Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 71

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 71

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Mr. Hodge is an adherent of the Republican party. He is identified with the Masonic fraternity and belongs also to the Royal Arcanum, both at Donora.

JAMES ALEXANDER MeNALL, owner of a farm of 216 aeres in Allegheny and Washington Counties, Pa., has been engaged in agricultural pursuits all bis life, and was born on his present farm, which is known as the JJacobs Fancy farm, November 27. 1849, and is a son of James and Jane ( Bell) MeNall.

James MeNall, who was born May, 1790, died in 1972, and was a farmer by occupation. He served in the War of 1812 and was first married to Mary Donehoo. who was born July 23, 1804. and of their union were born the following children: Eleanor, deceased, born May 27, 1823, and married John Burns; Naney. de- ceased, born April 22. 1825, and became the wife of Ilenry Adams; Jane, deceased, born February 21, 1827, and was the wife of lames Farrar; Eliza, born January 21, 1829, and died in 1837; Mary, born January 14, 1831; Isabell, born June 17, 1833; Martha, deceased. born July 16, 1835; Joseph, deceased, born June, 1838; and James, deceased, born July 2, 1841. The mother

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of these children died and the father married Jane Bell, who was a daughter of Alexander and Martha (Kerr) Bell, and one son, James Alexander, our subject, was born of their union. Mrs. Jane (Bell) MeNall died March 11, 1898.

James A. MeNall was reared on the home farm and attended the common schools until sixteen years of age, when he began working on the farm and bas followed farming continuously since that time. His farm, con- sisting of 216 aeres, is thus divided, 108 acres, on which his residence is located, Iies in Allegheny County, and the remaining 108 acres, on which the barns, milk houses, etc., are situated, is in Washington County, Robinson Township.

On October I, 1879, Mr. MeNall married Kate R. Christy, a daughter of John and Jane (Daugherty) Christy, deceased, who were farmers of Washington County, and the parents of the following children: Eliz- abeth, who first married Nathaniel Pollock, deceased, formed a second union with Pryor Mevey; Margaret, who is the wife of Thomas Donaldson; Hannah, who died young; Sarah, who is the wife of Charles Cunning; John, deceased; James, deceased; and Kate R., who is the wife of our subject. Mr. and Mrs. McNall are the parents of the following children: Gertrude; Martha, who married Holland Russell; Anna Elizabeth, who is the wife of Ross Winning; Sarah, who is deceased; and Isabel and James, both of whom attend the Washington County schools. Mr. McNall is a Democrat in politics, and the family attend the Presbyterian Church at Condor.

JOHN F. MeBURNEY, one of Washington's sub- stantia) and reliable citizens, who has greatly prospered through judicious investments in realty, was born at Washington, Washington County, Pa., in 1853, and is a son of Ebenezer MeBurney, who was one of the well- known old settlers of this section.

When John F. McBurney was seven years of age, his parents moved to a farm not far distant from Washing- ton, and there he was reared and obtained his education in the district schools. When his parents had both passed away, he purchased the old home place and con- tinned agricultural operations there until 1903, when he took up his residence in his native city and built a beautiful home at No. 78 MeKennan avenue. He then embarked in the real estate business, doing a large amount of buying and improving and subsequently sell- ing and has handled some of the best property that has changed ownership within the past six years. He has always been more or less interested in local politics, bas occasionally accepted office and at present is street com- missioner of East Washington.

Mr. McBurney was married to Miss Roxie A. Luker

and they have three children: Shirley B., who is with the Citizens' Water Company; and Mary and Margaret, both of whom reside at home. Mr. MeBurney and family are members of the Second United Presbyterian Church.

JAMES P. CASTNER, president of the Union Trust Company of Donora, Pa., bas spent the greater part of his life in this community, and was born November 22, 1873, at Pittsburg, Pa., a son of Bertrand W. and Laura (Beazel]) Castner.

Peter Castner, the great-great-grandfather, was of German extraction. In 1775 he came from Philadelphia to Washington County, and took out a patent, which our subject still has in his possession, for 320 acres of land, known as "Walnut Bottoms" in Carroll Township. Here he spent the remainder of his life, and with the assistance of his son John, the great-grandfather of our subject, cleared the land of the walnut timber and placed it in a state of cultivation. John Castner like- wise spent his entire life on this farm engaged in agri- cultural pursuits. Daniel Castner, grandfather of James P. Castner, erected the old farm house on the place. He married Rebecca Miller, a native of Fayette County, and to their union were born the following children: Maria, deceased; James L .; John K .; Jesse, deceased ; Silas W .; Bertrand W., father of our subject; and Josephine, deceased.

