Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 202

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 202

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D ANIEL DAY. The Day family is old and well known in Washington county. It is well deserving of the space devoted to its history in this work, and no member is more worthy of mention than he whose name heads this sketch. Daniel Day was born May 7, 1813, a son of Calvin Day, one of the pioneers of Washington county. The father came from New Jersey, locating in Morris township, Washington county, prior to 1800. His death ocurred in July, 1823. Daniel Day spent his boyhood days on his father's farm, and upon entering life for himself he chose agriculture as his vocation. He resided for forty years prior to his death upon the place now owned by his widow, which is located about two miles west of Sparta, in Morris township, and is known as the "Hoagland farm." Mr. Day was a truly representative man, public-spirited and admired for his sterling worth. He voted with the Republican party, though he was never an active politician. Mr. Day was twice married, first on October 17, 1844, to Miss Eunice Patter- son, a daughter of Robert Patterson, of Morris township. She was born March 11, 1817, and died January 6, 1856; no children were born to them. He was married, a second time, on May 28, 1857, to Miss Nancy Cooper, who was the seventh in a family of ten children born to John and Martha (Atkinson) Cooper.

John Cooper was born January 11, 1786, in New Jersey, and on April 6, 1809, was married to Martha Atkinson, who was born September 4, 1789; she died December 28, 1859, and was fol-

lowed to the grave by her husband September 15, 1876. The following is a brief record of their children: Elizabeth was born March 2, 1810, and April 22, 1830, was married to William Patterson (she died March 19, 1892); Selina, born June 28, 1812, was married May 17, 1838, to William Atkin- son, and died July 26, 1873; Mary was born June 15, 1814, and was married November 11, 1847, to Thomas McNees; Ephraim was born July 17, 1816, and September 19, 1865, married Miss A. E. Cooper (he died July 21, 1868); Thomas H. was born November 2, 1818, and married, June 16, 1842, Miss Mary Ann Auld (he died December 28, 1883); Harriet, born July 19, 1821, was united in marriage May 11, 1843, with Amos Patterson (she passed away August 20, 1889); Nancy, born February 19, 1824, is the widow of Daniel Day; Amelia was born October 25, 1826, and was mar- ried March 15, 1862, to John Simpson (she died April 26, 1884); Martha A., born September 29, 1830, was nnited in marriage November 15, 1855, with William Elliott Craft (she died December 2, 1860); Sarah Jane, born March 29, 1833, was mar- ried March 8, 1859, to Sylvester Cary.

Daniel Day died May 26, 1885, leaving no chil- dren. His widow, a most estimable lady, is yet residing on the old homestead.

A LEXANDER McCALMONT, a prosperous and representative citizen of West Middle- town, Washington county, is descended from one of the old pioneer families of his native State.

John McCalmont, the father of subject, was born in 1780, in Cumberland county, Penn., on the farm of his father, who was also a native-born Pennsyl- vanian. John passed his early life on the home farm, receiving a common-school education, and afterward learning the trade of blacksmith. and when a young man was married to Mary, daughter of John Proudfit, of York county, Penn. In 1805 the young couple came to Washington county; first settling in Smith township, and afterward moving to Mt. Pleasant township, where a home was made. The following children were born to their union: James (who died in 1891), Nancy (who died in 1833), Polly (wife of John Henderson), David (deceased), Eliza (Mrs. Samuel Moore), John (residing in Mt. Pleasant township), Alex- ander (mentioned below), William (deceased) and Samuel. In politics the father was first a Whig, afterward a Republican, and was actively interested in the success of his party. In religious faith he was a member of the Presbyterian Church several years, and then united with the Seceders, finally joining with the United Presbyterians. He fol- lowed his trade in connection with farming all his life, and was an energetic and enterprising citizen.

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His first wife dying in 1840, he was afterward mar- ried to a Mrs. Moore, who bore him no children. He died in October, 1861, in Mt. Pleasant town- ship.

