Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 174

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 174

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G EORGE KINDER was born May 30, 1831, near the place where he now lives, in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. His great-grandfather, George Kinder, re- sided on Plum Brush, and followed the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as a trader and boatman. For a time he was successful in business, but being overtaken by financial trouble, a few years later moved to New Orleans and never returned. His son George was born in East Bethlehem township, this county, and lived in that vicinity until after

his marriage, when he was accidentally killed in a carding mill, which he owned and operated. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Christian Booze, was born in Greene county, Penn. He fol- lowed farming and carpentry, and eventually be- came a successful business man.

Valentine Kinder, the father of subject, was born in 1805, in East Bethlehem township. He received his education in the common schools, and was a good penman. When a young man he went to Galena, Ill., upon a mining expedition; thence proceeding to St. Louis, he there raised a crop of corn, and on returning home taught school for a time. He then married Miss Julia Booze, at which time his entire wealth amounted to the modest sum of $35. He located just below the present home of his son, George, where he remained two years, and then removed to West Mill. Six years later he bought the home of his son, Louis, where he lived a number of years; and thence removed to the old Nicholl farm, near Hillsboro. At the time of his death, which occurred June 12, 1890, he left $10,000 for distribution, having previously divided $50,000 among his children.

George Kinder, the subject of this sketch, re- ceived but a limited education in the country schools, as, being the eldest son, he had to work on the farm from early boyhood. Notwithstand- ing these disadvantages, being naturally a student, he is one of the best-read men in his township. . Much of his life has been spent in farming, and he has given some time to the carpenter trade. He owns the farm of 163 acres where he resides, be- sides also other land. Mr. Kinder was married, in 1853, to Miss Esther A. Wilson, and children as follows have been born to them: James V., Calvin (deceased), Julius (was first married to Miss Emma Nichols, and later to Miss Ida McCarthy), Wilson, Frank S., White L., Emma Eliza and Vo- sier. Mr. Kinder is a Republican, and has been auditor of the township for many years, proving a most efficient officer. In church connection, he was formerly a Methodist, but about ten years ago, he united with the Old Christian Church; the fam- ily, however, are Methodists. Mr. Kinder is a representative self-made man, and has won the esteem and friendship of all who know him. [Since the above was prepared for the press, we have been informed of the death of Mr. George Kinder-ED.

M ANNING M. BROCKMAN. Of the well- known and successful citizens of Smith township, Manning M. Brockman is prom- inent among the leaders. He is a son of John, whose father, Edward Brockman, was an agriculturist.

John Brockman was born in 1788, near Kennett Square, Chester Co., Penn. He learned the shoe-

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maker's trade when a lad, and after serving an ap- prenticeship followed same for some time. In 1809 he was married to Jane Thomas, a native of the same county, who bore him one son, N. R. The mother died in 1811, and was buried in Ches- ter county. In 1818 Mr. Broekman came to Wash- ington county, locating in Claysville, where he followed his trade. On June 13, 1822, he was married to Margaret Martin, who was born Janu- ary 17, 1798, in Donegal township, this county, daughter of Manning Martin, who was born in 1758, in County Donegal, Ireland, and coming to America settled one mile and a half southwest of Claysville, Donegal township, this county. To the union of John and Margaret ( Martin ) Brock- man the following children were born: Margaret ( Mrs. Amos Shreves) and Jane ( Mrs. Aaron Lo- baugh) (twins, both deceased ), and Manning M. (subject of this sketch ). N. R., the only son born to John and Jane ( Thomas) Broekman, came with his father to East Finley township, Washington county, and followed farming till his death. After his second marriage John Broekman ( the father of this family) resided in Claysville until 1837, when he removed to Coon Island, same county, and sue- cessfully followed farming for many years, being a very vigorous man up to the last of his life. In polities he was originally an Old-line Whig, then a Democrat, and in the latter portion of his life voted the Republican ticket, being a hearty sup- porter of each in turn. His wife died April 26, 1849, and he then resided with his children until his death, which event occurred December 2, 1870.

Manning M. Brockman was born September 7, 1827, in Claysville, Donegal township, this county, where he received a common-school education. On April 3, 1843, he began to learn the wagon maker's trade, of John M. Mahanna, at West Alexander, Donegal township. He remained there but a short time and then for three years worked in the shop of J. T. Lucas. In 1846 he became an employe of Busley & Little, extensive wagon makers on Main St., Wheeling, W. Va., and with them remained some time. He then returned to West Alexander, dividing his time between the last mentioned place and Burgettstown, and following his trade. On April 12, 1849, he married Julia P. Canon, who was born September 14, 1825, daughter of Joshua Canon, whose father was the founder of Canons- burg.

