Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 131

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 131

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Thomas P. Vance, son of William and Hannah (Patterson) Vance, was born July 15, 1819. He was reared on the pioneer farm, experiencing the privations of early frontiersmen, and received his education at the subscription schools. In early manliood Thomas P. Vance was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of George and Mary (Mar- quis) Newell, of Ohio, whose children were Hugh, Jane, Marquis, Margaret, David, Mary W., Ann, Sarah, Elanore, Joseph, Bentley, and Elzania. Mr. Newell was a Democrat, and in Church connection was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas P. Vance settled on a farm in Cross Creek township, this county, where he passed his life in agricultural pursuits. He paid much attention to stock raising, making a specialty of blooded stock. He was formerly a Whig, and upon the organization of the party, be- came a Republican. In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Cross Creek. On May 31, 1891, he was laid to rest in Cross Creek cemetery, leaving his wife and two children, W. W. (who married Miss J. A. Porter, of Cross Creek, and is now a successful merchant of Bur- gettstown), and Mary E. (Mrs. W. S. Lee).

William S. and Mary E. (Vance) Lee began married life on the home farm in Jefferson town- ship, this county, and six years afterward moved to Burgettstown, where they have since resided. They have two children: H. May (wife of W. F. Scott) and Thomas V. (who was married June 3, 1891, to Miss Willa Carnahan, of Burgettstown). William S. Lee carried on a livery business for five years after removing to Burgettstown, but has

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since been giving his exclusive attention to under- taking. He is now identified with the U. P. Church. He is a leading citizen and an active member of the Republican party, and has been a councilman of Burgettstown for three years.

J L. AUGHENDOBLER, proprietor of meat market, Monongahela, is a native of the county, born in Carroll township, July 17, 1856, a son of Adam Aughendobler. He had very early in life to commence working for a living, and as a consequence had but little opportunity to attend school. He was first em- ployed by Robert Van Voorhis, a farmer of Monon- gahela, with whom he remained one year; then entered the employ of W. C. Shaw, a gardener who resided at Pine Creek, Allegheny county, and, after three years' engagement with him, clerked for William Kennan, of Monongahela, some years. Ne also worked for George Kern, in Monongahela, in meat shop twelve years. In 1885 Mr. Aughen- dobler opened his present meat market and butch- ering business, in which, by close attention to the wants of his customers, by care in furnishing the choicest meats, and by his well-known urbanity of manner and honorable dealing, he has earned a well-merited success.

On June 8, 1878, our subject was married to Margaret E., daughter of William Brooks, of Mo- nongahela, and the children born to this union are Mande, Adam, Bessie, Leonard and Donald, all liv- ing. Mr. Aughendobler is a straight Democrat, and has held the office of councilman in Monon- gahela two years; he has also served on the school board, having been recently reelected for his second term. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

M RS. MARY KEYS. John Keys (deceased) was one of the most respected citizens and prominent business men of Smith town- ship. He was a son of James and a grand- son of James Keys, who was born and reared in Cumberland county, Penn., and was there married to a native of the same county, who bore him one son James. Soon after the birth of this son, the father died (about 1777), and his widow was then married to Robert Watson. Her son James lived with them, and in 1794 accompanied the family to Washington county, where they lo- cated on Chartiers creek.

In 1800 James Keys was united in marriage with Jane McClelland, who was born in 1779, a daughter of James McClelland, a native . of Ire- land, who, in an early day settled in the locality of

Miller's Run. To the union of James and Jane Keys children were born as follows: Martha (mar- ried to William McBride, of Robinson township, this county), Jane (wife of John McBurney, of Mt. Pleasant township), John, James (a retired farmer of Steubenville, Ohio), William (a farmer of Kan- sas, deceased), Joseph (residing in Smith town- ship) and Ezra (a grocer of Leavenworth, Kans). After his marriage to Jane McClelland, James Keys moved to Trumbull county, Ohio (then a vast wilderness), remaining there but a short time, and then coming to Smith township, this county, located on a farm in Cherry Valley. In 1822 he represented Washington county in the Legislature, serving five years, and then returned to his farm. He was a brilliant and intellectual man, a leader in every undertaking for the public good. He was a Whig in politics, and in religious connection he and his wife were members of the Seceder Church, in which he was an elder. His wife died in 1838, and, after a useful and successful life, he was laid by her side in 1854.

