Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 196

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 196

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In the summer of 1889 Mr. McMannis retired from active business life, and having sold the farm to the Washington Oil Company, he moved into the village of Taylorstown, where he now resides enjoying in the sunset of his life the fruits of his earlier labors. He is well known among the old residents of Buffalo township, and has always been identified with its advancement. He is a repre- sentative self-made man, one who from small be- ginnings has by industry, economy and sound judg- ment accumulated an ample competence. He has never used tobacco or liquor in any form, and is hale and hearty, universally respected and es- teemed.

A LEXANDER McCONNEL is one of the leading agriculturists and stockmen of Chartiers township. His grandfather, Alexander McConnel, was born July 10, 1755, in Charlotte county, Va., and in early manhood married Esther Reed, who was born May 16, 1756. She died November 30, 1786, and on April 28, 1789, Mr. McConnel was united in mar- riage with Elizabeth McCrory, who was born Feb- ruary 26, 1767. They settled near Carlisle, Penn., and a few years later came to Cecil township, this county, where he took a patent of land. He died many years ago, and his wife survived him several

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years. To them were born the following children: Alexander, David (deceased in Cecil township), born October 5, 1791; Jean, born October 11, 1793; Prudence, boru November 14, 1795 (wife of James Oram, of Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., deceased at Washington, Iowa, in 1890); Nancy, born September 26, 1797; and Matthew, born Oc- tober 25, 1799.

Alexander McConnel, father of subject, was born February 2, 1790, on the home farm in Cecil town- ship, where he grew to manhood, and was married to Ann Berry, a native of this county. The young people first located in Allegheny county, Penn., then moved to Cecil township, this county, and six years afterward settled on a farm in North Stra- bane township, carrying on a mill in connection with farm duties. Mr. and Mrs. McConnel were the parents of the following children: Alexander, Elizabetlı, Jane (first married to Daniel Boyles, and is now living in Washington, the widow of Mr. Collins), Mary A. (living in North Strabane township. widow of Richard Fife, his third wife), Isabelle (deceased wife of Dr. Vail, of Rochelle, Ill.), John (married, living in North Strabane town- ship, on the old homestead). David (who died about 1856). William (a United Presbyterian minister, licensed in June, 1856, first called to the church at Hanover, Beaver Co., Penn., and in 1858 came to West Newton, Penn. He married Miss Anna Mc- Clurkin, of Pittsburgh, and died July 18, 1866, in Allegheny, Penn.), Matthew (deceased in 1886), James (married. living in Houstonville, this county) and Anderson (deceased in 1884). After the mother of these children died, Mr. McConnel married a Miss Torrence, who survived him about one year. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, in politics was first a Whig, then a Republican, and a strong opponent of slavery. He assisted in the organization of the Society which is now the Greenside United Presbyterian Church, of which he was an elder from the first organization of the body, holding that position until his death. He resided in North Strabane township for more than sixty years, then moved to Peters township, this county, where he died about two years afterward.

Alexander McConnel, whose name opens this sketch, was born December 20, 1816, in Allegheny county, Penn., being the eldest in his father's family. When but three years of age he came with them to Cecil township, this county, and when he was nine years of age, the parents settled on the home place in North Strabane township, where Alexander completed his education in the subscription schools. He learned the trade of a millwright. and in 1847 came to Chartiers town- ship, erecting a flouring-mill known as McConnel's Mill, on Chartiers creek, which business he fol- lowed fifteen years, also working at his trade. On December 8, 1853, he was united in marriage with

Eliza MeKnight, of Chartiers township, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Anderson) McKnight, the father a native of Cecil county, Md., and the mother a native of Ireland. After their marriage the young people settled on the farm in Chartiers township which is their present home. Four children have blessed their union, viz .: Alexander Anderson (who died July 6, 1862), born April 8, 1856; J. M., born September 14, 1858; John O., born August 24, 1860; and one deceased in infancy. Of these children, John graduated in 1883 from Westminster College, read medicine one year, and was then educated for the ministry at Allegheny, Penn., finishing at Xenia (Ohio) Seminary, and was licensed to preach. He was ordained in the Westmoreland Presbytery at Ligonier, Penn. In 1889 he married Mary, daughter of Rev. J. H. Timmons.

Mr. McConnel owns a fertile and well-cultivated farm of 230 acres, and, since coming to Chartiers township, has devoted his time to its improvement and management. He was formerly a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party has voted the latter ticket, and has served four terms as township supervisor. He and his wife are earnest members of the United Presbyterian Church at Cross Roads, in which he has been a ruling elder for many years. In his youth Mr. McConnel joined the Spear Spring Church, now known as the Greenside Church.

