Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 205

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 205

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Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church in Chartiers township, in which he is an elder, an office also filled by his father in the same churchi for many years.

L EWIS F. MCCRORY, a citizen of Califor- nia, is a representative of one of the promi- nent families of Allen township. His grand- father, John McCrory, was born and reared in Washington county, Penn., there receiving his early education. When a young man he was married to Catherine Speers, a member of a pioneer family of this county, and they settled on a farm in Fallowfield township. Their children were Elizabeth (wife of David McClain), Samuel S., James, Rebecca, John, Plesey, Henry, Jacob, Solomon, Emily (wife of George Lang) and Nathaniel. The father was a Whig in political opinion.

Samuel S. McCrory was born in 1809, in Fal- lowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the subscription schools of that locality. In early manhood he married Nancy, daughter of Samuel Fry, and she bore him the following chil- dren: Sarah E. (deceased), Mary K., Lewis F., Christina (deceased), Henry J., Emily and John. Mr. McCrory worked at boat building and kin- dred occupations during early life, and after his marriage bought a farm, on which he passed the rest of his days. In political opinion he was originally a Whig, afterward a Republican. He died in September, 1853, his widow passing away June 1, 1892.

Lewis F. McCrory was born February 17, 1839, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn., and was reared to agricultural pursuits in Allen township, where he attended the public schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Company F, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, serving until the close of the war. On October 20, 1869, he married Han- nah J., daughter of Allen Bowlen. The latter was a son of Nelson Bowlen, a farmer, whose parents were natives of Ireland, and came to America in an early day. Nelson Bowlen was married to Mary Coalbank, who bore him six children, namely: Bailey, William, Allen, Eliza, Mary Jane and Elizabeth. The father served in the war of 1812; in politics he voted with the Whig party, and in religious faith he was a member of the Disciple Church.

Allen Bowlen (deceased), son of Nelson and Mary Bowlen, was born in 1822, in West Virginia, and there learned the tailor's trade, which he fol- lowed for several years. He was twice married, first to Anna Hugh, and their children were Han- nah (wife of Lewis F. McCrory), Sarah (married to Samuel Artis), Isaac, Mary E., Margaret and James, all except Hannah being now deceased.

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For his second wife Allen Bowlen was married to Susan McCarty, who bore him children as fol- lows: Minerva (deceased), Nelson (deceased), Ke- ziah (deceased), Samuel, May, Michael and Will- iam. Mr. Bowlen was formerly a Democrat, and afterward united with the Republican party, and in religion he was a member of the M. E. Church, in which he served as steward and trustee.

Lewis F. and Hannah J. (Bowlen) McCrory re- sided in Washington county, Penn., for some years after their marriage, then moved to a farm in Fay- ette county, finally returning to Allen township, this county. Mr. McCrory was identified with the Republicans, but since the organization of the Prohibition party has been an enthusiastic advo- cate of the principles embodied in their platform. He and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

OWERN BROS. These gentlemen, who conduct an extensive carriage-making es- tablishment, and are also dealers in harness and horse goods, in Canonsburg, are prom- inently identified with the leading business interests of that place. The family are of Irish descent, the grandfather, William Gowern, having been born and reared in Ireland, where he was married to a Miss Annie Nugent. Soon after mar- triage the young couple came to America, and located permanently in New York, where three children were born to them: Robert F., Mary and Katie.

Robert F. Gowern, eldest son of William Gow- ern, served an apprenticeship in New York with Brewster, at the wagon-making trade. After com- pleting it he took a tour through the Southern States, working as he traveled. Returning to New York he was married, on July 18, 1852, to Alice Robinson, a native of that city, of Scotch parent- age. Two years later Mr. Gowern located in South Egremont, Mass., and not long afterward moved to Lincoln, Ill., thence to Harrodsburg, Ky., and finally came to Pittsburgh, Allegheny Co., Penn. In 1875 he organized the firm of R. F. Gowern & Sons, for the manufacture and sale "of carriages. The firm commenced business on a modest scale, in a small frame building where they remained until 1886, in which year they erected their present extensive factory. Robert F. Gow- ern has had four children, namely: William J., Robert F., Lillie (wife of John Boyce), and Annie (deceased). In politics the father is a loyal mem- iber of the Democratic party.

