Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 191

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 191

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W ILSON T. DENNY, son of Josiah, grand- son of William and Elizabeth Denny, was born September 11, 1843, in Cecil town- ship, this county. The grandparents came with their family in 1790 from eastern Pennsylvania to Washington county, where both died. William Denny was a soldier in the Revolutionary war.

Josiah Denny was born June 16, 1798, in Wash- ington county, Penn., and passed his youth on the home place. On October 19, 1820, he was united in marriage with Jane Simcox, who was born Au- gust 18, 1798, in this county. They settled on the farm in Cecil township now owned by W. T. Denny, and children were born to them as follows: Will- iam W. (deceased March 3, 1868), a physician and surgeon, of Pittsburgh, Penn .; Joseph, living in Noble county, Ohio; Mary (wife of William H. McClay), died in October, 1883, at Cumberland, Ohio; Martha Jane, Mrs. Hugh Liggett, of Mus- kingum county, Ohio; John A., living at Canons- burg, Penn .; and W. T., whose sketch follows. The father passed away April 1, 1856, followed by his widow July 7, 1868. Both were members of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run.

W. T. Denny was educated in the schools of the home district, and then followed agricultural pur- suits. On February 27, 1866, he made choice of a life companion in the person of Margaret Tid- ball, who was born December 24, 1845, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Nicholson) Tidball, all three being natives of Robinson township, Alle- gheny Co., Penn. The father passed away May 12, 1884, the mother on November, 10, 1849.

Mr. and Mrs. Denny have resided on the old homestead since their marriage. Many improve- ments have been made on the place since the pres-

ent owner has had possession. A good house and two good barns have been erected, one barn having been burned. The farm contains seventy-five acres of well-cultivated, fertile land. In the autumn of 1871 Mr. Denny embarked in mercantile business at Burgettstown, but in 1876 returned to the old place, resuming his former occupation. He votes the Republican ticket, and is now serving his sec- ond term as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Ven- ice, this county. Four children have been born to them, viz .: Harry W., William W., Eva Jane and Laura M.

E LIJAH MILES. Of the many prominent and esteemed citizens of Buffalo township, the name of this family ranks among the first.

Elijah Miles was a son of Elijah Miles, who was born in the State of Virginia in 1765, and in his later years removed to Canton township, Washing- ton Co., Penn. He died August 27, 1834, in Ohio, on his farm (where he was settling up his business affairs), honored by all who knew him. His wife and four children survived him at the date of his death. John died in 1891, in Marietta, Ohio, at the age of eighty-five years; Mary died January 20, 1837, in the twenty-eighth year of her age; Nancy died April 13, 1837, in the twenty- sixth year of her age. Their mother, Elizabeth, died at the age of sixty years.

Elijah Miles, our subject, the only surviving one of the four children, was born in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn. He moved to Keokuk county, Iowa, in 1855, and came back to Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1856, where he permanently settled. Elijah Miles was married in 1862 to Caroline, daughter of Lewis Snyder, and the children born to this union were Mary, wife of Frank M. Caffey, of Buffalo township, Eliz- abeth and John.

Lewis Snyder, father of Mrs. Caroline Miles, was born in 1801 in Germany. He was well edu- cated, and became a soldier in the German army. He was married to Catherine Mary Cook, and the children born to them were Caroline, who was born October 6, 1835, in Germany, and came with her parents to America; and Charles, George, Louisa, Lewis, William, Catherine and Frank, born in America, the last named being now deceased, the only one in the Snyder family that has been taken away. The living children of this family are all resi- dents of Washington county, Penn. In 1844 Mr. Sny- der came to America with his family, and first set- tled on a farm in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., where he made his permanent home.

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J AMES A. THOMPSON. Among the self- made men of Washington county, none are better deserving of prominent mention in this Biographical Record than the above- named citizen. His parents were Allen and Martha (Lindsay) Thompson, early pioneers of Washington county. The father was born in 1794, and the mother in 1797. The following children were born to them: William, John L., Josiah, James A., Allen, Martha J., Mary Ann, Harvey H., Sarah, William, John A. (deceased), and Ebenezer (deceased). The mother passed away in 1870, followed by the father in 1872.

