USA > Pennsylvania > Colonial and revolutionary families of Pennsylvania; genealogical and personal memoirs, Volume IV > Part 18
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The version of the granddaughter of Zachariah, I, and Sarah continued :
Zachariah, II, married Elizabeth Garver, of Hagerstown, Maryland, and lived with his wife near the handsome Garver place. They were people of wealth and good standing, but, owing to some family difference, Zachariah refused to permit his children to recognize them.
Elizabeth passed away and was buried by the side of her sister-in-law, Lucy, who, as before mentioned, died when a child. Their remains lie on a hill in a small burial ground not far from the old Ankeny estate near Hagerstown, Maryland.
Following Elizabeth's death, Zachariah, II, sold his possessions in Hagerstown and moved with his little family to Wharton Township, Fayette Co., Pennsylvania. There he con- tracted a second marriage.
Nothing is known of Zachariah's second wife except that, after the death of her husband, she left Fayette County, taking with her the family Bible, with its valuable records containing information mending the broken link connecting the Gaither family of Maryland with the Gaither family of Somerset, Pennsylvania; for this act, they never forgave her.
Zachariah Gaither, son of John and Agnes ( Rogers) Gaither, died intestate, in 1802. The inventory of his estate was filed in Anne Arundel County, March 9, 1803. He married, August 29, 1781, Sarah Riggs Warfield. ( Warfield IV.) Children :
1. Rachel.
2. Lucy.
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3. John.
4. James.
5. Edward.
6. Greenberry.
7. Evan.
8. Zachariah, of whom further.
("State Militia Lists." "Maryland Historical Society," p. 4. "Journal of Correspondence of the Council of Maryland," pp. 175, 184. Annapolis Courthouse records. Family records.)
(VI) ZACHARIAH GAITHER, JR., son of Zachariah and Sarah Riggs (Warfield) Gaither, was in Washington County, Maryland, on December 15, 1823, on which date he made a sale of all his household goods and implements to Christian New- comer. He died in Wharton Township, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, December 28, 1834, and was buried there. He was married in Washington County, Maryland, January II, 1805, to Elizabeth Garver. (Garver IIE) Their children were:
I. Samuel, of whom further.
2. William, married a member of the famous Garret family.
3. Hezekiah.
4. Millicent, married a member of the Brown family, of Fayette County.
5. Sarah.
6. Elizabeth, one of the most beloved members of the family; never married. (Deed Book "GG," Washington County, p. 523. "Washington County, Maryland, Mar- riage Licenses," p. 21. Family data.)
(VII) SAMUEL GAITHER, son of Zachariah and Elizabeth (Garver) Gaither, was born in Washington County, Maryland, October 27, 1806, and died November 5, 1890. He read law under Hon. Moses Hampton, at Somerset, Pennsylvania, and was admitted to the bar in 1838. He edited and owned the "Washington Star," at Beaver, Pennsylvania, in 1852-53. 'For a short period he practiced law in Illinois. Four of his sons: Oswald Hampton, James Bonnett, Charles Augustus, and Paul Hugus (Hugo) were admitted to the bar of Somerset County, Pennsyl- vania. Samuel Gaither was a man of sterling integrity and maintained the highest traditions of the bar. The best picture of him and his family is recorded by a mem- ber of the family, as follows :
Samuel was a man of commanding personality, well groomed and very austere in manner ; the finish and gloss of his high silk hat was a matter of much concern to him and a mark on that hat by childish hands was an offense not easily forgiven. However austere in manner, he was a man of gentle instincts and, for this offense, his greatest punishment was-banish- ment. Lydia, his wife, was quite as austere as Samuel, and when the cook was given strict orders to grind the coffee Saturday night, it had to be so; by no means could that coffee be ground Sunday morning. Lydia was a strict Presbyterian, of the old "blue stocking" type; very pretty, dainty and popular, in the early days of social life of the county.
There were three homes in Somerset of interest belonging to this family: First, "The Mansion," a beautiful dwelling place for its day and location; there Lydia's grandmother, Rosina Bonnet Ankeny, entertained charmingly with her husband, the captain, who was a born leader, a man of great influence. "The Mansion" is now called "The Old Ankeny Homestead." It still stands, a relic of former days, when the quaint old town of Somerset was the center of culture and entertainment; it has passed into the hands of strangers, therefore possesses very little of its original charm.
