Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 144

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 144

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A RNOLD LAWTON is the oldest living resi- dent of Cross Creek township, and has the enviable and deserved reputation of being one of the most successful agriculturists of Washington county.

His father, John Lawton, was born in 1760, near Newport, R. I., of English parents. He remained on the home farm during his boyhood, and in early life was married to Hannah Manchester, also a native of Rhode Island. The young couple first settled on a farm in their native State, but in 1812 Mr. Lawton concluded to seek his fortune in the backwoods of Washington county, Penn. Being prudent, he did not endanger his family by bringing them with him on the first prospecting trip, but walked all the way from Portsmouth, R. I., to Washington county, viewing the land as he passed along. He finally decided to settle on a tract near West Middletown, in the fertile Cross Creek valley, and returned to Rhode Island for his family. In the spring of 1813 the journey to the new home in the wilderness was made with wagons drawn by oxen and one team of horses, and the party

Arnold Lawton

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arrived safely at their destination after traveling some three montlis. To this pioneer couple the following children were born: Job T., Phoebe, Owen, Lucinda, Jessie Joanna, Arnold and Harvey.

Arnold Lawton was born April 9, 1804, near Portsmouth, R. I., and was ten years of age when brought by his parents to Washington county. On the last morning that Arnold spent in Ports- mouth, his father bought a rosewood military fife, which had attracted the fancy of the eager lad, and the little instrument-purchased over seventy- eight years ago-is yet in his possession, seemingly uninjured by age. Another relic worthy of record is an old-fashioned skillet, made of very highly- polished bell-metal, and bearing the name of the manufacturer, also the date "1730." This article was in constant use by the family until 1887, when it was laid away as a relic, and the only evident signs of the many years of service is in the legs, which are worn short. Mr. Lawton has also in his possession a very handsome violin made by himself when a young man eighteen years of age. Since his father's family first settled in Washington county, Mr. Lawton has lived on his present farm in Cross Creek township, upon which he has made many improvements of a most substantial nature. In 1857 he erected a large, handsome and substan- tial barn, 60x80 feet, which was erected upon an original plan of Mr. Lawton's own, every part dis- playing the very best style of workmanship, and being executed under the direct supervision of the owner. When at last finished, this barn was universally conceded to be the finest structure of the kind within the limits of Washington county. It was pointed to with pride by the entire com- munity, as an evidence of the mechanical skill and taste possessed by a leading citizen, but in the fall of 1887 it was burned with all its contents. This was a heavy blow to Mr. Lawton, who had taken so much pride and comfort in its erection.

In 1874 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Andrews, who was born in 1842, in Belfast, Ireland, coming with her grandparents to America, when but seven years of age. They first located in Steubenville, Ohio, but afterward settled in Patterson's Mills, this county, where they died. She then made her home with Mr. Lawton and his sister, who was then keeping house for him. After the death of this sister, Arnold Lawton felt the need of a companion, and Miss Andrews being in need of a home, the two (who had become very much attached to each other) decided to unite their lives. They have had four children, namely: Ida, Minnie, John, and one unnamed, all of whom died in infancy, and were buried in the family burying ground, excepting Ida, who was interred at West Middletown. At one time Arnold Lawton owned over 700 acres of fine land, but has disposed

of all but 412 acres, which he keeps in an excellent state of cultivation; and he has given much atten- tion to raising sheep, having had as many as 600 at one time. Politically he is a stanch member of the Democratic party. Now four-score and eight years of age, he is yet remarkably bright and en- ergetic, although he has retired from active farm labor.

Cameron W. Lawton was born in 1874. He is an adopted son of Arnold Lawton, and evinces a strong inclination for the higher and more instruct- ive class of literature.

OHN A. FINLEY. The Finley family are numbered with the earliest pioneers of Washington county, and are of Scotch origin. John Finley was born in Scotland, whence

he emigrated in an early day. Coming to America he first settled in Maryland, then moved to Pennsylvania, and took out a patent for 1,000. acres of land in Allegheny county. He was mar- ried in the State of Maryland to Margaret Row- land, who bore him the following children: Will- iam, John, Robert (a general in the militia), Jane (Mrs. Curry), Margaret (Mrs. Baldwin), Isabelle (Mrs. Cochran), Mary (Mrs. St. Clair), Susan (Mrs. Wilson), Levi, James and Sarah (Mrs. Neal), all of whom have passed away. The father of this family was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which Dr. Marshall was then pastor; both parents died on the farm in Allegheny county.

