Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 201

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 201

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William C. Aiken, the eldest son of Joseph and Margaret Aiken, was born March 27, 1836, on the old homestead where he is yet living. He received but a limited education, for, being the eldest son, when his father died he was needed to assist his widowed mother, with whom he has always resided. On October 21, 1868, he married Sarah C. McFar- land, who was born August 12, 1842, a daughter of Samuel McFarland, of Smith township, and two sons were born to them: Joseph M. (living at home), born July 12, 1870; and Samuel A., born March 13, 1872, died March 20, 1874. The mother was called away April 3, 1872, and was buried in the Centre cemetery at Midway, this county. On

May 1, 1879, W. C. Aiken was married to Sarah A. Tannehill, who was born February 3, 1847, a daughter of John and Margaret (McCahan) Tanne- hill. Three children have been born to this mar- riage, as follows: Oscar V., born January 22, 1880; Margaret C., born September 25, 1881, and Ida, deceased when nineteen days old.

William C. Aiken has always resided on the home farm, which he now owns, and has been a successful business man. In politics he is an active member of the Republican party, and has voted each year since old enough, his first vote being cast for Abraham Lincoln. He has served in various township offices, and was elected justice of the peace, but declined to accept that position. For twenty or more years Mr. Aiken has been in the dairy business, being the second shipper of milk from Bulger. They are members of the Centre United Presbyterian Church at Midway, and he has served as a member of the Session for over twenty years.

OHN DUNBAR. Foremost among the suc- cessful and progressive farmers of Smith township stands the name of John Dunbar, who represents an old and prominent family of Irish descent. James Dunbar (grandfather of our subject) was born near Belfast, County Antrim, Ire- land, and being of an adventurous disposition, be- came a sailor in early life. He came to America and made a permanent settlement on Raccoon creek, Smith township, this county, being obliged to "grub out" a site for the first cabin which he erected, but his energy knew no discouragement, and success at length crowned his efforts. He was united in marriage with Mary McConnell, of Robinson township, this county, who bore him twelve children, namely: James, Jane, Thomas, Joseph, Robert, Martha, Elizabeth, John, Samuel, Mary, William, and an infant son (deceased). In the latter part of his life Mr. Dunbar lived for some time in Robinson township. Although begin- ning life as a poor sailor boy, he possessed the right spirit of perseverance, and at the time of his death was a wealthy man. He died in 1842, having been preceded by his wife many years.

James Dunbar (the eldest son in the above men- tioned family) was born May 11, 1802, in Robin- son township, this county, and assisted his father in agricultural duties during early life. He then learned the carpenter's trade, and followed it ever afterward. On February 15, 1827, he was united in marriage with Mary Elder, who was born Octo- ber 26, 1806, daughter of David Elder, of Robin- son township, this county, and their children were Mary J., born January 12, 1830, deceased August 15, 1852, wife of Samuel Scroggs, a merchant of Candor; Martha (wife of Samuel Castner, of Inde-

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pendence township), born March 2, 1832; John, born August 15, 1835; David E., born December 17, 1837 (went West and no tidings have been since rocoivod of him); James A. (deceased, a well-edu- eated man), born April 1, 1839; Margaret (de- ceased wife of William McBride), born June 24, 1841; Robert (a traveler in California), born No- vember 17, 1844; Ann Eliza (wife of William Waters, of Pittsburgh), born June 10, 1846; and Thomas J. (deceased in infancy), born January 23, 1848. Besides working at his trade, James Dun- bar owned and partially managed a farm. He was a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife were members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church. He died Angust 28, 1878, being followed by his wife June 25, 1880.

John Dunbar (the eldest son of James) was born August 15, 1835, on the same farm where he is now residing. As the eldest of the children, the greater share of the work fell to him, and in order to attend school in the daytime he was obliged to mine coal at night. On January S, 1874, he chose a wife in the person of Ann M. Springer, who was born July 10, 1844, in Smith township, daughter of John and Mary (Spencer) Springer. The young people located on the home farm, upon which they have erected new buildings and made many improvements. In politics John Dunbar voted the Democratic ticket, taking an active interest in the success of his party. He and his wife are consistent members of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church.

EORGE M. MILLER is a representative of a prominent pioneer family of Washington county, and is a grandson of Christopher Miller, who was married in Donegal town- ship, this county, where his children were born and reared, as follows: Mrs. McConahey, John, Margaret, Jesse, Mary (wife of John Birch) and George.

