Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 105

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 105

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James W. Hughes, son of Workman and Rachel (Taylor) Hughes, remained on the parental farm in South Strabane township, this county, and was educated in the common schools until his twenty- second year, when he began business for himself upon a farm below Ten-Mile, Amwell township, where he remained two years. In the fall of 1876 he went to Iowa, but, returning home the follow- ing year, he purchased a hundred acres of the old farm in Amwell township, which he now owns. He then rented the H. H. Reynolds farm, and worked upon it for three years, when he moved to the small house on Mr. Lacock's farm, and in 1883 built the barn on his own place, erecting a house there in 1886. On January 1, 1880, he was united in marriage with Margaret Horn, and their union has been blessed with the following children: Nel- lie R., born October 13, 1880; Samuel W., born December 24, 1881; Alonzo R., born December 10, 1883; George Russell, born February 7, 1886; Sabina A., born February 24, 1888, and Elsie Garnet, born March 29, 1891. Mr. Hughes is an eager reader of agricultural papers and current news. He votes the Democratic ticket on State issues, but in local politics he casts his ballot for the best man. He was auditor of the township from 1878 to 1881, and from 1887 to 1889, and is now committee-man from Amwell township, having also held other town offices.

AYLOR FAMILY. Some time prior to the Revolutionary war, Henry Taylor. the first ancestor of the family under consideration, took up 1,000 acres of land in South Stra- bane township, part of which is now in the possession of Matthew Taylor's heirs. He was married to Jane White, whose home was at the stone house still standing near the County Home, Washington county, Penn. ; she had ten brothers and one sister. In those days all the grain was gathered by the hand sickle, Mr. White's ten sons

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reaping grain in the same field with their father, who prided himself in his farming, and was always out to see that it was properly done. Henry Tay- lor had children as follows: Sons-Matthew, Joseph, John, Henry, James, George-and daugh- ters-Jane (married to Richard Dagg), Mary (wife of A. Patton), Eliza (wife of Dr. Layton) and Ann (married to A. McCalmont). The father of this family was the first judge of Washington county. In 1800 Judge Taylor built the first brick house ever erected in Washington county, Penn., the walls of which are eighteen inches thick from foundation to top; it is still standing, apparently as good as ever, and is now owned by the Willets.

Joseph Taylor, son of Henry the pioneer, was born on the old homestead in South Strabane town- ship, where he passed his entire life. He married Annie Stewart, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who came over the mountains on horseback from the "Forks of Elk," Maryland. She died in March, 1834, leaving two sons: Henry and David S., and her husband followed her to the grave in May or June, 1845, at the age of sixty-eight years.

David Stewart Taylor, Sr., was born August 10, 1803, on the Taylor homestead in South Strabane township, and received a fairly liberal education at the subscription schools of the vicinity, although much of his early boyhood time was passed on the farm. When yet a lad, he followed teaming over the mountains, driving six horses and hauling loads of as much as six thousand pounds, consisting of flour and farm produce, which were exchanged for various articles of merchandise. This business he followed thirteen years, during which time but two days were lost, when all travel was stopped on ac- count of the deep snow. On March 14, 1833, he was married to Sarah Oliver, who was born August 20, 1812, in Westmoreland county, Penn., a daugh- ter of Samuel and Mary (Pinkerton) Oliver, of Sewickley township, in that county, of Scotch-Irish descent. Andrew Oliver (grandfather of Mrs. D. S. Taylor, Sr.) was married to Margaret Madole. He took up 500 acres under the " tomahawk claim" in Hempfield township, Westmoreland Co., Penn. Samuel Oliver, father of Mrs. David S. Taylor, Sr., was a son of Andrew Oliver, who was born in the " old country," where he married. From there they emigrated to the shores of Columbia, settling finally in Westmoreland county, Penn., where he took a "tomahawk claim," and here they died. Their children were Joseph, Samuel, James, Sarah (married to Thomas McCune, in Pittsburgh), Eliz- abeth (married to James Peoples, near Mt. Pleas- ant, Westmoreland county), and Jane (wife of William Hunter, in Westmoreland county). Sam- uel Oliver was born on his father's farm in West- moreland county, where his entire life was passed. He was three times married, first time to Nancy Hen- derson, by whom he had two daughters: Mary and

Margaret; his second wife was Mary Pinkerton, who bore him two children: Jane and Sarah (wife of David S. Taylor, Sr. ); his third wife was Salome Markle, by whom there was one daughter, Eliza- abeth. Of these five children all are now deceased except Jane and Sarah. The father, who had been a lifelong agriculturist, died in Westmoreland county, September 10, 1855, aged seventy-seven years; the mother of Jane and Sarah had passed away several years previously.

