Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 218

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 218

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Mr. McPherson lived on several different places in Donegal township during the earlier years of his married life, and in 1850 purchased the "Kerns Farm," situated in the northern part of Donegal township, where he passed the remainder of his life. For twenty-five years prior to his death he was unable to engage in active labor, and the prin- cipal work of the farm was done by the two sons, William and Daniel. Mr. McPherson was noted for his generosity of heart and was one of the pil- lars of the U. B. Church, contributing liberally to its support. Politically, he was a Democrat. He died in 1891, his loss being deeply felt by the en- tire community, for such men are not easily replaced. His widow is living on a comfortable home farm.

William McPherson, the son of Daniel and Nancy (Noble) McPherson, was born on July 7, 1849, on the old home farm in Donegal township, where his boyhood was passed. On March 8, 1875, he was married to Sarah E. Mealey, who was born August 2, 1840, a daughter of George and Elizabeth (Fin-

ley) Mealey, und thay have had one son, John Burton, born February 7, 1876. After his mar- riage Mr. McPherson located near the home of his father, about two and a half miles southwest of Atchison, this county, where he has erected a handsome dwelling. Mr. McPherson assisted largely in the success of his father, by years of energetic and patient toil, and the home he now enjoys is his deserved reward. In political life, he is an active member of the Democratic party, and has filled several township offices with credit.

Daniel McPherson, a brother of William, and son of the elder Daniel McPherson, was born April 11, 1854. He received a common-school education and passed his earlier years at home. On Febru- ary 15, 1881, he was united in marriage with Mar- tha Ellen Miller, who was born February 6, 1859, daughter of Christopher and Elizabeth Miller, and they have one daughter, Lizzie, born March 22, 1886. Mr. McPherson settled on a part of the home farm, upon which he has built a comfortable dwelling. The son inherits the progressive traits of his father's character, combined with habits of industry, which are a guarantee of future success. He is a Democrat in political preference, and in religious faith is a member of the Disciple Church at Dutch Fork.

W ILLIAM L. DUNN, the leading and pop- ular shoe merchant of Canonsburg, was born in 1853, at Duncan Falls, Muskin- gum Co., Ohio. His grandfather, James Dunn, was born and reared in Ireland, and coming to America first settled in eastern Pennsyl- vania, where he was married to Miss Andrews, a native of that State. The couple soon moved to Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and he followed agricultural pursuits. He was a Demo- crat, and in religion a member of the Seceder Church. Four children were born to this mar- riage, namely: Samuel, George, Rebecca (Mrs. Robert Beish) and Isabelle (Mrs. Ritchie).

George Dunn was born in 1826, in Buffalo town- ship, Washington Co., Penn., where his early edu- cation was received. He left home at an early age, and settled in Muskingum county, Ohio. When a young man he was married to Mary J., daughter of Philip Bedillion, of Washington county, Penn. They resided in Ohio several years, and in 1845 came to Mount Pleasant township, this county, finally settling in Chartiers township. He was an active worker in the Democratic party. In re- ' ligious faith he was first a Seceder, then a member of the U. P. Church; he died June 28, 1890, leav- ing the following children: William L., Nathaniel, Mary J. (wife of D. Q. Crawford), Louisa and George.

William L. Dunn remained on the home place

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during his boyhood, and attended school at Jeffer- son Academy. When eighteen years of age he en- tered the employ of A. T. Hoft, remaining there one year. In 1873 he entered into partnership with Lewis L. Huston, in the retail shoe business, which they conducted two years. After selling out, Mr. Dunn worked two years for the purchaser; then worked three years for A. C. McNary, and in 1883 opened his present establishment in Canons- burg. On September 1, 1874, he was united in marriage with Lizzie H., daughter of John E. Black, of Canonsburg. Their union has been blessed with the following children: Charles, Alice, William, Mary and Elsie. Of these children Alice and William are yet living. Mr. Dunn began business with but little capital, and has been the architect of his own fortune. He and his family are members of the Central Presbyterian Church, and in politics he is actively identified with the Democratic party.

HARLES SCHMIDT, than whom there has not been a more enterprising and respected citizen in South Strabane township, was a native of Germany, born in Wurtemberg, April 29, 1820.

