Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 50

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 50

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HARRY S. GRAYSON, who is one of the most ex- tensive oil and gas operators of Western Pennsylvania, is one of the prominent citizens of Washington, Pa., and is identified with various business enterprises of this city. He was born in July, 1864, in Washington, Pa., and is a son of John Grayson, who, about 1869 moved to Pittsburg, where our subject was reared and attended the common schools until 17 years of age. He then entered the employ of the Bridgewater Gas Company, of which Capt. Vandergraft was president, and was subsequently employed by the United Oil and Gas Company and also the Forrest Oil Company, until he began operating in the oil and gas fields for him- self, and is now one of the most extensive oil and gas producers in the fields of Ohio, Illinois, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Lonisiana and the Southwest. He is asso- ciated with M. L. Benedum and J. C. Trees, who are also extensive operators in the various oil fields, and holds important positions in numerous oil and gas com- panies.

Mr. Grayson was united in marriage with Eliza Low- rie Hamilton in 1909.

JAMES D. IRWIN, a representative citizen of Can- ton Township, whose fine farm of 192 aeres is the one on which he was born, Dee. 25, 1856, belongs to one of the oldest and most substantial families of this section, and the present farm has been in the possession of the Irwin family for more than 100 years. The parents of Mr. Irwin were William C. and Mary R. (Dye) Irwin.

William C. Irwin spent the whole of his life in Wash- ington County and was numbered with the sterling

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

citizens of Canton Township, where he died Jan. 31, 1902. Ilis father was James Irwin and he was of Scotch- Irish descent. Of the children born to William (. Irwin and wife the following survive: James D. and John L., both of whom live in Canton Township; Le- man, who is a resident of Washington; Edith and Etta, both of whom reside at Washington; William (., who lives in West Washington; Milton C., who lives in Buffalo Township; Clifford T., who lives in West Wash- ington; and Asa C., who is a resident of Washington. William C. Irwin was a consistent member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Washington. In all publie mat- ters in his township he took an active but disinterested part, seeking no offices but performing every duty that good citizenship demanded.

James D. Irwin spent his boyhood on the old family farm and obtained his education in the district schools. For some time after his marriage, in 1885, he resided in Buffalo Township, moving then to South Franklin Township and several years later back to Buffalo Town- ship. In a few years after that return he went baek to the old homestead in Canton Township, acquiring the same, and here has successfully engaged in general farming and stock raising until the present. He is a leading citizen of the township and has served in various publie capacities. Like his father he has al- ways supported the Democratie party.

On Sept. 29, 1885, Mr. Irwin was married to Miss Annie Horn, a daughter of George C. and Rebecca (Cox) Horn. George C. Horn was born in Buffalo Township, Washington County, Apr. 27, 1825, and died Jan. 13, 1908, aged 83 years. His father, John Horn, was one of the pioneer settlers of Buffalo Township, where he became a man of wealth and standing. The mother of Mrs. Irwin was born in Jefferson County, Ohio, Nov. 23, 1836, and died July 12, 1879, aged 42 years. Mr. and Mrs. Irwin have had five children: Rebecca May, who is the wife of Herman Castner, residing in Buffalo Township, and they have one son, George Irwin Cast- ner; and George L., Chalmers C., Russell R. and Will- ianı H., all of whom reside at home. Mr. Irwin has given his children advantages of every kind, and the family is ono highly valued in this section. They are members of the First Christian Church at Washington.

JEREMIAH SPROWLS, one of Washington's sub- stantial eitizens, residing in his fine home at No. 514 East Chestnut street, is a well known man through Washington County and for a number of years was concerned in agrienltural pursuits in Somerset Town- ship, which is now in the borongh of Bentleyville, where he still owns a valuable farm of 70 acres. Mr. Sprowls was born in Somerset Township. Washington County, Pa .. Ort. 19, 1840.

In the district schools of Somerset Township, Mr. Sprowls obtained the educational training that enabled him to become a teacher and for about 15 years he taught school through the county and was numbered with the successful educators of his day. lle then settled down to farming in Somerset Township and en- gaged in the stock business at Bentleyville and re- mained on his farm until April, 1908. Mr. Sprowls then retired and took up his residence at Washington. Ile rents out his farm and also has tenants on his prop erties at Bentleyville, where, for a number of years he held borough offices.

