Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 149

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 149

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

land, all the results of hard work, steadfast pur- pose, sound judgment and sterling integrity. Mr. Hair has no time to devote from his busy life to politics, but he invariably votes the straight Dem- ocratic ticket.

HEOPHILUS HAWKINS, a prosperous farmer of West Pike Run township, a native of the same, was born February 1, 1852, on the home farm. He is a son of Elijah and Elizabeth Hawkins, the latter of whom died February 21, 1889, aged seventy years. He re- ceived a liberal education at the common schools of his district, and was reared from boyhood to agri- cultural pursuits. On September 9, 1880, he was united in marriage with Arminda Deems, who was born May 30, 1861, a daughter of Harrison and Catherine (Horn) Deems, pioneer settlers of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Deems were the parents of the following children: Ella, wife of Thomas Dague, a farmer of West Bethlehem towhship; Belle, married to John Frederick, an agriculturist of West Pike Run township; Lizzie, wife of Stanton Lutes, a blacksmith of West Pike Run township; Arminda, Mrs. Hawkins; and Jennie, who is living at home.

Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins live with his aged father on the old homestead in West Pike Run township. The farm comprises ninety -five well-cultivated acres, upon which a comfortable stone residence, a com- mnodious barn, and out-buildings have been erected. Our subject and wife have two children, viz. : Ernest R., born September 19, 1881, and Edna I., born September 28, 1891. Mrs. Hawkins is a member of the M. E. Church.

OHN GRAHAM, one of the best-known and most highly-respected native-born farmer citizens of Donegal township, is a grandson of Robert Graham, one of the earliest settlers of that township, having lived here at a time when the Indian was yet a denizen of the forest wild.

Little is known of him, save that he was of Irish descent, and that he and his wife lived in Wash- ington county, about two and one-half miles north- east of Claysville. Their family consisted of nine children, five sons and four daughters-of whom Robert was born on the farm just spoken of, in Donegal township, and was here married to Sarah Jamison, who bore him the following children: John, Robert, Mary, Samuel, Jane, Sarah (Mrs. James Buchanan, of Brooke county, W. Va.), William (living in Nebraska, was twice elected to the United States Congress from Pennsylvania), and Margaret (Mrs. James Chambers, of Buffalo town- ship). Of these, Robert, Mary, Samuel and Jane

John Graham

941

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

are deceased, the last two named having died be- fore reaching maturity. The parents lived to a patriarchal age, the father dying in 1860, aged ninety-five, and the mother June 27, 1880, aged ninety-one years.

John Graham, the subject proper of these lines, was born January 14, 1814, and his boyhood days were passed in hard work on the farm, and in at- tending, during a few winter months in each year, the old log school-house with its primitive furnish- ings and not less primitive antiquated "dominie." Mr. Graham remained with his parents during their lifetime, and after their decease he continued the farm work till a few years ago, when he leased the farm to tenants, and has since lived compara- tively retired, simply overseeing the work. He has been very successful in all his undertakings, and is in the enjoyment of a well earned competence. Mr. Graham is blessed with excellent healtlı, and has seen but little sickness in all his long life. He has never married. A member of the U. P. Cuurch of Claysville, he is one of its liberal contributors. In politics, first a Whig, afterward a Republican and an enthusiastic Abolitionist, he has ever been a Realous party-man and a loyal citizen. His suc- cess in life is due entirely to his own efforts and assiduous perseverance, coupled with sound judg- ment and characteristic prudence. He is public- spirited and progressive, and enjoys the esteem and respect of all.

RA L. LACOCK, an enterprising citizen of Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., is a native of the same, having been born January 19, 1860, on the farin of his father. He is a son of John V., and grandson,of Ira Lacock, who was born December 13, 1794, in Amwell township, Washington county, where bis boyhood was passed in attending school and afterward in farming. He was married to Anna Bane, daughter of Isaac Bane, and the following children were born to them: William, Samuel (deceased), Isaac, John V., Elizabeth (Mrs. William Mounts) and Ira J. After his marriage Mr. Lacock lived in Amwell town- ship two years, then moved to Franklin township, and in 1856 settled in Washington, where he died December 13, 1876. He was a Democrat in politics.

