^
I'i
Representative Citizens
JOSEPH LONG THISTLE, M. !>., comes of a notable
Scotch-Irish ancestry, many of whom were pioneer set-
tlers in the Ohio Valley at the beginning of last cen-
tury, and all of them were thrifty and early acquired
valuable real estate. His paternal grandfather, Samp-
son Thistle, after marriage near Cumberland, Md.,
brought his bride, on horseback, to a clearing and cabin
which he had previously prepared, about two miles above
Fishing Creek on the Virginia side of the Ohio, where
they lived to a ripe old age and brought up a family of
eleven children. Dr. Thistle at present owns one-half
of these ancestral lands of nearly 900 acres.
Archibald Thistle, one of these children and father
of the object of this sketch, entered his brother's store,
as a partner, at the age of 18, and when 28 years old
started in a general mercantile business at Sistersville,
continuing uninterruptedly until his death at the age of
78. He was the wealthiest and one of the most respect-
ed citizens of his county. He was postmaster before,
during and after the Civil War period, covering in all
25 years.
.lohu McCoy, the maternal grandfather of Dr. Thistle,
married Sarah Wells, one of the 22 children of Charles
Wells, whose home was in what is now Brooke County,
W. A'a. To each of 20 of these children who lived to
maturity their father gave a good river-bottom f.Trm,
most of which he secured by patent from the state;
others he bought from prior owners. To his daughters,
Sarah (Wells) McCoy and Ruth (Wells) Birkhead, he
gave the northern half of a valley, just midway between
WTieeling and Parkersburg. In course of time these
sisters decided to lay out a town site, one-half of which
should be upon eitner side of the line dividing their
farms. After much discussion as to a name for the
place Sarah sugge.sted the appropriate and unique name
of Sistersville, and so it is to this day. Tlic said John
McCoy was delegate to the legislature sitting at Eich-
mond, Va., for five terms from the founding of his
county of Tyler in 1815 until 1822. Sarah (Wells) Mc-
Coy was one of the founders and ever a leading sup-
porter of the Presbyterian Church in Sistersville, organ-
ized in 1842, (and then a part of Washington, Pa., Pres-
bytery,) until her death in 1888, at the age of 94 years.
In the fall of 1872 Joseph L. Thistle came from Sis-
tersville, W. Va., where he was born in 1855, to Wash-
ington and entered the preparatory department of Wash-
ington-Jefferson College, and pursued the regular classical
course, intending to be a physician, until impaired
health compelled him to leave college soortly before the
graduation of his Class of '78. Less than two years
after his arrival here he united with the First Presby-
terian Church, of which he was ordained a deacon soon
after becoming a resident of the town some years later.
While in college he was a member of the Beta Theta Pi
fraternity and of the PhUo and Union Literary Society.
After leaving college he was employed in surveying and
engineering work, and in his father 's store, untU he en-
tered Jefferson Medical College, at Philadelphia, Sep-
tember, 1884, after nearly two years of preparatory
study, and received a diploma from this famous insti-
tution in 1886, together with a gold medal, awarded in
competition, for "the best thesis on a subject relating
to obstetrics,"
In 1879 he married Sarah Olivia Bell, daughter of
John E. Bell, who occupied the offices of treasurer and
prothonotary of this county, and was collector of in-
ternal revenue at the time of his death. To Dr, Thistle
and wife were born six children, four of whom are liv-
ing, — Archibald, who conducts a jewelry business at No.
36 North Main street, and Helen S., Catherine E. and
Mildred B., who reside with their father at No. 41 E.
Beau street. For some years after marriage Mr. and
Mrs. Thistle lived at Sistersville. But, immediately
after completing some post-graduate work, following
graduation from medical college he removed his family
to Washington, Pa., and has resided here ever since.
This was during the hight of the oil excitement here
and he soon had a good practice which he continued until
537
1)
538
HISTORY OF WASHINGTOX COUNTY
in the early nineties his father 's failing health and
added cares on account of oil and gas developments in
Tyler County, compelled him to spend about one-half
of the time away from home for the next ten years.
His father died in 1896, lea%-ing a considerable estate.
After many years of great suffering from asthma, al-
though relief was sought in many parts of the country,
Mrs. Thistle passed to her reward in February, 1906.
She was most relieved at Mt. Lake Park, Md., and here
a comfortable home was established in 1897, where the
family have spent most of the hottest mouths for the
last 12 years.
In 1893 Washington- Jefferson College conferred upon
Dr. Thistle the honorary degree of Master of Arts. He
is a director in the Washington Trust Company, and in
the Washington Electric Light and Power Company be-
sides being a stockholder in several other banks and
corporations of this and neighboring cities.
HON. JONATHAN ALLISON, deceased, who was one
'of Washington's most prominent citizens, formerly presi-
dent of the Allison Land Company and vice-president of
the Citizens' National Bank of Washington, for many
years was active in the development of Washington
County and its resources. He was born in Chartiers
Township, Washington County, Pa., February 3, 1828,
and was a son of Thomas and Mary (Johnson) Allison.
His death occurred December 17, 1908. He was of
Scotch descent, his ancestors having left Scotland for
North Ireland at an early day because of religious per-
secution. His grandfather, James Allison, was bom in
Ireland and emigrated to America in colonial days, and
was one of the very earliest pioneers of Washington
County, settling in the woods in 1773, and was a very
important factor in its early development.
Jonathan Allison received an elementary education in
the district schools of Chartiers Township and this was
supplemented by a course in Jefferson College, which
institution he entered at the age of seventeen years. He
continued his studies there for two years, when, on ac-
count of the death of a brother, it was necessary for him
to return home and for a number of years afterward he
devoted himself to agricultural pursuits. He purchased
a farm of 148 acres from William Hopkins, which was
situated about one mile from his birth place, and after
a residence there of eight years, bought a part of his
grandfather's old farm, from the Andrew Allison estate.
It was on this farm that his grandfather, late in the
eighteenth century, had discovered coal, which was the
first found in Washington County, and he mined some
for use in blat-ksmithing, hauling it a considerable dis-
tance and selling it then for twenty-five cents a bushel.
It was not until some years later that it was used for
house fuel, and not until the advent of the Chartiers
VaUey Railroad, in 1872, that it was mined on an ex-
tensive scale. With the construction of the railroad,
Jonathan Allison saw the opportunity of developing the
rich underlying vein, and he soon had operations under
way that supplied the borough of Washington with bitu-
minous coal, sold quantities at other near points and
also shipped to lake ports, even as far as Chicago. He
continued his activities in the ocal business untU 1891,
employing some fifty men at the mines and shipping
millions of bushels per annum. In that year he sold
out to J. V. H, Cook & Sons, of Canonsburg, Pa., and
retired from the coal business. In 1887 he moved his
place of residence to Washington, purchasing the old
Acheson homestead at No. 101 South Wade avenue,
where his widow now resides. He entered actively into
the affairs of the borough, and in 1886 became identified
with one of its most substantial financial institutions, the
Citizens' National Bank, of which he was one of the
original stockholders, and later its vice-president.
On April 7, 1857, Mr. Allison was united in marriage
with Miss Margaret G. Gabby, and to them were born
the following children: Mary, who died at the age of
four years; Maggie, who died at Canonsburg, was the
wife of William Dickson ; Albert ; Thomas, who is de-
ceased; Edward and William, twins, the former of whom
is a practicing physician, a graduate of the Pittsburg
Medical College ; John B., who is teller in the Citizens '
National Bank of Washington; Ealph, who is a well
known attorney at law, practicing at Butler, Pa. ; and
Jennie. Of the above family, William Allison was
drowned in 1881, on his way home from school, by acci-
dentally falling from a foot log while he was crossing a
creek.
In his political affiliation, Mr. Allison was a Whig
until the organization of the Republican party, since
which time he was one of its adherents. He was elected
to the office of school director the year he cast his first
ballot and served in that capacity for many years. In
1872 and 1873, he served his township as- justice of the
peace, but resigned that office to accept that of State
Representative, to which he was first elected in 1872,
serving two terms in a manner which gained him the
approval and good will of his constituents. During his
tenure of office he was the only representative in the
General Assembly from Washington County. He was
long recognized as a man of exceptional ability and
Washington County gladly accords him a place among
her representative men.
WILLIAM ATEN, a prosperous farmer and life-long
resident of Robeson Township, Washington County, Pa.,
with the heirs of his brother. John .'i.ten, owns a farm
of 123 acres, and comes of one of the old established
families of the countv. He was born March 1, 1842. a
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
539
sou uC Aurou ami Mui',v (McMiiiu) Atuu, wliu wore tbo
puronts of six soiib; Williniii; Aiulrow and John, both
doceiisoil, wore twins; Homy, Robert, iind .limu'H, anil
a (laiiglUcr, Klizabctli, who died when twenty mouths old.
The parents of our subject, who were farniorg by occu-
pation, were members of the Presbyterian Cliureli at
Candor, where they wore burioil.
William Atcn is of Holland Dutch extraction and his
paternal grandparents were William and Jane (Smith)
Aten, and the maternal grandparents were Andrew and
Elizabeth McMinn. William Aten attende<l the common
schools of the township for a short time and early in
life began working on his father's farm, which was pur-
chased by his grandfather, William Aten, in 1S03, and
after the death of his father, ho and brother John,
purchased the land from the other heirs. John Aten,
brother of our subject, also resided on the farm until the
time of his death, and was united in marriage with Mar-
garet A. Bailey, a daughter of William and Mary Ann
(Springer) Bailey. He is survived by his witlow and
five children : Mary Frances, Aaron, Earl Bailey, George
and John, all of whom live on the farm with William
Aten, our subject. Mr. Aten is one of the substantial
farmers of the township, and possesses the esteem and
respect of his fellow men.
HARRV T. GHKIST, funeral director and embalmer,
who has been engaged in business at California, Pa.,
since 1901, is a native of this borough, born January
23, 1875, and is a son of Alfred B. and AUie V. (Phil-
lips) Ghrist.
Alfred B. Ghrist was born and reared in Fayette
County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of James Ghrist,
of Jefferson Township, Fayette County. James Ghrist
and his sons were all stone masons, brick masons and
contractors, and in 1871 they came to California and in
1S72 erected the. dormitory of the State Normal School.
Alfred B. Ghrist was married after coming to California,
to Miss Allie V. Phillips, a daughter of Everett Oxiey
Phillips. She was born and reared in Greene County,
Pennsylvania, and still survives. Alfred B. Ghrist died
iu March, 1909.
Harry F. Ghrist attended the borough schools and later
the State Normal School at California, leaving this in-
stitution in 1892. in his junior year, and then learned
the art of photography, in 1894 taking charge of the
Rodger gallery here, which he conducted for two years.
He then started to learn his present business and pre-
pared for the same by an experience of six years with
8. W. Craft. In December, 1901, in partnership with
Frederick S. Gleason, uniler the firm name of Ghrist &
Gleason, Mr. Ghrist went into undertaking and since
1905 has been alone, Mr. Gleason retiring in that year
in order to accept the position of director of music in
the public schools of Schenectady, Now York. Mr. Ghriat
ia a qualilieil embalmer and he hag provided every neces-
sity and facility for funeral directing. As an honorable
business nmn be stands high iu the estimation of bis
fellow citi/.ens. He is the local health ofEccr of the
East Pikv Kun and .\llen townships.
.Mr. Ghrist was married to Miss Emma Aston, a daugh-
ter of Thoma« Aston. They are members of the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He is identified fraternally with
Piko Run Lodge, No. 491, Odd Fellows; with the F.
(). E., at Brownsville; the Royal Arcanum, and Col. A.
L. Hawkins Council, No. 334, J. O. A. M.
ROBERT R. HAYS, who is president of the Farmers'
National Bank of Hickory, Pa., was bom near Bur-
gettstown, Washington County, Pa., and is a son of
.fames S. Hays, who died at Burgettstown in 1907, in
the eighty-second year of his age, and was interred at
Fairview Cemetery, by the side of his wife, who had died
two years previously. They were members of the First
Presbyterian Church of Burgettstown.
Mr. Hays was educated in the Burgettstown schools,
McDonald Academy and Washington and Jefferson Col-
lege, graduating with the degree B. S. at the latter in
the class of 1902. He then registered as a law student
under the late Joseph Hay.s, at Pittsburg, and then as-
sisted in organizing the Farmers' National Bank of
Hickory, Pa., and settled at Hickory where he is engaged
in banking. He is one of the town's substantial citizens.
On July 11, 1906, Mr. Hays was married to Miss
Jennie C. McMurray, a daughter of Capt. H. B. McMur-
ray, and they have one daughter, Evelyn Jean. Mr. and
Mrs. Hays are members of the Presbyterian Church. In
politics he follows in the footsteps of his father, being
a stanch Democrat. He is identified with the Masonic
fraternity and retains membership in his Greek letter
society of college days.
W. K. GALBRAITH, deceased, was a prominent resi-
dent of Canonsburg for many years, where he served
under several administrations as postmaster, for a long
period was also a man of affairs in Washington County.
He was born in Cross Creek village. Washington County,
December 12, 1858, and was a son of James A. and
Mary A. (Bebout) Galbraith, and a grandson of William
and Isabella (Welch) Galbraith, the latter of whom came
to Washington County after their marriage in Scotland
and settled in Smith Township.
W. K. Galbraith was reared at Cross Creek and Bur-
gettstinvn. his parents removing to the latter place when
he was ten years old. He attended the graded schools
and was graduated from the high school with the class
of 1878. and then entered the recorder's office, his father
being recorder of Washington County at that time.
540
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
After the expiration of his father's term he continued
in the oflHee as clerk for a year and then located at
Canonsburg. There he conducted a tobacco store for
eight years, after which he was in the employ of the
Central Grain Elevator Company of Pittsburg until 1S90.
In that year he was first appointed postmaster at Canons-
burg and later was made assistant county treasurer, in
which office he served two terms. After retiring from
the treasurer's office he was again appointed postmaster
and was so serving when his death occurred on Septem-
ber 25, 1906. He was an honest and capable official
and he was respected by his fellow citizens and esteemed
by his friends.
On November 13, 1884, Mr. Galbraith was married to
Miss Mary E. Munnell, a daughter of James Munnell,
and they became the parents of the following children:
James Lloyd, Katharine H., William K., Jr., Bella, Prank
S. and A. Sheldon. Mr. Galbraith was succeeded as post-
master by his oldest son, James Lloyd, who was born
September 21, 1885, and was appointed postmaster Octo-
ber 29, 1906. The late W. K. Galbraith was a member
and liberal supporter of the United Presbyterian Church,
to which his family also belong. He was a Kepublican.
The family home is at No. 115 East College street,
Canonsburg.
DAVID W. EASEL, president of the Farmers' Na-
tional Bank of Claysville, Pa., and for many years a
representative business man in Washington County, was
born in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County,
Pa., December 23, 1859, and is a son of Frederick Easel,
who was an early setler in West Bethlehem Township
and spent the remainder of his life there.
David W. Easel is in large measure, a self-made man.
He enjoyed many educational advantages, but he pro-
vided the larger number of these for himself. He start-
ed to teach school when only sixteen years of age, leav-
ing the home farm about that time, and he attended the
Pleasant Valley schools, the State Normal School at
California, Pa., and Thiel College, in Mercer County,
succeeding in graduating from the latter institution in
1882. Thus prepared he devoted himself to educational
work for twenty terms of schools and during this period
was principal of the West Alexander High School for
four years. In 1898 he entered into the mercantile busi-
ness at West Alexander and later was bookkeeper for
the South Pittsburg Iron Works at Claysville, since
known as the Pennsylvania Bridge Company. In 1905
he embarked in a general hardware business at Claysville
and in the same year became pi-esident of the Farmers'
National Bani at this place, of which he was one of the
organizers and has continued one of the directors. He
is an able and astute business man and although his
interests are numerous, he holds them well in hand and
enjoys to the fullest extent the confidence of his fellow
citizens. He is active in the Democratic party and has
served in local offices and for one year was president of
the borough school board.
Mr. Easel was united in marriage with Miss Jennie
G. Hayburn, of Claysville, and they have one son, David
M. Mr. Easel is a member of the Presbyterian Church
of Claysville and one of its elders. Mr. Easel's promo-
tion in life makes an interesting story because it tells
how certainly industry, perseverance, courage and integ-
rity are rewarded.
LESLIE G. MARPLE, a successful young business
man of Canonsburg, who is a member of the well known
grocery firm of Marple & Hamilton, was born in Wheel-
ing, W. Va., August 10, 1884, and is a son of Benjamin
and Hannah Jane (Van Eman) Marple, natives of West
Virginia and for the past fourteen years residents of
Canonsburg, Pa. Benjamin Marple, who has now reached
his seventy-sixth year, has devoted his life to gardening.
His wife is now fifty-five years old, and they have been
the parents of ten children, namely: Monroe A., su-
perintendent of the Ohio County Home, who married
Nannie Garvin; Ella, deceased, who was the wife of
Homer Little; George, who died young; John W., en-
gaged in the mercantile business in Canonsburg, who
married Mary E. Moore; Alvin, deceased; Melvin E.,
connected with the Philadelphia Gas Company, who mar-
ried Margaret McCloy; Mary, who is the wife of Mr.
Holmes, of Fairmont, W. Va. ; James, deceased ; Leslie
G. ; and Russell, who is a draughtsman for the Fort
Pitt Bridge Works.
Leslie G. Marple received his education in the public
schools of South Canonsburg, after leaving which he
spent nine years in the employ of the Canonsburg Pot-
tery, in the meantime learning the trade of pressman.
On March 15, 1909, he succeeded his brother, John W.
Marple, in the grocery firm, which since that time has
been known under the style of Marple & Hamilton. This
place of business is situated at the corner of College and
.Jefferson streets, and has a large patronage among the
residents of the community. Both of the young partners
are progressive and enterprising, and endeavor to give
to their customers the full worth of their money, and
as this manner of doing business is appreciated, the firm
has prospered accordingly.
On August 17, 1905, Mr. Marple was united in mar-
riage with Ida P. McCartney, daughter of Enoch and
Mary McCartney, of Canonsburg, and one daughter,
Florence E., has been born to the union. Mr. and Mrs.
Marple are members of the First Presbyterian Church
of Canonsburg. He is a Republican.
J
JOHN H. MURDOCH
niSTORY OF WASniNOTOX f'OL'XTV
541
JAMIOS P. I5KADKN, attorney at law, with oflico at
No. 108 South Main slroet, Washington, Pa., i.i a roprc-
sontutivo of one of the old families of Western Penn-
sylvania, one which has had many distinguished mem-
bers. Ho was born at Wa.shingtoh, October 8, 1871, and
is a son of John D. and Anna C (Kuple) Bradon.
James P. Braiicn was educated in the Washington
schools and Wiisliingtou and Jefferson College and was
graduated from that institution in the class of 1895 and
was admitted to the bar December 31, 1900, having com-
pleted his law course after he returned from serving as
a soldier in the Spanish-American War. For that serv-
ice lie enlisted in the Tenth Pa. Volunteer Infantry, as a
private and was advanced to be sergeant of his company.
.\fler ho was honorably discharged at San Praneisco,
.■\ugMst 22, 1899, he immediately returned to Washington.
He has built up a very satisfactory practice and is num-
bered with the ablest of the younger members of the
Washington bar.
Mr. Bradeu was married to Mrs. Anna L. Schaulis, and
they have one little daughter, Rebecca. Their beautiful
home is located at No. 218 West Wheeling street, Wash-
ington.
.lUlIN H. MURDOCH, president of the Union Trust
Company of Washington, Pa., and a prominent lawyer
at the Washington County bar, has been an important
factor in the business activities of this borough. He
is a member of one of the oldest families of the county.
John Murdoch, his earliest ancestor in this country,
was born in Scotland, but just prior to the Revolutionary
War was recorded as a resident of Carlisle, Pa. In
1778 he moved to North Strabane Township, Washing-
ton County, and from that time the name of Murdoch
has been honorably connected with Washington County
history.
Alexander Murdoch, third sou of John, was born at
Carlisle, Pa., in 1770, and was 8 years of age when
brought by his parents to Washington County. In
early manhood he purchased the Canonsburg mills, to-
gether with a large tract of adjoining land. He pos-
sessed the commercial instinct and even at that early
day carried on business enterprises successfully that
older men had not yet thought of. He conducted both
a mill and .saddlery and loaded flat boats which he
floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers to New
Orleans, where he found a market and then he returned
on horseback, traversing hundreds of miles of wilder-
ness. In 1809 he was appointed prothonotary of the
Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, and
then it was that he took up his residence in the borough
of Washington, in 1822 erecting a house which in later
years became a p.art of the Hotel Main. He served as
prothonotary until 1819, after which he engaged in mer-
canlile pursuits until 1823, when, with his family, be
moved to what was known as the Morgauza Tract — 400
acres of laud situated two miles from CaaoDsburg —
which he bought in that year. There ho spent the re-
muiuder of his days, dying in 1837. His widow sur-
vived him until 18C3, dying at Canonsburg. In 1803
Alexander Murdoch married Elizabeth Henderson, a
daughter of Rev. Matthew Henderson, of Charticrs
Township, and to them were born eleven children, of
whom the following grew to maturity: Mary M., widow
of Hon. J. L. Gow; John H., Mrs. Sarah B. Musser, Mrs.
E. W. Wilson, Esther Ann, Alexander, Jr., and James.
.Vlexander Murdoch, the second, the father of John
II. Murdoch, was a successful lawyer at Washington,
and for some years was in partnership with his brother-
in-law, Hon. J. L. Gow. In April, 1861, he was ap-
pointed United States marshal for Western Pennsyl-
vania, by President Lincoln, and was subsequently re-
appointed and served two years. In March, 1869, Presi-
dent Grant appointed him to the same office, one which
he filled with entire elTiciency until he resigned it in
December, 1872. He was a man of brilliant talent and
was held in high esteem by his fellow citizens. He died
April 14, 1903, in the S9th year of his age.
John H. Murdoch has been a resident of Washington
all his life up to the present time. He is the third child
of Alexander and Eliza Huey Murdoch. He was grad-
uated from Washington and Jefferson College in 1869
and W.1S admitted to the bar in 1874. Under the firm
style of ,Tohn H. Murdoch & Son, Mr. Murdoch is asso-
ciated iu the practice of law with his son, Edgar B.,
who was graduated from Washington and Jefferson
College in 1896 and was admitted to the bar in 1899.
The firm is a representative one at Washington and
maintains offices at No. 86 North Main street. Mr. Mur-
doch has also many other interests, owning a large
amount of valuable realty and serving as president of
the Thorneycroft Land Company and treasurer of the
Murdoch-Baldwin Oil Company. He has been president
of the Union Trust Company since its organization, and
i.s president of the Washington County Fire Insurance
Company, having succeeded his father in that capacity
at the time of the latter 's death. He has been a mem-
ber of the board of trustees of Washington Seminary
for many years, taking an active part in its work. He
is one of the directors of the Pittsburg Life & Trust
Company of Pittsburg and a member of the finance
committee of the company. He is also president of the
Waynesburg Water Company of Waynesburg. Pa., and
vice president of the Citizens' Water Company of Wash-
ington.
Mr. Murdoch was married January 8, 1874. to Martie
Boyle, of Allegheny City, Pa., and their family con-
sists of four children, viz.: Edgar B., May H. (married
548
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
to Eev. W. M. French), Anna V. and John H., Jr. Their
home has been since 1874 at No. 313 North Main street.
Mr. Murdoch is a member of the First United Pres-
byterian Church of Washington, in which he has held
the office of an elder for over 25 years.
SAMUEL FAKEEE, SE., one of the good, reliable
citizens of Independence Township, who is cultivating
an exceUent farm of 172 acres, was born May 25, 1831,
in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., and
is a son of Andrew and Eliza (Buchanan) Farrer.
Andrew Farrer, who was a blacksmith by trade, fol-
lowed that occupation until 1850, in which year he com-
menced agricultural pursuits and continued until his
death in 1866. He was buried at Upper Buffalo Ceme-
tery, as was also his widow, who passed away in 1893.
They were the parents of the following children: Samuel;
Eobert B. and David M., both of whom are deceased ;
Joseph A., who died when small; and Ezra L., residing
in Missouri.
Samuel Farrer received his education in the common
schools of his native locality, leaving school to learn the
trade of blacksmith, which he followed until his father
purchased a farm. On this he worked until 1856, in
which year he was married, and after that event he be-
came a tenant farmer in Buffalo and Hopewell Town-
ships. In 1870 he went back to the home farm, of which
he had charge for three years, then bought his present
farm, which at that time consisted of 144 acres, and to
this he has since added twenty-eight acres. He has car-
ried on a general line of farming and has specialized in
sheep raising. Although past seventy-eight years of age,
Mr. Farrer is in the best of health and in possession of
all his faculties, and is able to carry on his duties on
the farm every day, attributing his present excellent
physical condition to the fact that he has always lived
a hearty, out-of-door life and has never indulged to ex-
cess in spiritous liquors. He is one of the prominent
farmers of his section and a well-known member of the
grange at Independence.
In 1856, Mr. Farrer was married to Mary Dunkle,
daughter of John and Eleanor (McLaughlin) Dunkle,
farming people of Hopewell Township, and to this union
there were born children as follows: EUen, and J. Addi-
son, who reside at home; Nettie B., who married C. L.
Grimes, a general storekeeper at Coon Island, Washing-
ton County; Andrew C, a leading merchant of West
Middletown, who started in business in 1908 and now
has a large trade ; Abraham Lincoln, a successful mer-
cha.nt of Wolf town, Canton Township ; John, a carpenter
of Buffalo village; James, who died at the age of about
eight years; Samuel, Jr., also a carpenter, residing at
home; Martha, who married Ernest Smith, operates a
farm adjoining that of Mr. Farrer in Independence
Township; and Emma, residing at home. The mother
of these children died August 20, 1890, and was buried
at West Middletown Cemetery.
Mr. Farrer is connected with the United Presbyterian
Church at Mount Hope, in which for many years he
served as trustee. A Eepublican in politics, he has been
prominent in the ranks of his party, serving as county
commissioner from 1894 to 1897, as justice of the peace
from 1889 to 1894, as supervisor for one term, and as
school director and judge of election for a number of
years.
M. W. SCOTT, a representative business man of Bur-
gettstown, carrying on a large trade in furniture, wall
paper and carpets, was born in Smith Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., November 7, 1856, and is a son of
Eobert K. Scott.
M. W. Scott attended school in Burgettstown, during
boyhood and youth, after which he assisted his father
on the home farm in Smith Township, for some years.
In 1887 he embarked in the furniture business at Bur-
gettstown and has added to his original stock and now
does a large amount of dealing, his patronage coming
from the town and also from the adjacent country.
On January 18, 1888, Mr. Scott was married to Miss
Sarah E. Dornan, a daughter of William Dornan, and
they have the following children: William E. K., F.
Donn, Pamela M., M. Burt, C. Denny, E. Lauretta, K.
Leroy, Wylie F., Lila and Lena, twins, and Harry Mc-
Kee. All survive with the exception of Lena, a large,
healthy, happy, intelligent family. Mr. Scott and wife
are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Bur-
gettstown, of which he is one of the trustees. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat and was formerly a member of the
town council and of the school board. He is also serv-
ing as one of the directors of the Union Agricultural
Association.
JESSE Y. SCOTT, M. D., one of Washington County's
prominent and able physicians and surgeons, has been
engaged in active practice in the borough of Washing-
ton, for almost a score of years. He was born in Fallow-
field Township, Washington Co., Pa., November 13,
1848, and is a son of Joseph A and Eliza (Sheplar)
Scott, who long were honored and esteemed residents of
Washington County.
From the common schools of Fallowfield Township,
Dr. Scott, as an ambitious youth, took up the higher
branches of study in the Southwestern State Normal
School, at California, Pa., and in 1870 commenced his
medical studies. These he pursued under the supervision
of Dr. J. H. Leyda, of Bentleyville, and when sufficiently
prepared, he entered the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. With hon-
IllSTOKV OF WASIIIN(;i'().\ ( OU.NTV
543
orublo iiifiituiii III' n:is Kiailiialtil I'miii Unit iiiHtitiitioii
iu IS'o, iiml iniiiit'iliiilcly tlicicaftiT started into prac
tice at ( Vntri'villi', WaBliiiigldii (.'oiiiity. He roinaineil
two years at Ceiitrevillo, practiced cine year at Pittsburg
ami elcveu years at Beutleyvillo, ami tbeii came to Wnsli
ington. His siieccss has been exceptional both from tlie
stuiulpoiiit of profeBsional achievement aud in u linan
ciaJ way. Associated with him is Dr. Donehoo, and they
maintain a line snite of ollices at Nos. 211-213 Washing-
ton Trust Building. He is a director of the Washington
Trust (.Vnipany, the Washington Electric Ivight and
Power Company, and is linaucially interested in other
successful business enterprises of the borough.
On June 16, 1881, Dr. Scott was married to Miss Ella
M. McLean, a daughter of Henry B. McLean, of Bealls-
ville, who formerly served in the office of county com-
missioner. Dr. and Mrs. Scott have a beautiful home,
their residence being located at No. 498 East -Maiden
street. They are active members of the Central Pres-
byterian Church. In politics, Dr. Scott is a Republican.
His fraternal connections are with several medical or-
ganizations and with the order of Heptasophs.
.1. HARPKK WALLACE, one of Washington County's
prominent citizens, residing on his valuable farm of 163
acres, which is situated iu Canton Township, adjoining
the corporation limits of Washington, is president of
the Dunbar- Wallace Company, of Washington, and pres-
ident of the Crafton Builders' Supply Company, of
Grafton, Pa. Mr. Wallace was born in North Fayette
Township, Allegheny Co., Pa., January 19, 1849.
Mr. Wallace wa-s afforded excellent educational ad-
vantages in his youth, receiviug academic training in
several well known institutions. In 1889 he purchased
his present farm in Canton Township and has made it
bis home ever since. He takes an interest in fine stock,
particularly horses, and is credited with having one of
the best driving teams in the county.
In 1870, Mr. Wallace was married (first) to Miss
Louise Donaldson, who died in 1871, leaving one son,
Joseph D. At the time of his decease, he was a physi-
cian of high standing and was professor of anatomy in
Jefferson Medical College. In 1873, Mr. Wallace was
married (second) to Miss Jennie B. Oliver, of Allegheny
County, and to this marriage six children were born,
namely: J. W., who is secretary and treasurer of the
Dunbar & Wallace Lumber Company and of the Crafton
Builders' Supply Company; O. C, who is connected with
the Dunbar & Wallace Lumber Company; John H., who
is a graduate of Princeton LTniversity, is manager of
the Crafton Builders' Supply Company; Robert, who is
interested in the management of the farm; Frank M.,
who is a student in Washington and Jefferson College;
and .Mice, who resides at home. Mr. Wallace .nnd familv
are iiieinbers of tiie Second Presbyleriun Church at Wash-
ington. I'Vaternally he is an Elk.
WILI.IA.M V. CALDWELL, who residin on his fine
farm of ninety ai'res, in Ihipewell Township, Wa.shingtOD
Co., Pa., was born on a farm, about two miles east
of Buffalo village, October 27, 18S5, and is a son of
Kobert S. and Caroline (Vance) Caldwell.
The Caldwell family is a very old one in Washington
County, Samuel Caldwell, grandfather of William V.,
being an early resident of Hopewell Towiufhip. Robert
S. Caldwell was born in Hopewell Township, December
9, 1820, and lived on a part of the same farm until he
retired and moved to Buffalo, where he died, December
7, 1903, and his burial was iu the Upper Buffalo Ceme-
tery. The children born to Robert S. Caldwell and his
wife were: Hannah J., who married Robert G. Maxwell;
Margaret, who is the widow of John W. Stewart, o£
Buffalo Township; William V.; Samuel, who died aged
twenty four years; and Carrie, who was six months old
at the time of her death.
William V. Caldwell attended the public schools until
old enough to take on himself the management of the
home farm and he has continued in argicultural pursuits
ever since. He is executor of his father's estate. He
remained on the home phice until 1906 when he moved to
Buffalo village. He located on his present farm adjoin-
ing the village in April, 1909.
Mr. Caldwell was marric<l December 3, 1885, to Miss
Allie M. Patterson, a daughter of Moses and Grisella
(McComb) Patterson, of Cross Creek Township. The
father of Mrs. Caldwell died February 7, 1906, the
mother having passed away May 27, 1872. Mr. and
^[rs. Caldwell have one son, Robert Vance Caldwell, who
was born October 1, 1894. Mrs. Caldwell has one sister
and one brother: Lettie, who is the wife of J. C. Blaney,
of Buffalo; and James W., who resides at Coon Island,
Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Caldwell are mem-
bers of the Upper Presbyterian Church of Buffalo and
Mrs. Caldwell belongs to the church missioniiry society.
Mr. Caldwell takes no active interest in politics and cares
for no political favors. He casts his vote with the Re-
publican party and has served on the township election
board. He is one of the stockholders in the Buffalo
Telephone Company.
JOHN I. CARSON, who. for many years has been
prominently ideal ifioil with the affairs of Washington,
Pa., is a representative member of the Washington Coun-
ty bar and is a leading factor in Republican politics.
He was born in Ohio County, W. Va., October 21, 1853,
and is a, son of Joseph and Anna (Brown) Carson.
John I. Carson was reared to school age on the home
farm, and after completing the common school cour»e
544
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
near home, entered West Alexander Academy, and when
sixteen years old, Waynesburg College. After leaving
college he taught school in Ohio and Marshall counties.
West Virginia, and then in Peoria County, Illinois. In
1875 he returned to his old home and was married in
that year and after that settled down to farming in
Chesterlield County, Virginia. He continued there some
five years and then moved to Philadelphia, where he was
employed for one year as a clerk in a commission house.
In 1882 he became principal of the public schools of
West Alexander and as an educator became well known.
In July, 1891, he came to Washington Borough, where
he entered into partnership with J. W. Murray, in the
insurance, real estate and loan business. In the mean-
-while he prepared for admission to the bar of Washing-
ton County under Attorney James Q. McGiffin and sub-
sequently was admitted to practice. He maintains his
offices at Eooms 208-209 in the Brown building, Wash-
ington.
Mr. Carson, however, is a man of versatile talents and
has not confined himself to the practice of his profession.
He is an enthusiastic Republican and many times has
been elected to important offices on the Eepublican ticket.
In 1887 he was elected a justice of the peace at West
Alexander and served in that capacity untU 1892; dur-
ing 1892-1893, he was secretary of the Eepublican county
committee; and on January 1, 1893, he was appointed
deputy collector of internal revenue for the 23 d district,
having charge of the 7th division, which embraces Wash-
ington, Greene and a part of Fayette counties. In 1900,
Mr. Carson was elected prothonotary of Washington
County, at which election he led the ticket, and was
re-elected to that office in 1903 and again led the ticket,
with an increased majority, and served with marked
efficiency through his second term, retiring on January
1, 1906.
On November 25, 1875, Mr. Carson was married to a
native of his own county and State, Miss Josephine M.
Whitham, a daughter of Perry Whitham. They have
lad the following children: Eoss MiUigan, Glenn Pere,
Murial Joy, Salome and Denton B. The youngest son
was accidentally killed by the railroad in 1908. Mr.
Carson and family reside at No. 121 LeMoyne avenue.
They are members of the First Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM BAILEY, who passed out of this life Jan-
uary 27, 1880, was for many years one of the most prom-
inent and substantial farmers of Eobeson Township, and
was a son of Joseph and Mary (Ackleson) Bailey. Mr.
Bailey was a man of public spirit and enterprise. Dur-
ing his early life, politically he was a Whig, but later a
Democrat, and served in various township offices, includ-
ing assessor and treasurer, and w-as for twenty-two years
constable. He was married in 1848 to Mary Ann Spring-
er, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ann (McMurtrie)
Springer, and to them were born three children: Mar-
garet, who is the widow of John Eaton, is the mother of
the following childi'en : Mary, Aaron, Earl, George and
John: Joseph S., our subject; and Eachel Jane.
Joseph S. Bailey was born on his present farm in
Eobeson Township, November 28, 1850, and since com-
pleting his education in the common schools of the town-
ship, has always engaged in agricultural pursuits on the
home farm in Eobeson Township, where he and his sis-
ter Eachel have spent their entire lives. The farm, which
consists of 102 acres, was inherited by the three children
of WUliam Bailey, who still own the land between them,
and they also inherited another farm of forty-two acres
from the father. Joseph S. Bailey is engaged in dairy-
ing in connection with his farming interests and ships
his produce to Pittsburg from Midway. He keeps about
twenty head of cattle and makes a specialty of raising
Holstein cattle.
Mr. Bailey is politicany a Democrat and has served
nine years as auditor, his present term in that office
expiring in the spring of 1910, and he has also served
as judge and inspector of elections.
JAMES I. BROWNSON, member of the firm of Don-
nans, Brownson & Miller, one of the leading law firms
of Washington, Pa., has been in practice in this city
throughout his professional career and has a wide ac-
quaintance through the county. He was born at Wash-
ington, Pa., in 1856, and is a son of Eev. James I.
Brownson.
Eev. James I. Brownson was a native of Franklin
County, Pa., and in 1849 moved to Washington to accept
the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church, and
he filled the pulpit of that church continuously for a
period of 50 years, resigning Jan. 1, 1899. His death
occurred July 4, 1899. He was an able, scholarly and
conscientious man and lives in the memory of the people
of this community.
James I. Brownson, Esq., was reared in Washington
and was educated in the pubUe schools and in Washing-
ton and Jefferson College, from which institution he
was graduated in 1875. He registered as a law student
with Alexander Wilson and was admitted to the bar in
1878, since which time he has been in continuous prac-
tice at Washington and with eminent success. He is a
member of the Washington County and Pennsylvania
State Bar Associations. He was president of the coun-
cil of South Washington before it became a part of the
city, and also served several terms as solicitor for Wash-
ington County. He is a director of the Washington
Trust Company; a member of the board of trustees of
Washington and Jefferson College; a member of the
Archaeological In.stitnte of America; of the National
xn
O
O
.J
HISTOKV OF WASIIlNLiTOX COUNTY
54;
(iiH)itrnphical Soeioty ; ami of iho Aiiiericiin Porrcstry
AsKociution. In religious nltuchinoiit, Mr. Urowuson ix
u uiciiibor of tlio First Prcshyteriau Church and is sec-
rotary of the Sunday school.
CHARLKS FRANCIS LINN, M. D., superintendent
of the Monoii(;:ihola .Memorial Hospital, is a native of
Washington, I'a., whore he was born August 20, 1874,
and is a son of Alouzo and Rebecca E. (Fulton) Linn.
Prof. Alonzo Linn, the father of our subject, who
was born in Butler County, Pa., came when a boy of
twelve years to the vicinity of Monongahcia where he
was reared and Inter became an instructor in the Wash-
ington-.JelTerson College, in which capacity he served
until the time of his death, September 24, 1901, at the
age of seventy-four years. He is survived by his widow,
Mrs. Rebecca E. Linn, a resident of Washington, and
four children : George Thomas, Andrew M., Harry H.,
and Charles Francis, our subject.
Dr. Charles F. Linn was reared in Washington, where
be attended the Washington Preparatory School, later
graduating from the college with the class of 1895. He
then took a medical cour.se at the University of Pennsyl-
vania, from which he graduated in 1898 and spent the
following year in the hospital at Pottstown. In October,
1899, he came to Mouongahela City, where he has since
been engaged in the practice of his profession, in which
he has been highly successful, his office being located on
Main street. He is a member of the Washington County,
and the Pennsylvania Medical associations, and in poli-
tics, is an adherent of the Republican party.
On November 15, 1908, Dr. Linn was joined in mar-
riage with Henrietta L. McKennan, who is a daughter
of Dr. Thomas McKennan, of Washington, and their
residence is located on the corner of Chess and Third
streets.
DAVID M. McCLOSKEY, one of the leading attorneys
and city solicitor of Charleroi, Pa., who has been a resi-
dent here for the past seven years, was born March 6,
1879, in Elk County, Pennsylvania, and is a son of
Frank P. and Jennie L. (Poland) McCloskey, both
natives of the Wyoming Valley, near Wilkesbarre, Pa.
The father of our subject is the manager of the Charleroi
Real Estate ami Insurance Company, and is one of the
prominent business men of the city.
David M. McCloskey was born in Elk County, Penn-
sylvania, where his parents were visiting at that time,
but was reared at Lock Haven, Pa., where he attended
the common schools and graduated from the high school
at the age of seventeen years. He graduated from the
New York University with the degrees of L. L. B. and
L. L. M., was admitted to the bar of New York City,
and for one year engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession in that city, but fur the ptutt seven years has been
a resident uf Charleroi, where he has been successfully
engaged in the practice of law. He has for three years
been city solicitor of Charleroi, is attorney fur and
director of many corporations, including the First Na-
tional Bank uf Charlerui, the Charleroi Savings & Trust
Company, Mercantile Bridge Company, Charleroi Lum-
ber Company, Walton Lumber Company, and others.
Mr. McCloskey has his offices on Fifth street, lie is
atliliated with the Elks, is a Knight Templar, Mason,
and belongs to the Mystic Shrine, and is identified
with the University and the Duquesne clubs, of Pitts-
burg. His religious connection is with St. Mary's Epis-
copal Church of which he is one of the Vestrymen.
HON. JOHN BIRCH, deceased, was once one of Wash-
ington County's most prominent citizens, serving in
many offices of responsibility and ably representing his
district in the State Legislature of Pennsylvania. He
was born near Shippcnsburg, Cumberland Co., Pa., Au-
gust 5, 1810, and was a son of William and Elizabeth
(Mitchell) Birch.
The paternal grandfather was John Birch and he was
born in Ireland, but was of Scotch descent. He served
twelve years as a soldier in the British Army. In bis
native country he married Jano Bright and in 1801 they
emigrated to America, settling first in Cumberland
County, Pa., but later moving to Amwell Township, in
Washington County. By trade he was a weaver and dur-
ing his lifetime it was a fairly profitable one. His chil-
dren bore the following names: William, Valentine,
James, Jane, John, David, Thomas and Ann.
William Birch, the eldest of the above family, became
the father of John Birch. He was born at Belfast, Ire-
land, February 3, 1788, accompanied his parents to Amer-
ica thirteen years later and completed his school at-
tendance in Cumberland County, Pa. He learned to
weave and in his early business life was associated with
a Mr. Campbell in the manufacture of cloth. In 1818
he moved with his famUy to Amwell Township, Wash-
ington County, settling on a farm but removing two
years later to a farm in Canton Township, four years
later to Buffalo Township, and in 1835 to Holmes County,
Ohio. After the death of his wife, in 1844, he moved
to Fulton County, 111., but returned to Ohio and resided
at Birmingham until his decease, April 20, 1879. In
politics he was an Old-line Whig and in religion he was
a stanch Presbyterian. He married Elizabeth Mitchell,
who was born in Cumberland County in 1791. a daughter
of .John Mitchell, who, like John Birch, was of Irish
birth but of Scotch ancestry. To William and Elizabeth
Birch were born the following children: John, Mary,
William. David. George Bright, Thomas L., Dnisilla,
Margaret J., Mitchell, Joseph and Elizabeth.
548
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
John Birch obtained his education in the eommon and
subscription schools and when sixteen years old was ap-
prenticed to John Sharp, a neighboring tanner, with
whom he worked four years as an apprentice and one
year as a journeyman. In 1832 he went to Claysville
and after working for a short time for a local tanner,
he opened a tannery of his own and conducted it for
more than fifty years, at the end of that period retiring
from active business. In politics he was a Jacksonian
Democrat. Being a man of sterling integrity and pos-
sessing intellect and education above the majority of his
neighbors, was frequently called upon to accept official
duties. In 1848 he was elected a county commissioner
and served three terms in that office; in 1860, was census
enumerator in his section; served five terms as a justice
of the peace and finally was elected to the State Legis-
lature by a majority of more than 100 votes, and that
in a strong Eepublican county.
On May 5, 1835, Mr. Birch was married to Miss Har-
riet Eeed, a daughter of James Eeed. She was bom
October 15, 1815, in Aniwell Township, and died June
14, 1877. To this union were born the following chil-
dren: George W. F., born February 26, 1837, is a
graduate of Washington and Jefferson College and is a
Presbyterian minister; Francis A., bom April 26, 1840,
a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, died
September 13, 1863; William T., born September 2, 1842,
died February 4, 1864; Edward P., born February 1,
1845, died in 1847; Henry B., bora January 9, 1849;
John M., born July 7, 1851, was educated in Washington
and Jetferson College; Elizabeth M., born June 1, 1854,
married Rev. J. J. McCarrell, of McKeesport; Thomas
F., who is a prominent attorney at Washington; and
Harriet J., who was born January 9, 1860, and married
Frank T. Wray. On February 28, 1882, John Birch was
married (second) to Miss Elizabeth Todd, of Beaver
Falls, Pa. She was a daughter of Dr. Samuel P. and
Susan (Kerr) Todd. Dr. Todd was a native of New
York and his wife of New Jersey. He was a successful
medical practitioner in New York for many years. Mr.
Birch was a member of the Presbyterian Church and was
a member of the board of trustees.
Thomas F. Birch, the youngest son of the late Hon.
John Birch, was born May 18, 1856. After complet-
ing the classical course at Washington and Jefferson
College, he prepared for the law and was admitted to the
bar and has been identified with a large amount of the
important legal business in the county courts for years.
His offices are 208-210 Washington Trust Building.
extraction. He was born in Hopewell Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., March 16, 1846, and is a son of Archi-
bald and Margaret (Carlisle) Scott, the former a native
of Hopewell Township and the latter of Carroll County,
Ohio.
Thomas Scott, the grandfather of Thomas, was a na-
tive of Lancaster County, Pa., from whence he came in
1812 with his parents to Washington County, settling in
the woods of Hopewell Township, where his life was
spent in agricultural pursuits. His son, Archibald, who
died in May, 1908, also devoted his active life to farm-
ing and stock raising, and was a prominent man in his
day, serving as road supervisor and constable for a num-
ber of years. Of the children born to him and his wife
the following survive: Thomas; Eachel A., widow of
Lemuel Liggett, of West Middletown, Pa.; Elizabeth J.,
widow of John Shaler, of Donegal Township; Isabella,
wife of John A. Kerns, of Pittsburg; James A., of Can-
ton, Ohio; and Sarah M., of Wheeling, W. Va. Two
children, Mary and Alvina, are deceased.
Thomas Scott received his education in the district
schools of his native township, and as a youth worked
on his father's farm. His entire life has been spent in
agricultural pursuits, and since 1888 he has carried on
operations in Donegal Township, having located on his
present fine farm in 1903. He has been successful in
his efforts, and is ranked among the leading farmers of
his township.
Mr. Scott was married to Clara A. Barr, who was
born in Buffalo Township, Washington Co., Pa., daughter
of the late James Barr, formerly a well known citizen
of Buffalo Township. To Mr. and Mrs. Scott the follow-
ing children have been born: Joseph W., of Claysville,
Pa.; Anna B., the wife of W. M. Eice, of Claysville;
Fannie L., the wife of George Shaler, of Donegal Town-
ship; William C, of Claysville; Eosa, wife of Alva Gar-
rison, residing in Ohio County, W. Va.; Mary J., wife of
Clinton Curtis, of Donegal Township; James A., residing
in Ohio County, W. Va., Robert W., also of Ohio County;
Ella, wife of Frank Howard, of Donegal Township;
Ruth A., wife of Thomas Scott, of West Finley Town-
ship ; and Adda, deceased.
Mr. Scott has served two terms as school director in
Donegal Township, and is known as a very public-spirited
citizen. He is a member of Hopewell Lodge, No. 504,
I. O. O. F., at Claysville, Pa., and he and his wife belong
to the Christian Church. Mr. Scott was born on the
farm on which the first Christian church in the United
States was built, on Brush Run, Hopewell Township.
THOMAS SCOTT, one of the prominent agriculturists
of Donegal Township, now operating an excellent farm
of 102 acres, has been a resident of this township since
1888, and comes of an old and honored family of Scotch
HAROLD ALEXANDER HAMILTON, a progressive
and enterprising young business man of Canonsburg is
the junior member of the grocery firm of Marple & Ham-
ilton, one of the newer business concerns of the city.
IIIS'r(»i;V (»!■ WASHINGTON COUNTY
0411
He wiiB bfiru at LiiuU-ii, Nurlli iSlraliiiiu' TinMiHliip, WjibIi
ington t'o., Ph., and is a son of .Ihiucm A. and Aiiim It.
(Siminoy) llaiiiiltoii.
JanicH A. Hamilton, fafliiT of IlaroM A., was liorn
in 1857, in NottiMj;liiiin 'riiun»lii|i. \Vasliinj;ton County,
and is a son of Janus A. aiul Lucy (Uusliyagi'r) Hamil-
ton, who were originally uf HiitU'r tounly. James A.
Hamilton tlic second, is a [irespeious farmer in North
Strabane To\vnshi[>. He married Anna R. Sumney, a
daughter of William H. and Kuth ((.Jamble) Sumney,
and they have five children, namely: Kva A., who is
the wife of Philip Templcton, of Oakmont; Harold
Alexander; Wallace (.>., who is a farmer in North Stra-
bane Town.'ihip, nuirried Angelina L. DeVore; and Hallic
W. and Janu'S Wray, both of whom reside at home.
Harold Alexander Hamilton received a good public
school education, leaving hi.s books in 1902, after gradu-
ating from the Wa.shington Business College. He worked
on the farm an<l at the carpenter trade for some eigh-
teen months and then turned his attention to merchan-
dising, on March 15, lOtlS'. l)ec()niing a partner with Les-
lie G. Marplc, under the firm name of Marple & Hamil-
ton, the two young men succeeding John W. Marple. The
business is in a prosperous condition and the up-to-date
manner in which it is conducted, together with the fine
line of goods carried, has secured the liberal patronage
of the public. Politically, Mr. Hamilton is a Repub-
lican. Ho is a member of the Fairview Presbyterian
Church. He belongs to a family noted for its longevity,
bio paternal grandparents living to be eighty-two and
eighty-one years, respectively, and his maternal grand-
parents to be ninety and eighty-two years.
HUGH LEE, SR., a highly respected retired citizen of
near Burgettstown, Pa., who formerly carried on large
agricultural operations in Cross Creek Township, where
he still retains the ownership of two valuable farms ag
gregating 220 acres, was born in Cross Creek Township,
Washington Co., Pa., in the residence now occupied by his
brother, W". Craig Lee, July 11, 1837. His parents were
Maj. William and Jane (Craig) Lee.
The first of this branch of the Lee family was Hugh
Lee, who came from Ireland to America in 1789, and
they first settled in the vicinity of Canon-sburg. He later
purchased 219 acres of land of William McFarren in
Cross Creek Township, this land being known as Holmes '
Victory. James Holmes made settlement in 1774, and
received a Virginia certificate in 1780. A part of the
tract was sold in 1808 to William McFarren. and he
sold it to Hugh Lee as above related, and this tract is
still owned by the Lee descendants. This pioneer lived
here until his death about the year 1815, and his remains
lie in the old burying ground at Cross Creek. He and
his wife Mary had a family of five sons and three daugh
lers, one of whom, a Hun, Hugh Lee, who nait bom
in Irelnnil, was three years of age at the time of the
arrival of the family in this country. He wag the only
one of the chililren to renuiin at home and at their
deatlus he bcciime the owner of the home farm. He mar-
ried in 1M04, Hannah Orr, who was from Hollidays Cove,
W. Va., and they had a family of ten children. He rc-
nuiined on the home place until his death in 1837, and
was survived many years by his widow who died in 1882,
in the ninety-fifth year of her age. She was the last of
the original niembers belonging to the Church of Cross
( 'reek at the settlement of Rev. John Stockton, U. D.
Maj. William Lee was born on tho home place in
Cross Creek Township, in 1807, iuid his entire life was
passed on this place, engaged in agricultural pursuits.
He held a commission as major in the State militia from
Gov. David R. Porter. He was an elder in the Cross
Creek Presbyterian Church from 1858 until his death,
his father and grandfather also having been elders of
that church before him. He was married in 1836, to
Jane Craig, eldest daughter of Hon. Walter Craig, of
Cross Creek. They became parents of six children, three
sons and three daughters, namely: Hugh Lee, subject of
this record; Elizabeth Mary, widow of Hon. John N.
McDonald; West Anna, deceased wife of E. V. Johnson,
of W'ashington, Pa. ; W. Craig Lee, who lives on the old
home place; Hannah, widow of Samuel Sturgeon; and
John S., who lives in Cross Creek Township. The death
of Maj. William Lee occurred in 1888, and he was
buried in the cemetery in Cross Creek, as was bis widow,
whose death occurred in 1890. Their golden wedding an-
niversary was celebrated in 1886.
Hugh Lee, the direct subject of this sketch, attended
the district schools and then took a business course in
Duff's Commercial College, at Pittsburg, where he was
graduated. From the age of twenty-two years he has
been interested in farm pursuits. For many years he
gave much attention to the sheep industry and found it
profitable. He was one of the organizers of the Wash-
ington National Bank at Burgettstown and is a large
stockholder. In his early political life he was a Whig,
but when the Republican party was organized he became
identified with it. On many oPcasi(ms, Mr. Lee's fellow
citizens honored him by electing him to responsible town-
ship offices and he frequently served as a member of the
board of education, as supervisor and judge of elections
and for four years was school treasurer.
In October, 1868, Mr. Lee was married to Miss Marian
E. Stockton, who died in 1892. She was a daughter of
Rev. Dr. John and Nancy (Clark) Stockton, of Cross
Creek Township. They had two children: Nancy E. and
Alvin C. Mr. Lee's only daughter resides at home. She
attended school at Pittsburg and is a graduate of the
Hollidaysburg Ladies' College, where she excelled in
550
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
drawing and painting. Tlie only son is one of the lead-
ing physicians and surgeons of Mansfield, Ohio. He
attended the district schools and Grove City College,
where he was creditably graduated and then entered
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he gradu-
ated with honors and was selected by his class as class
poet. He remained as an interne in the Philadelphia
Hospital for a year, and then took a post-graduate course
in surgery. In 1900 he located at Mansfield and his
advancement in his profession has been steady and sub-
stantial. He there married Miss Hattie Niman and they
have a little daughter of three years with the name of
Marian. Mr. Lee and family attend the Presbyterian
Church.
MAJ. ANDREW GARDNER HAPPEE, a prominent
resident of Washington, who has an honorable record
for service in the Civil War, has been extensively en-
gaged in the real estate and insurance business in that
borough since 1S71. He has been closely identified with
the important interests of the county, has a wide circle
of acquaintances, and stands high in the estimation of
his fellow citizens. He was born in Union Township,
Washington Co., Pa., August 15, 1839, and comes of a
family which has long been established on American soO
and in Washington County. He is a son of John Arrell
and Violet (Gardner) Happer, and a grandson of Baptist
and Ann (Arrell) Happer.
John Happer, great-grandfather of the gentleman
whose name heads this sketch, was born in 1745, and died
August 25, 1818. He was married March 17, 1778, to
Margaret Patton, who was born in 1753 and died May
12, 1839. They had the following children: Andrew,
born February 15, 1779; Agnes, born February 21, 1781,
died August 23, 1850; Baptist, born July 15, 1783, died
July 4, 1833; John, Jr., born January 14, 1786, died
August 8, 1808; Jane, born May 16, 1789, died November
24, 1791; Samuel, born June 14, 1791, died April 30,
1812; and Jane, the second of the family to bear that
name, was born September 11, 1793, and died November
26, 1819.
Baptist Happer was married September 27, 1808, to
Ann ArreU, who was born in Pennsylvania, February 9,
1784, and died at Mt. Hope, January 19, 1848. Their
children were: Sarah, born September 11, 1809, became
the wife of Rev. Thomas Gait and lived in Sangamon
County, m. ; John Patton, born March 16, 1811 ; Samuel,
bom April 13, 1812, married Sarah Curry; John Arrell,
born October 1, 1816; Andrew Patton, born October 20,
1818, married Elizabeth Ball; James Edward, born Feb-
ruary 2, 1821, married Mary Gardner; and Mary Jane,
born June 12, 1823, married David Breading Arrell.
John Arrel Happer was married May 10, 1838, to Miss
"Violet Gardner, who was bom March 24, 1818. and they
lived in Union Township, Washington County, on the
old homestead untU their respective deaths, he dying in
1890. The issue of their union was: Andrew Gardner,
our subject; Anna Margaret, born October 14, 1841,
who became the wife of Rev. John J. Beacom, a Pres-
byterian minister of Allegheny County, Pa. ; Mary Belle,
born October 12, 1843, became the wife of Dr. George
Chessman also of Allegheny County; James Breading,
born June 25, 1846; Francis A., born January 10, 1848,'
married Emily Foster and lives in Mobile, Ala. ; Oliver
Paulinus, born May 22, 1850; Sarah Elizabeth, born
March 12, 1853; John Wilner, born January 23, 1858;
and Ella Blanche, born February 19, 1860.
Maj. Andrew G. Happer received a superior education-
al training in the district schools and Washington and
Jefferson College, in which he matriculated in 1859. Be-
fore the completion of his college course, his patriotism
led him to forego his ambitions as a student, and in
August, 1861, he enlisted in Co. K, 1st Pa. Vol. Cav.
He was mustered into the service as a private, Septem-
ber 6, 1861, and on March 11, 1862, was transferred to
Co. G, 11th Pa. Vol. Inf., with the rank of first lieu-
tenant; was promoted to captain of Co. I, of the 11th
Pa. Vol. Inf.; and was honorably discharged November
7, 1865, with the rank of major. He was in many of
the most important engagements of the war, and through-
out his service was with the Army of the Potomac. Among
the most important battles in which he participated
may be mentioned the following: Thoroughfare Gap,
Second Bull Run, Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, each one of which claimed
its hundreds of victims. At Antietam, Maj. Happer
was slightly wounded but nevertheless kept in the ranks,
but was more seriously injured at the battle of the Wil-
derness, on May 5, 1864, when he was not only taken
captive by the enemy but received a wound from a bul-
let which his body carries to the present day. Upon
receiving his honorable discharge from the army he re-
turned to Washington County and shortly afterward was
appointed assessor of internal revenue, and, during his
period in office, from 1866 untU 1871, he resided in Mo-
nongahela City. He then returned to Washington where
he has since lived, engaging at that time in the real es-
tate and insurance business which he has continued and
at present is the largest dealer in realty in Washington
County. He is a director in the Washington Trust Com-
pany and has other interests, having been active in de-
veloping the oil fields in the vicinity of Washington,
and has always done his full share and more in advanc-
ing the welfare of the community.
In 1878, Maj. Happer was married to Miss Matilda M.
Watson, a daughter of James Watson, deceased, who for
many years was a resident of Washingon. Maj. and
Mrs. Happer occupy one of Washington's finest resi-
-J.
THOMAS JEFFERSON DUNCAN
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
553
ilt'uica, 11 iiiiigiiilicunt slriKtiire of ClovclauJ stone, wliiili
he oreetod at No. 130 Eaat Wheoliug street. la politics,
Mnj. Ilnpiier lina been a cousistent Republican. Creilit
is given hiui for tlio suceess tbut has attended tlie West-
ern I'enMsvlviiniu Agrii'nitnral Association, of whidi ho
was secretary for many years and in whicli be was deeply
interested. He is an honored member of Templetou Post,
Cirand .Xrniy of the Republic, and of the Loyal Legion.
ROUKRT STKVKN'SOX, an enterprising farmer and
dairyman residing on n farm of sixty acres in Robeson
Townsliip, \Vasliin{;tou Co., Pa., was born July 16, 1837,
on his present farm, and is a son of Robert and Sarah
(Cieary) Stevenson, and a grandson of William Steven-
son. The parents of our subject followed farming all
their lives, and died on the home farm and were buried
at Candor Cemetery. They were the parents of two chil-
dren, Sarah, who makes her home with her brother,
Robert, who is the younger.
Robert Stevenson attended the district schools of
Robe.son Township until fifteen years of age, when he
went to work on the farm and has since been engaged
in farming and dairying on the old home place.
Mr. Stevenson was married April 8, 1869, to Martha
Aten, a daughter of William and Sarah (Russell) Aten,
who were well known farmers of Washington County,
Pa., and the parents of the following children: Martha;
Rachel, deceased; Jane, the deceased wife of Kphrlam
May, 1908, was born January 16, 1881, in Wa-shington,
Voegle; Henry, who lives at Midway; and Elizabeth,
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson are the parents of
the following children : Marietta, who lives at home ;
Sarah; Martha, married Charles Farrar and has one
child, Robert; and John A., who is engaged in farming
in Washington County, Pa.
Mr. Stevenson is a Republican in politics, and served
one term as assessor of the township. The family at-
tends church at Candor.
IIL'tiH E. FERGUS, a well known and able attorney
of Charleroi, Pa., who has been a resident here since
Pa., and is a son of Samuel P. and Margaret (Weir)
Fergus.
The Fergus family originally came from Scotland and
settled in Huntington County, Pa., where they attained
considerable prominence. Samuel P. Fergus was born in
Washington County, east of Washington, and was a son
of Thomah Fergus. He was for many years one of the
prominent farmers of the county, but subsequently re-
moved to Washington, where he engaged in the oil busi-
ness until the time of his death in June, 1900. His
widow is still living and a resident of Washington, Pa.
Hugh E. Fergus obtained his educational training in
the public schools of Washington and the WushiugtvD-
.lelVerson College, from which ho graduated in IWOO.
lie then entered the law depurtmcut of the WestcrD
University of Pennsylvania, now known oa the Uni-
versity of Pittsburg, and graduated in law in 1907,
and in July of that year, embarked in the practice of
law at Washington, where he continued until -May, 1908.
lie then came to Charleroi, and has since been located at
Xo. 511 Fallowfield avenue.
Mr. Fergus is one of the able and rising members of
the legal jirofession of Charleroi, and posscBses to the
fullest e.vtent the confidence and esteem of his fellow
men.
I'llo.MAS JEFFERSON DUNCAN, whose activity
in the alTairs of Washington, Pa., during the 34 years
of his residence in that city, has made him a prominent
figure in the eye of the public, is a man of many parts.
As an educator, lawyer and financier he has been success-
ful, displaying those qualities of leadership and character
which mark the highest type of citizenship. He is, at
the present time, (A. D. 1910), senior member of the
well-known law firm of Duncan, Chalfant & Warne, with
oflice at No. 80 South Main street, and is president of
the Real Estate Trust Company.
Mr. Duncan was born at Bridgeport, Fayette County,
Pa., Feb. 11, 1845, and is a son of Hon. Thomas and
Priscilla (Stevens) Duncan, both of whom were of
pioneer families in that county. His paternal grand-
father, Arthur Duncan, was of Irish birth, but of Scotch
descent, and after being engaged in the struggle for
Irish freedom against England, left his native land for
.-\merica late in the 18th century and took up his resi-
dence in Fayette County, Pa., where he was employed
at his trade as an iron worker at the forge of Dr.
Steven.s. There Hon. Thomas Duncan was born and in
said county lived through a long and honorable career.
He was, in early life, active as a politician and fre-
quently was called into service as a public official, serving
some years as commissioner of Fayette County, and
for ten years as one of the judges of its courts. The
declining years of his life were spent at the old home
at Bridgeport, where he died at an advanced age. He
married Priscilla elevens, whose death occurred in 1S73
at the age of about 66 years. Her father. Dr. Benjamin
Stevens, emigrated from Maryland to Fayette County,
Pa., at an early date and occupied a position of promi-
nence in the community. In addition to caring for a
large practice, he established and operated an iron
forge. Thomas and Priscilla Duncan became parents
of the following children: Sophia, deceased wife of W.
H. Laning; Elizabeth, widow of William Worrell; Dr.
W. S. Duncan, a physician and surgeon of wide repu-
554
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
tation, who died in 1892; Arthur Duncan, who died in
early manhood; and Thomas jenerson, whose name heads
this sketch.
Thomas Jefferson Duncan attended the graded schools
of his native town, after which he studied under the
tutelage of E. N. Hartshorn, a gentleman of scholarly
attainments, who afterward became a professor in Mt.
Union College, at Mt. Union, Ohio. At the age of 18
years our subject began teaching school in Wharton
Township, a mountainous region of Fayette County, and
after one season thus engaged entered Mt. Union College
to continue his intellectual training. The year of 1864
marked a bitter contest in that institution between fac-
ulty and students as to the authority of the former over
the literary societies, and the result was some of the
undergraduates were dismissed from the institution.
Others, resenting the summary action of the faculty,
voluntarily withdrew, and among the number was young
Duncan, who with a friend, now the Eev. John H. Hart-
man, entered Vermillion Institute, at Haysville, Ohio,
a flourishing academy under the guidance of Eev. Sanders
Diefendorf. Before the completion of his second year in
the academy, his health failed and he was obliged to re-
turn to his home and recuperate. In the spring of 1866
he was sufBciently recovered to enter Washington and
Jefferson College, at Washington, Pa., from which in-
stitution he was graduated with the Class of 1868. Dur-
ing his senior year he had served as teacher in the pre-
paratory department of the college, and upon graduation
was asked to accept a position as one of the instructors
in the institution, but declined. His class was one of
the largest ever sent out by his alma mater, and its
enrollment included the names of many who attained dis-
tinction in the various walks of life, among them: Prof.
D. J. McAdam, Hon. H. J. Eckly, S. B. Fisher, James
S. Moorhead, Eev. T. J. Sherrard, Eev. L. M. Gilleland,
and Hon. W. B. Sutton. Upon leaving college he was
chosen superintendent of schools in his native town, and
during the two years he served in that capacity dis-
played such ability as an instructor and executive as
to attract attention and gain for him recognition in
more important and remunerative fields. He was next
elected to the office of superintendent of schools at East
Liverpool, Ohio, and while there effected a complete
reorganization of the school system. The success of his
work during the two years he remained there added
largely to his reputation, but he resigned in order to
prepare himself for the legal profession, his studies
along that line having been begun while in college, in
the ofiice and under the direction of I. Y. Hamilton,
Esq. The fall of 1872, however, found him back in the
ranks from which he had so recently withdrawn; this
time located at Pittsburg as principal of the schools of
the 1.5th and 17th Wards of that city. The progressive
system of instruction he employed the decorum of his
pupils in the various school rooms, and the success of his
methods, were such as to excite comment and admiration
aud to bring many visitors from other schools. He was
an enthusiast in all that pertained to educational mat-
ters, became an active member of the College of Prin-
cipals, a frequent instructor of Teachers' Institutes of
Pittsburg and surrounding counties, a lecturer at the
Teachers' Association, and an occasional contributor to
the press on educational topics. Notwithstanding the
great demand on his time by the duties of his position,
Mr. Duncan, during his four years in Pittsburg, con-
tinued his preparation for the profession of law and in
the fall of 1875 was admitted to practice in the courts
of Washington County. He subsequently was admitted
to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania, and the various
courts of the United States, as his business demanded.
He embarked in practice at Washington, Pa., in 1876,
and almost immediately gained public recognition by
his activity on the stump during the memorable cam-
paign in which Tilden and Hayes were rival candidates
for the presidency . A forceful speaker, alert, resource-
ful and of discriminating mind, he appealed to the
reason of his audience, which he never failed to impress.
The zeal and energy expended in the interests of his
clients brought success and a more extensive clientage,
and the condition soon existed where he was retained, on
one side or the other, in much of the important liti-
gation which came before the courts of the county. He
has a large and well selected library of legal lore, works
so essential for the preparation of briefs in appealed
cases, a branch of his professional work in which he has
been unusually successful. Although he has always been
active in political campaigns, working hard for the suc-
cess of his friends, he has steadfastly refused to run
for ofiice since the fii'St year of his practice, when he
was Democratic nominee for district attorney. In 1888,
he was strongly importuned to run for Congress and
in his refusal went to the extent of telegraphing the
Democratic Convention of the 24th Congressional Dis-
trict. After a two days' session in which his wishes were
disregarded, he was nominated amid great enthusiasm of
the delegates who believed his candidacy would bring
party success at the polls. A committee of notification
was appointed, consisting of James H. Hoover, of
Fayette County; Joseph A. Skelly, of Allegheny; James
Smith, of Greene; and John P. Charlton, of Washing-
ton. Notwithstanding the flattering outlook for his
election, Mr. Duncan, upon meeting with the committee,
again voiced his refusal to accept the honor, assigning
reasons of a personal and private character arising
chiefly from a desire to devote his energies to the wel-
fare of his family and business affairs. He prepared
a letter of declination which was widely published and
HISTUKY OF WASlii.NbTON COUNTY
quoted from, in which he gave utterance to some of the
political principles for which he stood. Among other
things he stated that ' ' among his party associates he
did not recall a single individual toward whom he en-
tertained the slightest feeling of political aninuisity 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 encroachments of power unjustly exercised whether
manifesting itself in the form of monopolizing combi-
nations and trusts, corporate aggiogations or official
usurpation; that he was uncompromisingly opposed to
legislation in the interest of favored classes, to the
squandering of the public domain, to oppressive and un-
necessary taxation direct or indirect, and to the ten-
dency 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 and economically for the peace,
safety and prosperity of its citizens as a whole, without
preference or favor as to class, location, race, or other
basis of distinction."
Although his professional duties have claimed his at-
tention first and foremost, Mr. Duncan has devoted
much time to various business, benevolent and charitable
organizations. He has served as director and vice-
president of the Farmers and Mechanics National Bank
of Washington ; as a member of the Board of School
Directors; trustee and chairman of the finance committee
of the Dime Savings Bank of Washington; chairman
of the Board of Examiners of the Courts of the county;
trustee of the Young Men's Christian Association; presi-
dent of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals and Children ; curator and treasurer of the
Citizens' Library Association; president of the Real
Estate Trust Company, in which capacity he now serves;
and in various other positions of trust and responsibility.
In July, 1880, Mr. Duncan was united in marriage
with Miss Eleanor Morris, a lady of high educational at-
tainments and superior accomplishments. She w"as born
in West Brownsville, Washington County, Pa., Dec. 11,
1856, and is a daughter of Benjamin F. and Sarah J.
(Miller) Morris. Paternally, she is of Quaker stock
through both the Morris and West strains; and, not-
withstanding their religious faith and consequent anti-
pathy to bloodshed, numerous members of those fami-
lies attained distinction in the Revolutionary struggle.
The Morris family in America dates back to the early
colonial days when David Morris emigrated from Wales,
some time prior to 1685, at which date he married ilary
Phillipine. Their home was on the west bank of the
Delaware Kiver, below Philadelphia, and they reared a
family of five children: David, Isaac, Elizabeth, Mor-
dpcai and Jonathan, to whom many of the jiresent day
Morrises trace their lineage. The first of the family to
locate in Washington County, Pa., was Jonathan, grand-
son of David, first mentioned. He came shortly after
the clase of the Itevolutionary War ami took up his resi-
dence among the Quakers in East Bethlehem Township.
Ho brought his family with him, having previously mar-
ried a sister of the celebrated early painter, Benjamin
West, and a relative of Jonathan West, from whom was
descended Judge William West, the famous blind orator
of Ohio. Jonathan Morris died in 1788, and was sur-
vived by four sons, three of whom, it is alleged, were
in the Revolution. They were: Joseph; David, for many
years proprietor of the widely-known Globe Inn at Wash-
ington, Pa. ; and Jonathan, who bore the rank of captain
in the Continental Army, and is said to have organized
and equipped a full company of soldiers at his own
expense. He was wounded at the battle of Brandywine,
and died at Fredericktown, Washington County, in 1838.
Jesse, who was born in 1771, was the fourth son and the
grandfather of Mrs. Duncan. On Apr. 12, 1789, Jesse
Morris married Sarah Blackmore, who lacked one day
of being 17 years old at that time, and they became
parents of eleven children : Rebecca, Elizabeth, Mary
Ann, Sarah, David, Almira, Martha W., Benjamin F.,
Cynthia, Adelia M. and Jes.se J.
Benjamin F. Morris, father of Mrs. Duncan, was born
in Washington County, May 3, 1809, and was for many
years well known as a steamboat pilot and captain on
the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. His career on the
river was terminated about the time the Civil War start-
ed, alid at the time of his death, June 18, 1882, he was
a resident of Fredericktown, in Washington County.
A blue military cloak, which had been willed him by his
uncle, Capt. Jonathan Morris of Revolutionary fame, and
for which he had a peculiar affection, was at his re-
quest made his burial shroud. Capt. B. F. Morris was
married Aug. 15, 1842, to Miss Sarah J. Miller, who was
born in February, 1825, and was a daughter of W. H.
Miller. Her father was born in Barren County, Ky.,
in 1800, and died in Hart County, of that state, at the
age of 82 years. His wife, Elizabeth, died at Louis-
ville, Ky., in 1857. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were parents
of five daughters: Mary E., Emily, Louisa, Julia and
Sarah J. Capt. Benjamin F. Morris and his wife, Sarah,
had the following offspring: Jesse J., who married
Nancy E. Sharpneck; Mary E., who married first Leroy
Hiller, and, after his death, W. W. Reeves: Adelia M.,
who died at the age of 2 years; Sarah Louise, wife of
John Crumrine; L. Franklin, deceased, who married
.Jennie Cowden, and after her decease, Victoria Hendrix;
William B., who died in infancy; Samuel, now deceased,
who married Annie Eeece; Eleanor, wife of Thomas
Jeiferson Duncan ; and ijorena M., who was the wife
ot .Tohn V. Stathers, and died Sept. 21, 1883.
556
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Eleanor Morris ^Duneau) was two years of age when
her pai-ents moved from West Brownsville to Frederick-
town, where she was a pupil in the public schools until
their removal to Pittsburg in 1S69. There she attended
school in tue 17th Ward, and there formed the acquaint-
ance of Ms. Duncan, her future husband, who at that
time was principal of the school. After completing her
course in that school, she, at the age of 17 years, be-
came a teacher in one of the schools of the 31st Ward of
Pittsburg, and later in the 15th Ward, where she con-
tinued 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 Pittsburg Academy of Teachers. She
is a woman of great breadth of mind, a deep reader and
well posted on current events, and an entertaining con-
versationalist. Possessed of artistic talent, she devoted
some time to art studies witu a view to her own pleasure,
and has produced a number of oil paintings of merit.
Mrs. Duncan was uonored by appointment to the Ladies'
Auxiliary Committee of I'enusylvania for the World's
Columbian Exposition, held at Chicago in 1S93, and
rendered efScient service in that capacity.
Mr. and Mrs. Duncan reside in a beautiful home at
No. 214 East Wheeling street, in Washington. They
have but one child, a daughter, who married John H.
Donnan, Esq., a son of John W. Donnan, an attorney
of Washington, who is president of the Washington
Trust Company and of the Citizens' iSTational Bank of
Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Duncan have been active
in the work of the First M. E. Church, of which they are
members. Mr. Duncan serves as a member of the board
of trustees of this organization and was for many years
custodian of its funds.
JAMES DALLAS HOON, whose insurance and real
estate office is located in the Alexander Bank buUding
at Monongahela City, Pa., has been a resident of this
city since 1889, and is identified with various enterprises
of this locality. He was born on a farm in Butler Coun-
ty, Pa., August 23, 1845, and is a son of Samuel and
Mary E. (Shanor) Hoon.
Samuel Hoon was born in the eastern part of Penn-
sylvania and when quite young came with his parents
to Butler County, where he was reared on a farm and
learned the carpenters' trade, at which he worked for
many years. He erected many large barns through this
section of the country and died in Butler County at the
advanced age of ninety years. He married Mary E.
Shanor, a native of Butler County, Pa., and a daughter
of Daniel Shanor, who was one of the early settlers of
that county. She died at the age of eighty-two years.
Samuel and Mary Hoon became the parents of twelve
children, as follows: Maria Ann, is the widow of Jesse
Dutter ; Mrs. Isabella Manda Burns is a widow ; Edward
L., who was a member of the 13th Pa. Eeg., in the
Civil War, which was reorganized and was known as
102d Pa. Eeg., lost a leg at the second battle of Wil-
liamsburg; Matilda E., mai'ried John Dick; James Dal-
las, the subject of this sketch; Mary E.; L. S., lives in
Butler, Pa.; Harriet A., died aged thirteen years; Henry,
whose death occurred in 1909, served in the Spanish-
American War; Sarah, mairied Edward Seckler; George
W., who died aged seven years; and Olive D., who is the
wife of O. Fish.
James Dallas Hoon spent his boyhood days on hia
father's farm in Butler County, where he learned the
carpenter's trade, and in 1865, in the last year of the
Civil War, enlisted in Co. I, 7Sth Pa. Reg., under Capt.
Boggs and served until September of that same year.
After the close of the war he was stationed a short time
at Nashville, Tenn., then went to Ohio, where he first
located at Warren and followed carpenter work and
subsequently settled in Cleveland, where later he entered
the employ of the National Milling Company, and in
the second year was made head miller. He also oper-
ated a mill at Minerva, Ohio, for three years and in
1889 came to Monongahela City, where for one year he
had charge of the mill for George & Co. Then, in part-
nership with J. B. Hayward he rented and operated
for IS years the mUl owned by George & Co., and when
the railroad bought the property from the mill owners,
he embarked in the insurance and real estate business,
opening his present office in the Alexander Bank Build-
ing. Mr. Hoon and Mr. Hayward also operated a coal
mine near the Driving Park, where they owned a tract
of 35 acres. Our subject later purchased his partner 's
interest in this business, and now has the land laid out
in lots. Mr. Hoon is president of the Standard Eeal
Estate Company of Donora, Washington County, is in-
terested in oil lands in Butler County and owns stock
in other enterprises of this locality.
Mr. Hoon was married Sept. 2, 1869, to Maggie C.
Shaffer, of Warren, Ohio, a daughter of William and
Catherine Shaffer, both deceased. Of their union were
born two children, Jessie May, who died aged 10 years,
and Leroy M., a student in the medical department of
the University of Pa., at Philadelphia. Mr. Hoon and
family hold membership with the Baptist Church in
which he is a deacon. He is a member of the I. 0. 0. F.,
Jr. O. U. A. M., Eoyal Arcanum and the G. A. E., Stark
Weather Post No. 60, of Monongahela City, of which
he is quartermaster. He is a Democrat in politics and
has served in the city council.
EOBEET HOEACE McCLAY, a director of the First
National Bank of Washington, Pa., and a well-known
citizen, for many years was interested in farming, but
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
557
has now practically retired from business and occupies
an exceedingly conit'ortable home which is situated at
No. 204 Jefferson ave., Washington. He was born in
Canton Township, Washington Co., Pa., Jan. 12, 1850,
and is a son of John and Jane (Welch) McCIay, and
a grandson of Samuel and Sarah (McClellan) McClay,
the latter of whom were born in Ireland and were early
settlers in Canton Township, Washington County.
Kobert 11. McClay was reared on the old homestead
in Canton Township. In his boyhood his educational
opportunities were somewhat limited, but later lie ac-
quired a good education through a course of reading
and of absorption from those with whom lie came in
contact, who had enjoyed more advantages than had
been afforded him. He followed agricultural pursuits
during many years and resided on his well improved
farm in Canton Township until he removed to Wash-
ington. In addition to his farming interests he has been
concerned in successful business undertakings, has made
wise investments and is a stockholder and a director of
the First National Bank of Washington. Mr. McClay
has always evinced public spirit and has given active
support to measures and enterprises which have been
calculated to be of permanent benefit to borough and
county. He is a man of integrity and kindness of heart
and the majority of his acquaintances may be numbered
with his friends.
On Jan. 11, 1876, Mr. McClay was married to Miss
Rachel A. Wright, a daughter of William Wright, of
Buffalo Town.ship, Washington County, and they have
three children: Annie A., who married Samuel J. T.
Hough, of Washington, Pa., and they have three chil-
dren — Samuel Sheldon, William Robert and Sarah Mar-
garet; John W., who married Anna Jeannette Knox, of
Canton Township, and they have one daughter, Mary
Jeannette; and Maggie M. The whole family holds
membership in the United Presbyterian Church. Mr.
McClay is a Republican, with a tendency to be inde-
pendent in his views on public questions.
WILLIAM J. MEHAFFEY, a representative citizen
and prominent farmer and stocfaaiser in Donegal Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., is one of the largest land
owner.s in the county, having 775 acres, 670 of these
being in one tract, comprising the home farm. He has
been a life-long resident of Donegal Township, born
here May 25, 1868, and is a son of John and Klizabcth
(Sawhill) Mehaffey.
The father of Mr. Mehaffey was born in Donegal
Township, Washington County, where he died in 1908.
His father, Robert Mehaffey, was born in Ireland, of
Scotch-Irish ancestry, and came early to what is now
Donegal Township, where he died in 1824. The late
.lohn Mehaffey was a man very highly respected. He
carried on farming and stock raising all through his
active life and then retired to Claysville. He married
Elizabeth Sawhill, who was born in Blaine Township, in
what was then a part of Buffalo Township, Washington
County. The one survivor of their children is William
.1. They were worthy members of the United Presby-
terian Church.
William .1. Mehaffey attended the schools of Donegal
Township and also Duffs Commercial College at Pitts-
burg, from which he was graduated in 1890. From
youth he has been interested in agricultural pursuits
and he owns enough land to satisfy his desire to raise
bountiful crops and hundreds of head of cattle together
with from 800 to 900 head of sheep, and at the same
time to come into the market as an extensive grower
of fine fruit. All his operations are carried on with
the help of modern machinery and according to the
very best known methods.
In politics, Mr. Mehaffey is a Republican. He is
serving in his fourteenth consecutive year as a school
director in Donegal Township and is secretary of the
board and is also secretary of the Board of Road Super-
visors. For many years he has been a member of the
United Presbyterian Church at Claysville and is one of
the church trustees. He is a man who deservedly en-
joys the esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
DANIEL WILSON CRANE, a well-known citizen of
Canon.sburg, which has been his place of residence since
1877, was born in Peters Township, Washington Co.,
Pa., June 22, 1852, and is a son of Caleb and Margaret
(McLoney) Crane.
The father of Mr. Crane was born in Allegheny Coun-
ty, Pa., a son of Amos Crane. In association with two
brothers, he worked at the ship building trade, con-
structing many of the steamboats plying on the water-
ways of Western Pennsylvania. Caleb Crane was mar-
ried in middle manhood to Margaret McLoney, a daugh-
ter of Luke McLoney, of Washington County. Her
death occurred at Carnegie, Pa., in 1906, when aged 74
years. Caleb Crane died almost a quarter of a century
before, in Cecil Township, Washington County. His
first marriage was to a daughter of Enoch Holland, of
Allegheny County, who left one daughter at death, Mary
Catherine, who married William Weaver. Ten children
were born to his second union and the eldest of the
family was Daniel Wilson Crane, of Canonsburg. The
others were as follows: William Park, who resides at
Carnegie; Esther Elizabeth; John, who died when 5
years of age; Sadie Edith, Jennie Florence and Annie,
all deceased, never married; David P., who resides on
the old home place in Cecil Township, married a Miss
558
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Manes; James Luke, who was accidentally killed by a
railroad train at Canonsburg, left a widow ; and Glenn
Dickson, who resides at Carnegie, Pa., has a family.
Daniel Wilson Crane attended the district schools in
Peters and Cecil Townships. He is a well driller by
trade and does a large amount of business all through
the county. For more than 20 years this has been his
main avocation. For two years he supplied Washington
and Canonsburg from a drilled well which he discovered
on his property at Canonsburg. This well is 200 feet
deep and the chemist of the Board of Health of Pitts-
burg, on analyzing it, declared its water the purest in
the State of Pennsylvania. Naturally this water is in
great demand. Mr. Crane owns several properties and
is one of the borough's substantial citizens.
In 1877, Mr. Crane was married (tirst) to Miss Uretta
Hickman, who died in June, 1S99. She was survived
by three children ; Margaret Edith, a highly educated
and accomplished lady, formerly taught school at
Canonsburg and is now connected with the schools of
Wilkinsburg; Nancy Gail, who married Harry McCon-
nell, of Canonsburg; and Howard Wilson, who is a
student at Grove City College. In 1902, Mr. Crane was
married (second) to Miss Jennie Norris, who was reared
in North Strabane Township, near Canonsburg. One
son, Norwood Norris, has been born to the second mar-
riage. Mr. and Mrs. Crane are members of the First
Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg, in which he is an
elder.
S. C. CUMMINS, postmaster at Cross Creek village
and a prosperous business man of the place, belongs to
an old family of Washington County. He was born in
'Cross Creek village, Sept. 17, 18.54, and is a son of
Alfred and Mary A. (Hay) Cummins.
Mr. Cummins was educated in the village schools and
has always resided here. He learned the business of
painting and paperhanging and has continued in that
line, finding his time sufficiently engaged with his busi-
ness and his duties as postmaster, the latter of which
he assumed in September, 1909. The business of this
office is constantly increasing and Mr. Cummins is a
man well qualified to handle it.
In 1880, Mr. Cummins was married to Miss Margaret
Wherry, who is a daughter of William Wherry. Their
one child is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Cummins are mem-
bers of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church. In poli-
tics Mr. Cummins is in accord with the present ad-
ministration, but he lays no claims to being a poli-
tician. He is a good citizen in all that the word im-
plies and as such is a representative man of Cross Creek
Township.
GEORGE A, DOUGHERTY, M. D., deceased, was
one of Washington 's eminent physicians and surgeons.
He was born in County Derry, Ireland, Dec. 15, 1839,
and died at Washington, Pa., Mar. 12, 1909, where he
had been in continuous practice for 41 years. His
parents were Edward and Lillie (Allender) Dougherty.
The parents of Dr. Dougherty came with their chil-
dren to America in 1840 and resided at Washington,
Pa., until 1859, when they returned to Ireland. About
the time of the close of the CivU War, Edward Dough-
erty came again to the United States, and in 1866 his
wife, son and daughter, Annie, joined him at Washing-
ton. All died here, the death of the daughter occurring
Dec. 8, 1908.
George A. Dougherty had already made some progress
in his medical studies and had received excellent literary
training in the public schools and Washington CoUege
when he accompanied his parents back to Ireland.
Shortly after his return to his native land came up the
question as to where he should complete his medical
training, and the great Glasgow University was chosen.
In the classic shades of an institution which was estab-
lished in 1450 and is an acknowledged repository of the
learning of ages. Dr. Dougherty spent four full years
and gained his coveted degrees of M. D. and C. M.,
graduating with the class of 1865. Taking advantage
of both hospital and dispensary training. Dr. Dougherty
remained one year longer at Glasgow, and then returned
to Washington, as noted above.
Dr. Dougherty was married on Jan. 14, 1880, to Miss
Rebecca M. Clokey, and they had two children, a daugh-
ter and son, of whom the former, Anna E., survives.
She is the wife of W. G. Edmonds, of Washington, Pa.
They have four children: Clarence George Dougherty,
Margaret Rebecca, Walter Roy and Charles Raymond.
In 1906 he erected his handsome, modern dwelling,
which stands on the old homestead lot which was his
place of residence during his whole life at Washington.
At his office at No. 127 North Main street, he had a
valuable library, in the selection of which he took much
interest, and which contains many rare old English
volumes, together with the apparatus generally utilized
by the progressive men of science at the present day, to
which class Dr. Dougherty belonged. With his family
he was a member of the Second United Presbyterian
Chui-ch at Washington. He belonged to the Washing-
ton County Medical Association, and with his thorough
training, his years of experience and his continued en-
thusiasm for his science, he easily stood in the front
rank among the medical men of Western Pennsylvania.
SIMON WHITE, a leading representative of the
business interests of Claysville, Pa., and the senior
member of the firm of White & Son, manufacturers
of paving material and of granite and marble monu-
mental work, with the main plant at Claysville and a
^SSH' iw
GE0RC4E A. DOUGHERTY. M.D.
—).
JOSEPH BRADFORD JOHNSON
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
561
brHiR'li at W'lu'i'ling, W. \'!i., was innu in Uueriiaej'
C^Diinty, Ohio, Sept. 24, 1)544. Ho is a son of Alexander
anil Minerva (Uoneliart) White.
The father of Mr. White was born also in Washing-
ton County, but the mother was a native of Waynes-
burg, Greene County. For a number of years Alexander
White engaged in the manufacture of head stones and
monuments at Claysville, having learned the business
from his father, also Alexander White. The first Alex-
ander w!is the real founder of the business at Claysville
and has been succeeded in the business by three gener-
ations of his descendants.
Simon White was about four years old when his
parents brought him from Ohio to Claysville and here
he attended school. When 18 years of age his father
died and he took the responsibilities of the business
on his shoulders and has continued in the same line ever
since, making some changes and many improvements.
The plant as it now stands was established at the pres-
ent location many years ago and Simon White has been
the practical head ever since. Constant employment is
afforded 16 experienced and skilled workmen, and this
is without doubt the most extensive business of its kind
in this part of Pennsylvania.
Mr. White was married (first) to MLss Elizabeth
Bane, a daughter of Jesse Bane, of Washington County.
This wife was survived by one son, William A. Mr.
White was married (second) to Miss Mary A. Daugherty,
who was born at Claysville, a daughter of the late
Samuel Daugherty, and they have three children:
Samuel, who is in partnership with his father, manages
the business at Wheeling; Lorena J., who is a teacher
residing at Homestead, Pa. ; and Harry L., who is em-
ployed as a drug clerk, at W'ashington, Pa. In poli-
ties, Mr. White is a Democrat and he has served as a
director in the Claysville Independent School District.
He is identified with Claysville Lodge No. 447, F. &
A. M.
ROBERT G. JEFFREY, one of Cross Creek Town
ship's leading citizens and enterprising and successful
farmers, was born on his present estate of 172 acres,
situated in Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
Sept. 26, 1855, and is a son of Robert and Eliza (Rus-
sell) Jeffrey.
The father of Mr. Jeffrey was a substantial farmer
of this section for many years. He was a man of quiet
life and industrious habits and enjoyed the respect of
his neighbors. He married Eliza Russell, who was a
daughter of Andrew and Ann (McClelland) Russell,
of Chartiers Township, and they had the following
children ; Anna Jane, widow of William Glass, lives in
Mt. Pleasant Township; Mary Belle, deceased, was the
wife of Matthew Acheson, of Smith Township; Sarah
Klizabeth, wile of J. M. McKitrick, of Cambridge,
Ohio; Martha Agne.s, deceased, wife of Samuel A. Mc-
Calniont, of Houston; Andrew Russell and Robert Gra-
ham.
Robert G. Jeffrey attended the public schools of
Cross Creek Township with more or less regularity
when farm work did not prevent, until he was 20 years
of age, after which he cultivated the homestead farm
for his parents and later obtained possession of it by
purchase. For years he has engaged in raising sheep
and general farming, and during the past two or three
years has also engaged in dairying, shipping to Pitts-
burg. Mr. Jeffrey has other investments and is a stock-
holder in the Hickory Telephone Company.
On Jan. 1, 1879, Mi'. Jeffrey married Miss Jennie
MeCalmont, a daughter of John and Mary Ann ( Moore)
MeCalniont, of Mt. Pleasant Township, and they have
five children, namely: Bessie D., who married C. M.
Marquis, has a pleasant home in Cross Creek Township,
and John R., Howard G., Clarence D. and Verner Lee,
all reside at home. Mr. Jeffrey has given his children
all the advantages in his power and his eldest son, John
R., spent five terms at Grove City College, taking the
engineering course. Mr. Jeffrey and wife are members
of the Hickory United Presbyterian Church, of which
he has been a trustee for a number of years. Like his
father, he is a Republican and he has frequently been
elected to township offices and has served acceptably
as an election inspector, as a school director and as
road supervisor.
JOSEPH BRADFORD JOHNSON, a leading citizen
of Canonsburg, whose fine brick residence is located at
No. 248 West Pike street, was born in North Strabane
Township, Washington County, Pa., Sept. 26, 1842, son
of John and Rebecca (Van Eman) Johnson.
John Johnson, father of Joseph B., was born in 1802,
in North Strabane Township, where his father, Ricliard
Johnson, had been a very early settler. A large part of
John .Johnson 's life was spent at Canonsburg. where
he died in 1884. He married Rebecca Van Eman. who
survived him for about two years, dying at the age of
76. Her parents were Joseph and Mary (Logan) Van
Eman. To John and Rebecca Johnson three sons were
born, namely: Richard Van Eman, who served in the
Civil War and now resides at Washington (he married
Anna Lee, a daughter of William Lee of Cross Creek
Village); Joseph Bradford; and John Gibson, now de-
ceased, who is survived by his widow and three sons,
who reside in Canonsburg.
Joseph Bradford Johnson had just completed his
sophomore year at Jefferson College when, in 1862. he
enli.sted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. G,
140th Pa. Vol. Inf., and was attached to the Army of
562
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
the Potomac. He participated in the battles of Chan-
cellorsville and Gettysburg, and in October, 1863, was
transferred to the Signal Corps, in which division he
served until he was captured by the Confederates, Oct.
28, 1864. The next three months and ten days of his
life were passed most unpleasantly in the notorious Libby
Prison, where he shared the hardships and sufferings
of his unfortunate comrades who were confined there.
Although paroled Jan. 22, 1865, he was unable to leave
on account of ice in the river, and was thus compelled
to remain until Feb. 5, 1865. He was then taken to
Annapolis, Md., where he was given a furlough of 30
days. On its expiration he returned to the front, but
by that time Gen. Lee had surrendered and the war was
virtually at an end. He was honorably discharged at
Washington City. He had escaped death and wounds,
but during his imprisoimient he contracted scurvy, which
_gave him trouble for a long time.
Mr. Johnson resumed his old occupations after he re-
turned home and followed farming until 1900, purchas-
ing his grandfather 's farm half a mile above Houston,
this county. This farm he bought from William Quail,
who had purchased it from Jefferson Patton, who had
secured it from Mr. Johnson's grandfather.
■ In 1867 Mr. Johnson was married to Miss Hannah
Jane Crothers, a daughter of Samuel J. and Jane
(Brownlee) Crothers. Three children were born to this
marriage, namely: Ella Maud, who became the wife of
Eev. Charles G. Williams, a Presbyterian minister, now
in charge of the Hyde Park Church of Denver, and who
has two children, Bradford Ealston and Jay; John
Tracey, who still operates the home farm; and Charles
Crothers, who is president of the Citizens' Trust Com-
pany, of Canon.sburg, and who married Miss Grace Hen-
derson.
Mrs. Hannah J. Johnson died in October, 1897, and
Mr. Johnson married Miss Anna M. Harper, April 4,
1900. Mrs. Johnson is a daughter of Robert J. and Eliz-
abeth R. (Henderson) Harper. Her father, who resides
in Canonsburg and is now 80 years old, was during bis
industrial period an engineer in the employ of the Penn-
sylvania Railroad. Mrs. Johnson's mother was a daugh-
ter of Matthew and Mary (Hutchison) Henderson, and
a great-granddaughter of Eev. Matthew Henderson, a
pioneer Seceder minister, who was among the early set-
tlers of this section, coming here in the days of the Rev.
John MeMOlen, or about the last decade of the 18th
century. Mrs. Johnson's maternal grandmother, Mary
(Hutchison) Henderson, was a daughter of John Hutchi-
son, one of the early settlers of Canonsburg, the west
end of the present town occupying the site of his farm.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Harper had ten children, four
of whom grew to maturity: Anna, Elizabeth, Ella and
Eva, the last mentioned being the wife of C. W. Camp-
bell, of Canonsburg.
The subject of this sketch is a member of Chapter
No. 1, of the Union Veteran Legion, at Pittsburg. He
is interested in several business enterprises and is a di-
rector of the Citizens ' Trust Company, of Canonsburg.
For many years he has been united with the Central
Presbyterian Church and is now serving as one of its
elders. His opinions on public questions make him a
strong supporter of the Republican party.
JOHN McCLAY, deceased, once a substantial farmer
and respected resident of Canton Township, Washington
Co., Pa., was born there in 1809 and was a son of
Samuel and Sarah (McCleUan) McClay.
Samuel McClay was born in Ireland and from that
country he came to America in boyhood, making the
long voyage in a sailing vessel. He found a home and
employment in Chester County, Pa., where he subse-
quently married Sarah McCleUan, who was also a native
of Ireland. Some years after their marriage they came
to Washington County and established their home in
Canton Township, where Samuel McClay died in 1838
and his widow in 1842.
John McClay grew up on the home farm in Canton
Township. His schooling was limited, there being few
advantages offered the children in Canton Township at
that day. He was, however, gifted with a large amount
of practical good sense, had the energy that enabled him
to overcome many obstacles and in the course of years he
became one of the township 's most prosperous citizens.
He was for many years a director in the First National
Bank of Washington. Mr. McClay was married (first)
April 26, 1838, to Miss Jane Smith, who died shortly
afterward. He was married (second) Sept. 15, 1841,
to Miss Jane Welch, a daughter of Robert Welch, and
they became the parents of four children, namely:
Sarah, widow of W. A. Morrison ; and William W.,
John H. and Robert H. In 1857 he married Sarah
Taggart and after her demise, he was united to Mar-
garet Brownlee, who was a daughter of James Brown-
lee, a pioneer of Washington County. He was identified
with the Covenanter Church until 1858, when he be-
came connected with the United Presbyterian. Early
in life he was a Whig, later became a Republican, but
in the closing years of his life the cause of Prohibition
claimed his allegiance. He died in January, 1895, on
his farm in Canton Township.
J. B. HENDERSON, proprietor of the Valley Stock
Farm, which contains 236 acres, situated in Smith
Township, Washington County, was born in Chartiers
and is a son of .lames L. Henderson.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
563
Mr. Henderson's early school days wore passed in
Chartiers Township and Canton Township, both in
Washington County, and later he took a commercial
course in JJuft's Business College at Pittsburg, after
which ho settled down to farming with his father. After
marriage, in ISOli, he located in Washington and began
to deal in stock and finding profit in the business has
continued until the present. In 1901 he settled on his
farm in Smith Township, where he made all the im-
provements which became necessary when he went ex-
tensively into the stock business. He has two sets of
farm buildings and erected one set after taking charge
of his property. This is known as the Valley Stock
Farm, whore Dorset sheep and Holstein cattle are bred
from imported stock. He exhibits his fine stock at
different points yearly and made a noted showing at
the Chicago International Exposition in 1905.
In November, 1892, Mr. Henderson was married to
Miss Lulu Buchanan, a daughter of J. S. Buchanan, of
Hickory, Washington County, and they have one son,
James Kaymond, who is attending school in Smith
Township. Mr. Henderson and family are members of
the First United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown,
in which he is an elder. In politics he is a Republican
and at different times he has been elected to important
township offices, serving at present as commissioner and
formerly was a justice of the peace. He is one of the
county's best known representative and reliable citi-
zens. In his efforts to improve the grade of stock in
Washington County, he has benefited all those who do
business in the same line.
GEORGE W. RISBECK, Burgess of Charleroi, Pa.,
who deals in real estate in a general way, and has
charge of a large insurance agency, has been a resi-
dent of Charleroi since 1902. He was born Oct. 25,
1869, on a farm near Brownsville, Fayette Co., Pa.,
and is a son of John M. and Nancy J. (Hess) Risbeek.
George W. Risbeek was reared on his father 's farm,
and after completing his education, which was obtained
in the district schools and the Merrittstown Academy,
he taught the district schools of that locality for nine
years. He then worked four years in a hardware store
in Brownsville, Pa., and since coming to Charleroi in
1902, has been engaged in the real estate and fire in-
surance business, having established a business of his
own three years ago, making a specialty of fire insur-
ance, although he also handles life, health and accident
insurance. He represents the Pittsburg Underwriters;
the Westchester Fire; the Williamsburg City Fire; the
Hamburg- Bremen and the Travelers' Insurance Com-
pany, a life, accident and health company. Mr. Ris-
beek has been a notary public for about four years.
and his ollices are located at No. 427 McKean avenue.
In politics he is a Democrat, and has been burgess of
Charleroi since March 1, 1909.
Mr. Risbeek was married in 1895 to Annie VanKirk,
of Fayette County, Pa., and they havo one child, Hallie,
who is 13 years of age. He is fraternally, a member
of Charleroi Lodge No. 494, Benevolent Protective Or-
der of Elks, and has been secretary of his lodge for the
past five years, and ia also a member of the Royal Ar-
canum and the Maccabees.
GEORGE T. WALKER, a member of the firm of
Walker & Slater, is one of Washington 's representative
citizens, identified with many of her large business en-
terprises and for years prominent and useful in public
life. Mr. Walker was born at Washington, in 1854, and
is a son of Thomas Walker and a grandson of George
Walker.
George Walker was born in Ireland and came to
Washington County auumg the hardy early pioneers.
His son, Thomas Walker, was born in Washington
County, in 1822, and was one of the early contractors
and earnest politicians of Washington, and through his
energy and public spirit, became a man known over
a wide territory.
George T. Walker was reared and educated at Washing-
ton) graduating from her High School in the class of
1870, following which he attended Washington and Jef-
ferson College for two terms. After he completed his
education, he learned his trade with his father and in
1885 was admitted to partnership, under the style of
Thomas Walker & Son, this being terminated by the
death of his father in the following year. In 1887 the
present firm was established, C. M. Slater becoming a
partner, and this is now the oldest and one of the
most prominent contracting firms in Washington, in
the general line of miU work. Mr. Walker is a director
in the Union Trust Company; is president of the Wash-
ington Ice Company; is treasurer of the Capitol Paint,
Oil and Varnish Company, and is a stockholder in sev-
eral other enterprises. Mr. Walker has been very ac-
tive in local politics for a number of years and his use-
fulness and efficiency have been proved during the time
he has held public offices. He has served acceptably on
the School Board, in the city council, of which he has
been president, and also served one term as burgess.
He is a Thirty-second degree Mason and belongs also
to the Elks. For a number of years he has been united
with the First United Presbyterian Church.
THOMPSON MARTIN DOUGLASS, a representa-
tive business man of McDonald, now conducting and
managing a milk, butter and egg business at this place,
564
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
was born near Venice, Washington Co., Pa., Mar. 9,
1848, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Thompson)
Douglass.
Robert Douglass was a citizen of Washington County
all his life. He was a stone mason by trade and as-
sisted in the construction of many buildings, walls and
bridges all over this section. He married Nancy Thomp-
son and they had four children, namely: Eliza Jane,
who is now deceased; John Allen, deceased; Sarah, who
was the wife of William Scott, is also deceased; and
Thompson Martin, the youngest and the only survivor.
The parents were members of the United Presbyterian
Church.
Thompson Martin Douglass attended school until he
was about 14 years of age, when he learned the trade
of a stone mason and Mr. Douglass followed this trade
for about ten years. He then went into the bakery
business at McDonald, in which he continued until
1900, when he retired for four years.
In 1905 he entered into the milk, butter and egg
business, in which he has since been engaged.
On Oct. 18, 1871, Mr. Douglass was married to Miss
Julia McCausland, a daughter of James and Elizabeth
(Plake) McCausland. The McCausIands came from
Butler to Washington County and they were parents of
the following children: Beatrice, deceased, was the wife
of L. B. Quinn; and John, Catherine and Julia. Seven
children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Douglass, three of
whom died in infancy. The survivors are: Robert, a
foreman for the Nocola Building Company of Pitts-
burg; John A., who is engaged in the practice of medi-
cine at McDonald; Bessie, who is the wife of M. S.
Moorhead, a furniture dealer at McDonald, and Leon,
who is a druggist. Mr. and Mrs. Douglass are members
of the First United Presbyterian Church at McDonald.
In his views on public questions, he is a Prohibitionist.
Dr. John A. Douglass of the above family, was born
at Allegheny City, Jan. 12, 1874. He was educated in
the public schools at McDonald and Ingleside Academy,
going from there to Duquesne College and in 1892 en-
tered Hahnemann Medical College, at Philadelphia,
where he was graduated in 1896. He has built up a very
substantial practice at McDonald.
HARRY BROWN SIMPSON, who is secretary of the
Mouongahela Clay Manufacturing Company, extensive
manufacturers of various kinds of brick, has been ideti-
fied with the business interests of Mouongahela City
since 1902. He was born Feb. 20, 1877, at Pittsburg, Pa.,
and is a son of James M. and Sarah C. (Brown) Simp-
son, the former of whom died in 1902, at Pittsburg,
where for many years he was engaged in the real estate
business. The mother is still living.
Harry B. Simpson grew to manhood in Pittsburg,
where he obtained his educational training in the com-
mon schools, after which he entered the employ of H.
Lloyd & Sons Company, who were the pioneer iron man-
ufacturers of Pittsburg. He was subsequently engaged
with the Shoenberger Steel Works of Pittsburg, which
position he resigned in 1902, when he came to Mouon-
gahela City_ as secretary and manager of the Mouon-
gahela Clay Manufacturing Company, which concern
was organized by a Pittsburg company which sold the
plant in 1903 to the present company, of which Samuel
M. Downer is president; F. K. Alexander, treasurer,
and H. B. Simpson, our subject, secretary and manager.
The plant, which is finely equipped with the latest de-
vices and machinery for brick-making, covers a tract of
14 acres, and is located about one mile south of Mouon-
gahela City on the M. W. branch of the P., V. & C.
R. R. The company, whose offices are located in the
Alexander Bank Building, employ an average of 50 men
at the plant, where they produce 60,000 brick per day,
manufacturing face brick, hollow brick and paving
brick.
Mr. Simpson was united in marriage Nov. 25, 1895,
with Bessie J. Hughes, a daughter of W. L. Hughes, of
Pittsburg, and of their union have been born three chil-
dren: Harold, Kenneth and Mildred. Mr. Simpson and
family reside in a pleasant home located on the corner
of Meade and Coal streets. Mr. Simpson is fraternally
affiliated with the B. P. 0. E. of Monongahela City, and
his religious connection is with the Presbyterian Chui'ch.
He is politically identified with the Republican party.
LODOWICK McCARRELL, deceased, for many years
was a prominent member of the Washington County bar.
He was .born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington
Co., Pa., Feb. 2, 1842, and was a son of Thomas and
Elizabeth (McConnaughy) McCarrell.
His paternal grandfather, Lodowick McCarrell, was
a native of Ireland, who, coming to America, in 1780,
secured a large tract of wild land lying in what is now
Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, his place
of residence being near Ten-Mile and Hickory. Here
this pioneer ancestor of our subject rounded out a long
and useful life, dying in 1851, after he had passed his
84th birthday. A large part of his land had been cleared
and made tillable by his own industry. Lodowick Mc-
Carrell was an elder in the Seceder Church. He married
Martha Leman, who was a daughter of that old pioneer,
John Leman, who shared with Andrew Eagleson, the
honor of being the first settler in Canton Township.
They had seven children, namely: John, Thomas, James,
Andrew and Leman, all of whom died in mature life;
Isabella, who was the wife of Isaac Hodgens, of Buffalo
Township; and Elizabeth, who was the wife of John
Cockins, of Mt. Pleasant Township.
.AR
UB, LENOX AND
-N. FOUNDATIONat
il
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
567
Thomas McCarri'll. si'cuiid son nf LoiUnvick :nul Miirv
(Leiiiaii) McCarrell, was Imni in \'iri;inin, in isoi. Iiut
the greater part of his life was spent iii Washington
County, Pa., wiierc he lieeanie a man of prominence.
He was elected a county commissioner on the Democratic
ticket in 1853. For five years ho served also as associate
judge ana for seven successive terms was a justice of
the peace in Mt. Pleasant Townsliip. He was thrice
married: first, to Esther McXary, who died in 1831;
second, to Elizabeth McConnaugliy, who died in 18o9;
and for the third time, to Margaret Martin, in 1863, who
survived him many years, dying in 1890. The children
of his first union were: Martha, wlio died at Hickory, in
1893; Margaret, who married Joseph Cowden and died
in Cecil Townsliip. near Venice; .John, a [ihysician at
Wellsville, Ohio, who died in January, 1891; and James,
who was a practicing physician at Allegheny, Pa. The
children born to tlie second marriage were the follow-
ing: David M., who was a physician and died in 1894
in Hickory; Leman. wlio resides on the old homestead;
Alexander D., who is a minister in the United Presby-
terian Church located at Trafiford City, Pa., and Lodo-
wick. Thomas McCarrell died in 1872. Like his father
he had been active in the affairs of the Seceder Church.
Lodowick McCarrell, the direct subject of this sketch,
spent his boyhood on his father's farm, attended the
country schools, and later entered Washington and Jef-
ferson College, where he completed the classical course.
His father's prominence in public affairs served as a
stimulus to his own ambition, and early in his school
career, he decided to take up the study of law. Accord-
ingly on leaving college ,in 1867, he entered the law
office of Montgomery & Wilson, and in 1869 he was ad-
mitted to the bar of Washington County, in the follow-
ing year opening his law o£5ce in the borough of Wash-
ington. He was soon recognized in the profession as
a man of marked ability and his subsequent success
was uninterrupted, his name being associated for years
with much of the important litigation in the courts of
the county. He was possessed of an engaging person-
ality, which contributed much to his popularity both in
his profession and in business and social circles. Al-
though an active supporter of the Democratic party he
took greater interest in the successful practice of law
than in the strife for political honors. In the midst
of his usefulness, he was called away on April 23, 1902,
and was laid to rest in the Washington Cemetery.
On July 2.5, 1876, Mr. McCarrell was married to Miss
Lida Jackson, a daughter of Robert Jackson, and to
them one son was born. Robert Lodowick. The latter
is a prominent figure in the financial circles of Wash-
ington, having served for several years as assistant
ca.shier of the First National Bank, and being at the
present time auditor of the Washington Trust Company,
an oliice he has filled since -May 18, 1908. He married
.Miss Elizabeth Mcrlane, a ilaughter of Wilson McClane,
a. resident of Washington County. They have one daugh-
ter, Jane Dinsmore. They reside in one of Washing-
ton's hand.sonie residences, at No. 345 East Wheeling
street.
Wll.LlA.M K. Wiinil.V.M. president of the West
Alexander National Bank at West Alexander, Pa., is
one of the representative men of Washington County,
where his interests are numerous, and he is also a vet-
eran of the great Civil War. He was born in Ohio
County, W. Va., Oct. 11, 1843, and is a son of George
D. and Rachel (Faris) Whitham.
The Whitham family is of English extraction. Joseph
Whitham, the grandfather, was deemed an old resident
of Ohio County, W. Va., when William F. was a youth,
and both his parents were born and reared there.
From the schools of his native place, William F.
Whitham became a student in what was known as the
West Alexander Academy, and then entered into an
agricultural life. His father died in 1861, and on Aug.
14, 1862, Mr. Whitham left the farm and enlisted in
Co. D, 12th W'est Va. Vol. Inf., and served until his
honorable discharge in June. 1865. During much of
this time he was attached to the Army of West Vir-
ginia, which later became the Army of the James, and
during the whole winter before the surrender of Rich-
mond, he was with his regiment in front of that be-
leaguered city. He is a valued member of James Noble
Post No. 348, G. A. R., at West Alexander, of which
he had the honor of being elected the first commander.
Mr. Whitham returned to his farm industries and for
a number of years gave much attention to raising fine
stock and in particular to breeding sheep for wool. In
1902 he came to West Alexander and since August, 1907,
has been president of the National Bank at thi.s place,
which is regarded as one of the sound and solid finan-
cial institutions of the county.
On June 2, 1892, Mr. Whitham was married to Miss
Nina Armstrong, who w-as born in what is now West
Pinley Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a daugh-
ter of the late William Armstrong. Mr. and Mrs. Whit-
ham are members of the Presbyterian Church at West
Alexander, in which he is a ruling elder. In his views
on public questions he is soemwhat independent, although
nominally a Republican.
FRANCIS MARION FINLEY, a highly esteemed
member of one of the prominent old families of Union
Township, Washington County, Pa., now lives retired at
Finleyville, a pleasant town which was named to do
honor to Gen. Robert Finley, an uncle of Dr. Finley,
who was its founder and first postmaster. Dr. Francis
568
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
M. Pinley was born in Union Township, on the banks
of the beautiful Monongahela Kiver, Mar. 7, 1833, and
is a son of Levi and Eachel (Neal) Finley, and a grand-
son of John Finley.
John Finley was probably born in Ireland and he came
very early to Allegheny County, Pa., where he acquired
large tracts of land and also much land in Union Town-
ship, Washington County. He married Margaret Eolaud
and they had sons and daughters, the former bearing
the following names: Robert, James, William, John and
Levi.
