Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 133

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 133

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A. W. Miller was born September 27, 1841, in Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, and was the eldest of his father's family. He was brought to this county when but a child, reared in Mt. Pleasant and Char- tiers townships, and received a subscription-school education. On November 25, 1861, he was united in marriage with Allie A., daughter of Levi and Margaret (McClellan) Griffith. Mr. Griffith was a carpenter and builder, who located near Canons- burg after his marriage, and there followed his trade for many years. He died in 1886 in Canons- burg, where his widow is yet living.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller settled on the old farm where his grandfather located in 1848, and the following children have blessed their union: George B. (married, and in the boot and shoe business at Mansfield, Allegheny Co., Penn.), Ida (wife of

Samuel Morgan, of Chartiers township), Minnie, Andrew (a merchant of Pittsburgh, Penn.), James (a boot and shoe merchant at Kensington, Alle- gheny Co., Penn.), Edward, Clarence and Alvin, the last three named living at home. The home farm consists of 177 acres of good land, which is well improved, and is adorned with a fine brick residence and good out-buildings. Mr. Miller devotes a considerable portion of his time to raising a fine grade of stock. He is actively interested in politics, voting with the Democratic party, as did his fathers before him. He has served as super- visor of Chartiers township, as a member of the school board, and has always been interested in school matters. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Houstonville, of which he is a trustee.

S AMUEL SMITH, one of the leading citizens of Canonsburg, is a son of Christopher Smith, who was born, reared and educated in Washington county. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Reuben Hull, a native of this county. The follow- ing children were born to this marriage: Andrew, William, Robert, John, Richard, Samuel, May- bury, J. P., Elizabeth (wife of George Shields) and Lydia (Mrs. George Buchanan). The father of this family was a farmer and stock raiser; he had purchased an unimproved farm in Smith township, where he always resided. He was a Whig, and in religious faith was connected with the Raccoon Presbyterian Church from the time of its first organization. He died in 1814, and was buried by the side of his wife in the Raccoon cemetery.

Samuel Smith was born in March, 1812, on the home farm in Smith township, this county, and attended the log cabin subscription school of the vicinity. In 1828 he went to Guernsey county, Ohio, becoming the apprentice of Samuel Lawrence, a tanner, with whom he remained four and one half years. At the expiration of that time he returned to Pennsylvania, and opened a tannery in. Canons- burg, which he has since conducted. In 1835 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of John McCoy. North Strabane township, this county, and she dying July 20, 1855, he was mar- ried October 3, 1856, to Mary, daughter of Stewart Goshorn, and she bore him children as follows: Tryphenia (Mrs. B. C. Arnold), Samuel C., Mrs. Joseph Carter, Mary (wife of Alvin Forsythe), George V. and Sadie. The mother of these chil- dren died February 4, 1865, and on December 10, 1873, Mr. Smith was married to Ella Hanna, and after her death to Sarah J., daughter of Daniel Gault.

Politically Mr. Smith was a Whig, and has been a Republican since the organization of the latter

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party, and has taken an active part in local offices, especially those pertaining to school and borough interests. In religion he has for many years been a member of the U. P. Church at Canonsburg, and was also a member of the Session. He is a suc- cessful business man and prominent citizen.

W ILLIAM LOUGEAY GASTON. Among the citizens of Union township, whose names are indissolubly associated with its history and general progress, is this well-known gentleman. His early ances- tors were natives of France, whence one Samuel Gaston emigrated to this country many years ago. He located in Washington county, Penn., on a tract of 350 acres, where his life was passed, he dying at about eighty years of age; he was buried in Mingo cemetery. He was twice married, and reared a large family of children. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

William Gaston, son of Samuel Gaston, was born in 1808, in Gastonville, Union township, Washing- ton county, and attended school in the log school- house of the period. He was married to a Miss Morrison, who bore him two children, and died in 1834. Mr. Gaston was a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics voted with the Democratic party; in religious faith he was a Presbyterian. He gave his children a good education. He was a generous, kind-hearted, fine-looking man, and a friend to every one alike. He died in 1884.