His father, Frederick Schmidt, was of the same place, where he married, and reared a large family of children, of whom the subject of this sketch was the second in order of birth. Charles Schmidt remained under the parental roof, receiving his education at the school of the neighborhood, until he was twenty years of age, when he was drafted into the German army, in which he served nine years, a portion of the time in the corps of infantry sharpshooters, he being then a corporal. He was tailor of his company for a time, and then was ap- pointed shoemaker, a trade he had learned of his father, and having made some improvement in the arrangement of the knapsack, he was promoted to general master of all saddlers in his regiment, a po- sition of honor and profit. On leaving the army in 1849,Mr. Schmidt emigrated to America, landing at New York, in which city he spent a short time, then proceeded to Philadelphia, and from there to Baltimore, where he remained eight years. Here he attended school in order to make himself con- versant with the English language, and was en- gaged in the business of maker and fitter of fine shoes; in which he was eminently successful. In 1858 he went to Pittsburgh, where for two years he worked at his trade, shoemaking, and then came to Washington, this county, remaining in the city two years, at the end of which time he pur- chased the farm property in South Strabane town- ship, which by assiduous labor he improved from a wild state to its present fertile condition. Here he successfully carried on farming and the culti-

vation of the grape, having an extensive vineyard, and, in connection, the largest wine cellar in Wash- ington county, stored with choice native wines of his own manufacture.

On December 3, 1850, Mr. Schmidt was married to Wilhelmina Dittis, of Baltimore, Md., daughter of John and Margaret Dittis, and to this union have been born the following named children: Charles, Caroline (Mrs. George Becker), Francis and Mary (Mrs. John Becker). Mr. Schmidt was called from earth February 14, 1892, and his business and farm are now being conducted by his son Francis. He had been a Democrat ever since receiving his fran- chise, and was an active worker in his party. He was a justice of the peace for ten years, and served as school director for several terms.

J OHN S. LIGGETT was born August 25, 1849, on the home farm in Independence township. He is descended from one of the earliest and most prominent families of pio- neer times in Washington county, whose ances- tors were born in Scotland.

Two brothers of the Liggett family left their Highland home and crossed the ocean to America. Landing at Baltimore, Md., they there remained but a short time and then pushed westward, finally lo- cating in Washington county, Penn. One of these brothers, Thomas Liggett, was married to Parmelia Dempster, a resident of Washington county, and passed his life in Independence town- ship. He was a man of stalwart frame, six feet tall, well proportioned in every way, and possess- ing great courage and powers of endurance. He was noted for his positive character and sturdy ad- herence to his word, which principles were im- planted on the minds and were evident in the lives of all his children, whose names were Joshua (a farmer of Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Elizabeth (deceased in Iowa), James (deceased in Coshocton county, Ohio), Harriet (widow of Laban Heading- ton), Robert (of whom special mention is made further on), Mary Ann (deceased in Illinois), Sarah (widow of John Hemphill), William (sketch of whom appears elsewhere), Thomas (a farmer in Hopewell township), David A. (a merchant of In- dependence, Penn.), Anderson (living in Hot Springs, Ark.). Mr. Liggett died January 29, 1861, Mrs. Liggett September 17, 1882.

Robert Liggett was born February 25, 1815, in Independence township, Washington county, and remained on the home farm until some years after attaining his majority. His education was re- stricted to the advantages found in the pioneer log schoolhouse, with its split-log benches and desks supported by pegs driven in the wall. The huge fireplace sent out so fierce a heat that "the children's hot faces were streaming, the while they

Cp.

