Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 200

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 200

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Martin Rankin, whose name introduces this sketch, was born June- 17, 1835, on the pioneer farm in Allegheny county, Penn. He was married to Appalonia, daughter of Jerry Stilley, a resident of Allegheny county, and they settled on a farm near Gill Hall, in that county. In 1876 he pur- chased 181 acres in Union township, this county, where they are yet living, and in addition to gen- eral farming he conducts a profitable dairy, keep- ing about twenty cows. Politically he is an earnest advocate of the principles embodied in the Repub- lican party. The following children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Martin Rankin: Albert, Ed- ward, Sarah, Linnie, Lewis, George, John and William.

M ATTHEW F. McCONNELL (deceased), son of Matthew and Ann (Merchant) Mc- Connell (a record of whom appears on page 1022, this volume), was born Sep- tember 4, 1827, in Hanover township, this county, on the old McConnell homestead, sit- uated near Raccoon creek. He remained on his father's farm during boyhood, and received his first education at the country schools, which was supplemented by several terms at Florence Acad- emy. After leaving school he successfully fol- lowed the profession of school teaching in Washing- ton, Beaver and Allegheny counties, Penn., work- ing on his father's farm during the summer. He finally abandoned school teaching, and gave his en- tire attention to agricultural pursuits. On April 4, 1873, he was married to Sarah Ann Hutton, who was born August 1, 1851, a daughter of C. D. and Mary Jane (Pugh) Hutton, of near Pngh- town, W. Va. The grandfather of Mrs. Hutton

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was the founder of Pughtown, and was an early settler of Hancock county, in the same State.

Two children were born to the union of Matthew F. and Sarah Ann McConnell: Samuel F. F., born December 30, 1875; and William A., born July 3, 1877, both of whom are assisting their widowed mother in the management of the farm. Mr. Mc- Connell passed his whole life on his birthplace, and followed general farming until the time of his sudden demise, March 8, 1891, which was caused by heart failure; he was buried in Cross Roads cemetery, at Florence, Penn. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat, and in religion a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church at Florence, of which he was a trustee. Since his death Mrs. McConnell has been living on the old place, which she conducts with the assistance of her two sons. Before her marriage she was a member of the Rob- inson United Presbyterian Church, since which time she has been identified with the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

M B. MERCER (deceased), a well-known resident and successful merchant of Florence, Penn., was a son of William Mercer, who was born near Canonsburg, Penn., in 1797.

William Mercer was educated in the subscrip- tion schools of the day, and in 1815 entered the store of Robert Bowland, Esq., of Burgettstown, Penn., as a clerk, being a most trusted employe. On March 28, 1821, he was married to Eliza Bow- land, who was born September 27, 1801, in Can- onsburg, daughter of his employer. In 1824 Mr. Mercer entered business in Florence, Penn., which he successfully conducted until his retirement from active life in 1848. He then removed to the edge of the town and erected a very pleasant brick residence on a nice tract of land. there living a retired life. On March 28. 1871. Mr. and Mrs. Mercer celebrated their golden wedding. He died at the advanced age of eighty years. His venerable widow, although a sufferer for twenty years, sur- vived him until March 12. 1877, when she too passed away. In politics he was a Whig, and later a Republican, taking an interest in the suc- cess of his party. In 1829 he was appointed postmaster of Florence, which office he filled for many years. For over sixty years he was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, with which he united in 1816. In 1853 he was chosen ruling elder in the Florence Presbyterian Church, and held that office until his death, being a strong pillar in the church. Both he and his wife were buried in Florence cemetery. Seven children were born to this union, namely: Elizabeth. the wife of Hon. Lecky Harper, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, propri- etor and publisher of The Banner; Robert B., a

farmer of Hanover township; Martha, wife of Dr. J. W. McCabe, died in 1857; William B., a drug- gist of Mansfield, Ohio; Harriet, married to Seaton Walker, a woolen manufacturer of Allegheny county, Penn. ; M. B., our subject, and Gaylord. Of these children Elizabeth is the only one yet liv- ing.

