Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 117

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 117

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JAMES FARLEY was born in Ireland, March 2, 1814, and when a small boy came with his father to Washington county, Penn., where he imbibed the fundamental principles of education in the common schools, becoming a good reader, well-in- formed on current topics. On August 28, 1851, he was united in marriage with Jane Ross, who was born January 12, 1814, daughter of Thomas Ross, a native of eastern Pennsylvania; they after- ward adopted Rebecca Ann Mclaughlin, who re- mained with her foster parents till 1877, when she was united in marriage with Rev. Lycurgus Mechlen, of New Athens, Ohio, and their children were James F., George, Robert D. and Jane Re- becca. Mr. Farley was a successful farmer, and engaged extensively in the live stock business. He was a leading member of the Democratic party. On April 14, 1891, he died, and was buried in the cemetery at Washington. His widow still lives on the farm.

WILLIAM FARLEY (a brother of James) was born in May, 1816, in Ireland, and coming with the family to America in 1824, received the greater part of his education in the common schools of this country. He is an eager reader, and an enterpris- ing member of the community. In political life he is a Democrat, and though never caring to assume ·a prominence in the arena of politics, still he is ever ready to advance the cause of his party.

OHN FEE, a successful farmer of Chartiers township, was born March 10, 1817, in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. His ancestors were natives of the Emerald Isle, the grandparents, William and Elizabeth Fee, having emigrated from Ireland to Maryland, where 35

they were married. They afterward came to Can- onsburg, Washington county, where William Fee died about 1815, being followed by his wife a few years later.

William Fee (father of subject) was born in Maryland, coming to Washington county, Penn., when about sixteen years of age, and was afterward married to Elizabeth Hamilton, a native of North Strabane township, this county, and daughter of David Hamilton, whose father came to Chartiers township when but five years of age. He served six months in the Revolutionary war. The father of Miss Hamilton was born March 10, 1750, near Carlisle, Penn., where he was united in marriage with Margaret Gardner, and afterward came to Washington county, settling in South Strabane township, where he followed farming. He died in 1840, his widow in 1848; both were members of the Presbyterian Church.

After his marriage to Elizabeth Hamilton, Will- iam Fee lived for some time in North Strabane township, this county, moving to a farm in Char- tiers township about 1822, where the following children were reared: Harriet (widow of William + Harsha, of Canonsburg, this county), Elizabeth (deceased in 1851), John (subject), David (married to Maria Mclaughlin, and died in 1852), Samuel (deceased October 8, 1849) and William G. (of whom mention is made further on). Mr. Fee was an active member of the Whig party, serving as justice of the peace for many years, and in religion a member of the Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church. He died November 25, 1861, being fol- lowed by his wife on October 28, 1877.

John Fee was educated in the schools of Char- tiers township, and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed about thirteen years, spend- ing six months in Cincinnati in 1843. On Sep- tember 29, 1847, he was married to Hannah Quinn, a native of Washington borough, but reared in Chartiers township. She is a daughter of James Quinn, who was born in Ireland, and settled in Washington county, Penn., at an early day. Mrs. Fee has one living brother, James Quinn, of Tyner, Ohio. The following children have been born to John and Hannah Fee: Lida A., John, David (married to Eva Pattison, and living at Canons- burg, this county), Rebecca (wife of Matthew A. Cain, of Chartiers township), Samuel (married to Anna McCoy, and living at McConnell's Mill), Ellis, Harry (married to Jennie McCarty, and living at McConnell's Mill), and William H. (married to Julia M. Humphrey, and living in Canonsburg). After his marriage John Fee settled on the farm of 113 acres, where he is now living. This farm is of excellent soil, has upon it a considerable amount of timber and is underlaid with a vein of No. 1 coal.

Mr. Fee has served the public several terms as school director, and both he and Mrs. Fee are held

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in high esteem by all who know them. Both are faithful and consistent members of Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Fee is a Republican.

Mr. Fee's only living brother is Prof. William G. Fee, of Cherokee county, Iowa, married to Elizabeth Welch. He is a noted educator, and has twice held the office of county superintendent of schools for Washington county, Penn. He re- moved from Canonsburg to Iowa in 1878, where he owns a quarter section of land. He is an elder in the United Presbyterian Church, of Quimby, Iowa.

J M. BERRYHILL. Among the progress- ive business men of Mt. Pleasant town- ship, this gentleman is recognized as one of the leading citizens and most successful dairy farmers. He is a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of Washing- ton county.

