Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 18

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 18

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Maker and Builder is God." Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren refer to her memory with gratitude and gladness of heart on account of her many noble, womanly traits, for surely "Her works praise her in the gates."-Prov. xxxi: 31. The sons (of Robert and Mary Colwell Hazlett), Hugh, Isaac and Robert, left their native State (Pennsylvania) when quite young and located in Ohio. Hugh married Miss Mary McFadden; had three sons, Robert, Thomas, and Hugh; also three daughters, Mary, Eliza and Margaret. Second son (Isaac) married Miss Matilda Calhoun; their sons (three in number) were Robert, Samuel and Theodore; daughters, Mary Frances and Matilda, the latter being the only surviving member. Third son (John Hazlett) died of fever in early manhood, unmarried. Fourth son (Robert) mar- ried Miss Lucy Reed, of Putnam, Ohio; had four sons, William, John, George and Charles. The latter, Charles E. Hazlett, was educated at West Point, and yielded up his life to his country's cause on the battle field of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863), while in command of a battery of rifled can- non of the Fifth Artillery. His superior officer, Gen. Weed, being mortally wounded, Lieut. Haz- lett, while bending over to hear his dying words, received his death wound. He is referred to, and spoken of in history, as the gallant young Lieut. Hazlett. The daughters of Robert and Lucy Reed Hazlett were Mary, Elizabeth, Lucy and Mar- garet. Jane Hazlett, eldest daughter of Robert and Mary Colwell Hazlett, was married to Dr. James Wishart, brother of late Dr. 'John Wishart, well and favorably known in Washington and vi- cinity. Two children survived their parents, Rob- ert and Mary. Second daughter (Mary Hazlett) was married to James Acheson Cummins, then a resident of Washington, Penn., and afterward re- moved to the vicinity of Wheeling, W. Va. Their sons were Robert, James, and Thomas; daughters, Mary, Elizabeth, and Margaret. Eldest son, Dr. Robert Cummins, became eminent in his profes- sion in his native city (Wheeling). Honored and beloved, he was removed by death in the midst of

his useful career. Dr. James Cummins also prac- ticed medicine in the same city. The care of the homestead devolved upon Thomas, who never married; Elizabeth and Margaret Cummins are the only members now surviving. Margaret, youngest daughter of Robert and Mary Colwell Hazlett, was married to Michael Johns, and died in a few short years, leaving one little daughter, Mary. Samuel Hazlett married Miss Sarah Johns, eldest daughter of the late Thomas and Elizabetlı Shryock Johns, whose home in earlier days was at Chambersburg, Penn. Sons of the latter, six in number, were William, Michael, Lewellyn, Edwin, Alfred and Thomas; eldest son, Dr. William Johns, was a physician of note in Erie, Penn. Dr. Alfred

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Johns died shortly after commencing the practice of medicine at Norfolk, Va. There are, at this date, but twoliving members of the family, Elizabeth and Hester Ann (Mrs. Day), of Canonsburg, Penn. Thomas Johns was of Quaker descent, his family be- ing originally from Wales. The family of Samuel and Sarah Johns Hazlett, consisted of four sons and seven daughters. Thomas, the eldest, an intelli- gent, promising son, died of pulinonary disease in his early manhood. Robert studied medicine with his cousin, the late Dr. Robert H. Cummins; lo- cated in Wheeling and became a very successful practitioner ; married Miss Mary E. Hobbs, of Bos- ton, Mass. ; has four living sons, Howard, Samuel, Edward and Robert, active, energetic young busi- ness men, interested in progress of Church and State, Katharine being the only daughter. Third son, Samuel, married Miss Lucy Woodhull, of Bangor, Me .; have three living children: Helen, eldest and only daughter; Charles R., engaged in commission business, Kansas City, Mo .; Samuel, younger son, being associated with his father in a banking house. The latter being very much in- terested in the Church of his grandparent, has has been instrumental in the organization and completion of Jefferson Avenue Methodist Episco- pal Church, lately erected in Washington, Penn. Homer, youngest son of Samuel and Sarah Johns Hazlett, died in infancy, as did also Mary, Eliza- beth, Matilda and Anna Augusta. The two living daughters are Margaret (wife of Dr. Wray Gray- son, Washington, Penn.); Mary (Mrs. Joseph H. Brown, Pittsburgh, Penn.). Latter had one child, Maddie H. Brown, an unusually bright and lovely daughter, who was removed from earth to Heaven at the early age of fourteen. Sarah Hazlett, the late Mrs. S. B. Vowell, was taken away in the prime of her useful life, loving and beloved. Her husband and three children survive her: Samuel, Sarah (Mrs. Edwin F. Brown, in Chicago, Ill.) and Mary. Samuel Hazlett, youngest son of Rob- ert and Mary Colwell Hazlett, was born in 1798, upon the spot where he continued to transact busi- ness and reside during the greater part of his use- ful life. When about fifteen years of age, his father died, leaving the widowed mother in Sam- uel's care, who devoted himself to her interests with tender love and watchfulness during her en- tire life; received such an education as the times afforded; at an early age engaged in mer- cantile business, which he continued until 1837, when he became interested in banking business. Being public spirited, always looking at the pros- perity of his native town, he from time to time en- gaged in other pursuits that promised the welfare of Washington. At one time he conducted a manu- factory of woolen goods, finding ready sale for the same, not only in Pennsylvania and Ohio, but ex- tending to a considerable distance west. The