Levi Finley, son of John and Margaret Finley, was born in 1798, on the home place in Allegheny county, Penn., and his youth was passed amid the scenes of pioneer life. He attended the subscrip- tion schools, and after graduating at Jefferson Col- lege, returned to the old place, remaining there until 1830. On January 31, 1822, he was married to Rachel Neal, youngest daughter of James and Rachel Neal, born October 19, 1795, seven miles above Pittsburgh, in the Monongahela Valley. When her parents settled on the Monongahela river, the surrounding country was inhabited by roving Indians, and even at the time of her birtlı it was necessary for the white settlers to protect their homes and families from the torch and scalp- ing knife of the Redmen. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Levi Finley moved to Washington county, and commenced housekeeping in the same house in Finleyville in which she died, November 12, 1883, in the eighty-ninth year of . her age. Hence, with the exception of a few years, her whole married and widowed life, extending over a period of sixty years, were passed in that same house. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, where she listened to the preachings of Dr. Woods, Dr. Rolston and other good old divines

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that have all gone to their long homes many years since. The following children were born to Levi and Rachel (Neal) Finley: Margaret, Melissa (wife of H. Baldwin Wallace), Susan M. (wife of Rev. W. W. Laverty), John A., F. M., and Rachel N. (deceased wife of John S. Collins). In 1832 Mr. and Mrs. Finley moved to Greene county, Penn., where they resided two years on a farm at Rice's Landing, and he conducted a still-house. They then came to Union township, Washington county, and bought the Huston and Fawcett farms, where they remained eight years, selling a large quantity of coal. They finally bought the farm of 500 acres in Union township, adjoining Finley- ville, and settled in Finleyville, then called " Row Galley," but nicknamed "Rogues' Alley." The name was then changed to Finleyville, and for thirteen years Mr. Finley managed a hotel in the old stone house which is yet standing. He was a Whig and Republican in politics, and was a mem- ber of the Mingo Presbyterian Church. He died June 21, 1861.

John A. Finley was born March 26, 1830, on the Huston farm in Union township, Washington Co., Penn. When a boy he came with his parents to Finleyville, where his youth was passed. In 1854 he was married to Miss Alice Campbell, who was born July 7, 1830, in Union township, this county, a granddaughter of John Campbell, a native of Ire- land, who emigrated from Ireland to America and located near Finleyville, Washington Co., Penn .; he was married to Alice Huey, who bore him chil- dren as follows: Ed., Robert, George, John, Eliza- beth, Mary, Eleanor, Sarah, Alice and Elizabeth, of whom none are now living. Robert Campbell. father of Mrs. Finley, was born, in 1790, on the Swagler farm in Washington county. He married Mary, daughter of John Hindman, and their chil- dren were Alice (1), John, Ed., William, Sarah, Mary J., Robert, and Alice (2) (Mrs. Finley). Of this family Alice (1) and John are deceased; Ed. was married to Miss E. Moore, and in 1860 was elected prothonotary of Allegheny county. He afterward moved to Fairfield, Iowa, where he owns 1,000 acres of land, and has been appointed United States marshal.

John A. and Alice (Campbell) Finley began wedded life on the farm in Union township, which they yet occupy. Four children have blessed their union, viz .: Mary (wife of William McChain; has four children: Ed., William. James and Mary), Levi Alvin (deceased June 15, 1890, in his twenty- ninth year); Alice (wife of R. C. McChain, of Union township; has three children: Louis, Bessie and Bernice), and Susan M. Mr. Finley is a member of the Republican party. The home farm contains 163 acres, from which he has sold a large amount of coal.

