Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 153

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 153

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March 13, 1834), John G., Salome and Isabella, all of whom are deceased save Elizabeth.

The Misses Mary Ann Grable and Elizabeth Farquhar have continued, since the death of their parents, to reside together on the old homestead. They have an abundance of this world's goods left to them by the industry and prudence of their parents, and are now only waiting the summons which will unite them on the other shore, in an un- broken family circle, never to part.

A LEXANDER TOTTEN is a native and prom- inent citizen of Washington county, Peun., but in his veins flows the warm blood of Spanish ancestors. William Totten passed the early portion of his life near Red river, Penn., and afterward came to Hillsborough, Wash- ington county. He was a tanner, and also worked at various other employments. When a young man he was united in marriage with Nellie Hamil- ton, who bore him five children, all of whom are deceased. The father passed away in his ninety- fifth year, and his widow lived to celebrate her one hundred and fourteenth birthday.

James Totten, the eldest son of William and Nellie Totten, was born about the year 1761 on the place in Washington county, Penn. He learned the blacksmith's trade, continuing in that business for twenty years, then settled on a farm. In per- sonal appearance he was large, portly, and good- looking. He must have been a worthy represent- ative of the gallant Spanish señors who never brook an insult, for at the age of eighty years he conquered the bully of Washington county, who had dared to call him a liar. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Margaret Fister, a resident of Upper Ten Mile creek. They were the parents of nine children, viz .: Sarah, Ellen, Hannah (deceased), George, Alexander, Henry, Marian (deceased), Almira (deceased) and Lavina.

Alexander Totten was born September 18, 1826, near Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn. His vouth was passed on the home place, and he then learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed for three years. He afterward worked for almost forty years at carpentry, and since 1848 has given his time to contracting. On August 12, 1846, he was married to Elizabeth Richey, of Washington county, Penn., and they had three children: Sarah, Mary, and an infant. The mother died in 1853, and on March 16, 1858, Alexander Totten married, for his second wife, Mary Dick, a native of Alle- gheny, Penn. The children born to this marriage were: Alexander and Annie. This wife died in 1863. and on April 14, 1864, he married Margaret Murphy, whose children were Maggie, James, Etta and an infant son, who was buried beside his mother in 1876. After the death of this wife Mr.

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Totten married, September 21, 1883, Samantha Figley, of Washington county, who has borne him five children, namely: Lillie, Robert, Katie, and Amelia and Adelia (twins). Mr. Totten has leased one hundred and twenty-eight acres of the home place; he owns a farm in Allegheny county, Penn. He votes with the Democratic party, and in Church relations was connected with the Baptist Society during his residence in Somerset township.

HOMAS HUDSON WILLIAMS (deceased) was born August 8, 1834, in Carroll town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., a son of James and Nancy (Manown) Williams. James Williams, whose father came from Ireland in an early day, was also a native of Washington county, born July 4, 1801, was educated at the subscription schools and reared to the occupation of a farmer. He married Nancy, daughter of William Manown, of Allegheny county, Penn., and the children born to them were as follows: William, Margaret (Mrs. A. C. Sampson), John, Thomas H., Sarah (Mrs. Aaron Browdy), Robert, Leomon, David and Frank. In 1828 Mr. Will- iams settled on the home place in Carroll township, and here died October 4, 1869, his widow follow- ing him to the grave June 12, 1892. In addition to plain farming he was a prominent stock raiser and dealer. He was a director of the Mononga- hela cemetery. Politically he was originally a Whig, and on the formation of the party became a Republican; in matters pertaining to religion he was a member and zealous supporter of the M. E. Church.

Thomas H. Williams, the subject of these lines, was educated at a private school in Monongahela, and at the age of sixteen entered Duff's Business College in Pittsburgh. On leaving this, in 1852, he set sail from New York for California, via Cape Horn, the voyage consuming six weeks. On his arrival at the "New Eldorado" he at once com- menced to work in the mines, at which he contin- ued two years; then was engaged in banking at Maripoza, with Sullivan & Cashman, with whom he remained until 1858, when he returned home by the same route he went. We next find Mr. Williams at Pittsburgh, where he was engaged in the wholesale grocery business for two years; from there he went to Oil City, where for fifteen years he was engaged in general merchandising and oil producing. In 1875 he returned to Monongahela, and purchased the home farm, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying June 11, 1891. On September 21, 1859, he was united in marriage with M. Frances, daughter of Aaron Browdy, of Allegheny, and four children were born to them, viz .: Harry, Mattie, Bertha (deceased), and Frances (living). Mr. Williams was a Republican, and at

one time served as mayor of Monongahela; in church connection he was a prominent and influ- ential Presbyterian. In all educational matters he took special interest, and was instrumental in hav- ing the present public-school building erected; being at the time secretary of the school board and president of the building committee. He was kind-hearted and generous to a fault, and was recognized by all as a public-spirited, upright citizen. His widow is a resident of Monongahela.