Bertrand W. Castner was born July 18, 1852, on the old Castner farm in Carroll Township, where he grew to maturity. Early in life he engaged in river boating and was a captain on the Ohio and Monongahela Rivers for fifteen years, during part of which time he was a resident of Pittsburg. He subsequently returned to the Castner farm, which, when the town of Donora was laid out in 1900, became the center of the town. That same year he and his son, James P. Castner, engaged in the real estate business at Donora, operating under the firm name of B. W. Castner & Son, and continued in that business until the time of his death, April 10, 1908. He was one of the organizers of the Union Trust Company, of which he was president at the time of his death, and was vice president of the First National Bank of Donora. He served six terms, a period ef thirty years, as justice of the peace, and in polities was prominently identified with the Democratic party. His widow, Laura (Beazell) Castner, who was born and reared in Washington County, is still living on the old home place. They were the parents of one son, James P. Castner, the subject of this sketch, who became owner of his father's property and banking interests.

James F. Castner was quite young when his parents returned to the Castner homestead from Pittsburg. He was reared on the farm, attended the schools of Carroll Township and the Pittsburg High School, after which

MRS. MARY S. WILSON

JOHN WILSON

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he spent three years at Washington and Jefferson Col- lege. After leaving school he spent four years in the mill at Homestead, Pa., and in 1900 came to Donora and entered the real estate business with his father. Hle inherited his father's banking interests, and is the pres- ent president of the Union Trust Company of Donora, Pa.

In November, 1898, Mr. Castner was nited in mar- riage with Ella Tomer, a daughter of Jacob Tomer, of Webster, Pa., and they have four children: Rebecca Donora, who was born July 23, 1900, was the first child born in Donora, after its organization; Sarah L., James Bertrand and Lewis Tomer. Mr. Castner is a Repub- lican in polities, and is serving his second term as a school director, and fraternally a Mason. He holds membership with the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Castner and family reside in a comfortable home on Prospect avenue.

JOHN WILSON, superintendent of Oak Springs Cemetery, at Canonsburg, Pa., was born in County Antrim, Ireland, Feb. 1, 1851, and was two years old when his parents brought him to America.

Joseph Wilson, father of John Wilson, settled in Chartiers Township, Washington County, Pa. He was made sexton after the Chartiers Church was changed to the ITnited Presbyterian and remained in charge un- til he entered the Federal Army as a soldier, being a member of Co. (, 140th Pa. Vol. Inf., and was wounded before Richmond, Va. He was confined in the hospital for nearly a year and was in active service more than three years. During his absence his son, John Wilson, performed the duties of sexton, which the father re- sumed after his return. He had leased a coal bank on the T. M. K. Wilson farm in Chartiers Township. prior to the Civil War, and for a number of years was in the coal business and at the time of his death, in April, 190s, was also engaged in the mercantile business. His burial was in Oak Springs Cemetery. lle married Nancy Carr, who still survives at the age of 74 years. They had a family of seven sons and one daughter, namely: John; Joseph, who resides in North Strabane Township; Thomas, who resides at Canonsburg; David, who, for a number of years was street commissioner of Canonsburg; Matthew S., who formerly was a mer- chant at Canonsburg, now resides on his farm at Gam- ble's Station; Robert, who purchased the John Tohm farm at Gamble Station, was an undertaker for some years; and Mary, who resides with her mother. She has been a teacher in the public schools of Canonsburg for a number of years.

lohn Wilson attended the distriet schools in Char- tiers Township during youth and afterward worked on a farm for some years and was then in the employ of

Craig Ritchie, of Washington, for five years. For the next seven years he worked for T. B. Robins, in the coal industry, at Midway, and from there went to Taylors- town and for five more years was with Lehman ('rothers as a farmer. In 1856 he came to Canonsburg and was made superintendent of Oak Springs Cemetery and in the spring of 1909, was elected a member of the Board of Cemetery Trustees. For 23 years he has been in charge of this beautiful City of the Dead and to his care, industry, good taste and general efficiency, must be attributed the condition which makes this one of the most attractive burial spots in Washington County.

