Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 114

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 114

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ically he was a Democrat, and in religion one of the leading members of the Associate Reformed Church of Harmon's Creek, now the United Pres- byterian Church of Paris. He died September 24, 1849. His wife died August 23, 1857. The remains of both husband and wife are buried in Paris cemetery. Their descendants number at the present time nine children, fifty-seven grandchil- dren, 179 great-grandchildren, or 245 in all. Some died in childhood, but the great majority grew to maturity.

James L. Fulton, son of John and Jane Fulton, was born in 1796, in Maryland, and was but a young child when his parents came to this county. He was reared on the home farm, and obtained his education in the subscription schools, afterward learning the carpenter's trade, and erecting many dwellings and barns. About the year 1829 he was married to Sarah Russell, who was born in 1804, a daughter of William and Nancy (Strain) Russell, of Smith township, this county. The young couple first located on a farm in the eastern part of Hanover township, and in 1850 moved to the old home place. Their children were born as follows: William, Jane (Mrs. Samuel Bigger, of Beaver county, Penn.), Samantha (wife of Rev. John R. May, a U. P. minister of Cecil township), Rev. John Lockhard, D. D. (pastor of the Second Pres- byterian Church of Allegheny, Penn.), David S. (whose name opens this sketch), James R., Robert A., Nancy E. (Mrs. Joseph Leeper, of Beaver county, Penn.) and Mary M. (wife of A. S. Dunbar, a farmer of Allegheny county). Of these children William, James R. and Robert A. died in youth. The first named was buried in Cross Creek ceme- tery, the others in the Paris cemetery. Mr. Ful- ton secured a practical education, and by good management, combined with business sagacity, be- came a prosperous citizen. In political matters he was a local adviser and counselor of the Demo- cratic party, and held various offices in Hanover township to the satisfaction of his constituents. He was an elder and leading member in the U. P. Church at Paris for over fifty years, or until his death in 1878. In 1890 the wife and mother was laid to rest by his side in the Paris cemetery.

David S. Fulton, born April 18, 1838, near Rac- coon creek, in the eastern part of Hanover town- ship, obtained an education at the Coventry and Hamilton schools, which was supplemented by a course at the Paris academy. On November 23, 1864, he married Jane E. Wylie, who was born August 9, 1840, in Hancock county, W. Va. She was a daughter of Andrew and Amanda (Tarr) Wylie, her paternal grandfather was John Wylie, who came from Scotland in pioneer times, and set- tled in Hancock county. Seven children blessed the union: Andrew Wylie and Sarah R. teachers, Amanda T., James L., David C., Robert M. and John

C. Mr. and Mrs. Fulton have always lived on the home place. Like his father and grandfather, David S. Fulton is very fond of fine stock, having been prominently identified with the breeding of Short-horn cattle. In addition to farming hegives some attention to the dairy business. He is an ardent reader, and fluent conversationalist. In politics he was a Democrat until the Civil war, when he joined the Republican forces, with which he has since been actively identified. He and his wife are leading members of the U. P. Church, and since 1865 he has served as elder.

E LI H. HILDEBRAND was born August 27, 1859, upon the old homestead farm con- sisting of 175 acres, in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. His grandfather, Michael Hildebrand, also a native of West Bethlehem, born in 1796, was a soldier in the war of 1812. He was considered an excep- tionally successful farmer, and was a well-in- formed man. He was married to Christine Harsh, a daughter of Philip Harsh, and to this union were born children as follows: Demas, Andrew, Sarah Ann (who married Samuel Walton), Mrs. John Doak (deceased in 1876), Levi (a resident of Am- well township, this county), and Mrs. John Hanna. Michael Hildebrand was one of the sturdy Demo- crats of his township, although not an active poli- tician, and he and his wife were adherents of the Lutheran Church. He passed from earth Decem- ber 13, 1885, in his ninety-third year, followed by his wife May 30, 1886.

Andrew Hildebrand was born on his father's farm in February, 1827. His education was ob- tained in the common 'schools, and he became an eager reader and well-informed man. He had al- ways been associated in business with his father, but received no assistance from him until he had, by his own unaided efforts, accumulated a con- siderable amount of property. In 1855 he mar- ried Mary Tombaugh, who has borne him the fol- lowing children: Marion (a minister of the Gos- pel at Webster,this county), Eli H., Mrs. J. L. Brady, Rachel C., Frank (a teacher at Corning, Ark.), . Zoe and Alvin O. Mr. Hildebrand has always been a Democrat, and has served as school director and road supervisor. He and his wife and four of the children are members of the Methodist Church.

