Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 103

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 103

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James Reed was born September 28, 1784, near Gettysburg, Penn., and was reared in Buffalo township, Washington county, whither his parents moved when he was a child. In 1812 he was married to Sarah, daughter of John McWilliams, an early resident of the county, and soon after his marriage Mr. Reed purchased a farm in East Finley township, this county, where he made a permanent home, and had the following children: William, born September 24, 1813; John, subject of this sketch; Jane, born July 24, 1817; Margaret, born July 24, 1820; and Hannah, born March 3, 1823. Mr. Reed was a successful man, and well deserved his prosperity. In politics he was origi- nally a Whig, and afterward became a member of the Democratic party. He was a member of the Upper Ten-Mile Church at Prosperity, of which he was an elder. He died February 25, 1845, having been preceded by his wife March 14, 1839, and both are buried at Prosperity.

John Reed received his education at the sub- scription schools of East Finley township. On February 20, 1844, he was married to Jane, daugh- ter of John Burns, a native of West Finley town- ship, born June 13, 1799. John Burns was a son of Alexander Burns, who was born in 1739, in Ireland, and when a young man immigrated to America, settling in Washington county, Penn. He was united in marriage with Jane Carroll, of East Finley township, who bore him children as follows: James, born July 21, 1786; Alexander, born January. 13, 1789; Robert, born March 28, 1791; Mary, born October 17, 1793; Nancy, born August 28, 1796; John, born June 13, 1799; and William, born October 3, 1803. Mr. Burns was a soldier in the Indian war, also in the war of 1812, and was captured by the Indians. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious views a member of the society known as Dissenters. His son, John Burns, was married to Martha Carroll, and their children were Jane (Mrs. John Reed); Robert C., who married Margaretta, a daughter of Rev. Mr. Anderson, and by her had two children: one that died in infancy, and Mary L., wife of Cyrus

Craig, of Cambridge, Ohio (Robert C. died at the age of twenty-eight years); and Mary (Mrs. Alex- ander Gunn). John Burns was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of and elder in the United Presbyterian Church.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Reed remained on the home place ten years, and then moved to Burnsville, West Finley township, where they remained fifteen years, thence removing to Dallas, W. Va., where they lived two years. Mr. and Mrs. Reed have had the following children: James Linn, John B. (deceased), Sarah Martha (Mrs. William Barry), Robert J. and Mary L. (the latter died at the age of three years). Mr. Reed has ever been much interested in educational mat- ters, and general public topics. In politics he was always a Democrat, prior to the year 1885, when he became a strong advocate of Prohibition. In religious connection he is an elder in, and has for forty-five years been a member of the Presbyterian Church.

James Linn Reed, a son of John Reed, served in the war of the Rebellion from March 4, 1865, to August 11, same year. He was educated at Washington and Jefferson College, and then en- tered Princeton College, graduating there in the class of 1870, and afterward from the Western Theological Seminary. He was called to a church in Independence, where he remained eight years; then passed one year in Pueblo, Colo. On his re- turn home he went to Barnesville, Ohio, and re- mained there six years, being finally called to Leetsdale, Penn., where he is now living. Polit- ically he is a Republican.

John B. Reed (deceased), the second son of John Reed, received his preparatory training at Waynes- burgh, and his college education at Washington and Jefferson. He then attended the Cleveland Medical College, and after graduating practiced one year in Dallas, W. Va .; then went to Cameron, then to West Alexander, and finally settled in Wheeling, W. Va., where he died October 17, 1887, aged forty-one years. He left a widow (formerly Miss Mary L. Stone) and the following children: Mary L., Frank S., John B., Jane B. and Sarah. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Sixteenth P. V. C., and was sent to the army of the Potomac. In his political views he was a Republican.

Robert J. Reed, third son of John Reed, was also educated at Washington and Jefferson Col- lege, from which he graduated in 1881, and then entered Bellevue Medical College, N. Y., gradu- ating in 1884. He afterward entered the Western Pennsylvania Hospital, whence he proceeded to Wheeling, W. Va., where he is now practicing his profession. On November 30, 1887, he was mar- ried to Louise Butler, of Wheeling, W. Va. In his political views he is a Republican. In 1874 Mr. and Mrs. Reed located in West Alexander,

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where they have a pleasant home. They united with the Presbyterian Church there, in which they are honored members.

