachel Young, who was born in 1766, 
 in Washington county, a daughter of Lot Young, 
 a pioneer farmer of Washington county. William 
 Winnett was a cooper and farmer, and at one time 
 owned 1,000 acres of land, but afterward suffered 
 severe financial reverses. He and his wife were 
 members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1861, 
 followed by his wife in 1866, both becoming cen- 
 tenarians. The children of this hardy couple were 
 born as follows: John (who died in 1886, in 
 Guernsey county, Ohio), Benjamin (a blacksmith, 
 who died in Guernsey county, Ohio). William 
 (drowned in Brush creek about 1830), Nathan (a 
 blacksmith, who died in 1884, in Illinois), 
 Thomas (a cooper by trade, moved West and died 
 August 15, 1891, in Walla Walla, State of Wash- 
 ington), Lot (deceased in November, 1890, in Fal- 
 lowfield township), Laban (deceased in March, 
 1889), Sally (wife of James Smiley), Polly (un- 
 married, deceased in 1888), Naomi (deceased wife 
 of William Ward, of Guernsey county, Ohio), 
 Rhoda (deceased wife of Noah Hardrock), and 
 Adah. 
 
 Adah Winnett, youngest child of William and 
 Rachel Winnett, was born in 1824, on the old 
 place in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and has always resided on the home- 
 stead. In 1S49 he was united in marriage with 
 Ellen Williams, a native of East Pike Run town- 
 ship, this county; her mother (Ruth Williams) was 
 born in Maine, and settled in East Pike Run town- 
 ship many years ago, where she died in her eighty- 
 fifth year. The home farm, which has been in the 
 possession of the Winnett family for one hundred 
 and fifty years, contains seventy-three acres of well- 
 cultivated land. Adah Winnett is an ardent mem- 
 ber of the Republican party, and in religious faith he 
 and his wife are connected with the Ebenezer M. E. 
 Church. The following children have been born to 
 their union: Rachel, born March 24, 1850, died De- 
 cember 23, 1855; William, living in East Pike 
 Run township, born March 29, 1N51 ; Samuel, born 
 February 7, 1854, living in Allen township; Mil- 
 ton A., born June 8, 1856, living in East Pike Run 
 township; Henry T., born June 8, 1858, living in 
 Greene county, Penn.; Benjamin C. , born October 
 6, 1860; John J., born October 31, 1862, died in 
 infancy; Addison M., born September 1, 1864, 
 living on the homestead; Titus F., born May 14, 
 1869, died in his eighteenth year, and Mary R., 
 born May 11, 1871, who was married April 27, 
 1891, to John H. Winnett, of Washington county, 
 Pennsylvania. 
 
 born 
 
 B. RICHARDSON is a prosperous agricult- 
 urist, enterprising citizen and patriotic ex- 
 soldier of Fallowfield township. 
 Richard Richardson, father of subject, was 
 in 1810, in Washington county, Penn. , and 
 was a lifelong tiller of the soil. But in times of 
 peace are soldiers trained for future service, and 
 in that simple rural life his children gained the 
 physical and mental power so especially necessary 
 to success on the field of battle, whether the war- 
 fare be amid scenes of common everyday worldly 
 strife, or in bloody carnage for "God and home 
 and native land." Richard Richardson was united 
 in marriage with Eliza Niblake, a native of this 
 county, and she bore him the following children: 
 Olive J., Josephine, Melvina, William M., S. B., 
 Hannah, and Elnora (the last named being de- 
 ceased). Mr. Richardson owns 300 acre- of prime 
 land. He is one of the most useful men in his 
 community, and has filled various local offices. 
 
 S. B. Richardson was born in 1845, in Fallow- 
 field township, Washington Co., Penn. In 1864 
 he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-second Volun- 
 teer Cavalry (Ringgold Battalion), and served 
 until the close of the war. He participated in all 
 the engagements of his division, and at the battle 
 of Cedar Creek was wounded in the left leg. After 
 the war he returned to Washington county, and 
 for two years was engaged in the hotel business at 
 Coal Centre, then worked two years in a steam 
 tannery, afterward engaging in mercantile life for 
 one year. In 1886 he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Elizabeth Bigler, a native of this county, and 
 she has borne him one daughter, Adair. Mr. 
 Richardson has served his township in many ways; 
 in 1890 he was appointed to take the census, and 
 at present he is assessor and constable of Fallow- 
 field township. Mr. and Mrs. Richardson reside 
 on a pleasant farm lying one mile from Bentley- 
 ville, and eight miles south of Monongahela. 
 
 HIRAM WARNE, one of the representative 
 self-made prosperous agriculturists of 
 Franklin township, is descended from a 
 - 1 stalwart family who came from eastern 
 w Pennsylvania, settling in Allegheny county, 
 
 same State, at an early day. 
 
 Maj. James Warne, father of Hiram, was born 
 in Allegheny county, and when yet a young man 
 moved to Washington county, locating in Monon- 
 gahela City, then called "Parkison's Ferry" 
 (years before Joseph Parkison had laid out part of 
 the town and named it " William's Port " ), where 
 he was married to Mary, daughter of Joseph and 
 Margaret Parkison. Here he was engaged in 
 various pursuits, being connected among other in- 
 dustries with ship building, glass-blowing and in 
 general merchandising, in all of which he was 
 
'MMyyn^ 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1349 
 
 eminently successful. Some time in 1825 or 1826 
 he retired from business, and moved onto a farm 
 near town, where he died in 1856, and his wife in 
 1865. The children born to them are as follows: 
 Amuzette, Margaret, Joseph P. and James (both 
 in Washington county), David, Mary and Susan 
 (all three deceased), and Hiram and Eliza J. (the 
 latter living in Missouri). Major Warne was a 
 loyal Democrat of the Jeffersonian stamp, and was 
 a fearless as well as an able exponent of the party. 
 From his youth he had been connected for many 
 years with the Presbyterian Church, but in ad- 
 vanced life he united with the Methodist Epis 
 copal Society. 
 
 Hiram Warne was born February 16, 1822, in 
 what is now Monongahela City, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and was a small boy when the family 
 moved into the country. His education was more 
 of a business than a literary nature, and the suc- 
 cess he has made in life is due entirely to his own 
 natural abilities, brought into active play by in- 
 domitable energy and perseverance. On Decem- 
 ber 2, 1856, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter 
 of James and Rebecca (Devore) Nichols, of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., the latter of whom was a 
 daughter of Moses Devore. of the same county. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Nichols were parents of the follow- 
 ing named children: Mary. Lucinda, Sam nil, 
 William, Catherine, David. Harvey, Sarah, James, 
 Nancy, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Martha J. Polit- 
 ically Mr. Nichols was a Whig, and in religion a 
 Presbyterian. After marriage our subject and his 
 wife located on a farm in Somerset township, 
 thence moved to Nottingham township, and finally 
 came to their present pleasant home. Their union 
 has been blessed with the following named chil- 
 dren: James C, Florence, William W., Allen C, 
 Boyd E. , Howard F. and Mary Etta May. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Warne and daughters are all members 
 of the Third Presbyterian Church of Washington, 
 in which he is an elder, and he assisted in the 
 building of the Second and Third Presbyterian 
 Churches. In his political connections Mr. Warne 
 was a Democrat until 1860, when he united with 
 the Republican party, of which he has since been 
 a consistent member. 
 
 THE CLELAND FAMILY were natives of 
 Ireland, the first of whom to immigrate to 
 America was one William Cleland, a native 
 of County Down, Ireland, where he had 
 married Elizabeth Cleland (it is not known 
 whether she was a relative or not) and was a 
 farmer. In 1820 the family — then consisting of 
 the parents and three children, John, Robert and 
 Sarah Jane — sailed for America. After a stormy 
 passage of sixteen weeks they landed at Baltimore. 
 Md., when sickness entered the family; strangers 
 
 in a strange land, with no friends, and their little 
 hard-earned savings spent, their condition was 
 most pitiable, but with undaunted courage the 
 father persevered, resolved that his wife or little 
 ones should never suffer, so long as God gave him 
 strength to provide, and after some search ob- 
 tained employment as a watchman on a vessel. 
 Fortune soon began to smile on the brave pioneers, 
 the sick recovered, and the cloud of darkness rose 
 from their sight. As soon as sufficient capital was 
 saved, the family started on the long journey to 
 Brooke county, W. Va. On arriving at Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., a pause was made, employment secured and 
 the financial exchequer replenished. They then pro- 
 ceeded on their way, and made a location in Brooke 
 county, W. Va. , where they remained but a short 
 time, afterward removing to Washington county, 
 and settling in the southern part of Hanover 
 township, this county, near Hanlin Station, 
 where the parents died, having passed their lives 
 in instilling principles of enterprise and progres- 
 sion into the minds of their children, which aided 
 them to succeed in later years. Of the children, 
 Sarah Jane was married to James Hindman; Rob- 
 ert was a farmer, and lived to see his seventieth 
 birthday, and John. 
 
 John Cleland was born January 6, 1806, in Ire- 
 laud, and was but a lad of fourteen years when he 
 came to America. His education was limited, as 
 he had a great deal of hard work to do, and was 
 thus deprived of au opportunity for extensive 
 learning. He learned the trade of a stone mason, 
 following that business for some time. In about 
 1837 he was married to Rebecca Hindman, who 
 bore him the following children: A son, deceased 
 in infancy; William; Samuel, who died in West 
 Virginia; Elizabeth, married to Robert Cleland; 
 Catherine, Mrs. Edward Hindman; Robert; and 
 Rebecca, Mrs. J. J. Andrews, of Hanover town- 
 ship. In 1851 the mother of this family died, and 
 was buried in Warsaw, Coshocton Co., Ohio. Mr. 
 Cleland afterward made a second choice in the 
 person of Susanna (Scott) White, widow of Moses 
 White. After his marriage John Cleland resided 
 in Hanover township, this county, thence moving, 
 about 1846, to Coshocton county, Ohio, where he 
 cleared up a farm, which he soon sold at a good 
 profit and then took another from which he also 
 realized a handsome profit. After disposing of 
 these farms, he returned to Washington county, 
 locating in Hanover township about one and one- 
 fourth miles northeast of Florence, and there 
 passed his remaining days. Year by year new 
 additions were made to his lands, and he owned 
 nearly 500 acres at the time of his death, which 
 occurred December 19, 1876. His life was a prac- 
 tical demonstration of the old axiom, "Where 
 there is a will, there is always a way." Mr. Cle- 
 land was a very successful man, and the fact could 
 
1350 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 only Vie attributed to his own exertions. In pol- 
 itics he was a lifelong Democrat, taking an in- 
 terest in the success of his party. 
 
 William Cleland was born December 20, 1839, 
 in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where his life has been passed. He attended the 
 common schools, and received his first knowledge 
 of agricultural duties on the farm of his father. 
 On January 25, 1870, he was married to Ella Mc 
 Gonnell, who was born February 17, 1841, a 
 daughter of John and Sarah (Morrison ) McConnell, 
 of Hanover township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Cleland passed their first years of married life in 
 Hanover township, on a part of the old homestead, 
 where he resided till 1801, engaged in general 
 farming and stock raising. He then moved to 
 Florence, this county, where he yet resides, having 
 rented a farm. In politics he is a Democrat. Two 
 children were born to William and Ella Cleland: 
 a son, who diet I in infancy, and Sarah M., born 
 November 19, 1881, who d'ied March 25, 1N92, her 
 loss being mourned with double sorrow by the be- 
 reaved and childless parents. 
 
 Robert Cleland was born in December, IS 47. 
 in Coshocton county, Ohio, where his parents were 
 living at that time. His mother died when he was 
 but a child of four years, and he was brought to 
 Washington county, Penn., where he lived with 
 his uncle until the return of his father to Wash- 
 ington county, in 1850. He was reared to farm 
 work, and attended the common schools. On 
 March 10, 1870, he was united in marriage with Ida 
 Livingston, who was born in 1848, in Hanover 
 township, a daughter of William and Elizabeth 
 (Buncan) Livingston. The children of Robert 
 and Ida Cleland are as follows: Rebecca, William 
 L. (deceased), Mary E., Susan R., John H, Rob- 
 ert D. , La Brida E. and Harry E. He is a sys- 
 tematic farmer and a leader in the business com- 
 munity. In politics he is a Democrat, and has 
 been called upon to fill several offices in his town- 
 ship. Both he and his wife are members of the 
 Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. 
 
 EORGE W. CONN, a retired merchant and 
 farmer of Florence, Penn., is descended 
 i from natives of the Emerald Isle. Thomas 
 1, Conn, his grandfather, was born in Ireland 
 and was a shoemaker by trade. About 1800 
 he and his family came to America, first locating 
 in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 about two and a half miles east of Florence. He 
 followed his trade and, as was then the custom of 
 shoemakers, went from one house to another, and 
 while there usually made enough shoes to last the 
 whole family a season. They were the parents of 
 the following children, some of whom were born 
 in Ireland: Jane, Sarah, Maria, Rebecca, Eliza- 
 
 beth, William. Thomas, James, Isaac and Francis. 
 The parents afterward located near Port Washing- 
 ton, on Buck Horn Waters, in Tuscarawas county; 
 Ohio. 
 
 James Conn was born about 1799. and his liter- 
 ary advantages were limited to about thirty or 
 forty days of schooling altogether. In later years 
 he managed to acquire a good practical education, 
 which, combined with good common sense, laid 
 the foundation for a successful life. He learned the 
 mason's and bricklayer's trades, which he followed 
 for many years. About 1830 he was married to 
 Mrs. Eleanor (Brown) Miller (who was born in 
 1880), widow of Hugh Miller, and the daughter of 
 Andrew Brown, a native of Scotland. At the 
 time of her second marriage Mrs. Miller had one 
 child, Elizabeth (now living in Beaver county, 
 Penn.). To the union of James and Eleanor 
 (Miller) Conn were born the following children: 
 Nancy (widow of Joseph Anderson, living in 
 Beaver county, Penn.), George W. (our subject), 
 Sarah (deceased wife of Tallman Hooker, of Han- 
 cock county, W. Va.), James (a bricklayer, living 
 in Kansas City), Ann (who was first married to 
 William Finnegan, then to Isaac Evans; she died 
 in Salineville, Ohio), Maria (Mrs. Phillips, of Alle- 
 gheny county), Andrew B. (residing in Noblestown, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn.), Ella (Mrs. John Woodrow, 
 of McDonald, Penn. ), Maggie (deceased wife of 
 Daniel Greer), Pierce B. (deceased), Mary (mar- 
 ried to Matthew Proviues, now living in Grass 
 Valley, Cal.) and Lorenzo D. (deceased). The 
 parents were for some time residents of Beaver 
 county, Penn., but passed the greater part of their 
 lives in Hanover township, Washington county, 
 where the father followed his trade. In politics 
 he was a lifelong Democrat. He and his wife 
 were both members of the M. E. Church. He 
 died in 1878 in Beaver county, Penn., and on 
 May 8, same year, his wife passed away. 
 
 George W. Conn was born September 14, 1823, in 
 Beaver county, Penn. His early life was spent on 
 the farm, and, being an apt scholar, he obtained a 
 good education from the meager advantages then 
 offered. He learned and followed the trades of 
 mason and bricklayer for about fifteen years. On 
 August 31, 1848, he was married to Mary Anderson, 
 who was birn in 1826, a daughter of John and 
 Margaret (Kryder) Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Conn have no children of their own, but have 
 reared from infancy one who received parental 
 care. Flora Anderson (deceased wife of Rev. A. F. 
 Alexander). In 1861 Mr. Conn entered mercan- 
 tile life in Florence, this county, and being an ex- 
 cellent judge of his class of goods did an exten- 
 sive and profitable trade, which continued to in- 
 crease until he owned the most extensive business 
 of the kind in Florence. He made semi-annual 
 trips to the East, there making his purchases, and 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1351 
 
 in 1875 disposed of his merchandise at a good 
 profit. He then gave his attention to his farm, 
 which was situated east of Florence, but continued 
 to reside in town, having tenants on the farm. His 
 health failing in 1880, he has since virtually 
 lived a retired life, although yet instructing in the 
 management of the farm. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, He has ever been active and energetic, 
 and beginning life with no capital, has amassed a 
 comfortable property, and is now a representative 
 citizen of Florence. 
 
 d.AMES THOMAS. This enterprising and well- 
 known gentleman is one of the leading agri- 
 ) culturists and most extensive stock raisers 
 of Nottingham township, anil a sou of James 
 Thomas. 
 James Thomas, the father, was born December 
 13, 1771, in Sussex county, Del., and during early 
 life followed distilling, afterward becoming a 
 farmer. When a young man he was married to 
 Lydia Haines, who was born in 1779, in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., and twelve children were born to 
 them, of whom are yet living: Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 Teeple, of Pennsylvania), Catherine (Mrs. Fergu- 
 son, residing in Ohio), Mrs. Lavina T. Hair (of 
 Chicago), Samuel and James (both living in Not- 
 tingham township), and Uriah, a resident of Ohio. 
 The father died in this county in 1860; the mother 
 was called over the river in 1859. 
 
 James Thomas was born in 1818 in Nottingham 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving his 
 education in the district schools of the home place. 
 After attaining his majority, he and a brother 
 began life for themselves as stock farmers, keeping 
 "bachelor's hall" for two or three years. On De- 
 cember 14, 1852, he was united in marriage with 
 Eliza Kinkey, a native of this county, and daughter 
 of George Kinkey, who was born in 1806, in this 
 county, and in early life followed carpentry, after- 
 ward devoting his time to farming. He was cap- 
 tain in the militia for a number of vears; he died 
 in 1873. 
 
 To the union of James and Eliza (Kinkey) 
 Thomas fourteen children have been born, seven 
 of whom are yet living, namely: Josiah, James B., 
 John (all three married), Anna (Mrs. Best), David, 
 Franklin and Lucinda (at home). On the old farm 
 where his parents lived and died is the beautiful 
 home of Mr. Thomas. The place contains 300 
 acres of fertile land, all of which is cultivated to 
 the highest degree by this progressive agricult- 
 urist. He also owns three other farms, one lo- 
 cated in Ohio county, W. Va., and all four are 
 under the direct supervision of the owner. An oil 
 well is in preparation on one of these farms. Mr. 
 Thomas makes a specialty of sheep raising, also 
 breeding fine horses. The total value of his 
 
 property is about $32,000. Politically, he is a firm 
 believer in the principles embodied in the platform 
 of the Democratic party. 
 
 OYD A. EMERY, M. D., a very successful 
 and well known physician of Somerset 
 township, this county, is a native of the 
 same, born on the home farm November 16, 
 1851. His father, Joshua Emery, was born Sep- 
 tember 27, 1805, in Washington county, Penn. 
 He commenced reading medicine under Dr. Leath- 
 erman, of Canonsburg, Penn., and graduated in 
 1830. On September 20, 1831, was united in mar- 
 riage with Mary McCullough, who bore him three 
 children, all deceased. His first wife died De- 
 cember 31, 1839, and on May 4, 1841, Dr. Emery 
 was married to Anua Graham, of Washington 
 county, Penn. They had seven children, namely: 
 Ebenezer G., Martha G. (married to W. S. Caner, 
 a resident of Chicago, 111.), James A. (living in 
 Duuningsville, Washington Co., Penn.), Boyd A. 
 (whose name opens this sketch), William H. (a 
 farmer of Somerset township), Anna W. (wife of 
 J. H. McNary), and one deceased. Dr. Emery 
 settled permanently in Washington county after 
 his marriage. He was an active worker and elder 
 in the Presbyterian Church for a number of years. 
 His wife died September 2S, 1S73, and September 
 7, 1885, he too passed away. 
 
 Boyd A. Emery received a common-school edu- 
 cation, and then attended Canonsburg Academy 
 for four years. In 1875 he graduated from Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, then studied medi- 
 cine with his father, graduating as an M. D. in 
 1878. On November 27, 1883, he was united in 
 marriage with Katie W. Townsend, who was born 
 December 15, 1859, daughter of C. W. and Mar- 
 garet (Wright) Townsend, the father being a 
 physician of Washington county. After his mar- 
 riage Dr. Emery practiced medicine with his father 
 until the death of the latter, and he now enjoys an 
 extensive and lucrative practice. Two children 
 have brightened the home of Dr. and Mrs. Emery: 
 Charles T., born October 5, 1884, and an unnamed 
 infant (deceased), born July 29, 1889. The Doctor 
 and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Pigeon Creek. 
 
 K\ H. PHILLIPS, M. D. This well-known 
 physician represents an old and promi- 
 nent family of Washington county. He 
 — ' is a grandson of Solomon Phillips, who 
 came to this country many years ago, 
 and locating on a farm in East Pike Run township, 
 carried on agriculture and stock raising. He was 
 married to Martha Nicolls. In politics he voted 
 with the Whig party, and in religious faith he was 
 
1352 
 
 WASHING TON CO UN TY. 
 
 a member of the Society of Friends. He died on 
 the farm in East Pike Run township, leaving chil- 
 dren, of whom James is the only one mentioned. 
 
 James Phillips was horn and reared on the home 
 place in East Pike Run township, this county, 
 where he attended the subscription schools, the 
 Bible being his only text-book. He was united in 
 marriage with Edith, daughter of John and Mary 
 Dixou, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, 
 and when fourteen years old came on foot to the 
 western part of Fayette county, Penn., there pass- 
 ing the remainder of his life. He followed farm- 
 ing and stock raising, becoming a wealthy agri- 
 culturist. In politics he was a Tory, in religious 
 faith a member of the Society of Friends, attend- 
 ing their meetings at Brownsville twice a week. 
 James and Edith (Dixon) Phillips resided on a 
 farm in East Pike Run township for some years 
 after their marriage, when he built the dwelling 
 now occupied by his son, W. H, who is the only 
 one now living of eight children born to this 
 couple. Mr. Phillips was an energetic agricult- 
 urist, in politics an active member of the Whig 
 party, and in religious faith an adherent of the 
 Hicksite Quaker Church. He died in 188-1. 
 
 Dr. W. H. Phillips was bom February 12, 1838, 
 in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He attended the Johnson Academy, at 
 California, this county, afterward taking a three- 
 and-one-half years course at Washington and Jef- 
 ferson College. He then began the study of med- 
 icine with Dr. Hunter, at Coal Centre, this county, 
 and attended the University of Pennsylvania three 
 terms, when he graduated. In 1809 Dr. Phillips 
 began the practice of his chosen profession at 
 Coal Centre, remaining there two years, and finally 
 came to his present home in California. Here he 
 was married, on June 21, 1873, to Hattie N., 
 daughter of Edward Riggs, of that place. Dr. 
 Phillips is a stanch Democrat, and in religious 
 faith a member of the Disciple Church. 
 
 AMES M. HERVEY, a well-known citizen of 
 the county, is a son of Francis Hervey, who 
 was born in Cecil county, Md. William 
 Hervey, father of Francis, emigrated from 
 Campbelltown, Scotland, to Maryland, where 
 he died. His children were: Francis, Andrew, 
 Benjamin, Mary, Eliza, Rachel and Esther. He 
 was a member of the Seceder Church. 
 
 Francis Hervey spent his youth in Maryland, 
 where he enjoyed exceptional educational advan- 
 tages. In 1804 he removed to Washington county, 
 Penn., and in 1800 was married to Miss Jane 
 Wherry, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Wherry. 
 Soon after his marriage he located in Trumbull 
 county, Ohio, and remained there till 1817, when 
 he returned to Pennsylvania, and made his home 
 
 in Canton township, this county, where he lived 
 until his death, which occurred in 1854. His 
 family were: Joseph W., Rachel, Mary M. , Eliza- 
 beth, James M., Ebenezer W., Jane A. and Will- 
 iam. Mr. Hervey was an active member of the 
 Democratic party, and with his family was a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church. His wife died in 
 1863, and their remains are interred in the ceme- 
 tery at Washington. 
 
 James M. Hervey, the subject of our present 
 sketch, was born November 0, 1810, in Trumbull 
 county, Ohio, but when an infant was brought to 
 Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 there passed his early life. His education, being 
 received at the common schools, was necessarily 
 limited. On November 0, 1840, he was united in 
 marriage with Nancy, daughter of John and Nancy 
 Morgan. The young people began their married 
 life in Chartiers township, and remained there till 
 1853, when they removed to their present home in 
 Mt. Pleasant township. They have three children: 
 Juhn M., Meletta and Joseph W. Politically 
 Mr. Hervey is a Democrat, and in religion a mem- 
 ber of the Presbyterian Church. He is known as 
 an upright citizen, one who has made a success of 
 life by his own industrious efforts, and is intelli- 
 gent and well informed. 
 
 JO McCLELLAND. This gentleman is a 
 worthy representative of the Scottish patriots 
 whose blood flows in his veins. Many years 
 ago, during the rebellion in Scotland, one 
 William McClelland left his native heath, 
 and made a new home in the North of Ireland, 
 where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. 
 Three children were there born to him as follows: 
 Hans, James and William. 
 
 Hans McClelland was born in 1750, and when a 
 young man emigrated to America, locating on a 
 farm about two and a half miles from Canonsburg, 
 in Washington county, Penn., where he became 
 engaged in distilling and general farming. He 
 was married to Catherine Carson, a native of Ire- 
 land, who bore him the following children: Will- 
 iam, James, Ebenezer, John, Ann, Nancy and 
 Sarah, all of whom lived to be over fifty years of 
 age. The father died in 1818; he was a member 
 of Miller's Run Presbyterian Church, and in poli- 
 tics was a Democrat. 
 
 Ebenezer McClelland was born September 16, 
 1792, in Cecil township, Washington county, Penn. 
 He was reared to agricultural pursuits, aud became 
 one of the most extensive wool buyers in Washing- 
 ton and neighboring counties, his annual purchase 
 of wool sometimes amounting to as much as 1,300,- 
 000 pounds. He was also one of the most exten- 
 sive breeders of tine-wool sheep in Washington 
 county, having been one of the first to introduce 
 
e 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1355 
 
 the Merino. In 1S23 he was married to Esther, 
 daughter of John Campbell, of Cecil township, 
 this county, a native of Scotland, who came to 
 Washington county in pioneer times; he was often 
 obliged to flee from the Indians, and his father 
 was killed May 26, 1782, at "Crawford's defeat." 
 To the union of Ebenezer and Esther (Campbell) 
 McClelland children were born as follows: J. C, 
 Sarah J. (Mrs. A. G. McPhersou), Thomas J., 
 William, Ebenezer, James and Catherine, of whom 
 three are yet living: James, Ebenezer and J. C. 
 The father of this family was emphatically a self- 
 made man; politically he was a Democrat, and in 
 religious faith he was a member of the Union 
 Church. 
 
 J. C. McClelland was born August 11, 1824, in 
 Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., and when 
 eight years of age came with his parents to North 
 Strabane township. He attended Jefferson Col- 
 lege, and being the eldest sou, became his father's 
 principal assistant in business. On May 23, 1858, 
 he was united in marriage with Caroline, daugh 
 ti'i of Jacob Probasco, a leading stockman of Mus- 
 kingum county, Ohio, and the young people settled 
 near Cambridge, that State, where Mrs. McClelland 
 died February 22, 1878, leaving the following 
 children: Ebenezer, William, James, and Camp- 
 bellena (wife of Joseph Kerr, a prominent business 
 man of Union township, this county); there was 
 also one that died iu infancy. Of this family all 
 are yet living at home save Wiiliam, who is chief 
 engineer of the Homestead Iron Works, Penn. 
 After the death of his wife, Mr. McClelland moved 
 with his family to their present home in Peters 
 township, Washington county. He does an exten- 
 sive business in general farming, and keeps a tine 
 grade of stock. The place contains 160 acres of 
 the finest land, underlaid with a rich vein of coal. 
 Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, 
 of which he is a valued member, and in religious 
 faith he supports the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 THE PARKISON FAMILY. A complete 
 history of this representative, influential 
 aud numerous family would necessarily in- 
 clude a comprehensive outline of the settle- 
 ment and growth of Monongahela and the 
 adjoining country. Many years ago they located 
 near Parkison's Ferry, which was thus called in 
 honor of the earliest pioneer of that name. As a 
 race the Parkisons have been men of energetic, san- 
 guine temperament, possessing mechanical pro- 
 pensities, which have led them to choose manufact- 
 uring pursuits in preference to other branches of 
 trade. The earliest pioneers of this illustrious 
 family were of English birth, and came with Lord 
 Baltimore to America, first settling in Maryland, 
 where they became members of the historic 
 
 " Conocoeheague " settlement. Between the years 
 1768 and 1770 five Parkisou brothers — Joseph, 
 Benjamin, Thomas, James and William — came 
 from Virginia to the Monongahela Valley in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn. Many old letters, papers 
 and memoranda, which were written in those days, 
 are yet extant, and give ample proof that those 
 early settlers possessed educational advantages and 
 culture far surpassing the usual curriculum of the 
 times. These documents are composed of coarse 
 paper, but have been inscribed with the old-fash- 
 ioned quill pen, some of the work being beautifully 
 executed and tastefully designed. The Parkison 
 brothers came to Pennsylvania in search of a val- 
 uable mill site, which vvas then the primary object 
 of nearly all the earliest pioneers in that region. 
 Mills were then being erected at all points along the 
 river, and also on some of the smaller streams, 
 which afforded more water power at that date than 
 in the present day. The Parkisons were among 
 the first to erect a river mill, at that time an un- 
 dertaking of great magnitude, on account of the 
 necessary expense. This fact, combined with the 
 constant danger of their destruction by ice or 
 floods, deterred many from investing their time 
 and capital in so hazardous an enterprise. But if 
 the mills were once completed with reasonable 
 safety from destruction, they were a veritable mine 
 of wealth to the fortunate owner. The brothers 
 before mentioned devoted their energies almost 
 without exception to manufacturing industries, and 
 among the commodities then produced are named 
 whisky, woolen goods, flour, furniture, guns, tim- 
 ber, boats, glass, and paper. 
 
 Benjamin Parkison (a nephew of the Benjamin 
 Parkisou above mentioned, who was an active par- 
 ticipant in the Whiskey Insurrection) was born in 
 L720, near Carlisle, Penn. He erected the river 
 mills opposite Mingo, the location of which there 
 is nothing yet remaining to indicate, although 
 pilots on the steamer point daily with the course 
 of the boats the "old chutes,'' which are now sub- 
 merged by slack water, but yet afford the deepest 
 channel. These dams were constructed with a 
 long cribbing of logs tilled in with stone, extend- 
 ing up stream on both sides of an opening in the 
 dam, through which keels of flatboats could pass 
 up or down. This was the '' chute, " and '"run- 
 ning the chute" is an expression yet used on the 
 river, though one looks in vain to see any break in 
 the current. The dam itself was not more than 
 three feet in height, and the power was obtained 
 by placing an underchute or breast-wheel of about 
 thirty inches in diameter immediately below the comb 
 of the dam ia such a position that the current strik- 
 ing it on the upper side, passed under it. These 
 wheels were sometimes twenty-eight feet or more in 
 length, and so great was the power obtained that 
 no machinery attached ever stopped their move- 
 
1356 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 merit. If it became disarranged, or choked and 
 clogged, the trundle-shaft, ten or twelve inches in 
 size, constructed of the strongest wood, was instantly 
 twisted off, while the wheel continued to revolve 
 in the current. As the smaller mills were stopped 
 during the dry weather, the settler came from a 
 distance of many miles to the river mills. They 
 were often compelled to wait several days for their 
 turn, meanwhile camping out or staying with the 
 hospitable mill owner. Night and day. week in 
 and week out, was heard the incessant clatter of 
 the mill, and the swash of the wheel constantly 
 mingled with the movement of the hurrying 
 stream. Stories of wild animals. Indians, or the 
 ghostly banshee furnished an unfailing supply of 
 material for the many blood-curdling tales with 
 which the men were wont to beguile their waiting 
 hours. Thrice was theold Parkison mill torn from 
 its foundations by ice gorges in the river, only to 
 be rebuilt. Finally a boat load of salt was wrecked 
 on the dam, and an interminable lawsuit followed, 
 which was many times more expensive than the 
 original value of the salt. This affair so im- 
 poverished the owner that when the ice again de- 
 stroyed the mill it was never rebuilt, and thus this 
 historical landmark faded forever. Several years lat- 
 er the old Parkison homestead, a large brick house 
 of fourteen rooms, was burned, and many valuable 
 relics and papers were then destroyed. Among 
 the former were the remains of an English pipe- 
 organ, and through the scattered reeds the wind 
 drew weird music, so that those who heard the 
 eerie strains declared the place to be haunted. 
 
 Benjamin Parkison was married in 1796 I" 
 Olivia Rodgers, daughter of James Rodgers, who 
 emigrated from the North of Ireland, and in 1786 
 located in Washington county, Penu. The parents 
 died soon after their arrival, leaving a family of 
 seven children, of whom are named: Moses, 
 Andrew, Ebenezer and Olivia. Benjamin Parki- 
 son is described as a proud, stately man, very 
 fond of personal adornment. Every morning his 
 hair was powdered, and on special occasions silver 
 buckles were worn; and when he rode, his horse 
 was elegantly caparisoned, with mane and tail 
 braided, as was then the style. Mrs. Parkison was 
 no less remarkable for her love of display, and 
 they were known as an unusually handsome and 
 distinguished looking couple. He was accustomed 
 to make annual trips with flour to New Orleans 
 and the French settlements in Louisiana, and the 
 silver obtained for each barrel of flour would, it is 
 said, sometimes cover the top of the barrel. 
 When making these trips by tlatboat he took a 
 horse on which to ride home, a distance of 1,200 
 or 1,500 miles. On one occasion, while crossing a 
 bend of the Mississippi, he was taken prisoner by 
 India us, but a thunderstorm so terrified his capt- 
 ors that he was enabled to escape the same night. 
 
 One who often visited at his house says that Mr. 
 Parkison frequently carried a large amount of sil- 
 ver and gold coin from the mills iu a bandanna 
 handkerchief, and would playfully empty it into 
 his wife's lap. 
 
 William Parkison, sou of Benjamin and Olivia 
 Parkison, was burn at the homestead in Allegheny 
 county, Penn. He grew to manhood there, com- 
 menced early following the river, and at one time 
 he and his brother, James, owned and ran several 
 steamboats. He finally built a sawmill and car- 
 ried on boat-building, then erected a paper mill at 
 Elkhorn, just below the old homestead. He went 
 to Alabama soon after the war, intending to con- 
 duct a lumber business on the Tennessee river, but 
 finding the place near Decatur, where he had con- 
 templated locating, was already occupied, he pur- 
 chased a cottou plantation. Here he remained 
 three years, and then returned to Pennsylvania. 
 When a young man he was united in marriage 
 with Catherine M., daughter of Hon. James Rodg- 
 ers, a representative of the Rodgers family above 
 mentioned, who came to America in 1770. She 
 bore him five children, viz.: A. R., Mrs. Ella J. 
 Spriggs (of Creston, 111.), Rosalie, Mary M. , and 
 Mrs. Olivia Kelly (deceased). For his second wife 
 Mr. Parkison was married to Sophia Playford, of 
 Brownsville, Penn. He was a man of untiring 
 energy, and fearlessly undertook any enterprise 
 with which he became favorably impressed. His 
 wife survives him. 
 
 A. R. Parkison, son of William and Catherine 
 M. (Rodgers) Parkison, is the sole living male rep- 
 resentative of his family, and the only male de- 
 scendant of the early pioneers of that name near 
 Monongahela, where he is now in business. 
 
 L M ORRIS R. WEIR is a member of one of 
 
 \//\ the most prominent families of Franklin 
 ■1 I township, and was born January 21, 1846, 
 
 I - 1 on the Joseph Wejr farm, near Van Buren, 
 this county. He is a son of Joseph Weir, 
 who was born in 1800, and reared on the old home 
 place in Washington county. In early life he was 
 united in marriage with Jemima Squiers, also a 
 resident of Washington county, and to their union 
 were born children as follows: Samuel O, William 
 L., Elizabeth and John B. For his second wife 
 Mr. Weir was married to Mrs. Phoebe Hauna, 
 mother of John V. Hanna, and she bore him two 
 children: Morris R. aud Margaret (Mrs. John M. 
 Day). Mr. Weir was a very successful farmer, 
 and engaged extensively in sheep raising, being 
 one of the first in his neighborhood to raise Merino 
 sheep. 
 
 Morris R. Weir passed his boyhood on the farm, 
 and received a common-school education, which 
 he has improved by an extensive course of reading. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1357 
 
 On October 24, 1872, he was married to Sarah J. , 
 daughter of James McClain. Since his marriage 
 Mr. Weir has resided in the township several 
 years, and has been a resident of Washington 
 borough. In 1891 he removed to his present 
 home, on which he is making many improvements. 
 He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at Washington, and in politics he is an 
 active worker in the Democratic party. 
 
 office, and on the headwaters of Wheeling creek. 
 Politically Mr. Carter has always been a Repub- 
 lican, and in religion be and his wife are members 
 of the Valley Union M. E. Church. 
 
 AMUEL ANDREW CARTER, a represent 
 ative farmer of East Finley township, is a 
 native of Washington county, Penn., born 
 in Amwell township, September 17, 1840. 
 His ancestors were of English descent, his grand- 
 father's parents having immigrated to New Jersey, 
 where their son John was born, and lived until his 
 marriage with Rebecca McFarland, when he moved 
 to Amwell township, this county, and here reared 
 a family of eleven children. 
 
 Jesse Carter was born in 1808 on the farm in 
 Amwell township, Washington county, and passed 
 his early years at home, receiving but sparse edu- 
 cational advantages. He was united in marriage 
 with Susan Hughes, born in 1807, a daughter of 
 James Hughes, of Amwell township, and she bore 
 him the following children: Sarah Ann (deceased 
 wife of Francis Day), James (engaged in the hotel 
 business in Wayuesburgh, Greene Co., Penn.), 
 Rebecca (wife of J. W. Swart, living in Amwell 
 township), George (a butcher in Jacktown, Greene 
 Co., Penn.), Maggie (residing at home), Samuel A., 
 John (a successful farmer of Greene county, Penn.), 
 Henry (a farmer in Kansas) and Mary (who died in 
 infancy). Mr. Carter died in 1874, followed in 
 1876 by his faithful wife. 
 
 Samuel Andrew Carter received a limited edu- 
 cation at the schools of his district. He assisted 
 his father on the farm until August, 18*32, when 
 he enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth P. V. C, at 
 Washington, Penn., and took part in the engage- 
 ments at Gettysburg, Stony Creek Station and 
 many others, returning home at the close of the 
 conflict. On January 31, 1867, he was united in 
 marriage with Julia Parkinson, who was born Oc- 
 tober 3, 1844, a daughter of John Parkinson, of 
 Morris township, Greene Co., Penn., whose an- 
 cestors were natives of New Jersey, and they have 
 had four children, all of whom reside with their 
 parents: Lee Anna, born January 1, 1868; Dean, 
 born November 10, 1870; Maggie, born December 
 4, 1872, and John Clarence, born March 21, 1880. 
 After his marriage Mr. Carter continued to live 
 some time on his father's farm in Greene county, 
 and then purchased one in Morris township, same 
 county, upon which he lived fourteen years, and 
 in 1883 purchased his present place, the "Old Car- 
 roll " farm in East Finley township, this county, 
 situated three miles southeast of East Finley post- 
 
 Ji AMES M. DUVALL was born November 24, 
 1839, in East Pike Run township. Washing- 
 ) ton Co. , Penn. He is a grandson of Jacob 
 and Jane (Patterson) Duvall, who were 
 natives of Maryland and descended from 
 Irish ancestry. They came to Washington county, 
 Penn., many years ago, where the following chil- 
 dren were born to them: Mary, widow of Moses 
 Billingsley, of California, Penn.; Harriet, widow 
 of Robert Duvall, of Illinois; Samantha, wife of 
 Lewis J. Weaver, a farmer of East Pike Run town- 
 ship; Jefferson, a resident of East Pike Run town- 
 ship, and eight others who are now deceased. The 
 parents died in East Pike Run township. 
 
 Alexander Duvall was born in 1810, on the home 
 farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. , and passed his youth under the parental 
 roof. He was married to Jemima Hannon, who 
 was born in 1809, and they were the parents of 
 seven children, namely: Henry, a farmer of Fay- 
 ette county, Penn. ; Jacob, an agriculturist of Allen 
 township, Washington county; James M., of whom 
 a sketch follows; Jefferson, a farmer of East Pike 
 Run township; Isabella, wife of Jacob Crow, now 
 of Madison county, Iowa; Mary M., wife of Isaac 
 W. Richards, and Julia, married to William H 
 Jackman, a farmer of East Pike Run township. 
 The father of this family died in 1884, and in 1887 
 the mother passed awav. Thev were members of 
 the M. E. Church. 
 
 James M. Duvall was reared and educated on the 
 home place, and on April 10, 1865, was united in 
 marriage with Martha A. Crow, who was born in 
 1846, in Alleu township, this county, daughter of 
 Azariah and Sarah A. (Murphy) Crow, both natives 
 of Washington county, Penn., where the father 
 has followed farming. Mr. and Mrs. Crow have 
 had six children, namely: Jacob, John, Martha A. 
 (wife of James M. Duvall), Jane (married to Theo- 
 dore Jackman), Benjamin, and one deceased in in- 
 fancy. The father of this family is now farming 
 in Howell county, Missouri. 
 
 To the union of James M. and Martha (Crow) 
 Duvall have been born two children, viz.: Alva J. 
 and Minnie M. , wife of Eli Harmal, a farmer of 
 East Pike Run township. James M. Duvall is a 
 very progressive, energetic citizen, and is an active 
 member of the Republican party. He has sferved 
 three terms as township assessor, two as constable, 
 and has been school director for about fourteen 
 years. Socially he is a member of the American 
 Master Mechanics, Lodge No. 371, at Coal Centre, 
 Penn. The home place, a well- improved farm, is 
 situated two miles northwest of Coal Centre. 
 
1358 
 
 1 1 'ASHING TOX CO UN T Y. 
 
 I 
 
 DWARD H. DAUGHERTY. a prominent 
 4j resident of Canton township, is a son of 
 John Daugherty, who was a native of 
 County Deny, Ireland, and who, soon 
 after his marriage to Martha Hayes (who was also 
 a resident of the same county), emigrated to 
 America, landing first at New York. 
 
 Thence he proceeded to Washington county, 
 Penn.. where he settled in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 and began work upon a farm. Together this brave 
 young couple toiled, sharing their burdens and 
 blessings until they crossed the dark river and were 
 again united. Frugal and industrious in their 
 habits, Mr. and Mrs. Daugherty soon acquired a 
 goodly share of this world's wealth. The chil- 
 dren born to them were: Matilda (Mrs. James 
 Ferguson), Edward H., Sarah (Mrs. Thomas 
 Agnew), James, Alexander. Robert and John. Mr. 
 Daugherty was formerly a Whig, and after the 
 party was organized became a Republican. He 
 was connected with chm-ch and school work for 
 many years, and ever took an active interest in all 
 questions pertaiuing to the advancement of his 
 township. 
 
 Edward H. Daugherty was born October 22, 
 1822, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and 
 passed his earlier years upon the farm. When a 
 young man he engaged in teaming through differ- 
 ent parts of western Pennsylvania. In December, 
 184'J, he was united in marriage with Sarah Nes- 
 bit, a member of one of the pioneer families of 
 Canton township, and they have had the following 
 family of children: Mary A. (Mrs. J. L. Hender- 
 son), John H. (deceased), Martha Agnes (wife of 
 John Welsh). Margaret Jane (deceased), Sarah 
 Selena and Willard \V. (latter deceased). Mr. 
 Daugherty has a tine well-improved farm of 143 
 acres, situated in the northern part of Canton 
 township, and equipped with comfortable, com- 
 modious buildings. His success in life has been 
 achieved by hard work, and he is now reaping the 
 reward of years of labor. He is a very active 
 worker in the ranks of the Republican party, and 
 is a member of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Cross Roads, as is also his wife. 
 
 \ILLIAM H. DICKERSON, a representa- 
 tive of an influential family of Franklin 
 township, is a son of William Dickerson, 
 — ' whose father moved to Franklin township. 
 Washington Co., Penn., in an early day. 
 He there located on a small farm, which was a por- 
 tion of the place now owned by Mr. Dickerson. 
 A fort was erected on his property to protect the 
 colonists from the depredations of the savages, 
 who surrounded the homes of the early settlers. 
 Here in the lonely wilderness were born the chil- 
 dren of this pioneer couple, namely: John and 
 
 William. Mr. Dickerson's life was. like that of 
 all frontiersmen, filled with toil and danger; he 
 passed his days in tilling the virgin soil, and aided 
 considerably in the development of the county. 
 In politics he was a Whig. 
 
 William Dickerson was born on his father's 
 farm in Franklin township, Washington county, 
 where he passed his youth, learning the practical 
 lessons of industry and economy, which were of 
 far more value to the early settlers than a mere 
 text-book education. When yet a young man he 
 was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Jolly, also 
 a resident of Franklin township, and to their union 
 were born four children: Asa, Lydia (Mrs. Mel- 
 vin Riggs), John and Sarah (Mrs. William 
 Sturges). Mr. Dickerson married, for his second 
 wife, Martha Clark, a native of Greene county, 
 Penn., and to this marriage came children as 
 follows: Jane (Mrs. William Leonard), Mary A. 
 (Mrs. James Crosby) and William H. Mr. Dick- 
 erson was an enterprising man, and secured his 
 property through his own efforts. Politically he 
 was first a Whig, and upon the formation of the 
 party became a Republican. He died in 1860 and 
 his widow in lN'JO, and the remains of both are in- 
 terred in the family cemetery, which is on the 
 home farm. 
 
 William H. Dickerson was born January 5, 1N40, 
 on the home farm in Franklin township, and passed 
 his boyhood in the usual farm duties, and in at- 
 tending the neighboring schools. On October 18, 
 1877, he was united in marriage with Millie, daugh 
 terof Christopher Bibby,aresidentof Waynesburg, 
 Greene Co., Penn., and one of its earliest settlers. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Dickerson have had the following 
 children: Sarah (deceased), Archie and Bessie. 
 Mr. Dickerson is one of the enterprising citizens 
 of the township, and is an active member of the 
 Republican party. 
 
 HENRY LANDEFELD, one of the most ex- 
 tensive travelers in Washington county, and 
 proprietor of the largest clothing establish- 
 — ment in Monongahela, is of German birth, 
 a son of Matthias Landefeld. 
 Matthias Landefeld was born in 1794, in Hes- 
 sen-Cassel, Germany, where he grew to manhood 
 and received a thorough education. At the age of 
 seventeen years he entered the German army as a 
 volunteer under Blucher, and participated in all 
 of the engagements led by that general, taking 
 part in the world-renowned contest at Waterloo. 
 He had three brothers in the service, all of whom 
 died, and after the war he returned home and fol- 
 lowed coal mining the rest of his life. In early 
 manhood he was married in Hessen-Cassel to 
 Mary Schrenewolf, who bore him twelve children, 
 of whom are named the following: Louisa, Jacob, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1361 
 
 Louis, William, Reinhardt, Elizabeth, Eliza, Chris- 
 tina and Henry. 
 
 Henry Laudefeld was born September 17, 1846, 
 in Hessen-Cassel, Germany, and, as is character- 
 istic of the Germans, enjoyed the advantages of a 
 good education. He then spent four years in 
 learning the tailor's trade, paying $60 tuition fee, 
 and furnishing his own clothes in the meanwhile; 
 a long, tedious, and, according to the ideas of many 
 Americans, useless apprenticeship. But if the 
 American people were more prone to emulate the 
 painstaking, tedious preparation by which the Ger- 
 mans fit themselves for a chosen vocation, it would 
 result in better workmen, higher pay, and better 
 times. "Slow but sure" has ever been the ex- 
 cellent motto of the German Empire, and is the 
 watchword of a nation of skilled workmen who can 
 be excelled by none other in their special depart- 
 ments. After serving his time Henry Laudefeld 
 started on a journeyman's tour, and from 1864 to 
 1865 remained at Hamburg, thence traveling 
 through Holstein to Mecklenburg. He then spent 
 four weeks in Hamburg, and from there went to 
 Scotland, working in Leith and Edinburgh. He 
 lay ill six months at the latter place, and upon re- 
 covering attempted in vain to secure work in Glas- 
 gow, so returned to Edinburgh. Some time after- 
 ward he again went to Glasgow and worked there 
 several years; then spent three weeks in Liverpool, 
 from which place he proceeded to Manchester, and 
 in 1S67 returned to Liverpool. He then enlisted 
 in the Fifty-second British regiment, and remained 
 with it five years, having been in the service dur- 
 ing the Fenian trouble at Dublin, Ireland. From 
 Dublin they marched to Limerick, and one year 
 later went to Cork, thence to Malta, where they 
 were stationed four years. He there deserted 
 the army, and after remaining on the island 
 three weeks, escaped as a stowaway on a vessel 
 bound for Constantinople, Turkey. From Con- 
 stantinople, he went to Egypt and Tripoli; 
 thence to Gibraltar, where he lay sick several 
 weeks. On recovering, he embarked at Gibraltar 
 on an American- bound vessel, and, working his 
 way across, first landed in New York. He then 
 left the vessel, and in 1872, after a short stay in 
 New York, went to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he 
 was married on September 17, 1874, to Emily 
 Steinecke, and there followed his trade until 1875. 
 He then went to Salineville, Ohio, remaining there 
 one year, and finally coming to Mouongahela, en- 
 gaged as a tailor and cutter with Silas Haley, for 
 whom he worked twenty-three months. At the 
 end of that time he began business for himself as 
 a tailor and clothing merchant, and six years later 
 purchased another establishment, which he re- 
 modeled in 1884. In 1890 he erected his present 
 place of business, which is 135x33 feet in size, and 
 four stories in height, being one of the finest build- 
 
 ings in the Monongahela Valley. This is the largest 
 merchant tailor establishment near Pittsburgh, and 
 also carries a full line of furnishing goods and 
 ready-made clothing. Mr. Landefeld has won his 
 remarkable success by his own efforts, and is 
 deeply interested in all public improvements. 
 His children have been born as follows: Minnie C, 
 Charles H. , Theodore S., Russell A., Reinhardt 
 L., Frederick W., William M. and Charles W. 
 
 RS. NANCY EALY, widow of Martin 
 Ealy, was born September 10, 1828, in 
 Greene county, Penn., daughter of Ben- 
 jamin McConnell, of that county. On 
 June 20, 1846, she was married to Martin 
 Ealy, an industrious and successful farmer of East 
 Finley township, Washington county. 
 
 Martin Ealy was born January 15, 1826, in East 
 Finley township, and passed his early youth in as- 
 sisting his father in the duties of the farm. On 
 attaining the age of maturity he was united in 
 marriage, as above related, with Miss Nancy Mc- 
 Connell, and to their union were born children, of 
 which the following is a brief record: Rosanna, 
 born April 20, 1847, in early womanhood was 
 married to Albert Sampson, and died October 14, 
 1870; Silas, born June 10, 1849, is now living in 
 East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 married to Belle Almas; Martha Jane, born Au- 
 gust 10, 1851, is the wife of James Supler, 
 and they reside in West Alexander, Washington 
 Co., Penn. ; Clarissa, born March 17, 1853, mar- 
 ried George Smith, and resides in Greene coun- 
 ty, Penn. ; Lucinda, born December 10, 1854, is 
 the wife of John Hunt, and is also living in 
 Greene county ; Hannah Minerva, born December 
 25, 1857, and is living in West Alexander, Done- 
 gal township, this county, wife of Wilson Rockey; 
 John Richard, born June 29, 1859, is married to 
 Addie Whitam, their home being also in West 
 Alexander, this county; Mary Ellen, born Decem- 
 ber 28. 1861, married to John Burns, and lives in 
 East Finley township, this county; Juda Ann. 
 born January 22, 1865, is married to John Booth, 
 and lives in West Alexander, Penn. ; Sarah Cath- 
 erine and Ida Florine (twins), born November 17, 
 1868, died in infancy; Martin Ellsworth, born 
 October 26, 1869, is united in marriage with Miss 
 Addie Sprowls (they are residents of East Finley 
 township); James Albert, born March 25, 1872. is 
 living at home with his widowed mother, and has 
 attended to the work of the farm since the death 
 of his father. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Ealy settled on his fath- 
 er's farm, which is situated in East Finley town- 
 ship, opposite East Finley postoffice, and there 
 made his home sixteen years, when he purchased 
 the well-improved farm upon which his widow 
 resides. Mr. Ealy was a very successful farmer, and 
 
1362 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 a man whose death was deeply mourned by the 
 community in which he lived. He was a member 
 of the U. B. Church at Fairmouut, and contrib- 
 uted liberally to its support. In politics he was 
 an active worker in the Republican party. Mr. 
 Ealy died March 19, 1885, and his widow now 
 manages the farm with much skill. She is a mem- 
 ber of the Baptist Church at Enon. 
 
 rii NDREW JACKSON GRIMES, a prosper- 
 / l\ ous farmer of Buffalo township, is a grand- 
 Ip4\ son of William Grimes, Sr. , who was born 
 II east of the mountains in Pennsylvania, and 
 
 became a pioneer settler of Washington 
 county. He married and settled in Donegal town- 
 ship, where he reared nine children. 
 
 William Grimes, son of the above, was born in 
 1818, on the old homestead in Donegal township, 
 this county, and in early manhood removed to 
 Ohio, where he lived twenty years. He finally 
 returned to Pennsylvania, and passed the remain- 
 ing years of his life on the farm in Buffalo town- 
 ship, which is now occupied by hisson, Andrew. He 
 was a successful farmer. Mr. Grimes passed from 
 earth in 1881. 
 
 Andrew Jackson Grimes was born in the year 
 1860, and passed his youth in assisting his father 
 on the farm and inattendingschool,receivingagood 
 education. His sister Sallie resides with him on a 
 portion of the old farm. Mr. Grimes is a mem- 
 ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Taylors- 
 town, this county, and in politics is a Democrat, 
 but is not an aspirant for political honors. 
 
 J |OHN McPHERSON, a prominent pioneer of 
 Buffalo township, was born April 1, 1812, in 
 I Lancaster county, Penn. His grandfather, 
 John McPherson, was a native of Ireland, 
 where his entire life was passed, and where he 
 died at an advanced age, leaving a sou named John. 
 John McPherson (father of the subject of this 
 sketch) remained in Ireland until about twenty 
 years of age, when he came to America, and settled 
 in Lancaster county, Penn. He was married to 
 Ann Logan, and she bore him children as follows: 
 William, James, John, Daniel, Ann and Mary. 
 Of this family all are deceased except Ann and John. 
 John McPherson remained in Lancaster county, 
 Penn., until he was five years old, when he ac- 
 companied his parents to Washington county, same 
 State. He received his early education at a log- 
 cabin subscription school, which was near his pres- 
 ent home. Mr. McPherson is now a venerable 
 but hale old gentleman, and is highly esteemed by 
 all who know him. In politics he is a Democrat 
 of the old school, but has never permitted himself 
 to become prominently connected with political 
 questions. , 
 
 OLIN R. PRALL, an enterprising and 
 thrifty citizen and prominent agriculturist 
 of Amwell township, is a native of the 
 same, having been born May 9, 1850, on 
 the old farm near " Dunning Hart's." 
 
 His grandfather, John Prall, came in an early 
 day from New Jersey to Amwell township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., and located on the old Van- 
 Kirk farm, where he passed the remainder of his 
 life. He was twice married, and reared the fol- 
 lowing family of children: William Harrison (de- 
 ceased), Benjamin (deceased), Jackson, Mary (Mrs. 
 Lacock), and Marguerite (wife of Mr. Stout). Mr. 
 Prall took an active part in assisting to organize 
 and develop the county, and did all in his power 
 to promote any enterprise for the public good. He 
 was a Democrat, but not a politician. He died in 
 his eighty-second year, mourned by many friends. 
 
 Jackson Prall was born in 1815 on the old farm 
 in Amwell township, Washington county, and 
 lived there until about a year after his marriage. 
 He was united in marriage with Mary Jane Car- 
 lile, a granddaughter of Mollie Stark, of Revolu- 
 tionary fame. They had one son and one daugh- 
 ter: Colin R. , and Mrs. Lizzie Jane Ward, re- 
 siding in Washington county, Penn. After his 
 marriage Mr. Prall purchased a farm of sixty-six 
 acres, now a part of the "Dunning Hart" place, 
 upon which he resided twenty-two years, when he 
 removed to the old farm just south of Martins- 
 burg. South Strabane township, and lived there 
 eleven years, then came to the place on the Na- 
 tional pike, east of Washington, where he now 
 lives, retired from the more active scenes of life, 
 in his seventy-sixth year. Mr. Prall has always 
 given his voice and vote to the advancement of 
 good government, but has never been an active 
 politician. His wife died in 1878. 
 
 Colin R. Prall, son of Jackson and Sarah Prall, 
 remained on the home farm until he was thirty- 
 one years of age, and received a good common- 
 school education. On September 28, 1871, he was 
 married to Chris A. Slusher, who was born in 
 1850, a daughter of Michael and Lavina Slusher. 
 In 1882 Mr. Prall purchased the farm of ninety 
 acres which he now occupies, and which is one of 
 the most valuable tracts in the township. He 
 has, unaided, become a prosperous business man. 
 Politically, he is a Democrat. 
 
 QEORGE CUNNINGHAM is a son of Launce- 
 lot Cunningham, who emigrated in 1812 
 from County Donegal, Ireland, and, land- 
 ing at Philadelphia, first settled in Jefferson 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. In early 
 manhood he was married to Hannah Virtue, also a 
 native of Ireland, who immigrated with her family 
 to America, and the young people began their 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1363 
 
 wedded life on the farm in this county which is 
 yet owned by their descendants. Three children 
 blessed their union, namely: George; Isabelle, 
 born in 1821, and Hannah, born in 18*23. 
 
 George Cunningham was born April 27, 1819, 
 on the home farm in Jefferson township, this 
 county, where he is now residing, and passed his 
 youth in the usual duties incumbent upon a farm- 
 er's son. In 1841 he was united in marriage with 
 Elizabeth Steen, who was born January 27, 1820, 
 on the old Steen homestead in Jefferson township, 
 (laughter of Robert Steen, who was of Irish de- 
 scent. To the union of George and Elizabeth 
 Cunningham the following children were born: 
 Hannah Ann (Mrs. McCleary), Robert (married to 
 Jane Ann Scott), Elizabeth, George (married to 
 Annie McCray) and Launcelot. The mother of 
 these children died December 13, 1881. George 
 Cunningham began life on a very modest little 
 farm, but worked away with an unfaltering will 
 and tireless industry. When his father died he 
 bought out the interest of the other heirs in the 
 old place and kept the property in the family name, 
 and he now owns between three and four hundred 
 acres of fertile and well-improved farm land. In 
 politics he has always voted with the Democratic 
 party, and is a counselor and adviser of that fac- 
 tion. In religious connection he is a member of 
 the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has 
 served as trustee, steward, and in various other 
 capacities. 
 
 •*jpv OBERT B. VANCE is a representative of an 
 |Wv old and highly esteemed family of Independ- 
 [| V, ence township. He is of Scotch descent, 
 I) -^ the first ancestor of the family to immigrate 
 v to America being one Joseph Vance, who 
 
 was born in Scotland about the middle of the sev- 
 enteenth century. In early manhood Joseph Vance 
 left the "bonny braes" of Scotland, landing in 
 America some time after, and becoming a pioneer 
 settler of Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek 
 township, Washington county, while the Indians 
 were still numerous, and soon achieved a wide- 
 spread reputation as an Indian fighter, many of 
 the dusky warriors having fallen by his unerring 
 rifle. Few if any were more prominently identi- 
 fied with the early settlement of the western por- 
 tion of Washington county than was Mr. Vance. 
 He married and passed the remainder of his life 
 in the wilderness where his first log cabin was 
 erected; during his lifetime the uncultivated land 
 had become a fertile farm. He and his wife passed 
 to their rest at an advanced age, leaving their 
 children to finish the work so nobly begun. 
 
 Among these children was a son William, born 
 in 1776, and reared in Washington county, amid 
 the usual trials and dangers of pioneer life. His 
 education was necessarily limited, as schools were 
 
 few, and at best afforded but meager opportuni- 
 ties. He was first married to Rachel Patterson, a 
 resident of Cross Creek township, who bore him 
 six children. She died, and a few years afterward 
 he married, for his second wife, Hannah Patterson, 
 a member of an old family of Cross Creek town- 
 ship. To this union also were born six children. 
 Mr. Vance always lived in Cross Creek township, 
 and was one of the representative men of the day. 
 He died in 1856. He was a Whig in politics, and 
 in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 James Vance (the third child of his father's first 
 marriage) was born July 22, 1804, in Cross Creek 
 township, and passed his boyhood days on his 
 father's farm, receiving instruction in the princi- 
 ples of agriculture, of which he made so practical 
 a use in later life. He received a somewhat lim- 
 ited education in the subscription schools, and in 
 1829 was united in marriage with Susan Walker, 
 who was born December 22, 1809, daughter of 
 Alexander Walker, of Cross Creek township. The 
 children born to their union were: Alvira (Mrs. 
 James Dodds, of Independence township), Rachel 
 (Mrs. Perry Liggett, of West Middletown, Penn.) 
 and Robert B. (subject of this sketch). Mr. 
 Vance continued to live in Cross Creek township 
 until 1837, when he came to Independence town- 
 ship, locating about two miles east of the village of 
 that name, and there made his permanent home. 
 Mr. Vance was formerly an Old -line Whig, and on 
 the formation of the new party united with the 
 Republicans. Much of the s'uccess in his business 
 life was due to his own efforts and sagacious man- 
 agement. Mr. Vance died in 1881, and September 
 29, 1889, was followed by his widow, who was laid 
 to rest by the side of her husband. Both were 
 consistent members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Robert B. Vance was born August 30, 1842, 
 on the old farm in Independence township, which 
 is his present home. He attended the district 
 schools, and assisted in the farm work. On March 
 8, 1866, he was married to Rebecca McCleary, who 
 was born January 1, 1844, daughter of Ewing 
 McCleary, of Brooke county, W. Va., and the fol- 
 lowing children were born to them: Cynthia (Mrs. 
 Samuel Dunbar, of Smith township), Alvira, James 
 E. and Sadie, the latter three living with their 
 parents. Mr. Vance has always resided on the 
 home place, and follows general farming and stock 
 raising, being especially successful with the latter 
 business. He is a well known and popular citizen; 
 in politics he is an active member of the Demo- 
 cratic party, and has been called upon to fill vari- 
 ous township offices. Although Mr. Vance is not 
 a church member, he believes in and supports the 
 cause of religion. The "Golden Rule" is his 
 motto, and by observing the precept which it con- 
 tains he and his family have won the esteem and 
 friendship of all who know them. 
 
1364 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 JACOB ZELT, one of the well-known and pros- 
 perous farmers of Canton township, is a son 
 of Jacob Zelt, a record of whom appears on 
 page 1035. in sketch of Albert Zelt. Our 
 subject was born April 21, 1850, in Washing- 
 ton, Washington Co., Penn., where he continued 
 to reside for many years. His early education was 
 received at the common schools of his native town, 
 where he received an excellent course of training, 
 which was the foundation of his success in later 
 life. On May 25, 1875, he was united in marriage 
 with Miss Mary J., daughter of Thomas Elwood. 
 After marriage the young couple took up their res- 
 idence on the home farm, which our subject pur- 
 chased after the death of his father, who passed 
 away May 10, 1882. They have two children: 
 Mary E. and Thomas A. Mr. Zelt is a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Washington, to 
 which he gives a very liberal support. In politics 
 he has always been a Democrat, and is one of the 
 most enterprising and intelligent citizens of his 
 township. 
 
 OBERT MANIFOLD, a leading citizen of 
 North Strabane township, was born Octo- 
 ber 29, 1820. He is a grandson of Joseph 
 Manifold, who was a native of York county, 
 Penn., where he was married and passed 
 his entire life. His son. Benjamin Manifold, was 
 born in 1773, and passed his youth in his native 
 county, where he was married to Ann Gamble, a 
 resident of the same place. The following chil- 
 dren were born to their union: Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 Robert Black), Ellen (Mrs. William Black), Nancy 
 (wife of William Oates), Joseph, John, Mary, Jane 
 and Robert. In 1818 Mr. Manifold brought his 
 family to Washington county, Penn., and located 
 on the Morgan farm in South Strabane township, 
 where they lived until 1840, when they purchased 
 the farm now owned by Robert, and there passed 
 the remainder of their lives. Mr. Manifold was a 
 Whig, and although not an active politician, was 
 a stanch supporter of his party. He was an in- 
 dustrious man, and much interested in all public 
 enterprises. He was one of the leading members 
 of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Robert Manifold passed his early years on the 
 home farm in North Strabane township, and at- 
 tended the school at Washington borough some 
 years. He afterward shared in the management 
 of the home place, together with his brothers 
 John and James, which they purchased after rent- 
 ing it for several years. Mr. Manifold has never 
 married and his sister keeps house for him. About 
 three years ago the brothers made a division of the 
 property, and the home place fell to the share of 
 Robert. He then built a large house and barn, 
 and made many other improvements. Politically 
 
 he was formerly a Whig, and, since the organiza- 
 tion of the party, has been a stanch Republican, 
 although never accepting political office. He is a 
 member of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church, to 
 which he contributes liberally. 
 
 AMUEL CLARK WEIR, a prosperous and 
 successful farmer of Morris township, is the 
 youngest in a family of seven children born 
 to Samuel Clark and Annie (Parkinson) 
 Weir. Samuel Clark Weir, Sr., was born in 1815, 
 and iu 1847 was married to Annie Parkinson, who 
 was born in Washington county in 1S23, daughter 
 of Robert Parkinson, of Morris township. They 
 had seven children, namely: Hallace, Robert A., 
 Mary Ellen, Elizabeth Ann, Adam and a twin 
 brother, unnamed, who both died soon after birth, 
 and Samuel Clark. Of this family but two are 
 living: Robert A., who married Inez Andrew and 
 resides in Amwell township, and Samuel O, the 
 subject of this sketch. 
 
 Samuel C. Weir was but an infant when his 
 mother died, and he was reared by Zebulon Lindley, 
 with whom he made his home until 1878. He 
 was married in that year to Eliza Jane Post, who 
 was born March 13, 1855, a daughter of Munson 
 Post, of Morris township, and to this union were 
 born three children: Mary Elizabeth, born March 
 31, 1881; and twins, born March 2, 1891, who 
 lived but a short time. Mr. Weir gives especial 
 attention to stock raising, dealing principally in 
 horses. He is a Democrat in politics, and in re- 
 ligion both he and Mrs. Weir are members of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Concord. 
 
 J JOHN W. STEWART. This enterprising, 
 I representative citizen of Buffalo township is 
 I a grandson of Thomas Stewart, a native of 
 Ireland, who in early manhood immigrated 
 to America, making his permanent home in Wash- 
 ington county, Penn., where he became one of the 
 most prosperous and highly respected farmer citi- 
 zens of Donegal township. 
 
 John Welch Stewart, father of the subject of 
 this sketch, was born April 1, 18<>6, in Donegal 
 township, near Claysville, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and received an unusually good education fur that 
 period, although his earlier instruction was re- 
 ceived in the traditional primitive log schoolhouse. 
 He commenced life as a traveling salesman, carry- 
 ing his goods by wagon, and selling them by 
 wholesale to the retail dealers in the smaller towns. 
 Afterward he rented a farm, commencing a suc- 
 cessful agricultural career; later he resided near 
 Washington, in Canton township, and in 1840 
 bought a farm in Buffalo township. He was mar- 
 ried April .">, 1831, to .lane, daughter of William 
 

WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1367 
 
 McCall (deceased), a native of Washington county, 
 born December 20, 1808, and their family consisted 
 of the following children: William M., born Feb- 
 ruary 24, 1832, died November, 1862; Thomas, 
 born December 27, 1833, living in New Jersey; 
 Mary M. , born February 2, 1836, died January 26, 
 1885; Robert, born June 23, 1837, a practicing 
 physician in Allegheny county, Penn.; Jane, born 
 September 11, 1841, deceased at the age of eight 
 years; two that died in infancy; Anna M. , born 
 August 17, 1845, married to Samuel Wright, of 
 Buffalo township; John W., and James M., the 
 latter born January 25, 1850. The father died 
 August 31, 1866, the mother February 13, 1885. 
 
 John W. Stewart, son of John Welch and Jane 
 (McCall) Stewart, was born November 3, 1847, on 
 his father's farm in Buffalo township, and received 
 a good education at the common schools of his 
 district. When his father died, John W. took 
 charge of the home place of 217 acres, upon which 
 he now resides. He was united in marriage Octo- 
 ber 11, 1877, with Maggie, daughter of R. S. 
 Caldwell, of Hopewell township, this county, and 
 they have three children: Robert Vance, born 
 April 18, 1879; Irene, born January 31, 1883, and 
 John Lloyd, born January 27, 1887. Mr. Stewart 
 is one of the most successful and progressive farm- 
 ers and stock raisers in Washington county, and 
 grows annually a large amount of wool, having at 
 the present time a tine flock of 300 sheep. He 
 takes an active interest in politics as a member of 
 the Republican party. He and his wife are both 
 connected with the North Buffalo United Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 J (AMES F. WELCH, a leading merchant of 
 West Middletown, was born June 22, 1848, in 
 ) West Finley township, Washington Co. , Penn. 
 He is a grandson of James Welch, the latter 
 of whom was born and reared in eastern Penn- 
 sylvania, and when a young man came to Wash 
 ington county. James Welch was there married 
 to Margaret Johnson, daughter of one of the earli- 
 est pioneers of the county, who made a home in 
 Independence township, suffering much from the 
 Indians, who were then very hostile. To Mr. and 
 Mrs. Welch were born the following children: An- 
 drew (deceased in youth), Rachel (Mrs. James 
 Haggerty), Robert, Ephraim, Jane (Mrs. James 
 Hunter), Abel, Mary (wife of Andrew Paxton), 
 Eliza (married to Dr. William Smith), Nimrod 
 (living in Iowa), John, James and Aaron. After 
 his marriage Mr. Welch settled on the unimproved 
 farm in Independence township, which has since 
 been cultivated by the family, in whose possession 
 it has remained. Politically James Welch was a 
 Whig, taking an active part in local politics. He 
 was a leading member of the Associate Reformed 
 
 Church, in which he served as an elder many years, 
 and toward which he was a liberal contributor. He 
 is buried at Mt. Hope. 
 
 Aaron Welch was born June 16, 1819, in Inde- 
 pendence township, this county; he passed his 
 early life on the home farm, and received his edu- 
 cation at the log schoolhouse, with its puncheon 
 floor and huge fireplace. In 1843 he was united 
 in marriage with Ann, daughter of James Futhey, 
 of Cross Creek township, an old settler of this 
 couuty. Mr. Welch remained on the home place 
 some years after his marriage, and then moved to 
 West Finley township, this county, but soon after 
 purchased a farm in Cross Creek township. This 
 he sold, and bought a farm in Hopewell township, 
 where he remained till spring; then traded for 
 another place in the same township, where he re- 
 mained but a short time, and then moved to Inde- 
 pendence township. Some time afterward he pur- 
 chased- a farm near West Middletown, where he 
 made a permanent home. Children were born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Welch as follows: Elizabeth 
 M. (Mrs. A. W. McConnell), Lucretia A. (de- 
 ceased), James F., Mary J. (Mrs. D. A. Scott), 
 Edith A. (wife of Nathaniel Paxton), Rachel M. 
 (deceased wife of T. M. Cowden), Maria M. (Mrs. 
 John Nolan), and one that died in infancy. Mr. 
 Welch was formerly a Whig and then a Repub 
 lican. He took an active part in local politics, and 
 served his township in various capacities. In re- 
 ligion he was first a member of the Associate Re- 
 formed Church, afterward uniting with the United 
 Presbyterian Society, in which he was an elder for 
 years. He was actively interested in church mat- 
 ters, giving liberally to all worthy enterprises. 
 He died January 13, 1879, having been preceded 
 by his wife in 1870, and both are buried in the 
 cemetery at Mt. Hope. 
 
 James F. Welch remained on the home farm near 
 West Middletown, until about twenty-one years of 
 age, when he engaged in teaching school. He 
 followed this profession several years, then worked 
 two years in his brother-in-law's store at Venice, 
 this county, and in 1875 commenced business at 
 West Middletown. On September 16, 1875, he was 
 united in marriage with Lizzie R., daughter of 
 William Berry, who was born June 31, 1819, in 
 Mt. Pleasant township, this county. His grand- 
 father, John Berry, was born in Ireland, and there 
 learned the shoemaker's trade. He then came to 
 America, settling in Lancaster county, Penn., 
 where he lived some years, and afterward moved to 
 Washington county, where he purchased a farm 
 from part of the grant given to George Washing- 
 ton. He was engaged in the distillery business. 
 
 John Berry was born in Lancaster county, Penn., 
 and was reared and educated on the home place. 
 He was married to Rachel Phillips, who bore him 
 the following named children: Jonathan, Eliza A. 
 
i:ws 
 
 WAS HIX G TOX CO UX TY. 
 
 (Mrs. Alexander May), Mary (wife of Robert Rid- 
 dle), John, William aud Samuel. Mr. Berry fol- 
 lowed farming all his life. In politics he was a 
 Whig, then an Abolitionist, and afterward a Re- 
 publican. He was a member and elder of the As- 
 sociate Reformed Church for many years, then 
 united with the D. P. Church. He died iu 1870, 
 his wife in 1860. 
 
 William Berry spent his early years on the home 
 place in Lancaster county, Penn. , and there passed 
 his whole life. In 1849 he was married to Mar- 
 tha J., daughter of John Colkins, and their chil- 
 dren were, Lizzie R. (Mrs. J. F. Welch), Martha 
 L., Mary (wife of David A. McCalmont), Ella B., 
 Ida and James G. Mrs. Berry died January 8, 
 1865, and was buried at Venice. On January 30, 
 1878, Mr. Berry was united in marriage with Jane 
 G. Reed. He was a Whig aud Abolitionist, then 
 a Republican, and finally a Prohibitionist. He 
 was a member of the Associate Reformed Church, 
 aud afterward united with the U. P. Society. 
 
 To Mr. and Mrs. James F. Welch have been 
 born the following children: Anna M., Edith M. 
 and Nellie T. Mr. Welch is a successful business 
 man, and in politics was a Republican, now be- 
 ing a Prohibitionist. He has served faithfully in 
 various offices. In religious connection he is a 
 member and elder of the U. P. Church. 
 
 ffOHN P. MANES. The family which this 
 I gentleman represents are among the earliest 
 H J ] pioneers of Allegheny county, Penn. The 
 ^^ first one of whom we have an autheutic 
 record is one Culbert Manes, who was born 
 August 14, 1799, and reared in New Jersey, and 
 came to Allegheny county, Penn., in the latter part 
 of the past century. He was there united in mar- 
 riage with Susan, daughter of Samuel Van Kirk, 
 who was of New Jersey descent, and a member of 
 one of the oldest families in the county. They 
 were prominent iu the Revolutionary war, many of 
 them having served under Washington; Mr. Van- 
 Kirk took an active part in the battle of Brandy- 
 wine. While living in New Jersey he was mar- 
 ried to Mary Price, who bore him children as fol- 
 lows: Samuel, Joseph, John, Isaac, Thomas, Will- 
 iam, Sarah, Betsey, Mary, Ruth and Susan (who 
 became the wife of Culbert Manes). In politics 
 Mr. Van Kirk was a Democrat: he followed farm- 
 ing and stock raising. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Manes settled on a place 
 in Allegheny county, Penn., where he remained 
 until 1857, when he purchased a farm iu North 
 Strabane township, Washington county, where he 
 made a permanent residence. His children were: 
 John P. (subject of sketch), Mary J. (Mrs. Wesley 
 Greer), Samuel, Margaret (Mrs. T. H. Lyon) and 
 Joseph V. Mr. Manes always followed the busi- 
 
 ness of farming and stock raising. Politically he 
 was a Democrat, aud was frequently called upon 
 to serve the township in different capacities. He 
 was a member and liberal supporter of the Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 John P. Manes passed his youth on the home 
 farm in Allegheny county, Penn., and received a 
 common-school education. In 1849 he went to St. 
 Joseph, Mo. , and purchased mules for a Pittsburgh 
 compauy, continuing in that business about six 
 months, and then, joining a party of gold seekers, 
 went to California, where he remained seven years, 
 engaged in mining and other occupations. He 
 then returned to Pennsylvania, and on August 8, 
 1858, was married to Mary, daughter of John Mc- 
 Millan. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Manes set- 
 tled on the farm in North Strabane township, this 
 county, which is his present home, and has since 
 been engaged in farming and stock raising. He 
 has three children: Culbert, Mary A. (Mrs. David 
 Crone) and John A. Mr. Manes is one of the lead- 
 ing citizens of Washington county, but has recently 
 retired from active life. He takes an active inter- 
 est in church matters, and is a member of the 
 Presbyterian Society, in which he serves as trustee. 
 He votes independently of any party, but favors 
 the Democratic platform. 
 
 JAMES ALBERT RICHEY. The pioneer 
 ancestor of the Richey family was John 
 Richey, a native of Ireland, who came to 
 America in a very early day, and settled on 
 300 acres of land in Marshall county, W. Va. , 
 for which he paid $2 per acre. He procured the 
 necessary amount of money by raising flax, which 
 was then spun and woven into fine linen. He was 
 married and had three children, namely: John, 
 James and Moses. 
 
 James Richey (grandfather of subject) was born 
 in 1773, in Marshall county, W. Va., and passed 
 his youth in working on the home farm. He was 
 married to Miss Nancy Taylor, of Marshall county, 
 born near Wolf Run, and they continued to live 
 on the home farm the rest of their lives. The fol- 
 lowing children were born to them: Ellen (Mrs. 
 Edwards), Anna (Mrs. Cummins), Martha (Mrs. 
 Savers), Nancy (Mrs. Seaton), Lucy (Mrs. Lewis), 
 Jane (Mrs. Fish), Margaret (deceased in youth I. 
 John (father of our subject), James, Moses, Crosier 
 and Taylor (these four died in childhood). 
 