William J. Gowern was born December 5, 1853, 'in New York City, and passed his boyhood at Thome. In early youth he entered a carriage-mak- jing establishment at Pittsburgh, Penn., where he remained two years, then completed his appren-

ticeship with the firm of S. B. & C. Hayes, Wash- ington, Penn. He is familiar with every depart- ment of the business, which he conducts with char- acteristic energy. Like his father before him, he is an active Democrat. He is yet unmarried.

Robert F. Gowern, Jr., was born March 8, 1856, in South Egremont, Mass. He learned the carriage- making trade of S. B. & C. Hayes, of Washington, Penn., and is an accomplished workman, thorough- ly understanding his business. On July 15, 1880, he was married to Miss Nannie A. Simpson, and has three children, all living. In 1887 the broth- ers bought the entire interest in their father's es- tablishment, and added to the business harness and horse goods, the firm being now known as the Gowern Bros. They make 100 carriages per year, and are constantly busied with filling orders, work- ing to their fullest capacity.

L T. CLAYBAUGH, a prominent contractor and builder of California, Penn., is the sec- ond son of Moses B. Claybaugh, whose father, Michael Claybaugh, was born and reared in Germany. The latter was married in his native land, and there learned the blacksmith's trade, afterward coming to Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., where he and his wife died many years ago.

Moses B. Claybaugh, son of Michael, was born in Fayette county, Penn., where his youth was passed. He was married at Coal Centre, Washing- ton Co., Penn., to Miss Rebecca Troy, a native of that place. The young couple first resided in Cal- ifornia, this county, where he followed the black- smith's trade, until 1854, and then moved to Law- rence county, Ohio. In 1861 he enlisted, in Gal- lia county, Ohio, for three years, or during the war, and served under General Burnside; he died of cholera at St. Louis, Mo., in 1865, while en route home. In 1864 his wife removed to her present home in California, Penn. She has had three children, namely: Loretta (who died in 1863, in Ohio), L. T., and Eva (wife of J. F. Furlong, of Pittsburgh, Penn.).

L. T. Claybaugh was born in 1856, in Lawrence county, Ohio, and in 1864 came to California, Penn., where he received a limited education, as his wid- owed mother needed his assistance when he was yet a boy. He first commenced working in the boatyard, then learned the carpenter and joiner's trade at Mckeesport, Penn. He worked as a journeyman for several years, and in 1880 com- menced business for himself as a builder and con- tractor. In 1880 he was married to Anna Coats- worth, a native of Monongahela City, and daughter of Joseph Coatsworth. The latter was born July 12, 1842, in Durham, England. His father, Jo-

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seph Coatsworth, was also born and reared in Dur- ham, England, and was there married to Sarah Ellison, who bore him six children, namely : Thomas, Margaret, Joseph, William, Sarah and John. Mr. Coatsworth was an expert lead-ore miner, and devoted much time to investigating the different branches of that business in his native country. He finally concluded that America of- fered superior opportunities for his family, and in 1853 crossed the ocean, first locating at Pittsburglı, Penn. He there followed coal mining for some time, and a few years later purchased a farm in Carroll township, this county, finally removing to Monongahela City, where he died in 1861. He was a strong supporter of Whig and Abolition princi- ples, and npheld his views with the tenacity of a true Englishman. He was formerly connected with the primitive M. E. Church, and after coming to America united with the M. E. Society at Monon- gahela City, of which he was a most conscientious member.

Joseph Coatsworth came with his parents to America when but a lad, and passed his minority in Washington county, Penn. In 1872 he opened a grocery store, and engaged in the coal business at California, this county, afterward conducting a grocery at Monongahela City. He finally aban- doned the grocery and opened the butcher shop where he is now doing a profitable business. On November 4, 1863, he was united in marriage with Trovillo, daughter of Washington Eckles, formerly of Westmoreland county, Penn., and they are the parents of seven children, namely: Anna, wife of L. T. Claybaugh; Charles W., J. W., May, Kate G., Bessie and Eva. Mr. Coatsworth is an active member of the Democratic party, and has served as councilman.

Mr. and Mrs. Claybaugh settled in California, Penn., where he owns a pleasant residence and other valuable property, which he rents. As a contractor he is pre-eminently successful, giving constant daily employment to an average of thirty- one men, and for the past two years has taken the output of the California brickyard, averaging 100,- 000 bricks per month. Mr. Claybaugh is one of the directors of the California Glass Company; is a director in the Minerva Land and Improve- ment Company, of Fayette county, Penn .; a di- rector in the local branch of the Security Building and Loan Association, of Minneapolis, Minn. ; and a director in the local branch of the Southern Building and Loan Association, of Knoxville, Tenn. He is actively identified with the Republican party, and has served as a member of the town council; he is a member of the Royal Arcanum of Califor- nia. Mr. and Mrs. Claybaugh are the parents of four children, namely: Lon W., Eva, Ruth and L. T., Jr.

