Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 160

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 160

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John G. Martin came with his parents to Alle- gheny county, Penn., in 1832, and remained there until 1850, when he was married December 20 of that year to Charlotte D. Allen, a native of Wash- ington county, Penn., and daughter of Abiah Allen. The grandparents of Abiah Allen were Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen. Joseph Allen was a native of England, and member of the Quaker Society. He came to America about the year 1770, and in 1774 took out a patent for a large tract of land on the Monongahela river, in Washington county, Penn. Ten years later he secured 354 additional acres, called " Allen's De- light." This farm adjoined his first purchase, and the two tracts contained over 880 acres of land, which he divided among his children in 1799, keep- ing one portion for himself and wife. In this pio- neer home, surrounded by the beasts of the forest and wild Indians, were born the following children : Eli, John, Samuel, William, Joshua, Emma ( Mrs. Thomas Stockdale), Deborah ( Mrs. Wenders ), and Benjamin. The latter son received no land, but was dependent upon the others for his support. The father died at an advanced age in 1839. Joshua, son of Joseph and Deborah (Hill) Allen, was born on the home farm in Allen township, Washington county, and when a young man was Inarried to Elizabeth McCrory. They passed their lives on the old place.

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Abiah Allen, son of Joshua and Elizabeth ( Mc- Crory ) Allen, was born in 1799, in Allen township, Washington county, where he grew to manhood. In 1822 he was married to Mary Hough, who was born in 1799, in Fayette county, Penn., where the wedding ceremony took place. They settled ill Allen township, Washington county, and five children were born to them, namely: Maria Ellen, wife of John White; David B. H., who died in Westmoreland county, Penn., in 1880; Charlotte D. (Mrs. Martin ), Barbara Ann ( widow of Wilson Jackman ), in Galva, Ill., and Alexander Bonaparte, of Cleveland, Ohio. The parents always resided on the home place. In 1847 the father was killed by falling from a tree; his widow died in 1887.

John G. and Charlotte D. ( Allen ) Martin moved to their present home in Allen township, in the spring of 1850. The place contains 120 acres of fertile land where he is engaged in gardening and general agriculture. He is actively interested in politics, voting with the Republican party, and has served for years as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the Disciple Church at Fayette City. Their children have been born as follows: Maggie, wife of George Maxwell, of Allen township; William D .; Mary Belle, wife of Herman McFall, living on the home place, and Eliza Jane, deceased wife of George Maxwell.

W P. VANCE. Among the leading business men of Burgettstown, this enterprising merchant takes a prominent position. His family are numbered with the earliest pioneers of Washington county. Maj. William Vance, born in Scotland in 1718, died in Pennsyl- vania in 1788, and was buried in Cross Creek ceme- tery. Joseph Vance, the son of Maj. Vance, was born about the middle of the eighteenth century in Scotland, but emigrated in early manhood. He first settled in Winchester, Va., and in 1774 came to Pennsylvania. He located in Cross Creek town- ship, Washington county, while the Indians were still numerous, and soon achieved a wide-spread reputation as an Indian fighter, many of the dusky warriors having fallen by his unerring rifle. Few, if any, were more prominently identified with the early settlement of the western portion of Wash- ington county, than was Joseph Vance. He mar- ried and passed the remainder of his life in the wilderness, where his first log cabin was erected. The uncultivated land has now become a fertile farm. He and his wife were called to their rest at an advanced age, leaving their children to finish the work so nobly begun.

Among these children was a son, William, born in the year 1776, and reared in Washington county amid the usual trials and dangers of pioneer life. His education was necessarily limited, as schools

were few, and at best afforded but meager oppor- tunities. He was first married to Rachel Patter- son, a resident of Cross Creek township, who bore him six children. She died, and a few years after- ward he selected a second wife, Hannah Patterson, a member of an old family of Cross Creek town- ship. To this union, also, there were born six chil- dren. Mr. Vance always lived in Cross Creek township, and was one of the representative men of the day. He died in the year 1856. He was a Whig in politics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. Vance's Fort was located on the home tract, having been used as a church, the first sermon preached in the vicinity being given in that building.