 John Richey was born October 24, 1819, in 
 Marshall county, W. Va. , and passed his youth at 
 home, assisting in the general duties of the farm. 
 On March 28, 1844, he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Margaret Kimmins, who was born March 21 r 
 1824, in Washington county, Penn. After their 
 marriage the young people settled in Honeytown r 
 W. Va., where Mr. Richev followed mercantile 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 \:m 
 
 business two years, and then removed to a farm 
 at Rosby's Rock, W. Va. , where lie lived about 
 twenty-five years, thence removing to the farm in 
 West Finley township, this county, where he died. 
 Eleven children were born to them: Andrew K., 
 born in June, 1S45 (was killed in the war in 1865); 
 Sarah M. , born iu March, 1846; Nancy E., born 
 December 21, 1847; John Taylor, bom November 
 19, 1849; James A., born March 16, 1853; Will- 
 iam C, born November 13, 1854 (deceased in 
 youth); Eva J., born May 1, 1856; Samuel W., 
 born September 14, 1858; Anna S., born Novem- 
 ber 17, 1860; Frank M., born December 7, 1862 
 (died in youth); and R. Swan, born March 11, 1865. 
 James A. Richey was born on the old farm in 
 Marshall county, W. Va. , and passed his youth 
 with his parents. On December 24, 1874, he was 
 married to Miss Louisa, daughter of John Mooney, 
 of Marshall county, W. Va. To their union was 
 born one child, which lived but six days, and on 
 July 12, 1887, the mother followed it to the grave. 
 The desolate husband and father sought forget- 
 fulness in western travel, and was afterward mar- 
 ried to Viola McCully, of Marshall county, W. Va. ; 
 she was born February 5, 1868, on the farm of her 
 father, Alexander McCully. Mr. and Mrs. Richey 
 have one daughter, Radia Florence, born October 
 12, 1890. Mr. Richey began life as a farmer, but 
 his health failing, he was forced to seek lighter 
 employment, and selling his farm (with the excep- 
 tion of ten acres) became a stock and wool dealer. 
 He then engaged in mercantile business with his 
 father for two years, but soon resumed his former 
 vocation. He has kept free from debt, and owns 
 two houses and lots in Businessburgh, Ohio, besides 
 about 100 acres of land. In politics he is a pillar 
 of the Republican party. 
 
 JACOB LEGLER is one of the successful ag- 
 riculturists of Union township. He is a son 
 ! of Jacob Legler, who was born in Witten- 
 berg, Germany, where he was married to 
 Rosanna Freoh, who was born on the farm near 
 Ruplesburg, where her husband lived. They set- 
 tled on a farm in their native country, and children 
 were born to them as follows: George, Andrew, 
 Jacob, Catherine, Rosanna and Fredrick, of whom 
 Catherine and Andrew are deceased. Jacob and 
 Andrew came to America in 1852, where Andrew 
 followed the business of a journeyman baker; 
 he died of cholera during the year of their arrival 
 in the New World. 
 
 Jacob Legler was born August 19, 1837, on tjie 
 home place in Wittenberg, Germany, and was but 
 fourteen years of age when he and his brother 
 emigrated. Upon landing in the New World he 
 was apprenticed to a baker, and after the death of 
 his brother continued working in the shop for 
 
 three years, then followed the trade for two years 
 as a journeyman baker, afterward working three 
 years as a pastry cook in different hotels. After 
 his marriage Mr. Legler was next employed for 
 five years as steward on a steamboat, and in 1865 
 opened a confectionery store in Monongahela, in 
 which business he continued for twelve years. He 
 finally bought 105 acres of land in Union township, 
 Washington county, and started a coal works, em- 
 ploying from fifty to 120 men. He conducted this 
 enterprise ten years, when, on account of the rail- 
 road switch being torn up, they abandoned the works. 
 He then entered into partnership with Messrs. Fritch- 
 man & Florsheim, and they opened the Germania 
 Coal Works, which have proved more profitable 
 than the original plant, and employ from 150 to 160 
 men. In politics Mr. Legler is a stanch advocate of 
 Republican principles, and in religion he is a mem- 
 ber of the German Lutheran Church. In 1859 
 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gliess, 
 of Allegheny county, Penn., who died some years 
 ago, leaving the following named children: Jacob 
 C. , John, William, Elizabeth, Sarah, George, 
 Margaret, Mary and James B. For his second 
 wife he married Sarah, daughter of Jacob Rhine, 
 a retired boat builder of Monongahela, and they 
 are living on the farm in Union township. 
 
 »Jr=\^ D. HAMILTON, a leading agriculturist of 
 \l*/y Chartiers township, first saw the light of 
 f\, day on the farm which is now his home, in 
 JJ -^ that township. He attended the common 
 v schools and afterward took a three years' 
 
 course at Washington and Jefferson College. He in- 
 tended to enter the ministry, but ill health com- 
 pelled him to abandon this, and he became a " tiller 
 of the soil." On November 28, 1881, he was 
 married to Sadie B. , daughter of R. M. and Mary 
 (Martin) Morgan. Mr. Morgan has been an elder 
 in the Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg and 
 Miller's Run for many years. Five children have 
 blessed the union of R. D. and Sadie B. Hamilton, 
 namely: Bertie M., Cora E., Claire B., Elsie M. 
 and Hazel B. The entire family are members of 
 the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Hamilton 
 has been an elder for the past six years, also serv- 
 ing as Sabbath-school superintendent. In polit- 
 ical opinion he is a Democrat. The home farm 
 contains 104 acres, and upon the pastures large 
 flocks of sheep are grazing, to which he gives 
 especial care. He is a member of the National 
 Delaine Stock Breeders Association. 
 
 di OHN M ALDOON, one of the progressive and 
 popular young agriculturists of Donegal 
 I township, is a son of Franklin Maldoon, who 
 was born in 1793, in County Down, Ireland. 
 The latter immigrated to America, and lo- 
 cating in Donegal township, married Jane Roberts, 
 
137i» 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 born in 1818, whose parents were among the 
 pioneer settlers of the community. The children 
 born to this union were Thomas (now living in 
 Pettis county, Mo.), John (deceased in infancy), 
 Mary Ann and Sarah J. (twins, now deceased), 
 Nancy (now Mrs. James Gray, of Wheeling, W. 
 Va.), Robert, George, Matilda and Moses (all four 
 deceased), Felix (farming in Ohio county, W. Va. ), 
 Margaret (Mrs. Wayts, of Ohio county, W. Va.), 
 Iantha (Mrs. John Wherry, residing in Ohio county, 
 W. Va. ), Felicia (unmarried, who lived with her 
 father) and John (the subject of this sketch). 
 After his marriage Franklin Maldoon made his 
 permanent home on the farm, where he died in 
 1881, and was followed to the grave by his wife in 
 1888. He was a successful farmer, and a typical 
 eon of the Emerald Isle, possessing the true na- 
 tive energy and enterprise. He accumulated a 
 comfortable property and enjoyed the friendship 
 and respect of his neighbors. 
 
 John Maldoon, whose name opens this sketch, 
 was born March 3, 1862, on the farm which he 
 now owns and lives upon. It is situated about 
 three and one half miles north of West Alexander, 
 in Donegal township, near the West Virginia line. 
 His boyhood was passed on his father's farm and 
 in attending the common schools. On May 23, 
 1887, he was united in marriage with Annie 
 Rogers, who was born April 24, 1864, a daughter 
 of James Rogers, of Ohio count)', W. Va., and 
 three children have been born to them, namely. 
 James Francis, Harry Edgar (deceased in infancy) 
 aud an infant daughter. Mr. Maldoon has always 
 lived on the home farm, and followed agricult- 
 ural pursuits. He is an active and industrious 
 young man, and gives fair promise of becoming 
 one of the prominent men in his community. 
 Politically, lie is a Democrat. 
 
 r 
 
 MflCHAEL WOLFE, deceased farmer of 
 Allen township, was born in 1791, in Vir- 
 ginia. His father, George Wolfe, was 
 J born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., 
 and he and his wife afterward moved to 
 Western Virginia, where they died. 
 
 Michael Wolfe was reared and educated in Vir- 
 ginia, and in early manhood came to Allen town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn.. where he followed 
 fanning and river life. He was there married to 
 Sallie Allen, who was a great-grandchild of Joseph 
 and Deborah (Hill) Allen. The latter couple were 
 natives of eastern Pennsylvania, and coming to 
 Washington county prior to the Revolution, took 
 up a vast tract of land under a Virginia certificate, 
 and became identified with the earliest history of 
 this county. They were Quakers. Eli Allen, son 
 of Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen, was born in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, aud came on horseback from 
 
 Chester county to Fayette county, Penn., where he 
 was married to Sarah Griffith, and finally settled 
 on his father's tract in Washington county, Penn. 
 He died in Indiana. 
 
 Joseph Allen, son of Eli and Sarah Allen, was 
 bora in Fayette county, where he was reared and 
 educated. In early life he was united in marriage 
 with Alma Thompson, a native of Fayette county, 
 and they moved to a farm in Allen township, 
 Washington county, and he followed his vocation 
 of boat-building. In political opinion he was a 
 Jacksonian Democrat, and was an esteemed citi- 
 zen. He died December 10, 1832, leaving a 
 widow, since deceased. They were the parents of 
 the following children: Letitia, born in March, 
 I mis (deceased wife of Allen Stockdale); Ruth, 
 born August 30, 1809 (Mrs. Michael Wolfe), de- 
 ceased many years ago; Eli, born January 23, 
 1811 (deceased in infancy); Sarah (widow of 
 Michael Wolfe), bora June 12, 1812; Eli, born 
 March 22, 1814 (deceased in Fayette county, 
 Penn., January 18, 1884, married to Martha 
 Donaldson); Joanna, born September 15, 1815 
 (wife of Francis McKee, of Uniontown, Penn.); 
 Joseph, born December 4, 1817 (married to Jane 
 Lyons, and living in Beaver county, Penn.); and 
 Barbara (deceased in infancy). 
 
 Michael and Sallie (Allen) Wolfe began wedded 
 life on a portion of the Allen tract, in Allen town- 
 ship, and his widow is yet living on seventy-five 
 acres adjoining Stockdale, and rents the home 
 farm. In political opinion Mr. Wolfe was a 
 Democrat. He died November 2, 1880. 
 
 diOHN M. DUNN. Foremost among the young 
 business men of Morris township stands the 
 gentleman whose name opens this sketch. 
 He is a son of Daniel Dunn, Jr., of Scotch- 
 Irish descent, whose grandparents emigrated 
 from England in early colonial days. 
 
 Joseph Dunn came to Washington county at a 
 time when it was but a vast wilderness, carrying 
 his possessions in a bandanna handkerchief. He 
 blazed trees, raised sheep and stock, and when he 
 died he possessed a large estate. He settled over 
 the line in Greene county and there died. He 
 married Elizabeth Montgomery, of Washington 
 county, Penn., and to this union nine chili hen 
 were born: Sarah, Daniel, James M., Elizabeth, 
 Joseph, Caroline, Hannah, Cassius and William. 
 Of these James M. , Joseph, Hannah, Elizabeth and 
 William are living. 
 
 Daniel Dunn. Jr. (father of subject), was born 
 October 21, 1830. He was reared to farm life, re- 
 ceived a common-school education, and afterward 
 entered Wayneslmrg College, from which — but for 
 the untimely death of his father — he would have 
 graduated. He taught school, and after his father's 
 
s%r. <5w^" 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1373 
 
 death virtually assumed charge of the vast estate 
 which the latter had left. His excellent business 
 ability was here shown, his management of the 
 estate being of a nature which would have done 
 credit to one of much greater experience in busi- 
 ness affairs. In 1856 he married Eunice Minton, 
 who was born April 8, 1836, a daughter of John 
 Minton, of Morris township, and of this union 
 there were the following children: John M. ; 
 Joseph Lincoln, born December 25, 1859;Isadore, 
 bom August 12, 1862, died November 25, 1865; 
 Clara, born July 29, 1865. Mr. Dunn was a suc- 
 cessful and prominent business man, giving a con- 
 siderable portion of his time to the settlement of 
 estates entrusted to his care. He was elder and 
 superintendent for years in West Union Cumber- 
 land Presbyterian Church and an active worker in 
 church matters. He died June 14, 1886. His 
 widow makes her home with her son, J. Lincoln, 
 who resides on the old home farm near Dunn's 
 Station, Morris township. 
 
 John Minton Dunn was born June 7, 1857. He 
 attended the common schools until he attained the 
 age of seventeen, when he entered Waynesburgh 
 College, where he pursued his studies for three 
 years. On account of the failing health of his 
 father, whose position of trust iu business and in- 
 dividual possessions required considerable atten- 
 tion, he was called home at the expiration of this 
 time to render necessary assistance. His father's 
 health being partially regained, John M. went to 
 Iowa, and located in Des Moines, engaging in the 
 dry-goods business, but the failing health of his 
 father again called him to the old home to assist 
 in the management and settlement of business 
 trusts, and here he remained until after his 
 father's death, which occurred in 1886. On De- 
 cember 12, 1882, Mr. Dunn married Annie Ross, 
 who was born August 18, 1862, a daughter of Tim- 
 othy Ross, of Morris township, and of English 
 origin, her great grandparents having been natives 
 of England. Of this union the following children 
 were born: Ross Allen, born October 2, 1884; 
 Laura Isadore, born April 25. 1886; Harold J., 
 born July 5, 1889; and Annie E., born December 
 23, 1892. For four years after his marriage Mr. 
 Dunn lived on the home farm with his father, and 
 then purchased adjoining land, where he has 
 since resided. 
 
 Mr. Dunn is an enterprising business man, and 
 one of the busiest in Washington county, having 
 within the last two years settled four estates. He 
 is secretary of the Morris Oil & Gas Company, 
 deals quite extensively iu real estate, owns consider- 
 able farm property, which is worked under his 
 personal direction, and is also a dealer in wool. In 
 politics he is an active Republican, and for six 
 years has been a school director, for two success- 
 ive terms in a Democratic township, which has 
 
 two Democrats to one Republican, and was presi- 
 dent of the school board. He was last elected by 
 a much larger majority than at first; he is a man 
 who stands for his convictions in the face of opposi- 
 tion, and of advanced ideas in educational matters. 
 He and his wife are members of the West Union 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he is 
 elder and Sunday-school superintendent. He is 
 stated clerk of the Pennsylvania Presbytery of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Pennsylvania 
 (the oldest Presbytery of the State), a position he 
 has held for some eight or nine years, being the 
 first elder that ever held the position. He repre- 
 sented the eldership of this Presbytery in the 
 General Assembly at Memphis, Tenn., in May, 
 1892. He has been trustee of Waynesburgh Col- 
 lege four years, and has been re-elected three 
 times; has been secretary and treasurer of the 
 church for ten or twelve years; has held many 
 positions of trust in his county, and has always 
 declined re-election or re-appointment, never being 
 set aside, and he enters heart and soul into all 
 matters he undertakes. The Morris Oil & Gas 
 Company was organized in 1889, and Mr. Dunn 
 was at once chosen secretary and general manager. 
 He is serving his third term as a member of the 
 county vigilance committee, and has served twice 
 on the county executive committee. He has been 
 director in the W. Mt. M. N. & W. Telephone 
 Company since the completion of the line in 1889. 
 Timothy Ross, father of Mrs. John M. Dunn, 
 was a prosperous farmer of Greene county, and 
 was a buyer of cattle, wool, etc. The county line 
 ran through his farm, and he chose Morris town- 
 ship as a living place. He married Joanna Tharp 
 (daughter of Samuel Tharp), and both died many 
 years ago of typhoid fever, the father dying first, 
 the mother a few weeks later. When the wife of 
 our subject was small, an uncle of our subject, 
 Daniel Dunn, Sr. , helped nurse them, and he, too, 
 died. Mr. and Mrs. Ross had six children: Ella, 
 Thomas, Hiram, Virginia (deceased), Annie (Mrs. 
 Dunn) and Laura (wife of James Miner, of Jeffer- 
 son, Greene county). Mrs. Dunn's home was in Jef- 
 ferson, where she attended college and graduated. 
 
 ^ILLIAM RUSSELL is a prominent and 
 influential member of a pioneer family, 
 the first of whom to settle iu Washington 
 county being Abraham Russell, who was 
 born in Ireland, and came to America 
 soon after the war of the Revolution. He married 
 in this country, and became one of the earliest set- 
 tlers of Smith township, this county, at a time when 
 the Indians were yet troublesome to the white pio- 
 neers. He was a successful farmer, and served his 
 country in the war of 1812, and died at an advanced 
 age, leaving the following children who lived to 
 
1374 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 adult age: William (mentioned elsewhere in this 
 record), James and Juhu (twins, the latter deceased 
 in Allegheny county, Penn.) and Nancy (wife of 
 Jacob Drake, a farmer of Armstrong county, Penn.). 
 
 James Russell (a son of Abraham) was born and 
 reared on his father's farm in Smith township, as- 
 sisting his father both with the farm work ami in 
 distilling, which was then a common vocation ', 
 aiming the farmers. About 1819 he was married ■ 
 to Rachel, daughter of Abraham Scott, and chil- 
 dren were born to them as follows: Abraham, 
 Jane (who died of cancer at the age of twenty- 
 eight years), Samuel (living in Guernsey county, 
 Ohio), Sarah (widow of William Aten), James (of 
 Beaver county, Penn.), Mary (Mrs. Alexander Mo- 
 Connell, of the town of Beaver, Penn.), William 
 (subject of this sketch) and Margaret (deceased 
 wife of Lorenzo Cohen). Mr. and Mrs. James Rus- 
 sell passed their married life in Robinson town- 
 ship, this county, both living to a good old age. 
 Like his ancestors before him, he was an excellent 
 citizen, steady and industrious, winning and re- 
 taining the respect of his neighbors. Politically 
 he was a Democrat, deeply interested in the success 
 of his party. His widow survived him ten years, 
 and was then laid to rest by his side. 
 
 William Russell (the subject of this biography) 
 was born February 23, 1830, in Robinson town- ; 
 ship, this county, and began work on the farm 
 as soon as he was old enough to be useful. On 
 October 20, 1859, he was married to Rebecca Gor- 
 don, who was born in 1837, a daughter of David 
 Gordon, of Robinson township, this county, and 
 they have had the following children: James, 
 Rachel, David M. (a farmer living on the home 
 farm in Robinson township), Alice J. and William 
 M. William Russell and his wife first settled on the 
 home farm which he yet owns, and resided upon 
 till 1885. He then came to Smith township, locat- 
 ing on the fertile farm of 170 acres which he is now 
 occupying, situated near the headwaters of Rac- 
 coon creek, about three aud a half miles south of 
 Burgettstown, this county. In 1892 Mr. Russell 
 erected a handsome residence which adds to the 
 value and beauty of his property. He has always 
 been a successful farmer and careful financier; 
 he raises the best quality of stock, such as Black-Top 
 sheep, Durham cattle and Poland-China hogs. In 
 politics he is a Democrat, but votes for the man 
 rather than the party, and in religion he and his wife 
 are members of Cross Creek Presbyterian Church. 
 
 \ILLIAM H. FRAZIER, a worthy repre- 
 sentative of one of the oldest and most 
 prominent families in the county, comes 
 of Highland-Scotch descent, his great- 
 grandfather, Andrew Prazier, the first of 
 
 the family to come to this country, having been 
 
 born in Inverness, Scotland. 
 
 Andrew Frazier married, in his native land, 
 Christina Ross, and in 1772 came with his family 
 to the United States, making his first settlement 
 in Chartiers township, this county, where he re- 
 mained some years, and then purchased a farm 
 in what is now West Finley township, same county, 
 which piece of land, some four hundred acres in ex- 
 tent, was at that time nearly all unbroken forest. 
 The children born to this worthy old pioneer were 
 David, Alexander, Daniel, Elizabeth (Mrs. William 
 McDonald) and Nancy (Mrs. John Echols). The 
 parents of this family died in West Finley town- 
 ship, at advanced ages, having experienced all the 
 trials and hardships incident to the early times of 
 their coming here. They were members of the 
 old " Three Ridges " Presbyterian Church, and in 
 politics Mr. Frazier was a Democrat. 
 
 David Frazier, grandfather of William H. Fra- 
 zier, was born in 1779, in Washington county, 
 Penn., and the days of his boyhood and youth 
 were passed on his father's farm in Finley town- 
 ship, a few weeks in the winter season being de- 
 voted to attending the primitive subscription 
 schools of the neighborhood. While yet a young 
 man he was married to Jane Ross, of Finley, and 
 then purchased a farm in that township, where he 
 passed the rest of his days, diligently and success- 
 fully engaged in general agriculture. He had in 
 early life studied civil engineering, which he fol- 
 lowed to some extent in the county. To David 
 and Jane (Ross) Frazier were born seven children, 
 as follows: Thomas, Margaret, Andrew B., Jane 
 (Mrs. Daniel McCoy), Christina O. (Mrs. Perry E. 
 Whitham), William and Alfred Ross, all now de- 
 ceased except Andrew B. , who is a Presbyterian 
 minister in Bethany, 111. The father died in 1839, 
 the mother in 1866. They were members and 
 liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church at 
 West Alexander. Politically. Mr. Frazier was a 
 Democrat, and held many offices of honor and 
 trust in his township, being a leader in his com- 
 munity. He was elected to the Legislature of the 
 State of Pennsylvania, serving one term with 
 marked ability, aud he was a justice of the peace 
 many years, in which capacity he was looked up 
 to as a just man and a peacemaker. His walk 
 through life was quiet, unobtrusive and Christian- 
 like. 
 
 Thomas Frazier, the eldest son of David, was 
 born in 1810 in that portion of Finley township 
 now known as West Finley, and his early life was 
 spent in Canonsburg, same county, where he was 
 partly educated. He also attended the West 
 Alexander Academy for a time, and then entered 
 Jefferson College, where he graduated about the 
 year 1831. He was twice married: On the first 
 occasion, in 1839, to Nancy, daughter of William 
 Hall, of West Alexander, by which union there 
 were four children: William H, David (in New 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1375 
 
 Mexico), Agnes (wife of J. W. Blayney, and re- 
 siding in Washington, Penn.), and one that died in 
 infancy- The mother of this family dying in 1862, 
 Mr. Frazier married in 1865, for his second wife, 
 Barbara, daughter of John McDonald. After his 
 first marriage Mr. Frazier embarked in mercantile 
 business in West Alexander, where he remained 
 some years, and then moved to New Concord, Ohio, 
 where lie continued business in the same line. 
 This he sold out after two years, and then returned 
 to his native township, where he purchased a farm 
 and followed agricultural pursuits, including stock 
 raising, until 1869, in which year he moved to the 
 borough of West Alexander, where he lived a re- 
 tired life until his death which occurred September 
 17, 1877. His widow still survives him. He 
 practiced civil engineering and surveying for a 
 time, and he it was who surveyed the West Alex- 
 ander cemetery, where his remains now repose. 
 He was a lifelong Democrat, and filled many 
 prominent local positions of trust with character- 
 istic care and integrity, and for the office of justice 
 of the peace, to which he was twice elected, he 
 evinced peculiar aptness. He was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 William H. Frazier, the subject proper of this 
 memoir, was born April 9, 1840, in the borough of 
 West Alexander, Washington Co., Penn., at the 
 common schools of which place he received his 
 rudimentary education, afterward attending the 
 McCluskey Academy. In 1870 he embarked in the 
 grocery business at Bellaire, Ohio, in which he 
 continued seven years, and then moved to West 
 Alexander, where he has since remained. On 
 February 12, 1889, he was married to K. R., 
 daughter of W. H. Johnson, of Wheeling, W. Va. 
 Politically he is a Democrat, and during President 
 Cleveland's administration he was appointed post- 
 master at West Alexander, serving the incumbency 
 four years. He is a member of the Presbyterian 
 Church at West Alexander, and is a much re- 
 spected citizen. 
 
 d[ OHN HERRON, a prosperous and progressive 
 resident of Washington county, is a son of 
 ) Joseph Herron, whose father, James Herron, 
 was brought with his father's family to 
 America at an early day. 
 
 James Herron was born in County Down, Ire- 
 land, and remained there during his boyhood, 
 coming to America in the latter part of the eight- 
 eenth century. He located in North Strabane 
 township, Washington Co. , Penn., on the farm now 
 owned by his grandson, James. In early life he 
 was married to Rachel Reed, a resident of Ohio, 
 and children were born to them as follows: Charles, 
 John, William, James, Robert, John, Joseph, 
 Thomas and Rachel. In politics Mr. Herron was 
 
 an active member of the Democratic party, and in 
 religion was connected with the Seceder Church. 
 
 Joseph Herron, son of James and Rachel (Reed) 
 Herron, was born January 2, 1797, on the home 
 farm in North Strabane township, and received his 
 education at the subscription schools. On January 
 3, 1824, he was united in marriage with Margaret, 
 daughter of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset town- 
 ship, and the young couple settled on the home 
 farm, upon which, in 1850, Mr. Herron erected a 
 handsome brick residence, now occupied by his son 
 James. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph 
 Herron were Rachel, born December 15, 1824 
 Robert, born September 30, 1826; James, borr 
 September 18, 1828; John, born August 20, 1830 
 Sarah (Mrs. Jonathan Peese), born April 22, 1833 
 Joseph, born December 8, 1834; Margaret A 
 (Mrs. Robert Muunel), born October 4, 1837; and 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. John B. Herron), born October 6, 
 1842. Politically Mr. Herron was a Democrat, 
 and served as judge of elections aud school director; 
 he was a lieutenant in the militia, and in religious 
 connection was a member and trustee of the 
 Seceder Church, toward which he was a liberal 
 supporter. He died January 25, 1852, his widow 
 on March 18, 1854, and both were buried in the 
 Pigeon Creek U. P. cemetery. 
 
 John Herron was born August 20, 1830, in North 
 Strabane township, this county, and passed his 
 earlier youth on the farm, where he received a 
 common-school education. He was married Oc- 
 tober 20, 1862, to Catherine, daughter of Samuel 
 Munnell, and their children are Calvin, William 
 B., Robert S., Edward J., Charles M., John W. 
 and Ray Q. Mr. Herron enjoys the esteem of all 
 his neighbors and acquaintances, having won a 
 well-merited success by his own efforts. He is an 
 active worker in the Democratic party, and for 
 several years has been a member of the school 
 board of South Strabane township, giving his aid 
 and influence to the promotion of improvements in 
 the schools. He is equally interested in religious 
 matters, and assists in the support and manage- 
 ment of the United Presbyterian Church at Mount 
 Pleasant, in which he is an elder, aud of which he 
 is a devoted member. He is the owner of a well- 
 improved farm, provided with comfortable and 
 handsome buildings. 
 
 S. WILSON is a representative of an 
 early family of Washington county. He 
 is a grandson of Alexander and Betsey 
 (McGibboney) Wilson, natives of eastern 
 Pennsylvania, who came to Washington 
 county and made a permanent settlement in Char- 
 tiers township, where their son John was born. 
 
 John Wilson was born in 1776, on the pioneer 
 farm in Chartiers township, and in early manhood 
 
1376 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 was there married to Margaret Smith, who was 
 horn in Ireland, and immigrated with her parents 
 to America when but a child. After their marriage 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wilson settled permanently in Som- 
 erset township, Washington county. He was 
 drafted and served in the war of 1812. In poli- 
 tics he was a member of the Democratic party, 
 and in religion he and his wife were members of 
 the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. He 
 died in 1850, followed ten years later by his wife, 
 who had borne him children, as follows: James 
 (living in Indiana), Elizabeth (Mrs. Jacob Yant, 
 deceased in 1888, in Ohio) Hannah (wife of Emery 
 Leyda, deceased in August, 1891, in Somerset 
 township), Mary Jane (Mrs. John Messeuger, of 
 Somerset township), Margaret (who died in 1890, 
 in Allegheny, wife of Andrew Atkinson, of Pitts- 
 burgh), John W. (living in Somerset township), 
 Harvey (residing at Vanceville, Somerset township), 
 It. S. (whose sketch follows), Sarah Ann (Mrs. 
 Hiram Myer, of Somerset township), Isabelle (wife 
 of William Milligau, of Gastonville, Penn.), Ra- 
 chel (deceased in 1856), and Martha (wife of 
 Samuel Wright, of Somerset township). 
 
 R. S. Wilson was born June 26, 1834, in Somer- 
 set township, Washington county, where he grew 
 to manhood, receiving a district-school education. 
 In 1858 he was united in marriage with Susan, 
 daughter of Simon and Rebecca (Crawford) Wil- 
 son, all of whom were born in Fallowheld town- 
 ship, this county. Her father died in 1863, fol- 
 lowed by the mother in 1867. After his marriage 
 R. S. Wilson resided in Somerset township until 
 1880, when he bought and moved upon 117 acres 
 in Fallowfield township. He is a member of the 
 Democratic party, and has served as road super- 
 visor and also as a member of the school board. 
 The children of Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are: John, 
 who was married in 1890 to Lydia Weddle, and is 
 now living in McKeesport, Allegheny Co., Penn.; 
 Elmer Ellsworth, residing at Lock No. 4, who was 
 married July 4, 1883, to Laura Province; Florence, 
 wife of A. McGowan, of Lock No. 4, and Bertha, 
 wife of West Piper, living at Charleroi, this county. 
 
 OLIVER P. SHIELDS, a well-known mer 
 \ chant and prosperous citizen of Florence, 
 I Penn., is of Irish descent. His grandpar- 
 ents were natives of the Emerald Isle, and 
 John Shields (the grandfather) was a tavern- 
 keeper along the Frankfort road in Hanover town- 
 ship iu early days. When a young man he had 
 married Ann Murphy, and their children were: 
 Andrew, Robert. Hugh and AYilliam H. 
 
 William H. Shields was born June 13, 1813, 
 and learned the trade of a plasterer, also working 
 at shoemaking. On April 3, 1839, he was married 
 to Sarah Martha Holmes, who was born December 
 
 23, 1816, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth 
 (Boyce) Holmes, of Smith township. The follow- 
 ing children were born to their union: Oliver P., 
 Carrie (Mrs. Robert McCullough, of Hanover town- 
 ship), James (deceased in youth) and William 
 (who died in Wellsville, Ohio, at the age of thirty- 
 five years). The parents began their wedded life 
 at Bulger Station, Smith township, this county, 
 where he followed his trade. Iu 1850 he went to 
 California during the "gold fever" excitement, 
 where he remained a few years, and then returned 
 to Bulger Station. In 1859 he came to a farm in 
 Hanover township, and in 1863 moved to Florence. 
 Penn. He died July 2, 1881, his wife surviving 
 him until May 28, 1890, when she was laid by the 
 side of her husband. In polities Mr. Shields was 
 a Democrat, taking an active interest in the polit- 
 ical issues of the day, and both he and his wife 
 were members of the Presbyterian Church, iu 
 which he was a trustee. 
 
 Oliver P. Shields was born June 13, 1840, in 
 Bulger, Washington Co., Penn. On May 15. 
 1878, he was married to Mary McConnell, who 
 was born March 30, 1850, a daughter of John and 
 Sarah (Morrison) McConnell, of Hanover township. 
 Five children have been born to the union of Oliver 
 P. and Mary Shields, namely: Sally M.,Lee Mc. 
 Walker F. , John O., and a daughter who died in 
 infancy. Some time previous to his marriage 
 Oliver P. Shields had been a clerk in the store of 
 Robert Scott, of Florence, Penn., then entered the 
 establishment of James Cleland, in the same town. 
 In 1874 he began business for himself, and has 
 since followed mercantile pursuits, each year in- 
 creasing both stock and custom, until he now has 
 an excellent general store, in the best business 
 room of Florence. Politically, he may be called — 
 to use a political term — a "wheel-horse" of the 
 Democratic party, and has served as justice of the 
 peace, and in several other offices. Both he and 
 his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, 
 in which he has served in various capacities. 
 
 rt LEXANDER W. GALBRAITH. Among 
 1 |\ the prosperous agriculturists and leading 
 h\ stock dealers of East Pike Run township, 
 J -* this gentleman is a prominent figure. He 
 is a son of William Galbraith, who was born 
 in 1812, in Ireland, and came with his parents to 
 America when about twelve years of age. He had 
 one brother — Robert, who married a Miss Smith — 
 and one sister, who was married to a Mr. Shaw and 
 lived in Ohio. He also had a half-brother — 
 Thomas McBeath — who married and lived in Ohio. 
 William Galbraith learned and followed the boat- 
 building business for many years, but has devoted 
 the latter part of his life to farming. He has 
 been twice married, first time to Nancy Fry, who 
 
^A^^^aM^^: 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1379 
 
 bore him five children, as follows: (1) Robert, who 
 was twice married, first to a Miss Redd and after- 
 ward to a Miss Reynolds; by his first marriage he 
 had children as follows: Isaac, who married Miss 
 Nesbit, Charles and an infant (both deceased); by 
 his second marriage he has five children. ('-! i 
 Noah, married to a Miss Wilson, and now lives in 
 Delaware county, Ohio. (3) William (now de- 
 ceased). (4) Cornelia, wife of William Walker, a 
 resident of Kentucky. (5) Emmeline, married 
 Frank Williams, and died in October, 1880; they 
 had five children: Maggie (married to W. Sphar), 
 Aaron, Samuel, Nancy and George A. Linn, the 
 last named having been born July 4, 1880. Mrs. 
 Nancy (Fry) Galbraith died many years ago, and 
 Mr. Galbraith afterward married Mary Hill, by 
 whom he had the following children: Samuel, 
 Elizabeth, John, Alexander W., Mary F. (wife of 
 J. Mozier), Thomas M., Dr. Stephen A. B., Etta, 
 and one that died in infancy; of whom Elizabeth 
 and Dr. Stephen A. B. are deceased. Of this 
 family Elizabeth married Albert Wickerham, and 
 died in June, 1890; they had the following chil- 
 dren: Jennie, Robert, Nancy, Mary F. (married 
 to John Mozier, June 5, 1889, and has two chil- 
 dren: John Thomas and Lucinda). Dr. Stephen 
 A. B. graduated at Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 lege, 1886. graduated at Washington and Jefferson 
 Medical College, 1889, died December 3, 1889. 
 William Galbraith is a representative agriculturist 
 of Carroll township. Politically he is an active 
 worker in the ranks of the Democratic party, and 
 has served as township clerk, assessor and school 
 director, as well as in various other positions of 
 trust. Mrs. Galbraith is a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church of Monougahela. 
 
 The ancestry of Mrs. Mary (Hill) Galbraith can 
 be traced back some five generations. Gideon 
 Hill, maternal great-great-grandfather of Alex- 
 ander W. Galbraith, came from England, and 
 the great-grandfather, John Hill, located near 
 where Lancaster, Penn., now stands, and where he 
 lived till some time in 1774 or 1775, when he moved 
 to west of the mountains, to Fort Pitt (now Pitts 
 burgh). He was there offered in exchange for a 
 black horse five acres, forming the point between 
 the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers; but he 
 concluded there was no money in property there- 
 abouts, so moved to Somerset township, and ob- 
 tained a patent for a tract of land, "Government 
 reserving all gold and silver ore," but saying 
 nothing about oil and gas. This patent is dated 
 1778, and is now in the possession of our subject's 
 uncle, Dr. S. E. Hill, of the same township. 
 Greer Mcllvaine, grandfather of Judge Mcllvaine, 
 owned the adjoining land, and these were the first 
 settlers to locate in Somerset township. Dr. Hill 
 has some relics of the past in the shape of an old 
 conch shell or horn that used to be blown to scare 
 
 G4 
 
 wolves away; a clock that has been in the family 
 five generations, is still going and keeping good 
 time; also a blue dish about as old as the clock. 
 Grandfather Hill was married February 15, 1815, 
 to Elizabeth Woodrow, a native of near Shippens- 
 burg, Penn., and a relative of Judge Black, of the 
 same place, or near there; Mary (Hill) (mother of 
 subject), born March 5, 1825, and Dr. S. E. Hill, 
 of Smithville, are the only ones living of the family 
 of nine children born to this union, who were as 
 follows: Abner, John and Mary, Rachel Jane, 
 Samuel, William, Martha, Stephen A. and Eliza- 
 beth ; of these Martha and Elizabeth died in infancy. 
 Dr. S. E. Hill married, December 10, 1869, Miss 
 Sadie E. Long, of Pittsburgh, daughter of T. H. 
 Long, and their family are: Pauline, Pearl and 
 Zoe. Grandfather Hill and his father kept store 
 when salt was $8 to $10 per bushel, and whisky 
 was 35 cents per gallon; the salt was carried on 
 pack saddles from east of the mountains. His 
 father was one of the first members of Pigeon 
 Creek Presbyterian Church in the days of Dr. 
 McMillan, Dr. Brown and others, when preaching 
 was conducted in tents, and the men were wont to 
 go to church with their rifles for protection against 
 the Indians. He and his sou (when the latter 
 was a young man) were the contractors for the 
 building of the old stone church, Mr. John Atkin 
 son being the carpenter. The same stones used 
 for this church are now under the brick one erected 
 near the same place, and in which services are 
 at present held by Rev. Gilson. Gideon Hill 
 was thesecond man buried in the present cemetery 
 where there are now hundreds sleeping their last 
 sleep. In old papers Pigeon creek was spelled 
 "Pidgeon " creek. 
 
 Alexander W. Galbraith, the subject proper of 
 this sketch, was born November 11, 1854, in Car- 
 roll township, Washington Co., Penn. He re- 
 ceived a liberal education at the common schools 
 of the vicinity of his place of birth, assisting, in 
 the meantime, in the various duties pertaining to 
 the home farm. On February 6, 1884, he was 
 united in marriage with Oella Bedall, a native of 
 the county, born October 4, 1855, a daughter of 
 John M. and Eliza J. (Jones) Bedall, both of 
 whom were born in 1824, in Fallowfield township. 
 Washington Co., PeDn., the father on August 7, 
 the mother on November 1. They were married 
 January 25, 1855, and two children were born to 
 them, viz. : Clara J. (of whom mention is made 
 farther on) and Oella (wife of Alexander W. Gal- 
 braith). Mrs. Alexander W. Galbraith' s father 
 was a lifelong farmer and stock raiser, and was 
 very successful in business affairs. 
 
 Joseph Bedall, grandfather of Oella Galbraith. 
 was born in New Jersey November 10, 1777, and 
 died May 16, 1838. He came to Washington 
 county when a young man and his brothers known 
 
1380 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 to have come with him to this county were James 
 '(who lived and died on the farm owned by J. 
 >Keys Bedall (a grandson) in Fallowtield township), 
 Levi (who owned the farm, now in possession of 
 •J. P. Duvall, at the time of his death, where he 
 spent most of his lifetime) and Ben j amain (who 
 ■was a resident of Washington county, and was 
 never married). There were also two sisters, of 
 whom no accurate account can be given. Joseph 
 Bedall married Sarah McCutchen, who was born 
 December 18, 1788, and died November 20, 1844, 
 married May 2, 1816, and they settled on the farm 
 Jjnown as the "Bedall Homestead;'' they had 
 live children, viz.: (1) Mary Bedall, born Febru- 
 ary 24, 1817, died April 24, 1860; (2) an infant, 
 born June 28, 1818, died October 15, 1818; (3) 
 Eliza Jane, born October 25, 1819, died January 
 
 20, 1851, married Joseph Morton, and both are de- 
 ceased; (4) Hester, born April 26, 1822, died March 
 
 21, 1851; (5) John McCutchen, born August 7, 
 1 S24, died November 24, 1880. Hugh McCutchen, 
 the father of Sarah McCutchen Bedall, emigrated 
 to this country at an early date from Ireland. He 
 was a merchant by occupation, and part of his 
 
 'book accounts are kept, in pounds, shillings and 
 pence, one of the dates being June 12, 1781. He 
 married Jane McCutchen, who was of Scotch de- 
 scent, and they had six children, of whom we have 
 record of five: (1) Mary, married to William 
 Baker, of East Pike Run township, and their 
 children were as follows: Cassandra and Jane (de- 
 ceased), Ellen (wife of William Young; they re- 
 aide in Kansas); (2) Sarah, married to Joseph 
 Bedall; (3) Jane, never married; f-1) Samuel, 
 married to Melinda Furnier (they had two children, 
 James Shannon aud Sarah -Jane); (5) James, mar- 
 ried to Jane Springer and lived near Tiffin, Ohio. 
 
 Clara J. (Bedall) Chalfant, sister of Oella Gal- 
 braith, was born February 8, 1859, and married 
 October 12, 1882, to C. A. Chalfant, who was born 
 March 22, 1854, a son of Dr. H. S. Chalfant, of 
 East, Pike Run township. They have two children: 
 Mary L., born February 10, 1886, and John 
 Switzer, born May 5, 1891. They reside on the 
 old Bedall homestead in Fallowtield township, 
 where Mr. Chalfant is engaged in raising sheep, 
 horses and cattle. He votes the Republican ticket, 
 and takes an interest in all public matters; he and 
 his wife are members of the Ebenezer M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 Jones Family. William Jones sailed from the 
 port of Baltimore in 1769 (his son William being 
 then six years old), and the vessel was never after- 
 ward heard from. The son, William Jones, was 
 born May 3, 1763, at Ellicott's Mills, Md., and 
 died March 14, 1863. He was married April 23, 
 1789, to Elizabeth McClung, who was born No- 
 vember 24, 1769, and died January 27, 1829. 
 About 1791 they emigrated from Maryland to 
 
 Washington county, Penn., near Ginger Hill, six 
 miles from Monongahela, where they settled on a 
 farm on which they passed the remainder of their 
 days, and which farm is still owned by a son, 
 William McKendree Jones. They had twelve 
 children, viz. : (1) John Jones, born in Maryland 
 May 23, 1790, died July 16, 1875; was twice mar- 
 ried, first time' to Rachel Frew; second time to 
 Margaret Blaine, who was born October 12, 1805, 
 and died October 29, 1890. By his first marriage 
 he had the following children: William, married 
 to Miss West; James, married to a Miss Cleaver: 
 Elizabeth, married to David Ritchie; Joseph, mar- 
 ried to a Miss Watkins; David, married to Miss 
 Phillips; Samuel V. Cook (deceased), married to 
 Miss Gregg; Mary, married to Manuel Stoody. 
 By his second marriage Mr. Jones had two ehil- 
 chen: Rachel and Jennie. (2) Elijah Jones, born 
 in Maryland, November 20, 1791, died June 15, 
 1855; was married to Mary Warren, and their 
 children were William, married to a Miss Frye; 
 Eliza Jane, married to John M. Bedall; Margaret, 
 married to John S. Carson; James, married to a 
 Miss Van Voorhis; Wesley, married in the West; 
 Isaac, married to a Miss Mcllvaine; Noah, mar- 
 ried to a Miss Frye. (3) Mary Jones, born No- 
 vember 1, 1793, died August 15, 1856, married 
 March 8, 1819, to Joseph Alexander, who was born 
 April 1, 1795. (4) Ruth Jones, born September 
 4, 1795, died January 22, 1892. (5) Delilah 
 Jones, born February 14, 1797, died July 22, 
 1882; married to James Mills, who was born in 
 1801, died May 23, 1878, and their children were 
 William (deceased); Andrew Bascom, died May 
 
 14, 1888, married to Deering; Mary, married 
 
 to a Mr. Dal by; Rebecca, married to Rev. Dr. 
 Watkins; James, married; Charles S. ; Wilbur 
 Fisk, married. (6) Jesse Jones, born December 
 24, 1798, died February 11, 1888, married Eleanor 
 Frew, and their children were Alexander (de- 
 ceased); Jackson (married to Miss Black); Eliza- 
 beth, married to Rev. Mr. Snyder; Charles, mar- 
 ried; Carrie B. , married; Nancy, married to a Mr. 
 Rankins (now deceased); Jesse, died June 21, 
 1888; Ellen, married to Mr. McDonald, now de- 
 ceased; others have been lost sight of in the West. 
 (7) Samuel Jones, born August 25, 1800, acci- 
 dentally killed June 14, 1867; was twice married, 
 first time to Jane Fell, and for his second wife to 
 Mary Thomas; the children by his first wife were 
 William, married to a Miss Sheplar; S. Fell, mar- 
 ried to a Miss Thomas; Mary, married to a Dr. 
 Watkins, both deceased; and James, married to a 
 Miss Finley. By the second marriage Mr. Jones 
 had children as follows: Elizabeth, Melissa, Retta, 
 Amanda, Homer, Luther, John aud Celia. (N) 
 Rebecca Jones, born March 8, 1802. died July 3, 
 1838; married Andrew Mills, and they had one 
 child, James Mills, editor of the Pittsburgh Post, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1381 
 
 who married Elvira Alexander. (9) Rose Auu 
 Jones, born May 4, 1804, died in September, 1870; 
 married Francis Hull Williams, and their children 
 were Elizabeth (married to Greer Mcllvaiue), El- 
 mira, John W. , William, David, James and Har- 
 vey. (10) Elizabeth Jones, born January 15, 
 1800, died in September, 1830; married James 
 McCauley, and their children were Ann Eliza and 
 Mary. (11) Ann Jones, born April 22, 1808, died 
 June 30, 1889; married John Hess, born in 1818, 
 died in 1883, and their children were John, Eliza- 
 beth, Westley, Alcinous, Amanda and Maggie. 
 (12) William McKendree Jones, born October 29, 
 1809, married Sarah Fulmer, who died in 1886; 
 their children were Leonidas, Mary, Edward, 
 James Mills, Margaret, Kate, Snyder, Albert, 
 Florence and Rose. 
 
 The children born to (2) Elijah and Mary (War- 
 ren) Jones were as follows: (1) William, born in 
 Fallowtield township, married Miss Eliza Jane 
 Frv, and afterward moved to Brighton, Washing- 
 ton Co. , Iowa, and still resides there; their chil- 
 dren are as follows: Samuel W. , married to 
 Rachel, daughter of Manuel Stoody.of this county; 
 Mary, married to Mr. William Hide, of Washing- 
 ton county, Iowa; Henry, married to Miss McCain; 
 Irilla Jane, married; Amy, married to Mr. John- 
 son; Josephine, married; Delia (now deceased), 
 married to Mr. Hedge. (2) Eliza Jane, married 
 to John McCutchen Bedall, as already mentioned. 
 (3) Margaret, married to John S. Carson, both de- 
 ceased (their children were eleven in number, as 
 follows: Isaac, married to Miss Fry; Cornelius, 
 married to Miss Beazell ; John C. (now deceased), 
 married to Miss Raymond; Henry, married, 
 to Miss Furnier; Robert F. , married to Miss 
 Odvert; Mary Elizabeth, deceased; Van Curtis, 
 deceased; Margaret M. , married to I. N. Carson; 
 Caroline Jane (now deceased), married to J. W. 
 Carson; Noah T. , married to Miss Sprowls; and 
 Joseph, married to Miss Greenlee). (4) John 
 Wesley, married to Jane Davison, in Logan county, 
 Ohio, and now living near Linneus, Linn Co., Mo. ; 
 they have nine children, viz.: Margaret J., mar- 
 ried to George Hide, of Brighton, Iowa; Ara- 
 belle, married to a Mr. Watterhouse, in Iowa; 
 Ella, married to a Mr. Hossick; James, married 
 . and living in Iowa; John C, living near Linneus, 
 Mo.; Annie Neal, also living near Linneus, Mo., 
 Helen, Hester and Isaac Willfred (unmarried and 
 living at home). (5) James Jones (now deceased) 
 married Miss Van Voorhis and had children. (6) 
 Noah, married to Mary Frye, and their children are 
 nine in number, as follows: John T. K., married to 
 Miss Gamble; Florence O, married to Miss Brad- 
 ley, in Missouri; Annie M. , married to Mr. Huff- 
 man; Mortimore, married to Miss Huffman (now 
 deceased); Eunice, married to Warren Gibson; 
 and Frank, Bert, Noah King, Lilley, all four un- 
 
 married. (7) Isaac Warren, married to Mary Agnes 
 Mcllvaine; their children are as follows: Dora B. , 
 married to William Morrow; William, unmarried; 
 Isaac L., married to Miss Rettig; Mcllvaine, Harry 
 j and Mary A., all three unmarried. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Alexander W. Galbraith reside on 
 I 222 acres of well-cultivated land in East Pike Run 
 j township, upon which a pleasant dwelling was 
 erected in 1888, and a frame barn 46x60 feet, 
 completed in 1892. He is extensively engaged in 
 raising sheep, horses and cattle. Politically he 
 votes the Democratic ticket, and he takes an inter- 
 est in public matters. He and his wife are mem- 
 bers of the Ebenezer M. E. Church. They have 
 one son, Wilbur, born August 12, 1891. 
 
 [[ LEXANDER GAULT. The prominent and 
 l\ representative family, of which this gentle- 
 man was a member, are influential citizens 
 of Nottingham township. Alexander Gault 
 was born in 1797, on a farm in Washington 
 county, Penn., where his youth was passed in the 
 usual duties of farm life. On December 8, 1S'_',">, 
 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wilson, 
 who bore him five children, namely: James, Edith, 
 Sarah (deceased), John W. (who enlisted in Com- 
 pany K, P. V. Cavalry, and died in the service De- 
 cember 7, 1862) and Alexander (deceased). The 
 mother of these children died, and Mr. Gault was 
 afterward married to Jane Flack, who was born in 
 1807. The children of this marriage were as fol- 
 lows: Robert, Mary J. and Addie, of whom Addie 
 is the only one yet living. The father owned about 
 one hundred and fifty acres of land. He died in 
 1872, followed by the mother February 15, 1887. 
 Of the children now living, James owns a part of 
 the old place, and two unmarried daughters (Edith 
 and Addie) each own and manage 100 acres of the 
 old homestead. 
 
 M. STRINGER. This enterprising citizen 
 is a native of Fayette county, Penn., son of 
 John aud Mary (Brown) Stringer. The 
 father was a prominent farmer aud lifelong 
 citizen of Fayette county, Penn., where he 
 passed his entire life, aud died in 1874 at the age 
 of sixty-seven years. 
 
 G. M. Stringer was born in 1818 on the farm in 
 Fayette county, Penn., and iu early manhood came 
 to Washington county. He was a hard-working 
 and economical young man, and was soon enabled 
 to purchase a small tract of land in Carroll town- 
 ship. He now owns seventy six acres of very fine 
 land, upon which many improvements have been 
 made. In early life he was united in marriage 
 with Delilah Sprowls, who bore him the following 
 children: Mary E., who died June 6, 1880, at 
 
1382 
 
 WASHIXGTON < 'Ol STY. 
 
 the age of thirty-one years: Louisa, deceased July 
 25, 1867, aged twenty: William, residing in Ore- 
 gon: Elmira, deceased; Eliza, deceased; and Mary, 
 wife of John Williamston, living in Ohio. The 
 mother of this family was called "over the river" 
 June 18, 1876, when in her fifty -fourth year. Mr. 
 Stringer is a member of the Republican party, and 
 in religious faith is connected with the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 ILLIAM A. McCLAY, one of the repre- 
 sentative citizens of Canton township, 
 was born September it, 1846, on the farm 
 now occupied by his brother, J. F. Mc- 
 
 His grandfather, Samuel McClay, was a native 
 of Ireland, and immigrating to America when a 
 child of ten years, fiually settled in Chester county, 
 Penn., and there married Sarah McClellan, a resi- 
 dent of the same county, whose parents had also 
 immigrated to America. Mr. and Mrs. McClay 
 afterward removed from Chester to Washington 
 county, where he bought and with the aid of his 
 children began work upon a large tract of land. 
 The children born to this union were: Margaret 
 (Mrs. Robert Dinsmore), Elizabeth (Mrs. William 
 Morrow), John, David, Robert, William and Sarah 
 Jane. The entire family were active and zealous 
 members of the Covenanter Church, and a majority 
 of their descendants are true to the faith of their 
 ancestors. In politics, Mr. McClay was active to 
 the interests of the Whig party. After an event- 
 ful aud useful life he died in 1838. his wife follow- 
 ing him to the grave in 1842, leaving a comfort- 
 able property to their heirs. 
 
 David McClay, father of subject, was born June 
 11, 1811, on the home farm in Canton township, 
 this county, where his youth was passed amid the 
 rudest of pioneer surroundings, his education con- 
 sisting of hard lessons in the school of toil and 
 privation, but, when thoroughly mastered, those 
 lessons proved of greater value to the young pio- 
 neer than does much of our '' cramming methods" 
 benefit the modern student. By dint of close ob- 
 servation and practical common sense, Mr. McClay 
 soon surmounted these early obstacles to success, 
 ami became a prosperous and well-informed man. 
 On January 31, 1840, he married Margaret McEl- 
 roy, and settled upon the farm now owned by his 
 son, J. F., where the following children were born: 
 James (deceased in infancy), James (who enlisted 
 in the W. Va. Cavalry, and died February 25, 
 1862, from disease contracted in the service), 
 William A., Nannie (deceased), Samuel, David 
 (deceased) and J. F. Mr. McClay was, in politics, 
 an active Republican; in 1855 he united with the 
 U. P. Church at West Middletown, then under the 
 ministry of Isaac Everett, but, later he became a 
 
 member of the church at Washington. He died 
 April 5, 1887, leaving to his heirs about four hun- 
 dred acres of land. 
 
 William A. McClay, the oldest living son of David 
 McClay, passed his earlier years on the home farm 
 in Canton township, this county, receiving a lim- 
 ited education, but as he possesses a retentive 
 memory, and is an indefatigable reader, he has, 
 notwithstanding the privations of youth, become 
 one of the most intelligent men in his township. 
 On May lit, 1869, Mr. McClay was married to An- 
 nie, daughter of Jonathan Swisher, a prosperous 
 farmer of Putnam county, 111., and the young 
 couple immediately settled on the home place, 
 where they have since resided. After the death of 
 his father Mr. McClay and his three brothers di- 
 vided the property among themselves without re- 
 course to legal aid — an excellent example — and 
 William still retains the portion allotted him. to 
 which he has made many fine improvements. The 
 house is of the " L" style, 36x32. The bam, which 
 was erected with only the assistance of his children, 
 is a commodious structure, and the well cultivated 
 farm affords still another evidence of the thrift 
 and enterprise of the owner. The union of Mr. 
 and Mrs. McClay has been blessed with three chil- 
 dren : Harry, William and Elmer. In politics Mr. 
 McClay is the stanchest of Republicans, and for 
 many years has filled the office of judge of elec 
 tions in his township. The family are liberal sup- 
 porters and earnest members of the Disciple Church 
 at Washington, and are ever foremost in all enter 
 prises pertaining to the welfare of the people. 
 
 HARLES HOWARD TRUSSELL. a pros- 
 perous, wide-awake farmer, is a representa- 
 1) tive of one of the oldest and most prominent 
 families of Franklin township, where he was 
 born June 25, 1848. 
 
 His grandfather, Charles Trussell, was of Vir- 
 ginian birth, born near Harper's Ferry, where the 
 family had resided many years. Before leaving 
 his native State he was married to Sarah Fleming, 
 a resident of the same place, and soon thereafter 
 the young couple came to this county, making a 
 settlement in the western part, having cut for 
 themselves a home in the forest wilds, where they 
 passed the remainder of their lives in unremitting, 
 patient toil and hardship. They were consistent 
 members of the Baptist Church. Their family 
 were: Manson (deceased), Paden, Elizabeth (mar- 
 ried to John Brownlee), Margaret (Mrs. John 
 Henderson, of Claysville), Ann (deceased), Jane 
 (married to Nelson Sprowls). William (in Kansas), 
 John (in Dallas, Va. ) and Charles H. 
 
 Charles H. Trussell, father of Charles Howard, 
 was born October 15, 1822, in Marietta, Ohio, 
 where he was reared to agricultural pursuits and 
 
ty CyA^UM 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1385 
 
 two children : 
 the latter of 
 and Jefferson 
 when he has 
 
 educated in the schools of the neighborhood. On 
 September 10, 1845, he was married to Lydia, 
 daughter of Joshua Dickerson, of Franklin town- 
 ship, and here spent the remainder of their lives, 
 Mr. Trussell dying January 15, 1849. Mrs. Trus- 
 sell now lives in Claysville. He was a lifelong, 
 ardent Whig, and a man of strong but generous 
 opinions. He was the father of 
 Charles Howard and Joshua D., 
 whom was educatedat Washington 
 College, where he graduated, since 
 been engaged in teaching, and he is now principal 
 of the Claysville public schools; in 1880 he was 
 wedded to Hattie Selby, of Buffalo township, who 
 has borne him one child, Howard L. 
 
 Charles Howard Trussell passed his life chiefly 
 at the home of his grandfather, Joshua Dickerson, 
 on the farm where he now lives. He was early in- 
 ducted into the mysteries of agriculture, and has 
 managed a farm with signal success ever since 
 coming of age. On November 2, 1871, he was 
 married to Sarah (daughter of John Finley, of 
 East Finley township, who is now eighty-two 
 years old), and soon thereafter they settled in their 
 present home in Franklin township, the farm hav- 
 ing been greatly improved by him since coming to 
 it. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Trussell 
 are: Clara Edna, Mary Matilda and Lewis B. 
 The entire family are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church at East Buffalo. In politics Mr. Trussell 
 is an intelligent Republican (as is also his brother, 
 Joshua D.), and has always taken an active part 
 in educational developments in his section. 
 
 J I ARRETT COVENTRY. Prominently identi- 
 fied among the representative and substantial 
 I farmers of Hanover township, stands the 
 gentleman whose name opens this sketch. 
 His ancestors were natives of Ireland, the 
 laud which has given to America many of our best 
 families, among whom is the name of Coventry. 
 
 John Coventry was born in 1750, in County Don- 
 egal, Ireland, where he learned the trade of a 
 weaver, and when a young man was married to 
 Martha Brown, who was born in 1754. Some 
 years after their marriage this young couple sailed 
 to America, and after landing and securing a tem- 
 porary home, their household effects were moved 
 thenceinachurn, the only child living being carried 
 by the parents. John Coventry joined the Conti- 
 nental army, taking an active part in the struggle 
 for Independence, and undergoing the terrible suf- 
 ferings which were the common lot of those heroic 
 patriots. Long and difficult marches were made, 
 their only food consisting of cold potatoes. After 
 the war money was scarce, and the most common 
 articles sold for fabulous prices. A little dress 
 which was purchased for a son cost $60 in Con- 
 
 tinental currency. In 178*2 John Coventry and 
 family concluded to secure one of the cheap homes 
 offered to the settlers in western Pennsylvania, and 
 packing up their few earthly possessions, started 
 on foot to make the long and tedious journey 
 across the mountains. The hardships which they 
 endured can scarcely be imagined, yet on they 
 toiled, carrying the little son Robert, who was at 
 that time about two years of age. At last they ar- 
 rived in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and, purchasing a small piece of land, erected their 
 rude log cabin in the midst of the surrounding 
 woods; there Mr. Coventry followed his trade of 
 a weaver in connection with farming. This cabin 
 was soon supplanted by one more substantial, 
 which is yet standing. With true Irish enterprise 
 and industry, John Coventry struggled on, and 
 prosperity finally crowned his patient efforts. 
 When the need of a permanent piece of ground 
 for a schoolhouse became apparent, he gave the 
 necessary amount of land to be used for ninety- 
 nine years, and the building which was thereon 
 erected has ever since been known as the "Cov- 
 entry School." Iu politics he was a Democrat, 
 adhering closely to the principles of his chosen 
 party. He and his wife were members of the Se- 
 ceder Church, which was nearly ten miles from 
 their house, and they walked the entire distance. 
 A church was afterward organized at Burgettstown, 
 to which their membership was then transferred. 
 John Coventry died February 5, 1845, in his 
 ninety-fifth year, and was laid to rest by the side 
 of the wife who had gone before him April 8, 1832. 
 Both were buried in the U. P. cemetery at Bur- 
 gettstown. The following children were born to 
 this heroic couple: Robert (deceased in Hanover 
 township), William, James (of whom a sketch fol- 
 lows), John (a school teacher, who lived some time 
 in Steubenville, Ohio, thence moving to New Phila- 
 delphia, Ohio, where some of his descendants are 
 yet living), Jane (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased 
 wife of William Smiley) and Martha (deceased). 
 James Coventry, son of John and Martha 
 (Brown) Coventry, was born in Hanover township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., on the farm where his 
 father first located, there passing his early youth 
 in attending the country schools. In 1824 he was 
 united iu marriage with Letitia Coventry, whose 
 parents were born in Ireland. James and Letitia 
 Coventry were the parents of the following chil- 
 dren: Nancy (deceased), Jarrett (whose name 
 opens our sketch), Matilda (Mrs. Joseph Searight, 
 of Allegheny county, Penn.), Mary G. (a maiden 
 lady, of Allegheny county), and John S. (also of 
 Allegheny county). James Coventry resided on 
 the farm now owned by his son, Jarrett, for some 
 time after his marriage, then located near Mur- 
 docksville, in Allegheny county, Penn., where he 
 died in 1851 at the age of fifty-seven years, soon 
 
1386 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 followed by his wife. He was a successful farmer, 
 and a conscientious man. In politics he was a 
 Democrat, and in religion a leading member of the 
 Seceder Church, haviug been one of the founders 
 of the Robinson U. P. Church. 
 
 Jarrett Coventry, son of James and Letitia Cov- 
 entry, was born in 1827, on the farm which is his 
 present home. When a boy he attended the sub- 
 scription schools, but being the eldest son waB de- 
 prived of an opportunity to improve even the 
 meager advantages offered in those primitive halls 
 of learning. He was set to work at plowing when 
 so small that he could scarcely reach the handles, 
 and in early boyhood was doing a man's work. 
 He lived with his parents on the old homestead 
 until they died. On November 11, 1875, he was 
 married to Catherine Malone, a daughter of Will- 
 iam and Ruth (Wilson) Malone, and to this union 
 three children have been born, namely: Annie L., 
 John S. (who died in infancy), and James R. 
 Since his marriage Mr. Coventry has made many 
 improvements upon the old homestead, having 
 erected a handsome new residence, barn, and other 
 good buildings. His farm produces a paying 
 quantity of oil. Mr. Coventry is a shrewd, far- 
 sighted man, proceeding cautiously and therefore 
 wisely in his business transactions, and has accu- 
 mulated a good property. He is well and favor- 
 ably known all over the township. Since 1890 he 
 has lived in retirement from active business. Po- 
 litically he is an active Democrat, and has held 
 various township offices. Mr. and Mrs. Coventry 
 are consistent members of the Robinson United 
 Presbvterian Church. 
 
 IfONATHAN EALY, one of the industrious 
 . 1 1 and successful farmers of East Finley town- 
 {( Ji ship, is a grandson of George Ealy. Henry 
 Ealy, son of George, was born in 1807, in East 
 Finley township, this county, and remained on the 
 farm of his father until twenty-one years of age, 
 when he began life for himself with 25 cents 
 in his pocket, as capital with which to begin 
 the world. He at once engaged in farm work, and 
 by combining industry with energy, soon saved a 
 small sum of money with which he bought a tract 
 of land situated about two miles down the creek 
 from East Finley postoffice, and having paid for 
 this, purchased more. In 1830 he was married 
 to Hannah Barney, of Greene county, Penn., who 
 bore him the following children: Jeremiah (farm- 
 ing in East Finley township), George (deceased), 
 Philip (a successful farmer of Greene county, 
 Penn.), Jonas (a farmer of East Finley township), 
 and Delilah (deceased after marriage). At the 
 time of his death Mr. Ealy owned over 1,200 acres 
 of land, the result of his own industry and enter- 
 prise. He died in 1882, having been preceded to 
 the grave by his wife in 1873. 
 
 Jonathan Ealy was born July 3, 1844, in East 
 Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 he received a common-school education, and passed 
 his youth in farming with his father, studying a 
 little with his mother in the evenings. On Sep- 
 tember 12, 1869, he was married to Nancy Jane 
 Sampson, who was born February 13, 1842, daugh- 
 ter of David Sampson, of East Finley township, and 
 to them were born seven children, five of whom died 
 in infancy; the two still living are LibbensW. , 
 born December 12, 1871, and Fanny E., born June 
 16, 1874. Fanny has had charge of the household 
 since the death of her mother, which occurred 
 March 12, 1800, and Libbens assists on the farm. 
 
 Soon after his marriage Mr. Ealy moved to the 
 "old home farm," living there about fifteen years, 
 when he came to his present home, about one mile 
 farther down Gordon's fork of Wheeling creek, on 
 which- place he has since resided. Mr. Ealy has 
 been a very successful farmer, and in politics is a 
 Democrat. He is a member of no church, but at- 
 tends the Fairmount United Brethren Church. 
 His wife was a member of the Cumberland Presby- 
 terian Church. 
 
 JfOSEFH M. CLARK, one of the enterprising 
 I residents of Franklin township, was born 
 J March 19, 1858, in Buffalo township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., a son of David Clark, an 
 early resident of the township. Joseph M. 
 Clark passed his early youth on his father's farm 
 and in attending the schools of the neighborhood. 
 On May 1 1, 1882, he was united in marriage with 
 Caroline L., daughter of J. W. Patterson, and to 
 this union one child has been born, Wiley Patter- 
 sou Clark. Mr. Clark has always been a Repub- 
 lican, and has taken an active interest in the success 
 of his party. He has served as assistant assessor 
 of the township several years, and discharged the 
 duties of that office to the entire satisfaction of all 
 parties interested. He and his wife are members 
 of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Clark 
 is yet a young man, and has before him the promise 
 of a long and prosperous life. 
 
 ILAS PRICE is a grandson of Joseph Price, 
 a native of France, who emigrated to Amer- 
 ica when a young man. After marriage he 
 settled in Washington, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and there remained until his death. 
 
 William Price, son of Joseph, was born in Wash- 
 ington, where he remained until his marriage with 
 Elizabeth, daughter of John Horn, of Buffalo 
 township, when he removed to a farm where he 
 passed the remainder of a useful and successful 
 life. He was the father of three children: Will- 
 iam W., Ansodon and Silas. Mr. Price was a Re- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1387 
 
 publican in politics, and in religion he was an 
 earnest worker in the church. He died February 
 17, 1863, and his remains rest in Washington 
 cemetery. 
 
 Silas Price was born November 24, 1858, in 
 Canton township, Washington Co., Penn. On 
 March 16, 1882, he married Nona, daughter of 
 Benjamin Ramsey, of Franklin township. They 
 have no children. Since he has resided on his 
 present farm Mr. Price has made many improve- 
 ments, and has erected a handsome dwelling, which 
 displays evidence of excellent taste. In political 
 opinion he is independent, and has been elected to 
 many offices of trust in his township, the duties of 
 which he has discharged in a manner satisfactory 
 to all interested. He is at present road commis- 
 sioner. 
 
 ENJAMIN RAMSEY, a well-known citizen 
 of Franklin township, was born August 2, 
 1828, on the home place in Washington 
 county. He improved every opportunity 
 for self-culture, and secured a valuable fund of 
 general knowledge. On March 15, 1854, he se- 
 lected a bride in the person of Priscilla, daughter 
 of Isaac and Nancy (Owens) Carter, whose chil- 
 dren were as follows: Elizabeth, wife of John 
 Sunderland; Jane, married to Simeon McClain; 
 Mary, wife of John Jones; William; Lucinda, 
 wife of Benjamin Carson; Margaret, married to 
 Albert Kelsey, and Priscilla, wife of Benjamin 
 Ramsey. The father was a stanch adherent of the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey have passed their married 
 life on the place where they are now living in 
 Franklin township, and four children have blessed 
 their union, namely: John W., married to Lydia 
 Mosher; Nona, wife of Silas Price, of Canton 
 township; Frank, and Herbert, who was married 
 to Maude McClellan, of Allegheny county, Penn. 
 They have one son, Harold H. Mr. Ramsey has 
 been an ardent worker in the ranks of the Repub- 
 lican party, and in religion is a member of the M. 
 E. Church, toward which he gives a liberal sup- 
 port. 
 
 HrENRY S. RITCHEY, a well-known farmer 
 I of Buffalo township, is a grandson of Will- 
 I iam Ritchey, who was a native of Lancaster 
 - 1 county, Peun. William Ritchey (father of 
 Henry S.) was born in 1806 in Lancaster 
 county, Penn., on his father's farm, and received 
 his early education in the subscription schools of 
 the period. In early manhood he moved to Ohio, 
 settling near Columbus, but the change proved in- 
 jurious to his health, and after remaining three 
 years in Ohio he returned in 1830 to Pennsylvania, 
 
 and located in Washington county. Mr. Ritchey 
 began life as a farm laborer, afterward becoming 
 a renter and cropper. He was married to Sarah, 
 daughter of Henry Smith, whose family were 
 among the earliest pioneers of Washington county. 
 To the union of William and Sarah Ritchey were 
 born four children: Henry S. , William, George 
 (living in Morgan county, Ohio) and Mary (de- 
 ceased). Mr. Ritchey achieved success by his own, 
 industry, and at the time of his death, which oc- 
 curred in 1870, he owned nearly 500 acres of land, 
 in Hopewell and Buffalo townships. Mrs. Ritchey 
 is living in Ohio, with her son George. 
 
 Henry S. Ritchey was born in 1838 in Hopewelli 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., and received a 
 very good education, of which he has made practical 
 use. He was united in marriage with Jennie,, 
 daughter of John Reed, of Buffalo township, 
 this county, and two children were born to their 
 union: John and William, both of whom are living 
 at home with their father; their mother died in 
 1879. Mr. Ritchey's farm consists of 147 acres, 
 upon which he has made many improvements. In 
 politics he is a Republican, and has held various, 
 township offices. 
 
 j.ILLIAM B. BRIGGS, a well-known, 
 I agriculturist of Amwell township, comes 
 _/ of Irish descent, his grandfather, John 
 — ' Briggs, having emigrated from Ireland 
 in 1786, locating in Washington town- 
 ship (now Washington borough), Washington Co., 
 Penn., and here remained thirty years. His chil- 
 dren were as follows: John B., Lazarus, Nathaniel,. 
 Marguerite (Mrs. Greer), Polly (Mrs. Been),. 
 Rachel (Mrs. Been), all now deceased except Mrs. 
 Polly Been. Mr. Briggs had learned no trade, 
 and therefore engaged in any employment he 
 could secure. He died on a farm in Chartiers 
 township, this county, which was owned by David 
 Quail. 
 
 Nathaniel Briggs, son of John, was born in 
 Washington borough. Penn., and, being a child 
 of poor parents, was compelled to begin the 
 struggle with life in very early youth, but made 
 his home with his parents until about twenty-one 
 years of age. He was married to Marguerite Been, 
 of Chartiers township, this county (near Allison's 
 Coal Works), and to them were born the following 
 children: James, residing in Washington, Penn.; 
 William B. ; John, living in La Salle county, 111. ; 
 Robert, residing in Claysville, Penn. ; Mrs. Anna 
 Eliza Gibson (deceased); Alexander (deceased); 
 Samuel (deceased); David and Isaac, residing near 
 Washington, Penn. In politics Mr. Briggs was 
 a Democrat; and in religious connection he was a 
 member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
 passed from life December 2, IT 
 
i:iss 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 William B. Briggs was born February 21, 1830, 
 in Chartiers towaship. near Washington, this 
 county, and received but three months' schooling 
 during the winter time, in an old log schoolhouse, 
 which was erected on a farm owned by Aaron 
 Miller. He began to carve out his future at the 
 juvenile age of ten years, first working by the 
 month for Jacob Wolfe; he was then employed by 
 Lewis Hawell five years, and afterward worked 
 seven years for William Donelby; then returned 
 home and worked the farm on shares. In 1850 he 
 was married to Emily Haggerty, of Canton town- 
 ship, this county, and they have had eight chil- 
 dren, those who survived infancy being Alexander 
 (residing in Ohio), Simeon W. , Mary Marguerite, 
 Washington, John (deceased) and Newton. Mr. 
 Briggs has a pleasant home and nice farm of 106 
 acres in Amwell township, which he has secured 
 by hard labor, having been the sole architect of his 
 own fortune. In political opinion he is a Demo- 
 crat. He and his family have been members of 
 the Presbyterian Church for thirty years. 
 
 JfOHN CROUCH is a worthy representative of 
 one of the pioneer families of North Strabane 
 I township. He is a great-grandson of John 
 Crouch, a native of Maryland, who, in a very 
 early day, came with a colony to what is now 
 North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. 
 He lived and died on his pioneer home, and was 
 buried on the farm. His son John also passed his 
 entire life on the home farm, and here ten children 
 were born to him. Robert Crouch, the eldest son 
 of John Crouch, was united in marriage with Anna 
 Thomas (whose father, Edmond Thomas, was a 
 soldier in the Revolutionary war), and she bore 
 him three children: James L. (deceased at the age 
 of fifty-eight years), Mary J. (wife of Harvey Mc- 
 Vay. of Washington) and John. Mr. Crouch was 
 an active member of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. He died October 10, 188'), and his 
 widow is yet living with her son John. She has 
 also been connected with the Presbyterian Church 
 for many years. 
 
 John Crouch, son of Robert Crouch, was born 
 August 19. 1833, on the old farm, and passed his 
 youth at liome, attending the country schools of 
 North Strabane township. On January 5, 1854, 
 he was married to Isabella Bebout, who was born 
 April 6, 1834, daughter of Peter Bebout. Mr. 
 B^liout was a native of New Jersey, and coming to 
 Washington county, Penn., was married to Isa- 
 bella Cooper, a native of Ohio. The children born 
 to this union were as follows: Susan (Mrs. William 
 Bebout), Isabella (wife of John Crouch), Caroline 
 (Mrs. Joseph V. Manes), David. Ira, Herman H., 
 Mary J., Margaret, Joshua, Stephen and Martha 
 J. , the last live of whom are deceased. At the 
 
 age of eighteen years Mr. Bebout walked from 
 New Jersey to Washington county, and settled in 
 North Strabane township. He died in 1861, and 
 his wife followed him to the grave March 6. 1888. 
 They were members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. John Crouch are the parents of 
 the following children: Robert C. , born October 2, 
 1859; Alphonso, born January 18, 1801 ; William 
 H., born July 12, 1863; Laura B. (wife of Alex- 
 ander Dice), born October 29, 1865; John B. , 
 born June 6, 1868; Sadie B., born September 23, 
 1872; Clarence A., born October 11, 1877; and 
 Nannie M., born April 6, 1878. After marriage 
 Mr. Crouch settled on the old homestead, where he 
 has been engaged in general farming; he owns 100 
 acres of land in an excellent state of cultivation, 
 and has one good gas well. He is much interested 
 in educational matters, and has served as school 
 director nine years. He and his wife are both 
 members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 LVIN M. SMITH. This gentleman, who is 
 one of the leading progressive agricultur 
 ists of South Strabane township, claims, by 
 reason of his popularity and prominence as 
 a worthy citizen, more than a passing no- 
 tice in the pages of this work. 
 
 He is a grandson of John Smith, a native of 
 England, who when a young man immigrated to 
 America, making a settlement in Pennsylvania, 
 where he married and had two children — one son 
 and one daughter — whom he reared to maturity. 
 From the Keystone State he moved to Ohio, and 
 there carried on a general store in Steubenville, 
 in which town he died. He was a member of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics was a Demo- 
 crat. 
 
 Ezekiel Smith, father of the subject of these 
 lines, was born in 1824, in the State of Pennsyl- 
 vania, where he was educated and learned the 
 trade of tailor, which he followed for some years. 
 In 1845 he was married to Miss Mary, daughter of 
 Joseph Miller, of South Strabane township, and 
 the children born to this union were John, Alvin 
 M. , Henry and William, the last two being de 
 ceased. The father died in Steubenville, Ohio, 
 in 1854, aged thirty years; the mother is still liv- 
 ing and in good health. After his death the family 
 came to South Strabane township, this county, and 
 made their home with Joseph Miller, with whom 
 the sons remained until they attained their ma- 
 jority. 
 
 Alvin M. Smith was born November 6, 1848, in 
 Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., his 
 education, necessarily limited on account of the 
 early death of his father, being obtained at the 
 public schools of the district. Early in life he 
 
o4^cr^r7 &4v ^^w^/sjy 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1391 
 
 commenced work as a common laborer, in South 
 Strabane township, in which vocation hecontinued 
 some ten years, at the end of which time he rented 
 a farm for three years, in the same township, and 
 then purchased the tract where he now resides, 
 and where he has since been prosperously engaged 
 in agricultural pursuits, a striking example of 
 what may be accomplished by honest toil, unre- 
 mitting perseverance, sound judgment and un- 
 questioned integrity of purpose. On March 28, 
 1878, Mr. Smith was married to Harriet, daughter 
 of Adam Beck, of South Strabane township, and 
 the children born to this union are Anna, Harry, 
 Clementina J. , one that died in infancy, and John 
 E. (deceased). Politically Mr. Smith is an inde- 
 pendent Republican, and in religious faith he is a 
 member of the United Presbyterian Church of 
 Washington. He is a typical, representative self- 
 made man, having risen by his own individual 
 efforts from the bottom rung of the ladder, step 
 by step, until he is now one of the most prosper- 
 ous men of his township. On his farm was sunk 
 the first well of the famous Smith pool fund, in the 
 year 1886. 
 
 JAMES A. STEWART is an honored repre- 
 sentative of a family whose name is promi- 
 nently identified with the early settlement of 
 the county. The early ancestors of these 
 pioneers were natives of Scotland, where John 
 Stewart, grandfather of the present generation, 
 was born and reared. He married a maiden from 
 the " Emerald Isle," and soon afterward came to 
 America. They pushed westward from the Atlan- 
 tic coast in search of a cheap home, and reaching 
 western Pennsylvania, they found the object of 
 their quest. He located in Cross Creek township, 
 of Washington county, and taking 500 acres of 
 land in the eastern part of the township, erected a 
 log cabin in the wilderness. Amid dangers and 
 hardships John Stewart and his wife began their 
 home, but with the advent of others the Indians 
 retreated, finally crossing the Ohio river. The 
 visits soon grew less frequent, and the develop- 
 ment of the country became assured as people 
 continued to come from the populated States. 
 John Stewart was one of those hardy, industrious 
 Scotchmen whose aim in life is to implant the 
 principles of honor and industry into the lives of 
 their children. To Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were 
 born children as follows: John (father of sub- 
 ject), James (who passed his entire life on the 
 home farm), William (moved to Guernsey county, 
 Ohio), Jane (Mrs. Everett, of Ohio), Hester (Mrs. 
 John Thorn, who lived on Raccoon creek), Mary 
 (Mrs. Joseph Soott, who moved to Coshocton 
 county, Ohio), (all of whom are now de- 
 ceased). Mr. Stewart died on the home farm in 
 
 a ripe old age, after success had begun to crown 
 his years of toil, having been preceded to the 
 grave by his wife. 
 
 John Stewart was born in 1788 in Cross Creek 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., on the pioneer 
 farm of his father, and passed his boyhood on the 
 farm, and in attending the subscription schools. 
 In 1818 he was married to Sally Paxton, a native 
 of Maryland, whose parents moved to Washington 
 county when she was a small child. To this union 
 were born the following children: Mary (widow 
 of Robert Liggett), James A. (subject), David M. 
 (a farmer of Cross Creek township), Sarah J. (Mrs. 
 James Smiley, of Cross Creek township), Eliza A. 
 (wife of Wallace Richey, of Hopewell township), 
 John, Nathaniel and Maria, the latter three de- 
 ceased. Mr. Stewart located on the old home 
 farm in Cross Creek township, and there passed 
 his life. He was a man of unusually fine physique, 
 standing over six feet two inches in his stocking 
 feet, weighing 240 pounds. Sickness was foreign 
 to his nature and a physician was never called to 
 attend him until the illness preceding his death. 
 Nature had also blessed him in an unusual manner 
 by giving him an entire set of double teeth, not a 
 single tooth having been in his head. He was 
 capable of doing an immense amount of work, and 
 always exercised his powers, being an energetic 
 and successful farmer. Politically he was a Dem 
 ocrat, but not a politician. He died in 1860, and 
 in 1868 his widow was laid beside him. 
 
