Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 166

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 166

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Nelson Van Kirk secured a liberal education at the common schools of South Strabane township, and learned the trade of carpenter of his father. In 1846 he returned to Washington borough, where he yet resides. Since the year 1858 he has been a contractor and builder, and has put up a great many buildings in and about Washington. In 1860 he erected, on South Main street, the "Strain Building," which has an iron front; in 1861 he built for William Smith the "Iron Hall," on the corner of Main and Beau streets, one of the finest structures in the city; he also erected the National Bank building, the dwellings of Judge Mellvaine and W. P. Hastings, the First and Third Presbyterian churches, in addition to which he put up, at various times, many dwelling houses outside the borough limits, and erected churches at Pigeon Creek and North Buffalo, also the County Home.

In 1854 Mr. Van Kirk was united in marriage with Miss Ann M. Chidester, of West Virginia, a daughter of Ephraim and Mary (Gilchrist) Chides- ter, natives of Washington county, Penn., the father born in November, 1798, died in 1876, the mother born in 1800, died in 1830. Nelson and Ann M. Van Kirk had a family of seven children, all sons: John, James and Harvey (deceased), and William E., Edward M., George W. and Nelson C. (living). Of these, William E. and Edward M. are both contractors in company with their father; George W. is a druggist in Monongahela City, Penn .; Nelson C. is a clerk in W. P. Hastings' hardware store in Washington; William E. is a member of Washington borough council, now serving his second term.

Of Mr. Van Kirk it may truly be said that he is a thoroughly representative, self-made man, having attained success by his own individual energy and perseverance, and accumulated a comfortable com- petence, part of which consists of eight dwelling houses in the borough of Washington. Socially,

Melson Bankist

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he is genial, whole-souled, warm-hearted and gen- erous-attributes he bears with a becoming mod- esty, in part natural, in part the reflex of the amia- bility and refinement characteristic of his faithful spouse. A call at the elegant and comfortable home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk will assure the visitor that within its hospitable walls love is king. Mr. and Mrs. Van Kirk are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, Penn. Po- litically he was first a Whig, and since the forma- tion of the party has been a stanch Republican. For six consecutive years he has served with ac- knowledged ability as a member of the Washing- ton borough council.

J OHN S. GALLEY. Peter Galley, great- grandfather of John S. Galley, emigrated to America from Germany about the year 1770, and served as a drummer during the Revolu- tionary war. He settled in Lancaster county, Penn., where he married Sophia Stern, of the same county. To them was born Philip, grandfather of John S. Galley, in 1774.

Philip Galley married Magdalena Newcomer, of Lancaster county. Afterward they emigrated to Fayette county, Penn., and settled on the Youghi- ogheny river, in the midst of the now famous coke region. To them were born eleven children, as follows: Peter, Catharene, John, Jacob, David, Elizabeth, Samuel, Jonathan, Barbara, Abraham and Henry.

Peter Galley was born in 1799, in Fayette county, passing his youth on the home farm. He was mar- ried to Mary Strickler, of Fayette county, and children were born to them as follows: Frances, Martha, William, Mary, Elizabeth and Henry. The mother died, and for his second wife Peter Galley was united in marriage with Frances, daugh- ter of John Sherrick, who bore him the following named children: Ann, Sarah, Philip, Cyrus, Susan, Catherine, John S., Joanna, Melinda and Maria. This wife also died, and for his third choice Mr. Galley selected Susan Newmyer Stauffer, of Fay- ette county.

John S. Galley, son of Peter and Frances (Sher- rick) Galley, was born July 12, 1842, in Fayette county. He attended the academy at Pleasant Valley, then took one term at Hiram College, and boarded with the father of Mrs. James A. Garfield. In 1864 John S. Galley enlisted in the Sixth Penn- sylvania Heavy Artillery, and served with the army of the Potomac until the close of the war. When the contest was ended he returned to Fay- ette county, and on October 24, 1865, was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of Samuel, and granddaughter of Richard Blackmore, of Wash- ington county. The latter was a brother of Col .. William Blackmore. Richard followed agricult-

ural pursuits, and voted with the Democratic party. In early life he was married to Mary Boyer, who bore him one son, Samuel.

Samuel Blackmore was born October 31, 1805, and on May 3, 1827, was united in marriage with Sarah Torrence, of Allegheny county. Three chil- dren blessed this union, viz .: Albert, Nancy and John. The mother died, and on October 22, 1840, Samuel Blackmore was married to Anna, daughter of Obadiah Higbee, who bore him two children: Mary and Obadiah. Of these, Mary attended the Pleasant Valley Academy, and there met for the first time her future husband, John S. Galley.

