Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 209

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 209

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is a member of the Baptist Church of Library, Allegheny Co., Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Boyer are the parents of four children, namely: Joseph, born November 24, 1858, living on the farm; Sam- uel F., born July 8, 1861, in the hardware busi- ness at Finleyville; Charles L., born October 29, 1863, a farmer near Finleyville, and James, born May 4, 1871, in partnership with his brother Sam- uel in the hardware business.

W ILLIAM PATTERSON, farmer and stock raiser of Cecil township, was born in May, 1837, in North Strabane township, Wash- ington Co., Penn. He is a son of Ezra Patterson, whose parents came to North Strabane township many years ago.

Ezra Patterson was born in eastern Pennsyl- vania, and coming west with his parents when a young man, continued to reside on the farm in North Strabane township, this county. He was married to Nancy Horner, and settled on the old homestead, becoming a successful agriculturist. In political opinion he was an earnest supporter of the Whig and Republican parties. He and his wife were formerly members of the Seceder Church, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church at Pigeon Creek, in which he was an elder. They were the parents of the following children: Margaret (wife of Josiah Kerr, of North Strabane township), William, Joseph (living in Virginia) and David (residing in Illinois) (twins), Lizzie (Mrs. L. Dagg, deceased in 1881), Sarah (married to Peter Dow, of Illinois), James (living on the old farm) and Anna (wife of William Murray, of Bentleyville, this county). The father of this family died in December, 1863, and was followed by his wife in January, 1892, when in her eighty-second year.

William Patterson was reared on the home place, and educated in the schools of North Strabane township, this county. In August, 1860, he was married to Jennie Speer, a native of Chartiers township. She is a daughter of Robert Speer, and granddaughter of James and Catherine (Latta) Speer, early settlers of Peters township, where their son, Robert, was born and reared. The lat- ter followed farming in connection with the busi- ness of a carder and fuller. He was married to Nancy Harsha, daughter of Thomas and Jane (Hutchinson) Harsha, early settlers of Chartiers township, where the daughter was born, and where the young people resided for some time after their marriage. In 1851 they moved to North Strabane township, this county. Mr. Speer was an active politician, and in religion he and his wife were formerly members of the Cross Roads U. P. Church, afterward uniting with the U. P. Church in North Strabane township, this county. He died in 1853, and Mrs. Speer is now residing in Canons-

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burg, Penn. They had seven children, namely: Thomas (deceased in October, 1861), Jennie (wife of William Patterson), James (residing in Canons- burg, enlisted in the Eighty-fifth P. V. I., served three years and was twice wounded), Robert (en- listed, at Chartiers township, in the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I. for three years, or during the war; he was wounded and died while home on a furlough), Stewart (who settled in Missouri in 1865, died in 1869), Alexander (living in Canons- burg, Penn.), and Catherine (Mrs. Joseph Temple- ton, of North Strabane township).

William and Jennie (Speer) Patterson resided in North Strabane township until 1874, when he bought the present home in Cecil township, con- taining fifty-two acres of well. cultivated land. Mr. Patterson is an ardent worker in the Prohibi- tion party, and in religious connection he and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Venice, this county. The following children have been born to them: Robert Latta (deceased in 1881, in his nineteenth year), Eva Jane (married in 1884 to William Moore, now living at Bulger, Penn .; she has three children), John Stewart (a mason), Anna Balph (married in 1888 to William Carlisle, living at Hickory; they have one child), William Dow (a driller), James Boyd (a blacksmith at Ven- ice), Walter, David and Mary, the latter four be- ing yet at home.

OSEPH MCKNIGHT is the only living repre- sentative of the family name. His grand- father, Hugh McKnight, was born in Ire- land, and after immigrating to America lived for some time in Cecil county, Md., where he was married, and where two sons, John and Joseph, were born. In 1784 he went West and bought 193 acres of land, which had been war- ranted in November, 1784, to one Samuel Irwin. Hugh McKnight received a patent of this tract June 18, 1799, and remained upon it till his death, when his sons inherited it.

John McKnight was born in Cecil county, Md., and came with the family to Washington county, Penn., when yet a boy. He was married to Sarah Nesbitt, a native of Chartiers township, this county, where they made their permanent home. John McKnight was an ardent Democrat and active politician. He died in 1857, having been preceded by his wife in August, 1836.

