Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 186

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 186

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James Knox Ward was born March 31. 1844, in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., and remained at home until March, 1865. He then enlisted in Company B, Second Regiment. P. V. C., and served with the army of the Potomac. On May 10, 1866, he was married to Susannah, daughter of William C. Wolfe, who was born in Virginia, and was a son of Isaac C. Wolfe. The latter was also a native of Virginia, and there mar- ried Susanna De Haven, who bore him four chil- dren, viz .: William C., Joseph, Elizabeth and Rachel A. The father voted with the Democratic party, and in religious faith was a member of the M. E. Church. Mrs. Wolfe died January 19, 1846. and he was laid to rest July 27, 1870.

William C. Wolfe was born July, 22, 1820, in

Virginia, and in 1829 came with his parents to Washington county, Peun. ; he received his educa- tion in the subscription schools, and followed ag- ricultural pursuits. On July 1, 1841, he was united in marriage with Melinda J. (Small) Wood, who was born June 2, 1823, in Washington county, where they settled, and he followed teaching and cabinet making. In political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religious connection a member of the M. E. Church. Hischildren were Alfred D., who enlisted in Company I, Second Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, and served three years; Susan- nah (wife of James K. Ward); Joseph, who enlist- ed in Company D. Seventy-ninth P. V. I .; Ann, wife of Herdman Maxwell Taylor; Henry W .; Sarah N. ; Abram and Isaac C. The father was a Demo- crat in politics.

William C. Wolfe died March 4, 1855, and was followed by his widow April 7, 1874. To the union of James Knox and Susannah (Wolfe) Ward five children have been born, viz .: Arthur B., Thomas H., Elizabeth, William S. and Louis. The family have, with the exception of one year, passed their lives in Washington county. Mr. Ward affiliates with the Republican party in poli- tics, and in religious faith is a member and trustee of the M. E. Church.

Arthur B. Ward was born February 25, 1867, in West Brownsville, Penn., receiving his educa- tion at the Southwestern State Normal School, California, Penn. At the age of fifteen he entered the store of Robert Lynch, with whom he remained as clerk for about two years, then served as man- ager until 1888, afterward purchasing the busi- ness, and conducting it for several years. In April, 1891, he removed to the Hotel Arlington Building, having increased his old stock of goods, and added a large line of gents' furnishings. On August 27, 1891, he was united in marriage with Luella, daughter of J. P. McCain, a resident of California, Penn. .Mr. Ward is actively identified with the Republican party, and is a member of the M. E. Church,

OHN M. WATSON, a prominent farmer of North Strabane township, was born January 31, 1833, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn. His father, David Watson, was also a native of Chartiers township, born in 1791, and passed his early life on the home farm. He received a good common-school education, and in early manhood was married to a Miss Craighead, who bore him children as follows: Martha (de- ceased), Amelia (deceased), Nancy (Mrs. Alexan- der Henderson), Rachel (wife of William Ross), Belle (deceased wife of John Chambers) and George. For his second wife Mr. Watson was united in marriage with Margaret Morrison, also

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born in Chartiers township, this county, a daugh- ter of James Morrison, and the children born to this marriage were John M., Mary (Mrs. Peter Martin), and George N. (who died in Washington county, aged fifty-three years). David Watson died at the age of fifty-two, Mrs. David Watson when aged eighty-four years. Mr. Watson had charge of the Washington turnpike for many years, and managed its affairs with marked snc- cess. He was a stanch member and active par- tisan of the Whig party, and was one of the most ardent supporters of the U. P. Church at Cross Roads, Chartiers township.

John M. Watson passed his early years on the home farm in Chartiers township, and after the death of his father began life at a very early age. On August 18, 1862, he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Fortieth Pennsylvania Volun- teers, and served until the close of the war; he was mustered out June 5, 1865, near Alexandria, W. Va. On November 15, 1866, he was married to Sarah J., daughter of Andrew Borland, and one daughter, Ida, has been born to their union. Mr. Watson is a successful business man, and owns a large and productive farm in North Strabane town- ship. He is a stanch Republican, and is always active in the interests of his party. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect, and he is a member of the Session.

HOMAS C. SHIPLEY. Among the pro- gressive citizens of Hanover township is the above mentioned gentleman, a son of Ben- jamin Shipley, who was a son of John Shipley.

