Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 176

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 176

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EORGE BOYD. Among the venerable citi- zens of Hanover township, whose heads are crowned with the silver of many well-spent years, is found this well-known gentleman. The fair "Isle of Erin" was the home of his ancestors, and in that country his grandfather, John Boyd, first saw the light of day. The latter was born about 1747, in County Antrim, where he learned the tailor's.trade, and was married to Mar- tha Mahan. The young people soon thereafter

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sailed to America, and with true ardor John Boyd entered heart and soul into the American struggle for Independence. He enlisted in North Carolina, serving seven years under Gen. Greene and Capt. Smith, was employed as a scout much of the time, and received several wounds. When the war was ended he came to Washington county, Penn., locating between Cross Creek village and West Middletown, and there followed his trade. In 1793 he moved to Hanover township, Beaver Co., Penn., and in 1817 located near Harlem Springs, Carroll Co., Ohio, where he remained until about 1840, then returning to Beaver county, Penn., died soon afterward, and was buried in the King's Creek cemetery. He left the following children: James, born May 28, 1781; John, born July 20, 1782; Mary (Mrs. David Moody, of Carroll county, Ohio), born February 26, 1784; Agnes ( wife of James Sharp, of Columbiana county, Ohio), born October 15, 1785; Sarah (Mrs. James Moore, of Beaver county, Penn.), born July 16, 1787; Margaret (wife of Robert Campbell, of Columbiana county, Ohio), born July 8, 1789; Robert, born December 28, 1791; Thomas, born October 15, 1793; Martha, born in November, 1795 (killed by lightning); Rachel (Mrs. John Anderson, of Iowa), born in September, 1797; and David, born in June, 1799. In politics the father was a Democrat, and in re- ligion a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert Boyd was born December 28, 1791, on the home farm between Cross Creek village and West Middletown. In 1816 he was married to Catherine McCausland, who was born March 7, 1793, daughter of George and Catherine (Kidd) McCausland. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Boyd first located on a farm in Hanover township, Beaver Co., Penn., and in 1834 moved to the home place in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. He was a successful agriculturist, and in politics was a Democrat. He died in 1878, having been pre- ceded by his wife in 1875, and their children were John, born April 15, 1817 (who lived in Hanover township, this county); Martha (widow of John Smith, of Jefferson township), born October 21, 1818; Catherine (wife of Joseph McCready, of Columbiana county, Ohio), born December 3, 1820; Margaret (widow of William McCready), born Au- gust 17, 1822; George, born March 7, 1824; Rob- ert, born February 28, 1826; Francis, born March 21, 1828 (killed in West Virginia by a falling limb of a tree); Presley (a farmer of Columbiana county, Ohio), born March 9, 1830; and Mary, born February 23, 1832.

George Boyd was born on the home farm in Hanover township, Beaver Co., Penn., and passed his youth in attending the schools of the period. He spent several years with a sister in Jefferson township, this county. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of Peter Lance, a

farmer, who was married to Jane Nicholson, and had children as follows: Eleanor, Emeline, Addi- son, Peminda, Jane, Sarah, Theresa, William and Matteson. The father died August 24, 1850, the mother on March 27, 1857, and they are buried in Hopewell Presbyterian Church cemetery, of which church they were members and he was a trustee. In politics he was a Republican. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have for several years been residents of Hanover township, Washington county, where he is engaged in farming. Politically he is a Demo- crat. Mrs. Boyd is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Paris, this county.

S TEPHEN POST. Within the confines of Washington county, few are the men who in their chosen vocation have made so marked a success as the gentleman whose name appears at the opening of this sketch. Many a man mistakes his life work, yet by earnest appli- cation makes a partial success. Of Mr. Post it may be said that he has chosen well. A farmer in the full significance of the word. From a poor, obscure boy, earning only one hundred dollars a year, by his own hard efforts, he has fought his way upward. Such men are a credit to any community and it is a pleasure to give the following brief sketch of him and his family.

