Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 220

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 220

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

R OBERT J. ELWOOD, one of the leading and most prosperous of Washington county's intelligent representative farmer citizens, is a son of an old pioneer of this part of the State, by name William Elwood, a native of Belmont county, Ohio, who came hither in 1818.

William Elwood was poor, both in this world's goods and in what an education might have given him, but he had received none. When he entered Washington county, all his belongings he carried in a bandanna handkerchief; but the hand that it was held in was rich in honesty and industry, des- tined ultimately to place its owner on the top rung of the ladder of success. He was a blacksmith by trade, at which he worked assiduously in Centre- ville, this county, and by indomitable persever- ance, close attention to business, and judicious economy, he not only made money, but saved it. By and by he bought a house and lot, then sixty- six acres of land, then 122, then 211 acres near Fredericktown, and, finally, yet another tract of 128 acres, all in East Bethlehem township, and every foot of it earned by honest labor. (This tract is now owned and occupied by his son Robert J., the principal improvements being placed on it by the latter, including an elegant and commodi- ous residence costing $2,000.) This son of toil, this nobleman of nature, surrounded by the bless- ings he had gathered about him, was called from the scene of his labors in 1871. In politics he was a Democrat, in religion a member of the Cumber- land Presbyterian Church. His wife, who had been reared in the Quaker faith, died in 1885.

William Elwood married a Miss Greer, who bore him seven children, all now deceased, as is also

DR. f. Elwood

1413

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

their mother. After her death he married, for his second wife, Ruth Lilley, who was born in 1812, a daughter of Thomas Lilley, a native of Ireland, and the children of this union were Thomas W., a resident of Charleroi, this county; Robert J .; J. U., a machinist in McKeesport, Penn., and one that died in infancy.

Robert J. Elwood was born December 25, 1849, in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., was educated in the common schools of his neighborhood, and reared to agricultural pursuits. On the death of his father he took charge of the homestead, and cared for his widowed mother nn- til her death in 1885. Mr. Elwood was married May 3, 1873, to Maggie E., daughter of John and Mary (Reynolds) Deems, of West Pike Run town- ship (now deceased), and the children of this union were Alverdi R. (attending the Southwestern State Normal School at California, Penn.), and John William (who died in infancy). Mr. Elwood is a Democrat, and has held the office of school direct- or six years, also judge of election for a time. Mrs. Elwood is a member of the Methodist Church.

HE PARK FAMILY are numbered with the earliest settlers of Washington county, Penn. In the fall of 1777 one Samuel Park came from Lancaster, Penn., to Washington county, and bought 566 acres of land on Chartiers creek, of Matthew Rodgers. He then returned home, and sent out his two sons John and James, with their sister Isabella to keep house for them. The rest of the family soon followed, and to the original tract other lands were added. This Samuel Park died in 1794, followed by his wife in 1808. Their children were John, James, Mary, Isabella and Hugh.

John Park was born December 18, 1758, in Done- gal, Lancaster Co., Penn., coming with the family to Washington county when a young man. In 1787 he married Sarah McDowell, a native of South Strabane township, this county. They resided on the Park farm several years, and April 20, 1809, bought and moved upon the homestead in Cecil township, this county. The following children were born to this marriage: Rebecca (Mrs. James Rankin), William, and McDowell (a wealthy land- owner who resided on a part of the homestead. He was never married).

William Park, second child of John and Sarah (McDowell) Park, was born July 15, 1797. In 1831 he bought a 300-acre farm in Peters town- ship, this county, and having prepared the home, lost no time in securing a life companion. On Oc- tober 29, 1833, he was united in marriage with Miss Jane Law, and settling on the place devoted his time to sheep raising and wool growing. Of the seven children born to this couple, John is

living in Cecil township, Robert resides in Peters township, James M. lives in Canonsburg, and Sarah, married to J. L. Thompson, is living in Westmore- land county, Penn. The father was trustee of Jefferson College thirty years, and also director of the Chartiers Valley Railroad Company. He died November 6, 1870, in his seventy-third year.

JAMES M. PARK was born December 25, 1850. and attended the schools of the home district during his boyhood. He was married to Nancy J., daughter of Thomas Hill, a resident of Peters township, this county, and she has borne him two children, William and Clara. Some years after his marriage Mr. Park moved to Allegheny, Penn., residing in that city for some time, where he was interested in musical enterprises. He then came to Canonsburg, this county, and opened the gen- eral merchandise business which he is now con- ducting. Politically he is an active member of the Republican party. He is a member of the Presby - terian Church at Canonsburg, and has for some time led the choir.

