Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 145

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 145

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John A. Gault was born August 23, 1846, in Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his boyhood days in Elizabeth township, Allegheny county. He attended the common schools, and, afterward, Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, Penn. On November 10, 1875, he was united in marriage with Mary Jane, daughter of William Pease, a prominent farmer of North Stra- bane township, Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Gault began their married life on the farm which

they now occupy in Union township, this county, and seven children complete their family circle, as follows: Mary E., Donald L., Emma C., Olive E., Nora V., Jennie M. and John A. The home place contains 108 acres of very fine land, a portion of which is used exclusively for the raising of fruit. Mr. Gault is a Democrat in politics, and has been elected to various offices of trust in his township. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

J HE BENTLEY BROTHERS. These well- known citizens and prosperous agriculturists of Union township are of English descent. During the Colonial period one George Bentley was drafted into the British service, and came to America as a member of the royal troops. After the war he located permanently in Chester county, Penn., where he was married to Jane Carson, a native of Ireland. Their son Joseph was born in Chester county, Penn., and for some time resided in Shireoaks, Washington Co., Penn. He was married to Mercy, daughter of Samuel Dailey, and then settled on a part of the Nathan Dailey tract. He afterward bought the Logan tract, and there built the stone house and distillery which is yet standing, the latter having been in operation until 1862. Children were born to these pioneers as follows: Benjamin, Levi, Eli, Jesse, Absalom, George, Mary (wife of Thomas Wilson) and Wilson, all of whom are now deceased.

Jesse Bentley, son of Joseph and Mercy Bent- ley, was born in 1797, in the old stone house at Shireoaks, Washington Co., Penn. In 1820 he was married to a cousin, Mercy Dailey, and moved to Wooster, Wayne Co., Ohio, where he followed the business of millwright. He remained in that place eight years, where four children were born to him, namely: Angeline, Caroline, Carrodan and David. The family then returned to the old home at Shireoaks, Washington Co., Penn., locating on the Taylor farm, where Benjamin, the fifth child, was born. The father followed the coal business here between the years 1828 and 1840. He died in 1842, and the family continued to reside on the farm until 1855, when they moved to Parkersburg, W. Va., and years later went to Sadorus, Champaign Co., Ill. The mother died in 1869, and in 1879 David and Benjamin returned to Pennsylvania, and took charge of the estate left by their uncle, George Bentley. They remained until June, 1892, when they sold the place for $350 per acre to a manufacturing company, since which time they have retired from active life. Samuel and Joseph are yet living in Illinois. David Bentley was born November 3, 1826. and Benjamin was born August 25, 1829. Both are members of the Republican party.

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M RS. MARY D. BLAYNEY. The earliest representatives of the Blayney family in the United States, of whom there is any record, were Charles Blayney and his par- ents, who came from Ireland to America when Charles was seven years of age. Soon after landing they settled in what is now Ohio county, W. Va., and here the parents carried on farming during the remainder of their lives, and here Charles also passed the rest of his days. He ac- quired his education at the subscription schools of the period. He married Ann Potter, who bore him children as follows: William, Vincent M. and Josiah. The mother of these dying, Mr. Blayney for his second wife married Nancy Faris, and the children born to this union were John, Elizabeth (wife of William Reed), Susanna (wife of John Val- entine), Charles, Martha (wife of Rev. George McDonald), James, David, Adam, Rev. Henry and Rev. J. Mccluskey. The father of this fam- ily died June 11, 1860, the mother November 10, 1880.

Vincent M. Blayney, the second son of Charles and Ann (Potter) Blayney, was born in Ohio coun- ty, W. Va., January 12, 1815, and received a lib- eral education at the schools of his locality. On August 27, 1844, he was married to Mary D., daughter of Samuel Donahey, of Buffalo township. Joseph Donahey, father of Samuel, was a native of Ireland, whence he emigrated to this country with his wife Mary Alexander, and two children, becoming one of the earliest settlers of Washington county, Penn. His children were William and Jane, born in Ireland; and Samuel, Joseph, Mary and Margaret born here. The father of this fam- ily was a member and for years an elder of the Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo; in politics he was an Old-line Whig, and he was a successful and enterprising citizen. Samuel Donahey was born in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., about 1786, where he was reared to farm life, receiving his education at the schools of the neighborhood. In his early manhood he was married to Anna, daughter of William Reed, and to this union were born the following children: Joseph, William, Margaret (wife of Rev. J. M. Smith), Mary D. (Mrs. Vincent M. Blayney), Jane (wife of Rev. J. Marshall) and Anna (wife of Rev. J. M. Shields). Samuel Donahey was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church at Upper Buffalo, and at the time of his death, December 25, 1840, was an elder in the same. Politically he was originally a Whig, and afterward, on the formation of the party, a stanch Republican.

