Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 213

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 213

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few, and at best afforded but meager opportuni- ties. He was first married to Rachel Patterson, a. resident of Cross Creek township, who bore him six children. She died, and a few years afterward he married, for his second wife, Hannah Patterson, a member of an old family of Cross Creek town- ship. To this union also were born six children. Mr. Vance always lived in Cross Creek township, and was one of the representative men of the day. He died in 1856. He was a Whig in politics, and in religion a member of the Presbyterian Church.

James Vance (the third child of his father's first marriage) was born July 22, 1804, in Cross Creek township, and passed his boyhood days on his father's farm, receiving instruction in the princi- ples of agriculture, of which he made so practical a use in later life. He received a somewhat lim- ited education in the subscription schools, and in 1829 was united in marriage with Susan Walker, who was born December 22, 1809, daughter of Alexander Walker, of Cross Creek township. The children born to their union were: Alvira (Mrs. James Dodds, of Independence township), Rachel (Mrs. Perry Liggett, of West Middletown, Penn.) and Robert B. (subject of this sketch). Mr. Vance continued to live in Cross Creek township until 1837, when he came to Independence town- ship, locating about two miles east of the village of that name, and there made his permanent home. Mr. Vance was formerly an Old-line Whig, and on the formation of the new party united with the Republicans. Much of the success in his business life was due to his own efforts and sagacious man- agement. Mr. Vance died in 1881, and September 29, 1889, was followed by his widow, who was laid to rest by the side of her husband. Both were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert B. Vance was born August 30, 1842, on the old farm in Independence township, which is his present home. He attended the district schools, and assisted in the farm work. On March 8, 1866, he was married to Rebecca McCleary, who was born January 1, 1844, daughter of Ewing McCleary, of Brooke county, W. Va., and the fol- lowing children were born to them: Cynthia (Mrs. Samuel Dunbar, of Smith township), Alvira, James E. and Sadie, the latter three living with their parents. Mr. Vance has always resided on the home place, and follows general farming and stock raising, being especially successful with the latter business. He is a well-known and popular citizen; in politics he is an active member of the Demo- cratic party, and has been called upon to fill vari- ous township offices. Although Mr. Vance is not a church member, he believes in and supports the cause of religion. The "Golden Rule" is his motto, and by observing the precept which it con- tains he and his family have won the esteem and friendship of all who know them.

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ACOB ZELT, one of the well-known and pros- perous farmers of Canton township, is a son of Jacob Zelt, a record of whom appears on page 1035, in sketch of Albert Zelt. Our subject was born April 21, 1850, in Washing- ton, Washington Co., Penn., where he continued to reside for many years. His early education was received at the common schools of his native town, where he received an excellent course of training, which was the foundation of his success in later life. On May 25, 1875, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary J., daughter of Thomas Elwood. After marriage the young couple took up their res- idence on the home farm, which our subject pur- chased after the death of his father, who passed away May 10, 1882. They have two children: Mary E. and Thomas A. Mr. Zelt is a member of the Presbyterian Church at Washington. to which he gives a very liberal support. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and is one of the most enterprising and intelligent citizens of his township.

R OBERT MANIFOLD, a leading citizen of North Strabane township, was born Octo- ber 29, 1820. He is a grandson of Joseph Manifold, who was a native of York county, Penn., where he was married and passed his entire life. His son, Benjamin Manifold, was born in 1773, and passed his youth in his native county, where he was married to Ann Gamble, a resident of the same place. The following chil- dren were born to their union: Elizabeth (Mrs. Robert Black), Ellen (Mrs. William Black), Nancy (wife of William Oates), Joseph, John, Mary, Jane and Robert. In 1818 Mr. Manifold brought his family to Washington county, Penn., and located on the Morgan farm in South Strabane township, where they lived until 1840, when they purchased the farm now owned by Robert, and there passed the remainder of their lives. Mr. Manifold was a Whig, and although not an active politician, was a stanch supporter of his party. He was an in- dustrious man, and much interested in all public enterprises. He was one of the leading members of the Presbyterian Church.

Robert Manifold passed his early years on the home farm in North Strabane township, and at- tended the school at Washington borough some years. He afterward shared in the management of the home place, together with his brothers John and James, which they purchased after rent- ing it for several years. Mr. Manifold has never married and his sister keeps house for him. About three years ago the brothers made a division of the property, and the home place fell to the share of Robert. He then built a large house and barn, and made many other improvements. Politically

he was formerly a Whig, and, since the organiza- tion of the party, has been a stanch Republican, although never accepting political office. He is a member of the Chartiers Presbyterian Church, to which he contributes liberally.