The second home of the Ankeny family was given to their daughter, Elizabeth, wife of Michial Hngus, who, in the captain's will was appointed executor of his estate. The captain and Rosina had nine children, each one inheriting a portion of their parent's estate and pos- sessions. Elizabeth's and Michial's home was less pretentious than "The Mansion," but still bore the marks of prosperity; in it were precious family heirlooms, nearly all of which were destroyed by fire. Adjoining their place was "Hugus Grove," today called "Edgewood Park," a cool retreat for the county people on a midsummer day. The altitude is 2,903 feet above sea level. Somerset is aptly called "The Roof Garden of Pennsylvania."
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OLD SOMERSET COURT HOUSE
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MEMBERS OF THE OLD SOMERSET BAR
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SAMUEL AND LYDIA (HUGUS) GAITHER
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GAITHER
The third was the modest abode of Lydia and Samuel, and three smaller homes called "Gaither's Corner." In this little home was Samuel's study, containing his valuable library of law books; four fireplaces, one a huge fireplace with its heavy kitchen utensils, where cook presided. No one but Lydia was permitted to enter this sacred domain. In this modest home was also a pair of andirons from "The Mansion," a spinning wheel and a cradle; outside was an old-fashioned bake oven, flower beds, and a kitchen garden. There was also a stable where could always be found a pair or more of finely bred horses. In those days means of travel was by horseback, by stage coach, and by other old-fashioned vehicles. The little house as well as "The Mansion" passed into the hands of strangers and nothing of its original charm remains. That little garden of romance and flowers where Samuel made love to Lydia, still lives in the memory of those who are living today, who were fortunate to meet this delightful couple.
Samuel Gaither married, in Somerset, Pennsylvania, April 1, 1832, Lydia Hugus. (Hugus II.) Rev. Terry performed the ceremony. Children :
I. William Walter, of whom further.
2. Oswald Hampton, born in Petersburg, Pennsylvania, baptized by Rev. Stoneroad; was called the "Beau Brummel" of the family; he was a bachelor.
3. Brevet Major John Calvin, called "The inventor," "The dreamer," born in Somerset, Pennsylvania, November 29, 1838, baptized by Rev. Stoneroad; married Jessie Pear- son, of Washington, District of Columbia. Brevet Major John Calvin Gaither and his wife are buried in Arlington Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia. Their children are: John and Lizzie (Gaither) Everett (deceased). During the Spanish- American War John Gaither was sent with the forces to Porto Rico and while there was promoted to captain of the infantry.
4. Charles Augustus, born in Somerset, Pennsylvania, May 13, 1841, baptized by Rev. Stoneroad; was called "The Worker"; married Venie Benford, of Ursina, Penti- sylvania. Their children are: George, Wallace, and Lee.
5. Mary Elizabeth, born in Somerset, Pennsylvania, May 25, 1845, baptized in Connells- ville, by Rev. Ross Stevenson, on the third Sabbath in June, 1848; married Augus- tus Davis. She was the idol of her six stalwart brothers and her husband Augustus Davis, who lost an arm in the battle of Gettysburg. Mary E. (Gaither) Davis was very pretty, refined and possessed an unusual amount of book knowledge. Their children are: Lulu and Jessie (Davis) Mcclellan.
6. James Bonnett Gaither, born in Connellsville, Fayette County, Pennsylvania, January 14, 1849, baptized by Rev. Ross Stevenson. He was called "The Aristocrat." He was a member of the "Somerset Bar Association" and became a lay reader in the Church of England. He married Nannie Hurst, whose mother was a descendant of the well-known Ogle family, of Maryland. James, with his family, moved to New York City. Their children are: i. Frederick Hurst, died in youth. ii. Emily Ogle, a student of the Art Institute of Chicago. iii. Robert Hugus, a graduate of Stan- ford University, California. iv. Sara McDowell, a graduate of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York. v. Pauline Postlewaite, a student of the Damrosch School of Music, New York. vi. Edwin Hampton, a graduate of Columbia University, New York, served abroad in the World War ("with credit") ; married Loyola Elizabeth Barker, and their children are: James Hampton and Robert Barker.
