USA > Pennsylvania > Fayette County > Uniontown > A history of Uniontown : the county seat of Fayette County, Pennsylvania > Part 32
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Charles E. Kremer, a plasterer by trade, built a moderate
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frame residence next east of the Augustine residence which h occupied until he built a more pretentious dwelling on the east This property was then conveyed to George Porter and fron him to John Cope and then to Mrs. Mary Allen, widow o William Allen, the present owner.
Charles E. Kremer erected the frame dwelling known a: 202 East Fayette street and has occupied it since its completion
William Swearingen's frame dwelling and small one-story frame building occupied as a store room stood back a short dis tance from the line of the street and lined on a one-perch alley that led from Beeson's saw mill to the Barton mill road before Fayette street was opened out east to Grant street. Here Mr Swearingen lived and conducted a small store. Mr. Swearinger was a miller by trade which he followed for many years. His wife was a daughter of Adam Canaan. William G. Divvens married a daughter of Mr. Swearingen and occupies the property
David J. Hopwood built the brick residence known as 214 E. Fayette street in 1883. He conveyed this to Nicholas Mc- Cullough who died here and the property was sold to Jacob C. Beeson who made this his home until his death, July 5, 1898, and his widow, who was a sister to Capt. Hustead, con- tinued to occupy it until her death, April 12, 1906. Mr. Beeson came here from Fairmont, West Virginia, where he had been a man of some prominence. He represented his district in the legislature for the purpose of establishing the new state of West Virginia, and was president of the First National Bank of Fair- mont for 15 years, and also served as treasurer of Marion county. He was descended from Jacob Beeson, the founder of the west- ern part of Uniontown. This property descended to Bugh Hustead, the present owner.
Robert F. Hopwood erected a fine frame dwelling on the corner of East Fayette and Grant streets to which he has added extensive improvements, making it one of the desirable resi- dences on that street.
For many years a small passageway led from Grant street to the National road. When the town council concluded to open this passageway the full width of Fayette street they were met by considerable opposition. The small, inexpensive build- ings that were at first erected thereon have nearly all given place to more pretentious residences.
William P. Case bought the corner lot east of Grant street
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rom Robert Bryner and built thereon a comfortable frame dwelling which he continues to occupy. Charles T. Cramer and William C. Black bought a lot of several feet frontage on which was a double frame residence which they moved to the rear and erected a frame dwelling which Mr. Cramer occupied for a while. They built next east a modern brick residence which las since been occupied by Mr. Black. They also built a frame enement east of the brick.
Ira Seaton owns and occupies a small frame dwelling east of the before mentioned property.
Milbert Silbaugh owns two small frame residences next east of Seaton, a 15-foot alley separates this property from Mil- bert Silbaugh's comfortable frame residence in which he lives. A vacant lot belonging to I. W. Semans lies between the Sil- baugh property and Whiteman avenue.
T. Sutton Wood erected a frame residence on the east corner of Whiteman avenue and here made his home. Then comes two vacant lots belonging to Mrs. D. J. Hopwood on the east of which is an alley, east of which are two vacant lots belonging to I. W. Semans. East of the Semans lots James Cottom erected a double concrete house in 1906, which was on the corner of Feathers avenue. East of Feathers avenue John S. Ritenour owns a vacant lot, and east of this Edward C. Cornish built and occupied a comfortable dwelling.
Fayette street-west of Morgantown street, was known as Fell's alley at the laying out of the town, and in 1842, was laid out as Fayette street.
Abraham Brown of Georges township purchased the old John Miller property on the corner of Mill and West Fayette streets and on the eastern part of the lot erected a neat brick residence.
Next west of this he built two double frame dwellings which have been occupied by different tenants.