William Berryhill was of Scotch descent, and served as captain under Washington throughout the Revolution. After that struggle he settled near Greencastle, Penn., and followed the black- smith's trade some years, afterward purchasing the farm where his life was passed. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Ruth Steele, who was born in Ireland, coming with her parents to America when but one year of age. The children born to William and Ruth (Steele) Berryhill were as follows: Alexander S., Ruth (Mrs. Noble), Will- iam, Samuel, Elias and Isabella (wife of Rev. Blackburn). Mr. Berryhill was a Federalist in politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of the county. He and his family were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Alexander Berryhill was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and was educated in the schools of the neighborhood. In early life he came to Union- town, Penn., where he was married to Mary, daugh- ter of Moses Linn. After his marriage he moved to West Virginia, and conducted a tan yard for some time, and then opened a general store at West Liberty. He finally sold out, and became one of the pioneer boatmen of that vicinity, mak- ing trips from West Liberty, to Nashville, Tenn. He exchanged the northern produce for cotton, sugar, and other articles raised in the Southern States. While returning from one trip, he met the first steamboat that was ever on the Ohio river, and challenged the crew for a race to Short Creek. They accepted, and he won the race. In 1830 he came to Cross Creek township, this county, where he made a permanent home. In politics he was formally a Whig, afterward uniting with the Dem- ocratic party. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents

of the following children : William, Moses L., Alex- ander S., Maria I. (wife of William McKenly), James, John, Samuel and Martha.

William G. Berryhill (son of Alexander) was born in 1802, in West Liberty, W. Va., and came with his parents to Cross Creek township in an early day. On December 8, 1831, he was united in marriage with Maria Marshall, who was born in 1803, in Venango county, Penn., and coming with her parents to North Strabane township, there grew to womanhood. Mr. Berryhill was a teacher of Cross Creek township, and after his marriage resided in different parts of the county until 1841, when he and his wife moved to Knox county, Ill., thence to Richland county, Ohio, where they re- mained one winter; then located in Knox county, Ohio, where he followed his profession in connec- tion with farming; in 1848 he returned to Cross Creek village, Washington Co., Penn. In politics he was an ardent Democrat, and in religion he and his wife were members of the Union Church in Mount Vernon, Ohio. He died in June, 1848, and within a fortnight his wife was laid beside him. They were the parents of six children, viz .: Alex- ander (deceased in 1856, a cabinet maker of Mount Vernon, Ohio), T. M. (whose name opens this sketch), Abner (deceased in 1858, Armstrong county, Penn.), Moses Linn (deceased when two years of age), Arabella (deceased in Allegheny county, Penn.) and James (accidentally killed near Burgettstown, Penn.).

T. M. Berryhill was born September 19, 1834, in Cross Creek township, this county, where his boyhood was passed, excepting an interval of seven years which he spent in Ohio. His early educa- tion was obtained in Knox county, Ohio, and in 1848 returned to Cross Creek village, Penn. On March 21, 1861, he married Miss Jane Griffith, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, the marriage taking place at Hickory, this county. Miss Grif- fith was born on the farm which she and her hus- band have occupied. She is a daughter of Isaac, and granddaughter of John and Jane (Martin) Grif- tith, natives of Maryland, who settled on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township many years ago, he dying April 1, 1825, his widow April 2, 1834. Isaac Griffith was born, in 1800, on the old home farm, and in 1836 was married to Elizabeth Esler, who came with her parents to Cecil township when a child, locating on Miller's run. Isaac Griffith was a farmer, in politics a Whig, afterward be- coming a Republican; he and his wife were mem- bers of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church. She died in 1857, and in 1867 he was laid by her side. The children born to this union were as follows: Jane (Mrs. T. M. Berryhill), Robert (liv- ing in Missouri), John (living in Mt. Pleasant township), James (assassinated in August, 1890, in Arizona, near Flagstaff), Elizabeth (residing

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in Hickory, this county), Isaac M. (accidentally shot himself in 1884 at Coffeyville, Kans.), Letitia (wife of M. J. Liggett, living in Independence township, this county), and Harriet Ann (wife of J. S. Lig- gett, a resident of Independence township).

