Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 18

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 18

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

David Hart obtained his education in the schools of South Strabane Township and at West Middletown. Hc then went to West Alexander and there spent three years working in the carriage and wagonmaking shops, thor- oughly learning the trade. In 1851 he crossed the plains to California, making the long journey with ox teams, and by the time he returned to Washington County had been away for three years. They were filled with many ad- ventures and it is with much interest that he recalls the home journey across the celebrated Isthmus of Pana- ma. He had done fairly well in the far West and had enough capital to enable him to buy a good farm, situ- ated in Chartiers Township, one mile north of Canons- burg, upon which he settled with the idea of spending his life in agricultural pursuits. The year 1854, however, was one of severe and prolonged drouth and the whole country suffered from the withholding of moisture. This discouraged Mr. Hart and caused him to turn his atten- tion again to the West and in May, 1855, he again started for California, where he worked as a carpenter and engaged in trading and mining, meeting with many adventures and enduring hardships which prepared the way for his later life in the army during the Civil War. While at Jacksonville, Ore., he was one of a band of volunteers who went out to subdue the Indians who had been capturing emigrant trains. He was also one of the band of brave men under Capt. John Ross that went out from Clear Lake and Lost River and distributed pro- visions to the suffering emigrants on the lava beds on the route to California. When the Civil War seemed immi- nent, he returned to Washington County, ready to enlist in defense of the Union. The first company accepted by the governor, Hon. Simon Cameron, was organized in June, 1861, and in August, 1862, Mr. Hart became a member of it, this being the famous Ringold Cavalry. He was sworn into the service under Capt. John Keys and left for the command at Beverly, W. Va. On July 10, 1863, at Cold Springs, Md., he received three gunshot wounds at the same time, two in his abdomen on the right and one through his lungs, and, remarkable as it may seem, these bullets still remain in his body. He was left unconscious on Fairview Mountain, in the care of sev- eral of his comrades, while the enemy was driven across the river. These comrades succeeded in transporting him to Cumberland, where his wife met him and brought him home. Under her skillful and tender ministrations be recuperated and on the second Tuesday in October fol- lowing, be voted and then rejoined bis regiment.

In March, 1864, he was given a furlough of thirty days and enjoyed these at home and then went back to Cumberland. The seven companies from Washington County and five companies from the eastern part of Pennsylvania, were included in the 22nd Pa. Cav., form- ing the regiment under command of Col. Jacob Higgins, and it was allotted to the Sth Army Corps. It was under different commanders but mainly under Gen. B. F. Kelly, who commanded the Department of West Virginia. In the spring of 1865, Mr. Ilart was promoted to be quarter- master-sergeant and was with the regiment in all its movements in the Shenandoah Valley until the close of the war. By general order he was mustered out at New Creek and was paid off at Pittsburg in the latter part of June, 1865.

Mr. Hart then went into the business of stock buying and selling and was in partnership with Matthew Wilson for seven years. Later he formed a partnership with his brothers-in-law, Paxton Bros., in the same line of business, including butchering, also, under the firm name of Hart, Harsha & Co. he built and operated the Char- tiers Woolen Factory at Canonsburg, which was destroyed by fire February 28, 1887. For some years after this destruction of his property, lie continued to handle stock. Since 1872 he has occupied his present handsome residence which is situated on the corner of Pike street and Green- side avenue, Washington.

On October 4, 1860, Mr. Hart was married to Miss Annie Power, a daughter of Ezra Power, of Washington County. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. He is an active, useful citizen and serves acceptably as a member of the town eouneil and has been burgess. In politics he is a Republican. He is a member of Thomas Paxton Post, No. 126, G. A. R., being the present commander. This post was named in honor of his brother-in-law, Thomas Paxton, who fell at the battle of the Wilderness.

JOHN N. McDOWELL, justice of the peace and prom- inent citizen of Buffalo Township, Washington Co., Pa., was born in this township, January 23, 1856, and is a son of John and Sarah (Brownlee) McDowell, and a grand- son of Joseph McDowell, who may have been born in Scotland, but was a very early settler in Washington County.

