Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 124

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 124

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James T. Patterson received a common-school education in Hopewell township, and afterward attended Pleasant Hill Academy. He then studied medicine, but other matters taking his attention his medical course was never completed. On Septem- ber 28, 1876, he was united in marriage with Jen- nie E. Witherspoon, daughter of John Witherspoon of Smith township, and the following children have blessed their union: Lenora, Lizzie Myrtle, Jennie Estelle, James Witherspoon and Emma Margaret (twins, deceased at the age of five months). After his marriage James T. Patterson settled on a farm in Hopewell township, remaining there six years. He opened an insurance office in Burgettstown, where he conducts fire and life insur- ance, and also deals in real estate. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has been a ruling elder for thirteen years. In politics he is a leading member of the Republican party, having filled several town- ship and borough offices, and is actively interested in all political questions. He was appointed notary public by Gov. Beaver, holding that office four years, and reappointed by Gov. Robert E. Pat- tison in 1893.

OHN PRESLEY PROUDFIT, an energetic young farmer of Smith township, is a great- grandson of David Proudfit, a native of Scot- land, who came to America and located in York county, Penn., where. his son, John, was born January 28, 1775. In 1802 John Proudfit came to Washington county, Penn., locating in Hanover township. On April 9, 1809, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a native of Cross Creek (then Hopewell) township, born March 24, 1793, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle. Some time after their marriage John and

Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit returned to York county, Penn., as the father of John was growing old and feeble and needed the care of his children. The young people remained on the home farm until the death of the father, which occurred in 1826, and then John and his family again moved to Washing- ton county, settling one mile west of Burgettstown, where he passed the remainder of his life. The trips across the mountains were full of dangers and accompanied with many inconveniences. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit rode 300 miles on horseback to visit relatives in York county, Penn., the wife carrying a young baby in her arms, and many hardships were endured on the journey. The following children were born to these pioneers: David (deceased September 19, 1813), born August 13, 1810; John L. (deceased), born September 3, 1812; James K. (deceased Feb- ruary 25, 1816), born April 21, 1815; Eliza J. (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith township), born January 2, 1817; Agnes (deceased August 15, 1824), born June 17, 1819; Robert F., born Decem- ber 23, 1821; Cinderella (wife of Jacob Proudfit, re- sides in Ashland county, Ohio), born September 16, 1824; William, born May 10, 1828; Andrew, born March 20, 1831; and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Ship- ley, of Hanover township), born August 29, 1833.

Robert F. Proudfit was born in York county, Penn., coming with his parents to Washington county, when about four years of age. The family located one mile and a half west of Burgettstown, where Robert F. grew to manhood, working on the farm and receiving such education as could then be secured in the country schools. On January 15, 1849, he was married to Sarah E. Porter, who was born August 9, 1823, in the eastern part of the county, near Monongahela City. She was a daughter of William Porter, who kept a hotel along the National pike, two miles from Monon- gahela City. Two children were born to this union, namely: Margaret E. (Mrs. W. J. Mc- Nary, of Smith township), and John P. (subject of our sketch). Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit lived near Bavington, Smith township, for several years after their marriage. His father died in 1849 and he then moved upon the home place. When a lad of fifteen years, Mr. Proudfit received an injury from which he never fully recovered, and during his later years spent much time in travel, hoping to improve, physically. In 1870 he took a trip to Europe, and the benefit received from the journey, though en- couraging, was but temporary. In 1876 he visited the western States, and the trip seemed to impart new strength, but, as before, the improvement was not permanent, and August 13, 1887, he passed away. He was an energetic and industrious man, leaving considerable property, and in politics was a lifelong Democrat. He was formerly connected with the Presbyterian Church, but not long before

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his death joined the U. P. Church. His widow has continued to reside on the home farm, which is owned by her only son, with whom she makes her home.

John P. Proudfit was born May 5, 1858, on the home farm near Burgettstown where he has al- ways resided. He received a common-school edu- cation, and on September 3, 1879, was married to Carrie I. Russell, who was born April 25, 1858, daughter of Alexander Russell, a native of Char- tiers township, who settled in Muskingum county, Ohio. To John P. and Carrie I. Proudfit four children have been born, namely: Ethel S., born August 20, 1880; Alexander R., born May 3, 1883; Annie M., born February 24, 1886; and Robert F., born March 15, 1888. Mr. Proudfit has had charge of the home farm since coming of age, and is a successful and progressive agriculturist. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and in re- ligion he and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown.

