Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 182

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 182

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Ohio, in 1891), Margaret, Mary Ann, Fisher H., Noah F. and Eliza, of whom Noah F. is the only one yet living.

Noah F. Gilmore remained on the home place during his early manhood, and in 1851 he married Harriet McCortney, who was a native of Chartiers township, Allegheny Co., Penn. She died in March, 1861, leaving one daughter, Mary A., wife of George Gilmore, a merchant of Allegheny county. In 1871 Noah F. Gilmore married, for his second wife, Sarah, daughter of John Young, a native of Pittsburgh, and a steamboat engineer. To this union children have been born as follows: Laura B., Margaret J., S. Blanche, Susanna M., William N., Clarence S., Charles B. and Grant K. Prior to 1887 Mr. Gilmore was actively engaged in mining operations, and sold out at that time; he is now re- tired from active business, but conducts the ferry which is located on his property. He was origi- nally a Whig, and was present when the Repub- lican party was organized at the corner of Fourth and Wood streets, Pittsburgh, Penn. Although he has from that time been a zealous Republican, Mr. Gilmore has invariably refused to accept official honors.

S® ILAS HALEY, probably the oldest, and one of the most prominent, merchants in the Monongahela Valley, is a son of Sedgwick Haley, whose father was born in Ireland, and came to America many years ago, when he married a Miss Jeans. Of the children born to this union the following are named: Daniel, James, John, Richard, Enoch and Sedgwick. The father of this family was a Democrat in political opin- ions, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church. He died in Holmes county, Ohio.

Sedgwick Haley was born and reared in Holmes county, Ohio, and attended the schools of the neighborhood, passing his youth on the home place. A few years after attaining his majority he chose as his wife, Rebecca Dailey, a native of Washington county, Penn., and the young couple resided in Middletown, Ohio, for five years after their marriage. They then removed to a farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, where the remainder of their lives was passed. He was identified with the Whig party, and served ten years as justice of the peace; he was equally zealous in religious matters, as an active member of the M. E. Church. He died in his forty-fourth year, leaving to mourn his loss a widow and nine children: Jefferson, Simeon, Sarah, John, Silas, Mary and Sedgwick (twins), Rebecca and Charles.

Silas Haley was born July 30, 1832, in Holmes county, Ohio. He learned the tailor's trade, and at the age of eighteen years came to Monongahela City, where he followed that vocation until 1854, !

when he opened a clothing establishment which he has since conducted. On March 10, 1853, he was united in marriage with Mary C., daughter of Levi Priggs, a native of Huntingdon county, Penn., and three children have blessed this union, namely : Rebecca, wife of W. C. Robison; C. E. and Will- iam A. Mr. Haley was originally a Whig, and is now a Republican; he has served as a member of the council. In religious faith lie is an earnest, active member of the M. E. Church.

EORGE W. POGUE, prominently identi- fied with the representative citizens and successful farmers of Hanover township, is descended from an old Irish family. His grandfather, John Pogue, who was the first of the name to locate in Washington county, Penn., was born in Ireland, August 11, 1742, and, after landing in America, located on a farm in Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., near Cross Creek. Like all the early settlers, he labored under many disadvantages, and had to make several trips across the mountains for salt. On one occasion, while returning from a trip over the mountains with a load of salt, he reached Pittsburgh on Saturday night, and would not pro- ceed with his load on the Sabbath; and while re- maining there, he was completely disgusted with the desecration of the sacred day. On the following morning he was offered several acres of valuable land in the heart of the city for his load of salt, but decidedly refused the proposition, as he did not care for land where the Sabbath was not ob- served. He and his wife were leading members of the Seceder Church, and lived to old age, on the place where they first settled, and were laid to rest in a private burying ground on the home farm; be died December 21, 1837; they were the parents of seven children as follows: William, James (a school teacher), Samuel, George, Sarah (Mrs. John Curry), Robert and David.

George Pogue was born January 16, 1789, and when old enough assisted in clearing up the forest of the pioneer farm, attending, in the mean- time, the rude subscription schools of the time. When a young man he was married to Nancy, daughter of David Davis, a native of Washington county, on Cross creek. After his marriage Mr. Pogue located for a short time on a farm adjoining the old place, and in 1836 went to Belmont county, Ohio, settling on a place near St. Clairsville. He died in 1882, his wife in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. Pogue were active members of the M. E. Church; in politics he was a Democrat prior to Jackson's administration, when he joined the Whig party, finally becoming a Republican. The children of this family were as follows: David, Robert, George W., Rebecca E., Ruth and John F., of

Geo. W. Poque

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whom only three are living: George W., Ruth (Mrs. Hugh Rogers, of Belmont county, Ohio), and Rebecca E. (wife of Griffith Lemon, living in Bel- mont county, Ohio).

