Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 208

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 208

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George W. Luellen was born in 1825 on the old homestead in Amwell township, Washington county, and remained at home until twenty-five years of age, receiving a common-school education. In 1850 he was married to Miss Rebecca Thomp- son, of Amwell township, who has borne him four children: Mary Ann (Mrs. Closser), Margaret Ellen (Mrs. Russell), Allison (deceased), and Emma (Mrs. Swart). Mr. Luellen has a good farm of 150 acres in Amwell township, and has been a busy and successful man. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and has held the office of road commissioner three terms, or nine years. Now sixty-seven years of age, he is a strong, healthy man, and has yet the promise of many useful and happy years to come.

M RS. ELIZA JANE KIDD, one of the most estimable and intelligent ladies of Jefferson township, is a daughter of Robert Stewart, whose father was born in County Down, Ireland, where he was married to Betsey Hemphill. In 1812 the family set out for America; during the voyage the ship (as was the custom in times of war) was boarded by a British man-of-war in search of recruits for the navy, and several able-bodied men were pressed into the British regular service. The son Robert (then a young man of eighteen years) was one of them, and heserved three weeks in the navy, but at the end of that time he was released by his father paying a ransom. The family finally arrived at Philadelphia, Penn., without further mishap, and thence pro- ceeded to Hickory, Washington Co., Penn., where they made a permanent settlement. The son, Robert Stewart, was soon afterward married to Miss Ann McGaugh, who was born January 27, 1794, in Londonderry, Ireland, and their children were John, Eliza Jane, Sarah, Robert, James and Andrew. The living members of this family are Robert, James and Eliza Jane.

Eliza Jane Stewart was born March 19, 1820,

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on the home farm in Jefferson township, and as- sisted her mother with the household duties during her girlhood. She was united in marriage with David, son of Joseph Kidd, a native and life resident of Ireland, of whose family David was the only member to settle in America. After their marriage the young people settled in Guernsey county, Ohio, where they resided fifteen years, and reared the following children: Sarah, born July 12, 1850; Ann Jane, born October 10, 1852; Mary E., born February 5, 1855; Robert, born January 14, 1857; Agnes, born August 30, 1860, and Rebecca (wife of George Boles), born March 31, 1864.

On July 13, 1868, David Kidd passed away, and his widow then returned to Jefferson township, and bought the farm of 177 acres where she is now liviug. This farm consists of very fine land, upon which is a grist and saw mill, both in con- stant operation. Mrs. Kidd is a consistent mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church, and is loved and respected by all who know her. She has in her possession a cane which was used by Gen. Murray, who fought under Washington in the Revolu- tionary war.

J V. CLARK passed his early life in Mt. Pleasant township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving his education at the common schools of West Middletown, and at Washington and Jefferson College. On December 8, 1886, he was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Rev. Samuel Taggart.

Samuel Taggart, a leading clergyman of this county, was born March 26, 1803, in County An- trim, Ireland, son of John Taggart, who was also born in Ireland, and there married Mary B. Con- nahon, who bore him three sons: James, John and Samuel. John Taggart was an extensive cattle dealer. He died in Ireland and in 1820 the fam- ily immigrated to America, landing at Montreal, where James had previously settled and engaged in the shoe business. John and Mrs. Taggart afterward came to Pittsburgh, Penn., where the mother died. John engaged in shoe manufactur- ing at Pittsburgh, being very successful in that business. He was married to Elizabeth Orr, of Pittsburgh, who bore him the following children: John, Robert, Samuel, William, Mary A., Tillie and Lizzie. He was a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Associate Reformed Church.

Samuel Taggart passed his youth in Montreal and Pittsburgh. He first attended the Western University, and then entered the Theological Sem- inary of Allegheny, from which he graduated in 1834. On July 18, 1839, he was married to Mar- garet, daughter of Robert McAyeal, who was born in 1784, in Belfast, Ireland, where he was reared

and educated. He emigrated when a young man, and coming to Pittsburgh, Penn., engaged in mercantile business. He was there married to Rebecca Matthews, whose family came from Ire- land when she was but six years of age, and set- tled in Wilmington, Del., where the remainder of their lives was passed. Their children were: Margaret (Mrs. Samuel Taggart), Sarah, James, Robert, Rebecca (Mrs. Alexander McKeever), Nancy (wife of Rev. Reed), and Mary (married to Dr. McComey). In politics Mr. McAyeal was at first a Democrat, and then a Republican. He was a member of the Covenanter Church, and died in 1865, at the age of eighty-one years. His wife followed him to the grave May 1, 1889, in her ninety-sixth year.

Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Taggart had three chil- dren, namely: Robert, Samuel A. and Mary E. (Mrs. J. V. Clark). His first charge was at West Middletown and at Mt. Vernon, where he remained fifteen years, then lived in Harmony, Ill., eighteen months, when he returned to West Middletown, where he passed the remainder of his ministerial life, retiring in 1884. He was a Free-Soil man and afterward joined the Republican party. He died October 21, 1885.

To the union of J. V. and Mary E. (Taggart) Clark was born one daughter, Margaret. In 1885 Mr. Clark engaged in general mercantile business, in which he has since continued. In politics he is an active member of the Republican party, and he is an energetic and prosperous business man. He is a member of the U. P. Church at West Middle- town.

OHN FINLEY KENNEDY, one of the most energetic business men of Washington coun- ty, is a grandson of Samuel Kennedy (a farmer), who was born of Irish parents, and grew to manhood in Union township, Washington Co., Penn. John and Martha (Young) Kennedy, parents of Samuel Kennedy, were born in County Antrim, Ireland, and came to America, the father at the age of twenty-one years, the mother when quite small. She was married to John Kennedy at the age of thirteen and one-half years, he being twenty-four years old. They first lived at Coal Hill (then called Fort Pitt, now Pittsburgh, S. S.). From Fort Pitt they moved to Mingo, where they passed the remainder of their days, John Kennedy dying in 1842, in his eighty- second year, his wife in 1847, when seventy-six years old. Twelve children were born to them, of whom two died in infancy, and ten lived to good old age. In early manhood Samuel Kennedy mar- ried Elizabeth Mc Vey, who bore him the following named children: Thomas, Hannah A., John, Martha, James K., Joseph M., Mary and Samuel

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L. In politics he was a Federalist, and in relig- ious faith a member of the Mingo Presbyterian Church.

Thomas Kennedy, son of Samuel and Elizabethi (McVey) Kennedy, was born in 1825, on the home place in Union township, Washington Co., Penn. He learned the trade of cooper, but followed car- pentering. On December 9, 1845, he was united in marriage with Hannah E., daughter of William and Nancy (Osburn) Roberts, of Carroll township, this county. They settled on the home place in Union township, where three children were born to them, namely: J. F., W. A. and Samnel D. In politics Mr. Kennedy was a Whig and Republican; in church connection he was a member of the Mingo Presbyterian Congregation.

J. F. Kennedy was born November 10, 1846, in Union township, Washington Co., Penn., where he remained until eighteen years of age. Hethen became bookkeeper for S. B. Kennedy, of Pitts- burglı, Penn., and was afterward a partner in the coal business; then worked two years in the oil fields of Tidioute, Warren county, same State. After leaving that place he conducted a mercantile business at Huston's Run, thence moving to Court- ney, Union township, Washington county, where he resided eighteen years. He was interested in tlie coal mines at that place twelve years and served as postmaster for nine years. He now owns a store and butcher shop. He has thirty acres of land, also eight dwellings in Courtney, and he erected the first house in the village; has an inter- est in the Courtney Fire-Brick Works. He gives considerable attention to stock, including the breeding of trotting and pacing horses, and has Jersey cattle for sale. On June 3, 1872, Mr. Kennedy married Sarab E., daughter of Andrew Gault. Our subject is a Republican, and has served his township in many ways; was appointed coroner by Governor Beaver, and re-elected in 1887; was elected a justice of the peace of Union township. He is a member of Courtney Presby- terian Church.

W H. BUCHANAN, a prosperous and en- ergetic young farmer of Independence township, is a son of David and Fannie (Hamilton) Buchanan. Our subject was born March 24, 1863, in the house where he is now living, and received his elementary instruction in the common schools; he afterward attended Beth- any College, West Virginia, and also college at Canonsburg, Penn. He and his brother then began farming on the home place. On June 1, 1887, he was united in marriage with Winnie, daughter of C. C. Rea, of Cross Creek township, this county. She attended Cross Creek Academy, and taught school five years, being an educated and intelligent

lady. They have two children, Elizabeth Lenore and David Rea, both living at home. Since his marriage W. H. Buchanan has resided on the home farm, consisting of 300 acres of well-im- proved and valuable farm land; he gives consider- able attention to sheep raising, having many very fine animals, some of which are registered in the United States and the Delaine Registers. Mr. Buchanan belongs to the progressive type of farmers and is a public-spirited citizen, well fitted to manage the extensive real estate which he owns. In politics he is a Democrat, and in religion he and his wife are members of the Lower Buffalo. Presby - terian Church at Independence.