W ILLIAM BERRY, the subject of this sketch, was born February 23, 1837, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn. He is a son of John and Jane (Eagleton) Berry, formerly residents of Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn. His mother died in January, 1844, and was interred in the Presbyterian cemetery near Venice. His father died in June, 1881, and was interred in the United Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek. William Berry had two sisters and four brothers: Jane, married to Ebenezer Carson, residing in Paxton, Ford Co., Ill. ; Rachel, married to Robert Herron, residing in North Strabane township, this county; John M., residing in North Strabane township, this county ; David W., who fell mortally wounded in the battle of Cold Harbor, June 2, 1864, and was in- terred in the United Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek; Carson M., residing in South Strabane township, this county; Joseph B., died in November, 1881, and was interred in the United Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek.

William Berry spent his youthful days on his father's farm in Cecil township, receiving a com- mon-school education at the Plum Run school in Chartiers township. When fifteen years of age he removed with his father to North Strabane town- ship, where he resided until May 29, 1862, when he married Jane, daughter of William and Mary (Boyd) Barr, of Somerset township, this county; she died August 26, 1865, and was interred in the United Presbyterian cemetery at Pigeon Creek. On May 22, 1867, Mr. Berry married Martha Stew- art, daughter of Robert and Margaret (Barr) Pat- tison, of White township, Indiana Co., Penn., and to them were born five children: Margaret J., David W., Robert P., Mary E. and Martha P., whose lives have all been spared by a kind Provi- dence. William Berry has always been a liberal friend of education, giving his children the advan- tage of a college course. He connected, when young, with the United Presbyterian branch of the Church, of which he still remains a member. His political sentiments have always been Republican. After marriage he settled on a farm near Clokey- ville, where he has since resided, making a specialty of breeding and caring for Black-Top Merino sheep, in which he has been very successful, having a large flock which he has a right to be proud of.

OHN POLLOCK. This gentleman has been a prominent figure in the political, business and religious circles of Washington county. His grandfather, John Pollock, was born near Gettysburg, Penn., and when a young man came to Washington county, locating on 133 acres of land in Union township, where his three children- James, Samuel and Mary-were reared.

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James Pollock, son of John, was born about 1795, near Gettysburg, and came with his parents to Washington county. At an early day he evinced the unusual mechanical ability which is so char- acteristic of the entire family. He made all sorts of articles from wood or iron, and finally learned the cabinet maker's trade, which he carried on, and in later life he followed farming. When yet a young man he was married to Mary, daughter of William Patten, and the following children were born to them: Samuel, John, Martha (wife of Dr. J. B. Williams, of East End, Pittsburgh), Esther, William, Mary, James, Sarah, and David (who was a soldier in the Union army). Of these « William, Mary and James are deceased. The father was a Whig, and a member of the Mingo Presbyterian Church. He died in 1844.

John Pollock, son of James and Mary (Patten) Pollock, was born December 18, 1818, on the old place in Union township, Washington county. On January 1, 1851, he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of Isaac Van Voorhis, of Carroll township, Washington county. The young people then moved to Monongahela, where he was en- gaged in the lumber business for six years, after which they returned to their present farm of ninety- six acres in Union township, Washington county. To them were born children as follows: Mary, Coralinn, Sarah B., James K., Isaac V., William J., and one that died in infancy. Of these the only two living are Isaac V. and William J. The mother died July 9, 1884, since which time Mr. Pollock has resigned the management of the place to his two sons. He has always voted the Republican ticket, and has served in various township offices. In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyte- rian Church at Mingo, and has filled the office of trustee of same.

Isaac V. Pollock was born on the home place in Union township in 1860. He graduated at Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Penn. In 1888 he was married to Mary E., daughter of William B. Henry (deceased), an insurance agent of Green- ville. Penn., and they have had one daughter, Mary. W. J. Pollock was born October 13, 1868, and is living on the old homestead in Union town- ship with his father and brother.

AMES P. CHAMBERS is one of the most prominent of the many successful farmers of Donegal township. The great-grandfather Chambers came from County Derry, Ireland, in 1790, and settled in Lancaster county, Penn. His wife died during the voyage, and was buried at sea. One of his sons, James Hamilton Chambers, who had settled in Virginia some time before, was the first representative of the family to land on American soil. Among the children of

James Hamilton Chambers we find recorded Joseph H., a successful shoe merchant, who, in later years, turned his attention to farming, having purchased the home farm from the other heirs in Marshall county, W. Va. He was united in marriage with Rebecca Bell, a lady of American birth, and of the children born to this union our subject is the sec- ond in order of birth.

