Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 136

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 136

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Mr. and Mrs. Work have always resided on the home farm, a valuable and well-improved piece of property. He has followed farming and stock raising with marked success, and is one of the fore- most breeders of Spanish Merino sheep of the De- laine type. He is an enterprising and progres- sive agriculturist, ever ready to adopt modern methods, provided they are conducive to the best results. Mr. Work is one of the most ardent sup- porters of education in both Church and State; and to his perseverance and energy there now stands the Buffalo Academy, it being the third academy erected in this part of Hopewell township. Po- litically he is an enthusiastic supporter of the doc- trines embodied in the Republican platform, be- ing a counselor of that party, and has held several township offices. He and his wife and five of the elder children are members of the Presbyterian Church at Buffalo village, under the pastorate of Rev. T. A. Anderson.

DONAHEY FAMILY. This is one of the first fami- lies to settle in Washington county. Joseph Do- nahey and Mary, his wife, with their children- Jane, William, Samuel and Mary-emigrated from Omagh, in County Tyrone, Ireland, May 23, 1790, arriving in America August 24, same year. They settled near Taylorstown, in Buffalo town- ship, on the place now owned by Jacob White, which is known as one of the best oil farms in the Taylorstown oil field. Two other children were born to them in Washington county, named Joseph and Margaret.

Samuel Donahey was born in May, 1787, and emigrated with his parents from Ireland. He was married to Anna Reed, daughter of William Reed, and they located on what is now known as the James and Isaac Hodgens farm. In 1840 he was ordained as a ruling elder in Buffalo Presbyterian Church. He died suddenly in his own yard De- cember 25, 1840. To them were born six children, viz. : Joseph, married to Mary A. Lowry, of Hope- well township (he resided near Buffalo, and was a

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leader of the music in the Buffalo Presbyterian Church. In April, 1879, he and his family moved to Adair, Iowa, where he served as a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church the rest of his life. He died August 27, 1890, a man of a quiet dispo- sition, a kind husband and father and a devout Christian); William R., born January 14, 1816; Margaret, who married Rev. James Smith; Mary, widow of Vincent Blayney, still resides on the Blayney homestead near Taylorstown; Jane, mar- ried to Rev. Marshal, and Sarah A., married to Rev. James Shields, now a resident of Allegheny,

William R. Donahey was married in Decem- ber, 1843, to Mary Ely, daughter of Marten Ely, an elder in East Buffalo Church. He located on what is known as the William Donahey farm, two miles south of Taylorstown. Four children were born to them: Sarah A., born September 9, 1844, was married to S. C. Work; Samuel, born Decem- ber 15, 1845, who now resides with his mother in Buffalo village; Martin L., born September 22, 1847, was married to Frances E. Fergus, of Can- onsburg, Penn., November 2, 1872 (he was licensed by the Presbytery of Washington, and is now pas- tor of the Presbyterian Church of Napoleon, Ohio); Joseph A., born February 6, 1850, married Lizzie H. McCleese, of Taylorstown, July 13, 1876, and is now pastor of the Capitol Avenue Presbyterian Church of Denver, Colo. William Donahey was ordained an elder in Buffalo Presbyterian Church in 1853, and served until his death, August 14, 1884. Much of his time and means were spent in behalf of his fellow-men. In his youthful day's he taught school, which he took great delight in, as it opened many ways for usefulness in after years. He took special delight in the Sabbath-school, and was for many years elected superintendent of Buf- falo Sabbath-school. Mr. Donahey was a devout and earnest follower of Christ, honoring God in his household, and was extremely conscientious and faithful as a ruling elder.

M RS. ANN TAYLOR is the widow of Max- well H. Taylor, who was a son of Joshua, and grandson of William and Phoebe (Heardman) Taylor. The latter couple emigrated from Ireland in 1788, and com- ing to America located in Washington county, Penn., near Taylor's church, where their last days were passed. The father died in 1841, followed by his widow in 1855. Joshua Taylor, son of William and Phoebe, was born in County Cavan, Ireland, where he married Jane Quinn, a country- woman, and immigrated to Pennsylvania. In 1829 they settled on a farm in Washington county, and five children were born to them, of whom but one is now living, Sophia, widow of William Stew-

art. The father died July 3, 1851, followed by his widow December 23, 1886.

Maxwell H. Taylor was born July 3, 1833, in Washington county, Penn., and passed his whole life on the home farm in East Bethlehem town- ship. On June 28, 1866, he was united in mar- riage with Ann, daughter of William C., and granddaughter of Isaac C. Wolf. The latter was a native of Virginia, and there married Susanna Dehaven, who bore him four children, viz .: Will- iam C., Joseph, Elizabeth and Rachel A. The father voted with the Democratic party, and in relig- ious faith was a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Wolf died January 19, 1846, and he was laid to rest July 27, 1870.

