Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 192

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 192

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Stephen Colvin was born in 1778, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and became a leading agriculturist, devoting special attention to

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stock raising. He was married to Mary, daughter of. Abram Frye, who married a Miss Wilson, of Washington county, who bore him thirteen chil- dren, whose names are given as follows: Hester, Julia, Nancy, Abram, Lucinda, Sarah, Stephen, Mary, Elizabeth, John, Lewis, Rebecca and Vin- cent, of whom Vincent and Lewis enlisted in the army, Vincent dying while in the service. The father died in 1846.

Abram Colvin was born April 21, 1820, on the homestead in Fallowfield township, and his educa- tion was received in the log-cabin schoolhouse of the district. In 1848 he was married to Miss Frye, daughter of Abraham, and granddaughter of Samuel Frye, a farmer of Washington county, who erected the first house on the west side of the Monongahela river, in this county. Samuel Frye was born in 1729, in Virginia, and was there mar- ried to Christina Speers, who was born in 1752 in the same State. They came overland to Washing- ton county at a very early day, and July 19, 1792, took out a "tomahawk right " to a large tract of land in Fallowfield township, where the Gibson distillery is now located. He was a famous hunter, and also worked on the farm, remaining in the neighboring fort at night for protection from the Indians. He died in 1814, his widow, Novem- ber 9, 1841.

Abraham Frye, son of Samuel and Christina (Speers) Frye, was born in 1792, on the home farm in Fallowfield township. He received a subscription-school education, and in early life was married to Isabella Ringland, a native of Wash- ington county, who bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel and John, both in Allen town- ship; Christina, Mrs. Abram Colvin; Abraham, who entered the service in Washington county, and is now living near Nashville, Tenn .; Henry, a resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber- land river; Noah, who died in Fallowfield town- ship; Sarah, wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 4, same township; Jackson, living in Cowley county, Kans., enlisted and was taken prisoner, being con- fined in Andersonville prison eleven months; Clarissa, married to Alexander Allman, and died in East Pike Run township; Smith; and Isabelle, wife of Elgy T. Van Voorhis, of Kansas City, Mo. After their marriage Abraham and Isabella Frye settled on the lower part of the old homestead in Fallowfield township. He was actively interested in public matters, first affiliating with the Demo- cratic party, then becoming a Whig and Repub- lican. He died December 11, 1866, followed by his widow April 12, 1881, she having lived to see her youngest daughter the mother of twelve children. Both parents were members of the Disciple Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Colvin are the parents of seven children, namely: Stephen, Belle Abram, Chris-

tiana, Smith, Fremont and Ellsworth, of whom the youngest child has for the past five years been a resident of Los Angeles, Cal. The home farm contains 110 acres of land, located about five miles southwest of Monongahela City, where Mr. Colvin deals extensively in stock. Politically, he votes with the Republican party.

ENRY M. CONKLIN, one of the most prominent of the agricultural citizens of Morris township, is a native of the same, born April 12, 1835. He is a worthy rep- resentative of one of the pioneer families of his native township.

John Conklin, his grandfather, was born in New Jersey, and in 1790 moved with his family to Mor- ris township, Washington Co., Penn., locating near the town of Sparta. John Conklin had seven children, of whom one son, Isaac, was born in the State of Pennsylvania in 1805. In 1825 he was married to Lydia Sears, also a native of Pennsyl- vania, and the following children were born to this union: Sarah Ann (deceased wife of William Rogers, of Iowa), Elizabeth (living in Greene county, Penn., the widow of Morgan Thompson), John (a farmer of the same county), William (a farmer near Van Buren, in Morris township), Henry M., Oliver S. (a resident of Missouri), Margaret (living in the State of Kansas, married to John A. W. Dyer), Samuel A. (a prominent practicing physician of Canton, Ohio), Stephen Munroe (a farmer of Morris township), Warren B. (living near Sparta, this county), and Lydia Viola (wife of I. N. Lucas, a physician in North Dakota).

