Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 204

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 204

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

R. GLADDEN occupies a prominent position in the large circle of leading agriculturists of Cecil township, and is descended from one of the pioneer families. His earliest ancestors, whose history can be obtained, were William and Mary (Woods) Gladden; they were both born in eastern Pennsylvania, William being a miller by trade. They came to Cecil township in May, 1795, and bought of one Nicholas Gaunce 2064 acres, of which he had secured the patent in 1789, and made this their permanent home. After the death of William, the land became the property of Richard Gladden, and has remained in the family name up to the present time.

Joseph Gladden, son of William and Mary Woods Gladden, was born in 1795, in Cecil town- ship, this county, and was reared and educated on the old homestead. In early manhood he married Jane Donaldson, a native of Robinson township, this county, and first settled near Midway, on what is known as the Campbell farm. In the spring of 1842 he bought and moved upon a farm in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., remain- ing there until his death, which occurred in 1866, being followed by his wife in 1881. Both were members of the United Presbyterian Church at Robinson's Run. Their children were: Thomas D. (living on the homestead in Allegheny county, Penn.), William (deceased in 1891, a resident of Jefferson county, Ohio), James (deceased in youth), J. R., and Mary Jane (wife of R. A .. Warren, Jef- ferson county, Ohio).

J. R. Gladden, son of Joseph and Jane (Donald- son) Gladden, was born in 1842, in South Fayette township, Allegheny Co., Penn., and received his ed- ucation in the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1869 he married Sarah A., daughter of David and Sarah (Campbell) McConnell, early pioneers of Cecil township, where their daughter Sarah was born. On January 15, 1884, J. R. Gladden, in company with his brother, Thomas D., bought the old home farm of their grandfather, William Glad-

& R Gladden

1301

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

den, in Cecil township, from their uncle, Richard Gladden, and in ISSS J. R. Gladden bought his brother's interest, and made it his permanent home. The place contains 321 acres of good land, located about one mile from McDonald, and contains four producing oil wells. Mr. Gladden conducts a gen- eral farming business in connection with a profit- able dairy, and has built a good barn, being now engaged in building a comfortable tenant house. He votes the Democratic ticket. He and his wife are members of the First Presbyterian Church at McDonald, of which he is a trustee. They have had four children: David (deceased at the age of two years), Joseph, Thomas Donaldson and Mary Jane.

OHN SMITH, a successful farmer of Inde- pendence township, was born June 22, 1820, near Mt. Hope church, Independence town- ship, this county. He is a son of John Smith, who was born in 1786, in County Fermanagh, Ire- land, and lived on the farm during his boyhood. He was married to Jane Graham, who was born in 1786, a daughter of William Graham. In 1818, with his wife and infant son, he embarked from Cork, Ireland, for America, and landing in New York came to Independence township, this county, where a brother of Mr. Smith had previously located, near Buffalo creek. Mr. Smith worked as a farm tenant for some time after his arrival in Independence township, but soon purchased the place on which he lived, and continued to reside there until his death, which occurred in 1831. His widow remained on the place until 1835, when she too passed away, leaving the following chil- dren: William (born in Ireland), John (a farmer of Independence township), Jane (deceased), Ed- ward (died in 1847 of consumption) and Mary A. (widow of Paul Ralston, of Independence town- ship).

John Smith, son of John and Jane (Graham) Smith, worked on the home farm from earliest boyhood, and received his education in the rude country schools of the period. When his parents died he took charge of the place, which is situated about three miles south of Independence, near the West Virginia line. His two sisters lived on the farm with him until the death of one in 1891, and Jane, the remaining sister, has since been keeping house for him. Mr. Smith is unmarried, and his health having been poor for several years, he has consequently lived in a retired manner. He is naturally a quiet and unassuming man, having the respect and esteem of all who know him. Polit- ically he was formerly a Whig, and is now a mem- ber of the Republican party. He is a member of the M. E. Church at Independence.

OSHUA DICKERSON, a representative of one of the early families of Washington connty, was born January 3, 1845, on the farm where he now resides in Franklin town- ship. His great-grandfather, Henry Dicker- son, was married in New Jersey, his native State, and reared the following named children: Joshua, Henry, George, Gideon, Leonard, Asa, Margaret and Ruth. He was a leading member and liberal supporter of the M. E. Church, and withal was a hard-working, industrious man.