S AMUEL CLARK WEIR, a prosperous and successful farmer of Morris township, is the youngest in a family of seven children born to Samuel Clark and Annie (Parkinson) Weir. Samuel Clark Weir, Sr., was born in 1815, and in 1847 was married to Annie Parkinson, who was born in Washington county in 1823, daughter of Robert Parkinson, of Morris township. They had seven children, namely: Hallace, Robert A., Mary Ellen, Elizabeth Ann, Adam and a twin brother, unnamed, who both died soon after birth, and Samuel Clark. Of this family but two are living: Robert A., who married Inez Andrew and resides in Amwell township, and Samuel C., the subject of this sketch.

Samuel C. Weir was but an infant when his mother died, and he was reared by Zebulon Lindley, with whom he made his home until 1878. He was married in that year to Eliza Jane Post, who was born March 13, 1855, a daughter of Munson Post, of Morris township, and to this union were born three children: Mary Elizabeth, born March 31, 1881; and twins, born March 2, 1891, who lived but a short time. Mr. Weir gives especial attention to stock raising, dealing principally in horses. He is a Democrat in politics, and in re- ligion both he and Mrs. Weir are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Concord.

OHN W. STEWART. This enterprising, representative citizen of Buffalo township is a grandson of Thomas Stewart, a native of Ireland, who in early manhood immigrated to America, making his permanent home in Wash- ington county, Penn., where he became one of the most prosperous and highly respected farmer citi- zens of Donegal township.

John Welch Stewart, father of the subject of this sketch, was born April 1, 1806, in Donegal township, near Claysville, Washington Co., Penn., and received an unusually good education for that period, although his earlier instruction was re- ceived in the traditional primitive log schoolhouse. He commenced life as a traveling salesman, carry - ing his goods by wagon, and selling them by wholesale to the retail dealers in the smaller towns. Afterward he rented a farm, commencing a suc- cessful agricultural career; later he resided near Washington, in Canton township, and in 1840 bought a farm in Buffalo township. He was mar- ried April 5, 1831, to Jane, daughter of William

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McCall (deceased), a native of Washington county, born December 20, 1808, and their family consisted of the following children: William M., born Feb- ruary 24, 1832, died November, 1862; Thomas, born December 27, 1833, living in New Jersey; Mary M., born February 2, 1836, died January 26, 1SS5; Robert, born June 23, 1837, a practicing physician in Allegheny county, Penn .; Jane, born September 11, 1841, deceased at the age of eight years; two that died in infancy; Anna M., born August 17, 1845, married to Samuel Wright, of Buffalo township; John W., and James M., the latter born January 25, 1850. The father died August 31, 1866, the inother February 13, 1885.

John W. Stewart, son of John Welch and Jane (McCall) Stewart, was born November 3, 1847, on his father's farm in Buffalo township, and received a good education at the common schools of his district. When his father died, John W. took charge of the home place of 217 acres, upon which he now resides. He was united in marriage Octo- ber 11, 1877, with Maggie, daughter of R. S. Caldwell, of Hopewell township, this county, and they have three children: Robert Vance, born April 18, 1879; Irene, born January 31, 1883, and John Lloyd, born January 27, 1887. Mr. Stewart is one of the most successful and progressive farm- ers and stock raisers in Washington county. and grows annually a large amount of wool, having at the present time a fine flock of 300 sheep. He takes an active interest in politics as a member of the Republican party. He and his wife are both connected with the North Buffalo United Presby- terian Church.

AMES F. WELCH, a leading merchant of West Middletown, was born June 22, 1848, in West Finley township, Washington Co., Penn. He is a grandson of James Welch, the latter of whom was born and reared in eastern Penn- sylvania, and when a young man came .to Wash- ington county. James Welch was there married to Margaret Johnson, daughter of one of the earli- est pioneers of the county, who made a home in Independence township, suffering much from the Indians, who were then very hostile. To Mr. and Mrs. Welch were born the following children: An- drew (deceased in youth), Rachel (Mrs. James Haggerty), Robert, Ephraim, Jane (Mrs. James Hunter), Abel, Mary (wife of Andrew Paxton), Eliza (married to Dr. William Smith), Nimrod (living in Iowa), John, James and Aaron. After his marriage Mr. Welch settled on the unimproved farm in Independence township, which has since been cultivated by the family, in whose possession it has remained. Politically James Welch was a Whig, taking an active part in local politics. He was a leading member of the Associate Reformed

Church, in which he served as an elder many years, and toward which he was a liberal contributor. He is buried at Mt. Hope.