At the time of his marriage David S. Taylor, Sr., in company with his brother Henry, was conduct- ing a flourmill at Madison, Westmoreland county, and also managing a hotel. In 1834 he came to what is now South Strabane township, this county, remaining there until 1849, when he moved to Adams county, Ohio. The ague being prevalent there, he soon returned to Washington county, lo-

cating about one mile north of Raccoon Station on Big Raccoon creek, Smith township, and purchased a farm. The following children were born to him: Mary Ann, born December 29, 1833 (married to J. F. Cooke, and living in Florence, this county); Joseph, born December 25, 1835 (in 1859 he went to Michigan Bluff, Cal., in order to dig for gold, taking the overland route, and he is now a butcher in San Jose); Samuel Oliver, born April 4, 1838 (a lawyer in Wheeling, W. Va.); Henry G., born November 9, 1840 (a farmer in Smith township); William P., born January 7, 1843 (a physician in Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Jane O., born February 22, 1845 (living on the old homestead); David S., born October 7, 1847; James Buchanan, born March 30, 1851 (a carpenter of Smith town- ship), and Matthew, born January 5, 1854 (died March 28, 1857). The father died March 11, 1888. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, having joined it, along with his wife, in 1855, and in his political affiliations he was a leading member of the Democratic party. In busi- ness he was very successful, accumulating by earn- est and patient toil a considerable amount of property. In height Mr. Taylor stood five feet eleven inches, his weight being 180 pounds, and all his life he enjoyed splendid health until sixteen years prior to his decease, when he received a slight stroke of paralysis, from which he suffered more or less up to the day of his death. His widow, still hale and remarkably active for her years, more like a woman of sixty than one who has seen over four score and one summers and winters, is at the home of her sons David S. and J. B., and an unmarried daughter, calmly awaiting the sum- mons that will call her hence.

HENRY G. TAYLOR was born on a farm situated about one and one-half miles north of Wash- ington, Penn., after some years moving with his parents to Smith township. In February, 1870, he was united in marriage with Susan Scott,

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who was born in 1840, daughter of Benjamin Scott, of Hanover township, this county, a representative of a pioneer family. They re- sided in Havover township a short time af- ter their marriage, and April 1, 1871, came to their present home in Smith township, this county, near the Jefferson township line. He has followed farming, stock raising and dairying. On June 18, 1883, the farm was visited by a cyclone, which devastated the neighborhood. His barn was thrown down, the house unroofed, and the out- buildings completely destroyed. But he set to work with undaunted energy, and soon from out the ruins arose a handsome new residence, the other damage being repaired as rapidly as possi- ble. In political opinion Henry G. Taylor is a counselor and adviser of the Democratic party in his locality, and he frequently held offices of honor and trust to the utmost satisfaction of all con- cerned. He and his estimable wife are supporters and attendants of the Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown. Their family consists of one daughter-Sarah Oliver- a bright girl of twelve summers, who adorns and cheers their home, and who possesses some skill as a musician.

WILLIAM PINKERTON TAYLOR, M. D., was born January 7, 1843, on the old family homestead in South Strabane township, where the greater part of his boyhood was passed. He worked on the farm in summer time, and attended the schools of the. neighborhood during winter, his first teacher being J. L. Judson. One year he spent on a farm in Ohio. In 1863 he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. T. W. Bradley, of Burgetts- town, and then entered Sterling Medical College at Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated in the spring of 1866, and April 2, same year, he located at Noblestown, Penn., in the general practice of his chosen profession.

On March 14, 1877, Dr. Taylor was united in marriage with Miss Jennie Proudfit, daughter of J. L. Proudfit of Burgettstown, Penn., and two sons have been born to them, viz .: David S., a bookkeeper and stenographer, and John P., tele- graph operator and agent at Canonsburg, Penn. On January 8, 1892, the Doctor had the misfor- tune to lose his house and barn by fire, but he at once rebuilt. He is a Freemason in high stand- ing; a member of Richard Vaux Lodge, No. 454, Burgettstown; Washington Chapter, No. 150, and Jacques de Molay Commandery, No. 3, Washing- ton, Penn.

DAVID S. TAYLOR was born October 7, 1847, in North Strabane township, this county, and in child- hood came with his parents to Smith township, locating upon the farm which he and his brother James B. now own. He assumed control of the home place when his father retired from active life, after the elder brothers had left home, and has be-

come a very successful farmer. Mr. Taylor is a wide-awake and energetic man, and an active mem- ber of the Democratic party. He has filled vari- ous township offices with eminent success, and in the spring of 1892 was elected a justice of the peace for a term of five years. The home farm, which is situated about two miles northeast of Bur- gettstown, comprises 257 acres, nearly all in a high state of cultivation, and the present large and ele- gant residence was built in 1889. Mr. Taylor has never enlisted in the noble army of Benedicts.

