Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 173

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 173

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C OLIN L. BAKER is a son of Nathan Baker and a grandson of Enoch Baker, whose father (Nathan) lived in Maryland, where, on No- vember 28, 1788, Enoch was born, and whence when an infant he was brought to Penn- sylvania. Although deprived of educational op- portunities, Enoch Baker became a successful man. He first learned blacksmithing, and after serving his time at that trade worked four years as a jour- neyman; then purchased a farm, and passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits, at one time being owner of 500 acres in Amwell township. On March 3, 1814, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Jennings, and to them were born the following children: Nathan, Lemuel, Elmer, Evans, Parmelia (deceased), David (de- ceased), Mrs. Lucinda Stockdale (deceased) and Daniel. Enoch Baker was a very prominent Re- publican. In religion he was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, with which he united in 1831, ever taking an active interest in all questions touching its welfare. His parents were Quakers. He died August 29, 1861, his wife following him to the "Better Land " August 5, 1862.

Nathan Baker was born October 24, 1816, on the old home farm in Amwell township, Washing- ton county, and obtained his education in the com- mon schools, which at that early day afforded but meager opportunities; yet such as they were he turned to good account, and he has become a well- informed man. He left home in 1845, and the same year was wedded to Maria Horan, who bore him four sons: John W., born May 16, 1846; David E., born January 5, 1849; Robert C., born June 24, 1854, and Colin L., born July 11, 1856.

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Mr. Baker resided on two or three different farms, remaining on each about a year, and finally settled on a place where he remained twenty-one years, thence removed to the home he now occupies. He is a Republican, and has always been actively interested in public matters. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Colin L. Baker was born on the old farm, and moved with his father to the home where he now lives. He received a common-school education, and afterward attended the Pleasant Valley Acad- emy, preparing himself for the profession of a teacher, which, however, he never followed. On October 12, 1883, he was united in marriage with Roberta Horn, of Amwell township, and to their union four children have been born: Bernard, born August 4, 1885; Ruby and Cherry (twins), born August 5, 1886, and Nellie, born April 4, 1889. He is a successful business man, an extensive reader and student of history, and in politics is one of the most active young Republicans in the town- ship.

HARLES PITTMAN, a much esteemed, progressive citizen of Hopewell township, one who has made his own way to the front ranks of business life, is a son of Frederick and Mary Ann (Armstrong) Pittman, the former a native of Maryland, the latter of Germany, whence she came to the United States when twenty years of age. Frederick and Mary Ann Pittman were the parents of six children, namely: William, John, Charles, Fred, John and Anna. The father died in 1852.

Charles Pittman was born in 1849 in Steuben- ville, Ohio. After the death of the father his mother removed to Washington, afterward settling in South Strabane township, this county, where Charles attended school. The support of the family depending upon the sons, Charles had little opportunity for securing an education. After the Civil war broke out, William, the eldest son, en- tered the service, in the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, remaining during the conflict. The brunt of the family support then fell upon Charles, who was the next in age, his elder brother, John, being previously deceased. After William returned from the army, the sons all worked out until they secured sufficient funds to start farming for themselves. About three years after his return from the service, William married, went West, and is now residing near Mexico, Missouri. Charles and his other broth- ers worked together until 1874, when he was married to Harriet Linn, daughter of "Squire " Linn, of North Strabane township. Charles Pittman resided in that township for eight years after his marriage, then lived in Washington for two years, in 1884 settling in Hopewell township, where he is

now residing. Seven children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Pittman, named as follows: Sadie, Lorena, Mot, Mary, Claretta, Garnet, and Charles (deceased at the age of seven months). The farm is located north of the Washington and Middletown road at Tarrtown schoolhouse. It consists of 127 acres, beautifully situated, on three sides sloping gently toward the center where his buildings are located, while the fourth side opens out into the beautiful Cross Creek valley. Mr. Pittman gives his attention almost entirely to farming, raising only such stock as is required in carrying on his business. He takes little part in political questions other than to attend the elections. In local affairs he is independent, but in State and National con- tests he votes with the Democratic party.

OHN I. CARSON, a prominent real estate and insurance broker in the borough of Washington, is a native of Virginia, born in Ohio county October 21, 1853.

