Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 6

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 6

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).

In September, 1869, Dr. Finley was married to Miss Emeline Thompson, who died in 1907. They had one son, Frank H. Following in the footsteps of his honored father, he also studied medicine and is a graduate of the college of Physicians and Surgeons, at Baltimore, Md., but he has never entered into active practice. His home is with his father and he is interested in the manage- ment of the farm. Dr. Finley, the elder, is identified with the Republican party.

JAMES F. SPEER, a leading citizen of Canonsburg and an honored soldier of the late Civil War, who has served two terms as commander of Thomas Paxton Post, G. A. R., and has also been post quartermaster for six years, has had his home in this section of Washington

County almost all his life. He was born in Chartiers Township, Washington Co., Pa., three miles from Canons- burg, and is a son of Robert and Nancy (Harsha) Speer.

The father of Mr. Speer was born in Peters Town- ship, Washington Co., Pa., Sept. 18, 1806, and was a wool carder by trade. One of his brothers, Thomas Latta Speer, was a minister and preached at the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. Another brother, James, lived and died in the old homestead in Peters Township. One sister, Mary, married Paul Matthews, another sister, Jane, married Richard Black and she died in Pittsburg, while the third sister, Deborah, married a Mr. Wells. He married Naney Harsha, who was born in Chartiers Township, Washington County, May 3, 1813, and died Feb. 17, 1903. She was a daughter of Thomas Harsha, who was a very early settler in Chartiers Township. At that early day one of the common farm industries was distilling and Mrs. Speer remembered that in her girl- hood she could stand on the porch of her home and count the smoke going up from 13 distilleries. She was one of a family of 13 children and became the mother of seven. Thomas Speer, born Oct. 5, 1839, died Nov. 19, 1861. Jennie Speer, born Aug. 3, 1841, married William Patterson, Aug. 22, 1860, and they reside in Cecil Township. James F. Speer, born Aug. 12, 1843, resides at Canonsburg. Robert Speer, born July 14, 1845, enlisted in Co. G, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf., and died in the service, during the Civil War, Feb. 19, 1865. Stewart Speer, born Apr. 15, 1847, went to Missouri and there married a Miss Barmer and died there Apr. 14, 1873. He is survived by two sons, Stewart and Edward, the former of whom lives at Carthage, Mo., and the latter at Kansas City. Alexander Speer, born Aug. 22, 1849, married Eliza J. Wallace and resides at Canons- hurg. Catherine Speer, born May 13, 1852, married Joseph Templeton and resides in North Strabane Town- ship. The father of this family died June 11, 1853.

James F. Speer attended the old Fee School in Char- tiers Township, which was a typical pioneer temple of learning, having slab seats, puncheon floor and plenty of ventilation. During one winter, when he was about nine years old, he attended the MeNary subscription school. He remained on the farm until the opening of the Civil War, when in answer to the call of the President every town, village and country side sent its quota to swell the ranks of a loyal people. The Speer family con- tributed two sons, Robert and James F., both of whom were wounded and only one of whom ever returned.

Mr. Speer enlisted in 1861 in Co. B, 85th Pa. Vol. Inf., enlisting for three years. At the battle of Fair Oaks, a struggle covering seven days, he was first wounded, and at Deep Bottom, he was shot through the shoulder, and all through the whole period of service un- til he was honorably discharged on Aug. 16, 1864, he

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bore himself in the face of daily danger, as a brave and loyal soldier. lle participated in many of the severest struggles which subsequently brought about the triumph of the Union arms and erushed rebellion and a reeital of these brings to the mind of every student of history and true Americaa citizen, the terrible priee that was paid for the preseat peace, the fruits of which are enjoyed not only by the descendants of the old veterans who fought for it, but also by those who often seem forgetful how it was secured. Mr. Speer took part in the battles of Fort Wagner and Fort Gregg, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Seven Pines (seven days of battling) Jones Ford, Harrison Landing, Suffolk, Black Water, South West Creek, Kingston, White Hall, Goldsboro, Folly Island, Morris Island, White Marsh Island, Charleston, Bermuda Hundred, Strawberry Plains, Chapin's Farm, Deep Bottom, Petersburg and Appomattox. He was cor- poral, sergeant and sharp-shooter.