Joshua Dickerson, grandfather of our subject, was born May 3, 1781, in Washington county, Penn., whither his father had come in a very early day. He was for the most part a self-educated man, making himself well acquainted with the ordinary branches of education, and he made a special study of surveying, a profession in which he had no superior in the county. He was well versed in wood craft and was considered one of the best hunters of his time; his business as sur- veyor naturally brought him in contact with a large number of citizens, and he at once became a popular man. He early identified himself with the leading party, was elected auditor of his native county, and so well did he discharge the duties of his office that he was nominated for, and elected, representative from Washington and Greene coun- ties, a position he filled eight consecutive years; he was then elected to the State Senate, in which he served six years, and then resigned to accept the secretaryship of the land office, which he filled till 1830. In 1831 he was chosen to the constitu- tional convention of the State, and took an active and zealous part in the labors of the same. In these many years of public life and prominence, Mr. Dickerson was totally unpretentious, his home being all along in the old log cabin where he was born. He was a man of magnificent physique, stalwart and active, and the very beau ideal of a Nimrod. At the time of La Fayette's visit to Washington, Penn .. he furnished the carriage which conveyed the illustrious visitor, and he took a prominent part in the reception. On April 30, 1853, he passed from earth full of years and honor. The children born to this remarkable pioneer and his first wife, Margaret McPherson, are as follows: Joshua D., Nancy, Alexander, Mary, John, Jennie (Mrs. Samuel Walters), Ruth (Mrs. Lewis Barker), Henry, Lydia (Mrs. Howard Trussell), Margaret (Mrs. William Hazlett) and Matilda. Joshua Dickerson's second wife was Cornelia Craig, who bore him no children.

John Dickerson, father of our subject, was a na- tive of Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., born April 13, 1810. He passed his boyhood and youth on the old home place, and was married to Mary, daughter of Robert Adams, of Washington

1302

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

county. The children born to this union were Margaret (deceased) and Joshua. This wife dy- ing in 1851, Mr. Dickerson married Miss Mary Johnson, by which union came the following named children: Harvey, Mary A., Ruth A. (deceased), Lewis (deceased) and Flora B. On April 10, 1865, Mr. Dickerson was called from earth after a long and industrious life. In politics he was first a Whig, and afterward, on the formation of the party, a Republican.

The entire life of the subject of this sketch has been passed on the homestead of his immediate ancestry, the days of his boyhood and early youth having been occupied in receiving a thorough course of training to agricultural pursuits, and in attending in the winter months the common schools of the district. On June 2, 1867, he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of the Hon. J. C. Chambers (a sketch of whom is given else- where), and two children were born to them: Mary (deceased) and Lewis B. Mr. Dickerson and fam- ily are adherents of the Disciple Church, and in politics he is a Republican. He has been pros- perous, thanks to his industry, intelligence and foresight, and is a leader in his community, where he is highly respected.

HE JEFFRIES FAMILY. This well-known family have been closely identified with the progress of West Pike Run township.

Joseph Jeffries was born of English par- ents in Chester county, Penn. (on the Brandywine river, near Chadd's Ford), in 1772. He moved from that county to Loudoun county, Va., and there married Betsey Robison, who was born in 1781 in that Virginia county. In 1796 they came to Washington county and settled in West Pike Run township. The following named children were born to this couple: Plessie, born in 1798; Benjamin Amor, born March 21, 1803; Bennet, Mary, John, Job, all deceased except the last named, who is now living at Lemont Furnace, Fayette county. Joseph Jeffries died April 9, 1854, preceded by his wife June 16, 1833.

Amor, born on Buffington's farm, East Pike Run township, was educated at the subscription schools of the neighborhood, and learned the wool carder's trade, which he followed during early life, after- ward devoting his attention to milling and agri- culture. He married (April 6, 1828) Sarah Gregg, who was born in Washington county, September 8, 1806, and by this union there were the follow- ing named children: Eliza, born June 12, 1829 (married Henry Gregg, a farmer of Greene county) ; Joseph, born November 1, 1830 (married Nancy Jane Hess, a native of Ohio, and he is now living at Centreville, Penn.); Elizabeth A., born Novem- ber 19, 1831, died February 18, 1875; Jacob, born

March 26, 1833, died May 16, 1883; John, born October 16, 1834, died March 16, 1865; Anderson, born February 11, 1836; George N., born Sep- tember 10, 1837, died December 16, 1870; Jack- man, born April 15, 1839, died January 24, 1844; Benjamin F., born October 22, 1841 (married An- nie Peppers in 1875); Elenor J., born March 27, 1845, died October 22, 1876; James J., born May 28, 1849, died October 18, 1874. The father was fond of reading, and in politics voted with the Democrats. He died June 15, 1885, preceded by his wife June 9, 1880.