Henry M. Conklin, whose name opens this sketch, received a limited education at the common schools of the home district, and at the age of twenty- one years commenced to learn the trade of paint- ing with his brother John, his financial wealth being, at the start, very limited indeed. After working at his trade for a number of years in the different parts of the county, and in Western Vir- ginia, he returned in 1861 to Washington county. On February 28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Jerusha Jane Blakeway, a native of East Finley township, this county, daughter of Eliza- beth and Humphrey Blakeway, both of whom died in that township, and lie buried in the grave- yard at Old Concord, Penn. On March 14, 1861, Mr. and Mrs. Conklin moved to their present home, which is now a well-improved farm situated two miles northeast of Prosperity, where he has erected one amongst the finest residences in the township. Mrs. Jerusha Jane Conklin died September 26, 1889, and lies buried in the cemetery at Prosperity. On October 31, 1891, Mr. H. Conklin married Miss Mattie Sampson, daughter of Abraham

H. M. Conklin

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Sampson, of East Finley township, and one son, Grover Stephenson, was born to them September 6, 1892. Politically Mr. Conklin has been a Democrat, and has served as inspector of elections in his township. In 1853 he became united with the Church of Upper Ten-Mile, at Prosperity, Washington Co., Pennsylvania.

OHN A. McCALMONT, one of the leading dairymen and a successful agriculturist of Robinson township, is a native-born citizen. John McCalmont (his grandfather) was of the fearless and sturdy Scottish race, and possess- ing an adventurous spirit, decided to seek the New World. In early manhood he came to America, following the blacksmith's trade, during the early part of his life in York county, afterward settling on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where eight children were born to him. He died in 1858.

James McCalmont (the eldest son of the Scotch immigrant just mentioned) was born January 31, 1807, in York county, coming with his parents to Mt. Pleasant township at the age of one year, where he was reared and educated. On May 31, 1835, he was united in marriage with Sarah Mc- Burney, who was born April 7, 1811. a daughter of John McBurney, whose father, James McBur- ney, was a common ancestor of the McBurney family of the present generation. James McBur- ney was born in County Down, Ireland, and there learned merchant tailoring. In 1762 he was mar- ried to Jeanett Milligan, and they had two chil- dren: John and Elizabeth. In 1783 they came to America and settled in Washington county, Penn. Mr. McBurney was prominent in both political and church work, serving as justice of the peace in Cecil township until obliged to resign his posi- tion on account of enfeebled health. He was one of the first ruling elders of the Associate Reformed Church. He died August 11, 1820, having passed the age of fourscore years.

John McBurney was born in County Down, Ire- land, and came with his parents to America. In 1793 he was married to Sarah Hunter, a native of Pennsylvania and a member of the Associate Re- formed Church. A large family were born to the union, as follows: Jennie, James, Esther, John, Eliza, Robert, Sarah, David and Samuel, and of these Sarah was married to James McCalmont.

James and Sarah (McBurney) McCalmont be- gan their wedded life on a farm near Hickory, this county, where they remained four years, and then, in 1839, came to Robinson township, where he remained until his death, which occurred in 1890, when he was in his eighty-third year. He was elected an elder in the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, in 1839, and in 1863 transferred his membership to Centre, where he

was again elected and installed elder, serving many years in that capacity. He was a Republican, actively interested in the success of his party, and served as school director several years, also justice of the peace two terms. His children were as fol- lows: Mary, Lizzie, John A., James P., Sarah H., David A., R. M., Esther Agnes, and Kate (the latter being deceased).

John A., son of James and Sarah (McBurney) McCalmont, was born February 22, 1840, and re- ceived a common business education. On August 22, 1862, he enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., under Capt. William A. Stockton, of Cross Creek township, Washington county. He served with his regiment in all the principal battles and in a number of skirmishes, remaining until the close of the war in 1865. After returning home he engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he has since followed with success. In February, 1870, he was united in marriage with Anna B. Keys, who was born in 1846, a na- tive of Washington county, and five children were born to them, namely: James K., Mary J., John C., Sarah M. and one deceased. The mother was a member of the U. P. Church. She passed away in 1880, and on June 15, 1887, Mr. McCalmont was married to Minnie Henderson, who was born November 5, 1853, in Washington county, a daughter of Alexander Henderson. The latter's grandfather was Rev. Matthew Henderson, who was born in Scotland and, coming to America at an early day, preached the first sermon in English west of the mountains in Pennsylvania. He died in 1795. His son Robert was a farmer, and in early manhood was married to Elizabeth Russell. He died in December, 1866. Alexander Hender- son, son of Robert Henderson, was born in April, 1809, and when a young man was united in mar- riage with Nancy Watson, who was born in March, 1819. They had eleven children, five of whom are now living: Mary W., Robert M., Lizzie, Min- nie (Mrs. John A. McCalmont) and Rebecca. The father died in April, 1890, the mother having pre- ceded him in February, 1864. Both were members of the United Presbyterian Church. Mr. McCal- mont has a farm of 154 acres, and carries on a very extensive milk-dairy. He and his wife are members of the Centre United Presbyterian Church of Midway. In politics Mr. McCalmont is a Republican.

