Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 181

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 181

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James Slater was born in 1787, in Donegal town- ship, and was there married to Catherine, daughter of Manning Martin. Mr. Martin was born in County Down, Ireland, and came to America in early manhood. He was united in marriage with Jane Thomas, of Wilmington, Del., and she bore him children as follows: Martha, Hannah, Cather- ine, Margaret, Jane, Leah, Mary A., Rachel, Sarah and John T. Mr. Martin came to Washington county and settled in Donegal township, where he remained until his death. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. James Slater settled on the old home farm in Donegal township, and reared the following family of children: William, Martin M., David, Eliza ( Mrs. Joseph Miller), Mary A. ( Mrs. John McKa- han), John (deceased), Caroline (Mrs. G. W. Anderson), Melissa ( Mrs. Thomas Show), Rachel (Mrs. Roland Craig), and James E. Wheeling. Mr. Slater was a successful and enterprising business man. In politics he was an active member of the Whig party. He died June 27, 1857, his widow on August 24, 1872.

Martin M. Slater was reared and educated on the old homestead. On April 3, 1845, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Robert Nixon, a resident of Donegal township, and native of County Antrim, Ireland. To this union were born six children: Mary C. (deceased), Martin (deceased ), Leah, Sarah (deceased ), Luther T. and C. K. Mr. Slater passed the first years of his married life in West Alexan- der, and engaged in the butcher business. He then served four years as a constable and was repeatedly

re-elected. He carried on a wagon trade from Cumberland to Wheeling; then farmed one year on the Noble farm, and spent the next year in Ohio, after which he proceeded to Brooke county, where he remained eight years. In politics he was originally a Whig, voted for W. H. Har- rison in 1836 and 1840, and in later years he was a member of the Republican party. He died April 30, 1892.

C. K. Slater, a son of Martin M. Slater, was married on July 8, 1880, to Lillie, daughter of Jackson Mitchell, of Waynesburgh, Penn., and they have two children: Vera and Fred M. Mr. Slater is a Republican in politics.

J S. MOORE is a prominent representative of one of the old families of Cecil township. He is a son of John Moore, whose parents were born in Ireland, and coming to America about the time of the Revolution, settled in North Stra - bane township, Washington Co., Penn. Their son, John, was a native of Chartiers township, this county, where he was reared. He married Marga- ret Mytee, a native of the same township, and they had nine children, namely: Samuel (who died in March, 1884, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county), Ellen (wife of David McCalmont, of Mt. Pleasant township), J. S., Mary ( Mrs. John McCalmont, of Mt. Pleasant township), Margaret (widow of John L. Gormley, of Dickinson county, Kans.), Eliza (Mrs. Thomas McCallister, of Smith township), John (who died in the West), David (living in Missouri ) and Rebecca (living in Allegheny county, Penn.). The family afterward moved to Mt. Pleasant township. Both parents were mem- bers of the U. P. Church at Hickory, this county, in which the father was for years a ruling elder, and in politics he was an ardent Whig. While attending the raising of a church in Hickory in 1834 he was accidentally killed. Mrs. Moore died in 1882.

J. S. Moore was born in 1820, in Chartiers town- ship, this county, and in early boyhood came with the family to Mt. Pleasant township, where he received his education in the subscription schools. In 1860 he was united in marriage with Margaret McBurney, a native of Robinson township, daugh- ter of James and Jane ( Acheson ) McBurney. Mr. and Mrs. Moore resided in Mt. Pleasant township until 1873, when he bought and moved upon sev- enty-six acres of land in Cecil township, where they are now living. Six children have been born to them, as follows: James C. McBurney, a physi- cian and surgeon of Midway, this county ( married to Mary McCready ); Jessie, living at home; John T., residing with his parents; Jennie C., a teacher of this county; Joseph S. and Mary E., living at

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home. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are members of the Chartiers United Presbyterian Church at Canons- burg, Penn. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, and is an enthusiastic supporter of Prohibi- tion.

R OBERT CAMPBELL McILVAIN was born November 8, 1827, in Somerset town- ship, this county, a son of Greer McIlvain, whose father was also named Greer. The grandfather was born in Lancaster county, Penn., of English descent, and was there married to Elizabeth Morrow, a native of the same county. The young couple came to Washington county in an early day, accompanied by a brother, George McIlvain. On May 20, 1788, Greer secured 407 acres of land in Somerset township, which was sur- veyed to him February 11, 1789, and afterward di- vided with his brother. Greer and Elizabeth Mc- Ilvain were members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. Their children were Greer, John, Guyan, George, William, Andrew, Margaret, Mary, Ruth, Catherine, Elizabeth, Esther, Ann and Eleanor.