Anderson Jeffries was born in the old home in this county, and in the schools of the district se- cured a knowledge of the common studies. On June 18, 1882, he married Mattie J. Elliott, born March 6, 1856, in this county, a daughter of Michael Elliott, a native of this county, born No- vember 15, 1825. Mr. Elliott learned the gun- smith's trade, and on June 15, 1855, married Eliza Amos, who was born December 25, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Elliott were the parents of one daughter, Mattie J., wife of Anderson Jeffries. Mr. Elliott died in 1857, and Mrs. Elliott married Fredrick Staley. To them were born the following chil- dren: John C., Catherine E. (wife of Henry Hanen), Anna M., Samuel J., Daniel E., Fredrick F. (deceased), Emaline (deceased), David R., Hugh C., Eliza L., Hannah B., Thomas C. and Clarence V. Mr. and Mrs. Staley are now living on a farm in West Pike Run township. To the union of Anderson and Mattie J. (Elliott) Jeffries five chil- dren were born, namely: Corene E., Sarah A. (de- ceased), Emma J. and Minnie May (twins) and Bessie L. The father is a stanch Democrat. He cast his first vote for Stephen A. Douglas. Mr. Jeffries owns 276 acres of land. The stone house where he was born, and in which the family now reside, was built by Benjamin White over one hundred years ago. Mrs. Jeffries and daughter, Corene, are members of the M. E. Church.

F FREDERICK McMURRAY is descended from natives of the Emerald Isle, whence so many of our most industrious and patri- otic citizens trace their lineage. His father, James McMurray, was born March 13, 1796, in Ireland, and when but a small boy came with his parents to Pennsylvania, being reared to manhood upon a pioneer farm. He was married, in 1830, in Washington county, Penn., to Catherine Whit- ley, who was born December 22, 1804, and they had children as follows: John (now living in Ken- tucky), born May 20, 1831; Frederick, born in 1832; Dorothy (wife of David Bebout, a farmer of Cecil township, this county), born April 17,1834; Esther (unmarried, is keeping house for her brother Frederick), born February 17, 1836; Nancy (mar-

to P

3.9 Liz Gr

ried ban (wife ban

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

1303

ried to David C. Dunlap, a farmer of North Stra- bane township), born October 15, 1837; Catherine (wife of Samuel Rankin, a resident of South Stra- bane township), born August 13, 1839; Mary J. (Mrs. Albert Stimpson, a farmer of West Finley township, this county), born May 20, 1841; Belle (wife of Demas Leyda, a farmer of Washington county, Ohio), born May 27, 1842; James (living in Kansas City, Mo.), born March 6, 1844; and Lizzie (married to John Hawkins, a farmer of Greene county, Penn.), born December 5, 1846. The father was a prominent farmer of Somerset township, and an active worker in the United Presbyterian Church of Pigeon Creek, but cared little for politics. He died April 15, 1875, having been preceded December 26, 1867, by his wife.

Frederick McMurray owns and resides upon the home farm, consisting of 109 acres, which was purchased in 1847 by his father. He is a prac- tical and progressive farmer, and in politics affili- ates with the Prohibition party. Mr. McMurray has never married.

J ONAS C. MCCRACKEN, a successful agri- culturist of Amwell township, is of Scottish descent. His grandfather, Andrew Mc- Cracken, with a brother, David, removed from Scotland to County Down, Ireland. From there David immigrated to America about 1768, and in 1792 was followed by Andrew and his family, who lived with David two years. Andrew then bought sixty-three acres of land of Jacob Housing, to which he afterward added forty-one acres, purchased of William McClenahan, comprising the farm on which his descendants still live. In 1843 he went to Ohio, and there died. His wife was Sarah Jennison, of Ireland, and they had five chil- dren-two sons and three daughters: John, Archi- bald, Elizabeth, Isabelle and Nancy.

Archibald McCracken, son of Andrew and Sarah (Jennison) McCracken, was born May 23, 1799, on the old homestead in Amwell township, Washing- ton county, where he always remained, and was educated in the common schools. In 1825 he was married to Lerana, daughter of Luther Axtell, by which union there were the following children: Phebe, Elizabeth, Andrew J., Mary, M. L. A., Rachel (deceased), Sarah, Cloah (deceased), Jonas C., and Martha J. (deceased). Archibald Mc- Cracken was a successful business man, and at the time of his death owned 184 acres of land. He was a Whig, then a Republican, and was always in- terested in township and county affairs. He died August 31, 1884, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1859, and they are buried at Amity.

