Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 185

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 185

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To Mr. and Mrs. Black were born three sons, namely: Brice, born March 25, 1861 (married June 11, 1892, to Lizzie Relier, of this county); John Miller, born June 8, 1867 (married Septem- ber 13, 1892, to Lizzie Dille, of Washington

county), and Boyd E., born March 18, 1871. Since her husband's death, Mrs. Black and her two sons, Brice and Boyd E., have managed to good advantage the farm and other property. The place on which they reside, known as the "Tim- othy Lindley " farm, has been their home since 1866. John M. Black works at the carpenter's trade, which was also followed by his father.

J OHN F. BUCHANAN is a worthy representa- tive of one of the leading pioneer families of Buffalo township. His ancestors were of Irish birth, and his grandfather, John Bu- chanan, was married in Ireland to a Miss Foster, a native of the same country. The young couple remained in their native land several years, and then, in company with several others, embarked for America in a small sailing vessel. They had a long and tedious voyage of sixteen weeks, and finally landing in New York, remained a short time in eastern Pennsylvania, afterward moving to Washington county, same State. They made a permanent settlement as farmers in Chartiers town- ship, and died there, leaving a family of children. Mr. Buchanan was an active member of the Se- ceder Church in Buffalo township for many years. He was a member of the Democratic party. He and his wife were buried in the cemetery at North Buffalo.

Thomas Buchanan (father of subject) was born and reared in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., there receiving his early education. He was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of James Simley, of Cross Creek township, this county, who bore him the following children: James S., John F., Alexander and Samuel. Mr. Buchanan was a farmer, and passed his early married life in Peters township, this county, afterward pur- chasing a farm in Buffalo township, where he re- mained some years, finally settling in Cross Creek township. In early life he evinced an unusual strength of character, and ever exerted a beneficial influence npon the moral and religious sentiment of the community. Mr. Buchanan was also a warm friend of education, and served on the school board many years. He died July 16, 1869, and was followed by his wife in June, 1875.

John F. Buchanan was born October 2, 1829, and passed his earlier years at home. He then learned the trade of a miller, which he has since fol- lowed, for a number of years operating a mill in Cross Creek township, and now owning one in Taylorstown, same county. He is known in the community as a man who never loses an oppor- tunity of doing a good deed, and never allows it to be known. Mr. Buchanan has never married. In political life he is a Democrat.

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W ILSON LINVILLE is a native of Wash- ington county, Penn., born March 12, 1846, on his father's farm in Donegal township. He is a son of George Linville, whose grandfather, Peter Linville, was a pioneer fariner of Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., and there reared a family of children, one of whoin was Jeremiah Linville, grandfather of the subject of this sketch; three other sons -- Peter, Aaron and Lewis-moved to Kentucky, where they lived and died.

Jeremiah Linville was born in 1790, in Mt. Pleasant township, and on attaining a mature age enlisted in the army during the war of 1812. In the Ohio campaign he chanced to see Aaron Lin- ville, one of his three brothers who had gone to Kentucky many years before, and was then a mem- ber of a Kentucky regiment. But they were on a rapid march, which was immediately followed by an engagement, so the brothers had no chance to speak-a formal salute as their eyes met in startled recognition, and again they parted. In 1811 Jere- miah Linville was united in marriage with Eliza- beth Riley, who was born in 1795, near Winchester, Va., and afterward came with her parents to Washington county, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Lin- ville children were born as follows: Lavina (de- ceased), Maria (deceased), George W., Lucretia (Mrs. Samuel Hanen, of Maidsville, W. Va.), Har- riet, Drusilla, Cyrena (the latter three being de- ceased), Caroline (widow of Henry Hilloc, of Wetzel county, W. Va. ) and Amanda (Mrs. Frank- lin Fisher, of Claysville, Penn.). Mr. Linville lived near Atchison, Donegal township, the greater part of his life, but in later years moved to West Middletown, same county, and lived in retirement with his wife until they were both laid to rest, after a life of many and useful years.

George W. Linville, father of our subject, was born August 10, 1816, in Donegal township, and secured his education in the common schools of the day. In 1836 he was united in marriage with Mary Rodgers, who was born January 22, 1819, a daughter of Francis Rodgers, and she bore him children as follows: Alfred (deceased), George, Elizabeth, Mary Jane (deceased), Francis, Wilson, Jeremiah, John and Calvin Terry. The mother of these children died in 1865, and in 1867 Mr. Lin- ville was married to Lydia Lucas, who was born September 29, 1838, a daughter of Benjamin Lu- cas, of Donegal township, Washington county, and they had two sons: Roley and Newton, both of whom are living at home. . Mr. Linville has always been a farmer. In politics he is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Dutch Fork Disciple Church.