John Keys was born June 18, 1808, in Smith township, this county, his boyhood being passed on his father's farm. The children of those days had but limited educational advantages, but John Keys eagerly availed himself of such as were within his reach. In 1832 he was united in mar- riage with Ann May, who was born in 1808, daughter of John May, of Cecil township, this county. To this union were born the following children: Jane, James M. (a farmer who lives in Jefferson county, Ohio), and Phebe (wife of Matthew Galbraith) and Annie B. (wife of John McCalmont), both deceased. The mother died in 1846, and January 23, 1849, he was married to Mary Shillito, who was born January 6, 1822, in Harrison county, Ohio, daughter of John Shillito, the latter a native of Beaver county, Penn. He was married to Jane Biggert, afterward moved to Harrison county, Ohio, and finally located in Wash- ington county, Penn. John and Mary Keys had the following children: Agnes E., Maggie M., Albert M. (an energetic young farmer of Smith town- ship), and Clara (widow of T. P. Weaver) and John (deceased at the age of nineteen years) (twins). Mr. and Mrs. Keys began wedded life on a place in Smith township, and in 1869 settled on the farm where his widow is now living, situated about one mile south of Raccoon Station. In politics Mr. Keys was originally an Old-line Whig, and after- ward became a Republican. He was connected with the U. P. Church, being an elder therein for several years, and contributing liberally to its support. He died in May, 1883. His widow is also a member of the U. P. Church, and enjoys the re- spect of all who know her. She is living on the farm, which is managed by her son, A. M.

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J OHN G. McCORMICK, a progressive agri- culturist of Somerset township, is the eldest child of John McCormick, and a grandson of John McCormick, who was born in 1762, in Ireland, and came to America in 1783. He located in Washington county, Penn., where, in 1812, he was married to Elizabeth Figley, who was born in 1772, and she bore him three children: Margaret, Jacob and John. The father followed farming all his life, and died in his adopted country July 17, 1828, his wife passing away in 1863.

John McCormick, a son of John and Elizabeth (Figley) McCormick, was born June 1, 1815, and received his education in the schools of the period. In 1838 he was married to Juliana Grable, who was born August 15, 1815, and they had five chil- dren, namely: John G., Mary (wife of H. B. Leyda, a farmer of Somerset township), Salome, Albert J. (living in Bentleyville), and Elizabeth (deceased). The father of this family was a Dem- ocrat in politics. He died May 8, 1887, having been preceded to the grave by his wife May 19, 1845.

John G. McCormick was born June 11, 1839, on . the home farm in Somerset township, this county, receiving a common-school education. On Decem- ber 21, 1869, he was united in marriage with Susan Dickerson, who was born November 19, 1847, in Harrison county, Ohio. She is a daughter of Joshua Dickerson, who was born in 1804, in Penn- sylvania, and in 1828 was married to Belijah Laf- ferty, who bore him nine children, namely : Samuel, Edward, Margaret (wife of David B. Wallace, a farmer of Harrison county, Ohio), Jane (married to Robert Moore, also farming in Harrison county, Ohio), Susan (wife of John G. McCormick), Mary, Louisa, Joshua and Sarah (the four last named being deceased). Joshua Dickerson followed farming, and in politics was a Democrat. He died October 6, 1872, and the mother was laid by his side August 11, 1887. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Mr. and Mrs. McCormick have had one daugh- ter, Juliana, born June 16, 1871. Mr. McCormick is a practical farmer, and deals extensively in stock, which he ships from Chicago. He votes with the Democratic party, but takes little part in active politics, preferring to spend his time in the cultiva- tion of his well-improved farm. He is one of the most enterprising citizens of Somerset township, ever ready to aid all progressive movements.

S AMUEL ALEXANDER MARKS was born October 10, 1849, in Wellsburg, W. Va., and attended the schools of that city during his boyhood. He learned furniture finishing and undertaking, a business he followed in his native town until 1886. He then removed to West Mid-

