Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 17

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 17

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Joseph Weir, who was born in Morris Township in 1800, the family being among the earliest settlers of the town- ship.

Morris R. Weir was reared on a farm and obtained his education in the country schools. Prior to coming to Washington he carried on extensive agricultural opera- tions for many years, paying special attention to sheep growing, dealing only in improved stock. At times he had as many as 400 head of sheep at once. In 1906 he built his fine brick residence in Washington.

In October, 1872, Mr. Weir was married to Miss Sarah J. McClain, who was born in Washington County and is a daughter of James McClain. Mr. and Mrs. Weir are members of the Central Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. Formerly he took considerable interest in the public affairs of South Franklin Township and served on the school board for eleven years.

JOHN A. YOUNG, vice-president of the Star Brew- ing Company, a business enterprise of considerable im- portance at Washington, has been a resident of this city for twenty years and is identified with many of its interests. He was born in 1871, in the eastern part of Washington County, Pa., and is a son of Jacob Young, for many years a substantial farmer in North Franklin Township, Washington County.

John A. Young attended the schools near his father's farm and later the Washington schools. His first busi- ness experience was as bookkeeper for the firm of Joseph M. Spriggs & Son, and later he was connected with Will- iam Forgie, in the lumber business, for four years, going from there to the Crescent Brewing Company for one year. Mr. Young then went into business for himself and for the past six years has been vice-president of the Star Brewing Company, the products of which are known all over this section.

In 1896, Mr. Young was married to Miss Ida Redd, who was born in Amwell Township, Washington Co., Pa.

JAMES H. VAN KIRK, one of the prominent and substantial citizens of Amwell Township, owns and oper- ates in association with his brother, Francis J. Van Kirk, about 300 acres of land, engaging in farming and stock raising under the firm name of Van Kirk Brothers. Mr. Van Kirk has been a life-long resident of Amwell Town- ship, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of Hiram and Anna F. (Hughes) Van Kirk, hoth of whom were also natives of Amwell Township, both families belonging to the old settled class in this section.

Hiram Van Kirk died July 22, 1908, having passed his entire life in Amwell Township. He was a son of Capt. Joseph Van Kirk and a grandson of Jacob Van Kirk, the latter of whom was one of the early setlers who came to western Pennsylvania from New Jersey. The late

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Hiram Van Kirk was a man of large means, having devoted a long life to farming and stock raising and having met with success in his undertakings. He was a liberal supporter of the Christian Church at Lone Pine, Pa. In his political sentiments he was a Jacksonian Democrat. He married Anna F. Hughes and their two children survive: James H. and Francis J.

James HI. Van Kirk obtained a district school educa- tion and has made agricultural industries his main busi- ness through life. His father was a successful breeder of Shorthorn cattle and an extensive wool grower and the sons have continued to prosper in the same line. Of their large estate 152 acres comprise the homestead farm. They are recognized as good business men and both are held in high esteem as citizens. In politics they are Democrats and on the Democratic ticket, James H. Van Kirk was elected a member of the school board of the township, in February, 1909. They are heartily in favor of the good roads movement and would be pleased to see more general interest taken in something that is of such vital interest to the agricultural regions. The Van Kirk brothers are associated in business and their interests in many things are the same. They give liberal support to the Christian Church at Lone Pine.

ROBERT D. CRAIG, one of Hopewell Township's leading farmers, owns 147 acres of valuable land and makes stock raising, and sheep growing in particular, a prominent feature of his work. He was born in Inde- pendence Township, Washington Co., Pa., September 4, 1867, and is a son of William and Margaret (Dalzell) Craig. The father died October 3, 1890, and the mother died September 5, 1908.

Robert D. Craig attended the district schools of Hope- well and Independence townships, when about twenty years of age went to farming for his father and con- tinued at home and after the death of his father took charge of the home farm.

Mr. Craig was married February 10, 1909, to Miss Lucy Carl, a daughter of Henry and Lucy (MePherson) Carl, formerly of Independence Township, and they have a son, Robert Carl Craig, born December 1, 1909. Like his father, Mr. Craig is a stanch Republienn and he bas served three terms as road supervisor. He is a member of Pomona Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

MEL S. MOORHEAD, who conducts a furniture store at McDonald, and is one of the representative business men of the place, was born in Washington County, Pa., May 9, 1874, and is a son of William B. and Margaret (Johnston) Moorhead.