George Miller, youngest son of Christopher, was born on the home farm in Donegal township, re- ceiving an education at the public schools of the vicinity. He was married to Sarah, daughter of William Noble, and reared the following children : Isaac, Lucinda (deceased), Isabella (wife of J. P. Mc Adow), William H. (who enlisted in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., was killed at Gettysburg on the evening of July 2), George M., Rachel (married to William R. Noble), Mary, H. C. (deceased) and Ella. Of these children Mary, Ella and Rachel died of fever within two weeks of each other. Isaac enlisted in 1862, in Company K, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., attached to the army of the Potomac; he was wounded May 1, 1864, in the battle of the Wilder- ness, and remained with the Todd family for two

weeks, when he was taken by the Confederates to Libby Prison. He was exchanged four months later, returned home, and is now a resident of McCune, Kans. The father was a shoemaker by trade. In politics he was first a Whig, then a member of the Know-nothing party, and after- ward an Abolitionist and Republican. He died in 1872.

George M. Miller was born June 7, 1847, in Donegal township, this county, and remained at home during his early life. When eighteen years of age lie attended Claysville Normal School, teaching the Hore School in East Finley township the following winter. The next summer he again went to the normal, and taught the home school in the ensuing winter. He then began the study of medicine, and in 1871 entered into partnership with G. H. Miller in the drug business, in which he remained until taken sick. He then taught school until 1875, when he entered the employ of David Campsey, of Claysville, this county, remain- ing with him until March, 1880, when he opened out his present drug business in Burgettstown. In 1876 he was united in marriage with Anna, daugh- ter of Samuel J. Ghrist, who died leaving him one daughter, Sarah E. Mr. Miller is a Republican, and in religious faith is an active member of and an elder in the Presbyterian Church.

OHN M. ENLOW, an enterprising business man of Claysville, was born September 6,1845, in East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., and is a great-grandson of Abraham Enlow, who came to East Finley township in an early day, and patented 3,000 acres of land in the wilderness, to which he finally moved with his family, and there passed his remaining years. Abraliam Enlow had ten children, seven sons and three daughters: two sons (whose names are un- known, went to Tennessee), Elliott, William, Michael, Luke, Henry, Mrs. Rachel St. Clair, Mrs. Jemima Hill and Mrs. Mary Post. When the parents died the land was divided among the children, each of whom settled on their respective farms, and made improvements. In politics Mr. Enlow was a Democrat, and in religion an enthu- siastic member of the M. E. Church.

Elliott Enlow was born in Maryland, and when a small boy was brought to Washington county. In early life he was united in marriage with Martha Atkinson, a resident of East Finley township, and they had nine children, viz. : Henry, John, Gideon, Mrs. Mary Patterson, Mrs. Rachel Marshall, Mrs. Elizabeth Thornberg, Mrs. Eleanor Sprowls, Mrs. Jemima Patterson, and Martha, unmarried. His entire life was passed in farming. In religion Elliott Enlow and his brother Henry were instru- mental in founding what was formerly called

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Enlow's Chapel, and now known as the Stony Point M. E. Church, of which he was for many years one of the most effective workers and liberal support- ers. In politics he was an active Democrat, but never could be induced to accept any official posi- tion. His brother Henry was for many years a justice of the peace, and enjoyed a favorable repu- tation in the community.

John Enlow was born in 1802, in East Finley township, Washington county, and received his education in the home school. He was married to Nancy, daughter of Robert Woods, one of the old- est pioneers of the township, and the young peo- ple immediately settled on the home farm in East Finley township, which became their permanent abiding place. They had one son, who died when ten years of age. After the death of his first wife John Enlow married Jemima Post, and to this union were born seven children: Sarah, wife of Rev. J. W. Hill; Martha, wife of John Hopkins; Mary, wife of Amos Sprowls; Nancy, wife of S. E. Martin; John M .; Gideon and Eleanor, both of whom died before reaching maturity. Mr. Enlow was a prominent member of the M. E. Church which was founded by his father. In political views he was a Democrat. He died September 16, 1876, and was followed to the grave by his wife in May, 1880.

John M. Enlow passed his early life on the farm where he was born, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving a common-school education. On November 7, 1877, he was married to Lizzie E., daughter of John W. Hill. He remained on the home farm on which his great-grandfather had located until 1888, when he came to Claysville, and in 1891 purchased his present stock of furniture and an undertaking establishment. The firm are Enlow & Noble. They do all kinds of cabinet work and embalm in the best and most approved manner, making a success of their business, as they are both energetic men. Mr. Enlow is a leader in the Republican party, and being a warm friend of education, has frequently served the township as school director. In religion he united in early life with the Stony Point M. E. Church, and ever took an active interest in the work of that Society, having held various offices in the church and Sunday-school, which he has filled to the satis- faction of all.