dletown, where he has since been engaged in an undertaking and house furnishing establishment. On March 25, 1886, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Caroline, only daughter of John Sampson. Mr. Sampson was born in 1811, in Pennsylvania, and when a child came with his- parents to Cannonsburg, Washington county, where his boyhood was passed. He rceived as good an education as was obtainable, and then learned cabinet making. In 1834 he was married to Sarah McCauley, of Washington county, and removed from Canonsburg to West Middletown. He immediately opened a modest establishment in undertaking and cabinet making, and by upright. dealing combined with perseverance, his trade soon increased. He enlarged his factory, employing a number of young men, many of whom there learned the trade. John Sampson acquired a wide reputa- tion as a manufacturer and undertaker, his custom in the latter department extending many miles in all directions. During his active business career of over fifty years, Mr. Sampson carried over five thousand persons to their last resting place, and in all that time he was never late at a funeral. He. was a man of unusual intelligence and rare judg- ment, always interested in the welfare of the com- munity, in which he was an unassuming but earn- est worker. Politically he was a firm believer in the principles of the Democratic party, but was never a politican; however, he served three years as director of the poor. In religious connection he was a consistent member of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in which he served many years as a member of the board of trust. Although his home was four miles from church, his pew was never vacant on the Sabbath day, unless he. was called upon to perform the necessary duties of his. vocation. His wife was laid to rest February 20, 1881, and to her memory no fitter or more tender tribute can be given than the testimony of her rel- atives and friends: "She was a true Christian wife and mother." Mr. Sampson died February 3, 1886, and was laid to rest by the side of his wife. The life of this well-known and valued citizen is comprised in the simple sentence: "He was a good man and a just," and such lives, we can not doubt,. reap their merited reward.

AMES M. K. REED. Among the leading citizens of Cross Creek township none are more prominently identified with the inter- ests of the community than the above-named gentleman.

Joseph Reed, the first of the family of whom mention is made, was born November 27, 1733, in Ireland, whence he emigrated to America prior to the year 1763. He first located in Lancaster county, Penn., and in 1763 moved to York county,.

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same State. On January 23, 1765, he was united in marriage with Jeanette Brotherton, who was born December 3, 1745, in Ireland, and when two years of age was brought by her parents to America. To this marriage children were born as follows: James, June 7, 1766; Nicholas, April 17, 1768; Ag- nes, May 8, 1770; Margaret, October 8, 1772; Jean- ette, May 1, 1776; Esther, December 24, 1780; Joseph, May 6, 1784; Ann, December 16, 1787, and William, April 18, 1790. Of these, Agnes married her relative, Joseph Reed (who had been in the Continental army during the Revolution), and they came in 1789 to Washington county, where they continued to reside; they are buried in Cross Creek graveyard; their children afterward removed to Armstrong county, Penn. James mar- ried his second cousin, Elizabeth Reed, removed to Washington county about 1798, and settled on 200 acres of Col. Reed's 359-acre tract; they reared a family of six children: Joseph, married to Jane Beatty, settled in Richland county, Ohio, and raised a family; William, married to Rosan- nah, daughter of Robert and Sarah (Rea) Lyle, settled in Ashland county, Ohio (they are the par- ents of Hon. Joseph R. Reed, now chief justice of U. S. Court of Land Claims); James, married to Margaret Glass, died near Washington, Penn., leaving children; John, married, and moved to Hardin county, Ky., and has three daughters; Jane died unmarried; Mary married Joseph Lyle (now deceased), and resides with her son, James Reed Lyle, near Hickory, Washington Co., Penn. Mar- garet married James McNary, came to Washing- ton county and settled on part of Col. Reed's 359- acre tract. She raised a family of three sons and three daughters, all of whom married and left de- scendants. Many of her descendants still live in this county. She died May 25, 1866, and is buried in Hickory graveyard. The other sons and daugh- ters of Col. Reed remained in York county, where many of their descendants still reside.

In 1780 Joseph Reed received of Col. Marshall a farm consisting of 190 acres seventy-five perches and allowances, making over 200 acres, patented as "Pensacola," in Cross Creek township, Washing- ton county. This was given in payment for mov- ing the household effects of Rev. Joseph Smith from York county to Washington county, Penn., and the wagon used is said to have been the first driven west of Washington. He then bought 359 additional acres of Col. Marshall, which is now a part of the McNary tract, owned by John L. Thompson & Bro., but did not move from his old home. Mr. Reed was a miller and farmer. He was a member of the Legislature of Pennsylvania in 1780, having presented the Act leading to the liberation of the slaves in Pennsylvania, and was a member of the Continental Congress in 1787 and

1788. He held the commission of colonel in the American army during the war of the Revolution, and acted for some time in the capacity of quarter- master. He died October 19, 1804, at the age of seventy-one, and is buried in Chanceford grave- yard, York county, Penn. His widow came to Washington county after his death, and died Jan- uary 27, 1838; she is buried in Cross Creek grave- yard. She and her young sons, James and Nich- olas, operated the mill during the absence of her husband in the army.