M ATTHEW WELCH (deceased) was one of the most prominent and highly esteemed citizens of Smith township. He was a son of John Welch, who was born in 1782, in County Down, Ireland, and when ten years of age came with some older brothers to America. They located in Lancaster county, Penn., where he was reared to manhood, and married to Jane McClelland, a native of that county. After marriage this couple came to Washington county, locating in the eastern part of Smith township; afterward moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where their children were born, as follows: Mary (mar- ried to Abraham Barger, of Harrison county, Ohio), Elizabeth (Mrs. Samuel Osburn, of Harrison county, Ohio), Ann (deceased wife of Matthew Slemens, of Harrison county, Ohio). Samuel (living in Wash- ington county, Iowa), John (a resident of Union- port, Jefferson Co., Ohio), Matthew (subject of our sketch), Jane (deceased wife of John McCullough), David (a resident of Harrison county, Ohio), James and William (both in Harrison county). Mr. Welch possessed characteristic spirit of energy and enter- prise, and beginning life a poor boy, he became a successful business man. In politics he was first a Whig, afterward a Republican. He and his wife were earnest members of the Presbyterian Church. They both died in 1872, and are buried side by side in the Ridge Church cemetery, Archer town- ship, Harrison Co., Ohio.

Matthew Welch was born March 27, 1825, in Archer township, Harrison Co., Ohio, and remained on the home farm during boyhood, receiving a common-school education. In early life he took a trip west, but being seized with ague, did not remain, but returned east, settling in Washington

county, Penn. On December 18, 1856, he was married to Hannah M. Welch, who was born Sep- tember 19, 1823, in Smith township, this county, daughter of Matthew Welch. Mr. and Mrs. Welch first made their home in this county, in Cross Creek township, then moved to Robinson township, and in 1872 came to Smith township, locating about one mile and a half south of Burgettstown, where Mr. Welch died April 23, 1890. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Welch has continued to reside on the farm, which is well improved and adorned with an elegant residence. Mr. Welch was a Republican, and was often called upon to fill offices of honor and trust in his township. He was a member of the U. P. Church, of which his widow is also a member. Their children were John M., Lizzie B., Matthew R. (deceased in childhood) and J. Vincent, all those living being still at home, the two sons having charge of the farm, which they manage with admirable success. -

A LBERT D. SCOTT, a representative busi- ness man and leading grocer of Mononga- hela, is of Irish ancestry. His grandfather, James Scott, was born in Ireland, where he followed farming, and came to America when about twenty-five years of age. He and his wife (who was formerly a Miss Scott, and a native of Scotland) first settled on a farm in Maryland, and in 1800 came to Pennsylvania, locating on a wild tract of land in Carroll township, Washington county. They afterward moved to Millsborough, same county, where they died, leaving the follow- ing children; John, Alexander, William, Joseph, James, Robert, Elmer, Nancy and Rebecca.

John Scott, son of James, was born in 1798, in Elkton, Md., and in 1800 was brought by his par- ents in a pack-saddle to Washington county, Penn. He received his early education in the schools of Washington county, then learned the shoemaker's trade. In early manhood he was married to Miss Hannah Davis, of Ohio, and children as follows were born unto them: John Davis, Mary Jane, James Alexander, Lucinda, Hannah Louisa, Nan- cy Ann, Albert D., Amanda, Rebecca and Cas- sandra. For his second wife he was married to Mary Hazelett, but she bore him no children. After his marriage Mr. Scott followed teaming from Baltimore, often using six-horse teams, and also worked at his trade, proving an enterprising man. In his political opinion he voted with the Democratic party; in religious faith he was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1890.

Albert D. Scott was born April 4, 1845, on the home place in Washington county, where his school days were passed. In 1867 he began business for himself with D. H. Williams in the butchering line, which he continued to follow for ten years,

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and in 1868 opened the grocery establishment which he has since conducted at Monongahela, having won success by untiring industry. On De- cember 15, 1869, he married Rebecca, daughter of Upton Ammon, a resident of Monongahela, Penn., and they have five children, namely: Anna, Mary, Tracy, Judson and John.

