Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 115

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 115

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William Coventry was born January 2, 1830, on a farm adjoining his present home, and attended the rude schools of those days, with their rude furnishings; wooden benches, an old, rickety door, and a stove which was accustomed to fall down.at the slightest provocation, to the great delight of the weary urchins and the discomfiture of the dignified master. On February 18, 1857, William Coventry was married to Sarah Spence, who was born February 16, 1835, in Beaver county, Penn., a daughter of John and Mary (Adams) Spence. The young couple located on the farm on Brush run, where they are yet living, about two-thirds of which Mr. Coventry has cleared, and by incessant toil and labor has succeeded in converting it from an unbroken forest into a fertile, producing tract of land. He thoroughly understands every depart- ment and detail of agriculture, having won a signal success in this vocation. He votes the Democratic ticket, having been called upon to fill various offices in Hanover township, which he has done with great credit to himself, and to the satisfaction of all. Three daughters were born to this couple, namely: Rebecca J., Mary Agnes and Elizabeth A., all of whom died of diphtheria in October, 1864; thus leaving the parents childless, but living in the anticipation of a glad reunion on the other shore. They are both consistent mem- bers of the Frankfort U. P. Church.

OHN C. LOFINK was born on the Atlantic Ocean, May 30, 1844, and arrived at Balti- more, Md., with his mother, Anastasia, her four brothers (Joseph Lofink, Louis Lofink, Simon Lofink and Frank Lofink) and his little sister, Lavina, when he was two weeks old. He was baptized in St. John's Church at Balti- more, and then was taken to Pittsburgh, where the

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family lived for some time before their removal to Caseyville, Ky. In Pittsburgh the mother married George Green, by whom she had two children: Francis and Tone. In Kentucky John C. Lofink worked for Mr. Bell (the candidate of the Free-Soil party), but left that State in 1862 to learn mechan- ical engineering at Pittsburgh. Owing to the de- pressed condition of this branch of industry at that city he went to Monongahela City and found work in the coal mines there.

Mr. Lofink was married June 20, 1864, to Hester Burgan, daughter of Peter and Mary Burgan. This lady was born at Minersville, Penn. They are the parents of twelve children, namely: John, Peter, Frank, Joseph, Samuel, James, Mary, Eliza- beth, Annabel, Lena, Jane and Catherine. In Centennial year James, Jane and Catherine (trip- lets) were born. Of this large family there are eight children living. The maternal grandfather of these children was a centenarian, and the grandmother sixty-four years old. Both were of French descent. The paternal grandfather is not remembered by even the father, but Mrs. Anastasia Lofink died when the subject of this sketch was only five years old. The family have resided on the Riverview farm in Carroll township for over twenty years. Here Mr. Lofink owns forty-five acres, devoted to agriculture. On the land is a valuable deposit of coal which he has developed. He carries on a store here and is the postmaster of this section. The members of the family are Catholics. Politically Mr. Lofink votes with the Democrats of Pennsylvania for State and National officials and legislators.

A DAMS GILLILAND, a highly esteemed citizen of Buffalo township, was born June 6, 1826, in Hopewell township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., on the farm of his father, where he remained several years after at- taining his majority. His father was a native of Maryland, and came to Washington county in early life, settling on a farm in Hopewell township, where for several years he successfully followed agricultural pursuits. He died by an accident in 1831, and his widow and our subject then moved to Pleasant Hill, near West Middletown, where the latter lived till he was fourteen years old, when he lived with Asa Manchester, a wealthy farmer, in Independence township, sometimes by the month and sometimes by the year. His mother was born in 1787, died February 1, 1869.

On April 4, 1849, Adams Gilliland was united in marriage with Louisa Low, who was born June 11, 1824, in West Virginia, a granddaughter of David Low, a rich planter of the same place, and a daughter of John Low, who lived in Brooke county, Va., in the days of slavery, and was the

owner of many slaves. David Low died in 1840, and John, his only son, in 1871. Mary Bryson, beloved wife of John Low, died January 6, 1860. She was born in Indian times, a daughter of John Bryson, a native of Ireland, who came to this country in early life, and married a French lady named Priscilla Lafevers; they settled on a farm near Dunsfort, situated on Buffalo creek in Wash- ington county. It 1861 Mr. Gilliland removed to his present place in Buffalo township. He has been industrious and progressive, and all he has is the result of his own individual efforts. He re- ceived nothing from his father's estate, as there were other heirs. In political preferences he is an ardent advocate of the principles embodied in the platform of the Democratic party, but has never been an aspirant for political office.