Greer McIlvain was born October 11, 1793, on the home farm in Somerset township, and on No- vember 20, 1817, was united in marriage with Jane Campbell, who bore him the following children: Eliza ( widow of John Kerr, living in Butler county, Penn.); Martha ( unmarried); Margaret (widow of Robert Clark, of McLean county, Ill.); Greer and Jane (twins) ( the latter being the widow of John Greenlee, of McLean county, Ill.); Robert C., and Mary (deceased ). Mr. McIlvain followed farm- ing, took an active interest in all progressive enter- prises, and was elected to several township offices by the Republican voters of his district. He died June 6, 1889, his wife on September 18, 1871. Both were active members of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. McIvain was an elder from 1849 until his death.

Robert C. McIlvain, son of Greer and Jane Mc- Ilvain, remained on the home farm during his boy- hood, and after attending the common schools spent two terms at an academy in Monongahela City, Penn. On December 5, 1861, he married Sarah L. Sloan, who was born January 14, 1833, a daughter of James and Sarah Sloan, natives of this county. Rev. James Sloan was born September 16, 1807, in this county, and was married to Sarah Lindsey, who bore him one child: Sarah L. (Mrs. McIlvain); James G., a physician of Monongahela City, and Martha A. (deceased), were children by his second wife, Margaret Gordon. Mr. Sloan was a Presbyterian minister, and preached about nine- teen years at the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, 390 members being added to the original

number during his ministry. He organized the first Presbyterian Church erected at Frankfort Springs, Beaver county, Penn., where he preached eight years. He was trustee of Jefferson College, Washington county, twenty years. Mr. Sloan died March 11, 1871, his wife having crossed the dark river in 1833.

To Robert C. and Sarah L. McIlvain six children have been born as follows: Ella F. (wife of Rev. J. C. Mechlin, a missionary in Persia); William L. (a farmer of Somerset township, this county); Margaret I. (deceased); James G. (deceased); Gertrude E. and Elmer S. (residing on the home place). Mr. and Mrs. McIlvain reside on the well-cultivated farm consisting of 312 acres, which was his birth- place. They have been members of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church for some time; he has served as a member of the Session and treasurer for fourteen years, still filling both offices. He votes with the Republican party, and is interested in all public issues of the day.

J OHN L. SHANNON is a son of Charles D. Shannon, who was born June 4, 1802, on a farm in Beaver county, Penn., and there in- ducted into the mysteries of agricultural pur- suits, which he continued to follow all his life. When a young man he was married to Jeanette Crawford, who was born May 7, 1810, and they were the parents of seven children, namely: Re- becca J., married to George Mancha ; G. W., married to a Miss Mitchell ; S. C., now residing in Kansas ; Mary L., wife of Enoch Colvin ; Irene S., wife of Henry M. Crab, residing at Lock No: 4; V. D., married to Rebecca A. Wilson, and John L. The father died in 1885, and at that time was filling the office of justice of the peace; he had previously served as county commissioner and in other positions.

John L. Shannon was born in 1850 in Fallow- field township, Washington Co., Penn., and at- tended the common schools. On September 15, 1880, he married Alice V., daughter of Matthew McKerahan, of Allegheny county, Penn. She has borne him the following children: Wilbur V., William A., Jessie Mable, Arthur Scott, Alice Lenora and Nora, all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Shannon reside on a farm which his father owned, and where he is now conducting a fruit and dairy business. The place is located one mile and a half from Charleroi and four miles from Monon- 'gahela. In religion he is a member of the Chris- tian Church, with which his wife is also identified. His widowed mother is living with him on the home farm. Mr. Shannon is now serving his town- ship as school director. .