Allison Vance, son of William Vance, was born in 1808, on the home farm, and was educated in the neighboring schools. He was married to Mar- garet, daughter of John Campbell, of Smith town- ship, this county, and settled on a farm adjoining the old place, where the following named children were born and reared: John (deceased), W. P. (subject of this sketch), Rachel (deceased), David (deceased), Robert C., James L. and Leander. In politics, Allison Vance was an active worker in the Whig party, and in religion a member in and liberal supporter of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church. After a successful life he died in 1890, his wife having crossed the dark river three months pre- viously. The remains of both now rest in Cross Creek cemetery.

W. P. Vance was born September 1, 1842, in Cross Creek township, this county, remaining at home until twenty years of agc. He then went to Washington, Penn., and learned photography. After following that vocation a few years, his health failing, he sold out, and coming to Burgetts- town, this county, opened a hardware store, which he has since conducted. On July 4, 1865, W. P. Vance was united in marriage with Alice M., daugh- ter of Andrew McFarland, of Cross Creek town- ship, this county, and their children are Annie M., Charles M. and Alice M. Mr. Vance is a public- spirited man and very successful in business, own- ing a fine stock of hardware, and supplying a large amount of custom. In politics he is a Republican. He and his family are attendants of the Presby- terian Church.

S ILAS BALDWIN. Among the pioneer families of Franklin township, the name of Baldwin has ever been a synonym for enter- prise and industry. The early home of that family was in the State of New Jersey, where they were engaged for many years in agriculture.

Jonathan Baldwin first came to Washington county, Penn., with his family, and settling in Morris township, made a new home in the un-

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broken wilderness. His three sons, William, Francis and Jonathan, assisted their father, toiling early and late to secure a comfortable home. In a few years the father and mother were laid to rest near the scene of their labors, and the sons began life for themselves. After the death of the par- ents, Francis Baldwin, in 1803, married Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Hill, a resident of East Finley township, and the following children were born to them: Stephen, Sarah, Thomas, Jonathan, John, Phobe, Francis, Sealy, James, Amos, Silas and Cephas. Mr. Baldwin was one of the organizers and a liberal supporter of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church at Van Buren. In politics he was a member of the Whig party. Thomas Hill was in the war of the Revolution, and when it was over he settled in East Finley township and married Je- inima Enloe. He had several thrilling adventures with the Indians and many narrow escapes. Three children were born to them: James, Isem, and Re- becca, who married Francis Baldwin.

Silas, son of Francis and Rebecca Baldwin, was born December 4, 1827, in Morris township, and passed his boyhood on the farm. In early man- hood he was married to Sarah (daughter of Thomas and Margaret Sargeant), who bore hin children as follows: John T., Mary J., Sarah M., Anna V., William E., Elizabeth E., Ida F. and Ira F. Mr. Baldwin still manages the farm with the aid of his children, and his property is the result of his own economy and industry. Politically he was a Whig, but since the Re- publican party was organized, has been an active worker for the principles embodied in that plat- form. William E. Baldwin was married to Mary J., daughter of John B. Weir, and they have four children: Morris P., Leo D., Julia Audrey, and an unnamed infant. This family is second to none in industry and enterprise, and enjoy the esteem of the community in which they reside. John T. Baldwin married Alice Mires, to whom one daugh- ter, Eva Jane Baldwin, was born.

HOMAS MOORE BIGGER. The sons of Erin are and ever have been among the leaders of all enterprises in which bravery, energy and enthusiasm are the requisite in- gredients No dangers appall, no obstacles conquer, no failures overcome the dauntless spirit of a true Irishman. About the middle of the last century Thomas Bigger, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, was there married to Elizabeth Moore, who was born in the same county. The young couple decided that their wedding trip should be an ocean voyage, accordingly they embarked for the New World not many days after their marriage rites Were over. After landing in America, they came to Pennsylvania and first located on a piece of

land near Hickory, this county, which belonged to George Washington, but was then in court. His rights, however, were soon established, after which Mr. and Mrs. Bigger settled on a farm in Robin- son township, which is yet in the family name, being now the property of Matthew Bigger. The Indians had not then entirely abandoned the old hunting grounds, and often compelled the advent- ulous pioneers to flee for life to Fort McDonald, but as new settlers entered, and the forests were cleared away, the red men roved further west, finally leaving the pale faces, in undisturbed pos- session of their homes. Eleven children were born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Bigger, as fol- lows: Matthew, Jane, John, James, Thomas, Ann, James, Samuel, Martha, Andrew and Elizabeth.

