Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 193

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 193

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OHN COOK was born October 1, 1787, in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., a son of Robert and Mary (Brown) Cook, who were born, reared and married in Ireland. In 1785 they emigrated to America, first locating in Chambersburg, Franklin Co., Penn., and in 1787 crossed the country to Washington county, locat- ing on the farm where their descendants are yet living. They passed their lives on the old place, making many improvements on it. Robert and Mary Cook were members of the Associate Re- formed Church, and both died many years ago. Their children were Jane, Martha, Archibald, John and Margaret.

John Cook, at the age of ten years, came with his parents to Cecil township, this county, where he passed the rest of his days in agricultural pur- suits. On April 7, 1814, he was united in mar- riage with Olevia Coulter, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., who bore him six children, namely : Robert (deceased), Moses C. (a widower, living in Bridgeville, Allegheny Co., Penn.). John (mar- ried, residing in Belmont county', Ohio), Jane, Mary. and Margaret, all three deceased. The mother died August 22, 1824, having been fatally injured by an accident while returning from church, and February 16, 1826, Mr. Cook married Ursula Herriott, a native of Allegheny county, Penn., by which union five children were born, viz. : George H. (married, a physician and surgeon of McDonald, Penn.), Archibald (deceased), Sam- uel H. (of whom special mention is made further on), Elizabeth and Hester (both deceased). This wife died July 7, 1838, and on March 10, 1840, Mr.

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Cook made a third choice in the person of Nancy Grier, who was born in 1802, in Allegheny county, Penn., and one son, N. G., came by this marriage. The father, in his political affiliations, voted with the Democratic party, and served as supervisor of Cecil township. He and his wife were members of the U. P. Church at Robinson's Run, in which he was an elder. He died August 4, 1861, and March 2, 1864, his widow was laid to rest.

SAMUEL H. COOK, son of John and Ursula (Her- riott) Cook, was reared on the home place, and re- ceived his education in the common schools. He remained at home until twenty-five years of age, meanwhile working on the farm. In 1868 he moved to McDonald, where he embarked in the undertaking business, and in 1882 he opened a general store, which he conducted eight months; then engaged in the furniture business, which, in connection with undertaking, he still conducts; he also does embalming. Mr. Cook has made his own success, and deservedly enjoys the confidence of the public. In April, 1857, he was married to Rebecca, daughter of James Donaldson, by which union was born one child that died in infancy. its mother following it to the grave in 1858. On June 5, 1861, Mr. Cook married Mary A., daughter of Andrew Gilfillan, of Allegheny county, Penn., and three children were born to them: Nancy Grier (wife of Prof. J. M. Shaffer, of Slippery Rock), Dora (deceased at the age of eighteen) and Mary E., at home. The mother of these children dying December 22, 1884, Mr. Cook married, for his third wife, March 14, 1892, Amanda C. Smith, of Pittsburgh. He is a member of the U. P. Church and for the past twenty-five years has been an elder in same-about ten years at Robinson's Run, the remainder of the time at McDonald. He was a substantial donator toward the building of the present U. P. Church at McDonald.

N. G. Cook, only son of John and Nancy (Grier) Cook, was born July 8, 1842, on the home farm in Cecil township, where he was reared, receiving his early education in the common schools of the neighborhood. On March 28, 1872, he was united in marriage with N. Isabella Gladden, a native of Smith township, daughter of William and Nancy (Brown) Gladden, and granddaughter of William and Mary Ann (Woods) Gladden, the former born in eastern Pennsylvania, the latter in England. William Gladden (a son of this couple) was born in 1797, in Cecil township, and in early manhood was married to Nancy Brown, who was born in 1806, in Allegheny county. Penn., a daughter of John and Mary (Acheson) Brown, natives of Lan- caster county, Penn., who migrated to Noblestown, Allegheny county, in 1792, and in 1800 moved to a farm in South Fayette township, same county. He died in 1848, having been preceded to the "long home" several years by his wife. Mr. and Mrs.

Gladden resided on a farm in Smith township, this county, until 1855, when they moved to a place in Allegheny county, where the rest of their lives was passed. They were the parents of three children: Mary Ann (who married Joseph McConnell, and died in 1863), William (married, died in 1872) and N. Isabella (wife of N. G. Cook). The father died in 1871, the mother on December 31, 1884; they were members of the Robinson Run U. P. Church.

