Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 66

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 66

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Miss Annie M. Crickeon, a daughter of J. C. and Eliza- heth Crickeon. To this marriage one son has been horn, Joseph Lawrence. If the great-grandfather could re- turn to count his descendants he would find seventy- three grandchildren and 322 great-grandchildren. Mr. Russell, like his forefathers, is a Presbyterian and be- longs to the United Presbyterian Church at Hickory. He is a worthy citizen in every particular but has never been ambitious to serve in public office.

SAMUEL ALLEN LACOCK, M. D., of Canonsburg, Pa., was born in Franklin Township, Washington Coun- ty, Pa., December 23, 1849, and is a son of John V. and Sarah Jane (McClenathan) Lacock, a grandson of Ira, and a great-grandson of Samuel Lacock, the latter of whom came from New Jersey to Washington County and established his home in Amwell Township.

The grandfather of Dr. Lacock was born in Amwell Township, December 13, 1794, later moved to Franklin Township and some twelve years prior to his death, sold his farm to his son, John V. Lacock and moved to Wash- ington, where he continued to reside. He was a Jack- sonian Democrat and was a firm adherent of the Disciples or Christian Church. He married Anna Bane, a daugh- ter of Isaac Bane, of Amwell Township and she died December 13, 1876. They had six children.

John V. Lacock, father of Dr. Lacock, was born in Amwell Township, Washington County, near Liberty Chapel, September 5, 1822. The larger part of his life was passed on his farm but a few years before its close he moved to Canonsburg, where he died November 2, 1906, in his eighty-fifth year. Like his father he was a worthy member of the Disciples Church and a strong supporter of the Democratic party. He married Sarah Jane MeClenathan, who was a daughter of William Mc- Clenathan. She died December 14, 1889. Her father was born in Ireland, August 10, 1765, and emigrated to America at an early age and settled in Amwell Township, Washington County. He married Mary Coulson, who was horn September 10, 1780, and they reared the following children : Isabella, born July 9, 1801, married John Tucker, and died March 5, 1873; Samuel, born June 15, 1803, died February 12, 1873; William, born January 16, 1805, died October 15, 1835; John, born February 16, 1807, died November 10, 1878, and was the father of Dr. MeClenathan, of Connellsville, Pa .; James, born June 25, 1809, died July 9, 1876; Blair, born November 26, 1811, died August 18, 1870; Allen, born June 16, 1814; Thomas, horn October 17, 1816; Simmons, born April 9, 1819; Mary (Mrs. Nathaniel Bane), born Oc- tober 22, 1822, died in 1901; and Sarah Jane, mother of Dr. Lacock, was born June 10, 1825.

To John V. Lacock and wife the following children were born: George S., who is a farmer near Paola, Kas.,

T. J. BURNS

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married Mary Slusher; Samuel A., of Canonsburg; Will- iam R., who resides near Vankirk Station in Franklin Township, has been twice married; Ira L., who lives on and owns the farm of his father and grandfather in South Franklin Township; and Marian, who died in childhood.

Samuel A. Lacock attended the Point Lookout school in South Franklin Township, the Washington high school and then spent one year as a student at Washington and Jefferson College, after which ho entered Bethany Col- lege, West Virginia, where he was graduated in June, 1873. From that time until the fall of 1875, he occupied himself with teaching school and making his preliminary preparations for medical college, and then entered the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and attended one course of lectures. In the fall of 1876 he entered Jeffer- son Medical College at Philadelphia, where he was grad- uated in March, 1877, and in July following he entered into practice at McConnell's mills, in Washington County. Dr. Lacock came to his present business location at Can- onsburg on April 1, 1883. He is identified with the lead- ing medical organizations, including the Washington County Medical Society, of which he was president at one time, the State Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.

Dr. Lacock was married (first) to Miss Flora T. Slush- er, who died in April, 1877, leaving one son, Horace Mortimer, who is a physician engaged in practice at Burnesville, in West Finley Township. He married Miss Maud Steel and they have one daughter, Helen. Dr. H. M. Lacock is a graduate of the Canonsburg high school, Meadville College and Jefferson Medical College. Dr. Samuel A. Lacoek was married (second) to Miss Olive Kate De France, on Thanksgiving Day, 1878, who died in August, 1893. Her father was Hugh De France, re- siding at McConnell's mills. There is one surviving daughter, Elva E., who married Harry G. Riekley, of McConnell's mills, and they have four living children and one deceased. On September 9, 1896, Dr. Lacock was married to Miss Sylva De France, a daughter of William De France, of Lieking County, Ohio, and they have twe children: Walter B. and Wilford Clare, both attending school.