M RS. RACHEL BELL, a well-known and highly esteemed lady of Burgettstown, is a daughter of Free Gift Crawford, son of Elijah Crawford, and representative of one of the oldest families in Smith township. Elijah Crawford was born in eastern Pennsylva- nia, and on June 22, 1778, was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Free Gift and Eliza- beth Stout. They afterward moved to Smith town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., there purchasing an unimproved farm, and became the first settlers of that locality. The men were obliged to carry guns with them to their work to defend themselves from the Indians lurking near. Amid these scenes the following children were born to Elijah and Elizabeth Crawford: Joseph, Isaac, Free Gift, Rebecca, Elizabeth and Anna. The father was a surveyor, and also served under Gen. Washington in the Revolutionary war. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Pres- byterian Church at Florence, this county, where he and his wife were buried.

Free Gift Crawford was born October 22, 1785, in eastern Pennsylvania, where his boyhood was passed, afterward coming with his parents to Washington county. On Jannary 12, .1811, he was married to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Cole, a native of Maryland. Mr. Cole was married to Nancy Hunter, who bore him children as follows: Sarah, Abraham, Thomas, William, Rachel, Betsy and Nancy. The father was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Crawford passed their married life in Smith township, where he followed farming and milling, also teaming over the mountains. The mill was first called the "Scott mill" and then the "Burgettstown mill." They kept the hotel in Burgettstown for thirty years. Free Gift Craw- ford was also an extensive dealer in stock. In politics he voted with the Democratic party, and

GuyBell

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he held various township offices; in church relation he was connected with the Baptist denomination, Mrs. Crawford being a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1854, aged seventy-six years, followed in 1876 by his widow at the age of ninety- one years; both are buried in the cemetery at Florence, this county. They were the parents of five children, viz .: Thomas (deceased), Elijah (de- ceased), Sarah (first married to Benjamin F. Wood, afterward to John McCartney), Margaret and Rachel. Of these Rachel Crawford was married August 28, 1861, to George W., son of Samuel Bell, proprietor of the Frankfort Springs at that time.

Samuel Bell was born in Washington county, and in early life was married to Malvina Sowers, also a native of the county. Their children were: George W., Mattie, William, Delia (wife of W. K. Bailey) and James (deceased). Mr. Bell traveled for a wholesale house in Philadelphia until 1880, when he moved to Clark county, Mo. In politics he was a Whig, and in religion an active member of the M. E. Church, taking a prominent part in the Sunday-school and church work.

George W. Bell was born September 12, 1834, in Beallsville, Washington Co., Penn. He was ed- ucated at Washington and Jefferson College, and after graduating attended Jefferson Medical Col- lege, Philadelphia, receiving his degree in 1858. He graduated with first honors in a class of 600 students, and was the valedictorian of the class. He read medicine with Dr. Wilson, of Beallsville, where he practiced his profession a short time, afterward locating permanently in Burgettstown, where he practiced for thirty-six years. He won an enviable reputation as a skilled physician, and enjoyed a lucrative practice. In politics he was a stanch Republican, and in religious faith he was a member of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. To his marriage with Rachel Crawford was born one child, Samuel, who died at the age of two years and four months. Dr. Bell was called to rest from his labors September 6, 1884, at the age of fifty- one years. The remains of the deceased, by his own request, made some time prior to his death, were taken to Washington, where the body under- went the process of cremation, and the sleeping dust was finally placed in the Beallsville cemetery.

· Far away in the land of the pure and the bright,

· Is the city of God, with its golden light;

Oh, there is our home, and we ever shall stand 'Mid the shining ones of that better land.

Oh, that beautiful land we are nearing now, Where a crown of bright glory encircles each brow; Where the tree of life grows on that beautiful shore, Where flowers shall freshen to fade no more.

Oh! beautiful home, oh! beautiful home, Where beautiful saints surround the white throne; How I long to be there and forever to stand

"Mid the shining ones of that Better Land.

D R. WILLIAM S. DODD, a leading physi- cian of Charleroi, is a representative of one of the oldest and most distinguished families of Pennsylvania. Their lives were indissolu- bly linked with the early history of Washington county, with whose progress they were most prom- inently identified.

Rev. Cephas Dodd, M. D. and D. D., son of the famous Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, was born October 12, 1779, on Ten-Mile stream, Washington county, Penn. Cephas Dodd took a thorough classical course at the Canonsburg Academy, then studied theology with Rev. John McMillan. In 1801 he began preaching in Ohio, and in 1817 came to the church at Ten- Mile, Washington county, Penn. He then began to study medicine, and being finally led to believe that he could do more good as a physician than pastor, devoted his later years principally to med- ical work.