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R OBERT FINLEY PATTERSON. Among the old, prominent families of Washington county, the Patterson family ranks high. Robert Patterson, the grandfather of Robert Finley, was a native of York county, Penn., and moved to Washington county about 1792, settling in East Finley township. A son, Robert, also a native of York county, Penn., born February 4, 1785, came to Washington county with his father, where he married, in 1806, Nancy Tilton, a native of East Finley township, born January 1, 1790. They reared a family of ten children, of whom Robert Finley is the youngest. William, born January 24, 1808, married Eliza- beth Cooper, and resided in Athens county, Ohio, where he died; John, born November, 1810, mar- ried Octava Farlan, of Athens county, Ohio, where he died; Catharine, born February 19, 1812, mar- ried Royal Bingham, of Athens county, Ohio, where she died; Rhoda, born February 7, 1814, married R. S. Andrews, of Morris township, where she died, March 15, 1840; Eunice, born March 11, 1816, married Daniel Day, of Morris township (she died January 6, 1856); Asenath, born March 4, 1818, married Zenas Axtal, of Morris township, Greene county, Penn., where she now resides; Lettice, born September 29, 1820, married L. Bane, of Amwell township, where she died July 13, 1843; Ann, born December 23, 1824, married Stephen Parcel, of Morris township, and died May 18, 1854; Josiah, born July 24, 1827, married Emma Jane Browne, of Westmoreland county, Penn., and now resides in Franklin township, Washington county, and Robert. The father died June 16, 1863, and the mother January 27, 1865.

Robert Finley Patterson was born March 2, 1830, and November 15, 1852, married Lydia Clem- ens, a daughter of William Clemens, of Morris township. Mrs. Patterson was born February 17, 1831, her parents being natives of Virginia. To this union the following children were born: Josiah M. was born November 27, 1853. He mar- ried Annie Craft, daughter of David Craft, Sr., of said township. He is now engaged in the practice of law at Washington, Penn. Clara Ann, born May 3, 1856, wife of John Reed, a real estate agent of Claysville, Penn. ; John Bryant, born December 6, 1858, who manages his father's farm; and Cora Asenath, born March 16, 1872, at home.

Mr. Patterson has succeeded well as a farmer, and is known as one of the successful business men of Morris township. A portion of the farm now owned by him belonged formerly to his father, and consequently has been in the Patterson name for more than three-quarters of a century. Both he and his wife are members of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.

J HE CAMERON FAMILY are among the oldest and most prominent residents of South Strabane township. John Cameron was born in Scotland, and in early youth removed to County Armagh, Ireland, where he was united in marriage with Esther Twinem, a native of Ireland, and soon after his marriage emigrated to America, making his home in Somer- set township, Washington Co., Penn. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron were born the fol- . lowing children: John, James C., Esther, Mar- garet and William. Mr. Cameron was a prominent citizen, and in politics voted with the Democratic party. In religion he was a member of the Pres- byterian Church.

William, son of John and Esther Cameron, was born in the year 1808, on the home farm in Somer- set township, this county, and there received his early education. On September 28, 1837, he was married to Martha, daughter of George Mitchell, residing in South Strabane township, Washington county. Mr. Mitchell was a native of Ireland, and in early manhood came to America, settling in Washington county, Penn., where he was married to a Miss Alexander. They reared the following children: Martha (Mrs. William Cameron), born August 9, 1804; Mary (Mrs. John McMillan), born November 10, 1810; Eleanor, born in the year 1812, died February 29, 1832; Thomas, born August 13, 1815, and Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Horner), born August 20, 1817. Mr. Mitchell was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the First Presbyterian Church at Washington. He died at the residence of Mr. William Cameron, May 8, 1847.

After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Cameron settled on the place which is now occupied by their sons, and to the original tract of twenty-one acres they added over 200 acres, formerly owned by George Mitchell. This farm was uncultivated, and he made his own improvements upon it. The children of this couple were as follows: John, Ellen (Mrs. John G. Paxton), Margaret, Mary J., George M. and Martha A. (Mrs. J. C. Pease). Mr. Cameron was an enterprising man and took an active interest in the progress of the Democratic party; he was also interested in educational mat- ters, having frequently served as a school director in the township. In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Washington. He passed away October 15, 1873, having been pre- ceded by his wife August 16, 1860.

JOHN CAMERON, son of William and Martha (Mitchell) Cameron, was born August 12, 1838, on the home farm in South Strabane township, Washington county, and received a common school education. In early life he commenced farming, and has since followed that vocation. He is actively

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interested in all questions pertaining to the wel- fare of the community, and is a firm supporter of the Democratic party.