P M. MORRISON, a prosperous stock raiser of Nottingham township, is a son of Benja- min P. Morrison, who was born November 2, 1811, in Nottingham township, this coun- ty. On May 31, 1838, Benjamin was mar- ried to Rebecca Rea, who died April 21, 1849, leaving four children: Elizabeth J., Hamilton R., John D. and Sarah E. On April 17, 1851, he married, for his second wife, Mary McKown, a

native of Allegheny county, Penn., who was born in 1814, near Bridgeville, Penn. One child was born to this marriage, P. M. Morrison, whose name opens this sketch. The father was a farmer and stock dealer. He died July 25, 1860, and the mother is yet living with her son.

P. M. Morrison was born October 7, 1853, on the home farm in Nottingham township, this county, where his early education was received .: On October 10, 1872, he was united in marriage with a daughter of James Hamilton, who bore him five children, viz .: Lucy G., Maggie E., Della B., Viola J. and Loman P. The mother died March 13, 1889, and on September 24, 1891. he made a second choice in the person of Mary, daughter of John Sleeth. Her parents resided near Hickory, this county, and she is a native of the county. One son has been born to this marriage, John M.

Mr. Morrison resides on the home farm, which consists of 177 acres, and devotes his principal ' attention to raising sheep and cattle, usually keep- ing from one to three hundred sheep, and making a specialty of Shropshire stock. The farm con- tains a rich vein of coal, which he sold recently for a good price. He also owns two acres of land fronting on the railroad, and two double dwellings in the village of Venetia, one containing twelve rooms and the other six. Politically he is an ad- vocate of the principles embodied in the Demo- cratic party, and has served as township auditor and supervisor. In religion he is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Fairview, and is leading the choir, having filled that position very accept- ably for several years.

AMES TUCKER, a representative of one of the pioneer families of Washington county, comes of English descent, his ancestors hav- ing emigrated to Virginia in the early part of the eighteenth century. They settled in the Shenandoah Valley, where James Tucker (from whom the present generation trace their geneal- ogy) was born. In 1775 he came to Pennsyl- vania and secured a "tomahawk right" in Amwell township, Washington county, and the land re- mained in the possession of the family until 1891, when it was sold. At the early date he came here but one settler was in the vicinity, a Mr. Bane. Mr. Tucker was married to Elizabeth Bane, a resident of Virginia, and the following children brightened the rude pioneer home: Isaac, Tem- pest, Thomas, Joseph, James, Rachel, Ruth, Hall- nab, Elizabeth and Mary. Mr. Tucker was a member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Herman.

Tempest Tucker was born in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., April 1, 1776, and passed his earlier years on the farm of his father. In 1800 he was united in marriage with Saralı Mc- Clain, who bore him five children: John, James,

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Elizabeth, Phoebe (Mrs. Adam Weir) and Sarah. After his marriage Mr. Tucker built a grist-mill, which was one of the first water mills in Wash- ington county, and was situated on Bane's fork of Ten-Mile creek. He remained on that farm until 1851, when he removed to the place now occupied by the subject of this sketch. Mr. Tucker ac- cumulated a comfortable property, the result of his early toil. He was a member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Herman, and a liberal contributor to that Society. He died on the farm in February, 1854, his wife on August 30, 1851, and the re- mains of both rest in the cemetery at Mt. Herman.

John Tucker was born in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., May 23, 1803, and lived at home until about twenty years of age, when he served an apprenticeship of three years with Patter- son Pollock, a leading wheelwright of Greene county, Penn. He then followed that vocation in Greene and Washington counties, until about the year 1853, when he retired to the farm, and built the grist-mill at Meadow Lands. On November 10, 1831, he was married to Isabelle, daughter of William McClenathan, and the following children were born to them: Sarah (Mrs. Stephen Post), William M., James and John (deceased). In 1841 Mr. Tucker purchased the farm of 200 acres upon which his father resided. In politics he was a Republican, and served several terms as school director. His wife passed away March 13, 1873, and he followed her March 15, 1875.