On the west side of Mill street William N. Irwin erected a neat frame residence which he occupied for several years. James I. Feather bought this property and made many improve- ments on it, and here made his home. Dr. T. F. Farmer erected a frame dwelling next west of the Feather's property, and a frame office next west, which he occupied and carried on his business as a dentist. Jacob Howard built a frame residence next west of Dr. Farmer which he sold to Mrs. Craft. Edgar
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Hackney bought this lot and erected a large double fram tenement thereon. Mrs. Marcy built the next house west an lived here for some time. Mrs. Marcy was the widow of Henr G. Marcy, known as Governor Marcy, a well known stag driver on the old National road. This property was later owne by Mrs. Lil Thompson and is now owned and occupied by th family of George R. Messmore. Miss Ella M. Lewis now own and occupies a frame dwelling owned and occupied by th widow of Levingston Boring on the lot west, but was mover to its present position. Mrs. Elizabeth O'Bryon built a fram dwelling, now known as No. 119 and here with her son, Charle. G. and family, has since made her home. A small frame build ing that was used as a cooper shop stood near the eastern banl of Jacob's run and was used by Jacob Howard and others. I was later occupied by Jerry Miller as a residence.
Robert Patterson erected two brick dwellings next west o Jacob's run, now known as Coallick run, which have since beer occupied by various tenants. The Southwest Pennsylvania railroad purchased the first of these and used it as an office and dwelling. The second was sold to Joseph Haky who oc cupied it as a dwelling and undertaker's room.
Lewis Dawson built a brick residence next west of Straw- berry alley and occupied it from the time of its completion unti his death. Miss Martha Wood built a frame residence next west of the Dawson residence and occupied it as such. Mrs. Tillie Wood, widow of General William Wood, built a frame dwelling next west of the Martha Wood brick, for a home for her daugh- ters, Jane and Anna, who have since continued to occupy it The home of J. Kid. Ritenour occupies the corner of Mill and West Fayette streets, north side. This house was built by John Allen Messmore who occupied it for some time. Mr. Ritenour has added many improvements.
The lot on which the fine home of Dr. Thomas N. East- man now stands was used as a garden patch by Nathaniel and Ewing Brownfield for many years, until Dr. Eastman bought it and erected the fine dwelling that now occupies it.
John W. Wood built a frame dwelling west of the Eastman house and occupied it until his death, February 5, 1910, since which his widow has occupied it. John W. Wood was a mem- ber of Company K, 116th Pennsylvania Volunteers in the war of the rebellion. He followed the business of saddle and har-
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ness making in this town for 37 years and was always known as a good workman and an upright business man. Members of the Wood family carried on the harness business in the town continuously for 112 years, and John W. was the last of the name to carry on the business.
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CHAPTER XIV.
MARKET OR CHURCH STREET, BEGINNING AT MORGANTOWN STREET AND RUNNING EAST.
An ordinance was passed by the council of Union borough in 1830, authorizing the laying out of what was called Market street. This street was to be 50 feet wide and was to begin at a point on the National road near the eastern bridge and run to Morgantown street where that street was intersected by South street. An election was held whereby the citizens ratified the action of the council, and Isaac Wood deeded to the borough a lot through which the street was opened.
Beginning near the western end and running eastward on the south side, Isaac Wood erected a two-story brick residence immediately east of a twelve foot alley, known as Union alley. This building stood some distance back from the street and was occupied for many years by George H. Wood, a son of Isaac Wood, and he was succeeded by Everhart B. Wood, another son of Isaac. William McCleary purchased this property and erected a modern front and occupied it as a residence for several years. William McCleary was the son of Ewing McCleary who kept a hotel at the corner of Arch and West Main streets. At the age of 17 he was apprenticed to William Crawford to learn the trade of saddle and harness making, at which he became a finished workman. As was the custom in those times, Mr. Mc- Cleary and other young men of his trade were invited to quilt- ings where they vied with the young ladies in fine and fancy needlework. In 1836 he went to South Bend, Ind., and started in business for himself, but soon sold out and returned to Union- town, where he became a clerk in the store of Col. Ewing Brownfield, where he continued until 1845, when he went to Smithfield and continued in business for 23 years. He sold out to A. J. Stewart in 1868, when he returned to Uniontown and purchased the old Skiles corner where with his son, Ewing, he continued in business for several years. In 1838 Mr. McCleary married Rebecca, daughter of William D. Swearingen. In 1843 he was elected captain of the Union volunteers, which office he held for several years. In 1881 he entered the People's Bank of Uniontown as teller, which position he held until 1889. His
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children were, Ewing, who also followed merchandising for many years; Elizabeth D., who married Hon. Matthew G. Holmes and resided in China for a number of years, and Catharine, who married Warren W. Mitchell and lived in Wash- ington city where Mr. Mitchell held an important government position. Mr. McCleary died at the home of his daughter at Clarksburg, March 30, 1893, and was buried in Union cemetery at Uniontown.
