Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 169

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 169

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UDGE ABRAHAM WOTRING (deceased.) was a prominent gentleman of Washington county, and a representative of an old pioneer family. His father, Abraham Wotring, was a descendant of French Huguenots, who sailed from France in the days of religious persecution, to find a home where they might worship God according to the dictates of conscience only, and in free America they found the object of their quest. He was born in York county, Penn., from whence he removed to Hagerstown, Md., and there purchased a large tract of land upon which he lived for some years. He then located in Washington county, Penn., on a part of the present site of Washington borough, some time later moving to the home farni now occupied by his descendants. He erected a mill and store- room, built an addition to the house, and opened a milling business in connection with conducting the store and farm. Mr. Wotring entered the Revolutionary war at the beginning of the conflict, serving until the close. In politics he was a very influential Democrat. One son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Wotring, Abraham.

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Abraham Wotring was born in 1804 in Mary- land, coming to Washington county, Penn., when but ten years of age. He assisted his father in the extensive business which he conducted, and in 1824 was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Rev. Jonathan Rahauser, one of the first ministers of the German Reformed Church, of Hagerstown, Md. Some years after the marriage of her daugh- ter, Mrs. Rahauser, being a widow, removed with ber family to Washington county, Penn., bringing with them one of the first pianos ever brought over the mountains. People came from many miles around to hear the wonderful music, and see the unusual curiosity which is yet in the possession of the fam- ily. Mr. Wotring inherited the land and exten- sive business owned by his father, who died soon after the marriage of the former. Mr. Wotring sold the greater portion of the land, reserving about 250 acres of the best to his own use, and continuing to conduct the mill and store. To Abraham and Elizabeth (Rahauser) Wotring were born the following children: Mary (Mrs. Pointlex- ter, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Abraham (living at home ), Jonathan (a physician of Newark, Ohio), Katherine (Mrs. Howard, of Allegheny ), Elizabeth (living on the home farm), Amelia (also residing at home), Frederick (a minister of Rawlins, Wyo- mning), Rosanna (Mrs. Clark, of Washington, D. C.), Francis L. (living on the home place), Dr. Louisa Lyle (of Cincinnati, Ohio) and Cornelia (Mrs. Con- ger, of Clinton, Iowa ).

After conducting the mill for a number of years Mr. Wotring closed it, and dividing it into rooms, opened an academy which flourished for some time. In politics he was originally a Democrat, but after- ward joined the Republican party. He served as postmaster for some time, was justice of the peace for several years, and was twice elected associate judge of Washington county. He was a leading citizen, being called upon for advice and counsel in many important matters. In religious faith he was a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church at Buffalo, this county. He died in 1874.

P ARKER S. SPHAR. The Sphar family have been identified with the history of Washington county for many years. Mat- tern Sphar was born in Switzerland, and, in company with two brothers and one sis- ter, immigrated to America about 1760, at the age of seventeen years. He first settled in Williams- burgh, Va., and on April 21, 1767, took the oath of allegiance under Queen Anne. He was there married to Margaret Shively, and in 1780 came to Washington county, Penn., and purchased of one Col. Cooke 200 acres on the Monongahela river, in what is now Washington county. He took an active part in the Whisky Insurrection, and was a soldier

in the war of 1812. He died about 1822, leaving three children, namely: John, Mattern (who moved to Adams county, Ohio, thence to Indiana ), and Henry (who lived in this county ).

John Sphar was born in 1777, in Loudoun county, Va., and when but three years of age came with his parents to Washington county, Penn. He received a subscription-school education in Allen township, and when a young man was married to Susanna Redd, a native of Washington county. They settled on a farm in Allen township, and reared the following children: Mary, wife of John Shively, Guernsey county, Ohio; Jacob, who was first married to Susanna Wood, and after her death to Charlotte Wilson; Elizabeth, wife of Joseph Dunlevy; Daniel, who married Mary Speer, and lived in Kentucky; Ann, wife of William Spah, of Indiana; Barbara, wife of William Hollingshead; Mattern, married to Margaret Coyle, of Ohio; Sarah, widow of Joseph Beazell, of Allen township; Ra- chel, married to Robert Gailey, of Clarion county, Penn .; John, who married Lucy Ann Scott, and Henry. Of this family three are yet living, viz .: Sarah, John and Henry. The father voted first with the Whig, afterward with the Republican party, and served as supervisor of the township. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. He died in 1856, having been preceded by his wife in 1852.