Nicholas Reed was born at Reed's Mill, in York county, Penn, and in early life was married to Elizabeth, daughter of James Fulton, of same county. In 1797 the young people settled on the farm in Cross Creek township, Washington county, which had been bought of Col. James Marshall. It was then all heavily timbered woods. Nicholas erected a log cabin where the house of J. C. Reed is now standing, which in 1867 replaced the first. Nicholas Reed passed away in 1854, leaving the

following children: Joseph, who settled in Rich- land county, Ohio; James, who died September 22, 1823, in Huron county, Ohio; William; Hugh, who settled in Richland county, Ohio; Samuel, in Marion county, Ohio; John, in Wabash county, Ind. ; Robert, who died unmarried; Jane, who died unmarried; and Eliza, married to James Wilson, and has one daughter, Mrs. Eliza J. Burns, near Claysville, Penn.

William Reed was born February 10, 1801, in Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn., and in early life learned the trade of a cabinet maker. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Isabella, daughter of Robert and Isabella (Mckenzie) Curry, and they then made their first home in Cross Creek village. In 1836 they came to his father's farm in this county, whence in 1840 they went to Allegheny county, finally returning to Washington county in 1844. In 1855, by pur- chase, he became owner of his father's farm in " Pensacola." In 1859 he deeded 103 acres of his farm to his son, James M. K. Reed, in consider- ation of $4,000, and the remainder was left to John C. Reed, who is residing on the old home- stead. To William and Isabella (Curry) Reed were born children as follows: Eliza J., June 14, 1829, died October 25, 1890, unmarried; James M. K., September 5, 1831; Isabella M., January 16, 1836, married Eli Marquis, and died Decem- ber 28, 1865, leaving one daughter, Flora M. Pyles, of Orange county, Cal. ; and John C., March 6, 1838, residing on the old homestead. The father of these children died in February, 1877, the mother October 1, 1849. William Reed was much honored in his community, taking an active interest in the general welfare of the county, and holding various positions of trust and honor in his

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township. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and a trustee of the same.

J. M. K. Reed received a liberal common-school education, and at the age of twenty years began teaching a district school. In the spring of 1852 he entered Pittsburgh Commercial College, from which he graduated. During the following summer he studied privately under the instruction of Robert Curry, Ph. D., principal of Canonsburg union schools, and then again taught school, con- tinuing until 1860, during the winter months. One summer he taught with Dr. Curry in West Manchester (now a part of Allegheny), and one summer was professor of penmanship in the New Brighton Female Seminary, established by Dr. Curry.

On October 28, 1858, Mr. Reed married Miss Mary P. Tucker, who was born in Merrimack county, N. H., a daughter of David and Clarissa Tucker, who in 1849 removed to Richland county, Ohio. John Tucker, grandfather of Mrs. Reed, came from Scotland to New Hampshire, and he was a son of Ezra, who was a son of Jacob. David Tucker was a prominent man in New Hampshire, was a justice of the peace, and prior to his mar- riage he went to Ohio, where he entered land, to which he afterward finally moved. Mrs. Reed, before marriage, taught several terms in common schools of Ohio. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Reed settled on their present farm in Cross Creek township, their first residence thereon being a log house built in 1826 by an uncle, Hugh Reed, and which is still standing. In 1879 our subject erected the present fine house, and in 1889 his commodious barn. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. J. M. K. Reed were as follows: Clara Bell, born August 29, 1859 (a teacher in the public schools of Imperial, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Irene Jane, born January 24, 1861 (married June 2, 1887, to John H. Chapman, and they now reside in Hanover township, Washington county); Clinton May, born May 1, 1864, died June 1, 1866; Alice Mary, born May 14, 1867 (a teacher); Mabel Blanche, born November 30, 1870; Alma Livonia, born June 12, 1874; and James Winfield, born January 30, 1878. The parents are members of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church (in which Mr. Reed has been trustee several years; he was formerly member of the U. P. Church at Patter- son's Mills). Politically he is a Democrat, and has served as school director, auditor, supervisor, and he is now serving his fourth term (of five years each) as justice of the peace. He is one of the original incorporators, stockholders and directors of the Cross Creek Cemetery Association, and, being their secretary, largely assisted in laying out and starting their beautiful cemetery at Cross Creek village.

R OBERT GILLIS TAYLOR. Among the prominent agriculturists of East Bethlehem township, the above named gentleman occupies a leading place. He traces his lineage back through the years to one Beriah Taylor, who was born in England, and, emigrating to America, settled in New Jersey. He was there married to Keziah Gaskill, who boré him eleven children, of whom Beriah is named; the parents died at a good old age.