To the union of John S. and Mary ( Blackmore) Galley nine children were born: Anna F., Will- iam B., C. Norman, Loretta E., Beatrice S., Eva M., Nellie M., Edna-R. and J. Carl. Of this fam- ily, Loretta is now attending the Normal School at California, and William has been a student at Hiram College. The parents of these children began their wedded life in Library, Allegheny county, where Mr. Galley conducted a store for two years, then lived on a farm in Iowa for three years. At the end of that time he came to Washington county and bought 115 acres of land in Peters township, underlaid with a fine coal vein. Mr. Galley con- ducts a small dairy. In politics he was a Republi- can until the origin of the Prohibition party in 1890; since then he has cast his vote for the over- throw of the whisky traffic, the nation's curse. In religion he is a member and elder of the Church of Christ, of Peters Creek.

E NOCH FRENCH. The French family in Pennsylvania is an old Revolutionary one. Alexander French, the great- grandfather of Enoch French ( the subject of this sketch ), having been a member of Gen. Washington's bodyguard. He resided near Philadelphia, Penn., at the time of his death. A son, Enoch, married a Miss McElroy, of Chambersburgh, Penn., and moved to Fayette county, this State, where he reared a family of children, of whom George French was one. He died in Fayette county.

George French was born March 14, 1799, and in 1823 married Mary Porter, a daughter of Judge Charles Porter, of Fayette county. In 1832 he removed to Morris township, Washington county, and purchased the farm located one- half mile north- east of Dunn's Station, on which his son, Enoch, now resides, where he remained until his death, Oc- tober 8, 1890, his life embracing a period of fifty- eight years. Mrs. French died in 1839, having become the mother of eight children-five boys and three girls. A. D., the eldest, enlisted in the Eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserves, and was killed at the battle of Fredericksburg; Charles P., a Presbyterian minister of La Salle county, Ill.,

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died February 8, 1870; Washington, born in 1830, died at the age of fourteen years, October 10, 1844; one child died in infancy; Anne A. Miles died in May, 1869; J. C., born October 10, 1836, served in the Fifth West Virginia Cavalry during the Civil war, and is now a prominent citizen of Pros- perity, Washington county; Jane resides at Amity, and Enoch in Morris township.

Enoch French, the immediate subject of this sketch, was born where he now resides, June 28, 1834. He received a common-school education and remained with his father, assisting in conduct ing the farm until the beginning of the late war. On August 22, 1862, he enlisted at Amity in Com- pany D, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I., and served fourteen months, when he received an honorable discharge and returned home. The failing health of his father rendered it necessary for him to assume the management of the farm. On August 28, 1876, he married Lizzie J. Gardner, a daughter of John Gardner, of Amwell township. Under his managment the splendid farm, on which he has worked since boyhood, has been much improved, and is made to yield a good income. Mr. French is a man of much more than ordinary intelligence, is an omnivorous reader, and is possessed of a re- markable memory, whereby he is enabled to give dates and recite events of historical importance with great preciseness. He is an authority on mat- ters of this kind. He is a Republican in politics, though not bitterly partisan.

H ENRY B. McMURRAY is a leader among the representative citizens of Washington county. He is descended from Scotch ancestors, a race noted for the integrity and honor of its people. John McMurray was the pioneer of the family to land on American soil. He was married in Scotland to Mary Brown, and with his wife and infant daughter, Susanna, embarked on the most substantial vessel then procurable, sailing from Liverpool to America. When some weeks at sea the captain and mate had a quarrel, and during the trouble the captain shot the mate. He was supposed to be mortally wounded, but the captain sailed north, thinking the cold climate would benefit the victim. The experiment proved successful, and the mate was soon out of danger. They then resumed their journey, but owing to the long voyage the water supply gave out, and all on board seemed in imminent danger of meeting a horrible death. A rain fell, and, by spreading articles on the deck, enough water was caught to avert the danger.