M. B. Mercer was born February 23, 1839, at Florence, Penn., and being an apt scholar and close student at the common schools, completed his education at the higher institutions of learning. When a young man he entered the drug store of his brother, William B., at Mansfield, Ohio, re- maining there some time, and then entered Bock- ing's drug store at Wheeling, W. Va. He finally began business for himself in Allegheny, Penn., where he was established on Beaver avenue. Here he married Mary E. Hollins, July 7, 1869, who was born February 20, 1849, in Allegheny county, Penn., a lady of English parentage. Her father, George Hollins, was a native of Stafford- shire, England, and her mother, Elizabeth (Green) Hollins, was born in Gloucestershire, England. After his marriage Mr. Mercer opened a drug store in Pittsburgh,corner of Wylie and Washington streets, and was among the prominent pharmacopolists of the "Smoky City." In 1875, owing to the fail- ing health of his aged parents, he disposed of his interests there, and removed to Florence, Wash- ington county, where he continued to care for them until they died. In 1878 he opened a drug store in Florence, this county, on the site where his father won success. Here he remained until heart failure caused his death, while on his way to Pittsburgh, January 14, 1891. Mr. Mercer was very popular socially, an efficient druggist, and an enterprising citizen. He was a Democrat, serving as postmaster during Cleveland's administration, and was assistant postmaster at the time of his death. He was an active member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church, also serving in other capacities. He was also a member of Cardville Lodge, No. 407, I. O. O. F. Since his death his widow has been living in Florence, surrounded by her many friends.

AMES SCOTT, one of the foremost business men of Smith township, is a native of the same, having been born December 27, 1827, on his father's farm. He 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 Pittsburgh, Penn., afterward settling in Washington county, with his brother Alexander. He purchased a wild tract of land near Raccoon postoffice, Robinson township, where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. He was married to Jane, a sister of John Finley (the

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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. Will- iam Scott), Susan (married to John McBride), Abra- ham, Finley, Holland and Samnel. The father was a Democrat in politics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church at Raccoon.

Finley Scott was born in 1800, in Robinson town- ship, and educated in this county. In 1822 he se- lected. as his life companion, Margaret, daughter of James Stephenson, of Smith township. The young people first settled on a farm in Robinson township, this county, remaining there a few years, when they rented a neighboring farm, afterward purchasing a place in Smith township. where they lived twenty years, and finally moved to the home where the remainder of their lives was passed. The children of this couple were: Ann, Robert K., James, Samuel. Finley. John, Levi. Jane F. (Mrs. William Cowen) and Margaret (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 township offices. In church connection he was first a member of the U. P. Church at Burgettstown, this county, after- ward uniting with the Associate Reformed Church, in which he was an elder. Both he and his wife are buried in the U. P. cemetery.

James Scott received a common school education, and followed agricultural pursuits on the home farm until 1852. He and his brother Finley then joined the throng of gold seekers bound for Cali- fornia. first going to New York, then sailing in the steamer "Eldorado" to Aspinwall, thence crossing the fever-haunted Isthmus, partly by water. partly by rail, the rest on foot. and at length. after tramping some twenty-one miles, they reached Panama. One of the men was there taken sick with the fever prevalent in that locality, and the entire party was detained a few days. When he had partially recovered, they took passage for San Francisco on the steamer "J. L. Stevens," pro- ceeding on their journey until opposite San Pedro bay, in California. The ship then became disabled, and they were obliged to lay to until assistance could be brought from San Francisco. They had barely reached their destination when the sick companion, William Shields, succumbed to the fever and passed away. James Scott followed the life of a miner in El Dorado county, but not real- izing his expectations of success returned to Wash- ington county the following year, by the same route as on the outward journey. He then took charge of the "Old Egypt Mill" at Midway, con- ducting that business for several years. On June 12, 1855, he was married to Lizzie Galbraith, who was born in 1831, daughter of William Galbraith,

of Smith township. They have had the following children: Finley S. (deceased, married to Anna Riddile), William G. (a machinist of Wellsville, Ohio), Harry C. F. (living at home), Samnel G. (a blacksmith of Cross Creek village) and George R. (living with his father). The mother of this family died in 1873, and on August 20, 1878, the father was united in marriage with Lizzie E. B., danghter of John Gregg, who has borne him one sou, John G. After his marriage Mr. Scott located on a farm situated about two miles east of Burgettstown, this county, where he resided until 1859. then located on his present home, which is one mile and a half south of that borongh. Mr. Scott was engaged in the agricultural and implement business for three years, having since followed farming and stock raising. He is well and favorably known in the township, and in politics was a Democrat before the war, having since voted the Republican ticket. He is not an active politician, but has held various township offices. He and his wife are both con- sistent members of the U. P. Church.