William C. Wolf was born July 22, 1820, in Virginia, and came with his parents to Washing- ton county, Penn., in 1829, receiving his education in the subscription schools, and following agri- cultural pursuits. On July 1, 1841, he selected a life companion in the person of Melinda J. Small- wood, who was born June 2, 1823, in Washington county, where they settled, and he followed teach- ing and cabinet making. In political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religious connection a member of the M. E. Church. His children were Alfred D., who enlisted in Company I, Second Regiment, Virginia Infantry, and served three years; Susanna, wife of James K. Ward; Joseph, who enlisted in Company D, Seventy-ninth Regi- ment P. V. I .; Ann, wife of Maxwell Taylor; Henry W .; Sarah N .; Abram, and Isaac C. Mr. Wolf died March 4, 1855, and was followed to the grave by his wife April 9, 1874. The father was a Democrat.

Maxwell H. and Ann (Wolf) Taylor had four children, namely: Melinda J., wife of Lucian H. Patterson; Felicia H .; Phœbe A., and one who is deceased. Mr. Taylor was a successful farmer, and in politics was actively identified with the Repub- lican party. He died September 25, 1876, and his widow is yet residing on the well-improved farm of seventy-three acres. She is a member of the Taylor M. E. Church.

A LEXANDER S. HAYS is a cousin of the other representatives of that name who are mentioned in this volume as residents of Smith township, this county. His grand- father, Moses Hays, was the youngest son of a large family born to David Hays, of New Jersey, whose sons were Thomas, David, Joseph, William, James and Moses.

Moses Hays was born in the State of New Jersey, and after partially learning the blacksmith's trade, he was drafted at the age of nineteen into Continental army, together with five of his broth- ers. He followed his trade till the close of the war,

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and during the contest his brother John received a wound, which was the cause of his death. In 1783 Moses was married to Jemima Patterson, a native of New Jersey. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, Moses, with his wife and brothers, went west, settling on 1,000 acres of land about three miles southeast of Burgettstown, this county, on Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this land, and Moses made a permanent home upon his share, where the following children were born and reared: Thomas (moved to Jackson county, Ohio, where he died), born October 5, 1784; Edith (wife of David Hayes, of Ohio), born February 27, 1786; John (deceased, near Moorefield, Harrison Co., Ohio), born February 3, 1789; William (killed by accident), born April 7, 1791; James (deceased in Allegheny county, Penn.), born June 11, 1793; Alexander, born November 11, 1795; Mary (de- ceased in youth), born December 25, 1797; Eleanor (deceased wife of James Todd, of Allegheny coun- ty), born November 15, 1799; Joseph (deceased on the home farm), born February 15, 1801; David (deceased farmer of Smith township, married to Martha Fulton). born May 7, 1803; and Ann (de- ceased in youth), born June 23, 1805. Moses Hays possessed a remarkably retentive memory, easily recalling incidents of the war fifty years after the conflict. Anything once seen or heard he never forgot, and easily brought it to mind whenever the subject arose. He was a prominent and successful farmer, and in religion was a mem- ber of the Raccoon Church during the ministry of Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend of Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836, being followed in a few days by his wife.

Joseph Hays was born February 15, 1801, on the old home place, situated on Raccoon creek, about two and a half miles east of Burgettstown, Smith township. He attended the county schools near the home farm, receiving but a meager educa- tion, then learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, which he followed until about twenty-five years of age. He then worked as a miller, and having a natural taste for mechanical work he easily learned different trades, also followed drov- ing. In 1842 he was united in marriage with Eleanor Kerr, who was born about 1812, in Cross Creek township, this county, daughter of William and Eleanor (Lyle) Kerr. The children born to this union were: Elizabeth L. (living at home), Mary E. (deceased in early womanhood), Alex- ander S. (subject of our sketch), William Kerr (a farmer of Allegheny county, Penn.), and Eleanor J. (living with her brother Alexander on the home farm). Joseph and Eleanor (Kerr) Hays settled on the home farm after their marriage, where he followed farming and stock raising with marked success. He always voted with the Democratic party, and in religion he and his wife were mem-

bers of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hays died February 6, 1882, having been preceded by his wife September 30, 1871.