 James A. Stewart was born March 15, 1821, in 
 Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn.. 
 where he received his early education in the sub 
 scription schools. This was afterward improved 
 by a course at Wotring's Academy. He then 
 successfully followed the profession of a school 
 teacher for thirteen years, when he began the 
 study of medicine under Dr. Hamilton, of West 
 Middletown, but was compelled to abandon it, 
 owing to failing health. On July 13, 1852, he was 
 united in marriage with Sarah C. Pogue, who was 
 born May 15, 1825, daughter of David Pogue, and 
 she bore him children as follows: David R., John, 
 George, Annie, Mary and Lydia, all of whom are 
 living at home. On account of the physical disa- 
 bility of the father, the sons have charge of the 
 farm, and being energetic and industrious young 
 men, they have the respect and good wishes of the 
 entire community. Mr. Stewart remaiued in Jef- 
 ferson township seventeen years after his mar- 
 riage, and in 1873 came to Independence town- 
 ship and purchased the "Thomas White" farm, 
 lying about two miles northeast of Independence, 
 which is his present home. In politics he is a 
 Democrat, and in religious connection both Mr. 
 and Mrs. Stewart are members of the Bethel M. 
 P. Church. 
 
1392 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Hi ENRY SAMPSON, an influential and pros- 
 perous farmer of East Finley township, is 
 a grandson of David Sampson, who was 
 1 born about 1768 in England, where he fol- 
 lowed farming several years, afterward im- 
 migrating to America and locating near Balti- 
 more, Md. He was married to Nancy Jane , 
 
 who was born in 1771, and the following children 
 were born to them: Thomas (deceased in Washing- 
 ton county, Ohio), Laban (deceased in Vinton 
 county, Ohio), Benjamin and Abraham (both de- 
 ceased in East Finley township, this county), 
 David (father of subject), William (residing in 
 Washington county, Ohio), and a daughter (de- 
 ceased in infancy, unnamed). After his marriage 
 Mr. Sampson resided for some time in Maryland, 
 where several of his children were born,' thence 
 moving to Washington county, Penn., he located 
 iu East Finley township, near the present post- 
 office of England, and finally settled on the old 
 home farm, which is situated about two miles from 
 East Finley postoffice, where he died in 1834, hav- 
 ing been preceded several years by his wife. 
 
 David Sampson was born in June, 1808. in 
 Maryland, and came with his parents on their long 
 and tedious journey over the mountains to Wash- 
 ington county, Penn. Their worldly property, 
 with which to begin the struggle of life in the 
 wilderness, was hauled in one cart by two horses 
 driven tandem, the members of the family who 
 could not ride following behind the load. They 
 first located near England postoffice, and, having 
 no property, the struggle for existence was a hard 
 one. After some time David returned over the 
 mountains with a hog-drover, and while in the 
 East purchased a tract of unbroken land, erected 
 a log cabin, and thither moved his parents, where 
 they died in 1834. He was united in marriage 
 with Fanny Sprowls, born in 1816, daughter of 
 Arthur Sprowls, of East Finley township, this 
 county, and the family consisted of the following 
 children: Mary Ann (wife of James Sprowls), re- 
 siding in West Finley township; Catherine, widow 
 of Jackson Elliott, living in East Finley township; 
 Nancy Jane (deceased); Arthur and James (both 
 deceased in infancy); Henry (subject of present 
 sketch); John, a farmer of Marshall county, W. 
 Va. ; Phoebe, wife of William Archer, living in 
 West Finley township, this county; Silas, residing 
 in West Finley township; Libbens, living in Mar- 
 shall county, W. Va. ; Elizabeth, wife of James 
 Martin, of West Finley township, and an unnamed 
 infant. Mr. Sampson passed the remainder of his 
 life on the home farm, and became a successful 
 business man. In politics he was a Democrat, and 
 in religious connection a member of the M. E. 
 Church. He died in 1878, having been preceded 
 by his wife in 1874. 
 
 Henry Sampson was born May 10, 1S43. in 
 
 East Finley township, and passed his youth on 
 the farm, receiving a limited education , although 
 his inclinations led him to improve every possible 
 opportunity. In 1883 he was united in marriage 
 with Adeline Maria Parkinson, who was born 
 March 30, 1852, daughter of John Parkinson, of 
 Morris township, Greene Co., Penn. They have 
 one child, Libbens, born May 31, 1884. Mr. 
 Sampson is a prosperous and popular citizen, and 
 in addition to his vocation of general farming was 
 for eighteen years engaged in threshing, but has 
 recently retired from that. He is a worker in the 
 Democratic party. He is a member of the U. B. 
 Church, and his wife of the C. P. Church at Old 
 Concord. 
 
 C. BUCHANAN, a well-known citizen of 
 Hopewell township, was born in 1864, in 
 Independence township, this county. He 
 is a grandson of David, whose father was 
 Samuel Buchanan. The latter came with 
 his wife and son John from Lancaster county, 
 Penn., to Independence township, this county, in 
 1783, and on April 19, 1785, purchased 300 acres 
 of land on " Worley's Run" of Joseph Worley, 
 who returned to the East. After settling in Inde- 
 pendence townshij), three sons were born to Mr. 
 and Mrs. Samuel Buchanan, namely: William, 
 Samuel and David, all of whom remained in Inde- 
 pendence township. John took the tract of 225 
 acres (adjoining the farms of Henry Levens and 
 John and Philip Doddridge) and died upon 
 this farm; Samuel died about 1804 on the old 
 homestead; William settled in Zanesville, Ohio, 
 where he died. David Buchanan settled on a part 
 of the old homestead upon which he built a tannery 
 in 1810, but on account of a fatal accident, by 
 which a son was drowned in the vat, he gave up 
 the business in 1817. His son, David, afterward 
 inherited the old Buchanan farm, now occupied by 
 John McAllister. 
 
 R. C. Buchanan spent one year at Canonsburg 
 Academy, also a year at Bethany College. He 
 left school at the age of nineteen years, and com- 
 menced farming in partnership with his brother, 
 remaining in Independence township until 1887. 
 In 1884 he was united in marriage with Miss Cora 
 Denny, daughter of Walter Denny. The grand- 
 father of Walter Denny was born in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, and there married Esther Maxwell. 
 In 1788 he located near Canonsburg, this county, 
 where his children were reared, as follows: Cath- 
 erine, Martha, Margaret, Esther, Eleanor, James, 
 Robert and Walter. The father of this family 
 died in 1802, and the mother was laid by his side 
 in 1843. 
 
 Robert Denny was born in 1785, in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, being brought when a child to this 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1393 
 
 county. In 1814 be was married to Lydia Mc- 
 Mannis, who bore him children, as follows: Walter, 
 Anne, Esther, James, Robert, Elizabeth, William 
 and Catherine (twins) and Lydia. Of this family, 
 Esther, James, Robert and Elizabeth are deceased. 
 
 Walter Denny was born April 30, 1810, in South 
 Strabane township, this county. In 1842 he was 
 married to Mary, daughter of John Welch, of 
 Chartiers township, and their children were Mary 
 Jane, Elizabeth Ann, Margaret L., Sarah L., 
 Sarah E., Robert M. , John W. and Laura (twins), 
 Samuel T., Alice, AgDes, Cora and Martha. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Walter Denny passed their first years of 
 wedded life in South Strabane township, then 
 went to Hopewell township, finally locating on the 
 farm one mile and a half west of West Middle - 
 town, where they are now living. 
 
 To the union of R. C. and Cora (Denny) Bu- 
 chanan children have been born as follows: Fannie, 
 born in August, 1885; a son (deceased in infancy); 
 Mary, born March 2, 1888; and Nellie, born in 
 August, 1890. In 1887 R. C. Buchanan moved to 
 his present home, situated two miles northeast of 
 West Middletown. He devotes his principal at- 
 tention to raising Spanish Merino sheep, also rais- 
 ing horses and cultivating 131 acres of land. He 
 votes the Democratic ticket, and has been inspect- 
 or of elections three years. In religious faith he 
 and his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 f | AMES MARSHALL is a representative of one 
 I of the oldest pioneer families of Washington 
 ff V county. The first pioneer of the family 
 ^^ name was Hugh Marshall, who was born in 
 the North of Ireland, where, in 1704, he was 
 married to Rosanna Marshall, a native of the same 
 county. Two children, Gilbert and Samuel, were 
 born to them in their native land. In 1770 they 
 emigrated to America, and after a voyage of nine 
 weeks landed at Philadelphia, Penn., afterward 
 moving to Washington county, and settling (about 
 1778) a short distance northeast of the present 
 city of Washington, where two other children were 
 born: James and Margaret. They soon after- 
 ward purchased a tract of 200 acres of land on 
 Garbys fork of Wheeling creek, in East Finley 
 township, between Gale and East Finley, and 
 made a permanent home in the midst of the wilder- 
 ness, surrounded by Indians, where their two 
 youngest children, John and Hugh, were born. 
 Mr. Marshall had learned the weaver's trade in 
 Ireland, and continued to follow it in America. 
 His land adjoined the property of Robert Carroll, 
 whose brothers were killed by the Indians. Mr. 
 Marshall was living in his log cabin at the time of 
 that tragedy, but probably escaped the same fate 
 by fleeing to the fort when the first signs of the 
 
 presence of Indians were seen. Many times, be- 
 fore and after this occurrence, Mr. Marshall and 
 his family sought safety at the fort, which was 
 situated near the present site of Prosperity, but 
 they bravely endured the hardships and dangers, 
 nobly doing their share in developing the re- 
 sources of the wild country. Mr. Marshall died in 
 1815, and in 1833 his widow followed him to the 
 grave. 
 
 Gilbert Marshall was born in Ireland about 1703, 
 and coming to America with his parents grew to 
 manhood surrounded by the privations and dangers 
 incident to the lives of pioneers. In 1801 he was 
 united in marriage with Martha Bell, who was born 
 east of the mountains about 1768, daughter of 
 Robert Bell, of Morris township, Washington 
 county, and to this union the following children 
 were born: Mary, Rosanna, Hugh, Jane (widow 
 of Hamilton Carroll), Margaret, Robert, James, 
 Martha (widow of Joseph D. Carroll), Elizabeth 
 (wife of J. J. Hunter, of East Finley township). 
 Of these Mary, Rosanna, Hugh, Margaret and 
 Robert are deceased. After his marriage Mr. 
 Marshall bought of his father a small piece of 
 land, lying one mile southeast of East Finley 
 postoffice. where he passed the remainder of his 
 life, year by year continuing to add to his prop- 
 erty. He possessed unusual vigor and was evi- 
 dently especially fitted for the life of hardships 
 and struggles that was his portion, but in which 
 he was so successful. In politics he was a lifelong 
 Democrat, and in religion a member of the U. P. 
 Church. After a most useful life he passed away, 
 in 1864, wearied with the weight of ninety nine 
 years, having been preceded to the grave by his 
 wife about the year 1857. 
 
 James Marshall was born July 10, 1813, on the 
 home farm in East Finley township, Washington 
 county. His only opportunity for an early educa 
 tion was limited to an irregular attendance at the 
 subscription schools then in the vicinity, and his 
 youth was passed upon the farm with his father. 
 In 1844 he was married to Maria McCaslin, of 
 Greene county, Penn., who bore him two children: 
 Maxwell (deceased at the age of twelve years) and 
 Angelina T. (living in Miami county, Kans.). This 
 wife died in 1805, and in 1807 Mr. Marshall was 
 married to Emery E. Guttery, of Morris township, 
 who died February 21, 1877. In 1881 he mar- 
 ried, for his third wife, Susan G. Potter, of East 
 Finley township, who died October 20, 1891. 
 After his first marriage Mr. Marshall lived on the 
 farm of his father five years, and then resided near 
 Prosperity, Morris township, where he remained 
 some time; thence removed to Ritchie county, W. 
 Va. , where he still owns a farm, returning in 1883 
 to Washington county, Penn., and locating near 
 Dog Wood Grove church, where he is now resid- 
 ing. Notwithstanding his age Mr. Marshall is 
 
1394 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 yet an active man. In politics he is a Democrat, 
 and in religion he is a member of the U. P. 
 Church. 
 
 ILLIAM CRUMRINE. The Crumrine 
 family, an old one in this county, is of 
 German origin. George L. Crumrine, 
 from whom the family in Pennsylvania 
 is directly descended, emigrated from the 
 Palatinate of Germany to America in 1748, locat- 
 ing in Maryland. A son, Abraham Crumrine, mar- 
 ried there and reared a family of children, among 
 whom was a sou John, the father of our subject. 
 
 John Crumrine was born January 22, 1779, in 
 what is now Carroll county, Md., near the present 
 village of Melrose. Here he was married in 1803 
 to Barbara Fohrman. In 1810, having heard of 
 the fertile land in Washington county, Penn., he 
 concluded to seek a home in the then " far West." 
 In order to make preparation for the reception of 
 his family, then consisting of his wife and four 
 children, he went ahead, walking the whole dis- 
 tance there, and purchased a piece of laud in West 
 Bethlehem township, near the mouth of Daniel's 
 Run, called in the patent " Snake Den." He 
 walked the entire distance back to Maryland, and 
 in 1811, accompanied by his family, he started on 
 this difficult journey. All his earthly effects were 
 loaded into a wagon, in which there was still found 
 room for the family. The roads were indescribably 
 bad, and the fatigue of the trip may be imagined. 
 With all the vigor of robust youth, he devoted him- 
 self to opening his land and supporting his family. 
 Here twelve more children were born, making a 
 family of sixteen. John Crumrine died January 
 13, 1857, having been preceded by his wife in 1850. 
 William Crumrine, the eighth child in the order 
 of birth of John and Barbara Crumrine, was born 
 March 15, 1817, in Washington county, Penn. He 
 was reared to a full knowledge of all arduous farm 
 life, receiving a limited education in the neighbor- 
 ing " log-cabin school." He began life on his own 
 account as a farmer, in which, with the exception 
 of sixteen years, during which he conducted a mer- 
 cantile business at Lindley's Mills, he has been 
 engaged all his life. His farm near Dennis Sta- 
 tion is excellently improved, and yields a handsome 
 income. In 1845 Mr. Crumrine was married to 
 Lydia, daughter of Thomas Ross, of Ruff's Creek, 
 Greene Co., Penn. To them eleven children have 
 been born: John Thomas, a minister at Cedarville, 
 N. J.; Kennedy, a wholesale paper dealer, of Pitts- 
 burgh; Ross, who died at the age of twenty -five 
 years; Hannah Lucinda, wife of E. A. Conger, of 
 Morris township; Mary E., a school teacher, at 
 home; Frank, died in infancy; Homer, living at 
 Deer Lick, Greene county; Stephen, died when 
 young; M. D., who married Nannie McVay, autl 
 
 assists in the farm work at home; and Timothy 
 anil George, who died when young. In politics 
 Mr. Crumrine is a Democrat. Both he and his 
 wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 ISAAC WHITEMAN. Among the native-born 
 I agriculturists of West Finley township, none 
 stands higher in the esteem and regard of the 
 community than this gentleman. A represent- 
 ative self-made man, he has from the bottom rung 
 of the ladder of life worked upward to an honora- 
 ble competency, a solid reputation and a good 
 name. 
 
 Mr. Whiteman is a son of Isaac Whiteman, who 
 was born in 1764, in Washington county, Penn., 
 and was reared on his father's farm to the noblest 
 of all occupations— the cultivation of the soil. He 
 was here married to Miss Eleanor Maughaman, 
 also a native of the county, born March 7, 1766, 
 and by her he had seven children, viz.: Andrew, 
 Matthias, Esther, Susan, John, Isaac, and one that 
 died in infancy. 
 
 Isaac Whiteman, sou of Isaac and Eleanor 
 (Maughaman) Whiteman, was born March 1, 1820, 
 in Canton township, this county, in what was then 
 called Razortowu, and very early in life commenced 
 working on the farm. When he was but three 
 years of age his father died, leaving a widowed 
 mother with a large family to be provided for; and 
 young Isaac had his share to do in providing food 
 and clothing for them. As a consequence his edu- 
 cational training — inside the school-room — was 
 very limited and meager as compared with the 
 practical lessons he received outside. Up to the 
 age of forty years he worked as a farm laborer by 
 the month, or on rented farms, the first money he 
 earned being for mowing wheat for a neighbor, 
 two days being occupied on the job, for which he 
 received the munificent sum of P>\ cents. 
 
 Our subject was married December 20, 1840, to 
 Sarah Bedillion, of Washington county, Penn., 
 and nine children were born to them, the follow- 
 ing being their names and dates of birth: Chris 
 tianB.,1841; Matthias J., July 27. 1843: Eleanor, 
 August 15, 1845; Marv J., March 13, 1S48; Elsie 
 M.. February 1. 1850: John B. , December 29, 
 1852; Susanna, Mav 5, 1855: Sarah E., May 20, 
 1859, and Phoebe B.. September 23, 1861, all" now 
 living except Christian B. , who died voung, and 
 Mary J., who died March 16, 1879. The mother 
 departed this life November 8, 189(1, a consistent 
 member of the Baptist Church of Enou. 
 
 About 1850 Mr. Whiteman bought a farm in 
 West Virginia, investing all his savings in it, and 
 when the last dollar had been paid the title turned 
 out to be totally worthless, so all his hard-earned 
 substance of the best part of his life went like chaff 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1395 
 
 before the wind. This disaster naturally much de- 
 pressed him, but being possessed of a stout heart 
 and great will power, he again set to work to re- 
 trieve his lost fortune. This time he bought a farm 
 in West Finley township, this county, the one he 
 still owns, and here commenced to deal in live 
 stock and wool, becoming known in course of time 
 as one of the leading wool buyers in the county. 
 By hard labor, strict economy, and indomitable 
 perseverance Mr. Whiteman has, in spite of adver- 
 sity, made life a success, being now the owner of 
 300 acres of line farm land in West Finley town- 
 ship, besides a house and lot in the thriving little 
 town of Businessburgh, where he is now living re- 
 tired from active work. He has been a lifelong 
 member and one of the substantial supporters of 
 the Baptist Church at Enon, in which he is a dea- 
 con, and in politics he has always been a sterling 
 Democrat. 
 
 I Ml RS. MARY SPROWLS was born May 13, 
 \/| 1828, daughter of Hugh and Ruth (En- 
 *i I low) Montgomery, of East Finley town- 
 I -* ship, and is the widow of Simeon Sprowls, 
 a successful farmer of East Finley town- 
 ship, Washington county. 
 
 John Sprowls, a native of Ireland, was the first 
 of his family to settle in America. In 1784 he 
 was united in marriage, in Ireland, with Eliza 
 Love (also a native of Erin), and the following 
 children were there born to them: Arthur, Jane, 
 Edward, John, Henry, James, Elizabeth and 
 Nancy. In 1793 Mr. Sprowls brought his family 
 to America, landing first at Philadelphia, thence 
 going to Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., and in 
 about 1795 settling in West Pike Run township, 
 Washington county. Soon afterward they went to 
 Allen township, this county, but at length made a 
 permanent home near the postofficeof Good Intent, 
 in East Finley township, where the remainder of 
 their lives was passed. Twochildren, William and 
 Mary, were born in America. 
 
 Simeon Sprowls was the son of James Sprowls, 
 and grandson of the pioneer John Sprowls. He 
 was born December 13, 1822, in East Finley town- 
 ship, this county, and as his parents died when he 
 was very young, leaving very little property, Simeon 
 was obliged to begin life for himself at the age of 
 twelve years. He worked some time without re- 
 ceiving wages, and was then paid the modest sum 
 of a "levy" per day. He continued to work at 
 whatever would afford employment, and was one 
 of the laborers hired to assist in building the brick 
 residence of Mr. Thomas Stout, which was erected 
 by Isaac Havely. At the age of sixteen he began 
 to learn the carpenter's trade with Albert Squires, 
 for whom he worked several years, afterward be- 
 coming his partner. Mr. Squires finally moved to 
 
 Ohio, and Mr. Sprowls continued the business. 
 On February 24. 1848, he was united in marriage 
 with Mary Montgomery, and the following chil- 
 dren were born to them: Oliver M., born April 27, 
 1850 (living in West Finley township, this county) ; 
 Albert S., born July 3, 1852 (an attorney, living 
 in Washington, Penn.); Alexander M. , born No- 
 vember 14, 1854 (deceased in infancy); Harvey, 
 born November 17, 1856 (residing in East Finley 
 township); Ruth, born July 3, 1859 (living at 
 home); George B., born March 5, 1862 (a hard 
 ware merchant in Claysville, this county); Mar- 
 garet J., bom October 17, 1864 (wife of Christian 
 Plants, living in Claysville), and William M., born 
 September 9, 1867 (residing at home I. 
 
 After his marriage Mr. Sprowls located near 
 Prosperity, on Ten- Mile creek, where he remained 
 a short time, and in 1850 purchased, of Samuel 
 McQuery, a farm in East Finley township, where 
 he lived the rest of his life. He continued to farm 
 and follow his trade until the spring of 1878, 
 when he was suddenly taken ill, lingering only a 
 short time, and on June 24, 1878, passed away. 
 At the time of his death Mr. Sprowls had exten- 
 sive laud possessions, having each year added to- 
 his original property by hard labor and careful 
 economy. Politically he was a Democrat. Since 
 the death of her husband Mrs. Sprowls has resided 
 on the home farm, which is managed under her di- 
 rection. She is a member of the Windy Gap 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 
 
 HENRY SMITH. Among the representa- 
 tive citizens of Union township is this gen- 
 tleman, who has been prominently identi- 
 fied with the interests of the community 
 since locating here. His grandfather, Rob- 
 ert Smith, came from Maryland in 1782, and lo- 
 cated on a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., where 
 some of the family are yet living. An old shot- 
 gun, which was brought across the ocean by his 
 family, has been remodeled, and is yet in their 
 possession. Robert Smith was married to Miss 
 Jane Moore, a native of Maryland, who bore him 
 the following named children: Daniel, Jennie, 
 Mary A., Nancy, Robert, Betsey, Polly, Margaret, , 
 William and John, all of whom lived to be over 
 sixty-six years of age; Polly is the only one yet liv- 
 ing. John Smith, son of Robert and Jane (Moore) 
 Smith, was born on the farm in Allegheny county, 
 Penn., where his life was devoted to tilling the 
 soil. On March 17, 1842, he married Anna, 
 daughter of Henry Croco, of Allegheny county, 
 Penn. Eleven children were born to this mar- 
 riage, all of whom yet enjoy robust health, namely: 
 Elizabeth J. , Margaret J., Robert, Henry, Mary 
 A., Lucinda, John O, Belle F. , Hettie R. . Ann 
 M. and Adeline M. The father was a stanch sup- 
 
1396 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 porter of the Democratic party. He died March 
 15, 1882, and was buried on the fortieth anniver- 
 sary of his wedding day. 
 
 Henry Smith, second son of John and Anna 
 (Croco) Smith, was born in 1849, in Allegheny 
 county, Peun., and passed his youth on the old 
 place. On January 9, 1873, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Amelia, daughter of Matthias Uhr, of 
 Allegheny county, Penn. They began wedded 
 life on their present farm in Union township, 
 Washington Co. , Penn., where children have been 
 born to them as follows: Edward TJ. (attending 
 the Pittsburgh Academy), John H. , Lewis R., 
 Howard I., and Frank M. The home place con- 
 tains 157 acres of land, and in addition to general 
 farming Mr. Smith manages an extensive dairy 
 business. In political opinion he is a Democrat, 
 and in religious faith a member and trustee of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Fiuleyville. 
 
 n, LEXANDER H. HUSTON is a son of Hugh 
 I l\ Huston, who was born and reared in Char- 
 Ip4\ tiers township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 J -* where he attended the common schools. 
 He learned the carpenter's trade, and fol- 
 lowed it successfully for many years. He mar- 
 ried Rachel Swan, a native of this county, who 
 bore him three children: William, Alexander H. 
 and Mattie. Of these, William was killed at the 
 battle of Gettysburg, and Alexander H. is the 
 only one now living. Hugh Huston was a Dem- 
 ocrat in politics, and in religious connection a 
 member of the Associate Reformed Church. 
 
 Alexander H. Huston was born in 1840. in 
 Chartiers township, Washington Co.,Peuu., where 
 he was reared, educated and taught the carpenter's 
 trade, at which he has since worked. In 1862 he 
 enlisted, along with his brother William, in Com- 
 pany D, Tenth Regiment, P. V. I., and was sent 
 to the army of the Potomac; he was wounded in 
 the battle of Gettysburg, where his brother was 
 killed, as above stated. On October 6, 1871, he 
 was united in marriage with Lizzie E., daughter 
 of William Harsha, of Canonsburg, Penn., a son 
 of Thomas Harsha, a native of Pennsylvania, who 
 . in early manhood was married to Jane Hutchinson, 
 a descendant of one of the old families of Wash- 
 ington county. They resided in Chartiers town- 
 ship and reared a large family. He was a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics a Dem- 
 ocrat. His son, William Harsha, was born in 
 Chartiers township, this county, and was there 
 educated. When a young man he married Har- 
 riet, daughter of William Fee. The young couple 
 settled on the old place in Chartiers township, 
 where Mr. Harsha died in 1860, leaving the fol 
 lowing children: William G., Lizzie E. (wife of 
 A. H. Huston), Sarah (Mrs. William Hutchinson), 
 
 Thomas and George V. The father was a Demo- 
 crat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 To the union of Alexander H. and Lizzie E. 
 (Harsha) Huston two daughters have been born, 
 namely: Nettie J. and Harriet F. Mr. Huston, in 
 politics, follows iu the footsteps of his forefathers, 
 being a straight Democrat; in religion he is a 
 member of the U. P. Church. 
 
 B^ANIEL MADISON CARY, of Morris town- 
 II ship, is a descendant of an old family of 
 / English descent. Abel Gary, the grand- 
 father of Daniel Madison, was a native of 
 New Jersey, born of English parentage. He mar 
 ried in that State, later removiug with his family 
 (a member of which was Daniel, born August 13, 
 1779) to Greene county, Penn. Daniel Cary 
 spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, re- 
 ceiving but little schooling. In 1802 he married 
 Mary Cooper, born July 18, 1783, a daughter of 
 Zebulon Cooper, of Morris township. Shortly af- 
 ter his marriage he removed to Chenango county, 
 N. Y. , where he resided for a short time, soon af- 
 terward coming to Greene county, Penn., where 
 he died in 1868; his wife died in 1854. To them 
 were born ten children : Zebulon, born November 
 25, 1803; Abel, born October 8, 1805; Jerusha, 
 born August 3, 1807; Mary, born July 15, 1809; 
 Elizabeth, born December 28, 1812; Susanna, born 
 November 13, 1814; Julian, born February 18, 
 1817; Sylvester, born May 6, 1819; John, born 
 March 23, 1821; and Daniel Madisou. With the 
 exception of John, who died when young, the 
 whole family lived to maturity. 
 
 Daniel Madison Cary was born August 5, 1823, 
 and was trained to farm life. He received but a 
 meager education, his schooling consisting of about 
 four weeks' annual attendance at a subscription 
 school. In 1844 he married Mary, a daughter of 
 Jacob Huss, an early pioneer of Fairfield county, 
 Ohio. After his marriage Mr. Cary lived for a 
 while with his father in Greene county, then pur- 
 chased land near Rogersville, Centre township, 
 same county, living there ten years, when he pur- 
 chased his present farm, where he has since made 
 his home. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cary 
 were born children as follows: William Abel, born 
 August 23, 1845, married Elizabeth J. Bane, of 
 Strabane township, and now resides in Andrew 
 county, Mo. ; Harriet E., born May r 17, 1848, mar- 
 ried to Stephen Reeves, of Amwell township; Mary 
 J., born December 22, 1850, married Simeon Mar- 
 tin, of Andrew county, Mo., where they now reside; 
 Charles M., born May 22, 1854, died December 8, 
 1869; Elizabeth Ann, born October 6, 1857, makes 
 her home with her parents; Sarah M., born August 
 25. I860, married Axtal Day, of Chartiers town- 
 ship; Florence A., born May 30, 1867, married to 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1397 
 
 Washington Breese, of Amwell township. Mr. 
 Cary is one of the influential and successful men 
 of Morris towuship. He is a Democrat in politics, 
 and both he and his wife attend the Amity M. E. 
 Church, of which she is a member. 
 
 DANIEL McPHERSON was, in his lifetime, 
 a worthy representative of an honored race. 
 He was a grandson of John McPherson, a 
 native of Ireland, where he passed his en- 
 tire life. He died at an advanced age, and left a 
 family of children, one of whom was his namesake, 
 John. 
 
 John McPherson was born iu Ireland, and at 
 the age of twenty years immigrated to America, 
 settling in Lancaster county, Penn. He was 
 united in marriage with Ann Logan, and their 
 children were William, James, John, Daniel, Ann 
 and Mary, all now deceased with the exception of 
 Ann and John. 
 
 Daniel McPherson was born September 5, 1817, 
 in Lancaster county, Penn., and coming with his 
 parents to Washington county, same State, located 
 in Buffalo township, near Atchison, where he grew 
 to manhood, his time being employed in farm du- 
 ties and in attending the common schools. On 
 February 2, 1842, he was married to Nancy Noble, 
 who was born July 19, 1823, a daughter of Will- 
 iam and Rachel (Spencer) Noble, and they had the 
 following family of children: Samuel (deceased at 
 the age of thirty-five years), William (of whom 
 mention is made below), Daniel (also mentioned in 
 this sketch), Rachel, James, Florence, Sadie, Hen- 
 rietta, Mary (Mrs. John Sights, of Morristown, 
 Penn.), and John. Of these children those now 
 living are William, Daniel and Mary. 
 
 Mr. McPherson lived on several different places 
 in Donegal township during the earlier years of 
 his married life, and in 1850 purchased the "Kerns i 
 Farm," situated in the northern part of Donegal ! 
 towuship, where he passed the remainder of his ' 
 life. For twenty-five years prior to his death he 
 was unable to engage in active labor, and the prin- 
 cipal work of the farm was done by the two sous, 
 William and Daniel. Mr. McPherson was noted 
 for his generosity of heart and was one of the pil- 
 lars of the U. B. Church, contributing liberally to 
 its support. Politically, he was a Democrat. He 
 died in 1891, his loss being deeply felt by the en- 
 tire community, for such men are not easily 
 replaced. His widow is living on a comfortable 
 home farm. 
 
 William McPherson, the son of Daniel and Nancy 
 (Noble) McPherson, was born on July 7, 1849, on 
 the old home farm in Donegal township, where his 
 boyhood was passed. On March 8, 1875, he was 
 married to Sarah E. Mealey, who was born August 
 2, 1840, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fiu- 
 
 ley) Mealey, and thay have had one son, John 
 Burton, born February 7. 1876. After his mar- 
 riage Mr. McPherson located near the home of his 
 father, about two and a half miles southwest of 
 Atchison, this county, where he has erected a 
 handsome dwelling. Mr. McPherson assisted 
 largely in the success of his father, by years of 
 energetic and patient toil, and the home he now 
 enjoys is his deserved reward. In political life, he 
 is an active member of the Democratic party, and 
 has filled several towuship offices with credit. 
 
 Daniel McPherson, a brother of William, and 
 son of the elder Daniel McPherson, was born April 
 11, 1854. He received a common-school education 
 and passed his earlier years at home. On Febru- 
 ary 15, 1881, he was united in marriage with Mar- 
 tha Ellen Miller, who was born February 6, 1859, 
 daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Miller, and 
 they have one daughter, Lizzie, born March 22, 
 1886. Mr. McPherson settled on a part of the 
 home farm, upon which he has built a comfortable 
 dwelling. The son inherits the progressive traits 
 of his father's character, combined with habits of 
 industry, which are a guarantee of future success. 
 He is a Democrat in political preference, and in 
 religious faith is a member of the Disciple Church 
 at Dutch Fork. 
 
 k\ILLIAM L. DUNN, the leading and pop- 
 ]j nlar shoe merchant of Canonsburg, was 
 born in 1853, at Duncan Falls, Muskin- 
 gum Co., Ohio. His grandfather, James 
 Dunn, was born and reared in Ireland, and 
 coming to America first settled in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, where he was married to Miss Andrews, a 
 nutive of that State. The couple soon moved to 
 Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and he 
 followed agricultural pursuits. He was a Demo- 
 crat, and in religion a member of the Seceder 
 Church. Four children were born to this mar- 
 riage, namely: Samuel, George, Rebecca (Mrs. 
 Robert Beish) aud Isabelle (Mrs. Ritchie). 
 
 George Dunn was born in 1826, in Buffalo town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., where his early edu- 
 cation was received. He left home at an early age, 
 and settled in Muskingum county, Ohio. When a 
 young man he was married to Mary J., daughter 
 of Philip Bedillion, of Washington county, Penn. 
 They resided in Ohio several years, and in 1845 
 came to Mount Pleasant township, this county, 
 finally settling in Chartiers township. He was an 
 active worker in the Democratic party. In re- 
 ligious faith he was first a Seceder, then a member 
 of the U. P. Church; he died June 28, 1890, leav- 
 ing the following children: William L., Nathaniel, 
 Mary J. (wife of D. Q. Crawford), Louisa and 
 George. 
 
 William L. Dunn remained on the home place 
 
1398 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 during his boyhood, and attended school at Jeffer- 
 son Academy. When eighteen years of age he en- 
 tered the employ of A. T. Hoft, remaining there 
 one year. In 1873 he entered into partnership 
 with Lewis L. Huston, in the retail shoe business, 
 which they conducted two years. After selling out, 
 Mr. Dunn worked two years for the purchaser; 
 then worked three years for A. C. McNary, and in 
 18S3 opened his present establishment in Canons - 
 burg. On September 1, 1874, he was united in 
 marriage with Lizzie H.. daughter of John E. 
 Black, of Canonsburg. Their union has been 
 blessed with the following children: Charles, 
 Alice, William, Mary and Elsie. Of these children 
 Alice and William are yet living. Mr. Dunn began 
 business with but little capital, and has been the 
 architect of his own fortune. He and his family 
 are members of the Central Presbyterian Church, 
 and in politics he is actively identified with the 
 Democratic party. 
 
 HARLES SCHMIDT, than whom there has 
 
 not been a more enterprising and respected 
 
 citizen in South Strabane township, was a 
 
 native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg, 
 
 April 29, 1820. 
 
 His father, Frederick Schmidt, was of the same 
 place, where he married, and reared a large family 
 of children, of whom the subject of this sketch 
 was the second in order of birth. Charles Schmidt 
 remained under the parental roof, receiving his 
 education at the school of the neighborhood, until 
 he was twenty years of age, when he was drafted 
 into the German army, in which he served nine 
 years, a portion of the time in the corps of infantry 
 sharpshooters, he being then a corporal. He was 
 tailor of his company for a time, and then was ap- 
 pointed shoemaker, a trade he had learned of his 
 rather, and having made some improvement in the 
 arraugeruent of the knapsack, he was promoted to 
 general master of all saddlers in his regiment, a po- 
 sition of honor and profit. On leaving the army in 
 1849,Mr. Schmidt emigrated to America, landing at 
 New York, in which city he spent a short time, 
 then proceeded to Philadelphia, and from there to 
 Baltimore, where he remained eight years. Here 
 he attended school in order to make himself con- 
 versant with the English language, and was en- 
 gaged iu the business of maker and titter of fine 
 shoes; iu which he was eminently successful. In 
 1858 he went to Pittsburgh, where for two years 
 he worked at his trade, shoemaking, and then 
 came to Washington, this county, remaining in the 
 city two years, at the end of which time he pur- 
 chased the farm property in South Strabane town- 
 ship, which by assiduous labor he improved from 
 a wild state to its present fertile condition. Here 
 he successfully carried on farming and the culti- 
 
 vation of the grape, having an extensive vineyard, 
 and, in connection, the largest wine cellar in Wash 
 ington county, stored with choice native wines of 
 his own manufacture. 
 
 On December 3, 1850, Mr. Schmidt was married 
 to Wilhelmina Dittis, of Baltimore, Md. , daughter 
 of John and Margaret Dittis, and to this union have 
 been born the following named children: Charles, 
 Caroline (Mrs. George Becker), Francis and Mary 
 (Mrs. John Becker). Mr. Schmidt was called from 
 earth February 14, 1892, and his business and farm 
 are now being conducted by his son Francis. He 
 had been a Democrat ever since receiving his fran- 
 chise, and was an active worker in his party. He 
 was a justice of the peace for ten years, and served 
 as school director for several terms. 
 
 IfOHN S. LIGGETT was born August 25, 
 t I 1849, on the home farm in Independence 
 (( J I township. He is descended from one of the 
 ^^ earliest and most prominent families of pio- 
 neer times in Washington county, whose ances- 
 tors were born in Scotland. 
 
 Two brothers of the Liggett family left their 
 Highland home and crossed the ocean to America. 
 Landing at Baltimore, Md., they there remained but 
 B short time and then pushed westward, finally lo- 
 cating in Washington county, Penn. One of 
 these brothers, Thomas Liggett, was married to 
 Parraelia Dempster, a resident of Washington 
 county, and passed his life in Independence town- 
 ship. He was a man of stalwart frame, six feet 
 tall, well proportioned in every way, and possess- 
 ing great courage and powers of endurance. He 
 was noted for his positive character and sturdy ad- 
 herence to his word, which principles were im- 
 planted on the minds and were evident in the lives 
 of all his children, whose names were Joshua (a 
 farmer of Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Elizabeth 
 (deceased in Iowa), James (deceased in Coshocton 
 county, Ohio), Harriet (widow of Labau Heading- 
 ton), Robert (of whom special mention is made 
 further on), Mary Ann (deceased in Illinois), 
 Sarah (widow of John Hemphill), William (sketch 
 of whom appears elsewhere), Thomas (a farmer in 
 Hopewell township), David A. (a merchant of In- 
 dependence, Penn.), Anderson (living iu Hot 
 Springs, Ark.). Mr. Liggett died January 29, 
 1861, Mrs. Liggett September 17, 1882. 
 
 Robert Liggett was born February 25, 1815, in 
 Independence township, Washington county, and 
 remained on the home farm until some years after 
 attaining his majority. His education was re- 
 stricted to the advantages found in the pioneer 
 log schoolhouse, with its split-log benches and 
 desks supported by pegs driven in the wall. The 
 huge fireplace sent out so tierce a heat that " the 
 children's hot faces were streaming, the while they 
 
i^f^f: 
 
 X 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1401 
 
 were freezing their backs." Young Robert walked 
 a long distance through the woods to glean knowl- 
 edge from these schools for a few weeks during the 
 winter season. They were maintained by popular 
 subscription, while the teacher "boarded round" 
 among the parents, whose children graduated after 
 having fathomed the hidden mysteries of "tare and 
 tret" and the " single rule of three.'' Amid such 
 surroundings Robert Liggett received his educa- 
 tion and grew to manhood. In 1843 he was 
 united in marriage with Mary M. Stewart, a native 
 of Washington county, and the offspriug of their 
 union were as follows: Thomas Madison, Sarah 
 A. (Mrs. J. J. Cairns, of Eldersville, Penn.), and 
 John S. Mr. Liggett began wedded life with $500 
 and an old horse as capital stock. He lived on 
 his father's farm for a short time, then came to 
 the place where the remainder of his life was 
 passed, which is situated one mile east of Inde- 
 pendence, in Independence township. Upon this 
 farm he erected one of the finest residences in 
 the township, there following agricultural pur- 
 suits, and by industry combined with economical 
 business dealings, eventually became the owner 
 of a vast estate. Mr. Liggett never took part in 
 any speculations, but devoted his entire time to 
 energetic toil and careful management of his prop- 
 erty, achieving success by slow but, steady upward 
 steps. Mr. Liggett was quiet and unassuming in 
 public, with a reserved and dignified manner. 
 His integrity was unimpeachable; firm and un- 
 swerving in opinions, he never lowered his stand- 
 ard of right to any man. Although, as previously 
 stated, his literary advantages were necessarily 
 limited, yet he succeeded, by dint of close applica- 
 tion and keen observation, in securing a thorough 
 practical knowledge of current topics and business 
 matters. His example is most worthy of emula- 
 tion, and may well encourage the young men who 
 read these lines to persevere in every honest effort ; 
 for true success comes only to those who toil and 
 wait patiently for the harvest, which though long 
 delayed, is ever sure — as we sow so shall we reap 
 in due season, but the harvest will be according to 
 the seeds planted. In politics Robert Liggett was 
 a Democrat. He died September 4, 1886, and was 
 laid to rest in West Middletown cemetery; on De- 
 cember 3, 1890, his body was removed to the beau 
 tiful new cemetery at Independence, then laid out 
 on a portion of his farm. He left an estate worth 
 over $50,000, the result of his own toil and busi- 
 ness sagacity. Since his demise, the widow has 
 resided on the home farm with a son. 
 
 Thomas Madison Liggett (the elder son of Rob- 
 ert and Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) was born Jan- 
 uary 25, 1845, in Independence township, this 
 county. He passed his boyhood and youth on the 
 home place, and October 17, 1878, was united in 
 marriage with Letitia Griffith, who was born on 
 
 October 22, 1852, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth 
 (Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county. They have had five children: Montee 
 M. , Dora (deceased at the age of four years), Rob- 
 ert, Olive L. and Hattie May. Mr. and Mrs. Lig- 
 gett have resided since their marriage on what is 
 known as the James Beall farm, lying half a mile 
 east of Independence, in this county. He inherits 
 the spirit of progress and industry, so characteris- 
 tic of his father's life, and is a prominent- agricult- 
 urist, devoting special attention to raising first- 
 class stock, handling and fattening stock for the 
 market. He votes the Democratic ticket, but gives 
 his whole time to the interests of his business, 
 which is yielding a larger income with every year. 
 He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church. He is a charter member of the Independ- 
 ence Cemetery Company, serving as secretary of 
 that company since it first started. His wife, 
 Letitia, is truly a helpmate, completely interest- 
 ing herself in her department, and in every opera- 
 tion tending to the advancment of her family's 
 interest. 
 
 John S. Liggett (the younger son of Robert and 
 Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) received a common- 
 school education, and then began dealing in stock 
 and general farming, soon managing an extensive 
 business. By treating his customers in a fair and 
 honest manner, he has succeeded in winning the 
 confidence and patronage of many. On January 
 23, 1879, he married Harriet A. Griffith, who was 
 born March 20, 1856, daughter of Isaac and Eliza- 
 beth (Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township, 
 this county. Two daughters were born to this 
 union, viz. : Mary A., born January 8. 1885, died of 
 pneumonia May 26, 1885, and Alice B., born July 
 22, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett have resided on 
 the home farm since their marriage, and the place 
 gives evidence of the cultured taste of the present 
 owners. Mr. Liggett possesses a rare judgment 
 and practical knowledge of live stock, which has 
 contributed largely to his success in business. 
 Politically he is a Democrat, and has filled various 
 offices of trust in his township. In religion he and 
 his wife are both members of the Presbyterian 
 Church, of which he is a trustee. 
 
 J 
 
 [OHN SCOTT DANLEY. Among the old 
 families of East Finley township none hold 
 a more prominent place than the Danleys. 
 George Danley, grandfather of John S., was 
 a native of the North of Ireland, where he 
 carried on farming, as did his father before him. 
 Immigrating to America, he made his new home 
 in Washington county, Penn., near West Middle- 
 town, where his wife (also a native of Ireland) 
 bore him three children: John, Mattie and S. S. 
 About 1819 the parents died, and the children, 
 
 y 
 
1402 
 
 WA SHIN G TON CO UN T Y. 
 
 who were yet young, passed iuto the care of others, 
 S. S. being given in charge of an uncle, John 
 Scott; Mattie, who was also reared by relatives, 
 is now a resident of Cambridge, Ohio, and is the 
 only survivor of the family. 
 
 S. S. Danley, father of our subject, was born 
 April 29, 1818, in Independence township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., and, aB already stated, was 
 reared by his uncle, John Scott, a resident of East 
 Fiuley township, his education being received at 
 the subscription schools of the period, somewhat 
 limited in their facilities as compared with more 
 modern schools; but Mr. Danley was a close stu- 
 dent and a great reader, and lost no opportunity 
 of improving his education. He lived with his 
 relatives until his marriage, January 2. 1838, with 
 Ruth Enlow, who was born June 20, 1817, a 
 daughter of Henry Enlow, of East Finley town- 
 ship, whose ancestors were New Englanders and 
 early settlers in Washington county. To this 
 union were born the following named children: 
 Elizabeth E., born October 16, 1839, married to 
 John Elliott, and living in Morris township; Mar- 
 garet J., born February 1 5, 1841, married to George 
 England, and resides in Washington county, Iowa; 
 Henry P., born May 18, L842, a farmer in East 
 Finlev township; John S. ; George H., born May 
 24, 1847, died January 10, 1859. After his mar- 
 riage S. S. Danley located on the property left him 
 by his uncle, situated near the headwaters of the 
 Templeton fork of Wheeling creek, and a short 
 distance from Bartholdi post-office, in East Finley 
 township, and here he passed the remainder of his 
 busy life, improving the property and adding to 
 his possessions, which at the time of his death 
 were extensive. He died April 1, 1891, his wife 
 August 14, 1880. They were active, influential 
 citizens, and highly respected members of the Dog 
 Wood Grove U. P. Church. Politically Mr. Dan- 
 ley was first a Whig and afterward, on the for- 
 mation of the party, a stanch Republican. 
 
 John Scott Danley was born September 12, 
 L845, in East Finley township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., his education being received at the common 
 schools of the district. In 1869 he was married to 
 .Martha L. McCleary, who was born August 16, 
 1 X r>( >, a daughter of William McCleary, of East 
 Finley township. This union has been blessed 
 with the following children: Osco Wayne, born 
 November 5, 1870, died August 1, 1880; George 
 W., born May 28, 1872; James L., born February 
 23, 1874; Ruth E., born July 21. 1877; Idesta 
 and Roberta (twins), born August 5, 1880, all at 
 home, and Laura, born May 20, 1883, deceased in 
 infancy. The mother of these children died June 
 20, 1883, ami April 29, 18S6, Mr. Danley married 
 Mrs. Jennie M. (Gunn) Nelly, a native of East 
 Fiuley township, born September 10, 1858, a | 
 daughter of Moses Gunn, and widow of Moses 
 
 Nelly. After his first marriage Mr. Danley re- 
 sided with his parents until their death, since 
 when he has continued on the old home farm. He 
 is one of the prosperous and influential citizens of 
 his township, and in general knowledge is consid- 
 erably above the average farmer. He and his re- 
 fined and intelligent wife are members of the Dog 
 Wood Grove U. P. Church, and in politics he is a 
 prominent and active Republican. 
 
 P, A. THROCKMORTON, a well-to-do farmer 
 ' of Morris township, comes of good English 
 stock. His grandfather, Daniel Throck- 
 morton, a native of New Jersey, of English 
 parentage, removed to western Pennsyl- 
 vania about 1800, locating in Greene county, 
 where he devoted himself to farming. Here he 
 married and reared five children. After the death 
 of his first wife he married a widow, Mrs. Duval, 
 who died in 1846, followed by her husband in 1848. 
 
 Daniel Throckmorton, the third son of Daniel, 
 was born in 1802, received a limited education and 
 spent his boyhood days on his father's farm. In 
 1837 he married Hannah, a daughter of Philip 
 Axtel, of Morris township, and to them three chil- 
 dren were born: P. A.; Oliver, born January 27, 
 1842, is unmarried and resides with his brother, 
 P. A. Throckmorton, and Judson, born March 1, 
 1844, died November 1, 1862, in the service of the 
 Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. The father died 
 in 1851. 
 
 Philip Axtel Throckmorton was born March 19, 
 I 1 -*:!'.*, in Washington county. Penn. He resided 
 with his parents until the death of his father which 
 occurred when he was twelve years of age; then he 
 hired out by the month and helped in the support 
 of the family. On October 2, 1869, he married 
 Martha Ann, daughter of William Sanders, of 
 Morris township, and to them four children have 
 been born: Flora Vidella, born October 30, lN~n ; 
 Hannah Mary, born October 20, 1S74; William 
 Edgar, born November 26, 1877, and Rollin A., 
 born May 24, 1885, all of whom are living with 
 their parents. Mr. Throckmorton is nicely situ- 
 ated in his home, having recently erected a beau- 
 tiful and commodious residence. In politics he is 
 a Prohibitionist, formerly a Democrat. He is a 
 member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Hermon, 
 and his wife is identified with the Presbyterian 
 Church at Prosperity. 
 
 dH. REDD is a grandson of Solomon and 
 Mary (Scott) Redd, natives of Washington 
 county, Penn., who settled on the home farm 
 in Allen township many years ago. He died 
 in Virginia, and in 1860 his widow passed away in 
 the same State. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1403 
 
 Thomas C. Redd, son of Solomon Redd, was 
 born in April, 18*22, in Allen township, Washing- 
 ton county, receiving his education in the schools 
 of Allen and Fallowfield townships. In early life 
 he was married to Elmira Conrad, a native of Fal- 
 lowfield township, where they resided for several 
 years, afterward moving to Allen township; they 
 finally bought the Conrad place in Fallowfield 
 township, where the remainder of their lives was 
 passed. He was an active member of the Repub- 
 lican party, and in religion he and his wife were 
 identified with the Ebenezer M. E. Church. They 
 were the parents of eleven children, of whom the 
 following are yet living: Marvin P., proprietor of 
 the Redd Hotel at Charleroi, this county; Josie, 
 living in Nottingham township, on Pigeon creek; 
 Melissa, wife of Sanford Carson, of Charleroi; 
 J. H, whose name opens this sketch; Ellsworth, a 
 farmer of Fallowfield township; William, living in 
 Charleroi; Maggie and Charley, also residents of 
 Charleroi. The father of this family died in Feb- 
 ruary, 1892, and his widow is now living in 
 Charleroi. 
 
 J. H. Redd was born in 1860, on his present 
 farm in Allen township, this county, where he grew 
 to manhood, receiving an education in the district 
 schools of Fallowfield township; he has always fol- 
 lowed farming. In May, 1880, he was united in 
 marriage with Gertrude, daughter of John and 
 Lucy Ann (Scott) Sphar, natives of Allen town- 
 ship, where they are now living. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Redd resided in Fallowfield township until 1884, 
 when he bought and moved upon the 125 acres in 
 Allen township, of which he has recently sold 
 twenty- four acres. He has been actively identified 
 with the Republican party, and in religion is a 
 member of the Ebenezer M. E. Church, with 
 which his wife is also connected. They have four 
 children, namely: Vedy, Lucy Ann, Thomas Oak- 
 land and an infant. 
 
 learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, eventually 
 opening a furniture store in Burgettstown, Smith 
 township. Some time afterward he became asso- 
 ciated with Mr. Scott, and they have since carried 
 on the business with much profit. On November 
 21, 188-, he was united in marriage with Rachel, 
 daughter of William Russell, a pioneer resident of 
 this county. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
 McElhany are Jennie M. and Tilla M. (twins), 
 William M. (deceased) and Maggie G. In politics 
 William McElhany was originally a Democrat, and 
 served his township and the borough of Burgetts- 
 town in various official capacities; since 1890 he 
 has espoused the cause of the Prohibition party. 
 He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 at Burgettstown for many years, and is now filling 
 the position of elder. 
 
 y\ILLIAM M. McELHANY, of the firm of 
 / McElhany & Scott, cabinet-makers, Bur- 
 gettstown, is an example of the possible 
 success which lies before all those now at 
 the bottom of the ladder, who possess in- 
 telligence, coupled with willing hearts and hands. 
 He is to-day one of the most prosperous business 
 men of Burgettstown, although he began life with 
 no financial aid. 
 
 William McElhany was born July 15, 1849, in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., and moved to West 
 Virginia with his parents when but nine and a 
 half years of age. The father died when the son 
 was a lad of twelve years, and the little fellow 
 began life for himself. He first learned the 
 carpenter's trade, which vocation he followed 
 several years with marked success, but afterward 
 
 f | AMES D. STROUD, a progressive and intel- 
 ligent agriculturist of Fallowfield township, 
 f I is a native of Washington county, born on 
 —J the family homestead, April 6, 1856. He is 
 a son of John Stroud, whose father, a native 
 of Maryland, made a settlement in Pennsylvania. 
 
 John Stroud was born in 1818 in Washington 
 county, Penn., and learned the blacksmith's trade, 
 which he followed during a considerable part of 
 his younger life. In 1855 he was married to 
 Martha Yant, who bore him two sons, James D. 
 ftnd William A., the latter of whom was married 
 to a daughter of Clark Crow. After his marriage 
 John Stroud abandoned his trade, and gave is un- 
 divided attention to farming and stock raising. 
 In 1880 he was laid to rest; his widow is yet living 
 on the old place iu Fallowfield township. 
 
 James D. Stroud, the subject proper of this bio- 
 graphical memoir, has passed all his life iu his 
 native township. On August 7, 1880, he was 
 united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of Henry 
 Hanuan, a prominent farmer of Washington 
 county, and three sons and one daughter have 
 blessed their union, namely: Charley A., John W. 
 B. , Walter L. and Bessie Viola. Mr. Stroud's 
 farm, on which he has resided eleven years, con- 
 tains 117 acres of well-cultivated land, lying six 
 miles southwest of Monongahela, and here he 
 carries on general agriculture, devoting consider- 
 able attention to the raising of sheep and other 
 live stock. 
 
 JAMES C. POLLOCK, an old and respected 
 citizen of Hanover township, was born 
 December 22, 1812, in Chester county, Penn., 
 the third in order of birth of the children 
 born to Edwin and Margaret (Boyd) Pollock. 
 Edwin Pollock was a native of County Down, Ire- 
 land, and was educated for the ministry, but to 
 avoid being forced to enter the army, his relatives 
 
1404 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 smuggled him on board a vessel bound for Amer- 
 ica, and he died in this country, when his son 
 James was but h little fellow. 
 
 James C. Pollock was educated at the rate 
 schools of Chester county, Penn. After the death 
 of his father, his mother was married to one Fred- 
 erick Aulthouse, of Chester county, Penn., and in 
 later years young James came to Washington 
 county with his mother and stepfather. The 
 journey over the mountains was made in a wagon, 
 which contained the family and household goods. 
 On arriving in Washington county, they crossed 
 the Monongahela river at Brownsville, locating 
 near Monongahela City, where the stepfather re- 
 sided the remainder of his days, devoting his time 
 to rural life. 
 
 James C. Pollock began business for himself at 
 an early age, and for some time drove stage on the 
 old National pike from Monongahela City to Robbs- 
 town, Penn., then became a teamster in Monon- 
 gahela City. In 1834 he was married to Eliza 
 Carney, who was born in 1813, a daughter of 
 James Carney, a native of Ireland. To this union 
 cine son was born: William F., now a practing 
 physician of Pittsburgh. Penn. The mother died 
 in 1841, and on February 23, 1843, James C. Pol- 
 lock was married to Julia Ann Crouer, who was 
 born June 7, 1817, in Somerset county, Penn.. a 
 daughter of Abraham and Elizabeth (Brown) 
 Crouer. The children of James C. and Julia 
 A. (Crouer) Pollock are as follows: Joseph H.' 
 living with his father, who has charge of the farm, 
 in connection with his brother; Elizabeth L., de- 
 ceased wife of William A. Jackson; James D., 
 in partnership with their father; 
 of Marshall Wright, of Brooke 
 and Sarah M., deceased wife of 
 Thomas Peterson. In 1844 the family removed 
 from Monongahela City to Cross Creek township, 
 where they remained a short time, then moved to 
 Burgettstown, where Mr. Pollock was the mana- 
 ger of the "Keystone Hotel." He then went to 
 Florence, and conducted a hotel which was the 
 stopping place for stages on the Pittsburgh & 
 Steubenville pike, remaining there for several 
 years, and finally purchasing a place in Hanover 
 township, since which time he has been farming 
 and stock raising. In 188") he removed to his 
 present pleasant home situated about a quarter of 
 a mile north of Florence, and his two sons now 
 have charge of the farm. Mr. Pollock has suc- 
 ceeded in gathering a goodly amount of property, 
 although he began life as a poor boy. He gives 
 much attention to the breeding of fine horses, and 
 the presence on his farm of two such well known 
 specimens of the equine race as "Careless" and 
 " Judge Hoadly " is ample evidence of his judg- 
 ment concerning horses. Two such animals as 
 those above mentioned, descended from the best 
 
 one of two sons 
 Margaret, wife 
 county, W. Va. 
 
 sires ever known to the American trotting turf. 
 will surely advance the quality of the horses 
 through the entire neighborhood. In politics 
 Mr. Pollock is a member of the Democratic party, 
 to which he has given a faithful support; he has 
 filled several offices of trust with credit to him- 
 self, among which may be mentioned those of jury 
 commissioner, constable, register and assessor of 
 Hanover township. Since 1890 Mr. Pollock has 
 retired from active work, and is now living in 
 seclusion from business. 
 
 OBERT W. HAGERTY. This gentleman, 
 one of the leading agriculturists of the 
 county, but now retired, having rented his 
 farm in Buffalo township, is a grandson of 
 Joseph Hagerty, who came from Ireland to 
 this country in an early day, and had married, in 
 his native land, Mrs. Hannah Fleming, a widow; 
 they both died in Washington county, Penn., 
 whither they had come in 1812. They had a family 
 of thirteen children, of whom there is record of the 
 following: John, Joseph, Robert, Blair and Will 
 iam are all deceased; Joseph and David were 
 twins, of whom Joseph lives in Kansas and David 
 in Washington, Penn. ; Nancy is the deceased wife 
 of Joseph Van Kirk; Mary is the deceased wife of 
 Samuel Wilkey; Betsy died unmarried; and one 
 died at the age of three years. The father of this 
 family passed from earth in 1825, at the age of 
 one hundred and ten years; the mother at the home 
 of her son William, in 1850, when aged ninety- 
 three years. 
 
 William Hagerty, father of Robert W., was born 
 in 1813, in this county, near Canousburg, and was 
 reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1838 he mar- 
 ried Miss Emily, daughter of Robert Wilson, of 
 Franklin township, and they then settled on a farm 
 in Buffalo township. The children born to this 
 union were as follows: John, in Buffalo township; 
 Elizabeth, wife of William Moore, also in Buffalo 
 township; Hannah, wife of William Hepler, in 
 Washington; Robert W.,and Martha, married to 
 Richard Mounts, of Buffalo township. In Febnr- 
 ary, 1884. the mother was taken away by death, 
 and the father then came into the borough of 
 Washington, where he passed the remainder of his 
 days, dying in 1886 at the age of seventy-three 
 years. Politically he was a Democrat, and held 
 various township offices. He was a thoroughly 
 representative go-ahead American, climbing from 
 the bottom of the ladder of success to the top, 
 rung by rung, entirely by his own individual ef- 
 forts, beginning life a poor boy, and dying the 
 owner of two fine farms in Buffalo township, which 
 are still in the family's possession. He and his 
 wife were members of the United Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
& £> y j£j^r 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1407 
 
 Robert W. Hagerty, the chief subject of these 
 lines, is a native of the county, born in Buffalo 
 township, May 24, 1851. His education was se- 
 cured during the winter months at the common 
 schools of the district, while the remainder of the 
 year was passed in laboring on the home farm, 
 learning the many important and arduous duties 
 incident to agricultural pursuits. In January, 
 1887, Mr. Hagerty married Miss Frances, daughter 
 of Robert and Eliza A. (Lafferty) Hagerty (the 
 latter of whom was a sister of Dr. Lafferty, of 
 Brownsville), of Pittsburgh, and they had one 
 child that died in infancy. In 1889 Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hagerty came to Washington, he having rented his 
 farm, which has fourteen producing oil wells on it, 
 one of them the largest in the township, yielding 
 115 barrels per hour. This farm is in Buffalo 
 township, some five and a half miles from Wash- 
 ington, on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. Polit- 
 ically, our subject is a Democrat, and in religion 
 he and his wife are members of the Christian 
 Church. Their home in the borough is situated 
 on a high piece of ground commanding a fine view, 
 on the corner of Main street and Prospect avenue. 
 
 FJRANK W. JONES, a prosperous young ag- 
 riculturist of Smith township, is a repre- 
 sentative of one of the old pioneer families 
 of Washington county. 
 Samuel Jones, grandfather of subject, was born 
 in 1794, at Squirrel Hill (now a suburb of Pitts- 
 burgh), Allegheny Co., Penn. His father's family 
 came to Allegheny county from the eastern part 
 of the State, and among other lands then for sale 
 Mr. Jones was offered the tract known as " The 
 Point " (now a portion of Pittsburgh), for the sum 
 of $4.50 per acre; but it was very swampy and al- 
 most covered with willow bushes, so they settled 
 on "Squirrel Hill," where Samuel was born. 
 Samuel Jones worked on his father's farm and at- 
 tended the rate schools during his boyhood. 
 About 1817 he was married to Sarah Deller, who 
 was born about 1800, also a native of "Squirrel 
 Hill," a daughter of Samuel Deller, who came to 
 Allegheny county from near Carlisle, Penn. The 
 children born to this union were: James (a car- 
 penter, of Midway, Penn., where he died at the age 
 of sixty years), John (a farmer, of Smith township, 
 deceased when forty years of age), Samuel (father 
 of subject), Isaac (a resident of Burgettstown and 
 Midway, Penn., deceased), Julia (wife of Michael 
 Hanley, a farmer of Beaver county, Penn.), Sarah 
 (Mrs. Hunter Pinkerton, of Robinson township, 
 this county) and William (a druggist of Midway, 
 Penn.). After his marriage Samuel Jones moved to 
 Washington county, Penn., locating near Midway, 
 in Robinson towmhip, where he passed the re- 
 mainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, becom- 
 
 ing very successful in his chosen vocation. In po- 
 litical opinion he was a lifelong Democrat. He 
 died in 1854, his widow continuing to reside on the 
 home place until her death, which occurred in 
 1863, when she was buried by the side of her hus- 
 band. 
 
 Samuel Jones was born in 1822. in Robinson 
 township, this county, and after receiving a limited 
 education, learned the carpenter's trade, which he 
 followed several years. In 1860 he was united in 
 marriage with Nancy, daughter of William and 
 Margaret (Marshall) Aiken, who bore him two chil- 
 dren: Samuel D. (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant town- 
 ship) and Frank W. (subject of sketch). Mr. and 
 Mrs. Samuel Jones first located near Midway, 
 Penn. , and in 1868 came to Smith township, this 
 county, purchasing the farm where he afterward re- 
 sided, which was one-quarter of a mile south of 
 Bulger, this county. He was a successful farmer 
 and a good citizen; in politics he voted the Demo- 
 cratic ticket. He died in April, 1880, and since 
 his death Mrs. Jones has resided on the farm, upon 
 which her sons have erected a handsome residence. 
 She is a member of the United Presbyterian Church 
 at Midway, this county. 
 
 Frank W. Jones was born September 17, 1868, 
 near Midway, Robinson township, this county, 
 and when a small boy came with his parents to his 
 present farm. Since the death of his father Mr. 
 Jones has had charge of the place, which he has 
 managed with marked success, and is considered 
 one of the leading young business men of the com- 
 munity. Like his father, he is a Democrat in 
 politics, and in religion is a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Midway. 
 
 TfOHN FISHER WHITE possesses a reputa 
 l I tion for business integrity and sterling worth 
 ((J ; which many a man, apparently more success- 
 ful, would give much to obtain. 
 
 He is a representative of a pioneer family. His 
 grandfather, James White, was born in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, and with two brothers crossed the 
 mountains in early life to seek his fortune in the 
 West. He located on, and patented, a large tract 
 of land near Canonsburg, this county, where his 
 life was passed. He possessed a taste for mechan- 
 ical work, and, it is said, was able to make any- 
 thing that could be made out of wood. He learned 
 the wagon- making trade, to which most of his life 
 was devoted He was a consistent, faithful follower 
 of the Master, and an active, liberal member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church. He died at an ad- 
 vanced age, leaving seven children, viz. : James, 
 John, David, Moses, Patterson, Margaret and 
 Elizabeth. 
 
 David White was born on his father's farm near 
 Canonsburg, Washington county, where his youth 
 
1408 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 was passed. He learned the carpenter's trade, which 
 he followed for some years, then moved to Holmes 
 county, Ohio, where he was married to Lucretia. 
 daughter of John Fisher, a prominent farmer of 
 Holmes county, who was killed while rolling logs. 
 Mr. and Mrs. White had six children, viz. : James, 
 John, Alexander, William, David and Thomas. 
 Some time after his marriage the father returned 
 to Pennsylvania, and resided in Pittsburgh, where 
 Ins wife died in 1846. The family were then scat- 
 tered, and each of the sons, choosing a vocation, 
 began life for themselves. 
 
 John Fisher White was born September 21, 1831, 
 in Pittsburgh, Penn., and when fourteen years of age 
 went to live upon a farm, attending school during 
 the winter months. In 1852 he entered the mill 
 ing business with Capt. Thomas Esby, of Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., where he remained twenty 
 years. He was united in marriage with Sarah 
 Jane, daughter of Isaac Rankin, of Peterson, A lie 
 gheny county, Penn. Isaac Rankin is a represent- 
 ative of a prominent Irish family, who were closely 
 identified with the early history of Allegheny 
 county. The following children have been born to 
 the union of John and Sarah Jane (Rankin) White: 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. Stevens), Anna Belle, Clarinda, 
 Emma, Ella Huffman. Thomas Esby, Nora May 
 and Oliver G. Mr. White votes the Republican 
 ticket, and is now serving his third term as school 
 director of Somerset township, having beerr elected 
 as president of the board. He and his family are 
 members of the Methodist Church. 
 
 His noble character is well illustrated in the fol- 
 lowing incident: A rival mill was established near 
 that of Mr. White several years ago, and the pro- 
 prietor was suddenly taken ill. He was a poor 
 man. dependent on his daily earnings for the sup- 
 port of himself and family, but no one in the neigh- 
 borhood understood the business well enough to 
 supply his place even for a short time. He dared 
 not hope to retain his patrons, but what could be 
 done? Sick and helpless he lay, while the busi- 
 ness which had provided the necessaries of life 
 was in immediate danger of being utterly destroyed. 
 But help was near; John White heard of his un- 
 fortunate rival's situation, and, leaving his own 
 mill in the hands of trusted employes, donned his 
 floury hat, and, takiug charge of his neighbor's 
 mill, conducted the business until the proprietor 
 had regained his usual health. The reader will 
 easily understand why Mr. White is so popular 
 and respected a citizen. 
 
 I 
 
 EWIS CALVIN McCLEARY, one of the 
 
 most prosperous young farmers of East Fin- 
 h'v township, was born June 6, 1855, in 
 East Finley township, this county. William 
 McCleary. his father, was born of Irish parentage, 
 
 a son of Thomas and Mary (Linn) McCleary, who 
 emigrated from Ireland and made a permanent 
 home in Virginia, where they reared a large familv 
 of children, of whom William was born February 
 18, 1805, and passed his early life in Virginia. 
 
 In 1830 he moved to Washington county, Penn., 
 and for eighteen years drove stage on the National 
 pike, afterward served live years as constable of 
 Donegal township. He then served as toll collector 
 near West Alexander, and finally settled on the 
 farm in East Finley township, which is now the 
 property of his heirs. On January 17, 1836, he 
 was united in marriage with Susan G. Wilkinson, 
 of Fayette county, Penn., daughter of Thomas 
 and Prudence (Lewis) Wilkinson, and she bore him 
 the following children: Thomas J., born February 
 20, 1837 (married to Martha Russell); James C, 
 born January 3, 1839 (married to Maggie Hair); 
 John E., born June 24, 1S41 (married to Cornelia 
 Carter); Mary J., born December 17, 1843 (wife of 
 Robert Bell); Sarah E., born January 16, PS46 
 (Mrs. Porter McCarrell); William L., born May 
 23, 1848 (married to Mary E. Brinton); Martha 
 L., born August 16, 1850 (wife of John Donely); 
 Francis M., born July 18, 1853 (married to Adel- 
 phia Mitchell); Lewis Calvin (subject of sketch); 
 Martin L. , born August 13, 1857 (married to 
 Laura Stoy); and Caroline A., born December 6, 
 i860 (residing at home). William McCleary was 
 an earnest member of the Baptist Church. In 
 politics he was active in the Democratic party, and 
 served three years as superintendent of the Cum- 
 berland road. On April 3, 1882, he passed from 
 this life, leaving an honorable and enviable record. 
 
 Lewis Calvin McCleary was born on the farm 
 of his father near the headwaters of the Templeton 
 fork of Wheeling creek, and received his education 
 at Pleasant Grove school, in West Finley township. 
 He assisted his father on the farm until 1876, 
 when he began working for Robert Bell, of Frank- 
 lin township, this county, being in his employ for 
 more than two years; then returned home and re- 
 mained there until the death of his father. In May, 
 1882, he was married to Violet A. Porter, who was 
 born December 10, 1857, a daughter of John Por- 
 ter, of Donegal township, this county, and the 
 following children were born to them: Beatrice 
 Lenora, born April 17, 1SS3; Annie Myrtle, born 
 November 2, 1884 (deceased May 10, 1886); Nel- 
 lie May, born September 19, 1886; Bessie Eveline, 
 born January 11, 1888; Herbert Raymond, born 
 May 15, 1890. 
 
 After the death of his father Mr. McCleary pur- 
 chased a one-third interest in the home farm, and 
 has also an interest in 500 acres of farm land in 
 Marshall county, W. Va. Since purchasing the 
 home farm, Mr. McCleary has resided there, en- 
 gaged in agriculture, and very prominently identi- 
 fied with stock raising. He has introduced some 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1409 
 
 of the very finest breeds of cattle and sheep to be 
 found in the county, and, with a brother, was the 
 first to introduce, from direct importation, Dorset 
 sheep in East Finley township. He is also much 
 interested in breeding Holsteiu cattle, and owns 
 some very line imported specimens of that stock, 
 and which he breeds for sale. Politically Mr. 
 McCleary is a Democrat, and is always in demand 
 during every political crisis; he has held several 
 township offices. In religious faith he and his 
 wife are both members of the Baptist Church at 
 Pleasant Grove. 
 
 RS. JANE SAVAGE, one of the highly 
 esteemed ladies of Hanover township, is the 
 widow of William Savage, whose father, 
 Henry Savage, came from Ireland to this 
 country about 1795, and located in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., near what is now the village 
 of Noblestown. He was there married to Jane 
 Robinson, who bore him the following children: 
 John (of Ohio), William, Alexander (who lived in 
 California). Henry (of Iowa), Jane (Mrs. Hugh 
 Riddle) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Creighton), all now 
 deceased. The father was a successful farmer of 
 Allegheny county, and he and his wife lived to 
 old age, dying near Noblestown. 
 
 William Savage was born about 1800 near No- 
 blestown, Allegheny county, and attended the sub- 
 scription schools of the period. In 1821 he was 
 married to Nancy Riddle, a daughter of Rev. 
 Riddle, pastor of what is now Robinson's Run U. 
 P. Church, and she bore him children is fol- 
 lows: Alexander (who was twice married, and died 
 in Iowa), Margaret Ann (married three times, and 
 died in Allegheny county, Penn.), Jane (Mrs. John 
 Cook, of Washington, Iowa), Henry (a merchant, 
 of Kansas) and Nancy (Mrs. Connor, of Iowa, now 
 deceased). The mother of this family died, and 
 was buried at Robinson's Run church, and for his 
 second wife Mr. Savage married, on January 16, 
 1851, Mrs. Margaret Ann (Leeper) Wallace, by 
 whom he had three children, viz. : one deceased in 
 infancy, Robert, who enlisted in the One Hundred 
 and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I., and was killed at 
 Spottsylvania Courthouse, and Anna Mary (Mrs. 
 Cooper), of Iowa. The mother of these dying, 
 William Savage married, for his third wife, Jane 
 Duncan, who was born June 7, 1816, in Hanover 
 township, this county, a daughter of Robert Dun- 
 can, who came from eastern Pennsylvania to Han- 
 over township in early days. To the union of 
 William Savage and Jane Duncan two children 
 were born, namely: William J., now residing on 
 the home farm, and who is a representative 
 agriculturist of the township, and Jeanette, Mrs. 
 Cyrus Arnold, of Hanover township. During the 
 earlier years of his married life Mr. Savage re- 
 
 sided near Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn., then 
 moved to Muskingum county, Ohio, but not liking 
 the country returned to his native county, and 
 passed the remainder of his days in farming and 
 stock raising. He was a good citizen and a strong 
 supporter of the Whig party, which was afterward 
 merged into the Republican party. He died April 
 8, 1862, and was buried in the cemetery of Robin- 
 son's Run U. P. church, of which he was a mem- 
 ber. After his death Mrs. Savage remained on 
 the home farm for a short time, then moved to 
 Frankfort, Beaver Co., Penn., where she resided 
 some years, and educated her two children. In 
 1869 she purchased a home in Hanover township, 
 which is situated three and one-half miles north- 
 east of Florence, Penn., where she is now living, 
 her son William J. having charge of the place. 
 Mrs. Savage is an intelligent lady, and she pos- 
 sesses an excellent memory. She is a member of 
 Frankfort U. P. Church. ' 
 
 W. VANCE. Of the prominent mer 
 
 chants of Burgettstown, Penn., this gen- 
 tleman is among the most prosperous. 
 He was born April 1, 1842, in Cross 
 Creek township, this county. The blood 
 of Scottish patriots flows in his veins, his great- 
 grandfather, Joseph Vance, having been born in 
 the Highlands of Scotland in the eighteenth cent- 
 ury. In earl}' manhood he immigrated to America, 
 and first settled in Winchester, Va. , comino: in 
 1774 to Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek 
 township, Washington county, while the Indians 
 were still very numerous, and soon achieved a 
 wide spread reputation as an Indian fighter, many 
 of the dusky warriors having fallen by his un- 
 erring rifle. Few, if any, were more prominently 
 identified with the early settlement of the western 
 portion of Washington county, than was Joseph 
 Vance. He married and passed the remainder of 
 of his life in the wilderness where his first log 
 cabin was erected; the uncultivated land has now 
 become a fertile farm. He and his wife were 
 called to their rest at an advanced age, leaving 
 their children to finish the work so nobly begun. 
 
 Among these children was a son, William, who 
 was born in 1776, and reared in Washington county, 
 amid the trials and dangers of pioneer life. His 
 education was necessarily limited, as schools were 
 few, and at best afforded but meager opportuni- 
 ties. He was first married to Rachel Patterson, a 
 resident of Cross Creek township, who bore him 
 six children. She died, and a few years after- 
 ward he married, for his second wife, Hannah 
 Patterson, a member of an old family of Cross 
 Creek township. To this union, also, there were 
 born six children. Mr. Vance always lived in 
 Cross Creek township, and was one of the repre- 
 
1410 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 seutative men of the day. He died in 1856. He 
 was a Whig in politics, and in religion a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Thomas P. Vance, son of William and Hannah 
 (Patterson) Vance, was born July 15, 1819. He 
 was reared on the pioneer farm, partaking of the 
 privations of early frontiersmen and receiving his 
 education at the subscription schools. In early 
 manhood Thomas P. Vance was united in marriage 
 with Mary W., daughter of George Newell, of 
 Ohio. Mr. Newell was married to Mary Marquis, 
 ami their children were Hugh, Jane, Marquis, 
 Margaret, David, Mary W., Ann and Sarah. Mr. 
 Newell was a Democrat, and in church connection 
 was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian 
 Church. Mr. and Mrs. Vance settled on a farm 
 in Cross Creek township, this county, where he 
 passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He paid 
 much attention to stock raising, making a specialty 
 of sheep. He was formerly a Whig, and upon the 
 organization of the party, became a Republican, 
 and in religion he was a prominent member of the 
 Presbyterian Church at Cross Creek and Burgetts- 
 town. On May 31, 1891, he was laid to rest in 
 Cross Creek cemetery by the side of his wife, who 
 had preceded him, leaving two children: W. W., and 
 Mary E. (Mrs. W. S. Lee). 
 
 W. W. Vance, son of Thomas P. and Mary W. 
 (Newell) Vance, was reared and educated in Cross 
 Creek township, this county, and passed his early 
 life in farming. In September, 1883, he was 
 united in marriage with Ann J. Porter. In 1882 
 Mr. Vance came to Burgettstown and formed a 
 partnership with S. C. McGregor, in the general 
 merchandise business, and at present has the 
 largest stock of goods in the town, realizing a 
 good profit from the daily sales. In politics he 
 has always been an active Republican. He is a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church, and one of its 
 most liberal supporters. 
 
 J'OHN SHANTON, an agriculturist of Carroll 
 J township, is descended from natives of the 
 j "Blue Grass" State. His grandfather, Abram 
 Shanton, was born in Bourbon county, Ky., 
 where his boyhood was passed on the farm. 
 In 1820 he and his family moved to Pickaway 
 county, Ohio, where he died, leaving several chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Raymond Shanton was born and reared in Ken- 
 tucky, and came to Ohio with his father in 1820. 
 He was married to Margaret, daughter of John 
 McClain, a native of Kentucky, and their children 
 were Jane (wife of Lewis Fry), Margaret (married 
 to J. D. Kline, of Ross county, Ohio), Nancy (de- 
 ceased) and John. The father died about sixty 
 years ago. 
 
 John Shanton was born July 22, 1830, in Pick- 
 
 away county, Ohio, where he attended the log- 
 cabin school, and studied from the text-books of 
 the day, viz.: Webster's Speller and Calculator. 
 In 1848 young Shanton left his native State, and 
 went to Pennsylvania, locating in Fallowrield town- 
 ship, Washington county. In 1849 he was married 
 to Louisa Fry, at which time he had but 5 cents 
 with which to begin housekeeping. She was born 
 in 1820, a member of the prominent Fry family of 
 Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Shanton moved 
 to Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Peun., the year after 
 their marriage, and he worked on a sawmill there 
 for several years. In 1855 they went to Ross 
 county, Ohio, where he conducted a hotel four 
 years. They then returned to Washington coun- 
 ty, and locating on a farm, followed stock raising 
 and distilling. He now owns eighty-seven acres 
 of good land, and has accumulated a comfortable 
 property, notwithstanding the fact that he lost 
 about $0,000 by tire in the distillery. Politically 
 he votes with the Republican party. 
 
 OBERT J. ELWOOD, one of the leading 
 and most prosperous of Washington 
 
 r\\ county's intelligent representative farmer 
 — ^ citizens, is a son of an old pioneer of this 
 part of the State, by name William Elwood, 
 a native of Belmont countv, Ohio, who came hither 
 in 1818. 
 
