Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 178

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 178

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M ANUEL STOODY is a native of Washing- ton county, having been born in 1824 on the north fork of Pigeon creek, where his school days were passed. His father, Jacob Stoody, was born of German ancestry in 1798, in Somerset township, this county, and passed his youth on the home farm. When he was a young man, a family moved into the neighborhood from Maryland. Young Stoody soon made the ac- quaintance of Andrew Long, the new-comer, for his pretty daughter Barbara was a most desirable addi- tion to the social circle. Jacob Stoody and Bar- bara Long soon became warm friends, and this in- timacy finally culminated in their marriage. Mrs. Stoody was born in 1801 and died in 1865, leaving the following children: Margaret, wife of Joshua Craven, this county; Rosanna, married to John Guthrie, a farmer of this county; John; Manuel; Mary, wife of James Morrison, of Nottingham town-

ship, this county; Elizabeth, married to Jacob Yohe, of Carroll township, this county; Sarah, wife of Mark Yohe, cousin of Jacob Yohe; Henry, and Jacob. The father died January 13,1834.

Manuel Stoody grew to manhood on the home farm, and in 1846 was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of John Jones, a native of Fallow- field township. The following children were born to them: Jacob A., Rachel Ann, Melissa J., Will- iam M. (deceased; he was a graduate of the South- western State Normal School, at California, Penn., and became a prominent teacher in the county ), Louella L. (deceased; she also graduated at the Southwestern State Normal School, and afterward at the National School of Elocution and Oratory, at Philadelphia ), and John H., a Methodist minis- ter, a graduate of the University of Rochester, N. Y. The mother was called to her long home Sep- tember 9, 1889. Mr. Stoody learned and until re- cently followed the carpenter trade, and is now farming on his place, which contains seventy acres of land, situated about six miles south of Monon- gahela, and four miles west of Charleroi.

HOMAS M. PATTERSON represents a pioneer family of Washington county, Penn. His grandfather, James Patterson, was born in County Down, Ireland, and received his early education in his native land. At the age of fourteen years he came with his parents to . Washington county, Penn., and they settled in Canton township, on the farm now owned by John McClay, erecting their cabin home in the wild woods of the new country. At the age of twenty- six years James Patterson was married to Mary Miller, a native of Chartiers township, and after marriage the young couple settled on the farm in Hopewell township, now owned by Lemon Patter- son (a grandson). Politically, James Patterson was first a Federalist, then a Whig, and next an active worker with the Abolitionists. He was among the earliest members of, the Seceder Church at North Buffalo, his parents being also members of that de- nomination; he was a member of and elder in same for fifty years, holding that office at the time of the coalition of the Seceder and Union Churches, and was always very active in church work. He was also successful in business matters, having made his own way in the world. He died in 1868, in his ninety-second year, and was buried by the side of his wife in North Buffalo cemetery. They were the parents of the following children: Alexander, Thomas, Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Leper), Elizabeth (wife of James Richmond ), Jane (married to James Armstrong), James, David, Mary (Mrs. Taggart), John and Martha.

John Patterson, son of James and Mary ( Miller) Patterson, was born on the home farm in Hope-

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well township, this county, receiving his education in a school which was held in the upper story of a log spring house. He was married to Jane, daugh- ter of Thomas McClellan, and they continued to reside on the old place until his death. John Pat- terson was originally an active Whig and Aboli- tionist, afterward becoming an ardent Republican; he was much interested in school matters, and served as school director for years. He was formerly a member of the Seceder Church, but later in life united with the U. P. Church at North Buffalo, contributing liberally to the support of each. Mrs. Patterson is yet living, and makes her home with her son, Lemon. The remains of Mr. Patterson were interred in the cemetery at North Buffalo.

Thomas M. Patterson, son of John and Jane (McClellan) Patterson, was born April 1, 1853, in Hopewell township, this county, where his early life was passed in attending the public schools, and in working on the farm. When but fourteen years of age he began business for himself, but remained at home some time after reaching maturity. On January 3, 1878, he was united in marriage with Liz- zie,daughter of William Proudfit,of Smith township, this county. For three years after their marriage they remained on a farm in Hopewell township, then moved to another one in the same township, upon which they also lived three years, afterward settling in Burgettstown, Penn., where they have since resided. The children of Thomas M. and Lizzie (Proudfit) Patterson are John, Willie, Kate, Jennie and Thomas M. In 1891 Mr. Patter- son was nominated by the Republican party for State representative, and was not only elected, but ran ahead of his ticket; he is now filling that posi- tion. He is a member of the U. P. Church of Burgettstown, in which he takes an active interest.

