Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 31

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 31

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William C. Ramsey was reared on the home farm and was afforded excellent educational advantages, better than were enjoyed by his associates. lle was prepared to teach school but on August 8, 1862, he entered the Federal Army, enlisting in Co. D, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf., and served faithfully until he was henerably dis- charged June 25, 1865, at Albany, N. Y. He was ever at the post of duty and at the battle of Gettysburg he was seriously wounded, his injury making it necessary fer him to spend many months in a hospital. After he had sufficiently recovered, he was transferred to the 11th Veteran Corps, of which he was made quartermaster- sergeant, having served in the 140th Regiment with the rank of color corporal. His whole military record is one that reflects honer and credit upon him and is a source of pride te his family.

After he returned to Washington County, Mr. Ramsey spent several winters teaching school after his summers on the farm, and in the meanwhile he took an active and intelligent interest in public matters in the county. He had been reared a Democrat and on the Democratie ticket, in 1870, he was elected to the important office of sheriff of Washington County and during his three years of service was acknowledged to be an able, courageous and conscientious officer. When he retired to private life he bought a farm situated about five miles distant from Washington and resided there until the close of his life, his death occurring December 2, 1902. His widew sur- vives and occupies a comfortable home at No. 155 Dun- can avenue, Washington.

Mr. Ramsey was married in 1863 to Miss Elizabeth Jane Sower, a daughter of Levi and Cynthias Sower, of West Bethlehem Township. They reared five children, namely: Ulysses Bernard, who is a member of the Kurtz & Ramsey Monument Company, at Washington; Levi Harlan, who is engaged in farming in the county ; Kate Florence, who resides with her mother at Washing- ten ; Wilmetta Maud Estella, who is new deceased; and Lillie Blanche, who is the wife of Morgan Prigg, residing on a farm in Canton Township. Mr. Ramsey was one of the active and liberal members of the East Buffalo

Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder. Although he began life with little means, through industry, pru- denee and good judgment, he acquired an ample estate. Ile was one of the directors of the Farmers' and Me- chanies' Bank of Washington.

ERNEST C. LAWTON, whose comfortable residence is suitunted on the edge of the village of West Middle- town, Washington Co., Pa., is successfully carrying on general farming and stock raising en 128 acres of exeel- lent land which lies in Hopewell Township. He was born in Independence Township, Washington Co., l'a., March 9, 1870, and is a son of Joseph K. and Mary L. (Quest) Lawton. His mother, whe lives in West Middle- town, is a daughter of the late Dr. Quest, of Wellsburg. at one time a practitioner of West Middletown. He has a twin sister, Eva, who married M. G. Lawrence, and one other sister, Annie, whe married Malcolm Atmore. Mr. Lawton was a carpenter by trade and lived here most of his life, dying in 1906.

Ernest C. Lawton secured a good common school edu- cation and worked at first, after leaving school, as a tinner. He has been very active in politics and is a recognized Republican leader. He served as deputy sheriff under his father-in-law, Sheriff Pentecost, has also been warden of the jail and has been a member of the township school board.

On November 27, 1900, Mr. Lawton was married to Miss Martha Pentecost and they have a charming little daughter, Phoebe, who was born in her grandfather's house during his official term as sheriff of Washington County.

JOHN W. WARRICK, one of Washington's representa- tive business men, conducting a large grocery enterprise at No. 102 South Main street, Washington, is also identified with other business concerns of this section. He was bern at Washington, in 1862, and is a son of George M. and Mary (Wilson) Warrick and a grandsen of Jonathan and Mary (Slack) Warrick, old residents of Washington County.

After leaving school, John W. Warrick entered his father's grocery store and in 1881 became a partner in the business which was conducted as G. M. Warrick & Sons until the father retired, when the firm style was changed to G. M. Warrick's Sens. In 1908. William J. Warrick, the other member of the firm, retired, and since then John W. Warrick has been sole proprietor. During the entire course of his business life he has been identified with grocery interests and is one of the most experienced men in this line in Washington County. This house has always enjoyed a liberal patronage as it has been conducted along the lines to ensure a continuance of the confidence of the

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public. Mr. Warrick has other interests, being con- nected with the Floral Company of South Strabane Township and is a director in the First National Bank of Washington.