After a voyage of three months, crew and passen- gers were finally landed safely at New York. John McMurray soon after proceeded to Winchester, W. Va., where the family lived a few years, then

moved to Washington county, Penn., resided in Buffalo township a short time, and finally, in company with his brother Peter, settled in Guern- sey county, Ohio, while Samuel settled in Donegal township, this county. John took a large tract of land upon which he erected a log cabin, and there passed the remainder of his life. In those days the clothing of the family was made of flax, spun and woven by their own hands; the wheat which the settlers raised was carried on horseback to Wells- burg, W. Va., and then ground by a treadmill into flour. Special trips were also made to Winchester, W. Va., for salt. The settlers usually made these journeys in large parties, taking with them suffi- cient provisions to last until their return. On the outward trip they left provision for one meal at each stopping-place, so that by the time they arrived at Winchester the horses were unloaded and a supply of food ready for the homeward journey obtained. Grain was harvested by a sickle, and the ground cultivated with a wooden plow, while wagons and sleds were articles of luxury unknown to the pioneers. Amid all these privations and discouragements they bravely strug- gled on, the only effect of their trials being to unite them more closely into a bond of brotherhood. Politically John McMurray was a Federalist, and in religion a member of the Three Ridge Presbyterian Church at West Alexander. He died at the age of eighty-nine, and was buried at West Alexander, this county. The children born to this couple were as follows: Susanna, John, Jane, Samuel, William, James, Eliza and Mary.

William McMurray, son of John and Mary (Brown) McMurray, was born March 29, 1805, in Donegal township, and remained on the home farm during his boyhood, receiving a subscription-school education. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of William Martin. Mr. Martin was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and in early life came to America, settling near Elm Grove, W. Va. He was married to Margaret Blayney, who bore him children as follows: Martha, Eliza, Andrew, Margaret, Jane and Mary. In politics Mr. Martin was a Democrat. His wife was a member of the Presbyterian Church. William and Jane ( Martin) McMurray began their wedded life April 12, 1838, on a farm near West Alexander, this county, and afterward purchased the home place. In 1875 he moved to Burgettstown, Penn., where he died March 14, 1884, and was buried by the side of his wife, who had crossed the river September 4, 1864. Mr. McMurray was an ener- getic, enterprising citizen and in politics was formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican party. In religious faith he was an

active Presbyterian.

Henry B. McMurray was born September 24, 1840, in Donegal township, this county. His

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earlier education was received at the common schools; afterward attended the academy conducted by Rev. W. H. Lester of West Alexander, of which William McMurray, his father, was a trustee. In August, 1862, Henry B. McMurray enlisted in Company H, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, was sent to the Shenandoah Valley, and served till the close of the war, under Sheridan and Custer. He was taken prisoner at Ashby's Gap, and confined in Libby prison three and a half months, being released, together with several other prisoners, about ten days prior to the surrender at Appo- mattox. Mr. McMurray then returned home, and in 1865 opened a drug store at Burgettstown, where he has since remained. On August 3, 1876, he was united in marriage with Annie C. Watter- son, daughter of Robert and Mary Watterson, of Wheeling, W. Va., who bore him three children: Jennie C., Lee W. and Henry H. Mr. McMurray is a Republican in politics, and in religion is a member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as trustee. Henry B. McMurray's brothers and sisters were born on the following dates: John, December 5, 1843; William M., April 21, 1846; Martha J., November 12, 1848; Eliza Ann, March 5, 1851, and Mary Miller McMurray, May 2, 1856. John married Julia Kelly, of Pittsburgh, in July, 1865 (To them were born: Henry (deceased ), Elie, Fred, Frank, Lizzie (deceased), and Lylie). William M., mar- ried Julia S. Moore at Burgettstown, September 4, 1878 (They are the parents of Fanny May, Nellie Moore, William M. and Florence Espin ). Eliza married James Rooth, of West Alexander, in July, 1875. Martha Jane married Alvin Curtis, at Claysville, in September, 1868, and to them were born Jessie and Alvin Curtis.

H ENRY WESLEY HILDEBRAND, one of the most successful farmers of West Beth- lehem township, is a grandson of Michael Hildebrand, who was born in 1796, in West Bethlehem township, this county.

His father left Germany in early life, and set- tling in Washington county, Penn., erected a cabin in the wilderness where Michael was born. Mi- chael was a soldier in the war of 1812, unsurpassed for bravery and daring. He was one of the build- ers of that once famous thoroughfare, the " National pike." He married Christina Harsh, a daughter of Philip Harsh, who was also one of the first to settle in Washington county. To this couple were born: Demas, Andrew, Sarah Ann, Levi, Mary Jane and Elizabeth, who ( with the exception of Mary Jane, who died in 1876) are all still living. Andrew is a farmer of prominence and resides on the old home- stead; Sarah Ann is the wife of Samuel Walton, of Rice's Landing, Greene county; Levi is a black- smith, and lives at Ten-Mile village, Amwell town-

ship; Elizabeth lives in West Bethlehem township, and is the wife of John Hannah, a well-known farmer.