At Dr. Martin's store in Canonsburg, the second attempt was made to build the Chartiers Railroad. Wesley Grier, David Houston and Alexander Mc- Connel were talking with others about the great benefit that the building of this road would be. The three at once subscribed $1,000 apiece, and got others at the store to subscribe smaller amounts. These three men also raised more money; Mr. McConnel raised $8,000 within four miles of bis home; the start thus made secured the road, and Mr. McConnel took $1,800 worth of stock.

AMES R. STEWART. Prominent among the many families of Irish descent who have added so greatly to the improvement of America, ranks the one of which this gentle- man was an honored member. As early as 1795 John and Mary Stewart emigrated from Ire- land, bringing with them their four children, and made for themselves a new home in what was then an undeveloped country. Mr. Stewart died, December 18. 1836, when eighty-six years old; his wife preceded him to the grave February 12, 1836, being at the time eighty-five years of age.

The eldest son, Archibald Stewart, married Rebecca Reed, a native of Pennsylvania, and after his marriage settled in Chartiers township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., where he engaged in farming

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and also carried on the blacksmith's trade. He was an elder in the Associate Reformed Church and in the United Presbyterian Church at Cross Roads. Politically he was a Republican. His death occurred June 5, 1862, after he had attained his seventy-fifth year, and on May 3, 1857, his wife passed from earth in her sixty-fourth year. Their children were: James R., who married Elizabeth T. Miller; Mary, Mrs. Samuel Griffith, of Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, Washington county ; Jane, Mrs. William S. White, who died in 1883; Joseph, who was married in Illinois, and died there; Will- iain, who lives in Villisca, Iowa, and is married; Margaret, who married David Miller, and died in 1872; Sarah, Mrs. Andrew Miller, of Mt. Pleasant township, and John, who first married Miss Eliza McLaughlin, and afterward Miss Elizabeth Slem- mons. He died in 1886. in Donegal township, Washington county.

James R. Stewart was born June 9, 1812, on the farm where his widow now resides. His educa- tional advantages were very limited, the schools of that time being only rude huts, and the teachers being but indifferently prepared to impart knowl- edge. However, he learned the blacksmith's trade thoroughly under the tutorage of his father, and afterward followed it in connection with farming. On May 23, 1839, Mr. Stewart married Miss Eliza- beth T. Miller, a daughter of Jacob and Jane (Filston) Miller, and after their marriage the young couple resided on the home farm, where Mrs. Stewart is now living, and where Mr. Stewart died, May 22, 1880. He was sincerely mourned by the numerous friends who appreciated his sterling worth and strict integrity. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart were earnest church workers, and devoted much attention to deeds of charity. Their union was blessed with two children: Jacob M. (of Chartiers township, who married Miss Rebecca Todd, and after her death married Miss Lizzie Grounds) and Rebecca, who married, October 20, 1864, William H. Thompson, who was born in Canonsburg, May 17, 1837. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Thomp- son located in Canonsburg, where he engaged in wagon-making, and then moved to Hickory, where he died February 1, 1873, at the age of thirty-six years. He was an active worker in the Repub- lican party; and was a member of the United Pres- byterian Church at Canonsburg. The children born of their union were: a son who died in in fancy; Stewart J., a farmer by occupation. who owns the valuable farm on which he lives; Joseph H., a graduate of Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Penn .; Elizabeth Emma (deceased) and Millie R. Mrs. Thompson has given her children superior educations; she now makes her home with her children on the farm.

Jacob Miller, father of Mrs. Stewart, was born in eastern Pennsylvania, and there married Jane

Filston, also a native of that section of the State. Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Miller inoved to Washington county, locating near Mc- Connell's Mill, in Chartiers township, and a few years later took possession of the property, now known as the "Col. Robert Miller" farm, where the following children were born: Rachel, Mrs. Thomas Sproat, of South Strabane; Mary, Mrs. Samuel McNary (she and her husband have each been married before); Nancy, Mrs. John Boon; Jane, Mrs Richard Sproat, of Ohio; Samuel, who married Miss Mary Ann Cockins, and lives in Mt. Pleasant township; Catherine, Mrs. James McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant township; Jacob, who married and moved to Ohio; Margaret, Mrs. John McDowell, Mt. Pleasant township; Robert, who first married Abbicah Cundal, and afterward made Elizabeth Glen his wife (he died in October, 1891); Elizabeth T., Mrs. James R. Stewart; Sarah, Mrs. James Patterson; and Sophia, who has never mar- ried. Mrs. Elizabeth T. Stewart is the only member of the Miller family now living, and is a worthy representative of her highly respected ancestors.

