USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > Book of biographies : this volume contains biographical sketches of leading citizens of Beaver County, Pennsylvania > Part 30
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commonly known as J. Paxton Scroggs, M. D. After the death of his first wife, Mr. Scroggs re-married, choosing ior his second bride, Elizabeth Gilbraith. Being determined to have a son who should be called James, the favorite name in the family for many genera- tions, he called the first son of his second marriage by that name alone. The following children were the result of the second union : James, George, Samuel, Elizabeth, Nancy, Joseph, Robert and Ann, and one more who died at birth. James Scroggs, our subject's grandfather, studied medicine but never prac- ticed it.
James Scroggs, father of our subject, was born upon his father's farm in Washington county, Pa., studied medicine under his halí- brother, J. Paxton Scroggs, M. D., and en- gaged in the practice of his chosen profession, at Allegheny City, and at Pittsburg, estab- lishing at the latter place a large and success- ful practice. In 1875, he decided to locate in Beaver, one of the finest boroughs on the Ohio River. There he built a home in the midst of beautiful scenery, in the hope of en- joying a more quiet life. But his valuable services were soon sought there also, and were in demand among the leading families, who soon discovered his knowledge in medical matters to be far above that of the ordinary physician. Although it was his earnest de- sire to spend his closing years in retirement he never found time to do so. In his seventy- third year he was stricken with apoplexy, and when able to be consulted he was even then called upon for his valuable judgment. As a
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citizen he was highly esteemed and as a phy- sician not excelled. He died in 1894, aged seventy-four years. He was joined in mar- riage with Emily Seaton, a daughter of Cathe- rine Seaton, whose death occurred at Louis- ville, Ky., at the very advanced age of nine- ty-seven years. Mrs. Scroggs bore her hus- band five children, and lived to attain the age of sixty-two years. Her children were: James, subject of this sketch; Katie, wife of Clark Hunter, of Beaver county, Pa. ; Joseph, a prominent physician of Lincoln, Neb .; Mary, wife of John Scott of Beaver; and Eliz- abeth, who also resides in Beaver.
Like his fore-fathers in this as well as in many other respects, our subject is a lover of nature, in all its beautiful and varied forms. Some years ago, he purchased the M. Graves farm, which is located on an elevation of splen- did height, overlooking the beautiful Ohio Valley, with its picturesque villages and bor- oughs, with ten minutes drive of this farm. Upon this splendid and desirable location, Dr. Scroggs built a handsome brick cottage, tene- ment houses, barns, etc., and set out thou- sands of fruit trees of all kinds both small and large. The broad, spacious lawns, surround- ing the cottage, contain many beautiful shade trees and fine ornamental shrubbery. Here the Doctor has one of the finest summer re- sorts in Beaver county, where he spends many happy hours and entertains his friends, al- though his profession does not allow him half the time he desires to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of such a home, where he hopes to spend his closing years in retirement.
AMES A. IRONS, who for many years was a prominent contractor, stands fore- most among the progressive citizens of Monaca, Beaver county, Pennsylvania. He is a man of public spirit, and when he deems an improvement necessary for the future wel- fare of the borough, he puts forth a strenuous effort for its accomplishment. His aggres- siveness in public affairs has been in evidence for years, and it may safely be said without fear of contradiction, that no one man has done as much for the community; for this he is held in the highest esteem.
Mr. Irons comes of Irish ancestry, and is descended from one of three brothers, Solo- mon, Samuel and George, who came to this country from County Derry, Ireland. They were sons of a very wealthy man who held ninety-nine year leases on considerable prop- erty. Solomon Irons, the grandfather of the subject hereof settled in Washington county, Pa., in 1771, and moved to Beaver county about the year 1800, taking up several hun- dred acres of wild land, which was almost vir- gin forest, and traversed by few roads. He made a clearing and built a log house and barn,-becoming a very successful farmer. Religiously, he was a member of the United Presbyterian church. He died at the age of seventy-six years. His marriage with Rachel Dickson, a lady of Scottish birth, was blessed with eleven children: James; George; John ; William; Andrew; Samuel; Joseph; Rachel (Maloney); Mary (Douds); Rosanna (Nevin), and Elizabeth.
