Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 109

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 109

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

OHN NEELY was but an infant when his. parents came to Washington county, Penn. His father, John Neely, was born in 1798 in County Tyrone, Ireland, being a weaver by trade. In early life the latter was married to Elizabeth Finton, a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, daughter of Robert Finton. In 1841 this couple sailed from Londonderry, Ireland, on the vessel "North America," commanded by Capt. William Baker. They landed at Philadelphia, Penn., thence pushing westward, and crossing the

Alleghany mountains on the old inclined planes, located in Hanover township, this county, where they began farming. They were the parents of three children, all of whom were born in Ireland, viz .: Samuel M. and Catherine, living in Hanover township at very advanced ages, and John. The father died in 1884, having been preceded to the grave by his wife.

John Neely, son of John and Elizabeth Neely, was born February, 20, 1840, in Cooley Parish, County Tyrone, Ireland, and was reared on the farm in Pennsylvania, also attending the subscrip- tion schools of his adopted State. On January 21, 1868, he wooed and won Clarissa A. Hart, of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. She was born in Oc- tober, 1844, and was a daughter of Leonard Hart, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who was an early settler of Ohio. The children of John and Clarissa Neely were as follows: George P., Margaret E., John L., Clarissa J., Stewart E., Catherine A., Emma I., Samuel M., Clarence H., Robert S., and Ray, of whom Stewart E., Catherine A., and Ray are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Neely resided in Tuscar- awas county, Ohio, for sixteen years after their marriage, and in 1884 came to Washington county, Penn., locating in Hanover township on the "old Fullerton farm," where they have since lived. Mr. Neely is a farmer and stock raiser, and was among the first to conceive the idea of a creamery in his neighborhood. He took an active part in organizing a stock company for the operation of the proposed industry, which unfortunately failed to materialize, resulting in financial loss to Mr. Neely. Politically he is a Democrat, and in re- ligious faith both he and his estimable wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

Samuel Neely was married in 1875 to a Miss Maria Dixon, of Clinton, Washington county. They have three children: John D., James S. and Catherine B.

OHN IAMES MARTIN, one of the most pro- gressive citizens of West Bethlehem town- ship, was born February 28, 1828, on the farm of his father, in that township.

He is a grandson of James Martin, a na- tive of New Jersey, who emigrated to Washington county in the latter part of the last century, settling upon the tract in West Bethlehem town- ship, part of which his grandson still owns. Here he toiled until death called him, at an advanced age. He was a blacksmith, and made many of the hinges, nails, etc., used on his buildings. His education was received at the subscription schools. Joseph Martin, father of John James Martin, was born on the old homestead in 1784, and passed his boyhood in attending the common schools, and working on the farm. By taking advantage of

674

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

every opportunity, he succeeded in obtaining an education superior to that of many of his associates. In 1822 he married Nancy Iames, daughter of John Iames, who for many years conducted a milling business in Amwell township, this county. To this union were born the following children: Morgan, a prominent farmer of Amwell township; Elizabeth, who died in infancy; John Iames, subject of this sketch; Ann, the wife of Andrew Van Dyke, of Amwell township; Sarah, wife of Neal Zollars, of East Bethlehem township, and Joseph, who de- parted this life in 1852, aged twenty-two years.

John James Martin passed his young days upon the farm, and received a fair education in the schools of the period. In 1852 he married Eliz- abeth Barr, daughter of Samuel Barr, of West Bethlehem township, and to them were born the following children: Joseph, Sarah, Jackson, Martha, Samuel and Clarion, all of whom are liv- ing except Joseph, who died in 1872 at the age of twenty-one years. Mr. Martin was a Democrat, and one of the counselors of his party, although by no means a politician in the general sense of the term. He and his family are members of the Winnett Chapel Methodist Church, Mrs. Martin being one of the most active and valued members. The farm of Mr. Martin consists of about 155 acres of land, all in a high state of cultivation.

P HILO REYNOLDS, an esteemed and pros- perous farmer of Amwell township, is a grandson of Benedict Reynolds, who came from New Jersey and settled in South Stra- bane township on a farm, about six miles southeast of Washington borough. The following are the names of his children: Richard, Henry, Zachariah, Lloyd, Polly, Susan and Sally. Mr. Reynolds was a successful business man, owning several nice farms, and of these he gave one to each of his sons before he died.

