Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 30

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 30

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organizers of the Sanitary Cleaning and Dyeing Works at Washington, in which he is financially concerned.

In 1903 Mr. Penn was married to Miss Josephine Cun- ningham, of Pittsburg, and they have two children: Elwood and George. Mr. Penn is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and an Eagle, and socially is connected with the Bassett Club.

JOHN ANTON, a member of the well-known firm of George Anton & Brother, of Monongahela City, Pa., manufacturers of miners' lamps, which is the largest and most widely known concern of its kind in the United States, was born June 10, 1845, at Alsace Lorraine, Ger- many, a son of John and Barbara (Hoggelstine) Anton, both of whom were natives of Alsace Lorraine, Germany. The father of our subject was for many years a miner, but spent his later years engaged in the manufacture of pickhandles at Monongahela City, Pa., where he and his wife both died.

John Anton, our subject, was the eldest of a family of nine children, namely, John; Mary, who married M. Bronson; George, senior member of the George Anton & Brother Manufacturing Company; Fred, deceased; Christopher L .; Joseph B., who resides in New York; Peter, now deceased, was engaged in the practice of medicine at Chicago, Ill .; Elizabeth, the deceased wife of Samuel Wilton, and Jessie, who married Capt. Armstrong. John Anton was but a child when he came to America with his parents, who after a voyage of three months landed in New York City, where they remained a short time, then came to Pittsburg on the canal by the way of Harrisburg. The father worked for some time at Coal Hill, Pittsburg, and subsequently brought his fam- ily to Monongahela City, where John Anton, Jr., was reared and spent eighteen years working in the mines. In about 1873 this John Anton and his brother, George, engaged in the manufacture of miners' lamps, opening a small shop on the corner of Second and Main Streets, where they employed a few men to assist them. They later moved to larger quarters on Park Avenue, where the business still continued to increase, and they finally moved to their present location on Seventh street, where they employ about thirty men and manufacture an aver- age of 250 dozen lamps per day. Their plant is the largest of its kind in the United States, and they ship their goods to all parts of the world where miners' lamps are used. Mr. Anton is overseer of the plant, his brother George having been retired from business activi- ties for the past few years, although still retaining his interest in the business. Mr. Anton is the owner of a business block at Monongahela City, and besides his residence property on Third Street, also owns considera- ble other real estate.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

On Nov. 30, 1872, Mr. Anton was united in marriage with Margaret Wisebacker, a native of Buffalo, N. Y., and of their union were born four children: George, who is one of the superintendents of the plant, married Let- tie Polly in October, 1907; Mary; John, who is engaged as one of the superintendents of the plant, and Anna. Mr. Anton is a Democrat in politics, and his religious connection is with the Catholic Church.

L. E. STERRETT, secretary of the Franklin . Washing- ton Gas Company of Washington, was born in MeKean County, and is a son of David and Emma C. (Brooks) Sterrett.

David Sterrett was born in Center County, Pennsyl- vania, and died in 1907 in Washington, Pa., where for twenty years he was engaged in the practice of law, and was recognized as one of the leading and most able lawyers of the county. For many years he was identified with the oil and gas industry of this locality and always took an active interest in politics, being at one time a member of the State Legislature from MeKean County. Ile was united in marriage with Emma C. Brooks, who was born in Pittsburg, Pa., and is now a resident of Wash- ington. They had a family of five sons and two daughters, as follows: Charles C., who is a Presbyterian minister now in Persia; Arthur, who died while a student in the medical department of the U. of P .; Walter B., who is an instructor in the University School for Boys, at Chi- cago, ill .; Maleomb B., who resides at Evanston, Ill., and is engaged in the practice of law in Chicago; L. E., who resides at Washington, Pa .; Martha, who died in infaney, and Marion, who is a graduate of the North- western University, Ill., after which she spent a year in Europe.

L. E. Sterrett was reared and educated at Washing- ton, Pa. He was engaged as a clerk in a store for sev- eral years and since 1907 has been interested with the Franklin Washington Gas Company, of which he is seere- tary. Mr. Sterrett is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington.

ALEXIS C. LE COMTE, a leading citizen of Wash- ington County, largely interested in oil production and formerly president of the Savings and Trust Company at MeDonald, Pa., was born at New Orleans, La., Dee. 3. 1836, and is a son of Anatole and Mary (Favre) Le Comte.