J EHU DUNLEVY is a representative of an early pioneer family of Washington county, and a son of Andrew Dunlevy, whose parents located in Allen township some time prior to 1795, and died in that vicinity.

Andrew Dunlevy was born July 1, 1795, on the home farm in Allen township, Washington Co., Penn., where his youth was passed. On May 22, 1816, he was united in marriage with Sarah Jack- man, who was born March 25, 1799, in Washing- ton county, and to this marriage children were born as follows: Joseph (who died in 1840), Will- iam (who moved from Pennsylvania to Illinois, and thence to Nebraska, where he is now living), Matilda (who died single), Crawford (now living in Hot Springs, Ark.), Jehu, Anthony (a ship car- penter, was killed in an explosion on a vessel on Galveston Bay, Texas), Jesse (deceased in infancy), Barbara Ann (wife of S. T. Williams, of Cherokee county, Iowa), and Sarah Rebecca (wife of Parker S. Sphar, of Allen township). The father was a Democrat in politics, and in religion an ardent member of the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a ruling elder for many years. He died July 24, 1879, having been preceded by his wife in 1845.

Jehu Dunlevy, son of Andrew and Sarah (Jack- man) Dunlevy, was born October 5, 1833, in Allen township. He has never left his birthplace, and November 20, 1856, brought thither his bride, Mary McKee, a native of Allen township. She was a daughter of Hugh and Catherine (Lutz) McKee, early pioneers of Fayette county. Penn., and mem- bers of the Rehobeth 'Church. The mother is yet living in Allen township, Washington county, the father having passed away some years ago. Mrs. Dunlevy died April 14, 1868, leaving two sons, of whom the following is a brief record: James H. is a railroad agent at Munhall, Penn., at which sta- tion are located the great Carnegie Steel Works, where, on July 6, 1892, occurred the famous riot.

On June 17, 1891, James H. Dunlevy was mar- ried to Mary A. daughter of Rev. Levi Risher, of Dravosburgh, Penn., and one son has been born to their union, viz: Risher A. They reside in Home- stead, which city adjoins the Steel Works of Car- negie & Co. Thomas T., youngest son of Jehu and Mary (McKee) Dunlevy, is a steamboat master and pilot on the Monongahela and Ohio rivers. On June 1, 1870, Jehu Dunlevy was married to Mary E., daughter of James and Mary (Swanger) Patterson, pioneers. of Allegheny county, Penn., and ardent members of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Two daughters have been born to the union of Jehu and Mary E. Dunlevy, viz. : Etta M. and Jessie F. The home farm contains eighty acres of river land, upon which a mining town is now being established to further the coal industry.

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Politically Mr. Dunlevy is a Democrat, and has served for many years as a member of the school board, and takes a special interest in all educa- tional matters. His wife is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

AMES CRAIG, one of the leading represent- ative progressive farmers of Donegal town- ship, is a grandson of John Craig, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, whence in an early day he immigrated to this country, tak- ing up his residence in Fayette county, Penn. Here he married Rebecca Stevens (by whom he had some eight or ten children), and followed farm- ing, also teaching school up to the time of his death. The widowed mother afterward came with her son John to this county, where for a few years he kept a tavern on the National pike, about two miles east of West Alexander, in Donegal township, where Joseph Sample now resides. Here John Craig married Ellen, a daughter of James Craig, and one child was born to their union, Rebecca, who died after reaching adult age. This wife be- ing called to her long home, Mr. Craig married, for his second wife, Eleanor, a daughter of Patrick Craig, of Donegal township, and the results of this union were the following children: Jane, William, John, Eleanor, Mary, Samuel, James, Roland and Margaret, all now deceased except James. After his first marriage John Craig lo- cated in West Finley township, near the State line of West Virginia, where for a short time he followed farming, and then moved to Donegal township, settling one-half mile south of Toll-gate No. 6, on the National pike, where he passed the remainder of his days, dying September 30, 1864, in his eighty-fourth year, his wife having preceded him to the grave in 1852. In politics Mr. Craig was first a Whig and afterward, from the time of its organization, a member of the Republican party. He was a successful agriculturist, and accumulated a comfortable competence by hard work and judi- cious economy.