Stephen Post was born August 23, 1824, on the farm now occupied by A. N. Hathaway. His father, Samuel Post, also a native of Washington county, was married to Nellie Day, who bore him the following named children: Frank, Stephen and Martha ( Mrs. Jas. Hilton, deceased many years ago). The father was the first to lay down life's sorrows, passing to the grave in 1827; the mother departed for the Better Land March 28, 1853, and they were buried at Bethel C. P. Church near Van Buren. Samuel Post in politics was an active adherent of the Democratic party; in relig- ious faith he was a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Stephen Post, our subject, in 1865 came to his present home in Franklin township. His farm consists of 220 acres, all well improved and equipped with excellent buildings, every one of which was erected by himself. He is possessed of invent- ive genius. He has now a grinding buhr mill of his own invention, and with it he grinds most of the corn for the neighborhood. He was for a num- ber of years a thresher, but now his sons have taken his place in that industry. Mr. Post has been thrice married: first time to Elizabeth, daugh- ter of Joseph Weir, and the results of this union were two children: Clarinda, who died April 10, 1853, and Elizabeth, who died April 29, 1852; the mother of these children dying April 8, 1853, Mr. Post took for his second wife, Anna, daughter of

Stephen Post

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Thomas Ringland, and by her there were three children: Hamilton, Joseph Weir and Annie; Jo- seph Weir died April 18, 1866, and Annie died March 4, 1860. After the decease of this wife, which occurred January 20, 1860, Mr. Post mar- ried Sarah Tucker, daughter of John Tucker, of Franklin township, and she has borne him three children: John, Mary and Frank. Our subject is a lifelong Democrat, and a firm advocate of every measure tending to the advancement of his town- ship and county. He has always given liberally of his means to the church, and has for many years been an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Pros- perity.

C ASPER SIGHTS, a well-known citizen of Donegal township, is the only male repre- sentative of the family in Washington county, Penn. The pioneer ancestor of that name was David Sights, who was born in Germany and came to America in the latter part of the eighteenth century, locating in Washington, Penn., where lie was married to a lady of Welsh parentage, her parents having emigrated from Wales. Their children were as follows: John, William, Casper, Frazier, David and Jane, all now deceased. Of this family, John and William moved West and died there; Casper followed the business of a stone mason and con- tractor, and built all the bridges on the National pike between Claysville and West Alexander (he afterward went to Guernsey county, Ohio, and re- mained there until his death); Frazier also died in that county, and Jane married and went to Mis- souri, where she died. The father of this family kept a tavern for several years at Coon Island, Washington Co., Penn., where the stages then stopped on their regular route over the once famous road. He remained there several years, and then moved to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he followed farming. He died August 20, 1841, and his wife June 22, 1855.

David Sights (father of subject) was born No- vember 14, 1803, in Washington, Washington Co., Penn., and when a boy was brought with his parents to Coon Island, this county, where in boyhood he worked for different farmers, and attended the dis- trict school in the winters. On July 18, 1826, he was united in marriage with Martha McMillen, who was born November 12, 1803, a daughter of David McMillen. Their children were as follows: David F., born March 31, 1827 (deceased in New Comers- town, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio), was a harness maker; Elizabeth J., born March 8, 1829 ( widow of E. B. Jolley, of .near West Middletown, Penn.); Chris- tianne, born March 31, 1831 (Mrs. J. L. McGill, of Donegal township); Casper (subject of our present sketch); John, born October 21, 1835, deceased; Susanna, born January 29, 1839, died unmarried;

and Martha Ann, born June 27, 1841, now living with her brother Casper. After his marriage Mr. Sights settled three miles northwest of Claysville, Donegal township, on a part of the " William Der- ringer " tract. Some years afterward he purchased of Joseph Campsey an adjoining tract of land, where he erected a comfortable dwelling, and passed the remainder of his life. Politically he was a Democrat, and stood high in the esteem of his neighbors. He died July 6, 1861, and his wife died September 26, 1868.

Casper Sights was born March 28, 1833, in Done- gal township, Washington Co., Penn., and lived on the home farm until the death of his father, receiv- ing a common-school education. When his father died he took charge of the farm which he now owns. On October 15, 1890, he was married to Catherine Ann, daughter of William Robertson, of Guernsey county, Ohio. They have had no chil- dren. In political life Mr. Sights is an active worker in the Democratic party, and has been fre- quently elected to township offices by his constitu - ents. He is a member of the U. P. Church at West Alexander.