Eli H. Hildebrand, the subject of this sketch, acquired his elementary training at the common schools, and afterward attended Pleasant Valley Academy two years. At the age of twenty-one he taught his first term in West Bethlehem township, and continued in this work about six years, attend- ing school during the intervals between terms. He spent one term at Washington and Jefferson Col- lege, also a term at the State Normal University,

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Normal, Ill. About six years ago he left the pro- fession, and has since been engaged in farming. In 1890 he was united in marriage with Miss Emma, daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Mc- Keen, of Claysville, this county. Mr. Hildebrand is a successful business man, and in politics is a Democrat. He is one of the auditors of his town- ship. He is a member of the Brethren Church, and his wife is an adherent of the Methodist Church. His brother Alvin has always lived upon the home- stead, and after securing his education at the com- mon schools, has followed the business of farming. Like the rest of the family he is a Democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Church.

H ENRY MESTA, one of the most enter- prising and genial citizens of Union town- ship, traces his lineage to a German family. His grandfather, Henry Mesta, was a na- tive of Germany, and was killed by foul air in the Hessian mines. He was the father of five children, namely : Henry, Frederick, Lawrence, Eliza and Elizabeth, all of whom came to America after the death of their father, Henry and Fred- erick coming first and settling in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Henry Mesta, son of Henry the pioneer, was a pattern-maker, and worked at his trade in Pitts- burgh until they had saved enough money to bring the remainder of the family to this country. In 1852 the others came, and Henry Mesta continued to follow his trade until 1862, when he bought and moved to a farm in Snowden township, Allegheny Co., Penn. In 1889 he retired from active life, and died December 19, 1892, in his sixty-first year. When a young man he was married to Miss Ann Gerhold, a native of Germany, who came to Amer- ica, when but five years of age, with her father, John Gerhold. To this union were born nine children, viz .: Henry, Mary (deceased), Anna, George, Matilda (deceased), Aurilla, Charles, Amanda and Frederick.

Henry Mesta, the eldest son of Henry and Anna Mesta, was born December 4, 1854, in the South Side, Pittsburgh, Penn., and in 1862 moved with the family to Snowden township, Allegheny county. He spent his boyhood days on the farm, and Feb- ruary 27, 1879, was married to Miss Catherine Knædler, of Jefferson township, Allegheny county, daughter of Jacob Knoedler, of German descent. The young couple lived on the farm known as the "Horning Farm," in Snowden township, for two years after their marriage; then located near Library, Allegheny county, and in 1885 came to the place where they are now living in Union town- ship, Washington county. The following children have been born to them: Henry, Jacob, George, Rosa, Anna, Louise, William. Mr. Mesta owns 109 acres of excellent land, and keeps a dairy of

from twenty-five to twenty-eight cows. He has made a study of his chosen vocation, devoting his whole time to the care and improvement of his ex- cellent farm, and keeps a strict account of every cent expended, raising only such crops as are most. profitable; and he is further making a study of all kinds of fruit, which he intends to plant and raise: largely as soon as the time will permit. When he started on this place in 1885 Mr. Mesta had no money, but a good friend, and has succeeded in paying for the land, and furnishing the place with every convenience. He has been a stanch Repub- lican, and in religious faith is a supporter of the Presbyterian Church of Finleyville, having for- merly been a member of the German Lutheran Church.

JACOB MONINGER, one of the best-known and most prominent of the farmers of South Strabane township, was born January 14, 1822, in Washington county, Penn., near the village of Amity. He is of German descent, his grandfather, John Moninger, having come early in the present century to this country with his family, from the Fatherland, where he had married, and reared seven children: Henry, John, George, Jacob, Elizabeth, Mary and Madeline. They landed at Baltimore, and in Maryland re- mained a short time, then coming over the mount- ains on pack horses and in wagons to Pennsylvania. (the journey taking a considerable time), and in 1807 made a final settlement in Amwell township, Washington county, near the present village of Amity. Here the grandparents ended their days, surrounded by many improvements accomplished by their own industry and good management. The farm on which they died still belongs to their de- scendants, and the old house continued to be used as a dwelling until a few years ago, since when it has been utilized as a sheep-shed.