James P. Chambers was born September 30, 1825, in Marshall county, W. Va. He worked on his father's farm until the age of nineteen, and then began the carpentry business. On Decem- ber 25, 1849, Mr. Chambers married Mary Porter, then purchased a valuable farm of 190 acres, one mile east of West Alexander, on which he has erected a fine dwelling and a commodious barn. To his marriage with Miss Porter seven children were born: Samantha J., the oldest daughter, be- came, at the age of fifteen years, a successful school teacher in the district school, and continued teaching for four years, or to the date of her mar- riage with William G. Lewis, October 27, 1870, he being a farmer of Ohio county, W. Va. Mar- garet N., second in order of birth, was also a noted instructor, in music, and as a successful school teacher; she began her six years of successful teaching at the age of eighteen, and married John W. Murray, real estate agent of Washington, Penn .. October 14, 1875. William P. died in in- fancy. Mary R. died at the age of sixteen years. Laura Bell, noted for her correct instructions and powerful voice in music, married Samuel Bushfield October 2, 1879 (Mr. Bushfield is a skilled and competent workman at the carpentry business in West Alexander). James A., sixth in order of birth, residing here, has become a successful grower of fine stock. Ada M. resides with her parents.

The great-grandfather Porter was Scotch-Irish, and came from Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1791, and settled in the East. One of the sons, William, came from the East and took up 225 acres of land in West Finley township, upon which he resided until his death June 4, 1818. He and his devoted wife were successful in their many efforts, although their crops were often destroyed by the Redmen, and they had often to flee to the blockhouse for safety, leaving all their possessions at the mercy of the Indians. They had seven children. Thomas, the eldest son, was our subject's father. Mr. Por- ter married Margaret Neal, of pure Scotch descent, who devoted her noble life to her husband and fam- ily. They resided at Pittsburgh, Penn., for a number of years, where he was foreman in a boiler foundry. As that occupation was not suited to his constitution, he left the city, came to the farm, pur- chased his brothers' and sisters' interests in the old homestead, and followed blacksmithing and farming. Of the seven children that blessed their

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union, our subject was fourth in order of birth, having been born April 14, 1825 .. Thomas Porter resided upon the farm until his death, March 22, 1849. Mary P., our subject, was noted as a school teacher, and was a devout and Christian woman, always the idol of her many Christian admirers.

J OSEPH BELL traces his ancestry to one George Bell, a native of eastern Pennsyl- vania, who was there married and reared a large family. In the latter part of the last century, George Bell, and a neighbor, Mr. McDonald, came with their families to Allegheny county, Penn. They had previously intended to locate on the present site of Pittsburgh, but being dissatisfied with the country in that vicinity came down the Monongahela river until they arrived at the first large branch, Chartiers creek, which they followed to Mansfield. The two families then sep- arated, the McDonalds moving west and the Bells ascending the Chartiers. The latter pioneers finally located on a large tract in the vicinity of Canons- burg, this county, where George Bell passed his life in forming the foundation of a home for his descendants. He was one of the first members of the Seceder Church in Washington county.

Joseph Bell, a son of this hardy pioneer, was born in 1767, in eastern Pennsylvania, and passed his youth on the home place. In early life he was united in matrimony with Elizabeth Sharp, and the young couple soon afterward moved to Beaver county, where they purchased a farm, and reared the following children: John, Mary, Robert, James, Keziah and Joseph. The father was a Whig in politics, and in religion was formerly an active member of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting with the Associate Reformed. He passed the last years of his life at the home of his son in Colum- biana county, Ohio.

Robert Bell, father of subject, was born May 5, 1801, in Beaver county, Penn., and remained on the home place during his boyhood. In early life he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of James Tornes, and she bore him five children: James, Robert, Eliza, Jane and Joseph. Mr. Bell when a young man learned the cooper's trade, which he carried on in connection with farming. He was very well educated for those days, having had the advantage of an academic training, and was an energetic and progressive citizen. In poli- tics he was originally a Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican party. He was a member and trustee of the U. P. Church. On September 26, 1870, Mr. Bell was accidentally killed.

