Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 22

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 22

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Aug. 3, 1887, Mr. Carson was married to Margaret Gillespie, of Blaine Township, and they have one son, William, who resides at home.

J. WILBUR MUNNEL, who is officiating as assistant cashier of the First National Bank of Canonsburg, is a representative of one of the old and prominent families of Washington County, with the leading affairs of which it has been more or less identified ever since, being active in advancing business interests and thus eon- tributing to the general prosperity. Mr. Munnell was born near Canonsburg, Washington County, Pa., Apr. 28, 1867, and is a son of JJames and Sarah (Grandstall) Munnell.

James Munnell, the father, was born in Sonth Stra- bane Township, Washington County, in 1837, and is a resident of Crafton, in Allegheny County. His father, Samuel Munnell, was also born in South Strabane Town- ship and his mother in Butler County and was a mem- ber of the well-known MeQuistan family. James Mun- nell married Sarah Grandstaff, who was born at Mounds- ville, W. Va. She lived into her 70th year, passing away on July 28, 1908. The following children were born to James and Sarah Munnell: Mary, who is the widow of W. K. Galbreath, a former postmaster at Canonsburg; Catherine D., who died in 1852, when aged 17 years; J. Wilbur; J. Franklin, who is engaged in theatrical work; Jean B., who is the wife of George White, of Swissvale, Pa .; Maud H., who resides at Canonsburg; Thomas, who died in infancy; and Zelda, who resides at home.

J. Wilbur Munnell was a mere child when his parents came from the farm to Canonsburg and here he attended the public schools and Jefferson Academy. He was about 18 years of age when he started to work with his father at the carpenter trade, but shortly afterward seeured a position in the Canonsburg Bank, Limited, which institution was reorganized in the following year, 1891, and he has been identified with it ever since. From being bookkeeper, Mr. Munnell advanced through his capacity and proved fidelity to be teller, and later to the position of assistant eashier. In all his business dealings he has shown superior qualifications, and his pleasing, courteous manner has been generally appre- viated by the patrons of the First National. Many of his acquaintances have known him from childhood and his friends have watched his advancement with pleasure.

In 1891, Mr. Munnell was married to Miss Catherine J. MeNutt, a daughter of William and Naney ( Weaver) MeNutt, of Washington County, and they have a family of four children: Helen W., Catherine G., James W. and Paul D. Mr. and Mrs. Munnell are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg, of which he is treasurer. Like his father he is identified with the Democratic party and for some years served as borough auditor. He is one of Canonsburg's representative men.

CHIARLES M. MARQUIS, a leading eitizen, general farmer and stock raiser of Cross Creek Township. Wash-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

ington County, Pa., is one of the substantial men of this section, owning over 200 acres of valuable land. He was born in this township Nov. 3, 1872, and his parents are Simeon and Caroline (Stevenson) Marquis.

Simeon Marquis was born in Cross Creek Township and is a son of William Marquis, who was probably born and spent his life in the same township. Simeon en- gaged in agricultural pursuits and always lived on the homestead near Cross Creek village. He was married (first) to Sarah Mason and they had four children. His second marriage was to Caroline Stevenson.

Charles M. Marquis, with his brother, James M., who now lives in Mt. Pleasant Township, attended the dis- trict schools, after which he was a student in the Cross Creek Academy and later attended Duff's Business Col- lege at Pittsburg, where he was graduated. At the age of 20 years he settled down to farming and con- tinued for six years, when he went into the mercantile business and conducted a store at Woodrow for six years, after which he resumed his agricultural pursuits. His land is well cultivated and he gives much care and time to raising fine stock and has made sheep something of a specialty.

In August, 1898, Mr. Marquis was married to Miss Bessie Jeffrey, a daughter of R. G. Jeffrey, of Cross Creek Township, and they have had the following chil- dren: Belle, Margaret, Robert, Raymond, Mary and Ruth. Two of their little ones have passed away, Belle and Robert. Mr. Marquis and wife are members of Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church, of which he formerly was a trustee. In politics he is a Democrat as was his father before him.

JAMES E. DUNCAN, Jr., secretary of the Duncan & Miller 'Glass Company, is one of Washington's leading business men, being also president of the Donely Brick Company and vice president of the Capitol Paint, Oil and Varnish Company. He was born at Pittsburg, Pa., and is a son of James E. and Anna (Patterson) Dun- can.

in many important Pittsburg enterprises and owned much real estate. Four children were born to this mar- riage, the three survivors being: James E., Jr .; Andrew P .; and Amelia P., who is the wife of W. H. Baker, who is a son of N. R. Baker, cashier of the Citizens' National Bank at Washington.