Thaddeus Dodd, a son of Cephas, was born March 22, 1810, near Amity, Amwell township, Washington county, Penn. His early education was obtained at the subscription schools, and he then took acourse of study at Washington College. He afterward attended medical lectures at Jeffer- son Medical College, Philadelphia, having pre- viously studied with his father. After receiving his degree, Dr. Dodd began to practice his profes- sion in Millsborough, Washington Co., Penn., where he remained about three years, and then lived in West Bethlehem township a short time. He afterward moved to Amity, and ten years later located in Dunningsville, remaining there four years, and finally returning to Amity. On April 24, 1860, he was united in marriage with Mary Stockdale, who was born February 8, 1817, daughter of William Stockdale, a native of Greene county. The following children were born to the union of Thaddeus and Mary Dodd: Hannab, born September 16, 1840, deceased February 28, 1847; Cephas D., born July 16, 1842, a decorator by trade, living in Montgomery, Ala .; Agnes B., born June 29, 1844, deceased August 12, 1845; William S., born June 23, 1846; Sarah E., wife of W. C. Sargeant, born February 3, 1848; Thomas D., born November 16, 1849, deceased March 17, 1852; Norton McGiffin, born June 23, 1851, living at Charleroi; Alice, born May 15, 1853, wife of J. W. Thatcher, of Columbus, Ohio; Ruth, born April 17, 1855, wife of J. K. Hazelett, living at New Salem, Fayette Co., Penn .; James D., born March 10, 1857, living in La Fayette, Ind., and Mary M., born July 6, 1859, wife of John H. Jewel, of Charleroi. The father of this family was a Whig and Republican, and in religious faith a member and elder of the Presbyterian Church. He died August 25, 1877, and Mrs. Dodd was laid by his side July 27, 1883.

Dr. William S. Dodd was born on the farm in

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West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the public schools of the neighbor- hood. He then began to study medicine in his father's office, afterward taking a thorough course in the Cincinnati College of Medicine and Surgery, from which he graduated in 1878. He began his professional life at Amity, having been given his father's practice, and remained there until Novem- ber, 1889, when he went to Pittsburgh, and in 1890 came to Charleroi, this county. He was married June 9, 1886, to Sarah R., daughter of J. Wesley Chambers, a native of Amwell township, and they have had one son, John Wesley Chambers, born May 22, 1889. Dr. Dodd has acquired an enviable reputation, both as a citizen and physician. He is a stanch supporter of the principles embodied in the Republican party, and in religion is a member and elder of the Presbyterian Church.

W L. DODD, M. D., of Amwell township, traces his ancestry back to Rev. Thad- deus Dodd, a man of pioneer fame in that township, concerning whom the follow- ing excerpt has been taken from Dr. Waine's "Historical and Farewell Addresses:" "In the summer of 1777 Mr. Thaddeus Dodd, of Morris, N. J., a licentiate of the Presbytery of New York, paid the Ten-Mile people a visit. They were extremely anxious that he should settle among them. But how was he to be supported ? Silver and gold they had none; but such as they had they freely offered. Mr. Dodd accepted the call, for he was a man of kindred spirit. He went back to Virginia, was ordained by his Presbytery, and brought his family for a permanent residence to Ten-Mile, in the autumn of 1779. His position was advanced post, the forlorn hope of our Western Zion. Long after the members of other congregations could go and come in safety, those of Ten-Mile were kept in constant terror by the in- roads of the savages. Mr. Dodd was confessedly the most learned among the ministerial compeers of the West. He possessed an extraordinary mathematical genius. He was an excellent clas- sical scholar, and, had time permitted and inclina- tion prompted, he might have excelled in the compo- sition of poetry. The first classical school west of the Alleghanies was established by Rev. Dodd in 1782, and he was also the first principal of Wash- ington Academy (now Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Penn.). Rev. Dodd was a great lover of music, he had a delicate ear, and had thoroughly mastered the science. He delivered sermons and lectures on the science, and in that way aroused the interest of the people. Dr. Dodd died of pulmonary consumption on the 20th of May, 1793, after a ministry of nearly sixteen years. Rev. Cephas Dodd, the son of Thaddeus

Dodd, succeeded his father about ten years after his father's death, in the Upper and Lower Ten- Mile congregation. He was possessed of a clear, strong mind, enriched by manly culture and varied learning." Rev. Cephas Dodd also practiced med- icine in connection with his ministerial duties. He was the great-grandfather of the subject of our sketch on his mother's side, and of his lineal de- scendants seven have chosen the medical profession.