Demas Hildebrand, the father of our subject, was born August 24, 1824, and in early life made many dangerous trips, with heavy wagons to Zanesville, Ohio; and, did space permit, many incidents of peril then encountered by this brave pioneer might be recounted. He afterward operated the first threshing machine brought to Washington county. In March, 1845, he married Margaret Keys, who was born September 27, 1823, a daughter of Henry Keys, who was born and reared on the farm now owned by his son, Henry. The following named children were born to this couple: Henry Wesley; Sarah Isabel, born November 1, 1848, died August 16, 1872; William A. S., born May 24, 1855, died September 22,. 1877; Iria Anson, born June 26, 1859, now a prominent farmer of Greene county, Ind .; James B. McClelland, born February 26, 1863, also a resident of Greene county, Ind .; Lu- ella, born June 1, 1865; and Carrie Etta, born June 8, 1870, both living with their father, who is an extensive landowner in Greene county, Ind.

Henry Wesley Hildebrand, the subject of this sketch, was born December 29, 1845, in West Bethlehem township, this county. Here his early years were passed at work upon the farm, and he received but little education, for being the eldest of the family he shared with his father much of the responsibility and management of the place. On January 2, 1868, he married Catherine Wonsettler, a daughter of David Wonsettler, and they have two sons: William, born August 28, 1870, and Finley W., born October 15, 1877, now attending school. Mrs. Hildebrand died March 2, 1890, at the age of forty-two years, three months and twenty- one days. To her memory a handsome monument was erected. Mr. Hildebrand was married March 19, 1891, to Emma Grable, a daughter of David Grable, a prominent farmer of West Bethlehem township. Mr. Hildebrand is an elder in the Lu- theran Church, of which he and his wife are mem- bers, and in politics he is a Democrat.

A DAM MOUNTS, one of the most intelligent and progressive citizens of Franklin town- ship, was born in Canton township, February 23, 1832.

His father, William Mounts, was born in this county January 14, 1800, and was brought up to practical farm life from his earliest boyhood. The school he attended during a few winter weeks in each year was held in a deserted log cabin, through which the wintry winds whistled with gleeful defiance at the huge fire that burned brightly in the spacious fireplace, which monopo- lized one end of the schoolroom. In October, 1823,

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Mr. Mounts was married to Mary Malone, whose family were also old settlers, and after their marri- age the young couple made their home in Franklin township until 1852, when he moved to Valley Inn, Buffalo township. Later he settled on Wolf Farm, where he died in June, 1884. He was emphatically a self-made man, and at the time of his death owned a large farm. Politically he was first a Whig, and afterward a Republican, but though always taking a deep interest in the affairs of his party, he would never accept office. Among the earliest members of East Buffalo Presbyterian Church, he was one of its leading and most esteemed supporters. The children of this honored pioneer were: William, Adam, Richard, Mary A. (Mrs. Robert Huston ), Marguerite (Mrs. Abraham Huston), Elizabeth (Mrs. Charles Kelley), Martha ( Mrs. Samuel Parker), Thomas Theodore and Isaac C. Richard, Thomas and Calvin reside on Wolf Farm. Sarah Jane, the oldest of the family, married J. C. Johnson.

The early life of Adam Mounts was passed at the paternal home, where he was employed for the most part in assisting in the work on the farm until he was about nineteen years old, when for a time he attended the school of his section known as Jolley's schoolhouse. On February 23, 1860, Mr. Mounts was married to Susan, a daughter of Jacob Miller, of Donegal township, and since his marriage has resided in Franklin township. His fine farm in Franklin township comprises 200 acres of fertile land, on which he has made many improve- ments, and his present residence, a large two-story frame building, was built in 1884. He also owns a farm of 200 acres in West Finley township, and the fine residence on that farm is constructed of brick made in about the year 1832. Mr. Mounts also owns the first land deeded to his father in October, 1831. The names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Adam Mounts are as follows: Mary A. (Mrs. Bernard Ramsey), William C., J. Melvin, Harry B., James A., Flora B., Alvin and Cora. Mr. Mounts is a member of East Buffalo Presby- terian Church, and in politics he is a Republican.

