Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 206

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 206

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James Morgan, son of Hugh and Margaret (Billingsby) Morgan, was born January 17, 1809, on the home place in Allegheny county, Penn., and attended the subscription schools of the vicinity during his youth. In early life he was wedded to Elizabeth, daughter of John Hindman, a native of Washington county, Penn., who bore him children as follows: Hugh, Sarah J. (Mrs. William Herri- ott), Samuel, Billingsby, William P., John C. and Maggie (wife of James Fife). Mr. Morgan has for threescore years been a zealous member of the Presbyterian Church. He has always followed farming and stock raising. Politically, he was formerly a Whig, and has voted the Republican ticket since the organization of that party. Mrs. Morgan passed over the silent river in 1870.

William P. Morgan was born May 4, 1842, on the old place in Allegheny county, Penn., receiving his early education in the home schools. On March 7, 1867, he was united in marriage with Martha J., daughter of John and Elizabeth John- son. While yet a young man William P. Morgan began a successful mercantile career. He first opened a store at Morganza, this county, remain- ing there five years, then moved to Canonsburg, and since that time he has conducted a very profit- able business in the latter place, his custom having increased to large proportions. He is an active member of the Republican party. In religion he is prominently identified with the U. P. Church at Canonsburg, having served for years as a mem- ber of the Session, and also as Sunday-school su- perintendent. Mr. Morgan is one of the influential and progressive men of his community. Two daugh- ters have blessed his home, namely: Lizzie Luella (Mrs. Ed. McNary), and Laura (living at home).

C ARY PIPER. In every community there are to be found some who have achieved success in life by sturdy, patient, unceasing toil, and among this class the Piper family, of whom the subject of this sketch is a prominent member, have been justly welcomed.

William Piper was born in Virginia of German- English parents, and he followed carpentry in conjunction with agricultural pursuits, becoming a successful man. He left a large family, of whom, Thomas D. Piper was born in the Shenan- doah Valley, Va., where his boyhood was passed. He there learned and followed the carpenter's trade, and after a time, coming to Coal Centre, Washington Co., Penn., commenced business as a builder and contractor, many of the buildings there being erected by him. At Coal Centre he married Ella Holmon, who bore him one son, William (who married Catherine Crow, and died in the State of California), and shortly thereafter died. Thomas D. Piper was then married to Mary Duvall, daughter of Lewis Duvall, one of the highly respected and well-to-do farmers of East Pike Run township, who had children as follows: Mary (wife of Thomas D. Piper), Hannah (wife of Elias Garrett), Abigail (wife of Jacob Deems), Isa- bel and Eliza (both unmarried), John (married to Hannah Yosty) and Lewis (married to Mary Deems). To Thomas D. and Mary Piper were born the following children: Ann (wife of H. D. Wilkins), Hannah (who married Joseph Moffat), Lewis D., J. W., Mary (wife of Henry F. Jami- son), Cary and A. C. The father of this family died January 26, 1880, the mother on January 23, 1884. Politically Mr. Piper voted with the Whig and Republican parties, and in religion he was a leading member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Cary Piper was born December 8, 1851, in Coal Centre, Washington Co., Penn., and received his early education in the public schools. In 1873 he opened a grocery business at Coal Centre, in con- nection with his brother A. C., which they ex- changed for a drug store in 1874. They have been very successful in the latter enterprise, which is conducted under the firm name of Piper Bros., and they own some of the best property in Coal Centre. On September 11, 1879, Cary Piper was united in marriage with Alice F., daughter of E. C. Furlong, who is a son of John Furlong, whose father was born in Ireland, and coming to America made a permanent settlement in Maryland. John Furlong was born on the home place in Maryland, where he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Henry and Catherine Holman, also natives of Maryland. The father was a Revolutionary sol- dier, holding the rank of captain, and both parents died in Allen township, Washington county, where their later years were passed. To the union of

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Job bor ler. Oi

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John and Elizabeth Furlong three children were born, viz. : Catherine E. (married to James Dow- ler, of West Pike Run township, and died in 1890), Otho H. (deceased in 1882, at Fayette City, Penn.) and E. C. After their marriage (about 1830) Mr. and Mrs. Furlong came to Washington county, Penn., locating on a farm in Allen township, and during the last twenty years of his life he followed the coal business in Fayette county. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and politically was a Jacksonian Democrat, taking an active interest in the affairs of his party. He died in March, 1883, at the age of ninety-three years, the wife and mother having passed away long before, at the age of seventy-five years. Both parents were members of the M. E. Church at Mt. Tabor.