Jolin Shipley was born about twelve miles from Baltimore, Md., and passed his boyhood in his na- tive State, there receiving his early education. At the age of twenty-one years he came to Washing- ton county, Penn., and purchased a wild tract of land in Smith township. He added to this from time to time until he had 135 acres, where a small log cabin was erected, which Miss Lydia Day consented to share. To this marriage the following children were born: Benjamin, George, John, William. Nancy, Talbert T., Richard, Sam- uel, Lavina, Catherine, Rachel and Henry. Al- though the Indians were then very numerous, those in their vicinity were usually of a peace- able disposition. John Shipley was a soldier in the war of 1812, and while he was defending his home, the brave wife followed the plow in his stead. He was an active worker in the Whig party, and in religious faith was a member of the M. E. Church.

Benjamin Shipley was reared on the home farm, and educated in the rude subscription schools. In

1824 he was married to Nancy Cole, who was born in 1802, a daughter of Thomas Cole. The children of Benjamin and Nancy Shipley were as follows: Rachel (wife of James White), John and Nancy (were scalded to death when small), Thomas C. (our subject), Lydia (Mrs. John Frederick, of Bur- gettstown), Mary (widow of John Vance), Richard (a farmer, deceased in 1883), Talbot (a farmer, died in 1890), Catherine (deceased, unmarried) and Dallas (deceased in infancy). Mr. and Mrs. Shipley passed their married life in Smith township, this county. He was a successful agriculturist, and in politics was first a Whig, then a Republican. He died in 1876, and Mrs. Shipley survived him till 1884. Both were members of the M. E. Church, and are buried in the Presbyterian cemetery at Burgettstown.

Thomas C. Shipley was born February 28, 1833, on the home farm in Smith township, this county. On October 24, 1861, he was married to Eleanor K. Proudfit, who was born August 29, 1833, a daughter of John and Eliza (Lyle) Proudfit. The children of T. C. and Eleanor Shipley are: Eliza- beth Nancy (Mrs. David Riddile, of Wellsville, Ohio), Isa Mary (wife of Frank Hill, of Wellsville, Ohio), John P. (married December 28, 1891, Mary G. E. Sims, and to this union Thomas Earl Ship- ley was born), Willie D. (deceased at the age of sixteen years) and Ella Nora (living at home). Af- ter their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Shipley located for some time on the farm in Smith township, and in 1863 settled in Hanover township, on the place where they are now residing, but which then con- tained all old buildings. Three years later he re- turned to Smith township, and in 1883 came back to the same farm and erected new buildings, in- cluding a residence and barn. Since that time he has resided in Hanover township, following gen- eral farming, stock raising, and the dairy business. Both he and his wife are members of the Presby - terian Church at Florence.

AMES W. BIGGER. Of the prominent, prosperous and respected citizens of Robin- son township, none are better or more favor-

ably known than the gentleman whose name opens this brief sketch. The sons of Erin are and ever have been among the leaders of all enterprises in which bravery, energy and enthusiasm are the requisite ingredients.

About the middle of the last century, Thomas Bigger, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, was there married to Elizabeth Moore, who was born in the same county. The young couple decided that their wedding trip should be an ocean voyage, and accordingly they embarked for the New World not many days after their marriage. After land- ing in America they came to Pennsylvania, first

James W. Bigger

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locating on a piece of land near Hickory, this county, which belonged to George Washington but was then in court. His rights, however, were soon established, after which Mr. and Mrs. Bigger set- tled on a farm in Robinson township, which is yet in the family name, being now the property of Matthew Bigger. The Indians had not then en- tirely left the old hunting grounds, and often com- pelled the adventurous pioneer to flee for life to Fort McDonald; but as new settlers entered, and the forests were cleared away, the Redmen roved farther west, finally leaving the pale faces in undis- turbed possession of their homes. Eleven children were born to Thomas and Elizabeth (Moore) Bigger, as follows: Matthew, Jane, John, James, Thomas, Ann, James, Samuel, Martha, Andrew and Eliza- beth.

Samuel Bigger was born on the old Bigger homestead in Robinson township, this county, which is now occupied by his son Matthew. Sam- uel passed his youth on the old place, being em- ployed in the usual manner of a farmer boy, and in early manhood married a Miss Wills, a native of Ireland, who bore him a large family of children, of whom are yet living: Thomas, Elizabeth, James W., Matthew, Mary J., Ann, Jennette, Martha, Samuel and Jane (twins); Jolin died when he was about two years old. The father was a Presby- terian, then a Seceder, and afterward a member of the U. P. Church, in which he was an elder. In politics he was first a Democrat, then a Whig, finally a Republican.