Maj. James M. Gaston, son of William Gaston, was born in 1832, in Gastonville, Washington county. He attended the common schools, and then entered Washington and Jefferson College. In early life he married Matilda Ensell, of Pitts- burgh, Penn., a daughter of Edward Ensell, who was of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston resided in Lawrence county, Penn., for a short time after their marriage. He was a farmer by occupation, and during the latter part of his life was a sawyer and lumberman. Their children were as follows: Mary P., living in Gastonville; Ida S., wife of John McChain; Haddie B .; Ed- ward, deceased in infancy, and William Lougeay. The father entered the Civil war as a volunteer, and served three years in the First Pennsylvania Cavalry; he was wounded three times, once at the battle of Gettysburg, and being taken sick while in the service, returned home to Washington county. Politically he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Methodist Church. He died September 8, 1885, in his fifty-sixth year.

William Lougeay Gaston was born April 15, 1861, in Gastonville, Penn. He received his edu- cation in the common schools of his native village, and attended Duff's Commercial College, Pitts-

burgh. Beginning life without capital, Mr. Gas- ton has secured a snug property, having success- fully engaged in the lumber, sawmill and farming businesses, and is now conducting a butchery. In political opinion he is a Democrat. On Septem- ber 16, 1885, he was united in marriage with Emma, daughter of Frank P. Scott, M. D., of Monongahela, and she has borne him two children: Myrna and Scott. Mr. and Mrs. Gaston are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. For ten years he resided at Gastonville. At present he is a resi- dent of Finleyville.

S AMUEL PROVINES was born in 1803, in County Tyrone, Ireland. In about 1812 his parents, William and Rebecca (Hemp- hill) Provines, came to America with their family of five children-Mary, Samuel, Andrew, John and Robert-landing at Philadelphia, where they remained some time, and then came farther west. Having but a limited supply of money, their manner of traveling was in the most econom- ical fashion, several members of the family walk- ing a considerable part of the distance. In about 1813 they came to Washington county, Penn., first locating in Cherry Valley, where other children were born, viz .: Margaret, James, Sarah, Jane and Rebecca; later they removed to Jefferson township.

Samuel Provines was reared to manhood on the farm of his father, receiving but limited opportu- nities for an education. In 1836 he was married to Isabella Gracey, a native of Cross Creek town- ship, this county, and daughter of John Gracey. To the union of Samuel and Isabella Provines children were born as follows: John (who now has charge of the home farm, together with his brother Andrew), William (a carpenter, of Denni- son, Ohio), James (a carpenter), Rebecca (living at home), Andrew (also at home), Margaret (living on the old place), Samuel (a carpenter, of Wells- burg, W. Va.), Henry (deceased in early manhood) and Harper H. (a carpenter, of Wilmerding, Alle- gheny county). After his marriage, Samuel Pro- vines settled in Hanover township, on the farm which he had purchased before his marriage, and at the time it was nearly all covered with woods, which he cleared away. Although beginning life with comparatively nothing, he accumulated ' a good property. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, and an ardent supporter of that party. He was called from the scene of his labors in 1877, and was followed to the grave by his wife in 1885; their remains rest in Burgettstown United Presby - terian Cemetery. They were both consistent mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

M ORGAN L. DUNN, farmer, was born on Ruff creek, Morgan township, Greene Co., Penn., a son of Joseph and Jane Dunn. His paternal grandfather, Isaac ~Dunn, was born in eastern Virginia, and his boyhood days were passed in the place of his birth; but in early manhood he removed to Wash- ington county, Penn., which then included the ter- ritory that is now Greene county. He settled on Castile run, near the dividing line between Wash- ington and Greene counties, and here he lived and died. When he first came to Washington county he was offered land, now one of the finest farms in Greene county, in exchange for a horse. He was one of the pioneers of Washington county, and was respected and esteemed by all who knew him, for liis integrity, enterprise and thrift. He was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and his gallantry and bravery are already historical. Mr. Dunn's long life was one of hardship and toil. Labor was to him more a pleasure than a neces- sity, so accustomed had he become to it. He made many trips to Winchester, Va., trading farm prod- uce for salt, which was "racked" across the mount- ains in pack saddles, made of crooked roots and limbs of trees. His method of life, however, did not seem to affect his health, for he was one of the best preserved men recorded within these pages. At the age of ninety-two years he bound wheat, and kept up with two cradles. He died at the ad- vanced age of ninety-seven.