In politics, Dr. Lacock is a Jeffersonian Democrat. For 32 years he served as committeeman in his precinct and served one term as burgess of Canonsburg. He is a member of the board of directors of the Citizens' Trust Company of this eity and is numbered with the substan- tial men of the city. Dr. Lacock and family reside in a fine brick residence at No. 235 West Pike street, which he completed in 1902.

T. J. BURNS, one of Washington's representative business men, who is an extensive and experienced oil

operator, was born in Wyoming County, N. Y .. in 1549, attended school there and when 19 years of age came to Pennsylvania and went to work in the oil fields of Venango County.

Making a success of his first efforts in the oil fields, Mr. Burns continued and became more and more in- terested and since then has been identified with almost all the rich oil regions of Western Pennsylvania and in other States, and at present (1909) is operating in the Ohio and Illinois fields also. He came from the Bradford fields to Canonsburg, in 1887, and from there came to Washington, where he established his perma nent home, investing in property and becoming interest- ed in the affairs of this place.

In 1878, Mr. Burns was married to Miss Agnes Me- Keever, of Butler County, Pa., and they have five chil- dren: George, who is interested in the oil industry, at present in Ohio; Theresa, who is the wife of R. Glenn MeDonough, of Washington; Frank, who is an oil well contractor, now in Virginia; Arthur, who is a student at St. Mary's Seminary, Baltimore, Md .; and Daniel, who is in the oil well supply business. Mr. Burns and family are members of the Catholic Church and he and his grown sons, Frank and George, are identified with the Knights of Columbus and the Elks.

ALVAN DONNAN, a member of the well known law firm, Donnans, Brownson & Miller, of Washington, Pa., was born and reared in Washington County and attended the Washington and Jefferson College, from which he graduated in 1875. He studied law with his brother, Jolın W. Donnan, and was admitted to the Washington bar in January, 1877. He then entered upon the practice of his profession with his brother under the firm name of John W. and A. Donnan, which firm was succeeded by Donnans & Brownson, who were eventually succeeded by the present firm, Donnans, Brownson & Miller. Mr. Donnan is a director of the Citizens' National Bank.

In 1882, Mr. Donnan was joined in marriage with Lucy A. Murdoch, and they have the following children : Grace Forrester, who is the wife of Dr. J. Donald Iams, of Pittsburg; Margaretta Murdoch, who is the wife of John L. Stewart, of Washington; Lucy, who is the wife of Richard G. Miller, who is one of the leading lawyers of Washington; Nettie Barker; Alexander, a graduate of the Washington and Jefferson College, who is now a law student at Harvard University; Ruth A .; and Ed- mund A. Donnan.

Mr. Donnan is a member of the Second United Pres- byterian Church, of which be is a member of the Board of Sessions.

BENJAMIN MCCORMICK KELSO, justice of the peace at South Canonsburg, Pa., is engaged there in the

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real estate business and is counted with the representa- tive citizens of the borough. He was born on a farm near Noblestown, Allegheny County, Pa., November 18, 1857, and is a son of George and Sarah (Wallace) Kelso.

The great-grandfather of Justice Kelso was born in Ireland and he probably came to Allegheny County, Pa., shortly after his marriage. His son, Benjamin Kelso, lived and died on the farm on which he was born in Alle- gheny County. In 1815 he married Martha Murdock and they had the following children: Rebecca, John B., Mary, George, James, Naney, Margaret, Benjamin M., Mark B., Samuel M., Elizabeth and Jane.

George Kelso, of the above family, was born in Alle- gheny County in 1821, followed an agricultural life and died on his farm in Cecil Township, Washington County, in 1899. He married Sarah Wallace in June, 1852, and in 1859 moved to Washington County and settled in Cecil Township. She still survives. To this marriage nine children were born, namely: James L., William Wallace, Benjamin M., George Anderson, John Alexander, Eliz- abeth, Martha M., Sarah Belle, and Margaret Agnes. James L. Kelso was born September 24, 1854, married Elizabeth MeNary, of North Strabane Township, and they reside in South Canonsburg. William Wallace Kelso was born February 26, 1856, resides on a farm in Cecil Township and married Annie Anderson. George Anderson Kelso was born February 19, 1868, and re- sides in South Canonsburg. John Alexander Kelso was born February 16, 1873, and married Ella Fullerton, of Mckeesport. Elizabeth Kelso was born May 18, 1853, and died August 11, 1854. Martha M. Kelso was born July 26, 1859, and died September 15, 1880. Sarah Belle Kelso was born June 24, 1861, and died August 1, 1876. Margaret Agnes Kelso was born May 10, 1865, and died September 25, 1872.

