Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 112

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 112

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The father of Dr. MeDermid was engaged in the oil industry as a producer, first at Bradford and later at other points and died at Chipmunk, N. Y., in 1904. His widow survives and resides in the city of Montreal, Canada.

Dr. MeDermid attended school at different points, his father's business requiring him to frequently change the location of the family home, but the larger part of his boyhood was spent at Evans City, Pa., Bradford aud Olean, N. Y. He is a graduate of the Olean High School and he also attended Pittsburg College of the Holy Ghost. From the Olean High School he went to medical college, where he remained four years and during his third and fourth years was connected with Providence Hospital, at Washington, D. C. After his graduation from the medical department of Georgetown University, Washington, D. C., in the Class of 1908, he came to St. Francis Hospital, Pittsburg, and was attached there from July to November, 1908, when he came to Charleroi, well equipped for the practice of his most noble pro- fession.

Dr. MeDermid married Miss Elizabeth Colligan, a daughter of Michael Colligan, of Alleghany County, N. Y., and they have one child, Catherine. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Eagles. He and wife belong to St. Jerome's Catholic Church.

DAVID M. FULTON,* owner of 100 acres of rich farming land in Hanover Township, Washington County, Pa., was born in this township, February 12, 1827, and is a son of James and Jane (Fulton) Fulton, and a grandson of John and Jane (Hunter) Fulton.

David M. Fulton was reared on his father's farm. The father was a tailor by trade, but the son preferred the ont-door life in the fields. He was the only child and was given all the advantages his parents could pro- vide. He has been engaged in agricultural pursuits ever since he left school in boyhood, and has a valuable, well cultivated estate. In early manhood Mr. Fulton married Miss Martha Eaton, who died, leaving no children. He was married secondly to Miss Elizabeth Caldwell and they have two sons, James H. and Andrew C. James H. lives at home and assists his father. Andrew C.

married Martha Jane Martin and they have two chil- dren, Lilly May and William Howard. Mr. Fulton, like his late father, is a Republican, lle is a member of the United Presbyterian Church and one of Hanover Town- ship's representative and respected citizens.

DAVID HL. SUMNY,* who owns a farm of 101 acres, situated in Somerset Township, Washington County, Pa., on the turnpike road which is the northern boundary of the township, was born on a farm in Nottingham Town- ship, Washington County, November 4, 1840, and is a son of David and Nancy (Hand) Sumny.

David Sumny was also born in Washington County, where his father, Isaac Sumny, had been a pioneer. David Sumny owned a farm and also operated a pot- tery on his place.

David H. Sumny attended the district schools in boy- hood and worked at the potter's trade with his father, in his youth. He then learned the carpenter trade and for many years after his return from the Civil War he worked through this section as a carpenter and is widely known. In August, 1862, he enlisted for service as a soldier, entering the 140th Pa. Vol. Inf., and con- tinued in the army until his honorable discharge, in June, 1865. Although he saw hard and dangerous serv- ice, participating in such battles as Chancellorsville, Gettysburg. the Wilderness and many others, he was fortunate enongh to escape all serious injury. After he returned to Washington County he resumed work at his trade, and in 1866 he was married to Miss Eliza Ann Lusk, a daughter of James and Hannah (Snod- grass) Lusk. Mrs. Sumny was born on Mingo Creek and was reared in Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Sumny have five children: James, who lives in Notting- ham Township, married Lillie Dague, and they had chil- dren-Edna, who died aged thirteen years, Charles, Hazen, Pearl aud Wilson; Emma, who married Curtis Myers, and they have three children-Ralph, Mary and Ross; Harry, who married Maggie Ashcraft, has one son, Roy; Ella, who married John E. Williams and they have one child, Glenn; and George.

Mr. and Mrs. Sunny reside on what was formerly the old Lusk farm. They owned the Sumny farm of seventy- five acres, which they transferred to their son, Harry Sumny. Mr. Sumny is a member of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. Neither he nor his sons take any very active part in politics, but all are numbered with . the best and most dependable citizens of this section of Washington County.

W. W. MeKEOWN,* an extensive operator in the oil and gas fields of Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, has been a resident of Washington since the beginning of the oil excitement in this State, which was some time

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during the eighties. He later removed to Colorado, where he was for twelve years extensively engaged in cattle raising, owning the old Meeker Ranch, and often had as many as 10,000 head of cattle at one time. Since his return to Washington, he has been one of the ex- tensive operators in the oil and gas fields of the State. He owns a one-fourth interest in the MeKeown Oil Com- pany, which operates in the fields of West Virginia and Washington County, and is also associated with E. H. Pogue in the production of oil in Ohio. Mr. MeKeown was joined in marriage with Mary Quinn. He is, fra- ternally, a member of the B. P. O. E.