Mr. Speer returned to Washington County and learned the brieklaying trade and followed the same until 1901. In ISSI he erected his present handsome residence at Canonsburg where he is one of the representative eiti- zens. He has been a life-long Republican. At different times he has been elected a member of the town eouneil and during one term was president of the same.

On Dec. 10, 1868, Mr. Speer was married to Miss Rebecca E. MaeMillan. She is a daughter of John and Mary (Mitchell) MaeMillan, a granddaughter of John and Mary MaeMillan, and a great-granddaughter of the noted Dr. John MaeMillan. Her parents were married January 1, 1835. The father died Aug. 23, 1890, aged 79 years. The mother of Mrs. Speer died in November, 1890, aged 80 years. The father, Joha MacMillan, was married (first) to Elizabeth Fulton, in March, 1833.

The grandfather of Mrs. Speer was also John Mac- Millan and the grandmother was Rebecca Anderson. He was married three times and was the father of ten chil- dren. Grandfather John MaeMillan was born in North Strabane Township, Washington County, in 1787.

Rev. John MacMillan, the grandfather of Mrs. Speer, was a man very prominent in the history of Washing- ton County. He was one of the earliest pioneer preach- ers to push westward and take upon himself the hard- ships of a preacher's life ia the wilderness beyond the Allegheny Mountains. He was born at Fog Manor, N. J., Nov. 11, 1752, and graduated from Princeton College in the fall of 1772. He was licensed to preach in 1774 and came to Washington County and settled in North Strabane Township in 1778, but owing to the hostility of the Indians at that time, was not accompanied by his family, but they subsequently joined him. He died in 1833 at the age of 82 years. He married Catherine Brown. His parents were William and Margaret (Rea) MaeMillan, the former of whom was bora in 1717 and

died July 2, 1792, and was buried at Chartiers Hill Presbyterian Church. The first wife of William Mae- Millan died in 1768 and he married the mother of Samuel Miller, the latter of whom was associated for several years with Rev. John MaeMillan in conducting Jefferson College. Mrs. Speer has one sister, Mrs. 11. H. Bebout, residing at Canonsburg.

Mr. and Mrs. Speer had six children born to them, namely : Mary Loretta, who was born Sept. 27, 1869, married William P. McConnell, of North Strabane Town- ship, and they have three daughters and one son-Myrtle, Agnes, Gaynes, Hazel and Earl; William L. Speer, who was born Sept. 13, 1871, resides at Allegheny City, mar- ried Etta Glass and they have one son, Howard; Minnie Orella, who was born Oct. 25, 1875, married Jobn E. Hill, and they live at Azusa, Cal., and have one son, Speer Hill; Naney B., who was born May 29, 1878, died Aug. 19, 1880; John Mack, who was born Mar. 30, 1881, resides with his father, married Annie O. O'Roak, and Cora P., who was born Mar. 25, 1884, married Thomas MeKowan and they reside in Canonsburg. They have one son, Thomas MeKowan. Mr. Speer and family be- long to the First Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg.

PERRY LIGGETT, one of Hopewell Township's most respected citizens, who has resided on his farm of 15 aeres for the past 46 years, was born in Independence Township, Washington Co., Pa., Sept. 5, 1837, and is a son of Jesse and Hanna (Westlake) Liggett. The par- ents were farming people. They had the following chil- dren: William A., deceased; Elizabeth, wife of Fletcher Westlake; Lemuel, deceased; Perry, Mary Jane (Cun- ningham), and Albert.