 William Elwood was poor, both in this world's 
 goods and in what an education might have given 
 him, but he had received none. When he entered 
 Washington county, all his belongings he carried 
 in a bandanna handkerchief; but the hand that it 
 was held in was rich in honesty and industry, des- 
 tined ultimately to place its owner on the top rung 
 of the ladder of success. He was a blacksmith by 
 trade, at which he worked assiduously in Centre- 
 ville, this county, and by indomitable persever- 
 ance, close attention to business, and judicious 
 economy, he not only made money, but saved it. 
 By and by he bought a house and lot, then sixty- 
 six acres of land, then 122, then 211 acres near 
 Fredericktown, and, finally, vet another tract of 
 128 acres, all in East Bethlehem township, and 
 every foot of it earned by honest labor. (This 
 tract is now owned and occupied by his son Robert 
 J., the principal improvements being placed on it 
 by the latter, including an elegant and commodi- 
 ous residence costing $2, 000. ) This sou of toil, 
 this nobleman of nature, surrounded by the bless- 
 ings he had gathered about him, was called from 
 the scene of his labors in 1871. In politics he was 
 a Democrat, in religion a member of the Cumber- 
 land Presbyterian Church. His wife, who had 
 been reared in the Quaker faith, died in 1885. 
 
 William Elwood married a Miss Greer, who bore 
 him seven children, all now deceased, as is also 
 
1 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1413 
 
 their mother. After her death he married, for his 
 second wife, Ruth Lilley, who was born in 1812, a 
 daughter of Thomas Lilley, a native of Ireland, 
 and the children of this union were Thomas W., a 
 resident of Charleroi, this county; Robert J.; J. 
 U., a machinist in McKeesport, Penn., and one 
 that died in infancy. 
 
 Robert J. Elwood was born December 25, 1849, 
 in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., 
 Penn., was educated in the common sohools of his 
 neighborhood, and reared to agricultural pursuits. 
 On the death of his father he took charge of the 
 homestead, and cared for his widowed mother un- 
 til her death in 1885. Mr. Elwood was married 
 May 3, 1873, to Maggie E., daughter of John and 
 Mary (Reynolds) Deems, of West Pike Run town- 
 ship (now deceased), and the children of this union 
 were Alverdi R. (attending the Southwestern State 
 Normal School at California, Penn.), and John 
 William (who died in infancy). Mr. Elwood is a 
 Democrat, and has held the office of school direct- 
 or six years, also judge of election for a time. 
 Mrs. Elwood is a member of the Methodist Church. 
 
 T'HE PARK FAMILY are numbered with the 
 earliest settlers of Washington county. 
 Penn. In the fall of 1777 one Samuel Park 
 came from Lancaster, Penn., to Washington 
 county, and bought 566 acres of land on 
 Chartiers creek, of Matthew Rodgers. He then 
 returned home, and sent out his two sons John and' 
 James, with their sister Isabella to keep house for 
 them. The rest of the family soon followed, and 
 to the original tract other lands were added. This 
 Samuel Park died in 1794, followed by his wife in 
 1808. Their children were John, James, Mary, 
 Isabella and Hugh. 
 
 John Park was born December 18, 1758, in Done- 
 gal, Lancaster Co., Penn., coming with the family 
 to Washington county when a young man. In 1787 
 he married Sarah McDowell, a native of South 
 Strabane township, this county. They resided on 
 the Park farm several years, and April 20, 1809, 
 bought and moved upon the homestead in Cecil 
 township, this county. The following children 
 were born to this marriage: Rebecca (Mrs. James 
 Rankin), William, and McDowell (a wealthy land- 
 owner who resided on a part of the homestead. He 
 was never married). 
 
 William Park, second child of John and Sarah 
 (McDowell) Park, was born July 15, 1797. In 
 1831 he bought a 300-acre farm in Peters town- 
 ship, this county, and having prepared the home, 
 lost no time in securing a life companion. On Oc- 
 tober 29, 1833, he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Jane Law, and settling on the place devoted 
 his time to sheep raising and wool growing. Of 
 the seven children born to this couple, John is 
 
 living in Cecil township, Robert resides in Peters 
 township, James M. lives in Cauonsburg. and Sarah, 
 married to J. L. Thompson, is living in Westmore- 
 land county, Penn. The father was trustee of 
 Jefferson College thirty years, and also director of 
 the Chartiers Valley Railroad Company. He died 
 November 6, 1870, in his seventy-third year. 
 
 James M. Park was born December 25, 1850, 
 and attended the schools of the home district 
 during his boyhood. He was married to Nancy J., 
 daughter of Thomas Hill, a resident of Peters 
 township, this county, and she has borne him two 
 children, William and Clara. Some years after his 
 marriage Mr. Park moved to Allegheny, Penn., 
 residing in that city for some time, where he was 
 interested in musical enterprises. He then came 
 to Cauonsburg, this county, and opened the gen- 
 eral merchandise business which he is now con- 
 ducting. Politically he is an active member of the 
 Republican party. He is a member of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Canonsburg, and has for some 
 time led the choir. 
 
 \ILLIAM KERR, who was in his lifetime 
 ;i much respected citizen of East Finley 
 township, was descended from Irish an- 
 cestry. His grandfather, Hugh Kerr, was 
 a prominent weaver and manufacturer of 
 County Down, Ireland. 
 
 Andrew Kerr, son of Hugh, was born February 
 
 14, 1768, in Ireland, and learned the trade of a 
 weaver. He emigrated to America at the age of 
 eighteen, landing, after a voyage of thirteen weeks, 
 at New York, and thence proceeding to Buffalo 
 township, Washington Co., Penn., where in the 
 spring of 1787 he purchased about sis hundred' 
 acres of land, situated nearly four and a half miles 
 northeast of Claysvilie, this county. There in the 
 unbroken wilderness he erected his cabin home, 
 and in 1805 was married to Esther Stevenson, born 
 November 18, 1782, near the present village of 
 Coon Island; she was the daughter of James 
 Stevenson, a native of Washington county. To 
 this union were born the following named children: 
 Jane (Mrs. Jessie Bane), born October 30, 1806; 
 Robert (married to Nancy Vanderhuff), born May 
 6, 1808; James, born December 18, 1810; William 
 (subject of the present memoir); Elizabeth, born 
 December 17, 1816, and Esther, born December 
 
 15, 1818, all of whom lived to an adult age. Sev- 
 eral years after the marriage of Andrew Kerr, his 
 aged parents left their native land to spend their 
 declining years with their son. His mother was a 
 physician, and successfully followed that profession 
 in this couutry until 1822, when both she and her 
 husband died of yellow fever. Andrew became a 
 wealthy farmer, but afterward sold the greater 
 portion of his property to "give bail'' for a 
 
1414 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 nephew, and this expense almost ruined him. He 
 continued to live on the farm until his death, which 
 occurred July 1 •">. 1850, hie wife having preceded 
 him August 14, 1S49. They were both buried in 
 Pleasant Grove cemetery, East Fiuley township, 
 this county, and their children rest beside them. 
 Mr. Kerr was an active supporter of the Demo- 
 cratic party. In religious connection he united 
 with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the 
 letter of recommendation which he brought to 
 America in 1786 is still in the possession of his 
 grandchildren. 
 
 William Kerr was born December 27, 1813, in 
 Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and re- 
 ceived a somewhat limited education, spending his 
 boyhood days on the farm of his father. He also 
 acquired a general knowledge of carpentry from 
 practical experience. On October 31, 1837, he 
 was united in marriage with Cynthia Peden, born 
 April 15, 1817, daughter of Joseph and Hannah 
 (Tilton) Peden, and to this union were born chil- 
 dren as follows: James, born March 29, 1838 (a 
 skilled carpenter and contractor, residing in Wheel- 
 ing, W. Va.); Robert, born September 26, 1839, 
 farming on the home place; Andrew, born July 
 :!H. 1841 (deceased December .">, 1881); and 
 Hannah, born January 28, 1843 (living with her 
 mother on the home farm). After his marriage 
 Mr. Kerr purchased, of David Peden, a tract of 
 land in East Finley township, situated about two 
 miles west of Pleasant Grove, where he lived and 
 followed farming until his death, which occurred 
 May 2, 1890. In politics he was always a Demo- 
 crat, and in religion he was an adherent of the 
 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, of which his widow 
 was a charter member, and one of the three who 
 are still living. Mrs. Kerr resides with her son 
 Robert and daughter Hannah, who manage the 
 home farm. 
 
 W 
 
 R. BURNS, a well-known young farmer 
 of Hanover township, familiarly known 
 as " Dick," is the descendant of an old 
 Scotch family. His great-grandfather, 
 one John Burns, was born in Scotland, and coming 
 to America, located in Allegheny county, Penn., 
 many years ago. He married, and reared the fol- 
 lowing sons: John, Robert, James, Thomas, Sam- 
 uel. Alexander and William. The names of the 
 daughters in this family have not been ascertained. 
 The parents died in Allegheny county. 
 
 John Burns, a son of this early pioneer, was 
 born in Allegheny county, Penn., and attended the 
 rate schools, afterward supplementing this earl}' 
 training with a good practical education. He 
 learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for 
 some time. He was united in marriage with Jane 
 Ivs, who was born ne;;r Candor, in Washing- 
 
 ton county, Penn., a daughter of Henry Crooks. 
 The children of John and Jane Burns were as fol- 
 lows: Nancy, married to Samuel Nichols, a native 
 of Ireland; Alexander, who lived near Clinton, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn.; Jane, Mrs. Robert Aten: 
 Henry; Mary, Mrs. John White, of Beaver county. 
 Penn. ; John; William; Margaret, widow of James 
 Hood, living in Hanover township; and George a 
 farmer of Allegheny county, living on the old 
 homestead. Of this family Margaret and George 
 are yet living. The father followed farming for 
 many years in connection with his trade, and lived 
 to a ripe old age. In politics he was a lifelong 
 Whig, and in religion he and his wife were mem- 
 bers of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Both 
 were buried in the cemetery of that church. 
 
 William Burns was born in 1811, in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., and during boyhood worked on the 
 farm, and attended the rate schools of his neigh- 
 borhood. About 1836 he was married to a Miss 
 Saxton, of Hanover township, Washington county, 
 who bore him four children, namely: John (de- 
 ceased in youth), Elizabeth (Mrs. James Purdy, 
 of Allegheny county), Melissa (twice married, first 
 to Samuel Simpson, then to a Mr. Parkinson) and 
 Sarah J. (Mrs. James Cain, of Beaver county, 
 Penn.). The mother died, and for his second wife 
 Mr. Burns was married to Nancy Grouse, of Han 
 over township, daughter of Jacob Grouse. Their 
 children were Eveline (deceased), W. R. (subject), 
 Ida (Mrs. Roscoe McClintock) and Andrew G. Af- 
 ter his marriage William Burns located on the home 
 farm in Hanover township, carrying on a success- 
 ful business in general farming, and giving especial 
 attention to the culture of small fruits. Polit- 
 ically he was an enthusiastic Whig and Repub- 
 lican. He died in 1879, and was buried in Frank- 
 fort cemetery. After his death his widow con- 
 tinued to reside on the old place left by her hus- 
 band, which she managed until the time of her 
 tragic death, in February, 1890. She was stand- 
 ing as a spectator by a boiler house (used by a pipe- 
 line company to transport oil) which had been 
 erected on her property, when the boiler exploded 
 and Mrs. Burns sustained injuries which resulted 
 in her death three days later. She was laid by her 
 husband in Frankfort cemetery. They were both 
 members of the Presbyterian Church at Frank- 
 fort, in which he had served in various capacities. 
 
 W. R. Burns was born December 22, 1S63, in 
 Hanover township, this county, and passed his 
 boyhood on the old place. On September 30, 
 1886, he was married to Lizzie Moore, who was 
 born in 1865, a daughter of Russell and Hannah 
 (Livingston) Moore, of Florence, this county. 
 The young couple first located in Frankfort, 
 Beaver Co., Penn., where he followed teaming in 
 the oil fields, continuing in that business after 
 coming to his present home. He has erected a 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1415 
 
 very pleasant new residence on a part of the old 
 homestead, where he is now living. He is a pro- 
 gressive young farmer of Hanover township, and 
 in politics votes with the Republican party. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Burns have three children: William L., 
 Ralph L. and Nancy M. , all living at home. 
 
 THOMAS SANDERS, a prominent farmer of 
 Morris township, is a sou of Stephen San- 
 ders, and the only living representative of 
 his family. Our subject was born in 1825, 
 and received a limited education at the sub- 
 scription schools of the section in which his father 
 lived. The only business training he received was 
 on the farm, on which he labored until maturity. 
 In 1840 he married Jane Baldwin, born in 1827, a 
 daughter of Selah Baldwin, at tbe time a resident 
 of Morris township, but who afterward moved West. 
 Mr. Sanders has resided at his present place of 
 residence, three miles northeast of Prosperity, 
 since his marriage. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. 
 Sanders has come one child, Lavina. born in 1847; 
 she was married to A. O. Wilson, and is now a resi- 
 dent of Morris township. Mrs. Sanders died Febru- 
 ary 16, 1866,andinl867Mr. Sanders married Cath- 
 erine McCullough, who was born April 7, 1836. 
 To this union were born five children: Hannah 
 Jane, born December 2, 1867; Manan, born Jan- 
 uary 4, 1870; Judson B., born August 9, 1872; 
 John Forrest, born April 23, 1875; and Addie Ari- 
 zona, born April 21, 1877, all of whom are living 
 and make their homes with their father. In poli- 
 tics Mr. Sanders is a Democrat, and both he and 
 his wife are members of the Mt. Hermon Baptist 
 Church. In 1882 he erected the handsome dwell- 
 ing which they now occupy, and he has retired 
 from the active labor of the farm, which is carried 
 on bv his sous under his personal supervision. 
 
 [JLLIAM WILLSON is a prominent bus- 
 iness man of Claysville, Washington 
 county. His paternal grandfather was a 
 native of the Emerald Isle, where he mar- 
 ried, and soon afterward with his wife 
 and child immigrated to America. He first went 
 to Philadelphia, and some time later moved to 
 Dauphin county, Peun. , remaining there until his 
 death. He had three children: James (a tailor 
 and clothier in Philadelphia, Penn.), Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. William Rogers) and William. After the 
 death of her father, Mrs. Rogers lived with her 
 brother James for some time, and then moved with 
 her husband to Ohio, where she died. 
 
 William Willson was born March 18, 1789, in 
 Dauphin county, Penn. , and there learned the 
 wheelwright's trade, which he afterward followed in 
 both Dauphin and Washington counties. He en- 
 
 listed in the war of 1812, participating in the bat- 
 tle of Baltimore, and served until the close of the 
 war, when he came to Washington county and 
 bought a small tract of land in Buffalo township, 
 where the remainder of his life was passed. On 
 October 10, 1822, he was united in marriage with 
 Rachel, daughter of James Keer, of Buffalo town- 
 ship, and their children were as follows: Elizabeth, 
 Jane, James, Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Hodgens), 
 i JohnM., Mary (Mrs. George M. Warick), Emily, 
 Rachel, and William. Mr. Willson was an intelli- 
 gent and active business mau. Politically he was 
 a Democrat, and filled various township offices. 
 In religion he was an ardent worker in and a trus- 
 tee of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville. His 
 wife died August 2, 1848, and he was laid beside 
 her April 27, 1869. 
 
 William Willson (subject of our sketch) was born 
 May 9, 1843, in Buffalo township, Washington 
 Co., Penn.. and attended the common schools of 
 the township until about seventeen years of age, 
 when he entered the employ of a builder and con- 
 tractor. He remained with this man until he had 
 mastered the various details of that business, and 
 at the age of twenty-two years engaged with Alex- 
 ander Buchanan in general contracting, which he 
 continued for some time with marked success. Mr. 
 Willson then began business for himself, and soon 
 became one of the best architects and builders of 
 his locality. He possessed very original ideas, and 
 soon studied out entirely new designs, some of 
 which were models of grace. After following this 
 business for several years, he entered into partner- 
 ship with D. M. Campsey in a general hardware 
 store. They remained together about ten years, 
 when Mr. Willson united with J. W. Barnes in the 
 grocery business; two years later, Mr. Barnes sold 
 his share of the property to the present partner of 
 Mr. Willson, and they now carry a full line of 
 goods, and conduct the largest grocery in Clays- 
 ville. On October 6, 1868, Mr. Willson was 
 united in marriage with Sadie C. , daughter of Dr. 
 John McCabe, of Buffalo township, this county. 
 They have no children. He has ever favored all pub- 
 lic enterprises which tended to advance the com- 
 mon interests, and in political views he is an active 
 worker in the Democratic party. In church con- 
 nection, he is an earnest worker in the Presbyterian 
 Church at Claysville, being especially interested in 
 the Sunday-school, in which he is an officer. 
 
 RS. MARTHA RANKIN is the widow of 
 James Rankin, who was a grandson of 
 John Rankin. John Rankin was born in 
 Winchester, Va., and came with his par- 
 ents to Washington county, Penn., about 
 1775, bringing colored help with them from Vir- 
 ginia. He had a family of eight sons and two 
 
1416 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 daughters, nearly all of whom were born in Win- 
 chester, Ya. He located in Mt. Pleasant township, 
 this county, securing 1,800 acres of choice land, 
 then a vast wilderness, which is now transformed 
 into some of the finest farms of Washington county. 
 Here he erected a log cabin, and made such im- 
 provements as were possible, being in constant 
 danger from the treacherous savages. But bravelv 
 and patiently he struggled on, establishing the 
 pioneer home. After his sons had grown to man- 
 hood, one of them, James, joined a party who went 
 to establish a colony in Kentucky. They arrived 
 safely, but during the return trip were attacked by 
 the Indians, and James was killed, his fate being 
 but one addition to that of the many pioneers who 
 were practically martyrs to colonization. The 
 parents of James passed the remainder of their 
 lives on the frontier farm, both dying the same 
 year. 
 
 Samuel Rankin, youngest son of John, was born 
 July 18, 1769, in Winchester, Va., and came to 
 this county in 1774. On January 7, 1796, he was 
 married to Jane McConahey, who was born Febru- 
 ary 18, 1775, daughter of a pioneer settler, and 
 the following children were born to their union: 
 William, John, David, Matthew, Samuel, Stephen, 
 James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane. Of these chil- 
 dren Jane (unmarried) is the only one now living; 
 the others lived to an adult age and were citizens 
 of Washington county. Samuel Rankin became a 
 wealthy farmer, and lived on the old home farm, 
 which is situated about two miles northwest of 
 Hickory, this county. In politics he was a Demo- 
 crat, and was one of the famous "minute men." 
 In religion he and his wife were members of the 
 Union Church. He died in October, 1820, being 
 followed by his wife July 20, 1869, in her ninety- 
 fourth year. The remains of both lie in the U. P. 
 cemetery at Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county. Their children were as follows: William, 
 born November 24, 1796 (deceased January 13, 
 1884), John, born April 4, 1798 (deceased in April, 
 L866), David, born February 15, 1800 (deceased 
 July 27, 1858), Matthew, born February 15. 1802 
 (deceased in June, 1880), Matilda, born March 
 22, 1804 (deceased in February. 1875), Samuel, 
 born June 3, 1 806 (deceased May 27, 1834), Abi- 
 gail, born in October, 1808 (lived on the old home- 
 stead), James (deceased, mentioned below), 
 Stephen, born August 20, 1813 (deceased in Feb- 
 ruary, 1877), and Jane, born February 6, 1817 
 (living in Burgettstown). 
 
 James Rankin was born March 24, 1811, in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, and passed his youth on the 
 old home place, receiving his education in the log 
 schoolhouse of the day. In December, 1834, he 
 was married to Martha V. Stevenson, who was 
 born in 1813, daughter of James Stevenson, of 
 Smith township, this county. James Stevenson 
 
 was a native of Washington county, and was here 
 married to Jane Vance, who bore him children as 
 follows: Ann (Mrs. Alexander Hays), John S., 
 Elizabeth (Mrs. S. J. Ghist), Mary (wife of Patter- 
 son Vance), Martha V. (married to James Rankin). 
 Joseph, Edgar, and Rachel J. (wife of John B. 
 Phillis). Mr. Stevenson followed the vocation of 
 a miller, afterward opening a carding mill, and 
 was also engaged in the undertaking business. 
 He was first a Democrat in politics, then became a 
 Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican 
 party. He was formerly a member of the Raccoon 
 Presbyterian Church, and when the Burgettstown 
 Church was organized, became a regular attend- 
 ant thereof. 
 
 James and Martha (Stevenson) Rankin first set- 
 tled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county, and in 186S moved to an adjoining place, 
 coming to Burgettstown in 1884. They had the 
 following children: Samuel N. (who enlisted in 
 Company D, Twenty eighth N. Y. Regiment, 
 serving three months, then in 1863 entered the 
 secret service under Gen. Banks, and was missing 
 while en route to Richmond); James E., living in 
 Mt. Pleasant township; Jane E.. Mrs. John P. 
 Campbell; William Ray, who was drowned in 
 1846; John O., living in Baker City, Oregon; Jo- 
 seph Vance, living in Wichita, Kaus. ; arid Anna 
 M. James Rankin was a popular and enterpris- 
 ing citizen, having won success by his own exer- 
 tions. He was a warm friend of educational prog- 
 ress, and in religion was a member of the Mt. 
 Prospect Presbyterian Church, of which he was a 
 ruling elder for twenty-eight years. He died July 
 27, 1887, at Burgettstown, this county, where his 
 widow is yet living. He was a justice of the peace 
 for many years. 
 
 <? 
 
 Mi RS. MARGARET HOOD is the widow of 
 James Hood, who was born October 23, 
 1805, in Allegheny county, Penn., son of 
 John Hood, a native of Ireland. James 
 Hood was educated in the old-fashioned 
 log schoolhouse of those days, and began to learn 
 the trade of a tanner at an early age, but owing to 
 failing health was compelled to abandon that busi- 
 ness. On June 26, 1834, he was married to Mar- 
 garet Burns, who was born November 23, 1814, in 
 Allegheny county, Penn., daughter of John and 
 Jane (Crooks) Burns. The children born to James 
 and Margaret Hood were as follows: Jane, Mary, 
 Nancy (who first married Samuel Ackleson, and is 
 now the widow of Thomas Ramsey), Catherine 
 (willow of William Moreland), John (a farmer of 
 Hanover township), William (a farmer of Hanover 
 township), Annie (now Mrs. William Banford, of 
 Robinson township), James, Amanda, and Geor^-' 
 B. (farming on the home place). Of these chil 
 
WASHING TOX COUX T Y. 
 
 1417 
 
 dren Jane, Mary, James and Amanda are deceased. 
 After his marriage James Hood worked for some 
 time at his trade, and then located on the farm 
 near Murdocksville, Hanover township, this county, 
 where he successfully followed agricultural pur- 
 suits until his death, which occurred July 13, 1866. 
 He was buried in the Hopewell Church cemetery, 
 Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Hood was one of 
 the leading members of the Hopewell Church, 
 serving as an elder for some time. He was a pros- 
 perous and influential citizen. Since the death of 
 her husband, Mrs. Hood has resided on the home 
 place, surrounded by many friends, who hold her 
 in the highest esteem. She is remarkably well 
 preserved for a lady of her age. She has been a 
 member of Hebron Church for thirty years. 
 
 If If IRAM RABE. Among the most extensive 
 f "J stock-dealers and wealthy agriculturists of 
 Carroll township, this gentleman is a very 
 II prominent figure. He is a son of Jacob 
 
 Rabe, an early farmer of Carroll township, 
 Washington Co., Penn., who died when his son 
 was yet a small child. 
 
 Hiram Rabe was born on the old Rabe home- 
 stead, and after the death of his father resided 
 with his grandparents until arriving at mature age, 
 when he began life as a farm laborer at S5 per 
 month. When a young man he married Catherine 
 Fredreck, a native of Clover Hill, Washington Co., 
 Penn., and she bore him five children, namely: 
 W. T., living at home; David G.. an agriculturist 
 of Carroll township; James A., living with his 
 father; Florence, now Mrs. Tucker, of Carroll 
 township, and Anna M., married to a Mr. Black- 
 enberger, of Monongahela. The mother of these 
 children died January 29, 1876, and on April 4, 
 1877, Hiram Rabe was married to Matilda Teagar- 
 den, who was born in Ohio, daughter of William 
 Teagarden. At the time of his first marriage Mr. 
 Rabe had but $500, which he invested with such 
 excellent judgment that he is now a wealthy man, 
 having acquired his property solely by personal en- 
 terprise and industry. He served at one time as 
 grand juryman at Scranton, Penn., and was then 
 complimented by the judge for his ability in giving 
 decisions according to the evidence. He has trav- 
 eled quite extensively throughout the West, hav- 
 ing visited Chicago, St. Louis, and other principal 
 cities. He owns 400 acres of land in Carroll town- 
 ship, where he is now conducting an extensive 
 stock farm, keeping an average of 100 head of 
 cattle, and also owning valuable real estate in Mo- 
 nongahela. Politically, he votes with the Repub- 
 lican party, and has served as school director, 
 supervisor, and in various other local offices. 
 
 A. VAN SCYOC is a native of East Finley 
 township, this county, having been born 
 there November 24, 1853. He is a grand- 
 son of Enoch Van Scyoc, who was born 
 in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to' 
 Washington county in an early day, when the 
 country had few settlers. He located in Pleasant 
 Grove, in East Finley township, becoming promi- 
 nently identified with the early history of the 
 county, and there reared his family, but in later 
 years removed to Greene county, Penn., locating 
 near Jacktown, where he died in 1864. 
 
 Jesse M. Van Scyoc was born January 29, 1823, 
 near the present village of Pleasant Grove, East 
 Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., where 
 he received very limited educational opportunities, 
 and assisted his father on the home farm until 
 some time after his marriage. In 1845 he was 
 married to Mary Rogers, who was born March 31, 
 1825, daughter of James Rogers, of Morris town- 
 ship, Washington county, and to their union chil- 
 dren were born as follows: Phoebe Sibylline, born 
 June 18, 1846. died July 6, 1853; John A., born 
 October 21, 1848, died July 19, 1853; Mary Eliz- 
 abeth, born January 30, 1851 (wife of George 
 Moring, a glass manufacturer, living in Muncie, 
 Ind.); W. A.; Lavina H, born October 6, 1856 
 (Mrs. B. F. Day, living in Bellaire, Ohio); James 
 A., born August 13. 1859, died May 29, 1883; 
 Mason V.. born July 26, 1862 (a carpenter of 
 Washington, Penn.); and Isadore Etoy, born Jan- 
 uary 9, 1866 (wife of Edward Reisher, a telegraph 
 operator, living in Washington). Some time after 
 his marriage Mr. Van Scyoc moved to a place near 
 Prosperity, Morris township, this county, and con- 
 ducted a gristmill several years. Afterward he 
 embarked in mercantile business at Pleasant 
 Grove, East Finley township, which he followed 
 till 1876, then began farming on land which he 
 afterward purchased, and several years later moved 
 to Washington borough, same county, where he 
 and his wife now live retired. 
 
 W. A. Van Scyoc received a common-school ed- 
 ucation, and began mercantile business in his 
 father's store at Pleasant Grove, which vocation 
 he followed several years. On November 30, 1876, 
 he was united in marriage with Maggie A. Ryan, who 
 was born December 7, 1860, daughter of Joseph 
 Ryan, of East Finley township, and their children 
 were as follows: Gertrude E., born October 17, 1877; 
 Ora B., born September 23, 1880; Maud W., born 
 November 2, 1882; Letcher D. , born March 8, 
 1886; an infant son (deceased), born January 24, 
 1889; and Vina Verbal, born January 24, 1890, 
 all of whom remain at home. After his marriage 
 Mr. Van Scyoc lived on and mauaged his father's 
 farm several years; then, in 1881, he resumed 
 mercantile business at Pleasant Grove, East Finley 
 
1418 
 
 WASHINt 1 TON CO UN TY 
 
 township, and disposing of that, in 1890 purchased 
 the "Old Ryan farm," situated about one mile 
 south of Pleasant Grove, where he yet resides, and 
 where he successfully followed farming. He is a 
 prominent member of the Republican party. He 
 and his wife are members of the Baptist Church' 
 at Pleasant Grove. 
 
 [p^/ AMUEL LOGAN is a leading representa- 
 tive of one of the oldest and most prominent 
 f) families in Buffalo township. His grand- 
 father, John Logan, was born and reared 
 in Ireland, and there passed the earlier portion of 
 his life. When well advanced in years, John 
 Logan immigrated to America with his wife and 
 the following children: Hugh, John, Samuel, 
 James, William, Nancy and Jane. He landed in 
 New York, and then came west to Buffalo town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., where he purchased, 
 from one Williamson, 416 acres of land. It was 
 then in a very rude state of cultivation, and Mr. 
 Logan, with the aid of his sons, at once began the 
 long and arduous task of clearing the pioneer farm. 
 That his efforts were crowned with deserved suc- 
 cess, is evident from the air of thrift and prosper- 
 ity which surrounds that portion of the estate 
 which is still in the possession of his descendants. 
 Mr. Logan was au earnest Christian, and an hon- 
 est and thrifty citizen — a grand specimen of pure 
 and noble manhood. He died in 1819, and was 
 laid to rest amid the sorrow of all who knew him. 
 His children all lived to an adult age, but are now 
 deceased. 
 
 Samuel Logan (father of subject) was born in 
 178C> in Ireland, and received a good education in 
 the common schools of his native country. He was 
 twenty-one years of age when he came with his 
 father's family to America, and on the death of 
 Mr. Logan, Samuel assumed the management of 
 his portion of the estate, which he had assisted in 
 clearing. His brother James learned and followed 
 the blacksmith's trade in Ireland, and another 
 brother, Hugh, learned and followed the weaver's 
 trade, in the old country. After his father's death, 
 Samuel was united in marriage with Mary, daugh- 
 ter of James Lattimer, who was of Scottish birth, 
 and a pioneer settler of Washington county. Be- 
 ing a soldier in the Revolutionary war, he suffered 
 all the hardships incident to military life; he died 
 in 1845 in Perry county, Ohio. To the union of 
 Mr. and Mrs. (Lattimer) Logan were born children 
 as follows: Sarah Jane, Margaret, Mary and 
 Samuel. Of this family Mary and Samuel are the 
 only living children. Mr. Logan added many im- 
 provements to the home farm before his death. 
 
 Samuel Logan was born October 29, 18 — , on the 
 farm in Buffalo township which is yet in his posses- 
 sion. He attended the subscription schools, and 
 
 succeeded in obtaining a good education. Hisearly 
 youth was passed on the home farm, and in 1854 
 he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann, 
 daughter of James Byers, and to their union the 
 following children have been born: Mary (wife of 
 Nelson Doak, of Buffalo township), William (liv- 
 ing in Sugar Hill, Franklin Co., Peun.), Anna 
 (wife of Jacob Weirich, a prominent agriculturist of 
 Buffalo townshij). this county), Eva (Mrs. Boyd 
 McCoy, living in South Strabane township, Wash- 
 ington county). James (residing with his father on 
 the old homestead), Rebecca, Nettie Olive, Bertha, 
 Maud and Herbert, also living at home. Mr. Lo- 
 gan's farm consists of 100 acres of fine land, lying 
 in the center of a prosperous and enterprising 
 community, and he devotes his time to its cultiva- 
 tion, and to stock raising. In political opinion he is 
 a Republican, and, although not an active politi- 
 cian, he is much interested in the welfare of his 
 party. His family are members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and he is highly respected 
 by the community in which he resides. 
 
 EILLIS JONES is one of the most genial, 
 popular and eminently successful agricult- 
 urists of Independence township. He is a 
 grandson of Charles Jones, who was born 
 east of the mountains, where he married, and 
 reared a family of six children. Little is known 
 of his life. 
 
 Charles Jones (a son of Charles) was born in 
 1774, in an eastern State, and in early life came 
 to Brooke county, W. Va. , where he followed 
 farming and distilling, a practice then much in 
 vogue among farmers. He was married in West 
 Virginia to Keziah Cole, who was born in 1802 in 
 Donegal township, Washington Co., Peun., and 
 she bore him the following children: Susan (de- 
 ceased wife of John Null, of Marshall county, W. 
 Va.), Hannah (widow of Thomas McQuerry, of 
 Marshall county, W. Va.), David, George, Barnet, 
 Ellis, Charles and William. Of these Susan, 
 David, George, Charles and William are deceased. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Jones resided in Brooke county, W. 
 Va., for some time after their marriage, finally 
 removing to Independence township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., and locating permanently on the home 
 farm, lying about one mile northeast of Dunsfort. 
 He was a very successful farmer and stock raiser. 
 In politics he was a Whig. He died June 7, 1N47, 
 being followed by his wife in 1875; both were 
 consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal 
 Church. 
 
 Ellis Jones was born August 9, 1820, on the 
 home farm in Independence township, and re- 
 ceived a country-school education. On October 
 14, 1864, he was united in marriage with Keziah 
 McLaiu, who was born in 1832, in Donegal town- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1419 
 
 ship, this county. Their children are Charles L. , 
 Virginia B. , Stewart M., Ellis N. and Bertha Lee, 
 all living at home. Ellis Jones has always resided 
 on the old place, from which he has never been 
 absent more than two months at a time. He is 
 kind-hearted and generous, ever ready to aid those 
 meriting assistance, and never allowing a man to 
 go hungry from his door. In public life he is 
 enterprising and progressive, willing to assist in 
 furthering any movement tending to benefit the 
 community; he casts his ballot with the Demo- 
 cratic party, and has filled various township offices. 
 His success in life is due to energy and good 
 management. He and his wife are consistent 
 members of the Mt. Zion United Brethren Church. 
 
 l[OHN W. BERRYMAN, senior member of the 
 well-known grocery firm, J. W. Berryman & 
 r" II Son, in Coal Centre, was born February 2, 
 ^^ 1837, near Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 a son of Duncan Berryman, and a grandson 
 of John Berryman, both of whom were natives of 
 New York, where the grandfather died. Duncan 
 Berryman was born and reared in New York, and 
 coming to Allegheny county, Penn., when a young 
 man, was there married to Sarah Grimes, daugh- 
 ter of William Grimes, of Elizabeth, that county. 
 After his marriage Mr. Berryman followed ship 
 building at Elizabeth for several years. 
 
 John W. Berryman, whose name introduces this 
 biographical sketch, received a liberal education, 
 and passed his youth in East Pike Run township, 
 this county. He began business life by running a 
 ferry at Allenport, a vocation he followed for some 
 years. In 1876 he came to Coal Centre, where he 
 successfully carried on a meat market until 1887, 
 in which year he entered into partnership with a 
 Mr. Gleason in the grocery trade. In 1888 he 
 purchased the entire business, which he and his 
 son John D. have since successfully conducted. 
 Father and son are active, energetic businessmen, 
 and by close attention to the wants of their 
 patrons have widened their custom and enlarged 
 their store, which is now one of the most 
 extensive establishments of the kind in the locality. 
 
 On November 5, 1861, our subject was united in 
 marriage with Annie Hanse, daughter of Joseph 
 Hause, an J their children were: Ella (deceased), 
 William I. (an attorney), John D. (living in Coal 
 Centre), and Georgia (deceased). Politically Mr. 
 Berryman is a Democrat. 
 
 l^ILLIAM M. BELL, a progressive farmer 
 of Cecil township, is a native of the same, 
 born in 1823, a grandson of John and 
 Mary Bell, natives of eastern Pennsylva- 
 nia, who came to Washington county and to Cecil 
 
 township at an early day, buying three farms, one 
 of which was in Peters township. The grandfather 
 after coming to this county passed his life in Cecil 
 township. He was a Revolutionary soldier. 
 
 John Bell, a son of the above-mentioned couple, 
 was born in Virginia, and coming with his parents 
 to Washington county was reared and educated in 
 Cecil township. In early life he was married to 
 Mary Hall, a native of Chartiers township, this 
 county, and they settled on a farm in Cecil town- 
 ship, where eight children were born to them, of 
 whom William M. is the only one yet living. The 
 father was an active worker in the Whig party, and 
 a stanch supporter of W. H. Harrison. In religion 
 Mr. and Mrs. Bell were members of the Presby- 
 terian Church at Miller's Run, of which he was a 
 ruling elder. He died about the year 1854, in his 
 eighty-fourth year, followed by his widow in 1876, 
 she being then ninety-three years of age. 
 
 William M. Bell, the subject of these lines, was 
 born on the farm adjoining his present home, and 
 was educated in the subscription schools of Cecil 
 township, in the same district where he is now liv- 
 ing, and where he has devoted his attention to 
 farming and carpentry. In 1846 he married Miss 
 Roxanna Smith, a native of Westmoreland county, 
 Penn. , and the young couple began married life on 
 the farm where they are yet residing, and which 
 comprises 103 acres of well-cultivated and fertile 
 land. Twelve children blessed their union — seven 
 daughters and five sons — six of whom are now liv- 
 ing, namely: J. S. , Charlie, Florence, Georgie, 
 Leonora and Alexander; two of the sons and two 
 of the daughters are married. In politics Mr. Bell 
 is a pronounced Republican. 
 
 ADAM WEIR (deceased), who in his life- 
 time was one of the well-known, represent- 
 ative, native-born citizens of Franklin 
 township, first saw the light May 27, 1801, 
 on the old family home place, known as the 
 " Stephen Post farm." 
 
 He was a son of Samuel Weir, who was brought 
 by his parents when a young child from Scotland 
 to America, the family making a final settlement 
 in Washington county, Penn., some locating near 
 Pigeon creek, while others made a settlement near 
 Van Buren. Samuel was here married to Mar- 
 garet, daughter of John Clark, and they then 
 settled on the Stephen Post farm, where they 
 passed the remainder of their days. The names 
 of the children born to them are Joseph, Adam, 
 Thomas, Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel and Sarah 
 (the latter married to a Mr. Rettig), all now de- 
 ceased. Mr. Weir was a lifelong farmer, eminently 
 successful in his vocation. For many years he 
 was a consistent Presbyterian, in which faith he 
 died; in politics he was an active Democrat. 
 
1420 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Adam Weir passed his boyhood and youth in 
 working on the farm, and attended, during the 
 winter months, the subscription schools of the 
 neighborhood. On December 1. 1825, he was 
 united in marriage with Sarah Carter, who bore 
 him the following named children: Margaret (who 
 died in Washington county), Jane (deceased), 
 William (in Franklin township) and Henry B. 
 This wife dying, Mr. Weir was afterward, on May 
 19, 1836, united in marriage with Phosbe Tucker, 
 and the children by that union were Samuel H. 
 (deceased), John N. (in Franklin township), Sarah 
 I wife of Frank Gabby) and Phcebe D. On May 14, 
 1850, Mr. Weir was again married, this time to 
 Mrs. Cynthia Kane, daughter of Mathias Minton, 
 and widow of C. C. Kane, and one son was born 
 to them — Adam, Jr., of whom special mention is 
 made further on — and one daughter — Lell, in 
 Pittsburgh. Adam Weir, Sr., came in 1840 to the 
 present residence of his widow and youngest son, 
 and made many improvements thereon. At his 
 death he was the owner of a large farm, the ac- 
 cumulation of a lifetime of hard work. He was an 
 active and liberal supporter of the Presbyterian 
 Church and all public enterprises, and was uni- 
 versally respected. Mr. Weir died July 15, 1866, 
 and is buried at Prosperity. 
 
 Adam Weir, Jr., son of Adam, Sr., and Cynthia 
 Weir, was born October 21, 1851, was educated at 
 the common schools of the home neighborhood, 
 and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He had 
 to commence work early in life, and with true filial 
 devotion has remaiued with his mother, having 
 charge of the farm, which comprises 300 acres of 
 prime land. He has for several years dealt ex- 
 tensively in live stock of all kinds, and is recog- 
 nized as a thorough-going young business man, 
 and has a wide acquaintance and a multitude of 
 friends. On September 18, 1879, he was married 
 to Ella, daughter of Thomas Hanna, of Morris 
 township, and their children were Thomas A. (de- 
 ceased in infancy), and Helen, Flora H, Fannie 
 M. and Mary C. , all yet living under the paternal 
 roof. Mr. Weir is a stanch Democrat, and has 
 served as school director of his district. He and 
 his wife are members of the Ten -Mile Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 I/SAAC N. LYTLE was born December 26, 
 1849, and is a son of Benjamin, who was a son 
 [ of Joseph, who was a Bon of Robert Lytle, a 
 — record of whom appears on page 953, this 
 volume. 
 
 Joseph Lytle was born in 1790, on the home 
 farm in Allegheny county, Penn., where his youth 
 was passed. He was married to Margaret Murphy, 
 of Washington county, and they resided several 
 years in Mercer county, Penn.. but finally returned 
 
 to the old homestead in Allegheny county. Joseph 
 died, leaving five children, viz.: Benjamin, Anne, 
 Sarah. Isaac and Mary, of whom Isaac is the only 
 survivor. 
 
 Benjamin Lytle, son of Joseph and Margaret 
 (Murphy) Lytle, was born October 25, 1810, in 
 Beaver county, Penn., but passed his early life in 
 Gastonville, Washington county. In early youth 
 be was apprenticed to Benjamin Higbee to learn the 
 trade of cooper, commencing business for himself 
 in 1831. In 1838 he married Miss Arsula McFar- 
 land, of Peters township, Washington county, 
 who bore him the following children: W. G., 
 Mary J., Joseph F., Josephine M. , Isaac N. , Anna 
 L., James E., John H. and Maggie T. Mr. Lytle 
 continued to follow his trade until 1851, when he 
 bought a farm, moving upon it in 1852, and re- 
 mained there until 1875. During this interval be 
 purchased two other small farms, the three places 
 containing about 140 acres. In 1875 he built a 
 storeroom and dwelling in Gastonville, this 
 county, and, taking up his abode in the village, 
 opened a real estate office. He was an active 
 worker in the Democratic party and held many 
 township offices; in religion he was a member of 
 the Baptist Church, in which he served as deacon. 
 He died June 14, 1887. 
 
 AMUEL G. SKILES. This progressive 
 and enterprising citizen of Chartiers town- 
 ship, one of the most extensive and best- 
 known dairymen of Washington county, 
 deserves prominent place in this work. 
 
 He is a grandson of Gideon and Jane Skiles, 
 early residents of Lancaster county, Penn., who 
 came to Washington county about the year 1822, 
 where they passed the remainder of their pioneer 
 lives. Samuel Skiles, their sou, was born July 25, 
 1810, on the old home farm in Lancaster county, 
 and was, as will be seen, about twelve years of age 
 when he came with his parents to this county. At 
 the age of sixteen, he hired to drive a team, which 
 business he continued to follow, handling freight 
 to and from Pittsburgh, and afterward from Pitts- 
 burgh to Philadelphia and Baltimore. In 1840 he 
 was united in marriage with Sarah Guthrie, who 
 was born July 5, 1820, and eight children were 
 born to this union, viz. : Jane (deceased wife of 
 John W. Gaston), Isaac L. (married to Miss 
 Sydney Armstrong), Margaret Ann (deceased wife 
 of Moses Ross), Belle (deceased wife of Joseph 
 Kerr), Sarah Nancy (Mrs. Amos Anderson), Samuel 
 G., George M. (married to Nancy Willard) and 
 Agnes R. (deceased). The mother of these chil- 
 dren died April 2, 1861, and on April 25, 1865, the 
 father was married to Margaret Ann Watkins. 
 He died May 6, 1888, a member of the Associate 
 Reformed Church. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY, 
 
 1423 
 
 
 AMES WILSON, Sr., was born in Ireland, 
 date of birth and emigration to America not 
 it beiug known. He left Burnt Cabins, Bed- 
 ^^ ford Co.,Penn., about 1780, and settled four 
 miles east of the town on what is now the 
 National road. Coming, later, to the town of 
 Washington, he purchased original lot No. 291 
 (which is to-day the site of Smith's store, corner 
 of Beau and Main streets), erected a log house 
 thereon, and opened a tavern, under license granted 
 by the first court held in the countv, October 3, 
 1781. 
 
 Some time later he purchased the certificate to 
 lot No. 21, original town, on the east side of 
 Main street, where the " Morgan block" now 
 stands, deeding this new purchase to his son, 
 Hugh, August 15, 1786, and in 1792 conveyed to 
 him the certificate, and made the title perfect in 
 him. The house erected on lot No. 21 was the 
 great hall of the town, where meetings and enter- 
 tainments were held, until Dr. John Julius Le- 
 Moyne opened his drug store therein; subsequent- 
 ly, until 1815, Mrs. Baker conducted a "Female 
 Seminary " within its walls. James Wilson, Sr., 
 resided in his pioneer house (corner of Main and 
 Beau streets) until his death in 1792. He be- 
 queathed that property, with 200 acres adjoining 
 the town, to his widow, Margaret Wilson, for her 
 use until James, their youngest son, should be- 
 come of age, when it was to be equally partitioned 
 between John, Thomas and James Wilson. Hugh, 
 having previously received a liberal endowment in 
 improved and vacant property in and near the 
 town, was not named in the will; subsequently, 
 however, he acquired title to the pioneer house 
 
 Samuel G. Skiles, the subject of this sketch, 
 was born May 3, 1852, near Bower Hill, Peters 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. He resided on 
 the farm during his early life, and attended the com- I 
 mon schools. On September 12, 1877, he married 
 Emma Agues McGibboney, born March 0, 1855, in 
 Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., near 
 Munntown, daughter of George and Rachel McGib- 
 boney, and the following children have been born 
 to them: Rachel Agnes, Samuel McGibboney (de- 
 ceased in early childhood), Flora Jane, Sarah 
 Nancy, W'illiam Lytle (deceased), Mary Margaret, 
 James Glenn and Georgia Alice. Mr. Skiles lias 
 taken an active interest in school and local affairs. 
 His farm contains 130 acres of fertile, well culti- 
 vated land, where he pays special attention to the 
 dairying business. At present he has a fine herd 
 of Holsteins, and he is engaged in breeding that 
 far-famed variety of cattle. The milk from his 
 cows he ships to the Pittsburgh market. In relig- 
 ious faith he and his family are all members of the 
 United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 (above referred to), from his youngest brother, 
 James, and was owner for a long period. Hugh 
 was well known as a business man, and he acquired 
 quite a large amount of property in and near the 
 town. 
 
 Hugh Wilson was married August 18, 1788, to 
 Rachel Leet, daughter of Isaac Leet, and sister to 
 Maj. Daniel Leet, to which marriage four chil- 
 dren were born: Rebecca, Margaret, Rachel and 
 Hugh W. Mrs. Rachel Wilson died February 
 14, 1818, and Mr. Wilson married Mrs. Margaret 
 Fleming, widow of Jeremiah Fleming, to whom 
 she had been married at Newtown- Limavady, 
 Ireland, and after whose death she emigrated to 
 Pennsylvania with her daughter Catherine, to 
 make her home near her sisters, Mrs. Robert Ham- 
 ilton and Mrs. Patterson, who had located at 
 Washington, Penn., some years before. This 
 daughter, Catherine, married John B. McFadden, 
 a silversmith of Washington, and moved with him 
 to Pittsburgh; her daughter, Ann, married Gen. 
 Alexander Hays, a brave officer in the Mexican 
 and Civil wars. To the marriage of Hugh 
 Wilson and Mrs. Margaret Fleming one daugh- 
 ter was born, Eliza, married to Rev. Thomas 
 Swaim, who was pastor of the Baptist Church at 
 Washington from 1846 to 1850. On the death 
 of Mrs. Margaret Wilson, Mr. Wilson married 
 Eliza Spencer, a native of England, who survived 
 her husband many years, dying without issue. 
 
 In 1786 Hugh Wilson became the owner of the 
 lot now occupied by the "Watson Building,'' by 
 donation from his father, and carried on business 
 there for many years. He died April 13, 1832. 
 Of his children by Rachel Leet, Rebecca mar- 
 ried James Blaine, who in 1809 opened a dry- 
 goods store next to the house of Hugh Wilson, 
 and a few years later they occupied the stone 
 building inherited by his wife, Rebecca, from her 
 father, and erected by David Bradford, of Whis- 
 key Insurrection fame, in which they resided until 
 death removed them from the pioneer circle. Mr. 
 Blaine was a member of the town council in 1816, 
 burgess in 1818-22 and again in 1S39, and jus- 
 tice in IN 17, 1841 1 and 1845. Margaret Wilson 
 married John, sou of Col. James Marshel (her 
 husband was elected sheriff in 1835, but resigned 
 to become cashier of the Franklin Bank (now the 
 First National) before the close of his term. In 
 1857 he retired from banking, and ended his days 
 at his residence near Washington). Rachel mar- 
 ried Richard W. Harding, and in 1S82 was resid- 
 ing at Bethlehem, Penn., with her son, who is 
 professor of natural science in Lehigh University 
 (her eldest daughter is Mrs. Rebecca Harding 
 Davis, the authoress); Mrs. Harding died in 1884, 
 at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Davis, in Phil- 
 adelphia. 
 
 Hugh W. Wilson, fourth child of Hugh Wilson, 
 
1424 
 
 WASHINGTON COUX TV. 
 
 was born in Washington, Penn., February 22, 
 1 S 1 2 , grew to manhood there, and ultimately set- 
 tled on the farm which his grandfather had pur- 
 chased in South Strabane township. His mar- 
 riage with Frances Emma Barlow, daughter of 
 Thomas and Frances Anica (Preble) Barlow (and 
 niece of Commodore Preble), of Allegheny county, 
 took place April 25, 1837, and to this union came 
 the following named children: Edward Preble, 
 born April 25, 1838, now residing at Cincinnati, 
 Ohio; James B., born November 25, 1839, now- 
 residing on the farm in South Strabane township, 
 which was the property of his great-grandfather, 
 and occupying the house erected thereon by his 
 grandfather; Clara, who married A. T. Baird, a 
 sketch of whom appears in this biographical rec- 
 ord, and Frances Emma, who died in infancy. 
 Mrs. Frances E. Wilson died February 12, 1845, 
 in her twenty-seventh year, and Mr. Wilson was 
 remarried September 9, 1847, this time to Sarah 
 Neville, a niece of Gen. Neville. She died Sep- 
 tember 30, 185G, leaving two children: Neville 
 Craig, born October 30, 1850, died January 1, 
 1887, and Rebecca Blaine, born September 12, 
 L853, .lied February 18, 1879. Hugh W. Wilson 
 died May 13. 1861, in his forty-ninth year. From 
 his youth he was a farmer until the closing years 
 of his life, when he devoted his principal attention 
 to fruit growing, and, later, to floriculture. His 
 sudden death was caused by internal rupture pro- 
 duced by rapid walking. Thomas Barlow, his 
 father-in-law, was the secretary of his uncle, Joel 
 Barlow, who was U. S. minister to France during 
 the Napoleonic wars, and while in Russia during 
 the campaign witnessed the burning of Moscow, 
 and the terrible scenes following Napoleon's de- 
 feat: he buried his uncle, Joel, at Cracow, Poland, 
 where he died from the effects of the excessive 
 cold. 
 
 The Leet family, into which Hugh Wilson mar- 
 ried, date their origin in America to 1685, when 
 the grandfather of Isaac Leet left Mansfield, 
 England, and found a home in the New Jersey 
 colony. In 1751 Isaac Leet removed from New 
 Jersey to Virginia, and found his way to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., in 1779. following his son 
 Daniel, who came in 1770. To Isaac and Rebecca 
 Leet children as follows were born: Daniel, Rachel 
 (who married Hugh Wilson), Jonathan (who mar- 
 ried Mary, a (laughter of Dr. Thomas Moore, and 
 died in South Strabane township), Isaac (who died 
 in Canton township), Elizabeth, Rebecca I who 
 married Enoch Dyp) and two or three others. He 
 located Hoi acres of land, under a Virginia certifi- 
 cate, which was surveyed January •'>. 1807, and 
 named " Left's Fancy." The father of this 
 family died there, and was buried where now is the 
 Weirich cemetery. Jonathan Leet was the father 
 of six children, one of whom was Isaac Leet. a 
 
 prominent attorney, who was State senator in 
 1834, and later a member of Congress until his 
 death in 1844. He married Margaret Swearingen 
 Cook, daughter of John Cook and granddaughter 
 of Andrew Swearingen. Mary, a daughter of 
 Isaac and Margaret Leet, is the wife of James B. 
 Wilson, grandson of Hugh Wilson. Maj. Daniel 
 Leet was born near Bordentown, N. J., November 
 6, 1748. He was commissioned surveyor of Au- 
 gusta county, Va., April 17, 1770. He served in the 
 Revolution as quartermaster and paymster, and on 
 September 21, 1778, was promoted to the rank of 
 brigade major. During and after the Revolution 
 he was a leader of men. At Crawford's defeat he 
 did not act as brigade major, but as the second in 
 command, having been elected to the position by 
 the volunteer force. He stood high in his profession 
 of surveyor, acting as one of the commission in 
 fixing the county seat of Washington county, and 
 districting it into townships; serving as deputy 
 surveyor before the western line of the Common- 
 wealth was established; making the survej of the 
 Second District of the Depreciation lands; making 
 the survey within the reserved tract where Alle- 
 gheny is located; laying out and surveying the 
 other reserved tract at the mouth of the Beaver 
 river, etc. He was made justice of the peace and ex 
 officio associate judge when the county was erected, 
 and was a representative in the General Assembly 
 in 1791 and in 1792. 
 
 HARLES A. BAILEY, one of the well-known 
 
 citizens of Washington, while not long a 
 
 resident of the county, has, since making his 
 
 home here, been actively indentified with 
 
 the hotel interests of the city of his adoption. 
 
 He was born in Cattaraugus county, N. Y., in 
 1S44, of New England ancestry, his father, James 
 Bailey, having been a native of Massachusetts, a 
 man in his earlier days skilled in various lines of 
 business. In later life, however, becoming con- 
 vinced that to be truly successful a man should 
 have a single and distinguishing occupation, he dis- 
 posed of his various interests, and thence forth de- 
 voted himself exclusively to farming in Erie county, 
 Penn., where he died in 1S50. In Massachusetts 
 he was married to Miss Amelia Alcott (whose 
 brother was a writer of considerable note), a cousin 
 of Louise M. Alcott, whose "Little Men and Lit- 
 tle Women" has given her a national reputation. 
 By this union there were five children, only two of 
 whom are now living — our subject and one sister, 
 the former of whom was but four years old when 
 his mother died in Erie county, Penn., whither the 
 family had removed the previous year. The father 
 married again, and by this second union there is 
 one child, Frank H., who early in life evinced nat- 
 ural mechanical tastes, and in course of time be- 
 
WASHING TON COUN TY 
 
 1425 
 
 came proficient iu mechanical drafting. He now 
 In ilds the position of past assistant engineer 
 U. S. N., in the Army and Navy building, at Wash- 
 ington, D. C. He is a graduate of Annapolis Naval 
 Academy, which he had entered as a cadet engi- 
 neer. The father died when our subject was six 
 years of age. 
 
 Charles A. Bailey passed his boyhood in New 
 York until the age of fifteen years, when he re- 
 turned to Pennsylvania and took up his residence 
 in Titusville, devoting his time to the restaurant 
 business through the oil regions until 1880, in 
 which year he removed to Washington, Penn. 
 Here for five years he conducted the " European 
 Hotel," now known as the "Allison House.'' Some 
 time after coming to Washington and engaging in 
 business, he formed a partnership with S. B. Mc- 
 Kennan, which has since continued. The old 
 "Pulton House" was leased by Mr. Bailey, and 
 for a time he conducted it as the leading hotel of 
 the place; but proving unprofitable as a hostelry, 
 it was converted into an apartment house, and so 
 continued until January 5, 1893, when, having 
 been thoroughly renovated, it was reopened to the 
 public as a first-class house, the name "Hotel 
 Main" being given it by the courteous and wide- 
 awake proprietor, Charles A. Bailey, who conducts 
 it in a thoroughly efficient manner. 
 
 In 18fi4, in Crawford county, Penn., Mr. Bailey 
 was married to Miss Mary E. , daughter of E. D. 
 Gillett, of that county. No children have been 
 born to them, but in 1882 they adoped a four-year- 
 old child, from that time known as Gertie Badey. 
 In November, 1892, after an illness of some six 
 weeks, she died, aged fourteen years. Mr. Bailey 
 is a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and he has 
 surrounded himself with a host of friends. He is 
 a great lover of animals, especially " man's unsel- 
 fish friend " — the dog. 
 
 If ¥f J. GAMBLE, M. D., one of the leading 
 
 K— 1 and most successful physicians of Washing- 
 ton county, is a native of Allegheny county, 
 
 JJ — Penn., born in Elizabeth township Janu- 
 v ary 9, 1S46. Samuel Gamble, his great- 
 
 grandfather, was born in Ennittkillen, Ireland, 
 March 17, 1702, and in an early day came to 
 America, settling in Payette county, Penn. He 
 
 was married twice, first to Prudence , by 
 
 whom he had twelve children. He afterward mar- 
 ried Elizabeth Patton, by whom he had two chil- 
 dren, viz. : Rebecca Lyon, born 1781, and John. 
 John Gamble, the youngest son of Samuel, was 
 born in Fayette county, Penn., May 9, 1783, and 
 for many years was a prominent school teacher in 
 his section. On March 15, 1808, he married Mary, 
 daughter of Hezekiah and Mary (Brant) Douthitt. 
 
 John Gamble moved to Westmoreland count v, 
 Penn., and conducted a general store and a hotel 
 at West Newton until 1817, when he proceeded 
 to Allegheny county and purchased a large tract 
 of land in Elizabeth township, all of which is still 
 in the possession of his descendants. He died 
 November 7, 1875, his wife having preceded him 
 to the grave March 27, 1848. Mr. Gamble was a 
 member of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church, 
 of which he had been an elder many years. Polit- 
 ically, his sympathies were with the Democratic 
 party, and for a long time he served as a justice of 
 the peace in Allegheny county. He was gifted 
 naturally with a mind clear on legal points — in 
 law and equity — and was looked up to as the gen- 
 eral adviser of the community among whom he 
 might be living. 
 
 Samuel H. Gamble, father of subject, was born 
 in Westmoreland county, Penn., February 8, 1812, 
 and received a liberal education at the subscription 
 schools of the district during the winter months, 
 the rest of the year being devoted to laboring on 
 the farm. On October 30, 1832, he was married 
 to Margaret J., daughter of John Irwin, of whom 
 special mention will be made further on. After 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Samuel H. Gamble settled 
 on a farm in Elizabeth township, Allegheny 
 county, where he died July 14, 1879 (the mother 
 is still living). He was a member and substantial 
 supporter of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church, 
 and in politics he was a Democrat until the break- 
 ing out of the war of the Rebellion, when he be- 
 came a Republican. He was an active and pro- 
 gressive self-made man. Six children were born 
 to him, as follows: Sarah Ann, who married 
 Caleb Edmundson (they reside on their farm in 
 Forward township, Allegheny county); Harriet, 
 married to John Bridenthall (he and wife resided 
 in McKeesport ; Mrs. Bridenthall died 1869); Oliver 
 Perry, a farmer and merchant at Independence, 
 Kans. (he married Harriet Hetfey); John H. (sub- 
 ject); Rebecca Jane, married to William Hayden, 
 a farmer and dairyman near McKeesport; James 
 Harvey, a farmer and dairyman of Forward town- 
 ship, Allegheny county, residing on the old farm 
 (he married Margaret McKinney). 
 
 Dr. Gamble's maternal great-grandfather, John 
 Irwin, was born in Pennsylvania, was an agricult- 
 urist and died }n his farm in Allegheny county. 
 He married Margaret Fulton, of that county, a 
 Covenanter who came to Westmoreland county 
 with her parents when she was nine years old. 
 After her husband's death, she moved to Washing- 
 ton county and settled on her farm. The home 
 farm in Allegheny county is now owned by Will- 
 iam Irwin. To John and Margaret (Fulton) Irwin 
 were born children as follows: Martha, Margaret, 
 Polly, Susan, Henry and John. Of these John 
 was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and was 
 
1426 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 married to Sarah La Fever, a native of Allegheny 
 county. Penn., and daughter of Minard (a cooper) 
 and Charity Elinor La Fever, French Huguenots, 
 and early settlers of Allegheny county. John and 
 Sarah (La Fever) Irwin settled on the homestead 
 of lii-. mother in Forward township, where he car- 
 ried on farming operations. They had ten chil- 
 dren. Mr. Irwin, for his second wife, married 
 Ann McConuell. by whom he had six children. 
 Mr. Irwin served in both the war of 1812 and the 
 Black Hawk war. He was a member of the United 
 Presbyterian Church, and in political affiliations 
 was first a Whig, afterward a Republican. 
 
 H. J. Gamble was reared in his native county, 
 and at the common schools of the neighborhood of 
 his boyhood home received a liberal education. At 
 the age of seventeen he enlisted in Company G, 
 Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, which wae 
 assigned to the army of West Virginia, participat- 
 in the Shenandoah campaign, and during the lat- 
 ter part of their service they were with Sheridan. 
 At the close of the war our subject received an 
 honorable discharge and returned home. In 18 — 
 he entered the academy at Monongahela, where he 
 remained some time, then attended the Normal 
 School at Edinboro, Erie Co. , Penn., and, after- 
 ward the Northwestern University at Evanston, 
 111. Having now completed his education, in turn 
 he became an educator, and for some time taught 
 school in various parts of the States of Illinois and 
 Kansas. In 1870 he entered the office of James 
 C. Gamble, M. D. , in Lawrence, Ivans., where 
 he remained some three years, reading med- 
 icine, at the end of which time he attended the 
 Homeopathic Medical College, of Missouri, in St. 
 Louis, from which he was graduated in 1874. Dr. 
 Gamble commenced the practice of his chosen pro- 
 fession at Lawrence, Kans., remaining there one 
 year, after which he practiced a year in Wilkins- 
 burg, Allegheny Co., Penn., and then in 1 870 came 
 to Monongahela. 
 
 On May 11, 1876, Dr. H. J. Gamble was mar- 
 ried to Alary J., daughter of John Reynolds, and 
 si\ children blessed their union, viz. : Harvey R., 
 Robert R., Charles O. (deceased), Harold, and 
 Margaret (deceased) and Mary (twins). Dr. and 
 Mrs. Gamble are members of the Presbyterian 
 Church; in politics he is an active Republican, 
 and was nominated for Congress by the Prohibi- 
 tion party in 18S8. In that year he was appointed 
 supreme medical examiner of the Equitable Aid 
 Union, and he has held various local offices of 
 trust. Dr. Gamble is a progressive and energetic 
 citizen, and takes an active interest in anything 
 that is beneficial to his city. In 1886 he erected 
 Gamble's Opera House. He is one of the leading 
 educators of the county, and takes advanced ground 
 on all educational questions. 
 
 Irwin Family. 
 
 (a) John Irwin married Margaret Fulton, and 
 had children as follows: (b) — Martha, Margaret, 
 Polly, Susan, Henry and John. Of these (b) Martha 
 married Martin Adams, and had four children; (b) 
 Polly married Abel Finley, and had children: (c) — 
 David, James, Martha, Mary and Margaret ; (b) 
 Susan married Robert Douglas, and had children: 
 (c) — John, Robert, Presley, William, Margaret and 
 Isabel; (b) Henry married Katherine Johnston, and 
 had children: (c) — Margaret Ann, Sydney, John, 
 Hetty Elinor and Martha. 
 
 (b) John Irwin was twice married, first time 
 to Sarah La Fever, and had children: (c) — Harriet, 
 Margaret Jane, John Brady, Joseph La Fever, 
 Charity Elinor, Mary Catherine, Rebecca Ann, 
 Martha Ann, Henry Fulton and Susanna. Of these 
 (c) Harriet married Hezekiah Douthitt Gamble 
 (for children see Gamble family record further on); 
 (c) Margaret Jane married Harvey Gamble (for 
 children see Gamble family record further on); (c) 
 John Brady married Martha Case, and had chil- 
 dren as follows: (d) — John (deceased), Nancy Diana 
 (married Fantley Ball and had one child, (e) Myr- 
 tle), Rosella (married Frank York, and had two 
 children), Joseph, Henry and Mary (all three de- 
 ceased), Daniel Risher, William Douthitt, Sarah 
 Mary and James Gamble (last named deceased); 
 (c) Joseph La Fever married Jane Westbay Finley, 
 and had one child: (d) — Harvey Austin (married 
 Mary Torrence, and had one child, (e) Harry 
 Lowry); (c) Mary Catherine married (first) Thomas 
 Clark, and by him had children: (d) — Zwingle, 
 Margaret Ann (married to Lorenzo Wilgus, and 
 had one child, (e) Olive C); Mary Catherine mar- 
 ried (second) Thomas Penney, and by him had 
 children: Duane, Olive Jane (married to William 
 Smith, and had children: (e) — Duane Penney, Maud 
 W. and Nellie); (c) Martha Ann married Sinclair 
 Edmundson and J. Ralston, and her children were: 
 (d) — Presley S. Edmundson (married Sarah Jane 
 Spikier, and had children: (e) — Ann Gertrude and 
 Kate), William Orlando Edmundson; Harvey Gam- 
 ble Edmundson (married Alice Straight, and had 
 children: (e) — Clara Jessie, V. Viola, Mary and 
 Edna), Sarah Jane Edmundson, Finley Ellsworth 
 Edmundson and Henry Burke Edmundson; (c) 
 Henry Fulton married Eliza Peet, and had chil- 
 dren: (d) — Evangeline, Myrtle Bell and Susan D.; 
 (c) Susanna married Eli McLaughlin, and had 
 children: (d) — Sarah. Margaret and James. 
 
 (1)) Jnhn Irwin's second wife was Ann McCon- 
 nell, and their children were (c) — Sarah Alice, Nancy 
 Diana, Finley Douglas, Loressa, William Wilson 
 and Amaretus. Of these Sarah Alice married 
 Thomas Wilson and had children: (d) — Anna Bell, 
 Susan Poe, Samuel Morrow, Loressa, Nora Tell 
 and Irwin ; William Wilson married Nora McHenry, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ] L27 
 
 and hail children: (d) — Frank, Albeit, Harry, Anna 
 Bell, John, Marion, Margaret and Harriet E. ; 
 Arnaretus married John Wilson, and had children: 
 (d) — Edward, Elizabeth, Clyde I., Herbert, Er- 
 skine, Loressa M. , Elmer and one unnamed. 
 
 La Fever Family. 
 (a) Minard La Fever married Charity Elinor 
 -, and had children: (b) — William, Isaac, 
 
 John, Eliza, Rachel, Abram, James, Rebecca, 
 Hannah, Katie, Sarah, Ann, Polly and Diana. Of 
 these (b) William married Mary Price, and their 
 children were: (c) — Price, Chambers, Irwin, John, 
 Levi, Abram and Isaac; (b) Isaac married Sarah 
 
 , and had children: (c) — Abner, William 
 
 and Rebecca; (b) John married Harriet 
 
 and had children: (c) — William and Curtis; (b) 
 James married Elmira Peet, and had children: 
 (c) — Mary, Ann, Rachel, Hannah, James and 
 Thompson; (b) Rebecca married William Will- 
 iams, and had children (c) — Vaughn, Mary, Ellen, 
 Rachel and Eliza; (b) Hannah married George 
 Stevens, and had children: (c) — Eliza, Thomas, 
 Martha, Harrie and William: (b) Katie married 
 William McConnell, and had children: (c) — Mary, 
 John and Katie; (b) Sarah married John Irwin, 
 and had ten children, as already enumerated; (b) 
 
 Ann La Fever married — Kirkpatrick; (b) 
 
 Polly married Cromwell; (b) Diana mar- 
 ried Thompson Peet, and had children: (^—Char- 
 ity Elinor, Melissa Ann, James Burke, Mary Han- 
 nah, Maria Jane, Sarah Hepsah and Eliza Emily. 
 
 Gamble Family. 
 
 (a) Samuel Gamble, born March 17, 1702, mar- 
 ried (first) Prudence - , and had children, 
 
 their names and dates of birth being as follows: 
 Martha, 1750; Jonas, 1751; Prudence, 1753; Da- 
 vid, 1754; Jane, 1756; Esther, 175S; Aaron, 1760; 
 James, 1764; Rebecca, 1765; Samuel, 1767; Mary. 
 1770; Sarah, 1771. (a) Samuel Gamble married 
 (second) Elizabeth Patten, and had children: 
 (b) — Rebecca Lyon, born 1781. and John, born 1783. 
 
 (b) John Gamble married Mary Douthitt (daugh- 
 ter of Hezekiah and Mary (Brant) Douthitt), and 
 their children were (c) — Hezekiah Douthitt, Eliz- 
 abeth, Samuel Harvey, James Carothers, John, 
 Mary Brant, Oliver Perry and Hiram. 
 
 Of these, (c) Hezekiah Douthitt married Har- 
 riet Irwin, and had children (d) — Mary, John N., 
 James Harvey, Sarah Ann, Elizabeth, Rebecca, 
 Hezekiah Douthitt, Margaret Jane, Martha and 
 Catherine Celia. Of these, (d) Mary married Sam- 
 uel Bell (had children: (e) — Hezekiah Gamble 
 (married to Mary Atkinson, by whom he had two 
 children: (f) — James and Vedora), James Gamble, 
 Xenophon, Alexander Miller. Mary Aletta and 
 Charles Douthitt); (d) John N. married Margaret 
 
 J. Boyd; (d) James Harvey married Rhoda L. 
 Harrison (had children: (e) — Corwiu, Bell, Anna 
 Martha, Charles Sumner, Findley Wilson, Robert 
 Alvey, William Knox, James Douthitt and Har- 
 riet Mary); (d) Sarah Ann married Adam McCon- 
 nell (had children: (e) — Harriet Ann (married to 
 John Edie), John Findley, James Everett, Celia 
 Iantha, William Clarence, Ella Jane and Clyde 
 Irwin); (d) Elizabeth married Charles C. Taylor 
 (had children: (e) — Selwyn Melvin (married to 
 Mary Nolan), Lulu Maude (married to Albert 
 Munhall) and Anna Laura); (d) Rebecca married 
 Daniel Risher (had children: (e) — Sarah Crady, 
 Nancy Denny, Charles Bayha, John C, Harriet, 
 Dillie Munson and Douthitt Gamble. Of these, 
 (e) Sarah Crady married James B. Neel, and had 
 one child (f) Susan Rebecca; (e) Charles Bayha 
 married Mary Fairfield, and had one child, (f) 
 Mary; (e) John C. married Minnie McEnnlty, and 
 had one child, (f) Louise), (d) Hezekiah Douthitt 
 Gamble married Emma Bell Hair (children: 
 (e)— Hattie Leila, Burtus Douthitt, Eva May, and 
 Laura Margaret); (d) Martha Gamble married 
 Henry N. Patten; (d) Catherine Celia married 
 Euclid Allen Richards (children : (e) — VincentGam- 
 ble, Clyde McConnell, James Melvin, Floyd Her- 
 bert, Frank Allen, Harriet Marie and MaryElla). 
 
 (c) Elizabeth Gamble married Levi Edmundson, 
 and had children: (d) — Havilah Gamble. Drusilla 
 Douthitt and Lacea Phillips; of these (d) Havilah 
 Gamble married Sarah Pearse (children: (e) — Al- 
 berta, Joseph, George, Elizabeth and Margaret), 
 and (d) Drusilla Douthitt married J. J. Bowers 
 (children: (e) — Elizabeth, Edwin, Harriet, Alice 
 and Anna). 
 
 (c) Samuel Harvey Gamble married Margaret J. 
 Irwin, and their children were (d) — Sarah Ann, 
 Harriet, Oliver Perry, John Henry, Rebecca Jane 
 and James Harvey. Of these (d) Sarah Ann mar- 
 ried Caleb Edmundson (children: (e) — Mary Jane, 
 Margaret, Rebecca, Catherine, Anna Martha and 
 Charles); (d) Harriet married John Bridenthall; 
 (d) Oliver Perry married Harriet Hefley; (d) 
 John Henry married Mary Jane Reynolds (chil- 
 dren: (e) — Reynolds, Robert, Charles, Harold 
 Selwyn, Mary and Margaret); (d) Rebecca Jane 
 married William Hayden (children : (e) — Lawrence, 
 Meredith and Bennett); (d) James Harvey married 
 Margaret McKinney (children: (e) — Nancy, Olive, 
 Frank and Mary). 
 
 (c) James Carothers Gamble married Hannah 
 Thomas, and had children: (d) — Xenophon, Mary 
 and John; of these, Mary married Mr. Presley 
 (one child: (e) Laura). 
 
 (c) Hiram Gamble married Jane Torrence, and 
 had children: (d) — Hezekiah Douthitt, Power Tor- 
 rence, Ellert A., Oliver Perry and Mary Elizabeth; 
 of these, Power Torrence married Emma Wilson 
 (children: (e) — and Mary). 
 
I 
 
 L428 
 
 WAS1 1 IN < : TON CO UN TY. 
 
 JAMES W. WILLIAMS, a prominent farmer, 
 I and enterprising and progressive native-born 
 I citizen of Fallowfield township, was born 
 June 17, 1843, on the farm where he is yet 
 living. His father, Francis Hull Williams, 
 was born February 24, 17119, near Courtney, Union 
 township, this county, and was a lifelong farmer. His 
 father went to Ohio to take up land, and was killed 
 by Indians. Francis Hull Williams was married 
 April 7, 1825, to Rosanna Jones, who was born 
 May 4. 1804, and died September 18, 1870. She 
 bore him the following children: Elizabeth, born 
 February 18, 1826 (married to G. Mcllvaine, of 
 Carroll township); Margaret, born May 16, 1827, 
 died in 1828; Thomas, born December 2D. L828, 
 died May 13, 1831; William J., born January 20, 
 1831 ; John W., bom February 21. L834;Ruth E., 
 born March 9, 1836 (married to William Stoneman, 
 and lives in Churchill, Ohio); Francis H., born 
 June 6, 183S; David N., born August 25, 1840; 
 James M., whose sketch follows; Samuel, born 
 April 2, 1845, died April 29, L855; and Rosanna, 
 born April 111, 1847, died September 29, Ms. 
 The father of this family died February 25, 1856. 
 He was a member of the M. E. Church, as was 
 also his wife. The farms of the five surviving 
 sons adjoin one another and cover an aggregate 
 of over one thousand acres. 
 
 James M. Williams received his early education 
 in the schools of Washington county, and remained 
 at home until the death of his parents. On Septem- 
 ber 19, 1862, he enlisted in the "Ringgold Bat- 
 talion" l22d Pennsylvania Cavalry), remaining in 
 the service two years and ten months. His first com- 
 mander was Capt. Milton W.Mitchner, who resigned 
 in April, 1864. being succeeded by Capt. James Y. 
 Chessroun. Mr. Williams served through the 
 entire Shenandoah Valley campaign, taking part 
 in all the engagements of the Ringgold Battalion. 
 He had a severe attack of typhoid fever while 
 in the army, and after the conflict returned home 
 to Washington county. On October 30, 1873, he 
 wa- united in marriage with A. Estelle, daughter 
 of YV. Philips, a prominent farmer of the county, 
 and their children are Clara E., Ruth E., and 
 Nancy B. On Mr. Williams' farm are two gas 
 wells, also a large coal mine which has yielded him 
 a good profit. In politics he is a Republican, and 
 has served live years as supervisor of his township, 
 refusing re-election. He and his wife are members 
 of the M. E. Church. 
 
 THOMAS WEIR IRWIN is a great-grand- 
 son of John Irwin, who was born in County 
 Down, Ireland, and who, in 1801, together 
 with his wife, their son William, and his 
 wife (Margaret McCormick, whom he mar- 
 ried in 1800), two other sous — James and John — 
 
 and one daughter, all left their native land together 
 for America, intending to come by the same ship. 
 William, just before the vessel sailed, went back 
 for something he had forgotten, and when he again 
 reached the quay, or wharf, he found to his dismay 
 that the good ship had set sail without him, taking 
 all the rest of the family. He followed, however, by 
 the next ship he could find sailing for the New World, 
 and must have passed the other on the ocean, for 
 his trip was only of five weeks' duration, while the 
 other ship had a perilous passage of thirteen 
 weeks, being very nearly swallowed up by a suc- 
 cession of storms. 
 
 After landing, the family located on Plum run, 
 Allegheny Co., Penn., near Pittsburgh. In the 
 year 1802 they all moved to Kentucky except 
 James Irwin, who remained in Washington 
 county. Penn., to learn a trade. In 1803 the 
 family proceeded to Ross county, Ohio, where they 
 bought land, and Great-grandfather Irwin died 
 there. Grandfather Irwin, with his wife, mother, 
 brother and sister, moved to Highland county, 
 Ohio, in 1S04, and here he bought land, cleared 
 off the timber and built his house, three corners of 
 it resting on stumps, the fourth one on a stone. 
 It was a typical old-fashioned log cabin, with clap- 
 board roof weighted with poles, mother earth serv- 
 ing as a floor, while the primitive •'furniture" 
 consisted of a block of wood, three-legged stools, 
 etc. Here the great-grandmother of our subject 
 died at an extremely advanced age, and her son 
 William and his wife both passed away in old age, 
 he in 1853 and she in 1851. 
 
 In 1814 their sou Robert was born in the " Wil- 
 derness ' ' of Highland county, Ohio, where he at- 
 tended the first school held in the county. The 
 schoolhouse was of logs, one end being the fire- 
 place, and the windows were holes cut in the logs 
 and covered with greased paper. For live years 
 Robert drove teams for his father between Chilli- 
 cothe and Cincinnati, Ohio. He married Nancy 
 \V. Weir, a daughter of Thomas Weir, whom he 
 met while visiting his uncle, James Irwiu, in 
 Pennsylvania. A correspondence was begun, and 
 in 1840 they were married. To them were born 
 the following children: James, Margaret, Lavina, 
 Nancv YV.. Susan E., William McCormick and 
 Thomas W. 
 
 The subject of our sketch was born January 
 24, 1843, in Highland county, Ohio. His sifter 
 Margaret married Josiah Smith, and bore him 
 the following children: Nancy, Eleanor, Iva, 
 Lola, Irwin, Margaret, Lavina, Thomas and Edna, 
 of whom Nancy, Eleanor and Thomas are .lead. 
 Thomas W. Irwin is one of West Bethlehem's 
 most prominent farmers, and enjoys an enviable 
 reputation for thrift and honesty. Although his 
 early education was gleaned from the common 
 schools, he is a well-informed man. and has 
 
WASHINGTON COUNT)'. 
 
 141".* 
 
 traveled quite extensively, spending some time in 
 the "Far West." Mr. Irwin is a Democrat, and 
 although not an office-seeker is one of the leaders 
 of his party. He is a regular attendant of the 
 United Presbyterian Church, of which he is a 
 member. 
 
 i.ILLIAM M. HORN. The family, of 
 which the subject of these lines is a 
 prominent representative, are of German 
 ancestry, and located in this county many 
 years prior to the Revolution. The first 
 couple of the name, of whom we have a record, 
 were Martin and Peggy (Wilkins) Horn, who re- 
 sided in Buffalo township, and reared a family of 
 seven children. 
 