Benjamin M. Kelso attended the Kelso school in Cecil Township and resided on the home farm until his mar- riage, in 1888, and then spent eight years at Pasadena, Cal., returning from there to Washington County and establishing himself in the real estate business at Canons- burg, in 1894. Since 1907 he has been a justice of the peace and his time is fully occupied with the duties of his office and his realty dealings. He is a Republican.

On October 25, 1888, Mr. Kelso was married to Miss Mary Cowden Miller, who died October 7, 1909. She was a daughter of Reed and Margaret (Cowden) Miller, of Canonsburg. Ten children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Kelso, all of whom survive except Mary Ann, who was born October 22, 1899, and died May 4, 1901. Those living are the following: Martha Belle, who was born August 14, 1889; Sarah Wallace, who was born January 28, 1891; Margaret Miller, who was born February 21, 1895; Agnes Murdock, who was born July 11, 1896; George Reed, who was born December 21, 1897; Robert

B., who was born October 21, 1901; Ralph McCormick, who was born November 5, 1903; James Lloyd, who was born November 13, 1905; and Harry B., who was born April 11, 1908. Mr. Kelso is a member of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Church.

JAMES DONALD GIBSON, who owns aud is engaged in general farming and dairying on a farm of 112 acres, located about two miles west of Monongahela City, in Carroll Township, Washington County, Pa., was born August 3, 1876, on a farm in Carroll Township, and is a son of Capt. James B. and Isabella L. (Thomas) Gibson.

James Donald Gibson was reared on his present farm in Carroll Township, attended the district schools of the township and the Indiana Normal School, and since completing his education, has been engaged in general farming and dairying on his present place, which is the old Jones farm. Mr. Gibson is one of the substantial and enterprising farmers of the township, always taking an active interest in affairs which pertain to the welfare of the community in which he lives. He is a Democrat in politics, and is affiliated with the B. P. O. E. of Monongahela City.

Mr. Gibson was married August 27, 1901, to Sarah J. Sampson, who is a danghter of William T. Sampson. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson have two children: Lulu May and Clyde Le Roy.

THOMAS LILLEY, formerly one of the best known men and largest land owners of East Pike Run Town- ship, Washington County, Pa., was born in this town- ship and spent his life here, his death occurring in Feb- ruary, 1898. He was a man of excellent qualities and good business judgment. In no way was the latter bet- ter shown than in his retention of large bodies of land which have become doubly and trebly valuable on ac- count of unknown depths of rich coal deposits.

Thomas Lilley married Susan Ulery, a daughter of Stephen Ulery. Of their seven children but two sur- vive: Thomas E. and Mrs. Jane Elliott. The mother of these children died in August, 1899.

Mrs. Jane Elliott, who probably pays more taxes than any other woman in this section of Washington County, was reared on the home farm in East Pike Run Town- ship, and obtained her education in the local schools. In young womanhood she married John Elliott, who was born in Fayette County, Pa., and of their seven children, six are living: Thomas, Edna, Donabella, James, Susan, Lilley and Jacob, Donabella being deceased. Edna is the wife of Cleaver Jones.

For two years following their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Elliott resided in Fayette County. On April 1, 1886,

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

they moved on their present farm of 66 acres, which is situated on the National turnpike road, one and one- quarter miles west of West Brownsville. The large in- crease in the value of his land has made the heirs of the late Thomas Lilley the wealthiest people of East Pike Run Township.

1. T. BIDDLE, M. D., who is prominently identified with the medieal profession of Washington, Pa., was born in Greene County, Pa. IIe graduated with a de- gree of A. M. from Waynesburg College with the Class of 1893, then entered the Chicago, Homeopathie Medical College, from which he graduated in 1896, and about two years later received a certificate from the Haline- maun Medical College of Chicago. Upon completing his course in the Chicago IIomeopathic Medical College he embarked in practice at Monongahela City, where he continued to practice successfully for twelve years pre- vious to coming to Washington, where he has won an enviable reputation as one of the leading and snecessful physicians of the city. He is a member of the State Homeopathie Medical Society and the American Insti- tnte of Homeopathy.

In 1891, Dr. Biddle was joined in the bonds of wed- loek with Nora Carter, of Waynesburg, Pa., and they have two children living: Ruth Bernice and IIerbert N.

Dr. Biddle is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum.

ROBERT LEANDER CARTER, who carries on farm- ing and stoek raising with a large amount of success on a farm of 134 aeres, in Mt. Pleasant Township, en which he resides, owns a second farm, containing 164 aeres, which is situated in the same township, near Primrose. He was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., May 5, 1874, and is a son of John and Ellen J. (Kemp) Carter.

