Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 190

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 190

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Joseph Boone, son of John, was born in 1798, in Dauphin county, Penn., and came to Washing- ton county, Penn., with his parents, when yet a child. He attended the schools of Washington county, and was early inducted into the mysteries of agriculture. In early life he was married to Nancy, daughter of John McCoy, a resident of Chartiers township, this county, and a native of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. Boone began married life on the farm now occupied by John C. McNary, where they resided about three years, then pur- chased and moved upon a farm in Cecil township, and three years later settled in North Strabane township, this county. Mr. Boone died Septem- ber 16, 1850, having made a success in life solely by his own exertions. He was a Whig, and in religion a member of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Boone is yet living, now in her eighty-eighth year. She is the mother of the fol- lowing children: John A., Samuel (who gradu- ated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg, in August,

1853, and is now living in Ohio), Thomas (de- ceased) and Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Pettil).

John A. Boone, eldest son of Joseph and Nancy (McCoy) Boone, was born June 13, 1829, in Chartiers township, this county, and received his early education at the common schools. On May 28, 1874, he was united in marriage with Ada, daugh- ter of Levi Griffith, and three children have been born to them, viz .: Ada C. and Alice E. (twins) and Joseph G. Mr. Boone is an energetic, repre- sentative citizen, in politics a Republican, and in church connection a member of the First Presby - terian congregation of Canonsburg. His home is a large and beautiful residence, pleasantly situated on the principal street of Canonsburg.

AMES D. HUSTON, a public-spirited and en- terprising citizen of Amwell township, is a grandson of Joseph Huston, who came to Washington, this county, in 1786, and es- tablished the old "Huston Inn" (as it was then called), situated on the east side of Main street, below Maiden. He kept the tavern until his death, making a good profit in the business. He married Miss Elizabeth Beckwith, and to their union were born the following children: Mrs. Sarah Meetkirk (deceased at the age of ninety-one years), Mrs. Isabella Sarratt (deceased when aged forty- two), Cyrus (who died in his seventy-eighth year), Mary, wife of Zachariah Reynolds (she died when eighty-seven years old), Joseph (who died in his eighty-fifth year), Hamilton (who died in his eighty-first year), William B. (deceased in his eighty-fourth year; he continued the old "Huston Inn " for many years), and Mrs. Eliza Oliver (who died when eighty-six years old). At the time of his death, which occurred in 1813. Joseph Huston, the father of this family, owned nearly all the southwestern part of Washington, Penn. His wife survived him many years, and died about 1855, in her eighty-fifth year.

Cyrus Huston, son of Joseph. was born Febru- ary 23, 1797, at Washington, Penn., in the old " Huston Inn." In early manhood he learned the trade of a cabinet maker, which he followed for a time in what is now known as Monongahela, thence in about 1843 removed to Pittsburgh, and was there during the great fire of 1845. He after- ward sold out and invested in a tan-yard, opposite Horse Island, on the Allegheny side of the river; be was then a very wealthy man. but the flood of 1852 completely ruined him, and he afterward re- turned to Pittsburgh. where he lived about twenty years, engaged in the real estate and brokerage business. In 1848 he was married to Miss Mary Swart, and they had one child, Sarah. The mother lived but a short time afterward, and Mr. Huston was afterward married to Mrs. Nancy Howden,

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by which union were born James D. (whose name opens this sketch) and Mrs. Martha Belle Hornish. About 1872 Mr. Huston came to Washington county, Penu., where he remained till his deatlı, which occurred May 3, 1874.

James D. Huston was born Angust 4, 1838, in Washington, Penn., and remained with his parents until they moved to Pittsburgh, when he went to Holmes county, Ohio, and for a time attended a small academy in Knox county, same State. He then went to Pittsburgh and learned the trade of cabinet making, which business he followed, to- gether with carpentering, five years, and removing in 1859 to Amity, this county, he embarked in mer- cantile business. In 1860 he went to Monticello, Ind., and clerked in a store there for a time, but returning to Amity in 1864 he bought out James Hughes, Sr., and in April, 1865, again began mer- cantile business. On April 29, 1862, Mr. Huston was united in marriage with Rosetta Hughes, wlio has borne him five children, namely: William (de- ceased), born July 15, 1863; Charles (deceased), · born September 23, 1864; Mrs. Doisey M. Bur- roughs, born November 28, 1867; Harry H., born January 14, 1870 (still living at home), and Jessie B. (Mrs. Kerr), born August 7, 1871. In 1869 Mr. Huston removed to Lone Pine, and served as postmaster there for sixteen years. He was pres- ident of the academy of Pleasant Valley three years. He has always taken an active interest in school matters, and is ever ready to aid a worthy cause. He has always been a Republican.

