Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 195

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 195

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October 12, 1852, died Marclı 6, 1858; Austin H., born January 4, 1855, died April 3, 1856; Anna (wife of William Leyde, a farmer of Nottingham town- ship, this county), born August 18, 1856; John P. (a farmer of Nottingham township), born August 17, 1858; William A. (a Presbyterian minister of Knox- ville, Pittsburgh, Penn.), born November 27, 1860; Hanford M., carpenter, born October 20, 1862; James A. (a carpenter of Somerset township), born December 30, 1864; and Nannie A. (living at home), born February 3, 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church, in which he was ruling elder many years, also acting as first deacon, and he was superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school four years. On August 1, 1884, he was appointed postmaster at St. Cloud, which office he is now filling; he also served as director of the poor. In politics he was formerly a Democrat, but is now a Prohibitionist.

S J. CROTHERS was born in Mt. Pleas- ant, Jefferson Co., Ohio, June 25, 1812. In 1834 he located on the farm in Buffalo town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., now owned by Samuel Blayney. On March 4, 1835, he was mar- ried to Miss Jean Brownlee, daughter of William Brownlee, one of the earliest pioneers of western Pennsylvania. On that farm Mr. Crothers re- mained until 1845, when he renioved to the one now owned by L. M. Crothers, his youngest son, which he had bought some years before. He re- mained on this farm until his deatlı, which oc- curred July 20, 1889.

Mr. Crothers was known as one of the most thorough agriculturists of the county. He was very public-spirited, taking an active and special interest in every movement tending to the welfare of his neighborhood. His characteristics, which were strongly pronounced, and as unchangeable and firm as a rock of adamant, may be summed upin a few words: He thought for himself, he said exactly what he thought; and he did exactly what he said.

W ILLIAM T. ARNOLD, a well-to-do farmer of Hanover township, is the lineal descendant of an old Irish family, the first of whom to come to America was his grandfather, Samuel Arnold. The latter was born in Ireland, about ten miles from Newry, and the same distance from Banbridge, County Down.

When Samuel Arnold was a young man he was there married to Margaret Glass, who bore him the following children in Ireland: Nancy (married to ' William Anderson); Mary (died of "king's evil"). Some time during the latter part of the eighteenth century this family came to America, and made

their first permanent location in Allegheny county, Penn., where other children were born, namely: John (of whom a sketch follows); Margaret (wife of Jolin Stewart, Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn.); Jane (Mrs. John Moore), and Elizabeth (married to Hugh Glenn, died in Richland county, Ohio). Samuel Arnold and his wife died in Allegheny county, Penn.

John Arnold (the father of our subject) was born August 19, 1800, in Allegheny county, Penn. He received a meager education in the schools of that period, and worked on his father's farm until he was a boy of sixteen or seventeen. He then began to learn the trade of a saddler (which at that time was a very lucrative one), working under his brother-in-law, John Stewart, at Noblestown, Penn. In 1821 he was married to Mary Cavitt, who was born in 1805, in Allegheny county, daughter of George Cavitt, a native of Franklin county, whose father, Patrick Cavitt, was born in Ireland. After his marriage John Arnold located ten miles west of Pittsburgh, along the Pittsburgh & Steubenville pike. He finally secured a small tract of land, to which, by patient industry and toil, he added. They remained in Allegheny county twenty-five years, and in 1846 removed to Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., along King's creek, where he continued to follow farming. In politics, Jolin Arnold was a Whig and a Republican. At an early age lie made the good confession in the Union Church, and in 1854 was elected elder of the King's Creek Associate Reformed Church, which position he held until his death, November 20, 1863. His widow survived him until January 29, 1880, when she was laid by his side in the Frankfort cemetery. She also was connected with the same church as her husband, and when the United Presbyterian Church was organized, united with that Society. They were the parents of the following children: George C. (a U. P. minister), born February 19, 1825, deceased December 1, 1863; Margaret (wife of Robert Ramsey, Beaver county. Penn.), born November 1, 1826; Samuel, born October 11, 1829, deceased December 2, 1849; John (living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa), born February 23, 1832; William T. (whose name opens this sketch); Agnes (Mrs. B. F. Mevey, of Alle- gheny, Penn.), born June 24, 1836; J. G., born November 9, 1839, deceased June 5, 1857; Cyrus G., born September 5, 1842; and J. Lee (living in Chicago), born January 3. 1850.