large flouring mill (now in possession of Zelt Bros.) was also built through the capital and enterprise of Samuel Hazlett. He was also the pioneer banker of Washington county. Banking facilities at that time were so limited that business men had to depend for accommodations upon Pittsburgh, Wheeling and Brownsville. Moneyed transactions, therefore, were not and could not be conducted as now, in this section. State banks were in a very uncertain condition; counterfeiters of coin and paper money carried on their trade almost unre- strained, and many things contributed to make private banking a business of great risk. Not- withstanding all difficulties, knowing the advan- tage to the public, and being encouraged by friends in the idea of establishing a " banking house," Samuel Hazlett opened an office in Washington, in 1837, and continued in the same during the re- mainder of his life. In his career as a banker, he confined himself to what he considered a legiti- mate banking business. Holding that it was not right to place in jeopardy the moneys of depos- itors, he never engaged in stock, or other specu- lations of like nature. The " Banking House " of Samuel Hazlett was a constant success. At the time of the death of its founder (1863) it stood " first class," not only in this country, but abroad. Samuel and Sarah Johns Hazlett were devoted mem- bers of the M. E. Church, showing their devotion to its best interests at home, and in distant mis- sionary fields, by liberal contributions to its sup- port-thus proving their faith by their works; and their family bear in their heart of hearts the remembrance of their unbounded affection, the religious principles inculcated in the home train- ing, their sense of justice and correct judgment which gave direction and guidance to all with whom they were connected. Those that " knew them best, loved them most." ~

A B. CALDWELL. Washington county has possessed many prominent citizens; but in all their number can be found no one more truly representative, more widely 'and actively awake to the interests of the community at large than was the subject of this sketch. A self-made man in its truest and broad- est sense, by his own energy and untiring efforts A. B. Caldwell, rose from the humble ranks of a poor farm boy, to the proud distinction of being one of the most universally respected and influen- tial merchant citizens of Washington county.

The Caldwell family are descended from Scotch- Irish ancestry, who were among the pioneer settlers of Pennsylvania. The first of the family to settle in Washington county was Samuel Caldwell (grandfather of subject), who made his cabin home with the then scattered settlers of Buffalo town-

AB Caldura

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

ship. Here, surrounded by the dangers of those early days, enduring the privations which none but a pioneer can know, his children were born. Of them James Caldwell (father of subject) was born in 1797. Upon reaching manhood he married Miss Esther McCracken, daughter of a neighbor- ing pioueer. The young couple made their home in their native township, and began tilliug the soil; but some years later, in connection with farming, he opened and kept, on the "Old West Pike," the " Caldwell Inn," within whose hospitable walls so many travelers have found food and shelter. The original inn, like its builders, has passed away, but in its place stands another hostelry, built on the same plan, in 1883, by the subject of this sketch. James and Esther Caldwell were the par- ents of the following named children: Samuel, who died in Missouri; John, who died in Illinois; Joseph, William, A. B. and Esther, who resided in Washington county, and of whom only Esther is now (1893) living. The father of this family died in 1839, aged forty-two years, the mother in 1875, at the age of seventy five.