Manning M. and Julia P. Broekman were the parents of the following children: Leah M., widow of A. Wiley Montgomery, now living at the home of her father, with her son and daughter, Harry W. and Ella M .; Carrie A., Mrs. Robert E. Hill, of East Liverpool, Ohio; John C., deceased at the age of eighteen years; Calvin M., who died in youth; William H., a telegraph operator at Mid- way, Penn .; Amanda J., deceased in youth; Ella

R., wife of Dr. Gracey, of Jonesborough, Ark .; Cynthia W., deceased wife of A. M. Keys, of Smith township, and Harry E., a telegraph operator, of Burgettstown. After his marriage Mr. Broekman followed his trade in Burgettstown till March 1, 1852, when, in company with some others, he started to California on a gold-hunting expedition, taking the " water route." The distance to Pitts- burgh was made partly on foot and partly by con- veyance. The Pennsylvania R. R. was at that time completed as far as Turtle Creek, from which place they proceeded by stage to Latrobe, thenee by rail to Johnstown. From the latter point they passed over the old " Inclined Plane " to Hollidaysburg, thence going by rail to New York, where they took passage on the vessel "Crescent City " to Aspinwall, at which place the journey across the Isthmus of Panama was begun. The first seven- teen miles of this fever-haunted part of the route were traversed by rail, then they went by water, and the last twenty miles were walked by the whole party. After reaching Panama they em- barked on the vessel " Panama," and April 7, 1852, landed at SanFrancisco. Mr. Broekman followed gold-mining in Placer and El Dorado counties for about one year after his arrival, meeting with fair success; but having concluded that gold was more easily and perhaps as quickly obtained by other means than mining, he decided to resume his trade, which he did for two years in the " gold- diggings." On September 16, 1854, he started on the homeward journey, embarking at San Fran- cisco on the vessel " Sierra Nevada," which he left at San Juan, Nicaragua, thence traveling by way of Virgin Bay to the mouth of the San Juan river, in Costa Rica. He then took passage in the ship "Northern Light," which landed him at New York, whence he proceeded to Burgettstown, Penn., and here again he began to work at his trade.

On September 3, 1864, Mr. Broekman enlisted at New Brighton, Penn., in Campany C, Twenty- second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was sent with the regiment to the Shenandoah Valley. At the close of the war he received an honorable dis- charge, and returning to Burgettstown, resumed his trade. In 1884 he began farming on the place adjoining Burgettstown, where he had located in 1861. Mr. Brockman was first a Whig, and is now a Republican; he is a leader in the political ques- tions of his neighborhood, and has held various township offices. In 1869-70 he served as mer- cantile appraiser, and in 1879 became the success- ful one of eleven candidates for the office of . county commissioner, which position he held from 1879 to 1881, inclusive; he has served two terms in this position. In 1892 he was again appointed to the office of mercantile appraiser, filling the duties incumbent upon him with judgment and ability. His acquaintance is very extensive through-

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out the county, few being more widely known or more universally esteemed. On January 6, 1892, he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife, who was buried in Burgettstown cemetery.

N OAH COX, prominent among the enterpris- ing and intelligent agriculturists of East Bethlehem township, is a grandson of Chris- topher Cox, a native of Germany, whence in early life he emigrated to America, at once settled in Greene county, Penn., where he pat- ented a large tract of land, which he improved. His children were John, Jessie, Hiram, Aaron, Christopher, Moses, Jacob, Matilda Ann, Mary and India, all now deceased with the possible excep- tion of Mary, who, years ago, removed to Iowa. Grandfather Cox died at a very advanced age.