OSEPH HARRISON. Washington county is unusually favored with citizens who have ever been as deeply interested in her progress as in their own, and who have taken an active part in the promotion of all public enter- prises. Among this class of early settlers Har- rison is a familiar and honored name, the early representatives of the family, at present under con- sideration, having emigrated from England to Maryland many years ago.

James Harrison remained there, and in early manhood he was united in marriage with Eliza- beth Hudgel, a native of Berkeley county, W. Va., who bore him the following children: William, James, George W., Joseph (all born in Virginia), and Eliza, Mrs. Harriet Van Gilder (living in Centreville, Washington county) and Maria (de- ceased), all three born in East Bethlehem town- ship, Washington Co., Penn. Of this family Jo- seph and Harriet are the only ones yet living. In 1817 the family came to Washington county, Penn., where the father settled on a farm near West Brownsville. He died in 1825, followed by his widow in 1861. In politics he was an active mem- ber of the Whig party. Of their family, William pur- chased a farm in Iowa, near Oskaloosa, in 1868, and died in July, 1868, leaving his family in good cir- cumstances. James settled on a farm in Har- rison county, W. Va., and died in 1892. George W. settled on a farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington county, and died in 1890.

Joseph Harrison passed his youth in Washing- ton county, and at the age of eighteen years began to work for himself. After ten years' hard labor he and a brother invested in a farm near Logans- port, Cass Co., Ind., but his health failing, Joseph induced his brother to sell the property. After disposing of the place they returned to Washing- ton county and bought a farm located on the Na- tional pike, near Brownsville. In 1867 he was united in marriage with Orella Tower, daughter of G. H. Tower, a native of Massachusetts, who graduated from Brown University in 1776. studied law, went to Warren, Ohio, and won a wide repu- tation in his chosen work. Mr. and Mrs. Harrison are the parents of two children: Joseph Tower, and Mary Orella, who is now attending the Pitts-

Joseph Harrison

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

burgh Female College. In a few years after their return to Washington county, Mr. Harrison bought his brother's interest in the farm, which contains 155 acres of valuable land, on which stands an imposing brick mansion erected in 1878, the most elegant structure to be seen for many miles. Mr. Harrison has been a very successful man, and his present prosperity has been due to his own indi- vidual effort, for he never received financial aid from any source. In politics he has always been a Whig and Republican, and of late years has been also a Prohibitionist. It has been seventy years since he has tasted whisky, and in looking over his past life he attributes his success in a great meas- ure to his temperate habits.

E LIZABETH M. BOON is a lady whose an- cestors were among the earliest and most prominent pioneers of the county. Gal- braith Stewart, the maternal grandfather of Miss Boon, was practically the founder of the pros- perous town of West Middletown. The warm blood of Irish patriots coursed through the veins of this pioneer, a worthy representative of his race. Galbraith Stewart was born in America, and early evinced the economical and industrious traits of his people. He learned the blacksmith's trade, and in early manhood was united in marriage with Elizabeth Scott (a native of Scotland), who with two other children was left an orphan at an early age. She was afterward brought to Pennsylvania by an uncle, and there grew to womanhood. Mr. Stewart secured a large tract of land, lying north of the present site of West Middletown, and after his marriage erected a shop and the first cabin of what afterward became West Middletown. It was situated on the north side of the road, which was much traveled by emigrants for Ohio county, Va., this being for some time the only building in the neighborhood. Plenty of custom came to the pioneer smithy, and when her household duties were done Mrs. Stewart would work the bellows, while her husband mended a chain or forged a bolt for the broken wagon of some traveler.