Lloyd Reynolds was born in South Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., May 10, 1794, and lived at home until some time after his mar- riage. On March 23, 1826, he was united in mar- riage with Sarah Redd, who was born June 29, 1805, and to this union were born children as fol- lows: Louisa, born March 28, 1827; Silas M. Crispin (deceased); Philo, born October 30, 1828; Lucretia (Mrs. McCherry), born July 31, 1830; Alfred (deceased), born July 11, 1832, and An- drew Jackson. Mr. Reynolds died in about 1836.

Philo Reynolds, son of Lloyd and Sarah (Redd) Reynolds, was born in South Strabane township, Washington county, and when ten years old was taken by his mother to live on his grandfather Redd's farm. He attended the common schools a short time, then went to live with James Wright. At the age of sixteen he learned the blacksmith's

trade of John Morrow, having lived with him four years, receiving $25 per year, and at the end of the four years had $42 coming to him. When twenty years of age he began business for himself by opening a shop near James Wright's place. On March 17, 1852. Mr. Reynolds was married to Rebecca Wright, who was born June 9, 1825, and they have had three children: James E., a lumber dealer in Washington; Marguerite Jane, who died at the age of seventeen, and Sarah Bell (Mrs. Paul). Mr. Reynolds has followed his trade all his life, and by dint of thrift and enterprise, has ac- cumulated a good property; in 1872 he purchased his present home, as fine a farm as can be found in the township. In politics he is a Democrat, but believes in voting independently of any party or politician, when occasion so demands. In relig- ious connection he was formerly a member of the Christian Church, but is not connected with any religious body at present.

W ILLIAM SMITH. About the year 1785 Robert Smith came from east of the mountains and located in Bethel town- ship, near Bethel church, in Allegheny county, Penn., and followed agricultural pursuits, and the original farm is now owned by his grandson, John Smith. In 1790 he married Jean, daughter of Daniel Moore, and of this union the following children were born: Daniel (who died in Nebraska); Jennie (deceased wife of Robert Cooly, of Beaver county, Penn.); Mary Ann (de- ceased wife of Henry Keifer, of Beaver county, Penn.); Elizabeth (wife of Robert Bryarly, of Beaver county, Penn.); Agnes (deceased wife of Jacob Keifer, of Beaver county, Penn.); Robert (deceased in Iowa); Polly (wife of John Lesnette, living near Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Margaret (deceased wife of James Orr, of Holmes county, Ohio); William (subject of this sketch), and John (who died in Allegheny county, Penn.). The father of this family died in 18-, aged eighty- three years, the mother in 1863, aged ninety-one, and they are buried in Bethel cemetery.

William Smith was born August 12, 1812, in Bethel township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and re- ceived his education in the common schools, the principal books in use at the time being the United States Speller and Western Calculator. On April 16, 1840, he was married to Sarah H., daughter of George and Jean Cunningham, who came from Scotland in 1802. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith eleven children were born, seven of whom were deceased in youth; those yet living are George C. (of Castle Shannon, Penn.); Adaline J. (wife of Alexander Bailey, of Xenia, Ohio); Daniel W. (of Bulger, Penn. ) and Anna B. (wife of S. D. Jones, of Mount Pleasant township). Mr. Smith resided in Bethel

Villiam Smith

677

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

township until 1846, when he moved to Baldwin township, same county, and there resided until 1872, when he moved to Bulger, Washington county, and retired from active business.

When Mr. and Mrs. Smith went into house- keeping he had but $2.50 to provide for himself and wife. He was a regular attendant at the Pittsburgh markets, and one article in demand at that time was cut straw, which he carried to mar- ket on horseback (tied on with ropes), and sold at 123 cents a sack; he has sold butter at 6 cents per pound; has packed oats to Pittsburgh on horse- back, and sold them at 123 cents per bushel. With these prices obtained, he bought and paid for land.

On April 16, 1890, Mr. and Mrs. Smith cele- brated the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage. Of the Smith and Cunningham families represented in the union of this couple, there were twenty-two children, all of whom were married and raised families, seven of whom celebrated golden wed- dings. Of the ten children of Robert Smith they lived to an average age of seventy-five years.

DANIEL W. SMITH, son of William Smith, was born September 5, 1852, in Baldwin township, Allegheny Co., Penn., passing his boyhood days on the farm, and receiving a common-school edu- cation. In 1872 he came with his parents to Washington county, and on August 26, 1880, was united in marriage with Alice J. Russell, who was born December 8, 1855, daughter of J. S. Russell, of Smith township, this county. The following children were born to them: Mary V., Clara B., Sarah C., Agnes J., William and John R. Daniel W. and Alice J. Smith first located on a part of his father's farm in Smith township, and upon the death of the latter took charge of the home place, where he is now living. In connection with farm- ing he raises stock and manages a dairy. In poli- tics he is a Republican, and in religion he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Candor.