Jacob Cox, father of Noah, was born in 1762, in Greene county, Penn., and was reared on his father's farm, attending, during the winter months, for a year or two, the subscription school in the neighborhood, one of the first ever opened in Greene county. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Hartsoc, who came to America from the Fatherland about the time of Christopher Cox's im- migration, making his new home in East Bethle- hem township. Shortly after the birth of their son Noah, Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Cox settled on the old Hartsoc homestead in that township, where they reared the following children: Nancy, Susan, An- nie, Elizabeth, Catherine Ann, India Ann, Mary, Noah, Christopher, Jacob, Hiram, Andrew, Jona- than and Henry, of whom the following are yet living: Mary, relict of Joshua Martin; Henry, in Fayette county, Penn .; Christopher, in Summit county, Ohio; Hiram, in Iowa; Jacob and Andrew, both in Missouri, and Noah, in Washington county, Penn. The father died August 2, 1839, a patri- otic Whig; the mother in March, 1875.

Mary Cox, sister of Noah, was married to Joshua Martin, by whom she had the following children: Brady (in Summit county, Ohio), Jacob (living near Bentleyville, this county), William (a gradu- ate of a medical college, now residing in Lone Pine, Washington Co., Penn.), Kate ( wife of George Matthews, of West Bethlehem township, this county), Emma (married to Samuel Hill, of East Bethlehem township), Sadie, Hattie (wife of Charles Hill), and Nannie, living with the subject of this sketch, as is also their mother. Joshua Martin died in August, 1871.

Noah Cox, of whom this memoir more particu- larly relates, was born March 12, 1819, in Greene county, Penn., and a short time thereafter his par- ents removed to East Bethlehem township, this county, as already related. He attended the sub- scription schools of the neighborhood of his new home, receiving a fairly liberal education for those

early times, and was reared to agricultural pur- suits. He owned one of the first threshing outfits in the county, and for fourteen years it did service throughout the vicinity. Mr. Cox never married, but with true filial piety remained with his parents, caring for them in their old age, and closing their eyes in death. As a philanthropist he is known far and near, and his many deeds of kindness toward those less fortunate have perpetuated his good name. He has reared many orphans, and in every way in his power befriended the worthy poor. It is stated on good authority that at one time he had in his house, and cared for, as many as four- teen orphans, two widows and two maiden ladies. Politically he is a Republican, and although fre- quently urged to accept office, has preferred to serve his country in other ways more beneficent and more in accordance with the generosity of his charitable nature and the warmth of his heart. His farm comprises 160 acres of prime land, the culti- vation of which he superintends in person.

R OBERT J. STEWART. Among the citi- zens of Smith township, none can claim more noble ancestry than the gentleman of whom we write, he being descended from the Scottish royal house of Stewart, his great-great-grandfather having been Lord Stewart.

Many generations ago Lord Stewart left his highland home in Scotland, and settled in County Tyrone, Ireland, where some of his descendants yet remain (as Lord Robert, brother of James, re- mained as lord), while others of them emigrated to America. James Stewart embarked with his fam- ily for America on the ship "Doras," which was boarded while on the voyage by a British man-of- war. All able-bodied men on the "Doras" were impressed into the British navy, and Robert Stew- art (a son of James), being eighteen years of age, was one of them, and he served on board a man-of- war for several months, when he was released. The youth then joined his parents in Washington county, Penn., settling in Mt. Pleasant township, and soon afterward he was united in marriage with Ann McGaugh, also a native of Ireland. Six chil- dren were born to their union, namely: John, Eliza T. (Mrs. Kidd), Sarah, Robert, James and Andrew.

John Stewart (a son of Robert and grandson of James) was born in 1818, in Jefferson township, this county, where he assisted in the duties of the farm during his earlier years. In 1843 he was mar- ried to Tamar McClurg, who was born in 1821, daughter of Joseph McClurg, and their children were Mary A., Sarah F., Robert J. (whose name opens this biography), Rachel L., Eliza J., and Cynthia M. (deceased). After his marriage John

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Noah Cor

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Stewart located in Jefferson township, where he followed farming till 1858. IIe then moved to a farm in Smith township, where he died August 14, 1881, his widow being laid beside him in 1888. Jolin Stewart was successful in business, and gen- erous and kind-hearted in private life. Politically he always voted the Democratic ticket, and he and his wife were members of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown.

Robert J. Stewart was born April 2, 1849, in Jefferson township, this county, and received a common-school education. Being naturally adapted to work of a mechanical nature, he followed the carpenter trade without serving any apprentice- ship, while he also farmed on the home place. On September 29, 1870, he married Elizabeth J. John- ston, who was born April 2, 1848, a daughter of Frederick Johnston, of Cecil township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart passed the first portion of their wedded life on a part of the home farm in Smith township, and in 1872 moved to Venice, same county, where he farmed for two years; then in 1874 he located on part of the home farm in Smith township, where he is now residing, all the present buildings on the place having been erected by his own hands. He is a prosperous farmer and stock raiser. Like his father he votes with the Democratic party, though taking no active part in the contests of the different factions. He and his wife are conscientious members of the United Presbyterian Church.

