Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 183

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 183

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L EWIS LINN, a representative agriculturist of Peters township, was born December 17, 1827, in Union township, Washington Co., Penn., and is a son of Aaron Linn.

Aaron Linn was born in 1790, in New Bruns- wick, N. J., and in early manhood was married to Eliza Henkison, a native of the same State. They afterward located in Union township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., where he worked by the day. Their children were born as follows: David, Will- iam, Lewis, Hannah, Mary (1), Zephanalia, James, Mary (2), Elizabeth and Ann C. Of this family David, William, Mary, Zephanalia and James are deceased. The latter enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and was killed at the battle of Gettysburg.

Lewis Linn, the subject proper of this sketch, passed his youth on the home place. On April 13. 1848, he was married to Margaret J., daughter of James Sheets, a shoemaker of Peters township. The young couple then lived as tenants in Peters township, also near Canonsburg, and in 1861 bought the home farm in Peters township, contain- ing 180 acres of fine land, upon which he has made many improvements. He owns twenty-five cows, and has a milk route in Pittsburgh, which is managed by his son, William, who also buys milk of the neighboring farmers. Mr. Linn votes the Democratic ticket, and has served nine years as road supervisor, but prefers to devote his principal time to personal matters. He assisted in the or- ganization of the Presbyterian Church at Finley - ville, of which he is an elder and stanch supporter.

Luis Sim

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Nine children have been born to this union, namely : James, Aaron, Nancy, Belle, William, John A. (deceased), one deceased in infancy, Robert and Margaret. Of these four are married, viz. : James, Aaron, Nancy and Belle. Mr. Linn has had fif- teen grandchildren, three of whom are deceased.

AMES BELL. Of the many European countries that have given to America their best and bravest citizens, the fair Emerald Isle has ever been found in the foremost rank. Persecuted and oppressed by power- ful nations, many of her high-spirited sons and daughters have sought a land of freedom, and finding the object of their quest in America, have bled and died to maintain the honor of their adopted country.

James Bell was born February 9, 1844, near Bangor, County Down, Ireland, and grew to man- hood on his father's farm. He soon evinced an inclination for mechanical work, and by indulging this natural taste, finally became quite a success- ful carpenter. On March 17. 1873, he was united in the bonds of matrimony with Jane Major, a native of the same county. She was born Decem- ber 3, 1855, and was a daughter of David Major, a merchant of Bangor. County Down, Ireland.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell decided to begin their mar- ried life in the New World, and in June, 1873, sailed from Larne, County Antrim, on the State- line ship "Pennsylvania." After a voyage of thirteen days they landed at New York, thence proceeded to Steubenville, Ohio, where they re- mained a short time, then settled at Midway, Penn. Mr. Bell there found employment in outside work at the coal mines, but through working with un- tiring industry, his health began to fail from the unaccustomed and severe manual labor. In 1880 he opened a small grocery. being obliged to .begin on a modest scale, as his finances were very limited. But undaunted by the many obstacles before him. with the spirit of energy and pluck characteristic of the sons of Erin, James Bell be- gan at the foot of the commercial ladder. Slowly, yet steadily, he began to rise; round by round he ascended, watching and working, with his faithful wife by his side to encourage and aid in the stub- born conflict; at last success dawned and the darkest hours were over. To-day James Bell con- ducts the most extensive individual mercantile business at Midway. He has been compelled to enlarge his business facilities, and is enjoying the well-earned reward of those weary. toilsome years. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. James Bell: Minnie, David, William M., Bessie M. N., James A., Hngh W .. John (deceased in in- fancy), Mattie S. and John N. In politics Mr. Bell was formerly a Republican, and in 1884 joined

the Prohibition party, with which he has since been connected. He and his wife are earnest members of the U. P. Church.

W ESLEY L. OWINGS, a well-to-do farmer and substantial citizen of Hanover town- ship, is of Welsh extraction. His grand- father, Asa Owings, was born in Wales, and on his arrival in America settled near Harmon's Creek, where his life was passed in "tilling the virgin soil." Many were the hard- ships and trials with which this family contended before the victory was won beyond a question. Twelve children were born to Asa Owings, among whom, and second in the order of birth, was one named Ephraim.

