Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 184

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 184

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ton county, Penn., where he died November 14, 1849. Their children were born as follows: Deb- orah, Robert, Thomas L., James, Jane and Nancy, all of whom are now deceased.

James Speer, son of James and Catherine Speer, was born in 1810, on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., where his widow is now living. In 1839 he was united in marriage witlı Maria Calahan, who was born in 1814 in Peters township, this county. She is a daughter of Thomas Calahan (carpenter), a son of Joseph Calalian, a native of Ireland. Mrs. Thomas Cala- han died when her daughter Maria was but five years of age, and the child passed her girlhood in the house of Jolin Rankin, of Washington county, where she remained until her marriage.

James and Maria Speer were the parents of eight children, viz .: Mary, Kate, Eliza J. (de- ceased), a son deceased in infancy, Adeline (wife of George Scott, of Des Moines, Iowa), Blanche (Mrs. James Emery, of Washington county, Penn.), Anna Margaret (widow of William Paden, has one son, Lloyd H.), and an infant daughter (deceased). The father died April 29, 1878. Of these children, Mary Speer was married to William Boon, grand- son of John.

John Boon, the grandfather, was born in Ire- land, where he grew to manhood and married. This family came to America many years ago, and first settled in Dauphin county, Penn., where Mr. Boon was engaged in farming and distilling, most of the wheat being then distilled, as prod- uce brought no profit. He finally moved to Can- onsburg, Penn., where the parents died. Their children were born as follows: William, James, John, Mary, Jane, Margaret Elizabeth, Joseph and Nancy. In politics Mr. Boon was a Whig, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run.

William Boon, grandson of John Boon and son of William and Margaret Boon, was born July 10, 1831, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm. In 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fifty- fourth Regiment, P. V. I., serving nine months, then returning to Cecil township, this county, was married February 9, 1865, to Miss Mary Speer. To this marriage were born four children, namely: Nettie E., James L., John A. and Blaine, all of whom are living. The father followed general ag- riculture and devoted considerable attention to sheep raising. In politics he was a Republican. He died July 20, 1884, in his fifty-third year. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Boon has continued to reside on the old place, which has been her home for twenty-six years. It contains 100 acres of good land. Mrs. Boon is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg.

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A DAM S. FERGUSON, a prominent farmer of Somerset township, is a native of the same and a son of Robert Ferguson, whose father (Robert) was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and there married to Lydia Ferguson, who was born in the same county. Eleven children were born to thein, and the grand- father died at the age of eighty-three years; his wife had died several years before.

Robert Ferguson was born February 29, 1804, on a farm in Washington county, receiving a common- school education. He was married to Elizabeth Smith, and they had eight children (only three of whom are living), viz .: Adam S., Sarah J. (married to Richard Huffman, a resident of Washington county, Penn.), Robert (a farmer of Somerset township), Lydia (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased) and three others who died in infancy. The father and mother are both deceased.

Adam S. Ferguson was born May 7, 1836, in Somerset township, this county, and from early childhood was trained to agricultural duties, re. ceiving a common business education. In 1869 he married Rachel McDonough, a native of this county, who bore him one daughter, deceased in infancy, the mother following it in 1873. In 1873 Adam S. Ferguson was united in marriage with Lucinda Degarmo, who was born in 1836, daughter of William and Elizabeth Degarmo, natives of Washington county. Mr. Degarmo was a farmer, and the parent of five children, four of whom are now living: Hannah (wife of Thomes Lytle, a farmer of Fallowfield township, this county), Elizabeth (married to Matthias Hartley, a farmer of Amwell township), Maria and Lucinda (Mrs. Ferguson). The parents are yet living in Fallow- field township, aged eighty years.

Adam S. Ferguson and his wife have had two children, namely: Elizabeth G. (living at home) and Lavina (deceased). Mr. Ferguson is identified with the Democratic party. He devotes particular attention to his well-cultivated farm of 186 acres. His wife is a member of the Disciple Church.

W ILLIAM PROUDFIT is descended from well - known family of Washington county. David Proudfit, his grandfather, was a native of Scotland, and, coming to America, located in York county, Penn., where his son John was born January 28, 1775.

In 1802 this John Proudfit came to Washington county, Penn., locating in Hanover township. On April 9, 1809, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a native of Cross Creek (then Hopewell) township, born March 24, 1793, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle.