A. B. Caldwell was born in 1828. He was but eleven years of age when his father died, thus throwing upon the mother the entire care and re- sponsibility of the family, and necessitating that the children should early participate in the real battle of life, and contribute to their own support. A woman of sterling character herself, Mrs. Cald- well labored earnestly to keep her family together, and impress them with the principles of the strict- est honesty. Ever entertaining for his mother the greatest reverence and affection, her son readily imbibed her teachings, that did much to mold his after life. At the age of sixteen he went to Clays- ville, Washington county, where he clerked for a time, and then formed a partnership with a Mr. Stillwagen, to conduct a general dry-goods busi- ness, the firm being known as Caldwell & Still- wagen. This partnership continued for three years, when, selling the interest to his partner, in January, 1852, Mr. Caldwell came to Washington, and took charge of William Smith's dry-goods store, where as manager he remained twelve years. In 1858 Mr. Caldwell was united in marriage with Miss Mary Lonkert, a member of a most highly respected and prominent pioneer family of Wash- ington, and of this union children have been born as follows: Minnie, George, Essie, Charles and Kate. In 1865 he began business for himself in the room now occupied by Brown's dry-goods store. Under his efficient management his business steadily increased, and in 1873 he erected in Main street, opposite the courthouse, oue of the finest blocks in Washington, which he immediately stocked with an extensive line of dry goods, car- pets, clothing and merchant tailoring supplies. His business soon became the most extensive in the 6

place, and his annual receipts averaged from $125- 000 to $140,000. At the time of his death, which occurred October 27, 1892, he was the only citizen in Washington paying a license of over $100 a year, for general business. But, exteusive as was his business interests in the line enumerated, his entire time was by no means absorbed, and he al- ways found opportunity and disposition to take an active part in every enterprise tending to the material improvement or advancement of the social and business interests of his town and county.

The bare probability that beneath the fertile fields of Washington county lay stores of buried wealth in the shape of oil and gas, was sufficient to arouse to activity in Mr. Caldwell his iunate spirit of leadership, and he became the pioneer in these industries, which have in their development so largely contributed to the prosperity of western Pennsylvania. He drilled quite extensively for oil, and ten producing wells in Buffalo township re- paid his enterprise and investment. In 1891 he organized The Leader Refining Company, of which he was the owner, and built on the B. & O. R. R., seven miles west of Washington, a refinery with a capacity of 400 barrels per day. At the organiza- tion of the People's Light & Heat Compauy-a corporation which supplies the boroughs of Wash- ington with those two essentials-he became the principal stockholder, and was elected its presi- dent, a position he held during the rest of his life. At the time of his death he was a director of the Washington County Fire Insurance Company.

Mr. Caldwell was a man of wonderful push, pluck and perseverance, and it may be truly said that no man did more to advance the interests of Washington than did he. And these very quali- ties, which contributed so largely to the advantage of the community at large, brought to him his own almost unparalleled success, and made him one of the wealthiest men of Washington county. One of his especially distinguishing characteristics was his love of home. His wife and children were to him the dearest objects in life, and his happiest moments were those spent by his own fireside sur- rounded by his loved ones. His residence on East Wheeling street, Washington, one of the land- somest in the borough, improved and beautified to the highest degree, and surrounded by its broad and well-kept lawn, bespeaks the refined and cult- ured taste of the once owner. An ardent lover of nature, passionately fond of flowers, Mr. Cald- well found great comfort in the study of these "angels of the grass," and owned the largest pri- vate conservatory in western Pennsylvania. Gifted with an inquiring mind, he loved to investigate tlie mysteries of nature, of life and death. Sur- rounded by the conflict of creeds and theories, in the twilight of uncertainty he set his face toward the light and sought for Truth, and firmly stood

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by and fearlessly proclaimed the result of his in- vestigation. While many of his friends and neigh- bors differed from him in religious opinions ad- vanced, not one was found to question the sterling honesty of the advocate. Possessing a nature sympathetic, generous and just, he was moved by the sufferings or misfortunes of his fellow-man; the open hand of deserving charity found him ever a willing giver, and he was just to render unto every man his due. While interested in all questions of government and State, and a stanch Democrat in sentiment, yet he preferred the quiet of home life as a private citizen, to the turmoil of political struggles.

On October 27, 1892, after weeks of wasting ill- ness, Mr. Caldwell passed from earth, and his re- mains now rest on the hillside in the beautiful Washington cemetery, which overlooks the town where most of his busy life was spent. Years and generations yet to be will feel the influence of the life of A. B. Caldwell.

