Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 162

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 162

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Mr. McConnell still resides at his old home where he has passed so many years of his life, enjoying a

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handsome competence, the direct result of industry and economy. He is a man of strong personalities, and adheres to what he considers right with a tenacity characteristic of the race from which he is descended. He, however, is not intolerant, but has for the opinions of those who differ from him the utmost deference and respect. Though in his seventy-second year, he is the mental and physical superior of many younger men, while his hair and beard, now whitened by time, become the wearer as the silver crown of a life well spent, rather than as a mark of the passing years.

A J. THOMAS, one of the best-known and most enterprising native-born farmer citi- zens of North Strabane township, first opened his eyes to the wonders of the world April 21, 1851.

Edward Thomas, grandfather of A. J., is the first of the family in this county of whom there is any data. He was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, whence, when a young man, he came hither and made a settlement in North Strabane township, where he carried on farming to the end of his busy life, becoming one of the leading citizens, ever in the van of all progressive movements. He was here married to Rhoda, daughter of David Leonard, of Washington county, who resided near the village of Bentleyville, and the children born to them were Sarah, Mary, Ann, (still living at ninety- two years), Rebecca, Phoebe, Liverton, Lydia, Rhoda and Nancy. Rebecca was blind from the age of seventeen years to her death in her seventieth year. Mr. Thomas early united with the Pres- byterian Church, in after life becoming a trustee, serving for many years, and an elder. Politically he was a zealous Democrat.

Liverton Thomas, father of our subject, was born in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., May 12, 1808, and his education was received at the schools of his district, which he enhanced by much after study. In 1834, he was married, in Ohio, to Miss Mary A. Glandon, who was born in Maryland October 2, 1813 (a daughter of William and Mary M. Glandon ), who moved with her parents to Harrison county, Ohio; the results of this union were nine children, eight of whom are yet living, viz .: Edmond, in Saline county, Neb .; William, a farmer in Chase county, Neb .; James M., a merchant in Nottingham township; Rhoda L., wife of John Hodgens, of Des Moines county, Iowa; G. L., a physician in Philadelphia, Penn .; Belle M., wife of James C. Matthews, a farmer and under- taker in North Strabane township; A. J., on the old home farm, and Ida M., wife of William Kettle, of Rush county, Kans .; (Caleb F. died in infancy ). The mother died December 10, 1873 and the father then went to live with his daughter, Mrs.

John Hodgens, in Des Moines county, lowa, where he now is. A member of the Presbyterian Church, he has always been a liberal supporter, was the donator of the land on which the Fairview church now stands, and materially contributed toward its erection. Politically he is a lifelong Democrat, and has been in his day a hard worker for the party's interests.

The boyhood and youth of A. J. Thomas were spent on the homestead where he was born, attend- ing during the winter months the common schools of his district, the remainder of the year being reserved for hard out-of-door work on the farm. In 1873 he was married to Jennie M., daughter of Andrew Couch, of Nottingham township, and four children have come to brighten their domestic hearth: Alma (died at eleven months), Errol M. (died at eleven years and two months), Wallace C., and Josie A. (died at two years and three months). Their mother dying (January 5, 1880), Mr. Thomas wedded, November 10, 1890, Rilla C., daughter of Andrew Crawford, of Peters township. The family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Mount Prospect, of which Mr. Thomas is trustee. Politically he was born a Democrat, has lived a Democrat, and expects to die one; he has repeat- edly been urged to accept office, but has, on account of his many home duties and responsibilities, invariably declined the proffered honor. Soon after his marriage Mr. Thomas purchased a portion of the home place, on which he has continued to reside. He is a successful farmer and stock raiser, and is respected in the community as an upright, progressive and loyal citizen.

S AMUEL W. CRAFT. The well-known family, of which this gentleman is a conspic- uous member, are of German descent, and the earliest record of them now extant is of one Daniel Craft, who came to Fayette county, Penn., about the year 1750, and settling near Mer- rittstown, there entered a wild, uncultivated tract of land, which continued to remain in the family name until 1891. This Daniel Craft had three sons, Samuel, Daniel and Benjamin.