James E. Duncan, Jr., attended the public schools of Pittsburg and was also instructed by private tutors, later entering Washington and Jefferson College. In 1896 he entered the glass factory of George Duncan's Sons and when the business was incorporated, following the death 'of his father, he became secretary, a responsible po- sition Le has filled ever since.

Mr. Duncan is a Thirty-second degree Mason and is present master of Sunset Lodge No. 623, F. & A. M., Washington. He is also a member of the Elks and of the Bassett Club. Mr. Duucan attends the First Methodist Church in this city.

JAMES W. McDOWELL, of J. W. McDowell & Son, a prominent law firm of Washington, Pa., has been a resident of this city since February, 1873. He was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., in 1842, and is a son of John and a grandson of James Mc- Dowell.

The grandfather, James McDowell, came to Washing- ton County from Lancaster County, Pa., in 1787, being one of the pioneer settlers here. John McDowell, son of James, was born on the pioneer farm in 1811 and his son, James W., had the same birthplace. John Mc- Dowell was engaged in farming and was also extensive- ly interested in the sheep industry. He was a man of local prominence and sterling character. He died in 1886.

James W. McDowell was reared and educated in his native county, graduating first from Jefferson College at Canonsburg and in 1866 receiving his diploma from Washington and Jefferson College, the year of the col- lege consolidation. He then entered upon the study of law with William Montgomery and in 1869 was admitted to the bar of Washington County; afterward he was ad- mitted to the bar in Allegheny County. After two years of successful practice in Pittsburg, he came to Washing- ton and has since continued here, practicing alone until his son became associated with him, on Sept. 3, 1900.

The late James E. Duncan was prominently identified with the iron and glass manufacturing interests of Western Pennsylvania. He was a native of Pittsburg and was a son of George Duncan, who was the founder of the business now conducted under the name of the Duncan & Miller Glass Company. James E. Duncan . The combination is considered a strong one and the firm moved his glass manufacturing plant from Pittsburg appears in much of the important litigation and court business in this section of the county. to Washington and did business under the title of George Duncan's Sons and in 1900 the present style was adopt- Mr. McDowell was married Sept. 23, 1869, to Miss Nancy J. Rea, a daughter of Joseph Rea, of Mt. Pleas- ant Township, and they have two sous; John W., who is the junior partner of the law firm of J. W. MeDowell & Son, and Joseph Rea. The latter, who is a graduate of Duff's Commercial College at Pittsburg, is agent for ed when the business was incorporated. James E. Dun- can continued 'his active interest in the business until his death in January, 1900. He married Miss Anna Patterson, who was born at Pittsburg and was a daugh- ter of Andrew Patterson, who was directly concerned

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

the Adams Express Company at Washington. Ile mar- ried Miss Eleanor Little aud they are members of the First Presbyterian Church. Ile is a member of the Ma- sonie fraternity.

John W. MeDowell was born in 1875, at Washington, Pa., and in 1896 was graduated from Washington and Jefferson College. He studied law in his father's office and was admitted to the bar Sept. 3, 1900. Both mem- bers of the firm practice in all the courts of the State. In 1908 he was married to Miss Sarah Margaret Junk, a daughter of tho late James Junk. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church. John W. MeDowell was one of the organizers and is a member of the ex- elusive Bassett Club and he is a Freemason. At different times he has served as secretary and treasurer of the Democratic Couuty Committee.

James W. MeDowell is an elder in the First Presby- terian Church. In polities he is a Democrat and has served in the borough Council and as a member of the school board. He is prominent in Masonry aud at pres- ent is serving as District Deputy Grand Master of the Southwestern District of the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of F. and A. Masons of Pennsylvania. Aside from his profession, Mr. McDowell has large business in- terests.

ROBERT M. DICKSON, senior member of the firm of Dickson & Wallace, leading business men at Midway, dealing in hardware and builders' supplies and main- taining a lumber yard, was born in Washington County, Pa., Feb. 23, 1863, and is a son of William A. and Eliz- abeth (MeBurney) Dickson.