AMES THOMPSON (deceased) was born March 30, 1814, at Evansville, Ind. His father, John Thompson, was a native of Ire- land, and was married to Ann Lazalier, of English birth. John and Ann Thompson had three sons who were left orphans at an early age, then being taken charge of by an uncle, James Thompson. He gave them an education and trade, James choosing the tanner's trade and his brothers selecting the saddler's business. James served his apprenticeship, then, deciding to follow agriculture, engaged in that calling. He was offered a position in a mercantile business, but refused it, and with some assistance from his uncle, began to farm. He was married February 29, 1848, to Mary A. Provines, who was born December 31, 1817, near Burgettstown, Penn., and received a limited edu- cation in the subscription schools, walking three miles to secure her literary advantages. She was the daughter of Charles and Sarah (McCon- nell) Provines, both of Irish parentage. Her ma- ternal grandparents came to Pennsylvania during the Revolutionary period. Mr. Provines died when Mary A. was but nine years of age, and when she had attained the age of womanhood, her mother sold the home farm, removing to West Middle- town, where the daughter was married. Her grandparents were Thomas and Martha McConnell.

After his marriage, James Thompson settled in Cross Creek township, near West Middletown. He then purchased the adjoining farm in Hopewell township, where he remained until his death, which occurred August 5, 1879, he leaving four chil- dren: John L., James Franklin, William W. and Dorcas A. Mr. Thompson was a successful busi- ness man, and owned two large and fertile farms. He was prominent in local affairs, but accepted no public offices, although a zealous supporter of the Republican party. He was a regular attendant of the United Presbyterian Church, serving many years as a trustee, although never formally uniting with the congregation. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Thompson continued to reside on the old homestead which nestles among the hills near West Middletown. In the year 1891 she erected a handsome house of modern design in West Middletown, where she and her daughter are now residing. Among the family records preserved by Mrs. Thompson, there is a faded and worn scrap of paper, upon which is written, in her father's

hand, the following lines, given as an indication of his character, for Charles Provines was ever as ready to avow his faith in the Creator, as to name his home:

Charles Provines is my name, Ireland is my nation; Onega is my dwelling place, And God is my salvation.

Two of the sons of Mrs. Thompson are married: John L. selected as a life companion Miss Adeline McNary, of Cross Creek township, and they are living on the old homestead. James Franklin is married to Lucy L. Denny, of West Middletown, and is living in Independence township. They have three children: James D., Harold and Mary. The Thompson family are identified with the United Presbyterian Church, and are descended from an- cestors who were God-fearing men and women.

N OBLE FAMILY. About the year 1801 William Noble, who was a weaver, a trade he followed for many years in his native land, Ireland, set sail with his family for America, the voyage across the Atlantic occupying fourteen weeks. They landed at New York, and from there proceeded to Shippensburgh, Penn., where they remained two years, and then came westward to this county, arriving about the year 1810. William Noble settled on a rented farm in Buffalo township, where he engaged in agriculture until 1822, in which year he moved to Stark county, Ohio, where he and his sons, Robert, John and James, purchased a farm near the town of Massillon, which property was entirely unin)- proved, but was by the industry and care of the family ere long converted into a fine fertile piece of land. Here he died in 1845. He reared a family of five children, viz .: John, James, Will- iam, Robert and Elizabeth (wife of James John -- son). Mr. Noble was a member of the Presby- terian Church, and for thirteen years was an elder of the same in Ohio; politically he was a Demo- crat, at all times taking an active interest in the affairs of the party.

William Noble, son of this veteran pioneer, was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1793, and when eight years of age came with his parents to the United States, and to Buffalo township, this county, where during the rest of his life he suc- cessfully followed farming, also worked at his trade, that of a weaver. He was married to Rachel Spencer, whose father was a native of Florida, and the children that came to this union were Sarah (wife of George Miller), James, Robert, Eliza, Henry C., Nancy A. (wife of Daniel McPherson), Samuel A. and William. The father passed from earth in 1867, the mother following him to the grave in 1884, and both repose in the cemetery at

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Claysville. They were devout members and liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, and he was a warm friend of education and a zealous advocate of all public enterprises tending to the promotion of good in the commu- nity. A member of the Democratic party, he was an active worker and fearless partisan.