James Tucker, the subject proper of this sketch, was born September 7, 1839, in Amwell township, Washington county, and obtained his early edu- cation at the same school-house his father had at- tended. Mr. Tucker has ever been a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church, and in polit- ical opinion he is a Republican. His farm com- prises 200 acres of land.

William M. Tucker (an elder brother of James) was born in Amwell township, Washington county, August 14, 1836, and received his education at the same school-house which his father had attended in his boyhood days. On October 18, 1860, Will- iam M. Tucker was married to Sarah, daughter of Thomas Weir, and they then settled on the home farm where they yet reside. Their children are Thomas Weir (married to Mrs. Mattie Crosgray Thomas), John G., Ettie F. and William C. He is an active worker in the Republican party, and has been school director twenty-six years in suc- cession. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Upper Ten-Mile.

B ENJAMIN F. JEFFRIES. The well- known family, of which this gentleman is an honored member, have for many years been closely identified with the his- tory and progress of West Pike Run township. 60

Joseph J. Jeffries was born of Irish parents in 1772, in Chester county, Penn., and in 1788 pur- chased the old farm in West Pike Run township, Washington county. In 1796 he married Betsey Robison, who was born in 1781 in Loudoun county, Va., and the young couple soon thereafter moved to the farm he had purchased. The place con- tained about two hundred acres of land, and here he carried on a profitable business in farming and stock raising. Joseph J. Jeffries died April 9, 1854, having been preceded by his wife June 16, 1833. The children born to them were as follows: Amor, John, Plessie, Mary, Benjamin and Job, all now deceased except the last named, who is now living in Lemont Furnace, Fayette county.

Amor Jeffries was born March 21, 1803, on the home farm in West Pike Run township, Washing- ton county, was educated at the subscription schools of the neighborhood, and learned the trade of wool carder, which he followed during early life, afterward devoting his attention to milling and agricultural pursuits. On April 6, 1828, he was united in marriage with Sarah Gregg, a na- tive of Washington county, born September 8, 1805. By this union were born the following chil- dren: Eliza, wife of Henry Gregg, a farmer of Greene county, Penn .; Joseph, landlord of a hotel at Centreville, Washington Co., Penn. ; Anderson; Benjamin F .; Elizabeth, died February 18, 1875; Jacob, died May 16, 1883; John, died March 16, 1855; George W., died December 25, 1870; James J., died October 18, 1874; Eleanor, died October 20, 1876, and Jackman, died January 24, 1844. The father of these children was fond of literary pursuits, and in political opinion voted with the Democratic party. He died June 15, 1885, having been preceded by his wife June 9, 1880.

Benjamin F. Jeffries was born October 22, 1841, on the home place in West Pike Run township, Washington county, and attended the common schools of the home neighborhood. On August 26, 1875, he was united in marriage with Anna Pepper, who was born in 1846, in East Pike Run township, a daughter of William and Harriet (Nan- kivel) Pepper, natives of England, the former born in 1787, the latter in 1797. William Pepper, who was a butcher and farmer, immigrated to Pennsyl- vania many years ago, settling permanently on a farm in Washington county. He was an ardent supporter of the Democratic party, and held vari- ous local offices; he was also prominently identi- fied with the religious and educational interests of his locality. Mr. and Mrs. Pepper reared a fam- ily of seven children, namely: William, an agri- culturist of East Bethlehem township; Mary, wife of Alexander Moffitt, a resident of Washington, D. C .; Thomas; Anna, Mrs. Jeffries; James, John C. and Elizabeth, of whom the last three are now deceased. The father died October 9, 1879, having been

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preceded by the mother March 7, 1877. Both were members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

To the union of Benjamin F. and Anna (Pep- per) Jeffries have come four children, as follows: Mary E., born March 8, 1878, in Jefferson town- ship, Greene county; Annie P., born December 9, 1879, in West Pike Run township, this county; Hattie and Pollie (twins), born February 14, 1885, in West Pike Run township, all in Pennsylvania. Mr. Jeffries is identified with the Democratic party, and has served as school director for several years. In religious faith he is a member of the M. E. Church, and is superintendent of the Sab- bath-school. He owns a well-cultivated farm, which contains eighty-two acres of prime land.

H ARRY H. BROWNLEE was born January 28, 1867, in Hopewell township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., a representative of a prom- inent pioneer family of Scottish descent. Archibald Brownlee was a native of Scot- land, and there married a Miss Hamilton, who bore him children as follows: James, William, John, Archibald, Thomas, Jane (Mrs. John Allison), and Hugh (deceased while on the ocean). Mr. Brown- lee came to America in 1765, and first settled in Lancaster county, Penn. In 1775 he moved to Washington county, and purchased a farm in Canton township, where he passed the remainder of his life.