H UGH WILSON. In many vocations of life are found those who possess a reputation for business sagacity which they do not really deserve. They are prosperous, not as a reward of their own struggles for suc- cess, but having inherited the fruit of others' toil, are in no way blameworthy for this fact. Yet it is evident to any thoughtful mind, that a man whose business has been organized and placed in a pros- perous condition before he assumed control, does not require the experience and judgment which are essential to those who make their own road to fortune. In this respect the agriculturist possesses

an advantage over his city brethren, inasmuch as his reputation is of necessity based almost entirely upon his own personal ability. He may inherit lands and gold, but if he lacks the prerequisites of his vocation, he cannot be a successful farmer even in name, for in no other path of life is incompe- tency so apparent. Therefore, the successful and prosperous agriculturist is always the man who must possess sterling qualities of his own, regard- less of the property he may inherit. Among the latter class the name of Wilson is prominently identified. Henry Wilson was born east of the mountains, and in early manhood became a pioneer settler of Allegheny county, Penn., locating near McDonald. He was a prosperous farmer, and died on the old place, leaving a family of nine children.

William W. Wilson, a son of that pioneer, was born May 14, 1815, in Allegheny county, Penn., and received a subscription-school education. He then learned the wagon-making trade, and first located at Eldersville, Washington Co., Penn. On April 8, 1836, he selected a life companion in the person of Jane Smith, who was born December 25, 1811. She was a daughter of Robert Smith, of Jefferson township, this county. The young couple continued to reside in Eldersville until 1839, when they moved to Paris, Hanover town- ship. The children of this family bore the follow- ing names: Alexander, living in Steubenville, Ohio, was born January 10, 1837; Hugh, born Au- gust 15, 1839; John S., a farmer of Hanover township, born November 6, 1841; William H., a liveryman of Burgettstown, Penn., born March 15, 1844; Rowena, wife of Russell Parks, Burgetts- town, Penn., born March 23, 1847; Robert G., de- ceased at the age of two years, born January 8, 1850; Rachel J., wife of W. V. Dunbar, of Smith township, born December 29, 1851; and James B., living in Washington State, born August 26, 1856. Mr. Wilson was a leading member of the Democratic party, having held several local offices. In 1874 he fell from his haymow, and, dislocating his neck, died instantly. In 1887 his widow was laid beside him in Paris cemetery. Both were consistent mem- bers of the U. P. Church.

Hugh Wilson, whose name opens this sketch, was born at Eldersville, this county, having been but an infant when his parents located in Paris. He attended the common schools, then hired out to R. S. Cook, living near Bulger, Washington county, with whom he remained some time. On March 25, 1868, he led to the altar Ophelia Russell, who was born in 1840. She was a daughter of John and Jane (Simpson ) Russell, of Smith township. One son, John, was born to this marriage, February 4, 1882. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Wilson remained for some time as tenants on his father-in - law's farm. In 1880 he located on his present home in Hanover township, upon which he has

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made many improvements, successfully devoting his attention to general farming, stock raising and dairying. Politically he has always voted the Democrat ticket, and in religion he and his wife are members of the Florence Presbyterian Church.

T HOMAS MCDONOUGH, one of the well- known retired farmers of Washington county, is a native of the same, born in Somerset. township, October 27, 1830.

He is a grandson of Henry McDonough, who came from Baltimore, Md., to this county at a very early day, when the Indians were so hostile that he had to sleep in his rude cabin with his gun, pitchfork and axe near his bed, ready for any sud- den nocturnal attack. He revisited Baltimore after a time, and returning to Washington county after a four years' absence, bought a farm and settled down to agricultural pursuits. On the occasion of his second coming to the county he brought with him a slave woman who kept house for him until his marriage, after which she remained as a mem- ber of the family until she died of sheer old age, and was buried in the family lot in Pigeon Creek cemetery. Henry McDonough married Jane, daugh- ter of 'Squire Hamilton, of "Ginger Hill," west of Monongahela City, and they became the parents of a large family.

David McDonough, son of this pioneer, was born in Washington county, November 14, 1799, his education being received at the subscription schools of the neighborhood of his birthplace. He was reared to the occupation of his forefathers on the old home farm, whereon he lived all his days. On May 16, 1827, he was married to Levinah, daughter of Adam Weir, of West Bethlehem township, and a descend- ant of one of the early settlers of the county. Four children were born to this union, viz .: Joseph, in Somerset township; Thomas, our subject; Adam, who died at the age of eight years, and Henry H., a practicing physician at Claysville, Penn. In 1859 the father passed from earth at the age of sixty years. He was originally a Whig in politics, later a stanch Republican, and held various town- ship offices in the gift of his party. His widow survived him until March 2, 1876, when she too passed from earth.

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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 166

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