Levi Finley, father of Dr. Finley, was born in a log
house on his father's farm in Allegheny County, and
he, like his father, led an agricultural life. He came
to Washington County in early manhood and is accorded
the credit of being the first coal miner in this valley,
taking the coal from a mine of his own, at Limetown,
and later he became a coal operator on a much larger
scale. After the death of his eldest brother, Kobert
Finley, lie moved to the home in Finleyville, which is
now the property of Dr. Finley. He married Eachel
Neal, who was reared at McKeesport, Pa., and they both
died in Finleyville and were interred at Mingo. They
had the following chDdren: Melissa, who is the widow
of Capt. H. B. Wallace; Miranda, who married Eev. W.
W. Laverty and both are deceased; John, who is now
deceased; Francis M. ; and itachel, who is deceased, was
the wife of John Collins.
Francis Marion Finley was small when his parents
moved to the Huston farm in Union Township, and
from there to Finleyville, and here he attended school
and later went to Washington College, from which he
was graduated in 1854. He decided to study medicine
and prepared for college under Dr. C. W. Townsend, of
Union Township, entered Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, and was pursuing his studies there when
his father died. This recalled hLm home and he then
took charge of the home farm of 250 acres, and to its
cultivation he devoted the remainder of his active years.
In September, 1869, Dr. Finley was married to Miss
Emeline Thompson, who died in 1907. They had one
son, Frank H. Following in the footsteps of his honored
father, he also studied medicine and is a graduate of the
college of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md.,
but he has never entered into active practice. His home
is with his father and he is interested in the manage-
ment of the farm. Dr. Finley, the elder, is identified
with the Eepublican party.
JAMES F. SPEER, a leading citizen of Canonsburg
and an honored soldi'er of the late Civil War, who has
served two terms as commander of Thomas Paxton Post,
G. A. R., and has also been post quartermaster for six
years, has had his home in this section of Washington
County almost all his life. He was born in Chartiers
Township, Washington Co., Pa., three, miles from Canons-
burg, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Harsha) Speer.
The father of Mr. Speer was born in Peters Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., Sept. 18, 1806, and was a
svool carder by trade. One of his brothers, Thomas
Latta Speer, was a minister and preached at the Cross
Roads Presbyterian Church. Another brother, James,
lived and died in the old homestead in Peters Township.
One sister, Mary, married Paul Matthews, another sister,
Jane, married Richard Black and she died in Pittsburg,
while the third sister, Deborah, mai'ried a Mr. Wells.
He married Nancy Harsha, who was born in Chartiers
Township, Washington County, May 3, 1813, and died
Feb. 17, 1903. She was a daughter of Thomas Harsha,
who was a very early settler in Chartiers Township. At
that early day one of the common farm industries was
distUling and ilrs. Speer remembered that in her girl-
hood she could stand on the porch of her home and
count the smoke going up from 13 distilleries. She
was one of a family of 13 children and became the
mother of seven. Thomas Speer, born Oct. 5, 1839, died
Nov. 19, 1861. Jennie Speer, born Aug. 3, 1841, married
William Patterson, Aug. 22, 1860, and they reside in
Cecil Township. James F. Speer, born Aug. 12, 1843,
resides at Canonsburg. Robert Speer, born July 14,
1845, enlisted in Co. G, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf., and died
in the service, during the Civil War, Feb. 19, 1865.
Stewart Speer, born Apr. 15, 1847, went to Missouri and
there married a Miss Barmer and died there Apr. 14,
1873. He is survived by two sons, Stewart and Edward,
the former of whom lives at Carthage, Mo., and the
latter at Kansas City. Alexander Speer, born Aug. 22,
1849, married Eliza J. Wallace and resides at Canons-
burg. Catherine Speer, born May 13, 1852, married
Joseph Templeton and resides in North Strabane Town-
ship. The father of this family died June 11, 1853.
James F. Speer attended the old Fee School in Char-
tiers Township, which was a typical pioneer temple of
learning, having slab seats, puncheon floor and plenty of
ventilation. During one winter, when he was about nine
years old, he attended the McNary subscription school.
He remained on the farm until the opening of the Civil
War, when in answer to the call of the President every
town, village and country side sent its quota to swell
the ranks of a loyal people. The Speer family con-
tributed two sons, Robert and James F., both of whom
were wounded and only one of whom ever returned.
Mr. Speer enlisted in 1861 in Co. B, S5th Pa. Vol.
Inf., enlisting for three years. At the battle of
Fair Oaks, a struggle covering seven days, he was first
wounded, and at Deep Bottom, he was shot through the
shoulder, and all through the whole period of service un-
til he was honorably discharged on Aug. 16, 1864, he
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
569
bore hiinsi'lf in the face of daily danger, as a brave
and loyal soldier. He participated in many of the
severest struggles which subsequently brought about the
triumph of the Union arms aud crushed rebellion and
a rei-ital of these brings to the mind of every student of
history aud true American citizen, the terrible price that
was paid for the present peace, the fruits of which are
enjoyed not only by the descendants of the old veterans
who fought for it, but also by those who often seem
forgetful how it was secured. Mr. Speer took part in
the battles of Fort Wagner and Fort Gregg, Yorktown,
Fair Oaks, Seven Pines (seven days of battling) Jones
Ford, Harrison Landing, Suffolk, Black Water, South
We.st Creek, Kingston, White Hall, Goldsboro, Folly
Island, Morris Island, White Marsh Island, Charleston,
Bermuda Hundred, Strawberry Plains, Chapin's Farm,
Deep Bottom, Petersburg and Appomattox. He was cor-
poral, sergeant and sharpshooter.
Mr. Speer returned to Washington County and learned
the bricklaying trade and followed the same until 1901.
In ISSl he erected his present handsome residence at
Canon.sburg where he is one of the representative citi-
zens. He has been a life-long Eepublican. At different
times he has been elected a member of the town council
and during one term was president of the same.
On Dee. 10, 1868, Mr. Speer was married to Miss
Rebecca E. MacMillan. She is a daughter of John and
Mary (Mitchell) MacMillan, a granddaughter of John
and Mary MacMillan, and a great-granddaughter of the
noted Dr. John MacMillan. Her parents were married
January 1, 1835. The father died Aug. 23, 1890, aged
79 years. The mother of Mrs. Speer died in November,
1890, aged 80 years. The father, John MacMillan, was
married (first) to Elizabeth Fulton, in March, 1833.
The grandfather of Mrs. Speer was also John Mac-
Millan and the grandmother was Rebecca Anderson. He
was married three times and was the father of ten chil-
dren. Grandfather John MacMillan was born in North
Strabane Township, Washington County, in 1787.
Rev. John MacMillan, the grandfather of Mrs. Speer,
was a man very prominent in the history of Washing-
ton County. He was one of the earliest pioneer preach-
ers to push westward and take upon himself the hard-
ships of a preacher 's life in the wilderness beyond the
Allegheny Mountains. He was born at Fog Manor, N.
J., Nov. 11, 1752, and graduated from Princeton College
in the fall of 1772. He was licensed to preach in 1774
and came to Washington County aud settled in North
Strabane Township in 1778, but owing to the hostility
of the Indians at that time, was not accompanied by his
family, but they subsequently joined him. He died in
1833 at the age of 82 years. He married Catherine
Brown. His parents' were William and Margaret (Rea)
MacMillan, the former of whom was born in 1717 and
(lied July 2, 1792, and was buried at Chartiers Hill
Presbyterian Church. The first wife of William Mac-
Millan died in 1768 and he married the mother of Samuel
Miller, the latter of whom was associated for several
years with Rev. John MacMillan in conducting Jefferson
College. Mrs. Speer has one sister, Mrs. H. H. Bebout,
residing at Canousburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Speer had six children born to them,
namely: Mary Loretta, who was born Sept. 27, 1869,
married William P. McConnell, of North Strabane Town-
ship, and they have three daughters and one son — Myrtle,
Agnes, Gaynes, Hazel and Earl; William L. Speer, who
was born Sept. 13, 1871, resides at Allegheny City, mar-
ried Etta Glass and they have one son, Howard; Minnie
Orella, who was born Oct. 25, 1875, married John E.
Hill, and they live at Azusa, Cal., and have one son,
Speer Hill; Nancy B., who was born May 29, 1878, died
Aug. 19, 1880 ; John Mack, who was born Mar. 30, 1881,
resides with his father, married Annie O. O 'Roak, aud
Cora P., who was born Mar. 25, 1884, married Thomas
McKowan and they reside in Canonsburg. They have
one son, Thomas McKowan. Mr. Speer and family be-
long to the First Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg.
PERRY LIGGETT, one of Hopewell Township's most
respected citizens, who has resided on his farm of 15
acres for the past 46 years, was born in Independence
Township, W^ashington Co., Pa., Sept. 5, 1837, and is a
son of Jesse and Hanna (Westlake) Liggett. The par-
ents were farming people. They had the following chil-
dren : William A., deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of Fletcher
Westlake; Lemuel, deceased; Perry, Mary Jane (Cun-
ningham), and Albert.
Perry Liggett attended the public schools in his boy-
hood and has devoted his whole life to agricultural pur-
suits and still takes an interest in cultivating his farm.
In 1862 he married Miss Rachel Vance, a daughter of
James and Susan (Walker) Vance and they have had
the following children : Elmer, who resides in Hopewell
Township, married Ola Craft and they have seven chil-
dren — Charles Vance, Deana Blanche, Quentin P., Perry
B., Rachel G., Matthew B. and Minnie Ola; Frank, who
carries on business in Ohio, married Lucy Liggett and
they have a son, Charles C. ; and Ray, who resides at
home and is engaged as a teamster. He married Maggie
Burkhart, and they have seven children: HOda M., Ralph
P., Fred V., Ashley C, Stanton R., Beatrice and Vir-
ginia B.
Mrs. Liggett is a member of one of the old county
families. Her brother, Robert Vance, is deceased, but
her sister, Elvira, survives and is the wife of James
Dodds. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett have lived here almost
a half century and they have seen many changes take
place, many old families wiped out and many modern
570
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
improvements made, such as were never even imagined
in the early days. They have a wide circle of friends.
Mrs. Liggett is a member of the United Presbyterian
Church at West Middletown.
ROBERT W. IRWIN, senior member of the prominent
law firm of Irwin & Wiley, with offices at Nos. 415-418
Washington Trust Building, Washington, Pa., is a lead-
ing member of the Washington County bar. He was
born in West Finley Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
Apr. 25, 1858, and is a son of Ephraim and Margaret
(Richey) Irwin.
Both paternal and maternal grandparents of Mr. Irwin
were born in North Ireland and they came to Washing-
ton County early in the nineteenth century. Ephraim
IiTvin, father of Robert W., was born in Washington
County, followed agricultural pursuits and lived a long
and honorable life. He married Margaret Richey and
they became the parents of the following children: Eliz-
abeth, who married W. J. Meloy; Esther A., who married
Jonas Mills; William R., J. B., Robert W., Sadie M. and
an infant son, deceased.
Robert W. Irwin was reared until his 16th year in
West Finley Township, working on the farm and attend-
ing the district schools. He then accompanied his par-
ents to Buffalo Township, Washington County, and two
years later to Cross Creek. In 1877 the family settled
permanently in Hopewell Township. Although Mr. Ir-
win cheerfully performed the duties required of him on
the home farm during youth and early manhood, the end
he kept constantly in view was the acquisition of knowl-
edge and the subsequent entrance into professional life.
He commenced to teach school in the fall of 1875 and
while his winters were thus employed, his summers were
usually given up to study. He attended the Claysville
and Alexander Normal Schools and also paid some at-
tention to the classics. It is remembered that he was
especially interested in the debating societies and ex-
celled the other earnest and serious-minded young men
of his class in his lucid reasoning and his powers of
oratory. These gave indication of the success which has
so notably advanced him in his profession, for probably
the Washington bar has no more eloquent pleader than
Mr. Irwin.
In November, 1877, Mr. Irwin entered upon the study
of law in the office of Attorney Boyd Crumrine, and was
admitted to the bar on June 15, 1881, since which time
he has been continuously engaged in practice at Wash-
ington. Upon the retirement of Judge Acheson from
the bench, at the latter 's request a partnership was
formed with Mr. Irwin and during the several years'
continuance of the firm of Acheson & Irwin, the com-
bination was considered one of the strongest in the
county. Later Mr. Irwin associated with him .lames
A. Wiley and A. T. Morgan, both being men of recog-
nized legal standing. Mr. Irwin has met with much
. success in his practice which has been general in char-
acter, and his name has been identified with a large
amount of the litigation of importance in the county
for a number of years.
On Dec. 24, 1884, Mr. Irwin was married to Miss
Carrie N. Fowler, a daughter of William Fowler, of
Westmoreland County, and a niece of WiUiam Smith, a
prominent citizen of Smithville, Washington County.
To Mr. and Mrs. Irwin were born the following chUdren:
Nellie May, Earl Wilson, Ray Wilson, Frances Margaret,
Leona, Edith and Robert, the survivors being NeUie
May, now being Mrs. A. B. Loucks; Frances Margaret
and Edith. Mr. Irwin and family have an attractive
home, its location being No. 85 Highland avenue. They
are members of the First Presbyterian Church. Fra-
ternally, he is an Elk and a Knight Templar Mason.
He is a leading Democrat of Washington County.
CULBERT M. GREER, of Canonsburg, Pa., who is
connected with the real estate department of the Pitts-
burg Coal Company, at Pittsburg, was born on Squirrel
Hill, Allegheny Co., Pa., Mar. 20, 1853, and is a son of
Wesley and Mary Jane (Manes) Greer,
The father of Mr. Greer was born in Pittsburg, Alle-
gheny County, and died when aged 62 years. The mother
was born in Elizabeth Township, Allegheny Co., Pa.,
and survived her husband for a long period, passing away
in January, 1906, when in her 80th year. They had two
sons, Culbert M. and Wesley. The latter married Miss
Annie Foster, of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, and
they reside at Canonsburg.
Culbert M. Greer left school when 18 years of age,
having attended Jefferson Academy and Washington and
Jefferson College. He then left the home farm and for
the folloAving eight years was engaged in a hardware
and implement business, and when he disposed of that,
he returned to the farm in Cecil Township, where he
went into the registered stock business. He became
a well-known and reliable breeder of Holstein and
Guernsey cattle and also trotting and draft horses, and
owned some of the finest stock in Washington County.
In 1899 he began optioning coal for the Pittsburg Coal
Company, and perhaps has purchased more valuable coal
properties than any man ever connected with the com-
pany. His business judgment is almost faultless and his
tact and diplomacy are also recognized factors. Mr.
Greer owns a large amount of property located in dif-
ferent sections, valuable farm land in Chartiers Town-
ship and realty in. Canonsburg. He has been a resident
of Washington County since he was 10 years old, and he
has lived in the vicinity of the borough of Canonsburg
since 1862. His business interests are many, varied and
HISTORY OF WASHlN(;r()\ (OT'XTY
571
important anil his name will seldom be found idiiitiliod
with any enterprise that is not solidly financed.
Mr. Greer married Miss Margaret S. Clark, a daughter
of .lames and Mary Jane (Dickson) Clark, and she was
born in Buffalo Tonnsliip, Washington County. To Mr.
and .Mrs. Greer three children have been born, two
daugliters and one son: Lueile, who is the wife of Dr.
Charles L. Harsha, of C'anonsburg; James Clark and
Alice. Mr. Greer is a member of the Greenside United
Presbyterian Chureh, of which he has been a trustee
for 21 years. In Ids politic.il views he is a Republican.
ADDliSON F. BURNS, a highly respected and well-
known resident of McDonald, Pa., where he lives, prac-
tically retired from business activity, has been largely
identified with oil production for a number of years
and still owns eight valuable oil wells, together with a
one-fourth interest in 12 other wells and a one-twelfth
interest in 24 more. He is also an honored veteran of
the Civil War and is secretary and treasurer of the Sur-
vivors' Reunion Association of Capt. Easton's Light
Battery A, 1st Pa. Reserves. Mr. Burns was born in
Trumbull County, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1846, and is a son of
William and Mary Jane (Sergent) Burns.
William Burns was engaged in the lumber business
for a number of years, but later turned his attention
to the oil industry and continued to be associated with
that until his death, which occurred in 1893. He mar-
ried Mary Jane Sergent, who died in 1889, and they
had the following children: Olive Jane, who married
William F. McCullough; Addison F., Delay F., who died
in 1900; Sarah Ann, who married Henry Camp; and
Harriet R. and Charles N. The paternal grandparents
were David and Elizabeth Burns, and the maternal were
Jesse and Elizabeth Sergent.
Addison F. Burns attended the district schools until
he was 14 years of age and then began to be useful
to his father ou the home place and worked for him
until he went into the army, becoming a member of
Capt. Easton 's Light Battery A, 1st Pa. Reserves. After
his period of military service was over he returned home
and went into the lumber business with his father until
1872 and then gave his main attention to dealing in real
estate until 1877, at which time he became interested
in oil production and that was actively pursued until
1898, when he came to McDonald, where he has lived
somewhat retired for a few years.
Mr. Burns was married (first) in 1867, to Miss Sarah
E. Undercoffer, who died June 15, 1878. They had five
children: Harry, Forest E., Ora I.. Cressie and Naomi.
Ora J. is the wife of L. W. Gibbs. Cressie died in 1881
and Naomi died in 1907. Mr. Burns was married (sec-
ond) to Miss Lida Pike, a daughter of William and
Eliza Pike, who were natives of St. John 's. New Found-
hind. William Pike was a sea captain, who lost his life
at sea in 1868. Richard Pike, a cousin of Mrs. Burns,
commanded the ship Kite in the Greeley expedition to
search for the North Pole. William Pike and wife had
three children: Anna, who married Frank Lott; Eliza-
beth, who is ileccased ; and Lida, who is the wife of Mr.
Burns. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have four children: Charles
A., Lillian, Robert W. and Leroy F. The family at-
tends the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Burns
is a Republican.
.lAMES C. CORRIN, a retired grocer of Mononga-
hela City, Pa., who has been a resident here all of his
life, was born Mar. 25, 1856, and is a son of William
and Eleanor (Hudson) Corrin,
William Corrin, who was born on the Isle of Man, off'
the coast of England, came to America about 1848, and
located at Monongahela City, Pa., where for many years
he followed building and contracting. He died here
in 1883 at the age of 70 years, and his wife, who was
also a native of the Isle of Man, died in 1896 at the age
of 76 years. They were the parents of ten children, the
six oldest of whom were born on the Isle of Man, name-
ly : Catherine, who is the wite of John Sutman ; William ;
Edward, who died at the age of 65 years; Anna, who
married H. Underwood ; John T. ; Ella, who is the wife
of James Yohe. The four born in America are: Joseph
H., Alfred B., James Calvin, the .subject of this sketch;
and Emma, who is the wife of George Walker.
James Calvin Corrin attended the public schools, and
when a young man learned the plasterer's trade with
A. T. Gregg. He subsequently followed contracting for
16 years and about 1892, engaged in the grocery busi-
ness with James Skillen, with whom he was associated in
that business for 11 years. He first located on Fourth
and Main streets, on the present site of the First National
Bank, and after his nephew purchased Mr. Skillen 's inter-
est in the business, the firm was known as Corrin & Cor-
rin. They employed ten clerks in the store and had an
e-xtensive trade until 1808, when the firm disposed of the
business, since which time Mr. Corrin has been living
in retirement, and his nephew, W. T. Corrin, went to
Denver in search of health. Beside his residence prop-
erty, located at No. 520 Che^s street, Mr. Corrin owns
considerable other real estate, and he and H. C. Sutman
laid out North Charleroi, disposing of their land there
in a few years.
In January, 1897, Mr. Corrin married Mrs. Maggie E.
(Wickerham) Penrod, a daughter of Adam Wickerham,
and the widow of Noah Penrod, who left one son,
Charles Edgar Penrod. Her great-grandfather laid out
the lower portion of Monongahela City, and her father
is the oldest living native of Monongahela City.
Politicallv, Mr. Corrin is an adherent of the Demo-
572
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
cratic party, is a member of the Democratic County
Committee, and is serving his fourth term as a council-
man from the Third Ward. He is fraternally a Mason,
and past worshipful master of the Henry M. Phillips
Lodge of Monongahela City, and is also a member of the
B. P. O. E.
JOHN G. HALL, county recorder of Washington Coun-
ty, Pa., is one of the county 's representative men, with
the public affairs of which he has been identified almost
continuously since he reached manhood. He was born
at Washington, Pa., Apr. 27, 1872, and is a son of James
Add and Anna (Martin) Hall and a grandson of the late
Gen. John Hall.
After graduating from the public schools of Washing-
ton, John G. Hall entered Washington and JefEerson Col-
lege, leaving there in order to accept a proffered clerk-
ship in the Washington postoifice. Later he was appointed
deputy sheriff of Washington County and served in the
office with efficiency and in 1903 he was first elected coun-
ty recorder. His subsequent re-election was proof suffi-
cient as to his capacity and popularity. He possesses
much of the geniality that contributed greatly to the suc-
cess of his late grandfather. Gen. John Hall, in his long
and successful public career. Mr. Hall is a prominent
factor in Republican politics, is an earnest worker for
his party and has served as secretary and chairman of the
Republican County Committee. His place of residence
is at No. 252 Locust Avenue, Washington.
WILLLA.M R. DICKSON, M.D., physician and surgeon
at McDonald, Pa., where he is a leading and representa-
tive citizen, was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., Aug. 28,
1868, and is a son of William A. and Elizabeth E. (Mc-
Burney) Dickson.
The father of Dr. Dickson was a farmer in Allegheny
County where his death occurred. His widow survives
and resides at Crafton, Pa. Their parents were: Will-
iam and Margaret (Glenn) Dickson, and Robert and
Elizabeth (Welch) McBurney. They had the following
children : Margaret Glenn, Elizabeth R., Robert M., Anna,
William R., Agnes J., Walter E. and Bertha L. Of the
above family, Anna is the wife of Rev. W. E. Barcus.
Walter E. is engaged in the practice of dental surgery
at Burgettstown. Bertha L. is deceased.
William R. Dickson attended the public schools and
Ingleside Academy, later Westminster College and subse-
quently the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, now
the University of Pittsburg, where he was graduated in
medicine and immediately located at McDonald, where he
has a large and substantial practice. He is a very active
citizen, taking a deep interest in all that promises to be
beneficial to the city. He has served as a member of the
school board for five years and was in the city eouncU for
four years. In politics he is a Republican.
Dr. Dickson was married Mar. 29, 1898, to Miss Jane
E. Donaldson, a daughter of Rev. J. B. Donaldson, of
New Wilmington. Mrs. Dickson has one sister and two
brothers: Prances, who is the wife of Dr. A. A. Aiken;
and Thomas I. and John, the latter of whom is a physi-
cian. Dr. and Mrs. Dickson have three children : Finances
Elizabeth, Robert Glenn, and William R. Dr. Dickson
and wife are members of the First United Presbyterian
Church at McDonald. He is a thirty-second degree
Mason and is identified with the Blue Lodge at McDon-
ald and the Council, Chapter and Commandery at Pitts-
burg. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias, the
Heptasophs and the Royal Arcanum, all at McDonald.
HON. JOHN A. McILVAINE, president judge of
the courts of Washington County, 27th Judicial District
of Pennsylvania, and president of the board of trustees
of Washington and Jefferson College, at Washington,
Pa., was born in Somerset Township, Washington Coun-
ty, Apr. 13, 1843. His parents were William and Ma-
tilda McHvaine, and he is a grandson of Greer McH-
vaine, who settled in Somerset Township about 1789,
coming from the eastern part of the state.
Judge McHvaine acquired his elementary education
in the common schools of his native township. On Sept.
19, 1860, he entered the junior preparatory department
of Jefferson College, Canonsburg. Here he proved his
natural ability and taste for work by doing double duty,
and was rewarded by being admitted to the Freshman
class at the beginning of the fall term of 1861. In 1865
he was graduated with the second honor of his class,
which consisted of 36 members, and delivered the Latin
salutatory on Commencement day. This was the last
class graduated at Jefferson College before its union
with Washington College, the two institutions forming
thereafter Washington and Jefferson College, the noted
educational center at Washington.
Making choice of law as his profession, Mr. Mc-
Hvaine entered as a student the law office of Hon. Boyd
Crumrine, at Washington, and was admitted to the bar at
the August term of 1867. For two years following he
was clerk in the office of the county treasurer. He then
went to Wichita, Kan., where he served for one year as
clerk of the District Court. Called home in July, 1872,
by the illness of his father, he saw and embraced a
favorable opportunity for opening an office in Washing-
ton. During the remainder of that year and in 1873, he
served as secretary of the Republican County Vigilant
Committee. In 1874 he was elected district attorney for
Washington County and was subsequently elected for
a second consecutive term, serving in all for six years.
II(»N. .lOlIN ,\^ M. Il.\' AIM".
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
575
Tho imiiri'ssiou he nuule as incumbent of this ofliei' is
well reflected in the comment of one of tho leading
newspapers of the county, which, although of opposite
politics, said : ' ' Mr. McIIvaiue has been the chosen oflicer
to represent the people in all criminal prosecutions in
this cownty 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 knowl-
edge of the facts, and was fully prepared to present
them in a methodical and convincing way. Although
a vigorous prosecutor, he was fair; anil no defendant
bad just cause to complain of any undue advantage hav-
ing been taken of him. ' '
While serving in the office of district attorney, Mr.
Mcllvaine formed a law partnersip with M. L. A. Mc-
Cracken and the firm soon obtained a gratifying share
of professional business. This connection lasted until
Mr. Mcllvaine 's election, on Nov. 4, 1886, to the office
of President Judge of the 27th Judicial District, for a
term of ten years. To this office he was re-elected in
1896, and again for a third term, in 1906. Owing to
the great development in the oil and gas industries of
this county, the volume of legal business has largely
increased since Judge Mcllvaine iirst took his seat on
the bench, but it is the universal opinion among his
brethren of the bench and bar that he has been fully
equal to the responsibilities which have devolved upon
him. But seldom have his rulings and decisions been
reversed in the Supreme Court. Before his election to
the third term a desire was expressed on many sides for
his appointment to the Supreme Court Bench of the
State, but he declared himself better satistied to con-
tinue in the position he now so ably fills.
On Dec. 17, 1874, Judge Mcllvaine was married to
Miss Ada C. Shaw, of Philadelphia. No children have
come to complete his household. He is an elder in the
Second Presbyterian Church at Washington. He has
been closely identified with educational movements and
for many years wa.s a member of the board of trustees
of the Washington Female Seminary. He is a man of
kind and genial manner and his unvarying courtesy is
no mere mask, but the outward expression of a kind
and generous heart, which finds pleasure in deeds of
charity and benevolence.
JAMES C. RUSSELL, general farmer and dairyman,
who has lived on his present fine farm which contains
over 171 acres and is situated in Smith Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., for the past 35 years, was born in this
township, Nov. 5. 1847. His parents were John S. and
Jane (Simpson) Russell.
John S. Russell, father of James C. was a native of
Ohio; but for many years he followed agricultural pur-
suits in ISinill] Tdwiiship, Washington County, where he
died Sept. 15, 1879. His first marriage was to Jane
Simpson, who died in 1853 and was buried at Raccoon
Center. They had eight children: Eleanor, Cynthia, Mar-
garet, Ophelia, W. S., Agnes, James C. and D. A. John
S. Russell was married (second) to Mary A. Vincent and
they had two children : Alice Jane and John V. The sec-
ond wife is also deceased.
James C. Russell obtained his education in the common
schools of Smith Township and afterward assisted his
father on the home farm until he was 25 years of age.
In 1874 he settled on his present farm, where he has done
a large amount of improving, including the erection of all
the buildings now standing. In 1888 he started into the
dairy business, prior to that having been a large sheep
grower. He operates his dairy with thoroughbred Jer-
sey cows, securing 50 gallons of milk daily, all of which
he has shipped to the same Pittsburg firm for the past
13 years. There is one gas well on the farm.
On November 21, 1872, Mr. Russell was married to Miss
Eliza Jane Brimmer, a daughter of James Brimmer, and
they have three children : John V., M. Jane and J. S.
Mr. Russell and family are members of the Raccoon
Presbyterian Church, of which he is treasurer. In poli-
tics he is a Democrat. He is an interested citizen of his
township, pays a great deal of attention to the public
schools and has served six years as a school director.
WILLIAM B. MURDOCH, who is associated with
his brother in a wholesale florist and nursery business
at Canonsburg, and is engaged in carrying on an enter-
prise which was established at Pittsburg, prior to 1840,
by his late father, James Murdoch, this being one of the
oldest rtorist and nursery houses in western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Murdoch was bom in the city of Pittsburg, Pa.,
July 29, 1871, and is a son of James and Margaret
(Bleakley) Murdoch.
James Murdoch was born in Ireland and was a child
when his parents brought him to America. He was
reared and spent his life at Pittsburg. In partnership
with his brother, William Murdoch, he founded the busi-
ness to which his sons, AVillia;n B. and James B. Mur-
doch, succeeded. James Murdoch died at Pittsburg,
January 25, 1893, when aged seventy-five years. He mar-
ried Margaret Bleakley, who was born in Lawrence
County, Pa., who still survives and resides at Coraopolis,
Pa. To Jame.= and Margaret Murdoch there were born
three sons and two daughters: James B., who resides
at Canonsburg, married Sarah Sneathen; Frank C, who
resides at Coraopolis Heights, married Anna Patterson,
and is now a capitalist there, having formerly been a
florist; Margaret, who is deceased; Esther, who is now
deceased, was the wife of David K. Murdoch ; and Will-
iam B., subject of this sketch.
576
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Williani B. Murdoch attended the public schools at
Pittsburg and then entered the University of Michigan,
at Ann Arbor, where he was graduated in the class of
1896. He immediately went into the florist and nursery
business, in partnership with his brother and they have
developed it into one of the largest enterprises of its
kind in this section. The firm was originally only a
retail one, dealing mainly in cut flowers, with green-
houses on Squirrel Hill and two stores in Pittsburg, but
since coming to Washington County a wholesale business
has been done exclusively. In the spring of 1902 they
moved the business to Van Eman, where they have four
steel-frame, modernly-constructed greenhouses with di-
mensions of 30 by 400 feet, together with three smaller
structures, this fii'm and one other being the only florists
in western Pennsylvania to utilize the steel frame for
their buildings. In addition to the large business done
in the line mentioned, the firm is interested in oil pro-
duction in both Washington and Allegheny counties,
while the three brothers have large real estate interests
in Pittsburg and own also a farm of sixty acres.
At Sewickley, Pa., Mr. Murdoch was married, Septem-
ber 21, 1899, to Miss Florence S. Murdoch, a daughter
of Hugh J. and Rachel (Hutton) Murdoch. The father
of Mrs. Murdoch was the publisher of the United Pres-
byterian for many years, being a member of the well-
known publishing firm at Pittsburg, of Murdoch, Kerr
& Company. He died May 20, 1903, at the age of sixty-
nine years, his wife having passed away January 29,
1898, aged sixty-two years. To Hugh J. and Eachel
Murdoch the following children were born: James H.,
who is a physician engaged in practice at Allegheny, Pa. ;
Hugh, who is a printer, resides at Pittsburg; David K.,
who is also a printer, lives at Sewickley; J. Floyd, who
is a physician, resides at Sewickley; Frank S., who is
an electrician, lives at Sewickley; Annie K., who is the
wife of J. W. Arrott, Jr.; William B., who is deceased;
Susan J., deceased, who was the wife of Dr. S. P. Shan-
non, formerly of Pittsburg; and Florence S., who is the
wife of William B. Murdoch. Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch
have one son, William B., Jr. They are members of
Greenside United Presbyterian Church.
GEN. JOHN HALL, one of Washington County's
most distinguished citizens, was born in Morris Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., in 1832, and died in his
native county, October 20, 1906. He was one of seven
children born to Thomas and Catherine (Rainey) Hall.
His father was born in County Down, Ireland, and emi-
grated to America early in the nineteenth century, set-
tling first in Virginia and later removing to western
Pennsylvania.
John Hall received the education obtainable in the
country schools of the time and later learned the tailor's
trade, going into business with his brother, James Hall,
at Dunningsville. Some years later he removed to Will-
iamsport (now Monongahela City) and engaged in the
grocery business. In 1851 he was elected county treas-
urer of Washington County and removed to Washington
in 1852. From 1853 to 1856 he was in the employ of the
Portage Railway Company (now the Pennsylvania) as a
wood agent, having charge of the purchase of wood then
used as fuel for the locomotives. During the years 1857-
8-9 he was proprietor of the Fulton House in Washing-
ton, which stood on the corner of Main and Beau streets,
and was at that time one of the best known hostelries
in western Pennsylvania. In the winter of 1859 he
turned the hotel over to his brother, Thomas M. Hall.
In 'the same year he was elected transcribing clerk of
the House of Representatives of the State of Pennsyl-
vania and was also appointed brigadier-general of the
State militia. On 1861 he enlisted in the United States
Army and went to Washington, D. C. During the last
six months of 1861 he was President Lincoln's private
secretary. Later he was commisioned commissary of
subsistence by President Lincoln and assigned to Gen.
Wessell's brigade, remaining in the service until the
close of the war, in 1865, when he resigned.
After the war. President Grant appointed Gen. Hall
deputy United States marshal for western Pennsylvania.
He served for three years and succeeded the Hon. Alex-
ander Murdoch as marshal. President Grant reappointed
him, in his second term, and he was succ-essively ap-
pointed to this position by both Presidents Arthur and
Hayes, serving in all twelve years as marshal and deputy
marshal. During the administration of President Hayes,
on one occasion when Gen. Hall was the guest of honor
at a reception and dinner given by President and Mrs.
Hayes, he was accorded the honor of escorting Mrs.
Hayes out to dinner. Gen. Hall and President Hayes were
united closely in the bonds of friendship.
After his retirement from public service. Gen. Hall
engaged in farming and breeding fine Shorthorn cattle,
on the old Wiley and Montgomery farms in Canton Town-
ship, near Washington. He was tendered the nomination
for governor of Pennsylvania by the late Senator Quay
and ' ' Bob ' ' Mackey, who were then in control of State
politics, but declined the honor, and Gov. Hoyt was nom-
inated and elected. Later, Gen. Hall disposed of his
farm and, following the death of his wife, formerly Miss
Nancy Jones, of Somerset Township, lived a retired
life at the home of his daughter, Jlrs. W. C. Wiley,
where his death occurred.
Gen. Hall was an earnest, consistent Christian and for
many years was a member of the First Methodist Epis-
copal Church of Washington, having borne an active part
in the construction of the splendid edifice on East Beau
street occupied by the congregation. At the time of his
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
577
death 111' was president of the hoard of trustees. To
Gen. Hall and wife were born four children: J. Add,
John A., Robert T., and Belle, nho became the wife of
W. C. Wile}". At the time of his death his daughter,
Mrs. Wiley, and one son, J. Add, were living.
During his long term in public office, Gen. Hall was
brought into contact with hundreds of people, both in a
business and social way, and it is probable that no man
of his time had more friends. His genial manner, his
strict integrity, his uniform courtesy and his ever pres-
ent desire to aid those who required assistance, so
stamped his personality upon all people who knew him,
that it may be safely said that he was one of tlie most
highly esteemed men of his time.
SAMUEL H. JACKSOX, po.stmaster at Claysville, Pa.,
a very popular government official, has served in this
capacity since 1897, having been appointed during the first
administration of President McKiuley. Mr. Jackson was
born at Claysville, Pa., April 10. 1S.51, and is a son of
Oliver P. and Louisa (Cooper) Jackson.
The father of Mr. Jackson was born in Bedford Coun-
ty, Pa., and later lived in Somerset County, coming from
there to Claysville in the early thirties. He married
Louisa Cooper, who died in 1873, whom he survived until
1889. Her father, Samuel Cooper, operated one of the
first blacksmith shops at Claysville. Postmaster Jack-
son has one brother and two sisters residing in Clays-
ville, namely: Chester B. ; Alice A., wife of Buchanan
Allendar ; and Nora, wife of Oliver Martin.
Samuel H. Jackson obtained his education in the pub-
lic schools at Claysville and his subsequent life has
been spent in associations which have largely contributed
to the broadening of all his faculties. From early man-
hood he has been more or less connected with public
affairs in his county and State and in his own city has
served in municipal bodies and has been president of
the school board. His first government office was that
of store keeper and ganger and for a time he was sta-
tioned at Monongahela City and Allenport. In 1S90 he
was the choice of the Republican party as its candidate
for county clerk but failed of election. In 1885 he was
elected a .jury commissioner of Washington County and
served with the utmost efflciem-}- for three years. He
has always been an active Republican and wields a
large amount of influence. In 1892 he was elected to
the office of justice of the peace, and subsequently was
elected for a succeeding term. Owing to his appointment
as postmaster, October 1, 1897, he did not serve out his
second term as justice.
The Claysville postoffice is carefully conducted and
the rights of the patrons and their convenience acknowl-
edged and consulted. Mr. Jackson has as his assistant.
his (laiigliti'r, Mrs. .lames Smith, a lady who enjoys with
him the esteem and good will of the public.
Mr. Jackson married Miss Mary A. Litle, a daughter
of William Litle, of Washington County, and formerly
of Buffalo Township, and they have had nine children
born to them, namely: May, who is the wife of E. E.
Lindley, of Homestead, Pa. ; Blanche E,, who is the
wife of Edward Clem, of Indianapolis, Ind. ; Gertrude,
who is the wife of Homer Griffith, of East Finley Town-
ship; Cecelia, who is the wife of .James Smith, of Clays-
ville; William 0., who resides at Pittsburg; James R.,
who lives in New Orleans, La. ; and Eva and Winifred, both
of whom reside at home; and Mrs. Melviii, of Claysville.
Mr. Jackson and family are affiliated with the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in which he is serving as a trustee.
The handsome new church edifice of this denomination
was dedicated July 4, 1909, and Mr. Jackson was chair-
man of the building committee that so satisfactorily at-
tended to the financial affairs during its construction,
ANDREW RUSSELL JEFFREY, a public spirited
and substantial citizen of Cross Creek Township, where
he owns a valuable farm of 172 acres, for many years
carried on large argricultural operations there and then
moved his family into Washington. He was born in
Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa,, March 17,
1853, and is a son of Robert and Eliza (Russell) Jeffrey,
A. R. Jeffrey obtained a district school education.
When twenty years of age he became a farmer and con-
tinued in agricultural pursuits for a number of years,
paying considerable attention to stock raising, making a
specialty of hogs and sheep. He divides his time j)leas-
antly between his city and his country homes.
On September 30, 1880, Mr. Jeffrey was married to
Miss Clarinda Hutchinson, a daughter of Joseph and
Mary (.Jobs) Hutchinson, residing near Taylorstown,
They have had four children, all of whom were afforded
every educational advantage. Anna Louethel, the eldest,
resides at home, and is the capable bookkeeper for the
Washington Glass Manufacturing Company, Elsie M,
is deceased. Bertha G. and Hazel also live at home.
The former is one of the four qualified pharmacists from
Washington County, who passed the examination held at
Pittsburg, in the fall of 1908,
Mr, Jeffrey and family attend the Third Presbyterian
Church at Washington, having formerly been members
of the United Presbyterian Church at Hickory, in which
Mr, Jeffrey was a trustee at different times. He has
been a Republican ever since he cast his first vote. On
many occasions he was nominated to different township
offices, but his liberal views on public improvements
and his known advocacy of good roads and superior
schools, prevented him being supported by the majority
578
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
of the tax payers. He has the satisfaction, however, of
knowing that his standards are those recognized by the
most worthy type of good citizens.
JAMES FINDLEY BOYD, oil producer, with interests
in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, has been iden-
tified with the oil industry since 18S9. He was born near
Sandy Lake, Mercer Co., Pa., September 30, 1865, and
is a son of Barber and Isabel (Burrows) Boyd, and a
grandson of Thomas and Nancy Boyd and of George and
Mary Burrows.
The father of Mr. Boyd was a farmer through all his
active years and he and wife still live in Mercer County.
In politics he is a Democrat and both he and his wife
are worthy members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
They reared the following children; Guy P.; Sylvester
B.; James Findley; Nannie, who married George Eckles;
Mary, who married M. D. Haggarty; Walter P.; Lina
E., who married Prank Osborne; and Newton G.
James Pindley Boyd went from the public schools of
Mercer County to McElwaine Institute, a preparatory
school at Lebanon, Pa., and after four years of close
study was most creditably graduated there. Later he
attended the State Normal School at Edinboro and sub-
sequently taught school for five terms in Mercer County.
He then turned his attention to the oil industry, a
business which was assuming large proportions in Penn-
sylvania, and after spending two years in Warren
County he came to Washington County, in which he has
ever since made his home. Formerly he was rig-builder
ind also forman for the South Penn. OU Company, but
is now individually interested.
On September 14, 1899, Mr. Boyd was married to Miss
Marian Oldfield, a daughter of Joseph and Marian
(Simpson) Oldfield, who are residents of McDonald. Mr.
and Mrs. Oldfield have the following children : Thomas,
Eobert, Emma, Marian, Elizabeth and Joseph. Mr. and
Mrs. Boyd are members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In politics he is an Independent. He served
three years in the borough council, but otherwise he has
not filled poUtieal ofiice. He is both a Mason and an
Odd Fellow, in the former fraternity being a member of
Garfield Lodge at McDonald and of Chartiers Com-
mandery, and has attained to the thirty-second degree.
Mr. Boyd is one of the well-known and representative
citizens of Washington County and through many years
of experience, has become an authority concerning the
oil industry.
WILLIAM WYLIE, who, for the past twenty years
has followed his profession, that of a civil engineer, at
Washington, maintaining an office at present at No. 131
Jefferson avenue, was born November 10, 1859, in Can-
ton Township, Washington Co., Pa., where he spent his
early life, and is a son of Robert, a gi-andson of William
and a great-grandson of Eobert Wylie, all of whom
have been identified with Washington County.
The first of the family to locate in Washing County,
as a pioneer, was Eobert Wylie, who came directly from
Ireland in 1761, and became a strong civilizing person-
ality. His son, William Wylie, was born in Canton
Township, September 25, ISOO, and engaged in farming
and merchandising. His son, Eobert Wylie, was also
born in Canton Township, August 25, 1830, and still
resides there, occupying a farm adjoining the old Wylie
homestead and still interested in farming, wool buying,
and oil production.
William Wylie, of Washington, went from the Canton
Township schools to Washington and Jefferson College
and later took a commercial and mathematical course in
the Iron City Business College at Pittsburg. For a time
he was then associated with his father in the wool busi-
ness but since has given his entire attention to his pro-
fession, now residing at No. 131 Jefferson avenue.
He is competent in every line, his work including
mining engineering, bridge, railroad and water works
construction, having served as chief engineer in planning
and constructing many systems of electric railways, water
works and coal works. He also designed and built
thirty of the first solid concrete bridges in the county,
and he has designed many successful structures for th^
companies which have employed him, that later became
standard and were adopted and copied by other engineers
at every chance. For the past three years Mr. Wylie has
been in the employ of the county commissioners in bridge
and highway work as county engineer. He is a director
in the Eeal Estate Trust Company and a stockholder in
the Pittsburg Coal Company and in several other finan-
cial institutions.
On June 16, 1885, Mr. Wylie was married to Miss
Mary W. Gist, who was born August 27, 1861, and is a
daughter of J. C. Gist, of Brooke County, W. Va.
Through the Eevolutionary heroes, Christopher Gist, and
Isaac Heaton, she is a member of the Daughters of the
American Eevolution. They have three children: Eliza-
beth Beall, born October 6, 1887, a graduate of the
Washington Seminary; Clara Virginia, born November
21, 1891, a student at the Washington Female Seminary;
and William Clark Gist, born January 24, 1898. Mr.
Wylie and family are members of the First United Pres-
byterian Church at Washington.
EOBEET A. GEAEY, owner of a tract of 247 acres
in Eobeson Township, Washington Co., Pa., operates a
dairy in connection with farming, which he has followed
all of his life, and was born March 2, 1838, on the old
Eichard Donaldson farm in Washington County, and is
a son of E. D. and Maria (Glass) Geary, and a grandson
of Alexander and Elizabeth Geary, who came to this
HON. JAMES F. TAYLOR
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
579
county in ISOG and purchased land for six dollars an
acre. R. D. Geary was a farmer and school teacher and
his union with Maria Glass resulted in the birth of five
children, all of whom are deceased but our subject. Mrs.
Geary died about 1843 and ho subsequently married
Nancy Fulton, by whom he had three children; Samuel;
Mary, who nuirried Eli Wilkison; and Maria Jane.
Robert A. Geary was reared on the farm and received
but a limited amount of schooling as he was obliged to
assist with the farm work at an early age, and started
to plow when ten years old. Mr. Geary has always fol-
lowed farming and purchased his farm from his father
and his heirs, his original purchase consisting of 119
acres, to which he added later and now has 247 acres.
He has erected a tine modern home and rebuilt the barns
and other buildings, and has two producing gas wells
on the farm, but has never tried for oil.
Mr. Geary was married January 17, 1867, to Jane
King, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Cooper)
King, who were farmers of Washington County, and the
parents of the following children : Margaret ; Jane,
wife of our subject; Anna; Martha, deceased; and
William J. No children were born to Mr. and Mrs.
Geary but they have reared three children, namely:
Charles; Catherine, who is the wife of William Woods;
and Bessie, who married R. R. Cummins. The family
holds membership with the Midway United Presbyterian
Church.
HON. JAMES F. TAYLOR, Additional Law Judge
of the 27th Judicial District and one of the best known
members of the legal profession in Washington County,
was born in South Strabane Township, Jan. 15, 1854.
His parents were William Henry Harrison and Jane B.
(Jones) Taylor, and he is a descendant in the fourth
generation of Henry Taylor, who came to Washington
County from Cecil County, Md., some time prior to the
year 1780. This pioneer of great prominence was the
great-grandfather of Hon. James F. Taylor. He was
the first president judge of the Washington County
Courts, serving first from Oct. 2, 1781, to Oct. 1, 1783;
he served a second term Sept. 30, 1788, to Sept. 22, 1791.
He was one of the most trusted agents of the govern-
ment during the Whiskey Insurrection, and at that time
was general of the militia. His commission signed by
Gov. Thomas Miffin is now in possession of the subject
of this record, as is also the commission of Henry Tay-
lor as first president judge.
Matthew Taylor, one of the family of eleven children
born to Henry Taylor and Jane White Taylor, his wife,
was the oldest daughter of John White, and the grand-
father of James F., came into possession of the old
homestead in South Strabano Township. Washington
County, and followed farming through life. He married
Nancy Hutchinson and to them were born eleven chil-
dren, William Henry Harrison, father of Hon. James
E., being the fifth in order of birth. He was born in
South Strabane Township, Washington County, Pa., in
1830, and his education was obtained in the district
schools and at Washington and Jefleraon College, which
latter institution he attended for several years. At
home he was taught all the duties pertaining to the
management of the farm and there he remained until
1.SG6, when ho moved to Washington in order to afford
his children better educational opportunities. He there
embarked in a general fresh and salt meat business,
which included pork packing and stock buying. His
successful business career was brought to a close by his
untimely death when aged but 55 years. He was a man
of sterling character and was respected and esteemed by
all who knew him. He gave his children every advantage
in his power and received from them the loving vener-
ation of dutiful descendants. In politics he was an
earnest supporter of Bepublican principles, not for any
advantage that would accrue to him, but because he
believed in their soundness. He was a liberal suporter
of the Methodist Episcopal Church and its benevolent
enterprises and was a consistent member for many years.
In 1850, he married Miss Jane E. Jones, a daughter of
Charles E. and Sarah (Judson) Jones, both of whom
were born in England. They came to America in 1827,
locating at Washington, where Mr. Jones followed car-
pentering and contracting. Mrs. Sarah Jones died in
1871, and Charles E. Jones in 1883.
To William H. H. Taylor and wife six children were
born, as follows : Edward M., James Franklin, Emma,
Alice, William Nelson and Susan Jane. Edward M. was
graduated in 1872 from Washington and Jefferson Col-
lege and afterwards from the Boston School of Divinity.
He is now pastor of the Tremont Methodist Episcopal
Church at Boston, Mass. He married Mary Bradford, a
descendant of Gov. Bradford of the Plymouth Colony.
Emma, the oldest daughter, married the late John A.
Hall, who was assistant postmaster at Washington for
many years. Alice died when aged 11 years. William
Nelson graduated from the Poughkeepsie Busine.'-s Col-
lege and now resides in East End, Pittsburg, and is a
vice president and manager of the National Lead and
Oil Company and a director of the Commonwealth Trust
Company of that city. He married a daughter of
Stephen Crump. Susan Jane is the wife of Dr. J. M.
Maurer, of Washington. The mother of the above
family, although now advanced in years, enjoys good
health and continues to reside at the old town home of
the family which is situated on West Wheeling street.
James Fr.anklin Taj-lor received a good English edu-
cation in the public schools of Washington, to which
place he came with his parents when about 12 years old.
580
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
He tlien became a student in the preparatory depaitment
of A¥ashingtoii and Jefferson College and remained until
the end of the junior year at which time he left college,
intending to return after a year's recuperation. How-
ever, after he realized that his old classmates had grad-
uated and gone from the institution in the meanwhile,
when his vacation was over he decided to take up the
study of law at Washington and for this purpose entered
the office of Hon. Boyd Crumrine, in 1876. On Oct. 15,
1879, he was admitted to the bar and returned to Mr.
Crumrine 's office as an assistant and remained asso-
ciated with him until 1883, in which year he was elected
district attorney. His popularity and efficiency were
proved by his re-election to the office for another three-
year term. He was secretary of the Eepublican County
Committee, and in 1882 was elected its chairman. He
served also as assistant burgess of Washington for one
term. On Jan. 1, 1S91, he formed a law partnership
with Winfield Mcllvaine, which connection lasted for
a number of years, the fii-m being one of the strongest
combinations of legal talent in the county.
On June 24, 1895, Mr. Taylor was appointed judge of
Common Pleas, by Gov. Hastings. He was elected Ad-
ditional Law Judge of the 27th Judicial District, in
November, 1895, for a ten-year term, and was re-elected
to the same position in November, 1905. His record on
the bench has shown him to be possessed of all the req-
uisite qualifications for the judgeship, these including
quick intelligence, a broad and discriminating mind and
an absolute sense of fairness and impartiality that en-
ables him to give to each side of, a case full and equal
consideration. His uniform courtesy has rendered him
popular with the members of the bar and there is little
doubt that history will record his name as one of the
ablest jurists of Washington County.
.Judge Taylor was married in September, 1884, to
Annie Walton, the eldest daughter of Rev. Richard L.
MiUer, D. D., pastor of a Methodist Episcopal Church
in Pittsburg. They are parents of four children: Alice,
Woodward, Virginia and Gladys. In December, 1907,
Alice was married to Clifton F. Brittain, of Crofton,
Pa. In Peburary, 1908, Virginia was married to Carl
D. Schultz, of Pittsburg. Judge Taylor and family enjoy
a comfortable home in the neat brick residence at No.
375 East Maiden street.
Judge Taj'lor is a Republican and was chosen a presi-
dential elector at the Eepublican State Convention in
1908. He has been connected in various ways and at
different times with the general progress and business
interests of the county. He was one of the first directors
of the Citizens' National Bank and one of its original
stockholders, and was one of the three members of the
building committee appointed on the erection of the said
bank. For a number of years he has been a trustee of
Washington and Jefferson College, and he now is presi-
dent of the General Alumni Association of said college.
While a student there he was a prominent member of the
Delta Tau Delta fraternity and has never lost interest
in that society.
JAMES J. HOTT, who is superintendent of the Char-
leroi Brewery, which is a branch of the Independent
Brewing Company, of Pittsburg, Pa., was burgess of
Charleroi from 1906 until March 4, 1909, and is identi-
fied with various leading business enterprises of this city,
and is well-known throughout the county. He was born
April 10, 1861, on a farm in Hardy County, W. Va., and
is a son of John H. and Eliza Jane (Saville) Hott.
When a lad of six years his parents removed to Raw-
lings Station, -Md., and thence to Prostburg, Md., where
the father died in 1894, and the mother in 1904.
James J. Hott was practically reared at Frostburg,
where he attended the common schools. On June 1, 1888,
he came to Pennsylvania and located at ConneUsville,
where he engaged in the piano, sewing machine and
organ business until 1891, when he came to Charleroi,
where he carried on the same business for two years. In
May, 1893, Mr. Hott became proprietor of the Hotel
Redd, which he conducted until May 1, 1896, at which
time he purchased the Hotel Clement, of which he was
proprietor for a period of sis years. He disposed of his
interest in the hotel in April, 1902, and embarked in the
real estate and insurance business, and for the past three
years has been superintendent of the Charleroi Brewery.
Mr. Hott is also president of the Charleroi Real Estate
Agency, is a director of the Bank of Charleroi, also
of the Telephone Company, and is vice-president and a
director of the Adena Mining Company, of Adena, Ohio.
Mr. Hott served five years on the Charleroi councU,
of which he was president two years. He is a charter
member of the Elks at Charleroi. On March 31, 1909, he
was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hassinger.
ALBERT DAVIS SCOTT, one of the oldest merchants
of Monongahela City, Pa., and a life-long resident of
this locality, was born in April, 1844, and is a son of
John and Hannah (Davis) Scott.
John Scott was born in 1798, in Maryland, and in
1800 was brought by his parents across the mountains
in a pack saddle and located in Washington County, Pa.,
near Monongahela City. His father, James Scott, was
a carpet weaver by trade and died at Millsboro. John
was reared in Washington County, where he learned the
shoemaker's trade, which he followed many years. In
1835 he drove a six-horse team across the mountains car-
rying merchandise, our subject having in his possession
an old invoice, showing one load of five tons. John
Scott spent his entire life within ten miles of Monon-
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YOrXG LADIES' SEMINAlfV, WASHINGTON PENNSYLVANIA DKPO'I'. WASHINGTON
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Y. M. C. A. I'.riLDI.NG. WASHINGTON UNION TKUST COMl'AXV, WASlITXcTON
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
583
gahela City ami dictl in I.SHO in his iniioty-seconil year.
He was first united in marriage with Hanuah Davis, who
came here from Ohio, and of their union were born ten
children, most of whom diecl young: Amanda, deceased;
Cassie, married \Villi;iin Hoyde, both deceased; Kebecca,
deceased; Anna, deceiisi'd ; Albert Davis, the subject of
this sketch, wa.s tlu! only son, who grew to maturity.
Albert D. Scott was reared near Monongaliela City,
attended the district'schools of that locality three months
each year until seventeen years of age, when, owing to
the poor circumstances of the family, he started out in
life for himself, working at all kinds of odd jobs, spend-
ing some time in the brick yards, and also worked on the
river. He managed bj' much hard labor to lay aside a
little money, and when the Civil War broke out, lie
and two neighbor boys, James and Kerr Cassner, started
a meat wagon through this part of the country. The
cattle were butchered at the Cassner farm, which was
located on the present site of Donora, Pa., and the meat
peddled along the river. In 1858 he entered the employ
of David H. Williams, who was a farmer of Monouga-
hela City, with whom he formed a partnership the fol-
lowing year, and with whom he continued in business
about ten years. They were among the unfortunates
during the panic of 1873 and dropped the meat business.
About 1878, they opened a grocery store in Mononga-
hela City, in our subject 's present store, but during the
following winter lost money by giving credit, and finally
dissolved partnership, dividing their stock, etc. Mr.
Scott remained in the old location and opened his pres-
ent store on a cash basis and as business has increased
has enlarged his store room and added to his stock,
now carrying a complete line of groceries, fine china, cut
glass, lamps, etc.
In December, 1869, Mr. Scott was united in marriage
with Rebecca Amnion, who was born and reared near
Monongahela City, and they have had a family of five
children: Anna Eetta. wife of S. C. Markell; Mary, is
the widow of John Oehrle and has one child, John Albert
Scott Oehrle; Albert T., married Mable Collard, and has
two children, Amanda R. and Robert K.; Judson K.,
who is manager of bis father's store; and John, who
died aged seven years. Mr. Scott's residence is located
at No. 408 Cole street. He is a director of the Standard
Real Estate Company of Donora, Pa.; is identified with
the Democratic party in politics, and religiously, is a
member of the Baptist church.
JAMES A. G.\LBRAITH, deceased, formerly was a
representative citizen of Washington County, at one time
filling the oiBce of recorder of deeds, and at the time
of his death was a resident of Canonsburg, where he
was an extensive dealer in grain and farm machinery.
He was born on the old Galbraith homestead, in Smith
Town.ship, Washington Co., Pa., and was a son of Will-
iam and Isabella (Welch) Galbraith.
William Galbraith was born in Scotland. He mar-
ried Isabella Welch, a native of Ireland and they then
came to America, soon after locating on a farm near
Burgcttstown, in Smith Township, Washington County.
William (ialbraith died in 1800. For several years he
was a justice of the peace and was a man of much local
prominence. For many years he was a ruling elder in the
United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown. His nine
children bore these names: Matthew, James A., Robert,
.lohn, William R., Jane, Margaret, Elizabeth and Isa-
bella.
The late James A. Galbraith was reared on the home
farm and attended the district schools to such good pur-
pose that by the time he was eighteen years of age he
was prepared to teach and continued in that profession
for several years. From teaching he turned his atten-
tion to merchandising and served as a elerk in a store
at Cross Creek village for twenty-one years. From there
he moved to Burgettstown, where he opened a hardware
store and conducted it until 1875, when he was
elected recorder of Washington County and then
moved to Washington, where he lived until his
term of public office expired when he settled per-
manently at Canonsburg, going into the grain
and implement business there. He was a man of honesty
and ability and left a name to his children of which
they are proud.
James A. Galbraith was married to Miss Mary A. Be-
bout, of Cross Creek, and to them were bom the fol-
lowing children : Aaron, who married Dora Chambers ;
Belle, now deceased, who was the wife of Charles Hard-
ing; W. K., formerly postmaster at Canonsburg, who is
now deceased ; Elizabeth, who is the wife of S. A. Crosier ;
Robert, who married Anna Coleman, is engaged in the
drug business; and Nettie, who married Joseph Thomp-
son. Mrs. Galbraith still survives and lives among her
old friends, residing at No. 27 South Central avenue,
Canonsburg.
ROBERT ALLISON MANSON, a well known citizen
of Canonsburg, whose whole life, with the exception of
several years, has been spent in Washington County, was
born in Mt. Pleasant Township, February 18, 1857. His
parents were John and Emeline (Allison) Manson.
The paternal grandparents of Mr. Manson, lived and
died in Beaver County, Pa. They had the following
children : James, John, Robert, David, Buchanan, Jane
and Agnes, all of whom are deceased except James, who
resides near Hickory and has almost reached his nine-
tieth year. The maternal grandparents, Samuel and
Mary .\llison, moved from Beaver County to Hickory,
Washington County, where both died. They had the
584
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
following children: James, Joseph, Samuel, John, Mary,
Elizabeth, Margaret, BeUe and Emeline. James Allison
resides in Washington State, aged about seventy-five
years. Mary married Alexander McGalmont; Elizabeth
married David Cummings; Margaret married Robert
Cowden; Belle married James Coulter; and Emeline
married John Manson. Mrs. Cummings and Mrs. Manson
are the only survivors. The latter, now in her seventy-
first years, resides at West Middletown.
The father of Mr. Manson was born in Beaver County
and came to Washington County and settled in Mt. Pleas-
ant Township in early manhood and there engaged in
farming until his death, in 1869, aged forty-eight years.
He was survived by six children, namely: Robert Alli-
son; James Buchanan, who lives on the old homestead
in Cross Creek Township, near the line of Hopewell,
married Emma, daughter of Alexander McCalmont ; John
Franklin, who is a pattern maker in the bridge works at
Canonsburg, married Mollie Meneely, who is now de-
ceased; Mary Emma, now deceased, was the wife of
J. Erank Brownlee and they lived on a farm in Hopewell
Township; Samuel, who is a carpenter by trade, resides
at West Middletown with his mother; and Harry Elmer,
who died in 1907, is survived by his widow, formerly
LiUie Myers, who resides at Los Angeles, Cal.
Robert A. Manson attended the McCarrel's district
school in Mt. Pleasant Township, also the Limestone
Lane school. After he was eighteen years of age he
devoted himself to farm work for six years and then
learned the carpenter trade, working for five years with
Samuel MePadden, in Cross Creek Township and after-
ward worked in different places until his marriage, when
he moved to Washington, and two years later from there
to Ingram, and two years after that returned to the
farm and remained there for seven years. He then re-
sumed carpenter work, locating at Imperial, in Alle-
gheny County. His wife died there March 4, 1900, aged
thirty-seven years, and on November 15, 1902, he left
Imperial and came to Canonsburg and has continued
working at his trade in this city ever since.
Mr. Manson was married (first), September 30, 18S5,
to Miss Ida Jane Morrison, a daughter of James and Mar-
tha Morrison, and they had four children : James Russell,
who was born October 9, 1886, is connected with a pot-
tery at Newell, W. Va., married Pearl Smith, and they
have one child, Eugene Devid; Robert Harold, who was
born May 27, 1890, works on a farm; and Emma Ber-
nice, who was born September 5, 1893, and Martha Agnes,
who was born November 30, 1895, both attend school.
Mr. Manson was married (second) December 31, 1891, to
Miss Mary E. McNutt, a daughter of William and Nancy
(Weaver) McNutt. Mr. and Mrs. Manson are members
of the First Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. He is
a Republican.
JOHN LEAMON PATTERSON, who, for fifteen con-
secutive years has been a member of the Hopewell Town-
ship school board, and has acceptably filled other town-
ship ofiices, resides on his valuable farm of 100 acres,
in Hopewell Township, Washington Co., Pa., on which
he was born. May 30, 1859. His parents were John and
Jane (McClelland) Patterson, both of whom are now
deceased. They had four sons: James T., Thomas M.,
William H. and John L., aU of whom survive except the
eldest.
John Leamon Patterson obtained his education in the
public schools and since the age of nineteen years has
been engaged in farming, being associated with his father
until the latter 's death, in 1880, since when he has
been in charge. He devotes his land to the growing of
grain and hay and to grazing, each year raising a large
amount of fine stock, his unusual success being the result
of accurate knowledge and excellent judgment.
In June, 1886, Mr. Patterson was married to Miss
MoUie M. McElroy, a daughter of Alexander McElroy,
and they have had the following children : Jennie L.,
who was born February 16, 1887, is a popular teacher;
John, who is now deceased; James and Mary, both of
whom attend high school; Homer and Hazel, twins, and
Robert, Lillian and Hugh. Mr. Patterson and family
belong to the United Presbyterian Church at North Buf-
falo, in which he is an elder and for a number of years
was a trustee. Mrs. Patterson is interested in church
missionary work. The whole family is one held in very
high esteem in Hopewell Township.
Mr. Patterson has always upheld the principles of the
Republican party. He has frequently been elected to
office by his fellow citizens and at times has been judge
of elections and also supervisor. In June, 1909, he was
re-elected a member of the school board, on which he
has already served for an unusual period. He owns
stock in the Buffalo Telephone Company.
W. B. LINN, a member of the firm of Linn Bros., lum-
ber dealers, at Burgettstown, Pa., and part owner of a
valuable farm of 192 acres, situated in Smith Township,
Washington County, was born on his father's farm in
Franklin County, Pa., June 28, 1867.
Mr. Linn remained on the home farm until he was
fifteen years of age, attending school first in Franklin,
later in Cumberland and still later in Washington coun-
ties, and took a business course at the Iron City Com-
mercial College at Pittsburg. He then went into the
lumber business at Burgettstown and the firm was first
known as Armour and Linn, but later became Linn
Bros. After his marriage he continued to reside at Bur-
gettstown until 1900, when he moved to McKeesport,
where he resided until August 16, 1909, when he returned
to Burgettstown, never, in the meanwhile, having dis-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
585
associated hiinsolf with the luniber fiiiii of Liun Bros.
VVhilo at iMc'Koesport he was president and treasurer
of the National liumber Company of that phice and con-
tinued in those offices until 1908.
On January 19, 1896, Mr. Linn was married to Miss
Aliee Betts, a daughter of P. B. and Jane (Galbraith)
Belts. Two children have been born to them, William
B. and George P., both of whom died in infancy. Mr.
Linn is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of
McKeesport. In politics, he is an active Democrat and
ho has served three terms as school treasurer of Bur-
gettstown, and for three years has been treasurer of the
Union Agricultural Association. Mr. Liun is a member
of the Masonic order and is a substantial and represen-
tative citizen of Washington County.
J.\MES M. McBURNBY, a well known citizen and
prosperous lawyer of Washington, Pa., was born in that
borough March 7, 1858, and is a son of Ebenezer and
Mary (Maxwell) McBurney. The family has long been
established in America and was a pioneer one in Wash-
ington County.
James McBurney, the great-grandfather of James M.,
married Mary McGoffin and they had six children : Mary,
who married John McAuley; Martha, who married James
Matthews; Jane, who married John Gillespie; and Alex-
ander, Joseph and James.
James McBurney (2), son of James, was born in
Washington County, Pa. He was an officer in the Penn-
sylvania militia and resided on a farm in South Strabane
Towship, which is now owned by the Zediker family.
He was the father of the following children: Ebenezer,
James, Joseph, Mrs. Eliza Hawkins, Mrs. Martha Wat-
son, Mrs. Sarah Thompson and Mrs. Catherine Gault.
Ebenezer McBurney was born in Mercer County, Pa.,
in 1814, and obtained his education in the subscription
schools. He learned the carpenter trade in Washington
and subsequently erected many of the substantial struc-
tures of the growing borough. Some years prior to his
death he went into the business of moving buildings, suc-
ceeding in whatever he undertook on account of being a
man of energy and capacity. He thus acquired much
more than a competency but lost the greater part of his
fortune through his generosity and his seeming inability
to disappoint a friend when he sought his signature as
security. Until the outbreak of the Civil War he was a
Democrat but later became and continued a Republican.
Although a hearty sympathizer in the cause of the Union,
his age and physical condition were against his enlisting,
an accident having made his acceptance impossible. His
loyalty and his sterling character were recognized, how-
ever, and he was appointed and served as provost mar-
shal of his district and later was commissioned a private
•detective for the county under district attorneys Ralph
McConuell and J. F. Taylor, and served as such for six
years. His death occurred September 12, 1889, at the
age of seventy-live years. Ho married Mary Maxwell, a
daughter of Thomas Maxwell, who was a hatter by trade
and had come to Washington County from Wheeling,
W. Va. Mrs. McBurney preceded her husband to the
grave by six months. Two of their eleven children died
in infancy. The others were: Helen, who married Jo-
seph Shaw; .John F., Alexander F., James M., and George
M. ; Kate M., who married George M. HahJeman ; and
Mary and Margaret, the former of whom died aged six-
teen years and the latter aged twenty one years. Eben-
ezer McBurney was an active member of the Seceder
Church for years but was dropped from the church roll
because of his joining the order of Odd Fellows.
James M. McBurney received his preliminary educa-
tion in the public schools and in the preparatory depart-
ment of Washington and Jefferson College, and later
entered the collegiate department of that institution and
was graduated in 1881. For one year after leaving col-
lege he was principal of McKeesport Academy, in asso-
ciation with Rev. Robert M. Russell, after which he re-
turned to Washington and prepared for the practice of
law in the office of Hon. H. J. Vankirk, completing his
studies under attorney John W. Donnan. Since his ad-
mission to the bar of Washington County, in 1885, and
to the supreme court of the United States, on February
2, 1893, he has been in continuous practice and has at-
tained a high degree of success in his profession. He
maintains offices in the Washington Trust building, Nos.
315-317.
In 1889, Mr. McBurney was married to Miss Annie
S. Eeckers, a daughter of J. B. Reckers, of Washington,
Pa., and they have two children: Ernestine D. and
Bernard R. The family residence is a comfortable and
attractive one situated at No. 122 North Wade avenue.
He is a Republican of the independent type in his po-
litical views. Always interested in educational matters,
he has served many years as a school director. As far
back as 1876, Mr. McBurney united with the United
Presbyterian Church and is an elder in the same, and has
taught an adult class in the Sabbath School almost con-
tinuously since he graduated from college.
MILTON C. IRWIN, a leading citizen of Buffalo
Township, serving as a member of the board of super-
visors, and following farming and stock raising as an
occupation, was born in Washington County, Pa., Feb-
ruary 28, 1873, and is a son of William C. and Mary
(Dye) Irwin.
The paternal g^randfather of Mr. Irwin, David Irwin,
was an early settler in Canton Township, Washington
County, and there both William C. Irwin and wife spent
the greater portion of their lives and died there. They
586
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTOjST COUNTY
■were for many years members of the East Buffalo Pres-
byterian Church, but in later years were members of the
Second Presbyterian Church at Washington. For a long
period William C. Irwin was one of the large sheep
growers of this section, raising annually as many as 250
head, his preference being for the Black Top Delaine as
superior in tvooI. He was in his seventy-fourth year
when he died, and was a well informed man and took
a very active part in politics.
His immediate family contained thirteen children,
many of whom married and had children of their own,
and the following survive: James D., living in Canton
Township; John D., Leman N., William M. and Asa C,
all living at Washington, Pa.; Milton C, living in Buf-
falo Township; and Clifton C, Edith and Etta, all three
residing in Washington.
Milton C. Irwin was reared on his father 's farm in
Canton Township and attended the district schools in
that neighborhood until he was sixteen years of age,
when he started out for himself, going to, the oil fields.
Through his industry he made the business profitable and
remained in one capacity or another, for a number of
years, confining himself to Allegheny and Washington
counties. About the time of his marriage he settled on
his present place in the southern part of Buffalo Town-
ship, and has prospered as a farmer and raiser of good
stock.
Mr. Irwin was married July 22, 1897, to Miss Sarah
Chambers, a daughter of James Chambers, of Buffalo
TowTiship, and they have two children: Clark C. and
Mary M. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin attend the East Buffalo
Presbyterian Church. In politics he is identified with
the Democratic party, and he takes an interest in town-
ship affairs of a public nature.
COL. L. M. MARSH, deceased, who bore an honorable
record for service in the Union Army during the Civil
War, was one of the foremost citizens of Washington,
Pa., that borough having been the scene of his greatest
business activities. He was born at Orange, Essex Co.,
N. J., June 23, 1824, and was a son of Abraham R. and
Sarah (Munn) Marsh.
Abraham Marsh was born in Rahway, N. J., July 8,
1800, where he was reared and educated. He learned
the shoemaking trade and worked at it and also engaged
in merchandising, both in his native State and subse-
quently in Ohio. He married Sarah Munn, a daughter
of David Munn, of New Jersey, and she died in Huron
County, Ohio, in 1860, aged fifty-eight years, but he sur-
vived into extreme old age, dying two days after his
ninetieth birthday. He was a Presbyterian of the old
Knox faith and for many years was an elder in the
church. He saw the formation of the Republican party
and became a strong supporter of the same. His nine
childi'en bore the following names : L. M., David, Stephen,
Harriet, George, Abraham, Charles, Henry and Mary.
When the late Col. Marsh was thirteen years old, his
parents moved from JSTew Jersey to Coshocton County,
Ohio, and there he completed his school attendance and
then learned the tailoring trade. When twenty-one years
old he went -to Marietta, Ohio, where he followed his
trade, and from there to West Virginia, where he was
residing at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War.
His loyalty to the Union was manifested by his immedi-
ately enlisting, and Ms standing was shown by his being
made captain of Co. E, 10th W. Va. Vol. Inf., which
was assigned to the Army of the Potomac. He encoun-
tered many of the direst misfortunes of war. At the battle
of Kernstown he was wounded in the foot and being left
helpless on the battle field was taken captive, s: or two
months he was confined in the infamous Libby Prison at
Richmond, at the end of that time securing a parole,
and six months later was exchanged and rejoined his
regiment. His subsequent career as a soldier was bril-
liant and when he was honorably discnarged and mus-
tered out it was with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
Col. Marsh then returned to peaceful pursuits, locating
at Washington, Pa., and he was occupied for two years
as bookkeeper for a large business concern. In 1870 he
was made secretary and treasurer of the Washington
County Eire Insurance Company and he continued to
discharge the duties of that position during the remain-
ing years of his active life. He had additional interests,
being associated for some years in the real estate busi-
ness with his son, Addison C. Marsh, under the firm name
of L. M. Marsh & Son. He was a man of upright life
and sterling character.
On January 14, 1850, Col. Marsh was married to iliss
Louisa McGoUum, a daughter of Asa McCoUum, and they
reared two children: Ella, who became the wife of Will-
iam S. Park; and Addison C, who is a representative
citizen of Washington, of which he has been burgess since
March, 1906. The late Col. Marsh was a Republican in
his political aflSUation. Both he and wife were consistent
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His death
occurred in March, 1899.
Hon. Addison C. Marsh was born February 26, 1858,
and was educated in the Washington schools. He is secre-
tary and treasurer of the Washington County Mutual
Fire Insurance Company, with office at No. 55 South
Main street. He was elected burgess of Washington
Borough on the Republican ticket and his official career
has been satisfactory to his fellow citizens to whose best
interests he has devoted his careful attention for the past
three years. He married Miss Nettie Foster, a daughter
of E. D. Poster, a resident of Bradford, Pa., and they
have four children: Ola E., Ellis F., Helen L. and Ruth.
The family attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. They
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,RK
uX AND i
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
587
li;ivi' a l)eautiful home, the family residence being situ
ated at No. 205 West Beau street.
L. M. IRWIN, who is cashier of the Avella Bank at
Avella, Pa., is one of the youngest men in Washington
County to hold .so responsible a position, one that he has
acceptably filled since January, 1908. He belongs to an old
and honorable county family and was born in Cross Creek
Township, May 7, 1881, and is one of three children born
to his parents, Dr. J. B. and Louisa Irwin, resident of
Washington. Mr. Irwin has two brothers: Biissoll B.
and Jesse B.
L. M. Irwin attended school in Cross Creek Towuslii]!
until he was eighteen years of age, graduating then
from the high school at Cross Creek village. For a short
time he taught school and then accepted an offer, which
promised more remunerative work, from the James G.
Corcoran Company, of Pittsburg, and remained with
that concern for five years, engaged in construction work.
In .Tanuary, 1908, he came to the Avella Bank as cashier,
having fairly won this appointment by reason of his
energy, determination, industry and fidelity to the in-
tpre.sts of his employers in his former capacity.
In June, 1902, Mr. Irwin was married to Miss Anna
M. Brown, a daughter of W. J. and Margaret Brown, of
Cross Creek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin are mem-
bers of the Lower Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in which
he is an elder. He is identified with the Masons and
belongs to the Burgettstown lodge.
A. M. CARLISLE, one of Smith Township 's leading
farmers and representative citizens, residing on his well
improved property which contains 145 acres, all tillable
land, with three oil wells, owns also a farm of eighty-
five acres, situated in Mt. Pleasant Township. He was
bora in the latter township, February 5, 1862, and is a
son of Joseph Elizabeth (White) Carlisle.
.loseph Carlisle wa-s born on an adjoining farm in Mt.
Pleasant Township, a short distance south of Hickory,
and during a long and provident life which extended to
eighty-four years, acquired two farms both in the same
township. He was an intelligent and upright man at
different times was selected for township offices by his
fellow citizens. He married Elizabeth White, a daughter
of Nicholas White, and they had three children : Annie,
A. M., and I. M. Annie is decea.sed. .Joseph Carlisle
died September 16, 1898, and his widow, November 25,
1905, and both were buried in the cemetery at Hickory.
They were worthy members of the United Presbyterian
Church.
A. M. Carlisle attended school in Mt. Pleasant Town-
ship and later at Hickory, and lived at home until his
first marriage when he moved on the farm he now owns,
south of Hickory, and lived there until .January, 1906,
when he moved to Smith Township, buying his present
farm from his father-in-law, J. L. Rankin. He repaired
the house and erected new farm buildings, his barn being
the best structure of its kind in the township. He has
sold his coal to the Pittsburg-Eaton Coal Company. He
raises superior stock, cattle and sheep and when he ex-
liibits at the county fairs is very sure to carry off many
of the best prizes. He is a stockholder and a director in
the Farmers' National Bank of Hickory; a stockholder
and president of the Farmers' Telephone Company at
Burgettstown; and for eleven years has been a director
in the Union Agricultural Association of Burgettstown.
.Mr. Carlisle was married (first) March 7, 1889, to Miss
Emma Hastings, a daughter of Daniel Hastings, of
.\llegheny County. She died July 14, 1893, and her
burial was in the Hickory Cemetery. She is survived
by one son, Joseph Edgar, who lives at home. Mr. Car-
lisle was married (second) November 7, 1894, to Mary
L. Rankin, a daughter of J. L. Rankin, and they have
two children : John Charles, a manly youth of fourteen
years; and Emma Elizabeth, who, although but twelve
years of age, is a student in the high school at Burgetts-
town. Mr. Carlisle and family are members of the First
Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown. In politics he is
independent and fraternally he is identified with the
order of Elks.
WILLIAM CAMERON, deceased, who is well remem-
bered by the older residents of South Strabane Township,
Washington Co., Pa., as one of its most prominent citi-
eents at an early period, was born in the county, in Som-
erset Township, in 1808. He was a son of John and
E.sther (Twinem) Cameron.
John Cameron was a native of Scotland and was a
young man when he left his own land and went to Ire-
land, where he took up his residence in County Armagh
and there married Esther Twinem. Shortly afterward
they emigrated to America and settled near Gettysburg,
Pa., and he secured his naturalization papers there.
These papers are still preserved by a son of William, our
subject, George M. Cameron, who has them framed in his
home. He moved from there to the part of Washington
County, Pa., known now as Somerset Township.
.Fohn Cameron became a man of considerable importance
in the section in which he settled and as he was intelli-
gent and thrifty, he became a leader in public affairs and
an owner of property. In politics he was a Democrat,
and in religious matters he was a Presbyterian and one
of the founders of the church in Somerset Township. To
John Cameron and wife were born the following children :
.John, James G., Esther, Margaret and William.
William Cameron, the youngest of the above family,
was reared on the pioneer farm in Somerset Township
and all the formal education he secured was in the prim-
588
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
itive schools. After marriage he and wife, started to
housekeeping on a small tract of land, twenty-one acres
in extent, in South Strabane Township, and to this he
subsequently added 200 acres, this having been part of
the farm of his father-in-law, George Mitchell. This
was a large body of land and as it was almost entirely
unimproved it required many years of hard work to con-
vert it into productive farms, but from youth he had
been inured to labor and he had inherited a large meas-
ure of his father 's Scotch persistency and success
crowned his efforts. He always took an interest in the
public affairs of his community and performed every
public duty with faithfulness and according to conscience.
In politics he was a Democrat. For many years he con-
sented to serve on the school board.
On September 28, 1837, "William Cameron married
Miss Martha Mitchell, a native of South Strabane Town-
sip, born August 9, 1804, and died August 16, 1860. She
was a daughter of George Mitchell and his wife, who
had formerly been a Miss Alexander. George Mitchell
was born in Ireland and his death occurred May 8, 1847,
at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cameron.' In early
manhood he had come to America and settled in South
Strabane Township, Washington County. In his political
views he was a Democrat, and religiously he was a Pres-
byterian. He had five children, namely: Martha, Mary,
Eleanor, Thomas and Catherine.
To William and Martha Cameron were born the fol-
lowing children: John, who was born August 12, 1838,
has always engaged in farming in South Strabane Town-
ship; Ellen, who married John G. Paxton; Margaret;
Mary J.; George M., who was born April 22, 1849, is a
prominent citizen of Washington, president of the E.
J. Young Packing Company and a director of the Wash-
ington Trust Company; and Martha A., who married
J. C. Pease. WUliam Cameron survived his wife for
thirteen years, his death occurring October 15, 1873.
WILLIAM W. McCLAY, a prominent citizen of Can-
ton Township who owns a fine farm of 191 acres, which
he devotes to general agriculture and stock raising,
making a specialty of sheep, was born on this farm,
March 2, 1845, being a member of one of the old and
honorable families of Washington County. His parents
were John and Jane (Welsh) McClay.
Samuel McClay, the grandfather, was born in Ireland
and came of Scotch and Irish stock. When he emigrated
to America he settled at first in Chester County, Pa., and
from there came to Washington County. He located on
the farm which his grandson, William W. McClay now
owns, probably before the township divisions were made.
A former owner had made some slight improvements but
the greater part of the clearing was accomplished by
grandfather McClay. John McClay, son of Samuel and
father of William W., was born on this farm in Canton
Township in March, 1809, and died in 1895. He was a
successful business man and carried on farming and
stock raising for many years, devoting much attention to
the growing of sheep. In his early political life he was a
Whig and later became a strong advocate of the aboli-
tion of slavery. During the CivU War he' lent his sup-
port heartily to the preservation of the Union. In early
days he was a member of the Covenanter Church but
later was identified for years with the North Buffalo
United Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder.
He married Jane Welsh, who was born in Mt. Pleasant
Township, Washington County, and three of their chil-
dren survive, namely: Sarah J., who is the widow of
Dr. William Morrison, who was a practitioner in Cross
Creek Township, she now residing at Washington; Will-
iam W., of Canton Township; and Robert H., who re-
sides at Washington, Pa. John McClay was a director
in the First National Bank at Washington.
William W. McClay has never lived in any other home
than the old family homestead and it is endeared to him
by recollection of his boyhood and of his parents who
have passed away. He attended the neighborhood schools
and also an academy at Buffalo village while he was
growing up and later was a student in the Eastman Busi-
ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he was grad-
uated in 1867. From choice he has always been a farmer
and stock raiser and has met with excellent results in rais-
ing the Black Top sheep, usually having. from 250 to 300
head in his flocks.
In 1878, Mr. McClay was married (first) to Miss Myra
C. Crothers, who was born in Buffalo Township, a daugh-
ter of the late Samuel J. Crothers. He was married (sec-
ond), in 1894, to Miss Jennie Maxwell, who was born in
Harrison County, Ohio, a daughter of Eobert Maxwell,
who formerly lived in Buffalo village.
Mr. McClay is a Republican. He has frequently been
elected to township ofiices and has served most accept-
ably as township auditor and also as judge of elections.
Both he and wife are members of the North Buffalo
United Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee.
HAINES H. REED, postmaster at Eea, Pa., where he
is also proprietor of a general store and also ticket and
freight agent for the Wabash Railroad, belongs to one
of the old and substantial families of this section. He
was born in Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
in January, 1879, and is a son of John C. and Mary
(Barnes) Reed, being the youngest member of their
family of six children, the others bearing the following
names: Lulu B., who married S. J. Welsh and they re-
side at McKee's Bocks; Edwin C. ; Wylie B., who is
now deceased ; and Norman W. and J. Howard.
Haines H. Reed was educated in the common and high
l.'lvM. i;s'IA'|'|'. TIMS'I' cnMI'AX^-, WASH IN( ;'!'( )N
WASHINGTON COl NTY JAIL
CITl/KXS NATIONAL HANK
\VASII1N(;T0N
ITML STATION. ClTI/KNs WA'l'KK CoMI'ANY, W AslITN( ;T()N
THENEW YOR^r.
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTO.N COUNTY
591
school of Cross Creek and continued his studies until
he was nineteen years of age, when he went to Pittsburg
an<l for a time was engaged there and in the vicinity
as a elcrk. He returned to the farm for a season and
then decided to visit the far West, extending his jour-
ney to California. He remained there for two years,
working as an electrician and continued work in the
same line after coming as far east as Colorado, from
which State he later returned to Pennsylvania. When
he next left Washington County it was to engage in the
gas fitting business for a time, at Andover, Ohio. In
1905 he came back to Cross Creek Township and became
manager of the branch store at Bea Station for the firm
of I. M. Reed & Son, of Cross Creek village and also was
appointed U. S. rural mail carrier. In October, 1908,
he purchased the store he had formerly been operating
for the Reed firm, and in November following he was ap-
pointed postmaster and subsequently assumed the rail-
road duties mentioned above. He is one of the leading
and busy men of the village. In politics he considers
himself an independent, although he favors the prin-
ciples of old Democracy in which his father reared him.
Mr. Keed was married in December, 1906, to Miss
Anna Mae Pyle, a daughter of W. S. and Mary Pyle, of
Cross Creek Township, and they have a beautiful little
daughter of two years. Mr. Reed and wife are members
of Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church.
RICHARD GLADDEN, one of Robeson Township's
most substantial citizens, the owner of valuable farming
land and stock in several of the leading financial institu-
tions of Washington County, has been a valued and es-
teemed resident of McDonald for some years, where he
now lives retired from business and enjoys the comforts
of a beautiful home. He was born in Cecil Township,
Washington Co., Pa., March 3, 185.5, and is a son of
Richard and Mary (Kelso) Gladden.
Richard Gladden, Sr., father of Richard, was born in
Washington County, a son of William and Mary (Woods)
Gladden, all of whom have passed away. Richard Glad-
den was a prosperous farmer and was a respected citizen.
He married Mary Kelso, who was a daughter of Ben-
jamin and Martha (Murdock) Kelso. She survived her
husband but a short time and they both vpere interred in
the Arlington Cemetery. They were worthy members
of the United Presbyterian Church. Their children bore
the following names: William. Martha, deceased; Ben-
jamin J., deceased; George, decea-sed; Richard and
Joseph. Martha was the wife of Thomas Reed.
Richard Gladden went to the public schools in early
boyhood and from there to Oakdale Academy and had
further advantages at the West Philadelphia Academy.
After his school days were over he engaged in fanning
and continued in agricullrual pursuits for a number of
years. Prior to settling permanently at McDonald, he
sjient a year in travel in California. Mr. Gladden still
retains his farm of 200 acres which is situated in Cecil
Township. He has other large investments and is a di-
rector in the McDonald Savings and Trust Company; is a
stockholder in the First National Bank at McDonald; is
a stockholder in the Warner Glass Company, and is vice-
president of the Water and Light Company at McDonald.
On October 25, 1876, Mr. Gladden was married to
Miss Lavina Tuten, a daughter of George and Catherine
(Trimmer) Tuten. Mr. Tuten was a farmer and also
was proprietor of a hotel at Hickory, Pa. Mrs. Gladden
has two sisters: lantha, who is the widow of Albert
Sauters; and Clara, who is the wife of Oliver Pearson.
To Mr. and Mrs. Gladden the following children were
born: Anna Mary, Iva C. and Prank R. Mr. Gladden
has given his children superior educational advantages,
his daughters being educated at Wilson College at Cham-
bersburg, and his son at Purdue University, Indiana.
The second daughter is the wife of Samuel H. Ridall, of
Pittsburg, and they have one daughter, Elizabeth Ann.
Mr. Gladden and family belong to the First United
Presbyterian Church at McDonald. He is identified with
the Republican party.
WILLIAM E. LANE, county treasurer of Washington
County, Pa., and senior member of the firm of Lane &
Spriggs, dealers in real estate and insurance, with oflSces
at No. 433 Washington Trust building, is a representa-
tive of an old county family and a leading citizen of
Washington. He was born at West Middletown, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., January 26, 1866, and is a son of Thomas
and Rebecca (McElroy) Lane.
Thomas Lane came to Washington County in early
life and his interests remained centered here throughout
his entire career. For many years he was connected
with the U. S. mail service and he was proprietor of a
livery stable for some time. His death occurred Janu-
ary 25, 1908. He married Rebecca McElroy, and they
had twelve children.
William E. Lane was educated in the schools of West
Middletown and then engaged in teaching school until
he embarked in his present business at Washington. He
is in partnership with H. H. Spriggs and they handle a
large amount of valuable realty and represent the lead-
ing fire, life and accident insurance companies of the
country. Mr. Lane has been an active Republican for
a number of years and in 1908 was elected county treas-
urer with a large majority. He is a man well qualified
for this important public office and has proved his effi-
ciency.
Mr. Lane married Miss Lillie M. McCalmont, a daugh-
592
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ter of Alexander McCalmont, and they have four chil-
dren. Mr. and Mrs. Lane are members of the Second
United Presbyterian Church.
SAMUEL CLARENCE IMHOFP, who owns a fine
farm of ninety-four acres which is situated in Canton
Township, Washington Co., Pa., is numbered with the
successful agriculturists of this section, and is also one
of its most enterprising business men. He was born on
his present farm, August 16, 1863, and is a son of Sam-
uel and Mary J. (Stewart) Imhoff.
Samuel Imhofif was born in Canton Township and is
a son of Martin Imhoff, who was born in Switzerland.
During the early days of the gold excitement in Cali-
fornia, Samuel Imhofif visited the far West and there
was engaged for a time in mining. After he returned to
Washington County, Pa., he followed farming in Canton
Township, where he died in 1874. He married Mary J.
Stewart, who was also born in Canton Township and died
here in 1881. Of their children, Samuel Clarence Imhofif
is the only survivor.
Samuel Clarence Imhoff grew to manhood in Canton
Township and in boyhood attended the district schools.
He has been engaged in farming and stock raising ever
since he entered into business. He also followed thresh-
ing for a time and then bought a portable sawmill and
for some years has done a large amount of work with
this machine in different sections. He is a practical
business man and stands weU with his fellow citizens per-
sonally.
On January 28, 1886, Mr. Imhofif was married to Miss
Emma J. Smiley, who was born in Cross Creek Township,
Washington County, and is a daughter of the late James
G. Smiley. They have two children : Mary S. and James
C. Mr. Imhofif and family belong to the North Buffalo
United Presbyterian Church, the membership of which
includes the larger number of the substantial and rep-
resentative people of this section. In his political views,
Mr. Imhoff is independent, having connected himself
with no definite party, but is sure to cast his vote, how-
ever, for a responsible and reliable candidate.
LIEUT. JOHN PULTON BELL, a highly respected
citizen of Washington, Pa., residing in his fine residence
at No. 80 West Prospect avenue, for many years was en-
gaged in farming and stock raising in Amwell Township,
Washington County. He was born in Jefferson, Morgan
Township, Greene County, Pa., August 23, 1841, and is
a son of Levi Harrod Bell, the Bell family having settled
in Greene County in pioneer days.
John Pulton Bell first attended school in his native
place and in 1860 became a student at Georges Creek
Academy in Fayette County. He resided in Greene
County until 1860, when he came to Washington County
and in 1S6S bought a large farm in Amwell Township, ■
which he continued to operate and develop until 1907,
when he sold his farming lands and retired to Wash-
ington. Mr. Bell spent four years, between 1903 and
1907 in Prosperity. For many years he was one of the
leading stock raisers of this section.
On August 22, 1862, Mr. Bell enlisted at Amity, Wash-
ington County, Pa., in Co. D, 140th P. V. I., and was
promoted June 21, 1863, from the rank of corporal to
that of sergeant. On November 1, 1863, he became first
sergeant; on July 20, 1864, near City Point, Va., he was
commissioned first lieutenajit by Governor Andrew G.
Curtin, of Pennsylvania, and served as such until the
close of the war and for several months was in charge
of the company. The company was mustered out May
81, 1865, in the name of Fii-st Lieut. J. F. Bell as senior
commanding ofiEicer. Among the twenty-five battles in
which his company fought were those of Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg, Mine Run, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, the
operations in front of Petersburg and those at Appo-
mattox, which culminated in Lee 's surrender and brought
the war to happy termination.
On May 6, 1868, Mr. Bell married Miss Lydia Eoss,
who was born in Washington Township, Greene County,
Pa., and they have five children: Benjamin Harrod,
Sarah Frances, Lyda Emma, Abner Ross and James
Franklin.
James Franklin Bell, the youngest son, is a graduate
of Washington and Jefferson College at Washington. In
1902 he graduated from West 'Point Military Academy
as engineer and served two years in the engineers' corps,
in the Philippine Islands. He was instructor in mathe-
matics for a time, at West Point, and is now stationed at
Washington, D. C, as a member of the engineer corps of
the U. S. Army.
Mr. and Mrs. Bell are members of the Baptist Church,
in which he is one of the board of deacons.
A. 0. HIND MAN, M. D., physician and surgeon at
Cross Creek, Pa., has been in continuous practice at this
place for the past ten years and commands the confi-
dence and enjoys the esteem of the people. He was
born in Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
November 9, 1875, and is a son of Thomas and Hannah
(Stevenson) Hindman.
The Hindman family has been settled in Washington
County for generations, the grandparents, William and
Betsey Hindman, having been born here. Thomas Hind-
man was born on the farm in Brooke County, W. Va.,
which he now owns, but for many years has been a resi-
dent of Cross Creek village. He was a blacksmith by
trade and was a reputable citizen. He married Hannah
Stevenson and they had three children : A. O., Delia M.
and Nettie P.
-IKl'l-. .iolIN KlI/roN MKl.I.
" YOFv.
jRARY
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
595
Dr. llimlmau was eUucated in the district schools of
Cross (reek Township, Hickory Academy and the Ohio
Normal University at Ada, now known as Ohio Northern
University. He then entered upon the study of medicine
and completed his nieilical course and received his degree
in isyo, from the Western Pennsylvania Medical Col-
lege at Pittsburg. He immediately located at Cross
Creek and has here built up a substantial practice. He
is identified with business enterprises aside from his
profession, being a stockholder in the Burgettstown Na-
tional Bank, the Freehold Oil and Gas Company and in
other concerns in this section.
Dr. Hindman was married to Miss Ada Newcomer, a
daughter of Thomas and Hattie (Richie) Newcomer,
residents of Washington, and they have one daughter,
Helen Lucille. The family are members of the Presby-
terian Church at Cross Creek. Dr. Hindman is an active
and valued member of the Washington County and
Pennsylvania State Medical Societies and of the Amer-
ican Medical As-sociation. In addition to this he is a
quiet scientific investigator along his own lines, never
having ceased being a student.
JAMES LINDSAY YOHE, senior member of the Yohe
Brothers Lumber Company, which was established in
1878 and is the oldest concern of its kind in Monon-
gahela City, was born Dec. 20, 1849, in this city and is
a son of Michael and Phoebe (McConnel) Yohe.
Michael Yohe was born on a farm in Carroll Town-
ship, in 1815, and was a son of Isaac Yohe, who came
from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, and located on
a farm three miles east of Monongahela City, where he
spent his life engaged in agricultural pursuits. Michael
Yohe was reared in Carroll Township, where he remained
until after his marriage, when he removed to Monon
gahela City, where he died, aged 68 years. He married
Phoebe McConnel, who was born at West Middletowu,
Washington Co., Pa., in 1825, and died, aged 75 years.
They had the following children: John M., a resident of
Pittsburg; Isaac, of Monongahela City, Pa.; Leroy S.,
deceased; James L., subject of this sketch; William G.,
of New Kensington ; Lewis N., of Monongahela City ;
Frank and Charles, twins, both residents of Monongahela
(!ity; and Sherod C, a resident of Monongahela City.
Some 30 years ago a photograph was taken of the eight
brothers, who recently sat for another photograph, all
of whom, with the exception of John, the eldest, who
was born at West Middletown, were born in Monongahela
City.
James L. Yohe was reared in Monongahela City,
where he obtained a common school education, early in
life learning the carpenter's trade with his father. In
1878, in partnership with his brothers, Isaac and Lewis
N., they established the Yohe Brothers Lumber Company,
and the plant is located on the Monongahela Hiver, and
the firm gives employment to an average of 60 to 100
men. They carry on a general contracting business and
deal in all kinds of building materials. In 1902, Clyde
C. Yohe purchased one half of the Isaac Yohe interest
in the concern, and in 1909, purchased the remaining
half interest of Isaac Yohe, who is now living in re-
tirement. Besides his lumber interests, Mr. Yohe is a
director in the Monongahela Trust Company, and a
stockholder of the Perry Manufacturing Company. He
is afiiliated with the B. P. O. E. order, is a 32nd degree
Mason, and is religiously a member of the Methodist
Church.
In 1879, Mr. Yohe married Ella M. Corrin, a daughter
of William and Eleanor Corrin, and they have reared the
following children : Annetta, widow of Adam C. Samp-
son, has two children, Lois and Adam; Clyde C, married
Nellie Beach and they have one child, Chauncey B. ; Ed-
ward L., married Blanch Dewalt, and has two children,
Lloyd and Bearl; Emma C, married Edward Kuhlman,
of Indian Territory; and James K. is a student at Wash-
ington and Jefferson College.
HON. JOHN D. BRADEN, deceased, for many years
was a prominent and useful citizen of Washington, Pa.,
and during the entire course of his active business life
was engaged in the practice of law. He was born in
Chippewa Township, Beaver Co., Pa., Nov. 21, 1826, and
was a son of John and Katherine (Mclntyre) Braden.
James Braden, the grandfather, was born in Ireland
and there was married to Margaret Howe, who was of
English parentage. After her death, James Braden,
with his motherless children started for America and
reached this country in 1797. One of his sons, John
Braden, who was the father of John D., was bom at
what was called Five-Mile town, near Enniskillen, in
County Fermanagh, Ireland. He accompanied his father
to America. It is probable that he followed farming
from the time that he was capable of working, as he
subsequently acquired farming land situated near
Youngstown, Ohio, on which he was residing when the
War of 1812 was declared. He was called into actual
service Aug. 26, 1812, first under Capt. Samuel Denison.
On Sept. 16, 1812, he was transferred at Cleveland to
Capt. Joshua T. Cotton's company, under whom he con-
tinued until Nov. 8, 1812, and he was discharged by
Gen. Elijah Wadsworth. He was in the First Reg.,
Third Brig., 4th Div. of Ohio militia, which was com-
manded by Col. William Rayen. He did not marry until
he returned from that w'ar, and then settled in Chippewa
Township, Beaver Co., Pa., where he and wife lived for
more than 50 years. Of their large family of children,
the late John D. Braden was the only one to locate per-
manently in Washington County. The maternal grand-
596
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
father of John D. Braden was William Mclntyre, a
native of Scotland, who came unmarried to the United
States and settled at Hagerstown, Md.
John D. Braden attended Beaver Academy at Beaver,
Pa., for some years and in 1849 entered what was then
Washington College, which was later consolidated with
Jefferson College, where he was graduated in 1851. He
was prepared for the practice of law in the oflSce of
Hon. George S. Hart, at that time district attorney, and
was admitted to the bar in 1853. He immediately opened
an ofSce in the borough of Washington, soon attracted
attention by his legal ability and in a few years had
advanced to a foremost place in his profession. To
profound learning, Mr. Braden united a high standard of
professional honor and it has been frequently affirmed
by those who knew him best that no client, no matter
how powerful he might be, who came to him with a case
which was without merit, could have his services. He
was a loyal party man, having been cradled in Democ-
racy, but political office had no attractions for him, in
fact the only local offices he would ever accept were
membership on the School Board and on the borough
council. In the campaign of 1892 he was appointed
a presidential elector and was glad that he was instru-
mental in bringing about the election of President
Cleveland.
On Nov. 11, 1851, Mr. Braden was married to Miss
Anna C. Euple, the youngest daughter of Col. James
Euple, and they had the following children: Rebecca,
who married D. J. McAdam ; John Mclntyre, whose
death occurred Apr. 14, 1897, was an attorney at Wash-
ington; LilUe, who resides with her mother in the beau-
tiful old family home at No. 223 W. Wheeling street,
Washington; Alfred Goodrich, an attorney and formerly
principal of the Washington schools; George W., who
is a photographer in business at Washington; Anna;
Kate, who is deceased; Ernest, who died Dec. 24, 1891;
James Paul, an attorney at Washington, with office in
the Montgomery Bldg., No. 108 S. Main street; and
Arthur and William, both of whom died in infancy.
John D. Braden was a representative of the highest type
of citizenship and he commanded the respect and en-
joyed the affection of his fellow citizens, irrespective of
differing opinions on many subjects.
CLYDE H. PEREIN, one of Independence Township 's
enterprising and progressive young men, who, for the
past two years has been operating his father's farm of
156 acres, was born at Wellsburg, W. Va., Peb. 3, 1880,
and is a son of James M. and Alice (McCreary) Perrin.
Edward Perrin, the great-grandfather of Clyde H., is
known to have lived in infancy on what is known as the
Boles farm, south of Independence, Washington County,
and probably was born there. The family lived in the
county in the days of the Indians and it is recorded that
one John Perrin, probably a brother of Edward, traded
what is known as the Robert Liggett farm for a shot-
gun with which to fight Indians. Edward Perrin was
married first to a Williamson and they had two chil-
dren: Samuel and a daughter, who became the wife of
Robert Dinsmore. Samuel Perrin was a lifelong resi-
dent of Washington County and owned and operated the
farm on which Clyde H. Perrin resides. His death oc-
curred Peb. 22, 1889, and he was the first individual
buried in Independence Cemetery. He married Susan
McBride and they had three children : James M. and
William, twins, the latter of whom lives at Tacoma-,
Wash.; and Elizabeth, who resides at Carnegie, Pa.
James M. Perrin was born in Washington County and
during his entire life since his marriage, has engaged
in the drug business, and at present is located at Car-
negie, Pa. For a short time he conducted a store at
Wheeling, W. Va., and for some time one at Wellsburg.
He married Alice McCreary, who died in February, 1887.
She was a daughter of James and Sarah (Sitherwood)
McCreary, of Independence, Pa. Two children were born
to James M. Perrin and wife: Clyde H. and Elia E.
The latter is an accomplished musician, a graduate of
the New England Conservatory of Music and at present
is a teacher of music in the Southern Presbyterian Col-
lege.
Clyde H. Perrin attended the Carnegie public schools
and the Western University of Pennsylvania, at Pitts-
burg, where he gave special attention to a course in civil
engineering. For nine ' years he was engaged in civil
engineering and surveying in West Virginia, Virginia,
Western Pennsylvania and Maryland, but during the past
two years he has been residing on his father's farm in
Independence Township. Mr. Perrin is a member of
Carnegie Lodge No. 831 of the Elks, and his political
views are those of the Republican party. His religious
affiliation is with the Presbyterian Church at Carnegie.
Mr. Perrin has never married.
FEANK E. BAKER, a representative citizen of Am-
well Township, Washington Co., Pa., who has resided
on his present farm throughout his whole life, was born
July 12, 1862, and was reared near Baker's Station.
His parents were Enoch and Margaret (Speers) Baker.
Enoch Baker was born in Bethlehem Township, Wash-
ington County, and his wife in AUen Township, both
families being old settlers in the county. Enoch Baker
was reared in his native township and lived there until
he moved to Ten-Mile village in Amwell Township. After
several years he moved to a farm near Baker 'a Station
and here he died in 1882. His widow BtUl survives and
resides with her son. Prank R. She is well known in
different sections of Washington County and is still in
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
597
the enjoyment of mental and physical health, although
she has pa.ssed her 87th birthday. She is carefully and
teiulorly cherished by her five surviving children, namely:
David B., who resides at Washinj^ton ; Apollis S., who
lives in Verniiliou County, III. ; Henry S., who also lives
in Illinois; Frank R., of Amwell Township; and Clara
B., who is the wife of William Hughes, of Washington.
Mrs. Baker has two daughters, deceased, Sarah and
Nancy. The late Enoch Baker wa.s a highly respected
and useful citizen and a Christian man. A Kepublican
in his political views, at different times he was elected
on that ticket to township offices and to the duties of
these he gave careful and conscientious attention. He
was a liberal supporter of the Presbyterian Church, al-
though he had descended from an old Quaker ancastry.
Frank K. Baker was reared in Amwell Township and
through boyhood attended the public schools, after which
he assisted his father on the farm and has continued
in the same industry. He also became interested in rais-
ing good stock and has made this quite a feature of
his work. He owns 200 acres of some of the best land
in Amwell Township. He is a leading citizen, a member
of the School Board, of which he has been both president
and treasurer. He has served most acceptably in other
offices, three years as road supervisor.
On Oct. 31, 1889, Mr. Baker was married to Miss
Sarah Hamilton, a daughter of the late William Hamil-
ton, of Fayette County, Pa., and they have had four
children, namely: Charles H., who is a student at Wash-
ington and Jefferson College, at Washington; and Nellie
S., Mary F. and Billie B. Mr. Baker is a member of
the Lower Ten-Mile Presbyterian Church at Amity, of
which he is treasurer and has been j;rustee. Mr. Baker
was called upon to part with his wife on March 19, 1904.
She was also a consistent member of the Presbyterian
Church and a lady of many Christian virtues. Her death
caused sorrow not only to her immediate family, but to
a large circle of friends, who could recall many evidences
of her kindness.
J. A. HEPLER, who is extensively engaged in the
real estate and insurance business at Charleroi, Pa., and
is also a notary public, with offices at No. 411 Fallow-
field avenue, has been located here since the spring of
1903. He was born Dec. 18, 1860, in Westmoreland
Co., Pa., and is a son of David D. and Mary A. (Weibel)
Hepler. David D. Hepler was a farmer by occupation.
In 1895 he retired to Charleroi, Pa., and died there in
1907. His widow survives.
J. A. Hepler grew to maturity on his father's farm
in Westmoreland County, after which he conducted a
store and was postmaster at Coffey's Station, then known
as Brenneman, Pa., from 1886 until 1898, when he came
to Washington, Pa,, where he was engaged in the oil
business until his removal to Charleroi, where he has
since been successfully engaged in the real estate and
insurance business. Mr. Hepler is agent for various fire
insurance companies, including the Atlas Assurance Co.,
of London, England, which was established in 1808; the
Germanic Fire Ins. Co., of New York City; the Union
Ins. Co., of Philadelphia; the New York Fire Ins. Co.;
the Keystone Underwriters of Pittsburg; the National
Union Fire Ins. Co., of Pittsburg; the Phoenix Ins. Co.,
of Brooklyn, N. Y., and is also agent for the Standard
Life and Accident Ins. Co., of Detroit, Mich.
Mr. Hepler was united in marriage with Minnie P.
Brown, who was born and reared in Erie County, Pa.,
and is a daughter of Hiram Brown, who was a soldier
in the 111th Pa. Vol. during the Civil War. They have
one daughter. May Hepler. Mr. Hepler is fraternally
a member of the Ancient and Illustrious Order of Knights
of Malta, and order of Elks. Mr. Hepler is also a mem-
ber of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Char-
leroi, being one of the trustees and treasurer of the
new church fund.
JOSEPH A. SCOTT, deceased, was one of the repre-
sentative agriculturists of FaUowfield Township, and
was a resident of Washington County, Pa., during the
greater part of his life. There he was bom Oct. 6,
1806, and came of a family that was established on
American soil in colonial days.
The grandfather of Joseph A. Scott was a soldier
in the American Revolution, entering the Patriot Army
at the age of 17 years, after every other member of his
family had met death at the hands of the Indians. He
remained in the army until the close of the great struggle
and was one of the heroes who spent the terrible winter
at Valley Forge. He later established his home in Wash-
ington County, where he reared a family. Late in life
the father of Joseph A. Scott moved from Washington
County to Rush County, Ind.
Joseph A. Scott followed farming through life and
spent many years in FaUowfield Township, where he be-
came a man of influence and substance. In 1835 he
went to Peoria, HI., where he was married to Miss Eliza
Sheplar, who had been born in Washington County, Pa.
She accompanied him back to Washington County, the
journey being made on horseback, and they settled per-
manently in FaUowfield Township. He was a man of
great energy, was a hard worker and an excellent man-
ager, and as he took an interest in the development of
his section, to his efforts combined with those of other
public spirited and earnest men, may be credited the
material progress and early improvement that put Fal-
lowfield Township ahead of many other parts of the
county. After a long and useful life he died Jan. 17,
1881, when aged 75 years. His widow survived him
598
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
until May 15, 1892, when she, too, passed away, aged
77 years. They were the parents of nine children, two
of whom died unnamed. The others were : Peoria, who
died in childhood; James Addison, who died young;
Joseph Clark, who died Oct. 31, 1881; Henry S.; Mar-
garet M., who is now deceased, was the wife of W. H.
Miller; and Jesse Y., who is a well-known physician and
surgeon of Washington.
BURNS DARSIE, who is the popular cashier of the
Farmers' National Bank at Claysville, Pa., is a thorough-
ly trained man in his line of work, having been identified
with banks and the banking business ever since he
finished his education. He was born Sept. 4, 1873, in
Fayette County, Pa., and is a son of Hugh S. and Me-
linda (Cochran) Darsie.
Eev. James Darsie, the grandfather, was one of the
pioneers who was associated with Alexander Campbell
in the founding of the Christian Church, and one of his
sons, Eev. George Darsie, for over 30 years was pastor
of the Christian Church at Frankfort, Ky. The Darsies
were true Scotch people, coming to America from Scot-
land. The Cochrans mixed with .Irish blood,' but origi-
nally were also Scotch. Both parents of Mr. Darsie were
born in Fayette County, Pa., and Hugh S. Darsie owned
a valuable farm in Tyrone Township which he sold to
the pioneer coke producing firm of Cochran & Brown,
this firm developing the veins of what is known as cok-
ing or Connellsville coal which underlay its surface.
Burns Darsie obtained his primary education in the
-schools near his home and then attended the State Nor-
mal School at California. Subsequently, from 1891 to
1895, he was a student at Bethany College, W. Va., and
in the latter year began his bank training. He entered
the Mechanics' National Bank at Pittsburg as a mes-
senger and through ability and fidelity was promoted
step by step, being corresponding clerk, collection clerk
and discount clerk, remaining there for six years and
during this time becoming thoroughly drilled in all the
manifold duties and technical details of the business.
From there he went to the Federal National Bank of
Pittsburg and fiUed different positions, including that
of teller, for some four years, resigning in order to be-
come cashier of the Farmers' National Bank at Clays-
ville. He resided at Washington, Pa., for several years
before establishing his residence here. Mr. Darsie is a
member of the Bankers' and Bank Clerks' Mutual
Benefit Association of Pittsburg and belongs also to the
American Institute of Banking.
Mr. Darsie was married to Miss Marietta Bryce, a
daughter of Stephen P. Bryce, the well-known manu-
facturer of ventilating and heating apparatus, of To-
ledo, Ohio. They have three children : Marietta B., Burns
Darsie and Hugh S. Mr. Darsie and wife are members
of the Christian Church. He is a Eepublican.
THE ZAHNISEE FAMILY. To American citizen-
ship no country has contributed more acceptably than has
Germany and among the large, thrifty, substantial fam-
ilies of Pennsylvania, who can claim a direct German
ancestry, is that of the Zahnisers. It is a family also
that takes a just pride in its numbers and achievements
and through all its 1,400 descendants there is a strong
bond of kindred.
According to family tradition, the old home of the
Zahniser family was situated in Highland, Germany, not
far from the Eiver Rhine, nor far from the Swiss boun-
dary, with which the family evidently was early con-
nected. On September 24, 1843, either in the village of
Ilbesheim or that of Moersheim, one Valentine Zahniser
married Julianna Clemens. They had two sons born
to them. Failing health led the father to start with his
little family, for the great land across the sea, a land
apparently flowing with milk and honey and doubtless
one where health could also be found. The voyage proved
long and rough and before the shores of the promised
land came in sight, both Valentine Zahniser and his
youngest son had succumbed and their burial was at sea.
The widow, with her remaining son, Mathias, were safely
landed at the port of Philadelphia, in the fall of 1753.
After much hardship the widow and small child succeed-
ed in reaching the German settlements in Lancaster
County and there she was sheltered and comforted and
subsequently spent many happy years, surviving until
1790. From Mathias Zahniser, who landed in Pennsyl-
vania in 1753, have descended the family of this name,
one, which it has been found, is now represented i,p
every State in the Union with the exception of three.
Michael Zahniser, born in 1820, died in 1899, in 1849
married Margaret Hogg, who died in 1888. He was a
farmer by occupation and until 1891, lived on a farm in
Jackson Township, Mercer Co., Pa. At that time, being a
widower, be came to live with his children at Washing-
ton. He was a life-long Democrat and respected citizen.
His children were as follows: Andrew Jackson, residing
at Washington, Pa.; Eleanor A., widow of Charles Brom-
ley, residing at Washington; Eobert C, residing near
Pardoe, Pa.; William S., residing at Waynesburg; M.
Rudolph, a manufacturer, living at Washington; Valen-
tine O., also a manufacturer, at Washington; John N.,
a manufactiu-er residing at Waynesburg, Pa.; Mont-
gomery J., another manufacturer at Washington; and
Bithynia.
The late Michael Zahniser was a son of William Zahn-
iser, who was born in Lancaster County, Pa., in 1789,
and died in 1850. In early life he was given sufficient
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THE NEW YO RID
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NEWYOft..
