Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 170

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 170

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Noblestown, same county. Both are now deceased, and the mother was blind many years before her death. W. G. Thompson bought a partially im- proved farm in Cecil township, containing 111 acres, which he has cultivated to the highest ex- tent, and on which he has erected a commodious house and barn, put out shade trees, and planted a good orchard. After coming to Washington county Mr. Thompson taught three winters in Cecil town- ship, two winters at Venice, and one in the home district, but he has devoted his principal attention to agricultural pursuits. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in Chartiers township, this county.

M RS. CATHERINE McKEE. Hugh Mc- Kee (deceased) was a son of John and Mary (Seaborn ) McKee, who were natives of eastern Pennsylvania and who moved many years ago to Westmoreland county, Penn., where they died. The father was a soldier of the Revolution, and also participated in the war of 1812. They were the parents of ten children.

Hugh McKee was born in 1800, in Chambers- burgh, Franklin Co., Penn., and coming with his parents to Westmoreland county, Penn., was there reared and educated. On January 29, 1829, he was united in marriage with Catherine Lutz, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and daughter of Martin and Catherine (Cline) Lutz. Her parents were born in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Westmoreland county in an early day. Mr. and Mrs. McKee resided on the home place until 1837, when they moved to Washington county, Penn., and in 1842 bought 150 acres of the "Dixon place," and sold fifty acres.

In politics Mr. Hugh McKee was actively identi- fied with the Democratic party, and in religion he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. Their children were as follows: Margaret ( wife of of Richard Ward, was born in 1832), John, Anna, Thomas, Mary ( wife of Jehu Dunlevy), Anna, (married to James Bailey), Sarah Jane (wife of Bartemus Dunlevy), Catherine, and Ephraim (who was married to Annie, daughter of John Sphar). The children of this family are all now deceased, and the father passed away January 3, 1886. Mrs. McKee, who is now the only living repre- sentative of the family, is living on the home farm in Allen township.

AMES B. HAMILTON was born September 24, 1854, in Nottingham township, Washing- ton county. He is a son of Henry Hamilton, who was born in 1816, in Nottingham town- ship, and received his education in the schools of the home neighborhhod. After leaving school

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Henry learned the blacksmith's trade, and follow- ed that vocation until 1869, when he began to carry mail from Bentleyville to Pittsburgh. He continued in this business four years, then followed huckstering along the river. In 1847 he was united in marriage with Margaret A. Morrow, who was born in 1828, in Allegheny county, Penn., and seven children were born to them, namely: Margaret (deceased ), David, Carrie ( Mrs. Nelson, deceased), James B., Alex ander, Jane (Mrs. Smith), and William. The father of this family died June 21, 1886, and was followed by the mother on October 24, 1890.

James B. Hamilton attended the schools of the county, and learned afterward the blacksmith's trade of Henry Watson, in Houstonville. On Novem- ber 6, 1881, he was married to Miss Minnie B., daughter of Simon C. Wolf, a prosperous black- smith and ex-soldier of Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton have had born to them children as follows: Simon W., William Glen, Lulu M. and Paul. Mr. Hamilton has continued to follow his trade, and is a very successful business man.

M RS. ELIZABETH B. CALDWELL. This highly esteemed lady is the widow of George J. Caldwell, and daughter of Alexander Borland, whose father, Andrew Borland, a native of Ireland, immigrated to the United States at an early day. In 1824 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Alexander McClure, and children as follows were born to their union: Alexander, Mary E., Rebecca, Margaret A., Elizabeth, Sarah, Catherine, Andrew, Martha, Rachel and James, of whom Rebecca, Catherine, Martha and Rachel are now deceased. The father of this family followed farm- ing during his manhood on the old Borland place, with the exception of about six years, and died in 1860, the mother passing away April 10, 1889.

Alexander Borland, eldest son of Andrew and Elizabeth Borland, was born December 10, 1825, on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., where he grew to manhood. In early life he married Margaret Jane, daughter of James and Agnes Crawford, who were the parents of nine children, namely: William (deceased), Sarah, Andrew (living on the old homestead in Peters township), Tamnar, Mary Ann, Agnes, Elizabeth, Margaret Jane (Mrs. Borland) and Priscilla: of whom Andrew and Margaret Jane are the only ones yet living. To the union of Alexander and Margaret Jane (Crawford) Borland the following children have been born: James Crawford, Eliza- beth McClure ( Mrs. Caldwell), Andrew Alexander, Mary Agnes and Elmer Ellsworth (the last named being deceased). In 1876 Alexander Borland purchased his present home of 113 acres in North Strabane township, all being under culti-

vation. In political opinion he votes with the Democratic party, and he has held various positions of trust in North Strabane township. In religious faith he is a member of the U. P. Church, and a ruling elder in the same.

