Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 159

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 159

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1006

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

M. T., whose name opens this sketch; Robert, who enlisted in 1861, in the Eighty-fifth Regiment, P. V. I., for three years or during the war, and died in 1862 at the White House Hospital, Richmond, Va .; and Sarah Ann, living with her brother, M. T. The father died in February, 1887, having been preceded by the mother in 1867. Both parents were members of the Presbyterian Church at Centre.

M. T. Greer was born January 12, 1835, on the farm in Cecil township which is yet his home, and received his education in the district schools of the neighborhood. The homestead contains 132 acres of good land, which is kept in the highest state of cultivation by the present owner, who also gives considerable attention to raising a fine grade of cattle. He has watched the development of the county, having seen all of the railroads enter it, and Greer's Station is located on his farm. He has taken an active interest in politics, voting with the Democratic party, and has filled various offices of trust in the township. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church &t Centre.

AMES J. HUNTER, a representative farmer of East Finley township, is a son of James Hunter, who was born about the year 1776, of Irish parents in eastern Pennsylvania, and spent his early life in that State. .

On June 21, 1810, he was there married to Elea- nor Garrett, and immediately thereafter they moved to Buffalo township, this county. To this union were born the following named children: Margaret (deceased), born April 12, 1811; Susan (deceased), born October 24, 1814; Elizabeth, born April 13, 1818, now living in East Finley township, this county, the widow of Robert Marshall; James J .; and William, residing in West Finley township. Mrs. Hunter died in 1824, and March 29, 1827, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Sarah Clark, of Buffalo township, this county, and they had two children: John Clark (deceased), born December 24, 1827, and Sarah Ann (deceased), born October 6, 1830. The mother of these children died in 1846, and November 2, 1848, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Jane Welsh, who died in 1888. Mr. Hunter followed farming and distilling until 1839, when he came to East Finley township, set- tling on the farm now owned by his son, James J. Hunter, and which is situated about a mile east of Good Intent, near the western line of East Finley township. He passed the remainder of his life on this farm, and died in the year 1858. He was a member of the U. P. Church at Wheeling, and in politics he was a Whig.

James J. Hunter was born October 26, 1820, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn .; and was in early life inducted into the mysteries of agricult-

ure by his parents. He came with the family to East Finley township, and in 1843 began life for himself by doing farm work for other people, and cropping on his father's place. On October 19, 1845, he was united in marriage with Jane Hutch- isson, who was born in 1825, daughter of Thomas Hutchisson, of East Finley township, and by this union there are three children: Joseph S., born June 24, 1846, now a farmer living in Franklin township, this county; Thomas H., born June 14, 1848, a farmer living in East Finley township, this county; and James C., born June 30, 1852, residing in Brilliant, Jefferson Co., Ohio. Mrs. Hunter died in 1853, and on November 13, 1860, Mr. Hunter was married to Elizabeth Marshall, who was born in 1822, a daughter of Gilbert Marshall, of East Finley township, a hardy pioneer, who lived to be nearly one hundred years of age. James J. and Elizabeth (Marshall) Hunter have had the following children: Mary E., born March 27, 1862, married November 5, 1891, to Alfred Sprowls; Jane A., born September 12, 1863, still living with her par- ents; and Florence M., born July 27, 1865, also at home. After his first marriage (in 1845) Mr. Hunter resided for some time in West Finley town- ship, this county, then came to East Finley town- skip, and in a short time returned to his former hane, but finally, in 1861, moved back to East Finley township where he has since remained. Mr. Hunter, as did his father before him, has made a financial and social success of his life by practicing the valuable virtues of industry, perseverance and thrift. In politics he is a worker in the ranks of the Republican party. In religious connection he. and his wife are members of the United Presby- terian Church at Dog Wood Grove, East Finley township.

OSEPH WILSON. To the energetic, patri- otic, warm-hearted and enthusiastic sons of the Emerald Isle America owes a lasting debt of gratitude. The blood of Erin's sons has ever freely flowed in behalf of American liberties and for the American people. From the days of the Revolution, when Patrick Henry voiced the anguished cry of a maddened nation in burning words of eloquence, to the present time, as gold- crowned Monopoly would crush the toiling millions beneath her feet, laugh to scorn their cries for mercy-through all these years has rung that cry which is echoed in the heart of every true Irishmay -"Give me liberty or give me death;" and many have accepted death, that their adopted and be- loved country might enjoy the blessings of liberty. Of this noble race the family of which we write are worthy representatives. Thomas Wilson was born and reared in County Antrim, Ireland, and in early life made choice of a helpmeet in the person of

J. J. Hunter

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Mary Ellis, whose children were as follows: Joseph, Margaret (wife of William Chapman), Nancy (Mrs. Archie Wilney), Matthew, Thomas, Eliza ( wife of Patrick Rush) and Robert. The father was a member of the Seceder Church. He followed farming, and both parents died in their native land.