The parents of Mr. Le Comte were born in France, came to America in youth, about 1828, and were mar- ried in New Orleans. They had the following children born to them: Joseph, who is now deceased; Alexis C., of McDonald, Pa .; Jennie, now deceased, who was the wife of John Wasson; Elizabeth, who married Grant Hoffman; Emma, who married Prof. Aubin Paux, for-

merly an instructor in French and now a dry goods mer- chant at Meadville, Pa .; and . Edward J. and Arthur A.

Alexis C. Le Comte attended the public schools while his parents lived in New Orleans, later attended the schools at Meadville and Loretto College at Loretto, I'a. From the age of 15 years he worked on a farm for three years, after which he went to the Mckean County oil fields and there embarked in an industry in which he has maintained an interest ever since, and at the present time is operating 42 wells in Ohio and Pennsylvania. HIe has been identified with business affairs at MeDonald and for 16 months served as president of the Savings and Trust Company at that point.

On Dee. 28, 1856, Mr. Le Comte was married to Miss Julia Ducray, who is a daughter of Augustus and Vic- toria (Monin) Ducray, natives of France. Mrs. Le Comte is one of the following family of children: Jessie, who is now deceased; Sarah, who married Joseph Mail- laird; Mary, who married Edward C. Roche; Julia; Augustus L .; and Lilly, who married Benjamin Baird. Mr. and Mrs. Le Comte have one son, Ralph M., who was born Feb. 19, 1888. He is now a student of medicine at the Georgetown University, Washington, D. ('. Mr. Le Comte and family belong to the Catholic Church. In politics he is a Republican.

WILLARD G. COOK, deceased, who was for many years one of the representative farmers and stock raisers of Canton Township, Washington Co., Pa., was born in Canton Township, in 1939, and died Oct. 28, 189S. He practically spent his entire life on the farm in Canton Township, having located in Washington just two years previous to his death. He was a son of William Henry "ook, who, when IS years of age came from Rhode Island and settled in Canton Township, Washington Connty. Willard G. Cook was one of the progressive. publie spirited men of the township, and always took an active interest in all affairs which tended toward the advancement of the community in which he lived. He held membership with the Second Presbyterian Church.

In 1872, Mr. Cook was united in marriage with Nannie W. Irwin, who was born and reared in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County, and is a daughter of Robert and Naney (Weir) Irwin, the former a native of Highland County, Ohio, who came to Washington Coun- ty when young and engaged in farming and stock rais- ing until the time of his death. His wife was born in Washington County and eame of one of the pioneer families of the county. Mr. and Mrs. Willard G. Cook were the parents of two daughters: Margaret R., mar- ried Charles E. Smith, who is a teacher in the Wash- ington public schools, and they have one child, Charles Raymond Smith; and Mand E., the widow of John P. ('lark, of Waynesburg, has one son, John Willard Clark.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

and resides with her mother in Washintgon. Mrs. Cook and daughters are members of the Second Presbyterian Church.

JOHN SCOTT BARR, formerly county commissioner of Washington County, Pa., has been a prominent resi- dent of Canonsburg since 1888, but prior to that for many years, carried on extensive agricultural operations in Somerset Township, where he owned 300 acres of land. He was born in Somerset Township, Washington County, Pa., Jan. 26, 1827, a son of William and Mary (Boyd) Barr.

The parents of Mr. Barr were both born in County Antrim, Ireland. The grandfather, John Barr, brought his family to America in 1819 and settled in the upper end of Somerset Township. He was accompanied by his brothers, Robert and Joseph, the latter of whom lived and died near Finleyville, Pa. Robert Barr settled on Marengo Creek and operated what was long known as Barr's mill. John Barr had married Martha Dickey in Ireland and they had a family of four sons and two daughters: William, John Robert, Archie, Margaret and Mary. Through marriage they became connected with other old families. John Barr married Elizabeth Smitlı and was a farmer in Somerset Township. Robert mar- ried Margaret Jackson and was a farmer and blacksmith in Somerset Township. Archie was accidentally killed when 12 years old. Margaret was the wife of Robert Patterson and died in Indiana County, Pa. Mary mar- ried Andrew Jackson, who was reared on an adjoining farm and she lived and died there.