The father of Mr. Dickson died in 1895, having spent all his active life as a farmer. His widow survives and resides at Crafton. Their family consisted of the fol- lowing children: Margaret G., Elizabeth W., Robert M., Anna, W. R., Agnes J., Walter E. and Bertha L., now deceased. Of the above, Anna is the wife of Rev. W. E. E. Bareus, a minister in the Methodist Episcopal Church; W. R. is a practicing physician at MeDonald, Pa., and Walter E., a dentist at Burgettstown, Pa.

Robert M. Dickson attended Ingleside Academy at McDonald, at that time a flourishing school, and then took a commercial course in the Iron City Business Col- lege at Pittsburg, Pa., after which he assisted his father and remained on the home farm until 1895, when he came to Midway and embarked in his present business. He has been a very useful and active citizen, serving on the township school board before the borough was or- ganized and frequently on the Council since. He is identified with the Republican party.

In 1895, Mr. Diekson was married to Miss Ina M. Andrews, of Burgettstown, Pa., and they have two chil- dren: William A. and Elizabeth R., both of whom re-

side at home. Mr. Dickson's paternal grandparents were William and Margaret (Glen) Dieksen, and the ma- ternal, Robert and Eliza (Welch) MeBurney, all these names being representative ones in Washington County.

CHARLES SOMERVILLE CRALL, member of the firm of I. Shelby Crall Company, of Monongahela City, Pa., who are extensive growers and shippers of flowers and vegetables, was born Nov. I, 1861, in Nevada Coun- ty, Cal., and is a son of I. Shelby and Sarah (Somer- ville) ('rall.

I. Shelby Crall was born in Fayette County, Pa., where he grew to manhood and learned the iron moulders trade. He then ran a foundry in Allegheny County until 185I, when the plant was destroyed by fire, and the following year, in company with others from Monon- gahela City, he went to California, where he met with much success in the mines. In 1866 he returned to Monongahela City with the intention of retiring from business activities, but the following year established the plant of the I. Shelby Crall & Company. He had always been fond of flowers and plants and had a pri- vate greenhouse at his residence, but the flowers and plants attracted the attention of his friends and neigh- bors, who wanted to huy them, and in a short time he had established such an extensive business, that he was obliged to obtain larger quarters, and purchased a traet of 70 acres, upon which the present plant was estab- lished. This land was at one time an old Indian eamp- ing ground, as is shown by the large Indian mound, and many cooking utensils and other Indian relics have been discovered buried on it. Subsequently 30 acres of the land were disposed of in building lots, and Mr. Crall continued in the business until the time of his death in 1901, at the age of 74 years. He married Sarah Somer- ville, who was born in Jefferson County, Pa., and died in 1907, at the age of 68 years. Three children were born of their union: Charles Somerville; Maude A., who is the wife of H. M. Griffith, and James Shelby, all of whom are natives of California.

Charles S. Crall was quite young when his parents removed from California to Monongahela City, Pa., where he was reared and attended the public schools. He left school at an early age to assist his father in the greenhouses, and after the death of his father in 1901, formed a partnersip with his brother James, and Harry M. Griffiths, a brother-in-law, and continued in the business under the old firm name of I. Shelby Crall Company. James Crall has charge of the office, Mr. Grif- fiths is in charge of the retail store located at No. 251- 253 Main street, while our subjeet is overseer of the entire plant, which is located on Fourth street, and consists of 22 greenhouses containing 75,000 square feet of glass and has 1,000 square feet of hot beds. In 1906 Mr.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Crall established a poultry farm on a tract of 30 acres in Carroll Township, where he has 1,000 laying hens, and finds a ready market for his produce at Mononga- hela City. Mr. Crall is a member of the American Carnation Society, the Pittsburg and Allegheny Gar- deners' and Florists' Club, is a member of the Knights of Pythias, of which he is past chancellor, is past State Councilor of the Jr. O. U. A. M., and is a trustee of the National Orphans' Home at Tiffin, Ohio, which is under the management of the Jr. O. U. A. M. In politics, Mr. Crall is identified with the Democratic party, and has served as a member of the Monongahela City council for the past seven years. He holds membership with the Presbyterian eburch.