On October 17, 1878, Elizabeth B. Borland was married to George J. Caldwell, a son of Joseph, and a grandson of William Caldwell. The latter was born in Ireland, where he was reared, and in an early day he emigrated to America, coming at once to Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., where he made a settlement and followed his trade, blacksmithing, in connection with farming. He married Jane Hazelett, and their children were Margaret, Ann, Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Nancy, John, Robert, William and Joseph, all now deceased. He was an active man up to the time of his death, and a prosperous agriculturist, a member of the Centre Presbyterian Church, and in political faith a stanch Democrat.

Joseph Caldwell, son of William and Jane (Hazelett ) Caldwell, was born and reared in Peters township, this county, and received a liberal educa- tion at the subscription schools. In March, 1840, he was united in marriage with Agnes, daughter of George Johnston, of Allegheny county, Penn., whose wife was Jane McMachen, their children being Robert, Agnes, Sarah J., Mary, Margaret, Catherine, Tamar and George. Mr. Johnston was a carpenter and builder, a major in the State militia, a Democrat of the old school, and a member of the Centre Presbyterian Church. After mar- riage Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Caldwell settled on the home farm where he passed the remainder of his days, and where his widow is yet living. Their children were George J., Jennie ( Mrs S. N. Hop- per), Lizzie ( Mrs. Finley D. Brown), Annie M. (Mrs. William P. Hopper) and Ada. The father of this family passed from earth April 14, 1875. He was a self-made man, enterprising and highly- respected. As an agriculturist he had no superior, and he was a leading wool farmer in his township. In church connection he was a Presbyterian, a member of the Society at Centre, and his political leanings were of the solid Democratic type.

George Johnston Caldwell, son of Joseph and Agnes (Johnston) Caldwell, was born January 26, 1851, on the old farm in Peters township, where his widow is yet living. He assisted his father in farming until the death of the latter in 1875, when he, by his father's bequest, took entire charge of the farm. He was a stanch supporter of the princi - ples embodied in the Democratic party, and for twenty-one years filled the office of school director. In religion he was a member of Centre Presby- terian Church, and taught the same class in Sunday- school fifteen years. As a farmer he had no superior; as a neighbor he was universally esteemed. His hand was ever open to the needy, and his heart to

Joseph Caldwell

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sympathize with the afflicted. His devotion to his family was untiring. By tireless energy he suc- ceeded in paying off the rest of the heirs, and clearing the farm of that encumbrance, but the task proved too much for his bodily strength; consumption made inroads on his system, and despite the efforts of skilled physicians, his spirit winged its way to God on Sabbath morn, October 20, 1889, leaving the entire community to mourn his departure from among them. His widow and two sons-Joseph H., born August 9, 1879, and Alex. Borland, born September 23, 1881-still live on the farm containing about 200 acres of fertile land.

No family is more worthy of honorable mention, or has been more closely identified with the interests of Washington county, than that bearing the name of Caldwell.

E J. AGNEW is descended from a represen- tative family of Washington county, and is a grandson of Samuel Agnew, who was born in eastern Pennsylvania, and there married to a Miss Elizabeth Johnston. In 1780 they left York county, Penn., locating in Washington county, where in 1785 he secured a patent for two tracts of land, each containing 400 acres, located on George's run, a branch of Chartiers creek. The warrant was issued in 1785, one part being the property of Matthew Henderson, who sold it to Mr. Agnew the following year. Samuel Agnew passed his life on this place, and died in 1819. He was a Whig in politics and served his party as a member of the State Legislature, having previously been justice of the peace in his district, which in- cluded several townships. In religious connection he was a member and elder of the Seceder (now the United Presbyterian) Church.