George W. Pogue was born July 4, 1827, in Jefferson township, Washington Co., Penn., and when nine years of age came with his parents to Belmont county, Ohio. On May 17, 1859, he was married to Pauline Robinson, who was born in 1839, a daughter of Rev. James Robinson, a Meth- odist Protestant minister, of Muskingum county, Ohio. After his marriage George W. Pogue pur- chased 240 acres of excellent land in the Rock River country, Whiteside Co., Ill., remaining there but a short time, and then made a trade with an uncle (his father's brother) who was living in Jef- ferson township, Washington Co., Penn. By this bargain he received a farm of 100 acres, to which he removed in 1860, and when his uncle Robert died, George W. Pogue settled up the affairs of the estate. In 1863 he came to his present farm (situated on the Pittsburgh and Steubenville pike, three miles west of Florence), to which he has added an adjoining tract. Mr. Pogue has been extensively engaged in the wool and live stock business, having been successful in both, and has accumulated a good property by his own efforts. In politics he was originally a Whig, now a Re- publican, and is well posted on the issues of his party; in principle he is a Prohibitionist. In 1851 he made the good confession in the Methodist Protestant Church of Eldersville, Penn., in which he has served as steward and in other offices. His wife is a member of the same church. They have two daughters: Mary (Mrs. C. F. Gardner, of Hanover township) and Ella (wife of George S. Hanlin, also of Hanover township). At the time of the first settlement of the Pogne family, Indians were numerous, and many times he and his family were compelled to spend their nights in the grain fields. The horses wore bells, and as they could de- tect the presence of the Indians first, the settlers depended on them for warning.

Rev. James Robinson, father of Mrs. George W .. Pogue, was born in Geneva, Fayette Co., Penn., June 27, 1812. His father, James Robinson, a farmer, was a native of Ireland, and came to America when a young man. He was married twice, the second time to Sarah Clelland, who bore him the following children: James, John and Sarah Ann. Mr. Robinson was a Covenanter. He died in West Virginia, at Barracksville. Rev. James Robinson was educated at Meadville, Penn., and was licensed to preach in 1837 in the M. P. Church, this first charge being in the Zanesville circuit, Ohio Conference. He came to the Pitts- burgh Conference, and spent the remainder of his life in same. He was married to Susan, daughter of John Johnson, of Muskingum county, Ohio, and

the children of this marriage were Pauline, John W., Virginia (Mrs. Thomas Stevenson), Mary E., James F., William and Marshall, all now deceased save Mrs. Pogue. Politically Mr. Robinson was a Whig and Republican.

M S. KREPPS, a prosperous blacksmith and wagon maker, was born December 13, 1847, in Fayette City, Fayette Co., Penn., the youngest in the family of children born to Lewis and Elizabeth (Biland) Krepps.

Lewis Krepps was born of German ancestry, in 1809 in Harper's Ferry, Va., where his boy hood and early youth were passed. In 1828 he and his brother Christian walked from Harpers Ferry to Brownsville, Penn., and there he worked at his trade, that of blacksmith. He was married in Brownsville to Miss Elizabeth Biland, of West Pike Run township, Washington county. After- ward they settled in Fayette City, Fayette Co., Penn. They became the parents of seven chil- dren, as follows: Jolin W., living at Grand Rapids, Mich .; Jeremiah A., deceased in 1860; Lewis Thornton, living in Richland county, Ill .; Sarah, wife of Eli Croop, of Ravenna, Ohio; Enos Clark, who died in 1882, at St. Louis, Mo .; Mary C. and M. S. (twins), the former of whom married J. W. Burton, and they are now living in North Dakota. The mother of this family died in Fayette City, in 1865, and in 1867 the father mar- ried a second time. In 1869 he purchased a farm in Westmoreland county, Penn., moved thereon, and there died in 1881, in his seventy-fourth year.

M. S. Krepps received his education in the pub- lic schools, and learned the trade of blacksmith in his native town. In 1870 he moved to Allen town- ship, Washington county, where he continued his trade, and in connection carried on agriculture. On July 2, 1872, he was married to Josephine, daughter of John Fry, the ceremony taking place in California, Penn., and the young couple at once took up their home on a farm in Allen township, comprising sixty-eight acres of good land. The children born to this union were John F., born December 4, 1878; Joe E., born November 3, 1881; Frank G., born December 6, 1883, and died of diphtheria July 17, 1892. In politics Mr. Krepps is actively interested in the Republican party, and he and his wife are members of the Disciple Church.

