Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 11

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co. (Chicago) pbl
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 898

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II > Part 11

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THE NEW YOR. DUB TO BRARY

CHARLES E. STEPHENS

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

educational advantages to enable him to teach school and for some years he alternated teaching in the winter sea- sons with farm work during the summers. He served as an American soldier in the War of 1812, with the rank of lieutenant, and he was located during this time at Erie, Pa. A very valuable memento of this time is owned by his direct descendants, it being a walking stick composed of wood taken from Commodore Perry's famous ship "The Lawrenee, " and it is a nique as well as valuable relic. In 1814, William Zahniser married Eleanor Stot- Jer, who, like himself, had been born in Lancaster County, but had removed with her parents to Allegheny County. Until 1823 William Zahniser and wife lived in the okl homestead in Lancaster County, and then moved to a war-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 aeeount of its tragic early days, as well as its story of struggle and success, is interesting and may be briefly given as fol- lows, lle grew to manhood in Laneaster 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. Iu 1796 he sold this farm to Frederick Stone. This 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, Mereer County, eight miles north of Mereer. A eabin 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 Conn- ty but in the spring of 1797 he returned with the other members of the family, taking up a new traet east of the one first seeured and which passed into the posses- sion of his son Michael. Another son, Mathias, settled on a traet just south, while Jobn took one just west. As each of these traets 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 ocenrring 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, Mereer Co., Pa.

JAMES COOKE GAULT, a representative farmer and butter producer of Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa., where he owns 113 aeres of valuable land, was

born 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. Ile 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 tho 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 86 years. Ile and wife became parents of four children: Georgia, wife of A. Il. 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- lie 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 publie 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 offiees.

On Jan. 18, 1877, Mr. Gault was married to Miss Margaret Allison, a daughter of John and Harriet (Me- 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; Perey, who is now deceased; Guy A., who is engaged in railroad work and lives at Carnegie, Pa .; and Donald and Arehie, 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. Ganlt has been the very capable president of the Home Missionary Society of this church. Mr. Ganlt 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 publie interests of the place. He was born at Bentley- ville, Washington Co., Pa., Jan. 27, 1860. and is a son of John W. and Martha .J. (Bentley) Stephens.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

John W. Stephens was born on his father's farm in Fayette 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 politics 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 3121% 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 MeDowells, 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 all 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 Rachel.

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 Richard Johnson, of North Stra-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

bane Township, and they had the following children: Jane, James, William, Richard, Thomas, Jonathan, David, Joseph, Uriah and Mary. Of the above, James served five years in the Civil War. Thomas Allison died Oet. 21, 1849, aged 69 years. His widow survived to the age of s6 years, passing away in 1884.

WILLIAM L. DODD, M. D., a well-known physician and surgeon who has been in active practice at Amity, Pa., sinee 1890, is a member of one of Washington County's old pioneer families which has many represen- tatives throughout this section. Dr. Dodd was boru in Amwell Township, Washington Co., Pa., Oct. 17, 1866, and is a son of Dauiel F. and Ruth (MeFarland) Dodd.

The late Daniel F. Dodd passed his whole life iu Amwell Township, where he was extensively engaged in farming and stoock raising. llis father was Freeman Dodd, and his grandfather was Daniel Dodd, who was a brother of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, who was a noted preacher iu 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"'s farm and otbained his early education in the country schools. After his choice of profession had been made, he prepared for the scientifie 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 medieal 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- sieian in 1890, to Washington, since which time Dr. William L. Dodd has remained alone, and enjoys a good, substantial practice. 1Ie keeps closely in touch with all scientifie 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: John 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. Ile is a Republieau.

GEORGE S. MORRON, who is engaged in the drug business at Canonsburg, of which eity he has been a resident for 15 years, was born at Lisbon, Ohio, and is a son of lohn A. and Amanda (Bon Bright) Merren.

The Merron family is of Seoteh-Frish extraction and the paternal grandfather, John Morron, established the Morrons in Columbiana County, Ohio, and there many

of bis 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. lle 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, iu 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 medieal profession and the people of his city, having kept to high standards and han- dling only pure drugs.

In 1896, Dr. Morron was married to Miss Margaret Griffith, a daughter of A. A. Griffith, of Canonsburg, aud they have two children: Thelma and John. Dr. and Mrs. Morrou 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 Township, Washington Co., Pa., May 9, 1846, and is a son of Abraham and Rachel (MeClurge) 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 honorablo disebarge in July, 1865, in Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav., and eseaped 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 mereantile business. In 1873 he was appointed postmaster and has filled this office for almost 30 years, under Republiean administrations. He no longer con- ducts his mereantile business, but he has other interests, these ineluding stoek 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 eneampments.

Mr. Pry was married (first) to Mary E. Rea, who died after the birth of two children, Charles L. and Rachael

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HISTORY 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 Republican 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 event he located for a short time on a property which was afterward known as the E. H. Dennison farm. From there he moved to Claysville, Washington County, where he conduct- ed a hotel for a time, and from there to Uniontown, Fayette 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 children: James, Jane E., John, Ell- 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 traet 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 Reed, and they had six children: Katherine E., Edith E., Joseph D., Harry C., William R. and Edwin H., Jr.

William R. 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 Democratie 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 R. Dennison was married June 27, 1907, to Miss Matilda Snodgrass, of Claysville, and they have one daughter, Katherine 'Stevenson, named after her great-grandmother, Kather- ine Stevenson.

JOHN H. WEAVER, 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

NTV YOR

J. R. STUDA

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Christian Church of which he was long a member. 1n politics he was a Jacksonian Democrat. Of his two sons, George W., born Jan. 2, 1837, is now deceased.

John Il. 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 dangh- ter of Michael and Lovina (Paul) Slusher, her parents both being natives of Amwell Township. Her grand- father, Christopher Slusher, 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 tho site of the village of Lone Pine. Of the children of Michael and Lovina Slusher, the following survive: Mrs. John II. 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; Mary, 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 bora: Iluston P., who married Emma Miller, and they have three 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. R. 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 Demoerat.

J. R. Studa received instruction in his boyhood in the Muddy Lane School, in Cross Creek Township, and after-

ward 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 tho Wabash Railroad, which he rented from J. Reed. One years later he moved to the Thomas MeCorkle 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. Ile then returned to Cross Creek Township and bought the Pryon farm of 1-13 acres, on which he lived for seven years and then sold it prior to moving to Burgettstown in 1902. This property was bought by the Washington County Coal Company and they paid a good price for it as it is very valuable. Mr. Studa still retains a one-fourth interest in 215 acres of land 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.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 11

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co. (Chicago) pbl Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 898

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co. (Chicago) pbl
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 898