James W. Bigger, the second son of Samuel Bigger, first saw the light of day November 30, 1828. He remained on the old homestead during his boyhood and early youth, receiving his educa- tion in the common schools of the period, which, to quote the gentleman's own language, were: "Ac- cording to my judgment better adapted to give the pupil a more thorough knowledge of the branches taught than the schools of the present day." On January 1, 1857, Mr. Bigger was united in mar- riage with Miss Sarah H., daughter of the late Richard Donaldson, a resident of Hanover town- ship. Children came to brighten their pleasant home as follows: Jennie W., Esther Me., Lizzie,. Isaac, Ida and S. W. (twins), Richard, W. M. and J. M. * Of these, Lizzie is deceased, while the other children are scattered, some living near their par- ents, others gone far from the home nest. The mother died June 5, 1891. Mr. Bigger has con- tinued to reside on the farm where he had settled immediately after his marriage. He is a repre- sentative citizen, and in politics has ever been a firm advocate of the principles embodied in the platform of the Republican party. In religious faith he has for many years been a member and liberal supporter of the Robinson United Presby- terian Church.

W W. JACKSON, a rising young agricult- nrist of Cross Creek township, is a . representative of a well-known family. His grandfather, Andrew Jackson, was born in 1785 in Cecil county, Md., and when ten years of age came with his parents to Washington county, Penn. They settled on King's creek, in Hanover township, where Andrew was reared to manhood.

Andrew Jackson was united in marriage in 1808 with Elizabeth Cool, of Hanover township, who was born June 27, 1782, and children were born as follows: Mary, born April 25, 1809; W. C., born November 12, 1810; Isaac, born January 1, 1812; Elizabeth, born October 2, 1816; Eli, born October 27, 1818; Elsie, born October 23, 1820; John, born September 9, 1822; James, born April 20, 1825; and Sarah, born May 24, 1827. Of these the only ones yet living are James and Elsie. The father was a soldier in the war of 1812.

W. C. Jackson, the second son of Andrew and Elizabeth Jackson, was born on King's creek, Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn. His youth was passed on the home farm and he at- tended the Florence Academy for several years. He then began the study of theology under the tutelage of Rev. William Wallace, of Wheeling, W. Va., afterward taking a course at the Alle- gheny Theological Seminary, graduating in 1846. In 1842 he selected as his life companion Miss Martha H. Lawton, who was born May 1, 1825, daughter of Job T. Lawton, a native of Rhode Island, who came to this county with his parents in 1813. After graduating, Mr. Jackson preached as a supply at different U. P. Churches for several years, but never took charge of a congregation, as his wife could not leave her aged parents. Two children were born to the union of W. C. and Martha H. (Lawton) Jackson, namely: W. W., born March 19, 1844; and Mary E., born October 22, 1850, the latter of whom was married to Will- iam Cole, a prominent hotel landlord of Burgetts- town, Penn. In politics Mr. Jackson was a stanch Democrat. He died August 20, 1888.

W. W. Jackson (son of W. C., and grandson of Andrew) was born at Wheeling, W. Va., and passed most of his early life in Cross Creek town- ship, Washington county. He attended the Cross Creek Academy several terms, and then entered Washington and Jefferson College, graduating at the early age of nineteen years. He afterward re- turned to the farm and assisted his father, who was unable to do much manual work, having been crippled by a falling tree in 1863. On .September 30, 1872, W. W. Jackson was united in marriage with Miss Mary Boyles, of St. Clairsville, Ohio. daughter of Jacob Boyles. The farm contains 105 acres of land. In politics Mr. Jackson is a Demo- crat, and in religious faith a member of the Presby-

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terian Church, and of the Session at Cross Creek.

To William and Mary E. (Jackson) Cole was born William A. Cole, November 22, 1868. He married Alice R. Crawford, of Westmoreland county, Penn., in 1889, and to this union the fol- lowing named children were born: Willa Marie, in 1890; Alfred Orlando, who died when one year old, and Alice Margie, born in September, 1892. William A. Cole resides at Pittsburgh, where he is in the real-estate business.

A LEXANDER S. BERRYHILL, a citizen of Burgettstown who has risen unaided from the lowest round of the ladder to a prominent position in business and social life, was born August 15, 1808, in West Liberty, W. Va. He is a son of Alexander, and grandson of William Berryhill.

William Berryhill was of Scotch descent and served as captain under Washington throughout the Revolution. After the war he settled near Greencastle, Penn., and followed the blacksmith's trade some years, afterward purchasing the farm where his life was passed. In early manhood he was united in marriage with Ruth Steele, who was born in Ireland, coming with her parents to America when but one year of age. The children born to William and Ruth (Steele) Berryhill were as follows: Alexander S., Ruth (Mrs. Noble), William, Samuel, Elias and Isabella (wife of Rev. Blackburn). Mr. Berryhill was a Federalist in politics, taking an active interest in the affairs of the county. He and his family were members of the Presbyterian Church.