GEORGE M. CAMERON, second son of William and Martha (Mitchell) Cameron, was born April 22, 1849, and passed his early youth on the home farm, receiving his education in the schools of South Strabane township. On May 23, 1872, he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Col. James M. and Maria Potter Byers, residents of Washington, Washington county, and the follow- ing children were born to their union: William B., Ada E., Mary E., James M., George and John A. Mr. and Mrs. George M. Cameron have always lived on the home place, and are adherents of the Pres- byterian Church. In 1886 Mr. Cameron and his brother built the handsome residence now occupied by them, which is furnished with all modern con- veniences. He is a Democrat, and a valued mem- ber of that party. He has always been especially interested in the schools of the township, having been a school director several years.

OHN V. LACOCK, a successful and esteemed citizen of Franklin township, is a son of Ira and grandson of Samuel Lacock. Samuel Lacock was born in New Jersey, and in an early day came with his wife and family to Wash- ington county, Penn., locating in Amwell town- ship. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Lacock were as follows: Ira, John R., Eliza (Mrs. Chrispin) and Mary (Mrs. Thomas Service). Mr. Lacock was an active worker in the Whig party.

Ira Lacock was born December 13, 1794, in Am- well township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his boyhood at home, attending the rate schools and afterward teaching school. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Anna, daughter of Isaac Bane, of Amwell township, Washington county, and she bore him children as follows: William, Samuel (deceased), Isaac, John V., Eliza- beth (Mrs. William Mounts) and Ira J. After his marriage Mr. Lacock settled in Amwell township, this county, where he resided two years, thence moving to Morris township, this county, and in 1857 settling in Washington borough, where he died December 13, 1876. In politics he was an active supporter of the Jacksonian Democrats.

John V. Lacock was born September 5, 1822, in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and received his education at the subscription schools of the county. In December, 1848, he was united in marriage with Sarah J., daughter of William McClenathan. Mr. McClenathan was born August 10, 1765, in Ireland, and, emigrating to America at an early age, settled in Amwell township, Wash- ington Co., Penn. He was married to Mary Coul- son, who was born September 10, 1780; and they

reared the following children: Isabella (Mrs. John Tucker), born July 9, 1801 (died March 5, 1873); Samuel, born January 15, 1803 (died February 12, 1873); William, born January 16, 1805 (died Oc- tober 15, 1835); John, born February 16, 1807 (died November 10, 1878); James, born June 25, 1809 (died July 9, 1876); Blair, born November 26, 1811 (died August 18, 1870); Allen, born June 16, 1814; Thomas, born October 17, 1816; Sim- mons, born April 9, 1819; Mary (Mrs. Nathaniel Bane), born October 22, 1822, and Sarah J., born June 10, 1825 (died December 14, 1889). Mr. McClenathan was a Democrat.

After his marriage Mr. Lacock settled in Frank- lin township, afterward moving to Washington borough, where he remained three years, then came to the home place, and thence to his present farm at Point Lookout of fifty acres. Mr. Lacock has five children, viz. : George S. (married to Mary Slusher; their children are Biddle and Birdie), Dr. S. A., William R., Ira L. and Marion (deceased). In politics Mr. Lacock is an active Democrat, and in religion belongs to the Disciple Church at Washington. Over six feet high, he is a fine speci- men of the native American.

HOMAS J. NICHOL, one of the progressive and well-to-do agriculturists of South Stra- bane township, was born May 3, 1828, in Canton (now Franklin) township. His grandfather, Thomas Nichol, came to this county from County Antrim, Ireland, and took out a warrant, February 14, 1785, for a tract of land now owned by John Hughes, whose wife is a granddaughter of Thomas Nichol. This tract of land was surveyed on May 13, 1785, and was named in the survey "Crystal," containing 281 acres, adjoining lands of James Workman, James Huston and others. While yet a young man he was married to a young lady who had come from Scot- land. After marriage they took up their residence in Washington borough for some time, and then removed to the farm in Canton township, which he had entered; there they passed the rest of their days. They were consistent members of the Pres- byterian Church. Two children were born to this honored pioneer couple: Samuel and Eliza- beth (Mrs. Alexander Reynolds).

Samuel Nichol, the only son of Thomas Nichol, was born in Washington borough, this county, where his boyhood and youth were passed, and where he received his education. He was married to Rebecca Bane, daughter of David Bane, of Amwell township, and their children were: James, Franklin, Mary, Hannah, Elizabeth (Mrs. John Hughes), and Thomas J. After marriage the young couple settled in Franklin township, and there re- mained until the death of the husband, which oc-

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curred November 19, 1870; his wife departed this life in February, 1854. They were members of the Disciple Church, in which he was an elder many years; he was a Whig, and took an active part in politics.