John Irons, the father of James A., was
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born in Hopewell township, Beaver county, in 1811, on the old homestead, and received his intellectual training in what schools the community afforded. He learned the trade of a tanner under Mr. Scott, one of the first "squires" appointed in the county, and subse- quently went into the tanning business for himself. He was very successful, but pre- ferred farming, and as a result, purchased two hundred acres of partially improved farm land in 1840. He moved upon the place in 1845, dealt considerably in horses, raised wheat, and carried on general farming,-be- ing fairly successful. He was a shrewd busi- ness man. He was united in marriage with Ann Moore, a native of Pittsburg, Pa., and a daughter of Joseph Moore. They became the parents of seven children, as follows: Joseph, who is now a real estate agent, and justice of the peace, in Greenfield, O .; James A., the gentleman whose name heads these lines; Elizabeth A. (Laird); Rachel J. (Peoples) ; Rosanna (Minor); John D., a farmer in Pitts- burg, Kas .; and Amanda (Wallace). Reli- giously, he was a member, and for many years an elder, of the United Presbyterian church. He was a Whig, in political affiliations. He died of typhoid fever at the age of forty-two years, and, eight days afterwards, his wife died of the same disease.
James A. Irons was born in Hopewell town- ship, and attended the public schools until he was thirteen years of age, when he be- came apprenticed to the blacksmith's trade, under George Denny and Mr. Couch. He then followed the trade at intervals for a
period of eight or ten years, and in 1856 he entered Beaver College, which he attended for two years. From 1857 to 1862, he worked on the river, and in the latter year, on the 28th of April, he enlisted as a blacksmith and as- sistant engineer in the navy, on the steam ram Lioness. He participated in the fight which resulted in the destruction of the rebel fleet at Vicksburg, and has the distinction of being the first Union man to set his foot in Mem- phis at the time of its capture. He has many interesting relics of the war,-one of them being an old boarding pike in excellent condi- tion, which he intends presenting to the Car- negie museum. After his discharge, he took 11p contracting, in 1867, and during the oil excitement, went to Oil City and engaged in that business. Subsequently he became interested in gas lands, and leased three hun- dred acres in Moon and Hopewell townships. Upon drilling for gas he made one of the two best strikes in the county, and its roaring could be heard seven miles away. The com- pany disposed of this property to the Bridge- water Gas Company, of which he was secre- tary and treasurer, and it yielded him hand- some returns.
Mr. Irons, since his residence at Monaca, has ever exerted a wholesome influence in public affairs, and has fought with his utmost vigor for many public improvements. When a system of water works for the town was proposed, its supporters succumbed to de- termined opposition, one by one, until the subject hereof alone stood as its champion. Realizing the great benefit it would be to the
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HON. HENRY HICE.
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citizens, he would not yield, but fought to the bitter end, and had the satisfaction of seeing it established. Although for a time he was harshly denounced by the opposition, he is now accorded the respect of his gratified fel- low citizens. Similar were the conditions in his fight for grading and paving, and for the telephone line. He purchased the line, and having it in good condition, disposed of it to the telephone company. His energy in fur- thering these enterprises entitles him to rec- ognition as one of the progressive men of Bea- ver county. He is a Republican and has served as burgess for three terms, and on last May received his fifth commission as justice of the peace. He is a member of the G. A. R.
James A. Irons was united in marriage with Margaret Quinn Srodes, a daughter of John M. Srodes, one of the early river pioneers, and for many years a pilot and captain on the Ohio River. They became the parents of four children, as follows: John E., deceased, who was a very successful business man ; James C., a glass manufacturer ; Anna, de- ceased; and B. C., chief of police of Monaca.
ON. HENRY HICE, who enjoys a wide reputation as a member of the legal profession, has been engaged in practice for almost a half century, and for a period of eleven years was judge of the Thirty-sixth Judicial District of Pennsylva- nia. He was born in Independence town- ship, Beaver county, Pa., January 24, 1834, and is a son of William and Hannah (Eachel)
Hice, and grandson of Henry and Catherine Hice. Mr. Hice was the second child born to his parents, and received his scholastic training in the public schools of his native county,-taking a finishing course at Beaver Academy. Choosing as his life-work the pro- fession of law, he became a law student under the preceptorship of Richard P. Roberts, of Beaver, Pa. Mr. Roberts was a man of prom- inence in that section, and during the Civil War became colonel of the 140th Reg., Pa. Vol. Inf., meeting a brave but unfortunate death at the terrible battle of Gettysburg, where so many gallant defenders of the Union fell. Under his preceptorship, young Hice made rapid progress, and was admitted to the Beaver county bar in 1859. He was imme- diately taken in as a partner with Mr. Rob- erts, in the practice of his profession, and re- mained as such until the death of the latter. In 1867, Frank Wilson became associated with Mr. Hice, and continued to be his law partner until 1874, when the subject of this sketch was appointed judge of the Thirty- sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, which office was filled by him in a most acceptable manner, until 1885. His opinions were de- livered firmly and courageously, and with full intent to treat each case fairly and impartially. He was courteous alike to the youngest at- torney and to the oldest member of the bar. At the expiration of his term, Judge Hice re- sumed his long neglected practice, and was joined, in 1894, by his son, Agnew Hice,-the firm name becoming Hice & Hice.