A LEXANDER McCONNELL represents one of the earliest pioneers of Washington county, his grandfather, Alexander McCon- nell, who was a native of Virginia, coming to Washington county in 1787, with a brother Matthew. The brothers each took a farm, and Alexander afterward bought 200 acres of the "Black Woods" tract, of one Mr. Black. Alexan- der was married in Cecil township, this county, to Elizabeth McCrory, and they settled on a farm adjoining that of his grandson and namesake. He took an active part in the Whiskey Insurrection. In church relation he and his wife were members of the Seceder denomination. He died many years ago, being followed several years later by his wife. She was the mother of six children, viz. : Alexan- der, who resided in Cecil township; David, whose sketch follows; Prudence, wife of James Oram; Jane; Nancy; and Matthew, of Chartiers town- ship, all now deceased.

David McConnell, son of Alexander and Eliza- beth (McCrory) McConnell, was born in 1791, on the home farm in Cecil township, where he grew to manhood. In 1828 he was united in marriage with Sarah Campbell, who was born in 1805 in

Cecil township, and to their union were born the following children: Alexander (who died at the age of fourteen years), Mary Margaret (Mrs. James Johnston, of Helena, Mont.), John C. (a widower, living in Washington, Iowa, near Ainsworth), Eliz- abeth (deceased, first married to James Giffin, then to Frank Collins, of Peters township, this connty), David (who died at the age of four years), Jane (deceased in youth), Alexander (whose name opens this sketch), Isabella (Mrs. John Skiles, of Dallas county, Iowa), and Sarah (wife of J. R. Gladden, of Cecil township).

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. McConnell settled on the homestead in Cecil township. In politics he was formerly a Whig, then a Democrat, and served some years as supervisor. He and his wife were first connected with the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run, afterward uniting with the same society at Venice, he having been one of the organ- izers of the church in the latter place. David Mc- Connell died in 1873, and was followed by his wife in 1881.

Alexander McConnell was born in 1840, on the old place in Cecil township, this county, attend- ing during his boyhood the district schools of the vicinity. In 1881 he was married to Mary Jane, daughter of John and Mary (Spence) Mat- thews, natives of Cecil township; they moved to Jefferson county, Kans., where the father died in 1887, the mother following him to the grave in 1889. Alexander and Mary Jane McConnell set- tled on the place where they are now living, and which contains 109 well-cultivated acres. The barn, yet in a good condition, was erected in 1794, and the house was built in 1805. In politics he is a Democrat, but votes independently in county elections. He has served two or three terms as supervisor, and in religion he and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Venice. They have three children: Esther Mary, Sarah Eveline and John Walter.

R OBERT HERRON, a descendant of a lead- ing pioneer of North Strabane township, was born September 30, 1826, on the farm now occupied by his brother James. He is a son of Joseph Herron and grandson of James, whose father, Charles Herron, was born in Ireland, where he was married, and reared a large family, coming with them to America in an early day. His son James was born in County Down, Ireland, and passed his boyhood in his native land. He came to America in the latter part of the eight- eenth century, locating in North Strabane town- ship, this county, on the farm now owned by James Herron, the grandson. The place was then in a rude state of cultivation, but was soon transformed into a comfortable home. In early manhood Mr.

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Herron was united in marriage with Rachel Reed, a resident of Ohio, and the following children were born to them: Charles. John, William, James, Robert, John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel. Po- litically, Mr. Herron was a Democrat, and took an active part in the questions of the day. He was an earnest member of the Seceder Church.

Joseph Herron was born January 2, 1797, in North Strabane township, Washington county, on the farm of his father, and received his early education in the schools of the vicinity. On Jan- uary 3, 1824, he was married to Margaret, daughter of Daniel Hastings, of Somerset township, this county, and then settled on the home place, where the remainder of his life was passed. In 1850 he erected the brick residence now occupied by his son James. To Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Herron were born children as follows: Rachel. born December 15, 1824; Robert, born September 30, 1826; James, born September 18, 1828; John, born July 24. 1830; Sarah J. (Mrs. Jonathan Peese), born April 22, 1833; Joseph, born December 8, 1834; Mar- garet A. (Mrs. Robert Munnel), born October 4, 1837; and Elizabeth M. (Mrs. John B. Herron), born October 6, 1842. Mr. Herron was a Demo- crat in politics, and served as judge of elections and school director. He was also a lieutenant in the militia, and in religious connection was a mem- ber and liberal supporter of the Seceder Church. Mr. Herron died January 25. 1852, and was fol- lowed by his wife March 18, 1854. Both are buried in the cemetery of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek.