LARK PRESTON, an honored citizen and representative agriculturist of Somerset township, is a native of the same, having been born October 16, 1837, a son of John Preston and grandson of Bernard Preston. Bernard Preston was born April 29, 1754, in Maryland, and was reared on the home place in his native State. On May 7, 1776, he was united in marriage with Mary Preston, also a native of Mary- land, born March 19, 1759. He followed farming, and in 1784 moved to Pennsylvania, purchasing a large tract of land in Washington county, where he and his devoted wife remained the rest of their lives, rearing the following children: Sarah, Nathan, Jacob, Samuel, Anna, Elizabeth, Daniel, Jonathan, Silas, Bernard and John. The parents of this family were members of the M. E. Church, the old church building of that denomination being on the farm now owned and occupied by our subject.

John Preston, the youngest son of Bernard and Mary (Preston) Preston, was reared on the home farm, and early in life was married to Margaret. daughter of Robert and Jane Clark, the latter of whom died in 1866. To this union were born five children, viz. : Mary J. (deceased wife of Dr. W. L. S. Willes, of Washington county, Penn.), Clark (subject of sketch), Loammi (deceased), John F. (living in Neosho county, Kans.), and Lacy A. (unmarried), a resident of Monongahela City, Penn. The father died September 24, 1884, the mother in 1851, the former a member of the M. E. Church, the latter a Presbyterian.

Clark Preston

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Clark Preston grew to manhood on the home farm, receiving a common-school education. In 1862 he enlisted in Company D, Ringgold Bat- talion. P. V. C., was honorably discharged, and is now drawing a pension. On September 18, 1867, he was married to Catherine C. Teeple, who was born September 22, 1844, in Washington county, Penn., daughter of Isaac and Margaret (Williams) Teeple, both also natives of Washington county, and who had nine children: Thomas (a farmer of Neosho county, Kans.), Theodore (a farmer of Carroll township, Washington county), Catherine C. (wife of Clark Preston), Sarah (unmarried), Emma S. (married to A. J. Hess, a farmer of Fal- lowfield township, this county), Adda T. (wife of Robert McKee, deceased farmer of Allegheny county), and Josephine T. (wife of Thomas Edgar); the others died in infancy. The father died in 1881, a member of the Presbyterian Church; the mother passed away in 1868, an adherent of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Clark and Catherine C. (Teeple) Preston have had the following children: Clyde A., born July 27, 1868; Harry A., born September 26, 1869; Metta M., born July 19, 1871; Theodore A., born March 17, 1873; Isaac C., born February 28, 1875; Vance L. G., born October 28, 1876, and Cooper M., born August 27, 1879. Mr. Preston is not in- terested in political questions, but votes the Re- publican ticket, and takes an active part in all mat- ters pertaining to church or school; he has served fifteen years as school director. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The home farm consists of 140 acres of land, in a high state of cultivation, upon which is erected a com- fortable two-story dwelling, also a commodious barn and substantial outbuildings.

W ILLIAM PATTERSON, a worthy repre- sentative of an old pioneer family, is a son of William Patterson, whose grand- father, James, was the first of the family to settle in America. Of the children of this James Patterson, William was born in 1733, and in 1758 was married to Rosanna Scott, of Cecil county, Md. She died April 5, 1769, and on April 10, 1770, he was married to Elizabeth Brown, who bore him ten children. In the spring of 1778 he and several of his sons secured 350 acres of land in Cross Creek township, this county, upon which he settled in the fall of same year, dying there in 1818.

Thomas Patterson, a son of William and Rosan- na (Scott) Patterson, was born October 1, 1764, and passed his boyhood on the home farm. In 1794 he bought some of his father's land, erecting a grist and flour mill upon it, and also purchased addi- tional property from Mary Patterson. On Octo-

ber 6, 1795, he was married to Elizabeth Findley, daughter of Hon. William Findley, of Westmore- land county, Penn. The young people began house- keeping in a log cabin, which was formerly used as a store, and in this pioneer home eleven chil- dren were born: William, James, Samuel, Jolin, Thomas, Findley, Moses and David, and Mary, Elizabeth and Rosanna. Thomas Patterson, Sr., was a major-general in the militia. He was a member of Congress from 1817 to 1825, and of the Electoral College iu 1816. He died of apoplexy November 17, 1841.