John V. Lacock was born September 5, 1822, in Amwell township, Washington county, and was educated at the subscription schools. On Decem- ber 2, 1856, he was married to Sarah, daughter of William McClenathan, a native of . Ireland. He then settled in Franklin township, afterward mov- ing to Washington borough, then to the home place, and finally locating at Point Lookout, on the farm where he now resides, which consists of fifty- three acres of good land. Mr. and Mrs. Lacock have had the following children: George S. (mar-

ried to Mary Slusher, who has borne him two chil- dren, Biddell and Birdie), Dr. S. A., William R., Ira L., and Marion (deceased). Politically, he is an active worker in the Democratic party, and in religion is a member of the Disciple Church at Washington borough.

Ira L. Lacock received his early education during the winter season at the school-house at Point Lookout, and worked on the farm during the sum- mers. February 23, 1882, he was united in mar- riage with Jennie, daughter of Lewis McKahan, of Washington, this county, and they have had two children: Lester, born April 15, 1883, and Earl (de- ceased), born January 11, 1891. One year after his marriage Mr. Lacock moved to the farm in Amwell township, purchased in December, 1881, of Dr. F. J. LeMoyne, and then bought and moved to the Braddock farm, where he remained three years, when, in 1887, he sold it to J. F. Wilson. He then purchased the home farm of his father, where he erected his present residence. He has a large and valuable farm, containing 175 acres, which he has managed very successfully. In pol- itics he is a Democrat, and has always taken an active interest in the success of his party.

S' MITH F. SCOTT, son of Joseph A. and Eliza (Sheplar) Scott, was born April 2, 1846, in Fallowfield township. Washington Co., Penn. He is the fourth in a family of eight children, and received his early education in the schools of Fallowfield and Somerset townships. On November 22, 1866, he led to the altar Sarah F. Rogers, who was born April 30, 1844, in Bealls- ville, Washington Co., Penn. She is a daughter of Samuel W. and Sarah F. (Crawford) Rogers, both of whom were natives of Maryland. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Rogers were as follows: Priscilla W., wife of Adah W. Crouch, a farmer of West Pike Run township; Joseph H., of Bealls- ville, Penn .; Sarah F., wife of Smith F. Scott; Emma E., married to George R. Deems, an agri- culturist of West Pike Run township; Mary A .. deceased; and two who died in infancy. The father was a prosperous farmer, and in party pref- . erences was a Republican, serving in various town- ship offices. He died in 1890, the mother having passed away in 1882. Both were members of the M. E. Church at Beallsville, Pennsylvania.

Smitlı F. and Sarah F. (Rogers) Scott have four children, viz. : Alpheus C., born September 5, 1867; John E., born June 10, 1870; Samuel Clyde, born June 2, 1877, and Tryphena May, born Octo- ber 18, 1881. Mr. Scott owns a good farm, which contains seventy-five acres, furnished with good buildings, and all modern improvements. He is a progressive, public-spirited citizen, actively inter- ested in all progressive movements, having filled

942

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

various local offices. He votes with the Repub- lican party. He and his wife are members of the Beallsville M. E. Church, to which he gives a lib- eral support.

There are still living of Joseph A. Scott's chil- dren four, namely-Henry S. Scott, of Bentleyville, who lias a wife and three children, all boys; S. F. Scott, whose family is described in this sketch; J. Y. Scott, M. D., and wife, of Washington, Penn., and Margaret M. Miller, of Washington, Penn., who is married and has two children. Below are found the names and dates of births and deaths: Joseph Alexander Scott, born October 5, 1806, died Feb- ruary 15, 1881; Eliza Sheplar Scott, born June 11, 1815, died April 15, 1892; Joseph A. Scott and Eliza Sheplar were married November 23, 1835, at Peoria, Ill .; Henry Sheplar Scott, born July 27, 1840; Sarah Catherine Scott, born April 30, 1842, died January 26, 1847; James Anderson Scott, born May 10, 1844, died October 28, 1853; Smith Fry Scott, born April 2, 1846; Jesse Yager Scott, born November 13, 1848; Margaret Malissa Scott, born September 2, 1850; Nancy Peoria Scott, born July 27, 1853, died November 6, 1856, and Joseph Clark Scott, who was born September 12, 1855, and died October 30, 1881. ~

W ILLIAM L. PORTER, now retired from active business, is one of the representa- tive men of West Alexander. His grand- father, William Porter, was born and reared in eastern Pennsylvania, and was there married to Mary Lawson, who bore him chil- dren as follows: John, William, Mary, Thomas, James, Margaret and Elizabeth. Some time after his marriage Mr. Porter and his family started on the tedious journey to Washington county, Penn., an l after several weeks arrived in West Finley township. He purchased and settled on a tract of 225 acres of uncultivated land. Neighbors were few in those days, and the Indians were ofttimes troublesome, but the brave pioneers struggled on until success crowned their efforts. Politically, Mr. Porter was a Whig, and in religion a member of the Seceder Church. He was an energetic man, . and took an active interest in the improvement of the vicinity. He and his wife died on the old farm.