D R. E. F. DODD. Among the many influ- ential and enterprising families of Wash- ington county, the name of Dodd stands among the oldest and most esteemed of the early pioneer settlers, and of that honored name our subject is a worthy representative.

Daniel Dodd (1) was born in England, and in 1642 immigrated to America, locating in Branford, Conn., where his son Stephen (1) was born. The latter married in Connecticut, and reared a family of whom a son Daniel (2) also married and passed his life in that State. Of Daniel's (2) sons are recorded the names of Stephen (2), Daniel and John. Stephen Dodd (2) was born April 15,1703, in Guilford, Conn., and in early life moved to New Jersey, first locating in Newark, and finally settling in Mendham, same State. Of his chil- dren, two sons-Thaddeus and Daniel-became pioneer settlers of Washington county, Penn.

Thaddeus Dodd was born March 7, 1740, in Newark, N. J. His parents were " poor in worldly goods, but rich in faith," and his boyhood was passed under the influence of the most devout Christians, and in the midst of religious revivals. In early youth he evinced a strong inclination for study, and passed much of his time in delving into the mysteries of mathematics (in which he espe- cially excelled) and the ancient languages. On July 18, 1764, he was converted during the prog- ress of a great revival, and this important event molded and directed his future life, which was to be so full of service for the Master. He entered Princeton College in his thirty-first year, and graduated in the autumn of 1773. The following is quoted from the sketch given at the centennial celebration of the Ten-Mile Churches, August 28, 1879, by Rev. James Allison, D. D. :

Soon after graduation he went to Newark, N. J., where he married Miss Phoebe Baldwin, and entered upon the study of theology, under the direction of Rev. Dr. McWhorter. One year later he removed to Morristown, N. J., and continued the same line of study under Rev. Dr. Johns, who had been his first instructor in Latin. He was licensed to preach the Gospel by the Presbytery of New York, but there is no existing record of the date at which this took place. Through the winter of 1776-77, he suffered from a severe attack of inflammatory rheu- matism; but in the month of March, though still feeble, he started upon a journey to the West. After preaching in parts of Virginia and Maryland, he crossed the mount- ains, visited the settlements on George's creek, Muddy creek and Dunlap's creek, and then came to Ten-Mile. He remained here until August, preaching in private houses, in the woods, and in Lindley's and Bell's forts. After his return to the East he was ordained by the Pres- bytery of New York as an evangelist, on some day of the week preceding Sabbath, October 19, 1777, as there is a record of baptisms by him on that Sabbath, in which it is said that this was the first Sabbath after his ordination. Shortly after this he left New Jersey with his wife and daughter (three years old), and a son still younger, ac- companied by two brothers and their families. On the 10th of November they arrived at Patterson's creek, Hampshire Co., Va., and after hearing of the formidable attack which had been made by the Indians upon Wheel- ing, and the consequent alarm and confusion prevailing in all the frontier settlements, it was thought best not to proceed any farther at that time. But in a few days he crossed the mountains alone, came to Ten-Mile, preached in the forts, and baptized the children. In a short time he returned to his family, and it is not known that he vis- ited this place again until he brought his family and settled down permanently in the fall of 1779-one hun- dred years ago. In the interval he had not been idle, but had been busily engaged in preaching the Gospel in the adjacent parts of Virginia and Maryland, where no churches seem to have been then organized, at least there were no church buildings, as all the services were held at private houses or in the woods. He was entreated to remain, and indnccments apparently stronger than any held out by Ten-Mile were brought to bear upon him, but he had given his pledge to the people here-his heart was here-and hither he came in September, 1779.

In personal appearance Thaddeus Dodd is thus described: "A pale, slender youth with jet-black hair, dark, piercing eyes, and a countenance highly expressive of mental power and activity." After coming to Washington county, Mr. Dodd first re- sided near the Lindleys, in. what is now Morris township, and on November 22, 1786, he took a patent for 400 acres of land in Amwell township, called "Fame" (which was situated on the middle fork of Ten-Mile creek), and there made his per- manent home. To Thaddeus and Phoebe (Bald- win) Dodd were born two sons and three daughters: Cephas, Stephen, Hannah, Sarah and Mary. The Rev. Thaddeus Dodd was an exceptionally cultured and scholarly man. His early years of prepara- tion and association with the most cultivated minds of the day, combined with his natural gifts and experience as a teacher, especially fitted him for his brilliant and useful career as a leading edu- cator and minister of the Gospel. Always a student he was familiar with the languages, and excelled in the natural sciences and mathematics. Deeply