Joseph McKnight was born in 1832, in Chartiers township, and received his early education in the subscription schools, in the meantime assisting with the duties of the farm. In 1859 he crossed the plains to California with an ox team, being about six months on the journey. He was a miner for some time, then worked on a ranch, remaining there until the fall of 1865. He then returned by

water to New York City, finally arriving at Wash- ington county, his former home, when he began to follow agricultural pursuits. In 1872 he bought his present home in Chartiers township, consisting of forty acres of well-cultivated land, upon which is a fine spring of water. Mr. McKnight has always been actively interested in all public questions and votes with the Democratic party.

OHN W. NESBIT, a representative citizen of Chartiers township, is a grandson of Jona- than Nesbit. Jonathan Nesbit was a native of Cecil county, Md., and was there married to a Miss Lyons. About 1791, in company with three brothers, he came to Washington county, Penn., and invested in land. One of the brothers returned to his native State, but the others made permanent homes in Washington county, and the land is still owned by their descendants.

Alexander Nesbit, a son of the pioneer above mentioned, was born on the frontier farm in Wash- ington county, Penn., and in 1847 was married to Eliza Rankin, a native of the same place. The young people settled on the farm now occupied by their son John W., and reared the following chil- dren: Rebecca J., John W., William R., Joseph (a blacksmith, deceased in March, 1887), Lizzie (deceased in August, 1890), James S. (a druggist of Bergholz, Jefferson Co., Ohio), and Jesse (de- ceased in infancy). The father of these children followed agricultural pursuits. In politics he was a member of the Democratic party; he was inter- ested in church matters, contributing to the sup- port of various societies. He died in 1872, and his widow is living with her son, John W.

John W. Nesbit was born in 1851, on the farm in Chartiers township where he is now living. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and educated in the township schools. Mr. Nesbit owns a well- cultivated farm of 119 acres, upon which he spends the greater portion of his time. Politically he is an active member of the Democratic party; he has held the office of assessor for years, and is now en- tering on another term; he has also served several terms on the election board.

OHN GORDON. Among the well-known pioneer families of Donegal township, the name of Gordon is one of the most prominent. Their ancestry is traced to one Alexander Gordon, grandfather of the present genera- tion, who was born in Scotland, and immigrated to America soon after the war of the Revolution. Landing at Philadelphia, he proceeded to Wash- ington county, locating in the southwest part of Donegal township, half a mile southeast of West Alexander. He then began to clear away the

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almost unbroken forest, and was soon thereafter married to Catherine McDonald, whose parents were also pioneer settlers. The young couple be- gan their humble home, which was cheered by the following children: William, Margaret, Barbara, Jane, John, Ethel, Hugh and Nancy, all of whom lived to an adult age, but are now deceased. The father and mother lived to a good old age, and always resided on the farm after coming here.

Hugh Gordon was born in 1804, on the farm now occupied by his son John, and received his education in the common schools. In 1853 he was married to Margaret Beeks, born August 27, 1820, daughter of Jacob and Margaret (Henry) Beeks. Mrs. Beeks was a native of Ireland, and came to America in an early day; while her husband, Jacob Beeks, was born in Maryland, whence he moved to Washington county, Pennsylvania.

To Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Gordon were born two children: Catherine (Mrs. W. S. Armstrong, of West Finley township) and John (subject of this sketch). Hugh Gordon first brought his bride to the old homestead, where he followed farming and dealing in stock. By close attention to business and hon- orable methods of dealing, he succeeded in secur- ing both the esteem and friendship of his neigh- bors, and in accumulating a considerable property. He and his wife were members of the M. E. Church. He died in 1876; his widow is yet living with her sons on the home farm.

John Gordon was born February 24, 1854, in the same house where he is' now living. He as- sisted with the work on the home farm and at- tended the common schools. On September 25, 1889, he was united in marriage with Etta Mitchell, who was born August 6, 1860, daughter of Will- iam and Mary Mitchell, residents of Buffalo town- ship, this county. They have one daughter, Mag- gie May. Mr. Gordon has had charge of the home farm since his marriage, and is engaged in general farming and dairy work. He is a popular young farmer, and in political opinion is a Republican, but not an active politician.

