Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 139

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 139

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S AXTON FAMILY. The beautiful " Emer- ald Isle" has contributed largely to the pop- ulation of Hanover township, and among those of her sons who sought a home in America, many years ago, was David Saxton.

He was born about 1775, in Ireland, and when a young man came to America, remaining some years in eastern Pennsylvania, and in 1796 came to Washington county, Penn., locating in what is now Hanover township, about two and one-half miles northeast of Florence, near the old site of Fort Dillo. Here he purchased and moved upon forty acres of land, and in 1800 was married to Elizabeth Moore, widow of Samuel Moore (with whom he got forty acres more), an early settler and very extensive landholder of that locality. The children of David and Elizabeth Saxton were as follows: Samuel, James (who resided for some time on the old farm in Hanover township, finally dis- posing of it to his brother Samuel, then moved to Missouri, locating near California), Harriet (wife of William Burns, and a resident of Hanover town- ship), Nancy (Mrs. John Saxton, living in Cumber- land county, Penn.) and Mary (married to Collins Kimmell, of Hanover township). Of this family Nancy is the only one yet living. The parents passed their lives on the pioneer farm, in a rude log cabin, which stood for several years afterward. He was a farmer, also carrying on a distillery, a

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common practice among the early settlers. At that time wild animals were yet numerous in the country, and his son James once killed a deer not far from home. In politics the father was a Whig. He and his wife both died at an advanced age, and they were buried side by side in Frankfort cem- etery. She was an exemplary Christian woman, and a member of the Frankfort Presbyterian Church.

Samuel Saxton, son of David and Elizabeth (Moore) Saxton, was born July 27, 1801, on the old farm, and, being the oldest son, a great deal of work fell to his share. He was thus deprived of even such meager educational facilities as were then afforded, having but little opportunity to attend school. When but eighteen years of age he and his father made an agreement by which he was to have the use of the home farm for ten years. He at once began to work at whatever would yield him an income, and, in addition to his farm inter- ests, looked after the hauling of coal to certain sections where that article was scarce, realizing a considerable profit from this source. In the fruit season he carried the produce of vines and orchard to Ohio, Canton, New Philadelphia, and other places; then, on his return, bought oats and hauled them to Pittsburgh, where they were sold at a good price. He was an excellent judge of horses, which . knowledge was instrumental in making some good purchases and excellent sales. He was equal to, if not the best reinsman in Hanover township at that time, and on several occasions accomplished feats with six-horse teams, pronounced impossible by other skilled drivers. He always possessed some good specimen of the equine variety, often keeping them for sale. By using economy, he continued to prosper, owning over 400 acres of land, paying $11 per acre for the first 100 acres, upon which he erected a substantial brick residence, where he re- sided during his natural life time. He was an Old- line Whig till 1864, then became a Democrat, sup- porting that party the rest of his life. When the law of Pennsylvania required the militia to muster, he was captain of a company. On October 15, 1833, he was married to Jane Dougherty, who was born August 3, 1801, a daughter of James Dough- erty, a merchant of Washington, Penn., who was at one time elected recorder of Washington county, and whose children became illustrious citizens. To the union of Samuel and Jane Saxton children were born as follows: James D., Samuel S. and Margaret. The father died June 14, 1875, followed by his wife February 3, 1883, and they now lie side by side in the Florence cemetery. Both were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church at Florence, this county.

SAMUEL S. SAXTON was born June 26, 1838, on the old farm in Hanover township, this county.

He first attended the common schools, supplement- ing this training by a course at the Paris Academy and then at Florence. After leaving school he taught in Beaver, Allegheny and Washington coun- ties; then became a traveling representative (as a collector) of Hosteter & Smith, of Pittsburgh, Penn., the extensive manufacturers of patent med- icines, his territory being through Illinois. On September 30, 1875, he married Maggie J. Melvin, who was born August 17, 1846, daughter of John and Mary (Moore) Melvin. The children of this marriage are: Samuel Lawrence and Silas Warren, both of whom are improving their educational ad- vantages. Mr. Saxton has always lived on the place of his birth, and has given his attention prin- cipally to buying and selling stock, also super- vising the farm work; being apt in driving success- ful bargains, and dealing honestly and fairly in all business transactions, he has been crowned with honor and financial success. He is a most inter- esting companion, a jovial and intelligent conversa- tionalist.

