Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 101

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 101

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JOHN L. RANKIN was born in Mt. Pleasant town- ship, this county, on the farm where the earliest pioneer of the family had settled many years be- fore. He grew to manhood on the ancestral acres, as- sisting in agricultural duties, and receiving a neces- sarily limited country-school education. On Septem- ber 6, 1849, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Campbell, who was born September 11, 1829, near Monongahela City, Penn., a daughter of William and Nancy (Randolph) Campbell, who both died when Elizabeth was yet a child; she then lived with an uncle, John Campbell, until her marriage. Children have been born to the union of John L. and Elizabeth (Campbell) Rankin as follows: Will- iam D., a practicing physician in Allegheny, Penn. ; John J., in Burgettstown; Nancy C., wife of A. C. McClure, of Burgettstown; Ella Jane, died April 8, 1886; Mary Elizabeth, died October 11, 1861; Ida May and Mary L., residing with their parents; Elgie A. C., in Allegheny; Alice B., Lizzie A., James T., Maggie L., residing with their parents. After his marriage John L. Rankin located on a farm about three miles northwest of Hickory, this county, where he resided sixteen years, ex- tensively engaged in sheep raising. In 1866 he came to Smith township, purchasing a farm one mile south of Burgettstown, where he has since re- mained. Since his residence in that township, his home was completely destroyed by fire, but, with characteristic pluck and energy, he at once erected a building far superior to the one which had been burned. In politics Mr. Rankin has always been a Democrat, and has served his party in various capacities in both townships. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church of Burgetts- town, in which he is an elder.

WILLIAM RANKIN was born April 4, 1832, on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and re- ceived his education in the district schools. On

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November 23, 1858, he was married, in Wells county, Ind., to Martha Riddile, a native of Trum- bull county, Ohio. She was a granddaughter of Samuel and Martha (Johnston) Riddile, the former of whom died in 1825, in Trumbull county, Ohio, the latter in 1831. Andrew Riddile, father of Mrs. Rankin, was born in 1799, in this county, and in 1805 moved with his parents to Trumbull county, Ohio. In 1824 he married Matilda Taylor, who was born in November, 1798, in this county, a daughter of George Taylor, a native of Ireland, who died in 1833, in Mahoning county, Ohio. In 1840 Mr. and Mrs. Riddile settled on a farm in Wells county, Ind., where he died August 12, 1854, his wife having died February 8, 1850. Their children were: Elizabeth (deceased in 1855, wife of John Hammell, of Jay county, Ind.); Samuel L. (living in Wells county, Ind.); George T. (residing in Fort Dodge, Webster Co., Iowa); Martha (Mrs. William Rankin), and H. D. (living on the old battle-ground of Tippecanoe county, Ind). Our subject and wife have always resided on the farm they now occupy, consisting of 160 acres of good land. He is an active Democrat, and has served his township as a member of the school board, and also as supervisor. Mr. and Mrs. Rankin attend the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. They have two sons: W. E. (attending Duff's Commer- cial College at Pittsburgh, Penn.) and R. S.

JAMES RANKIN was born on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and was the youngest son of his parents. He received his education in the " Rankin school district," and has since been en- gaged in working on the old farm. On January 8, 1864, he married Elizabeth F. Barnes, a native of Mt. Pleasant township. She was a daughter of Francis and Mary Jane (Forester) Barnes, the former born in Virginia, the latter in Maryland, both settling in this county at an early day. Mrs. Rankin died in 1870, leaving three children, namely: William F. (married, and lived in Creede," Colo., but is now in Washington county), Clement L. (residing in Alliance, Neb.) and Mary Jane (at home). On October 5, 1880, Mr. Rankin was united in marriage with Maggie E. Forsythe, a native of Smith township, this county, daughter of William and Sarah Ann (Gilbert) Forsythe, natives of New Jersey, who settled in Smith township, this county, over seventy years ago. The For- sythe family are now limited to four sisters and one brother, of whom three sisters are living in Washington county. To the union of James and Maggie E. (Forsythe) Rankin four children have been born: Eldon Lee, Leslie, Ernest and Alvin Forsythe. Mr. Rankin votes the Democratic ticket, and has been a member of the school board. The home farm consists of 163 acres of well-culti- vated land, and he keeps a fine grade of stock. The Rankin family trace their first settlement to

Halloween, 1774. James Rankin and wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect.

