Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 171

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 171

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S AMUEL FRYE. The Frye family, of which this gentlemen is an honored member, are numbered with the earliest and most promi- nent citizens of Washington county. The first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania was one Samuel Frye, who was born, in 1729, in Virginia, and was there married to Christina Speers, also a native of Virginia, born in 1752. They came over- land to Washington county in a very early day, and July 19, 1792, took a " tomahawk right " to a large tract of land in Fallowfield township. He was a famous hunter, and also worked on his farm, remaining in the fort at night for protection from the Indians. He died in 1814, and was followed by his wife November 9, 1841.

land river ;. Noah, who died in Fallowfield town- ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 4, Fallowfield township; Jackson, living in Cowley county, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was taken prisoner, and confined in Andersonville pris- on eleven months); Clarissa, who married Alexan- der Allman, and died in East Pike Run township; Smith, living in Fallowfield township, and Isabelle, wife of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye settled on the upper part of the old homestead in Fallowfield township. He was actively interested in public matters, and first affiliated with the Dem- ocratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub- lican. He died Decamber 11, 1866, followed by his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see her youngest daughter the mother of twelve chil- dren. Both parents were members of the Disciple Church.

Samuel Frye, the eldest son of Abraham and Isabelle Frye, was born July 1, 1814, in Fallow- field township, Washington county. He attended the subscription schools of that township, held in the log cabin schoolhouse of the period, furnished with puncheon floor, slab seats, and glazed paper in lieu of windows. After leaving school he taught several terms, then devoted his time to teaming. On Christmas Day, 1835, he was married to Anna E., daughter of Parker and Sarah (Carson ) Scott, natives of Fallowfield township. After his mar- riage Samuel Frye located on a farm near his pres- ent home, and in 1839 bought and moved upon the; seventy acres of land he now occupies. Mrs. Frye died in 1888, leaving one daughter, Christina ( Mrs. Henry J. McCrory, of Allen township, form- erly the widow of Henry Allman). On July 6, 1891, he made a second choice in the person of Belle (Housman) Ward, widow of Richard Ward, who was born in Westmoreland county, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Frye are members of the Disciple Church, in which he is an elder. Politically he was originally a Whig, and since its organization has been a member of the Republican party. Mr. Frye is now nearing his eightieth milestone on life's highway, and is remarkably well preserved in mental and physical vigor.

H E. RIGGLE was born November 7, 1849, in Amwell township, this county, the youngest of two children born to Ellis and Catherine Riggle. Ellis Riggle was born and reared in Washington county, Penn., where he was married to Catherine, daughter of Henry Moninger, a native of this county. Two children were born to this union: Elizabeth (Mrs. William Price, of Canonsburg), and H. E. (subject of sketch). The father died in 1849, and was

Samuel Fryer

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buried on the day that his only son was born. The mother lived until her youngest child was eight years of age, when she too passed away.

H. E. Riggle made his home with an uncle, John Moninger, after the death of his parents, and was educated in the schools of Chartiers township. John Moninger was a brother of Mrs. Ellis Riggle, and a native of Washington county, born May 10, 1810, in Amwell township. He was the eldest of a family of ten children, and passed his boyhood on the farm, receiving a country school education. About the year 1848 he moved to Chartiers town- ship, this county, locating on the farm now owned by our subject. John Moninger was an active politician of the Republican party, and was assist- ant assessor for several years, besides serving in other ways. He was highly esteemed by all who knew him, and was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in June, 1889, in Chartiers town- town. H. E. Riggle was married August 4, 1869, to Mary E. Weaver, a native of Canonsburg, this county. She was a daughter of Thomas and Mary Jane (Griffin) Weaver, who were also born in Wash- ington county. The father followed the vocation of a saddler in Canonsburg, where he died in 1853, the mother passing away the same year. After his marriage to Mary E. Weaver, H. E. Riggle settled on the farm where he is now residing. It is a fer- tile, well-cultivated tract of 150 acres, has two gas wells, and adjoins the town of Houstonville, this county. Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Riggle have had children as follows: John M. (a graduate of Duff's Commercial College, class of '87, deceased March 25, 1892, aged twenty-two years), Mary Jane, Charles R. (also a graduate of Duff's Mercantile College, class of '91), Ida May, Ellis Reed, Thomas Andrew, James, Bertha Elizabeth, Mabel Cather- ine, Dora Giffin (deceased July 6, 1892, aged two years, nine months and eight days), and Grace Douglas. Mr. Riggle deals extensively in stock, making a specialty of sheep raising. He is inter. ested in all public movements, is an active worker in the Republican party, and has served on the board of election, also as assistant assessor. Mrs. Riggle, together with several of her children, is a member of the Houstonville United Presbyterian Church.