Robert Herron worked on the home farm during his boyhood, and on May 13, 1858, was united in marriage with Rachel E., daughter of John Berry, and she bore him the following children: William G., Margaret J. (Mrs. W. B. McNary), Lizzie R. (Mrs. M. H. Munce), Anna M. (Mrs. W. H. Mc- Nary), Sadie Thome and Robert Walker. Mr. Herron has always been a Democrat in politics, and has held various township offices. He is a very prominent citizen, and in religions connection he and his family are members of the United Presby- terian Church at Mt. Prospect, to which he gives a liberal support. Mr. Herron has in his posses- sion one of the oldest Bibles in Washington county. which was formerly the property of one of his paternal ancestors.

R ICHARD GLADDEN occupies a conspicu- ous position in the large circle of promi- nent agriculturists of Cecil township, and is descended from a pioneer family. The earliest ancestors of the name, whose history can be obtained, were William and Mary (Woods) Gladden, both of whom were born in eastern Pennsylvania. They came to Cecil town-

ship in May, 1795, and bought of one Nicholas Gaunce 2062 acres, of which tract he had secured the patent in 1789, and which became their perma- nent home. After the death of William, the land became the property of Richard Gladden, and has continued to remain in the family name up to the present time.

Richard Gladden, son of William and Mary (Woods) Gladden, was born on the old homestead in Cecil township, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In early life he was married to Mary Kelso, who was born near Noblestown, Allegheny Co .. Penn. He brought his bride to the old farm and devoted his life to agricultural pursuits, also giving considerable attention to politics; he voted with the Whig and Republican parties. To the union of Richar l and Mary Gladden came the fol- lowing children: William, living in Canonsburg, Penn .; Martha, wife of Thomas Reed, living at Pasadena, Cal .; Benjamin John, residing in Car- thage, Mo .; George, a physician and surgeon of Homestead, Allegheny Co., Penn .; Richard, whose sketch follows; and Joseph, living at Canonsburg, Penn. The father of this family died in 1864,

the mother passing away in 1885. Both were members of the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run.

Richard Gladden, son of Richard and Mary (Kelso) Gladden, was born in 1855, in Cecil town- ship, in a house which was used as a fort in colonial times. The schoolhouse which he first attended was built on the ground where an oil well is now in operation. On October 25, 1876. he was united in marriage with Lavina Tuten, who was born in Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township. this county, daughter of George and Catherine (Trimmer) Tuten, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, who settled in this county many years ago. The father died in Hickory, Penn., and the mother is yet living, in Pittsburgh. Richard and Lavina (Tuten) Gladden began married life on the farm in Cecil township which they now occupy, consisting of 200 acres of well-cultivated land. He has been engaged in the dairy business, and three oil wells are in operation on the place. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion Mr. and Mrs. Gladden are members of the U. P. Church at McDonald, Penn. They are the parents of three children, viz .: Anna Mary, Iva and Frank.

W. GIFFIN is descended from a family who originally settled in eastern Pennsyl- vania. In 1795 Andrew and Jane (Hervey) Giffin bought 450 acres of land on the boundary line of Allegheny and Washington coun- ties. They settled in Cecil township, this county, where he died in 1815, being followed by his wife a few years later.

John Giffin, son of Andrew and Jane Giffin, was

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born in 1785, in Chester county, Penn., and when ten years of age came with his parents to Cecil township, where his youth was passed, In 1804 he was united in marriage with Jane Hanson, who was born about the year 1787, in Fayette town- ship, Allegheny Co., Penn., and they settled per- manently on a farm in Allegheny county, to which he devoted his time; he took an active part in the Whig and Republican factions. He died in 1870, having been several years preceded by his wife. Their children were as follows: Andrew H. (liv- ing in Cecil township), Margaret (deceased in youth), Jane (widow of William Young, in Cecil township), Alice (wife of John Ballantine, in Mus- kingum county, Ohio), Nancy (who died in 1890, in New Concord, Ohio, wife of Andrew Hanson), J. W. (whose sketch is given below), Jacob Hanson (de- ceased), William (a widower, living in Canons- burg, Penn.), Mary (Mrs. Richard Boyce, of Mis- souri), Thomas (a widower, living in Kansas), Rebecca (deceased wife of Archibald Rutherford, of West Virginia) and Sarah (Mrs. George Ruth- erford, of West Virginia). The parents were members of the Associate Reformed Church at Robinson's Run.