Mr. and Mrs. Vincent M. Blayney, after a resi- dence of six years in Ohio county, W. Va., settled on the farm in Buffalo township (where the family continue to reside). Mr. Blayney had by his first marriage one child, John S., and by his second,

five children: Anna J. (wife of Dr. D. S. Eagleson), Rev. Charles P., Samuel D. (ruling elder in the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church), William V. and Joseph C. Mr. Blayney was called from earth March 18, 1887. He was a warm supporter of the Presbyterian Church, and a devout member; politically he was a stanch Republican, and at various times held offices of trust in his township. His life vocation was general farming and stock raising, at which he made a well-merited success through assiduous industry and perseverance. A progressive and loyal citizen, he gave liberally of his means to all public enterprises.

OHN BAILEY, one of the oldest living resi- dents of Washington county, was born August 11, 1817, in Robinson township. He is a grandson of Alexander Bailey, who was born in Scotland, removed to Ireland when a small boy, and was there married to Jane Brown, a native of that country. Eight children were born to this union, viz .: Matthew and William, both born in Ireland, the former June 6, 1749, the latter May 2, 1752; Anna, born November 30, 1753; Mary, born July 14, 1755; Jane, born March 22, 1858; Alexander, born December 29, 1761; James, born September 27, 1763; and John, born September 24, 1765, all of whom were born in America. In an early day the parents, with their two eldest children, left their native shore, and coming to America first located in Maryland. In 1785 they moved to Pennsylvania and, pur- chasing 190 acres of land in Washington county, there made a permanent home. The wife of Alex- ander Bailey survived him many years, and died on the old homestead at the age of one hundred and seven years, when the home farm was be- queathed to John, her youngest son.

John Bailey was born in Maryland, and in 1799 was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Gailey, who bore him the following children: Jane (resid- ing in Robinson township), born April 27, 1800; Matthew, born May 7, 1802 (deceased); Nancy (living in Indiana county, Penn.), born July 6, 1804; Alexander, born October 31, 1806 (deceased); Margaret, born April 7, 1809 (deceased); James, born October 7. 1811 (deceased); Mary (widow of S. Ewing, of this county), born February 6, 1814; John (subject of this sketch); Anna, born November 7, 1819; and William, born May 13, 1823. Mr. Bailey cast his first vote for George Washington; he afterward became an active worker in the Dem- ocratic party, and gave liberally to all public improvements, being especially interested in re- ligious and educational enterprises. He died in 1851, having been preceded by his wife in 1845. Both were members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

John Bailey (whose name opens this sketch) re- ceived his early education in the schools of Robin- son township. In June, 1869, he was united in marriage with Margaret Stewart, who was born June 27, 1833, daughter of John and Harriet (White) Stewart, both of whom were natives of Washington county; they were the parents of three children: Margaret, Charles and David, of whom Margaret, the eldest, is the only one now living. Mr. Stewart died when Margaret was very young, and his wife (who was a member of the Presbyterian Church) died in 1887. Two children have come to the union of John and Margaret (Stewart) Bailey, viz .: Cora L., born March 8, 1870; and Harriet B., born October 25, 1874. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are active members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, and he not only favors, but emphasizes his approval by giving financial assistance to all worthy enterprises of the neighborhood; he is an active worker in the Dem- ocratic party. His farm contains ninety-five acres of the old homestead, which is in an excellent state of cultivation. A brother, William, and sister, Anna, both of whom are unmarried, are also living on ninety-five acres of the old farm.

William Bailey (an uncle of subject), two Shearer boys, two McCandlasses and one McNely were captured by the Indians while working in the harvest field, William being the only one of the party who escaped alive.

W ILLIAM DONLEY. The first of the Donley family to come to Washington county was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He was a teamster on the National pike, and his occupation taking him frequently through the county he had ample opportunity to become acquainted with its many attractions. The promising appearance presented to him decided him in making it his future home, and accordingly he made a settlement. His wife, Mary, was of German parentage.