James A. Thompson was born December 10, 1822, on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn. He assisted his father in the care of the farm and, receiving but little financial aid from home, began life with no capital but that of a willing heart, strong hands and cheerful spirit. On Christmas Day, 1845, he was united in marriage with Margaret Griffith, and soon after their wedding he rented his father's farm and con- tinued to live there as a tenant for several years, finally purchasing the old place. His wife died April 3, 1857, leaving two small children: Allen and Samuel (deceased), and on March 9, 1858, he was joined in wedlock with Margaret, daughter of James and Mary (Geis) Kerr. To this union have been born four children: Mary Eva, William K., Martha E. and Sadie M. The name of Ella Steele, a little orphan girl, completes this family circle, for she is cherished as tenderly as their own by her foster-parents. Mr. Thompson has done all in his power to advance the educational inter- ests of the community. He has served as super- visor, but though shirking no responsibility, he has no desire for political honors. He declares that "the Republican party is good enough for him," and votes accordingly. He is a wide-awake, progressive man. In 1858 he sold the old place, and bought 156 acres now known as the " Guthrie farm," in Chartiers township, and in 1875 bought the eighty-three acres which is now his home. To this he has added thirty-three acres of another tract, and is now living near Canonsburg.

A B. DUVALL. The Duvall family, of which this gentleman is a prominent representa- tive, has for many years been closely asso- ciated with the progress and improvement of Washington county.

.Alexander and Elizabeth Duvall were natives of Maryland, born of French descent. They came to - Pennsylvania many years ago, and located in Washington county, where he lived several years, and then settled on a farm in Fayette county, near Brownsville, where he died at the age of eighty-five years. Of their children are named

John, David, Jacob, Lewis, Eli, Jehu, Hiram and Elizabeth, all now deceased.

David Duvall was born April 7, 1785, in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth on the home farm. He began life with no financial aid, but willing hands, an active brain and stout body proved sufficient cap- ital, and he soon acquired a comfortable property, all in agricultural pursuits. When a young man he was united in marriage with Mary Bailey, who was born in 1782, in East Pike Run township, and they reared the following family of children: Nancy, widow of S. Robison, now residing in Cal- ifornia, Washington Co., Penn .; Eliza, wife of John B. Hanen, of East Pike Run township; Ruth, widow of George Garrett, a resident of California, Washington county; Mary; Alexander B .; John; Lewis; Abigail, and Sarah, of whom the four last mentioned are now deceased. The father in his political affiliations voted with the Republican party. He died August 24, 1865, having been pre- ceded by his wife in 1862.

Alexander B. Duvall, son of David and Mary (Bailey) Duvall, was born March 19, 1825, in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. He received a subscription-school education, and grew to manhood on the home farm, working the old place on shares until the death of his father. In 1870 he was united in marriage with Josephine Pester, who was born in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of Moses and Elizabeth (Smith) Pester, also natives of this county. Her father was a cab- inet maker at Coal Centre, Penn., and in politics voted with the Democratic party. He and his wife died in Coal Centre, leaving two children, Ann and Josephine (Mrs. Duvall). To the union of Alexander B. and Josephine (Pester) Duvall the following children have been born: Emma, David R., Nellie S., Carolus, Anna Thames, Chauncy Slocum, John Shanton, Flora G., Belva L., Pierre L., Alexander V., Cassius A., and Jessie.

The old homestead contains 210 acres of well- cultivated land, and is universally admitted to be one of the finest farms in Washington county. In 1875 Mr. Duvall erected a handsome two-story house upon the property, commanding a beautiful landscape view for many miles, carrying the eye to the mountain beyond. Since 1852 he has been a member of the F. & A. M. at Coal Centre. He is a fearless, conscientious man, and worships at the Disciple Church, his wife being identified with the Methodist Episcopal denomination.

AMES H. ALLEN. Among the prosperous citizens of Carroll township, perhaps none have had more varied or thrilling experiences of life than this gentleman. His grandfather, David Allen, was an early settler of Forward town- ship, Allegheny Co., Penn., where he carried on

James Sheer

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farming and stock raising, also operating a distill- ery. He married Mary Warne, who bore him chil- dren as follows: John, Dorcas, Joseph, James, David, Eliza, Frances, Mary and Bela. The father of this family died about the year 1823. He was a leading member of the Presbyterian Church at Round Hill, and in politics he was a Democrat.

