Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 187

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 187

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Samuel Clokey was born in Dauphin county, Penn., and came to Washington county at the age of eighteen years. He was married to Rebecca, daughter of Alexander McClure, of South Stra- bane township, and settled on the home farm, where the following children were born: James, Alexander, Mary J., Elizabeth (Mrs. James Mar- tin), Sarah (wife of John G. Clark), Samuel, Abi- gail, Rebecca (married to George A. Dougherty) and Caroline. Of this family James, Alexander, Samuel and Abigail are deceased. Mr. Clokey was formerly a Whig, and then a Republican, being a leader both in political and business cir- cles. In church connection he was first a Seceder, after uniting with the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, in which he was a trustee and leading member. His wife died in 1878, and he rests by her side in the cemetery at Pigeon Creek.

James and Elizabeth (Clokey) Martin have had no children. He is a member and liberal sup- porter of the U. P. Church at Pigeon Creek. In politics he is an active member of the Republican party, though never accepting office.

EORGE R. DEEMS, a successful farmer of West Pike Run township, is a native of the same, born October 3, 1841, on the old homestead. The father, John Deems, was also a native of the county, and here learned the carpenter and wagon-making trades. When a young man he was married to Mary Reynolds, a native of Fayette county, Penn., who bore him nine children, namely: Mary, wife of Lewis Duvall, a farmer of Hopewell township, Washington Co., Penn .; Martha, widow of Nickson Ailes, a resident of California, Penn .; Sarah J., widow of S. W. Rogers, of Beallsville, Penn .; George R.,

whose name opens this sketch; Margaret E., wife of Robert Elwood, a resident of Beallsville; Cor- nelia, married to John D. Springle, a boat builder of Brownsville, Penn .; Frank, living in Ottumwa, Iowa; Elizabeth and Jacob R., both deceased. The father died soon after the birth of his young- est child; his widow is now living, at the age of seventy-seven years, with her daughter, Mrs. Rogers, in the village of Beallsville.

George R. Deems was reared in the West Pike run township, where he received a common-school education, and when seventeen years old learned the cabinet-maker's trade. In 1861 he enlisted in Company I, Eighth P. V. I., and participated in the Seven Days' Fight, the second battle of Bull Run, Fredericksburg, the Wilderness, and numer- ous other engagements. He served until the close of the war, then returning to Washington county followed his trade about five years in West Browns- ville. On November 25, 1869, he was united in marriage with Emma E. Rogers, who was born December 12, 1846, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of Samuel and Sarah F. (Crawford) Rogers, natives of Maryland, and the parents of children, as follows: Priscilla, wife of Adah Crouch, a farmer of West Pike Run township; Joseph H., a farmer of Beallsville, Washington county; Sarah F., married to Smith F. Scott; Emma E., wife of George Deems; Mary A., de- ceased; and four who died in infancy. The father of this family was a public-spirited citizen, and a successful agriculturist. He died in 1890, having been preceded to the grave by his wife in 1882. Both were members of the M. E. Church, and in politics he was a Republican.

After their marriage George R. and Emma E. (Rogers) Deems located on the pleasant farm in West Pike Run township which is now their home. It contains seventy-three acres of valuable, well- cultivated land, to which Mr. Deems devotes the greater portion of his time. He is identified with the Republican party in politics, and is deeply in- terested in all public matters. Mr. and Mrs. Deems are members of the Beallsville M. E. Church.

OSEPH HAYBURN, a prominent representa- tive of one of the oldest pioneer families of Donegal township, and an enterprising and progressive citizen of Claysville, is a native of Donegal township, born August 20, 1859. His father, James Hayburn, was also a native of that township, born in May, 1820. Joseph Hay- burn, grandfather of Joseph, was born and reared in Ireland, and was there united in marriage with Margaret Laird, a native of County Donegal. The young people immigrated to America, and finally settled in Donegal township, Washington Co.,

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Penn. Their children were as follows: Alexander, Mary, John, Robert, Fannie, Ada M. (Mrs. Jolin Griffith), James, Joseph and Elizabeth (Mrs. Isaac Titus). Mr. Hayburn was always a farmer. In religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he was a stanch Democrat.