 John Horn, son of Martin and Peggy Horn, was 
 born on the home farm in Buffalo township, and re- 
 ceived a necessarily limited education. He grew 
 to maturity amid the wild scenes of early civiliza- 
 tion, and when a young man was married to Mary 
 M. Gantz, daughter of John Gantz, an early resi- 
 dent of Greene county, Penn. The children born 
 to this union were as follows: Martin, George 
 C. , Jacob, Hugh, Isaac, Margaret, Elizabeth (Mrs. 
 Price), John, Hannah (Mrs. Elvey), William M. 
 and Maria (Mrs. Coogle), of whom Jacob, John 
 and Margaret are deceased. 
 
 William M. Horn, son of John and Mary M. 
 Horn, was born April 18, 1839, in Buffalo town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., where he was reared 
 to agricultural pursuits, and received a good com- 
 mon-school education. In 1801 he, in company 
 with his brothers Hugh and Jacob, bravely 
 shouldered his musket in defense of the "Stars 
 and Stripes," enlisting in Company A (Capt. 
 Armstrong), One Hundredth P. V. I. He was 
 mustered into service August 28, 1861, at Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., and the company was first taken to 
 Washington, D. C. , thence to Beauport, S. C. He 
 then participated in the following engagements: 
 Port Royal, James Island, Bull Run, Chantilly, 
 South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg, the 
 charge upon Fort Sanders at Knoxville, Tenn., 
 Blue Springs, Ky. , and siege of Vicksburg. Mr. 
 Horn was at this time transferred to the army 
 of the Potomac, and there fought in the battle of 
 the Wilderness, North Anna river. Cold Harbor 
 and Petersburg. At the last mentioned engage- 
 ment he was wounded by a minie ball in the left 
 shoulder. On August 28, 1864, he received an 
 honorable discharge, and returned to the farm in 
 Washington county, Penn. His brother Jacob 
 died the day that his term of enlistment expired; 
 Hugh is now living in Henry county, Iowa. On 
 January 1, 1885, William M. Horn was united in 
 marriage with Louisa, second daughter of John 
 Clemens. The latter traced his genealogy back, 
 
 through many years, to an Englishman who em- 
 igrated from his native land in a very early day. 
 and taking up a large tract of land in Buffalo 
 township, Washington county, became identified 
 with the earliest history of the county. Among 
 the sons of this early pioneer was one James 
 Clemens, born in Washington county, and mar- 
 ried to Hannah Walton, who bore him the follow- 
 ing children: Jeremiah, born September 16, 
 L763; Christina, born January 21, 1765; William 
 O, born January 30, 1767; Abram, born October 
 
 3, 1769; Ann, born October 5, 1771; Ruth, born 
 March 26, 1773; John, born September 12, 1775; 
 Parmelia, born April 10, 177i ; James, born March 
 
 4, 1779; Hannah, born March 5, 1781; Ezekiel, 
 born July 18, 1783, and Hester, born June is, 
 1785. 
 
 William C. Clemens, son of James and Hannah 
 Clemens, was born and reared on the farm in 
 Buffalo township, Washington county. In early 
 life he was married to Mary Wolfe, and their chil- 
 dren were as follows: Dr. James Clemens, an emi- 
 nent physician of Wheeling, W. Va. , born May 
 26, 1795, died in 1845; Jacob, born November 6, 
 1796; Abraham, born September 7, 1798; Eliza- 
 beth, born February 1, 1800; William, born April 
 25, 1S03; John C, born December 28. LSI 14; 
 Hannah, born October 30, 1806; Sabina, born 
 November 6, 1808; Amos, born August 14, 1810; 
 Jeremiah, born May 10, 1812; Delilah, born Feb 
 ruary 6, 1815, and Hester, born July 2, 1818. Of 
 this family Hannah is the only one yet living. 
 The father was a farmer, and for many years was 
 justice of the peace. 
 
 John C. Clemens, son of William C. and Mary 
 (Wolfe) Clemens, was born on the old homestead 
 in Buffalo towuship, this county. He was a pros- 
 perous farmer and an enterprising citizen. When 
 a youug man he was married to Louisa, only 
 daughter of John Hupp, a wealthy farmer, a 
 brother of the eminent physician. Dr. Hupp, of 
 Wheeling, W. Va. To this union were born seven 
 children, viz.: James C. , John Hupp (he was a 
 member of Company A, One Hundredth P. V. I., 
 and was killed at Petersburg, Va. , June 17, 1864), 
 Isaac C, Veturia, Louisa (Mrs. Horn), Alonzo 
 Walton (who lives on part of the home place) and 
 John. Alonzo W. owns part of the Clemens home- 
 stead farm adjoining Mrs. Horn, on which are sev- 
 eral good producing oil wells; there are also some 
 good oil wells on Mrs. Horn's farm (what was once 
 the Clemens homestead); there are in all twenty- 
 four oil wells. Part of the farm is now owned by 
 Mr. Werick and Mrs. Horn, Alonzo W. owning 
 the rest. John C. Clemens, the father of this fam- 
 ily, served for many years as justice of the peace; 
 he was first cousin of Samuel Clemens, better 
 known by the nam <!'• plume of " Mark Twain." 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. William M. Horn reside on eighty- 
 
1430 
 
 UASH1XGT0X COUNTY. 
 
 five acres of the Clemens farm, part of the old 
 homestead, and he also owns part of the old home- 
 stead containing 125 acres, on which he was born 
 and raised, and on which is an extensive stone 
 quarry, leased to the Pittsburgh Stone Company, 
 and he realizes a handsome royalty. Mr. Horn 
 gives his attention to farming and stock raising. 
 In politics he votes with the Republican party. 
 
 Ii BSALOM ASH BROOK. Simeon Ash brook, 
 1\ the second in his father's family, in the or- 
 ^\ der of their birth, was a blacksmith by 
 ^ trade, and during twelve years of his life 
 lived in Augusta township, Carroll Co., 
 Ohio, where he worked at his trade. Before re- 
 moving thither he married Emma Sherah, of Buf- 
 falo township, Washington Co., Penn. Returning 
 to Pennsylvania, he spent the remainder of his 
 life in Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Ash- 
 brook six children were born : Mary, Absalom, 
 Ann, Margaret, Nancy and Amy, of whom only 
 two are living, Amy (widow of John Wolfe) and 
 Absalom (who was born November 26, 1818). 
 
 Absalom Ashbrook's opportunities for obtaining 
 an education were very limited. He learned the 
 blacksmith's trade with his father, whom he 
 assisted in the shop at an almost incredibly early 
 age. He followed the trade until 1879, since 
 which time he has given his attention to man- 
 aging his farm work. In 1844 he married Sabina 
 Elliot, who was born May 24, 1828, a daughter of 
 William Elliot, of Morris township, and to their 
 union came the following children: Simeon, born 
 April 4, 1846, died in 1883; Jemima, born June 
 30, 1847, died when quite young; William, born 
 October 3, 1848 (he was twice married — first to 
 Ella Weir, and, after her death, to Ella Day); 
 Amy, born August 1, 1850, married Will Stallar, 
 of West Finley township; Nancy Ann. born March 
 1, 1852, married James Stallar, of East Finley 
 township; Jackson, born October 31, 1S53, married 
 Lizzie Loafman, and now resides in Burnsville; 
 Mary Margaret, born May 8, 1S55, died in 1S80; 
 Alexander, born October 1, 1856, is a carpenter 
 by trade, and resides with his father; Abraham, 
 born March 26, 1858, resides with his father, and 
 assists in the farm work; Absalom, born January 
 13, 1861, married Lizzie McClellan, of East Finley 
 township, and resides in that township; John N., 
 born January IS, 1863, died at the age of two 
 years; Robert E. Lee, born March 13, 1865, is 
 a prominent physician of Wheeling, W. Va., and 
 Sabina, born July 16, 1871, resides at home. Mr. 
 Ashbrook is a Democrat in politics, and both he 
 and his wife are members of the Cumberland 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 rrY ICHARD M. MOUNTS, a worthy repre- 
 lWy sentative of one of the oldest families of 
 \\^ the county, and a prominent citizen of 
 J) -^ Franklin township, of which he is a na- 
 v tive, was born July 10, 1836. Richard 
 
 Mounts, his grandfather, was a native of Maryland, 
 and at the age of sixteen came to Washington 
 county, arriving in 1773. when there were but few 
 settlers in its forest wilds. His wife was Mary 
 Keley, who was born on the broad Atlantic when 
 her parents were crossing from Ireland to the 
 shores of Columbia. After their marriage Mr. 
 and Mrs. Mounts settled on a small farm near 
 what is now the thriving city of Washington, and 
 commenced life in a very primitive and humble 
 way. Their little log cabin was furnished with 
 home-made stools in lieu of chairs, a table to cor- 
 respond, while the bedstead was so ingeniously 
 fixed to the walls in one corner of the room as to 
 require only one leg. But they lived " far from 
 the madding crowd," contented and happy in the 
 enjoyment of life. The children born to this hon- 
 ored pioneer couple were William, Mary, Jennie 
 (the widow of George Boyd, and the only one liv- 
 ing), John, James, Matilda, Richard R., Joseph 
 and Martha. When Mr. Mounts first started out 
 in the world to fight his own way he was under 
 age; and in order to compensate his father for the 
 loss of his services from that time until his coming 
 of age, he paid him the sum of £15. His political 
 sympathies were with the Federalists; he was a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Richard R. Mounts, father of subject, was born 
 in what is now called West Washington, then 
 known as Rankintown, this county, and passed his 
 boyhood and youth assisting his father on the 
 farm, his education being necessarily meager, all 
 the schooling he received having been acquired 
 when other duties were less pressing. When a 
 young man he and his brother purchased the land 
 in Franklin township now owned by our subject, 
 which they improved, and where for a time they 
 kept bachelor's hall until the marriage, in 1835, 
 of Richard R. with Margaret, daughter of William 
 and Sarah Johnson, of Lancaster county, Penn. 
 Of this union were born four children: Richard 
 M., Sarah (Mrs. William Weir, of Franklin town- 
 ship), William, who died in 1863, and James A., 
 of Franklin township. They remained on the 
 farm just referred to the rest of their lives. He 
 died November 5, 1878, at the age of sixty-six 
 years, his wife in May, 1887, when aged sixty-seven 
 years. Mr. Mounts was one of the hardest working 
 men in his township, and was deservedly success- 
 ful, as well as popular. All his life he took an 
 active part in politics, having been first a Whig, 
 and afterward, on the organization of the party, a 
 straight Republican. For some time he was a 
 

WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 1433 
 
 member of the North Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 
 and afterward united with the one at Washington. 
 The early life of Richard M. Mounts was passed 
 alternately in school and in assisting his parents on 
 the farm, agricultural pursuits being his life voca- 
 tion. He now owns a fertile farm of 200 acres, 
 under a high state of cultivation and equipped 
 with all modern improvements and several commo- 
 dious buildings. On October 23, 1873, Mr. Mounts 
 married Charlotte, daughter of Robert Chambers, 
 of Franklin township, and the children born to this 
 union are Robert, Katie and Millie. In politics 
 Mr. Mounts is a Republican. He and his family 
 attend the services of the Buffalo Church. 
 
 ILLIAM NELSON. There is probably 
 no citizen of Washington county who is 
 better or more favorably known than the 
 gentleman above named. He is univer- 
 sally esteemed by those who have the 
 pleasure of his acquaintance, and no better evidence 
 of his worth can be given to the public than in a 
 record of his personal history. His father, Peter 
 Nelson, was a native of Yorkshire, England, and is 
 yet remembered by his old neighbors as a man of 
 sterling merit. Peter Nelson followed the stone 
 mason's trade in connection with farming, and about 
 the year 1812 visited America, intending to find a 
 home in the United States. The unsettled condi- 
 tion of the country discouraged him from emigrat- 
 ing at that time, and he finally returned to Eng- 
 land, where he died leaving six children, viz. : John, 
 Peter, Mathew. William, Mary and Betsey. Of 
 this family Mathew and Peter are living in Eng- 
 land, John, Mary and Betsey are deceased. 
 
 William Nelson, son of Peter, was born March 
 1, 1810, on a place twenty miles from Leeds, in 
 Yorkshire, England. His youth was passed in as- 
 sisting with the farm work, for like many other 
 healthy, active boys, he cherished a decided antip- 
 athy for books, and found ample but useful exer- 
 cise on the farm for his superabundant vitality. 
 He also learned the weaving trade, but devoted 
 most of his boyhood to overseeing a large flock of 
 sheep, his home having been near the Scotch moors, 
 where sheep raising was the principal industry. 
 When he grew older young Nelson was employed 
 at cutting stone, and while in that business cut 
 some of the stone ties used in constructing the first 
 railroad in England. The stone was hauled to 
 Ripton, sixteen miles distant, and conveyed by 
 canal to Newcastle. Some years prior to 1849 
 William Nelson married Grace, daughter of John 
 Renard, both of whom were natives of England. 
 In 1849 the young couple embarked on an Ameri 
 can-bound vessel, and sailed for the New World. 
 He had then by closest economy managed to save 
 
 about $500 from a salary of 50 cents per day, and 
 upon arriving in Allegheny county, Penn., he 
 rented a farm near Webster, Westmoreland county. 
 He soon afterward moved to Elizabeth, same State, 
 and invested his savings in a coal enterprise, which 
 failed after a short season of prosperity. This 
 disaster left our young hero penniless and a family 
 dependent upon him for support, but with the in- 
 vincible spirit of a true Englishman he proceeded 
 to begin life anew. He moved to a small log cabin 
 in the woods near McKeesport, which was known 
 as the "wooden-windowed house," glass having 
 been an unattainable luxury, then secured employ- 
 ment with a threshing machine, and traveled 
 through the country, receiving for his services 
 $1 per day and board. Soon afterward, through 
 the assistance of friends who had discovered his 
 ability and worth, he was enabled to rent 450 acres 
 of land known as the "White Oak Level." He 
 farmed this place very successfully for about four 
 years, then moved to a place near Elizabeth town- 
 ship, and one year later bought a small farm of one 
 Gibson, on "long-time payments." He soon sold 
 this place at a good profit to the former owner, and 
 rented a large farm, whose proprietor required the 
 tenant to give first-class references. This con- 
 dition was easily complied with, as every one was 
 glad to give a helping hand to the enterprising 
 young man, and recommendations were given him 
 by the most prominent citizens of McKeesport. 
 The contract for this place was made in such lib- 
 eral terms that Mr. Nelson saved quite a sum of 
 money, $1,000 of which he invested in a coal bank, 
 and again lost the entire amount, but was not as 
 destitute as before, having accumulated other 
 property one mile south. In 1861 he removed to 
 a farm in McLean county, 111., taking with him 
 one car load of sheep and one of horses, and after 
 arriving in Illinois he bought three car loads of 
 hogs, but after a time he lost about 300 head by 
 cholera. He remained there three years, then be- 
 coming discontented made a sale, returned to 
 Pennsylvania, and resided in Westmoreland county 
 about six months. At the end of that time he pur- 
 chased his present farm on the Monongahela river, 
 just within the limits of Monongahela. For this 
 place he paid $11,000, giving $1,000 cash, and the 
 remainder in annual payments, which he succeeded 
 in clearing after years of economy and constant 
 toil. To-day his property is valued at about $20,- 
 000, and he conducts a stone quarry in addition to 
 general farming. In political opinion Mr. Nel- 
 son is one of the strongest supporters of the Re- 
 publican party, and takes the deepest interest in 
 all matters tending to improve his adopted country, 
 which he loves with all the ardor of a native-born 
 citizen. He and his wife were members of the 
 Church of England. They have had eight children, 
 
n:u 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 namely: Mathew (deceased), Mary Ann, William, 
 Jobn (all of whom worn born in England), Thomas 
 (deceased), Ellen, George and Maggie (who were 
 born in America). 
 
 JOHN N. WEIR, a representative well-to-do 
 citizen of Franklin township, is a native of 
 the same, having been born on bis father's 
 farm June 26, 1844 He is of Scotch-Irish 
 descent, being a grandson of Samuel Weir, who in 
 the latter part of the eighteenth century came with 
 a brother from Scotland to this country, the family 
 finally making a settlement in Washington county, 
 Penn. In the fall of 1813 he purchased, of John 
 Sargent, 200 acres of wild land on Ten Mile creek, 
 to which he afterward added 180 acres. He was 
 married to Margaret, daughter of John Clark, and 
 they then settled on the Stephen Post farm, where 
 they passed the remainder of their days. The 
 names of the children born to them are: Joseph, 
 Adam, Thomas, Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Rachel 
 and Sarah (the latter married to a Mr. Rettig), all 
 now deceased. Mr. Weir was a lifelong farmer, 
 eminently successful in his vocation. For many 
 years he was a consistent Presbyterian, in which 
 faith he died; in politics he was an active Demo- 
 crat. 
 
 Adam Weir, son of Samuel and Margaret (Clark) 
 Weir, was born in Franklin township, this county, 
 May '27, 1801, where he passed his boyhood and 
 youth in working on the farm and attending, dur- 
 ing the winter months, the subscription schools of 
 the neighborhood. On December 1, 1825, he was 
 united in marriage with Sarah Carter, who bore 
 him the following named children: Margaret, Jane, 
 William and Henry B. On May IS), 1836, Mr. 
 Weir took, for his second wife, Phoebe Tucker, and 
 the children by that union were Samuel H. (de- 
 ceased), John N., Sarah and Phrebe D. On May 
 14, 1850, he was married to Mrs. Cynthia Kane, 
 daughter of Mathias Minton and widow of C. C. 
 Kane, and one son was born to them, Adam, Jr., 
 who married Ella, daughter of Thomas Hanna, 
 of Morris township, and one daughter, Lell, living 
 in Pittsburgh. Adam Weir, Sr., came in 1840 to 
 the present residence of his widow and youngest 
 son, and made many improvements thereon. At 
 his death, which occurred July 15, 1866, he was 
 th«< owner of a large farm, the accumulation of a 
 lifetime of hard work. He was an active and lib- 
 eral supporter of the Presbyterian Church, as well 
 as of all public enterprises, and was universally re- 
 spected. 
 
 John N. Weir p:\ssed his earlier years on the 
 farm, for a time attending the schools of the neigh- 
 borhood, and though he was obliged to leave 
 school at an early age, he continued to spend his 
 leisure time in study. On November 28, 1867, he 
 
 was united in marriage with Martha M. , daughter 
 of J. Miller Day, and to their union were born the 
 following named children: Edna L., Nellie S., 
 Bessie L. and MattieD., the last named dying at 
 the age of eight months. In politics Mr. Weir is 
 a Democrat, taking an active interest in the affairs 
 of his party. He and his family are interested in 
 church work. 
 
 rrWHOMAS HENRY CARSON, M. 1). Wash- 
 ington Carson was born in 1815, on the 
 home farm in Fallowtield township, this 
 I) county. In March, 1843, he was united in 
 marriage with Miss Elizabeth, daughter of 
 Henry Allman, a prosperous farmer of Washington 
 county. 
 
 The first of the Allman family to arrive in this 
 county was William, who was married in Maryland 
 to Hannah Thomas, a native of that State, and 
 after their marriage they came hither, making a 
 settlement in West Pike Run township, where they 
 passed the remainder of their pioneer lives, the 
 husband dying first. They were the parents of 
 eight children: Sarah, Elizabeth, Hannah, James, 
 John, William, Henry and Heyman, of whom 
 Henry became the father of Mrs. Washington Car- 
 sou. He was married to Nancy, daughter of Alex- 
 ander Hopkins, of West Pike Run township, and 
 the young couple then made their home in that 
 township, passing away in after years within three 
 months of each other. The following children 
 were born to them: Hainan (in West Pike Run 
 township), Elizabeth (Mrs. Carson), William (in 
 Indiana county. Penn.), Alexander (in Youngs- 
 town, Ohio), Henry (deceased), Sarah Ann (de- 
 ceased wife of John Johnson), Nancy (wife of T. C. 
 Hopkins, in Washington county). To the union of 
 Washington and Elizabeth (Allman) Carson were 
 born children as follows; Nancy (wife of Peter 
 Miller, of Hillsborough), T. H. (subject), Margery 
 (deceased wife of Levi Winnett), Johauna (deceased 
 wife of William Blythe), Frances and Elizabeth 
 (both at home), and Hopkins (deceased at the age 
 of fourteen years). Mr. and Mrs. Carson al- 
 ways resided on the home place, which contains 
 '_''_!() acres of laud, and he also owned 168 acres in 
 West Pike Run township. He died May 27, 1889; 
 his widow is yet living on the farm. 
 
 T. H. Carson, whose name introduces this biog- 
 raphy, was born October 26, 1853, on the home 
 place in Fallowtield township, already referred to. 
 He attended the Southwestern State Normal School 
 at California, Penn., and afterward took a medical 
 course at the University of Pennsylvania, gradu- 
 ating in 1884. He then began the practice of his 
 profession with Dr. J. Y. Scott, of Washington (at 
 that time in Bentleyville, this county), remaining 
 one year, at the end of which time, his father 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1435 
 
 being an invalid, and bis brother Hopkins having 
 been killed by an accident, our subject abandoned 
 for a time bis professional career, and returned to 
 the farm. He now has charge of the old borne 
 place, which is'situated eight miles south of Monon 
 gahela, and four and one-half miles west of Char- 
 leroi, and in connection with farming and stock 
 raising he has been in the real-estate business in 
 Charleroi, where be still has interests. 
 
 On September 14, 1892, Dr. Carson was united 
 in marriage with Ada, daughter of John H. and 
 Virtue Jenkins, of West Pike Run township, and 
 of an old family in the county. Her father died in 
 1876; her mother is yet living in West Pike Run 
 township. Their children are Anna (wife of Prof. 
 Hall, of the Southwestern State Normal School), 
 Ada (Mrs. Dr. Carson), Walter (a farmer in West 
 Pike Run township), and Louise, Margaret and 
 Roy (living with their mother). Dr. Carson and 
 his mother are members of the Methodist Church, 
 and in his political preferences he votes the Demo- 
 cratic ticket. Squire Henry Carson, the paternal 
 great-grandfather of Dr. Carson, lived for years at 
 the homestead where the latter now resides, the 
 farm having been in the family possession ever 
 since. It was patented from the Government by 
 John Hull, from whom Henry Carson purchased it. 
 
 [Further record of this family will be found in the 
 sketch of Jackson and Alexander S. Carson, elsewhere in 
 this volume. 
 
 AMUEL MTJNNEL is descended from an 
 old and prominent pioneer family of Wash- 
 ington county. John Munnel was the first 
 ancestor of the family name to settle in 
 America. He and his wife settled in South Stra- 
 bane township, this county, where they died, hav- 
 ing reared eleven children. 
 
 Samuel Munnel, the father of subject, was born 
 in 1795, in South Strabane township, this county, 
 and in early manhood was united in marriage with 
 Nancy Equiston, of Butler county, Penn. The 
 young people settled on the home farm, where 
 children were born as follows: Isabelle (living in 
 Canonsburg), John (deceased), Robert (a resident 
 of North Strabane township), Sarah Jane (widow 
 of George Taylor, of Washington borough), Sam- 
 uel (whose sketch follows), Thomas (deceased in 
 his eighteenth year), William (deceased in infancy), 
 James (living in Crafton, Penn.), Catherine E. 
 (wife of John Herron, of South Strabane township), 
 Mary E. (Mrs. Adam Hall, of South Strabane 
 township) and Charles (deceased; his son is a book- 
 keeper in the Reform School at Morganza). The 
 father was a Democrat, and in religion a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1881 at 
 the age of eighty years, and his widow passed 
 away in March, 1891, at the home of her son 
 Samuel. 
 
 Samuel Munnel was born on the home farm in 
 South Strabane township, this county, where his 
 youth was passed. He then learned the carpen- 
 ter's trade, which he followed three years, working 
 for Hugh Reynolds, at $25 a year. He made a 
 trip to the West, and returning to Washington 
 county purchased a sawmill in South Strabane 
 township, conducting same twenty-five years. He 
 afterward bought another mill in North Strabane 
 township, and a portable sawmill. In 1809 he 
 came to Canonsburg, continuing in the mill busi- 
 ness, and for the past fourteen years has been en- 
 gaged in the ice business. In 1860 Samuel Mun- 
 nel was united in marriage with Miss Margaret 
 Ringland. Her uncle, Thomas Ringland, was 
 Speaker of the House of Representatives. Mrs. 
 Munnel died a few years after her marriage, leav- 
 ing two children, one that died and Mary Ring- 
 land. For his second wife he was married to 
 Nancy E., daughter of Andrew Crawford, and a 
 native of Peters township, Washington county, who 
 bore him four children: Martha, Nannie, Eva and 
 Samuel, all living at home. In 1886 he entered 
 the hardware and building business in partnership 
 with H. W. Taylor. During the war Samuel Mun- 
 nel was a member of the State militia. In politics 
 he has been a Democrat, serving in various town- 
 ship offices, and in religion is a member and trustee 
 of the Presbyterian Church. His home is situated 
 in the west end of Canonsburg. 
 
 P^ OBERT S. CALDWELL. The lives of 
 our forefathers are full of interest to the 
 modern citizen, not alone for their histor- 
 ical value, but as example and inspiration 
 to the present generation, for truly has the 
 poet said: "We are the same that our fathers 
 have been;" and although surroundings may differ, 
 yet the essential conditions of human life are ever 
 similar, and every man can learn from the success 
 of others, if he will heed the obvious lessons of 
 their history. Robert Caldwell (grandfather of 
 the gentleman whose name opens this sketch) was 
 born in Maryland, of Scotch parents. He crossed 
 the mountains in an early day, settling in Hope- 
 well township, this county, on the farm adjoining 
 the present home of his grandson. Two children 
 were born to him: Samuel and Mrs. Touchill. 
 
 Samuel Caldwell was born in 1787, on the old 
 place in Hopewell township, and was reared to 
 manhood on the farm. In early life he was united 
 in marriage with Jane, daughter of the Rev. 
 Thomas Marquis, who preached the Gospel thirty- 
 nine years. He was married to Jane Parks, who 
 was born in 1750 and died in 1841, having been 
 preceded by Mr. Marquis in 1827, in his seventy- 
 ninth year. The Parks family wore often forced 
 to leave their home and flee to the fort for safety 
 
1436 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 from the hostile Indians. On one occasion James 
 Parks, a brother of Jane, was working in the har- 
 vest field, when he was surrounded by Indians 
 and killed before he could escape. To the union 
 of Samuel and Jane (Marquis) Caldwell children 
 were born as follows: Thomas M., Robert S., 
 Samuel, William S., Mary, Jane aud Sarah, two of 
 whom are now living: William S. (in Donegal 
 township, this county) and Robert S. The father 
 was an active politician of the Whig party, and in 
 religious connection was a member of the Presby 
 terian Church of Buffalo, this county. 
 
 Robert S. Caldwell was born on the old home- 
 stead, and assisted with the farm duties during his 
 youth. In early manhood he was married to Mar- 
 garet Templeton, who died seven months after- 
 ward. Some time afterward he chose a second 
 wife in the person of Caroline, daughter of Hon. 
 William Vance, a prosperous farmer and ex-repre- 
 sentative of Washington county, Penn. Five 
 children were born to this union, viz. : Hannah J.. 
 Margaret, William, Samuel and Carrie (deceased in 
 infancy). His third wife was Nancy, daughter of 
 James, and granddaughter of George Work, who 
 was born and reared in County Londonderry, Ire- 
 land, aud on March 3, 1780, was united in wedlock 
 with Martha Dunlap, a native of Old Erin. Two 
 children were born to their union: Alexander, 
 born February 11, 1781, and Jane, born May 9, 
 1783. A few years after their birth the father 
 determined to seek a home in the New World, and 
 on July 24, 1789, he and his family boarded the 
 brig "Keziah," at Londonderry, Ireland. After 
 a stormy voyage of eight weeks they landed at 
 Wilmington, Del., and in 1795 pushed farther 
 westward in search of a cheap home. The long, 
 tedious journey was made by wagon, the family ar- 
 riving in Hopewell township, Washington county, 
 Penn. They located in a log-cabin near Buffalo 
 village, where he became a successful farmer. 
 Three children were born after they arrived in 
 America: Mary, born November 8, lT'.IO; James, 
 born September 12, 1792, and John D. , born 
 November 14, 1794. The parents both died in 
 this county. 
 
 James Work was born in Wilmington. Del., 
 and when three years of age was brought by his 
 parents to the farm in Hopewell township, this 
 county. He received a meager education in the 
 subscription schools, and followed agricultural pur- 
 suits during his early youth. On February 7. 
 1822, he was married to Grizzilla, daughter of 
 Robert Tweed, who bore him two children: Eliza- 
 beth Grizzilla, born December 20, 1823, and 
 George T.. born April 7. 1825. The mother of 
 these children was called to her rest January 27, 
 lv_'7, and on July 3, L828, James Work was mar- 
 ried to .Margaret Caldwell, the following children 
 
 being born to their union: Martha L. , born June 
 1, 1829; Agnes A., born November 17, 1831; 
 Sarah J., born October 14. 1832; Mary B.. born 
 May 8, 1834; Clarissa E., born November 8, 1835; 
 Samuel C, born July 16, 1838; Maria I., born 
 August 11, 1840; Margaret E., born October 26, 
 1S42; and Sophia M. A., born March 6, 1846. 
 
 Politically Mr. Caldwell is a true-hearted Re- 
 publican, and in religious connection is a member 
 of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, to which he 
 gives a liberal support. 
 
 JOHN CULLEY is a worthy representative of 
 a pioneer family of this county. His father, 
 Levi Culley, was born about 1709, in Mary- 
 land, and there married Esther Smith, who 
 was born about 1775, same State. Levi Culley 
 was a farmer, and in about. 1800 came to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., the long journey being made in 
 a large covered wagon, drawn by four horses. 
 When crossing the Susquehanna river, a singular 
 experience befel them, which might have ended 
 more seriously. As the large, covered wagon stood 
 on the ferry-boat a strong breeze was blowing, and 
 the covered top served to catch no small amount of 
 wind, the force of which drove the boat some 
 distance out of its course, causing much trouble in 
 securing a suitable place to land, since they were 
 unable to reach the usual place. This wagon con- 
 tained the father and mother, with their two chil- 
 dren, Jesse and Joseph. They proceeded on their 
 journey, sleeping in their wagon beside the road 
 at night, and finally arriving in Washington county, 
 located near Bulger Station, Smith township, 
 where the father rented a farm, and began work- 
 ing upon it. He was a tenant on different farms 
 several years, and by energy and economy event- 
 ually accumulated a small sum, and purchased 277 
 acres of John L. Proudfit, in Hanover town- 
 ship, this county, partially lying in Smith town- 
 ship. Levi Culley was a cooper, and followed that 
 trade in connection with farming. He was a hard- 
 working man, never idle, and very successful in 
 his business life. In politics he was a Democrat, 
 and in religion a member of Cross Roads Presby- 
 terian Church. He died in 1818, and his widow, 
 with the assistance of her sons, managed the estate 
 which he left, until in 1S47 she too was laid to rest 
 by the Mile of her husband, in the Florence 
 cemetery. Of their children the following is a 
 brief record: Jesse was born in Maryland, and 
 when but a small boy came to Washington county, 
 Penn., with his parents (ho was married to Susan, 
 daughter of Elder John Duncan, and settled on a 
 farm in Washington county, where he died in his 
 seventy-second year); Joseph was married to 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1437 
 
 Martha, daughter of Benjamin Scott, and settled 
 on the farm now owned by their son, John S. ; 
 George was the first child born after the family 
 settled in Washington county (he was married to 
 Jane Fulton, and was a farmer: he died in Hanover 
 township, aged seventy-two years); Robert was a 
 cabinet maker by trade (he married Amanda Mc- 
 Cond, and they settled in Florence, this county, 
 where he died August 21, 1848); Sinie never mar- 
 ried (she died in early womanhood); Lydia was 
 married to James Cubbison, a cabinet maker (they 
 afterward settled on a farm in Guernsey county, 
 Ohio, and in 1844 moved to a place near Mt. 
 Pleasant, Iowa, where she«died); Rebecca was the 
 wife of William Cole, of Hanover township, this 
 county, where she died; Levi learned the tailor's 
 trade in Florence, this county, afterward entering 
 into partnership with Andrew Conn, at Mansfield, 
 Ohio (he married Mary Ann Butterfoes, and is now 
 living on a farm in Morrow county, Ohio); Helen 
 was united in marriage to Robert G. Smith, a 
 farmer of Hanover township, this county, where 
 she died. 
 
 John Culley, the youngest child of Levi and 
 Esther (Smith) Culley, was born March 17, 1817, 
 in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., on 
 a farm adjoining the old homestead. His educa- 
 tion was obtained at the ''Coventry School," and 
 as his father died when he was but an infant, his 
 youth was passed with his widowed mother. On 
 October 27, 1842, he was united in marriage with 
 Julia Briceland, who was born in 1815, in Wash- 
 ington, Penn., daughter of James Briceland, a 
 hotel keeper. Her grandfather laid out the limits 
 of Florence, this county. The children of John 
 and Julia Culley are as follows: Jesse, a carpen- 
 ter of Hookstown, Beaver Co., Penn.; James, a 
 bricklayer by trade, now a ranchman, of Montana; 
 Levi S. , a farmer of Hanover township, this 
 county; Thomas M., a farmerof Hanover township; 
 Hettie J., Mrs. J. S. Malone, of Smith township, 
 this county; Nancy, wife of James A. Malone, of 
 Smith township, and Newton M. , also of Smith 
 township. After his marriage John Culley resided 
 for ten years on a farm in Hanover township, this 
 county, and in 1852 went to Harrison county, Ohio, 
 locating near Scio, where he remained but a short 
 time, then returned to his native county, first set- 
 tling in Smith township, but afterward moving to 
 Hanover township. In 1866 he purchased his 
 present farm, where he has since resided, follow- 
 ing general farming and stock raising. In politics 
 Mr. Culley was formerly a Whig, and later a Re- 
 publican. Both he and his wife are members of 
 the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. He is a 
 stranger to sickness, and has ever been an indus- 
 trious man, winning the esteem and confidence of 
 all with whom he is associated. 
 
 B^ANIEL DILLE, an esteemed resident of 
 || Morris township, is a son of Lewis Dille, 
 / who was born upon the old home place in 
 1799. In 1822 he married Lucy McCollum, 
 who bore him the following children: Ira (de- 
 ceased). Jesse M. , Cephas, Daniel, Ephraim, John, 
 David and Keziah. Lewis Dille died in 1885, and 
 was followed by his wife the same year. 
 
 Daniel Dille, whose name opens this memoir, 
 was born January 14. 1829, on his father's farm 
 in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 received a somewhat limited common-school edu- 
 cation, and remained at home till twenty-two years 
 of age, when he began to learn the trade of a 
 cooper, which business he followed twenty-five 
 years. On February 27, 1850, he was united in 
 marriage with Mary Jane Andrews, who was born 
 July '•*. 1833, a daughter of Ira Andrews, a resi- 
 dent of Morris township. In 1851 he purchased 
 of his father the well-improved farm lying about 
 three miles northeast of Prosperity, in Morris 
 township, this county, which is still in his pos- 
 session. The following children were born to this 
 union: Caleb M. , born February 11, 1852, a resi 
 dent of AVashington, Penn., and married to Sarah 
 Dille, daughter of Ephraim Dille, of Morris town- 
 ship, and Elizabeth Ann, born August 11, 1854, 
 wife of Henry Sanders, and a resident of Morris 
 township. On December 21, 1854, Mrs. Dille died, 
 andOctober4, 1855, Mr. Dille married Catherine Mc- 
 Vay, daughter of Samuel McVay, of Morris township, 
 this county, and their children are: Benjamin F., 
 born August 31, 1856, residing on his father's farm 
 in Morris township; Charles Osborne, born July 20, 
 1858, a resident of Sycamore, Greene Co., Penn., and 
 married to Amanda Sanders; Hugh Hanna.born Au- 
 gust 27, 1860.1iving with his parents; Sarah Hanna, 
 born May 3, 1863, wife of Clark Wilson, and residing 
 in the northern part of the county. In 1890 Mr. 
 Dille retired from the farm, removing to Pros- 
 perity. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and 
 his wife are members of the Upper Ten Mile Pres- 
 byterian Church at Prosperity. 
 
 JJOSIAH KERR was born May 2, 1839, in 
 Washington county, Penn. He is of Scotch 
 ) descent, James Kerr, the earliest pioneer of 
 the family name, being a son of James Kerr, 
 a native and lifelong resident of Scotland. James, 
 his son, when yet a boy, came to America, and 
 made a permanent home in Washington county, 
 Penn. He was twice married, and reared a large 
 family of children. He was a miller and wheel- 
 wright l)} r trade, which vocations he followed 
 through life; he died in 1869. 
 
 James Kerr, father of subject, was the second 
 son by his father's first marriage, and was born 
 
1438 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNT)'. 
 
 December 16, 1S15, on the home farm in tins 
 county, where he grew to manhood. He was mar- 
 ried to Mary Crawford, who was born June 2, 
 1816, also a native of Washington county. Ten 
 children were born to their union, four of whom 
 are now living. Mr. Kerr was an active politician; 
 he was justice of the peace three years, served 
 several times as judge of elections, and also held 
 the offices of supervisor, auditor and school di- 
 rector. He and his wife were active members of 
 the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an 
 elder. He died December 25, 1891, having been 
 preceded by his wife September 4, 1889. 
 
 Josiah Kerr, the second child in the family of 
 ten children born to James and Mary (Crawford) 
 Kerr, was reared and educated on the home farm 
 in North Strabane township. On November 7, 
 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Mar- 
 garet J. Patterson, who was born September 21, 
 1835, in the house where she was married. Her 
 father, Ezra Patterson, was born in 1800, in 
 Adams county, Penn. , where he was afterward 
 married to Nancy Horner, who was born June 10, 
 1800, in Washington county. They reared the 
 following children: William, Joseph B. and David 
 W. (twins), James, Margaret (Mrs. Kerr). Sarah 
 E. (wife of P. B. Dow), Anna M. (Mis. W. H. 
 Murray), Elizabeth, John S. and an infant, the 
 latter three of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Patterson were active members of the United 
 Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. He died 
 December 4, 1863, and on January 28, 1892, Mrs. 
 Patterson was laid to rest: she had passed her 
 uinety-second birthday. 
 
 To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Kerr have 
 been born two children: Mary A. and James F. 
 Mr. Kerr has ever been identified with every move- 
 ment tending to promote the general good of the 
 community, is actively interested in politics, and 
 has held the office of township auditor. He and 
 his wife are members of the Fairview Presbvterian 
 Church. 
 
 NDREW JACKSON. The Jackson family 
 were numbered among the first of those 
 heroic men and women who. leaving child- 
 hood's home and early friends, braved in- 
 numerable perils to establish civilization in 
 the unbroken wilderness. When we read the record 
 of these early martyrs we may well exclaim with 
 the poet : 
 
 Whom do we call our heroes, to whom our praises sing? 
 The pampered child of fortune, the titled l«>nl or king? 
 They live by others' labor; take all and nothing give. 
 The noblest types of manh I are those who work to live. 
 
 In 1772 two brothers, Joseph and Philip Jack- 
 son, came from their Eastern home in search of 
 Government laud, and, crossing the mountains. 
 
 pushed on till they stood on the western shore of 
 the Monongahela river, within the limits of what 
 is now Washington county. They were finally at- 
 tracted by t he heavy timber and thick shrubbery 
 indicative of fertile soil, and pausing on the bound- 
 aries of Hanover township, proceeded to mark out 
 an extensive claim with their tomahawks. Their 
 only weapons were two trusty "flint-locks," with 
 which to defend themselves against the prowling 
 beasts of the forest or a more wily human foe. 
 Traces of Indians were plentiful, and with the ut- 
 most caution did the young men move from tree to 
 tree, marking off their claim, and ever listening for 
 the stealthy footfall of moccasined feet. They suc- 
 ceeded in thus taking up an immense tract of land, 
 but desiring to form a colony, returned to their 
 homes before making any improvements. By offer- 
 ing every possible inducement, they persuaded a 
 number to return with them and seek a fortune in 
 the " far West.'' Any article of clothing was ac- 
 cepted in lieu of payment for land, some giving a 
 hat, or shirt, or any article most easily spared. 
 When the colony was at length fully organized, 
 they bid a last farewell to friends and neighbors, 
 and with the necessary supplies began the toilsome 
 journey over the mountains, finally arriving safely 
 at their destination. A rough shelter of poles and 
 leaves was immediately erected, which was soon 
 supplanted by log cabins, and religious services 
 were then held regularly. In the absence of any 
 minister, jirayer meetings were held, and a church 
 being organized, the two Jackson brothers were ap- 
 pointed as the first elders, both of whom con- 
 tributed liberally to its support. It is impossible 
 to exaggerate the intrepid spirit and untiring 
 energy of these men, who gave their lives that fut- 
 ure generations might enjoy the blessings of a 
 prosperous home. The following children were 
 born to Joseph Jackson: Thomas (who moved to 
 Belmont county, Ohio, locating on the farm which 
 is now the site of Centreville), Edward. Fanny 
 (wife of Robert Scott), Itosanna (Mrs. Jonathan 
 Potts) and Deborah (married to Joseph Crawford). 
 Edward Jackson was reared amid the privations 
 of frontier life, receiving a very limited education, 
 and from early youth assisted in clearing the land. 
 He was married to Rebecca Jackson, a native of 
 Maryland, and daughter of William Jackson (no 
 relation of Edward), who came to Hanover town- 
 ship in an early day. To the union of Edward and 
 Rebecca Jackson sixteen children were born, of 
 whom the following attained an adult age: Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. John Mayhew, of Pugh, W. Va. I, Mary 
 (wife of David Fulton, of Hanover township), 
 Lydia (Mrs. John McCullough, of Florence), 
 William (of Hanover- township), Edward, George, 
 Thomas. Andrew, David, Simeon and Rebecca. 
 Of these Joseph E. and Andrew are yet living. 
 The father was originally a Whig, but during 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1 139 
 
 Jackson's administration joined the Democratic 
 party. In religious connection be was a zealous 
 member of the M. E. Church, although reared 
 in the Presbyterian faitb. He died in 1848, 
 having been preceded by his wife about live months. 
 They are buried in the cemetery at Florence. 
 
 Andrew Jackson was born January 31, L815, on 
 the old home place, where his grandfather bad set- 
 tled forty years before. He attended the rate 
 schools a few months during the winter season, but 
 was early trained to farm work, his first duty in that 
 line being to walk along with his father and keep the 
 weeds from the coulter with a stick, as the farmer 
 plowed with a wooden mould board. On February 
 18, 1849, Andrew Jackson was married to Sarah 
 Campbell, who was born March 15, 1818, a 
 daughter of Launcelot Campbell, of Smith town- 
 ship, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have had 
 two children, viz. : Margaret Sylvania (Mrs. Jona 
 than Tucker, of Hanover township) and Ellsworth 
 (an agriculturist of Hanover township). The par- 
 ents began wedded life on their present farm, which 
 he purchased from the heirs of Judge Redick, who 
 were then living in Illinois. Mr. Jackson has de- 
 voted his entire attention to his farm, which has 
 prospered under his care. He is a most agreeable 
 companion, possessing an interesting fund of gen- 
 eral information. Politically he was formerly a 
 Whig, and now votes the Republican ticket, but is 
 not bouud by party lines on special occasions, and 
 is a bitter enemy of monopolies in every form. He 
 is a member of the M. E. Church, his wife being 
 identified with the Presbyterian Society. 
 
 T It ENRY STOLLAR, a retired farmer of East 
 k— «| Finley township, now living in Claysville, 
 was born in Schuylkill county, Penn. His 
 J] - 1 father, Andrew Stollar, was a native of the 
 v same county, where he was reared and 
 
 educated, and, in 1821, Andrew came with the 
 family to Washington county. They marie the 
 journey in emigrant wagons, and finally settling 
 in East Finley township, purchased a farm of 10(1 
 acres, which was but slightly improved, and covered 
 with thickets. 
 
 Andrew Stollar was married to Rosauna. daugh- 
 ter of George Ely, who came to Washington 
 county some years prior to the Stollar family. 
 The following children were born to this union: 
 Peter, Henry. William, Daniel, Rosanna (.Mrs. 
 Peter Earnest), Christina (Mrs. Isaac Earnest), 
 Catherine (Mrs. George Plants) and Mary (Mrs. 
 Henry Sprowls). Mr. Stollar was a Democrat, an 
 active worker in the party. In religion he and 
 his family were members of the United Brethren 
 Church. 
 
 Henry Stollar (the subject of our sketch) was 
 born March 12, 1811, and in his boyhood days at- 
 
 tended the subscription schools. The ' ' classic halls 
 of learning" were at that date erected from rough 
 hewn logs, and each one was furnished with a huge 
 fireplace, puncheon floor and other primitive furni- 
 ture. In 1832 he was united in marriage with 
 Mary, daughter of George Ely, and five children 
 were born to their union: Peter, George, Reuben, 
 William and James. The mother of this family 
 died in 18-10, and Mr. Stollar was afterward mar- 
 ried to Jemima, daughter of George Nickerson, of 
 West Bethlehem township, this county. They 
 have had onedaughter, Sarah (wife of Charles Ely). 
 Mr. Stollar first purchased 100 acres of wild 
 land, and erected a house upon it, remaining 
 there twelve years, when he bought the farm of 
 230 acres that he now owns, and which he has 
 much improved. He has always been an active 
 member of the Democratic party, and cast his 
 first vote for Jackson. He is a zealous worker 
 in the United Brethren Church with which he is 
 connected. 
 
 L 
 
 EWIS ZEDIKER, one of the oldest members 
 of the family of that name in Washington 
 county, and a citizen of South Strabane, was 
 born in that township January 27, 1827. 
 John Zediker, grandfather of our subject, was 
 a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and in their youth 
 he and his brother David, having an eye to the 
 grandeur and fertility of the then ''far West," set 
 out to "spy the land,'' ostensibly on a hunting 
 expedition, and finally arriving in Washington 
 county, they were so fascinated with the beauties 
 and attractions of South Strabane township, that 
 they here resolved to remain and cast their lot. 
 John had, while in eastern Pennsylvania, learned 
 the trade of blacksmith, which he carried on for 
 many years in the county of bis adoption. Soon 
 after his arrival he married Margaret, daughter of 
 Ludwig Smith, who was among the earliest settlers 
 of the county, and the children born to this union 
 were Lewis, Susan (Mrs. Joseph Hallam), Eliza- 
 beth (Mrs. George Smith), Julia A. (Mrs. James 
 Schwisher), Mary (Mrs. Matthew Dook) and John. 
 Mr. Smith took a ''tomahawk claim " of nearly a 
 thousand acres of wild land, a part of which is now 
 occupied by the subject of this sketch. He early 
 identified himself with the politics of his section, 
 and was prominent among the Federalists. In 
 church matters he also took an active interest, and 
 in the organization of the Lutheran Church in 
 Amwell township he was a prominent factor. In 
 this Society he was an elder for many years. 
 
 John Zediker, father of the gentleman whose 
 name opens this sketch, was born December 11, 
 1st III, in South Strabane township, this county, and 
 received his education in the subscription schools 
 of the neighborhood. He was married to Mar- 
 
1440 
 
 1 1 \ VSHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 garet. daughter of James Guthrie, and they reared 
 five children, namely: Lewis, Susan, Thomas, John 
 and James. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. John 
 Zediker settled on a farm in South Strabane town 
 ship, where they passed the remainder of their 
 days. Mr. Zediker dying November 6, 1874, Mrs. 
 Zediker February 18, 1881. They were active 
 members of the M. E. Church, aud among its most 
 liberal supporters; politically Mr. Zediker was a 
 Whig of the old school. 
 
 The youth of the subject of these lines was 
 passed on the home farm, and he attended, as cir- 
 cumstances permitted, the subscription schools of 
 the neighborhood. He dutifully remained with 
 his parents until their death, and after that event 
 continued to reside under the parental roof, carry- 
 ing on the duties of the farm in company with his 
 brothers. They are among the largest landholders 
 of South Strabane township, owning at the present 
 time nearly 1, 100 acres of choice land. Mr. Zediker 
 is a member of the M. E. Church; in politics, 
 originally a Whig, he has, since the organization 
 of the Republican party, been one of its strongest 
 supporters, and has been actively interested in the 
 development and improvement of the educational 
 system in his locality. 
 
 JOSEPH P. LEECH, a worthy representative 
 i of an old pioneer family of Washington 
 t county, is a grandson of James Leech, who 
 was born in County Down, Ireland, and 
 there married to Jane Reynolds, by which 
 union were born three children: John, Thomas 
 and William. Having decided to try life iu the 
 New World, the grandfather, in company with his 
 family and a brother Robert, sailed from Ireland 
 in 1774. They landed at Philadelphia, where the 
 brothers separated, Robert going south, eventually 
 settling in South Carolina, while James and his 
 family pushed farther west, first locating iu North- 
 ampton county, Penn. In August, 177o, they 
 came to Smith township, Washington county, and 
 in the unbroken wilderness erected their one- 
 room log cabin home, which compared very favor 
 ably with the homes of the other early settlers. 
 With his firearms as constant companions. James 
 Leech began the herculean task of transforming 
 the unsightly forest into a fertile farm. Eight 
 years passed away before civilization had rendered 
 the little home comparatively safe from attacks of 
 the Indians, and iu the meantime the settlers 
 were often forced to flee to the neighboring block- 
 house for protection, which blockhouse stood on 
 the old Leech farm. Undaunted by the toil and 
 privations of this life, James Leech found time 
 and strength to take part in the national struggle 
 of his adopted country. Her cause was his, her 
 liberties dearer to his heart than life, and with the 
 
 beginning of the Revolution he enlisted in a com- 
 pany organized by Capt. Joseph Erwin, afterward 
 incorporated under Col. Samuel Miles' Pennsyl- 
 vania Rifle Regiment. This division finally be- 
 came a part of the Thirteenth Pennsylvania, then 
 of the Second Pennsylvania, and on Jannary I. 
 1778, having served his time, he was discharged 
 from the service at Valley Forge. He was paid 
 in " Continental money,'' which was worthless, 
 and part of it is still in the possession of the 
 family. He then returned to the farm in Wash- 
 ington county, where he died in December, 1823, 
 having been preceded by his wife in 1812. The 
 children who were born after the family had set- 
 tled in Pennsylvania were as follows: James, 
 Robert, Samuel, Margaret (wife of John Cunning- 
 ham) and Jane (unmarried), all of whom are now 
 deceased, but lived to an adult age. 
 
 James Leech, son of the old pioneer, James, was 
 born September 17, 1775, in Northampton county, 
 Penn. His youth was passed on the home farm, 
 and he received a subscription-school education. 
 Early evincing a taste for mechanical work, he 
 learned the trade of millwright. He bought a farm 
 where the old fort stood, and had a saw aud grist mill, 
 to which latter wheat was brought on horseback. 
 In 1803 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
 Wishart, who was born in 1782, in Franklin county, 
 Penn., aud came with her parents to Washington 
 county when thirteen years of age. James and 
 Elizabeth Leech were the parents of the following 
 children: James, Jane (wife of James McKeen. of 
 Greene county, Penn., both deceased), Nancy (Mrs. 
 James McGhee, of Tama county, Iowa, both de- 
 eased), John, Robert, David, Thomas, Elizabeth (liv- 
 ing with her brother Joseph). Joseph P., Mary (wife 
 of A. Phillis, of Smith township), and Pressly. 
 Of these children there are yet living: Elizabeth, 
 Joseph P. and Pressly. After his marriage 
 James Leech settled on a farm iu Smith township. 
 In 1812 he entered the war of that period, serving 
 under Harrison through the campaign. In poli- 
 tics he was a Whig, first a Jackson man, but 
 changed on the bank question, and took a very 
 active part in the campaign preceding the election 
 of President Harrison. He was au enthusiastic 
 admirer of his older leader, and did all iu his 
 power to secure the election of the sturdy, fearless 
 veteran. In ISIS Mr. Leech was appointed a jus- 
 tice of the peace, filling that office twenty-two 
 years, during which time his rulings were invari- 
 ably sustained by the higher courts. He and his 
 wife were members of the Seceder Church, and 
 then of the Union Church, to which he contributed 
 liberally, having given the land for a church at 
 Mt. Vernon before the project was abandoned, 
 owing to disorganization. The old church stands. 
 He was called to his long home June 27, 1852, and 
 on June4, 1807, his wife was laid to rest beside him. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1441 
 
 Joseph P. Leecb was born October 21, 1826, in 
 
 Smith township, this county, and received a limited 
 education in the subscription schools. He followed 
 farming some time, then entered mercantile life, 
 conducting a store near Mt. Vernon church (as 
 it was then called) for seven years. He then be- 
 came a drover, dealing extensively in wool, and 
 this business called him to different parts of west- 
 ern Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio, where he has 
 an extensive acquaintance; he also made frequent 
 trips to New York, Philadelphia, Boston and many 
 othern Eastern cities, with which he has become 
 very familiar. Mr. Leech owns an immense tract 
 of prime land which is cultivated under his super- 
 vision. He is one of the largest stockholders in 
 the Burgettstown National Bank, of which he was 
 one of the organizers. Politically he was orig- 
 inally a Whig, now a Republican, and he was 
 present at the convention when John G. Fremont 
 was nominated for President. He is not a poli- 
 tician as far as office-holding is concerned. In 
 1877 he met with a serious accident, which resulted 
 in the loss of his left eye, which was struck by the 
 horn of an ox. Mr. Leech is a well built, healthy 
 man, stands five feet ten and one-half inches, and 
 weighs 160 pounds. He has never married. 
 
 *J 
 
 MRS. ELIZA GRANT is the widow of Noah 
 Grant, who was a son of Robert, and de- 
 scended from Scotch ancestry. Robert 
 • Grant was born and reared on the old 
 homestead in Carroll township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., and followed farming all his life. 
 In early manhood he was married to Harriet Baker, 
 a native of Ohio, and twelve children were born to 
 them, of whom but two are now living, viz.: L. G., 
 who is residing in the far West, and Rebecca 
 Colvin, a native of Fallowfield township. 
 
 Noah Grant was born in 1832, in Carroll town- 
 ship, Washington Co., Penn., the youngest child 
 in his father's family. He received a good educa- 
 tion and passed his life in agricultural pursuits. 
 In 1855 he was united in marriage with Miss 
 Eliza Wickerham, who bore him the following 
 children: Ethel (Mrs. Furlong), living in Roscoe, 
 Penn. ; Grace, wife of Mr. Orr, editor of a news- 
 paper in West Newton, Penn.; Robert, in the sig- 
 nal service at Pike's Peak, Colo.; May (Mrs. 
 Speers), living at Roscoe, Penn. ; Florence, a ste- 
 nographer, in Chicago, and Lydia, living at home. 
 Mr. Grant was identitied with the Republican 
 party, and was very prominent in educational af- 
 fairs. He died April 7, 1886; his widow resides 
 near Monongahela, and rents the home farm, which 
 contains 100 acres, situated near Monongahela. 
 She is a member of the Methodist Church. 
 
 JOHN CULBERTSON HARVEY, one of the 
 prosperous farmers of Morris township, was 
 born June 9, L828, in Franklin county, Penn. 
 His father, John Harvey, was a native of 
 eastern Pennsylvania, born near Carlisle. He 
 removed to Franklin county in early life, where he 
 married Sarah Culbertson, a daughter of Robert 
 Culbertson, of Franklin county. They reared a 
 family of fourteen children, viz.: Nehemiah K. , 
 Agnes, Hannah, John C, Sarah, Ruth T., Mary, 
 Robert O, William T., Joseph, Benjamin, Har- 
 riet, Catherine and Wilson O, of whom eight are 
 living, three in Harrisburg, Penn., one in Dau- 
 phin county, one in Newville, one in Cumberland, 
 and two in Roxbury, Franklin county. 
 
 John Culbertson Harvey was reared on his 
 father's farm in Franklin county, aud received a 
 practical education in the neighboring schools. 
 He was married April 12, 1853, to Jane, daughter 
 of James Kilgore, of Greene county, Penn. Mrs. 
 Harvey died October 30, 1874, having become the 
 mother of three children: Simpson L., James K. 
 and a son who died in infancy. In 1878 Mr. 
 Harvey was again married, this time to Ruth T. 
 Kilgore, who died March 7, 1891. He removed 
 to Morris township, Washington county, about 
 twenty-five years ago, and has since resided here, 
 giving his entire attention to his farm. Mr. Har- 
 vey enlisted March 7, 1861, in Company B, One 
 Hundred and Fifty-eighth P. V. I., being drafted 
 for nine months but served ten. In politics Mr. 
 Harvey is a Republican, and in religion is a mem- 
 ber of Mount Zion M. E. Church. Simpson L. 
 Harvey, eldest son of John C. Harvey, is married 
 to Frances Day, daughter of Bethuel Day, and 
 they have one son, Charley Wycliffe; James, the 
 second son, married Emma Mounts, daughter of 
 William Mounts, of Franklin township, and they 
 are the parents of two children: Jennie and 
 William. 
 
 J | AMES R. WOODBURN, a well known busi- 
 ness man aud successful farmer of East Fin- 
 ley township, is the second surviving son of 
 Joseph and Ruth (Garrett) Woodburn. He 
 was born January 17, 1834, near Taylorstown, 
 Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and his 
 boyhood and early youth were passed, partly in 
 labor on his father's place, and partly at school. 
 He received a fair common-school education, and 
 attended a normal academy at Millersville (Penn.) 
 one term, after which he was engaged in teaching 
 nine or ten terms. He made his home with his 
 parents until the breaking out of the Civil war, 
 when, August 18, 1862, he enlisted in the Ringgold 
 Battalion, an independent troop, which afterward 
 became the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, 
 
1442 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 and was composed almost exclusively of Washing- 
 ton county men. The duty of this body of horse- 
 men was, during the early part of the struggle, to 
 guard railroads and do "scouting" duty through 
 West Virginia. Mr. Woodlmrn also participated 
 in the engagements at Cedar Creek, Fisher's Hill, 
 Manchester, besides many others of minor impor- 
 tance; was wounded in the shoulder in 1863, and 
 was sent to the hospital, but afterward served till 
 the close of the war, and was mustered out as ser- 
 geant. After his return home to resume the voca- 
 tions of peace, he was married, on March 14, 1807, 
 to Lizzie McClelland, who was born September 14, 
 1841, a daughter of Thomas McClelland, of East 
 Finley township, and to this union three children 
 were born: Joseph L., born March 30, 1871; Jen- 
 nie B., born March 25, 1874; and Fannie A., born 
 April 11, 1878, all now at home. After his mar- 
 riage Mr. Woodburn located on his present place, 
 a well-improved, valuable piece of farm property, 
 lying about a mile and a half southeast of Clays- 
 ville, where he has since conducted a general farm 
 business, including stock raising. In 1874 he 
 built a large modern barn, and in 1882 erected a 
 dwelling that has for elegance and convenience no 
 superior and few equals in his township. Mr. 
 Woodburn is regarded as an enterprising farmer, 
 and one of the intelligent and influential men in 
 the community in which lie lives. He is a great 
 lover of home and its attractions, and takes pride 
 in keeping up with the times in everything per- 
 taining to agriculture. He is interested in several 
 enterprises outside of farming, and has been a di- 
 rector in the First National Bank of Claysville 
 since its organization. In politics he is a solid 
 Republican, taking a lively interest in the affairs 
 of the party. He and his wife are esteemed mem- 
 bers of the U. P. Church at Claysville, of which 
 he is a trustee. 
 
 If IfENRY EARNEST was born April 11, 
 U— J 1817, in Cumberland county. Penn. His 
 grandfather, John Earnest, emigrated from 
 II — Germany (where he was born in 1784), 
 v in the latter part of the eighteenth century, 
 
 and, after landing in America, located in Cumber- 
 land county, Penn. He then served two years in 
 the Revolutionary war, suffering with the patriots 
 of his adopted country, and many times traveling 
 barefoot through the deep snow. He was married 
 in Pennsylvania, and reared the following chil- 
 dren: Samuel, Andrew, David, Henry, George, 
 John, Polly and Daniel, all of whom are now de- 
 ceased. 
 
 Andrew Earnest was born and reared in Cum- 
 berland county, Penn., where he married a native 
 of the same county. They settled on a farm in 
 that locality, and reared a family of children. 
 Mrs. Earnest died in 1826. 
 
 Henry Earnest received a somewhat limited 
 education in the usual log cabin schoolhouse with 
 its siugle-paned window and primitive furnishings. 
 His mother died when he was but nine years of 
 age, and the family becoming separated, young 
 Henry began to earn his own living at this tender 
 age. He was first employed by a farmer, who 
 gave him his board and 5 cents a day. In ISIS 
 he left Cumberland county and went to Fortress 
 Monroe, Va. , where he remained three years. 
 He entered the Mexican war as a private in Com- 
 pany E, First P. V. Battery, under Capt. Bradford, 
 and participated in the following engagements: 
 City of Mexico, Chapultepec, Vera Cruz and 
 Pueblo. At one time he was in the heart of the 
 famous silver mines, 102 miles beyond the City 
 of Mexico. At the close of the conflict he returned 
 to Fortress Monroe, where he received an honora- 
 ble discharge. He then entered the employ of the 
 Pennsylvania Railroad, working on the line to 
 Westmoreland county, Penn. In 1S50 he was 
 married to Mary Maloy, of Cumberland county, 
 Penn., and to their union have been born three 
 children: William (deceased), Mary (Mrs. Henry 
 Birch) and Andrew J. (living with his father). In 
 1851 Mr. Earnest came to Washington county, 
 Penn., and remained in the employ of the railroad 
 company several years, finally purchasing with his 
 earnings sixty acres of land in Buffalo township, 
 Washington county, which is his present home. 
 When he first came to Washington county he left 
 one brother, John, and three sisters — Sarah, Polly 
 and Ann, of whom he has heard nothing in twenty 
 years. During a severe cold Mr. Earnest was 
 obliged to have the sight of one eye destroyed, as 
 the cold had settled in the optic, and the doctors 
 feared that both eyes would otherwise be affected. 
 He is a farmer, and gives much attention to stock 
 raising. Politically, he is a stanch Democrat, and 
 in religion is a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 of East Buffalo. 
 
 QEORGE M. ESPY, a leading liveryman of 
 Canonsburg. The Espy family were origi- 
 nally natives of Scotland, the pioneer set- 
 tlers of their name emigrating about the 
 time of the Revolution, settling in Pennsyl- 
 vania. James Espy (grandfather of the family 
 now living in Washington county) was born in 
 1780, in Allegheny county. Penn., and was there 
 married to Margaret Fife (who was born Septem- 
 ber 17, 1782). The young couple purchased a farm 
 in Upper St. Clair township, where children were 
 born to them as follows: William, Margaret (wife 
 of Thomas Fife), Mary (married to Dr. McCor- 
 mack), James, Thomas (killed in the Civil war), 
 and John. The father was a Whig in politics, 
 and served as justice of the peace, also as postmas- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1443 
 
 ter at Upper St. Clair. He was a member and 
 elder of Bethel Presbyterian Church. He died in 
 1858, his wife in 1852, and the remains of both 
 rest in Bethel cemetery. 
 
 John Espy was born on the home farm in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penii., and was early inducted into 
 t lie mysteries of agricultural pursuits, which he 
 followed throughout life. When a young man he 
 was married to Margaret, daughter of John Smith. 
 Her father was born in Scotland, and for many 
 years his home was on the ocean. He finally 
 abandoned the sea, after having visited nearly 
 every commercial port in the world, and settled in 
 Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Espy be- 
 gan life on the home place, where he is yet living, 
 a representative citizen and active Republican of 
 Allegheny county. He is a stanch iupporter of 
 Bethel Presbyterian Church, and is now rilling the 
 office of trustee. Their children are as follows: 
 Margaret (wife of J. J. Van Email); James, mar- 
 ried to Laura Wilson, is living on the home plac»: 
 John S., living in Pittsburgh, Penn., is married to 
 Alice Nelson; G. Howard, a druggist in New York 
 City; W ill F., a druggist in Pittsburgh, Penn.; 
 and George M. 
 
 George M. Espy was born February 1", 18(15, in 
 Upper St. Clair township, Allegheny Co., Penn., 
 and remained at home during his boyhood. He 
 attended the Newell Institute at Pittsburgh, 
 Penn., two years, then returning home devoted his 
 attention to farming. On February 22, 1888, he 
 married Mary B., daughter of John Morgan, who 
 married Rebecca Hickman. She bore him two 
 children, Mary B. and Ella E. In 1890 Mr. Espy 
 left the farm, becoming a partner in the Fife 
 livery establishment at Canonsburg. In 1892 he 
 purchased the interest of Mr. Fife, and now con- 
 ducts the entire business. He has a large amount 
 of custom, keeping eighteen well-bred horses, 
 and having a large stable. He Moys the confi- 
 dence of the public as an honorable citizen and 
 successful business man. In politics he is a stanch 
 Republican, and in religion a member of the Pres- 
 byterian Church at Canonsburg. 
 
 DANIEL S. McBRIDE. Foremost among 
 \ the successful retired farmers of Smith 
 ' township is this well-known gentleman, now 
 ' a citizen of Bavington, this county. His 
 grandfather, a native of the Emerald Isle, immi- 
 grated to America in an early day, finally locating 
 in Robinson township, this county. He married 
 in this county, and reared a family of ten sons, 
 viz. : Nathaniel, Francis, Alexander, Samuel, 
 David, John, Isaac, Matthew, James and William, 
 all of whom lived to an adult age, but are now de- 
 ceased. The parents died at an advanced age. 
 James McBride was born in Robinson township, 
 
 this county, receiving a very meager education in 
 the subscription schools. He learned the black- 
 smith's trade, following that occupation at different 
 places on the Steubenville and Pittsburgh pike, 
 and finally becoming a farmer. He was a very 
 kind hearted man, and this trait being taken ad- 
 vantage of by his friends, resulted in his own 
 financial ruin. He was married to Ann, daughter 
 of Daniel Stewart, of Robinson township, and she 
 bore him children as follows: John (a blacksmith, 
 who died in Bavington, this county), Mary (de- 
 ceased), Sarah (who died when twenty years of age), 
 James (a retired citizen of West End, Pittsburgh), 
 Jane (deceased at the age of fourteen years), 
 Samuel (deceased at the age of twenty-five years), 
 Daniel W. (whose sketch follows), Mary Ann 
 (who died wheu aged twenty years), and Susanna 
 (deceased wife of Thomas H. Pyles). The father 
 of this family was a member of the Democratic 
 party. He died in 1852, having been preceded by 
 his wife several years. 
 
 Daniel W. McBride was born August 19, 1821, 
 in Hanover township, this county, and attended 
 the subscription schools of the day. He first fol- 
 lowed milling, which he continued for several 
 years, afterward renting a farm. In 1852, during 
 the " gold fever'' excitement, he went to California 
 by the overland route. The journey from St. Jo- 
 seph to Sacramento (Cal.) occupied eighty-one 
 days, part of the distance being traveled with mules. 
 He remained in California until 1S54, then, return- 
 ing to Bavington, this county, opened a flour mill, 
 having acquired his knowledge of the business 
 with no instruction. He continued to conduct the 
 mill for twenty-one years, and having amassed a 
 comfortable property, moved to his present valu- 
 able farm, which contains over three hundred acres 
 of excellent land. The success of Mr. McBride is 
 but the just reward of his own untiring efforts, 
 which have placed him in the enviable position he 
 now occupies. He is an active member of the 
 Democratic party. Mr. and Mrs. McBride are 
 the parents of the following children: James Z. 
 (a dentist of Burgettstown, Penn.), John (a civil 
 engineer of Allegheny, Penn.), Robert F. (a pros- 
 pector of Colorado), Anna Isa, Elizabeth V., Susan 
 D., Roena (wife of A. C. Proudfit, of Smith town- 
 ship) and Daniel S. (a civil engineer of Portland, 
 Oregon). 
 
 JACOB GIBSON, a prominent agriculturist of 
 Fallowtield township, is a son of James Gib- 
 son, who was born in 1797, and died in 1863. 
 Jacob Gibson was born on July 25, 1830, in 
 Fallowtield township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and there passed his boyhood. He was drafted in- 
 to the army at the first call for soldiers in the Civil 
 war, but was obliged to remain at home, as his 
 brother was resolved to go, and one of the boys 
 
1444 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY, 
 
 had to stay ou the farm. On December 12, 1865, 
 lje was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of 
 Robert McMillan, ason of Robert McMillan, whose 
 parents were natives of Ireland, and came to Amer- 
 ica many years ago. Robert McMillan, the grand- 
 father of Mrs. Gibson, was born in 1751, in York 
 county, Penn., where he learned cloth dressing. 
 He then moved to Beaver county, same State, and 
 there followed his trade for several years, finally 
 settling on a farm in Washington county. He was 
 united in marriage with Elizabeth Thompson, who 
 was born in 1751, near Canonsburg, Washington 
 county, and they were the parents of three chil- 
 dren, of whom Robert is the eldest. The mother 
 died in 1814. the father in 1833. 
 
 Robert McMillan, father of Mrs. Jacob Gibson, 
 was born in 1808, in Fallowfield township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn., and in 1837 was married to 
 Elizabeth Bennett, who was born in 1812, in Fay- 
 ette county, Penn. She died in 1S65, leaving the 
 following children: Leander, Harvey, Mary (wife 
 of Jacob Gibson), Amauda (married to Smith Car- 
 son), Robert (living with his father ou the home 
 farm), Jane, Cynthia, and John (who owns a large 
 drui,' store in Washington, Penn.). Of this family 
 Leander and Harvey were members of the Twenty- 
 sixth Illinois Regiment. They served three years 
 in the Civil war, and took part in the battle of 
 Shiloh, in Sherman's march to the sea, and in 
 numerous other engagements. After the war they 
 settled in Illinois, where they are now residing. 
 Mr. McMillan owns 164 acres of a well cultivated 
 stock farm, and, though eighty-five years have 
 passer] over him, he is yet able to superintend the 
 farm work, being remarkably active for a man of 
 Lis age. The men of this family have been active 
 supporters of the Democratic party, and in religion 
 all are members of the Methodist Church. 
 
 Jacob and Mary (McMillan) Gibson have three 
 sons and one daughter. He owns 240 acres of 
 laud, and deals extensively in live stock. 
 
 TlOSEPH G. PORTER. This gentleman is a 
 prominent citizen of Hanover township, and 
 t\ a native of Washington county, Penn. His 
 ** grandfather, Nathaniel Porter, a native of 
 the North of Ireland, was the first member of the 
 family to immigrate to America, coming here about 
 1770, and first locating in Chester county, Peun. 
 After settling in Pennsylvania he married and 
 
 r rd a family of eight or nine children. lie 
 
 kept a tavern in Williamsport, Penn., for many 
 years, and his hostelry was a great resort for salt 
 packers and people who were crossing the mount 
 aius to bring merchandise and salt to western 
 Pennsylvania. This property was destroyed in 
 the battle of Brandy wine, in the Revolutionary 
 struggle. Nathaniel Porter and his wife passed 
 
 their days in eastern Pennsylvania, and died in 
 Chester county. 
 
 William Porter was born about 1782 in Chester 
 county. Penn.. where he was inducted into the 
 mysteries of agriculture, and attended the English 
 type of schools. When a young man he was mar- 
 ried to Peggy Wallace, who was born in 1784, a 
 daughter of William Wallace, and descendant of 
 Sir William Wallace, of Scotland. Her father 
 and Nathaniel Porter came to America with the 
 same party of emigrants. To the union of William 
 and Peggy Porter ten sons and two daughters were 
 born, of whom the following lived to an adult age: 
 James, Wallace, Andrew, Joseph G., Franklin (a 
 farmer of Jefferson township) and Sarah (wife of 
 Robert Proudfit, of Smith township). During his 
 early life the father of this family kept a tavern in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, and in 1827 moved to a place 
 in Jefferson township, this county, where he fol- 
 lowed farming; he voted with the Democratic 
 party. He died in 1856, having been preceded by 
 his wife in 1834. They are buried in the Paris 
 U. P. cemetery. 
 
 Joseph G. Porter was born December 20, 1817, 
 in Nottingham township. Washington Co., Penn. 
 He learned the blacksmith's trade, which he fol- 
 lowed until taken ill with the smallpox. In 1850 
 he joined the rush to California during the "gold 
 fever " excitement, and walked from Independence, 
 Mo., to Sacramento, Cal. ; he remained in Cali- 
 fornia until 1854, during that time being engaged 
 in mining, and also worked at his trade. He re- 
 turned home by water, passing through Nicaragua, 
 thence to New York, and finally arriving at home 
 in Washington county, Penn. In 1S42 he was 
 married to Nancy Fullerton, who was born in 1819, 
 in Hanover township, this county, a daughter of 
 John Fullerton. The children of Joseph G. and 
 Nancy Porter are as follows: John T. (a farmer of 
 Hanover township), Joseph C. (a plumber) and 
 Melissa (Mrs. John Tucker, of Hanover township I. 
 In 1856 Mr. Porter purchased the farm upon 
 which he is now residing, and successfully fol- 
 lowed general agriculture until the approach of 
 old age compelled him to abandon active life. Of 
 late years he has been living in retirement, while 
 his son, John T., manages the farm. Mr. Porter 
 is a genial companion, and in politics is deeply in- 
 terested in the welfare of the Democratic party. 
 
 \ICKERHAM, ALBERT G. and ALEX- 
 ANDER WILSON are leading repre 
 sentative native-born agriculturists of the 
 county. Their father, William Wicker- 
 ham, was a son of Adam, who- was a son 
 of Peter or Jacob, a native of Germany, who immi- 
 grated to Amorica at a very early day. making a 
 settlement in Westmoreland county, Penn. He 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1445 
 
 married a Miss Schilling, ami the children born to 
 them were Peter, Jacob* and Adam. The father of 
 this family was a pioneer farmer of the State, and 
 became renowned for his exploits with the Indians. 
 He died at an extreme old age. 
 
 Adam Wickerham, son of Peter (or Jacob) Wick- 
 et ham was born in Westmoreland county, Penu., 
 wbence when a young man he came to Washington 
 county, where he patented a tract of land on part 
 of which Monongahela now stands. He there 
 married Miss Shillen, who bore him the following 
 named children: George, Peter, William, Mary 
 and Sarah (Mrs. Bowsman). The father of this 
 family departed this life in 1870, the mother a few 
 years later. 
 
 William Wickerham was a native of Washing- 
 ton county, born in 1809 on a farm whereon 
 Monongahela now stands. He married Nancy 
 Phillips, a native of this county, and, after a few 
 years' residence in the then village of Williams- 
 port, he removed to Carroll township, settling on a 
 farm in the horseshoe bend of the Monongahela 
 river. Here he and his wife passed the rest of 
 their days. He was a stanch Whig, afterward a 
 Republican, and at the time of the Civil war, al- 
 though well advanced in years, shouldered his 
 musket in defense of the Union, being one of the 
 one hundred day men. In religion he was a mem- 
 ber and liberal supporter of the Methodist Church. 
 His children were as follows: Adam, David, 
 James, Eliza, Harrison, Margaret, Albert G., 
 Emma, Alexander Wilson and John; of these, 
 Adam is a resident of Carroll township, on the old 
 home farm; Harrison, Albert and John also live in 
 Carroll township; Mrs. Eliza Grant is a widow 
 living in Monongahela; Mrs. Margaret Teeple is 
 in Carroll township; Adam, James and Harrison 
 were in the Civil war, serving three years each, 
 Harrison being the first volunteer to go to the 
 front from Washington county; he was captured 
 by the Confederates and confined in Audersonville 
 prison thirteen months. 
 
 Albert G. Wickerham was born January 19, 
 1844, on the old homestead in that part of Carroll 
 township, Washington Co., Perm. , known as 
 " The Horseshoe. " He remained on the home 
 farm until 1871, when he was united in marriage 
 with Elizabeth, daughter of William Galbraith, a 
 resident of Carroll township. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Wickerham resided on the old place about two 
 years after their marriage, when he erected the 
 house where they have since resided, on a portion 
 of the old estate. Mrs. Wickerham died in June, 
 1890, and was buried in the family cemetery. 
 She left three children, namely: Mary J., Will- 
 iam J. and Nancy A. Mr. Wickerham owns eighty 
 acres of the old farm, and conducts a profitable 
 business. Politically he is a Republican, and has 
 held local offices. 
 
 Alexander Wilson Wickerham was born 
 December 20, 1S52, and was reared on the home 
 farm in Carroll township until thirteen years of 
 age, when he moved to Monongahela. On April 
 17, 1S71. he married Rebecca, daughter of John 
 Marshall, of a very old and highly respected, 
 family of Washington county, and after marriage 
 he conducted his father's farm for several years. 
 He then removed to his present home in East 
 Bethlehem township, the farm comprising some 
 seventy acres of prime land. He is, a Republican, 
 but not active in politics. The children born to 
 Mr. and Mrs. Wickerham are Sarah, Eudora, 
 Delia, Archibald, May, Florence, Myrtle and Lizzie, 
 all at home with their parents. 
 
 EAZEN FRYE, a worthy representative of 
 one of the oldest families of Washington 
 county, was born July 5, 1821, on the old 
 homestead at Lock No. 4, this county. 
 He is a grandson of Abraham Frye, a 
 native of either Washington county, Penn., or 
 North Carolina, and who became a pioneer farmer 
 of Fallowfield township. He married Hester 
 Johnson, of North Carolina, and the children born 
 to them were Johnson, Noah, James, Benjamin, 
 Mary, Abraham, Thomas, Elijah, Hester and 
 Smith. Mr. Frye was a member of the Baptist 
 Church. 
 
 Thomas Frye, father of subject, was married to 
 Anna West, a native of Fallowfield township, and 
 the children born to them were: Luke, Reazen, 
 Louisa, Eunice, Hester, Lucinda Jane, Abraham 
 J., Nancy, Mary E., Smith, and Anna E. The 
 mother died in 1861, the father in 1876, and they 
 are buried in the Horseshoe Church cemetery. 
 He was a Jackson Democrat originally, and during 
 the latter part of his life was a Republican. He 
 was a member of the Baptist Church, of which he 
 was a trustee. 
 
 Reazen Frye attended the old log-cabin school, 
 and assisted in clearing the pioneer farm. On No- 
 vember 20, 1845, he was united in marriage with 
 Carrie B. , daughter of John and Nancy (Dickey) 
 Eckels, the former of whom was a native of Penn- 
 sylvania, born and reared in Chester county. 
 When a young man Mr. Eckels came to Mononga- 
 hela, and for some time followed teaming from 
 Philadelphia westward, after which he learned the 
 trade of carpenter and cabinet maker, which he 
 carried on in Monongahela as well as the undertak- 
 ing business. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, 
 under Maj. Warne. When a young man he mar- 
 ried Nancy Dickey, a resident of Monongahela, 
 and the children born to their union were: John 
 Hamilton. Margaret, Mary, Benjamin, Carrie B.. 
 Andrew J.. . annah Ann, Catherine Eaton, and 
 Daniel James. The father of this family died in 
 
1440 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1857, the mother on June 3, 1872, and both are in- 
 terred in Monongahela cemetery. In politics Mr. 
 Eckels was a Democrat. 
 