In politics his sympathies are with the Democratic party, to which his support is usually given, but he always votes according to the ability of the candidates. Mrs. Saxton, a pleasant lady, is a member of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. As a wife and mother she has no superior, always kind and generous to all with whom she comes in contact. Their beautiful home lacks no comfort, and is situated in a charming spot.

JAMES D. SAXTON was born January 21, 1835, in Hanover township, this county, on a farm ad- joining his present home. He attended the coun- try schools of his neighborhood, and passed his youth working on his father's farm. On August 22, 1861, he married Mary Applegate, a daughter of Isaac Applegate and Margaret Proudfit, the latter of whom was a daughter of James Proudfit, who was a justice of the peace thirty years, and a ruling elder in the Florence Presbyterian Church for nearly fifty years; he died over thirty-five years ago, at the age of ninety-six. James D. and Mary Saxton are the parents of the following children: George M. C., Florence P., Addie May, Samuel J. and Elmer Wylie, all yet living at home except- ing George M. C., who is residing in Hanover township.

After his marriage Mr. Saxton resided with his parents for six years, then came to his present well- improved farm, where his grandfather had located nearly one hundred years ago. He followed gen- eral farming and stock raising until quite recently, and is now partially retired from active life, the sons performing the laborious part of the work under his direction. Mr. Saxton is one of the substantial Democrats of Hanover township, and has held several local offices.

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A L. HENRY is a son of Joseph Henry. The latter was born in 1811, in Washington coun- ty, Penn., and attended school in the home neighborhood. In 1833 he was united in marriage with Margaret Orr, also a native of Washington county, Penn. They passed their lives on the home farm, where seven children were born to their marriage, of whom two are now de- ceased. He served the township in various ways, and died in 1889, his wife passing away in the same year. She was also born in 1811.

A. L. Henry was born in 1849, in Nottingham township, where his school days were passed. He spent one year in Allegheny county, Penn., and on October 28, 1891, was married to a Miss Craw- ford. She is a daughter of Benjamin Crawford, an old and prosperous farmer of this county, who died several years ago. Mr. Henry has been engaged in the piano and organ business for years, and is still in the same business. J. A. and M. W., and also a sister, M. A. Henry, reside on their fine farm of 165 acres.

A NDREW B. DONALDSON. No man has been more closely identified with the best in- terests of Hanover township than this well- known gentleman, who is a lineal descend- ant of William Donaldson.

William Donaldson was born in Ireland, where he was a farmer, and was married to Mary Mitchell. He emigrated to America, and located in Hanover township at a very early date, settling on the same farm where Andrew B. is now living, there passing the remainder of his life. He was among the lead- ing pioneers of his time, respected by all who knew him. His death occurred February 17, 1843, aged eighty-three, and on June 30, 1855, in the eighty- third year of her age, his wife was laid by his side in the Robinson Church cemetery, they having been consistent members of that church, in which he was also a ruling elder. The children of his family were Richard, John (who followed the Ohio river, and passed his later years in the South), Margaret, Jane (who was first married to Thomas Gormley, then to Jacob George), Susan (wife of Robert McClarren, of Finley township, Allegheny county), and Mary (who was never married).

Richard Donaldson was born in 1801, in Hanover township, where his life was passed. In 1842 he married Mary A. Bigger, who was born in 1822. She is a daughter of Andrew Bigger, an early settler in Robinson township. To the union of Richard and Mary Donaldson the following chil- dren were born: Sarah (deceased wife of J. S. Culley), born March 31, 1843; William, born May 8, 1845; Mary E. (Mrs. J. D. Scott, of Hanover township), born March 19, 1848, and Andrew B., born October 1, 1851. The parents always lived

on the home farm, where his life was devoted to agriculture and stock raising. In politics he was a Whig and then a Republican. They were both members of the U. P. Church of Robinson, to which he was a liberal contributor. Richard Don- aldson died November 4, 1867, having been pre- ceded by his wife, who died March 11, 1859, aged thirty-seven years. Their remains were interred in the Robinson cemetery.

Andrew B. Donaldson, whose name opens this sketch, was born on the old home farm which has been in the possession of their family for nearly 100 years. After the death of his parents he as- sumed charge of the old place where he still re- sides, and upon which he has erected a new res- idence and barn, and made other improvements. Mr. Donaldson has been a prosperous agricultur- ist, but for several years has rented his place. Politically he has always been a Republican, tak- ing an interest in the success of his party. In religion he is a member of Robinson U. P. Church. He has never married.