Some time after their marriage, John and Eliza- beth (Lyle) Proudfit returned to York county, as the father of John was growing old and feeble, and needed the care of his children. The young couple remained on the home farm until the death of the father, which event occurred in 1826. John and his family then again moved to Wash- ington county, settling one mile west of Burgetts- town, where he passed the remainder of his life. The trips across the mountains were fraught with much danger and inconvenience. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit rode 300 miles on horse- back to visit relatives in York county, the wife carrying an infant in her arms, and many hard- ships were endured on the journey. The follow- ing children were born to these pioneers: David, born August 13, 1810, died September 19, 1813; John L. (deceased), born September 3, 1812; James K., born April 21, 1815, died February 25, 1816; Eliza J. (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith township), born January 2, 1817, died December 21, 1892; Agnes, born June 17, 1819, died August . 15, 1824; Robert F., born December 23, 1821, . died in Smith township, in September, 1886; Cin- derella (wife of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland county, Ohio), born September 16, 1824; William, born May 10, 1828; Andrew, born March 20, 1831; and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover township, this county), born August 29, 1833, now in Hanover township.

William Proudfit was born and reared in Smith township, Washington county, attending the home schools and working on the farm during his boy- hood. On January 4, 1855, he was united in mar- riage with Catherine Riddile, who was born April 5, 1833, a daughter of Samuel Riddile, of Smith township. She has borne him the following chil- dren: Elizabeth C. (Mrs. Hon. T. M. Patterson, of Burgettstown, Penn.), Margaret S. (wife of Dr. S. L. Mccullough, of Frankfort Springs, Beaver Co., Penn.), Andrew C. (a farmer of Smith town- ship), Mary J. (Mrs. Miller Russell, of Robinson township), Samuel R. (living at home), William R. (deceased), John L. (who is a student of Washington and Jefferson College) and Kate B. (residing with her parents). Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit resided on the home farm a short time after their marriage, then moved to a pleasant place situated at the confluence of Middle Raccoon creek with the main stream, his farm comprising 221 acres. He has followed general agriculture, including stock rais- ing, and was extensively engaged in breeding fine sheep, being now much interested in the dairy business. Mr. Proudtit is a successful man in the best sense of the term, having won a large number of warm friends. Politically, he has always been a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church.

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AMES MCCLEERY, a prosperous farmer, wool-grower and stock raiser of Hopewell township, was born October 7, 1854, in West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn. He comes of pioneer stock, his parents, Alexander and Mary (Davidson) McCleery, being natives of West Finley township, while his grandparents, James and Catherine (Ferbis), McCleery, were reared in this county.

James McCleery (the grandfather) was born in Ireland, and his parents sailed for America when lie was small. They came to Donegal township, this county, where he grew to manhood and was married to Catherine Ferbis. After their marriage they removed to West Finley township, where their children were reared: John, Alexander, Joseph, Thomas, Jane and James, the latter dying in youth.

Alexander McCleery was reared on the farm, receiving such education as was afforded in his time. When he was thirty-one years of age he married Mary Davidson, and afterward purchased a farm. His wife died in 1866, leaving four chil- dren: William D., James (subject of this sketch), Nettie J. and Robert D. His second wife was Elizabeth Ackley, of Greene county, who has borne him one daughter, Mary Elizabeth. He resides in West Finley township with two of his unmarried children, Robert D. and Mary E. His eldest son, William D., is a physician at Hanoverton, Ohio. Nettie J. is married to R. J. Buchanan, and is re- siding in Ohio county, W. Va.

James McCleery, son of Alexander and Mary (Davidson) McCleery, received his early education in the public schools of West Finley township. He then went to Oberlin, Ohio, where he pursued a scientific course of study for nine terms. After leaving college he turned his attention to farming, remaining with his father until 1885. On January 24, 1884, he was married to Lulu V., daughter of Robert and Jane (Lucas) Sutherland. In 1885 he removed to a farm in the southwestern part of Hopewell township. He now owns 171 acres of well-improved and well-stocked land. Politically he is a Republican, but while taking a lively in- terest in political affairs, voices his sentiment by his ballot alone. Mr. McCleery has two children, Frank Ross and Mary Templeton.

W ILLIAM T. COURSON, a public spirited .and intelligent citizen of Amwell town- ship, is a son of Benjamin Courson, who married a daughter of John Carter, of that township. The young couple lived in Franklin township several years, and then moved to the old farm in Amwell township, which he still owns, and where were born their seven children, as follows: William T., John N. (deceased), Mrs.

Nancy Van Kirk, Mrs. Margaret Lacock, Mrs. Jane Galley, Frank M. and Fannie.