William B. Moorhead was a son of Samuel and Eliza- beth (Sprow]) Moorhead. For many years he engaged

in farming in Cecil Township and was a leading citizen there, serving in township offices and for two years was a justice of the peace. He married Margaret Johnston, a daughter of Thomas and Susannah (Scott) Johnston, natives of County Donegal, Ireland. Both William B. Moorhead and wife are now deceased and their burial was in Arlington Cemetery. They had the following children: Rosena, who is the wife of Dr. W. A. La Ross, of McDonald; Mel S .; T. B., who lives in Cali- fornia; and R. J., whose home is in Philadelphia.

Mel S. Moorhead was educated in the public schools and Ingleside Academy, which formerly was a somewhat noted educational institution at McDonald. After com- pleting his school attendance, he went into the furniture business at MeDonald, serving for two years as an em- ploye of S. H. Cook, during that time gaining knowledge and experience, and then went into partnership with J. F. Giffin. Later he bought Mr. Giffin's interest and has continued alone ever since. He carries a large stock which includes furniture, carpets, stoves and general housefurnishings.

In July, 1908, Mr. Moorhead was married to Miss Bessie Douglass, a daughter of T. M. and Julia (McCaus- land) Douglass, residents of McDonald. She has three brothers: Robert, J. A. and Leon, the second named being a physician at McDonald. Mr. and Mrs. Moor- head are members of the First United Presbyterian Church at McDonald. In politics, he is a Republican. He is one of the directors in the First National Bank at McDonald, and is also a stockholder in the Water and Electric Light Company.

Mr. and Mrs. Moorhead have one daughter, Julia Douglass, whose welcome was given her on April 16, 1909.

WINFIELD MCILVAINE, senior member of the well known law firm of McIlvaine and Clark, with offices at No. 410 Washington Trust Building, Washington, Pa., is a man of prominence throughout this section of Penn- sylvania, not alone for his successes in the legal profes- sion, but as well for his activity in the field of journal- ism, and the results he accomplished in behalf of the Republican party. Mr. MeIlvaine was born in Somerset Township, Washington Co., Pa., January 30, 1856, and is a son of S. B. and Catherine (Hill) MeIlvaine.

S. B. MeIlvaine, the father, was one of the substan- tial men and representative farmers of eastern Wash- ington County, where the family has long been estab- lished. The Hills, to which family his wife belongs, are an old and prominent family of the southeastern part of the county. S. B. and Catherine McIlvaine became parents of the following children: Winfield; Arabelle, who is the widow of William M. Irwin; Ella Laverne,

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

who is the wife of Josiah Thomas; Lena, who is the wife of R. A. Nicholl; and U. G., Julia, who is the wife of Julius W. Nicholl; and Edwin L.

Winfield MeIlvaine was educated in the local schools and at Canonsburg Academy, attending that institution for two years. During the winter of 1876-7 he taught in the district schools of Somerset Township, and in the fall of the latter year he entered as a sophomore, Wash- ington and Jefferson College, from which he was gradu- ated with honors, in June, 1880. Prior to this, in June, 1879, he had commeneed his law studies, in the office and under the direction of his cousin, Hon. J. A. Mell- raine, later president judge of the Forty-seventh Judi- cial District. The two years immediately following his graduation were spent on his father's farm with a view to recuperating his physical powers, which had been greatly taxed by his close application to his studies. He alse engaged in teaching school to some extent, during this period.

In the fall of 1882, he began his activity in politics, as secretary of the Republican County Committee, in which capacity he served during the campaign of that and the three succeeding years. In 1883, at the June term of court, he was admitted to the bar of Washing- ton County, and in the fall of the same year, he pur- chased of Hon. E. F. Acheson, an interest in the Wash- ington "Observer," which was the recognized exponent of Republican principles in Washington County. He continued in this relation until October, 1890, when he disposed of his interest to Mr. Acheson. On January 1, 1891, he entered into the general practice of law in asso- ciation with Hon. J. F. Taylor, the partnership of Tay- lor and MeIlvaine continuing until June 25, 1895, and enjoying a prestige throughout this whole section of Pennsylvania. After the dissolution of this firm, Mr. MeIlvaine became a partner of W. S. Parker, Esq., under the name and style of Parker & Mellvaine, a combination of legal talent which continued until April 1, 1904, when the firm was enlarged to that of Parker, MeIlvaine and Clark, by the addition of Norman E. Clark, Esq. This firm continued until April I, 1907, when Mr. Parker withdrew, leaving the firm as it now stands, MeIlvaine and Clark. Mr. MeIlvaine has also been identified with various enterprises of Washington, and at the present time is a director of the Washington Trust Company.