FRED J. ROTH, traveling salesman for the H. Roth Brewery and one of the enterprising young business men of Monongahela City, was born in Allegheny County, Pa., November 23, 1883, and is a son of Andrew and Helena (Schalbruch) Roth. He attended the public schools of Allegheny and Washington Counties until fifteen years of age and then turned his attention to business, but resided at home until he had reached his majority. He then became identified with the H. Roth Brewery and has since continued with this well-known brewery.

In January, 1906, Mr. Roth was married to Miss Catherine Miller, a daughter of Peter Miller, who was an iron worker in the employ of the Pittsburg Tube Mills for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Roth have one son, who was born on the day that Hon. John K. Tener was elected to Congress from this district, and as Mr. Roth is a zealous Republican and an admirer of Mr. Tener, the little son bears the latter's name. Mr. and Mrs. Roth are members of the Catholic Church. He is a char- ter member of Lodge No. 532, F. O. E., and belongs also to the L. O. O. M. and the T. V. E., all of Monon- gahela City.

ANDREW J. ROTH, who is identified with the H. Roth Brewery Company, having charge of the outside sales, is numbered with the able young business men of Monongahela City. He was born in Allegheny County, Pa., September 19, 1887, and is a son of Andrew and Helena (Schalbruch) Roth.

Andrew J. Roth attended the public schools of Alle- gheny and Washington Counties until he was sixteen years of age. In the following four years he learned the business methods which, when twenty-one years of age, made him an acceptable employe of the H. Roth Brewery, with which he has been identified ever since. In politics he is a Republican.

In 1905 Mr. Roth was married to Miss Harriet Thomp- son, a daughter of the late Henry Thompson, who lost his life, with 150 others, in the terrible mine explosion at Marianna, Pa., in 1908. He had been chief electrician

there for a number of years. Mr. and Mrs. Roth have one daughter, Margaret Elizabeth. They are members of the Catholic Church. His fraternal connections are with the T. V. E. and the L. O. O. M., Lodge No. 125, Monongahela City.

GEORGE P. DENNIS,* who owns a fine farm of 102 acres in Hanover Township, Washington County, Pa., on which is one producing oil well, was born on this farm, March 11, 1868, and is a son of David S. and Charlotta (Fullerton) Dennis.

The parents of Mr. Dennis are both deceased and their ashes rest in the Cross Roads Cemetery at Florence. The mother was born on the farm now owned by George P. Dennis and inherited it from her father, it being the old Fullerton place. David S. Dennis was a son of Archie Dennis and was born in Washington Couty. He was a carpenter by trade, and afterwards a farmer, and when farming proved too laborious, he engaged in wool buy- ing. In politics he was a Democrat, while in religious faith both he and wife were Methodists. They had four children, namely: Delia, who married H. W. Scott; Del-, phine, who died when aged two years; Mary Altha, who married C. C. Inglefield, of Burgettstown; and George P., the youngest, residing on the homestead.

George P. Dennis attended the district schools in Han- over Township until nineteen years of age, when he went into the oil fields and for fifteen years followed rig building, coming then to the farm, on which he has lived ever since. He carries on general farming here and has one oil well which produces about fifteen barrels of oil monthly.

On March 23, 1893, Mr. Dennis was married to Miss Rebecca H. Cleland, a daughter of Robert and Ida Cle- land, residents of Midway, Washington County. To Robert Cleland and wife the following children were born: Rebecca H., who is the wife of Mr. Dennis; Etta, now deceased, who was the wife of Charles Reddick; and Roberta, John, Robert, Labrida and Harry. The Cle- land family belong to the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Dennis have four sons: Charles W., George L., Robert S. and Harry C. They attend the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Dennis votes independently. He has never been a seeker for office but has served acceptably on the board of elections. The family and its connections are representative people of Hanover Town- ship.

H. A. THEAKSTON,* proprietor of the Hotel Atwood at West Brownsville, Pa., has been identified with that line of business in West Brownsville and Belle Vernon, Pa., for about twelve years, and was born January 26, 1876, a son of William L. and Leonore (Harrington) Theakston.