J. S. Liggett

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were freezing their backs." Young Robert walked a long distance through the woods to glean knowl- edge from these schools for a few weeks during the winter season. They were maintained by popular subscription, while the teacher "boarded round " among the parents, whose children graduated after having fathomed the hidden mysteries of "tare and tret" and the " single rule of three." Amid such surroundings Robert Liggett received his educa- tion and grew to manhood. In 1843 he was united in marriage with Mary M. Stewart, a native of Washington county, and the offspring of their union were as follows: Thomas Madison, Sarah A. (Mrs. J. J. Cairns, of Eldersville, Penn.), and John S. Mr. Liggett began wedded life with $500 and an old horse as capital stock. He lived on his father's farm for a short time, then came to the place where the remainder of his life was passed, which is situated one mile east of Inde- pendence, in Independence township. Upon this farm he erected one of the finest residences in the township, there following agricultural pur- suits, and by industry combined with economical business dealings, eventually became the owner of a vast estate. Mr. Liggett never took part in any speculations, but devoted his entire time to energetic toil and careful management of his prop- erty, achieving success by slow but steady upward steps. Mr. Liggett was quiet and unassuming in public, with a reserved and dignified manner. His integrity was unimpeachable; firm and un- swerving in opinions, he never lowered his stand- ard of right to any man. Although, as previously stated, his literary advantages were necessarily limited, yet he succeeded, by dint of close applica- tion and keen observation, in securing a thorough practical knowledge of current topics and business matters. His example is most worthy of emula- tion. and may well encourage the young men who read these lines to persevere in every honest effort ; for true success comes only to those who toil and wait patiently for the harvest, which though long delayed, is ever sure-as we sow so shall we reap in due season, but the harvest will be according to the seeds planted. In politics Robert Liggett was a Democrat. He died September 4, 1886, and was laid to rest in West Middletown cemetery; on De- cember 3, 1890, his body was removed to the beau- tiful new cemetery at Independence, then laid out on a portion of his farm. He left an estate worth over. $50,000, the result of his own toil and busi- ness sagacity. Since his demise, the widow has ·resided on the home farm with a son.

THOMAS MADISON LIGGETT (the elder son of Rob- ert and Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) was born Jan- uary 25, 1845, in Independence township, this county. He passed his boyhood and youth on the home place, and October 17, 1878, was united in marriage with Letitia Griffith, who was born on 65

October 22, 1852, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. They have had five children: Montee M., Dora (deceased at the age of four years), Rob- ert, Olive L. and Hattie May. Mr. and Mrs. Lig- gett have resided since their marriage on what is known as the James Beall farm, lying half a mile east of Independence, in this county. He inherits the spirit of progress and industry, so characteris- tic of his father's life, and is a prominent agricult- urist, devoting special attention to raising first- class stock, handling and fattening stock for the market. He votes the Democratic ticket, but gives his whole time to the interests of liis business, which is yielding a larger income with every year. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a charter member of the Independ- ence Cemetery Company, serving as secretary of that company since it first started. His wife, Letitia, is truly a helpmate, completely interest- ing herself in her department, and in every opera- tion tending to the advancement of her family's interest.

JOHN S. LIGGETT (the younger son of Robert and Mary M. (Stewart) Liggett) received a common- school education, and then began dealing in stock and general farming, soon managing an extensive business. By treating his customers in a fair and honest manner, he has succeeded in winning the confidence and patronage of inany. On January 23, 1879, he married Harriet A. Griffith, who was born March 20, 1856, daughter of Isaac and Eliza- beth (Esler) Griffith, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. Two daughters were born to this union, viz. : Mary A., born January 8, 1885, died of pneumonia May 26, 1885, and Alice .B., born July 22, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Liggett have resided on the home farm since their marriage, and the place gives evidence of the cultured taste of the present owners. Mr. Liggett possesses a rare judgment and practical knowledge of live stock, which has contributed largely to his success in business. Politically he is a Democrat, and has filled various offices of trust in his township. In religion he and his wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a trustee.

OHN SCOTT DANLEY. Among the old families of East Finley township none hold a more prominent place than the Danleys. George Danley, grandfather of John S., was a native of the North of Ireland, where he carried on farming, as did his father before him. Immigrating to America, he made his new home in Washington county, Penn., near West Middle- town, where his wife (also a native of Ireland) bore him three children: John, Mattie and S. S. About 1819 the parents died, and the children,

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who were yet young, passed into the care of others, S. S. being given in charge of an uncle, John Scott; Mattie, who was also reared by relatives, is now a resident of Cambridge, Ohio, and is the only survivor of the family.