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realizing the need of a broader education for young men in the West, Dr. Dodd opened a classical and mathematical school in 1782, especially designed to prepare young men for the ministry. This school continued three years and a half. In 1789 he became principal of an academy at Washing- ton, Penn., which position he filled fifteen months. On August 15, 1871, the first Presbyterian Church was organized, and in 1785 the first church build- ing was erected, but just as the Society was be- ginning to grow, and success was crowning his efforts, the heroic minister yielded to the disease (consumption) that had so long been weakening his system, and on May 20, 1793, passed to his re- ward. His funeral sermon was preached from Revelations xiv: 13, by Rev. Dr. McMillan, his as- sociate pioneer minister of Washington county, and he was followed to the grave by a grateful and sorrowing people, for a "Prince in Israel had fallen."

Cephas Dodd was born October 12, 1789, on his father's farm in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and studied at home during his earlier years, receiving his later education at Canonsburg, where he early evinced the ability which distin- guished his later life. While a student he spent his leisure time in the study of medicine, and at the time of his graduation liad so thorough a knowledge of the science, that he was often con- sulted professionally. After leaving college, he entered the ministry, in which he zealously labored many years, but when his skill as a physician be- , came known, his services were so often needed that he continued to practice both professions till his death. He preached his last sermon and visited a distant patient two days before yielding to his last sick- ness. He practiced both in Greene and Washing- ton counties. In 1805 Cephas Dodd was united in marriage with Ruth Flenniken, of Greene county, Penn., and the young people immediately settled in Amwell township, this county, where the follow- ing children were born: Jane (Mrs. Dr. Simon Strouss), Sarah (Mrs. John McFarland), Thad- deus, Cornelia, Eliza, Hannah, James, Cephas and Elias F. In reference to the personal qualities of Cephas Dodd, we quote the following from the address of Rev. Allison: "This son (Cephas) is said to have possessed a clear and strong mind, enriched by manly culture and varied learning; remarkable gentleness and amiability of temper; great practical wisdom; a tranquil and steady piety; high devotion and loyalty as a friend; in short, a combination of qualities, a character com- plete, harmonious and symmetrical in an unusual degree." Concerning his work as a pastor, Rev. Allison says: "He was tlie second successor of his honored father, and was installed as pastor of the Ten-Mile congregations in Amity, with, as Dr. Wines declares, 'the open canopy of heaven for a

temple, the snow for a carpet, and the wind whis- tling through the leafless branches of the trees as an accompaniment to the solemn music, as it pealed forth from a choir of hundreds of voices. ' " In politics Cephas Dodd was an adherent of the Whig party. He died January 16, 1858.

Dr. Elias F. Dodd, the subject proper of this sketch, was born December 1, 1823, in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm until the year 1841, then he entered Washington College, from which he was graduated in 1848. After his graduation he at once began the study of medicine, commencing to practice in 1853, and has since followed the profession, being now regarded as one of the lead- ing physicians of the county. On May 12, 1853, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Eli Brad- ford, of Greene county, Penn., and immediately afterward settled in Franklin township, this county. In 1867 he moved to his present resi- dence. Dr. and Mrs. Dodd have had a family of four children: Cephas T., Lillie J. (deceased in infancy), Elias F. (also deceased in infancy), and Samuel B. (on the home farm). Of these Samuel B. married Mary C., daughter of David Clark, of Buffalo township, and two children have been born to them: Lizzie and William; Samuel B. was a school director. Dr. Elias F. Dodd has always been a leading member of the Whig and Repub- lican parties, and for the past two years has been a justice of the peace.

Dr. Cephas T. Dodd was born April 24, 1854, on the home farm in Franklin township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., and received his general education at Washington and Jefferson College. He secured his medical training at Cleveland Medical College, from which he was graduated in March, 1881, and he then immediately began practice as a physician. On June 30, 1881, he was united in marriage with Ella C., daughter of James W. Patterson, and two sons have come to cheer their home: John A., born September 7, 1882, and Frank C., born July 23, 1888. In politics Dr. Cephas T. Dodd is a Republican. In 1877 he was clerk in the treasury office at Washington, and traveled for four months over the county under Col. A. L. Hawkins, county treasurer, collecting taxes; in 1879 he was chief clerk in the county treasurer's office under S. C. McGregor, county treasurer.

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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 18

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