David P. Allen, father of subject, was born in 1805, in Forward township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and learned the trade of tanner. He married Miss Mary Whorley, and, with the exception of short intervals, their lives were passed in Forward township, Allegheny county. He owned twenty - one acres of coal land, and followed farming dur- ing his later years. On October 30, 1889, he died, aged eighty-four years six months, leaving the following children: James H., Joseph W. (liv- ing in Kansas), Ann Eliza (deceased), Dorcas (Mrs. McConnell, living in Majors, Buffalo Co., Neb.), Bradford (residing near Denver, Colo.), Albert G. (a resident of Pittsburgh, Penn. ), Florence (Mrs. McTeeter, of Braddock, Penn.), and Mrs. Mary J. Fleming, of Fayette City, Penn. The mother is yet living on the old homestead in Allegheny county, Penn., aged eighty-three years. In poli- tics the father was a Whig and Republican.

James H. Allen was born November 23, 1832, in Wheeling, W. Va., and was brought with his parents to Allegheny county, Penn., when an in- fant. . At the age of twenty years he took a course of engineering at Brownsville, Penn., and passed four years learning the machinist's business. After completing his studies he became a steamboat en- gineer, and for thirty-five years sailed the western waters-the Ohio and Mississippi-going as far north as St. Paul, and as far south as New Orleans. During the Civil war he was engaged in transport- ing troops and provisions, and was held as a pris- oner for some time on the Cumberland river. He was on a boat that sank in the Ohio river, near Battingrape Island. After the war he returned home, and February 28, 1867, he was married to Miss M. A. Thompson, daughter of Wilson Thomp- son, of Monongahela. The children born to them were as follows: Bertha (deceased), Wilson T., Albert and Harry. Wilson Thompson was a na- tive of Maryland, whence, when a young man, he came to Monongahela, and learned the trade of glass blowing, which he followed some time. He was married to Margaret, daughter of Elias Wat- kins, of Monongahela, and the children born to them were: Martha A. and William (deceased in infancy). The father died in 1872, the mother in 1840, and both are buried in Monongahela. He was a leading member of the M. E. Church, and was deeply interested in educational affairs.

Mr. and Mrs. James H. Allen have a beautiful home in Bellwood, near Monongahela, where they 57

have resided some fifteen years. They are mem- bers of the Methodist Church. Mr. Allen is one of the leading citizens of his locality, a typical self-made man, one whose integrity is unquestioned. In his political affiliations he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party.

J OSEPH HAWKINS. The Hawkins family have long been residents of Pennsylvania. Robert and Ruth Hawkins (grandparents of Joseph) were born in eastern Pennsylvania, where they married and reared the following children: William (a resident of Newton Falls, Trumbull Co., Ohio), Robert (living in West Beth- lehem township, this county), Elizabeth (living in Springfield, Ohio, widow of George Taylor), Lydia A. (residing in Ohio, widow of Eli Hill), Mary (widow of Thomas Duton, Ohio), Louisa (wife of Joseph Weaver, a farmer of Ohio), Elijah, Thomas and Gideon, the latter two being deceased. The father of this family was a preacher for the Dis- ciple Church; in politics he voted the Republican ticket. He died in 1850, at the age of seventy two years, after a busy life in agricultural pursuits.

Elijah Hawkins was born September 17, 1815, in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., and was reared on the farm. He received a business education, and began mercantile life at Beallsville, this county, remaining there five years. He then moved to Zollarsville, this county, con- ducting business in that place for twenty years, but finally sold out and retired to his present farm in Pike Run township. He was first married to Mary A. Greenfield, a native of Washington county, Penn., who bore him one daughter, Mary A. (wife of James Hedge, a farmer of Jefferson county, Iowa). The mother died in 1841, and in 1842 Elijah Hawkins was married to Elizabeth Weaver, who was born in 1815, in Washington county, Penn. Their children were as follows: Louisa (wife of Isaac Hill, a farmer of West Pike Run township), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Hill, of Polk county, Mo.), George (a farmer of Fayette county, Penn.), Joseph (of whom a sketch follows), Theo- dore (a merchant of Beallsville), Theophilus (farm- ing the home place), Walter (farming in West Pike Run township), William (deceased) and Avorilla (deceased). The mother of these children died in 1889, in her seventy-second year. The father is a preacher in the Christian Church, of which both his wives were earnest members. In politics he votes with the Republican party, and is interested in both the civil and religious welfare of the people.

Joseph Hawkins was born September 15, 1848, in Beallsville, West Bethlehem township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., being reared in the village and educated at the public schools. In 1873 he was

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united in marriage with Elizabeth Deemes, who was born September 15, 1841, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of Mark F. and Mar- · garet Deemes. Her parents were both natives of this county, and reared the following children: Joshua (a resident of Colorado), George W. (farm- ing in Beallsville, Penn.), Maria (wife of W. F. Wilson, of West Pike Run township, this county), Samuel P. (a ranchman of Nebraska), Elizabeth (Mrs. Hawkins), and Willie and Oliver, both de- ceased in infancy. The parents both died in their sixty-fifth year.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins have been born two daughters: Maudie and Ada. In politics Mr. Hawkins votes the Republican ticket. He is a member of no church.