William Donley, a son of this honored pioneer couple, spent all his life in Washington county, of which he was a native. In his early manhood he had learned the trade of brick maker, which was his life vocation. His first brickyards were situ- ated on what is now East Wheeling street, in Washington borough, and the entire hillside from where is now the home of Samuel B. Donley to the residence of Judge McIlvaine, and from Wheeling street to Beau street, was cut down a foot deep or more in order to furnish clay for the manufacture, in Donley's yard, of bricks, of which many of the prominent buildings of Washington are constructed. William Donley married Miss Mary Claffey, and children as follows were born to them: William, now a resident of Virginia; Thomas

and Robert (both deceased); Samuel B., George and Charles, all residing in Washington, Penn .; Mary, wife of Luther Miller, of Washington; Margaret (deceased) and Ellen, wife of S. B. Sumney. The father died at the age of fifty-five years, the mother in 1880, aged sixty-five.

Samuel B. Donley was born in Washington, Washington Co., Penn., December 1, 1845, and his education was received at the common schools of the borough. Early in life he went to work in his father's brickyard, and for twenty years he has been in the business. His present yard is situated in the southern extremity of the borough limits, and gives employment to from fifteen totwenty hands, the production averaging 12,500,000 brick per annum.

On February 28, 1869, Mr. Donley was united . in marriage with Miss Eliza McQuay, of Canton township, a descendant of one of the early settlers of that part of the county, and to this union have been born five children, to wit: William, married, and living in Washington, Penn .; and Frank, David, Mary and Loretta, all yet under the parental roof. The Donley residence is situated on East Wheeling street, which has recently been built up and improved till it is now one of the most pleasant and attractive thoroughfares in the borough, and on which for several years Mr. Donley's family were the only residents. In politics our subject is a Democrat, and in church connections a Presbyterian.

L OUIS KINDER (deceased) was a son of Valentine Kinder, and a brother of George Kinder. His great-grandfather, George Kinder, resided on Plum Brush, and fol- lowed the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as a trader and boatman. For a time he was successful in business, but, being overtaken by financial trouble, a few years later went to New Orleans and never returned. His son George was born in East Beth- lehem township, this county, and lived in that vicinity until after his marriage, when he was ac- cidentally killed in a carding-mill which he owned and operated. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Christian Boone, was born in Greene county, Penn. He had no educational opportuni- ties, and followed farming and carpentry, but eventually became a successful business man.

Valentine Kinder, father of subject, was born in 1805, in East Bethlehem township. He received a limited education in the common schools, and was a good penman. When a young man he went to Galena, Ill., upon a mining expedition, thence proceeding to St. Louis he raised a crop of corn, and returning home, taught school for a time. He then married Miss Julia Boone, at which time his entire worldly property amounted to $35. He

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located just below the present home of his son, George, and remained there two years. He then removed to West Mill. Six years later he bought the home of his son Louis, where he lived a number of years, and thence removed to the old Nicholls farm near Hillsborough. At the time of his death, which occurred June 12, 1890, he left $10,000 for distribution, having previously divided $50,000 among his children.

Louis Kinder was born' October 21, 1834, on Pigeon creek, West Bethlehem township, Wash- ington Co., Penn. When a young child his par- ents moved to the old home farm, where he was reared, and resided with his family. Although his school advantages were comparatively limited, Louis Kinder became a good scholar and an earnest reader, and one of the best informed men in his community. On December 10, 1856, he was married to Nancy Roberts, a daughter of J. D. and Elizabeth Roberts, and soon after his mar- riage he began business for himself upon the home farm.

J. D. Roberts, the father of Mrs. Louis Kinder, was born in 1802 upon the old farm in West Beth- lehem township, and in early life followed the carpenter's trade, from which he saved enough to purchase his farm, where he spent the remainder of his life, accumulating a good property. In 1827 he married Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter of Alexander and Catherine Hamilton, and they had the following named family of children: Sarah, Leonard, Henrietta, Catherine, John, Wesley, Elizabeth, James, Antoinette and Nancy. Mr. Roberts and family were members of the Methodist Church. He died on the farm on January 10, 1877, and his wife at Hillsborough on January 10, 1889.