J OHN McADOO is one of the well-known and successful farmers of Donegal township, and is a son of James McAdoo, who was born December 16, 1780, in County Donegal, Ire- land, and being the son of a farmer, he in early life received a practical training in that vocation. In 1807 he was married to Catherine Ralston, who was born in September, 1786, in the same county, and the children born to them in Ireland were as fol- lows: Jane, born August 12, 1808, living in John-

son county, Mo .; James, born August 30, 1810, also living in Johnson county, Mo .; Letitia, born Nov- ember 18, 1812, died February 8, 1870; John (subject of this sketch), born May 15, 1815; Margaret, born July 10, 1818, died November 9, 1870; and Catherine, born August 29, 1820, died June, 1, 1866.

In 1821 Mr. McAdoo and his family sailed from Londonderry, Ireland, on the vessel " Marquis Hill " commanded by Capt. Bryson, and after a voyage of nine weeks they reached St. Johns, Newfoundland, thence sailed to Baltimore, and then traveled from there by wagon to West Alexander, Washington county, Penn. Though then but a child of six years, John McAdoo (our subject ) distinctly re- members the journey. He recollects riding on the high front seat with Tupper, the driver, who took a fancy to him. James McAdoo purchased some land in Donegal township, lying about three miles north of West Alexander, and erected a log cabin, which was afterward supplanted by a larger and more comfortable residence. On this farm the fol- lowing children were born: Elizabeth, born Dcember 17, 1822, died July 13, 1864; Alexander, born June 15, 1825, died March 17, 1863; William, born July 23, 1827, died December 1, 1861; David, born Jan- uary 16, 1830, died August 11, 1864; and Robert (a miller of Ashland, Ohio), born November 14, 1833. Mr. McAdoo resided on his first farm sev- eral years, and then bought a place of John Hus- ton, where he lived the remainder of his life, dying December 6, 1843; Mrs. McAdoo died in Feb- ruary, 1852. John McAdoo was born in Coun- ty Donegal, Ireland, and, as previously stated, came with his parents to America, where he re- ceived a common-school education, and assisted on the farm. In 1837 he was married to Julia Ann Porter, of Harrison county, Ohio. Their children were as follows: Catherine ( who died in infancy ); Margaret Ellen (Mrs. Thomas Muldoon, of Pettis county, Mo.); Julia Anne (Mrs. C. F. DeFrance, of Donegal township), John (farming in Indepen- dence township); James (a farmer of Brooke county, W. Va.); Catherine ( Mrs. Robert Mealy, of Donegal township); Oliver (farming in Donegal township); and John (deceased in infancy ). The mother of these children died in 1863, and in 1865 Mr. McAdoo was married to Mrs. Margaret (Mil- ler) Anderson, widow of George Anderson.

Mr. McAdoo passed the earlier years of his mar -. ried life in Donegal township, afterward moving to Brooke county, W. Va., but finally returning to Donegal township. He has since remained on the farm, which is located about six miles north of West Alexander. Politically, he has always been a Democrat, and cast his first vote for Martin Van- Buren. He possesses a remarkable memory, easily recalling incidents which occurred many years ago; in personal appearance he is a fine specimen of

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of perfect physical manhood. He began life with no financial aid, but by years of hard work and per- severance has succeeded in securing a comfortable competency. He and his wife are both members of the Baptist Church.