H. A. Theakston was reared in West Browusville, where

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CLARK T. BARTLETT

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

be attend the local schools and subsequently worked in hotels here and at Belle Vernon, Pa., where he spent two years, and in August, 1907, purchased the Hotel Atwood from Max Kline, of West Brownsville. He is fraternally a member of the Eagles and Royal Order of Moose.

Mr. Theakston was joined in marriage with Anna Voss, who was born in Germany and came to this country when six years of age with her father, Fred Voss, and to them have been born two children: Carl and Voss.

CLARK T. BARTLETT, one of Washington's prom- inent and substantial citizens, whose main interest, at present, is attending to his realty investments, formerly was a leading factor in the newspaper business here and for years was more or less identified with journalistie work. Ile was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, October 25, 1866, and is a son of Edward and Susan Elizabeth (Clark) Bartlett.

Edward Bartlett was born in the state of New York and came from there to Fayette County prior to the Civil War, and in 1876 thenee to Washington. For a number of years he operated the Washington Foundry and Machine Shops. His death occurred in Washing- ton, Pa., August 24, 1903. For one year of the Civil War he served as a member of the First West Virginia Cavalry, Union Army, when he was honorably discharged, his disability being valvular disease of the heart, and from this affliction he subsequently died, although not until forty years later. He married Susan Elizabeth Clark, a native of Uniontown, Fayette County, who still survives and resides at Washington. She was the eldest daughter of William Witherow Clark and Susannah (Heslett) Clark, the former being a grandson of Will- iam Clark, one of the pioneer settlers of Fayette County, Pennsylvania, who removed to that section about the time of the Revolutionary War. To Edward and Susan Eliz- abeth (Clark) Bartlett were born five children, namely : Antoinette, who is the wife of Charles S. Hempstead, cashier of the First National Bank of New Salem, Fay- ette County ; Clark T .; Harry Edward, who is connected with the Observer Publishing Company as an employe in its job department; Miriam, who died in early youth; and Helen S., who is a teacher in the Washington schools.

Clark T. Bartlett attended school at Washington with regularity until he was sixteen years of ago. On Sep- tember 2, 1882, be entered the printing office of the Review and Examiner, at Washington, as an apprentice to the trade, and later was connected in a repertorial capacity with other journals and served the Washing- ton Reporter some seven years in different positions in newspaper work, becoming well and favorably known in this connection. In May, 1892, he entered into part- nership with Hon. E. F. Acheson, in the publication of the Observer, which partnership existed for over ten

years. In July, 1902, Mr. Bartlett bought his partner's interest and at the same time sold the entire plant to the Observer Publishing Company.

Clark T. Bartlett was married February 13, 1900, at Washington, Iowa, to Mrs. Cora (Wright) Martin, youngest daughter of Enoch and Emma (Smith) Wright. The Wright family has been identified with Washington County and Western Pennsylvania sinee its earliest set- tlement. Enoch Wright, the father of Mrs. Bartlett, was born in Peters Township, near the present borough of Finleyville, Pa., July 28, 1824, and died at Washing- ton, Iowa, to which State he had removed shortly after the Civil War, March 10, 1892. His great-grandfather, Joshua Wright, one of the pioneer settlers of Washing- ton County, came from the Cumberland Valley, near Harrisburg, Pa., and settled in the Peters Creek Valley about 1764. He was a large land owner and under a Virginia commission sat as a justice in the County Court in 1777. Emma (Smith) Wright, the mother of Mrs. Bartlett, was the daughter of Dr. Edward Smith, a prominent physician residing near Franklin Church, Brooke County, Va., one of the Pan-Handle Counties of Virginia and now a part of the State of West Virginia. Dr. Smith was a member of the Virginia Legislature and voted against the ordinance of Secession.

Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett are members of the First Meth- odist Episcopal Church of Washington and he is a mem- ber of its official board.

W. T. HARSHMAN,* a representative citizen of Mills- boro, Washington County, assistant manager and treas- urer of the Marianna Lumber Company, at this place, was born in Chartiers Townsbip, Washington County, Pa., in September, 1889, and is a son of Isaac and Mary (Mitchell) Harshman. The father of Mr. Harshman is deceased. His mother is a resident of Canton Township.

W. T. Harshman was educated in the public schools of West Bethlehem Township. He has been identified with the Marianna Lumber Company since its organization, both as stoekholder and officer. He also handles builders' supplies.

Mr. Harshman was married to Miss Margaret Pallette, a daughter of David Pallette, of Canton Township, and they have two children, Eva Madeline and Glenn Well- mer. In politics, Mr. Harshman is a Republican. He belongs to the fraternal order of the Moose, at Zollars- ville.