Samuel Craft, son of the pioneer, Daniel, was born in Germany, and there received his early education. He learned and followed the trade of a silversmith in the Fatherland, and when a young man came to America. He here bought several teams, and carried goods across the mountains to Philadelphia and Baltimore, but finally abandoned that business, and took up the trade of clock mak- ing. He had two children, Samuel and Elizabeth. In religious faith he was a member of the Baptist Church. Samuel Craft, son of Samuel, was born and reared in Fayette county, Penn., where he attended the subscription schools. In early life he

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was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam Chess- round, of Washington county, Penn., and the following children were born to this union: Adam, Peter, Washington, Jonathan, Abel, Leroy, Joshua and Eli. The father passed his life in agricultural pursuits. In 1821 he went to Vincennes, Ind., and resided there about ten years, and then re- turned to Washington county, and lived for some time in Fallowfield township. Some years later he removed to Fayette county, Penn., whence in 1850 he went to Iowa, where he died. In religious faith he was a member of the Baptist Church; in poli- tics he was an active Whig. Adam Craft, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Craft, was born in 1810, in Fayette county, Penn., where he was reared and educated. In early manhood he selected a life companion in the person of Margaret, daughter of Jacob Bird, and their children were Jacob, Samuel W., Elizabeth ( wife of John L. Trent), Sarah (de- ceased wife of Jacob Huggins) and three whose names are not given. After his marriage Mr. Craft settled on a farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and followed farming in connection with the carpentry and building busi- ness. He remained on that place about four years, then moved to a farm owned by his father-in-law, and in 1844 came to East Pike Run township. In 1850 he moved to California, this county, and died in that village September 6, 1853, his widow sur- viving till February 22, 1887. They were members of the Baptist Church, and in political opinion he was a Democrat.

Samuel W. Craft, whose name opens this sketch, son of Adam and Margaret Craft, was born at Jonestown, Washington Co., Penn., July 1, 1835, and was reared in the same county, attending school in the log schoolhouse of that age. He worked on a farm till he was seventeen years old, when he learned the trade of ship-carpenter, work- ing as a common hand until 1859, when he became foreman of the yard, continuing as foreman till 1865, then becoming a partner in the ship building business, and remained in the business till 1879, when the railroad completely destroyed their yard. He then open up in the furniture and undertaking business, which he is still successfully engaged in. He became a member of the M. E. Church at the age of sixteen years, was leader of choir about thirty years, retiring on account of failure of voice; serving also as class leader, trustee, steward and treasurer for many years. On May 24, 1862, Mr. Craft was united in marriage with Martha, daughter of Joseph Powell, a native of Washington county, Penn., and she has borne him nine children, of whom Josephine and Katharine are still living. Mr. Craft became deeply interested in the success and welfare of the Southwestern State Normal School, located at California in 1866, giving liber- ally of his time and money. In 1867 he was

elected a member of the Board of Trustees, and has served continually ever since, serving as chair- man of important committees, and as vice-president for years. Soon after Mr. Craft entered the Board he was recognized as its financial leader, and in 1873, when the school had reached the end of its resources, and the trustees had done all they were able to do, and the sheriff was pushing claims on them, it became imperative on the Board to raise money to save the institution from financial wreck. The duty of formulating a policy to raise the needed money speedily, fell on Mr. Craft, who successfully planned a financial policy by issuing five fifteen-year and five twenty-year first and second inortgage coupon bonds which were suc- cessfully placed on the market at par, from which they realized in a short time sufficient funds to save the school financially, and since that time he is known as the father of the successful financial pol- icy which saved the institution, and the guardiani of the treasury. In politics, like his father, he has always been a Democrat and takes special interest in local affairs.

OHN J. GEORGE, farmer and stock raiser, Mt. Pleasant township, was born February 5, 1847, in Columbiana county, Ohio, a son of David H. and Christiana J. (George) George. His paternal grandfather was Judge Thomas George, who married Jane Hunter, and she died many years ago. He was married the second time, and passed away in August, 1873.