Perry Liggett attended the publie schools in his boy- hood and has devoted his whole life to agricultural pur- suits and still takes an interest in cultivating his farm. In 1862 he married Miss Rachel Vanee, a daughter of James and Susan (Walker) Vanee and they have had the following children: Elmer, who resides in Hopewell Township, married Ola Craft and they have seven ehil- dren-Charles Vance, Deana Blanche, Quentin P., Perry B., Rachel G., Matthew B. and Minnie Ola; Frank, who carries on business in Ohio, married Luey Liggett and they have a son, Charles C .; and Ray, who resides at home and is engaged as a teamster. He married Maggie Burkhart, and they bave seven children: Hilda M., Ralph P., Fred V., Ashley C., Stanton R., Beatrice and Vir- ginia B.

Mrs. Liggett is a member of one of the old county families. Her brother, Robert Vance, is deceased, but her sister, Elvira, survives and is the wife of James Dodds. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett have lived here almost a half century and they have seen many changes take place, many old families wiped out and many modern

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

improvements made, such as were never even imagined in the early days. They have a wide circle of friends. Mrs. Liggett is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at West Middletown.

ROBERT W. IRWIN, senior member of the prominent law firm of Irwin & Wiley, with offices at Nos. 415-418 Washington Trust Building, Washington, Pa., is a lead- ing member of the Washington County bar. He was born in West Finley Township, Washington Co., Pa., Apr. 25, 1858, and is a son of Ephraim and Margaret (Richey) Irwin.

Both paternal and maternal grandparents of Mr. Irwin were born in North Ireland and they came to Washing- ton County early in the nineteenth century. Ephraim Irwin, father of Robert W., was born in Washington County, followed agricultural pursuits and lived a long and honorable life. He married Margaret Richey and they became the parents of the following children: Eliz- abeth, who married W. J. Meloy; Esther A., who married Jonas Mills; William R., J. B., Robert W., Sadie M. and an infant son, deceased.

Robert W. Irwin was reared until his 16th year in West Finley Township, working on the farm and attend- ing the district schools. He then accompanied his par- ents to Buffalo Township, Washington County, and two years later to Cross Creek. In 1877 the family settled permanently in Hopewell Township. Although Mr. Ir- win cheerfully performed the duties required of him on the home farm during youth and early manhood, the end he kept constantly in view was the acquisition of knowl- edge and the subsequent entrance into professional life. He commenced to teach school in the fall of 1875 and while his winters were thus employed, his summers were usually given up to study. He attended the Claysville and Alexander Normal Schools and also paid some at- tention to the classies. It is remembered that he was especially interested in the debating societies and ex- celled the other earnest and serious-minded young men of his class in his lucid reasoning and his powers of oratory. These gave indication of the success which has so notably advanced him in his profession, for probably the Washington bar has no more eloquent pleader than Mr. Irwin.

In November, 1877. Mr. Irwin entered upon the study of law in the office of Attorney Boyd Crumrine, and was admitted to the bar on June 15, 1881, since which time he has been continuously engaged in practice at Wash- ington. Upon the retirement of Judge Acheson from the bench, at the latter's request a partnership was formed with Mr. Irwin and during the several years' continuanee of the firm of Acheson & Irwin, the com- bination was considered one of the strongest in the county. Later Mr. Irwin associated with him James

A. Wiley and A. T. Morgan, both being men of recog- nized legal standing. Mr. Irwin has met with much . success in his practice which has been general in char- acter, and his name has been identified with a large amount of the litigation of importance in the county for a number of years.

On Dec. 24, 1884, Mr. Irwin was married to Miss Carrie N. Fowler, a daughter of William Fowler, of Westmoreland County, and a niece of William Smith, a prominent citizen of Smithville, Washington County. To Mr. and Mrs. Irwin were born the following children: Nellie May, Earl Wilson, Ray Wilson, Frances Margaret, Leona, Edith and Robert, the survivors being Nellie May, now being Mrs. A. B. Loucks; Frances Margaret and Edith. Mr. Irwin and family have an attractive home, its location being No. 85 Highland avenue. They are members of the First Presbyterian Church. Fra- ternally, he is an Elk and a Kuight Templar Mason. He is a leading Democrat of Washington County.

