Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 100

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families > Part 100

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out at close of Civil war, August 22, 1865; entered the regular army, February 23, 1866, as second lieutenant in the Eighteenth Regular U. S. Infantry; October 19, 1867, was appointed a captain in the Twenty-seventh Regular U. S. Infantry. He was a man of sterling integrity, and an officer of distin- guished bravery and superior acquirements.

John Murray married Elizabeth Wilson, who died December 9, 1842, in her twenty-second year, and he was afterward married to Ellen Peritte. He lived for many years on his farm, now part of the Mor- ganza, Penn., Reform School land. He moved to Illinois, thence to Leavenworth, Kans., where he re- sided until his death. He left a widow and seven children. He was a volunteer in a militia company (known as the "Republican Rangers") from 1840 to 1847. His children are Jennie, Annie, John, Minnie, Mattie, Georgiana and Stella, all living in Kansas. Jennie married Russel McCune; Annie married Samuel Trower; John married Emma. Trower; Minnie became Mrs. Will. O. McCune, and Mattie married a Mr. Roup.

David Reed Murray died August 24, 1819. Maria Murray married John Henderson, and they after- ward moved to Kansas, where they died, leaving seven children settled there: John, Clark, Julia, Amanda, George, Mary and James (John was Mrs. Henderson's step-son by his father's first marriage to Miss Anderson). George Murray (twin) died January 18, 1839, on the Murray Hill farm, near Murray Hill Station.

James Murray (twin brother of George) married Miss Mary Clark Johnston, August 28, 1848, at the house of her father, Alexander Moncreiff Johnston, near Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Penn. He brought his bride across the mountains in a buggy, in the days before railroads. They resided on the Murray farm, in the house built by his father, George Murray, till the spring of 1852, when they moved to the adjoining farm, which he had bought of the executors of the Murdock estate, where he died August 20, 1853, in the house built and formerly owned by Gen. Morgan, and where the Aaron Burr conspiracy was made known in Colonial times. He was energetic, industrious in his worldly affairs, always willing to assist in any public enterprises; pious and exemplary in his Christian deportment. He was very fond of mili- tary matters, and it .was only his filial obedience that prevented him from taking his company to the Mexican war; for twenty-one years he was a member of the Washington Guards, and for four- teen years captain of his company. The following is an extract from the Washington Reporter: "We have the melancholy duty to perform of announc- ing the death of Capt. James Murray, which took place at his residence, Morganza, in North Stra- bane township in this county, on Saturday, August 20, 1853. Capt. Murray was one among our most 30

useful, public-spirited and highly esteemed citi- zens, universally beloved for those traits of character which command the respect and endear their possessor to the intelligent and good in every community. His sickness was of but few days' continuance, and we believe assumed the character of typhoid fever. He was in the prime of life, be- ing in the thirty-seventh year of his age. Society has had in Capt. Murray one of its most active and useful citizens, and his family are immensely en- deared to him by his devoted affection, amiable character, upright and exemplary walks and de- portment. We, ourself, feel a bereavement in the death of this amiable gentlemen whom we ranked amongst our most attached friends."

Mary Clark (Johnston), wife of James Murray, was born two miles west of Mercersburg, Penn., January 30, 1828. Her mother was Esther, youngest daughter of Jeremiah and Mary (Clark) Rankin. Her father, Alexander Moncreiff Johns- ton, was the youngest son of Thomas Johnston, who came to Mercersburg from Pequea, Lancaster county, in 1794, and was a lineal descendant of Archibald Johnston (Lord Warriston), of Scotland. [The Johnston coat-of-arms was a winged spur, the motto was " Nunquam nonparitus" (Never un- prepared). ] When quite young she (Mary C. Johnston) joined the Associate Church at Mercers- burg, under the Rev. Findley McNaughton. She spent her married life of five years at Murray Hill, Washington Co., Penn., and after her hus- band's death she made her home at Mercersburg until her death, which occurred February 28, 1876. She was a person of strong faith and great zeal for her church, giving the half of her income for the support of the Gospel. She was a strong Abolitionist in her political sentiments before and during the war of the Rebellion, and while her home was surrounded by the Rebel army she gave shelter to homeless refugee colored people; and when her roof was no longer a protection, because the houses were to be searched, she gave them clothing and helped them away by night to the mountains. She rests from her labors, her remains being interred in Fairview cemetery, Mercersburg, Penn., beside her two children and her parents. The children of James and Mary Clark Murray were Mary Emma, who died, aged twelve months, at Mercersburg, Penn .; Hettie Alverta, now Mrs. William B. Pollock, born September 22, 1851 (a brief sketch of whom follows), and Lidie Martha Murray, who died September 4, 1861, aged seven and one-half years.