S. S. Danley, father of our subject, was born April 29, 1818, in Independence township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., and, as already stated, was reared by his uncle, John Scott, a resident of East Finley township, his education being received at the subscription schools of the period, somewhat limited in their facilities as compared with more modern schools; but Mr. Danley was a close stu- dent and a great reader, and lost no opportunity of improving his education. He lived with his relatives until his marriage, January 2, 1838, with Ruth Enlow, who was born June 20, 1817, a daughter of Henry Enlow, of East Finley town- ship, whose ancestors were New Englanders and early settlers in Washington county. To this union were born the following named children: Elizabeth E., born October 16, 1839, married to John Elliott, and living in Morris township; Mar- garet J., born February 15, 1841, married to George England, and resides in Washington county, Iowa; Henry P., born May 18, 1842, a farmer in East Finley township; John S .; George H., born May 24, 1847, died January 10, 1859, After his mar- riage S. S. Danley located on the property left him by his uncle, situated near the headwaters of the Templeton fork of Wheeling creek, and a short distance from Bartholdi postoffice, in East Finley township, and here he passed the remainder of his busy life, improving the property and adding to his possessions, which at the time of his death were extensive. He died April 1, 1891, his wife August 14, 1880. They were active, influential citizens, and highly respected members of the Dog Wood Grove U. P. Church. Politically Mr. Dan- ley was first a Whig and afterward, on the for- mation of the party, a stanch Republican.

John Scott Danley was born September 12, 1845, in East Finley township, Washington Co., Penn., his education being received at the common schools of the district. In 1869 he was married to Martha L. McCleary, who was born August 16, 1850, a daughter of William McCleary, of East Finley township. This union has been blessed with the following children: Osco Wayne, born November 5, 1870, died August 1, 1880; George W., born May 28, 1872; James L., born February 23, 1874; Ruth E., born July 21, 1877; Idesta and Roberta (twins), born August 5, 1880, all at home, and Laura, born May 20, 1883, deceased in infancy. The mother of these children died June 20, 1883, and April 29, 1886, Mr. Danley married Mrs. Jennie M. (Gunn) Nelly, a native of East Finley township, born September 10, 1858, a daughter of Moses Gunn, and widow of Moses

Nelly. After his first marriage Mr. Danley re- sided with his parents until their death, since when he has continued on the old home farm. He is one of the prosperous and influential citizens of his township, and in general knowledge is consid- erably above the average farmer. He and his re- fined and intelligent wife are members of the Dog Wood Grove U. P. Church, and in politics he is a prominent and active Republican.

P A. THROCKMORTON, a well-to-do farmer of Morris township, comes of good English stock. His grandfather, Daniel Throck- morton, a native of New Jersey, of English parentage, removed to western Pennsyl- vania about 1800, locating in Greene county, where he devoted himself to farming. Here he married and reared five children. After the death of his first wife he married a widow, Mrs. Duval, who died in 1846, followed by her husband in 1848.

Daniel Throckmorton, the third son of Daniel, was born in 1802, received a limited education and spent his boyhood days on his father's farm. In 1837 he married Hannah, a daughter of Philip Axtel, of Morris township, and to them three chil- dren were born: P. A .; Oliver, born January 27, 1842, is unmarried and resides with his brother, P. A. Throckmorton, and Judson, born March 1, 1844, died November 1, 1862, in the service of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. The father died in 1851.

Philip Axtel Throckmorton was born March 19, 1839, in Washington county. Penn. He resided with his parents until the death of his father which occurred when he was twelve years of age; then he hired out by the month and helped in the support of the family. On October 2, 1869, he married Martha Ann, daughter of William Sanders, of Morris township, and to them four children have been born: Flora Vidella, born October 30, 1870; Hannah Mary, born October 20, 1874; William Edgar, born November 26, 1877, and Rollin A., born May 24, 1885, all of whom are living with their parents. Mr. Throckmorton is nicely situ- ated in his home, having recently erected a beau- tiful and commodious residence. In politics he is a Prohibitionist, formerly a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist Church at Mt. Hermon, and his wife is identified with the Presbyterian Church at Prosperity.

H. REDD is a grandson of Solomon and Mary (Scott) Redd, natives of Washington county, Penn., who settled on the home farm in Allen township many years ago. He died in Virginia, and in 1860 his widow passed away in the same State.