Alexander McCalmont (whose name opens these lines) was born March 28, 1821. in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where his boyhood was passed in attending the county schools. . On Feb- ruary 28, 1849, he was married to Mary, daughter of Samuel Allison, a native of Beaver county, Penn., born August 26, 1829; she went when a child with her parents to West Virginia. After marriage the young people settled on the home place in Mt. Pleasant township, where they have since resided, and children have been born to them as follows: Mary (wife of Stewart White), John (married to a Miss Glass), Agnes (Mrs. B. Lindsey), Cora (wife of William Connor), Emma (married to James Manson), Samuel (married to Elizabeth McCarrell), James (married to a Miss Farrow), Ida (Mrs. William McBurney), Abraham L. (mar- ried to Ellen Kendricks, and living in Allegheny, Penn.), Lillie (wife of William Lane) and Maud (Mrs. E. McCabe). In 1888 Mr. McCalmont re- tired from active business life, and is now residing in West Middletown. In politics he was formerly a Whig, and since the organization of the Repub- lican party has been an active worker in its ranks. In the spring of 1889 he was elected a member of the council of West Middletown, and was chosen president of same by his colleagues. He is a warm friend of education, and served zealously as school director. When but seventeen years of age Mr. McCalmont united with the United Presbyterian Church of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, which he has served as trustee, and with which his family are also connected. Mr. McCalmont still retains his farm in Mt. Pleasant township. It consists of 266 acres, and is one of the finest prop- erties of the kind in the county. He was at one time extensively engaged in the sheep industry, raising fine Spanish Merinos.

R ICHARD HAWKINS STULL. This gen- tleman is of German descent, his grand- father, John Stull, having emigrated from his native land in an early day. John and Elizabeth Stull settled on the tract of land in East Bethlehem township, a portion of which is yet in the possession of their descendants, and there reared the following children: John, Martin, Abraham, Andrew, Mrs. Elizabeth Bowser, Mrs. Mary Horner, Philip, Mrs. Barbara Hupp, and Isaac.

Isaac Stull was born in 1807, in the old log house which his father had erected on the farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the subscription schools, and in early

manhood was married to Matilda, daughter of Richard Hawkins, a native of Greene county, Penn. The children of Isaac and Matilda Stull were as follows: Joseph, Mrs. Lizzie Overholt, John (a resident of Iowa City, Iowa), Richard Hawkins, Jackson C. (living on a farm in East Bethlehem township), James (deceased), and Abra- ham and Thomas (twins) (the latter of whom is an eminent physician living in Grant county, Wis.).

Richard Hawkins Stull was born August 9, 1842, on the place in East Bethlehem township now owned by G. G. Gayman, and soon after his birth the parents moved to the farm in East Bethlehem township, which he yet owns. In October, 1886, he was united in marriage with Maggie, daughter of Samuel Lewis, and they have one son, Samuel. The home place contains 126 acres of valuable land, upon which Mr. Stull conducts a general farming business, and also gives special attention to the breeding of Hambletonian and Clay horses, and his stock has taken many premiums at county fairs. Politically he is a stanch supporter of the Republican party, and cast his first vote for Presi- dent Lincoln.

AMES P. HICKMAN was born February 26, 1839, on the old homestead in Cecil township, this county. He is a prosperous stock raiser and farmer, and is descended from a pioneer family of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, Peter Hickman, a native of Lancaster county, Penn., married Abigail Fawcett, and after marriage they settled in South Fayette township, Allegheny county, many years ago, enduring all the priva- tions and dangers inseparable from frontier life. He was a Whig, and he and his wife were mem- bers of the Presbyterian Church. They both died on the old farm. Their children were: Joseph, Moses, Abigail, John, Elizabeth, Ann, Steward, Peter, Daniel and Benjamin.

Benjamin Hickman was born June 8, 1801, in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., where he grew to manhood. He married Nancy Jordan, who was born in 1811, also a native of South Fayette township. The young people set- tled on a farm in Cecil township, and eight chil- dren were born to them, of whom four are yet liv- ing, viz. : John S. (residing on the home place), Moses (living in Cecil township), James P. (whose sketch follows) and Mary Jane (wife of John Neal, of Canonsburg). The parents were members of the Bethany Presbyterian Church in Allegheny county, Penn. The father died in the spring of 1881, and in August, 1890, the mother passed away. He was a Whig, and a self-made man, who was very enterprising.

James P. Hickman was reared on the home farm in Cecil township, and educated in the schools

James PHickman. €

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of the neighborhood. On February 27, 1873, he married Miss Viola Jane, daughter of Arthur J. and Elizabeth (Middleswath) Hopper. Mr. and Mrs. Hickman began married life on a farm of 190 acres in Peters township, this county, but in 1880 they moved to a farm in Cecil township, having purchased the Park homestead, containing 190 acres and adjoining the home farm of the Hickman family. Since locating on this farm, Mr. Hick- man has made various improvements and dealt largely in stock. making a specialty of sheep rais- ing. In politics he is a Republican, and has served faithfully two years as supervisor. Though not a member of a church, he has been treasurer and trustee of the Centre Presbyterian Church. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hickman: Elizabeth Alcinda, William Arthur and James C.