WILLIAM E. PENROD,* owner of a gentlemen's furnishing store at California, Pa., where he has been located since February, 1909, was prior to that time en- gaged in the mercantile business at Coal Center for thirty-three years. He was born November 27, 1849, in Regersville, Tuscarawas County, Ohio, a son of Tobias

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

and Sarah (Haley) Penrod. The father who was a cabi- net maker by trade, served in the 51st Ohio Vol. Inf., and died of typhoid fever during the war, at Murfrees- boro, Tenn.

William E. Penrod was fifteen years old when he came from Tuscarawas County, Ohio, to Monongahela City, Pa., where he worked for some time in a clothing store for his uncle Silas Haley; he continued his residence here about ten years, during which time he worked in various clothing houses. In February, 1876, he went to Coal Center, where he embarked in the mercantile business, in which he continued with uninterrupted success until Feb- ruary, 1909, when he removed the business to California, and opened his present gentlemen's furnishing estab-' lishment in the People's Bank building.

Mr. Penrod was married in 1874 to Emma Clark, who was born in Monongahela City, Pa., a daughter of Rob- ert M. Clark, and a granddaughter of James Parkinson, who, with Joseph Parkinson, laid out the town of Mo- nongahela. Mr. and Mrs. Penrod became the parents of seven children, namely: William C .; Robert N .; Rebec- ca; Clara; Margaret, deceased; Jane, deceased; and Fred, deceased. Mr. Penrod is the oldest past master of the Masonic lodge, Henry M. Phillips, No. 337, of Monongahela City, of which he has been a member since 1872; and is also affiliated with the Royal Arcanum.

E. H. SACKVILLE,* a wholesale and retail dealer in tobacco, and a manufacturer of cigars and stogies, of Washington, Pa., was born in this borough in 1880, a son of Dr. John V. and Annie (Vester) Sackville.

Dr. John V. Sackville was born ahout 1819 in England and died in 1895 in Washington, Pa., where for a period of thirty years he was prominently identified with the medical profession. He was a first cousin of Lord Sack- ville West, and before coming to this country was for thirty years a surgeon in the English army. He mar- ried Annie Vester, a native of Washington, and a daughter of John V. Vester. She is still living in Wash- ington and has now attained the advanced age of ninety- four years. Dr. and Mrs. Sackville were the parents of the following children: L. W. Sackville, who is engaged in business with the subject of this sketch; Winnifred, who is the wife of Dr. J. B. Stines, of Evansville, Ind., her husband having charge of the U. S. Marine Hospital; Mary S., who married Clarence Rhen, of Washington, Pa .; Herbert C., who is deceased; and E. H. Sackville, whose name begins this article.

E. H. Sackville was reared and obtained his educa- tional training at Washington, where early in life he en- tered into the tobacco trade, having had at the age of eight years, what is called a store box stand. For the past fourteen years he has conducted a store, has car-

ried on a wholesale and retail business for ten years, and for the past seven years has operated a cigar factory on East Maiden street. He employs one traveling sales- man besides himself, and carries on an extensive busi- ness.

In February, 1908, Mr. Sackville was united in mar- riage with Margaret Bell, of Morgantown, W. Va. He is fraternally a member of the order of Eagles.

JAMES KERR SCOTT," who, with his younger brother, Hugh Clemmons Scott, owns over 200 acres of rich farming land in Nottingham Township, Washing- ton County, Pa., is a member of an old family of this section was founded here by his great-grandfather. He was born on his present farm, December 18, 1842, and is a son of Absalom and Rebecca (Finley) Scott.

The great-grandfather was Hugh Scott, who was evi- dently a man of consequence east of the Alleghany Moun- tains, as he was sent with two others as a committee to purchase land in Washington County for a site for a court house. This was in 1780. He had four sons, two of whom returned to the East, the other two remaining in Washington County. One of these was Josiah Scott, who subsequently acquired the farm which his grandsons now own. He married and spent the remainder of his life here, rearing seven children, his son Absalom being the third in order of birth. The latter was born on this farm, grew to manhood in Nottingham Township and married Rebecca Finley. They both are now deceased. They had eight children: Mary Jane, who is deceased; Finley ; Josiah, who is deceased; James Kerr; Margaret B .; Hugh Clemmons; Frances E., and Sarah B., who also is deceased.