JAMES NOBLE, one of the oldest and most re- spected citizens of Buffalo township, was born August 13, 1816, in Donegal township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., a son of William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble. He received his education at the primitive schools of his boyhood days, and at the age of thirteen years commenced to work on the farm of Isaac Hodgens, with whom he re- mained some twenty-two years, his wages being for first year $6 per month, increasing year by year until he was in receipt of $20 per month. In August, 1839, Mr. Noble was married to Maria, daughter of George Mealy, and one child was born to this union, Mary, now the wife of John Brown, of Donegal township. The mother of this child dying in 1841, Mr. Noble married, August 14, 1849, Rebecca, daughter of George Ritchey, of Donegal township, and the children born to this marriage are Rachel (wife of T. B. Craig), Hester J. (wife of Franklin Bebout), Amanda, Nettie (wife of W. F. Crothers), Clara, Blanche and James. Mr. Noble has passed his entire life in Buffalo and Don- egal townships, twenty-three years in the latter, having, in 1870, come to his present fine home where he has 425 acres of well-improved land. In politics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the party in both the townships he has been a resident of, and has held various positions of trust. He and his wife are members and prominent supporters of the United Presbyterian Church at Taylorstown.

ROBERT NOBLE, another worthy representative of this prominent family, is also a native of Washing- ton county, born in Buffalo township, April 4, 1819, a son of William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble. He received his education in the subscription schools of the locality in which he was born, and was reared to the arduous and manifold duties of farm life. On September 2, 1842, he was married to Rachel, daughter of John McKean, and the chil- dren born to this union are: William R. (a farmer in Buffalo township), Margaret J. (Mrs. John H. Van Kirk), and John W. and Wishart S. (both farmers of Buffalo township). The mother of this family dying May 5, 1855, Mr. Noble in 1856 married Mary Graham, who was called from earth in 1887, and our subject afterward, in February, 1889, was united in wedlock with Jane, daughter of John Zink, of Brooke county, W. Va. Up to the year 1885 he carried on farming operations in Buf- falo township, and then came to the borough of Claysville, where he has since lived a retired life.

The family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Claysville. In his political preferences Mr. Noble has always voted the Democratic ticket, and he has held various township offices with much credit to himself, and the perfect satisfaction of his constituents. He is the owner of 550 acres of fine farming land in Buffalo township, and has always been regarded as an enterprising and progressive man, commanding the respect of all.

[Since the above was prepared for the press, word has been received of the death of Mr. Robert Noble, Febru- ary 22, 1893 .- ED.

HENRY CLAY NOBLE, a well-known representative citizen of Buffalo township, is a native of the same, having been born November 14, 1825, a son of William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble. His educa- tion was received in the subscription schools of the neighborhood, which, however, owing to his many duties on the farm he was unable to attend with any degree of regularity. His first " book " was a common shingle, on which were chalked the let- ters of the alphabet, and from this our youthful hero and his classmates (who were similarly pro- vided) had to learn their "A, B, C's." This, it may well be imagined, became the source of no small amusement to, and a great deal of ridicule from, the boys of the more advanced classes, who teased these juniors unmercifully and unceasingly, so much so that, after school was dismissed, they took their shingles to the corner of the school-house and broke them into splinters, for which they were duly punished at home. Many were the hardships the early student had to contend with; but it was such hardships that produced brain and brawn in the community from which have evolved some of the very best men in our land. On June 21, 1854, Mr. Noble was married to Rachel C., daughter of Thomas Carson, of Buffalo township, and the chil- dren born to this union were: Thomas G. (living at home) and William L. (married June 13, 1878, to Miss Bertha R., daughter of William Mitchell, of Washington county, Penn., by which union there has been born one child, Mary H .; Mr. Noble died March 19, 1885). Henry Clay Noble has passed his entire life in Buffalo township, with the excep- tion of ten years before his marriage and ten years after, during which period he was a resident of Donegal township. He is a typical self-made man, and is justly proud of his success, which he secured by hard work, judicious economy and enterprise. His farm of 208 acres is finely situated and well improved. He is an attendant and liberal sup- porter of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, and in his political preferences is an active Demo- crat; he has frequently been urged to accept office, and has at various times been elected a justice of the peace, but has invariably either refused to accept or declined to serve. Physically, Mr. Noble is a large, strong man, well-preserved for his

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years, with the promise of a long life before him.