Aaron Welch was born June 16, 1819, in Inde- pendence township, this county; he passed his early life on the home farm, and received his edu - cation at the log schoolhouse, with its puncheon floor and huge fireplace. In 1843 he was united in marriage with Ann, daughter of James Futhey, of Cross Creek township, an old settler of this county. Mr. Welch remained on the home place some years after his marriage, and then moved to West Finley township, this county, but soon after purchased a farm in Cross Creek township. This he sold, and bought a farm in Hopewell township, where he remained till spring; then traded for another place in the same township, where he re- mained but a short time, and then moved to Inde- pendence township. Some time afterward he pur- chased a farm near West Middletown, where he made a permanent home. Children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Welch as follows: Elizabeth M. (Mrs. A. W. McConnell), Lucretia A. (de- ceased), James F., Mary J. (Mrs. D. A. Scott), Edith A. (wife of Nathaniel Paxton), Rachel M. (deceased wife of T. M. Cowden), Maria M. (Mrs. John Nolan), and one that died in infancy. Mr. Welch was formerly a Whig and then a Repub lican. He took an active part in local politics, and served his township in various capacities. In re- ligion he was first a member of the Associate Re- formed Church, afterward uniting with the United Presbyterian Society, in which he was an elder for years. He was actively interested in church mat- ters, giving liberally to all worthy enterprises. He died January 13, 1879, having been preceded by his wife in 1870, and both are buried in the cemetery at Mt. Hope.

James F. Welch remained on the home farm near West Middletown, until about twenty-one years of age, when he engaged in teaching school. He' followed this profession several years, then worked two years in his brother-in-law's store at Venice, this county, and in 1875 commenced business at West Middletown. On September 16, 1875, he was united in marriage with Lizzie R., daughter of William Berry, who was born June 31, 1819, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county. His grand- father, John Berry, was born in Ireland, and there learned the shoemaker's trade. He then came to America, settling in Lancaster county, Penn., where he lived some years, and afterward moved to Washington county, where he purchased a farm from part of the grant given to George Washing- ton. He was engaged in the distillery business.

John Berry was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and was reared and educated on the home place. He was married to Rachel Phillips, who bore him the following named children: Jonathan, Eliza A.

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(Mrs. Alexander May), Mary (wife of Robert Rid- dle), John, William and Samuel. Mr. Berry fol- lowed farming all his life. In politics he was a Whig, then an Abolitionist, and afterward a Re- publican. He was a member and elder of the As- sociate Reformed Church for many years, then united with the U. P. Church. He died in 1870, his wife in 1860.

William Berry spent his early years on the home place in Lancaster county, Penn., and there passed his whole life. In 1849 he was married to Mar- tha J., daughter of John Colkins, and their chil- dren were, Lizzie R. (Mrs. J. F. Welch), Martha L., Mary (wife of David A. McCalmont), Ella B., Ida and James G. Mrs. Berry died January 8, 1865, and was buried at Venice. On January 30, 1878, Mr. Berry was united in marriage with Jane G. Reed. He was a Whig and Abolitionist, then a Republican, and finally a Prohibitionist. He was a member of the Associate Reformed Church, and afterward united with the U. P. Society.

To Mr. and Mrs. James F. Welch have been born the following children: Anna M., Edith M. and Nellie T. Mr. Welch is a successful business man, and in politics was a Republican, now be- ing a Prohibitionist. He has served faithfully in various offices. In religious connection he is a member and elder of the U. P. Church.