R OBERT HORACE McCLAY is a promi- nent member of his family, who have so many years been residents of Canton town- ship. His grandfather, Samuel McClay, emigrated from Ireland when a small boy, and locating in Chester county, Penn., was, when a young man, married to Sarah Mcclellan, who was also of Irish birth. Some years after their mar- riage they settled on the farm in Canton township, Washington county, which has since been the home of their children. He died in 1838, and Mrs. Mc- Clay in 1842.

John McClay, son of Samuel and Sarah McClay, was born in 1809 upon the home farm in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his early youth upon the farm, receiving a very lim- ited education in the primitive schools of the pe- riod. On April 26, 1838, he married Jane, daugh- ter of James Smith, and after her death married on September 15, 1841, Jane, daughter of Robert Welch, who bore him four children: Sarah (Mrs. W. C. Morrison), William, John H. and Robert H. In 1857 Mr. McClay was again married, this time to Sarah Taggart, and after her death was united to Margaret Brownlee, daughter of James Brownlee, one of the earliest settlers of Washing- ton county. Mr. McClay is an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, with which he united in 1853, having formerly been connected with the Seceder Church. Politically he was first a Whig, later a Republican, and is now a leader in the Prohibition party. He is a prosperous man, one who favors all progressive movements.

Robert Horace McClay, son of John and Jane (Welch) McClay, was born January 12, 1850, on the old farm in Canton township, this county, and passed his youth at home, where he received a very limited education in the usual sense of the term, but daily acquired valuable training in the lessons of economy, which trait has become a characteris- tic of the family, and has greatly enhanced their success in life. On January 11, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel A., daughter of William Wright, of Buffalo township, this county, and they settled on a farm in Canton town- ship, where they resided nine years, and erected a

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handsome residence, making many improvements; but in 1885 they removed to their present admir- ably situated home, a large, commodious dwelling, having all conveniences. The children born to this union are: Annie A., John W. and Maggie M. Mr. McClay has ever been a close observer, and in polit- ical opinion has always been a Republican. With his family he is an active member of the United Presbyterian Church at North Buffalo.

R OBERT J. MUNCE, M. D., a leading farmer and retired physician of North Strabane township, was born July 4, 1824, in South Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. His grandfather, Thomas Munce, was a native of County Down, Ireland, where he was married and had the following named children: Robert, Joseph, Thomas, John, Samuel, and Mattie (Mrs. John Manown). In 1804 he immigrated with his family to the United States, landing at New Castle, Del., whence they at once proceeded to South Strabane township, this county, where they settled on a piece of land on which the grand- father passed the rest of his life.

Robert Munce, father of Dr. Munce, was edu- cated in County Down, Ireland, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. He was married in Ireland to Mary, daughter of William Quail, and in 1804 immigrated to this country with the rest of his father's family, making a settlement on the farm in South Strabane township, this county, where, after rearing a family of children, he peacefully passed from earth. The mother died in 1856, and they sleep side by side in the cemetery at Washington borough. They were members of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church, and in politics Mr. Munce was an active Democrat. He was a successful farmer and stock raiser. The children born to this hon- ored pioneer couple were Sarah (Mrs. William Mor- rison, deceased), Mary A. (Mrs. William Andrews, deceased), Margaret (deceased), Jane (Mrs. Robert Carron), Catherine (Mrs. John McLain), Thomas (deceased), William J. and Robert J.

Dr. Robert J. Munce received his primary edu- cation at the log school-house of the locality of his birth, and as soon as he was old enough com- menced to work on his father's farm, his chief occupation at first being to thresh the grain. Everything was of a very primitive nature, both inside and outside the old log cabin, and "home- spun" was the material from which most of the clothing was made, while boots were looked upon as articles suggestive of extravagance in the ex- treme. In the spring of 1842 he entered Wash- ington College, Washington, Penn., attending and teaching school alternately until September, 1847, when he graduated in a class of thirty-three, one of the number being the late Hon. James G.