Arthur J. Hopper, father of Mrs. Hickman, was born November 15, 1816, in Lancaster county, Penn. His father, Samuel Hopper, was born in Ireland, and came to America when a youth. He settled in Lancaster county, Penn., and there mar- ried Elizabeth Barclay. In 1817 they came to Allegheny county, settling in Fayette township, and purchased a farm with but ten acres improved. Their children were: Robert, Andrew, Samuel, Arthur J., John, James and Nora (Mrs. Alexander Fitcli), Elizabeth (Mrs. Thomas Campbell), Mary A. (Mrs. James Wallace). He was a Whig and later a Republican, and was among the organizers of the United Presbyterian Church. They came over the mountains in a two-horse wagon, and when they arrived exchanged the wagon in part payment for a farm. The youth of Arthur J. Hopper was spent on the home place, and he was educated at the common schools. On July 22, 1841, he married Elizabeth Middleswath, of Allegheny county. Their children were: John C., Samuel N., Elizabeth A. and Viola J. Mrs. Hopper died September 5, 1891. Mr. Hopper settled in Alle- gheny county, and there continued farming until 1847, when he came to Peters township, remaining there until 1856, when he came to his present resi- dence. He is a Republican; a member of the U. P. Church; is a self-made man, very enterprising.

C ARSON. The family of this name, with which Elgy S. and John A. Carson are more im- mediately connected, have for many years been prominently associated with the lead- ing citizens of Washington county.

Thomas Carson was born in eastern Pennsyl- vania, and, coming to Washington county many years ago, was married to Mary Gibson, a native of Kentucky. They settled on the farm in Fallow- field township which is yet owned by their de-

scendants, and here he carried on agriculture and followed shoemaking, also serving as justice of the peace. At one time being pursued by Indians, he traveled seventy-five miles in one day, carrying his rifle, and thus escaped. He died in 1814, leaving the following children: James, who moved to Oliio; Joseph, who first located in Ohio, then moved to Indiana; Thomas G .; William, married to Mary Burgess, and who lived on the old home- stead; James S .; John B .; Mary, Mrs. Grable; Elizabeth, wife of James Young; Ann, Mrs. Gra- ble; and Charlotte, wife of John Carson.

Parker Carson, son of Thomas G. and Elizabeth Carson, was born in 1819, in Fallowfield township, Washington county. In 1844 he selected a life companion in the person of Margaret Carson, a. native of this county, and the young people moved to Indiana. They resided on a farm in that State for six years, then returned to Washington county, and in 1852 bought and settled upon 188 acres of land in Fallowfield township. They were the parents of the following named seven children: Sarah E .; Margaret A .; Melissa; Elgy S .; John A. ; Thomas G., and Mary J. Of this family Elgy S., John A. and Mary J. are yet living. The father devoted his attention wholly to agricultural pursuits, and served his township in various local offices. He died in 1878, having been preceded to the grave by his wife in 1874.

ELGY S. CARSON was born July 9, 1852, on the home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He resided with his parents during his minority, and November 20, 1873, was mar- ried to Ruth, daughter of Joseph Morton, a well- known agriculturist of Washington county. This marriage has been blessed with the following chil- dren: Margaret (deceased), Laura A., Elgy H., Cecelia R., Joella, Rollo H. and Anna B., all yet living with their parents. Mr. Carson owns 189 acres of land, all of which is well cultivated, and here he raises sheep and cattle; he also buys and sells a large amount of live stock. In politics he affiliates with the Democratic party, and has filled many local offices. In religious faith he is an ad- herent of the Old-school Baptist Church.

JOHN A. CARSON, son of Parker and Margaret Carson, was born in 1855, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. In 1880 he was united in marriage with Lizzie May, daughter of John S. Williams, a native of Pennsylvania, and to this union there have been born five sons and two daughters, as follows: Nora W., Carl C., Oscar P., Carrie E., Harvey S. (deceased), John R., and Jo Reese. Mr. Carson is now serving as chairman of the Democratic convention of Fal- lowfield township, has filled many other political offices, and for six years has been clerk of the town- ship. He is a stockholder of the Maple Creek cemetery, of which he has always been secretary,

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and is now holding the position of treasurer. His farm contains 108 acres, lying seven miles south of Monongahela, and three and one-half miles from Charleroi. Lover postoffice is situated half a mile from the farm.