William Barr was born in 1797 and died Sept. 28, 1838, from dysentery, when aged 41 years. He pur- chased a farm near what was then known as the Seceder Church, near Pigeon Creek, and lived there until his death. He married Mary Boyd and they had eight chil- dren born to them, the eldest being John S. Barr, who was 13 years old when his father died. The others were: Hugh and Eliza, twins, Margaret, William Wilson, Bank- head B., Mary, Jennie, who was the youngest. She mar- ried William Berry, who resided in North Strabane Town- ship, near Clokeyville. Mary married William Garrett, of Washington County, from which they moved to their present home at College Springs, Page County, Iowa. Margaret married James S. Dickey and died in Pitts- burg, her family now residing at Pittsburg. Eliza mar- ried Duncan Williamson, a farmer near Xenia, Ohio, She is now a widow and resides at College Springs, Iowa. Of the sons, Hugh died on his farm in Somerset Town- ship. He married Belle Black. William Wilson, who died several years since in the city of Philadelphia, was a minister of the United Presbyterian Church and for many years was secretary of the Board of Foreign Mis- sions. He married Catherine Barr. Bankhead B. Barr

enlisted for service in the Civil War, entering Co. G, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf. He received wounds at the battle of Gettysburg and again at the battle of the Wilderness and died from these injuries, at Alexandria, Va. His body lies interred in the family burying ground at Pigeon Creek and his sufferings in devotion to his country, make it doubly hallowed ground.

John Scott Barr obtained his education in the public schools of Somerset Township, but on account of the early death of his father, had many responsibilities placed early on his shoulders. Under his management the land was cultivated and he took upon himself the education of his brothers and the proper rearing of the family of fatherless children. He not only preserved the original tract of land, but added to it until he owned 300 acres, only a part of which he now retains, having disposed of one farm and of his coal lands to a large degree when, in 1888, he retired to Canonsburg. He still di- rects his agricultural affairs as formerly, but takes no part in them.

Mr. Barr was married (first) in 1852 to Miss Mary Gibson, who died in 1855. Her father was James Gib- son, the family being a well-known one in North Strabane Township. One daughter survives, Mary, who is the wife of Rev. James M. Duncan, of Shannon City, Iowa, who is pastor of the United Presbyterian body at that place, and they have one daughter. Mr. Barr was married (second), Jan. 26, 1865, to Miss Mary Pattison, of In- diana County, Pa., a daughter of Robert and Mary (Stewart) Pattison. Three children were born to this union, but one only survives, Martha Jane, who is the wife of Rev. W. F. Wier, of Ashtabula, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Wier have had four children, three of whom are living: John S. B., William Thomas and Leroy Moffitt. In early life, Mr. Barr was identified with the Whig party, but is now and for years has been a stanch Re- publican. He went out with the militia when Pennsyl- vania was threatened with invasion. In 1872 he was elected a county commissioner and served three years and two months in that office. He has served for some 18 years as a member of the school board and was ap- pointed by the Governor of Pennsylvania as a manager of the Reform school for four years. In 1862 he was elected an elder in the Pigeon Creek United Presbyterian Church and when coming to Canonsburg about 20 years ago was elected an elder in the Chartiers United Presby- terian Church.

SAMUEL MeWILLIAMS, one of the leading citizens of Canonsburg, was born Nov. 30, 1858, in Chartiers Township, Washington Co., Pa., on a farm one mile distant from this city, and is a son of James Milton and Lydia (McCoy) Mc Williams.

James Milton MeWilliams was born in Washington

MRS. MARY P. BARR

JOHN S. BARR

THE NEW YOR:

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

County in 1813 and lived to the age of SI years. He was a wagonmaker by trade and also owned a small farm. He married Lydia McCoy, who was born near MeConnell's Mills, who died in July, 1908, when aged eighty six years. They were the parents of twelve chil- dren, namely : John W., who was an attorney at law, died in Kansas; William J., who resided at Canonsburg, died in December, 1908; Mary A., who is the widow of Johu Cook, resides at Canonsburg; George S., who is a resi- dent of Canonsburg; Lydia, who is now deceased, was the wife of lohn M. Stewart; James M., Addison W., Samuel, Hattie E. aud Nettie, all of whom are residents of Canonsburg; and George, and an infant daughter, both died in this city. The parents of the above family were members of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Churel.

Samuel MeWilliams attended the public schools of Distriet No. 8, Chartiers Township, in boyhood and then continued his studies for several years in Jefferson Acad- emy at Canonsburg. For about eight years following he taught school and became well known in this connection in different sections of the county and during this period for two years had charge of the "E" Division of the Morganza Pennsylvania Reform School. Upon retiring from educational work he entered into the mercantile business at Canonsburg and continued there for ten years. In 1895 he became associated with the Citizens' Bank, Limited, of Canonsburg, in the capacity of assist- ant cashier and when it was merged into the Citizens' Trust of Canonsburg in 1901, became its assistant seere- tary aud treasurer, and maintained this connection until Sept. 1, 1909, when he accepted the position of book- keeper in the trust department of the Commonwealth Trust Company of Pittsburg.