Wilson Linville, son of George and Mary (Rod- gers) Linville, was brought when a young child to Independence township, this county, with his par-

ents, receiving his education at the common schools. On October 16, 1884, he was married to Ella Con- dit, who was born June 9, 1863, a danghter of Cephas Condit, of Amwell township, and to this union were born two children: Florence May and Harry Wilson. After his marriage Mr. Linville located on the old "Bane farm," a valuable tract of land, located one mile southwest of Atchison, which is now owned by himself and his brother Frank. They are extensive wool growers. Po- litically Wilson Linville is a Republican, and has frequently filled offices of trust in his township, the duties of which he has performed with much credit. In religious connection he is an officer in and prominent member of the Disciple Church.

Francis Linville, a brother of Wilson, with whom he is engaged in business, followed the car- penter's trade in early life, and afterward formed the above spoken of partnership with his brother. In polities he also is a Republican. The Linville Bros. are recognized as honest and upright citizens, and enjoy the reputation of being thoroughly capa- ble business men. The Linville brothers-Wilson, Francis and Calvin Terry-located on the old farm in Donegal township in October, 1874.

EORGE W. COFFEY. That Scotland has furnished the United States with many of her best and most loyal citizens has never been disputed, and in this respect no sec- tion has been more favored than Washing- ton county. Prominent among such is the Coffey family, of whom the subject of this memoir is a worthy member.

He is a son of George R. Coffey, who was born in 1801, in Ayrshire, Scotland, where he learned the trade of wheelwright, which he followed in his native land. In 1836 he emigrated to Amer- ica, landing in New York on the Fourth of July, our great national holiday. From New York he proceeded westward, and landing in Washington county took up his residence near the borough of that name, at what was then known as " Rankin," but is at the present day called "West End." After a brief sojourn here, he moved to Buffalo township, same county, where he put up a dwell- ing and workshop on the then famous National pike, and where he continued to industriously work at his trade. Saving his earnings, he was at last enabled to purchase a tract of land containing seventy-two acres, where he resided until four years prior to his death, when he moved into the borough of Washington. Before leaving Scotland Mr. Coffey had married Agnes, daughter of Alex- ander Dickey, and her he brought with him to this country, together with the following named chil- dren: Alexander (who died September 13, 1892), Margaret (deceased) and Ann (now in Washing-

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ton county, Penn. ). The children born to them on this side the Atlantic were: Jane, William (de- ceased April 4, 1875), George W. and Agnes (who died October 4, 1888). On June 30, 1886, the father passed from earth, the mother having pre- ceded him to the silent tomb some ten years be- fore.

George W. Coffey was born September 7, 1841, at his parents' first home in Buffalo township, which, as above stated, stood by the National pike, and he received a good common-school education. On November 16, 1865, he was married to Nar- cissa A., daughter of William McCoy, and the young couple afterward, for twelve years, made their home in West Virginia, where Mr. Coffey followed with success the business of contractor. In 1879 they returned to this county and took up their residence on the old Coffey homestead, where they now reside. The following named children have been born to them: George R., Martha R., Earnest Lester, Grace, Bessie, Clark and Chester, all yet under the parental roof. In 1890 Mr. Coffey erected his present handsome and com- modious residence, on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- road, at the station known as " Coffey's," and the building and grounds are considered to be among the finest in the county, his farin covering 138 acres of the most fertile land. Here, in addition to general farming, he pays considerable attention to the breeding of blooded stock, including Poland- China hogs, and Oxford-Down sheep. Politically, he is a Democrat, and has filled numerous town -- ship offices with credit t himself and to the satis- faction of his constituents. He affiliates with the United Presbyterian Church.

W ILLIAM McCONNELL has been a suc- cessful farmer of Cecil township, and, being retired from active business, is now living in Hickory. He is a son of James McConnell, who was born in Cecil town- ship. James McConnell was married to Sarah Phillips, who was born here in 1800, and passed their lives farming in the township. In politics he was originally a Whig, afterward becoming a Re- publican. He and his wife were members of the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run, in which he was a ruling elder. He died about 1872, having been preceded by his wife several years.

James and Sarah McConnell were the parents of the following children: Mary (Mrs. Hugh Mc- Dowell, of Peters township), Martha (widow of Samuel Vaneman, of North Strabane township, who died in 1891), Jolin (living on the old home- stead in Cecil township), William (subject of this sketch), James (residing in Peters township, a widower), Sarah (wife of Samuel McPeak, of Canonsburg), Jane (living on the old home farm),

Elizabeth (wife of Mark Kelso, of North Strabane township) and David (living in Cecil township).