Andrew Bigger, the youngest son of Thomas, was born April 1, 1793, and from boyhood was reared to farm duties, continuing to follow farming all his life. In early life he was married to Miss Sarah Campbell, who was born January 8, 1796, in eastern Pennsylvania, and after their marriage set- tled on the farm of 500 acres, now owned by their son, Thomas M. Game was yet abundant in those days, deer, wild turkeys and panther being plenti- ful. Mr. Bigger was a stanch adherent of the Whigs until the Free-Soil party was organized, when he became a Democrat, and in religious faith was an organizer of the Robinson U. P. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bigger were the parents of the fol- lowing children: Mary A., Eliza, Jane, Martha, Rachel and Thomas Moore.

Thomas Moore Bigger was born June 1, 1836, in the old home which is yet standing across the road from his present residence. He assisted with the general duties of the home farm during his boyhood, and on March 10, 1859, entered matri- monial life in company with Margaret, daughter of the late Andrew Donaldson, of Robinson town- ship, this county. The children of this couple are Andrew R., born August 31, 1860; James D., born November 13, 1864; Sarah E., born January 5, 1868; Mary J., born April 30, 1870; and Martha M., born March 12, 1873, all of whom have enjoyed the advantages of a college education. Thomas 'Moore Bigger yet owns the old homestead, which is kept in a fine state of cultivation and yields him a good income. Politically he has always been a stanch Democrat, having served his township and party by filling various offices of honor and trust. He is an earnest member and hearty supporter of the Robinson U. P. Church.

D AVID B. WINTER, an old and highly re- spected citizen of Donegal township, is a son of David, whose father, Christopher Winter, was born in Rhine Pfalz, Ger-

many. Christopher Winter emigrated from his

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native land at an early day, and coming to Amer- ica settled in Donegal township, Washington county, Penn., there erecting a log cabin, and be- gan to clear the forest from his land. He soon thereafter married Miss Catherine Schaeffer, a lady of German ancestry, whose parents lived near Washington borough, Penn. At this period the Indians were yet very troublesome, and made fre- quent raids-murdering, plundering and burning as they swept on. At such times the pioneers fled to the blockhouses, leaving their property to the tender mercies of the savages. Mr. and Mrs. Winter lived to a good old age, dying on the farm where they had spent so many hours of toil and danger. They left a family of children, among whom was a son David.

David Winter (father of subject) was born on the pioneer farm in Donegal township, this county, and passed his boyhood days in the usual manner of frontier children; assisting in the farm work, and attending the subscription schools (which were then held in rude log cabins), during a few months of each year. He was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Perry McCoy, of Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., and she bore him two children: David B. and Elizabeth Marga- ret (deceased wife of Alexander Wiath). After his marriage, David Winter erected a house on the home farm, near the residence of his father, and became a successful farmer. He was a popu- lar and enterprising citizen, and in politics a Dem- ocrat. After long and useful lives, he and his wife were laid to rest beside the home where their lives had been passed.

David B. Winter, the only son of the above couple, was born November 1, 1823, in the old house of his father, which is yet standing but a short distance from the large and commodious res- idence of the son. Mr. Winter worked for his father on the farm in his youth, and attended the common schools. In 1846 he was married to Mary Jane, daughter of William Bryson, of Donegal township, Washington county, and their children were as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. Franklin Chap- man, of Donegal township), Hannah (deceased), David A. (a carpenter, living in Abiline, Tex.), William (a farmer of Donegal township), Joseph (farming in Clark county, Kans.), Nancy C. ( Mrs. Joel Snodgrass, of Omaha, Neb.), Alice (Mrs. John Leinville, of Donegal township, this county), Mary (deceased), and John F. (deceased in in- fancy). The mother of these children died, and in 1870 Mr. Winter was married to Sarah, daughter of William Milligan, of East Finley township, this county, and they have one son and one daughter: George K. and Udora, both living at home. Mr. Winter remained on his father's farm until some time after his marriage, when he erected a beauti- ful home on an adjoining piece of land, where he

is now residing. He has always been a farmer and has been very successful. Politically, he was a Democrat until 1860, when he cast his ballot for Abraham Lincoln, since which time he has been an ardent supporter of the principles embodied in the Republican platform. He and his wife are both members of the Dutch Fork Baptist Church, to which Society he is a liberal contributor.