Ephraim Owings was born January 6, 1801, in Brooke county. W. Va., in the pioneer cabin on Harmon's creek, this county. His early life was passed on the frontier. On January 12, 1826, he was married to Blanche Swearingen, who was born August 20, 1807, in Brooke connty, W. Va., where her father, John Swearingen, after coming from Maryland, settled. The following children were born to Ephraim and Blanche Owings: Vir- linder, the widow of Henry Fullerton; Michael, married to James Mahan, and living in De Kalb county, Mo. ; John S .. a farmer of Hancock county, W. Va .; Asa, an agriculturist of Webster county, Mo .; Frances, deceased wife of John Snedeter; Helen, married to John N. Griffith, of Hanover township; Catherine, widow of Daniel Sturgeon, of Beaver Falls, Penn. ; William E., a farmer of De Kalb county, Mo .; Wesley L., of whom further mention is made; George E., deceased in infancy ; Minerva and Mary (twins), deceased in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Owings lived in Hancock and Brooke counties, W. Va., where he followed the river in connection with farming until 1864, when he purchased the Henry Bow farm, in Hanover town- ship. this county, where his last years were spent. At length, worn out with the toil of many indus- trions years, he passed away, July 13, 1884, fol- lowed by his wife July 14, 1891, and they are buried in the Florence cemetery. Mrs. Owings was a member of the Baptist Church at Holliday's Cove, W. Va., in which her husband was an elder and leading member for many years. He was a zealous Democrat, a successful farmer and an excellent citizen.

Wesley L. Owings was born July 18, 1846, in Brooke county, W. Va. On the old place, where the father had passed his boyhood, the son grew to maturity. When a young man he came, with his parents, to Washington county, Penn. On February 17, 1870, he married Margaret E. Davis, who was born May 20, 1848, a daughter of Will- iam and Margaret (Bruce) Davis, of Hanover

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township. The children of Wesley and Margaret Owings are as follows: George D., Linnie A., Margaret E., William E., Ralph G. and Elva C., all of whom are living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Owings remain on the old place where the father first settled. Like his ancestors for generations, Wesley Owings devotes his attention to the culti- vation of his farm, and stock raising, in which business he has prospered. He is an enthusiastic supporter of the doctrines embraced in the Demo- cratic party. The family share the respect and esteem of the entire community, and Mrs. Owings is a member of the U. P. Church at Frankfort Springs.

L. BRADY was born in Washington, Wash- ington Co., Penn., a descendant of Freeman Brady, who came to Washington, Penn .. in about 1812, where he worked at his trade, thai of mason. He married a Miss Means, of South Strabane township, this county, whose family reside on the place now known as the " Taylor farm," and their children were as follows: Sophia, Seaman (de- ceased), Andrew (deceased), John and Freeman, Samuel, James, David (deceased), Benjamin, and Martha (deceased). Mr. Brady took a very active part in local affairs, and at one time was post- master at Washington. He was contractor for many of the abutments to the bridges, along the National pike, and built the courthouse and old jail. Although he had but a limited education, he became one of the most prominent men of the day. Politically, he was one of the old wheel horses of the Democratic party in Washington county. He and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. He died in 1872, when over seventy years of age, having been preceded to the grave by his wife.

Benjamin Brady, son of Freeman, was born in Washington borough in 1836. and there passed his entire life. In 1859 he was married to Rebecca Jordan, of Washington, and three children were born to them: W. C., born March 4. 1860; J. L. (a sketch of whom follows), born September 28, 1862; and Katie H .. born August 14, 1864 (mar- ried to John W. Hallam). Mr. Brady was a butcher and conducted a meat market, a business he followed all his life. He was generous to a fault, and ever ready to give a helping hand to the needy. He died in October, 1864, and his widow is still living in the borough of Washington.

J. L. Brady lived in Washington until he was five years of age, when he came to Amwell town- ship, and made his home with his granduncle and grandaunt, Isaac and Isabella Dager, the former of whom died when J. L. was a lad of fifteen sum- mers, since which time he has successfully man- aged the farm, having previously received his edu-

cation in the common schools. On October 16, 1889, he was united in marriage with Ella Hilde- brand, daughter of Andrew and Mary Hildebrand, of West Bethlehem township, whose other children are Marion, Eli, Alvin, Frank, Rachel and Zoe. Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Brady have one child, Glenn, born May 28, 1891. Our subject is a Democrat, and is active in the politics of his township, always voting for the best man in local politics, regardless of party distinctions.

Isaac Dager, granduncle of J. L. Brady, was born March 29, 1808, on the farm now occupied by our subject, and received a good rate-school ed- ucation. He was married to Isabella Means, and there was born to them one daughter, Catherine Ann, who died at the age of nine years. Mr. Dager died December 4, 1876, on the farm where his life was passed, and his widow followed him to the grave September 27, 1888. .