The late John McDowell was one of Buffalo Township's distinguished men. He had been afforded excellent edu- eational advantages, attending Washington College in his earlier years and also teaching sehool for a time, but later he directed bis attention along agricultural lines and became particularly interested in raising sheep. Wool growing in this section has long been a very important industry and to such intelligent men as the late John MeDowell, may be attributed a large measure of its im-

646

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

portance, for not only through investigation and experi- ment has the best kind of wool been discovered to make the growing of sheep profitable to the American farmer, but through knowledge of public affairs and legislative action, its scope and expediency has been proved. For years Mr. McDowell made this industry a subject of deep study and he became such an authority on the subject that when the tariff bill was under consideration during the administration of the late lamented President Me- Kinley, he was an important witness called before the committee. His first acquaintance and association with William MeKinley was when the latter was a member of Congress, acting with him in the classification of the wool in preparing the schedule for the tariff bill which was passed and known as the MeKinley bill.

He was a leader in agricultural movements in Washing- ton County, served as president of the Pennsylvania State Agricultural Society for a number of years and at the time of his death was serving as commissioner of the Cumberland Road, an appointment made by the governor of Pennsylvania. In that office he served with efficiency for seven years. In politics he was a Republican and at various times he accepted public offiee in Buffalo Town- ship, serving long as a justice of the peace, but the larger portion of his life was devoted, as mentioned above, to the wool industry and to the various questions arising concerning so important a branch of agricultural work. On his own property he raised the Saxony-Merino sheep and from the soft and pliable wool obtained was fashioned the beautiful and admired suit of clothes worn by President Mckinley at the time of his second inau- guration. From the same web of cloth different members of the family had suits or cloaks made. A personal friendship existed between him and John McDowell, each admiring the other for their sterling qualities.

John McDowell was twice married and his second wife still survives and resides on the homestead in Buffalo Township. He was the father of the following children: F. Vina, who lives in Buffalo Township; Samuel B., who is a physician in practice at Philadelphia; Emma J., who lives in Buffalo Township; John N .; William J., who resides at Scottdale; and Kizzie, who lives in Buffalo Township. Mr. McDowell was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church at Washington. His death occurred August 26, 1899.

John N. McDowell was reared to manhood in Buffalo Township and attended Canonsburg Academy until his graduation in 1875, and subsequently graduated from the Iron City Business College at Pittsburg, in 1877. For several years after he returned from college he served as a clerk in a mereantile establishment at Washington and then beeame a school teacher, spending about fifteen winter terms as such. He also was extensively interested in farming and stock raising for a number of years but

latterly has given a large portion of his time to the duties of public office. He is serving in his third term as justice of the peace and it was Justice McDowell who organized the Association of Justices of the Peace and Aldermen of Washington County, of which he is serving as secretary. He has also served as auditor of Buffalo Township, as assessor and as road supervisor. His prominence has long since been established and his reliability and publie spirit have never been questioned.

Mr. McDowell married Miss Viola Melvin, a daughter of Samuel Melvin, a former well known citizen who was proprietor of the old Fulton House which occupied the present site of the Washington Trust building. Eight children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. McDowell: Harry M., who lives in Buffalo Township; Helena, who is the wife of Albert Weirich, of Canton Township; Stella, who is a teacher in the public schools: Margaret; John, who is a student in Washington and Jefferson College; Sarah, who is a successful teacher; Samuel B., who is a student at Washington and Jefferson; and Nellie, who is deceased. The family attends the East Buffalo Presby terian Church, of which he is an elder. Formerly he was secretary of Lagonda Grange, Patrons of Husbandry.

BERTON B. BARR, a well known member of the Washington bar, who has been in the active practice of his profession in this city since the spring of 1903, was born December 26, 1874, in Butler County, Pa., and is a son of George L. and Catherine (Benton) Barr.

Mr. Barr was ten years old when his parents came to Washington. For many years and until he retired from business activity, his father had been interested in the oil industry. Berton B. Barr attended the public schools of Washington, graduating from the Washington high school in 1894, after which he entered Washington and Jefferson College and was graduated from that institn- tion in 1899. With this literary foundation, Mr. Barr then entered upon the study of law, and in 1901, he was graduated from the Dickinson School of Law, at Car- lisle, Pa. In March, 1903, he was admitted to the Wash- ington County bar and subsequently to the Supreme and Superior Courts of the State. He has been connected with a number of prominent cases of litigation and has demonstrated his legal ability on numerous occasions. He takes some part iu polities and evinces a public- spirited interest in all that promises to be of advantage to Washington. He was reared in the Presbyterian Church.