J. W. Giffin was born December 1, 1815, in Allegheny county, Penn., and was educated in the log-cabin subscription schools of Fayette township. He was first married to Elizabeth Patterson, a na- tive of Allegheny county, daughter of James Pat- terson, who was born in Ireland, and immigrated to this country many years ago. The young peo- ple settled in Fayette township, Allegheny county, and the wife died in Cecil township, this county, in 1860, leaving three children, viz .: Mary Abi- gail, Samuel Hanson (living at Mckeesport, Penn.) and James P. (a widower, of Pittsburgh, Penn.). On March 19, 1863, Mr. Giffin was united in mar- riage with Patience Morrison, a native of Notting- ham township, this county, the ceremony taking place in Cecil township. She was a daughter of Maj. John Morrison, an early pioneer of Notting- ham township. This wife died in 1870 in Cecil township, leaving four children, as follows: Eliza- beth, Mrs. William R. Miller, of Mt. Washington, Allegheny Co., Penn .; John B., living at home; Anna, wife of Harry Wilson, of Noblestown, Penn., and Ella Y., living at home. In 1874 Mr. Giffin bought an improved farm of 111 acres adjoining Venice, this county, where he carries on general farming, and upon which is an oil well nearly ready for operation. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and has been a member of the Republican party since its organization; has served as supervisor, member of the school board, assessor and in various other offices of public trust. He is a member of the U. P. Church at Venice.

R OBERT JOHNSTON. The Johnston family were for many years residents of Allegheny county, Penn., where one James Johnston was born and reared. In early life he was married to Jane Morrow, a native of the same county, and tlie young couple immediately settled in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. He died in his seventy-third year, his wife passing away at the age of seventy-two, leaving a family of children, among whom was a son Robert.

Robert Johnston was born September 30, 1817, on the farm in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn., and during his earlier years assisted his father with the work on the place. On March 2, 1841, he married Miss Rebecca Black, and they began housekeeping on a farm which he had pur- chased of his father, near Canonsburg, this county. In 1863 he bought 141 acres of land in North Strabane township, this county, to which he re- moved in the fall of that year. On this farm he has continued to reside, and has reared four chil- dren, namely: Sarah Jane, James L. (living in Canonsburg), Richard and Mary Eliza. The mother died in 1872, at the age of fifty-eight years, but her memory is ever living in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. The family are mem- bers of the First Presbyterian Church at Canons- burg, and Mr. Johnston has taken an active part in questions of public interest, having served in various township offices.

Richard Johnston, the second son of Robert and Rebecca Johnston, was born February 26, 1848, on the place near Canonsburg, this county, and has passed his life under the parental roof, receiving a common-school education. On November 13, 1873, he married Anna M., daughter of Isaac and Jane (Matthews) Weaver, and she has borne him three children, namely: Eva M., Robert B. and Harry W. Like his father, Richard Johnston affiliates with the Democratic party, and in relig- ion he and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg.

R OBERT WARRELL. Among the esteemed residents of East Finley township, none are more worthy than the subject of this sketch. He is a son of James Warrell, who was a native of County Donegal, Ireland, to which country Washington county is indebted for many of her substantial and enterprising citizens.

James Warrell received a fair education, of which he made good use in later years, and learned the shoemaker's trade. In about 1815 he was united in marriage with Sarah Wilson, a native of the same county, and before leaving Ireland the following children were born to them: Thomas

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(deceased), Rebecca (living in Allegheny county, Penn.), Rachel (deceased), Charles (residing in Claysville, this county) and James (deceased). Mr. Warrell was engaged in the mercantile and broker business at Convoy, County Donegal, Ireland, and during the war of 1812 was frequently called on business to New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia and many other large eastern cities. In 1825 he immigrated with his family to America, and land- ing at New York, resided in that city for some time, where another child, Robert, was born to him. In 1826 he moved to Washington county, Penn., locating near Claysville, Donegal township, where he purchased some property, upon which was a hotel, conducted for a short time by John Valentine, then purchasing a farm, engaged in agriculture. Three other children were there born: William, a farmer in East Finley township, this county ; Sarah Ann (Mrs. William L. Oliver), of East Finley township, and John, a farmer of Richland county, Ohio. Mr. Warrell was never sick a day in his life before his last illness, and was a man of wonderful vigor and vitality. He once walked from Claysville to Pittsburgh and returned, in one day and two hours of the night. Politically he was a Republican, and in religious faith a member of the Presbyterian Church. His wife died in 1834, and after a short sickness he sank peacefully to rest.