M RS. MARTHA BAIRD, one of the oldest residents of Peters township, is the widow of Thomas Baird, a son of Samuel Baird. Samuel Baird was a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America in an early day. Soon after his arrival in this coun- try he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James Anderson. The Andersons and Bairds had emi- grated from Ireland in the same vessel, and settled near each other in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. Mrs. Anderson passed away in 1809, and as was then customary, was buried on the farm in the old orchard, where fifteen years later the husband and father was laid to rest. Their graves are marked only by a rough stone and a few ever- green trees. After their marriage Samuel and Elizabeth Baird located on the farm in Peters township, which is now owned by their son Thomas, and the following children were born to them: Jane, William, James, Samuel, Jonathan and Thomas, of whom all are deceased save William, who is living iu retirement at Sleeth, Carroll Co., Ind.

Thomas Baird was born May 22, 1822, on the old place in Peters township, this county, and re- mained with his parents during his minority. On arriving at man's estate he began life as a pilot, and worked as such for many years on the Ohio river; he afterward clerked in the coal yards for several years, finally returning to Washington county, where he spent the last thirty-five years of his life on a farm in Peters township. On October 7, 1851, he was married to Martha Wilson, who was born January 26, 1833, a daughter of the late Thomas Wilson, a prominent farmer of Peters township, this county. The young couple set- tled on the home farm in Peters township, which was then owned by a maiden aunt of Mr. Baird. He leased the farm for fifteen years, and when she died paid off the other heirs. The follow- ing children were born to Thomas and Martha Baird: Elizabeth, Mary, Jennie (deceased), Wilson T., Emma, Caroline, Sarah, John, Frank, Will- iam, Charles and George. The family occupy a prominent position in the community. Mr. Baird enjoyed the highest respect and esteem of all who knew him, and was recognized in all his dealings as a thoroughly honest and upright citi- zen. In politics he was a Democrat, and served in many local offices. He was a member and treasurer of the Presbyterian Church for many years. He died February 4, 1888, of pneumonia. His widow is yet living on the old homestead, which contains 140 acres of well-cultivated land.

HOMAS STEVENSON, who in his day was one of the prominent and progressive agri- culturists of Washington county, was born June 30, 1798, in Northampton county, Penn., on the old home farm near Easton. James Stevenson, his father, was a native of the North of Ireland, where he married Ann Miller, and soon thereafter they immigrated to America, and about the year 1786 settled near Easton, Northampton Co., Penn, where they resided till 1800. They then crossed the mountains, all their worldly possessions, comprising household goods, their little ones and themselves, being carried in one wagon. Coming to Washington county, they located uear Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, and there resided till 1808, when they moved to the southeastern part of Smith township. In 1809 James Stevenson made a permanent home on a farm situated one mile north of Bulger, in Smith township. He was an honest, energetic citizen, was a successful farmer, and carried on a very ex- tensive distillery. In politics he was an active member of the Whig party. He and his wife passed away at a good old age, and were the parents of the following: John (born about the year 1786, died about 1860, having lived up to the time of his death on the farm where John C. Stevenson now resides; he was a soldier in the war of 1812), Thomas, Margaret (who married Finley Scott), Jane and Mrs. Smith, all now deceased.

Thomas Stevenson, the subject proper of this memoir, came with his parents to Washington county when a boy, and here received his educa- tion in the schools of the period, where the "Single Rule of Three" was the test of mathematical knowledge. He hauled loads of produce to Pitts- burgh, returning with merchandise for country merchants. On February 28, 1827, he was mar- ried to Eliza Kerr, who was born November 16, 1806, daughter of William and Eleanor Kerr. This wife died March 4, 1849, and on September 28, 1852, Mr. Stevenson married Margaret A. Whan, who was born February 15, 1824, daughter of John and Mary (Stevenson) Whan, and their children were: Mary Margaret (wife of David McCoy, of Baca county, Colo.), born October 17, 1853; Ann Eliza (living in Burgettstown, Penn., with her widowed mother), born March 22, 1855; Celicia J. (living at home), born January 28, 1857; John C., James M., aud William E. (of whom special mention is made further on); and David S. K., born December 29, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson passed all of their married life on a part of the "Old Ravens- craft Tract," in Cherry Valley, Smith township. He was a careful manager aud excellent financier, year by year adding to his possessions until he owned 750 acres of choice land. He was a kind- hearted, generous mau, ever ready to assist those who proved worthy of aid; in business he was a

Thomas Stevenson

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

careful manager. At one time he owned a flour- mill in Midway, Penn., but passed most of his time in agriculture. In politics he was first a Whig, then a Republican, and was much interested in the selection of suitable candidates. He was a charter member of the Mt. Vernon Seceder Church, and was one of the leading organizers of the Centre U. P. Church, serving as an elder and contributing liberally to its support. He died February 28, 1881, mourned by the entire community as one who could not well be replaced. His widow continued to reside in the elegant home left to her until 1892, when she moved to Burgettstown, this county, and is now living a retired life. She is one of the most highly respected ladies of the vicinity, and is a consistent member of the U. P. Church.