SAAC N. SPRINGER is descended from Swed- ish ancestry, and traces his lineage to one Charles C. Springer, a nobleman from Stock- holm. Sweden, who landed in this country about 1689. He settled where Wilmington. Del., now stands, where in time he owned an extensive plantation. He was a prominent member of the Swedish Church. His son, Jacob Springer, assisted in the erection of the first church in the colonies, known as the Swedish Church of Wilmington, Del. In 1770 the ground where is now the city of Wilmington, Del., was leased for a term of ninety- nine years, and the lease or deed is still in the pos- session of the descendants of the Springer family.

John G. Springer was born August 6, 1785, a son of Jacob Springer, Jr., was reared and edu- cated in Wilmington, Del., and came to Washing- ton county, Penn., many years ago. On February 1, 1810, he was married to Miss Jennie Newkirk, of this county, and they first located on a farm in East Pike Run township, moving in 1826 to a property in West Pike Run township. He was a Whig in politics, and served repeatedly in an official capacity. He was sergeant in Robert Kerr Company, Ninety-ninth Regiment of the Pennsyl- vania Militia, which was noted in the war of 1812- 14. In religion he was one of the first trustees of the old West Church, located in West Pike Run township. His children were Newton (deceased), Henry N., Rhoda (wife of David Knight), Nancy (Mrs. McJunkins), Elmira (deceased wife of James Morton), Mrs. John Taylor, John and Jane (de- ceased).

Henry N. Springer, son of John G. Springer, was born August 19, 1817, in East Pike Run town-

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ship, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the primitive subscription schools of the day. In 1844 he was united in marriage with Phobe Hill, daugh- ter of Joseph Hill, of West Pike Run township, and their children are Helen, H. Ed., Isaac N., Elmira (wife of Isaac Morris), Catherine (wife of Samuel Morris), and Joseph J. A. Mr. Springer was formerly a builder and contractor, and in his business experience erected many of the buildings in the eastern part of the county. In 1844 he moved to West Brownsville, and there engaged in ship building, a business he followed until 1855, when he retired to the farm. In political opinion he was a Whig until the organization of the Re- publican party, since when he has been identified with the latter. He is a member of the M. E. Church at Newkirk's.

Isaac N. Springer, son of Henry N. and Phoebe (Hill) Springer, was born September 5, 1855, in West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the neighborhood schools, remaining on the farm until 1877, when he bought a pho- tographic car, and traveled through western Penn- sylvania. On May 14, 1881, he was united in mar- riage with Ellen M., daughter of Jacob and Helen French, of California, Penn. (Jacob French died in 1866, in Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn.). After his marriage he opened a store at Garwood, this county, of which place he was appointed postmas- ter in March, 1884. In the fall of 1884 Mr. Springer's life was endangered through robbers entering his store and dwelling at Garwood. Mr. Springer has been very unfortunate in this re- spect, as burglars have entered his place of busi- ness three times, but he has always had them ap- prehended and brought to justice. In 1887 he bought out the store of James Herron, at Cali- fornia. in partnership with whom he conducted the business until 1891, since which time he has been sole proprietor. Mr. and Mrs. Springer have one son, H. Earle. Our subject is a Republican, and has served as auditor and school director at California. In religion he is a member of the M. E. Church, of which he is a trustee, and was one of a committee of three chosen to erect a parson- age, which is a credit to the town.

OHN B. HAYS is one of the representative citizens of Smith township, and comes of an eminent pioneer family, of whom one David Hays, on September 13, 1787, purchased land in New Jersey, where children were born to him and reared as follows: John, Thomas, David, Joseph, William, James and Moses, and five daugh- ters, whose names are unknown.