In company with the Moninger family there came into Washington county the following: the Dagues, Bakers, Wansettlers, Hewitts, Mowls, Hasses, Sowers and others-all settling near the villages of Scenery Hill, Clarktown, Amity and Lone Pine, the country being then a perfect wil- derness. For a time they lived in log cabins, and later John Moninger (grandfather of Jacob) was among the first to hew logs, and build what was then considered a first-class house. Then they put up two churches of hewed logs-one (Presby- terian) at Mt. Nebo, the other (Lutheran) in West Bethlehem township, their dimensions being about 35x45, in those days considered great structures. This little colony raised the flax, spun the yarn, and wove the material with which they made their own clothes, moving the looms from place to place as required; they also made all their bed and table

Jacob Noninger

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linen, towels, etc. Shoemakers would carry their tools on their backs from house to house, and "shoe the families" for the winter season; in sum- mer time they generally went without shoes.

Henry Moninger, son of John Moninger, the pioneer of the family, was born in 1789 in Shunks- town, Md., and came with the rest to Washington county, where he followed farming, and was ex- tensively engaged in stock buying, driving cattle to Baltimore and Philadelphia. He also dealt largely in real estate, and finally purchased a farm in Brooke county, W. Va., to which he moved, dying there in 1864. He was a member of the Disciple Church. In early manhood he was mar- ried to Susan Hass, who bore him children as follows: John, George, Mary (wife of Isaac Iams), Henry, Ann (wife of Jackson Closser), Jackson, Jacob, Catherine, Sarah (wife of William Gilmore) and Elizabeth. The mother of these children died June 29, 1841, at the age of fifty years, and some time in the following year the father married Mrs. Sarah Pettit (nee Hughes), by whom he had three children: Robert (deceased), James A. and Emma. Politically Mr. Moninger was a Whig, and he took an active part in building up the community in which he lived.

Jacob Moninger, subject of sketch, was reared on the home place, and received his education at the schools of the neighborhood. While yet young he was wont to assist his father in driving live stock to the Eastern markets, walking the entire distance each way. He seems to have inherited his father's penchant for real estate dealing, and has, probably, owned and improved more farms in Washington county than any other resident. On February 10, 1846, Mr. Moninger was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Samuel Vance, and by her had four children: John, Martha (Mrs. John Chambers), Margaret (Mrs. Albert McElree) and Samuel. This wife dying July 2, 1856. Mr. Moninger on January 28, 1858, married Elizabeth, daughter of William Fife, and she bore him seven children, named as follows: Morgan, Joseph, William, Frank, Harry, George and Charles E. Mr. Moninger is a member of the Second Presby- terian Church at Washington; in politics he was first a Whig, and has, since the formation of the party, been a strong Republican. His present commodious and elegant residence in South Stra- bane township is one of the pleasantest in his sec- tion. He was a large stock dealer in Washington and adjoining counties, his business running into the hundred thousands yearly; but now in his old age he is resting quietly on his farm, one mile and a half north of Washington.

[Since the above was prepared for the press, we have information of the sudden death, April 1, 1893, from apo- plexy, of Mr. Jacob Moninger .- ED.

M AXWELL WORK. Although this gen- tleman has but recently become a citizen of Washington county, he is already prominently identified with its business, political and social interests. He is a son of Alexander and Prudence (Rankin) Work (the former of whom was a resident of Fayette coun- ty, Penn.), and was born December 8, 1856, on the home farm in Dunbar township, Fayette county. His brother's name is Winfield S., and his sister's name is Nancy Jane. His boyhood was passed in the various employments usual to agricultural life, the monotony of which was varied with a few months' attendance at the common schools each winter. As he was the eldest son, the greater portion of the work fell to his share, thus depriving the boy of enjoying even the prim- itive educational advantages within his reach. But the keen observation of an intelligent mind sup- plemented the lack of literary training, and he has become one of the most successful business men of the county. On January 12, 1877, he married Susan Hair, who was born February 18, 1859, in Dunbar township, Fayette Co., Penn., a daughter of Daniel and Harriet (Work) Hair. Three chil- dren were born to the union of Maxwell and Susan (Hair) Work, namely: Maud D., Bessie F. and one deceased in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Work passed the first thirteen years of married life on a farm in Fayette county, Penn., residing there un- til 1891, in which year they came to Smith town- ship, Washington county, locating in Cherry Val- ley, on the Thomas McFarland farm, a well-im- proved and valuable tract of land upon which they are yet residing. Mr. Work is a very progressive farmer, ever ready to assist in all worthy enter- prises, and takes an active interest in the success of the Republican party, of which he is an active member.