John Carter was born in Washington County, Pa., a son of William Carter, one of the early settlers. He married Ellen J. Kemp and they had three children: William H., who lives at MeDonald; Ada, who married Melvin Kemp, of Bowen, Ill., and they live at Marys- ville, Mo .; and Robert Leander. After marriage, John Carter resided on the farm in Mt. Pleasant Township which is now owned by John M. MeIlvaine, and then moved to a farm of 164 aeres, in the same township, and there his death oeenrred April 26, 1877, and his burial was in the Hickory Cemetery. His widow lives at Bowen, Ill. He was a member of the United Presby- terian Church, of which Mrs. Carter is also a member.

R. L. Carter attended the Cherry Valley district school, Inter Hickory Academy and then turned his attention to the management of his two farms. Following his marriage in 1903 he lived on the homestead for four

years and then came to his present farm, placing a tenant on the other one. He has 120 acres of this farm in a highly cultivated condition. He is devoting a large amount of attention to the breeding of registered Ilol- stein cattle and is meeting with satisfactory results through his enterprising methods.

On February 5, 1903 Mr. Carter was married to Miss Anna M. Small, a daughter of David and Margaret Small, of Mt. Pleasant Township, and they have two children: Clarence E. and Alvin D. Mr. and Mrs. Car- ter are members of the United Presbyterian Church. He takes no very active interest in politics, but performs every duty demanded by good citizenship. He is identi- tied with the Republican party.

ROBERT BAMFORD, one of the prominent farmers and influential citizens of Robinson Township, Wash- ington County, Pa., resides on a farm of 12114 acres, on which he has one producing gas well, and was born February 16, 1857, at Bulger, Pa., a son of Robert and Sarah (Gordon) Bamford.

The Bamford family is of Irish extraction, and the parents of our subject were born in County Antrim, Ireland, came to America in 1848, and located in Alle- gheny County, four years later removing to Washing- ton County, Pa., where the father followed the black- smith trade. Robert and Sarah Bamford were the par- ents of the following children : David G., William, Robert and Mary, who resides at Midway with her widowed mother.

Robert Bamford attended the common schools of the township and early in life engaged in farming which he has followed continuonsly since. He is a stockholder in the Midway National Bank and the MeDonald Say- ings Trust Company, and in polities is identified with the Democratie party. Mr. Bamford is now completing his second term as road supervisor of Robinson Town- ship.

On February 16, 1887, Mr. Bamford was united in marriage with Jennie M. Donaldsen, a daughter of John M. and Martha (Bigger) Donaldson, well known resi- dents of Midway, Pa. John M. Donaldson, who has been living in retirement at Midway, Pa., since 1901, when he erected his present commodious residence, was for many years engaged in agricultural pursuits on a farm of 170 acres, which he inherited from his father, to whom it had been left by the grandfather, James Donaldson. Mr. and Mrs. Donaldson are the parents of the following children: Andrew R., Jennie M., Thomas B., Sallie C., Esther, who is the wife of Rev. J. M. Jamieson, pastor of the United Presbyterian Church at Monessen, Pa .; Emmett T., who died when aged twenty- four years; Elizabeh, deceased, who was the wife of William Stevenson; Margaret, who is the wife of Dr.

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T. A. Miller; Richard M. and H. H., who is a practicing physician at Pittsburg and is identified with the Mercy Hospital.

Mr. and Mrs. Bamford have had the following chil- dren: John Donaldson, who resides on the home farm; Martha, who will graduate from the Robinson Township High School with the Class of 1910; and Sarah, who attends the common schools of the township. The fam- ily holds membership with the Center United Presby- terian Church at Midway.

WILLIAM M. HORN, a prominent and prosperous citizen of Buffalo Township, Washington County, Pa., is also a veteran of that great Civil War which cast its fateful shadow over the United States from 1861 to 1865. He was born in Buffalo Township, April 18, 1839, and is a son of John and Mary M. (Gantz) Horn.

The Horn family originated in Germany. Old family records have been lost aud it is not known just when three brothers of the name landed on the American shore, but from one of these brothers descended William M. Horn, of Buffalo Township. The first Horn recorded in Washington County was Martin Horn, the grand- father of William M., and he was a son of Hartman Horn, who was born in Germany.

John Horn, son of Martin and father of William M., was born in Washington County in 1800 and died in 1885. Of his children who survive, the following are thus located: Martin I., of Knox County, Ohio; Hugh N., of Iowa; Isaac, of Illinois; Elizabeth, widow, of Ventura County, Cal .; Hannah, widow of Eleven Alvy, of Moultrie County, Ill .; William M., of Buffalo Township; and Sarah M., wife of George Coogle, of Buffalo Township.