E. C. Furlong, youngest son of John and Eliza- beth Furlong, was born February 27, 1823, on the home farm in Maryland, and coming with his parents to Pennsylvania, was reared in Allen town- ship, Washington county. He attended the sub- scription schools of the neighborhood, and after the death of his father engaged with his brother Otho in the coal business on the river, shipping to all points on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers. E. C. Furlong was pilot on the river coal boats for about thirty years, making many trips to Cairo, Louisville and Cincinnati. In 1850 he was united in marriage with Amy Ann Stockdale, a native of Allen township, this county, a daughter of Allen Stockdale, who was born in 1788; be married Letitia Allen, who was born July 27, 1788, a daughter of Joseph Allen, for whom Allen town- ship was named. The Allens were among the earliest settlers of Washington county, and owned a vast tract of land on the Monongahela river where their lives were passed. Joseph Allen died December 10, 1832, his wife having been laid to rest December 27, 1827. E. C. and Amy Ann Furlong began wedded life on the farm where they are now living, and the following children have blessed their union: Josephine (wife of Frank Hernett, of Pasadena, Cal.), William Allen (pro- prietor of a drug store at Laceyville, Penn.), John F. (residing at Pittsburgh), Sarah, Alice F. (wife of C. Piper), Letitia and Otho (living in Charleroi, Penn.). Mr. Furlong conducts a prosperous real- estate business, and owns nine houses in Roscoe. Politically he votes with the Democratic party, and has served as a member of the school board; in religion he and his wife are members of the M. E. Church.

Cary and Alice F. (Furlong) Piper have had two sons, viz .: Edward C. (deceased) and Earle. Mr. Piper is an active worker in the Republican party, and served as postmaster at Coal Centre, under Garfield, also Harrison. He is interested in relig- ious matters, as a zealous member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he has been trustee.

C ARSON. The first member of the family, of which Isaac and Cornelius Carson are hon- ored representatives, emigrated from his native land, Ireland, to America, and made a settlement in this county, taking out a patent for land in Fallowfield township over one hundred years ago. Subsequently he traded a part of the original farm for a shot-gun, in order to induce a traveler who had the gun to settle near him in the wilderness. He died on this property, which has. been in the possession of the family ever since.

John Carson, his son, was born, reared and edu- cated on the home place in Fallowfield township,. and when a young man married Elizabeth Springer, of the same locality. After marriage they settled on the homestead, where Mr. Carson. carried on general farming and stock raising. Their children were Mary (Mrs. Abraham Van- Voorhis), Margaret (Mrs. Parker Carson), Eliza -. beth (Mrs. Noah Fry), John S. (father of subject),. Sarah A. (Mrs. H. Allman) and Caroline (Mrs. M .. Hazen). The parents of this family both died on. the home place, and lie side by side in the Speers; burying ground. They were members of the Speers Baptist Church; in politics Mr. Carson was a Democrat, and he held various township offices ..

John S. Carson was born May 31, 1823, in Fal- lowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He. married Margaret Jones, a native of the township,. daughter of Elijah and Mary (Warren) Jones, farm- ers, who were the parents of the following chil- dren: William, Eliza J. (Mrs. John Beadle), Mar- garet (Mrs. John S. Carson), Wesley, James, Noah and Isaac W. Mr. Jones was a member of the M. E. Church, and in politics was a Whig and Repub- lican. After his marriage John S. Carson purchased a farm adjoining the homestead in Fallowfield township, and here passed the remainder of his life, dying September 24, 1882, his wife having preceded him to the grave December 16, 1870; they sleep their last sleep in Maple Creek cemetery, which is on the Carson farm. Mrs. Elizabeth Carson was the first buried there. They were members of the Baptist Church, and Mr. Carson was always regarded as an ener- getic and substantial citizen. In his political preferences he was an active Democrat, held va- rious offices of trust in his township, and was school director for over a quarter of a century. Their children were Isaac, Cornelius, John Clarkson (who died in April, 1891, at Salt Lake City, Utah), Henry (a farmer in Fallowfield township), Robert B. (a resident of Aspen, Colo.), Mary E., Van C., Margaret M. (Mrs. I. N. Carson, of Fallowfield township), Caroline (Mrs. John W. Carson), Noah T. and Joseph (both living on the old Carson homestead).