Mr. and Mrs. Louis Kinder had the following children born to them: Elizabeth Jane (deceased), Wilber Leonard, Curtin, Iona, Anna, Valentine and Frank. Mr. Kinder was a Republican, and took much interest in the workings of his party. He was a highly-esteemed citizen and neighbor, and a successful business man. He was in the United States service about nine months, enlisting in the Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry in March, 1864. In religion he was a Lutheran, while most of his family were members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Kinder died October 6, 1889, deeply mourned by his friends and neigh- bors. He left to his family an excellent farm of 130 acres.

OHN W. PRY, one of the leading merchants of Burgettstown, was born May 9, 1846, in Cross Creek township. His father, Abraham Pry, was born November 10, 1813, in Hamp- shire county, W. Va., and died when the son was but four years of age. The child was left to struggle through the perplexities of boyhood un-

aided, but by dint of perseverance and energy he secured an education, and when about twenty-two years of age came to Washington county, Penn., settling in Cross Creek township. In 1840 he was there married to Rachel, daughter of David Mc- Clurg, of same township, and the young people settled on the farm where they are yet living. The following children have been born to their union: David M., Catherine J. (deceased), John W., Will- iam H. and Joseph M. (twins, the latter of whom is deceased), Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), Anna M. (deceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and Francis H. (deceased). The father of this family was originally a Democrat, then a Whig, and finally united with the Republican party, whose principles he now supports. He attends the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally to its maintenance.

John W. Pry, second son of Abraham and Rachel (McClurg) Pry, passed his youth on the home farm, receiving a common-school education. In 1864 he enlisted in Company H, Twenty-first Pennsylvania Cavalry, being sent to the army of the Potomac in the vicinity of Richmond, Va., where he took part in the closing scenes of the war. In August, 1865, he was mustered out of the service and returned home, afterward remain- ing with his parents until twenty-three years of age. He then moved on a farm in Cross Creek township, where he lived four years, and finally opened a general merchandise store in Burgetts- town, where he has since been employed. On September 26, 1867, he was married to Mary E., daughter of John C. Rea, of Cross Creek town- ship, this county. Mrs. Pry died January 5, 1887, and is buried in the family cemetery at Cross Creek. She left two children: Charles Lyle and Rachel C. Mr. Pry is a successful and energetic business man, and in politics is an active member of the Republican party.

OSEPH E. JACKSON is probably the oldest native- born citizen of Hanover township whose life has been wholly spent in the township, and is the oldest living represent- ative of the oldest family in the township. The family were numbered among the first of those heroic men and women, who, leaving childhood's home and early friends, braved the innumerable perils to establish civilization in the unbroken wilderness. When we read the record of these early martyrs we may well exclaim with the poet:

Whom do we call our heroes, to whom our praises sing? The pampered child of fortune, the titled lord or king? They live by others' labor; take all and nothing give. The noblest types of manhood are those who work to live.

In I772, two brothers, Joseph and Philip Jack- son, came from their eastern home in search of Gov.

Joseph Q. Jackson

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ernment land, and crossing the mountains, pushed on till they stood on the western shore of the Mo- nongahela river, within the limits of what is now Washington county. They were finally attracted by the heavy timber and thick shrubbery indica- tive of fertile soil, and pausing on the boundaries of Hanover township, proceeded to mark out an extensive claim with their tomahawks. Their only weapons were two trusty flint-locks, with which to defend themselves against the prowling beasts of the forest or a more wily human foe. Traces of Indians were plentiful, and with the utmost cau- tion did the young men move from tree to tree, marking off their claim, and ever listening for the stealthy footfall of moccasined feet. They suc- ceeded in thus taking up an immense tract of land, but, desiring to form a colony, returned to their homes before making any improvements. By offering every possible inducement they persuaded a number to return with them and seek a fortune in the "far West." Any article of clothing was accepted in lieu of payment for land, some giving a hat, or shirt, or any article most easily spared. When the colony was at length fully organized, they bid a last farewell to friends and neighbors, and with necessary supplies began the toilsome journey over the mountains, finally arriving safely at their destination. A rough shelter of poles and leaves was immediately erected, which was soon supplanted by log cabins, and religious services were then held regularly. In the absence of any minister, prayer-meetings were held, and a church being organized the two Jackson brothers were appointed as the first elders, both of whom con- tributed liberally to its support. It is impossible to exaggerate the intrepid spirit and untiring en- ergy of these men, who gave their lives that future generations might enjoy the blessings of a pros- perous home. The following children were born to Joseph Jackson: Thomas (who moved to Bel- mont county, Ohio, locating on a farm which is now the site of Centreville), Edward, Fanny (wife of Robert Scott), Rosanna (Mrs. Jonathan Potts), and Deborah (married to Joseph Crawford).