7. Paul Hugus, born in Beaver, Beaver County, Pennsylvania, March 26, 1852, baptized by Rev. Taylor. He became a lawyer of distinction and was known as the "Orator of the family." He married (first) Grace Gerhardt, daughter of Rev. Emanuel V. Gerhardt, D. D., of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Their children are: i. Margar- etta Hager, a student of Wilson College; married Soterios Lontos, a Greek of high standing. ii. Lydia Hugus, graduate of Wilson College; married Dr. John C. Cope, a successful surgeon of western Pennsylvania. Children of Lydia H. and Dr. Cope (deceased) are: Margaretta Gaither and John Caleb. iii. Paul Hugus, Jr., attended Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, married Anna Graham, and their children are: Paul Hugus, III, Rebecca, Helen, and Mary Ann. Paul Hugus Gaither, Sr., married (second) Ida Steck, a western Penn- sylvania descendant of the well-known Cope family of Philadelphia. Their children are: i. Emily Fleeger, student of Union College, New York. ii. Mary Baughman, a talented musician, now studying in Germany. iii. Wilson Baughman (deceased), who bravely gave his life for his country during the World War. In his honor a boat has been named "Lieut. Wilson B. Gaither."
(William Koontz: "History of Bedford and Somerset Counties, Pennsylvania," Vol. II, p. 425. Census of Somerset Borough (1850), pp. 10-II. Family data.)
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(VIII) WILLIAM WALTER GAITHER, son of Samuel and Lydia (Hugus) Gaither, was born in Somerset, Somerset County, Pennsylvania, June 9, 1833. He was baptized by Rev. Terry, and died March 12, 1880, in Foxburg, Pennsylvania. He was genial, clever, and might have been called "The Philosopher" of the fam- ily. He was associated with his father in the establishment of the first newspaper in Beaver, Pennsylvania. He was engaged in newspaper work in Pittsburgh, studying law in his leisure hours. He handled financial and court work and later became political editor. As Samuel Gaither, his father, was unable to give his sons a college education, they were compelled to make their own way in life, and these six Gaither brothers maintained that honest labor, no matter how humble, is an honor. Walter became interested in the railroad system of travel. His opinion in this line was often quoted and for this reason his eldest son followed the same routine of work. Brevet Major John Calvin Gaither, Captain Charles A. Gaither, and Lieutenant Oswald Hampton Gaither and William Walter Gaither, served in the Union Army in the Civil War. Oswald Hampton Gaither was lost in Libby Prison after being badly wounded. Of him has been said: "He was one of the bravest officers that ever wielded a sword." A member of the family has written lovingly of William Walter Gaither in the following, a picture of domestic beauty which should long be cherished by this family, as well as a picture of a fine man and a lovely woman.
William Walter Gaither and his wife, Malinda Dom Gaither, started life together with lit- tle capital, but with their high ideals, versatility and courage they were able to give their children advantages which would fit them for the station in life which by right of inheritance was theirs. Walter and Malinda won their way to the hearts of all with whom they were associated by their unselfishness and charm of manner. Theirs also was a romance which will live forever.
Their associations were varied, as they with their children lived in Somerset, Wellersburg, Huntingdon, also in the cities of Erie, on Lake Erie, and Cumberland, Maryland. Finally, during the great oil boom, Walter moved with his family to Foxburg, Pennsylvania, hoping to amass a fortune. No fortune awaited him there. In Foxburg, this splendid type of manhood passed into eternity, leaving his bereaved widow. Later, she with her children, moved to Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania. Lovely Malinda never recovered from her loss. In Pittsburgh she passed away. They lie side by side in the Homewood Cemetery not far from the Fownes and the Clarke mausoleums. Theirs was the eternal bond of spiritual union.
William Walter Gaither married Malinda Catherine Dom. (Dom II.) Children :
:. Ross Forward was made an official of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, from which he has now retired, carrying with him the respect and admiration of the officials and the love of the employees; his protection of the interests of the road and the interests of the employees have been without a peer. He married Priscilla Almina Titus, and their children are: i. Earle, also connected with the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, like his father, controls a large number of men with gentleness and cour- tesy. Earle married Essalier Smith; children, Charles, Essalier, II, Robert. ii. Rowene, a lovely Christian character, passed away in her early youth. iii. James, married and lives in California; is connected with radio interests.