Mr. Warrick was married in 1896, to Miss Catherine Chambers, a daughter of Josiah R. Chambers, of Canons- burg, and they have two sons: George Ramsey and John Wilson. With his family, Mr. Warrick is a mem- ber of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Wash- ington. He has never been unduly active in public matters but his fellow citizens know where he stands when the good citizens of the community are appealed to, to further movements which promise to be beneficial to every one, or to aid in the maintenance of law and order.

W. W. HOYT, burgess of Washington, Pa., bas been a resident of this city for the past 20 years and has taken a deep interest in public affairs. He was born at Pitts- burg, in 1867, and prior to locating at Washington lived in various parts of the country.

Mr. Hoyt was reared and educated in Pittsburg, and there learned the trade of a horseshoer in his father's shop. He afterward worked at his trade at various places throughout the country and in 1889 came to Wash- ington, Pa., with the intention of remaining but one week. He has been here continuously since that time and bas met with much success at his trade. In 1894, he entered into business for himself, making horsesboeing a spe- cialty, and he now has three men in his employ. He is a Democrat in politics and has always taken an active interest in political affairs. He served in the city Coun- cil from the Fourth Ward a number of years, and in February, 1909, was elected burgess of Washington over the Republican nominee, Jacob Zelt, Jr. He is the first Democrat honored with election to that office in a num- ber of years, the city being normally Republican, and he received a majority of 394 votes.

On Mar. 5, 1890, Mr. Hoyt was married to Miss Edith S. Jones, of Homestead, Pa., and they have six children living. Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt are consistent members of the First Baptist Church. He is prominently affiliated with a number of fraternal organizations: National Lodge No. 81, I. O. O. F .; Shakespeare Encampment No. 20, I. O. O. F .; Rebecca Lodge; Hancock Lodge No. 231, K. P .; Washington Commandery No. 62, U. R. K. P., of which be was captain six years; Modern Woodmen of America; Home Guards of America; the Eagles, and Local No. 166, Master Horseshoers National Protective Association.

A. J. RUSSELL, a leading citizen of Washington County, Pa., who has been prominently identified with public affairs and business interests of Bulger, Midway,

and Smith Township, is vice president of the Midway National Bank and is agent for the Pennsylvania Cen- tral and St. Louis Railroad at this point. Mr. Russell was born two miles north of Hickory, in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington Co., Pa., October 6, 1841, and is a son of Andrew and Jane C. (Miller) Russell.

Andrew Russell was born in Chartiers Township, Washington County, about three miles north of Canons- burg, and there he was a large farmer for many years, moving then to Mt. Pleasant Township, where he lived until a year and a half of his death, when he retired to Houston, where be purchased a residence. He was one of the old and reliable citizens of this section and during 2 large part of his life was a member of the United Pres- byterian Church. He married Jane C. Miller, a daughter of Andrew Miller and ten children were born to them.

A. J. Russell was educated in the common schools of Mt. Pleasant Township and Hickory Academy, complet- ing the course of study at the latter place. In 1862 he entered the Federal Army as a soldier in the Civil War, enlisting in Co. G, 123rd Pa. Vol. Inf., and with that organization completed the nine months of his first enlistment. After a visit home, Mr. Russell re-enlisted for further service, entering the 21st Pa. Vol. Cav., and with that brave body of troopers he continued a soldier until the close of the war. After his safe return to peaceful pursuits, in 1867, Mr. Russell embarked in the mercantile business at Bulger, which enterprise he con- tinued for 34 years, when he disposed of it to Charles C. Rodgers. In 1866-67, he accepted a railroad agency with the Pennsylvania system and this business interest he has retained ever since. He has been an active politician and many time has been elected to important offices on the Republican ticket. For 35 years he served as postmaster at Bulger, and for three terms as a justice of the peace in Smith Township and so satisfactory were his decisions that he was re-elected for a like period but declined to serve. When the Midway National Bank was organized, July 4, 1867, Mr. Russell became vice president and he has continued in that office ever since and is one of the largest stockholders. Mr. Russell's business ability, his public spirit and his general high standing in his community, have brought him the respect and approbation of his fellow citizens irrespective of political affiliation.

Mr. Russell was married (first) June 2, 1867, to Miss Margaret MeBurney, who died in 1886, leaving one son, Andrew L., who is a resident of Midway, Pa. Mr. Russell was married (second) to Miss Alice M. Smith, a daughter of Robert Smith, of Cherry Valley. They are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Midway, in which Mr. Russell has been an elder for 15 years.