JOHN C. STEVENSON was born August 4, 1858, in Cherry Valley, Smith township, this county. He received a limited education in the district schools, and being the eldest son, the greater portion of the farm work fell to his share. On February 12, 1880, he was united in marriage with Eliza J. Stewart, who was born September 27, 1855, daughter of John Stewart. Three daughters have been born to this marriage: Maggie T., Elvia May and Cora Viola. After their marriage John C. and Eliza J. (Stewart) Stevenson settled on the home farm one mile north of Bulger, which has been in the possession of the family since 1809. He has followed farming and stock raising, also devoted some attention to the dairy business. In politics he is a Democrat, and has held various township offices; in religion he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Midway, this county.

JAMES M. and WILLIAM E. STEVENSON Were born on the home farm in Smith township, September 28, 1860, and August 13, 1863, respectively. Their literary education was received at the com- mon schools of the neighborhood, during which time they were also learning valuable lessons in the principles of successful agriculture and general business. After the death of their father the two brothers took charge of the home place, and in September, 1883, John C. sold his interest in cattle to James M. and William E., who then began an extensive business in the breeding of Holstein- Friesau cattle. Their first stock was purchased from J. L. Henderson, of Washington county, and Powell Bros., of Springboro, Penn. Their stock soon increased in quantity and value, and was ex- hibited at various agricultural shows throughout the country-Detroit, Chicago, Toledo, Columbus, Youngstown (Ohio), Wheeling (W. Va.) and sev- eral other places, and they received a large number of premiums as testimonials of their supe- rior grade of cattle. Many gold and silver med- als were awarded them at the various exhibitions, from which they always took some premium. Tliese 31

· two young men won a national reputation as stock raisers, and command the very highest prices. In 1892 they disposed of their farming implements and stock, making one of the largest sales ever held in Smith township. Politically the Messrs. Stevenson are earnest, active members of the Re- publican party and, it is needless to add, are most intelligent, practical and successful business men. Neither are married.

A NDREW CRAWFORD is prominently iden- tified with the oldest and most influential citizens of Peters township. His grandfa- ther, Andrew Crawford, is supposed to have emigrated from Ireland. However that may be, it is certain that this ancestor came to Washington county, Penn., prior to 1783, and lo- cated on the farm in North Strabane township yet owned by his descendants. In the same year he received a patent for 4153 acres of land, giving in payment £4, 9s. 2d. of Pennsylvania currency. In early life he was united in marriage with Sarah Speer, a native of Moon township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Their lives were passed on the farm in North Strabane township, where he died in 1795 from the effects of the bite of a copperhead snake. The children of this family were born as follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret, James, Alexander and Anı, all of whom are now deceased.

James Crawford was born in 1791, on the old homestead in North Strabane township, and was but four years old when his father died. His mother married again, and the child was thrown on his own resources at a tender age, as the step- father had no property. However, he possessed plenty of perseverance, and worked for some time as a farm hand, meantime availing himself of every opportunity to secure an education. He then be- gan teaching school, and in 1812 went to stay with his sister in Columbiana county, Ohio, while her husband fought in the war of 1812. While mak- ing his home here, young Crawford met Miss Nancy Crawford, who afterward shared his life (she was no relation). They were married in 1814, after which the young couple moved to the old place in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., where they always resided. Their farm contained over 200 acres of the original tract. In political opinion James Crawford was a Democrat, and served in many township offices. For thirty years he was identified with the United Presbyterian Church at Peters Creek, in which he was an elder, and after- ward became a member of Mount Prospect Church. The following children were born to this couple: Sarah, Andrew, William (deceased in infancy), Ta- mar, Mary A., Agnes, Margaret (wife of A. M. Borland), Lizzie and Priscilla. Of these, Tamar, Mary A., Agnes, Sarah and Priscilla are deceased.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Andrew Crawford, son of James and Nancy Craw- ford, was born December 4, 1816, in the old house on the farm of his forefathers in North Strabane township, Washington county. He remained on the place during his boyhood, and on April 5, 1838, was married to Martha, daughter of James Matthews. She was born in October, 1814, on a farm in Peters township adjoining the home of her future hus- band. After their marriage the young couple in- herited seventy-five acres of the old place, where they have since resided. Children have blessed

