Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 211

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 211

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only be attributed to his own exertions. In pol- itics he was a lifelong Democrat, taking an in- terest in the success of his party.

WILLIAM CLELAND was born December 20, 1839, in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., where his life has been passed. He attended the common schools, and received his first knowledge of agricultural duties on the farm of his father. On January 25, 1870, he was married to Ella Mc- Connell, who was born February 17, 1841, a daughter of John and Sarah (Morrison) McConnell, of Hanover township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Cleland passed their first years of married life in Hanover township, on a part of the old homestead, where he resided till 1891, engaged in general farming and stock raising. He then moved to Florence, this county, where he yet resides, having rented a farm. In politics he is a Democrat. Two children were born to William and Ella Cleland: a son, who died in infancy, and Sarah M., born November 19, 1881, who died March 25, 1892, her loss being mourned with double sorrow by the be- reaved and childless parents.

ROBERT CLELAND was born in December, 1847, in Coshocton county, Ohio, where his parents were living at that time. His mother died when he was but a child of four years, and he was brought to Washington county, Penn., where he lived with his uncle until the return of his father to Wash- ington county, in 1856. He was reared to farm work, and attended the common schools. On March 10, 1870, he was united in marriage with Ida Livingston, who was born in 1848, in Hanover township, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Buncan) Livingston. The children of Robert and Ida Cleland are as follows: Rebecca, William L. (deceased), Mary E., Susan R., John H., Rob- ert D., La Brida E. and Harry E. He is a sys- tematic farmer and a leader in the business com- munity. In politics he is a Democrat, and has been called upon to fill several offices in his town- ship. Both he and his wife are members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

G EORGE W. CONN, a retired merchant and farmer of Florence, Penn., is descended from natives of the Emerald Isle. Thomas Conn, his grandfather, was born in Ireland and was a shoemaker by trade. About 1800 he and his family came to America, first locating in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., about two and a half miles east of Florence. He followed his trade and, as was then the custom of shoemakers, went from one house to another, and while there usually made enough shoes to last the whole family a season. They were the parents of the following children, some of whom were born in Ireland: Jane, Sarah, Maria, Rebecca, Eliza-

beth, William, Thomas, James, Isaac and Francis. The parents afterward located near Port Washing- ton, on Buck Horn Waters, in Tuscarawas county, Ohio.

James Conn was born about 1799, and his liter- ary advantages were limited to about thirty or forty days of schooling altogether. In later years he managed to acquire a good practical education, which, combined with good common sense, laid the foundation for a successful life. He learned the mason's and bricklayer's trades, which he followed for many years. About 1830 he was married to Mrs. Eleanor (Brown) Miller (who was born in 1880), widow of Hugh Miller, and the daughter of Andrew Brown, a native of Scotland. At the time of her second marriage Mrs. Miller had one child, Elizabeth (now living in Beaver county, Penn.). To the union of James and Eleanor (Miller) Conn were born the following children: Nancy (widow of Joseph Anderson, living in Beaver county, Penn.), George W. (our subject), Sarah (deceased wife of Tallman Hooker, of Han- cock county, W. Va.), James (a bricklayer, living in Kansas City), Ann (who was first married to William Finnegan, then to Isaac Evans; she died in Salineville, Ohio), Maria (Mrs. Phillips, of Alle- gheny county), Andrew B. (residing in Noblestown, Allegheny Co., Penn. ), Ella (Mrs. John Woodrow, of McDonald, Penn.), Maggie (deceased wife of Daniel Greer), Pierce B. (deceased), Mary (mar- ried to Matthew Provines, now living in Grass Valley, Cal.) and Lorenzo D. (deceased). The parents were for some time residents of Beaver county, Penn., but passed the greater part of their lives in Hanover township, Washington county, where the father followed his trade. In politics he was a lifelong Democrat. He and his wife were both members of the M. E. Church. He died in 1878 in Beaver county, Penn., and on May 8, same year, his wife passed away.

