Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 52

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 52

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

William Abbott was about 5 years old when his

876

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

mother and father brought the family to Pittsburg, which at that time had but one railroad, and in 1856 they came to Washington County and located at Mingo, which is now known as River View. There Mr. Abbott was reared and shortly after the family located entered the coal mines, and continued a miner for 30 years, dur- ing which time he spent two years in the gold mines of Montana. He subsequently embarked in contracting and road building, which he still follows, and in partnership with Thomas B. Myers has built many of the roads of Washington County, and in 1903 he erected at West Monongahela, the Hotel Abbott, which is a 31-room brick building, and is located on the electric railroad. Mr. Abbott is a member of the B. P. O. E. of Mononga- hela City. He has served IS years as a school director of Carroll Township and was instrumental in having the old log school-houses replaced by modern buildings, and has served 12 years as supervisor and in various other township offices.

On Dec. 25, 1870, Mr. Abbott married Elizabeth Hodg- son, and they have the following children: James, who married Lucinda Lode and has three children-Will- iam, Hodgson and Almeda; Addison; Mayme; Mar- . garet, who is the wife of Warren Yohe, has one son, Lewis; . John; Edward, who married Lillian Gee and has three children-Margaret, Elizabeth, and Kenneth; Joseph; Ody; Lottie and Elija, who died young.

W. W. SMITH, deceased, for many years was so actively identified with the leading business interests of Washington, Pa., as to be easily recalled by those who take pride in the achievements of the older generation and give them the credit due for the city's present pros- perity. He was born at Washington, Pa., Ang. 15, 1830, and was a son of William and Fanny (Wrenshall) Smith

William Smith was born near Darlington, Beaver Co., Pa., Aug. 15, 1800, and grew to manhood on his father's farm. In 1821, with his brother, James T. Smith, he came to Washington and they established a general store and succeeded so well in their enterprise that they were led, one year later, to seek a wider field, which they found in Philadelphia. They established themselves in commodious quarters on Market Street in that city and continued there prosperously nntil the breaking down of James T. Smith's health caused them to sell their mer- cantile interests in Philadelphia, in 1825. William Smith then returned to the western part of the State and con- ducted a general store at Uniontown until 1828, in which year he again took up his residence in Washington. He opened a store shortly afterward. in the building where the Watson Block now stands, just south of the Public Square, and remained there until 1835, and then pur- chased the Rev. Thomas Hogue property at the north-

east corner of Main and Bean streets, into which he moved his store. Mr. Smith here carried on a very sat- isfactory business by himself until 1853, when he admit- ted his son, W. W. Smith, as a partner, under the firm name of William Smith & Son. Some years after the establishing of his store, he organized a private bank and this business was conducted under tse same firm name. In 1867, William Smith retired, leaving the management of these large interests to his son and part- ner, the latter having demonstrated superior business capacity. After his retirement, Mr. Smith moved to Philadelphia, where he purchased a pleasant home in which he resided until the spring of 1887, when he re- turned to Washington, where his death occurred July 12, 1887, when aged 87 years. He was possessed of large realty holdings, among them the Green Tree Corner, which he had acquired from Judge Baird at an early date, and the northwest corner of Main and Beau streets, on which, in 1861, he erected the magnificent brick and iron structure known as Iron Hall.

Mr. Smith was married (first) in 1828, to Miss Fanny Wrenshall, of Pittsburg, and they had two children: William W. and Fanny Fielding, the latter of whom be- came the wife of Ferdinand Varro. Mrs. Smith became an invalid and passed away in the fall of 1861. Subse- quently, in Philadelphia, Mr. Smith married a Mrs. Newell, a widow, who was a daughter of John Simes, an early resident of Washington, and she died in Phila- delphia during the winter of 1886. William Smith was a man of Christian life and character. In earlier years he was a member of the Covenanter Church, later, while living at Washington, united with the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church and after moving to Philadelphia, at- tended the United Presbyterian Church.

William W. Smith, son of William and Fanny (Wrens- hall) Smith, enjoyed both educational and social advan- tages. Prior to 1848 he was a student in the preparatory department of Washington College, under Prof. Robert Milligan, and then entered the freshman class. After his graduation with the class of 1852, he entered active- ly into commercial life in his father's employ and in 1853 was admitted to partnership. He was a man of brilliant intellect and prepared for the bar although he never sought admission, finding his knowledge of law, however, to be of great value to him as his business interests accumulated. After the retirement of his father, in 1867, Mr. Smith continued the management of the establishments above mentioned and by his ability, caution and judgment added largely to the prestige they had already enjoyed. Later in life he was ably assisted by his two sons, who still conduct the banking house of William Smith & Son, which was founded by their grand- father.