W ILLIAM J. MUNCE, one of the prosper- ous agriculturists of the county, whose residence has been on East Beau street, Washington, since 1889, is a native of Washington county, having been born in South Strabane township in 1818.

His father, Robert Munce, a native of County Down, Ireland, came to America in 1803, bringing with him his wife, whose maiden name was Mary Quaile. Her father, William Quaile, came to this country and county some years later, and died in North Strabane township at an advanced age. Robert Munce bought a farm in South Strabane township, where, when our subject was but a lad, he died at the age of fifty-four years; his wife sur- vived him several years, dying at the age of seventy- two. They were the parents of the following chil- dren: Thomas, William J., Robert (in North Stra- bane township), Sarah, Mary, Margaret, Jane

(widow of Robert Carnes), and Catherine (wife of John McLain, in Texas), all now deceased except William J., Robert, Jane and Catherine.

William J. Munce was brought up on the old home farm, which is situated three miles northeast of Washington, receiving his education at the schools of the neighborhood. After his parents' death he married Elizabeth Miller, daughter of Hugh Miller, who came from Ireland in 1854, and died in Washington, this county, as did also his wife. To Mr. and Mrs. Munce nine children were born: Robert, Miller and Samuel (all on farms), Russell, James, Edward, Mary, and William and David (both of whom died when young). One of Mr. Munce's three farms lies in the oil belt, and comprises 630 acres in one body. Politically, our subject is a Republican, but is not now active in his party.

W ILLIAM DEGARMO, who for fourscore years was a resident of Washington county, was a grandson of Paul DeGarmo, a Frenchman, who immigrated to America and died in Washington county, Penn.

Jacob DeGarmo, father of subject, was a na- tive of the Keystone State, and was united in marriage with Hannah Ames, who was born in 1790, a daughter of Joshua Ames, a shoemaker by trade. She became the mother of fourteen chil- dren, viz .: Elizabeth, William, Sarah, Hannah, John, Mary, Martin Smith, Absalom, Jacob John- son, Jabez Gifford, Maria ( wife of William Bell), Hiram, Jerome and an infant daughter, twelve of whom lived to maturity. Jacob J., Jabez G. and Maria are in West Virginia. She died in 1882. One son, Hiram, entered the "Ringgold Battalion," and served three years under Capt. Gibson.

William DeGarmo, the subject proper of this sketch, was born December 11, 1810, in Pennsylva- nia, and was two years of age when his parents moved to Washington comnty, where he was reared and educated. On April 15, 1830, he was married to Elizabeth Case, a native of this county, daughter of Stephen Case, who died when she was a child, and their children were Julia A., wife of Isaac Hartman (she died July 3, 1864, leaving one child, six weeks old, named Lizzie, whose home was afterward made with her grandparents; her father married, for his second wife, Adeline Dague, who bore him two children: Charles Lindsey and Anna May; the father died about the year 1872); Hannah, Mrs. Thomas Lytle, of Nottingham town- ship; Elizabeth, married to M. Hartley, of Am- well township; Lucinda, wife of Adam Fergus, of Somerset township; and Maria, who all her lifetime remained at home with her parents, caring for them in their declining years, and now that they are gone, her niece and herself remain at the old home

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which has been left to her by her father. On Sep- tember 6, 1892, Mrs. DeGarmo passed from earth at the age of eighty-three years, and six months later, Feb. 28, 1893, her husband, at the same ad- vanced age, followed her over the "dark river." They had been married nearly sixty-three years. Mr. DeGarmo was a Democrat and had filled sev- eral local offices. They commenced life in a very humble way, and all their possessions were accum- ulated by hard work and judicious economy. Mr. DeGarmo in addition to his farming persuits made many sleds out of the roots of trees, and this in- dustry he followed in connection with agriculture till his eyesight began to fail him. He was gen- erally in the enjoyment of good health, was of medium size and at the time of his death his hair and beard were as white as the driven snow. The old homestead contains sixty acres of prime land.