Joseph Dunn, the father of subject, was born in Greene county, Penn. In his early days he at- tended the subscription schools, but the principal part of his education was received under his father's personal supervision in learning the suc- cessful management of a farm. He married Jane, a daughter of James Martin, who emigrated from New Jersey to Washington county in its early days, the trip being made overland and in wagons. During the journey they passed many great tract of beautiful land, which might have become theirs for the asking; but they continued their journey toward the glorious West, the land of which they had heard so much, but had never seen. Accord- ing to rumor, this land, which was called "Red Stone," was a veritable paradise; and they were immeasurably disappointed and disheartened to find, instead of this imaginary "Eden," nothing but dense woods. Reluctantly they went to work, clearing off the land on which they had located. As there was no clearance in which to place the timber and underbrush cut down, they were obliged to burn great stretches of giant oaks. During the closing part of Mr. Martin's life he was obliged, for several years, to sleep in his chair, being un- able to rest in the natural position. The family of Joseph and Jane Dunn consisted of the following children: Washington, James M. (he went to Cali-

fornia during the first gold excitement, and is liv- ing in that State to-day with his family), Morgan L., Joseph (a prominent merchant of Millsborough, East Bethlehem township), William (who, after serving in the Civil war under Capt. Crea, died soon after his return home, of disease contracted in the service; his widow, who survives him, re- ceives a pension secured her by the untiring efforts of our subject), John and Ann, both of whom were never married (they live in Washington township, Greene Co., Penn., John being there engaged in the nursery business).

Morgan L. Dunn was born in 1824, and his boy- hood was spent in much the same manner as that of his father. The little education he received was obtained at the subscription schools, almost the only kind the period afforded. At the break- ing out of the war of the Rebellion Mr. Dunn raised over $3,000 by subscription for substitutes in Washington and Greene counties. He has been married three times: his first wife was Phoebe Ann, a daughter of Mr. Taylor, whose father was a drummer in the Revolutionary war; to this union were born five children: Jane, Mary, George W., Dorcas and Phoebe A. Jane is the wife of Milton Bigler, a Baptist minister, and resides in West Bethlehem township, this county; George W. lives in West Bethlehem township (he was married to Maria Hoover June 15, 1876, and three children have been born to them, viz .: Winston, Sherman and Elsie); Mary is the wife of George Hufford, and resides in Ten Mile, Washington county; Phoebe A. married Addison Swihart, and they re- side in Washington township, Greene Co., Penn. (none of the three married daughters had any child- ren born to themn). Mr. Dunn's second wife was Eliza Corwin, a daughter of William Corwin and a granddaughter of Stephen Corwin, prominent resi- dents of Washington county. This wife bore him the following children: William, a resident of Lone Pine, Amwell township, married Cora Gray, and two children have been born to them: Rerie and Murral; Flora, the wife of James Huffman, residing in Washington (they have three children: Frank, Willie and Lulu); Walter, a prominent farm- er of West Bethlehem township, married Maggie Yoders, and they had two children: one that died in infancy, and Myrtle, still living; Richard, who lives in East Liberty, married Nannie Huffman, daughter of George Huffman, and Loualin, who re- sides at home with his father. The departure of Mrs. Dunn from this life was mourned not only by her husband and children, but by her numerous friends. Mr. Dunn married for his third wife Emma Curry, a daughter of Philip Curry, and to this union have been born two children: Arthur Extell and Earl Guy.

Mr. Dunn is one of the best-known and most successful agriculturists in West Bethlehem town-

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ship. He is also extensively engaged in stock raising-coach and Clydesdale horses and Merino sheep being his specialties. Politically he is a stanch Democrat. When a young man he was possessed of a splendid physique. He thought nothing of making 200 rails in one day, mow- ing three acres with a scythe or cradling 200 dozen of wheat.

OHN F. NICHOLSON, a leading jeweler of Monongahela, is descended from Irish ances- try. His grandfather, James Nicholson, was born in Ireland, and, immigrating to America in about 1790, settled in Union township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., locating in 1795 on his farm on Mingo creek. The land in that region was wild and covered with forests, but the hardy pioneer persevered until the dreary wilderness was trans- formed into a comfortable homestead. The chil- dren of this family were as follows: John, William McKendrie, James, Asa, Sarah (wife of Andrew Pierce), Mary, Jennie (wife of Matthew Murdy), Nancy (wife of James McAllister) and Elizabeth (wife of William Tidball). The father was a mem- ber of the M. E. Church, and in politics voted with the Whig party. For many years in those early days his home was the Methodist preaching place, services being held there every two weeks, on Saturdays, by Rev. Asa Shinn, who was succeeded in that work by Rev. George S. Holmes.