Daniel F. Dodd, father of subject, was born December 25, 1825. On August 6, 1853, he was married to Ruth McFarland, a lineal descendant of Maj. Daniel McFarland, of Revolutionary fame, through William McFarland, Esq., James and John McFarland. Daniel F. Dodd, who was a farmer, died August 20, 1880; his widow is still living, and is in her fifty-eighth year.

Dr. W. L. Dodd was born October 17, 1866, in Amwell township, where he has always resided. He pursued his literary studies at home under the direction of a tutor, and in 1886 attended a course of lectures at the College of Physicians and Sur- geons, Baltimore; then studied a year with his preceptor, Dr. W. S. Dodd, at Amity, this county. In 1887 he began a course at the Western Penn- sylvania Medical College at Pittsburgh, graduating in the spring of 1888, the youngest member in a. class of forty-five. After leaving school he prac- ticed with his preceptor at Amity one year, and then, having won a large and lucrative practice, bought him out. Descended from eminent patriots, sturdy soldiers and intellectual leaders, this intel- ligent young physician has a bright future opening before him. Young in years, but older in experi- ence, with the wisdom of a race of brilliant men behind him, he can not fail to become one of the foremost men in his profession.

W ILLIAM S. MOORE, an enterprising and successful farmer of Independence town- ship, is a son of James Moore, whose- father was born near Dublin, Ireland, and when a young man immigrated to America. The latter located in Washington county, Penn., becoming one of the early settlers, and there- passed his whole life, enduring all the usual dan- gers and hardships incident to pioneer life. He- married and reared the following children: John, James, Joseph, Samuel, Michie (wife of James Wilson), Maria (Mrs. David Waugh), Eliza (wife of. Richard Waugh) and Jane (married to William Mayhall), all of whom lived to an adult age. Mr. Moore died at a ripe old age, and his widow after- ward died in Brooke county, W. Va.

James Moore was born in Washington county, Penn., on his father's farm, and received a pre- liminary education at the primitive schools of the. day. He intended to prepare for the ministry,

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but the death of his father changed his plans, making it impossible for him to finish the course which had been mapped out. However, he at- tended the West Liberty (W. Va. ) Academy, and being an apt and intelligent student, acquired a considerable amount of information during the

short time he remained in the school.

After

abandoning his former hopes he learned the trade of a millwright under R. Mayhall, assisting in building the old " Waugh Mill" of Brooke county, W. Va. On April 12, 1827, he was united in mar- riage with Nancy Boyd, who was born February 13, 1806, daughter of James Boyd, of Independ- ence township, and the following children were born to their union: John, born February 13, 1828, died March 16, 1889, in Indian Territory, and was buried at Coffeyville, Kans .; James, born August 6, 1829, died in infancy, and was buried in Lower Buffalo cemetery; David (a farmer of Putnam county, Ill.), born February 7, 1831; Marshall, born January 6, 1833 (living in Inde- pendence township); Samuel, born December 28, 1834 (residing in Independence, Penn.); Mary J., born November 7, 1836 (formerly widow of G. M. L. Plummer, now Mrs. Stephen Smith, of Florence, Penn.); Joseph (farming in Knox county, Ohio), born July 26, 1838; Margaret, born December 8, 1839 (living in Independence township, Penn.); Will- iam S .; Robert, born June 6, 1845 (residing in Can- onsburg, Penn.); and Richard (deceased in youth). For some time after his marriage Mr. Moore lived in Brooke county, W. Va., at the home of Richard Waugh, where he superintended a "fulling-mill." In the spring of 1828 he purchased the "John Thom farm" in Independence township, this county, upon which he removed, and divided his time between farming and performing the work of a civil engineer, being very skillful and efficient in the latter vocation. He was naturally of a mechan- ical turn of mind, and was also a good financier and business manager. He was fond of reading, and was well informed on general topics. . Politically he was a Democrat. His death occurred Novem- ber 28, 1848, and in the fall of 1892 his remains, with those of his son Richard, were removed from the old cemetery to the new one at Independence, where a monument is erected to their memory in the center of the four lots owned by William S. Moore. The widow of James Moore passed the most of her remaining years with her son William. She died December 16, 1890, and was buried in the new cemetery.