Samuel Agnew was born in 1767, in eastern Pennsylvania, and in early manhood was united in marriage with Elizabeth Mitchell, who was born in 1773, in eastern Pennsylvania. He settled in Washington county about the year 1786, on the farm in Chartiers township, where children were born as follows: John (deceased in 1863); Samuel (who died in 1826); James (married to Nancy Jane Buchanan, who died leaving two children: James, living in Mt. Pleasant township, and Nancy Jane, wife of William Stewart; after the death of the mother James Agnew was married to Margaret Brown, now deceased, then to Margaret Aiken, who is living in Mt. Plesant township. He died in 1880); Joseph (deceased in 1885, married to Miss Mary Peterson ); Eliza Jane (deceased in 1883, wife of Matthew White); E. J. (a sketch of whom fol- lows), and Thomas (deceased in 1870, married to Sarah Dougherty ). Samuel Agnew was a Jack- sonian Democrat, holding several township offices

and taking an active part in the political questions of the county. In religion he first united with the Seceder (now the U. P.) Church, officiating as an elder for several years. He died in 1839, being followed by the mother in 1850.

E. J. Agnew was born March 30, 1814, on the home farm in Chartiers township, receiving a lib- eral education in West Middletown Academy, and afterward attending Washington College for a short time. In 1837 he began teaching in the county schools, having previously held the position of assistant teacher in the West Middletown Acad- emy for a year or two, and also teaching one year in Muskingum county, Ohio. On September 1, 1841, he was married to Miss Ann White, a native of Canton township, this county, daughter of Ebene- zer and Jane (Nesbit) White. The parents were born in Maryland, and coming to Canton township, Washington county, remained there until their death, which occurred many years ago. Mr. and Mrs. Agnew settled on the farm which is their present home, and four children have completed the family circle, namely: Jennie (wife of Thomas Shaw), Lizzie (living at home), Samuel E. (mar- ried to Anna Allison, has one son, Samuel), and Annie ( Mrs. William Russell, of Mt. Pleasant town- ship). E. J. Agnew has erected a good two-story frame house, two barns, sheep sheds and other buildings upon his farm, to the value of $4,000. His farm contains 118 acres of most productive land, and is one of the best improved farms in Chartiers township, upon which there is a good gas- well in operation. It has now been in the posses- sion of the family 106 years. Mr. Agnew has set- tled seventeen estates in the vicinity of his home, and has been a very active man in all matters of public and educational interest, having served thirteen years as school director and secretary of the board. In politics he is a Republican. In re- ligion he is a member and elder of the Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church. Although seventy- seven years of age, Mr. Agnew reads and writes without the use of glasses, having never required their aid, and is in moderate health, being even yet an active and enterprising citizen. His wife died in the summer of 1883, at the age of sixty-three, after a married life of forty two years.

OHN J. HOFFMAN, a representative, wide- awake successful agriculturist of Amwell township, was born January 24, 1856, in Washington township, Greene county, Penn. His grandfather, George Hoffman, came to Greene county at an early day, and took up 250 acres of land. He married a Miss Frye, and they had three sons and four daughters, as follows: Peter (de- ceased), George, Abraham, Mahala (Mrs. McCarl), Sarah ( Mrs. Cameron ), Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Eliza

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Hedley. Mr. Hoffman was a successful business man, and in his political predilections always up- held the principles of the Democratic party.

George Hoffman, son of George, was born April 2, 1817, in Washington township, Greene county, Penn., and received his education in the common schools. Although his educational opportunities were limited, he was an earnest Bible student, making himself familiar with all its truths. He was united in marriage with Susan Stegner, of Greene county, Penn., who formerly lived near Philadelphia, and the following children were born to them: Jane (Mrs. Ross Johns), George, Thomas and John J. Immediately after his marriage Mr. Hoffman began farming for himself, which vocation he followed very successfully, and in connection engaged to a considerable extent in sheep raising. At one time he had about 1,450 acres of land in his own name, after giving his sons a generous portion to start them in life. He is not a politician, but has held several offices of trust in the township. In religious faith he is a member of the Baptist Church, and has been one of the most faithful workers in that body.

John J. Hoffman passed his earlier years at home, working on the farm in summer, and attending the common school during the winter. He attended the academy at Jefferson, Greene county, one term. On November 16, 1876, he was married to Miss Alice Swart, who was born April 20, 1857, in Amwell township, this county, a daughter of George and Elizabeth Swart, and to this union has come one son, George Clarence, born May 8, 1886. Imme- diately after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman settled on the farm adjoining his father's in Greene county, Penn. (formerly owned by Samuel Bra- den), and remained there until the fall of 1890. They then removed to the farm of 182 acres in Amwell township, this county, where they now re- side. Mr. Hoffman is also the owner of 287 acres in Greene county. He and his family are honored and useful members of the Baptist Church, and in politics he is a straight Democrat, liberal in his views, and voting more for principle that for politi- cal influence.