William T. Arnold was born December 22, 1833, in Allegheny county, and attended the country schools of his vicinity. He was reared on the farm and performed the usual duties of agricult- ural life. On October 24, 1860, he married Ann Eliza Ramsey, who was born November 4, 1835, in Hanover township, Washington county, daughter of Mitchell and Ann (George) Ramsey. The fol-

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lowing children have blessed this union: Thomas G., a resident of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; John, de- ceased in youth; James M. ; Anna Mary; William C., and Charles S .; the last four are living at home. After his marriage William T. Arnold located on the farm in Hanover township, this county, adjoining the Beaver county line, where he has ever since resided, following farming and stock raising. He has also dealt in agricultural implements. Although not a wealthy man, Mr. Arnold enjoys the world and takes life cheerfully, doing his duty day by day. In politics he is an enthusiastic Republican, taking a warm interest in the success of his party. Mrs. Arnold is a mem- ber of the King's Creek U. P. Church.

N ER O. BROWNLEE is descended from one of the oldest pioneer families of Wash- ington county, Penn. Archibald Brownlee, the earliest known ancestor, was born near Glasgow, Scotland, and passed his early yonth in his native land. When a young man he emigrated to America with his wife and family, and locating in eastern Pennsylvania resided there many years previous to the Revolution, and there reared a family of children, three of whom were: Thomas (born in Scotland), James and William. The Indians becoming hostile drove settlers (men-

tioned) back to eastern Pennsylvania. The Revolu- tion breaking out, Thomas enlisted under General Washington, and was one of his ferrymen crossing the Delaware. He was also one of Washington's select marksmen, and was a man of great muscular power, weighing from two hundred and fifty to three hundred pounds.

Thomas Brownlee, son of Archibald, grew to manhood, and was married to Martha Shearer. After taking up his claim and after the Revolution the young man came farther west, locating in Buf- falo township, Washington Co., Penn. He there entered 600 acres of land, nearly half of which tract is still in the possession of his descendants. His brothers, James and William, and his cousins, James and John Brownlee, each took up 600 acres. The following children were born to Thomas and Martha Brownlee: Hamilton, Archibald, David, Margaret, Jane and Martha; all of whom are now deceased. The mother of these children died, and after several lonely years, Mr. Brownlee was united in marriage with Elizabeth Muncy, who bore him four children: William T., Elizabeth, Rachel and Susan, all of whom are deceased. Of these chil- dren, William T. Brownlee was killed in Missouri, by a neighbor with whom he had some trouble.

Archibald, son of Thomas and Martha (Shearer) Brownlee, was born January 12, 1795, on the farm in Buffalo township, Washington county. He was one of the first Abolitionists, and took an active

part in smuggling slaves, being interested in the underground railway, which was made to assist the fugitive negro in escaping to Canada. Mr. Brownlee was married to Kezialı, daughter of William, and descendant of Archibald Brownlee, and the following children were born to their union: Joanna (residing in Kansas), Ariel (living in Buffalo township, Washington county), Eben- ezer (a minister in Blue Earth City, Minn.), Mar- garet (living in Washington county), Keziah (de- ceased), Martha, Elizabeth and Jonathan (residents of Washington county). Of the above family, Ariel Brownlee was born July 16, 1829, on the property in Buffalo township, which he now owns. He received a common-school education, and was reared to farm work. He enlisted in Company A, Eighty-fifth P. V. I., under Capt. H. J. Van- Kirk, and took part in the engagements of Fair Oaks, Deep Bottom and numerous skirmishes. Receiving his discharge, he returned to the farm, upon which he has since resided. Politically he is a Republican, and in religion a United Presby- terian.

Jonathan Brownlee, son of Archibald and Keziah Brownlee, was born in Buffalo township, Washington county, and passed his youth on the farm, where he received a fair education, and afterward taught eight terms of school. On November 28, 1854, he was married to Catherine Anderson, daughter of Benjamin Anderson, Donegal township, Washing- ton county, and to them the following children have been born: Anderson (a minister (U. P.) liv- ing at Martin's Ferry, Ohio), Alvin (deceased), Nettie, Ner O., Carrie, Jennie, Melvin (deceased) and Hervey (deceased). Mr. Brownlee has a farm of 136 acres and is engaged in stock raising, giv- ing especial attention to breeding hogs, sheep and cattle. In politics he is an active Republican, having filled various township offices.'