H IRAM HORNER. Among the intelligent citizens of East Bethlehem township none occupy a more prominent position than the gentleman whose name opens this sketch. He is a son of William Horner, whose father, also named William, was a native of Maryland, born of English ancestry. In early life grand- father William Horner moved to Fayette county, Penn., and there patented a large tract of land, part of which was bounded by the Monongahela river. Here he passed the remainder of his life, dying at an extreme old age, being yet remembered as a gentleman of unusual intelligence and keen sense of honor; who was a thorough Christian, ever giving liberally to the cause of the Master. His children were born and reared as follows: James; William; Thomas, an extensive landowner in Greene county, Penn .; Ephraim, who lived to be ninety years of age, and died in Adams county, Ohio; Benedict, who started West, and being sud- denly taken ill, died in Pittsburgh, Penn .; Ben- nett, who resided in Wisconsin; Mrs. Sarah Moore, of Jefferson county, Ohio, and Mrs. Harriet Pres- ton, who lived near the village of Chatham, near Newark, Licking Co., Ohio. None of this family are now living. It is said of Ephraim, who was a famous fisherman, that he once had an encounter with a monster tortoise, which possessed such great strength that it carried him on its back for nearly half a mile.

William Horner, son of William, the pioneer of this family, was born on the farm in Fayette county, Penn., and passed his boyhood in the usual pur- suits of agricultural life. His school advantages were limited to a few winter months, which were spent with his brothers and sisters. After leaving school he became a wagoner on the National pike, and for many years made trips over the mountains to Baltimore. He was married to a Miss Swively, of Fayette county, who bore him fourteen children, of whom Hiram is the only one mentioned. Mr. Horner was killed by a horse, which kicked him to death near Uniontown, Penn.

Hiram Horner, our subject, was born June 24, 1834, beside the Monongahela river, in Fayette county, Penn. He was left an orphan in early boy hood, and being obliged to earn his own living, learned the carpenter trade. For four years he re- sided with James Hill, of West Bethlehem town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., then followed the drover business several years, making frequent trips across the mountains with large numbers of

hogs and cattle. For these services he received the meager pittance of 30 cents per day. In 1850 he went to Licking county, Ohio, where a brother . was living, and remained near Chatham two years, meanwhile working at his trade, and following the drover business. He then engaged with a party to take a drove of cattle from Licking county to Lancaster county, Penn., receiving $10 per month for his services. Upon arriving at Lancaster he visited the home of his boyhood, and his brothers and sisters; then hired out as a drover for the re- mainder of the season at $1 per day. After this work was finished he resumed the carpenter trade, and in the latter part of 1854 assisted in repairing a mill at Amity, Amwell township, Washington county. He then took a drove of cattle to Vermil- ion county, Ill., afterward resuming work on the mill, and in March, 1855, he again entered the em- ploy of the same firm for whom he had worked the previous autumn. He started on the trip with 170 head of cattle, arriving at his destination in June, then returning to Washington county, spent the following winter in completing the mill, and other carpenter work. The spring of 1856 found him with tools packed, on his way to Ottawa, Ill., where he worked the following summer, and returning to Pennsylvania in the fall, passed the winter of 1856-57 in Millsboro, Washington county. During the spring of 1857 he assisted his brothers on a freight barge on the Monongahela river, purchasing grain and produce along the river, which he sold in Pittsburgh. In the midst of his success as a boatman, Mr. Horner was taken sick, and suffered with a long and tedious illness. After regaining his health, he accepted a position in the mercantile establishment of his brother, at Millsboro, Wash- ington Co., Penn. He then attended a commercial college at Pittsburgh, afterward resuming his for- mer position at Millsboro, and finally started on a western tour. He first located in Adams county, Ohio, where he assisted an uncle with his farm work, and the spring of 1859 found our traveler teaching writing in the schools of Licking county, Ohio, where he continued for several months, then returning to Millsboro, Penn., took charge of a general store. This establishment was soon after- ward moved to Merrittstown, Fayette Co., Penn., and Hiram Horner became a partner, remaining in that business eighteen months, during which time he served as postmaster. In the spring of 1862 he sold his interest in the store, and with a brother opened a mercantile business at Clarksville, Greene Co., Penn., which they conducted successfully for nine months. In the autumn of 1862 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of William and Charlotte (Rush ) Litzenberg. After his mar- riage Mr. Horner bought the 132 acres of valuable land in East Bethlehem township, to which he has since added fifty acres, which are located in Greene