John Sphar was born February 26, 1817, on the old place in Allen township, Washington county. In 1839 he was united in marriage with Lucy Ann Scott, daughter of Parker and Sarah (Carson) Scott, all of whom were natives of Fallowfield township. Her parents had twelve daughters, of whom Mrs. Sphar is the only one yet living. Mr. Sphar owns seventy-five acres of the old home- stead, where he has followed general farming. He cast a vote for William Henry Harrison, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its most earnest supporters, and has served as a member of the school board and also as super- visor. He is no less interested in religious than in political movements, having been licensed as an exhorter and class-leader in the Ebenezer M. E. Church, with which his wife is also identified. Mr. and Mrs. John Sphar have had children as fol- lows: Sarah, wife of William Rodgers, of Fallow- field township; Parker S .; Henry, married to a Miss McElhaney, of Armstrong county, Penn .; James, who died in his twenty-sixth year; John E., living in Allen township; Ann, widow of Ephraim McKee; Gertrude, married to J. H. Redd, and Wesley, deceased at the age of nineteen years.

Parker S. Sphar was born April 9, 1842, in Allen township, Washington county, and was reared to manhood on the home place. On September 18, 1862, he was united in marriage with Sarah R.

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Dunlevy, a native of Allen township, and daughter of Andrew Dunlevy. After his marriage Parker S. Sphar located on ninety-six acres of land in Allen township, containing a good stone quarry adjoining Charleroi. He does an extensive busi- ness in building stone, besides general farming. In political opinion he is a Republican, and in re- ligion he and his wife are members of the Ebenezer M. E. Church. Their children are Cora D., wife of Ellsworth Redd, of Fallowfield township; William A., married to Maggie Williams, of Fallowfield township; Andrew and James.

T HOMAS RAMSEY, a prosperous and promi- nent agriculturist of Hanover township, is a grandson of Robert Ramsey, who was born in Maryland and there married to Mary Mitchell. Several years before the close of the eighteenth century, with his wife, family and few earthly possessions, he made the long and tedious journey over the mountains, locating on Peters creek, in Washington county, Penn. In 1799 they settled in Hanover township, on the farm which is the present home of their grandson, Thomas. Here they resided during the rest of their lives, and became prosperous. In politics Mr. Ramsey was a stanch Democrat; he was one of the founders of the Seceder Congregation at Kings Creek, of which he was an earnest member and an elder. Six sons and nine daughters were born to these pioneers, of whom the youngest died at the age of thirty-seven years, the first of the children to pass away. All were married except- ing Nancy, who died in 1827. The eldest son, James, became a Doctor of Divinity in the Canons- burg Theological Seminary, and for forty years was pastor of the Seceder Church in Canonsburg.

Mitchell Ramsey, who was the thirteenth child and youngest son of Robert and Mary (Mitchell) Ramsey, was born in 1797 on Peters creek, Wash- ington county, being but two years of age when his parents came to Hanover township, where he grew to manhood. In 1818 he was married to Anna George, who was born about 1799, near Venice, on Miller's run, in Washington county, Penn. Her father, Robert George, came from Ire- land, and her mother was of German descent. The children of Mitchell and Anna Ramsey were as follows: Robert G. (living in Carroll county, Ohio), James (who died in Carroll county, Ohio), Thomas (whose name opens this sketch), Mary ( widow of James McGinnis, of Monroe county, Iowa), Christina ( Mrs. Alexander George, living in Jefferson county, Ohio), William M. (a black- smith of Hanover township) and Ann Eliza (wife of W. T. Arnold, of Hanover township). The parents always lived on the old place, where the father followed farming. He was a prominent

member of the Democratic party, and held all the offices of the township. He died April 17, 1857, and was buried in Kings Creek cemetery; his widow passed away September 5, 1882, and was laid to rest in Frankfort cemetery. He was a mem- ber and elder of the Kings Creek U. P. Church, was a leading farmer, and took an active interest in all measures tending to the public good, being recognized as a most useful, able and progressive citizen.