AMES THOME, one of the oldest living members of the family of that name, was born in August, 1816, in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn. His grand- father, James Thome, was a native of Dauphin county, Penn. He was married and had six children, viz. : William, John, James, Margaret, Samuel and Abigail. Of these James was born in Dauphin county, same State, and there received such education as the subscription schools of the period afforded. Not being satisfied with the out- look for success in his native county, so far as he was individually interested, he came to Washing- ton county about the time of the " Whiskey Insur- rection," was with Washington during this insur- rection, and purchased, in North Strabane town- ship, the farm now occupied by his son, James. Their first humble dwelling thereon was a rude cabin built of hewn logs. Many improvements were made by Mr. Thome and his family, and the once forest-grown wilderness was to a great extent brought to its present high state of fertility through their unceasing toil. Mr. Thome was united in marriage with Abbie Hill, who bore him the following named children: Jane. (deceased), William, John, Abbie (wife of James Pollock), Margaret (wife of Rev. Bankhead Boyd), James (subject) and Samuel (deceased). The father of this family died in May, 1861. He and his wife were members of the Seceder Church, in which Mr. Thome was an elder for many years. In pol- itics he was a Whig.

James Thome received a good common-school training, and was early inducted into the mysteries of agriculture, and the hard, never-ceasing work incident to that vocation. On April 13, 1843, he was married to Eliza, daughter of James McNary, of Nottingham township, which union has been blessed with six children, as follows: Abbie (wife of Rev. D. C. Wilson), Annie (wife of William Martin), Rev. J. L., William, Samuel and Emma. After marriage Mr. Thome settled permanently on the home farm, where he successfully cultivated the

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soil, but has retired from active work and is now passing the last days of his useful life in the en- joyment of the fruits of his toil. Mr. and Mrs. Thome are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. In politics he was first a Whig, but for many years back he has been an uncompromising Democrat, and has been supervisor a number of years. He has been emi- nently successful in all his pursuits, and to-day is the owner of 250 acres of highly-improved land. He is proverbially kind-hearted and charitable, and his hospitality is of the genuine old-fashioned kind.

OHN A. HUNTER, a skilled builder and contractor of McDonald borough, is descended from natives of the Emerald Isle, whence so many of our most enterprising and worthy citizens trace their origin.

Robert Hunter first saw the light of day in County Down, Ireland, where he grew to manhood and was married. The young people soon after- ward set sail for America, immediately after their arrival proceeding to Washington county, and settling in Cecil township. A log cabin was soon erected and the work of clearing the farm begun, which he continued until his death. The children born to them were Mary (wife of Alexander Jef- frey), Elizabeth (Mrs. Lindsey), Jane (Mrs. Hunter) and John. Robert Hunter and his family were members of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run, of which he was an active supporter. In politics he was an active member of the Whig party. His wife died in 1854, at the age of ninety-six years.

John Hunter was born in Cecil township, this county, on the Hunter homestead, and passed his youth in attending the country schools, receiving a good education. He was married to Nancy Greer, a native of eastern Pennsylvania, who bore him children as follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Robert, George, John A., Margaret, William (who enlisted in Company D, Tenth Pennsylvania Reserves, and died in the service), Joseph, James and Nancy J. The father of this family followed agricultural pursuits. In political opinion he was first a Whig, then a Democrat; and in religious connection was a stanch member of the Covenanter Church, in which faith he died in 1868, being followed by his wife in 1878; both are buried in the Covenanter Church cemetery.

John A. Hunter was born January 19, 1836, in Cecil township, this county, and received a com- mon-school education. He began farming for himself at the age of seventeen years; in 1870 he came to McDonald, here following the business of a builder and contractor, and he has erected the majority of the buildings in the town. . On July 3,

1861, he was married to Mattie A., daughter of William Harper; the latter was a son of Robert Harper, a native of Ireland, who was there married, and, afterward coming to America, settled in Cecil township at an early day. He was a Whig in politics, and in religious faith a member of the Seceder Church. His son, William Harper, was reared and educated in Cecil township, this county, and in early manhood was married to Mary, daughter of John Lindsey, of Cecil township; their children were Mattie A., David, Mary, Tamar, Wilson, Joseph and Melissa. The father followed agriculture and stock raising; in politics he was formerly a Whig, and united with the Republicans upon the formation of the party.