H ENRY W. JONES, a prominent citizen of Union township, is a son of Robert, whose father, William, was a farmer of Shropshire, England. He was the father of four chil- dren, namely: William, Thomas, John and Robert.

Robert Jones was born near Shrewsbury, in Shropshire, England, and was apprenticed to a machinist when yet a boy. After serving his time he followed this trade, principally in Birmingham, England. He was married to Miss Vienna Harris, a resident of that place, and she bore him seven children, as follows: John, Robert, Henry W., George, Susan, Mary and Ann, of whom Henry W. and George are yet living.

Henry W. Jones was born July 26, 1826, in Shrewsbury, England, where he was reared to manhood, and learned the machinist's trade. He came to Allegheny county, Penn., in 1850, and was employed as a millwright and steam-engine builder till 1865, when he moved to Wood county, W. Va., locating near Parkersburgh. Here he fol- lowed lumbering and farming, also conducting a saw and planing-mill on the place. In 1888 he came to Union township, Washington Co., Penn., and, erecting a large planing-mill, engaged in con- tracting and building. He succeeded in securing an excellent trade, and in the spring of 1892 gave the business to his sons. He was married Novem- ber 16, 1852, to Miss Catherine Croco, who was born June 15, 1831, a daughter of Henry Croco, of Allegheny county, Penn., and to this union have been born eight children: Vienna (deceased), Keffer, Frank C., Charles, Mary (deceased), Wes- ley, Elmer and Sydney. The six sons are all em- ployed in the planing-mill, or contracting. The mother died April 10, 1888, since which time Mr. Jones has made his home with his son Frank C. In politics the father is a stanch Prohibitionist, and has held numerous township offices in West Virginia. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In 1892, accompanied by his son Charles, he visited his old home in England, but found his relatives all scattered. The old country no longer seemed home to him, for truly has the poet said: " Home is where the heart is;" and the affections and interests of Mr. Jones are now on this side of the Atlantic, although he will ever cherish a fond memory of dear old England.

R OBERT SAMPLE is a well-known resident of the borough of Washington. He is of Irish descent, his grandparents having lived and died in "Old Erin."

David Sample, his father, was born in 1801, in County Donegal, Ireland, and when about

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twenty years of age immigrated to America. He first located in Ohio county, W. Va., where he was united in marriage with Mary Sample, also a na- tive of County Donegal. In 1835 they came to West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., and in 1859 purchased and moved upon a farm in Donegal township, same county. Their children were Robert, John (deceased), and Joseph (a res- ident of Donegal township). The mother died January 22, 1867, at the age of seventy-three years, and August 11, 1879, the father was laid by her side. They were members of the West Alexander Presbyterian Church.

Robert Sample, whose name introduces this memoir, was born October 14, 1827, in Ohio county, W. Va., and when eight years old came with his parents to West Finley township, this county. On January 1, 1857, he was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Robert Burns, but she died July 19, 1859, leaving one daughter, Mary Catherine (now the wife of N. R. Tannehill, of Cecil township, Washington county). For his second wife Mr. Sample married on May 6, 1868, Miss Nancy Tannehill, who bore him two children, Nancy and David R. In 1872 our subject came to Washington, and in 1871 built his present residence on Highland avenue, having rented his farm in Donegal township. He has assisted in the erection of many of the dwellings in the town, and in 1876 was awarded the contract for building the crematory there. Mr. Sample began life a poor boy, and by industry, energy and perseverance has achieved an enviable success. In politics he is a member of the Democratic party, in religion a Presbyterian.

AMES RONEY, son of James and Jane (Mc- Whirter) Roney, was born near Canonsburg, August 17, 1813, on the farm now owned by his daughter, Mrs. G. M. Smith. The old farm has been the home and visiting place of seven generations. His parents first settled in South Carolina, where, tradition says, they pros- pered. Their principles being so antagonistic to the institution of human slavery, they left their home in the South and migrated to western Penn- sylvania. Here they built a house (still standing) from logs cut in the forest and hewn into shape by the immediate ancestors of James Roney. His parents were most exemplary members of the Re- formed Presbyterian Church-better known as the Old Side Covenanters.