D. S. and. J. B. TAYLOR, sous of D. S. and Sarah (Oliver) Taylor, are old residents of Smith Township, where each owns an interest in 365 acres of valuable land. The father, D. S. Taylor, was born two miles northeast of Washington, Pa., and was reared on his father's farm, and was a son of Joseph Taylor and a grandson of Hon. Henry Taylor, who was the first judge in Washington County. D. S. Taylor resided in West- moreland Connty, Pa., for one year after his marriage but in the spring of 1834 moved back to South Strabane Township, Washington County, and lived there until 1849, when he moved to Adams County, Ohio, for one year, and from there to Smith Township, Washington County, and settled on the farm now owned jointly by his sons, and died there in March, 1SSS. His burial was in Fairview Cemetery, at Burgettstown. His estate in- cluded 256 acres of land at that time. He was a Demo- crat in politics and at different times had served as school director and road supervisor. He married Sarah Oliver, a daughter of Samuel Oliver. She died in March, 1898. They had the following children: Mary Ann, Jo- seph, Samuel O., Henry G., William P., Jane Olive, D. S., Jr., J. B. and Matthew, three of these Joseph, Samuel O. and Matthew-being deceased.

D. S. Taylor, son of D. S. and Sarah (Oliver) Taylor, was born two miles northeast of Washington, Pa., Oet. 7, 1847, and his school days were spent in Smith Town- ship, having come to the present farm with his parents on Apr. 1, 1850, when they came back to Washington County from Adams County, Ohio. Mr. Taylor engaged in farming but became interested also in other enter- prises. He is secretary and treasurer of the Burgetts- town Publishing Company of Burgettstown, of which he is a large stockbolder. He is also a stockholder of the Washington National Bank of Burgettstown, of which he was formerly vice president; has been either president or vice president of the Union Agricultural Association of Burgettstown since 1876, with the exception of four years, and for 15 years served as a justice of the peace

in Smith Township. In politics he is a Democrat. He attends the First United Presbyterian Church. He lias always shown an interest in educational affairs and is serving as a member of the Smith Township School Board.

J. B. Taylor, son of D. S. and Sarah (Oliver) Taylor, was born in Smith Township, Mar. 30, 1857. He owns a one-half interest in 365 acres in Smith Township and is a substantial as well as a representative citizen. He spent his school days in Smith Township in which the family was reared and with his brother and one sister resides on the old homestead. The place is well im- proved and all the buildings now standing were erected by J. B. Taylor, as he learned and worked at the carpen- ter trade for 12 years. Owing to ill health he was obliged to give up his trade and since then nas been interested in contracting for steam beat and hot water systems at Burgettstown and in the vicinity. Like his older brother he is a Democrat but mixes little in poli- ties, his main desire being to see good men elected to office. He attends the First Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown.

JOHN H. MCCRACKEN, who is one of Washington's enterprising and wide awake young business men, is a member of the wholesale produce firm of MeLeod & Mc- Cracken, the operations of which cover a wide radius of territory. Mr. MeCracken was born at Wheeling, West Va., in 1878.

Mr. MeCracken has been a resident of Washington for 22 years, coming here during his school period. After leaving his books he worked for four years in a grocery house and to the knowledge there gained by close atten- tion to the details of the grocery business may, in large part, be attributed his success when he embarked in the business for himself. Since 1899 he has been in the wholesale produce business and for two years conducted a retail grocery. In 1908 the present firm was organ- ized and it deals extensively in butter, cheese and eggs. The business has continued to increase in volume and the prospects of the firm are bright, dealing as they do in the necessary commodities of daily life, and having a practical knowledge of this line. In 1898, Mr. Me- Cracken was married to Miss Minnie Holder, of Wash- ington, Pa., and they have one daughter, Elizabeth.

JOHN CUNNINGHAM, justice of the peace, member of the school board and owner of a magnificent farm of 532 acres, may justly be denominated a leading and representative citizen of Donegal Township, Washington Co., Pa., where he was born Oct. 25, 1863. His parents were John aud Margaret (Heyburn) Cunningham.