To the union of John A. and Mattie A. (Harper) Hunter, two children have been born: Addie G. (deceased) and William J. Mr. Hunter votes the Republican ticket, and in religion he is a member and trustee of the United Presbyterian Church.

W ILLIAM E. CRAFT, a representative of one of the prominent pioneer families of Washington county, was born in 1816 in this county. His great-grandfather, John Craft, was a native of Maryland, and removed to Washington county before the Revolution, being among the first settlers of the locality. He reared four sons, viz .: Lawrence, John, Thomas and William.

Lawrence Craft was born in 1750. He married Annie Thompson, a native of Winchester, Va., and became the father of five children: John, Thomas, William, Linda (wife of Benjamin Hoagland) and a son who died in infancy. William, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born in 1789 in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. He married Mary Elliot, who was born in 1794, a daughter of William Elliot, an old pioneer of this section. To this union eleven children were born, as follows: Betsy, Lawrence, Annie, Will- iam E., Martha, Melinda, Jane, David, George, Isaac and Mary. Of these, nine lived to maturity. Martha, Jane, David, George and William E. are at present the only surviving members.

William E. Craft was born on his father's farm, where his boyhood was passed. He was first mar- ried in 1853 to Martha, daughter of John Cooper, of Morris township, and to this union were born three children : Alice (wife of W. S. Waters, of Franklin township), born October 7, 1856; Harriet, born August 31, 1858, resides with her father, and Martha Jane, born November 14, 1860, wife of Randolph Rush. of Prosperity. Mrs. Craft died December 2, 1860, and on June 14, 1866, Mr. Craft was married to Mary J., daughter of George McCarrahan. To this union were born children as follows: Ida D., born July 10, 1867; Maggie

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E., born April 30, 1869; William E., born July 25, 1872, and Edgar, born January 30, 1876, all living at home. The mother of these children died August 24, 1891. The farm owned by Mr. Craft, lying along what is known as Craft's creek, two and one-half miles west of Prosperity, is a fine one, and yields a good income. Mr. Craft has always voted with the Democratic party, though he is not an active politician. He is a worthy member of the Mt. Zion M. E. Church.

J I OHN C. BALDWIN, one of the most pros- perous citizens of West Finley township, is a grandson of William Baldwin, who was born in Franklin township, Washington Co., Penn., and there grew to manhood. When the war of 1812 began, he was among the first to vol- unteer his services, and remained in the war until the close. He was afterward married, and reared a family of eight children: Thomas, Phoebe, Jonathan, Silas, Seely, Cephas, Amos and Frank (deceased in youth).

Thomas Baldwin was born about 1820, on the farm in Franklin township, and received his early education at the subscription schoolhouse, with its puncheon floor and slab seats. When about twenty-one years of age he learned the trade of a cabinet maker, which he followed several years. He was united in marriage with Miss Regina Schrontz, and their children were as follows: Eliza- beth (Mrs. Miller), Francis F. (lieutenant in an Iowa regiment, who was killed near Dallas, Ga., while cheering on his men), Jacob S., Milton, John C., Mrs. Mary Booth, Silas, Regina and Anna M., of whom the latter three died in early life. After saving some money by following his trade, Mr. Baldwin bought a farm and devoted the summer season to its cultivation.

John C. Baldwin was born February 19, 1846, in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed most of his earlier years in farming. At the age of twenty-one he taught a term of school, and the following winter entered Waynesburgh College. He continued to attend school and teach alternately for three years, and during this period became acquainted with a fellow-student, Melissa Ann McMay, who graduated in 1872. The friend- ship of the young students continued to grow, and after his graduation, on April 24, 1873, they were united in marriage. Mr. Baldwin then engaged in the mercantile business in the little town of Belle Vernon, Fayette Co., Penn., but a year later began farming, which vocation he has since suc- cessfully followed. Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin have nine children, all of whom are living with their parents. In political life, he is a stanch Repub- lican, and has been justice of the peace fourteen years. In religion he is an elder in the Cumber-

land Presbyterian Church, and has served a num- ber of years as superintendent of the Sunday- school.

OHN W. BOYER. The well-known family in Washington county, of which this gentle- man is a member, were represented among the earliest of early pioneers. The ancestors in this country were natives of New Jersey, in which State James Boyer passed his early youth, among the peaceful Society of Friends. When a young man he came to Pennsylvania, and, pur- chasing a farm in Peters township, Washington county, was there married to Nancy, daughter of Col. William Blackmore. Five children were born to this marriage, namely: John, Amy, Samuel, Peter, and Sarah (wife of Carvel Rigdon, a brother of Rigdon, the Mormon preacher), none of whom are yet living.