ISAAC CARSON Was born December 29, 1846, in Fallowfield township, and received a liberal edu-

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cation at the common schools of his district. On May 1, 1872, he married Lorinda, daughter of Noah and Lydia (Hill) Fry, natives of Fallowfield township. Her father died in December, 1884, the mother several years prior to his demise. Mr. and Mrs. Carson continued their residence in Fallow- field township until 1877, when he bought 140 acres in Allen township, to which they removed. He yet owns sixty-four acres in Fallowfield town- ship, and in addition to general farming is con- siderably interested in live stock, making it a specialty. Politically he votes independent of party in local politics, but supports the Democrats in national issues. He is a member of the school board. Mrs. Carson is identified with the Disciple Church. Their children are Noah F., John S., Van C., Carl B., Omadell, Raymond, Edgar and Annie Elizabeth.

CORNELIUS CARSON was born December 29, 1848, in Fallowfield township, where his primary educa- tion was received. He attended the private academy of John C. Messenger, and later the Southwestern State Normal School at California. On the completion of his studies he taught school for some few terms, during the winter months, working on the farm the rest of the year, which latter vocation he followed until 1882 when he came to Monongahela, and here for a short time was in partnership with Yohe Brothers, in their planing mill. He then opened a furniture store which he conducted about four years, afterward embarking in his present grocery business. On October 30, 1873, Mr. Carson was married to Sarah, daughter of Joseph Beazell, of Fallowfield township. To them have been born: Laura I., Margaret A., Sarah B., Van C., Emma J., May E., Cornelius G., Isaac W. and Joseph Bascom. Our subject is an active Democrat, a leader in the party for many years. He has been twice elected a member of the borough council in a ward where the Republicans outnumber the Democrats two to one-a forcible evidence of Mr. Carson's popular- ity, and a practical recognition of his capabilities. He is a member of the M. E. Church, a highly successful business man, and an energetic, useful citizen.

H ENRY M. KEENY, one of the most popu- lar, wide-awake citizens of Franklin town- ship, was born January 13, 1837, in West Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., a son of Daniel and Mary (Shipe) Keeny, the former of whom was born in Amwell township, same county, the latter a daughter of one of the early settlers here. Daniel Shipe served in the war of 1812, and was reported among the missing. After marriage Daniel and Mary Keeny resided in various townships in the county, finally

settling in Amwell, where they died. The children born to them were Levi (deceased), Rebecca (widow of Mr. House), Elizabeth, Isaac, John, Abraham, Henry M., Mary A. (wife of J. Bowen, of Canton township), Catherine (Mrs. Charles Van Kirk), Daniel (who enlisted in Company C, One Hun- dred and Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded in the battle of Gettysburg by a shell, and died of blood poisoning at the hospital in Philadelphia), and George (who was in Company B, same regiment as his brother). In politics the father was a Democrat.

Henry M. Keeny began attending school in his native township, about three months of each year being so passed, and this continued till he was eighteen years of age. When nineteen he com- menced teaching in the "Red District," where he remained one year; then taught three terms in Greene county, and afterward eight terms under an engagement in Franklin township, this county. On September 1, 1881, he was married to Sarah C., daughter of Robert Chambers, now deceased of Franklin township, and they then settled on the place where they yet reside. Their union has been blessed with the following named children: Bessie E., born November 1, 1882, and Birdie, born December 1, 1883. Mr. Keeny has always been a Republican, and at the age of twenty-one was elected to the office of auditor of Amwell township, serving two years. In Franklin township he has served as auditor three years; school director, twelve years; clerk of the election board, six years; supervisor, three years, and is now serving his fifteenth year as justice of the peace. Mr. Keeny is a typical self-inade, and, for the most part, self- educated man, and he is now the owner of 400 acres of valuable land, all accumulated by industry, economy and good management. For twenty-one years he has been a buyer of wool. Some few years back his health commenced to fail somewhat.

OHN T. MOFFITT represents an old and pioneer family of Washington county. James Moffitt (grandfather), born in Ireland No- vember 4, 1766, on the banks of Loch Erin, emigrated to this country in 1789. He was mar- ried, September 18, 1791, to Elizabeth Nichols, and reared a family of nine children-five sons and four daughters-of whom one daughter and two sons are yet living. He was a weaver by trade, but, settling on a farm in West Pike Run township, this county, became successful as a farmer, leaving. at his death, which occurred when he was eighty-six years old, a large amount of property to his heirs. Elizabeth, his wife, died at the age of eighty-eight years, and both are buried on the old homestead.