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Thomas C. Redd, son of Solomon Redd, was born in April, 1822, in Allen township, Washing- ton county, receiving his education in the schools of Allen and Fallowfield townships. In early life he was married to Elmira Conrad, a uative of Fal- lowfield township, where they resided for several years, afterward moving to Allen township; they finally bought the Conrad place in Fallowfield township, where the remainder of their lives was passed. He was an active member of the Repub- lican party, and in religion he and his wife were identified with the Ebenezer M. E. Church. They were the parents of eleven children, of whom the following are yet living: Marvin P., proprietor of the Redd Hotel at Charleroi, this county; Josie, living in Nottingham township, on Pigeon creek; Melissa, wife of Sauford Carson, of Charleroi; J. H., whose name opens this sketch; Ellsworth, a farmer of Fallowfield township; William, living in Charleroi; Maggie and Charley, also residents of Charleroi. The father of this family died in Feb- rnary, 1892, and his widow is now living in Charleroi.

J. H. Redd was born in 1860, on his present farm in Allen township, this county, where he grew to manhood, receiving an education in the district schools of Fallowfield township; he has always fol- lowed farming. In May, 1880, he was united in marriage with Gertrude, daughter of John and Lucy Ann (Scott) Sphar, natives of Allen town- ship. where they are now living. Mr. and Mrs. Redd resided in Fallowtield township until 1884, when he bought and moved upon the 125 acres in Allen township, of which he has recently sold twenty- four acres. He has been actively identified with the Republican party, and in religion is a member of the Ebenezer M. E. Church, with which his wife is also connected. They have four children, namely: Vedy, Lucy Ann, Thomas Oak- land and an infant.

W ILLIAM M. McELHANY, of the firm of McElhany & Scott, cabinet-makers, Bur-, gettstown, is an example of the possible success which lies before all those now at the bottom of the ladder, who possess in- telligence, coupled with willing hearts and hands. He is to-day one of the most prosperous business men of Burgettstown, although he began life with no financial aid.

William McElhany was born July 15, 1849, in Allegheny county, Penn., and moved to West Virginia with his parents when but nine and a half years of age. The father died when the son was a lad of twelve years, and the little fellow began life for himself. He first learned the carpenter's trade, which vocation he followed several years with marked success, but afterward

learned the trade of a cabinet-maker, eventually opening a furniture store in Burgettstown, Smith township. Some time afterward he became asso- ciated with Mr. Scott, and they have since carried on the business with inch profit. On November 21, 188-, he was united in marriage with Rachel, daughter of William Russell, a pioneer resident of this county. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. McElhany are Jennie M. and Tilla M. (twins), William M. (deceased) and Maggie G. In politics William McElhany was originally a Democrat, and served his township and the borough of Burgetts- town in various official capacities; since 1890 he has espoused the cause of the Prohibition party. He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown for many years, and is now filling the position of elder.

AMES D. STROUD, a progressive and intel- ligent agriculturist of Fallowfield township, is a native'of Washington county. born on the family homestead, April 6, 1856. He is a son of Jolin Strond, whose father, a native of Maryland, made a settlement in Pennsylvania.

John Strond was born in 1818 in Washington county, Penn., and learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed during a considerable part of his younger life. In 1855 he was married to Martha Yant, who bore him two sons, James D. and William A., the latter of whom was married to a daughter of Clark Crow. After his marriage John Stroud abandoned his trade, and gave is un- divided attention to farming and stock raising. In 1880 he was laid to rest; his widow is yet living on the old place in Fallowfield township.

James D. Stroud, the subject proper of this bio- graphical memoir, has passed all his life in his native township. On August 7, 1880, he was united in marriage with Jennie, daughter of Henry Hannan, a prominent farmer of Washington county, and three sons and one daughter have blessed their union, namely: Charley A., John W. B., Walter L. and Bessie Viola. Mr. Stroud's farm, on which he has resided eleven years, con- tains 117 acres of well-cultivated land, lying six miles southwest of Monongahela, and here he carries on general agriculture, devoting consider- able attention to the raising of sheep and other live stock.

AMES C. POLLOCK, an old and respected citizen of Hanover township, was born December 22, 1812, in Chester county, Penn., the third in order of birth of the children born to Edwin and Margaret (Boyd) Pollock. Edwin Pollock was a native of County Down, Ire- land, and was educated for the ministry, but to avoid being forced to enter the army, his relatives

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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 218

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