Mr. McCleary built a two-story brick dwelling on the east- ern part of this lot, but considerable distance back from the street, which has been occupied by various tenants.
Dissatisfaction having arisen over the erection of a Presby- terian church on the public grounds donated by Jacob Beeson, the trustees of the church purchased from Isaac Wood a lot fronting 80 feet on Market street on which was erected a new church building which was ready for use in the spring of 1838. This house of worship was replaced by another which was dedi- cated April 10, 1860.
For some time prior to 1896, it was deemed expedient that a new and more commodious church edifice be erected to meet the wants of the congregation.
On September 6, 1893, the trustees of the Presbyterian church conveyed this property to Professor James H. Griffith, ostensibly for the opening of a high school, but on November 25th following, Professor Griffith conveyed the same to Julius L. Malcolm, in trust for the members of the Central Presby- terian, now the Second Presbyterian church. After having $3,000 worth of repairs put on it this building was destroyed by fire November 12, 1894. The erection of a new church was begun in 1895, at a cost of $22,000, which was partially ready for occu- pancy the following November, where services were held for five years, by which time the main auditorium was completed.
James F. Canon in 1833, purchased the lot next east of the Presbyterian church lot. Here Mr. Canon lived and had a shop in which he manufactured hats. After passing through several hands this lot came into the ownership of M. Amberg, a Jewish merchant of the town, who erected the present comfortable resi- dence thereon.
R. M. Modisette purchased this property and occupied it as a residence for several years. He commenced the mercantile business in this town in the early forties, and was located for
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a short time on the southwest corner of West Main and Morgan- town streets in connection with L. M. Kline. While here they pushed their business with great vigor, outrivaling all their competitors. Mr. Modisette was subsequently located in Com- mercial Row, as is noticed elsewhere. He entered the army as a sutler.
His last business transactions were in connection with the extensive planing mill and contracting firm of Laughead, Modi- sette & Co. This firm had the contract for the erection of the present court house and jail and the Episcopal church edifice as well as many of the most costly and magnificent residences and business blocks of the town. Mr. Modisette's integrity was never questioned, and his word always was considered equal to his bond. He was married to Miss Mary Austin, daughter of John M. Austin, a prominent attorney of the Fayette county bar. He died February 3, 1893, aged 76 years, leaving a widow, two sons and a daughter, one daughter having died some years before.
Daniel Chisholm purchased this property and occupied it for several years, when he sold it to Charles L. Smith, who has since occupied it.
Christian Keffer bought the next lot east, in 1831, who in 1837, conveyed it to Mrs. Sarah Rogers, who built a small brick house on the lot, consisting of one room and a hall front and a kitchen back. Mrs. Rogers was a sister to James Piper, Esq., Aunt Betsy Hedges and Mrs. Harry Jack. Her husband was a brother to the Phil Rogers, who was tried for the murder of Polly Williams. Dr. John Patrick and family occupied this property for some time. Thomas J. Claggett purchased this property and occupied it from that time until his death. Mr. Claggett was an old-time cabinet and chair maker, when all such work was taken from the rough, and manufactured by hand into furniture. Mr. Claggett came here from Virginia and established himself in business. He was an honest, conscientious man in all his dealings, and was a man who attended strictly to his own affairs. He died August 24, 1878, aged 69 years. Mrs. Claggett died in 1894. This property has been greatly im- proved and is owned by the youngest daughter, Miss Nancy Claggett.
James A. Yerk, a tinner by trade, purchased the lot next east of the Claggett property, in 1831, and erected the house
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thereon. After several transfers it came into the ownership of Daniel Huston, since which time he continued to occupy it until his death, November 21, 1890.
