Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 156

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 156

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Samuel Campbell was born February 24, 1831, in Florence, Washington Co., Penn. He received a common-school education, and when a young man learned the trade of a cabinet-maker under Robert Stevens, of Frankfort, Penn., where his parents then resided. On March 14, 1855, he was married to Jane Vance, who was born March 14, 1834, near Burgettstown, Penn., a daughter of William P. and Mary (Stephenson ) Vance. Mr. Campbell re- mained at Frankfort one year after his marriage, then moved to a farm in Hanover township, Beaver county, which, in the fall of 1861, he traded for a place near the northwestern boundary of Wash- ington county, where he made a permanent home. On August 25, 1862, he enlisted in Co. H, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., at Beaver, Penn. His first engagement was at Chancellorsville, and he followed the fortunes of his regiment until the second day's battle at Gettysburg. On that mem - orable afternoon, while fighting in the wheat field near the stone wall, he received a wound in the neck, which disabled him from service for sixty days. He returned to the field in September of that year, and was stationed for some time at An- napolis, Md., afterward joining his regiment. On September 10, 1862, he was appointed second lieutenant of his company, and on November 1 was made captain, serving in that capacity until the close of his service. In September, 1864, he was honorably discharged, and returned to his home in Washington county, bearing with him the reputa-

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tion of a fearless soldier and just commander. He then resumed farming, which he followed during his active life, engaging extensively in stock-raising and fine wool-growing. With the assistance of an economical wife, combined with his own industry, Capt. Campbell was as successful in private busi- ness as on the field of battle. In politics he was formerly a Whig, then a Republican, having been an advisor and counselor of the latter party. He died March 8, 1887, and was laid to rest in Frank- fort cemetery. Since his death Mrs. Campbell has been living on the old home farm, to which Mr. Campbell had made several additions. The chil- dren of Samuel and Jane Campbell are William J., S. F., Anna Mary ( Mrs. J. A. Hanlin), Thomas F. and Joseph V., all of whom are living on the home place, which is managed by the sons, Samuel F. and Thomas F.

M ATTHEW H. CROUSE (deceased) was descended from German ancestry. His grandfather was a member of the United States Navy, and was killed on a man-of- war in the war of 1812. His wife, also a German, died of yellow fever about the same time.

Philip J. Crouse was born April 2, 1802, in Phila- delphia, Penn., and became an orphan when not more than ten years of age. He was the only child, and after the death of his parents came to Washington county with his guardian, Robert Rus- sell. His education was obtained in the subscrip- tion schools of the day, and he lived near Florence, Penn., until he became of age. In April, 1826, Philip J. Crouse was married by Rev. McCurdy to Ruth Ann Mayhew, a native of Maryland, who came to Washington county with her parents when but two years of age. The children of Philip and Ruth Ann Crouse were as follows: Rebecca (de- ceased wife of James Blakely, Henry county, Ill.), Elizabeth ( Mrs. Barnett McCracken, of East End, Pittsburgh), Nancy (married to William Burns), Matthew H. (mentioned below), Thamar A. (Mrs. J. A. Bubbett, of Hanover township), Richard M. (corporal of Company H, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., received wounds at Hatcher's Run, Va., which resulted in his death), Margaret G. ( widow of Samuel Mckibben, living in Mckeesport, Penn.) and Mary J. (wife of Mr. D. M. Wylie, Hancock county, W. Va.). After attaining his majority Philip Crouse came into possession of a farm, which his guardian had purchased, but the title proving faulty, lost both farm and the money invested. He then went to Georgetown, Beaver Co., Penn., and was a steamboat pilot on the Ohio river for several years, finally returning to Hanover township, this county, where his remaining days were passed. He died December 12, 1855, and his wife passed away February 8, 1888. They are buried in Flor-

ence cemetery. Mrs. Crouse was a member of the U. P. Church, and in politics Mr. Crouse was a Re- publican.