their union as follows: Martha J., Mary J., Al- exander J., Nancy E., Tamar T., W. B. L., Sarah, Henrietta and Anna G., of whom Martha J., Nancy E. and Tamar T. are deceased. The father votes with the Democratic party, and has held various local offices. He was an elder in the United Pres- byterian Church of Peters Creek until his member- ship was transferred to Mt. Prospect; he also led the choir for many years.

James Alexander Crawford, eldest son of An- drew and Martha (Matthews) Crawford, was born May 6, 1842, and on December 21, 1865, was mar- ried by Rev. William Hanna, of the Presbyterian 'Church of Fairview, to Rhoda J., daughter of James Atkinson. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have had the following children: Nettie B., William C., Mattie, James P., Edmund A., Caroline, Wal- lace, May, Harry, Lulu and Laura. Of this family Caroline, Wallace and Laura are now deceased. Mr. Crawford is at present living in McCook, Neb., where he has bought a farm of 160 acres, and expects to make his future home.

AMES MORRISON, who is a grandson of Henry Morrison, was born May 14, 1833, in Nottingham township, this county. The grandfather was a lieutenant in the Revolu- tionary war, and in 1773 came to this county, and bought 438 acres of land on Mingo creek, where he died at the age of eighty-two years, leaving three sons, John, James and Henry.

Henry Morrison, son of Henry Morrison, Sr., was born October 2, 1799, in Nottingham town- ship, this county, and was married to Anna Stew- art, who was born October 14, 1794, in this county. Five children were born to their marriage, namely: William, born December 18, 1820, died February 26, 1843; Patience (Mrs. Hamilton), born April 30, 1823; Henry, born August 13, 1827; John, born May 23, 1830, died January 6, 1836; and James, of whom a sketch follows. The father owned 152 acres of land, and passed his life in agricultural pursuits, serving the township in va- rious capacities. He died October 7, 1884, having been preceded by the mother December 25, 1877.

James Morrison was born on the old place in this county, and there passed his school days. On

May 7, 1861, he was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of John Gaston, a native of Alle- gheny county, Penn. They have had three children, namely: H. P., A. L. and H. M. The family moved to Washington, Penn., in 1872, remain- ing there until 1877, when they returned to the farm in Nottingham township. Mr. Morrison has served as inspector of elections on several occa- sions, and in religion the family are all members of the Presbyterian Church.

H ENRY HARRISON HARFORD WEAV. ER. The Weaver family, with which this gentleman is connected, is of German an- cestry, and the earliest pioneer of the name to settle in America was one Adam Weaver. He and his son John located in Washington coun- ty, Penn., where the latter purchased 400 acres of land one mile north of Fredericktown, on Fish Pot run, in East Bethlehem township. John Weaver received a limited education, but gained a large fund of general information, becoming a very in- telligent citizen. In 1788 he was married to Cath- arine, daughter of Martin Spoone, and the follow- ing children were born to them: Adam, who died in 1860; Sarah, wife of Jonathan Michener, of Seneca county, Ohio ( she is now over ninety years of age); Jacob; Martin, a farmer of Seneca county, Ohio; Daniel; Mrs. Elizabeth Ault, who resided at Orville, Wayne Co., Ohio; Mrs. Cath- erine Huffman; Mrs. Mary Smith; John; Jos- eph, deceased in 1890, and Margaret. Of this family are yet living Sarah, Martin and Marga- ret. The parents died on the home farm in East Bethlehem township.