AMES TAGGART (deceased). Among the early pioneers to whom the citizens of Wash- ington county owe a lasting debt of gratitude, is the familiar name of Taggart. This prominent family has for many years been identified with the best interests of the county, and took an active part in the hardships of frontier life. The earliest representatives of the name were na- tives of Ireland, from which country one James Tag- gart emigrated to America in 1783, and coming to Washington county, Penn., bought a tract of land called "Chestnut," containing 260 acres, situated on the headwaters of Chartiers creek. In 1831 he bought a farm of 405 acres, in Licking county, Ohio. He also bought a farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. He was united in marriage with Mary Ferguson, who bore him seven children, namely: John, James, Samuel, Robert, Jane, Eliza- beth and Mary, all of whom are now deceased, leaving numerous descendants, who are scattered throughout the United States. The parents died in Washington county.

James Taggart, son of James and Mary (Fer- guson) Taggart, was born on the farm in Wash- ington county, where his life was passed. He fol- lowed general farming and raised a large number of sheep. He was united in marriage with Martha Fergus, who bore him ten children, namely: Thomas, James, Samuel, William, John, Margaret, Sarah, Rebecca, Martha and Mary, all now de- ceased except Samuel, who lives near Washington, Penn. The father of this family was an elder in Upper Buffalo Congregation for twenty-four years. He died July 28, 1863.

James Taggart, son of James and Martha (Fer- gus) Taggart, was born November 10, 1823, in Canton township, on the old homestead where his ancestors had first settled on their arrival in Penn- sylvania. He passed his boyhood in the usual manner of a farmer lad, and received his education at the Wotring Academy, which was established about 1818, by Judge Wotring. When a young man James Taggart was married to Jane Ander- son, of Cross Creek township, this county, a daughter of Dr. Henry A. Anderson. To this union was born one child, who died in infancy, followed two months later by the mother. On October 20, 1857, Mr. Taggart was married to his second wife, Margaret A., a daughter of James and Ann (Cockins) McBride. They were residents of Canton township, Washington county, where a son, Vincent, is engaged in agricultural pursuits.

To the union of James and Margaret (McBride) Taggart children were born as follows: James M. (married to Miss Jennie Maxwell), Annie F. (wife of F. W. Donaldson), Archibald A. (married to Ella W. McCarrell), Urania Bell and Charles Leslie, both of whom still reside with their mother on the old homestead. Mr. Taggart voted with the Democratic party before the Civil war, and in 1862 joined the ranks of the Republican party, of which he became a trusted and valued member, and served one term as county auditor. In religious faith he was a member and trustee of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, and led the choir for many years. He was called over the river February 22, 1892, leaving many friends to mourn his death, who are yet waiting the hour when they shall meet on the other side.

D R. BEBOUT, a well-known farmer and stock raiser of Cecil township, was born September 3, 1832, on the old homestead in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. He is a son of Peter Bebout, and grandson of John.

John Bebout was born June 20, 1752, in Hol- land, and when a young man sailed to America. He first located in New Jersey and was there mar- ried to Mary Agnew, who was born October 23, 1757. The young people resided in Sussex county, N. J., until 1801, when they moved overland to Wash- ington county, Penn., there making a permanent home. They were the parents of nine children, viz. : William, born April 21, 1778 (lived in Cross Creek township); Peter, born February 20, 1780; Sarah B., born February 28, 1782, wife of Joseph Mc- Lain, Mercer county, Penn. ; John, born March 21, 1789, resided in Carroll county, Ohio; Mary, born June 23, 1791 (Mrs. Harmon Haines, of North Strabane township); Israel, born August 12, 1793 (a farmer); Susan, born December 30, 1796 (Mrs. Long, who first settled in Cecil township, this county, then moved to Ohio); Betsey, born December 4, 1798 (wife of Isaac Weaver, of Chartiers township), and Ira, born February 3, 1800 (deceased in 1891, first lived in North Stra- bane township, this county, thence moved to Muskingum county, Ohio). All of this family are now deceased. The father died in 1836, in Mercer county, Penn., his wife having preceded him several years.