James Kerr Scott grew to manhood in the old log house on the home farm on which he has always lived. He is associated with is brother, Hugh C., in farming and stock raising. The latter was horn on this farm in Oc- tober, 1847, and resides on the old place with the sur- viving sister, Frances E. They can all recall many inter- esting events connected with earlier days in this section and can point out the place on the farm where, in In- dian days, stood an old log blockhouse which doubtless often sheltered refugees.

In November, 1865, James K. Scott was first married to Sarah E. Roberts, who, at death, left two children- Laura E., who is the wife of Alexander Gault and has one child, James Eugene Gault, who lives at Bentley- ville, Pa .; and Albert P., who married Metta Preston, and has one child, Catherine; they live at Monongahela. Mr. Scott was married secondly in 1890, to Matilda Logan, a daughter of Harvey Logan, of Allegheny Coun- ty. Mr. Scott is a member of the Presbyterian Church and in boyhood was accustomed to ride on horseback to

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Pigeon Creek to attend services. Both Mr. Scott and brother are Republicans in their political sentiments, Both are recognized as representative citizens.

SAMUEL E. FLEMING,* who has been manager of the Pittsburg Mercantile Company's large department store at California, Pa., since its opening on November 14, 1904, was born in Ireland, June 4, 1878, and is a son of Samuel and Matilda Fleming.

Samuel E. Fleming was six years old when his parents came to this country and located at Pittsburg, where he was reared and educated. At the age of fifteen years he began working in a dry goods store, after which he spent some time in the employ of the Oliver Steel Com- pany at Pittsburg. Mr. Fleming has been identified with the Pittsburg Mercantile Company since 1897, and in .Inne, 1904, came to California to superintend the instal- lation of the necessary fixtures for the opening of the store, which is located in a large two story brick build- ing, with basement, erected that year by the Pittsburg Mercantile Company. It is one of the finest business blocks in California. The floor space of the store covers an area of 30,000 square feet and there is a 4,000 square foot warehouse in the rear. The company carries a full line of clothing, haberdashery, boots, shoes, dry goods, notions, groceries and meats, and they give employment to twenty-two salesmen, drivers, etc. Mr. Fleming is a director of the Peoples Bank of California, and is fra- ternally affiliated with the B. P. O. E. ef Charleroi.

Mr. Fleming was joined in marriage with Mollie D. Williams, a daughter of J. P. Williams, and they have one daughter, Margaret.

JOHN PROVINES,* a representative farmer and stockraiser, of Ilanover Township, who has lived all his life on his present farm of 133 acres, was born here February 1, 1837, and is a son of Samuel and Isabel (Gracey) Provines.

Samuel Provines was born in Ireland and was a son of William and Rebecca (Hemphill) Provines. He pur- chased the Family farm in Hanover Township, Washing- ton County, Pennsylvania, when the whole extent of it was covered with thick woods and, with the assistance of his sons cleared it all off and put it under a fine state of cultivation. He was a man of great industry. In polities he was a Democrat. With his wife he be- longed to the United Presbyterian Church at Paris, Pa. He married Isabel Gracey, who was born in Washington County, and was a daughter of John and Margaret (Kennedy) Gracey. They had the following children : John, of Hanover Township; William, who is deceased; James, Rebecca, Andrew, Margaret, Samuel, Henry and Harper, of these Henry is deceased. The parents are both deceased and their burial was at Burgettstown, Pa.

John Provines attended the neighborhood schools along with his brothers and sisters, in boyhood, but as soon as he had attained sutlicient strength, he went to work to help his father in clearing off the land, it being quite a large undertaking, as the timber growth was heavy. After the father died, John and Andrew Provines bought the farm from the other heirs and still own it to- gether. These brothers are unmarried but several of the others have families. Samuel Provines married Delia Listen and they have two children, Pearl and Mary. Harper Provines married Hattie Graeey. William left a widow, formerly Anna Andrews, and two children, Eliza- beth and Jennie, the former of whom is deceased. Mr. Provines and his brothers are all strong Democrats.

G. B. FRANTZ, M. D.,* a prominent physician and surgeon of Coal Center, Pa., whose offices are located in the Coal Center Pharmacy, of which he is part owner, is president of the Peoples Bank of California. He was born May 29, 1862, in Monongahela City, Pa., and is a son of George W. and Susan (Lowstater) Frantz. The father established the drug company, now known as the ('oal Center Pharmacy, in 1882, and later conducted the same in partnership with our subject until the time of his death, February 4, 1888, operating under the firm naune of G. W. Frantz & Son.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 112

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