Judge Hice first married Ruth Ann Rals-
.
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ton, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Ralston, of Hanover township, Beaver county, where Mr. Ralston was a prominent agriculturist. Their happy union resulted in the birth of two sons and two daughters, viz .: Mary, who is unmarried; Richard, who is superintendent of the Fallston Fire Clay Company, and who married May Kells; Agnew; and Laura. Agnew studied law with his father, with whom he is now associated as partner, having been admitted to the bar in 1894. He is fast assuming the heavier duties of the firm, thus enabling his father to enjoy more leisure and the rest so richly deserved. Judge Hice was deprived of his much beloved companion in 1872, when she was called to the life beyond, having attained the age of thirty-six years only. Judge Hice contracted a second matri- monial alliance,-in this instance with Mrs. Sarah H. Minis, a daughter of ex-Chief Jus- tice Daniel Agnew.
Henry Hice, the grandfather of the subject hereof, is believed to have removed from New Jersey to Indiana county, Pa., whence after purchasing a tract of land in the forests of the Ligonier valley, he returned to New Jersey after his family, who accompanied him to his new home, where they lived the simple, unpretending lives of sturdy pioneers,-en- during with others the many hardships and privations incident to such a life. Mr. Hice engaged himself in felling the forest trees and improving the land as best he could with the few facilities of a newly settled country. Here on this farm Mr. Hice's grandparents spent their last years and reared their family, con-
sisting of three sons and one daughter, whose names are as follows: John ; George; Cathe- rine ; and William.
William Hice, father of the subject hereof, was born on the old homestead in Indiana county, Pa., in 1793. As he grew to man- hood, he assisted his father in clearing the land, and in 1819 or 1820, he removed to the vicinity of Clinton, Allegheny county, Pa. After purchasing a farm but little improved, he extended the improvements by clearing more land, and building a set of buildings, which have since been replaced by new ones. The farm, then occupied by the elder Mr. Hice, is now owned by John Miller, and was sold by William Hice, in 1840. He then bought a better farm at Frankfort Springs, which became his permanent home during life. Upon this farm, known as the J. Ste- phenson farm, he built a very substantial dwelling, which is still standing ; but the barn, then built, has long since been destroyed by fire. Starting out with nothing except a de- termined will power and a strong constitu- tion, by persistent and untiring efforts, to- gether with successful management, he amassed considerable property. Although he was a shrewd business man, he was kind of heart, and a liberal neighbor, never turning a deaf ear to an appeal for charity. Thus he en- deared himself to many, and his loss was deeply mourned. His death occurred in 1868, at the age of seventy-three years. His life companion was Hannah Eachel, a daughter of Andrew Eachel, and she died when about fifty years old. Their children numbered
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seven, five daughters and two sons, as follows : Mary Ann, deceased; Catherine, also de- ceased ; Eliza, still residing at Beaver, and un- married; Sarah, wife of Joseph Brown, of Iowa; Hannah, of Beaver, also single; Wil- liam, a retired farmer residing in Kansas City, Mo .; and Henry, the subject of this brief sketch.
Judge Hice purchased for his home the R. P. Roberts homestead, on the corner of Mar- ket and North Park streets. Removing the old house, in 1876, he built upon the same attractive and well selected spot a handsome, modern brick house and office. Both are ap- propriately and handsomely furnished. He has taken an active part in the progress of his home borough and county. Aside from at- tending to his practice, he has been associated with manufacturing. banking, and other en- terprises. Judge Hice worships with the Presbyterians, and liberally supports that de- nomination. His portrait is shown on preced- ing page.
R. GEORGE A. CRISTLER, who through years of careful training in the intricacies of medical science, has attained a degree of skill which but few physicians of the county possess, commands an extensive practice in the vicinity of Hooks- town. He is a native of Beaver county, and is a scion of one of its oldest and most highly respected families, having been born at Ship- pingport, Green township, Beaver county, Pa., October 9, 1852.