 After marriage onr subject and wife located on 
 a farm of 120 acres of land situated one mile from 
 the Monongahela river, in Fallowfield township, 
 this county, and after years of assiduous toil 
 finally succeeded in paying for the place. Mr. 
 Frye then realized a good sum from the sale of a 
 coal vein underlying his land, and with the money 
 thus obtained he purchased 143 acres of land in 
 Carroll township, to which, in 1874, he moved; it is 
 distant about one mile from the business portion 
 of Monongahela. To Mr. and Mrs. Reazen Frye 
 have been born the following children: Thomas 
 F., a farmer of Chase county, Kans. ; Margaret 
 Emeline, wife of Samuel Richardson, living at 
 Lock No. 4; John Hamilton, farming on his fa- 
 ther' sold property at Lock No. 4; Stephen Reed, in 
 the United States Mail Service; Eliza Adeline, de- 
 ceased at the age of eighteen years; Hester Ann, 
 who died when seven years old; James D. , who 
 died at the age of five years, and Carl, who passed 
 away at the age of ten months and twenty days. 
 
 Although now retired from active business life, 
 Mr. Frye is interested in the buying and selling of 
 stock. Politically he was originally a Democrat, 
 but a visit to the South, some time prior to the 
 breaking out of the war of the Rebellion, brought 
 about a revolution in his ideas in respect to poli- 
 tics, and he has since been active in the ranks of 
 the Republican party. 
 
 JAMES E. RANKIN. Of the well-known 
 pioneers of Washington county, the Rankin 
 family, of which this gentleman is a member, 
 is mentioned among the leaders. John 
 Rankin was born in Winchester, Va., of Irish 
 descent, and came with his parents to Washing- 
 ton county, Pe'nn., about 1774, bringing colored 
 help with him from Virginia. He had a family 
 of eight sons and two daughters, nearly all of 
 whom were born in Winchester, Ya. He located 
 in Ml. Pleasant township, this county, securing 
 1,800 acres of choice land, then a vast wilderness, 
 which is now transformed into some of the finest 
 farms of Washington county. Here he erected a 
 log cabin, and made such improvements as were 
 possible, being in constant danger from the treach- 
 erous savages. But bravely and patiently he 
 struggled on, establishing the pioneer home. After 
 his sons had grown to manhood one of them, 
 James, joined a part)' who went to establish a col- 
 ony in Kentucky. They arrived safely, but dur- 
 ing the return trip were attacked by Indians, and 
 James was killed, his fate being but one addition 
 to that of the many pioneers who were practi- 
 cally martyrs to colonization. The parents of 
 
 James passed the remainder of their lives on the 
 frontier home, both dying the same year. 
 
 Samuel Rankin, youngest son of John, was born 
 July 18, 1709, in Winchester. Va., and came to 
 this county in 1774. On January 7, 1790, he was 
 married to Jane McConahey, who was born Feb- 
 ruary 18, 1775, daughter of a pioneer settler. 
 The following children were born to their union: 
 William. John, David, Matthew, Samuel, Stephen,. 
 James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane. Of these 
 children Jane is the only one yet living. She is 
 unmarried. The others lived to an adult age, and 
 were citizens of Washington county. Samuel 
 Rankin became a wealthy farmer, and always 
 lived on the old home farm, situated about two 
 miles northwest of Hickory, this county. In 
 politics he was a Democrat, and was one of the 
 famous minute-men. In religion he and his wife 
 were members of the Union Church. He died in 
 October, 1820, being followed by his wife July 
 20, 1809, in her ninety-fourth year. The remains 
 of both lie in the U. P. cemetery at Hickory, Mt. 
 Pleasant township, this county. Their children 
 were as follows: William, born November 24, 
 1796 (deceased January 13, 1884); John, born 
 April 4, 1798 (deceased in April, 1866); David, 
 born February 15, 1800 (deceased July 27, 1858); 
 Matthew, born February 15, 1802 (deceased in 
 June, 1880); Matilda, born March 22, 1804 (de 
 ceased in February, 1875); Samuel, born June 3, 
 1806 (deceased May 27, 1834); Abigail, born in 
 October, 1808 (lived on the old homestead until 
 her death); James (deceased, mentioned below); 
 Stephen, born August 20, 1813 (deceased in Feb- 
 ruary, 1S77); and Jane, born February 6, 1817 
 (living in Burgettstown). 
 
 James Rankin was born March 24, 1811, in Mt. 
 Pleasant township, and passed his youth on the 
 old home place, receiving his education in the log 
 schoolhouse of the day. In December, 1834, he 
 was married to Martha V. Stevenson, who was 
 born in 1813. daughter of James Stevenson, of 
 Smith township, thiscounty. Janies Stevenson was 
 a native of Washington county, and was there mar 
 ried to Jane Vance, who bore him children as fol- 
 ows:Ann(Mrs. Alexander Hays), John S., Elizabeth 
 (Mrs. S. J. Ghist). Mary (wife of Patterson Vance), 
 Maltha V. (married to James Rankin), Joseph, Ed- 
 gar and Rachel J. (wife of John B. Phillis). Mr. 
 Stevenson followed the vocation of a miller, after- 
 ward opening a carding works, and was also en- 
 gaged in undertaking. He was first a Democrat 
 in politics, then became a Whig, and afterward 
 united with the Republican party. He was 
 formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church 
 known as the Raccoon, and when the Burgetts- 
 town Church was organized, became a regular at- 
 tendant of that Society. 
 
 James and Martha (Stevenson) Rankin first set- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1447 
 
 tied on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this 
 county, and in 1868 moved to an adjoining place, 
 coming to Burgettstown in L884. They have had 
 the following children: Samuel N. (enlisted in 
 Company D, Twenty-eighth New York Regiment; 
 he served three months, then re-enlisted, and in 
 lMi:! entered the secret service under Gen. Banks, 
 and was missing while en route to Richmond), 
 James E., Jane E. (Mrs. John P. Campbell), Will- 
 iam Ray (who was drowned in 1846), John P. (liv- 
 ing in Baker City, Oreg.), Joseph Vance (living 
 in Wichita, Kans.), David A. (accidentally killed 
 when fifteen years old, in Wichita, Kans.), and 
 Anna M. James Rankin was a popular and enter- 
 prising citizen, having won success by liis own ex- 
 ertions. He was a warm friend of educational prog- 
 ress, and in religion a member of the Mt. Pros- 
 pect Presbyterian Church, of which he wasa ruling 
 elder tor twenty-eight years. He died July 27, 
 1887, at Burgettstown, this county, where his 
 widow is yet living. He was justice of the peace 
 for many years. 
 
 James E. Rankin was born in 1838 on the farm 
 in Mt. Pleasant township which is yet his home; 
 he received a district-school education and worked 
 on the farm. On November 15, 1877, he was 
 united in marriage with Mary Walker, a native of 
 Cross Creek township. Her father, John N. 
 Walker, was born in 1808, iu Cross Creek town- 
 ship, this county, and on November 18, 1830, mar- 
 ried Ann Vance, who was born in 1812, in Cross 
 Creek township. They settled on a farm near 
 their birthplace, and reared the following family 
 of children: Rachel (deceased in May, 1S71, wife 
 of R. S. Donaldson), Alexander (living in Elders- 
 ville, this county), William Vance (a farmer), 
 James (living in Cass county, Neb.), Elizabeth 
 (wife of John Lawton, of near Larned, Kans.), 
 Hannah (married to J. P. Reed, of Larned, Kans.), 
 Mary (Mrs. J. E. Rankin), Virginia (living with 
 her parents), John N. (living in Cross Creek town- 
 ship), Joseph (deceased in 1874), Frank (deceased 
 in 1856) and Cynthia (married to Samuel Wilson, 
 of Santa Anna, Cal.). The father of this family 
 was an active member of the Democratic party. 
 He died February 15, 1882, and was laid to rest by 
 the side of his wife, who passed away May 15, 1870. 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Rankin have passed their married 
 lives on the home farm, which contains 200 acres 
 of well-cultivated land. They are members of the 
 Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is an act- 
 ive Democrat. 
 
 V\ Al RS ' JANE CARROLL. Among the brave 
 \Jy| pioneers of Washington county, and they 
 Ml I are many, none have surpassed, in bravery, 
 I - 1 intelligence and perseverance, the mem- 
 bers of the Carroll family. 
 Robert Carroll and wife, accompanied by his two 
 
 brothers, John and Hamilton, and a sister Jane, emi- 
 grated in 1760 from Ireland to America, locating 
 in a place called Miugo, western Pennsylvania, 
 thence moving in a few years to East Finley town- 
 ship, Washington county, where they settled on 
 one of the headwaters of Wheeling creek, near 
 the present postoffice of Gale, and began cutting 
 down the forest trees until a space was cleared for 
 the log cabin (perhaps the first in that district), 
 which they soon erected. Like all the pioneer 
 settlers, they were in hourly danger from the hostile 
 savages, and endured the inevitable hardships of 
 backwoods life. Iu 1781 work began in earnest, 
 and Washington county was founded. In the 
 summer of that year, John and Hamilton Car- 
 roll, who resided with their brother Robert, went 
 out one morning, and when but a short distance 
 from the cabin both men were shot down by the 
 Indians. Robert's wife (who with her two children 
 was in the cabin) heard the report, and knowing 
 the boys had no firearms with them, immediately 
 grasped the situation; she snatched the infant from 
 his couch and with him in her arms, and her little 
 son of four years clinging to her side, ran to a 
 cornfield near by, where she waited till the Indians 
 reached the cabin. The faithful dog remained on 
 guard at the door, and barked vigorously at the 
 murderers, who were obliged to kill him before 
 they could enter the house. The heroic mother 
 knew when the barking of the dog ceased that 
 the Indians were busy ransacking the house, and 
 immediately taking advantage of the opportunity, 
 ran for life to the nearest fort, which was five miles 
 distant (now at Prosperity), though she had to trav- 
 el much farther; but she reached it safely at last, 
 the infant in her arms, and little James running 
 by her side. While these terrible scenes were in 
 progress, the husband and father was absent, having 
 left home a day or two before, and gone to a mill 
 on the Monongahela river. On returning home, he 
 was horrified to find the floor stained with blood, 
 and other evidences of the presence of the maraud- 
 ing savages. Almost heart-broken, the poor man 
 hurried to the fort, and was overjoyed to find his 
 wife and children safe within, but heard with 
 anguish of the terrible fate of his brothers. A few 
 days later a party of men left the fort, and finding 
 the dead bodies of John and Hamilton (whose 
 scalps the Indians had taken as trophies), buried 
 them in what has since been known as the Car- 
 roll graveyard; these two victims of Indian fury 
 being the first who were there interred. The 
 burying ground is but a short distance from 
 where the cabin stood. After all traces of the 
 Indians had disappeared, Robert and his wife re- 
 turned home, and were not again molested. The 
 infant Robert, who was saved from the Indians by 
 his mother, grew to manhood, and married Mar- 
 garet Craig, who bore him one daughter, and 
 

 1448 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 James, whose little feet proved of such good 
 service on that memorable day, was united in 
 marriage with Margaret Marshall, and to their 
 union the following children were born: William, 
 Robert, John. Hamilton, James, Hugh, Joseph, 
 Thomas, Mary and Jane. 
 
 Hamilton Carroll was born April 1 5, 1804, in 
 East Finley township, Washington county, and 
 was early inured to the toil, danger and privation 
 of frontier life; his education was of necessity very 
 limited. On April 5, 1832, he was united in mar- 
 riage with Jane Marshall, who was born October 
 10," 1X1)7, daughter of Gabriel Marshall, of East 
 Finley township, who was also of Irish descent. 
 The children born to this union were Marshall, 
 born March 10, 1833 (deceased in 1890; he always 
 lived at home assisting in the farm work, and caring 
 for his parents); James Bell, born December 27, 
 1834 (deceased January 15, 1836); Martha, born 
 October 30, 1836 (living at home and assisting with 
 household duties); Robert M., born April 18, 1839 
 (of whom further mention is made); Anderson, 
 born January 10, 1841 (a farmer, living near Pleas- 
 ant Grove, East Finley township, this county); 
 William David, born September 5, 1844 (deceased 
 October 23, 1862); Mary Margaret, born March 
 13, 1847 (deceased January 7. 1852); Eliza Jane, 
 born December 27, 1848 (wife of George Mont- 
 gomery, of East Finley township), and John, born 
 March 15, 1851 (married to Olive Post, and living 
 in East Finley township, this county). Robert M., 
 of the above family, enlisted August 22, 1861, in 
 the first Virginia Cavalry, and on February 14, 
 1862, whs killed at Blooming Gap. Va. His corpse 
 was sent home, and with it came the following 
 order: 
 
 Drv. Headquarters, Camp Chase, Va., Feb. 15, 1862- 
 Spt rial Order, tfo. 57. 
 
 Robert ( larroll, a private of ( lapt. Farrabee's company, 
 1st Va. ( lavalry, having been killed, after capturing three 
 wagons from the enemy, aided by two other privates of 
 that company (David Howell and Franklin Jones), will 
 he escorted by the two privates mentioned to his resi- 
 dence and the body delivered to the family of the de- 
 ceased man, with compliments of the Commanding Gen- 
 eral. Had be lived lie would have received promotion. 
 The expenses of the escort and burial will be paid. 
 
 By command of Brig. <4en. Sander. 
 
 II. ('. Armstrong, a. a. a. Gen. 
 
 Soon after his marriage Mr. Carroll began farm- 
 ing on the farm where his widow is yet living, 
 which is situated about half a mile northwest of 
 Gale postoffice, in Fast Finley township. Here he 
 passed the remainder of his life, successfully pur- 
 suing the vocation of agriculture. During the war 
 he took an active part in the home musters. In 
 politics Mr. Carroll was a stanch Republican, and 
 a valued member of the party. He possessed 
 unusual vitality, and was capable of great phys- 
 ical endurance. In religious faith he was a member 
 of the U. P. Church. He died in 1890; his widow, 
 
 who is also a member of the U. P. Church, sur- 
 vives him, enjoying in her old age a respite from 
 the cares and sorrows of earlier life; she is much 
 esteemed and respected. 
 
 liOHN B. CARSON. The Carson family have 
 . I for many years been prominently associated 
 \\\ with the leading citizens of Washington 
 county. Thomas Carson was born in eastern 
 Pennsylvania, and coming to Washington county 
 many years ago, was married to Mary Gibson, a 
 native of Kentucky. They settled on the farm in 
 Fallowfield township, which is yet owned by their 
 descendants, and he also followed shoemaking, also 
 serving many years as justice of the peace. At 
 one time he was pursued by the Indians, and trav- 
 eled seventy-five miles in one day, carrying his 
 rifle, and thus escaped. He died in 1848, leaving 
 the following children: Elizabeth (wife of James 
 Young), Thomas G., Mary (Mrs. Grable), James 
 S., John B., Ann (Mrs. Grable) and Charlotte 
 (wife of John Carson). 
 
 John B. Carson was born in 1802, on the old 
 place on Pigeon creek, in Fallowfield township, 
 Washington county, where he grew to manhood 
 and received a district-school education. When a 
 young man he was married to Sarah Scott, who 
 was born in 1813, in Fallowfield township. The 
 young couple first settled on a farm on Pigeon 
 creek, and in 1846 moved to the homestead of 140 
 acres where their children are yet living. Mr. 
 Carson voted with the Democratic party, serving 
 in various offices, and in religion Mrs. Carson was 
 a member of the Baptist Church. He died Jan- 
 uary 27, 1872, and September 17, 1887, his wife 
 was laid beside him. Their children were hern 
 as follows: Newton (who was a real-estate dealer 
 and founder of West Belle Vernon , deceased Decem- 
 ber 24, 1888), Mary (wife of Jackson Carson, of 
 Fallowfield township), Smith (a farmer, living on 
 Pigeon creek), Lewis (living in West Pike Run 
 township), John B. (residing in Allen township), 
 Jerome G. ,and Sarah J. (deceased). 
 
 John B. Carson, son of John B. and Sarah 
 (Scott) Carson, was born in 1848, in Fallowfield 
 township, Washington county. He attended the 
 schools of the county, afterward went to the South- 
 western State Normal School at California, and 
 afterward taught five terms near the home neigh- 
 borhood. In 1874 he was united in marriage with 
 Melissa Duvall, a native of East Pike Run town- 
 ship, this county, a daughter of J. P. and Sarah 
 (Robison) Duvall. the father born in East Bethle- 
 hem township, and the mother a native of Wash 
 ington county; both parents are now living in East 
 Pike Run township. After his marriage John B. 
 Carson located on the 130 acres in Fallowfield 
 township, where he is now living. In 1874 he 
 
U'ASHIXGTOX COUNTY. 
 
 1449 
 
 erected a good house, and in 1S81 built a new 
 barn. He is a prosperous farmer; in politics he 
 votes the Democratic ticket. Mr. and Mrs. Carson 
 are members of the Zion Disciple Church, in which 
 he serves as an elder. They are the parents of sis 
 children, namely: Bertha L., Val C Sarah Mabel, 
 John Parker, Viola Isabelle and Jefferson P. 
 
 Hi ARRY C. SCOTT. Joseph Scott, the old- 
 est representative of the Scott family in 
 Washington county, was born about 1761 
 — ' in Scotland, coming to America during 
 r the latter part of the eighteenth century. 
 
 He first located in York county, Penn., where 
 he was married to Martha Paden, who was born 
 in 1703. Prior to 1788, when Washington county 
 was very sparsely settled, he came from York 
 county, and made a home in the eastern part of 
 Hanover township, this county, near Raccoon 
 creek, securing control of an immense tract of wild 
 land. A cabin was erected, which famished them 
 protection, and although deprived of many of the 
 luxuries of life, they were soon able to build a 
 comfortable home. The story of the struggles, 
 hardships and privations of early pioneers has 
 often been told, and the lives of this earnest and 
 self-reliant couple were similar to those of their 
 comrades who undertook the arduous task of mak- 
 ing the wilderness "to blossom as the rose." In- 
 dustry finally was rewarded; they became wealthy 
 and highly respected citizens, and passed the 
 remainder of their lives surrounded by children 
 and friends. They died at a ripe old age, in full 
 connection with the "Old-School Presbyterian" 
 Church, in which they had been reared from in- 
 fancy. Politically the grandfather was a Demo- 
 crat. To this worthy couple were born two sons 
 and three daughters, all of whom lived to an adult 
 age. 
 
 Joseph Scott, a son of the pioneer Joseph, was 
 born in 1800, and passed his early life on the farm 
 of his father, amid the privations of a frontier 
 home, receiving a limited education in the sub- 
 scription schools. In 1830 he was married to Isa- 
 belle, daughter of Samuel Nelson, and the following 
 children were born to their union: Louisa (Mrs. 
 John Camden, of Mt. Pleasant township), born 
 February 19, 1831; William (a farmer of Beaver 
 county), born October 20, 1S33; Margaret, born 
 February 5, 1835 (died unmarried January 5, 
 L865); Mary Jane, born Angust 20, 1837, deceased 
 in infancy; Elizabeth, born October 20, 1839 (wife 
 of S. J. Dennis, a merchant of Wellsville, Ohio), 
 and Joseph D., born November 13, 1843. Mr. 
 and Mrs. Scott resided on the home farm during 
 life, and he devoted his entire attention to agricult- 
 ure. In politics he was a Democrat, and in re- 
 ligion he and his wife were members of the Rob- 
 
 inson TJ. P. Church. He died September 28, 
 1873, and his widow survived him until September 
 10, 1886. They are buried in Florence cemetery. 
 
 Benjamin Scott was born June 2, 1792, in Hau- 
 over township. Washington Co., Penn. He re- 
 ceived a subscription school education, and, work- 
 ing in his father's mill, learned the business, 
 which he followed several years. When a young 
 man he was married to Susan McKinley, who was 
 bom in 1800, daughter of Hugh McKinley, of 
 Washington county, Penn. They settled on a 
 farm near that of his parents, and the mill having 
 been sold, he afterward devoted his entire atten- 
 tion to agricultural pursuits, meeting with signal 
 success. Their children were born as follows: 
 Alexander, Joseph, Sophia, Benjamin, Sarah 
 Jane, Patterson, John, Susan and Elizabeth. Mr. 
 Scott took an active interest in the welfare of the 
 Democratic party, and lie and his wife were, both 
 socially and financially, leading members of Cross 
 Roads Presbyterian Church. In 1877, after long 
 and useful lives spent together, both parents 
 passed from earth, the father aged eighty-five and 
 the mother aged seventy-seven years. 
 
 Patterson Scott was born March 18, 1835, in 
 Hanover township, and was reared to farm pur- 
 suits, receiving his education in the common schools. 
 On October 16, L868, he was united in marriage 
 with Eliza J. Miller, who was born March 16, 1837, 
 in Harrison county, Ohio, daughter of Daniel, and 
 granddaughter of John Miller, who was born in 
 1806, in Frederick county, Md. John Miller came 
 to Rumley township, Harrison Co., Ohio, where he 
 purchased land of the Government, at one time 
 owning 215 acres. Ou arriving at Rumley town- 
 ship he was obliged to cut his way through the 
 woods, around his lands, and camped out while 
 building his cabin. He was the father of nine 
 children, viz. : Daniel, David, John, Jacob, Joseph, 
 Catherine, Hannah, Polly and Sarah. Daniel 
 Miller (father of Mrs. Patterson Scott) was born 
 in 1788, in Frederick county, Md., and coming to 
 Harrison county, Ohio, with his parents, shared all 
 the hardships of pioneer life. In 1817 he was 
 married to Susan Lowmiller, who was born in 1796, 
 in Dauphin county, Penn. , a daughter of John and 
 Catherine (Long) Lowmiller, who came to Harrison 
 county in 1800. The children of Daniel and Susan 
 Miller were as follows: Catherine, Elizabeth, Sa- 
 rah, John, Henry, Susanna, Rebecca, Margaret, 
 Abigail and Eliza J. (Mrs. Patterson Scott). 
 
 Mr. and Mrs. Scott began wedded life on the 
 home place in Hanover township, where he carried 
 on general farming and an extensive stock raising 
 business. Mr. Scott was a representative farmer; 
 in politics he was an enthusiastic Democrat, and 
 served in various local offices. He died October 
 24. 1883, and was buried in Florence cemetery. 
 The children of his family are as follows: Henry 
 
1450 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNT) 
 
 C, Margaret C. , Susan E. and John M. Since 
 the death of her husband Mrs. Scott has had 
 charge of the farm, which is now managed by her 
 son, Harry C. Mrs. Scott is a member of the 
 Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, with which her 
 husband was also actively identified. 
 
 Fit LLISON D. SWART is a descendant of 
 
 1/ 1\ Philip Swart, who emigrated from Germany 
 
 lp^\ with his family in about 1786. and locating 
 
 J -^ in Amwell township, Washington Co., 
 
 Penn., settled on a farm of 315 acres, 
 
 which has since been owned by his descendants. 
 
 He died about 1811, leaving two children — Jacob 
 
 and Mrs. Susau Phillips. 
 
 Jacob Swart, son of Philip, was born near the 
 old home in Amwell township, this county, and 
 passed his early years at home, receiving bis edu- 
 cation at the subscription schools of the day. He 
 was an excellent business man, and though he 
 lived only to the prime of life, he became the 
 owner of six farms, aggregating a total of 1,000 
 acres. His property was an enduring monument 
 to the energy, good judgment and business capac- 
 ity of a hardy and persevering pioneer. His wife 
 was Miss Sarah Evans, of Amwell township, and 
 ten children were born to them: Dorothy (Mrs. 
 Mustard), Philip, David, John, Polly (Mrs. 
 Huston), Henry, Abraham, George, Hiram and Char- 
 lotte. Jacob Swart died on the old farm in Am- 
 well township in LSI 5. In politics he was a Whig, 
 and he was esteemed by all. 
 
 Hiram Swart, son of Jacob, and the father of 
 the subject, of this memoir, was born February 12, 
 1812, on Rees creek, Greene Co., Penn., where he 
 lived for three or four years, at the end of which 
 time his parents brought him to Washington 
 county. When he was about twelve years of age, 
 the family moved upon the old Swart farm in Am- 
 well township, where he lived until about 1874. 
 In 1845 he was united in marriage with Charlotte 
 McGiunis, and she dying he married, for his sec- 
 ond wife, Margaret Keys. He was again married, 
 on this, the third occasion, to Mary Hastings, who 
 bore him live children: Mary Emma, Allison D., 
 David H. , William H. and Maggie V. 
 
 Allison D. Swart was born October 11, 1862, in 
 Amwell township, on the old farm where Mr. 
 Bailey now resides. Here he remained until he 
 was fourteen years of age, when he came with his 
 father to the " Squire Hughes place,'' where he re- 
 mained until his marriage. He received his edu- 
 cation at the Swart and Birch schoolhouses, after- 
 ward for three years attending the Pleasant Valley 
 Academy, where he ranked among the first as a 
 bright student. On November 6, L886, Mr. Swart 
 was united in marriage with Emma lams, of Am- 
 well township, and they have one son: Hiram lams, 
 
 born December 11, 1887. Mr. Swart passed the 
 years 1884 and 1885 in the West, and since his re- 
 turn has resided continuously in Amwell, of which 
 township he is one of the substantial young citizens. 
 After marriage he began farming on the stock 
 farm; then removed to his present home. He has 
 a fertile, well-cultivated farm, where he carries on 
 general agriculture, and he also does a good busi- 
 ness in shipping hay. In the ranks of the Re- 
 publican party he has proven himself to be a 
 rising young politician. In church connection he 
 is a Baptist. 
 
 m unity. 
 
 RS. E. L. WELSH. Joseph B. Welsh 
 (deceased) was one of those citizens whose 
 lives have been so filled with kindly acts 
 and noble deeds, that their loss is felt not 
 alone by kindred, but by the entire corn- 
 Men of such character never die in the 
 hearts of those who have been privileged to know 
 and love them, but it is only a just tribute to their 
 memory that the record of their lives should be 
 given to those who follow after, as examples most 
 worthy of emulation. 
 
 Joseph B. Welsh was a son of William Welsh. 
 who was an associate and compeer of John Sloan, 
 a congressman fromWooster, Ohio; Abner Leonard, 
 a prominent Presbyterian minister; Jonathan 
 Knight, an eminent engineer and member of Con- 
 gress from Washington county, Penn. ; Drs. Joseph 
 and Jonathan Letherman, eminent physicians; 
 also of Hon. Joseph Lawrence, and many others. 
 William Welsh served for many years as justice of 
 the peace, and in the family library his docket is 
 yet preserved, every entry made in clear, neat and 
 orderly form, and written by a superior penman. 
 The Rev. Dr. Estep, who is widely known as one 
 of the most able clergyman of the Baptist faith, 
 said of William Welsh that he " never met a more 
 logical or clear reasoner " than he. Mr. Welsh 
 died many years ago, leaving a widow, eight 
 daughters and two sons; one of the daughters was 
 the first wife of G. V. Lawrence, of Monongahela. 
 Joseph B. Welsh, the second son of William, 
 was born December 10, 1815, on the home farm in 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where his father died. He attended Washington 
 and Jefferson College for a short time, but his 
 services being required on the farm, he soon re- 
 turned to assist his widowed mother in educating 
 the younger children. He said to his mother: "I 
 will remain with you until my sisters are educated 
 and provided for," and most faithfully was that 
 promise kept. His sisters were educated at the 
 seminaries in Steubeuville (Ohio) and Washington 
 (Penn.), in due time leaving the maternal roof 
 with husbands of their choice, who were all ac- 
 ceptable to the family. After the death of his 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1451 
 
 mother Joseph B. Welsh was united in marriage 
 with Miss Emily L. Taylor, a lady, who though sev- 
 eral years his junior, was yet especially fitted as his 
 bride. He was a member of the Legislature iu 
 1865-69, aud passed most of his life ou the farm 
 where his ancestors had settled nearly a century 
 ago. Iu the halls of legislation, as executor or ad- 
 ministrator of vast estates, as guardian of minors, 
 in the relations of neighbor, husband and father, 
 Joseph B. Welsh was equally able and invariably 
 faithful to every duty. In social life he possessed 
 genial, pleasant manners, was apt in conversation 
 or repartee, and having an unusually extensive 
 knowledge of men and measures, was a most en- 
 tertaining companion. In 187'.) he was thrown 
 from a horse, which accident caused a fibrous tu- 
 mor in his left side that first began to develop in 
 October, 1880. From that date his health rapidly 
 declined, and he was laid to rest March 22, ISM, 
 after a protracted illness. His last days were 
 passed in perfect repose, for believing that the 
 God who had given life knew best when that 
 life should end, he submitted with the utmost res- 
 ignation to his will. Mrs. Welsh is descended 
 from one of the most highly respected families of 
 Washington county, and is now residing in a beau- 
 tiful home in East Bethlehem township. Her four 
 daughters have been reared in culture and refine- 
 ment, of whom three are married and living in 
 Washington county ; they are Rebecca (Mrs. Jo- 
 seph Clark, residing in Pittsburgh), Ella (Mrs. 
 Jonas Emery), Cora (Mrs. William H. Theakston) 
 and Mary, at home. 
 
 'ILLIAM KEENAN. Among the well- 
 known and prosperous agriculturists of 
 Carroll township, this gentleman is prom- 
 inently identified. He, like many of our 
 most progressive citizens, traces his an- 
 cestry to the Emerald Isle, for the warm blood of 
 the true son of Erin flows in his veins. His grand- 
 father, James Keenan, was born in County Down, 
 Ireland, and passed his entire life on a farm in the 
 old country. He reared a family of eight children, 
 one of whom came to America. The father lived 
 to the advanced age of one hundred years. 
 
 Samuel Keenan. son of James, was born in 1785, 
 in County Down, Ireland, where his boyhood was 
 passed; lie worked on the farm, and attended the 
 schools of the county. In 1813 he was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth Gourley, the only child of 
 her parents, who died when she was an infant. 
 He erected a pleasant home, and the young couple 
 remained in Ireland until 1819, when they sailed 
 to America. The}' came to Pennsylvania, and re- 
 sided in different parts of Carroll township, Wash- 
 ington county, for several years. He then bought 
 and moved upon 110 acres of land iu Carroll 
 
 township, and afterward purchased an additional 
 120 acres, adjoining the first farm. He was a 
 Democrat in politics, and in religion he and his 
 wife were members and liberal supporters of the 
 Presbyterian Church. Samuel Keenan died in 
 1865, aged eighty years, followed by his wife in 
 L886, who died in her ninety-fourth year of heart 
 failure. Their children were born as follows: 
 James, Jane (Mrs. Nelson), Samuel (who died on 
 the Atlantic Ocean, and was buried on an island), 
 Elizabeth (wife of Robert Coulter), Samuel, Isaac, 
 Sarah (married to John F. McElhenny), Robert, 
 William, Hugh, Mary Helena, Joseph, Catherine 
 (wife of John H. Huston, of Upion township), and 
 Isaac (a graduate of a medical college). Of this 
 family, Jane, Sarah, William, and Catherine are 
 yet living. James and Jane were born in Ireland, 
 the others were natives of Pennsylvania. 
 
 William Keenan was born June 30, 1829, on the 
 home place in Carroll township, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He attended school three months each 
 season for three years, aud spent most of his time 
 in farm duties. In May, 1859, he was united in 
 marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Myers, 
 of Somerset township, this county. The young 
 couple rented a place for one year, and in Septem- 
 ber bought their present farm, adjoining the old 
 homestead. They moved to their new home in 
 the following April, and there six children have 
 blessed their union, namely: Sylvester (deceased 
 in childhood), Samuel (a carpenter, spent four 
 years in the West, and is now living at home), Mina 
 (wife of Dr. Farquhar), Henry M., John, and Iva 
 N., all living with their parents. The home place 
 consists of 130 acres, upon which Mr. Keenan has 
 erected a handsome residence and other buildings, 
 and has made many improvements. He is a Dem- 
 ocrat, and has served faithfully as school director, 
 road commissioner, assessor, auditor, judge of 
 elections, and in various other local offices. Mrs. 
 Keenan and her daughters are members of the 
 Presbyterian Church. 
 
 I M ARK B. KELSO. Notwithstanding the 
 \f<\ fact that this gentleman has been a citizen 
 *i| of Washington county for but a few years, 
 J -* he has become prominently associated with 
 the interests of the community, and is 
 recognized as a leading farmer. His parents, 
 Benjamin and Martha (Murdoch) Kelso, were resi- 
 dents of Allegheny county, Penn., where the fol- 
 lowing children were born to them: Rebecca, John, 
 George, Mary, James, Nancy, Margaret, Martha, 
 Benjamin, Mark B. , Samuel and Elizabeth. Of 
 this family Rebecca, George, James, Benjamin, 
 Mark B. and Samuel are yet living. Both parents 
 were interred in the Robinson Run cemetery. 
 Mark B. Kelso was born November 17, 1835, on 
 
1452 
 
 WASH IN G TON COUN TY. 
 
 the home place in Allegheny county, Penn., where 
 his youth was passed. When the Civil war began 
 he enlisted in Couipauy G. One Hundred and 
 Twenty-third Pennsylvania Regiment,, and among 
 the engagements in which he participated may be 
 mentioned Fredericksburg and Antietam. At the 
 close of the war he received an honorable dis- 
 charge, and returned home. He was married to 
 Lizzie A., daughter of James and Sarah (Philips) 
 McConnell, and children have been born to this 
 marriage as follows: Sarah P. (wife of W. M. 
 Templeton). Benjamin Edmund, Mattie M. , James 
 Alvin and John Mc. In 1876 Mr. Kelso came to 
 Washington county, Penn., and purchased 184 acres 
 iu North Strabane township, where he has a beauti- 
 ful home. In politics he affiliates with the Re- 
 publican party, and in church connection the family 
 are all members of the United Presbyterian Society. 
 
 JOSEPH P. JEFFREY. The well-known 
 
 family, of which this gentleman is a promi- 
 
 fl nent member, has for many years been close- 
 
 ^^ ly identified with the history and progress of 
 
 West Pike Run township. 
 
 Joseph J. Jeffrey was born of Irish parents in 
 Chester county, Penn., in 1772, and in 1788 pur- 
 chased the old farm in West Pike Run township. 
 Washington Co., Penn. In 179P> he was married 
 to Betsey Robison, who was born in 1781, in Lou- 
 doun county, Va., and the young couple soon 
 moved to the farm he had previously purchased. 
 The place contained about two hundred acres of 
 land, upon which he carried on a profitable busi- 
 ness in farming and stock raising. Joseph J. Jef- 
 frey died April 9, 1854, having been preceded by 
 his wife June 16, 1833. The children born to 
 this couple are named as follows: Amor, Job, 
 Plessie, Mary, Benjamin and John. 
 
 Amor Jeffrey was born March 21, 1803. on the 
 home farm in West Pike Run township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., where he learned carding and the 
 woolen trade. He followed that business during 
 early life, afterward devoting his attention to mill 
 ing and agricultural pursuits. On April 6, 1828, 
 he was united in marriage with Sarah Gregg, a 
 native of Washington county, Penn., born Sep- 
 tembers, L805. To this union were born the fol- 
 lowing children: Eliza, wife of Henry Gregg, a 
 farmer of Greene county, Penn.; Joseph P., sub 
 ject of sketch: Anderson; Benjamin F. ; Elizabeth, 
 deceased February 18, 1875; Jacob, deceased May 
 It), 1SSH; John, deceased March l(i, 1S55; George 
 W. , deceased December 25, 1870; James J., de- 
 ceased October 18, 1 S7 4 : Eleanor, deceased Octo- 
 ber 20, 1876, and Jack-man, deceased January 24, 
 1844. The lather was fond of literary pursuits, 
 and in political opinion was a member of the 
 Democratic party. He died June 15, L 88 5, hav- 
 ing been preceded by his wife June 9, 1880. 
 
 Joseph P. Jeffrey was born November 1, 1829, 
 on the home farm in West Pike Run township. 
 Washington Co.. Penn. His youth and early man- 
 hood were passed on the home place, where he 
 studied medicine until the death of his tutor in- 
 terrupted his preparation. Circumstances then 
 arose which prevented his graduation, and for 
 thirteen years afterward he worked for one fanner. 
 Although he never graduated, Mr. Jeffrey has suc- 
 cessfully treated the ills of his friends and kindred, 
 and is probably better fitted for practice than 
 many who have the title of M. D. affixed to their 
 names. Iu 1859 he was united in marriage with 
 Nancy Jane Hess, a native of Ohio, daughter of 
 John Hess, and they have had three children, viz.: 
 Mrs. Margaret Ann Bailey, now living with her 
 father; Palmetta (deceased), and Luella (a cult- 
 ured lady, married to William E. Robison, the 
 genial postmaster of Beallsville, Penn., and pro- 
 prietor of the Union Supply Co. store). The 
 mother of this family died April 15, 1892. 
 
 Mr. Jeffrey has been proprietor of the principal 
 hotel at Centreville, East Bethlehem township, for 
 the past seventeen years. In politics he is a mem- 
 ber of the Democratic party. Some years ago, 
 while picking apples, he fell from the top of a 
 twenty-five foot ladder, and though so severely in- 
 jured that the physicians declared he could not 
 live, his wonderful vitality conquered, but he has 
 never fully recovered from the effects. 
 
 JLLIAM G. HORNER is descended from 
 one of the oldest pioneer families of 
 Washington county, Penn., his grand 
 father, William Horner, having come 
 hither from Adams county, Penn., in 1800, and 
 passed the remainder of his life iu agricultural 
 pursuits. He died about the year 1860. 
 
 Joseph Horner (son of William) was born in 1806, 
 and grew to manhood on the home farm. He mar- 
 ried Catherine Mitchell, who was also a native 
 of Washington county, born August 25, 1817, and 
 the young people settled on the home farm. The 
 following children were born to their union: Will 
 iam G., Elizabeth B. (Mrs. Samuel Mitchell, of 
 Piatt county, 111.). Nancy C. (wife of David Tem- 
 pleton, of North Strabane township), Mary I Mrs. 
 Abner Myers, of Somerset county, Penn.), Louisa 
 (living at home), and Martha J.. Sarah E. and 
 Margaret (all three deceased). Mr. and Mrs. 
 Horner were members of the Presbyterian Church. 
 The father of this family died May 29, 1ST 1, and 
 the mother passed away April 30, 1887. 
 
 William G. Horner was born September 16, 
 1834, on the home farm in North Strabane town- 
 ship. He was educated in the usual log-cabirj 
 country school of the vicinity, but has broadened 
 his educational knowledge by observation and ex- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1453 
 
 perience. He has always followed agricultural 
 pursuits, arid is the owner of a well-cultivated and 
 productive farm, which is furnished with fine stock. 
 He is an active politician, and has ever been a leader 
 in all progressive movements of the community 
 which tend to improve the general welfare. Mr. 
 Horner has never married, but his maiden sister, 
 who is living with him, assists in providing the 
 comforts and luxuries of a pleasant home. 
 
 EV JAMES KENNEY is probably the old- 
 est resident of East Bethlehem township 
 at the present writing. He is a grandson 
 of William Kenuey, a native of Ireland, 
 who, coming to America in an early day, 
 Located on Brandywine river, in eastern Pennsyl- 
 vania, when that locality was an unbroken wilder- 
 ness. He married a native of Ireland, and reared 
 a family of children.one of whom joined the British 
 army, and the little home, which had been won by 
 years of privation, toil and danger, was confis- 
 cate;!, leaving the parents penniless in their old 
 age. The father died at an advanced age, and 
 was laid to rest beside the scenes of his labor. 
 
 Benjamin Kenney, son of William, was born on 
 the farm in eastern Pennsylvania, and there passed 
 his early boyhood, being left a destitute orphan 
 when very young. He was then bound out, and 
 while serving his apprenticeship learned the trade 
 of stone mason, which he followed almost all his 
 life. He was married in Cumberland, Md., to 
 Elizabeth, daughter of John and Amelia Blair, 
 who were pioneers of Tennessee, whither they re- 
 moved soon after the marriage of their daughter. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Kenuey resided in Cumberland about 
 six years, during which time two daughters were 
 born to them, Margaret and Mary, both of whom 
 are long since deceased. Some years after their 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kenney came to Fayette 
 county by way of the old " Braddock road;" the 
 journey was long and perilous, but the family 
 finally arrived in safety at their new home, where 
 they resided six years. Here other children were 
 born to them, of whom John was the only one who 
 lived beyond infancy, and he died at the age of 
 fourteen years. In 1802 the parents packed their 
 worldly possessions in a cart drawn by one horse, 
 and moved to Washington county, Penu. The father 
 was then about forty years of age, and had saved 
 a small sum of money, which he invested in a tract 
 of land in East Bethlehem township, and contin- 
 ued to follow his trade in connection with managing 
 the farm. Slowly but surely the little hoard of 
 savings increased, and the farm was finally given 
 into the hands of James. After settling in Wash- 
 ington county, four children were added to the 
 family circle, namely; James, Wesley (a brilliant 
 clergyman and renowned theological scholar), 
 
 William and Rebecca, the latter three being now 
 deceased. The father was a Republican in poli- 
 tics, and served as one of the first constables of 
 Washington county. In religion he was a mem- 
 ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died 
 in March, 1843, followed by the widow January 
 26, 1852; both were very old. 
 
 James Kenney was born January 11, 1806, in 
 East Bethlehem township, Washington Co.,Penn., 
 and attended the usual log-cabin, puncheon -floored 
 and slab seated schoolhouse of the period. He 
 has a vivid recollection of the severe old master 
 who ruled with the rod to a degree which would 
 not now be tolerated, Mr. Kenuey having seen one 
 young lady flogged until the blood trickled to the 
 floor. As may be supposed, the literary advan- 
 tages of such an academy of learning were of the 
 most meager character, but these early obstacles 
 were overcome by young Kenney. He eagerly im- 
 proved each opportunity, for his eyes were upon a 
 noble goal — he wished to be a clergyman — and 
 with this aim in view the lad carried his Bible to 
 the field, perusing its pages while the horses fed. 
 In 1827 he was united in marriage with Ann, 
 daughter of William Sproat, and she bore him four 
 children, viz.: William, a prominent farmer of 
 Ford county, 111., Elizabeth (Mrs. Greenfield), 
 deceased; Cyrus, a fruit grower of lower Califor- 
 nia; and John Fletcher, of Ford county, 111. The 
 mother of this family died in 1838, and on Febru- 
 ary 5, 1839, the father was married to Patience, 
 daughter of Jonathan More, who was a soldier in 
 the war of 1812, and died soon after his return, 
 from disease contracted in the army. To Mr. Ken- 
 ney' s second marriage were born: Benjamin, Anna 
 (Mrs. Freeman, of Florida, now deceased), Margaret 
 (wife of Wilson Ward), one who died in infancy, 
 James (living on the homestead), Sarah and Jo- 
 sephine (twins, living with their parents), and 
 Mary Manilla (wife of L. M. Cleaver). In 1841 
 Mr. Kenney obtained a license to preach, and filled 
 his first pulpit at Liberty Chapel, near Washing- 
 ton borough; he had eight appointments in his 
 first circuit. He was never a member of a Confer- 
 ence, preferring to remain at home, that he might 
 superintend the rearing of his children. For the 
 past five years Rev. James Kenney has been preach- 
 ing in the Centreville M. E. Church; he is now 
 eighty-seven years of age, his wife being in her 
 eighty-fourth year. He has erected all of the 
 buildings upon his farm. In politics he votes 
 with the Republican party. 
 
 »jr\) ETHUEL DAY (deceased) was bom in 1816 
 f^L in Morris township, Washington count) - , 
 | J) son of Bethuel Day, who was a native of 
 New Jersey, whence he removed to Wash- 
 ington county before the beginning of the present 
 
1454 
 
 WASHINGTOX COl X TV. 
 
 century. Here he married Parmelia Raynor, 
 whose ancestors also emigrated from New Jersey, 
 and to them were born nine children : Stephen. 
 Elias, Sally, Bethania. Jonathan, Hannah, Lemuel 
 Fordham, Parmelia and Bethuel, all of whom are 
 now deceased, Bethuel Day being the last of the 
 family to pass away. 
 
 Bethuel Day devoted his whole life to his farm 
 interests, and was known as one of the thorough, 
 go-ahead, enterprising farmers in his section. He 
 was an active Christian laborer. 1 icing looked upon 
 as a leader in religious matters. He was a mem- 
 ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
 Day was married in 1842 to Clarissa Teagarden, 
 a daughter of Samuel Teagarden, of Franklin town- 
 ship, Greene Co , Peun. The Teagarden family 
 are of Prussian descent, the ancestors having come 
 from Germany and located in Pennsylvania among 
 its first inhabitants. For thirteen years after his 
 marriage Mr. Day resided in East Finley town 
 ship, but in 1856 removed to Morris township, and 
 located on the Moses Winget place, about one-half 
 mile west of Old Concord, where he resided at the 
 time of his death, which occurred December 19, 
 1S90. His widow still lives on the, old home 
 place. To Mr. and Mrs. Day were born nine chil- 
 dren: Oliver, who died at the age of one year; 
 Louisa Catherine, wife of Edmond McVay, of 
 Greene county; Allison, who died when four years 
 old; Jane Parmelia, wife of Oliver Core, of Old 
 Concord; Miriam Frances, wife of Simpson Harvey, 
 of Morris township: Missouri, wife of Wilbur 
 Swaine. of Washington county: John El wood, who 
 is united in marriage with Miss Millie S prowls, of 
 West Finley township, and resides in Morris town- 
 ship: Emma Virginia, wife of Seaman W. Plants, 
 of East Finley township, and Herschel, who died 
 in infancy. 
 
 many years, and as time sped on children came to 
 brighten their home as follows: James, William 
 Edward. Jane, Margaret, John, Catherine, Lettice 
 and Ann. But that dnead disease, consumption, 
 buried its deadly fangs in the frail forms, and one 
 by one the children were laid to rest until, of that 
 once happy family, but one daughter was left to 
 the bereaved parents. 
 
 Lettice McMurray was born about 1812, in Alle- 
 gheny county, Penn., where she resided twenty- 
 live years. She then came with her parents and 
 younger sister Ann to the home in Peters township, 
 Washington Co., Penn. The mother and sister 
 soon passed away, and Lettice cared for her father 
 until his death, which occurred in 1S52. The only 
 living representative of her family, she yet resides 
 on the farm, having lived alone until her health 
 bpcame feeble. She is an earnest member of the 
 United Presbyterian Church, and is patiently await- 
 ing the happy hour which will reunite her with the 
 dear ones gone before. The home farm consists 
 of 100 acres of land. 
 
 I ISS LETTICE McMTJRRAY, one of the 
 
 well-known residents of Peters township, 
 is a. daughter of Archibald McMurray, 
 whose father, James, was a native and 
 lifelong resident of County Donegal, Ire- 
 land. He followed agricultural pursuits, and in 
 early life was married to Margaret McFarlaud, 
 also a native of Erin. She bore him three children: 
 John. Jane and Archibald. 
 
 Archibald McMurray, son of James and Marga- 
 ret, was born in 1760, in County Donegal, Ireland, 
 and passed his boyhood in tilling the soil. When a 
 young man he was married to Nettie, daughter of 
 William Simpson, a resident of the same county. 
 After his marriage Archibald McMurray followed 
 farming and fishing for some time. In 1801 the 
 young couple came to America, first locating in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, and afterward settled in Al- 
 legheny county, same State. They resided here 
 
 ISAAC HORN, one of the most prominent farm- 
 ' ers of West Bethlehem township, is a grandson 
 j of John Horn, who was one of that township's 
 earliest settlers, he having come from east of 
 the Alleghany mountains early in the opening up 
 of Washington county, locating upon a large tract 
 of land in the southern part of the township. 
 
 Here, about 1796, was born Jacob Horn, the 
 father of subject. His boyhood was spent in at- 
 tending the subscription schools, held in the little 
 log-cabin schoolhouses of that period, and subse- 
 quently he learned the cooper's trade, which he 
 followed for a number of years. At the age of 
 twenty one he found himself possessed of little 
 more than the education gleaned from the meager 
 teachings of the primitive schools, his trade, and a 
 strong and rugged constitution. He started man 
 fully to work at coopering, making casks, barrels, 
 tubs, etc., many of which were used by parties up- 
 on whose property were located still-houses. Soon 
 after attaining his majority he married Priscilla 
 Addeman, a daughter of John Addeman, who was 
 then a resident of Morgan township, Greene county, 
 and not long afterward he and his young wife 
 moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where they lived 
 for several years, and here their son Isaac was 
 born. Snon tiring, however, of the new country, 
 they returned to Pennsylvania, taking up their 
 residence upon the home farm, where Isaac still 
 resides. Here were born to them the following 
 children: Samuel, now living in Iowa: Sarah, de- 
 ceased; Demas, a prominent farmer of West Beth- 
 lehem township, residing on the farm adjoining 
 that of his brother Isaac; John, of near Mills- 
 boro, Greene county ; Catherine (deceased); Jacob, 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1455 
 
 who died in early boyhood, and Elizabeth, living 
 in Washington county. The father died in 1859, 
 having been preceded to the grave by the mother 
 in about 1844. 
 
 Isaac Horn was born May 20. 1824, in Harrison 
 county, Ohio. When he was about three years 
 old, his parents, as above mentioned, returned to 
 Pennsylvania, where he has since passed his life. 
 His education, like that of his father, was of the 
 log cabin school extraction, primitive but sub- 
 stantial. Mr. Horn vividly remembers the seats in 
 the school, which were made of slabs, as were also 
 the desks, and the other furnishings were on a par. 
 When not at school, or assisting in clearing and 
 improving the property then owned by his father, 
 the lad's time was occupied in learning his father's 
 trade, coopering. In the boyhood of our subject 
 much of the country was yet woodland, and many 
 wild animals still roamed the hills and forests. 
 In November, 1844, Mr. Horn married Amy, 
 daughter of Jacob Cox, of East Bethlehem town- 
 ship, and he remained on the old homestead, 
 which came into his possession upon the death of 
 his father. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Horn were 
 born the following children: Noah, a merchant of 
 Clarktown, Amwell township; Annabel, Priscilla 
 and William I., living at home with their father. 
 William I. is married to Hannah Craig, of Wesl 
 Bethlehem township, andisnow conductingthe farm 
 work. Mr. Horn's residence is quiet, yet impos- 
 ing, situated in the center of a thriving community, 
 about a half mile from Zollarsville, and all the im- 
 provements, which are numerous, have been made 
 by him. The house was erected in 1800, the barn 
 and out-buildings, all of which give his place an 
 air of prosperity, having been built a few years 
 later. Politically Mr. Horn is a lifelong Repub- 
 lican, and in religion a member of the Disciple 
 Church. His wife, Amy, departed this life March 
 16, 1883, deeply lamented, by not only her own 
 family, but by all who knew her. 
 
 T THOMAS CAIN was born January '25, 1823, 
 in Greene county, Penn., and is a worthy 
 representative of a well-known pioneer fam- 
 ily. His grandfather, John Cain, was a 
 native of Ireland, and in early manhood 
 immigrated to America, locating in Maryland, 
 where he was united in marriage with Mary Means. 
 About 1785 he came to Greene county, Penn., 
 where brothers of his wife had located a year or 
 two before. Here the following children were 
 born to him: Thomas, Dennis, John, Nancy, Mary, 
 Elizabeth and Catherine, all now deceased. John 
 Cain, the father of this family, was among the 
 early pioneers of Greene county, and shared the 
 hardships and dangers of frontier life. He died 
 
 about 1830, and his widow then returned to her 
 native Maryland, passing the remainder of her 
 life among her relatives. 
 
 Thomas Cain, the eldest son in the above men- 
 tioned family, was born in 1784, in Maryland, and 
 when a young child was brought by his parents to 
 Greene county, Penn. Almost every farmer oper- 
 ated a distillery in those days, and the youth of 
 Thomas was passed in assisting in that work, and 
 in the duties of the farm. He was naturally an 
 apt and intelligent boy, and his meager educa- 
 tional opportunities were thus supplemented; he 
 was also a mechanical genius, and made good use 
 of almost any tool. In 1812 he was married to 
 Mary Montague, who was born in 1784, a daugh- 
 ter of Henry and Rosauna Montague, who left 
 County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1792, and after a 
 stormy voyage of eleven weeks and three days 
 landed at New Castle, Del. They first located in 
 eastern Pennsylvania, and soon afterward began 
 the long journey to Kentucky, of which State they 
 had heard so many glowing descriptions. But the 
 severe winter of 1793 set in when the travelers had 
 reached Washington county, so they concluded to 
 remain there until spring, and made a temporary 
 location in Canton township. During this interval 
 they met an old frontiersman who had been in 
 Kentucky, and, knowing the hostile disposition of 
 the Indians at that- time, he advised this family to 
 remain in Pennsylvania. Mr. Montague took the 
 advice, and proceeding a few miles farther west, 
 made a permanent home in Donegal township, 
 near the present postoffice of Coon Island. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cain were born the follow- 
 ing children: Henry (deceased at the age of ten 
 years), Nancy (deceased wife of James Reynolds), 
 Rosanna (who married Patrick Reynolds, and died 
 at. a good old age), John (farming in Donegal 
 township, Washington county), Thomas (our sub- 
 ject) and Henry. Mr. Cain lived in Greene county, 
 Penn., for some time after his marriage, and in 
 1824 made a permanent home on the old Montague 
 farm, near Coon Island, Donegal township, Wash- 
 ington county. He was an industrious and suc- 
 cessful man, respected by all who knew him. He 
 died in 1837. his widow on March 17, I860. 
 
 Thomas Cain, when but a small child, came 
 with his parents to Donegal township, Washing- 
 ton county, and passed his boyhood on the home 
 farm, of which he and his brothers took charge 
 when the father died. His education was received 
 at the common schools, but has since been supple- 
 mented by reading and observation. He has 
 always followed agricultural pursuits, and now 
 owns a part of the home farm upon which his 
 brother Henry resides. Mr. Cain is living with 
 his brother John, and has never married. Polit- 
 ically he is a Democrat, and in religion a member 
 of the Catholic Church. 
 
1456 
 
 WASHJXGTOX COUNTY. 
 
 IMON WONSETTLER, a prosperous and 
 
 widely-known farmer aud stock raiser of 
 
 West Bethlehem township, is a native of the 
 
 countv, born iu'Amwell township March 6, 
 
 1850. 
 
 Nicholas Wonsettler, grandfather of Simon, was 
 born in 1754, in West Bethlehem township, this 
 county, aud died at the age of eighty years. He 
 had two children, Jonathan and Samuel, the latter 
 of whom died in infancy. Jonathan passed his 
 early years in assisting his father on the farm, and 
 in attending the common schools. He was united 
 in marriage with Delia Simmons, a daughter of 
 John Simmons, who was of German parentage, and 
 to this couple were born the following named 
 children: Anna, Elizabeth, Demas and Simon. 
 
 Simon Wonsettler when twenty-one years of age 
 bought the farm of fifty-five acres in West Bethlehem 
 township, where he now resides. On August 20, 1871, 
 he married Clara Garrett, a daughter of Samuel 
 Garrett, of West Bethlehem township, and they 
 have one daughter. Nora, born September IS, 1876. 
 Mr. Wonsettler is a Democrat, and exerts a weighty 
 influence in the politics of his vicinity. Both he 
 and his wife are earnest members of the Lutheran 
 Church. 
 
 djOHX WILLIAMS, a successful farmer of 
 ! East Bethlehem township, is a sou of Daniel, 
 j whose father was a native of West Virginia, 
 where Daniel was born. The latter became 
 a ferryman on the Monongahela river, and after- 
 terward a teamster on the National pike, making 
 many trips to Baltimore; and after losing a large 
 sum of money in some unfortunate investments, 
 died on a farm in East Bethlehem township. He 
 was married to Amelia Thompson, who bore him 
 children as follows: Mrs. Sarah Ann Gibson, Mrs. 
 Mary Aim Elliott. Mr-. Susan E. McCullough 
 (living iu West Virginia). Eliza (of Putuam county. 
 111. i. Amelia Barbara (of Putnam county. 111.'), 
 Hannah Jane (of Lock No. 5, Monongahela river), 
 John, and ODe who died in infancy. Of these are 
 now living Susan E. and John. 
 
 John Williams was born April 3. 1829, in the 
 house now owned by oue Watkins, on a place in 
 Easl Pike Run township, Washington county. At 
 the age of sixteen he began to learn the black- 
 smith'^ trad", and after serving a three years" ap- 
 prenticeship, followed that business thirteen years, 
 then devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. 
 Ou October 20. 1850, lie was married to Nancy, 
 daughter of Robert Gilles, and their children were 
 Robert ii.. born October 19, 1851, died August 
 29, 1852; Daniel W.. bom December 'J'-'. 1852, a 
 farmer of Putnam county. 111. : and Samuel James. 
 born April 18, 1856, a farmer of Harlan county, 
 Nel\ The mother died April 29, 1856, aged twen- 
 
 ty-eight years ten mouths, and for his second 
 wife John Williams was married, on February 7. 
 1S58, to Anna, daughter of Curtis and Esther 
 Pyles, natives of Washington county, Penn. To 
 this union children were born as follows: Ida 
 Florence, born June 30, 1S59, died July 7. same 
 year; Flora Belle, born October 29, I860, wife of 
 Homer Crumrine; Curtis, born June 24. 1863, liv- 
 ing in Pittsburgh, Penn.. and Emma May, born 
 October 21, 1865, living at home. Mrs. Williams 
 was laid to rest December 13, 1S68, aged thirty- 
 three years two mouths seven days, and on No- 
 vember 29. 1S73. he was united in marriage with 
 Ann, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Morris. 
 Three children have blessed this marriage, as fol- 
 lows: Ella M. , born September 18, ls75; Elvarette, 
 born October 15, 1877, and Oliver J., boru De- 
 cember 24, 1881, who died April 23, 1886. Mr. 
 Williams has been au enterprising business man, 
 and now owns 122 acres of good land, which he 
 devotes to agricultural interests. In politics he is 
 a Republican, and has served as auditor and super- 
 visor of East Bethlehem township. Mrs. Williams 
 and her daughters are members of the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 GLOSSER, JOHN and DEMAS, are repre- 
 sentatives of one of the oldest families of 
 Amwell township. Their grandfather, John 
 Closser, moved from "Old Virginia" to 
 Washington county, Penn., about 1790, and, set- 
 tling on the farm which is now the property of 
 Stephen B. Day, took up a tract of 200 acres, 
 which he owned for several years. He was united 
 in marriage with a Miss Peck, of Amwell township, 
 and to their union were born three sons and two 
 daughters: James, Daniel, Anna (Mrs. Chambers), 
 A. J. and Athla (Mrs. Van Kirk). Mr. Closser 
 had a limited school education, but was a well- 
 informed man. Politically he was a Democrat. 
 always taking an active interest in the welfare of 
 his party and all public affairs of the township. 
 In his religious views he was a Quaker. He lived 
 on the farm twenty-four years, and after his death, 
 which occurred in 1814, it became the property 
 of his two sons. 
 
 A. J. Closser was born in 1813 on the old home- 
 stead in Amwell township, and remained there 
 thirty years, engaging iu farm work. He was 
 educated iu the common schools, and was a well- 
 read and intelligent man for that period. In 
 1842 he was married to Annie Moninger, who 
 died in 1847, leaving two sons, John and Frank- 
 lin. After the death of this wife, Mr. Closser 
 married, in I84r-, Sarah Totteu, and to this union 
 were born five sons and one daughter: Demas, 
 Henry M., James W. , Samples S., Francis Moran 
 and Anna. Iu 1852 Mr. Closser purchased the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1 157 
 
 farm i>f 120 acres now occupied by his son John, 
 and two years afterward sold it, and purchased tin- 
 place which is his present home. He is a Dem- 
 ocrat, but votes for principle regardless of party 
 divisions, when he thinks occasion demands it. 
 
 John Closser, son of A. J. and Annie (Moninger) 
 Closser, was born February N, I MM, on the ances 
 tral acres in Amwell township, and when nine 
 years of age moved to the farm which he still 
 occupies. In 1802 he enlisted in Company D, 
 One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. , and remained 
 during the whole service. He was in all the 
 engagements of his company, was not wounded, 
 but had five holes made in his clothing from the 
 enemy's bullets, and lie was once slightly injured 
 by a ball. After his return from the war, he turned 
 to the more peaceful life of an agriculturist. He 
 was united in marriage with Miss Annita Mowl, of 
 West Bethlehem township, Washington county, 
 which union was blessed with four children: 
 Maggie B., Willie C, Pearl and Flora. In political 
 opinion Mr. Closser follows in the steps of his fore- 
 fathers, and votes the Democratic ticket. He has 
 been justice of the peace in Amwell township eight 
 years, and during that time, becoming inter* si 
 ed in law, has passed his leisure time in the diligent 
 study of the principles of that profession, ami so 
 well has he improved the time that he will be soon 
 admitted to practice. He was for time years a 
 student at Pleasant Valley Academy. Mr. Closser 
 and his family are all earnest workers in the Dis- 
 ciple Church of Lone Pine. 
 
 Dem\s Closser was born in 184—, on the old 
 farm of Stephen Day, and remained there about 
 rive years, when his parents brought him to the old 
 Closser place, situated on the north branch of Ten- 
 Mile creek. He remained on this farm fifteen 
 years, attending the common schools, working for 
 his father by the month, and giving him his wages 
 until he was twenty-one years of age, when he 
 continued to work by the month for four years; 
 then bought part of the old Biggie farm, on which 
 he lived for about five years; then sold this, 
 purchased and came to his present home. In 1874 
 he was married to Mary Luellen, who has borne 
 him three children: Graeie Estella Myrtie, May 
 C. and George Lalier. Mr. Closser has a valuable 
 farm of sixty-seven acres, equal to any land in the 
 vicinity. Politically he is a Democrat, and takes a 
 warm interest in all questions pertaining to good 
 local or national government. 
 
 ILSON WABD. This enterprising and 
 native-born farmer of Washington coun- 
 ty comes of Maryland ancestry, his 
 father, William Ward, having moved 
 from that State to Washington county at 
 an early day. 
 
 Wilson Ward was born February 22, 1 sj:;. U1 
 Allen township, near Belle Vernon, and was in 
 boyhood inducted into the various arduous duties 
 of farm life, a few weeks in the winter si 
 being devoted to attending the primitive schools 
 of the neighborhood. On February 28, 1 S07, he 
 married Miss Margaret M.. daughter of Rev. 
 James Kenney, and granddaughter of Benjamin 
 Kenney. After marriage Mr. Ward bought the 
 farm in East Bethlehem township on which he mow 
 resides, comprising 186 acres of valuable land. 
 all in a high state of cultivation. Here he carries 
 on general agriculture, including stock raising, 
 etc., and lias met with well-merited success. To 
 Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born children as 
 follows: William, January 2, 1868; Le Moyne, 
 February 7. 1870; Theodore, August 2:!. 1874, 
 and Walter E., January 23, 1880, all still living 
 under the parental roof. William H. at onetime 
 Conducted a store in the village of Fredericktown. 
 
 this county, but. unfortunately, was burned out in 
 April, 1891, and he has since been assisting his 
 father on the farm. In his political preferences 
 our subject is a Bepublican, but is not active, ae 
 his time and attention are exclusively devoted to 
 his farm duties. He anil the family are members 
 of the M. E. Church, and are highly esteemed by 
 a large circle of friends. 
 
 It DDISON A. GRIFFITH. The Griffith 
 
 1\ family, of which this gentleman is a worthy 
 T representative, comes of Irish ancestry, 
 * David Griffith, the grandfather, having em- 
 igrated from that country to America in an 
 early day. He and his family first located on a 
 farm in Cecil township, Washington Co., Peun., 
 then moved to a place near Claysville, Donegal 
 township, and finally went to Monroe county, 
 Ohio, where he died, leaving children as follows: 
 Benjamin, Samuel, John, David. Ephraim, Eliza- 
 beth, Anna, Charlotte, Rachel, Jonah and Levi. 
 The father in his political preferences affiliated 
 with the Whig party; in religion he was a member 
 of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Bun. 
 
 Levi Griffith, son of David, was born May 1 1 1, 
 1809, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 where his early education was received. In 1830 
 he married Margaret, daughter of James McClel- 
 lan, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. After 
 their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Griffith resided in 
 Chartiers township, this county, two years, then 
 came to Canonsburg, where he died in 1883. He 
 followed the business of a contractor and builder, 
 in politics was a Whig and Bepublican, and in 
 religion a member of the II. P. Church, which he' 
 served as trustee. His widow is yet living, in her 
 eighty-eighth year, the mother of the following 
 children: Nancy J. (wife of Bev. W. J. Alexander), 
 
L458 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 
 David, James, Ada A. (Mrs. Johu A. Boone), Allie 
 (wife of Andrew W. Miller) and Addison A. 
 
 Addison A. Griffith was born July 5, 1842, in 
 Canonsburg, Penn., where he received a thorough 
 training at the public schools. At the age of 
 eighteen years he was appointed assistant in the 
 quartermaster's office, army of the Cumberland, 
 remaining there sixteen months, and was then 
 transferred to the Department of the Shenandoah, 
 where he was until the close of the war. He then 
 returned home, and going to Oil City, Penn., en- 
 gaged in trading in oil, hay, grain and general 
 produce. A year later he opened a general store 
 at Freeport, Armstrong Co., Penn., which included 
 dry goods, notions, boots and shoes. He conducted 
 this business eighteen mouths, then managed a 
 hotel at Sioux City, Iowa, one year, and afterward, 
 having purchased a stock of goods, opened a store 
 about sixty miles north of Sioux City, and there 
 remained two years. Ho then resided on a farm in 
 Iowa several years, and, moving from there to Da- 
 kota, sold agricultural implements there for two 
 years; thence returned to the farm in Iowa, and 
 finally located in Canonsburg, Washington Co., 
 Penn. He served several years as division officer 
 of the Morganza Reform School, and soon after- 
 ward opened the extensive tobacco establishment in 
 Canonsburg which he is now conducting. In lS"ill 
 Addison A. Griffith and Mary, daughter of Rev. 
 William Galbraith, were united in marriage. Rev. 
 Galbraith was married to a Miss Backup, and their 
 children were Johu, George, Mary (Mrs. Griffith), 
 Ellen and Laura. 
 
 Two children were born to the union of Addison 
 A. and Mary Griffith, namely: William, conducting 
 a large shoe business at Mansfield, Penn. ; and 
 Maggie. For his second wife Mr. Griffith was 
 united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of 
 Godfrey Cook, one of the oldest families of Wash- 
 ington county, and they have two daughters, Mary 
 and Clara. Mr. Griffith is widely known as an 
 enterprising business man, and is actively identi- 
 fied with the interests of the Republican party. 
 He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church. 
 
 f| D. SCOTT. The Scott family were early 
 pioneers of Washington county, and are of 
 t\ Scotch descent. Joseph Scott, the oldest 
 ^^ representative, was born about 1761, in 
 Scotland, coming to America during the lat- 
 ter part of the eighteenth century. He first lo- 
 cated in York county, Penn., where he was married 
 to Martha Paden, who was born in 1703. Prior 
 to 1 788. when Washington county was sparsely 
 settled, he came from York county, and made a 
 home in the eastern part of Hanover township, 
 this county, near Raccoon creek, securing control 
 of an immense tract of wild laud. A cabin was 
 erected which furnished them protection, and 
 
 although deprived of many of the luxuries of life, 
 they were soon able to build a comfortable home. 
 The story of the struggles, hardships and priva- 
 tions of early pioneers has often been told, and the 
 lives of this earnest and self-reliant couple were sim- 
 ilar to those of their comrades who undertook the 
 arduous task of making the wilderness " to blos- 
 som as the rose." Industry finally was rewarded; 
 they became wealthy and highly-respected citizens, 
 and passed the remainder of their lives surrounded 
 by children and friends. They died at a ripe old 
 age, in full connection with the " Old School Pres- 
 byterian" Church, in which they had been reared 
 from infancy. Politically the grandfather was a 
 Democrat. To this worthy couple were born two 
 sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to an 
 adult age. 
 
 Joseph Scott, a son of the pioneer Joseph, was 
 born in 1800, and passed his early life on the 
 farm of his father, amid the privations of a fron- 
 tier home, receiving a limited education in the 
 subscription schools. In 1830 he was married to 
 Isabelle, daughter of Samuel Nelson, and the fol- 
 lowing children were born to their union: Louisa 
 (Mrs. John Camden, of Mt. Pleasant township), 
 born February 10. 1831; William (a farmer of 
 Beaver county, born October 26, 1833; Margaret, 
 born February 5, 1835 (died unmarried, January 
 5, 1865); Mary Jane, bora August 20, 1837 (de"- 
 ceased in infancy), Elizabeth (wife of S. J. Den- 
 nis, a merchant of Wellsville, Ohio), born October 
 20, 1839, and Joseph D. (our subject). Mr. and 
 Mrs. Scott resided on the home farm during life, 
 and he devoted his entire attention to agriculture. 
 In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion he 
 a ml his wife were members of the Robinson U. P. 
 Church. He died September 28, 1873, and his 
 widow survived him until September 10, 1886, 
 They are buried in Florence cemetery. 
 
 Joseph D. Scott was born November 13, 1843, 
 on the same farm which is yet his home, and dur- 
 ing his earlier years attended the common schools 
 and worked on the place. On December 25, 1867, 
 he was married to Mary E. Donaldson, who was 
 born March 19, 184S, daughter of Richard and 
 .Mary (Bigger) Donaldson, of Hanover township, 
 this county. The children of J. D. and Mary E. 
 Scott were William D., Edith M. (deceased), Ora 
 B. and Sarah E. After his marriage Mr. Scott 
 located for a short time on the Donalds. >n home- 
 stead in Hanover township, where he followed 
 farming for a time, then engaged in the mercantile 
 business at Haviugtou, Penn., thence moving to 
 Caunelton, Beaver Co., Penn. This line of busi 
 ness proving unprofitable, he came in 1876 to his 
 present farm, where he has since been engaged in 
 agriculture. In politics Mr. Scott is a firm Demo- 
 crat. Both he and his wife are members of the 
 Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1459 
 
 DEWALT DAGUE was bom in 1818, in 
 West Bethlehem township, this county, on 
 ' the old Dague homestead. His youth was 
 — . spent on the paternal farm, of which he as- 
 sumed the entire charge upon attaining the age of 
 manhood. Although he received but a limited 
 education in the common schools, he afterward be- 
 came a well informed man, and was possessed of 
 exceptionally good judgment. He was very suc- 
 cessful in business, with the faculty of accumulat- 
 ing property, and at the time of his death owned 
 nearly 300 acres of excellent farming land. He 
 was married to Delilah Swagler, daughter of 
 Jonathan Swagler, of West Bethlehem township, 
 and they had live children: Mrs. George Keel, 
 Jacob, Jonathan, Thomas and Elmer E. Dewalt 
 Dague was a Republican, and held several posi- 
 tions in the township, such as school director and 
 supervisor, which offices he creditably filled for 
 several years. He was a very useful man in the 
 community, and was much depended upon by his 
 neighbors in sickness and death, for he never re- 
 fused to aid those in affliction and trouble. He 
 was a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1884 
 many sorrowing friends followed him to the grave. 
 
 Thomas Dague, one of the rising young farmers 
 of West Bethlehem township, was born April 3, 
 1857, on the old homestead in West Bethlehem 
 township. His younger days were spent at home 
 and in attending the common schools, but being the 
 eldest boy in the family his opportunities in that 
 respect were comparatively limited. However, in 
 after years he abundantly made up for his lack of 
 schooling by considerable application to books. 
 At the age of twenty-three he began life for him- 
 self by working his father's farm on shares, and 
 he has been hard working and very successful. On 
 October 2, 1879, he was married to Ella Deems, 
 daughter of Harrison and Catherine Deems, resi- 
 dents of West Pike Run township. Mrs. Dague 
 has four sisters: Mrs. John Frederick, Mrs. 
 Amanda Hawkins, Mrs. Stanton Luce and Jennie 
 Deems. Mr. and Mrs. Dague have one son, 
 Charles, born August 20, 1880. Our subject is a 
 Republican, and one of the supervisors of the 
 township. He has always taken an active interest 
 in the politics of his township, and he and his 
 wife are both highly respected members of the 
 Scenery Hill Methodist Church. 
 
 Elmer Ellsworth Dague, a prominent and pro- 
 gressive agriculturist of West Bethlehem town- 
 ee n 
 
 ship, was born upon the farm which he now owns, 
 and he received a fair education at the school 
 known as the "Nicholl's School," in West Bethle- 
 hem township. After leaving school he followed 
 the carpenter's trade, having a natural inclina- 
 tion for that kind of work. He was united in 
 marriage with Annie Morton, and to them have 
 
 been born the following named children: Walter, 
 Bertha, Collins and Mary Josephine, all of whom 
 are living. Mr. Dague is a Republican of no lit- 
 tle local prominence, and enjoys the respect and 
 esteem of a wide circle of friends. 
 
 J (AMES W. HODGENS. Among the leading 
 representative and progressive young farmers 
 | in Buffalo township, this gentleman occupies 
 a prominent position. He was born May 
 23, 1856, in Buffalo township, this county, 
 on the farm whereon he has since resided. He is 
 a son of Thomas and Margaret, (Wilson) Hodgens, 
 the latter of whom was a daughter of William 
 Wilson, late of Buffalo township. 
 
 Thomas Hodgens was a native of the same town- 
 ship, whither his parents had come in an early 
 day, and here he was reared to the many and 
 varied arduous duties of farm life. His winter 
 months were, to a considerable extent, devoted to 
 attending the neighboring subscription schools, 
 and, improving what he may there have learned by 
 study at home, acquired in course of time, by 
 earnest application to his books, a good useful edu- 
 cation. While yet a young man Mr. Hodgens was 
 married to Margaret Wilson, and the young couple 
 then took up their residence on the farm now oc- 
 cupied by R. W. Crothers, from which after a few 
 years they moved to the place which is at present 
 the home of our subject and his brother. This 
 farm was totally unimproved, and was brought to 
 its present state of cultivation by the assiduous 
 labor, industry and perseverance of Thomas 
 Hodgens, the buildings thereon having been 
 erected by him and his family. The children born 
 to Thomas and Margaret (Wilson) Hodgens were 
 William and Ella (both deceased), James W. , 
 Isaac and Clara. In 1S62 the father passed from 
 earth, and was followed to the grave by the mother 
 in 1869. They were constant attendants and 
 liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church at 
 Claysville, and enterprising citizens, earning a 
 reputation of which the family are justly proud. 
 Mr. Hodgens was a stanch and loyal Democrat, 
 and, although rarely accepting political prefer- 
 ment, was ever a zealous worker for the party's 
 cause. 
 
 James W. Hodgens was reared to agricultural 
 pursuits on his father's farm, and received his edu- 
 cation at the common schools of the district. On 
 March 8, 1876, he was married to Mary L., daugh- 
 ter of James and Caroline (Horr) McMaunis. 
 prominent citizens, in their day, of Buffalo town- 
 ship, and the children born to this union were 
 Thomas, Clara and Glenn. Mr. and Mrs. Hodgens 
 are members of the Presbyterian Church, and in 
 his political preference he is an uncompromising 
 
1460 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Democrat. Mr. Hodgens is liberal of bis means 
 toward, and tbe pronounced cbampion of, all 
 measures tending to the welfare and advancement 
 of the commuuitj at large. 
 
 AMUEL GREENLEE FULTON, one of 
 
 West Bethlehem township's leading young 
 
 farmers, is a native of Greene county, Penn., 
 
 born in Washington township, April 1, 1858, 
 
 a son of Stephen and Mary (Greenlee) Fulton. 
 
 Stephen Fulton, grandfather of subject, was 
 born in West Bethlehem township, Washington 
 Co., Penn. , near the Greene county line, where his 
 father owned a farm, upon which lie had settled 
 upon his arrival in this country, at an early day, 
 from his native Ireland. Grandfather Fulton lived 
 to the age of about sixty years. 
 
 Stephen Fulton, father of Samuel G., was born 
 August 16, 1818, in West Bethlehem township. 
 In his boyhood he attended the old-time primitive 
 school, and being of a studious nature, and gifted 
 with much perseverance, succeeded in securing a 
 fair education. In 1847 he was married to Mary 
 Greenlee, and subsequently moved to Greene county, 
 Penn., where he still resides, a venerable and feeble 
 old man. Stephen and Mary Fulton were blessed 
 with ei"-ht children as follows: Nancy, Margaret, 
 Ruth and Henry (all of whom are now deceased), and 
 Emily, Samuel G., Eliza and Albert, at present re- 
 siding in Greene county, Penn. The mother was 
 called from this world October '28, 1*N8, when in 
 her sixty-seventh year. 
 
 Samuel G. Fulton spent his boyhood in his na- 
 tive township, receiving a common-school educa- 
 tion. On October 11, 1S83, he married Catherine 
 E., daughter of Abe Crumrine, and they have one 
 child: Percy C, born January 12, 1888. In 1886 
 Mr. Fulton purchased a mill on Pike run, which 
 he conducted for three years; but rinding the 
 business otherwise than conducive to his good 
 health, he was compelled to return to farm work, 
 and he ultimately located on the property where 
 he now resides. Although a stanch Democrat, he 
 is not a politician, but his numerous friends have 
 shown their appreciation of his many sterling 
 qualities by the tendering of nomination to offices 
 of trust. Both he and his wife are members of 
 Mt. Zion Baptist Church. 
 
 li ITORROW, WILLIAM and DAVID. The 
 \Jy| grandfather of these gentlemen, Thomas 
 ■ I Morrow, was a farmer in County Down, 
 -* Ireland, anil during the middle of the 
 eighteenth century emigrated with his 
 large family to America, locating near Harrisburg, 
 where they remained until the death of Mr. Mor- 
 row, when the family settled in the eastern part of 
 Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Matthew Morrow, son of Thomas, located near 
 Pigeon creek, and was there married to Elizabeth, 
 daughter of Israel Wier. Soon after his marriage 
 Mr. Morrow came to Canton township, and pur- 
 chased the farm now occupied by Thomas Allison, 
 where he spent the remainder of his life and reared 
 the following family: Samuel, Thomas, John, 
 James, William, David, Adam, Mary, Lavina, Cath- 
 erine, Jane, Anna and Elizabeth. He was a hard- 
 working, energetic man, and achieved success by 
 earnest effort. He was a pronounced Whig in 
 political views, and one of the earliest members of, 
 and most earnest workers in, the Presbyterian 
 Church at Buffalo. He served as a member of the 
 poor commission of the county for many years, 
 giving universal satisfaction. He passed away at 
 the advanced age of eighty one years, and, with 
 his faithful wife, who lived her three score years 
 and five, now rests in the cemetery at Buffalo. 
 