Moses Hays was born in the State of New Jersey, and after partially learning the black- smith's trade was drafted, at the age of sixteen,

into the Continental army, and with five brothers of his he served through the war as regimental blacksmith, and during the contest his brother John, who was a lieutenant, received a wound which afterward caused his death. In 1783 Moses was married to Jemima Peterson, a native of New Jersey. Soon after the close of the Revolutionary war, Moses, with his wife and brothers, went West, settling on 1,000 acres of land about three miles southeast of Burgettstown, this county, on Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this tract, and Moses made a permanent home upon his share, which is still owned by Alex Hays, where the following children were born to him and reared: Thomas (moved to Jackson county, Ohio, where he died), born October 5, 1784; Edith (wife of David Hays, of Ohio), born February 27, 1786; John (de- ceased near Moorefield, Harrison Co., Ohio), born February 3. 1789; William (killed by accident), born April 7, 1791; James (deceased in Allegheny county, Penn.), born June 11, 1793; Alexander, born November 11, 1795; Mary (deceased in youth), born December 25, 1797; Eleanor (deceased wife of James Todd, of Allegheny county), born No- vember 15, 1799; Joseph (deceased on the home farm), born February 15, 1801; David (deceased farmer of Smith township, married to Martha Fulton), born May 7, 1803; and Ann (deceased in youth), born June 23, 1805. Moses Hays pos- sessed a remarkably retentive memory, easily re- calling incidents of the Revolutionary war fifty years after the conflict. Anything once seen or heard he never forgot, and easily brought it to mind whenever the subject arose. He was a prom- inent and successful farmer, and in religion was a member of the Raccoon Church during the ministry of Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend of Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836, being followed a few days thereafter by his wife.

Alexander Hays was born November 11, 1795, on the farm of his father in Smith township. His literary attainments were acquired in the primitive log-cabin schoolhouse of the day, the instruction being as limited as the furniture. but Alexander Hays soon gave evidence of unusual mechanical ability, readily learning both the carpenter's and blacksmith's trades. In 1824 he made choice of a wife 'in the person of Ann Stevenson, who was born in 1802, daughter of James Stevenson, an ex- tensive landowner of Smith township. The chil- dren born to this union were as follows: One de- ceased in infancy, James S. (whose name opens this sketch), Jemima (deceased in infancy), John B. (a farmer of Smith township) and Joseph (a lawyer in Pittsburgh, Penn.). Alexander and Ann (Stevenson) Hays began married life on a part of the old Stevenson tract, lying about one mile and a quarter west of Burgettstown, Penn., where they passed all of their wedded life. He was an

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industrions, kind-hearted man, possessing many friends. In politics he was a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and filled several township offices to the entire satisfaction of his party. He died in 1846, and in 1881 his widow was laid to rest beside him.

John B. Hays (a son of Alexander and Ann (Stevenson) Hays) was the fourth child in his father's family. He was born on the farm in Smith township, this county, where he is now liv- ing, and attended the rate schools during his boy- hood. He cherished a youthful ambition to be- come a lawyer, and to this end took a practical course in Washington College, but owing to the failing health of his parents, he soon returned to the farm. During the "gold fever" excitement he went to California, remaining three years, then returned to his widowed mother, and was after- ward employed as a dry-goods clerk in the store of his uncle, J. B. Phillis, of Burgettstown, this county. John B. Hays was a soldier in the Civil war, being promoted for bravery and efficient service to the rank of captain. At the close of the war he returned to the home place, and September 30, 1875, was united in marriage with Mary A. Scott, who was born January 20, 1840, daughter of Josiah N. and Rachel (Vance) Scott, of Jeffer- son township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hays are the parents of the following children: Ernest B., George P., John W., and Joseph (deceased at the age of three years), the living children all re- siding at home. Mr. Hays has been extensively engaged in the dairy business, but has been more active in political than agricultural life. He is one of the leading advisers and workers of the Republican party in his vicinity, and has held various township offices, in which he has always given perfect satisfaction. He was a justice of the peace for fifteen years, first elected in 1859, and in 1890 was appointed by President Harrison to the position of Government gauger and storekeeper in the District of Washington, Greene and West- moreland counties, Pennsylvania.

W ILLIAM W. PAUL, of Amwell township, is a descendant of William Paul, who was born in 1615, emigrated from Gravesend, England, June 10, 1635, in the ship "True Love," of London, and in 1637 located in Taunton, Mass.