CHARLES E. STEPHENS
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
601
«,Hlia'iitii)ii:il aiUaiitages tu enable him to teach school aiiil
for soiiu' years he alternated teaching in the winter sea-
sons witli farm worli during the summers. He served as
an American soldier in the War of 1S12, with the rank
iif lieutenant, and he was located during tins time at Erie,
I'a. A very valuable memento of this time is owned by
liis direct descendants, it being a walking stick composed
of wood taken from Commodore Perry's famous ship
' ' The Lawrence, ' ' and it is a unique as well as valuable
relic. In 1814, William Zahniser married Eleanor Stot-
Icr, who, like himself, had been born in Lancaster County,
liut liad removed with her parents to Allegheny County.
Until 1823 William Zahniser and wife lived in the old
homestead in Lancaster County, and then moved to a
iwar-by tract on which he resided until death. His
father was Mathias Zahniser, who, in boyhood, had landed
at Philadelphia, in 1753.
The life history of Mathias Zahniser, on account of its
tragic early days, as well as its story of struggle and
success, is interesting and may be briefly given as fol-
lows. He grew to manhood in Lancaster County, and
in 1774 married Mary Lint, a daughter of Michael Lint,
with whom he lived until 1790. Then Mathias moved
with his family, which included his mother, to Allegheny
County, where he bought a farm and also worked at his
trade. In 1796 he sold this farm to Frederick Stone.
Tliis land lies in Penn Township, east of Pittsburg and
Mt. Hope Cemetery is now situated on the old Zahniser
farm. When the Zahniser family located in Allegheny
County, the family of Benjamin Stokely was the only
white one definitely known to have been there previously.
After disposing of his land, Mathias Zahniser, with his
three eldest sons selected a new home, in what is now
Lake Township, Mercer County, eight miles north of
Mercer. A cabin was built and land was cleared and a
portion of the old orchard, which, with German thrift,
was set out, still remains in evidence. With the coming
of winter, Mathias Zahniser returned to Allegheny Coun-
ty but in the spring of 1797 he returned with the other
members of the family, taking up a new tract east of
the one first secured and which passed into the posses-
sion of his sou Michael. Another son, Mathias, settled
on a tract just south, while John took one just west. As
each of these tracts contained 200 acres, the family be-
came owners of a large body of land.
Mathias Zahniser lived to the age of eighty-four years,
his death occurring April 28, 1833. He had survived his
wife, who died in 1829, aged seventy-five years. They
were buried in the old Zahniser Cemetery, in Jackson
Township, Mercer Co., Pa.
JAMES COOKE GAULT, a representative farmer and
butter producer of Cross Creek Township, Washington
Co., Pa., where he owns 113 acres of valuable land, was
horn in this township Dec. 7, 1850, and Is a son of
David and Matilda (Cooke) Gault.
David Gault was born in Cross Creek Township, in
1817, his people being in moderate circumstances. He
was a small boy when his father died and it devolved
upon him to make his own way in the world and he was
a self-made man in every sense. He acquired some 300
acres of the most valuable land in Cross Creek Township,
a part of which forms the farm of J. C. Gault. For
many years he was an elder in the Cross Creek Presby-
terian Church. In the earlier years of his political
identification he was a Republican, but later became a
pronounced Prohibitionist. He died in February, 1903,
at the age of 80 years. He and wife became parents
of four children: Georgia, wife of A. H. Kerr, of Bur-
gettstown; Henry M., of Cross Creek Township; James
C; and Silas, who lives at Primrose Station.
James Cooke Gault obtained his education in the pub-
lic schools and Oakdale Academy at Oakdale. When
about 19 years of age he turned his attention to agri-
cultural pursuits and has continued in the same ever
since and is numbered with the prosperous farmers of
the township. He keeps a number of cows for dairy
purposes and makes a fine grade of butter for the mar-
ket. In his views on public matters he has followed
the example of his excellent father. Although well
qualified for the same, Mr. Gault has always declined to
serve in political offices.
On Jan. 18, 1877, Mr. Gault was married to Miss
Margaret Allison, a daughter of John and Harriet (Mc-
Elroy) Allison, of Hopewell Township. The parents of
Mrs. Gault are both deceased, the father having passed
the declining years of his life at Pittsburg. Mr. and
Mrs. Gault have had six children, several of whom have
comfortable homes of their own: Haidee, who is the wife
of Alexander Campbell, has four children — Helen, Mason,
Dorothy and Mildred Campbell; David A., who married
Grace Miller, has one son, David; Percy, who is now
deceased; Guy A., who is engaged in railroad work and
lives at Carnegie, Pa.; and Donald and Archie, both of
whom reside at home and are students in the Cross Creek
High School. The family attends the Presbyterian
Church at Cross Creek village and for ten years Mrs.
Gault has been the very capable president of the Home
Missionary Society of this church. Mr. Gault has one oil
well on his farm.
CHARLES E. STEPHENS, member of the firm of
Stephens Bros., dealers in lumber and contractors, at
Monongahela City, Pa., has resided here since 1882 and
has thoroughly identified himself with the business and
public interests of the place. He was born at Bentley-
\ille, Washington Co., Pa., Jan. 27, 1860, and is a son of
John W. and Martha J. (Bentley) Stephens.
602
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
John W. Stephens was born on his father's farm in
Payette County, Pa. After he married he settled at
Bentleyville, where he resided until 1889, when he came
to Monongahela City, where he is one of the respected
and venerable citizens. For many years he was promi-
nent in State polities and in 1878 he served as a mem-
ber of the State Legislature. He married Martha J.
Bentley, who died in 1895. She was a daughter of Shel-
bazzer Bentley, who came very early to Washington
County and was the founder of the village of Bentley-
ville. To John W. Stephens and wife were born six
children : Frank, William P., Charles Edgar, Henry
Bentley and two who died in infancy.
Charles E. Stephens resides at Bentleyville during
boyhood and youth, attended school there and learned
the carpenter trade. After working at the same for
some time at Monongahela City, where he was connected
with Blythe & Co., for five years, he entered into part-
nership with Thomas Neel, a lumber dealer, and they
did business for two years under the style of Neel &
Stephens. Then Henry and William Stephens, brothers
of Charles E., bought the Neel interest and the firm be-
came Stephens Bros. They were together for several
years, when William Stephens sold out to Charles E. and
Henry Stephens. The business was conducted on the
opposite side of the river from the present location until
1904, when they established their plant between the
railroad and the river, the area covered being 312i/^ feet.
Employment is given 30 men and the business is in a
very prosperous condition, many contracts being in sight
and these will add activity to the lumber trade. Mr.
Stephens is numbered with the city 's substantial citi-
zens and is one of the directors of the First National
Bank.
In January, 1898, Mr. Stephens was married to Miss
Minerva J. Colvin, a daughter of Moses and Josephine
Colvin, of Allegheny County, Pa., and they have three
children: Franklin A., Josephine M. and Jean. The
comfortable and attractive home is situated on the cor-
ner of Eleventh and Main streets. With his family, Mr.
Stephens is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of which he is a trustee. In politics, he is a Republican,
has served in the city council and for eleven years has
been a valuable member of the school board. He belongs
to the Elks and the Junior Order of United American
Mechanics.
THOMAS ALLISON, deceased, once one of the most
active and useful citizens of Chartiers Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., during the most important time of its
existence, its creative period, was born in that town-
ship in 1780 and was a son of James and Jane (Brad-
ford) Allison.
The Allison family is of Scotch extraction but before
the birth of James Allison, had been driven, by religious
persecution, to the north of Ireland. When James Alli-
son came first to America he located in Cecil County,
Md., and it was there that he entered into the business
negotiations with Thomas Moffatt that resulted in his
purchase of 560 acres of land, located in Washington
County, Pa. He took possession Oct. 26, 1773. The first
patent for this land was issued in the name of James
Allison, Moffatt having but a squatter's claim, and a
part of this land is now owned by the estate of Jonathan
Allison, late of Washington. James Allison found many
hardships to contend with and the hostile Indians were
so threatening that after many a night passed with rifle
in hand, he retired from his property to a more pro-
tected position and did not return until the following
year. In 1774, accompanied by 20 families, among these
being the Bradfords, the McDowells, the Parks, Scotts
and others, whose names, with that of Allison, were
linked with the subsequent development of the' county,
Mr. Allison returned and again settled on his land. A
block-house was erected, in which aU lived together for
one year, when one log cabin after another was built
around the block-house which was kept as a place of re-
treat in case of attack. James Allison erected a frame
house about 1789, which stood for years afterward. He
was one of the foremost men of his day, was associate
judge of the courts of Washington County during 1786-
87-88, and in 1789 was a member of the Supreme Ex-
exutive Council, at Philadelphia, and in that position
cast his vote for the abolition of slavery, which was
accomplished so many years later. For years he was a
trustee of Jefferson College and was a very strong sup-
porter of the movement that resulted in its union with
Washington College. He was a member of the Presby-
terian Church under Dr. John McMillan, in North Stra-
bane Township, which was one of the first Presbyterian
societies organized in the county and of this he was
a ruling elder. He married Jane Bradford, sister of
David Bradford, who was prominently identified with
the "Whiskey Insurrection" in Pennsylvania. They
had eight children: William, James, John, George,
Thomas, Mary, David and Eachel.
Thomas Allison of the above family escaped many of
the hardships which attended his father's early man-
hood, but the clearing of the large estate and assisting
in developing and civilizing the section in which was
his home, took years of hard work and persevering en-
durance. He was a typical Allison, honorable and up-
right, a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church,
one of the trustees in Chartiers Township, and a sup-
porter of law and a liberal contributor to benevolent
enterprises.
In 1817, Thomas Allison married Miss Mary John-
son, a daughter of Eichard Johnson, of North Stra-
JllSTOKY OF WASHlNGTOxN COUNTY
60.3
bane Township, and they had the following chilcircu:
Jane, James, AVilliam, Richard, Thomas, Jonathan,
David, Joseph, Uriah and Mary. Of the above, James
served five years in the Civil War. Thomas Allison died
Oct. 21, 1849, aged 69 years. His widow survived to
the age of 86 years, passing away in 1884.
WHjLIAM L. DODD, M. D., a well-known physician
and surgeon who has been in active practice at Amity,
Pa., since 1890, is a member of one of Washington
County's old pioneer families which has many represen-
tatives throughout tliis secticui. Dr. Dodd was born in
Amwell Township, Washington Co., Pa., Oct. 17, 1866,
and is a son of Daniel F. and Ruth (McFarland) Dodd.
The late Daniel F. Dodd passed his whole life in
Amwell Township, where he was extensively engaged in
farming and stoock raising. His father was Freeman
Dodd, and hLs grandfather was Daniel Dodd, who was
a brother of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, who was a noted
preacher in his day, in Washington County, the fame
of whom was spread all over Western Pennsylvania.
Dr. William L. Dodd spent his boyhood on his
father ' 'a farm and otbained his early education in the
country schools. After his choice of profession had
been made, he prepared for the scientific schools with
local practitioners, and then entered the College of
Physicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md., and he
secured his degree, in 1888, from the Western Penn-
sylvania Medical College which has since been merged
into the medical department of the University of Pitts-
burg. Mr. Dodd immediately entered upon practice
at Amity, Pa., associating himself with Dr. W. S. Dodd,
then of Amity but now of Washington, and they con-
tinued together until the removal of the latter phy-
sician in 1890, to Washington, since which time Dr.
William L. Dodd has remained alone, and enjoys a
good, substantial practice. He keeps closely in touch
with all scientific investigation and is a valued mem-
ber of the Washington County Medical Society and
belongs also to the American Medical Association.
Dr. Dodd was married to Miss Emma G. Conger, a
daughter of the late John Conger, of West Union,
Washington Co., Pa., and they have two children : .J^ohn
L. and Ruth E. Dr. and Mrs. Dodd are members of the
Lower Ten-Mile Presbyterian Church at Amity, in which
he is an elder. He is a Republican.
GEORGE S. MORRON, who is engaged in the drug
business at Canonsburg, of which city he has been a
resident for 15 years, was born at Lisbon, Ohio, and
is a son of John A. and Amanda (Bon Bright) Morron.
The Morron family is of Scotch-Irish extraction and
the paternal grandfather. John Morron, established the
Morrons in Columbiana County, Ohio, and there many
of his descendants reside. The father of Dr. Morron
was born in Columbiana County and died there in 1902,
at the age of 80 years, his wife having passed away
many years previously. They were the parents of six
sons and two daughters: Alice, Frank and Charles, all
of whom are deceased, and George S., William, Roy,
Edgar and Addie, all surviving.
George S. Morron is the only member of his family
residing in Pennsylvania. He attended the public
schools of Lisbon, Ohio, and later the Philadelphia
College of Pharmacy, and was graduated from that
institution in 1892. Prior to coming to Canonsburg,
in 1898, he was in the drug business at Salem, Ohio;
Dayton, Ohio, and Meadville and Derry, Pa. Dr. Mor-
ron conducts a large and modern drug store and enjoys
the confidence of the medical profession and the people
of his city, having kept to high standards and han-
<lling only pure drugs.
In 1896, Dr. Morron was married to Miss Margaret
Grifittth, a daughter of A. A. Griffith, of Canonsburg,
and they have two children: Tbelma and John. Dr.
and Mrs. Morron are members of the United Presby-
terian Church. He is a Republican in politics and fra-
ternally is identified with the Odd Fellows, the Eagles,
the order of the Moose and the Elks, all at Canons-
burg.
JOHN W. PRY, who has been postmaster of South
Burgettstown, Pa., since 1873, with the exception of
seven years, for 31 years was engaged in the mercantile
business at this place. He was born in Cross Creek
Town.ship, Washington Co., Pa., May 9, 1846, and is a
son of Abraham and Rachel (McClurge) Pry.
John W. Pry was reared on his father's farm and
attended the district schools in Cross Creek Township,
after which he assisted his father until he entered the
Federal Army in December, 1864. He served until his
honorable discharge in July, 1865, in Co. H, 21st Pa.
Cav., and escaped serious injury, although ever at the
post of duty. He then returned to the home farm and
continued agricultural operations there for some years,
after which he moved to Burgettstown and engaged in
the mercantile business. In 1873 he was appointed
postmaster and has filled this office for almost 30 years,
under Republican administrations. He no longer con-
ducts his mercantile business, but he has other interests,
these including stock in the International Steel Com-
pany, the Pittsburg Coal Company, the National Fire
Proofing Company and the William Liard Company, of
Pittsburg. He is a member of Capt. Samuel Campbell
Post No. 286, G. A. R., at Burgettstown and enjoys
attending the annual encampments.
Mr. Pry was married (first) to Mary E. Rea, who died
after the birth of two children, Charles L. and Rachael
604
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
E., and her burial was in the cemetery at Cross Creek.
He was married (second) to Elizabeth B. Welch, a
daughter of Mathew Welch, to which marriage there
is no issue. Mr. Pry is one of the representative citi-
zens of Burgettstown and for years has been a leader in
Eepublican politics in the county.
HON. JAMES S. DENNISON, deceased, who was
the founder of the Dennison family in Washington
County, Pa., where it has been widely known for so
many years, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, Va.,
in 1801. His father, Thomas Dennison, was born in
Ireland and he married a lady of Scotch birth, shortly
afterward coming to America and settling for the rest
of their lives in Virginia. They had three children:
Marie, who became the wife of Washington Bennett;
and Thomas and James S.
James S. Dennison received a rudimentary education
in the log cabin schoolhouses near his home. That he
became a well informed and broad-minded man in
after years, was due to his own efforts and his contact
with the world. He came to Washington County in
early manhood and engaged in agricultural pursuits
before his marriage and after that e^ent he located for
a short time on a property which was afterward known
as the E. H. Dennison farm. Prom there he moved
to Claysville, Washington County, where he conduct-
ed a hotel for a time, and from there to XJniontown,
Payette County, where he remained engaged in business
until his death. This took place in 1851, as the result
of an accident, being thrown from the stage on which
he was riding on his way home from a business trip
to Brownsville. He was a man of prominence in his
community and his untimely death was lamented by all.
He was a kind husband and father and a loyal friend
and good neighbor. He was a Democrat in politics,
but never was willing to assume official cares.
James S. Dennison was married at Claysville to Mrs.
Catherine (Stevenson) King, a daughter of Hon. James
Stevenson and the widow of William King, who is sur-
vived by one son, W. C. King, the latter being cashier
of the National Bank at Claysville. Hon. James Ste-
venson was a pioneer settler of Donegal Township,
Washington County. His death occurred at Harrisburg
while he was serving his district in the State Legis-
lature. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Dennison
returned to the old Stevenson farm, one mile west of
Claysville, where her father had large possessions, and
there she continued to reside until her death, which
took place Oct. 7, 1889, when she was aged 86 years.
She was an estimable woman, possessing admirable traits
of character and was universally beloved. For many
years she was a consistent member of the Presbyterian
Church. To James S. Dennison and wife were born
the following childi-en: James, Jane E., John, EU-
bridge C. and Edwin Henry.
Edwin Henry Dennison is now living in retirement at
Claysville, Pa., but is still owner of the home place.
This is a part of the 400-acre tract originally patented
by James Stevenson, Mar. 12, 1807. He took up 400
acres for which he paid $70.24, and this tract has been
in the Stevenson or Dennison name ever since that date.
Edwin H. Dennison married Salina Eeed, and they had
six children: Katherine E., Edith E., Joseph D., Harry
C, WiUiam E. and Edwin H., Jr.
William E. Dennison, a representative of this promi-
nent old family, was born Apr. 7, 1879, and is a grad-
uate of Washington and Jefferson College and the Pitts-
burg Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1906.
He has been identified with much important litigation in
the county courts and many times has proven his legal
ability. He has been active in politics and during 1907
and 1908 was chairman of the Democratic County Com-
mittee. In November, 1904, he was elected county
auditor and in the spring of 1908 he was again nom-
inated for the office. He maintains offices at No. 533
in the Washington Trust Building. William E. Dennison
was married June 27, 1907, to Miss Matilda Snodgrass,
of ClaysvUle, and they have one daughter, Katherine
^Stevenson, named after her great-grandmother, Kather-
ine Stevenson.
JOHN H.'WEAVEE, one of Amwell Township's sub-
stantial men and most esteemed citizens, who has resided
on his valuable farm of 187 acres, devoting it to farm-
ing and stock and sheep raising, for half a century, was
born in Amwell Township, Washington Co., Pa., Feb. 22,
1835, and is a son of Jacob and Catherine (Horn)
Weaver.
Jacob Weaver was born in the Shenandoah Valley,
Va., and was a son of Leonard Weaver, who was of Ger-
man parentage. Leonard Weaver died in Virginia when
his son Jacob was four years old and the latter was
brought to Washington County, Pa., by his mother and
other members of the family, and they settled on a por-
tion of the land which John H. Weaver now owns. At
that time the forest growth was heavy and before they
could erect a cabin a clearing had to be made. For
many years conditions of living were hard with the little
pioneer colony, but all dangers were finally overcome and
with the rapid development of this part of Amwell Town-
ship, the Weaver family had much to do. As may be
imagined, Jacob Weaver had but meager educational
opportunities but he grew strong and robust physically
and lived to the unusual age of ninety-four years. He
was widely known for his many fine qualities. He served
as one of the first school directors of the township and
he was very active in the founding of the Lone Pine
YOR.
J. R. STUDA
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
607
Christian Church of which he was long a member. In
politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat. Of his two sous,
(leorge W., born Jan. 2, 1837, is now deceased.
John H. Weaver has been engaged in farming and
stock raising ever since early youth. He has given a
largo amount of attention to growing sheep, making this
industry one of continued profit. On December 22,
1856, he was married to Miss Sarah Slusher, who was
born in Amwell Township, December 28, 1836, a daugh-
ter of Michael and Lovina (Paul) Slusher, her parents
both being natives of Amwell Township. Ilcr grand-
father, Christopher Shisher, was born in Virginia and
was an early settler near Lone Pine, in Amwell Town-
.ship, and at one period in his life owned 700 acres of
land, a portion of which is now the site of the village
of Lone Pine. Of the children of Michael and Lovina
Slusher, the following survive: Mrs. John H. Weaver;
Keturah, who is the widow of Thomas Whipkey, for-
merly of Fayette County, and she now lives at Kansas
City, Mo.; Ellen, who is the wife of Philip A. Cooper,
of South Franklin Township; Hannah, who is the wife
of Joseph Miller, of Laboratory, Pa. ; Henry C, who
resides at Washington ; ilary, who is the wife of George
Lacock, of Miami County, Kas. ; Christiana, who is the
wife of Addison Hazlett, of Amwell Township; and
Martha, who lives at Columbus, Ohio.
To Mr. and Mrs. Weaver four children have been
horn : Huston P., who married Emma Miller, and they
have tliree surviving children — Arley B., Leta and Alta
Pauline; Catherine L., who married John Bainer, of
Amwell Township, and they have three children — Mary,
Jacob M. and Charles Bainer; George M.; and John
W'., who married Sarah Anderson. They have had two
children, one. of whom, David Paul, survives and lives
in New Jersey. John H. Weaver has always shown his
interest in the public schools and for four years served
as a member of the Amwell Township school board. He
is a Democrat.
J. E. STUDA, a highly respected citizen and retired
farmer and milk producer of South Burgettstown, who
has the distinction of residing in the only brick veneered
house in the place, which he has but recently completed
and in which modern comforts have been installed, is
one of the substantial men of this section of Washing-
ton County. He was born in Cross Creek Township,
Washington Co., Pa., November 14, 1851, and is a son of
Henry L. and Melsina Studa. The parents of Mr. Studa
were farming people in Cross Creek Township for many
years and they were worthy members of the German
Lutheran Church. Their family contained five sons and
two daughters. In politics, the father was a Democrat.
J. R. Studa received instruction in his boyhood in the
Muddy Lane School, in Cross Creek Township, and after-
wanl helped his father on the home farm until he was
twenty-eight years old and for two years more, prior to
his marriage, worked on other farms. After marriage he
settled on a small farm near Twin Bridges, not far from
the Wabash Railroad, which he rented from J. Reed. One
years later he moved to the Thomas McCorkle farm, which
he operated for three years, going from there to the
McConny farm, in Mt. Pleasant Township, on which he
remained for eleven years. He then returned to Cross
Creek Township and bought the Pryon farm of 143 acres,
on which he lived for seven years and then sold it prior
to moving to Burgettstown in 1902. This property was
l)ought by the Washington County Coal Company and
tliey paid a good price for it as it is very valuable. Mr.
Studa stiU retains a one-fourth interest in 215 acres of
laud in Cross Creek Township and also owns his fine
residence in South Burgettstown, the lighting plant in
which alone cost $100, together with two more lots, and
other lots and residences both in the town and in the
country. He is one of the stockholders in the Bur-
gettstown National Bank.
On March 14, 1881, Mr. Studa was married to Miss
Nannie B. Moore, who is a daughter of William Moore,
and they have one daughter, Ora M., who is a talented
musician. Mr. Studa and family are members of the
Presbyterian Church. He is identified with the Demo-
cratic party. Mr. Studa is something of a sportsman,
having always taken delight in hunting and is considered
a fine marksman. He is also fond of driving and keeps
two speedy roadsters.
HENRY M. GAULT, general farmer and stock raiser,
residing on the old homestead farm in Cross Creek Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., on which he was born March
16, 1848, is a son of David and Matilda (Cooke) Gault.
The parents of Mr. Gault were well known residents of
Cross Creek Township, where the father died in 1903.
The mother died many years previously and David Gault
was married (second) to Mrs. Mary Marquis, who was
a daughter of William and Mary Patterson. To the
first marriage four children were born : Georgetta, who
married A. H. Kerr and lives at Burgettstown; and
Henry M., James C. and Silas.
Henry M. Gault was educated in the local schools and
the State Normal School at Edinboro, leaving at the
age of eighteen years to assist his father on the farm.
After his own marriage, in 1874, he moved to Norfolk,
Va., where he engaged in gardening until 1882, when he
went to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he carried on farming
and stock rai-'ing until 1903, when the death of his
father caused his return to the homestead 'where he has
been engaged ever since, having 188 acres of fine land.
In 1874, Mr. Gault was married to Miss Rachel Dun-
bar, a daughter of William and Isabella Dunbar, of
608
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Cross Creek Township, and they have had three childi-en:
Laura Belle, who resides with her parents; David Eoy,
who is now deceased; and Nellie Eberta, who is a pop-
ular teacher in the Cross Creek high school. Mr. Gault
and family are members of the Presbyterian Church at
Cross Creek village, and he has been an elder in the
church for the past twenty years. Mr. Gault has never
been very active in politics, taking much more interest
in developing his land, but he has served for two years
as a school director and performs all the public duties
of a good citizen. He is a stockholder in the Hickory
Telephone Company. He is a stanch advocate of tem-
perance in all things and casts his vote in favor of the
Prohibition party.
WILSON L. ELLIOTT, a retired capitalist and for-
mer successful farmer, has occupied his handsome brick
residence at McDonald, Pa., since 1903, and is well
known and very highly esteemed by his fellow citizens.
He was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., January 18, 1856, and
is a son of Morgan and Mary (Walker) Elliott.
The father of Mr. Elliott was engaged in farming
all through his active life. Both he and wife are de-
ceased and their burial was in the Robeson Run Ceme-
tery. They had the following children: Joseph W.,
Elizabeth, Isabel, Huldah, Jennie, Wilson L. and James
M. Of the above family, Elizabeth is deceased. Isabel
is the wife of Dr. T. M. Fife. Huldah married A. E.
rife. Jennie married J. J. Patterson.
Wilson L. Elliott attended the district schools more
or less regularly until he was eighteen years old and
after that followed farming until he came to McDonald,
in 1903. He is a stockholder in both banks at Mc-
Donald and is a director in the Trust Company.
In 1891, Mr. Elliott was married to Miss EUzabeth
Pease, a daughter of the late Joseph and Mary Pease.
Mrs. Elliott had two brothers and one sister: Everett,
deceased ; Wilson, and Anna, the latter of whom is the
wife of Frank DeNormandie. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott have
two children: Mary and Morgan, both of whom attend
school at McDonald. The family belongs to the United
Presbyterian Church. In his political views, Mr. Elliott
is a Democrat.
CYRUS MORROW, a prominent citizen of Washing-
ton County and one of its most eflSeient and popular
public officials, serving at present as register of wills,
is a member of one of the pioneer families of this sec-
tion. He was born in Donegal Township, Washington
Co., Pa., and is a son of Abraham and Jane (De France)
Morrow, and a grandson of William Morrow. The lat-
ter was a native of the north of Ireland and was the
founder of the family in Washington County.
Cyrus Morrow had no exceptional advantages in his
youth, his education being mainly acquired through
individual study and contact with the great world, with
experience as his teacher. He turned his attention to
farming at an early date, and after his marriage, lo-
cated on property near Acheson, in Buffalo Township,
where he remained until 1880, when he purchased the
George W. Guy farm, situated on Dutch Fork of Buf-
falo Creek, just above their point of juncture. He en-
gaged in farming on a large scale and was one of the
most extensive wool growers in the county. His ability
as a business man and financier was recognized and he
was accorded a position in the front rank among the
affluent citizens of his township. Politically he has al-
ways been a iirm believer in the wisdom and justice of
Republican principles, has consistently worked for the
success of the party of his choice and has received hearty
party recognition. He has filled numerous township
offices and in 1906 began his fii'St term as register of
wills, and is now serving his second term in that capacity,
his term to expire January 1, 1912. As a public official
his duties have been discharged in the same capable
manner as his private transactions and with such un-
varying faithfulness as to place him high in the esteem
and confidence of his fellow citizens.
Mr. Morrow was married August 26, 1874, to Miss
Elizabeth Condit, who was born in Amwell Township,
Washington County, July 1, 1853, and is a daughter of
Cephas and Mary (Bane) Condit. To this marriage
have been born the following children: Minnie E.,
Franklin S., Garfield B., David C, Earle, Ethel, EUza-
beth J., Guy and Donald A. Minnie E. Morrow married
Clyde S. Smith and they reside at Dunsport, Pa.
HON. JOSEPH R. McLAIN, president of the Na-
tional Bank of Claysville, Pa., and formerly a member
of both House and Senate in the Pennsylvania State
Legislature, is a man of high standing in Washington
County, his private character as well as his public serv-
ices securing him the confidence and regard of his fellow
citizens. He was born in Cross Creek Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., January 8, 1828, and is a son of William
and Margaret (McLelland) McLain.
John McLain, the grandfather, was born near Gettys-
burg, Pa., later lived at Pittsburg and came from Alle-
gheny County to Washington County, locating permanent-
ly on a farm between Washington and Canonsburg.
William McLain was born on that farm, which was lo-
cated one and one-half miles from Washington. After
the death of his father he had to care for the family
and for more than thirty years engaged in teaching. He
was a justice of the peace for a number of years and
was one of Cross Creek's best known citizens. He died
in 1872, having lived a long and useful life. He mar-
ried Margaret McLelland, who was born in Huntington
HTSTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
609
County, Pa., and of their family of ton cliililren, Joseph
R. was next to the youngest, anil is the only one living.
Joseph R. McLain was well educated, attending the
schools of Buffalo Township and having private teachers
and later he became a teacher himself and while he de-
voteil his summers to farming and stock raising for twen-
ty years, passed his winters in the school room, with
book and ferule. For a short period he engaged also in
the mercantile business at Claysville and Taylorstown,
but, in 1890, when the National Bank of Claysville was
organized, he accepted the presidency and has continued
to shape its policy ever since. Not only has Mr. McLain
been prominent in business activities but he has also
been a power in politics in Washington County. With
the greatest acceptability to his constituents he served
one term of two years in the lower House of Bepresenta-
tives in the State Legislature and approval was conclu-
sively shown when he was elected to the State Senate
for a term of four years. He la identified with the Re-
publican party.
Mr. McLain was married to Miss Susanna Ralston, who
was born at Claysville, a daughter of James and Susanna
Ralston, well known residents of this place, and nine
children have been born to this union, namley: Lauretta
Mary, who is deceased, was the wife of John M. Gamble;
William J. E., who is cashier of the National Bank of
Claysville; Margaret, who is the wife of Dr. J. N.
Sprowls, of Claysville; John A., who resides at Wilkins-
liurg, Pa.; Joseph Milton, who died aged thirty years;
David, who lives in California; Susanna S., who is the
wife of W. L. Noble, of Martin's Ferry, Ohio; Rebecca,
who is the wife of Rev. H. B. King, of Harrisburg; and
George W., who had passed his twenty-second birthday
at the time of his death. Mr. McLain and family are
members of the United Presbyterian Church at Clays-
ville, with which religious body he has been connected
since youth, and is a member of the Session.
HENRY F. CARL, a successful agriculturist of Wash-
ington County, Pa., and the owner of several large prop-
erties in Independence Township, was born in Schon-
hagen, in Province of Hanover, Germany, August 21,
1848, a son of Henry and Hannah (Overman) Carl na-
tives of that country.
The parents of Mr. Carl came to the United States in
1856, located on a farm in Washington County, Pa.,
and there began the cultivation of the soil, and spent the
remainder of their lives in Donegal Township. They
were the parents of children as follows: Caroline, who
is the widow of George Kindemond, residing at Hickory;
Lucinda, who married Henry Gunther, residing in Done-
gal Township; Hannah, who is the wife of Charles
Schmitz, of Pittsburg; Eliza, who is the widow of Henry
Danenburg. of Wheeling; Minnie, who is the wife of
Georgs Arns, of Jefferson Township; and Henry F.
Henry F. Carl was eight years of age when he ac-
companied his parents to this country, and until he was
sixteen years old ho attended the school situated near his
father's farm. He remained on the home farm until
his first marriage, in 1873, when he became a tenant
farmer, and so continued until 1890, in this year locating
on his own farm of 106 acres in Independence Town-
ship, which he had previously purchased, and in 1902
bought the farm adjoining this property, a tract of 131
acres. His first purchase of land was when he bought
out the other heirs to his father 's old property in Done-
gal Township, consisting of some fifty acres. This he
sold and later purchased his present farm of 106 acres.
He carries on general farming and stock raising, and
makes a specialty of sheep breeding, while still operating
the two farms. His land has all been acquired by hia
own efforts, assisted by those of his children, and his
career is a striking example of what may be accomplished
by a man through perseverance and industry. In politics
a Democrat, Mr. Carl has been too busy looking after
his farming interests to give much attention to public
afl'airs, although he has done his duty as a citizen by
serving as school director. The family is connected with
the Presbyterian Church.
In 1873, Mr. Carl was married (first) to Rachel Mc-
Pherson, a daughter of Daniel and Nancy McPherson, of
Donegal Township, and to this union there were born
the following children: Nannie, the wife of William
Cunningham, who has four children, namely Ethel, Mary,
Edna and Henry; Mollie, the wife of Ira Moore, of
Independence Township; Ida, residing at home; Sadie,
who lives with relatives at Claysville; Lucy, the wife of
Robert Craig, of Hopewell Township, and they have
a son, Robert Carl Craig; George C, of Independence
Township, who is married and has a son, Clarence; and
James W., Annie and Grover, living at home, Annie be-
ing a school teacher. The mother of these children died
in 1887, and was buried in Donegal Cemetery. In 1893,
Mr. Carl was married to Lou Adams, daughter of Alex-
ander and Lucinda Adams, of Independence Township,
and two children have been born to this union : Twila
and Earl L., both students at school.
ABRAHAM MORROW, deceased, for many years was
one of the leading agriculturists of Washington County,
Pa. He was born in West Bethlehem Township, Washing-
ton County, in 1816, and was a son of George and Hes-
ter (Poole) Morrow and a grandson of William Morrow.
George Morrow was born in the north of Ireland and
was a son of William Morrow, a native of that part of
Ireland, who was of Scotch-Irish parentage. William
610
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Morrow was the first of the family to settle in Washing-
ton County, establishing a home for himself and family
near Hillsboro, in West Bethlehem Township. At the
time of his death he was living with his son George, in
Donegal Township. George Morrow remained on the
home farm in West Bethlehem Township until some time
subsequent to his marriage, when he moved to a farm on
the Dutch Fork, about one mile from its confluence with
Big Buffalo Creek, in Donegal Township, and resided
there during the remainder of his life. He married Hes'
ter Poole and they became the parents of the following
children: David, Abraham, Noah, Thomas, Elizabeth,
Matilda and Mary.
Abraham Morrow grew up on the home farm and the
education he received was obtained in the subscription
schools. His life was devoted to agricultural pursuits
and he acquired an ample fortune. For some years fol-
lowing his marriage he resided on a farm in Donegal
Township and then moved for a few years to Licking
County, Ohio, but subsequently returned to the old farm
in Washington County. His death occurred February
12, 188S. He was a man to whom his fellow citizens ac-
corded respect and esteem. He was a consistent member
of the Christian Church and contributed liberally to the
erection of the Dutch Fork church edifice and parsonage.
When he removed to Licking County he found no church
of his faith in the section in which he located and while
he lived there was largely instrumental in the erection
of a suitable church edifice and the establishment of a
congregation which has prospered.
In 1841, the late Abraham Morrow was married to
Miss Jane DeFrance, who was born on Eaccoon Creek, in
Washington County, June 19, 1821. Her father was Alli-
son DeFrance. Seven children were born to this mar-
riage, the eldest of whom, Cyrus Morrow, is one of the
county's leading citizens and at present is register of
wills. Four others survive: Salem, Permelia Ann, Perry
and Albert. EUen died when aged twelve years and a
son passed away in infancy.
WALTEE G. CEAMEE, editor and sole owner of the
Burgettstown Herald, which newspaper he founded in
1908, is one of the enterprising and progressive young
business men of Washington County. He was born at
Curwensville, Clearfield, Co., Pa., March 20, 1877, and
is a son of Eli and Mary J. (Stansberry) Cramer. The
father died February 1, 1899, and was buried at Cherry
Tree, in Indiana County, Pa., in which county the mother
BtUl resides.
Mr. Cramer's great-grandfather was in the Revolution-
ary War, his grandfather in the War of 1812, and his
father in the Mexican and Civil Wars.
Walter G. Cramer was educated in the schools of In-
diana County and then learned the printing trade with
his brother, at Burgettstown. He remained in Burgetts-
town until about 1896, when he went to Pittsburg, where
he worked, a couple of years on the ' ' Chronicle-Tele-
graph. ' ' Eeturning to Burgettstown in 1898, he again
took up work on his brother's paper, the "Enterprise,"
an independent weekly paper, published here. In 1906
the brother sold the ' ' Enterprise " to a stock company.
Mr. Cramer was editor and manager until 1908, when he
founded the ' ' Herald, ' ' and has ably edited it and man-
aged its business affairs ever since. It is a paying prop-
erty and its subscription list is constantly increasing.
Mr. Cramer has other investments and is a stockholder
in the Washington National Bank of Burgettstown.
On October 16, 1898, Mr. Cramer was married to Miss
Hettie I. McCabe, a daughter of John D. and Charlotte
McCabe, and they have two children: Herbert W. and
John S. Mr. and Mrs. Cramer are members of the West-
minster Presbyterian Church. He belongs to Lodge No.
1145, Odd Fellows, at Burgettstown, and also to Silver
Cliff Lodge, Knights of Pythias.
GEOEGE BLOOMINGSTOCK, a citizen of Blaine
Township, Washington Co., Pa., is serving as president of
the board of road supervisors and is also a member of
the school board. He devotes his farm of 105 acres to gen-
eral agriculture and stock raising. He was born in Buffa-
lo Township, Washington County, January 18, 1855, and
is a son of Martin and Margaret (Home) Bloomingstock.
The father of Mr. Bloomingstock, who died several
years since, was born in Germany, but the mother is a
native of Pennsylvania and is one of the venerable resi-
dents of Buffalo Township. Of their family of sis chil-
dren the f oDowing survive : George, of Blaine Town-
ship; Eobert, of Washington County; Samuel, of Canton
Township; and John and Elton A., both residing at Wash-
ington. In politics, Martin Bloomingstock was a Demo-
crat. He was a faithful member of the Lutheran Church.
George Bloomingstock was reared in Buffalo Township,
where he attended school and then learned the carpenter
trade. For a number of years he engaged in carpenter
and building work and put up many fine buildings in his
day, but since 1893 he has given the larger part of his
attention to farming. He continued to reside in Buf-
falo Township until 1907, when he came to Blaine Town-
ship and has lived here ever since. He owns very pro-
ductive land and takes much interest in its cultivation.
In 1875, Mr. Bloomingstock was married to Miss Anna
McQuay, a daughter of William McQuay, formerly a res-
ident of Canton Township, and they have three children:
Ina M., William aid Sarah W. Mr. Bloomingstock and
family attend the United Presbyterian Church at Tay-
lorstown. Wherever he has lived since reaching manhood,
Mr. Bloomingstock has been an active citizen and has
done his part in bringing about good government. He
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
613
votes with the Democratic party but vvhcu it comes to
matters of general bcuefit, ho puts party feeling aside
and lends his influence to what ho believes to bo right
and this has brought him the confidence and friendship
of his fellow citizens in general. He has served accept-
ably in township offices both in Buffalo and Blaine Town-
ships.
CHARLES A. BINGHAM, a leading business citizen
at Burgettstowu, formerly a member of the board of
health and borough auditor, was born at Frankfort,
Beaver Co., Pa., February 6, 1863, and is a son of Dr.
Agnew John and Margaret (Nicholson) Bingham.
The father of Mr. Bingham was a well known physi-
cian and surgeon in Beaver County and was a practi-
tioner at Murdockville and Frankfort. His death oc-
curred in 186G, at Candor. He married Margaret Nichol-
son, who was a daughter of Hon. Thomas and Eebecca
Nicholson. Hon. Thomas Nicholson was a very promi-
nent public figure in his day, serving in many high
offices. He was a member of the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives and at the time of death was State
treasurer. He survived until 1872 and his death and
burial were at Frankfort. The parents of Mr. Bingham
were members of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Bingham
was identified with the Democratic party but was not an
active politician.
Charles A. Bingham was the only child of his parents.
He was given many advantages and his education was
acquired in Quishacoquillas school, in Mifflin County, in
the Canonsburg Academy and in the Paris Academy.
From the latter institution he went into business life,
working for several years as a clerk in the shoe store of
Henry Hull, at Washington, and later in the same capa-
city was employed by W. M. Laird, at Pittsburg, be-
coming then a salesman for the wholesale firm of Laird
& Ray, and still later for Bingham & Co., and after-
ward for Lyons & Butterfield. With his many years of
practical experience, Mr. Bingham felt himself thorough-
qualified and prepared for doing business for himself,
and in 1902 he came to Burgettstown and has met with
such gratifying success that he has remained ever since.
His stock includes shoes and men's and ladies' furnish-
ings.
On November 21, 1894, Mr. Bingham was married to
Miss Anna Weber, a daughter of John B. and Katherine
Weber. He attends the First Presbyterian Church at
Burgettstown. In politics, Mr. Bingham is a Republican
and he has always been an active and earnest citizen.
He is a member of Burgettstown Lodge, No. 454, F.
and A. M., and of J. K. Moorehead Conclave, No. 82,
of the Order of Heptasophs, at Pittsburg.
CHARLES LLOYD HARSHA, M. D., one of Canons-
burg 's representative citizens, who has been successfully
engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in this
city since 1904, was born in Chartiers Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., November 12, 1876. His parents were
Thomas and Jane (Welch) Harsha.
Dr. Harsha 's immediate ancestors have been of Wash-
ington County for several generations and the families
are well represented through this section of Pennsyl-
vania. His father followed an agricultural life for many
years and then retired with his wife, to Washington,
where he died in 1891, at the age of seventy-eight years.
He was survived by his widow until 1904. Of their fam-
ily of nine children. Dr. Harsha is the youngest, the
others being as follows: Mary, who is the wife of J.
G. McPherson, resides at Philadelphia; Margaret, who
is now deceased, was the wife of J. N. Grimes; J. W.,
who is a prominent minister of the United Presbyterian
Church, in Pittsburg, Pa., a graduate of Franklin Col-
lege, married Dola Cable; Ella, who resides at Phila-
delphia; Curtis, who is the wife of Robert Evans Steele,
resides in Hutchinson, Kas. ; Thomas Clark, who is a
farmer in Chartiers Township, married Harriet McCaf-
fery; Robert, a graduate of Franklin College, who is
now pastor of the United Presbyterian Church of Tay-
lorstown, married Margaret Pollock; Nettie, who resides
at Pittsburg; and J. V., who is a practicing physician
at McKeesport, Pa., is a graduate of the Pittsburg Uni-
versity.
The boyhood of Dr. Harsha was passed on his father's
farm, but he early discovered that his tastes and natural
inclinations were all in the direction of a professional
career and his studies were accordingly pursued with
this end in view. After graduating with honors and re-
ceiving the degrees of A. B. and A. M., from Washington
and Jefferson College, in 1897 and after serving as in-
structor of Latin in the Washington high school for one
year, he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadel-
phia and from that grand old institution, to which hun-
dreds of eminent medical men look back with affection,
he was graduated in 1903. In the following year he
entered upon practice at Canonsburg and here has found
appreciation of his medical and surgical skill and is
recognized as one of the ablest practitioners of the city.
He is a member of a number of medical organizations,
including the county, State and American Medical As-
sociations.
On June 17, 1909, Dr. Harsha was married to Miss
Lucile Greer, a daughter of C. M. and Margaret (Clark)
Greer, of Canonsburg. Mrs. Harsha was educated at
the Pennsylvania College for Women. Dr. Harsha re-
tains his membership in the Nu Sigma Nu and the Alpha
Omega Alpha fraternities of his college, in which he took
an active part during his collegiate course. In politics
he is a Republican. With his wife he is a member of
614
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
the United Presbyterian Church. They enjoy an attrac-
tive home at No. 222 West Pilse street. They are more
or less interested in the pleasant social life of the city
and have a wide circle of personal friends, many of these
having known them from childhood.
GEOEGE W. BUXTON, a substantial business citizen
of Independence, Washington Co., Pa., where he is car-
rying on a prosperous general store enterprise, was born
in I860, in West Virginia, just across the river from
Steubenville, Ohio, and is a son of James and Eleanore
(Noah) Buxton.
The Buxton family, which is well known in Pennsyl-
vania, was founded by Jacob Buxton, the great-grand-
father of George W., who came as a young man to the
United States from Germany. His son, Amos Buxton,
was a stone mason by trade, and spent all of his life
' within a few mUes of Independence, becoming well and
favorably known as a master of his trade. James Bux-
ton, father of George W., was born in Brooke County,
W. Va., and came to Independence Township when nine
years of age, following farming here up to the time of
his wife 's death in 1905, and since that time making his
home with his son George W. James Buxton married
Eleanore Noah, and they had two sons; George W., and
John C, the latter also residing in Independence.
George W. Buxton was educated in the common schools
which he left at the age of seventeen years to engage
in farming with his father, and so continued until 1901,
in which year he commenced operating a coal bank, fur-
nishing coal to the Wabash Railroad for two years. He
then came to Independence, buying the store of T. J.
Adamson, and he has continued in this business to the
present time, keeping a full line of groceries, dry goods,
hardware and shoes, and having a large trade in his
community. The building which he occupies was erected
by his grandfather in 1848, and testifies to the latter 's
skill as a workman.
On December 27, 1898, Mr. Buxton was married to
Mary C. Adams, daughter of Joseph P. and Florence
Adams, of Independence, and there have been three chil-
dren born to this union: Glen W., in March, 1901; Flor-
ence, in July, 1905; and James, in July, 1907.
Mr. Buxton is a trustee of the Independence Methodist
Church, and his wife has been greatly interested in the
work of this denomination. Although a Democrat in
national matters, Mr. Buxton has been independent in
local affairs, voting rather for the man than the party.
He is the present township auditor, it being his third
term in this office, and he has also served two terms as
township clerk. He is a stockholder in the Farmers'
Mutual Telephone Company of Independence, and is to
be found in the front rank when any movement calculated
to be of benefit to his community is being agitated by his
fellow citizens.
JOSEPH CARSON, deceased. The Carsons of Ohio
County, W. Va., have always enjoyed high standing in
that section and one of the representative and worthy
members was the late Joseph Carson, who was born on
the old family home place there, August 21, 1801, and
was a son of Richard and Elizabeth (Irwin) Carson.
The family originally moved from Scotland to County
Tyrone, Ireland, and from there emigrated to America,
where the family has been established for more than
200 years. Richard Carson, the father of Joseph Carson,
was a native of Pennsylvania. In the latter part of the
eighteenth century he removed from Dauphin County,
Pa., from the vicinity of Harrisburg, to Ohio County,
Va., where he purchased the farm which later became
the possession of his son Joseph. Richard Carson was
a soldier in the War of 1812 and his death occurred at
Delaware, Ohio, while on his way home from that war.
He married Elizabeth Irwin and they had the following
named children born to them : Abner, John, Nancy,
Joseph, David, Elizabeth and Irwin. His widow subse-
quently became the wife of William Faris.
Joseph Carson, the third son, was young when he was
left fatherless. He was reared on the home farm and
gained sufficient education in the subscription schools
and through his own efforts, to enable him to teach school
and for several years before settling down to an entirely
agricultural life, he engaged in teaching in his native
county. He was a man of marked ability and his public
spirit was shown in his efforts to better his community
and to develop a spirit of progress, at all times exerting
an influence in the direction of education and religion.
He lived a long and useful life and died on the farm on
which he was born, July 20, 1887.
In 1828, Joseph Carson was united in marriage with
Miss Anna Brown, a daughter of William Brown, of Ohio
County, and they had the following children born to
them: Elizabeth, who married Robert Criswell; Hannah
J., who married Harvey J. Milligan; Richard; Mary A.,
who married David M. Boggs ; Sarah ; William ; Almira
S. and Harriet, both of whom are now deceased; Vincent
B. and John I., the last named being a very prominent
citizen of Washington, Pa., and a leading member of
its able bar. Joseph Carson was an old-time Democrat
and was a man of party influence in his day and for some
years he served as a justice of the peace. For more than
a quarter of a century he was an elder in the West Alex-
ander Presbyterian Church.
MRS. SARAH J. NOBLE, whose valuable farm of
forty-two acres is situated in Donegal Township and is
HISTUUV OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
615
devoted to general agriculture, has resided in the village
of Vienna, Fa., since 1!)07. She was born near Utica,
N. Y., January 14, 183(j, and is a daughter of Matthew
and Julia (Kenneily) Lavey.
The parents of Mrs. Noble were both born in Ireland.
After coming to America they resided successively in
various parts of New York State, and finally settled at
Utica, where the father died when his daughter Sarah
(Mrs. Noble) was but three years old. Mrs. Lavey re-
mained a widow for a time and then married Robert
Dougan and the family then came to Washington County,
settling first at West Alexander. Later they moved to
Claysville and there both Mr. and Mrs. Dougan died, the
latter in her sixty-fifth year. Robert Dougan served as a
soldier in the Civil War.
Mrs. Noble was sixteen years old when the family came
to West Alexander, and on February 6, 1855, she was
married to James Noble. He was a native of Ireland
and was a son of James and Rosa Noble, who spent their
lives in that country. In early manhood James Noble
crossed the Atlantic Ocean to Canada, and from there
came to West Alexander, where he was engaged for a
time in the boot and shoe manufacturing business. In
August, 1861, he enlisted for service in the Civil War,
entering the 1st W. Va. Cav., and serving in Gen.
Rosecrans' command. On March 14, 1862, he was killed
by bushwhackers while on a scouting expedition. He
was a favorite with his comrades and they all were united
in their deep grief over his sad fate. The G. A. E. Post
of West Alexander is named in his honor. Besides his
widow, Mr. Noble left three fatherless children, all of
whom have been carefully reared by their mother. The
eldest, Eva K., is a successful teacher in the public schools
at Frederiekstown, Pa. ; William E. and Mary E. both
reside at Vienna with their mother. Mrs. Noble and her
children are members of the Presbyterian Church at W^est
Alexander, but Mr. Noble belonged to the M. E. Church.
There are few better known or more highly respected
ladies in the community than is Mrs. Noble, who, for al-
most 40 years was the toll-gate keeper on the National
Road about two miles east of West Alexander. During
this long period she was faithful to her duties and main-
tained the dignity and self respect which the importance
of the position demanded.
MISS MARY M. SMITH. There are few family names
in Independence Township, Washington Co., Pa., that
are recalled with more respect than that of Smith, the
first bearer of the name here being Nathaniel Smith,
who was the grandfather of Miss Mary M. Smith, who
owns and resides on the fine old homestead farm of
eighty-seven acres. Miss Smith was born on this farm,
in 1847, and her parents were William and Mary (Ores-
well) Smith.
Nathaniel Smith was born in Ireland and he came to
this section of Washington County when there were
coni]iaratively few settlers here. He was a man possess-
ing more education than hi.s neighbors and also had the
qualities which commanded the respect and confidence
of the community and he was frequently called on to
write wills and deeds, to preserve records, act as admin-
istrator and perform other duties which usually fall to
the leading citizen. He was a practical surveyor and
followed this profession in addition to cultivating his
farm. This farm originally was a part of the old
I'hilip Dodilridge tract, for which he obtaineil patent
from the commonwealth. This farm subsequently came
into the possession of Miss Mary M. Smith, his only
grandchild. She has sold that property, with the ex-
ception of the old home and two acres of land, to a coal
company.
William Smith, father of Miss Mary M., was a well
known school teacher and there are many of the elder
residents of Independence Township who can recall him
as such. He at that early day had to furnish the school-
house in which he taught. His death occurred in 1855
and his burial was at Mt. Hope. He married Mary
Creswell and they had two children: Mary M. and Will-
iam Sidney, the latter of whom died in 1874. In 1857,
Mrs. Smith was married (second) to John H. White,
and they had one daughter, Esther J., who resides with
her sister, Miss Mary M. The mother survived until
1891, and her burial was at Wellsville, Ohio.
John H. White was born in West Middletown, where
his father, Thomas White was a blacksmith. The latter
moved with his family to what now is the Stewart farm
in Independence Township, on which he burned the
brick out of which the house which now stands was built.
When John H. White was first married he went to house
keeping in a house which stood where the Wabash road
now runs. He later moved to West Virginia, and was
a farmer there. After the death of his first wife there,
he was married to Mrs. Smith.
Miss Mary M. Smith attended school at Fallen Tim-
ber and then entered Muskingum College, Ohio, where
she was subsequently graduated. For two years after-
ward she taught school, in Delaware County, N. Y., and
then returned to Wellsville, Ohio, where her mother
joined her after the death of Mr. White. In 1896, Miss
Smith returned to take personal charge of the old home-
stead, which she has capably managed ever since, raising
cattle and hogs together with grain, hay and fruit. Miss
Smith and her sister are both members of the United
Presbyterian Church of West Middletown and both are
active workers in the Missionary Society. Miss Smith is
very highly esteemed and is noted for her kindness of
heart and charitable impulses as well as for her excel-
lent judgment in the management of her estate.
616
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
HON. JOHN W. WILES, burgess of McDonald, Pa.,
and a prominent citizen of this borough, was born at
Parkersburg, W. Va., November 27, 1S66, and is a son of
Samuel J. and Mary J. (Summers) Wiles.
The parents of Mr. Wiles were also natives of West
Virginia and the father died there March 4, 1909, and
his burial was at Petroleum. He was engaged in oil
development. In politics he was a Eepublican, and he
and wife were worthy members of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church. Of their four children, John W., is the
eldest, the other being: Dora, who married W. S. Day-
huff; Lafayette; and Lina, who married F. M. Powell.
John W. Wiles spent but a short time in school, en-
tering the oil fields when young and he has continued
in the oil business ever since, at the present time having
an interest in over 100 weUs in West Virginia, Ohio
and Pennsylvania. He has been a very active, progres-
sive and useful citizen of McDonald and his fellow citi-
zens testified to their confidence and esteem by electing
him burgess on February 16, 1909.
In 1906, Mr. Wiles was married to Miss Elizabeth
Copeland, who is a daughter of Jacob and Nancy Cope-
land, who were farming people in Harrison County, Ohio.
Mrs. Wiles has four brothers : William, John, Jacob and
George. The one son of the family bears the name of
Eobert.
Burgess Wiles is identified with Garfield Lodge, No.
604, P. & A. M.; No. 605, Odd Fellows, both at McDon-
ald; and Lodge No. 831, Elks, at Carnegie. Mr. Wiles
is manager of the McDonald baseball club, having a love
for athletic sports and especially for the great American
game.
W. B. McILVAINE, vice-president of the Washington
Trust Company, of Washington, Pa., and for the past
twenty years identified with many of the important busi-
ness interests of city and county, was born in 1845, in
Somerset Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son
of the late William McHvaine.
The Mcllvaine famUy came to Washington County as
early as 1780 and has increased and prospered here ever
since. The father of Mr. Mcllvaine was born in Somer-
set Township in 1805, and his whole life was passed in
Washington County, where, for many years, he engaged
in farming and stock raising.
W. E. Mcllvaine obtained his education in the schools
of his native county and resided on the farm on which
he was bom until he was forty-five years old, following
farming and wool growing. After taking up his resi-
dence at Washington, he became interested in the natural
gas industry and was one of a number who formed a
company under the name of the Belief Gas Company,
which was subsequently bought by the Manufacturers'
Gas, Heat and Light Company, Mr. Mcllvaine continu-
ing an interest in the same. He is second officer in the
Washington Trust Company and was chairman of the
building committee that erected the fine six-story bank
building, a handsome structure with dimensions of 80
by 135 feet. In addition to being a thoroughly experi-
enced and practical business man, Mr. Mcllvaine is an
active citizen and many of the movements which have
contributed to the greatest welfare of the city, have had
his approval in their inception and completion.
In 1868, Mr. McHvaine was married to Miss Sarah
E. Hamilton, who was born in Nottingham Township, of
a prominent old Washington County family. They have
three children: Nora Irene, who resides at home; Will-
iam Alexander Hamilton, who is an attorney at Wash-
ington; and John Addison, who is a member of the
faculty at Mt. Airy Institute for the Deaf. Mr. Mc-
llvaine and family- are members of the Second Presby-
terian Church of Washington.
DUNNING HABT, residing at No. 654 Maiden street,
Washington, Pa., is a member of an old settled family
of Pennsylvania. He was born in Washington County,
Pa., November 30, 1836, and is a son of David and
Margery Dunning Butler Hart, she being the second wife
of David Hart. They had three children, namely: Mar-
garet, who married Willison Kerr, is deceased as is also
her husband; Dunning; and Eliza Harper, the latter of
whom married Ard M. Hosack, and lives at Scenery
Hill, Washington County.
The Hart family in America sprung from Nathan
Hart (1), of Scotland. He came across the waters and
settled on Muddy Bun, Adams County, Pa., about 1730,
which is about all that is known of his family except
that he had two sons: Nathan Hart (2) and Micah
Hart, the last named afterward settling near Norwich,
Ohio.
Nathan Hart (2) in 1769, married Margaret Monteith
and they lived in Muddy Bun, Adams Co., Pa., and to
them were born four children: David, in 1775; Jane,
in 1777; Margaret, in 1782; and Mary, in 1785. Of
these, Jane married John Kerr and lived and died near
Gettysburg and had four children. Margaret married
Nathaniel Paxton, in 1804, and removed to Somerset
Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1812. The numerous
Paxton families throughout the norther part of Wash-
ington County, Pa., and parts of Ohio, are descendants
of Nathaniel and Margaret (Hart) Paxton. Mary mar-
ried Smith McCullough, of Pigeon Creek, Washington
Co., Pa. Nathaniel Hart (2) died in 1787, on Muddy
Eun, Adams County. His wife, Margaret (Monteith)
Hart, died in 1785, leaving the four children orphans.
David Hart assumed the entire management of the
homestead, and eared, as a father, for his three sisters.
On April 12, 1798, he married Sarah Paxton and re-
D.wiD r. iiAirr i»\\ii) ii \i;'|-
i)rxxiN<; iiAirr wii.i.iam i: ii ai;t
1)A\ 11) 1). IIAKT
YOR.
UlSTUiiY Oi'' WASUliNUTON COUiNTY
619
luaiueil on Muddy Kun until the spring of 1807, when he
and wife, feeling that the advantages and future wel-
fare of their family dcinaiuled removal farther west,
severed the strong ties that bound them to their childhood
home. They started on their journey to Washington
County, coming through on horseback and arriving in
Somerset Township about the first of April, 1807. Here,
in this house they had hewed out of the forest, they lived
and died. There were born to them nine children, three
born in Adams County and six in Washington County,
as follows: Andrew Hart, born July 19, 1799, died
August 10, 1801; Jane Hart, born January 28, 1801, and
died February 21, 1864; Paxton Hart, born February 19,
1803, died October 30, 1828; John Hart, born December
15, 1805, died March 1, 1820; James Gibson Hart, born
January 2, 1807; David Hart, born December 18, 1808,
died March 30, 1872; Maria Hart; Sally Hart, born
April 10, 1813, died May 17, 1830; and William Hart,
born September 19, 1817. Sarah (Paxton) Hart died in
1830. In 1832, David Hart married for a second wife,
Mrs. Margaret Dunning Butler, to whom were born three
children, namely: Margaret Hart Kerr, deecased; Eliza
Hart Hosack, of Scenery Hill, and Dunning Hart, of
Washington, Pa.
David Hart died October 1, 1862, and as to the life he
led and to the high esteem in which he was held by those
who knew him, it can be told no better than to add here
the words written by one who knew him well, Eev. Bank-
head Boyd, of Pigeon Creek.
"David Hart died at his residence in Somerset Town-
ship, Washington County, on the first day of October,
1852, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. He was
born in Adams County, Pa., November 28, 1775. The
time of his removal to this county was 1807. He was a
ruling elder in the Associate Presbyterian Church of
Pigeon Creek. In noticing the death of this good man,
it is not our design to pronounce any eulogy upon him.
He was too well known in the community in which he
long resided, to render this necessary. It is but justice,
however, to say that but few men stood higher in the
community than the deceased. He possessed a strong,
discriminating judgment, a character fair and unblem-
ished, strongly marked by decision, and at the same time
distinguished for uprightness and sterling integrity, which
secured for him the esteem and confidence of all who
knew him. This was evident from the large amount of
business with which he was from time to time entrusted,
and indeed, during the greater part of his long life, he
was acting for others, in one way or another, and the
vast concourse of people which accompanied his mortal
remains to their final resting place, showed the high
esteem in which he was held by the community at large.
Benevolence was a paramount feature in his character.
The good of others was an object which he kept steadily
in view, and any measures which he believed 'calculated
for the promotion of the public good, received his cor-
dial support. At the time of his death he was an active
and inllucntial member of the Bible Society of Somerset
Township. The interests of true religion, aLso the ad-
vancement of the Kedeemer's Kingdom, in this world,
were always with him matters of the first importance.
Having early made a profession of his faith in Christ,
he ever manifested a deep solicitude for the cause he had
espoused, and his counsel and contributions were never
wanting but always rendered with the greatest cheerful-
ness, when the interests of the church required them.
His whole life was an ornament of the profession he
had made. His house was the house of prayer, the morn-
ing and evening sacrifice was never neglected. His seat
was never vacant in the House of God but for the
weightiest reasons, and in all the relations of life he
seemed to aim at maintaining a conscience void of offense
toward God and toward man.
" In a word, 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,
being always ready for every good work. From the
nature of the disease from which he died, he was in a
great measure deprived of the powers of speech during
his last illness, and consequently little could be obtained
from him respecting his feelings or state of mind, but,
judging from the general tenor of his life, we can have
no doubt but that his latter end was peace. 'Mark the
perfect man and behold the upright for the end of that
man is peace. ' He left a wife and numerous relatives
to mourn his loss, but trust their loss was his gain, and
that he is now in the Upper Sanctuary, singing the song
of Moses and the Lamb with the angels and the spirits
of just men made perfect."
Dunning Hart was reared on the home farm in Somer-
set Township. He enlisted in Co. G, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf.,
and served three years of the Civil War, in the Army of
the Potomac. He was wounded at the battle of Gettys-
burg, receiving three gunshot wounds, one slight and two
serious, and was in the Philadelphia Hospital for about
eight months before again fit for duty. He was then
transferred from Co. G, to the 3rd Vet. Ees., of which
he was an ofiScer, and was discharged at Augusta, Maine,
in September, 1865. He is a member of W. F. Temple-
ton Post, G. A. R.
After his military service was over, Mr. Hart returned
home and resumed farming and stock raising in Somerset
Township, continuing until 1868, when he purchased the
Lowland Stock Farm, in Amwell Township, to which he
moved and carried on farming and stock raising there
until 1908, vrhen he sold out and retired to Washington.
He was an extensive raiser of all kinds of stock and in
later years he made a specialty of registered Shorthorn
620
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
cattle, in which he met with much success. He has al-
ways been an active citizen.
Mr. Hart was married in the fall of I860, to Miss
Mary J. Davis, born in Allegheny County, Pa., July 24,
1839, a daughter of George and Martha (Crawford)
Davis. When Mrs. Hart was sixteen years of age, her
parents moved to the Brownlee farm in Washington
County, and she has resided in the county ever since. Mr.
and Mrs. Hart reared a family of seven children, namely :
George Davis, who lives on the Lowland farm; David
Paxton, who also resides in Amwell Township ; Margaret
M., who is the wife of J. Preston Horn, lives near
Baker 's Station ; Dunning Albert, who died when just
past his seventeenth year; James G., who is engaged in
business at Duquesne, Pa.; John Fergus, who is deceased;
and William E. William E. Hart is a practicing physi-
cian in the Roosevelt Hospital, New York City. He grad-
uated from Washington and Jefferson College, in the
class of 1905, and from Jotms Hopkins Medical College,
Baltimore, Md., in the class of 1909. Mr. and Mrs. Hart
are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Wash-
ington.
JULES J. CHARLIER, treasurer' of the McDonald
Savings and Trust Company, at McDonald, Pa., has been
identified with this financial institution since 1905, and
has spent thirty years of his life in America, but another
land claims his birth. He is a native of Belgium, born
in that country in September, 1868, and is a son of
Jules and a grandson of Alexis Charlier.
Both grandfather and father were coal miners in Bel-
gium and it was with the hope of finding better indus-
trial conditions in the coal districts of Pennsylvania,
that the father of Jules J. Charlier brought his family
to America in 1879. He had married Josephine Mander-
Uer, in Belgium, and they became the parents of the fol-
lowing children: Emma; Octavius; Fred; Emil; Mary,
who married Morris Evans; Alice, who married Roy L.
Smith; and Jules J., who was the second in order of
birth.
Jules J. Charlier had only the rather meager educa-
tional opportunities that are afforded children in the
mining districts, where very often their school days are
shortened in order that they may join the other male
members of the family and by their work add to the
general income, and his was no exceptional case. His
teaching in Belgium had been in the French language
and only four months was afforded him in the common
schools in the United States in which to master an en-
tirely new tongue, and then he went into the mines and
did his daily task under ground with the others. How-
ever, he was different in that he had ambition and when
his hard labor was over for the day, he applied himself
to study in the evenings and in a surprisingly short time
had acquired knowledge that made him a valuable em-
ploye in another direction and provided a stepping stone
to the promotion which later awaited him. After leav-
ing the mines he entered the employ of a merchant, T.
B. Rollins, and later, of J. D. Sauters, a coal operator,
and still later he embarked in a grocery business for
himself, at McDonald. He continued in the latter en-
terprise for some time and then sold out, and in 1905
accepted the position of bookkeeper for the McDonald
Savings and Trust Company, of which he is now treas-
urer.
The McDonald Savings and Trust Company was organ-
ized in 1903, with a capital stock of $125,000, John P.
Scott being its first president, and W. L. Scott, its first
treasurer. The capitalists who formed the first board
of directors were the following: John P. Scott, W.
L. Elliott, Dr. G. H. Miller, C. G. Haden, J. M. Stilley,
D. G. Bamiord, James Baell, K. N. McDonald and
Richard Lamb. It is a sound, safe concern that has
more than met every expectation and is one of the
most solidly financed institutions of this section.
In November, 1890, Mr. Charlier was married to Miss
Emma Egbert, whose parents are Nicholas and Flomey
(Leroy) Egbert, residents of McDonald, whose other
children are: Lena, wife of Augustus Bailey Isadore;
Flomey, wife of Eli Conlier ; and Helen, wife of Frank
Seouvart; and Jules.
Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Char-
lier: Raymond, Earl and Evaline. They are members
of the First United Presbyterian Church at McDonald.
He is identified with both the Masons and the Odd Fel-
lows, a member of Garfield Lodge, No. 604, F. & A. M.,
and MacDonald Lodge, No. 605, Odd Fellows, both at
McDonald. In politics he is a Republican.
ROBERT L. JOHNSTON, president of the school
board of California, Pa., and a director of the First
National Bank, has been a resident of East Pike Run
Township since about 18.54, and was born February 5,
1848, at Brownsville, Fayette Co., Pa., a son of James
M. and Jane B. (Scott) Johnston, and a grandson of
George Johnston, a native of Ireland, who came to this
country about 1806 and located at Brownsville, Pa.,
where he died at the advanced age of ninety-three years.
The father of our subject was a plasterer and contractor
by trade, but spent his later years on a farm in East
Pike Run Township.
Robert L. Johnston was reared at California, Pa.,
where he attended the local schools and the old academy,
and when a youth removed with his parents to the farm
in East Pike Run Township, where he subsequently en-
gaged in farming until 1897, when he sold the property
and came to California, where he and his brother James
M. carry on a plaster contracting business. Mr. John-
HISTOKV OK WASHINGTON COUNTY
621
ston has for the past twenty-two years served as a iiieiii-
ber of the townsliip and borough school boards, and is
now serving his fourth term on the California board,
of which he has for a number of years been president.
The other nieinliers of the board are as follows: W. J.
Weaver, T. .1. I'liderwood, Peter Devvar, Joseph Galla-
gher, and Koss Denny. Mr. Johnston is a Knight Tem-
plar Mason. He nuirrieil Mary Worrel, wlio uiis born
in Washington County, Pa., and was reared in Pallow-
lield Township by James Stroud. They have three chil-
dren; .lames S., Jane S., and Rol)ert L.
LKWIS N. YOHE, a niemlior of the Yohe Brothers'
Ijund)er C'oni])any, w'hieh is the oldest concern of its
kind in Monongahela City, and was established in 1878,
has been a lifelong resident of this city, where he was
born April 1.5, 1855, and is a son of Michael and Phoebe
(McConnel) Yohe.
Michael Yohe was born and reared on a farm at Val-
ley Inn, Carrol Township, in 1815, and was a son of
Isaac Yohe, who came from the eastern part of Penn-
sylvania, locating on a farm three miles east of Monon-
gahela City, where he spent his life engaged in farming.
Michael Yohe was reared on the home farm, where he
remained until after his marriage. He moved to Monon-
gahela City, Pa., where he died at the age of sixty-eight
years. He married Phoebe McConnel, who was born in
1825, in West Middletown, Pa., and who was of Scotch-
Irish ancestry. Their union resulted in the birth of nine
sons, namely: John M., a resident of Pittsburg; Isaac,
a resident of Monongahela City; Leroy S., deceased;
.Tames L., who is in partnership with his brother Lewis;
William G., of New Kensington, Pa.; Lewis N., the sub-
ject of this sketch; Frank; and Charles (twins) both
residents of Monongahela City; and Sherod, who also
resides in Monongahela City.
Lewis N. Yohe grew to maturity at his father's home,
and after obtaining an education in the common schools
of the township, spent two years on Capt. J. B. Gibson 's
farm, and two years on Daniel Reil's farm, where he
took the place of his cousin, J. B. Yohe, now general
manager of the Lake Erie Railroad. He then came to
Monongahela City, where he learned the carpenter's trade
with his brother Isaac, with whom he and his brother
James, established in 1878, the plaining mill and lumber
^ company, which i.s still operated under the firm name of
Yohe Brothers' Lumber Company. The plant, which is
located on the Monongahela Eiver, gives employment to
an average of 60 to 100 men, and the concern does
a general contracting business, dealing also in all kinds
of building materials. Isaac Yohe disposed of his in-
terest in the business to Clyde C. Yohe, a son of James
L. Yohe, and is now living in retirement. James L.
Yohe is manager of the mill, his son Clyde is secretary
and treasurer of the company, and Lewis N. Yohe, man-
ager of the general contract work.
In March, 1877, Mr. Yohe was united in marriage with
Sallie A. Wilson, a daughter of John and Susanna Wil-
son, of Chester County, Pa., and they have had the fol-
lowing children: Warren I., who married Margaret Ab-
bott, and has one child, Lewis, Jr. ; George W. ; Lewis
H.; deceased; Michael, who married Nellie McCalister
and has two children, Donald and Harold; Sarah N.,
who is the wife of George H. Peterson; Su.san, deceased;
Percy P., and Elsie.
In politics Mr. Yohe is a Kepublican. Fraternally he
is affiliated with the Koyal Arcanum. He is an active
member in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which
he has been trustee for the past twenty-eight years.
WALTER H. BAKER, secretary and treasurer of the
Universal Rolling Mill Company, whose plant is located
at Bridgeville, Pa., is one of the prominent young busi-
ness men of Washington. He was born at ZoUarsville,
in Bethlehem Township, but has practically spent his en-
tire life in Washington, where his father, N. R. Baker,
of the Citizens' National Bank, located when he was a
child.
Walter H. Baker graduated with the class of 1898
from Washington and Jefferson College, and immediately
afterward became identified with the Tyler Charcoal
Iron Mills for two years, after which he went to Waynes-
burg as superintendent of the Waynesburg Forge, Sheet
and Tin Mills, in which capacity he served until 1907,
when he accepted a position as secretary and treasurer
of the Universal Rolling Mill Company, with which he
has since been identified, his office being located at No.
531 Washington Trust building, Washington.
Mr. Baker is a member of the First Methodist Epis-
copal Church ; is fraternally affiliated with Sunset Lodge.
F. & A. M., and belongs also to the Duquesue Club of
Pittsburg.
In April, 1909, Mr. Baker married Amy Patterson
Duncan, a daughter of the late James E. Duncan, who
was a prominent glass manufacturer of Pittsburg and
Washington.
WILLIAM BAMFORD, a prominent farmer of Robe-
son Township and the owner of a farm of 114 acres, on
which he has a producing oil well, was born November
10. 1864, at Bulger, and is a son of Robert and Sarah
(Gordon) Bamford. The father was a blacksmith during
his early life, but subsequently followed farming. He
died January 1, 1886, leaving his widow, who is a resi-
dent of Midway, and the following children: D. G.
Bamford, William, our subject; Robert, and Mary, who
lives with the mother at Midway.
William Bamford obtained his education in the com-
633
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
mon schools of the towship, and since completing same
has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Eobeson
Township. He is a stockholder in the Midway National
Bank, and the McDonald Savings and Trust Company.
In politics he is .a Democrat and has served three years
as collector and treasurer of the school funds, and three
years as road supervisor of the township.
In 1882, Mr. Bamford married Anna M. Hood, a
daughter of James and Margaret (Burns) Hood, who
was one of ten children born to her parents,, who were
well known farmers of this county: Jane, the deceased
wife of James Coventry; Mary, deceased wife of John
Coventry; Nancy, who first married Samuel Ackleson,
formed a second union with Thomas Eamsey; Catherine,
the deceased wife of "William Moreland; John; Alex-
ander; Amanda, deceased; Anna Margaret, who is the
wife of our subject; James, and George. Mr. and Mrs.
Bamford have three children : Sarah G., Margaret H. and
Eobert James.
ROBERT LEMOYNE ELWOOD, ex-mayor and an
honored and highly esteemed citizen of Monongahela
City, Pa., who has been a resident here for the past
forty-seven years, was born August 3, 1856, in Washing-
ton Co., Pa., and is a son of Robert and Elizabeth
(Howe) Elwood.
Robert Elwood, father of our subject, was a small
boy when his parents removed from Ohio to Washington
County, Pa., where they settled on a tract of timber-
land. Here he was reared and learned the blacksmith
trade, and during the Civil War, came to Monongahela
City, where he ran a shop on Main street, where the
Ideal Theater is now located. He was married to Eliza-
beth Howe, a native of Washington County, Pa., who
died at the age of eighty-two years. Of their union
were born the following children : Eliza, who married
William Grable, both of whom are deceased; Anna,
who married William Hartman, both deceased; John
William; Margaret, who is the^ widow of John Frye;
Maria, who married Aaron Eeese; Clara, who is the
wife of Amzi Eckles; Ella D., who is the wife of Harry
McMasters; Eobert L., the subject of this sketch; and
Jennie, who married Lewis Stuler. Mr. and Mrs. Elwood
were married fifty years before death entered the family,
the former 's death occurring at the age of seventy-four
years.
Eobert L. Elwood was quite young when the family
removed to Monongahela City, where he was reared and
attended the common schools, having been a member of
the Kate Clemmons class of 1872. He early in life began
working on the river boats, beginning as a deck hand
on the ' ' Clipper, ' ' which was owned by William Clark.
He later entered the employ of Joseph Walton & Com-
pany, with whom he began as mate and was promoted
to captain. During his period of twenty-one years of
service with that company he was presented with a
token of appreciation by the independent coal dealers
for having carried the largest amount of coal ever car-
ried in six months on the Monongahela Eiver, and he
was at the same time presented with a miniature of his
old boat, ' ' Maggie, ' ' by the other employees of the Jo-
seph Walton Company. During his thirty-two years spent
on the river he was fortunate in not having sunk even
the smallest amount of coal, which is a distinction that
falls to the lot of but few sailors. In 1904, Mr. Elwood
retired from the river, and the following year was elected
mayor of Monongahela City on the Republican ticket,
serving in that capacity for two terms, and during his
second term was appointed alderman by the governor to
fill the vacancy caused by the death of John Holland.
At the expiration of his first term in that capacity, he
was elected to that oflSce and is still serving.
In 1904, Mr. Elwood and his son Eobert embarked
in the ice business at Monongahela City, and operate
three wagons. He and his son have invented and ob-
tained a patent Mar. 23, 1909, on a nut-and-bolt-lock,
which will doubtless be used extensively in the con-
struction of railroad structural iron work, the nut itself
having a leveled face, which, when bolted to a surface
of the same angle, makes slipping absolutely impossible.
Mr. Elwood was married Jan. 8, 1878, to Mary A.
Furlong, who is a daughter of John Furlong, of OH
City, Pa., and they have four children: Seward, Eliza-
beth, Morley and Eobert L., Jr. Mr. Elwood is fra-
ternally a member of the I. O. 0. F., B. P. O. E., Jr.
0. XJ. A. M., and the Steamboat Protective Association,
Harbor No. 25. His religious connection is with the
Methodist Episcopal Church.
WILLIAM COULSON, proprietor of the Central
Hotel, a commodious, well equipped modern hostelry
situated at Eoscoe, Washington Co., Pa., was born in
England, Sept. 6, 1869, and is a son of Eneas and Mary
(Barnes) Coulson.
The parents of Mr. Coulson came to America in 1879.
The father was a coal miner and found employment
at EIco, formerly called Wood 's Eun, one mile up the
river from Roseoe. Mr. Coulson worked as a miner until
1901, when he went into the hotel business and it was
in his father's hotel at Donora that William Coulson
obtained his training and experience in this line.
William Coulson started to work in the coal mines
when he was 12 years old and knows all about the
hardships and dangers of a miner's life, which he con-
tinued to face until 1902, when he began to assi-st his
father. He came to Eoscoe and took charge of the
Central Hotel in September, 1908. This building was
erected in 1897, but has been remodeled and the latest
HARY
.TOSEI'II A. IIKKIION
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
635
modem coiiildits and conveniences installed. It is a
large, roomy structure, 40 apartments in all, 20 of these
being comfortable sleeping chambers. It is of brick
and tile construction and is three stories in height. Its
cuisine is unsurpassed and its charges of $1.50 per day
are very moderate.
Mr. Coulson married Miss Mary J. Gillie, a daughter
of James Oillic, Sr., of Courtney, Washington County,
and they have three children: Russell E., Isabel and
Mary. In politics, Mr. Coulson is a Kepublican and
was serving in his fourth year as a member of the
Donora borough Council, when he resigned the office, on
coming to Roscoe. He is identified with the order of
Elks.
.\MBKOSE L. EAKIN, one of Washington's repre-
sentative citizens, a member of the city Council from
the Eighth Ward, has long been identified with the oil
industry and is district superintendent of the South
Pennsylvania Oil Company, with offices on the second
floor of the W. T. Building. He was born in 1866, in
Venango Count)-, Pa., but from the age of 8 years un-
til he came to Washington County, his home was in Mc-
Kean County.
Mr. Eakin began to work in the oil fields when he
was a boy and more or less has been connected with
oil interests ever since. In 1886 he came to Washington,
being then in the employ of the Union Oil Company and
transferred to the Forrest Oil Company when that or-
ganization succeeded the Union, which, in turn was
suceeded by the South Pennsylvania Oil Company. The
territory over which Mr. Eakin has charge includes the
business done in 234 wells. His long experience and
thorough knowledge of details and conditions, both serve
to make Mr. Eakin a valuable man for this responsible
position. He takes an active interest in politics and
for seven years has been a member of the Council.
Mr. Eakin was married at Bradford, Pa., in 1885, to
Miss Carrie Belle Taylor, and they have had eight chil-
dren, seven sons and one daughter, namely: Charles,
who is in the employ of the South Pennsylvania Oil
Company ; Flossie, who resides at home ; Glade, who is
a resident of Spokane, Wash. ; and Glenn, Leon, J. Shaw,
Fred and Fay. Mr. and Mrs. Eakin attend the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church. He is a Thirty-second degree
Mason and is a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter,
Council and Commandcry, at Washington, and the Con-
sistory at Pittsburg. He is also a member of the order
of Maccabees.
JOSEPH ALEXANDER HERRON, who is president
of the Monongahela Trust Company, and senior member
of Alexander & Company, bankers of Monogahela City,
Pa., with which he has been associated since 1866, is
identified with various banking houses of Washington
County. lie was born October 16, 1847, in Monongahela
City, Pa., and is a son of David and Eliza Alexander
Herron.
David Herron, who was born in Kentucky, became a
captain on the lower river and about 1844 came to Mo-
nongahela City. He married Eliza Alexander, and after
the birth of their only child, the subject of this sketch,
he removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he died in 1804,
after which his widow returned with her son to Mononga-
hela City, where she died in 1907, at the advanced age
of eighty-four years.
Joseph Alexander, the maternal grandfather of our
subject, was born April 1, 1795, a son of one of the
pioneers of the Upper Monongahela' Valley, who came
here from Cecil County, Md., in 17G3. Joseph Alexander
first engaged in business in Monongahela in 1828 as a
general trader, in a log house on Main street, and later
engaged in the banking business, taking in his son,
William J., as a partner in 1843. The business was car-
ried on under the firm name of Joseph Alexander &
Son, and continued under that name until 1850, when
the present firm of Alexander & Company was organized.
Joseph Alexander died June 20, 1871. James S. Alexan-
der, one of the younger sons of Joseph Alexander, who
was born August 28, 1828, became a member of the bank-
ing firm in about 1864, and a few years previous to his
death, in 1904, he divided his interest between his two
sons, William H. and Frederick K., who with Joseph A.
Herron, constitute the present banking firm, Alexander
& Company, of Monongahela City. William J. Alexan-
der died June 8, 1894.
Joseph A. Herron spent part of his boyhood days in
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he attended the common schools,
and after the death of his father, he and his mother re-
turned to Monongahela City, Pa., and his education was
completed at the Westchester Military Academy at
Westchester, Pa. In 1866 he entered the bank of Alex-
ander & Company as clerk, became a member of that
firm in 1870, and after the death of his uncle, James
Alexander, became senior member of the firm, of which
he is the present head and active manager. The new
building, which was erected in 1906, is a monument to
the energy of the present firm. Mr. Herron is typical
of the modern man of affairs, an indefatigable worker,
with whom the affairs of Alexander & Company are ever
foremost, but one who also finds time to do his part for
civic betterment, and also devotes considerable time to
his church and social duties. That he is a banker of a
high order is shown by the fact that he is president of
the Monongahela Trust Company; president of the Farm-
ers' and Miners' Bank of Bentlejrville ; is a director of
the Farmers' Deposit National Bank; the Farmers' De-
posit Savings Bank of Pittsburg; is a director of the
6:26
HISTGEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Reliance Life Insurance Company, and is also identified
with various other business concerns of the county. Mr.
Herron owns a valuable farm of 190 acres on Ginger Hill,
and also his fine residence property which is located on
Meade street. Politically he is identified with the Ee-
publican party, and is president and one of the board of
managers of the Monongahela Cemetery. He has held
membership with the Presbyterian Church for many
years, and is also a deacon. He is fraternally affiliated
with the Masons, the B. P. O. E., and the Jr. 0. U. A. M.
Mr. Herron was married October 25, 1877, to Mary
Campbell, a daughter of William and Eliza (Shaw)
Campbell, of Butler County, Pa., and of their union were
born : William A. ; D. Campbell, who married Julia
Abrahams ; Joseph A. ; Donald James ; John ; Ethel ; and
Gertrude.
JAMES WESLEY GILLESPIE, one of Washington
County 's substantial citizens and solid, reliable men,
resides on his . farm of 60 acres which is situated in
Cross Creek Township and also owns a farm of 150
acres, which lies in Jefferson Township. He was born
in the latter township Nov. 7, 1863, and is a son of W.
J. and Sarah E. (Gillespie) Gillespie. His parents were
farming people and he was their eldest child, the other
members of the family being as follows : John, Charles,
Nannie, Minnie, Venia, Winnifred and EUa Nora.
James Wesley Gillespie obtained his education in the
public schools of Jefferson Township which he attended
during the winter sessions until he was about 20 years
of age, after which he gave the larger part of his at-
tention to farming and raising stock. Since 1906, as
a side line, he has done considerable butchering and
supplies meat to the miners in the coal works adjacent
to his farm. In the management of his property, Mr.
Gillespie has shown the industry, forethought and good
management which is pretty sure to bring about suc-
cess.
On Peb. 19, 1885, Mr. Gillespie was married to Miss
Mary E. McBride, a daughter of James and Elizabeth
McBride, of Cross Creek Township, and to them have
been born the following children: Viola B., who mar-
ried Albert Boles, of EldersvUle; James A., who resides
in Colorado; Ethel G., who is the wife of Prank An-
drews, of West Newton, Pa., and they have a son, Leslie ;
William W. and Homer R., both of whom live at home.
Mr. Gillespie is a broad-minded man and a believer in
higher education and he has given his children excellent
advantages, two of them being graduates of the High
School at Eldersville. The family attend the Methodist
Episcopal Church. He has been a lifelong Republican,
but has always declined to serve in public office, although
well qualified in every way to do so. He is an Odd
FeUow and has passed all the chairs in Lodge No. 805
at Eldersville.
W. E. McCURDY, one of Burgettstown 's leading citi-
zens and representative business men, conducting a
large drug business as his main interest at present, was
born at Eldersville, Washington Co., Pa., May 14, 1866,
a son of Dr. J. K. and Elizabeth (Love) McCurdy.
W. E. McCurdy was educated in the schools of Clin-
ton and Florence and then learned the drug business,
spending two years in Gettysburg, two more years at
Tarport, then a suburb of Bradford, and also some
time in a suburb of Philadelphia. Since his marriage,
in 1898, he has resided at Burgettstown, where he has
become identified with business interests and public
affairs. For 17 years he has been local manager of the
Bell Telephone Company, in which he is also a stock-
holder; is a stockholder and one of the directors of the
Burgetts town National Bank, and is proprietor of a
drug store. He has taken an active part in advancing
the various interests of the town and at present is
ser\'ing on the Board of Health.
On Sept. 18, .1898, Mr. McCurdy was married to Miss
Jennie L. McCorkle, a daughter of J. S. and Jennie L.
MeCorkle, and they have two children : Grace Elizabeth
and John C. Mr. McCurdy is a member of the First
Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, in which he is
an elder, and he is supeiintendent of the large and
interested Sunday school Mr. McCurdy is a Prohi-
bitionist and an active worker in the cause of temper-
ance. He has been treasurer of Fairview Cemetery for
the past ten years, being a charter member of the asso-
ciation.
JOHN MILTON DAY, a representative citizen of
South Franklin Township, where he successfully carries
on a general line of agriculture, stock raising and sheep
growing for wool, was born in Morris Township, Wash-
ington, Co., Pa., Aug. 26, 1847. His parents were J.
Miller and Elizabeth (Hanna) Day. The family is so
old and so important a one in this section that the
records have been preserved away back through the
grandfather, John Day, to Daniel Day and Samuel Day,
the founder of the family in Pennsylvania.
George Day emigrated from England to Connecticut
in the seventeenth century and thence removed to
Newark, N. J. His descendants are quite numerous
in that region. His son, Samuel Day, came from New
Jersey to Pennsylvania about 1775 and took up land in
Morris Township, Washington County, and here became
a farmer and man of substance. He was the father of
four sons: Daniel, Samuel, Joseph and Benjamin, and
one daughter, Joanna.
HISTORY OF WASHINUTO.N COUNTY
oa?
Daniel Day coiitiiuied to reside on the laud which
his father had secured, adding to its improvements and
value thereby, and lived to advanced age, dying in 1811.
He left six sons and three daughters: Calvin, William,
John, Samuel, Stephen, Cephas, Abigail, Eleanor aud
Electa.
John Day, son of Daniel, succeeded his father and
grandfather on the homestead and retained possession
of all the land during his life. On Sept. 2, 1813, by
Eev. C. Dodd, John Day was married to Sarah Miller,
of Amwell Township, Washington Co., Pa., and they
had eleven children born to them: Eliza, Mary, Sarah,
J. Miller, Daniel, Harvey, Annie, Abigail, Cyrus, Jessie
and Meribah. Of these, Eliza was the wife of George
Wolf and lived at A'inevah, Greene Co., Pa. Mary was
the wife of John Brownlee and lived in Franklin Town-
ship, Washington County. Sarah was the wife of Robert
Baldwin and lived in Morris Township. Daniel was
married (first) to Mary Bates and (second) to Etta
Johns au<l resides at Canonsburg, Pa. Harvey was
married (first) to Caroline McCollum and (second) to
Mrs. Mary Harris, and moved to Lincoln, Neb. Annie
was married (first) to Elias Conger, and (second) to
Dr. Strauss, of Amity, Pa. Abigail married H. C.
Swart, of Washington County, Pa. Cyrus died when
aged 8 years, and Jessie and Meribah, twins, both died
in infancy.
J. Miller Day, the fourth member of the above family
and the father of John Milton Day, was a lifelong resi-
dent of Washington County and a large portion of this
time was spent in Morris Township. He obtained ele-
mentary training in the early subscription schools, these
often being held in abandoned log dwellings and for-
tunately one was situated near the Day homestead. His
advantages were equal to those enjoyed by his asso-
ciates and he, like many others, grew in wisdom as
years were added to them. Much of the surrounding
country at that time was practically unsettled, although
much advance had been made from the time when the
first member of the Day family penetrated' into the
wilderness. When Samuel Day first took up his tract
of virgin land, an old fort stood in the southeastern
part of Franklin Township and aged survivors would
often relate to the younger generation of Days the fear-
some adventures and terrifying experiences of early life
on that border. Frequently the mothers would have
to hasten with their little children clinging to them and
take shelter within this fort when there were indications
of visits from the Indians, who, in that section were
savage at that time. The old fort no longer exists, but
doubtless many a romance has been written around it.
Among the first settlers to exert a real civilizing influ-
ence, the Days without doubt were the foremost, the
men of this family being industrious, energetic and
enterprising and the women, courageous and frugal.
Evidence was given by the rapid clearing of their lands,
the erection of substantial buildings, the gathering of
flocks and herds aud the establishing of well ordered
households. These characteristics of the Days continue
into the present generation.
The death of J. Miller Day occurred in 1903, after a
long and useful life. Politically he was a Democrat
and on several occasions was electea to 'he office of
justice of the peace and from 1866 until 18G9, he served
the county as a director of the poor. For many years
his presence and sui)port were given to the Upper Ten-
Mile Presbyterian Church, in which he held the ofl^ice of
deacon for a protracted period.
On Jan. 19, 18-13, J. Miller Day was married to Miss
Elizabeth Hanna, a daughter of John V. Hanna, of
Morris Township, Washington County, and to this union
seven children were born, namely : Martha Maria, who
became the wife of John N. Weir, of Franklin Town-
ship; Sarah Ann, who died in 1848; John Milton; Elsie
Jane, who married William Ashbrook, of East Finley
Township; George Hamilton, who died in 1854; Hugh
Allison, who married Annie Andrews, and Mary Eliza-
beth, who married Allen J. Mowl, of West Bethlehem
Township. The mother of the above family died in
1872 and was interred in the cemetery at Prosperity.
J. Miller Day was married two years later to Mrs. Mary
(Wise) McKenna.
John Milton Day attended the schools which are now
situated in South Franklin Township and afterward
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits as his
father before him. His exceptionally fine farm of 163
acres he took possession of in 1874. He has long been
numbered with the successful stock raisers and wool
growers of this part of the county, worthily upholding
the Day name as leading agriculturists and stockmen in
Washington County.
On Oct. 12, 1871, John M. Day was married to Miss
Margaret Weir, who was born in South Franklin Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., and is a daughter of the
late Joseph Weir, who once was a prominent and sub-
stantial farmer of this section. To Mr. and Mrs. Day
two children were born, Elizabeth H. and Lenora P.,
the latter of whom is now deceased. The former is the
wife of L. T. Young, who is engaged in farming in
South Franklin Township, and they have three children,
namely: Margaret L., Helen M. and John D. Mr. Day
aud family are members of the old Upper Ten-Mile
Presbyterian Church, to which the Day family has given
both moral and material support for .so many years.
In this body Mr. Day is serving as one of the elders of
the church. Mr. Day was reared in the Democratic party
and has always continued his nominal allegiance to the
same, but he has independent proclivities and frequently.
628
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
in local affairs has cast his vote in favor of the candidate
who, in his judgment, seems best qualified. He has
never been a seeker for ofiSce, but has frequently been
selected by his fellow citizens for responsible township
positions and he has served at different times as as-
sessor, as constable and also as township collector.
MAJ. WILLIAM WOEKMAN, who was for many
years one of the most prominent men in Washington
County, Pa., was identified with both public and political
life and held many offices of trust and honor. He was
born in Washington, Pa., Mar. 26, 1818, and died here
Jan. 2, 1901, and was a son of Gen. Samuel Workman
and a grandson of Hugh Workman.
The Workman family was established in this country
by four brothers, who came from County Monaghan,
Ireland, in 1777, and James and Hugh located in Wash-
ington County, Pa., just east of the borough of Wash-
ington. Hugh and James Workman were both soldiers
in the Revolutionary War and were members of Col.
William Crawford's expedition against Sandusky in
1792. They were both members of the same company
when the army on its outwajd march left the Mingo
Bottom, but when Col. Crawford selected his light horse
cavalry, Hugh joined it, and James remained in the
ranks of the mounted infantry. Hugh Workman mar-
ried Peggy Bryson and soon after the town of Wash-
ington was laid out purchased property on South Main
street, where he continued his residence until his death,
Nov. 20, 1843, at the age of 84 years.
Gen. Samuel Workman, a son of Hugh Workman,
was born Jan. 11, 1793, in Washington, and was one of
Washington County's most prominent citizens. He mar-
ried Nancy McCamraant, a daughter of William Mc-
Cammant, who kept a tavern at the sign of the "Cross
Keys" on the corner of Main and Wheeling streets.
Gen. Workman was editor of the Washington "Ee-
porter" from 1819 until 1821, and during that time
showed that he was a fearless and effective writer.
Upon leaving journalistic work he entered the militia
and rose through the various ranks to Brig.-General.
On Aug. 11, 1821, he was appointed county treasurer
by the commissioners, was reappointed the two succeed-
ing years, and at the October election in 1823 was
chosen sheriff, and being commissioned on the 25th of
that same month, he resigned the treasurership. He
was elected a member of the State Legislature in 1827,
re-elected in 1828 and 1829, and on May 11, 1830, Gov.
Wolf appointed him secretary of the land office, to
which he was reappointed in 1833, and served in that
capacity until May 10, 1836. He was appointed post-
master 01 Washington on Mar. 23, 1839, and served until
Dec. 24, 1840, and on Jan. 4, 1841, was again appointed
treasurer of the county. His death occurred Mar. 31,
1841, after having figured prominently and creditably
in county and state politics, and was at all times held
in high esteem by his fellow citizens.
Maj. William Workman practically spent his entire
life in Washington and vicinity, but during his early
manhood went to Iowa with the intention of locating
there, and not liking the outlook returned to Washing-
ton and bought the old Workman homestead, where he
lived until the time of his death. Although not strong
physically, he was a man of great energy and indomit-
able will. His education was obtained in private schools
and at the Washington College, and he acquired a thor-
ough training in business affairs, which well fitted him
for the many offices of trust and honor which he held
in later life. He early became interested in local poli-
tics, and was the recognized leader of the Democratic
party, a position which he held for many years after
the average man tires of the strife and contention of
political wrangling and gives way to younger men. He
was many times chairman of the Democratic County
convention and always discharged the trust thus reposed
in him with zeal and fidelity. During his younger days
■ he was twice his party 's candidate for county office,
and was elected county treasurer in 1841, and in 1845
was elected to the office of register. He was afterward
chosen one of the jury commissioners of the county,
and it is said, that Maj. Workman had the honor of
being the first county treasurer after that office was
made elective, and to have been with Hon. J. E. Mc-
Lain, of ClaysvOle, the first jury commissioners chosen
in the county. He was the first county officer to occupy
a room in the court house which was taken down in 1898.
Few men in the county have done so much business as
he in the settlement of estates. He was called upon to
draw deeds, write wills, and legal papers of various
kinds, and managed and settled many estates, and
was thus engaged down to the day when stricken with
his fatal illness. He was a friend to the poor and un-
fortunate and hundreds of eases could be cited where
he befriended individuals and families, not only with
kind words and advice, but with substantial aid. -There
are many such in Washington County who will long cherish
his memory. As a citizen he was enterprising and lib-
eral in the matter of improvements that commended
themselves to his judgment. This is well illustrated in
his subscriptions and donations toward the building of
railroads and the betterment of county roads. He was
one of the prime movers in the construction of the
Upper Ten-Mile plank road and he did much toward
having the B. & O. E. E. built through the county. He
was the trustee appointed by the United States Courts
to advertise and sell the old Hempfield road and the
purchase of it by the B. & O. E. E. was brought about
largely through his influence with the B. & 0. directors.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
629
At tho time of his deatli iuid tor iiimiy years previous
he was a director in tlio Wheeling branch of the H. &
O. R. R., and at tlie annual meetings of the stocklmUlors
of his company was always chosen as presiding utlicer.
In his home Mr. Workman was the typical old-fashioned
gentleman, always taking the greatest pleasure in hav-
ing his friends come and i>artake of his hospitality.
On Jan. 11, 1853, Maj. Workman was joined in mar-
riage with Mary Jones, a daughter of Charles K. and
Susan (Judson) Jones, the former a cabinetmaker and
general contractor. She was born in England and when
a babe in arms came with her parents to this country.
She was one of ten children born to her parents, of
whom but four are living : Mrs. Workman ; Jane E.,
who resides on West Wheeling street, Washington, Pa.,
married William H. Taylor, and is the mother of Hon.
.1. P. Taylor, Common Pleas Judge of Washington
County; Rev. Sylvester F. Jones, D. D., of Washing-
ton, D. C, and George 0. Jones, a prominent attorney
of Washington, Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Workman had three
children born to them; Samuel, who resides in Washing-
ton, Pa.; and Annie' and Ida, who with their mother
live at the old Workman homestead at No. 645 E.
Maiden street, Washington, this property having been
in the possession of the Workman family for over a
century.
WILLIAM SIMPSON THROCKMORTON, M. D., of
Canonsburg, was born in Franklin Township, Greene
County, Pa., three miles west of Waynesburg, and is a
son of Morford and Nancy (Simpson) Throckmorton.
The genealogy of the Throckmortous can be traced
from 1130 A. D. to 1909. From England and the north of
Ireland came the ancestors of Dr. Throckmorton and
America has had a number of the name, in both its
original and its abbreviated spelling, that have brought
distinction upon the family, their sections and them-
selves. Mention may be made of one of the signers of
the Declaration of Independence, as well as of the late
Gov. Morton, of Indiana, and others equally noted.
Both grandparents on the maternal side were converted
to Methodism under the preaching of John Wesley him-
self and the paternal grandfather, Job Throckmorton,
was a convert to the same faith. He was one of its
pioneers in the vicinity of Monmouth, N. J., where he
purchased land and built an early Methodist chapel and
on many occasions entertained Bishop Asbury, the cele-
brated divine of that religious body. The children born
to Job Throckmorton and his wife, Martha, were as
follows: Joseph, who died in Greene County, Pa., aged
96 years and six months; James, who lived also to be
96 years old, dying in Greene County; Job, who lived
and died in New Jersey; Morford, father of Dr. Throck-
morton; Barnes, who dieil at the age of 45 years, in
New .lersey; Archibald, who died, aged 83 years, in
Ohio; Mary Jane, who was the wife of Rev. Eliphalet
Reed, died at Mt. Joy, Pa., aged about 80 years; and
Eunice, who was tho wife of James Barklow, died in
New Jersey, when aged about 80 years. The old New
Jersey home of the Throckmorton family was at Free-
hold, a village situated within three miles of the battle-
field of Monmouth.
Morford Throckmorton, father of Dr. Throckmorton,
was born in the old family home near Monmouth, N. J.,
and remained there until he reached manhood, when he
moved to Greene County, Pa., where he was subse-
quently married to Nancy Simpson, who was one of a
large family born to John Simpson and wife, who were
early settlers in Greene County. To this marriage were
born the following children: Lucy, who died young;
Samuel, who married Nancy Reese and was killed by
lightning, when aged 66 years; Morford, who died near
Chariton, in Lucas County, Iowa, married a Miss Elder;
John, who died in Lucas County, Iowa, when aged near
80 years, married Nancy Lazear ; Margaret, who mar-
ried Caleb Grimes, died in Greene County, at the age
of 71 years; Alice, who is the wife of Jesse Lazear, re-
sides in Greene County, Pa. ; Rebecca, who married Dr.
James Guiher, of Waynesburg, died in 1908, aged 71
years; Sarah, who died at Afton, Iowa, aged 60 years,
was the wife of Joseph Milligan; William Simpson, of
Canonsburg; Eliphalet Eeed, who resides near Waynes-
burg, married Samantha Hill ; Caroline, who is the widow
of George Waddell, resides at Waynesburg; and Agnes,
who died when aged 6 years. The father of the above
family survived to be 92 years of age. The mother died
when aged 67 years.
William Simpson Throckmorton was reared and re-
ceived his primary and preparatory education in Greene
County and later entered Jefferson Medical College, at
Philadelphia, where he was graduated in the class of
1865. He immediately located at Nineveh, Greene
County, Pa., and there he remained for 42 years, during
all that period engaged in the practice of his profession.
In 1907, Dr. Throckmorton came to Canonsburg and
entered into practice with his son, who had previously
been associated with him for two and one-half years
at Nineveh. In 1866, Dr. Throckmorton was married
to Miss Caroline Hill, a daughter of Jesse and Maria
(Hoskinson) Hill, and they have four children: Jessie,
Charles B., William and Morford. The only daughter is
the wife of Dr. T. R. Kerr, of Oakmont, Pa., and they
have a daughter, Virginia. Charles B. Throckmorton
has been a resident of Canonsburg for ten years and
enjoys a large and substantial medical practice. From
the schools of Greene County he entered the Ohio Wes-
leyan University, where he subsequently graduated,
spent one term at Jefferson Medical College, graduated
630
HISTOEY OP AVASHINGTON COUNTY
iu medicLne at the Western Pennsylvania Medical College
at Pittsburg and took a post graduate course on the
eye, ear and throat, at Philadelphia. He married Miss
Mary Donaldson and they have two children : , "William
D. and Caroline. He and his father are now associated
in practice and have well appointed offices in the Gowern
Building, at Canonsburg. William Throckmorton is a
graduate of the Ohio Wesleyan University and of the
Pittsburg Dental College and for nine years has been
engaged in practice, located at Vernon, Pa. Morford
Throckmorton, the youngest son, is a graduate of Wash-
ington and Jefferson College and of the Philadelphia
Dental College and is located in practice at Beaver, Pa.
Dr. Throckmorton has been a lifelong member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church and was a delegate to the
recent general conference held at Baltimore, Md. In
association with his wife, he erected the little church
at Nineveh, which they attended and supported for 30
years. It now has a mebership of 1.50 individuaJs. He
was married (second) to Miss Lydia Smith, of Urbana,
Ohio, July 6, 1909, and their pleasant home is at No.
159 West College street, Canonsburg.
W. G. SHILLITO, who has long been prominently
identified with Republican politics in Washington Coun-
ty and served most acceptably as a county commissioner
from 1897 until 1903, owns a valuable farm of 100
acres, which is situated in Smith Township. He was
born at Bavington, Smith Township, Washington Coun-
ty, Pa., Jan. 26, 1850, and is a son of Samuel B. and
Margaret (Galbraith) ShiUito.
Samuel B. Shillito, also a native of Wahington Coun-
ty, was born in Hanover Township, Sept. 15, 1826, and
died Dec. 16, 1858. For some years he engaged in busi-
ness as a general merchant and also followed farming
in Smith Township. He married Margaret Galbraith,
daughter of William Galbraith, and they had two
children: Jane Isabella, who is the wife of J. S. Easton;
and W. G. The widow survived many years, her death
occurring Sept. 15, 1906, at the age of 83 years and
both she and husband rest in Fairview Cemetery, the
remains of the latter having been removed from its
first place of burial which was the United Presbyterian
Cemetery. Samuel B. Shillito and wife were both mem-
bers of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he was
an elder at the time of death.
W. G. Shillito secured his education in the public
schools of Smith Township, after which he engaged
in farming and continued in agricultural pursuits unto
1897. In that year he was elected county commissioner,
the family remaining on the farm during his term of
office. His farm is probably one of the best improved
and most valuable in the township, both coal and oil
deposits having been found in paying quantities.
Mr. Shillito was married Mar. 21, 1872, to Miss Ee-
becca H. Provines, a daughter of James and Mary Pro-
vines, and to this marriage have been born the following
children: Margaret Belle, who died Jan. 14, 1894;
James P., who married Carrie Parks, a daughter of M.
E. and Eowena Parks, and they have one daughter,
Eowena; and Samuel Eeed, who has been engaged in
the oil business for the firm of KeUy Bros. & Cooper
since 1903. Samuel Eeed Shillito married Cassie Scott,
a daughter of A. J. Scott. Mr. Shillito and family are
members of the United Presbyterian Church. He is a
stockholder and a member of the board of directors of
the Burgettstown National Bank. Fraternally he is
an Elk. Mr. Shillito has been and stiU is one of the
county's representative men.
WILLIAM E. ROSS, owner of a tract of 90 acres
in Washington and Allegheny Counties, is one of the
leading farmers of Eobeson Township. He was born
Aug. 30, 1855, in Peters Township, Washington County.
Pa., a son of James and Sarah (Mouck) Eoss, who were
well known farmers of that township. They reared a
family of six children: John, William, Mary, deceased;
Adeline, deceased; Lewis and George. The paternal
grandfather of our subject was John Eoss, and the
maternal grandfather was John Mouck.
WUUam E. Ross was reared in Peters Township, where
he attended the district schools several months each
winter until about 17 years of age, and since that time
has been engaged iu agricultural pursuits, having pur-
chased his present farm in March, 1896, from the Kraeer
heirs. There are 30 acres of the farm in Eobeson
Township, and the remaining 60 acres are located in
Allegheny County. Mr. Ross has remodeled the former
dwelling into a fine modern residence, and has also
erected a fine new bank barn.
In October, 1885, Mr. Eoss married Anna F. Woods,
a daughter of Joseph and Sarah J. (McCully) Woods,
and a granddaughter of Thomas McCully and Rev. Will-
iam Woods, the latter of whom was a Presbyterian
minister. Joseph Woods was first married to Abigail
Hanna, which union resulted in the birth of the follow-
ing children : Martha J., who is the wife of William
Donaldson ; Martin ; Elizabeth, who married Robert
Ferree; and Sarah Harriet, who is the wife of J. W.
Stewart. After the death of the mother of these chil-
dren, Mr. Woods married Sarah McCully and to them
were born : William Frantun and Anna F., the wife
of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. Eoss have one daughter,
Sarah L., who graduated from the Eobeson Township
High School in May. 1908. She is now taking a course
in music. Mr. Eoss is a Republican in politics, and the
family attend the First Presbj-lerian Church of Mc-
Donald.
NEW YOR X
WILLIA.M L. GILMORE
IIISTOKY OF W ASIIIXCTON^ COUiNTV
G33
WILMAM LARMKK GILMt)RE, tlio invuor of a
seventy-iive aero farm of woU cultivated land, situated
iu Union Township, Wasliington County, Pa., about three
miles cast of FinleyviUe, is a well known and highly
resjjected citizen of this section. He was born on his
father's farm in Allegheny County, Pa., January 17,
ISo", and is a son of Benjamin and Mary Ann (Lyttle)
Clilmore.
Benjamin Gilmore was born in Allegheny County, Pa.,
and lived within four miles of his birthplace all his
entire life of fifty-two years. He was left fatherless iu
boyhood and waa bound out to a stranger, but grew into
a reliable, honorable and industrious man. He acquired
a farm in Allegheny County, but was able to provide
only sparingly for his family, it being an unusually
large one. He married Mary Ann Lyttle, a daughter of
Abram Lyttle, a well known resident of Allegheny
County. She lived to the age of sixty-three years. There
were fourteen children born to this marriage, namely:
Kachel, who died young; Fannie, deceased, who was the
wife of W. K. Hobson; Malissa Jane, who married
Eobert Bickerton; Minerva, who is the widow of Samuel
Adams; William Laxmer; Sarah, who is the wife of
Samuel Lane; Amanda, who is the wife of John Adams;
Anna, who married Dr. C. T. Biddle; Benjamin, who
died when aged twenty-one years; Martha A., who mar-
ried H. H. Heath; George B. ; John and Jonathan, both
of whom died young; and Margaret, who is the wife of
Archibald Lawson.
William Larmer Gilmore was afforded no educational
opportunities in his youth and he has gained his edu-
cation entirely through his own efforts. Prom early
boyhood ho labored on the home farm and remained
there until his own marriage. His main business has
always been farming, but since purchasing his present
property from J. P. Beatty, he has also engaged in
dairying and during the winter seasons follows butcher-
ing. The old stone dwelling on his farm is one of the
landmarks of the township and was probably built in
1833. While his early training on the farm was severe,
it later proved to be of value to him when he went into
business for himself and he is numbered with the care-
ful and successful agriculturists of the township.
On August 17, 1879, Mr. Gilmore was married to
Miss Sarah J. Coulter, a daughter of William and
Forbes (Stockdale) Coulter. She was born at Monon-
gahela City, Pa., where her parents were well known.
The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs.
Gilmore: George G., who married Katherine Findley,
from Suterville, Pa. ; Carrie, who is a graduate of the
Normal School at California, is a school teacher; Mary
A.; twin babes that died at birth; Sarah, who died
young; and Benjamin H., who is a student in the High
School at Monongahela City. Mr. Gilmore is a Republi-
can and he has served one term as road supervisor. He
is iitontified with the lodge of Odd Fellows at Sbiro
Oaks. The family belongs to the M. E. Church.
ALEXANDER GASTON, who is one of Washington's
most respected citizens is a rc'lired farmer and capitalist
and lives in his comfortable residence, which is situated
at No. 700 North Main street. Mr. Gaston was born in
Ireland, in 1835, and was only five months old when his
parents brought him to America. They were James and
.lane (Luke) Gaston.
The parents of Mr. Gaston settled near Canonsburg
anil there the father followed farming and lived a quiet
agricultural life until his death. His children bore the
following names: James, who lives in Missouri; Rachel,
who is the wife of John McCoy, of Kansas; Maria J.,
who is the wife of J. P. Weaver, of Canonsburg; John
W. and Alexander, both of whom reside at Washington;
and Rosa, who is deceased.
Alexander Gaston was reared an the home farm and
went to school in the neighborhood and later became a
farmer and stock raiser on his own responsibility. He
devoted many years to these industries and met with
more than the usual amount of success. In 1906 he came
to Washington, retiring then from active labor, but he
still retains a farm of eighty acres in Mt. Pleasant Town-
ship. He was a leading citizen of his township and ac-
ceptably tilled many of the township offices.
On September 23, 1857, Mr. Gaston w^as married to
Miss Mary A. Wilson, whose father was born in Ireland
and was six years old when his parents brought him to
America. His name was John Wilson and he married
Margaret Wilson and they were well known residents of
Mt. Pleasant Township. They had three children: Mrs.
Gaston; Elizabeth, who is now deceased; and Martha J.,
who is the widow of Thomas Strouthers and lives at
Canonsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston have been members
of the Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church for fifty-
two years and he served twenty-six years as an elder.
He is the only member of the Session now living who
belonged to that body at the time he was elected and
there are not more than two church members yet sur-
viving of all the earnest little body of church workers
of a half century ago, who, with Mr. and Mrs. Gaston
united their efforts to make that organization a religious
center. Mr. Gaston has been clerk of the Session for
twenty-two years. As he looks around for his old co-
laborers, it seems to him as if there has appeared an
entirely new congregation. This may be true, but his
efforts for the church are not forgotten, and the church
history tells the tale to the younger congregation of how
much it is indebted to the faith and earnest efforts of
the older one for the spiritual opportunities now enjoyed.
634
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON" COUNTY
JAMES L. HENDERSON, treasurer and general man-
ager of the Home Dressed Beef Company, at Washing-
ton, Pa., is identified with other important business
enterprises and is a thoroughly representative business
citizen. He was born in Chartiers Township, Washing-
ton Co., Pa., in 1844, and is a son of Joseph and a
grandson of William Henderson.
The Hendersons came from Eastern Pennsylvania to
its western borders, in pioneer days. Joseph Henderson,
father of James L., was born in Chartiers Township,
Washington County, June 3, 1817, and survived until
1901. For years he was prominent in the affairs of his
township and was one of its best known and respected
citizens.