R OBERT COULTER, one of the representa- tive farmers of Carroll township, is a son of James Coulter, who was born in Ireland. When but six years of age, James came with his parents to America, and they first. located in eastern Pennsylvania, and then came to Williamsport (now Monongahela). When a young man he married Miss Blakney, who lived but a short time, and his second choice was Nancy Nichols, who resided near Pittsburgh, Penn. She bore him children as follows: Rachel B. (deceased), William (now living in Monongahela), James. (deceased), and Robert. The father was a Whig and Republican in politics, and in religious faith a member of the Presbyterian Church. He passed the remainder of his life in Monongahela, and was injured while hauling a load of fodder, having been thrown from a wagon, and breaking his leg above the ankle. He died in 1823, from the effects of the injury, at the age of sixty-nine years, fol- lowed by his wife in 1843.

Robert Coulter was born February 18, 1822, in Monongahela, Penn., and there learned the car- penter's trade. He was a poor boy, but by' con- stant industry succeeded in accumulating property in a few years. He followed his trade for eleven years, and during that time was married, in June,. 1842, to Miss Eliza Keenan, who was a daughter of Samuel Keenan, and granddaughter of James Kee- nan. Mrs. Coulter died leaving the following chil- dren, none of whom are living: James, Samuel K., Raphael, Robert, and William K. Robert Coulter married Miss Mary Jane McCain, of Mononga- hela, January 4, 1855, and to them twelve chil- dren were born. Those yet living are named as

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follows: Edward R., Joseph H., Charles H., Rowland C., Eliza May, and Dora F., all of whom are residing with their parents.

After making several very profitable invest- ments in coal land, Robert Coulter bought 202 acres of fine land in Carroll township, where he is now living. Many improvements have been made upon this farm since the present owner purchased it, and his eminent success is due to no other human aid than his own. He suffered a terrible misfortune in the loss of one limb and injury to the other. His right leg was amputated just below the knee to prevent mortification, and the left leg was broken. It is now as useful as before the accident, while an artificial limb takes the place of that which was amputated. He was formerly a Whig, and has been a Republican since the organization of that party. In religious faith he is a member of the M. E. Church.

OHN H. STAIB. This gentleman, a prosper- ous grocer of Monongahela, comes of Ger- man parentage. His grandfather, J. Michael Staib, was born, reared, and married in Ger- many, where his three children were born as follows: Lewis, John and Fredericka. In 1847 the family emigrated to America, locating on a farm in Butler county, Penn., where the father continued to follow agricultural pursuits until his death. In political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Lutheran Church.

Lewis Staib was born in Germany, and there re- ceived a thorough education. He remained at home some years after his arrival in this country, and then entered the employ of Peter Graff, who was the proprietor of an extensive iron establishment. Lewis Staib remained in this business about ten years; then came to Mingo, Penn., and conducted a general store in company with William A. Rodg- ers. In 1864 he embarked in. the coal producing business, and managed the Victory Coal Works until 1873, being also interested in the Harlem Works. He then opened the Rea Coal Works in Westmoreland county, and finally established the works at Catsburg, which he conducted until 1889, in which year he retired from active life. He was an ardent member of the Republican party, and in religion was associated with the Lutheran Church. When a young man Lewis Staib married Martha Jane, daughter of David Aultman, a resident of Armstrong county, Penn., and to them children were born as follows: Mary, wife of Adam Kiel; Josephine; Mattie, married to M. S. Warne; John H. ; Alberta, wife of F. M. Warne; Anna B., mar- ried to R. M. Gee; Alice; Lewis, and Fred W.

John H. Staib was born October 3, 1862, in Carroll township, this county, receiving a common- school education. Some time after leaving school

he clerked for John Van Voorhis; then worked for T. J. Wood, and on October 27, 1891, opened his present business in Monongahela. On June 28, 1885, he married Anna, a native of that city, and a daughter of Adam Aughendobler.