William Paul, a descendant of this pioneer, was born in Washington county, Penn., and after- ward located in Amwell township, south of Amity, where he purchased the farm now owned by J. Ful- ton Bell and Philip Swart, which he owned until his death. He was married to Hannah Slaught, who bore him the following named children: James, Huston, Nathan, Sarah (Mrs. Abel McFarland),

Rosa (Mrs. Cristopher Venum), Andrew, Daniel M., Lavinia (Mrs. Michael Schulser), John, Will- iam, Philo, and Adaline (Mrs. Thomas Reese). The father of this family died in Ohio; the mother died near Lone Pine, Penn., aged eighty-two years.

Philo Paul was born in Amwell township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., March 26, 1824, and passed his early youth on the farm with his father. In 1841 he purchased a farm in West Bethlehem township, where he lived until August, 1862, when he enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, in Com. pany D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I .; he was killed at Spottsylvania Court-house. He was married to Miss Sarah Hughes, of Amwell town- ship, and they had nine children: William W., James M., John A., Daniel W., Alexander H., David C., Benjamin Franklin, Abraham Lincoln and Laura Jewell Day.

William W. Paul, son of Philo and Sarah Paul, was born December 26, 1843, in Amwell township, this county; he received his education in the com- mon schools, and was afterward a student for some time at Pleasant Valley Academy. He lived in West Bethlehem township and worked on a farm, but when twenty years of age removed to Amwell, afterward carrying on a sawmill for his father, which he finally bought. He continued in that business twenty years, and then engaged in mer- cantile business at Lone Pine. On November 24, 1864, Mr. Paul was united in marriage with Phœbe Jane Egy, and to this union have been born three daughters, viz .: Sarah Lillian, born in 1868; Nora Jewell, born in 1873, and Dale W., born in 1879, all of whom are attending school and living at home. Mr. Paul is a Republican in politics, and now fills the position of postmaster at Lone Pine. He and his family are members of the Christian Church at that place.

W ILLIAM C. AIKEN. Among the emi- nent names connected with Washington county, none are more favorably known than that of this gentleman. He is a son of Joseph, who was a son of Joseph, the first of the Aiken family to locate in Smith town- ship.

Joseph Aiken was born in 1760, east of the mountains. His birthplace is unknown, but Mary- land was probably his native State. He was mar- ried to Nancy Wilson, who was born in 1764, daughter of William Wilson, and in 1794 the young couple made the long and difficult journey over the mountains, locating one mile south of Bulger Station, Smith township, this county. They first erected a rude log cabin, and began to improve the property with such primitive tools as were ob- tainable. But perseverance and industry will con- quer almost any obstacle, and success at last

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crowned the efforts of these heroic frontiersmen. Five children came to bless the union of Joseph and Nancy Aiken, viz. : One deceased in infancy, William (killed by a falling tree), Martha (married to James Montgomery, of Allegheny county, after- ward moved to Iowa), Nancy (deceased in Guernsey county, Ohio, married to Alexander Cowan, a blacksmith) and Joseph. The father was a Whig in politics, and a soldier in the war of 1812; he and his wife both died in the home where our sub- ject now lives, the father on November 16, 1836, the mother in 1849. Both were members of the Seceder Church.

Joseph Aiken was born February 19, 1806, on the farm in Smith township, where his father had first located. His boyhood was passed on the home place, and he received a common-school education. On June 11, 1835, he was married to Margaret Mackey, who was born March 16, 1816, in Alle- gheny county, Penn., a daughter of William and Deborah Mackey, natives of Ireland, who came to Allegheny county in an early day, and moved to Spencer, Guernsey Co., Ohio, when their daughter Margaret was but four years of age. She grew to womanhood in Ohio, and was there married to Joseph Aiken, who located on the old Aiken place in Smith township, Washington Co., Penn., and four chil- dren were born to them, as follows: W. C. (whose name opens this sketch), Alexander W. (deceased, at one time a grocer in Allegheny City, Penn.), Fanny J. (deceased wife of Vance Smith, of Mt. Pleasant) and Joseph M. (a groceryman of Alle- gheny City, Penn.). The father was a Whig in politics, and in church connection a member of the Seceder Society, now the U. P. Church. He died February 24, 1840, and his widow has continued to reside on the home place with her son William C. Much credit is due this lady for the manner in which she has borne the double responsibilities of a widowed life so many long years. A faithful mother and Christian lady, she has inculcated the principles of honor and industry in the minds of her fatherless children, who have done credit to her training. She is a member of the U. P. Church, and a most highly esteemed lady.

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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 200

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