J OHN P. MANES. The family which this gentleman represents are among the earliest pioneers of Allegheny county, Penn. The first one of whom we have an authentic record is one Culbert Manes, who was born August 14, 1799, and reared in New Jersey, and came to Allegheny county, Penn., in the latter part of the past century. He was there united in mar- riage with Susan, daughter of Samuel Van Kirk, who was of New Jersey descent, and a member of one of the oldest families in the county. They were prominent in the Revolutionary war, many of them having served under Washington; Mr. Van- Kirk took an active part in the battle of Brandy- wine. While living in New Jersey he was mar- ried to Mary Price, who bore him children as fol- lows: Samuel, Joseph, John, Isaac, Thomas, Will- iam, Sarah, Betsey, Mary, Ruth and Susan (who became the wife of Culbert Manes). In politics Mr. Van Kirk was a Democrat; he followed farm- ing and stock raising.

After his marriage Mr. Manes settled on a place in Allegheny county, Penn., where he remained until 1857, when he purchased a farm in North Strabane township, Washington county, where he made a permanent residence. His children were: John P. (subject of sketch), Mary J. (Mrs. Wesley Greer), Samuel, Margaret (Mrs. T. H. Lyon) and Joseph V. Mr. Manes always followed the busi-

ness of farming and stock raising. Politically he was a Democrat, and was frequently called upon to serve the township in different capacities. He was a member and liberal supporter of the Presby- terian Church.

John P. Manes passed his youth on the home farm in Allegheny county, Penn., and received a common-school education. In 1849 he went to St. Joseph, Mo., and purchased mules for a Pittsburgh company, continuing in that business about six months, and then, joining a party of gold seekers, went to California, where he remained seven years, engaged in mining and other occupations. He then returned to Pennsylvania, and on August 8, 1858, was married to Mary, daughter of John Mc- Millan. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Manes set- tled on the farm in North .Strabane township, this. county, which is his present home, and has since been engaged in farming and stock raising. He has three children: Culbert, Mary A. (Mrs. David Crone) and John A. Mr. Manes is one of the lead- ing citizens of Washington county, but has recently retired from active life. He takes an active inter- est in church matters, and is a member of the Presbyterian Society, in which he serves as trustee. He votes independently of any party, but favors. the Democratic platform.

AMES ALBERT RICHEY. The pioneer ancestor of the Richey family was John Richey, a native of Ireland, who came to America in a very early day, and settled on 300 acres of land in Marshall county, W.Va., for which he paid $2 per acre. He procured the necessary amount of money by raising flax, which was then spun and woven into fine linen. He was married and had three children, namely: John, James and Moses.

James Richey (grandfather of subject) was born in 1773, in Marshall county, W. Va., and passed his youth in working on the home farm. He was married to Miss Nancy Taylor, of Marshall county, born near Wolf Run, and they continued to live on the home farm the rest of their lives. The fol- lowing children were born to them: Ellen (Mrs. Edwards), Anna (Mrs. Cummins), Martha (Mrs. Sayers), Nancy (Mrs. Seaton), Lucy (Mrs. Lewis), Jane (Mrs. Fish), Margaret (deceased in youth), John (father of our subject), James, Moses, Crosier and Taylor (these four died in childhood).

John Richey was born October 24, 1819, in Marshall county, W. Va., and passed his youth at home, assisting in the general duties of the farm. On March 28, 1844, he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Kimmins, who was born March 21, 1824, in Washington county, Penn. After their marriage the young people settled in Honeytown, W. Va., where Mr. Richey followed mercantile

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business two years, and then removed to a farm at Rosby's Rock, W. Va., where he lived about twenty-five years, thence removing to the farm in West Finley township, this county, where he died. Eleven children were born to them: Andrew K., born in June, 1845 (was killed in the war in 1865); Sarah M., born in March, 1846; Nancy E., born December 21, 1847; John Taylor, born November 19, 1849; James A., born March 16, 1853; Will- iam C., born November 13, 1854 (deceased in youth); Eva J., born May 1, 1856; Samuel W., born September 14, 1858; Anna S., born Novem- ber 17, 1860; Frank M., born December 7, 1862 (died in youth); and R. Swan, born March 11, 1865.

James A. Richey was born on the old farm in Marshall county, W. Va., and passed his youth with his parents. On December 24, 1874, he was married to Miss Louisa, daughter of John Mooney, of Marshall county, W. Va. To their union was born one child, which lived but six days, and on July 12, 1887, the mother followed it to the grave. The desolate husband and father sought forget- fulness in western travel, and was afterward mar- ried to Viola McCully, of Marshall county, W. Va. ; she was born February 5, 1868, on the farm of her father, Alexander McCully. Mr. and Mrs. Richey have one daughter, Radia Florence, born October 12, 1890. Mr. Richey began life as a farmer, but his health failing, he was forced to seek lighter employment, and selling his farm (with the excep- tion of ten acres) became a stock and wool dealer. He then engaged in mercantile business with his father for two years, but soon resumed his former vocation. He has kept free from debt, and owns two houses and lots in Businessburgh, Ohio, besides about 100 acres of land. In politics he is a pillar of the Republican party.