ADD. CLARK. Among the prominent business men of Canonsburg, J. Add. Clark is one of the leading grocers. He is a son of James Clark, who was born February 14, 1814, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and received his education at the home schools of the neighborhood. In 1853 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of William Dickson, a son of George Dickson, who emigrated from Ire- land many years ago, and purchased a farm of 400 acres in Allegheny county, Penn., where he died. His son, William, was born in 1790, and grew to manhood on the home place. In early life he was united in marriage with Margaret Glenn, who bore him children as follows: George A. (a surveyor, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), James A. (a practicing phy- sician, of Canonsburg, Penn.), Mary ( widow of James Clark, of Canonsburg), William (a resident of Robinson township) and three deceased in infancy. When but seventeen years of age the father united with the Old Seceder Church, during the last twenty years of his life was a member of the U. P. Church, and was a ruling elder in both churches for fifty-five years; in business he was a prominent and successful agriculturist. He died March 19, 1872.

James and Mary (Dickson ) Clark continued to reside on the home place until 1866, when they re- moved to Canonsburg, Penn., where he died in December, 1885, leaving the following children: William D., Jeanette (since deceased), Marguerite S. (Mrs. C. M. Grier), Anna M. (wife of Rev. D. C. Stewart) and J. Add. Mr. Clark was a farmer and a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and

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held various local offices. He was first a member of the U. P. Church at North Buffalo, then united with the one at Chartiers, of which he was trustee for many years.

J. Add. Clark was born on the home place in Buffalo township, this county, where his boyhood was passed. In 1891 he opened a grocery store in Canonsburg, and now carries a full line of goods. He is a Republican, and in religion was form- erly a member of the United Presbyterian Church, having since united with the Greenside Avenue Church.

E VEN E. PHILIPS is one of those energetic, industrious and cultured citizens who are naturally fitted to become leaders in any community where their lot is cast.

The family are pioneers of Washington county, and the grandfather, David Philips, was born in 1742, in Pembrokeshire, South Wales, and in early manhood set sail for the "land of the free and the home of the brave." Although a preacher of the Gospel, he believed in defending the rights of his adopted country, and served three years as captain in the Revolutionary war. He then settled on a tract of 400 acres of land, partly in Washington county, Penn,, devoting the remainder of his life to farming and ministerial work. When the war of 1812 began he was drafted into service, but paid the fine rather than to again participate in the horrors of war. He accepted no political honors, but was a very prominent citizen. He died in 1829.

David Philips, son of David, was born April 7, 1780, in Chester county, Penn., and when yet a boy moved to Allegheny county. In 1805 he was married to Ann Richardson, born in 1785, daughter of Thomas Richardson. Seven children were born to this marriage, namely: Thomas, Lucinda, Em- ily, Mary Ann, Sarah, Amanda and Even E. Of these children the only two now living are Mary Ann and Even E. The father always followed agricultural pursuits, owning 150 acres of land on the boundary line of Washington and Allegheny counties. He died in 1856, and the mother passed away in 1870.

Even E. Philips was born in 1816 in Allegheny county, Penn., where the greater part of his early education was received. On February 18, 1847, he was married to a Miss Weller, a native of Alle- gheny county, Penn., who has borne him children as follows: Jacob; Isabelle, Ann, Irene, Orlando, William, and two deceased. The eldest son is a physician in Venetia; Orlando owns the home farm, where he is residing with his father; and William is a mail agent on the Cleveland & Pittsburgh Railroad.

Mr. Philips owns sixty-eight acres of fine land, underlaid with a heavy vein of coal. He has sold the coal for $5,400. Politically he is a stanch ad- herent of Republican principles, and has served faithfully as inspector of elections, and in various other ways. In religious faith he is connected with the Baptist denomination.

R OBERT HAGGARTY is a son of Samuel Haggarty, who was born in County Down, Ireland, and was brought to America by his parents when but four years old. He grew to manhood on a farm in Fayette county, Penn., which was located one mile from Coal Centre, Washington county, and there at- tended the log-cabin schools of the period. In early manhood he was married to Elizabeth Blay- ney, a member of a prominent pioneer family, and she bore him the following named children: Mrs. Louisa Russell, of Fayette county, Penn .; Will- iam, living in Monongahela; Samuel, deceased at the age of nine years; Johnson, who died in Ohio at the age of twenty-two years; Reuben, who went to Missouri with $1,500, and died seventeen years later, leaving a property of $50,000, and Robert. The father died in 1857 at the age of sixty-one years. He was a prominent member of the Demo- cratic party.