William S. Moore was born September 8, 1841, on the farm which is yet his home. His boyhood was passed in attending to the usual farm duties, and in obtaining a common-school education, and he partially learned the carpenter's trade, but never followed it continuously. On August 30, 1876, he was married to Martha Ann Murchland, who was

born March 28, 1851, daughter of John Murch- land, of Jefferson township. To Mr. and Mrs. Moore have been born children as follows: Lydia W., Joseph L., Artie L. and Nancy V., all of whom are living with their parents. For several years previous to his marriage Mr. Moore lived with his mother and sister on the farm which has always. been his home. In connection with his other work, he raises first-class stock, being very suc- cessful in both vocations. He was one of the pro- moters and founders of the beautiful new Inde- pendence cemetery, which is a credit to the com- munity, much taste having been exercised in its arrangement and construction, the grounds being arranged with exquisite care and neatness. Polit- ically, Mr. Moore favors the Democratic party, but. votes according to the dictates of his own judg- ment, believing that more attention should be given to the character and ability of the man than to his political views. On February 12, 1892, Mrs. Moore passed from earth, and was laid to rest in the new cemetery at Independence. She was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church,. with which denomination Mr. Moore is also united.

D AVID M. McCARRELL, M. D., a prom- inent physician and surgeon of Hickory,. was born November 6, 1833, in Mt. Pleas- ant township, Washington Co., Penn., a son of Thomas McCarrell, who was a son of Lodo- wyck. The latter was born in Ireland, and left his native land in early youth, coming to America and settling in Mt. Pleasant township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., where he was married to Mar- tha Leman, a native of this county. At Hickory, in that township, Mr. McCarrell was engaged in mercantile work. Some years later he moved to. Ten-Mile, where he carried on a milling business, but afterward returning to Mt. Pleasant township he settled on the farm yet owned by the McCar- rell family, and here engaged in agriculture and distilling. The following children were born to Lodowyck and Martha McCarrell: John (deceased, who had settled in Venango county, Penn.), Isa- bella (deceased wife of Isaac Hodgens, of Taylors- town, this county), Thomas, James (a minister of the U. P. Church, of Beaver county, Penn. ), Eliza- beth (Mrs. John Cockins, who died in 1890, at. Canonsburg), Andrew (who resided on the old homestead in Mt. Pleasant township), and Leman (deceased in Taylorstown), all born in Mt. Pleas- ant township, and all now deceased.

Thomas McCarrell was born in Washington county, and was married to Esther McNary, a na- tive of the same place. They settled on a farm in this county, and children were born to them as. follows: John (formerly a physician and surgeon of Wellsville, Ohio, who died in 1891), Martha. (died January 12, 1893, in this county), Margaret.

ar,

ter

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

(wife of Joseph Cowden, of Cecil township), and James (a physician of Allegheny, Penn.). The mother of this family dying, Thomas McCarrell was married in June, 1832, to Elizabeth McCon- aughey, who bore him the following children: David M. (our subject), Leman (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant township), Thomas Jefferson (deceased in 1854), Lodowyck (an attorney of Washington, Penn.), Alexander Donnan (a U. P. minister at Stewart's Station, Westmoreland Co., Penn. ). This wife died in 1858, and Thomas McCarrell was again married, his third choice being Margaret Martin, a native of Canonsburg, this county. Mr. McCarrell was an active member of the Democratic party, and served his county as associate judge and county commissioner, also as justice of the peace for several years. He died October 21, 1872, in Mt. Pleasant township; his widow died in 1891 at Canonsburg, this county.

Dr. David M. McCarrell was reared on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, and educated in the schools of Hickory. After his elementary studies were completed he entered Jefferson Med- ical College, Philadelphia, attending during the year 1856-57. After graduating, Dr. McCarrell came immediately to Cross Creek village, this county, and began practice. In 1861 he settled in Hickory, where he has since been established, being the oldest physician in that part of Wash- ington county. On December 25, 1862, he was united in marriage with Adeline, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Campbell) Cassidy, all natives of Cross Creek township. Mr. Cassidy and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church; he died in Jefferson township, his wife having long before passed over the river. After his marriage to Adeline Cassidy, Dr. McCarrell settled per- manently in Hickory, this county. During his professional life twelve students have been in- ducted into the mysteries of medical science under his instruction. Mrs. McCarrell died October 6, 1888, leaving her husband and the following chil- dren to mourn her loss: Lizzie Ora Lulu Blanche (deceased at the age of eight months), Mattie Leila, David Leander and James Patterson (twins). Dr. McCarrell has erected a handsome brick resi- dence upon his place, and improved his property in many ways. He is a member of the Presbyte- rian Church at Mt. Prospect, as was his wife; po- litically he affiliates with the Democratic party.

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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 115

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