H ENRY MORRISON, son of Henry, and grandson of Henry Morrison, was born Au- gust 13, 1827, in Nottingham township, this county. The grandfather was a lieu- tenant in the Revolutionary war. In 1773 he came to this county and bought 466 acres of land on Mingo creek, where he died at the age of eighty-two years, leaving three sons: John, James and Henry. Henry Morrison was born October 2, 1799, in Nottingham township, and at an early day was married to Anna Stewart, who was born here October 14. 1794. Five children blessed this marriage, namely: William, born December 18, 1820, died February 26, 1843; Patience (Mrs. Hamilton), born April 30, 1823; Henry, of whom a sketch follows; John, born May 23, 1830, died January 6, 1836, and James, born May 14, 1833. The father owned 152 acres of land and passed his life in agricultural pursuits, serving the town- ship in various capacities. He died October 7, 1884, having been preceded by the mother De- cember 25, 1877.

Henry Morrison, whose name opens this sketch, grew to manhood on the home place in Notting- ham township, and on March 30, 1848, married Margaret, daughter of Charles Hamilton, of Peters township. She was born July 16, 1829. To this union the following children have been born: Charles H., born March 12, 1849; Margaret A., born October 24, 1852; Sarah B., born November 1, 1855, died August 16, 1859; Patience L., born July 21, 1858, died August 17, 1859; Henry W., born June 12. 1860, died October 1, 1865; James S., born October 7. 1862; Willett A., born April 11. 1865; Harry M., born July 24, 1867, and How- ard F., born July 11, 1871.

Mr. Morrison is a prosperous farmer, now own- ing seventy-eight and one-half acres of well-culti-

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vated land, and at one time gave his entire atten- tion to stock raising. He has been supervisor, also serving as school director for several years. In political affairs he affiliates with the Democratic party.

E A. WILLIAMS is of French descent, his grandparents, James and Sarah (Elverson) Richards, having been born in France. When but sixteen years of age James Rich- ards served as a fifer in the French revolution, being a brave soldier; he received a wound in the leg which he carried through life. Emigrating to America, he became a farmer and active politician. They were the parents of three children, viz. : Hester, Hannah and Lucy. The parents died in East Pike Run township, Washington Co .. Penn.

Titus Williams, son of Elder Williams (known as a great minister of his day), was born in 1808, on the home place in East Pike Run township, and for several years was a boat pilot on the Monon- gahela river. He was married to Lucy Richards, who was born in 1809, and she bore him three children, namely: Hester A. (deceased), Eli A. and James E., a Methodist minister of Pittsburgh, Penn. The father was a representative citizen of the community. and voted with the Whig party. He died in 1842, at the age of thirty-four years, and his widow, who is now a hale and hearty woman of eighty-two years, is yet living with her son. She is a member of the M. E. Church, with which her husband was also identified.

Eli A. Williams, son of Titus and Lucy Will- iams, was born February 27, 1842, in Fayette county, Penn., and there learned the blacksmith's trade. He married Elizabeth Worrell, August 26, 1874, who was born in 1854, in Washington county, Penn. She is the daughter of Elias and Aves (Smith) Worrell, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania. The father was an agriculturist, and in politics a Republican. He died in 1872. Both parents were members of the M. E. Church; their children were Sarah, widow of C. L. Kinder; Elizabeth, wife of Eli A. Williams, and E. I. Wor- rell, of Allen township, living on and owning the old homestead. Eli A. and Elizabeth (Worrell) Williams are the parents ef three children, namely: John A., born in 1875; Elverson I., born in 1878, and Arthur L., born in 1887. Mr. Williams is a manufacturer of coal picks and tools for several different companies, being a very expert workman, and also carrying on his farm of 106 acres. He is a prominent citizen, always interested in public enterprises, and votes with the Republican party, having filled various local offices. He is also a member of the Masonic Fraternity, and in religious faith he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church, of which he is trustee.

OHN B. ANDREW was born in Morris town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., October 28, 1852. He is a son of Robert S. and Sarah (Cooper) Andrew, and grandson of James Andrew, who was born and married in the State of New Jersey, removing to Washington county, Penn., early in the present century. The grandfather located near Mt. Zion church, Morris township, and there reared the following family, all of whom are now deceased: Ruth, Mary, Mar- garet, James, John, William, Peter and Robert S. Peter was born in Morris township, August 25, 1799, died April 23, 1883. Robert S. was born in Morris township, November 6, 1812. Mr. Andrew died in 1826.