On Sept. 11, 1884 Mr. MeWilliams was married to Miss Ella S. Roberts, who was born in Canonsburg. She was a daughter of John T. and Sarah (Kelso) Roberts. Mr. and Mrs. MeWilliams had four children, namely : Edith M., who was educated in the local schools, grad- uated from the Canonsburg High School and Jefferson Academy, is a successful teacher in Ceeil Township; Charles Ray, who is a bright student in the High School; and William Walter and John M., both of whom are in school. Mrs. MeWilliams died Sept. 15, 1901. She was a most estimable lady, one whose many amiable qualities served to endear her to all who came within her influ- ence.

In polities, Mr. MeWilliams is a Democrat. He has served several terms as a member of the School Board but has given more attention to his business than to pub- lie affairs, as concerns the holding of office. He is a member of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Chureh. His only fraternal connection is with the Royal Arca- num.

U. B. RAMSEY, member of the Kurtz & Ramsey Mon ument Company, with business quarters at No. 220 South Main Street, Washington, P'a., was born at Cross Roads, Washington County, Dee. 10, 1865, a son of the late W. C. Ramsey, formerly sheriff of Washington County and a very prominent citizen.

U. B. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and at- tended the country schools. He was largely interested in farming and stockraising in Buffalo Township until March, 1909, when he removed to Washington and one month later entered into partnership with J. H. Kurtz in the monument business, the latter being a practical worker in marble and granite. This new enterprise has capital, energy and practical knowledge back of it and has a promising future.

In December, 1986, Mr. Ramsey was married to Miss Mary A. Mounts, who died December 1, 1908. She was a lady of beautiful Christian character, and amiable per- sonality. Her father was Adam Mounts, an old and honored resident of Washington County. The four sur- viving children are: William Calvin and Adam Mounts, twins, the latter of whom is associated with his father in business; and Elizabeth Grace and Howard Paul. Dur- ing their residence in Buffalo Township, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey were members of the East Buffalo Prebyterian Church and since coming to Washington, Mr. Ramsey has identified himself with the Third Presbyterian Church.

WILLARD G. CUNDALL, a leading citizen and suc- eessful farmer of Blaine Township, Washington County, Pa., who is serving most acceptably as president of the township board of school directors, was born in Char- tiers Township, in the same county, Aug. 16, 1860. His parents were Edward G. and Martha (Cook) Cundall.

Edward G. Cundall was born in Washington County, Pa., in 1834 and resides at Washington, Pa. His father was Edward Cundall, who was a native of Rhode Island. Edward G. Cundall is a well known citizen of the county and formerly was superintendeut of the County Home, in Chartiers Township, where he served for fourteen years in that responsible office. He married Martha Cook, who was also born in Washington County and they had a large family, four of whom survive the mother. who died in 1892, namely: Margaret R., who is the wife of DeForest Wilson, of Taylorstown; Emma J., who is the wife of William MeMannis, of Taylorstowu; and Willard G. and William H., the latter being a resident of Washington.

Willard G. Cundall was reared and educated in his native county and throughout his whole life has been more or less connected with agricultural pursuits. For some years he has also been in the employ of the Wash ington Oil Company. The South Pennsylvania Pipe Line station is located at the place which was named

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Cundall Station in honor of this family, the site being on the old Cundall farm.

Mr. Cundall married Miss Ada R. Clarke, who was born in Chartiers Township and is a daughter of Thomas P. Clarke who is now a resident of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Cundall have four sons: Thomas W., Harry P., Edward M. and Willard G. With his family, Mr. Cun- dall belongs to the United Presbyterian Church at Tay- lorstown. He is a member of the order of Knights of Pythias at that place and has frequently been elected to official position in the lodge. In polities, like his father, Mr. Cundall is a Republican.

JAMES E. WALLACE, farmer and successful fruit grower, residing at No. 500 Locust Avenue, has been a citizen of Washington since 1890, coming from West- moreland County, Pa., where his family is one of age and prominence. Mr. Wallace was born in Westmoreland County, in 1861, and is a son of the late William Wal- lace, who died at Washington, in 1896.