Joseph Wilson was born February 28, 1827, in County Antrim, Ireland, and was there married to Nancy Kerr. In 1853 the children of the Wilson family came to America; Joseph came a year ahead of wife and two sons: John and Joseph E., aged two and four years respectively. They had a stormy voyage of nine weeks' duration, but finally landing in Baltimore, Md., proceeded to Washington county, locating in Canonsburg, where Joseph Wilson fol- lowed the boating and coal business until 1862. He then enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., with the army of the Potomac. He was wounded in the foot by a minie ball, at Cold Harbor, and after returning home he engaged in business. In 1871 he opened the grocery which he is now conducting. In politics he is a Republi- can, and served as burgess of Canonsburg one year and assistant burgess several years. He is a mem- ber and liberal supporter of the U. P. Church. Of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Wilson the fol- lowing is a brief record: John, born in County Antrim, Ireland, was reared and educated in Canons- burg, this county; was married to Mary, daughter of William Skyls, and she has borne him eight children. John Wilson is the manager of the Oak Spring cemetery. Joseph E., born in Ireland and reared in Canonsburg, Penn., in early life was mar- ried to Vianna Ferguson; is engaged in the coal business. Thomas is living at home. David fol- lows teaming for a livelihood; in early life he was united in marriage with Mary Jones. Matthew is an enterprising and prosperous grocer of Canons- burg; selected a life companion in the person of Miss Jennie Giffin. George was married to Amanda Gutherie, and they are now residing in the State of Ohio, where he carries on a profitable business. Robert, who married Martha Thompson, is a huck- ster. Mary E. was educated at the common schools of Canonsburg, at the academy, and also attending the normal school at California, this county; she is now teaching in the schools of Canonsburg. The family are members of the U. P. Church, and the sons are all stanch Republicans.

S AMUEL A. LACOCK, M. D., of Canons- burg, is a physician recognized by the pro- fession and the public as a man of eminent ability, skill and enterprise, having hewed his own way to the prominent position he now occupies. He is a representative of one of the oldest families of Washington county, one Samuel

Lacock-whose children were Ira, John R. and Samuel-being the first to settle here. Ira Lacock was born in this county, and in early manhood was married to Annie Bane, who bore him children as follows: William (living in Washington county ), Isaac (a resident of Missouri), Samuel (deceased ), John V. (of whom a sketch follows), Elizabeth (wife of William Mounts) and Ira J. (an attorney of Hiawatha, Kans. ). The father died in January, 1877, at the age of seventy-three years, the mother having preceded him to the grave in 1871, in her seventy-first year.

John V. Lacock was also born in Washington county, where he was educated and grew to man- hood. He selected a life companion in the person of Sarah J., daughter of William and Mary (Coul- son) McClenathan, of Amwell township, this county, who were connected with the Death family, of England. James Death, Sr., emigrated from En- gland about 1680, with his wife Sophia. Their children were Edward, James, William, Charity and George Death. Charity Death married Samuel Coulson. Their children were Mary, William, John, Sarah, James, Rachael, Thomas and Anna. Mary Coulson married William McClenathan. Their children were Isabella, Samuel, William, John, James, Blair, Allen, Thomas, George S., Mary and Sarah Jane. The last named became the wife of John V. Lacock. To the union of John V. and Sarah J. Lacock five sons were born, viz .: George S. (living in Kansas), Samuel A. (whose name opens this sketch ), William R. (living in Amwell township), Ira L. (a resident of Franklin town- ship), and John Marion (deceased in infancy). The father is yet living on a farm in Franklin township, owned by his son, Samuel A. The mother died December 14, 1889, aged sixty-four years.