Ner O. Brownlee, born March 3, 1861, son of Jonathan and Catherine (Anderson) Brownlee, re- ceived a fair education, to which he has added much valuable knowledge, making stock raising a special study. On October 29, 1886, he was mar- ried to Beatrice, daughter of Thomas Noble, of Wheeling, W. Va. This lady died November 28, 1892, leaving two children: Thomas Owen, born Janu- ary 4, 1888, and Louisa C., born July 16, 1889 (died June 20, 1891). Like his father Mr. Brown- lee is a Republican, but not an active politician. In religion he is connected with the United Pres- byterian Church at Claysville.

E BENEZER BUCHANAN, a retired farmer of West Alexander, Penn., was born July 7, 1815,in Ohio county, W. Va. He is a son of John Buchanan, whose father was a native of Ireland, and the first of the family to emigrate to America. He located in Pennsylvania, where

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his son John was born, who there grew to man- hood, and was united in marriage with Catherine Blayney, of Ohio county, W. Va.

After his mariage, Mr. Buchanan remained in Ohio county some time. In 1816 he moved to Champaign county, Ohio, becoming a pioneer of that county, where he died in the following year. He had seven children, only three of whom lived to an adult age, namely: George (deceased at the age of seventy years), Ebenezer (subject of this sketch) and Martha (living on the home farm). After the death of her husband, Mrs. Buchanan and her three living children removed to Belmont county, Ohio, where she lived for some time, thence proceeded to her native place in Ohio county, W. Va. She died in 1870, at the age of eighty-six years, and is now buried in the U. P. graveyard, at West Alexander.

Ebenezer Buchanan is the youngest of a family of seven children. He was but a small boy when his father died, and at the age of twelve years he began to learn the tanner's trade at Taylorstown, Penn. After serving his apprenticeship, he began business for himself in 1836, at Good Intent, Washington county. In the year 1838 he was married to Jane Templeton, who was born Novem- ber 12, 1818, in West Finley township; she is the daughter of Alexander Templeton, a pioneer. Alexander Templeton was born in 1786, one mile east of Washington, Penn., of Irish parentage. He married Charity McClain, of Pigeon Creek, in 1816, settled on a farm in West Finley township, and to them were born two sons and four daugh- ters. Their sons became Presbyterian ministers. Samuel M. married Margaret, daughter of Rev. James Dickey, and died in 1867. Milo married Agnes Rentoul, of Montrose, Scotland, and died in 1863, both leaving families. The daughters are all married, and are still living.

Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan have had the following children: Malvina C. (Mrs. William Henderson, of Ohio Co., W. Va.), John Alexander (whose health was wrecked in the Civil war, is an apiarist of Holiday's Cove, Hancock Co., W. Va.), Elmira J. (deceased at the age of ten years), Theresa C. (deceased at the age of twelve years), Caroline V. (also deceased in her twelfth year), George Mil- ton (deceased when seven years of age) and Ells- worth (a groceryman of Claysville, Penn.). After his marriage Mr. Buchanan farmed in Marshall county, W. Va., until 1847, when he removed to Ohio county. In the year 1865 he came to Done- gal township, Washington Co., Penn., and located on the borders of West Alexander. Since the town has increased in extent, Mr. Buchanan has prac- tically become a citizen. In 1885 he retired from active life, and with his wife is now enjoying the fruits of fifty-five years of toil. He is an enthu- siastic member of the Republican party, but

though nominations have been tendered him, he prefers to give his time to his private business. Both Mr. Buchanan and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church at West Alexander.

S MITH FRY. The Fry family, of whom this gentleman is a prominent member, are num- bered with the earliest and most progressive citizens of Washington county.

The first of the name to settle in Pennsylvania was one Samuel Fry, who was born in 17-, in Virginia, and was there married to Christina Speers, also a native of Virginia, born in 1752. They came overland to Washington county, Penn., in an early day, and July 19, 1792, took a "toma- hawk right " to a large tract of land in Fallowfield township. Samuel Fry was a famous hunter, and also worked on his farm, remaining in the fort at night, for protection from the Indians. He died in 1814, being survived by his wife till November 9, 1841, when she too passed away.