Robert Haggarty was born March 17, 1835, on the old homestead in Fayette county, Penn., and there attended the common schools. At the age of seventeen years he began to learn the stone- cutting and mason trade, receiving for the first year's pay $3 per month while learning. The second year he received $4 per month, and the third year he was paid 75 cents per day, after which he began business for himself. He was united in marriage with Elmira Ammon, a native of Carroll township, and at that time had but $5 with which to begin his wedded life. He now owns fifty acres of land in Carroll township, and twenty-five acres in Fallowfield township, but has given most of his time to his trade. In political opinion he votes with the Democratic party, and has served in Car- roll township as president of the school board. He and his wife are the parents of five children, who were born as follows: Clarence Linton; Mrs. Mar- garet H. Coulter, of Carroll township; Harry El- wood, a stone mason of Monongahela; Violet El- Inira, and Robert D.

AMES H. FERGUSON, a representative farmer of South Strabane township, is a son of Harvey W. Ferguson, whose father was a native of County Down, Ireland. The latter came to America when a young man, and made a permanent home in Allegheny county, Penn., where

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he married and the following children were born to him: Mary, Elizabeth, Harriet, David, James, Har- vey W., Robert and Hugh. Mr. Ferguson was an active member of the Federalist and Whig parties, and in religion was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Perrysville.

Harvey W. Ferguson was born in 1820, on the home farm in Allegheny county, Penn., and re- ceived liis education at the home schools. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Grisella, a daughter of Robert McElhany, a native of Scot- land, whose family consisted of three daughters; he was an active member of the Whig party, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. The young couple settled on the McElhany farm, where they remained four years, thence removing to the home farm. In politics Mr. Ferguson is an active worker in the Republican party, and has been a school director many years. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church at Sharps- burgh, Allegheny Co., Penn., in which congrega- tion he has been an elder twenty years.

James H. Ferguson was born in Allegheny county, Penn., on the home farm still occupied by his father, and passed his earlier youth at home, attending the common schools. He afterward en- tered Newell's Institute, Pittsburgh, and remained there two years. On December 24, 1875, he was united in marriage with Ollie Newton, daughter of J. T. McDonald, of Allegheny county, Penn., and five children have been born to them: Frank (de- ceased ), Alice, Maggie, Travis and Hannah. After his marriage Mr. Ferguson remained in Allegheny county until 1879, when he came to his present farm, consisting of 118 acres of good land, and upon which he has made many improvements. His home is thirty-two feet square, and the barn is 60 by 40. He is engaged in farming and stock rais- ing, and has recently embarked in the dairy busi- ness. In political opinion Mr. Ferguson is a Republican, and ar. active worker in that party. The family are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Washington.

EORGE E. LOCKHART, ex-sheriff of Washington county, is a native of the Key- stone State, born in Beaver county in 1848. His father, George K. Lockhart, a native of Lawrence county, Penn., was married in Allegheny county to Margaret Ann Savage, who bore him three children: William A., a resident of McDonald, Washington county; George E., and Agnes J., deceased wife of L. G. McIlhinney, of Cecil township. The father died in 1854 of small- pox, at the age of thirty-four years, and his widow was afterward married to John Allen, by whom she had one child, Annie E., wife of J. A. Evans, an attorney at law of Pittsburgh.

George E. Lockhart was reared by his grand- father, William Savage, on a farm near McDonald, in this county, his education being obtained at the public schools of the locality. Here he remained until he was fourteen years of age. In 1864 he enlisted in company A, One Hundred and Forty- seventh P. V. I., and participated in the fortunes of that regiment; was with Sherman at Atlanta, and on the march to the sea, his regiment being the first to enter the city of Savannah, and was present at the battle of Resaca, May 15, 1864. He was never wounded, but soon after being ordered to the front was seized with typhoid fever and was sent to hospital at Nashville, Tenn., whither his mother went from Pennsylvania to visit him. On his recovery he returned to his regiment and served to the close of the war, being mustered out of the service at Alexandria June 5, 1865, and discharged July 21, same year. He then proceeded to the home of his mother in Allegheny county, and com- menced working in the mines as director of ship- ping. In 1885 he was appointed deputy sheriff under Sheriff Hemphill, serving to the close of the term, and then, in 1888, was elected sheriff on the Republican ticket, for a three years' term, receiving a majority of 2,159 votes in the county. During this incumbency, the colored murderer, West, was executed, the first person hanged in Washington county since 1867. Mr. Lockhart is a member of Stockweather Post No. 60, G. A. R., and of the Jr. O. U. A. M.