On October 19, 1892, Mr. Mellvaine was united in marriage with Elizabeth S. Stewart, who is a daughter of the late Galbraith Stewart. They reside on East Maiden street. They are members of the First Presby- terian Church of Washington.

C. P. PAXTON, M. D., physician and surgeon at Cali- fornia, Pa., who is professionally associated with Dr. John Leslie Mercer, his step-father, enjoys a large prac-

tice and is located in the First National Bank building. He was born near MeConnell's Mill, not far from Can- onsburg, Washington Co., Pa., July 15, 1876, and is a son of Themas and Eliza (Cornelius) Paxton.

The father of Dr. Paxton died when the son was eight years old. Later, his mother married Dr. John Leslie Mercer, who, in 1908, sold out his medical practice at Eldersville, Washington County, where he had been lo- cated for nineteen years, and came to California. Dr. Mercer was born on a farm in Franklin Township, four miles west of Washington, and is a son of Z. and Naney (Walker) Mercer. He is well known all over the coun- ty, having taught schoel some ten terms, six near Can- ensburg, one in Franklin and one in Buffale Township and two at Canton, prior to entering upon medical prac- tice. He is a graduate of the Western University of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the Cumberland Pres- hyterian Church.

When Dr. Paxton's mother remarried, the family went to live at Eldersville and there he attended school and afterward taught six terms of school, five of these in Washington County and one in Allegheny County. This was before he entered upon the study of medicine, which he pursued for several years and was then graduated from the medical department of the Western University of Pennsylvania, in the class of 1905. He came then te California and has built up a good practice.

Dr. Paxton married Miss Claire Mae Philips, and they have one daughter, Pauline Philips Paxton. Dr. Paxton attends the Cumberland Presbyterian Church but is af- filiated with the United Presbyterian. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity.

GEORGE HAZEN MURPHY, M. D., one of the lead- ing and successful practitioners of the medical prefes- sion at Monongahela City, Pa., was born November 18, 1869, on a farm in Fayette County, Pa., and is a son of James and Harriet (Hazen) Murphy, both of whom were bern in Fayette County, and are still living on the farm in Franklin Township. The parents of our subject reared a family of eight children: Delmer; Phoebe, married Frank Brook; George Hazen, the subject of this sketch; Elizabeth; Dorcas; Anna; Walter; and Watson.

Dr. Murphy was reared on his father's farm and at- tended the district scheels of that locality, later taking a course at the California, Pa., Normal School, and when about seventeen years of age began teaching, in which he continued three years. He then attended Mt. Union College, finally entering the medical department of the Western University at Pittsburg, Pa., from which he graduated in the spring of 1894. He first embarked in the practice of medicine at Kammerer, Washington Coun- ty for two years, then came to Monongahela City in 1906, where he has since been located, having recently

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purchased his present office and residence on Main street. Dr. Murphy has established an enviable reputation as one of the successful physicians of Monongahela City, where he enjoys an extensive and Inerative practice. He is a stockholder of the First National Bank of Mononga- hela City, and is secretary and treasurer of the Citizens' Gas Company, of which he was one of the organizers. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party, and has served six years as a member of the school board. He is affiliated with the I. O. O. F., and the F. O. E. orders.

Dr. Murphy was united in marriage with Mary E. Ifoffmann, a daughter of Andrew A. Hoffmann, deceased, who was one of the leading attorneys of Washington, Pa. Dr. Murphy has one son, George Hazen, Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Murphy are members of the Presbyterian Church.

ROBERT F. LINN, secretary and treasurer of the Burgettstown Milling and Plate Ice Company and presi- dent of the borough council, is identified with a number of the leading business enterprises of this place and is one of the representative citizens. He was born in Cum- berland County, Pa., June 27, 1873.

Robert F. Linn was born in an adjoining county but Washington lays claim to him as he was educated here and at Concord, Ohio, completing his studies at Pitts- burg. He came then to Burgettstown and for nine years was a member of the lumber firm of Linn Brothers. After his marriage he settled in West Burgettstown, where he still resides. He is a stockholder as well as officer in the Milling and Plate Ice Company, of Burgettstown; and is a stockholder in the Burgettstown National Bank. His business interests are numerous and he is credited with being a very able financier.