Blaine. In April, 1853, Dr. Munce married Mary Ann, daughter of Lewis Reighard, of Richland county, Ohio, and the young couple took up their residence in Henry county, Iowa, where they re- mained some five years, at the end of which time they returned to North Strabane township. Dr. Munce then purchased his present farm, which, by assiduous labor, he has brought to its present fertile condition. Our subject had studied medicine under the pre- ceptorship of Dr. Stephens, of Washington, with whom he remained three years, and later took a course at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. He first practiced in Richland county, Ohio, whence he moved to Henry county, Iowa, where he continued to practice, but his health failing he returned to this county, as already related. The children born to Dr. and Mrs. Munce are: Thomas, Robert, George, William, Anna, Maggie (Mrs. Park Weaver), Phoebe (wife of Rev. J. L. Thome), and Lizzie and Emma, who reside at home. The family are members of the Hill Presbyterian Church, of which the Doctor is a liberal supporter. He is a stanch Republican, and has served as a member of the school board several years. Dr. Munce has prospered in his farming, and is now the owner of 475 acres of as fine land as there is in the county.

M RS. ELIZABETH (STOCKDALE). SPROWLS, daughter of Robert Stock- dale, of Allen township, Washington Co., Penn., is of English ancestry. She was born October 25, 1832, and on May 15, 1856, was married to William W. Sprowls, who was a worthy representative of one of the most prominent pioneer families of Washington county.

John Sprowls was the first pioneer of his name to locate in East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn. He was a native of Enniskillen, Ireland, and in 1784 was there married to Elizabeth Love (also of Irish birth), who bore him the following children: Arthur, Jane, Edward, John, Henry, James, Elizabeth, Nancy, William and Mary, the latter two being born after their arrival in America. In 1793 the family emigrated from Ireland, and landing at Philadelphia, pushed westward to Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., where they remained some time, thence removing, in about 1795, to Washington county, Penn. Mr. Sprowls located near California, West Pike Run township, and soon afterward went to Allen township, but finally settled in East Finley township, where, in the midst of an unbroken wilderness, he erected a log cabin, about three quarters of a mile south- east of the present postoffice of Good Intent. In this humble little home John and Elizabeth Sprowls passed the remainder of their lives; and

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having well begun the herculean task of establish- ing a home in the desert wilds for his descendants, the courageous pioneer left the completion of his work to his children; he died September 6, 1845, and was laid to rest in the land of his adoption. Mrs. Sprowls died August 10, 1818. The two daughters, Elizabeth and Nancy, never married, and passed their lives on their father's farm.

William Sprowls, youngest son of John Sprowls, was born October 5, 1794, in Carlisle, Cumberland Co., Penn., and on coming to East Finley town- ship, Washington county, shared the privations of a frontier life. He passed his youth in assisting his father on the farm, and in 1823 was married to Dorcas Towne, who was born in 1797, a daughter of Eli Towne, of East Finley township, this county. Of the children born to them the following is a brief record: Eli (deceased) lived to an advanced age; James died at the age of twenty-four; John married Miss McCreary, and entering the war of the Rebellion, died in the service; William W. is husband of our subject; Abigail died at the age of seventeen; Elizabeth died at an advanced age, unmarried; Henry married Miss McClellan, and is now farming in West Finley township; Dorcas Ann is a resident of Washington, Penn .; Isaac and Ezra died in youth; Cyrus enlisted in the Civil war, in Company E, Eighty-fifth Regiment P. V.I., and died in the service. After his marriage Mr. Sprowls began to farm a place near that of his father, where he remained until his death, which occurred December 27, 1868. Mrs. Sprowls died January 30, 1870.

William W. Sprowls was born in East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., August 17, 1826, and during his earlier years assisted his father on the farm, afterward learning the cooper's trade. After his marriage to Elizabeth Stockdale Mr. Sprowls settled on the old home farm, and passed his life in agricultural pursuits. The following children came to this union: Fremont, born April 14, 1857 (now living in Morrow county, Oreg.); Stockdale, born October 22, 1858 (residing in East Finley township, this county); Eli W., born May 12, 1861 (a farmer of West Finley township); Deborah, born May 25, 1864 (residing with her mother); Mary B., born August 6, 1865 (wife of John Golden, living in Good Intent, this county); Cyrus, born January 8, 1868 (remaining at home); Asbury, born May 30, 1870 (deceased in infancy); Robert A., born May 12, 1872 (still living at home), and Hannah A., born August 24, 1873 (residing at home). Mr. Sprowls was a man of sterling worth. In politics he was a Republican. He was a member of the Disciple Church, and con- tributed liberally to its support. He died April 20, 1888. His widow now manages the farm. She is a member of the Disciple Church.