S AMUEL J. GHRIST, one of the most pros- perous and influential citizens of Burgetts- town, is a son of Isaac Ghrist, who was born in Maryland, where he was reared and educated. He was a blacksmith by trade, and in early life was united in marriage with Maria Will- ison, also a native of Maryland, where the young people continued to reside for several years after their marriage. They then moved to Fayette county, Penn., finally going farther west, to near fronton, Ohio. The children born to them were: Samuel J., John, Peter, Isabel, Isaac, Elias, Will- iam, Sabina and Sarah A., of whom Samuel J. is the only one living in Washington county. The father and other members of the family died of cholera during the outbreak of that disease at Ironton. The mother afterward married Mr. McCoy of Ironton, and after his death removed to Illinois with her sons, Elias and William, where she died.

Samuel J. Ghrist, the subject proper of this sketch, was born January 1, 1818, in the State of Maryland, and when a young man came from Fay- ette county to Smith township, this county. He commenced working on a farm for one John Hobbs, remaining with him four years, at the end of which time he began working on another farm. Several years later he purchased a small place, to which he added from time to time, and he now owns over 230 acres of good land in Smith township, and a fine residence in Burgettstown. In March, 1838, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of James and Jane (Vance) Stevenson, of Smith township, the latter of whom was a daughter of Will- iam Vance, of Vance's Fort. The following named children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ghrist: Jane, deceased February 15, 1892; Sarah M .; Martha A. ; M. Elizabeth; Catherine W., wife of J. R. McNary, of Smith township (they have six children); Anna M., deceased January 31, 1892, was married to G. M. Miller, of Claysville, now a

druggist of Burgettstown (had one child, Sara Edna); and S. Vance Ghrist, now an attorney at law in South Dakota. He married Miss May Putnam, who holds the honor of teaching the first school in Hand county, S. Dak. They have two children: Elizabeth Vance and Bayard Sidney. The mother of this family dying March 3, 1854, Mr. Ghrist married in August, 1873, Rachel Stroud, of Sten- benville, Ohio, who died July 24, 1888, leaving no issue. In 1878 Mr. Ghrist moved to Burgettstown, where he is yet residing, his home being cared for by his daughters, who are still under the paternal roof. His success in life is to be attributed solely to his own efforts, which have been untiring, and now, a man of about seventy five years of age, he is in the enjoyment of good health. Until he was twenty years of age he never wore a coat of any kind, only a kind of knitted jacket, and his first coat he worked for and earned by the sweat of his brow. His farm, when he came to it, was but partly cleared, but by assiduous labor he highly improved it. His- present home in Burgettstown he bought, besides which he owns other houses in that borough. The family are all great readers. Catharine and Martha were educators in Washing- ton and Allegheny counties, and S. V. in Wash- ington county and in several western States, and has been admitted to the practice of law in Kansas, Illinois and South Dakota. In political opinion Mr. Ghrist was formerly a Whig, afterward a Re- publican upon the organization of the party; has been actively interested in politics, and has held varions township offices. He is a member, and has been a liberal supporter, of the Presbyterian Church from early youth, at the same time con- tributing largely to all charitable and public enter- prises.

H UGH McDOWELL, a prominent agricult- urist of Peters township, is a son of Joseph McDowell, and a grandson of Thomas Mc- Dowell. The grandfather was born in Lan- caster county, Penn., and followed farming and hunting. being an enthusiast in the latter pur- suit. In early life he selected a life companion in the person of Jeanette Clark. and of the children born to their union the following are named: Joseph, James and Jane.

Joseph McDowell, son of Thomas, was born about 1790, in Lancaster county, Penn., where he grew to manhood. In 1808 he and his father came to Washington county, where the latter bought a farm in Mt. Pleasant township. After the death of his father Joseph worked on neighboring farms, and devoted his leisure hours to hunting, many a turkey and deer falling beneath his unerring rifle. In early life he was married to Eleanor McKnight, of Washington county, who bore him seven chil-

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dren, viz .: John, Joseph, Hugh, Mary, Jane, Elizabeth and Ellen; of these Hugh (of whom a sketch follows), Ellen and Jane (wife of Benjamin Vannatta, of Noblestown, Allegheny county) are yet living.