James Craig was born May 25, 1825, in Done- gal township, Washington Co., Penn., where his boyhood and youth were passed, alternating be- tween book lessons at school and practical lessons on his father's farm. On December 4, 1851, he was married to Elizabeth Dickey, who was born in Germantown (now a part of Philadelphia), October 7, 1827, a daughter of Nathaniel Dickey, a native of County Donegal, Ireland, who, when a young man, came to America, settling near Philadelphia. There he married Elizabeth Kelter, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and to them were born the following children: William, Mary, Tacy, Eliza- beth (Mrs. Craig), Anna. Sarah J., Caroline, Susan and Martha. About 1830 they came to

Donegal township, this county, where they resided until their deaths; the father dying June 11, 1852, in his sixty-second year, having been thrown from a horse and killed, and the mother on June 17, 1870. in her seventy-third year. To Mr. and Mrs. James Craig were born nine children, as follows: Mary E. (Mrs. George Brownlee, of Otoe county, Neb.), John (a carpenter, also in Otoe county), William D. (a farmer in Donegal township), James (deceased when twenty-eight years of age), Emma J., Samuel L. and Elizabeth B. (all three living with their parents), Nathaniel H. (who died at the age of seventeen years) and Carrie V. (at home with her parents). Soon after marriage Mr. Craig settled on one of his father's farms, situated three miles southeast of West Alexander, where he has resided over forty years, successfully engaged in farming and stock raising. In politics he is a Republican, and has held various township offices, to which, however, he never aspired; his wife is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Craig and the entire family enjoy the esteem and respect of a wide circle of acquaintances and friends.

SAAC T. CROUCH. As we record the lives of those whose acts have made a lasting impress on the community in which they live, or whose beneficial influence is ever reaching out farther, there is a special pleasure in tracing the history of men who were numbered among the gallant soldiers of the Union. The gentleman of whom we write is a son of Benedict, and grandson of Elijah Crouch. The latter, who was of English descent, reared a family of four children, viz. : Elisha, Benedict, Stephen, and Mary, all of whom lived over fourscore years, and are now deceased.

Benedict Crouch was born in June, 1800, near Jefferson, Greene Co., Penn., there passing his early youth. He learned the saddler's trade, which he followed a short time, and was then married to Rebecca, daughter of James Wallace. It seems this adventurous young Romeo had little faith in the popular maxim that " When poverty enters the door; love flies out of the window," for it is said that he commenced wedded life with a capital of thirty-seven cents. But far better than wealth, a stout body, active brain, and cheerful heart were his, which, with the unselfish love of his fair bride, proved far more efficient aids to success than a bank account in the hands of another. They were tenants on a farm for several years after their marriage, when he bought 288 acres near Bentleyville, Washington Co., Penn. Here hecar- ried on an extensive farming business, and reared a large family of children, as follows: James, Sarah, John, William, Adah, Mary Ann, Thomas, Nathan, Hiram, Isaac T., Elizabeth, Bennett and

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J. J. brauch

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Nesbit, of whom John, Sarah, Elizabeth, Thomas, Hiram, Nesbit and Mary Ann are now deceased. Adah and Isaac T. served under Gen. Philip Sheri- dan in the famous Ringgold Cavalry, which was finally merged into the Twenty-second Cavalry, under which title it was mustered out. Hiram was also a soldier of the Union, and William, then resid- ing in Arkansas, felt that duty called him to defend his home and family rather than the nation; he therefore entered the Confederate army, and served throughout the conflict as captain of an Arkansas regiment. Benedict Crouch, for his second spouse, married Charity Wallace, a sister of his first wife, and the children by this union were S. Bentley, Hud- son C. and Allison B. Notwithstanding the con- dition of his finances in early manhood, Benedict Crouch succeeded in paying for his home, rearing his large family of children in a respectable man- ner, and also saving quite a sum of money. He was an earnest Christian, and was identified with the Methodist Church, in which he was a class- leader. In politics, he was first a Whig, and after- ward, on the formation of the party, a stanch Re- publican.