Mr. Huston was born in Washington county, Pa., June 8, 1805. While a boy he learned the tailoring trade, and walked to Pittsburgh and thence to Philadelphia to finish his instruc- tions. He then started back on foot, coming by the way of Baltimore, where he witnessed the celebration of the beginning of the construction of the first railroad. Resuming his journey on foot from Baltimore he arrived in Uniontown in 1825, where he immediately established himself in business. He frequently related, boastingly, that he expended his last 50 cents for the construction of his tailoring bench. He applied himself indus- triously to his business, and by his industry and frugality he soon established himself into the confidence of the community. There was never a more prompt and industrious business man in the history of the town. On December 25, 1830, Mr. Huston was happily married to Miss Sarah Ann Rine in whom he found a most worthy companion. Mr. Huston retired from business in 1881, after a business career of 56 years, and having acquired a competency he spent the remainder of his days in comfortable retirement. He left a widow and several children, the widow dying at the home of her son, Frank, February 21, 1903, at the age of 91 years.
After the death of Mr. Huston this property was rented to Samuel Morris and it was used for several years as a boarding house. I. L. Messmore purchased the property and occupies it as a residence.
Clement Wood purchased the lot next east of the Huston property, April 12, 1831, upon which he erected a small two- story brick residence lining on the west side of a ten-foot alley known as Jackson alley, and stood about 20 feet back from the street. Here Mr. Wood lived for some time. He was well and favorably known in the town, where he carried on the busi- ness of saddle and harness making in a frame building which stood on the lot now known as Nos. 10 and 12 Morgantown street. He served as a private in Captain Thomas Collins' com- pany along the northern lakes in the war of 1812. In conjunc- tion with his harness business, Esq. Wood held the office of a justice of the peace, being elected to that office in 1840. He re-
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moved to Lone Tree, Johnson county, Iowa, and settled on a farm, where he died.
F. H. Oliphant, the prominent ironmaster of Fairchance, purchased this property and erected the brick front to it, occu- pying the entire front of the lot, and occupied it as a residence. His son-in-law, George Paull, was a tenant here for some time. R. H. Lindsey owned and occupied this property for some time. Thomas S. Collier purchased this property and made it his home.
Aunt Rachel Skiles, widow of Robert Skiles, a prominent merchant of the town, and daughter of Jacob Beeson, one of the founders of the town, purchased the first lot east of Jackson alley and erected the present large brick residence, into which she moved and spent the remainder of her days. Aunt Rachel was a woman of considerable means, and was most generous in dispensing her benefits to those she favored. John F. Beazell's family succeeded Aunt Rachel Skiles in the ownership of this property who continued to occupy it until their removal to Cali- fornia. Mr. Beazell died here, August 31, 1876.
Nathaniel Brownfield purchased this property as a home for his son, William Brownfield, whose family continue to occupy it.
Next east of the Aunt Rachel Skiles lot was the lot of James F. Canon, where he lived for a while in the comfortable brick residence still standing. Isaac Beeson came into ownership of this property who sold it to Dr. John Cary who occupied it and practiced medicine. Dr. Cary was also a Cumberland Presby- terian minister, and filled the pulpit of that denomination for several years. Dr. Cary died here September 12, 1876, and the property descended to his daughter, Sarah, the wife of Henry White, who continued to occupy it until their removal to Wash- ington county and finally to Cadiz, Ohio.
Mrs. Elizabeth Porter, widow of Moses Porter of Dunbar township purchased this property and erected a frame residence on the eastern part of the lot, which she occupied while renting the brick as a dwelling. Mrs. Porter occupied this frame house for over 20 years. She was a member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian church for over 70 years, and died at the home of her son, Ewing B. Porter, on Oakland avenue, February 6, 1907, in her 93rd year. Mrs. Porter was perhaps the last citizen of Uniontown who remembered the visit of General Lafayette to the town.
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James G. Watson purchased this property and at his death he willed the brick part to his widow, Mary Watson, and the frame house and lot attached to Mrs. Eliza Dittmore who made it her home.
John Phillips purchased the lot next east of the foregoing and lining on the west of a 20-foot alley known as Middle alley, in 1833, and on March 27, 1840, Mr. Phillips conveyed this lot to the trustees of the Methodist Protestant church of which he was a prominent member and a local preacher. The first church building was erected on this lot soon after its pur- chase which the congregation continued to use until it was re- placed by the present structure in 1894.
