Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 147

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 147

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Sawens, of Massachusetts, who bore him children as follows: Catherine (Mrs. John Baird, Beaver county), Naomi (Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of Peters Sharp), Margaret (wife of William Chisler, Ohio), Rebecca (Mrs. John Hozer, Mercer county, Penn.), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Higby, Ohio), Lydia (wife of Arthur Devore, Ohio), Elijah (a lieutenant in the war of 1812, died in 1871), and Joseph, all of whom were married, and are now deceased. The father was a Democrat in politics; he died September 1, 1833.

Joseph Townsend, son of Daniel and Lydia (Sawens) Townsend, was born March 1, 1796, on the old place in Washington county, Penn. He lived at home until fifteen years of age, then en- tered the war of 1812 as a fifer, but was brought home by his father. A few years later the juvenile warrior had so far modified his views as to prefer rural life. He became an excellent farmer, and de- voted much attention to sheep raising. In early life he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of Col. William Blackmore, and granddaughter of Samuel Blackmore, the latter of whom owned 400 acres on the site of the present city of Washington. The property was leased for ninety-nine years, the heirs having never claimed it. William Blackmore, son of Samuel, came with his father from Wash- ington, D. C., to Washington county, Penn., and there reared six children, viz .: Thomas, Charles, Nancy (Mrs. Townsend), Eliza, Ellen, and Ara- bella, all now deceased but Nancy. To Joseph and Nancy (Blackmore) Townsend were born three chil- dren, namely: Charles W., Daniel B. and William (deceased in youth). The mother died September 5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend was mar- ried to Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack. Her father was born in Ireland, and about 1800 emi- grated to this country, settling on Chartiers creek, in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. To Joseph and Nancy (Flack) Townsend were born three children, viz .: Robert (deceased), Elijah T., and Margaret J. (Mrs. J. W. Boyer, of Finleyville). The father voted with the Democratic party, and in religion was a member of the Baptist Church. He died on his seventy-fifth birthday, March 1, 1871, being followed by his wife in August, 1874, in her seventy-fifth year.

Elijah T. Townsend, son of Joseph and Nancy (Flack) Townsend, was born December 23, 1836, on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., which is now his home. He attended Beaver Academy and Allegheny College, in Mead- ville, Penn., and in 1858 was married to Nancy, daughter of Samuel Boyer, whose father was James. After his marriage Elijah T. Townsend remained on the home farm until the death of his father, when he took possession of the old place, which contains 135 acres of good land. He has been a very active member of the Democratic party, and,

though they were then in the minority, was elected in 1878 as county commissioner. He served until 1882, and in 1884 was nominated by acclamation for treasurer of the county, but was defeated. He was a delegate to the State convention in 1882 and in 1892. He is a member and trustee of the Peters Creek Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Townsend are the parents of three children, viz. : Anna M. (a graduate of Washington Seminary), married to David F. Templeton; Robert F. (at home), and Joseph B. (member of the sophomore class, Le- high University).

HOMAS GRIMES. Prominently identified with the representative and successful farm- ers of Independence township stands the gentleman whose name introduces this brief sketch. He is a son of John Grimes, whose father, William Grimes, came from Ireland and settled in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn. William Grimes was among the earliest of pioneer settlers, coming to this county before the Indians had abandoned their former hunting ground. He cleared a small piece of land, and built a rude cabin, to which he soon afterward brought a youthful bride, who bore him the follow- ing children: John, Jane (wife of Adam Miller), Mary (wife of Daniel Lane) and Robert, all of whom are deceased, the latter having passed away in Donegal township, this county. The parents both died on the farm in Buffalo township.

John Grimes was born, in 1793, on the home farm in Buffalo township, where his parents passed their wedded lives. He received a meager educa- tion at the primitive schools of the place, and being obliged to attend irregularly, could not avail himself even of the poor opportunities then offered the seeker after literary knowledge. In 1813 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Reed, who was born in 1792, in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of West Virginia, and afterward came with her parents to Washington county, Penn. Of their union were born the following children: Jane (deceased wife of Thomas Patterson, of Bel- mont county, Ohio), Sarah (unmarried, residing in Claysville, Donegal township), Robert (farming in Des Moines county, Iowa), William (a retired U. P. minister), Edward (deceased in Donegal town- ship, at an adult age), Samuel (killed while serv- ing in the Civil war), John (an agriculturist of Buffalo township, this county), and Thomas. John Grimes lived on a rented farm during the twelve years following his marriage, and then purchased the remaining interest in the old home place, where the remainder of his life was passed. He was a successful agriculturist and a valued citizen. In politics he was formerly an Old-line Whig, and upon the organization of the Republican party

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became an active worker in its ranks. His wife died in 1871, and in 1884 he was laid by her side at the good old age of ninety one years.