Richard Carson, grandfather of subject, an Amer- ican by birth, married Elizabeth Irwin, who bore him the following children: Abner, John, Nancy, Joseph, David, Elizabeth and Irwin. He moved to Ohio county, Va., from Dauphin county, Penn. (near Harrisburg), some time in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and there purchased the farm which was afterward occupied by his son Joseph. He served in the war of 1812, and while on his way home from the army died at Delaware, Ohio; his widow subsequently married William Faris. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a mem- ber of the Ridge Presbyterian Church at West Alexander, in which he was an elder.

Joseph Carson, father of John I., was born August 21, 1801, in Ohio county, Va., on the old home farm, and received his education at the subscription schools of the period. For several years he taught in his native county, one of his scholars being Prof. Ray. In 1828 Mr. Carson married Anna, daughter of William Brown, of Ohio county, Virginia, and their children were Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Cris- well), Hannah J. (Mrs. Harvey J. Milligan ), Richard, Mary A. (Mrs. David B. Boggs), Sarah (Mrs. Van- Tassell), William, Almira S. (deceased), Harriet (deceased), Vincent B. and John I. The father died July 20, 1887, on the farm on which he was born, after a long life of usefulness, activity and enterprise, being always deeply interested in reli- gious and educational affairs. He was a straight Democrat, and served as a justice of the peace ; he was a consistent member of the West Alexander Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder for a quarter of a century.

John I. Carson, the youngest in the family of ten children born to Joseph and Anna (Brown) Carson, received his rudimentary education at the common

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schools of the vicinity of his place of birth, and West Alexander Academy, and at the age of six- teen he entered Waynesburgh College. On com- pleting his studies he taught school in Ohio and Marshall counties, W. Va., and finally in Peoria county, Ill., from which latter locality he returned to his old home in 1875. On Novem- ber 25 of that year Mr. Carson was married to Josephine M., daughter of Perry Whitham, of Ohio county, W. Va., and the children . that have blessed this union are named respectively Ross Milligan, Glenn Pere, Muriel Joy and Salome. After marriage our subject resided in Chesterfield county, Va., four or five years, farming; thence moved to Philadelphia as clerk in a commission house, and from there, after one year's sojourn, came to West Alexander, and was principal of the Public Schools of West Alexander, this county, 1882. In July, 1891, he came to Washington and entered into partnership with J. W. Murray as pension agents, and in the real-estate insurance and loan business. Mr. Carson is a Republican, and in 1887 he was elected a justice of the peace at West Alexander, serving until 1892, and in 1892-93 he was secretary of the Republican County Committee. Mr. Carson is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was leader of the choir at West Alexander ten years. On January 1, 1893, he was appointed deputy-collector of Internal Revenue of the Twenty- third District, having charge of the Seventh Divi- sion, embracing Washington, Greene, and part of Fayette counties.

M RS. MARGARET DUNBAR was born November 10, 1838, near Bulger, Smith township, Washington Co., Penn., a daugh- ter of John S. Russell, who was a son of William Russell.

William Russell was born in the latter part of the last century, in Smith township, this county, and received a somewhat limited school training, as the educational opportunities of those days were comparatively meager and primitive. In 1798 he was married to Nancy Strain, whose parents were early settlers in Smith township, this county. In about 1800 Mr. and Mrs. Russell, with an infant son, removed to Portage county, Ohio, residing there until the close of the war of 1812, in which William served as a soldier. Being dissatisfied with the country, he returned, about 1815, to Smith township, locating near the line of Cross Creek township, where he continued to follow farm- ing till his death. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife died several years prior to his demise, and left the following children: Abraham (deceased in this county at the age of eighty-five; was never married ), Sarah (deceased wife of James Fulton, formerly of Cross Creek township, afterward of

Hanover township, this county ), John S., Saman- tha (cared for her father in his old age, and died unmarried ) and James (deceased in Smith town- ship).