CULBERT M. GREER, of Canonsburg, Pa., who is connected with the real estate department of the Pitts- burg Coal Company, at Pittsburg, was born on Squirrel Hill, Allegheny Co., Pa., Mar. 20, 1853, and is a son of Wesley and Mary Jane (Manes) Greer.

The father of Mr. Greer was born in Pittsburg, Alle- gheny County, and died when aged 62 years. The mother was born in Elizabeth Township, Allegheny Co., Pa., and survived her husband for a long period, passing away in January, 1906, when in her 80th year. They had two sons, Culbert M. and Wesley. The latter married Miss Annie Foster, of Bridgeville, Allegheny County, and they reside at Canonsburg.

Culbert M. Greer left school when 18 years of age, having attended Jefferson Academy and Washington and Jefferson College. He then left the home farm and for the following eight years was engaged in a hardware and implement business, and when he disposed of that, he returned to the farm in Cecil Township, where he went into the registered stock business. He became a well-known and reliable breeder of Holstein and Guernsey cattle and also trotting and draft horses, and owned some of the finest stock in Washington County. In 1899 he began optioning coal for the Pittsburg Coal Company, and perhaps has purchased more valuable coal properties than any man ever connected with the con- pany. His business judgment is almost faultless and his tact and diplomacy are also recognized factors. Mr. Greer owns a large amount of property located in dif- ferent sections, valuable farm land in Chartiers Town- ship and realty in Canonsburg. He has been a resident of Washington County since he was 10 years old, and he has lived in the vicinity of the borough of Canonsburg since 1862. His business interests are many, varied and

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important and his name will seldom be found identified with any enterprise that is not solidly financed.

Mr. Greer married Miss Margaret S. Clark, a daughter of James and Mary Jane (Dickson) Clark, and she was born in Buffalo Township, Washington County. To Mr. and Mrs. Greer three children have been born, two daughters and one son: Lucile, who is the wife of Dr. Charles L. Ilarsha, of Canonsburg; James Clark and Alice. Mr. Greer is a member of the Greenside United Presbyterian Church, of which he has been a trustee for 21 years. In his political views he is a Republican.

ADDISON F. BURNS, a highly respected and well- known resident of MeDonald, Pa., where he lives, prac- tically retired from business activity, has been largely identified with oil production for a number of years and still owns eight valuable oil wells, together with a one-fourth interest in 12 other wells and a one-twelfth interest in 24 more. He is also an honored veteran of the Civil War and is secretary and treasurer of the Sur- vivors' Reunion Association of Capt. Easton's Light Battery A, 1st Pa. Reserves. Mr. Burns was born in Trumbull County, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1846, and is a son of William and Mary Jane (Sergent ) Burns.

William Burns was engaged in the lumber business for a number of years, but later turned his attention to the oil industry and continued to be associated with that until his death, which occurred in 1893. He mar- ried Mary Jane Sergent, who died in 1889, and they had the following children: Olive Jane, who married William F. MeCullough; Addison F., Delay F., who died in 1900; Sarah Ann, who married Henry C'amp; and Harriet R. and Charles N. The paternal grandparents were David and Elizabeth Burns, and the maternal were Jesse and Elizabeth Sergent.

Addison F. Burns attended the district schools until he was 14 years of age and then began to be useful to his father on the home place and worked for him until he went into the army, becoming a member of Capt. Easton's Light Battery A, Ist Pa. Reserves. After his period of military service was over he returned home and went into the lumber business with his father until 1872 and then gave his main attention to dealing in real estate until 1877, at which time he became interested in oil production and that was actively pursued until 1898, when he came to McDonald, where he has lived somewhat retired for a few years.