R EZIN C. TUCKER, a well-known farmer and progressive citizen of Hanover town- ship, is descended from one of the pioneers of the county.

Prior to 1770 there came from Maryland one John Tucker, who, after the Government sur-

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vey, took up 400 acres of what is known as the "Grace tract " in Hanover township, having made improvements on a tomahawk claim, several years in advance of the Government survey. He was a large man and as straight as an Indian, a despiser of the lazy man and the rascal, and was an honest Quaker. Before coming here his first wife died, leaving two sons, Rev. Samuel, who was killed by Indians while en route to Kentucky, and John, who moved to Ohio. He married his second wife shortly before leaving Marvland, and she, with the two sons, accompanied him to this county, There were two daughters born to this second marriage, who became Mrs. Ralston and Mrs. Sadler, respectively. Jonathan, the eldest son of the second marriage, was born in Fort Vance dur- ing an Indian raid in 1771. Thomas, the fourth child, moved to Ohio; David was the youngest. John Tucker was the founder of Tucker's Church, which was built in 1823, and which is yet known by that name. He was among the earliest residents of this county, from whom the majority of the families of this name in Hanover township are descended. Many were the trials and struggles endured by this old pioneer, of which, did space permit, we would gladly give a detailed description. He lived to the ripe old age of one hundred years, and was buried in the Tucker's Church cemetery, where his wife was also interred.

David Tucker, youngest son of John, was reared on the old homestead where his father had first located. When a young man he was married to Christie Ann Hill, who bore him the following children: Ellen. Rezin. Mary Ann, David, Philip Rowland, Nancy and Samuel, all of whom lived to adult age, some moving to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, while a few remained in their native county. The father was a Democrat, and in re- ligious faith his wife was a Baptist. He died in 1819, and was buried in a private cemetery on the home place. His widow was married to John Clark, and had two children by her second mar- riage, viz .: Matthew (who went to Texas) and Harriet (deceased in youth). The mother died in Ohio, where she lived with her elder sons.

David Tucker, son of David and Christie Ann Tucker, was born in 1812, and received but a com- mon-school education, his father dying when he was but a boy of seven years. He then went to live with his uncle, Nathan Hill. near Eldersville, Jefferson township, this county, of whom he learned the tanner's trade. In 1829 he left the tanning business, and going to Pittsburgh worked for some time in an iron mill. When his brother, who had been living on the home place, left there for the West, he came from Pittsburgh and took charge of the farm. In 1837 he was married to Sarah S. Watt, who was born in 1813, in Hanover town- ship, daughter of John Watt. The children born

to this union were as follows: Rezin C., Angeline E. (deceased in youth), Mary Ellen (unmarried, is yet living on the home farm), Harriet L. (Mrs. R. W. Crisswell of Hanover township), David S. (married, of Florence), John W. (deceased), Sarah S. (wife of George S. Graham, M. D., a leading physician of Florence) and Lemuel J. (professor in a college at Defiance, Ohio). Of these children John W. enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and was killed near Todds Tavern at the battle of the Wilderness. Owing to an order previously issued by the commander-in - chief, the body was never secured, and was buried in the field. The parents always lived in this township. David Tucker was a Democrat until the close of Jackson's administration, when he be- came a Whig and Republican. He was among the leading men, and a liberal contributor to the M. E. Church (Tucker's Church). He was twice mar- ried, his second wife being Rachel B. (Miller) Hall, a widow, who died in 1884, followed by her husband in October, 1890. He was a man of pow- erful physique, weighing over 200 pounds.

Rezin C. Tucker, son of David and Sarah S. Tucker, and the subject proper of this sketch, was born April 27, 1838, in Hanover township, this county. His first education was received in the common schools, afterward attending the Florence academy for some time. In youth he gave his name to the M. E. Church. After leaving school he learned the carpenter's trade, which he com- pleted and followed at various places in the county. For the past few years he has been living on the home place, of which he now has charge, having been administrator of his father's estate. In poli- tics he is a Republican. taking an interest in the success of his party. He has never married.