Peter Bebout was born on Staten Island, N. J., and when twenty years of age took a trip on foot to Washington county, Penn., returning to New Jersey the same fall. In 1801 he and his parents moved to Washington county, locating in North Strabane township, on Chartiers creek, where Peter Bebout was married to Isabella Cooper, a native of Columbiana county, Ohio. The young

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couple settled on the old homestead in North Strabane township, and children were born to them as follows; Mary (deceased wife of William Hays), Susan (married to William Bebout, of Washington, Penn.), Ira (living in Monongahela City), Margaret (deceased wife of Cephas Cochran), D. R. (whose name opens this sketch), Isabelle (wife of John Crouch, of North Strabane township), Joshua (who moved to Missouri), Stephen (de- ceased in 1872, at Canonsburg), Martha Jane (deceased at the age of two years), one who died in infancy, Caroline (Mrs. Joseph Manes, living on the old homestead) and Herman (a stock dealer, residing in Canonsburg, Penn.). The parents were members of the Hill Presbyterian Church. The father of this family died about 1861 in North Strabane township, and was followed by the mother in 1889.

D. R. Bebout attended the district schools of North Strabane township, and then learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed some years. He was appointed agent of the Chartiers Valley Railroad, at Canonsburg, before it was completed. On March 10, 1859, he was married to Dorothea, daughter of James and Katie (Whitely) McMurray. James McMurray was a native of Ireland, and coming to America married and settled perma- nently in Washington county, Penn.

Mr. and Mrs. Bebout remained in Chartiers township until 1878, when they bought and moved upon the farm in Cecil township where they are now living. It contains eighty acres of well-im- proved land, upon which he has erected good buildings and operates three good oil wells, in addition to the usual farm duties. Politically he votes with the Democratic party, but devotes the greater part of his time to private interests. In religion he and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg. Their chil- dren are: James, an elder in the First Presby- terian Church at Canonsburg, living at home; Catherine, wife of S. W. McNary, of Cecil town- ship; Mary Belle; Frank, married, a clerk in a furniture store in Monongahela City; Martha Jane, wife of William McCorkle, of Somerset township; and Elizabeth, attending school at Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania.

B OYD McNARY, one of the popular young citizens of North Strabane township, is a son of Samuel McNary, who was born August 16, 1825, in Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his boyhood on the farm, receiving a common-school education. He was married to Margaret McClure, who was born July 7, 1828, and seven children were born to their union, as follows: James S., born October 27, 1851; David, born June 23, 1853, died Octo-

ber 28, 1875; William Boyd, born February 17, 1856; Joseph R., born August 13, 1858; Mary, born August 10, 1860, died April 19, 1876; Mattie, born November 23, 1862, married, July 3, 1884, W. F. Wiskeman, and died October 2, 1888; and Clark J., born June 20, 1865. Samuel McNary was an enterprising and progressive citizen and served in various township offices, filling the posi- tion of school director fifteen years. He was a lifelong member of the U. P. Church, and died February 10, 1883. His widow passed away March 5, 1886.

Boyd McNary was born February 17, 1856, on the home farm, and followed the usual routine of a farmer boy, but received a thorough common- school education. On October 22, 1885, he was united in marriage with Jennie M. Herron, who was born January 8, 1861, daughter of Robert and Rachel (Berry) Herron. Robert Herron was a son of Joseph Herron, whose father, James, was a native of Ireland. James Herron emigrated to America in the latter part of the eighteenth cent- ury, and settled in Northi Strabane township, this county, on the farm now owned by his descendants. When a young man he was married to Rachel Reed, a native of Ohio, and the following children were born to their union: Charles, John, William, James, Robert, John, Joseph, Thomas and Rachel. In politics Mr. Herron was a Democrat, and in religion a devout member of the Seceder Church.

Joseph Herron, son of James, was born January 2, 1797, on his father's farm in North Strabane township, and was educated in the country schools. On January 3, 1824, he married Margaret Hast- ings, of Somerset township, this county, and they settled on the home place, where children were born as follows: Rachel, Robert, James, John, Sarah, Joseph, Margaret and Elizabeth M. father was an active worker in the Democratic The party, and in religious connection supported the Seceder Church. He died January 25, 1852, his wife being laid beside him March 18, 1854, and both rest in the U. P. cemetery at Pigeon Creek. Robert Herron was born September 30, 1826, on the farm where his brother James is now living. On May 13, 1858, he was united in marriage with Rachel E., daughter of John Berry, who bore him children as follows: William G., Margaret J. (Mrs. W. B. McNary), Lizzie R. (Mrs. M. H. Munce), Anna M. (Mrs. W. H. McNary); Sadie T. and Robert W. Mr. Herron has always been a Demo- crat and has served his party in various ways. He and his family are members of the U. P. Church at Mt. Prospect.

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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 202

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