George W. Conn was born September 14, 1823, in Beaver county, Penn. His early life was spent on the farm, and, being an apt scholar, he obtained a good education from the meager advantages then offered. He learned and followed the trades of mason and bricklayer for about fifteen years. On August 31, 1848, he was married to Mary Anderson, who was born in 1826, a daughter of John and Margaret (Kryder) Anderson. Mr. and Mrs. Conn have no children of their own, but have reared from infancy one who received parental care, Flora Anderson (deceased wife of Rev. A. F. Alexander). In 1861 Mr. Conn entered mercan- tile life in Florence, this county, and being an ex- cellent judge of his class of goods did an exten- sive and profitable trade, which continued to in- crease until he owned the most extensive business of the kind in Florence. He made semi-annual trips to the East, there making his purchases, and

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in 1875 disposed of his merchandise at a good profit. He then gave his attention to his farm, which was situated east of Florence, but continued to reside in town, having tenants on the farm. His health failing in ISSO, he has since virtually lived a retired life, although yet instructing in the management of the farm. In politics he is a Democrat. He has ever been active and energetic, and beginning life with no capital, has amassed a comfortable property, and is now a representative citizen of Florence.

AMES THOMAS. This enterprising and well- known gentleman is one of the leading agri- culturists and most extensive stock raisers of Nottingham township, and a son of James Thomas.

James Thomas, the father, was born December 13, 1771, in Sussex county, Del., and during early life followed distilling, afterward becoming a farmer. When a young man he was married to Lydia Haines, who was born in 1779, in Lancaster county, Penn., and twelve children were born to them, of whom are yet living: Elizabeth (Mrs. Teeple, of Pennsylvania), Catherine (Mrs. Fergu- son, residing in Ohio), Mrs. Lavina T. Hair (of Chicago), Samuel and James (both living in Not- tingham township), and Uriah, a resident of Ohio. The father died in this county in 1860; the mother was called over the river in 1859.

James Thomas was born in 1818 in Nottingham township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving his education in the district schools of the home place. After attaining his majority, he and a brother began life for themselves as stock farmers, keeping "bachelor's hall" for two or three years. On De- cember 14, 1852, he was nnited in marriage with Eliza Kinkey, a native of this county, and daughter of George Kinkey, who was born in 1806, in this county, and in early life followed carpentry, after- ward devoting his time to farming. He was cap- tain in the militia for a number of years; he died in 1873.

To the union of James and Eliza (Kinkey) Thomas fourteen children have been born, seven of whom are yet living, namely: Josiah, James B., John (all three married), Anna (Mrs. Best), David, Franklin and Lucinda (at home). On the old farm where his parents lived and died is the beautiful home of Mr. Thomas. The place contains 300 acres of fertile land, all of which is cultivated to the highest degree by this progressive agricult- urist. He also owns three other farms, one lo- cated in Ohio county, W. Va., and all four are under the direct supervision of the owner. An oil well is in preparation on one of these farms. Mr. Thomas makes a specialty of sheep raising, also breeding fine horses. The total value of his

property is about $32,000. Politically, he is a firm believer in the principles embodied in the platform of the Democratic party.

B OYD A. EMERY, M. D., a very successful and well-known physician of Somerset township, this county, is a native of the same, born on the home farm November 16,

1851. His father, Joshua Emery, was born Sep- tember 27, 1805, in Washington county, Penn. He commenced reading medicine under Dr. Leath- erman, of Canonsburg, Penn., and graduated in 1830. On September 20, 1831, was united in mar- riage with Mary McCullough, who bore him three children, all deceased. His first wife died De- cember 31, 1839, and on May 4, 1841, Dr. Emery was married to Anna Graham, of Washington county, Penn. They had seven children, namely : Ebenezer G., Martha G. (married to W. S. Caner, a resident of Chicago, Ill.), James A. (living in Dunningsville, Washington Co., Penn.), Boyd A. (whose name opens this sketch), William H. (a farmer of Somerset township), Anna W. (wife of J. H. McNary), and one deceased. Dr. Emery settled permanently in Washington county after his marriage. He was an active worker and elder in the Presbyterian Church for a number of years. His wife died September 28, 1873, and September 7, 1885, he too passed away.

Boyd A. Emery received a common-school edu- cation, and then attended Canonsburg Academy for four years. In 1875 he graduated from Wash- ington and Jefferson College, then studied medi- cine with his father, graduating as an M. D. in 1878. On November 27, 1883, he was united in marriage with Katie W. Townsend, who was born December 15, 1859, daughter of C. W. and Mar- garet (Wright) Townsend, the father being a physician of Washington county. After his mar- riage Dr. Emery practiced medicine with his father until the death of the latter, and he now enjoys an extensive and lucrative practice. Two children have brightened the home of Dr. and Mrs. Emery: Charles T., born October 5, 1884, and an unnamed infant (deceased), born July 29, 1889. The Doctor and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek.