Mr. Burns was married (first) in 1867, to Miss Sarah E. Undercoffer, who died June 15, 1878. They had five children: Harry, Forest E., Ora I., Cressie and Naomi. Ora I. is the wife of L. W. Gibbs. Cressie died in 1881 and Naomi died in 1907. Mr. Burns was married (sec- ond) to Miss Lida Pike, a daughter of William and Eliza Pike, who were natives of St. John's, New Found-

land. William Pike was a sea captain, who lost his life at sea in 1868, Richard Pike, a cousin of Mrs. Burns, commanded the ship Kite in the Greeley expedition to search for the North Pole. William Pike and wife had three children: Anna, who married Frank Lott; Eliza- beth, who is deceased; and Lida, who is the wife of Mr. Burns. Mr. and Mrs. Burns have four children: Charles A., Lillian, Robert W. and Leroy F. The family at- tends the Presbyterian Church. In polities, Mr. Burns is a Republican.

JAMES C. CORRIN, a retired grocer of Mononga- hela City, Pa., who has been a resident here all of his life, was born Mar. 25, 1856, and is a son of William and Eleanor (Hudson) Corrin.

William Corrin, who was born on the Isle of Man, off the coast of England, came to America about 1845, and located at Monongahela City, Pa., where for many years he followed building and contracting. Ile died here in 1953 at the age of 70 years, and his wife, who was also a native of the Isle of Man, died in 1896 at the age of 76 years. They were the parents of ten children, the six oldest of whom were born on the Isle of Man, name- ly : Catherine, who is the wite of John Sntman; William; Edward, who died at the age of 65 years; Anna, who married H. Underwood; John T .; Ella, who is the wife of James Yohe. The four born in America are: Joseph H., Alfred B., James Calvin, the subject of this sketch; and Emma, who is the wife of George Walker.

James Calvin Corrin attended the public schools, and when a young man learned the plasterer's trade with A. T. Gregg. He subsequently followed contracting for 16 years and about 1892, engaged in the grocery busi- ness with James Skillen, with whom he was associated in that business for 11 years. He first located on Fourth and Main streets, on the present site of the First National Bank, and after his nephew purchased Mr. Skillen 's inter- est in the business, the firm was known as Corrin & Cor- rin. They employed ten clerks in the store and had an extensive trade until 1908, when the firm disposed of the business, since which time Mr. Corrin has been living in retirement, and his nephew, W. T. Corrin, went to Denver in search of health. Beside his residence prop- erty, located at No. 520 Chess street, Mr. Corrin owns considerable other real estate, and he and H. C. Sutman laid out North Charleroi, disposing of their land there in a few years.

In January, 1897, Mr. Corrin married Mrs. Maggie E. (Wickerham) Penrod, a daughter of Adam Wiekerham, and the widow of Noah Penrod, who left one son, Charles Edgar Penrod. Her great-grandfather laid out the lower portion of Monongahela City, and her father is the oldest living native of Monongahela City.

Politically, Mr. Corrin is an adherent of the Demo-

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cratic party, is a member of the Democratic County Committee, and is serving his fourth term as a council- man from the Third Ward. He is fraternally a Mason, and past worshipful master of the Henry M. Phillips Lodge of Monongahela City, and is also a member of the B. P. O. E.

JOHN G. HALL, county recorder of Washington Coun- ty, Pa., is one of the county's representative men, with the public affairs of which he has been identified almost continuously since he reached manhood. He was born at Washington, Pa., Apr. 27, 1872, and is a son of James Add and Anna (Martin) Hall and a grandson of the late Gen. John Hall.

After graduating from the public schools of Washing- ton, John G. Hall entered Washington and Jefferson Col- lege, leaving there in order to accept a proffered clerk- ship in the Washington postoffice. Later he was appointed deputy sheriff of Washington County and served in the office with efficiency and in 1903 he was first elected coun- ty recorder. His subsequent re-election was proof suffi- cient as to his capacity and popularity. He possesses much of the geniality that contributed greatly to the suc- cess of his late grandfather, Gen. John Hall, in his long and successful public career. Mr. Hall is a prominent factor in Republican politics, is an earnest worker for his party and has served as secretary and chairman of the Republican County Committee. His place of residence is at No. 252 Locust Avenue, Washington.