The father of Mr. Cunningham, the late Jolin Cun- ningham, whose death occurred late in the 90's, was

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

born in County Down, Ireland, July 24, 1829, and was a son of Peter and Dorothea ( Wilkinson) Cunningham. Peter Cunningham engaged in farming to some extent, raised cattle and also worked at the weaving trade. All of his eight children with the exception of John, the fir-tborn, remained in Ireland. The latter learned the weaving trade from his father but never found the neces- sity of following it. In 18-19 he came to America almost emptyhanded, but in a very short time his industry and other good qualities gave him recognition and in a few months he had entered into the employ of JJames Camp- sey, a large farmer in Washington County, Pa., and re- mained there for 14 years. In 1863 he married and for some years afterward rented land from Mr. Campsey, but by 1972 he was able to buy a tract of land, iu Donegal Township, and lived there until ISSI. He then moved on a part of tho Heyburu tract, situated three miles northwest of Claysville, also in Donegal Township, and there resided until his demise. He was a man of ster- ling character, honest, upright and courageous. He gave support to the Presbyterian Church and in private life was unusually charitable and generous. On Sept. 17, 1863, he was married (first) to Margaret 1. Heyburn, who was born in 1840, and died Dec. 25, 1879. Of their children the following survive: John, George, of Vienna, Pa .; Joseph E., of Donegal Township; and Amanda, now Mrs. Miller, of Donegal Township.

John Cunningham, the eldest of the above family, was reared and attended school in Donegal Township and from early youth has been interested extensively in farm- ing and stock raising. Ile devotes special attention to sheep raising and makes this industry profitable. Fol- lowing in the steps of his father, he is a stanch party Republican and gives loyal support to its policies. In local matters he is very closely concerned at all times, serving on school and highway boards as the best way to better the conditions of both, and the esteem in which he is held is shown in the fact that he is serving his second term as justice of the peace.

On Mar. 21, 1900, Mr. Cunningham was married to Miss Bertha R. Noble, who was born in Buffalo Town- ship, Washington County, and they are members of the Prebyterian Church at Claysville, of which he is a trustee.

WILLIAM BOYLE HOUSTON, a leading citizen of Canonsburg, Pa., and president of the First National Bank of Houston, the latter city standing on what was once his grandfather's farm, was born at Canonsburg, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of David Clark and Louisa B. (Sweitzer) Houston.

The Houston family in America traces its lineage back to the Highlands of Scotland, even to the days of the gallant William Wallace. In Renfrewshire, Scotland,

the old baronial halls still stand and the head of the family still commands his vassals. Early in the 17th century members of the clan migrated to North Ireland and the name is a familiar one in Counties Donegal, Lon- donderry, Tyrone and Antrim, It was from North Ire- land that three brothers of the name of Houston crossed the Atlantic Ocean, between 1725 and 1730, and settled in what is now Laneaster County, Pa. They increased in numbers and prospered and eventually scattered into other parts of the Union and no record of the family would be complete withont mention being made of that old Texan hero, Gen. Sam Houston. "The History of Lancaster County" has rightly regarded this family as one of its most interesting and distinguished and many important facts and much data concerning it may be obtained by consulting this publication.

John Houston lived on a farm in Lancaster County, facing the Delaware Water Gap station, on the Penn- sylvania Railroad, and he had six sons and two daugh- ters born there. Five of these sons: Daniel, John, Will- iam, James and Thomas, were soldiers in the Revolu- tionary War. After its close, Daniel Houston took up his residence in Franklin County, Pa., removing later to Washington County, settling in what is now Cross Creek Township. He was accompanied by his son, Daniel Houston, who was born in Franklin County but whose subsequent life was spent in Washington County, where he became a more than usually useful citizen. He early entered into the business of buying and shipping such commodities as wool, flour and pork, loading boats at the mouth of Cross Creek and delivering at New Orleans. In the face of dangers long since eliminated from all river traffie in the United States and in spite of hard- ships of all kinds, Mr. Ilouston made many successful trips to the South and from many of these walked the whole distance home. In his business dealings he was considered honorable and upright, and of his personal characteristics, his contemporaries speak with the utmost kindness and admiration. He always adhered to the old Seceder Church in his religious views and he gave a site for the erection of a church edifice. It is still standing and now belongs to his grandson, William Boyle Houston.

In addition to the personal business enterprises men- tioned, Daniel Houston was concerned in others of a more publie nature, through which many of his fellow citizens were more or less benefitted and accommodated. He was one of the organizers of the old Franklin Bank of Washington, now the First National, was the largest stockholder and its president. Ile was also a trustee of Jefferson College at Canonsburg and gave encourage- ment to educational effort wherever he was able. He was one of the most liberal contributors to the project of building the Chartiers Railroad, giving, it is said, the sum of $6,000. Although the first railroad enterprise

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 22

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