David H. George, a son of Judge Thomas George, was born in 1813, in Jefferson county, Ohio. In 1839 he was married to Christiana J. George, who was born in 1819, in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington county, Penn., a daughter of Jacob and Isabella (Berry) George, both of Washington county, Penn. Jacob George was a Covenanter originally, and then joined the United Presbyterian Church, in which he was a ruling elder. He died November 29, 1880. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. David H. George settled in Columbiana county, Ohio, and children were born to them as follows: J. Newton (deceased in March, 1880), Thos. P. (living in McDonald, Penn.), William K. (yet living in Columbiana county, Ohio), John J. ( whose name opens this sketch ), Robert E. (living on the old homestead), Bella J. ( wife of Rev. S. J. Kyle, a minister of Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y.), and Margaret T. (who died unmarried December 6, 1861, in Ohio). The parents were formerly members of the Associate Reformed Church, then united with the U. P. So- ciety. The father was an active member of the Whig and Republican parties, and an ardent Abol- itionist. He died December16, 1861, in Ohio, where his widow is yet residing. David H. George

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had eleven brothers and sisters, all now deceased except two brothers and one sister; his wife had one brother and two sisters, of whom the brother and one sister are dead.

John J. George was educated in the district schools of his birthplace. In 1874 he came to a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., and March 3, 1881, was married to Miss A. Emma, who was born in Pittsburgh, Penn., only daughter of John and Nancy Lindsay, natives of Ireland, who came to America many years ago, locating in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the father is yet living; the mother died in 1877. Mr. and Mrs. John J. George have resided all their married life on the farm of 137 acres which belongs to Mrs. C. T. George, and they own (adjoining the property) sixty-two acres of land which contains a producing oil-well. Mr. George is an active member of the Republican party. He and his wife are members of the Centre U. P. Church at Midway, in which he is a ruling elder. They have an adopted daugh- ter, Bertha B.

W ILLIAM PEES is one of the most enter- prising and prosperous agriculturists of North Strabane township, and is a mem- ber of an old and highly-respected family. Nicholas Pees, great-grandfather of subject, in company with an uncle emigrated from Germany and settled in Canigaugig, " east of the mountains." Here he married and had three children: Mary, Andrew and George. About the year 1769 he journeyed on foot to what was then known as the " backwoods," and took up 400 acres of land on Little Chartiers creek, in what is now North Stra- bane township, Washington Co., Penn. He re- turned East, and brought back to his new home his wife and three children, above named, the boy George, together with all their worldly effects, be- ing conveyed on the back of a horse, the rest jour- neying on foot. During the first winter the family lived in a small log cabin, which the father had erected near the present residence of John M. Berry, on the original tract of 400 acres. Here were born four more children: Nicholas, Catherine, Betsy and Susan. All of the children except Nicholas married and had children. Andrew served in the war of 1812. This honored pioneer, Nicholas Pees, died at the patriarchal age of 105 years. In stature six feet one inch, and well pro- portioned, he was a modern Goliath in physique and strength. His faithful wife lived to be upward of ninety years of age.

George Pees, grandfather of subject, was four years old when the family came to Washington county, he being the one that came along with the chattels on horseback. He was married to Lydia Vaughn, a native of New Jersey, daughter of John

Vaughn, and the children born to this union were: Polly (1), Andrew, Rebecca, Zachariah, John, Nicholas, George, Joseph, James, Eliza, Polly (2), Lydia, and two daughters who died in infancy. Of these children Polly (1) was burned to death when quite young; Joseph died at the age of thirty, and James at the age of twenty five. The others mar- ried, had families, and remained in Washington county. George Pees passed from earth March 1, 1849, and his wife followed him to the grave Octo- ber 16, 1865. Both are buried in the cemetery of Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, of which they were active and prominent members.

Zachariah Pees, father of subject, was born July 15, 1799, in the house now owned and occupied by John M. Berry. When twenty-one years of age his father exchanged farms with his uncle, Andrew Pees, securing in the exchange a saw and grist mill, known far and wide as " Pees Mills," which was operated by Zachariah Pees fourteen years. On December 27, 1820, he married Hannah Pees, and the following is a brief record of the children born to them: William is the subject proper of this memoir; Joseph, born August 21, 1823, was mar- rie 1 to Sarah Newsom; Andrew, born July 4, 1825, married Julia Ann, daughter of John and Sarah Ann ( Haines) Dickson, by whom he had the fol- lowing children: Zachariah Mason, Ida, Elizabeth and John; Mary, born May 1, 1827, married Jacob Anthony, a farmer in Illinois, and had ten children: Hannah, Pearson, Belle, Jane, Ann, Abbie, Ettie, Grant, John and Zachariah; Lydia, born July 24, 1830, married Zachariah Pees, a farmer in Illinois, and had four children: Sloan, Francis, Clark and Leslie; Elizabeth, born June 5, 1833, died March 11, 1841; George, born April 27, 1835, died May 3, 1835; Hannah Jane, born May 20, 1839, died May 16, 1841; and Phœbe, born April 7, 1841, died October 30, same year. Mrs. Pees died October 4, 1846, and Mr. Pees was married, January 13, 1848, to Jane, daughter of Robert and Margaret Jackson, and born in Lancaster county, Penn., October 18, 1806. Her family were connections of President Andrew Jackson. By this second marriage Zacha- riah Pees had one child, Margaret, who was born May 12, 1849, and died May 18, 1877. About the year 1825 Mr. Pees bought a farm in Ohio, which he afterward sold, and then purchased the farm in North Strabane township, this county, now occupied by his son William. He died October 19, 1885, an elder in the Pigeon Creek Church, in the cemetery of which he now sleeps.