T. M. and Jane (Griffith) Berryhill first settled in Hickory, this county, where he followed the blacksmith's trade until 1863. He then moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he bought a farm and remained until 1867, when he sold out, and returning to Washington county, settled on the farm of 162 acres which he now owns. He has followed dairy farming exclusively for six years, milking from twenty to twenty-four cows daily, and raising enough stock to supply the dairy. He has a good house and barn, and is a prosperous citizen, in politics voting with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Berryhill are members of the U. P. Church at Hickory, of which he is a ruling elder. Their union has been blessed with the following children: Nettie A. (wife of Robert A. Russell, Mount Pleasant township), William G. (a medical student, married to Della McCarrell), Blanche B. (wife of Harry A. Smith, Mt. Pleasant township), Charley M. and Lulu A. (the latter two yet living at home).

M RS JANE SAWHILL, widow of John Sawhill, was born in 1824, in Ohio county, W. Va., a daughter of Thomas Pollock. In 1843 she was united in marriage with John Sawhill, who was born December 6, 1812, in East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., where he received a common-school educa- tion, which he afterward considerably improved by reading. Alexander Sawhill, his father, was a na- tive of Ireland, whence he came to this country with his parents who settled in eastern Pennsyl- vania where they died. He was there married to Mary Neely, a daughter of native-born Irish par- ents, and after the death of his parents the young couple came, about the year 1803, to Washington county, locating in Buffalo township. Here they remained several years, and then moved to take up their final residence in East Finley township, near the Buffalo township line. Twelve children were born to them, of whom John was sixth in order of birth.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Saw- hill settled down to farm life, in East Finley town- ship, near Claysville. Some years later he pur- chased the Milligan property, situated about one mile from Claysville, in East Finley township, and near the Donegal township line, where his widow still lives. Here he died August 30, 1887. He was a successful farmer, and by industry and good management accumulated considerable property. He was a prominent man in the community, enjoy-

ing the highest respect and esteem of his neigh- bors. In politics he was a stanch Republican; in religion he belonged to the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, toward which he was a liberal con- tributor.

To Mr. and Mrs. John Sawhill were born chil- dren as follows: Anna M., born February 8, 1845, wife of James McConahey, of Donegal township; Mary A., born August 1, 1849, died July 10, 1870; Thomas A., born February 3, 1851, now living in Concordia, Cloud Co., Kans .; Elizabeth Jane, born July 5, 1853, wife of John Post, of East Finley township; William F., born October 16, 1855, now in Concordia, Kans .; John E., born October 7, 1858, residing in Iowa; Elden C., born May 30, 1861, now a Presbyterian minister in Enon, Law- rence Co., Penn., and three that died in infancy.

D AVID E. McNARY. No family has been more prominently identified with, or can boast a prouder record among, the heroic pioneers of Washington county, than those who bear the McNary name. The earliest an- cestors of the race were natives of Scotland, in which country one James McNary was born in 1711. His boyhood was passed among his native hills, but in early manhood he went to Ireland, re- maining there a short time. Youth is ever rest- less, and, longing for new and wider fields of action, the young man emigrated to America in 1760, where he made a permanent settlement in Chanceford township, York Co., Penn.

Thomas McNary was born on his father's farm in York county, and in 1782 located on a place of 250 acres on North Strabane township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., for which he paid £375 in current specie. He was married, and reared a large family of children. From 1799 to 1820 he was an elder in what is now the Chartiers United Presbyterian Church. In personal appearance he was a large, fine-looking man. He died in 1820.

David McNary was born in 1771, in York county, Penn., and came with his parents to Washington county when yet a boy. He was reared to man- hood on the farm in this county, and was married to Miss Jane Edgar, who was born about 1791 in Ireland, daughter of Samuel Edgar, a very prom- inent man in his day. The following children came to their union: Phoebe, born May 28, 1818; Thomas J., born January 24, 1820; Samuel, born January 22, 1822; Jeanette, born November 29, 1823; Mary, born February 6, 1826; David E., born March 3, 1828; Matthew, born February 21, 1830; James, born August 17, 1833; and Joseplı, born January 28, 1836. Of this family are yet living: Samuel (who is a very large man, weighing 330 pounds); Mary (married to John Templeton, a farmer of North Strabane township); Joseph (a

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retired farmer, living in Washington, Penn.), and David E.

David E. McNary was born on the old McNary homestead in North Strabane township. He worked on the farm in boyhood, mowing hay with an old- fashioned scythe, and gathering it with a wooden fork cut from a bush. On August 11, 1853, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Ann, daughter of Samuel Martin, a well-known citizen of Chartiers township, and the following children have blessed their union: Samuel M., born May 29, 1854; James B., born July 29, 1856; Adeline, born February 15, 1858; Anetta, born May 23, 1860; Thomas A., born December 17, 1861; Mary B., born November 20, 1865; and Elizabeth E. and David C. (twins), born August 20, 1869. Follow- ing their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McNary resided in North Strabane township until 1871, when they located on their present place in Cross Creek town- ship, erecting their handsome residence in 1875.