In 1874, Mr. Sprowls was married to Miss Josephine W. Nelson, who was born near Finleyville, Washington County, and they have one daughter, Leona Y., who is the wife of Wiley MeCarty, of Charleroi, Pa. Mr. Sprowls and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He united with this religious body at Bentleyville and was a member of the official board there. He is now a leading member of the congre- gation of the First Methodist Church at Washington. Formerly he took a very active interest in politics and held many local offices, for 25 years being a school di- rector and for five years holding the office of justice of the peace. He has lived a busy and useful life and the retrospeet is one he can calmly and satisfactorily eon- template. He is a member of the order of Odd Fellows and for 21 years was active in the fraternity.

HUMPHREY BLAKEWAY ELLIOTT, a prosper- ous farmer and stock raiser of South Franklin Town- ship, Washington County, who owns 200 acres of val- nable land. herds of fine eattle and flocks of sheep, be- longs to one of the old and substantial families of the county. He was born in what is now South Franklin Township, Sept. 19, 1858, and is a son of Abraham and Elizabeth (Newman) Elliott.

Abraham Elliott was born in Morris Township, Wash- ington County, a son of William Elliott, an early settler in that section. Abraham Elliott died during the in- faney of his son, H. B. Elliott, leaving five children: Addie, who married Joseph Poinsett and resides at New- port, Ky .; Lizzie, who married Rev. Longdon, lives at Blue Mound, Kas .; William P., who resides in Athens County, Ohio; H. B .; and one who is now deceased. The mother of Mr. Elliott contracted a second marriage with Matthew Anderson and of the children born to this union the following survive: William; Annie, who married Frank Hitchcock, of Pittsburg: and Thomas, who also resides at Pittsburg. Mrs. Anderson died be- fore her son, H. B. Elliott. reached manhood.

When a lad of 7 years, Mr. Elliott became a member of the family of his uncle. M. B. Craig, who was the owner of the farm on which the nephew now resides.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

this having been his home ever since he went under his unele's protection, His education was obtained in the district schools, after which he devoted himself to as- sisting Mr. Craig on the farm, just as he would his own father. He married Miss Belle MeKhan, a danghter of Lewis MeKhan, who formerly was proprietor of a hotel at Claysville, and they have two sons: Martin B. and Lewis C., both of whom are residents of South Franklin Township. Mr. Elliott is a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church at Van Buren. In politics ne is a Democrat. He is one of South Franklin's most respected citizens.

JAMES McDUFF FARMER, who, for the past fifteen years has followed the profession of civil engineering, has been borough engineer of Canonsburg, Pa., since May, 1904, and is recognized as a very careful and eapa- ble public official. He was born in the city of New York, July 31, 1864, and is a son of Rev. S. F. and Jeanetta (McDuff) Farmer.

Rev. S. F. Farmer was born near Noblestown, Pa., and was educated at Jefferson College, where he was gradu- ated. For many years he served in the ministry of the Presbyterian Church, his last charge being at Charleroi, Pa. His death occurred at Edgewood Park, Allegheny County, in the fall of 1898, when aged seventy-six years. The whole life of Rev. Farmer was one of Christian en- deavor. He married Jeanetta MeDnff, who died in 1873. She was born in Scotland and was brought to America when very young. Her father was James MeDuff, who lived and died at Riverhead. Long Island, N. Y. To Rev. S. F. Farmer and wife two sons were born, James Me- Duff and William R. The latter was educated at Wash- ington and Jefferson College and the Allegheny Theo- logical Seminary and is a Presbyterian minister. He re- sides at Edgewood Park and is assistant to Dr. Riddle, who is connected with the Allegheny Theological Seminary.

James McDuff Farmer was nine year old when his parents left New York and went to Brown County, Kas., and in Kansas, California, Iowa and Nebraska he lived until he was twenty years old. He was a student in the University of Iowa and took a course later in civil en- gineering at the University of Nebraska. Leaving school in 1889, he spent two years on different ranches in Cali- fornia, since which time he has devoted himself entirely to his profession. Prior to eoming to ('anonsburg, he was in the employ of the Philadelphia Gas Company. Since taking charge at Canonsburg he has had entire supervision over the paving and other important im- provements coming within his sphere as borough engineer, and by his careful estimates and honest service has saved the city large amounts while at the same time these im- provements have been substantial and satisfactory.

Mr. Farmer was married December 13, 1906. to Miss

Margaret J. Crumb, a daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Wilson) Crumb, of Canonsburg. He gives his political support to the Republican party. Fraternally he is identi- fied with Canonsburg Lodge, No. 846, B. P. O. E.