William Pees was born October 13, 1821. He was reared from boyhood to farm life, and received his education at the schools of his district. On May 30, 1844, he married Mary Jane Cheesman, and this union was blessed with one child: Mary J., who was born December 31, 1845 (on November 10, 1875, she married John Alexander Gault, by

Fees

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whom she had the following children: Mary Emma, born September 1, 1876; D. Leroy, born September 26, 1878; Emma C., born September 12, 1880; Olive E., born October 25, 1882; Nora Virginia, born October 19, 1884; Jennie Mowry, born October 12, 1886; and John Alexander, Jr., born December 19, 1889. They live in Union township, near Courtney ). Mrs. Pees died February 12, 1846, and . William Pees was married in 1848 to Eliza J. Davis, who was born August 25, 1822. Two children came to them: Hannah, born December 14, 1849, and William A., born January 6, 1852, both deceased. Their mother passed away on May 26, 1853, and Mr. Pees was married, on January 12, 1854, to Cordelia Sutman, who was born April 14, 1833, a daughter of Joseph and Susannah (Myers) Sutman, and this third marriage was blessed with seven children: Catherine, born May 2, 1855, married, September 28, 1880, to Samuel H. Brehm, of Uniontown, Penn., by whom she has had three children: Roy E., Clyde G. and Cora Lena; Anna M., born January 10, 1856, and married, August 26, 1879, to J. B. Thomas, of West Alexander, by whom she has had three children: Ada D., Oliver W. and James William (deceased ) ; William T., born November 5, 1858, and married September 11, 1879, to Josephine Kelsey, who bore him four children: Violet Myrtle, Anna Bell, Jessie Melvin and Orlo, who died when two months old ( William T. is a farmer of North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. ); Albert E., born August 17, 1861, married to Lillie Arend, who bore him one son, Albert Floyd (he lives on the old homestead ); Clara B., born November 13, 1863, was married, June 7, 1883, to John Thomas, of Chartiers township, by whom she had the following children: Charles H., and Olive Pearl and William J. (twins, the last married being deceased); John M., born May 20, 1865 (living on the old home- stead); and Sudie E., born. September 22, 1866, married, June 30, 1885, to John R. Gamble (she has no children ). Mrs. Pees is the eldest in a family of nine children born to Joseph and Susannah (Myers) Sutman, viz .: Cordelia, Leman (deceased ), Brittie C. ( widow of William Stark), John M., Aaron (deceased), Hiram, William, Henry and Mary (Mrs. Fred Schively). Joseph Sutman died November 1, 1880, and his wife October 30, 1883. He had been a soldier in the Civil war, as were also his sons, John M. and Aaron. Hiram ran away and enlisted in Pittsburgh, but he was too young, and his mother went after him.

William Pees is a strong Democrat, and takes considerable interest in politics. He has served as school director four terms, or twelve years; justice of the peace ten years; and also as township inspector and auditor. In 1880 he was appointed postmaster at Kerr's Station, and held that office until 1890. He and his wife have been consistent

members of the Fairview Presbyterian Church for the last thirty years, and enjoy the respect and esteein of a wide circle of friends. He was a leading elder, and superintendent of Sabbath-school of Fairview a number of years.

J AMES CRAWFORD (deceased). Among the widely-known and universally esteemed citizens of Canonsburg and Peters township, none have proven more worthy of love and respect than has this gentleman, a trusted and honorable business man, a true-hearted Christian gentleman. His father, James Crawford, was born in County Down, Ireland, where he was married to Miss Mary Carson, a native of the same place, who bore him six children, namely: Hamilton, Marga- ret, Mary Ann, James, Ellen and Francis. Of these, James and Mary Ann settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., the other four in Canada.