William McConnell was born March 29, 1831, on the farm in Cecil township, Washington county, and received his education in the subscription schools. He chose a life companion in the person of .Rachel P. May, a native of Cecil township, and daughter of Alexander and Elizabeth (Berry) May, January 8, 1857. Alexander May was born in Cecil township, and his wife was a native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. May settled in Cecil township. They were members of the Asso- ciate Church until the union, and in politics he was active in the Republican party. Mr. May died at Venice, this county, in 1872, being fol- lowed by his wife in 1884. William and Rachel (May) McConnell passed the first years of married life on a farm in Peters township, this county, but in 1862 he bought and moved upon a farm in Cecil township, remaining there until 1882. He then sold the place, and buying eight acres in Hickory, has since led a retired life in that village. His wife died in 1887, leaving one daughter, Sarah Elizabeth, wife of John H. McCalmont, of Mt. Pleasant township.

S. VANCE. The Vance family were among the earliest pioneers of Washington county, and as nearly as can be ascertained are per- haps the oldest settlers of Smith township.

The first ancestor of these prominent citizens, of whom we have an accurate history, was one Maj. William Vance, born in 1718 in Scotland, and came to Virginia in early life, afterward moving to Wash- ington county, Penn., where he died April 18, 1788. His son Joseph was born, about 1750, near Winchester, Va., where he was married, and coming to Washington county, Penn., about 1773, located about three miles southwest of Burgetts- town, in Smith township, on a large tract of land. This land was then an unbroken wilderness, or, to quote a pioneer phrase, " there was not a stick amiss," but it has since been divided into nine of the finest farms in Washington county. As soon as a rude shelter had been erected for the family, Joseph Vance, in company with a few of his widely parted neighbors, began the erection of what was known as "Vance's Fort." This was intended to protect the settlers from the onslaughts of the In- dians, who were yet numerous in the Territory, and bitterly resented the encroachment of the pale faces upon their hunting grounds. The fort was situated but a short distance from the cabin of Joseph Vance, and stood for many years, the only signs of its existence now visible being a piece of brick-colored ground and an old stone chimney. At the gates of Fort Vance, under a white oak

John S Vance

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tree, on October 14, 1778, the Rev. James Powers preached the first sermon known to have been heard west of the Alleghany mountains. On this wild tract Joseph Vance and his wife passed their lives, with the exception of occasional visits to his birthplace, and as the immigration increased, prop- erty rose in value. The vast tract of land, once seemingly worthless, became very valuable and the pioneers reaped the deserved reward of early years of toil, privation and danger. The first wife of Joseph Vance died many years ago, leaving him six children, viz. : William, John, Joseph, Eliza- beth, Jeannette and Mary. Of this family, Eliza- beth married William Wylie, and settled in Harri- son county, Ohio; Jeannette married James Stephen- son, and settled in Smith township, Washington Co., Penn .; Mary married Robert Lee, and set- tled in Belmont county, Ohio; one son, Joseph, re- turned with his father on a visit to Virginia, then went west, and his fate was never known. For his second wife Mr. Vance was married to a native of Winchester, Va., who died soon after their mar- riage, and he made a third choice in the person of Mary Moore, a native of Winchester, Va., who bore him two daughters: Anna Mary (wife of William Brady, Ohio county, W. Va.), and Hannah (married to Edward Morgan, Ohio county, W. Va.). The father died May 6, 1832, and in 1852 his faithful wife was laid beside him.

William Vance, eldest son of Joseph, was born November 30, 1775, on the old "Fort Vance farm" in Smith township, where his boyhood was passed in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large portion of them falling to him as the eldest son. On De- cember 24, 1799, he was married to Rachel Patter- son, who was born June 3, 1781, daughter of William Patterson, of Cross Creek township, this county. To the union of William and Rachel Vance children were born, of whom the following is a brief record: Cynthia, born March 8, 1801, married William Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne county, Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph, born September 18, 1802, was a farmer in Smith township, and died in 1864; James, born July 23, 1804, followed agriculture in Jefferson township, this county, and died in 1881; William P., born September 4, 1806, lived on a farm in this county for some time, thence moving to Hardin county, Ky., and is now a retired farmer of Caldwell county, Mo .; Allison, born December 14, 1808, died in Washington county on the home farm; Elizabeth, born February 17, 1811, is now living in Burgettstown, Penn., the widow of David S. Walker; Ann, born November 8, 1812, was united in marriage with Norris Walker (she died, leaving a large family of children); David, born April 14, 1815, died in infancy; and Rachel, born December 28, 1816, was married to Josiah N. Scott, and is now deceased. On January 9, 1817, the mother