Dr. Samuel A. Lacock was born December 23, 1849, in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm, attending during the winter months the public schools of the neighborhood. His later education was received at Washington and Jefferson College, and in 1870 he entered Bethany College, W. Va., graduating therefrom in June, 1873. After his studies were finished, he taught school for two years, then read medicine at Washington. In 1875 he took a medi- cal course at Ann Arbor, Mich., and in 1876 entered Jefferson Medical College; Philadelphia, where he graduated in March, 1877. In July of the same year Dr. Lacock commenced the practice of his profession at McConnell's Mill, in Chartiers town- ship, remaining there three years. In April, 1883, he came to Canonsburg, where he has since resided. In early life the Doctor was married to Flora Slusher, who died leaving one child, Hallie M. In 1878 he was united in marriage with Miss Olive Kate, daughter of Hugh C. De France, of Chartiers township, who has borne him two daughters-Elva

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

E. and Ida M .- and one son-Joseph C. Dr. La- cock has a large practice. In politics he is an active worker in the Democratic party, having served his party in many ways. During the nine years he has been a resident of Canonsburg he has taken an active part in extending the borough limits and generally improving the town, and is at present greatly interested in the prosecution of the estab- lishment of water-works, electric light, and sewer- age of the town. He has served one term as city burgess, nearly eight years as school director, and is now a director in the Citizens' Bank.

H ENRY CONRAD, proprietor of the only tin shop in Burgettstown, was born November 5, 1838, in Prussia, and is a son of Charles Conrad, whose father was born and reared in that country, being there married to a Miss Schules. Grandfather Conrad was a merchant and farmer, and both he and his wife died in Prussia.

Charles Conrad was born in 1798, in Prussia. In early manhood he married Catherine Conrad, a member of another family of the same name, and their children were Catharina, Julia, Elizabeth, Caroline, Charles, Henry, Jacob and Daniel. In 1846 he and his family embarked in a sailing ves- sel for America, landing at New York after a heavy storm, which lasted a day and a night, the crew and passengers thinking every moment would be their last. After arriving in New York, the family proceeded westward to Lock No. 17, Tus- cara was Co., Ohio, where Mr. Conrad purchased a farm, on which he remained twenty years. He then moved to Wabash county, Ind., and there passed the remainder of his life. He was an ardent member of the Evangelical Church, and contrib- uted liberally to its support; in politics he was a Democrat. He followed agricultural pursuits.

Henry Conrad, a son of Charles and Catherine Conrad, lived with his parents until sixteen years of age, when he began learning the trade of tin- ner with one John Luchenbough, of Canal Dover, Ohio, serving an apprenticeship of three and a half years. He then followed his trade at Zoar, same State, afterward moving to Pittsburgh, Penn., and few years later to New York, where he remained one year. He then returned to Pittsburgh, and in 1872 opened a tin shop in Burgettstown, this county, where he has since continued. On July 12, 1866, he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Andrew Ulrich, a native of Germany, and two children have been born to their union: George H. and Margaret. In 1876 Mr. Conrad started a small greenhouse, which has increased to his present magnificent collection of beautitul and varied vegetation, including both flowers and vege- tables, which are kept in a large and elegant con-

servatory. Mr. Conrad has made his own way to the upper round of the ladder of success. In poli- tics he is a Republican, and in religion has been a member of the Evangelical Church for years.

George H. Conrad was born June 30, 1867, re- ceived his early education in the schools of Bur- gettstown, and at the age of fourteen years attended the Evangelical School at Pittsburgh, Penn. When sixteen years of age he entered his father's shop, where he has since remained. On January 21, 1892, he married Sadie E., daughter of William Jones, of Midway, Penn. Politically George H. Conrad is a Republican, and in religious faith he is a member of the Evangelical Church.

W V. RIDDILE, M. D., is one of the promi- nent physicians of Burgettstown. His early ancestors were natives of Rox- burghshire, Scotland, one of whom emi- grated to America at an early day, and reared a family of children in this country. John Riddile (the grandfather of W. V.) was born and grew to manhood in America, and married here. He came to Washington county, Penn., in an early day, purchasing a tract of land in Smith township, where he remained until his death. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Candor. In politics he affiliated with the Democratic party, serving several years as justice, in which position he gave satisfaction to all. He was the father of six chil- dren, namely: Abraham, Joseph, John, Catherine, James and Ann.

Samuel Riddile, father of Dr. Riddile, was born on the farm in Smith township, receiving his early education in the log schoolhouse of the period, and remaining at home during his boyhood. In early life he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Joseph Scott, and the young people settled on a farm in Smith township, this county, where the following children were born: John, Mary (wife of Robert McFarland), J. S. (de- ceased), S. P., James (living in California), David (deceased), Robert (deceased), Sarah (Mrs. James Hayes), Catherine (wife of William Proudfit), Abraham (deceased) and W. V. (our subject). Mr. Riddile followed building and farming. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Candor, afterward uniting with the one at Burgettstown.