Thomas J. Nichol, whose name opens this sketch, passed his early life at the place of his nativity, and received his education at the schools of the dis- trict. While a young man he took a trip West, being absent for some time, and then returned to his native township. In January, 1859, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of ex- Judge James C. Chambers, of Amwell township, this county. After marriage the young couple carried on farming in Amwell township eight years, and then moved to Franklin township, where they remained one year, thence coming to South Strabane township, to their present home. The names of the children born to them are: Annie, Lizzie, Jennie, John, Lotta, Clark and Sadie. Mr. and Mrs. Nichol are members of the Disciple Church at Washington, and in politics he has always been a stanch Republican.

A UGUST E. MOLLENAUER, a successful farmer and dairyman of North Strabane township, is a son of Ernest Mollenauer, born in 1828, whose parents were natives of Germany, and came to Allegheny county, Penn., in the year 1848. Ernest Mollenauer was married to Wilhelmina Huth, born in 1832, mar- ried in the year 1850, and settled on the old home- stead, where thirteen children were born to them, of whom are now living: August E., Charles, Henry P., Louisa (wife of A. T. Linn), Harriet E. (wife of Jacob Keitzer), Samuel H .. Frederick H. and Mary J. (Mrs. Scott Higbee). Mr. and Mrs. Mollenauer are members of the German Lutheran Church.

August E. Mollenauer was born February 26, 1856, in Allegheny county, Penn., and was reared and educated on the home farm. On February 26; 1880, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Froebe (who was born May 1, 1858), daughter of Valentine and Elizabeth (Gutbub) Froebe. Mr. and Mrs. Froebe were both natives of Germany, and came separately without their parents to America when young. The two families settled in Allegheny county, Penn., and on attaining the age of maturity, Valentine Froebe was married to Elizabeth Gutbub, who bore him seven children, five sons and two daughters, three of whom are living: Elizabeth (Mrs. Mollenauer), Philip and George W. Mr. Froebe died in the year 1881, and his widow is yet living. She is a member of the Lutheran Church, as was her deceased hus- band.

August and Mary (Froebe) Mollenauer have had

born to them six children-three boys and three girls: Anna E., born January 12, 1881; Sarah W., born February 23, 1883; Samnel, born Sep- tember 28, 1886; Eva M., born December 31, 1888; Edward C., born December 29, 1890; and George (deceased). Mr. Mollenauer owns 147 acres of land, and he has been engaged in the dairy business for the past eleven years, having twenty cows, and in 1891 shipped 6,650 gallons of milk to Pittsburgh, Penn. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Politically Mr. Mollenauer is a Republican.

N OAH F. GILMORE was born September 11, 1825, in Pitt township, Allegheny Co., Penn. He is a son of William, whose father (also named William Gilmore) was a native of Ireland. The last mentioned an- cestor immigrated to America many years ago, and locating on a farm in Susquehanna county, Penn., successfully engaged in the farming business. In 1799 he came to Pittsburgh, Penn., and purchased the Oakland farm, which was the scene of the famous duel between Bates and Stewart, that con- fliet having been witnessed by his son, William Gilmore, and his brother James. The father re- sided on this farm for several years, having trans- ported coal to Pittsburgh by horses and mules, and finally moved to Columbiana county, Ohio, where he died. He was married to a Miss Sample, who belonged to a famous pioneer family of Allegheny county, and four sons were born to their union: John, William, James and Hugh, and two daugh- ters. The father was a Federalist in politics.

William Gilmore, son of the above mentioned pioneer, was born about the year 1789, in Susque- hanna county, Penn., afterward coming with his parents to Allegheny county. His school days were necessarily limited, as his aid was needed by his parents, who were in moderate circumstances. He passed his youth in farm work and mining coal, and in 1812 was united in marriage with Susanna Fisher, a native of Susquehanna county, Penn., and daughter of Henry Fisher, who purchased and moved upon a farm in Ohio, where he died. After his marriage William Gilmore continued to mine coal, and when the old "Oakland" farm was sold he purchased the place, finally succeeding in pay- ing off the heavy indebtedness. He then moved to Ohio, but finally returned to Pittsburgh, Penn., where he died in 1852, leaving to his heirs a prop- erty of $20,000. At one time he was very wealthy, but lost a large amount through unfortunate cir- cumstances. In politics he was a Whig, and filled important offices in Allegheny county for over twenty years; in religious faith he was a valued member of the Presbyterian Church. His children were born as follows: John, William (deceased in

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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 181

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