N. G. and N. Isabella (Gladden) Cook located on the farm where they are now living, containing 212 acres of good land, which has been in the possession of the family over one hundred years. Four children have blessed their union: Nannie B. (deceased in March, 1888, at the age of fourteen years and six months), John L., William G. and Isabella Haddessa. Mr. Cook votes with the Demo- cratic party, and has served as a member of the school board. He and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Robinson's Run.

D AVID WHITE is a well-known farmer and worthy representative of one of the oldest Pennsylvania families. His grandfather, James White, was born in eastern Pennsyl- vania, coming with his parents to North Strabane township, Washington county, where he died in 1835.

James, son of James White, was born in 1788, on the home farm in North Strabane township, where his youth was passed. In early manhood he was married to Isabella May, who was born De- cember 11, 1798, in Cecil township. He served in the war of 1812 as first lieutenant, and in politics was a Whig, casting his Presidential vote for Gen. William H. Harrison. In April, 1827, the young people settled on a farm in Cecil township, and the following children were born to their union: Jane Ann (deceased in 1866), Margaret (widow of John Ralston, of Cecil township), Phoebe (deceased in youth), John M. (living in Wayne county, Ohio), David (whose sketch follows), Eliza Jane (widow of William Stewart, of Canton township), Samuel (living in Canonsburg) and Phœbe (widow of John McLaughlin, of Chartiers township). The parents were members of the Seceder Church at Chartiers. The father died in 1871, having been preceded in 1863 by the mother.

David White, whose name opens this sketch, was born May 30, 1832, in Cecil township. receiving his education in the schools of the neighborhood. On January 7, 1864, he selected as his life com panion Anna E. Anderson, a native of Chartiers township. She was a daughter of John and Ann (White) Anderson, the former a native of Ireland. and the latter born in Chartiers township. where their married life was passed. He died in 1868, and his widow lived several years afterward. Two

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children were born to the union of David and Anna E. (Anderson) White: James R. (who married Anna Scott, and lives in Cecil township), and Annie Bell, who died in infancy. The mother died December 15, 1866, in Chartiers township, where they had resided after their marriage. In 1869 Mr. White moved to Cecil township, and was married Novem- ber 11, 1869, to Lizzie E., daughter of Joseph and Martha (Anderson) Reed. Joseph was a son of David Reed, who was born and reared in Lan- caster county, Penn. David Reed was married in early life, and brought his bride to the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, where they remained until Gen. Washington had proven his title to this tract of land. The famous General took dinner one day with Mr. and Mrs. Reed, and is said to have de- clared that he would allow the settlers no rights or compensation for improvements, but would take possession of the land, offering, however, to sell it at an exorbitant price. Mr. Reed harvested his crop, and September 22, 1784, bought and moved upon a place in Cecil township, this county. He died in 1824, his widow surviving him until 1840.

Joseph Reed was born April 30, 1796, on the home farm in Cecil township, where his boyhood was passed. He was first married to Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Alexander, who died six months after the wedding, and for his second wife Mr. Reed was married to Anna, daughter of Rev. David McLean, of Ohio. She bore him four chil- dren, viz .: Margaret (deceased wife of Robert Henderson, resided in Chartiers township), Mary (deceased wife of John Nesbit, Chartiers town- ship), David (a leading physician of Cedar Rapids, deceased in 1878) and Jane Ann (wife of John B. Moy, Venice, this county). The mother of these children died, and he was afterward married to Martha Anderson, who was born October 2. 1816, in Chartiers township. They settled on the old homestead where children were born to them, as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. David White), John (deceased September 21, 1863, in Indiana. He wasa minister in the U. P. Church), Matthew Anderson (living in Allegheny City, Penn.), Thomas Alex- ander (living in Pasadena, Cal.), George Murry (a U. P. minister of Cumberland county, Penn.), Julia Ann (wife of Alonza F. Hemphill, Houston- ville, Penn.) and Lidlie Campbell (living in Cecil township). Mr. Reed was always identified . with the interests of Cecil township. He possessed a strong constitution and lived to be ninety-eight years of age, dying in October, 1885, his wife having gone before in October, 1882. In 1877 David White bought his present farm in Cecil township, containing 110 acres of good land, and moved upon it the following year. Two children have blessed his second marriage: Joseph A., a graduate of the Iron City Commercial College, at Pittsburgh, and Elva Minetta (deceased in 1889, in

her thirteenth year). Politically Mr. White is a Prohibitionist. He was formerly a member of the U. P. Church at Venice, but he and his wife are now connected with the Canonsburg Chartiers Congregation.