On September 24, 1901, Mr. Linn was married to Miss Emma Scott, a daughter of Robert Scott, of Florence, Pa., and they have two sons: Charles S. and Robert P. Mr. and Mrs. Linn are members of the First Presbyterian Church. In polities he is a Democrat and is a very ac- tive, progressive eitizen. Ile is identified with both the Masons and the Odd Fellows.

GEORGE L. BARR, an honored veteran of the Civil War and a well known retired citizen, resides in his com- fortable home at No. 116 Ilall avenue, Washington, Pa., to which eity he came in 1884. He was bern November 14, 1843, in Clarion County, Pa., but was mainly reared in Butler County.

George L. Barr attended the country schools and as- sisted en the home farm until he was eighteen years of age, when he enlisted for service in the Civil War and has a most creditable record, having bravely faced the enemy on many a field of carnage and endured the hor-

rors of prison life for many months. A detailed history of the years of his life from 1861, when he entered the service, young and enthusiastic, to his honorable discharge at the close of the war, in 1865, would make many pages of interesting reading. Ile was a member of Company 1, 103rd Pa. Vol. Inf., which was at first attached to the division commanded by Gen. McClelland. Prior to being taken prisoner by the Confederate forces at l'ly month, N. C., Mr. Barr participated in the battles of Fair Oaks; the seven days of fighting before Richmond, Va .; Kingston, N. C .; White Hall, N. C .; Goldsboro and l'lymouth. At the latter place, on' April 20, 1864, Mr. Barr was unfortunate enough to fall into the hands of the enemy and was immediately dispatched to Anderson. ville Prison, Ga. Ile was confined there feur months, escaping the sad fate which overtook thousands of his comrades, whose memory, at this late day, has been com- memorated by a memoriał shaft. He was not much bet- ter off, however, when transferred to Charlotte, and three weeks later to the prison at Florence. From the latter place he made a daring escape, but te no purpose as he was soon recaptured and placed in the military jail at Georgetown, S. C. After one month there, he was sent back to Florence and was retained there until December 8, 1864, when he was sent to Camp Parole, at Annapolis, Md., and in March, 1865, was regularly exchanged. Onee more within the Union lines, he was detailed on guard duty, first at Roanoke Island, N. C., and later at New- bern, and was there at the time of his discharge.

Mr. Barr returned to Pennsylvania as speedily as pos- sible and soon proceeded to Oil City, where he went into the oil business, fater moved into the Butler and Arni- strong county fields, during a large part of this time being engaged as a driller. In 1884 he came to Washing- ton and helped drill the Hless gas well, which was the first well drilled fer the Light, Heat & Power Company, of Washingten. He continued to work as a driller until 1900, when he retired. Since taking up his residence in Washington, he has been an active and useful eitizen and for four years has been a member of the city coun- cil, representing the Second Ward.

On July 7, 1867, Mr. Barr was married to Miss Cather- ine Benton, and they have five children, namely: Harry F., John E., Sarah Alice, Berton B., and George C. Harry F. Barr has charge of the South Penn Oil Com- pany 's drilling erews, of Lincoln County, W. Va. John E. Barr works in an oil well supply store at Pittsburg. Sarah Alice resides at home. Berton B. is a well known attorney at Washington. George C. Barr served in the Philippine Islands as captain of Co. HI, 10th Pa. N. G. Mr. Barr is a member of the Jefferson Avenue Methodist Episcopal Church and is a trustee of the same, and he belongs to Templeton Post, G. A. R. ef Washington.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

WILLIAM JAMES BROWN, a representative citizen of Cross Creek Township and a leader in its publie af- fairs, at present serving as school director and road su- pervisor, is a member of one of the old and respected families of this section. He is one of the heirs of the old homestead farm of 126 acres, which property is ex- ceedingly valuable, being underlaid with Pittsburg vein coal. He was born in Cross Creek Township, Washing- ton Co., Pa., March 23, 1840, and is a son of James and Jane (Shoals) Brown.

The parents of Mr. Brown were born in Ireland and were married in the city of Philadelphia. They came to Cross Creek Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1837, and there passed the remainder of their days. They had the following children: John, who is now deceased; William James, of Cross Creek Township; Sarah, who married Lewis Irwin, and had six children-James, Ida, Anna, Robert, Jessie and Bert; David, who is now de- ceased, at one time was sheriff of Brooke County, W. Va .; Thomas, who resides in Colorado Springs; and Jo- seph R., who lives in Independence Township.