Edward Jackson was reared among the priva - tions of frontier life, receiving a very limited edu- cation, and from early youth assisting in clearing the land. He was married to Rebecca Jackson. a native of Maryland. She was a daughter of Will- iam Jackson, who was no relation of Edward, but came to Hanover township in an early day. To the union of Edward and Rebecca Jackson sixteen children were born, of whom the following attained an adult age: Elizabeth (Mrs. John Mayhew, Pugh, W. Va.), Mary (wife of David Fulton, Hanover township), Lydia (Mrs. John McCullough, of Florence), William (of Hanover township), Ed- ward, George, Thomas, Andrew, David, Simeon and

Rebecca. Of these, Joseph E. and Andrew are yet living. The father was originally a Whig, but during Jackson's administration joined the Dem- ocratic party. In church relation he was a zealous member of the M. E. Church, although reared in the Presbyterian faith. He died in 1848, having been preceded to the grave by his wife about five months. They are buried in the cemetery at Florence.

Joseph E. Jackson (the subject proper of this sketch) was born July 31, 1807, on the old Jackson homestead in Hanover township. He grew to manhood on his father's farm, and for a short time in the winter season attended the rate schools of the vicinity. The children were usually set to work on the farm at an early age, and Joseph was no exception to that rule. In 1832 he was mar- ried to Mary Cunningham, who was born in 1802, a daughter of Francis Cunningham, who was a na- tive of Maryland and an early settler of Hanover township. After his marriage Joseph Jackson lo- cated in Hanover township, along the headwaters of King's creek, where he erected a very substan- tial and commodious dwelling, also making numer- ous other improvements. Being overtaken by a disastrous fire, this residence was entirely con- sumed with all the contents. After the accident he removed to an adjoining farm, which he owned and has ever since resided there. Mr. Jackson began life with no capital. and has always been a leading farmer, now owning over six hundred acres of good land. He is yet able to do chores about the house and light farm work, in which he de- lights to be employed. Politically he has always supported the Democratic party, and in religion for over fifty years has been a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Jackson passed away in 1868, leaving the following children: James (a farmer of Jefferson township), Edward (a farmer of Hanover township), Margaret (Mrs. John Anderson, of Jef- ferson township) and Rebecca (wife of Johnson Hitchcock, of Harrison county, Ohio).

S AMUEL B. BARNARD is a prosperous ag- riculturist of unusual culture and brilliant business faculties, and is one of the most highly respected citizens of West Bethlehem township. The Barnard family is of Scotch origin, the early ancestors having emigrated from Scot- land to America, where they settled in Washington county, Penn.

Ignatius Barnard, a son of these pioneers, and grandfather of subject, was born October 25, 1762, on the home farm in West Bethlehem town- ship, this county. In early life he married Eliza- beth Lewis, of Virginia, who bore him children as

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

follows: Mary (Mrs. William Buckingham), James (who married Julia Bricker), Samuel (mentioned below), Ignatius (who died in infancy), Permelia (Mrs. Joseph Wise), Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Ross), Nathan (who married Hannah Zollars), and Catlı- erine (unmarried).

Samuel Barnard, father of subject, was born December 1, 1796, in West Bethlehem township, and after receiving a limited education began life on the old homestead, which he afterward inherited. He was a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and very successful in his chosen vocation. On April 6, 1826, he married Eleanor Barnes, who bore him five children: John (who died in in- fancy), Demas (mentioned presently), Samuel B. and Elizabeth (Mrs. George Gayman) (twins), and Eleanor (Mrs. Isaac Kinder) (deceased). Of these children, Demas volunteered at Grafton, Va., and entered the Washington Cavalry, under Capt. A. J. Greenfield. He was wounded in Virginia, and when told that his hours were numbered he said to his captain: "They say I must die. I would like to live a while longer to kill more traitors." He died mourned by every comrade, February 12, 1863, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery, near his home. Mrs. Barnard died February 23, 1839, and on March 12, 1843, Samuel Barnard was united in marriage with Elizabeth Drake, who passed away August 10, 1860, and January 26, 1881, Mr. Barnard followed her to the grave.

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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 145

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