Thomas Porter was born in 1789, in West Fin- ley township, Washington county, on the home farm, where he received his education. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of John Neal, of Carlisle, Penn., and they made a permanent home in West Finley town- ship, where the following children were born to them and reared: William L. (subject of our sketch), Mary, John, Thomas, Angeline and Eliza- beth. Mr. Porter was a farmer, also conducted a

blacksmith shop, employing four men, and he made a success in both vocations. He was an active poli- tician in the Democratic party, and in religion was a member and liberal supporter of the Associate Reformed Church.

William L. Porter was born January 9, 1818, near Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked on the farm during his boyhood days, receiving a subscription- school education. He was married January 8, 1839, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Kimmons, who bore him four children: Joseph B., M. J. (Mrs. A. J. Post), Harriet A. (Mrs. Samuel Schaeffer) and Lewis. The mother of these children died May 4, 1861, and Mr. Porter was afterward married on February 26, 1863, to Mrs. Elizabeth White. He passed the first twelve years of married life on his father's farm, and then purchased a place east of West Alexander, where he resided twenty-six years. He then sold out, and clerked eight years in a general store at West Alexander. He after- ward commenced business for himself, and having won the esteem and confidence of the community, was very successful in this venture. In 1883 ill health compelled him to retire from business, but he is still an active man. Mr. Porter is a very popular citizen, and has many friends, who rejoice with him in the success which he has so well earned. Politically he has always been an active member of the Democratic party, but has never accepted office. In religious connection he is the oldest member of the U. P. Church, with which he is connected, and to which he is a liberal contrib- utor. He is a member of the Session, and has ever been a zealous worker in the cause, encouraging all progressive movements. Since the present edi- fice has been erected, Mr. Porter has twice served as treasurer, and has taken an active part in the upbuilding of the Society.

EORGE HUNTER WRIGHT. This high- ly-esteemed octogenarian is a living example of what patient purpose, resolute-work- ing, steadfast integrity and life of rectitude can accomplish in the ranks of the indus- trious, plodding agriculturists. He was born Jan- uary 22, 1813, in Chester county, Penn., where he received a limited education at the schools of the period. His grandfather, Robert Wright, was a native of County Monaghan, Ireland, where he passed his entire life, married, and had a numer- ous family, of which one son, named James, became the father of the subject of this sketch.

James Wright was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1778, and when a lad of ten years emigrated from his native land to America, land - ing in Philadelphia, Penn., wlience he shortly af- terward proceeded to Chester county, same State. Here he was "bound out " to one Daniel Cornick,

1,2%

943

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

a farmer, with whom he made his home, being trained in agricultural pursuits, until eighteen years of age, when he commenced the stone mason's trade, which he followed until 1818, in which year he came to Washington county, locating in Amwell township. Here he purchased a tract of land lying abont three miles northeast of Amity, where he passed the remainder of his busy life. While a resident of Chester county he was married to Jane Burns, a native of the same, born of English parents, and to this union came the following chil- dren: Sarah, who lived to the age of fourscore; Samuel, who also lived to a ripe old age; James, who lived to adult age; George H., subject; An- drew Jackson and Henry Burns, both lived to manhood, and Margaret, now living in Amwell township, the widow of Nicholas Horn. The father of this family died September 6, 1855, the mother following him to the grave June 3, 1870, at the patriarchal age of ninety-one. In politics Mr. Wright was a Democrat.

George H. Wright, of whom this memoir chiefly treats, under the careful preceptorship of his father, was early taught lasting lessons in industry and economy-lessons that formed in him habits of life which brought to him the success which secured him an ample competence for his declining years. At the age of nineteen (in 1832) our subject com- menced life for himself, leaving home and working at different places by the month, on farms, in which he continued until the spring of 1838, when he took up his residence in Richhill township, Greene Co., same State, where he remained until 1849, at which time he came to East Finley township, this county, locating near where he now lives, about one mile southeast of East Finley postoffice. At that time the place was a "howling wilderness," but Mr. Wright manfully set to work, soon made a clearing on which he erected a sub- stantial log cabin. a primitive but comfortable home for his wife and little ones; and by hard work, in- domitable perseverance and good management, what was when he first saw it, a vista of wild rocks, he transformed into smiling fields of grain, and gardens that were made to "blossom as the rose."