Mr. Wilson married Miss Mary Skiles, a daughter of William Skiles, of Canonsburg, and of their 12 children, eight survive: Susan married Charles Walton, formerly manager of the Notes office, now a resident of Cleve- land, Ohio, and they have three children: Nannie J. died in 1891, aged Is years; Joseph W. married Haddie Harvison and they reside in South Canonsburg, where he is superintendent of the William MeNary Livery, and they have one child; Thomas married Ella Lane and they have one child; William married Margaret Hunter, a daughter of John Hunter, and he is a conductor on a Cleveland street ear line; David resides at Steubenville, where he is a heater in a mill, married Susan Barr and has one child; Sammel E. is a heater in the Canonsburg Steel and Iron Company's works, married Mabel Siekles; Edna is a popular teacher in the public schools of South Canonsburg; and Hazel is yet a student. Mr. Wilson and family are members of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Church. In his sentiments on publie ques- tions, he is a Prohibitionist.

JAMES A. RIGGS, a well-known carpenter and build- ing contractor of Speers, Pa., was born January 22, 1854, at Lucyville, Washington County, Pa., and is a son of John L. and Dorothy (Biles) Riggs. John L. Riggs, father of our subject, who followed farming throughout his active career, was born on the old Riggs homestead at Lucyville, as was his father, Nahlon Riggs. who was a son of William Riggs, a native of Maryland. who over 125 years ago came to Pennsylvania and entered land from the government. John L. Riggs, who died in 1902, is survived by. his widow, who is now seventy-six years of age.

James A. Riggs was reared on the farm at Lucyville, where he learned the carpenter's trade at which he worked for many years, and in 1905 came to Speers, where he has continuously and successfully followed carpentering and general contracting sinee. lle was united in marriage with May Grant, who was reared in Carroll Township, and is a daughter of Noah Grant. Mr. Riggs and his brother own a tract of 175 acres, and he also owns the adjoining traet of 175 aeres, in part-

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

nership with Mrs. O. S. Riggs, his brother's widow, the entire 350 acres having been the property of his father, John L. Riggs. Mrs. Riggs graduated as a nurse from Hahnemann Hospital of Chicago, Ill., and it was through her vocation that she became acquainted with Mr. Riggs. Her father, Noah Grant, was a son of Robert Grant, and was born and reared in the Horseshoe Bottoms of Carroll Township, where he later followed agricultural pursuits. He also studied law, but never embarked in the practice of the profession, although he was con- sidered an authority iu his community and his advice was often sought by his neighbors and friends. Mr. Grant was united in marriage with Eliza J. Wickerham, who was born and reared on the old Wickerham farm in Carroll Township, and is a daughter of William Wick- erham, whose farm adjoined the Grant homestead.

W. B. MeBRIDE, deputy sheriff of Washington Coun- ty, for the past twenty years has been in official life and is one of the widely known and popular men of the county. He was born in Buffalo Township, Washington County, Pa., October 16, 1858, and is a son of William John and Mary Jane (Watkins) McBride.

William John MeBride, father of W. B., was born at East Pike Run, in 1821, and engaged in the butchering and meat business all his life. In politics he was a Democrat. His death occurred in 1867. Of his twelve children, the following five survive: Joseph and John, both of Washington; Nancy, wife of J. C. Williams, of Butler County, Pa .; Jennie, wife of George T. Hallam, of Washington; and W. B.

W. B. McBride has been a continuous resident of Washington for forty-four years and has taken an in- terest in politics and public affairs ever since he reached manhood. He has most acceptably filled many township offices and has done his part in keeping law and order in his community and in establishing a respect for the same all over the county.

On October 13, 1880, Mr. McBride was married to Miss Sue L. Burk, of Washington, and his happy family contains seven children and three grandchildren, the four younger children, R. Jack, Myrtle, Nellie and Jeanette, being at home. The other three are married and have domestic circles of their own. Lizzie is the wife of .John C. Keeney, a contractor, residing in Cumberland. Nannie May is the wife of Newton C. Cupp, of Home- stead, Pa. William J. married Vida Stoner and they live. at Laboratory. ' Mr. MeBride and family belong to the Christian Church.

ALEXANDER McCONNELL, general farmer and rep- resentative citizen of Cecil Township, Washington Coun- ty, Pa., owns 109 acres of fine land, the old homestead on which he was born, November 16, 1840. It lies four

miles north of Canonsburg, in a very desirable section of Washington County. The father of Mr. McConnell was David and the grandfather was Alexander McConnell.