OHN Z. BECK, an enterprising citizen of South Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., was born on the farm in Franklin township now occupied by his parents. He is a son of Adam Beck, who was born January 16, 1816, in County Armagh, Ireland, the only son of John Beck. Mr. Beck died when Adam was but a small boy, and his widow (formerly Margaret Clark) was afterward united in marriage with Will- iam Jackson. She came with him to America, leaving her son Adam with his uncle, where he re- mained until twelve years of age, when he em- barked for America on one of the large sailing vessels, a totally utter stranger among the

1,500 passengers on board. The brave child conquered his timidity, and arrived in safety at his journey's end, after a stormy voyage of six weeks and four days. He landed at New York, where he remained a year, then went to the home of his mother in Washington county, Penn., liv- ing there but a short time. Three children were born to the union of Mrs. Beck with William Jack- son: Margaret (Mrs. Robert Barre), Mary (Mrs. Andrew Gamble) and Thomas C. The parents passed the remainder of their lives in Washington county. At the age of fourteen years Adam Beck began to learn the blacksmith's trade, which he followed several years in this county. On June 11, 1840, he was united in marriage with Julia A., daughter of Samuel Munce, who belonged to one of the oldest families in the township, and the fol- lowing children were born to them : John Z., Marga- ret, Harriet (Mrs. Alvin Smith), Henrietta and William J. After his marriage Mr. Beck settled on the farm where he yet resides, which was for- merly a portion of the old Smith place. He and his family are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. In politics he was for- merly a Whig, and since the formation of the party has been a stanch Republican.

John Z. Beck received his education in the com- mon schools of the vicinity, and on January 16, 1874, he was married to Mary J., daughter of Robert Zediker; they have had no children. Mr. Beck began his married life in South Strabane township, Washington county, where he has since remained, with the exception of a three years' residence in Washington borough. In political opinion Mr. Beck is prominently identified with the Republican party, and has served as assessor and constable, also in several minor offices. He and his wife are members of the United Presby- terian Church at Pigeon Creek.

W ARNE. This family have for many years been closely identified with the growth and early history of Washington county. They are of English origin, and the earli- est ancestor of whom we have an au- thentic record was one Joseph Warne, a native of New Jersey. He was there reared and married to a Miss Miller, who was born in that State, and their children were as follows: Stephen, Abram, James, Mary (wife of David Allen), and Frances (married to Solomon Johnson). He and his fam- ily came to Pennsylvania in the year 1770, locat- ing in what is now Allegheny county, buying 400 acres of land near Sunnyside, and there he passed the remainder of his life. He was a leading mem- ber of the Round Hill Presbyterian Church, and in politics affiliated with the Democratic party.

Maj. James Warne was born December 6, 1779,

James Warme

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near Sunnyside, Allegheny Co., Penn. He re- ceived a common-school education, then attended the academy at the Forks, intending to prepare for the ministry in the Presbyterian Church, but, owing to circumstances, went into mercantile pur- suits at the age of eighteen. Soon after leaving school he came to Washington county, and con- ducted a store for one Mckinley; then engaged in river traffic, and finally came to Parkison's Ferry (now Monongahela City), where he took part in various enterprises. About the year. 1815 James Warne and his brother-in-law, William Parkison, built and operated the first window-glass factory erected in western Pennsylvania. In connection with the glass manufacture, he carried on a boat- yard, and also did a general mercantile business, buying various kinds of stock and selling it in the eastern markets. In 1805 he was united in mar- riage with Mary, the only daughter of Joseph Parkison. Her father was born and reared near Carlisle, Penn., where he was married to Margaret Weaver, and their children were born as follows: James, David, William and Mary (Mrs. Warne). Joseph Parkison built the first ferry at Mononga- hela City, from whence the first name given the place, which afterward became so famous in con- nection with the Whisky Insurrection, namely, Parkison's Ferry, the first United States postoffice in this region. He was a very prominent citizen, serving as a justice of the peace for many years. But Joseph Parkison made his place in the history of Washington county, by laying out and founding the town of William's Port (now Monongahela City), in the year 1796. There is a question as to the date of the founding, which is not a very material point, but the evidence is on the side of those holding to 1796. The Parkisons were Vir- ginians, and came of English ancestry. Maj. James Warne was a scrivener of much ability, and many legal papers are yet extant, which bear his handwriting. He performed the duties of legal adviser in the settlement of estates and business matters generally throughout the community. His descendants are the only living representatives of the founder of William's Port (now Monongahela City), now resident in this county. In 1811 James Warne was commissioned by Gov. Snyder as captain of a William's Port company, attached to the Fifty-third Regimentof the militia of Penn- sylvania. In 1812 they offered their services to the Government, which were accepted, and the company went to the United States barracks at Meadville, Penn. In the autumn of 1812 he re- ceived a commission as major of the First Battalion in the Third Infantry Regiment, and held that position until receiving his discharge. He was a liberal supporter of public enterprises, and voted with the Democratic party. He died October 28, 1855. Of the children of the family who grew to