W. M. Horn was reared and educated in Buffalo Township and but for the sudden outbreak of. the Civil War, he would probably have lived the quiet, peaceful life of a farmer all his days, but on his country's call ho proved his loyalty by enlisting in her service, on August 28, 1861, becoming a member of Co. A, 100th Pa. Vol. Inf. He continned in the service, enduring innumerable hardships and facing frequent danger, until his honorable discharge on August 28, 1864. He did not escape injury during this long period, on one occasion being so severely wounded in the shoulder that he was confined in a military hospital for weeks. He partici- pated, with the Ninth Army Corps, in the battle of Port Royal, S. C .; the taking of Hilton Head; the second battle of Bull Run; the battles of Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam and Fredericksburg; the siege of Vicksburg; the campaign through Tennessee; the battles of Fort Saunders; Blue Springs, Ky .; the Wilderness ; Spottsylvania, North Anna and South Anna Rivers, Cold Harbor and Petersburg,-truly a formidable list and

sufficient to make a veteran of any soldier that took part in them.

After his discharge Mr. Horn returned to Buffalo Township, where be has resided ever since. He has but recently completed one of the most beautiful and de- sirable rural homes in Washington County. Of brick construction and modern architecture, and set amidst the most charming surroundings, it attracts the admiring attention of every passer-by.

Mr. Horn married Miss Louise Hupp Clemens, a daughter of John and Louisa (Hupp) Clemens. Her father was formerly a well-known resident of Buffalo Township, a son of William Clemens, a pioneer of this section. The Horn home place is a part of the old Will- iam Clemens farm. Mrs. Horn has three surviving brothers: Isaac, residing at Wellsburg, Pa .; William, residing at Claysville, Pa., and Alonzo W., residing in Buffalo Township. The eldest brother, John H. Clemens, was a member of Co. A, 100th Pa. Vol. Inf., in the Civil War, and was killed in front of Petersburg, June 17, 1864.

WILLIAM R. WEIRICH, who is serving in his seventh year as a member of the school board of Canton Township, of which he has been treasurer for six years, was born on the farm on which he lives, a valuable tract of 163 acres, situated in Canton Township, Washington County, Pa., Aug. 14, 1864, and is a son of Israel and Sarah (Thompson) Weirich.

The first member of the Weirich family to come to Pennsylvania, many years ago, was a native of Ger- many and he settled in Lebanon County, and from there Jacob Weirich, the grandfather of William R., came to Washington County and was one of the earliest set- tlers in Canton Township. From there he moved into Franklin Township after the birth of his son, Israel, the latter of whom spent his entire life here and was one of the extensive farmers and sheep growers of this section for many years.

Israel Weirich was a man of sterling virtues and previous to 1890 he was an elder in the East Buffalo Presbyterian Church and then became one of the founders of the Third Presbyterian Church of Wash- ington Borough. He was deeply attached to that church, served as an elder and was liberal in contributing to the furthering of its benevolent and missionary work. He gave support to the Republican party, but it was a matter of principle with him for he never de- sired any office and only accepted that of school director because he deemed it a duty. His death occurred Apr. 1, 1908. He married Sarah Thompson, who was born ncar Taylorstown, where ber family had been pioneers. Her death occurred Feb. 20, 1894. Of the children of Israel and Sarah Weirich, the following survive: Jacob,

ISRAEL WEIRICH

WILLIAM R. WEIRICH

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

residing in Buffalo Township; dames E., residing at St. Panl, Minn .; William R., residing in Canton Town ship; Charks B., living at Pennsburg. Pa. ; Howard R., living at Hibbing, Minn .; Henry W., residing at Goldfield, Nev .; and & Albert, residing in Canton Town ship.

William R. Weirich has been one of Canton Town- ship's prosperous farmers and stock raisers for many years. He also was engaged for some six years in con dneting a livery business at Washington. Few citizens are better known than he and the ugh regard in which he is held in Canton Township is shown by his suc. eessive elections to the office he now holds, for this township is notably an intelligent one and the public schools are very closely watched and their interests pro- moted.

On July 25, 1894, Mr. Weirien was married to Miss Lillie M. Hart, who was born in Armstrong County. Pa., and is a daughter of William and Elizabeth Hart. Mr. Hart is deceased, but the venerable mother stul survives and resides at washington. Mr. and Mrs. Weirich have two daughters: Loretta E. and Bessie X. The family belongs to and are active in the Third Presoyterian Chures at Washington, Mr. Weirich being president of the board of trustees.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 66

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