W ILLIAM KERR, who was in his lifetime a much respected citizen of East Finley township, was descended from Irish an- cestry. His grandfather, Hugh Kerr, was a prominent weaver and manufacturer of County Down, Ireland.

Andrew Kerr, son of Hugh, was born February 14, 1768, in Ireland, and learned the trade of a weaver. He emigrated to America at the age of eighteen, landing, after a voyage of thirteen weeks, at New York, and thence proceeding to Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., where in the spring of 1787 he purchased about six hundred acres of land, situated nearly four and a half miles northeast of Claysville, this county. There in the unbroken wilderness he erected his cabin home, and in 1805 was married to Esther Stevenson, born November 18, 1782, near the present village of Coon Island; she was the daughter of James Stevenson, a native of Washington county. To this union were born the following named children : Jane (Mrs. Jessie Bane), born October 30, 1806; Robert (married to Nancy Vanderhuff), born May 6, 1808; James, born December 18, 1810; William (subject of the present memoir); Elizabeth, born December 17, 1816, and Esther, born December 15, 1818, all of whom lived to an adult age. Sev- eral years after the marriage of Andrew Kerr, his aged parents left their native land to spend their declining years with their son. His mother was a physician, and successfully followed that profession in this country until 1822, when both she and her husband died of yellow fever. Andrew became a wealthy farmer, but afterward sold the greater portion of his property to "give bail" for a

1414

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

nephew, and this expense almost ruined him. He

continued to live on the farm until his death, which occurred July 15, 1850, his wife having preceded him August 14, 1849. They were both buried in Pleasant Grove cemetery, East Finley township, this county, and their children rest beside them. Mr. Kerr was an active supporter of the Demo- cratic party. In religious connection he united with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland, and the letter of recommendation which he brought to America in 1786 is still in the possession of his grandchildren.

William Kerr was born December 27, 1813, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and re- ceived a somewhat limited education, spending his boyhood days on the farm of his father. He also acquired a general knowledge of carpentry from practical experience. On October 31, 1837, he was united in marriage with Cynthia Peden, born April 15, 1817, daughter of Joseph and Hannah (Tilton) Peden, and to this union were born chil- dren as follows: James, born March 29, 1838 (a skilled carpenter and contractor, residing in Wheel- ing, W. Va.); Robert, born September 26, 1839, farming on the home place; Andrew, born July 30, 1841 (deceased December 5, 1881); and Hannah, born January 28, 1843 (living with her mother on the home farm). After his marriage Mr. Kerr purchased, of David Peden, a tract of land in East Finley township, situated about two miles west of Pleasant Grove, where he lived and followed farming until his death, which occurred May 2, 1890. In politics he was always a Demo- crat, and in religion he was an adherent of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, of which his widow was a charter member, and one of the three who are still living. Mrs. Kerr resides with her son Robert and daughter Hannah, who manage the home farm.

W R. BURNS, a well-known young farmer of Hanover township, familiarly known as "Dick," is the descendant of an old Scotch family. His great-grandfather, one John Burns, was born in Scotland, and coming to America, located in Allegheny county, Penn., many years ago. He married, and reared the fol- lowing sons: John, Robert, James, Thomas, Sam- uel, Alexander and William. The names of the daughters in this family have not been ascertained. The parents died in Allegheny county.

John Burns, a son of this early pioneer, was born in Allegheny county, Penn., and attended the rate schools, afterward supplementing this early training with a good practical education. He learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for some time. He was united in marriage with Jane Crooks, who was born near Candor, in Washing-

ton county, Penn., a daughter of Henry Crooks. The children of John and Jane Burns were as fol- lows: Nancy, married to Samuel Nichols, a native of Ireland; Alexander, who lived near Clinton, Allegheny Co., Penn .; Jane, Mrs. Robert Aten; Henry; Mary, Mrs. John White, of Beaver county, Penn. ; John; William; Margaret, widow of James Hood, living in Hanover township; and George a farmer of Allegheny county, living on the old homestead. Of this family Margaret and George are yet living. The father followed farming for many years in connection with his trade, and lived to a ripe old age. In politics he was a lifelong Whig, and in religion he and his wife were mem- bers of Hopewell Presbyterian Church. Both were buried in the cemetery of that church.