丁 HE McPEAKE BROTHERS, partners in one of the leading groceries of Canonsburg, are representatives of a prominent pioneer family. Thomas McPeake, the grandfather, was a native of Ireland, but came to America, with his parents, at age of seven years. His parents located in Washington county, Penn., where he was brought up and learned shoemaking. In 1810 he married a Miss Updegraff; he served in the war of 1812. He was a Whig in politics, and in religion was a member of the Union Church, but afterward became a Methodist. His children

were, in order of birth, Harman, Harriet, Margaret, Nancy, William, John, Mary, Henry C., Eliza and James.

Henry C. McPeake was born in 1827, in Canons- burg, where he was reared to manhood. He was one of the best known teamsters on the celebrated Pittsburgh Turnpike. He then conducted a grocery store for ten years, and selling out engaged in speculation for two years, finally resuming the grocery business, which he followed for six years, and then he retired from active life. In early manhood he was married to a Miss Bacon, who bore him the following children: Stewart, Mary E., Harry, George C. and Oliver. Mr. McPeake was very successful in business and in politics was a prominent member of the Republican party, hold- ing various local offices. He possessed a kindly disposition, and was a liberal man.

Stewart McPeake is the senior member of the well-known firm of McPeake Brothers in Canons- burg, and is yet unmarried. His brother, George C., is the junior partner, and is married to Agnes, daughter of S. B. Thompson. The two brothers commenced business in a modest way three years ago on Pike street; but by industry and good management soon increased their custom, and being compelled to seek larger quarters moved to their present location in 1889. Both are stanch members of the Republican party.

L EAMON J. BROWNLEE, a highly esteemed and prominent young citizen of Hopewell township, is a representative of an old pio- neer family, who have been potent factors in the affairs of Washington county for more than a hundred years. His grandfather, Archibald Brown- lee, was the second son of James Brownlee. James Brownlee was of Scotch ancestry, his father having been born and reared in Scotland, where he (the father of James) was married to a Miss Hamilton, and reared children as follows: James, William, John, Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John Allison), and Hugh ( who died on the ocean). This family immigrated to America about the year 1765, first settling in Lancaster county, Penn., and in 1775 made a permanent home in Canton township, Wash- ington county. The father was formerly a member of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, afterward be- coming a Seceder.

James Brownlee was born January 4, 1745, in Lanarkshire, Scotland, and after coming to America learned the trade of a millwright, which he followed several years in eastern Pennsylvania, then settled on a farm in Canton township, Washington county, where the remainder of his life was passed. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Jane Leman, a member of a pioneer family of Washing- ton county, who had emigrated from Ireland. The

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following children were born to their union: John, boru October 15, 1777; Archibald, born February 28, 1779; James, born September 27, 1780; Hugh, born July 23, 1782; Elizabeth (Mrs. Daniel Brown- lee), born May 17, 1784; William, born January 13, 1786; Thomas, born December 1, 1787; Sam- uel, born August 9, 1789; Joseph, born August 8, 1791; Jane (wife of Kenneth McCoy), born April 20, 1793; and David, born April 8, 1797. The home of Mr. Brownlee was situated two miles west of Washington borough. He was a member of and ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North Buffalo, and in politics was a Whig. He died in 1822, and was buried beside his wife, who had pre- ceded him.

Archibald Brownlee (grandfather of our subject) was born on the old National pike, three miles west of Washington. In early manhood he was married to Mary Clark, of Washington county, Penn., who bore him children as follows: James, Joseph ( who removed to Morrow county, Ohio), John, Clark (who moved to Morrow county, Ohio), Samuel, Elizabeth (wife of Dr. Hayes, of Taylorstown, this county) and Jane ( married to a Mr. Shunk, a merchant of Morrow county, Ohio). Mr. Brownlee was an energetic man, and possessed much influ- ence in his neighborhood. He served as justice of the peace, and was employed in various capacities as an authority in legal matters. In religion he was a member and ruling elder of the Presbyterian Church in Claysville, this county. He died in 1844, and his widow remained with her son Samuel until the time of her death, which occurred about 1863.