Mrs. William B. Pollock was born in the house built by her grandfather, George Murray, on a farm called "Lovely Banks," in Washington county, Penn., a part of which is at present known as Van- Eman Station, and here she spent the first two years of her life. At the death of her father,

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August 20, 1853, she removed with her mother to Mercersburg, Franklin Co., Penn. Here she at- tended Mercersburg College, afterward completing her education at Wilson's Female College, Cham- bersburg, Penn. She united with the Mercersburg United Presbyterian congregation, under the pas- torate of Rev. Gracey Ferguson, D. D., when fif- teen years of age. On February 11, 1875, she was married, and in June of that year she and her husband took a picturesque drive over the Alle- ghany Mountains in their own buggy to their new home, and began housekeeping in Canonsburg, Penn. Here she lived three years, and then moved to her present dwelling at Murray Hill. Mrs. Pollock possesses a talent given to but few- that of an artist. She received some instruction in drawing in her youth, but sketches readily from nature. The walls of the different apart- ments of her home testify to her skill and handi- work, and many friends have decorative memen- toes of her brush and easel. An oil painting, well executed, of her own residence, at present deco- rates her dining-room. She decorates china with ease and fine finish, and her cupboard contains a large supply, the work of her own brush and kiln. By disposition she is amiable and hospitable. Her friends are welcome guests at her house.

Dr. Thomas Johnston Murray, brother of James, was born January 7, 1819, and died January 21, 1851. He graduated at Jefferson College, Canons- burg, studied medicine in Philadelphia, and after- ward located in Canonsburg where until his death he was a very successful practicing physician. His wife, Elizabeth Calohan Murray, was born October 12, 1821, died April 28, 1856. Rev. George Reed Murray and Anna Kelly (Hodgens), now Mrs. James M. Thomas, are the children of Thomas and Eliza- beth Murray, both now residing at Thomas, Wash- ington Co., Penn.

Rev. George Reed Murray volunteered in the U. S. army August 13, 1862, at the age of sev- enteen years, served in Company G, One Hun- dred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volunteers, until after the close of the war. Entered Westmin- ster College in the fall of 1866; graduated from the classical department in the spring of 1871; in the fall of the same year entered the United Pres- byterian Seminary in Newburgh, N. Y., and spent two years there; in the fall of 1873 entered Theo- logical Seminary of Princeton, N. J., and was li- censed to preach in spring of 1874 by the First U. P. Presbytery of New Jersey.

On October 7, 1875, Rev. George R. Murray was married to Miss Mary Henrietta McClees, of Taylorstown, Penn., by whom were born six chil- dren, three of whom are now (February 19, 1893) living, viz. : Harry Alexander Murray, aged sixteen years; Thomas Johnston Arthur Murray, aged eleven years; James McClees Murray, aged nine

years. Mr. Murray was pastor of the U. P. Church in Centreville, Iowa, some four years; set- tled again in Murray, Cass Co., Neb., in 1880, serving as pastor for ten years, then was released to accept a call to Mount Prospect U. P. Church, Thomas, Penn., July 1, 1891. On March 14, 1889, Mrs. Mary H. Murray died, and Mr. Murray was married December 30, 1890, to Mrs. Agnes C. Blair, of Monmouth, Illinois.

Martha Murray died unmarried September 2, 1854, in her thirty-third year. Lovely and win- ning in her ways, kind and affectionate in her dis- position, she was revered by all friends and ac- quaintances. Mrs. William B. Pollock's maternal grandfather, Alexander Moncreiff Johnston, was a son of Thomas and Anne (Houston) Johnston, Anne Houston being one of the Houston family of Lancaster county, a daughter of John Houston, who came from Scotland or the North of Ireland.

OHN L. RIGGS represents a family of the earliest pioneers, who were originally natives of Wales, the home of mythical legends and weird, yet fascinating ballads. But more fascinating to the childish ear than even an- cient tale or thrilling music were the new stories of a life where truth was stranger than fiction, of a wonderful land across the mighty ocean. At length a hardy band of pioneers joined an expedi- tion to the New World, and among their number were the early ancestors of the Riggs family. After landing in America they settled in Maryland, where their children grew to maturity and were married.