A DAM G. WEAVER. The great-grandfather of our subject, also named Adam Weaver, came from Germany, with his son John, at an early period, and locating in Washing- ton county, Penn., bought the land which is just below the present home of Adam G., and there spent the remainder of his life. His son, John, purchased a farm of 400 acres on Fish Pot run, in East Bethlehem township, a mile west of Fredericktown. He had received a limited educa- tion, but was a man of general information. In 1788 he married Catherine, a daughter of Martin Spohn, and the following children were born to them: Adam (deceased), Mrs. Sarah Michner, Jacob (deceased), Martin, Daniel (deceased). Mrs. Elizabeth Ault (deceased), Mrs. Catherine Huff- man, Mrs. Mary Smith (deceased), John (deceased), Joseph (deceased) and Margaret. Mrs. Weaver was a member of the Reformed Dutch Church. Mr. Weaver died in 1816, and Mrs. Weaver in 1866.

Adam Weaver was born in May, 1791, in East Bethlehem township, this county, and there lived all his life. He was educated in the schools of the period, and when about twenty-three years of age, bought a ninety-acre farm in East Bethlehem, and began to work upon it. He was very successful, and added to the land as the business prospered. In 1810 he married Elizabeth Black, and she bore him eight children, viz .: Mary (deceased), John (deceased), Daniel (deceased), Mrs. Elizabeth Mech- ner, Jacob, Solomon, Sarah and Adam G. Mr. Weaver voted an independent ticket, selecting the best m'en, without regard to party. He was a mem- ber of the M. E. Church, while his wife belonged to the Bible Christian Society; she died in 1836, and was followed by her husband January 17, 1857.

Adam G. Weaver was born in East Bethlehem township, October 8, 1828, and remained upon the farm until twenty-two years of age. He received a limited education at the common schools, but has by general reading acquired much valuable knowl- edge, and improved his mind. After he became of age he went to Indiana, where he engaged in agri- culture, remained there a year, and on his return worked a farm belonging to an uncle, about two years. On February 16, 1854, he married Cynthia, daughter of James and Charlotte Hill, of West Bethlehem township, and worked on Mr. Hill's farm five years, at the end of which time (1859) he purchased his present place of 170 acres of prime land. The following children were the result of his marriage with Miss Hill: James C., born Au- gust 8, 1856; Sarah E., born March 22, 1859; Clarence E., born January 1, 1863; and Mary J., born September 17, 1865. Sarah E. is the wife of James C. Addleman, and Mary J. married Michael Menchy. Mrs. Cynthia Hill died June 29, 1869. On June 26, 1873, Mr. Weaver was married to

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Elizabeth, daughter of James and Catherine Wherry, and the following children were born to this union: Adam E., born June 19, 1874; Eliza- beth C., born September 3, 1876; Francis A., born March 21, 1879; John T., born January 8, 1882; and Charles E., born April 3, 1884. Mr. Weaver has always been a Republican, a zealous worker for the interests of his party. He is a member of the M. E. Church.

M RS. ELIZABETH V. BOYLE is a daugh -. ter of Joseph Henderson. The latter was a native of Bucks county, Penn., and re- ceived a subscription-school education. In early life he was employed as a stage driver, finally locating on a farm. He was married to Miss Rachel Stroud, and they had six children, namely: Resen, living in Minneapolis, Minn .; John B., residing at Washington, this county; Anna (Mrs. Ross), living in Kansas; Sarah, resid- ing at Washington; J. H., and Elizabeth V. The father was a Methodist, and contributed liberally to the support of the cause. Elizabeth V. Hen- derson grew to womanhood on the home place, and in February, 1873, was united in marriage with Felix Boyle, son of Felix.

Felix Boyle, the father, was born in County Donegal, Ireland. When a young man he crossed the ocean and settled in Pennsylvania, first locating at Williamsport (now Monongahela). He was there married to Ann, daughter of James Rice, who came to Washington county in 1780, and in 1791 erected a house, the corner-stone of which perpet- uates his memory. Mr. and Mrs. Boyle began wedded life on the farm in Carroll township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., where he followed his trade of a stone-mason. For several years his farm produce was shipped down the Monongahela river by flat- boat, and in company with other pioneers he made many trips to New Orleans. On arriving at their destination these boats were sold, and the men re- turned home by land or came via Philadelphia by water. During one of these journeys Mr. Boyle was taken seriously ill on the vessel, and so low was the spark of vitality that many of the crew thought him dead, and in accordance with their custom, prepared to throw him overboard. At this critical juncture a comrade named Black stepped above the apparently lifeless body of his friend, and waving aloft a hatchet, dared the men to touch him. His fearless courage and heroic devotion conquered, and life soon becoming apparent, he was permitted to care for the unfortunate man until his health was restored. Mr. Boyle voted with the Democratic party, and in religion was a Catholic, often attending services at Pittsburgh and Brownsville. He owned 123 acres of land in Car- roll township, Washington county, and in connec-

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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 105

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