Matthew H. Crouse, son of Philip and Ruth Ann Crouse, was born January 16, 1833, near George- town, in Beaver county, where he attended the common schools and worked on the farm. After his father's death he and his brother, Richard, pur- chased a place in Hanover township, Washington county, near the northwest corner. The two broth- ers removed with their widowed mother to this place, and being energetic, industrious farmers, prospered. After the death of Richard, Matthew took his share, and by incessant toil succeeded in clearing it of debt. On November 26, 1879, he selected as a life companion Agnes L. Tarr, who was born January 27, 1849, in Hancock county, W. Va. She was a daughter of Jackson and Mary Ann (Crawford) Tarr, and grandchild of Peter Tarr, a native of Germany. To the union of Mat- thew Henderson and Agnes L. (Tarr) Crouse the following children were born: Anna Mary, born December 6, 1880; Edith, born December 25, 1882; and Lila M., born August 25, 1885, all of whom are living. Mr. Crouse continued to reside on the farm which had been in his possession since the death of his brother. He died February 10, 1888, having been preceded by his widowed mother February 8, 1888. Both were buried on the same day. Mr. Crouse was a very successful business man, and left his family an excellent farm of 210 acres, upon which a fine house and other improve- ments were erected. In politics he was a Demo- crat up to the war, when he joined the Republican forces. He was a member of the U. P. Church at King's Creek, with which his widow is identified. Since his death his widow and children have resided on the home farm, which Mrs. Crouse manages.

J HOMAS D. McCARTY, a leading business man of Midway, this county, was born May 3, 1858, in Mount Pleasant township. The earliest pioneer of the family name in this county was one John McCarty, who settled in Robinson township and reared a family of chil- dren, of whom Timothy was married to a daughter of Thomas McConnell.

John McCarty (a son of Timothy McCarty ) was born, reared and educated in Mount Pleasant township, this county. He attended school in a rude log cabin equipped with all the usual primi- tive furnishings of the period, the greased paper which served as window-panes being but a poor medium for the transmission of light. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Jane Roseberry, who was born September 5, 1810, daughter of Benjamin Roseberry, of Robinson .

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township. The following children were born to their union: Martha ( wife of Russell Thompson, and mother of three sons and five daughters); Timothy (deceased, a young physician who grad- uated at the Philadelphia Medical College; he was married to Tillie George, who bore him one daugh- ter, Cora M.); Benjamin R. (living in Mount Pleasant township ); James H. (deceased, physician of Jefferson, Harrison Co., Ohio, and graduate of Philadelphia Medical College ); John S. (living in Midway, this county ); Richard C. (drowned July 4, 1851); Elizabeth M., and Thomas D. (whose name opens this biography ). Mr. McCarty was an active member of the Democratic party, and in religious connection was a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church from early youth, contributing liberally to its support and serving many years as elder. He always followed farming and stock- raising. He died January 19, 1886, and was laid to rest in the Raccoon cemetery by the side of his wife, who had preceded him to the grave April 11, 1874.

Thomas D. McCarty lived on the home farm during his boyhood, and attended the common schools. He then entered the academy at Mc- Donald, Penn., remaining there some time, after- ward spending some years at the Western Penn- sylvania University. In February, 1883, he opened a general hardware store at Midway, Penn., which he now manages, and in 1888 purchased a half interest in his brother's (John S.) lumber yard. In 1891 he bought an undertaking business of James Meloney, and conducts these various enter- prises with energetic vim and eminent success. On January 3, 1890, he was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Stark, natives of Scotland. One daughter and a son, Elvie L. and John T., have blessed their union. Politically, Mr. McCarty is an energetic Democrat, and takes an active interest in all pro- gressive movements.

D ANIEL DUNCAN. Among the prosperous and influential citizens of Smith township, none is more prominently identified with the best interests of the community than this gentleman, who is a grandson of Alexander Duncan.

John Duncan, father of subject, was born about the year 1768, in Lancaster county, Penn., where he was married, and in 1780 he came to Washing- ton county, locating in Smith township, about one mile and a half north of Burgettstown. At that time it was a wild tract of land, covered with heavy woods, inhabited only by Indians and wild beasts. Here the young couple made their home, and began to clear away the surrounding forest. A brother, Daniel Duncan, who came West with him, was

killed by lightning. To this marriage of John Duncan, five children were born: Alexander, Da- vid, John, Elisha and Susan, all of whom lived to adult age, and Susan, who was born June 30, 1800, died at Florence in 1890, having lived to see her great-great-grandchild. Mrs. John Duncan died soon after the birth of her youngest child, and Mr. Duncan then married Nancy Morrison, of Wash- ington county, who bore him children as follows: James, Elizabeth, Jane, and a son deceased in in- fancy (twins), Joseph, Daniel ( whose name opens this sketch), and Norris. Of this family Daniel is the only one yet living. The mother passed away, and John Duncan for his third spouse married Mrs. Emery, who died in 1852. He was extensively engaged in the stock business during his later years, being one of the first to bring fine-bred cattle into that part of Washington county. He was very successful in business, accumulating a considera- ble property; in political opinions he was an en- thusiastic Whig.