The early history of the Cristler family is one of deep interest, but our limited space will not permit us to give the many details. Michael Cristler, the great-grandfather of the subject of these lines, was born in Germany, and at an early day settled in America, in the western section of Pennsylvania, which was at the time a howling wilderness, inhabited only by Indians and infested by wild beasts. What courage must have coursed in the veins of these pioneers, who came from a prosper- ous but too thickly settled country, and en- dured the many hardships and trials that fell to their lot while endeavoring to convert the forest land into tillable farms! Courage, per- severance, an indomitable will, were char- acteristic of every man of that day, else they would have succumbed to hunger or the hos- tile natives. At the time this sturdy old an- cestor settled in that section, the Indians were very troublesome, and he was employed as a government spy. Every two weeks he would make the trip from Brownsville, Pa., to Wheeling, West Virginia, on foot, a journey attended by the greatest danger, not only from the Indians, but also from wild animals. Many interesting stories have been handed down to the present generation of the family, concerning his adventures and his many miraculous escapes. He was a very prom- inent man, and bought a tract of land on which the village of Shippingport is now lo- cated. Here he toiled, and, before his death, the most of his four hundred acres was cleared, and under a high state of cultivation. He was married, and among his children was
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one, Samuel, the grandfather of the subject liereof.
Samuel Cristler spent his youthful days upon his father's farm, but soon after reach- ing maturity, he purchased a farm of three hundred and forty acres, which is now owned by Jolin and Jacob Green, and John Calhoun. His occupation was that of a farmer, and he followed it with unqualified success through- out his life. When the War of 1812 broke out he was among the first to volunteer his services, but they were only required for a term of three monthis, when he received an honorable discharge. He was united in mar- riage with Catherine Baker, and they had a family of ten children, as follows: Michael ; Susan ; Mary; Henry ; Martha; Jemima; An- thony W .; Elizabeth; Philip; and another who died in infancy. They are all now de- ceased. Samuel Cristler was a Democrat in his pontical affiliations.
Anthony W. Cristler, the father of Dr. George A., was born on his father's farm in 1817, and early in life learned the trade of a mason, at which he became one of the finest workmen in that section. He remained on the farm until 1867, when he moved to Ship- pingport, and there followed his trade during his active life,-dying January 12, 1884. He married Elizabeth Hayward, a daughter of Robert Hayward, of the state of New York, and today the family is one of influence and prominence. Her parents moved to Beaver county, Pa., in 1846, settling at Safe Harbor, opposite Rochester. Mr. Hayward died in the winter of 1895, and his wife is still liv-
ing, enjoying life at the age of eighty-three years, at the home of a son, at Shippingport. Her maiden name was Hill. Mr. and Mrs. Cristler reared nine children, as follows: George A., the subject of this personal his- tory; Sarah A., who died at the age of eight years; Lucinda Jane, the wife of W. B. Ap- pleton, who lives at Industry, Beaver county, Pa .; Amanda, who resides at the home of the subject of these lines; William B., who died in infancy; Melissa; Elmer E., who lives at Shippingport ; Ella, who died in infancy ; and Willard, who also lives at Shippingport. Mrs. Cristler died on July 26, 1898. They were both faithful members of the Presbyterian church. Mr. Cristler was an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, but never held office.
Dr. George A. Cristler was reared on the old homestead and attended the public schools, after which he learned the trade of a mason under his father. He was a journey- man before he was twenty-one years old, and followed the trade for fourteen years. During this time he taught school for five winters, and followed his trade in the summer. He then decided to study for the medical profes- sion, and began reading with Dr. Davis, of Shippingport. In the fall of 1887, he entered the Pittsburg Medical College, now called the Western University of Pennsylvania, and was graduated in the spring of 1889,-immed- iately thereafter locating at Murdocksville. After remaining there for a period of three months, he began practice at Shippingport, where he successfully continued until 1895.
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He removed to Darlington, Beaver county, where he spent eighteen months, and then located at Hookstown, where, in a remarkably brief space of time, he has worked up a large and paying patronage. He has always made his home in Beaver county, and is widely known throughout its bounds,-being held in the highest esteem everywhere. He is also a member of the Beaver County Medical So- ciety.