William Patterson, son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Findley) Patterson, was born September 25, 1796, and at an early age was entrusted with the care of the farm and mills, during his father's absence on political business. In 1812 his father established a fulling mill, of which William took charge as soon as he was competent. In 1819 he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Hon. Aaron Lyle, a resident of Cross Creek township, this connty. William Patterson was a prominent officer in the inilitia, and organized and commanded the Union Volunteer Battalion; was also major on the staff of the brigadier general of militia. In 1828 he was elected to the State Legislature, serving four consecutive terms, and during the last term was Speaker of the House. He took a very active interest in all educational matters, secured the erection of an elegant schoolhouse near his home, contributing liberally to the expenses, and serving most efficiently as director. While in the Legisla- ture he obtained $8,000 from the State to erect a new building for Jefferson College. In 1844 he became a member of the Electoral College, and in 1859, retiring from a brilliant public career, he passed his last days in quiet. The children born to Will- iam and Margaret Patterson were Lysander, Mary, James, Robert, Aaron Lyle, Caroline, William, Margaret, Thomas A., and Samuel Findley. The father died in April, 1879, the mother in March, 1883.

William Patterson, son of William and Margaret (Lyle) Patterson, was born January 4, 1832, in Cross Creek township, this county, and received a common-school education, assisting at the same time, his father on the farm and in the mill. On Jan- uary 8, 1856, he was wedded to Sarah Margaret Jackson, who was born December 22, 1838. in Jef- ferson county, Ohio, daughter of James Jackson. They have had the following children: Mary (Mrs. Eli Sheets, of Ashland county, Ohio), Sarah Ella (wife of Newton Simpson, of Hill Grove, Hardin Co., Ky.), James J. (deceased in youth), Margaret (a school teacher), Jennie, Lewis Cass, Annie, Robert Lee (deceased in youth), Elvira B. and William B. Mr. Patterson farmed in Independ- ence township for some time after his marriage, then moved to Ashland county, Ohio, remaining

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there several years, but again came to this county. He afterward located near Springfield, Ohio, but in the fall of 1875 returned to his native home, settling about two and a half miles south of In- dependence, this county, adjoining the West Vir- ginia line, where he has since resided. He is en- gaged in farming, stock raising and in fruit and vegetable culture.

He enjoys a reputation for integrity and veracity, as well as that of being an independent thinker, untrammeled by any creed, dogma, superstition, preconceived or inherited notion. He is not a member of any religious or secret organization, but claims the right to investigate all questions (both secular and religious) for himself. subject to no dictator except instructed reason. He believes that faith without knowledge is a delusion and a snare. His motto, expressed in the language of the poet, is:

New occasions teach new duties, Time makes ancient creeds untruth; He must upward then and onward, Who would keep abreast of truth.

Tempora mutantur, et nos mutamur in illis. (The times change, and we change with them.)

W ILLIAM S. RUSSELL was born Febru- ary 12, 1843, in Smith township. this county. He is one of the leading agri- culturists of the vicinity, and a lineal de- scendant of Abraham Russell, who was born in Ireland, and, coming to America soon after the war of the Revolution, was married in this country. He became one of the earliest settlers of Smith township, this county, at a time when the Indians made fearful slaughter among the white pioneers. He was a successful farmer, and served his country in the war of 1812, dying at an advanced age, and leaving the following children, who also lived to advanced ages: William (men- tioned below). James and John (twins, the latter of whom died in Allegheny county, Penn.) and Nancy (wife of Jacob Drake, a farmer of Arm- strong county, Penn.).

William Russell, eldest son of Abraham Rus- sell, was born in the latter part of the last century, in Smith township, this county, receiving a some- what imperfect schooling, as the opportunities of those days were very meager and primitive. In 1798 he was married to Nancy Strain, whose par- ents were early settlers in Smith township, and in about 1800 Mr. and Mrs. Russell. with their in- fant son, removed to Portage county, Ohio, resid- ing there until the close of the war of 1812, in which William was a soldier. Being dissatisfied with the country, he returned about 1815 to Smith township, and located near the line of Cross Creek township, where he continued to follow farming

until his death. In politics he was a Democrat. His wife died several years before her husband, and left the following children: Abraham (deceased in this county at the age of eighty-five; he never married), Sarah (deceased wife of James Fulton, formerly of Cross Creek township, then moved to Hanover township, this county), John S., Saman- tha (who cared for her father in his old age and died unmarried) and James (deceased in Colum- biana county, Ohio).