T HEODORE M. BYERS, a leading dry-goods merchant of Monongahela, is a native of the Keystone State, born November 15, 1852, in Allenport, Washington county, as son of Robert C. and Emily F. (Churchman ) Byers. Our subject received a liberal education at the common schools of his native town, and early in life commenced gaining an insight into the mer- cantile business in his father's drug store, where he remained several years, completely mastering that line of trade. On the death of his brother Edward I., he took his drug store, which had but recently been stocked, intending to close out the business; but after a time concluded to continue it. By energy and close attention to business he succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations. In 1880 he embarked in his present enterprise, the dry-goods business in which he is successfully engaged.

On August 8, 1883, Mr. Byers was married to Agnes J., daughter of James Cline, of Nebraska. Mr. Byers is an active Republican in his political predilections, and in religion is a member of the M. E. Church, in which he has served as steward, and of the Sabbath-school of which he has been super- intendent eleven years. Socially he is a member of Lodge No. 337, F. & A. M., Monongahela, of the Royal Arch, Chapter 249, and of St. Omer Commandery No. 7 K. T. Mr. Byers is enterpris- ing and progressive, genial in his manner and pop- ular among his many friends with whom he lias surrounded himself.

S AMUEL DUNN (deceased) was born in 1817, in County Down, Ireland, where he received his education, and learned and fol- lowed the trade of a weaver. In 1841 he was united in marriage with Miss Grace Campbell, who was born in 1819, in County Down, Ireland, a

daughter of William and Grace (Smith) Campbell, the former of whom was a merchant there.

In 1850 Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Dunn, casting their eyes to the Western World, embarked at Bel- fast, Ireland, on the ocean steamer "Enterprise," and a few weeks later landed at New York. With but little capital to invest, the young people suc- ceeded in making their way successfully, although strangers in a strange land, and finally located at McDonald, in Washington county, Penn. Samuel Dunn remained there as a tenant for some time, when, having saved a considerable amount from his hard-earned savings, he bought some land at Centre (now known as Midway), in Smith town- ship, and followed teaming, hauling coal, etc. With the assistance of his faithful wife, who was both economical and industrious, he made a fair income, and was able to save some money from his daily profits. On April 30, 1880, he was laid to rest. Mrs. Dunn is now living a retired life, in the enjoyment of the respect and good wishes of the entire community. She is a consistent member of the United Presbyterian Church, as was also her deceased husband.

J M. MOORE, M. D., a popular physician of Midway, Penn., is the eldest son of J. S. Moore, of Cecil township, this county. Dr. J. M. Moore was born March 26, 1861, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and received his early education in the common schools of the day. He then entered Canonsburg Academy, where he remained three years, meanwhile paying his way by employment outside of school hours. The young student soon decided to follow the life of a physi- cian, and thus far he and the patients who have been under his care may congratulate themselves that such was his choice. Every man is undoubt- edly adapted to some particular vocation, and that Dr. Moore has taken the vocation best suited to his talents is demonstrated by the laurels he has already won as a healer of bodily infirmities. He commenced his medical studies under the direction of Dr. J. H. Christy, of Paris, from whom he ob- tained a thorough and practical knowledge of the medical science. In 1883 he entered Cleveland Medical College, graduating February 25, 1885. He then began his professional career at Florence, a small town in Hanover township, this county, where he remained six years, thence moving to his present home in Midway, this county, many of his former patients yet coming from Florence to him. Dr. Moore has a large and lucrative practice, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.

On September 23, 1886, he was united in mar- riage with Mary, daughter of Robert McCready, of Hanover township, this county, and one daughter has been born to them, Ola Winifred.

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In church relationship the Doctor is a zealous worker in and devoted member of the United Pres. byterian Church. Politically he was formerly a Republican, but since the temperance question arose has been an advocate of Prohibition.

R OBERT MCCREADY is a representative of an old and well-known family. His grand- father, Alexander McCready, was born about 1760, in Ireland, where he married Sarah , who was born in 1758. He learned and followed the shoemaker's trade. In 1786 he sailed for America, and six months after his arrival, after making the necessary arrange- ments, he sent for his wife. While Mrs. McCready was on the ocean her eldest daughter were born. Soon after the family was united in this country they came to Washington county, Penn., locat- ing in Burgettstown, where Alexander worked at his trade and other employment. He assisted in digging the race for the old mill which used to stand southeast of Burgettstown, known as “Mc- Farland's Mill," and for doing his work received seventy-five acres of land in Smith township. He removed to this farm, and passed the remaining days of his life in agricultural pursuits. He was a Whig in politics. He died February 24, 1850, his wife on May 25, 1847, and they were buried in the U. P. cemetery of Burgettstown, Penn. They left the following children: Ann ( Mrs. John Maxwell), Alexander, John, William, Robert, Rebecca ( wife of John Custard), and Mary ( Mrs. White), all now deceased.