J ACOB LEGLER is one of the successful ag- riculturists of Union township. He is a son of Jacob Legler, who was born in Witten- berg, Germany, where he was married to Rosanna Freoh, who was born on the farm near Ruplesburg, where her husband lived. They set- tled on a farm in their native country, and children were born to them as follows: George, Andrew, Jacob, Catherine, Rosanna and Fredrick, of whom Catherine and Andrew are deceased. Jacob and Andrew came to America in 1852, where Andrew followed the business of a journeyman baker; he died of cholera during the year of their arrival in the New World.

Jacob Legler was born August 19, 1837, on the home place in Wittenberg, Germany, and was but fourteen years of age when he and his brother emigrated. Upon landing in the New World he was apprenticed to a baker, and after the death of his brother continued working in the shop for

three years, then followed the trade for two years as a journeyman baker, afterward working three years as a pastry cook in different hotels. After his marriage Mr. Legler was next employed for five years as steward on a steamboat, and in 1865 opened a confectionery store in Monongahela, in which business he continued for twelve years. He finally bought 105 acres of land in Union township, Washington county, and started a coal works, em- ploying from fifty to 120 men. He conducted this enterprise ten years, when, on account of the rail- road switch being torn up, they abandoned the works. He then entered into partnership with Messrs. Fritch- man & Florsheim, and they opened the Germania Coal Works, which have proved more profitable than the original plant, and employ from 150 to 160 men. In politics Mr. Legler is a stanch advocate of Republican principles, and in religion he is a mem- ber of the German Lutheran Church. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gliess, of Allegheny county, Penn., who died some years ago, leaving the following named children: Jacob C., John, William, Elizabeth, Sarah, George, Margaret, Mary and James B. For his second wife he married Sarah, daughter of Jacob Rhine, a retired boat builder of Monongahela, and they are living on the farm in Union township.

R D. HAMILTON, a leading agriculturist of Chartiers township, first saw the light of day on the farm which is now his home, in that township. He attended the common schools and afterward took a three years' course at Washington and Jefferson College. He in- tended to enter the ministry, but ill health com- pelled him to abandon this, and he became a "tiller of the soil." On November 28, 1881, he was married to Sadie B., daughter of R. M. and Mary (Martin) Morgan. Mr. Morgan has been an elder in the Presbyterian Church at Canonsburg and Miller's Run for many years. Five children have blessed the union of R. D. and Sadie B. Hamilton, namely: Bertie M., Cora E., Claire B., Elsie M. and Hazel B. The entire family are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Hamilton has been an elder for the past six years, also serv- ing as Sabbath-school superintendent. In polit- ical opinion he is a Democrat. The home farm contains 104 acres, and upon the pastures large flocks of sheep are grazing, to which he gives especial care. He is a member of the National Delaine Stock Breeders Association.

OHN MALDOON, one of the progressive and popular young agriculturists of Donegal township, is a son of Franklin Maldoon, who was born in 1793, in County Down, Ireland. The latter immigrated to America, and lo- cating in Donegal township, married Jane Roberts,

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born in 1818, whose parents were among the pioneer settlers of the community. The children born to this union were Thomas (now living in Pettis county, Mo.), John (deceased in infancy), Mary Ann and Sarah J. (twins, now deceased), Nancy (now Mrs. James Gray, of Wheeling, W. Va.), Robert, George, Matilda and Moses (all four deceased), Felix (farming in Ohio county, W. Va.), Margaret (Mrs. Wayts, of Ohio county, W. Va.), Iantha (Mrs. John Wherry, residing in Ohio county, W. Va.), Felicia (unmarried, who lived with her father) and John (the subject of this sketch). After his marriage Franklin Maldoon made his permanent home on the farm, where he died in 1881, and was followed to the grave by his wife in 1888. He was a successful farmer, and a typical son of the Emerald Isle, possessing the true na- tive energy and enterprise. He accumulated a comfortable property and enjoyed the friendship and respect of his neighbors.

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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 213

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