W ILLIAM S. GRIMES. When young men of culture, intellect and education deliber- ately choose a peaceful rural life in pref- erence to the glittering show and cease- less din of a metropolis, it augurs well for progress- ive agriculture. No profession is more free from petty annoyances or more conducive to mental and moral as well as physical growth, than is that of an intelligent farmer. The youth of to-day realize this fact as never before, and the illiterate farmer from the rural districts will soon be a legend of the past. for his place is even now filled with men who are equally able to take their places in college halls or harvest fields, and among whom is the family of William S. Grimes.

William S. Grimes is a grandson of Isaac Grimes, who was born in Washington county, Penn., and followed the blacksmith's trade in early life. When a young man he was married to Sarah Pool, a na- tive of this county, and they were the parents of four children, viz. : William (deceased), Joshua N., Mary (deceased), and one that died in infancy. Both parents died on the old place in 1871.

William Grimes. father of subject, was born June 19, 1823, in East Pike Run township, Wash- ington Co., Penn. He learned and followed the blacksmith's trade when a young man, and in 1851 was married to Margaret A. Springer, who was born in 1831, in East Pike Run township, this county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Grimes located on the home place, where he followed farm- ing and stock raising. He took an active interest in the Republican party, and served in local offices; in religious faith he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church at Coal Centre, Penn., of which he was an elder about thirty years. Their children were as follows: William S. ; Leroy C., a farmer of Stark county. Ohio; Anna L., wife of C. Miller, a physician of Fayette county, Penn., and Mary B., deceased wife of Townsend Theakston. The father died November 22, 1880, the mother having "gone before" in February, 1877.

William S. Grimes was born October 11, 1852. on the home farm in East Pike Run township, this county. His elementary education was secured at the district schools, and he then attended the Southwestern State Normal School, at California, several terms. After completing his studies he taught for some time, and finally settling on the homestead, has since devoted his attention to agri- culture. On March 25, 1874, he was united in marriage with Lizzie Dorsey, who was born Sep-

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tember 1, 1855, in East Pike Run township, this county, a daughter of George and Martha (Phil- lips) Dorsey, also natives of this county, who were the parents of nine children, of whom three are now living: Cassius A., Charles I. and Lizzie. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are living on the old home- stead, consisting of 114 acres of well-cultivated land, upon which he carries on practical farming with signal success. Good buildings have been erected on the place, and the stone part of the house was built over one hundred years ago. He votes with the Republican party, and in religion he and his wife are members of the Taylor M. E. Church, of which he is a trustee. The names and dates of birth of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Grimes are as follows: Nora E., August 8, 1875; Elva L., October 23, 1876; Margaret A., April 22, 1878; George D., August 15, 1880; William C., July 20, 1884; Mattie R., March 24, 1886, and Mansell F., December 14, 1891. Mr. Grimes is the present auditor of West Pike Run.

S YLVESTER HERTIG, a prominent farmer and wool-grower of Donegal township, is a son of John G. Hertig, who was born in 1804, in the Canton Neufchatel, near the beautiful city and lake of the same name, the coun- try being at that time an annex of the French Em- pire. The Hertig family were ardent admirers of the world-renowned Napoleon, and Charles (the eldest son of the family) though a youth of barely twenty years, had already won the epaulets of a subaltern officer, in the sanguinary battle of Waterloo, where he received a severe wound. The father of this family was a battle-scarred veteran, and had then been placed on the retired list.