Robert McCready was born in 1801, near Bur- gettstown, Penn., where he attended the rate schools of that period, and learning the shoemaker's trade, followed it in Burgettstown. In early life he was married to Mary Reed, who was born in Allegheny county, Penn., in 1797. The young couple lived a short time in Burgettstown, thence moving to Pitts- burgh, Penn., where he worked at his trade, and later conducted a hotel on Smithfield street, oppo- site the present site of the " Monongahela House." In 1840 he left Pittsburgh and returned to Burgetts- town. In 1842 he removed to Hanlin Station, Washington county, and there passed the remain- der of his life. In politics he was a lifelong Dem- ocrat. He died in 1872, his wife having crossed the river October 15, 1859, and both were buried in the U. P. cemetery at Paris. Their children were as follows: Sarah Jane (Mrs. Lewis Saxton, of Pittsburgh ); Alexander ( who died in Brooke county, W. Va.); Robert (our subject ); Margaret Ann (Mrs. William Beall, of Hanover township); and Mary E. (married to James Gibson).

Robert McCready was born December 10, 1833, in Pittsburgh, Penn. When but a small boy his parents removed to Harlin Station, Washington

county, where he was educated; he learned the trade of a shoemaker. On March 24, 1859, he was married to Elizabeth Gibson, who was born No- vember 16, 1836, daughter of Robert and Jane (Cunningham) Gibson, of Hanover township, a representative of one of the oldest families in the vicinity. The following children have been born to Robert and Elizabeth McCready: Mary (wife of Dr. J. M. Moore, of Midway, Penn. ); Jennie V. (Mrs. John McConnell, of Hanover township); Luella (at home); Robert D. (a clerk at McDon- ald, Penn.); James A. and George G. (both living with their parents). Mr. and Mrs. McCready began wedded life on the place near Hanlin Station, where he worked at his trade, then went to Brooke county, W. Va., thence coming to Jefferson town- ship, this county. He erected a home on a small piece of land which he had purchased in Jefferson township, residing there till 1872, then settled on his present piece of excellent farming land, called the " old Gibson homestead," in Hanover township. He has ever since resided on this tract, being en- gaged in general farming, small-fruit growing, stock raising and the dairy business, prospering in each department. He votes with the Democratic party, and in religion both he and his wife are mem- bers of the U. P. Church.

G REER McILVAIN. The McIlvain family were originally natives of New Jersey, where the grandfather (also named Greer McIlvain ) was born and reared to manhood. Over a century has rolled away since he, with his brother George, first came to Washington county, Penn., and locating on a farm in Somerset township, died there at an advanced age.

Greer McIlvain, son of the pioneer, Greer, was born October 14, 1793, on the farm in Somerset township, Washington county, Penn. He attended the subscription schools and passed his entire life in that township. There he married Jane, daugh- ter of Robert C. Campbell. The latter was of Scotch- Irish ancestry, and took part in the Revolutionary

war. In early life he was married to a Miss Pax- ton, and they were early settlers of this county. The father died in 1840, at the age of ninety-eight years, followed by his wife in her 105th year. To Mr. and Mrs. McIlvain were born Eliza, widow of John Kerr, of Butler county, Penn., and mother of Rov. G. M. Kerr; Martha, now living with her relatives in Illinois, formerly resided with her father until his death; Mrs. Margaret Clark, a widow, living in Illinois; Mrs. Jane Greenlee, also a resident of Illinois; Mary Ann, deceased in 1855; R. C., a prominent agriculturist of Somerset town- ship; and Greer. The father was a stanch supporter of the Republican party, having taken an active interest in all public matters. In religion he was a

Green Me Ivain

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member and elder of the Presbyterian Church, with which his wife and daughters were also identified. He died in June, 1889, at the age of ninety-six years.