Abraham Fry, son of Samuel and Christina (Speers) Fry, was born in 1792, on the home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He received a subscription-school education, and in early life was married to Isabella Ringland, a native of Washington county. She bore him eleven children, namely: Samuel (living in Allen township, Washington county), John (also living in Allen township), Christina (Mrs. Abraham Colvin, of Fallowfield township), Abraham (who entered the United States service in Washington county, and is now living near Nashville, Tenn.), Henry, a resident of Sumner county, Tenn., on the Cumber- landriver), Noah (who died in Fallowfield township), Sarah (wife of Thomas McGowan, Lock No. 4, Fal- lowfield township), Jackson, living in Cowley coun- ty, Kans. (he enlisted in the Civil war, was taken prisoner, and was confined in Andersonville prison eleven months), Clarissa (who married Alexander Allman, and died in East Pike Run township), Smith (of whom a sketch follows) and Isabelle (wife of Elgy Van Voorhis, of Kansas City., Mo). After their marriage Abraham and Isabelle Fry settled on the upper part of the old homestead in Fallowfield township. He was actively interested in public matters, and first affiliated with the Democratic party, then becoming a Whig and Re- publican. He died December 11, 1866, followed by his widow April 12, 1881, shie having lived to see her youngest daughter the mother of twelve children. Both parents were members of the Church of Christ.

Smith Fry was born March 4, 1836, on the old homestead in Fallowfield township, and is the tenth child in order of birth. He attended the district schools, passing his boyhood on the farm, and March 21, 1861, he married Mary Ann Mitchell, a

Smith Gry

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native of Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. Her parents were Mark and Lucinda (Bur- gau) Mitchell, natives of Washington county, Penn., and members of the Church of Christ. James and Elizabeth (Smoek) Burgan, natives of Westmore- land county, were among the early pioneers of Washington county, and members of the Church of Christ. He was remarkably well versed in the Scriptures, and it is said of him that he could re- cite entire chapters without prompting. He served in the war of 1812. Mr. and Mrs. Fry be- gan wedded life on the old place, where he owns 136 acres of good land, and is giving considerable attention to stock raising, especially heavy-draft Clydesdale horses. In his political preferences he votes with the Republican party. His wife is a

member of the Church of Christ. Their children are Harvey J. Fry, living in Fallowfield township, married to Miss Maie Reeves, January 12, 1888; Lucinda Isabella, wife of Joseph Nutt; Charley Smith; Abram Elgy; Clara Estella, and Cora Oella.

OHN MAHAFFEY RUSH, a prominent farmer and stock raiser of Hopewell town- ship, is of Irish descent, his father. Patrick Rush, having been born December 25, 1797, in County Tyrone, Ireland. Patrick's parents were John and Mary Rush, natives of County Tyrone, where they resided during their entire lives.

Patrick Rush evinced a desire to come to America, and when but fourteen years of age, joined a party of friends, named Miller, who were about to emigrate. His parents pleaded with him to remain at home until he reached manhood, but with the impetuosity of youth he determined to sail immediately, and was permitted to accompany his friends on board the vessel, where he concealed himself until out of port. His friends paid for his passage, and he promised to work for them after reaching America until he could repay them. The Miller family came to Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and began clearing land. After work- ing out his debt, young Patrick Rush hired to Mr. Miller by the year, remaining in his employ for several years. On Christmas Day, 1829, he was married to Sarah Mehaffey, a native of Ireland, born September 18, 1799, in County Down, Ireland. She was the daughter of John and Nancy Mehaffey. The latter family came to America and settled in Chartiers township, when Sarah was thirteen years of age, locating near Cross Roads Church, where Mr. Mehaffey was killed September 25, 1825, by a falling tree, while cutting timber for the church. After his marriage to Sarah Mehaffey, Patrick Rush rented a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, upon which he remained for thirty years. He purchased two farms, which he sold,

and in 1849 removed to Hopewell township, where the subject of our sketch is now living. Five children were born to Patrick and Sarah Rush, namely: John M., Nancy (wife of James Bigger, of Muskingum county, Ohio), Mary Jane (wife of Matthew Knox, of Guernsey county, Ohio), Robert (lieutenant of the Ringgold Battalion, Pennsylvania Cavalry, killed at Rodney, Va.) and Sarah (married to Samuel Armstrong, of Guernsey county, Ohio). The mother died in October, 1886. She and her husband were members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Rush was a Democrat, but aside from attending election, took no active part in political affairs. He was a man of keen perceptive faculties and good judgment. Begin- ning life for himself when so very young, he had no opportunity for getting a literary education, yet he was in every sense of the word a successful man, and accumulated a handsome property. He died in August, 1880.