mature age the following are named: Amuzet I. (married to Mary Jacobs, deceased in 1879, at Parkersburgh, W. Va.), born December 5, 1805; Margaret (wife of Samuel Devore, living near Parkersburgh, W. Va.), born December 28, 1807; Joseph P. (married to Eliza J. Irwin, living on the old homestead near Monongahela City), born Jan- uary 6, 1810; James, born May 11, 1812; Hiram (married to Elizabeth Nichols, is a farmer near Washington, Penn.), born February 16, 1822, and Eliza J. (Mrs. John Watkins, of Richmond, Ray Co., Mo.), born June 26, 1824.

JAMES WARNE, son of James and Mary Parkison Warne, was born in William's Port (now Monon- gahela City), in the frame house now standing on the corner of Main street and - alley, opposite the Episcopal church (St. Paul's), where he lived until the age of fourteen, when his parents moved to the farm on which Joseph P. Warne now re- sides in the First Ward Monongahela City. He continued to live there until he was thirty-one years of age. He was educated in the common schools of the day. In 1836 he was married to Casandra Nichols, a daughter of James and Mary Nichols, of Allegheny county, Penn., who died in the year 1856, without issue. For his second wife, James Warne was married in 1858 to Mary Eliza- beth, daughter of James Dunn, of Allegheny county, Penn., a woman especially noted for her Christian piety and lofty moral character. She was reared in the strict faith of the Covenanter Church, and the precepts of her adopted creed were fruitful of good and worthy deeds in her after life. Mrs. Warne became connected with the church to which her husband belonged, the Methodist Episcopal, after her marriage to Mr. Warne, and continued ever after, until her death, August, 1868, a true and earnest worshiper of God, and a lovely example of a follower after truth and righteousness. She died in the mid- day of life, but, having measured full up in the . life of a true Christian wife and mother, she lives in the hearts of those who loved her. Their chil- dren were: William Parkison, James J. (deceased 1874), and Mary Eliza (wife of Dr. George S. Stathers, of Monongahela City). James Warne settled on a farm in Fallowfield township, in the year 1843, where he resided until 1884, then re- turned to Monongahela City, his former and pres- ent home. He was a lieutenant in the old Jack- son Guards, when a young man, holding his com- mission under the then governor of Pennsylvania; and throughout his life has been actively interested in public matters. By industry and frugality he has amassed quite a competency in this world's goods. He owns one of the finest Washington county farms of 235 acres, and also several val- uable properties in Monongahela City, and is one of the heaviest taxpayers. Although at the

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advanced age of eighty years, he laid out and ex- pended in building some $5,000 in 1891, in the place of his nativity and present residence. From early life he has been a leading member and very liberal supporter of the Methodist Church, and he was for many years a member of the board of trus- tees, and in 1869-70 an active member of the building committee for the erection of the hand- some church of the Edwards Chapel congregation at Ginger Hill, this county.

Although never having enjoyed the advantages of an education, such as is now afforded the youth of this State, under the magnificent public-school system, he was fully alive to the necessity of an early training and a liberal college education for his children, that they might be prepared to grap- ple with the advanced ideas and broader civiliza- tion of the age. He therefore made it his aim in life to give his children a complete education. His daughter was educated in the public schools of the neighborhood, and finished her studies at the Washington Female Seminary, at Washington, Penn. She is now the accomplished wife of Dr. George S. Stathers, of Monongahela City, Penn.