Mr. McNary is another practical witness to the possibilities which lie before every industrious and intelligent young man. Beginning life a poor boy with limited education, by honest and hard work, strict economy and sturdy integrity he has risen step by step, and to-day he occupies a prominent and enviable position among the citizens of not only Cross Creek township, but of the entire county. He now owns 196 acres of fine land, and is much interested in stock raising, making a specialty of fine-wooled sheep, of which he owns between three and four hundred. Politically, Mr. McNary has ever been a stanch Republican, serv- ing his party as county commissioner during the years 1888, '89 and '90. In religious faith he is a member and elder of the United Presbyterian Church of West Middletown.

P ETER MARTIN, a prominent and enter- prising farmer of Chartiers township, is a native of the same, having been born Feb- ruary 6, 1823, on his father's farm in this county. He is a grandson of Peter Martin, who was born in Scotland, and at an early day came here and settled in Washington county, Penn., where he made a permanent home. His son Sam- uel was born on the farm in South Strabane town- ship, and there grew to manhood. He was mar- ried to Jane White, a resident of North Strabane township, and the young couple settled, about 1816, in Chartiers township, this county, where they made a permanent home. The following children were born to their union: Mary (Mrs. Robert Morgan, who died in 1888), Eleanor (deceased wife of John Fergus), Peter, Sarah, Jane (married to John Morgan, of Chartiers township), and Ann Elizabeth (wife of David E. McNary, of Cross Creek township). Mr. Martin was a farmer, and

was always prominently identified with the inter- ests of the community. His wife died in 1836, and he passed to his last resting place in 1864.

Peter Martin passed his boyhood on the home farm, where, together with the neighboring urchins, he attended the country school. On No- vember 10, 1859, he was married to Mary A., daughter of David and Margaret (Morrison) Wat- son. Miss Watson was of Scotch descent, her- great-grandfather, Gavin Morrison, having come from Scotland in 1773, with his family of three sons. Gavin Morrison died in Washington coun- ty in 1782, and the elder son, James, grandfather of Mrs. Martin, settled on the land, it having been surveyed for him in 1784. The Morrison family' trace their lineage to this ancestor, who died in 1813. David Watson married Margaret Morrison. He died many years ago, leaving a family of children, among whom was Mary (Mrs. Martin). His wife died in 1875, aged eighty years and six- teen days.

After his marriage Peter Martin settled on his present home in Chartiers township, a well-culti- vated, productive farm of 142 acres, with two good gas wells on the place. Mr. and Mrs. Martin have had four children: Anna M., Eva Jane (Mrs. John R. Jamison, of Chartiers township), Lizzie B., and George C. Mr. Martin has a good grade of stock, and is a successful business man. He is not an active politician, but casts his ballot with the Republican party. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin are members of the Cross Roads United Presby- terian Church.

AMES BUCHANAN MONTGOMERY, a prosperous and progressive young farmer,. and extensive landowner, of East Finley township, is a native of the same, born July 27, 1856, a son of Silas and Margaret (Elliott). Montgomery.

Hugh Montgomery, his grandfather, was born in Ireland in 1780, and when yet a young man left his native land to seek his fortune in the New World. He landed in Philadelphia, whence he pushed on to Washington county, and October 21, 1803, he took up 200 acres of land embracing what is now the home tract of the Alexander Mont- gomery estate, situate about seven miles southeast of Claysville; the farm is situated on the head- waters of Big Wheeling creek. Here he built a log cabin in the midst of the wilderness, and began to clear the land. In 1808 he was united in mar- riage with Ruth Enlow, a resident of East Finley township, and who was living near the lonely young pioneer, to which union were born the fol- lowing children: Susanna (Mrs Thornberry), born February 20, 1810; Anne (Mrs. Sprowls), born November 17, 1811; James, born October 23, 1813