Daniel Duncan was born May 12, 1815, on the home farm where he is yet living, and where his father first located after coming to Washington county. Our subject received a limited education in the primitive old log schoolhouse of the day, and on September 20, 1851, he was married to Rachel Van Eman, who was born in 1825, a daughter of Garrett Van Eman, a native of Smith township. To this union children were born as follows: Ella (at home), Logan V. and O. C. (twins), the former a farmer living on a part of the home place, the latter living at home, and Norris, who died in infancy. This wife died in 1855, and was buried at Florence, this county. On June 18, 1860, Daniel Duncan was married to Margaret, daughter of John Horner, of Hanover township, this county. The home farm of 215 acres, upon which Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are residing, has been in the possession of the family over one hundred years, and is now in an excellent state of cultivation, all the improvements having been made by him. He has been extensively en- gaged in the breeding of fine stock. In politics Mr. Duncan was originally a Whig, and since the organization of the party has been a Republican. He has held several township offices. Both he and his wife are consistent members of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown.

W C. BALDWIN, long and favorably known as a thorough-going wide-awake business man, was born January 12, 1858, in the village of Amity, Amwell town- ship, Washington county. In 1860 his father, Rev. John Sealey Baldwin, removed to Brookville, Penn., where he was pastor of the M. P. Church. In 1862 he returned to his native county, and was stationed at Washington at the time of his death

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which occurred March 16, 1863. His wife, Jane E., who was a daughter of William Iams, of Am- ity, died February 22, 1878. The family consisted of two sons and one daughter: Samuel F., born July 8, 1860, died December 8, 1862; Florella E., born July 8, 1854, married to W. L. Milne, of Washington, Penn., and William C., who was about four years old when he lost his father.

Our subject attended public school until ten years of age, and then entered the dry-goods store of William Smith, where he remained several years. In 1873 he went to Bellaire, Ohio, where he clerked in the dry-goods store of George R. Taylor, remaining there until 1875, in which year he returned to Washington and opened a confec- tionery store in the room now occupied by R. W. Hallam. In 1876 Mr. Baldwin sold out to John Brown, and entered the employ of W. S. Kam- merer, who was then in the dry-goods business in the Montgomery building. In 1879 Mr. Kam- merer, being in poor health, closed out his store. Mr. Baldwin, then twenty years of age, had spent ten years in stores, and had made up his mind to continue in it. He formed a partnership with Frank H. Judson in the furnishing goods business. In 1882 our subject bought out Mr. Judson, he wishing to engage in the printing business, this being his trade. Mr. Baldwin continued in busi- ness until 1890, when he sold out to E. G. Cundall & Sons; at the time he sold he was doing the larg- est business in his line in the city. Our subject was also one of the founders of the Ethanmont stock farm.

In 1889 he, with others, organized the Willow Grove Oil Co., operating in Washington and Greene counties, Penn. On January 1, 1893, the New York Life Insurance Company appointed Mr. Baldwin general agent of southwestern Pennsyl- vania.

In 1879 Mr. Baldwin married Miss Josie E. McCormick, daughter of William and Sarah McCor- mick, of Clarksburg, W. Va. Mr. Baldwin's office is in the Donnan Law building; his residence is on College street.

SAAC P. COWDEN was born in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, in 1798, a son of John and Ann (Sloan ) Cowden. He was reared on the farm, and received such education as was obtainable in the schools of the period. In 1823 he married Esther Nelson, who was born in 1799 on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where their son John is yet residing. She was a daugh- ter of James and Ann (Duncan) Nelson, and granddaughter of John and Margaret (Gilliland) Nelson.