Alexander S. Hays was born October 8, 1849, on the home farm, where he is now living, and re- received a common-school education, at the same time assisting his father to cultivate the soil. After the death of the latter, Alexander S. Hays purchased the " Old Home Farm," where his an- cestors had located over one hundred years ago, and has since improved and cultivated the old place. He raises first-class stock, making a spe- cialty of fine horses, for which he possesses a strong admiration. He is a very progressive farmer, con- stantly making some new improvement, or illustrat- ing some new idea, and in 1891 he erected a hand- some new residence. Politically he is a prominent member of the Democratic party, having frequently served in township offices and given valuable as- sistance to the party in various ways. In religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He has never married.

M RS. SARAH BELLE MORRIS was born in 1856, in Fallowfield township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., a daughter of Joseph and Charlotte (Carson) Rider, both of whom were born in 1822, also in Fallow- field township. Her father was reared from boy- hood to agricultural pursuits, and has been a practical, industrious farmer. Her parents are yet residing on the old homestead, at the age of seventy years, and two daughters have blessed their wedded life, viz. : Hannah E., wife of Lewis Carson, a farmer of West Pike Run township, and Sarah Belle, widow of Emery Morris.

Emery Morris was born in 1855, on the old home place in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., a son of Jonathan and Elizabeth (Hill) Morris, both of whom are natives of Washington county, Penn. Elizabeth Morris is deceased; but Jonathan now resides on the farm in Fallowfield township, where the children were born, as follows: Isaac, living in Carroll township, Washington county; Emma J., wife of Henry Heanon, a farmer of West Pike Run township, and Emery, deceased. The last named attended the schools of the home neighborhood, and his life was passed in agricult- ural pursuits. He was married in 1876 to Sarah Belle Rider, and died March 15, 1890, deeply mourned by the many friends who knew and ap- preciated his worth. In politics he was actively identified with the Republican party, and was ever zealous in matters of public interest. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Morris has con- tinued to reside on the farm, consisting of 104 acres, on which are two good gas wells, each yield- ing an annual income of $500. Five children

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have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Morris, two of whom died in infancy; those now living are: Flor- ence, born in 1879; Eugene, born in 1885, and Noretta, born in 1888.

S AMUEL CRESWELL, one of the oldest, most intelligent and highly respected farmers of Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., is a grandson of James Cres- well, who came from Fort Deposit, Md. ; settled in Washington county about the year 1790; removed to Brooke county, W. Va., about 1800; was married to Miss Mary Johnston, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., and was engaged in agricultural pursuits. Their union was blessed with nine chil- dren, namely: Robert, John, Samuel, Margaret, Jane, Mary, Elizabeth, Catherine and James, all of whom died, leaving numerous descendants, who are scattered from the Atlantic to the Pacific oceans.

Robert, the eldest son of James and Mary (John- ston) Creswell, was born December 23, 1780, and came to Washington county with his father in early life. Robert was reared on the farm, but turned his attention to milling soon after becoming of age, and built for himself a mill, now known as Ryland's Mill, Brooke Co., W. Va., which he operated for many years. He was united in mar- riage about 1808, with Miss Mary McCarrell, whose father, Thomas McCarrell, came from Ire- land at an early date, and took part in the Revolu- tionary war, serving until the close of the conflict. To this union were born seven children, viz .: James, Eleanor, Thomas, Samuel, Robert J., Mary and Jane, of whom but two are living: James and Samuel.

Samuel Creswell was born February 22, 1815, in Brooke county, Va., and attended the common schools of that section. He afterward became a millwright, in which business he was successful, having built his first sawmill when but fourteen years of age. This mill is still in operation, and is-known as the "Ryland's Mill." Among the many witnesses to the skill and ingenuity of Mr. Cres- well are the old Wilson Mill, near West Middle- town; the McBain Mill in Columbiana county, Ohio, and the old mill now known as the "Kidd Mill," which Mr. Creswell built, and operated for a number of years. He afterward came to the farm where he has since continuously resided. He was married February 2, 1837, to Mary Cunningham, a native of Washington county, born April 25, 1820, a daughter of John Cunningham, who came from Ireland at an early date. She died August 9, 1890. She was the mother of four children, viz .: Su- sanna, married February 7, 1861, to William Han- lin (deceased) (she first settled in Washington county, but now resides at Richmond, Ohio. She

has had eight children: Samuel (deceased), Rachel J., Grace M., M. D., George A., Marie E., John D., and William F., deceased); Mary Eleanor (de- ceased), Rachel Jane and Emma F. Mr. Cress- well has been a stanch Democrat, and one of the counselors of his party. He has 186 acres of fine land, and a comfortable home. In religion he has always been a consistent member of the Meth- odist Protestant Church. His daughter, Emma F., has been a photographer for several years, and has in her possession quite a number of historical photographs, the product of her own work.