James Brownlee, eldest son of Archibald, in early life learned the trade of a millwright, which vocation he followed some years. He was married to Jane Lemon, daughter of pioneers of Washing- ton county, but a native of Ireland. The young couple began married life on a farm in Canton township, where the following children were born and reared: John, Archibald, James, Hugh, Eliza- beth, William, Thomas, Samuel, Joseph, Jane and David. Mr. Brownlee was a Whig, and in religion was a ruling elder in the Seceder Church at North Buffalo.

Archibald Brownlee (grandfather of subject) was born February 28, 1779, three miles west of Wash- ington, in Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., and in early life was married to Mary Clark, of Washington county, who bore him children as fol- lows: James, Joseph, John, Clark, Samuel, Eliza- beth and Jane.

John Brownlee (father of subject) was born in 1807, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his boyhood days at his birth- place. His parents afterward removed to Buffalo township, same county, where he lived until forty years of age. He was then married to Sarah Logan, and removed to a farm about two and one- half miles south of West Middletown, in Hopewell township. Six children were born to him, namely :

Newton (deceased in youth), Jennie (wife of Dr. J. N. Bemis, of West Middletown), Alice (deceased), Leamon J., Frank S. and Harry H. Mr. Brownlee had but a limited literary education, but he possessed excellent judgment and became a prosperous business man. He was of a retiring but social disposition, and in religion was a devout member of the United Presbyterian Church at West Middletown. In politics he was a Republican. He never needed a physician's service. He died January 31, 1892, and his widow now resides in West Middletown.

Harry H. Brownlee received his early education at the district school in Hopewell township, this county, and in March, 1886, left home, and en- gaged in the general hardware business with T. M. Patterson at Burgettstown, Washington county. In January, 1887, he sold out, and entered the furniture business, in September, 1889, forming a partnership with William Barr, of Buffalo town- ship. They then came to their present place of business. in Claysville, where they occupy a three- story building, which is crowded with goods; they also do a general undertaking business, having all the necessary facilities for that line. On June 22, 1889, Mr. Brownlee was married to Ida, daughter of David Cummings, formerly a resident of Hope- well township, this county, but now living in Har- rison county, Ohio. In politics Mr. Brownlee is an active Republican, and in religion he is a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Clays- ville.

HOMAS S. BAILEY was born June 8, 1836, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., a son of John Bailey, who was also a native of Fallowfield township, having been born on the liome place in 1785.

John Bailey was trained from early childhood to agricultural duties, and made farming his life work. On arriving at maturity he was married to Margaret Scott, also a native of Fallowfield town- ship, and ten children were born to their marriage: Cynthia, Sarah, Isaac, Noah and one unnamed, all five of whom died in infancy, those yet living being Mary, wife of George Bane, a farmer of Greene county, Penn .; Nancy, wife of John Bell, a farmer living near Monongahela City: James, an agriculturist of East Pike Run township; John, living in East Bethlehem township, and Thomas S., whose name opens this sketch. The father was a firm supporter of the Republican party. He died in 1870, at the age of eighty-five years; his wife passed away in 1869. She was a member of the M. E. Church.

Thomas S. Bailey passed his youth on the home place, where he received but limited literary oppor- tunities, his whole life having been devoted to agri-

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cultural pursuits. In 1874 he was nited in mar- riage with Sarah J. Elliott, who was born in 1847, in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. She is a daughter of Samuel and Susanna (Bane) Elliott, who were the parents of nine chil- dren, viz. : Sebastian, a farmer of East Bethlehem township; Joseph, a farmer; Margaret, wifo of John Martin; Emma; Sarah J., wife of Thomas S. Bailey; William, a blacksmith, of Carmichael's, Greene county; Oliver K .; Lizzie, and Martha. The father was a native of East Bethlehem town- ship, this connty, where he followed farming and veterinary work. Politically he was an independ- ent Republican, but devoted most of his time to personal matters. He died on the home place in 1858, and in 1877 Mrs. Elliott (who was a native of eastern Virginia, and came with her parents to Washington county in early childhood) was laid by the side of her husband. Both were members of the M. E. Church. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey re- side on a farm of fifty-five acres, the condition of which gives evidence of the taste and care of the present owners. In religion they are identi- fied with the M. E. Church.

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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 201

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