of these children passed from earth, and on June 12, 1818, Mr. Vance was married to her sister, Hannah Patterson, who was born in 1786. Five children were born to this union, namely: Thomas P (deceased farmer of Cross Creek township), born July 15, 1819; Mary (unmarried, living in Rome, Ga. ), born June 1, 1821; Caroline (deceased wife of R. S. Caldwell, Hopewell township, this county), born December 30, 1824; John S., born June 7, 1827; and Jane (wife of J. S. Young, of Ohio, died in Rome, Ga., where they resided), born September 7, 1830. During his earlier life the father resided on the home farm in Smith town- ship, in company with his brother Jobn, whose in- terest he afterward purchased. In 1816 William Vance was elected a representative of Washing- ton county in the State Legislature. He was an enthusiastic member of the Whig party, was a counselor and adviser among his friends, and favored the tariff bill from its infancy. After his term of office had expired, Hon. William Vance returned to his farm, having made a signal success in the performance of his duties. He was a liberal contributor toward and consistent attendant of the Presbyterian Church with which his wife was con- nected. He died April 18, 1856, and in 1878 his widow followed him "across the dark river." Both are buried in the Cross Creek cemetery.

John S. Vance was the second son of William and Hannah Vance. He grew to manhood on the home farm in Smith township, where he was born, and received a common school education. On No- vember 9, 1848, he married Emily H. Jerome, who was born December 19, 1827, a daughter of John Jerome, of West Liberty, Ohio Co., W. Va., but a native of Maryland, whose widow (nee Harriet Miller) moved to Cross Creek village, Washington Co., Penn., after his death. Mrs. Vance has but one brother, James Jerome, living in Minerva, Stark Co., Ohio. John S. and Emily H. Vance have had the following children: Caroline J. (Mrs. Robert Campbell, of Sheridan, Penn. ), William O. (living at home), Charles J. (residing in Oakdale Station, Allegheny Co., Penn.), Thomas W. (county re- corder of Jefferson county, Ohio), Joseph G. (a farmer of Cross Creek township, this county), Ed- win L. (deceased in youth), John F. (a resident of Bridgeville, Penn,, in the office of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company), Jessie B. (deceased in child- hood), Frank B., Viola V. and Mary G. (the latter three living at home).

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Vance lived on the home farm in Smith township until 1858, when they settled on their present home, a portion of the original Vance tract, upon which Mr. Vance has erected new and commodious buildings. He follows farming and stock raising, giving consider- able attention to the breeds of fine-grade sheep, and like all who have borne the name, is a most

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successful business man. He was a Whig, now voting the Republican ticket, but is not an active politician, as he has no ambition for office. He attends the Presbyterian Church of Cross Creek. His house, all the improvements on which were made by himself, is situated two miles southwest of Burgettstown. Mr. Vance is a man of large stature, and is in the enjoyment of good health.

W ILLIAM M. REA is a descendant of one of the oldest families of Cross Creek township, whose ancestors have long been identified with the history of northwest- ern Washington county. The first mem- ber of the family to locate in Washington county was William Rea, of whom it is only known that his life was passed among the early settlers of Cross Creek township, this county, where his chil- dren were born and reared.

William Rea was born on the home farm in Cross Creek township, and in early manhood was married to a Miss Campbell, a member of a pioneer family. Their children were John C., William (who became blind at the age of seventeen years. but lived to old age, spending most of his time with a brother Charles), Joseph V. (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant township), Jane (deceased wife of Cyrus Wells), Elizabeth (married to William T. Kerr, and died in Canonsburg, this county), Samuel (deceased in youth) and Charles C. (a farmer of Cross Creek township). The father of these chil- dren was a successful farmer, and in politics first an Old-line Whig. then a Republican. He died in 1865, being followed a few years later by his widow.

John C. Rea was born March 13, 1813, on the home farm in Cross Creek township, and received a subscription-school education. In 1836 he was married to Mary A. Lyle, who was born in 1816, daughter of James and Mary (Campbell) Lyle. Her father was a descendant of the prominent pioneer family of that name who resided in Cross Creek and Smith townships, this county. To the union of Jolin C. and Mary A. (Lyle) Rea, the fol- lowing children were born: James L. (deceased). William M. (of whom a sketch follows), Samuel J. (of Harrison county, Ohio), Elizabeth J. (deceased wife of D. M. Pry), Mary E. (deceased wife of John W. Pry), Aaron L. (was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion and died from the effects of dis- ease contracted while in the service). Joseph V. (deceased), Alice M. (wife of Prof. Ewing S. Mc- Wreath, of Hopewell township, this county), Eliza A. (Mrs. J. D. Cook. of Cross Creek township) and Elvira (deceased in infancy). The parents always resided on the old homestead in Cross Creek town- ship. this county, where the father followed agri- cultural pursuits. In politics he was, like his

father, a Whig and Republican, and in religious faith an earnest member of the Presbyterian Church. He died several years ago, and his widow is now living a retired life in West Middle- town, Penn.