Isaac T. Crouch, son of Benedict and Rebecca Crouch, was born August 22, 1842, near Bealls- ville, Washington Co., Penn. At the age of twenty-one years he entered the war (as above related) as a private, being afterward promoted to the rank of sergeant. He participated in the bat- tle of Cedar Creek, the scene of "Sheridan's Ride," and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Washington county, where he worked on a farm for several years. On Septem- ber 4, 1872, he was united in marriage with Eliza- beth, daughter of William Forsythe, of Fayette county, Penn. The young people soon afterward located in Peters township, Washington county, where they remained as tenants for several years. In 1879 he bought the farm where he is now liv- ing, containing 117 acres of some of the best land in the county; it is underlaid with a valuable vein of coal which was recently sold at $50 per acre. Politically, Mr. Crouch has always been devoted to the interests of the Republican party, but invaria- bly declines official honors. He is a member of the . Presbyterian Church, and has served as elder and Sabbath-school superintendent. Two daughters complete the family circle, Jennie R., attending the Washington Female Seminary, and Nellie R.

M ARTIN BOM CRAIG, a substantial farmer of Franklin township, is of Irish parent- age, his father, William Craig, having been born in the Emerald Isle, and when a small boy emigrated with his parents to

America. The sole method of navigation in those days was by sailing vessels, and the emigrants were nearly two and a half months in crossing the

ocean, the weather being extremely rough, but the journey was at last ended in safety.

The Craig family settled in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., where William grew to manhood and was married to Lydia Stokly, a daughter of one of the oldest pioneers of that township. The following children were born to them, their names and dates of birth being given: Eli, May 17, 1788; Otho, April 2, 1790; John, September 2, 1792; Arthur, July 13, 1794; Thomas, March 13, 1796; Elizabeth, July 31, 1798; Samuel, June 22, 1800; Prudence and Cornelia (twins), February 14, 1803; and Martin B., February 8, 1808. Mr. Craig resided in Wash- ington borough several years after his marriage, and then purchased the farm now occupied by his son Martin B. It was then an uncultivated tract of land, and its present comfortable and homelike condition is due wholly to the efforts of Mr. Craig and his children. He was an energetic man, and earned the success which he won. In political life he was a Democrat, and for many years served as justice of the peace in Franklin township, a position which he filled to the entire satisfaction of every one. He died July 30, 1823, his widow on June 26, 1848.

Martin B. Craig passed his childhood on the home farm in Franklin township, but was obliged to begin life for himself at a very early age, and the experience thus gained has since enabled him to overcome many obstacles to success which would have proved insurmountable to those possessing less practical knowledge. He received a very lim- ited education at the subscription schools, and re- tains a most vivid recollection of the scenes there enacted, and the primitive surrounding of his boy- ish days. The schoolhouse was an old deserted cabin, with a puncheon floor, upon which the slab seats and writing desks were placed beside the walls. The windows consisted of a single pane of glass, or a slip of greased paper placed over an epening made by the removal of a portion of a log. The old fireplace extended nearly across one end of the room, and was fed by huge logs, which were cut down at noon time by the larger boys.

On December 24, 1831, Mr. Craig was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Abram Elliott, a native of New Jersey, and their children are Jane (deceased), Adeline, Elizabeth, Lydia, Will- iam, Atkinson and Sample (all three deceased), and Nancy, living at home. After his marriage Mr. Craig settled on the home place, having pur- chased the interest of the other heirs, and in 1851 he erected the handsome brick residence which is his present home. He commenced life with very little, but by industry and enterprise has become a most prosperous citizen. In politics he is an ardent Democrat, outspoken in his opinions. He is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

W ILLIAM P. MORGAN is a great-grand- son of John Morgan, who was born in Wales, where his boyhood and youth were passed. He was there married to a young countrywoman, and some years afterward brought his family to America, locating in Allegheny county, Penn. Three children were born to these early pioneers, viz. : Hugh, Samuel and Anna. The parents continued to reside on the farm, where they first settled, until their death. They were members of the Presbyterian Church, and in polit- ical opinion Mr. Morgan was a Democrat.

Hugh Morgan was born and educated in Wales, and came to America with his parents in early life. He was married to Margaret Billingsby, of West Virginia, and settled permanently in Allegheny county, Penn. They reared the following children : John, Samuel, Anna, Mary, Frank, Hannah, Web- ster, Hugh, James, Billingsby, Josiah and Will- iam (the two last named being deceased). The father died in 1846. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and politically he was an adherent of the Democratic party.

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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 205

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