X ENOPHON COOKE is a representative farmer, and is a descendant of an old time- honored family of Smith township. He is a great-grandson of James Cooke. James (the great-grandfather) was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., where, in 1752, he was united in marriage with a native of the same coun- ty, who bore him the following children: James, born August 11, 1758; Dorcas, born October 12, 1764; John, born December 29, 1766; David, born August 16, 1769; and Margaret, born February 28, 1773. Little is known of this family, save that the father followed agricultural pursuits in Lan- caster county, Penn., and the three sons moved to Washington county soon after the Revolutionary war. James Cooke was reared to manhood in his na- tive county, and served as a commissioned officer in the Revolution, and about 1785 came to Washing- ton county. He purchased a tract of 649 acres in Smith township, situated about three and one-half miles south of Burgettstown, where he erected a rude cabin, and began to cultivate the virgin soil. On April 17, 1788, he was married to Hetty Galbraith, of Lancaster county, Penn., where Mary A. was born May 20, 1793. In 1795 the mother died, and Mary A., the only child then liv- ing, was taken to Lancaster county, Penn., by her mother's relatives, and was married to a Mr. Car- penter, of Lancaster, where her descendants still reside. On May 10, 1797, Mr. Cooke made choice of a second wife in the person of Martha McCombs, of Washington county, and to this union were born the following children: David, born March 28, 1798; Julia A. (wife of James McDonald, a farmer of Washington county), born December 17, 1799; Samuel (deceased on the old homestead in 1879), born April 22, 1803; Jane (wife of Joseph Vance), born August 6, 1806; Dorcas (consort of Moses Lyle), born May 18, 1809; Oliver P. (a farmer of Smith township), born October 23, 1814; and Ma- tilda (married to David Gault of Cross Creek town- ship), born May, 1817, all now deceased. James Cooke passed all his married life on the farm in Smith township, which eventually became one of the most valuable places of the neighborhood.

David Cooke, the eldest son in the above named

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family, was born and reared on the home farm, and was united in marriage with Agnes B. Ritchey. She was born in 1808, in Harrison county, Ohio, afterward coming with lier parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ritchey, to Washington county. Mrs. Ritchey was a member of the well-known McWill- iams family of Washington county. To the union of David and Agnes (Ritchey) Cooke children were born as follows: John (a carpenter, of Paducah, Ky., afterward enlisting in Company A, One Hun- dredth Regiment, the "Round Heads," serving until honorably discharged on account of physical disability), Xenophon (of whom further mention is made), Jane A. (Mrs. W. K. Lyle, of Washington, Penn.), Martha J. (deceased wife of Rev. Alexan- der White, a U. P. minister, of Washington county), Silas (a Presbyterian minister, of Nebraska, also a member of Company K, One Hundred and For- tieth P. V. I., wounded in the battle of the Wil- derness), Marietta (wife of Prof. S. C. Farrar, of Allegheny, Penn.) and Oliver R. (a law- yer of the Pittsburgh bar). Although enjoying but meager educational advantages in early life, Mr. Cooke succeeded by close and earnest study in becoming a scholarly man, equal to many of his more favored neighbors. He read Greek and Latin, was a fine mathematician (becoming a prominent civil engineer), all of which he secured by close application after attaining the age of ma- turity. In his example the lesson is obvious to those yet in the prime of life who bemoan the lack or neglect of early education. "Never too late to learn" is a trite maxim, but one whose truth is evi- dent in all cases where people have had the cour- age and perseverance to devote time (otherwise spent in a less profitable manner) to the acquire- ment of needed knowledge. Politically Mr. Cooke was formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican party, and served in several offices. He was a member and liberal supporter of the Pres- byterian Church in Cross Creek township. He died December 24, 1857; his widow is now resid- ing in Allegheny, Penn.

Xenophon Cooke was born November 29, 1835, on the farm in Smith township where he is yet re- siding. On September 23, 1863, he was united in marriage with Jane Galbraith, who was born Oc- tober 20, 1835, daughter of William and Isabella (Welch) Galbraith, of Smith township, and two chil- dren have blessed this union: David M. (deceased at the age of twenty-two years) and Bella (an ac- complished young lady, living at home). After his marriage Xenophon Cooke settled on the home farm, and has since followed agricultural pursuits. He is a very influential man, and in politics votes the Republican ticket, having been elected to dif- ferent offices, and was chosen a justice of the peace, but declined to serve. He and his wife are mem- bers of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown.