As time passed on the place became a stopping point for westward bound emigrants, and Mr. Stew- art erected a more commodious building for the accommodation of travelers. The fire in the blacksmith shop died out as the labors of the tav- ern-keeper and his wife increased. Prosperity came to them, Mr. Stewart erected several other buildings, and the nucleus of West Middletown was formed. In after years "Grandma Stewart " often declared to the children about her that the happiest days of her life were passed in the little one-room cabin by the roadside. For in following the path of duty which lay before them, they found that priceless pearl for which

many a wealthy pleasure-seeker has sought in vain-contentment. One by one little children came to bless their home, until eleven were gath- ered at their fireside, and only once did the angel of death hover over this happy pioneer family. Ten of the children lived to an adult age; seven of them were daughters: Eleanor (married to Thomas Boon), Mary (wife of Thomas McCall), Eliza (wife of Dr. David Adams), Margaret (married to James McFadden), Rebecca (Mrs. David McKennen), Harriet (wife of George Pentecost) and Clarissa (unmarried). The sons were William (married to Mary Cummins), Benjamin (married to Elizabeth Acheson) and Galbraith (married to Phobe Mc- Keever). Of these, Clarissa is the only one still living; she is residing in the State of Ohio.

Eleanor Stewart (mother of the subject of this sketch) was married to Thomas Boon, who came from the eastern part of Pennsylvania and was a grandnephew of the famous pioneer, Daniel Boone, to whose descendants our subject is said to bear a strong resemblance. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Boon removed to Wellsburg, W. Va., and en- gaged in the New Orleans trade, making frequent trips and prospering. While on one of his trips in the year 1822, he was stricken with yellow fever and died in a short time. His widow, with her four children: Elizabeth M., Thomas, Stewart and William, returned to West Middletown, where she resided until her death, which occurred April 10, 1874. She never married again, but mourned for the companion of her youth until called to meet him. Her constant companion was her only daugh- ter, who remained with her. Her solace and com- fort was her deep-seated faith in the teachings of Christ. She was a member of the United Pres- byterian Church.

Thomas Boon (the eldest brother of Elizabeth M.) learned the tanner's trade, and removed to Ohio, where he married a Miss Criss. He now re- sides in Wayne county, Ohio. Stewart married Mary McKennen, of Reading, Penn. William married Miss Johnson, of Wayne county, Ohio.

D R. W. B. DONALDSON. Among the prom- ising young physicians of Washington county none are better or more favorably known than Dr. Donaldson. He was born March 15, 1865, in Mount Pleasant township, this county, where his family are yet residing. He at- tended the common schools, then entered the East- man Business College, graduating in 1885. After his graduation he worked as a book-keeper for a time, finally entering the office of Drs. McElroy & McCarrell, of Hickory, where he studied medicine for some time. He afterward entered the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, graduating in 1889, then began to practice his profession in Pittsburgh.

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One year later he came to Midway, this county, associating himself with Dr. Patterson, whose in- terests he purchased in 1891. In 1892 Dr. Don- aldson was appointed physician of the Pennsyl- vania Railroad, west of Pittsburgh. On Septem- ber 11, 1888, he was united in marriage with Jen- nie F. Jackson, a resident of Mount Pleasant town- ship, to whom two children have been born, Braden Maxwell (deceased) and Mary Lucile. Politically, Dr. Donaldson is a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.

W' ILLIAM LEONARD was born December 9, 1824, in Greene county, Penn., and his father, Lot Leonard, was also a native of the same county. His grandfather, Lot Leonard, was born in New Jersey, and in early life came to Greene county, Penn., where lie was married to a Miss Hoge, who bore him chil- dren as follows: William, John, Lot, Isaac, George, Elizabeth, Mary, Sarah and Leah. Mr. Leonard was a soldier in the war of the Revolution, and a Federalist in politics. He preached Presbyterian- ism, Methodism and Quakerism, but finally became a Freethinker, and preached his own new doctrine until he died, at the age of ninety-two years.

Lot Leonard (2) was born in Greene county, Penn., in the year 1796, and remained on the home farm during his lifetime. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John Mosher, a resident of Washington county, and they had seven children, namely: Merritt, Jonathan, Me- linda (Mrs. John S. Bayard), William, Levi, Lot

and Aaron. Mr. Leonard was a successful farmer, and in political life was formerly a Whig, but, after the organization of the party, became a Re- publican. He was a warm friend of progressive education, and was school director of his district many years. He died in Greene county, Penn., in the year 1865, having been preceded to the grave by his wife in 1850.