REV. WILLIAM DICKSON IRONS, D. D., pastor of the First United Presbyterian Church at McDonald, Pa., was born in Beaver County, Pa., July 16, 1852, and is a son of Joseph and Margaret (Douds) Irons.

The father of Rev. Irons, who died in 1890, was born

Vir

FERNAND A. THOMASSY

649

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

in Beaver County, and was a son of Solomon and Rachel (Dickson) Irons. Joseph Irons engaged in farming throughout his active life. He married Margaret Douds, who is a daughter of John and Mary (Hutchison) Douds. Her grandfather was killed by the British while serving as a soldier in the Revolutionary War. To Joseph and Margaret Irons the following children were born: John, who is a distinguished minister in the United Presby- terian body, for many years was a member of the facul- ty of Xenia Theological Seminary; Rachel, who is the wite of Dr. O. R. Shannon, resides in Allegheny City, which is also the home of her mother; William D .; Jo- seph, who is engaged in the real estate business at Roch- ester, Pa .; Mary, who is the wife of Edgar Heffley, who is auditor for the America Aluminum Works, at Alle- gheny City; Elizabeth, who married J. McCready, an oil producer; and James, who is in the mercantile busi- ness.

William Diekson Irons obtained his primary educa- tion in the schools of Beaver County and from them en- tered Westminster College, at New Wilmington, Pa., sub- sequently attending the Allegheny Theological Seminary. Dr. Irons came to McDonald in 1880, finding the church but poorly supplied with accommodations. Through his energy, zeal and executive ability, the small frame build- ing soon gave way to the present commodious brick church edifice and this charge has become one of the important ones of the denomination. When Dr. Irons became the pastor of the present church he had other claims on his time, attention and strength, being also placed in charge of Engleside Academy and the French Mission. For about fifteen years Dr. Irons was at the head of that academic school, which is no longer in existence, but during that period the students included numbers of men who have become prominent in pro- fessional life-lawyers, ministers, physicians, teachers and missionaries. He also has built up at MeDonald one of the most flourishing French missions in the State.

In June, 1874, Dr. Irons was married to Miss Edith Van Orsdell. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and she has two sisters and two brothers: Laura, who married Dr. J. G. Templeton; W. E., who is a dentist in practice at Philadelphia; Mary C .; and J. A., who is engaged in the practice of dentistry in Pittsburg. To Dr. and Mrs. Irons the following children were born: Har- rold Meredith, a lawyer in Pittsburg; Mabel, who mar- ried John S. Moore; Laura, who married W. H. Cramer ; William, who is a teacher in the MeDonald schools; and Joseph, who is a student in the Western University of Pennsylvania at Pittsburg.

During his long pastorate at MeDonald, Dr. Irons has performed almost 1,000 marriages and in one year has conducted as many as 121 funeral services, his presence

bring especially valued on such occasions on account of his sincere sympathy and ability to give comfort to those bereaved. He is beloved by his congregation and is es- teemed by his fellow citizens.

BERNARD S. SMALLWOOD, who is now serving his third term as civil engineer of Charleroi, was born December 10, 1882, near Coal Center, East Pike Run Township, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of Edward A. and Salena Mary (Lutes) Smallwood, the former of whom is a carpenter and contractor of Charleroi.

Bernard S. Smallwood came with his parents to Char- leroi in the fall of 1890, obtained his education in the common schools, and the high school from which he grad- nated in 1899, then entered the Ohio Normal University at Ada, Ohio, where he took a course in civil engineering and graduated in 1901. After completing his education, Mr. Smallwood returned to Charleroi, embarked in the practice of his profession, and is now not only serving his third term as engineer of the borough of Charleroi, but is also serving in that capacity for Fayette City, Pa., and Roscoe, Washington Co., Pa.

Mr. Smallwood was united in marriage with Lulu E. Kline, who is a daughter of George Kline, and they have two sons, B. Culver Smallwood, and George Edward Smallwood. Mr. Smallwood is a member of the order of Elks.