In addition to the interests above commented on, Mr.

JAMES H. McBURNEY

819

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

Smith was actively identitied with various organizations of the borough, charitable and benevolent as well as busi- ness, and was deeply interested in matters pertaining to education. For years he was a member of the board of trustees of Washington and Jefferson College, and was proprietor and rector of Trinity Hall, a select boarding school for boys. This institution was established in 1879 in the building which Mr. Smith had used for 12 years as a private residence. It was built in 1857 and was purchased by Mr. Smith from Joseph MeKnight, in 1566. The boarding school scheme proved successful and from time to time it became necessary to enlarge the original building. A description of Trinity Hall, its exceptional advantages as a school, and its surroundings, may best be given in the tribute once paid it by Rev. Fred C. Cowper, of Amesbury, Mass .: "The school grounds contain 40 acres situated in a rich and beautiful hill country, 1200 feet above tide water, and surrounded by wide spreading maples, ehus, lindens and evergreens, with orchards, gardens and vineyards, through which wind broad drives bordered by well kept lawns. There has never been sickness in the school. Delicate boys become strong and manly in its pure, health-giving at- mosphere. The morals of the place are pure; the tone elevating and refining. Under the present management, the household in all its departments is suitable for the sons of gentlemen, and has all the comforts of a refined home. It is a lovely spot indeed, favored by Nature, developed by the best skill of the landscape gardener. kept up by those who take pride in it; and fortunate is the boy who is permitted to spend his school days at Trinity Hall." This institution had its inception in the desire of Mr. Smith to have his own sons educated with- in the influences of their own refined home.

On July 13, 1867, William W. Smith was united in marriage with Miss Emma Willard MeKennan, a daugh- ter of Hon. William McKennan, judge of the United States Court. Two sons were born to them, namely : William McKennan and Ulysses S. Grant. The former is a very prominent banker and financier at Washington. He married Miss Luey Butler, of Columbus, Ohio, and their beautiful home is on Park Avenue, formerly Trin- ity Hall. Ulysses S. Grant Smith resides abroad, hav- ing been connected with the Diplomatic Service of the United States since 1903. The beloved wife and mother was removed from the happy domestic circle on Aug. 31. 1879, and from this crushing grief Mr. Smith never fully recovered. He was, however, a man of the highest Christian type and permitted no personal sorrow to in- terfere with his outside relations. For many years he was a very earnest member of the Episcopal Church, from 1853 until 1892 was its treasurer, and three times was called upon to represent the Diocese of Pittsburg in the General Convention of the elmureh held at Boston, in

1877; in New York City in 1980; and in Philadelphia, in 1883. During the Civil War he served as a volun- trer aid-de-camp, on the staff of Gen. V. S. Grant, both in the Southwest and in Virginia, and between him and that great commander was cemented a personal regard, a token of which was given when, among the wedding guests of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, at their marriage, in 1567, General Grant, wife and sons, came in the capacity of friends. This friendship was maintained and family vis- its were exchanged through later years.

JAMES H. MeBURNEY, president of the Canonsburg Milling Company, of Canonsburg, Pa., has been identified with the milling interests of this place for the past eighteen years. He was born near Midway, in Robinson Township, Washington County, Pa., November 2, 1560, and is a son of John R. and Elizabeth ( Robb) MeBurney.