He had four brothers and four sisters, namely: Moses, William, John, and one who died in infancy ; Jane, Margaret, Rebecca and Sarah. Moses, in 1818, entered Canonsburg Academy, and graduated with first honors from Jefferson College in 1823. He studied theology in Coldenham, N. Y., under

the direction of Rev. Dr. J. R. Wilson, and was licensed by the Pittsburgh Presbytery, June 8, 1829. He was ordained and installed pastor of the Newburg, N. Y., congregation, afterward accepted the presidency of Westminster College, where he continued to labor until his death. He was one of the most influential and eloquent ministers of the Covenanter Church. On one occasion he was to preach at the old house, and, as the custom was at that time, he preached out of doors. It has been said that every word was distinctly heard half a mile distant. He was married to Miss Elizabeth F. Beattie, of Coldenham, N. Y., whose mother was descended from the Belknap family of that re- gion. William was married to Lydia Thomas, of North Strabane township. He resided on his farm near Haneytown, Marshall county, W. Va. John mar- ried Margaret George, of near Hickory, Washington county; he owns and lives on a farm near Clays- ville. Margaret married John George, of Venice, Washington Co., Penn .; Jane married Isaac E. Mckenry, of Allegheny, Penn., where they lived for a number of years, then moved to near Craw- fordsville, Iowa; Rebecca and Sarah died in early girlhood at the home of their parents. At this date (1893) only two of the family survive, namely : John Roney and Jane Mckenry.

James Roney married, March 4, 1844, Elizabeth, daughter of James Gibson. She bore him two daughters and one son, namely: Grizella Margaret, born May 27, 1845; Moses Gibson, born June 28, 1854 (deceased when ten months old); Jane Eliza- beth, born September 23, 1860, died August 12, 1877. Grizella Margaret Roney, in early girlhood, was married to William M. Smith; two daughters were born to this marriage: Elizabeth Jane, wife of David John Sterling (has two children-Hugh Samuel and Margaret Roney), and Maggie Grizella, living at home with her mother. Mrs. Smith owns valuable property in Canonsburg, where she now resides. D. J. Sterling superintends the farm of Mrs. Smith, and operates in oil. The place is well improved and contains three gas wells, and yields a good income. Mrs. Smith and daughter, Mag- gie, are members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of Miller's Run, near Venice. Mr. and Mrs. D. J. Sterling are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Ingram.

The Roney family have always been noted for their hospitality and kindly disposition. James Roney died of apoplexy November 4, 1884, and was interred in the Hill Church burying ground. His widow, who had suffered from the effects of a paralytic stroke for five years, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. G. M. Smith, July 24, 1888, and was laid by the side of her husband.

[ For further information of the ancestors of the said James Roney, see page 982 of "The History of Washing- ton County, Penn.," edited by Boyd Crumrine, 1882.

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D J. McADAM, professor of mathematics in Washington and Jefferson College, is a native of the Buckeye State, born August 2, 1843, in Moorefield township, Harrison county, a son of John and Susan (Dunlap) Mc- Adam, worthy farming people of that township; the latter a daughter of John and Nancy Dunlap, of Harrison county. They were the parents of children as follows: Nancy, Eliza and Mary (Mrs. John Compher), deceased; Sarah, Mrs. John Lewis; Rebecca, Mrs. Samuel Willoughby; George; D. J. and Margaret (Mrs. James Glascow). The mother of this family departed this life in 1849, and for his second wife Mr. McAdam married, in 1851, Har- riet Linn, of Harrison county, Ohio, by whom there was no issue. Mr. McAdam died in 1852; he had been a consistent member of the Union Church from his youth up, and for some years was an elder in the same; politically he was a straight Demo- crat, socially a man of public spirit and enter- prise, popular and generally respected.

D. J. McAdam was reared to farm work, his education being had at the common schools of his native township, where he proved an apt and dili- gent scholar and from early life he evinced a strong penchant for study and literature. After leaving school, he spent one year in Franklin College, and then entered Washington and Jefferson College, from which he graduated with honor in 1868. His education being now completed, he assumed the role of educator, his first school being at Harlem Springs, Carroll Co., Ohio, whence, after a year he came to Canonsburg, this county, in which learned town he remained one year, in the capacity of tutor. He then moved to Cadiz, Ohio, and en- tered the office of Lawyer Estep, with whom he remained one year, at the end of which time he was appointed principal of the schools of Carrollton, Ohio, his incumbency covering three years; the public schools at that place had just been opened, and the work of grading, by virtue of his position, fell on him. In 1873 our subject accepted the chair of Latin in Washington and Jefferson College, but at the end of one year was transferred to the chair of mathematics, in the same college, which he now fills.