Thomas Ramsey was born January 22, 1823, on the farm which he yet owns, and the house where he was born is standing as a relic of olden times. He attended the old-fashioned schools of the com- munity, and worked on his father's farm during boyhood. On November 6, 1861, he was married to Jane Slater, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and daughter of John and Margaret (George) Slater. This wife died August 3, 1864, and was buried in Frankfort cemetery. She left one child, Georgetta, who was but twenty-three days old when her mother died, and is yet living at home. For his second wife Thomas Ramsey married Nan- nie (Hood) Ackleson, widow of Samuel Ackleson. To this union were born three children, viz .: a son deceased in infancy; Margaret ( who died when three months old ); and James P. (deceased when two years of age). The mother died December 19, 1874, and was buried in Frankfort cemetery. After the death of his father, Thomas Ramsey paid off the claims of the other heirs, and took entire charge of the home farm where he is now living. Farming has been his principal vocation. In poli- tics he has been independent, and has held several offices in Hanover township at the wish of his friends. For thirty-five years he has been a lead- ing member and elder in Kings Creek U. P. Con- gregation. At the age of sixteen he was a mem- ber of the Frankfort Congregation.

M ARSHAL MATHEWS is descended from a pioneer family of Washington county, Penn. His grandfather, Paul Mathews, married Jane McCorkle, a native of Washington county, and purchased an unimproved farm in Peters township. Their children were James, Robert, Margaret (wife of James Hultz), Paul, Jane (Mrs. Isaac Weaver) and Sarah (wife of James Rigland). The father was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a mem- ber of the Seceder Church.

James Mathews was born and reared on the home farm in Peters township, this county, where he followed farming and stock raising. When a young man he was married to Margaret, daughter of John Bowers, of Peters township, and she bore him five children, viz .: Mary J. (wife of Francis Kerr, deceased), Marshal, John B., Margaret A.

Whos Ramsey

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(Mrs. A. J. Kelly), and David (deceased). Mr. Mathews was a leading politician in the Demo- cratic party.

Marshal Mathews was born November 26, 1831, in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., and received a very limited education, as he was obliged to assist on the farm a great deal. At the age of seventeen years he was apprenticed to John E. Bell, a harness and saddle maker of Canons- burg, with whom he remained four years, and then conducted a shop at Dunningsville, Penn., for two years, when he removed to his present place of business in Canonsburg. On January 16, 1856, he was united in marriage with Helen P., daughter of John Haggerty, of Canonsburg, and they have had two daughters: Mary A. (wife of Samuel C. Mc- Nary) and Isabelle B. Mrs. Mathews died Sep- tember 1, 1883. Mr. Mathews has won success by earnest, untiring effort, and well deserves his reputation as a successful and representative busi- ness man. He affiliates with the Democratic party, and has held various local offices. From the time , of its organization he has been a member and dea- con of the Central Presbyterian Church at Canons- burg, this county.

D EMAS LINDLEY McVAY, an energetic and prosperous farmer of Morris township, is a grandson of Samuel McVay, who moved from New Jersey to Morris town- ship, Washington county, Penn., in an early day, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of the State.

Franklin McVay, son of Samuel, was born on his father's farm in Morris township, and like his father became a successful farmer. He married Priscilla, a daughter of Luther Day, of Morris township, who was also descended from a pioneer family that had moved from New Jersey, and who were among the first to secure excellent land in Washington county. Franklin and Priscilla Mc- Vay had four children: Demas Lindley; Elmas D., who was a farmer in Morris township, and died in 1868; Samuel B., a farmer of Morris township, and Franklin Wallace, a cabinet-maker and under- taker, of Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., who died in 1882.

Demas Lindley McVay was born January 13, 1844, in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. When he was but ten years of age his father died, and he and his mother struggled bravely on, en- during inany hardships, but, nevertheless, they succeeded in keeping the fatherless family together until they were able to care for themselves. On September 24, 1869, Mr. McVay was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Thomas Hanna, of Morris township, whose family were also pioneer settlers of that township, and natives of New Jer- sey. To this union have been born five children:

two that died in infancy; Lee Anna J. and Priscilla D., living with their parents; and T. Franklin, who assists his father in the farm work. Mr. McVay re- sides on the place known as the " Old Hanna farm," the property of his father-in-law, but he owns a well-improved farm, situated one mile below Pros- perity, this county, on Ten-Mile creek. He is a prominent stock-raiser, and gives considerable at- tention to the breeding and raising of Shorthorn cattle and Blacktop sheep. An uncle of his, Samuel McVay, was appointed administrator of the estate of another uncle, named Nelson, and upon the death of the former, D. L. McVay, together with J. M. Dunn, was appointed administrator, and upon them devolved the duty of settling up the estate, consisting of $20,000 to $25,000 worth of property. The lands, located near Prosperity, this county, had been in the possession of the McVay family over sixty years. Mr. McVay enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, August 18, 1862, in Company I, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, served until the end of the war, and now draws a small pension. He resided in Franklin township eleven years after his marriage. Contrary to the political opinions of his ancestors, he has always been a straight Republican, and he and his wife are mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a deacon.

J. Nelson McVay, an uncle of Demas L., was a native of Morris township, where he passed his entire life, and was an extensive landowner. He was a lifelong Democrat, and was never married. A man of perfect physical strength, he knew noth- ing of sickness, until called to cross the dark river at an advanced age.

Samuel McVay, another bachelor uncle of our subject, was also a native of Morris township, this county, and always remained near the place of his birth. He was a strict business man, and took an active interest in educational matters, serving as secretary of the school board of Morris township for several years.

EWIS PERSHING, who in his lifetime was a progressive and prosperous agriculturist, received a good education in the common schools of the neighborhood of his place of birth, and afterward became well-read in history, Scripture and standard literature.

In October, 1851, he was united in marriage with Julia Ann Harris, daughter of Joseph and Martha Harris, and three children were born to them, of whom but one is now living-Frances, who was born January 5, 1857. Mr. Pershing was a very successful business man. In politics he was a Democrat, but voted for men whose principles he considered were above reproach, rather than for party candidates, and he held several township

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offices; in religious faith he belonged to the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. He died April 22, 1888, and the following obituary appeared at the time in a Washington paper: " Lewis F. Pershing, an aged and highly-respected citizen of Amwell township, died in his seventy-third year. He had been en- gaged in farming for a great many years. He leaves a widow and one daughter. He was a cousin of Judge Cyrus L. Pershing, of Schuylkill county, Penn. The deceased was a kind husband and indulgent father."

Mrs. Pershing is a representative of a family eminent in Church and State. Her brother, John Harris, graduated from Washington and Jefferson College, and then removed to Georgia, where he has for many years represented that State in Con- gress. She is a cousin of Bishop Harris.

H ARRISON LEYDA, butcher, was born No- vember 15, 1843, in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn. He is a son of Henry Leyda, whose parents were natives of eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Wash- ington county with the earliest pioneer settlers, part of the journey having been made on horseback. The country was then wild and full of danger to the inexperienced traveler, but with undaunted courage Mr. and Mrs. Leyda began their humble home in Washington county, and success finally rewarded their patient toil. In their pioneer cabin the fol- lowing children were born and reared: James, George, Henry and Jacob. The father affiliated with the Whig party, and in religious faith was one of the earliest members of the Presbyterian Church. He died on the farm where he first settled.

Henry Leyda was born in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn., and was early taught the fundamental principles of business success, " constant toil and close economy." By following this rule he eventually became a most successful agriculturist, dealing very extensively in stock. He gave especial attention to raising sheep and cattle, shipping large numbers to eastern markets. In political matters he voted first with the Whig party and afterward with the Republican. When a young man he was married to Catherine Myers, of Somerset township, who bore him children as follows: one deceased in infancy, Harriet (wife of Harvey Wilson), Hannah (married to Albert Har- ris), Amanda, Emma ( wife of Anderson Whitman), Lizzie ( wife of Thomas Collins), Harrison, William and James.

Harrison Leyda passed his youth in assisting with the duties of the farm, and October 10, 1867, he married Easther A., daughter of Daniel Swick- ard. Her father, who is a prosperous shoe mer- chant of Monongahela City, was born November

26, 1816, in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn., a son of John Swickard and grandson of Martin Swickard, who was born and reared in east- ern Pennsylvania. The last named came to Wash- ing county among the early settlers, and, locating in a log cabin in Somerset township, assisted in clearing up and improving the land. He was twice married, and to the first union were born the fol- lowing children: Matthias, Daniel, Samuel, John, Lucy and Sarah. Mr. Swickard, in 1805, moved to Jefferson county, Ohio, where he remained until his death. In political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Lutheran Church.