William Burns was born in 1811, in Allegheny county, Penn., and during boyhood worked on the farm, and attended the rate schools of his neigh- borhood. About 1836 he was married to a Miss Saxton, of Hanover township, Washington county, who bore him four children, namely: John (de- ceased in youth), Elizabeth (Mrs. James Purdy, of Allegheny county), Melissa (twice married, first to Samuel Simpson, then to a Mr. Parkinson) and Sarah J. (Mrs. James Cain, of Beaver county, Penn.). The mother died, and for his second wife Mr. Burns was married to Nancy Crouse, of Han- over township, daughter of Jacob Crouse. Their children were Eveline (deceased), W. R. (subject), Ida (Mrs. Roscoe McClintock) and Andrew G. Af- ter his marriage William Burns located on the home farm in Hanover township, carrying on a success- ful business in general farming, and giving especial attention to the culture of small fruits. Polit- ically lie was an enthusiastic Whig and Repub- lican. He died in 1879, and was buried in Frank- fort cemetery. After his death his widow con- tinued to reside on the old place left by her hius- band, which she managed until the time of her tragic death, in February, 1890. She was stand- ing as a spectator by a boiler house (used by a pipe- line company to transport oil) which had been erected on her property, when the boiler exploded and Mrs. Burns sustained injuries which resulted in her death three days later. She was laid by her husband in Frankfort cemetery. They were both members of the Presbyterian Church at Frank- fort, in which he had served in various capacities.

W. R. Burns was born December 22, 1863, in Hanover township, this county, and passed his boyhood on the old place. On September 30, 1886, he was married to Lizzie Moore, who was born in 1865, a daughter of Russell and Hannah (Livingston) Moore, of Florence, this county. The young couple first located in Frankfort, Beaver Go., Penn., where he followed teaming in the oil fields, continuing in that business after coming to his present home. He has erected a

1415

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

very pleasant new residence on a part of the old homestead, where he is now living. He is a pro- gressivo young farmer of Hanover township, and in politics votes with the Republican party. Mr. and Mrs. Burns kanve three children: Willian L., Ralph L. und Nancy M., all living at home.

HOMAS SANDERS, a prominent farmer of Morris township, is a son of Stepken San- ders, and the only living representative of his family. Our subject was born in 1825, and received a limited education at the sub- scription schools of the section in which his father lived. The only business training he received was on the farm, on which he labored until maturity. In 1846 he married Jane Baldwin, born in 1827, a daughter of Selalt Baldwin, at the time a resident of Morris township, but who afterward moved West. Mr. Sanders has resided at his present place of residence, three miles northeast of Prosperity, since his marriage. To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sanders has come one child, Lavina, born in 1847; she was married to A. O. Wilson, and is now a resi- deat of Morris towaship. Mrs. Sanders died Febru- ary 16, 1866, and in 1867 Mr. Sanders married Cath- erine Mccullough, who was born April 7, 1836. To this union were born five children: Hannah Jane, born December 2, 1867; Manan, born Jan- uary 4, 1870; Judson B., born Angust 9, 1872; John Forrest, born April 23, 1875; and Addie Ari- zona, born April 21, 1877, all of whom are living and make their homes with their father. In poli- tics Mr. Sanders is a Democrat, and both he and his wife are members of the Mt. Hermon Baptist Church. In 1882 he erected the handsome dwell- ing which they now occupy, and he has retired from the active labor of the farm, which is carried on by his sons under his personal supervision.

W ILLIAM WILLSON is a prominent bus- iness man of Claysville, Washington county. His paternal grandfather was a native of the Emerald Isle, where he mar- ried, and soon afterward with his wife and child immigrated to America. He first went to Philadelphia, and some time later moved to Danphin county, Penn. , remaining there until his death. He had three children: James (a tailor and clothier in Philadelphia, Penn.), Elizabeth (Mrs. William Rogers) and William. After the death of her father, Mrs. Rogers lived with her brother James for some time, and then moved with her husband to Ohio, where she died.

William Willson was born March 18, 1789, in Dauphin county, Penn., and there learned the wheelwright's trade, which he afterward followed in both Dauphin and Washington counties. He en-

listed in the war of 1812, participating in the bat- tle of Baltimore, and served until the close of the war, when he came to Washington county and bongkt a small tract of land in Buffalo township, where the remainder of his life was passed. On October 10, 1822, he was united in marriage with Rachel, dangliter of James Keer, of Buffalo town- ship, and their children were as follows: Elizabeth, Jane, James, Margaret (Mrs. Thomas Hodgeas), John M., Mary (Mrs. George M. Warick), Emily, Rachel, and William. Mr. Willson was an intelli- gent and active business man. Politically he was a Democrat, and filled various township offices. In religion he was an ardent worker in and a trus- tee of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville. His wife died August 2, 1848, and he was laid beside her April 27. 1869.