Robert Warrell (the eldest of the children born in America) was born in New York City, July 4, 1826, and was early brought by his parents to Washington county, Penn., where he received a limited education. After attaining his majority he was employed as a tanner, afterward becoming a partner in the business with his brother. He then clerked in the dry-goods store of George K. Scott, Washington, Penn., for some time, when he went to Pittsburgh and clerked for Stephen Barton, a jeweler and notion dealer on the corner of Wood and Water streets. At this time there were no railroads in the city. On July 30, 1850, Mr. War- rell was united in marriage with Rebecca Crisswell, who was born November 15, 1825, a daughter of Richard and Jemima (Mckenzie) Crisswell. To this union two children were born: Sarah E. (widow of Rev. William Gamble, a M. E. minister and native of Allegheny county), born May 29, 1851 (has four children: Mamie R., Clara E., Estelle and Walter D.), and Robert B., born Sep- tember -, 1854 (deceased when four months old). After his marriage Mr. Warrell remained some time in Pittsburgh, and then moved to Henry county, Ohio, locating near Napoleon (the county seat). He remained there two years, returning in 1856 to Washington county, Penn., where he finally settled on his present well-improved farm, situated five miles south of Claysville, in East Finley township, this county, and successfully

followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. Warrell is a versatile man, and has an extensive acquaintance throughout the county. He is an enthusiastic worker in the Republican party, and has been called on to fill several political offices, but has in- variably declined. He and his wife are both mem- bers of the Stony Point M. E. Church. Their widowed daughter, with her four children, resides with her parents.

AMES SMITH was born January 1, 1817, on the old farm in Washington county, where he remained until he reached the age of maturity. He is a grandson of Demas Smith, who emigrated to this country from Germany, and was married to Elizabeth Zook, a native of the same country. They had the following family of children: Betsey (Mrs. Johns), Joseph, Peter, Polly (Mrs. Iamso), Susan (Mrs. Clark), Chris- topher, Hannah (Mrs. Huffman), Rachel (Mrs. Seales), Abram, Susan, Dennis, David and Cath- erine (Mrs. Meeks). Mr. Smith served seven years in the war of the Revolution, being among the band of suffering heroes who for the cause of lib- erty endured those terrible winters at Valley Forge. He entered Washington county about 1785, locating in West Bethlehem township, at the head of Daniels run. Here he resided two years, and then moved to Greene county, settling on a farm of 200 acres in what is now Washington township. He there passed the remainder of his life, dying about 1824 in his ninety-sixth year. In politics, he was an Old-time Whig.

Peter Smith, son of Demas and Elizabeth Smith, was born in the State of Pennsylvania (east of the mountains) in 1775, and in 1785 removed with his father's family to West Bethlehem township, Washington county. He remained with his parents (who afterward moved to Greene county) until he was twenty-nine years old, but had no educational privileges. In 1804 lie was united in marriage with Priscilla Cooper, daughter of Moses and Sarah Cooper, of Amwell township, this county, and to this union were born children as follows: Dennis, Moses (deceased), Polly (Mrs. Garber), Peter, Betsey (Mrs. Riggle), Sally (Mrs. Potts, residing in Missouri), James, David (deceased), Mrs. Eunice Johnson (deceased), Hannah (Mrs. Hufford) and Priscilla (Mrs. Bealer). Mr. Smith was a hard-working and successful man, owning at one time 300 acres of land. He was a Whig, and took an active interest in the political affairs of the township and county. He and his father were for many years members of the Baptist Church. Mrs.

. Smith died in 1840, Mr. Smith in 1848.

James Smith, son of Peter and Priscilla Smith, received his education in the common schools of Washington county, Penn., and is fond of his-

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torical and current literature. In 1843 he was united in marriage with Margaret Johnson, daugh- ter of Zenis and Sarah Johnson, of Greene county, Penn., and to this union were born two children: Johnson, a resident of McKeesport, Alleglieny Co., Penn., and Sarah, deceased wife of Mr. Wat- son. After his marriage Mr. Smith moved on the farm he now occupies, which he purchased when his father died. His first wife dying March 4, 1871,. Mr. Smith married for his second wife Mrs. Sarah Paul, widow of Philo Paul. In political affiliation Mr. Smith was a Whig, first casting his vote for Gen. Harrison, and since its formation has been an active member of the Republican party. He is much interested in local politics, and has been su- pervisor and school director for a number of years. He has been a valuable member of the Baptist Church forty-seven years.

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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 190

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