Greer Mellvain, son of Greer and Jane, was born October 13, 1825, on the home farm in Somerset township. He attended some time at the subscrip- tion and public schools, and assisted his father with the duties of the farm for several years after attain- ing his majority. He was married November 14, 1850, to Elizabeth, daughter of F. H. Williams, a native of Fallowfield township, and a member of an old family. In 1861 Mr. Mellvain came to his present home in Carroll township, which is a beau- tiful farm of 150 acres, bounded on the east by the Monongahela river. He yet superintends the care of the place, and has been a very enterprising citi- zen. He is a Republican, and was in the Revenue service nine years during the administrations of Grant, Hayes, Garfield and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. McIlvain are members of the Presbyterian Church. Their children are Francis William, liv- ing in Charleroi, Washington county; Mary Vir- ginia, at home; James Edgar, a lumberman of Pittsburgh; Charles G., a rising attorney of Pitts- burgh and Monongahela; Ida Jane and Rose Ella, living on the home place.

J OSEPH H. LITTLE, M. D. In the year 1066 William the Conqueror, with his horde of Nor- mans, effected a landing in England, and at the battle of Hastings asserted his claim to the throne of England. Of the many thousands of descendants to-day of the Norman heroes the only family in Ireland who can claim direct lineage are the Littles, of whom the subject of this sketch is a member.

Moses Little, his grandfather, was born in County Down, Ireland, whence, when a young man, he emigrated to this country, settling in Washington county, Penn., where he purchased land in Stra- bane (now South Strabane) township. At that time Virginia still claimed jurisdiction over this sec- tion of the country, and the land was only partly im- proved. Wild animals were numerous, and neigh- bors had long distances to go through the dense forest to visit each other. Moses Little's first home on his settlement was made of logs, but that has long since given place to modern improve- ments, and all that is now left of the surroundings of those primitive days is the ever-living spring of water which flowed near the door of the old log house. Here, in Washington county, Mr. Little married Margaret Locke, who had come from Ire- land in the same ship he did. They were the par- ents of four children, viz .: John, who died in Franklin, Venango Co., Penn .; David, who died in South Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn .; Moses, father of Dr. Little, and Mary,

deceased wife of Zach. Reynolds (their son, Squire D. L. Reynolds, is now a resident of South Stra- bane township).

Moses Little, the third son of Moses and Mar- garet (Locke) Little, was born in 1800, on a farm in what is now South Strabane township, and was there reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1823 he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy, daughter of Joseph Harris, of Amwell township, this county, and the children born to them were Emeline (still living); Margaret, widow of Samuel W. Melvin (deceased), and the mother of two children- Alice and Anna; John H., a farmer in South Stra- bane township; Leroy Woods, who practiced law in Washington, Penn., and died in 1873, leaving a widow but no children; Dr. Joseph H. and Moses, living in Washington. The father died of heart disease November 11, 1875, on the farm now owned by his son Moses. He began life quite a poor boy, having been disinherited by his father for some imaginary trivial offense, but he made a success. At one time he was coroner of the coun- ty, and he was an elder in the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church. The mother died in 1879 at the age of eighty-four years.

Joseph H. Little was born in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn. (on the line of South Stra- bane township), May 6, 1835, and grew to man- hood on the farm, sharing in the many duties incident to agricultural life. His primary educa- tion was received at the common schools of the neighborhood, and later he attended select schools, after which he entered Washington College, where he took a classical course. On June 21, 1855, on completion of the college course, he received the degree of A. B .; in June, 1858, the degree of A. M. from the same institution; in March, 1859, M. D. from the University of Pennsylvania, and February 22, 1861, Ad Eundem degree of M. D. from Columbia University, Washington, D. C. During his vacations he taught school, whereby he acquired means to enable him to prosecute his studies and aid him through his course. Having completed his studies, our subject was then ap- pointed principal of Blairsville Academy, in Indi- ana county, Penn., which incumbency he filled one year, and then received the appointment of prin- cipal of the academy at West Alexander, this county. While at Blairsville he commenced the study of medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. J. W. Answalt, of that place, afterward continuing same under Dr. John Wishart & Son, of Washing- ton, this county. He began the practice of his profession in Allegheny county, Penn., residing one year at Library, that State, and then proceeded to Washington, D. C., to fill the position of resi- dent physician at a hospital, receiving the appoint- ment under President Buchanan. Here he re- mained until March, 1861, when he again came to

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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 178

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