John Brownlee was born in 1807, in Chartiers township, this county, remaining on the home place during his boyhood. The family afterward re- moved to a farm two miles below Taylorstown, in Buffalo township, this county, where he remained until forty years of age. He was then united in marriage with Sarah E. Logan, and settled on a farm about two and a half miles south of West Middletown, in Hopewell township. His children were Newton ( who died in early manhood ), Jennie ( wife of Dr. J. N. Bemis, of West Middletown, Penn.), Alice (deceased), Leamon J., Frank S., and Harry H. (a resident of Claysville, this county). John Brownlee was a man of limited literary at- tainments, but possessed unusual intelligence and instinctive perception, combined with excellent judgment. He was of a retiring disposition, shrink- ing from publicity, but though reserved in common conversations, was fond of profiting by the wisdom of others, and among his friends became a genial, open-hearted man. He always attended church, and in the latter part of his life united with the United Presbyterian Society at West Middletown. Being always an upright, God-fearing man, his life was governed by the dictates of his conscience

rather than Church tenets. He was a successful business man, and accumulated considerable prop- erty. In politics he was a Republican. In 1887 he left his farm, removing to West Middletown, where he died January 31, 1892, at an advanced age, never having required the services of a physi- cian. His widow is residing in West Middletown with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Bemis.

Leamon J. Brownlee, son of John and Sarah E. (Logan) Brownlee, was born April 28, 1860, in Hopewell township, passing his boyhood on the farm, where he received a common-school educa- tion. He afterward attended the Commercial Col- lege at Pittsburgh, Penn., and then returning to the old homestead, engaged in farming. On Octo- ber 18, 1888, he was united in marriage with Mary F. Scott, daughter of J. Finley and Margaret A. Scott, of Canton township. Immediately after their marriage the young people settled on the farm where they are now living, which is situated two and a half miles southeast of West Middle- town. He has made many improvements upon the place, and has erected a handsome two-story mod- ern dwelling, a large barn and other buildings. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee have two bright little daughters: Nellie and Alice. Mr. Brownlee de- votes his principal attention to wool growing and stock raising; in politics he is a Republican, but confines his political work to the ballot. Mr. and Mrs. Brownlee are members of the United Presby- terian Church in West Middletown.

W ILLIAM J. JOHNSTON. The record of successful business men needs no introductory preface among the citizens of their native county, and this gentleman is undoubtedly a leading member of the class just mentioned. His ancestors were of Irish origin, the first of the family to emigrate being one John Johnston. He and his family sailed to America, locating near the present site of Pittsburgh, in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Of those early days many traditions have been given us, describing the dangers and sufferings endured by our forefathers. The Indians in many instances were very hostile, and wreaked bitter vengeance on the presumptuous palefaces who dared to cross their path. Three sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Johnston, viz .: William, Thomas and John.

John Johnston was born in 1802, and his youth was passed amid the scenes and duties of pioneer life. He was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Roy; she was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to America with her parents when a little girl. Seven children were born to John and Elizabeth Johnston, namely: Rachel (deceased), Margaret (deceased wife of Joseph Campbell, of Allegheny county ), infant, Elizabeth

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( Mrs. William Bowman), James, William J., and Mattie J. ( wife of W. P. Morgan, of Canonsburg ). The father died in 1853.

William J. Johnston was born March 16, 1842, in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., where he remained until 1866. He and his widowed mother then came to a farm in Wash- ington county, Penn., where he worked until the Civil war opened. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D), under Col. Stone, One Hundred and Forty-ninth Regiment, P. V. I., serving three years. He was with the army of the Potomac at the battles of the Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and many others of equal importance. At the close of the struggle he returned to the farm in Washington county, Penn., and February 26, 1874, was mar- ried to Ella J., daughter of Hugh McDowell. They began wedded life on the farm in Peters township, which is now their home. Five children have been born to them, viz .: Eva L., John E., William McDowell, Bessie M., and Warren Blaine. The home place contains 202 acres of fertile, well- cultivated land, and Mr. Johnston is extensively engaged in the dairy business, usually keeping twenty-five cows on the farm. Politically, he advocates the principles embodied in the Repub- lican platform, but has invariably declined to accept office. He is a member and trustee of the United Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg.

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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 170

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