W H. PHILLIPS, M. D. This well-known physician represents an old and promi- nent family of Washington county. He is a grandson of Solomon Phillips, who came to this country many years ago, and locating on a farm in East Pike Run township, carried on agriculture and stock raising. He was married to Martha Nicolls. In politics he voted with the Whig party, and in religious faith he was

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a member of the Society of Friends. He died on the farm in East Pike Run township, leaving chil- dren, of whom James is the only one mentioned.

James Phillips was born and reared on the home place in East Pike Run township, this county, where he attended the subscription schools, the Bible being his only text-book. He was united in marriage with Edith, daughter of John and Mary Dixon, the former of whom was born in New Jersey, and when fourteen years old came on foot to the western part of Fayette county, Penn., there pass- ing the remainder of his life. He followed farm- ing and stock raising, becoming a wealthy agri- culturist. In politics he was a Tory, in religious faith a member of the Society of Friends, attend- ing their meetings at Brownsville twice a week. James and Edith (Dixon) Phillips resided on a farm in East Pike Run township for some years after their marriage, when he built the dwelling now occupied by his son, W. H., who is the only one now living of eight children born to this couple. Mr. Phillips was an energetic agricult- urist, in politics an active member of the Whig party, and in religious faith an adherent of the Hicksite Quaker Church. He died in 1884.

Dr. W. H. Phillips was born February 12, 1838, in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended the Johnson Academy, at California, this county, afterward taking a three- and-one-half years course at Washington and Jef- ferson College. He then began the study of med- icine with Dr. Hunter, at Coal Centre, this county, and attended the University of Pennsylvania three terms, when he graduated. In 1869 Dr. Phillips began the practice of his chosen profession at Coal Centre, remaining there two years, and finally came to his present home in California. Here he was married, on June 21, 1873, to Hattie N., daughter of Edward Riggs, of that place. Dr. Phillips is a stanch Democrat, and in religious faith a member of the Disciple Church.

AMES M. HERVEY, a well-known citizen of the county, is a son of Francis Hervey, who was born in Cecil county, Md. William Hervey, father of Francis, emigrated from Campbelltown, Scotland, to Maryland, where he died. His children were: Francis, Andrew, Benjamin, Mary, Eliza, Rachel and Esther. He was a member of the Seceder Church.

Francis Hervey spent his youth in Maryland, where he enjoyed exceptional educational advan- tages. In 1804 he removed to Washington county, Penn., and in 1806 was married to Miss Jane Wherry, daughter of Joseph and Rachel Wherry. Soon after his marriage he located in Trumbull county, Ohio, and remained there till 1817, when he returned to Pennsylvania, and made his home

in Canton township, this county, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1854. His family were: Joseph W., Rachel, Mary M., Eliza- beth, James M., Ebenezer W., Jane A. and Will- iam. Mr. Hervey was an active member of the Democratic party, and with his family was a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. His wife died in 1863, and their remains are interred in the ceme- tery at Washington.

James M. Hervey, the subject of our present sketch, was born November 6, 1816, in Trumbull county, Ohio, but when an infant was brought to Canton township, Washington Co., Penn., and there passed his early life. His education, being received at the common schools, was necessarily limited. On November 6, 1846, he was united in marriage with Nancy, daughter of John and Nancy Morgan. The young people began their married life in Chartiers township, and remained there till 1853, when they removed to their present home in Mt. Pleasant township. They have three children: John M., Meletta and Joseph W. Politically Mr. Hervey is a Democrat, and in religion a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. He is known as an upright citizen, one who has made a success of life by his own industrious efforts, and is intelli- gent and well informed.

C. MCCLELLAND. This gentleman is a worthy representative of the Scottish patriots whose blood flows in his veins. Many years ago, during the rebellion in Scotland, one William McClelland left his native heath, and made a new home in the North of Ireland, where his life was passed in agricultural pursuits. Three children were there born to him as follows: Hans, James and William.

Hans McClelland was born in 1756, and when a young man emigrated to America, locating on a farm about two and a half miles from Canonsburg, in Washington county, Penn., where he became engaged in distilling and general farming. He was married to Catherine Carson, a native of Ire- land, who bore him the following children: Will- iam, James, Ebenezer, John, Ann, Nancy and Sarah, all of whom lived to be over fifty years of age. The father died in 1818; he was a member of Miller's Run Presbyterian Church, and in poli- tics was a Democrat.