William Willson (subject of our sketch) was born May 9, 1843, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the common schools of the township until about seventeen years of age, when he entered the employ of a builder and con- tractor. He remained with this man until he had mastered the various details of that business, and at the age of twenty-two years engaged with Alek- ander Buchanan in general contracting, which he continned for some time with marked success. Mr. Willson then began business for himself, and soon became one of the best architects and builders of his locality. He possessed very original ideas, and soon studied out entirely new designs, some of which were models of grace. After following this business for several years, he entered into partner- ship with D. M. Campsey in a general hardware store. They remained together about ten years, when Mr. Willson united with J. W. Barnes in the grocery business; two years later, Mr. Barnes sold his share of the property to the present partner of Mr. Willson, and they now carry a full line of goods, and conduct the largest grocery in Clays- ville. On October 6, 1868, Mr. Willson was united in marriage with Sadie C., daughter of Dr. John McCabe, of Buffalo township, this county. They have no children. He has ever favored all pub- lic enterprises which tended to advance the com- mon interests, and in political views he is an active worker in the Democratic party. In church con- nection, he is an earnest worker in the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, being especially interested in the Sunday-school, in which he is an officer.

M RS. MARTHA RANKIN is the widow of James Rankin, who was a grandson of John Rankin. John Rankin was born in Winchester, Va., and came with his par- ents to Washington county, Penn., about 1775, bringing colored help with them from Vir- ginia. He had a family of eight sons and two

1416

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

daughters, nearly all of whom were born in Win- chester, Va. He located in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, securing 1,800 acres of choice land, then a vast wilderness, which is now transformed into some of the finest farms of Washington county. Here he erected a log cabin, and made such im- provements as were possible, being in constant danger from the treacherous savages. But bravely and patiently he struggled on, establishing the pioneer home. After his sons had grown to man- hood, one of them, James, joined a party who went to establish a colony in Kentucky. They arrived safely, but during the return trip were attacked by the Indians, and James was killed, his fate being but one addition to that of the many pioneers who were practically martyrs to colonization. The parents of James passed the remainder of their lives on the frontier farm, both dying the same year.

Samuel Rankin, youngest son of John, was born July 18, 1769, in Winchester, Va., and came to this county in 1774. On January 7, 1796, he was married to Jane McConahey, who was born Febru- ary 18, 1775, daughter of a pioneer settler, and the following children were born to their union: William, John, David, Matthew, Samuel, Stephen, James, Matilda, Abigail and Jane. Of these chil- dren Jane (unmarried) is the only one now living; the others lived to an adult age and were citizens of Washington county. Samuel Rankin became a wealthy farmer, and lived on the old home farm, which is situated about two miles northwest of Hickory, this county. In politics he was a Demo- crat, and was one of the famous "minute men." In religion he and his wife were members of the Union Church. He died in October, 1820, being followed by his wife July 20, 1869, in her ninety- fourth year. The remains of both lie in the U. P. cemetery at Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township, this county. Their children were as follows: William, born November 24, 1796 (deceased January 13, 1884), John, born April 4, 1798 (deceased in April, 1866), David, born February 15, 1800 (deceased July 27, 1858), Matthew, born February 15, 1802 (deceased in June, 1880), Matilda. born March 22, 1804 (deceased in February, 1875), Samuel, born June 3, 1806 (deceased May 27, 1834), Abi- gail, born in October, 1808 (lived on the old home- stead), James (deceased, mentioned below), Stephen, born August 20, 1813 (deceased in Feb- ruary, 1877), and Jane, born February 6, 1817 (living in Burgettstown).

James Rankin was born March 24, 1811, in Mt. Pleasant township, and passed his youth on the old home place, receiving his education in the log schoolhouse of the day. In December, 1834, he was married to Martha V. Stevenson, who was born in 1813, daughter of James Stevenson, of Smith township, this county. James Stevenson

was a native of Washington county, and was here married to Jane Vance, who bore him children as follows: Ann (Mrs. Alexander Hays), John S., Elizabeth (Mrs. S. J. Ghist), Mary (wife of Patter- son Vance), Martha V. (married to James Rankin), Joseph, Edgar, and Rachel J. (wife of John B. Phillis). Mr. Stevenson followed the vocation of a miller, afterward opening a carding mill, and was also engaged in the undertaking business. He was first a Democrat in politics, then became a Whig, afterward uniting with the Republican party. He was formerly a member of the Raccoon Presbyterian Church, and when the Burgettstown Church was organized, became a regular attend- ant thereof.