William Leonard was born and educated in Greene county, Penn., the schools of the neigh- borhood then affording but meager advantages. In early youth he was cast on his own resources, and began life for himself. On September 28, 1848, he married Miss Cynthia Dickerson, daugh- ter of William Dickerson, a prominent resident of Washington county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Leonard settled on a farm in Greene county, where they remained five years, removing thence to their present home, upon which they have made many improvements, having erected a large brick residence, and a comfortable and com- modious stock and grain barn. The following children have been born to this estimable couple : Elizabeth M. (deceased), William C., Wilson (de- ceased), Martha M. and Cynthia C. Mr. Leonard

was originally a Whig, and, since the organization of the party, has been a Republican. He has always been interested in all matters of impor- tance to the township, and has been school director for many years.

HRISTOPHER SHELLER, a leading rep- resentative of the Sheller family, was born July 16, 1819, in Donegal township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., where he has since re- sided. He is a son of Samuel Sheller, and grand- son of William, who was born, reared and married in Germany. The children of William were Will- iam, Henry, John, Samuel, Mary (Mrs. Jacob Ruple), Catherine (Mrs. Benjamin Stephenson), Mrs. Beckly and Mrs. McKee. The family emi- grated to America in an early day, and became the first pioneer settlers of Donegal township. In- dians were numerous in those days, and the men attended church with guns upon their shoulders, ready for instant use. Mr. Sheller was a Federal- ist, and he was one of the founders of the United Brethren Church, of which he was a member.

Samuel Sheller was born in Donegal township, Washington county, and received an education in the German language. He was married to Eliza- beth, daughter of Christopher Winter, and the following children were born to them: Daniel, Elizabeth, Christopher (our subject), Catherine (Mrs. John J. Clemens), Mary, Susanna (wife of Alexander Noble), and Lucinda (Mrs. Alexander Blair). Mr. Sheller always lived on the home farm. He was connected with the United Brethren Church. In politics he was a member of the Old- line Whig party. He died January 1, 1838, his wife in 1860.

Christopher Sheller passed his youth on the home farm, and received a common-school educa- tion. He then learned the carpenter's trade of Isaac Winter, in West Alexander, serving three years as an apprentice, and three years as foreman. He then began life for himself, following his trade till 1872, when he retired from business. On October 7, 1852, he was united in marriage with Frances Jane, daughter of Philip Crow, of Donegal town- ship, and the children born to their union were as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Barnet Chaney, de- ceased), Emma (Mrs. T. G. Peacock), Zillah and Adda (twins, deceased), and Fannie (deceased). On August 13, 1862, the mother of this family died, and October 27, 1863, Mr. Sheller married Nancy, daughter of Kenneth McCoy, whose father, Daniel McCoy, was of Scotch birth, and came with his parents to America, where he was married to Nancy McCoy, who bore him the following children: John, Alexander, William, Christina, Kenneth, Angus, Elizabeth, Joseph, James and Jane. In politics Mr. McCoy was a Republican.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

[Kenneth McCoy passed his entire life in West Finley township, Washington, Co., Penn., and was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of James Brownlee, a pioneer settler of the county. Their children were Jane, Joseph, Nancy, Elizabeth (Mrs. Joseph Whitham), Mary (Mrs. Robert Me- haffey) and John. Mr. McCoy was a Whig, and . a strong advocate of the anti-slavery doctrine. He was a member of the United Presbyterian Church, and died in 1872, having been preceded by his wife in 1868.]

Mr. Sheller has become a successful man by his own exertions, and in politics was originally a Whig. Upon the formation of the party he be- came a Republican, and is now one of the leading Prohibitionists of his locality. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

S AMUEL C. SWABE. Among the prosper- ous agriculturists and well-known citizens of Fallowfield township, this gentleman oc- cupies a prominent position. His father, Samuel Swabe, was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., having been born in that locality in 1821. He passed his youth near the home place, and in 1841 was united in marriage with Eliza- beth Colflesher, also a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., whose parents were of Holland birth. To this marriage were born three children, namely: Catherine, born in 1842; Lavina (de- ceased in 1889), born in 1845, and Samuel C. In 1847 the mother died. In 1850 Mr. Swabe was married to his second wife, Miss Maria Bort- ner, who bore him one daughter, Margaret S., born in 1855. This wife died in 1859, and in 1861 he made a third choice in the person of Mrs. Margaret Coyle, a member of a well-known fam- ily of Washington county. They had two daugh- ters, namely: Dora B., born in 1862, and Ella, born in 1864. The wife and mother was called from earth in 1884. Mr. Swabe was a shoemaker and followed his trade until 1850, when he bought a farm in Fallowfield township, Washington county, to which the family removed in 1851. In 1855 he was elected justice of the peace, serving in that capacity for five years, and filling many other local offices. At his death, in 1888, he owned 265 acres of land, now occupied by his son.