John R. MeBurney, father of James Il., was born in Robinson Township, Washington County, on the same farm on which his father, James MeBurney, was born and lived. The first wife of fames MeBurney was a sister of Samuel Atcheson, of near lliekory, the latter of whom died recently and was a well known citizen. The second marriage was to Catherine Lindsay. The first of the MeBurneys in Washington County, came from MeBurneys Mills, Ireland. John R. MeBurney was mar- ried in early manhood to Elizabeth Robb, who died on the old Midway homestead in 1893. Her parents were George and lanet (George) Robb, who were farming people in Cecil Township, near Venice. They were both reared in Washington County. George Robb died in his native county but his widow died after moving to fowa. John R. MeBurney died in July, 1896, aged sixty-six years. They had the following children: James H .; George Robb, who is a minister in the Covenanter Church is lo- cated in Kansas, and he married Mary Houston, of Blanchard, Iowa; Elmer, who is a Christian Science prae. titioner residing at Oakland, Cal., married Elizabeth Scott; Kate W., who for five years has been a medical missionary at Tak-Hing-Chan, China, a noble woman, at the present writing (1909) is visiting her home in Wash ington County; M. R., who is an osteopathie physician located at Los Angeles, C'al., married Mary White, of Beaver Falls, Pa .; Jean George, who is deceased ; Jean George (2), who is also a missionary and physician as is her okler sister, carries on her work in the same part of China; and W. J., who is a minister of the Covenanter Church. settled at Fair Grove, Mich., married Minnie Wylie, of Concord, Ohio.

James Il. MeBurney, of Canonsburg, was educated in the public schools near his home and at Ingleside Acad- emy, at MeDonald, and in 1881 was graduated from Duff's Business College at Pittsburg. He remained at home and assisted in the cultivation of the farm for sev.

880

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

eral years and then went into the mill of Robbins and Bamford, at Midway, and remained there for five and one-half years. In 1891 he came to Canonsburg and pur- chased the mill that was theu operated for thirteen years by himself and his former employers, the firm name being Robbins, Bamford & McBurney. At a later date Mr. MeBurney organized the Canonsburg Milling Company. He stauds very high in the business world and he enjoys also the respect and esteem of those with whom he comes into contact socially.

In 1894, Mr. MeBurney was married to Miss Sadie Scott, a daughter of James and Eliza (Thompsou) Scott, of Beaver Falls, Pa., and they have five children: Mary Lois, John R., James Glenn, Elizabeth Margaret and Jean Scott. The pleasant family home is situated at No. 125 Belmont avenue, Canonsburg. Mr. McBurney is a mem- ber of the Miller's Run Covenanter Church.

J. EDGAR & GEORGE W. COATSWORTH are the owners of the Coatsworth Grocery and Meat Market, which was originally established at California, Pa., in 1898, by a brother. Jonas C. Coatsworth, who carried ou the business until the time of his death in 1901. In July, 1901, our subjects took charge of the business, which was then principally a meat market, and was then located in a small frame building on Wood Street, just opposite their present store, which is located in a two- story brick building which they erected in 1905. Since taking charge of the business the Coatsworth Brothers have gradually increased their stock in groceries and now carry a full line of groceries and provisions in con- nection with their meat market, and do their own slaughtering and dressing of meats.

J. Edgar Coatsworth was born Mar. 25, 1865, in Monongahela City, Pa., and George W. Coatsworth was born Apr. 11, 1875, at California, and they are sons of Thomas and Fanny (Lowstutter) Coatsworth, who came to California with the family in 1874. The father died in October, 1907, and is survived by his widow, who is the mother of 11 children, eight of whom were reared to maturity.

J. E. Coatsworth was reared in California, where he attended the local schools, and subsequently spent two years in the employ of the Westinghouse Machine Com- pany at Wilmerding, Pa., returning to California in 1901 after the death of his brother, Jonas. He was united in marriage with Kathryn Savage, and they have two children : Alice and Mary. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., the Royal Areanum, and the Bankers' Life Insur- ance Company.

George W. Coatsworth was reared and educated at California, Pa,, and married Sarah Rossell, and they have two children, Glenn and Harriet. He also is affil-

iated with the Odd Fellows and the Bankers" Life Insur- ance Company.

THOMAS MeKENNAN, M. D., deceased, who, for a period approaching a half century, was one of the lead- ing men in the profession of medicine in Washington County, was born in the borough of Washington, Pa., May 21, 1825, and was a son of Thomas MeKean Thomp- son and Matilda (Bowman) MeKennan.

In recalling the life and services of men of unusual prominence in any walk of life, it is interesting to in- vestigate into their ancestry and to trace the natural inheritance of ability. Dr. McKennan came of Revolu- tionary stock. Probably his great-grandfather, Rev. William McKeuuan, was a native of Ireland. He came to America ,in 1730 and settled at Wilmington, Del., where he had charge of a Presbyterian church for a pro- tracted period. His son, Col. William MeKennan, was born in Delaware, in 1758. He took part in the Revo- lutionary War, was one of the officers in the Patriot army at the battle of Brandywine, where he was severely wounded, and endured the privations of the memorable winter at Valley Forge. Although he survived his army exposure, he died from the effects of injuries received, after he had become a resident of the borough of Wash- iugton, to which place he came from Charleston, W. Va., in 1801. He married Elizabeth Thompson, who was a niece of Governor Thomas Mckean, of Pennsylvania, who was also one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence. The third son of this marriage was Thomas MeKean T. MeKennan, who was the father of the late Dr. McKennan.