WILLIAM R. DICKSON, M.D., physician and surgeon at McDonald, Pa., where he is a leading and representa- tive citizen, was born in Allegheny Co., Pa., Aug. 28, 1868, and is a son of William A. and Elizabeth R. (Me- Burney) Dickson.

The father of Dr. Dickson was a farmer iu Allegheny County where his death occurred. His widow survives and resides at Crafton, Pa. Their parents were: Will- iam and Margaret (Glenn) Dickson, and Robert and Elizabeth (Welch) McBurney. They had the following children : Margaret Glenn, Elizabeth R., Robert M., Anna, William R., Agnes J., Walter E. and Bertha L. Of the above family, Anna is the wife of Rev. W. E. Barcus. Walter E. is engaged in the practice of dental surgery at Burgettstown. Bertha L. is deceased.

William R. Dickson attended the public schools and Ingleside Academy, later Westminster College and subse- quently the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, now the University of Pittsburg, where he was graduated in medicine and immediately located at McDonald, where he has a large and substantial practice. He is a very active citizen, taking a deep interest in all that promises to be beneficial to the city. He has served as a member of the

school board for five years and was in the city council for four years. In politics he is a Republican.

Dr. Dickson was married Mar. 29, 1898, to Miss Jane E. Donaldson, a daughter of Rev. J. B. Donaldson, of New Wilmington. Mrs. Dickson has one sister and two brothers: Frances, who is the wife of Dr. A. A. Aiken; and Thomas I. and John, the latter of whom is a physi- cian. Dr. and Mrs. Dickson have three children : Frances Elizabeth, Robert Glenn, and William R. Dr. Dickson and wife are members of the First United Presbyterian Church at McDonald. He is a thirty-second degree Mason and is identified with the Blue Lodge at McDon- ald and the Council, Chapter and Commandery at Pitts- burg. He belongs also to the Knights of Pythias, the Heptasophs and the Royal Arcanum, all at McDonald.

HON. JOHN A. MCILVAINE, president judge of the courts of Washington County, 27th Judicial District of Pennsylvania, and president of the board of trustees of Washington and Jefferson College, at Washington, Pa., was born in Somerset Township, Washington Coun- ty, Apr. 13, 1843. His parents were William and Ma- tilda Mellvaine, and he is a grandson of Greer Mell- vaine, who settled in Somerset Township about 1789, coming from the eastern part of the state.

Judge MeIlvaine acquired his elementary education in the common schools of his native township. On Sept. 19, 1860, he entered the junior preparatory department of Jefferson College, Canonsburg. Here he proved his natural ability and taste for work by doing double duty, and was rewarded by being admitted to the Freshman class at the beginning of the fall term of 1861. In 1865 he was graduated with the second honor of his class, which consisted of 36 members, and delivered the Latin salutatory on Commencement day. This was the last class graduated at Jefferson College before its union with Washington College, the two institutions forming thereafter Washington and Jefferson College, the noted educational center at Washington.

Making choice of law as his profession, Mr. Mc- Ilvaine entered as a student the law office of Hon. Boyd Crumrine, at Washington, and was admitted to the bar at the August term of 1867. For two years following he was clerk in the office of the county treasurer. He then went to Wichita, Kan., where he served for one year as clerk of the District Court. Called home in July, 1872, by the illness of his father, he saw and embraced a favorable opportunity for opening an office in Washing- ton. During the remainder of that year and in 1873, he served as secretary of the Republican County Vigilant Committee. In 1874 he was elected district attorney for Washington County and was subsequently elected for a second consecutive term, serving in all for six years.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 6

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