William James Brown attended the district schools in Cross Creek Township until he was sixteen years old and then learned the carpenter trade, at which he worked for some thirty years. He was an expert and satisfactory workman but after this long period he became afflicted with rheumatism and decided to change his business for one that would give him more out-door work. He had accumulated a competency and was able to invest in a farm of forty acres which proved valuable to him in more ways than one. It gave him the needed change of em- ployment and as coal was discovered underlying it, the Wabash Railroad extended a line to tap this region and Mr. Brown was able to lay. off his farm in lots and sell for excellent prices. A number of residences have been built on this land, which adjoins the town of Avella. The old Wells mill, a landmark, stood on the farm when Mr. Brown purchased, but it was razed in 1898. The former farm is now known as Browntown.

On January 31, 1867, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Margaret Phillips, a daughter of David and Margaret (Stevenson) Phillips, of Cross Creek Township, and they have had the following children born to them: Jane E., who was born December 5, 1867, married James Walker; Maggie S., who was born July 24, 1870, married J. R. Crawford and they live at Wheeling, W. Va .; David C., born August 14, 1873, married Mattie Roney, a daughter of W. G. Roney, of Buffalo, and they live at Hubbard, Ohio; John C., who was born October 27, 1876, married Mary Latimer, daughter of George Latimer, of West Virginia, and they live in Cross Creek Township; Anna Mary, who was born October 11, 1879, married L. M. Irwin, and they live in Avella; George L., who was born January 18, 1882, and Alice B., who was born July 24,

1884, both reside at home. Mr. Brown and family be- long to the Presbyterian Church at Independent. In pol- ities he has always been a Democrat. He has been chosen by his fellow citizens to fill numerous offices of responsi- bility, served one term on the grand jury and several times on the petit jury and has served the township care- fully and faithfully as road supervisor, school director and election judge, all this local prominence going to prove the high regard in which he is held by his follow citizens. For more than forty years he has been a Free Mason.

DAVID HART, a prominent citizen of Canonsburg, a member of the town council, is also an honored veteran of the Civil War. He was born in South Strabane Town- ship, Washington Co., Pa., January 10, 1826, and is a son of Andrew and Mary (Fergus) Hart.

Tracing the Hart family back to the great-grandfather, Andrew Hart, it is found that he was of Scotch-Irish ancestry and lived and died in Adams County, Pa., and was buried at Marsh Creek. David Hart, son of Andrew and grandfather of David Hart, came to Washington County as a volunteer in the service of General Wash- ington and was so impressed with the beauty of the land- seape, the excellence of the soil and the value of the forest trees, that he resolved to some time return and establish his home here. His birth had taken place in Adams County and he returned there, married, and in 1807 brought his family to Somerset Township, near Vanceville, where he subsequently died. He was buried in the grounds of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. His first wife was Sarah Paxton and his second wife was a Mrs. Butler. The children born to the first union were: Andrew, Maria, James G., David, Jane, John and William. Jane married Henry Newkirk and died in Wayne County. Maria married John Fergus, who died in Washington. William moved to Ashland County, Ohio, and died in Jonestown, Washington County. The chil- dren of the second marriage were as follows: Dunning, who resides at Washington; Margaret, who is now de- ceased, married a Mr. Kerr; and Eliza, who is the wife of Arde Hosack, resides at Scenery Hill, Washington County.

Andrew Hart, father of David Hart, was born near Gettysburg, Adams Co., Pa., and in 1807 accompanied his parents to Washington County. In 1848 he settled in the village of Canonsburg and died in this place in 1861. He married Mary Fergus and to them were born two sons and four daughters, the only survivor of the family be- ing the subject of this biography. His one brother, Samuel F. Hart, died at Hickory, Washington County, in 1907. He had been twice married, first to a Miss Ayres, of Illinois, and second to a Miss Atcheson, of Washington County. A son and a daughter were born

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to the second union, the later of whom is deceased. The son is J. Ernest Ilart, of Hickory. None of the sisters of Mr. Hart ever married. Two of them died before reaching maturity. Three are interred in the Canons- burg Cemetery and one, Isabella, was buried at West Middletown.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 17

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