2. Harrison (Harry) Null, who inherited journalistic talent from his father, and his clear writings and keen discrimination in news values attracted the attention of the owners of the Pittsburgh "Dispatch." He was sent abroad in the interests of this paper. He reported the celebrated coaching trip of James G. Blaine and Andrew Carnegie, accompanying them through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Upon his return from Europe he was appointed city editor and later managing editor of the Pittsburgh "Dispatch," and in 1896 went with the New York "Press." In 1898, he went to Porto Rico to report the Spanish-American War, and while there was a member of the staff of Brigadier-General Guy V. Henry. Mr. Gaither became city editor of the New York "Press" upon his return from Porto Rico. He is an ardent sportsman, particularly enjoying hunting and fishing and is a member of
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I37
GAITHER
Ancient Lodge, No. 724, Free and Accepted Masons, of New York City. Although formerly a western Pennsylvanian, for a number of years he has been a citizen of Essex County, New York, and is deeply interested in its future welfare. He is a brilliant writer and a scholar. He married Elizabeth Williams, a descendant of Roger Williams, of New England fame. Their children are: i. Jessie, a graduate of Barnard College, New York City; married Dwight Norton, of New Jersey, a descendant of the well-known Norton family; their children are: Dwight, Jr., and Margerie. ii. Bonnet, a graduate of Berkeley Institute, New York City; married Paul Sullivan, from Cincinnati, Ohio, now a broker in Wall Street. Their children are : Joan, John, and Paul, Jr. Mrs. Sullivan has been prominently identified with the "Suffrage" movement of Essex County and New York City. Mr. Sullivan's mother was a Truesdale, a family well known in the aristocratic circles of Ohio.
3. Ida Belle, a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Maryland Historical Society, served during the World War as an active organizer of Red Cross work in New York City, Baltimore, and Pittsburgh. Through the great incentive of an illustrious American background, Miss Gaither has devoted herself to the study of genealogy, and is responsible for a complete, scholarly record of her family and its kindred lines.
4. Jessie Garver, of whom further.
5. Walter Hugus, attended school in Erie, Foxburg, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a newspaper correspondent until he became secretary to Governor John K. Tener, of Pennsylvania, who later appointed him a member of the Public Service Commission. Finally, he became interested in the bond and insurance business. He married Marie Louise Bradley, of Kansas City, Missouri. Their son, Walter Hugus, Jr., attended Lehigh University, and is a member of Sigma Phi, the University Club of Harrisburg, and the Harrisburg Country Club. He was a student of St. Luke's, Wayne, Pennsylvania, and Lafayette College.
("History of Pittsburgh," p. 154. Family data.)
Recently Walter Hugus Gaither, Sr., passed away in his home in Harrisburg. He has been a popular member of Harrisburg club and social life. He possessed a genial loving nature and his passing has been a source of great bereavement to all who knew him.
(IX) JESSIE GARVER GAITHER, daughter of William Walter and Malinda Catherine (Dom) Gaither, was a student of Madam Seiler's School of Vocal Music, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After her return from Philadelphia her mother, Mrs. Gaither, then a widow, moved with her family from Foxburg to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. There her daughter, Jessie G., met William Clarke Fownes at an amateur musical entertainment and soon after Mrs. Gaither announced her daughter's engagement. One year later they were married in Calvary Episcopal Church, by the Rev. Boyd Vincent, now Bishop of Ohio.
William Clark Fownes (deceased) was a prominent steel manufacturer of Pittsburgh. A member of the Duquesne, Athletic, Allegheny Country and Oakmount Golf clubs. He was a man of great genius, very artistic in his tastes and a successful business man; he was one of the veteran golfers of this country. A fine "bridge" player and an authority as a judge of fine works of art.
Jessie G. (Gaither) Fownes is a prominent member of the Pennsylvania Society of Colonial Dames, the Daughters of the American Revolution, life member of the National Society of Colonial Daughters, of Washington, District of Columbia, and the Genealogical Society of Philadelphia. During the World War her constant patriotism was shown by the vast amount of work she did to help the Red Cross.