OHN J. RICHARDS, a representative citizen of East Pike Run township, is a son of Thomas Richards, who was born November 18, 1801, in the State of Maryland, where he grew to manhood, and on November 28, 1824, was united in marriage with Esther Richards, who was born June 14, 1807. They moved to Wash- ington county, Penn., many years ago, and settled on a large tract of land in East Pike Run town- ship, upon which he made many improvements. He-was a Republican in political views, and in re- ligion a member of the M. E. Church, with which his wife was also identified. They were the parents of three children, viz .: John J., Sarah A. (de- ceased), and one that died in infancy. The father died October 2, 1873, and was laid beside his wife, who passed away August 29, 1868.

John J. Richards was born September 30, 1829, on the home farm in East Pike Run township, where his school days were passed. On November 17, 1857, he married Elizabeth Ward, born August 10, 1830, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of William Ward, who was born December 16, 1787, in Harford county, Md., and coming to Washing- ton county, Penn., was there married to Pleasant Speers (born November 29, 1796), daughter of

Henry and Nancy Speers, who were of Irish de- scent, and early settlers of Washington county. Mr. and Mrs. Ward were the parents of the follow- ing named children: Nancy, wife of James War- ren; Solomon; Wilson; Rebecca; James; Eliza- beth, wife of John J. Richards; Mary J .; Sarah M., wife of Noah Speers; Melissa, Henry, Martha and William (the latter three being now deceased). The father of this family was a Republican. He followed farming and blacksmithing in Allen town- ship, this county, and was also a local Methodist minister, with which denomination he and his wife were identified. He died November 8, 1863, and Mrs. Ward entered the dark valley July 12, 1874.

Mr. and Mrs. Richards have passed their wedded life on the old homestead, consisting of 100 acres. An elegant two-story residence, a barn, and other buildings, have been erected upon this farm, which is an ideal rural home, furnished with all modern improvements. Mr. Richards is a Republican, and has served in nearly all the township offices. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

D AVID MYERS. The Myers family are nu- merous in Washington county. They are of German descent, and trace their ancestry to one George Myers, who in 1785 pur- chased an extensive tract of land situated on the north branch of Pigeon creek, on the boundary line between Somerset and Nottingham townships. The tract, the greater part of which is yet in the possession of the family, contained about 700 acres. George Myers had eight or ten children, all of whom are now deceased. His descendants now living are named as follows: David, Henry, An- drew, Jesse, Samuel, Levi, Jacob, Hiram, Jeremiah, Abner, William, John and Anderson.

Jacob Myers, a son of George, was born in 1784 in Washington county, Penn., and was a lifelong farmer. In 1811 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary Swickard ( who was born in 1792, in this county), and to their marriage came the following children: Samuel, David, Levi, Catherine D. (Mrs. Oller), Mary (Mrs. Kammerer), Jessie, Barbara, Susan, Daniel, Andrew and Eliza. Of this family the five last mentioned are deceased. The father served in many township offices. He died in 1848, the mother in 1886.

David Myers was born in 1828 in Somerset town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., and in his boyhood attended school in the home neighborhood. He assisted his father on the farm, and upon the death of the latter took charge of the home place, con- sisting of 232 acres. In 1876 he married Miss Margaret Howden, a native of this county, daugh- ter of John Howden, and granddaughter of An- drew Howden, who was born and reared in Ireland, and there married a Miss Nixion, a cousin of Mrs.

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John Arbuckle, of Coffee county. They came to this county in about 1789, when the Indians were very numerous. For two years their home was in a hollow tree fitted up as a room, where two of their children were born. Andrew Howden was a prominent pioneer settler of Washington county, and followed farming all his life. He owned sev- eral thousand acres of land, which eventually be- came the property of the West family, and also owned the island below Pittsburgh, known as the Seven Miles Island, which is yet in the possession of the family. His children were born as follows: Jane, August 4, 1785; James, June 4, 1789; Mary, April 10, 1792; Jobn ( whose sketch follows); Ann, April 30, 1798; Margaret, April 1, 1801; Andrew, January 23, 1804; Thomas, September 16, 1807; William, January 25, 1810. Of this family An- drew was married on March 2, 1831, to Anna B. Dito, and died January 31, 1838; Thomas died May 30, 1848, and all are deceased save Margaret, who is now living in the State of Ohio.