Samuel Boyer, son of James and Nancy Boyer, was born in 1784, in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the subscription schools of the neighborhood, then taught several terms in Beaver county, Penn. He was united in mar- riage with Mary Boyer, who was born in 1803, daughter of Leonard Boyer, of Bethel township, Allegheny Co., Penn. Samuel and Mary Boyer resided in Beaver county, Penn., for six years after their marriage, then returning to Washington county, lived on the old home place six years. They finally bought and moved upon the Higbee farm, adjoining the old homestead, where they died, leaving children as follows: James B., de- ceased; Peter, living near Library, Allegheny county; John W .; Elizabeth, deceased wife of David Higbee; Nancy, married to E. T. Townsend, of Peters township; Amy, deceased wife of D. Welch, of Limetown, and Lucinda, second wife of her brother-in-law, David Higbee.

John W. Boyer, whose name opens this sketch, was born August 16, 1828, on the home place in Peters township, this county, where he was trained to agricultural pursuits. On December 10, 1857, he was united in marriage with Margaret J. Town- send, who was born in 1840, daughter of Joseph Townsend. The latter was a son of Daniel Town- send, who was born August 14, 1747, in Egg Harbor City, N. J., where he grew to manhood and engaged in the lumber business. In 1776 he en- tered the Revolutionary war, serving about two years, participating in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, and Monmouth. In 1779 he came to Washington county, Penn., bought 400 acres of land of Joshua Wright, and settled permanently upon that tract. He was married to Lydia Sawens, of Massachusetts, who bore him children as fol- lows: Catherine (Mrs. John Baird, of Beaver county), Naomi (Mrs. Uriah Burton), Julia (wife of

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Peters Sharp), Margaret (wife of William Chisler, of Ohio), Rebecca (Mrs. John Hozer, of Mercer county, Penn.), Ruth (Mrs. Stephen Higbee, of Ohio), Lydia (wife of Arthur Devore), Elijah (a lieutenant in the war of 1812), and Joseph, all of whom were married, and are now deceased. The father was a Democrat in politics; he died Sep- tember 1, 1833.

Joseph Townsend, son of Daniel and Lydia (Sawens) Townsend, was born March 1, 1796, on the old place in Washington Co., Penn. He lived at home until fifteen years of age, then entered the war of 1812 as a fifer, but was brought home by his father. A few years later the juvenile war- rior had so far modified his views as to prefer rural life. He became an excellent farmer, and devoted much attention to sheep raising. In early life he was united in marriage with Nancy, daugh- ter of Col. William Blackmore, and granddaughter of Samuel Blackmore. The latter owned 400 acres on the site of the present city of Washington. The property was leased for ninety-nine years, which expired in 1870, the heirs having never claimed it. William Blackmore, son of Samuel, came with his family from Washington, D. C., to Washington Co., Penn., and there reared six children, viz. : Thomas, Charles, Nancy (Mrs. Townsend), Eliza, Ellen, and Arabella, all now deceased but Nancy. To Joseph and Nancy Townsend were born three children, namely: Charles W., Daniel B., and William (deceased in youth). The mother died September 5, 1833, and in 1834 Joseph Townsend was married to Nancy, daughter of Robert Flack. Her father was born in Ireland, and about 1800 emigrated to this country, settling on Chartiers creek, in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. To Joseph and Nancy Townsend were born three children, viz .: Robert (deceased), Elijah T., and Margaret J. (Mrs. J. W. Boyer, of Finleyville). The father voted with the Demo- cratic party, and in religion was a member of the Baptist Church. He died on his seventy-fifth birthday, March 1, 1871, being followed by his wife in August, 1874, in her seventy-fifth year.

John W. and Margaret J. Boyer first located on a small farm near Bower Hill, in Peters township, this county, where they lived five years, during which time he dealt extensively in stock. He afterward bought the 240 acres which he yet owns in Union township, and there he managed a profita- ble dairy for several years in connection with stock raising. In 1884 he settled in Finleyville, this county, where he is now living a compara- tively retired life. He has erected several elegant dwellings, which have contributed largely to im- prove the appearance of the village. He also buys some wool each year, having formerly made large annual investments in that article. Politically he votes with the Republican party, and in religion

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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 208

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