Almost before he was well grounded in his studies in
the public schools, James L. Henderson was called upon
to assume a man's duties and responsibilities. In Au-
gust, 1861, when he was but five months beyond his 17th
birthday, he enrolled as a soldier in the Federal service,
first becoming a member of the 1st West Va. Cav., but
later was transferred to the 5th U. S. Cav., in which
he served until his honorable discharge in September,
1864. He participated in many of the great raids
through the Shenandoah Valley and served under
Generals Sheridan, Shields and Burnside. After he re-
turned to a peaceful life, he took a course in Duff 's busi-
ness College and subsequently turned his attention to
the breeding of fine stock. He was one of the fii'St to
introduce Holstein cattle into Washington County, in
1878, and two years earlier had brought in Berkshire
swine and also founded the Dorset and Cotswold sheep
industry in this section. He continued his stock farm
until some few years since, when, with other capitalists,
he incorporated the Home Dressed Beef Comapny, the
business being wholesale. He is interested also in the
United Capitol Paint Company and is also in the coal
business in West Virginia.
In 1865, Mr. Henderson was married (first) to Miss
Jennie Shaw, who was survived by five children, namely:
Joseph B., who resides in Washington County, near Bur-
gettstown; Prank S., who is connected with a business
house in Pittsburg, but maintains his home at Washing-
ton; Sarah R. ; and James L., Jr., and Ernest G., both of
whom are in the oil business in Illinois. Mr. Henderson
was married (second) to Mary A. Daugherty. He is a
member of the Session of the 3rd United Presbyterian
Church and is superintendent of the Sabbath school. Mr.
Henderson is identified with the W. F. Templeton Post,
G. A. E.
AliFBED WATSON, the leading and oldest jeweler,
also one of the progressive business men of Mononga-
hela City, Pa., was born Sept. 20, 1861, in Yorkshire,
England, and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Woodhead)
Watson, both of whom were members of very old fami-
lies who resided in Colton for many generations. They
were born and died in Yorkshire, near Leeds, England,
He is one of four children born to his parents, namely:
Hannah, William, Walter and Alfred, the subject of this
sketch.
Alfred Watson was reared and educated in Yorkshii-e,
England. He graduated from the Secroft School, in 1876,
and he later was in the employ of the North Eastern
Eailroad Company. In 1881, he came to America and
located at Monongahela City, Pa., where for several years
he was an employe of the Pennsylvania Eailroad Com-
pany. In 1898, he engaged in the jewelry business at
the corner of Second and Main Streets, where he has
since remained and greatly prospered. Mr. Watson owns
a business block at No. 164 Main Street, and also other
real estate in Monongahela City.
In 1880, Mr. Watson was married in England to Paul-
ine M. H. Harrison, and they have one daughter, Maude
H., who is the wife of Frank P. Keller, the leading archi-
tect of Monongahela City. In politics, he is a Eepub-
lican, and fraternally is a member of the B. of L. F. and
E., the Eoyal Arcanum, and a charter member of the
B. P. 0. E., No. 455, at Monongahela City. Mr. Watson
resides at Waverly Cottage, No. 101 Chess Street. He is
a vestryman and treasurer of St. Paul's Episcopal
Church, Monongahela City.
■JOSEPH D. HOENBAKE, justice of the peace, at
California, Pa., was born in this borough May 11, 1866,
and has always lived in the, residence he now occupies,
the old family home. His parents were Jacob and Ehoda
(Wilgus) Hornbake.
Jacob Hornbake was born at Belle Vernon, Fayette
County, Pa., but later lived at Coal Center, on Maple
Creek, in Washington County. When 15 years of age he
learned the cabinetmaking trade with Eev. Samuel Eock-
well, and also learned ship carpentering and worked at
the latter until 1904, coming to California after his hon-
orable period of service in the Civil War. He enlisted
with the expectation of going out in a Pennsylvania regi-
ment but the Pennsylvania quota was already full, there-
fore he became a member of Co. I, 2nd West Va. Inf.,
later the 5th West Va. Cav., in which his rank was that
of sergeant. He was wounded at the second battle of
Bull Eun. He was married at Brownsville, Pa., but
started to housekeeping at California and worked in the
ship yard at this point. His wife was a daughter of a
somewhat noted man, John Wilgus, W"ho was a very com-
petent geographer and typographer and succeeded in lay-
ing out what was accepted as the most convenient rail-
road route between the eastern states and California.
ALEXAXDKi; CASTOX
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
635
Three children were born to tho above marriage: Joseph
D., Mary and Nannie. The latter married Jesse Horn-
bake, a miller, residing at Frederickstown.
Joseph D. Hornbake was educated in the excellent
schools of his native place and was graduated from the
State Normal School in 1885. For several terms after-
ward he taught school in Allen Township and then went
to work in the ship yard and continued until 1904. He
has been interested in politics since attaining manhood
and has been a zealous worker with the Republican party.
In February, 1899, he was first elected to the office of
justice of the peace in which he is serving his third term,
giving entire satisfaction in this office to all concerned.
JOHN C. FULTON, a representative business man of
Burgettstown, Pa., doing a large grain, flour and feed
trade under the name of John C. Fulton & Co., was born
at Burgettstown on June 22, 1S47. His parents were
John J. and Margaret (Canon) Fulton.
John J. Fulton was born near Hickory, his father resid-
ing at that time on a farm on the Washington and Bur-
gettstown road. John J. became a farmer also and con-
tinued to cultivate his own land until within a few years
of his death, moving into Burgettstown when he retired.
He married Margaret Canon, a daughter of John Canon,
and they reared seven children, all of whom survive.
John C. Fulton was educated in the Burgettstown
schools and began his business career by dealing in lum-
ber, grain and feed. He subsequently closed out his inter-
ests and spent two years railroading and then returned to
Burgettstown and for several years operated a butcher
shop. Mr. Fulton then built two large warehouses and
re-entered the grain business and has a number of other
important financial interests. He is vice president of the
Burgettstown National Bank and a leading stockholder,
and is also an oil producer.
On Sept. 17, 1885, Mr. Fulton was married to Miss
Emma V. Figley, a daughter of Hugh and Elizabeth Fig-
ley, and they have two children: B. B. and Walter N.
The elder son married Bertha Karns and they have three
children : Thelma N., Helen M. and John D. The young-
er son married Katherine V. Cook. Mr. Fulton and fam-
ily are members of the First Presbyterian Church. In
politics he is a Democrat.
HABRY A. JONES, of the law firm of Birch & Jones,
at Washington, Pa., and a practitioner in all the State
and Federal Courts, is a representative citizen and a
member of one of the old pioneer families of Washing-
ton County. He was born June 9, 1873, near Mononga-
hela City, Washington Co., Pa., and is a -son of the
late Isaac W. Jones.
The family of which Mr. Jones is a worthy representa-
tive was established in Washington County by his great-
grandfather and both his grandfather, Elijah Jones, and
his father, Isaac W. Jones, were born in this county, the
latter in 1836. For many years ho was one of the most
extensive dealers in w'ool in this section, and was a man
of sterling character. His death occurred in 1901.
Harry A. Jones was about six years old when his par-
ents came to Washington borough and he was graduated
from the public schools in 1889, ranking first in his class;
following which he became a student in Washington and
Jefferson College, where he was equally brilliant and
graduated as first honor man in 1895, and two years later
received his diploma from the Pittsburg Law School. In
1897 he was admitted to the bar of Allegheny County and
became a member of the law firm of McHvaine, Murphy
& Jones, at Pittsburg, where he remained until 1909, when
he entered into practice at Washington, having been ad-
mitted to the Washington County bar in 1898. On May
1, 1909, he entered into partnership with T. F. Birch, the
firm style becoming Birch & Jones. Mr. Jones is inter-
ested in the Washington Ice Company and is one of the
board of directors.
In 1906, Mr. Jones was married to Miss Euth Craw-
ford, a daughter of W. F. Crawford, who is in the drug
business at Williamsporf, Pa., and they have one child,
Katherine Crawford. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members
of the First Methodist Episcopal Church at Washington,
in which Mr. Jones has been organist since 1891. He is
a Knight Templar Mason.
JAMES D. CAMPSEY, one of Claysville's prominent
business and public men, who served three years as bur-
gess of the borough and in other offices and for many
years has been engaged here in the mercantile line, was
born in Donegal Township, Washington Co., Pa., and
is a son of James and Isabella (Dougherty) Campsey.
Mr. Campsey bears the family name of James, the
same borne by his father and grandfather, the latter of
whom was born in County Donegal, Ireland. In very
early days he emigrated to the United States, and for a
time was located east of the mountains of Pennsylvania.
In 1801 he settled in what was then a wild region but is
now a richly cultivated portion of Washington County,
attracted thither possibly because it bore the old home
name of Donegal. Perchance he had something to do
with the naming of the township. There he lived for
many years, overcame pioneer conditions, acquired lands
and stock and in the course of nature passed away and
was succeeded by his son, James Campsey. The latter 's
life was an agricultural one but he was also interested in
public matters and gave support to both schools and reli-
gion. He was a worthy member of the Presbyterian
Church in Donegal Township. In early years a Whig, he'
later identified himself with the Republican party. His
death occurred in 1884.
636
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
James D. Campsey obtained a public scliool education
in Donegal Township and engaged there in agricultural
pursuits until he removed to Claysville. He has been one
of the most active and useful men of the borough. He
has served here in important offices and prior to this was
road supervisor in Donegal Township, and has served also
as a justice of the peace. He is a stockholder in the
Claysville Cemetery Association and was one of the incor-
porators, and is a director in the Claysville National
Bank. In politics he is a Republican and he served one
year through election by that party as street commis-
sioner of the borough.
Mr. Campsey was united in marriage with Miss Maggie
Moore, a daughter of John and Ann E. (Anderson)
Moore, of Donegal Township, and they have one surviving
son, Harry O. He is a well known dealer in furniture at
Claysville and also is an undertaker. He married Adda
Knapp and they have four children : Mrytle, Harry 0.,
James and David G. Mrs. Maggie (Moore) Campsey
died in November, 1897. She was a woman of many
lovely traits of character and was much beloved. For
many years she had been a devoted member of the Pres-
byterian Church.
JAMES MILTON McWHvLIAMS, a Ufe-long citizen
of Canonsburg, Pa., belongs to one of the old pioneer
families of Washington County. He was born in this
city when it was but a village, August 3, 1854, and is a
son of James Milton and Lydia (McCoy) McWilliams.
Both parents of Mr. McWilliams were born in Char-
tiers Township, Washington County and both died at
Canonsburg. the father in 1894, in his eighty-first year,
and the mother in July, 1907, in her eighty-sixth year.
There were twelve children born to these worthy people,
both of whom lived at peace with the world through long
and blameless lives. They reared a most creditable family
and their descendants are scattered all through Washing-
ton County. John W., the eldest son, was a soldier in
the signal service during the Civil War and died Januai-y
21, 1907. He married (first) Emma Clark, daughter of
Dr. Clark, of Washington, and (second) Louise Walker,
who survives and resides at Cottonwood Falls, Kas. Will-
iam McWilliams, the second son, was a soldier in the
Civil War, a member of Go. D, lOth Pa. Ees. He never
married and died at Canonsburg, December 25, 1908.
George and an infant daughter both died in childhood.
Mary, who is the widow of John Cook, resides at Canons-
burg. George (2) follows the trade of stone contracting,
has never married, and lives at Canonsburg. Lydia,
who ia deceased, was the wife of John Stewart. James
Milton was next in order of birth. Addison resides at
Canonsburg, where he is engaged in business as a brick
and stone mason. He married Addie Cowan. Samuel
is identified with the Comonwealth Trust Co. of Pitts-
burg. He married Ella Roberts, who is now deceased.
Hattie and Nettie, the youngest members of the family,
both reside at Canonsburg. The father owned a small
farm near Canonsburg and also worked at his trade
of wagonmaker.
James Milton McWilliams attended the schools near
his home in his boyhood but in 1873 became an appren-
tice to the stone and bricklaying trade and after acquir-
ing a complete knowledge of the same started into busi-
ness and has continued in the same line until the pres-
ent, apparently being as active as years ago. His thor-
ough knowledge and his honest methods of applying it
long since brought him the confidence and custom of
his fellow citizens and he has done a large amount of
important work in this city and vicinity. He did a part
of the building on his own commodious residence at No.
131 West College street.
On October 2, 1884, Mr. McWilliams was married to
Miss Nora Ayers, a daughter of Hiram and Mary Ann
Ayers, of Pittsburg, and they have three children: Grace,
who is a successful teacher at Meadowlands; John, who
is in the employ of the Eiter-Conley Manufacturing Co.,
of Pittsburg; and Frank, who is a student at Canons-
burg. Mr. McWilliams was reared in the Democratic
party but he is independent in his views and as he never
asks any party favors, he votes as his judgment dictates.
For many years he has been identified with Chartiers
Lodge, No. 297, F. & A. M., of Canonsburg.
OLI\'ER COLLINS POLLOCK, better known in
Washington County, Pa., as 0. C. C. Pollock, has been
engaged in the peaceful pursuits of agi-ieulture in North
Strabane Township since April, 18S1, but prior to that
had had a career which included some years of military
adventure, a chronele of which is interesting in the ex-
treme. He is a representative of one of the old and
honorable families of the county and enjoys a wide ac-
quaintance, extending to every part of it. He was born
in North Strabane Township, October 15, 1852, and is
a son of Samuel and Esther (McNary) Pollock.
The early ancestors of Mr. Pollock came to America
from Scotland in 1736 and into Washington County, Pa.,
previous to the War of the Revolution. Their names are
preserved as Samuel and Jane Pollock. Samuel Pollock
patented a tract of land in the present limits of North
Strabane Township, near Clokeyville, the same being now
owned by his great-grandson, W. T. Pollock. Samuel
Pollock had three sons: John, Samuel and William, all
of whom were prominent factors in the development of
Washington County and in many ways connected with its
early history.
Of the above sons, William Pollock was the direct an-
cestor of Oliver Collins Pollock. He married Jane Mc-
Nary and resided all his life in North Strabane Town-
OLIVER C. POLLOCK
YOR-.'
UlSTUKY OF WASHINGTON' COL'M'V
639
ship, Washington County. In early ilays ho openitcil an
oxmill, wliieh had been erected by John Calhoun, and
to this mill came settlers with their grain from many
miles around.
Samuel Pollock, a sou of William and father of Oliver
C, was a farmer and manufacturer and resided for many
years at Canonsburg. He took a prominent part in the
organization of the Republican party in Washington
County and was foremost in all local enterprises. He. wa.s
one of the organizers of the Oak Spring Cemetery Asso-
ciation and was the main support of a female seminary
in Canonsburg, known as "Olonie Institute" for several
years. This seminary occupied the site of the First
Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg, which was first
known as the David Templeton property.
Oliver C. C. Pollock in early manhood a<lded an addi
tional initial to his name, on account of having a brother
with initials of A. C. residing at the same time at Can-
onsburg, and retaineil the initial after the death of the
brother. He was taken to Canonsburg by his parents,
in 1857, and as he grew older, attended the public schools.
In 1868 and 1869 he was a student at Dixon and Dun-
bar 's Academy, which is now known as Jefferson Acad-
emy, and in 1871 and 1872, at Washington and Jefferson
College, goiug from there to Westminster College, where
he spent two years and graduated from the latter insti-
tution in the class of 1874. In the fall of that year he
entered the United Presbyterian Seminary, at Allegheny,
where he pursued his studies until the late fall of 1875.
At this time the discovery of gold in the Black Hills
was made known to the country and young men from all
points in the East were attracted thither, some with the
hope of securing fortune and others in the spirit of ad-
venture which, at various times, has been the secret of
discoveries frequently attributed to scientific research.
Among the young men, many of them students whose
lives prior to this, like Mr. Pollock's had been mainly
spent in academic halls, he resolved to visit the Black
Hills. His proposal did not meet with the approbation
of his father, and in order to get transportation to the
supposed treasure land he enlisted under the name of
Ira E. Douglass as a .soldier in the mounted service, at
the recruiting station at Pittsburg, on November 20,
1875, and was transferred from Pittsburg to Jefferson
Barracks, Mo., and from there in January, 1876, to Fort
D. A. Russell, Wyo., and assinged to Co. M, 3rd U. S.
Cav., and the young soldier took part in the winter cam-
paign against the Sioux Indians, under General Crook.
Leaving this fort on February 20, 1876, the command at-
tacked Crazy Horse village, at the mouth of Otter Creek,
in North Dakota on March 16, 1876, after making a
forced march of twenty-four hours, with the thermometer
registering forty-five degrees below zero. The command
did not get back to Fort Fetterman, from which place
they were out twenty-six days, and the average tempera-
ture was twenty-six below zero, until March 29th. This
was a rough experience for the prospective young gold
miner and soldier of fortune, but it was only a beginning
of experiences he had scarcely conceived of previously.
In June, 1876, his command participated in the summer
campaign against Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull's bands
of Sioux Indians, the memorable campaign in which the
brave Gen. Custer lost his life. In May, 1876, Gen.
(Jrook's command left Fort Russell and on the 17th of
June engaged in a running light with 3,300 Sioux on
Rosebud River and were within three miles of the death
trap at the mouth of Dead Man's Canyon, in Montana,
and were only saved from Custer's fate through the
sagacity of Frank Guiard, a half-breed scout, who was
with the party. Buffalo Bill, Wild Bill and Texas Jack,
all notable scouts, were also with this command. The
tight on June 17, 1876, was practically a draw. Gen.
Crook was obliged to return fifty miles to his supply
station for ammunition, and the Custer disaster followed
within a few days. On August 5, 1876, Gen. Crook left
the supply camp with his troops to avenge Gen. Custer.
They trailed the Indians through the Yellow Stone and
Powder River valleys, and on the 29th reached the edge
of the Bad Lands. For ten days the command was lost
here, having missed the trail, but on September 9th,
American Horse 's village was located and destroyed as
was another Indian village eight days later, and in this
fight Wild Bill lost his life. The command finally landed
in the Black Hills, October 5, 1876, after much hard-
ship on account of the supplies having run out, the men
having to subsist on rosebuds and horse flesh. This
experience in the Black Hills and Bad Lands completely
cured Mr. Pollock of his attack of gold fever and he
decided to serve out his time and then, as fast as possible,
return to his native State. He still had many experi-
ences, however, before he saw again the welcome sights
of home. He was on duty at Fort Sheridan, near the
Spotted Tail Agency, in the winter of 1877, when Crazy
Horse went on a rampage, and it was Mr. Pollock who
was detailed to carry the news to the Red Cloud Agency,
a distance of forty-five miles, and he accomplished this
courageous feat within four hours. He was present at
the rounding up of Wild Hog and Yellow Hand bands
of Cheyenne Indians, in 1877, and assisted in the removal
of the Spotted Tail and Red Cloud bands of Sioux to the
Ponca Reservation, and subsequently, in 1878, to the
Pine Ridge .-Agency. He was stationed at Fort Sidney,
Xeb. ; Fort McKinney, Wyo. ; Camp Rawlins, Fort Lara-
mie and Fort D. A. Russell during the remainder of his
service and received his honorable and welcome discharge
on November 19, 1880. He reached the old homestead
in Canonsburg, in December, 1880, and in April, 1881, em-
barked in farming on the old Judge McDowell farm in
640
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
North Strabane Township, that property being then
owned by his father, Samuel Pollock. In 1884, Mr. Pol-
lock erected his present residence, and on December 18,
1884, moved into it, and has continued his farm interests
here ever since. He has taken a somewhat active interest
in county poUtics, and on the Republican ticket has been
elected to numerous township offices, serving as auditor, tax
collector, notary public and justice of the peace, and for
five years has been chairman of the present committee.
In December, 1880, Mr. Pollock was married to Miss
Anna Belle Weaver, a daughter of Thomas D. 'Weaver,
of North Strabane Township, and to them have been born
the following children: Bessie J., Viola P., Oscar D.,
Eliza W., Inez E., Edna L., Adis C, Earl Collins and
Samuel Blaine McDonald. The eldest daughter is the
wife of E. L. Campbell, of Midway, Pa. AU the children
survive with the exception of Edna L., who died aged
four months. Mr. Pollock and family are members of
the Greenside Avenue United Presbyterian Church at
Canonsburg.
JOHN S. CEAIG, a representative of one of Wash-
ington County's old and respected families, who is en-
gaged in general farming and stock raising in Hopewell
Township, was born in Independence Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., July 4, 1851, and is a son of WUliam and
Margaret (McFadden) Craig, the former of whom died
in 1890.
John S. Craig was educated in the schools of Inde-
pendence and HopeweU Townships and ever since early
manhood 'has devoted himself to agricultural pursuits
. and has always resided in his native county.
On December 1, 1886, Mr. Craig was married to Miss
Kate Bates, of an old family of Independence Town-
ship. She is a daughter of Conrad and Isabella (Gil-
more) Bates, both deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Craig the
following children have been born: Alvin McMurray,
who lives at home; Mary Belle, who is a student in the
Indiana Normal School; Margaret Leanna; John Stan-
ley, and Bessie Luella. Mr. and Mrs. Craig are members
of the United Presbyterian Church at West Middletown,
of which he has been a trustee for twenty years, and
Mrs. Craig belongs to the missionary society and takes
a great deal of interest in the work. Mr. Craig is a Ee-
publican as are his brothers and was their late father.
He has served as school director and at present is road
supervisor.
MORRIS R. WEIR, a retired farmer, residing for the
past two years in a comfortable home at No. 99 Donnan
avenue, Washington, Pa., for many years was actively
engaged in farming and stock raising in South Franklin
Township. Mr. Weir was born in 1846, in South Frank-
lin Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of
Joseph Weir, who was born in Morris Township in 1800,
the family being among the earliest settlers of the town-
ship.
Morris R. Weir was reared on a farm and obtained his
education in the country schools. Prior to coming to
Washington he carried on extensive agricultural opera-
tions for many years, paying special attention to sheep
growing, dealing only in improved stock. At times he
had as many as 400 head of sheep at once. In 1906 he
built his fine brick residence in Washington. ,
In October, 1872, Mr. Weir was married to Miss Sarah
J. McClain, who was born in Washington County and is
a daughter of James McClain. Mr. and Mrs. Weir are
members of the Central Presbyterian Church, of which
he is an elder. Formerly he took considerable interest
in the public affairs of South Franklin Township and
served on the school board for eleven years.
JOHN A. YOUNG, vice-president of the Star Brew-
ing Company, a business enterprise of considerable im-
portance at Washington, has been a resident of this city
for twenty years and is identified with many of its
interests. He was born in 1871, in the eastern part of
Washington County, Pa., and is a son of Jacob Young,
for many years a substantial farmer in North Franklin
Township, Washington County.
John A. Young attended the schools near his father's
farm and later the Washington schools. His first busi-
ness experience was as bookkeeper for the firm of Joseph
M. Spriggs & Son, and later he was connected with Will-
iam Forgie, in the lumber business, for four years, going
from there to the Crescent Brewing Company for one
year. Mr. Young then went into business for himself
and for the past six years has been vice-president of the
Star Brewing Company, the products of which are known
all over this section.
In 1896, Mr. Young was married to Miss Ida Redd,
who was born in Amwell Township, Washington Co., Pa.
JAMES H. VAN KIRK, one of the prominent and
substantial citizens of AmweU Township, owns and oper-
ates in association with his brother, Francis J. Van Kirk,
about 300 acres of land, engaging in farming and stock
raising under the firm name of Van Kirk Brothers. Mr.
Van Kirk has been a life-long resident of Amwell Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of Hiram and
Anna F. (Hughes) Van Kirk, both of whom were also
natives of Amwell Township, both families belonging to
the old settled class in this section.
Hiram Van Kirk died July 22, 1908, having passed his
entire life in Amwell Township. He was a son of Capt.
Joseph Van Kirk and a grandson of Jacob Van Kirk,
the latter of whom was one of the early setlers who came
to western Pennsylvania from New Jersey. The late
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
641
Hiram Van Kirk was a man of large means, having
devoted a long life to farming and stock raising and
having mot with success in his uuderlakiugs. He was a
liberal supporter of the Christian Church at Lone Pine,
Pa. In his political sentiments he was a Jacksouiau
Democrat. He married Anna F. Hughes and their two
childien survive: James H. and Francis J.
James U. Van Kirk obtained a district school educa-
tion and has made agricultural industries his main busi-
ness through life. His father was a successful breeder
of Shorthorn cattle and an extensive wool grower and
the sons have continued to prosper in the same line. Of
their large estate 152 acres comprise the homestead
farm. They are recognized as good business men and
both are held in high esteem as citizens. In politics
they are Democrats and on the Democratic ticket, James
H. Van Kirk was elected a member of the school board
of the township, in February, 1909. They are heartily
in favor of the good roads movement and would be
pleased to see more general interest taken in something
that is of such vital interest to the agricultural regions.
The Van Kirk brothers are associated in business and
their interests in many things are the same. They give
liberal support to the Christian Church at Lone Pine.
ROBERT D. CRAIG, one of Hopewell Township's
leading farmers, owns 147 acres of valuable land and
makes stock raising, and sheep growing in particular, a
prominent feature of his work. He was born in Inde-
pendence Township, Washington Co., Pa., September 4,
1867, and is a son of William and Margaret (DalzeU)
Craig. The father died October 3, 1890, and the mother
died September 5, 1908.
Robert D. Craig attended the district schools of Hope-
well and Independence townships, when about twenty
years of age went to farming for his father and con-
tinued at home and after the death of his father took
charge of the home farm.
Mr. Craig was married February 10, 1909, to Miss
Lucy Carl, a daughter of Henry and Lucy (McPherson)
Carl, formerly of Independence Township, and they have
a son, Robert Carl Craig, born December 1, 1909. Like
his father, Mr. Craig is a stanch Republican and he has
served three terms as road supervisor. He is a member
of Pomona Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
MEL S. MOORHEAD, who conducts a furniture store
at McDonald, and is one of the representative business
men of the place, was born in Washington County, Pa.,
May 9, 1874, and is a son of William B. and Margaret
(Johnston) Moorhead.
William B. Moorhead was a son of Samuel and Eliza-
beth (Sprowl) Moorhead. For many years he engaged
in farming in Cecil Township and wa.s a leading citizen
there, serving in township oUices and for two years was
a justice of the peace. He married Margaret Johnston,
a daughter of Thomas and Susannah (Scott) Johnston,
natives of County Donegal, Ireland. Both William B.
Moorhead and wife are now deceased and their burial
was in Arlington Cemetery. They had the following
children : Rosena, who is the wife of Dr. W. A. La
Ross, of JIcDonald; Mel S. ; T. B., who lives in Cali-
fornia; and R. J., whose home is in Philadelphia.
Mel S. Moorhead was educated in the public schools
and Ingleside Academy, which formerly was a somewhat
noted educational institution at McDonald. After com-
pleting his school attendance, he went into the furniture
business at McDonald, serving for two years as an em-
ploye of S. H. Cook, during that time gaining knowledge
and experience, and then went into partnership with
J. F. Giffin. Later he bought Mr. Giffin 's interest and
has continued alone ever since. He carries a large stock
which includes furniture, carpets, stoves and general
housefurnishings.
In July, 1908, Mr. Moorhead was married to Miss
Bessie Douglass, a daughter of T. M. and Julia (McCaus-
land) Douglass, residents of McDonald. She has three
brothers : Robert, J. A. and Leon, the second named
being a physician at McDonald. Mr. and Mrs. Moor-
head are members of the First United Presbyterian
Church at McDonald. In politics, he is a Republican.
He is one of the directors in the First National Bank
at McDonald, and is also a stockholder in the Water and
Electric Light Company.
Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead have one daughter, Julia
Douglass, whose welcome was given her on April 16,
1909.
WINFIELD McILVAINE, senior member of the well
known law firm of Mcllvaine and Clark, with offices at
No. 410 Washington Trust Building, Washington, Pa.,
is a man of prominence throughout this section of Penn-
sylvania, not alone for his successes in the legal profes-
sion, but as well for his activity in the field of journal-
ism, and the results he accomplished in behalf of the
Republican party. Mr. Mcllvaine was born in Somerset
Township, Washington Co., Pa., January 30, 1856, and
is a son of S. B. and Catherine (Hill) Mcllvaine.
S. B. Mcllvaine, the father, was one of the substan-
tial men and representative farmers of eastern Wash-
ington County, where the family has long been estab-
lished. The Hills, to which family his wife belongs,
are an old and prominent family of the southeastern part
of the county. S. B. and Catherine Mcllvaine became
parents of the following children: Winfield; Arabelle,
who is the widow of William M. Irwin; Ella Laveme,
642
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
who is the wife of Josiah Thomas; Lena, who is the wife
of E. A. NichoU; and U. G., Julia, who is the wife of
Julius W. Nicholl; and Edwin L.
Winfield Mellvaine was educated in the local schools
and at Canonsburg Academy, attending that institution
for two years. During the winter of 1876-7 he taught
in the district schools of Somerset Township, and in the
fall of the latter year he entered as a sophomore, Wash-
ington and JefEerson College, from which he was gradu-
ated with honors, in June, ISSO. Prior to this, in June,
1879, he had commenced his law studies, in the office
and under the direction of his cousin, Hon. J. A. Mell-
vaine, later president judge of the Forty-seventh Judi-
cial District. The two years immediately following his
graduation were spent on his father's farm with a view
to recuperating his physical powers, which had been
greatly taxed by his close application to his studies. He
also engaged in teaching school to some extent, during
this period.
In the fall of 1882, he began his activity in politics,
as secretary of the Republican County Committee, in
which capacity he served during the campaign of that
and the three succeeding years. In 1883, at the June
term of court, he was admitted to the bar of Washing-
ton County, and in the fall of the same year, he pur-
chased of Hon. E. F. Acheson, an interest in the Wash-
ington ' ' Observer, ' ' which was the recognized exponent
of Bepublican principles in Washington County. He
continued in this relation until October, 1890, when he
disposed of his interest to Mr. Acheson. On January 1,
1891, he entered into the general practice of law in asso-
ciation with Hon. J. F. Taylor, the partnership of Tay-
lor and McHvaine continuing until June 25, 1895, and
enjoying a prestige throughout this whole section of
Pennsylvania. . After the dissolution of this firm, Mr.
McHvaine became a partner of W. S. Parker, Esq., under
the name and style of Parker & McHvaine, a combination
of legal talent which continued until April 1, 1904, when
the firm was enlarged to that of Parker, Mellvaine and
Clark, by the addition of Norman E. Clark, Esq. This
firm continued until April 1, 1907, when Mr. Parker
withdrew, leaving the firm as it now stands, McHvaine
and Clark. Mr. McHvaine has also been identified with
various enterprises of Washington, and at the present
time is a director of the Washington Trust Company.
On October 19, 1892, Mr. McHvaine was united in
marriage with Elizabeth S. Stewart, who is a daughter
of the late Galbraith Stewart. They reside on East
Maiden street. They are members of the First Presby-
terian Church of Washington.
C. P. PAXTON, M. D., physician and surgeon at Cali-
fornia, Pa., who is professionally associated with Dr.
John Leslie Mercer, his step-father, enjoys a large prac-
tice and is located in the First National Bank building.
He was born near McConnell's Mill, not far from Can-
onsburg, Washington Co., Pa., July 15, 1876, and is a
son of Thomas and Eliza (Cornelius) Paxton.
The father of Dr. Paxton died when the son was eight
years old. Later, his mother married Dr. John Leslie
Mercer, who, in 1908, sold out his medical practice at
Eldersville, Washington County, where he had been lo-
cated for nineteen years, and came to California. Dr.
Mercer was born on a farm in Franklin Township, four
miles west of Washington, and is a son of Z. and Nancy
(Walker) Mercer. He is well known all over the coun-
ty, having taught school some ten terms, six near Can-
onsburg, one in Franklin and one in Buffalo Township
and two at Canton, prior to entering upon medical prac-
tice. He is a graduate of the Western University of
Pennsylvania. He is a. member of the Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church.
When Dr. Paxton 's mother remarried, the family went
to live at Eldersville and there he attended school and
afterward taught six terms of school, five of these in
Washington County and one in Allegheny County. This
was before he entered upon the study of medicine, which
he pursued for several years and was then graduated
from the medical department of the Western University
of Pennsylvania, in the class of 1905. He came then
to California and has built up a good practice.
Dr. Paxton married Miss Claire Mae Philips, and they
have one daughter, Pauline Philips Paxton. Dr. Paxton
attends the Cumberland Presbyterian Church but is af-
filiated with the United Presbyterian. He is identified
with the Masonic fraternity.
GEOEGE HAZEN MURPHY, M. D., one of the lead-
ing and successful practitioners of the medical profes-
sion at Monongahela City, Pa., was born November 18,
1869, on a farm in Fayette County, Pa., and is a son of
James and Harriet (Hazen) Murphy, both of whom were
born in Fayette County, and are still living on the farm
in Franklin Township. The parents of our subject
reared a family of eight children : Delmer ; Phoebe,
married Frank Brook; George Hazen, the subject of this
sketch; Elizabeth; Dorcas; Anna; Walter; and Watson.
Dr. Murphy was reared on his father 's farm and at-
tended the district schools of that locality, later taking
a course at the California, Pa., Normal School, and when
about seventeen years of age began teaching, in which he
continued three years. He then attended Mt. Union
College, finally entering the medical department of the
Western University at Pittsburg, Pa., from which he
graduated in the spring of 1894. He first embarked in
the practice of medicine at Kammerer, Washington Coun-
ty for two years, then came to Monongahela City in
1906, where he has since been located, having recently
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
643
purchased his present ollieo ami residence on Main street.
Dr. Murphy has established an enviable reputation as
one of the successful physicians of Monongahela City,
where he enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice. He
is a stockholder of the First National Bank of Mononga-
hela City, and is secretary and treasurer of the Citizens'
Uas Company, of which he was one of the organizers. In
politics he is identified with the Democratic party, and
has served six years as a member of the school board. He
is alliliated with the 1. O. O. F., and the i\ O. E. orders.
Dr. Murphy was united in marriage with Mary E.
Hoffmann, a daughter of Andrew A. Hoffmann, deceased,
who was one of the leading attorneys of Washington,
Pa. Dr. Murphy has one son, George Hazen, Jr. Dr.
and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Presbyterian
Church.
ROBERT r. LINN, secretary and treasurer of the
Burgettstown Milling and Plate Ice Company and presi-
dent of the borough council, is identified with a number
of the leading business enterprises of this place and is
one of the represent alive citizens. He was born in Cum-
berland County, Pa., June 27, 1873.
Robert F. Linn was born in an adjoining county but
Washington lays claim to him as he was educated here
and at Concord, Ohio, completing his studies at Pitts-
burg. He came then to Burgettstown and for nine years
was a member of the lumber firm of Linn Brothers.
After his marriage he settled in West Burgettstown, where
he still resides. He is a .stockholder as well as officer in
the Milling and Plate lee Company, of Burgettstown;
and is a stockholder in the Burgettstown National Bank.
His business interests are numerous and he is credited
with being a very able financier.
On September 24, 1901, Mr. Linn was married to Miss
Emma Scott, a daughter of Robert Scott, of Florence,
Pa., and they have two sons : Charles S. and Robert P.
Mr. and Mrs. Linn are members of the First Presbyterian
Church. In politics he is a Democrat and is a very ac-
tive, progressive citizen. He is identified with both the
Masons and the Odd Fellows.
GEORGE L. BARR, an honored veteran of the Civil
War and a well known retired citizen, resides in his com-
fortable home at No. 116 Hall avenue, Washington, Pa.,
to which city he came in 1884. He was born November
lA, 184.3, in Clarion County, Pa., but was mainly reared
in Butler County.
George L. Barr attended the country schools and as-
sisted on the home farm until he was eighteen years of
age, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War and
has a most creditable record, having bravely faced the
enemy on many a field of carnage and endured the hor'
rors of prLson life for many months. A detailed history
of the years of his life from 1861, when he entered the
service, young and enthusiastic, to his honorable discharge
at the close of the war, in 1865, would make many pages
of interesting reading. He was a member of Company
K, 103rd Pa. Vol. Inf., which was at first attached to
the division commanded by Gen. McClelland. Prior to
being taken prisoner by the Confederate forces at Ply-
mouth, N. C, Mr. Barr participated in the battles of
Fair Oaks; the seven days of fighting before Richmond,
Va.; Kingston, N. C; White Hall, N. C; Goldsboro and
Plymouth. At the latter place, on' April 20, 1864, Mr.
Barr was unfortunate enough to fall into the hands of
the enemy and was immediately dispatched to Anderson-
ville Prison, Ga. He was confined there four months,
escaping the sad fate which overtook thousands of his
comrades, whose memory, at this late day, has been com-
memorated by a memorial shaft. He was not much bet-
ter off, however, when transferred to Charlotte, and three
weeks later to the prison at Florence. From the latter
place he made a daring escape, but to no purpose as he
was soon recaptured and placed in the military jail at
Georgetown, S. C. After one month there, he was sent
back to Florence and was retained there until December
8, 1864, when he was sent to Camp Parole, at Annapolis,
Md., and in March, 1865, was regularly exchanged. Once
more within the Union lines, he was detailed on guard
duty, first at Roanoke Island, N. C, and later at New-
bern, and was there at the time of his discharge.
Mr. Barr returned to Pennsylvania as speedily as pos-
.sible and soon proceeded to Oil City, where he went into
the oil business, later moved into the Butler and Arm-
strong county fields, during a large part of this time
being engaged as a driller. In 1884 he came to Washing-
ton and helped drill the Hess gas well, which was the first
well drilled for the Light, Heat & Power Company, of'
Washington. He continued to work as a driUer until
1900, when he retired. Since taking up his residence in
Washington, he has been an active and useful citizen
and for four year.s has been a member of the city coun-
cil, representing the Second Ward.
On July 7, 1867, Mr. Barr was married to Miss Cather-
ine Benton, and they have five children, namely: Harry
F., John E., Sarah Alice, Berton B., and George C.
Harry F. Barr has charge of the South Penn Oil Com-
jiany's drilling crews, of Lincoln County, W. Va. John
E. Barr works in an oil well supply store at Pittsburg.
Sarah Alice resides at home. Berton B. is a weU known
attorney at Washington. George C. Barr served in the
Philippine Islands as captain of Co. H, 10th Pa. N. G.
Mr. Barr is a member of the Jefferson Avenue Methodist
Episcopal Church and is a trustee of the same, and he
belongs to Templeton Post, G. A. R. of Washington.
644
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
WILLIAM JAMES BEOWN, a representative citizen
of Cross Creek Township and a leader in its public af-
fairs, at present serving as school director and road su-
pervisor, is a member of one of the old and respected
families of this section. He is one of the heirs of the
old homestead farm of 126 acres, which property is ex-
ceedingly valuable, being underlaid with Pittsburg vein
coal. He was born in Cross Creek Township, Washing-
ton Co., Pa., March 23, 1840, and is a son of James and
Jane (Shoals) Brown.
The parents of Mr. Brown were born in Ireland and
were married in the city of Philadelphia. They came to
Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1837,
and there passed the remainder of their days. They had
the following children: John, who is now deceased;
William James, of Cross Creek Township; Sarah, who
married Lewis Irwin, and had six children — James, Ida,
Anna, Robert, Jessie and Bert; David, who is now de-
ceased, at one time was sheriff of Brooke County, W.
Va. ; Thomas, who resides in Colorado Springs; and Jo-
seph R., who lives in Independence Township.
William James Brown attended the district schools in
Cross Creek Township until he vras sixteen years old and
then learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked
for some thirty years. He was an expert and satisfactory
workman but after this long period he became afflicted
with rheumatism and decided to change his business for
one that would give him more out-door work. He had
accumulated a competency and was able to invest in a
farm of forty acres which proved valuable to him in more
ways than one. It gave him the needed change of em-
ployment and as coal was discovered underlying it, the
Wabash Railroad extended a line to tap this region and
Mr. Brown was able to lay. off his farm in lots and sell
for excellent prices. A number of residences have been
built on this land, which adjoins the town of Avella. The
old Wells mill, a landmark, stood on the farm when Mr.
Brown purchased, but it was razed in 1898. The former
farm is now known as Browntown.
On January 31, 1867, Mr. Brown was married to Miss
Margaret Phillips, a daughter of David and Margaret
(Stevenson) Phillips, of Cross Creek Township, and they
have had the following children born to them: Jane E.,
who was born December 5, 1867, married James Walker ;
Maggie S., who was born July 24, 1870, married J. R.
Crawford and they live at Wheeling, W. Va. ; David C,
born August 14, 1873, married Mattie Roney, a daughter
of W. 6. Roney, of Buffalo, and they live at Hubbard,
Ohio ; John C, who was born October 27, 1876, married
Mary Latimer, daughter of George Latimer, of West
Virginia, and they live in Cross Creek Township; Anna
Mary, who was born October 11, 1879, married L. M.
Irwin, and they live in Avella; George L., who was born
.January 18, 1882, and Alice B., who was born July 24,
1884, both reside at home. Mr. Brown and family be-
long to the Presbyterian Church at Independent. In pol-
itics he has always been a Democrat. He has beeu chosen
by his feUow citizens to fill numerous oflBces of responsi-
bility, served one term on the grand jury and several
times on the petit jury and has served the township care-
fully and faithfully as road supervisor, school director
and election judge, all this local prominence going to
prove the high regard in which he is held by his follow
citizens. For more than forty years he has been a Free
Mason.
DAVID HART, a prominent citizen of Canonsburg, a
member of the town council, is also an honored veteran
of the Civil War. He was born in South Strabane Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., January 10, 1826, and is a
son of Andrew and Mary (Fergus) Hart.
Tracing the Hart family back to the great-grandfather,
Andrew Hart, it is found that he was of Scotch-Irish
ancestry and lived and died in Adams County, Pa., and
was buried at Marsh Creek. David Hart, son of Andrew
and grandfather of David Hart, came to Washington
County as a volunteer in the service of General Wash-
ington and was so impressed with the beauty of the land-
scape, the excellence of the soil and the value of the
forest trees, that he resolved to some time return and
establish his home here. His birth had taken place in
Adams County and he returned there, married, and in
1807 brought his family to Somerset Township, near
Vanceville, where he subsequently died. He was buried
in the grounds of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church.
His first wife was Sarah Paxton and his second wife
was a Mrs. Butler. The children born to the first union
were: Andrew, Maria, James G., David, Jane, John and
William. Jane married Henry Newkirk and died in
Wayne County. Maria married John Fergus, who died
in Washington. William moved to Ashland County, Ohio,
and died in Jonestown, Washington County. The chil-
dren of the second marriage were as follows: Dunning,
who resides at Washington; Margaret, who is now de-
ceased, married a Mr. Kerr; and Eliza, who is the wife
of Arde Hosack, resides at Scenery Hill, Washington
County.
Andrew Hart, father of David Hart, was born near
Gettysburg, Adams Co., Pa., and in 1807 accompanied his
parents to Washington County. In 1848 he settled in the
village of Canonsburg and died in this place in 1861. 5e
married Mary Fergus and to them were born two sons
and four daughters, the only survivor of the family be-
ing the subject of this biography. His one brother,
Samuel F. Hart, died at Hickory, Washington County,
in 1907. He had been twice married, first to a Miss
Ayres, of Illinois, and second to a Miss Atcheson, of
Washington County. A son and a daughter were born
TTISTOTfY OF WASTTINCiTON COUNTY
645
to the secoiiil union, the later of whom is deceased. The
son is J. Krnest Hart, of Hickory. None of the sisters
of Mr. Hart ever married. Two of them died before
reaching maturity. Three are interred in the Canons-
burg Cemetery and one, Isabella, was buried at West
Middletown.
David Hart obtained his education in the schools of
South Strabane Township and at West Middletown. He
then went to West Alexander and there spent three years
working in the carriage and wagonmaking shops, thor-
oughly learning the trade. In 1851 he crossed the plains
to California, making the long journey with ox-teams,
and by the time he returned to Washington County had
been away for three years. They were filled with many ad-
ventures and it is with much interest that he recalls
the home journey across the celebrated Isthmus of Pana-
ma. He had done fairly well in the far West and had
enough capital to enable him to buy a good farm, situ-
ated in Chartiers Township, one mUe north of Canons-
burg, upon which he settled with the idea of spending
his life in agricultural pursuits. The year 1854, however,
was one of severe and prolonged drouth and the whole
country suffered from the withholding of moisture. This
discouraged Mr. Hart and caused him to turn his atten-
tion again to the West and in May, 1855, he again
started for California, where he worked as a carpenter
and engaged in trading and mining, meeting with many
adventures and enduring hardships which prepared the
way for his later life in the army during the Civil War.
While at Jacksonville, Ore., he was one of a band of
volunteers who went out to subdue the Indians who had
been capturing emigrant trains. He was also one of the
band of brave men under Capt. John Ross that went out
from Clear Lake and Lost River and distributed pro-
■visions to the suffering emigrants on the lava beds on the
Toute to California. When the Civil War seemed immi-
nent, he returned to Washington County, ready to enlist
in defense of the Union. The first company accepted by
the governor, Hon. Simon Cameron, was organized in
June, 1861, and in August, 1862, Mr. Hart became a
member of it, this being the famous Ringold Cavalry.
He was sworn into the service under Capt. John Keys
and left for the command at Beverly, W. Va. On July
10, 1863, at Cold Springs, Md., he received three gunshot
wounds at the same time, two in his abdomen on the
right and one through his lungs, and, remarkable as it
may seem, these bullets still remain in his body. He was
left unconscious on Fairview Mountain, in the care of sev-
■eral of his comrades, while the enemy was driven across
the river. These comrades succeeded in transporting him
to Cumberland, where his wife met him and brought him
home. Under her skillful and tender ministrations he
recuperated and on the second Tuesday in October fol-
lowing, he voted and then rejoined his regiment.
In March, 1864, he was given a furlough of thirty
days and enjoyed these at home and then went back to
Cumberland. The seven companies from Washington
County and five companies from the eastern part of
Pennsylvania, were included in the 22nd Pa. Cav., form-
ing the regiment under command of Col. Jacob Higgins,
and it was allotted to the 8th Army Corps. It was under
different commanders but mainly under Gen. B. F. Kelly,
who commanded the Department of West Virginia. In
the spring of 1865, Mr. Hart was promoted to be quarter-
master-sergeant and was with the regiment in all its
movements in the Shenandoah Valley until the close of
the war. By general order he was mustered out at New
Creek and was paid off at Pittsburg in the latter part
of June, 1865.
Mr. Hart then went into the business of stock buying
and selling and was in partnership with Matthew Wilson
for seven years. Later he formed a partnership with
his brothers-in-law, Paxton Bros., in the same line of
business, including butchering, also, under the firm name
of Hart, Harsha & Co. he built and operated the Char-
tiers Woolen Factory at Canonsburg, which was destroyed
by fire February 28, 1887. For some years after this
destruction of his property, he continued to handle stock.
Since 1872 he has occupied his present handsome residence
which is situated on the corner of Pike street and Green-
.side avenue, Washington.
On October 4, 1860, Mr. Hart was married to Miss
Annie Power, a daughter of Ezra Power, of Washington
County. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are members of the First
Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. He is an active,
useful citizen and serves acceptably as a member of the
town council and has been burgess. In politics he is a
Republican. He is a member of Thomas Paxton Post,
No. 126, G. A. R., being the present commander. This
post was named in honor of his brother-in-law, Thomas
Paxton, who fell at the battle of the Wilderness.
JOHN N. McDowell, justice of the peace and prom-
inent citizen of Buffalo Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
was born in this township, January 23, 1856, and is a son
of John and Sarah (Brownlee) McDowell, and a grand-
son of Joseph McDowell, who may have been born in
Scotland, but was a very early settler in Washington
County.
The late John McDowell was one of Buffalo Township's
distinguished men. He had been afforded excellent edu-
cational advantages, attending Washington College in his
earlier years and also teaching school for a time, but later
he directed his attention along agricultural lines and
became particularly interested in raising sheep. Wool
growing in this section has long been a very important
industry and to such intelligent men as the late John
McDowell, may be attributed a large measure of its im-
646
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
portance, for not only through investigation and experi-
ment has the best kind of wool been discovered to make
the growing of sheep profitable to the American farmer,
but through knowledge of public affairs and legislative
action, its scope and expediency has been proved. For
years Mr. McDowell made this industry a subject of deep
study and he became such an authority on the subject
that when the tariff bill was under consideration during
the administration of the late lamented President Mc-
Banley, he was an important witness called before the
committee. His first acquaintance and association with
William McKinley was when the latter was a member of
Congress, acting with him in the classification of the wool
in preparing the schedule for the tariff bill which was
passed and known as the McKinley bill.
He was a leader in agricultural movements in Washing-
ton County, served as president of the Pennsylvania State
Agricultural Society for a number of years and at the
time of his death was serving as commissioner of the
Cumberland Road, an appointment made by the governor
of Pennsj-lvania. In that office he served mth efficiency
for seven years. In politics he was a Republican and at
various times he accepted public office in Buffalo Town-
ship, ser-(-ing long as a justice of the peace, but the
larger portion of his life was devoted, as mentioned
above, to the wool industry and to the various questions
arising concerning so important a branch of agricultural
work. On his own property he raised the Saxony-Merino
sheep and from the soft and pliable wool obtained was
fashioned the beautiful and admired suit of clothes worn
by President McKinley at the time of his second inau-
guration. From the same web of cloth different members
of the family had suits or cloaks made. A personal
friendship existed between him and John McDowell, each
admiring the other for their sterling qualities.
John McDowell was twice married and his second wife
still survives and resides on the homestead in Buffalo
Township. He was the father of the following children;
F. Vina, who lives in Buffalo Township; Samuel B., who
is a physician in practice at Philadelphia; Emma J., who
lives in Buffalo Township; John N. ; William J., who
resides at Scottdale; and Kizzie, who lives in Buffalo
Township. Mr. McDowell was a member of the First
United Presbyterian Church at Washington. His death
occurred August 26, 1899.
John N. McDowell was reared to manhood in Buffalo
Township and attended Canonsburg Academy until his
graduation in 1875, and subsequently graduated from the
Iron City Business College at Pittsburg, in 1877. For
several years after he returned from college he served
as a clerk in a mercantile establishment at Washington
and then became a school teacher, spending about fifteen
winter terms as such. He also was extensively interested
in farming and stock raising for a number of years but
latterly has given a large portion of his time to the duties
of public office. He is serving in his third term as justice
of the peace and it was Justice McDowell who organized
the Association of Justices of the Peace and Aldermen,
of Washington County, of which he is serving as secretary.
He has also served as auditor of Buffalo Township, as
assessor and as road supervisor. His prominence has long
since been established and his reliability and public spirit
have never been questioned.
Mr. McDowell married Miss Viola Melvin, a daughter
of Samuel Melvin, a former well known citizen who was
proprietor of the old Fulton House which occupied the
present site of the Washington Trust building. Eight
children have been bom to Mr. and Mrs. McDowell:
Harry M., who lives in Buffalo Township ; Helena, who is
the wife of Albert Weirich, of Canton Township; Stella,
who is a teacher in the public schools: Margaret; John,
who is a student in Washington and Jefferson College;
Sarah, who is a successful teacher; Samuel B., who is a
student at Washington and Jefferson; and Nellie, who is
deceased. The family attends the East Buffalo Presby
terian Church, of which he is an elder. Formerly he was
secretary of Lagonda Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.
BERTON B. BAER, a well known member of the
Washington bar, who has been in the active practice of
his profession in this city since the spring of 1903, was
born December 26, 1874, in Butler County, Pa., and is a
son of George L. and Catherine (Benton) Barr.
Mr. Barr was ten years old when his parents came to
Washington. For many years and until he retired from
business activity, his father had been interested in the
oil industry. Berton B. Barr attended the public schools
of Washington, graduating from the Washington high
school in 1894, after which he entered Washington and
Jefferson College and was graduated from that institu-
tion in 1899. With this literary foundation, Mr. Barr
then entered upon the study of law, and in 1901, he was
graduated from the Dickinson School of Law, at Car-
lisle, Pa. In March, 1903, he was admitted to the Wash-
ington County bar and subsequently to the Supreme and
Superior Courts of the State. He has been connected
with a number of prominent eases of litigation and has
demonstrated his legal ability on numerous occasions.
He takes some part in politics and evinces a public-
spirited interest in all that promises to be of advantage
to Washington. He was reared in the Presbyterian
Church.
REV. WILLIAM DICKSON IRONS, D. D., pastor of
the First United Presbyterian Church at McDonald, Pa.,
was bom in Beaver County, Pa., July 16, 1852, and is
a son of Joseph and Margaret (Douds) Irons.
The fatlier of Rev. Iron.s, who died in 1890, was born
YOR-C
:\RY
FERNAXD A. THOMASSY
HlSTOliY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
649
in Beaver l.'ouiity, and was a sou of Solomon and Kachol
(Dickson) Irons. Joseph Irons engaged in fanning
tliroughout his active life. He mju'ried Margaret Douds,
who is a daughter of John and Mary (Hutchison) Douds.
Her grandfather was killed by the British while serving
as a soldier in the Kevolutionary War. To Joseph and
Margaret Irons the following children were born: John,
who is a distinguished minister in the United Presby-
terian body, for many years was a member of the facul-
ty of Xenia Theological Seminary; Rachel, who is the
wife of Dr. O. R. Shannon, resides in Allegheny City,
which is also the home of her mother; William D. ; Jo-
seph, who is engaged in the real estate business at Koch-
ester, Pa.; Mary, who is the wife of Edgar Heffley, who
is auditor for the America Aluminum Works, at Alle-
gheny City; Elizabeth, who married J. McCready, an
oil producer ; and James, who is in the mercantile busi-
ness.
William Dickson Irons obtained his primary educa-
tion in the schools of Beaver County and from them en-
tered Westminster College, at New Wilmington, Pa., sub-
sequently attending the Allegheny Theological Seminary.
Dr. Irons came to McDonald in 1880, finding the church
but poorly supplied with accommodations. Through his
energy, zeal and executive ability, the small frame build-
ing soon gave way to the present commodious brick
church edifice and tliis charge has become one of the
important ones of the denomination. When Dr. Irons
became the pastor of the present church he had other
claims on his time, attention and strength, being also
placed in charge of Engleside Academy and the
French Mission. For about fifteen years Dr. Irons was
at the head of that academic school, which is no longer
in existence, but during that period the students included
numbers of men who have become prominent in pro-
fessional life — lawyers, ministers, physicians, teachers
and missionaries. He also has built up at McDonald one
of the most flourishing French missions in the State.
In June, 1874, Dr. Irons was married to Miss Edith
Van Orsdell. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania,
and she has two sisters and two brothers : Laura, who
married Dr. J. G. Templeton; W. E., who is a dentist in
practice at Philadelphia; Mary C. ; and J. A., who is
engaged in the practice of dentistry in Pittsburg. To Dr.
and Mrs. Irons the following children were born : Har-
rold Meredith, a lawyer in Pittsburg; Mabel, who mar-
ried John S. Moore; Laura, who married W. H. Cramer;
William, who is a teacher in the McDonald schools; and
Joseph, who is a student in the Western L^niversity of
Pennsylvania at Pittsburg.
During his long pastorate at McDonald, Dr. Irons has
performed almost 1,000 marriages and in one year has
conducted as many as 121 funeral services, his presence
being especially \alued on such occasions on account of
his sincere sympathy and ability to give comfort to those
bereaved. He is beloved by his congregation and is es-
teemed by his fellow citizens.
BERNARD S. SMALLWOOD, who is now serving
his third term as civil engineer of Charleroi, was born
December 10, 1882, near Coal Center, East Pike Run
Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of Edward
A. and Saleua Mary (Lutes) Smallwood, the former of
whom is a carpenter and contractor of Charleroi.
Bernard S. Smallwood came with his parents to Char-
leroi in the fall of 1890, obtained bus education in the
common schools, and the high school from which he grad-
uated in 1899, then entered the Ohio Normal University
at Ada, Ohio, where he took a course in civil engineering
and graduated in 1901. After completing his education,
Mr. Smallwood returned to Charleroi, embarked in the
practice of his profession, and is now not only serving
his third term as engineer of the borough of Charleroi,
but is also serving in that capacity for Fayette City, Pa.,
and Roscoe, Washington Co., Pa.
Mr. Smallwood was united in marriage with Lulu E.
Kline, who is a daughter of George Kline, and they have
two sons, B. Culver Smallwood, and George Edward
Smallwood. Mr. Smallwood is a member of the order of
Elks.
FERNAND A. THOMASSY, manager of the McDon-
ald Opera House, of which he is part owner, and also in-
terested in oil production in Beaver, Allegheny and Wash-
ington counties, is one of the representative business men
of this place. He was born in France, June 24, 1877, and
is a sou of Thomas and Julia (Wathier) Thomassy.
The parents of Mr. Thomassy came to the United
States when he was but three years old and settled first
at Smithton in Westmoreland County, coming from there
to Allegheny County and then to McDonald. The father
was a coal miner and he and wife were consistent mem-
bers of the Catholic Church and reared the family in
this faith. They had the following children: Desire;
Cecelie, who is the wife of Seal Buggett ; Anna, who is
the wife of George Gillespie; Celeste, who is the wife of
H. H. De Loche; Ida, who is the wife of Emil Robert;
George; Julia, who is the wife of George Young; and
Fernand A.
Until he was ten years of age, Mr. Thomassy was per-
mitted to attend school at McDonald, but after that
he accompanied his father into the coal mines and worked
with him for five years. He then learned the baking
trade and worked at that for eight years, when he was
appointed a member of the police force at McDonald.
He remained a police oflScial for two years, when, in
1902 he went into the hotel business and conduete 1 a
C50
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON" COUNTY
public house for three years by himself and then took in
August Valentour as a partner and continued several
years longer. During these years both he and Mr. Valen-
tour made judicious investments and together they own
the opera house property and two other valuable business
blocks. His oil interests are also of importance and he
is numbered with the men of means in this section.
On May 12, 1909, Mr. Thomassy was married to Miss
Marie La Vie, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Bess)
La Vie. Mr. and Mrs. La Vie came to America from
France and reside at McDonald. They are members of
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. La Vie have
the following children: Marie; Phillipine, who is the
wife of T. D. Gladden; and George, Louis and Edward.
Mr. Thomassy casts his vote with the Republican party.
He is identified with several French fraternal organiza-
tions and belongs also to the Elks, Allegheny Lodge, No.
339; Knights of Pythias, Waverly Lodge, No. 145, and
to the social order of the Moose.
EOBEET HORNEE ROBINSON, an extensive real
estate and insurance dealer, who has been a life-long
resident of Monongahela City, Pa., was born here Novem-
ber 22, 1869, and is a son of William T. and Margaret
(Brown) Robinson.
William T. Robinson was born and reared in Colum-
biana County, Ohio, and in 1852 came to Monongahela
City with his father, Robert Robinson, who was a cattle
dealer, and had become familiar with this section of the
country through that business, and he later obtained a
contract on the construction work on the B. & 0. Rail-
road in the Monongahela Valley and in Virginia, through
his knowledge of this part of the country. Robert Rob-
inson was the father of four children : William T., the
father of our subject; Joseph; Samuel, deceased; and
Lon. After locating at Monongahela City, William T.
Robinson became a bookkeeper for the Culbertsons, who
operated a general store and paper mill here, after which
he embarked in the clothing business, in which he con-
tinued several years, then with his brother Samuel, who
was an expert cattleman, engaged in the meat and cat-
tle business, shipping extensively to Pittsburg, and con-
tinued in this business until the time of his death. May
30, 1891, at the age of 57 years. He married Margaret
Brown, who survived him five years, aiid who at an early
age came from Allegheny, Pa., to Monongahela City, with
her father, William Brown, who built and operated the
first saw and planing mill in Monongahela City. Six
children were born to the parents of our subject: Ella,
who is the wife of W. F. Story, of Cleveland, Ohio;
Jennie, is the wife 'of C. A. Filson, of Wilkensburg, Pa.;
William B., a resident of Sewickley, Pa.; Robert H.,
our subject; Albert K., a resident of Wilkensburg, Pa.;
Mabel, who is the wife of H. C. Williams, of Wilkens-
burg.
Eobert H. Eobinson was reared at Monongahela City,
where he obtained his education in the common schools
and later engaged in the meat business with his father,
after which he operated a store across the river for the
Watson Mining and Manufacturing Company for about
six years, then opened and operated a store at Bunola
for three years, and in 1897, at the time of the boom of
coal lands in this section, went to Pittsburg, where he
engaged in the real estate business for one year, during
which time he closed several large contracts, thus gain-
ing his start in the real estate business. He then re-
turned to Washington County and took charge of the Star
Coal Company for the Harbison Walker Refectory Com-
pany, for whom he had purchased land while in Pitts-
burg, and was sent by them to open their mine, of which
he is still superintendent. Mr. Robinson is a director
and was one of the organizers of the Monongahela Clay
Manufacturing Company, and was one of the organizers
and the first president of the Citizens' Gas Company.
He is a Democrat in politics and has served three years
as a member of the Monongahela City council, and in
fraternal circles is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. of this
city.
In June, 1901, Mr. Eobinson was married to Maude
Heslep, who is a daughter of John Heslep, and they have
two sons, Eobert and John.
ISAAC W. BAUjM, solicitor for Washington County
and a lawyer of high standing, with offices in the Wash-
ington Trust building, has been a resident of Washing-
ton for the past fifteen years.
Mr. Baum was born in Dauphin County, Pa., in 1870,
and received a good common school education in that
county. In 1890, he registered for the study of law in
the ofSce of Judge Criswell, of Franklin, Pa., and in
1894 was admitted to the bar of FrankUn County, and
in the following year he was admitted to the bar of
Washington County, before which he has since practiced.
He takes an active interest in political affairs and is at
present county solicitor under appointment of the county
commissioners. He also is secretary of the MoKeown
Oil Company.
In 1896, Mr. Baum was married to Miss .Jane Best of
Clai'ion County, Pa., and they reside in a comfortable
home in Washington. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks.
ALEXANDER G. ADAMS, one of the representative
citizens and succersful farmers of Independence Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., is carrying on agricultural
operations on a property which was originally owned by
his grandfather, .Tohn Adani.=, and which has been in the
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
651
family name for more than 100 years. Mr. Adams was
born March 27, 1863, on the farm on which he now lives,
and is a son of Alexander H. and Lucinda J. (Crouch)
Adams.
Alexander H. Adams, who was a farmer all his life
in Independence Township, for many years was an elder
in the Lower BuE'alo Presbyterian Church, and took a
great interest in its work. He and his worthy wife were
the parents of the following children: Caroline, the
wife of (icorgo Keenan; Ruth, residing with her brother;
Maria, tlio wife of Thomas McCarthy, of Independence
Townsliip; Orlinda, living in Washington, Pa.; Martha,
the wife of John Adams, of Independence Township;
Lulu, the wife of Henry F. Garl, of Independence Town-
ship; Mary, wife of Norris McCain, of Missouri; and
Alexander G.
After attending the common schools of Independence
Township, Alexander G. Adams went to work on the
home farm, on which he has resided all of his life. He has
always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his
123-acre farm has been brought to a high state of cul-
tivation. He is a Eepublican in his political views, and
is now serving his township as road supervisor. The
family belongs to Lower Buffalo Presbyterian Church.
In 1889 Mr. Adams was married to Hattie J. Keenan,
daughter of George and Annie (Tilton) Keenan, and to
this union there have been born six children, namely:
William Paul, born June 27, 1891; Jane Mary, born
March 26, 1895 ; Laura B., born March 8, 1899 ; John A.,
born May 14, 1901; Martha M., born October 21, 1904;
and Orlando C, born October 7, 1909.
WILLIAM H. DUNLAP, burgess of Canonsburg,
whose handsome home is situated at No. 124 West Cel-
lege street, is a worthy representative of an old family
of Washington County, of Irish extraction.
He was born in Cecil Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
May 15, 1855, and is a son of John and Priscilla (Point-
er) Dunlap, the former of whom died in 1902, aged
seventy-six years. The latter, at the same age, is a resi-
dent of Canonsburg.
William H. Dunlap grew to manhood in Cecil Town-
ship and was educated in the public schools and Jeffer-
son Academy. After leaving school he engaged in farm
work and continued to live in Allegheny County for six
years after his marriage. In 1886 he came to Canons-
burg and embarked in the retail grocery business and
conducted the same very successfully for six years. The
confinement, however, told on his health and for a time
he put aside business cares, accepting about the same
time a position on the school board in the East Ward,
to which he gave attention for twelve years. He then
changed his residence to another ward and resigned from
the board, of which he had been a valued member. On
March 3, 1909, lie entered into office as burgess of Can-
onsburg, having been elected on a platform calling for
the enforcement of the law, and his administration
promises to be all that the most ardent and zealous citi-
zen can ask. Since coming to this borough, Mr. Dunlap
has been very active in the affairs of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, being a trustee, a member of the of-
ficial board and superintendent of the Sunday school.
On December 25, 1878, Mr. Dunlap was married to Miss
Sadie McConnell, a daughter of Charles and Annie (Mor-
row) McConnell. They have one daughter, Mamie, who
is the wife of John W. Schaufele, who is in the employ
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, traveling daily
between Pittsburg and Canonsburg.
JAMES W. GRIMES, a well known and popular em-
ploye of the National Bank of Claysville, at Claysville,
Pa., has been identified with the institution since Janu-
ary, 1903. He was born in Ohio County, W. Va., Octo-
ber 2, 1867, and is a son of John and Martha (Post)
Grimes.
John Grimes, father of James W., was born in Done-
gal Township, Washington County, on the old family
estate, and was a son of John Grimes, the latter of whom
settled at an early date in Donegal Township, three miles
north of Claysville. He acquired about 500 acres of land
and 127 of this yet belongs to the Grimes family. Both
father and grandfather were farmers. The former died
January 14, 1908. He was a worthy member of the
United Presbyterian Church.
James W. Grimes was mainly reared on the family
farm in Donegal Township. He was educated in a pri-
vate school in Donegal Township, the Normal School at
Claysville and the West Middletown Academy, and after-
ward for several years he taught school in Washington
County. He has been an active and useful citizen of
Claysville, serving in the borough council and also as a
director in the Independent school district and for a sea-
son was secretary of the board. In politics he is identi-
fier! with the Republican party.
Mr. Grimes was married to Miss Elizabeth Hayburn,
a daughter of James Hayburn, formerly a well known
resident of Donegal Township, and they have two chil-
dren: John L. and Margaret R. Mr. Grimes and wife
are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Clays-
ville, of which he is treasurer.
T. H. W. FERGUS, assistant district attorney of
Washington County, Pa., and a leading member of its
bar, has been a resident of Washington Borough for
some twenty-one years. He was bora in 1879, in South
Strabane Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of
Samuel P. and a grandson of Thomas Fergus.
The Fergus family originated in Ireland but has been
in .\meriea for many generations and in Washington
652
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
County since 1802, established here by the great-grand-
parents of T. H. W. Fergus, who came from Hunting-
don County when their son Thomas was a babe. The
late Samuel P. Fergus, was born in Washington County
in 1840 and died in 1900. He engaged in farming until
1885, when he was elected county treasurer of Washing-
ton County and served in that office until his death. He
was also interested in oil development in the county.
T. H. W. Fergus attended the township schools until
prepared for college and then entered Washington and
Jefferson College, where he w-as graduated in the class
of 1900. For about two years after leaving school he
followed surveying, and then began to teach and for
some years followed that profession, a part of the time
in his alma mater, and for one year was principal of the
Cross Creek Academy. During these years he read law
by himself and then entered the office of Attorney J. M.
McBurney, where he completed his preparation for the
bar and was admitted to practice, in 1904, in all the
courts of the State. He is a leading Eepublican and
for two years served on the Eepublican County Committee
being its chairman for one year. He has filled local of-
fices very acceptably to the public, was auditor of East
Washington Borough and is now assistant district at-
torney.
Mr. Fergus is a member of the Heptasophs, the Elks
and the Bassett Club, being one of the organizers of the
latter. He belongs also to the Washington County Bar
Association. For many years Mr. Fergus has been a
member of the Second United Presbyterian Church and
has served as an officer in the Sabbath school. He has a
wide circle of friends; professional, political and per-
sonal.
E. C. VANCE, general farmer, who owns 134 acres of
excellent land, situated partly in Smith and partly in
Cross Creek Township, was born in Cross Creek Township,
Washington Co., Pa., on the place on which he resides,
June 19, 1S50. His parents were Allison and Margaret
(Campbell) Vance.
Allison Vance was born in Smith Township, Washing-
ton County, but later resided in Cross Creek Township,
where he had 160 acres of land, and he engaged in farm-
ing until he was thirty-eight years old. He married Mar-
garet Campbell, whose death preceded his own, he sur-
viving until 1892. They were worthy members of the
Cross Creek Presbyterian Church and they were buried
in the Cross Creek Cemetery, They were parents of six
sons and one daughter.
E. C. Vance attended the public schools during boy-
hood and then turned his attention to farming and rais-
ing fine stock. Since his marriage he has resided on his
present farm, which is situated one mile northeast of
Cross Creek and within five miles of Burgettstown. He
has done all of the improving that gives his farm so
fijie an appeai-ance. He breeds Shorthorn cattle and a su-
perior grade of sheep, having about 125 of the latter
ready for market annually. Mr. Vance also enjoys the
income from thirteen oil and gas wells situated on his
property.
In March, 1875, Mr. Vance was married to Miss Mary
E. McGough, a daughter of John McGough, of Colum-
biana County, Ohio, and they have four children, namely :
Homer C, who married Miss Sarah B. McNelly; Martha
J., who married J. W. Eeed; and Margaret Mary and
Oscar C, both of whom reside at home. Mr. Vance and
family attend the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church. Like
his father, Mr. Vance is identified with the Eepublican
party but is not active in political life. He is one of the
substantial men of this section and is a stockholder in
the Burgettstown National Bank and the Washington
National Bank and also the Pittsburg Building and Loan
Company.
JOSEPH T. ALTON, an energetic young business
man of McDonald, Pa., who is chief clerk and a pay-
master of the McDonald division of the Pittsburg Coal
Company, was born at Titusville, Pa., January 2, 1882,
and is a son of Edward and Bose (Harrigan) Alton.
His paternal grandparents were Joseph F. and Susan
(Sison) Alton, and those on the maternal side, Thomas
and Mary (O'Shea) Harrigan. Mr. Alton's great uncle,
George D. Alton, was the first white boy born in what
is now the city of Dunkirk, N. Y.
Beared in a log cabin, after reaching maturity he
made the brick and built the first brick house in Dun-
kirk. This house was recently torn down to make room
for a more modern structure, and the bricks were car-
ried away by residents of the city for relics.
Edward Alton, who is a machinist by trade, is now
living at McDonald, and of his children Joseph T. is
the eldest, the others being: Mary, the wife of J. E.
McDonald ; Cassius E. and Clarence Daniel.
Joseph T. Alton attended the public schools of
McDonald, leaving high school in his senior year to enter
the employ of the Pittsburg Coal Company. It was not
long before his services to the company were rewarded
by promotion, and he has risen steadily until he now
holds the position of chief clerk and paymaster of the
McDonald division, which consists of five mines.
On September 4, 1907, Mr. Alton was married to
Catherine Austin, daughter of M. J. and Mary (Mc-
Nerney) Austin, residents of McDonald. Mrs. Alton has
a brother, William J., and a sister, Nellie. One child
has been born to Mr. and Mrs. Alton: George G., June
28, 1908.
Mr. Alton is fraternally connected with Ghartiers
Council, No, 875, Knights of Columbus, and the Macca-
HISTOin' OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
655
bees at iU'l)oiuil(l. He is a Kepublieiiii in pulilios and
has served as auditor of McDonald. He and his wife at-
tend tlie Catholic Chnroli,
JOHN M. STOCKDAT,K was for many years a resi-
dent of Washington, Pa. He was born August 28, 182-1,
on the homestead in Morris Township, Greene County.
Mis grandfather, James iStockdale, came from the north
of iridand to this country in 1787, expecting to return
after seeing the new land of promise, but having e.\-
liausted his funds in traveling he determined to make
enough money to pay his passage back home, the Fates,
however, had decreed otherwise, before this was acconi-
pli^lied he met Miss Weir, who afterwards became his
wife and he gave up all thought of recrossing the >eas to
his native land. This young couple established them-
selves in what was then Washington (now Greene) Coun-
ty in 1790 and to them were born one son and three
(hiughters. The mother died in 1823 and the father died
in 1840 at the age of eighty-six.
Their son, William Stockdale, was born in 1792 on his
father's farm where with the exception of a period of
.'ervice in the War of 1812, he spent all the seventy-one
tranquil years of his life and died there in 1863. His
wife Hannah, a daughter of John McQuaide of Wash-
ington County died in 1873, being seventy-six years of
age. They had seven children, James, John M., Robert,
Thomas E., Mary. Isabella and Sarah. He was a fairly
prosperous man for his day and with the commendable
family pride of an intelligent gentleman, he spared no
pains in preparing his children to enter with credit upon
the duties of life, he sent his sons and his daughters to
pursue their studies in the neighboring schools and col-
leges of Waynesburg, Washington and Canonsburg.
John M. Stockdale was the second child of William
and Hannah Stockdale, his childhood was spent on the
farm. He was prepared for college at Carmichael's
academy and he graduated from Washington College in
1849, immediately afterward entering the law otEce of
Hon. T. M. T. McKennan and was admitted to the bar
in 1852. The following year he became owner and editor
of the Waynesburg "Messenger," the only Democratic
newspaper in Greene County. In 1854 he was elected to
the State Legislature and served two terms, then, being a
victim of inflammatory rheumatism, he decided to go
west, hoping to shake off this enemy to his well-being
and it was during this search for health and recreation
that he became connected with extensive business matters
in Iowa. He located in Fort Dodge, a frontier town,
which was fortified for protection against the Indians
and in 1857 by appointment of President Buchanan he
became register of the government land office there. That
year was a notable period in his early life, in April, he
was nuirried to Pattie Clark, the beautiful daughter of
.Abner and Patty Evans Clark of TenMUe Valley, Pa.
She was born June 22, 1833, on the farm where her
mother and grandfather were born and which was "taken
up" as government land by her great-grandfather and has
ever since belonged to some member of the family. She
was one of eight children, "the family was prominent
in the county and this home filled with these brothers
and sisters was a center where was dispensed a large,
lii'nrty and wholesome hospitality''.
■Mr. Stockdale took his bride to his new home in the
wi'sl uliere, as also in their later places of residence, her
ran\ charm of manner, her ready wit which left no sting,
her gracious Christian character, won her a place in the
hearts of an ever widening circle of friends. Mrs. Stock-
dale survived her husband seven years and on May 28.
1904, died in their home on East Wheeling street, Wash-
ington, Pa., where their only child. Miss Elizabeth C.
Stockdale, now resides.
In 1863, while yet a resident of Fort Dodge, Mr. Stock-
dale was nominated for the State Senate of Iowa, but
declined the nomination. In 18(54 he was an elector on
the McClelland ticket. During his residence in Iowa he
dealt extensively in real estate, having bought and sold
more than 200,000 acres of land as the records show, but
the Civil War so depressed land values throughout the
West that for the time real estate became a hazardous
investment and in 1865 he removed to Baltimore, Md.,
where he engaged in the wholesale drug busineso as a
member of the well known firm of Stockdale, Smith &
Co. He also owned a petroleum oil refinery there until
the Standard Oil Company by methods now well known
crushed out all competition.
In 1881 Mr. Stockdale and his family moved to Wash-
ington, Pa., where for several years he published the
' ' Review ' ' and ' ' Examiner. ' ' In 1884 he received the
nomination for Congres.? on the Democratic ticket in the
district which embraced Washington, Beaver and Law-
rence counties. A year earlier be secured a State charter
for the transportation and use of natural gas for light
and heat, a company of enterprising citizens was or-
ganized and the development of oil and gas in the im-
mediate vicinity of Washington was the result. His
activities along this line aided materially in the develop-
ment of the resources and added largely to the pros-
perity of the borough.
His mind was well stored with knowledge, he had read
widely and had great ability as an extemporaneovis speak-
er. He was honorable and hated injustice, he loved law
and order and was an earnest champion of the people's
rights. There were no neutral tints in his political colors
he was ever an ardent Democrat, believing thoroughly in
his party and its principles. He was a Christian and a
656
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
member of the Presbyterian Church from early life. He
enjoyed much success, he bore reverses with dignity and
composure, he ' ' was equal to either fortune. ' '
He retii'ed from active life "as he felt the evening
shadows coming on" and died September 17, 1897 at
his home in Washington.
DEMAS E. LINDLEY, cashier of the Farmers' and
Miners' National Bank of BentleyviUe, Pa., with which
he has been identified since March 14, 1908, was born
April 28, 1872, on a farm in South Franklin Township,
Washington Co., Pa., a son of Benjamin Clifford and
Miranda V. (Patterson) Lindley, both of whom are
living in Washington County. The paternal grandfather
of our subject was Cephas Lindley, and the maternal
grandfather was Wilson Patterson of Franklin Township.
Demas E. Lindley remained under the parental roof
until nineteen years of age, attended the district schools
of Franklin Township and took a private course with the
Eev. Fisher, after which he took a business course at
Washington, Pa. He first began his business career as a
bookkeeper for Mr. NefE, a plumber of Washington, with
whom he remained but two months, when he accepted a
position with the First National Bank of Canonsburg,
Pa., with which he was identified from April, 1892, until
October, 1905, when he resigned because of Ul health,
and accepted a clerical position at the mines in West-
moreland County, Pa. On March 14, 1908, he became
cashier of the Farmers' and Miners' National Bank of
BentleyviUe, of which Joseph A. Herron, of Monongahela
City, Pa., is president, and T. A. Hetherington, a farmer
of Somerset Township, is vice-president. The directors
of the bank are : J. A. Herron; T. A. Hetherington;
Joseph Underwood, of Eoscoe, Pa.; W. P. Richardson,
of BentleyviUe, Pa. ; W. H. Murray, a farmer of Somer-
set Township; J. E. Eichardson, of BentleyviUe; Julian
Grable, of FaUowfield Township; W. H. Wilson, of
Clover HOI; A. B. Eichardson, of Somerset Township;
and J. G. MeCormaek, of BentleyvUle. The bank was
organized in the fall of 1906, after which the present
building, a fine large three-story brick, was erected, and
the bank was open for business March 14, 1908.
Mr. Lindley married Blanch Ashbaugh, a daughter of
William Ashbaugh, of Westmoreland County, Pa., and
they have seven children : Lois, Zella, Freda, Clifford,
Lloyd, John Willis, and Gladys. Mr. Lindley affiliates
with the Elks and the Eagles.
CHAELES E. PHILLIPS, a member of the Wash-
ington bar, was born in 1871, at California, Washington
Co., Pa., and is a son of David Phillips, a native of
Fayette County, who has been a resident of Washington
County for n. half century.
Charles E. Phillips was reared in his native place and
attended first the public .schools and later the State Nor-
mal School at California. From this institution he was
graduated in the class of 1890. Although thoroughly
qualified for teaching, Mr. PhilUps then turned his at-
tention to law, entering the law department of the Uni-
versity of Michigan at Ann Arbor, where he graduated
in the class of 1895. He then was interested for several
years in real estate deaUngs, but in 1904 was admitted
to the bar and has ben engaged in law practice at Wash-
ington ever since, maintaining his office at No. 46 South
Main street, but retaining his home at California. The
Washington bar is distinguished for its number of bril-
liant young men.
Mr. PhUlips is a member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. In polities he is a Eepublican and fraternally
he is a Mason.
GEOEGE D. SCOTT, one of HopeweU Township's
representative citizens who carries on agricultural oper-
ations on a valuable farm of 113 acres, was born in
Nottingham Township, Washington County, Pa., Nov.
29, 1869. His parents were J. Finley and Margaret
(Davis) Scott. Mr. Seott has two sisters: Mary, who
is the wife of L. J. Brownlee; and Anna M., who is the
wife of Louis Liggett and lives in Ohio.
George D. Seott was about 8 years old when his
parents moved on a farm in Canton Township and there
he was mainly reared. He attended the public schools
and spent two terms at the old Buffalo Academy. He
remained with his father on the farm until after his
marriage in 1898, after which he rented farms until
1901, in Canton Township, when they moved to Hope-
well Township. In 1904, after the death of Mrs. Scott's
father, they came into possession of this place, which
they had rented for three years. This farm was the
land taken up by William Smiley at the time of his
arrival here, and has been in possession of some one
of his descendants ever since. Mr. Scott makes a spe-
cialty of boarding horses for their owners in Washing-
ton, and usually has from 25 to 30 head all through the
winter. He is recognized as an excellent business man
and is a very successful farmer.
Mr. Seott was married March 10, 1898, to Miss Alchie
Hamilton, who is a daughter of the late Eobert and
Mary H. (Anderson) Hamilton, formerly one of Hope-
well Township 's most respected and best known people.
Mr. and Mrs. Scott are valued members of the Upper
Buffalo Presbyterian Church and take an active part
in its various branches of work. Formerly Mr. Scott
was one of the church trustees, while Mrs. Scott has
long been a member of the missionary society. In his
political views, Mr. Scott is a Republican, but he has
always declined to serve in any public office.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
657
CHARLES C. JOHNSON, president of the Citizens
Trust Company of Canonsburg, is well known in finan-
cial circles, having been identified with the banking
business ever since leaving college. He was born in
Chartiers Township, Washington County, Pa., Nov. 17,
1872, and is a son of J. Bradford and Jennie (Crothers)
Johnson.
Mr. Johnson belongs to old county families. His
paternal grandparents were John and Kebecea (Van
Eman) Johnson, old residents of Washington County,
who died in Canonsburg. They had three sons: Bichard
v., J. Bradford and John G. The maternal grand-
parents were Samuel and Jane (Brownlee) Crothers,
and they had the following children: William B., de-
ceased ; Robert W., residing at Taylorstown, Pa. ; Lea-
men M., deceased; Mira, deceased, formerly the wife
of W. W. McClay; Jennie; Elizabeth, deceased; and
Ella, wife of E. M. Dorrance, of Cleveland, Ohio.
J. Bradford Johnson, now an esteemed resident of
Canonsburg, was born in Chartiers Township, Washing-
ton County, in 1S42. Until 1899 he lived on his farm
in Chartiers Township, removing then to Canonsburg,
where he has since been retired and is a director of the
Citizens Trust Company. He married Jennie Crothers,
who died in 1897, aged 57 years. They had the follow-
ing children: Ella Maud, who married Eev. Charles G.
Williams, who is pastor of the Hyde Park Presbyterian
Church of Denver, Col.; John Tracy, who manages the
home farm; and Charles C.
Charles C. Johnson was educated in the township
schools, Jefferson Academy and Washington and Jeffer-
son College, graduating from the latter with the class
of 1893. During his college course he was a member of
the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Immediately after
leaving college he was made assistant cashier of the
Citizens Bank, limited, and in 1895 he became cashier
and continued to fill that office until the Citizens Trust
Company was organized, in 1901, when he became sec-
retary and treasurer of this company and continued as
such until July 1, 1909, when he became president. Mr.
Johnson is a young man to fill so important a position
and that he has been placed at the head, indicates the
great confidence felt in his judgment and executive
ability.
The Citizens Trust Company of Canonsburg was or-
ganized May 1, 1901, taking over the business of the
Citizens Bank, limited, a private bank which had been
in existence for ten years. The Citizens Trust Company
building is a fine four-story pressed brick structure,
which was erected in 1904, the lot and building together
costing $90,000. The interior of the bank is of birch
wood and mahogany finish and the rest of the building
is finished in oak. The dimensions are 70x80 feet. The
upper floors have been fitted up as residence flats, while
on the loner floors, in addition to the bank proper are
directors' and oflicers' rooms, vault and all modern fix-
tures to ensure comfort, convenience and safety. The
institution has been more than successful, paying 6 per
cent annual interest. The management has been prac-
tically the same since its organization.
On June 20, 1903, Mr. Johnson was married to Miss
Grace Moreland Henderson, a daughter of John M. and
Anna (Gary) Henderson, and a direct descendant of
Rev. Dr. Mathew Henderson, who was the first pastor
of the Upper Buffalo Church. Mrs. Johnson is a grad-
uate of the College for Women, Cleveland. She also
spent some years in school in Germany and Switzerland.
They are members of the Central Presbyterian Church
of Canonsburg, of which Mr. Johnson is treasurer.
JOHN S. HOLMES, one of Donegal Township's well
known and highly respected citizens, who has been en-
gaged in farming and stock raising ever since he
reached man's estate, was born in Donegal Township,
Washington County, Pa., July 81, 1849, and is a son of
George Y. and Elizabeth (Snodgrass)) Holmes.
George Y. Holmes was born in the city of Glasgow,
Scotland. His parents were WOliam and Nancy E.
Holmes, whom he accompanied to America when he was
about 10 years old. The family came directly to Wash-
ington County and settled a short distance from Clays-
ville, in Donegal Township. George Y. Holmes grew
to useful manhood here and in the course of years be-
came a man of prominence in the community. He
filled many public ofiices with credit, was long a school
director and also a justice of the peace, and on one
occasion was the candidate of the Republican party for
the office of county commissioner. He was a leading
member of the Baptist Church at Claysville and was
also a local preacher in this body. His death occurred
in 1903, having survived his wife for many years. Her
maiden name was Elizabeth Snodgrass and she was born
in Donegal Township and was a daughter of John Snod-
grass and a granddaughter of William Snodgrass, one
of the pioneer settlers. To George Y. and Elizabeth
Holmes the following children were born: William, who
lives at Washington, Pa. ; John S., who resides in Don-
egal Township; Nannie E., who is the wife of Charles
W. Miller, of Claysville; George Y., his father's name-
sake, who lives at Claysville, Pa. ; Mary M., who is the
wife of Samuel Kelley, of Buffalo Township; Margaret,
who lives at Claysville; Robert R., who lives at Mc-
Donald, Pa. ; Florence, who is the wife of Wiley Reaney,
lives at Claysville.
John S. Holmes attended the district schools in Done-
gal Township, In his boyhood, and afterward passed his
youth in helping his father on the home farm. He owns
a valuable tract of 64 acres, which he has well stocked
658
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
and under an excellent state of cultivation. His sur-
roundings indicate thrift and substantial comfort.
On Jan. 1, 1873, Mr. Holmes was married to Miss
Margaret C. Miller, who was born in Donegal Township,
July 9, 1S49, and is a daughter of Christopher and
Sarah J. (Knight) Miller, and a granddaughter of John
Miller, who was one of Donegal Township 's early set-
tlers. The mother of Mrs. Holmes was born in Vir-
ginia. Of the children born to Christopher Holmes and
wife, the following survive: Calvin L. and Mary J., both
of whom live in Donegal Township; George H., who
is a resident of McDonald; Charles W., who lives at
Claysville; Margaret C, who is Mrs. Holmes; and
Frances E., who is the widow of Eobert B. Eamage, re-
sides on her farm in Donegal Township. Christopher
Miller and wife were people of sterling worth, consistent
members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Holmes have one daughter, Sarah E.,
who resides with her parents. They reared two boys,
Andrew L. Chapman and WDliam Eamage, both of
whom have reflected credit on them and give them the
filial affection of sons. Andrew L. Chapman, who is now
a preacher in the Disciples Church, stationed at Boise,
Idaho, served for three years in the missionary field in
Turkey. William Eamage is engaged in farming in
Donegal Township. Mr. and Mrs. Holmes are members
of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, and in Octo-
ber, 1909, Mr. Holmes was sent as a representative of
the Zion United Brethren Church of Donegal Township
to the Pennsylvania State Convention, where various re-
ligious bodies met and discussed questions affecting
Christianity in general. As a broad-minded, clear-
headed, intelligent man, possessing the confidence and
esteem of all who know him, this selection of Mr. Holmes
was a judicious one and he took part in the deliberations
of this representative body. He casts his vote with the
Eepublican party, but has never accepted any public
office except that of school director and he is now serv-
ing in his twelfth year as a member of the school board
of Donegal Township.
JAMES P. BEOWNLEE, lawyer and merchant at
Washington, Pa., and a prominent and useful citizen,
was born in 1872, in North Strabane Township, Wash-
ington County, Pa., and is a son of Milton .0. Brownlee
and a grandson of Samuel T. Brownlee.
The Brownlee family belongs to the pioneer class of
Washington County. The grandfather, Samuel T.
Brownlee, was born after his father settled in Washing-
ton County. He left few descendants as he died when
only 28 years of age. His son, Milton O., was born on
the family estate in North Strabane Township, in 1849,
where he continued to live and was extensively engaged
in farming and the sheep industry until 1905, when he
retired and moved to Washington, where he still resides.
James P. Brownlee obtained his early education in
the township schools and then entered Washington and
.Jefferson College, where he was graduated in the class
of 1897. From there he went to Pittsburg and became
a student in the Pittsburg Law School, but in his senior
year suffered from an illness that made necessary the
postponement of his law studies. After he recovered
from a rather severe siege of fever, he completed his
law reading in the office of Attorney E. W. Irwin, and
was admitted to the bar in March, 1901. He has ever
since been engaged in the practice of his profession at
Washington. In the fall of 1907 he formed a partner-
ship with C. E. Penn, under the style of Penn & Brown-
lee, in gents' furnishing goods, an enterprise which
proved successful, and continued until February 1, 1910,
when Ml'. Penn retired, Mr. Brownlee continuing the
furnishing business at No. 129 South Main street, where
he is now located. He is also a stockholder in the Dunn
& ConnellsviUe Coke Company. As a citizen he has
been unusually active, lending the weight of his influ-
ence to promote public prosperity. He has served as
a member of the school board and from 1904 until 1906
administered the law as a justice of the peace.
Mr. Brownlee is a member of the First United Presby-
terian Church and officiates as the librarian of the Sun-
day-school. He is identified fraternally, with the Elks
and the Heptasophs.
HON. HENEY EATON, justice of the peace at Mid-
way, Pa., and for three consecutive years burgess of
the borough, is a member of one of the oldest settled
familie.s of Washington County, doubtless of Dutch ex-
traction on the father's side and Scotch-Irish on the
mother's side. One of the most prized relics is a Hol-
land Bible, which was printed in 1570 and has been
preserved with other family antiquities. Mr. Eaton was
born in Smith Township, Washington County, Pa., Nov.
fi, 1848, and is a son of William and Sarah (Eussell)
Eaton.
Both parents of Mr. Eaton have passed away and
their remains rest in the Eaccoon Cemetery, they being
valued members for many years of the Presbyterian
Church at that point. William Eaton was a farmer
throughout his active life. He was a consistent member
of the old-time Democratic party. Five children were
born to William and Sarah Eaton, namely: Martha, who
married Eobert Stevenson ; Eaehel, now deceased, who
was a public school teacher; Jane, deceased, who was
the wife of E. J. Vogle; Henry; and Mary E., who
died when aged 14 years.
Henry Eaton attended the district schools in Smith
and Eobinson Townships and secured a teacher 's certifi-
cate, attended the Normal School at Carnegie for two
ril ;- NT'V YORK
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDtN FOUNDATIONS.
HON. .TA>[ES S. STOCKINCi
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
GCl
terms aiul Oakdale Academy for two terms and secured
a [lermauent certificate. For man)' years be gave the
larger part of liis time and attention to teaching, carry-
ing on his educational work both in Allegheny and Wash-
ington Counties. In 1875 he came to Midway, where he
and Mrs. Eaton successfully taught terms of .school and
he also served for three years as principal of the Mc-
Donald schools, Mrs. Eaton being first assistant. In
politics he is a Democrat and on many occasions has
been shown the appreciation which liis fellow citizens
have felt for him, being elected to numerous ofiices of
honor and responsibility. For three years ho was treas-
urer of Robeson Township and for the same length of
time a member of the township school board. For four
years he had charge of the Black Diamond coal mine
and .store belonging to his father-in-law, Thomas Tay-
lor. After the exhausting and closing down of the Black
Diamond mine he opened a general store of his own
in Midway, Pa., which was a success in every particu-
lar. After conducting his store for three years he was
appointed postmaster during the late ex-President Cleve-
land 's second administration. He then sold out his
st(ue, put in a new and expensive oflSce and gave to the
department and patrons a service that was so satisfac-
tory that at the close of his term he was asked to retain
the otliee. To this request he replied, ' ' No, thank you,
to the victor belong the spoils. ' ' For three years Mid-
way found in him an able executive head and since then,
and for the past 27 years, has been serving in the office
of justice of the peace and has a real estate and insur-
ance office.
In January, 1882, Mr. Eaton was married to -Miss
^[attie E. Taylor, a daughter of Thomas Taylor and
Sarah (Bailey) Taylor. Mrs. Eaton's brothers and sis-
ters are: Eliza, who married Joseph Taylor; Joseph A.;
Lilly A.; James M. ; and Laura, who married Robert
Perry. Mr. and Mrs. Eaton have two children: Amy T.
and Henry T. Amy has a good and lucrative position
in the city of Pittsburg. Henry T. Eaton, after grad-
uating from the common schools and the Pittsburg
Academy, entered the University of Pittsburg and is
now in his second year. Mr. Eaton is identified with
Richard Vaux Lodge No. 454, F. & A. M., at Burgetts-
town, Pa.
stead at Amity, in 1828. He owned farming land, but
devoted his whole mature life to general contracing, in
the line of building, and continued active in business
until within one year of his death, when he retired to
his farm. He married Sarah Moss, who was born in
Washington County, in December, 1831, and still sur
vivcs, residing on her farm near Amity. They bad
three children, namely: Harvey, who operates the home
l;irm; Ella, who is now deceased; and Jennings Moss,
the subject of this sketch.
J. Moss McCollum was reared on the home place and
was educated in a private academy at Amity, and then
learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked until
he was 24 years old. From boyhood he had displayed
unusual ability in the line of his present work and
in issil he gave himself up to the study of architecture
and for 12 years remained with W. E. Ely, a well-known
architect. He later moved his own office to Pittsburg
and does business under the firm style of McCollum &
Dowler. There are many fine structures at Washington
and other points, of which he has been the architect.
This city is somewhat noted for its fine schoolhouses
and convent buildings, and Mr. MeCoUum was the de-
signer and architect of almost all. He was the architect
of the Washington Tru.st Company building, an example
of taste and dignity in building that has excited uni-
versal admiration. He also has to his credit the new
First National Bank of Columbus, the Braddoek Na-
tional Bank of Braddoek, Pa., a fine new hotel build-
ing at Pittsburg, together with schools, churches and
public buildings all over the country, the cost of which
ran into hundreds of thousands of dollars. He has
been able to combine stability and beauty, utility and
dignity, and he has few superiors in Western Pennsyl-
vania.
In 1892, Mr. McCollum was married to Miss Nora
Patterson, a daughter of Speer Patterson, of Wyland
Station, Pa., and they have three daughters: Elinore,
Mildred and Dorothy. The family belong to the Second
Presbyterian Church. The beautiful family home is
situated at No. 513 East Beau street. Mr. McCollum
takes a good citizen's interest in civic matters and has
served efficiently in the city council. He is a member
of the Union Club of Pittsburg.
J. MOSS McCOLLUM, architect, who has been a
resident of Washington, Pa., for 24 years and is inter-
ested in a number of the city's prospering enterprises,
is a member of the prominent firm of McCollum & Dow-
ler, with offices at Pittsburg. He was born at Amity,
Washington County, Pa., in 1864, and is a son of Elias
and Sarah (Moss) McCollum.
Klias McCollum was born in the old McCollum home-
HON. JAMES S. STOCKING, one of Washington
County's most active and prominent citizens, who has
been identified with public affairs and with business in-
terests in this section of Pennsylvania ever since the
Civil War, in which he rendered patriotic military service.
was born at Wa-'hington, Pa., December 4, 1839. a son
of Julius and ;Mary (Phillips) Stocking. Mr. Stocking
can bonst of both old Dutch and "Mayflower" Pilgrim
662
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ancestry. His paternal ancestors were from New York,
and those on the maternal side came to Washington
County from Massachusetts.
Julius Stocking, the father of the subject of this
sketch, was born near Auburn, N. Y., from which place
he came in 1S35 to Washington. Here, in the following
year, he married Mary Phillips, whose father had set-
tled in Washington County in 1800. Three chUdren were
born of this union: Alfred, Mary and James Stevens.
Julius Stocking subsequently moved to Eockport, Ind.,
where he died in 1870, aged 68 years. His widow sur-
vived him for four years.
James Stevens Stocking attended the local schools until
he was about twelve years of age, after which, until he
enlisted for service in the Civil War, in 1861, he was
variously employed and was entirely self-supporting. He
responded to the first call of President Lincoln for troops,
and after serving through his first enlistment of three
months, in Co. E, 12th Pa. Vol. Inf., he re-enlisted and
served two years and eight months in the 100th Pa. Vol.
Inf., this being the noted "Roundhead" regiment. Again
he re-enlisted, this time as a veteran, contracting to
serve three years longer but the loss of his arm neces-
sitated his discharge January 10, 1865. Mr. Stocking
not only gave four full years to the service of his country,
but also his good left arm, which was left on the battle
field at Hatcher's Kun, October 27, 1864. From the
ranks Mr. Stocking had been continuously promoted for
gallantry, and when he was mustered out it was with the
rank of first lieutenant.
Mr. Stocking returned to Washington and in 1871 he
was appointed to the office of United States store keeper.
In the following year he received the unanimous nomina-
tion at the Republican county convention, for county
clerk, to which office he was easily elected, and in 1875
he was re-elected to the office, with an increased majority.
Later he turned his attention to journalism and from
October 17, 1879, to October 17, 1882, he was one of the
editors and proprietors of the ' ' Washington Observer, ' '
owned by Stocking & Acheson, during this period increas-
ing its circulation and making it one of the strongest
Republican organs of the State. HI health, resulting from
the injuries received in the army, caused him to sell his
newspaper interests. His fellow citizens manifested fur-
ther their appreciation of his character and services by
electing him, in the fall of 1888, to the State Legislature,
and by re-electing him in 1890 to that position.
In the following year he was made superintendent and
assistant chief of the seed room in the seed division of
the Agi-icultural Department, at Washington, D. C, a po-
sition which came to him almost as a surprise, as he had
never solicited it. The duties pertaining to this office he
satisfactorily performed as long as he retained it.
In 1884, after his return to his native place, he em-
barked in a real estate business, and shortly afterward
he platted the beautiful addition to Washington known as
Kalorama. In 1887, in association with B. F. Ha.ssan, he
platted and later disposed of another desirable addition,
Woodland. He continued actively interested in realty,
and in 1888, with James Kuntz, L. McCarrell and E. P.
Acheson, he platted the Weaver farm, naming this prop-
erty West End. In the following year, the Shirles Grove
property also came under their management and subse-
quently they purchased from the Morgan estate a plat of
ground which they platted under the name of the "Mor-
gan Addition to East Washington. ' ' One of these addi-
tions was so attractive and desirable that the time came
when it was made into a separate borough, bringing into
existence West Washington. Subsequently, in connection
with John W. Donnan, James Kuntz, Jr., A. G. Happer,
David Iseman, L. McCarrell, Thomas Allison and Dr.
McCleary, the Gordan farm of 220 acres was purchased
and platted, upon which some of the most prominent
manufacturing plants in the vicinity of the borough are
situated. This plant contained 1,500 lots, 1,100 of which
have been disposed of to date.
These additions offer a delightful location for home
seekers and favorable opportunities for the establishing
of business concerns. Mr. Stocking's name is indis-
solubly connected with this prospering section of Wash-
ington. He now mainly confines his energies to attend-
ing to the affairs of the West End Land Company and
the Gordan Land Companj'-, being manager of the former
and treasurer of the latter organization.
Mr. Stocking was married (first) on January 4. 1866,
to Mary Elizabeth Hallam, who died February 2, 1881.
Three children were born of this marriage, Hugh, Harry
and Maud. On March 17, 1883, Mr. Stocking married
for his second wife Miss Mary Josephine Robinson, of
Coshocton, Ohio, whose death occurred September 2, 1907.
She was a great-granddaughter of General Robinson, who
acquired 3,000 acres of government land in the Mus-
kingum Valley, Ohio.
Mr. Stocking is quite a traveler, having been in nearly
every state in the Union, also two provinces of Canada.
He has been in every country in Europe with the ex-
ception of four, and has also visited northern Africa and
the Holy Land. In 1909 he was a member of the Clark
excursion party, which made a trip around the world,
visiting all prominent foreign countries.
ALEXANDER HAMILTON, a prominent citizen and
successful agriculturist of Hopewell Township, resides
on his very valuable farm of 230 acres, on which he was
born, in September, 1863, and is a son of Robert and
Mary (Anderson) Hamilton. Mr. Hamilton is the eldest
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
663
of three tliildren, the others beiug: Benjamin and Mary,
the latter of whom is the wife of George D. Scott, re-
siding in Hopewell Township, Washington County, Pa.
Robert Hamilton, the great-grandfatlior of Alexander,
came from Ireland and located iu Canton Township,
Washington County. His son, Alexander Hamilton,
grandfather of the present Alexander, came to the farm
which the latter owns, in Hopewell Township, and lived
here until his death. He married a member of the old
Smiley family. The second Robert Hamilton, father
of our subject, lived on this farm until within a few
years of his death, which occurred in Buffalo.
Alexander Hamilton attended the public schools with
more or less regularity until he was 20 years of age and
then turned his full attention to farming and stock
raising. He carries on his work in a scientific manner
and along modern lines. He raises a large amount of
registered stock, having Aberdeen Angus cattle and
thoroughbred Buroc hogs. Before they are marketed,
his cattle and stock present so beautiful a picture as
they are browsing or feeding in the rich pastures where
they have been raised, that no painting of a rural scene
hanging in any celebrated gallery can compare with this
bit of Nature. Mr. Hamilton has productive fields and
abundant orchards and is' justly numbered with Hope-
well Township's substantial and prosperous citizens. In
1893 he was married to Miss Urania B. Taggart, a
daughter of James and Margaret Taggart, residents of
Canton Township, Washington County. They have six
children : John A., Robert, Mary M., Fannie, Florence
G. and James T. They all are in school and will be given
the best of educational advantages. Mr. Hamilton and
family are members of the Presbyterian Church in
which he is a trustee. In politics he is a stanch Repub-
lican and at different times has held township offices.
He is general manager and one of the board of directors
of the Buffalo Telephone Company.
WILLIAM H. RICHARDS, who, for the past five
years has been in charge of the Standard Tin Plate
Company, of Canonsburg, Pa., as general manager, is
a man thoroughly experienced in this line of business
and is well qualified also for executive work. He was
born in Staffordshire, England, Mar. 16, 1858, and is a
son of William and Sarah (Sheldon) Richards. On the
paternal side he is of Welsh extraction and on the ma-
ternal, of English ancestry.
Mr. Richards came to America in April, 1873, when
1.5 years old, and had then been a worker in the steel
and tin plate mills for four years. He secured employ-
ment at Leechburg, Armstrong County, Pa., and re-
mained there for three years, going then to the mills
at McKeesport, where he worked until 1879, when he
came to Canonsburg. Here he engaged in the sheet
iron busines.-i as assistant superintendent and roller.
In 1902 he went to New Kensington, where he was put
in charge of the erection of the Goldsmith and Lone-
berg Tin Plate Company plant and had charge of the
same, and was also in the employ of the American Tin
Plate Company and remained at New Kensington for
ten years, when he was transferred to the Demler plant
of the American Sheet and Tin Plate Company, at Mc-
Keesport, as general superintendent. He remained there
until he came to Canonsburg again, in order to take
charge of the Standard Tin Plato Company as manager.
He is a stockholder in this enterprise, which is the
largest concern in the line of manufacturing, at Canons-
burg. The business is one of great importance and the
payroll is the largest in the city.
The Standard Tin Plate Company of Canousburg was
organized in 1892, with local capital, the capital stock
being originally $300,000. In 1908 the majority of the
stock was transferred to the Standard Tin Plate Com-
pany. Since the erection of the plant in 1892 it has been
enlarged and now covers 20 acres and is modern in every
particular. It has on its payrolls 800 employes and
makes a specialty of the manufacturing of black plate
and tin plates. W. H. Richards is the general manager,
and Louis Follett is secretary.
In August, 1878, Mr. Richards was married to Miss
Annie Lewis, a daughter of Mark and Sarah Lewis, then
of McKeesport, but a native of Wales. Mr. and Mrs.
Richards have four children, namely: W. B., who is
employed in the Standard Tin Plate Works as a roller,
married Miss Lulu Pollard, of Canonsburg; Mark James,
who is also identified with the Tin Plate Works in an
official position, married Miss MoUie Williams; and
Bertha May and Roy W., the latter being yet a student.
The family home fs situated on Pike street, Canons-
burg. In politics, Mr. Richards is a Republican and
has always taken an intelligent interest in the political
affairs particularly relating to his place of residence,
served several terms on the Council in Canonsburg, and
while living at New Kensington, served as a member of
the town Council. He belongs to Canonsburg Lodge No.
297, F. & A. M. ; to the Elks, at New Kensington, and
to the Royal Arcanum at Canonsburg. In his official
position, Mr. Richards enjoys deserved popularity with
his great army of employes. While a strict disciplinarian,
lie is a man who can recognize merit wherever he sees
it and possesses the tact, judgment and discretion which
must be the qualities a successful manager of men musi
have.
.\BEL M. EVANS was a lifelong resident of Amwell
Township. His father, Joseph Evans, was an early and
well known settler and was one of the founders and an
elder in the Cumberland Presbvterian Church in this
664
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
section. Abel M. Evans was an extensive farmer and
besides being a man of ample fortune, was also a leader
in all matters concerning the general welfare of his
community. He served for many years as justice of
the peace and as an administrator of estates. He was
also count}' commissioner for one term. The Evans
family has always been attached to the Presbyterian
faith and Abel M. Evans was one of the elders of the
church of that denomination at Ten-Mile. He married
Elma Baker, a member of a prominent family of the
county, and six of their children now survive, namely:
Nathan B., residing at Ten-Mile, this county; Elizabeth
S., wife of A. B. Sampson, of Washington; Lucinda J.,
widow of John T. Eeynolds, residing at Ten-Mile; E.
Baker, living at Washington, D. C. ; Victorine C, wife
of James E. Wood, of Waynesburg; and William M.,
of Ten-Mile.
Nathan B. Evans was born near Baker's Station, in
Amwell Township, Aug. 21, 1843, and removed with his
parents to Ten-Mile in 1857 and was educated in the
local schools. On Aug. 22, 1S62, he enlisted for service
in the Civil War, entering Co. D, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf.,
2nd Army Corps, Army of the Potomac. He was honor-
ably discharged from the service in June, 1865. He
was six months a prisoner after the second day of the
Gettysburg battle. He then returned to his parental
home on Ten-Mile and to the farm which has been his
home ever since.
Mr. Evans has always taken a deep interest in edu-
cational matters, has long served on the township school
board and has been its president. He is president also
of the board of trustees of Waynesburg College. He
is an elder in the Ten-Mile Presbyterian Church and has
also been active in Sunday-school work, for years serv-
ing as superintendent of that school. He is a member
of Philo Paul Post, G. A. E., of Amity. This Post has
become almost extinct because of the death or removal
of members, nearly all of whom went into the Civil War
from the Amity neighborhood.
RANSOM M. DAY, a contract driller and one of the
representative business men of Washington, was born
in 1870 in Amwell Township, Washington County, Pa.,
and is a son of Stephen B. Day, a prominent citizen of
Washington County.
E. M. Day was reared in Amwell Township, where he
attended the common schools, afterwards taking a
course at Duquesne College, and later graduating with
the class of 1891 from the State Normal School at
California, Pa. He then taught school for four years,
after which he spent, five years in Pittsburg as assistant
superintendent of the Metropolitan Life Insurance Com-
pany, since which time he has been engaged in contract
drilling for different coal companies in Western Penn-
sylvania, and is at present drilling in Guernsey County,
Ohio, for the Cambridge Collieries Company. Mr. Day
is a stockholder in various enterprises of this locality,
and is one of the public spirited and enterprising men
of Washington.
In 1892, Mr. Day was joined in marriage with Minnie
Chambers, who comes of one of the old established
families of Washington County, and is a daughter of
John Chambers of Amwell Township. Three children
have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Day: Earl C, Clark
E. and Harold E. Mr. Day is a member of the Eirst
Christian Church.
A. M. AEMOE, a retired farmer of Hanover Town-
ship, residing at Burgettstown, owns very valuable farm-
ing lands in Washington County, consisting of two farms
aggregating 165 acres, which are situated in Hanover
Township. He was born in that township Oct. 30, 1833,
and is a son of James and Nancy (McCandless) Armor.
The grandfather of Mr. Armor was the first of the
family to come to Washington County and he entered
400 acres of land for himself and 400 acres for a
brother. His son, James Armor, was born in Hanover
Township and resided on the same farm until his death,
that being the land secured by his father, Thomas
Armor. It is now divided into three portions, 141, 165
and 138 acres each, all owned by three sons of James
Armor and all adjoining. James Armor was a leading
citizen of Hanover Township and served in many public
capacities. He was a Democrat and on the Democratic
ticket was elected township assessor and road super-
visor, the duties of which he performed with the greatest
care, honesty and faithfulness. He was an elder in the
Presbyterian Church. He was twice married, (tirst) to
Margaret Wilson, who, at death left four children:
John, Thomas, Margaret Ann and an infant. Her
burial was in the Florence Cemetery. His second mar-
riage was to Nancy McCandless, a daughter of Alex-
ander McCandless, and they had five children, namely:
A. M., James E., William S., Jennie and George P.
A. M. Armor attended the schools of Hanover Town-
ship when he was young and then commenced to help
his father on the farm and has owned land ever since
he reached man's estate. His farms in Hanover Town-
ship are well improved and he put up all the buildings
now standing. He has almost all of the land free of
timber, having cleared 45 acres himself. There may be
coal deposits, but he has never experimented for them,
but he has eight oil and gas wells that are of value.
During the whole of his active life he carried on general
farming.
Mr. Armor was married (first) Oct. 26, 1865, to Ann
Maria Moreland, a daughter of John Moreland, who
died Mar. 17, 1880. Her burial was in the Hopewell
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
665
Oniotiiy. Ill' was married (second) to Mrs. Kebccca
A. McCluskcy, who died May 22, 1908. No children
were boru to either marriage, but his second wife had
one daughter, Mary W., by her first marriage, who re-
sides with Mr. Armor. Both \\i\es were most estimable
women. Mr. Armor is a member and an elder in the
First Presbyterian Church of Burgettstown and before
leaving his fai-m was an elder in the Hebron Church.
In politics he is a Democrat and served three terms as
assessor of Hanover Township and many terms as a
school director. He is a stockholder in the Burgettstown
Nati<inal Bank. The Armor family is one of the old
and substantial ones of the county and its men have
been noted for their usefulness to their communities
and for their general good citizenship.
1)A\1D R. MeNARY, one of the most highly esteemed
and respected citizens of Robeson Township, who, for 23
years has been a valued resident of McDonald, where
he now lives retired, was born on his father's farm in
Cecil Township, Washington County, Pa., where East
Canonsburg is now located, Mar. 27, 1831. His parents
were Joseph and Elizabeth (Van Volkenburg) McNary.
The parents of Mr. McNary are both deceased. The
father was twice married, nine children being born to
the first union and six to his marriage with Elizabeth
Van Volkenburg. Of the latter family, David R. Mc-
Nary was the second in order of birth, the others being:
Elizabeth, who is now deceased, was the wife of James
Templeton; William M. ; Levinia, who married John
Wesby; George; Sarah, who married Milberry Douglass;
and Nancy, who married Alexander McCIoy.
David R. McNary remained on the home farm until
he was 21 years of age. He first attended the Oram
school in Chartiers Township, when his teacher was John
Curry, who afterwards established Curry Institute at
Pittsburg. After leaving home, Mr. McNary attended
this institute conducted by his old preceptor and then
took a three-year scientific course at Jefferson College.
Later he attended two terms at the State Normal School
at Millersville, coming under the direct instruction of
Prof. J. P. 'Wickersham, who not only organized that
school, but who became the first state superintendent by
executive appointment. Subsequently, Mr. McNary grad-
uated from Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, and
for several years was engaged successfully as a school
teacher and during 1858-59 was postmaster at Munn-
town.