On April 14. 1832. Mr. Wright was united in. marriage with Lydia Holburt, a native of Virginia, born June 4, 1809, daughter of John Holburt, of what was then Morris (now Franklin) township, this county, and this union was blessed with chil- dren as follows: Frances Jane, born December 27, 1832, deceased in infancy : Catherine, born Novem- ber 25, 1833, now living in East Finley township, the widow of George Ealy; John Holburt. born January 8, 1839, died July 27, 1859; James Riley, born December 27, 1840, now in West Fin- ley township, married to Jane Sprowls; Henry, born September 25, 1842, now in East Finley township, married to Rachel Rockefeller; Sarah ·

Margaret, born May 16, 1846, at home with her father; George W. and Isaac B. (twins), born Sep- tember 13, 1848 (George W. is living in East Fin- ley, married to Juliette Day; Isaac lives in the same township, married to Frances Mills); Ben- jamin Franklin, born March 16, 1851, now lives in East Finley township, married to Phobe Jane Tucker, of Amwell township. The mother of this large family died August 7, 1889, deeply regretted by all who knew her. She was a consistent mem- ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Concord, as is Mr. Wright, and in his political preferences he has been a lifelong Democrat.

J OHN WOODS, a pioneer settler of Chartiers township, was born November 23, 1817, a grandson of John Woods, a native of Ireland, who was there married to Mary Allen. They soon afterward immigrated to America, first locating in Westmoreland county. Penn., thence proceeding to Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., and then moved to North Strabane township, whence they finally came to the farm in Chartiers township, now owned by their grandson John, where they kept a tavern. The grandfather was a member of the Seceder Church, and both he and his wife died in this county, leaving a family of children, among whom was the father of onr subject, Nathaniel.

Nathaniel Woods was born in Westmoreland county, Penn., and coming to Washington county in early manhood, was there united in marriage with Elizabeth Updegraff, born in the Shenan- doah Valley, Loudoun county, Va. Her paternal grandfather had also been a native of Virginia, and coming to Chartiers township had made his permanent home in this county, where his children afterward settled. After his marriage Nathaniel Woods settled in Chartiers township, where the following children were born and reared: John, Margaret (who died in Cincinnati, Ohio), Mary (deceased). Nathaniel (living in Chartiers township, was a soldier in the Mexican war), Kate (living in Washington borough), Henry (deceased in 1852, a soldier of the Mexican war) and Elizabeth (resid- ing in Washington). Mr. Woods was a farmer and distiller, and in politics voted the Democratic ticket. He was a soldier under Gen. Harrison in the war of 1812. On March 2, 1836, he was laid to rest, and was followed by his widow in 1885.

John Woods was reared on his father's farm. and received a limited education in the schools of . Chartiers township. He then learned the trade of a painter, continning in that work over forty years. In 1857 John Woods was married to Amanda Dickson, a native of Washington county, Ohio, and a daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth (Snyder) Dickson, who were natives of Virginia,

944

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

but settled in Ludlow township, Washington Co., Ohio, in an early day, where the remainder of their lives was passed. After his marriage Mr. Woods settled on the farm in Chartiers township, where he yet resides. His wife died January 26, 1890, leaving five children, namely: Maggie (living in Pittsburgh, Penn.); Mary(wife of Edward Timmons, of Chartiers township); Henry (living in Canons- burg); Anna (Mrs. Rankin Zerba, of Clermont, Penn.), and John. Mr. Woods has followed his trade the greater part of his life, together with managing a farm. He has been a member of the Republican party since its first organization, and cast a vote for William Henry Harrison; he has served three or four years as township assessor, and has also filled several other offices of trust. Mrs. Woods was an earnest worker and member in the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

H IRAM VAN KIRK. The ancestry of this gentleman were natives of New Jersey, in which State his grandfather, Jacob Van- Kirk, was born September 27, 1766. In early manhood he came with his father's family to West Bethlehem township, this county. He was married to Elizabeth Lee, who was born December 9, 1777, and they reared four children, viz .: Enoch, born April 14, 1796; Joseph, born January 17, 1798; Anna, born February 15, 1806; and Leah, born May 18, 1817.