William Riggs, a son of this family, was born in 1750, and in early life married Mary Dodson. The young couple decided to plunge yet deeper into the forest wilds, and in 1773 came to Washington county, Penn., where he took out a patent of land near Monongahela river, a portion of which is yet in the family name. He served as vestryman in an Episcopal church prior to 1794, and in 1799 was licensed to preach by the authorities of the Methodist Episcopal Society. He died in 1833; his wife died in December, 1819, aged sixty-four; both are buried on the home farm. They were the parents of thirteen children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Jeremiah, Decem- ber 17, 1774; Eleanor, October 3, 1776; James, December 14, 1778; Abrillar, February 11, 1781; Thomas, February 19, 1783; William, April 29, 1785; Zachariah, May 25, 1787; Mary, June 11, 1789; Lucy, July 16, 1791; Noah, August 6, 1793; Elizabeth, 1795; Mahlon, December 25, 1797, and Anne, 1799. Quite a number of these lived to very old ages; several went to Marshall county, W. Va., others to different parts of Ohio.

Mahlon Riggs, a son of William and Mary (Dod

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son) Riggs, was born in Washington county, Penn., and passed his entire life in Allen township. On August 10, 1820, he was married, by Rev. Watson, to Lydia Williams, who was born in 1800 in Wash- ington county, Penn., a daughter of John and Mar- garet Williams, the former of whom came from Maryland with his mother, who is buried at Cali- fornia, Penn. Grandfather Williams was born February 15, 1776, and died March 10, 1861, aged eighty-five years. He was a Methodist, and was buried at Mount Tabor church. On March 23, 1799, he had married Margaret Howe, who was born in Washington county, Penn., in 1779, and died May 25, 1867. She was a member of the Methodist Church, and was buried at Mount Tabor church. They had children as follows: Lydia, Mary, Elizabeth, Isabel, Hannah, Thomas, John, William N., Simeon, Sarah and Salathiel, all now deceased, except the first and the last two named. John and William N. were traveling preachers in the Methodist Church. The children born to Mah- lon and Lydia Williams were as follows: Mary E., born June 14, 1821, died January 15, 1836, and buried in Howes cemetery; John L., subject of sketch; Thomas Thornton Fleming, born April 29, 1826, and married Susan Redd May 31, 1853 (both died several years ago in Moundsville, and were buried there); Caroline A., born October 4, 1828, and married to G. W. Hazelbaker June 15, 1851; Lucinda A., born September 25, 1830, and was twice married, first, on June 12, 1853, to J. D. Latta, and after his death she married Johnston Noble, who is now deceased (she is now living at California, Penn.); William N., born March 5, 1832, died April 20, 1892, and buried at Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal church; Margaret E., born February 8, 1834, married to H. J. Furnier December 14, 1854, died September 27, 1859, and buried at Mount Tabor; James L., born March 15, 1834, married May 21, 1861, to Emily Rulong, of Moundsville, W. Va., both now deceased, he hav- ing died February 25, 1866, and buried at Mount Tabor church; Elizabeth A., born August 15, 1834, married to H. J. Furnier July 29, 1860, died February 5, 1862, and was buried at Mount Tabor. (H. T. Furnier is also deceased, and is buried at Mount Tabor church). The parents were members of the Mount Tabor Methodist Episcopal Church. The father died in 1886; his widow is living with her daughter, Lucinda, at California, Penn.

John L. Riggs was born March 30, 1824, in Allen township, Washington county, and received a sub- scription-school education. On January 25, 1852, he was united in marriage with Dorothy J., daugh- ter of Alexander P. Biles, a native of Allen town- ship, where her mother died some years ago; her father died in Moundsville, W. Va. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs resided on the old homestead until 1859, when they came to their present home. He bought

fifty-five acres, which, added to the original tract, comprises 175 acres of well-cultivated land, fur- nished with a good brick residence. Mr. Riggs has given his attention to farming and stock raising; in politics he was a strong Abolitionist, now vot- ing with the Republican party, which he has served as township collector and a member of the school board. Mr. and Mrs. Riggs have had children as follows: Marcellus, born December 9, 1852, un- married and residing with his parents; J. A., born January 21, 1854, unmarried and residing with his parents (he is a contracting carpenter); Cyrenus, born November 29, 1855, married June 15, 1886, to Nancy Rogers, of Iowa (they are now living in Galva, Ida Co., Iowa, where he is a contracting carpenter); John W., born May 10, 1857, married March 10, 1880, to Anna M. Alden, who was born February 11, 1862, at Toulon, Stark Co., Ill. (they now live in Allen township, Washington county, Penn); Oliver S., born September 21, 1860, married to Katie Bell McKenna, and they are now living on the home farm.

S AMUEL PATTERSON, one of the most successful agriculturists of West Bethlehem township, is a grandson of Thomas Patter- son, who was born in Ireland, and came to this country with his family in about the year 1800. He went to New Orleans, where he was seized with the yellow fever, and coming back to Washington county, Penn., died.