Jonas C. McCracken was born on the old farm in Amwell township, Washington county, June 11, 1843. His boyhood was passed in attending

school, and working on the farm. He took an ex- tensive western trip, but evidently concluding that Washington county could not be excelled, soon re- turned here to make a permanent home. In 1885 he spent two months in Glasgow, Scotland, the guest of relatives who had not been heard from for fifty-five years, and in 1887 he took a trip to Texas. On March 15, 1888, he was united in marriage with Mary Ross, of Washington township, Greene Co., Penn. He purchased from the heirs that portion of the old farm which he now owns, consisting of seventy-five acres of fertile soil, and carries on mixed farming.

OHN REED, a prosperous agriculturist of Hopewell township, is a grandson of James Reed, the latter of whom was a carpenter, and built the first courthouse in Washington borough. James Reed was born in Scotland, and was married to Sina Parker, who bore him seven children, the sons being named as follows: John, James, Samuel and Parker.

Samuel Reed was reared and educated in Hope- well township, this county, and was afterward united in marriage with Mary Ann Vincent, daughter of Alexander Vincent. The following children were born to this union: James (living in Missouri), Alexander, Sina Ann (deceased), Jane, Mary, Nancy, John and Catherine. Of this family James was married to Lydia B. Mc- Williams, of Westmoreland county, Penn., who died leaving four children: Harry, Cally, Samuel and Dell; their father is pastor of a Presbyterian Church in Missouri; Alexander was first married to Jane Ann White, of Washington county, who bore him children as follows: White, Samuel, Net- tie and Annie (the mother died, and Alexander was then married to Mary White, of West Virginia); Catherine is the widow of R. E. Merchant, and has three sons: Frankie, Orr and Eddie (she is living with her brother John); Mrs. Samuel Reed died February 22, 1881, followed by her husband April 5, 1887. He always followed farming, and in politics was a Democrat. He and his wife were members of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church, in which he served as trustee.

John Reed, son of Samuel Reed, was born November 13, 1846, and was about three years of age when his father purchased the farm now occupied by S. P. Wilson. John Reed attended the common schools, afterward becoming a student of the academy, which he attended one session; he then devoted his whole attention to farming. On October 3, 1877, he was married to Amanda Merchant, a native of Ohio, who bore him two children: Sina Mabel and Mary Ella (deceased). Mrs. Reed was called to her last home August 8, 1881. Mr. Reed was a member of the Upper Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

Mp- ick 44; An- reh

her

E m {

1304

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

W F. CROTHERS is the eldest son of William B. Crothers, who was born June 14, 1836, in Buffalo township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., and passed his earlier years at home, alternately working on the farm, and attending the district school, at which he secured a thorough knowledge of the common branches. He began farming in early life, and has since continued in that calling, also devoting much attention to stock raising. On February 28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Emma, daughter of James Maxwell, of Hopewell town- ship, this county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Crothers settled on the place where they now reside, and the following children have been born to them: Anna (Mrs. Samuel Cleland), Wylie F., Maggie (Mrs. Walter Coulson), Harry, Albert, James, Arthur and John. Mr. Crothers is a suc- cessful farmer, and owns a farm of 500 acres, upon which he has made many improvements, near the village of Taylorstown. In early life he united with the United Presbyterian Church, and has ever been an active member, having held some important offices, the duties of which he has faith- fully performed. He has' ever been interested in public enterprises, and in politics is a member of the Republican party.

Wylie F. Crothers was born January 19, 1863, on the home place in Buffalo township, this coun- ty. He remained at home during his minority, and was educated at the schools of Taylorstown, where he was considered one of the best students. On January 19, 1888, he was united in marriage with Nettie M., daughter of James Noble, and they have one child, Homer N. In February, 1889, Mr. Crothers opened a general store in Tay- lorstown, Buffalo township, and by his honesty, enterprise and uniform courtesy has the largest custom of any store in the town. His stock occu- pies a large building with two floors and a base- ment, also a large warehouse adjoining. He keeps a complete assortment of all kinds of goods, and has the largest and best equipped store (outside of Washington) in western Washington county. He has succeeded in business by earnest effort, and isone of the leading young men of the vicinity. Politically he is an ardent Republican, and though not a politician gives all possible aid to the suc- cess of his party. He and his family are mem- bers of the United Presbyterian Church at Tay- lorstown, to which they are liberal contributors.

W INFIELD SCOTT ARMSTRONG, a citi- zen of West Finley township, is a grand- son of James A. Armstrong. a native of Ireland. The latter immigrated to Amer- ica, and settled east of the Alleghany mountains, where he was married to Miss Mar-

garet Martin. After their marriage the young couple settled in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., where ten children were born to them. Mr. Armstrong was one of the first volunteers in the war of 1812, and served till the close of the war, when he received an honorable discharge.