John S. Russell was born February 14, 1806, on the home farm, in Portage county, Ohio, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. On February 12, 1833, he married Jane Simpson, who was born September 3, 1815, daughter of James and Ellen (Stewart) Simpson, early residents of the town- ship. The children born to this union were as fol- lows: Ellen (living in Burgettstown, Penn., un- married), Cynthia (unmarried, also residing in Bur- gettstown), Margarat ( widow of James Dunbar), Ophelia (Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Hanover township, this county ), William S., Agnes (an unmarried lady of Burgettstown, Penn.), James C. (an agri- culturist of Smith township) and David A. (de- ceased farmer of Smith township). The mother of this family died July 23, 1851, and Mr. Russell afterward wedded Mary A. Vincent, who was born February 20, 1818, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Rea) Vincent, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. Two children were born to John S. and Mary A. ( Vincent) Russell: John (deceased in youth) and Sarah (Mrs. D. W. Smith, of Smith township, this county). After his first marriage Mr. John S. Russell settled on a farm one mile west of Bulger, Smith township, where his life was passed successfully in agricultural pursuits. Year by year his possessions increased, until by dint of careful management, business sagacity and good financiering he became one of the most extensive wool growers and largest landholders of the town- ship, at the time of his death owning nearly 600 acres of valuable and productive real estate. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a mem- ber of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, which he served as an elder. He died September 15, 1879.

James Dunbar, who became the husband of Mar- garet Russell, was one of the most highly esteemed farmers of Smith township, and was a representa- tive of an old and prominent family. His grand- father, James Dunbar, was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland, and, being of an advent- urous disposition, became a sailor in early life. He came to America and made a permanent settle- ment on Raccoon creek, Smith township, this county, where he was obliged to "grub out " a site for the first cabin which he erected; but his energy knew no discouragement, and success at length crowned his efforts. He was united in marriage with Mary McConnell, of Robinson township, this county, who bore him twelve children, namely: James, Jane, Thomas, Joseph, Robert, Martin, Elizabeth, John, Samuel, Mary, William, and an infant son (deceased). In the latter part of his life Mr. Dun- bar lived for some time in Robinson township, this county. Although beginning life a poor sailor boy,

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he was possessed of the right spirit of persever- ance, and at the time of his death was a wealthy man. He died in 1842, having been preceded by his wife many years. Thomas Dunbar (a son of James and Mary (McConnell) Dunbar) was born and reared on his father's farm in Robinson town- ship, this county, and received a common-school education. He was married to Mary Scott, who bore him three children. After her death he mar- ried Mrs. Susanna (Scott) McBride, widow of John McBride. She bore him no children. He died at an advanced age; his widow is yet living in Bav- ington, this county.

James Dunbar, son of Thomas Dunbar, was born April 3, 1834, in Robinson township, this county, was reared to manhood on his father's farm, and obtained a common-school education. On Decem- ber 18, 1862, he was united in marriage with Mar- garet Russell, and three children were born to them: John T. (deceased in infancy), Mary E., and Thomas E. ( managing the home farm). After his marriage Mr. Dunbar purchased the farm, which he owned and cultivated at the time of his death. It is located about one mile and a half south of Bavington, in Smith township. He de- voted some attention to stock raising. In politics he was a strong adherent to the principles embod- ied in the Democratic party. He was a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, giving liberally to its maintenance. Mr. Dunbar passed away May 10, 1891, and since his death his widow has re- sided on the farm, which is managed by her son Thomas E.

S AMUEL CASTNER is one of those success- ful farmers who merit the hearty commenda- tion of every good citizen, for the manner in which they have achieved such favorable re- sults, by years of patient toil.

He is a son of George Castner, whose father was born in Germany, and in early manhood immigra- ted to America. He located in New Jersey and was there married, passing the remainder of his life in his adopted State. Among the children of this couple was the son George, who was married to Susan Nicholson, of Mifflin county, Penn., and reared the following children: Mary, Sydney, James, Frederick ( living in Holmes county, Ohio), William, Nancy ( widow of Jacob Miller, of Done- gal township ), Samuel, Susan ( living near Midway, Penn.), George (lived in Kentucky), Hannah, Sarah (living in Missouri), Maggie (widow of James Davis, of Bethany, W. Va.), Eliza and John T. (a farmer of Hopewell township). Of this fam- ily Mary, Sydney, James, William, George, Han- nah and Eliza are deceased. Mr. Castner removed

to Washington county, Penn., some years after his marriage, and died there in the year 1860, being followed by his wife in 1864.