John Patterson, son of the pioneer, Thomas, set- tled upon the farm of one Noble, in Washington county, Penn., and soon afterward he purchased the farm which is now the home of his son Samuel. He married Jane, daughter of John Simpson, who re- sided in Greene county, Penn., and was also of Irish parentage, her father emigrating early in the history of Greene county, Penn. To them were born the fol- lowing children: Catharine, wife of James Wherry, residing in Hillsboro; Rebecca, wife of John Bumgarner; Elizabeth, wife of Levi Hopkins; Jane, wife of G. P. Baker; Sarah, wife of Levi Dawson; Andrew (deceased); John (deceased); Samuel, the subject of this biography; Mary Siberts, and Thomas, a minister of the Gospel at Waynesburg. At the time of his death, which oc- curred April 10, 1849, John Patterson owned 250 acres of land in Washington county, Penn., por- tions of which he purchased at $3. per acre. He erected the log dwelling in which his son Samuel now lives, and which is one of the oldest in Wash- ington county. The nails used in its construction were purchased from a blacksmith at 12} cents per pound. He attended the subscription schools in the county, and at one time his master was the grandfather of the late J. G. Blaine, by name Gillespie.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Samuel Patterson was born December 15, 1824, on the old homestead farm where he has continued to reside. He is now a hale and hearty old gentle- man, well deserving the golden opinion he wins from all who delight in his acquaintance. His farm consists of nearly four hundred acres of ex- cellent land. Politically Mr. Patterson is thorough Democrat, and has always given the can- didates of his party a cordial support, but could never be persuaded to himself accept the nomina- tion for any office.

S AMUEL CLUTTER, a highly esteemed and worthy citizen of Hanover township, is a son of Daniel D., whose father ( William) was born in New Jersey, and came to Washington county; Penn., about 1800. William Clutter lo- cated in Morris township, this county, on Snaggon run, but very little is known concerning him, ex- cepting that he was twice married, his first choice being a Miss Davis, and that children were born to both marriages. William Clutter was a farmer, and continued to reside in Morris township until his death. Among the children of his first wife was Daniel D. (father of Samuel).

Daniel D. Clutter was born about 1812, in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn., and re- ceived an education in the subscription school. He learned the trade of a shoemaker with one Jacob Sanders, and then began business for himself. He set up a shop in Somerset township, this county, on the farm of one William Crouch, and there wooed and won his life companion, Mary Under- wood. She was born in 1815, in Somerset town- ship, a daughter of Jacob Underwood, but was reared by John Leyda, of Somerset township. To this union the following children were born: John L., went to New Orleans, and while working in a lumber camp enlisted in the Fourth Virginia In- fantry, was taken prisoner and died from starva- tion in Danville prison; Samuel is the subject of this sketch; Noadiah, of Effingham, Ill., is con- nected with the Eagle Refining Company; Letitia died in early womanhood; William is a resident of Graysville, Greene Co., Penn .; Elizabeth is the widow of William Vance, of Pittsburgh, Penn .; Nancy J. is deceased. In 1855 the mother of this family died, and for his second choice Daniel D. Clutter married Agnes McAdams, a native of Scotland, who resided near McDonald, Penn., and she now lives in Washington, this county. She bore him three children, viz. : a son, deceased in infancy; Anna Mary, and Nettie (Mrs. Isaac Sup- ler, of Cameron, W. Va). Mr. and Mrs. Clutter first located near the Pigeon Creek church, in Wash- ington county, and resided there for some time, he following his trade. He then went to Greene county, same State, and, purchasing 100 acres near

Graysville, successfully followed farming the re- mainder of his days. He died July 1, 1881, and was buried in Unity cemetery. In politics he was a Whig, later on a Republican, and while no poli- tician, he took an interest in the success of his party; he was a well-read man and had a good memory, also a very fair practical education.