During the Civil War, Mr. McNary was employed in
the building of government boats at the works at Soho,
Pittsburg, and assisted in the construction of the
Maneyunk and the Umque, used on the southern Missis-
sippi River. He also served for eight years as freight
agent on the Panhandle Railroad, at Sturgeon, a station
then called Willow Grove. For some years he has been
ilcvoting the larger part of his time to looking after
vahialile realty that he owns at McDonald.
On Oct. 4, 1859, Mr. McNary was married by the
Kev. James Sloan, then pastor of the Pigeon Creek
Presbyterian Church, to Miss Mary A. Munn, who was
born at Munntowu, Pa., Mar. 8, 1839. This town was
named for her grandfather, Samuel Munn, who was a
large land owner, possessing several entire sections.
The burden of paying taxes, however, was so great, that
111? traded one section of land for one ewe lamb, and it
is tlumglit probable that this was the first Merino sheep
introduced here, the beginning of an industry that has
made Washington County one of the greatest sheep
growing counties in the United States. Her parents
were John and Loui.sa (McDonald) Munn. She has one
brother, Samuel A., and one sister, Matilda. To Mr.
and Mrs. McNary the following children were born:
Ida Mary, who is the wife of Thomas Grant, of Sheri-
den. Pa. ; Elizabeth Ora, who is the wife of Stewart C.
Gailey, of Columbus, Ohio; John and S. A., both resid-
ing at Sheridan ; and Clara, who resides at home. Mr.
and Mrs. McNary have but recently celebrated the oOtb
anniversary of their wedding and the pleasure of the
occasion was dimmed by no absent faces, all the children
of the family being living, together with 13 grandchil-
dren and one great-grandchild. More than usual in-
terest was shown in this celebration on account of the
prominence of the participants. Kindred came from
far and near, while friends and neighbors manifested
a desire to participate in the festivities and to take the
opportunity of showing their regard.
Mr. McNary has been a useful citizen and has served
on the borough council. He is a member of Garfield
Lodge, F. & A. M., at McDonald and of Cyrus Chapter
at Carnegie. He is a member of the Session of the First
Presbyterian Church.
J. W. MANON, D. D. S., one of the prominent dental
surgeons of Charleroi, Pa., who has been successfully
engaged in the practice of his profession in this city
since September, 1897, was born Nov. 3, 1869, at Van
Buren, Pa., and is a son of William A. and Hannah
(Chadwiek) Manon, the former of whom was a black-
smith by trade, and died in 1904. The mother is still
living, and is a resident of Pittsburg.
J. W. Manon was reared at Van Buren, where he at-
tended the common schools and learned the blacksmith
trade, after which he ran a shoji at Lagouda for one and
one half years. He then attended the State Normal
School at California, Pa., after which he taught school
in South Franklin and Independence Townships, Wash-
ington County, for three years. He then took a course
in dental surgery at the Pennsylvania Dental College at
666
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Philadelphia, from which he graduated in the spring of
1897, and in September of that same year came to Char-
lerol, where he has offices over Piper's drug store. He
has won the esteem and confidence of the public, and the
professional success which he has gained has been well
merited. Dr. Manon is the owner of the Manon Build-
ing, containing four flats, and office rooms, on Fallow-
field avenue, and is also the owner of several other val-
uable properties in Charleroi. He served from 1906
until June, 1909, as a member of the school board, of
which he was secretary during the years 1906-07, and
was president of that body during the last year of his
membership. He is fraternally a member of the Masonic
order, and his religious connection is with the Washing-
ton Avenue Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Manon married Orpha P. Grim, who was born
and reared in Greene County, Pa., and came to Washing-
ton County, with her father, Harvey Grim, who settled
near Old Concord. Three children have been born to
Dr. and Mrs. Manon: J. Paul, who was born Oct. 25,
1S99; Irene Elizabeth, who was born July 10, 1903, and
Virginia Mae, who was born May 11, 1909.
WILLIAM A. McKAY, who is engaged in the whole-
sale manufacturing of ice cream, at Washington, Pa.,
with plant at Nos. 7-9 Sumner street, is a leading citi-
zen and representative business man of the place. He
was born at Washington, Pa., May 21, 1869, and is a
son of G. W. and Susan Elizabeth (Pease) McKay.
Mr. McKay is a representative of some of the oldest
and most honorable of the Washington County families.
His maternal great-grandfather, Andrew Pease, was
probably one of the first settlers in the county, and
his son, Andrew Pease, was a . . man of great
prominence in pioneer days. -His daughter, the
mother of William A. McKay, was born in 1843
and still survives, residing with her only surviving child.
On the paternal side the grandfather was William Mc-
Kay, who was one of the earliest cabinetmakers to settle
near Washington. His son, the late George W. McKay,
was born near Claysville, Washington County, and during
his active years worked at the shoemaking trade. His
death occurred in 1909. Mrs. McKay was one of a
family of nine children and is one of the six survivors,
the others being: Zachariah, who lives in Indiana; Maria
C, who married George W. Teegarden, lives in Ulinois;
Rebecca EUen, who lives in Washington County; An-
drew J., who lives on the old Pease homestead; and J.
C. C, who is a resident of Washington County.
William A. McKay was reared and attended school
at Washington and during his early manhood engaged
in clerking, later embarked in a restaurant and con-
fectionary business, and in the spring of 1897 started
his present enterprise. He does a large wholesale busi-
ness and has also an excellent retail trade.
Mr. McKay was married in 1892, to Miss Emma J.
Miller, who is a daughter of Simon P. Miller, of Greens-
burg, Pa., and they had two daughters: Mildred A. and
Liny Irene. The beloved wife and mother died Novem-
ber 12, 1908. Mr. McKay and daughters are members
of the Second Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the
Eagles and the Maccabees.
EEV. THOMAS PATTERSON", deceased, ior many
years was one of the ablest preachers in the Pittsburg
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which
he was admitted in 1866, and remained a faithful mem-
ber of that body until the time of his death, which oc-
curred while he was, as he himself would have wished it,
in the performance of his ministerial duties. The mes-
sage came to him while attending a conference session,
at Bellevue, Pa., and he passed quietly away on Friday
evening, October 8, 1909.
Thomas Patterson was born June 3, 1835, near Ten
Mile, Pa., and was a son of John and Jane (Simpson)
Patterson. John Patterson was born in Ireland and
when'he emigrated to America, came to Pennsylvania and
settled on a farm near Marianna, Washington Co., Pa.,
which remained in the family until after the death of
one of his sons, Samuel Patterson, who lived and died
there, and it is now the property of the Pittsburg-Buffa-
lo Coal Company.
The following children were born to John and Jane
Patterson: Catherine, who was born January 25, 1812,
married James Wherry; Rebecca, who was born Decem-
ber 6, 1813, married John Bumgardner and they lived at
Amity, Pa.; Elizabeth, who was born September 8, 1815,
married Levi Hopkins; Jane, who was born April 1,
1817, married Palmer Baker; Sarah, who was born July
16, 1819, married Levi Dawson; Andrew, who was born
Mar. 20, 1821; John, who was born Feb. 1, 1823, never
married; Samuel, who was born Dee. 15, 1824; Ann,
who was born in January, 1827; Mary, who was born
Dec. 5, 1828, is the widow of Joseph Siebert and resides
at Washington, being the only surviving member of the
family ; Thomas, who was the youngest, was, as stated
above, born in 1835. Through intermarriage the Pat-
terson family is connected with many other leading fami-
lies, both in Washington and in Greene Counties.
Thomas Patterson was educated in the public schools
and in Waynesburg College, his studies from early youth
being directed along theological lines. While still at
college the great Civil War was declared and with the
loyal enthusiasm of youth he determined to do his part
in the suppression of rebellion. He enlisted in the
famous Ringgold Cavalry regiment, which was after-
KK\'. THOMAS I'ATTEUSON
TitDEN FOUNDATIONS
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
669
wards organized as the 22nd Pa. Cav. and at this time
he was chosen as chapkiin of the regiment. He con-
tinued in the army until the end of hostilities and was
mustered out of the service in October, 1865, his regi-
ment then being known as the 3rd Pa. Prov. Cav. He
participated in many of the severest engagements of the
war, among which was the battle of Winchester, or Cedar
Creek. Years afterward, Eev. Mr. Patterson would glow
with enthusiasm in speaking of the gallant Gen. Sheri-
dan, his coumiander, who turned defeat into victory on
that day. His own victories, in an entirely different
way, were no less wonderful and there are many now
living who can testify to the triumphs secured for them
by him, as commander of spiritual forces.
After he returned from the army, Mr. Patterson com-
pleted his theological studies and was admitted to the
Pittsburg Conference. For 35 years he preached con-
stantly at regular appointments, until failing health
prevented his accepting such work. In all his years of
ministry he served every appointment to which he was
assigned for the full time limit. He served five years
at Waynesburg and also was pastor of the churches at
Johnstown, Leechburg and Canonsburg. On the last
Sabbath of bis life he conducted the service of Holy
Communion at Canonsburg, in the church building which
was erected during his pastorate there. Ho was not
only a deep thinker and earnest student and a courageous
supporter of what he deemed his ministerial mission,
but as a man he was kind hearted, tactful and naturally
sympathetic. He thus commanded both the intellects
and the hearts of his people.
Tliomas Patterson was united in marriage with Miss
Emma Virginia Black, a daughter of James A. and
Sarah (Steel) Black, of Greene County, Pa. The father
of Mrs. Patterson is living, aged 87 years, a son of
James H. Black. The Black family has been prominent-
ly identified with public affairs in Greene County. When
the great-grandfather, Benjamin Black, was a member
of the State Legislature, he was the youngest serving
in that body. It was Charles A. Black, a young attorney
of Greene County, who compiled the first school laws
of Pennsylvania. The venerable mother of Mrs. Pat-
terson also survives. She was born near Philadelphia.
Her father was James Steel, a miller by trade, of Quaker
extraction. He lived for a short time in Fayette County,
Pa. His death was occasioned by an attack of cholera.
One daughter, Miss Mary Patterson, survives and resides
with her mother at Canonsburg.
ADAM COON SAMPSON, deceased, was one of the
leading business men of Monongahela City, and was one
of the organizers of the Peoples Bank, now the Monon-
gahela City Trust Company. He was born at Long Kun,
Allegheny County, Pa., a son of Thomas and Anna
(Coon) Sampson, and died May 10, 1872, at the age of
49 years. During his early life he engaged in the in-
surance business, having a general agency through the
western portion of Pennsylvania, and in 1871, with
James Sampson, J. B. Fiuley and others, estab-
lished at Monongahela City the Peoples' Bank, of which
he served until his death as president, with James
Sampson, as vice president, and J. B. Finley, cashier.
In fraternal circles he held membership with the I. O.
O. F. and the Masons, and his religious connection was
with the Presbyterian Church. Politically, he was a
Kcpublican.
Mr. Sampson was first united in marriage with Mar-
garet Williams, after whose death he married Fanny
Moore, who also died, and on Nov. 11, 1862, he married
Letitia S. Manown. They became the parents of the
following children: Anna Kuhn, deceased, married Dr.
William Boyde, deceased; Sarah Manown; Letitia, mar-
ried Edward Brubaker, and died, leaving one son, Henry,
who was reared by her mother, Mrs. Sampson, and he
is a graduate of Bliss College of Washington, D. C, and
is engaged as an electrical engineer at Donora, Pa.;
Adam Coon, deceased, married Annetta Yohe, by whom
he had two children, Lois and Adam Coon; and Harriet
L., who is the wife of Attorney W. K. Vance, has two
children, WiUison K. and Adam Sampson.
Letitia S. (Manown) Sampson, widow of our subject,
was born May 16, 1832, on her father's farm just across
the Monongahela River, and is a daughter of James and
Cassandra (Devore) Manown. James Manown was born
in County Down, Ireland, and in 1798 came to America
with his parents, Richard and Abigail (Smith) Manown,
who settled near Round Hill, then Westmoreland County,
and now known as Allegheny County, and was one of
five childi-en born to his parents: Peggy, who is the wife
of Robin Bailie; John; William; James, father of Mrs.
Sampson; and Richard. James Manown married Cas-
sandra (Devore) Elliott, a daughter of David Devore,
who was the first to obtain a license to run a ferry be-
tween Monongahela City and the bridge on the other
side of the river. He married the widow of George
Elliott, who was drowned while trying to save their son
Burnsides. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott also had a daughter,
namely. Patience, the deceased wife of Benjamin Davis,
who is also deceased. Her union with James Manown
resulted in the birth of the following children: Frank-
lin, deceased; Eliza, deceased, married A. Vankirk, also
deceased; Nancy Ann, deceased, was the wife of John
Thirkield, deceased; Cassandra, deceased wife of Alfred
Thirkicld, also deceased; Dr. James H. Manown, of
West Virginia; Harriet P., widow of James Moore;
Sarah, deceased ; Letitia, widow of Adam Coon Samp-
son, our subject; and three who died in childhood.
Mrs. Sampson was reared on her father's farm and
670
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
obtained her educational training at tlie township schools
and a private school at Monongahela City, after wliich
she graduated from the Washington Seminary with the
class of 1852. She was united in marriage with Mr.
Sampson in 1862 and since his death has continued to
reside in the family residence which was erected by him
in 1863, and which is located on the corner of Main and
Eifth streets. Mrs. Sampson is held in high esteem by
a large circle of friends, among whom she has spent the
greater part of her life. She is a member of the Presby-
terian Church and was for a number of years president
of the Missionary Society.
ROBERT S. ELANEGIN, general merchant and post-
master at Woodrow, "Washington County, Pa., and also
agent for the Wabash Railroad at this point, was born
in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Sept.
30, 1873, and is a son of Robert and Esther Planegin
and is the youngest of their family of children, as fol-
lows: Emma J., who married W. S. Noah, resides in
Mt. Pleasant Township; Agnes E., who is now deceased,
was the wife of William Philips; and E. Harriet, who
is the wife of J. H. Gorman, of Canonsburg.
Robert S. Elanegin attended the public schools of
Mt. Pleasant Township and continued and completed
his education at the academies at Hickory and Buffalo.
When 18 years of age he became a farmer and continued
an agricultural life for several years, after which he
went to Woodrow and there entered the employ of C.
M. Marquis as a clerk for a time and then went back
to the farm, but when J. S. Buchanan bought the store
from Mr. Marquis, he installed Mr. Flanegin as manager.
Mr. Buchanan subsequently went out of business and Mr.
Flanegin secured the location and opened up a store
of his own. Where others had practically failed he suc-
ceeded and is now starting on his fourth year with the
brightest of prospects. He has a reputation for busi-
ness honesty as well as capacity and a liberal patronage
is accorded him from the adjacent country. In 1905
he was appointed postmaster and the business of the
office has grown to be so important that on Oct. 1, 1909,
a money order system was installed. He is also the
accommodating ticket agent for the Wabash Railroad
and in every way is a popular citizen of this community.
Mr. rianegin was married in October, 1896, to Miss
Georgia A. Holmes, a daughter of John and Mary
Holmes, of Hopewell Township. They are members of
the United Presbyterian Church of Hickory. In politics
he i.s a Democrat. He is a stockholder in the Hickory
and Woodrow Telephone Company.
S. GILLMORE DICKSON, who conducts a fire insur-
ance business at Canonsburg, being one of the leading
men in this line in the borough, was born in Washing-
ton County. Pa., in the old tollgate house two miles east
of this place, near Morganza Station, Feb. 29, 1864. His
parents were William and Margaret J. (Ferguson)
Dickson.
William Dickson was born in Ireland and in early
manhood, about 1856, came to America, made his way
to Pittsburg and later joined an uncle who was living
at Canonsburg. He soon found work in the mill of
James Berry and later was employed on the farm of
Israel Haines in North Strabane Township, and also
operated the farm of William Martin, now deceased,
who was for many years president of the First National
Bank. On Oct. 4, 1859, he married Margaret J. Fer-
guson, who was bom on East College street, Canons-
burg, a daughter of Thomas Ferguson, a stone mason,
who died in 1864. Both William Dickson and wife sur-
vive and they reside at Canonsburg. Eight children were
born to them, four sons and four daughters, namely:
Thomas F., residing at Bower Hill; Lizzie M., wife of
G. A. Crumm, a rural mail carrier, at Canonsburg; S.
GiUmore; William Martin, residing at Canonsburg; Cora
A., Margaret P. and Ada B., residing at home; and
Alvin H., employed at the Fort Pitt Bridge Works.
S. GiUmore Dickson attended the local schools, then
engaged in farming, after which he was employed for
four years at the Pennsylvania Reform School at Mor-
ganza, and in 1895 he came to Canonsburg and em-
barked in the fire insurance business. He represents a
number of the leading companies and through his care-
ful and close attention to all risks and his promptness
in settling all losses, he has built up an excellent busi-
ness.
In 1898, Mr. Dickson was married to Miss Emma Hess,
of Chartiers Township, and they have two children:
Agnes J. and Mary E. Mr. Dickson £und wife are mem-
bers of the Central Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg.
In politics he is a Democrat. Mrs. Dickson prior to
her marriage, made her home with her great-uncle, Adam
Edgar, of an old Wasliington County family. He died
at Canonsburg in June, 1902, at the age of 82 years.
AARON K. LYLE, superintendent of the Highland
Glass Company Factory No. 1, and identified with other
business enterprises at Washington, Pa., has been a resi-
dent of this city for ten years. He was born in Smith
Township, Washington County, Pa., in 1870.
Capt. William K. Lyle, father of Aaron K., was born
in Washington County, in 1838, and for a number of
years engaged in farming and stock raising in Smith
Township. He served with gallantry in the CivU War
and was captain of his company. He was active in pub-
lic affairs in Washington County and for six years was
superintendent of the Children's Home. In 1905 he re-
tired to Grafton, .\llegheny County, where he now re-
sides. He married .Tane A. Cooke, who is now deceased,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
671
iiiid five of theii' children still survive, namely: Josephine,
who is the wife of C. A. Dally, of Allegheny County;
Harriet, who resides with her father; Wilfred C, a civil
engineer employed by the government, ;it jiresent being
on the Tennessee River; Janet, who resides with her
father at Grafton; and Aaron K.
Aaron K. Lyle was reared in Washington County and
was educated in the public schools and Oakdale Academy,
at Oakdale, Allegheny County. His first business en-
gagement was with the Washington Carbon Company,
where he remained five years and then accepted a po-
sition with the Highland Glass Company, starting in
as a packer- and shipper and rising step by step, until,
in 190G he was made night superintendent. He is recog-
nized as a capable, reliable man in a position that re-
quires technical knowledge as well as executive ability.
During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Lyle served as a
member of Co. C, 14th Pa. Vol. Inf.
In 1901, Mr. Lyle was married to Miss Mary Belle
Galbraith, who was born in Smith Township and is a
daughter of the late William Reed Galbraith, who was
a leading merchant at Burgettstown for ten years. Mr.
and Mrs. Lyle have one son, Aaron K., Jr. They are
members of the Second Presbyterian Church, in which
Mr. Lyle is a deacon. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow,
and is identified with both lodge and Encampment.
LEMAN CARSON, one of the large wool growers of
Blaine Township, Washington County, who also devotes
his land to general farming and stock raising, has over
100 acres and this is the old homestead on which he
was born, it then being in Buffalo Township, Mar. 26,
1849. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Wright)
Carson.
Both parents of Mr. Carson were born in Washington
County and both are now deceased, the father's death
occurring on Jan. 15, 1865, and the mother's on Jan.
5, 1886. They are survived by four children: Rachel,
w-ho is the widow of Henry C. Noble, resides at Clays-
ville. Pa. ; Isaac, who lives in Missouri ; Samuel W.,
Buffalo Township, and Leman, of Blaine Township.
Leman Carson was reared on the old place and se-
cured his education in the schools of the neighborhood.
He is numbered with the successful agi-iculturists of the
township and does a large amount of business in wool,
raising the Merino sheep for this special purpose. He
also has several producing oil wells. Mr. Carson is a
director in the Farmers' National Bank of Claysville. In
politics, he is a Democrat. For a number of years he
has been a member of the Presbyterian Church at Clays-
ville, in which he is an elder.
Aug. 3, 1887, Mr. Carson was married to Margaret
Gillespie, of Blaine Township, and they have one son,
William, who resides at home.
J. WILBUR MUNNEL, who is olliciating as assistant
cashier of the First National Bank of Canonsburg, is a
representative of one of the old and prominent families
of Washington County, with the leading affairs of which
it has been more or less identified ever since, being
active in advancing business interests and thus con-
tributing to the general prosperity. Mr. Munnell was
born near Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa., Apr.
28, 1867, and is a sou of James and Sarah (Grandstaff)
Munnell.
James Munnell, the father, was born in South Stra-
bane Township, Washington County, in 1837, and is a
resident of Crafton, in Allegheny County. His father,
Samuel Munnell, was also born in South Strabane Town-
ship and his mother in Butler County and was a mem-
ber of the well-known McQuistan family, .lames Mun-
nell married Sarah Grandstaff, who was born at Mounds-
ville, W. Va. She lived into her 70th year, passing away
on July 28, 1908. The following children were born to
James and Sarah Munnell: Mary, who is the widow of
W. K. Galbreath, a former postmaster at Canonsburg;
Catherine D., who died in 1882, when aged 17 years; J.
Wilbur; J. Franklin, who is engaged in theatrical work;
Jean B., who is the wife of George White, of Swissvale,
Pa.; Maud H., who resides at Canonsburg; Thomas, who
died in infancy; and Zelda, who resides at home.
J. Wilbur Munnell was a mere child when his parents
came from the farm to Canon.sburg and here he attended
the public schools and Jefferson Academy. He was
about 18 years of age when he started to work with his
father at the carpenter trade, but shortly afterward
secured a position in the Canonsburg Bank, Limited,
which institution was reorganized in the following year,
1891, and he has been identified with it ever since. Fa-om
being bookkeeper, Mr. Munnell advanced through his
capacity and proved fidelity to be teller, and later to
the position of assistant ca.shier. In all his business
dealings he has shown superior qualifications, and his
pleasing, courteous manner has been generally appre-
ciated by the patrons of the First National. Many of
his acquaintances have known him from childhood and
his friends have watched his advancement with plea.<ure.
In 1S91, Mr. Munnell was married to Miss Catherine
.1. McNutt, a daughter of William and Nancy (Weaver)
McNutt, of Washington County, and they have a family
of four children: Helen W., Catherine G., James W. and
Paul I). Mr. and Mrs. Munnell are members of the
First Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg, of which he
is treasurer. Like his father he is identified with the
Democratic party and for some years served a.s borough
auditor. He is one of Canonsburg 's representative men.
CHARLES M. MARQUIS, a leading citizen, general
farmer and stock raiser nf ('rnss Creek Township, Wash-
672
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ington County, Pa., is one of the substantial men of
this section, owning over 200 acres of valuable land.
He was born in this township Nov. 3, 1S72, and his
parents are Simeon and Caroline (Stevenson) Marquis.
Simeon Marquis was born in Cross Creek Township
and is a son of William Marquis, who was probably born
and spent his life in the same township. Simeon en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits and always lived on the
homestead near Cross Creek village. He was married
(first) to Sarah Mason and they had four children. His
second marriage was to Caroline Stevenson.
Charles M. Marquis, with his brother, James M., who
now lives in Mt. Pleasant Township, attended the dis-
trict schools, after which he was a student in the Cross
Creek Academy and later attended Duff's Business Col-
lege at Pittsburg, where he was graduated. At the
age of 20 years he settled down to farming and con-
tinued for six years, when he went into the mercantile
business and conducted a store at Woodrow for six
years, after which he resumed his agricultural pursuits.
His land is well cultivated and he gives much care and
time to raising fine stock and has made sheep something
of a specialty.
In August, 1898, Mr. Marquis was married to Miss
Bessie Jeffrey, a daughter of K. G. -Jeffrey, of Cross
Creek Township, and they have had the following chil-
dren: BeUe, Margaret, Eobert, Eaymond, Mary and
Euth. Two of their little ones have passed away, BeUe
and Eobert. Mr. Marquis and wife are members of
Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church, of which he formerly
was a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat as was his
father before him.
JAMES E. DUNCAN, Jr., secretary of the Duncan
& Miller Glass Company, is one of Washington's leading
business men, being also president of the Donely Brick
Company and vice president of the Capitol Paint, Oil
and Varnish Company. He was born at Pittsburg, Pa.,
and is a son of James E. and Anna (Patterson) Dun-
can.
The late James E. Duncan was prominently identified
with the iron and glass manufacturing interests of
Western Pennsylvania. He was a native of Pittsburg
and was a son of George Duncan, who was the founder
of the business now conducted under the name of the
Duncan & Miller Glass Company. James E. Duncan
moved his glass manufacturing plant from Pittsburg
to Washington and did business under the title of George
Duncan's Sons and in 1900 the present style was adopt-
ed when the business was incorporated. James E. Dun-
can continued his active interest in the business until
his death in January, 1900. He married Miss Anna
Patterson, who was born at Pittsburg and was a daugh-
ter of Andrew Patterson, who was directly concerned
in many important Pittsburg enterprises and owned
much real estate. Four children were born to this mar-
riage, the three survivors being: James E., Jr.; Andrew
P.; and Amelia P., who is the wife of W. H. Baker,
who is a son of N. E. Baker, cashier of the Citizens'
National Bank at Washington.
James E. Duncan, Jr., attended the public schools of
Pittsburg and was also instructed by private tutors, later
entering Washington and Jefferson College. In 1896 he
entered the glass factory of George Duncan's Sons and
when the business was incorporated, following the death
of his father, he became secretary, a responsible po-
sition „e has filled ever since.
Mr. Duncan is a Thirty-second degree Mason and is
present master of Sunset Lodge No. 623, F. & A. M.,
Washington. He is also a member of the Elks and of the
Bassett Club.- Mr. Duncan attends the First Methodist
Church in this city.
JAMES W. McDowell, of J. W. McDowcU & Son,
a prominent law firm of Washington, Pa., has been a
resident of this city since February, 1873. He was born
in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., in
1842, and is a son of John and a grandson of James Mc-
Dowell.
The grandfather, James McDowell, came to Washing-
ton County from Lancaster County, Pa., in 1787, being
one of the pioneer settlers here. John McDowell, son
of James, was born on the pioneer farm in 1811 and his
son, James W., had the same birthplace. John Mc-
Dowell was engaged in farming and was also extensive-
ly interested in the sheep industry. He was a man of
local prominence and sterling character. He died in
1SS6.
James W. McDowell was reared and educated in Ms
native county, graduating first from Jefferson College
at Canonsburg and in 1866 receiving his diploma from
Washington and Jefferson College, the year of the col-
lege consolidation. He then entered upon the study of
law with William Montgomery and in 1869 was admitted
to the bar of Washington County; afterward he was ad-
mitted to the bar in Allegheny County. After two years
of successful practice in Pittsburg, he came to Washing-
ton and has since continued here, practicing alone untU
his son became associated with him, on Sept. 3, 1900.
The combination is considered a strong one and the firm
appears in much of the important litigation and court
business in this section of the county.
Mr. McDowell was married Sept. 23, 1869, to Miss
Nancy J. Eea, a daughter of Joseph Eea, of Mt. Pleas-
ant Township, and they have two sons; John W., who
is the junior partner of the law firm of J. W. McDowell
& Son, and Joseph Eea. The latter, who is a graduate
of Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, is agent for
JAMES ^^■. McDowell
fEVV YORtI
^0"?, LEMC
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
675
the Adams Express Company at Wasliiuglou. He mar-
ried Miss Eleanor Little and they are members of the
First Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Ma-
sonic fraternity.
John W. McDowell was born in 1875, at Washington,
Pa., and in 1896 was graduated from Washington and
JelVerson College. He studied law in his father's ollice
and was admitted to the bar Sept. 3, 1900. Both mem-
bers of the firm practice in all the courts of the State.
In 1908 he was married to Miss Sarah Margaret Junk,
a daughter of the late James Junk. They are members
of the First Presbyterian Church. John W. McDowell
was one of the organizers and is a member of the ex-
clusive Bassett Club and he is a Freemason. At different
times he has served as secretary and treasurer of the
Democratic County Committee.
James W. McDowell is an elder in the First Presby-
terian Church. In politics he is a Democrat and has
served in the borough Council and as a member of the
school board. He is prominent in Masonry and at pres-
ent is serving as District Deputy Grand Master of the
Southwestern District of the jurisdiction of the Grand
Lodge of F. and A. Masons of Pennsylvania. Aside from
his profession, Mr. McDowell has large business in-
terests.
ROBERT M. DICKSON, senior member of the firm
of Dickson & Wallace, leading business men at Midway,
dealing in hardware and builders' supplies and main-
taining a lumber yard, was born in Washington County,
Pa., Feb. 23, 1S63, and is a son of William A. and Eliz-
abeth (McBurney) Dickson.
The father of Mr. Dickson died in 1895, having spent
all his active life as a farmer. His widow survives and
resides at Crafton. Their family consisted of the fol-
lowing children: Margaret G., Elizabeth W., Robert M.,
Anna, W. R., Agnes J., Walter E. and Bertha L., now-
deceased. Of the above, Anna is the wife of Rev. W.
E. E. Bareus, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal
Church; W. R. is a practicing physician at McDonald,
Pa., and Walter E., a dentist at Burgettstown, Pa.
Robert M. Dickson attended Ingleside Academy at
McDonald, at that time a flourishing school, and then
took a commercial course in the Iron City Business Col-
lege at Pittsburg, Pa., after which he assisted his father
and remained on the home farm until 1895, when he
came to Midway and embarked in his present business.
He has been a very useful and active citizen, serving on
the township school board before the borough was or-
ganized and frequently on the Council since. He is
identified with the Republican party.
In 1895, Mr. Dickson was married to Miss Ina M.
Andrews, of Burgettstown, Pa., and they have two chil-
dren: William A. and Elizabeth R,, both of whom re-
side at home. Mr. Dickson's paternal grandparents
were William and Margaret (Glen) Dickson, and the ma-
ternal, Robert and Eliza (Welch) McBurney, all these
names being representative ones in Washington County.
CHAKLES SOMERVILLE CRALL, member of the
linn of I. Shelby Crall Company, of Monongahela City,
Pa., who are extensive growers and shippers of flowers
and vegetables, was born Nov. 1, 1861, in Nevada Coun-
ty, Cal., and is a son of I. Shelby and Sarah (Somer-
vilie) Crall.
I. Shelby Crall was born in Fayette County, Pa.,
where he grew to manhood and learned the iron moulderi
trade. He then ran a foundry in Allegheny County
until 1851, when the plant was destroyed by fire, and
the following year, in company with others from Monon-
gahela City, he went to California, where he met with
much success in the mines. In 1866 he returned to
Monongahela City with the intention of retiring from
business activities, but the following year established
the plant of the I. Shelby Crall & Company. He had
always been fond of flowers and plants and had a pri-
vate greenhouse at his residence, but the flowers and
plants attracted the attention of his friends and neigh-
bors, who wanted to buy them, and in a short time he
had established such an extensive business, that he was
obliged to obtain larger quarters, and purchased a tract
of 70 acres, upon which the present plant was estab-
lished. This land was at one time an old Indian camp-
ing ground, as is shown by the large Indian mound, and
many cooking utensils and other Indian relies have been
discovered buried on it. Subsequently 30 acres of the
land were disposed of in building lots, and Mr. Crall
continued in the business until the time of his death in
1901, at the age of 74 years. He married Sarah Somer-
ville, who was born in Jefferson County, Pa., and died
in 1907, at the age of 68 years. Three children were
born of their union: Charles Somerville; Maude A., who
is the wife of H. M. Grifiith, and James Shelby, all of
whom are natives of California.
Charles S. Crall was quite young when his parents
removed from California to Monongahela City, Pa.,
where he was reared and attended the public schools.
He left school at an early age to assist his father in
the greenhouses, and after the death of his father in
1901, formed a partnersip with his brother James, and
Harry M. Griffiths, a brother-in-law, and continued in
the business under the old firm name of I. Shelby Crall
Company. James Crall has charge of the office, Mr. Grif-
fiths is in charge of the retail store located at No. 251-
2.'53 Main street, while our subject is overseer of the entire
plant, which is located on Fourth street, and consists
of 22 greenhouses containing 75,000 square feet of glass
and lias 1,000 square feet of hot beds. In 1906 Mr.
676
HlSTUlfY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Crall established a poultry farm on a tract of 30 acres
in Carroll Township, where he has 1,000 laying hens,
and finds a ready market for his jiroduce at Mononga-
hela City. Mr. Crall is a member of the American
Carnation Society, the Pittsburg and Allegheny Gar-
deners' and Florists' Club, is a member of the Knights
of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor, is past State
Councilor of the Jr. O. U. A. M., and is a trustee of the
National Orphans' Home at TilBn, Ohio, which is under
the management of the Jr. 0. U. A. M. In politics, Mr.
Crall is identified with the Democratic party, and has
served as a member of the Monongahela City council for
the past seven years. He holds membership with the
Presbyterian church.
D. S. and. J. B. TAYLOR, sons of D. S. and Sarah
(Oliver) Taylor, are old residents of Smith Tow-nship,
where each owns an interest in 365 acres of valuable
land. The father, D. S. Taylor, was born two miles
northeast of Washington, Pa., and was reared on his
father's farm, and was a son of Joseph Taylor and a
grandson of Hon. Henry Taylor, who was the first judge
in Washington County. D. S. Taylor resided in West-
moreland County, Pa., for one year after his marriage
but in the spring of ]834 moved back to South Strabane
Township, Washington County, and lived there until
1849, when he moved to Adams County, Ohio, for one
year, and from there to Smith Township, Washington
County, and settled on the farm now owned jointly by
his sons, and died there in March, 188S. His burial was
in Fairview Cemetery, at Burgettstown. His estate in-
cluded 256 acres of land at that time. He was a Demo-
crat in polities and at different times had served as
school director and road supervisor. He married Sarah
Oliver, a daughter of Samuel Oliver. She died in March,
1898. They had the following children: Mary Ann, Jo-
seph, Samuel O., Henry G., William P., Jane Olive,
D. S., Jr., J. B. and Matthew, three of these — Joseph,
Samuel O. and Matthew — being deceased.
D. S. Taylor, son of D. S. and Sarah (Oliver) Taylor,
was born two mUes northeast of Washington, Pa., Oct.
7, 1847, and his school days were spent in Smith Town-
ship, having come to the present farm with his parents
on Apr. 1, 1850, when they came back to Washington
County from Adams County, Ohio. Mr. Taylor engaged
in farming but became interested also in other enter-
prises. He is secretary and treasurer of the Burgetts-
town Publishing Company of Burgettstown, of which he
is a large stockholder. He is also a stockholder of the
Washington National Bank of Burgettstown, of which he
was formerly vice president; has been either president or
vice president of the Union Agricultural Association of
Burgettstown since 1876, with the exception of four
years, and for 15 years served as a justice of the peace
in Smith Township. In polities he is a Democrat. Ho
attends the Pirst United Presbyterian Church. He has
always shown an interest in educational affairs and is
serving as a member of the Smith Township School
Board.
J. B. Taylor, son of D. S. and Sarah (Oliver) Taylor,
was born in Smith Township, Mar. 30, 1857. He owns
a one-half interest in 365 acres in Smith Township and
is a substantial as well as a representative citizen. He
spent his school days in Smith Township in which the
family was reared and with his brother and one sister
resides on the old homestead. The place is well im-
proved and all the buildings now standing were erected
by J. B. Taylor, as he learned and worked at the carpen-
ter trade for 12 years. Owing to ill health he was
obliged to give up his trade and since then nas been
interested in contracting for steam heat and hot water
systems at Burgettstown and in the vicinity. Like his
older brother he is a Democrat but mixes little in poli-
ties, his main desire being to see good men elected to
office. He attends the First Presbyterian Church at
Burgettstown.
JOHN H. McCEACKEN, who is one of Washington's
enterprising and wide awake young business men, is a
member of the wholesale produce firm of McLeod & Mc-
Cracken, the operations of which cover a wide radius of
territory. Mr. McCracken was born at Wheeling, West
Va., in 1878.
Ml-. McCracken has been a resident of Washington for
22 years, coming here during his school period. After
leaving his books he worked for four years in a grocery
house and to the knowledge there gained by close atten-
tion to the details of the grocery business may, in large
part, be attributed his success when he embarked in the
business for himself. Since 1899 he has been in the
wholesale produce business and for two years conducted
a retail grocery. In 1908 the present firm was organ-
ized and it deals extensively in butter, cheese and eggs.
The business has continued to increase in volume and
the prospects of the firm are bright, dealing as they do
in the necessary commodities of daily life, and having a
practical knowledge of this line. In 1898, Mr. Mc-
Cracken was married to Miss Minnie Holder, of Wash-
ington, Pa., and they have one daughter, Elizabeth.
JOHN CUNNINGHAM, justice of the peace, member
of the school board and owner of a magnificent farm of
532 acres, may justly be denominated a leading and
representative citizen of Donegal Township, Washington
Co., Pa., where he was born Oct. 25, 1863. His parents
were John and Margaret (Heyburn) Cunningham.
The father of Mr. Cunningham, the late John Cun-
ningham, whose death occurred late in the 90 's. was
[irs'i'oiiv OF \v.\sin\(;T()x county
677
h(irn ill Ciuinty Down, hvlmul, .Inly 24, ]S'2i), anil uns a
son of I'eU'i' mill Dorothea (Wilkinson) Cunningliani.
I'etor Cunningham engaged in tanning to some extent,
raised cattle and also worked at the weaving trade. All
of his eight children with the exception of John, the
fir.^tborn, remained in Ireland. The latter learned the
weaving trade from his father but never found the neces-
sity of following it. In 1849 he came to America almo.st
emptyhandod, but in a very short time his industry and
other good (jualities gave him recognition and in a few
months he had entered into the employ of .fames C'jimp-
sey, a large farincT in Washington County. Pa., and re-
mained there for 14 years. In 1863 he married and for
some years afterward rented land' from Mr. Campsey, but
liy I.S72 he was able to buy a tract of land, in Donegal
Township, and lived there until 1881. He then moved
on a part of the Heyburn tract, situated three miles
northwest of Claysville, also in Donegal Township, and
there resided until his demise. He was a man of ster-
ling character, honest, upright and courageous. He gave
support to the Presbyterian Church and in private life
was unusually charitable and generous. On Sept. 17,
1863, he was married (first) to Margaret J. Heyburn,
who was born in 1840, and died Dec. 25, 1879. Of
their children the following survive: .Tohn, George, of
\'ieiiiia. Pa.; .loseph E., of Donegal Town.ship ; and
.Vmanda, now Mrs. Miller, of Donegal Township.
John Cunningham, the eldest of the above family, was
reared and attended school in Donegal Township and
from early youth has been interested extensively in farm-
ing and stock raising. He devotes special attention to
sheep raising and makes this industry profitable. Fol-
lowing in the steps of his father, he is a stanch party
Republican and gives loyal support to its policies. In
local matters he is very closeiy concerned at all times,
serving on school and highway boards as the best way
to better the conditions of both, and the esteem in
which he is held is shown in the fact that he is .serving
hi.s second term as justice of the peace.
On Mar. 21, 1900, Mr. Cunningham was married to
Miss Bertha E. Noble, who was born in Buffalo Town-
ship, Washington County, and they are members of the
Prebyterian Church at Claysville, of which he is a
trustee.
WILLIAM BOYLE HOUSTON, a leading citizen of
Canonsburg, Pa., and president of the First National
Bank of Houston, the latter city standing on what was
once his grandfather 's farm, was born at Canonsburg,
Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of David Clark and
Louisa B. (Sweitzer) Houston.
The Houston family in America traces its lineage back
to the Highlands of Scotland, even to the days of the
gallant William Wallace. In Renfrewshire. Scotland,
the old b.aronial hiills still stand and the head of the
family still commands his va.ssals. Early in the 17th
century members of the clan migrated to North Ireland
and the name is a familiar one in Counties Donegal, Lon-
donderry, Tyrone and Antrim. It was from North Ire-
hiiid that three brothers of the name of Houston crossed
till' .Xtlantic Ocean, between 1725 and 1730, and settled
ill wliat is now Lancaster County, Pa. They increased
ill numbers and prospered and eventually .scattered into
other parts of the Union and no record of the family
would be complete without mention being made of that
old Texan hero. Gen. Sam Houston. "The History of
Lancaster County ' ' has rightly regarded this family as
one of its most interesting and distinguished and many
important facts and much data concerning it may be
olitained by consulting this jiublication.
.lohii Houston lived on a farm in Lancaster County,
facing the Delaware Water Gap station, on the Penn-
sylvania Railroad, and he had six sons and two daugh-
ters born there. Five of these sons: Daniel, John, Will-
iam, James and Thomas, were soldiers in the Revolu-
tionary War. After its close, Daniel Houston took up
his residence in Franklin County, Pa., removing later to
Washington County, settling in what is now Cross Creek
Township. He was accompanied by his son, Daniel
Houston, who was born in Franklin County but whose
subsequent life was spent in Washington County, where
lie became a more than usually useful citizen. He early
entered into the busintss of buying and shipping such
commodities as wool, flour and pork, loading boats at
the mouth of Cro.'s Creek and delivering at New Orleans.
In the face of dangers long since eliminated from all
river traffic in the United States and in spite of hard-
ships of all kinds, Mr. Houston made many successful
trips to the South and from many of these walked the
whole distance home. In his business dealings he \\rts
considered honorable and upright, and of his personal
characteristics, his contemporaries speak with the utmost
kindness and admiration. He always adhered to the old
Seceder Church in his religious views and he gave a site
for the erection of a church edifice. It is still standing
and now belongs to his grandson, William Boyle Houston.
In addition to the personal business enterprises men-
tioned, Daniel Houston was concerned in others of a
more public nature, through which many of his fellow
citizens were more or less benefitted and accommodated.
He was one of the organizers of the old Franklin Bank
of Washington, now the First National, was the largest
stockholder and its president. He was also a trustee of
Jefferson College at Canonsburg and gave encourage-
ment to educational effort wherever he was able. He
was one of the most liberal contributors to the project
of building the Chartiprs Railroad, giving, it is said, the
sum of $6,000. .i^lthough the first railroad enterprise
6T8
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON" COUNTY
remained ineffective for many years, the arousing of the
people and the contributing were not lost factors ■when
the Pennsylvania Eailroad Company subsequently com-
pleted the contract.
Daniel Houston married Betsey Clark, a daughter of
David and Hannah (Baird) Clark, a family of Scotch
extraction, and to this marriage three children were
born, one son and two daughters, both daughters dying
in childhood.
David Clark Houston, the father of William Boyle
Houston and the only son of Daniel and Betsey (Clark)
Houston, was born on the old farm of his father in Inde-
pendence Township, Washington Co., Pa., and died at
Canonsburg, May 27, 1888, in his seventy-third year.
He obtained an exeeUent education, completing his
studies at Jefferson College. Early in manhood he
turned his attention to mercantile pursuits which he con-
tinued untU other demands on his attention in relation
to his large inheritance of property induced him to
retire. Together with his. father he served continually
as a director of the First National Bank of Washington
from its organization, was a trustee of Washington and
Jefferson College, a trustee of Jefferson Acadamy, presi-
dent of the Oak Spring Cemetery Company and a mem-
ber of a number of charitable boards. He was active
in securing the Chartiers Valley EaUroad as was his
father, whose example he followed in many public-spir-
ited movements. For many years he was a valued and
honored member of the Chartiers United Presbyterian
Church.
At Washington, Pa., in 1840, David Houston was mar-
ried to Louisa B. Sweitzer, who was born at Browns-
ville, Pa., and died at Canonsburg, in 1887. Her father
was Dr. Lewis Sweitzer, a native of Pennsylvania who
secured his medical education in France. Dr. Sweitzer
and wife were the parents of a large family and among
them were many distinguished members and a family of
daughters as noted for their personal beauty as the sons
were for their mental gifts. To David Houston and wife
there were born three sons and three daughters, namely:
Elizabeth, who resides at Canonsburg; Mary, who is now
decaesed, was the wife of Eev. William F. Brown, whose
father was president of Jefferson College and his grand-
father of Washington College; Harriet, who died when
aged twenty-two years; Louis, who died when aged twen-
ty-four years; William Boyle; and Daniel, who died
when aged three years. There are two survivors of this
family: William Boyle and Miss Elizabeth.
William Boyle Houston was reared in a cultured home
where the means were ample for every demand of life
and his wishes were more or less connulted as to the
direction his educational efforts should take. He at-
tended .Jefferson Academy, with which his family had
been so closely identified for .«o long a time, and tlien,
in preparation for au active business life, took a course
at Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg. Like father
and grandfather his talents have been brought to light
as a financier. They were the organizers of ffnancial
institutions which have become solid ones of this sec-
tion and Mr. Houston, in 1902, organized the First
National Bank of Houston, which is recognized as one"
of the leading and conservative banks of Washington
County. To the interests of this bank Mr. Houston de-
votes much of his time and he is also interested in look-
ing after both his own and his sister's important invest-
ments and large amount of property. Both he and Miss
Elizabeth Houston are members of the United Presby-
terian Church. He was brought to Canonsburg by his
parents in 1875, and he resides here during all but the win-
ter months, spending these in Florida.
CHAELES MATNAED EEA, whose well cultivated
farm of 120 acres lies in Cross Creek Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., not far distant from the village of Sea,
which perpetuates the name of his family, an old and
prominent one in this section, was born on this farm No-
vember 6, 1865. His parents were Charles and Cather-
ine (Cook) Eea.
WUliam Eea, the great-grandfather of Charles M.
Eea, was born in Northampton Co., Pa., September 13,
1762, and came from there to Washington County, in
1789, shortly afterward settling on what is now the farm
of his great-grandson, in Cross Creek Township. WUliam
Eea taught school one winter one and one-half miles
west of Hickory, in Mt. Pleasant Tovraship and then
bought the above farm which has remained in the family
into the fourth generation. He was a justice of the
peace for Cross Creek, Hopewell and Mt. Pleasant town-
ships for a number of years and was one of the foremost
men of this section. In 1794 he was one of a committee
of three representative men appointed and sent by the
whiskey insurrectionists to meet the U. S, Army corps
detailed to suppress the insurrectionists and had much
to do with the final adjustment of difficulties. He died
September 28, 1835, aged 74 years. His wife was Jane
Mason and among their children was William Mason
Eea, grandfather of Charles M. He was born on this
farm March 16, 1790, and always lived on the place.
Charles Eea, father of Charles H., was born on the
present farm, April 25, 1834, and died October 12, 1900.
He was a son of William Mason and Elizabeth (Camp-
bell) Eea. His whole life was spent on his farm in
Cross Creek Township. On November 27, 1856, he was
married to Catherine Cook, a daughter of A. C. and
Mary (Campbell) Cook, of Wayne County, Ohio, where
Mrs. Eea lived until her marriage, since when she has
lived on the old Eea homestead. Charles Maynard was
tlip fifth child and eldest son born to tlie above mar-
'ORK
HON. CHARLES A. BENTLEY
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
681
riage, the others being: Mary E., wife of John IS'.
Smiley, of Smitli Township ; Ida F., wife of William
C. Marshall, of Oakdale, Pa.; Winnifred E., widow of
William H. Buchanan, of Independence Township; Effie
L., wife of Harry C. Scott, residing in Pittsburg; Jennie
E., wife of D. W. Cummiugs, of Cadiz, Ohio; Tamar C,
deceased, was the wife of Harry S. Lee, of Cross Greek
Township; Ella Elberta, wife of Walter E. Cozius; and
Iva v., wife of Lester Doualdsou, of Columbus, Ohio.
Charles M. Rea attended school with more or less
regularity until he was eighteen years of age, and since
then has given the larger part of his time and atten-
tion to agricultural pursuits. He is a practical and suc-
cessful farmer and he also raises a large amount of as
fine stock as is produced on any farm in Cross Creek
Township. In his political views he follows the teach-
ings of his late father, who was a stanch Republican,
and at different times he has served acceptably in town-
ship offices and is numbered with its most reliable men.
He was elected vice-president of the Washington County
School Directors' Association, in which capacity he is
still serving. Mr. Kea is unmarried and lives with his
mother on the home.stead. They are members of the
Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder
and has been a trustee for a number of years.
HON. CHARLES- A. BENTLEY, member of the
Pennsylvania Legislature, and a conductor on the Ells-
worth branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, was born
July 11, 1S60, and is a son of Samuel B. and Minerva
(Rabe) Bentley.
Samuel Black Bentley was born and reared in Mouon-
gahela City, Pa., and was a grandson of Samuel Black,
who was one of the early settlers of Washington County
and owner of over 1,500 acres of land. Samuel B. Bent-
le}' spent almost his entire life in this locality and died
at the age of 68 years. He was a trader by occupation,
buying and selling wool extensively. He was first united
in marriage with a Miss Graham, after whose death, he
married Minerva Rabe, and they had the following chil-
dren : Millie, a resident of Monongahela City ; Frank,
deceased; Charles A., the subject of this sketch; Harry
K., ex-mayor of Monongahela City; and Mary, who mar-
ried B. L. Ross, who is clerk of Monongahela City. Mr.
Bentley served three years in the Civil War as quarter-
ma.ster of the 140th Pa. Vol. Inf. and was a member of
the G. A. R.
Charles A. Bentley obtained his educational training
in the common schools of Monongahela City and early
in life learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked
several years. In 1881 he began working on the Penn-
sylvania Railroad, first as brakeman, and since 1890 has
been conductor, now serving in that capacity on the
Ellsworth branch. He is also interested in the coal and
lumber business in thi.s city, and with the exception of a
few years spent in Pittsburg, has always been a resident
of Monongahela City.
Mr. Bentley is a Republican in polities, has served
two terms in the city Council, and was elected to the
State Legislature in 1907, being re-elected in 1909. He
is fraternally a member of the 0. R. C. of Pittsburg;
the B. P. O. E. of Homestead, and the Masonic order of
Charleroi.
In 1888, Mr. Bentley married Margaret Kees, a daugh-
ter of David Rees, of Pittsburg.
LOUIS RIETSCH, a member of the well known firm
of Rietsch Brothers, general stone and brick contractors
of Washington, Pa., has been a resident here for the
past twenty-one years. He was born in France, March
25, 1867, and there became a bricklayer and stone ma-^on
by trade. At the age of twenty-one years he came to
America and located for two years at Hartford, Conn.,
after which he came to Washington, where he worked
at his trade until the present firm of Rietsch Brothers
was established. They carry on a general contracting
business in stone and brick work and road building, and
are practically engaged in doing all kinds of general
contracting, ranking high among the leading contractors
of Washington. Mr. Rietsch is a stockholder in the
Real Estate and Trust Company of Washington; he has
served as a member of the city council of South Wash-
ington, and also as a member of the council of Washing-
ton Borough, participating actively in local politics. Mr.
Rietsch is a member of the Catholic Church.
JOHN N. WALKER, one of Jefferson Township's
most prominent citizens, serving in the office of justice
of the peace and being also treasurer of the school board
and treasurer of the road fund, has followed farming
all his mature life. He was born in Cross Creek Town-
.«:hip, Washington Co., Pa., January 3, 1849, and is a son
of John N. and Anna (Vance) Walker.
The parents of Mr. Walker were both natives of Wash-
ington County, the father of Jefferson Township, a son
of Alexander and Elizabeth (Norris) Walker, who came
from New Jersey. The mother was born in Smith Town-
ship and was a daughter of William and Rachel (Pat-
terson) Vance. She died in 1870 and was .survived by
her husband until 1SS2. They were worthy members of
the Presbyterian Church. They had the following chil-
dren: Rachel V., who married Robert S. Donaldson;
Alexander E., who resides at Burgettstown ; William
A'ance, who is deceased; James A., who lives at Murray,
Neb.; Elizabeth, who maiTied John Lawton, died Octo-
ber 2.3, 1909, lived in Kansas; Hannah G., who married
.1. P. Reed, lives in Kansas ; Mary M., who married J.
Kdgar Rankin, deceased; Virginia A.; John N. ; Joseph
683
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON" COUNTY
P. and Franklin P., both of whom are deceased; and
Cynthia C, who married Samuel Wilson, deceased.
John N. Walker was reared on a farm and enjoyed few
educational advantages in his youth, his present fund
of knowledge having been mainly acquired through ju-
dicious reading and association with intelligent people.
While he has made farming his business in life, he has
not confined his attention to agricultural pursuits. From
early manhood he has been active in politics and for a
number of years has been a Democratic leader in this
section. Por the past three years he has been a member
of the Democratic County Committee, a very strong
party organization, and he has been a delegate to both
State and National conventions. He enjoys very fully
the confidence of his fellow citizens and fills offices of
honor, trust and responsibility.
In February, 1895, Mr. Walker was married to Miss
Ella Boles, who is a daughter of John L. and Margaret
Boles, the former of whom died in 1894. Mrs. Boles
still lives on the homestead in Jefferson Township. To
John L. Boles and wife the following children were
born : Mary, who married Eobert Bloomingstook ; Ella,
who became Mrs. Walker; Thomas E., who resides in the
city of Chicago ; John J., who lives at Eldersville, Pa. ;
and H. P., who lives with his mother. Mr. Walker is
identified with the Masonic lodge at Burgettstown.
ARTHUR DAY, who has been proprietor of the Hotel
Arthur at Charleroi, Pa., for the past three years, was
born at Haverhill, Mass., in 1865, and is a son of John
W. Day. He was reared and educated at Haverhill,
Mass., where he subsequently ran a restaurant until about
1900, when he came to Charleroi, Pa., and that same
year erected part of his present hotel building, which is
a modern two-story brick building, containing twenty
rooms, and here ran a restaurant for three years. In
1906 he completed the building, as it now stands, and
has since conducted an up-to-date hotel.
Mr. Day was united in marriage with Beatrice Frost,
of Portland, Me. He is fraternally affiliated with the
hilks and the Eagles.
JOHN P. LINN, justice of the peace, in the borough
of Burgettstown, has been engaged in business here for
a number of years, dealing in lumber and builders' sup-
plies. He was born in Franklin County, Pa., September
11. 1863, and is a son of William A. P. and Elizabeth
(Proudfit) Linn.
The father of Mr. Linn was born in Franklin County,
Pa., June 27, 1838. He married Elizabeth Proudfit, a
daughter of John L. Proudfit. Six children were born
to them: John P., William B., James P., Robert F.,
living, and Edmund L. and Arthur G., both dead. He
engaged in farming in Fi'anklin County until 1882, when
he came to Smith Township, Washington County, where
he resided until 1900, when he retired and moved to
Burgettstown, where he died March 7, 1907. His burial
was in Fairview Cemetery, of which his son, John P., is
a director. His widow survives and resides at Burgetts-
town. William A. P. Linn was successively an elder in
three churches — the church in Middle' Spring, Cumberland
County, Pa.; the Florence Presbyterian Church, and
later the Burgettstown Church, in all of these, by precept
and example, testifying to his Christian faith and zeal.
John P. Linn attended the public schools of FrankUn
County and the State Normal School at Shippensburg,
Cumberland Co., Pa., later taking a business course in
the Eastman Business College, at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.,
returning then to Washington County and entering into
the lumber business at Burgettstown, with a partner,
under the firm name of Armour & Linn. . When Mr.
Armour retired, Mr. Linn and brother, William B., con-
tinued the business, adding builders' supplies to their
stock. They are representative business men of the
place.
On September 30, 1879, Mr. Linn was married to Miss
Sarah A. Cole, a daughter of Thomas Cole, and they
have eight children: Thomas C, Elizabeth, William,
Gertrude, Alice, Mary, John, Jr., and Elsie. Mr. Linn
is a stockholder and director in the Burgettstown Na-
tional Bank. He was reared to respect the principles
of the Democratic party and has always been more or
less active in politics, and at one time was his party's
candidate for the State Legislature. With his family
he belongs to the First Presbyterian Church. He is a
member of the school board and he belongs to the Masons
and the Odd FeUows.
WILLIAM H. McENRUE, reporter of the Common
Pleas Court of Washington County, Pa., was born Sep-
tember 29, 1875, in Washington, and is a son of WUliam
H. McEnrue, who was for several years one of the prom-
inent lawyers of Washington. His father was born in
Cambria County, Pa., in 1844, and was for several years
engaged in the practice of his profession at Wheeling,
W. Va., after which he came to Washington, was ad-
mitted to the Washington County bar and embarked in
the practice of law. He continued until the time of his
death, August 15, 1877.
AVilliam H. McEnrue, the subject of this sketch, was
educated in the public schools and the business college of
Washington. He became assistant court stenographer
in 1895, in which capacity he served until 1902, since
which time he has been official stenographer of the Com-
mon Pleas Court of Washington County. In 1900 he
was elected secretary of the Washington Borough coun-
cil and served three years in that capacity.
In 1905. Mr. McEnrue was joined in marriage with
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
683
Kli/.;il]('tli BuutT, of St. Mary's, Pa., wlio is a daughter
of M. Ci. Bauer, a building contractor at St. Mary's.
They have one child, Sarah Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs.
McEnrue are members of tlie Cafhcilii- Cluirch, at Wash-
ington.
WiLLlAM A. BUNAR, one of Donegal Township's
leading citizens and successful farmers, residing on a
part of the old Bonar estate, near Vienna, in Donegal
Township, Washington Co., Pa., was born in this town-
ship, April 7, ISnS. His parents were Samuel mid Kli/.a
betli A. (Andrews) Bonar.
There are few older or more representative families in
Washington County than that of Bonar. There were four
brothers of the name who came to what is now Donegal
Township as early as 1770. They found the Indians so
ho.stile that they left Washington County, several going
to Maryland, and they did not return and secure their
patents for government land until 177.5. One of these
pioneers was Barnet Bonar, who was born in Scotland in
1695, and his son, William Bonar, accompanied him and
with three brothers secured 1,200 acres of land, a part
of which has ever since remained in the possession of
the family.
Barnet Bonar, the grandfather of William A. Bonar,
was born on the farm on which the latter live.s, January
14, 1778, and resided here his entire life. He was one
of the early elders of the Presbyterian Church in this
section. He married Jane Donahey, a native of Ireland.
Samuel Bonar, father of William A., was born in Done-
gal Township, July 9, 1822, and died February 12, 1905.
He married Elizabeth A. Andrews, who was born in
Richland County, Ohio, and died in Washington County,
Pa., December 29, 1904.
They had eleven children, namely: Mary, who is the
wife of S. A. Magill, of Lebanon, Mo.; Barnet L., who
was born July 31, 1852, graduated from Washington
and Jefferson College in 1877, and the Pennsylvania
Medical University, at Philadelphia, and located for
practice at Streator, 111., where he died December 21,
1906; William A.; Jane, who resides in Donegal Town-
ship; Samuel, who lives at Lebanon, Mo.; Elizabeth P.,
who was born October 27, 1860, died January 16, 1866;
Sara L., who was born January 21, 1863, graduated
from Waynesburg College in 1884, married Elmer E.
Woodburn, of Claysville, Pa., and died November 29,
1895; James L., who lives in Texas; Anna McConnel
Bonar, who was born September 5, 1869, died in June,
1898; Margaret D., who is the wife of James Patterson,
resides at Vienna, Pa. ; and Isabel, who was born August
13, 1875, died February 1, 1881. The late Samuel Bonar
was a man of sterling character, one who performed every
public and private duty well and conscientiously. He
spent his whole life in the quiet pursuits of agriculture.
always, however, finding time to show an interest in
public matters that affected his own community. He
served as a member of the Donegal Township school
board and he identified himself in the late 50 's with the
Republican party. He was a valued member of the
Presbyterian Church at West Alexander, Pa.
William A. Bonar attended the Donegal Township
schools and later Waynesburg College, at Waynesburg,
Pa. He has followed farming and stock raising almost
to the exclusion of other business interests, and the value
of this close attention is shown in his well tilled fields
and his herds of sleek North Devon cattle, usually fifty
head or more. His farm contains 150 acres and it is
not only one of the oldest in the township but is also
one of the most valuable. Like his ancestors, Mr. Bonar
is a Republican in politics and a Presbyterian in re-
ligion. He is one of the trustees of the West Alexander
Church. He has served his political party as a member
of the County Central Committee and his township as
road supervisor. He is known in every direction and is
held in esteem by his fellow citizens.
WILLIAM BUCHANAN CHAMBERS, of Canons-
burg, is in the best sense a representative citizen of
Wa.shington County, having been one of its most popular
public officials. He has served at different times as
sheriff, treasurer, and in other offices. He is a native
son, having been born in Canonsburg, this county, Au-
gust 14, 1850, son of John and Catherine (Ramsey)
Chambers.
His parents were both born in South Strabane Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., in 1813. They came to Can-
onsburg in 1840. In his minority John Chambers worked
for some time at the trade of blacksmith. He after-
wards embarked in the mercantile business in Buffalo
village, and was also a large wool buyer. After coming to
Canonsburg he opened a store here for the sale of gen-
eral merchandise and was thus occupied subsequently
until his death, which took place October 26, 1885. He
was a member of the Presbj^erian Church. Politically
a Democrat, he served in various borough offices.
John Chambers was twice married, first to Catherine
Ramsey, a daughter of Josiah Ramsey, of South Stra-
bane Township. Of this union there were six children:
Martha C, Josiah R., John S.. Nancy H., William B., and
Dora, who is deceased. Their record in brief is as fol-
lows: Martha C. became the wife of Rev. Dr. W. G.
Keady, a Presbyterian minister of Greensboro, Ala., who
graduated from Jeff'er.'ion College in 1856. During the
Civil War he served in the Confederate army. He is
now deceased. They had two sons — George, who is editor
of the Alabama "Beacon," and William A., who is
engaged in the drug business at Commerce, Ga. Josiah
R.. who is now deceased, was a soldier in the 10th Pa.
684
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
Reserves dui'ing the Civil War. He married Mary Ellen
McAfee, who is also deceased. They had two sons and
five daughters, namely: John, who served in the Philip-
pines with a California regiment and died on Ms return
voyage; William A., who was with the Red Cross De-
partment in the Philippines and is now connected with
an express company at Los Angeles, Calif.; Margaret,
who married A. H. Sauers and resides in Pittsburg;
Catherine, who is the wife of John W. Wai-rick, of Wash-
ington, Pa.; Dora, who is the wife of H. P. Hetzell, of
Bellevue, Allegheny County; Elizabeth, who resides at
Washington, Pa.; and Martha, who lives with her sister,
Mrs. Hetzell.
John S. Chambers, third child of John and Catherine
(Ramsey) Chambers, was a member of Co. D, 10th Pa.
Reserves in the Civil War, and on the expiration of a
term of three years served in the signal corps. After
the close of the war he spent three years in the regular
ai'my, was killed in a railroad accident in Marion, Ind.,
March, 1895. Nancy H. is the widow of M. S. McCloy
and resides in Canonsburg with her only son, W. L.
MoCloy, general superintendent of the Philadelphia Gas
Co. Dora, now deceased, was the wife of A. R. Gal-
braith. William B. is the special subject of this sketch.
The mother of the above mentioned children died in
Canonsburg in 1854, and Mr. Chambers married for his
second wife Mrs. B. P. McConnell (nee Watson), a
widow lady who had one child by her first husband —
Township. By Mr. Chambers' second marriage there is
Annie, who "married Joseph Kammerer, of Nottingham
one child, Ida M., who is unmarried and resides in Can-
onsburg with the subject of this sketch.
William Buchanan Chambers began his education in
the common schools and afterwards attended Washing-
ton and Jefferson College until the close of the fresh-
man year. While a student there he belonged to the
Philo and Union Literary Society, and to the Phi Kappa
Sigma fraternity. His vacations he spent in his father's
store, gaining an insight into commercial routine. At
the age of nineteen he left college to enter the mer-
cantile business at McDonald, Pa., becoming associated
with the firm of J. D. Sauters & Co., where he continued
for six years. He then spent over two years in the
employ of the Valley Milk Co., of Pittsburg.
He had early begun to take an interest in public af-
fairs, and as one of the young and active Democrats of
the county, had rendered effective political service to
his party. On January 1, 18S0, he came to Washington,
to fill the position of deputy sheriff under Sheriff Per-
ritte, serving in that capacity three years. In 1882 he
was elected to the office of shei-iff, on the Democratic
ticket, and served three years — from January 1, 1883,
to January 1, 1886 — rendering efficient and satisfactory
service. At the expiration of his term he was appointed
chief U. S. deputy marshal, under George W. Miller,
marshal for the Western District of Pennsylvania, serv-
ing four years, during the first administration of Presi-
dent Cleveland, and also for four months, under Mr.
Miller's successor, J. R. Hanna, the latter being an ap-
pointee of President Harrison. Mr. Chambers served
for almost five years in that capacity, his removal being
due to the change of party control in the government.
He next returned to Canonsburg, where he remained un-
occupied for a while.
In 1892 he was nominated on the Democratic ticket for
the office of county treasurer, and was triumphantly
elected, overcoming a normal Republican majority of
2,000. He thus served until 1896. He was the first
Democratic county treasurer that had been elected in
twenty-five years. Later he was further honored by being
appointed by Governor Patterson to a position on the
board of managers of the Pennsylvania Reform School,
at Morganza, Washington County, and held that position
until 1897. In 1896 he was the choice of his party as a
candidate for Congress in Washington County, Pa. At
times also he has been a member of the town council
and by appointment served as road and bridge reviewer.
He has gained popularity as an official and is highly es-
teemed as a man and citizen. This was early shown, on
his retirement from the office of sheriff, when, at a ban-
quet held by the Washington County bar, the following
sentiment, proposed by Alexander Wilson, Esq., was
unanimously accepted by the assembly:
"William B. Chambers, Esq.: — A faithful officer, fear-
less in the discharge of his duties, pleasant in his inter-
course with his fellow citizens, kind and obliging to the
members of the bar and officers of the court. He retires
from the office of high sheriff of Washington County
with an honorable record for purity and integrity, and
with the best wishes of aU who have had official and per-
sonal intercourse with him. ' '
In 1S95 Mr. Chambers was married to Mrs. Anna (Cole-
man) Galbraith, who died two years later. She was
a daughter of Hartman Coleman, a well known resident
of S. Pittsburg. In 1902 Mr. Chambers was chair-
man and general manager of the centennial celebration
of the incorporation of the borough of Canonsburg, Pa.
Mr. Chambers resides with his sisters at Canonsburg.
He attends the Presbyterian Church. Since 1904 he has
been connected with the Philadelphia Company in the
Canonsburg office.
JOHN M. PHILLIPS, a highly respected citizen of
Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa., who has
been engaged in mining for coal for fifty-five years, is a
native of Wales, born February 5, 1845. His parents were
David and Catherine (Davis) Phillips. They had three
children : Elizabeth, Thomas and John M. Thomas
ASTOR, LENOX t-.'L-
CURTIS R. POTTER
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
(i«7
came to tlic United States and lived for a time at Mid-
way, in Washington County, Pa., but returned to Wales
in 1877. Elizabeth was married to David J. Morgan,
and was living in Luzerne County at her death.
John M. Phillips was educated in the select schools of
the Church of England, in Wales, and was twenty-four
years old when he started for America, taking passage
on a sailing ship bound for Quebec. He met with many
adventures before he reached Pittsburg, Pa., June 1,
1869, and the recital of these lose none of their interest
in the telling. Mr. Phillips became a coal miner and con-
tinued to work in different parts of Allegheny County un-
til 1897, with the exception of three years spent at
Massillon, Ohio, when he came to Cross Creek Township
and bought land which is richly underlaid with coal.
Mr. Phillips operates his own mine and from it supplies
the majority of coal consumers within a radias of some
eight miles. Pie has had a large amount of experience
in coal mining and has seen many changes take place in
the methods of bringing the precious commodity to the
surface, and many needed laws made for the better pro-
tection of miners while engaged in their haz.ardous work.
On November 3, 1866, in Eglwysillian, Wales, Mr.
Phillips was married to Miss Margaret Howells, a native
of Wales, and the following children were born to them :
William Lincoln, born in 1872, lives in Eoselle, N. J.;
Thomas N., born in 1876, lives in Everett, Wash.; Edwin
J., born in 1880, lives in Brooklyn, N. Y. ; and Minnie,
who married William France, of West Middletown, Pa.
Edwin J. served three years as a member of Co. A, 6th
U. S. Cav., and served in the Philippines and in the
Boxers' uprising in China. Mr. Phillips and family
are members of the Christian Church at Pittsburg. In
polities he designates himself as a Lincoln Democrat.
He is a member of the Knights of Pythias.
CORNELIUS CUERAN, a prominent brick contractor
of Washington, who in point of service is the oldest con-
tractor in Washington County, has been a resident of
this city for about fifty-four years. He was born in
1850, in Mahoning County, Ohio, but when quite young
came with his parents to Washington, where he was
reared and educated, and early in life began working,
a part of the time, on a farm. In 1869 he started to
learn bricklaying with Samuel Hargrave, and since 1875
has been engaged in brick contracting, during which
time he has worked on many important buildings in
Washington County, some of his largest contracts being:
the First National Bank, the Eeed building. Second
Presbyterian church and chapel. First Presbyterian
church, the Catholic and Baptist churches, the Washing-
ton County court house and jail, and jails at other
points. He was joint contractor in the erection of the
Washington Trust liuilding, the Montgomery building,
the Siegel Hotel and of many of the ward school build-
ings of Washington.
In 1873, Mr. Curran married Addie Spriggs, who was
born near Wheeling, W. Va., and reared at West Alexan-
der, Pa., where her parents located when she was a girl.
They have had the following children: Edward S., who
resides in Chicago, 111., is employed by the American
Tobacco Company; Margaret, who died when about four-
teen years old ; Charles C, w^ho is engaged in business
with his father; Ada; Mary P., who is a teacher in the
Washington public schools; Agnes L., who is bookkeeper
for her father; and John J., who is a student in the
Pittsburg College, of Pittsburg. Mr. Curran and family
are members of the Catholic Church, and he belongs to
the Knights of Columbus and to the C. i\l. B. A.
CUETIS RANDOLPH POTTEE, an honored veteran
of the Civil War, who has lived retired from business
cares, in a pleasant and comfortable home at McDonald,
since 1904, is a highly esteemed citizen of this borough.
He was born in Brady Township, Clearfield County, Pa.,
Apr. 25, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret
(Postlethwait) Potter.
The father of Mr. Potter engaged in agricultural pur-
suits in Clearfield and Indiana Counties, Pa., and in
those sections the family was a highly respected one.
To Joseph and Margaret Potter the following children
were born: Agnes Ann, who married (first) Daniel Cris-
man, and (second) Henry Elkins; Rachel Ellen, who
married Joseph Byerly; Curtis Randolph; Woodward R. ;
Cordelia, who married George Herron ; James B. ; Emma,
who is now deceased, was the wife of C. C. Stear; and
Lilly, who married Frank Crean.
Curtis E. Potter had the usual school advantages of
the country boy of his youth, and he helped his father
on the home farm until he left it in order to become a
soldier when his country needed defenders. He enlisted
in 1864, in Co. A, 100th Pa. Vol. Inf., this being the
noted Roundhead regiment, and was honorably discharged
July 28, 1865. He returned to the home farm for one
year and then learned the milling trade and was first
interested in a mill at Venice, in Washington County,
and then purchased what was known as the McConneU
mill, and engaged in milling for 20 years, having some-
thing of a reputation through the country as a fine mil-
ler. Later he proved that he wa.s equally well equipped
as a merchant and as a public ofiScial. He conducted a
general store for four years at Venice and during this
time served as postmaster, having been appointed by
the late ex-President Cleveland to that ofBce during his
first term. He then transferred his store to Midway
and conducted it there for two years, after which he
688
HISTOKY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
came to McDonald and here engaged in a general store
business until he retired in 1904. He has always been
a conscientious Democrat.
In 1S69, Mr. Potter was married to Miss Elizabeth
Thompson, who is a daughter of William and Eliza Jane
Thompson . Mrs. Potter was reared on her father 's farm
in Washington County. The children born to Mr. and Mrs.
Potter ate the following: Mary Elmira, who is the wife of
John S. Campbell; Cecelia, who is the wife of Bert
Brestle; Lyla Myrtle, who resides at home; and Emma,
who married Everett Ferguson. Mr. Potter and family
belong to the First Presbyterian Church at McDonald.
He has been an elder of the Presbyterian Church for
the past 28 years. He is a member of the Grand Army
of the Republic post at Carnegie, Pa.
JOHN SYIjVESTER MoCLUEG, who is now living
retired in the pleasant town of Eldersville, for a number
of years was successfully engaged in farming and stock
raising. He was born in Hanover Township, Beaver Co.,
Pa., March 4, 1855, and is a son of William and Naney
Ann (Mercer) McClurg.
The McClurg family is of Scotch descent. William
McClurg was born in Westmoreland County, Pa., and
was a son of Joseph and Euth (McKenzie) McClurg.
WUliam McClurg was a tiller of the soil as was his father
and also were his sons. He was as stanch a Democrat in
his political opinions as he was fii'm in his adherence
to the United Presbyterian faith. He married Naney
Ann Mercer, who was born in Beaver County, Pa., a
daughter of Eeese Mercer, of Irish birth. To William
and Nancy McClurg the following children were born:
Margaret Jane, who died young; Sarah Ann, who is de-
ceased, was the wife of Robert Johnston; Elizabeth Ada-
line, who is deceased ; John Sylvester ; Alvin R., who is
a merchant at Candor, Pa. ; and Joseph and David,
twins, the former of whom lives near Hookstown, Beaver
County; and the latter of whom lives near HarsheyviUe,
in the same county. The parents of this family are still
kindly remembered in the section in which their lives
were spent. Their remains rest in the Mill Creek Valley
Cemetery, in Beaver County.
John Sylvester McClurg attended the public schools
in Hanover Township until he was fourteen years of
age and then became his father's useful helper on the
farm and continued in farm pursuits for many years
afterward and then retired to EldersvUle, where he re-
sides in the enjoyment of ample means. Like his father
he always supported the Democratic ticket and many
times was elected to office by that party while he lived
in the country. He served many years as school di-
rector in Jefferson Township and for six years was the
very efficient road supervisor and at present is filling the
office of .judge of elections.
On September 12, 1877, Mr. McClurg was married to
Miss Mary A. Cunningham, a daughter of Francis and
Sarah Ann (Burd) Cunningham, prominent farmers of
Jefferson Township at one time. They are both deceased
and their burial was in the Bethel Cemetery in Jefferson
Township. Francis Cunningham was a son of John and
Susan (Metcalf ) Cunningham. At the time of his death
he owned 750 acres of land in Washington County. With
his wife he belonged and gave liberal support to the
Methodist Episcopal Church. To Francis Cunningham
and wife the following of their children grew to ma-
turity: Mary, who became Mrs. McClurg; and John,
David, William, Stephen, Jennie, Emma and James.
To Mr. and Mrs. McClurg three children have been
born: Frank, Anna B. and Alverta. Frank McClurg
is a farmer and dairyman residing in Jefferson Town-
ship. He married Margaret McCorkle and they have
one daughter, Gladys. Anna B. McClurg is a highly edu-
cated lady and is a teacher in the high school at Mid-
way, Washington County. Alverta McClurg married John
Johnston, a farmer and dairyman in Jefferson Town-
ship. They have three children: Arthur, Helen and
Mary. Mr. McClurg and family are members of the
Bethel Methodist Protestant Church.
A. H. KERR, one of the well known financiers of
Washington County, has served in the capacity of cashier
of the Burgettstown National Bank since 1903. He was
one of its founders, charter members and stockholders
in 1879, and was president from 1887 until 1903. He is
a member of an old and prominent family of this sec-
tion. He was born at Cross Creek, Washington Co., Pa.,
May 29, 1850, and is a son of I. H. and Jane (Lee)
Kerr.
I. H. Kerr was born in Washington County and died
at Cross Creek, February 2, 1866. He was a son of A.
H. Kerr, the latter of whom was of Scotch-Irish ex-
traction and for many years was a leading politician of
the State, serving several terms in the Legislature. For
a long period I. H. Ker was a merchant at Cross Creek
and was known as an honest man and leading and use-
ful citizen. He married Jane Lee, who still survives,
aged eighty-two years. Her father was Hugh Lee, one
of the old settlers of this section. To I. H. Kerr and
wife were born three children : Anna, who is now de-
ceased, was the wife of Dr. T. C. M. Stockton; A. H.;
and M. B., who is a merchant at Winiield, Kas.
A. H. Kerr attended school at Cross Creek and Duff's
Commercial College at Pittsburg, leaving school in 1866
in order to take charge of his father's estate, after the
latter 's death, and continued the operation of the store
at Cross Creek for thirty-three years and moved to Bur-
gettstown, in 1895. He has been identified with the
banking interests of this place since 1879.
HISTORY OP WASIIliNGTON COUNTY
689
On May 27, 1874, Mr. Kerr was iiuirried to Miss
Cieorgietta Uault, a daughter of IJavid and Matilda
(Lyle) Gault, and they have two children: Jean Blanche
and (jrace M., the former of whom lives in New York.
Mr. Kerr is a member of the First Presbyterian Church
of Burgeltslown. In politics he is a Republican.
LOUIS FOLLKT, whose position with the Standard
Tin I'late Company, of Canousburg, is that of secretary
and commercial manager, is a man of large experience
in this business, having devoted his whole mature life to
the tin plate industry. He was born in Australia, Au-
gust 4, 18G5, and came to America in 1891.
When sixteen years of age, Mr. PoUet began work in
the tin plate factories in South Wales and after com-
pleting Ills apprenticeship he showed the ability that
caused him to be put in charge of the affairs of E. More-
wood & Company, who, with British capital, erected one
of the first tin plate plants in this country, located at
Gas City, Ind., after the passage of the McKinley Tariff
Bill. He remained there eight years and was assistant
treasurer of the company. It was then taken over by the
American Tin Plate Company and Mr. Follet remained
in charge for a few months and was then transferred by
the company and put in charge of the operating de-
partment with headquarters in New York City. After
four years there in that capacity, in 1904, Mr. Follet
came to Canonsburg and became secretary of the Stan-
dard Tin Plate Company and took charge of its com-
mercial business. Mr. Follet is a man of fine address
and great business qualifications. His place of residence
is Crafton, Pa.
WILLIAM NEWTON HAWKINS, a member of the
well known firm, Davis & Hawkins, extensive operators
in the gas and oil fields of Pennsylvania, West Virginia
and Ohio, w-as for many years one of the leading farm-
ers and stock raisers of Washington County, Pa. He
was born in 1855, in East Bethlehem Township, and is
a son of James C. Hawkins, who was born in 1809, in
what is now known as Beallsville Borough, and died in
Washington County, where he spent his entire life en-
gaged in farming and stock raising. Richard Hawkins,
grandfather of our subject, was one of the early set-
tlers of Beallsville Borough, his father, Robert Hawkins,
being buried in the old Hawkins burying ground about
one mile from Beallsville.
William N. Hawkins received his educational training
in the common schools of his native township, the Jeffer-
son Academy of Canonsburg, and the Iron City Business
College, after which he taught for a period of three years.
He then engaged in farming and stock raising and for
about twenty years made a specialty of raising Black
Peri'heron horses, in which he was highlv successful. :nid
in litOU, he eamo to Washington, where he has since beeu
engaged in the real estate business, making a specialty
of buying and selling coal lands. He formed a partner-
ship with William E. Davis, and they are extensive
cjperators in the territory above named.
Mr. Hawkins is a member of the First Baptist Church,
(if which he has been a member of the official board.
Fraternally he is a Mason.
in 1881, Mr. Hawkins was married to Addie Farquahr,
who died in 1893, and they had the following children:
Leoua; Louis F., who taught for three years in the East
Washington high school, is now principal of the Hickory
high school; Mar.y E.stella, a teacher in the schools of
Monongahela City ; James C, a student at the Wash-
ington and Jefferson College; and Hannah Anna, a stu-
dent in Washington Seminary. In 1894, Mr. Hawkins
married Ida M. Miller, a daughter of Rev. James Miller,
of Cumberland, and to them have been born four chil-
dren: Ruth Elizabeth, Glenn D., Margaret, and Helen.
HUGH WILSON, general farnu>r of Hanover Town-
ship, where his fine farm of 1.30 acres is situated, was
born at Paris, Washington Co., Pa., where his father
was then in busine.'s, August 15, 1839, and is a son of
William and Jane (Smith) Wilson.
Allegheny County contributed many excellent citizens
to Washington County and one of these was William
Wilson, father of Hugh, who came from Allegheny and
settled at Paris, in Washington County, where he car-
ried on a w-agonmaking shop all his life. He was an
industrious and thoroughly respected man, one who set
a good example to his children, to whom he gave every
advantage he could provide in the way of education.
He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church at
Paris. He married Jane Smith, who was born in Jeffer-
son Township, Washington County, and they had the
following children: Alexander, Hugh, John and Will-
iam; Rowenna, deceased, who w-as the wife of Russell
Parks; Rachel, who married William Dunbar; and James.
Hugh Wilson attended the schools at Paris until he
was eighteen years of age. He desired to be a farmer
rather than to learn his father's trade, and found
work by the month with farmers in the neighborhood
of Pai-is and continued to work in that way for about
nine years. For some fourteen years following he rented
farm land, but in the spring of 18S0, invested in his
farm in Hanover Township, purchasing from the Han-
lin heirs. It is an excellent property and ^Ir. Wilson
has made many improvements.
On March 26, 1868, Mr. Wilson married Miss Ophelia
Rus'ell, a daughter of .lolm ;ind Jane (Simpson) Rus-
sell, and the following children were born: Elenora;
Synthia, deceased; Margaret, who married James Dun-
bar: Simpson: .Tames; ;nicl .Vgm'S and David, both de-
690
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ceased. Mr. Wilson was married (second) to Mary Ann
Vincent and they liave had three children: Jane, now
deceased, who was the wife of Dr. Smith, of Bulger;
a son that died in infancy; and John E., who was born
February 4, 1SS2. This fine young man has inherited
his father 's love of agricultural pursuits and intends to
devote his entii'e life to farming and stock raising. He
resides at home and married Miss Minnie Stevenson, a
member of an excellent family of Hanover Township.
Mr. Wilson had a great respect for his father's opinions
and early identified himself with the Democratic party,
and his son. is the third generation of the family to also
believe in its superiority and work for its supremacy. The
Wilson family is connected with the Florence Presby-
terian Church.
HARVEY T. BILLICK, M. D., a well known and suc-
cessful medical practitioner of Monongahela City, Pa.,
was born on a farm in Allegheny County, Pa., July 2,
18.51, and is a son of Alexander D. and Mary (Hall)
Billick.
Alexander Billick was born in Elizabeth, Allegheny
Co., Pa., where he was engaged in agricultural pursuits
until the time of his death, which occurred when in his
seventy-eighth year. He married Mary Hall, a native
of New Jersey, and they reared a family of twelve chil-
dren : Sarah C, deceased ; Louisa, deceased ; George M. ;
John H. ; Alexander C; Harvey T., the subject of this
sketch; Mary J.; James B.; David W. ; Lewis ; Laura
M. ; and Dora C.
The boyhood days of Dr. H. T. Billick were spent on
the home farm in Allegheny County, and his educational
training was received in the public schools and the acad-
emy at Elizabeth, Pa. After teaching school for a
period of eight years in Allegheny County, he entered
the P. and S. Medical College at Baltimore, from which
he graduated m March, 1885, and in August of the same
year went to Courtney, this county, and was there until
November, 1896, then to his present location in Monon-
gahela City, and opened an office at his present location,
where he has since been successfully engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession. He is a director of the First Na-
tional Bank, and is fraternally a member of the Knights
of Pythias. In politics he is identified with the Demo-
cratic party, has served two terms on the school board,
ono term on the select council, and was also elected
mayor of Jlonongahela City.
Dr. Billick was married December 24, 1885, to Yeurith
M. Wycoff, a daughter of John W. Wycoff, of Elizabeth
Tow'Dship, Allegheny Co., Pa., and they have two chil-
dren: Lydia M. ; and Eugene W.
JAMES A. JOEDAN, residing on his valuable farm
of ninety acres which is situated in Canton Township, is
successfully engaged in farming and stock raising and
is held in high esteem as a neighbor and as a citizen.
He was born in Washington County, Pa., December 20,
1864, and is a son of Edward and Martha (McClure)
Jordan.
The Jordan as well as the MeClure families have been
in Washington County for at least thi'ee generations.
Edward Jordan, W'ho died in 1876, was a son of Peter
Jordan. James McClure, the maternal grandfather was
an early settler and was of Irish parentage. The mother
of James A. Jordan was born also in Washington Coun-
ty and now resides in Chartiers Township, being in her
sixty-fifth year. She is a member of the United Presby-
terian Church and is active in all good works in the
neighborhood in which she lives. Four children of Ed-
ward and Martha Jordan still survive: Hannah B., who
is the wife of Slate Gomp, resides at Washington; Annie
M., who is the wife of James Amos, resides also at Wash-
ington; James A., of Canton Township; and William
C, who is a resident of Pittsburg. Ellen and Nancy
are deceased.
James A. Jordan has been engaged in fanning ever
since he was a boy and has made his own way in the
world to a large extent. He came to his present farm
early in the 90 's and has made it one of the best in the
township. Although he never enjoyed many educational
advantages he is a great friend of the public schools and
has served as school director a number of times, and in
other township offices, and in every position he has shown
wisdom and a desire to further the best public interest.
In addition to general farming and stock raising, Mr.
Jordan gives special attention to the growing of fruit
and also raises very choice vegetables, finding a ready
market at Washington.
Mr. Jordan was married (first) to Miss Catherine
Kelley, a daughter of James Kelley, late of Canton
Township, and they had the following children born to
them: Maud M., Clara B., Guy E., of Washington; and
Edward M., Otha O., Annie M., James P., Emmett,
Helen M. and Emerson, Emmett being deceased. Mr.
Jordan was married (second) to Eva G. Mackey, a na-
tive of Pennsylvania, and they have one son, Carl. Mr.
Jordan is a member of the North Buffalo United Pres-
byterian Church. He is a Eepublican.
CLAEK M. HACKNEY, a retired farmer and highly
respected citizen of Washington, who owns 340 acres of
fine farming land in Amwell Township, has been a resi-
dent of this city for the past three years. He was born
January 23, 1860; in Amwell Township, and is the ojily
living child of Clark and Sophia (Nelan) Hackney.
Clark Hackney was a native of Fayette County, Pa., who
came to Washington County at an early period and set-
'Kl ."^Br.
ASBUKY B. CALDWELL
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
U!;3
tied in Amwell Township wliere he engaged in farming
and stock raising until tlio time of his death in 1905.
The mother of our subject died in 1864.
Clark M. Ilackney grew to manhood in Amwell Town-
ship, attending the common schools of the township,
also the Union school, and the Washington and JeE'crson
College, where he was a student for two terms, lie then
engaged in farming and stock raising in Amwell Town-
ship, where he was \erj successful and acquired con-
siderable wealth. He still oversees his valuable farming
land, although a itsidcut of Washington the past three
years.
In ISSO, Mr. Hackney was married to Minerva Shape,
who was born in Greene County, Pa., and they have
reared three children : Lillie M. ; Charles, who is en-
gaged in the real estate and insurance business in Wash-
ington, married Hazel Gaus, and has two children, Don-
ald Charles and James Bernard; and Lida M., who mar-
ried John R. Ullom. They have one child, Lillie May.
Mr. Hackney is a member of the Methodist Protestant
Church of Amity.
ASBUEY B. CALDWELL— It is with a feeling akin
to reverence that the people of Washington County re-
call the life and deeds of the late Asbury B. Caldwell.
Standing foremost in the business world, a leader among
men, he added materially to the prosperity of the com-
munity and aided in the development of resources lying
dormant and undiscovered within the confines of the
county. As founder and owner of the great store now
conducted by the A. B. Caldwell Company, as president
and principal stockholder of the Peoples ' Light and
Heat Company, as owner of the Leader Refining Com-
pany and in the multitudinous interests he possessed in
other enterprises, he achieved a success through his in-
dividual efforts, foresight, sagacity and good manage-
ment, unparalleled in the history of Washington. Great
man of affairs that he was, his life was a model of sim-
plicity and domesticity, his greatest enjoyment came
from association with his family at his beautiful home
in the borough, where his leisure hours were spent in
relaxation from business cares in the study of Nature and
the culture of flowers, his conservatory being the finest
in Western Pennsylvania.
Mr. Caldwell was born in 1829 and was a son of James
and Esther (McCracken) Caldwell, and a grandson of
Samuel Caldwell, who was the first of the family to
become established in Washington County. The Cald-
wells are of Scotch-Irish descent and they were among
the earliest pioneers of Western Pennsylvania. Samuel
Caldwell erected a cabin in the sparsely settled region
now known as Buifalo Township, Washington County,
and there lived in the woods, enduring and rearing his
family with privations known only to those very early
settlers.
James Caldwell, father of the lato Asbury 3. Cald
well, was born in Buffalo Township, Washington County,
Pa., in 1787, and there followed farming all his days. In
connection with the tilling of his lands, he conducted a
public house known as the Caldwell Inn, which was lo-
cated on the "old West Pike." This place of refresh-
ment was well known to the early travelers along that
highway. In 1883, his son, Asbury B., erected a hotel
on the same site and built on the same plan. In early
manhood, James Caldwell was joined in marriage with
Jislher McCracken, who was of a neighboring pioneer
family, and they became parents of the following chil-
dren: Samuel, who died in Missouri; John, who died
in Illinois; and Joseph, William, Asbury B. and Esther.
James Caldwell died in 1839, at the age of 42 years,
leaving his widow with the responsibility of rearing
their six children. She proved equal to the task and
to her motherly influence and teachings may be at-
tributed the characters that were moulded. Her death
occurred in 1875, when she was aged 75 years.
Asbury B. Caldwell was reared on the home farm and
received but a modicum of schooling, developing, how-
ever, through his own efforts into a clear minded, in-
tellectual man. He was but 11 years ~of age when his
father died and it became necessary for him, as well as
his brothers, to contribute to their own support at a
very early age. When 16 years old he went to Clays-
ville, Washington County, where he engaged as a clerk
for a time, then formed a partnership with a Mr. Still-
wagon. Under the firm name of Caldwell & StiUwagon,
they operated a general store for three years, when Mr.
Caldwell sold his interest to his partner, and in January,
1852, moved to Washington. He there became manager
of William Smith's dry goods store and continued with
that employer for 12 years. In 1865 he resumed busi-
ness on his own responsibility, opening up a store in the
room now occupied by the A. M. Brown firm. A close
application to business and a judicious management of
the same brought wonderful success and it was soon
apparent that more commodious quarters must be se-
cured and this led to his erection, in 1873, of one of the
finest business blocks in the borough of Washington, on
Main street, opposite the Court House. Upon its com-
pletion he filled his store rooms with a complete stock
of dry goods, carpets, clothing and gentlemen's fur-
nishings. It soon outstripped all competitors in point
of size and quality and its immense patronage soon
pushed the amount of sales to the six figure mark, an-
nually. At the time of his death. Mar. 27, 1892, Mr.
Caldwell was the only citizen in Washington paying a
license of more than $100 per year, for general biisi-
694
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ness, which is indicative of the magnitude which his es-
tablishment reached.
Aside from his store, Mr. Caldwell turned his attention
to various business enterprises. He was the pioneer in
the development of the oil fields adjacent to Washington,
and had ten producing wells in Buffalo Township. In
1891 he organized the Leader Eefining Company, of
which he was owner, and erected a refinery on the Balti-
more and Ohio Bailroad, seven miles west of Washington,
which had a capacity of 400 barrels a day. He was one
of the organizers and the principal stockholder of the
People's Light and Heat Company, and served as presi-
dent of the company from its inception until his death.
He was also a director in the Washington County Fire
Insurance Company.
Although Mr. Caldwell through his own inherent quali-
ties became one of the wealthiest men of Washington
County, his gain did not remain a purely personal one,
for no man did more to make Washington the flourish-
ing and prosperous borough of the present than Asbury
B. Caldwell. The residence, now occupied by his widow,
at A^o. 140 East Wheeling street, was built by George
Black ,and he purchased from Mrs. Martha Montgomery,
and is unsurpassed in this city in its appointments and
beauty. The broad, w-ell-kept lawn and the magnificent
conservatory were features in which he took keen de-
light and to add to their attractions was his constant am-
bition. He was a Democrat in politics, and although
well informed on all matters pertaining to State and
Nation, and believing it the duty of every man to go to
the polls and cast his vote according to his principles,
he never actively participated in political affairs. Honest
and conscientious in all his transactions, vast as they
were, his friends were numbered almost by his acquaint-
ances, and in sincere mourning his fellow citizens fol-
lowed him to his last resting place in the beautiful Wash-
ington Cemetery. As a neighbor and friend he had
ever been cordial and sympathetic, and a kind heart
prompted many charities, which were performed in a
quiet and unostentatious manner, unknown to the public.
He held the affection and confidence of the people to a
remarkable degree, and had he aspired to a public career,
would have had the loyal support of his constituents.
In 1858, Ml-. Caldwell married Miss Mary Lonkert, a
lady of the highest type of womanhood, who also is of
a prominent and respected pioneer family of the county.
The following children were born to this union : Minnie
C, who is the wife of Dr. George Warne, of Chicago,
III. ; George C, who died leaving a widow, Mrs. Addie
Caldwell, who resides at No. 78 South Wade avenue,
Wa.shington; Mrs. Essie Humphrey, who resides at Mt.
Vernon, N. Y. ; Charles S., who resides at No. 54 West
Maiden street, Washington, married Eleanor Baird; and
Mrs. Katherine C. MeVoy, who resides at No. 140 East
Wheeling street. The surviving childi'en of Mr. Caiu-
well now compose the firm of the A. B. Caldwell Com-
pany, which under the management of Mr. Charles S.
Caldwell has maintained the prestige it enjoyed under his
father's control.
JOHN RALPH MAXWELL, M. D., a physician and
surgeon at Washington, a member of the staff of the
City Hospital and a leading member of his profession
here, is a representative of one of the oldest and most
substantial families in Washington County. He was born
in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washintgon County, in 1878,
and is a son of the late Robert Graham Maxwell. The
Maxwell family is of Scotch-Irish extraction, and James
Maxwell, the gi'eat-grandfather of Dr. Maxwell, came to
Washington County as a pioneer. His son, John Max-
well, was born in Hopewell Township in 1810. He was
a cabinetmaker by trade but later turned his attention
to farming. The late Robert Graham Maxwell, son of
John Maxwell, was born in Hopewell Township, in 1840,
and engaged in farming and stock raising near Buffalo
village. He died in 1881.
John R. Maxwell attended the public schools through
boyhood and then entered Washington and Jefferson Col-
lege, where he was graduated in the class of 1898, im-
mediately afterward entering the medical department of
the University of Pennsylvania. On his completion of
the course he was graduated from that institution in
1901. For a year subsequent thereto he was resident
physician in Mercy Hospital at Pittsburg and from there,
in 1902, he came to Washington. He devotes himself to
general practice and keeps in close touch with the prog-
ress made in his profession through his affiliation with
leading medical organizations, including the Washington
County and the Pennsylvania State Medical societies and
the American Medical Association. He is an active citi-
zen, taking much interest in good government and for
some time has been a member of the school board.
Dr. Maxwell was married in June, 1906, to Miss Eliza-
beth B. Patterson, a daughter of Josiah Patterson, who
is one of Washington's esteemed retired citizens. Dr.
and Mrs. Maxwell have two daughters, Florence Jane and
Susan Mary. Dr. and Mrs. Maxwell are members of the
Third Presbyterian Church at W^ashington.
ROBERT W. CRISWELL, justice of the peace, in
Hanover Township, Washington Co., Pa., and the owner
of two valuable farms, one containing ninety-seven acres
and the otlier 132 acres, was born in this township, De-
cember 7, 1838. His parents were William and Sarah
(Wallace) Criswell.
The Criswell ancestors came . to Washington County
from the western shore of Maryland. The father, Will-
iam Criswell, was born near Canonsburg. in Washington
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
695
County, and tho niotLer belonged to the old Wallace
family of Hanover Township. To William and Sarah
Criswcll the following children were born: Marie, who
is now deceased, was the wife of Jackson McCloland;
Harriet, who is deceased, was the wife of Mahland H.
Stokes; liobert W. ; and Sarah A., who married R. S.
Work. William Criswell was a hatter by trade but tho
latter part of his life was spent in a farm in Hanover
Township, where he died, and his burial was at Florence.
Robert W. Criswell was mainly educated in select
schools at Florence and after he put aside his books he
assisted his father on the farm until he entered tho
Federal army as a soldier for the suppression of the
rebellion. He enlisted on September 13, 1861, in Co.
A, 85th Pa. Vol. Inf., and served until November 22,
ISGi, serving all that time without a single furlough.
He participated in the battles of Williamsburg and Fair
Oaks and at the latter was wounded in the right side by
a musket ball. He was placed in a hospital at White
House, Va., from which he managed to escape in ten
days and made his way back to his regiment. He also
participated in the siege of Charleston on Morris Island
in 1863. From that time on he saw very hard service
and took part in some of the fiercest fighting that dis-
tinguished his regiment as one of the most courageous
bodies of men in the whole army. His immediate com-
mander was Gen. Quiney A. Gilmore. He escaped with-
out further injury and at the end of his term of enlist-
ment was honorably discharged and returned to the home
farm.
On May 4, 1865, Mr. Criswell was married to Miss
Harriet L. Tucker, a daughter of David and Sarah
(Watt) Tucker, both natives of Pennsylvania. Mrs.
Cri.swell was the third born in a family of eight children,
the others being: Angelina, who is deceased; Mary E. ;
John W'., who was killed during the Civil War, in the
battle of the Wilderness; R. C, David S., Lemuel J.,
and Sarah J., who married Dr. Graham.
To Mr. and Mrs. Criswell two children were born :
John T. and Sallie B. John T. was born February 18,
1866, and died November 6, 1902. Sallie B. was born
August 2, 1869, and died January 7, 1908. She married
Charles S. Ewing and they had two children: Robert
Harley and Charles Wayne. Mr. and Mrs. Criswell are
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Hanover
Township. Like his late father, Mr. Criswell is a Repub-
lican. In 1900 he served acceptably as township census
enumerator. He is a valued member of W. S. Bradley
Post, No. 286, G. A. R., at Burgettstown.
ROBERT M. EAGLESON, M. D., physician and
surgeon at California, Pa., has built up a substantial
practice here and has become identified with the leading
interests of this college town. He w-as born in Mercer
County, Pa., January 25, 1870, and is a son of John and
Margaret (Clark) Eagleson.
Dr. Eagleson was reared in Mercer County and ob-
tained his primary education in the local schools and
afterward attended the Edenburg State Normal School,
and Grove City College. He spent the following three
years in teaching school, remaining in Mercer County
during two years of this time and spending the third
year in Lawrence County. During this period he had
completed his preliminary medical studies and then entered
the medical department of the Western University of
Pennsylvania, at Pittsburg, and from that institution he
was graduated in the cla.ss of 1897. He immediately
entered into practice at Cross Creek, Washington County,
remaining there until August, 1899, when he established
himself at California, where his professional ability has
been recognized and appreciated.
Dr. Eagleson was married to Miss Ella Lytle, who is
a daughter of Joseph Lytle. He is identified with the
fraternal order of Elks and he belongs also to various
medical organizations.
LIEUT. A. S. EAGLESON, a leading citizen of Can-
ton Township, Washington Co., Pa., and a surviving
veteran of the great Civil War, to which he devoted three
years of his early manhood, was born in Hopewell Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., in March, 1836, and is a son
of Rev. John and Mary (Stewart) Eagleson.
Rev. John Eagleson, D. D., who w^as a very prominent
clergyman of the Presbyterian body in Pennsylvania, for
many years, was born in Harrison County, Ohio, on the
same day that witnessed the birth of Abraham Lincoln,
and in many respects their characters were similar. In
1829 he graduated from Jefferson College at Canonsburg,
later from the Western Theological Seminary and before
coming to Washington County, in 1833, he had been
licensed to preach. He was a man of religious zeal and
of scholarly attainments and for forty years was pastor
of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church. His death
occurred January 23, 1873. He was married (first) to
Mary Stewart, and three children were born to that
union, namely: A. S. ; David S., who became a physician
and is now deceased; and William S., who is a Presby-
terian minister, residing at Columbus, Ohio. The second
marriage of Dr. Eagleson was to Mary Gordon, and five
children were born to them: Alexander G., who is a
Presbyterian minister residing in Guernsey County, Ohio;
Henry G., who is a farmer residing at Midway, Washing-
ton County, Pa., Jane G., now deceased, who was the
wife of Samuel D. Blancy, of Taylorstown ; and Hannah
and George, both of whom reside near W'est Liberty,
Ohio County, W. Va.,
A. S. Eagleson attended the Hopewell Township schools
and Buffalo Academy, and afterward taught school for
696
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
several years. The outbreak of the Civil War determined
his career for the three succeeding years, for he enlisted
in 1861, in Company K, Sth Pa. Reserve Yol. Corps, vrhich
was identified with the Army of the Potomac. He par-
ticipated in many of the most important battles of that
period, including: Mechanicsville, the seven days fight-
ing in the Peninsula, the Second Battle of Bull Kun,
Antietam, Fredericksburg, Battle of the WUderness, and
Spottsylvania Court House, and he participated in the
skirmishing and long and weary marching that fell to
the soldier's lot. He gained promotion for bravery and
at one time received a painful wound. He is identified
with W. F. Templeton Post, No. 120, G. A. E., at
Washington, of which he is past commander. Lieut.
Eagleson, with tender emotion, recalls many of his brave
comrades who shared hardships with him and remembers
Tfith especial affection the gallant tent-mate who carved
for him the keystone watch chann he wears with pride,
while the Sth Regiment was camping on the battlefield
of Antietam.
After he had received his honorable discharge from
military service, Lieut. Eagleson returned to Hopewell
Township, where he engaged in farming and stock rais-
ing, and to a moderate degree he has also been a breeder
of Shorthorn cattle. Besides this, he has made a busi-
ness of surveying, and is a director in the Citizens'
National Bank. In his younger years he took a lively
interest in politics and frequently was elected to county
oflBlees. He served three years as county treasurer and
one term as county surveyor.
Lieut. Eagleson was married in 1864, to Miss Jennie
M. Pyles, of Washington County, who died in January,
1875. She was a daughter of James and Ann Eliza
(Smith) Pyles, the former a farmer of Hopewell Town-
ship. They had four children born to them, namely :
John, who resides at home; James P., who is a prominent
attorney at Washington ; and Margaret Smith and An-
drew Stewart, both of whom reside at home. Lieut.
Eagleson is a member of the East Buffalo Presbyterian
Church, in which he has been an elder for over forty
years. Formerly he was active in the Masonic fraternity.
He is a lineal descendant of the Byers people who were
pioneer settlers of East Finley, from 1780 to 1790,
whose descendants have become prominent from Penn-
sylvania to California.
CARL E. GIBSON, a prominent young attorney and a
member of the well known law firm, McHvaine, Vance
& Gibson, of Monongahela City, Pa., was born July 9,
1873, in Fallowfield Township, Washington Co., Pa., and
is a son of Capt. James B. Gibson.
Carl E. Gibson spent his boyhood days on a farm in
Carroll Township, attended the distirct schools of the
township, afterwards gi'aduating from the Monongahela
high school in 1891, having walked to and from school
each day. He subsequently taught for six years in Alle-
gheny and Washington Counties, then engaged in the
lumber business for three years with his brother, J. D.
Gibson. In 1899 he entered the Pittsburg Law School,
and after his graduation entered the ofliee of B. E.
Taumbaugh, of Washington, Pa., for one year, and after
being admitted to the Washington County bar in 1902,
formed a partnership with Oliver S. Scott, with whom
he was associated but a short time, their partnership
being dissolved in the spring of 1903, after which the
present firm, Mcllvaine, Vance & Gibson was established.
Mr. Gibson is a Democrat, and was a candidate for dis-
trict attorney in 1908, and has served as city solicitor
for Monongahela City since 1904. He is a director in
the Monongahela City Trust Company, and the First
National Bank of this city. Fraternally he is identified
with the Masons, the B. P. 0. E., the Jr. 0. U. A. M.
He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Gibson was married (first) September 25, 1895,
to Mary Lamont, who died in November, 1899, leaving
three children: Mary, Lois, and Ruth. He was married
(second) on June 20, 1907, to Jean E. Wycoff, and they
reside in a comfortable home at No. 309 Third street.
D. F. CALDWELL, a prominent dealer in real estate
and fire insurance, with oflSce in the Washington Trust
Building, has been a resident of Washington during the
past fourteen years. He was born in Mt. Pleasant
Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1851, and is a son of
William Caldwell.
William Caldwell was born in County Down, Ireland,
and was young at the time of his father 's removal to the
United States, the latter James Caldwell, purchasing a
farm in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
in 1812. He died on that place the following year. Will-
iam Caldwell spent the remainder of his life on that farm,
except two years which were passed on a farm he pur-
chased, located about six miles east of the old home-
stead. He was a prominent citizen and a strong Aboli-
tionist, being an important factor in the Underground
Railway. He was captain of a military company in the
early days and when the Civil War came on became cap-
tain of a company of Home Guards. His death occurred
in 1866, shortly after the close of the war.
D. F. Caldwell was reared on the old homestead and
educated in the district schools and at Ohio Central
College in Morrow County, Ohio, which he atended one
year. He then returned to the farm and engaged in
farming and sheep raising successfully until about the
year 1895, when he moved to the borough of Washington.
Here he embarked in the real estate and insurance busi-
ness and has been very active ever since, buying and
selling real estate extensively and handling rentals. He
THOMAS M. REESE
HISTOIJY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
699
haiuUes many of the old and reliable fire insurance lines,
and lias a well established busines.s in this branch. Mr.
Caldwell has investments in various parts of the county
and takes rank among the city's most siibstantlal busi-
ness men.
in 1885, he was married lo Miss Sarah Elizabeth Mc-
Donald, who was born in Beaver County, Pa., and was
reared in ilancock County, W. Va. They are members
of the Second United Presbyterian Church, of which Mr.
Calilwell lias beeu an elder for a number of years.
WILLIAM MALCOLM DINSMORE, deceased, for-
merly one of the best known and leading citizens of Can-
ton Township, Washington Co., Pa., whose useful life
was brought to a close in February, 1906, was born on
the farm where he lived ever afterward, January 25,
1848. His father was William Dinsmore, his grand-
father w,.s John Dinsmore, and his great-grandfather
was James Dinsmore, who wa-s of Scotch- Irish parentage.
William Malcolm Dinsmore grew to man's estate on
the present farm, which is now occupied by the fifth
generation. The old ancestral home, of brick construc-
tion, was built in 1810, and is one of the oldest residences
in Washington County. The brick for the house was
burned on the place in 1809. The frame work of the
barn now standing was erected in 1818. Here William
M. Dinsmore spent a happy life. He was a successful
farmer and raised a large amount of good stock and was
one of the leading sheep growers for many years, fre-
quently owning 600 head at one time. He was a well
informed man, having attended the country schools and
also the high school at Buffalo and later kept posted on
all current events of the country and directed his busi-
ness and cast his vote intelligently. He was a Repub-
lican in his political views and took an interest in public
matters but was well content with his life as a farmer
and desired no political favors. He was a liberal sup-
porter of the Presbyterian Church of Buffalo village and
served both as church treasurer and church trustee.
On November 10, 1875, Mr. Dinsmore was married to
Miss Margaret J. Dinsmore, who was born in Hopewell
Uownship, Washington County, and is a daughter of
William W. and Mary J. (Maxwell) Dinsmore. The
father was born in Mt. Pleasant Township and the
mother in Hopewell Township, both being now deceased.
To Mr. and Mrs. William M. Dinsmore the following
children were born : John Alvin, S. Adaline, E. Helen
and Mary Daisy, the latter of whom is deceased. Of the
above family, J. Alvin is the practical manager of this
large estate, comprising 287 acres of very valuable land
situated in Canton Township. He is well qualified, having
attended the Pennsylvania State Agricultrual College,
where he took a course in dairying. He is a wide-awake,
progressive young man, imbued with modern ideas and
with the good judgment which assists him in succesfuUy
carrying them out.
RUBKRT F. STEVENSON, proprietor of the Steven-
son Laundry, having the best equipped and most modem
laundry plant in Washington, Pa., was born in Ligonier,
Montgomery County, Pa., October 28, 1863, and was
eight years old when his parents moved to Corsica, Jef-
ferson County. In 1877 he accompanied them to Wash-
ington, Pa. His father, now deceased, was the Rev.
Ross Stevenson, D. D., who jireached through the western
part of Pennsylvania for over fifty years.
Robert F. Stevenson was educated in the public schools
of Ligonier, Corsica Academy, Paris Academy and Jeffer-
son Academy at Canonsburg. His first self-supporting
work was done as an employe of the grocery house of
J. A. Stewart & Company, of Chicago, 111., where he re-
mained for a year and a half, afterward going to the
Wholesale Fertilizer Company, of the same city, and re-
maining three years. In 1882 he returned to Washington,
and in 1889 he started the Stevenson Laundry, on a
modest scale, having five girls and two men as his full
working force. The business prospered from the first
and in 1901 Mr. Stevenson built on his present site. In
1905 he rebuilt, erecting his three-story brick building,
on Washington street, the dimensions of which are 30
by 100 feet. Mrs. Stevenson has made a careful study
of his business and has spared no expense in equipping
his plant, every device and up-to-date machine being in
use that will further the work and ensure satisfaction to
the patrons. He gives constant employment to eighteen
girls and eight men and has four laundry wagons.
In 1891 Mr. Stevenson was married to Miss Linda E.
Leech, who was formerly principal of the Second Ward
school of Washington . They have one son, Pressly. Mr.
and Mrs. Stevenson are members of the Third Presby-
terian Church, in which he is an elder. Politically he is
a Republican, and fraternally, is identified with the
Masons, Odd Fellows and Heptosophs.
THOMAS M. REESE, justice of the peace at Canons-
burg and a thoroughly representative citizen, who is also
engaged in the fire insurance and real estate business,
was born at Briton Ferry, Wales, May 24, 1872, and is a
son of John and Mary (Williams) Reese.
Both parents of Mr. Reese were born in Wales and
they came to America with their children, in 18S2, lo-
cating at Pittsburg, where the father secured work in
the steel mills. Two of his brothers. Evan and Charles,
were already employed in industrial plants in that lo-
cality. John Reese and family moved to Canonsburg,
Pa., in 1883 and he has resided here ever since, with
the exception of six months spent at Greenville, in Mer-
700
HLSTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
oer County, Pa., in 1S86, and \Yas employed in the
Canonsburg Steel and Iron Works until he retired. To
John and Mary Eeese were born three sons and four
daughter.?, Thomas M. being the second in order of
birth. The others are: Elizabeth Ann, who is the widow
of George Torester, of Canonsburg; Jessie Mary, who
resides at home; Keziah, who is the wife of Bernard L.
Coraerford, resides at Canonsburg; John Eeese, Jr., who
lives at home ; David Charles, who is with the MeClin-
toek-Marshall Construction Company, at Carnegie; and
Edith, who resides with her parents.
Thomas M. Eeese began work in the Canonsburg iron
and steel plant when he was 13 years old, having attend-
ed school prior to this both at Pittsburg and Canons-
burg. He worked continuously for the same company
until 1902, with the exception of one and one-half years
when he was serving as a soldier in the Philippine
Islands. He was a member of Co. H, 10th Pa. Vol. Inf.,
and spent one year in the Island of Luzon, and was
mustered out of the service on Aug. 22, 1899. For about
one year, Mr. Eeese then served as a clerk in the office
of the Fort Pitt Bridge plant, in 1904 embarking in his
present business.
Mr. Eeese has been an active citizen, a strong sup-
porter of law and order and his efficiency has been
recognized on many occasions. In 1898 he was elected
borough auditor for a term of three years, but resigned
at the end of two years on account of being elected a
member of the Council, in 1900, for three years, and
served as the president of that body for one year. In
1903 he was elected burgess of Canonsburg and served
most acceptably to all concerned, until 1906, when he
was elected to the office of justice of the peace, for a
term of five years. On May 3, 1890, to gratify a mili-
tary ambition, he made application for a cadetship at
West Point, but just about that time he was accidentally
and severely burned and although his examination se-
cured him the place of alternate, the scar left by the
burn prevented his appointment. In many ways it
seemed an unjust discrimination and was a great disap-
pointment as he had prepared himself for the rigid ex-
amination by diligent study. However, other avenues
of usefulness opened up and his fellow citizens prefer
to have his advice and help at home rather than the
credit to them he might have earned as a soldier.