Alexander Berryhill, father of Alexander S., was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and was educated in the schools of the neighborhood. In early life he camne to Uniontown, Penn., where he was married to Mary, daughter of Moses Linn. After his marriage he moved to West Virginia, and conducted a tanyard for some time. then opened a general store at West Liberty, W. Va. He finally sold out and became one of the pioneer boatmen of that vicinity, making trips from West Liberty, W. Va., to Nashville, Tenn. He ex- changed the Northern produce for cotton, sugar and other articles raised in the Southern States. While returning from one trip, he met the first steamboat that was ever on the Ohio river, and challenged the crew for a race to Short Creek. They accepted, and he won the race. In 1830 he came to Cross Creek township, this county, where he made a permanent home. In politics he was formerly a Whig, afterward uniting with the Democratic party. He and his wife were inembers of the Presbyterian Church. They were the parents of the following children: William, Moses L., Alexander S., Mary E. (wife of William McKin- ley), James, John, Samuel and Martha.

Alexander S. Berryhill (the subject of this biography) received a common-school education in the home district, and on April 15, 1840, was united in matrimony with Catherine, daughter of John Shipley. The young people immediately settled in Burgettstown, Penn., where they re- mained nine years, then went to Burlington, Iowa, being there one year, thence moved to Lancaster, Wis. They remained three years in the latter place, when the father of Mr. Berryhill died, and he returned home. He settled in Cross Creek, where he remained for some years. He then spent some time in Florence and at Cumberland, W. Va., and removed from Cumberland to Burgettstown at the time the railroad was being constructed. The railroad passed the town about half a mile north- east, and the station was called Cardville, by which it was known until the towns were incorporated as one, under the name of Burgettstown, in 1881. Mr. Berryhill built the first house in Cardville, and started a grocery store, continuing in this business until 1887, when he retired from active business and has since been leading a retired life. Mr. and Mrs. Berryhill have had the following children: Martha (wife of James Jackson), Mary L. (Mrs. Simpson), Flora, Belle (formerly Mrs. Richard Henrich, now wife of James P. Kelso, of the Bur- gettstown National Bank), Richana (wife W. E. Fisher, of Columbus, Ohio) and Ella. In religions faith he and his family are active members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Demo- crat, having cast his first vote for Jackson and his last for Grover Cleveland. In addition to the family of Alexander S. Berryhill above mentioned: Thomas M. Berryhill, son of William, Jr., and nephew of Alexander S., is the only surviving member of the Berryhill family. He resides on a farm near Hickory, Pennsylvania.

E ILIAS D. OWEN. Among those who have made farming in Morris township a thor- ough success, is Elias D. Owen. He is a son of Aaron Owen, and a grandson of John Owen. whose father emigrated from Wales in the early part of the eighteenth century, and located in New Jersey, where he married, and reared a family of children, of whom John Owen is the only one recorded. John Owen married a Miss Pool in New Jersey, who bore him five children, all boys, as follows: Benjamin, Daniel, John, Aaron and Gudiah. The parents died in New Jersey, as also did their son John. Daniel emigrated to Ohio, thence to Michigan, where he died. Aaron, Ben- 'jamin and Gudiah all emigrated to Washington county, Penn. Benjamin came first, and located in Morris township, followed by Gudiah.

Aaron Owen, father of our subject, came next, locating in Morris township about 1822. He was

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born in New Jersey about 1796, and there married Mary D. Day. He was a weaver by trade, which occupation he followed for some time after coming to Washington county. Three children were born to them here-Phobo, Lavina and Benjamin, all of whom are living. Phoebe, widow of Edmund McVay, lives in Greene county, Penn. Lavina, wife of John Young, lives in the same county. Benjamin married Julia Day, and lives near Jack- sonville, Greene Co., Penn .; he is an elder of the Jacksonville C. P. Church. The father died in 1854, and the mother in 1883. Both were Cum- berland Presbyterians. Elias D. Owen, the eldest child of Aaron and Mary Owen, was born in New Jersey, July 24, 1819, and came to Washington county in 1822 with his parents at the age of eighteen years; he joined the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church at West Union and has been a Sabbath-school teacher ever since. In 1842 he married Sarah Auld, born June 17, 1822, whose ancestors came from Ireland about the middle of the eighteenth century, locating in New Jersey, whence they moved to Washington county soon after 1800. After his marriage Mr. Owen moved to what was then known as the " Jolly Farm," where he has since resided.