M RS. ELIZA C. ALLEN. George W. Allen ·(deceased agriculturist) was born June 2, 1818, in Fayette county, Penn., on a farm two and one-half miles from Connellsville. He was a son of Josiah and Rebecca Al- len, who were natives of Fayette county, Penn., and came to Washington county in 1834, settling permanently in Carroll township.

· On February 26, 1840, George W. Allen was united in marriage with Eliza C., daughter of Samuel, and granddaughter of Walter Davis. The grandfather died in Franklin county, Penn., and his son Samnel was born March 7, 1786, on the home place in that county. When a young man, Samuel Davis came to Washington county, and lo- cating on Chartiers creek, became prominently con- nected with the earliest history of Somerset town- ship. He was married to Mary, daughter of Isaac

Vance, and she bore him four children, none of whom are living. The mother died June 1, 1820, and for his second wife, Mr. Davis selected Mary, daughter of Isaac and Catherine Teeple. Two children were born to this marriage, namely: Sam- uel M., living in California, Penn., and Eliza C. (Mrs. Allen), whose name opens this sketch. The mother died April 23, 1824, and his third choice was Rhoda Falconer. They had six children. Of these, one daughter is living, viz., Emily Maria Taylor, living at Brownsville, Penn. Mr. Davis was a member of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, and in political opinion was a Democrat. He passed away October 16, 1836, and was laid to rest beside his kindred in the Pigeon Creek ceme- tery.

To the union of George W. and Eliza C. (Davis) Allen, the following children were born: Mary Lucinda (wife of Lyman Jackson, a prominent railroad official in Allegheny City), born September 1, 1841; Emma R., born October 25, 1843; Martha T., born December 4, 1845; Elma L. (deceased March 6, 1854, interred in Round Hill cemetery, Allegheny county), born April 24, 1848; Edwin Benton (deceased August 20, 1890, interred in Knoxville cemetery, a prominent business man of Knoxville, Iowa), born October 5, 1850; Edith F. (deceased June 9, 1853, interred in Round Hill cemetery, Allegheny county), born January 24, 1853; Clarence M. (a merchant living at Charleroi, Penn.), born May 6, 1854; Milton J., born October 21, 1856, died October 25, 1888; Ella S. (wife of Samuel Swabe, a prosperous farmer of Fallowfield township), born February 16, 1859; Myrtilla F., born July 24, 1861; George B. Mc. (a carpenter of Charleroi), born October 8, 1863, and Addison F. (living on the homestead), born May 24, 1867. At the time of his marriage Mr. Allen possessed little property, but by the assistance of his wife, coupled with his own untiring energy, he accumulated a. competence, and finally became the owner of 275 acres of land. In his political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church at Monongahela City. He was interested in all movements tending to advance Washington county, and was especially devoted to educational progress. He died February 19, 1879, was interred in Monongahela cemetery. His widow, an agreeable and popular lady, is yet liv- ing on the place. Shehas in her possession a diary of her husband, containing the incidents of liis life, from the date of his marriage until his death.

A NDREW J. PEESE is a representative of one of the oldest families of Washington county. His great-grandfather, Nicholas Peese, emigrated from Germany with an uncle when but twelve years of age. He af- terward married, and located in Caniguagig, east of

678

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the mountains. Three children were there born to them: Mary, Andrew and George. In 1769 he made an exploring trip on foot to western Penn- sylvania, and took possession of 400 acres of land in North Strabane township, Washington county. He then returned to his family, and placing their household goods on one horse, with the youngest child perched on top of the load, the rest of the family journeyed on foot. They finally arrived at their new home, and a small log hut was erect- ed in which they passed the winter near the pres- ent home of John M. Berry. Only two other set- tlers were then in the township, and in their pioneer home the four younger children were born: Nicholas, Catherine, Betsey and Susan. Of these children Nicholas died in youth. Mr. Peese was six feet and one inch in height, well formed, and possessed great powers of physical endurance. He died at the age of one hundred and five years, his wife at the age of ninety years.