John and Margaret Nelson were both natives of Ireland, where they were married shortly before

emigrating to America. After reaching this coun- try they took up their abode in York county, Penn., where they resided for a number of years, then moved to Washington county, at that time a wil- derness. To reach their destination, they had to move their household belongings on packhorses, the children being carried in creels (great wicker baskets), slung one on each side of a horse. In this way they accomplished the wearisome journey over the mountains, sometimes receiving the hospi- tality of a pioneer, whose lonely cabin they dis- covered, sometimes camping by the wayside when night overtook them, but always with stout hearts pushing on, until their destination was reached in safety, and they found their new home in the wilderness. Only one clearing marked the west- ern march of civilization, but undaunted by the dreary outlook they went to work. Fortune smiled upon them, and soon they were able to provide themselves with not only the bare necessaries of life, but also with a comfortable, well-furnished house. They were industrious, and therefore pros- perous, contented and happy. Nine children grew up around the family hearthstone, viz .: Esther, William, John, Margaret, Archibald, Nancy, Ann, James and Samuel. Of the privations endured by these pioneers, we need mention only a few. Salt was an article much needed and very difficult to obtain. To procure a supply it was necessary to make a trip over the mountains and transport it on packhorses. At first neighbors were few, living long distances apart. To attend church they had to go to Canonsburg. Schools were decidedly primitive affairs. Amid such surroundings James Nelson grew to manhood, and was then married to Ann Duncan, a member of an Irish family of pio- neers who had eight children : John, Samuel, Mary, Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan, Isabelle and Ann. After his marriage to Ann Duncan, James Nelson removed to Beaver county, Penn., and re- mained on a farm in that county until his death. His children by the first marriage were John, Mar- garet, Isabelle and Esther. This wife died and Mr. Nelson then married Delilah Ralston, who bore him two children-James and Ann. After her mother's death, Esther, then a small child, lived with her grandparents, by whom she was reared and educated, remaining with them until her mar- riage with Isaac Cowden.

Isaac P. and P. Esther (Nelson) Cowden had the following children : Lillie Ann (widow of Robert Thompson, now living in California ), John ( who married Louisa Scott, now residing on the old Nelson homestead in Mt. Pleasant township), James (married to Violet Glass, residing in south- ern Kansas), Martha and Margaret (to whom we are indebted for this sketch), who are unmarried, and reside together in West Middletown, Penn. Isaac P. Cowden was a successful farmer and stock raiser,

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and resided in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, all his life. He was never actively engaged in political affairs, finding in domestic life and agri- cultural pursuits a more congenial atmosphere. In religion he was a member of the United Presby- terian Church, like his wife and daughters. His death occurred in May, 1865, his widow mourning liis loss until 1877, when she, too, answered the last call.

W ILLIAM DEVORE is descended from a gallant Holland pioneer, by name An- drew Devore, who was born in 1736, and was one of the Hessian soldiers captured at Trenton by Gen. Washington, and though but a boy in years, the lad was roused with indignation against the tyranny of the Hessian prince, who had sold his countrymen to serve the English. When an opportunity was offered for him to return to the

British army, he flatly refused, and enlisted with the colonial cause. In the summer of 1782 he lo- cated on a farm in Nottingham township, Washing- ton county, Penn., part of which is yet owned by his descendants. Here, amidst the scenes of pioneer life, his children were born as follows: Adam, Henry, William, Samuel, James, Andrew (de- ceased in infancy ), Polly and Betsey, none of whom are now living. Mr. Devore became a wealthy farmer, and his industry was evinced by the crooked finger on the hand thus maimed through hard work. He gave 133 acres of land to each of his children, and died on the old placc. Politically, he was a member of the Democratic party.

Willian Devore, the third son of Andrew, was born and reared on the homestead in Nottingham township, this county, and attended the log school- house of the period. He learned the shoemaker's trade, and followed that vocation in connection with farming all his life. In 1821 he was united in marriage with Mary Martin, a native of New Jersey, and she bore him children as follows: Lydia, Andrew (living in North Strabane town- ship), David (a resident of Monongahela City), Phoebe ( wife of James Kelsey, Washington, Penn. ), Jackson (a resident of Iowa), Mary (a resident of Missouri), Sarah ( Mrs. Fox, of Butler county, Penn.), William and Margaret. The mother was a member of the Methodist, the father of the Bap- tist Church. He voted with the Democratic party.