W. V. Riddile, M. D., was born October 6, 1839, in Smith township, being educated at the common schools and Burgettstown Academy. In 1861 he entered the office of Dr. T. W. Bradley, remaining with him three years, during which time he entered the University of Michigan in 1863, graduating in 1864. He then began to practice at Noblestown, Allegheny county, afterward moving to Candor, living there five years, when he passed one year in

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WASHIINGTON COUNTY.

Pittsburgh, and finally settled in Burgettstown, where he has since resided. He was united in mar- riage with Rosa, daughter of Hon. Finley Patterson, of Cross Creek township, twenty-three years ago. She died in 1875 leaving three children: Thomas (deceased ), Fred C. and Harry B. For his second wife Dr. Riddile was married to Emma, daughter of Charles W. Bingham, by which union there is one daughter, Mamie J. Dr. Riddile has taken an active interest in educational matters, and in poli- tics is a Democrat. He is an elder in the Presby- terian Church.

W ILLIAM C. CONDIT. The pioneer an- cestors of this family date back to 1678, when the name of John Condit was first heard. He located in the town of New- ark, Essex Co., N. J., in 1689, and in 1691 was married to a widow, Mrs. Catherine Barton, a niece of Sir Isaac Newton, whose estate she inherited. Mr. Condit succeeded Sir Isaac as Master and Warden of the English Mint. His wife died May 27, 1737, and on January 20, 1739, Mr. Condit passed away, leaving the estate to his son Peter, whose eldest son, Samuel, inherited it in turn. In 1885 there were 1623 descendants of Samuel Con- dit, first grandson of John, living in the United States. Peter, the fifth grandson of John (the ancestor, who resided in Morristown, N. J.), was the individual to whom the Condit family in An- well township trace their genealogy. Philip Con- dit was born in Newark, N. J., in April, 1709, and passed his life near Morristown, same State, where he died December 3, 1801, aged ninety-two years. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Jabez Condit, son of Philip, was born February 8, 1739, and was married to Phobe Smith, of Morristown, N. J. He passed his life on his father's farm, and the old home is filled with sacred mementoes of these ancestors of the past century. He died November 22, 1804, followed by his wife March 6, 1813. Jonas Condit, son of Jabez and Phoebe (Smith) Condit, was born January 14, 1769, and came to Washington county when about twenty-five years of age. His second wife was Hannah, daughter of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, of Pennsylvania. Mr. Condit was a man of fine physique and strong moral character. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Upper and Lower Ten-Mile, and in 1805 was elected an elder. He and his family assisted very materially with the sacred music, and members of their family have led the choir exclusively since 1843. Mr. Condit was a justice of the peace many years by appointment of the Governor of Pennsylvania.

Daniel Condit, son of Jonas and Hannah Condit, was born December 10, 1813, in Amwell township,

and was educated in the commom schools. On February 2, 1837, he was married to Priscilla Carter, who died October 20, 1874. On Novem- ber 24, 1875, he wedded Amanda Chitter, and she died January 1, 1878. On April 14, 1880, he selected his third wife in the person of Mary John- son. Mr. Condit's children were William C., born October 6, 1839; Mrs. Henry Horan, born October 14, 1842, and Mrs. Ruth A. Brownlee, born April 12, 1850. Mr. Condit was for many years a useful and zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, and was ordained an elder September 12, 1858. He was superintendent of the Sunday-schcol, and leader of the choir for twenty years, the latter position being now occupied by his son. He was very fond of Scripture and historical reading. Politically he was first a Whig and then a Repub- lican, serving as school director and treasurer of the township for many years.

William C. Condit, son of Daniel and Priscilla, was born in Amity, Washington county, and when six months old was brought by his parents to Lindley's Mills, where he remained for two years, when his parents again moved to the place adjoin- ing the one which he now owns and occupies. In 1859 he was married to Mary J. Strouse, grand- daughter of Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, and they have had four children: Silas, born November 8, 1860; Jennie McAfee, born December 31, 1865; Anna McAfee, born July 28, 1871, and Lottie M., born May 31, 1878, died January 28, 1881. Mr. Condit has always been a great reader, and like his father is an earnest student of Scripture and history. He has a fertile farm of 100 acres. In politics he has always been an active worker in the ranks of the Republican party, having held several township offices. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the Ring- gold Cavalry Battalion for three years. On June 6, 1864, he was shot through the right lung, receiv- ivg injuries from which he yet suffers. He and wife have been members of the Presbyterian Church for thirty-four years, while their children have been members for seventeen years.