Ebenezer McClelland was born September 16, 1792, in Cecil township, Washington county, Penn. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and became one of the most extensive wool buyers in Washing- ton and neighboring counties, his annual purchase of wool sometimes amounting to as much as 1,300, - 000 pounds. He was also one of the most exten- sive breeders of fine-wool sheep in Washington county, having been one of the first to introduce

I.E. M. Clelland

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the Merino. In 1823 he was married to Esther, daughter of John Campbell, of Cecil township, this county, a native of Scotland, who came to Washington county in pioneer times; he was often obliged to flee from the Indians, and his father was killed May 26, 1782, at "Crawford's defeat." To the union of Ebenezer and Esther (Campbell) McClelland children were born as follows: J. C., Saralı J. (Mrs. A. G. McPherson), Thomas J., William, Ebenezer, James and Catherine, of whom three are yet living: James, Ebenezer and J. C. The father of this family was emphatically a self- made man; politically he was a Democrat, and in religious faith he was a member of the Union Church.

J. C. McClelland was born August 11, 1824, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., and when eight years of age came with his parents to North Strabane township. He attended Jefferson Col- lege, and being the eldest son, became his father's principal assistant in business. On May 23, 1858, he was united in marriage with Caroline, daugh- ter of Jacob Probasco, a leading stockman of Mus- kingum county, Ohio, and the young people settled near Cambridge, that State, where Mrs. McClelland died February 22, 1878, leaving the following children: Ebenezer, William, James, and Camp- bellena (wife of Joseph Kerr, a prominent business man of Union township, this county); there was also one that died in infancy. Of this family all are yet living at home save William, who is chief engineer of the Homestead Iron Works, Penn, After the death of his wife, Mr. McClelland moved with his family to their present home in Peters township, Washington county. He does an exten- sive business in general farming, and keeps a fine grade of stock. The place contains 160 acres of the finest land, underlaid with a rich vein of coal. Politically he affiliates with the Democratic party, of which he is a valued member, and in religious faith he supports the Presbyterian Church.

T HE PARKISON FAMILY. A complete history of this representative, influential and numerous family would necessarily in- clude a comprehensive outline of the settle- ment and growth of Monongahela and the adjoining country. Many years ago they located near Parkison's Ferry, which was thus called in honor of the earliest pioneer of that name. As a race the Parkisons have been men of energetic, san- guine temperament, possessing mechanical pro- pensities, which have led them to choose manufact- uring pursuits in preference to other branches of trade. The earliest pioneers of this illustrious family were of English birth, and came with Lord Baltimore to America, first settling in Maryland, where they became members of the historic 63

"Conococheague " settlement. Between the years 1768 and 1770 five Parkison brothers-Joseph, Benjamin, Thomas, James and William-came from Virginia to the Monongahela Valley in Wash- ington county, Penn. Many old letters, papers and memoranda, which were written in those days, are yet extant, and give ample proof that those early settlers possessed educational advantages and culture far surpassing the usual curriculum of the times. These documents are composed of coarse paper, but have been inscribed with the old-fash- ioned quill pen, some of the work being beautifully executed and tastefully designed. The Parkison brothers came to Pennsylvania in search of a val- uable mill site, which was then the primary object of nearly all the earliest pioneers in that region. Mills were then being erected at all points along the river, and also on some of the smaller streams,' which afforded more water power at that date than in the present day. The Parkisons were among the first to erect a river mill, at that time an un- dertaking of great magnitude, on account of the necessary expense. This fact, combined with the constant danger of their destruction by ice or floods, deterred many from investing their time and capital in so hazardous an enterprise. But if the mills were once completed with reasonable safety from destruction, they were a veritable mine of wealth to the fortunate owner. The brothers before mentioned devoted their energies almost without exception to manufacturing industries, and among the commodities then produced are named whisky, woolen goods, flour, furniture, guns, tim- ber, boats, glass, and paper.