On Sept. 26, 1906, Mr. Reese was married to Miss
Jennie M. Halpin, a daughter of Eobert and Mary
(Higgins) Halpin, of Moundsville, W. Va. They have
two children: Thomas Halpin, born July 23, 1907; and
John Paul, bom in June, 1909. Mr. Eeese was reared
in the faith of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
With all classes Mr. Eeese is a popular citizen. He
has always been sympathetic with the working class and
during the years when he was closely identified with the
steel and iron industry as an employe himself, he asso-
ciated himself with the great Amalgamated Association
of Iron, Steel and Tin Workers, where his qualities soon
made him a leader. As such he represented the local
body in the National conventions of the association, in
1893-94-95-98 and 1900, 1902 and 1904. On many oc-
casions his calm judgment assisted in solving perplexing
questions and in bringing peace where there might have
resulted war.
JAMES M. DINSMOEE, a prosperous and highly re-
spected farmer, who owns 172 acres of valuable land,
lying along the Washington and Wellsburg road, in
Hopewell Township, Washington Co., Pa., was born
September 1, 1853, in this township and has spent his
life here. His parents were William Wilberforce and
Mary (Maxwell) Dinsmore.
The Dinsmore family came among the pioneers to
Washington County. The great-grandfather, James Dins-
more, came to America in 1798 and probably settled then
in this section. Both parents of Mr. Dinsmore have
passed away and their remains rest in the Upper Buffalo
Cemetery. They had the following children : Margaret
J., who is the widow of Malcolm Dinsmore, of Canton
Township; Hattie A., who is the wife of Luther Law-
ton, of Hickory village; James M., of Hopewell Town
ship ; Benjamin P., who resides in Canton Township ;
Mary L., now deceased, who was the first wife of J. O.
Ely ; Eobert A., who is a dentist in practice at Cleveland,
Ohio; and Emma E., who is the second wife of J. O.
Ely.
James M. Dinsmore has been engaged in agricultural
pursuits almost since boyhood. His education was ob-
tained in the district schools. He owns a fine tract of
land, one that has been made very productive through his
careful tillage. His surroundings all indicate thrift and
comfort.
Mr. Dinsmore was married November 18, 1880, to Miss
Plora Donaldson, a daughter of Eobert. S. and Eachel
(Walker) Donaldson, of Mt. Pleasant Township, and
they have an exceedingly intelligent family, all members
of which have been given superior educational advan
tages. The eldest daughter, (Jrace W., is a highly culti-
vated young lady and talented in music which she
teaches. She attended Blairsville College for two years.
Mary J., the second daughter, is a graduate of the Wash-
ington High School. Eobert Edwin is a graduate of
Van Orden 's Business College at Washington, and Will-
iam Lloyd, who attended the University of Pennsyl-
vania for one year. All yet reside under the home roof.
The family belongs to the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian
Church, of which Mr. Dinsmore has been an elder for
a number of years. Mrs. Dinsmore is much interested
in the church missionary work. Mr. Dinsmore takes only
Til STORY OF W ASllliVGTON COUNTY
701
the interest of a voter iti politics. He is a Kepublicau
and frequently has been importuued to accept ollices,
Init lias always declined such honors.
i
HARRY WINFIELD BLACK CANNON, attorney-
atdaw, has been engaged in the practice of his pro-
fession since 190G.
Mr. Cannon was born in the old Black homestead in
the Twenty-second Ward of Pittsburg, in ISSl, and was
there reared. After completing the prescribed course
in the public schools, he entered Washington and Jeil'er-
son Academy, and later Washington and Jefferson Col-
lege. He completed a law course in the University of
Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich., graduating with the
C'lafs of 1906. After spending some time in the West,
he located in 1908 at Washington, Pa., where he has
since practiced very successfully. During his short resi-
dence here he has gained a high position at the bar.
In June, 1908, Mr. Cannon was married to Miss
Eleanor Aiken, of Washington, Pa. Fraternally, he is a
member of Braddock Lodge, B. P. O. E.
BENJAMIN M. TALBOT, editor and manager of
The Enterprise, a weekly newspaper, and The Bur-
gettstown Publishing Company, at Burgettstown, Pa.,
is an enterprising young business man, one whose suc-
cess in journalistic work indicates that he has found
the right channel for his activities. He was born at
Denver, Colo., Jan. 15, 1891, and is a son of Robert
H. Talbot and wife, the former of whom died Sept.
28, 1902, and the latter of whom is a resident of Bur-
gettstown, Pa.
Mr. Talbot attended school at Denver. At the age of
14 years, after coming to Washington County, Pa., he en-
tered the Record office at McDonald, where he learned
the printing trade, coming later to The Enterprise
at Burgettstown, where, after some months, he was ad-
vanced to the position of editor and manager. The
Enterprise is an independent weekly journal, among
the oldest established in the county, and as it has no
political bias is acceptable as a purveyor of news to
every citizen and finds its way into the majority of the
homes of the town and adjacent country. Mr. Talbot
is a member of the First United Presbyterian Church
at Burgettstown.
HARRY L. WILLIAMS, a busy practitioner of the
Washington County bar and a member of the reliable
and able law firm of Mcllvaine & Williams, was born
in 1871, in Pallowfield Township, Washington County,
Pa., and is a son of David N. and Julia (Greenlee)
Williams.
Francis H. Williams, the grandfather of Harry L.,
built the old stone house in Washington County in
which the hitter was born, and it is one of the old land-
nuirks and is still occupied by a member of the family.
Francis 11. Williams was one of the earliest settlers in
Fallowfield Township and there his son, David N. was
born, in June, 1840. David N. Williams is a large
farmer and an extensive breeder and dealer in sheep,
and resides within sight of the old place, although on
his own farm. He married Julia Greenlee, a daughter
of John Greenlee, of ClarksviUe, (Jreene County, and
thej' hail four children, namely: Harry L. ; John A. and
William .!., twins, the latter of whom is deceased; and
Charles K. .lolin A. Williams served in the 10th Pa.
\'ol. Inf., in the Spanish-American War. He now is
engaged in farming in Nottingham Township, and
Charles E. is a farmer in Fallowfield Township.
Harry L. Williams attended the Washington County
schools and the California State Normal School, subse-
quently teaching school for some years and during this
period did a large amount of ] rivate law reading. Later
he graduated from Duff 's Business College and then
entered the law department of the University of Michi-
gan, at Ann Arbor, and was graduated in 1893. He
did not enter into practice, however, for several years.
In 1900 he was admitted to the Washington County bar
and later to all the state courts and ever since has
commanded a very satisfactory practice. He has been
a very active and interested citizen and in 1905 he
served as chairman of the Citizens' Organization, and
also served acceptably for three years as burgess of East
Washington.
On April 6, 1904, Mr. Williams was married to Miss
Anna Blanche Weir, a daughter of Robert E. Weir, of
Morris Township, Washington County, aud they have
one child, Julia Inez. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are mem-
bers of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Wash-
ington. He is identified prominently with the Elks
and is jjast exalted ruler of the local organization.
JAMES M. COLLINS, manager of the Pittsburg Gro-
cery Company at Canonsburg, wa.s born at Uniontown,
Fayette County, Pa., Dec. 27, 1880, and is a son of
James and Mary E. (Bryson) Collins.
The parents of Mr. Collins reside at Uniontown, where
the father is superintendent of the jail and court house.
They reared the following children: Ada, residing at
home; Belle, wife of George S. Daugherty, of Pittsburg;
.Tohn, residing at Pittsburg; Charles, a resident of
Uniontown; James M., of Canonsburg; M. R., residing
at Pittsburg; and Clara, Edna, Loma and Dorothy, all
residing at home.
James M. Collins received his education in the public
schools and at Madison Academy, at Uniontown. He
began his business life as an employe of the grocery
firm of George S. Daugherty & Vo., of Pittsburg, where
702
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
he remained for sis years, coming to Canonsburg on
June 1, 1904, and since then has been manager of the
Pittsburg Grocery Company. His experience of eleven
years in this line has made him thoroughly acquainted
with the demands of the trade as well as a competent
judge of commodities and of the best and most eco-
nomical way of handling the same. He is numbered
with the successful and popular business men of Canons-
burg.
In Pittsburg, Mr. Collins was married to Miss Cath-
erine Dornberg, a daughter of Herman Dornberg, and
they have three children: Harold, Kuth and Kenneth.
Mr. Collins and family are members of the Baptist
Church. In politics he is a Eepublican. He belongs
to Chartiers Lodge No. 297, P. & A. M.; Lodge No.
893, Odd Pellows; Lodge No. 204, Knights of Pythias,
and to the Sons of Veterans, his father having been a
soldier in the Civil War.
J. OLIVER PEIGG, a retired farmer of Canton
Township, Washington County, now residing at 192
Jefferson avenue, Washington, Pa., was born Oct. 12,
1854, in Canton Township and is a son of James and
Caroline (Mounts) Prigg.
James Prigg was born in Washington County in 1820,
a son of Samuel Prigg, who was one of the earliest set-
tlers of Washington County. James spent his active life
in general farming and stock raising, the last ten or
twelve years of his life being passed in Washington,
where he died Dec. 13, 1895. He was a Democrat in
politics. He married Caroline Mounts, who was born
in this county and comes of one of the oldest families
in this locality. They were the parents of the follow-
ing children: J. Oliver, the subject of this sketch; Laura,
who married Stephen Halpin of Washington, Pa.; and
Amanda, who died at the age of 14 years.
J. Oliver Prigg was reared and educated in his native
township, and was there engaged in farming and stock
raising until two years ago. He then came to Washing-
ton, where he has since lived in retirement, although
still managing his fanning interests in Canton Town-
ship, where he owns two tracts of land — the homestead
farm of 118% acres and an additional farm of 75%
acres on the Taylorstovni Eoad.
On Jan. 13, 1881, Mr. Prigg was united in marriage
with Delia Weir, a daughter of William C. and Sarah
(Mounts) Weir, and a granddaughter of Adam Weir,
who was one of the pioneers of Washington County.
Mr. and Mrs. Weir were the parents of the following
children : William J. ; Mamie C, who married J. C. Hale
of Oklahoma; and Delia, the wife of the subject of this
sketch. Two children were bom to Mr. and Mrs. Prigg,
namely: Minnie Maud, who married C. Vance Linn, and
resides with licr parents; and Harry Cleveland, who
resides on the homestead farm in Canton Township.
He married Cora Elizabeth Mounts, and they have a
son, Le Eoy Mounts Prigg, born Sept. 6, 1908. Mr. and
Mrs. Prigg are members of the Third Presbyterian
Church, of which Mr. Prigg is also a member of the
Brotherhood.
JAMES STEPHENSON, whose death occurred on
May 7, 1904, was one of Hanover Township's esteemed
and respected citizens for many yeai'S. He was born
in Jefferson Township, Washington County, Pa., Jan.
9, 1825, and was a son of Thomas and Isabel (Martin)
Stephenson.
The late James Stephenson obtained the usual edu-
cation of the country boy when he was young and very
early became acquainted with all the necessary details
of farm life. He was a quiet, industrious, capable and
good man, doing his duty to his family, his neighbor-
hood and his country. Through his good management
he acquired an excellent farm of 66 acres on which he
placed many improvements and this property, unin-
cumbered, belongs to his widow and children. He was
identified with the Eeijublican party. With his wife he
belonged to the Methodist Protestant Church at Elders-
ville. He was one of a family of eight children : John,
James, David, Margaret, Isabel, Cyrus, Nancy and
Thomas.
On Jan. 23, 1868, James Stephenson was married to
Mary C. Crossland, a daughter of George and Mary
(Iker) Crossland. They never lived in Washington
County, their home being at Connellsville, in Payette
County, where Mrs. Stephenson was born, her mother
dying at her birth. Her father survived but six months.
She was reared by her paternal grandparents, who were
Eiehard and Eebecca Crosslands. Mrs. Stephenson re-
sides on the farm in Hanover Township and is a lady
who has a wide circle of friends. To Mr. and Mrs.
Stephenson the following children were born: James,
who married in the far west and has two children —
Mary and James; Charles T. and William M., twins,
the latter of whom is deceased; George, who operates
the home farm; Ada Belle, who married Theodore Mc-
Ewen, has one son, Raymond McEwen; Nannie Viola,
who married James Anderson, has had two children ;
.lohn Oscar ; Harry Bemis ; Minnie Wilda, who married
.John E. Wilson; and Mary Margaret, who is a teacher
in Smith Township.
JOSEPH BENJAMIN PAINTER, a prominent farm-
er and stock raiser of Independence Township, operating
his valuable farm of 160 acres, was born in Westmore-
land County, Pa., in 1854, and is a son of John and
Susannah (Williams) Painter.
The father of Mr. Painter was a substantial farmer
IirSTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
703
and tlic i'luiiil^' was a large one. The i'amily record is
as follows: Maria, who is deceased; Adaline, who was
the wife of Jacob Mitchell, deceased, of Westmoreland
County; Catherine, who was the wife of James Culbert-
son, deceased, of Westmoreland County; Christopher,
who died in Westmoreland County; Jacob, who is de-
ceased; Tobias, deceased, who spent the greater part of
his life in Kansas; Harrison, who is deceased; Susan,
now deceased, who was the wife of Rev. J. M. Hantz;
Israel, who is now a resident of Missouri ; Joseph Ben-
jamin; and Lucinda, who died in infancy.
Joseph B. Painter attended the common schools of
Westmoreland County, West Newton, Mt. Pleasant High
Sidiool, AciuU-my and the Columbia Classical College in
Lancaster County, and later graduated from the Iron
City Business College at Pittsburg. He then devoted
some time to the study of Blackstone, with a view of
entering the law, but later abandoned that ambition and
accepted a favorable opening in the oil business. He
continued to be identified with that great industry for
12 years and after retiring from the same, located on
his present fine farm not far from Avella, where he
has successfully pursued agriculture ever since.
In 1877, Mr. Painter was married to Miss Phebe
Manchester, a daughter of the late Asa Manchester and
a member of one of the old and leading families of
Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Painter have four
children: Asa Manchester, who is married and resides
in Independence; J. M., who resides at home and assists
his father; Stanley H., who is a student in the State
College of Pennsylvania; and Clarence B., who is a
student in the Hickory High School. Mr. Painter and
family belong to the Presbyterian Church of Lower
Buffalo.
In politics, Mr. Painter is nominally a Democrat, but
he reserves the right to vote independently when his
judgment impels him to do so. Formerly he took a
lively interest in public affairs and frequently consented
to hold office, for nine years being a school director in
Clarion County, and for three years a member of the
borough council at Edinburg, in that county. In the
fall of 1909 he was chosen a meber of the United States
Jury, sitting at Pittsburg. For many years he has
been prominently identified vfith Masonry, is a member
of Washington Lodge No. 164, F. & A. M., and has
served the Lodge and Chapter by filling the chains;
is a member of Syria Shrine of Pittsburg, and was a
charter member of Edinburg Lodge No. 550 and of
Clarion Chapter in Clarion County. He belongs also
to the Elks. He is an active grange worker; is a mem-
ber of Avella Grange No. 1371, and is district deputy
of Washington County and a past master of his sub-
iirdin;ite and Pomona Granges. He is a fluent writer
and a ready debator. Feu men have led a more active
life than the subject of this sketch.
EDWARD C. STEWART, superintendent of the Hazel
Atlas Glass Company of Washington, Pa., has been a
resident of this city for the past 13 years. He was
born in I'ittsburg, Pa., in 1869, and is a son of James
C. Stewart, who was for years engaged in railroad con-
tracting, but spent his later years on a ranch in South-
western Texas. Mr. Stewart is of Scotch-Irish descent
and comes of one of Pennsylvania's oldest and best
families, it having been established in Lancaster County
during the colonial era and from thence removing to
.Vlleglieny and Washington Counties at an early period.
When quite young Mr. Stewart's parents moved to
Southwestern Texas, where he attended the common
schools until about 1886, when he came north and lo-
cated near the "S" Bridge, where he completed his
education. Upon entering the business world, he was
first employed in an insurance office in Pittsburg, after
which he was with the Pittsburg Stone Company until
1896, when the Atlas Glass Company of Washington
was e.stablished, since which time he has been super-
intendent of the factory. He is also interested as a
stockholder in the company, and gives his entire time
to the business, having no lodge or club affiliations. Mr.
Stewart attends the Presbyterian Church.
MORGAN R. PRIGG, a representative citizen and
farmer of Canton Township, resides on his valuable farm,
the old Prigg homestead, which contains 150 acres, on
which he carries on farming and stock raising, and was
born here, Mar. 24, 1873, a son of Enoch D. and Ma-
tilda M. (Daniels) Prigg. His father was born in
Washington County ;ind his mother in what is now West
Washington.
Enoch D. Prigg was born in Washington County, Pa.,
Nov. 11, 1817, and died Aug. 26, 1901. His parents
were Samuel and Hetty (Dye) Prigg, with whom he
continued to reside until they no longer needed his
assistance. In the course of years and business trans-
actions he acquired the homestead and lived on it until
death, later acquiring also other valuable land until his
possessions aggregated 385 acres, some of this land in
the South owned in connection with a stock company.
He was married in June, 1858, to Matilda M. Daniels,
a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth M. Daniels, who
was born May 24, 1839, and came of Scotch ancestry.
To this marriage the following children were born: An-
drew M., who resides at Wasliington; Sarah J., who is
the wife of Charles Taylor, of Canton Township ; Isabel,
who is the wife of E. C. Longdon, of Washington;
.\Mnie C, who is the wife of James Lacock, of Canton
704
HISTOKY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
Township; and Morgan R., also residing in Canton
Township. The venerable mother of the above family
resides on the homestead in Canton Township.
Morgan E. Prigg has devoted himself closely to ag-
ricultural pursuits ever since his schooldays ended. He
has given a large amount of attention to the subject
of sheep raising and therefore follows it intelligently,
his choice of stock being the National Delaine. They
are satisfying wool growers and possess other desirable
points.
On Sept. 29, 1897, Mr. Prigg was married to Miss
Lillian B. Ramsey, who is a daughter of the late William
C Ramsey, who was a very prominent citizen of Wash-
ington County and former sheriff. He was born in
Amwell Township Mar. 5, 1843. He married Elizabeth
Sowers, who was born in West Bethlehem Township,
Washington County, and they had five children, namely:
Ulysses B., residing at Washington, Pa.; Levi H., re-
siding in South Franklin Township; Kate P., living at
Washington; Wilmetta M., now deceased; and Liiiian
D., who is the wife of Mr. Prigg. To Mr. and Mrs.
Prigg four children have been born: E. Wray, Florence
,1., William L. and Mauveleen M. Mr. Prigg and wife
are members of the Fourth Presbyterian Church at
Washington. Like his late respected father, he is a
Democrat in his political opinions.
WILLIAM CLARK BLACK, the founder and managing
editor of the "Union Labor Journal," the first Labor
paper in Washington County, Pa., with ofiS.ces in. the
Brown Building, Washington, Pa., was bom in this city
May 23, 1873, a son of George W. Black, Jr. His pa-
ternal grandfather, George W. Black, Sr., was in the
tobacco and cigar business, and was the originator of the
now familiar "stogie."
George W. Black, Jr., was educated in this county and
subsequently entered the tobacco business, in which he
continued until his death. He married Myra Belle Crall,
of Monongahela, and their children were Samuel, Martha
Elizabeth, Mary Etta, William Clark, George, Lucy
Hazlett and Myra.
The subject of this sketch received his education in
the public schools of Washington County. On January
-27, 1887, he entered the otfice of the old ' ' Washington
County Democrat," to learn the printer's trade. After
getting some insight into the business, he went to Chi-
cago, HI., where he found employment for a time on
the "Inter Ocean." From the office of that paper
he went to that of the old Chicago "Mail," and from
there to the ' ' Morning News. ' ' He next worked on the
"Times," at the time that pa'per was edited by Carter
H. Harrison. In September, 1897, he went to the State
of California, where after some residence received an
appointment to a position in the State Printing Office
at Sacramento, and worked there and in the State for,
some six years. Lived also in Oregon, where he worked
for some time on the ' ' Rogue River Courier, ' ' at Grant 's
Pass, Josephine County. He also had considerable
newspaper experience in the State of Washington, and
the copper mining regions of Shasta County, Cal., Kes-
wick, De La Mar, Sallee and Copper City; as well as in
the Mother Lode gold mining district of California,
Calaveras and Amador Counties. In April, 1894, he re-
turned to Washington, Pa., and in March, 1907, founded
the ' ' Union Labor Journal, ' ' of Washington and Greene
Counties. This paper is the official newspaper of the
Washington Central Trade Assembly, of Washington,
Pa., and also of the Monongahela Valley Central Trades
Council, located at Charleroi.
Mr. Black is a member of Typographical Union No.
456, and for the last seven years has been the Washing-
ton (Pa.) correspondent for the "Typographical Jour-
nal. ' ' He was elected delegate from this local to Bos-
ton (Mass.) in 1908. He was secretary of the Washing-
ton Central Trades Assembly for three years, serving one
term as treasurer and was district organizer of the
American Federation of Labor for Washington, Pa., and
the vicinity two and a half terms. In politics he is
independent, and his religious affiliations are with the
Episcopal Church. Mr. Black is unmarried and resides
with his mother, Mrs. George W. Black, at No. 276 Lo-
cust avenue.
WILLIAM S. VANCE, a representative business man
of Washington, conducting a drug business at No. 66
North Main street, can claim descent from two of the
old and honorable pioneer families of Washington
County. He was born in South Strabane Township,
Washington County, Pa., Oct. 24, 1872, and is the
younger of two sons born to his parents, who were
William and Nancy (Dinsmore) Vance.
William Vance was also a native of Washington
County and died on April 30, 1872. His widow stUl
survives and since October, 1874, has occupied her beau-
tiful Washington home, which is situated at No. 246
East Beau street. She was born in Washington County
and is a daughter of Robert W. Dinsmore, also a native
of this county, who was engaged in farming and stock
raising aU his life.
William S. Vance was reared in Washington County.
He began his education in the public schools, graduating
with the high school class of 1889 and afterwards at-
tending Washington and Jefferson College. When about
17 yeans old he began the study of pharmacy and was
employed as a clerk in different drug stores of Wash-
ington until 1900, when he engaged in the retail drug
business for himself at his present stand. He is a grad-
uate of the Pittsburg College of Pharmacy (now a de-
WILLIAM CLARK BLACK
RARY
-Q'JWDAIIOHS. Ji
mSTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
707
jjurliiiciil uf tlie Uuivcrsity ol' -fittslnug) in tlio class
of ISUti.
On Feb. 12, 1906, Mr. Vaiico was iiiarrieil to Miss
Lou Catherine Woodard, uf Wiushiugtou, Pa., and they
have one son, William VVoodard. Mr. and Mrs. Vaiwc
arc members of the First Presbjlori:iu ('luiri'li. He is
identilicd fraternally with the Elks.
JOHN L. COCKINS, vice president of the First Na-
tional Bank of Canonsburg and a prominent citizen, was
born near Hickory, iu Mt. Pleasant Township, Wash-
ington County, Pa., May 31, 1847. His parents were
John and Klizabeth (McCarrell) Cockins.
The paternal grandfatl er of John L. Cockins came
to Washington County from Jjastern Peun.sylvania, at a
very early date, established a home on the border, as-
sisted in bringing civilization to what was then a wild
section, and after a long and useful life, passed away
and his memory is preserved with that of the other
pioneers.
John Cockins, father of John L., was burn in Eastern
Pennsylvania, in 1799, and was a child when the family
came to Washington County. He became a man of sub-
stance and spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits.
His death occurred in July, 1865, when he was aged 66
years. He married Elizabeth McCarrell, a daughter of
Lodowick McCarrell, early settlers also in Washington
County. She died in 1889 in her 84th year and was laid
by the side of her husband, in a cemetery at Venice,
Pa. They were parents of ten children, eight of whom
reached maturity. Vincent, the eldest, became a minister
in the Associate Keformed Presbyterian Church and
never married. At the time of his death, he was jiastor
of the Fourth Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church
of Pittsburg. Lavina married Alexander Russell and
lived and died at Burgettstown. Margaret and Belle H.
died unmarried. William married Miss Anna Welch
and for 40 years they have resided at Lawrence, Kas.,
spending a part of their time in California. He is a
successful business man and is interested in real estate.
Martha Jane, who died in Mt. Pleasant Township, was
the wife of William Berry. James M. is a Presbyterian
minister, residing at Los Angeles, Cal. He married
(first) Jennie Bosserman, and (second) Anna Miller.
John L. Cockins is the youngest born of the above
family. He was educated in the common schools and
took a commercial course in the Iron City Business Col-
lege at Pittsburg, and after his return home engaged in
farming, operating the old home farm in Mt. {"leasant
Township until 1875, in which year he moved to Canons-
burg. He still owns the old homestead, together with
another farm in Mt. Pleasant Township, a third farm
in West Pinley Township and still another, situated
at Dinsmore Station, in Smith Township. His interests
in realty at Canonsburg are also extensive and he is
connected with the Canonsburg Land Company, the
Alexander Land Company and the Cockins and John.ston
plat of lots in Canonsburg. He is interested in other
concerns, being a director as well as vice jjresident of
the First National Bank and a stockholder in the
Canonsburg Steel and Iron Works.
In 1873, Mr. Cockins was married to Miss Anna Mor-
gan, a daughter of Robert and Mary (Martin) Morgan,
old settlers in Mt. Pleasant Township, who died about
1891. Mr. and Mrs. Cockins have two children: Howard
L. and Alice May. Howard L. Cockins was born in
.fanuary, 1874, was reared and educated at Canonsburg,
and for the jiast 12 years has been engaged in the furni-
ture business. He married Miss Edith Perritt, a daugh-
ter of George Perritt, who formerly was sheriff of Wash-
ington County. Mrs. Cockins was reared at Canonsburg.
Alice May Cockins is the wife of Dr. William Inglish,
a practicing physician at Columbus, O., and they have
two sons — John C. and William D. Mr. Cockins and
family enjoy a beautiful modern home, which is located
un West Pike street, which was completed in 1892. In
1903 the family visited California, but no climatic nor
business advantages served to separate Mr. Cockins,
except temporarily, from Pennsylvania. He has always
been identified with the Republican party, but has led
too active a business life to have been able to devote
much attention to public office. He has, however, served
as a justice of the peace for a quarter of a century.
His interest in educational matters has been genuine and
constant and for nine years he served on the school
board. He is a leading member of the Chartiers United
Presbyterian Church, an elder in the same and has done
much to promote the efliciency of the Sunday-school
and for some 33 years served as assistant superintendent
and as treasurer.
JAMES F. WESTLAKE, who has been postmaster at
Independence, Washington County, Pa., since 1903, came
to this village in 1856. Mr. Westlake was born April
13, 1846, in West Middletown, Washington County, Pa.,
and is a son of James and Mary (Miller) Westlake.
Benjamin Westlake, the grandfather of James F.,
was born in Ohio and came to Washington County in
1826. He was a man widely known in his day as a brave
and venturesome frontiersman, and made several trips
by fiat-boat to New Orleans, the trip back being made
on foot, quite an undertaking in those days. On one
of these return trips, while passing through an Indian
village, he received a tomahawk wound, which left a livid
s'car on his face.
.Tames Westlake learned the trade of shoemaker when
16 years old at Barnesville, Ohio, and worked with hLs
uncle until after his marriage, when he engaged in busi-
708
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
ness on his own account at West Middletown, Pa., and
there continued to reside for 14 years. When he came
to Independence, in 1856, and here carried on his trade
until within four years of his death, which occurred in
1909. Mr.' Westlake was married to Mary Miller, of
Donegal Township, and to them the following children
were born: Jennie, the widow of J. B. Fouch, of Douora;
James Fletcher; John S., residing in Canton, Ohio;
Cassius M., minister of the Congregational Church at
Sheldon, Iowa; William H. S., residing in Salt Lake
City, Utah; and Bertha, who died in infancy.
James Fletcher Westlake attended the district school
of the place of his nativity, and later entered Mt. Union
College at Mt. Union, Ohio, which he left in 1864, when
IS years of age, to enlist in the 162nd 0. Vol. Inf. at
Canton, Ohio. He saw four months of active service at
Camp Chase and in Central Kentucky, and after the
close of hostOities he became a private in the regular
army and for three years saw service in Southeast Da-
kota during the trouble with the Sioux Indians. In
1868 he came back to Independence, where he went to
work with his father, as a shoemaker, and he has made
this city his home to the present time, with the exception
of two years spent in Fayette County.
In June, 1873, Mr. Westlake was married to Mary F.
Fouche, who is a daughter of Samuel and Catherine
(King) Fouche, of CenterviUe, Somerset County, Pa.,
and to this union there have been born children, as
follows: Jeanette, who married Robert E. Scott, resid-
ing near Irwin, Pa. ; James Edward, a school teacher
of Washington, Pa., and Frank Eoss, a clerk in the
Avella bank.
Mr. Westlake is a Republican in politics, and in ad-
dition to having been postmaster since 1903, has served
as township clerk, tax collector and in other capacities.
For a number of years he has been a trustee of tTie
Methodist Church of Independence.
NORMAN EMMETT CLARK, who has practiced law
in Washington, Pa., since 1885, was born in .what is
now South Franklin Township, Washington County, Nov.
8, 1861, and is a son of John Gaylord and Sarah Clokey
Clark.
Mr. C'lai'k attended the public schools of the county
and Washington and Jefferson College, from which he
was graduated with the Class of 1882. He then regis-
tered as a law student and was admitted to the bar of
the county Dec. 16, 1885. He entered upon the practice
of his profession immediately and in 1886 was made
deputy clerk of courts of Washington County. Upon
the death of the clerk he was appointed to fill out the
unexpired term. He then practiced by himself until
the year 1889, when he entered the firm of A. W. and
M. C. Acheson. Upon the retirement of Judge Acheson,
the firm became Acheson, Irwin and Clark, and later
Acheson, Clark and Berryman. In 1899, Mr. Berryman
withdrew from the ih-m and moved to Pittsburg, the
firm having prior to that time become Clark and Berry-
man, upon the withdrawal of Mr. Acheson. Mr. Clark
pi-acticed alone until 1904, when the firm of Parker,
Mcllvaine and Clark was formed. Since 1907, Mr. Mc-
Hvaine and Mr. Clark have been associated alone, the
firm being McHvaine & Clark. They practice in all the
State and Federal Courts and have ofiiees in the Wash-
ington Trust Building. Mr. Clark has been solicitor for
the borough of East Washington since 1894, and enjoys
the distinction of being the only solicitor that borough
has had since it w'as created. He has been local counsel
for the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad continuously since
1893. He is a member of the Washington County Bar
Association, and the Pennsjdvania State Bar Associa-
tion, and seiTed two terms each as vice-president and
president of the former body.
In 1892, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Sarah Hanua
Flack, a native of Washington County, N. Y., and they
have three children: John Gaylord, Norman Emmett
and Mary Foster Clark.
W. P. SCOTT, general merchant and representative
citizen at Burgettstown, a member of the Board of .
Health and identified with many important interests of
the borough, was born in Smith Township, Washington
County, Pa., Nov. 7, 1856. His father, R. K. Scott, is
a general farmer in Smith Township.
W. F. Scott obtained his education in the local schools
and at Burgettstown, after which he remained at home
assisting his father on the farm until he was 23 years
old. He then came to Burgettstown to enter into busi-
ness and formed a partnership which resulted in the
establishing of the firm of McMurray & Scott, which
continued for ten years. At the close of the decade,
Mr. Scott sold his interest to his partner and then start-
ed into a general store business for himself, at his
present location. He carries a large stock, including
dry goods and groceries and also handles flour and feed.
In politics he is a Democrat and has been interested in
public matters ever since he came to the borough as a
permanent resident. He has served usefully on the
borough council and is recognized as one of the re-
sponsible and representative men of the place.
On Jan. 19, 1887, Mr. Scott was married to Miss
Hannah May Lee, a daughter of W. S. Lee, and they
have two children. Hazel and Merle, both of whom, after
graduating from the Burgettstown schools, entered a
seminary near Philadelphia, to pursue a higher course.
Mr. Scott and family are members of the United Pres-
byterian Church, with which he has been connected
since boyhood.
HlSTOllY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
;0!»
A. P. DUiSCAN, treasurer of tho Duncan ik Miller
Glass Compauy, at Washington, and a director in the
Eeal Estate Trust Company, is a representative busi-
ness man of this city and has been identified with glass
manufacturing all his business life. He was born in
1S75, at Pittsburg, Pa., and is a sou of the late James
E. Duncan, the founder of the present large glass busi-
ness, with plant situated at Jefferson avenue and Fac-
tory street.
A. P. Duncan was educated at Pittsburg and at Wash-
ington and Jefferson College, Washington, where he was
graduated in the class of 189(3. He immediately entered
into the business of glass manufacturing, as an employer
of the firm of George Duncan's Sons, and after the
business was locorporated, in 1900, as the Duncan &
Miller Glass Company, he became treasurer. The busi-
ness is one of large importance, employment being
afforded about 190 people, the output of the factory
being high grade table glass ■nare, with a number of
specialties from private molds.
JOHN S. McCARTY, one of the old representative
business men of McDonald, Pa., senior member of the
firm of MeCarty & Sons, dealers in lumber, was born in
Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., Sept.
27, 1846, and is a son of John and Jane (Roseberry)
McCarty.
The parents of Mr. McCarty were farming people in
Mt. Pleasant Township and in their day were well known
and highly respected. They were members of the Candor
Presbyterian Church and were interred in the cemetery
there. Their parents were Timothy and Jane (McCon-
nell) McCarty, and Benjamin and Mary (Donaldson)
Roseberry. John S. McCarty, the fifth member of his
parents' family, is one of the three survivors, Benjamin
R. and Elizabeth being the others. Martha J., wife of
Russell Thompson, Timothy, James H. and Thomas D.,
all are deceased.
.Tohn S. McCarty had common .school advantages in
his youth and then assisted his father on the home farm
until he was 30 years of age. About 1879 he embarked
in the lumber business at Midway and after seven years
sold out to his brother on account of a desire to visit
California. He remained in the far West for six years
and after he returned to Washington County bought a
one-half interest in a lumber and hardware business,
which he continued interested in until 1894. In the fol-
lowing year he came to McDonald and here went into
business with J. W. Robb, in April, 190.5, purchasing
his partner's share and identifying his sons with him.
The firm does a large business all through this section.
For four years he served as postmaster at Midway under
President Cleveland's first administration in Robeson
Township.
In October, 1S74, Mr. McCarty was married to Miss
Anna M. Lindsey, a daughter of William and Anna
(Vanemen) Liindsey, who were much respected resi-
dents of Washington County, Mr. Lindsey being a sub-
.■stantial farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey had the follow-
ing children: Sarah, who is the widow of Richard Boyce;
John, who is deceased; Elizabeth, who married Hamil-
ton Kennedy ; Alexander V. ; Rebecca, who is deceased,
was the first wife of Dr. A. C. Stevenson; Margaret;
Kena, who is deceased, was the second wife of Dr. A. C.
Stevenson; Robert; Rachel, who married Joseph W.
Robb; and Anna M., wife of Mr. MeCarty. Mr. and
Mrs. McCarty have had four children : John W. K. and
Robert Y., are associated with their father in business;
and Bertie Jane and Clifford, both died young. The
family attends the Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCarty
is a member of Garfield Lodge No. 464, F. & A. M., at
Burgettstown, Pa.
WILLL\M M. THOMPSON, the well-known gardener
and successful fruit grower of N. Franklin Township,
Washington County, who has resided on his present place
which contains more than 73 acres of enriched land
since 1903, was born in Ohio County, W. Va., Mar. 2,
1863. His parents were Armor and Nancy (Linton)
Thompson.
The paternal gramlfather was a native of Ireland and
when he came to America he settled in Greene County,
Pa., and there Armor Thompson was born,, who subse-
quently moved to Ohio County, W. Va., where he married
Nancy Linton, whose grandfather, David Linton, was
born in Scotland, but lived many years in West Virginia.
Armor Thompson died when his son, William M., was
15 years old and was survived by his widow until the
son had about reached his 24th year.
In all e.^seutials, William M. Thompson is a self-made
man. He obtained his education in the common schools
of Elm Grove, W. Va., and as far as his strength per-
mitted, assisted his father on the home farm. He was
only 16 when he took entire charge and continued to
manage the property for his mother until her death, in
1891. He then left his native state and came to Wash-
ington County, Pa., locating in North Franklin Town-
ship and here followed gardening and fruit growing
and with such success that he became well known in the
industries mentioned. In 1903 he secured his present
land which is favorably situated within a short distance
of Washington and just off the National Road. It is
an interesting place to visit and in blossoming and har-
vest time is a very delightful one. He has set out 2,500
fruit trees, devoting ten acres to the same, and has al-
most every variety that will do well in this climate.
These include 300 apple, 600 peach, 300 pear, 100 plum,
with quince and cherry trees, all being of choicest se-
no
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
lection aud attended to with experienced knowledge, for
Ml'. Thompson has long made a close study of this sub-
ject. He also raises luscious berries of aU kinds, also
currants, in fact everything in the line of desirable fruit
that he can market, either retail or wholesale, at Wash-
ington. He devotes about 40 acres to general gardening
and his fresh vegetables are the first that are offered
from the local markets. He expects, henceforth, to de-
vote his individual efforts exclusively to fruit growing,
his present plans being to double his acreage in fruit in
the coming year.
Mr. Thompson was married (first) to Miss Annie
Einkes, who was a native of West Virginia. He was
married (second) to Miss Lulu Henderson, a daughter
of James Henderson, of Dallas, W. Va., and they have
had three children: Irvin E., Margaret Irene and WUl-
iam C, the last named being deceased. Mr. and Mrs.
Thompson are members of the Third Presbyterian
Church at Washington. In politics he is a Republican,
and fraternally he is identified with the Knights of
Pythias, belonging to the lodge at Claysville.
J. E. FOEEEST, one of Washington's best known
and esteemed citizens, who has reflected no little credit
upon this city through his literary work, may almost be
claimed as a native as he was but one year old when
his parents moved here from Pittsburg, where he was
born in 1847. His father, George Forrest, became a
substantial business man at Washington, conducting a
tailoring business for many years.
J. E. Forrest was educated in the Washington schools
and at Washington College, leaving its halls when but
17 years of age, to answer his country's call for volun-
teers. He enlisted in Co. H, 87th Pa. Vol. Inf., in which
he served until the close of the war, almost a year later.
During this period he was never absent from duty a
single day from sickness, although he was once slightly
wounded. Upon his return from the army, he took up
the study of law in the ofSce of Euth & Hamilton, and
was admitted to the bar in 1867 and for many years
engaged in the practice of his profession at Washington.
In the meanwhile, he had developed talent as a writer
and recently has devoted the larger part of his time
to literary pursuits. He has contributed to current pub-
lications and has also published a number of books, both
of poetry and prose, and has other works ready for the
publisher. Many readers have enjoyed his poems: "The
Monongahely Boy," "The Unreturning Brave," "Gath-
ering Home ' ' and ' ' The Sinner 's Prayer, ' ' and four of
his works of fiction have had a wide sale: "The Student
Cavaliers," "A Tangled Web," "A Brother's Sacri-
fice" and "Retribution." For some 20 years Mr. For-
rest was a justice of the peace at Washington and doubt-
less many of the incidents in his writings have a founda-
tion in the facts of his experience. He is interested
to a large degree in realty at Washington and is num-
bered with the substantial citizens of this place.
Mr. Forrest was married to Miss Belle Boyle, of
Greensburg, Ind., and they have three children; Daniel
B., residing at Kenton, Ohio, where he is engaged in the
tobacco business; Earl Eobert, a graduate of Washing-
ton-Jefferson College, who is taking a post graduate
course in Forestry at the University of Michigan; and
Alma, who is a student at Washington Seminary. Mr.
Forrest is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal
Church. He belongs to Templeton Post No. 120, G.
A. E.
JOHN T. STAEE, who has been proprietor of the
Hotel Starr at West Brownsville, Pa., since May 1, 1909,
has been a lifelong resident of West Brownsville, where
he was born June 18, 1863, a son of Alfred S. and
Mary E. (McDonald) Starr, who are also residents of
West Brownsville, the former of whom spent his active
career engaged in ship carpentering.
.John T. Starr grew to manhood at West Brownsville,
Pa., and for many years worked in the coal mines of this
vicinity. He also spent about about three years as a
fireman on the Pennsylvania Eailroad and for about
seven years ran a boarding house at Brownsville, where
since May 1, 1909, he has been the owner and manager
of the Hotel Starr.
Mr. Starr married Annie Yoders and they have one
daughter, Mary J. Starr. Mr. Starr is affiliated with
the I. O. O. F. and the Knights of Pythias, and is a
man who stands high in the esteem of his feUow men.
JOHN C. MURPHY, sheriff of Washington County,
Pa., is one of the county's best known men, for many
years prior to accepting public office, being an educator
and highly considered in that capacity. He was born
in Washington County, Pa., June 9, 1857, one of a fam-
ily of six children born to Franklin B. and Lacy (Wal-
ler) Murphy. Franklin B. Murphy was a farmer and
a well-known citizen. He died in 1905. On the maternal
side. Sheriff Murphy is connected with the old pioneer
family of Peas.
John C. Murphy was reared and educated in Washing-
ton County and throughout life has been loyal to her
best interests. For 26 years he taught school here, di-
viding his time between four districts, and from under
his instruction have gone out many young men and
women vrho have reflected credit upon his thoroughness. .
He is a man of excellent judgment and wise discrimi- '
nation as well as of personal courage and his four
years of service as deputy sheriff gave the experience
he needed when he was first elected to the sheriff 's
JOHN C. MURPHY
THE NEW YORK
PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTOR, LENOX AND
TILDEN FOUNDATIONS.
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
713
Dllico in 1S1U7, the tliitios of which Iw assumed in .hinuary,
1908.
On Sept. 10, 1SS7, Mr. Murphy was married to Miss
Mary A. Williams, a daughter of Casper William-s, and
they had a family of five children, four of whom are
living, namely: J. RusseU, Harry W., Edna J. and Ernest
M. Politically he is a Republican and fraternally he is
an Klk and an Odd Fellow.
\VlLLr.\M JAMES IIOWARTH, deceased, who, for
half a century was identified with the business interests
of Washington, Pa., established and operated the
Howarth Granite and Marble Works, which is the lead-
ing concern of its kind in Washington County, Pa. Mr.
Howarth was born in 1831, in Philadelphia, and died
in March, 1907, in Washington, where he first established
himself in business with his brother Joseph, their marble
works being located upon the present site of the Union
Trust Company. He subsequently established the Ho-
warth Marble and Granite Works, which he successfully
operated until the time of his death, since which time
the business has been managed by his widow. He was
a man of unimpeachable integrity.
In 188G, Mr. Howarth was united in marriage with
Annie M. Parker, who was born near Van Buren, but
spent her early girlhood days in Amity, Washington
County, and has been a resident of Washington, Pa., since
about 17 years of age. She was educated in the schools of
this city, after which she taught here about ten years. She
is a daughter of Capt. Silas and Eliza (Andrew) Parker,
the former, a native of Washington County, who re-
cruited Co. D, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf. for the Civil War,
and although 50 years of age, went into service as cap-
tain of the company. After nine months of service in
the army he contracted an illness, from which he sub-
sequently died after his return home. Mr. and Mrs.
Parker were the parents of four children, of whom but
two are living: Mrs. Howarth and W. S. Parker, the
latter of whom is practicing law at Washington, Pa.
Mr. Howarth was connected with the Methodist Prot-
estant Church, of which he was for 18 years secretary
of the Sabbath school. Mrs. Howarth is a member of
the same church, and is a prominent worker in the
church societies and the auxiliary of the Y. M. C. A.
DeWITT C. PARKINSON, postmaster and a lifelong
resident of Monongahela City, was born July 7, 1864,
in a log house on Gregg street, this city, and is a son
of John and Mary Catherine (Weaver) Parkinson.
John Parkinson was born and reared in Lancashire,
England, and when about 20 years old came to America
and located at Monongahela City, Pa., where for some
time he ran a soap factory, and later became foreman
in the T^^nion Paper Mills. He died here at the age of
17 years. He married Mary Catherine Weaver, who
was born in Monongahela City in the log house which
until recently stood upon our subject 's present place.
Slie was a daughter of John Weaver, who was one of the
pioneer settlers of this locality, and her death occurred
May 15, 1904, at the age of 74 years. Seven children
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Parkinson: Richard, de-
ceased; Eliza, widow of William Rose; Clara, deceased;
Mary Anna; John, deceased; Dewitt C, subject of this
sketch; and Daniel,
DeWitt C. Parkinson was reared in Monongahela City,
and attended the public schools, later entering the Union
Paper Mills, where he worked for about eight years,
after which he worked in the coal mines of Washington
County fol' five years. He was then for ten years pri-
vate night watchman in the business section of Monon-
gahela City, and in 1904 was appointed postmaster, as-
suming the responsibilities of that office on June 5,
1904, in the old location.
Mr. Parkinson was married to Theresa Behanna, a
daughter of David and Mary Behanna, of Monongahela
City. They have five children : Mary C. is the wife of
Porter Baldwin; Clara; Dewitt C, Jr.; Edward and
James K. While working as night watchman, Mr.
Parkinson tore down the old log house on his place, and
erected his present commodious residence. He is a Re-
publican in politics and has served as constable and
assessor for ten years.
EWING S. McWREATH, a leading citizen of Mc-
Donald, who has been identified with many of the bor-
ough 's most important interests, being secretary and
treasurer of the McDonald Water Company, the Mc-
Donald Electric Light Company and the McDonald Sav-
ings and Trust Company, was born June 3, 1858, in
Donegal Township, Washington County, Pa., and is a
son of Joseph and Elizabeth (DeFrance) McWreath.
Joseph McWreath, w-ho is a millwright by trade, is now
residing in Cross Creek Township, his wife having died
in 1903 and was buried in the Independent Cemetery.
Ewing S. McWreath was the eldest of their children,
the others being: Sylvia, deceased, who was the wife
of Owen M. Lotten, also deceased; and Grant.
Ewing S. McWreath first attended the common schools
of Donegal Township, later entered Hopedale College,
at Hopedale, Ohio, and subsequently attended the North-
western State Normal School, from which he was grad-
uated. He then commenced teaching in the common
schools, and after nine years thus spent became a teacher
in the academies, so continuing for six years, the last
three years being in the Ingleside. Academy at Mc-
Donald. .\t the expiration of this period, he became
identified with the water company, with which he has
since been ennneeted. Mr. McWreath is a member of
714
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Garfield Lodge of Masons at McDonald, and of the
Chapter and Commandery at Pittsburg. He is a Demo-
crat. With his family attends the First United Presby-
terian Church at McDonald.
On Oct. 23, 1SS4, Mr. Mc Wreath was married to Alice
Kea, daughter of John C. and Mary (Lyle; Eea. Mr.
and Mrs. Eea had nine children : Lyle, WiUiam, Jefferson,
Leander, Joseph, Sarah, Mary, AUce and Eliza. Three
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McWreath : J.
Eea; Mary, a graduate of the Indiana Normal School;
and Guy A., a student at the McDonald High School.
J. Eea McWreath is a gun-pointer on the United States
battleship Minnesota, which under Capt. John Huboard
won the championship for markmanship in 1907.
WILLIAM G. POTTEE, conducting a real estate, fire
insurance and loan business, with otfices at No. 401 and
402 Brown Building, Washington, Pa., has also other
important business interests and is a leading citizen
here. He was bo^-n in West Finley Township, Wash-
ington County, Pa., in 1869, a son of WilUam and Mar-
garet (Hutchison) Potter, and is a grandson of John
Potter, a native of Now Jersey, who came to Washing-
ton County about 1810.
The venerable father of Mr. Potter, William Potter,
has lived a retired life in Washington, Pa., for some
years. He was born in 1830 and was brought to Wash-
ington County in his infancy. His mother having died,
he was reared in the family of Thomas Supler, who lived
in Donegal Township. His industrial activities were
those of a farmer and carpenter. A man of advanced
thought on moral questions, he was one of the early abo-
litionists of the county, at a time when abolition was
a very unpopular doctrine. He married Margaret Hutchi-
son, who was born and reared in East Pjnley Township.
Washington County. She was a daughter of Thomas
Hutchison, a native of Washington County, whose father
had come from Scotland and was one of the very early
settlers in Washington County and the progenitor of a
family which has taken a prominent part in its affairs.
William G. Potter attended the public schools of the
county and completed his education in the State Normal
School at Edinburg, Erie County, after which he taught
school for about ten years. He then went into the con-
tracting and building business at Washington, in which
he continued interested for five years, and this led grad-
ually to the development of his real estate business.
He now deals to a large extent in realty and has aided
largely in attracting capital to this section for invest-
ment. He is interested also in the Washington Drug
Company, of which he is secretary and treasurer, and
fills the same offices with Zinn's Iron Mining Company,
of Vesuvius, Va.
In 1897, Mr. Potter was married to Miss Sabina E.
Ashbrook, of Morris Township, Washington County, who
was born in September, 1833, a daughter of Absalom
Ashbrook. Mr. and Mrs. Potter are members of the
Second United Presbyterian Church of Washington, in
which he is chairman of the church finance committee.
Mr. Potter was reared in the principles of good citi-
zenship and on all occasions he is a hearty worker for
the public welfare. He is a Prohibitionist in his political
views and is very active in advancing the interests of
the Prohibition party, at times even consenting to become
a candidate on its local ticket.
JACOB M. HAESHMAN, whose excellent farm of
115 acres is situated in Buifalo Township, Washington
County, Pa., was born on this place Sept. 21, 1847, and
has always lived here. His parents were .laeob and
Susan (Bumbarger) Harshman.
The Harshman family is of German descent. The
father was a farmer during all his active life and was
considered a good citizen of Buffalo Township, his
neighbors electing him to the office of road supervisor,
a position to which considerable prominence is attached.
He died in 1897, his wife having died in the 60 's. Of
their family of children the following are living: Mary
.T., who lives in Ohio, is the wife of Jacob Metzner;
Eachel, who lives at Wolfstown, Pa., is the widow of
B. Jenkins, formerly of Washington County; Melissa,
who lives in South Strabane Township, is the wife of
Andrew Plj'mire; Isaac, who lived in West Bethlehem
Township at the time of his death; Jacob M., of Buffalo
Township ; and Adaline, who died when small.
Jacob M. Harshman has followed farming and stock
raising ever since his boyhood passed and his well tilled
fields, together with his herds of cattle and healthy stock
in his meadows and pastures testify to the pleasure
he has taken in an agricultural life, for system and
thrift is shown on every side. His fine residence was
erected in 1897 and his other farm buildings are of
pleasing appearance and of substantial construction.
Mr. Harshman was married to Miss Mary E. Buck-
ingham, who was bom at Washington, Washington
County, Pa. Her father, the late Frederick Buckingham,
was a native of England. Mr. and Mrs. Harshman have
had six children: Flora, who is the wife of David Wil-
son, of Washington; Laura, who is the wife of Charles
Wcirick, of Washington ; Mary E., who is the wife of
Arthur Gromo, of Washington; George D. and John F.,
both of whom live in Buffalo Township; and Eachel,
who is yet at home with her parents. Mr. Harshman
and family are members of the East Buffalo Presby-
terian Church. In politics, Mr. Harshman is a Eepub-
lican. He takes no very active part in public matteri
but when important movements are on foot, his fellor
citizens are pretty sure to seek his advice.
HISTOKY OF WASUliNGTON COU-NTY
715
W. S. OLIVER, who iras foi many years one of the
leading dry goods merchants of Washington, Pa., was
born in 1804 in the State of California, a son of G. B.
and Sarah (Hewitt) Oliver, and a grandson of John
Milton Oliver, who was one of the prominent citizens
and large land owners of Washington, Pa.
G. B. Oliver was born in 1829, in Washington County,
Pa., where he was reared and in boyhood became a clerk
for William Smith. In 1850 he went to California,
where lie engaged in the mining business until 1864,
then returned tu Washington, where he was manager of
the store for Mr. Smith until 1877, at which time he
established himself in the dry goods business at No.
47 North Main street. Here he continued with much
success until 1890, when he disposed of the business and
lived in retirement until the time of his death, which
occurred suddenly, in June, 1903, w^hile visiting his
daughter in Elwood, Ind. He was united in marriage
with Sarah Hewitt, a native of Schenectady, N. Y., and
to them were born four children : George H., deceased ;
Annie, the wife of V. G. Kittle, of California; William
S., the subject of this sketch; and Walter R., who lives
in California.
William S. Oliver was practically reared in the dry
goods business, entering his father's store when quite
young, and about 1890, purchased the store from his
father and became one of the leading dry goods mer-
chants of Washington, continuing in that business with
uninterrupted success until Sept. 1, 1909, when he dis-
posed of the store. Mr. Oliver is also concerned as a
stockholder in various enterprises of this city and is
extensively interested in Washington real estate.
In 1891, Mr. Oliver maiTied Annie Crosier, of Phila-
delphia. He is a member of the fraternal order of Elks.
A. J. PROUDFIT, one of Smith Township's sub-
stantial farmers and well-known citizens, owns 160 acres
of land richly underveined with coal, having one bank
opened and other work in prospect. He was born near
Burgettstown, Washington County, Pa., Mar. 20, 1831,
and is a son of John and Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit.
John Proudfit was born in York County, Pa., and came
to Washington County in early manhood. He married
Elizabeth Lyle, whose father, John Lyle, resided at that
time near Hickory, and to this marriage ten children
were born, six sons and four daughters. For some time
following his marriage, John Proudfit resided in Han-
over Township, but later sold his property there and re-
turned for a while to York County, but subsequently
came back to Washington County and .settled in Smith
Township, where he and wife died, both aged about 72
years, and their burial was in Cross Creek Cemetery.
In their religious belief they were Presbyterians.
A. J. Proudfit obtained his education in the district
schools and was reared to farm pursuits. After his
marriage he settled on his present farm and, as occasion
required, put up all the buildings now standing. His
land is very valuable and it is estimated that at least
140 acres is underlaid with coal. He pays considerable
attention to growing sheep and keeps six cows for dairy
purpo.ses, churning butter about three times a w'eek, for
which he has a steady demand. He devotes a part of his
land to fruit orchards and his apples, peaches and plums
all do well. Like his father, he is identified with the
Democratic party, but lie has never desired to be a poli-
lician, desiring only to be a useful citizen.
In January, 1864, Mr. Proudfit was married to Miss
Elizabeth Porter, a daughter of Andrew Porter, and they
have one daughter, Ida, who resides with her parents.
Mr. Proudfit and family are members of the First Pres-
byterian Church of Burgettstown.
HERBERT G. VanKEUREN, a substantial business
citizen of ilcDonald, Pa., who has chosen this place as
his field of operation in the insurance line, was born July
4, 1860, in Warren County, Pennsylvania, a son of Henry
and Helen (Gilson) VanKeuren, his paternal grandparents
being Henry and Margaret VanKeuren, and those on the
maternal side James and Nancy (Connors) Gilson.
Henry VanKeuren, who was a lumberman by occupa-
tion, fought in the Civil War as a private in the 145th
Pa. Vol. Inf., and died shortly after the close of the war
from the effects of his army experience. Being buried in
Crawford County. The mother, who still survives, makes
her home at Long Beach, Cal. The children born to
Henry and Helen VanKeuren were as follows: Mary,
deceased, who was the wife of James Thompson; Thomas
B. ; Herbert G. ; Charles H. ; and Hattie. who is the wife
of George Morhenstecher.
The educational advantages of Herbert G. VanKeuren
were limited to attendance in the common schools of
Warren County, which he left at the age of 17 years to
enter the oil fields, where he remained until February,
1909, when he came to McDonald and engaged in the
insurance business, a line which he had engaged himself
in as a side issue during the last seven years of his em-
ployment in the oil fields. He is well and favorably
known in insurance circles, being special agent for the
Grand Fraternity of Philadelphia, at McDonald, as well
as being connected with the Maccabees, the Knights of
Pythias and the Improved Order of Hoptasophs. He has
been successful in his business ventures, with the result
that he is the owner of considerable valuable real estate
in McDonald. Politically a Democrat, he has taken a
great interest in local affairs, but has not accepted
office. Hi s religious connection is with the First United
Presbyterian Church.
On Dec. 23, 1878, ilr. VanKeuren was married to
716
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Mary Harrington, daughter of Thomas and Julia Har-
rington, farming people of Warren County. They had
eight children, namely: John; Thomas; Jerry, deceased;
Mary, Mrs. VanKeuren; Julia, the Tvife of John Mans-
field ; Nellie, who was the wife of John Cooney, deceased ;
Margaret, who man-ied Justin Boyer; and Catherine,
who is the wife of Cornelius Kennedy. Mr. and Mrs.
VanKeuren have had six children : Josephine, deceased ;
Henry, wJio married Lena Campbell, now deceased, has
one child, Herbert; and Claud, Blanche, Nellie and
Everett.
J. HOWARD GLAEKE, whose well improved farm
of 164 acres is situated in South Franklin Township,
Washington County, Pa., is a representative citizen of
this section, where he was born on Nov. 15, 1857. His
parents are John G. and Sarah (Herrou) Clarke.
The Clarke family is an old and prominent one in this
section, having been established in South Franklin Town-
ship by the grandfather, Joseph Clarke, who secured
land from the Government at an early day. John G,
Clarke, father of J. Howard Clarke, is one of the vener-
able citizens of South Franklin Township, of which be
has been a lifelong resident. For many years he was
prominent in public life and is one of the three native
born citizens of Washington County who have been elect-
ed members of the State Legislature, in which body he
served with distinction. He married Sarah Herron, who
was born in North Strabane Township, Washington
County, and of their children the following survive:
Catherine L., who resides at Washington, Pa.; J. Howard,
who resides in South Franklin Township; Norman E.
and Mary K., both of whom reside at Washington ; J.
Julius, who is a practicing physician at Pittsburg; Ran-
kin J., who resides in South" Franklin Township ; Albert
E., who is a prominent dentist at Pittsburg; and Lulu
A., who lives in South Franklin Township. In his po-
litical affiliation, Hon. John G. Clarke is a Republican.
Since he removed from the farm to Washington, a few
years since, he has been an attendant of the Second
United Presbyterian Church. He still retains the owner-
ship of his great stock faim of 401 acres, situated in
South Franklin Township, where he was engaged for
many years in farming and stock raising. He raises
horses, cattle and sheep, paying especial attention to
the latter, keeping from 500 to 600 of the Saxon breed,
and is credited- with growing the finest wool produced in
Washington County. Although he has reached his 80th
year, he remains interested in his business enterprises
and is still concerned in the public affairs of the coun-
try, in which he once was an important factor.
J. Howard Clarke was educated in the schools of South
Franklin Township, Washington and Jefferson College
and the Iron City fommprfial College at Pittsburg, and
was graduated from the latter institution. For a num-
ber of years his interests have been mainly agricultural,
farming and stock raising, to which he has added the
specialty of fruit growing. He has devoted large sec-
tions- of his land to the cultivation of cherries, peaches,
plums, pears and berries and those who have visited his
abundant orchards can never doubt that Washington
County can produce fruit equal to any other section pro-
vided scientific knowledge is made use of in the planting
and care of trees and vines.
On Nov. 21, 1897, Mr. Clarke was married to Miss
Sarah Brinton, who was born in Allegheny County, Pa.,
a daughter of the late Stephen Marshal and Mary (Mc-
Grew) Brinton, who were parents of five children:
Samuel M., who lives on the old homestead at Pit cairn;
Elizabeth (McCleary), who is deceased; M. Homer, a
prominent citizen of Ellsworth, Iowa; W. M., who is
now deceased, was a physician of Sharpsburg ; and Sarah.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarke have had four children born to
them: Elizabeth B., S. Rebecca, Mai-shal B. and Mary
B. Mr. Clarke and family are members of the Second
United Presbyterian Church of Washington.. He is a
man of enterprise and public spirit, a Republican in
politics, and for six years has served as a member of
the school board of South Franklin Township.
CHARLES H. LAMBIE, president and treasurer of
the Findlay Clay Pot Company, with factories at Find-
lay, Ohio, and Washington, Pa., the main plant being
located at Findlay, has been prominently identified with
this concern since 1901, coming to Washington in 1902,
when he established a plant in this city.
Mr. Lambie is a native of Pittsburg, where he was
reared and educated and subsequently engaged for a
period of ten years as buyer for the Joseph Home Com-
pany. He then engaged in glass manufacturing atFind-
lay, Ohio, and was president of the Dalzell, Gilmour &
Leighton Glass Company until 1899. In 1901 he became
identified with the Findlay Clay Pot Company, manu-
facturers of a general line of glass house supplies. Mr.
Lambie is a stockholder and member of the board of
directors of the Washington Trust Company and is also
a stockholder in several other business enterprises of this
locality.
In 1882 Mr. Lambie was joined in marriage with Isa-
bella McClurg, a daughter of James McClurg. of Pitts-
burg, and they have reared five children : James, who is
vice-president and general superintendent of the Findlay
Clay Pot Company, and Alice, Jessie, Hannah, and Isabel.
Mr. Lambie is a member of the Masonic fraternity.
He belongs to the 1st Presbyterian Church.
HIRAM C. HORNER, residing on the National Road,
in Canton Township, near Washington, Pa., is one of
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KOBEET H. MILLER, D. 0.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
719
the leading men and large land owners of this section.
His farm of 72 acres, situated in Canton Township, pro
(Ipces oil and offers also fine grazing opportunities, and
be takes advantage of these and grows cattle and stock,
and he owns also a stock farm of 200 acres in Greene
County and Washington County, crossing the line from
Morgan Township in the former county. Mr. Ilorner
was born in Morgan Township, Greene County, Pa., Apr.
16, 1S73, and is a son of Oliver C. and Amy A. (Cox)
Horner.
On both sides Mr. Horuer comes from good, sound
stock, his grandfathers being men of sterling qualities
and among those who hewed out homes from a practical
wilderness. Grandfather Cox bore the name of Chris-
topher and he was one of the earliest settlers in Morgan
Township, while Hiram Horner, the paternal grand-
father, accompanied his father, William Horner, from
Maryland to Fayette County in pioneer days. Family
records tell of the early troubles with the Indians and
of the hardships which they faced with stout hearts.
Oliver C. Horner, father of Hiram C, died in Greene
County. Pennsylvania, in 1890, having been a prominent
citizen of Morgan Township, serving in township offices
and being a consistent member during the later years of
life of the Disciples ' Church.
Hiram C. Horner was reared to manhood in Morgan
Township and was educated in the schools of Greene
County. His interests have always been in the line of
agriculture and he carries on farming and stock raising
with the success that follows industry and experience.
He settled on his present place in Canton Township in
1906. In politics he is a Republican, as was his late
father.
Mr. Horner married Miss Jeannette McMurray, who
was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania, a
daughter of James and Tillie J. (Dickey) McMurray and
a granddaughter of James and Catherine (Whitely)
McMurray. Grandfather James McMurray was born in
Ireland, Mar. 13, 1796, and was brought to America by
his parents in his boyhood, and he was reared to man-
hood on their pioneer farm in Pennsylvania. He was
married in Washington County, in 1830, to Catherine
Wliitely, and ten children were born to them. After
marriage he bought a farm of 218 acres, situated in
Pigeon Creek Valley, near the village of Vanceville, and
on that farm he spent the remainder of his life. He
was a very active worker in the United Presbyterian
Church of Pigeon Creek, but he cared little for politics.
He died Apr. 15, 187.5, having survived his wife from
Dec. 26, 1867.
James McMurray (2), father of Jlrs. Horner, was
born near Vanceville, Washington County, Mar. 6, 1844.
and was reared to manhood on the farm on which he was
born. On June 2, 1875, he was married to Tillie J.
Dickey, and tliey had two children, one of whom died in
infancy. Mts. McMurray died in December, 1878. He
was married (second) Oct. 9, 1884, to Lucy Craig, of
near West Middletown, Washington County. After this
marriage he moved to Kansas City, Mo., where he was
engaged in the shoe business. He was a member of the
United Presbyterian Church and was a strong Prohibi-
tionist in his viev\s on public questions.
Mr. and Mrs. Horner have four children : John O.,
Amy Elizabeth, Hazel C. and Hiram B. The family
belongs to the Baptist Church.
ROBERT HORACE MILLER, D. O., whose office is
located at 403-4 Brown Building, has been established in
Washington since February, 1900, and has built up a
large and lucrative practice. Dr. Miller was born at
College Springs, Iowa, in 1869. He obtained his literary
training at Amity College, College Springs, and sub-
sequently taught school for three years. He then became
interested in osteopathy and was led to the study of the
system, later becoming a student in the American School
of Osteopathy at Kirksville, Mo., where he came under
the direct teaching of the venerable Dr. Still, the founder
of this modern system of healing. The prescribed course
at this institution retains much that a student would
be required to learn at a medical college of the old
school, particularly in the department of anatomy,
physiology and pathology, but for the ordinary thera-
peutics substitutes the curative methods peculiar to the
osteopathic system. After Dr. Miller was graduated
from the Kirksville institution in 1900 he came im-
mediately to Washington, where he entered into practice,
being the pioneer practitioner of osteopathy in Wash-
ington County. He is a member of the American Osteo-
pathic Association, the Pennsylvania Osteopathic Asso-
ciation and is president of the Western Pennsylvania
Osteopathic Society.
Dr. Miller was married in 1901 to Miss Clara C. Brown,
of W^ooster, Ohio. He is a member of the First United
Presbyterian Church. >
WILLIAM CRAIG, one of Independence Township's
substantial and respected citizens, who resides on his
valuable farm of 200 acres, was born in Independence
Township, Washington County, Pa., in 1847, and is a
son of ^^'iIliam Craig, Sr., who was one of the early set-
tlers in this section. Other members of the family still
surviving are his brothers, Robert and John S. Craig,
both of whom reside in Hopewell Township.
William Craig had only the educational opportunities
offered by the pioneer schools near his home, but of these
he took advantage. He has followed farming and stock
raising all his mature life and is a representative man in
this line in Independence Township. As time has gone
720
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
by he has made many substantial improvements and his
surroundings indicate a large degree of solid comfort.
He has other investments and is a stockholder in the
Pittsburg Light and Heat Company. He has given sup-
port to the Grange movement and belongs to the organ-
ization at Avella and is also a member of the Washing-
ton County Agricultural Association; takes a good citi-
zen's interest in public matters in his township and has
served two terms as school director. He votes with the
Eepublican party.
Mr. Craig was married Oct. 14, 1S84, to Miss Ada M.
Nuzum, a daughter of Joel and Jane (Gillespie) Nuzum,
of Ohio County, West Virginia, and they have five
children: Pearl, who attended the Normal School at
West Liberty, W. Va. ; Helen, who was educated at the
Normal School of Indiana, and Irene, Pauline and
William, all yet students. Mr. Craig and family belong
to the United Presbyterian Church, in which he is an
elder. The two older daughters are members of the
church missionary society and are active in the work
of this organization.
THOMAS STUAET GEIEE, one of the representative
and substantial citizens of Canonsburg, to which place
he came in 1907 from the old homestead in North Stra-
bane Township, Washington County, was born in the
old Grier home there, Oct. 5, 1870. His parents were
James and Hannah (Van Eman) Grier.
The first of the Griers to come to America was Thomas
Grier, who moved from Scotland to North Ireland, and
from Belfast started for the long journey which landed
him in the United States. He was followed a few years
later by a brother, but in the immensity of the new
country they lost each other. Thomas Grier settled first
in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and moved from there
to Cumberland, Pa., where he married and reared a fam-
ily of twelve children.
James Grier, son of Thomas the pioneer, was born in
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, and died in 1833. He
purchased 160 acres of land in North Strabane Township,
and founded there the Grier homestead, which was in-
herited by his son, James Grier. For that land he paid
$10 per acre. He was married (first) to a Miss Espey,
and after her death married Mary Stuart, of North Stra-
bane Township.' To this marriage the following children
were born: Samuel Stuart, who married a Miss Donald-
son, and they both died in Columbiana County, Ohio ;
Thomas, who died in young manhood, was a Presbyterian
minister; Guion, who died in North Strabane Township;
David, who was a physician, married and lived and died
in Illinois; Jane, who died when aged sixteen years;
James, and several who died in infancy.
James Grier, father of Thomas Stuart, died Jan. 6,
1895, in the same house and on the same farm on which
he was born, in North Strabane Township, and was
buried on his seventy-fifth birthday. He was a farmer
during all his active life. He was married in 1858 to
Hannah Van Eman, who was born in CecU Township,
Washington County, and died in January, 1906, in her
eighty-second year. The parents of Mrs. Grier were
William and Mary (Brackan) Van Eman and they had
the following children: Thomas Brackan, who became a
Presbyterian minister, married (first) Mary Fulton, and
(second) Eachel Stuart, served a congregation at Maple
Creek and died in South Canonsburg; Eebeeca, who is the
widow of John Donaldson, formerly of Georgetown,
Ohio, lives in North Strabane Township; Jane, who mar-
ried Simon B. Mercer, who was a professor in the Salts-
burg Academy; Ann, a twin of Jane, who is now de-
ceased, married Eev. Wilson Donaldson, a Presbyterian
minister, who moved to a western State; Hannah, who
became the mother of Thomas S. Grier, and James, who
died young. The parents and the grandparents on both
sides of the family were interred in the cemetery belong-
ing to the Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church, of which
they all were worthy members.
Seven children were born to James and Hannah Grier,
namely: Mary "Van Eman, who died unmarried, in 1886;
Jane, who is the wife of John Neill, resides at Canons-
burg; Sarah Ann, who resides at Canonsburg; William
J., who is also a resident of Canonsburg, married Mary
Belle Eebout, and they have one daughter, Dorothy B.;
Eebeeca L. ; Frances, and Thomas S., of Canonsburg.
Thomas S. Grier was reared and educated in North .
Strabane Township and continued agricultural pursuits
on the old homestead until after his mother 's death.
When rich coal deposits were discovered on this land,
contracts for its excavation and sale were made with the
Pittsburg and Buffalo Coal Company and the work was
carried on for some years before the surface land was
sold. It is some of the most valuable land in Washing-
ton County.
On Oct. 22, 1908, Mr. Grier was married to Miss
Blanche Linn Boyle, a daughter of E. B. Boyle, of North
Strabane Township. Mr. and Mrs. Grier are members
of the Presbyterian Church.
THOMAS M. BEBOUT, a representative of a substan-
tial old family of Washington County, Pennsjdvania,
residing in a beautiful home situated at No. 90 East
Beau street, owns a valuable farm of 167 acres lying
in Amwell ToMuship, to which he gives much attention.
Mr. Bebout was born in North Franklin Towuship, Wash-
ington County, Pa., July 20, l£e2, and is a son of William
N. and Susan (Bebout) Bebout.
William N. Bebout was born in Amwell Township,
Washington County, Pa., Feb. 19, 1820. His father,
Beden Bebout. moved on the farm wliich our subject now
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
721
owns in March, 1795, and died there in ISO". The fam-
ily is of Holland Dutch descent.
Beden Bebout, father of William N. Bebout, was born
in Sussex County, New Jersey, Apr. 5, 1773, and came to
Washington, Pa., in 1788, accompanied by his brothers,
Ale.\ander and William, tailors, all young men of thrift
and industry. Beuen Bebout was a tailor for years. Ho
was married Sept. 25, 1794, to Margaret Nemons,
daughter of William Nemons, and they had thirteen
children. In 1795 Beden Bebout bought the farm in
Amwell Township which is now owned by his grandson,
Thomas M. Bebout, and on that place he passed the re-
mainder of his life, dying Feb. 20, 1S67, at the age of
ninety-five years. After he commenced farming he only
worked at his trade in the winter time, going to different
houses in the neighborhood as was the custom of the
time, the cobbler also making his rounds, and later came
the traveling dentist. All the early industries were car-
ried on on Mr. Bebout 's place, his wife being as in-
dustrious as himself. The cloth and linen she w'ove he
would carry to Baltimore, where the product of her loom
found a ready sale. William N. Bebout frequently was
heard to say that until he was twenty-one years of age he
never wore any garments that had not been woven and
fashioned by his mother.
William N. Bebout attended the subscription schools
in tho neighborhood of his father 's farm and assisted
at home as his services were required, and after his mar-
riage, in 1845, lived for fifteen years longer on the old
farm. He then purchased a farm in Franklin Township,
on which he lived for ten years and then sold it and
bought a farm in Marion County, West Virginia. After
residiug there for eight years he disposed of that prop-
erty and returned to Washington County and he and wife
resided in Buffalo Township until 1S88, when he pur-
chased a comfortable home on East Beau street, Wash-
ington, and in that both Mr. and Mrs. Bebout lived until
the close of life. His death occurred in 1897, but she sur-
vived until 1909. They were members of the Second
Presbyterian Church. In politics he was a Democrat and
at various times he served acceptably in township offices.
On Sept. 25, 1845, William N. Bebout married Susan
Bebout, whose grandfather was a second cousin of Mr.
Bebout 's grandfather. She was a daughter of Peter and
Isabel (Cooper) Bebout, who settled in North Strabane
Township, Washington County, in 1823. He was a soldier
in the War of 1812. The following children were born
to William N. and Susan Bebout: Alexander; Isabel;
Margaret, who married H. L. Barnes; Elizabeth, who
married Franklin Arnett ; Frank J. ; Nettie, who married
George Eitehey; Flora, who married W. S. Noble;
Thomas M., and Ida and Beden, the former of whom
married Theodore Bell.
Thomas M. Bebout was six years old wlicn his parents
moved to Marion County, West Virginia, and during their
residence there he attended school and then accompanied
them back to Washington County. He remained on the
homo farm in Buffalo Township until 1884, when he went
into the hardware and agricultural implement business
at Morgantown, West Virginia, and continued for two
years, and then returned to the old farm in Amwell
Township, on which his grandfatner had settled in 1795.
He now owns that farm and resided there until 1905,
when he took up his residence in Washington. He con-
tinues to look after his farming and sheep raising, but
no longer takes part in the actual labor.
In 1882 Mr. Bebout was married to Miss Martha E.
Ziegler, and they have two children: Mary Belle and
William N. Mr. Bebout and family are members of the
Second Presbyterian Church at Washington. He is a
member of the fraternal order of Eagles and the Eoyal
Order of Moose, and belongs also to the Knights of
Pythias, the low'er lodge and the Uniform Rank.
D. MAJOR BELL, M. D., a trusted physician and sur-
geon engaged in the practice of his profession at Clays-
\ille. Pa., was born at Midway, Washington County,
Pa., Dec. 7, 1875, and is a son of James and Jane
(Major) Bell.
The parents of Dr. Bell both reside in the old home at
Midway. They were born in North Ireland. The ma-
ternal grandfather, David Major, at one time lived in
Smith Township, Washington County, Pa., but later
moved to Carlton, Kas., where he still resides.
Dr. Bell attended school at Midway, at Oakdale Acad-
emy, and completed his purely Uterary training at
Duquesne College at Pittsburg, after which he entered
.Tefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he was
graduated in 1903. He located first at Camden, N. J.,
and from there came to Claysville and here has built up a
very substantial practice. He is a member of the county
and state medical societies and also of the American
Medical Association.
Dr. jjell married Miss Jennie Russell, a daughter of
J. C. Russell, of Bulger, Pa., and they have two children:
James R. and Gladys. He has long been prominent in
Masonry, having attained the Thirty-second degree. He
is a member- of Trimble Lodge, No. 117, F. and A. M., at
Camden, N. J.; of Chapter No. 19, Van Hook CouncU,
of Camden, and of Cyrene Commandery, No. 7, Knights
Templars, at Camden, and belongs also to Excelsior Con-
sistory there. During the Spanish-American war he
was a member of Co. C, 14th Pa. Vol. Inf. Dr. Bell not
only stands high in his profession, but ranks with the
most valued citizens of Claysville.
JOSEPH W. BYERLY, who is now living retired at
McDonald. Pa., was for many ye.ars identified with the
722
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
mUling business in Washington County as one of the
proprietors of the Roller Mills. iUr. Byerly was born in
Fayette County, Pennsylvania, Aug. 8, 1830, and is a
son of David and Harriet (Clark) Byerly.
David Byerly, vrho was a farmer all of his life, died at
Plumville, Indiana County, where both he and his wife
were buried. They had the following children : Samuel
and Levi, who are deceased; Joseph W. ; Mary Jane,
who is deceased; Sarah, deceased, who was the wife
of Daniel Eareigh ; Hannah, who is the widow of John
Walker, and Florinda, who is the widow of Isaac Howard.
Joseph W. Byerly attended the common schools of
Fayette County, after leaving which he engaged in farm-
ing on the home place until he was 21 years old and then
went to learn the milling business, in which he continued
throughout the remainder of his active life, a period
covering 55 years. He was in partnership with C. R.
Potter as owner of the EoUer Mills for 40 years, and
after disposing of his interests in this line retired from
active life and has since lived quietly at McDonald,
where he owns considerable real estate. He is a Demo-
crat in politics, as was his father before him, and he
and his wife are consistent members of the Presbyterian
Church at McDonald.
On Oct. 1, 1862, Mr. Byerly was married to Rachel
Ellen Potter, daughter of Joseph R. and Margaret Pot-
ter, and three children have been born to this union :
Clarence E., an oil producer of California; Mary Agnes,
wife of J. W. Wallace, and Joseph W., in the mercantile
business at Pittsburg, Pa.
J. H. KURTZ, a representative business citizen of
Washington, Pa., a member of the Kurtz & Ramsey
Monument Company, is a representative of one of the
oldest families of Juniata County, members of which
colonized Kurtz Valley prior to the Revolutionary War.
Mr. Kurtz was born in Juniata County, Pennsylvania,
July 17, 1863.
When seventeen years old Mr. Kurtz went to Lan-
caster, Pa., and began to serve an apprenticeship as
marble and granite cutter and completed his trade at
Newport, in Perry County. Since then he has been
employed in some of the largest shops in the country,
learning important details and different methods so
that he can claim an all round ediication in his special
line of work. In 1903, when he came to Washington,
h'e entered the shops of the Howarth Marble and Monu-
mental Works, and after the death of Mr. Howarth he
managed the plant until in April, 1809. Then, in asso-
ciation with U. B. Ramsey, he formed the present com-
pany. They are so equipped that they can do all kinds
of marble and granite work and they have every reason
to expect a prosperous business career.
In 1889 Mr. Kurtz was married to Miss Louisa Kern,
of Shamokin, Northumberland County, Pa., and they
have had four children born to them: Earl, Hazel, Carl
and Marian, a band of bright and intelligent public-
school students. Mr. Kurtz and family are members
of the Jefferson Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church and
he is the much beloved superintendent of the Sunday-
school. He is a member of the beneficiary order of Pro-
tected Home Circle.
HON. JOHN N. McDonald, deceased, who served
in the State Legislature from Washington County, Pa.,
in 1853 and 1858, and held many other positions of
honor, trust and responsibility, was long a representative
citizen of his county and a respected resident of Mc- .
Donald. He was born in Robeson Township, Washing-
ton County, Pa., Feb. 10, 1820. His education was ob-
tained in the subscription schools. On Oct. 29, 1862, he
married Elizabeth M. Lee, a daughter of Maj. William
Lee, of Cross Creek Township, and they had the fol-
lowing children born to them: Edward, Jane Craig, Mar-
garet, William Lee and J. Nesbit.
In his early years of manhood, Mr. McDonald was a
Whig, but later identified himself with the Republican
party and became a man of wide influence In its ranks.
In addition to serving in the Legislature, he was a dele-
gate to the Union State Convention, in 1856, and a rep-
resentative delegate in 1876 and again in 1880 and once
again in 1884. For many years he was a member of the
board of directors of Washington and Jefferson College.
He was deeply interested in schools and religious bodies
and formerly was a trustee in the First Presbyterian
Church at Candor, but in 1886 he became an elder in
the First Presbyterian Church at McDonald. His death
occurred May 23, 1889, and his burial was in Raccoon
Cemetery.
Edward McDonald, the eldest son, was born on the
old homestead at McDonald Jan. 11, 1864, and in 1884
was graduated at Washington and Jefferson College.
He then took charge of the home farm in partnership
with his father, and carried on farming and stock rais-
ing until April, 1892, when he was elected president
of the First National Bank at McDonald.
This bank was organized June 15, 1892, with a capital
stock of $50,000. Its president was Edward McDonald;
vice president, W. B. Moorhead; cashier, G. S. Campbell;
and assistant cashier. Miss Ida V. Steen. The directors
were: W. B. Moorhead, Samuel Shane, J. R. Gladden,
J. D. Sauters, D. Campbell, P. Hoey, Samuel Sturgeon,
.T. Hunter and Edward McDonald. The present officers
are the same as at first with the exception that J. D.
Sauters is vice president in place of W. B. Moorhead,
deceased. The present board of directors are : Edward
^^.^^'<S^.
lllSl'OliV UF WASilLNUTUX COUNTY
725
McJJoiialil, .1. D. Sautcrs, 11. S. (Jampbell, C. Ferguson,
N. (5. Cook, Mel Moorhead, J. N. McDoiialil, Samuel
Sliaiie and D. Campbell.
WILLIAM W. THOMl'.SON, an unusually prosperous
agriculturist of Independence Township, where he owns
a fine farm of 174 acres, was born in Cross Creek Town-
ship. Washington County, Pa., Mar. 6, 1858, and is a
s(ui lit .lames and Mary A. (Provinea) Thompson.
The farm owiu'd by Mr. Thompson is a very old settled
one, being taken up under the old Doddridge patent,
which bears the date of 1785. This patent included what
is now property belonging to the Thompsons, the Mur-
docks, the Carls, the McConnells and the Manchesters,
and is recorded at Richmond, Va., as at that time both
Pennsylvania and Virginia claimed this territory. On the
Thompson farm at one time was a block-house which
\^as erected for a refuge from the Indians. In one
corner of the farm is an aliandoned cemetery which is
the site of what was once known as Old Chapel, an edifice
erected by the early Methodists, probably in 1790, and it
was used as a place of worship until 1866, when it was
no longer suitable for that purpose and is now used as a
sheep-house. In the old cemetery, now overgrown with
briers and underbrush, one may find tombstones in
memory of those who passed away in 1790, 1793, 1804,
1812 and later.
The above farm was the property of the father of its
present owner and came to the latter by will. Mr. Thomp-
son has two brothers and one sister, namely: John L.,
who is a farmer and resides at West Middletown; J. F.,
who resides in Washington, Pa., and Dorcas A., who re-
sides in West Middletown.
William W. Thompson attended the common schools
and then turned his attention to farming and stock
raising and since the death of his father has resided on
his present place. This land was covered w-ith valuable
timber and from this alone Mr. Thompson realized $3,000.
He is an excellent manager and shrewd business man,
has progressive ideas, keeps thoroughly posted and is
numbered with the substantial and representative men of
Independence Township.
In 1892 Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Alice M.
Vance, a daughter of Robert B. and Mary R. (McCleary)
Vance, of Independence Township. The widowed mother
of Mrs. Thompson lives at Independence. They have
three children : Bertha and Alice, who are students in
the Independence high school ,and Howard. -
WILLIAM C. LEET, M. D., who has been a promi-
nent member of the medical profession of Washington,
Pa., since 1865, was born in 1838 about three miles north
of Washington, and is a son of William V. and Elizabeth
(FuUerton) Leet, and a grandson of Isaac Leet, who
was born Mar. 13, 1753, in New Jersey, and was one
of tiu' earliest settlers of Washington County.
William V. Leet, who was a farmer and one of the
early surveyors of Washington County, was born Mar.
18, 1787, in Washington County, and his wife, who in
maiden life was Elizabeth Fullerton, was born July 26,
1800, also in Washington County. They were the parents
of six children: Nancy M. and Elizabeth, both of whom
are deceased; Isaac C, who is a civil engineer and a
resident of Kansas; Diiniel W., who is an attorney of
Milwaukee, Wis.; William ('.. and Sarah Jane, a resident
of Washington, Pa.
Dr. Leet was educated iu the academj- at Buffalo, Pa.,
and the Washington High School, after which he began
reading medicine in Washington, and in 1865 entered
upon the practice of his profession at Washington, being
associated with his preceptor during the first three
years. Since 1868 he has been alone and has made many
personal and professional friends, and has always en-
joyed an extensive and lucrative practice, but for the
past four years has been gradually withdrawing from
practice.
Dr. Leet has been a member of the Presbyterian church
for many years and is fraternally affiliated with the
Masonic order. He was joined in mai'riage Jan. 20,
1891, with Annie L. Howe, who died Apr. 30, 1904.
Apart from his medical attainments Dr. Leet is ingenious,
having patented several useful inventions, and made a
number of very fine violins. He has almost completed a
small book of beautiful poems, not yet published.
J. J. OSBURN, general farmer iu Smith Township,
where he is operating his valuable farm and meeting
with much success, is a native of Washington County,
Pennsylvania, and was born in Robinson Township, Dec.
15, 1834. His parents were .Tames and Martha (Mc-
Kennet) Osburn.
The father of Mr. Osburn was born in Ireland and he
was brought to America by his parents, who settled in
Westmoreland County, where he was reared. He mar-
ried Martha McKennet and they moved to Robinson
Township, Washington County, where he died when his
eldest son, J. J., was eight years old. He was a mem-
ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. There were
two other sons: G. W. and R. C, the latter of whom is
deceased. The parents w ere buried in Miller 's Run
Cemetery.
J. J. Osburn obtained his education in the schools
of Robinson Township and when quite young began to
perform farm duties and has devoted the larger part
Oi his life to agricultural pursuits. Following his mar-
riage he resided for some years on a farm of 138 acres
in Robinson Township, in which he has a one-third in-
726
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
terest, and then purchased a farm of 110 acres near
Dinsmore, and while still owning that, bought the one on
which he now resides, subsequently disposing of the
other, and is now cultivating 100 acres in Smith Town-
ship.
On July 5, 1S66, Mr. Osburn was married to Miss
Elizabeth McAdam, who died Feb. 17, 1909, and was
laid to rest in Fairview Cemetery. She was a woman of
exemplary life and beautiful character. Eight children
mourn the loss of a deyoted mother, namely: Cora E.,
who married J. V. Sutherland; Eva E., who married
John B. Blockhard; Nora B., who resides with her
father; Ida, who died young; Ida (2), who lives at
home; Oscar L., who married Chess Ackleson; Alvin C.
who married Alma Blanchard; N-oland C, who lives in
California, and Ealph E., who lives at home. Mr. Osburn
and family are members of the First Presbyterian
Church at Burgettstown. In his political views, Mr.
Osburn is a Republieaii and in both Eobinson and Smith
Townships has been an active party worker and has been
recognized as a useful citizen. During three terms he
was president of the Election Board in Eobinson Town-
ship and has served on the school board, and during his
term as road commissioner the public highways in his
district were carefully looked after.
C. E. PENN, who is engaged iu the merchant tailoring
business at Washington, Pa., and is also manager of the
Sanitary Cleaning and Dyeing Works at No. 133 South
Main Street, has been identified with the business inter-
ests of Washington since 1901 and formerly was a mem-
ber of the highly successful firm of Penn & Brownlee, of
this city. He was born near Ninevah, in Greene County,
Pa., in 1875, and is a son of Hamilton Penn, who is a
well known resident of Dunn's Station, Washington
County.
C. E. Penn was reared in Washington County and
from the country schools entered Washington and Jeffer-
son College as a student and after leaving there went to
Pittsburg, where for five years he was in the tailoring
and ready-made clothing business. In 1901 Mr. Penn
came to Washington and for three years conducted a
merchant tailoring establishment by himself, but in
1904 he admitted E. E. Bottenfield as a partner, under
the firm style of Penn & Bottenfield. Later he pur-
chased Mr. Bottenfield 's interest, about the same time
adding to his stock and making his leading line men's
furnishings. In 1907 James P. Brownlee became a part-
ner and the firm style became Penn & Brownlee. On
Feb. 1, 1910, Mr. Penn severed his connection with this
firm and embarked in the merchant tailoring business for
himself. Sir. Penn is a progressive and energetic busi-
ness man and has other interests. He was one of the
organizers of the Sanitary Cleaning and Dyeing Works
at Washington, in which he is financially concerned.
In 1903 Mr. Penn was married to Miss Josephine Cun-
ningham, of Pittsburg, and they have two children:
Elwood and George. Mr. Penn is a member of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is an
Odd Fellow and an Eagle, and socially is connected
with the Bassett Club.
JOHN ANTON, a member of the well-known firm of
George Anton & Brother, of Monongahela City, Pa.,
manufacturers of miners ' lamps, which is the largest and
most widely known concern of its kind in the United
States, was born June 10, 1S4.5, at Alsace Lorraine, Ger-
many, a son of John and Barbara (Hoggelstine) Anton,
both of whom were natives of Alsace Lorraine, Germany.
The father of our subject was for many years a miner,
but spent his later years engaged in the manufacture
of pickhandles at Monongahela City, Pa., where he and
his wife both died.
John Anton, our subject, vias the eldest of a family of
nine children, namely, John; Mary, who married M.
Bronson; George, senior member of the George Anton
& Brother Manufacturing Company; Fred, deceased;
Christopher L.; Joseph B., who resides in New York;
Peter, now deceased, was engaged in the practice of
medicine at Chicago, 111. ; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of
Samuel Wilton, and .Jessie, who married Capt. Armstrong.
John Anton was but a child when he came to America
\vith his parents, who after a voyage of three months
landed in New York City, where they remained a short
time, then came to Pittsburg on the canal by the way
of Harrisburg. The father worked for some time at
Coal Hill, Pittsburg, and subsequently brought his fam-
ily to Monongahela City, where John Anton, Jr., was
reared and spent eighteen years working in the mines.
In about 1S73 this John Anton and his brother, George,
engaged in the manufacture of miners' lamps, opening a
smaU shop on the corner of Second and iMain Streets,
where they employed a few men to assist them. They
later moved to larger quarters on Park Avenue, where
the business still continued to increase, and they finally
moved to their present location on Seventh street, where
they employ about thirty men and manufacture an aver-
age of 250 dozen lamps per day. Their plant is the
largest of its kind in the United States, and they ship
their goods to all parts of the world where miners '
lamps are used. Mr. Anton is overseer of the plant, his
brother George having been retired from business activi-
ties for the past few years, although still retaining his
interest in the business. Mr. Anton is the owner of a
business block at Monongahela City, and besides his
residence property on Third Street, also owns considera-
ble other real estate.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
727
On Nov. 30, 1872, Mr. Anton was united in marriage
with Margaret Wiscbacker, a native of Buffalo, N. Y.,
and of their union were born four children: George, who
is one of tho superintendents of the plant, married Let-
tie Polly in October, 1907; Mary; John, who is engaged
as one of the superintendents of the plant, and Anna.
Mr. Anton is a Democrat in politics, and his religious
connection is with the Catholic Church.
L. E. STERRETT, secretary of the Fraiikliu-Washing-
ton Gas Company of Washington, was born in McKean
County, and is a son of David and Emma C. (Brooks)
Sterrett.
David Sterrett was born in Center County, Pennsyl-
vania, and died in 1907 in Washington, Pa., where for
twenty years he was engaged in the practice of law,
and was recognized as one of the leading and most able
lawyers of the county. For many years he was identified
with the oil and gas industry of this locality and always
took an active interest in politics, being at one time
a member of the State Legislature from McKean County.
He was united in marriage with Emma C. Brooks, who
was born in Pittsburg, Pa., and is now a resident of Wash-
ington. They had a family of five sons and two daughters,
as follows: Charles C, who is a Presbyterian minister
now in Persia; Arthur, who died while a student in the
medical department of the U. of P.; Walter B., who is
an instructor in the University School for Boys, at Chi-
cago, 111. ; Malcomb B., who resides at Evanston, 111.,
and is engaged in the practice of law in Chicago; L. E.,
w-ho resides at Washington, Pa.; Martha, who died in
infancy, and Marion, who is a graduate of the North-
western University, 111., after which she spent a year in
Europe.
L. E. Sterrett was reared and educated at Washing-
ton, Pa. He was engaged as a clerk in a store for sev-
eral years and since 1907 has been interested with the
Franklin Wasliington Gas Company, of which he is secre-
tary. Mr. Sterrett is a member of the First Presbyterian
Church of Washington.
ALEXIS C. LE COMTE, a leading citizen of Wash-
ington County, largely interested in oil production and
formerly ])resident of the Savings and Trust Company
at McDonald, Pa., was born at New Orleans, La., Dec.
3, 18.5G, and is a son of Anatole and Mary (Pavre) Le
Comte.
The parents of Mr. Le Comte were born in France,
came to America in youth, about 1828, and were mar-
ried in New Orleans. They had the following children
born to them: Joseph, who is now deceased; Alexis C,
of McDonald, Pa. ; Jennie, now deceased, who was the
wife of .Tohn Wasson ; Elizabeth, who married Grant
Hoffman ; Kmma, who married Prof. Aiibin Paux. for
nierly an instructor in French and now a dry goods mer-
chant at Meadville, Pa.; and Edward J. and Arthur A.
Alexis C. Le Comte attended the public schools while
his parents lived in New Orleans, later attended the
schools at Meadville and Loretto College at Loretto, Pa.
From the age of 15 years he worked on a farm for
three years, after which he went to the McKean County
oil fields and there embarked in an industry in which he
has maintained an interest ever since, and at the present
time is operating 42 wells in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
He has been identified with business affairs at McDonald
and for 1(3 months served as president of the Savings
and Trust Company at that point.
On Dec. 28, 188G, Mr. Le Comte was married to Miss
Julia Ducray, who is a daughter of .\ugustus and Vic-
toria (Monin) Ducray, natives of France. Mrs. Le
Comte is one of the following family of children: Jessie,
who is now deceased; Sarah, who married Joseph Mail-
laird; Mary, who married Edward C. Roche; Julia;
Augustus L.; and Lilly, who married Benjamin Baird.
Mr. and Mrs. Le Comte have one son, Ralph M., who was
born Feb. 19, 1888. He is now a student of medicine
at the Georgetown University, Washington, D. C. Mr.
Le Comte and family belong to the Catholic Church.
In politics he is a Republican.
WILLARD G. COOK, deceased, vpho was for many
years one of the representative farmers and stock raisers
of Canton Township, Washington Co., Pa., was born
in Canton Township, in 1839, and died Oct. 28, 1898. He
practically spent his entire life on the farm in Canton
Township, having located in Washington just two years
previous to his death. He was a son of William Henry
Cook, who, when 18 years of age came from Rhode
l.sland and settled in Canton Township, Washington
County. Willard G. Cook was one of the progressive,
public spirited men of the township, and always took
an active interest in all affairs which tended toward the
advancement of the community in which he lived. He
held membership with the Second Presbyterian Church.
In 1872, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Nannie
W. Irwin, who was born and reared in West Bethlehem
Township, Washington County, and is a daughter of
Robert and Nancy (Weir) Irwin, the former a native of
Highland County, Ohio, who came to Washington Coun-
ty when young and engaged in farming and stock rais-
ing until the time of his death. His wife was born in
Washington County and came of one of the pioneer
families of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Willard G. Cook
were the parents of two daughters: Margaret R., mar-
ried Charles E. Smith, who is a teacher in the Wash-
ington public schools, and they have one child, Charles
Raymond Smith; and Maud E., the widow of John P.
( lark, of Waynesburg, has one son, John Willard Clark,
72S
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
and resides with her mother in Washintgon. Mrs. Cook
and daughters are members of the Second Presbyterian
Church.
JOHN SCOTT BABR, formerly county commissioner
of Washington County, Pa., has been a prominent resi-
dent of C'anonsburg since 1888, but prior to that for
many years, carried on extensive agricultural operations
in Somerset Township, where he owned 300 acres of land.
He was born in Somerset Township, Washington County,
Pa., Jan. 26, 1827, a son of William and Mary (Boyd) .
Barr.
The parents of Mr. Barr were both born in County
Antrim, Ireland. The grandfather, John Barr, brought
his family to America in 1819 and settled in the upper
end of Somerset Township. He was accompanied by his
brothers, Robert and Joseph, the latter of whom lived
and died near Finleyville, Pa. Robert Barr settled on
Marengo Creek and operated what was long known as
Barr 's mill. John Barr had married Martha Dickey in
Ireland and they had a family of four sons and two
daughters : William, John Robert, Archie, Margaret and
Mary. Through marriage they became connected with
other old families. John Barr married Elizabeth Smith
and was a farmer in Somerset Township. Robert mar-
ried Margaret Jackson and was a farmer and blacksmith
in Somerset Township. Archie was accidentally killed
when 12 years old. Margaret was the wife of Robert
Patterson and died in Indiana County, Pa. Mary mar-
ried Andrew Jackson, who was reared on an adjoining
farm and she lived and died there.
William Barr was born in 1797 and died Sept. 28,
1838, from dysentery, when aged 41 years. He pur-
chased a farm near what was then known as the Seceder
Church, near Pigeon Creek, and lived there until his
death. He married Mary Boyd and they had eight chil-
dren born to them, the eldest being John S. Barr, who
was 13 years old when his father died. The others were:
Hugh and Eliza, twins, Margaret, William Wilson, Bank-
head B., Mary, Jennie, who was the youngest. She mar-
ried William Berry, who resided in North Strabane Town-
ship, near Clokeyville. Mary married William Garrett, of
Washington County, from which they moved to their
present home at College Springs, Page County, Iowa.
Margaret married James S. Dickey and died in Pitts-
burg, her family now residing at Pittsburg. Eliza mar-
ried Duncan Williamson, a farmer near Xenia, Ohio,
She is now a widow and resides at College Springs, Iowa.
Of the sons, Hugh died on his farm in Somerset Town-
ship. He married Belle Black. William WDson, who
died several years since in the city of Philadelphia, was
a minister of the United Presbyterian Church and for
many years was secretary of the Board of Foreign Mis-
sions. He married Catherine Barr. Bankhead B. Barr
enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. G,
140th Pa. Vol. Inf. He received wounds at the battle
of Gettysburg and again at the battle of the Wilderness
and died from these injuries, at Alexandria, Va. His
body lies interred in the family burying ground at Pigeon
Creek and his suiferings in devotion to his country, make
it doubly hallowed ground.
John Scott Barr obtained his education in the public
schools of Somerset Township, but on account of the
early death of his father, had many responsibilities placed
early on his shoulders. Under his management the land
was cultivated and he took upon himself the education
of his brothers and the proper rearing of the family of
fatherless children. He not only preserved the original
tract of land, but added to it until he owned 300 acres,
only a part of which he now retains, having disposed
of one farm and of his coal lands to a large degree
when, in 1888, he retired to Canonsburg. He still di-
rects his agricultural affairs as formerly, but takes no
part in them.
Mr. Barr was married (first) in 1852 to Miss Mary
Gibson, who died in 1855. Her father was James Gib-
son, the family being a well-known one in North Strabane
Township. One daughter survives, Mary, who is the wife
of Rev. James M. Duncan, of Shannon City, Iowa, who
is pastor of the United Presbyterian body at that place,
and ihej have one daughter. Mr. Barr was married
(second), Jan. 26, 1865, to Miss Mary Pattison, of In-
diana County, Pa., a daughter of Robert and Mary
(Stewart) Pattison. Three children were born to this
union, but one only survives, Martha Jane, who is the
wife of Rev. W. F. Wier, of Ashtabula, Ohio. Mr. and
Mrs. Wier haVe had four children, three of whom are
living: John S. B., WiUiam Thomas and Leroy MofBtt.
In early life, Mr. Barr was identified with the Whig
party, but is now and for years has been a stanch Re-
publican. He went out with the miUtia when Pennsyl-
vania was threatened with invasion. In 1872 he was
elected a county commissioner and served three years
and two months in that office. He has served for some
18 years as a member of the school board and was ap-
pointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania as a manager
of the Reform school for four years. In 1862 he was
elected an elder in the Pigeon Creek United Presbyterian
Church and wheii coming to Canonsburg about 20 years
ago was elected an elder' in the Chartiers United Presby-
terian Church.
SAMUEL McWILLIAMS, one of the leading citizens
of Canonsburg, was born Nov. 30, 1858, in Chartiers
Township, Washington Co., Pa., on a farm one mile
distant from this city, and is a son of James Milton and
Lydia (McCoy) Mo Williams.
.Tames Milton McWilliams was born in Washington
iX
X
n
THE NEW YORK
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
T31
C'oiintv in 1813 and lived to the age of 81 years. He
wiis a wagoniuaker by trade and also owned a small
faiiu. He married Lydia McCoy, who was born near
MeConnell's Mills, who died in July, 1908, when aged
eighty six years. They were the parents of twelve chil-
dren, namely: .John W., who was an attorney at law, died
in Kansas; William ,)., who resided at Ganonsburg, died
in December, 1908; Mary A., who is the widow of John
Cook, resides at Ganonsburg; George S., who is a resi-
dent of Ganonsburg; Lydia, who is now deceased, was
the wife of John M. Stewart; James M., Addison W.,
Samuel, Hattie E. and Nettie, all of whom are residents
of Ganonsburg; and George, and an infant daughter,
both died in this city. The parents of the above family
were members of the Chartiers United Presbyterian
Church.
Samuel McWilliams attended the public schools of
District No. 8, Chartiers Township, in boyhood and then
continued his studies for several years in Jeft'erson Acad-
emy at Ganonsburg. For about eight years following he
taught school and became well known in this connection
in different sections of the county and during this period
for two years had charge of the " E " Division of the
Morganza Pennsylvania Reform School. Upon retiring
from educational work he entered into the mercantile
business at Ganonsburg and continued there for ten
years. In 1S95 he became associated with the Citizens'
Bank, Limited, of Ganonsburg, in the capacity of assist-
ant cashier and when it was merged into the Citizens'
Trust of Ganonsburg in 1901, became its assistant secre-
tary and treasurer, and maintained this connection until
Sept. 1, 1909, when he accepted the position of book-
keeper in the trust department of the Commonwealth
Trust Company of Pittsburg.
On Sept. 11, 1884 Mr. McWilliams was married to
Miss Ella S. Eoberts, who was born in Ganonsburg. She
was a daughter of John T. and Sarah (Kelso) Eoberts.
Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams had four children, namely:
Edith M., who was educated in the local schools, grad-
uated from the Ganonsburg High School and Jefferson
Academy, ia a successful teacher in Cecil Township;
Charles Ray, who is a bright student in the High School ;
and William Walter and John M., both of whom are in
.school. Mrs. McWilliams died Sept. 1.5, 1901. She was
a most estimable lady, one whose many amiable qualities
served to endear her to all who came within her influ-
ence.
In politics, Mr. McWilliams is a Democrat. He has
served several terms as a member of the School Board
but has given more attention to his business than to pub-
lic affairs, as concerns the holding of office. He is a
member of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Church.
His only fraternal connection is with the Royal Arca-
num.
U. B. RAMSEY, member of the Kurtz & Ramsey Mon-
ument Company, with business quarters at No. 220
South Main Street, Washington, Pa., was born at Cross
Roads, Washington County, Dec. 10, 1805, a son of the
late W. G. Ramsey, formerly sheriff of Washington
('ounty and a very prominent citizen.
U. B. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and at-
tended the country schools. He was largely interested in
farming and stockraising in Buffalo Township until
March, 1909, when he removed to Washington and one
mouth later entered into partnership with J. H. Kurtz
in the monument business, the latter being a practical
worker in marble and granite. This new enterprise has
capital, energy and practical knowledge back of it and
has a promising future.
In December, 1886, Mr. Ramsey was married to Miss
Mary A. Mounts, who died December 1, 1908. She was
a lady of beautiful Christian character, and amiable per-
sonality. Her father was Adam Mounts, an old and
honored resident of .Washington County. The four sur-
viving children are: William Calvin and Adam Mounts,
twins, the latter of whom is associated with his father
in business; and Elizabeth Grace and Howard Paul. Dur-
ing their residence in Buffalo Township, Mr. and Mrs.
Ramsey were membei's of the East Buffalo Prebyterian
Church and since coming to Washington, Mr. Ramsey has
identified himself with the Third Presbyterian Church.
WILLARD 6. GUNDALL, a leading citizen and suc-
cessful farmer of Blaine Township, Washington County,
Pa., who is serving most acceptably as president of the
township board of school directors, was born in Char-
tiers Township, in the same county, Aug. 16, 1860. His
parents were Edward G. and Martha (Cook) Gundall.
Edward G. Gundall was born in Washington County,
Pa., in 1834 and resides at Washington, Pa. His father
was Edward Gundall, who was a native of Rhode Island.
Edward G. Gundall is a well known citizen of the county
and formerly was superintendent of the County Home,
in Chartiers Township, where he served for fourteen
years in that responsible office. He married Martha
Cook, who was also born in Washington County and they
had a large family, four of whom survive the mother,
who died in 1892, namely: Margaret R., who is the wife
of DeForest Wilson, of Taylorstown ; Emma J., who is
the wife of William McMannis, of Taylorstown; and
Willard G. and William H., the latter being a resident rff
Washington.
Willard G. Gundall was reared and educated in his
native county and throughout his whole life has been
more or less connected with agricultural pursuits. For
some years he has also been in the employ of the Wash-
ington Oil Company. The South Pennsylvania Pipe
Line station is located at the place which was named
73,2
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Cundall Station in honor of this family, the site being
on the old Cundall farm.
Mr. Cundall married Miss Ada E. Clarke, who was
born in Chartiers Township and is a daughter of Thomas
P. Clarke who is now a resident of Washington. Mr.
and Mrs. Cundall have four sons: Thomas W., Harry P.,
Edward M. and Willard G. With his family, Mr. Cun-
dall belongs to the United Presbyterian Church at Tay-
lorstown. He is a member of the order of Knights of
Pj'thias at that place and has frequently been elected to
official position in the lodge. In politics, like his father,
Mr. Cundall is a Eepublican.
JAMES E. WALLACE, farmer and successful fruit
grower, residing at No. 500 Locust Avenue, has been a
citizen of Washington since 1890, coming from West-
moreland County, Pa., where his family is one of age and
prominence. Mr. Wallace was born in Westmoreland
County, in 1S61, and is a son of the late William Wal-
lace, who died at Washington, in 1896.
The grandfather, James Wallace, was born in West-
moreland County, in 1805, and followed an agricultural
life. His father was Peter Wallace, who was also born
in Westmoreland County, where he was prominent in
public affairs, serving some twelve years as a member of
the State Legislature from there. His father, Richard
Wallace, was the first of the family to settle in West-
moreland County and he built one of the first mills and
a fort, known as Wallace Port, which was one of the
earliest defenses erected to protect settlers from the
Indians, west of the Allegheny Mountains. He was
known as a great Indian fighter and on several occasions
he fell into the hands of the savages, but managed to
escape. Finally he joined an exploring expedition into
the Ohio wilderness and never returned.
James E. Wallace was reared and educated in his na-
tive county and there engaged in farming until 1890,
when he came to Washington County and purchased land
near where he resides. He makes a specialty of peaches
and strawberries and grows other fine fruit, finding a
ready market for all his land will produce.
In 1896, Mr. Wallace was married to Miss Julia Fran-
ces Eansom, who was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, a daugh-
ter of Willard Wallace and Julia Nichols (McGiffin)
Ransom, both of whom were natives of Mt. Vernon.
The mother of Mrs. Wallace died when she was seven
weeks old. The father survived for many years and died
at his home in Mt. Vernon, March 30, 1902. Mrs. Wal-
lace was an only child. Mr. Ransom was a farmer. Mr.
and Mrs. Wallace are members of the Second Presby-
terian Church of Washington, in which he is a deacon.
JOHN LOGAN McCLELLAND, a representative busi-
ness citizen at Canonsburg, dealing in real estate and
insurance, and one of the organizers of the Canonsburg
Electric Light Company, was born at Florence, Hanover
Township, Washington Co., Pa., August 21, 1841. His
parents were Jackson and Mary (Criswell) McClelland.
The McClelland family was established in Washington
County by the great-grandfather, Hanson McClelland-,
who came from Ireland. He reared a family of sturdy
sons, one of these being William MeCleUand, who became
the grandfather of John Logan McClelland. The Mc- '
Clellands and McCooks were neighbors in Chartiers Town-
ship and William McClelland and Daniel McCook, father
of the "fighting MeCooks," of the CivU War, together
owned the salt well in Chartiers Township. William
McClelland married Hannah Long and they had four
children: Jackson, Joseph, James and Catherine, the
latter of whom married Rev. M. A. Parkinson.
Jackson McClelland was born in Chartiers Township
and the mother in Hanover Township, Washington Coun-
ty. In 1843 they moved to Canonsburg, where both
died, the mother in 1891, in her seventy-first year. They
had the following childi'en: John Logan; Romulus L.,
who died in 1852, aged ten years; and Mary Long, who
was married to Arthur McMurtrie, of Huntington; and
Nettie Criswell, both of whom live with their brother.
John Logan McClelland attended Jefferson College be-
fore he accompanied the family wheii removal was
made South in 1858. In 1862 the family came back to
Canonsburg. In 1861 Mr. McClelland entered the Con-
federate army as a private in Co. G, 50th Tenn. Vol. Inf.,
in which he served a short time, this regiment being the
garrison regiment of Fort Donaldson. Soon after en-
listing he was made second lieutenant. In 1869 he re-
turned to Washington County and was a member of the
civil engineering corps that built the Chartiers VaUey
Railroad and after the completion of that contract he
entered the office of the chief engineer of the Panhandle
Railroad, and remained with that road until 1881. In
1883 he was made deputy sheriff" of Washington County
and served three years under Sheriff W. B. Chambers.
In 1886 he opened a real estate office and at the same
time organized a building and loan association which
proved very successful, and demonstrated his ability
and integrity as a business man. In 1894 he organized,
with others, the Canonsburg Electric Light Company, of
which he was president from 1894 until 1907, which
was sold to the Washington Electric Light Company in
1909, it taking charge on April 1, 1909.
In politics, Mr. McClelland is a stanch Democrat, and
is a very popular citizen. He has never married.
WILLIAM C. RAMSEY, deceased, once a citizen of
large influence in Washington County, was also one of
sterling character. He was born in Amwell Township,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
733
Washington Co., Pa., March 5, 1843, and was a sou of
Reuben and Margaret (Horu) Kamsey.
Reuben Ramsey was born near the corner ol' College
and Maiden streets, Washington, and was a son of
George and Lydia (Lloyil) Ramsey. He settled in Am-
well Township after he married and there worked at the
cooper trade and also as a farmer and there he died in
1882, survived by his widow until 1890. Reuben Ram-
sey married Margaret Horn, a daughter of Michael and
Elizabeth (Closser) Horn, and they had the following
children born to them: William Calvin, Robert Hauiil-
tou, George Washington, Nicholas Murray and John Nel-
son.
William C. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and
was afforded excellent educational advantages, better
than were enjoyed by his associates. He was prepared
to teach school but on August 8, 1862, he entered
the Federal Army, enlisting in Co. D, 140th Pa. Vol.
Inf., and served faithfully until he was honorably dis-
cMrged June 25, 1865, at Albany, N. Y. He was ever
at the post of duty and at the battle of Gettysburg he
was seriously wounded, his injury making it necessary
for him to spend many months in a hospital. After he
had sulBciently recovered, he was transferred to the 11th
Veteran Corps, of which he was made quartermaster-
sergeant, having served in the 140th Regiment with the
rank of color corporal. His whole military record is one
that reflects honor and credit upon him and is a source
of pride to his family.
After he returned to Washington County, Mr. Ramsey
spent several winters teaching school after his summers
on the farm, and in the meanwhile he took an active and
intelligent interest in public matters in the county. He
had been reared a Democrat and on the Democratic ticket,
in 1870, he was elected to the important office of sheriff
of Washington County and during his three' years of
service was acknowledged to be an able, courageous and
conscientious officer. When he retired to private life he
bought a farm situated about five miles distant from
W^ashington and resided there until the close of his life,
his death occurring December 2, 1902. His widow sur-
vives and occupies a comfortable home at No. 155 Dun-
can avenue, Washington.