Robert S. Andrew received his early education at the subscription schools, but on the death of his father was obliged to assume the care of the farm, together with his brothers. In 1836 he married Rhoda Patterson, daughter of Thomas Patterson, of Morris township. She bore him two children (twins), who died in infancy. Mrs. Andrew died in 1837, and in 1842 Mr. Andrew was united in marriage with Sarah Cooper, daughter of Zebulon Cooper, of Butler county, Penn., to which union were born the following children: Sarah Ann and Mary Elizabeth (twins), born February 2, 1843 (Mary Elizabeth, deceased in infancy, and Sarah Ann is the wife of George W. Craft, of Morris township); James Herschel, born January 21, 1845, yet living (unmarried) with his brother, John B. Andrew; Zebulon C., born January 2, 1847, mar- ried to Jennie Booth (of Greene county, Penn.) and residing in Washington. Penn .; Margaret E., born February 15, 1850, widow of Spencer Clut- ter, and living in Greene county, Penn., and John B., subject of this memoir. The mother of these children died November 3, 1852, and Mr. Andrew, in 1858, wedded Hannah (Hathaway) Emerson. She was born in 1821. Their children were: Robert S., born September 10, 1859, living in Pittsburgh, Penn .: Carrie, born September 27, 1862, wife of J. F. Post, and residing in Morris township, and William H., born October 10, 1865, living in Washington. Mrs. Andrew died March 4, 1877, and in 1884 he married Sarah Anderson, of Washington, Penn. Mr. Andrew passed his entire life upon the old home farm, and always followed agriculture. He was a Democrat, and in religion was a member of the Cumberland Presby- terian Church at Concord, but attended the M. E. Church at Mt. Zion. Robert S. Andrew died June 9. 1891.

John B. Andrew remained at home and assisted his father in the farm duties until he was twenty- six years of age. On November 1, 1878, he mar- ried Flora Samantha Cooper (born December 25, 1855), daughter of Nathaniel Cooper, of Mercer county, Penn., and their children are Oliver Woods,

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born September 5, 1879; John Elmer, born Sep- tember 27, 1883, and Harry Clark, born October 17, 1887. Mr. Andrew raises some stock, and is a successful farmer. Politically, he is a Demo- crat but not a politician, and in religion he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church at Mt. Zion.

W ILLIAM W. HUNTER. Lord Bacon aptly expressed the universal belief when he penned the lines, "Though kings, princes and great personages be few, yet there are many excellent men who deserve better than vague reports and barren elegies." History is biography of men whose deeds have left an impress on the life of a nation or a people. If such be an evident fact, the lives of those men who have risked their all for the dear old flag are especially interesting to every true patriot and most worthy of permanent record, that future generations may be benefited by their perusal.

The Hunter family were originally natives of Ireland, where the grandparents of the present generation, John and Jane (Work) Hunter, were born and reared. They were married in the old country, where John had learned the weaver's trade. In 1800 they sailed to America, first locating on a farm adjoining Buffalo village, this county. He packed salt over the mountains, then drove a team, and afterward took a contract to build a mile of the old National pike. He then bought a farm in Buffalo township, successfully following agricult- ural pursuits until becoming advanced in years, . when he resumed his trade. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter reared the following children: Robert (removed to Belmont county, Ohio), David (moved to Iowa). Alexander (deceased in Ohio), Joshua (deceased of cholera in Wheeling. W. Va.), James (settled in Iowa), Margaret (deceased in Washington county, Penn.), William (of whom a sketch follows). Samuel (moved West) and one deceased in youth. The parents moved to Belmont county. Ohio, and passed their declining years with their son Robert. They were members of the North Buffalo United Presbyterian Church under the ministry of Rev. David French. The mother of Mr. Hunter was born in Ireland and lived to be one hundred and nine years of age.

William Hunter was born in Buffalo township, this county, soon after his parents arrived in America, receiving a meager education in the country schools. When but thirteen years of age he drove a four horse team-also assisting with various duties of the farm. In 1830 he was mar- ried to Mrs. Maria J. (Maler) Chambers, widow of Joseph G. Chambers, and daughter of John Maher, Sr., a prominent merchant, and sister of John Maher, Jr., a leading attorney. Purchasing the place now occupied by his namesake, he began

to follow farming. Mr. Hunter was a quiet, un- demonstrative man, and was a radical Democrat, though never taking a very active part in politics. He and his wife were members of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hunter was a woman of excellent mind and possessed an inex- haustible fund of general information. He died Marclı 23, 1887, having been preceded to the grave by his wife, May 12, 1856. Their children are named, Joseph C., Jane, William W. and Joshua J.