William McKendrie Nicholson was born April 21, 1820, on the home farm in Union township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the subscrip- tion and public schools, proved an eager reader and close student, and was trained from boyhood to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through- out life. He was married to Rachel, daughter of Samuel Morrison, of Nottingham township, and their children were: William Alvin, Arilinda J.(wife of E. J. McClure), John Fletcher, Violet A. (wife of Samuel McMillan), Flora B. (deceased), Sarah Adalaide, Clara Lucina (wife of George Kahl) and Laura Pricilla. Mr. Nicholson con- ducted a general store at Ginger Hill from 1844 to 1846; then followed farming, but in 1887 re- tired from active life. He has been an enthusi- astic leader in politics, has voted with the Whig and Republican parties, and has taken a special interest in school matters. In religion he is a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Rachel Nich- olson died in 1880.

John Fletcher Nicholson was born April 21, 1851, in Union township, Washington Co., Penn., and received a common-school education. In 1872 he came to Monongahela, and opened the jewelry and music store, which he has since con- ducted. In 1877 he was united in marriage with Miss Sue E. Wilson, and their children are:

Alverda, Jessie Rebecca, John Fletcher, James Bloomfield, Marjorie Ann and Louis McKendrie. Mr. Nicholson is a shrewd, honest business man, and enjoys a large and constantly increasing custom. He is an active member of the Repub- lican party, and has served two terms as treasurer of Monongahela, also as Congressional and Sena- torial conferre, as well as in various other offices. He was elected mayor at the February election and was duly sworn in to serve as mayor for one year from April 3, 1893. Mr. Nicholson shows his identification with the people of the city in their social and moral interests, by his church and so- ciety relations. He has been secretary of the Royal Arcanum Council for twelve years, is past master by service in the Masonic Lodge of this city, and is also a Royal Arch Mason. He is past grand in Nucleus Lodge of Odd Fellows, and was D. D. G. M. for Washington county for three years. He is an Encampment member, and was D. G. P. for three years; he is a member of the American Mechanics, is deputy State councillor now, and a past chief in the order of the Golden Eagle. In this way he contributes largely to the social Orders, giving them part of his time and ability, and always for good. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is at present secretary of the Sabbath-school, which position he has acceptably filled for some time.

S H. HOUSTON, a leading dentist of Monon- gahela, is a grandson of Isaac Houston, who was a son of James Houston, who was born in this country of Scotch-Irish parents. He came with his family to Washington county, Penn., many years ago, and located in Buffalo township, where he died.

Isaac Houston was born and reared on the home place in Buffalo township. He learned the trade of bricklayer and mason, which he followed most of his life. Politically he voted with the Demo- cratic party, and in religion he was a zealous mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo. He was married to Nancy Ashbrook, who bore him ten children, among whom was a son James; the father died at the age of sixty-two years.

James Houston, son of Isaac, was born Novem- ber 11, 1825, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., where he learned his father's trade, and followed same for several years. In 1860 he moved to Washington borough, Penn., and is now doing a prosperous business. He erected the First Presbyterian and United Presbyterian churches in that city, also built the brick work for the town hall. By unremitting effort he has achieved success. He has served the Democratic party as a member of the council, and in other offices. In religion he is a member of the Third

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Presbyterian Church. On March 22, 1855, James Houston was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of John Ramsey, and she has borne him four children: S. H., Flora M., and two who died when young.

S. H. Houston was born May 3, 1860, in Wash- ington, Penn., and graduated from the high school of his native city. In 1877 he entered Washing- ton and Jefferson College, graduating in 1882 with the degree of A. B. In 1884 he attended the dental department of the University of Michigan, and the following year went to the Baltimore 'Dental College, from which he graduated in 1886. He then settled in Monongahela, where he has since practiced his profession. On September 29, 1887, S. H. Houston was united in marriage with Margaret G., daughter of William Power. They have three children: James Power, Rebecca Ramsey and Ada Florence. In 1890 Dr. Houston was elected mayor of . Monongahela City, and was re-elected in 1892. He is an ardent and valued member of the Republican party.