Samuel Castner (subject of sketch) was born August 25, 1823, in Mifflin county, Penn., and attended the country schools in that vicinity, until . he became old enough to assist on the farm. His parents were growing old and soon became depend- ent upon him, but in a short time he accumulated enough to support them, and continued to supply their needs as long as they lived. In 1848 Mr. Castner was united in marriage with Martha Dun- bar (who was born March 2, 1832), daughter of James and Mary (Elder) Dunbar. The children born to them were as follows: Susan ( Mrs. Albert Liggett, of Hopewell township), James D. (of Bethany, W. Va.), George J., Mary L. and Samuel W. (all three of whom are deceased), Elmer E. E. (a carpenter of Bethany, W. Va.), and Charles A. (living at home). Mr. Castner passed the first por- tion of his married life near Burgettstown, Penn., and then moved to Judge Mckeever's farm, where he resided as a tenant for seventeen years. Five years previous to leaving this place he bought an adjoining farm, and then managed both places. In the year 1875 he sold the farm in Hopewell town- ship, and purchased the valuable property where he now resides, which is situated in the eastern part of Independence township, near the Hopewell line. Mr. Castner is extensively engaged in raising stock, the farm being well managed, and capable of ac- commodating a large amount of stock. Mr. Cast- ner has been the architect of his own fortune, but like the greater portion of the successful citizens, much of his prosperity is justly due to the sympathy, tact and assistance of the faithful wife who has shared the joys and sorrows of her husband's life. Politically, he was formerly a Whig and an active Abolitionist, feeding and sheltering many a fugi- tive, while they attempted to escape from the cruel bonds of slavery. During the slavery troubles, he frequently had six or eight negroes under his pro- tection at one time. He is now a Republican. Both he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

W ILLIAM HENRY DAGUE. The great- grandfather of this gentleman, in com- pany with two brothers, immigrated to America some time during the last cen- tury, and while crossing the ocean a warm discus- sion concerning their different religious views hav- ing arisen among the passengers, the three brothers took part in the debate, in which their opinions differed. The dispute became so heated that the brothers quarreled, and upon landing in New York each went his own way, and they never met again. One of them went to Maryland, and there had chil-

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dren, one of whom, John, was born in 1788. After a stay of some years in Maryland, the family set out for Pennsylvania, the journey across the moun- tains being made with horses and mules. John and a twin brother were placed in pack-saddles (with only their heads protruding), which were thrown across the back of a mule. The family settled in West Bethlehem township, Washington county, where John grew to manhood ou his father's farm, in the cultivation of which he assisted. He mar- ried Catherine Horn, a native of Germany, to whom whom were born children as follows: Jacob, Jolın, Henry, Samuel, Levi, Dewalt, George, Catherine, Elizabeth, Ann and Lavina, all of whom are now deceased, with the exceptions of Levi and Ann, who are residents of Washington county. Of this fam- ily, Henry was born in West Bethlehem township, and here grew to manhood, assisting his father in the duties of the farm. He married Eliza Amos, and to them were born John, George, Levi, Mor- decai, Mary Ann, Eliza Jane, Rachel M. and Will- iam Henry.

William Henry Dague was born November 13, 1848, in West Bethlehem township, and attended school till twelve years of age, when, much to his regret, he was taken from his books to assist his father on the farm. However, his ambition to se- cure an education was not dampened, for he occu- pied every spare moment in study. When a young man he attended school twelve weeks, two terms in the Southwestern State Normal School at Cali- fornia, this county, and taught in the common schools for four winter terms. On March 13, 1879, he married Isabell U. Ross, a daughter of Samuel Ross, and then settled upon the farm of 173 acres which he now owns in West Bethlehem township. To Mr. and Mrs. William H. Dague have been born the following children: Hubert R. (who when six years of age lost his right arm), Samuel Blaine, William Grant, Ethel G. and Mabel B., all yet at home. Mr. Dague is a Republican, and has been elected to the office of school director of his township. He belongs to the Lutheran Church, while his wife is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Dague is one of the most enterprising and es- teemed residents of West Bethlehem township.