Beriah Taylor, son of Beriah and Keziah Taylor, was born June 18, 1785, and served in the war of 1812. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and was married to Elizabeth Short, who was born Feb- ruary 8, 1786, in Virginia. She was a daughter of John Short, a native of Scotland, who, having been forbidden to leave his native land, concealed himself in the hull of an American-bound vessel until well out at sea. He settled in Virginia, and there was united in marriage with Alsie Craven, a native of Germany, who was then residing in Loudoun county, Va. John and Alsie Short reared a family of ten children, and died at an advanced age. To the marriage of Beriah and Elizabeth (Short) Taylor twelve children were born. The father died at the age of eighty-eight years.

Caleb Taylor, son of Beriah and Elizabeth Tayor, was born April 15, 1811, and learned the wagon-maker's trade. He was married to Mary Gillis, daughter of Robert, and granddaughter of John Gillis, who was a native of Ireland. The grandfather was married in Old Erin to Mary Martin, and she bore him two sons, viz .: Robert and Samuel. These children came to America, locating in Huntingdon county, Penn., where Robert Gillis was married,in October, 1814, to Agnes Porter, who was born June 20, 1787, and was a daughter of James and Sarah Porter. Robert and Agnes Gillis settled in Washington county, Penn., where their daughter Mary (who became the wife of Caleb Taylor) was born. Caleb and Mary Taylor were the parents of thirteen children, four of whom are yet living. The parents passed their lives in Washington county, where their father died August 3, 1870, followed by the mother July 30, 1880.

Robert Gillis Taylor was born December 13, 1834, in Washington county, Penn., and attended the country schools of the locality of his birth. On September 30, 1861, he answered the call of his troubled country, and served thirteen months under Col. Joshua B. Howell, of Uniontown, Penn., as second lieutenant, in Company E, Eighty-Fifth P. V. I., but being attacked with partial paralysis he was obliged to resign his commission. After regaining his health Mr. Taylor was for two years. receiving clerk for the A. V. R. R. at Pittsburgh, Penn., then became first clerk on one of the

(Very Respectfully De.

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packets belonging to the Pittsburgh, Brownsville & Geneva Packet Company. In 1886 Gov. Pattison appointed him to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Moses McKeag, late commissioner of the Cumberland Road. Mr. Taylor is now engaged in agricultural pursuits on his farm, which is located four miles from West Brownsville, in East Bethlehem township. He is a loyal member of the Democratic party, and in 1887 was elected county commissioner of Washington county, having received 5, 705 votes, which was next to the highest number on his ticket. Our subject was twice married: first, November 7, 1867, to Mary Ann, daughter of Nathan and Jane Tannehill, and three sons were born of this union: John William, August 28, 1869; Nathan T., April 4, 1872, died February 23, 1876, and James Robert, November 29, 1875. The mother of these children dying August 21, 1876, Mr. Taylor married, on October 27, 1878, Ellen W., daughter of Zephaniah and Ann W. Crawford. The sons of Mr. Taylor are attending school, John William studying for the ministry.

W ILLIAM DENNISTON sailed from Ireland in 1774, and a short time after landing in America he enlisted as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. After peace was declared he settled in Chester county, Penn., and afterward married Elizabeth Wilson, daughter of an early pioneer. A few years later they moved to Allegheny county, same State, and settled on Chartiers creek, on the old Neville farm, so famous as the scene of the Whisky Insurrection. Their family consisted of the following children: Nancy Abbie, Mary, Thomas, Sarah, Samuel, Joseph and William. In the year 1827 three of the sons-Samuel, Joseph and William-purchased the Jacob Long farm in Peters township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., whither they moved with their parents. The father died in 1842, the mother in 1846, and both are buried in the cemetery at Cen- tre Church.

Samuel Denniston was born February 27, 1796, in Allegheny county, and April 21, 1836, was mar- ried to Elizabeth, daughter of William Caldwell. They lived on the farm near Thompsonville until April 1, 1839, when they bought the William James farm in Union township, same county. Here he conducted an extensive farming business, giving his attention chiefly to that of sheep and cattle raising. In 1850 he erected all necessary build- ings. In 1851 the mother died leaving the follow- ing children: William, John W. (deceased), Mary J., Elizabeth, Thomas and Sarah A. (deceased). On March 17, 1853, Mr. Denniston married Elizabeth Applegate, and two children were the result of this marriage: James A. and Rachel N. (both de-

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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 131

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