Benjamin Parkison (a nephew of the Benjamin Parkison above mentioned, who was an active par- ticipant in the Whiskey Insurrection) was born in 1720, near Carlisle, Penn. He erected the river mills opposite Mingo, the location of which there is nothing yet remaining to indicate, although pilots on the steamer point daily with the course of the boats the " old chutes," which are now sub- merged by slack water, but yet afford the deepest channel. These dams were constructed with a long cribbing of logs filled in with stone, extend- ing up stream on both sides of an opening in the dam, through which keels of flatboats could pass up or down. This was the "chute," and "run- ning the chute " is an expression yet used on the river, though one looks in vain to see any break in the current. The dam itself was not more than three feet in height, and the power was obtained by placing an underchute or breast-wheel of about thirty inches in diameter immediately below the comb of the dam in such a position that the current strik- ing it on the upper side, passed under it. These wheels were sometimes twenty-eight feet or more in length, and so great was the power obtained that no machinery attached ever stopped their move-

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ment. If it became disarranged, or choked and clogged, the trundle-shaft, ten or twelve inches in size, constructed of the strongest wood, was instantly twisted off, while the wheel continued to revolve in the current. As the smaller mills were stopped during the dry weather, the settler came from a distance of many miles to the river mills. They were often compelled to wait several days for their turn, meanwhile camping out or staying with the hospitable mill owner. Night and day, week in and week out, was heard the incessant clatter of the mill, and the swash of the wheel constantly mingled with the movement of the hurrying stream. Stories of wild animals, Indians, or the ghostly banshee furnished an unfailing supply of material for the many blood-curdling tales with which the men were wont to beguile their waiting hours. Thrice was the old Parkison mill torn from its foundations by ice gorges in the river, only to be rebuilt. Finally a boat load of salt was wrecked on the dam, and an interminable lawsuit followed, which was many times more expensive than the original value of the salt. This affair so im- poverished the owner that when the ice again de- stroyed the mill it was never rebuilt, and thus this historical landmark faded forever. Several years lat- er the old Parkison homestead, a large brick house of fourteen rooms, was burned, and many valuable relics and papers were then destroyed. Among the former were the remains of an English pipe- organ, and through the scattered reeds the wind drew weird music, so that those who heard the eerie strains declared the place to be haunted.

Benjamin Parkison was married in 1796 to Olivia Rodgers, daughter of James Rodgers, who emigrated from the North of Ireland, and in 1786 located in Washington county, Penn. The parents died soon after their arrival, leaving a family of seven children, of whom are named: Moses, Andrew, Ebenezer and Olivia. Benjamin Parki- son is described as a proud, stately man, very fond of personal adornment. Every morning his hair was powdered, and on special occasions silver buckles were worn; and when he rode, his horse was elegantly caparisoned, with mane and tail braided, as was then the style. Mrs. Parkison was no less remarkable for her love of display, and they were known as an unusually handsome and distinguished looking couple. He was accustomed to make annual trips with flour to New Orleans and the French settlements in Louisiana, and the silver obtained for each barrel of flour would, it is said, sometimes cover the top of the barrel. When making these trips by flatboat he took a horse on which to ride home, a distance of 1,200

or 1,500 miles. On one occasion, while crossing a bend of the Mississippi, he was taken prisoner by Indians, but a thunderstorm so terrified his capt- ors that he was enabled to escape the same night.

One who often visited at his house says that Mr. Parkison frequently carried a large amount of sil- ver and gold coin from the mills in a bandanna handkerchief, and would playfully empty it into his wife's lap.

William Parkison, son of Benjamin and Olivia Parkison, was born at the homestead in Allegheny county, Penn. He grew to manhood there, com- menced early following the river, and at one time he and his brother, James, owned and ran several steamboats. He finally built a sawmill and car- ried on boat-building, then erected a paper mill at Elkhorn, just below the old homestead. He went to Alabama soon after the war, intending to con- duct a lumber business on the Tennessee river, but finding the place near Decatur, where he had con- templated locating, was already occupied, he pur- chased a cotton plantation. Here he remained three years, and then returned to Pennsylvania. When a young man he was united in marriage with Catherine M., daughter of Hon. James Rodg- ers, a representative of the Rodgers family above mentioned, who came to America in 1770. She bore him five children, viz .: A. R., Mrs. Ella J. Spriggs (of Creston, Ill.), Rosalie, Mary M., and Mrs. Olivia Kelly (deceased). For his second wife Mr. Parkison was married to Sophia Playford, of Brownsville, Penn. He was a man of untiring energy, and fearlessly undertook any enterprise with which he became favorably impressed. His wife survives him.

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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 211

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