BENJAMIN T. JONES, postmaster and general mer- chant at Venitia, Pa., was born in 1868 at St. Clair, Schuylkill County, Pa., a son of John and Charlotte (Matthews) Jones.

John Jones was born in Wales, a son of Thomas Jones, of Merthyr, and grew to maturity in his native country, where he later was employed as a bookkeeper. He married Charlotte Matthews, also a native of Merthyr, Wales, and a daughter of Thomas Matthews. After coming to America in 1861 he was employed by the Reading Railroad Company at St. Clair, Pa., after which he went to Hubbard, Ohio, where he served as postmaster from 1879 until 1885. He resided one year at Palmyra and in 1887 came to Venitia, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was an invalid for a num- ber of years previous to his death, which occurred in 1893. His wife died May, 1901. They were the parents of nine enudren, of whom but six grew to maturity : Mary, who is the wife of H. B. Phillips, of Hubbard, Ohio; Richard, superintendent of mines for the Y. & O. Coal at Amsterdam, Ohio; Benjamin T., the subject of this sketch; Minnie, who is the wife of William M. Clel- lan, of Homestead, Pa .; Annie, who married John C. Davis of Mt. Lebanon, Allegheny County, Pa .; and Char- lotte, who is the wife of Thos. J. MeKenna, Chicago, Ill.

Benjamin T. Jones received his educational training in the public schools of Hubbard, Ohio, and subsequently assisted his father in the postoffice at Hubbard. He was for a time employed as a clerk at Palmyra and in 1887 came to Venitia with his brother Richard, who was then mine foreman for the Osborn-Seager Company, in whose employ our subject also entered as a elerk. In 1892 he met with an accident in the mine, which left him a cripple for life. In May, 1894, he was elected justice of the peace of Nottingham Township, and on November 15, 1898, he resigned that position to take up the duties as postmaster at Venitia, where he also condnets a general store. Mr. Jones is a Republican in polities, and was the first Republican elected justice of the peace in Nottingham Township in fifty years. He has filled the office of school director, township clerk and auditor.

On June 3, 1897, Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Charity E. Anders, a danghter of H. F. Anders, of Peters Township, and they have three children: John, who was born in 1898; Thomas, who was born in 1900; and Benjamin, who was born in 1902. The family are members and liberal supporters of the Methodist Church oť Venitia.

JAMES MCDUFF FARMER

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

WILLIAM EDGAR BALDWIN, one of South Frank- lin Township's most respected citizens and successful farmers, stock raisers and sheep growers, who is serving in his eleventh year as trustee of Bethel Presbyterian Church at Van Buren, was born in South Franklin Township, Washington County, Pa., July 16, 1862. His parents were Silas and Martha (Sargeant) Baldwin.

Silas Baldwin was born in Washington County, Pa., and died in South Franklin Township. In his early business life he followed butchering for a time and then turned his attention to agricultural pursuits. He was greatly interested in growing fruit and was very sur cessful in his attempts, his orchards, under his intelli- gent treatment, being vigorous and productive. He was identified with the Republican party and frequently was chosen for township offices. For many years he was a member of the Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He married Martha Sargeant, who was born in Greene County, who predeceased him. Of their chil- dren the following survive: John T., who lives in South Franklin Township: Sarah M., who is the wife of Rev. W. W. Dixon, a Baptist minister at Marietta, Ohio; William E., of South Franklin Township; and Ida F., who married W. R. Gunn, of this township. The Bald- win family has been a leading one in this section through many years. The grandfather, Francis Baldwin, was one of the earliest settlers in the township and his re- mains were the first to be interred in the cemetery at Van Buren.

William Edgar Baldwin secured his early education in the township schools and this he has supplemented with judicious reading and association with others, ex- perience frequently being as efficient a teacher in the practical things of life, as a college professor. Mr. Baldwin devotes his 64 acres of land te general farm- ing and to raising stock and sheep. giving close care to all his interests, thereby making them all profitable.

On Dec. 29, 1886, Mr. Baldwin was married to Miss Mary J. Weir, a native of Washington County and a daughter of John B. Weir, a prominent resident of Washington. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have had ten chil- dren, the survivors being: Norris P., Julia A., Grace L., John S., Boyd O. and Glen E. In politics, Mr. Baldwin is a Republican and for three years he has served in the office of township tax collector.