John Moffitt, son of James and Elizabeth

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J. J. Moffitt

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Moffitt, was born December 2, 1804, and was en- gaged during the earlier part of his active life in boating coal and apples, making some trips to New Orleans. He was a strong supporter of the Republican party, and served several years as constable under Ephraim Blaine, the father of the late James G. Blaine. At that time any failure to pay an honest debt was considered a grave crime, punishable by imprisonment. Later in life he settled on the old homestead, and followed ag- riculture and stock raising. He was married to Hannah Mason. He died September 13, 1878, in the seventy-third year of his age, his wife follow- ing soon after; both were members of the M. E. Church.

John T. Moffitt, son of John Moffitt, was born August 14, 1844, and secured a limited education. On May 13, 1869, he was married to Mary E. Hor- mell, born March 31, 1850, in Guernsey county, Ohio, a daughter of Jacob Hormell, who was born December 19, 1825, and on August 26, 1847, he married Minerva Lilley, who was born December 26, 1826. Mr. and Mrs. Hormell were the par- ents of ten children, eight of whom are yet liv- ing. John T. and Mary E. Moffitt have had the following family: Jolin H., born June 5, 1870; Victor Noir, born April 10, 1873; Thomas Edgar, born May 10, 1879; Guy, born June 4, 1886; Mary, born May 26, 1889, and Lillian, born April 12, 1875, died in the fourth year of her age.

Mr. Moffitt has taken pride in fine stock. He has been a breeder of Jersey cattle for eighteen years, was early in life engaged in raising fine sheep, and has on the farm (the old homestead), which he now superintends, a flock of thorough- bred Black-Top Merino sheep. He has erected on his place excellent buildings. In political opinion Mr. Moffitt is a Prohibitionist, has filled the office of school director for two terms, and is road commissioner. He and his wife are identified with the Disciple Church, in which he is an elder.

OHN WOODBURN. Among the residents of East Finley township, who by their ex- emplary lives have not only won for them- selves esteein, but have also acted an im- portant part in molding the lives of others, none are more prominent or influential than the Wood- burns. The earliest record known of this family is that of one John Woodburn, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, where he was a landholder. There he married Martha Scott, who bore him in that country six children, one of whom died there, the remaining five - Rosanna, Mary, Samuel, Martha and Joseph - coming to America with their parents in 1812. After a stormy voyage of sixteen weeks they landed, in the spring of the year, at Philadelphia, and from there pushed on

to Washington county, where they settled in Buf- falo township, near Taylorstown. Here Mr. Woodburn purchased 160 acres of land, ten of which were under cultivation, and successfully followed farming until 1842, when, old age coming upon him, he went to live with his children, but died in the following year. His wife had preceded him to the grave in 1822. By hard work, indus- try and good management he accumulated consid- erable property. His children are all now dead, Joseph, the father of our subject, being the last to pass away.

Joseph Woodburn was born May 22, 1804, in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America with his parents in 1812. He attended the subscrip- tion schools in Buffalo township, this county, and received practical instruction in agriculture on his father's farm until the age of nineteen, when he began to learn the tanner's trade with Adam Law- rence, serving a three years' apprenticeship, after which he embarked in the business for himself. On March 4, 1829, he was united in marriage with Ruth Garrett, who was born in 1802, a daughter of James and Sarah (Ross) Garrett, who were of Irish extraction. Mrs. Woodburn died July 24, 1842, leaving four children : John, James R., Samuel and Mary A., of whom Samuel died in 1863, and Mary A. on June 29, 1886. On April 27, 1843, Mr. Woodburn married Mrs. Hannah Downie, the widow of Robert Downie, and of this union were born two children : Jennie (who died January 9, 1866) and Luther S. (who died June 9, 1866). After his first marriage Mr. Woodburn followed his trade of tanner until 1832, when he moved to Donegal township and purchased a farm near West Alexander. Here he carried on farm- ing for about five years, and then came to East Finley township, settling on land about one and one-half miles south of Claysville, along Buffalo creek. In 1866 he and his wife moved into Wash- ington, where they lived until her death, which occurred in 1883, after which he made his home with his children until his summons from earth, which came August 23, 1889. He was successful in all his undertakings, and at the time of his death owned over four hundred acres of choice farm land, the fruits of his labor and toil. Mr. Woodburn was formerly a Democrat, voting for Andrew Jackson, but after 1840 he followed the fortunes of the Whigs, and after the formation of the Republican party united with it, proving one of its strongest supporters up to the day of his death. His sons, John and James R., are the only survivors of his family.