 William Morrow, like many of the pioneer chil- 
 dren, secured his principal education in the school 
 of toil, although he was allowed to attend the 
 common school a few days in the winter, when 
 nothing else would occupy his time. The old log 
 schoolhouse, around which cluster so many pleas- 
 ant reminiscences, was an extremely humble af- 
 fair; and through the cracks of the puncheon floor 
 the wind came in gusts, causing the little ones to 
 crouch closer to the huge fireplace, which extended 
 across one end of the room, and was supplied with 
 logs cut by the older pupils. The text-books, 
 in exquisite harmony with the other appointments 
 of the room, were of the most primitive character, 
 and the stalwart master, selected rather for his 
 physical than mental powers, who was a him believer 
 in the maxim of Solomon: " Spare the rod and 
 spoil the child," unlike many other theorists, 
 practiced the principles which he preached; no 
 pupil in his school could in after years complain 
 that they were spoiled for the lack of vigorous ap- 
 plication of the rod. But revenge was sweet, and 
 many times these tortured victims of the birch 
 barred out the dignified master, and compelled him 
 to wait their pleasure or " stand treat." Amid 
 such surroundings the youth of William Morrow 
 was passed, and, in spite of toil and privation 
 those early years were happy ones. The clothing 
 of the family was the product of their own industry 
 and skill, the cloth being woven, dyed and trans- 
 formed into the necessary articles by the women. 
 Mr. Morrow was married to Eliza, daughter of 
 Samuel McClay. and their union was blessed with 
 the following children : Sarah J. (wife of Thomas 
 Allison), Robert M., Mary A., Margaret (wife of 
 Jackson Lone| and Matthew. Mr. Morrow is a 
 Repiiblican in his political preferences, and in re- 
 ligion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 David Morrow was born on the home place, and 
 passed his boyhood in assisting his father on the 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1461 
 
 farm, and in attending the common schools a few 
 months during the winter. On January 14, 1840, 
 he was united in marriage with Grizella, daughter 
 of Robert Johnson, and this union was blessed 
 with two children: Margaret (Mrs. Robert Murray) 
 and Mary G. (Mrs. Hamilton Davis). In 1890 
 Mr. Morrow married, for his second wife, Isabella, 
 daughter of James Work, of Hopewell township. 
 Politically Mr. Morrow was always a worker in 
 the Republican party, and for many years held the 
 office of assessor in his township, giving universal 
 satisfaction. He was a trustee of the Presbyterian 
 Church, of which he was for many years a mem- 
 ber. David Morrow passed away February 27, 
 1892, having been preceded by his wife on Jan- 
 uary 7, same year. 
 
 QEORGE WASHINGTON MILLER is one 
 of the eminently successful agriculturists of 
 West Bethlehem township, and deserves 
 , special mention in this work. His grand- 
 father, Thomas Miller, was of Maryland 
 birth, but early in his career removed, with Lis 
 wife and family of four children, to West Bethle- 
 hem township, Washington county. Here he 
 spent the remainder of his days. At an advanced 
 age he was called from earth, and the community 
 mourned the death of an honest, upright and es- 
 teemed citizen. 
 
 His son, John Miller, was born in 1818, in West 
 Bethlehem township, where he is still known as an 
 honored and beloved parent, an esteemed and re- 
 spected neighbor. He married Elizabeth Sargent, 
 and to them were born seven children, named as fol- 
 lows: Thomas, Joseph, Sarah, Emma, John, Anna 
 and George Washington, of whom Sarah, John, 
 Anna and George W. all reside in Washington 
 county. 
 
 George Washington Miller, son of John and 
 Elizabeth (Sargent) Miller, was born April 23, 
 1843, on the old homestead, where he grew to 
 manhood, and is esteemed by all. The school- 
 houses where he received his early education were 
 primitive to au extreme; the seats being made of 
 slabs hewn from logs, the boys used them as sleds 
 during the noon intermission. On December 27, 
 1871, he married Amelia Eggy, a daughter of 
 George Eggy, whose father, David, was one of the 
 very first settlers in West Bethlehem township, and 
 was of German nationality. To them have been 
 born children as follows: Harrison, Melville, Ger- 
 trude, Stephen, Blanche and Risine, the latter of 
 whom died in infancy, in 1887. The surviving 
 children are all living at home. Mr. Miller is a 
 stanch Republican, and his friends have shown 
 their appreciation of his many sterling qualities 
 by electing him to several offices of trust in his 
 Democratic township. 
 
 JOHN S. BEAZELL, a leading merchant 
 of California, is a son of William Beazell, 
 who was born Febuary 22, 1807, in Allegheny 
 county, Penn., a son of Luke Beazell, whose 
 mother was of Irish birth, his father a na- 
 tive of Germany. Luke Beazell was born in 1773, 
 in Westmoreland county, Penn., and was married 
 to Elizabeth English, a native of same county. 
 Ten children were born to this union, of whom one 
 son and three daughters are yet living, namely: 
 William, Catherine (Mrs. Ails), Mary (Mrs. Smith) 
 and Eliza (unmarried). Luke Beazell, who always 
 followed farming, died in 1857. 
 
 William Beazell learned the shoemaker's trade, 
 which he has followed in connection with farming. 
 On May 6, 1S30, he married Susan West, a native of 
 Fallowtield township, this county, and they have had 
 seven sons and three daughters, namely : Leander 
 N. (deceased, who served three years in the army), 
 Elmira, R. West, Luke P., Margaret E., Mary L., 
 William H. , John S., R. W. B. (deceased) and 
 Samuel. Mr. Beazell owns ten acres of land lo- 
 cated four and a half miles from Monongahela, 
 He has filled almost every public office in Fallow- 
 tield township. 
 
 John S. Beazell was born March 6, 1850, in 
 Fallowtield township, Washington Co. Penn., and 
 there received his early education. About 1873 he 
 moved to California, and there opened a butcher 
 shop in company with his brother Luke P. They 
 followed that business seventeen years, and then 
 John S. purchased a stock of boots and shoes. He 
 sold this out one year later, and bought a half inter- 
 est in the general merchandise store in California, 
 the firm being now known as Craven & Beazell. 
 On July 25, 1879, John S. Beazell was united in 
 marriage with Dora I. , daughter of Jonathan West, 
 who was a grandson of Jonathan West. The latter 
 was born in Ireland, and coming to America when 
 a young man, located permanently on a farm in 
 Washington county, Penn. He was an Old-line 
 Democrat in politics, and in religion one of the 
 founders of the "West" Episcopal Church. His 
 children were as follows: Jonathan, Robert, 
 Thomas, Edward, Mary (wife of Robert Gregg), 
 Ann (Mrs. Morris) and Janie (Mrs. Howden). 
 
 Thomas West, son of Jonathan, was born and 
 reared in West Pike Run township, where his 
 school days were passed. He was married to 
 Margaret Hopkins who bore him three children, 
 namely : Thomas, Catherine and Jonathan. The 
 father followed agricultural pursuits, and lived but 
 a few years after his marriage. 
 
 Jonathan West was born in Feburary, 1827, in 
 West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 and received his education in the neighboring 
 schools. In 1852 he was united in marriage with 
 Melinda, daughter of Edward Gregg; the latter 
 was born and reared in Washington county, and 
 
I [62 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY 
 
 was married to Mary Norton, their children being: 
 Mary J. (wife of James Baker), Stephen, Melinda 
 (wife of Jonathan West), Seth, Maria, John and 
 Maple. Mr. Gregg was a prosperous farmer and 
 stock raiser. He voted with the Whig and Re- 
 publican parties; he was a member of the Taylor 
 M. E. Church, in which he was elder, class-leader. 
 and Sunday-school superintendent. He and his wife 
 were buried in the Taylor Church cemetery. Mr. 
 and Mrs. West resided on a farm in West Pike Run 
 township until 186J, when they moved to Virginia. 
 Here he enlisted in Company B, Eighty -second 
 
 0. V. I. , which was sent to the army of the Poto- 
 mac, and he participated in numerous engage- 
 ments. On July 2, 1863, he was captured at the 
 battle of Gettysburg, and was first confined in Belle 
 Isle, then in Andersouville prison, where he died 
 the following June. His children were as follows: 
 Mary E. (deceased), Margaret E. (wife of D. H. 
 Lewis), Mary J. (married to Emerson Reed), Dora 
 
 1. (wife of John S. Beazell), Myrtilla (married to 
 Frank Craven) and Kate. 
 
 To the union of John S. and Dora I. (West) 
 Beazell two children have been born, Pauline and 
 Ivy. Mr. Beazell is a stanch supporter of the Re- 
 publican party; he has served as burgess and as a 
 member of the council, and is now associated with 
 the school board. He is identified with the M. E. 
 Church. 
 
 JiOSEPH RICHARDS, a representative and 
 honored agriculturist of West Bethlehem 
 | township, is a son of Joseph Richards, whose 
 father, James, and early ancestry lived and 
 died in Pennsylvania, east of the mountains. 
 
 Joseph Richards (father of subject) was born in 
 Bridgeport, Penu., and early in life began business 
 as a boatman on the Monongahela river. He mar- 
 ried Mary, daughter of Joseph Horner, a native of 
 Fayette county, Penn.. and to them was born one 
 child, Joseph. The father lust his life while ply- 
 ing his vocation as boatman on the river. He was 
 stooping to get water, when he lost his balance, 
 fell into the river, and before assistance arrived 
 was drowned. 
 
 Joseph Richards, son of Joseph and Mary 
 (Horner) Richards, was burn in Bridgeport, Fayette 
 Co., Penn., in June, 1829, and early in his boy- 
 hood he began the vocation at which he is still em- 
 ployed, that of farming. When about fifteen 
 veins of age he came to Washington county, at 
 which time he possessed nothing in the world save 
 a stout heart and a strong will. He began life 
 here, working at whatever presented itself, and by 
 saving his earnings, was, in 1852, enabled to buy a 
 share in a threshing machine. Continuing to toil 
 and save, he finally invested in fifty-five acres of 
 laud, adjoining the property he now owns, which 
 
 latter comprises 340 acres of finely cultivated land, 
 on which are a number of commodious buildings, 
 all in good repair, and having an air of prosperity 
 and thrift. In 1862 Mr. Richards married Maria, 
 daughter of Peter Shidler, whose parents were of 
 German descent, and among the early settlers of 
 Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Richards 
 have been born children as follows: Nora, Addi, 
 Effa, Harry H. (attending Duff's Business College, 
 Pittsburgh,*, Mary and Walter, all of whom are 
 living at home. In political preferments Mr. 
 Richards is a stanch Republican, and has been 
 elected to the office of school director, which he 
 has filled with credit to himself and the satisfaction 
 of his constituents. He and his family are mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Church. He is one of the 
 typical self-made men of the county, his present 
 prosperity being entirely due to thrift, proper am- 
 bition and sterling honesty, and he well merits the 
 esteem and respect of all who know him. 
 
 J/OHN C. MORROW. This gentleman was 
 born April 25, 1864, in Hancock county, 
 ) W. Va. , and during his early life attended 
 the common schools of the district. At 
 the age of eighteen years he entered the 
 normal school at Fairmount, where he remained 
 two years, and he afterward began teaching, in 
 which vocation he continued three years. He then 
 came to Burgettstown, and entered the boot and 
 shoe business, the firm carrying an extensive line 
 of boots and shoes, and also hats and caps. On 
 September 3, 1891, Mr. Morrow was united in 
 marriage with Julia, daughter of M. R. Welch. 
 Our subject is an active worker in the ranks of the 
 Democratic party, has served as auditor of Bur- 
 gettstown, and is now filling the offices of secre- 
 tary and treasurer of the borough. 
 
 IjOHN SARGEANT, an industrious and es- 
 v I teemed citizen of West Bethlehem township, 
 (f Jj is a grandson of John Sargeant, who came 
 to the township at an early period, locating 
 upon a farm of 162 acres which adjoins the one 
 now owned by his grandson, John. 
 
 Grandfather Sargeant received but a meager 
 education in the subscription schools, but, notwith- 
 standing this disadvantage, he so improved every 
 opportunity that he acquired a valuable store of 
 general information. The children born to liim 
 were as follows: James, Thomas, Joseph, John, 
 William, Valentine, Mrs. Margaret Spoon, Nancy. 
 and Mrs. Sarah Barker. He remained upon the 
 farm until his death, which occurred in 1853. He 
 was an active worker in the Republican party, and 
 a successful business man. Mrs. Sargeant was a 
 member of the Dunkard Church. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ] 403 
 
 James Sargeant, son of John the pioneer, was 
 born in 1803, in the neighborhood of his son's 
 present home in West Bethlehem township. His 
 boyhood was spent upon the farm with his father, 
 and though receiving but a limited education at 
 the common schools, it served him as the founda- 
 tion of an exceptionally successful career, for he 
 became one of the intelligent, substantial business 
 men of his time and in his community. He hist 
 began business for himself in 1825, when he bought 
 a small farm near the river in West Bethlehem 
 township. In 1830 he was married to Susan 
 Crumrine, daughter of John Crumrine, of West 
 Bethlehem township, and their children were: 
 William, Thomas, Mrs. James Weaver, Hiram, 
 John, James, Valentine, Sarah Lucinda, and Wil- 
 son. The father remained upon the farm twenty 
 years, and then moved to the place now occupied 
 by the subject of this sketch ; he was an active Re- 
 publican, but did not aspire to office. He and his 
 wife were both active members of the Methodist 
 Church. Mrs. Sargeant died in 188(5; Mr. Sar 
 geaut, now aged ninety years, is still enjoying the 
 fruits of an industrious life. 
 
 John Sargeant, was born in 1842 in East Bethle- 
 hem township, Washington Co., Penn., and lived 
 at the paternal home until several years after his 
 majority was attained. He received a common- 
 school education which, coupled with industry and 
 good judgment, enabled him to accumulate a com- 
 fortable property. He was united in marriage in 
 1875 with Elizabeth Hawkins, daughter of James 
 C. Hawkins. He then bought and took possession 
 of his father's farm of 155 acres, but the young 
 wife only lived until July, 1877, when she died 
 leaving him one child, Harrison, who is now at 
 home. On October 24, 1878, Mr. Sargeant mar- 
 ried Clementine, daughter of Jesse Register, of 
 Greene county, Penn., and they have two children: 
 Myrtle and Jessie. Politically, our subject is an 
 active Republican 1 , and he and his family are ear- 
 nest and valued members of the M. E. Church. 
 
 El NOCH KEYS. There is no better known, 
 more prominent or more highly respected 
 family in East Bethlehem township than 
 the one of whom we now write. 
 Jacob Keys was born and reared in Germany, 
 and there married, his children being Mary (Mrs. 
 William Horner), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas), Enoch, 
 Andrew, Adam and Sarah (all now deceased); 
 Andrew and Adam were wheelwrights in Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn. 
 
 Enoch Keys was born in February, 1785, in 
 Germany, and when four years of age crossed the 
 Atlantic with his parents, who immediately on 
 landing proceeded westward to Washington 
 county, Penn., and, buying a tract of land in East 
 
 Bethlehem township, made a settlement there. 
 Here Enoch was reared to manhood amid pioneer 
 scenes, his education being such as could be 
 gleaned from the primitive schools of the vicinity. 
 He married Rachel, daughter of James Perry, and 
 children as follows were born to them: Luther, 
 Parker, Enoch, Jr., Elizabeth, Dorcas, Hannah, 
 Cynthia and Rachel, of whom are now living: 
 Mrs. Elizabeth Teagarden, at Clarksville, Greene 
 Co., Penn., and Dorcas. Hannah and Rachel, in 
 East Bethlehem township. Otto Keys was adopted 
 by Miss Hannah Keys, and was married to Julia 
 Florence Horton, by whom there is one child — 
 Estella Horton Keys, born December 19, 1891. 
 The Misses Dorcas, Hannah and Rachel Keys are 
 ladies uniformly respected for their many Chris- 
 tian virtues; they are devout members of the Bap- 
 tist Church. 
 
 Enoch Keys, their father, was an undertaker, as 
 was his father before him. He died March 11, 
 1824, in politics a stanch Republican, and in re- 
 ligion a consistent Baptist. The family farm con- 
 sists of eighty acres of the choicest land to be 
 found in the county, and is cultivated by Otto 
 Keys, who is a rising and popular young agricult- 
 urist of considerable intelligence. The name Keys 
 is regarded, wherever known, as the synonym 
 for virtue, probity and unswerving integrity, and 
 is held in the highest esteem. 
 
 I7I( BRAHAM CRUMRINE, a prominent farm- 
 
 / \\ er of West Bethlehem township, is a grand- 
 
 p"H\ son of Abraham Crumrine, who was born 
 
 J -^ of German parentage, in Baltimore county, 
 
 i Md. , where he lived to a green old age. 
 
 John Crumrine, father of subject, was born in 
 1785, in Baltimore county, Md., and there grew to 
 manhood. He attended the German schools until 
 grown, and then began his English education in 
 the subscription school, which was held in the 
 parsonage. When the weather was such that he 
 could not work, he attended school but with all 
 these obstacles in his path, he obtained a good 
 education for that period. He married Barbara, 
 daughter of John Ferman, and for a time lived in 
 Baltimore county, Md., where Mary, Betsey (de- 
 ceased), Susan, and Margaret (deceased), were 
 born to them. In 1812 he removed to Washing- 
 ton county, Penn., aud settled on Daniels run, in 
 West Bethlehem township, part of which farm now 
 belongs to Mrs. Julia Theakston, a sister of our 
 subject. Here were born to him the following 
 children: Sarah, Barbara (deceased), Julia Ann, 
 Lucinda, Judia (deceased), Maria, George (de- 
 ceased), John (deceased), William, David (de- 
 ceased) and Abraham. All grew to an adult age, 
 and the survivors all live in Washington county, 
 with the exception of Maria, who married Demas 
 
1464 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 Drake, and resides iu Iowa. The father of this • 
 family was one of the rare, self-made men. Be- 
 ginning life with practically nothing, he not only 
 cared for and educated his large family, but accu- 
 mulated no little of this world's goods. At the 
 timi' of his death, which occurred iu 1857, he was 
 the owner of about three hundred and forty acres 
 of land, all in a good state of cultivation. 
 
 Abraham Crumriue was born April 6, 1S26, 
 upon the old farm iu West Bethlehem township, 
 this county, a part of which he still owns. His 
 education was gleaned from the meager teachings 
 of the country schools. His boyhood, when he 
 was not at school, was passed upon the farm, 
 where he learned valuable lessons of thrift, to 
 which much of his success in life is doubtless due. 
 In 1857 he married Mahalia, daughter of George 
 Zollar, for whom the hamlet of Zollarsville is 
 named, he being one of the earliest settlers of that 
 part of the county. After his marriage he built 
 the elegant dwelling in which he now resides, and 
 has made many other improvements. His chil- 
 dren are Catherine, wife of Samuel Fulton, of 
 West Bethlehem township; Sanford, a young man 
 of superior intelligence, and a competent in- 
 structor in one of the schools of West Bethlehem 
 township; and Fermau, his father's chief assistant 
 on the farm. Mr. Crumrine is a leading Democrat, 
 and one of the trusted counselors of his party; also 
 a member of the Lutheran Church, with which he 
 is prominently identified. 
 
 T' C. NOBLE. The paternal ancestors of 
 Thaddeus C. Noble were natives of Scot- 
 land, and resided at North Woodside, near 
 the city of Glasgow, where they were com- 
 fortably situated. They were devout mem- 
 bers of the Covenanter Church. The paternal 
 grandfather, William Noble, was a soldier in the 
 war of the Revolution, and took part in the battle 
 of Brandywine. His wife was Miss Elizabeth 
 Howe, a native of Lancaster county, where he lo- 
 cated and lived on a farm. He died compara- 
 tively young in life, leaving two sons, the young- 
 est of whom, James Noble, was bhe father of the 
 subject of this sketch. After the death of the 
 husband, the widow and her sons resided for a short 
 time at York, Penn., and then removed to a farm in 
 Buffalo township. Washington county, where she 
 continued to reside the most of her life. She 
 died in Canonsburg, Penn., iu the year 1851, in 
 the membership of the Associate Reformed Pres- 
 byterian Church. 
 
 The maternal ancestors of our subject were na- 
 tives of Ireland, and lived for the most part in 
 County Tyrone. Most of the family resided iu 
 the town of Dennaughey, about thirty miles dis- 
 tant from Belfast; and in the latter place others of 
 
 the family resided, and were generally engaged in 
 mercantile pursuits. Robert Boyd, the maternal 
 grandfather, was a man of business enterprise and 
 influence. His wife was Margaret Latimer. The 
 Boyds were members of an old established Pres- 
 byterian Church, of Stewartstown, with which the 
 family had been for many years identified, and in 
 which one of their kindred had been pastor, and 
 others elders. Meeting with reverses in their na- 
 tive country, they decided to join the tide of emi- 
 gration then coming westward, and accordingly 
 embarked from Londonderry in June of 1801, in a 
 sailing vessel, Capt. Blunt, commander; and after 
 a voyage of seven weeks and three days they ar- 
 rived at New Castle, Del., where they remained for 
 a short time, and then permanently took up their 
 residence in what is uow Canton township, Wash- 
 ington county. 
 
 Jane Boyd, daughter of Robert and Margaret 
 Latimer Boyd, was the mother of the subject of 
 this sketch. She was born in Dennaughey, Coun- 
 ty Tyrone, Ireland, in the year 1793. Mrs. Dr. 
 McCook, of Pittsburgh, and Mrs. Dauiel McCook. 
 of Steubenville, Ohio, whose family gained dis- 
 tinction in the Mexican and late Civil wars, were 
 her full cousins. She was married to James 
 Noble, March 25, 1817, and resided for two years 
 thereafter on a farm in Amwell township, attend- 
 ing the Presbyterian Church at Lower Ten-Mile 
 under the pastorate of the Rev. Dr. Dodd; and 
 afterward, about the year 1820, they removed to 
 Claysville, where they continued to reside the re 
 maiuder of their lives. James Noble, her hus- 
 band, was born August 4, 1795, in that part of 
 county, Penn., which now comprises 
 Cumberland county, and died April 
 Mrs. Noble died October 16, 1S72. 
 Upon their removal to Claysville they united with 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church, it being the only 
 organized church there at that time, of which they 
 continued members for upward of fifty years. 
 
 T. C. Noble, the subject proper of this memoir, 
 was well and favorably known throughout the 
 county, and his name suggests a prominent 
 example of an active and useful life, covering a 
 period of more than forty years. He was born iu 
 Amwell township, December 29, ISIS, and was the 
 eldest of eleven children, the most of whom are now 
 deceased. He was, physically, very strong and 
 active, and of a placid and amiable disposition. 
 He was the possessor of splendid mental qualities, 
 and early manifested a taste for learning, taking 
 particular delight in mathematics, drawing and in 
 reading biography, and his hand-writing was 
 excellent. It had been both the desire and design 
 of the father to afford his son the advantages of a 
 liberal education, but upon the arrival of the 
 proper time for entering upon such a course, the 
 father's circumstances were such as to render the 
 
 Lancaster 
 a part of 
 12, 1872. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1465 
 
 undertaking impracticable. He worked for eight- 
 een months at cabinet making, and then com- 
 menced teaching school. He taught the Brown 
 and McMillan District Schools near his home for 
 several terms, and then taught a private school in 
 Claysville, and in the year 1839 he went to Win- 
 chester, Scott Co., 111., where he taught with suc- 
 cess for a period of two years, when he returned 
 to his home and accepted a clerkship in the store 
 of George A. Cracraft, and subsequently filled a 
 similar position in a store owned by his father and 
 James Paden. While thus engaged he employed 
 his leisure in studying higher mathematics and 
 surveying under the direction of E. G. Cracraft, 
 who had been a cadet at West Point. In the year 
 1846 he was appointed Deputy Surveyor in Wash- 
 ington county by Governor Francis R. Shuuk, for 
 a term of three years, and at the expiration of the 
 term, was re-appointed for a like term of three 
 years. The office then becoming elective, he was 
 nominated by his party and elected for another 
 term. In 1857, under appointment authorized by 
 an Act of the Legislature, Mr. Noble transcribed 
 from the official records at Harrisbnrg, for the use 
 of the county, all the drafts of original surveys 
 not found in the record books. The surveys 
 thus transcribed numbered twelve hundred, filling 
 two large volumes. A Harrisburg paper spoke 
 of this work thus: "This work has been done 
 with an accuracy of detail and skillful beauty that 
 does great credit to Mr. Noble, and they are said 
 by the Suveyor-General to be the best executed 
 drafts of survey ever made in the State, and will 
 ever be preserved as an attestation of his compe- 
 tency as a public servant." He surveyed during 
 his life upward of two thousand farms in Wash- 
 ington county and West Virginia, besides running 
 many disputed lines and serving under appoint- 
 ment of the Court as a road or bridge viewer, 
 aud in dividing townships for nearly every 
 term of court for thirty-three years. He 
 possessed peculiar ability as an arbiter in 
 the settlement of all manner of disputes, thus 
 avoiding to those concerned much useless and 
 expensive litigation. In the year 1855 he was de- 
 feated for the office of Prothonotary by a very few 
 votes, while the opposing party was largely in the 
 majority. On this occasion Mr. Noble received 
 almost the unanimous vote of his home township, 
 Donegal. In the year 1879 he accepted the 
 chairmanship of the Democratic County Vigilance 
 Committee, and notwithstanding his party was 
 greatly in the minority, he effected such a complete 
 organization in the county as to elect the candi- 
 date for Sheriff, the only office of importance to 
 be filled that year. He was twice commissioned a 
 Justice of the Peace — in the years 1874 and 1879. 
 His standing in his party was such that he was at 
 five different times nominated for offices by his 
 
 party without any solicitation on his part, and had 
 been urged at other times to become a candidate 
 for the Legislature, but always declined. He always 
 attended primary elections, and was an intense 
 believer in the personal fitness of candidates; that 
 they should be both capable and conscientious. 
 
 Mr. Noble opened a general store in Claysville 
 in the year 1849, in which business he continued 
 without interruption for a period of twenty -five 
 years, commanding a large patronage, and in 
 which he was quite successful. He had had at 
 different times as partners, L. C. Truesdell, a 
 brother-in-law, Chester B. Abercrombie, and M. 
 L. Stillwagen. For thirty-five years he had been en- 
 gaged extensively in many kinds of business in the 
 purchase and sale of lands for himself and others, 
 in buying of wool to the extent of from thirty thou- 
 sand to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars each 
 year; having been the agent for the Harris Woolen 
 Company, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, at different 
 times, for upward of thirty years, and having bought 
 for them continuously for twelve years previous to 
 his death, enjoying the confidence and esteem of 
 the company to an unusual degree. He had 
 also bought at different times for many firms 
 at Boston, New York, Brooklyn and other places. 
 He had done much to foster the growth of the 
 wool-growing industry in Washington county. 
 His high standing and extensive acquaintance en- 
 abled him to perform an important work in the 
 matter of inducing a goodly number of manufact- 
 urers to come into the county from time to time as 
 purchasers of our wools, thus giving an impetus to 
 the industry which did much in the way of creating 
 a spirit of competition, having a tendency to main- 
 tain both reputation and prices. He was the first 
 to introduce to any considerable extent the first 
 improved light-running harvesting machines in his 
 own as well as some of the neighboring counties. 
 He dealt extensively in hay and grain for the 
 use of the Government during the late war. 
 Besides his private business he had often rilled 
 many positions of trust, such as executor, admin- 
 istrator, guardian, etc. And although so long en- 
 gaged in many kinds of business involving multi- 
 plied and varied transaction, he had never been a 
 party to a suit in court. 
 
 He was for sixteen years a school director, and 
 was an ardent advocate of advanced education. In 
 the year 1854, Mr. Xoble realized the fulfillment 
 of an early conceived purpose to become the owner 
 of a tract of land lying immediately west of Clays- 
 ville, which he so well improved as to make it one 
 of the many desirable Washington county farms, 
 upon which he resided for twenty years previous 
 to his death. The improvement and beautification 
 of the New Cemetery at Claysville was a matter to 
 him of much concern, he having surveyed and 
 superintended the work of laying it out, and was 
 
1460 
 
 WASH ING TON COUN T Y. 
 
 president of the Board of Directors from its open- 
 ing up to the time of bis death. He was for a 
 good many years a member of tbe Methodist Epis- 
 copal Church, but afterward united with the Pres- 
 byterian Church during the pastorate of the Rev. 
 Alexander McCarrell, D. D. He was, for ten years, 
 superintendent of the M. E. Sabbath-school, and, 
 for six years previous to his death, superintendent 
 of the Presbyterian Sabbath-school. Ho took a 
 deep interest in all Sabbath- school work, and pos- 
 sessed singular ability in the way of creating an 
 interest in the matter of regular and prompt at- 
 tendance, as well as in infusing a spirit of emula- 
 tion into the routine exercises. He was foremost 
 in every movement and enterprise which had for 
 its object the advancement of the interests of his 
 town and county; was active and efficient in every 
 agency which had for its object the advancement 
 of religion, morals and education. His deep sense 
 of integrity and regard for truth was the basis of 
 that confidence so universally reposed in him. He 
 was public spirited, ever considerate for the wel- 
 fare of others and liberal in his giving. He en- 
 joyed the pleasures of his home and comforts of his 
 family. In the hallowed circle of his home he was 
 the central object of uncommon reverence and 
 affection. 
 
 In the year 1849 he was married to Miss Sarah 
 M. Truesdell, whose parents had come to Wash- 
 ington county from Bristol, Conn. They had ten 
 children, three of whom are deceased: Thomas J., 
 Charlotte J., and Elizabeth M. Of those surviv- 
 ing, his daughters — Frances M., Harriet W. and 
 Eleanor I. — are graduates of Steubenville (Ohio) 
 Ladies Seminary. Of his sons, J. T. and T. C. 
 are graduates of Washington and Jefferson Col- 
 lege. J. H. obtained his education in the schools 
 of Claysville, Trinity Hall, Washington, Penn., 
 and Duff's College, Pittsburgh. Katherine M., on 
 account of physical infirmities, has been unable to 
 attend school. Mr. Noble died at his home near 
 Claysville. November 29, 188*2, the Rev. James L. 
 Leeper, then pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 
 that place, Rev. William H. Lester, D. D., of West 
 Alexander, Penn., and the Rev. Henry Woods, D.D., 
 of Washington and Jefferson College officiated at 
 his funeral. 
 
 T. Clark Noble, son of T. C. and Sarah M. 
 (Truesdell) Noble, was born on a farm near Clays- 
 ville, Penn, His elementary education was ob- 
 tained chiefly in the schools of his native town, but 
 partly under tbe direction of his father, with whom 
 he studied surveying. In 1879 he and his brother, 
 James H. Noble, entered Trinity Hall, a school for 
 boys established by Mr. W. W. Smith at Washing- 
 ton. Penn., which was at the time under the rectoi 
 ship of the Rev, Samuel Earp, Ph. D., where he 
 prepared himself for college. In 1881 he entered 
 the freshman class of Washington and Jefferson 
 
 College, where he graduated with the highest 
 honors in the class of 1885. The year following 
 his graduation he was an instructor at Trinity 
 Hall, which was at the time under the rectorship 
 of the Rev. Thomas Pitts, Ph. D. In 1887 he was 
 elected adjunct professor of mathematics in Wash- 
 ington and Jefferson College, in which position he 
 continued for two years, at the expiration of which 
 time he commenced the study of law under the 
 direction of James I. Brownson, Jr., and was ad- 
 mitted to the Washington county bar in the 
 October term, 1891 ; and in the December following 
 was admitted to practice in the several Courts of 
 Allegheny county, at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he 
 opened an office at No. 413 Grant street. Mr. 
 Noble makes most careful preparation in all mat- 
 ters relating to his profession, and all his work is 
 characterized by thoroughness and accuracy. 
 
 While pursuing his law studies he occasionally 
 did land surveying as well as some road and bridge 
 engineering under appointment of court. He is a 
 gentleman whose scholarship is of a high standard. 
 Mr. Noble enjoys the confidence and esteem of all 
 who know him. He makes his home in Allegheny 
 City, where he attends the Central Presbyterian 
 Church. 
 
 H. WINFIELD. This gentleman repre- 
 sents an English family who have ac- 
 quired an enviable reputation as skilled 
 musicians, of which art be is also a de- 
 votee. William Winfield (the grandfather) was a 
 native of England, being born at Woodville, in Lei- 
 cestershire. He was a potter by trade, and spent 
 the earlier part of his life in Stafford, a city largely 
 engaged in the manufacture of white ware. He 
 was married May '29, 1830, to Mary Harvey, at 
 Ashby De La Zouch, and emigrated to America in 
 1842. They had children as follows: Thomas, 
 Rosanna, William, Levi, Jonah, Albert, Harvey 
 and Sarah. After the birth of their fifth child, 
 Jonah, Mr. and Mrs. Winfield sailed with their 
 family to America, where their three youngest 
 children were born. They first landed in New 
 York, thence proceeded to Zanesville, Ohio, thence 
 to East Liverpool, afterward moving to Pitts- 
 burgh, Penn., where they remained several years, 
 and finally settled in the village of Granville, 
 Washington Co., Penn. 'Sir. Winfield was an ex- 
 pert performer on various musical instruments, 
 excelled also in vocal music, and he organized an 
 instrumental band at California, Penn., known as 
 " Winfield's California Brass Band." In religious 
 connection he was a member of the Cumberland 
 Presbyterian Church, and in political opinion he 
 was a Democrat. He died June 4, 1866. 
 
 Thomas Winfield, son of William and Mary 
 (Harvey) Winfield, was bom in England and emi- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1467 
 
 grated with his parents to America. He learned 
 and followed the pottery trade with his father at 
 Granville, where his father built a pottery as soon 
 as he settled there. He was first married to 
 Martha Imlay, who died leaving two children, 
 W. H., and John (deceased). For his second wife 
 Thomas Winfield was married to Margaret Pester, 
 who has borne him six children, two only of which 
 (Mary and Annie) are living. In 1802 the family 
 moved to Canada, where he is now engaged in the 
 grocery business. While a resident of this coun- 
 try he affiliated with the Democratic party in pol 
 itics; in religion he was a Cumberland Presbyte- 
 rian while in the United States, but united with the 
 Methodist Church since moving to Canada. 
 
 W. H. Winfield, son of Thomas and Martha 
 (Imlay) Winfield, was born December 12, 1854, in 
 Granville, Washington Co., Penn., and received 
 his early education in the common schools and at 
 the Southwestern State Normal School at Cal- 
 ifornia, Penn. He then attended Eastman Na- 
 tion Business College, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. , 
 graduating in 1883, paying his own expenses by 
 teaching music. In 1884 he opened his present 
 drug store in California, in which he has met with 
 well-merited success. Since 1884 Mr. Winfield 
 has managed the finances of the Cumberland Pres- 
 byterian Church at Coal Centre, Penn. , with which 
 he is identified, and was one of the building com- 
 mittee that attended to the erection of their pres- 
 ent house of worship; he has also been trustee 
 and treasurer of the church, and has been director 
 of the choir for fifteen years. In political opin- 
 ion he is a Democrat, was elected to the position 
 of township clerk, and is now serving as a 
 member of the school board and secretary of 
 the same. On August 19, 1889, Mr. Winfield 
 was married to Donnetta Newkirk, daughter of 
 Henry and Olive J. (Richardson) Newkirk, of 
 Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn. Miss New- 
 kirk graduated at the Southwestern State Normal 
 School at California, Perm., in 1877. Besides be- 
 ing a teacher of marked ability, Mrs. Winfield is 
 also a musician, and is a lady of many other ac- 
 complishments, and of excellent family. Since his 
 marriage Mr. Winfield has resided at corner of 
 Third and Union streets, California, Penn., where 
 his drug store is also located. 
 
 OLOMON WEAVER comes of German an- 
 cestry, the earliest of whom to immigrate 
 to this country was Adam Weaver, who, 
 with his son John, located in Washington 
 county, Penn. Here the latter purchased 400 
 acres of land one mile north of Fredericktown on 
 Fish Pot run, in East Bethlehem township. 
 
 John Weaver received a somewhat limited edu- 
 cation, but by close observation of men and things, 
 
 and attentive reading, gained a large amount of 
 general information, becoming a very intelligent 
 citizen. In 1788 he was married to Catherine, 
 daughter of Martin Spoone, and the following 
 children were born to them: Adam (deceased in 
 L860); Sarah, who married C. Michener, of Seneca 
 county, Ohio, and is now ninety years of age; 
 Jacob; Martin, a farmer of Seneca county. Ohio; 
 Daniel; Mrs. Elizabeth Ault, who resided at Orville, 
 Wayne Co., Ohio; Mrs. Catherine Huffman; .Mis. 
 Mary Smith; John; Joseph, deceased in 1890, and 
 Margaret. Of this family are yet living Sarah, 
 Mail in and Margaret. The parents died on the 
 home farm in East Bethlehem township. 
 
 Adam Weaver, son of John and Catherine 
 Weaver, was bom in 1807 on the home place in 
 Ea^t Bethlehem township, Washington county, 
 where he passed an uneventful boyhood. He was 
 married to Elizabeth Swartz, a member of a Ger- 
 man family, and the young couple began life in a 
 pioneer log cabin, surrounded by heavy forests, 
 and there endured the usual privations of frontier 
 life. As years passed by their industry was re- 
 warded, the wild rough cabin home gave place to a 
 more commodious dwelling, and golden grain 
 waved in the breeze where the stately monarchs of 
 the forest had but lately reared their lofty heads. 
 Children came to bless their home as follows: 
 John, Daniel, Elizabeth, Jacob, Solomon, Sarah 
 and Adam. The father was called to his eternal 
 rest January 17, 1N67, having been preceded by 
 Mrs. Weaver January 26, 1838. They were mem- 
 bers of the Methodist Church. 
 
 Solomon Weaver, son of Adam and Elizabeth 
 Weaver, was born January 3, 1823, on the old 
 homestead where he is yet living in East Bethle- 
 hem township. He was reared to agricultural 
 pursuits, but was an extremely delicate youth, 
 weighing at the age of twenty years but eighty 
 pounds, being now, however, a large man. His 
 education was secured after he had attained a ma- 
 ture age, and he has well improved each opportu- 
 nity. Mr. Weaver has always been an agriculturist, 
 and, having never married, his maiden sister 
 Sarah, who was born December 29, 1825, keeps 
 house for him. 
 
 LEWIS GREENLEE, a farmer and harness 
 maker of West Pike Run township, was 
 born July 27, 1814, in West Bethlehem 
 township, Washington Co., Penn. He is a 
 son of Samuel Greenlee, who was born in 1777, in 
 Delaware, and when but a small boy came with his 
 parents to a farm in Fayette county, Penn. Samuel 
 Greenlee passed his youth in Fayette county, and 
 there learned the shoemaker's trade, which he fol- 
 lowed in connection with farming. When a young 
 man he was married to Nancv Gance, who was born 
 
1468 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 in 1779, in Fayette county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. 
 Greenlee were the parents of thirteen children, 
 namely: John (a farmer of Greene county, Penn.), 
 James (also an agriculturist of Greene county), 
 Benjamin (living on the old homestead in West 
 Bethlehem township, Washington county), Daniel 
 (a farmer of West Bethlehem township), Anna 
 (widow of Lemuel Cooper, of Licking county, 
 Ohio), Lewis (subject), Elizabeth, Susan, Mary, 
 Margaret, Jacob, George and Albert. Of this fam- 
 ily the seven last nmmed are deceased. About 
 1S12 Mr. Greenlee came with his family from Fay- 
 ette county, and located permanently on the place 
 in West Bethlehem township, Washington county. 
 He began life as a poor boy, but by constant in- 
 dustry succeeded in accumulating a good property. 
 He was an eager reader of current literature. He 
 took an active part in public matters, and in poli- 
 tics voted with the Democratic party. He and his 
 wife were members of the Disciple Church. 
 
 Lewis Greenlee remained on the home place un- 
 til about sixteen years of age, then served an ap- 
 prenticeship of five years with Peter Flick, of 
 Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn., at the har- 
 ness and saddle-maker's trade, and after learning 
 his trade traveled from place to place for about 
 five years. In 1843 he was married to Aun Eliza 
 Kerr, who was born in 1820, in Taylorstown, 
 Washington Co., Penn., a daughter of James 
 Kerr, a member of a pioneer family of this county. 
 James Kerr learned and followed the blacksmith's 
 trade at Taylorstown, Penn., for many years, 
 finally moving to Greene county, where he and his 
 wife died. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Kerr 
 were born as follows: Mary, widow of Alfred 
 Gregg, living in Greene county, Penn.; Ann Eliza, 
 wife of Lewis Greenlee; Archibald, a farmer of 
 Greene county; Margaret, Rachel, Sarah, Emily 
 and Isabelle, of whom the three first mentioned 
 are yet living. 
 
 To the union of Lewis and Ann Eliza (Kerr) 
 Greenlee three children have been born, namely: 
 Virtue, widow of John Jenkins, of West Pike Run 
 township; Mary W., widow of Morris Taylor, liv- 
 ing in Ohio, and James, a miller of West Pike 
 Run township. After his marriage Mr. Greenlee 
 settled in Carmichael's, Greene county, and suc- 
 cessfully followed the harness and saddlery busi- 
 ness for about fourteen years. He then moved to 
 Centreville, Washington county, continuing in 
 business there until 1869, when he bought the 
 forty-acre farm whereon he now resides, and has 
 since devoted some time to agricultural pursuits. 
 He votes the Republican ticket, has served five 
 years as justice of the peace in West Pike Run 
 township, and has also tilled the position of auditor. 
 He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church 
 at Beallsville, Penn., in which he has been class- 
 leader for thirty years. 
 
 EPHAS GARRETT, one of the most 
 prominent citizens of West Bethlehem 
 township, than whom none deserves more 
 prominence, as an agriculturist, in the 
 pages of this volume, is a native of the township, 
 born July 14, 1842, near the farm whereon he 
 now resides. He is a son of Samuel and Deliah 
 (Grable) Garrett, and a great-grandson of Peter 
 Garrett, whose son Nicholas was born in Maryland 
 in 1779. Here the latter was married to Mary 
 Ann Baumgardner, and thence, about the begin- 
 ning of the present century, they removed to 
 Washington county, Pennsylvania. 
 
 Cephas Garrett passed his boyhood days in at- 
 tending school and assisting his parents upon the 
 farm. He was employed for about eighteen 
 months at carpentering; but, his elder brothers 
 leaving the farm, he was obliged to return to agri- 
 culture, and never completed learning the trade. 
 During the early part of the Civil war Mr. Garrett 
 enlisted in the service of the United States, but 
 was not allowed to serve, as he had not yet attained 
 his majority. On May 24, 1866, he married Lyda 
 Horn, daughter of John Horn (deceased), of West 
 Bethlehem township, and to them have come the 
 following named children: Alice, born March 25, 
 1871, and Samuel, born May 1, 1879, both residing 
 with their parents. When Mr. Garrett and his 
 industrious wife began life they possessed nothing 
 worthy of mention, but their united efforts were 
 crowned with success, which is now apparent in 
 their well-kept farm, consisting of sixty acres of 
 highly -cultivated laud, upon which, in 1883, he 
 erected a neat and handsome dwelling, besides 
 making many other improvements. Mr. Garrett 
 is modest and retiring, not at all disposed to 
 thrust himself forward, and possesses the respect, 
 esteem and admiration of all who know him. His 
 honesty and integrity have won a high place for 
 him in the community. In politics he is a Demo- 
 crat, and, though not an office- seeker, is one of the 
 counselors of his party. Both he and Mrs. Gar- 
 rett are members of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 dlESSE NICHOLLS, one of the self-made 
 and prosperous agriculturists of West Beth- 
 ) hem township, is a grandson of Rosnios 
 Nicholls, who came from England at an early 
 date. He settled in Hillsborough, this count}', 
 where he had a tavern for a number of years lie- 
 fore the National pike was built. He afterward 
 bought the "Nicholls' place," a small farm south 
 of Hillsborough, and after remaining there a time 
 again took charge of a tavern in Hillsborough, in 
 a building that is still used as a hotel. In a short 
 time, however, he again returned to the farm, 
 where he remained the rest of his life. He was 
 married to Mary Hall, of West Bethlehem town- 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1 169 
 
 ship, and their union was blessed with the follow- 
 ing children: James, Stephen, William, Rose, 
 Achison, Mrs. Sarah Kehor, Mrs. Margaret Sar- 
 geant and Mrs. Betsey Trago, of whom Achison 
 is the only one now living. Mr. Nicholls was a 
 Democrat, and both he and his wife were members 
 of the Baptist Church. Mrs. Nicholls died in 
 1840, and Mr. Nicholls in 1850. 
 
 Stephen Nicholls was born on the old home- 
 stead in 1795, and obtained his early education in 
 the common schools. He remained upon the 
 home farm until he was forty years of age, driv- 
 ing teams across the mountains and attending to 
 the usual duties of the farm. In 1835 he mar- 
 ried Margaret, daughter of Jacob and Mary Wise, 
 of West Bethlehem township, and they had nine 
 children: Jesse, Mrs. Mary Gregg, Mrs. Nancy 
 Wilkins (deceased), Sarah Jane (deceased), Will- 
 iam (deceased), Joshua (deceased), Maggie (de- 
 ceased), Mrs. Catherine Biuns and Hiram. Mr. 
 Nicholls was a true Democrat, although not an 
 active politician. He died in 1881. in his eighty 
 fourth year; his widow, aged seventy-six years, is 
 still living. 
 
 Jesse Nicholls was born December 8, 1836, upon 
 the home farm. He received a partial education 
 at the common schools, and at the age of fifteen 
 years he began life for himself, working by the 
 month. He was married February 4, 1858, to 
 Margaret Taylor, and they had children as follows: 
 Mrs. Sarah McCarthy (deceased), Lucy, Mrs. Emma 
 Kinder (deceased), Laura, Samuel, .Joseph, Ray, 
 John and Maggie. Although his early opportuni- 
 ties were few, Mr. Nicholls is an intelligent, well- 
 read man, and beginning life with no capital save 
 strong hands, a quick brain and a healthy body, 
 he has, by dint of honest principles, hard work 
 and economy, succeeded, with the aid and encour- 
 agement of his wife, in securing a fine farm of 
 140 acres and a competence for his family. He 
 is a Democrat, and has served several terms as 
 supervisor of his township, but has been too busily 
 engaged in his private business to give much at- 
 tention to political questions. Mrs. Nicholls was 
 a member of the M. E. Church. She passed 
 away May 28, 1891, deeply mourned by her many 
 friends and relatives. 
 
 FXANTS, CHRISTIAN and GEORGE, are 
 ' representatives of one of the oldest and 
 most prominent families of East Finley 
 township. Theearliest pioneer of that name, 
 of whom any authentic account can be se- 
 cured, was Christian Plants, from whom the pres- 
 ent generation of the family trace their ancestry. 
 Christian Plants, who was of German descent, 
 grew to manhood in eastern Pennsylvania, where 
 he married Catherine Haines, and in 1796 they 
 
 moved to Washington county, Penn., locating at 
 the foot of " Gallows Hill," near Washington. In 
 1806 he settled in Finley (now East Finley) town- 
 ship, on what is now called " Enlowfork of Wheel- 
 ing creek," and on the farm afterward owned by 
 his son Leonard. The children born to Christian 
 and Catherine (Haines) Plants were Leonard, Solo- 
 mon, George, Christian, Catherine, Maxwell, Eliza- 
 beth, Hannah, Jacob, Mary, Daniel. John and an 
 unnamed infant. Of these children the only one 
 now living is Maxwell (a retired farmer residing 
 near Cameron, W. Va.). Mr. Plants farmed dur- 
 ing the summer, and taught school in the winter 
 months. He lived to a good old age. 
 
 Leonard Plants was born March 22, 1797, on 
 his father's farm near Washington, this county. 
 In 1806 he came with his parents to East Finley 
 township, and passed his boyhood on the farm, en- 
 during all the privations and hardships which are 
 inseparable from the lives of pioneers. In 
 1815 he was indentured with Jesse St. Clair to 
 learn the stone mason's trade, and after serving 
 an apprenticeship of three years began to work for 
 wages on the National pike, then building, and 
 continued to follow his trade till 1880. On May 6, 
 1819, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth 
 Barney, who died in 1820, leaving four children: 
 Elizabeth, now residing in Wetzel county, W. Va. , 
 wife of Stephen Hill; Christian; George, and one 
 that died in infancy. 
 
 Mr. Plants afterward married Fannie Barney (a 
 sister of his first wife), and she died in January, 
 1874, leaving the following children: Jesse and 
 Leonard, farmers in Eas-t Finley township, this 
 county; Mary Jane (widow of Andrew Stoller), also 
 a resident of East Finley township; Hannah (wife 
 of Daniel Plants), residing in Morris township. 
 Washington county; John B. (a farmer and 
 mason), residing in East Finley township; Marga- 
 ret (wife of Nathan Stoller), also in East Finley 
 township; Martha (Mrs. John Nickerson), in east 
 Finley township; Daniel, in Kansas, and Cather- 
 ine, Fanny, Nancy, Adolphus H. and Christina 
 (all five deceased). On July 23, 1874, Mr. Plants 
 was married to Nancy L. Miller, and to this union 
 one daughter, Catherine L., was born. Mr. Plants 
 began life one of the " poorest boys imaginable," 
 but his physical and mental strength, combined 
 with energy and business tact, surmounted all 
 obstacles to success, and gave him a considerable 
 property, much of it being in lands, which he 
 superintended and improved daring his later 
 years. Politically he was first a Jacksonian Demo- 
 crat, then a strong Abolitionist, and finally a Re- 
 publican. In 1S40 he united with the U. P. 
 Church, to which he always contributed liberally. 
 His widow and daughter are living on the old home. 
 
 Christian Plants was born April 22, 1822, in 
 East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., and 
 
1470 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 passed his boyhood on the farm, receiving but 
 
 little school education, as his parents were ] r 
 
 and required his assistance on the farm. He re- 
 mained at home with them until twenty-three 
 years of age, when he learned the gunsmith's 
 trade, having a natural inclination for mechanical 
 work; he also did cropping on his father's farm. 
 On November 26, L846, he was united in marriage 
 with Rosanna Marshall, born July 19, 1824, a 
 daughter of John and Nancy (McWherter) Mar- 
 shall, of East Finley township, and she bore him 
 three children: Leonard Martin (who died at the 
 ageof eight years) and twins, born August?, 1861, 
 one of whom died unnamed; the other, Robert 
 Blachly, is a prosperous young farmer of East 
 Finley township, residing on his father's farm; 
 he is married to Lizzie A. Sprowls, daughter of 
 John and Hannah (Reed) Sprowls. 
 
 After marriage Mr. Plants successfully followed 
 the trades of watchmaker, gunsmith and stone 
 mason, although he never served an apprenticeship 
 at any of them, but made a practical application of 
 his general knowledge. He has always owned 
 some land, and has farmed on a limited scale. He 
 is at present actively engaged in general mer- 
 chandising, which he has followed several years. 
 Mrs. Plants united with the U. B. Church in early 
 life, and died in that faith January 24, 1886. Mr. 
 Plants is also a member of the TJ. B. Church at 
 Fairmount, and contributes liberally to its support. 
 He has given valuable aid toward the development 
 of Washington county, assisting to place her in 
 her present position, among the foremost counties 
 of the Keystone State. In politics he has always 
 been a Democrat. 
 
 George Plants was born July 13, 1824, in Easl 
 Finley township, this county, and received a lim- 
 ited education in the common schools, which he 
 has made the nucleus to a valuable store of general 
 knowledge. At the age of eighteen he began to 
 learn the mason's trade with Powers Bros. , of 
 Claysville, and served an apprenticeship of three 
 years with them, receiving the very modest com- 
 pensation of $12 a year. At the age of twenty- 
 one he began life for himself, $8 in debt, but 
 he had learned the trade, and industry soon 
 brought success. On June 1, 1848, he was united 
 in marriage with Mary (Goues) Seeman, of East 
 Finley township, and the following children have 
 come to them: Franklin (deceased April 10, 1850), 
 Ethelinda B. (deceased), McFarlin, Mary, Eliza- 
 beth. Clarissa (deceased), Leonard (deceased), 
 
 William S., an infant son (deceased), Joseph L., 
 Nathan O, Nancy and an infant daughter. Since 
 his marriage Mr. Plants has farmed and followed 
 his trade. He is a man of exemplary habits, and 
 has acquired a comfortable competency. In pol- 
 itics he has always been a Republican. He and 
 
 his wife are members of the U. B. Church, and he 
 was for twelve years a trustee of the church at 
 Fairmount. 
 
 LEVI DAGUE. Among the many prominent 
 and honored old residents of West Bethle- 
 hem township, none stands higher in the 
 estimation of his neighbors than the above- 
 named gentleman. 
 
 He is the only living son of John Dague, a na- 
 tive of Maryland, born in 1788, who, when a boy, 
 along with his brother, was brought across the 
 mountains placed in pack-saddles, which were 
 thrown upon the back of a mule. His father set- 
 tled in West Bethlehem township, where John 
 grew to manhood, and married Catherine Horn, 
 who was born in Germany, and became one of the 
 first settlers of Washington county. To them 
 were born the following children: Jacob, John, 
 Samuel, Henry, Levi, Dewalt, George, Catherine, 
 Elizabeth, Annie and Lavina, all of whom are now 
 dead except Levi and Annie. 
 
 Levi Dague, the subject proper of this sketch, 
 was born in West Bethlehem township, Washing- 
 ton Co., Penn., May 27, 1815. His boyhood was 
 spent in assisting in the work of the farm and at- 
 tending school in the old log schoolhouse, of which 
 he has a very distinct recollection, and describes 
 minutely. After attending the German school two 
 years, he married Rachel, daughter of Abraham 
 Mowl, who, about the beginning of the present 
 century, emigrated from Germany to America, set- 
 tling in Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Dague 
 have the following children: Abraham, John 
 Adams, Adelina, Solomon, Eliza Jane, Emery and 
 (Mark, and of these all except Abraham reside in 
 Washington county. Mr. Dague has always voted 
 the Republican ticket, and has held many offices 
 of trust. Both he and his wife are members of the 
 Lutheran Church, and command the respect of all. 
 
 fjOHN ELWOOD CRUMRINE is one of West 
 Bethlehem's most prominent farmers. His 
 if Jj grandfather, John Crumrine, emigrated from 
 — ' Germany about the beginning of the present 
 century, to Washington county, Penn., and 
 here married. They reared the following children : 
 John, William, David. George, Abraham, Lucinda, 
 Sally, Polly, Susan and Maria, of whom George, 
 David and Polly are deceased, the remaining chil- 
 dren being all residents of this county. 
 
 George Crumrine was born in 1814, on his 
 father's farm, situated on Daniel's run, in Bethle- 
 hem township. He learned the carpenter's trade, 
 and was considered one of the most skillful work 
 men of his time. In 1861 he built the present 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1171 
 
 house of his son John, with no assistance bat that 
 of his boys. and to-day it stands a silent but eloquent 
 witness of his skill. He received his education at 
 the subscription school, a small log cabin with slab 
 seats and desks and other primitive furniture. In 
 184- he married Miss Mahala Barnett, daughter 
 of James Barnett, of Washington county, and she 
 bore him the following children, all of whom are 
 living: James Le Roy, Eveline, Lucy, Dora, Julia, 
 Delia and John Elwood, 
 
 John Elwood Crumrine was born April 1, L858, 
 and on February 2. 1882, he was married to 
 Emma, daughter of John Myers, of West Bethle- 
 hem township. Their union has been blessed 
 with the following children: Warren, Leslie. Ethel 
 and Grayson, all living. Mr. Crumrine is a young 
 man of more than ordinary intelligence, and pos- 
 sesses the esteem and cordial friendship of all 
 who know him. Politically his views are Demo- 
 cratic, and he is one of the leading men in his 
 party, while Mrs. Crumrine is as famous for her 
 gracious hospitality, as is the name of her husband, 
 in his circle of business acquaintances, a synonym 
 for enterprise and honor. 
 
 w 
 
 ILLIAM P. IRWIN. This gentleman, 
 one of Carroll township's most respecta- 
 ble and reliable citizens, claims descent 
 from honorable Irish ancestry, one Will 
 iain Irwin having emigrated from Ireland to Amer 
 ica many years ago, settling on a large tract of 
 land in Chester county, Peun. He was a pioneer 
 agriculturist, and passed the remainder of his life 
 on the farm where his children were born. 
 
 James Irwin was born in Chester county, Penn., 
 and in 1827 came to Washington county. He was 
 dependent upon his own exertions for a livelihood, 
 and learned the cooper's trade; then began farming 
 in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn. He 
 married Jane Morton, a resident of Chester county, 
 Penn., and daughter of James Morton. Mr. and 
 Mrs. Irwin were the parents of four children, all 
 of whom are now deceased. They were members 
 of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he 
 affiliated with the Democratic party. 
 
 William P. Irwin, whose name introduces this 
 biography, was born October 12, 1815, in Chester 
 county, Penn. His father owned forty acres of 
 laud in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn., 
 which William P. bought, also purchasing a lot in 
 Monongahela City, where he erected a house. In 
 1850 our subject married Eliza Jane, daughter of 
 Benjamin Dickey, a resident of Eallowfield town- 
 ship. After purchasing his father's farm of forty 
 acres, Mr. Irwin continued to save his earnings, 
 and finally bought an adjoining tract of seventy 
 acres, upon which a handsome house and other 
 buildings have been erected. He has been en- 
 
 gaged in general farming and stock raising. Po- 
 litically he votes with the Democratic party, and in 
 religion he is a member of the Episcopal Church. 
 He has had four children, namely: Mary Jane and 
 Margarei (both deceased), Benjamin D., who man- 
 ages the farm, and William Porter, also living at- 
 home. 
 
 rLJLLIAM FORGIE is a Canadian by birth, 
 ..// a Scotchman by descent. His grand- 
 father, Francis Forgie, a son of Scotia, 
 probably of the Highlands, as he spoke 
 the Gaelic dialect, was a soldier in the 
 British army, and on his retirement from the 
 service joined t ho Irish constabulary. He married 
 a Miss McClelland, and they both died in Ireland, 
 the parents of five sons, named respectively: Sam- 
 uel, William, Thomas, Francis and James, of whom 
 the four youngest immigrated, in 1824, to Canada, 
 making a settlement on the Bay of Quinte, in Has- 
 tings county, upper Canada (now Ontario). From 
 Montreal to their new home they poled up the St. 
 Lawrence what was known as a "Durham scow." 
 The nearest mill to their place of settlement was 
 at Kingston, some sixty miles east, and thither 
 they hail to take their wheat in sacks slung over 
 the back of an ox, they walking alongside, and as 
 there were at that time no roads they had to be 
 guided by the sun to their destination. Of these 
 stalwart young men, William followed lumbering, 
 and was drowned while rafting in the Moira river, 
 which empties into the Bay of Quints (he had 
 crossed the ocean several times). 
 
 Francis Forgie, father of our subject, became a 
 farmer. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John 
 Mulholland, a Methodist minister in Ireland, where 
 he died (his widow immigrated to Canada with her 
 only son — who was drowned in the St. Lawrence — 
 and four daughters, Eliza, Rebecca, Mary and 
 Elizabeth, and lived to an advanced age, dying an 
 earnest Christian, devoted to her faith). After 
 marriage Mr. and Mrs. Francis Forgie continued 
 to reside on their farm in Canada. They were 
 the parents of six children, viz.: Isabella, married 
 to Thomas E. Bell, of Peterboro county, Ontario; 
 John and James, in Pittsburgh; Mary J., wife of 
 John McCaw, of Hastings county, Ontario; Will- 
 iam, the subject of this sketch, and Thomas Ed- 
 ward, who died when young. The mother of this 
 family died in 1854, and in 1862 the father mar- 
 ried a Miss Ramsey, who bore him two sons: 
 Frank (working with his half-brother, William), 
 and Samuel C. (deceased). She died in 1868, a, 
 member of the M. E. Church; the father passed 
 away in 1887 at the age of seventy-seven years. 
 
 William Forgie, the subject proper of this 
 memoir, was born March 17, 1850, in the township 
 of Thurlow, county of Hastings, Ontario, and his 
 
1472 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 education was received at the common schools of 
 the neighborhood of his birthplace. Until twenty 
 years of age he worked on the home farm, and then 
 proceeded to Red river, in the " Northwest," along 
 with the troops sent out to quell the Riel rebellion 
 of that year. He and a neighbor, William Mc- 
 Oready, bad been comrades in the Argyle Light 
 Infantry, of Belleville, Ontario, and when volun 
 teers were called to suppress this rebellion, they 
 joined the First Ontario Rifles. In the "North- 
 west" they served two years, and had a taste of 
 the winters out there, which were remarkable for 
 their severity. In 1873 Mr. Forgie came to the 
 United States, making his first home hero at 
 Parker's Landing, on the Allegheny river, where 
 he was employed as an oil producer, in which, 
 during the twelve years he was engaged in the 
 business, he met with varied success. In 1886 he 
 came to Washington, where for a time he contin- 
 ued his oil speculations, and in 1887 he embarked 
 in the manufacture of oil and gas well rig irons, 
 cants, arms and pins, etc. He also turns out a 
 large number of the far-famed and most useful 
 sand reel and tool-wrenching jack (of which he is 
 the patentee), vast improvements on anything of 
 the kind hitherto made, and which add very 
 materially to the convenience and profit of the 
 trade. 
 
 In 187(3 Mr. Forgie married, in Parker's Land- 
 ing, Miss Henry, who died in September, 1878, 
 leaving a six months-old son, who followed his 
 mother in September, 1879. Our subject married, 
 in 1889, Miss Ida Belle Lytle, daughter of Robert 
 Lytle, of Donegal township. The family resi- 
 dence, which Mr. Forgie recently built, in Wash- 
 ington, is situated on Hall avenue. Politically he 
 is a Republican, in sentiment a free-trader: while 
 in Canada he was an Orangeman and a Presby- 
 terian, and he is still an ardent advocate of Prot- 
 estant rights and religious principles. 
 
 FRANKLIN P. SCOTT, M. D., a promi- 
 nent and successful physician of Mononga- 
 hela, was born December 26, 1839, in Somer- 
 set township, Washington, Co., Penn.. a son 
 of John Scott, whose father, William Scott, was a 
 farmer of Washington county, and died in North 
 Strabane township, in politics a Democrat and in 
 religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 John Scott was born on the home place in 
 Washington county, Penn., and attended the 
 public schools, afterward teaching for several 
 years. He married Lydia, daughter of George 
 Pees, a tombstone cutter, and who also followed 
 farming. John Scott and his wife settled in 
 Somerset township, this county, and afterward 
 moved to Washington borough, where they died. 
 They had the following children: Mary, George, 
 
 Franklin P., Lydia J. (deceased wife of Lewis 
 Dague), Sarah E. (since deceased), William .1. 
 (living in Washington county, Ohio), John R., and 
 Winifred (both living in Ford county, 111.). Mr. 
 Scott voted with the Democratic party, and for 
 several years, in Somerset township, served as 
 justice of the peace, also for a time as associate 
 judge. He was a member of and elder in the' 
 Presbyterian Church in Somerset township, and on 
 removing to Washington borough, united with the 
 U. P. Church at that place, in which he was an 
 elder until his death. 
 
 Dr. Franklin P. Scott passed his earlier boyhood 
 in Somerset township, where he received his 
 primary education at the common schools. After 
 the family removed to Washington borough, he at- 
 tended the public schools there, and then taught 
 for four years, afterward studying the languages 
 under John Messenger. He then entered the of- 
 fice of Dr. Boyd Emery, at Dunningsville, Penn., 
 and in 1859 attended Jefferson Medical College. 
 Upon leaving that institution he took a course at 
 the University of Louisville, graduating from 
 there in 1871, and in 1X89 he took a degree at the 
 Medico Chirurgical College of Philadelphia. Dr. 
 Scott first began the practice of his profession 
 at Mount Morris. Greene Co., Penn., where he re- 
 mained for three years, and in 1863 removed to 
 Clavsville, Donegal township, Ihis county. In 
 1877 he came to his present home in Monongahela, 
 and is now enjoying a highly lucrative practice. 
 
 In 1860 Dr. Scott was married to Amelia, daugh- 
 er of Samuel Pugh, of Mercer county, Penn, 
 whose wife was formerly a Miss Vaughn. One 
 child was born to the union of Dr. and Amelia 
 Scott — Emma L., a graduate of the Washington 
 Female Seminary. She is now the wife of W. L. 
 Gaston, and the mother of two children, Mernie 
 and Franklin S. In 1865 Dr. Scott married, for his 
 second wife, Jennie A., daughter of Stephen Corkle, 
 of Claysville, this county, and they have one 
 daughter, Anna R. , a graduate of the Female Col- 
 lege and Conservatory of Music at Pittsburgh. 
 After her graduation Miss Scott was elected a 
 member of the Faculty. Dr. Scott is a hearty ad- 
 vocate of the principles embodied in the platform 
 of the Democratic party, and in religion is a mem- 
 ber of the M. E. Church, of the board of trus- 
 tees of which he has served as a member for sev- 
 eral years. 
 
 M 
 
 RS. SARAH D. HAWKINS is a daughter 
 of Henry Myers, a native of Maryland, 
 born in 1808. He married Elizabeth 
 Drake, who was born March 14, IS'20, also 
 'V in Maryland, and they had children as 
 
 follows: Sarah D. (Mrs. Hawkins), Eli (a farmer 
 in West Bethlehem township), Mary I. (living with 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1473 
 
 her brother Alva on the old homestead), and Walter 
 (living in Washington county). The father of this 
 family was a successful farmer; in politics he \ 
 with the Republican party. He died September 13, 
 
 1890, and the mother followed him January 29, 
 
 1891. She was a member of the Lutheran Church. 
 Of the children of this family, Sarah D. was bora 
 August 22, 1844, in West iiethlehem township, 
 this county, and on January 12, 1865, was married 
 to Joseph H. Hawkins, a record of whose grand- 
 father, William Hawkins, will be found on page 
 379. 
 
 John Hawkins, father of Joseph H., was born 
 on the old homestead in this county, and received 
 his education at the subscript ion schools. ' On 
 December 10 1S29; he was united in marriage with 
 Miss Sarah Young, who bore him three children, 
 namely: William (deceased), Samuel A. (farming 
 in Somerset township), and Joseph H. (deceased). 
 The mother died April 26, 1834, and for his second 
 wife Mr. Hawkins married Susanna Farmer, who 
 was born August 31, 18(17, in Columbiana county, 
 Ohio, and the following children came to their 
 union: Jerusha N., born July 23, 1837; Sarah 
 (wife of Milton Patterson, living in Beallsville, 
 Penn.), born March 3, 1839; John W., born 
 October 4, 1842; Mary E. (married to Joseph H. 
 Rogers, of Somerset township), born December 1. 
 1844; Martha J. (wife of James M. Miller, of 
 Allegheny county, Penn.), born February 17, IS 17, 
 and Rebecca, born February 3. 1850 (deceased). 
 The father was a prominent farmer; lie was an 
 active member of the Republican party, serving 
 his township in various oflices. He died April 1 i, 
 1880, being preceded by the mother October 1, 
 1876. 
 
 Joseph H. Hawkins was born April 26, 1834, in 
 Somerset township, this county, grew to manhood 
 on the home farm, and attended the district 
 schools of the neighborhood. After his marriage 
 to Miss Sarah D. Myers, the young couple settled 
 in Somerset township, where two children were 
 born to them, viz.: Jennie N. , born May 13, 1866 
 (died August 4, 188S), and Shannon, born March 
 9, 1875. Mr. Hawkins was actively interested in 
 all progressive movements, and politically he 
 voted with the Republican party. 
 
 T^HOMAS M. WILEY, senior member of the 
 well-known furniture firm, in Washington, 
 of Thomas M. Wiley & Son, is a native of 
 the borough, born in October, 1824. His 
 grandfather, who was a Virginian by birth, 
 was married to Elizabeth Tannehill, daughter of a 
 Maryland planter, who at the time of the Revolu- 
 tion was loyal to England. William Wiley, father 
 of Thomas M., a bricklayer by trade, married 
 Martha, a daughter of Massy Harbison, who 
 
 was the mother of eleven children, two of whom 
 were killed by the Indians within view of their 
 mother, who was captured by them, and whose 
 wonderful escape from captivity is related else- 
 where. William Wiley had born to him children, 
 as follows: John and Martha (both deceased), 
 Thomas M., Henry, Maria, Frank, Ellen, William 
 and Annie (all in Washington). 
 
 Thomas M. Wiley received his education at the 
 public schools of his native town, and while a boy 
 learned the trade of cabinet maker. In 1850 he 
 paid a visit to California, where he remained 
 two years. In 1855 ho commenced the business 
 of cabinet making on his own account, in Wheel- 
 ing, W. Va., where he remained ten years, at 
 the end of which time he returned to Washing- 
 ton and opened a small store, from which devel 
 oped his present mammoth establishment. In 1876 
 he received his son, James O, into partnership, 
 and in 1878 he erected his present handsome block, 
 on Slain street, all now occupied as a furniture 
 store. 
 
 In 1852 Mr. Wiley was married, in Wheeling, 
 W. Va., to Miss Elizabeth Courts, a native of 
 that city, who died in August, 1888, at the 
 age of fifty two years, leaving three children: 
 James C. , now in partnership with his father; 
 Kate, wife of William Van Kirk, of Amwell 
 township, and Anna, living at home. Our subject 
 is a Republican, and has frequently served in the 
 borough council. Socially he is a Freemason, and 
 at one time was a member of the I. O. O. F. He 
 is a typical self made man, having from very small 
 beginnings, by industry, intelligent effort and ju- 
 dicious economy, made an enviable and well-mer- 
 ited success. 
 
 IfOHN M. MORROW is a native of the county, 
 born March 21, 1850, in the portion of Can- 
 ^1 ton township that is now included in West 
 — Washington. His paternal great-grandpar 
 ents, Adam and Elizabeth (Crozier) Morrow, 
 came to this country from Ireland about the year 
 1804, making their first home in their adopted 
 country in Virginia, where they carried on farm- 
 ing, and thence, in 1820, they moved with their 
 family to Washington county, Penn., where they 
 passed the remainder of their lives, the great- 
 grandfather dying July 24, 1816, and the great- 
 grandmother, February 14, 184(5. They had seven 
 children as follows: William (died in Iowa), Adam 
 (killed in Virginia by the limb of a tree falling on 
 him), James (died of small-pox), John (of whom 
 special mention is made further on), Andrew (died 
 in New Orleans), Jane (married a Mr. Carney, and 
 died in Cincinnati leaving a family), and Susan 
 (died when young in Washington, Penn.). 
 
 John Morrow, grandfather of subject, was born 
 
1474 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 January 2, 1800, in Ireland, and was consequently 
 four years old when brought by his parents to this 
 country. In 1823 he was married to Sophia Hal- 
 lam (a sketch of whose family follows this), and 
 they then settled on land in Washington county, 
 where the aged widow yet lives, her husband hav- 
 ing passed away June '22, 1859. He was a black- 
 smith and wagon maker by trade, and many of the 
 wagons made by him were used in the construc- 
 tion of the National pike, while fifty-six were 
 bought by the Government for use in the Mexican 
 war. He was regarded as a man of much ability, 
 and was not excelled as a mechanic. His old 
 workshop on East Wheeling street, Washington, 
 is now owned by J. D. Jackson. His widow, at 
 this writing, nearly ninety years of age, possesses 
 remarkably good health and memory. She is a 
 member of the M. E. Church at Washington. 
 Seven children were born to this honored couple: 
 Adam Crozier (special mention of whom follows), 
 Thomas Hallam (died in New York), John Andrew 
 (died in Omaha), Robert Latimer (died in Wash- 
 ington, where his widow and one daughter are yet 
 living), Sarah Margaret (died unmarried), Eliza- 
 beth .lane (deceased wife of John McEnas, of Bos- 
 ton, Mass.), and William Henry (now living in 
 Boston, Mass.). 
 
 Adam Crozier Morrow ( lather of John M.), was 
 born August 16, 1825, in Washington county, 
 Penn., at the common schools of which place he 
 received his rudimentary education, after which he 
 attended college four and a half years, but did not 
 graduate. He learned the trade of blacksmith 
 with his father, and followed same until 1850, 
 when he embarked in the dry goods business, 
 later taking up the grocery trade, which he carried 
 on in Washington some twenty-five or thirty years. 
 During part of this time — from 1868 to 1880— he 
 kept the "Auld House," then known as the 
 "Morrow House,'' and previously called the 
 "Rairoad House."' Having sold out all his busi- 
 ness interests in Washington in 1880, Mr. Mor- 
 row, in 1886, moved to Pittsburgh, where he has 
 since made his home. On June 15, 1848, he mar- 
 ried Ann Elizabeth, daughter of Col. John and 
 Nancy Morgan, of Chartiers township, whose 
 children were: Martha, married to Godfrey Cook, 
 also of Chartiers (both now deceased); Major Jacob 
 Morgan (deceased), whose widow, Alice (Mc- 
 Closkey), now resides on Prospect avenue, Wash- 
 ington borough; Emily, married to William Cun- 
 dall (both deceased); Robert, married to Mary 
 Mackie (both deceased); Nancy, wife of James 
 Harvey, living in Mt. Pleasant township; William; 
 Rebecca, wife of J. R. McCloskey, in Kansas; 
 I high, also in Kansas, and Ann E. To the mar 
 riage of Adam and Ann E. Morrow were born ten 
 children, as follows: John (our subject), Lucius 
 S. (born August S, 1852, died at the age of about 
 
 four years), Annie S. (born May 10, 1855, married 
 to W. D. Roberts, of Washington), Charles C. 
 (born November 30, 1858, now a resident of Pitts- 
 burgh), Sallie M. (born June 14, 1860, also living 
 in Pittsburgh), Jennie M. (born September 10, 
 1863), Hugh W. (born November 23, 1867), Mollie 
 and Alice (twins, born in 1870, died in infancy), 
 and Thomas (who died in childhood). The mother 
 died January 13, 1890, in Pittsburgh, at the age 
 of sixty-throe years. The father is a stanch 
 Democrat, and has tilled various offices of trust, 
 such as member of council for a time; he became 
 a member of the I. O. O. F. at an early age. 
 
 John M. Morrow received his education at the 
 common schools of the district, and on completing 
 the usual curriculum entered Duff's Mercantile 
 College at Pittsburgh, from which he graduated 
 in 1871. He then received the appointment of 
 cashier and bookkeeper for Major Morgan, an ex- 
 tensive wool dealer in Washington borough. At 
 the expiry of a year he accepted a similar position 
 with S. Ewart & Co., wholesale grocers, but in 
 1872 he returned to Washington to assist his 
 father in the grocery business, in which he con- 
 tinued till 1880, when the latter sold out, as 
 already related. Our subject then entered, July 
 1, same year, the employ of George Davis. 
 
 On January 25, 1875, Mr. Morrow was married 
 to Miss Elizabeth W., daughter of M. G. Kuntz, 
 and three children have come to bless their home, 
 viz.: Eliza Ann, born August 23, 1877; Sophia 
 Elizabeth, born January 31, 1879; and Wray 
 Grayson, born September 23, 1881. The family 
 reside in the comfortable and handsome residence, 
 No. 87 East Maiden street, built by Mr. Morrow 
 in 1889. They are all members of the Second 
 Presbyterian Church of Washington. Socially our 
 subject is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the 
 Improved Order of Heptasophs, Washington; 
 politically, he is a Democrat. 
 
 Mrs. Sophia (Hallam) Morrow was born January 
 31, 1804, in South Strabane township, Washington 
 Co., Penn., a daughter of Thomas Hallam, who 
 was a son of John, Sr. , and Isabella (rJ'ell) Hallam, 
 who both died in Washington county early in the 
 century, having immigrated in 1763 to this country 
 with five sons, two of whom went to the Far West. 
 Thomas and John coming to Washington, this 
 county, where the latter died of smallpox in 1.800. 
 Thomas was twice married, first time to a Miss 
 Beshear, by whom he had eight children, all now 
 deceased. His second wife was Sarah Voorhees, 
 daughter of Isaiah Voorhees, who died in Colum 
 bus, Ohio, and whose wife was called from earth in 
 Washington, Penn. After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Thomas Hallam settled on the farm in Franklin 
 township, where John Reddick now lives. For a 
 time they kept a hotel which stood on ground now 
 called "• Pancake." Later, having rented their 
 
WASHING TON COU.\ I > 
 
 117.-, 
 
 farm here, they moved to Wellsburg, W. Va.<. where 
 Mi Hallam had bought a ferry, which he ran for 
 about a year. They then returned to Washington 
 county. Mr. Hallam traded the " John (i. Clark"' 
 farm in Franklin township for 1,500 acres in Ohio, 
 whither he and his wife moved in 1828, and here 
 he died August 1, 1829, at the age of eighty-four 
 years. He was very successful in all his under 
 takings, but died comparatively poor, having lost 
 must of his property by going bail for others. He 
 participated in the Whisky Insurrection. Mr. and 
 Mis. Thomas Hallam had eight children, viz.: 
 Thomas (died in Ohio), Absalom (died in Illinois), 
 Sophia (widow of John Morrow), Samuel D. (living 
 in Monmouth, 111.), David (died in Iowa), Margaret 
 (deceased wife of John Stone, of Illinois), Sarah (died 
 in Ohio) and Isabella (deceased wife of Thomas 
 Goodman, of Texas). 
 
 H. DAVIS, a member of the prominent 
 lumber and hardware firm of \V. H. 
 Davis & Co., Washington, Perm., was 
 bora in Allegheny (Allegheny Cit\ ), 
 Perm., April 25, 18-10, and is descended 
 from pioneers of the State. 
 
 George Davis, his father, was the son of Joshua, 
 references to whom are made in the history of the 
 Davis family of South Strabane township. George 
 was a farmer in early manhood, but some short 
 time after the venerable Charles Carroll opened 
 the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, that novel industry 
 won his attention, and next he is found in the serv- 
 ice of the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad Company 
 as engineer. For many years he followed en- 
 gineering, and, only toward the latter years of his 
 life, did he resume farming. He was united in 
 marriage with Miss Martha Crawford, who was 
 a resident of Lexington, Ky., and immediately 
 after they located in Allegheny county; subse 
 quently moved into Allegheny City, and, in their 
 later years, or about 1854, in Peters township, this 
 county, where he died, in his fifty-sixth year, De 
 cember 14, 1N70. His widow died April 8, 1S7'_'. 
 aged fifty-four years. 
 
 George and Martha Davis were the parents of 
 six children, namely: Mary Jane, wife of Dunning 
 Hart, of Amwell township; Maggie A., wife of 
 John Finley Scott, of Buffalo township; William 
 H., the subject of this sketch; Wilson C, a lum- 
 ber dealer at Saltsbnrgh, Penn.; Martha W., 
 widow of Alexander Wilson, of Allegheny county, 
 and George B., an architect of Monmouth, 111. 
 The parents of this family were, at the period of 
 death, members of the Brush Run United Presby- 
 terian Church. The father was a stanch Repub- 
 lican. 
 