William W. Hunter (whose name opens this sketch) was born March 4, 1837, in Hopewell township, this county, and attended the common schools of the vicinity until twenty years of age, when he taught school in Hopewell township four years. When the Civil war began he had arrange- ments made for studying law in Washington, Penn., being unable to enlist in the army, having lost his right arm in a threshing machine in 1859, but he engaged as a teamster, remaining in that work until March 12, 1863. He then returned to farm life, and December 15, 1864, was united in mar- riage with Lizzie T .. born April 3, 1837, daughter of Caldwell Smiley. Their children are: Joseph W., John S., Clarence M., and Howard T. Joseph W. is a student at the Philadelphia Medical College. Mr. Hunter was born on the farm where he is now living. The home place contains 913 acres, and he owns an additional tract of 1123 acres. When a young man of twenty years he began contribut- ing to newspapers, having obtained a high reputa- tion as a writer, and is at present a regular con- tributor to the Pittsburgh National Stockman, Western Agriculturist, Dakota Farmer and

Breeders' Gazette. He is regarded as an enter- taining public speaker. Probably no other man in private life in this county has been called upon as often to speak at religious, educational, patriotic and agricultural meetings. He devotes his prin- cipal attention to the breeding of draft horses. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are members of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder twenty years, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school for fifteen years, where he is now a teacher. He was a commissioner from the Wash- ington Presbytery to the Presbyterian General Assembly at Detroit. Mich., in 1891. In politics he votes the Republican ticket. but though often urged to do so. has never allowed his name to appear as a candidate for office.

Joseph C. Hunter, a brother of William W .. and eldest son of William and Maria (Chambers) Hunter, was born in 1831, on the farm in Hope- well township, and was educated at the Millers- burg, Lancaster Co., Penn., Normal School. gradu- ating with the class of '58. He fitted himself for teaching, and followed that occupation until the war began. He enlisted in August, 1862, in

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Company C, Twenty-second Pennsylvania Cavalry, and participated in all the engagements of his regiment until his death, in 1864, resulting from exposure. Among the battles in which he fought may be mentioned Loomy Creek, Devil's Hole, Moorfield, Pancake Gap, Petersburg, Fredericks- burg, Monocacy Junction, Cedar Creek, and many other engagements.

Jane Hunter (a sister of Joseph C.) was born in 1835 in Hopewell township, this county, receiv- ing her education in the common schools and Buf- falo Academy; she afterward taught two terms of school, and, in 1862, was married to Hon. J. R. Kelley, who enlisted in 1861 in an Ohio regiment, was discharged because of broken health in 1862, and returned to his home. He represented Wash- ington county in the State Legislature of 1864, 1865 and 1866, being Speaker of the House the last year, and afterward edited the Washington Reporter. He died in 1871, leaving three chil- dren: Mary R. (wife of C. B. Jackson, Clays. ville, has one child, Kathleen), Annie L. (wife of . James Ray, of Claysville) and John W. (married to Annie Milligan, Claysville, now of Mannington, W. Va.).

Joshua J. Hunter (a brother of Joseph C.) was born June 1, 1832, and reared in Hopewell town- ship, this county, receiving his education in the Buffalo Academy. He followed farming until the war opened, and in August, 1861, enlisted in Company I, First Pennsylvania Cavalry, being dis- charged for physical disability in May, 1862. He re-enlisted in August, 1862, with his brother, in Company C, Twenty-second Cavalry, as commis- sary-sergeant. He died in February, 1865, in the hospital, from the effects of hardship and ex- posure in the service.

M RS. MARY BOON, widow of William Boon, is a daughter of James Speer, who was a son of James, and grandson of Robert Speer. The latter was a native of Adams county, Penn., and settled in Washington county at a very early date. He and his family afterward moved to New Concord, Mus- kingum Co., Ohio, where he died. His son, James, was born in Adams county, Penn., and came to Ohio with his parents in early childhood, passing the most of his life near New Concord. At that time the Indians were yet numerous in the coun- try, but were usually friendly, and often visited the Speer family. During these calls the squaws invariably left their "papooses " strapped to a board outside the door. Thus, amid the scenes of pioneer days, was James Speer reared to manhood. In early life he was married to Miss Catherine Latta, and settled in Washing -.

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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 183

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