Grandfather McConnell was born at Charlotte, Va., and came from there after his marriage, to Cecil Town- ship, Washington County, Pa., securing 140 acres ad- joining the present farm and, according to his contract with the Government, had to clear all of the land that he obtained. He built a log cabin and in it his chil- dren were born, but later a better house was erected. He married Elizabeth MeCrory and they had six chil- dren : Alexander, David, Matthew, Jane, Prudence and Nancy. The children attended both school and church in log structures long since passed away. At that time, the McConnells were members of the Robinson Run Union Church and their burial place was in the cemetery attached to this church.

David McConnell was born in Cecil Township and remained at home assisting his father until his mar- riage, when he settled on the farm now owned by his son, Alexander, which the first Alexander McConnell had bought when David was four years old. David McConnell had been reared a Democrat and a Presby- terian and he remained such all his life. He was a man of sterling traits of character and was useful in his day and generation. He honestly served his township in such offices as school trustee and road supervisor, and gave liberally to support the church and schools. He married Sarah Campbell, a daughter of John and Mar- garet Campbell, and nine children were born to them: Alexander, who is deceased; Mary Margaret, John C., David, Jane and Elizabeth, all of whom are deceased; Alexander (2) ; Isabel, who married John Skiles, resides in Iowa; David T .; and Sarah Agnes, who married Richard Gladden, resides at MeDonald, Pa. The father of the above family died in 1876 and the mother in 1880, and both were laid to rest in the Venice Cemetery.

Alexander McConnell attended school in Cecil Town- ship and afterward gave assistance to his father and continued to reside on the homestead after his marriage. When the property came into his possession he had little improving to do as the old buildings are all in good condition, showing how substantially they were built. The barn was erected by his grandfather, in 1794, and the comfortable stone residence was put up in 1805. Mr. McConnell cultivates all of his land except ten acres, which is still in timber. He is a stockholder in the First National Bank of Cecil, Pa.

Mr. McConnell was married February 3, 1881, to Miss Mary J. Matthews, who died March 23, 1899, and her burial was in the Venice Cemetery. She was a daughter of John and Mary Matthews, of Cecil Township, and the mother of three children: Esther Mary, who married James Friel, resides in East Pittsburg; Saralı Evalena ;

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

and John Walter. The son and daughter attend the U. P. Church at Gladden. Mr. McConnell is a Demo- «rat in his political views and has served as township supervisor.

JOHN M. CLARK, a farmer by occupation, was born in Mt. Pleasant Township, Washington County, Pa., June 17, 1858, and is a son of Robert C. and Matilda (Metall) Clark. The parents of Mr. Clark were well- known residents of Mt. Pleasant Township, members of the United Presbyterian Church. They have both passed out of life and rest in the cemetery at West Middle- town. The following children survive them: J. V., re- siding at Washington; John M., residing at West Middle- town; Miss Laura A. Clark, of West Middletown, and Rev. William H., residing at Rushville, Ind.

John M. Clark attended the West Middletown public schools and academy and the Iron City Business College at Pittsburg. In his political affiliation he has always been a Republican. In 1893, Mr. Clark was married to Miss Dora B. Seott, a daughter of James D. and Margaret Scott, of West Middletown, and they have had right children, namely: Paul H., born March 6, 1894; Robert E., born June 11, 1895; James L., born July 19, 1897; Benjamin M., born January 22, 1899; William II., born December 13, 1901; John IL., born May 14, 1904; David Chalmers, born in 1906; and W. L., born August 27, 1908. All survive except David Chahners, who died May 9, 1909. Mr. Clark and family attend the United Presbyterian Church.

ALEXANDER M. BROWN, one of the representative business men of Washington, Pa., is at the head of one of the leading dry goods stores in this city and has had a very active and successful business career. He was born in Washington, Pa., in 1848 and is a son of James Brown, who came to this city at a very early period from Baltimore, Md., and worked for a number of years at his trade of reel making. James Brown took a promi- ment and active interest in the politieal affairs of the county, and served as recorder and prothonotary for fifteen years.

Alexander M. Brown was reared and educated in Washington and began his career in the business world in 1863 as a clerk for V. Harding, with whom he re- mained until 1865, then spent one year in the employ of Chambers & Matthews, and in 1866 became associated with William Smith & Son, and remained in aetive eon- neetion with that concern for fifteen years. In ISSI he embarked in the dry goods business for himself. lle purchased his present modern building, which is op- posite the Court House, oeeupying two floors of same, and has seventeen assistants in his employ. Mr. Brown is also identified with other leading business enterprises

of this city and is one of Washington's honored and highly esteemed citizens.