William Maquilken owned and occupied a frame residence on the southeast corner of Bank alley, as Middle alley subse- quently became known, where said alley crosses Market, now known as Church street. Mr. Maquilken was a prominent busi- ness man of the town in his time, and carried on the occupation of cabinet and furniture making. He stood high in the estima- tion of the community. His wife was a daughter of Cuthbert Wiggins. This property passed through many hands, and was occupied by various tenants.
The Southwest Pennsylvania railroad company purchased this lot, tore away the buildings and used it for railroad purposes.
Col. William Redick built, owned and occupied the house next east of Maquilken. Col. Redick was born in Venango county, Pa., April 14, 1801, and at the age of 12 years he went to learn the carpenter business at Pittsburgh, after which he located in Westmoreland county, where he carried on his business for four years. He was married in Greensburg in 1826, and soon after located in Uniontown. During his residence in West- moreland county he was elected captain of the Pennsylvania Guards, attached to the Second Battalion of Westmoreland Volunteers, and commanded that company four years. Soon after his location in Uniontown he was elected 1st lieutenant in the Union Volunteers, and afterwards captain in the same company. In 1835 he was elected colonel of the 1st regi- ment of Fayette county volunteers and continued in its command seven years, and at the expiration of which time he was elected brigade inspector of the Second Brigade, Thirteenth Division. He organized company H of the Second Regiment Pennsyl-
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vania Volunteers, a majority of whom sleep in unmarked graves in the soil of Mexico, and he aided much in preparing that com- pany for the service they rendered.
Col. Redick was elected to the legislature in 1847, and re- elected in 1848. He acted as secretary on the committee on military system. He introduced a bill for the committee on the military system, and also a bill for the better observance of the Sabbath in the regulation of State works, and was the author of a law in regard to the military system. He is men- tioned in Emerson's "Lives of the Members of the Pennsyl- vania Legislature."
Col. Redick and his brother-in-law, William Whitton, pur- chased the Genius of Liberty newspaper office from Thomas Patton, and the first issue under their ownership bore the date of Wednesday morning, December 3, 1828. The office of pub- lication under their management was located in a frame building belonging to Col. Redick, formerly and subsequently used as a carpenter shop, on South street. Col. Redick was connected with this paper exactly two years, when he sold his interest to his partner. Col. Redick united with the Presbyterian church while young and lived an active and devoted member. He was elected a ruling elder in the church soon after locating here and faithfully performed the duties of that sacred office. He acted frequently as a member of the synod of Pittsburgh, and of the presbytery of Redstone. He was tall, dignified in manners, ex- tremely courteous and affectionate in his intercourse and emi- nently prompt and faithful in the discharge of all his duties. He removed to Marshall, Ill., where he died September 18, 1881, aged 80 years, leaving a widow, five sons and three daugh- ters. His son, William Whitton Redick, taught in the public schools of Uniontown for several terms, and wrote considerable poetry over the nom de plume of " Oleon."
Col. Redick's daughter, Miss Mary Redick, taught a num- ber of terms in our public schools and it was her custom to open every session with prayer. She was a most excellent lady and a good teacher. Miss Redick purchased this property at sheriff's sale and subsequently sold it to Charles E. Boyle, Esq., who occupied it as a residence for many years, after which it was occupied by various tenants, Mr. Boyle having moved to his estate west of town. After the death of Mr. Boyle it was sold to J. V. Thompson who conveyed it to Armor S. Craig
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who moved into it and erected in the rear a large brick ware- house where he, in connection with his sons, conducted a large wholesale business.
The following verses were composed by William Whitton Redick and published in the Pennsylvania Democrat of May 10, 1849. The thoughts were suggested while sitting in view of the portrait of Mrs. Whitton, the mother-in-law of Col. Redick, who had recently died at an advanced age.
"Why should we sorrow for the death Of friends that we have loved so dear, Since once assured their dying breath But freed them from their troubles here, And wafted their pure souls away To realms of bright, eternal day, Their Father and their Savior near?
Then, though affliction's tear should fall, Oh! let us now rejoice to know Her pains and fears and troubles all, And toils are ended here below ; That death but waved her spirit up To heaven, her high and constant hope, Where now she wears that starry crown Messiah promised to his own, And, filled with rapture, moves among That sanctified and blood-washed throng Of saints and prophets round the throne, Who strike their harps and tune their song Of praise and honor to the Three-in-One.
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