James and Martha (Stevenson) Rankin first set- tled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and in 1868 moved to an adjoining place, coming to Burgettstown in 1884. They had the following children: Samuel N. (who enlisted in Company D, Twenty-eighth N. Y. Regiment, serving three months, then in 1863 entered the secret service under Gen. Banks, and was missing while en route to Richmond); James E., living in Mt. Pleasant township; Jane E., Mrs. Jobn P. Campbell; William Ray, who was drowned in 1846; John O., living in Baker City, Oregon: Jo- seph Vance, living in Wichita, Kans .; and Anna M. James Rankin was a popular and enterpris- ing citizen, having won success by his own exer- tions. He was a warm friend of educational prog- ress, and in religion was a member of the Mt. Prospect Presbyterian Church, of which he was a ruling elder for twenty-eight years. He died July 27, 1887, at Burgettstown, this county, where his widow is yet living. He was a justice of the peace for many years.

M RS. MARGARET HOOD is the widow of James Hood, who was born October 23, 1805, in Allegheny county, Penn., son of John Hood, a native of Ireland. James Hood was educated in the old-fashioned log schoolhouse of those days, and began to learn the trade of a tanner at an early age, but owing to failing health was compelled to abandon tliat busi- ness. On June 26. 1834, he was married to Mar- garet Burns, who was born November 23, 1814, in Allegheny county, Penn., daughter of John and Jane (Crooks) Burns. The children born to James and Margaret Hood were as follows: Jane, Mary, Nancy (who first married Samuel Ackleson, and is now the widow of Thomas Ramsey), Catherine (widow of William Moreland), John (a farmer of Hanover township), William (a farmer of Hanover township), Annie (now Mrs. William Banford, of Robinson township), James, Amanda, and George B. (farming on the home place). Of these chil-

The

4 th

drec

1417

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Iren Jane, Mary. James and Amanda are deceased. After his marriage James Hood worked for some time at his trade, and then located on the farm near Murdocksville, Hanover township, this county, where he successfully followed agricultural pur- suits until his death, which ocenrred July 13, 1866. He was buried in the Hopewell Church cemetery, Allegheny county, Penn. Mr. Hood was one of the leading members of the Hopewell Church, serving as an older for some time. He was a pros- perous and influential citizen. Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Hood has resided on the home place, surrounded by many friends, who hold her in the highest esteem. She is remarkably well preserved for a lady of her age. She has been a member of Hebron Church for thirty years.

H IRAM RABE. Among the most extensive stock dealers and wealthy agriculturists of Carroll township, this gentleman is a very prominent figure. He is a son of Jacob Rabe, an early farmer of Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn., who died when his son was yet a small child.

Hiram Rabe was born on the old Rabe home- stead, and after the death of his father resided with his grandparents until arriving at mature age, when he began life as a farm laborer at $5 per month. When a young man he married Catherine Fredreck, a native of Clover Hill, Washington Co., Penn., and she bore him five children, namely: W. T., living at home; David G., an agriculturist of Carroll township; James A., living with his father; Florence, now Mrs. Tucker, of Carroll township, and Anna M., married to a Mr. Black- enberger, of Monongahela. The mother of these children died January 29, 1876, and on April 4, 1877, Hiram Rabe was married to Matilda Teagar- den, who was born in Ohio, daughter of William Teagarden. At the time of his first marriage Mr. Rabe had but $500, which he invested with such excellent judgment that he is now a wealthy man, having acquired his property solely by personal en- terprise and industry. He served at one time as grand juryman at Scranton, Penn., and was then complimented by the judge for his ability in giving decisions according to the evidence. He has trav- eled quite extensively throughout the West, hav- ing visited Chicago, St. Louis, and other principal cities. He owns 400 acres of land in Carroll town- ship, where he is now conducting an extensive stock farm, keeping an average of 100 head of cattle, and also owning valuable real estate in Mo- nongahela. Politically, he votes with the Repub- lican party, and has served as school director, supervisor, and in various other local offices.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 220

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