A RCHIBALD B. DARRAGH. Robert Burns expressed the universal desire of every earnest man and woman, when, in his inimi- table style, he penned the lines now quoted the world around:

Oh, wad some Power the giftie gie us, To see oursels as ithers see us. It wad frae mony a blunder free us, An foolish notion.

Had the Scottish bard written no other word, that verse would have immortalized his name. Ample proof of this is given in the insatiable crav- ing of the world for biographical literature. The best and most satisfactory way to "see oursels

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

as ithers see us," is in the study of the character- istics of humanity as exemplified in our fellow mortals. This favorite study is less wounding to our personal vanity than a rigid self-examination would probably be, and answers the same purpose. Therefore are we interested in the lives of those around us, especially in those who have made a signal success, and, overcoming every obstacle, stand to-day in honored places. John Darragh was born in Ireland, but emigrating to America at an early day became a prosperous farmer. Of his large family, Daniel was the second child in order of birth.

Daniel Darragh was born in 1767, in Ireland, and in 1774 came with his parents and brother, John, to America. They located in Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., on the old home farm yet occupied by their descendants, where Neal and Archibald, the younger brothers, were born. His sisters were Isabella, Margaret, Eliza- beth, Jane and Mary. Daniel passed his youth on the home place, and in 1815 was married to Sarah Sheldon, a native of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn. Three children were born to their union: John C., moved to California in 1849, thence to Nevada, where he died; Mary, wife of Harris Thusbar, died in 1861, at Pontiac, Mich .; and Archibald B., born September 1, 1826. The father always followed farming, serving his township in almost every office. He took the census of Wash- ington county twice, riding on horseback to per- form that duty. He died in 1859, followed by Mrs. Darragh in 1865.

Archibald B. Darragh was born on the old place in Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., there securing his early education. In January, 1851, he selected as a life companion Miss Amy Gamble, who died in 1853. For his second wife he married Sarah A., daughter of Alexander Gault, a representative citizen of Nottingham township. They have had nine chil- dren, four of whom are yet living, viz .: Amy Jane, Daniel C., Alexander W. and Annie E. When the war opened in 1861, the father left his widowed mother, and his wife and children, to fight for the honor of the Stars and Stripes. He enlisted in the First Pennsylvania Cavalry as a private, taking part in the battle of the Wilderness, and the other engagements of the army of the Potomac. He retured home in 1864, having been promoted to the rank of orderly sergeant, and laying aside the sword once more resumed the peaceful life of a farmer, in which he has since been engaged. He owns 192 acres of well-cultivated land, including a large coal mine, which he sold to the Nottingham Coal Co. at $55 per acre. He has been county auditor for three years and served in different capacities. Mr. Darragh now has a deed in his possession which is over 106 years old.

Of the pioneers of this family in America, John moved to Pittsburgh, and was elected the second mayor of the young city; Archibald entered the United States army, and was commissioned cap- tain; Isabella married Daniel Liggett, and lived to be eighty-six years old; Margaret married Dr. Baird, and lived to be eighty-seven years old, and Jane, who married Joseph Scott, and died in her eighty-sixth year. Of the Sheldon family of five sisters and four brothers, Mrs. Charlotte Graff is now living in the eighty-fourth year of her age.

J OHN G. MARTIN was born March 17, 1824, in Wales, and passed his early childhood amid the wild scenes of that picturesque land. His father, William Martin, was born in Scotland, and was married to Margaret Creighton, a highland lassie. The young couple resided in Wales for some time after their marriage, and in 1832 sailed to America, first locating near Allegheny City, Al- legheny Co., Penn., where he followed gardening. About 1860 they moved to Alliance, Ohio, where he died in 1870, followed by his wife in 1874. They were the parents of the following named children: John G .; William, living in Alliance, Ohio; Isabelle, wife of Joseph Kirkpatrick, a miner, of Upper Michigan; Mrs. Marion Porter, living near Alliance, Ohio, and Maggie, widow of John Atwell, of Mount Union, Ohio.

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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 159

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