 William H. Davis accompanied his parents to 
 Washington county in 1854, and grew to manhood 
 
 here. He received a primary education in the 
 schools of Peters township, and completed a com- 
 mercial course in Duff's Commercial College, 
 Pittsburgh. His marriage with Miss Lucy M., 
 daughter of John and Mary P. (Adams) Fife, of 
 Allegheny county, Penn., took place November 
 10. 1870. The Fifes were represented in Alle- 
 gheny county at a very early date, and in the his- 
 tory of that section of the State, published by A. 
 Warner A; Co., the name is repeatedly mentioned, 
 anil the biography of the present head of the fam- 
 ily given. William H. Davis and wife took up 
 (heir residence on the home farm in Peters town 
 ship, and remained there until 1881, when they 
 moved to Kansas. After a stay of three years 
 (here, they returned to Washington county, Penn., 
 where Mr. Davis opened a lumber yard at Hills, on 
 the Chartiers road, which he carried on for six 
 years. The storms and Hoods, in the springof 1889, 
 resulted in heavy loss to him, as the waters rush 
 ing through his yards carried away a considerable 
 quantity of lumber and damaged permanent im- 
 provements. 
 
 In the fall of 1889 he established his yard at 
 Washington, Penn. Soon after, his cousin, J. K. 
 Davis, became his partner, but he, in the course of 
 a few weeks, sold his interests to W. H. Davis, Jr., 
 another cousin, who continued in the firm until 
 March 21, 1893, when he withdrew, and it was reor- 
 ganized under the present title. The children of 
 Mr. and Mrs. Davis are: Mary Etta, wife of \\ . 
 R. Woods, of Allegheny county, Penn.; George; 
 Martha Crawford; Sarah Viola, and Addie Maria, 
 all residents of Washington. The parents are 
 members of the First Presbyterian Church. Po- 
 litically Mr. Davis is a Republican, but the close 
 personal attention he gives to his extensive Imsi 
 ness interests does not permit him to take an act 
 ive part in polities. 
 
 \ILLIAM GREGG. Among the early set 
 tiers of Washington county, whose deeds 
 are an undying monument to their mem- 
 ory, were Mr. Gregg's first ancestors in 
 this country, a record of whom is pre- 
 sented on page 1207, this volume. 
 
 Henry Gregg, sou of Henry and Jane (Dowler) 
 Gregg was born November 22, 1790, on the home 
 place in West Pike Run township, Washington Co. , 
 Penn. He attended the schools of the period, then 
 learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed 
 for some years, but finally gave his attention to 
 farming. On February 8, 1821, he married Eleanor 
 Gregg, who was born in 1 790, in Washington county, 
 and nine children were born to them, of whom but 
 two are yet living, William and John. The father 
 was an industrious, practical farmer; in politics he 
 affiliated with the Republican party. Mrs. Gregg 
 
I 176 
 
 WASHINGTON, COUNTY. 
 
 died in 1841, followed bj her husband in L876. 
 Both were members of the M. )''.. Church. 
 
 William Gregg, son of Eenry and Eleanoi 
 (Gregg) Gregg, was bom December '•>, 1822, on 
 the home place in Wesl Pike Hun township, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. His educational opportunities 
 were very limited, the greater part of his youth 
 being passed in agricultural duties; but by energy 
 and perseverance be has overcome these earlj dis- 
 advantages, andis now a thoroughly culturedgen 
 
 tleman. II" and his brother John, neitl E 
 
 whom have married, reside on the old homestead, 
 which contains ninety-eighl acres of good land, 
 i bej conduct an extensive business in general 
 farming and stock raising. In politics tbej are 
 earnest workers in the Republican party, though 
 never accepting official honors. They are univer- 
 sally known as honest, energetic business men, 
 possessing warm sympathies for those who have 
 been unfortunate. 
 
 IX Y. SWICKARD, a prominent businesi 
 
 I, \\ man, and proprietor of a well known meat 
 
 f""\\ market in Monongahela, was born May 10, 
 J) -■ 1859, in Nottingham township, Washington 
 V Co., Penn., a son of Daniel and Harriet 
 
 (Leyda) Swickard, a sketch of whom appears al 
 
 page 735 in t his \ olume. 
 
 1 1, received Ins education at the common schools 
 
 of Monongahela, and in 188 entered into partner 
 
 ship with his father in the shoe business ill that 
 
 t iwn, which continued some four years when it 
 was dissolved by mutual consent, and our Bubjecl 
 then went into the employ of Stew art I lacked ,v Co., 
 
 as traveling salesman. With them he remained 
 in that capacity until 1891 when he embarked in 
 
 his present prosperous business. 
 
 On December '.'. 1888, Mr. Swickard married 
 May, daughter of Johnston Coulter, and two chil- 
 dren came to bless their union: Helen Irene (de- 
 ceased), and Marie ('. Our subject and wife are 
 
 adherents of the Presbyt erian Church; politically 
 he is a Demoorat, ever taking an active interest in 
 the affairs of his party. Mr. Swickard is recog 
 
 ni/.ed and respected as a useful. lo\al citizen, hav- 
 ing at heart the welfare and prosperity of his city, 
 
 township ami county. 
 
 IX MiKI'W McDONALD, son of John Mo- 
 /\\ Donald, was horn April 20, IMO. John 
 h~\ McDonald was born in 1789,-in Virginia, 
 
 Jl -^ and was a lifelong farmer. In 1803 he 
 v moved to Washingtoi county, Penn., and 
 
 the following year purchased 175 acres of land 
 which is now known as the old homestead. In 
 1839 he was united in marriage with Miss Man 
 
 Fish, ol thiscounty, who bore him the following 
 children: Andrew. Gabriel, James II., John, 
 
 Hiram, Man (Mrs. Jennings), Nancy J.. Edith ('< 
 and Matilda. Mr. McDonald served assupervisor 
 several years, township clerk for twenty live years, 
 school director a longtime, and in various other 
 township offices. He died iii November, 1853 
 Mrs. .McDonald is yel living with her children, and 
 en j. lys gi iod health. 
 
 Andrew McDonald has had charge of the old 
 place since his fourteenth year, having at that early 
 age begun the seemingly impossible task of sup 
 porting and educating the eight younger children, 
 thus early left without a father. Heroically he 
 boiled, and noblj did he succeed in this laudable 
 effort. In September, 1862, he enlisted in the 
 army, as the other children were then old enough 
 to provide their own maintenance. He entered 
 ( lompany E, Twenty second Pennsj Ivania Cavalry, 
 (the Ringgold Battalion), ami fought under Sheri 
 dan in id 1 the had les of the Shenandoah Valley until 
 the close of the war. when he returned home. ')u 
 May 17, 1866, he married Isabella Whitfield, a 
 
 native of this county. Mr. McDonald lias been 
 clerk of Nottingham township for the past twenty 
 seven years, ami is now serving his third term as 
 just ice of the peace, having tilled that office twelve 
 years. He has held every office in the township 
 with the exception of constable. He is an adherent 
 of Democratic principles, and, in religions faith, a 
 member of the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 , 
 
 ioi i' reuericK aenrontz, wno was ot urerini 
 i birth, and who at an early age immigrate 
 to America, where he married Elizabel 
 
 US. REGINA BALDWIN is a daughter 
 
 of Frederick Schrontz, who was of ( terman 
 
 led 
 
 ■th 
 Schudler, a resident ol' Washington county, 
 Penn. She bore him six children : Catherine, Re 
 gina, George, Jacob, John and Frank. He was a 
 Democrat in politics, ami in religion was a member 
 of the Lutheran Church. 
 
 On September 27, is;!:!. Regina Schrontz be- 
 came the wile of Thomas Baldwin, an energetic 
 young citizen of Franklin township. Washington 
 Co., Penn. His ancestors were natives of the 
 State of New Jersey, the first of whom to settle in 
 Washington county, Penn., was Jonathan Baldwin, 
 the grandfather of 'Thomas. At that period Wash 
 ington countj was an unbroken wilderness, but 
 Jonathan Baldwin settled in Moms township, and 
 with the aid of his three sons William. Francis 
 and Jonathan - soon established his pioneer home. 
 
 Aiter the death of his parents Francis Baldwin 
 was married to Rebecca Hill, a resident of East 
 Finle] township, who bore him children a- follows: 
 Stephen. Sarah. Thomas. John. I'liobe, Francis, 
 Sealy, James, Amos, Silas and Cephas. Mr. Bald- 
 win was one of the organizers of the Cumberland 
 Presbyterian Church at Van Buret), Washington 
 county, and in political opinion he was a Whig. 
 
WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 1177 
 
 Thomas Baldwin was born August 7, 1811, in 
 Franklin township, Washingtoi Co., Penn., and 
 passed lu's early life in og to im] i 
 
 clear the farm. Like other pioneer children, his 
 education was necessarily limited to the primary 
 ciples of text book knowledge, but in other 
 matters his training was more thorough than that 
 of the modern scholar. After his marriage to 
 Regina Schrontz, the young couple settled on a 
 farm in Munis township, Washington county, 
 where the} remained until I860, nrhenthej rei 
 to the fai I acres which ii the present h 
 
 of Mrs. Baldwin. The children born to this union 
 are as follows: Sarah. Elizabeth (Mrs. Stephen 
 Milleri, Francis F., Jacob, M Her, John, Silas, 
 Marj (Ali>. Jesse Borth), Calvin and Thoi 
 
 Mr. Baldwin was formerly a Whig and then a 
 Republican, taking an active interest in political 
 matten I or many years he wa< a member of the 
 Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Van Buren, 
 g an ardent supporter of tliat society. [Since 
 the above was put in type, we ha e been informed 
 of the .lead, of Mrs. Baldwin. Ed. 
 
 Q 
 
 RANT MONINGER is on. of those - 
 educated, intelligent and enterprising] oung 
 citizens of Am well township, on whom the 
 ■ elder portion of the community begins to 
 depend. As the strength of the seniors in 
 years fails, the) u at u rally look proudly to the bI urdy, 
 active young men who are ready to take the bur- 
 den of life on their strong broad shoulders, before 
 the aged and weary toilers have fallen to rest by 
 t be way. 
 
 John Moninger, who was the pioneer of the 
 family of thai I >w residing in Amwell town 
 
 ship, emigrated from Germany to America in L801, 
 and settled on a farm in Amwell t iwnship, Wash- 
 ington Co., Penn. Mis occupation was r < 
 and carpentry, in both of which h was yen 
 cessful. Bis children were Henry !., George W., 
 John. Jacob, Mrs. Mary Harshaman, .lis. Catherine 
 Harshaman, and .Mrs. Elizabeth Moore. Mr. 
 Moninger was one of the organizers of the Repub- 
 lican party in Washington county. 
 
 George W. Moninger, son of John, yvas horn 
 January 7, 1812, on the old farm near Lone Pine, 
 Amwell township. His lather drovi stock, and 
 the younger days of George were passed in assist- 
 ing in that work, and in attending the rate schools 
 of the neighborhood of his home. Not with stand-. 
 ing many disadvantages, he afterward became one 
 of the best teachers in the township. To illustrate 
 the adventurous spirit of this youth, an mi dent of 
 his boyhood days is given: When a 1 • • twelve 
 
 years, be and his father went to Ba ... e with 
 -lock, and "young America," becoming . patient 
 
 with the more leisurely movements of his paternal 
 ancestor, started home alone, arriving there two 
 days before the rest of the party. On reaching 
 maturity he began teaching school, a profession he 
 followed six Or eight years; then commenced stock 
 
 droving and wool buying, making his headquar 
 ters in Washington borough, and traveling through 
 Washington and Greene count ios. soon winning for 
 
 himself by his business popularity the appro) 
 sobriquet of " Drover George Moninger." He con- 
 tinued to prosper in this line until he formed a | 
 nership with Morgan Brothers in the wool basic 
 
 when he lost his entire property, ami at th 
 
 forty five yvas obliged to begin the world anew, with 
 
 no capital save that of the old courageous B] 
 stronger in him than ever. Within a few years he 
 accumulated another fortune, somefl 5,000 1 
 
 000 which enabled him to purchase the R< 
 
 Luellen farm. In September, 1 Mi.".. Mr. Moninger 
 
 was married to Mrs. Sidney (Horn) Swart, widow 
 
 of Amos Swart, who yvas killed at Spottsylvania, 
 and they had two children: Grant, bom February 
 14, 1869, and Franklin, born August 11, 1872 
 Mr. Moninger yvas highly esteemed in his commu- 
 nity, and was a representative Republican of his 
 town-hip. In the Disciple Church at Lone Pine 
 
 as one of the most zealous workers. On July 
 25, 1888, he passed peacefully away, after an 
 
 red and useful life of seventy six years and 
 six months. 
 
 Grant Moninger, son of George and Sidney 
 Moninger, was born on the old home farm near 
 Pine, his rudii ttary education being re 
 
 id at the common schools of the neighbor!. I. 
 
 which was supplemented with a five or six y 
 attendance at Pleasant Valley Academy, he then 
 took a c urse at the Iron City College, Pittsburgh, 
 
 Penn.. which properly included from eight to 
 twelve months, but which he completed in" four 
 
 o ths. He, yvas always one of the brightest 
 
 students in school, and he is gifted with an active 
 mind and superior intelligence. Since his seven 
 teenth year he has had charge of his lather's estate. 
 and is the appointed guardian of his younger 
 brother. The brothers have a farm comprising 
 350 acres of prime land. When but seventeen 
 of age. Grant Moninger united with the Disciple 
 Church of Lone Pine, of which he has ever since 
 been an active member. 
 
 \ K. GALBRAITH, the popular young 
 
 postmaster of Canonsburg, is a grai 
 of William Galbraith, a native of Scot- 
 land, who married Isabella Welch, who 
 was born and reared in the Ln 
 Isle. They came to America soon after tl 
 marriage, locating on the old farm near Burgetts- 
 town, Smith township, Washington Co.. Penn., 
 
1478 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 where children were born to them as follows: 
 Matthew, James L, Robert (deceased), John (<le 
 ceased), William R., Middleton, Jaue, Margaret, 
 Elizabeth (deceased) uad Csabelle. The father was 
 a stanch advocate of the principles embodied in the 
 Whig party, and Berved several years as justice of 
 the peace. Be was a member and ruling elder of 
 the D. P. Church at Burgettetowo for many ■ 
 Be died in I860. 
 
 • lames A Galbraith was born cm the old farm in 
 Smith township, Uiis county, and at the age of 
 eighteen years began to teach school, following 
 (hat profession several years. Be then became a 
 clerk at Cross Creek village, this county, oontinu 
 ing as such twenty one years lie finally engaged 
 in the hardware business at Burgettstown, Smith 
 township, and in 1875 wa* elected county recorder. 
 At the expiration of his* term of office he moved 
 to Canonsburg, and has since been profitably em 
 ployed in handling grain and machinery. Be was 
 wedded to Mary A. Bebout, of Cross Creek village, 
 who Las borne him seven children, namely: Ai 
 married to Dora Chambers, of Canonsburg, Perm-; 
 Belle, deceased wife of Charles Barding, station 
 of the Waynesburg & Washington Railroad; 
 W K , whose sk.teh follows; Elizabeth, wife of 
 S \. Crosier, a merchant of Canonsburg; Robert, 
 a druggist of Pittsburgh, Penn. , married to Anna 
 Coleman; and Nettie, wife of Joseph Thompson, 
 who is interested in the oil fields of Pennsylvania. 
 
 W. K. Galbraithmvas born December I-, li 
 in Cross Creek village, Penn., ai-al when ten years 
 of age came with his parents to Burgettstown Be 
 entered the high school, and graduated with the 
 class of 'TS. After leaving school lie assisted his 
 fathei in the duties oi the recorder's office, and 
 when tUe term was ended worked one year for the 
 now recorder. lie then conducted a tobacco store 
 in ( anoueburg foi eight years; then entered the 
 i he Central Grain Elevator Company, of 
 Pittsburgh, Penn., remaining in the, until 
 
 his appoinment, in 1890, as postmasti r of Canons- 
 burg. On November 13, 1884, he was united 
 in marriage with Mary E., daughter of .lames 
 Munnell. if Canonsburg. They have three chil 
 dren: James Lloyd, Katie E. and Robert R. 
 
 Mr. Galbraith has a beautiful home on East 
 
 lu politics he is a faithful adherent 
 
 of the Republican parly, avid in religion a member 
 
 and liberal supportei of the I' I' Church at < 'anons 
 
 burg, He i-, an influential citizen, respe ■<<■■! by all, 
 
 »j"~Y OBERT 0. NESBIT is a son of u 
 
 La^f Nesbit, whose parents John and :\Iartii, 
 
 1 V (Donaldson) Nesbit, came from Cecil 
 
 J) —• ty, Ml., to Washington county. Penn. 
 
 John N'esl it was accompanied by three 
 
 broth ..f whom soon after returned to Mary 
 
 Ian I, while the others located upon a tract of land 
 
 which lies upon the boundaries of Chartiere and 
 Canton townships John settled on 119 acn 
 
 land, and children were born to these pioneers, but 
 ill the winter of 1837 a deadly fever raged in the 
 neighborhood. lief ore spring the fathei' and three 
 
 of the children John, Margaret and Jane- bad 
 died. Of the once happy family now remained a 
 widowed wife and bereaved mother, who clung 
 closely to her on.' remaining son, Robert, The 
 Death Angel soon called her to join the loved ones 
 gone before, and on April 26, 1843, she too died. 
 
 Robert Nesbit was born in 1800, in Canton 
 township, on hi-, father's farm. On June 12, 
 1828, he was married to Alary Ann Anderson, a 
 native of < lhartiers township, this county, and three 
 children were hi in to them, namely: John A., 
 Sarah (Mrs. Ed v aid H. Daugherty). and Martha 
 (deceased wife ol William Stewart). Mrs. Nesbit 
 died September "27. 1X37, and he was afterward 
 married to Margaret Shaw, a native of Ireland, 
 who canie with ' er parents to America when but a 
 child. Tiny Wi re married in Washington county, 
 and settled upc n tin- farm where their only son 
 Robert D., is now living. Mr. Nesbil took an 
 active interest n political matters, and in church 
 relation was many years an elder and leading mem 
 bet of the United I'resbytei ian Church. He died 
 in 1861, and was followed by his wife in 1863. 
 
 Robert P. >esbit was bom March 25, 1841, on 
 the old home farm iii Chartiere township, receiving 
 his education n the district schools. In 18(52 he 
 enlisted in an independent cavalry company for a 
 term of three years, or until the close of the war. 
 This company was afterward organized into the 
 Twenty-second Pennsylvania Regiment, and then 
 i ie a part of the Ringgold Battalion. Mr. 
 Nesbit took part in the battles of Winchester, 
 Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. In 1865 here 
 ceived an h< notable discharge at Wheeling. W. 
 Va., after w i : It he returned to Chartiere town 
 ship. On Al ust 26, 1868, he was married to 
 Miss Lizzi a native of Chat-tiers township, 
 
 daughter of David and Maria (McLaughlin) Lee. 
 They had em, grated from England to Maryland, 
 finally lo in Washington county, Penn., 
 
 where tin- eniainder of their lives was passed. 
 After his marriage Mr. Nesbit settled on the 
 farm which i> now his home. The land is not 
 only vain-, I , for its agricultural properties, but 
 also for g) which has been developed thereon. 
 To Mr. aqi drs. Robert D- Nesbit the following 
 
 children hi v • been born: David H., Robert, Mag- 
 gie, Berth- and Lizzie (twins), Mr. Nesbit is act 
 i.eh intei ed in the Republican party, and has 
 I as lember of the school board and judge 
 of in- . He and his wife are members of 
 the Qnf Presbyterian Church and are ever 
 ready to la helping hand to further any 
 
 worth] '■. rise. 
 
lT^"E>ts>X 
 
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 ASH1NGTON COUNTY 
 
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 icheson. Judge A. w • 
 
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 Espey, .'. s 4.-, ;i 
 
 Espj , George M 1442 
 
 Ewlng, Hon. .lelm Hoge -14 
 
 Ew Ing, Samuel B 47 
 
 . William 121 
 
 Exline, Mrs. Sarah A - 681 
 
 Farabee, Benjamin loss 
 
 Farley Family, The ... 
 
 Farley, James 72! 
 
 i arli ■ , Mrs, Jane 724 
 
 . \\ ilium 727 
 
 Parrar Family, The 819 
 
 Fee, 1 ia i Id Hamilton, . is 
 
 Fee, . I • > t ■ r j 727 
 
 i le Vi lllium 727 
 
 i ei W mi. mi M 
 
 i ei gus, San l P n 
 
 Fergus, Tl as.T 7:f:t 
 
 Ferguson, Adam S m> 
 
 ison, James II iijli 
 
 ■ ion, John i 
 
 ". I"lll! \v 
 
 on, William W 
 
 Pi ly 907 
 
 l- Inlej , Dr. F.M 
 
 I inlej . John l'k; 
 
 John A mi7 
 
 I I inley, lion. John. B 246 
 
 F inlej . l..-w i 
 
 ilium. Richard M 
 
 Family 
 
 Flack, John 
 
 John \ 4. r >s 
 
 '■ I: "• ' ■..,;■ .ii kx 
 
 i' lick, i lanlel i 
 
 lam B 24a 
 
 Ford, Andrew .1 ai7 
 
 Forgle, William 1471 
 
 Forrest, George in 
 
 , .1. K [46 
 
 Forrest, Itichard 1; 11., 
 
 Forrest, Itoberl K 144 
 
 Forsyth, Thomas 
 
 lie, .1.1111'' 8 
 
 ie, Andrew S 99 i 
 
 Frazee, 1 lol. David bis 
 
 1 razee, Demas M 992 
 
 1 1 a :i e, John \ 816 
 
 Frazler, Alexander 199 
 
 1 Andrew 
 
 Frazlei II 1:174 
 
 F rench, Enoch 10S8 
 
 F rench, John C 682 
 
 Freshwater, John 
 
 Fry, simili 1242 
 
 Abraham 
 
 Frye, John 
 
 Frye, Keazen 111 , 
 
 Itoberl ii 602 
 
 Frye, Samuel 
 
 W esl )03 
 
 Fulton Bros 
 
 Fulton, I en IdW 1113 
 
 FultOn, Ha\ Id S 7in; 
 
 Fulton Family 809 
 
 Fulton, .IdIiii 706 
 
 Fulton, John m 
 
 Fulton, Kobert .1 160 
 
 nuel G 1 169 
 
 Fulton, W. r tiKi 
 
 1 urlon I C 1316 
 
 Furnier Family, The 1093 
 
 Furniet, D&\ id 
 
 Furnier, Henry 1094 
 
 1 urnler, Miss Tine looa 
 
 Gabby, Prank M 
 
 William 786 
 
 Gabby, William A 786 
 
 < lalbraith, Alexander w. . . . 1:171; 
 
 'iiilbmitli, Samuel 922 
 
 Galbraith, William, ... 
 
 Galbraith, W. K 1477 
 
 Galley, John S lira 
 
 Gamble Family 1427 
 
 Gamble, II. J., M. 11 1426 
 
 Gardner, David. 765 
 
 Gardner, Mrs. Eli: 
 
 r, John, sr 
 
 I lardnei . J inn 
 
 has 
 
 Garrett, Joiin 
 
 Garrett, Samuel 
 
 . M.11. James M.. 
 
 I. William 1 
 
 nan n ' 
 
 i lault, Andrew Russell. . . 
 Gault, David 
 
 David W 
 
 < rau)t, Jami s 
 
 Gault, John a 
 
 Gayman, t; ii 
 
 ions, It. M 
 
 Gee, Charles W ■ 
 
 I HI . 
 
 I 
 
 . John ■• 
 
 . John .!.... 
 George, San ,...•••• 
 
 ,..'ii \| . 
 
 Gbrlst, Samuel .1 >•• 
 
 Gibson, Jacob 
 
 Giffln, Am I lew .... 
 ■ 
 
 ile, John 
 
 ■ ■. Mis. Nan 
 Gillespie, Mis. Sara 
 
 Gillespie, W. .1 
 
 Gilllland, Vdams.. 
 
 Glimore, Noah F 
 
 II. : . 1: 
 
 
 
 'lilpl . 
 
 Gladden, w illiani.. 
 
 Hugli M.. 
 
 
 
 Gordon, John 
 
 Gourlej . - r . »i , 1 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 1 Bros. 
 
 
 
 Gowern, Willh> mJ 
 
 n *I 
 
 Mary Ann 
 
 ,s.. m. 1 
 
 . 1 i ! 
 
 1. .loin 
 
 
 
 Grant, I 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 Grayson I 
 
 Grayson, V 
 
 ijainiuF 
 
 'Is 
 
 
 
 Grcei M, 
 
 '' 
 
 tGrcgs 
 
 rew 
 
 \. '-• ••••■■,• 
 
 M-s Ella M 
 
 '"J . 
 
 ■ 
 
 •I'', 1 !" 
 
 1 ' : 
 
 • x > 
 
 11 
 
 1 •■• 
 
 Iliam s 
 
 
 
 Addison \ 
 
 Klmor II 
 
 '.I illil • Isaac 
 
 1, John M 
 
 
 IE 
 
 .1381 
 
 1060 
 . 931 
 1060 
 
 . . 1 266 
 
 .. 684 
 .. 684 
 
 ..Urs 
 
 ■ 
 
 I 10 
 
 . 769 
 
 I 
 
 .. 714 
 . .1298 
 
 ..1210 
 
 I 110 
 
 I 
 
 . . 77n 
 
 . 770 
 
 86 
 
 .1 108 
 
 is 
 
 . Ill 
 . 1111 
 
 . mi 
 
 H'l 
 
 . iwvj 
 
 I 11,7 
 66 
 
 1006 
 
 ii 
 
 1 
 
 538 
 
 514 
 
 1 477. 
 
 G 
 
 I 47.7 
 415 
 
 tir> 
 
 I'll. I.I'M 
 
 i.nlillli. 
 
 1 is, Andrew .1. 
 
 H.-.7 
 
 ' 
 
 I '.:, 
 
 9 ■ 
 . 849 
 1230 
 
 463 
 
 H13 
 
 II " karess, Michael 1 
 
 ii: erty, I)a\ i'l . . 8S7 
 
 i'li 
 
 1 1 
 
 vVilliatu 
 
 ,\ 1 
 
 1 1 nes . William S 
 
 1 . 'i tell <•'. Illi .1 11 
 
 Alexander A 
 
 
 
 PAGE 
 
 >•, It. W 11IH 
 
 Haggarty, Itobert . 1120 
 
 iiniel 1120 
 
 1 
 
 Halner, John B 
 
 Hair, Mraliam 836 
 
 1164 
 
 ■ ily 884 
 
 n, Finley B 
 
 Hallam, Itobert 11 886 
 
 Hamiltons ol 1 lln ei Hill... 60 
 
 Hamilton, .lames 
 
 Hamilton, James B 11177 
 
 on, Jami s R 1199 
 
 !i>lin . 63 
 
 Hamilton, Jol n II. 
 
 Hamilton, Park .1 1190 
 
 Hamilton, R. I» 1869 
 
 in, 1 I ,■: 1 • 
 Hamilton, William v.. D.D. 68 
 
 1 uiiiiv inn 
 
 Hanlln, A.M 
 
 Hanlin, Francis 1 • 
 
 Hanlln, William 1110 
 
 Hanna, Hugh, M. D 946 
 
 Hanna James 
 
 1 G B7a 
 
 Hanna, John V 11U2 
 
 Happer, Maj. Andrew G 22 
 
 I lapp r. Jolin A 508 
 
 Hapiier, Mrs. Vlolel ■ ■ .50 1 
 
 Harbison, Massy 128 
 
 Harding, \ achel 
 
 Hare, 11 by 
 
 irge w 712 
 
 Harrison, Joseph 966 
 
 Harrison, Mrs. Margaret A. 712 
 Hart, Brll 1711 
 
 DunnlD 
 
 iiiii 1. ' . lorge Scott 18 
 
 Hart, 1 ■ 166 
 
 Harvey, John C 1 111 
 
 Hastings, johnjC 
 
 Hastings, William r 270 
 
 ■Hathaway, A. N 958 
 
 Hathaway, Jacob ■■ .. 
 
 Hawkins, Col. Alexander 1... ws 
 
 -is. Elijah 1217 
 
 epli 
 
 1 I'll II : 147a 
 
 :i7K 
 
 Hawkins, Mrs. Sar ill Ii 1472 
 
 ..is 938 
 
 Hawkins, W, N 
 
 Hayburn, Joseph ns.s 
 
 Hues. Morgan '_'.".:( 
 
 don 11 569 
 
 I lua M 
 
 Hays, Vlej andei 8 
 
 Hays family 
 
 Hays, fieoi ge w 
 
 ...... 
 
 Haj s. John 
 
 'I:n II. 127<i 
 
 
 
 , Roberl 102 
 
 Ha/.lett, Samuel 
 11. 1 'I'M. William 
 
 id, Col.Chillion W ... 161 
 
 Hemphill, J; 3 1 641 
 
 1 son, .lames I 
 
 Henderson, Joseph 769 
 
 1 i: 
 Hendi 
 
 Henry, A. L 
 
 Henry Famil; 
 . ■ an 
 
 Lewis A 
 
 Henry, Robert n 
 
 I ■ 
 Ho 1 ■ >i 1 James I E.Piki Ri 
 Hoi -"ii .1 11 iesi iban 
 
 Herron, 1 ihn 
 
 Herron, Joseph 10 
 
 ,121 
 Herron. Robert I 09 
 
 Hi . i i" vlvesti 
 
 , Prof. G 1. 
 [1 James M 
 
 Heslep Family, 'I he 
 Heslep, Thomas ,. 
 ■'. 
 
 Hess A J .1190 
 
 I I 11, until 
 
 iicklll I 1286 
 
 H 
 
 DbacUali M) 
 
 0. C 
 
 ."I. Eli II... . 
 mil. II. W 
 
 is I. 
 
 I'-S J 
 
 
 
 Illll ■ n II 
 
 :.. 
 
 Hill. Joseph 
 
 Hill, Roberl ii 
 
 Hill, William II 
 
 Hilton, 1 horn 
 
 Hlndman, John . .. 
 
 iei 
 
 man, 1 ii as a 
 
 .', James 
 
 iit\"ii. 11 1.1s 1; 
 
 Hoogens, isaac 
 
 Hodgens, James 
 
 Hodg< \v 
 
 Hodgens, Thomas 
 
 Hell'i I 
 
 
 
 Holme 1 Y... 
 
 Holmes, .lames 
 
 Holmes, Robert C 
 
 Hood, James 
 
 Hood, Mrs. Margaret. 
 
 1 ndi 1 si-ii. . , 
 Hootman, Chrlslji 
 
 Hootman, DavldX 
 
 Hootman. Roberl ( 
 Hopkins Family, 'iHie.. 
 Hopper, Ai thur .1 
 
 ii'iin, 1 ihrlstopher 
 
 Horn, Isaac 
 
 Horn, Jacob 
 
 Horn, .leiin 
 
 Horn, w lllii m M 
 Horm ■ 1 ■ 
 Hornei . William G 
 Houston Famllj 
 
 Houston, 1 iaac 
 
 Houston, S. H... 
 iImiisi,,:,. Williai 
 Howarth, Joseph 
 
 "iin 
 
 ii"\\ ' 
 
 I lev- e ...... 
 
 iis. Butlei 
 
 es, Barnabas 
 
 Hughes, James M 
 
 Hughes, .inn" " 
 
 "iin 
 
 Hughes, John 11 
 
 Hughes, Samuel 
 
 Huglu I 
 
 II 1 1 McK . 
 
 Hughes, \Voi kinan 
 
 Hiiyli's, Workman, Ji 
 Hauler Family 
 
 Hunter, Jam 
 Hunti 1. ,Ia me'- 
 Hunter, .' 
 
 ■ r, 
 Hunter, \ 
 Huston, . 
 
 11. ' 
 Huston, ■ 
 
 Ins 
 
 ' 
 
 Ii viii. 
 Irwin 
 
 Irwh 
 [rwiii 
 
 lr\vi» 
 
 llH ':• 
 .lie 
 
 Jai 
 
 la 
 
 .i.-i 
 
 J.- 
 
 J; 
 
 .1 
 
 .1 
 
 i- na: 
 .. +11 
 
 ... 7(i7 
 ...Hi". 
 
 ; .'i 
 . . 7ta 
 
 ■ •.a 
 
 rsa 
 
 . 721 
 . . 720 
 
 . . sic; 
 
 :n 
 
 . 369 
 
 . . 758 
 
 , 
 .1411', 
 
 .1411, 
 959 
 111 
 
 ..1289 
 
 .147.1 
 
 ..1429 
 
 1086 
 
 . 1452 
 
 . . 887 
 
 . . mi 
 . 697 
 
 lies 
 . . 946 
 . . 946 
 
 .1111 ill 
 
 . .-..ii 
 
 .Mil 
 
 . 648 
 
 " 
 
1482 
 
 PAfiK 
 
 Jackson, .1 Dallas 296 
 
 .lacksiin Joseph K 916 
 
 Ml, W. W IIS", 
 
 J iseph I' I i:.: 
 
 Jeffries, Amur 1302 
 
 leffries, Vnilersun 1302 
 
 Jeffries Familj 
 
 Jeffries, lii njamln F I2s:i 
 
 Ji ffrlcs, Joseph J 
 
 .Tunning . Kov. s. 1 156 
 
 .I. hps. .11, John G 
 
 ,l< 1|||S|.|, 1,1 . 
 
 .!•'' iismi. r.ii ker S ' ian 
 
 Jul us.m R. V 216 
 
 Joiiuston, James 11 lecilj 1169 
 
 Johnston, Janiesi Wash ton) 587 
 
 on, Robert 1211 
 
 JohBston, William .1 nisi 
 
 Jom s Familj [43, 1380 
 
 1416 
 
 Jones, Prank \\ 11117 
 
 .i»m,-s. i leorge 1 > 
 
 Jones Henrj \\ 
 
 Jaines 
 
 Junes, W. 11 
 
 Jones, William 11 333 
 
 WASHING !". i \ COUN TY. 
 
 Kahl, I is 
 
 Kammtii or, Franl 1 1 
 
 John,. 
 
 Kaimneiur, Joseph 
 
 ei t. Martin 
 
 Kanimert-r, w llllani s 
 
 Keenan, Hem 
 Koenan, William - - 
 Keenan. William W. 
 
 . Henrj M 
 
 Keller, Emanuel W. 
 
 Kelly, .1.1111 s 
 
 Kelso Familj 
 
 Ki Is*). i.:i,, 
 KmIso, J. II 
 
 Kelso, Marl.- 1: 
 
 KulSO, William .1 
 
 a ,. 
 
 Kennedy, Jo' n F 
 
 Kennedy, Samuel 
 
 Kennoy, Kev. Jam 
 
 Kerr, Aaron 11 
 
 Kerr, Liidren 
 
 Kerr, Andrew v 
 
 David 
 
 saai 11.11 i|it >n... 
 Ki-rr. Mrs. I 
 
 " ■ .. . . 
 
 Hannah 
 
 ' ei r, William 
 
 5, Mis Dellla 
 
 -'. Knooh 
 
 
 
 
 
 • = .-] .1 1 
 
 Mary 
 
 
 
 
 .. nm 
 
 ..1000 
 
 . 632 
 
 . . 931 
 .. 999 
 
 . Ml 
 
 -.11 
 
 . mot 
 .. 631 
 .. 576 
 
 1451 
 .. !M4 
 
 ,, 
 . .la?* 
 
 ..145.1 
 
 ,.1418 
 
 1114 
 1413 
 
 713 
 14I-.1 
 
 .-,'.!., 
 
 . 711 
 
 . .,'.«. 
 132S 
 
 . 266 
 
 . 2IS5 
 
 .1102 
 500 
 
 . 016 
 
 . (189 
 R89 
 
 .: 1 
 48 
 
 . W!l 
 
 » 1ST" 
 
 » « 
 
 149 
 
 '1.-7 
 
 HI 
 
 PAGE 
 
 Lamb, Henry II 631 
 
 Landefeld, Henry la'.s 
 
 Lawrence, G. V 
 
 nee, Joseph ;i7 
 
 1. J. P 686 
 
 Lawtou, Arnold gm 
 
 1 an Ion, (amoron w 907 
 
 . John 686 
 
 Lawton, .Mrs. Margaret 
 
 Lawton, Mrs. Marj 
 
 i.iaiibi'iiT. Isaac 
 
 •'''. Hugh gSfi 
 
 l.ee, Hugh, Jr 
 
 1 ee, Mrs. Jane Ann 1:121 
 
 1 ee, John sua 
 
 Lee, William 8 820 
 
 Leech, James 
 
 I i ivli Joseph P 14411 
 
 1." ch, I'ressly 
 
 I.eel Family 1424 
 
 Aim iii.'im 769 
 
 Li .Li. Jacob 1311a 
 
 i.r Moyne, Dr. Francis .1 7 
 
 Leonard, John 7114 
 
 rd, John R 7.11 
 
 1 1, William 970 
 
 Rev. William II... 1-11 
 
 Letherinan, John. 350 
 
 l.ifli-i man. John A.. M. I), irji 
 
 Lewis, David ll.. M. D... SO 
 
 Loyda, ' leori e. 604 
 
 Harrison 10711 
 
 Melon 1< ,1 
 
 1076 
 
 mi IS 690 
 
 1 'lini M. 892 
 
 'unity 1016 
 
 ctt.JohnS 1393 
 
 i- S 1019 
 
 I Marl in a loin 
 
 Liggett, Thomas 1393 ■ 
 
 Liggett, 1401 
 
 Liggett. \\ : Ham inn; 
 
 I N 897 
 
 iirs. Kate 397 
 
 l.iil.-v. rhon 
 
 5115 
 
 Dianas 
 
 Llndley, 11,1 . . 
 Llndley, Levi 
 
 Llndley, Philip 1137 
 
 Llndley, Sai 1 1; 11:17 
 
 karoo iigo 
 
 I. Inn. Alonzo 202 
 
 Linn, George \.. M. 11 118 
 
 ' Wis. lu',0 
 
 tfatthi w 10114 
 
 , .... ,1064 
 
 .41 
 
 1 4-.i 
 
 Linton, Mahlou 42 
 
 Linton, Olive* M 253 
 
 1176 
 
 v ilson 117.-, 
 
 iler H. . . 32 
 
 Lltle.Roli I BOO 
 
 1. in. William 500 
 
 Rdward irm 
 
 H«le, J.A 4.--; 
 
 Foseph II.. M. I).. . .1135 
 
 Moses 1135 
 
 art, George K 1121 
 
 1. "link, John C 71a 
 
 I nu'iin. Samuel ...ills 
 
 long, George leffersou 4i:s 
 
 l.'inf. James 1,., \i. n una 
 
 [Wain 
 R 
 Luellen, <:■ orgo w . 
 
 Luolleii. Henry 1327 
 
 '.usk. Jaines 11. 1 11 1 
 
 Lyle, Aaron 
 l.yl. , Jain 
 Lyon, Bei 
 
 . 
 
 i.'lnas II 
 
 ' I 1 
 1 iac 
 
 1420 
 
 HIcAdam, 1). ,1 
 
 McKrld 
 
 1 ' . 1202 
 
 'i\ Family 71 
 
 *' 'Burney, F.beuezer. ... 12 
 
 uey, Ezra 73 
 
 >' T.nrn.'i. Jaines 71 
 
 JblBurney, .fames .M 12 
 
 Mi Burnej li.lm 514 
 
 uey, J. It.., 72 
 
 Mi' iilie, John 871 
 
 Mc< the, Joseph F s?i 
 
 Mc iin.int, Alexander 1285 
 
 Mi' 1 ' Imout,. lames P.... 
 
 Mi'i iiiiint, .l.ihn 1223 
 
 Met in t. John \ 1228 
 
 MeOamont. John II.... 
 
 McO ' mont.S. A 521 
 
 McOii ,11, David M.. M. I>. 719 
 McGaifc,)!, Lodowh 
 McOai '.||, Thomas 364 
 
 McCarl Brothers 98C 
 
 M<< 111, .),,hn 
 
 I mas D ... ass 
 Mci'asla.d, v iiiiam ■ ,. 
 
 McClain Samuel C 576 
 
 McClatu William N 
 McClay.David, Sr 680 
 
 McCIay, David, Jr 575 
 
 McCIay, folio 920 
 
 McCIay, . y 630 
 
 McCIay, 1 -. Martha 1 
 
 ri II 
 McCIay, Samuel 
 
 iry.LewisC 140s 
 
 iry. William 193 
 
 McCleary, .VilllamT, 
 
 ■ 1, .lexander 
 McCleery, a 6 
 
 I ml I'-imilv 
 Mcl lelland.H 
 
 II | V " 
 McClellaml, 1 ",■ 
 
 ■ 
 land, I.M 
 
 mas J 
 McClure. David 
 McCIu 
 
 1; \ 
 
 McGlii i . ,,', n - ( |.. |, , ,, 
 
 551 
 . 642 
 
 .1241 
 
 1 '.i'. 
 
 4110 
 1169 
 una 
 609 
 
 11111 
 
 ' 
 
 mo 
 1207 
 509 
 
 Met, 'oil .V. 1 
 
 VfcCoi under 
 
 McCon ■ 
 "\iri lonnei 
 1 McCui- 
 
 mnell, P.. v 
 
 Ml I 'I'll'K 11. Matin ,„ i, ¥; . 
 
 McConnell. Mattlu w p 
 
 Mef'on 
 
 le, .l.'iin . 
 , Mary 11 
 
 McCorkle, William 1; ' 
 M.a'.n nii.'k. J ti 
 
 McCormlck, John (! 
 
 McCoi 
 
 McCoj , Alexandi 1 
 
 Mc( oj', Mrs H 
 
 McCoj Dante] " 
 
 .1 'Kill 
 
 net] 
 i el.. 
 
 M.'l'i Hy, Tin.' 
 
 Mcrracken M 1 
 
 M.'i'i' udei .." 
 
 McTreadj . Josi nli 
 
 
 
 idy. William 
 
 McOrel lit, Smith 
 
 McCrere; . V 
 
 MeCrorj , .Toll 
 
 ■ M 
 McCnllough, l'i 1 .... 
 McCullough, Join ... 
 ugh, Rohi s.. 
 W. ^. . . 
 ' [ugh.. 
 McOntchen. James 
 McDonald, Andre* . 
 McDonald, Rdward. 
 
 1273 
 ,.1273 
 ..1022 
 ..1170 
 
 ..104a 
 
 .. .v.'.l 
 
 . . 1251 
 
 ' 
 
 ..1254 
 
 . 702 
 
 ,1091 
 
 ..1021 
 
 . . 1I7II 
 . 7ir.' 
 
 . 802 
 . . 13113 
 
 . . 302 
 
 .1807 
 
 7.11 
 "91 
 
 ,n: 
 
 1 I a: 
 127 
 
 McDonald, George.... 
 McDonald, Kev. George.... 233 
 McDonal I, James 972 
 
 Mcl i.uial.l, John 124 
 
 McDonald, John J. C 1172 
 
 McDonald, Jo'hfl N pj4 
 
 McDonald, K Me. ... 
 
 McDonald, Rev. John M.-- 
 
 Clusky 235 
 
 McDonnell, Patrick H 180 
 
 Mcl 'onnell, David 
 
 McDonough, Henrj (dee'd.) 17a 
 
 McDonough, Henry 632 
 
 McDonough, Henry ll.. M.D 17a 
 
 Mrllnlliillull. ril.'lll.'ls. 1061 
 
 McDowell, Hugh 
 
 Mcl low I'll, Jacob 
 
 McDowell, Jacob F 1232 
 
 McDowell, James 12:12 
 
 McDowell, James W 
 
 Mcl lowell. John 
 
 McDowell, Joseph 
 
 McDowell. Thomas.. 
 
 McElhaney, w, m 1401 
 
 McElwee, John 760 
 
 land, Mrs, Margaret 9 IJ 
 McFarland. Samuel 
 
 MeGahey. I.i//ii- 
 
 McGahey, Thomas (dee'd 
 
 683 
 
 . 110 
 
 . no 
 
 10.-. 
 
 . (06 
 
 . Ms 
 
 .1182 - 
 .1148 
 64 
 
 226 
 . 480 
 
 ..„ 
 
 >77 
 
 634 
 
 I070 
 . 286 
 .1077 
 
 .1077 
 1283 
 
 ■ 
 
 507 
 14 
 
 ion 
 99 
 
 mi 
 
 McGahey, Thomas 
 
 1 s 1/ 
 
 McGlftln, Nathaniel. 
 
 Mcliough, .1. 1 
 
 Mcl lough, Robert 
 Mcl Ion in. Thomas .... 
 Mcl lowan, James 
 Mcl lowen James 11 . . 
 
 McTlval iharlesG 
 
 Mclh dn, Greei 
 
 McTlvaln, Robert C . ... 
 
 Mcllvalne, James 
 
 Mcllvalne, James A ... 
 Mcllvalne, II. m. John A 
 
 M'-'i. ' hnM 
 
 Mcllvalne, V. inli.-lil 
 
 VIeKean, \..C 
 
 McKean, John A., M. i> 
 
 McKi an, John C 
 
 McKean, Robert 
 
 McKeau, Thomas 
 
 . . Airs. Catherine. 
 
 McKee, Hugh 
 
 McKee, James 
 
 McKee, John 
 
 McKei . Rev. William B. 
 
 McKonnan, .Inlin T 
 
 McKennan, Thomas, M. D.. 
 McKennao, linn. Thomas 
 
 M. 1 14, 
 
 i in Judge William 
 McKennan, William 
 
 Mcli ' man William is, . 
 
 mi, .1. A III7H 
 
 McK inlej . Uexander 
 
 \. !•'. B asn 
 
 n H 1207 
 
 McKnlght, Joseph 
 
 M'T.ain Jnsnph 1! 210 
 
 M ■ I inn. William 
 
 McLean, Squire Henry B 1 
 
 McMannl 1, 1 Ireer 999 
 
 McMannts, John 1241s 
 
 McMillan, John K 7ss 
 
 ■ 1 ■••it 1111 
 
 McMurray, Prederick 1802 
 
 McMnrray, Henrj is mr.i 
 
 McMurray, Horvej n»a 
 
 McMurray, .lames 1302 
 
 McMurray, James II wig 
 
 McMurraj , Jam«sM 975 
 
 McMurray John ..175 
 
 McMni raj . Lettli e 1451 
 
 j Bros 1291 
 
 MeNary, Boyd. 12m 
 
 McNary, David. 82 
 
 .. David K 720 
 
 McNarj Family, The si 
 
 Mi'Naiv. .1i |l r "f 
 
 family) 
 
 MeNary, James (son of 
 
 • lames) 
 
 MeNary, John ll 
 
 MeNary, J.C ...... 
 
 ■...i.l) 
 
 MeNary, .1. R 
 
 M.'Mnrv James 8 
 
 MeNary, John. a.'" 
 
 .MeNary, Robert C... 
 
UH.\ 
 
 INDEX. 
 
 HcNary, Samuel 
 
 McNary, 1 liomas 
 
 McNary, W. H.... 
 McNary. W ■ J 
 McNary. William M- 
 
 McNeill, Boberl 
 
 Mcl'eal I I" 
 
 McPeak. Will mi 
 Mcl'eake Bros . Hie.... 
 
 Mnl'licrson. Daniel 
 
 Mcl'lierson, -I"! 111 
 
 McIMiersou, William.... 
 
 McEoberts, diaries 
 
 McVay, Uemas l. 
 
 MiV'i Pamilj 
 
 \i, w iUlams. Jonathan. 
 
 Maldoon, John 
 
 Manes family 
 
 Mancs.John 
 
 Manes. Joseph \ 
 
 Manifold, Boberl 
 
 Manown, James 
 
 Margerum, J. snao 
 
 Minks. Samuel A. ■••••■■ 
 
 Marquis. Rev. JohnS., 1 
 
 Marcinis, James 1 ■ •■■ 
 
 Marnuis. Kev. [1 las. 
 
 Marsh. Col. [■■ M •■••;; ■ 
 Marshall. Miss Annl .. 
 Marshall Faml..lJ 
 
 Marshall, Hugh 
 
 Marshall, James 
 
 Mai * ill, 1 1 w 
 
 Martin Bros 
 
 Miller, John m 
 , Joseph.. 
 Miller, Jnlius P.. 
 Miller, Boberl W 
 
 Mill'-' 
 
 235 
 
 Family," The (Han- 
 
 .. 113 
 . '.KM! 
 !HK> ' 
 
 . . '.Hll 
 
 1191 
 
 Ml el . Me,, in " ' ' ■ • ■ __.. 
 
 iMUler.WI in. 
 
 Milne, ■William I " 
 
 Minton, Di Bradlei }« 
 
 Mlnton, George w . . ■ ■'• 
 
 Minton, Mrs. Margaret - 
 
 Minton, Matthia • 
 
 Minton, PhP 
 
 Mini". 'Jo] 
 
 Mitchell, Isaac ■) '• 
 
 M» rae , s K sts 
 
 I, W. II ' ' . 
 
 Mofiiti :,,, 
 
 Moffltt.Jol.nT « 
 
 \i .11' nam i >■ ' '-„, 
 
 Monin ,iS 
 
 Monluger, Grant. 
 Moninger, Henry 
 Moninger. Jacob ."; 
 
 umery, ,\ ■•', 
 
 Montgomery, James l. 
 
 tgoniery'. Mrs. Matilda. M 
 
 iiicry.Sil 
 
 William. M6 
 
 1-, ■ ■■■ 
 
 Martin I ■ Vn '"' :,, ' i1 ., 1 
 
 Straliane) \\„ 
 
 Martin James. ' 
 
 Martin, John G - 
 
 Martin, John 1 ':. 
 
 Martin, Joseph.. . 
 
 Martin, Matthew >™» 
 
 Mamn. Pei* i 
 
 Martin: Petoi < -.;,•', 
 
 Martin. Bel a ; 
 
 Martin, Samuel.. 
 
 Martin, Samuel i 
 Mfrtln>imam<Gam.nsl 
 
 Martin, WU am (smith 
 
 Martin, Wlllam • '-* 
 
 m, William Henry. 
 
 Martin. Zophanlah «™ 
 
 Ma: lell. H""" ;is ■ v.",..,: 
 
 Mathews, Mi P -\mt 
 
 Mathews, Marshal .. ■■•■ " - 
 Mathews, William J. ..-.»«« 
 
 ews, James... "« 
 
 Matthews. James < 
 Maurer.J Morgan, M. O... ix 
 Maxwell. James ■■■■■■ ° 
 
 Maxwell. Bov. Jas. M.. !>•»• _ 
 
 Maxwell Samuel .';,' 
 
 Mealy, a * x 
 
 - 'res „ 
 
 „'•; MaVnia:- 
 
 
 
 Mehaffey, Wre. Manna Mounts 
 
 Mehaffey, Mitchell.... • 'Mounts 
 
 Moody, -l"!" 1 
 Moore. J - 
 Moore, John... 
 J, M„ M 
 
 I- s -. v- 
 
 Moore William S. 
 Moorh wl Samuel. 
 Moorheail. w. B.... 
 
 Morgan, Jo] 
 
 1 ■ 
 
 4711 
 
 ■ ■■■■ ,.,,,, 
 
 'lis 
 
 Morris, Em' 
 
 ' ''i.'"''- ,'4o 
 
 Morris in, I nlamln l l f'y 
 
 ,,,4 
 
 Mori Bon,.ames, ^ 
 
 Morrison, Hr.John . 
 
 Morrison, hseph Scott .... }« 
 Morrison, »r.M. l ■ ■ ■ 
 
 ,, '!£ 
 
 ' "• ,s„ 
 
 Morn ;,., 
 
 ' ™s 
 \l, rrow, i avi.l. 
 
 Morrow, I eorgc »" 
 
 ihnO. *S 
 
 Morrow, nhn M }*IS 
 
 Horn JiS 
 
 ■geel, James. . 
 
 Neel, Mrs. Nancy 
 
 Neely.James 
 
 Neely. John...... 
 
 \, ...i'-, Nathaniel 
 I antes Met oi 
 
 lirlsty. 
 
 mos 
 
 William 
 
 Neshil -i"!"' vv 
 
 : , Jonathan 
 
 Nrsl'il. B. I> 
 
 Sesbltt, John 
 
 Nesbitt. John A 
 
 Niehol, Thomas.. 
 
 SI, iiol. Thomas -i 
 
 II, John S 
 
 Micholls. Jesse.... 
 
 Nicholson, John I 
 Nicholson, William M 
 
 Noble Famllj 
 
 Noble, Henry C 
 
 Noble, James 
 
 Noble, John S 
 
 Noble, i T, .. 
 
 Sol. In. .l"ll" " 
 
 Noble, l.awrrii'i' 
 
 erl 
 
 I. A 
 
 Noble. T.C 
 
 Noble, T. Ctarl 
 
 Noble, William K 
 
 Noble, Wlsharl 8..., 
 
 Pershing, l/swls. 
 
 ivttit, II I 
 i; 
 
 IMiillps, E. I' 
 
 Philips, saac..... 
 
 Philips, Joseiili II- 
 Philips. William M 
 phillfi)S.Capl K 
 Phillips, Soioiiion...... 
 
 Phillips. W. II.. M. II 
 phillis family 
 
 phillls, Jacob B 
 
 Piper, Cary. . . 
 
 
 
 Plants, ('hristian 
 
 Plants, ' orij 
 
 Plymlre, \. <■ 
 
 
 
 ■ '' v > 
 
 lolui 
 
 Pogue. John ' 
 
 pollocl r nulls 
 
 . A.l'lall. 
 Pollork. M'" anirfr « ■ ■ 
 Pollock-, Isaac \ ■■■-•.-,, 
 ! pollock, James I leneaw I 
 
 .1"7 
 
 ■• 
 
 ..IH'1 
 1361 
 1361 
 
 117'. 
 r,7 
 l.lll 
 
 l.i'l 
 
 I wu 
 
 1 1611 
 Ml 
 
 1161 
 
 II I 
 
 i 
 
 Pollock, Ian 
 
 s .Slral.anei ran 
 
 , ..s.Slral.: 
 ,PS W 
 
 
 Mehaffey, Bobert i fi I 
 
 .lames } .... 
 
 Mel y, lostah 
 
 Melvln Samuel J. 
 Melvln, William 
 Mercer, Mrs M. B 
 
 Mercer, M. B 
 
 viorcer William 
 
 Mesta. Henrj . ... 
 Metcalf, John 
 
 n 
 
 in 
 
 MileZ'Mrs. Caroline.... 
 
 Miles, Elijah :,.„, 
 
 Miller, Mrs. Agnea 
 
 Miller, Andrew 
 
 Miller, \.W-. ..... 
 
 MUli r.Calvin L 
 
 Miller. Christopher. ... 
 Miller, Clinton I,.. ■ ■•••■ ..' 
 Miller: Mrs. EUabeth J. 
 Miller. George H.. M. O.... >- 
 Miller, Oeorge M 
 
 KrBS:.^ 
 
 Mounts, James A . 
 
 ii 
 Mounts l 
 Mimni 
 Mount- 
 Mounts, ticharil M.- 
 Mounti 
 
 Ml 
 I 
 
 Mnnce. r 
 M inlii'l 
 Muniiel 
 
 Munnel 
 Murdoi 
 Murrai " 
 
 Murra. 
 Murra> 
 
 Mm-'' . 
 Mar'- 
 
 O'Connor, Charles : 
 
 oi "in "i. .i.iim. 
 
 Osburn, Geoi ^ ■ '-;; 
 
 Osburn. Jamos.^ 
 
 Osburn. Kobert I "J 
 
 Owen, Ellas p.., " 
 
 Owlngs, Wesley I '" 
 
 Painter. Mrs. Byron 4 ; 
 
 Mo,, lien .... 
 
 Ham .... 
 Park Family, John ... »» 
 Pa>k Family. Samuel. i«* 
 
 Park. . lames M . ;; 
 
 Park. Bobert • 
 
 son, A. i. 
 
 on FamUy. ■ ••• {•'; .: 
 
 Isaac ' ■" S5 
 
 Patterson, Amos ... .;.••• •" 
 Patterson, Alexandei t. .646 
 
 rs 6n, Harrison. 
 
 Patterson.Hi 
 
 rattorson..!: 
 
 , ames .1 ii 
 
 - son, -'a s I. l_"> 
 
 'son.. lames I ■; 
 
 Patterson. James w w 
 
 Patterson • A . M. v 
 
 lohn S 
 
 , Joseph. 
 
 1'attei 
 
 :h:l Vo n 
 
 iir 
 
 James 
 Pollock, .Tames . 
 r,,iio, k, John »i J 
 Pollock, John 
 Pollock. Oliver t 
 
 , William B 
 
 Poole. Arthur \ 
 
 Porl ii J. ,; 
 
 Porti r I- ^1 
 
 William... 
 Toiler. William I... 
 
 post, Mm "» 
 
 Mrs. Bel ' ;l 
 
 tephen...... 
 
 Potts.T M.i 
 Powell. M -■ N i" : '> 
 
 CollnB. 
 prall. Mrs. Jane B. 
 
 Prall.John 
 
 Henry...... 
 
 rnard.. 
 I'reston.CUH k. 
 I'nre.SJas. ........ 
 
 , .p. William W... 
 l"i-i"L'. Enoch !• — 
 
 C, .lames 
 
 Prlgg. Samuel 
 
 Prlgg.-WlUlam.;... 
 
 Prou.im. Andrew J 
 
 Proudflt, Jol i - 
 
 Proudfll J .I'" ',' 
 
 Proudfit, John P.. 
 IT ,ii, Hit. Mrs. N. Ii 
 Prondllt, William . 
 Prmines, Indrewi Ham ,'- 
 ,lrev. (Jell ■■ 
 
 in 
 
 
 
 .oi.li.. 
 
 Pry Kami" . 1 1' 1 ■ 
 
 i id '■' 
 
 1TV..I' ' '1 w ... 
 
 rrv . wii lam ii 
 
 Babe, Hiram 
 
 llalney.Hai 
 
 ii 
 Kalston, ' ' am 
 Kamsi 'J "" 
 
 1 
 
 i ".. 
 
 . 61(1 
 
 . -<>- 
 
 . i 11 
 
 li 
 
 ;l 
 
 i 'I 
 
 I..- "■ 
 
 a 
 
 ' 
 . 52 
 .!(«? 
 
 i 
 ■ i 
 
 ,i 
 
 
 
 
 

 I IM 
 
 M ' 189 
 
 ...";;.'.."ioi6 
 
 M h 
 
 ' ' i.'.'iois 
 :"'"■ ■ l "i'ii 'H,. | ,oii) i3«3 
 
 1 ■ 
 
 ..... ' 1174 
 
 K 
 
 I: V 
 
 :il -I 
 
 li I 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 ii 
 
 
 i 
 
 1 
 
 I 
 
 -. . . !■ 
 'ill 
 
 
 
 -. Ill 
 
 . 
 
 T 
 
 John 
 P.. 
 
 saxton, David 
 
 Saxton, .1. U 
 
 Saxt i 
 
 Lrthur 1 1 ii.l.-i i. ii.' 
 M I) 
 
 Ham 
 
 Mi)' 
 
 ..1822 
 
 ..1416 
 
 . . I4«i'.' 
 ..MOO 
 .1400 
 
 . 872 
 
 .1057 
 
 i 
 
 . ;r.-, 
 
 . 529 
 
 . 1 172 
 .1449 
 
 
 1 
 
 in;/: 
 
 i 
 
 ..Kill 
 Mill 
 
 hcott, .fames. M n 
 
 : ii ■ 
 
 lirM 
 
 ■ 
 
 ■ t ,o 
 " I.. '"lIK 
 
 ,- 
 sha<\. , ... 
 
 r. 
 
 iltaM. 
 Smtih, Hi in i 
 
 Smith, Hiram 
 Smith, J: 
 
 - i-; 
 
 Smith, Josep 
 
 Smith, w. u 
 
 Sm ' i • 
 
 Ilfi i "" 
 
 ' ' ' "i-li 
 
 nlel \". ft ', 
 
 -., 
 
 Spoer, Mrs. El ibetiiB 
 
 s *, James ,.-, 
 
 mi 
 
 
 
 lohn K 
 
 i'1'S 
 
 i 
 SprlRKs. Joseph 
 
 iii.-t'iV. 
 Sprowls Family. 
 Sprawls. John..., . "" 
 
 Huron Is, Sim 
 
 K ^^ illlam \v„ \i" 
 w 
 
 re \v 
 
 i 
 us, John \V 
 
 .... 
 II 
 
 "ii. .I.ilm < 
 
 ' Unamson, 
 
 ■ 
 mi - i, 
 
 i John 
 
 rland, Geoi 
 
 be, Samuel c 
 
 i , 
 iini . 
 Swan, SaraTi \ 
 Swan, William... "" 
 
 UUson h 
 Swart, B. P 
 Swan 
 
 C 
 
 
 
 Swart, Jacob 
 
 .! .'■. 
 
 irt, i'l]iii| P 
 
 ml, A. V '" 
 
 ami, John '.'. 
 
 
 
 
 p 
 
 ..'.'. 639 
 I •.,, 
 
 f. .lames A.. j :. 
 
 &?. 2^696 
 5vS*554 
 
 *rt. Wlllia .l, ';■■'■> 
 
 Join I 
 Joseph • 
 
 I-M 
 
 "' art, James.. ,. 
 
 t, Margaret A. 
 
 Samuel 
 
 III. Nathan 1( 
 layl.ir. Mrs. Ann 
 
 David S., 8r 
 
 e 
 George F. 
 
 raylor, Hem 
 raylor, Henrj <;. 
 
 - B... 
 fayloi lames F 
 ■ Uatthew ... 
 ell li. 
 aylor, Koberl (i 
 I ayloi , ft iiliani I .. \i 
 Clinton.. 
 
 upleton lin.s 
 
 i. David 
 ipleton, Samuel \i 
 
 an, James . 
 in, James li 
 rhomas, A. J. 
 
 'mas, Edmitm 
 l nomas, Edward 
 rhomas, Isaiah.. 
 
 I nomas, James \i 
 
 'l I 
 
 Ihomas, li 
 
 luonie, James 
 
 \ n.ii 
 
 pson, James 
 
 James \ '" 
 
 riiompson, Mrs. M., n j 
 
 mps m, Most 
 
 l borapson, R. R 
 
 W. G 
 
 njison, \v. s. . 
 riiroi kmoi ton, r \ 
 niti i o del 
 
 .1 
 
 LNmil 
 
 Sander...."" 
 
 i <•« a , no , | la ,,. 
 
 i Ijali i 
 end, Joseph 
 
 ': 
 
 In" 
 
 nan, Mrs. Han 
 missell, i hai 
 i ucker, James 
 Inciter, John..., 
 iC 
 Tempest., 
 ruttle. Da 
 
 ttiss Martha i> 
 d, Robert 
 
 B. 
 
 ... 811 
 
 
 
 1171 
 
 1 17n 
 
 1170 
 
 244 
 
 'il 
 
 
 
 305 
 
 47- 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 643 
 
 172 
 
 1476 
 
 
 
 1076 
 
 
 
 i 
 
 tins 
 
 ■ 
 
 ■ 
 
 . 651 
 6S2 
 
 
 
 
 
 IOv7 
 
 
 
 661 
 
 651 
 
 292 
 
 396 
 
 
 
 .. .. 1137 
 Iln7 
 
 847 
 
 1345 
 
 1126 
 
 .... 7711 
 . 1214 
 
 7'1 
 
 . ... 514 
 
 ....1(177 
 
 ....1402 
 
 ... 157 
 . . . _*j:i 
 ...1101 
 
 ... 924 
 
 ... 117 
 
 . . 1 382 
 ..1157 
 
 Clark M... 
 rames.... 
 
 . 
 
INDEX. 
 
 1485 
 
 . .11 Dyke, James B, . 
 
 Van 1 1', >p, John 
 
 i, janii 
 
 Van i in i 
 
 K i 1 .. I iryden 
 
 
 
 \ ".-in K iik. Hiram 
 
 VanKlik, John c 
 
 VanKI k, John n 
 
 \ anKI-k, Joseph 
 
 ■I'll \ 
 \ anKIrk, Nelson 
 VanKIrk, Mrs. Kalpli 
 \ anKIrk. Ralph.. 
 
 PAf.K 
 
 ... 982 
 
 272 
 
 ..'. 272 
 
 ...1004 
 
 ... 944 
 . .. 431 
 
 ... 131 
 ..1041 
 
 ... 978 
 978 
 
 !.'.'l041 
 
 ■. anlf rk, Sin □ 1202 
 
 VanK rk, William ....'"1202 
 
 \ .in Scyoc, Enoch 1417 
 
 \ ,-ni Scyoc, W. A H17 
 
 \ an Voorhis, Daniel.. .. . 688 
 
 \ an Voorhis, Towusend....l05S 
 
 \ alei tine, John sir 
 
 Va Family, 11 
 
 ei sei and Strabam 
 \ ■■ Family, Die (ol smith 
 
 D hip) 15] 
 
 Vance, James I :ir,i 
 
 J< 59 
 
 \ ance, Jolin - . ! '1170 
 
 Joseph mi 
 
 ' 1 . Robei 1 B 
 
 ■ Samuel 59 
 
 inas l' 
 
 un . 
 
 - W. I" 
 
 \ ance, Maj. William 101s 
 
 \\ . w 1 UM 
 
 Willi.. 
 
 « Hiker, David s 
 
 er, Mis Ell; 
 
 I 
 
 1 r.Ji is 1 • 
 
 1. Samuel, , 
 
 ... 
 
 1 1 i.-is (i 
 
 Walfa, Abraham 
 V, lift I s 
 
 Ward, Mihui'l! " 
 
 ^ ird Family 
 
 I, .1: S . 
 
 « nil. Robert 
 
 n 
 
 . V. 11 .,,„ 
 
 Warm Famllj 
 
 Warne, Hiram 
 
 Warne, James 
 
 Warne, Joseph P... 
 
 Warne, M. s 
 
 Warne, W. Park . 
 Win i.-ii. Mrs. PrlsclUa. 
 ... 
 1 leorge M.. . 
 Warrick. Jonathan T 
 Wasson, Rev. Luke J.. 
 Watson, David 
 Watsoj -. . . 
 
 Watson, .iiiiin 
 
 Watson, John M 
 11. Mrs. Ma 
 
 h, lllchard 
 
 W eavi 1 . \il;im 
 
 Weaver, Adam c 
 
 Weaver, Dai Id 
 
 \\ •■;! \ . -1-. 11. n. 11 
 W eaver, John.. 
 
 lomon. . .. .' 
 
 
 »» elr, Adam. 
 
 Mrs. Cynthia 
 
 \\ mi 1 
 
 W ' Ir, Jol 
 
 Weir, fohn x ....... 
 
 Well 
 Well I 
 
 el .. 
 w elr, Sainui 
 
 . Samuel B. . 
 
 Weir, Samuel c 
 
 w eir. u in. .rii 
 
 Welrich, [srai I. 
 
 Welch James M 
 
 Welch, John 
 
 Welch, James F. ..'."' 
 
 .. 
 Welch, James 
 
 1 hew... 
 |{ . 
 Welch, \N ill... 
 
 James 1, 
 Wells, i:. M., M. \>." 
 Welsh, Emily I,... 
 
 D. l>. 
 
 iinily 
 
 id 
 
 VI. 
 
 PAGE 
 .. . 1346 
 
 1839 
 
 13411 
 
 1348 
 
 .. ..1840 
 
 040 
 
 1211 
 
 276 
 
 1113'.' 
 
 ....1181 
 
 ....1181 
 
 ... 221 
 .... 116 
 
 ... ■.■hi 
 
 ... 654 
 
 .... 640 
 .... 640 
 
 .. .. Mill 
 HID 
 
 ... 1420 
 
 . . . . 1 134 
 ....1866 
 
 .... 792 
 .... 471 
 
 II 
 . ... 601 
 
 ....1867 
 
 i 
 
 ... :C1 
 
 .1 160 
 
 ... 74 
 
 . . . 880 
 
 Wherry, Oeorge W 
 
 Illl 
 
 ! 
 
 When , 
 
 While. David 
 
 W hir- 1 
 
 w lilte, John Fisher . 
 
 While, J..I111 
 
 White, John (deceased 1 
 White, William S 
 W lull-man. Isaac .. 
 w biting, Waltei I 
 Whittlesey.Frederick, M 
 
 
 I 11.110. A. 1 . . . 
 Wickerham, \ W 
 .'ii 
 1 nomas \t . 
 John s. . 
 
 I B 
 
 Williams, E. \ 
 
 ins, James W., 
 
 nms, .icilm 
 
 w llliams, Mrs M. Frances 
 ■ 
 
 11 
 us.... 
 I'll 
 
 Wilson Family, The 
 
 
 
 1, James il 1 
 
 1 Jane 
 
 Wilson, John P 
 
 Wilson, John S ... . 
 
 Wilson 
 
 i,K. g 
 
 .1 
 m, Thomas (Chartiei 
 \\ ilsou. riinmas (deceas 
 u Ilson, Whil H 
 
 Wilson 
 
 Willlield W.H. 
 
 . • ! . 
 
 tt, Vdah.. 
 Wihnett, F. r... M |i 
 Winnett, J, ii... 
 
 Wiuti 
 
 Winter, David B 
 
 .1 hi 
 -<■• 
 
 .1428 
 1 156 
 
 .. 67 
 
 . 187 
 1141 
 
 ■ 
 1322 
 
 . 1 128 
 . 285 
 
 1 . II 
 
 r, William n.. . 
 
 idam . 
 
 Wise, Joseph B. 
 
 rspoon. Joshua 
 
 1, William II. 
 
 tm.. 
 Woll I 
 
 '" 
 V\ nil... Mrs. Sarah 
 ■ ttler. Simon. 
 
 - B., ,\i. ;i 
 
 Wood, Israel 1 
 
 John P 
 
 B 
 
 Woodbui 11. John 
 
 N w iiiiilinpii, Joseph 
 
 ' a. Thomas 
 
 Woodburn, William 
 
 W 
 
 \\ ' 1 
 
 Woods. Rev. Hem 
 
 w Is, John 
 
 Work 
 
 Wi.ll. 
 
 Worl 
 
 Win 
 
 Wrlghl 
 
 >rge II 
 
 hua 
 
 M right, Sami 
 
 Sarah.... 
 
 1 lomas 
 
 David .. 
 
 Mi Uarj (Clark)". 
 
 Robert.. 
 
 ■\ ant, James 11... 
 
 
 
 uel 
 
 Kedll 
 Zedikei 
 
 . 
 
 er, Matthew 
 
 /.I'll. .la. -..I 
 
 ' 
 
 PAGE 
 
 . .. 37, r . 
 
 ..1456 
 
 .1441 
 
 1319 
 
 ..1319 
 
 ..1288 
 
 ... Ho 
 
 .. J I L 1 
 
 . !>43 
 
 50 
 
 .. 711 
 
 854 
 
 ..1219 
 
 ..1219 
 
 ..11170 
 . .11170 
 . . 0711 
 . . 942 
 . . 942 
 . . 976 
 . 748 
 . 736 
 
 . 786 
 
 717 
 98 
 
 .. Ill 
 
 . 717 
 
 ' 
 . 7'J1 
 .1065 
 
 . 47s 
 
 1101 
 
 .1102 
 .1102 
 . 1202 
 
 10 : . 
 
 .1364 
 
 PO RT RAITS 
 
 Aclieson, Judge a. w 
 Ackelson, James. ... 911 
 
 Isaac 1 ' 1 1 1 
 
 James 8 135 
 
 1 Ji lander, William .1 139 
 
 lames II . , 1215 
 
 Axtell, Luther M 
 
 Bell, George W., M. l> 
 
 .'i-i 1 < 
 Ben John .\l 
 
 r, James VV 
 
 Blaehly, Stephen 1... M. n' 
 
 the, James. 
 Boyd, Rev. Bankhead 
 Braden, John i> 
 Brown, lirv. Matthew 
 lirownlee, I lai Id ,\ 
 Brownson, Rev. J •,,, 1 
 
 D. 11.. 11.. 11 
 
 Buchanan, James - 
 
 . 715 
 107 
 
 . 237 
 
 . 875 
 
 . is7 
 . 85 
 .1237 
 
 . . 76 
 
 .. 533 
 
 < ilil.-"ll, A. I! 105 
 
 ell, Joseph. .. . ire 1 
 
 Campbell, Arthur.... 951 
 
 ''■" sey, James, Sr 277 
 
 Chambers, Judge Ja s C. 197 
 
 1 In istniaii. E. I. 
 
 eph 
 
 iry \i 
 
 <'""k..s. ii....: 
 
 ' 0X, '...all 
 
 
 
 .. 
 
 Isaac 1 
 
 1 1 umrlne, Boyd. 
 Cundall, Edward <: '.'... 
 
 Davis, William 
 
 ,A.O 
 
 Day, 1. Miih 1 .. " 
 
 !>'' ins. Elmer R 
 
 Dickson, James G . M 
 Dickson, William \ 
 Donaldson, Jan es 
 
 in, 4'. .1, . 
 punn, John M. 
 
 11 J. P .......'.'. 
 
 f.I'.miimi. Robert .1 
 Ewlng, Hon. John II... 
 
 Farahee, Benjamin.... 
 
 1 M ." I a,. 
 ' 
 
 Flnley, Hon. .1. B. 
 
 PAGK 
 
 .... 177 
 ....1221 
 
 ...1311 
 
 . . . . 207 
 161 
 
 157 
 . .1206 
 
 .. 287 
 ..1371 
 
 ..1111 
 . . 45 
 
 • ''"in.. , 
 ten, .1. ('.. 
 
 
 
 Prye, John 
 
 Frye.S unui I 
 
 <■■ braith, Alexi nder v\ 
 
 Jolin 1 
 
 ''■Iraliam. John ..,',, 
 
 hag ' 
 
 on, Joseph 
 Hart. James <: . .. 
 ■ Hawkins, Col. \i< ,. i 
 Hays, Jolin ...... 
 
 1 [ickman, Ja 1 !■ 
 
 Hi- 1 "'' . 1 M', id. 
 
 •Hilton, I i as F 
 
 •Hindi)] 
 
 lames 
 
 ler 
 
 11 ■ Samuel 1 . 
 
 I Hunter, James J 
 
 Irwin, Robert \\ . . 
 . Ii win. William f! 
 
 a, 
 . 37 
 
 .141*5 
 
 . 107 
 
 .1287 
 
 Gil 
 . 407 
 
 .1199 
 
 •Jaoksiin, Josi ah I 
 Johnson, 1;. \ 
 
 Kammerer, Joseph. 
 
 d; John 1 
 
 Land Henrv. 
 
 G. V 
 1 '"'■ ' ..'. 
 
 m, John... 
 
 : 
 
 1: 
 Liggett, John S. 
 
 lliam 
 
 Llndley, Di mas ... 
 Lindley, Mrs.] evlna 
 Linn, Lewis 
 
 ftlcBride, John l; ... 
 
 M - 1 : r: . 
 
 McCleery, Alexander 
 
 McCle 
 
 McCon u .' .1. 
 
 McConi 
 
 I.Jai 
 
 PAGK 
 
 ... 917 
 
 ... '.'17 
 
 . 95 
 905 
 687 
 
 . G 
 
 .1399 
 
 .1017 
 
 . list 
 .1161 
 
 . 1111 
 
 I ' 
 
1486 
 
 WASHINGTON COUNTY. 
 
 PAGE 
 McDonald,. Tohn N. .*.... 126 
 Mcttahey, Thomat .... 681 
 
 M.lh. 1188 
 
 Mcllvaln, Robert C .. .1148 
 
 Mcllvalne, James. «5 
 
 Mcllvaine, Hon. John A 
 
 McKeo, Rev. William I: 829 
 
 M«Ki nuan, Thomas M.T i"> 
 
 MeNary, J. D 845 
 
 MeNary, .la s s. mil 
 
 , MeNary, Robert C 1061 
 
 Mehaffey.Joha 789 
 
 Melom | . James 1121 
 
 Miller, James. 985 
 
 Miller. Hiomas — "71 
 
 Moffltt, John 'I 1817 
 
 \i igei . Jai 709 
 
 • Silas 7:11 
 
 Montgomery . Hon. w ii lam. 147 
 
 Moorhead, W. 1; 
 
 - m. (iuyon. 
 Mounts, Klcliard M 1481 
 
 Noel, .1: s SG5 
 
 Neely. Nathaniel 
 
 Noble, James 7:: 
 
 Noble, Samuel A... — 781 
 
 Patterson, 
 
 1 1.. . . 
 r. m.. 
 
 Paul, Huston 
 
 - k. J. w 
 
 iliiani I 
 
 Post, Stephen 
 
 Preston, Clark,. . 
 Prouilftt, John L, 
 
 Ramsey, Thomas, 
 Ramsey, W. C . . 
 Rankin. William. 
 Redd, Thomas C . 
 John \\ .... 
 Reed, Joseph. 
 l;i -1I..I. M. K.... 
 Rod ters, Patrick 
 
 Sampson, w.T. . 
 
 .. (61 
 
 . . 868 
 ..1029 
 .1156 
 . . <ai7 
 .. 611 
 . 1117 
 
 107a 
 . 949 
 
 . 708 
 
 . 883 
 
 . 1828 
 
 Sanders, Stephen 
 1 . James P 
 
 Saxton.S. 8 
 
 VIose 
 Robi .1 K 
 
 PAOI 
 
 . I'll 
 
 ...1096 
 
 111 
 
 I .1198 
 
 Shaw, Joseph ii r .:i 
 
 rhomas 1896 
 
 Samuel (.. ..1421 
 
 Thomas KKil 
 
 Rev. W. I'.. 
 
 \ I v 1 1 1 M 
 Smith, William fWash'ton).. tie 
 Smith., William . 675 
 
 lames 669 
 
 Stevenson, Thomas 6 81 
 
 Stewart, John V. 566 
 
 . Jolin v, 1 
 
 - Di . sjiniiii s 299 
 
 Swagler, John 1171 
 
 Swart, < leorge 17. ; 
 
 a Hiram I8S 
 
 'Taggart, Sam 
 
 David S., si- 
 
 ..1189 
 
 s 
 
 PAGs 
 
 Taylor, J. F 
 
 Taylor, Matthew 
 
 'I'll. Hill' II 
 
 Towiisenil, C. W., M. n . 
 
 Trussed, Chai les 11 
 
 Pucker, J. M 
 
 Vance, John 8.... .1177 
 
 1 Samuel 
 
 \ an H rk, B el! on 
 
 « .,1 ne, Hiram 
 
 James 1337 
 
 Warne, Josi i>ii P i.m 
 
 Weir, Adam 417 
 
 Weir. William. 
 
 Ii, Israel . 517 
 
 I \Y. II.... 
 Il P, 
 Work, 8. C. . 351 
 
 Wright, Robert 749 
 
 1. Mrs. San Ii 7ns 
 
 Wright, Thomas. 
 Wyfle, Roherl 
 
 
 (V 
 
 \ 
 
 L6 D 7? 
 
 H28 75 
 
 1 
 


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