FERNAND A. THOMASSY, manager of the McDon- ald Opera House, of which he is part owner, and also in- terested in oil production in Beaver, Allegheny and Wash- ington counties, is one of the representative business men of this place. He was born in France, June 24, 1877, and is a son of Thomas and Julia (Wathier ) Thomassy.

The parents of Mr. Thomassy came to the United States when he was but three years old and settled first at Smithton in Westmoreland County, coming from there to Allegheny County and then to MeDonald. The father was a coal miner and he and wife were consistent mem- bers of the Catholic Church and reared the family in this faith. They had the following children: Desire; Cecelie, who is the wife of Seal Buggett; Anna, who is the wife of George Gillespie; Celeste, who is the wife of II. H. De Loche; Ida, who is the wife of Emil Robert; George; Julia, who is the wife of George Young; and Fernand A.

Until he was ten years of age, Mr. Thomassy was per- mitted to attend school at MeDonald, but after that he accompanied his father into the coal mines and worked with him for five years. Ile then learned the baking trade and worked at that for eight years, when he was appointed a member of the police force at MeDonald. IIe remained a police official for two years, when. in 1902 he went into the hotel business and conduetel a

650

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

public house for three years by himself and then took in August Valentour as a partner and continued several years longer. During these years both he and Mr. Valen- tour made judicious investments and together they own the opera house property and two other valuable business blocks. His oil interests are also of importance and he is numbered with the men of means in this section.

On May 12, 1909, Mr. Thomassy was married to Miss Marie La Vie, a daughter of Philip and Mary (Bess) La Vie. Mr. and Mrs. La Vie came to America from France and reside at McDonald. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. La Vie have the following children: Marie; Phillipine, who is the wife of T. D. Gladden; and George, Louis and Edward.

Mr. Thomassy casts his vote with the Republican party. He is identified with several French fraternal organiza- tions and belongs also to the Elks, Allegheny Lodge, No. 339; Knights of Pythias, Waverly Lodge, No. 145, and to the social order of the Moose.

ROBERT HORNER ROBINSON, an extensive real estate and insurance dealer, who has been a life-long resident of Monongahela City, Pa., was born here Novem- ber 22, 1869, and is a son of William T. and Margaret (Brown) Robinson.

William T. Robinson was born and reared in Colum- biana County, Ohio, and in 1852 came to Monongahela City with his father, Robert Robinson, who was a cattle dealer, and had become familiar with this section of the country through that business, and he later obtained a contract on the construction work on the B. & O. Rail- road in the Monongahela Valley and in Virginia, through his knowledge of this part of the country. Robert Rob- inson was the father of four children: William T., the father of our subject; Joseph; Samuel, deceased; and Lon. After locating at Monongahela City, William T. Robinson became a bookkeeper for the Culbertsons, who operated a general store and paper mill here, after which he embarked in the clothing business, in which he con- tinued several years, then with his brother Samuel, who was an expert cattleman, engaged in the meat and cat- tle business, shipping extensively to Pittsburg, and con- tinued in this business until the time of his death, May 30, 1891, at the age of 57 years. He married Margaret Brown, who survived him five years, and who at an carly age canie from Allegheny, Pa., to Monongahela City, with her father, William Brown, who built and operated the first saw and planing mill in Monongahela City. Six children were born to the parents of our subject: Ella, who is the wife of W. F. Story, of Cleveland, Ohio; Jennic, is the wife 'of C. A. Filson, of Wilkensburg, Pa .; William B., a resident of Sewickley, Pa .; Robert H., our subject; Albert K., a resident of Wilkenshurg, Pa .;

Mabel, who is the wife of H. C. Williams, of Wilkens- burg.

Robert H. Robinson was reared at Monongahela City, where he obtained his education in the common schools and later engaged in the meat business with his father, after which he operated a store across the river for the Watson Mining and Manufacturing Company for about six years, then opened and operated a store at Bunola for three years, and in 1897, at the time of the boom of coal lands in this section, went to Pittsburg, where he engaged in the real estate business for one year, during which time he closed several large contracts, thus gain- ing his start in the real estate business. He then re- turned to Washington County and took charge of the Star Coal Company for the Harbison Walker Refectory Com- pany, for whom he had purchased land while in Pitts- burg, and was sent by them to open their mine, of which he is still superintendent. Mr. Robinson is a director and was one of the organizers of the Monongahela Clay Manufacturing Company, and was one of the organizers and the first president of the Citizens' Gas Company. He is a Democrat in politics and has served three. years as a member of the Monongahela City council, and in fraternal circles is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. of this city.