Samuel Clutter was born January 25, 1840, on Pigeon creek. He was reared a farm boy, and his education was received at the common schools of the period. His parents moved to Greene county when he was a lad of but twelve or thirteen years of age, and here received his agricultural training on the farm of his father. When the Civil war broke out he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and partici pated in every engagement that this well-known regiment was in, with one exception, the fight. at Gettysburg, at which time he was in the hospital at Fairfax. recovering from the effects of a sun- stroke. He remained there until September 1, 1863, when he joined his regiment and served till the close of the war, receiving an honorable dis- charge May 30, 1865. He then returned to Grays- ville, Greene Co., Penn., and followed agriculture on his father's farm, though the first year after his return from the army he was able to do but little work, as he suffered greatly from fever and ague, which he had contracted in the service. On November 11, 1868, he was married to Margaret Vance, who was born in 1842, a 'daughter of Robert Vance (deceased), late of Robinson township, Washington county. The following children have been born to the union of Samuel and Margaret (Vance) Clutter: Robert V., in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company; James M. P .; Daniel N. ; a son, deceased in infancy; and Charles F. After his marriage Mr. Clutter moved to Pitts- burgh, where he remained nine years in the em- ploy of Clark & Co., transfer agents. In 1878 he moved to Washington county, locating in Hanover township, about two miles north of Florence, on the old "Huffman farm," where he has since re- sided, carrying on general farming and stock rais- ing. Mr. Clutter is a very progressive citizen, and is especially interested in school matters. His children have all received a good education. He is an adherent of the Republican party, but does not devote much time to politics. Both he and wife are members of the Frankfort U. P. Church.

R ANKIN FAMILY. The first ancestor of the Rankin family who settled in Wash- ington county was William Rankin, great-grandfather of our subjects, and a native of Winchester, Va., who, about 1774, made the hazardous journey across the mountains to Washington county with his wife and

William Rankin.

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family, landing October 31, 1774. He located in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, securing 1,800 acres of choice land, then a vast wilderness, which is now transformed into some of the finest farms of Washington county. Here he built a log cabin, and made such improvements as were possible, being in constant danger from the treacherous savages. But bravely and patiently he struggled on, establishing the pioneer home. After his sons had grown to manhood, one of them, James, joined a party who went to establish a colony in Kentucky. They arrived safely, but during the return trip were attacked by Indians, and James was killed, his fate being but one addition to that of the many pioneers who were practically martyrs to coloniza- tion. Mr. and Mrs. William Rankin passed the remainder of their lives in the frontier home, both dying the same year.

Samuel Rankin, the youngest son of John, was born July 18, 1769, in Winchester, Va., and came to this county in 1774. On January 7, 1796, he was married to Jane McConahey, who was born February 18, 1775, a daughter of a pioneer set- tler. The following children were born to their union: William, John, David, Matthew, Samuel, Stephen, James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane, of whom Jane, the only one yet living, is a resident of Burgettstown, now aged seventy years, unmar- ried; the others lived to adult age, and were citi- zens of Washington county. Samuel Rankin be- came a wealthy farmer, and always lived on the old home farm, which is situated about two miles northwest of Hickory. In politics he was a Dem- ocrat, and he was one of the famous "Minute- men." In religion he and his wife were members of the Union Church. He died in October, 1820, being followed by his wife July 20, 1869, in her ninety-fourth year; their remains lie in the U. P. cemetery at Hickory. Their children were as fol- lows: William, born November 24, 1796, died Jan- uary 13, 1884; John, born April 4, 1798, died in April, 1866; David, born February 15, 1800, died July 27, 1858; Matthew, born February 15, 1802, died in June, 1880; Matilda, born March 22, 1804, died in February. 1875; Samuel, born June 3, 1806, died May 27, 1834; Abigail, born in Octo- ber, 1808, lived on the old homestead until No- vember 17, 1892, when she died; James, born March 24, 1811, died July 27, 1887; Stephen, born August 20, 1813, died in February, 1877, and Jane, born February 6, 1817, living in Burgettstown.

William Rankin, eldest son of Samuel and Jane (McConahey) Rankin, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and remained on his father's farm during his boyhood, in the meantime receiv- ing a subscription-school education. On Decem- ber 16, 1819, he married Miss Nancy Lyle, who was born January 22, 1801, daughter of John Lyle, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and

their children were Elizabeth, born January 21, 1821, died February 14, 1880; Samuel, born July 19, 1823, died in September, 1845; John L., born October 16, 1826, married in 1849, Elizabeth Campbell; David, born May 30, 1829, died in Sep- tember, 1845; William (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant township), born April 4, 1832; Jane, born March 24, 1834, is unmarried, living in Burgettstown; and James, born September 2, 1836, married, in 1864, Elizabeth F. Barnes, who died in 1870, and in 1880 he married Maggie E. Forsythe, of Burgettstown. Mr. Rankin, by energy and perseverance, accumu- lated, in his agricultural pursuits, a good property. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, and filled several township offices. He and his wife were consistent members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, afterward uniting with the church at Mt. Prospect. He died January 13, 1884, having been preceded by his life companion in 1870, and both are buried in Mt. Prospect cemetery.

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Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 100

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1893 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 1540

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1893
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 1540