John S. Russell was born February 14, 1806, in Portage county, Ohio, on the home farm, where he was initiated into the mysteries of agricultural life. On February 12, 1833, he was married to Jane Simpson, who was born September 3, 1815, daugh- ter of James and Ellen (Stewart) Simpson, old and early residents of the township. The children born to this union were as follows: Ellen (living in Burgettstown, Penn., unmarried), Cynthia (un- married, also residing in Burgettstown), Margaret (wife of James Dunbar, of Smith township), Ophe- lia (Mrs. Hugh Wilson, of Hanover township, this county), William S. (subject of our sketch), Agnes (an unmarried lady of Burgettstown, Penn.), James C. (an agriculturist of Smith township) and David A. (deceased farmer of Smith township). Mrs. Russell died July 23, 1851, and for his second wife Mr. Russell married Mary A. Vincent, who was born February 20, 1818, daughter of Joseph and Sarah (Rea) Vincent, of Mt. Pleasant town- ship, this county. Two children were born to John S. and Mary (Vincent) Russell: John (who died in youth) and Jane (Mrs. D. W. Smith, of Smith township, this county). After his first mar- riage Mr. Russell settled on a farm one mile west of Bulger, Smith township, where his life was passed successfully in agricultural pursuits. Year by year his possessions increased, until, by dint of careful management, business sagacity and good financiering, he became among the most extensive wool growers and largest landholders of the town- ship, at the time of his death owning nearly six hundred acres of valuable and productive real estate. In politics he was a Democrat, and in re- ligion a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, which he served as an elder. He died September 15. 1879.

William S. Russell was born on a portion of the farm in Smith township, where he is now living, and was reared to rural life. On April 7, 1870, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary McBride, who was born March 5, 1842, a daughter of John McBride. The following children have blessed this union: Eva J., John M., Holland S., Annie S., Clement K., Cynthia S., Walter S., Luella and Dwight M. William S. and Mary (McBride) Rus- sell settled on the "Old Simpson farm," one mile west of Bulger, where his maternal grandfather resided in early days. He devotes a considerable

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portion of his time to general agriculture and stock raising, and also conducts a small dairy. He was formerly a Democrat, afterward uniting with the Prohibition party, and in religion he and his wife are consistent members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, in which he is an elder.

D AVID M. PRY is a substantial and pro- gressive citizen of Burgettstown, Penn. His grandfather was married in Virginia to a Miss Barnes, who bore him children as follows: John, Abraham, William L., Eliza (Mrs. John Powelson), Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Pascal, of Cross Creek township) and Mary. The father of this family was a Democrat in politics.

Abraham Pry, father of David M., was born November 10, 1813, in Hampshire county, W. Va. The father died when the son was but four years of age, and the child was left to struggle through the perplexities of boyhood unaided, but he secured an education by dint of perseverance and energy, and when about twenty-two years of age came to Washington county, settling in Cross Creek town- ship. In 1840 he was there married to Rachel, daughter of David McClurg, of the same township, and the young people then settled on the farm where they are yet living. The following children have been born to their union: David M., Cather- ine J. (deceased), John W., William H. and Jo- seph M. (twins, the latter of whom is deceased), Abraham, Cynthia J. (deceased), Anna M. (de- ceased), Ambrose (living in Iowa) and Francis H. (deceased). The father of this family was origi- nally a Democrat, then a Whig, finally uniting with the Republican party, whose principles he now sup- ports. He attends the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, contributing liberally to its maintenance.

David M. Pry, eldest son of Abraham and Rachel (McClurg) Prý, was born June 16, 1842, on the home farm in Cross Creek township, and remained with his parents until about twenty years of age. He enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., serving throughout the Civil war: He was wounded at Spottsylvania, being shot in the leg by a musket ball, and was sent to the "Finley" hospital at Washington City. He remained there until mustered out of the service August 16, 1865, then returned home and engaged in farming. On October 5, 1865, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of John Rea, of Cross Creek township, this county, and the children born to them were Nora L., Jennie O., Mary G., William R. (deceased) and Edwin B. After his marriage Mr. Pry followed farming for two years, and in 1868 opened a general store in Burgettstown, Penn. In 1884 he was elected recorder of the county, and served in that office until 1887, then returned to Burgettstown, resum-

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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 196

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