Mr. Ramsey was married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth
Jane Sower, a daughter of Levi and Cynthias Sower, of
West Bethlehem Township. They reared five children,
namely: Ulysses Bernard, who is a member of the
Kurtz & Ramsey Monument Company, at Washington;
Levi Harlan, who is engaged in farming in the county;
Kate Florence, who resides with her mother at Washing-
ton; Wilmetta Maud Estella, who is now deceased; and
Lillie Blanche, who is the wife of Morgan Prigg, residing
on a farm in Canton Township. Mr. Ramsey was one of
the active and liberal members of the East Buffalo
Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder. Although
he began life with little means, through industry, pru-
dence and good judgment, he acquired an ample estate,
lie was one of the directors of the Farmers' and .Me-
chanics' Bank of Washington.
ERNEST C. LAWTON, whose comfortable residence
is suituated on the edge of the village of West Middle-
town, Washington Co., Pa., is successfully carrying on
general farming and stock raising on 128 acres of excel-
lent land which lies in Hopewell Township. He was
born in Independence Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
March 9, 1870, and is a son of Joseph K. and Mary L.
(Quest) Lavvton. ,HLs mother, who lives in West Middle-
town, is a daughter of the late Dr. Quest, of Wellsburg,
at one time a practitioner of West Middletown. He has
a twin sister, Eva, who married M. G. Lawrence, and
one other sister, Annie, who married Malcolm Atmore.
Mr. Lawton was a carpenter by trade and lived here
most of his life, dying in 1906.
Ernest C. Lavvton secured a good common school edu-
cation and worked at first, after leaving school, as a
tinner. He has been very active in politics and is a
recognized Republican leader. He served as deputy
sheriff under his father-in-law. Sheriff Pentecost, has
also been warden of the jail and has been a member of
the township school board.
On November 27, 1900, Mr. Lawton was married to
Miss Martha Pentecost and they have a charming little
daughter, Phoebe, who was born in her grandfather's
house during his official term as sheriff of Washington
County.
JOHN W. WARRICK, one of Washington 's representa-
tive business men, conducting a large grocery enterprise
at No. 102 South Main street, Washington, is also
identified with other business concerns of this section.
He was born at Washington, in 1862, and is a son of
George M. and Mary (Wilson) Warrick and a grandson
of Jonathan and Mary (Slack) Warrick, old residents
of W'ashington County.
After leaving school, John W. W'arrick entered his
father 's grocery store and in 1881 became a partner
in the business which was conducted as G. M. Warrick
& Sons until the father retired, when the firm style
was changed to G. M. Warrick's Sons. Is 1908,
William J. Warrick, the other member of the firm,
retired, and since then John W. Warrick has been sole
proprietor. During the entire course of his business
life he has been identified with grocery interests and
is one of the most experienced men in this lino in
Washington County. This house has always enjoyed
a liberal patronage as it has been conducted along th(
lines to ensure a continuance of the confidence of thi
734
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON- COUNTY
public, ilr. Warrick lias other interests, being con-
nected with the Floral Gompany of South Strabane
Township and is a director in the First National Bank
of Washington.
Mr. Warrick was married in 1896, to Miss Catherine
Chambers, a daughter of Josiah E. Chambers, of Canons-
burg, and they have two sons: George Eamsey and
John W'ilson. With his family, Mr. Warrick is a mem-
ber of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Wash-
ington. He has never been unduly active in public
matters but his fellow citizens know where he stands
when the good citizens of the community are appealed
to, to further movements which promise to be beneficial
to every one, or to aid in the maintenance of law and
order.
W. W. HOYT, burgess of Washington, Pa., has been a
resident of this city for the past 2Q years and has taken
a deep interest in public alfairs. He was born at Pitts-
burg, in 1867, and prior to locating at Washington lived
in various parts of the country.
Mr. Hoyt was reared and educated in Pittsburg, and
there learned the trade of a horseshoer in his father's
shop. He afterward worked at his trade at various
places throughout the country and in 1889 came to Wash-
ington, Pa., with the intention of remaining but one week.
He has been here continuously since that time and has
met with much success at his trade. In 1894, he entered
into business for himself, making horseshoeing a spe-
cialty, and he now has three men in his employ. He is
a Democrat in polities and has always taken an active
interest in political affairs. He served in the city Coun-
cil from the Fourth Ward a number of years, and in
February, 1909, was elected burgess of Washington over
the Republican nominee, Jacob Zelt, Jr. He is the fii'St
Democrat honored with election to that office in a num-
ber of years, the city being normally Eepublican, and he
received a majority of 394 votes.
On Mar. 5, 1890, Mr. Hoyt was married to Miss Edith
S. Jones, of Homestead, Pa., and they have six children
living. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are consistent members of
the First Baptist Church. He is prominently , affiliated
with a number ol fraternal organizations: National
Lodge No. 81, I. O. 0. F. ; Shakespeare Encampment No.
20, I. O. O. F.; Eebecca Lodge; Hancock Lodge No. 231,
K. P.; Washington Commandery No. 62, U. E. K. P.,
of which he was captain six years; Modern Woodmen of
America; Home Guards of America; the Eagles, and
Local No. 166, Master Horseshoers National Protective
Association.
A. J. EUSSELL, a leading citizen of Washington
County, Pa., who has been prominently identified with
public affairs and business interests of Bulger, Midway,
and Smith Township, is vice president of the Midway
National Bank and is agent for the Pennsylvania Cen-
tral and St. Louis Eaibroad at this point. Mr. Eussell
was born two miles north of Hickory, in Mt. Pleasant
Township, Washington Co., Pa., October 6, 1841, and is
a son of Andrew and Jane C. (Miller) Eussell.
Andrew Eussell was born in Chartiers Township,
Washington County, about three miles north of Canons-
burg, and there he was a large farmer for many years,
moving then to Mt. Pleasant Township, where he livea
until a year and a half of his death, when he retired to
Houston, where he purchased a residence. He was one of
the old and reliable citizens of this section and during ?
large part of his life was a member of the United Preb-
byterian Church. He married Jane C. MiUer, a daughter
of Andrew Miller and ten children were born to them.
A. J. Eussell was educated in the common schools of
Mt. Pleasant Township and Hickory Academy, complet-
ing the course of study at the latter place. In 1863 he
entered the Federal Army as a soldier in the Civil War,
enUsting in Co. G, 123rd Pa. Vol. Inf., and with that
organization completed the nine months of his first
enlistment. After a visit home, Mr. Eussell re-enlisted
for further service, entering the 21st Pa. Vol. Cav., and
with that brave body of troopers he continued a soldier
until the close of the war. After his safe return to
peaceful pursuits, in 1867, Mr. Eussell embarked in the
mercantile business at Bulger, which enterprise he con-
tinued for 34 years, when he disposed of it to Charles C.
Eodgers. In 1866-67, he accepted a railroad agency with
the Pennsylvania system and this business interest he
has retained ever since. He has been an active politician
and many time has been elected to important offices
on the Eepublican ticket. For 35 years he served as
postmaster at Bulger, and for three terms as a justice
of the peace in Smith Township and so satisfactory
were his decisions that he was re-elected for a like period
but declined to serve. When the !Midway National Bank
was organized, July 4, 1867, Mr. Eussell became vice
president and he has continued in that office ever since
and is one of the largest stockholders. Mr. Eussell 's
business ability, his public spirit and his general high
standing in his community, have brought him the respect
and approbation of his fellow citizens irrespective of
political affiliation.
Mr. Eussell was married (first) June 2, 1867, to Miss
Margaret McBurney, who died in 1886, leaving one son,
Andrew L., who is a resident of Midway, Pa. Mr.
Russell was married (second) to Miss Alice M. Smith,
a daughter of Eobert Smith, of Cherry Valley. They are
members of the United Presbyterian Church at Midway,
in wnich Mr. EusseU has been an elder for 15 years.
G. M. BAEEE. a retired farmer of Washington, Pa.,
:ind owner of a fine farm of 168 acres in South Strabane
W. W. IIOYT
"ojkDMiiiana
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
737
Township, was boru on September 26, 1849, at Scenery
Jlill, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of William and
Martha (Munce) Barre.
William Barre, who was born in 1822, at Scenery Hill,
Pa., was a wagon maker by trade, at which he worked
for many years during his early life. He subsequently
bought a farm in South Strabane Township, where he
was engaged in farming and stock raising until about
one year before his death, when he removed to Washing-
ton, where he died in 1899. He married Martha Munce,
who oamo of one of the pioneer families of Washington
County, and they became the parents of fifteen children,
of whom the following are living: Joseph C, of East
Maiden street, Washington; Thomas, resides in Mis-
souri; Angeline, married James Matthews of Washing-
ton, Pa.; Kate (Mrs. Haines) resides in California;
Maggie, is the wife of Andrew Horn of Washington
County; Emma, is the wife of James Wilson, who
conducts an undertaking establishment in Washington,
Pa.; Sadie, married Samuel McCowan ; and G. M., the
subject of this sketch.
G. M. Barre was reared and educated in South Stra-
bane Township, where throughout his active career, he
was engaged in general farming and stock raising,
making a specialty of sheep raising. In 1904, Mr. Barre
retired from business life and came to Washington,
where he resides in a fine home at No. 281 Locust avenue,
but still continues overseeing his farming interests in
South Strabane Township. In 1894 Mr. Barre was
joined in the bonds of wedlock witji Annie Ellwood, who
was born in Washington County and is a daughter of
Thomas Ellwood. Mr. and Mrs. Barre are members of
the Second Presbyterian Church.
THOMAS A. McCEEIGHT. who owns 70 acres of very
valuable land which lies in Hanover Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., was born in Jefferson County, Pa., April
3, 1864, and is a son of Smith and Elizabeth (Murphy)
McCreight.
The parents of Mr. McCreight were both born in
Pennsylvania and were married at Brookville, in Jef-
ferson County. The father died March 10, 1907. He
had many business interests, being engaged in farming
and lumbering and also owned a grist-mill. They had
the following children: Thomas A.; Clara, who married
Orville M. Grissinger, lives in Colorado; Anna, who
married Andrew Wheeler, lives in Jefferson County ; and
Susan B., who married E. P. Gardner of Hanover Town-
ship, and with this daughter the mother makes her home.
Thomas A. McCreight attended school pretty regu-
larly until he was 1.5 years old, after which he went to
farming with his father and has made farming his main
work in life, although he has also worked at the car-
penter trade. This he never really learned, but having
■A natural talent, has dune some very i-reditable work in
that line, in the way of improving his property.
On May 10, 1888, Mr. .McCreight was married to Miss
l.iuira Bell, a daughter of William and Anna (MeCready)
Hell, who were farming p«)ple of Washington County.
The children of the Bell family were: Mary, who is now-
deceased, was the wife of Seward Walker; Harry;
.fames A. ; Ada, who married Mayo Patterson ; Laura.
who married Mr. McCreight; Dcssa, who married Alex-
ander Wilson; and W. C. and A. J. Mr. and Mrs.
McCreight have the following children: Clarence A.,
Lester S., Craig 0., George D., Alice Bell and Stella
May. The family belong to the United Presbyterian
Church of Hanover Township. In polities, like his late
father, Mr. McCreight is a Republican. He has served
very acceptably in the office of road master and is a
respected and representative man in his township.
GEORGE M. WARRICK, one of Washington's most
esteemed retired citizens, was born in Amwell Township,
Washington Co., Pa., February 28, IS,"?], and is a son
of Jonathan T. and Mary (Slack) Warrick.
Jonathan T. Warrick was brought to Washington
County when about ten years of age, but later was
taken to Beaver County and lived there until he was
seventeen, when he returned to W'ashington County and
engaged in school-teacliing here until he was twenty-six
years old. For some time afterward he worked at
carpentering and cabinetmaking and then turned his
attention to farming in Amwell Township, moving from
there in 1835 to East Finley Township, where he re-
mained until his death, in 1846, at the age of sixty-two
years. He married Mary Slack, who was a native of
Washington County, and to them were born the fol-
lowing children : Sarah, who married Jackson Harsh-
man; James; Matilda; Mary, who married George Ely,
is survived by one son. Dr. Ely, residing at Washington;
Charlotte, who married Elijah Coulson; William W. ;
George M.; Elizabeth, who married W. K. Long, of
Washington; and Hannah C.
George M. -W^arrick obtained his education in the
country schools and continued to work on his father's
farm until he was sixteen years of age, at which time
he came to Washington, where he spent two years work-
ing at the carpenter trade. He was of a mechanical
turn of mind and soon mastered details sufficiently to
enter into contracting and when twenty years old he went
to Chicago and engaged in work there until homesick-
ness caused his return to Washington. He continued
contracting until 18.'JS, when he embarked in the mer-
cantile business, at this time entering into partnership
with his brother, W'. W. Warrick, under the firm name
of G. M. and W. W. Warrick. In 1866 this firm, in
partnership with .Inhn M. Wilson, bought the Washing-
738
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
ton Flouring Mills and for some years both the milling
and grocery business 'U'as carried on, when William W.
Warrick retired from both enterprises and the other
members of the firm continued together until 18S7, Tvhen
they sold the mill to Zelt Brothers, Mr. Wilson retiring
from the firm. Mr. Warrick then associated his two
sons, John W. and William J. Warrick with him, under
the firm style of G. M. Warrick & Sons. This became
one of the leading grocery concerns at Washington and
when George M. Warrick retired from active business
life the sons continued, making a slight change in the
fimi stj'le, preserving the founder's name, in G. M.
AVarrick's Sons. In 1908, one son, W. J., retired from
the firm to engage in another business, and the enter-
prise came entirely into the proprietorship of John W.
Warrick, who still carries it on.
In 1853, George M. Warrick married Miss Mary
Wilson, a daughter of William Wilson, of Taylorstown,
Wasliiugton Co., Pa., and five children were born to
them, namely: Matilda Belle, who married Eev. Mc-
Carrell, a Presbyterian minister; William .1., who is in
the florist business at Washington ; John W., who is a
grocery merchant; and Eachel and .lennie, both of whom
reside at home.
Mr. Warrick united nith the Methodist Episcopal
Church when eighteen years of age, and has been a
consistent member of this religious body ever since. He
started out in life entirely dependent upon his own
efforts and through industry, enterprise and integrity,
built up a large business and attained to a high and
honorable position among his fellow citizens. His beau-
tiful home is situated at No. 263 East Beau street. His
leisure time is occupied in performing the duties of vice
president of the Washington County Fire Insurance
Company.
HABEY B. HAYDEN, a wholesale liquor dealer of
Monongahela City, Pa., and president of the Finleyville
Southern Electric Railroad, has been a resident of
Monongahela City since October, 1903. He was born
June 4, 1873, at Pittsbui-g, Pa., and is a son of Michael
Hayden, who was a resident of Pittsburg, where during
the greater part of his life he followed his trade as a
bottle-blower. He was a member of the Green Glass
Bottle Blowers' Union of the United States and Canada,
and during the latter part of his life was general mana-
ger of the Ohio Valley Glass Works. His death occurred
in Pittsburg, and he was the father of a large family
of children, of whom the following are living: Thomas
M. ; Joseph K. ; James E. ; Harry B. ; Anna L., who is
the wife of Harry Walsh; Eegina, who is the wife of
Bay Albert, and William F., of KnoxviUe.
Harry B. Hayden was reared and obtained his educa-
tional training at Pittsburg, where when a young man,
he ran a confectionery store, which he disposed of during
the Flint Glass Strike. He then went to Indiana, where
he and his brother Thomas M., rented a farm, which
they operated successfully for several years, and where
our subject celebrated his 21st birthday. In October,
1903, Mr. Hayden came to Monongahela City, Pa., and
on May 1, 1907, opened his present business on Second
street. Fraternally he belongs to the B. P. 0. E., the
F. O. E., the Loyal Order of Moose, Ancient Order of
Hibernians, and the Turners, all of Monongahela City.
His religious connection is with the Eoman Catholic
Church.
In August, 1901, Mr. Hayden was united in marriage
with Catherine E. Grill of Pittsburg, and they have
three children: Catherine, Naomi, and Grace. Mr. and
Mrs. Hayden reside at No. 714 Coal street.
JOHN McCLAIN, a well known broom manufacturer
of Washington, Pa., who was for many years identified
with the farming interests of Franklin Township, was
born August 21, 1842, on his father's farm in Franklin
Township, a son of Simeon and Jane (Carter) McClain.
Simeon McClain, who was born in Franklin Township,
Washington County, about 1816, was the youngest son of
John McClain, who was one of the earliest settlers of
the county. Simeon McClain followed farming and stock
raising during the greater part of his life, and was one
of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the com-
munity in which he Uved. He was united in man-iage
with Jane Carter, a native of Amwell Township, and a
daughter of Isaac and Nancy Carter, and their union
resulted in the following issue: John McClain, the sub-
ject of this sketch; Elizabeth Ann, the deceased wife
of H. K. Bell; William N., who resides on Franklin
street, Washington; Sarah Ellen, his twin sister, who
died October 16, 1907, was the wife of S. S. Bell; W.
Boss, of Virginia; and Mary Margaret, who is the wife
of Homer C. Andrew, of Van Buren, Pa.
John McClain was reared in Franklin Township, where
for many years he engaged in farming. About 1869
he came to Washington, and for a period of twenty
years operated the Washington Woolen Mills, to which
on January 1, 1871, he added a broom factory, which
he carried on in connection with the mills. He subse-
quently disposed of the woolen mills, and on account
of his health, spent a part of his time on the farm each
year, but he continued the manufacturing of brooms,
which he still is engaged in. Mr. McClain is a member
of the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally is a Knight
Templar Mason.
On December 25, 1875, Mr. McClain was united in
marriage with Anna M. Gordon, a daughter of James
Gordon of Wasliington County, and they have two sons:
James B., who is chief engineer of the Sea Board Air-
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
739
line R. R., is located at Columbia, S. C. ; and Otis, wlio
is a mechanical draughtsman, is located at Franklinton,
N. C, where he is overseeing the building of the concrete
abutments on the Sea Board Airline Railroad.
HUGH IIANNA, M. D., a proniiueiil citizen of
Donegal Township, who has been engaged in agricultural
pursuits near ClaysvUle since he retired from the active
practice of medicine, was born in Cecil Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa. His parents were Hugh and Dorothea
(Whitely) Hanna.
The father of Dr. Hanna was born in North Ireland
and the mother in Washington County. The paternal
grandparents of Dr. Hanna came to the northern part
of Washington County when their son was small and
he was reared there and subsequently married Dorothea
Wliitel.v, but died earl.T, Dr. Hanna being only four years
old when his father 's death occurred.
After the death of her husband, the mother of Dr.
Hanna, with other members of the family, removed to
Nottingham Township, Washington County, and there he
was reared and was mainly educated in the J. C. Mes-
senger Academy, in Somerset Township. For about ten
years he taught school, in both Washington and Alle-
gheny Counties, and during a part of this time he de-
voted all his spare moments to reading medical works
in preparation for practice. Dr. C. W. Townsend, then
of Peters Township, was his preceptor and director, and
under him the young man was thoroughly prepared and
subsequently was graduated from Jefferson Medical Col-
lege, Philadelphia, in 1870. He immediately settled at
Noblestown, Allegheny County, but shortly afterward,
was called to Canonsburg, an old preceptor, Dr. Weaver,
being prostrated with an illness that subsequently re-
sulted in his death, this being the cause of Dr. Hanna 's
locating in that borough. He continued in practice there
for nine years and then removed to Chartiers Town-
ship, where he was practically retired from practice
and engaged in farming and raising fine stock for a
number of years, and during this time became interested
also in the sheep industry. From there he then moved to
Donegal Tow;nship, in 1903 settling on his present valua-
ble farm of 100 acres. In Chartiers Township he served
for six consecutive years as school director but has
accepted no public otBce since locating in Donegal Town-
ship. In his political views he is a Democrat. His
ability both as a medical man and as a careful agri-
culturist is acknowledged and aside from business con-
siderations he is held in very high regard for his
personal qualities.
On November 1, 1876, Dr. Hanna was married to Miss
Elizabeth AVallace, who was born in Knox County, Ohio,
and is a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Arnold)
Wallace, her parents being old Washington County peo-
ple of Scotch extraction. Dr. and Mrs. Hanna have
had three children: Howard T. E., who resides in Done-
gal Township; Leota M., who is deceased; and Birdie
B., the latter of whom graduated from Jefferson
Academy at Canonsburg, in 1904, and is an accom-
plished young lady. Mrs. Hanna is a member of the
United Presbyterian Church at Claysville, Pa.
THOMAS MONTGOMERY HALL, a worthy repre-
sentative of one of the oldest pioneer families of Wash-
ington County, was born in Somerset Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., February 13, in 1828, and now lives
retired in his pleasant home at No. 227 Jefferson ave-
nue, Washington. He is a son of Thomas and also a
grandson of Thomas Hall.
The first Thomas Hall came from County Tyrone, Ire-
land, and settled in Somerset Township, Washington
Co., Pa., in 1788, at that time purchasing the land which
is now owned by his great-grandson, Samuel B. Weir.
Thomas Hall married Sarah Keyes, also of County
Tyrone, and to them were born the following children:
Jane, wife of Henry Vance; Mary, wife of Adam Weir;
James, who married Mary Pierce; and Thomas, whose
marriage to Catherine Eainey, connected the Halls with
another early pioneer family of consequence.
Thomas Hall (2) was born in Somerset Township,
Washington County, in August, 1792, grew to manhood
there and married a daughter of James and Elizabeth
(Broomfield) Rainey. To Thomas and Catherine HaU
were born the following children: James, who survived
to the age of eighty-six years; Sarah, who is deceased;
Austin W. and John, both of whom are deceased; Eliza-
beth, who married Mark Richey; Thomas M.; Catherine,
who married Robert Lutton; Adam Weir, who married
Mary MunneH ; and Mary Jane, who married Frederick
Whiteley. Of the above family, Thomas M. Hall is the
only survivor.
In early youth, Mr. Hall came to Washington and
learned the saddlery and harness-making trade. For a
number of years he was in the hotel business, conducting
the old Fulton House, becoming one of the best known
men of the place. He was married in 1857 to Margaret
Kiser, who was born at Shippensburg, Cumberland Co.,
Pa., and they reared five children, namely: Kate, who
is the wife of John B. Gibson, of St. Louis, Mo.; Jane
S., who resides at home; Mary Elizabeth, who is the
wife of Henry W. Williams, of Pittsburg; Harry M.,
who is a resident of Washington; and Helen M., who
resides at home. Many members of the Hall family have
been prominently identified with the United Presbyterian
Church and have also been liberal to other religious
denominations. Thomas Hall (2) donated the ground
on which the old United Presbyterian Church was built
on Pigeon Creek. Thomas M. Hall is a Methodist, hav-
r4u
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
ing been ideutified with that church for about sixty
years.
SAMUEL H. bOOK, now living retired after a long
and useful life, during his most active years devoting
himself to agricultural pursuits, located at McDonald
among the earliest settlers in the village. He was born
in Cecil Township, Washington County, Pa., Apr. 17,
1832, and is a son of John and Ursula (Herriott) Cook,
the latter of whom came from a distinguished family.
She was a daughter of George Herriott, of the well-
known family of Scotland, who claim descent from David
1st of Scotland, (1124-53) who by marriage became the
earl of Huntingdon. King David was a great monarch
and for his wise administration and purity of his life
was deemed a saint by his people. He was succeeded
by his grandson, Malcolm PV, (1154-65). Herriott is
speUed both Herriott and Herriot. Kerriott was assigned
a leading part in Sir Walter Scott 's novel, ' ' Sir Nigel. ' '
Mr. Cook has a very interesting article on his family
descent copied from an ancient book (GuUlim's Display
of Heraldry).
John Cook followed farming in Cecil Township through-
out his life. He was married (tirst) to a Miss Coulter
and six children were born to that union, namely: Jane,
Robert, Moses, Marjorie, Mary and John. John Cook
was married (second) to Ursula Herriott, and they had
the fckllowing children: George H., Elizabeth, Archibald,
Samuel H. and Hester. His third marriage was with
Nancy Grier and a son was born to that union, Nathan
G. In polities, John Cook was a Democrat. He was a
consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church.
Samuel H. Cook attended scuool until he was 12 years
old and then became self supporting, working on the
home farm for his father until his majority and con-
tinuing farm labor until he was 37 years of age. He
then came to MeDonalu and has resided here ever since
and is one of the representative citizens. He has taken
a great deal of interest in the remarkable growth of the
place and owns property.
Mr. Cook was married (first) in 1857 to Miss Re-
becca Donaldson, and they had one daughter, Rebecca,
who died when aged 3 months. In June, 1862, Mr. Cook
was married (second) to Miss Mary Ann Gilfillan, who
died leaving three children, namely: Nancy Grier, who
is the wife of Prof. J. M. Shaffer, of Westminster Col-
lege, has one daughter, Mary Johns Shaffer ; Dora, who
died when aged 19 years; and Mary Etta, who married
.Joseph McCJay and has two sons, Samuel Cook and
David MeClay. The mother of these daughters died in
December, 1885. Mr. Cook was married (third) to Miss
Amanda C. Smith, a daughter of Robert J. and Sarah
A. (Crawford) Smith. Mrs. Cook's parents are de-
ceased, but .she has the following brother and sisters:
Mary, who married Jajnes Dunseath, is now dead and
left two sons and one daughter, one of the sons dying
after his motiier; Margaret, who married Daniel Thomas;
Lena, who married William J. Potter; Sadie E., who
married E. J. McKnight, and Robert S. A family re-
union of the Ajidred of Mrs. Cook was held in Allegheny
County, near Bakerstowu, recently and there were 450
guests present who were relatives.
WILLIAM J. GOWEEN, one of Canonsburg's repre-
sentative citizens, and probably the largest individual
real estate owner in the city, is engaged in a real estate
business on an extensive scale and also handles fire in-
surance risks. He was born in the city of New York,
December 5, 1853, and is a son of Robert F. and Alice
(Robinson) Gowern.
The parents of Mr. Gowern were both in New York
and the mother still survives, having reached her eighty-
third year. The father died at Canonsburg, Pa., July
12, 1898, at the age of sixty-eight years and eight
months. By trade, the late Robert P. Gowern was a
blacksmith and carriage-maker. In 1875 he entered into
the manufacture of carriages at Canonsburg, under the
firm name of Gowern & Sons, his partners being William
J. and Robert Frederick. The latter died May 24, 1895.
The sons purchased the -father 's interest in the business
and also his large real estate interests in 1887, after
which the firm name was Gowern Bros., which continued
until the death of Robert Frederick, as noted above, and
was continued by the surviving partner until November
14, 1898, without change. At that time the plant, with
a number of other buildings, was destroyed by fire. It
was located on the southwest corner of West Pike and
Jefferson avenue, a section swept by the tlames.
William J. Gowern was three years old when his
parents moved from New York to Harrodsburg, Ky.,
and there he attended school until the age of thirteen,
when he accompanied the family to Paterson, N. J.,
where he received several months of schooling. He then
went to work in a cotton mill as bobbin boy and was so
capable and industrious that by the time he was fifteen
years of age, he occupied the position of, assistant to
the superintendent of the carding room. From Paterson
he went to Pittsburg, Pa., and there entered the employ
of John S. Sehaffer, with whom he served an apprentice-
ship of two years in the carriage painting trade. A
change in the proprietorship of the works caused him to
leave there, after which he came to Washington, Pa.,
and for two years was in the employ of S. B. & C. Hays.
From the age of nineteen to twenty-one, he worked for
this firm as a journeyman painter. At this time he ac-
companied his father and brother to Canonsburg and
here they went into the carriage-making business and
were very prosperous until their plant was lost by fire. In
SA.MI Kl. II. COOK
'-J
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
743
iiililiticiu til tlu'ir iiiiuuil'aotuiiiig, the iinu dt'iilt largely in
ri'iil estate and as each member possessed foresight and
business judgment, their investments usually proved prof-
itable ones. In November, 1903, the firm of Morgan &
Uowern was organized, the senior member being John
C. Morgan, and this partnership was continued until
liMiti, when Mr. Morgan was elected county trea.surer of
Washington County, and since that date, Mr. Gowern
has conducted the business alone. A large number of
the properties he handles are his own and his mother 's, but
he deals also in first class realty for others, on a large
scale. The Gowern business blocks are among the finest
structures at Cauonsburg.
On July 10, 1901, Mr. Gowern was married to Miss
Margaret I. Conboy, a daughter of John Conboy, of
Pittsburg, and they have three children: Elizabeth,
Eileen and Margaret. With his family, Mr. Gowern be-
longs to the Catholic Church. In politics he is an active
Republican. He is serving as a notary public. As a
citizen, his efforts at all times are directed to the better-
ment of the community.
JOHN SLATER, manufacturer and wholesale and
retail dealer in cigars, with business house at No. 21
North Main street, Washington, is a prominent and
useful citizen, and is identitied with a number of suc-
cessful and important enterprises of this section. He
was born at Washington, Washington Co., Pa., in 1858,
and is a son of Theodore and Apolonia (Weis) Slater.
Theodore Slater was born in Germany and came to
America in 1845, and settled at Washington in 1851.
He embarked then in the shoe business which he con-
ducted until 1866 and then became interested in the
cigar business and extended his interests until he com-
manded a large wholesale as well as retail trade. He
amassed an ample fortune through his business ability,
and was a citizen whose worth was recognized by those
with whom he was associated. He died in 1879. He
married Miss Apolonia WeLs, also a native of Germany.
Mrs. Slater survives. They had four children, namely:
John, who died in infancy; Mary, who is Mother Su-
perior in Mt. DeChantle Convent, near Wheeling, W.
Va. ; .lohn, who is in the cigar business at Washington,
and is our subject ; and Annie, who is deceased.
John Slater was reared at Washington and was edu-
cated in the public schools and St. Vincent College, at
Latrobe, Pa., and immediately after his return home en-
tered into business with his father, whom he succeeded,
at the latter 's death. He is a director in the Citizens'
National Bank of Washington, and is financially inter-
ested in other concerns. The cigar business is one of
importance, the manufacturing plant being situated at
Lancaster City. A number of favorite brands are on
I he nmrkct and Mr. Slater has four traveling men visit-
ing the trade.
In 1886, Mr. Slater was married to Miss Regina T.
Stillwagen, of Claysville, Pa., and six sons and two
daughters have been born to them, namely : John Jo-
seph, who is connected with the manufacturing depart-
ment of his father's business, at Lancaster; Charles
Eraneis, who is on the road for the house; Edward Theo-
dore, M. Paul, Mary R., Elizabeth A., and Bernard, are
students in school at Washington, Pa.; and Francis
Xavier is still at home. Mr. Slater and family are mem-
bers of the Roman Catholic Church. Ho is identified
with the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.
PRANK J. SCO UV ART, one of the enterprising busi-
ness men of Independence Township, Washington Co.,
Pa., who is conducting a successful general store at Avel-
la, is a native of Belgium, where he was born in 1876,
the only child of Vital and Nellie Scouvart.
Mr. Scouvart received his education in the public
schools of his native country, and was eleven years of
age when the family came to the United States, settling
in McDonald, Washington County, where young Scouvart
found employment in the mines. When about sixteen
years of age he became clerk at the company store lo-
cated at Sturgeon, below McDonald, and continued in
that capacity for about twelve years, when he formed a
partnership with a Mr. Matthews, and the firm of Mat-
thews & Scouvart operated general stores at Cecil and
Avella for two years. At the end of this time Mr. Scou-
vart purchased Mr. Matthews' interest in the business,
closed the store at Cecil, and has since been giving his
entire attention to the establishment at Avella, where he
carries a complete stock of hardware, mining tools, guns,
paints, oils, furniture and shoes. He is a shrewd and
capable business man, and his custom of always giving
the best goods at a fair price has won for him a large
and lucrative trade in his community.
In 1900 Mr. Scouvart was married to Helen Egbert,
who is a daughter of Nickolas and Phelomene Egbert,
of McDonald, and to this union there have been born two
children : Nellie and Frank J., Jr. Mr. Scouvart is a
Republican in politics, and has served as township clerk
and inspector of elections. His fraternal connection is
with Moose Lodge and the Order of Elks, at Carnegie.
S.\MUEL A. POLAX, who is numbered with the rep-
resentative business men of Washington, conducts a first
class grocery at No. 481 West Chestnut street, and has
been a resident of this city for thirteen years. He was
born in East Finley Township, Washington Co., Pa., in
1862.
William Polan, father of Samuel A., was born in
744
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
West Virginia and came to Washington County in 1854,
where he engaged in farming and stock raising for many
years. Since the death of his wife he has resided with a
daughter, in Buffalo Township. Although seventy-three
years old, Mr. Polan is stiU active physically and also
retains his mental faculties. He married Deborah Mar-
tin, who was born and reared in East Finley Township.
They had seven children and four of these survive, name-
ly: John, James P., and Samuel A., all of whom reside
at Washington; and Ida, who is the wife of William
Mounts, of Buffalo Township.
Samuel A. Polan grew to manhood in East Pinley
Township and attended the public schools. He followed
farming and stock raising until 1896, when he came to
Washington and embarked in the grocery business and
has been at his present location for seven years. He
carries only first class goods, catering to the best trade,
his stock including staple and fancy groceries and salted
and smoked meats. He has never taken a very active
part in politics and has accepted no office except that of
school director and has served as such both in the country
and in Washington.
In March, 1888, Mr. Polan was married to Miss Jennie
McNeal, who was reared also in East Finley Township,
and they have had seven children born to them, all re-
maining at home except the eldest daughter, Elizabeth,
who married Norman Kunselman and resides on Fay-
ette street, Washington. The eldest son, Charles, is as-
sociated with his father. The others are: Samuel Law-
rence, Dora, Marie, Wanetta and Duane. Mr. Polan and
family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church.
He is identified with the P. O. S. of A., the Maccabees
and the Knights and La,dies of Honor.
WILLIAM F. REED, a member of the school board
of Hanover Township, has been identified with the oil
industry during the larger portion of his business life
and now fills the office of lease foreman for the Hanover
Oil Company. It is one that requires a large amount of
practical knowledge and unerring judgment. Mr. Eeed
was born in Beaver County, Pa., October 31, 1863, and is
a son of Samuel W. and Mary (Martin) Eeed.
The parents of Mr. Reed were both born in Penn-
sylvania and the father was a farmer throughout life.
They were the parents of the following children : Mary
Alice, who married Veasy Alexander; William F. ; Eliza-
beth Adella, Marion S., George E., Jennie, Laura and
Clarence. The father now lives retired at Frankfort
in Beaver County. The mother died in 1879, and was
interred in the Hanover Cemetery.
William F. Eeed attended the common schools in the
neighborhood of his home, never enjoying any superior
advantages. He was about nineteen years of age when
he went on the farm with his father with whom he re-
mained for two years and then went to farming on shares
in Washington County for two years. He then entered
the oil fields and that decided his future business career
for he has continued to be identified with this great in-
dustry until the present, and through his industry has
made it a remunerative business for himself.
In 1885, Mr. Eeed was married to Miss Lucy M. Au-
mUler, a daughter of Elijah and Hannah AumUler. They
were Ohio people but they died in Pennsylvania, leaving
two children : Lucy M. and Wade, the latter of whom
resides at Newark, Ohio. Four children have been born
to Mr. and Mrs. Reed: Clara, born in 1887; Elmer,
born in 1890; Bertha, born in 1893; and Wade, born
in 1903. Mr. Reed and family belong to the Pennsyl-
vania Church in Florence, to which place he came in
1901, and has a handsome home here. Like his father
he is a Democrat but the only public office he has ever
consented to accept is the one he now holds. He is a
member of Cardville Lodge, No. 407, Odd Fellows, at
Florence, Pa.
EMANUEL SHEAEER, a retired farmer and highly
respected citizen of Washington, Pa., was born January
1, 1843, in Franklin Township, Payette Co., Pa., where he
was reared and engaged in farming and ' stock raising
until 1900. He then disposed of the coal beds under his
farm land, and came to Washington County, where he
purchased the old Allen farm of 188 acres at Eighty-four,
North Strabane Township. Here he was for four years
engaged in agricultural pursuits, then sold his land, re-
serving the coal beds, and came to Washington, where
he has since lived in retirement in his fine residence at
No. 510 East Beau street, in the enjoyment of a well
earned rest after years of unceasing activity. In August,
1909, Mr. Shearer sold the balance of his property in
Fayette County for $15,000, receiving $7,500 for the
coal under five acres which he had formerly retained.
In 1865, Mr. Shearer married Elizabeth Cook, who
was born and reared in Fayette County, Pa., and of their
union were born the following children: Emma E., lives
at home; F. 0. Shearer, a general merchant residing at
Eighty-four; Harry Jacob, deceased; Jessie May, at
home; and John Cook Shearer, who is engaged in busi-
ness with his brother at Eighty-four. Mr. and Mrs.
Shearer are menibers of the First Christian Church of
Washington.
JOHN W. PARRAE, general farmer in Smith Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., who owns a one-half interest
in 178 acres of land, which, is located three miles east
of Burgettstown, was born in this township, March 2,
1847, and is a sou of John and Phoebe (White) Farrar.
John Farrar, father of John W., was born in Mt.
Pleasant Township, Washington County. He was one
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
745
of the represeutative men of this section in his day, a
prominent Republican and for some years served in the
office of associate judge. During the early part of his
business life he conducted a store and vpas a well known
merchant. After disposing of his mercantile interests,
he purcliased a farm of 196 acres, in Smith Township,
which is owned jointly by his two sons, John W. and
Clark Farrar. He resided on this farm during the re-
mainder of his life, his death occurring in 1875, his
burial being in the Candor Cemetery. He was a leading
member and an elder in the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.
He married Phoebe White, who died in 1870. She was
a daughter of John White, a well known old resident.
To this marriage six children were born : Mary, Samuel
Clark, Preston W., John W., William W., and George.
John W. Farrar attended the schools of Smith Town-
ship until he was old enough to give his father appreci-
able help on the farm and he continued to assist until
his father died in 1875. Then, together with his brother
Clark, he took charge of the operation of the farm and
together they managed it for a number of years, when,
on account of failing health, he rented out his portion
and went to Kansas. After an absence of tive years, Mr.
Farrar returned and settled again on his property, re-
suming general farming. The Pittsburg and Eastern
Coal Company have a lease on the farm, which has four-
teen oil wells in operation.
Mr. Farrar is one of the recognized good citizens of
his township, always taking an interest in its progress
and continually adding to its material development. In
politics he is a Republican. For three years he has been
auditor of Smith Township and in June, 1909, he was
elected a member of the school board, to serve until
1912. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.
W. S. NOBLE, one of Washington 's representative
and substantial citizens, whose home is situated at No.
385 Jefferson street, has been identified with the oil and
gas industry for some fourteen years and has been a
lessor and operator in most of the fields in the coun-
try. He was born in Buffalo Township, Washington Co.,
Pa., in July, 1854, and is a son of Robert and Rachael
(McKean) Noble.
The parents of Mr. Noble are both deceased, the
mother dying in 1855 and the father surviving until
February 22, 1893. He was born in Washington County
in 1819 and was a son of William Noble, who was a very
early settler in the county. Robert Noble engaged in
farming and stock raising and continued active until
1884, when he retired to Claysville. He was married
(first) to Rachael McKean and four children were born
to them: William R., of Washington; Margaret, wife
of .John H. Vaukirk, of Franklin Township; J. W., who
died in 1893; and Wishart Stevenson.
VV. S. Noble was reared and educated in Science Hill
school, in Washington County, and prior to October 4,
1895, resided in Buffalo Township. There he engaged in
farming and raised stock and also, for some few years
bought and shipped fat stock. About 1895 he became
interested in the oil and gas business and since then has
been very active, being engaged as producer, contractor
and lessee, working in the West Virginia, Ohio, Penn-
sylvania and Illinois fields.
Mr. Noble, through marriage with Miss Flora B. Be-
bout, became connected with an old family of Washing-
ton County. They have four children: Jennie B., who
married James L. Henderson, a son of James L. Hen-
derson, Sr., a prominent citizen of Washington County,
and tliej' have one son, Paul, who is now seven years
old; D. Burnell, who is a resident of Erie, Pa., married
Ada Richards and they have one son, Albert, who is
five years old; Susan B., who married William Kennedy,
of Washington, and they have two children — Ralph, who
is aged two years, and Flora B., who is six months old;
and Edna B., who lives at home. Mr. Noble and family
are members of the Third Presbyterian Church. He is
identified with the Royal Arcanum. Although not active
in politics, Mr. Noble belongs to that class of citizens
never found derelict in the faithful performance of
necessary public duties.
ADOLPH KAPP, owner of a bakery s.i Donora, Pa.,
where he has been a resident since 1901, was born Au-
gust 18, 1874, in Baden, Germany, and is a son of
Kilian and Sophia (Binz) Kapp.
Kilian Kapp was born and reared in Germany, where
he died in 1907, aged seventy-three years. His occupa-
tion was farming. His wife, Sophia Binz, also a native
of Germany, died in 1901, aged fifty-five years.
Adolph Kapp, who is the only member of his family
who came to this country, was reared on his father's
farm and attended the schools of Baden. He was seven-
teen years of age when he came to America, and first
located in Pittsburg, where he worked for some time in
various bakeries. He then spent a short time in New
York and in Portland, Me., after which he returned to
Pittsburg. In 1897 he went to Monongahela City, Pa.,
as a baker, and on August 1, 1901, came to Donora,
where he erected his present business block and estab-
lished himself in the bakery business.
Mr. Kapp was united in marriage May 6, 1899, to
Martha Planert, also a native of Germany, and they
have two children: Martha, and Margaret. Mr. Kapp
is a member of the F. 0. E., I. O. O. F., and the F. and
A. M.
J. B. IRWIN, M. D., one of Washington 's older physi-
cians and surgeons, for the past eighteen years has been
746
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
engaged iu active practice hei-e aud enjoys the confidence
of a large number of the leading families. He was born
in West Finley Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 18.52,
and is a son of Ephraim and Margaret (Richey) Irwin.
The father of Dr. Irwin Teas also a native of Wash-
ington County, born in 1812, and the whole of his acliv(i
life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. His death oc-
curred in 1894. He married Margaret Eiehey and they
reared a family of seven children, as follows: Elizabeth,
who is now deceased, was the wife of William Meloy ;
Esther Ann, who married Jonas Mills; William, who is
a resident of West Middletown, Washington County;
Joseph Buchanan; a son who died when eight days old;
E. W., who is a prominent attorney at Washington; and
Sarah Margaret, who married 'William Richmond, of
West Middletown.
Dr. J. B. Irwin attended the common schools in West
JTinley Township, and from them entered higher institu-
tions of learning, including the Claysville Normal School,
Oanonsburg Academy and Westminster College, during a
part of this period teaching school at intervals. His
medical preparation extended over some years. He
spent one year in the medical department of the Univer-
sity of New York, one term in the University of Mary-
land, and in 1884 was graduated from the Kentucky
School of Medicine. In the succeeding summer he lo-
cated at West Alexander, in Washington County, and
engaged in practice there until 1891, when he came to
Washington. Here he has not only built up a large
and substantial practice, but has become a representative
citizen, taking deep interest iu the progress of education
and accepting service on the school board. He is valued
as a member of the county and State medical societies
and is one of the obstetric staff of the City Hospital of
Washington.
On June 24, 1880, Dr. Irwin was married to Miss
Lovisa Johnson, who died Septeinber 21, 1885. She was
a daughter of R. T. and Elizabeth Johnson, residents of
Cross Creek Township. Three sons were born to this
union, namely: L. M., who is cashier of the Lincoln Na-
tional Bank; E. E., who is a minister of the United
Presbyterian faith, now located at York, N. Y. ; and
Jesse B., who is a student of law in the office of his
uncle, R. W. Irwin, at Washington. Dr. Irwin was mar-
ried (second) to Mrs. Maggie McKee, who died March
17, 1904, leaving no issue. Dr. Irwin is a member of the
Third United Presbyterian Church.
WILLIAM W. HUNTER, a valued resident of Buf-
falo Village, Pa., and the owner of two of the finest
farms in Washington County, one being the old homestead
of the Hunters, containing 911/4 acres, and the other
112Vi acres, for a number of years has distinguished
himself in different sections of the country, as the
founder of philanthropic movements and as an influential
temperance leader. Mr. Hunter was born in Hopewell
Township, Washington County, Pa., Mar. 4, 1837, aud
is a son of William and Maria J. (Chambers) Hunter.
The Hunter j.amily came originally from Ireland,
where the grandparents, John and Jane Hunter, were
born, reared and married. In 1800 they came to America
and after reaching Washington County, Pa., settled on
a farm near Buffalo village. Shortly ' afterward their
son, William Hunter, was born and he spent his entire
life in Washington County. In 1830 he married Maria
■J. Chamoers anu they had four children : Joseph C,
Jane, William W. and Joshua J.
William W. Hunter attended the public schools more
or less regularly until he was 20 years of age, after
which he taught school for four years. He assisted on
the farm until he met with a serious accident in operat-
ing a threshing machine, by which he lost his right arm,
in 1859. He then made preparations to enter upon the
study of law at "Vv ashington. When the Rebellion came
upon the land and his comrades were entering the army
on every side, ^e also desired to be of service and, while
debarred from enlisting as a soldier, he succeeded in
being accepted in the transportation department, and
endured as a teamster, as much hardship and exposure
as he would have been subjected to if he had been march-
ing in the ranks. He persisted in the work, however, and
remained in the army until March 12, 1863, when he
returned to the farm. He served with the Ringgold
Battalion and received no compensation. Mr. Hunter's
two brothers, Joseph C. and Joshua .1., served in Co. C,
Ringgold Cavalry, and both died in the service.
On Dec. 15, 1864, Mr. Hunter was married to Miss
Elizabeth T. Smiley, a daughter of Caldwell and Nancy
(Tweed) Smiley. She is a granddaughter of William
Smiley, who was killed at the raising of a barn on the
Dr. Anderson farm, now owned by Alexander Hamilton.
The family was Scotch-Irish and William Smiley, Sr.,
great-grandfather of Mrs. Hunter, was one of the pioneer
settlers of Hopewell Township. In the year 1800 the
Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, of which he was
an elder-, found itself badly in debt and unable to pay
its pastor. The members were thrifty and industrious
and had raised crops for which there was no local mar-
ket. Mr. Smiley, then aged 60 years, volunteered to go
South to New Orleans with products in an effort to raise
the much needed money. He was gone for more than
nine months and his family and the congregation had
almost given up hope for his safe return, when he ar-
rived with gold enougu in his belt to clear the church
indebtedness. He had walked the entire distance back,
avoiding the Indians as best he could and at times pene-
trating an unbroken forest. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have
been married for more than 45 years and in that time
c;
IIISTol,")' OK WASIIIXd'l'ON COUNTY
749
iif li:i|>|iy associutioii ami i-iiiriiiai]Ujnslil|i, lliry have liooii
tnio helpmeets. They are the pareiils of four sons:
Joseph W., who is a practicing physician lucated at Char-
leroi, Pa. ; John S., who is successfully engaged in farm-
ing on the old home place, is active in the affairs of
1 lunch and in matters pertaining to (he welfare' of the
low ii.sliip; Clarence M., who is a salesman for the Na-
tional Biscuit Company and maintains his residence at
.Monongahela City; and Howard T., who, for 15 years
si'rved as teller in the Washington Trust Company.
h^iuce early manhood, Mr. Iluuter has displayed literary
ability and has been a newspaper correspomlent, being
identified with a number of journals at the present time,
in prize essay contests on the subject of horses he won
more prizes than any man in the United States, in one
instance winning over 75 contestants, representing 24
.States. He won another prize offered by the Clydesdale
Association, the competition being open to the world.
He is also gifted as an orator and probably there is no
man in Washington County, who is called on so fre-
ipuMitly to make addresses at agricultural, religious and
educational meetings. His deep interest in religious and
philanthropic work caused him, in 1894, to turn his farm
responsibilities over to others and to enter into Sabbath-
school missionary work. He continued to devote him-
self to thi.s great undertaking until 1898, making his
headquarters at Fairmount, W. Va. During this period
he traveled 15,000 miles and visited over 5,000 families.
In 1897 he was licensed as local evangelist by the Pres-
bytery at Parkersburg. He then went into regular evan-
gelistic work, making his headquarters at Smithfield,
Wetzel County, W. Va., where he remained one year, dur-
ing which time he organized the First and the Second
Presbyterian Churches in tuat county. His wife was
there stricken with typhoid fever and because of her
subsequent broken health, he left that field of work and
returned to Pennsylvania and in 1901 he purchased the
comfortable and commodious residence at Buffalo village.
In 1870 Mr. Hunter was chosen elder of the Upper
Buffalo Presbyterian Cnurch, the youngest ever chosen
as such in that body. In 1891 he was commissioned to
the General Assembly oi the Presbyterian Church of the
United States at Detroit, and with his masterly talk
swayed the assembly to adopt a measure of economy in
handling the financial affairs of the church.
Mr. Hunter has been interested in and identified with
many branches of puilanthropic work, but perhaps he is
most widely known as an apostle of temperance. It is
said of him that he has practically through his own
efforts, been the means of keeping saloons out of six
or eight of Washington County 's prospering towns. He
is superintendent of tne Washington County Sabbath-
school Temperance Association and is the acknowledged
leader of the temperance forces in the county. In 1902
lie was appointed one of the trustees of the Plumber
Temperance Fund, which now amounts to $17,000, and
he sees to the investment and disbursement of this vast
sum. Public confidence is reposed in Mr. Hunter and
he is very frequently appointed as executor and adminis-
trator of estates and has numerous minors under his
careful guardianship. His life has been one of great
usefulness and his efforts for the uplifting of others have
been i-rowned w.... much success.
JOSKI'Il B. SMITH, a leading citizen of Hopewell
Township, who is filling the offices of register and
assessor of the same, lives on his well improved, valuable
farm of 125 acres, which he purchased in 1906. He was
born in Monroe County, Ohio, April 22, 1855, and is a
son of Cary and Margaret (Blair) Smith.
The parents of Mr. Smith are deceased. They had
the following cliildren: Amos, Susan, John, James, all
deceased; Isaac, who resides in West Virginia; Joseph B.;
Mary, who is deceased; Huldah, who married Edward
Stetson, of Ohio; Nancy, who married Samuel Keed, of
Brooks County, West Va. ; and Norman, who still resides
in Ohio.
Joseph B. Smith attended school until he was 13 years
of age, and then went to work on the farm and has de-
voted himself to agricultural pursuits ever since and has
been unusually successful in his undertakings. He owns
lanil tliat is well adapted to general farming and grazing,
and his herds of cattle and flocks of sheep compare
favorably with any in the township. Following his mar-
riage, Mr. Smith moved to West Alexandria. Pa., where
he lived four years, then moved to Claysville and lived
there for 18 years, coming then to his present farm.
Mr. Smith was married November 25, 1880, to Miss
Nora Steenrod, a daughter of David and Hannah
(Davis) Steenrod, of Belmont County, Ohio, and they
have had the following children: Essie L., born December
10, 1881, is the wife of Chester Sutherland, who is
county recorder of Wa.shington County; Vernon S., born
January 24, 1884, resides at PittsVnirg; Clara W., born
October 10, 1887, married William Hunter, of South
Franklin Township; Roy, born November 10, 1889, is a
student in civil engineering at the Carnegie Technical
School at Pittsburg; Olive L., born March 10, 1893, is
attending the Washington Seminary; and Mark Me-
Kinley, born January 20, 1897, is in school. Mr. and
Mrs. Sutherland have a daughter, Euth, born April 10,
1907. It is a remarkable fact that four of the children
of Mr. and Mrs. Smith and their only grandchild, were
born on the tenth day of the month. Mr. Smith has
given his children fine educational advantages and they
are developing into superior men and women. In his
political affiliation he is a stanch Republican. With his
wife he belongs to the United Presbyterian Church.
750
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
JOHN E. KUNTZ, a retired druggist and one of the
leading citizens of Washington, Pa., was born September
8, 1S53, in this borough, and is a son of Michael G. and
EUza (Euth) Kuntz, Tcho were among the early settlers
of Washington. For many years during his early busi-
ness life, Michael G. Kuntz was proprietor of a men's
furnishing establishment. He was the father of five
chOdren: George B., resides with our subject; Mary J.,
is the widow of Eobert Drury and is a resident of
Pittsburg; James, retired, resides in Washington;
Elizabeth, is the widow of John M. Morrow, and resides
in Pittsburg; and John E., the subject of this sketch.
John E. Kuntz was reared in Washington, where he
attended the common schools, and at the age of fourteen
years entered the drug store of John B. Vowell, de-
ceased, in whose employ he remained between three and
four years, subsequently working about the same period
with George W. Eoberts. In 1S7S he engaged in the
drug business for himself, continuing in that line for
about twenty-eight years, when on account of ill health,
he sold the business and has since been living in retire-
ment, his residence being located at No. 2.5 South Col-
lege street. Mr. Kuntz is a director of the Washington
Light & Power Company, and is also a director of the
Eeal Estate Trust Company of Washington. Mr. Kuntz
is a man of enterprise and public spirit and takes an
active interest in all local politics. He is fraternally
affiliated with the B. P. 0. E. order.
In 1894, Mr. Kuntz was united in marriage with Jessie
Eomaine Newson, of Minneapolis, Minn.
JOHN C. M0E6AN, vice president of the Citizens
Trust Company, of Canonsburg, Pa., and ex-treasurer
of Washington County, is identified with other business
interests of this place, of which he has been a resident
for some thirty-one years. He was born in Allegheny
County, Pa., October 28, 1846, and is a son of James
and Elizabeth (Hindman) Morgan.
The Morgan family was established in Allegheny
County in 1700, when the great-grandfather, who was
probably of Welsh extraction, came to this section from
West Virginia. He was accompanied by his son, Hugh
Morgan, who grew to manhood, married, reared his
familj' and died on the farm which has been in the
family ever since and is now owned by John C. Morgan.
On the same farm the late James Morgan, father of
John C, was born and died, passing away in his nine-
tieth year, in 1898. He married Elizabeth Hindman,
who was born in Union Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
and died in 1869, aged sixty-three years. They had
seven children born to them, all of whom suiTive,
namely : Hugh, who resides at Oakdale, Ohio, married
Harriet Hickman; Sarah Jane, who is the widow of
William JI. Herriott, lives in Mt. Pleasant Township,
Washington County ; Samuel W., residing at Marshall-
town, Iowa, married Charlotte Benedict of that State;
BUlingsley, residing on the old homestead in Allegheny
County, married Mary Farran, whom he survives;
William P., residing at Canonsburg, married Martha
Johnston ; Margaret A., who is the widow of James Fife,
residing in Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny County;
and John C, who is the youngest of the family.
John C. Morgan's life until he was twenty-one years
of age, was mainly passed on his f ather 's . f arm. He
attended the country schools and the academy at Mans-
field, now Carnegie, for five months. When he departed
from home surroundings, Mr. Morgan went to MarshaU-
town, Iowa, where he spent seven years, during a part
of this time being engaged in business for himself, and
during the other part was in the railroad service. In
1878 he came to Canonsburg, where he embarked in the
dry goods business, in which he continued until 1903,
at which time he sold out. In 1891 he erected the hand-
some four-story business and office building to which his
name is given and which is a credit to the city. In this
block is situated the Canonsburg Opera House, a tasteful
and well arranged amusement haU. In addition to his
real estate interests and his financial connections, he is
treasurer of the Canonsburg Pottery Company. In large
measure, Mr. Morgan is a self made man and is one of
unquestioned integrity and recognized ability.
In 1886, Mr. Morgan was married to Miss Clara Wil-
son, of Washington, and they have five children, namely:
Kdith, who is the wife of Edward Crawford, residing at
Fremont, Tex.; Edna, who is the wife of Arthur Shaw,
residing at East Liverpool, Ohio; and Clara, James and
Florilla, residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Morgan are
members of the Central Presbyterian Church. He has
been an active Eepublican since he reached manhood.
He was elected treasurer of Washington County in 1905
and assumed the duties of the office January 1, 1906,
and performed them to the entire satisfaction of his
fellow citizens.
JAMES WATSON, once a leading citizen of Wash-
ington County, for many years was a prominent member
of the bar, and through his ability and high standard of
legal procedure, did much to add to its prestige. Mr.
Watson was born at Canonsburg, Washington Co., Pa.,
in 1809, and was one of a family of six children bom to
John and Mary (MiUer) Watson.
From his brilliant school days, .James Watson was
destined for the bar and immediately' after his gradua-
tion from Canonsburg College, he entered upon the study
of law with Hon. Thomas McKennan, at Washington.
Shortly afterward, when Mr. McKennan was elected to
Congress, Mr. Watson was admitted to a partnership,
and although a young and practically inexperienced
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
751
lawyer, carelully, discreetly and suei-ess fully attended
to the firm's large business during the senior partner's
absence, which covered four full terms and a part of a
fifth. Eajly in his legal career Mr. Watson engaged in
a general practice, but in the course of time the burden
of work became onerous and for a long period previous
to his death, which occurred April 15, 3 875, he had re-
fused all criminal cases. He possessed all the qualities
wMch go to make up a reliable lawyer — was a close
reasoner and judicial advisor, and ever cherished the
highest ethics of his profession. His political convic-
tions made him a Republican. In religious faith he was
a I'resbyterian.
On January 15. 1835, Mr. Watson was united in
marriage with Miss Maria Woodbridge Morgan, who
was a daughter of George and Elizabeth Aldrich
(Thompson) Morgan. George Morgan, the father of
Mrs. Watson, was born in the old coUege city of Prince-
ton, N. J., in 1780, and was a son of Col. George and
Mary (Baynton) Morgan. Col. George Morgan probably
won his military title through service in the Eevolutionary
War. He came w-ith his family to Washington County
and acquired land in North Strabane Township, on
which he died in 1810, his widow surviving until 1825.
Their burial, according to the manner of the time, was
upon their own land, but at a later date their remains
were transferred to the beautiful cemetery at Washing-
ton, and in close proximity now rest the remains of
their granddaughter, Maria Woodbridge Morgan Watson,
who passed away on March 5, 1909. George Morgan
remained in New Jersey until he had completed his
course at Princeton College. For many years he resided
on the fai'm in North Strabane Township, Washington
County, his death occurring at the age of seventy years.
He married Elizabeth A. Thompson, who was born in
Delaware and died in Washington County. Of their
family of nine children, the late Mrs. Watson was the
fifth in order of birth.
To James Watson and wife were born the following
children: Elizabeth Thompson Watson, who resides at
Washington; Mary Baynton, who is the widow of the
late Eev. Alexander Reed, resides at Washington and
has four children: Eleanor, who married Joseph McCord
and resides in Princeton, N. J.; Mary Morgan, who
married John Ewing Woods, and resides in Cincinnati ;
James Watson Reed, who lives in Pittsburg; and Robert
R. Reed, who is a resident of Washington; George
Watson, who is deceased; Jane Gilman Watson, who
resides at Washington; David Thompson Watson, who
is one of the leading attorneys of Pennsylvania, lives
in Pittsburg and married Miss Margaret Walker of that
city; Matilda, who is the wife of A. G. Happer, of
Washington; James Watson, who is deceased; niul Will-
iam M. Watson, who resides at Seattle, Wash., married
Sarah McKnight, of Pittsburg, and they have two chil-
dren: Ormsby Morgan Watson and Maria Morgan
Watson. For years this family and its connections have
been identified with the best citizenship of Washington
County.
JEREMIAH M. LINVILLE, one of Donegal Town-
ship 's representative and substantial citizens, a promi-
nent farmer and breeder of fine stock, resides on one
farm of 108 acres and owns also another farm, contain-
ing 228 acres, both situated in Donegal Township. Mr.
Dinville was born in Donegal Township, Washington
County, Pa., March 12, 1852, and is a son of George
W. and Mary (Eodgers) Limille.
George W. Linville was born August 10, 1816, in
Donegal Township, and was a son of Jeremiah and
Elizabeth (Riley) Linville. In 1836, Mr. Linville was
married to Mary Rodgers, a daughter of Francis Bodgers.
She died in 1865, having been the mother of the fol-
lowing children: Alfred, who is now deceased; George;
Elizabeth; Mary Jane, who is now deceased; Wilson;
Francis; Jeremiah M. ; John, and Calvin Terry. In
1867, Mr. Linville was married (second) to Lydia Lucas,
and they had two sons, Riley and Newton. Mr. Linville
followed farming and stock raising during the entire
active portion of his life. With his family he was a
member of the Dutch Fork Disciples Church.
Jeremiah M. Linville was reared in Donegal Township,
but he obtained his education mainly in the schools of
Independence Township. He is a man of ample fortune
and has many important business interests, nevertheless
he can be classed with those who have justly gained the
title of self made men. When he left home he went to
Licking and Athcus Counties, Ohio, and there spent
thirteen years in the lumber regions, interested in the
sawmill business, after which he returned to Donegal
Township and has resided here ever since, devoting a
large part of his time to his stock interests. He has
shown great good judgment in conducting these and his
course has been fully justified by the results. On his
farms are found registered Poland China hogs. Short-
horn and Jersey cattle and other stock of the very best
grade. He is progressive in liis ideas and as a successful
stockman he is known aU over the county. He makes
something of a specialty of sheep growing, keeping
some 600 in his fiocks. these also being of the kind that
he has found will give the largest return in fine wool.
Mr. LinviUe was married in February, 1898, in Done-
gal Township, to iliss Millie Morrow, who is a daughter
of Abraham Morrow, a former resident of this township.
They are leading members of the Dutch Fork Disciples
Church. In ])olitics, IVTr. Linville is a stanch supporter
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
of the principles and policies of the Eepublican party.
He does his duty as a citizen but he is no seeker for
political favors.
WILLIAM P. CUEEY, who has served continuously
for IS years as secretary of the Hanover Township
School Board, is an esteemed and representative citizen
and resides on his valuable farm of 60 acres, on which
he was born, in September, 1850, and is a son of Robert
and Sarah (Stewart) Curry. The family is an old one
in Washington County and the father was a volunteer
in the War of 1812.
William P. Curry is the youngest in a family of three
children, having one brother, Oliver S., who is a farmer
in Hanover Township; and Caroline A., a sister, who
married Aaron Johnston. All attended the district
schools and William P. then took a college course at
Pittsburg, Pa., after which he taught school for two
terms in Allegheny County. Before settling down to
business, Mr. Curry then spent six months in travel
through the West, visiting many interesting places.
After he returned he purchased his present place from
the Robert Curry heirs and went into the stock business.
He did a large amount of improving on this place, re-
building where necessary and repairing wherever needed.
With the exception of three years, Mr. Curry has spent
his entire life in Hanover Township.
In 1876, Mr. Curry was married to Miss Agnes J.
McKee, a daughter of Andrew and Mary (HiU) McKee.
Her father died when she was small, his children being:
George ; James, now deceased ; Elizabeth, wife of James
McGiU; and Agnes J., the wife of Mr. Curry. Her
mother was later married to Robert Pulton and had
three children : Emma, Estella and Castner. Mr. and Mrs.
Curry have four children: May W., who is a teacher in
the public schools of Pittsburg ; Lou A., who is a stenogra-
pher for the Carnegie Steel Company; Gladys, who is »
stenographer for J. B. Haynes & Son, merchants, at Pitts-
burg; and Elva B., who is a stenographer for the Credit
Men 's Association at Pittsburg, aU intellectual and accom-
plished young ladies. Mr. Curry and family are mem-
bers of the First Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown.
CHARLES P. HALLAM, a member of the Hallam
Construction Company, and one of the substantial busi-
ness men of Washington, Pa., was born in 1861, in this
city, and is a son of Louis and Eosanna (Teegarden)
HaUam, and a grandson of Joseph Hallam, one of the
pioneer hotel men of Washington.
Louis Hallam, father of our subject, was born in
Washington in 1814, where during his early life he fol-
lowed his trade of blacksmith, but later engaged in
teaming. He was the owner of several teams of horses
and carted goods across the mountains. His death
occurred in Washington in 1876. He married Rosanna
Teegarden, and of their union were born the following
children: Joseph, who is engaged in the contracting
business; George T., also engaged in the contracting
business; John W., who with Charles F. HaUam, our
subject, operates the Hallam Construction Company of
Washington ; Robert H., who is engaged in the furniture
business; Anna; Sophia, who is the widow of George
Parshall; and three who are deceased.
Charles F. Hallam obtained his educational training
in the schools of Washington, Pa., and was practically
reared in the construction business. In partnership with
his brother John, he established the Hallam Construction
Company, which is the largest concern of its kind in the
county. They at times employ as high as 400 laborers
and own seventy-five head of work horses and often find
it necessary to hire from twenty to twenty-five extra
teams. In politics, Mr. HaUam is identified with the
Republican party and takes an acti\'e interest in all
affairs concerning that party.
In August, 1887, Mr. Hallam was united in marriage
with Ida M. Briggs, who was born and reared in Wash-
ington, and to them has been born one daughter, Rosanna.
OLIVER S. CURRY, one of Hanover Township 's lead-
ing citizens, who owns 67 acres of valuable land, which
he devotes to farming and stock raising, was born in
Hanover Township, Washington Co., Pa., where he has
spent his whole life, September 28, 1843, and is a son
of Robert and Sarah (Stewart) Curry.
The grandparents of Mr. Curry were Robert and
Isabella (McKenzie) Curry, who came to America from
Scotland. Robert Curry (2) father of Oliver S., was
born in Washington County at a date not recalled, but
he was Old enough to be a volunteer in the War of 1812,
and he received 160 acres of land in Kansas as a reward
for his services in the war. He owned a farm of 148-
acres in Hanover Township, Washington Co., Pa. He
married Sarah Stewart and they had three children :
Caroline A., who marrieu Aaron Johnston ; Oliver S.
and William P.
Oliver S. Curry had sufficient educational training to
enable him to become a teacher, having attended school
regularly in Hanover Township, after which he took a
course at the Iron City College, in Pittsburg, but he
did not make use of his knowledge in that way. As he
was the eldest son and his father needed him at home,
he returned to the farm and has engaged in agricultural
pursuits ever since.
In October, 1879, Mr. Curry was married to Miss
Letitia Hanlin, a daughter of Charles and Margaret
(Lyons) Hanlin, who were farming people in Jefiierson
Township. They are now deceased and their remains
rest in the cemeterv at Eldersville. Washington Countv.
D. WALLACE PATTERSON
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
755
Mr. Iliuiliu was a Republican in polities, and both he
and wii'e belonged to the Methodist Protestant Church.
Mrs. Curry is one of the following family of children:
Elizabeth, who is deceased ; Letitia, who is the wife of
Mr. Curry; i'illmore; James R., who is deceased;
Florence, who is the widow of Saiiuiel .lohnston; and
Anna L., who is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Curry have three accouiplislied daugh-
ters: Ethel, who is a popular teacher in the public schools
at Duquesne, Allegheny County; Margaret, who is
stenographer for the Reineke Wagner Company, of
i'ittsburg; and Bertha, who is a teacher in Finley Town-
ship, Allegheny County. Mr. Curry and family are
members of the Presbyterian Church. In polities he is
a Democrat and he has served the township as a member
of the election board.
D. WALLACE PATTERSON, who, for 40 years has
been continuously engaged in educational work in Wash-
ington County, is one of the best known and most es-
teemed of its citizens. He was born in 1846, at Patter-
son's Mill, in Cross Creek Township, Washington Coun-
ty, Pa., and still occupies the fine old mill property.
The parents of Mr. Patterson were Lysander and Eliz-
abeth (Wallace) Patterson, the former of whom was a
native and lifelong resident of Washington County, ex-
cept for one year spent in the West. The mother was
of an old and respected family of Allegheny County.
They were the parents of the following children : D.
Wallace, Mandaline, John, Margaret, Jennie, Maurice,
Mayo, Mary, Harry and Elizabeth. Of this family, John
is a practicing physician at Imperial, Pa. Margaret
married James Clemens and they live at Bavington, Pa.
Jennie married Robert Clemens and they live at the
same place. Maurice is temporarily in Texas. Dr. Mayo
is now deceased. Mary resides at Imperial and Harry
resides at Youngstown, Ohio. Elizabeth married Clarence
Colter and they live at Mineral, W. Va.
D. Wallace Patterson attended the schools at Patter-
son 's Mill until 20 years of age and then began to teach
and later took a course in the State Normal School at
California, Pa. Mr. Patterson has devoted a long life to
useful effort and he has found a large mesisure of enjoy-
ment in it, the gaining and imparting of knowledge hav-
ing largely filled the cup of his ambition. He is enter-
ing upon his seventh continuous year at Patterson's
Mill and has a large body of students in charge. He
has been one of the township's most active citizens in
aiding movements for the general welfare, having always
been an earnest and thoughtful student of public af-
fairs. On many occasions he has been selected for re-
sponsible offices by his fellow citizens and he has served
as judge of elections, inspector and clerk and also as
road supervisor and ai.ditor.
In 1878, Mr. Patterson was married to Miss Jennie
Patterson, a daughter of Robert and Isabella Patterson,
of Westmoreland County, Pa., and they have had four
children, namely: Alva, who resides at home; Laster, who
lives at Youngstown, Ohio; Lena, who is a successful
teaclii'r; and I'^llic, wlio died at the age of 17 years.
V. O. ZAHNISER, of the |)rominent foundry and
macliine firm of Zahniser Bros. & Sten, with plant and
automobile garage on Washington street, near Chestnut,
Waslungton, Pa., was born in Mercer County, Pa., in
1860, and is a son of Michael Zahniser, who was born
there in 1820 and was the progenitor of a large family,
and a descendant of a very old settled one in Pennsyl-
vania.
V. O. Zahniser remained in his native place until he
was twenty-four years of age, attending school in nis
earlier years and later assisting on the home farm. He
then went to the West and spent a year in Nebraska,
during that time teaching school and farming, and from
there went to Kansas, where he took up a homestead of
160 acres, located in Cheyenne Ctiuuty, and resided there
for one and one-half years. He returned to Nebraska
for another year, but in September, 1888, he went back
to the East and took up his residence at Washington.
For about one year he worked at rig building in the oil
fields, then was in railroad work for ten months and
after this experience entered the employ of the Me-
Dermot Tool Company, at Martin's Ferry, Ohio. His
work there covered a period of eighteen months, when
he came back to Washington, where he had many friends
and relatives, and shortly afterward became a member
of the firm of Zahniser Bros. & Sten. He has additional
interests, some of these being in the oil fields, and he
is also concerned in the Forgeing Machine Shops, at
Waynesburg. He has been a man of progressiveness
and energy wherever he has lived and is numbered with
the stable and reliable business men of Washington.
In 1895, Mr. Zahniser was married to Miss Jlary
Bender, of Shelton, Neb. They are members of the
Third Presbyterian Church at Washington.
JOHN CLARK RANKIN, D. D. S., a leading prac-
titioner of dentistry at Canonsburg, Pa., is a member
of an old established family of North Strabane Town-
ship, Washington County, the old homestead on which
Dr. Rankin was born, October 1, 1858, being situated
four miles from Canonsburg. Both his father and grand-
father lived on that farm. He is a son of John H. and
Almira (Lee) Rankin, and a grandson of John Rankin.
To John Rankin four sons and one daughter were
born, namely: John H., Samuel, Joshua, Margaret
and .loseph H., the latter being the only member of the
f:miily still surviving. He resides at No. 714 Allison
756
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
avenue, Washington, Pa. John H. Eankin, father of
Dr. Eankin, died in April, 1S96, when in his sixty-seventh
year. He married Almira Lee, who was born in Alle-
gheny County and died October 15, 1903, when in her
seventy-third year. The Lees were of English extraction
and one branch of the family settled in Virginia and there
became distinguished. The Rankins were of Scotch-Lrish
stock. To John H. Eankin and wife were born four sons
and two daughters, as follows : William, who died in child-
hood: Mary Elizabeth, who resides at Canonsburg; Al-
mira Belle, who is now deceased, was the wife of Capt.
A. M. Porter; James Lee, who is a druggist, married
Elizabeth McCloy, of Washington County; Joseph H.,
who died at the age of nineteen years; and John Clark,
of Canonsburg.
Dr. John Clark Eankin gi-ew to manhood in North
Strabane Township and attended the public schools and
also the Canonsburg Academy and after deciding upon
his choice of profession, became a student in the Penn-
sylvania Dental College, at Philadelphia, where he was
creditably graduated in. the class of 1886. He remained
in Philadelphia for six years longer, engaging in the
practice of his profession, then went to Pittsburg and
built up a large practice there and continued his office
in that city for fourteen years. In 1882 his father had
purchased the present comfortable residence at Canons-
burg and during his period of practice at Pittsburg as
well as since, Dr. Eankin maintained this as his home.
He has a very satisfactory practice in this city and his
work commands large remuneration, being along the
most modern lines. He has thoroughly equipped ofiSces
and keeps abreast with the times in professional methods.
In March, 1904, Dr. Eankin was married to Miss Mary
Margaret McKinley, a daughter of Rev. E. G. McKinley,
a presbyterian minister, who is now engaged in mission-
ary work in Florida. They have one child, Anna Lee.
Dr. and Mrs. Eankin are members of the First Presby-
terian Church at Canonsburg.
W. G. EDMONDS, who has been a resident of Wash-
ington, Pa., since 1901, is engaged in the real estate
and insurance business and is also the local representa-
tive of the firm of Simon White & Son, the owners of the
largest monument business in Washington County, their
plant being located at Claysville. Mr. Edmonds was born
at Bellaire, Ohio, in 1881, and when fourteen years of
age, moved to Muncie, Ind., where he completed his
education.
Mr. Edmonds' entrance into business was as a de-
signer of moulds for glassware, and his artistic talent
made him very successful in that line. Prior to engaging
in his present business, which he established in February,
1909, he was connected for two years with the firm of
A. B. Caldwell, dealers in clothing and furnishing goods,
and there gained a fair knowledge of successful merchan-
dising. Mr. Edmonds is a musician of more than usual
ability and he has composed a number of pieces of
music which have been cordially received by the musical
world. He is an active, enterprising young man and,
aside from his different business undertakings, is in-
terested to some degree in local politics.
In 1904, Mr. Edmonds was married to Miss Anna E.
Dougherty, a daughter of the late Dr. George A. Dough-
erty. Mr. and Mrs. Edmonds have four children: Clar-
ence, Margaret, Eoy and Eaymond. Mr. and Mrs. Ed-
monds are members of the Second United Presbyterian
Church.
WILLIAM W. WEIRICH, a leading citizen of Canton
Township, a prominent farmer and stock raiser, belongs
to one of the old settled families of this section. He was
born in Canton Township, Washington Co., Pa., Novem-
ber 21, 1845, and is a, son of Samuel K. and Charlotte
A. (Shaffer) Weirich.
Samuel K. Weirich was born in Canton Township and
was a son of Hon. Jacob Weirich, who was also born in
Washington County and was the son of Jacob Weirich,
the founder of the family here, who came from Lancaster
County, Pa. Hon. Jacob Weirich, the grandfather, was a
very prominent man in his day in Washington County,
serving as a member of the State -Legislature. His son,
Samuel K., followed closely in his footsteps. He was a
justice of the peace for many years and also served as
county commissioner. He was a shrewd and successful
business man and engaged extensively in agricultural
pursuits.
William W. Weirich was reared in Canton Township
and obtained his education in the local schools. His
business has been farming and raising stock and his
undertakings have been uniformly successful.
In politics he is a Republican but has independent ten-
dencies, being a man well qualified to judge public mat-
ters according to their merits. He has frequently served
in public capacities, being a member of the township
school board during three terms and treasurer of the
same, has also been road commissioner and township
auditor. He is a man of public spirit and enjoys the
esteem and confidence of his fellow citizens.
On April 30, 1867, Mr. Weirich was married to Miss
Mary E. Christie, of West Middletown, Pa., a daughter
of John F. Christie, late of Washington. To this mar-
riage seven children were born, six of whom survive:
Lucy M., who is the wife of PhUo Paul, of Duquesne,
Pa.; Samuel K., who is an oil well contractor at Wash-
ington, who has been in the Philippine Islands, in Japan,
and many European countries; Mamie E., who is the
wife of John W. Miller, of Turtle Creek, Pa.; Lovenia,
who is the wife of S. A. Davis, of Canton Township;
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
757
John C, who resides at Portland, Oregon ; William 11.,
who died during the Spanish-American War when he
was serving in Co.G, 2nd W. Va. Inf.; and J. Alvin, who
lives at Washington. Mr. Weirich and family belong to
the First Christian Church at Washington. On January
10, 1906, Mr. Weirich was deprived of his companion,
after a happy domestic life of thirty-nine years. The
bereavement was a heavy one as she was a woman of
most lovely character.
E. W. KNOX, a successful lawyer of Washington,
Pa., comes of an old and prominent family of Wash-
ington County. He was bom on a farm in Buffalo
Township in 1869, and is a son of William Knox, who
was born on the same farm in 1827. John Knox, grand-
father of R. W. Knox, was born in County Antrim, Ire-
laud, and upon coming to the United States located in
Washington County, Pa., in 1811. In 1813, he settled
upon the farm in Buffalo Township, upon which his son
William has always lived. The latter has been engaged
in general farming and sheep raising on a large scale,
and is one of the most substantial and venerated citizens
of that section.
R. W. Knox received a preliminary education in the
district schools of Buffalo Township, supplemented by a
classical course in Washington and Jefferson College,
from which institution he was graduated with the class
of 1893. He then completed a two-year course in law
in the University of Buffalo, graduating in 1895, and
in the following year was admitted to the bar of Wash-
ington County, and at once opened an office at Washing-
ton, where he has since continued with uninterrupted
success. He practices in all the State courts and is a
member of the Washington County Bar Association.
Mr. Knox is an enthusiastic Democrat and has always
been a hard worker for party supremacy. He served
three years as chairman of the Democratic County Com-
mittee, and in 1908 was a delegate to the Democratic
National Convention at Denver.
In 1904, Mr. Knox was married to Miss Sarah A.
Chaney, a daughter of G. W. Chancy, of Washington,
Pa. They are members of the Second United Presby-
terian Church. Socially, he is a member of the Bassett
Club.
A. J. FERGUSON, one of Smith Town.ship's repre-
sentative citizens and successful farmers and dairymen,
residing on his farm of 213 acres, was born in Jackson
County, W. Va., August 15, 1862. His parents were
James M. and Mary Jane (Boso) Ferguson.
James M. Ferguson was born in Westmoreland Coun-
ty, Pa. From the time of his marriage until his death,
which occurred Mav 14, 1895, he resided in Jackson Coun-
ty, VV. Va., and his widow surviving, resides at New
Cumberland, Hancock County, in the same State. Both
were active members of the Methodist Episcojjal Church
as far back as their sou can remember, and the father
was a class leader.
A. J. Ferguson was reared and educated in Jackson
County. When he started out for himself, he went to
Illinois, and tlierc followed farm work for ten years, re-
turning then to West Virginia, where, for the next seven
years, he engaged in teaming at New Cumberland. He
then moved to Beaver County, Pa., where he acquired
land and carried on farming for eleven years, in April,
1906, coming to his present place, which he leases from
the Pittsburg & Erie Coal Company. About fifty acres
of this land is in pasture and has never been under the
plough, and forty acres is covered with valuable timber.
He makes dairying a leading feature, keeping nineteen
cows and daily shipping fifty gallons of milk to Pitts-
burg. He is a man of excellent business qualifications
and has developed a large dairy business from its begin-
ning.
On March 13, 1889, Mr. Ferguson was married to Miss
Hattie M. Smith, a daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca
Smith, and they have four children: Homer R., Cecil,
Marie and May, the two eldest being students in the
Burgettstown high school and the others attendants in
Smith Township. Mr. Ferguson and wife are members
of the Westminster Presbyterian Church. As was his
father, he is a Democrat in his political views, but he
takes more interest in properly directing his own business
than in attending to public matters.
ARCHIBALD THISTLE, a representative business
man of Washington, Pa., jeweler and optician, is es-
tablished at No. 36 North Main street. He was born at
Washington, in 1881, and is a son of Dr. J. L. Thistle,
one of Washington County's leading physicians and sur-
geons.
Mr. Thistle attended the Washington schools and then
entered Washington and Jefferson College, and left col-
lege to enter business in his junior year, in the following
year embarking in his present line, and has met with
satisfying success. He carries a large stock of jewelry,
watches and diamonds, and a full line of optical goods,
and is prepared to do the work of an optician.
In 1905, Mr. Thistle was married to Miss Dessie Leon-
ard, and they have one son, Joseph L. Thistle, Jr., a
uamesake of his indulgent grandfather. Mr. and Mrs.
Thistle are members of the Presbyterian Church. Fra-
ternally he is identified with the Elks. He is an enter-
prising and well balanced young business man and enjoys
the confidence of his fellow citizens. He takes no very
active interest in politics.
758
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTO]ST COUNTY
WILLIAM M. XEEDHAM, who owns 23 acres of well
cultivated land situated in Hanover Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., was born at West Alexander, Pa.,
February 25, 1S6S, and is a son of Hugh and Mary
(Hughes) Needham.
Both the father and mother of Mr. Needham were
bom in County Mayo, Ireland, and they were married
there before they crossed the great ocean to America, in,
1847. When the war of 1861 was declared, Hugh Need-
ham enlisted for service, becoming a member of the
140th Pa. Vol. Inf., in which he remained until the
close of the war. He survived a severe gunshot wound
in the wrist and returned home, but later was accidentally
killed by a railroad train, at Colliers, West Va. His
venerable widow, now in her 80th year, still survives
and has her appointed place in the household of her son.
The children born to Hugh and Mary Needham were the
following: Ellen, who married James Holleran; Peter,
who lives in Texas; Mary; Margaret, who married
Martin Larkins; William M. and Charles.
WUliam M. Needham attended school pretty regularly
through the winter seasons until he was 17 years old,
and then started to helping his father clear up the farm.
He can remember when it was all a wilderness and none
of the present improvements had been put here, and a
large amount of hard work had to be done before the
timber was cleared off. A great change has been
brought about by industry and perseverance.
Before the father of Mr. Needham became a soldier,
he was a Democrat in his political opinions, but he
afterward became a Republican and his sons adopted his
views. The family belongs to the Catholic Church.
SAMUEL SHANE, owner and proprietor of the lead-
ing hardware store at McDonald, Pa., is one of the fore-
most citizens of this section of \Yashington County and
is actively interested in a number of its business enter-
prises and a leader in public affairs. He was bom in
Allegheny County, Pa., Sept. 8, 1854, and is a son of
Andrew and Elizabetn Ann (Miller) Shane.
Andrew Shane was born in Allegheny County and was
a son of Samuel and Mary (Patterson) Shane. He fol-
lowed agricultural pursuits all his life, in the vicinity
of Robinson Run, and died on his farm there in July,
1904. He married Elizabeth Ann MUler, whose father
was Richard Miller. She still survives and, as w-as her
late husband, is a valued member of the United Presby-
terian Church at Robinson Run and his remains rest in
the cemetery there. They had the following children:
R. M. ; Samuel; T. R., who lives in Cecil Township; J.
P., who resides at McDonald ; and Anna Mary.
Samuel Shane attended the public schools near his
home in boyhood, then an academy at Oakdale, after
wliich for five years ne taught school in Allegheny Coun-
ty and following that spent one and one-half years in
attendance at the Indiana State Normal School. Pour
more years of teaching followed in Allegheny County
and for one year he was associated with Dr. Irons, a
noted educator, in conducting a select school known as
Ingleside Academy. Mr. Shane then turned his attention
to merchandising, having Joseph Gladen as a partner
at first, but has been alone since embarking in his pres-
ent business on Oct. 6, 1884. Mr. Shane has served con-
tinuously as school director ever since McDonald has
been a borough and it is a fact that the public schools
here are most creditable in character. He is a director
in the Pirst National Bank and also in the Heat and
Light Company as well as the Water Company. He was
reared a Republican, but his own views are in favor of
the principles oi the Prohibition party.
On June 19, 1900, Mr. Shane was married to Miss
Minnie B. Wallace, a daughter of james and Mary Ann
(Sproul) Wallace, the former of whom is surviving, but
the latter has passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace had
the following children : Minnie B. ; J. P., who is an at-
torney residing in Pittsburg; Nettie, who married J. P.
Shane, a brother of Samuel; and R. S., who is an at-
tomey in Pittsburg. To Mr. and Mrs. Shane three chil-
dren have been bom, namely: Edna Maurine, who is
a student at Westminster College, at New Wilmington,
Pa.; and Gertrude Elizabeth and Samuel Wallace. Mr.
Shane and family are members of the United Presby-
terian Church at Robinson Run..
CLIFPORD T. IRWIN, a representative business man
of Washington who deals in general hardware, paints
and oils, at No. 483 .West Chestnut Street, has been a
resident of this city for the past six years. He was
born in Canton Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1877,
and is a son of the late William C. Irwin.
William C. Irwin was born in Canton Township,
Washington County, May 6, 1830, and was a grandson
of David Irwin, who undoubtedly was one of the earliest
settlers of Washington County. James Irwin, father of
William C. and son of David, was born and reared in
Canton Township. To his second marriage, with Nancy
Clark, the following children were born : Margaret, Ann,
Jane, Mary, William C, Martha, David, Nancy and
Adeline. The mother died in 1860, the father having
passed away in 185*. The grandparents of Clifford T.
Irwin were among the founders of the United Presby-
terian Church at North Buffalo.
On October 19, 1854, William C. Irwin was married to
Mary R. Dye, and they had the following children:
.lames D., who lives on the old homestead ; John L. and
Leman N., both of whom reside at Washington; William
M., who is proprietor of the Clover Leaf Dairy, lives at
Washington; Asa C, who also resides in Washington;
tJAMUEL SI TANK
■ "^ VI 11
IIISTOIJY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
761
Cliarlos Milton, who is a farmer in Buffalo Township;
CiitloiHl T. ; Edith E. and Marietta, all of whom reside
at Washington, Pa. The mother of the above family
died in lS8(i but the father survived until 1902. He was
one of the substantial farmers of Canton Township and
owned valuable property there. Both he and wife were
worthy members of the Sei'ond Presbyterian Cluircli of
Washington.
Clifl'ord T. Irwin was reared in Canton Township and
remained on the home farm until the death of his fatlier.
He was educated in the public schools and Washington
Business College, graduating in 1895. .\ftcr coming to
Wa.shington, Mr. Irwin, associated with hia brother,
William M. Irwin, erected the commodious brick business
block on West Chestnut street, the dimensions of which
are 41 by 70 feet, two stories in height, with two large
business apartments on the first floor, one of these being
occupied by Mr. Irwin, since 1905, as a hardware store.
He carries a very complete stock and does a business
which has had a steady growth since it was started.
lu 1902, Mr. Irwin was married to Miss Lina Lindley,
of Washington County, who died November 20, 1909.
She was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church.
Their two children survive: Dorothy and Edith. Mr.
Irwin is also a member of the Second Presbyterian
Cliurch and one of the most interested members of
Judge Mellvain's Bible class.
JAMES N. and DAVID H. BEMIS, physicians and
surgeons, who are associated in practice at West Middle-
town, Pa., are among the best known and most reputable
citizens of Washington County. They trace a clear
ancestral line back to Joseph Bemis, who was born in
England, in 1619, who came to Watertown, Mass., in
1640, with his wife Sarah, and died in 1684.
Of the descendants of Joseph Bemis the records show
that more than 100 served in the American Revolution.
One of his descendants was Elias Howe, whose mother
■was a Bemis and who also married a Bemis, was the
inventor of the sewing machine. The line of descent
from Joseph Bemis the settler, to Drs. Bemis of West
Middletown, is as follows: Joseph, Philip, David, John,
David and Erastus, seven generations before the present
one. David Bemis, the great-great-grandfather, and
John Bemis, the great-grandfather, were both soldiers in
the Eevolutionary War. The former married Mary, a
daughter of David Dunster, who was the grandson of
Henry Dunster, who came from Lancashire, England,
and was the first president of Harvard College. .John
Bemis, son of David and ilary (Dunster) Bemis, was
married to Jemima, daughter of Eev. David Whipple,
the first Baptist miuister of the State of Vermont.
James N. Bemis, M. D., was born June 20, 184.5, in
Hopewell Township, Washington Co., Pa., where his
brother and associate, iJr. David il. liemis. was born,
.lune 17, 1852. They, with a sister, Mary, were the only
children of their parents, who were Dr. Erastus and
Huth (.McCullough) Bemis.
Dr. Erastus Bemis was born near Brattleboro, Vt.,
October 3, 1817, and his early life was passed in his
native State, where he received an elementary training.
He engaged in teaching during his early days and during
his vacations pursued a course of study. About 1840, or
perhaps a little earlier, he came to Pigeon Creek, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., and entered the office of Dr. Emery,
remaining there some time. He attended Dartmouth
(College one year, after which he entered the University
of New York, from wliich he was graduated in 1842,
when he returned to Washington County and for a time
assisted his former preceptor. Dr. Emery. After his
marriage, in 1844, he settled in Buffalo Village, in Hope-
well Township, and practiced there until 1847, when he
moved to West Middletown, where the remainder of his
life was passed. He became one of the most successful
and well known phj'sieians of the county, and in edu-
cational matters was the peer of any citizen in his
vicinity. Originally he was a Whig in politics and was
a leader in the Abolition party, taking an active part
in the Underground Railway, of which West Middletown
was then a station. His death occurred in the prime of
life, July 14, 1866. He was married February 14, 1844,
to Ruth McCullough, who was born in Somerset Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., Api-il 30, 1819, a daughter of
Isaac and Mary (McMillen) McCullough, the former a
native of Somerset Township and the latter of Peters
Tow-nship. The grandfather of Mrs. Bemis was Patrick
McCullough, who was a native of County Antrim, Ire-
land, and was 18 years old when he came to America.
At that time he located in Somerset Township, Wash-
ington Co., Pa., where he became possessed of some 600
acres. Of this he received a patent for 4391/4 acres, this
document bearing date of March 4, 1786, being now in
the possession of the subjects of this sketch. The
warrant for the land was October 29, 1784. Patrick
McCullough served on the first jury in Washington
County, and he was one of the signers of the moral
pact entered into by the people of that part of the
county for the suppression of lawlessness. His wife was
Hannah Smith. The wife of Dr. Erastus Bemis died
March 8, 1901.
James N. Bemis attended the local schools until pre-
pared for Washington and Jefferson College, where he
completed his literary training. He then attended the
medical department of the University of Michigan at
Ann Arbor for one year, and subsequently took a final
course at Bellevue Medical College and Hospital. New
York, where he was graduated in 1870. Coming im-
mediately to West Middletown, he has since been located
762
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTOISr COUNTY
there and since 1S7S has been associated in medical
practice with his brother. Dr. James N. Bemis was mar-
ried September 7, 1S76, to Miss Dora Chapman, who
died in 1S77. He was married (second) to Miss Jennie
Brownlee, a daughter of John Brownlee, and they have
had the following chDdren: Newton, who is deceased;
Euth; Janet; Sarah L.; and Erastus Lindsey.
David H. Bemis also entered Washington and Jefferson
College after his preparatory training, but on account of
failing health was obliged to leave his studies when in
his junior year. Subsequently he read medicine and en-
tered Bellevue College, New York, where he was grad-
uated in 1878. He immediately settled at West Middle-
town, where he has been associated with his brother.
Both physicians are held in high regard by tlieir fellow
citizens, their professional skill being undoubted and
their personal qualifications being such as to make them
desirable and valuable citizens. They are both active in
public affairs to a reasonable extent and have served
acceptably in numerous borough offices. They vote with
the Eepublican party. In September, 1908, Dr. David
H. Bemis was married to Miss Jennie E. Brownlee, a
daughter of Ebenezer and Eliza Brownlee, residents of
Donegal Township, Washington County. Eor several
years. Dr. David H. Bemis has tilled the ofSce of pension
examiner.
WliiLlAM T. POLLOCK, a veteran of the Civil War,
and owner of a farm of 160 acres, lying in North Stra-
bane and South Strabane Townships, was for many years
one of the leading agriculturists of Washington County.
He now lives in retirement at No. 50 North avenue,
Washington, Pa., where he recently erected a tine modern
brick residence. He was born in North Strabane Town-
ship September 28, 1840, a son of James Pollock, and
comes of a family long established in this county, his
father and grandfather having been born in Washington
County on the same farm which is now owned by our
subject, and which was first the property of his great-
grandfather, John Pollock.
William T. Pollock was reared in North Strabane
Township and received Ms education in the district
schools and at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, where he
was a student when the Civil War began. In 1862 he
enlisted in Company G, 140th Pennsylvania Eegiment,
and seri-ed until the surrender of Lee at Appomattox,
participating in all the important engagements and
skirmishes up to that time, including the battles of
Chancehorsville, Gettysburg, Bristow Station, Mine Eun,
the four days' battle in the Wilderness, Tod's Tavern,
Poe Eiver, Spottsylvania, Tolopotama, Cold Harbor, the
Siege of Petersburg, (including all the engagements in
the vicinity of that city) Fort Stedman, Beams Station,
Deep Bottom, Five Forks, and Appomattox. He enlisted
as a private and was orderly sergeant at the time of the
surrender, and while he had buttons shot off his coat, and
his canteen shot, he suffered not even the slightest skin
wound, nor was he ever sent to the hospital. He was
mustered out of service at Alexandria and paid at
Pittsburg. After the war Mr. Pollock engaged in farm-
ing in Washington County on the old farm entered from
the government by his great-grandfather, raising a large
number of sheep for many years. He then engaged in
dairying for about 20 years, and in 1909 came to Wash-
ington, where he erected a fine modern brick residence.
Here he lives in retirement in the enjoyment of a well
earned rest after years of unceasing activity.
In December, 1867, Mr. Pollock was united in marriage
with Sarah J. Barr, who was born in Somerset Town-
ship, Washington County, Pa., and they have three chil-
dren living, namely: Elizabeth A., residing at home;
Margaret M., who is the wife of Eev. Eobert Harsha of
Taylorstown; and James H., who lives on the farm. Mr.
Pollock and family are members of the Pigeon Creei
United Presbyterian Church, in which he is serving on
the board of elders. He is also a member of Templeton
Post, tx. A. E.
JEEOME W. POTTS, who is the manager of the old
Potts homestead farm situated in Hanover Township, of
which he is one of the heirs, was born in Hanover Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., January 17, 1848, and is a
son of William and Margaret (Ward) Potts.
Both parents of Mr. Potts are now deceased, having
pased their whole lives in Pennsylvania. The father
was a farmer and they both were devoted members of
the historic old Presbyterian Church at Florence, where
Eev. Elisha MeCurdy, of noted memory, was the first
minister, and as he also practiced medicine in a quiet
way he frequently made professional as well as pastoral
calls at the home of William Potts and his mother, Lydia
Potts. To William and Margaret Potts were born the
following children : Eeuemah, who married Dr. W. F".
Pollock, of South Pittsburg; William Jackson, who died
.July 21, 189.5; Jerome W. ; Thomas Albert and James
A., twins. The former died when two and one-half
years old, but the latter is a practicing physician in
Pittsburg, Pa., where he was married to Miss Fannie
W. McGahan, a teacher of that city, October 25, 1888.
Jerome W. Potts attended school as regularly as his
health would permit until he was about seventeen years
of age and then became a clerk in a general store at
Florence and later at Burgettstown, with the idea of sub-
sequently becoming a merchant, but continued poor
health made it advisable for him to turn to work that
would be in the open air and thus he became a farmer.
He has always maintained his residence in Florence, but
manages the work of the tenant farmer and raises quite
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
763
a large amount of stock for which he finds a ready sale.
In politics he is a Democrat as was his father, and he
has served acceptably in llie dflice of township auditor
for a number of years.
On October 2, 1879, Mr. Potts was married to Miss
Elizabeth H. Stevenson, only daughter of Rev. Ross and
Elizabeth (Hurst) Steven.son. Rev. Ross Stevenson was
born in Strabane, Ireland, and came to this country when
eighteen years of age, and for fifty years was a minister
of the Presbyterian faith. He married Elizabeth Hurst,
■who was born at Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland Co., Pa.,
and their only child was Elizabeth H., the young mother
dying when her babe was but nine days old in Johnstown,
Pa., where Mr. Stevenson was pastor of the Presbyterian
Church.
Mr. and Mrs. Potts have no children of their own,
but they are rearing and educating Agnes Florence Potts,
giving her every advantage although they have not
adopted her. They are members and liberal supporters
of the Presbyterian Church at Florence.
FRANK H. MEYER, who has been proprietor of Hotel
Donora at Donora, Pa., since April, 1906, was born July
8, 1875 at Essen, Germany, and is a son of Henry and
Dora (Minor) Meyer, both of whom were born and
reared in that place.
Henry Meyer, who was for many years engaged as a
shoe merchant in Essen, in 1880 brought his family to
the United States, locating for one year at Noblestown,
Allegheny County, Pa. He then removed to Carnegie,
where he resided 13 years, and then went to New Ken-
sington, Pa., where he lived until 1906. He then came
to Donora and in partnership with his son Frank H. pur-
chased from F. E. Garwood, the Hotel Donora, which he
operated for two years. Selling his interest to his son,
he then returned to New Kensington, Pa., where he still
resides, spending his time in looking after his real estate
interests. He married Dora Minor, who died in the fall
of 1906, and of their union were born the following chil-
dren : Herman ; Frank Henry, the subjetc of this sketch ;
Adolph ; Mary, who is the wife of Dr. E. W. Klingen-
smith; and Charles, who was the only child born in the
United States.
Frank H. Meyer was quite young when his parents
came to this county and was reared to maturity at Car-
negie, where he attended the common schools of the
First Ward. When a young man he learned the barber's
trade, afterwards conducting a shop at New Kensington,
Pa., for twelve years. In 1906 he came to Donora and
with his father purchased the Hotel Donora, and since
1908, when he purchased his father's interest, he has
been sole owner of the business.
Mr. Meyer was married June 12, 1907, to Margaret
Keating, a daughter of James Keating, who is one of
the old residents of New Kensington, Pa. In fraternal
circles he holds membership with the B. P. O. E. at
Moncssen, and the Improved Order of Heptasophs at
New Kensington, and he is religiously a member of the
Roman Catholic C'liurch. He is politically an adherent of
the Republican party.
M. L. COOKE, a prosperous general farmer of Smith
Township, residing on his well improved property which
contains 169 acres, was born on this same farm, in
Washington County, Pa., April 6, 1850. His parents
were O. P. and Eliza (Lyle) Cooke.
Mr. Cooke was educated in the common schools of
Smith Township and at Duff's Comercial College at Pitts-
burg, after which he took charge of the farm when he
was nineteen years old, and has since made this his
home. Mr. Cooke has either erected or put in repair all
the buildings now standing on the farm and has made
many improvements which have added both to the ap-
pearance and value of the property. He grows excellent
crops, making use of modern machinery and raises suf-
ficient stock for his own use. He is a stockholder in the
Washington National Bank at Burgettstown and formerly
was one of the directors. In politics he is a Republican
but takes no very active interest and the only public
office he ever accepted was that of school director.
On December 30, 1880, Mr. Cooke was married to Miss
Eliazbeth M. Welch, a daughter of M. R. Welch, and they
have had four children: Clair, who is the teacher at
the Cook school in Smith Township; and Homer C,
Julius R. and Lela, Julius R. being deceased. Mr. Cooke
and family attend the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church.
ALEXANDER SPEER, one of the representative
men of Canonsburg, has been a resident of this locality
for thirty-seven years and has been identified with the
business and public interests of the borough ever since
locating here. He was born August 22, 1850, in Chartiers
Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of Robert
and Nancy (Harsha) Speer.
The first of the Speer family to locate in Washington
County were three brothers, and one of these, Robert
Speer, was the grandfather of Alexander Speer. He
married a Miss Mathews, and settled on the little branch
of Chartiers Creek, purchasing a farm which has been
in the possession of the family for more than 100 years.
The children born to the grandparents of Alexander
Speer were: James, who lived on the home farm; Latta,
who was a United Presbyterian minister and preached
at the Cross Roads Church; Jane, who married a Mr.
Black, of Allegheny City; and Robert. Robert Speer,
father of Alexander, was a native of Washington County,
and conducted a carding mill below Canonsburg up to
the time of his death, which occurred in 1S52, when he
764
niSTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
was forty-eight years of age. His wife, who was a native
of Chartiers Township, died in March, 1903^ having
reached the age of ninety-one years. They were the
parents of the following children: Thomas, who died
young; Jennie, who married William Patterson, of Ven-
ice; James F., a veteran of the Civil War, residing in
South Canonsburg, who married Eebecea McMillan, great-
granddaughter of Dr. John McMillan, and daughter of
John McMillan; Robert L., who was a soldier in the
Civil War, was wounded in the service and died of
chronic diarrhea contracted while in the army; Stewart,
who died in Cass County, Mo., where he had been en-
gaged in farming; Alexander; and Catherine, who mar-
ried Joseph Templeton, of North Strabane Township.
Alexander Speer has been a resident of Canonsburg
for many years, and his education was secured in Char-
tiers Township. Until the age of eighteen years he
worked on a farm, then learned the bricklaying trade,
which he followed for a long period, and he helped to
build the majority of the houses on Jefferson street,
Canonsburg. He now resides in his own home here,
which, at the time it was erected by him was located in
Chartiers Township, but has since been included in the
borough. A Eepublioan in political matters, Mr. Speer
has been an active worker in the ranks of his party in
this section, and has served as a member of the council
and as treasurer of the borough. He belongs to the
United Presbyterian Church.
In March, 1882, Mr. Speer was united in marriage with
Eliza J. Wallace, daughter of James and Jane (Irwin)
Wallace, former residents of Six-Mile Ferry, Allegheny
County, on the Monongahela Eiver, now deceased. Mr.
and Mrs. Speer have had no children. She has two
brothers living: Samuel, a farmer of Baldwin Town-
ship; and John I., a retired citizen of near Knoxville.
HON. JOHN G. CLARKE, ex-member of the State
Legislature of Pennsylvania, and a director of the First
National Bank of Washington, for many years has been
one of the most active and best known men of Washing-
ton County, Pa. His principal business until recent years
was farming and wool gi'owing, in South PrankUn Town-
ship, but he is now living practically retired from busi-
ness activity, his residence being at No. 90 South Wade
avenue, Washington. He was born not far from Wash-
ington, January 24, 1829, and is the third son of Joseph
Clarke and a gi'andson of Joseph Clarke, Sr., who pat-
ented the farm on which the nephew of .John G. Clarke,
.Joseph J. Clarke now lives, in South Franklin Township.
.John G. Clarke enjoyed excellent educational advan-
tages, first in the public schools and later in Washington
and Jefferson College. At the beginning of his indi-
vidual career, agricultural activities lay nearest his hand
and he became interested in farming and stock raising.
but, at the same time, gave considerable attention to the
affairs which pertained to the welfare of South Franklin
Township. After the formation of the new township of
Franklin, in which he assisted, he helped in its redis-
tricting and at the first election was chosen as a member
of the school board. Being somewhat of an enthusiast
on matters pertaining to public education, he continued
Ms services on the board and for a long term of years
was its secretary. As his years increased his public re-
sponsibilities increased also. Soon after its incorpora-
tion, he was elected to the board of managers of the
Upper Ten-Mile Plank Road Company and served as its
president for thirty-five years.
In the meanwhile, Mr. Clarke became an extensive
wool grower and was one of the leading advocates for a
tariff on wool, writing articles on the subject for publi-
cation in the newspapers and carrying the fight to Con-
gress, three times being sent to represent the Washington
County Wool Growers ' Association, of which he was presi-
dent for several years, to Washington, D. C. In 1886,
he had the honor of making the only farmer's address
in defense of tariff on wool before the committee on
ways and means. This address was published in the
periodicals all over the United States and excited much
comment, being pronounced a clear and convincing ex-
position of the wool growers ' case. In addition he was
chosen to make the speech on behalf of the wool grow-
ers' of Washington County, when this body visited the
late President McKinley, at his residence. That he had
a keen insight into the conditions that existed and the
results that would be brought about by the proposed
tariff, was amply demonstrated by what followed the
enactment of the Dingley Bill.
Politically, Mr. Clarke was reared a Whig and held
strong anti-slavery views and upon the organization of
the Republican party he joined its ranks. In 1886 he
was the party nominee for the State Legislature, and in
his election which followed, led the ticket with the larg-
est majority. He took the duties of his office seriously,
was always to be . found in his seat and in committee
meetings, and voted intelligently on all questions of im-
portance to his country and State. He was particularly
active in furthering those bills of vital import to the
rural communities, served eifieiently as a member of the
agricultural committee, and gave his infl.uence in favor
of the bill for the increase of State appropriations to
the public schools. He antagonized the repeal of the
oleomargerine law. Mr. Clarke served with faithfulness
and won a place high in the esteem of his constituents.
On May 26, 1853, Mr. Clarke was married to Miss
Sarah H. Clokey, a daughter of Samuel Clokey, of Clo-
keyville, Washington County, and to them were born
seven sons and three daughters. He is a member of the
United Presbyterian Church at Washington, of which
HON. JOHN G. CLARKE
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
767
he has been an elder since 1864. Prior to that time he
was a niomber of the Kast Buffalo congregation, of
which he was made ruling elder when twenty-six years
of age. He has always been very active in church work
and has contributed liberally of his means to its sup-
port and to the furthering of charitable undortakings.
CLARK C. POST, who, in a-ssociation with his son,
John L. Post, owns a valuable farm of 26G acres, situated
in Blaine Township, Washington Co., Pa., was born in
Morris Township, December 1(3, 1840, and is a son of
William A. and Margaret (Lindley) Post, both natives
of Washington County.
William A, Post was a son of Jeremiah Post, who came
to western Pennsylvania from New Jersey and settled in
Washington County when forests covered a large part
of the land, making his home in what is now South
Franklin Township. Jeremiah Post married a daughter
of Dr. Charles Cracroft, that pioneer physician of Wash-
ington County, who once was a prisoner with the Indians,
but escaped. Nine children were born to William A.
Post and wife and two of the sons — Jeremiah and Joseph
M., were .soldiers in the CivU War, Joseph M. being
killed at the battle of Shiloh.
Clark C. Post is the only survivor of a once large and
happy family that made the old farmhouse in Morris
Township a place of domestic happiness, that went to
the district schools in company and that sadly said fare-
well to the two brothers when they went to the war
from which one never returned. In 1866, Mr. Post was
married and in the fall of 1870, he moved to Pottawato-
mie (Jounty, Kas, taking up land on which he resided
for thirteen years. From there he moved to near War-
rensburg, Mo., sixty-five miles southeast of Kansas City,
and remained there for ten years, after which he returned
to Washington County and settled in West Finley Town-
ship, on the old McNay farm. From there, in the spring
of 1907, he removed to Claysville, staying there until the
spring of 1909, when he came to his present farm in
Blaine Township. This has proved fine land for farming
and stock raising and there is also probability of profit-
able oil production here. In politics, Mr. Post is a Demo-
crat and while living in Johnson County, Mo., he served
a number of years as school director of Warrensburg
Township. He is no longer actively concerned in political
matters.
On December 26, 1866, Mr. Post was married to Miss
Nannie R. McNay, of West Finley Township, Washing-
ton County, a daughter of Smith and Jane (Bell) Mc-
Nay, her father being once a prominent citizen there.
Two sons and two daughters have been born to them:
Belle, Etta M., Frank S., and John L. Belle Post was
born in Washington County, January 19, 1868, married
S. F. Hunter, of .Johnson County, Mo., and they have
six children: Oma Belle, Edna Lucile, Clark Calvin,
Nannie, Jolin Dale and Glen. Etta M. Post was born in
Washington County, November 9, 1869, married Charles
C. Post, of Allen County, Ohio, and they have two chil-
dren: Helen R. and Clark L. Frank S. Post was bora
in Pottawatomie County, Kas., October 11, 1871, and is
a practicing physician of Pittsburg, Pa., residing on
Penn avenue. He married Clara Kirk, and they have
two children : Frank S., Jr., and Lawrence Kirk. John
L. Post was born August 21, 1874, in Pottawatomie
County, Kas., married Bertha E. Sprowls, of West Fin-
ley Township, and they have two children: Mary E.
and Alice R. John L. Post is a graduate of the Missouri
State Normal School and formerly was a teacher.
Mr. and Mrs. Clark C. Post are members of the United
Presbyterian Church at Taylorstown.
ROBERT J. COOK, justice of the peace at McDon-
ald, Pa., and a leading citizen, was born near London,
England, June 16, 1844, and is a son of Robert and
Emma (Benton) Cook, who never came to America. The
father was a farmer. He was an excellent man and
both he and wife were members of the Episcopal Church.
They had two children: Robert J. and William, the
latter of whom is deceased.
Robert J. Cook was educated in England and remained
there until he was twenty-five years of age and then
came alone to America. His first year in the United
States was spent on Long Island, N. Y., and from there
he came to McDonald, where he remained until 1879,
when he returned to his native land. Mr. Cook resided
in England eight years before he came back to McDonald
and his fellow citizens venture to hope that the claims
of the old country can never again outweight those of his
adopted one, as he is a very popular citizen of McDon-
ald. He understands several trades, brickmaking and
picture-framing being included, but for some years ho
has found his time taken up with ofBcial duties. He was
first appointed a justice of the peace in 1S96. For thir-
teen years he was elected clerk of the borough council
and has also been burgess.
In October, 1872, Mr. Cook was married to Miss Ma-
tilda Carson, a daughter of Robert and Jane (Bell)
Carson. They were natives of County Antrim, Ireland,
where Mrs. Cook was born. She is one of the following
children born to her parents: Robert, John, William and
Samuel; and Eliza, who married Henry Smith; Matilda,
who became Mrs. Cook; Charlotte, who married A. B.
Cochran; and Margaret, who married James Querns. The
mother of this family is now in her eighty-ninth year,
but the father is deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Cook have had children, as follows:
Robert, who married Agnes Dick; William; Em-
ma, who married H. H. Forsythe; John, who mnrried
ros
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
Isabel Hassell, of Belleville, 111. ; Herbert ; Mary, who
mavried John E. Brown ; Matilda, who married Leo
Buheit, died in September, 1909 ; and George and Samuel.
Mr. Cook 's family are members of the United Presby-
terian Church. He is identified with the order of the
Knights of the Golden Eagle, at Carnegie.
C. O. BEADEN, who is engaged in the transfer and
general storage business at Washington, Pa., was born
July 18, 1S57, in Morris Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
and is a son of John Braden, who was born in Greene
County, this State. His father came to this county in
1855 and was for many years engaged in farming, also
dealing largely in stock and wool. In politics he was
a stanch Democrat. His death occurred in 1896 in
Washington County.
C. 0. Braden was reared to maturity in Washington
County, where he attended the common schools. At an
early age he embarked in the mercantile business in
Fayette County, Pennsylvania, after which he was for
ten years a traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery
house of Wheeling, West Virginia, and for the past
eight or nine years has been successfully engaged in
transferring and the general storage business. He also
deals in flour in job lots.
In 1877 Mr. Braden was married to Emma lams, who
was boTn and reared in Washington County, and is a
daughter of Thomas lams, who lived near Amity for a
number of years, and later moved to Arlington, 111.,
where he died. The lams family has been long estab-
lished in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Braden have three
children living, namely: Anna, wife of C. W. Minton, a
resident of Washington, who is engaged in business at
Pittsburg ; Lucy Miller Braden, a stenographer, employed
in the office of Murdock & Son; and Harry W., who is
connected with the Dominion Natural Gas Company of
Hamilton, Canada, and who married ^Jfellie Covey, a
native of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Braden is a member of the Second Presbyterian
Church of Washington and one of the board of deacons.
He is also a member of the improved order of Heptasophs.
ALEXANDER C. McCLUEE, a member of the firm
of B. F. MeClure & Bro., proprietors of a hardware
business at Burgettstown and one of the leading citizens,
was born at Washington, Washington Co., Pa., June 3,
1849, , and is a son of Dr. Eobert and Eleanor (Euth)
McClure.
Alexander C. McClure spent his school days at Wash-
ington and Middletown and then came to Burgettstown
and has been interested here in the hardware line ever
since. In 1874, when his brother, B. F. McClure, bought
the present location, he purchased an interest and the
firm stvle has been B. F. McClure & Bro., ever since.
On January 17, 1877, Mr. McClure was married to
Miss Nannie Eankin, a daughter of John L. and Eliza-
beth Eankin, and they have four children : Frankie, who
married Eev. Harry Nesbit; Anna, who married Dr.