Thomas Grimes, the subject of this sketch, was born December 28, 1828, in Buffalo township, this county, was reared to farm work from earliest boy- hood, and received a common-school education. On November 1, 1855, he married Susanna Saw- hill, who was born October 10, 1833, daughter of William and Jane (Lorimer) Sawhill. Of this union the following children have been born: Chester, Lorimer (married January 1, 1890, to Miss Nettie Farrer, of Independence township), Saralı J., Nancy Irene (wife of A. L. Farrar, of Donegal township, this county), John Lemon, Mary Udella and Ida May. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Grimes located on his father's farm in the eastern part of Donegal township, and in 1868 moved to a place on Buffalo creek. In 1870 he purchased the old Lawrence farm adjoining Mt. Hope church in Independence township, where he has since re- sided. He devotes considerable attention to stock raising, and is a very progressive farmer, his home being supplied with modern appliances for con- venience and comfort. He has recently erected a handsome residence, which enhances both the beauty and value of his property. In politics he is a stanch Republican, and has been selected to fill various offices of honor and trust, the duties of which he has performed with much credit to him- self and the party. He is much esteemed by all who know him. He and his wife are members of the Mt. Hope United Presbyterian Church.

J OHN SCOTT is a worthy representative of an old and enterprising family of Washing- ton county, noted alike for intelligence and integrity. His grandfather, Abraham Scott, was born and reared in Maryland, and when a young man came to Pittsburgh, Penn., afterward settling in Washington county with his brother Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of land near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township, this county, where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Jane, a sister of John Finley (the founder of Finleyville), and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan (married to John McBride), Abraham, Finley, Holland and Samuel. The father was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Presby- terian Church at Raccoon.

Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson township, this county, and here educated. In 1822 he was married to Margaret, daughter of James Stephenson, of Smith township. The

young people first settled on a farm in Robinson township, this county, remaining there a few years, when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith township where they resided twenty years, and finally removed to the home where they passed the remainder of their . lives. The children of this couple were Ann, Robert K., James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cole) and Margaret (wife of Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the archi- tect of his own fortune, and owned 450 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1879. He was a Democrat, and held various township offices. In church connection he was first a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, afterward uniting with the Asso- ciate Reformed Church, in which he was an elder. He and his wife are buried in the U. P. cemetery.

John Scott was born March 13, 1834, in Smith township, and passed his boyhood on the home farm. On March 3, 1868, he was united in mar- riage with Mary Agnes Carlisle, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, daughter of John Carlisle, and the children born to this union are Holland A. (of Burgettstown), John A., Finley I., Samuel M., Susie B., Lillie M. and Gracie D. After his mar- riage John Scott settled on the farm where he is now living, carrying on a general farming and stock raising business, and also managing an ex- tensive dairy. Mr. Scott is a very successful and popular business man, and in politics has always been a Democrat; he has filled various offices, and given satisfaction to all parties. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

S® TEPHEN SANDERS. Washington county has received a number of her most valued citizens from New Jersey, and among the most worthy of these is the Sanders family. Stephen Sanders, a native of New Jersey, was among the first to enter land in Morris township, where he died in 1825. His son, Daniel, but a boy when his father removed to Pennsylvania, was born in 1783. In 1804 he married Catherine Ru- tan, a daughter of Samuel Rutan, of Morris town- ship, and of this union were born the following children: Eleanor, Stephen, Phoebe, Sarah, Ann, Daniel and Eunice, of whom Eleanor, Sarah and Daniel are deceased.

Stephen Sanders was born in 1809, and reared to farm life, which he has always followed. In 1834 he was married to Catherine , and to their union were born eight children: Simeon, Samuel, Jacob, Isaac Newton, Henry, Absalom, Azariah and Sample. Of these, Samuel, Isaac Newton, Henry and Absalom are still living, Isaac Newton and Henry being prosperous young farmers of Morris township. Mrs. Sanders died in 1887,

Stephen Sanders

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and since that time Mr. Sanders has made his home with his son Isaac Newton.