W ILLIAM DUNBAR is an esteemed citi- zen of Robinson township, who is rapidly converting the products of the soil into a golden harvest, the reward of patient, in- dustrious toil. His grandparents, James and Mary Dunbar, natives of Ireland, emigrated to America in an early day, settling in Pennsyl- vania, and thus becoming identified with the pio- neer history of that State. Twelve children were born to them, of whom but two are now living: Mary (widow of Joseph Wallace, living in Oak- dale, Alleglieny Co., Penn.), and William (a farmer of Cross Creek township, this county). Mr. Dun- bar followed farming and stock raising. He died in 1830, and in 1831 his wife was laid beside him.

Thomas Dunbar was born February 12, 1805, in Washington county, and in 1833 was married to Mary Scott, who was born in 1817 in the same county. The following children were born to their union; Alexander S., Mary (wife of Dallas

G le

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Garrison), William (of whom a sketch is given be- low), Martha, James, Elizabeth, Susan, and an unnamed infant. Of these children the ones now living are Alexander, Mary and William. Thomas Dunbar cared little for political life, but was actively interested in public improvements and church affairs, to which he contributed liberally, and with his wife was a devoted member of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church. He died in 1891, having been preceded by his wife in 1852.

William Dunbar was born July 9, 1847, and was reared on the home farm. On May 19, 1881, he married Nancy Annan, born June 17, 1847, in Washington county, Penn., daughter of William (a carpenter) and Maria (Trimmer) Annan, early settlers of this county. They reared four chil- dren, viz .: Mary, Nancy (Mrs. Dunbar), and James and Emma (both deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Annan were members of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1876; his widow (who was born in 1816) is living with her daughter, Mary, in Candor, this county. William and Nancy (Annan) Dunbar are active members of the Presbyterian Church. He owns a well-cultivated farm of 157 acres, and raises a considerable amount of stock. In politics he is a Democrat.

C L. KINDER was born February 27, 1842. His great-grandfather, George Kinder, re- sided on Plum Brush, and followed the Ohio and Mississippi rivers as a trader and boat- man. For a time he was successful in business, but being overtaken by financial trouble, a few years later went to New Orleans, and never re- turned. His son George was born in East Beth- lehem township, this county, and lived in that vicinity until after his marriage, when he was ac- cidentally killed in a carding-mill, which he owned and operated. The maternal grandfather of our subject, Christian Booze, was born in Greene county. Penn. He had no educational opportuni- ties, and followed carpentry and farming, eventu- ally becoming a successful business man.

Valentine Kinder, the father of our subject, was born in 1805 in East Bethlehem township. He received a limited education in the common schools, but was a good penman. When a young man he went to Galena, Ill., upon a mining expedition, thence coming to St. Louis he raised a crop of corn, and then returning home taught school for a time. He then married Miss Julia Booze, at which time his entire worldly property amounted to $35. He located just below the present home of his son George, and remained there two years. He then removed to West Mill. Six years later he bought the home of his son, Louis, where he lived ą num- ber of years, and thence removed to the old Nich- olls farm, near Hillsborough. At the time of his

death, which occurred June 12, 1890, he left $10,- 000 for distribution, having previously divided $50,000 among his children.

Our subject was born on the old homestead just south of Hillsborough, where he lived with his father until he moved to the Nicholls farm in 1857, leav- ing the old farm in charge of his two sons, Louis and Harvy. C. L. Kinder was educated in the common schools, and though his opportunities were limited, he was an eager reader and a very well informed man. He remained at home until his enlistment, August, 1861, in the "Ringgold Cav. alry," an independent company, Capt. John Keyes commanding. He was in the service three and one-half years, and during two months of that time was confined in Andersonville and Florence Station prisons. He served in no general engage- ment, being under Gen. Keller, protecting the B. & O. R. R. On June 10, 1863. he was taken prisoner at Lester's River Gap, W. Va., and was twice slightly wounded while in the service. He was mustered out of the army March 17, 1865, and on retiring to his home resumed the occupation of farming, working his father's place on shares. In 1868 he and his brother Louis purchased the farm of over one hundred acres where Samuel Kinder now lives. Here he remained for about five years, and in the spring of 1873, together with his brother Valentine, he purchased the farm of 207 acres upon which he passed the rest of his life, Mrs. Kinder has since added ten acres to this tract. Valentine Kinder remained upon the farm one year; then purchased a portable sawmill, and soon after this was killed by falling upon the saw. He left a wife and one child. Our subject then bought out the interests of his brother's heirs in the farm, and became very successful in business, having made the greater share of his property himself. There is probably no finer place in the township than this farm. On Thursday, January 17, 1867, Mr. Kinder married Sarah Worrell, daughter of Elias and Aves Worrell of Allen township. Mrs. Kinder had the following half-brothers: Allen Worrell, deceased in July, 1867; William Worrell, deceased in June, 1873; John Worrell, deceased in July, 1873. Elias Worrell, the father, died in May, 1873. Mrs. Kinder had one full brother, Elias Irvin Worrell, and one sister, Elizabeth, wife of Eli Williams. Mr. and Mrs. Kinder had six children: Aves Ann, born October 7, 1867; Elias I., born May 22, 1868, died May 25, 1868; John Irwin, born July 2, 1871; Elizabeth Nora, born March 18. 1873, was married October 18, 1892, to Ira Friend; Julia Josephine, born April 7. 1877, and Sarah Gertrude, born August 22, 1881. C. L. Kinder died March 17, 1892. He had always been a Republican, and took an active interest in the affairs of his party. He was, as is his family, an active and devout mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church,