The grandfather, James Wallace, was born in West- moreland County, in 1805, and followed an agricultural life. His father was Peter Wallace, who was also born in Westmoreland County, where he was prominent in public affairs, serving some twelve years as a member of the State Legislature from there. His father, Richard Wallace, was the first of the family to settle in West- moreland County and he built one of the first mills and a fort, known as Wallace Fort, which was one of the earliest defenses erected to protect settlers from the Indians, west of the Allegheny Mountains. He was known as a great Indian fighter and on several occasions he fell into the hands of the savages, but managed to escape. Finally he joined an exploring expedition into the Ohio wilderness and never returned.

James E. Wallace was reared and educated in his na- tive county and there engaged in farming until 1890, when he came to Washington County and purchased land near where he resides. He makes a specialty of peaches and strawberries and grows other fine fruit, finding a ready market for all his land will produce.

In 1896, Mr. Wallace was married to Miss Julia Fran- ees Ransom, who was born at Mt. Vernon, Ohio, a daugh- ter of Willard Wallace and Julia Nichols (McGiffin) Ransom, both of whom were natives of Mt. Vernon. The mother of Mrs. Wallace died when she was seven weeks old. The father survived for many years and died at his home in Mt. Vernon, March 30, 1902. Mrs. Wal- lace was an only child. Mr. Ransom was a farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Wallace are members of the Second Presby- terian Church of Washington, in which be is a deacon.

JOIIN LOGAN MeCLELLAND, a representative busi- ness citizen at Canonsburg, dealing in real estate and

insurance, and one of the organizers of the Canonsburg Electric Light Company, was born at Florence, Hanover Township, Washington Co., Pa., August 21, 1841. His parents were Jackson and Mary (Criswell) MeClelland.

The McClelland family was established in Washington County by the great-grandfather, Hanson MeClelland; who came from Ireland. He reared a family of sturdy sons, one of these being William McClelland, who became the grandfather of John Logan McClelland. The Me- Clellands and MeCooks were neighbors in Chartiers Town- ship and William MeClelland and Daniel MeCook, father of the "fighting MeCooks," of the Civil War, together owned the salt well in Chartiers Township. William McClelland married Hannah Long and they had four children: Jackson, Joseph, James and Catherine, the latter of whom married Rev. M. A. Parkinson.

Jackson MeClelland was born in Chartiers Township and the mother in Hanover Township, Washington Coun- ty. In 1843 they moved to Canonsburg, where both died, the mother in 1891, in her seventy-first year. They had the following children: John Logan; Romulus L., who died in 1852, aged ten years; and Mary Long, who was married to Arthur MeMurtrie, of Huntington; and Nettie Criswell, both of whom live with their brother.

John Logan McClelland attended Jefferson College be- fore he accompanied the family when removal was made South in 1858. In 1862 the family came back to Canonsburg. In 1861 Mr. MeClelland entered the Con- federate army as a private in Co. G, 50th Tenn. Vol. Inf., in which he served a short time, this regiment being the garrison regiment of Fort Donaldson. Soon after en- listing he was made second lieutenant. In 1869 be re- turned to Washington County and was a member of the civil engineering corps that built the Chartiers Valley Railroad and after the completion of that contract he entered the office of the chief engineer of the Panhandle Railroad, and remained with that road until 1881. In 1883 he was made deputy sheriff of Washington County and served three years under Sheriff W. B. Chambers. In 1886 he opened a real estate office and at the same timo organized a building and loan association which proved very successful, aud demonstrated his ability and integrity as a business man. In 1894 he organized, with others, the Canonsburg Electric Light Company, of which he was president from 1894 until 1907, which was sold to the Washington Electric Light Company in 1909, it taking charge on April 1, 1909.

In politics, Mr. MeClelland is a staneh Democrat, and is a very popular citizen. He has never married.

WILLIAM C. RAMSEY, deeeased, once a citizen of large influence in Washington County, was also one of sterling character. He was born in Amwell Township,

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Washington Co., Pa., March 5, 1843, and was a son of Reuben and Margaret (Hern) Ramsey.

Reuben Ramsey was born near the corner of College and Maiden streets, Washington, and was a son of George and Lydia (Lloyd) Ramsey. Ile settled in Am- well Township after he married and there worked at the cooper trade and also as a farmer and there he died in 1882, survived by his widow until 1890. Renben Ram- scy married Margaret Ilorn, a daughter of Michael and Elizabeth (Closser) Ilorn, and they had the following children born to them: William Calvin, Robert Ilamil- ton, George Washington, Nicholas Murray and John Nel- son.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 30

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