G. M. BARRE, a retired farmer of Washington, Pa., and owner of a fine farm of 168 acres in South Strabane

W. W. HOYT

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Township, was born on September 26, 1849, at Scenery Ilill, Washington Co., Pa., and is a son of William and Martha (Munce) Barre.

William Barre, who was born in 1822, at Scenery Hill, Pa., was a wagon maker by trade, at which he worked for many years during his early life. Ile subsequently hought a farm in South Strabane Township, where he was engaged in farming and stock raising until about one year before his death, when he removed to Washing- ton, where he died in 1899. Ile married Martha Munce, who came of one of the pioneer families of Washington County, and they became the parents of fifteen children. of whom the following are living: Joseph C., of East Maiden street, Washington; Thomas, resides in Mis- souri; Angeline, married James Matthews of Washing- ton, Pa .; Kate (Mrs. Haines) resides in California ; Maggie, is the wife of Andrew Horn of Washington County ; Emma, is the wife of James Wilson, who conducts an undertaking establishment in Washington, Pa .; Sadie, married Samuel MeCowan; and G. M., the subject of this sketch.

G. M. Barre was reared and educated in South Stra- bano Township, where throughout his active career, he was engaged in general farming and stock raising, making a specialty of sheep raising. In 1904, Mr. Barre retired from business life and came to Washington, where he resides in a fine home at No. 281 Locust avenue, but still continues overseeing his farming interests in South Strabane Township. In 1894 Mr. B Barre was joined in the bonds of wedloek with Annie Ellwood, who was born in Washington County and is a daughter of Thomas Ellwood. Mr. and Mrs. Barre are members of the Second Presbyterian Church.

THOMAS A. MeCREIGHT, who owns 70 acres of very valuable land which lies in Hanover Township, Wash- ington Co., Pa., was born in Jefferson County, Pa., April 3, 1864, and is a son of Smith and Elizabeth (Murphy) MeCreight.

The parents of Mr. MeCreight were both born in Pennsylvania and were married at Brookville, in Jef- ferson County. The father died March 10, 1907. He had many business interests, being engaged in farming and lumbering and also owned a grist-mill. They had the following children: Thomas A .; Clara, who married Orville M. Grissinger, lives in Colorado; Anna, who married Andrew Wheeler, lives in Jefferson County; and Susan B., who married R. P. Gardner of Hanover Town- ship, and with this daughter the mother makes her home.

Thomas A. MeCreight attended school pretty regu- larly until he was 15 years old, after which he went to farming with his father and has made farming his main work in life, although he has also worked at the car- penter trade. This he never really learned, but having

a natural talent, has done some very creditable work in that line, in the way of improving his property.

On May 10, ISSS, Mr. MeCreight was married to Miss Laura Bell, a daughter of William and Anna ( Medready ) Bell, who were farming people of Washington County. The children of the Bell family were: Mary, who is now deceased, was the wife of Seward Walker; Harry; James A .; Ada, who married Mayo Patterson; Laura. who married Mr. McCreight; Dessa, who married Alex- ander Wilson; and W. C. and A. J. Mr. and Mrs. MeCreight have the following children: Clarence A., Lester S., Craig O., George D)., Alice Bell and Stella May. The family belong to the United Presbyterian Church of Hanover Township. In polities, like his late father, Mr. MeCreight is a Republican. Ile has served very acceptably in the office of road master and is a respected and representative man in his township.

GEORGE M. WARRICK, one of Washington's most esteemed retired citizens, was born in Amwell Township, Washington Co., Pa., February 28, 1831, and is a son of Jonathan T. and Mary (Slack) Warrick.

Jonathan T. Warrick was brought to Washington County when about ten years of age, but later was taken to Beaver County and lived there until he was seventeen, when he returned to Washington County and engaged in school-teaching here until he was twenty-six years old. For some time afterward he worked at carpentering and cabinetmaking and then turned his attention to farming in Amwell Township, moving from there in 1835 to East Finley Township, where he re- mained until his death, in 1846, at the age of sixty-two years. He married Mary Slack, who was a native of Washington County, and to them were born the fol- lowing children: Sarah, who married Jackson Harsh- man; James; Matilda; Mary, who married George Ely, is survived by one son, Dr. Ely, residing at Washington; Charlotte, who married Elijah Coulson; William W .; George M .; Elizabeth, who married W. K. Long. of Washington; and Hannah C.