On July 8, 1875, Prof. McAdam was married to Kate, daughter of Capt. Alexander Wishart, of Washington, Penn., and four children were the result of this union, as follows: Alexander (de- ceased), Dunlap, John and Kate. His wife died May 8, 1882. Our subject married in May, 1888, Rebecca, daughter of John D. Braden, and two children have come to further bless their home - Braden and George. Prof. McAdam, in his polit- ical associations, is an ardent Democrat, and in religion is a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington.

W ILHELM H. GUNDLACH was born in Germany September 23, 1861, a son of Henry and Caroline Gundlach, also na- tives of the Fatherland, the father born in 1806, and died in 1867 at the age of sixty-one years. They were the parents of four sons-Wilhelm H., Henry, Frederick and Charley -and three daughters-Hannah, Minnie and an- other whose name is not recorded-all yet living in Germany, except Wilhelm H. and Charley, the latter of whom is now a resident of this county, near Hickory.

Wilhelm H. Gundlach received his education in the public schools of his native land, learning to read from text-books common in use at that time in Germany-the Bible and the catechism. In 1881 he immigrated to America, finally locat- ing in Hopewell township, Washington Co., Penn., where he resided six years, at the end of which time he moved to the farm in West Bethlehem town- ship, containing 118 acres of prime land, where he passed the remainder of his life. On April 19, 1888, he was married to Caroline, daughter of Henry A. and Sophia Gundlach, who were the parents of three sons-Solomon H., Charley A., and Earnest L. - and three daughters-Caroline (married to Wilhelm H. Gundlach), Louisa A. (mar- ried July 23, 1891, to Emmor Ames; they have one child Elsie Pearl, born February 20, 1892), and Minnie S. Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Gundlach are members of the Lutheran Church in West Bethlehem township; for twenty-seven years they have been residents of Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm H. Gundlach were born three children, as follows: Sophia Winnett, born January 10, 1889; Louisa A., born October 5, 1890, died April 5, 1891, and Henry Wilhelm Alfred, born June 5, 1892. The father of these little ones died January 29, 1893, aged thirty-two years. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, as is his grief-stricken widow.

M RS. MARGARET MCCREADY, one of the oldest settlers, and most highly esteemed in the community where she re- sides, is a granddaughter of John Boyd, who was born in Ireland about the mid- dle of the eighteenth century, and coming to America in early manhood settled near West Mid- dletown, Hopewell township, this county. Soon after his arrival in Pennsylvania, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Mathon, who bore him four sons-John, James, Thomas and Robert-and five daughters-Margaret, Nancy, Mary, Rachel and Sarah. He was a Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert Boyd, father of Mrs. McCready, was born

Wilismo M. Cready

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January 21, 1788, on the home farm near West Middletown, Hopewell township. The Indians were so hostile at that time that the family betook themselves to a more thickly populated district in Beaver county, Penn., where they remained some time. After the Indians had left the country, the family returned to this county, locating in Han- over township, where Robert grew to manhood, and was married to Miss Catherine McCausland, also a resident of that township. Nine children were born to their union, of whom four are yet liv- ing: George, Presley, Martha and Margaret. In his politics he was a stanch Democrat.

Margaret Boyd was born August 18, 1822, on the farm in Hanover township. Her childhood and early womanhood were passed in the pioneer home, then surrounded by various wild animals, as many as eight deer being often seen in one group. On February 26, 1857, she became the wife of William McCready, a son of Robert McCready, and now resides in Jefferson township.

Robert McCready, father of William, was born in Scotland, March 28, 1752, and in 1772 immi- grated to America, first locating in the State of New Jersey. He then went to York county, Penn., teaching school there until the Revolution, when he entered a York county battalion, serving several months in the "Flying Camp" Division under Washington. In 1776 he left the service, and came to Washington county, Penn., locating on a tract of 332 acres in Jefferson township. Soon afterward he was united in marriage with Miss Anna Levins, a lady of Irish descent, who bore him nine children, as follows: David, Robert, William, John, Joseph, Mary, Nancy, and two deceased. He died August 10, 1846.