Hon. Thomas MeKean T. MeKennan was born at Newcastle, Del., in 1794, and from early boyhood evinced unusual mental ability, graduating from Washington University when but sixteen years of age. He wisely chose the profession of law and when twenty-one years old he was admitted to the bar. Honors were bestowed upon him thick and fast. He served as deputy-attorney- general of Washington County for three years; in 1831 became a member of the National House of Representa- tives, where he completed four full terms and in 1842 completed the unexpired term of Hon. Joseph Lawrence. In 1840 he was chosen a presidential elector; in 1848 was made president of the Pennsylvania Electoral Col- lege, and in 1850, President Fillmore appointed him a member of his cabinet, as secretary of the interior. This honorable and high public office Mr. MeKennan re- tained but a short time, resigning its honors and emolu- ments in order to resume active practice, give more at- tention to congenial literary pursuits and to assist in de- veloping industries and furthering enterprises for bene- fitting his own State and section. After his return to

ILISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

private life he became president of the Hempfield Rail- road Company, a position he was filling at the time of his death, which took place at Reading, Pa., July 9, 1852. In 1815 he had married Matilla Bowman, who was a daughter of a prominent merchant of Brownsville, Pa. Mis. MeKennan died in March, 1558. Eight children were born to the above union.

The late Dr. Thomas MeKeman was the fifth member of his parents' family. He was reared in the midst of the most fortunate surroundings for the development of his unusual abilities. Wealth and social prestige both were his. In 1842 he was graduated at Washington College. immediately after which he entered upon the study of medicine, and in 1846 he was gradnated in this science, at the University of Pennsylvania, at Philadel- phia. After a year's service as an interne, in the charity institutions of that city, he located in Allegheny, where he engaged in practice until 1851, when he settled per- manently at Washington. Here he became eminent and through the many continuous years of medical and surgi- cal work, met with such professional success as to make his name a household word over a large part of Wash- ington County. He was never desirous of political honors, although stanch in his adherence to the principles of the Republican party, but on many occasions he permitted his name to be used on educational and benevolent boards. For many years he served as a trustee of Wash- ington and Jefferson College; was a trustee of Washing- ton Seminary and a valuable member of the school board of the borough of Washington. He was interested in benevolent organizations of all kinds and was a member of the board of managers of the Pennsylvania Reform School, lending his influence and professional knowledge to the solving of many of its most complex problems.

In 1854. Dr. MeKennan was united in marriage with Margaret M. Stockton, who still survives, residing at No. 42 East Maiden street, Washington. Of their family of twelve children, a number survive, one son, Dr. Thomas M. T. MeKennan, perpetuating the name and profession- al success of his late father.

ALBERT FOSTER MCILVAINE, a dealer in a gen- eral line of tinware, roofing and heating apparatus, at Canonsburg. Pa., is a representative citizen and success- ful business man. He was born in Somerset Township, Washington County, Pa., and was three years okl when his parents, John and Margaret ( Horner) Mellvaine. moved to North Strabane Township.

The grandfathers on both sides were natives of Wash- ington County, both the Mellvaines and Horners having come among the earliest pioneers. John Mellvaine, the father, died in 1557, when aged forty-one years. from the direct result of a cold contracted while he was serving as a soldier in the Civil War. He married Margaret Horner,

and they had three children: Mbert Foster; Mand, who died in infancy ; and Harvey Carson, who resides at hin- deu, Washington County, He took a business course in Duff's Commercial College, and now is a farmer. He married Irene Washabaugh, a daughter of W. B. Wash abaugh, and they have had three children: Calvin and Lloyd, both of whom survive; and Margaret, who is de. ceased. The father was a physician.

Albert F. Mellvaine attended the public schools of Linden, where the family lived until he was grown to manhood. Shortly afterward he entered into his roofing and heating business at Canonsburg, where he enjoys a large trade. A large amount of building in the city calls for more and more modern comfort and security and this is just in line with the commodities Mr. MeIlvaine handles.