James E. Ray, half brother of Aaron Owen, and uncle of Elias Owen, was born in the year 1807, and married Margaret Lenord. Three children blessed their union. The eldest, I. M. Ray, elected congressman in 1888, is a prominent lawyer in Waynesburgh, Greene Co., Penn; the second, J. L. Ray. a resident of Morris township, Greene Co., died in 1893, aged thirty-six years. His daughter Jane, who married John Powers, died some years ago.

To the union of Elias D. Owen and Sarah Auld there were born two children: Caroline, the eldest, was born in 1843, and married Milton Robertson, whose death occurred April 2, 1875; Mrs. Robert- son and children have since lived with her parents. Mary Ann, born 1853, married B. F. Reeves, and is the mother of six children. Mr. Owen, although well along in years, is still able to do a day's work on the farm, to which he gives his personal atten- tion. He is possessed of a remarkably strong con- stitution, having sustained on three different occa- sions injuries that would ordinarily have resulted in death. In politics Mr. Owen was a Democrat prior to 1884, but his views on the tariff question being at variance with those advocated in the plat- form of that year, he voted for Blaine, and has since been an active supporter of the principles of the Republican party. On his farm Mr. Owen gives considerable attention to sheep raising, in which he has been remarkably successful, his flocks never having, in his fifty years' experience, been affected with an epidemic so common in that section. Mr. Owen has made life a success in

many ways, not excepting financially. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at West Union, as is also his wife. Mr. Owen's grandfather, on his mother's side, was Samnel Day, who was born in New Jersey, and there mar. ried Sophia Hayden, who bore him twenty-one children, eighteen of whom lived to maturity and raised families. In 1831 the family of Samuel Day had a reunion, there being present seventy- five representatives. He joined the Presbyterian Church early in life; but when the Cumberland Presbyterians organized here in 1831, he joined the congregation of that church at Old Concord, becoming an active member thereof and serving as elder for several years. He then moved to Athens, Ohio, with the intention of having a Cumberland Presbyterian Church organized there, which he soon succeeded in accomplishing. He died some time afterward in the triumph of a living faith.

AMES MARTIN is one of the progressive and therefore successful farmers of South Stra- bane township, and is a representative of an old pioneer family of the county. They were originally natives of York county, Penn .. and toward the close of the eighteenth century, Peter Martin moved with his wife and family to Wash- ington county, settling on the farm which is now occupied by his descendants. He died at the age of eighty years, having reared a family of seven children.

James Martin, a son of this early settler, was born in 1792, in York county, Penn., coming with his parents to this county when a boy. In 1821 he was married to Mary White, who bore him chil- dren as follows: Peter B., born February 4, 1822; Samuel, born January 24, 1824; James, born De- cember 12, 1826; John White (a merchant of Can- onsburg, this county), born January 11, 1828; Matthew, born December 7, 1829; Mary Jane (de- ceased), born September 21, 1832; Ebenezer Hen- derson (drowned in the Potomac river), born June 21, 1834; Ann Elizabeth (deceased), born Novem- ber 2, 1837; Elizabeth Margaret, born October 10. 1839; William Henry, born September 4, 1842, and Thomas Jefferson, born August 28, 1847. Mr. Martin continued to improve his farm, in connec- tion with managing a sawmill, during his active business life. He was formerly a Whig. afterward a Republican, and held several political offices. In religion he first united with the Seceder Church, then joined the United Presbyterians. He died in 1887, having been preceded by his wife in 1878.

James Martin was reared on the home farm in North Strabane township, this county, and at- tended the common schools. He was early inducted into the mysteries of agricultural pursuits, and de- cided to devote his life to farming. He believed

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that a knowledge of science, especially of that branch which pertains to agriculture, was neces- sary to secure the highest success as a farmer. He has therefore read and studied much on the sub- jects connected with his vocation. On November 12, 1868, James Martin was united in marriage with Elizabetlı, daughter of Samuel Clokey. Sam- uel Clokey was a son of James Clokey, a native of County Down, Ireland, who was reared and edu- cated in the old country, coming to America at an early date. He settled in Dauphin county, Penn., remaining there until 1812, when he moved to Washington county and purchased the farm now occupied by his son, following farming and stock raising in connection with the distilling business most of his life. In politics he was an active worker in the Whig party, and in religion was a member of the Seceder Church at Peters Creek, and assisted in organizing the Seceder Church at Pigeon Creek. He was the father of two chil- dren: Sarah (Mrs. James Herron) and Samuel.

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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 186

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