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county, Penn. In this home children have been born as follows: Joseph H., born November 2, 1863; Frank W., born June 15, 1865, and Julia, born March 30, 1870, all of whom are living with their parents. Mr. Horner conducts a general agri- cultural business, devoting special attention to the breeding of Shorthorn cattle and Black top sheep. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as auditor and school commissioner, in which offices he has given good satisfaction. IIis wife is an active member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

A MON ENGLAND is a representative of one of the pioneer families of East Finley township, this county, who were promi- nently identified with the early history of that township. The first of the name to settle in America was the great-grandfather of Amon, by name Samuel England, who emigrated from England and located in Philadelphia during the earlier part of the eighteenth century. He had a family of three sons: Samuel, John and Robert.

Samuel England was born in 1756, in Philadel- phia, Penn., and at an early age learned the car- penter trade, which he followed in Baltimore for some time. In 1778 he removed to Washington county, where he secured a " tomahawk claim," and also purchased of Thomas Atkinson 200 additional acres, located near the headwaters of the Temple- ton fork of Wheeling creek, adjoining Pleasant Grove in East Finley township. He was married to Tacy Evans, who bore him the following named children, all of whom lived to an adult age: Tacy, Jane, Mary, Hannah, Joseph, Samuel and George. Mr. England was an intelligent and successful man, doing all in his power to improve the county, and advance the interests of its citizens. Politi- cally he was a Whig, and served as 'squire for many years. In religion he was a Quaker, a fol- lower of William Penn. Mrs. England died in 1836, Mr. England in 1838.

Samuel England, father of our subject, was born December 2, 1800, near the present home of his son in East Finley township. He received a lim- ited education, and in early life began to farm, learning also the trade of a cabinet maker and car- penter. On May 1, 1833, he was united in mar- riage with Emma Given, who was born . October 27, 1801, a daughter of Moses Given, of East Fin- ley township, this county, and their children were as follows: Moses G., born January 22, 1834 (a Protestant Methodist minister in Cedar county, Ark.); Samuel T., born April 28, 1835 (a farmer living near Lincoln, Neb.); Tacy, born May 20, 1836 (deceased at the age of nineteen years); Amon (subject of the present memoir); Joel, born November 28, 1839 (residing in Washington county,

Iowa), and Mary Ann, born October 7, 1844 (now deceased). After his marriage Mr. England set- tled near the home of his father, and as years passed by added to his property, until at the time of his death he owned over 1,000 acres of farm land, located in Washington county (Penn.), Illi- nois and Iowa. Mr. England was a rigid supporter of the temperance cause, and would not allow in- toxicating beverages to be given to the workmen during harvest, although such was then the univer- sal custom. He gladly furnished any other refresh- ments, but would not deviate from his temperance principles. He was a man of exemplary habits, and by industry coupled with shrewd financiering, became very successful in business. The present postoffice, " England," was named in his honor. In politics he was originally a Whig, and after the formation of the Republican party became an active worker in its ranks. He died January 9, 1886, his wife having preceded him to the " Better Land " October 25, 1870.

Amon England was born in East Finley town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., July 7, 1836, and passed his boyhood days on his father's farm. On September 16, 1869, he was married to Deborah J. Knox, born in 1841, a daughter of Joseph Knox, of East Finley township, and they have had two daugh- ters: Margaret E., born November 20, 1870, and Elnora Josephine, born February 10, 1874, both at home. After his marriage Mr. England continued to live with his parents on the home farm, which he now owns, and which is one of the best in the township. He has been a very successful business man, and enjoys the esteem of all acquaintances. In his political preferences he is a member of the Republican party.

G EORGE L. TAYLOR, a citizen of West Finley township, was born March 7, 1846. His father, Thomas Taylor, was a son of Matthew Taylor, who settled in South Stra- bane township, Washington Co., Penn., and there his son Thomas was born.