John Howden was born May 12, 1795, in this county, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through life. On September 23, 1819, he was married to Elizabeth West, a native of the same place, born April 20, 1800, and eight children came to them, as follows: Frances (wife of M. McJunkin, of Washington county ); Andrew ( married to Louisa Newkirk, of Kansas City), formerly a merchant, now a retired stock raiser (he has traveled extensively in the South and West); Margaret, Mrs. Myers; Elizabeth, Mrs. Galaway, of Illinois; Lucinda, Mrs. Kammerer; Myra M., wife of Joseph Jennings, professor in the Third Ward school in Pittsburgh, Penn .; John A. (married to Miss Riddile), a real-estate broker, of Washington county; and Mary Ann (deceased in early youth). The parents passed their lives in this county, where the father died in October, 1869, the mother on July 14, 1880.

After his marriage Mr. Myers settled on the home farm, and has given special attention to raising cattle. The place contains a coal mine which yields a paying quantity.

W ILLIAM M. McNARY. The pioneer an- cestor of this eminent family was one James McNary, a native of Scotland, who sailed to America about 1760, first locating, in the New World, on a farm in York county, Penn. His son James afterward moved with his family to Washington county, locating in Hanover township. Thomas McNary, son of James, was born in York county, Penn., and after coming to Washington county he bought 219 acres of land called the "Sugar Tree" tract. The children of Thomas McNary were Samuel, James, David, Joseph and Matthew.

James McNary, son of Thomas, was born Febru- ary 25, 1803, in Washington county; Penn. In 1843 he was married to Miss Caldwell, a native of Virginia, and soon afterward settled on a farm in Nottingham township, this county, containing 116 acres of land. The children of this marriage were as follows: Ann ( Mrs. McClain), Samuel, John, Belle (deceased), Adeline, James ( who has charge of the home farm), Joseph and William M. During the Civil war Mr. McNary was too old to enlist, but he always took a lively interest in public mat- ters; he served his township in almost every capac- ity, and was supervisor and justice of the peace for many years.

William M. McNary, the subject proper of this sketch, was born in 1861 in Nottingham township, this county, where he was reared to manhood. In 1884 he was united in marriage with Jennie Lash, who was born in 1863, in Washington county, Penn., and they have had two sons, Walter and Albert. Mr. McNary owns a fine farm of 133 acres, and is very successful in his chosen calling.

W ILLIAM J. ELLIOTT, a prosperous mer- chant and substantial citizen of Canons- burg, was born December 15, 1857, in Cecil township, Washington county. The family were natives of New Jersey, where the great-grandfather, William Elliott, was married and reared a large family of children. In 1799 he and his family crossed the mountains to Washington county, Penn., and located permanently on a small homestead in Cecil township. His son William, also a native of New Jersey, always worked on the farm, and when a young man was married to a Miss Smith, of Washington county, who bore him three children, namely: Ellen ( Mrs James Moore), James S. and William. The father was a leading poli- tician in the Whig party, and in religion was an active member of Dr. McMillan's Church, the first church founded in Washington county.

James S. Elliott also passed his entire life on the old place in Cecil township, where he attended school. He was married to Mary, daughter of John Wilson, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and the children born to this marriage were as follows: John W., Lizzie, Maxwell, William J. and Mary B. Of these children Lizzie, Maxwell and Mary B. are deceased. John W., the eldest son, attended Wash- ington and Jefferson College, then, entering Prince- ton at the age of seventeen years, took a post- graduate course. After completing his general studies he took a course at the Theological Semi- nary, graduating with honor in his twentieth year, and receiving his first call to preach before he was twenty-one. The father was a very prominent man in all local enterprises, and during the Civil war he was one of the relief committee appointed by the

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county to aid the destitutc. He was one of the first citizens of Washington county to introduce the Spanish Merino sheep. In politics he was a Whig and Republican, and served as justice of the peace many years, county commissioner two terms, and iu various other capacities. He first joined the Seceder Church, then united with the Chartiers U. P. Church, of which he was a trustee. He died March 18, 1874, and August 25, 1882, his widow followed him to the grave.

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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 174

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