Silas Montgomery

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(moved to Ohio); John, born November 5, 1815 (settled in East Finley, where he died); Jesse, born September 27, 1817 (settled in East Finley); Will- iam, born July 23, 1819 (was a resident of Wash- ington borough for many years; he kept a store, and was justice of the peace twelve years); Re- becca (Mrs. Post), born May 24, 1821; Phoebe (Mrs. Martin), born November 14, 1823 (lived in Ohio); Alexander, born August 6, 1825; Mary (Mrs. Sprowls), born May 13, 1828, and Silas, born June 18, 1830. Only one of this family is now living, Mary, residing in East Finley township, the widow of Simeon Sprowls. Hugh Montgom- ery was a farmer all his life, and his success in business was but a just reward of his industry and economy. In addition to the land which he first took up after settling in Pennsylvania, he after- ward purchased over 600 acres, and at his death he bequeathed 150 acres to each of his six sons; he was also an extensive stock dealer. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat. He died May 17, 1847, aged sixty-seven years, followed by his wife July 22, same year, aged sixty-one years.

Silas Montgomery, the youngest child of Hugh Montgomery, first saw the light in East Finley township, this county, and his boyhood and early youth were passed on his father's farm, his educa- tion being limited to a few weeks' attendance at the old log school-house at Stony Point. On Sep- tember 7, 1855, he was married to Margaret, daughter of William Elliott, of Morris township. By this union two children were born, as follows: James Buchanan and Elliott Wilson, the latter born October 31, 1857, and died September 15, 1877. Silas Montgomery died August 27, 1883, since when his widow has made her home with her son J. B. Silas Montgomery was a successful farmer, and at the time of his death owned a con- siderable amount of property. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religious connection he held to the Cumberland Presbyterian doctrine; he was one of the founders of the Cumberland Presbyte- rian Church at Fairview.

J. B. Montgomery received a good, practical common-school education, and learned farming with his father, an occupation he has since suc- cessfully followed. On August 22, 1878, he was united in marriage with Kate, daughter of Samuel Hunt, of West Finley township, and to this union were born children as follows: Ross, Silas, Ida, Robert, Janettie, Samuel, Lucinda, Rosella and Catherine (latter being now deceased). Since his father's death, Mr. Montgomery has continued to reside on the old home farm, consisting of 333 acres of well-improved land lying between Bar- tholdi and East Finley postoffice, on it being one of the finest residences to be seen in the township. Mr. Montgomery, in addition to his general farm interests, is extensively engaged in threshing in

the season, and has a large sawmill on his property which he operates; he also gives particular atten- tion to the breeding of Short-horn cattle. In politics he is a Democrat. Religiously Mr. Mont- gomery belongs to the United Brethren. He has always been very charitable, giving to all charities and helping the poor.

HOMAS FERGUS. The Fergus family are of Scotch descent, John Fergus, the grand- father of Thomas, having been born in Scot- land, where he was married. He came with his family to America, and settled in Hunt- ingdon county, Penn., where he died. John Fergus had three sons: Thomas, John and Samuel.

Samuel Fergus was born in Huntingdon county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm, receiving his education in the common schools. In early manhood he was married to Miss Mary Pax- ton, and the following children were born to their union: Hugh, Mary (Mrs. Andrew Hart), Mar- garet (Mrs. Thomas Maxwell), John, Martha, Thomas, Sarah, (Mrs. Hugh Fergus), Jane and Nancy. He was a member of the Seceder Church at Canons- burg, and was an elder for many years. In politics he was a Whig. He died April 14, 1853, at the age of ninety years, and was followed by his wife February 18, 1861, in her ninety-third year.

Thomas Fergus was born November 2, 1802, on the home place in South Strabane township, and received his education at the subscription school, which was at first held in a log cabin on his father's farm. The floor was of ashes, and the seats were slabs of wood supported by wooden pegs. They had no backs for the weary urchins to rest upon, and the chimney consisted of a hole in the roof. The fireplace occupied one end of the building, and the windows were made by re- moving a portion of a log, and covering the space with greased paper. The only text-books used were the Testament, the United States Speller and the Western Calculator. But even with these meager opportunities Thomas acquired a fair edu- cation. On May 3, 1831, he was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth, daughter of John D. Roberts, and to their union have been born the following children: Jolin D., Mary, Susan (deceased), Han- nah J., Maria, Isabella, Samuel P., Addison R. and Sarah M. After his marriage Mr. Fergus settled on the farm in South Strabane township now owned by Mr. Roberts, and resided there seven years, when he removed to his present home. He was formerly a Whig, and since the formation of the party has been a Republican, being actively interested in the political issues of the day. In religion he is a prominent member of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, to which he gives a liberal support.

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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 117

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