SAMUEL A. NOBLE, the next youngest son of William and Rachel (Spencer) Noble, was born October 14, 1827, in Donegal township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., where he was carefully reared to the arduous duties of farm life, attending in the winter months the schools of the neighborhood. Being a diligent student and an apt scholar, Mr. Noble soon fitted himself for the position of teacher, which he filled with marked ability during several winters, in his township. He remained on the home farm until his marriage, and then took up his residence on Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, in the same township, where he followed agricultural pursuits. For a couple of years his family lived in West Alexander, during which time he contin- ued farm work, and in 1873 he moved to what was known as the " George Stoolfire farm " in the same township, which he now owns and lives on; it is situated two and one-half miles north of West Alexander, and is a highly improved piece of prop- erty. On September 3, 1851, Mr. Noble was united in marriage with Catherine B. Shaler, who was born August 31, 1834, in Donegal township, this county, a daughter of William Shaler, of that township, and the following children have come to bless their union: Clara (who was twice married, first time to W. O. Ralston, and after his decease to Joseph Wetzel, of Granville, Licking Co., Ohio), Luther and Flora (both deceased when young), and Harry (living with his parents, and working on his father's farm). Mr. Noble is now one of the largest landowners in this township, the result of hard work, good management and sound finan- ciering. His farm is kept in excellent order, neat and trim, and well-merited success has repaid his labors, and he is extensively engaged in the wool business, keeping over one thousand sheep. He is a prominent member of the Democratic party, and he and his wife are substantial members of the Dutch Fork Disciple Church.

WILLIAM R. NOBLE, one of the most popular and best known farmers and stock raisers of Buffalo township, was born July 2, 1844, on the old home- stead (originally the Carson farm) in Buffalo town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., a son of Robert and Rachel (McKean) Noble. His education was secured at the common schools of his district, which he has . supplemented with much reading and general ob- servation, and to-day he is one of the best informed men in his section. At the age of twenty-two he married Rachel, daughter of George Miller, of Donegal township, by which union there is one child, Laura B., now a highly accomplished young lady, attending the academy at Washington, this county. This wife dying December 16, 1872, Mr. Noble married, August 31, 1876, Miss Emma, daughter of David Clark, of Buffalo township.

After his first marriage Mr. Noble settled on the farm where the family now reside, and which he has greatly improved, having added many new commodious buildings, thereby making it one of the finest country seats in Buffalo township. It is situated near the western boundary line of the township, and comprises 175 acres of the choicest land. Here Mr. Noble's chief occupation consists in overseeing the work on the farm, and the raising and selling of live stock, in which he does a large business. He is an extensive breeder of Spanish sheep and Shorthorn cattle. Politically, Mr. Noble is a Democrat, and a leading adviser in his party. Mrs. Noble is a very highly esteemed lady, well- known and generally admired for her sterling qualities.

JOHN W. NOBLE, the next youngest son of Rob- ert and Rachel (McKean) Noble, was born July 26, 1850, in Buffalo township, this county, on the old farm that has been in the possession of the family ever since it was patented. He was educated in the common schools of his district, and early in life evinced an aptitude for business, which, judiciously applied, has brought him well-merited success. On November 14, 1877, he was united in marriage with Miss Anna M. Jamison, of Donegal township, and two children have been born to them - Robert Andrew and Lester Floyd. Mr. Noble and his family at- tend the services of the United Presbyterian Church at Taylorstown, toward the support of which he gives liberally of his means. He is a stanch member of the Democratic party, always taking an active part in its councils. He is a lead- ing man in his section, enjoying the respect and esteem of all as an honest, upright, loyal citizen.

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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 124

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