John M. Rush was born October 22, 1830, in Mt. Pleasant township, and was sent to a subscrip- tion school, which he attended during the winters until seventeen years of age. He has a vivid recollection of the schools of that time, which were in sharp contrast to the present school system. The rude log schoolhouse with its primitive furni- ture familiar to every pioneer was the "temple of learning " where he received his education. The course of study pursued at that time included such text-books as "Cobb's Speller " and "U. S. Speller," " Western Calculator" and "English Reader." Quill pens were used, and the "copies were set by the master." Primitive as were the methods employed in those days, it was in such schools and by such method+ that many of the most intellectual and able men of our day laid the foundation of their education. The training Mr. Rush then received has served well in his success- ful business career. At the age of seventeen years he left school and engaged in wagoning between Hickory and Pittsburgh, hauling grain and mer- chandise, driving four or six horses to a great "Conestoga " wagon. He followed that business nine years, and in 1856 took charge of his father's farm, having since pursued the occupation of farming and stock raising. In 1857 he was mar- ried to Nancy, daughter of Charles and Elizabeth (Fronacker) Stoolfire, of Donegal township, and to them were born five children: Albert Stoolfire, Eudora Winona, Lillian, Sallie M. and Herbert. Mr. Rush is residing on his farm two miles south- east of West Middletown. He is a Democrat, but seeks no political prominence. Mrs. Rush and her daughters (all of whom are living at home) are members of the Disciple Church at West Mid- dletown. Mr. Rush has no church affiliations.

Albert S. Rnsh, son of John M. and Nancy (Stool- fire) Rush, was born August 20, 1860, and was reared

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on his father's farm in Hopewell township. this county. He received his early education at the district school known as Tartown school, attending there until about eighteen years of age. He then followed farming, working with his father until twenty-two years of age, when he entered Duff's Commercial College,at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he remained about three months, when sickness compelled his return home. On June 6, 1883, he was married to Miss San Jacinto Duvall, daughter of Louis Duvall. Their children are Albert John, Mary Nila and Stanley Oklahoma. In addition to managing a large farm, Mr. Rush does an exten- sive business in breeding, raising and selling pure .blood Poland-China pigs, Shropshire sheep, and Jersey cattle, all registered. His exhibits of stock raised on his farm during the last three years have excited the comment and admiration of fine stock fanciers throughout western Pennsylvania. His business is growing, and his sales book holds orders from Ohio, New York, Maryland and Vir- ginia, besides different localities in his own State. He possesses in an eminent degree those qualities which form a first-class citizen, and is a credit to his community, enjoying the esteem of his neigh- bors. He leaves to others the business of politics, caring nothing for the allurements of office-holding, but voices his sentiments at every election by his ballot, being liberal in local elections, supporting the most suitable candidate. In national elections he supports the principles of pure Democracy. Mr. and Mrs. Rush are members of the Dutch Fork Disciple Church, and by precept, practice and financial support, perform their duty toward sus- taining and promoting the cause of Christianity in the community.

OHN McMANNIS, one of the most prominent native-born agriculturists of Washington county, is a son of William McMannis, who in very early days had settled in what is now Canton township, this county, having come, when a young man, from eastern Pennsylvania, where he was born in 1787.

William McMannis was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Patrick Burns, a native of Ireland, and the children born to this union were John, William, James, Ann, Elizabeth and Hannah. The father of this family died in 1849, the mother in 1873. Mr. McMannis removed from Canton town- ship many years ago, and took up his residence in Strabane township until 1830, in which year he came to Buffalo township and settled on a farm in Rural valley. In his political preferences he was an Old-line Whig.

John McMannis, the eldest son of this honored pioneer, was born February 1, 1817, in Canton township, where his boyhood and youth were spent

alternately in working on the farm and in attending the subscription schools of the locality. On Feb- ruary 26, 1840, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of John Irwin, a farmer of Buffalo township, where he was reared, and where he was married to Elizabeth Anderson, who bore him the following named children: Thomas S., Leviah (wife of John McKee), Mary (wife of John Mc- Mannis), Matthew A., Sarah (wife of John P. Gamble), Elizabeth M. (wife of John Williamson) and John. Mr. Irwin was a member of the Seceder Church, and in politics an uncompromising Whig. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. McMannis resided three years on the farm with his father. He then located on a rented farm in Buffalo township, situated about one and one-half miles from Tay- lorstown. This place he afterward purchased, and it was on this farm that the first oil well in the township was sunk. The names of the children born to them are Elizabeth (wife of J. R. Littell), Anna, Catherine (Mrs. William H. Torrence), Myra, and Tilla (wife of W. S. Richey). The mother of this family departed this life December 21, 1871, in her fifty-sixth year, a devout member of the U. P. Church. Mr. McMannis was originally a Democrat, but since 1856 he has been a Repub- lican; for twenty-four years he was a school di- rector, and from 1865 he served as a justice of the peace for ten years, or, in fact, till he declined to serve longer, even when re-elected.

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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 195

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