William McCready was born August 1, 1797, on the home farm in Jefferson township, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, purchasing the old place after the death of his father. He was married, as already stated, to Margaret Boyd, who bore him one son, Robert, April 7, 1858, who was married May 6, 1880, to Nancy E. Cassidy, daugh- ter of William Cassidy; he lives on the home place, and, like his father and grandfather before him, votes the Democratic ticket. William McCready died November 6, 1860, leaving over 300 acres of fine land to his heirs. He was a typical self-made man, liberal in thought and action, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Joseph McCready, a nephew of William Mc- Cready, was born and reared in Columbiana county, Ohio, and was there married to Martha Campbell, a native of the same county. She bore him chil- dren as follows: James, Joseph, Robert, Cynthia and Margaret. For his second wife he was mar- ried to Catherine Boyd, a sister of Mrs. Margaret McCready, and the names of the children of this

union are Lizzie C., Rilla and George. Mr. Mc- Cready was a Republican and a Presbyterian. He and his wife are both now deceased.

AMES A. MCILVAINE, one of the enter- prising and prominent citizens of M.t. Pleasant township, is a native of the same, born December 22, 1840, on the home farm. His grandfather, Greer McIlvaine, was of Irish descent, and a native of Lancaster county, Penn., where he was married to Elizabeth Morrow, who was born in the same county. The young couple came to Washington county in an early day, accompanied by a brother, George McIlvaine. On May 20, 1788, Greer secured 407 acres of land in Somerset township, which was surveyed to him February 11, 1789, and afterward divided with his brother. Greer and Elizabeth McIlvaine were members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. Their children were Greer, John, Guyan, George, William, Andrew, Margaret, Mary, Ruth, Catherine, Elizabeth, Esther, Ann and Eleanor.

Guyan McIlvaine was born in 1792, in Somerset township, on the home farm, where his early years were passed. He was united in marriage with Jane Ferguson, a native of Somerset township, who bore him four children: Lydia (widow of John Phillips), living in Greene county, Penn .; William Greer (deceased in 1882, at Memphis, Tenn.), was married in Vicksburg; Robert F., residing in Rochester, Beaver Co., Penn .; and John M., living in Mt. Pleasant township. Mrs. McIlvaine died in 1823, and in 1830 Guyan McIlvaine was married to Jane Bratton, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., and they settled in Mt. Pleasant township, on the home farm. The following children were born to their union: Harvey (resid- ing in Kansas), Anna Eliza (married to William M. Campbell, of Cross Creek township), Joseph Lawrence (an editor, of New Philadelphia, Ohio), Boyd (a resident of Illinois), Belle Jane (of Mt. Pleasant township), James A., Mary Esther and Martha Ellen (Mrs. Harper Simanton, of Mt. Pleasant township). This family is a remarkable one. The twelve children all grew to maturity; all married and have families of their own, except two, and all are yet living but the oldest son, who died in 1882. Mr. McIlvaine was first a Whig, then a Know-nothing, and afterward a Republican. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect. He died in 1868, having been preceded by his wife in 1860. .

James A. McIlvaine, a son of Guyan and Jane (Bratton) McIlvaine, was born on his father's farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and attended the schools of the neighborhood. On November 19, 1868, he was united in marriage

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with Martha A. McBurney, daughter of John and Jane (Keys) McBurney, natives and lifelong residents of Washington county. After his mar- riage James A. McIlvaine settled on the farm of 146 acres, where he was born and has always lived, and has since followed agricultural pursuits. Six children have been born to this couple, viz .: Eulalie (teaching in Hickory, this county), J. C., Mamie (teaching in Hopewell township, Washing- ton county), Nettie, Willie A. and Bessie. Mr. and Mrs. McIlvaine are members of Mt. Pleasant United Presbyterian Church, at Hickory. He is actively interested in education, being a member of the school board of Mt. Pleasant township. He takes quite an interest in politics, voting with the Republican party.

E BENEZER BROWNLEE (deceased), in his lifetime one of the prosperous farmers and successful business men of the county, was a grandson of William Brownlee, Sr., who in an early day came to Washington county from his native land, Scotland, and made a settlement in Franklin township about four miles south of the borough of Washington. He here married Mar- garet Lehman, by whom there were several chil- dren, and of them, William, Jr., born October 13, 1782, in Franklin township, this county, became the father of the subject of this sketch.

William Brownlee, Jr., in his early life was a regular pioneer farmer boy, and his school training, a somewhat primitive one, was most limited. On November 17, 1814, he was married to Jean Car- son, who was born March 22, 1791, and the results of this union were eight children, of whom Eben- ezer, the subject of this sketch, was born April 2, 1825, in West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn. The father died March 24, 1846, the mother, January 23, 1844.

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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 101

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