Thomas Taylor was born in 1805, on the farm of his father as above mentioned, and was early inducted into the mysteries of agriculture, which vocation he followed all his life. He was united in marriage with Susan Darlington, who was born about 1813, near Hagerstown, Md. The young couple commenced married life on the farm which is now known as the "Old Taylor Homestead," and children were born to them as follows: Julia A., Sarah C., Griffith D., Henry M., Isabella, Will- iam G., George L., Thomas F., Nancy J., James W., Mary M. and John M. Three sons of this family entered the Civil war, and fought for the cause of freedom. Griffith D. was the first man to enlist in West Finley township. He was a mem-

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ber of the Eighth Pennsylvania Reserves, and fell December 13, 1862, gallantly fighting at the battle of Fredericksburg, under the command of Gen. Burnsides. Henry M. enlisted in Company E, Eighty-fifth P. V. I .; he was taken sick at Mars Is- land, and died before he could be taken home. William G. enlisted at West Alexander, Washing- ton county, in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and six days later was in the battle of Peters- burg; he lived to get home, where he died, hon- orcd and mourned by all who knew him.

OHN FRYE. The Frye family, of which this gentlemen is an honored member, are numbered with the earliest and most promi- nent citizens of Washington county. The first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania was one Samuel Frye, who was born, in 1729, in Virginia, and was there married to Christina Speers, also a native of Virginia, born in 1752. They came over- land to Washington county in a very early day, and July 19, 1792, took a " tomahawk right " to a large tract of land in Fallowfield township. He was a famous hunter, and also worked on his farm, remaining in the fort at night for protection from the Indians. He died in 1814, and was followed by his wife November 9, 1841.

Abraham Frye, son of Samuel and Christina (Speers) Frye, was born in 1792, on the home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He received a subscription-school educa- tion, and in early life was married to Isabella Ringland, a native of Washington county. She bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel, living in Allen township, Washington county; John, also living in Allen township; Christina, Mrs. Abraham Colvin, of Fallowfield township; Abraham, who entered the U. S. service in Washington county, and is now living near Nashville, Tenn .; Henry, a resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber- land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town- ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 4, Fallowfield township; Jackson, living in Cowley county, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was taken prisoner, and confined in Andersonville pris- on eleven months); Clarissa, who married Alexan- der Allman, and died in East Pike Run township; Smith, living in Fallowfield township, and Isabelle, wife of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye settled on the upper part of the old homestead in Fallowfield township. He was actively interested in public matters, and first affiliated with the Dem- ocratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub- lican. He died Decamber 11, 1866, followed by his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see

her youngest daughter the mother of twelve chil- dren. Both parents were members of the Disciple Church.

John Frye, son of Abraham and Isabella Frye, was born December 25, 1815, on a farm near Lock No. 4, Washington Co., Penn. He was reared to manhood in Fallowfield township, and educated in the subscription schools. In October, 1839, he married Christina, daughter of Parker and Sarah (Carson) Scott, natives of this connty, who died many years ago. After his marriage John Frye bought the 137 acres in Fallowfield township which he now owns, and upon which he has made many improvements. One year after her marriage Mrs. Frye died, leaving one son, Abraham, who was accidently killed at Lock No. 4, this county. On January 19, 1844, John Frye married, for his sec- ond wife, Elizabeth, daughter of George and Eliza (Jackman) Carroll, who were natives of East Pike Run township, Washington county. They moved to Ohio, thence to Wheeling creek, West Virginia, where the father died; the mother is now living in Meigs county, Ohio. In 1849 John Frye erected a handsome brick residence, also a commodious barn 32 by 48 feet, and has been engaged in farm- ing and stock raising, making a specialty of sheep. In politics he votes with the Republican party, and in religion he and his wife are members of the Disciple Church, in which he is an elder. They have two children: Josephine, wife of M. S. Krepps, and Ida B. Mr. Frye is now seventy- seven years old. He has settled sixteen estates, and has been guardian for twenty-one children and two lunatics.

J THEODORE F. BURGAN, son of John Bur- gan, was born December 12, 1844. His grandfather, James Burgan, was a native of Westmoreland county, Penn., and was there married to Elizabeth Smock, who was born in the same county. Eleven children was the re- sult of this union, of whom the living members are Joseph (residing in Washington, Penn.), Matthias (an agriculturist of Somerset township) and John (whose sketch is given below). James Burgan followed farming all his life, and died at the age of sixty-five years on the place now occupied by his grandson, Theodore. His widow passed away on the same farm in her eighty-fourth year.

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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 171

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