D EMAS ELWOOD TOMBAUGH is a worthy representative of one of the promi- nent families of West Bethlehem township. His grandfather, Matthias Tombaugh, who was of German parentage, when the country was yet new settled in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn. It was then perilous to travel after nightfall, as the wolves were very numerous and fierce. He married Rachel Spohn, and reared the following family: Solomon, John, George, Mat- thias, Eli, Isaac and Jacob (twins), Adam, Lavina,

and Mary. Of these, Lavina, Mary and Matthias are deceased. While filling the office of superin- tendent of schools of Livingston county, Ill., Mat- thias was accidentally drowned. He was out fish- ing with several companions, when the boat sud- denly lurched, which caused one of his friends to be thrown overboard. Matthias made an heroic at- tempt to rescue him, succeeding at the expense of his own life. Jacob now resides in Livingston county, Ill., where he is a prosperous and well- known farmer. Adam lives in Bond county, Ill., where he is estcemed by all who know him. John, Isaac and Eli are residents of Washington county, and are influential farmers.

Solomon Tombaugh, the father of Demas El- wood, was born in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1823. His boyhood was spent upon his father's farm, and he received a fair education. When a young man he taught school one year in Indiana, and after his return to Washington county married Lydia Leatherman, daughter of John Leatherman, who was one of the first and strong- est Abolitionists of Washington county. The fol- lowing children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Tom- baugh: Irvin, John, Leon, Demas Elwood, James, Byron, Lucy, Ida and Annie. Of these, Irvin, Lucy, and Annie are dead; John is a resident of West Bethlehem township; Leon is a practising physician in Millburn, Lake Co., Ill .; James is a minister of the Gospel, residing in Fayette county, Ohio; Byron is county superintendent of schools, and lives in Washington ( the county seat); Ida is with her husband, David Hootman, in Philadelphia.

Demas Elwood Tombaugh was born Novem- ber 22, 1854, in West Bethlehem township, this county, and received a common-school education. He was married November 20, 1879, to Lola Wil- son, a daughter of Harvey Wilson, of Somerset township. Both Mr. and Mrs. Tombaugh are influ- ential members of the society in which they move, and are esteemed by all who have their acquaint- ance. The Tombaughs are all Republicans, and no Tombaugh has ever asked for political office, save occasionally, and then it is for an educational office.

Z EDIKER. John Zediker, son of Louis Zed- iker, was born in 1818, on the family home place in South Strabane township, Wash- ington Co., Penn. In his boyhood he at- tended the subscription schools of the vicinity, in the winter time, while in the summer months he assisted his father in the duties of the farm. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Susan, daughter of John Kuntz, also a resident of Washington county. To Mr. and Mrs. Zediker were born seven children, namely: Maria J. ( Mrs. Andrew Plymire), Lizzie, Isabella (Mrs. Boyd Zediker), Matthew C., Sarah A., Mary (Mrs. Leroy

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Van' Kirk ) and Lewis M. Mr. Zediker began life on the home place in South Strabane township, and afterward removed to the farm which is now the home of his sons. He was frequently intrusted with the business of others, and was always faith- ful to any confidence which had been thus reposed in him. An ardent friend to educational progress, he was ever active in any enterprise tending to the improvement of the schools. He was equally en- thusiastic in religious matters, as a leading mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. In political opinions he was formerly a Whig, and after the formation of the Republican party, became actively identified with it. Hề served many years in the township as justice of the peace, being elected by an almost unanimous vote, although the Democratic party were in the major- ity in that locality. He passed from life May 24, 1887, and was buried at Pigeon Creek. His widow still resides on the home farm.

MATTHEW C. ZEDIKER, son of John and Susan (Kuntz) Zediker, was born on the home farm in South Strabane township, Washington county, and has there passed his entire life. His education, ob - tained at the common schools, has been improved by general observation, reading and study. On No- vember 5, 1877, he was united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of John Moninger, and they have three children: Edith P., Sheldon R. and Hester C. Mr. Zediker is one of the leading young men of his township, and in politics is a prominent Re- publican. He is a member of the United Presby- terian Church at Pigeon Creek.

LEWIS M. ZEDIKER, son of John and Susan (Kuntz) Zediker, was born in South Strabane township, this county, and received his education at the common schools of the neighborhood. On November 24, 1882, he was united in marriage with Annie, daughter of James Adams, and they have one son and one daughter: Harry W. and Ellen Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Zediker are living on the home place. He is an adherent of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, and in pol- itics is a well-known Republican. Mr. Zediker has always resided in the vicinity of the place of his birth.

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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 173

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