Isaac Newton Sanders married, October 17, 1872, Hannah, daughter of Obadiah and Elizabeth Clut- ter, and by her had four children: William Emmor, Stephen Byard, Estella Belva and Bertha May. He is a member of Upper Ten-Mile Church. Henry Sanders married Elizabeth Dille, June 19, 1871, and of this union have been born five children: Hugh (who died at the age of nineteen), and Lil- lian, Cora, Grace Edna and Florence, all living. Samuel Sanders, of Waynesburgh, Penn., married Hattie Balset, and has one child, Katherine Eliza- beth Lee. Absalom Sanders, of Clarkestown, Penn., was married, in 1880, to Rebecca Huffman, and has no children. Jacob Sanders was married March 30, 1865, to Mary Axtell, and died March 19, 1869, leaving two children: Clarissa and Sarah Ellen. Simeon Sanders, during the Civil war, enlisted in the Federal army from Iowa, and died of fever at Little Rock, Arkansas.

Obadiah Clutter, father of Mrs. Isaac Newton Sanders, was a shoemaker by trade, lived in Amity and died there. On January 17, 1836, he married Elizabeth Yoder, daughter of George and Sarah (Coulter) Yoder. They died in Greene county, where Elizabeth was born, near Rice's Landing. To Mr. and Mrs. Clutter were born the following children: Sarah, wife of John Kelly, of Cumber- land, Md. ; Phobe, Mrs. John Gaines, of Amwell township; Mary J., in Washington; Eli Webb; George Brown; Margaret Ann; Catherine, wife of Warren Sanders, Bellaire, Ohio; Hannah (Mrs. Isaac Newton Sanders); Samuel Clawson; William M. (deceased). Mr. Clutter died in Amity in 1872, and Mrs. Clutter has since that time made her home with her children.

M ICHAEL HACKARESS, who is perhaps the oldest man in Washington county, is a son of James Hackaress, who was born in Old Virginia, during the eighteenth century. The father was born a slave, but bought his freedom with money received from the sale of coon skins, and a little additional help from neighboring planters. After gaining free- dom, he was married to Miss Catherine McDow, who had been freed because her owner had failed to register her until the time alloted for that pur- pose had expired. After his marriage, Mr. Hack- aress moved to Washington county, Penn., where be farmed on shares, and worked at various odd jobs until his death, which occurred in the year 1831.

Michael Hackaress was born on Peters creek, Washington county, Penn., February 25, 1792, and when his father died moved to the farm on which he now lives. At that time the only im-

provements were a little hut, and a garden patch which had been made by some settler who aban- doned it to return to a civilized country. Michael was first married to Peggy Jenkins, and they had ten children, namely: James, Edward, Lydia, Maria, Margaret, Eliza, Mary, Michael, an infant son (unnamed) and W. Casley. Of these chil- dren all are now deceased with the exception of Eliza. For his second wife Mr. Hackaress was united in marriage May 9, 1853, with Miss Sarah A. Brown, of Washington, Penn., and their chil- dren were Sarah Catherine, Virginia B., Eva A. and an infant. Two of these children are living with their father, who, although over a century has passed since he entered the world, bears lightly the weight of his hundred years, and is still a com - paratively strong man. Although he can not labor as in his younger years, he eats as heartily as though he were yet in the prime of life. Mr. Hackaress has been a very successful business man, and now owns 211 acres of as good land as can be found in the township. He is upright and honest, and is highly esteemed by his neighbors, being one of the few colored men who have taken advantage of the opportunities given them by the Government. In politics he is a stiff Republican, and can boast of having voted for every President from Madison to Harrison, and will probably cast a ballot at the next Presidential election.

S AMUEL STEWART. Among the prosper- ous and well-known citizens of Nottingham township, this name is prominently identi- fied. William Stewart was born, in 1803, in Washington county, Penn., and in early life was united in marriage with Jeanetta Gardener, who was born in 1803, in Ireland, coming to America in early youth. Mr. Stewart devoted his time to agricultural pursuits, making a specialty of stock raising. He was too old to enter the Civil war, but was represented on the field by his son Will- iam, and took an active part in local affairs. He was township supervisor fourteen years, township clerk several years, also served on the board of elec- tion. He died in 1874; his widow is yet living.