George M. Warrick obtained his education in the country schools and continued to work on his father's farm until he was sixteen years of age, at which time he came to Washington, where he spent two years work- ing at the carpenter trade. He was of a mechanical turn of mind and soon mastered details sufficiently to enter into contracting and when twenty years old he went to Chicago and engaged in work there until homesick- ness caused his return to Washington. He continued contracting until 1858, when he embarked in the mer- cantile business. at this time entering into partnership with his brother, W. W. Warrick, under the firm name of G. M. and W. W. Warrick. In 1\66 this firm, in partnership with John M. Wilson, bought the Washing-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

ton Flouring Mills and for some years both the milling and grocery business was carried on, when William W. Warrick retired from both enterprises and the other members of the firm continued together until 1887, when they sold the mill to Zelt Brothers, Mr. Wilson retiring from the firm. Mr. Warrick then associated his two sons, John W. and William J. Warrick with him, under the firm style of G. M. Warrick & Sons. This became one of the leading grocery concerns at Washington and when George M. Warrick retired from active business life the sons continued, making a slight change in the firm style, preserving the founder's name, in G. M. Warrick's Sons. In 1908, one son, W. J., retired from the firm to engage in another business, and the enter- prise came entirely into the proprietorship of John W. Warrick, who still carries it on.

In 1855, George M. Warrick married Miss Mary Wilson, a daughter of William Wilson, of Taylorstown, Washington Co., Pa., and five children were born to them, namely: Matilda Belle, who married Rev. Mc- Carrell, a Presbyterian minister; William J., who is in the florist business at Washington; Jobn W., who is a grocery merchant; and Rachel and Jennie, both of whom reside at home.

Mr. Warrick united with the Methodist Episcopal Church when cighteen years of age, and has been a consistent member of this religious body ever since. He started out in life entirely dependent upon his own efforts and through industry, enterprise and integrity, built up a large business and attained to a high and honorable position among his fellow citizens. His beau- tiful home is situated at No. 263 East Beau street. His leisure time is occupied in performing the duties of vice president of the Washington County Fire Insurance Company.

HARRY B. HAYDEN, a wholesale liquor dealer of Monongahela City, Pa., and president of the Finleyville Southern Electric Railroad, has been a resident of Monongahela City since October, 1903. He was born June 4, 1873, at Pittsburg, Pa., and is a son of Michael Hayden, who was a resident of Pittsburg, where during the greater part of his life he followed his trade as a bottle-blower. He was a member of the Green Glass Bottle Blowers' Union of the United States and Canada, and during the latter part of his life was general mana- ger of the Ohio Valley Glass Works. His death occurred in Pittsburg, and he was the father of a large family of children, of whom the following are living: Thomas M .; Joseph R .; James E .; Harry B .; Anna L., who is the wife of Harry Walsh; Regina, who is the wife of Ray Albert, and William F., of Knoxville.

Harry B. Hayden was rcared and obtained his educa- tional training at Pittsburg, where when a young man,

he ran a confectionery store, which he disposed of during the Flint Glass Strike. He then went to Indiana, where he and his brother Thomas M., rented a farm, which they operated successfully for several years, and where our subject celebrated his 21st birthday. In October, 1903, Mr. Hayden came to Monongahela City, Pa., and on May 1, 1907, opened his present business on Second street. Fraternally he belongs to the B. P. O. E., the F. O. E., the Loyal Order of Moose, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Turners, all of Monongahela City. His religious connection is with the Roman Catholic Church.

In August, 1901, Mr. Hayden was united in marriage with Catherine E. Grill of Pittsburg, and they have three children: Catherine, Naomi, and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. Hayden reside at No. 714 Coal street.

JOHN McCLAIN, a well known broom manufacturer of Washington, Pa., who was for many years identified with the farming interests of Franklin Township, was born August 21, 1842, on bis father's farm in Franklin Township, a son of Simeon and Jane (Carter) McClain.

Simeon McClain, who was born in Franklin Township, Washington County, about 1816, was the youngest son of John McClain, who was one of the earliest settlers of the county. Simeon McClain followed farming and stock raising during the greater part of his life. and was one of the substantial and enterprising citizens of the com- munity in which he lived. He was united in marriage with Jane Carter, a native of Amwell Township, and a daughter of Isaac and Nancy Carter, and their union resulted in the following issne: John McClain, the sub- ject of this sketch; Elizabeth Ann, the deceased wife of H. K. Bell; William N., who resides on Franklin street, Washington; Sarah Ellen, his twin sister, who died October 16, 1907, was the wife of S. S. Bell; W. Ross, of Virginia; and Mary Margaret, who is the wife of Homer C. Andrew, of Van Buren, Pa.