William T. Courson, the eldest in the above named family, was born in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., and when six years old was brought by his parents to Amwell township, where he has since resided. On May 21, 1876, he was united in marriage with Miss Sidney Watson, a daughter of William W. and Catherine Watson, whose children were: Mrs. Sarah Jane Shipe, Mrs. Mary Callie McFee, Robert, Henry (deceased), Mena, Lenora (deceased) and Sidney. Mr. Watson died November 30, 1891, and Mr. William T. Courson has since bought the home farm of the deceased, which property comprises sixty-one acres.

William T. and Catherine (Watson) Courson have had five children, namely: Lillie, Herschel, Willie, Ray and John. Mr. Courson has been a farmer all his life, and is the owner of about 122 acres of fine land, to which he gives his principal attention. He has accumulated a comfortable competence by his own unaided efforts, and al- though barely forty years of age, is already enjoy- ing the fruits of early toil. He is a "hustling" Republican, and has held several minor offices in a manner creditable to himself and satisfactory to his constituency. In religious faith he is a mem- ber of the M. E. Church.

AMES JOHNSTON. Of the prosperous and representative farmers of Cecil township, this gentleman deserves prominent mention. His ancestors were natives of Ireland, from which country his grandparents, John and Elizabeth Jolinston, emigrated to this country, settling per- manently in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn. John Johnston passed away in 1841, and was followed by his wife two years later.

John Johnston (a son of this pioneer couple) was born in 1802, on the home place in Allegheny county, Penn. He was reared to manhood in South Fayette township, and in early life was married to Elizabeth Roy, who was born in 1803, in Ireland. She was a daughter of Thomas and Margaret Roy, who came to America many years ago, locating on a farm on Miller's run, Cecil town- ship, this county, where the father died in 1849, his wife soon following him. Seven children were born to the union of John and Elizabeth (Roy) Johnston, namely: Rachel (who died in 1849, at the age of eighteen years), Margaret (deceased April 3, 1887, wife of Joseph Campbell, Allegheny county, Penn.), Elizabeth (deceased in childhood), Elizabeth (married to William Bowman, Allegheny county), James (subject), W. J. (residing in Peters township, this county) and Martha Jane (wife of W. P. Morgan, Canonsburg). Mr. Johnston was a conservative in politics, and in religion he and his

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wife were members of the U. P. Church at Robin- son's Run. He died February 7, 1853, in South Fayette township, Allegheny county, and the mother passed away December 14, 1891, while re- siding in Canonsburg, this county.

James Johnston was born January 14, 1840, on the home farm in South Fayette township, Alle- gheny Co., Penn., receiving his education in the district schools. In 1866 he came to Cecil town- ship, Washington county (where he has since re- mained), and purchased 208 acres of land, which had been patented by William Long in 1784. He was united in marriage with Susanna, daughter of Robert and Susanna Bell, early settlers of Peters township, this county. Mr. Johnston has made many improvements on his farm, and is prospering in his chosen vocation. Politically he votes with the Republican party. He is a member of the Greenside U. P. Church at Canonsburg, and his wife was connected with the Presbyterian Society at Centre. She died March 7, 1892, aged forty- four years three months seventeen days, leaving five children: John B., Mary E., Robert, Laura and James Harvey.

P HILIP ADDISON MINTON, one of the successful and enterprising farmers of Morris township, is a grandson of Philip Minton, who was born in New Jersey, of English parentage, and in 1786 moved with his brother Matthias to Washington county, Penn., locating a mile south of Sparta, in Morris town- ship. He soon after married a Miss Clutter, of the samne county, who bore him the following children: John, Thaddeus, George W., Sophronia, Harriet and Ruth, of whom George W. is the only surviv- ing member, and he resides on the old homestead.

Thaddeus Minton was born August 15, 1805, and received but a limited education at the sub- scription schools. He was a natural mechanic, and worked successfully at carpentering, milling and shoemaking. He was married to Parmelia Squires, of Morris township, and their children were: Warren, engaged in the lumber and coal business, at Charleston, Ill .; Philip A., the subject of this biography; J. W., who lives in Washing- ton, Penn., a trusted employe in a large iron mill; Rachel, wife of J. M. Dille, of Morris township; Ruth, married to E. Dille, a resident of Waynes- burgh, Greene Co., Penn., and Anna L., the widow of H. Adams, living in Prosperity.