W J. ANDERSON, a prosperous farmer of Union township, is a grandson of John An- derson, who came from Ireland in 1771, and first settled in Beaver county, Penn. He was compelled to leave that section on account of the Indians, and prior to 1788, he hav- ing paid tax in that year, came to the place in Washington county, Penn., where his descendants are yet living. While living in Ireland he was married to Miss Elizabeth Bigger, who came with them to America. The descendants of Thomas Bigger, brother of Miss Elizabeth Bigger, now re- side in Robinson township, Washington county. To John and Elizabeth Anderson five children were born, viz. : James, Benjamin, Matthew, Martha and John, all born in Pennsylvania, except James, who was born in Ireland. In September, 1786, he bought the farm on which the subject of this sketch now resides.

John Anderson, the youngest son of John and Elizabeth, was born June 5, 1789, on the farm in Union township, Washington county, in a cabin which stood on the site now occupied by the house of W. J. Anderson. John Anderson was reared to farm life, and remained at home until 1843, when he was married to Miss Elizabeth Scott, a native of West Virginia, residing near East Liver. pool, Ohio, and they then settled on the home farm in Washington county, Penn., where he died June 3, 1868, followed by his wife, April 20, 1873. The father was a stanch, " High-Tariff " Repub- lican. They had six children, viz .: W. J., two died in infancy, James G. (dead), Martha E. (mar- ried to J. C. Borland, of Peters township, now a

grocer in Sewickley, Penn.), and Ada V., who is living with her brother, W. J.

W. J. Anderson was born January 22, 1844, on the farm in Union township, Washington county. On December 21, 1876, he was married to Agnes, daughter of Thomas Kiddoo, and granddaughter of James Kiddoo, a native of England. The family are now residents of Allegheny county, Penn. Af- ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Anderson came to their present home, where he has been success- fully engaged in general farming. In politics he is a Republican, having held a number of town- ship offices. and in religion is a member of the Peters Creek United Presbyterian Church, in which he is also trustee. They conduct a small dairy in connection with the farm, and for twenty years have sold butter to W. J. Caskey & Co., Pitts- burgh. The home place contains eighty-four acres of excellent land. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson had one child that died in infancy.

HOMAS F. HILTON, a prominent and wealthy resident of Claysville, was born September 26, 1835, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., and is descended of rugged ancestry, of the "Land of the mountain and the flood," that "Caledonia, stern and wild," immortalized so beautifully in verse and song by Scott and Burns. His grandfather, a native of Scotland, had four sons and one daugh- ter-William, Robert, Thomas, George and Margaret-all born in Scotland, and with his family immigrated to the United States, making a settlement in Chartiers and Buffalo townships, this county.

George Hilton, father of Thomas F., was mar- ried in Scotland to a native of the same part, and they had children as follows: John, Robert, Mary, Jane, Sarah A., Isabelle, George James and Thomas F., all natives of Washington county. Mr. Hilton came with his father's family to this county, and here followed the trade of miller, which he had learned in his native land. He died in 1837, a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics a Whig; his wife was called to her long home in 1835.

The early life of Thomas F. Hilton was passed at the home of Joseph Donahey, a resident of Buffalo township, and his education was received at the common schools of the district. On May 21, 1874, he was married to Sevena, a daughter of Benjamin Bartilson, of Hopewell township, and the results of this union were five children: Sadie, George, Mary, Benjamin and Roland (the latter being deceased). After marriage Mr. Hilton settled on a farm in Buffalo township, and here remained until 1889, when he moved into Claysville, and built

J. H. Hilton

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

his present residence, one of the finest in the borough. The family are all members of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville; in politics Mr. Hilton is a stanch Republican, and an active worker in the party.

E LLA M. GREGG. The Gregg family were among the earliest settlers of East Pike Run township. Henry Gregg, Sr., came from Ireland to Pennsylvania, took up be- tween 300 and 400 acres of public land, and also purchased a tract from the Indians. He then sent for his brothers, John and William, and sister, Peggy. He was a bachelor, but raised many chil- dren to manhood and womanhood; he served as justice of the peace for many years. Margaret Gregg married Jacob Springer, who also came from Ireland, and her brother Henry gave her the farm on which Eli Williams now lives. The same Henry . Gregg gave the farm (on which Mrs. Ann Hugans now lives) to his brother William, and a farm to his brother John, on the State Road between Pitts- burgh and Brownsville, where the " Black Horse" tavern stood, now owned by E. Richard.

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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 133

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