S® AMUEL McCLAY, who is a son of David and Margaret (McElroy) McClay, was born February 25, 1853, upon the old farm in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., where he passed his boyhood days and received his first lessons in the fundamental principles of success. He received a common-school education, and was early inducted into the mysteries of agricultural life. On March 4, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, a daughter of Joseph Wolf, who was one of the pioneer settlers of the county. The young wife lived but a short time after marriage, dying July 28, 1879, and on November 30, 1882, Mr. McClay married Miss Isabella, a daughter of John Fergus, whose father, Hugh Fergus, was born in Chartiers township, where he passed his early years, and, on attaining the age of maturity, wedded Miss Nancy McClain. To them were born: Sarah (deceased wife of James Stewart), John (now living in Olathe, Kans.), Mary (deceased wife of William Boone), Thomas (deceased), Agnes (Mrs. Matthew Miller),. Martha (Mrs. Reed Miller), and Hugh (deceased). Hugh Fergus was a self-made man, and always followed agricultural pursuits. He was a Whig, but held no political offices, and in religious views was formerly a Seceder, but afterward united with the United Presbyterian Church, and was a ruling elder. His son, John Fergus, was born in May, 1822, and beginning life for himself at an early age, became a most progressive and energetic citizen. He was married in March, 1844, to Miss Ellen, daughter of Samuel Martin, and then settled on a farm where he remained many years. Like his father, he was a member of the U. P. Church, and in politics was a Whig.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. McClay settled upon the old home farm where they now reside. The children born to them are: Ora B., Eben M., Esther A. and Ellen Blanche. Mr. McClay is active in the ranks of the Republican party, and, like his ancestors, is a member of the Disciple Church.

N B. BUCKINGHAM was born August 3, 1845, in Somerset township, this county, where he is now known as a successful and industrious farmer. He is a son of Igna- tius Buckingham, who was born in 1817, in East Bethlehem township, this county, and being reared to agriculture, followed that vocation all his life. In early manhood he was united in mar- riage with Martha Baker, who was born in 1820, in East Bethlehem township, this county. Five children were born to this union, of whom three are yet living: Susan I. (wife of Henry Reade), Phœbe E. (unmarried) and N. B. (subject of this sketch). The father was a public-spirited man,

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holding various township offices. He died in 1885, and the mother is now living with her daughter, Susan I.

N. B. Buckingham was reared on the home farm, receiving a district-school education. In 1872 he was married to Miss Nancy B. Camp, who was born February 25, 1843, in Washington county, Penn. She is a daughter of Peter (who was born in 1804) and Rosanna (Smiley) Camp (who was born November 9, 1805). Their chil- dren were born as follows: Owen, Mary, Phoebe (who married William Martin, of Greene county, Penn.), Emma (unmarried), William H. (a farmer of Somerset township), Matilda (wife of David G. Bonner), Nancy B. (Mrs. N. B. Buckingham), David G., Maria (deceased) and Joseph (deceased). The father died in 1870, and in 1882 his wife was laid beside him. Both were members of the M. E. Church. To the union of N. B. and Nancy B. (Camp) Buckingham three children have been born: Walter H., born June 19, 1871; Frank R., born in 1875; and Edwin C., born in 1879. Mr. Buckingham is a practical agriculturist, owning 136 acres of fine, well-improved land. He is a public-spirited citizen, interested in all progres- sive movements. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, of which he is a steward.

E W. McCONNELL, a prosperous and intelli- gent young farmer of Independence town- ship, is a son of William and grandson of George McConnell, a pioneer settler of Ashland county, Ohio. William McConnell re- ceived a limited common-school education, and then left home and ran on the Ohio river from Pittsburgh to New Orleans. While on a visit to relatives in West Middletown, Washington Co., Penn., he met the lady who afterward became his wife, Martha Ann Culbertson (who was born Oc- tober 24, 1816, in Independence (then Hopewell) township, daughter of John Culbertson). Mr. Culbertson was born February 13, 1786, near Chambersburg, Penn., and was married to Martha Adams (who was born east of the mountains No- vember 10, 1777), daughter of David Adams, who was among the early settlers . of Washington county, and an old river man. He made the re- turn trip from New Orleans on foot or horseback, subsisting meanwhile on corn dodgers. It was necessary to sleep out of doors, as the country was unsettled, and their dreams were often interrupted by the war-whoop of the savage or the scream of some wild animal. Mr. Culbertson was a resident of Independence township, where his daughter, Martha Ann, was born. Mr. and Mrs. William McConnell had the following children: Jane, John (both deceased in youth), E. W., Margaret (Mrs. Joseph Ralston, of Independence township), Annie

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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 136

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