Children of William Clarke and Jessie G. (Gaither ) Fownes :
I. Florence, was a student of Miss Gleim's Preparatory School for Girls, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the Graham School and Van Lear School of New York City. After traveling in Europe for a time with her parents, upon their return she was presented by them to the social life of Pittsburgh. Not long after her engagement was announced and one year later she became the wife of Ray Yeakle Gildea, of Balti- more, Maryland. They were married by the late Bishop Whitehead, of Pennsyl- vania. Mr. Gildea, a graduate of Cornell University, made an excellent record in
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GAITHER
the World War during two years of overseas service. He is a member of the Cor- nell Engineer Club, Maryland Golf Club, and the Baltimore Club. He is a descend- ant of the well-known Gildea family of Irish descent and, on his maternal side, of the Benett family of Maryland. Their son is Ray Yeakle Gildea, Jr.
2. Captain Henry Gaither Fownes is a graduate of Taft School, Watertown, Connecticut, and Yale University, where he was a member of the Berzelius Society. He served in France with the Eighteenth Infantry, First Division, as first lieutenant, and after nine months of line service was seriously gassed and sent to the United States as an expert bombing and bayonet instructor, was stationed at Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, where he was promoted to captain of infantry and honorably discharged in December, 1918. He was formerly president of the Fownes Fuel Company, Pitts- burgh, Pennsylvania, and is a member of the Duquesne Club, Oakmont Golf Club, Athletic Association, Harvard, Yale and Princeton Association, and Westmoreland Polo and Hunt Club. Captain Henry G. Fownes married (first) Mary Dale Biggs (deceased), of Sherman, Texas, a graduate of Belcourt Seminary, Washington, District of Columbia. Mary Dale was a young woman of great beauty and charm of manner. She was of English descent on her paternal side. Her mother, a descend- ant of the Young family, was raised on a plantation. There are Colonial honors in Mary Dale's family. Captain Henry G. Fownes married (second) Rebecca Sleppy, a descendant of the well-known Hamilton family. Children of the first marriage: i. William Clarke. ii. Dorothy Dale. iii. Henry Gaither, Jr. Child of second marriage : iv. Lawrence.
("History of Pittsburgh," p. 154. Family data.)
(The Dom Line).
(I) PHILLIP DOM came from Germany and settled, first, in Berlin, Pennsyl- vania, then moved with his family to Wellersburg, Pennsylvania. Reminiscences give a clear picture of the man and his family.
Phillip Dom became a power in the small community of Wellersburg; he built a home on Main Street, which was the center of much entertainment and pleasure in the old days. In this home was an exquisite set of china and fine old pieces of furniture. There he and Margaret dispensed hospitality so generously that he would take wayfarers in a small office or addi- tion he had built to the home. much to Margaret's dismay, as she was opposed to having "a stranger" enter the sacred precincts of their home life. "They shall not enter;" she gave this order in such a tone that Phillip succumbed and comforted the wayfarer, as well as himself, with a little wine. The former on a cold night, when the weather was zero, the snow so deep he could travel no farther, was given above the office, a neat little room and a comfort- able bed for the night. Phillip Dom was a man of rare disposition, entirely unselfish and a man of much dignity; when he and Margaret dispensed hospitality at the dining table, the children and the grandchildren were admonished by him not to speak, and by all means to keep their elbows off the table; if, in one unguarded moment, they forgot their table manners, they were quickly reminded of it by a sharp rap on elbows from their kind but very conventional old grandfather.
Margaret was called "The Queen of the Village." Frequently she was asked, by the min- isters of the church, to help translate Latin and Greek sentences.
Phillip Dom married Margaret Gerhardt. (Gerhardt II.) Children :
1. Henry, left home early in life.
2. Leonard; married Kate Wingart, of Wellersburg, Pennsylvania.
3. Josiah, moved to Ohio; married and had one daughter.
4. Oliver ; married Hannah Cook.
5. Augustus; married Elizabeth (adopted). Augustus Dom fought in the Civil War: during the battle of Gettysburg, his superior officer, badly wounded, yielded his place to Augustus, who was commended highly for his courage in this famous battle.
6. Ellen ; married Harrison Null, a descendant of the distinguished Beauchamps family. Their grandchild, Harrison Null, was. a messenger in the World War; on the wings of Mercury, through shot and shell he fought his way to Heaven; today his remains lie honored in the Greensburg Cemetery, Pennsylvania.
7. Malinda, of whom further.
8. William T .; married Jennie McCollough, a descendant of the Welty family of West- moreland County, Pennsylvania.
(Ida Belle Gaither : "The Ancestry of Jessie Gaither Fownes." Family data.)
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