William P. Patterson; Belle, who married C. S. Graham;
and Elizabeth, who is at home. Mr. and Mrs. McClure
are members of the United Presbyterian Church. In
politics he is a EepubUcan Dut takes no very active part-
in public affairs.
JAMES M. WALLACE, junior member of the promi-
nent business firm at Midway, Pa., of Dickson & Wallace,
dealers in hardware, lumber and builders' supplies, was
born in Eobesou Township, Washington Co., Pa., May
28, 1865, and is a son of Joseph and Sarah (McBurney)
Wallace.
Joseph Wallace was born in Washington County and
was a son of Eobert and Mary (Walker) Wallace. This
is the same Eobert Wallace who, when a child between
three and four years of age, with his mother, an older
brother, and an infant in arms, were taken from their
home, near Florence, Pa., by Indians, in the raid of
1782. Eobert was the only one of the prisoners ever
recovered, his father securing him in 178(3. He carried,
ho'never, through life, a scar on one cheek, made with a
tomahawk in the hand of an Indian squaw. It seems
passing strange that there are those now living who
have listened to tales from the lips of participants, of
the days when men, women and chUdreu suffered from
Indian attacks and filed from savages over these smiling
farms and the sites of busj' towns. Joseph Wallace
followed agricultural pursuits, assisting his father in
early manhood and later acquiring substance and re-
sponsibilities of his own. He married Sarah McBurney
and they both are deceased. She was a daughter of
James and Catherine (Aeheson) McBurney. The children
born to Joseph and Sarah Wallace were as follows:
James M. ; Eobert W. ; Minnie J., who married W. H.
Eutherf ord ; Eleanor, who is deceased ; John B. ; and
Margaret, who is the wife of Eev. J. D. Gibson, pastor of
the Midway United Presbyterian Church.
James M. Wallace attended the public schools of
Eobeson Township, and later Ingleside Academy at Mc-
Donald, and subsequently took a commercial course at
Duff 's Business College, in Pittsburg. He then went
back to the farm and remained there until 1895, when
he came to Midway, formed his partnership with Mr.
Dickson and has been actively engaged in business here
ever since. He is an independent voter, not being
identified with either of the dominating parties, and ha
is known to be a reliable dependable citizen.
In October, 1896, Mr. Wallace was married to Miss
Minnie L. Cummins, a ch^ughter of Eobert and Elizabeth
(McCalniont) ('umniiiip. Slu- is one of the following
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
769
family of children: Minnie L., William M., Jean M., K.
Max, Mamie, Charles and Boyd, the latter of whom is
deooased. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace have one son, Joseph
W. Thej' are members of the Roformoil Presbyterian
Chnrch at Miller's Run.
WlLllKLM !■". ALTEN, a prominent real estate and
insurance dealer of Monongahela City, Pa., was born
October 16, 1874, at Braddock, Pa., and is a son of
George and Esther (Kremer) Alten.
George Alten was born and reared in Bremen, Ger-
many, where his father, Heinrieh Alten, was the pro-
prietor of a large exporting and importing establishment,
and of which city he and his wife Metta Alten, were
lifelong residents. George Alten was born March 18,
1836, and when about 18 years of age came to America
and after spending some years in Baltimore, Md., Ten-
nessee, and Ohio, finally located in Pittsburg, Pa., where
he engaged in the wholesale grocery business. He became
a member of the firm of Watt, Lang & Company, one
of the old established grocery hou.ses of Pittsburg, and
became one of the best known traveling salesmen on the
Monongahela Eiver and through Western Pennsylvania.
He subsequently became identified with Allen, Kirk-
patriek & Company, and Arbuckle & Company. He was
first united in marriage with Eachael Norfolk of Monon-
gahela City, their marriage being the first celebrated in
the Methodist Church of that city. Shortly after his
marriage he located at Braddock, Pa., where one year
later his wife and infant son passed out of this life.
He formed a second marital union with Esther Kremer
of Uniontown, Pa., who died September 1, 1909, at the
age of 59 years. Of their union were bom the following
children: Wilhelm, the subject of this sketch; and his
twin, Margaret E., who is the wife of Thomas C.
Earquhar; AUee Virginia, wife of Dr. Marcellus R.
Meredith; Georgina, wife of William Alvin Allen; and
Rachel A. George Alten died September 12, 1905.
Wilhelm P. Alten was eight years of age when his
parents came to Monongahela City, where he attended
the public schools and graduated from the High School
with the class of 1891, after which he took a commercial
course at Duft' 's Business College. After completing his
education he was employed as a bookkeeper at Connells-
ville, Pa., and in 1S93 became associated with the James
C. Lindsay Hardware Company of Pittsburg. After
spending three years in the store, he was for ten years
a traveling salesman for the same house, and in March,
1906, opened his present office in Monongahela City,
where he has established a fine real estate and general
insurance business.
Mr. Alten is fraternally aifiliated with the Masonic
order, being a Past IMaster of Henry M. Pliillips Lodge,
No. 337, F. and A. M., a member of Monongahela Chapter,
No. 249, R. A. M. ; is Eminent Commander of AfcKean
Commandery, No. 80, Knights Templar, at Charieroi,
and a member of Syria Temple A. A. 0. N. M. S., at
Pittsburg.
Mr. Alten was united in marriage in 1901 to Helena
S. Tlammond, second daughter of the late Dr. John D.
and JIaria A. Hammond, and they reside at No. 712
Chess street.
.rOIIN J. MARKEY, president and general manager
of tlie National Wrought Iron Annealing Box Company,
which was established about 15 years ago, was born
September 13, 1864, in Wolverhampton, England, and
when four years of age came to America with his parents,
who settled in Indianapolis, Ind. Here he was reared
and early in life was bound out by his parents with
Sinker-Davis & Company, of Indianapolis, as a ma-
chinist blacksmith. He remained with that concern for
four years, when he entered the employ of the Big Pour
Railroad at XJrbana, Illinois, where for three years he
was engaged in making locomotive frames. He then
entered the Chicago & Eastern Railroad shops at Dan-
ville, Illinois, and while in their employ received a tele-
gram from the Sinker-Davis Company asking him to take
charge of their works at Indianapolis, in which capacity
he served for three years, when he engaged in business
for himself, establishing the Indianapolis Forge Works.
In 1893 he established the National Wrought Iron
Annealing Box Manufacturing Company at Anderson,
for the manufacture of annealing boxes for tin plate
and sheet mills and also galvanized baths. The plant
in Washington was built in 1908. He is the patentee of
the annealing box, being the first man in this country to
produce vrelded wrought iron boxes, both tin plate and
sheet annealing boxes. They are now in use in every
plant of consequence in the country.
On September 10, 1890, Mr. Markey married Hannah
Redfern, who was born and reared in Indianapolis, and to
them have been born the followdng children: John (de-
ceased), Edward and Paul. Mr. Markey is a member of
the Roman Catholic Church, and is fraternally affiliated
with the B. P. 0. E.
JAMES JOHNSTON VAN EMAN, decea.sed, who was
one of Canonsburg 's prominent citizens for years, a
leading business man and active in public affairs, was
born in North Strabane Township, Washington Co., Pa.,
in 1848, and died at his home on West College street,
Canonsburg. April 18. 1909. Ilis parents were Samuel
Logan and Martha (McConnell) Van Eman.
The Van Eman family came originally from Holland,
the first representatives who reached Pennsylvania being
George Van Eman. who was born in IIoll;tnd, a son of
Nicholas Van Eman. Seiitemlier 12, 17.">:i. He settled
770
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
as a pioneer iu North Strabane Township, Washington
Co., Pa., not far distant from the present town ol'
Clokeyville. He marriea Bebeeca Scott and they had the
following children: Nicholas, George Scott, Jane, An-
drew, Eebecca, Elizabeth, Joseph, Garrett. William,
Sarah, Abraham and Hannah. In 1810 the father of this
family moved to Stark County, Ohio.
Joseph Van Eman, son of George and Eebecea Van
Eman, was born in North Strabane Township, December
12, 1790, and in the course of time acquired several
farms in Cecil Township, one of these being situated
where the Van Eman Station on the Chartiers Eailroad
is now located. He died on the latter farm and was
survived by his widow, formerly Isabella Logan, and a
family of children, one of whom, Samuel L., was the
father of the late James Johnson Van Eman. Joseph
Van Eman served as a director of the Poor for Wash-
ington County and frequently was appointed adminis-
trator and executor of estates, enjoying the fullest confi-
dence of his fellow citizens.
Samuel Logan Van Eman was born in Cecil Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., July 20, 1816. On September
28, 1847, he married Martha McConnell, who was bom.
in Cecil Township, in 1826, a daughter of James and
Sarah (Phillips) McConnell. To Samuel and Martha
McConnell were born children as follows: James John-
ston; Belle M., who was born in 1850, married John
N. Brown, a son of Eev. A. B. Brown, D. D., at one time
president of Jefferson College; Sadie E., who married
Samuel A. McCalmont of Houston; and Joseph Scott, the
latter of whom died in infancy. Samuel Logan Van
Eman died in 1891 and was survived five years by his
widow. They were members of Center Presbyterian
Church of Peters Township, in which he served for
thirty-five years as a ruling elder. He was a man of
sterling character and, like his father, was frequently
entrusted with business pertaining to the settlement of
estates.
James Johnston Van Eman was born on the old farm
near Van Eman Station and his education was obtained
in the common schools and at an academy at Elder's
Eidge, in Indiana County, and he completed his Uterary
studies by taking a course at Washington and Jefferson
College at Washington. After leaving school he con-
tinued on his father's farm and as an individual enter-
prise, went into the business of buying and selling stock
and continued until after his marriage, in 1871. Then
he went into the mercantile business, opening a store at
ThompsonviUe, in Peters Township, which he conducted
for six years, when, on account of failing health, he re-
turned to the farm. Five years later he again entered
mercantile Ufe, opening a store at Pittsburg, for the
sale of agricultural implements, and continued the same
for two years, and then came to Canonsburg and em-
barked here in the hardware business conducting it suc-
cessfully up to the close of his life. The business is
continued by his son, S. L. Van Eman, who had been
the junior partner in the firm of J. J. Van Eman & Son.
During his business period at Pittsburg he was a member
of the firm of Brown, GiUespie & Van Eman, and when
he removed to Canonsburg, the business style at first was
Brown & Van Eman, in 1897 the change being made to
J. J. Van Eman & Son.
James J. Van Eman married Miss Margaret S. Espy,
who was born in Upper St. Clair Township, Allegheny
Co., Pa., and is a daughter of John and Margaret
(Smith) Espy. The Espy family is of Scotch extraction.
To this marriage were born four sons and three daugh-
ters. John Espy, and Ernest, both died in 1895. The
survivors of the family are: M. Etta, who is the wife
of J. G. Hopper, a furniture dealer at Canonsburg;
Samuel Logan, who succeeded his father as proprietor
of the hardware business; Martha Maud, who resides
with her mother at Canonsburg; Nellie E., who is the
wife of Eobert L. Grant, a merchant on E. Pike street,
in partnership with J. F. Morgan, under name of Morgan
& Grant, Canonsburg; and James Jay, who is a stsdent
in the Canonsburg High School. Mr. Van Eman was a
member of the Central Presbyterian Church in which he
was a ruling elder and superintendent of Sunday school
since the organization of the church, a period covering
twenty years, and is one of the original twenty-nine
organizers of the church.
In his political views, Mr. Van Eman was a Eepublican.
On many occasions he was invited to accept positions
of trust and responsibility by his appreciative fellow
citizens, and served as mayor of the city and also as
president of the School Board. He was to some degree
a capitalist, owning a large amount of valuable realty at
Canonsburg, together with a fine farm of 140 acres
situated in North Strabane Township, within two miles
of this place.
JOHN W. HALLAM, whose place is among the fore-
most business men of Washington, Pa., being president
of the Hallam Construction Company, president of the
Gardner Steam and Gas Engine Company and vice presi-
dent of the Union Trust Company, is a native of Wash-
ington, born Feb. 24, 1859, a son of Lewis and Eosanna
(Tegarden) Hallam.
John W. Hallam 's educational opportunities were
meager and when only ten years of age he began to earn
his own support by acting as a elerk in a clothing store,
where he continued until he was 14 years of age. He
then embarked in business for himself, starting a gro-
cery store at vVasaington, and notwithstanding his
youth he successfully conducted it for a period of three
years and then sold out to advantage. He then spent
JOHN W. IIALLA.M
_DEM FOUNDATIONS.
°iA
Ui.S'rOJtY UF WASlllXUTU.N COUNTY
773
a yi'iir in travel, in the South aud West, gaining many
new ideas during this time which later proved of benefit
to him. When 20 years old he began contracting at
Washington, securing a number of contracts for public
improvements which the borough had in contemplation,
and the successful and satisfactory manner in which he
completed these laid a sound foundation upon which his
present extensive business has been built. His specialty
has been contracting in stone foundations, in paving and
sewer construction. Prom its beginning up to the pres-
ent time when it ha.s assumed enormous proportions, the
business has always been under the direct nianagonient
of Mr. Hallam, although, at times, he has been associated
with other practical men. When the Hallam Construc-
tion Company was organized, he was made president and
general manager. This is one of the best known con-
cerns in its line in Washington County and in adjacent
counties it al-so presents a tine showing. Mr. Hallam has
been financially interested in other business undertakings
antl is closely identified with their management. He is
a man of notable public spirit and has done much -to
aid in the prosperity of the borough and has served
as one of the board of directors of the Chamber of
Commerce, and for a number of years served most use-
fully as a member of the borough Council.
On Feb. 25, 1887, Mr. Hallam was married to Miss
Kate H. Brady, a daughter of Benjamin aud Rebecca
Brady, of Washington, and they have two children :
HaroM Herbert and Helen Estelle. In politics he is a
Republican and he was elected to his first public office
just after reaching his majority. In 1896 he was elected
to the office of treasurer of Washington County, and
served three years, during which time the new court
house was under course of construction. He has fre-
quently served as delegate to State conventions, and is a
member of the Republican State Committee. He belongs
to the Heptasophs and the Junior Order of United Amer-
ican Mechanics. Personally, Mr. Hallam is a man of
sterling character and is notably temperate in all things.
He takes a justifiable pride in the fact tuat he ha-s never
tasted liquor or indulged in tobacco in his life.
SAMUEL H. PYLES, manager of the D. G. Bamford
Milling Company, at Midway, Pa., of which he is also
a stockholder, was born at Midway, Washington Co., Pa.,
January 29, 1871, and is a son of Joshua and Nancy
(Pyles) Pyles.
The parents of Mr. Pyles are both deceased. During
his active years the father was a farmer but lived re-
tired for some years before his death. He was a man of
considerable prominence in Robeson Township where he
served for fifteen years in the office of justice of the
peace and was also tax collector. He married Nancy
Pyles and of their children Samuel H. is the youngest.
the others being three daughters, namely: Helen, who
is now deceased, was the wife of David Gray; Mary,
who is the wife of Oliver Dyhar; and Laura, who is
deceased.
Samuel IL Pyles secured academic training in the well
known Ingleside Acadamy at McDonald and later took
a commercial course in Duff's Business College at Pitts-
burg and became so proficient that he was engaged as an
instructor at the college, where he remained for eighteen
monllis. He then returned to Midway and was book-
keeper for tlie Midway Gas Company for four months
;ind in 1894 came to the Bamford Milling Company in
I lie same capacity. In 1905, when Mr. Bamford became
|)resident of the Midway Bank, Mr. Pyles, on account
of his fidelity and business efficiency was appointed man-
aged of the mill business and has been most satisfactory
in this position ever since. The business shows a healthy
growth aud the improvements brought about by Mr.
Pyles have added to the eflicieiicy of the mill without
increasing the outlay.
On October 25, 1893, Mr. Pyles was married to Miss
P^sther Thompson, a daughter of Russell and Martha
(McCarty) Thompson. To Mr. and Mrs. Pyles six chil-
dren have been born, all bearing pleasant names and liv-
ing up to them as bright, intelligent, engaging young
people: Myra, Wilma, Roland, Lyle, Helen and Miller.
Mr. Pyles and family belong to the United Presbyterian
Church. In politics lie is an independent thinker. Fra-
ternally he is identified with Garfield Lodge, No. G04,
F. and A. M., at McDonald, Pa.
JOSEPH S. DANLEY, who for the past six years
has been living in retirement in Washington, Pennsyl-
vania, owns a fine farm of 134 acres in Buffalo Township,
and was for many years one of the leading farmers of
Washington County. He was born in 1849 in East Finley
Township, and is a son of William Danley, whose father
emigrated to this country at an early period and was
one of the pioneers of Washington County.
Joseph S. Danley was reared in his native township
and obtained his education there and in Greene County,
after which he located in Buffalo Township and em-
barked in farming and stock raising. Six years ago he
built a fine residence at No. 496 Allison avenue, Wash-
ington, where he has since continued to reside, while he
continues to look after his farming interests.
Mr. Danley was maiTied in 1885 to Marietta Bur-
roughs and their children are : Harry B., Thomas, Ma-
tilda, Joseph, and Mary. Mr. Danley and famUy attend
the Third Presbyterian Church of Washington.
J. A. RUSSELL, who is engaged in business at South
Burgettstown, Pa., conducting a meat market and a gen-
ornl store, is one of the representative citizens and is
774
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
serving as auditor of the borough. He was born in
Muskingum County, Oliio, February 11, 1856, and is a
son of Alexander and Margaret Ann (Atohinson) Eussell.
J. A. Eussell moved from Ohio to Mt. Pleasant Town-
ship in 1864, and remained on the farm until 1876, when
he came to Burgettstown and assisted his father in the
mercantile business until 1884, when he embarked in busi-
ness for liimself. From that date until 1904 he con-
ducted a butchering business and dealt in first class
meats and met with so much success that he was en-
couraged to broaden the scope of his business and added
groceries, flour and feed to the commodities he handles.
Mr. Eussell has conducted his business along those lines
which have attracted custom to him and he has proved
that custom once honestly gained is seldom lost. He has
seen Burgettstown develop along every line during his
more than thirty years of residence here, and as an active
and loyal citizen he has given support to the various
movements which have contributed to the general wel-
fare. In his political views he is a Eepublican and has
served on the borough Council and school board for a
number of terms, and on that ticket he was elected audi-
tor of the borough.
In 1884, Mr. Eussell was married to Miss Agnes J.
Scott, a daughter of E. K. Scott, and they have four
children: Frank M., who mai-ried Mary Smith, a daugh-
ter of James Smith, has one son, Wilfred B. ; Lillian
Etta, who married F. M. Welch; and Jennie Myrtle and
Eobert Alexander, both of whom are at home. Mr. Eus-
sell and family are members of the United Presbyterian
Church, of which he has been treasurer for several years.
JOHN A. FLACK, one of Buffalo Township 's promi-
nent and enterprising citizens, president of the town-
ship school board and a leader in public matters, was
born in Buffalo Township, Washington County, Pa.,
Jan. 19, 1869, and is a son of Salem and Margaret
(Farrar) Flack.
Salem Flack was born in Ohio, in 1824, and died in
Buffalo Township, Washington County, in 1903. He
was a son of Samuel Flack, whom he accompanied from
Ohio to Buffalo Township in infancy, the family bring-
ing its belongings into what was then a wild region.
The grandparents of John A. Flack died in Buffalo
Township. Salem Flack married Margaret Farrar, who
was born in Washington County, Pa., Sept. 15, 1833, and
resides at Washington, where she still enjoys the society
of her friends and continues in good health. Three of
their children survive, namely: Samuel L. and John A.,
both of Buffalo Township; and Jennie A., who is the
wife of R. W. Parkinson, a prominent attorney at Wash-
ington. One daughter, Sarah V., is deceased.
John A. Flack has resided in Buffalo Township all
his life, obtaining his education in the public schools
and since attaining manhood having the management
of a large property. He owns 145 acres of fine land
and raises abundant crops, cattle and sheep, making a
specialty of wool growing, keeping a fiock of 150 head
of a fine variety of sheep and making this industry very
profitable. Mr. Flack is an active citizen, taking a
deep interest particularly in the public schools. He
has consented to serve on the school board for a num-
ber of years and the value of his advice and services
have been acknowledged by his election to the presidency
of this body. In politics he is a Eepublican and he has
sei'ved also as inspector of elections in Buffalo Town-
ship.
Mr. Flack Avas married to Miss Elizabeth Ashbrook,
who was born in Buffalo Township, a daughter of Simon
Ashbrook, of Washington, and they have had five chil-
dren: Nellie Margaret, Milton Luther and John Salem,
Avho survive. Charles Ivan and a babe are deceased.
Mr. and Mrs. Flack are members of the East Buffalo
Presbyterian Church, in the faith of which they were
reared by pious parents.
JAMES S. FORSYTHE, secretary and treasui-er of
the Washington Brick Company, and owner of a farm
of 250 acres in Amwell Township, is one of the repre-
sentative citizens of Washington County. He was born
in Brownsville, Fayette County, Pa., in 1845 and ob-
tained his education in the schools of Brownsville and
Pittsburg. Dui'ing the early part of his life he was
engaged in agricultural pursuits, but later embarked in
the mercantile business at Eedstone, Pa., where he was
located until the spring of 1882. He then came to
Washington County and bought his present farm in Am-
weU Tow'nship, where he resided for eight years, when he
came to Washington and engaged for a time in the
brokerage business. He was one of the organizers of
the Washington Brick Company, of which he has been
secretary and treasurer since its establishment, about
nine years ago. He is a member of the board of direc-
tors and secretary and treasurer of the S. B. Eeese Lum-
ber Company, operating in Kentucky, and whose main
office is located in Washington. Mr. Forsythe still re-
tains his farm of 250 acres in Amwell Township.
In 1876 Mr. Forsythe was united in marriage with
Mary E. Morton, a daughter of Rev. George Morton,
now deceased, who was a Presbyterian minister of Phila-
delphia and of Scotch descent. Mr. and Mrs. Forsythe
have four children, namely : Lilian S., a graduate of the
Washington Seminary, and wife of Frank C. Lewis, of
Washington; Jesse H., a graduate of the Washington
and Jefferson College; Eaymoud D., a civil engineer
working on the state roads, who graduated with the class
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
775
of 1907 at Washington ami Jefferson College; anj
Kobcrt N., a student. Mr. Forsythc is a member of tlio
Presbyterian Cbureh.
DAVJD G. GRAY, the practical miller at the D. 0.
Bamford roller mills and a stockholder in the D. G.
Bamford Milling Company at Midway, Pa., was born
iu Greene County, Pa., Nov. 29, 1864, and is a son of
Thomas T. and Margaret (Vauata) Gray.
The parents of Mr. Gray reside at Coghocton, Ohio,
whei-e the father is in the ice business. Of their chil-
dren, David G. is the second born, the others being:
George M., Williii, Archibald, Thomas and John.
David G. Gray attended school regularly until 14 years
of age and then went to learn the milling business and
has been connected with it ever since and is a thorough-
ly experienced man. He has been identified with the
present company since 1884, working for six months as
an oiler, then for seven years as assistant miller and
ever since as chief miller. This plant is one of size and
importance and its products find a ready sale over a wide
territory . The equipments are modern in character and
Mr. Gray is master of the technical part of the business
and has experienced helpers, the result being the pro-
duction of the finest grades of mill products.
In 1887, Mr. Gray was married (first) to Miss Helen
Pyles, who died July 4, 1906, and her burial was in the
Candor Cemetery. He was married (second) to Miss
Isabel Herd, a daughter of Robert and Margaret Herd,
retired residents of Midway. They have the following
children: Margaret, Jean, Anna, John and Neil. Mr.
and Mrs. Gray are members of the United Presbyterian
Church. In his political views, Mr. Gray is a Pro-
hibitionist.
JOHN B. DONALDSON, M. D., one of Washington
County's leading physicians and surgeons, who has been
actively engaged in practice at Canonsburg, Pa., for more
than thirty years, was born in Marshall County, West
Virginia, Aug. 1, 1848, and is a son of Dr. David and
Ellen (Boyce) Donaldson.
The Donaldson family was founded in the United
States at a very early day, when all tins broad expanse
of mighty country was looked upon by older civilizations
as only colonies. From Ireland came David Donaldson,
the great-grandfather, who is known to have settled in
Maryland about 1751. From there he came to Washing-
ton County, remaining for a time at Gastonville, and then
moved into Allegheny County, where he probably died.
His son, William Donaldson, married Elizabeth Morrison
and they both died in Allegheny County. In that county
the late Dr. David Donaldson, father of Dr. John B., was
born in 1820 and died in that county in 1883, at the age
of sixtv-three vears. He married Ellen Bovce. who was
also born in Allegheny County and died in 1872, aged
forty five years. Her peo]ile came to America from
North Ireland and died in Allegheny County, her parents
being John and Elizabeth (Mi'Cabe) Boyce. Dr. David
Donaldson was twice married. His children were: Annie,
who is a teacher in the schools of Alabama ; Ulysses, who
resides at Bridgeville, Pa., a railroad man and also a
dealer in real estate; William Robert and Henry, both of
w-hom reside at Canonsburg; IWary, who married John
Ralston, resides near Galveston, Tex.; Charles Cotter,
who is engaged in newspaper work, and .John B., of
Canonsburg.
John B. Donaldson was educated in the common schools,
at Bethel Academy and the Western Reserve University,
of Cleveland, Ohio, and W'as graduated from the medical
department of that institution in 1872. He located for
one year at Mt. Lebanon and then moved to Bridgeville,
where he practiced medicine for five years. In 1878 he
canio to Canonsburg and ever since has been identified
not only with the professional life of the place but has
become one of the interested and useful citizens. He
has taken a prominent part in the medical affairs of
Washington County, for several years serving as secretary
of the county organization, and belongs also to the State
and to the American Medical Associations. In his politi-
cal views he is a Republican. His earnestness and activ-
ity as a citizen have been frequently recognized and he
has many times been elected to important civic offices,
serving as burgess and as a member of the council, and
also on the School Board. During 1889-1890 he was a
member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, where he
proved his quality as a public-spirited citizen. He has
led a busy life and has had many responsibilities, but his
clear record shows that he has been equal to any de-
mand made upon him.
Dr. Donaldson was married to Miss Elizabeth S. Foster,
of Bridgeville, who is a daughter of Walter and Mai-ia
(Sill) Foster, and they have had six children, as follows:
Walter Foster, who is a graduate of the Northwestern
University at Chicago, is a medical practitioner, resid-
ing at Pittsburg; Nellie Boyce, who married Paul C.
Little, lives at Carnegie, Pa., and they have two daugh-
ters, Elizabeth and Helen ; Maria, who died in 1906,
was the wife of J. R. Dunn, an attorney at Pittsburg;
.Tohn Paul, who is cashier of the Central Trust Com-
pany of Pittsburg, married Elsie Kelso, of Bellevue,
and they have one son, .John Paul, Jr. ; Samuel Foster,
a resident of Pittsburg, where he is connected with the
city health department ; and David Ilalsey, who is a mem-
ber of the Class of 1910, in the Canonsburg High School.
Dr. Donaldson owns a handsome residence at Canons-
burg. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and
he belongs also to Chart iers Lodge No. 297, F. & A. M.,
at Canonsljurg.
V76
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
R. W. MASON, purchasing agent for the Joseph Seep
Purchasing Agency, of Washington, was born Oct. 7,
1865, at Centerville, Washington County, Pa. When he
was five years old his parents moved to Pittsburg, where
they resided until 1S76. They then came to Washington,
where Mr. Mason was for a time cash boy for William
Smith & Sons, bankers of this city. He then attended
the old Union Schools of Washington, for two years
and subsequently became a messenger boy for the West-
ern Union Telegraph Company for about two years. He
then became weighmaster in the coal office of V. Harding,
which position he retained one year, at the end of which
time he accepted a position as telegrapher with the B.
& O. Railroad, with whom he remained three years. In
January, 1886, Mr. Mason became identified with the
Southwest Pennsylvania Pipe Line Company, with which
he remained in various departments until October, 1902,
when he was made purchasing agent for the Joseph Seep
Purchasing Agency.
On June 5, 1889, Mr. Mason was united in marriage
with Nellie Wright, of Washington, Iowa, and they have
three children — B. Wright Mason, district plant chief
of the Bell Telephone Company, with headquarters at
Monongahela City; Mabel J., a student in the Washing-
ton High School; and Eobert W., also a student in the
Washington High School.
Mr. Mason is a Republican in politics and was for
three years a member of the school board, during which
_time he served one year as secretary of the board. He
was for two years treasurer of The Washington Borough.
He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church
and is fraternally affiliated with the Masonic order, be-
longing to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Com-
mandery and is past officer in all those bodies except
the Council. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum
and Improved Order of Heptasophs.
R. A. RUSSELL, whose business is that of contract-
ing carpenter, at South Burgettstown, to which place
he came in 1893 with his family and who in 1907 erect-
ed his fine residence, is one of the leading business men
in his line in this section. He was born in Muskingum
County, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1853.
Mr. Russell was brought to Washington County in
boyhood and attended the Concord and Rankin schools
in Mt. Pleasant Township, also a select school at Hickory
and later Muskingum College. He then assisted his
father on the farm and also learned the carpenter trade
and later went into contracting.
Mr. Russell was married in February, 1888, to Miss
Agnes Jennie Welch, a daughter of M. R. Welch, and
they have three children: John E., who is a student at
Athens University, Athens, Ohio; Mary Belle, who is
a student in the State Normal School at Slippery Rock;
and WUda MT., who attends the Burgettstown school.
Mr. Russell and wife are members of the First United
Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. He
is an active and useful citizen, taking an interest in all
that pertains to the general welfare of the town. He
is serving in his sixth year as a member of the borough
Council.
REV. THEODORE B. NOSS, Ph. D., deceased, al-
though best known to the people at large as an educator,
was also a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church,
an extensive traveler, an author of note, a philanthropist,
a man with varied business interests kept well in hand,
and was the largest property owner in the borough of
California, Pa., which for years had been his chosen place
of residence. The death of Dr. Noss, which occurred
Feb. 28, 1909, was a distinct loss to the whole country
and an almost irreparable one to his community, with
the leading affairs and the higher life of which he was
so closely identified.
Theodore Bland Noss was born on his father 's farm
near Waterloo, Juniata County, Pa., May 10, 1852, and
his parents were George and Isabella Noss, and his
grandfather, from whom he undoubtedly inherited his
physical appearance and much of his perseverance and
tenacity of purpose, was Rev. John Coulter, a noted
preacher of the Presbyterian faith, who filled one charge
for 30 years. When the parents of Mr. Noss moved
from near Waterloo to a little settlement named later
in honor of his father, NossvUle, he was quite young,
but was 18 years old when they removed to the Shenan-
doah Valley, in Virginia. They had ten children, and two
daughters and one son died in infancy. One son died
of consumption, when aged 20 years, and a daughter,
Mrs. Belle Goshorn, died in 1906. The survivors are:
Mrs. Jennie Hoy, and Mrs. Rachel Lineburg, both of
Montandon; Mrs. Annie Widney, of Lindon, Kas. ; and
Mrs. Clara H. Park, also of Montandon.
Theodore B. Noss was reared by a father who had
very practical ideas and fixed beliefs that amounted to
stern convictions. The boy worked faithfully on the
farm and in the tannery, neither occupations affording
him any mental stimulus, in fact being distasteful in the
extreme. He was permitted to attend the little academy
at Waterloo, when work was not pressing at home, but
when he expressed a desire to enter some larger educa-
tional institution, he was offered no assistance by his
father. This attitude, however, was largely due to the
fact that an older son had died at school, when away from
home, a victim of consumption, and the stern, but loving,
father could not bring himself to send a second son to
what he believed a similar fate. Thus Theodore pursued
his studies and acquired his education under a handicap,
but he was too large minded to blame his father and
■1
^r X
ru^i-r-.c-ia'^irtiJiu .
iX^vW-5^
J
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
779
trustetl tu limo and bis uuu jiurseveiance to aecumplish
bis ends. Tbe first money be earned was by teaching a
country school across the State line, in Maryland, and
this money he used to take a course in the Normal School
ut Shippousburg, Fa., and when it did not cover the total
expense, it was bis father who gave way and sup[ilied tbe
balance and enabled him to remain until he was gradu-
ated, be having apparently recognized his sou 's ability.
Immediately after graduation, Mr. Noss was apopiuted
principal of the Shippensburg high school, which was then
rated as one of the most advanced in the State, and after
satisfactorily filling that position, be was called to Dickin-
son Seminary, at Williamsport. There he taught more
advanced studies and also continued his own in prepara-
tion for his entrance into Syracuse University, from
wbicli be was graduated with tbe class of 1879. A por-
tion of his time was devoted to bis first trip to Europe.
After graduating at the above university, from which he
received his degree of A. M., in 1882, and of Ph. D., in
1884, be was invited by Prof. George P. Beard, then
principal of the Southwestern State Normal School, at
California, to accept a position as one of its instructors,
which he accepted and very shortly afterward was made
vice-principal and remained in authority here until 1882.
Dr. Noss then accepted a call to what was then tbe Pitts-
burg Female College, but conditions were not congenial,
and he returned to bis former position in the Normal
School. In the spring of 1883, Prof. George P. Beard
resigned and Dr. Noss was immediately elected as his
successor and he continued principal of the California,
Pa., Normal School from that time until his death, de-
voting his time, bis energy, often bis means, to further
his ideals in connection with this great s»hool.
Tbe life of Dr. Noss was one of continued usefulness
but bis death had many sad features. Apparently in tbe
best of health, in company with is wife and several per-
sonal friends. Dr. Noss started to attend an educational
meeting at Chicago, in which he was mucli interested.
A slight chill developed son after the party started and
bis illness grew as the journey continued, a condition that
greatly alarmed Mrs. Noss, whose tender care had pre-
served his life in a similar attack, some two years previ-
ously. By the time the great city was reached he was
seriously ill but was hastened to the Auditorium Hotel
and the best medical skill summoned to bis aid. Weakened
tissues from his previous illness perhaps, could not be
strengthened in time to save bis life and ere few of bis
hundreds of friends and loving pupils knew that he was
sick tbe announcement of bis death was flashed to them.
All through the funeral ceremonies, California was a
city of sadness, grief was pictured on every countenance,
men turned from their ordinary pursuits and little chil-
dren were told that a good man had passed from earth.
It is but fitting to mention that people of distinction in
dili'ercut walks of life came to do honor to his memory
and many of these accompanied the mourning family to
his last resting place in the Monongahela Cemetery.
On May 17, 1883, Dr. Noss was united in marriage with
Miss Mary Graham, and she survives with their two
children: Mary, who was born March 20, 1886; and
Theodore, who was born April 4, 1896. Mrs. Noss and
daughter are at present members of the Normal School
faculty. In 1889, Dr. and Mrs. Noss, with their little
daughter spent six months in Europe and visited many
interesting points. In 1893 they again went to Europe,
with congenial friends, and together they pursued special
studies at tbe University of Berlin and at Jena Univer-
sity. The third trip they took abroad together was dur-
ing the school year of 1906-7, when they spent eight
months as students in the Sorbonne University of ParLs,
concluding with a visit to the University of Heidelberg.
Apparently at that time. Dr. Noss was just as eager for
knowledge as was the farm boy of long before, propping
up his school book before him on the plough or tan vat.
Dr. Noss was a local preacher in the Methodist Epis-
copal Church and was a lay delegate to tbe General Con-
ference in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1896. He was an active
member of the National Educational Association, a mem-
ber of tbe National Educational, Council also president of
tbe Normal department of tbe same, in 1899. He was
the author of a number of serious works, all more or less
educational, which will perpetuate his fame as a literary
man. In private life he was cultured, diplomatic, friend-
ly, sympathetic and courteous. His interests at Califor-
nia included a directorship in tbe People's Bank.
JAMES HODGENS, deceased, who spent practically
the whole of his long and useful life in the vicinity of
Taylorstown, Pa., was born at that place, Sept. 29,
1829, and was a son of Isaac and Isabel (McCarrell)
Hodgeus.
Tbe Hodgens family was one of tbe earliest to settle
in Buffalo Township, Washington County, and genera-
tion after generation it prospered and sent forth sons
and daughters who became respected members of so-
ciety. The family originated in Ireland, the grand-
father, Thomas Hodgens, coming to America from
County Armagh, in 1807, then being a man of family,
and in tbe spring of 1808, he bought a farm in Buffalo
Township,' near what is now Taylorstown, then but a
scattered hamlet. He died in 1821. He was one of the
founders of the Christian Church in this neighborhood.
Isaac Hodgens, son of Thomas, and father of the late
James Hodgens, was born in County Armagh, in 1794,
and accompanied his parents to America. He completed
his education under a preceptor whose classes he had
attended in Ireland, this being Alexander Campbell, who
established what is now Bethany College, W. Va. Isaac
780
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Hodgeiis had the startling experience of being carried
off by a war ship that attacked the vessel in which the
family was journeying to America, but subsequently
was restored unharmed to his famOy. He was a man of
unusual strength of mind, served some years as county
commissioner, and for a time one of the associate judges
of Washington County. A great admirer and follower
of Andrew Jackson, he subscribed to that leader's po-
litical principles. His fellow citizens recognized his
superiority and elected him to offices of the highest
responsibility. He was active in the militia of early
times, and reached the exalted rank of major gen-
eral. In 1S22 he married Isabella MeCarrell,
also of Irish extraction. They resided on the old home-
stead in Buffalo Township until 1835 and then moved
into Taylorstown, but later purchased a farm that ad-
joined the village and there the remainder of their lives
were spent. Isaac Hodgens died in 1860 and was sur-
vived 12 years by his widow. They had eleven chil-
dren, the larger number of whom grew to maturity.
The. late James Hodgens was given educational oppor-
tunities far beyond those afforded many of his asso-
ciates, attending good schools and completing his studies
at Jefferson College. He had shown a taste for mathe-
matics and this aided in perfecting him in civil
engineering and surveying. Later he gave a large por-
tion of his time for some years to his profession and
enjoyed it, but he also carried on large agricultural
operations. His engineering work took him to other
points and he was connected with railroad construction
in Iowa, but later gave up contracts that would take
him so far from home. He owned 260 acres of some of
the best land in Buffalo Township and his farm was
well stocked, his herds of cattle being Holsteins and
Shorthorns; his stock of the highest grade throughout.
On Dec. 24, 1863, Mr. Hodgens was married to Miss
Mary E. Farrar, who was born in Buffalo Township,
Washington County, Pa., and is a daughter of Aaron
and Jane (Griffith) Farrar. Mrs. Hodgens comes of
Revolutionary stock. The great-grandfather of Mrs.
Hodgens, James Farrar, had two brothers, John and
Peter Farrar, who served in Washington's army and
were killed at the battle of Long Island. Her grand-
parents, Andi-ew and Margaret (Moore) Farrar, crossed
the Allegheny Mountains and came to Washington Coun-
ty, after the close of the Revolutionary War, settling
in Mt. Pleasant Township, where they died about 1832.
Their eighth son, Aaron, father of Mrs. Hodgens, was
born in 1812, in Washington County, married Jane
Griffith and they had five children, Mary E. being the
fourth in order of birth, ^.n 1845 the Farrars moved
from Mt. Pleasant to Buffalo Township and purchased
a farm near Taylorstown.
To Mr. and Mrs. Hodgens nine children were born
and the following survive: Thomas M., formerly a min-
ing man and banker at Butte, Mont., now has head-
quarters at Indian Chase, Greenwich, Conn.; Maud E.,
who is the wife of Eev. D. P. Smith, formerly pastor
of the United Presbyterian Church at Pawnee City,
Neb., and now pastor of the U. P. Church at Springfield,
Mo. ; Isaac W., who is a physician at Chicago, 111. ; James
0., who was formerly a banker at Butte, Mont., is now
interested in irrigation in Madison County, Mont.; Al-
bert M., who is a graduate of Washington and Jefferson
College, is a civil engineer by profession, and is a justice
of the peace of Blaine Township; and Ealph M., who
is interested in mines and irrigation projects at Butte,
Mont. He was a soldier in the Philippine Islands and
while in the service was once wounded in the arm by
the savage islanders.
In his political views the late James Hodgens was
a rigid Democrat and he exerted a wide influence. He
served at times in township offiees as his duties in other
lines would permit, and for a considerable length of
time was justice of the peace. He was a leading mem-
ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Taylorstown.
J. J. DAVIN, manufacturer of and dealer in all kinds
of drilling and fishing tools, with quarters near the
Chartier depot, at Washington, Pa., leads the trade in
this line, in the oil country. He was born in 1848 in
Ireland and came to America a boy of 15 years.
Mr. Davin secured work in a tobacco factory at
Brooklyn, N. Y., but after he had accumulated a little
capital, he started out to seek a better business field,
and in his travels reached Chicago, Ills. He remained
there until 1868, but the rapid development of the Penn-
sylvania oil fields and the business opportunities offered
on every side, led him to go to Oil Creek and he has
been identified with the oil industry in some way ever
since. He began the manufacture of tools and appurte-
nances required in the oil fields while stUl at Oil Creek,
later moved his business to Bradford, and finally, in
1885, to Washington. He carries the largest stock of
general drilling and fishing tools of modern design and
improved patterns, also cordage, win lines, rubber bells
and fillings, to be found in the oil country. In addition
to this successful enterprise, Mr. Davin is iaterested
in other prosperous concerns. In 1880 Mr. Davin was
married in Canada to Miss Ellen A. Magner. They are
members of tlie Eoman Catholic Church. He is a charter
member of the order of Elks at Washington.
Mr. Davin has shown his enterprising spirit by estab-
lishing a branch of his business at Sisterville, W. Va.,
where he has put a nephew, Mr. Magner, in charge.
Through his enterprising spirit, his energy, industry and
good judgment, Mr. Davin is numbered today with the
rejiresentative business men of Washington.
inSTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
781
I'UANK KAMP, manager of the old Uoijper iKniie-
stead farm iu Peters Township, Washington Conntj-,
Pa., has 135 acres of land under cultivation and is num-
bered with the leading citizens and successful agricul-
turists of this section. He is a son of Michael Kanip,
of Allegheny County. Mr. Kamp mai-ried Miss Mary
Jane Hanna and they have one son and three daughters:
Albert, Anna, Julia and Jennie.
James Hopper, grandfather of Mrs. Kamp and the
founder of the Hopper family iu Washington County,
was born in County Den-y, Ireland, in 1788, and was a
son of Robert Hopper. He learned the linen w-oaver 's
trade in early manhood. He married Jane Little, also
of County Derry, and in 1849 he brought his family
to America and they lived for one year at Pittsburg,
Pa. Mr. Hopper then bought a small farm on Brash
Kun, in Peters Township, Washington County, and there
engaged iu farming. In 1878 he purchased the present
homestead and subsequently added to it until he owned
135 acres at the time of his death, which occurred Feb.
3, 1885, at the advanced age of 97 years. His wife died
Peb. 12, 1879, aged 81 years. Mr. Hopper's mother
was conceded to have been the oldest woman on record
in Ireland, living to the remai-kable age of 105 years.
James and Jane Hopper were the parents of nine chil-
dren, namely: Mary A., Arthur, James, Robert, Thomas
aud John, twins, Nancy, Eliza and Samuel. All of the
children were born in Ireland and Eliza died there.
Three of the children survive: Thomas, John and Sam-
uel, these aged brothers being tenderly ministered to
by Mr. and Mrs. Kamp, all residing on the old home-
stead. The eldest daughter, Mary A. Hopper, married
Richard Hanna, of Pittsburg, who died Dee. 16, 1871,
aud she died on the homestead in September, 1895, leav-
ing five children : Samuel H., James, Joseph, Thoums J.
and Mary Jane, who is Mrs. Kamp. The family belongs
to Center Presbyterian Church.
ROBERT H. BLACK, of the firm of Robert H. Black
& Son, in marble and granite monumental work at
Canonsburg, established this business in 187(3 and it is
the only concern of its kind iu this place. Mr. Black was
born at South Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa.,
only a few rods from his present residence, and is a
son of Williani and Eleanor (Manifold) Black.
James Black, the grandfather, was born in Adams
County, Pa., and came very early to Washington County,
where both he and wife died. They were interred at the
Hill Church Cemetery, one mile south of Canonsburg.
The grandparents had four sons and four daughters.
William Black, father of Robert H., was born in
Washington County. In 1847 he purchased what was
kiioiTii as I ho College farm, on which South Canonsliurg
is now located and Ijotli he and wife died there, his
death occurring in 18()(), when aged 64 years. He "mar-
ried Eleanor Manifold, who was born in 1804, in York
County, Pa., and died in 1885, in Washington County,
when aged 81 years. She belonged to a family of noted
!onge\ity, seven members of which averaged 82 years
at date of death. To William and Eleanor Black ten
rhildren were born, Robert H. being the youngest of
tlio family. The others were as follows: William, who
lives in South Canonsburg, married Mary Bebout; Ben-
jamin, who was killed during the Civil War at Gettys-
burg, was a uu;mber of Co. G, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf.;
.James, who never married, was a member of Co. D,
loth Pa. Res. Corps and served through the Civil War,
died at Rome, Ga., in 1907; George, who died on his
farm near Washington, married Jane McNary; Richard,
w'ho is a resident of Canonsburg and now retired, mar-
ried riora White; Margaret, who became the wife of
William Grimes, who died in Butler County, Pa., for
more than 40 years a minister of the United Presby-
terian Church in Belmont County, Ohio, and Mrs. Grimes
resides at Millersburg, Ohio, with their son. Rev. Will-
iam Grimes, who is pastor of a church at that place;
Maiy, and two who died young. Mary Black married
Rev. J. S. Barr, retired and living at New Wilmington,
Lawrence County, Pa. At the time of marriage both
vi'ere missionaries in India, where they spent 43 years
and Mrs .Barr died at Sealkote, India. A son, J. D.
Barr, is a member of tlie faculty of the New Wilmington
College.
Robert H. Black attended school at Canonsburg until
18 years of age and then went to wcirk on a farm and
continued there until he went into the mai-ble and
granite business. The plant is now situated at No. 16
Central avenue, having been moved from beneath the
Citizens Trust Company building. He is one of Canons-
burg "s old and reliable business men.
In 1878, Mr. Black was married to Miss Margaret
White, a daughter of. W. S. and Jane (Stewart) White.
Mrs. Black was born near Hickory, in Mt. Pleasant
Township, in Washington County, and died at Canons-
burg in 1900. She was the beloved mother of the fol-
lowing children: Helen D., residing at home; Harry,
a draughtsman, who resides at Toledo, Ohio, unmarried;
.lohn W., who is associated with his father in the monu-
nu>nt business; Virginia, who died in 1904; and Mary
K.. Agnes, Jeanetta and Eleanor, all at home, the
younger ones still attending school. Mr. Black and chil-
ihon attend the First Presbyterian Church at Canons-
liurg. The family residence is an attractive one located
at Xo. 305 South Chestnut street. In polities Mr. Black
is a Republican and he has served acceptably a;s school
iliroctor and also as Councilman.
7S2
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
J. W. PIJs AE, an extensive dealer in builders ' sup-
plies, coal and ice, is one of the leading young business
men of Washington, where he has resided since 1905. He
was born in 1875 in Chicago, 111., but was reared and
obtained his early schooling in Guthrie County, Iowa,
later graduating with the Class of '97 from Iowa College
at Grinnell, Iowa, when he received the degree of A. B.
He subsequently took a post graduate course at the
University of Chicago, and at Shurtleff College, Upper
Alton, lU., where he received a degree of A. M., after
which he taught for four years in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Mr. Pinar was engaged for a period of three years in
the furniture business at Ciucinnati, Ohio, after which
he filled a position as tra-veling salesman for a brick
concern of Pittsburg untU 1905, when he purchased his
present business in which he has since continued with
well merited success.
In 1902 Mr. Pinar was united in marriage with Miss
Emily Brooke, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He is a member and
an elder of the Central Presbyterian Church of Wash-
ington, and fraternally has recently been elected for
initiation in the I. 0. 0. P. lodge.
JONATHAN EANKIN, a retired farmer and one of
the most respected residents of South Burgettstown.
whose valuable farm of 245 acres is situated in Smith
Township, Washington County, was born in Fayette
County, Pennsylvania, Aug. 10, 1837, and is a son of
James and Eaohel Eankin. Their family consisted of
three sons and two daughters. The survivors are Jona-
than and one of his two sisters.
Jonathan Eankin was reared in Fayette County, ob-
tained his education there and for many years there-
after engaged in farming and in school teaching in his
native county. In 1901 he purchased his valuable land
in Smith Township and at that time took up his resi-
dence, in South Burgettstown, where he has been num-
bered with the useful citizens ever since. He is a man
of capital and is one of the stockholders in the First
National Bank of Burgettstown. In politics Mr. Eankin
has always been identified with the Democratic party, but
he has never sought political office.
Mr. Eankin married Mrs. Eachel E. Murphy and they
have five children, as follows: Laura Jane, who married
A. B. Pearsol; Margaret, who married George Pearsol;
Winnie I., who married J. K. Chalf ant ; Bessie, who mar-
ried C. A. Eittenhouse, and Harry, who married Jessie
Currey. Mr. and Mrs. Eankin are members of the First
Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown.
AMBLEE M. ELLIOTT, residing on his well cul-
tivated farm, which contains more than 149 acres and is
situated in Blaine Township, was born in Morris Town-
ship, Washington County, Pa., Jan. 10, 1863, and is a
son of Valentine and Nancy (Dougal) Elliott.
Valentine EUiott was born in Morris Township and
was a son of Jacob Elliott, one of the very early settlers
in that region. Valentine Elliott was a farmer and stock
raiser and was one of the useful and leading men of his
township. He was a prominent Democrat and frequently
had township offices tendered him and served as road
superintendent and school director. His death occurred
in February, 1906, when he was in his seventy-fourth
year. His widow survives and lives comfortably at
Claysville. Of their children the following survive :
Eelda P., widow of Eobert Adams, resides at ClaysviUe;
Ambler M., of Blaine Township, and Perry S., of Denver,
Colo. The father of these children was a valued mem-
ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of East
I'inley Township.
Ambler M. Elliott attended the public schools and was
trained to an agricultural life on his father's farm.
After his marriage in 1885 he engaged in farming in
East Finley Township and then returned to Morris Town-
ship, later moved to a farm in Jackson Township, Greene
County, and remained there for nine years, when he
moved to Eich HUl Township, in the same county, where
he resided until April, 1908, when he returned to Wash-
ington County and settled on his present farm, where he
has carried on farming and stock raising ever since.
He is an intelligent, progressive man, and makes use of
modern methods and knowledge in his agricultural opera-
tions.
On Dec. 19, 1885, Mr. Elliott was married to Miss
Mary M. Johnson, a daughter of the late Nicholas John-
son, of Eich Hill Township, and they have two daughters :
Ella S., who is the wife of William Huston, of Morris
Township, Greene County, and Anna L., who is the wife
of Harry Applegate, of Blaine Township, Washington
County. Mr. and Mrs. Applegate have a little daughter,
Mary Jeanette.
In his political views Mr. Elliott is entirely inde-
pendent. He keeps posted on current events, does his
own thinking and casts his vote as his judgment dictates.
He is more or less a self-made man and, like all such who
have successfully made their own way in the world, pos-
sesses a large amount of that useful commodity, com-
mon sense.
JOHN WHITE MAETIN, of the dry goods firm of J.
W. Martin & Sons, leading mercliants at Canonsburg, was
born in South Strabane Township, Washington County,
Pa., Jan. 11, 1828, and is a son of James and Mary
(White) Martin.
James Martin was born in York County, Pennsylvania,
and was a son of Peter and Mary (Adams) Martin.
L:
JOHN A. DIXON
HISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
785
Tlio greater prirt of his life was spent in Soutli Strabane
Towiisliip, Washington County, wliere he dieil when aged
eighty-eiglit years. He married Mary White, who was
born in North Strabano Township and died in South
Strabane Township at tlie age of eighty years. Her
parents were Samuel and Mary (Henderson) White and
her maternal grandfather was Rev. Matthew Uendcrson,
a pioneer preacher and the first pastor of what is now
the North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church, serving
from 17S1 to 1795. To James and Mary Martin the
following children were born : Peter, who married Mary
.T. Clokoy, died in South Strabane Township; Samuel,
wlio married Sarah Herron, died at what is now Smith 's
Mill, in North Strabane Township; James, who married
Elizabeth Clokey; John W. ; Matthew Adams, who died
unmarried; Mary J., who died in early womanhood;
Ebenezer Henderson, who was a soldier in the Civil War
and a member of the 140th Pa. Vol. Inf., was drowned
while attempting to cross the James River, in Virginia,
on horseback; William H., who died on the home farm
near Washington, married Annie, daughter of James
Thon; Elizabeth, who is the widow of George Davis,
lives in South Strabane Township; Thomas J., who was
accidentally killed by a fall from a haymow, and Ann
Eliza, who died in childhood.
John White Martin, who has been identified with the
dry goods business at Canonsbnrg for a period of fifty-
one years, enjoys the distinction of being the oldest
active merchant in the place. He was reared on the home
farm, but early decided upon the study of medicine.
In 1849 he was graduated from Washington and Jeffer-
son College and shortly afterward began the reading
of medical works under Dr. John Wishart and then at-
tended medical lectures in the medical department of the
University of Pennsylvania and was graduated there-
from in the class of 1853. He returned to Washington
County and engaged in practice at Canonsburg until
1858, when he entered into the dry goods business, with
which he has been so prominently connected ever since.
For a number of years he remained alone and had
already built up a large business before his younger
sons were prepared to be taken into partnership. The
present firm is made up of John White Martin, John C.
Martin and Ralph Martin, the firm style being J. W.
Martin & Song.
In 1855 Dr. Martin was married to Miss Elizabeth
Allison, who died in 1881 and was interred in beautiful
Oak Springs Cemetery. Five children were born to this
marriage, namely : James Allison, who died at the age
of nineteen years; Charles Edwin, who has been con-
nected with the Standard Oil Company since youth, has
his home at Titusville, Pa., but spends a part of his
time at Buffalo, Pittsburg and other points as the duties
(if tlie position lie fills require; .lolin ('., who is associated
witli liis father, was educated in Canonsburg Academy;
Ralph, who is a member of the firm of .1. W. Martin &
Sons, married a daughter of William Donaldson and
lliey have one daughter, Mabelle, who is the wife of
(icorge Cameron, and Mr. and Mrs. Cameron have a
daughter; and Mary, who is the wife of William Dick-
son. Mr. and Mrs. Dickson lost one child, but they have
three — Aneita, Margaret and William.
Dr. Martin has always been an active citizen in the
sense of supporting any proposition for the improving
of the borough along well considered lines or advancing
tlie permanent welfare of the people, but he has de-
clined all public offices with the exception of membership
on the School Board. He is one of the leading mem-
bers of the Grecnside Avenue United Presbyterian Church
and is a member of the Session. For a number of years
he served as superintendent of the Sabbatlischool. He is
a Republican in his political views.
JOHN N. DIXON, an honorary member of the board
of trustees of the Southwestern State Normal School at
California, Pa., Was an active member of that board for
more than thirty-five years, during all of which time he
was president of same with the exception of two years.
He was born March 1(3, 1824, on a farm just across the
Monongahela River in Fayette County, Pa., and is a
son of Nathan and Elizabeth (Forsythe) Dixon. Nathan
Dixon followed farming all his life and was also born
and reared on the Dixon farm in Fayette County, which
was land settled on by his father, John Dixon, a native
of Chester County, Pa. Nathan Dixon died when our
subject was a small child, leaving his widow with three
children to rear, namely: John N. ; Jane, who married
James Elliott, died at the age of seventy years; and
Ruth, deceased, who was an invalid during the greater
part of her life.
John N. Dixon was reared on the home farm in Fay-
ette County, and lived continuously for seventy-six years
on part of the land originally purchased by his paternal
grandfather, John Dixon. His maternal grandfather,
Eli Forsythe, also owned a tract of 400 acres near the
Dixon farm. Mr. Dixon has always followed farming
and also dealt extensively in coal for some time, and has
been highly successful in all his business ventures. In
1900 he sold his farm, consisting of 212 acres, and came
to California, Pa., where he has since been living in
retirement. Mr. Dixon is vice-president of the People's
Bank of California, and is a member of the Presbyte-
rian Church of California.
Dixon Hall, the fine new dormitory of the South-
western State Normal School at California, which was
erected at a cost of $9.').00n, and completed during the
786
HISTOEY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
summer of 190S, was dedicated and named in honor of
Mr. Dixon, who possesses to the fullest extent, the con-
fidence and esteem of his fellow townsmen.
J. G. MAEQUIS, a retired farmer and auctioneer,
residing in his handsome residence at Burgettstown, for-
merly was engaged in farming in Cross Creek Township,
Washington County, Pa. He . was born in that town-
ship May 9, 1843, and is a son of William and Lettice
(Griffith) Marquis. The father died in 1855 and the
mother in 1882. . They were members of the Cross Creek
Presbyterian Church and were buried in the cemetery
attached to the same.
J. G. Marquis attended school through boyhood in
Cross Creek Township and devoted himself to agri-
cultural pursuits both before and after marriage. He
was also a well known and popular auctioneer and cried
sales in many parts of the county. In the spring of
1906 he retired to Burgettstown, where he is a valued
citizen.
On Mar. 1, 1866, Mr. Marquis was married to Miss
Clara A. McFarland, a daughter of Andrew and Mary
McFarland, and eleven children were born to them, all
of whom survive with the exception of the oldest, which
died unnamed, and Amber G., whose death occurred in
December, 1905. The others are: Mary L., Anna B.,
Orin K., Clara, Margaret A., Jannette G., Ella A., Elsie
and William A. Mr. Marquis and family attend the
Westminster Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown. In
politics he is a Democrat and has served three years in
the office of judge of elections. He is a stockholder in
the Guardian Trust Company, of Pittsburg.
WILLIAM PICKETT, general contractor and a rep-
resentative business citizen of Washington, Pa., was born
in this city, April 22, 1863, and is a son of .John and
Nora (O'Leary) Pickett.
The parents of Mr. Pickett, who were born in County
Clare, Ireland, came to America in March, 1852, landing
at Castle Garden, New York. The father secured work
on what was then known as the Hempfield Railroad, now
a part of the Baltimore & Ohio system, and then came
to Washington County. He w-as found to be a faithful,
reliable man and was given the position of watchman at
tlie Baltimore & Ohio roundhouse, at Washington, which
he held for 14 years. Later he served four terms as
street commissioner at Washington. He married Nora
O'Leary and they had eleven children, the survivors
being: Thomas F., who is superintendent of Hazel Gla.>s
Factory No. 1; William; Peter and John H., both of
whom are agents for the United States E.xpress Com-
pany; Michael, who is with the Hazel Glass Works;
Mary, who is employed at tho United States Express
office at Washington; Julia, a teacher in the public
schools; Catherine and Margaret, both of whom are at
home; Anna, who is bookkeeper for the Eeal Estate
Trust Bank; and Nellie, who is a teacher in the public
schools.
William Pickett, with his brothers and sisters, was
reared and educated at Washington. One of a large fam-
ily, it was necessary for him to early assist his father,
and later, through his own industry, he accumulated the
capital with which he started into business in general
contracting work. Beginning in a small way, by honest
work, fab' prices and punctuality he won some important
contracts, which paved the way for others, until noAv
he stands very near the head in his line of business at
Washington, his work mainly being street grading, build-
ing and street railway contracts. He erected his own
handsome home at No. 57 North Lincoln street.
In June, 1898, Mr. Pickett was married to Miss Mary
Scanlon, of Steubenville, Ohio, and they are members of
the Catholic Church. Mr. Pickett is a charter member
of the Knights of Columbus Lodge at Washington.
JOHN SAWHILL, one of Blaine Township's leading
citizens, who owns three farms, aggregating 370 .acres,
was born in this same section of Washington County,
Pa., Aug. 10, 1835, and is a son of William and Jane
(Lorimer) Sawhill, and a grandson of. William Saw-
hill, the latter of whom was a pioneer settler in the
county and ever since, his descendants have been owners
of land, farmers and stock raisers in this vicinity.
William Sawhill, father of John Sawhill, died in
Washington County in 1867. He was a well-known man
and respected one and for many years enjoyed member-
ship with the United Presbyterian Church in Buffalo
Township. In his early years he was a Whig, but later
became a Republican. He married Jane Lorimer and
but two of their children survive: John and Sarah J.,
the latter of whom is the widow of J. E. Donaldson, for-
merly of East Pinley Township. Mrs. Donaldson now
resides at Claysville.
.John Sawhill grew to manhood on the home farm and
from youth has been accustomed to farm work of every
kind. For many years he has made a specialty of the
sheep industry and is one of the largest sheep raisers
in Blaine Township, keeping from 200 to 300 head at
a time. Although Mr. Sawhill had but few educational
advantages in his youth he profited by those he had and
is one of the well informed and intelligent men of this
section. All of his land is valuable and he has the
knowledge that enables him to cultivate every portion
of it profitably. Mr. Sawhill is interested also in the
National Bank at Claysville and ever since it was organ-
ized has been one of its directors.
On .Tan. 4, 1864, Mr. Sawhill was married to Miss Jane
B. Ziegler, who was born in Lancaster County, Pa., and
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
787
is a Jaugliter of Abraham Zieglcr, who moved from
Lancaster Couuty to Donegal Township in Wsushington
County. To Mr. ami Mrs. Sawhill ten ehildren have
been born and of tliese the following survive: Nettie,
who is the wife of William Woodburn, of Washington;
William L., who lives in Donegal Township; Elmer C,
who lives in Pittsburg; Oscar H., who resides in Blaine
Town-ship; John M.; Ina M. ; Sadie M., who is the wife
of Ulysses G. Duvall, of West Pittsburg; Maud E.;
Clara A., who is a successful teacher in Blaine Town-
ship; and Klizabeh, who is deceased. John M., Ina M.,
Maud E. and Clara A. reside on the old home place in
Blaine Township.
Mr. Sawhill is a Kepublican in his political opinions.
He has frequently been elected to public office in Blaine
Township and has served most acceptably as school di-
rector and road supervisor, performing every duty to the
best of his ability. He is a member of the United
Presbyterian Church at Taylorstown and for a long
time served as a trustee of the same.
HENRY C. COOPER, a retired merchant of Elders-
ville, Pa., who was engaged in business here for 35 con-
secutive years, was born at Bellevue, Allegheny County,
Pa., May 5, 1845, and is a son of Erasmus and Eliza-
beth (Patterson) Cooper.
James Patterson, the maternal grandfather, came
from Ireland with his wife about 1793, and his oath of
allegiance, now in possession of Henry C. Cooper, was
made in 1794, and in 1814, he was made a citizen of
this country, the naturalization papers being also now
in the poi'session of Mr. Cooper. James Patterson and
wife were parents of four sons and three daughters.
He died when aged 92 years and his wife when aged 84
years.
. Erasmus Cooper resided for a number of years on a
farm near Bellevue, Pa., but after the death of his first
wife, in 1846, moved to MassUlon, Ohio, where he kept
a book store. Four sons were born to his first marriage :
John, William, Robert P. and Henry C. At Massillon,
Erasmus Cooper was married to Mary Elizabeth Logan,
and they had one child, Mary Elizabeth (Mrs. Bethel),
who lives in California. When Erasmus Cooper later
moved to Iowa with his second family, his two elder
sons, John and William, accompanied him. At that time
transportation facilities were poorly developed and Mr.
Cooper and his family had to go down the river from
Steubenville by boat to St. Louis and thence to Keokuk,
Iowa, and from there drove across the country to a
farm on which he settled and on which he lived until
the time of his death, Nov. 4, 1856, and his burial was
at Des Moines. His farm is now within the limits of
that city. In politics he was a Whig.
Henry C. Cooper attended school at Elders\illc and
Sluirpsburg, and after gaining a little practical experi-
ence in the mercantile business, in 1867 embarked in the
same with his brother, John, and they successfully car-
ried it on until 1890, when the latter retired. The for-
mer continued the busines.s alone for 12 years, but in
1902 sold out and also I'etired. He is a man of ample
fortune, being one of the stockholders in the Washing-
ton National Bank of Burgettstown, Pa., the owner of
considerable town property' and also the owner of his
grandfather Patterson's farm of 191 acres, which has
never been out of the family since 1797.
Mr. Cooper was married Dec. 18, 1889, to Miss Carrie
N'irgiuia McCarrell, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth
(McConib) McCarrell. Her grandfathers, Thomas Mc-
Carrell, Sr., and Capt. John McComb, were Revolutionary
soldiers. Mr. Cooper was reared in the Protestant Metho-
dist Church, of which he is an officer. Mrs. Cooper is a
member of the United Presbyterian Church, in which
her late father was an elder for a large part of his life.
WILLI.\M W. LESLIE, general contractor, is one of
Washington 's enterprising business men and has lived
in this city all but four years of his life. He was born
at Monmouth, Ills., in 1875, and is a son of Peter and
Agnes (Brownlee)) Leslie.
The Leslie family is probably of Irish extraction.
The father of Mr. Leslie, who died in 1908, was born
near Xenia, Ohio. He married Agnes Brownlee, who
was born in Washington County and was a member of
one of the oldest county families.
William W. Leslie attended the Washington schools,
having accompanied his parents here in 1879, and then
learned the brick-laying trade and for ten years has been
engaged in general contracting. In addition to building
many other residences, in 1903 he erected his own fine
home at No. 405 Addison avenue. In the same year he
was married to Miss Sue Grimes, a daughter of Thomas
Grimes, of Washington. They are members of the First
United Presbyterian Church, Mr. Leslie being on its of-
ficial board.
JOHN W. STEWART, deceased, was formerly one of
Buffalo Township's best known and respected citizens.
Born in Buffalo Township, Washington County, Pa.,
Nov. 3, 1847, he died Oct. 26, 1905, and was buried in
the cemetery at Washington. His parents were John
'W. and Jane (McCall) Stewart.
The Stewart family is numbered with the old ones of
Washington County and the name occurs again and again
in the early records. It originated in Scotland, but the
date of the coming of the first immigrant has not been
preserved. Both parents of Mr. Stewart were born in
Washington County .
John W. Stewart in his boyhood attended the clistrict
788
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON" COUNTY
schools near his home, but from early youth assisted
in the opperation of the home farm and became thor-
oughly acquainted with all the work "that is required
in order to make agriculture a successful business. He
continued to farm and to raise fine cattle and stock dur-
ing the entire period of his active life and when he was
called away he left an ample estate to his surviving
widow and his children. He was a consistent member
of the North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church, of
which he was also a trustee and was a man who not
only professed to be a Christian, but led the life of one.
He was a Republican in his political views, but sought
no public offices.
On Oct. 11, 1877, John W. Stewart was married to
Margaretta M. Caldwell, who was born in Hopewell
Township, where she was also reared. She was edu-
cated in the pubUe schools and at Washington Seminary,
at Washington, Pa. Mrs. Stewart's parents were Eobert
S. and Caroline (Vance) Caldwell. Her father was a
native of Hopewell Township and her mother of Cross
Creek Township, both of Washington County, and her
grandfathers had also been old residents of those sec-;
tions. Robert S. Caldwell was a farmer and also raised
many sheep, this industry for many years being one of
the most profitable. He was a leading member of the
Presbyterian Church at Buffalo Village.
Mr. and Mrs. Stewart had four children, namely:
Robert V., who is engaged in the practice of medicine at
Monongahela City, Pa. ; Irene McCaU, who is the wife
of Charles F. Young, of Nestor, Cal.; J. Lloyd, who
lives in Buffalo Township ; and Edna Margaretta, who
also is at home and attending school. Mrs. Stewart is
very active in the North Buffalo Presbyterian Church
and is president of the Missionary Society. She con-
tinues to reside on the old Stewart farm, the old home-
stead, where she has spent many peaceful, happy years.
In 1904, a fine new brick home, modern in its construc-
tion and improvements, was erected by Mr. Stewart, but
he lived to enjoy it but a few months.
GLENN GEORGE HALLAM, a lifelong resident and
for many years one of the prominent business men of
Washington, Pa., who has retired from business activi-
ties, was born in 1855 in this city and is a son of John
B. and Emma (Forrest) Hallam.
Joseph Hallam, the grandfather of our subject, was
one of the pioneer settlers of Washington, where at an
early period, which was during the days when the old
prairie schooner was the mode of travel, he conducted
a hotel for many years.
John B. Hallam, who followed wagon manufacturing
throughout his active career, was born in Washington
County, Pa., and died at the age of 74 years. He mar-
ried Emma Forrest, and to them were born a family of
five sons and two daughters; Glenn G., the subject of
this sketch; Clara, who died in infancy; Hugh B., de-
ceased; Frank Forrest, who is a resident of McKeesport,
a civil engineer by profession and is employed on the
state roads; Alice M., the wife of Charles H. Spriggs,
a wholesale grocer; John R., one of the leading photog-
raphers of Washington ; and Forrest R., a resident of
Belleville, Ills.
Glenn G. HaUam was reared and obtained his edu-
cational training in Washington, and early in life began
learning the carriage-making trade with J. M. House,
who failed in the business in 1871. He then learned
the carpenter 's trade, and afterwards embarked in the
manufacture of brick for many years, later dealing in
grain and builder's supplies for six years. Since that
time he has been devoting his entire attention to his real
estate business, which he has always carried on in con-
nection with his other business enterprises.
Sept. 15, 1881, Mr. Hallam was joined in marriage
with Eva McCoUum, who was born in Washington, a
daughter of Dennis MoCoUum, and of their union were
born the following offsprings: Ethel M., Emma B., Sarah,
deceased; Glenneva, deceased; and Paul McCollum Hal-
lam. Mr. Hallam is religiously a member of the First
Methodist Episcopal Church, and fraternally is affiliated
with the Royal Arcanum.
CHARLES C. COATES, president of the Hickory-
Woodrow Telephone Company of Mt. Pleasant Township,
and station agent at Hickory, Pa., for the Wabash Rail-
road, has been identified with railroad work for a num-
ber of years and his oiiice experience has been of a
character to well qualify him for the position he fills.
He was born at Plumer, Venango County, Pa., Aug. 14,
18'72, and is a son of Frederick C. and Mary C. (Denny)
Coates.
The father of Mr. Coates died Nov. 30, 1888, but the
mother survives and resides at Custer City, Pa. Fred-
erick C. Coates served 18 years on a German man-of-
war. He was a carpenter and contractor after locating
at Plumer, Pa. In politics he was a Democrat, and in
religious faith he was a German Lutheran.
Charles C. Coates attended school at Custer City and
then entered Western Brooke College, at Olean, N. Y.,
and after completing a commercial course there, became
manager of the Sewickley Valley Journal, a weekly so-
ciety newspaper, at Sewickley, Pa., and was manager
of the printing office there for some years. He also was
a resident of Haysville, Pa., for some time and during
that period was prominent in public affairs, serving one
term as burgess and one term as president of the Coun-
cil, and also was a school director. He also was elected
president of the Pennsylvania State Brass Band Asso-
ciation and during his year of service in this position,
Y
CIIAIM.KS \V. YAK'NAl.L. .M.D.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
791
lie increased the uiembersliip of the orgauizalimi from
980 to 2,210, a larger increase than was ever made be-
fore or since. He is an expert telegrapher and is a mem-
ber of the order of Railroad Telegraph Operators. Mr.
Coates was called to Hickory when the Wabash Com-
pany inaugurated its service here, in July, 1904. He
has had many duties, including service as chief clerk
for the siipcrinteudeut and also for the roadmastcr of
the Wabash Railroad at I'ittsbm'g. In politics he is an
independent Republican. He was a member of the
Council in the city of Pittsburg, also served on the
Central Board of Education, being elected on an inde-
pendent Democratic ticket. At present he is serving a.s
a. member of the school board of Mt. Pleasant Town-
ship.
On Dec. 8, 1900, Mr. Coates was married to Kath-
erine Neelan, a daughter of Thomas Neelan, and they
have one daughter, May D., who is attending school at
Hickory. Mr. Coates is a Thirty-second degree Mason
and he belongs also to the fraternal order of Hepta-
sophs, the Royal Arcanum and other societies.
JOHN M. BURROUGHS, a representative citizen of
BufEalo Township, who is jiow serving as a member of
the township school board, devotes his estate of more
than 125 acres to farming and stock raising, like his
neighbors, giving a large amount of attention to sheep.
He was born in Greene County, Pa., Dec. 10, 1862, and
is a son of Talmage T. and Jane (Scott) Burroughs.
The father of Mr. Burroughs was born in Morris
Township, Greene County, Pa., a son of Samuel Bur-
roughs. The latter spent the larger portion of his life
in his native county, but prior to his death, moved to
Iowa. Talmage T. Burroughs married Jane Scott, who
was born in Center Township, Greene County, and of
their children the present survivors are: H. S., a phy-
sician practicing in the city of Pittsburg; Belle, wife
of Frank Hedley, of Rich Hill Township, Greene County;
Lottie, wife of Leroy Marsh, of Rich Hill Township;
Ella, wife of Dr. T. N. Milligan, of Waynesburg, Pa. ;
John M. ; James, who lives in Center Township, Greene
County; and Bertha and WiUiam, both of whom live in
Waynesburg.
John M, Burroughs has been a farmer all his mature
life. He resided in his native county until 1907, when
he came to his present valuable farm in Buffalo Town-
ship. It did not take him long to prove to his fellow
citizens that a man of energy, experience and good judg-
ment had settled among them and in the spring of 1909
they elected him a member of the school board for a
term of three years.
On Oct. 15, 1887, Mr. Burroughs was married to Miss
Emma F. Throckmorton, who was born in Center Town-
ship. Greene fnunty. and is a daughter of .James Tlirock-
niorton. Two children have been born to them, Edna
Belle and Etta Mary. Mr. and Mrs. Burroughs are mem-
bers of the East Buffalo Presbyterian Church. In his
political views he is a Democrat.
CHARLES WESLEY YARNALL, M. D., physician
and surgeon, and specialist in diseases of the eye, ear,
nose and thoat, has been actively engaged in the prac-
tice of his profession in Washington County, Pa., for
two decades and has been located at California since
1899. He was born at Claysville, Pa., October 10, 1860,
and is a son of Rev. J. V. and Elizabeth (Boggs) Yar-
nall.
The Yarnall name is an old one in the city of Phila-
delphia, and from there came the grandjiarents of Dr.
Yarnall. The father of Dr. Yarnall was born in Ohio.
He became a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal
Church and according to the discipline of that church
was transferred from one charge to another every three
years. In that way his children attended school at dif-
ferent places, wTierever the temporary home might be,
all, however, during Dr. Yarnall 's boyhood, being in
Washington County, Pa. The latter became a student in
the State Normal School at California, leaving in his
senior year to enter Allegheny College at Meadville. For
six years he was connected with the railway mail service
between Pittsburg and New York. By that time he was
prepared to gratify his cherished ambition of entering
Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, where he was
graduated April 3, 1889. He subsequqently took a post-
graduate course in 1899, in New York City. He settled
first at Roscoe, Washington County, where he practiced
for five years, moving then to Bellsville for five years
more, after which he came to California. In large meas-
ure, Dr. Yarnall is a self-made man, providing for his
own education by teaching school and otherwise, and is
justly proud of the fact. He is deeply interested in his
profession and keeps fully abreast with the times in all
that concerns it. He was one of the first to install an
X-Ray machine in his office, with other costly electrical
apparatus, in this section, and makes a specialty of their
use. He enjoys the confidence of a large clientele and
the respect and esteem of his fellow citizens in general.
Dr. Yarnall was married before coming to California,
to Miss Allie Hopkins, who was born in West Pike Run,
Washington County, and is a daughter of T. C. Hopkins.
Dr. and Mrs. Yarnall have three children namely: Jo-
seph Olan, a graduate of the State Normal School at
California, who is now a student in the Dickinson Law
School, at Carlisle, Pa.; Eva May, a graduate also of
the State Normal School at California, who is a teacher
in East Pike Run Township; and Audrey H., who is a
student in the senior cla^s in the California Nor:i'al
SiOiool.
792
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY
Dr. Yaruall is professionally identified with various
medical and scientific organizations and fraternally he
belongs to the Masons, the Odd Fellows, the Knights of
Pythias, the Eagles and the order of the Moose.
DONALD G. WILKINSON, who fills a very import-
ant position, being engineer of the Pittsburg Coal Com-
pany, at Westland, Pa., was born in Scotland, Nov. 19,
1859, and is a son of George and Christina (Morrison)
Wilkinson.
The mother of Mr. Wilkinson died in Scotland, but
the father came to America and later resided at West-
land and worked as a boss track-layer. Both of his two
sons reside here, Donald G. and Andrew M., the latter
of whom married Margaret Christie.
Donald G. Wilkinson came to America in February,
1887, hence his school days had all been spent in his
native country. He landed in the United States at
Philadelphia, and from there went to Clearfield and
later to Westmoreland County. In April, 1890, he went
from there to Stockdale, where he worked for one year,
then to Morewood for eight months, to Uniontown for
nine years, to BufSngton for one year and from there
came to Westland and accepted his present position.
He has thus had a large amount of experience as an
engineer and is regarded as a safe and trusty employe,
under all conditions. Mr. Wilkinson is one of the stock-
holders in the Farmers' National Bank at Hickory. In
politics he is a Republican and he lias served four years
as a justice of the peace.
Mr. Wilkinson was married in Scotland to Miss Jenet
Stewart, whose parents were John and Mary Stewart.
They attend the Presbyterian Church at Westland. Mr.
Wilkinson is much interested in the Young Men's
Christian Association at Washington and has been a
member of that organization for three years, and he is
identified also with the Elks, the Odd Fellows and the
Miners' Union.
M. W. LARKIN, who has been a resident of Wash-
ington for a period of 20 years, is interested in a num-
ber of business enterprises of this city and is one of
the experienced and successful oil and gas operators of
this section. He was born at Syracuse, N. T., in 1864
and was only 13 years of age when he entered the oil
fields of Butler County, Pa. Although a mere boy, he
found plenty of work in the busy oil fields and soon
began to gain a knowledge of the industry and to get
practical experience. From Butler County he went to
^''enango County, and later to the McKean County oil
fields, from there to Allegheny County, N. Y., and then
to Pittsburg, where he became heavily interested in
both oil and gas wells. He returned for a time to the
Butler field and tlien visited the oil regions near Lima,
Ohio, after which he came to Washington, where he
established a permanent home. At present he is operat-
ing in Lawrence and Crawford Counties, Illinois, has
interests in Illinois and also in West Virginia and Ohio.
The whole of his industrial career has been devoted to
the oU and gas industry and this long experience has
made him well qualified to pursue the business success-
fully.
In June, 1892, Mr. Larkin was married to Miss Adelia
Connor, of East Brady, Clarion County, Pa., and they
have four children, Mary, Edward, Martin and Kath-
erine. Mr. Larkin and family are members of the Catho-
lic Church. He is identified with the fraternal order
of Maccabees.
FRANK W. DONALDSON, deceased, was once one
of Buffalo Township 's most respected citizens and suc-
cessful business men. He was prominent in the affairs
of the community in which he Uved and when he passed
from earthly life, on Oct. 9, 1900, he left behind the
record of many kind deeds done and an honorable name
along with a substantial estate. He was born in Mount
Pleasant ToAvnship, Washington County, Pa., May 8,
18.58, and was a son of Robert and Rachel (Walker)
Donaldson, a grandson of Robert and a great-grandson
of Isaac Donaldson, who was one of the first settlers in
Mount Pleasant Township.
Frank W. Donaldson was reared in his native town-
ship and attended the district schools. His family was
an agricultural one and he naturally became a farmer
also and developed into an excellent one. He gave a
large amount of attention to stock raising and made a
specialty of growing sheep, and with his usual good
judgment, made this industry a profitable one. After
his marriage he lived for a short time in Buffalo vil-
lage and then acquired and settled on what was known
as the old Governor Ritner farm, on which the remainder
of his life was passed. It comprises 150 acres of well
improved land. In his political sentiments, Mr. Donald-
son was a stanch Democrat, but he cared little for pub-
lic office, consenting, however, to serve at times as a
school director, when, on account of his good judgment
and capacity, he was usually made secretary of the board.
For many years he was a worthy and vahied member of
the North Buffalo Presbyterian Church.
On November 8, 18S3, Mr. Donaldson was married
to Miss Annie F. Taggart, who was born iu Canton
Township, Washington County, Pa., and is a member of
one of the oldest and most representative families of
the county. Her parents were James and Margaret M.
(McBride) Taggart, and her grandfather, James Tag-
gart, settled in Washington County while the Indians
were still numerous here. The father of Mrs. Donaldson
was a leading citizen of Canton Township, helil public
IIISTOIJY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
793
office there and successfully couilucteil large fiirnuiig en
terprises. He was a prominent lueuiber of the Upper
Buffalo Presbyterian Church and was a member of the
building committee when its new edifice W'as erected,
being treasurer of the same. To James Taggart and
wife the following children were born: James McBride,
W'ho lives in Hopewell Tow-nship; Annie F. ; Archibald
A., who lives in Canton Township; Urania B., who is
the wife of Alexander Hamilton, of Hopewell Township;
and Charles L., who lives in Canton Township.
Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson had five children born to
them, as follows: Earl McBride, who is engaged in the
practice of dentistry at Glassport, Pa.; Mabel V., who
resides with her mother; James T. and Archibald Mc-
Bride, both of whom reside at home, in Buffalo Town-
ship; and Robert, who is now deceased. Mrs. Donald-
sou is a member of the North Buffalo United Presby-
terian Church and she has a pleasant social circle in the
township, many members of which have known her dur-
ing her entire married life.
W. J. SHIDLER, M. D., who is engaged in the prac-
tice of medicine at Westland, Pa., was born near Scenery
Hill, Washington County, Pa. His parents were Jacob
and Sarah (Ward) Shidler.
W. J. Shidler enlisted for service in the Spanish-
American War, entering Co. H, 10th Pa. Vol. Inf. Dur-
ing his service he was once wounded. After he returned
home he entered the medical department of the West-
ern Pennsylvania University, at Pittsburg, where he
graduated with the Class of 1903. After spending one
year as an interne in the South Side Hospital, at Pitts-
burg, he came to W^estland Feb. 22, 1904. He is a mem-
ber of the Washington County and the Pennsylvania
State Medical Societies and the American Medical Asso-
ciation.
On Sept. 30, 1908, Dr. Shidler was married to Miss
Margaret Adella Couch, who is a granddaughter of the
late Joseph Couch, of Mt. Pleasant Township, Washing-
ton County. Dr. Shidler is a Republican and during
1908 was a member of the Republican County Committee.
JAMES P. EAGLESON, a well-known member of the
Washington bar and a practitioner in all the courts of
the State of Pennsylvania, is a member of one of the
old Washington County families. He was born in 1869,
in Canton Township, and is a son of A. S. Eagleson.
James P. Eagleson went from the country schools to
Washington and Jefferson College and was graduated
there in the Class of 1892. He at once registered as a
student in the office of J. W. & A. Donnan and was ad-
mitted to the bar in January, 1896. He has been in con-
tinuous practice at Washington ever since and has taken
jiart in a numlicr of important cases, both in Washing-
Ion County and in other parts of the state. Ue has
never consented to be a candidate for any public office,
but has worked loyally and effectively for his friends.
He is financially interested in some local enterprise and
is a stockholder and director in the Manufacturers' Light
and Heat Company. He is a member of fraternal or-
ganizations and is particularly prominent in the Masons
and Elks, being a Knight Templar in the former body
and holding the office of Past Exalted Ruler in the lat-
ter. He was the representative to the grand lodge held
;it Los Angeles, Cal., in 1909. Mr. Eagleson is a mem-
ber of the East Buffalo Presbyterian Church.
THE McKENNAN FAMILY— The Rev. William Mc-
Kennan, of Scotch ancestry, emigrated from the North
of Ireland about the year 1730 and settled in the State
of Delaware.
He was for many years pastor of the White Clay Creek
Congregation and also of the First Presbyterian Church
of Wilmington, Del.
He married a Miss Wilson, of Winchester, Va., and
died in 1809 at the age of 94 years.
His son, William McKennan, was born in Delaware
in the year 1758 and prior to the Revolution was a mer-
chant of Wilmington. In 1776 he entered the Continen-
tal Army as a lieutenant, afterwards being made cap-
tain. He served throughout the war and retired at its
close with the rank of colonel. He was also a member
of the "Society of the Cincinnati," an organization
founded by the officers of the Revolution at the close of
the war. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Thompson,
a niece of Gov. Thomas McKean.
In the year 1797 Col. McKennan removed to Wellsburg,
Va., afterwards residing for a time at West Middletown,
Pa.
Upon the election of Gov. McKean he received the
ai)pointment of prothonotary of Washington County
and removed to the county seat in 1801, where he died
in 1810 from the effects of wounds received at the battle
of Brandywine. He was also one of the early promoters
and a trustee of Washington Academy and Washington
College.
His children were William, John Thompson, Thomas
McKean Thompson, David, James Wilson and one
daughter, Anne.
John L. McKennan, the father of William B. Mc-
Kennan, was born in Delaware and was educated at
Washington Academy and Washington College. After
graduating, he removed to Brownsville, Pa., where he
engaged in business. He was also for many years
cashier of the old Monongahcla Bank of Brownsville.
He married Harriet Bow-man, a daughter of Jacob Bow-
man, who came from Hagerstown, Md., at an early day
and served as postmaster during the latter part of
794
IIISTOHY OF WASHIiSrGTON COUNTY
President Washington's administration. He was also
prominent in tlie business interests of Brownsville.
The children of John L. MeKennan were Isabella L.,
Elizabeth L., Mary S., Jacob B., Anne B., and William
Bowman.
William B. MeKennan was born in Brownsville, Pa.,
March 10, 1829. He was educated in the public schools
of that town and later at Kenyon and Washington Col-
leges. After leaving school he engaged in farming pur-
suits, locating in Ashland County, Ohio, but returning
to Washington County in 1853, and has since resided
in North Franklin Township.
Mr. MeKennan was married in 1854 to Miss Anna
QuaU, a daughter of David Quail, of Washington County;
she died in 1S57.
Mr. MeKennan 's second marriage was to Adeline D.
Eamsey, a daughter of Benjamin Ramsey, who grad-
uated at Washington College in 1833 and afterwards
practiced law at Portsmouth, Ohio. His father came
from Pranklin County and located near Washington
in 1803.
Mrs. MeKennan 's mother was a daughter of Philip
Doddridge, of Wellsburg, Va., whose father, John Dodd-
ridge, of English descent, came from Maryland and was
the first settler in Independence Township in 1773. Soon
after he erected a defence from the Indians, which was
known as ' ' Doddridge Fort. ' '
To Mr. and Mrs. MeKennan five children have been
born : John T., residing at home in North Franklin Town-
ship; Martha R., married to Joseph F. Moore, of Pitts-
burg; Thomas R., of Greensburg, Pa.; B. B. and May
S., at home in North Franklin.
Mr. and Mrs. MeKennan are members of Trinity Epis-
copal Church, of which he is a vestryman.
In political sentiment he is a stanch Republican, and
has served in some of the minor ofiices of the county.
S. M. xiLLEN, postmaster a^ Primrose, Washington
County, Pa., and the leading merchant of the village,
was born in Hancock County, Ohio, Nov. 21, 1855, and
is a son of D. G. and Sarah (MeCandless) Allen, both
of whom are deceased.
S. M. Allen first attended the district schools in Jeffer-
son County, Ohio, and then entered college at Hopedale,
in Harrison County, and also spent some time at an edu-
cational institution in Carroll County. He secured a
teacher's certificate and for two years engaged in teach-
ing in Jefferson County, and for eleven years after his
marriage, resided on a farm in CarroU County, coming
to Primrose in 1889, where he has resided ever since.
For 15 years he was railroad agent for the P., C. & St.
L. E. R. and for eleven years has been a merchant and
postmaster. He was elected a justice of the peace short-
ly after coming here and is one of the best known men
in this part of the county, having been active in so
many lines. He also has some oil interests in Mercer
County, Pa., but is mainly concerned with affairs in
Washington County.
Mr. Allen was mai-ried in Washington County Apr. 3,
1878, to Miss Sarah Ann Crawford, a daughter of Mat-
thew Crawford, and they have four children: Cora, who
is the wife of F. L. Bone, of Newark, Ohio; Grace, who
is the wife of J. C. Strain, of Washington County; T.
G., who is in the employ of the Pennsylvania EaUroad;
and Marie, who still goes to school. Mr. Allen and
family attend the First Presbyterian Church at Mc-
Donald. He has been a Eepublioan since he cast his
first vote.
THOMAS E. HART, oil producer and one of the rep-
resentative business men of Washington, Pa., was born
in 1865 at Brady's Run, Armstrong County, Pa., a son
of William J. and Elizabeth (Robertson) Hart. His
parents were both natives of Scotland, the father com-
ing to America with his parents when three years old,
being for many years a contract driller in the oil fields.
He died in 1887. The following children were born to
the parents of our subject; James, deceased; Jennie,
who married W. C. Hayes, of Dayton, Ohio; John, of
Pittsburg; William, a resident of Washington; Jeanette,
the widow of Harry Templeton, residing in Washington;
Guy, a resident of Washington; Thomas E., the subject
of this sketch; Lilly, who lives in Washington; and
Bessie, who married M. Day, of Washington.
Thomas E. Hart was reared in Armstrong County and
early in Uf e began working in the oil fields as a driller.
He later became an operator and since coming to Wash-
ington in 1886, has been prominently identified with
the development of oil in this county. He and his
brother Guy now have 20 producing wells in operation
in this county. Mr. Hart owns two fine residences in
this city, both on West Chestnut, his residence number
being 684 West Chestnut street.
In 1896 Mr. Hart was joined in marriage with Emma
McDaniel, who is a daughter of A. J. McDaniel, a re-
tired farmer of Washington. They have two children,
Donald Eobertson and Loyal Thomas.
ISAAC NEWTON MILLEE, a representative and
substantial citizen of Buffalo Township, who has resided
on his present magnificent farm of 252 acres since
March, 1889, here carries on large farming operations
and raises cattle and sheep. He was born in West Beth-
lehem Township, Washington Co., Pa., June 29, 1863,
and is a son of John H. and Saral^ A. (Hatfield) Miller.
The parents of Mr. Miller were both natives of Wash-
ington County. The father met an accidental death in
May, 1900, on a west-bound passenger train on the
TIIU.MAS PARRY
iriSTOlJY OF WASHINGTOlSr COUNTY
797
KiiliiMH-rc .^. OliK, H;Liliu;ii| Ml llic 'rMvlDrsI iiw ii Statidii.
At IIkiI liiiK' l;c' was a ri sidi'ut (if VVasliingtuii County,
Oliiij. ami lii.s prts.'nco iu Pounsylvaiiia was as a visitor.
He married a daughter of B. Hatfield, who, at oue time
resided near Amity, in Washington County. Six of
their children survive, namely: Louisa, widow of Thomas
Lynch, who lives in Ohio; Plora, who is the w'ife of
Willard Starling, of Guernsey County, Ohio; Isaac New-
ton; .John M., who resides at Knoxville, Tenn.; Sudie
E., who is the wife of Joseph Keed, of Washington
Coiiiily, Ohio; and Delia, who is the wife of James
Lynch, of Washington County, Ohio.
■ Isaac Newton Miller was quite young wiicn his par-
ent.s moved from West Bethlehem Township to Morris
Township, and he lived there, attending school when-
ever he could be spared from home, until he was 20 years
old. lie then went to live with John H. Van Kirk, a
well known citizen of South Franklin Township, with
wlinni he remained for eleven years. During the first
two winters there he attended what was known as the
Dii-kersou school. Mr. Miller made the most of his op-
portunities, being thrown on his own resources when
quite young. Through force of character he grew to
industrious, self-respecting manhood and won warm
friends. Within a few years after reaching maturity
he married Miss Elizabeth Miles, a daughter of the late
Elijah Miles, of Buffalo Township, and six children
have been born to them, Grace V., John H., Harry K.,
Ruth E., Henry C. and Ralph L. Mr. Miller is num-
bered with the substantial men of his township. He
is a practical farmer and stock raiser and yearly has
a large income from his well managed enterprises. He
is a Republican in politics and has served acceptably as
road supervisor and at all times is ready to do his part
in township matters, as becomes a good citizen. With
his family he belongs to he Presbjrterian Church at Clays-
ville, in which he Ls an elder.
THOMAS PARRY, )u-oprietor of the Parry Hotel, at
Elrama, Pa., was born in England, May 10, 1854, and is
a son of Thomas and Caroline (Feridon) Parry.
The parents of Mr. Parry were English born and
reared. The father was a miner and met his death in his
native land. The mother subsequently married Alfred
Townsend. She died at Charleroi, Pa., in 1907, aged 79
years. The family came to America in 1867, and Mr.
Townsend died three months later. He left one child,
Mary E., who first married Daniel Swaney and later
became the wife of L. Dale. The parents of Mr. Parry
had five children: Thomas, Herbert, William Henry,
C. Samuel and Mary E., the two survivors being Thomas
and C. Samuel.
ITntil he was nine years old, Thomas Parry was permit-
ted to attend school hut after that he had to work hard
in the uiincs. He was tliirteen years of ago when the
family came to America and to Pennsylvania. The death
of his .step-father made it all the more necessary that
he should keep at work, and for six years he labored in
the Butler and Allegheny county mines, locating then
at the Pleasant View mine in the latter county. There
he and his mother bought a house and one acre of land
and he kept this as his houn; while he worked in different
mines iu the surrounding neighborhood for five years.
.\fter he married he continued with his mother for a
sliort time and then built a double house at Shire Oaks,
with the intention of occupying a part of it, but changed
liis luind before he moved there. He then bought 121/4
.acres of land which had a log house, situated at Lobes
Run, in IJuion Township, and lived there for eighteen
years, in the meanwhile erecting a comfortable frame
residence. He still owns that property. Later he built
a liotel on the land at Shire Oaks where his double house
stood and he conducted a licensed public house there for
ten and one-half years, when he sold out all his property
in that vicinity to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
Mr. Parry then built his fine brick hotel at Elrama, in
1906, which is of modern construction, contains nineteen
rooms, with conveniences. His reasonable rates of $1.00
per day, 50 cents for lodging and 35 cents per meal,
have met with the approval of the traveling public and
he has the satisfaction of knowing that a guest once
entertained at his hotel will be sure to endeavor to re-
turn. Ha is a business man of most excellent judgment
and ha-i acquired considerable property in Union Town-
ship, i.wning three dwellings besides his hotel at Elrama
and the old Samuel Ineman farm containing 131 acres.
On July 4, 1879, Mr. Parry was married to Eliza Jane
Edwards and the following children have been born to
them: Caroline, who is deceased; Fannie, who was ac-
cidentally drowned at the age of sixteen years; Samuel
and Thomas, who are associated in business with their
father; Mildred, who married David Artley, has two
children — Grace and Eliza Artley; Eliza Jane, Mary,
George, John and Caroline, all of whom are at home;
and Joseph and William, both of whom are deceased.
Mr. Parry is a Republican but he has never accepted
any public office except that of school director, in which
he served three years. He is identified with Monongahela
Lodge, No. 337, F. and A. M., and Chapter No. 249; the
Elrama Lodge of Odd Fellows, No. 697, and the Parker's
Perry Encampment, No. 175, at Monongahela.
FREDERICK G. NASER, one of Washington 's repre-
sentative citizens, capably filling the important oflice of
street commissioner, was born at Washington, Pa., Jan-
uary 17, 1S47, and is a son of Frederick and Catherine
(Naser) Naser.
The parents of Mr. Naser were horn in Wurtemberg,
798
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
Germany. Frederick Naser came to Washington County
Pa., about 1S40 and for some forty years was a leading
gardener here. He married Catherine Naser and to them
were born eleven children, ten of whom still survive,
eight being residents of Washington County, one of Day-
ton, Ohio, and one of the State of Washington. All are
doing well, having been reared to habits of industry and
frugality by excellent, hard-working parents.
Frederick G. Naser attended school in boyhood and
helped his father in his gardening work until he started
out for himself. He went into the teaming business and
followed it more or less continuously for a quarter of a
century, when he was elected to the of&ce of street com-
missioner. After thus serving several years he moved
out of the borough and then worked on the street ear
lines out of Washington, and he was the man who turned
the fii'st fuiTow in the ground where the Washington &
Canonsburg EaUroad was subsequently built. He also
started the work on the Cherry Valley Eailroad. In the
spring of 1909 he was again elected street commissioner
of Greater Washington, and is now efficiently performing
the duties of that office. Mr. Naser owns property in
Washington and built his own handsome residence at No.
503 North Main street.
In 1872, Mr. Naser was married to Miss Elizabeth I.
Hall, who was born in Ohio. They have five children —
James F., Robert E., Pearl, Elizabeth, and Charles Ed-
ward, all residing at home. The family attend the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Naser is an Odd Fel-
\ low, belonging to both the subordinate lodge and the
\ Encampment.
\ JACOB WEIEICH, a leading citizen of Buffalo Town-
ship, Washington Co., Pa., where he owns 150 acres of
valuable l^nd, is serving in his second year as a mem-
ber of the School Board and is also treasurer of the
School Tax Fund of Buffalo Township. It was in this
township that he was born. May 24, 1860, son of Israel
and Sarah (Thompson) Weh'ich, both of whom were
born in Wasliington County.
Israel Weirich was born in Canton Township and was
. a son of Jacob Weirich, who was three years old when
his parents brought him to Washington County, settling
in that section which is now known as Franklin Town-
ship. This fanuly originated in Germay and Jacob has
been a favorite name in every generation. Israel Wei-
rich died in April, 1908, when in his seventy-second year.
He married Sarah Thompson, and of their children the
following survive: Jacob; James E., who lives in St.
Paul, Minn.; William E., who lives in Canton Township;
Charles B., who is a resident of Philadelphia; Howard
R., who lives in Minnesota; Henry W., who makes his
home ?t Goldfield, Nevada; and Albert A, who lives in
Canton Township. The father of the above family was
prominent in the public affairs of Canton Township dur-
ing the larger part of his life. He served in numerous
local offices, such as road commissioner and school direc-
tor, and was highly considered for his honesty as well as
efficiency. In his earlier years he was a ruling elder in
the United Presbyterian Church in Buffalo Township and
later served in the same capacity in the Third Presbyte-
rian Church at Washington.
Jacob Weirich was two years old when his parents
moved from Buffalo to Canton Township and there he
gi'ew to ihanhood. The township schools were rather
superior ones and in them Mr. Weirich obtained a fair
common school education. His entire business life has
been taken up by agi-icultural activities and his main
interests have been the careful tilling of his fields and
the raising of fine stock. He has found it profitable to
make a specialty of growing sheep and ordinarily has
from 150 to 200 head.
Mr. Weirich married Miss Anna Logan, a daughter of
Samuel Logan, of Buffalo Township, and they have four
children; Ealph M., Harry E,, Sarah H. and Esther H.
The family attends the East Buffalo Presbyterian Church
in which they are much valued, and Mr. Weirich is one
of the church trustees. In polities, like his father, he is
a strong Eepublican. His fellow citizens have demon-
strated their confidence and esteem by electing him to
offices of resijonsibility.
HAEEY A. EATHEETON, superintendent of the
Findlay Clay Pot Company, at Washington, and one of
the stockholders and directors, is one of the city's most
progressive and enterprising young business men. He
was born in Putnam County, Ohio, in November, 1881.
Mr. Eatherton was mainly reared at Findlay, Ohio,
where he obtained his education. He has been identi-
fied with the clay pot industry during the whole period
of his business life, beginning as office boy in the Find-
lay Clay Pot Company, at Findlay. In December, 1901,
he came to Washington and took charge of the office of
the company here and was later made superintendent of
the Washington plant.
Mr. Eatherton was married in December, 1903, to Miss
Eunice V. Houser, who was born and reared in Ohio,
and is a daughter of Eev. F. M. Houser, a minister of
the Methodist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Eatherton have one
son, Clarence Z. They are members of the Jefferson
Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church and he is active in
Sunday-school work. He is also interested greatly in
the Y. M. C. A., and is a member of its board of direc-
tors at Washington.
FIELDING FEASHEE, one of the leading architects
and building contractors of Washington, who has been a
resident of this city since 1898, was born Jan. 4, 18.54,
IIISTOKY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
790
in Fayette County, PensylvaTiiii, ami wlicii ahdut 18 years
of age went to Pittsburg, where lie served an apprentice-
shi{) in carpentering. After the death of his mother in
1876, he returned to the lionie farm in Fayette County,
and worked at liis trade until 1879, then went to Pitts-
burg and engaged in contracting and building and for
the past 25 years luis been engaged as an architect in
connection with his general contract business. He came
to Washington in 1898, where he has since continued his
residence, and has erected many structures all through
this section of the State, including the building for the
Struthers Coal & Coke Company; a large building for
the Pittsburg & Buffalo Coal Company of Canonsburg;
the Thaddeus Stejiliens School building of Pittsburg; the
Snowden building in Hmwusville and was superintendent
of construction of the Union Trust Co. building on 4th
Ave. in Pittsburg, Pa., and numerous fine residences in
this section of Pennsylvania.
Mr. Frasher was married Mar. 19, 1884, to Miss Oc-
tavia Jones, of Pittsburg, and they have two children:
Jean W. Frasher, who graduated with honors from the
Washington Seminary, is now engaged in teaching; and
Earl Frasher, who was educated in Washington, and is
at present wilh Kiitan Russell, an architect of Pittsburg.
ROBERT M. EDWARDS, of the hardware firm of R.
M. Edwards & Son, leading merchants in that line at
Canonsburg, was born at St. Clairsville, Belmont County,
Ohio, Feb. 1, 1850, and is a son of William and Mary
(Nolin) Edwards, the former of whom died in 1864.
Robert M. Edwards was left fatherless when but eight
years old and was reared on a farm near St. Clairsville,
where he attended school. On Mar. 1, 1874, he went to
Wheeling and there entered the employ of McGee Bros.,
tinners and roofers, and remained with that firm for five
years. In the spring of 1880, he embarked in business
for himself at Union Port, Ohio, where he eontiuned for
six years and then went to Wellsburg, and from there, in
August, 1886, came to Canonsburg. Here he accepted
the position of foreman for J. J. Vau Eman and later
J. J. Van Eman & Son. In January, 1904, he went into
business under the firm name of R. M. Edwards, and
three years later, when he took his son into p.irtnership,
the style became as at present, R. M. Edwards & Son.
This firm commands a very large trade, its territory
being the surrounding towns, Washington Borough, and
parts of Ohio and West Virginia. A full line of stoves
and stove hardware is carried and hot air systems placed
and roofing done.
In 1881, Mr. Edwards was married to Miss Elizabeth
Rittenhouse, of Union Fort, Jefferson County, Ohio. Her
parents were Thomas and Catherine Rittenhouse. They
have one son, Clarence, who is his father 's partner and
resides at home. Mr. Edwards is a member of the
Methodist Kfiiscopal Cluirch and belongs to its official
board. In politics he is a Republican but has never
accepted any other oflico than school director. His beau-
tiful home is situateil at No. 336 West College street,
Cnnon.sburg.
.lOlhX il. DUMN, one of Washington's most public
spirited citizens, for six years county commissioner of
Washington County, and for a long period identified with
real estate, oil and gas interests in this section, was born
in Greene County, Pa., in 18.'57, and was brought to Wa.sh-
ington County by his parents, when one year old.
John M. Dunn was reared to the age of seventeen
years in the little hamlet now known as Dunn's Station,
leaving the schools there to enter Waynesburg College.
After completing his collegiate course he embarked in a
mercantile business at Des Moines, Iowa. Three years
later, when his father's health broke down, ho was re-
called to Wa.-'hington County to assist his parent in clos-
ing up several estates of which the latter had charge,
and to take over the management of the farm. Here be
remained for several years, in the meanwhile dealing ex-
tensively in wool and .stock. In 189.5 he was elected
chairman of the Republican County Vigilant Committee,
and in the following year was elected a county commis-
sioner of Washington County. Mr. Dunn proved a very
valuable member of the board of commissioners and it
w:is during his incumbency that the magniiicent court
house and jail were completed, there being no finer in
the State. Since his term of ofiice expired, Mr. Dunn
lias given hi.s attention to the oil ad gas industry and to
dealing in realty. He was a member of the company
that drilled the famous Fonner Gusher, a well that pro-
duced 1600 barrels a day; also the Lohr well which pro-
duced more than 2000 barrels per day, as well as many
other large producers located in Washington and Greene
Counties, Pa., and in West Virginia.
In December, 1882, Mr. Dunn was married to Miss
Anna Ross, of Jefferson, Greene County, and they have
four children: Allan Ross, a civil engineer, who is with
the Pennsylvania sj'stein and is located on the Logans-
port, Ind., Division, graduTitcd from Washington and Jef-
ferson College in the class of 1906; Laura I., who is e
graduate of the Washington Seminary; John H., who is
a student in the Junior year at Washington and Jeffer-
son; and .\nna, who is a student in the Washington
Seminary. Mr. Dunn and family are members of the
Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He is a Kepiiblican,
but irrespective of this fact, he served for almost nine
years as a member of the school board at Dunn 's Station,
a Democratic stronghold, and resigned to accept the
ofiice of county commissioner, carrying his township each
time he was a candidate for the latter office. He has
been foremost in all enterprises organized to better the
800
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTOK COUNTY
eoudition of the people of his community, and in no way
was his genuine good will more definitely shown thnn in
his donation of land to the city for park purposes. This
led to other donations for the same object until now
Washington has one of the finest natural parks in this
section of the State. In generous spirit and with broad
and enlightened views, Mr. Dunn has also contributed to
churches, schools and charities.
JOSEPH H. UNDERWOOD, Jr., cashier of the First
National Bank of Eoscoe, Washington County, Pa., was
■ born at Milesville, Allegheny Co., Pa., January 29, 1878,
and is the youngest child of Joseph and Ellen (Eoscoe)
Underwood.
When but six weeks old, the parents of Mr. Underwood
moved to California, Pa., where they resided for five
years prior to coming to Eoscoe. His education was se-
cured in the local schools. His brother, Thomas J. Un-
derwood, was the first agent appointed at the railroad
station at Charleroi, and Joseph H. assisted there to
some extent and also around his father's mines and
finally was permitted to go on the boats belonging to
his father's company, and make the voyage to New
Orleans, and he remained two years on the river, after
which he took a business course at Curry University,
Pittsburg, Pa., after a short time again at the mines he
entered the First National Bank at Monessen, which
■was then the Monessen National Bank. He served as
assistant cashier there and came from there in 1901 to
accept his present position with the First National Bank
of Eoscoe, succeeding the late Oliver Miller.
Mr. Underwood married Miss Mary Spahr, who is a
daughter of Henry C. and Hannah E. Spahr. The
Spahrs are old residents of Eoscoe, which was formerly
known as Lucyville, having been so named in honor of
Mrs. Lucy Spahr, Mrs. Underwood's grandmother, whUe
its present name was given it in honor of Mr. Under-
wood's own mother. Three children have been born to
Mr. and Mrs. Underwood: Edwin Eoscoe, Harriet Irene,
and Mary Josephine. Mr. Underwood is a Knight Tem-
plar Mason and also a Shriner.
A. CLAEK WAENE, a representative citizen of Wash-
ington, identified w'ith a number of prospering enter-
prises, has been connected with financial institutions
throughout his entire business career and occupies a
prominent position as treasurer of the Washington Trust-
Company, at Washington, Pa. He was born in Notting-
ham Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1865, and is a
son of Hiram and Elizabeth (NichoUs) Warne, and a
grandson of Maj. James and Mary (Parkison) Warne.
Maj. James Warne, an ofiicer of the Pennsylvania
militia, and later distinguished in the War of 1812, was
born in Forward Township, Allegheny Co., Pa., December
6, 1779. aud died December 6, 1855. He attended the
.scliools of Forward Township and later an academy at
fjnicntown. Subsequently he came to Washington County
and accepted a position as clerk in a store at what was
then Parkison 's Ferry, but is now Monongahela. Later
lie became interested in boating, boat-building and trad-
ing and his activities reached as far as New Orleans.
Maj. Warne was thirty-two years old, in 1811, when
he was commissioned, by Gov. Samuel Snyder, a
captain of light infantry in the 2nd Battalion, 53rd
Pa. Militia. In the following year the governor accepted
this regiment for service in the war with Great Britain
then impending, and Captain Warne served in that
official position until September 25, 1812, when he was
commissioned major of the 1st Battery in the 3rd Eegi-
ment, commanded by Col. Snyder, and with that rank
continued to serve until his honorable discharge, Decem-
ber 31, .1812. He rendered faithful and eificient services
and won merited honors.
After his return home, Maj. Warne, in association
with his brother-in-law, William Parkison, built a glass
factory, which was the first enterprise of its kind at
Monongahela City, or Williamsport, as the place was then
called. The two business men were interested together
in other concerns and conducted a general merchandise
business until 1825. After that Maj. Warne engaged
in the peaceful pursuits of agriculture and resided on his
farm, to which he gave the suggestive name of ' ' Eden, ' '
until his death. The court records of his day show how
frequently he was called upon to serve as administrator
and executor but there are none available to indicate
the many times w-hen he was called upon by his neighbors
to advise and adjust differences.
In 1805, Maj. Warne was married to Mary Parkison,
who was the only daughter of Joseph and Margaret
(Weaver) Parkison. The Parkisons, like the Warnes,
were of English extraction. Joseph Parkison was born
in 1740, near Carlisle, Pa., where he married Margaret
Weaver, and this brought into the family a strain of
thrifty, sturdy old Dutch stock. They had three sons
and one daughter : James, David, William and Mary.
Joseph Parkison came to what is now Monongahela City
about 1768 and became a very prominent and useful
citizen. He was one of the first named justices of the
peace in the county, and some time between 1792 and
1796, he laid out Monongahela City. He built the first
ferr)', which was named in his honor, and at this point
the first postoflice in this region was established. He
was the patentee of the greater part of the land on
which Monongahela City now stands, and for many years
he conducted an inn as well as his store and ferry. To
Maj. .Tames Warne and wife were born the following
children : Ammuzette, Margaret, Joseph P., James,
David. Marv, Susan, Hiram and Eliza J.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
m:i
lliiiiin Warne, father of A. Clark Warno, was born in
ivliat is now Monougaliela City, Washington Co., Pa.,
February 16, 1822. He was a small boy when his parents
inovrd into the country and his education was acquired
in the schools of the neighborhood. lli.s subsequent suc-
cess in life could not be attributed to any early advan-
tages, but rather to his natural abilities which were
brought into active play by his indomitable energy and
perseverance. On December 2, 185G, he was married to
Elizabeth NichoUs, a daughter of James and Rebecca
(Devore) Nicholls, of Allegheny County, Pa. After
their uuirriage they resided for a time on a farm in Som-
erset T(i\vnshi|i, but later moved to Nottingham Town-
ship and finally to their present home on the IN'ational
Road just west of Washington. He was identified with
the growth and improvement of different sections of
Washington County and up to the time of his death, in
1896, was a man of influence in his community. He was
a member of and an elder in the Third Presbyterian
Church at Washington. His children, seven in number,
bore the following names: James C, Flora R., William
W., A. Clark, Boyd E., Howard ¥., and Mary Etta May.
A. Clark Warne was reared in Washington County and
was educated in the public schools and at Washington
and Jefferson College, being a member of the class of
1885. Upon the closing of his collegiate course, Mr.
Warne turned his attention to business and entered the
Citizens' National Bank at McKeesport, remaining with
that institution for six years. He then became cashieT
of the Farmers' and Mechanics' National Bank at Wash-
ington and remained there until 1901 when it was ab-
sorbed by the Washington Trust Company, a corporation
organized through his efforts and of which he has been
treasurer ever since. He was one of the building com-
mittee during the erection of the Washington Trust
building, a notable structure at Washington. In his
political views he is a Republican, religiously he is a
Presbyterian, being a member of the Third Presbyterian
Church. He is a Knight Templar Mason.
ELLSWORTH JACKSON, one of Washington Coun-
ty's representative and substantial citizens and a mem-
ber of one of its oldest pioneer families, carries on gen-
eral farming, owning ninety acres in Hanover Township,
where he lives, and 126 acres situated in Smith Town-
ship. He was born in Hanover Township, Washington
County, Pa., 