In January, 1891, Dr. Cristler formed a marital union with Lizzie Laughlin, a daugh- ter of William Laughlin, and they had one child, Martha, born January 12, 1894. Mrs. Cristler was called to her final rest on August 16, 1896, and thus, when but little over two years of age, her child was deprived of a mother's love and careful training. Martha is an interesting little girl, and is receiving a Christian training under the guidance of lov- ing eyes. The Doctor is a Presbyterian in re- ligious belief, and has been an elder in the church for twelve years. He is a member of Smith's Ferry lodge, No. 485, F. & A. M.
BEN COOK, stock raiser and gen- eral farmer, of Darlington township, Beaver county, Pa., has traveled a good deal throughout the country. On account of ill health he was obliged to give up school, but received a fair degree of instruc- tion in the public schools of Beaver county. He subsequently learned farming. He wanted to see something of the world, and while still a young man went west. He traveled through
all the western states and was interested in various occupations. He remained in the West until 1889, and then returned to Beaver county, where he purchased his present farm. This farm contains one hundred and fourteen acres, and is almost entirely cleared. A fine brick house is standing upon it and it is con- sidered one of the best country homes in the district. A large, three-story bank barn, built by the subject hereof, also ornaments the place and adds to the comfort of the stock, which is Mr. Cook's "hobby." The gentle- man of whom this narrative treats led to the altar Julia Morton, a favorite daughter of Dr. Woodson Morton. She was born, reared and educated in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have four children, namely: May, Howard, Carrie and George. All are regular attendants at the Presbyterian church.
Mr. Cook is a hard worker in the cause of the Republican party, but never accepted of- fice. He was born in Darlington, Pa., March 21, 1855, is a son of A. J. and Margaret (Rob- inson) Cook, and grandson of Benjamin R. and Susannah (Johnston) Cook. Benjamin R. Cook was a native of Chambersburg, Pa., and went to Western Pennsylvania in the lat- ter part of the eighteenth century. He was a carpenter by trade and followed that occu- pation for many years. Later he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Darlington. He was one of the first three merchants of that place. The others were Andrew Leach and David Gilliland. After some years he sold his store and bought a farm east of the town. A few years further on he moved one mile west of
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the present home of the subject hereof. There he purchased eighty acres of partly cleared land. An old cabin then on the land still ex- ists. Here upon this farm Benjamin R. Cook remained until 1845. He then went south in quest of better health, but never found it, and died there April 6, 1845. He wedded Susan- nah Johnston, a native of Beaver county. She was a daughter of Andrew Johnston, a pioneer of prominence in this section of Pennsylvania. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Cook, viz: Mary; A. J., father of N. Ben; John ; James; Martha A. (McClure); and Emeline. Mary, the eldest of these, was a college gradu- ate and followed the profession of teaching for a number of years. She became one of the best educators in this country, and gained for herself a national reputation. Her sister Martha was also a successful teacher before her marriage.
A. J. Cook was born at Darlington, Pa., Oc- tober I, 1821. After attending district school he finished his education at Darlington Acad- emy. He then learned farming. Subse- quently he purchased a half interest in a threshing machine. The other half was owned by John Davis. At a later period A. J. Cook sold his interest, and for a brief period re- sumed farming. He afterward bought a hotel ' in Darlington and followed the hotel busi- ness for seventeen years. On relinquishing this, he became the first permanent station agent of the Fort Wayne R. R. at New Gali- lee. He resigned that position, however, and opened another hotel, which he sold after awhile, and purchased an eighty-five acre
farm, where his son, L. J., now lives. Mr. Cook continued to reside upon this farm for nine years, when he was deprived of his be- loved wife by death. Since then he has rented his farm, and makes his home with the sub- ject hereof. His wife was Margaret Robinson, a daughter of Andrew Robinson, of New Cas- tle, Pa., where Margaret was born. This happy union was blessed with eight children : Andrew J .; Lucinda; William ; L. J. ; N. Ben, to whom these lines pertain; Amelia; Caro- lina; and Lizzie. The first two died in infancy. William Cook received his educa- tion at Darlington Academy, and taught school for some time afterward. He then studied medicine under Dr. Sherlock, and later under Dr. Clendenning, of Cincinnati. He practiced medicine at Freeport. Pa .. but was cut off by death at the early age of thirty-five years. L. J. Cook is a farmer of prominence, and is also an agent for farm machinery .. Caroline died aged thirteen, and Lizzie at the tender age of two years.
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