D ANIEL WILSON SOWERS, one of West Bethlehem's most enterprising and repre- sentative citizens, is a grandson of George Sowers, who was born in Maryland about the year 1813. While yet a boy the grandfather came to West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., thus becoming one of those bold pioneer settlers who inaugurated a work which their descendants are now carrying on to comple- tion-the formation and improvement of Washing- ton county. George Sowers was married to a daughter of Daniel Gardner, one of the earliest settlers of West Bethlehem township. Mr. Sowers spent his life as a farmer in that township, and died at the advanced age of seventy-eight years.

Levi Sowers, the only son of George Sowers, passed his boyhood in the usual manner of pioneer

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boys, attending the old log schoolhouse with its great fireplace, slab benches and primitive fur- nishings. He married Samantha Enoch, and to them were born the following children: Andrew J., Warren, Elizabeth J., Daniel Wilson, Cathe- rine, Mary C., David Enoch, Madison B., Aman- da, Elmer and George W., all of whom, except Mary and Madison, are yet living; David is a prominent attorney, and resides in Topeka, Kans. The others are residents of West Bethlehem town- ship.

Daniel Wilson, son of Levi Sowers, was born July 30, 1848, in the old stone house, on the farm which adjoins his present home, and which is now the property of his brother Warren. His educa- tion was very good for the period. On May 9, 1872, he married Belle Oller, a daughter of Jona- than Oller, of West Bethlehem township, and their children are Thorman Tilden and Maggie May, both residing at home with their parents. Politically Mr. Sowers is a Democrat, and has served in the offices of supervisor and auditor of the township where he resides. He is an esteemed citizen, respected by all who know him.

M RS. MARGARET A. HARRISON is a daughter of Andrew Bryce, a native of Scotland, who was there married to Jane Gilchrist. Mr. and Mrs. Bryce settled in Fayette county, Penn., where he fol- lowed the trade of miller, conducting the mill at Merrittstown for many years. Mrs. Margaret A. Harrison had two sons by her former marriage, October 14, 1845, to Samuel Edmiston, namely: William Alexander, cashier of the Monongahela National Bank, Fayette county, Penn., and James M., superintendent of the water-works at Atchison, Kans. On March 2, 1865, Mrs. Margaret A. Ed- miston was married to George W. Harrison, son James Harrison.

James Harrison was born in Maryland, where he remained until about forty years of age. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hedgel, a native of Berkeley county, W. Va., who bore him the following children: William, George W., James, Joseph (all born in West Virginia), Eliza (deceased), Mrs. Harriet Van Gilder (living in Centreville, Washington Co., Penn.) and Maria (deceased). In 1817 the family moved to Washington county, .Penn., where the father was a cropper for several years, then rented a farm and finally settled near West Brownsville, Penn. He died in 1825, his widow in 1861. In politics he was an active member of the Whig party.

George W. Harrison was born in 1812, on the eastern shore of Maryland, and when yet a small boy came with his parents to Pennsylvania. His

father died soon afterward, leaving no property, and, being the eldest of the family, much of the care of his mother and the younger children fell upon his youthful' shoulders. The child bravely accepted the heavy responsibility thus suddenly thrust upon him, and continued to bear his share of the burden until the younger ones were old enough to support themselves. He was then re- leased from that duty, but continued to work industriously, and carefully saved his earnings un- til he had accumulated a sufficient amount with which to purchase thirty acres of land in East Bethlehem township, this county. After buying this place he proceeded to cultivate it to the highest extent, and soon sold it at a good profit, then went with his brother Joseph to Indiana, where they bought a farm which he also sold at a good price. The brothers then returning to Washington county, Penn., purchased a handsome place on the National pike, in East Bethlehem town- ship, where they resided together for one year. At the expiration of that time George W. sold his share to his brother, who is yet living on the place. After disposing of this property George W. Har- rison bought 123 acres of well-improved, valuable land, upon which a handsome brick edifice has been erected. Mr. Harrison won his success by years of patient toil, and when he had attained prosperity was ever ready to lend a helping hand to others who were struggling upward. In politics he was a valued member of the Republican party, but invariably declined the political honors of which his friends vainly urged acceptance. The latter years of his life were filled with pain, and he was laid to rest January 5, 1890, in the beautiful " God's acre" adjoining the Taylor M. E. church. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Harrison has continued to reside in her pleasant home, person- ally superintending the work of the farm. Her only daughter, Lillian, a cultured young lady, is living with her mother, and whose son, George W., died in infancy.