WILLIAM PARKISON WARNE, a leading young law- yer of Monongahela City, was born February 28, 1860, in Fallowfield township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the schools of the home neigh- borhood until the age of fourteen, when he placed himself under the tutorship of Prof. John C. Mes- senger, at Hoge's Summit Academy, in Washington county, Penn., where he first learned to decline mensa and conjugate the Greek verb. Having ob- tained a preparatory course at the above institution, and at Allegheny College, at Meadville, Penn., he then entered Washington and Jefferson College, from which he graduated in 1882, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. In early boyhood he evinced a strong inclination for earnest study, and became an excellent student. After graduating, he returned to the farm and rested from mental labors for two years, then with mind and body renewed by the invigorating rural life, entered the law office of the Hon. Thomas H. Baird, Esq., in Monongahela City, Penn., with whom he remained until admitted to legal practice in the county of his birth. During this interval, he was a student in the law depart- ment of the University of West Virginia, ranking among the first in his classes. On May 12, 1890, he began the practice of his profession in Monon- gahela City, Penn., where he has already won lau- rels which promise him a brilliant future. Mr. Warne served as editor of the Monongahela Daily Democrat during the Cleveland-Harrison campaign of 1892. He was highly complimented by the press and public on account of his able manage- ment and direction of the paper while under his control. His views taken on all subjects showed that he was thoroughly up to the times and level-

headed on all questions, and that his education proved its superiority for liberality and broadness of mind over the narrow ideas and prejudices of the uneducated.

On November 10, 1891, he selected a bride in the person of Abbie M., daughter of T. W. and Mary Scott Kemp, a resident of Ironton, Ohio. Mrs. Warne's mother's maiden name was Mary E. Scott, a daughter of the late Alexander Scott, one of the old Williamsporters and settlers of Wash- ington county, Penn. Her father, T. W. Kemp, is a son of the late Judge George Kemp, one of the original settlers and founders of the city of Iron- ton, Ohio. The Kemps are Virginians, having moved to Ohio at the beginning of this century. They are of English origin. Mrs. Abbie Kemp Warne attended the public schools of her native city, and was graduated in full honors from Kings- bury High School in June, 1886, standing at the head of her class. In 1887-90 she attended the Ohio Wesleyan University, at Delaware, Ohio, where she was a very bright student, and she was well liked by all who learned to know her, and loved by her school companions, as she was en- dowed with a very sweet disposition, always happy, good and kind to those about her. Mrs. Warne left college at the end of the junior year, on ac- count of poor health, and was not permitted to graduate with her class. She subsequently pur- sued a course in elocution and voice culture under the celebrated elocutionist, Dr. Fulton, and was one of his talented students in a class of one hun- dred. To Mr. and Mrs. W. P. Warne was born, July 11, 1892, a lovely daughter, Madeleine Warne.

At its annual commencement in June, 1892, the board of trustees and faculty of Washington and Jefferson College conferred the degree of Master of Science upon Mr. Warne. He served as city solicitor of the corporation of Monongahela City during the year 1891. He is an enthusiastic mem- ber of the Democratic party, and is a leading mem- ber of the Masonic Fraternity. He is a lineal descendant of the founder (Joseph Parkison) of Monongahela City, Penn., and is one of her most public-spirited citizens.

JOSEPH P. WARNE was born and reared in Monongahela City, and his first literary training was obtained in a subscription school kept by Widow Mckeever, in a frame house near the pres- ent depot. The only text books then in use were the U. S. Speller, English Reader, and Western Calculator. At the age of fifteen years he came with his parents to the farm where he is yet living, and remained there until his marriage, February 20, 1844, with Eliza J., daughter of James Irwin. Her father was born and reared in Lancaster county, Penn., where he was married to Miss Jane Morton, and their children were Eliza, Harriet, Mary A. and William. In an early day this

Joseph S. Warne

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family moved by wagon to a farm on Mingo creek, near Monongahela City, where the father followed the trade of cooper. In politics he was a Demo- crat, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Joseph P. and Eliza J. (Irwin) Warne began wedded life on the home farm, where he worked for several years in partnership with his brothers James and Hiram, but they finally separated. He is now retired from active life. He is a mem- ber of the M. E. Church, and has served as class- leader and in other prominent positions. In pol- itics he has always voted with the Democratic party. Mrs. Warne was laid to rest August 1, 1891, leaving the following children: Hiram A. (on the home place), Theodore (married to Anna Long, and living in Greene county, Penn.), Emma J. (wife of S. B. Kernan, in Wichita, Kans.), James I., Wilbur, William and Albert (all four deceased), Ella V. (at home), Matthew S., Joseph P. (married to Louisa Hayes, and living in Sedg- wick, Kans.), and Francis M. (married to Alberta Staib, and living in Greene county, Penn.).

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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 209

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