Mr. Mellvaine was married in 1898, to Miss Anna Mary Templeton, a daughter of David Templeton, Sr., of North Strabane Township. In polities he is an active Republican and while residing in the country served as township clerk of North Strabane Township. His at- traetive home is situated on South C'entral avenue, C'an- onsburg.

DAVID #. WISE, general contractor, No. 705 doffer- son avenue. Washington, has been a resident of this borough for eighteen years and belongs to an old and prominent pioneer family of western Pennsylvania. He was born in Greene County, Pa., in 1855, and when he was about four years old his parents moved to West Bethlehem Township, Washington County.

Thus Mr. Wise may almost be claimed as a native of Washington County for all his many business achieve- ments have been completed here and in this county he was reared and educated. He remained with his parents until he was eighteen years of age and then went to work in a sawmill, where he continued for four years, after which he learned the carpenter trade, showing particular aptness for the same. He has been engaged in doing a general contracting business for the past ten years and has been connected with mueh of the important build- ing going on in different parts of the county.

In 1890, Mr. Wise was married to Miss Emma Mon- inger, a daughter of Michael Moninger. She is a lady well known in the different charity organizations in the city, being identified with benevolent societies connected with the Christian Church, of which she is a devoted member.

The Wise family was among the early pioneers who set tled in this section and it has been noted for its enter- prising spirit and rugged honesty. Probably no family ever lived in this part of Washington County that did so much, individually and colleetively, in the early days of its history, to promote rapid settlement and improve-

882

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

ment. It was a Wise who erected the first water-power mill for grinding grain, built in the valley of Ten-Mile and it probably was in operation in 1775 and remained in possession of the Wise family until about 1840.

WILLIAM R. GUNN, one of South Franklin Town- ship's representative and respected citizens, has resided on his present farm in this section since 1900, but he was born in West Finley Township, Washington County, Pa., December 8, 1856, and is a son of Alexander A. and Mary (Burns) Gunn.

Alexander A. Gunn was born also in West Finley Township and spent the larger portion of his life there, dying in 1899. He was a son of John Gunn, a very early settler in that part of Washington County, who probably was born in Scotland. Alexander A. Gunn was a useful and respected man and was well known all over the county. In politics he was affiliated with the Republican party. He was one of the liberal supporters of the Cum- berland Presbyterian Church, at Windy Gap. He married Mary Burns and of their children the following survive: Mary J., who married Rev. J. W. Fisher, a prominent Presbyterian minister of San Francisco, Cal; William R., of South Franklin Township; Ross Delano Aldrich, who is a practicing physician of Cleveland, Ohio; Leanna, wife of Ellsworth Ackley, who resides at Homestead, Pa .; Addie, who married George Orm, of Canyon City, Col .; Sadie, who is the wife of John N. Marshall, of West Finley Township; Lottie, who is the wife of Lewis Barnhart, of Cleveland; and Linnie, who is the wife of Elmer Grimm, of Homestead.

William R. Gunn was reared in West Finley Township and obtained his education in the schools of Washington County. He was married (first) to Miss Belle Patterson, who was born in Greene County, Pa., and they had two children; Jean B. and Robert P. He was married (sec- ond) to Mrs. Ida (Baldwin) Clapper, a daughter of Silas Baldwin, of South Franklin Township, and they have one daughter, Cora Louise.

Mr. Gunn is identified with the Republican party, which, in the spring of 1909, made him its local candi- date for the office of director of the poor, for Washing- ton County. He has served as school director since re- moving to this township and is numbered with the useful citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Gunn are members of Bethel Presbyterian Church at Van Buren, in which he is an elder.

WILLIAM L. MILNE, who does a large business at Washington as a plaster contractor, has been a resident of this city for thirty-seven years and is one of its best known, reliable and reputable business men. He was born in Scotland, in 1853.

In his native land Mr. Milne attended school near his

home but when thirteen years of age he came to America, stopping first in the city of Pittsburg, Pa., where he learned the plasterer's trade. In the spring of 1872 he came to Washington and has been engaged in general contracting along his line, for many years. Mr. Milne has acquired property and also high standing as a citi- zen and formerly, when more active in polities than at present, he was frequently urged to accept public office. He served in the council of the old borough and has also been a member of the school board of East Wash- ington.

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

Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 52

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