OSEPH SCOTT, one of the oldest, and un- doubtedly one of the most robust men of his age in Independence township, is descended from a prominent family. He is a son of Arthur Scott, who was born in 1761, in Lan- caster county, Penn., and there passed his boy- hood days. When only a stripling he joined the Continental army, and served during the war of the

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Revolution. He was one of those half-clothed and nearly starved heroes who suffered in that never- to-be-forgotten winter at Valley Forge. He was sick for many weeks; he served as a teamster in the struggle, and has often related to his son Joseph the terrible scenes of those early days, the outlines of which are familiar to every student of United States history.

At the close of the war young Arthur resolved to seek a home in the wilds of western Pennsylvania, of which he had heard thrilling tales of adventure. After a long and tedious journey, traveling by nar- row paths through unbroken forests, the sun his only compass, our daring pioneer at last came to the eastern boundary of Washington county, and paused for a time at a place called Ginger Hill. He there met Miss Ann Hamilton, the young lady he afterward wooed and won. She was born in the year 1773, in Adams county, Penn., near Get- tysburg. In 1786 Arthur Scott came with his older brother, Samuel, to Washington county, and bought 175 acres of land, lying near Buffalo creek, about one mile from the Pennsylvania and West Virginia (then Virginia) lines, in Hopewell (now Independence) township. It was then an un- broken forest, and the Indians, who had but recent- ly moved across the river into Ohio, often made raids through their former hunting grounds. Dur- ing these periods of danger, the pioneers were compelled to seek a temporary refuge in the block- houses constructed for that purpose. Wild ani- mals were numerous; bears, deer, and wild turkeys roamed through the forest, and the unearthly scream of the panther made the night hideous to human ears. After purchasing their . land, the two brothers erected a log cabin, and began the herculean task of clearing away the forest. But the toil and privations were endured with the lightest of hearts, for each of the young men were looking eagerly forward to a happy home in the very near future. When the first cabin was finished, Samuel brought home his young wife, and they then began to prepare for the coming of Arthur's bride. But the plans of one were doomed to disappointment. One day Samuel Scott, in com- pany with a brother-in-law, James Law, crossed the Ohio river in search of game. They soon sep- arated, promising to join each other at a given point, and, after a circuitous course, Scott came to the place of meeting and waited for Law. Meanwhile Law had approached the place in search of game, and, mistaking him for a deer, fired, and the unfortunate man fell dead. The news of the terrible accident was broken to the young wife, who continued to reside on the farm with her two children-Joseph and John-for some time. She was afterward married to a Mr. Hutchinson, and the home place eventually became the property of her son Jolin, He took charge of

it in the year 1808, and with his wife (formerly a Miss Ferguson) resided upon it till the year 1830, when it was then purchased of him by his cousin Joseph.

Soon after they had erected the cabin of Samuel Scott, Arthur also built his home on a part of the original tract, and in 1789 he was married to Ann Hamilton. This couple passed their entire lives on the home farm, and reared the following children: William (deceased September 20, 1851), born No- vember 20, 1790, moved to a farm in Richland county, Ohio, which he cleared from the forest, and there remained until his death; John, born March 6, 1792, during his youth hauled loads of salt and merchandise over the mountains (just be- fore the war of 1812 he hauled a wagon load of specie for the Government from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh, being accompanied by a detachment of soldiers. For this service he received $10 per cwt.); Elizabeth (deceased August 8, 1866), born August 8. 1794, was the wife of Walter Craig, a well-known politician, statesman and legislator of Washington county; Agnes (deceased February 14, 1869), born February 3. 1797, wife of William Gilmore, of Ohio county, W. Va .; Mary, wife of John Alexander, born February 18, 1799; David (deceased in 1887, at Portsmouth, Ohio), born January 12, 1801, learned piano and organ mak- ing in Philadelphia, and afterward became a piano tuner; Samuel (deceased March 25, 1866, at the home of his brother Joseph), born March 6, 1803, passed his early life on the farm, afterward be- coming a merchant in Pittsburgh; Jane (deceased July 22, 1886), born November 11, 1805, was mar- ried to Hugh Miller, of Knox county ; Joseph (sub- ject of the present sketch); and Margaret Ann (deceased March 15. 1838, at her home in Inde- pendence township, Washington county), born No- vember 19. 1811, wife of Henry Smith.