William Devore, son of William and Mary ( Mar- tin) Devore, was born January 19, 1836, in Fal- lowfield township, Washington county, Penn., on Maple creek. When about five years of age he carne to the home place in Nottingham township, this county, where his youth was passed. On March 6, 1862, he married Sarah Ann, daughter of James Fox, and they continued to reside on the home farm until 1867, in the spring of which year

he bought a small farm in Fallowfield township, to which they removed in the autumn. They resided there several years and then bought 1352 acres in Carroll township, where they are yet living. He worked six months at $8.00 per month, and from that pittance saved $42.00. He was afterward employed at $9.00 per month, then cropped on shares, afterward worked at 50 cents per day for eleven months, saving from these wages $270. He and his brother then worked four months to perfect a sawmill, and on the first investment cleared $106, on the next $200, and then $1,850. In 1873 he owed $5,000, which has been paid with 10 per cent. interest. He is now engaged in farm- ing and stock-raising, and owns some property in Monongahela City. Politically he is a Democrat. The children of this family are Mary Elizabeth, wife of S. Worman; James, interested in the saw- mills at Monongahela City; Arabella and Henry C., living with their parents.

R OBERT S. MCCULLOUGH. In propor- tion to its population, Hanover township can justly claim as large a number of pio- neer families whose names have been indissolubly woven with the history of Pennsylvania, as any township in the noble Key- stone State. Among the many who have assisted in the development of Hanover township is the gentleman whose name introduces this biography.

John McCullough ( familiarly known as " 'Squire Mc") was born in 1807, near Hookstown, Beaver Co., Penn. He passed his boyhood in attending the ordinary subscription schools, then learned the carpenter's trade, and in early manhood he began to follow that business in Florence, Washington county. He was there married to Lydia Jackson, who was born in 1807, in Hanover township, this county. She bore him four children, viz .: Rebecca (wife of Alexander McConnell), Agnes ( Mrs. Levi Culley, of Florence), Elizabeth ( married to Silas Dorman, of Burgettstown, Penn. ) and John E. (of Florence, Penn.). The mother of this family was laid to rest July 6, 1842, in Florence, Penn., and Mr. Mccullough afterward married Mrs. Deborah (Jackson) Smith, a widow lady, and two children blessed their union, viz .: Robert S., of whom a sketch follows, and Margaret E., deceased wife of Robert Scott, a merchant of Florence, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. McCullough resided in Florence, where he followed his trade for many years. He finally bought a farm, which his son managed, the father continuing to reside in town. John McCullough was possessed of a very sympathetic nature, and was a warm friend of the colored race, having been a sturdy Abolitionist; in politics he was an enthu- siastic advocate of the principles embodied in the Democratic platform. He served as justice of the

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peace in Hanover township for thirty-two years, giving perfect satisfaction. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was trustee. He died June 4, 1875, mourned by many warm friends. His widow is yet living with her son Robert S., and her step is as firm, her movements as swift as those of many a woman of sixty years, though she has passed hier four score years and six.

Robert S. Mccullough, son of John and Deborah Mccullough, was born February 14, 1844, in Flor- ence, Penn., and received a common-school educa- tion. He was an active, energetic youth, and passed his early manhood in various pursuits. On February 27, 1868, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie Shields, who was born in 1842 in Han- over township. The young couple first located in Florence, Penn., and in 1874 moved to the farm in Hanover township, which he now occupies. He purchased it on time, and by excellent manage- inent combined with industry soon freed his home from debt. He believes in looking at the bright side of life; therefore, while many others were wasting time grumbling about "hard times," he was persevering in the duties of each day, until he is now recognized as one of the most systematic and successful farmers of Hanover township. Mr. Mccullough deals extensively in stock and wool, and is specially interested in the wool-grow- ing industry. Politically he has always supported the Democratic party; his wife is a member of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCul- lough has never sought political preference, choosing rather to devote his time and attention to his varied business interests, in which he has been eminently successful. His career in life furnishes a striking example of what may be accomplished by energy and enterprise. Starting at the foot of the ladder, with a capital consisting of naught but pluck and energy, he has pushed himself forward through his own efforts, unaided save by the wise counsels of a faithful wife.

P HILIP CURRY is a son of Jesse Curry, . whose father, Andrew, was a native of Vir- ginia, a soldier in the war of 1812, and died in 1868.

Jesse Curry was born in 1817, in the Shenandoah Valley, Va., coming in 1827 with his parents to Pennsylvania. In 1843 he was married to Rebecca Axtell, who was born in 1807, in Frank- lin township, Washington Co., Penn., a daughter of Philip Axtell. Mr. Axtell was born in 1778 in New Jersey, and at the age of eighteen years came to Pennsylvania, following farming all his life. He served several terms as justice of the peace, and died in 1875. To the union of Jesse and Rebecca (Axtell) Curry three sons have been

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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 156

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