Hugh McDowell was born September 28, 1815, near Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn. His yonth was passed in rural pur- suits, and at the age of seventeen years he learned carpentry, a trade he followed twenty years. He finally purchased 173 acres of land in the Char- tiers Valley, taking possession of the place in 1863, where he has since carried on general farming, in- cluding sheep raising. On February 25, 1847, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of James McConnell, a pioneer farmer of Cecil town- ship, this county, and their children were as fol- lows: Ellen J. (wife of W. J. Johnston), Elizabeth, Margaret and Ida (these three died of diphtheria in 1861), Samuel (deceased in 1863), Mary M. (living at home), John J. (living on a part of the Alexander McConnell homestead, being now part of the McDowell farm, married to Elizabeth Mc- Millian), and Effie A. (living with her parents). The daughters all attended the academy at Canonsburg.

Many improvements have been made on the place, and Mr. McDowell personally erected the handsome buildings thereon. Politically he is a stanch Republican, having originally been an Anti- slavery Whig, and served as a delegate to the con- vention held at Pittsburgh when the Republican party was organized. He has held many local of- fices, but does not care to take a prominent place in politics. In religious faith he is a member of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he has served in many ways. Mr. McDowell did not in- herit a cent, but, by the industry and economy of himself and wife, now owns one of the best farms in the country. This should serve as an incentive to young men in like circumstances, to go and do likewise.

E I. WORRELL is a son of Elias, and grand- son of Robert Worrell, the latter having been a pioneer of Fayette county, Penn. Robert was a relative of William Penn.

Elias Worrell was born in 1798, on his father's farm in Fayette county, Penn., and came with his parents to Allen township, Washington county, when a boy. In early life he was united in mar- riage with Sarah Allen, a native of Allen township, this county, who bore him children as follows: Allen, a cabinet maker, who died at California, Penn., July 24, 1866; William, a merchant of Brownsville, Penn., who died June 19, 1872; John, a clerk on a steamboat, died July 25, 1872, at Brownsville, and, Joshua, who enlisted in 1862, in the Eighteenth Cavalry, under General Kil-

patrick. After the war he moved to Kansas, then returned to Washington county, where he died February 22, 1872. For his second wife Elias Worrell married Aves Smith, a native of East Pike Run township, and their children were S. W., wife of C. L. Kinder, who died in 1892, at Scenery Hill; Mary Elizabeth, wife of E. A. Williams, of East Pike Run township, and E. I., whose name opens this sketch. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell always resided in Allen township. Mr. Worrell owned land in Wooster, Ohio. In politics he was an active Republican, having held various local offices. He died May 1, 1873, having been preceded to the grave by his wife July 6, 1861.

E. I. Worrell was born November 12, 1848, on the home farm in Allen township, Washington county, received a district-school education and also attended the Normal at California, Penn. He was married March 2, 1881, to Emma, daughter of George W. and Caroline (Riggs) Hazelbaker, and a native of Allen township, this county. Her parents were born in Washington county. Both parents are now living in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Worrell have had three children, namely: J. H., Cora and Irwin. The father is an active member of the Republican party, and has held the position of county auditor since the fall of 1890, receiving 6,686 votes. The farm contains 106 acres of good land. In religious faith Mr. and Mrs. Worrell are members of the Methodist Church at Ebenezer. He studied pharmacy when a young man, with the intention of becoming a druggist; but at the solicitation of his father, took charge of the farm and has ever since been an agriculturist. Mr. Worrell has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since boyhood, serving as super- intendent of Sabbath- school, secretary of the board of trustees and leader of the choir. He has been administrator, trustee and assignee of many es- tates, and has always been faithful in every posi- tion.

A BRAM COLVIN is a son of Stephen Colvin, whose father, Vincent, was an early settler of Fallowfield township. The latter in- vested largely in land, having at one time owned nearly 2,000 acres in Fallowfield township. On March 28, 1780, he received a grant for the home place, which was sitnated on Pigeon creek, and contained 470 acres. The fol- lowing children were born to Vincent Colvin: Stephen (who inherited 200 acres of the old place), John, Vincent, Joshua, Moses, Lott, Agnes (Mrs. Powell), Susanna (Mrs. Wilson), Charlotte (Mrs. Frye), Lucy (Mrs. Frye) and Harriet, who married a Baxter.

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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 191

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