Adam Aughendobler was born August 14, 1823, near Nuremberg, Bavaria. His mother died there when he was eleven years of age, leaving but the one child. Adam Aughendobler remained at the home of his uncle in Bavaria after the death of his par- ents, and there learned the weaver's trade, and assisted on the farm. In 1852 he sailed for America, and after a voyage of seven weeks landed at Balti- more, Md. He then came to Washington, Penn., and worked on a farm for Major Millinger and James Stockdale. On May 4, 1853, he married Lizzie Zeh, who is of German parentage, and in 1865 they came to Monongahela, where the family have since resided. He is an active mem- ber of the Republican party, has served as council- man, and for twenty-eight years has been super- intendent of the cemetery. He is identified with the Lutheran Church, which he has served as elder. Mr. and Mrs. Aughendobler are the parents of the following children: Maria (Mrs. Levi Friend) and Bessie (Mrs. William Woodward) (who are twins), Jane (wife of James Dickey), Maggie (Mrs. Hoff- man), Anna (Mrs. Staib), George (deceased) and John L.

John H. and Anna (Aughendobler) Staib are the parents of two sons, Lewis and Harold. Mr. Staib carries a full line of groceries and produce, and is a very successful business man. In politics he is a supporter of the Republican party, and in relig- ion a member of the Lutheran Church.

A C. McKEAN, one of the leading young business men of Charleroi, was born in Robinson township, Allegheny Co., Penn. He received a public-school education, then took a course at Duff's Business College, at Pittsburgh, Penn., and after graduating there, de- voted his attention chiefly to agriculture and horticulture. When the town of Charleroi was organized in 1890, he opened a real estate and in- surance office, in company with James K. Clarke. They conduct an extensive insurance business, and also deal largely in real estate, being the sole agents for the Charleroi Land Company. Mr. Mc- Kean owned about twenty acres of the original plat of Charleroi, and erected the first building in the town. The village has one of the largest and most complete glass factories in the county, be- sides other important industries. Mr. Mckean is a pushing young business man, a thorough " hus- tler," allowing no favorable opportunity to pass for the advancement of Charleroi. He is a stanch advocate of the policy of the Republican party.

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J HOMAS ARMITAGE. England has given to this country a host of substantial, pro- gressive and law-abiding citizens, and among the number is the gentleman whose name opens this biographical memoir.

He was born May 8, 1844, to George and Mary Armitage, who died in England, his brothers and sisters being William (deceased), Joseph (in York- shire, England), Sarah (deceased) and Hannah (wife of P. C. Reniers, of Pittsburgh).

In 1864 Thomas Armitage came to America, locating first in Pittsburgh, where he worked at the marble cutter's trade for ten years. In 1876 he came to Washington, this county, and opened out for himself a general marble, stone-cutting and mantel business; and notwithstanding that he had to compete with old-established firms, he succeeded, by close attention to business and upright dealings with his patrons, in gaining a well-earned popu- larity, and a large patronage. His workmanship is of the best, and his works find conspicuous place in the most prominent yards in the country within a radius of twenty-five miles. His place of busi- ness is at 305 South Main street. Mr. Armitage married Miss Margaret Shaffer, of Pittsburgh, July 7, 1870. Her parents, John and Louisa Shaffer, are residents of Ohio. No children have been born to this union.

Ever since coming to Washington Mr. Armitage has taken an active interest in the affairs of the borough, and his energy and enterprise have not been excelled by any of the older or wealthier men residents. He was among the first to assist in the development of the oil industry in and around Washington, and was interested in the pioneer well known as the "Gantz Well," situated near the Chartiers railroad depot, being one of the direct- ors of same. His property on South Main street he bought and materially improved, and has done much toward beautifying that portion of the bor- ough. He was one of the founders, and is at pres- ent one of the directors, of the Washington Glass Works. It may be said that no enterprise tending to the advancement of the city has been established or proposed without his prompt and willing assist- ance. Politically our subject is a Democrat, and he is a member of the borough council. Of the Second Presbyterian Church, of Washington, he and his wife have been members for sixteen years. He is now one of the school directors of the city.

N ATHAN CLEAVER, born in York county, Penn., in 1801, was married, March 1, 1832, to Sarah Linton, a daughter of Mahlon Linton, who was born east of the mount- ains, in 1776. He married Ann Hilles in 1803, and after their marriage they came to Wash- ington county, Penn., locating on a farm in East

Bethlehem township, where he died in 1831, fol- lowed by his wife in 1838.