W ILLIAM COVENTRY, one of the best known and substantial citizens of Han- over township, traces his ancestry to the "Emerald Isle," from whose shores so many of our early pioneers had sailed. John Coventry was born in 1750, in County Done- gal, Ireland, where he learned the trade of a weaver, and when a young man was married to Martha Brown, who was born in 1754. Some years after their marriage this young couple sailed for America. After their landing and securing a temporary home in eastern Pennsylvania, their household effects were moved thence in a churn, and their only child was carried by the parents. John Coventry joined the Continental army, taking an active part in the

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struggle for independence, and undergoing the terrible sufferings which were the common lot of those heroic patriots. Long and difficult marches were made, their only food consisting of cold po- tatoes. After the war money was almost worth- less, and the most common articles sold for fabu- lous prices. A little dress which was purchased for a son, cost $60 in Continental currency. In 1782 John Coventry and family concluded to se- cure one of the cheap homes offered to the settlers in western Pennsylvania, and packing up their few earthly possessions, started on foot to make the long and tedious journey across the mountains. The hardships which they endured can not be im- agined, yet on they toiled, carrying their little son Robert, who was at that time about two years of age. At last they arrived at Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., and purchasing a small piece of land, erected their rude log cabin in the midst of the surrounding woods, and there Mr. Coventry followed his trade of a weaver in con- nection with farming. This cabin was soon sup- planted by one more substantial, which is yet standing. With true Irish enterprise and indus- try John Coventry struggled on, and prosperity finally crowned his patient efforts. When the need of a permanent piece of ground for a school- house became apparent, he gave the necessary amount of land to be used for ninety-nine years, and the building which was there erected has ever since been known as the "Coventry School." In politics he was a Democrat, adhering to the princi- ples of his party. He and his wife were members of the Seceder Church, which was nearly ten miles from their home, and walked the entire distance. A church was afterward organized at Burgetts- town, to which their membership was then trans- ferred. John Coventry died February 5, 1845, in his ninety-fifth year, and was laid to rest by the side of the wife who had gone before him April 8, 1832. Both were buried in the U. P. cemetery at Burgettstown, Penn. The following children were born to this heroic couple: Robert (deceased in Hanover township), William (of whom a sketch follows), James, John (a school teacher, who lived some time at Steubenville, Ohio, thence moving to Philadelphia, Ohio, where some of his descendants are yet living), Jane (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased wife of William Smiley), and Martha (deceased).

William Coventry, son of John and Martha (Brown) Coventry, was born in 1782, having been the first member of the Coventry family who was born in Hanover township. He was reared amid the usual scenes of pioneer life, attending a few months in each year at the subscription schools. In 1815 he selected a life companion in the person of Rebecca Ramsey, who was born in 1791, a daughter of Robert Ramsey, who was born east of the mountains and came to Washington county.

The children of William and Rebecca Coventry were as follows: Martha, deceased in Carroll county, Ohio, married Thomas Smiley; Mary, Mrs. Hamilton Walker, of Carroll county, Ohio; John, a carpenter of New Brighton, Penn. ; Robert R., deceased farmer of Hanover township; James, a citizen of Des Moines, Iowa; Elizabeth, wife of J. H. Lawther, Carroll county, Ohio; William, whose name opens this sketch; and David, living at East Liverpool, Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Coventry settled on Brush run, two miles from Florence, this county, where he successfully followed farming. He was fond of reading, and had a practical and thorough education. He was a member of the Seceder Church, and in politics was a Democrat, serving in numerous township offices, taking a lively interest in all the political and social ques- tions of the day. He died February 26, 1850, followed, March 25, 1872, by his wife, who rests beside him in the U. P. cemetery at Burgettstown.

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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 114

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