George Peese, the second son of Nicholas, was four years of age when the family settled in Wash- ington county, and was the hero of the horseback ride above mentioned. He grew to manhood, and was married to Lydia, daughter of John Vaughn, a native of New Jersey. The children born to this union were Polly, Andrew, Rebecca, Zacharias, John, Nicholas, George, Joseph, James, Eliza, Polly, Lydia, and two daughters who died in in- fancy. Polly was burned to death in childhood; Joseph died at the age of thirty years, and James died when twenty-five years old. The other chil- dren married, settled in Washington county, and all are now deceased excepting Zacharias, John and George. Mr. Peese died March 1, 1849, and was followed by his wife in 1865.

Zacharias Peese was born in the house which is now the home of John M. Berry. He lived at home until twenty years of age, receiving a limited education, and assisted his father in transport- ing the farm produce to Pittsburgh, making the journey by wagons through miles of unbroken forest. When Zacharias was twenty-one years of age his father traded farms with his uncle, Andrew Peese, and received in the bargain a saw and grist mill, of which Zacharias took charge and operated fourteen years. On December 27, 1820, Mr. Peese was united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of Andrew and Polly Peese, and to this union came the following children: William, born October 13, 1821; Joseph, born August 21, 1823; Andrew J., born July 4, 1824; Mary ( Mrs. Jacob Anthony), born May 1, 1827; Lydia, ( Mrs. Zach- arias Peese), born July 24, 1830; Elizabeth, born June 5, 1833 (died March 11, 1841); George, born April 27, 1835 (died May 3, 1835); Hannah Jane, born May 20, 1839 (died May 16, 1841), and Phobe, born April 7, 1841 (died October 30, 1841). Mrs. Peese died October 4, 1846, and on January

13, 1848, Mr. Peese was married to Jane Jackson, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., and a con- nection of Andrew Jackson. About 1825 Mr. Peese bought and prepared to move upon a farm in Ohio, but yielding to the request of his father, sold it, and settled on the place in North Stra- bane township where his son William is now living. He then bought the farm now owned by our sub- ject. Mr. Peese has always been a Democrat, and has filled several township offices. He joined the Presbyterian Church at the age of eighteen years, and was an elder and member of the Pigeon Creek Church for many years.

Andrew J. Peese was born and reared in North Strabane township, on the home farm where he is now living, and received his education in an old- time log schoolhouse. On September 27, 1852, he was married to Julia A. Dickson, who was born September 15, 1822, in Peters township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Her parents were both natives of Pennsylvania, the father born in 1802, in Wash- ington county, and the mother in 1805, in Lancas- ter county. They were married in this county, and seven children were born to them, all of whom married and had children. They were as follows: Julia A. (now living); Isaac (now living in Iowa; has been twice married and has had five children, three of whom are now living; he is a member of the Presbyterian Church; his wife is an active worker in the W. C. T. U.); John (married and has two children; his wife is now deceased, and he is now living in his native county, near Library); Henry (married and living in the State of Califor- nia, where he is engaged in the mining business; he enlisted in the Union army, in an infantry reg- iment, during the Civil war, and being wounded in the battle of Spottsylvania, was discharged; he married Miss Mary French, now living, and is con- nected with several prominent families in the Monongahela region); Elizabeth (widow of Nelson Phillips; she had eight children: William, Sarah, Nancy, Estelle, Charles, Maggie, Bell and Jasper, of whom Sarah is now dead); Sarah (was twice married, first time to James Brown, by which union there were three children: George, Lizzie and John, the last named being deceased; her second husband is Isaac Lindley, by whom she has had six children, all yet living except one); Rebec- ca (married some time in the "fifties" to Jesse Canady, of Lancaster county, Penn., and one daughter was born to them, Ulalia, married and yet living; Mr. Canady served a period in' the Senate of Pennsylvania. Mrs. Rebecca Canady is deceased). The father died some time during " the seventies," a member of Baptist Church. Mrs. Dickson, who was a member of the Christian Church, died in 1877.

To the union of Andrew J. and Julia A. (Dick- son) Peese three children have been born, namely:

679

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Mason Z., born April 20, 1858; Ida E., born April

6, 1860, and John D., born May 3, 1863. Of these children, Ida E. was, on January 2, 1881, mar- ried to John Rasel, a farmer of Amwell township, Washington county, and to their union two sons have been born: Ray and Harry (Mr. Rasel is act- ively engaged in the work and success of district- school education). In 1890 John D. was united in marriage with Agnes Dunn, who has borne him two children: Nellie M. and Julia Agnes. Mr. Andrew J. Peese owns and resides on the old homestead. In politics he was a Democrat for many years, but of late has been identified with the Prohibition party. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Christian Church.