To the union of Nathan and Sarah (Linton) Cleaver one daughter was born, Martha, wife of William H. Mitchell. Mr. Cleaver was a promi- nent citizen and prosperous farmer. He voted with the Republican party, and served one term as county commissioner. He died June 22, 1887, at his home in Monongahela, to which city he removed from his farm after his second marriage, in 1888, with Mrs. E. C. Leonard. He was laid to rest in the old Friends' burying ground at Westland beside his first wife, who died in 1873, and near the site of the Friends' meeting-house where they were publicly united in marriage under the Friends' ceremonial, fifty-five years before. Both died in the Quaker faith.

AMES A. STEPHENSON traces his ancestry to an old and prosperous family of Berkeley county, Va. (now W. Va.), where Richard Stephenson, the first of his ancestry of whom we have any authentic record, was born and reared.

Richard Stephenson married Mrs. Onora Craw- ford. She was the widow of Hugh Crawford (an old Indian trader), and bore him two sons, William and Valentine. William Crawford was colonel of the Fifth Virginia Regulars, having been commis- sioned in 1781. The circumstances of his death (which event occurred June 11, 1782, at Sandusky, Ohio), are recorded in nearly every U. S. history. He was burned at the stake by Indians who had captured him, for the evident purpose of wreaking vengeance on their victim, in return for the his- toric massacre at Gnadenhutten, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, many Indians being there slaughtered by the whites. At the time of his capture Col. Craw- ford was conducting a campaign against the Wyan- dotts, and Senecas and other tribes who were associated with the British and Moravians. To the union of Richard and Onora (Crawford) Ste- phenson children were born as follows: John, Hugh, Richard, James, Marcus and one daughter. Mrs. Stephenson possessed great physical strength, and was a kind and affectionate mother. She died in 1776. Gen. George Washington was a fre- quent visitor in this home, often taking part in athletic contests with the sons. The early friend- ship ripened with the passing years, and when General Washington rose to prominence in mili- tary life, James Stephenson was yet his d'earest friend and constant companion.

James Stephenson, son of Richard, was born in Berkeley county (W. Va.), where he married Racliel McKeevers. Their children were Moses, William, Mary, Theodosia, James and Sarah. In 1781 Mr. Stephenson concluded to take advantage

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of the cheap lands then open in western Pennsyl- vania. He was then in the prime of life, and a splendid specimen of physical manhood. In com- pany with a negro slave, named Fortune, he started on foot on a journey of exploration, leaving his family at home, not wishing them to undergo the perils of such a hazardous expedition. The two men arrived safely in Washington county, Penn., and Mr. Stephenson took up a "tomahawk claim " of 500 acres of choice land, four miles southeast of Burgettstown. A humble cabin was soon erected, some rude improvements made, and a crop of corn planted. The negro previously mentioned was then left to manage the place. He was originally the property of George Washington, from whom James Stephenson purchased him. The latter then returned to West Virginia, the negro subsist- ing on game and roots during his absence. The entire family were soon located in their pioneer home, which was afterward supplanted by a larger log cabin. The wife and mother died December 14, 1789, and for his second wife Mr. Stephenson was married to Martha Barr, the following children being born to their union: Benjamin, Richard, Joseph, Achsah and John. The land increased in value as civilization progressed, and at the time of his death Mr. Stephenson was a wealthy man. He died in 1813, being followed by his wife in 1816. The comforts and luxuries of our modern days are largely due to the patient effort and brave courage of these early pioneers.

James Stephenson, a son of James and Rachel Stephenson, was born August 5, 1784, passing his boyhood among the exciting and dangerous scenes of frontier life. He received a very limited edu- cation in the subscription schools, much of his time being employed in hunting, and the old "flint lock" which he used was instrumental in bringing down a large amount of game. He was a volunteer in the war of 1812, enlisting at Hick- ory, Penn., and serving until the close of the war. In 1827 he was united in marriage with Emeline Honeywell. She was born in 1808 in New York State, and at the age of fourteen years came to Washington county, Penn., with her parents, Israel and Judith (Spicer) Honeywell. James and Em- eline Stephenson were the parents of Rachel (de- ceased wife of Christopher Matchett, of Robinson township), Sylvester (deceased when four years of age), Sylvester (deceased in infancy), Elmira (liv- ing on the home place), James A. (subject of this sketch) and Amanda (wife of J. J. Campbell, liv- ing in Hardin county, Ky.). Mr. and Mrs. Ste- phenson resided on the home farm some time after their marriage, then moved to the place now occu- pied by James A., where the father followed farm- ing and stock raising with marked success. He died June 7, 1852, his wife passing away May 20,

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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 139

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