John McClain was reared in Franklin Township, where for many years he engaged in farming. About 1869 he came to Washington, and for a period of twenty years operated the Washington Woolen Mills, to which on January 1. 1871, he added a broom factory, which he carried on in connection with the mills. He subse- quently disposed of the woolen mills, and on account of his health, spent a part of his time on the farm each year, but he continued the manufacturing of brooms, which he still is engaged in. Mr. McClain is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and fraternally is a Knight Templar Mason.

On December 25, 1875, Mr. MeClain was united in marriage with Anna M. Gordon, a daughter of James Gordon of Washington County, and they have two sons: James B., who is chief engineer of the Sea Board Air-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

line R. R., is located at Columbia, S. C .; and Otis, who is a mechanical draughtsman, is located at Franklinten, N. C., where he is overseeing the building of the concrete abutments on the Sea Board Airline Railroad.

HUGHI HANNA, M. D., a prominent citizen of Donegal Township, who has been engaged in agricultural pursuits near Claysville since he retired from the active practice of medicine, was born in Cecil Township, Wash- ington Co., Pa. His parents were Ilugh and Dorothea (Whitely) Ilanna.

The father of Dr. Hanna was born in North Ireland and the mother in Washington County. The paternal grandparents of Dr. Hanna came to the northern part of Washington County when their son was small and he was reared there and subsequently married Dorothea Whitely, but died early, Dr. Hanna being enly four years old when his father's death occurred.

After the death of her husband, the mother of Dr. Hanna, with other members of the family, removed to Nottingham Township, Washington County, and there he was reared and was mainly educated in the J. C. Mes- senger Academy, in Somerset Township. For about ten years he taught school, in both Washington and Alle- gheny Counties, and during a part of this time he de- voted all his spare moments to reading medical works in preparation for practice. Dr. C. W. Townsend, then of Peters Township, was his preceptor and director, and under him the young man was thoroughly prepared and subsequently was graduated from Jefferson Medical Col- lege, Philadelphia, in 1870. He immediately settled at Noblestown, Allegheny County, but shortly afterward, was called to Canonsburg, an old preceptor, Dr. Weaver, being prostrated with an illness that subsequently re- sulted in his death, this being the cause of Dr. Hanna's locating in that borough. He continued in practice there for nine years and then removed to Chartiers Town- ship, where he was practically retired from practice and engaged in farming and raising fine steek for a number of years, and during this time became interested also in the sheep industry. From there he then moved to Donegal Township, in 1903 settling on his present valua- ble farm of 100 acres. In Chartiers Township he served for six consecutive years as school director but has accepted no publie office since locating in Donegal Town- ship. In his political views he is a Democrat. His ability both as a medical man and as a careful agri- culturist is acknowledged and aside from business con- siderations he is held in very high regard for his personal qualities.

On November 1, 1876, Dr. Hanna was married to Miss Elizabeth Wallace, who was born in Knox County, Ohio, and is a daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Arnold) Wallace, her parents being eld Washington County peo-

ple of Scotch extraction. Dr. and Mrs. Hanna have had three children : Howard T. E., who resides in Done- gal Township; Loota M., who is deceased; and Birdie B., the latter of whom graduated from Jefferson Academy at Canonsburg, in 1904, and is an accom- plished young lady. Mrs. Hanna is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Claysville, Pa.

THOMAS MONTGOMERY HALL, a worthy repre- sentative of one of the oldest pioneer families of Wash- ington County, was born in Somerset Township, Wash- ington Co., Pa., February 13, in 1828, and now lives retired in his pleasant home at No. 227 Jefferson ave- nue, Washington. He is a son of Thomas and also a grandson of Themas Hall.

The first Thomas Hall came from County Tyrone, Ire- land, and settled in Somerset Township, Washington Co., Pa., in 1788, at that time purchasing the land which is now owned by his great grandson, Samuel B. Weir. Thomas Hall married Sarah Keyes, also of County Tyrone, and to them were born the following children: Jane, wife of Henry Vanee; Mary, wife of Adam Weir; James, who married Mary Pierce; and Themas, whose marriage to Catherine Rainey, connected the Halls with another early pioneer family of consequence.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 31

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