S AMUEL ASHBROOK, a leading dentist in the borough of Washington, is a native of the county, born September 2, 1864, in Buf- falo township, where he received a liberal education at the district schools. His great-grand- father, Simon Ashbrook, was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., where he was married to a native of the same county, and the children born to them were Jacob, John, Margaret, Mary, Nancy, Solo- mon, Simon, Abraham, Absolom and William. In 17- Simon Ashbrook came to Washington county, making a settlement in Buffalo township, where he and his wife died.

Absolom Ashbrook, son of this old pioneer, re- ceived his education in Buffalo township, and was there married to Elizabeth, daughter of John Brad- dock, of Franklin township. They continued to reside on the home farm until 1872, when they came to Washington borough, where they now re- side. Their children were as follows : Mrs. Rob- ert Lytle, Simon F., John and William (both de- ceased), Abraham L., Solomon (deceased) and Sarah (Mrs. W. P. Hastings). Mr. Ashbrook in politics was a Democrat, and was a warm supporter of the Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo.

Simon F. Ashbrook, father of the subject of these lines, was born February 28, 1836, in Buffalo town-

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ship, this county, and received his education at the common schools of the neighborhood of his birth- place. Like his forefathers he has been engaged all his life in farming and stock raising, and has been successful in his dealings. On November 3, 1859, he was married to Mary, daughter of Jacob Weirich, and children as follows have been born to them : Edward, Susan (deceased), Samuel, Benton, Lizzie (Mrs. John Flack ) and Maude. Mr. Ashbrook and family are members of the Presbyterian Church at East Buffalo, and in politics he is independent.

Samuel Ashbrook, whose name opens this sketch, at the age of twenty years entered, as a student, the dental office of W. L. McCleary, where he re- mained one year; in 1885 he commenced a course of study at the Baltimore Dental College, where, in 1887, he graduated with honors. Returning to Washington, Dr. Ashbrook commenced the practice of his profession with A. L. Ashbrook, with whom he remained a short time, and then again entered the office of his preceptor. In July, 1891, he pur- chased Mr. McCleary's interest, and has since been conducting the business alone. In August, 1890, the Doctor was married to Margaret Connors, of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and one child, Edmund, has been born to them. Our subject and his esti- mable wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, and in his political associa- tions he is a Democrat.

E BERMAN. In the year 1732 Johannes Eberman and his son, Johannes, left their ancestral home in Ebermanstadt, Germany, bound for America with the purpose in view of making it their home, and with the determination to assist in its conquest. The family owned large estates in the center of which was the town above named. As was the custom, they had their genea- logical tree tracing the family back through many generations and through centuries of time. Early in its history for services rendered, the family, by royal grant, was given a coat of arms, and the motto thereon-" Ad finem fidelis"-has been a source of inspiration throughout successive genera- tions.

With the pride of birth and station and the sturdy courage of the pioneer these two reached London and embarked for the land of their choice. The records in Philadelphia show that Sept. 19, 1832, the good ship " Johnson," of London, landed at that port, and in the passenger list are the names of Johannes Eberman and son, Johannes, a lad under sixteen years of age. These were the first of the name to land on American soil, and the elder was the great-great-great-grandfather of John S. Eber- man, a personal sketch of whom follows. They remained at Philadelphia but a short time, and then removed to Lancaster, same State, where they at

once became identified with public affairs. On Dec. 22, 1743, the son married Juliana Schweich, and their son John, on April 23, 1772, married Elizabeth Frank.

John's interest in municipal affairs led him to present to the town of Lancaster a large clock which was placed in the town hall. When the courthouse was built the clock was put therein and for more than 100 years has been repaired and wound by the Eberman family, and at present con- tinues to be the timepiece of the city. In "Penn- sylvania Archives " it is related that Christopher Eberman did gallant service in the Continental line of the Second Pennsylvania Regiment during our struggle for independence. In the Moravian Church records of Lancaster is the complete genealogy of the family from 1732 to the present.

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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 176

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