John Swickard was born in 1783, in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home place. When a young man he married Mary, daughter of John Smith, and the young couple continued to reside on the home place, where children were born to them as follows: Catherine, John, Samuel, Daniel, Mary, Barbara, Susan and Margaret. The father was a lifelong agriculturist, and a noted hunter and sportsman; in politics he voted with the Democratic party. The clothing for the family was made from wool carded by hand and woven by his wife; she died several years ago, and was buried in the Lutheran cemetery, where her husband has been laid to rest. They were both members of the Lutheran Church. Daniel Swickard was educated at the subscription schools of Somerset township, his text books being limited to the Testament and United States Spel- ler, while the log schoolhouse was furnished in the usual primitive fashion of the day. In 1840 he was married to Harriet, daughter of Abram Leyda (a native of Nottingham township), who has borne him the following children: John, living in Colorado; Mary E., wife of Daniel Berry; Easther A., Mrs. Harrison Leyda; Daniel, deceased; James L., liv- ing in Meadville, Penn .; A. Y. and David M. Mr. and Mrs. Swickard resided on the home place for twenty years after their marriage, when he pur- chased the Leyda mill in Nottingham township, conducting that enterprise for thirteen years, but continuing to own the home place. In 1865 he opened a grocery store in Monongahela City, but five years afterward sold out, purchasing a furniture and undertaking establishment, which he kept for thirteen years. At the expiration of that time he opened the shoe store, where he is now carrying on a profitable business. He is a representative citi- zen, and a stanch supporter of the Democratic party; he has served in numerous capacities, and in 1855 was elected a county commissioner, which office he held three years. In religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

After their marriage Harrison and Easther A. (Swickard) Leyda resided in Somerset township for a few years, then came to Monongahela City, where he opened his present butchering establish-

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ment. He conducts an extensive business, yield- ing a large annual profit. In politics he is a leading member of the Republican party. His children are Addie, Frank, Fannie, Bert, Edgar J., Annie and Harry.

W G. THOMPSON, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Cecil township, is of Irish descent, and the youngest son of William Thompson, who was born in Ireland. The latter immigrated to America in early manhood, first locating in Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Penn., and married Miss Warden of that city, who bore him one child, Martha (deceased wife of Moses T. Glasgow, of Northwood, Ohio). This wife dying, Mr. Thompson married Margaret George, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. They set- tled in Pittsburgh, Penn., where the father died in 1833, leaving the following children: Christina G. (wife of Thomas Slater, of Cecil township), H. A. (a banker, of Salineville, Ohio), R. G. (also in Salineville) and W. G. R. G. enlisted in the Sixty-third Regiment, O. V. I., remaining in the service about two years, when he received an honorable discharge. The parents were members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. After the death of her husband the mother married John Slater, settled in Allegheny county, Penn., and afterward in Cecil township, this county, where she died.

W. G. Thompson, youngest son of William and Margaret (George) Thompson, was born February 11, 1831, in Pittsburgh, Penn., where he lived until six years of age. When sixteen years old he began teaching, and continued the profession for many years in different schools in Allegheny county. He was principal of the Sharpsburg school for four years, and in 1858 moved to the farm in Cecil township, Washington county, which is now his home. On October 15, 1853, Mr. Thompson was united in marriage with Christina G., daughter of George and Jane (George) Robb, natives of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, both of whom are now deceased.

Mrs. Thompson died in 1870, in Cecil township, leaving five children: J. S. (a minister of the Re- formed Presbyterian Church at Utica, Ohio, mar- ried to Jennie Slater), Etta H. (a teacher in the Indian Mission at Fort Sill, Ind. T.), Lizzie E. (living at home), George R. (also at home) and W. T. Knox (attending college at Beaver Falls, Penn.). Emma Jennie, the eldest in the family, died in 1870 at the age of fourteen years, just one week prior to the death of her mother. After the death of the mother Mr. Thompson was married, August 15, 1871, to Lizzie C. Shane, a native of Allegheny county, and daughter of Henry and Margaret (Musser) Shane, who were born near

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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 169

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