William M. Rea was born March 5, 1839, in Cross Creek township, this county, passing his boyhood on the home farm. He received a com- mon-school education, and then began a course at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, which was inter- rupted by the opening of the Civil war. On Au- gust 21, 1862. he enlisted at Cross Creek village in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth Regi- ment, P. V. I. His first duty was the guarding of the railroad lines between Baltimore and Har- risburg, and he afterward took part in the other engagements in which his regiment participated. On May 8, 1864. at Todd's Tavern, in the battle of the Wilderness, he was wounded by a musket ball, which passed through the right ankle joint of his right limb. Amputation being found neces- sary, lie was placed in Lincoln Hospital, and being discharged about the close of the war returned to Washington county in May, 1865. Some time after his return home, Mr. Rea entered mercantile business at Pittsburgh, thence moved to Burgetts- town, but finally selected farming as his life work, and moved to Cross Creek township. On Sep- tember 20, 1866, he was married to Martha J. Keys, who was born February 17, 1844, daughter of Joseph Keys, of Smith township. Four daugh- ters were born to this union: Ida M., Josephine E. (both of whom are living in Canonsburg, this county), Anna T. and Martha V. (living at home). On November 23, 1875. the inother passed from earth, and for his second choice Mr. Rca was mar- ried to Nannie A., daughter of James McElroy. She was born October 21. 1844, in Chartiers township. Washington Co., Penn .. and the chil- dren of this marriage are James M., John C. (de- ceased in youth). Samuel J. and William M. Some time after locating on the farm in Cross Creek township Mr. Rea moved to Mt. Pleasant town- ship. thence to North Strabane township, but finally settled on his present home in Smith town- ship, where he is known as one of the most snc- cessful farmers of the neighborhood. He is an ardent worker in the Republican party, and in religions faith he and his family are members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.

A RTHUR B. WARD. The Ward family trace their lineage through four generations to one James Ward, an Englishman, who came to America many years ago and set- tled in Virginia, where he died leaving a large family. Stephen Ward, a son of this James, was born and reared near Martinsburg, Va., where

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he was married to Hannah Thurston, and they had three children, namely: James, Hannah and Thomas. The father followed farming and stock raising, and in politics affiliated with the Whig party. The family finally moved to Washington county, Penn., locating near Malden, in East Bethlehem township, where the parents died, both members of the M. E. Church. .

Thomas Ward, son of Stephen and Hannah, was born February 27, 1811, near Winchester, Va., and attended the schools of his native State. After attaining his majority, he left home and com- menced farming in Washington county, Penn., there passing the remainder of his life, with the exception of six years he spent in Fayette county, Penn. When a young man, Thomas Ward was united in marriage with Elizabeth Williams, a daughter of John Williams, who was born October 12, 1784, and was married in Winchester, Va., to Mary Thompson, who was born in March, 1789. Mr. and Mrs. Williams were the parents of the following children, their names and dates of birth being here given: Alfred, March 16, 1806; Susan, April 22, 1808; Daniel, January 9, 1809; Mary Ann, January 11, 1811; Robert, March 9, 1813; Thomas, January 28, 1815; Elizabeth, January 4, 1817; John, April 6, 1820; Catherine, August 17, 1821; Sarah J., January 2, 1823; James Knox, April 17, 1824; Clara E., November 14, 1826; Margaret, January 9, 1830. After his removal to Pennsylvania the father followed teaming from Baltimore on the National pike. In political opin- ion he was a Whig and Republican, with strong Abolition sympathies, and in religion he was a mem- ber of the M. E. Church. To the union of Thomas and Elizabeth (Williams) Ward the following chil- dren were born: Mary J. (wife of Thomas Whorly), Melinda (wife of Daniel Linn), John W. (who en- listed in the 18th Regiment, P. V. C.), Stephen (who enlisted in Company I. Second Virginia In- fantry), Robert, James Knox and Thomas. Mrs. Ward died in March, 1846, followed by her hus- band May 18, 1891.

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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 185

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