James Hayburn, father of Joseph, was reared and educated on the home farm in Donegal town- ship. In 1857 he was married to Margaret, daugh- ter of Alexander Reed, and the following children were born to them: Belle, Joseph, Jennie and Liz- zie. Mr. Hayburn was a successful farmer and progressive citizen. Politically he was a leading member of the Democratic party, and in religion was an adherent of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hayburn died Jannary 22, 1884, and was followed by hor husband within the next month.

Joseph Hayburn passed his early life in Done- gal township, where, June 24, 1886, lie was mar- riod to Miss Jennie E. Griffith, and they have one daughter, Ethel Bernadeen, born November 27, 1888. Mr. Hayburn lived on the farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 1891, when he purchased a livery business of L. D. Lindley, which he now conducts in company with John Knox. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

AMES SHANNON MCCUTCHEN. No citi -. zen of East Bethlehem township, and for that matter, it may even be said, of the entire county, can boast of a wider circle of friends than this successful agriculturist, such is his well-earned popularity.

Hugh Mccutchen, grandfather of our subject, when a young man emigrated from Ireland to America, landing in New York about the year 1786, all he brought with him being the clothes on his back, a stout heart, and strong and willing hands. After leading for a time a somewhat wan- dering life-working here and there-he finally settled in Fallowfield township, this county, and after some five years, during which time he was employed in various occupations, he invested his entire earnings in a small stock of goods, and em- barked in mercantile business. He became very successful, enjoying a wide and profitable trade among the pioneer families. He married a lady whose parents were natives of Scotland, and sev- eral children, all now deceased, were born to them; both he and his wife lived to a ripe old age, she preceding him to the grave some few years. Po- litically he was a Whig, and is remembered as having been an oft-sought local adviser in his party. The following interesting family anecdote is related: When Grandfather Mccutchen was about to board the ship that was to carry him across the Atlantic from his native land, he and a

brother, who had come to see him off, exchanged watches, each one agreeing to treasure the other's timepiece as a family heirloom to be handed down to posterity. This compact each kopt faithfully; yet, although carefully and jealously guarded, the watch that came to America was stolen some years since, after having been "handed down" to the grandson, James S. Mccutchen.

Samuel Mccutchen, the second son of Hugh and Jane Mccutchen, was born, in 1798, in Fallow- field township, this county, where he received a limited education at the subscription schools of the vicinity. In boyhood he learned the trade of a shoemaker, which he successfully followed during the greater part of his life, in connection with farming pursuits. He commenced life poor, for his father's estate, after being divided among many heirs, rondered him but little assistance. By dint of hard work, however, he was enabled to earn and savo sufficient to buy a small farm, and being successful in his undertakings, particularly as a financier, and by reason of various specula- tions, in buying and trading land, turning out profitably, he in course of time accumulated a con- siderable share of this world's goods. His wife, Melinda Furnior, was a daughter of Henry and Julia (Horine) Furnier, natives of Germany, who came to America shortly after the Revolutionary war, locating in Hagerstown, Md., whence they re- moved to Washington county, Penn., making a final settlement near Belle Vernon, in Fallow- field township. To Samuel and Melinda Mc- Cutchen were born children as follows: Henry Erwin, who died at the age of seventeen years; Sarah Jane, now Mrs. John Stacker, residing in Monongahela City, and James Shannon. The mother died in 1861, the father in 1862, he was a strong supporter of the principles of the Whig party.

James Shannon McCutchen, the subject proper of this memoir, was born January 15, 1828, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and was two years old when his parents moved to East Bethlehem township, where he was reared on the farm, and educated at the common schools. In his youth he was employed as a farm assistant, receiving for his services from $5 to $10 per month. He has never used tobacco or intoxicants in any form, and as a result he saved his earnings, which he judiciously invested, and to-day is de- servedly well circumstanced financially. He is the owner of 127 acres of valuable land situated on the banks of the Monongahela river, within but a short distance of Lock No. 5, and the elegant resi- dence thereon, together with the entire surround- ings, gives evidence of superior taste, prudent thrift and easy affluence.