In June, 1901, Mr. Robinson was married to Maude Heslep, who is a daughter of John Heslep, and they have two sons, Robert and John.

ISAAC W. BAUM, solicitor for Washington County and a lawyer of high standing, with offices in the Wash- ington Trust building, has been a resident of Washing- ton for the past fifteen years.

Mr. Baum was born in Dauphin County, Pa., in 1870, and received a good common school education in that county. In 1890, he registered for the study of law in the office of Judge Criswell, of Franklin, Pa., and in 1894 was admitted to the bar of Franklin County, and in the following year he was admitted to the bar of Washington County, before which he has since practiced. He takes an active interest in political affairs and is at present county solicitor under appointment of the county commissioners. He also is secretary of the MeKeown Oil Company.

In 1896, Mr. Baum was married to Miss Jane Best of Clarion County, Pa., and they reside in a comfortable home in Washington. Fraternally he belongs to the Elks.

ALEXANDER G. ADAMS, one of the representative citizens and successful farmers of Independence Town- ship, Washington Co., Pa., is carrying on agricultural operations on a property which was originally owned by his grandfather, John Adams, and which has been in the

651

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

family name for more than 100 years. Mr. Adams was born March 27, 1863, on the farm on which he now lives, and is a son of Alexander HI. and Incinda J. (Crouch) Adams.

Alexander Il. Adams, who was a farmer all his life in Independence Township, for many years was an elder in the Lower Buffalo Presbyterian Church, and took a great interest in its work. He and his worthy wife were the parents of the following children: Caroline, the wife of Georgo Keenan; Ruth, residing with her brother; Maria, the wife of Thomas Mccarthy, of Independence Township; Orlinda, living in Washington, Pa .; Martha, the wife of John Adams, of Independence Township; Lulu, the wife of Henry F. Carl, of Independence Town- ship; Mary, wife of Norris McCain, of Missouri; and Alexander G.

After attending the common schools of Independence Township, Alexander G. Adams went to work on the home farm, ou which he has resided all of his life. He has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and his 123-aere farm has been brought to a high state of cul- tivation. He is a Republican in his political views, and is now serving his township as road supervisor. The family belongs to Lower Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

In 1889 Mr. Adams was married to Hattie J. Keenan, daughter of George and Annie (Tilton) Keenan, and to this union there have been born six children, namely : William Paul, born June 27, 1891; Jane Mary, born March 26, 1895; Laura B., bern March 8, 1899; John A., born May 14, 1901; Martha M., born October 21, 1904; and Orlando C., born October 7, 1909.

WILLIAM H. DUNLAP, burgess of Canonsburg, whose handsome home is situated at No. 124 West Cel- lege street, is a worthy representative of an old family of Washington County, of Irish extraction.

He was born in Cecil Township, Washington Co., Pa., May 15, 1855, and is a son of John and Priscilla (Point- er) Dunlap, the former of whom died in 1902, aged seventy-six years. The latter, at the same age, is a resi- dent of Canonsburg.

William H. Dunlap grew to manhood in Cecil Town- ship and was educated in the public schools and Jeffer- son Academy. After leaving school he engaged in farm work and continued to live in Allegheny County for six years after his marriage. In 1886 he came to Canons- burg and embarked in the retail grocery business and conducted the same very successfully for six years. The confinement, however, told on his health and for a time he put aside business cares, accepting about the same time a position on the school board in the East Ward, to which he gave attention for twelve years. He then changed his residence to another ward and resigned from the board, of which he had been a valued member. On

March 3, 1909, he entered into oflice as burgess of Can- onsburg, having been elected on a platform calling for the enforcement of the law, and his administration promises to be all that the most ardent and zealous citi- zen can ask. Since coming to this borough, Mr. Dunlap has been very active in the affairs of the Methodist Episcopal Church, being a trustee, a member of the of- ficial board and superintendent of the Sunday school.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 18

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