Samuel Stewart was born, in 1842, in Washing ton county, Penn., and during his boyhood at- tended the schools of this county. In 1876 he married Miss Eleanor A., daughter of William Bark- ley. Her grandfather, Andrew Barkley, was born in 1775, in Ireland, and was married to Elizabetlı Jolly, who was born in 1757, in Pennsylvania, and died in 1846. They were the parents of eight children, all of whom are now deceased.

William Barkley, son of Andrew and Elizabetlı (Jolly) Barkley, was born in 1800, in Washington county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm now owned by Butler Huggins. In 1822 he

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married Elizabeth Ogden, who was born in 1802, in this county, daughter of Samuel Ogden. Mr. Ogden was born in 1759, and when a young man was married to Elizabeth Crouch, who was born in 1761, in this county. They had ten children. Mr. Ogden was a tailor by trade, and a soldier in the Revolutionary war. He died in 1848, having been preceded by his wife in 1830. To the union of William and Elizabethı (Ogden) Barkley ten chil- dren were born, of whom five are yet living, namely: Elizabeth, Sarah J., Eleanor A. (Mrs. Stewart), William and Margaret. Mr. Barkley owned 148 acres of land, all under cultivation, and conducted an extensive sheep and other stock farm. He was a very prominent man in the politics of Washington county, having served in nearly all the township offices, and was collector several years.

To the union of Samuel and Eleanor A. (Bark- ley) Stewart a son and daughter have been born: Boyd T. and Jennie L. The farm of 127 acres of fertile, well-cultivated land is owned by Samuel and his brother William's children jointly. Sam- uel Stewart is an enterprising citizen, and has filled almost every office in Nottingham township. He gave among the first $100 subscribed to the build- ing of a railroad in Nottingham township.

ONATHAN CAESBER, JR., was born Septem- ber 17, 1821, in North Strabane township, this county, a grandson of Jonathan Caesber who was born in 1750, in the State of Delaware. In 1774 the grandfather came to Washington county, Penn., and here purchased a farm where he died in 1839. In the war of 1812 he furnished the United States Government with the last pack horses used at that time. In religion he was a Methodist.

John Caesber (son of Jonathan the pioneer) was born, in 1794, in Nottingham township, this county. He was a physician, devoting his entire life to that profession. In October, 1820, he was united in marriage with Hannah Holland, who was born in Allegheny county, Penn., in 1800, and five chil- dren were born to them, of whom two are yet liv- ing: John and Jonathan. The father died Feb- ruary 3, 1833. and in 1867 Mrs. Caesber entered the "valley of the shadow."

Jonathan Caesber, Jr., attended school in the home district, and was but twelve years of age when his father died. The fatherless boy, being thus early thrown on his own resources, worked on a farm four or five years, and completed his education. At the age of seventeen he began teaching a sub- scription school, following that vocation eighteen years; at the same time he owned a store and shoe shop. He finally learned the shoemaking business, to which he has devoted his later years. On May

30, 1844, he married Elizabeth Yant (who was born in 1822 in this county), and they have had six children, three of whom are deceased. Those yet living are Carrie H., Elizabeth B. and Fred- erick Y. Caesber. In 1838 Mr. Caesber was ap- pointed postmaster at Munntown, and served in that office until 1876, when he opened a shoe store and boarding house in Washington borough. In 1883 he returned to his present home, consisting of four acres of excellent land, situated near the depot of the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and affording him a comfortable income. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and has served several times as school director and four terms as justice of the peace, which office he is yet holding. He was too old to enter the Civil war, but has ever been iden- tified with the best interests of the county. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church,

W ILLIAM B. SUMNY. The family of which the subject of this memoir is a prominent member have long been resi- dents of Pennsylvania. Isaac Sumny, father of William B., first saw the light July 5, 1776, the day after the old Liberty Bell had proclaimed the birth of our infant nation. He was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and in 1798 was united in marriage with Mary Turney (who was also born in 1776), and nine children were born to their union, of whom three sons are yet living. The father followed the trade of pot- ter all his life.