Samuel C. Swabe was born April 6, 1847, on the home farm in Westmoreland county, Penn. He was but four years of agewhen his parents brought him to the farm in Washington county, where. his school days were passed. Since the death of his father he has managed the home place. On Septem- ber 18, 1890, he selected a bride in the person of Ella S., daughter of the late George Allen, a prominent farmer of Washington county, Penn. They have one daughter, Garnet A., born August 23, 1891. Mr. and Mrs. Swabe reside on a farm lying two and

a half miles from Charleroi, and five miles from Monongahela City. He raises a large quantity of excellent stock. In politics he is a Republican, and has served his township in various offices of trust.

R ONEY. The Roney family are among the most prominent of the pioneers of Wash- ington county. The first ancestor of the family name, who came to America, was Hercules Roney, who was born in Ireland, and emigrated to America. His brother James soon followed him, and they settled in Washington county, Penn., where they took up a "tomahawk claim " of about sixteen hundred acres in North Strabane township, and passed the remainder of their lives in clearing and improving their farms.

James Roney, a son of Hercules, was the grand- father of the present generation here. He was born on the home farm, where his entire life was passed. In early life he was married to Jane Mc- Whorter, of Washington county, Penn., and the following children were born to their union: Moses, William, John, James, Jane (Mrs. Mc- Kenry) and Margaret. Mr. Roney was a member and stanch supporter of the Presbyterian Church.

John Roney was born January 25, 1811, on the home farm in North Strabane township, Washing- ton county, and when a young man was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of David George, of Smith township, this county. Soon af- ter his marriage Mr. Roney settled on a farm in West Finley township, where he is still living, a successful farmer and leading citizen. He is a prominent member of the R. P. Church. His children are James, born June 2, 1838, enlisted in Company K, Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was sent to the army of the Potomac, where he was taken prisoner, dying on March 22, 1863, from the effects of exposure; David G., born August 13, 1840, in West Finley township, this county, married, May 1, 1872, Martha J., daughter of Rob- ert Sutherland, and they have three children: E. E., R. R., and J. J. (David G. was a soldier in the Civil war; he is an energetic business man, and a member of the R. P. Church); Nancy, was mar- ried to John Patterson, of Ohio county, W. Va., October 19, 1870, died April 4, 1873; Jane, who lives with her parents; Robert M., who died Janu- ary 8, 1872; Samuel S., who died March 14, 1852; William S., who married Alice, daughter of John Woodburn, of Washington county, is a carpenter, residing at Claysville, Washington county; J. W., who married Mary, daughter of Samuel McNinch, of Washington connty, is a farmer of Donegal township, Washington county; Albert, who went to Ness City, Kans., in April, 1886, died there in July, 1886, of fever; A. J., who married Amelia, daughter of Charles Burig, of Washington county, is a farmer residing on the home farm.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

J. C. RONEY passed his younger days on the home farm in West Finley township, and on Sep- tember 11, 1872, was married to Mary, daughter of Joshua Blake, of Marshall county, W. Va., and she bore him children as follows: Myrtie, Earl, Beulah, Florence and Robert. The mother died April 19, 1881, and for his second wife Mr. Roney was united in marriage September 29, 1885, with Marie, daughter of Mrs. M. J. McBurney, of New Castle, Penn. Mr. Roney first engaged in the mercantile business with Adam Hall, at West Middletown, Penn., where he remained but a short time, and then went to Wellsburg with the same man. . He afterward moved to Bethany, where he remained a few years, and, in 1885, Mr. Roney came to West Alexander, where he has since been engaged with his brother, David G., in the grain business. They also conduct a general store, and are known as reliable business men. Politically Mr. Roney is a prominent member of the Repub- lican party. He is a member of the U. P. Church of which he has been an elder several years.

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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 153

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