Mr. Mccutchen is perhaps the most widely read gentleman in his vicinity, and his library contains

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some 480 volumes of handsomely bound works by eminent authors. He is not only a man of letters, but also a traveler of no little experience, his journeyings from time to time having been many, which, to a man of observation such as Mr. Mccutchen, means a vast amount of additional in- formation and mental pabulum. Among many points of interest which he has visited in the East and in Canada, may be mentioned Washington (D. C.), New York, Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls, etc. Some three years since, along with a party of neighbors, he visited the "far West," during which tour he remained six days in San Francisco, was in Seattle (Wash.), Portland (Ore.), St. Paul (Minn), Yellowstone Park, Hot Springs (Ark.), etc. Our subject is a faithful Re- publican, and although not a politician, has been called upon at times to fill offices of trust in his township, where his popularity is unbounded, which incumbencies he has invariably filled with characteristic care and natural ability.

P ARK J. HAMILTON, an enterprising citi- zen of Nottingham township, this county, is a son of James R. Hamilton. The latter was born in 1818, in Peters township, Washington county, and received a classical education. During his earlier years he followed the profession of school teaching, and being solely dependent upon his daily earnings for a liveli- hood, was obliged to practice strict economy. In 1846 he was married to Miss Patience Morrison, a native of this county, and having managed to save a small amount of his salary, the young man bought a little farm in Nottingham township, this county, upon which he and his bride began their wedded life. They were poor in worldly goods, but happy and rich in the possession of health and love. Fortune soon began to smile upon the brave young couple who met her frowns with such cheery faces, and as years passed on children came to brighten the little home as follows: Patience B. (wife of James H. Barkley), William H. L., Charles James Reed, John T. G., Joseph G. P., Elizabeth Ann, Margaret Elnora and Mary Jane. Of these the latter three are deceased. At the time of his death James R. Hamilton owned 300 acres of land.

Park J. Hamilton was born October 15, 1863, on the home farm in Nottingham township, this county, attending the home schools during his early youth. On October 18, 1888, he was united in marriage with Miss Agnes J. Miller, a well- known school teacher of Nottingham township, and a daughter of John Miller, a prominent agri- culturist of Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Hamil- ton had been working with his father on the home place previous to his marriage, and the young

couple immediately took up their residence on the paternal homestead. He now owns eighty-one acres of the old place, which he keeps in an excel- lent state of cultivation, and also raises a good grade of cattle. Two children have been born to this marriage, viz. : Elfra Augusta and John Park.

A J. HESS was born May 3, 1843, in Fallow- field township, Washington Co., Penn., a son of John Hess, who was born in 1817, in Pennsylvania, of Dutch parents, who were among the earliest pioneers of that State. In early manhood he was united in mar- riage with Ann Jones who was born in 1819, in Fallowfield township, Washington county, of Eng- lish parents; her father lived to the age of one hundred years. To the union of John and Ann (Jones) Hess were born eight children, of whom are named: William, who enlisted in the "Ring- gold Battalion," serving three years and six months, part of the time as clerk of his regiment; A. J .; Mary E., wife of Capt. Fairfield, of Alle- gheny county, Penn .; Amanda, deceased in 1844, wife of Thomas Teeple; Maggie J. and John E. The father was a leading agriculturist, and raised a large quantity of sheep and cattle; the farm con- tained eighty-eight acres of very fertile land. He served his township in different offices, and was a valued citizen. He died in 1887, followed by his wife in 1889.

A. J. Hess, son of John and Ann Hess, has al- ways resided on the old place, and since the death of his father has lived there with his brother John E. He owns forty-four acres of the homestead, and devotes his principal attention to its cultiva- tion. Politically he is an advocate of Republican principles, and in religion is a member of the Methodist Church. On January 27, 1874, he was united in marriage with Emma S. Teeple, a native of Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn. Their union has been blessed with three sons and two daughters, namely: Charles W., Alcinous J., Elizabeth L., Angelia P. and Howard Floyd.

OHN H. HAMILTON, one of the successful stock raisers in Washington county, is a son of Robert C. and Mary (Young) Hamilton, and was born in 1849, on the home farm in Washington county. From earliest boyhood he evinced an unusual fondness for the animals on the farm, and soon developed rare judgment in the care of stock. He attended the common schools of the neighborhood, acquiring as well a good practical education, thus laying deep the `foundations of a life which has been most useful and prosperous. On January 14, 1886, he married Emma L., the only daughter of P. H. and Eliza-

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beth Stevenson, of Allegheny county, Penn. Two daughters have been born to their union, namely: Mabel Pauline and Mary Elizabeth.

Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Delaine Asso- ciation of Sheep Breeders, serving that organization as corresponding secretary, and liis principal atten- tion is devoted to this branch of stock raising. In politics he votes with the Democratic party, and in religious faith he is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Canonsburg.

T® HE MARTIN FAMILY were natives of York county, Penn., and in the latter part of the eighteenth century Peter Martin came to Washington county, Penn., with his wife and family, and settled on the farm where the remainder of his life was passed, and which is the present home of his descendants. He died at the age of eighty years, and rests beside his wife, who bore him seven children, all of whom are now deceased.

James Martin, son of Peter Martin, was born in 1792, in York county, Penn., and came with his parents to Washington county, where, in 1821, he was united in marriage with Mary White (who was born in 1800), daughter of Samuel White, and she bore him the following children: Peter B., born February 4, 1822 (deceased); Samuel, born January 24, 1824; James, born December 12, 1826; John White (now a merchant in Canons- burg, this county), born January 11, 1828; Matthew, born December 7, 1829; Mary Jane (de- ceased at the age of twenty-two), born September 21, 1832; Ebenezer Henderson (drowned in the Appomattox river), born June 21, 1834; Ann Elizabeth (deceased in 1838), born November 2, 1837; Elizabeth Margaret, born October 10, 1839; William Henry, born September 4, 1842, and Thomas Jefferson, born August 28, 1847. Of these children Ebenezer Henderson enlisted in the Civil war, Company G, 140th P. V. I., and after- ward became a member of the Signal Corps. Mr. Martin cleared and improved his farm, and, with the aid of his sons, also managed a sawmill. He was actively interested in politics, having first been a Whig, and after the formation of that party be- came a Republican. He held several political offices, and in early manhood was captain of a militia company. In religion he was formerly a member of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting with the United Presbyterian Church. He died at the age of eighty-five years, following his wife, who died in 1878 in her seventy-eighth year.

MATTHEW MARTIN, son of James and Mary (White) Martin, grew to manhood on the home farm in South Strabane township, Washington county, and received his earliest education in an old log schoolhouse, which was built and furnished

in the most primitive manner-the large chimney at one end, greased paper for windows, a rough puncheon floor, the writing desk fastened to the wall, and the rude seats supported by wooden pegs. After leaving school, young Matthew worked on the farm and assisted his father in the sawmill. He is now a prosperous man. He votes the Re- publican ticket; and has filled the position of super- visor of roads three or four terms.

WILLIAM HENRY MARTIN (brother of Matthew) was married January 17, 1867, to Annie M. Thome, a resident of North Strabane township, this county, and they have two children: Abbie Ettie (wife of Rev. William Jones, pastor of a Presbyterian Church at Pittsburgh), and James Willis. William H. Martin is now a school director of his town- ship, and in religion a member of the U. P. Church, of which he is an elder. In 1884 the brothers erected their present handsome dwelling. Their farm consists of over 400 acres of land, situ- ated five miles east of Washington borough, in South Strabane township, which is one of the most comfortable and cosy homes in the vicinity. The brothers devote a great deal of time to stock rais- ing, and now own about eight hundred fine Black- Top Merino sheep. This farm was patented to Jacob Shively, in 1786. The patentee sold to Peter Martin in 1811, and it has been in the Mar- tin family since that year.

T HOMAS WEAVER, a native of Washington county, and early settler of Cecil township, is the eldest son of John, and grandson of Thomas Dill Weaver. The Weaver family are of Welsh descent, and trace their settle- ment in Pennsylvania to the time of William Penn. Thomas Dill Weaver was born in Chester county, Penn., and there married to Jane Hinston, who came with her parents from Ireland to Chester county, Penn., at the age of seven years. After the birth of their third child the young couple came with pack-horses to Washington county, Penn., locating at Canonsburg, where both died many years ago.

John Weaver, a son of this pioneer couple, was born in Chester county, Penn., having come with his parents to Chartiers township, this county, when but seven years of age. He grew to man- hood in this county, and learned the trade of a stone mason. When a young man he selected a life companion in the person of Mary McMillan, a native of North Strabane township, daughter of Dr. John and Catherine (Brown) McMillan. The parents were born in Chester county, Penn., com- ing to this county in an early day, and locating in North Strabane township. The father was pastor of . the Chartiers Presbyterian Church for fifty years, also the founder of Jefferson College. He

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died in 1828, having been preceded by the mother in 1818.