James Crawford, whose name opens this sketch, was born about 1812, in County Down, Ireland, and came to America with the family. In early life he settled in Pittsburgh, Penn., and worked at the mason's trade, afterward becoming a contrac- tor. He was united in marriage with Esther, daughter of John Watson, of Peters township, Washington county, and granddaughter of Will- iam Watson. The latter emigrated from County Down, Ireland, to America, settled in Lancaster county, Penn., and later came to Peters township, where he purchased a timbered farm, and erected a cabin, then returned to Lancaster county for his family, cutting a door in the cabin after their arrival. It had no floor, and weeds had grown up inside. His wife sat on a log nursing John Watson, grand- father of Miss Mary Crawford and Mrs. Jennie Wasson. He served in the Revolutionary war, tak- ing part in the engagements at Brandywine, Ger- mantown and many others. He married Mary Edgar, who came from County Down, Ireland, to America when yet a little girl, and who bore him one son, John. William Watson and his wife were truly pioneers.

John Watson was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and came to Peters township, this county, with his father when quite young. He followed farming, and in early life married Miss Mray Gib- son, of Pigeon Creek, this county, and by her had four children: Esther, Mary ( Mrs. John Kerr), Jane ( Mrs. James Kerr, of Pittsburgh), and Wil- liam. Esther was born February 24, 1806, and her father dying when she was but a child, she lived with her grandfather until his death, then re- sided with an uncle, James Gibson, of North Stra- bane township, Washington county, until her mar- riage to James Crawford.

James Crawford followed the business of con- tractor in Pittsburgh, Penn., for seven or eight

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years after his marriage, then moved to Canonsburg, in order to send their children to the Olome Insti- tute. They lived in town eight or ten years, finally returning to the farm. In politics Mr. Craw- ford was a Republican, and had been offered many offices of trust, but for many years declined to serve; was finally induced, however, to accept the office of burgess of Canonsburg, holding that position several terms. He was a member of the U. P. Church, in which he was also trustee. On June 12, 1877, he died, leaving a wife and two daughters to mourn his departure. Mary, the eldest daughter, graduated from the seminary at Canons- burg, where she is now living. Mrs. Crawford died June 30, 1892. Mary owns the homestead, com- prising 100 acres of land in Peters township, this county, which has been in possession of the family over one hundred years.

Jennie Crawford (sister of Mary and younger daughter of James and Esther ( Watson ) Crawford, in early womanhood was united in marriage with Rev. Luke J. Wasson, an earnest and eloquent young minister of Fairview, and son of Hugh and Elizabeth ( McQueety) Wasson, who emigrated to America. Mrs. Wasson and sister reside in Canonsburg.

Luke J. Wasson was born in October, 1846, in County Antrim, Ireland, and was but two years of age when his parents settled in Robinson township, Washington Co., Penn., where the remainder of their lives was passed. He attended the academy at Candor, this county, and in 1863 entered the junior class of Jefferson College, graduating in 1865. He then took a theological course of study at the Western Theological Seminary, Alle- gheny City, receiving his license to preach in 1868. He was soon after called to the Presby- terian Church at Calcutta, Columbiana Co., Ohio, and after preaching there one year, declined to accept the call. On April 23, 1869, he was or- dained by the Presbytery of New Lisbon, and in June, 1870, united with the Pittsburgh Presbytery. On October 12, of the same year, he became the pastor of the Fairview Church. On November 5, 1868, he married Miss Jane Crawford, whose family history is above recorded. Two daughters blessed their union: Alice G. and Frances C. In April, 1873, Rev. Wasson was released from minis- terial duties, and, his health having failed, went west to recuperate, but while in Minneapolis he died, June 3, 1873. A brief life, as we mortals count time, and taken from earth in the very prime of early manhood, yet who can say how many years of fruitful service were compressed into those few months of devoted work. Only Eternity can determine if his crown may not have more jewels than that of many whose hairs have grown white with the burden of many years. One item is culled from the many tributes of affection and re-

spect given by those who knew Rev. Wasson most intimately: " As a man he was much respected; as a laborer for Christ he was diligent and conse- crated; and as a preacher earnest and successful among his late parishioners, his character and min- istry are held in fond and grateful remembrance."

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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 162

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