Philip Addison Minton was born in Morris town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., October 12, 1837, and was educated in the common schools. At the age of seventeen he learned the carpenter's trade, which he has followed for twenty-two years, and has won the reputation of a skilled workman. On February 28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Keziah

Dille, who was born April 11, 1836, a daughter of Lewis Dille. Mr. Minton lived in Prosperity, Morris township, for two years after his marriage, then in 1863 removed to the "Old Jeduthian Sanders" farm, lying three miles northeast of Prosperity, and in 1865 came to the well-improved farm where he has since resided. They have had the following children: James O., born December 28, 1861, married to Victoria Tharp; Laura V., born July 17, 1864, died in infancy; Annie May, born December 12, 1865, wife of Stephen Tharp, and living near Ten-Mile village, Washington county; Chester W., born June 21, 1868, a dentist, practic- ing in Brooklyn, N. Y .; Lillie F., born April 1, 1871, died November 1, 1877; Lizzie B., born November 20, 1873, died November 9, 1877, and Herschel P., born May 24, 1879, yet living with his parents.

In 1865 a terrible conflagration destroyed all the property of Mr. Minton, and amid the confusion, a beloved child was lost before it could be rescued. Once more he began life with no property except- ing one horse and a cow; but with the kind assist- ance of sympathetic neighbors, he began farming on a very limited scale. However, his " never- say-die " disposition soon put him " on his feet " again, and to-day he owns a good, well-stocked farm, upon which he has erected one of the finest barns in the township, built and modeled by him- self. Politically he is a Democrat, and in religious conviction is an elder in the Upper Ten-Mile "Presbyterian Church, of which his wife is also a . member.

OHN SWAGLER, a wealthy farmer of Peters township, is a grandson of Jacob Swagler, who emigrated from Germany to America, and coming to Washington county, Penn., bought a farm on Pigeon creek, in Somerset township. In early manhood he was wedded to a Miss Layton, who bore him several children, among whom were two sons: Jacob (who settled in Wayne county, Ohio) and Jonathan.

Jonathan Swagler, son of the pioneer Jacob, was born in 1795, on the farm in Somerset town- ship, Washington.county, where his entire life was passed. He was married to Miss Sarah Horn, of Amwell township, Washington county, and their children were as follows: Solomon, Hannah (de- ceased), Delilah, Elizabeth, Eliza J., John, Jacob, Mary (deceased), and Susanna. The father died in 1876, having been preceded by the mother in 1872.

John Swagler, son of John and Sarah (Horn) Swagler, was born in 1827 on the old Swagler homestead in Somerset township, this county. His youth was passed on the home place, and in 1859 he was married to Margaret, a daughter of

John Swagler

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Jonathan Dagne, of West Bethlehem township. After his marringe John Swagler bought and moved upon 187 acres in Peters township, which he pur- chased by payments. Not only has he cleared the farm from indebtedness, but has added to the original tract 130 adjoining acres. He also owns forty acres near Venetia, upon which is located the Swagler mills. In addition to managing the mill Mr. Swagler has been a successful farmer and stock dealer, having until quite recently enjoyed the reputation of raising the finest wooled sheep in Washington county. He has recently sold the coal which has been found under his land for $30,000. He is quiet and unassuming in manner, never boasting of his own success. In politics he is a Republican. To his first marriage three chil- dren were born, viz .: Sarah J., Jonathan and Em- ma. For liis second wife he wedded, November 27, 1879, Margaret, daughter of James McCor- mick, of Peters township, and she has borne him one son, Charles.

W ILLIAM McPEAK was born February 7, 1841, on the farm in Cecil township where he is now living. He is a son of James McPeak, whose father was a native of Maryland, and in 1802 crosed the mount- ains, locating permanently in Mt. Pleasant town- ship, Washington Co., Penn.

James McPeak was born in 1800, in " The Glades, " and when bnt two years of age was brought by his parents to a farm near Hickory, Penn. When a young man he was married to Jane Cochran, a native of North Strabane town- ship, and in 1836 they settled on the farm where the remainder of their lives was passed. He was an active member of the Whig and Republican party, and held several township offices. He and his wife were formerly members of the Seceder Church at Noblestown, and afterward united with the U. P. Church at Venice. In 1851 he was elected a mem- ber of the Session, filling that position until his death, which event occurred in 1880, the mother being laid beside him in 1885. Their children were: Samuel, living in Mansfield, Penn .; Will- iam, of whom further mention is made; Sarah, wife of J. R. Dinsmore, Allegheny county, Penn .; Elizabeth, wife of D. L. McConnell, of Cecil town- ship; David, living in Smith township; and Martha, wife of J. F. Mawhinney, of Cecil township.