John and Mary (McMillan) Weaver made a per- manent home near Canonsburg, Penn., and were members of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church. The children born to this union were as follows: Thomas (whose name opens this sketch), Catherine (Mrs. Patterson White, of Paxton, Ill.) and Jane (a twin, wife of John Jeffrey, of Jefferson county, Ohio), Sarah (deceased at the age of seventeen years), Mary (deceased in 1887, wife of Wilson Lesnett, Allegheny county, Penn.), John (died in Canons- burg), Margaret (Mrs. John Perry, of Missouri), Nancy (married to William McNutt, of Canons- burg) and Samuel (deceased in Canonsburg). Thomas Weaver was born April 16, 1811, in Char- tiers township, this county, being educated in the subscription schools of the home district. On March 17, 1835, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Frederick nad Isabella (Wilson) Lesnett, early pioneers of Allegheny coun- ty, Penn., where their lives were passed. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Weaver resided .in Chartiers township until 1848; then bought a par- tially improved farm of 106 acres in Cecil town- ship, of which he yet retains eighty-six acres, well improved and cultivated. He votes with the Dem- ocratic party, and in religion both are members of the Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg, of which he has for many years been a ruling elder. They are the parents of the following named children: (1) John, born December 25, 1835 (a physician and surgeon of Canonsburg, was united in mar- riage with Belle A. Boyce, December 10, 1863, and died March 18, 1872. The children of this union are Lizzie B., Thomas McKeag (died in childhood), Mary J., Thomas C. and John B., twins, the lat- ter of whom died January 16, 1892); (2) Fred- erick, born January 14, 1838 (farmer and dairy- man, living in Cecil township, was united in mar- riage with Sarah A. Henry, February 17, 1881. They are the parents of the following named chil- dren: Martha M., Ida E., Thomas V. and William McC.); (3) Mary, born February 9, 1840 (wife of James M. White, of Cecil township, married March 16, 1866); (4) Thomas, born November 5, 1841 (preferred to follow the profession of a teacher, but entered the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment P. V.I., and died as a prisoner of war at Louisanna Hos- pital, Va., November 27, 1863); (5) Isaac, (6) Isa- bella, and (7) Calvin (all died in childhood); (8) Isaac Calvin, born June 29, 1849 (farmer and mechanic, living in Cecil township, was united in marriage with Mary J. McLaughlin, October 19, 1876, and died December 25, 1890. The children of this union are Mary E., Fred R., Annie B., Alice L., Thomas D., Olive M. and Francis J.); (9) Samuel W., born January 9, 1853 (a physician and sur- geon of Oregon, was united in marriage with Alice

Grim, November 1, 1888. The children of this union are Francis and Grey Grim); (10) Frank Ritchie, born August 17, 1855 (farmer, living in Cecil township, was united in marriage with Sarah J. McNary, August 9, 1892).

S AMUEL SCOTT, a leading and representa- tive citizen of Smith township, is a son of Finley Scott, and a grandson of Abraham Scott, who was born and reared in Mary- land, and when a young man (about the year 1780) came to Washington county with his brother Al- exander, settling near Raccoon, Robinson town- ship. Here he purchased a wild tract of land, where the remainder of his active life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He married Jane, a sister of John Finley (the founder of Finleyville), and reared the following children: Rachel (Mrs. James Russell), Mary (wife of Thomas Fletcher), Ann (married to James Kerr), Jane (wife of David White), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Scott), Susan (married to John McBride), Samuel, Finley and Holland. Abraham Scott was a Democrat in poli- tics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church at Raccoon.

Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson township, and educated in the schools of the neigh- borhood of his home. In 1822 he married Mar- garet, daughter of James Stephenson, of Smith township. The young people made their first home after marriage on a farm in Robinson town- ship, this county, remaining there a few years, when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith township, where they lived twenty years, and finally moved to the home where the remainder of their lives was passed. The children of this couple were Ann, Robert K., James, Samuel, Finley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowan), and Margaret (wife of Thomas Akleson). Mr. Scott was the architect of his own fortune, and owned 450 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred April 5, 1878. He was a Democrat, and held various township offices. In church connection he was first a member of the Associate Reformed Church, in which he was an elder, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church at Burgettstown. He and his wife are buried in the United Presbyterian cemetery.

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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 187

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