John Weaver, son of John and Catharine Weav- er, was born August 17, 1799, in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the rude log cabin schools, and assisted his father in the farm work, using the old-fashioned wooden plow. Their bread was then made entirely from corn, and though whisky was freely used in those days, drunken men were comparatively few. John Weaver learned the tanner's trade at Scenery Hill, Washington county, with a man named Notestine. On March 21, 1822, he was united in marriage with Ann Schoolly, and they had children who were born as follows: William, born December 8, 1822, a merchant of San Francisco; Eli, born April 10, 1824, supposed to have been drowned in North River, Cal .; Mrs. Elizabeth Messmore, born April 22, 1826, died November 28, 1878, in Illinois; Thomas, born October 17, 1828, died September 10, 1888, in San Francisco, Cal. ; John, deceased in infancy ; E. P., a miner in Montana, born April 7, 1833, and Isaac, born September 9 1835, who enlisted in the Eighth Illinois Calvary, and died in the army. The mother of this family

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was laid to rest December 23, 1835, and the father then married Mrs. Jane (Woods) Boon ( widow of James Boon ), who was born June 24, 1809, in Washington county, Penn., near the Virginia line. To this marriage came the following children: Finley, born February 16, 1838, living in Waynes- burgh, Greene Co., Penn .; Henry Harrison Har- ford, born September 3, 1840; Margaret Jane, born January 12, 1843, wife of John Carpenter, of Seneca county, Ohio; Joseph and Mary N. (twins), born August 9, 1845, the foriner of whom died October 1, 1854, while the latter is living with her brother Henry; Eleanor S., born June 20, 1848, widow of Alonzo B. Crumrine, living in Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn., and Florence C., born April 3, 1851, who died September 30, 1854, at the age of three years, one day before the death of her brother Joseph. The father was a very industrious man, having won success by years of patient toil, and in 1842 erected the house now occupied by his son. He was called from earth June 24, 1876, and was followed by his wife Decem- ber 29, 1888. He was a member and elder of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and in politics formerly voted with the Whig party, afterward uniting with the Republicans.

Henry Harrison Harford Weaver is now resid- ing on the farm where he was born and reared, in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. He learned the tannery business of his father, which he followed several years, and then con- ducted a store in Fredericktown fifteen years. Af- ter leaving the latter business he returned to the homestead, and is now a prosperous agriculturist. He is one of the most zealous adherents of the Re- publican party, and has voted for every nominee of his party since casting his first ballot for Lin- coln. In religion he is a member of the Presby- terian Church.

H ARVEY ANDREW, a representative of an old pioneer family, and a flourishing farmer of Morris township, is a son of Jesse An- drew, and grandson of Samuel Andrew, who was born in New Jersey, January 25, 1772, and located on Ruff's creek, Greene Co., Penn., at an early day, where he entered land. He married Susan Cooper, of Washington county, born July 22, 1777, and reared a family of eight children, as follows: Jacob, Zebulon, Samuel, Jesse, Robert, Kersier, Elizabeth and Emeline, of whom Elizabeth, a resident of Iowa, is the only survivor. Samuel Andrew removed to Crawford county, Ohio, all the family except Jesse accom- panying him, and there died August 28, 1849, his wife having passed away August 27, 1843.

Jesse Andrew was born March 15, 1804, and October 20, 1825, married Lecta Day, who was born

August 5, 1803, a daughter of Calvin Day. They resided in Greene county until their death, Jesse passing away August 17, 1880, and his wife June 29, 1878. They reared a family of six children: Cyrus, born July 20, 1826 (deceased); Harvey, born April 13, 1828; Milton, born January 26, 1830 (now a resi- dent of Iowa); Samuel, born September 23, 1835 (deceased); Adeline, born November 22, 1839 (de- ceased); John N., born January 31, 1842 (living in Van Buren, Franklin township).

Harvey Andrew remained with his father upon the farm until thirty years of age, when he mar- ried Adaline Craig, who was born June 4, 1832, a daughter of M. B. Craig, of Franklin township, Washington county. After his marriage he re- sided on his father's farm in Greene county, until the winter of 1862-63, when he removed to his present farm in Morris township, four miles west of Prosperity, known as the "Old Post farm," which is an excellent one, and consists of about 200 acres. To Mr. and Mrs. Andrew have been born five children: Charles Hollace, born Novem- ber 5, 1858, in Greene county (he married Matilda Bell, of East Finley - township, who died May 22, 1888, aged thirty-three years, and he afterward married Mary, daughter of Harvey Day, of Greene county; he now resides on the old home place in Greene county); Lecta Jane, born March 27, 1864, married to James Sharp, of Prosperity, where they now reside; the other three children, Jesse B., born December 2, 1860, in Greene county, William Harvey, born September 17, 1868, and Sarah A., born May 29, 1871, make their home with their parents. Mr. Andrew is a Democrat, and a mem- ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder.

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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 103

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