J OHN REED (deceased) was a son of David Reed, one of the earliest pioneers of Wash- ington county, Penn. David Reed, who was of Scotch-Irish descent, and a native of Lan- caster county, Penn., about the year 1777 came with a brother, John, to Washington county. They were offered settlement rights by the State of Vir- ginia on certain conditions which they accepted, and immediately erected their cabins on the land. In the fall they returned to Lancaster county, where John's wife was awaiting him, and David's betrothed then becoming his bride, the two couples moved to their new homes in the following spring. They lived there several years in undisturbed pos- session, but the land being really a portion of the George Washington survey, was afterward claimed by that famous personage, while the title was being investigated.

After the ejectment suit was decided, the two brothers removed to Cecil township, where they purchased land. John died in 1816, leaving the following children: David (who settled on the home farm), John (sold his land, which is now owned by John Cabbage), Catherine (Mrs. Daniel McClean, Chenango, Penn.), Ann (married to Robert Story), Jane ( wife of Rev. David Emery, Darlington, Beaver Co., Penn.) and Mary ( wife of Rev. Alexander Murray, Slippery Rock, Penn.) David Reed took a tomahawk claim of 400 acres, and passed his life in Cecil township, this county. He was a ruling elder in the Seceder Church at Canonsburg, of which his wife was also a member; she died many years ago, and he is now buried by her side. Their children were Alexander (married in Cecil township), David (farmer of Cecil town- ship), Mary (wife of George Murray, Chartiers township), John, James (formerly a jeweler of Washington, afterward living in Pittsburgh, Penn.) and Joseph (deceased in 1888, formerly lived on the old homestead in Cecil township). All of these children lived to an advanced age, but are now deceased.

John Reed (the subject of this sketch) was born in 1787, in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington county, and was reared in Cecil township, there re- ceiving his early education. He afterward at- tended Jefferson College, at Canonsburg, under the preceptorship of Dr. McMillan, during the early history of that institution, graduating in 1806.

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In 1826 John Reed was married to Jane May, a native of Cecil township, this county, and daughter of John and Phoebe (Ross) May, who were born in Lancaster county, Penn., and after their marriage settled in Cecil township, where they lived and died.

After their marriage John and Jane ( May ) Reed made a permanent home in Mouut Pleasant town- ship, and the homestead is still in the possession of the family. John Reed was actively interested in politics, being a member of the Federalist party. He represented Washington county in the State Legislature from 1816 to 1822, also served many years as justice of the peace, and was county commissioner. He and his wife were formerly members of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church at Mount Pleasant in which he was a ruling elder. His wife died many years ago, and he was laid to rest beside her in 1877, weary with the weight of ninety-two years of life. The following children were born to the union of John and Jane (May) Reed: Phoebe, Mrs. A. J. Miller, of Hickory, this county (deceased in 1883); Margaret, living on the home farm; David, a farmer of Smith township, married to Martha Bor- land; John (deceased in 1866); George, of whom further mention is made below; Jane, Mrs. John Wilson (living in this county); Samuel (men- tioned farther on), Mary and Elizabeth (living in this county ).

Of the children of the above family, George Reed is living on the old homestead, following farming. He is not an active politician, but votes with the Republican party, and in religion is a member of the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. Samuel Reed was married in September, 1885, to Lizzie Harper, a native of Cecil township, this county, and daughter of John Harper, who was born in Cecil township. John Harper was married to Ellen Jane Wallace, a native of Ireland who was brought to America when but three years of age. She is still living on the home farm in Cecil township, but her husband died in March, 1885. Samuel Reed and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. Their home is in McDonald, Robinson township.