William B. Sumny was born August 14, 1805, on the home place in Washington county, Penn., and passed his boyhood in attending the schools of the county. On November 14, 1829, he was mar- ried to Ruth Gamble, a native of this county, born in 1810. To this union one son and nine daugh- ters were born, namely : Mary (Mrs. Mahood), re- siding at Melvin, Ford Co., Ill .; Elizabeth (wife of William Harbison), at Glade Mills, Butler Co., Penn. ; Esther, still living with her father; Sarah (Mrs. Coneby), at Brownsdale, Butler Co., Penn .; Mrs. Hannah Sumny, at Beaver City, Furnas Co., Neb. ; Emma (Mrs. Morrison), at Mckeesport, Allegheny Co., Penn .; William (deceased); Nancy (deceased); Harriet (wife of Dr. Murray), at Am- ity, Washington Co., Penn., and Angelina (Mrs. Hamilton), at Thomas, Washington Co., Penn. The mother died December 21, 1891.

Prior to his marriage Mr. Sumny worked with his father at the potter's trade, and then after that event he bought fifty acres of land, to which he now devotes his attention. Politically he is an ad- herent of Democratic principles, and in religious faith he and his family are members of the Pres- byterian Church.

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D AVID W. GAULT. The prominent and influential family, of which the subject of this sketch is a worthy member, are repre- sentative citizens of Nottingham township. Alexander Gault was born in 1797, on a farm in Washington county, Penn., where his youth was passed in the usual duties of agricultural life. On December 8, 1825, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Wilson, who bore him five children, namely: James, Edith, Sarah, John W. (who en- listed in Company K, P. V. Cavalry, and died in the service December 7, 1862) and Alexander (de- ceased). The mother died soon after the birth of her youngest son, and Mr. Gault was afterward married to Jane Flack, who was born in 1807. The children of this marriage were as follows: Robert, Mary J. and Addie, the last named being the only one yet living. The father owned about 150 acres of land. He died in 1872; the mother on February 15, 1887.

James Gault, son of Alexander and Mary (Wil- son) Gault, was born in 1826, in Washington county, Penn., where his youth was passed. In 1853 he married Maria Sumney, a native of Nottingham township, this county, who was born in 1832, and has always resided in the vicinity of her birthplace. Four sons and two daughters have been born to this marriage as follows: Mary, David W., Alex- ander, John (deceased), Ettie and William. Mr. Gault has, with the exception of short intervals, always resided in Nottingham township, and has held almost every local office. He owns twenty- five acres of fertile land, and makes a specialty of fruit raising.

David W. Gault was born April 11, 1856, in Washington county, Penn. He completed his educa- tion at Pittsburgh, Penn., and received a diploma from Duff's Commercial College. After leaving school he embarked in a sawmill and luinber business, and also managed a farm of 130 acres. On September 4, 1884, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Martin Kammerer, a son of John Kammerer, who was born, in 1793, in Germany, and was educated in the schools of his native land. In 1820 her grandfather was mar- ried to Margaret Rigar, who was born in 1800 in Germany, and, bidding farewell to his young wife for a time, sailed for America in 1821. After finding a suitable location for a home, he sent. for Mrs. Kammerer the next year, and settled in Wash- ington county, Penn., where he followed the busi- ness of a millwright and miller. He then worked two years as a carpenter, and afterward engaged in a general mercantile business. He also leased, of one Thomas Officer, eighty acres of land on the present site of Kammerer village, which land he purchased in 1881, and erected thereon a dwelling and store room. He then built a tavern, and in 1845 erected a saw and grist mill, which was

burned September 22, 1850, but was rebuilt the following year. Five children were born to his first marriage, namely: Mary Ann, born Decem- ber 16, 1821; Barbara, born August 11, 1822; Catherine, born May 20, 1825; John, born April 1, 1827; and Martin, born April 14, 1829, all now deceased. The mother of this family died in Feb- ruary, 1830, and on July 21, 1830, Mr. Kammerer married Elizabeth Bender, a native of Germany, and the following children came to this union: Jonathan, born July 31, 1831; Joseph, born May 20, 1835; Elizabeth, born February 28, 1837; Jacob, born November 22, 1838; William S., born February 23, 1843 (on the Board of Trade in Chi- cago), married to a daughter of Dr. Emery, of Dunningsville, Va .; and Franklin G., born Feb- ruary 24, 1845 (with William S., Room No. 35, Board of Trade, Chicago, known as the Kammerer Co., brokers), married to a daughter of Dr. Hild- reth, of Wheeling, W. Va. Of this family Jacob died July 27, 1839, and Jonathan died October 20, 1887. The mother died May 18, 1859, having been preceded by the father July 24, 1856. He served in many township offices.

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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 147

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