Hiram Van Kirk, son of Joseph and Eliza (Cor- win) Van Kirk, was born September 18, 1830, in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., where his entire life has been passed. He received his education in the common schools, and profited by his early opportunities. On May 15, 1862, he was united in marriage with Anna F. Hughes, who was born December 1, 1837, a daughter of Samuel L. and Susan Hughes, of Amwell town- ship, who were the parents of nine children-five sons and four daughters. They are old residents of Washington county, and further record of the family. will be found in the sketches of John and James W. Hughes. Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk have two sons: James H, born July 17, 1863; and Francis J., born August 2, 1869, both of whom yet remain with their parents on the old home farm, which has been the property of Mr. Van- Kirk for twenty-nine years, and consists of 150 acres of prime land. He is also the owner of an- other farm of 144 acres, known as the John P. Van Kirk place. Politically, Mr. Van Kirk is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, having been one of the " wheel horses " in Amwell town- ship for many years. Mrs. Van Kirk is a mem- ber of the Christian Church, and though her hus- band is not connected with that body, he gives liberally to the cause, and does all in his power to promote the interests of morality and religion.

W ILLIAM JAMES KELSO. The Kelso family are of Irish descent, and Mark Kelso, after his marriage to Elizabeth Ewing, came to a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., remaining there some time. In 1818 he bought an improved farm, which be- came his permanent home. His wife died many years before him, leaving the following chil- dren: Mary (Mrs. John Cowden, living in Mt. Pleasant township), Esther (who died in 1888), Elizabeth (who died in 1884), George, John (who married in Ohio, and had one child, Americus, now deceased), James, Martha and Letta Ann. Of these children James Kelso was first married to a Miss Elder, who bore him children as follows: William E., Mark, John, Elizabeth and Lucinda. The mother died, and for his second wife James was married to Jane Miller, and they had three chil- dren: Margaret, Alice and Miller. This wife also died, and the father then made a third choice in the person of Mrs. Catherine M. Millan, who bore him two children, viz .: James and Samuel George. The father of this family died in Allegheny coun- ty, Penn., two years after the death of his last wife. Martha Kelso became the wife of Phineas Kelso, of Lawrence county, Ohio, and four chil- dren were born to them as follows: Mark (who en- tered the service in Lawrence county, Ohio, and was killed in battle), Elizabeth, Andrew and John. Letta Ann Kelso was married to John Gregg, of North Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., the following children being born to their union: Elizabeth, Mark, Edward, Mary, Levi and Esther (twins), Clara, Emma and Ellsworth.

George M. Kelso, son of Mark and Elizabeth (Ewing) Kelso, was born April 6, 1806, in Alle- gheny county, Penn., coming in 1818 to Washing- ton county with his parents. The family settled on the farm now owned by J. R. Kelso, where George M. grew to manhood. On March 28, 1838, the latter was married to Maria Rankin, who was born December 22, 1813, in Mt. Pleasant town- ship. The young people settled on the home farm where their lives were passed. George Kelso and his wife were formerly members of the Union Church, afterward uniting with the United Presby- terian Church at Venice. He died March 27, 1879, his wife beinig laid to rest July 30, 1878. They were the parents of nine children: one who died unnamed; Mary Jane; Lizzie E. (wife of David R. P. Springer); Mark; Abigail Lavina, born in Feb- ruary, 1846 (deceased in March, 1847); Abigail Lavina, born December 21, 1847 (living on the home farm); J. R. (living on the home farm); Will- iam James, born May 5, 1852, and Maggie A., born July 2, 1854. Of these children Lizzie E. was married February 19, 1878, to David Springer, a native and resident of Robinson township, and to this union were born two children, one of whom

945

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

is living, Charley Ross (Mr. Springer died August 29, 1887); Mark Kelso was married on October 19, 1871, to Elizabeth Cornelius Allison, a native of Allegheny county (they have had seven children, three of whom are living: George and Alexander (twins) and Mark; the father was a farmer of Fay- ette township, Allegheny Co , Penn.).

William James Kelso was born on the old place in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, there re- ceiving his early education. On May 10, 1882, he was married to Ella Finley, a native of Allegheny City, daughter of William Finley, who was born in County Derry, Ireland. In about 1855 they came to America and located in Allegheny City, Penn., where they are now living.

After his marriage Mr. Kelso bought and moved npon the William McConnell farm in Cecil town- ship, containing 1033 acres. He has made many improvements, and has erected a good barn. He votes with the Republican party, and in religion Mr. and Mrs. Kelso are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice, this county. They have one daughter, Mary Elsie.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 149

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