John Woodburn was born July 2, 1830, in Buf- falo township, Washington Co., Penn., and is the eldest son of Joseph and Ruth (Garrett) Wood- burn. He received a liberal common-school edu- cation, and a thorough, practical training in agri-

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culture on his father's farm. On May 24, 1855, he was united in marriage with Sarah A. Jones, who was born September 30, 1836, a daughter of Alexander and Mary (Dickel) Jones, natives of Lancaster county, Penn., who afterward moved to Wayne county, Ind. To Mr. and Mrs. Woodburn were born eleven children, their names and dates of birth being as follows: Luther S., July 29, 1856 (died September 5, 1861); Alice E., January 25, 1857 (married to William Rooney, of Clays- ville, Penn.); George J., August 16, 1859 (a farmer in East Finley township); Elmer E., January 17, 1861 (a farmer in Franklin township); Mary E., July 2, 1862 (married to E. Ashbrook, of Buffalo township); Willie L., April 27, 1864 (a resident of Washington, Penn.); Frank M., December 8, 1865 (living in Allegheny, Penn.); and James S., Octo- ber 1, 1867; Pliney E., February 14, 1869; Ina May, January 28, 1871, and Eddie B., July 28, 1876, all at home. On July 1, 1855, Mr. Wood- burn moved to his present well-improved farm, .situated about two miles south of Claysville, on Buffalo creek. He has inherited all the progress- ive spirit for which his ancestors were noted, and his success in life is due to that, and to his busi- ness sagacity, careful management and industry. He possesses a wonderful memory, is a most inter- esting conversationalist, and can speak of events long past with the utmost accuracy and ease. In 1887 he built one of the finest brick residences in East Finley, and his barn has no superior in the township. He and Mrs. Woodburn are members of the U. P. Church, and in politics he has been a stanch Republican since the formation of that party.

M RS. ISABEL M. BRYSON, widow of Joseph A. Bryson, was born June 21, 1834, a daughter of Henry L. and Rachel Ann (Nixon) Rizer, and in 1872 was mar- ried to Joseph A. Bryson.

Joseph A. Bryson was born July 19, 1827, of Irish descent. His grandfather was born in County Donegal, Ireland, and after marriage immigrated with his family to America, first locating in Mary- land, and afterward settling in the northern part of Donegal township, Washington Co., Penn., near the union of the Little and Big Buffalo streams. He was among the pioneers of the town- ship, and passed the remainder of his life on the farm, his wife surviving him several years, living with the children.

William Bryson (a son of this old pioneer) was born in 1808 in Ireland, and came with his parents to Washington county, Penn .; he was united in marriage with Hannah Bryson, who was born in 1792, daughter of John Bryson, an old pioneer of the county, and their children were John (living in

Warrensburg, Mo.), William (deceased in Texas), David and Abraham (deceased in youth), Margaret (Mrs. William McHugh, of Taylorstown, Penn.), Mary (deceased in youth) and Hannah (de- ceased in 1882). Mr. Bryson passed his married life on the farm now owned by the family of his son Joseph. He was a successful business man, and in politics a Republican. He died April 13, 1878, having been preceded by his wife Sep- tember 29, 1872.

Joseph A. Bryson was born on the home farm, in Donegal township, which is situated about half a mile west of Dunsfort, Penn. He always followed agricultural pursuits, and remained on the old place throughout his life. He died January 5, 1890, leaving a widow and the following children: Mary Jane, Emma L., Nora B., William H. and Charles D. (twins). All of the children are living with their mother on the home farm, which is suc- cessfully carried on under her management.

OHN LAIRD, a worthy representative of one of the oldest families of Donegal township, is a native of the same, born June 4, 1828.

His paternal grandfather, John Laird, was born in Ireland in 1758, and was there married to Mary Snodgrass, who bore him children as follows: Alexander, Margaret (wife of Joseph Hayburn), Robert, Jesse, James and John. He came to the United States about 1792, alone, and finding em- ployment on a farm, worked diligently until he had earned sufficient means to bring his family from the "ould sod." Receiving the necessary welcome remittance, Mrs. Laird, Alexander, Jesse, Margaret and John, Jr., crossed the broad Atlan- tic, and about 1800, after landing, with some diffi- culty found their father, who had set out to meet them with a team. He brought them to his new home in Lancaster county, Penn., and the follow- ing year they moved by wagon to Washington county, where they made a settlement near Tay- lorstown, Mr. Laird having purchased a tract of land in Donegal township. John Laird died June 3, 1838, his wife having preceded him to the grave in February, 1829. Politically he was a Democrat, and took a lively interest in the advance- ment of his adopted country. Robert and James Laird, uncles of the subject of this sketch, came over subsequently.

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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 206

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