H ENRY L. STUDA is one of the oldest, most successful and highly esteemed farm- ers of Cross Creek township. He is a son of Charles and grandson of Louis Studa. The latter ancestor was born in Hanover, Germany, in 1757, and was a miller by trade. He there married Idolla Sagulf, a daughter of a lead- ing attorney, and they died in their native land at advanced age, leaving four children, namely: Hannah, Henry, Charles and Lena. Of these Hannah was born in Hanover in 1787, and in 1817 married Christopher Fisher, who was by trade a carpenter, of Shunhogen, and resided there with his wife until death removed them at an advanced age; their five children were Charles, William, Au- gust, Henry and Christopher. Henry, brother of Hannah, was born in Hanover in 1789, and mar- ried Caroline Henna, daughter of the burgess of Shunhogen; he was a miller by trade; his four children were Charles, Henry, Millicina and Han- nah. Charles, another brother of Hannah, was, like Henry, a native of Hanover and a miller by trade. He married Millicina Steingreiver, whose father was the hotel-keeper of Shunhogen; their children were Henry L. and Lena. This Charles Studa received a good education, and served sev- eral years in the wars of Napoleon. He partici- pated in the memorable battle of Waterloo, and received a silver medal as an acknowledgment of gallant conduct on that occasion. This valua- ble relic is yet in the possession of his son Henry L. At one time Charles Studa, with others, was taken prisoner and sentenced to be shot, but was saved by the arrival of Russian soldiers, who capt- ured the prison but a few hours previous to the time appointed for the execution. After the bat- tle of Waterloo, the young soldier decided to seek a fortune in the New World. Lena, the youngest child of Louis and Idolla Studa, born in 1794, married Henry Alburn, a farmer, and bore him three children-Henry, Charles and Christopher; Louis Studa, his wife and the four children died at Shunhogen, each attaining an advanced age.

Charles, the son of Henry and grandson of Louis Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1816, was a miller by trade, and was married to Millicina Stein- greiver, whose father also was a farmer by occu- pation. They remain in their native land. Henry, the son of Henry and grandson of Louis Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1818, was a farmer by occupation, and was married to Luweza Cook, whose father also was a farmer; they remain in their native land. Millicina, the daughter of Henry and granddaughter of Louis Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1820, and was married February 20, 1848, to Henry L. Studa, who was a farmer by oc- cupation; soon after their marriage they set sail for America, and landed in Washington county, Penn., where they have been residing ever since. Hannah, the daughter of Henry and granddaugh- ter of Louis Studa, was born at Shunhogen in 1822, and was married to William Didritch, who was an officer in the military troops; they remain in their native land, having three children, namely: Richard, Emma and Menny.

Henry L., the son of Charles and grandson of Louis Studa, was born April 14, 1821, in Hanover. His father was a miller by trade, and was the pos- sessor of both an oil and a grist mill, which were located in Capingburg, Germany; but as a panic set in in 1825 and lasted for several years, he and several of his neighbors became discouraged, and came to the conclusion they would proceed to a better country. He had been corresponding with an acquaintance of his in Jamaica, who informed him of some landlord there who was the possessor of a plantation of 2,000 acres, and was desirous of having it inhabited by Germans, just for the pur- pose of raising ginger and working sugar. So in the year 1833 Charles Studa and several of his neighbors set sail for Jamaica, where he lived for seven years; but as the climate was so much warmer than that of his native land they were troubled with a great deal of sickness, and lost their daugh- ter Lena. In 1840 they set sail for America, landing in New York, where they resided for eight months, and then moved to Washington county, Penn., where his son Henry L. supported the fam- ily by working by the month and day for six years. In 1847 he returned to his native land to transact some business concerning his grandmother's es- tate, and, remaining there eight months, was mar- ried to Millicina Studa, a full cousin. In 1848 he returned to America with his young wife, and farmed on the shares for nine years. Putting his money at interest, he was enabled, in 1856, to pur- chase 133 acres, and some time later bought the balance of the present farm of 222 acres, the best land in Cross Creek township. Mr. and Mrs. Studa have four children, namely: John, David, Alfred and Albert (twins). Politically Henry L. Studa is a stanch worker in the Democratic party. He is a

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 109

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