William McPeak remained on the home place during his boyhood, attending school in District No. 3, Cecil township. When the Civil war opened he became a member of the State Guards and was drafted in the first nine months' draft. In 1861 he was united in marriage with Abigail, daughter of Stewart and Nancy (Alexander) Hickman, all of whom were natives of Sonth Fayette township, Alle- 55

gheny Co., Penn. The father died in 1874, in his native county; the mother is now residing in Can- onsburg, Penn. Since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McPeak have resided on the old homestead, which contains 106 acres in a good state of cultiva- tion. He is an active member of the Prohibition party, and is now serving his second term as town- ship commissioner. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice. They have two children: S. J. and W. H.

H. GREGG is descended from a family who were among the first settlers of East Pike Run township. Many years ago three broth- ers, Henry, William and John Gregg, emi- grated from the Emerald Isle and made a permanent settlement in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. Henry took a patent for 349 acres of land known as the "Burning Mine," which is now owned by a Mr. Duvall. John Gregg was twice married; William, the second brother, was the grandfather of J. H. Gregg. William Gregg was married to Ruth Jackman, a native of Ireland, and they settled on the farm in East Pike Run township, where eight children were born as follows: Robert (married to Ann Robison). An- drew, Henry (married to Jane Dowler), John (married to Nancy Gregg), Mary Ann, Sarah, Jemima and Margaret (Mrs. Crow).

Andrew Gregg was born in March, 1808, in East Pike Run township, Washington county, and passed his youth on the homestead. He was mar- ried to Mary Ann Huggins, who was born in 1816, in what is now Allen township, Washington coun- ty, and of the children born to this union six are yet living, namely: Lucy Ann, wife of V. C. Jones, of Fallowfield township; Rnth Ann, married to William Sphar, of Allen township; A. J., living in East Pike Run township; R. W .; Sarah Jane, wife of Thomas F. Fry, of Chase county, Kans., and J. H. The father was actively identi- fied with the interests of the Republican party. He died in 1872, on the old farm where his widow is yet living.

J. H. Gregg was born March 16, 1853, in East Pike Run township, and is the youngest in his father's family. His youth and earlier manhood were passed in the home neighborhood where he attended school. In 1882 he came to the farm in Allen township, upon which he has erected a good house and barn. On February 8, 1888, he was united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of Stephen and Hannah (Shaw) Ward, and a native of Allen township. Her parents are early settlers of Wash- ington county, and are now living at Wood's Run. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg are the parents of three children, viz .: Frank, Alpharetta and Joseph Riley. The home place contains eighty acres of

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well-cultivated land, and he is a prosperous farmer. In politics he is identified with the Republican party. Mrs. Gregg is a member of the M. E. Church at Lueyville.

M RS. MARGARET BLACK, widow of John A. Black, is a native of Morris town- ship, this county, where she still resides. She was born in 1832, on what is known as the old "Rutan farm," where she spent the days of her girlhood, and was one of a family of thirteen born to John Rutan, a prosper- ous farmer. They were of New Jersey descent. Margaret Rutan united with the Presbyterian Church when eighteen years of age. She was mar- ried to John A. Black in 1860.

John A. Black was born April 13, 1826, near Johnstown, and was one of a family of six chil- dren, all of whom emigrated West except himself, lo- cating in the States of Iowa, Nebraska and Missouri. The ancestors came from Ireland, and the family has been characterized by honesty and sterling worth. Mr. Black early chose as his vocation that of a carpenter, in which he made himself proficient, and locating in Morris township, where he devoted his energy to his calling, was amply prosperous. When his country was in peril he did not hesitate in the performance of his duty, but, in 1862, left his young wife and home, and gave himself over to the "fortunes of war," enlisting in Company D, 140th Regiment, P. V. I., and served until the war closed. He was captured at Gettysburg, and consigned to Belle Isle prison, where he was for six months held a prisoner of war, enduring all the hardships incident to prison life. In conjunction with three of his fellow-prisoners, plans for escape were laid, but the hardships and ill food to which he had been subjected had so reduced him physic- ally as to render him unable to travel. So much attached to him were his companions in misfortune that, rather than accept liberty at the cost of leav- ing him behind, they chose to remain and share his fate. The war ending, Mr. Black returned to his home, where he resided until his death, which resulted in 1880 from the kick of a horse. By his kind disposition, sterling uprightness and Christian charity he won many lasting friends, and enjoyed an enviable popularity. He was an active inember of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder, and an enthusiastic Sunday school worker, being an instructor in the Sunday-school at the time of his death. In political views he was a Re- publican, though conservative.

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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 184

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