Samuel Armstrong was the tenth child in the order of birth, and was born April 20, 1812, on the farm in Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn. He was united in marriage in 1833, with Mary Crow, daughter of William Crow, also a resident of Donegal township, and to their union were born the following children: Mrs. Mary Watson, Mar- garet, Mrs. Sarah J. Hair, William H., Catherine (Mrs. Guess), and Winfield Scott. Mr. Armstrong removed to West Alexander four years before his death, which occurred June 12, 1867, having been preceded by his wife in October, 1855.

Winfield Scott Armstrong was born August 13, 1847, in Donegal township, Washington county, and lived at home until old enough to earn his own living, when he began to work by the month for different farmers. On March 27, 1865, he en- listed in the One Hundred and Third Regiment, P. V. I., and served until the close of the war. His brother, William H. Armstrong, enlisted in Company C, One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I. He served in many of the battles, and was captured at Gettysburg, being taken to Libby Prison, where, in December, 1863, he died of starvation, thus adding another name to the long list of martyred heroes. On February 19, 1873, Winfield Scott Armstrong was married to Miss Kate Gordon, and they have had two children, William H., born April 28, 1876, and Flora Gor- don, born January 23, 1890. After his marriage Mr. Armstrong bought the old water-power grist- mill which he still owns, and made the good, old- fashioned sweet flour. The old mill has been kept in excellent repair, and is one of the few of that kind now in operation.

J /HOMAS SHAW. Among the honored citi- zens of Chartiers township, the name of Thomas Shaw occupies a prominent posi- tion. He is a successful agriculturist and worthy representative of an old pioneer fam- ily. His grandfather, Joseph Shaw, was born of Scotch parents in Ireland, where, in early manhood, he married a Miss Sankey, and coming to America, he settled in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., where he reared a family of children.

John Shaw, father of subject, was born in 1804, on the pioneer farm in Chartiers township, Washington county. In early manhood he mar- ried Sarah Harsha, a native of the same county, and settled on the home farm, where the following children were born: Esther Ann (who died in

Thomas Shaw

- 1307

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

infancy), Jane (who died in infancy), William D. (who enlisted in Company A, Eighth-fifth Regi- ment, P. ,V. I., served three years, two months and ten days, and is now living in Adams county, Iowa), Joseph (residing in Chartiers township), John H. (who died at the age of fourteen years), an infant and James (twins, the former deceased and the latter a veteran of Company B, First Vir- ginia Cavalry), Sarah Jane (who married J. L. Henderson, and died leaving four sons and one daughter), Harrison Marshall (who died at the age of seven years of typhoid fever), Thomas (our subject), Rebecca Agnes (who died in youth), Robert Theo- dore (a graduate of Washington and Jefferson College, now a physician and surgeon of Silver Plume, Colo .; he has served as a member of the Legislature from his county), and Harriet (who was married about 1878, to David Bedow; she had one child, and died in March, 1880). Mrs. John Shaw died of apoplexy in 1869. She was a daugh- ter of John Harsha, a son of early pioneers of Washington county, and of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He was a hunter in Kentucky in the days of Daniel Boone, learned the trade of chairmaker in his na- tive State, and was married to Esther Ann Mc- Millan, a native of Chartiers township, also a member of an early pioneer family. They both died in Washington county. John Shaw was a Democrat until 1840, when he joined the Whigs, and upon the organization of the Republican party became an enthusiastic Republican. He was a member of and elder in the United Presbyterian Church at Chartiers Cross Roads, and died in February, 1879.

Thomas Shaw, the subject of this biographical sketch, was born September 20, 1844, on the farm owned by his father, and where he is now living. He attended the district schools of Chartiers town- ship, and October 26, 1876, chose a bride in the person of Hallie M., daughter of John and Jemima Grounds, early settlers of Washington county. and residents of Mt. Pleasant township. One son was born of this union, Wilbert Lawrence. Mrs. Shaw died June 27, 1879, and on March 16, 1881, Mr. Shaw married Jennie W., daughter of E. J. and Ann (White) Agnew, prominent pioneer set- tlers of Washington county, and residents of Chartiers township. Mr. Agnew has been an elder in Hickory and Cross Roads Churches for many years. Three children have been born to our sub- ject and his wife, viz. : Sarah Ann Gertrude, Franklin Agnew and Lizzie Edna. The home farm contains 200 acres of well-cultivated land. and in connection with the general management of the place Mr. Shaw devotes much attention to stock raising, making a specialty of Holstein cat- tle, Shropshire sheep and Chester-White swine. In politics, he votes the Republican ticket; and he and Mrs. Shaw are members of the Chartiers 61

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 204

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