H. B. DUNCAN, president of the Duncan & Miller Glass Company, an important business enterprise of Washington, was born in IS64, at Pittsburg, Pa., and is a son of the late George Duncan.

During the early years of his business life, the father of Mr. Dunean was engaged in iron manufacturing at Pittsburg. In 1869 he embarked in the glass manu- facturing business and in 1872 he bought out his part-

ners and then organized the firm of George Duncan & Sons. He died at Pittsburg in 1877.

HI. B. Duncan was educated in the Pittsburg scheels and his whole business experience has been one more or less connected with glass manufacturing. In the fall of 1892 a glass plant was built and business was started under the style of George Duncan's Sons & Co., the firm being composed of James E. Duncan, I. E. Miller and 11. B. Duncan. In January, 1900, James E. Duncan died and later in the year the company was incorporated as the Duncan & Miller Glass Company. The officers are: 11. B. Dunean, president; James E. Duncan, Jr., secretary ; and A. P. Duncan, treasurer . These officers, together with J. Ernest Miller and Mrs. James E. Dun- van, constitute the board of directors. The plant of this company is situated at Jefferson avenue and Fac- tory street. Washington. The product is a high grade of table glass ware, a specialty consisting of work from private molds. Employment is afforded a very large force, approaching 200 people. The business is in a highly prosperous condition, the excellence of the prod- uet making it acceptable where formerly only exported ware was purchased.

In 1902, Mr. Duncan was married to Miss Katherine C. Baird ,who is a member of one of the earliest pioneer families of Washington County. They have two daugh- ters: Harriet B. and Agnes O'Connor. Mr. Duncan and family are members of the First Presbyterian Church. He is a Thirty-second degree Masen and belongs to the Blue Lodge, Chapter, Council and Commandery at Wash- ington, being past master of the Blue Lodge and to the Consistory at Pittsburg. During the Spanish-American War, Mr. Duncan was adjutant of the 10th Pa. Vol. Inf. and he served in the Philippine Islands.

DAVID S. REED, a prominent citizen of Claysville, Pa., who has resided in his pleasant home which is situated on Wayne street, sinee the spring of 1906, was born in Ohio County, W. Va., June 18, 1852, and is a son of Samuel and Jane (Wallace) Reed, and a grand- son of Robert Reed, who was a native of Ireland.

Samuel Reed was born on his father's farm in Buffalo Township, Washington County, Pa. He was a miller by trade and the family lived in different sections where the father engaged in operating grist mills. In 1854 he brought his family back to Washington County and for a time they lived near Buffalo village and then moved to East Finley Township. Samuel Reed there engaged in farming. His death occurred in Claysville .Jan. 10, 1893.

David S. Reed obtained his education both in public and private schools and he also tanght school for five winter terms. In 1880 he returned to Ohio County, W. Va., where he engaged in truck farming and dairving

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

for several years and also paid special attention to breeding Poland China hogs, having registered stock. He owns a farm of 200 acres which is situated in Ohio County, just three miles southwest of West Alexander, Pa. In the fall of 1905 he returned to Washington and in 1906 settled permanently at Claysville and in 1907 embarked in the gardening and greenhouse busi- ness, with a partner, the firm name being Reed & Snee. Prior to returning to his native county, Mr. Reed was

a clerk for a short time for the well known merchant, D. M. Campsey, at Claysville. He also gained a fair knowledge of the science of medicine, for two years being a student in the office of the late Dr. George Inglis, at Claysville, and he also for a time subse- quently, was a student in a medical college at Cincin- nati. His natural impulse, however, has always been for things that he could produce from the soil, and in his present enterprise he is taking pleasure and meet- ing with success.

On Dec. 5, 1883, Mr. Reed was married to Miss Mag- gie G. Laird, a daughter of Robert Laird, late of Don- egal Township, and they have one son, David S. Mr Reed and family belong to the Presbyterian Church. He is a Republican. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Independent School District of Clays- ville. Since June, 1909, has been secretary of the board.

JAMES A. MOUNTS, one of the leading citizens of Washington, Pa., who has resided here for some 15 years, owns a farm of 238 acres, situated in South Franklin Township. Mr. Mounts was born in South Franklin Township, Washington County, Jan. 28, 1842, and is a son of Richard R. and Margaret (Johnson) Mounts, and a grandson of Richard Mounts. The grand- father came to Washington County from Maryland, in 1773. His wife (Mary Keley) was born on the Atlantic Ocean while her parents, were on their way here from Ireland. They settled on a small farm near what is now the city of Washington, Pa., and there spent the re- mainder of their lives. Nine children were born to them ,all of whom later became well and favorably known in South Franklin Township. They were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. In his political sym- pathies he was a Federalist.