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HOMAS G. WALLACE, one of the best and most systematic farmers of West Finley township, is a son of Charles, whose fatlier, Robert Wallace, was born and mar- ried in County Down, Ireland. His wife was formerly Esther Walkingshaw, daughter of John Walkingshaw. a miller of County Down. After his marriage, Mr. Wallace sailed (in 1804) with their oldest son from Ireland to America, and while on the ocean, the second son, Robert, was born. The family first settled in Westmoreland county, Penn., and resided there ten or twelve years, finally making a permanent home in West Finley township, Washington county. Their other children were John, Samuel, Mary Ann, Martha and Jane. Of this family Robert is now the only living member. The mother died June 14, 1848, and the father lingered until 1856, when he, too, passed away.

Charles Wallace, the eldest son of the above family, was born January 2, 1802, in County Down, Ireland, and passed his youth in America, on the farm of his father. He learned the trade of a weaver, and followed that vocation until he settled on the farm now occupied by his son, Thomas G. He was united in marriage with Ann Griffith, daughter of Thomas Griffith, of Donegal township, Washington county, who was a native of Wales. To this union were born children as follows, the names and dates of birth being given: Margaret, October 15, 1826: Robert, January 4, 1828; Thomas G .. March 19, 1829; Samnel, Sep- tember 10, 1830; John, November 8, 1832; Charles, July 14, 1833; Esther, January 8, 1836; William, July 16, 1837; Mary J., February 7, 1839, and Arthur, May 15, 1842. Of these children, Esther, Samuel, John and Mary J. are deceased. Mr. Wallace was a charter member of the Haney- town Presbyterian Church. In politics he was formerly a Whig, and on the formation of the party became a Republican. On May 19, 1871, he was laid to rest, and on February 6. 1879, was fol- lowed by his wife.

Thomas G. Wallace was born in Donegal town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., and came with his father to West Finley township, where he as- sisted in the general duties of the home farm until he was twenty-two years of age, when he began working by the month for the neighboring farmers, in which he continued three years. On March 14, 1854, he was married to Elizabeth Haggerty, of Independence township, Washington county, who bore him one daughter, Anna Mary, who died February 11, 1855, the mother having died Febrn- ary 5. On February 9, 1860, Mr. Wallace was married to Harriet L., daughter of Alexander Pat- terson, whose ancestors were of Irish birth, and to their union were born the following children: Beverage P., born January 31, 1861; Anna M.,

born May 4, 1862; William A., born June 18, 1863; Charles H., born September 8, 1864; Lizzie J., born October 23, 1865; James P., born Janu- ary 23, 1867; Lelia A., born March 25, 1868; Samuel M., born August 25, 1869; Ida B., born November 3, 1870; Thomas H., born January 20, 1872; Nancy M., born May 13, 1873; Edward L., born February 17, 1875; John A., born November 20, 1876, and Laura E., born May 11, 1881. Of the above family, Samuel, James and Lelia are de- ceased. When Mr. Wallace began married life he was too poor to purchase a home, and so continued to rent until he had paid $7,000 for the use of farms. He then concluded that renting was as ex- pensive as purchasing property, and so bought the old home farm, which by the practice of economy and good management he has nearly paid for. He is one of the few farmers who keep a strict account of the sales and expenditures of the family. Dur- ing the last year Mr. Wallace has sold about $1,500 worth of stock and produce from his farm. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Haneytown, W. Va., to which he gives a liberal support. In politics he is a leading Republican.

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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 182

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