W ILLIAM LIGGETT, the oldest living rep- resentative of what has ever been one of the most progressive and time-honored families of Washington county, was born April 28, 1821, in Independence township. The Liggett family are of Scotch descent, and trace their origin to two brothers who left their Scottish home and crossed the ocean to America. Landing at Baltimore, Md., they there remained but a short time, and then pushed westward, finally locating in Washington county, Penn. One of these brothers,

Thomas Liggett was married to Parmelia Dempster, a resident of Washington county, and passed his life in Independence township. He was a man of stalwart frame, six feet tall, well-proportioned in every way, and possessing great courage and pow- ers of endurance. He was noted for his positive character and sturdy adherence to his word, which principles were implanted on the minds, and were evident in the lives of all his children, who were as follows: Joshua, (a farmer of Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Elizabeth (deceased in Iowa), James (de- ceased in Coshocton county, Ohio), Harriet (widow of Laban Headington), Robert (of whom mention is made in sketch of John S. Liggett), Mary Ann (deceased in Illinois), Sarah (widow of John Hemp- hill), William (of whom mention is made below), Thomas ( farming in Hopewell township), David A. (a merchant of Independence, Penn.), and Ander- son (living in Hot Springs, Arkansas ). Mr. Liggett died January 29, 1861, Mrs. Liggett on September 17, 1882.

William Liggett was born on a part of the farm which he now owns. He lived at home during his boyhood, and received a limited education in the rate schools, much of his time being employed in farm work. On September 16, 1845, he was mar- ried to Nancy Jane ( who was born September 24, 1827), daughter of John Mulholland. This union was blessed with the following family of children: Addison (a gardener in Emporia, Kansas), born October 5, 1846; Sarah J., born May 1, 1850, died June 9, 1875; Adeline, born March 8, 1853, died May 4, 1884; William W. (farming in Cass county, Mo.), born October 12, 1855; John T., born December 22, 1857, died January 19, 1889, and Marion A. (a sketch of whom appears further on). The mother of these children died April 9, 1862, and on De- cember 22, 1863, Mr. Liggett was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth C., who was born June 10, 1834, a daughter of Samuel Cowen, of Mt. Pleas- ant township,and their children are as follows: Anna M. ( Mrs. Geo. Worley, living in Silver Lake, Kosciusko Co., Ind.), born December 6, 1864; Lewis S. (of whom a sketch follows), born Sep- tember 16, 1866; Charley, born March 8, 1869; Lucy J., born June 27, 1871; and Irene G., born November 22, 1874. Soon after his marriage Mr. Liggett settled on the home place, where he yet resides. He carries on general farming and stock- raising, making a specialty of the wool- growing business in which he has been very successful. He now owns a large amount of land, and is one of the substantial business men of the township. Politi- cally, he has always been a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.

Samuel Cowen, father of Mrs. William Liggett, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., July 9, 1807, a son of John and Martha

William

Liggett

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(Caldwell) Cowen, the former a native of York county, Penn., the latter of this county. Their children were William, James, John, Robert, Mar- tha, Anna, Jane ( Mrs. James Lee) and Samuel. The father of this family came to Washington county at an early day, and purchased from the Government the place now owned and occupied by John McCalmont. It was all wild land when Mr. Cowen came to it, but was cleared and improved by the family. He was an Old-line Whig in his day, and a stanch Presbyterian, a member at one time of the Upper Buffalo Church, later of the one at Prospect, and was an elder in both. He died in August, 1833, his wife having passed away in 1815. Samuel Cowen was educated in the sub- scription schools of the locality of his birthplace. He was a farmer and stock dealer all his life. In 1837 he was married to Mary Dinsmore, and their children were John, Elizabeth ( Mrs. William Lig- gett ), William H., Martha J., Mary B., Samuel Calvin, Nancy Ann (deceased ) and Chalmers. The father departed this life January 7, 1870, and was buried at Fort Scott, Kansas; the mother was called to her long home October 13, 1888. Mr. Cowen was originally a Whig, and on the organization of the party became a Republican. In religious faith he was a member of and elder in the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect.

MARION A. LIGGETT was born March 31, 1860, on the home farm about two miles northwest of West Middletown. His early years were spent on the farm of his father, and he obtained a common- school education. On September 27, 1882, he was married to Alice B. Denny, who was born January 24, 1862, daughter of Walter and Mary ( Welch) Denny, of Hopewell township. They have had four children, two of whom died in infancy. The two living daughters are twins: Margaret and Mary, born October 4, 1890. After his marriage Mr. Lig- gett located two and a half miles north of Claysville, this county, where he is still farming. He recently erected a fine dwelling and barn, which afford an evidence of his prosperity, having also purchased additional land. In politics Mr. Liggett has always supported the Democratic party. In religious con- nection he and his wife are members of the Presby- terian Church at Claysville.

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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 160

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