Richard H. Mounts, son of Richard and father of James A. Mounts, was born in what is now included in West Washington, Washington County. His hoy- hood days were spent on the farm assisting his father, and he attended school as opportunity was afforded him. In association with a brother, he then bought land in Franklin Township and the two young men shared the home until 1835. Then Richard R. Mounts was mar- ried to Margaret Johnson, a daughter of William and Sarah Johnson, of Lancaster County, Pa., and they be-

came the parents of four children: Richard M .; Sarah, who married William Weir, aud died in 1904; William, who died in 1863; and James A., the subject of this sketch. Richard R. Mounts and wife both died on their Franklin Township farm, the former in 1878, aged 66 years, and his wife in 1887, aged 67 years. They were most worthy people and were held in esteem and re- spect as long as they lived. In their religious con- nection they were Presbyterians, at first being members of the North Buffalo Church and later of the church at Washington. Mr. Mounts was a reliable citizen and was ever active in promoting the best interests of his neighborhood. Like his father he engaged extensively in farming and stock raising. He made a specialty of sheep, keeping on his 400 acres sometimes as many as 600 head.

James A. Mounts resided in South Franklin Township for many years and was, like father and grandfather, largely interested in raising cattle, horses and sheep. Since coming to Washington, he has been retired from business here and has become a citizen of prominence, one who is ever ready to promote enterprises that promise to permanently benefit the community.

Mr. Mounts was married, first, in 1866, to Martha Chambers, who died, leaving five children, namely: Mar- garet, who is the wife of Brook Anderson, and has a beautiful home at No. 320 Allison avenue, Washing- ton; Harriet, who is the wife of P. Reeves, of South Franklin Township; Jennie, who resides at Bridgeport, Ill .; Jimella, who is the wife of Howard Maddox, a son of Dr. Maddox. residing at Sharon, Pa., and John W., who resides on the farm in South Franklin Township. Mrs. Monnts died Jan. 27, 1890. Mr. Mounts was mar- ried (second) in 1897 to Miss Ella Jane Anderson. She was born in Missouri and is a daughter of John A. Anderson, who is now a merchant at Washington. She was reared in the Methodist Episcopal faith. To Mr. and Mrs. Mounts two children were born, Richard Will- iam, who died in infancy; and Sarah Elizabeth. For many years Mr. Mounts has been a member of the Pres- byterian Church.

MATTHEW MORROW, a lifelong resident and sub- stantial farmer of Canton Township, owning the old homestead farm of 122 aeres, was born on this farm July 20, 1850, his parents being representatives of old pioneer families of Washington County, Pa. They were William and Eliza (McClay) Morrow.

It is probable that the grandfather, Matthew Morrow, the first of the family to settle in what is now Canton Township, Washington County, came from Ireland, that country having contributed largely to the sturdy stock that first ventured into the wild regions beyond the Allegheny Mountains. William Morrow, father of Mat-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

thew Morrow, who bears bis grandfather's name, was born carly in the past century and when he died was in his $5th year, Ilis life had been entirely spent in agricultural pursuits. He was a member of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church. He married Eliza Me- Clay, who died in 1872, and of their children there are four yet living, namely: Sarah J., who is the widow of Thomas P. Allison, of Canton Township; Mary A., who lives also in Canton Township; Margaret E., who is the wife of Jackson Lane, of Vernon, Allegheny County ; and Matthew. Robert M. is deceased.

Matthew Morrow had the educational opportunities that the farmer's sons of the neighborhood enjoyed and he has spent his whole life in the community where many others of them have also lived. The loneliness of the great eities and the lack of all that seems to make life worth the living, is totally unknown to those whose lives have been quietly spent in the same neigh- borhood, and doubtless they fully appreciate their good fortune. Mr. Morrow grew to manhood acenstomed to farm duties of every kind and when he became the practical owner of the home estate was fully prepared to carry on the work which his father had started. He raises large erops and each year turns out much first- class stoek. He has made many improvements, but has never disturbed the old stone barn which bears the in- seribed date "182]," which is assumed to have been the year of its erection. It is interesting as one of the old landmarks of Canton Township, so few of which yet remain.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 50

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