John G. Hertig was to have been educated for the church in accordance with his parents' desires, but the ideas of the youth did not agree with the expressed wishes of the family. He had no taste for thelife of a churchman, but secretly determined to secure as good an education as possible, and then flee to America, whose free institutions imparted so roseate a tint to his boyish dreams. Quitting school at the age of sixteen years, with the repu- tation of being a prodigy in scholarship, he gained the consent of his parents to go to Holland, as the fall of Napoleon had given the then hated Prus- sians the control of his birthplace. He was limited in finances at this time, which fact prevented his coming at once to America, but it was only hope deferred. The long-cherished ambition was hid- den for a time, but never once forgotten. John Hertig soon became tutor in a wealthy family, and giving them four hours daily of his time, received a liberal compensation. In addition to the luxu- ries of aristocratic life, which included unlimited quantities of the most elegant wearing apparel, he

also received the annual sum of $300 in gold. But certain galling restraints were imposed, and his proud spirit, brooking no fetters, longed eagerly for absolute freedom. He must realize the dream of his life, naught else would satisfy, and at the end of two years he decided that the time for ac- tion had arrived. Having saved $1,000, the daring youth bid adieu to the family with whom he had been an honored guest (who entreated him to re- main with them), and sending a farewell to his parents, looked his last on the shores of Europe. Perhaps a faint regret came over him as the banks of his sunny France faded from sight, and he re- alized that he was forever leaving all who loved him, to dwell a stranger in a strange land. But youth is buoyant, and seldom spends much time in vain regret; new scenes were before him, a new life lay just beyond. In 1824 the young man landed in New York, where he remained some time, then went to Uniontown, Fayette Co., Penn., entering in a partnership school with an American, who attempted to cheat the young foreigner. After discovering the treachery, young Hertig withdrew from the school, and began teaching in George township, Fayette Co., Penn. Soon after- ward he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph Showalter, a farmer of the neighborhood, and eleven children were born to. their union, of whom eight are yet living. Mr. Hertig passed many years of his life in Fayette county, Penn., and was one of the best-known and most popular men of the county. He possessed remarkable mathematical skill, and never saw or heard of a problem which he could not solve. He was a fluent scholar, speaking, reading and writing the English, French and German languages with perfect ease; translating Latin as a pastime; solving the most difficult mathematical problems readily as if but child's play; surveying lands, drawing plats, and drawing up all kinds of legal documents, with more ease than an average law- yer. Mr. Hertig was indeed a man of wonderful power and versatility. The latter years of his life were passed in Tennessee (where he owned some real estate), thinking that the balmy southern air might lessen the pain of the infirmities he was obliged to suffer, although not confined to the bed, and never accepting a physician's aid. He died August 24, 1885, at Cleveland, Tenn .; his widow still survives him.

Sylvester Hertig was born January 20, 1850, in George township, Fayette Co., Penn. He received a common-school education, and passed his boy - hood on his father's farm. On February 19, 1880, he was married to Emma. L. Eberhart, who was born March 25, 1861, daughter of Adolph and Sarah (Beatty) Eberhart, and she has borne him children as follows: Charles, Adolph, Hortense and John G. After his marriage Mr. Hertig

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resided some time in Springhill township, Fayette Co., Penn., and followed farming and stock raising. He then moved to Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and located about six miles west of Washington. In 1888 he came to Donegal town- ship, this county, locating on the " James Dickey" farm, which he now owns, lying about one mile and a half south of Dunsfort, near the line of West Virginia, where he is extensively engaged in wool-growing. Mr. Hertig casts his ballot for the one he considers most capable of filling the po- sition, regardless of political standing.

ACOB F. McDOWELL is a worthy repre- sentative of one of the early families of Mt. Pleasant township. The McDowells are of Scotch descent, the first settlement having been made in Lancaster county, Penn., in colonial days, by Thomas McDowell. He first settled near McConnell's Mill, Chartiers township, and in 1779 took a patent for 400 acres in Mt. Pleas- ant township, now in the McDowell and Miller name. He died in this county, and was buried in Buffalo village.

The grandfather, James McDowell, was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and when a young man came to Washington county, taking out a patent for land in Mt. Pleasant township. He was mar- ried in Chartiers township to Mary McKnight, a native of the last named place, and the young couple settled on the place in Mt. Pleasant town- ship now occupied by their grandson, Jacob F. Mrs. James McDowell died in 1853.

John McDowell was born in 1811, on the old home place in Mt. Pleasant township, and attended the subscription schools during his boyhood. In 1838 he was married to Margaret Miller, who was born in Chartiers township, and they continued to reside on the old homestead, where he followed agricultural pursuits. In political opinion he was a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife were among the first members of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect. He died August 18, 1886, having been preceded by the wife and mother February 20, 1866. They were the parents of seven children, namely: James W., an attorney at Washington, Penn. ; Jacob F., of whom a sketch follows; Margaret, wife of J. M. K. Donaldson; Rebecca, married to James Agnew, of Mt. Pleasant township; John, living at Canonsburg, Penn. ; Sarah, residing on the home farm; and Lizzie, also at home.