Although Arthur Scott had but a limited early education, by close application and observation he became a well-informed and fluent man, and was an eager reader. He never tasted whisky, was a strong advocate of temperance, and an earnest re- ligious worker. The "still house" that was found on almost every farm in those days was " conspic- nous by its absence" on the farm of Mr. Scott, who instilled the same principles into the minds of his children. Politically he was first a Democrat, but after the election of Andrew Jackson, became a Whig. In the latter part of his life he lived with his son Joseph until the time of his death, which oc- curred July 24, 1843. His widow survived him sev- eral years, when she passed away October 15, 1848, .while visiting a daughter in Summit county, Ohio.

Joseph Scott was the ninth child in the order of birth, and was born May 12, 1808, in Hope- well (now Independence) township, and passed his earlier years attending to the common duties of

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a farmer boy. He received his education in the usual log hut, which required neither nails nor glass in its construction, greased paper serv- ing all practical purposes as a window. The teacher was hired by a subscription from those of the parents who felt inclined to pay for the in- struction. Adventurous urchins had no lack of material sport, for in those days wild animals were often seen, and bears were frequent visitors in the neighborhood. Joseph Scott attended school about three months in the winter season, and dur- ing the summer assisted on the farm. On August 22, 1832, he was united in marriage with Eliza- beth Cozad (who was born November 11, 1807, in Carroll county, Ohio), daughter of Jacob Cozad, a Presbyterian minister of New Hagerstown, Ohio. They have had children as follows: John (a farmer of Independence township), born August 16, 1833; Margaret Ann (deceased in 1837), born August 3, 1835; William H. (deceased, a farmer of Wash- ington State), born January 26, 1837; Elizabeth J. (Mrs. George U. Chaney, of West Alexander), born March 22, 1839; Rebecca B. (Mrs. Klinefel- ter, of Washington, Penn. ), born February 4, 1841; David A. (a merchant of Independence, Penn. ), born December 2, 1842; Joseph (a farmer of Osage county, Kans.), born January 3, 1845; Jacob O. (a citizen of Washington, this county), born De- cember 27, 1846; and Sarah M. (Mrs. Thomas Lang, of Grafton, W. Va.). born October 5, 1849.

After his marriage Mr. Scott took charge of the home place, as his father was growing old, and re- mained upon it until 1887, following his vocation of farming and stock raising. His wife died on January 25, of that year, and he afterward moved to the home of his son David, where he has since remained. He is now living a retired life. but still owns the old place. Mr. Scott happily pos- sesses a very retentive memory, and easily recalls incidents of his boyhood as if they had occurred but yesterday. No man is better known, or more highly respected than this gentleman. He organ- ized and was the prime mover in the first Sabbath- school held in the Presbyterian Church, in Inde. pendence, Penn., of which he has been a member for sixty five years, serving as elder fifty-four years. Politically, he has ever been an enthusias- tic supporter of the Republican party since its formation, previous to which he was a Whig. He has never missed a county, township, State or national election since he was old enough to vote, and was an active Anti-slavery man. In addition to his regular business, he has performed many public duties, having been guardian for twelve children at one time. He was colonel in the Tenth Pennsylvania Militia for four years and is fre- quently called by that title.

[Since the above was written, the subject of the sketch died January 1, 1893.

INLEY SCOTT, a skilled blacksmith and energetic husbandman of Smith township, is a son of Finley and grandson of Abraham Scott. Abraham Scott was born and reared in Maryland, and when a young man came to Pitts- burgh, Penn., afterward settling in Washington county with his brother Alexander. He purchased a tract of wild land on Raccoon creek, Robinson township, this county, where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He was married to 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) Abraham, Finley, Hol- land and Samuel. The father was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Presby- terian Church at Raccoon.

Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson town- ship, this county, and here educated. In 1822 he married Margaret, daughter of James Stephenson, of Smith township. The young people first set- tled on a farm in Robinson township, remaining there a few years, when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith town- ship where they lived twenty years, and finally moved to the home where the remainder of their lives was passed. The children of this couple are Ann, Robert K., Samuel, James, Finley, John, Levi, Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen) and Marga- ret (wife of Thomas Ackleson). Mr. Scott was the architect of his own fortune, and owned 450 acres of land at the time of his death, which occurred in 1879. He was a Democrat and held various town- ship offices. In church connection he was first a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, this county, afterward uniting with the Associate Reformed Church, in which he was an elder. Both he and his wife are buried in the U. P. cemetery.

Finley Scott, the subject of this biography, was born December 10, 1831, on the " Hanover Farm" in Smith township, receiving a common-school edu- cation. In early youth he learned the black- smith's trade with Josiah Scott, of Burgettstown, which he followed until 1852, when, with his brother James and a few others, he started for California. They traveled to New York, then took passage to Aspinwall by the steamer " Eldorado;" they crossed the Isthmus, walking the last twenty- one miles, and upon arriving at Panama one of their number was attacked with the "Isthmus fever." He soon was able to continue the journey, and they sailed for San Francisco on the steamer "J. L. Stevens," but when opposite San Pedro bay, the steamer was disabled. Assistance was soon brought from San Francisco, but not long after reaching the end of their journey, William Shields,

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the sick companion, died and was buried at San Francisco. Finley Scott proceeded with his friends from San Francisco to Eldorado county, and fol- lowed mining with fair success. Mr. Scott after- ward worked at his trade in California, but eventually returned to Burgettstown, this county. In September, 1857, he was married to Theresa A. Crawford, who was born August 1, 1838, daughter of Thomas Crawford, of Burgettstown, Penn., who has borne him children as follows: France L. (an engineer on the P. C. C. & St. L. R. R.), Thomas L. (an engineer on the same rail- way), Samuel J. (deceased in infancy), Clara A. (living at home), John E. (an employe of the B. & O. R. R. Co. at Cincinnati, Ohio), Ella M. (liv- ing with her parents), Theresa Bell and Laura A. (twins, living at home), Annie E. and Charles L. (both residing on the home farm). Mr. and Mrs. Fin- ley Scott began married life in Burgettstown, this county, where he followed his trade till 1866, and then moved to a farm about one mile and a half northwest of that borough, in Smith township. In 1881 he removed to his present pleasant home, situated on the Florence road two miles from Burgettstown. He has since divided his time be- tween his trade and agricultural pursuits, shipping some milk to Pittsburgh. Personally Finley Scott is a very pleasant and entertaining conversa- tionalist, and is a popular and respected citizen. In politics he is a Democrat. Both he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown.

G EORGE W. DUVALL is a grandson of Lewis and Hannah Duvall, who were pio- neer settlers of Washington county, Penn., and died on the home farm.

John Duvall, father of subject, was born and reared on the home place in Washington county, and always followed agricultural pursuits, giving considerable attention to stock raising. He voted with the Republican party. He was first married to Mary Yarty, who bore him seven children, viz .: George W., Hannah, Amanda (wife of William Hornbake, of West Pike Run township), Ellen (married to Frank Bake, a car- penter, of Allenport, this county), Elizabeth. Lewis, and John L. (a farmer of Fayette county, Penn.). The mother died in 1869, and Mr. Duvall was then married to Elizabeth Lash, whose chil- dren were Tory (deceased), Robert, Isaac (both of whom are living in Charleroi, Washington county), William (a painter of Charleroi), and Frank (a farmer, of Fayette county, Penn.). The father died October 3, 1884, and April 27, 1885, the wife and mother passed away. She was a member of the M. E. Church.

George W. Duvall, son of John and Mary Du-

vall, was born January 5, 1853, in West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and was edu- cated in the district schools. On February 22, 1877, he married Miss Maggie Marker, who was born September 8, 1854, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of Lewis and Eliza (Williams) Marker, natives of this county, whose children were as follows: John, a resident of West Browns- ville, Penn .; William, living in East Pike Run township; James, living in West Brownsville; Charles, also of West Brownsville; Maggie, wife of George W. Duvall, and Mary, deceased. The father followed farming all his life, and in politics voted with the Democratic party. He died Au- gust 31, 1891, his wife having passed away in 1862. They were members of the M. E. Church. George W. and Maggie (Marker) Duvall have two sons: Charles W., born September 16, 1880, and John L., born August 23, 1883. Mr. Duvall owns the old homestead of eighty-four acres, where his grandfather first located many years ago. In politics he is a Republican, and he has served as school director for the past three 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 192

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