Joseph Bell, the subject proper of this memoir, was born January 2, 1835, in Beaver county, Penn., and received his elementary instruction in the com- mon schools, afterward attending the academy at

Murdocksville and Paris, Penn. He commenced teaching at the age of seventeen years, a profession he followed with eminent success until he was thirty-five years of age. In 1870 he began tbe practice of dentistry in Florence, this county, con - tinuing in that profession there fifteen years; then opened an office in Pittsburgh, where he practices. After a time he moved to Burgettstown, this county, and here has his residence. On January 8, 1859, he was united in marriage with Agnes, daughter of Adam Reed, of Beaver county, Penn., who bore him two children: Annie and William. Mrs. Bell died January 10, 1870, and on March 14, 1871, Mr. Bell married Mary, daughter of Martin Tucker. They have had two children: Martin F. (deceased). and Mary A. Our subject has attained eminence in his chosen calling, and enjoys a large and lucra- · tive clientage, his success being due entirely to his ability as a dentist and courtesy as a gentleman. He is a member of the U. P. Church, and has been trustee of his church several years. Politically he is an active Republican.

AMES ACKELSON enjoys the distinction of being one of the oldest living representatives of the early settlers in Hanover township, having resided upon the farm where he is now living for more than four-score years.

Samuel Ackelson, his father, was born about the year 1760, in County Down, Ireland, where he re- ceived a common-school education, and there learned the trade of weaver. In 1792 he married Margaret Donaldson, also a native of Ireland, born December 15, 1772, in County Down. The young couple sailed for America soon after their marriage, landing in New York at the close of a seventeen- weeks voyage. Their first permanent location was made near Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn., where he purchased a small farm and followed the weaver's trade. He resided in Robinson township several years, and coming to Hanover township in 1814, located on the home farm where he died in 1832, followed by his wife in 1849. The following children were born to them: Mary (wife of Joseph Bailey, Robinson township), born November 12, 1793; Thomas (a farmer, living near Washington borough), born August 10, 1796; Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Lindsey, of Pittsburgh), born August 26, 1799; James, sketch of whom follows, and Samuel, born June 12, 1814. Of this family James is the only living member.

James Ackelson was born October 3, 1807, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., and during his boyhood attended the old log school- house, furnished with slab seats, puncheon floors, and lighted by means of greased paper windows. In 1832 he was married to Mary Donaldson, who was born in 1813, a daughter of Jacob Donaldson,

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James Ackelson

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a resident of Hopewell township. Three children were born to this marriage, namely: Samuel (de- ceased), Thomas (living on the home farm) and Margaret (wife of William Frazier, of Frankfort, Beaver Co., Penn.). The mother died in 1863, and was laid to rest in the Robinson Church cem- etery. On March 18, 1869, Mr. Ackelson made a second choice in the person of Rachel, daughter of Hugh and Rachel (Reed) Wilson, of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Ackelson has always been a prosperous farmer, and of late years has retired from active business, his son managing the place. Before the war he was a Democrat, but since then he has been an earnest advocate of the principles embodied in the Republican party. He is a vigor- ous man for one of his age. Mr. and Mrs. Ackel- son are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Frankfort.

J OHN A. GAULT, fruit grower and agriculture- ist, is a grandson of David Gault, who was born of Scotch-Irish parents, and resided in Can- onsburg, Washington Co., Penn. He learned and followed the tanner's trade, and when a young man was married to Jane Russell, by whom he had the following children: Alexander, John, Mary, Ibbie, Margaret, William, David, Betsey, Sarah and Andrew Russell.

Andrew Russell Gault, father of John A., was born about the year 1800, in Canonsburg, Wash- ington Co., Penn., where he learned the tanner's trade. After attaining his majority he removed to Jefferson township, Allegheny county, where for twenty-five years he followed the distilling busi- ness, also in Mifflin township, same county. He then moved to the adjoining township of Elizabeth, where he resided fifteen years, finally returning to Washington county. About the age of forty he was married to Miss Mary Ann Mowry, daughter of John Mowry, a prominent citizen of Allegheny county. Their children were: Christina J., John A., William (1) and William (2) (both of whom died in infancy), Sarah E. and Andrew R. M. Mr. Gault was possessed of decided opinions, but was unassuming in manner. Politically he voted with the Republican party, and in religion was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church at Mingo. He died in 1879, his wife in 1889,

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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 144

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