Jacob F. McDowell was born June 3, 1843, on the old homestead in Mt. Pleasant township, re- ceiving his education at the schools of the home district, and beginning life for himself on his birthplace. On January 29, 1874, he married Margaret Dickson, a native of Cecil township, this

county, whose parents were early settlers of the same locality. Mr. and Mrs. McDowell have always remained on the old place, which contains eighty six acres of well-cultivated land, and he is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He is actively interested in the success of the Demo- cratic party, and has served two terms on the school board, and also as auditor of Mt. Pleasant township. In religion he and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he is a deacon. Three children have blessed their union, namely: Ida Margaret, Theresa Elizabeth and John Howard.

R ICHARD M. FITZWILLIAM, a prosper- ous and popular citizen of Franklin town- ship, whose fine farm of 240 acres is situ- ated near the borough of Washington, was born June 28, 1825, in Rankintown, Wash- ington Co., Pennsylvania.

His grandfather, William Fitzwilliam, was a native of County Down, Ireland, where he was married to Jane Mccullough, and a few years thereafter they came to America, landing at Phila - delphia, thence proceeding to Little York, same State, where they remained some time. During the "Whisky Insurrection" he volunteered into the militia, and was sent to Washington county, where he concluded to make his home, so brought his family and made a settlement in Franklin township. Afterward he moved to Mercer county, same State, where he remained some time; thence went to Ross county, Ohio, where he passed the remaining days of his busy life; his widow re- turned to Washington county, and here died in 1842. By trade Mr. Fitzwilliam was a weaver, which he followed both in Ireland and in this country. He was an adherent of the Episcopal Church.

Francis Fitzwilliam, father of subject, was born in Franklin township, this county, in 1801. While in Ross county, Ohio, he learned blacksmithing, and after serving his apprenticeship moved to Mercer county, Penn., where he remained one year, working at his trade; then located in Ran- kintown, this county, where he worked eight years. In 1832 he purchased the farm in Franklin town. ship now occupied by his son Richard M. In 1824 Mr. Fitzwilliam married Mary, daughter of Rich- ard Mounts, a member of one of the earliest families of the county, and the children born to this union were Richard M., Jane (widow of James H. Wheeler), Frank (who was educated at Washing- . ton and Jefferson College, was admitted to the bar, went to Kansas, and there died; he had married Eliza Clay Jackson, of Bowling Green, Ky., and they had four children: Mary, Lizzie, Frank and Romaine, all residents of Leavenworth, Kans.), and

ea af

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Mary (also deceased). The father was called from earth April 15, 1875, the mother having preceded him to the grave March 31, 1872. Francis Fitz- william was a self-made man in every sense, and won his own success unaided. He was, in his politi- cal predilections, first a Whig and Abolitionist, and afterward a Republican, and in church connection he was a thorough Presbyterian.

Richard M. Fitzwilliam, the subject of this sketch, passed his early life on his father's farm, and was educated at the common schools of his vicinity. On April 23, 1864, he was united in marriage with Ella, daughter of James C. Cham- bers, of Amwell township, and they at once set- tled on the home place where they yet reside. Mr. Fitzwilliam attends the First M. E. Church at Washington, and in his political sympathies is an active Republican.

AMES McKEE is a well-known and prosperous farmer of Chartiers township. His father, John McKee, was a son of Samuel McKee, the latter being a native of Ireland, who emigrated to America in about 1786, settling in Washington county, Penn., on the farm where he died.

John McKee was born in 1803, in Washington county, Penn., and on arriving at man's estate married Miss Nancy McNary, a native of Chartiers township, this county. The young couple first set- tled in Canton township, this county, and a few years afterward moved to the home farm, where Mr. McKee is yet living at the age of eiglity-nine years. Five children were born to them, four of whom died in infancy. The mother died in 1844, on the farm in Canton township, and John McKee was afterward married to Leviah Irwin, daughter of John Irwin, an early pioneer of Washington county, and to this union were born three children, viz. : John T. (living in Mt. Pleasant township, this county), Elizabeth N. and Mary M. (both resid- ing at home). This wife died in 1886.

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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 193

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