On October 14, 1869, Mr. Brown married Nellie Irene Decker, Mr. and Mrs. Brown attend the First Presby- terian Church of Washington.

MRS. MARY E. DYE, who resides in her comfortable residence which was erected by her husband, the late Enoch JJ. Dye, on their farm of five acres, situated one- half mile east of Washington, Pa., was born on North Main street, Washington, December 22, 1835. Her par- ents were Dr. David and Sarah ( Hastings) Wishart.

Dr. David Wishart was born at Washington, Pa., Feb- ruary 6, 1816. lle graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, and for many years was a prominent medieal practitioner in Washington County. Shortly before his death he retired to Washington, where he died April 12, 1888. On March 12, 1835, he married Sarah Hastings, a daughter of Samuel and Eleanor llastings. She was born r'ebruary 16, 1814, and died January 2, 1890. The burial of both parents of Mrs. Dye was in the Washington Cemetery. She is the only survivor of their family of eight children.

Mary E. Wishart attended school at Washington and later entered Waynesburg Seminary, where she was graduated and for some eight years she engaged in teaching, mainly in Greene County. Her recollection of that period of her life is very pleasant as she had.con- genial work and gained many warm friends, some of whom she is still kindly interested in. On August 11, 1863, she married E. JJ. Dye, who was born on a farmi on the Wheeling turnpike road, three miles west of Washington, and was a son of Daniel Dye. After mar- riage, Mr. and Mrs. Dye lived for a time in Washing- ton and then Mr. Dye, who was a carpenter by trade, built the residence still ovenpied by his widow, to which they moved in 1874. To Mr. and Mrs. Dye two children were born : Juanita, who married A. II. Edgerton, resides at Ingram, near Pittsburg; Lorena, who married Ed- ward W. Ryan, and they reside with Mrs. Dye. The death of E. J. Dye occurred on February 26, 1892, and his burial was in the Washington Cemetery. He was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church at Wash- ington. IIe voted the Democratie ticket. He was a well known and highly respected citizen of South Stra- bane Township.

THEODORE WULF, vice president and treasurer of the River View Distillery Company, which is located on Mingo Creek at River View, Washington County, Pa., was born November 12, 1869, in Germany, and is one of eight children born to his parents, John and Hen- rietta Wnlf.

Theodore Wulf grew to manhood in Germany, where

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he learned brewing, and in 1889 came to the United States, located at Allegheny, Pa., where he worked for some time in a brewery, and ia 1900 came to Monon- gahela City and opened a restaurant, which he continues to operate with success. He then ran a. brewery for *eighteen months, and since 1903 has been identified with the River View Distillery Company, which was organized that year, with Philip Christman, of Allegheny, as presi- dent; Theodore Wulf, vice president and treasurer; Max Srolovitz, of Pittsburg, secretary, and Peter Agostoni, manager. They distill an average of 144 gallons of whiskey per day, their product being known as River View Whiskey.

Mr. Wulf was married January 21, 1890, to Barbara Ranch, who was born in Germany, and they have two children: Margaret and Theodore, Jr. In politics, Mr. Wulf is an adherent of the Democratic party and has served one year as alderman, and he is fraternally a member of the F. O. E. No. 532 of Monongahela, of which he is president ; the Turn Verein of Monongahela City and the German Beneficial Union of Donora. Mr. Wulf is a member and trustee of the Catholic Church.

WILLIAM JAMES MUNCE, a retired capitalist re- siding in a beautiful mansion situated at No. 223 Beau street, Washington, for many years, was one of Wash- ington Connty's most extensive and successful farmers and stock raisers. He was born in Sonth Strabane Township, Washington County, Pa., in February, 1819, and is a son of Robert Munce.

Robert Munce was born in County Down, Ireland, and after coming to America, took up his residence in Washington County, in 1803, and was one of the earliest settlers in South Strabane Township. He found the land heavily timbered and right in the forest he built his own log honse. He overcame the hardships incident to pioneer life and resided on his farm until his death at the age of fifty-four years. He married Mary Quail in Ireland and she accompanied him to the home in the wilderness of Washington County. She was left a widow with eight little children: Thomas, William J., Robert, Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Jane and Catherine. There are but two survivors, William J. and Catherine, the latter of whom marriedl JJohn McClane and they live in Texas. The mother was a remarkable woman and in spite of her many cares, she survived into advanced age, her death occurring when she was in her seventy-second year.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. II, Part 71

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