Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 224

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 224

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R OBERT S. CALDWELL. The lives of our forefathers are full of interest to the modern citizen, not alone for their histor- ical valne, but as example and inspiration to the present generation, for truly has the poet said: "We are the same that our fathers have been;" and although surroundings may differ, yet the essential conditions of human life are ever similar, and every man can learn from the success of others, if he will heed the obvious lessons of their history. Robert Caldwell (grandfather of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch) was born in Maryland, of Scotch parents. He crossed the mountains in an early day, settling in Hope- well township, this county, on the farm adjoining the present home of his grandson. Two children were born to him: Samuel and Mrs. Touchill.

Samuel Caldwell was born in 1787, on the old place in Hopewell township, and was reared to manhood on the farm. In early life he was united in marriage with Jane, daughter of the Rev. Thomas Marquis, who preached the Gospel thirty- nine years. He was married to Jane Parks, who was born in 1750 and died in 1841, having been preceded by Mr. Marquis in 1827, in his seventy- ninth year. The Parks family were often forced to leave their home and flee to the fort for safety

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.from the hostile Indians. On one occasion James Parks, a brother of Jane, was working in the har- vest field, when he was surrounded by Indians and killed before he could escape. To the union of Samuel and Jane (Marquis) Caldwell children were born as follows: Thomas M., Robert S., Samuel, William S., Mary, Jane and Sarah, two of whom are now living: William S. (in Donegal township, this county) and Robert S. The father was an active politician of the Whig party, and in religious connection was a member of the Presby- terian Church of Buffalo, this county.

Robert S. Caldwell was born on the old home- stead, and assisted with the farm duties during his youth. In early manhood he was married to Mar- garet Templeton, who died seven months after- ward. Some time afterward he chose a second wife in the person of Caroline, daughter of Hon. William Vance, a prosperous farmer and ex-repre- sentative of Washington county, Penn. Five children were born to this union, viz. : Hannah J., Margaret, William, Samuel and Carrie (deceased in infancy). His third wife was Nancy, daughter of James, and granddaughter of George Work, who was born and reared in County Londonderry, Ire- land, and on March 3, 1780, was united in wedlock with Martha Dunlap, a native of Old Erin. Two children were born to their union: Alexander, born February 11, 1781, and Jane, born May 9, 1783. A few years after their birth the father determined to seek a home in the New World, and on July 24, 1789, he and his family boarded the brig "Keziah," at Londonderry, Ireland. After a stormy voyage of eight weeks they landed at Wilmington, Del., and in 1795 pushed farther westward in search of a cheap home. The long, tedious journey was made by wagon, the family ar- riving in Hopewell township, Washington county, Penn. They located in a log-cabin near Buffalo village, where he became a successful farmer. Three children were born after they arrived in America: Mary, born November 8, 1790; James, born September 12, 1792, and John D., born November 14, 1794. The parents both died in this county.

James Work was born in Wilmington, Del., and when three years of age was brought by his parents to the farm in Hopewell township, this county. He received a meager education in the subscription schools, and followed agricultural pur- suits during his early youth. On February 7. 1822, he was married to Grizzilla, daughter of Robert Tweed, who bore him two children: Eliza- beth Grizzilla, born December 20, 1823, and George T., born April 7, 1825. The mother of these children was called to her rest January 27, 1827, and on July 3. 1828, James Work was mar- ried to Margaret Caldwell, the following children

being born to their union: Martha L., born June 1, 1829; Agnes A., born November 17, 1831; Sarah J., born October 14, 1832; Mary B .. born May 8, 1834; Clarissa E., born November 8, 1835; Samuel C., born July 16, 1838; Maria I., born August 11, 1840; Margaret E., born October 26, 1842; and Sophia M. A., born March 6, 1846.

Politically Mr. Caldwell is a true-hearted Re- publican, and in religious connection is a member of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, to which he gives a liberal support.

OHN CULLEY is a worthy representative of a pioneer family of this county. His father, Levi Culley, was born about 1769, in Mary- land, and there married Esther Smith, who was born about 1775, same State. Levi Culley was a farmer, and in about 1800 came to Washing- ton county, Penn., the long journey being made in a large covered wagon, drawn by four horses. When crossing the Susquehanna river, a singular experience befel them, which might have ended more seriously. As the large, covered wagon stood on the ferry-boat a strong breeze was blowing, and the covered top served to catcli no small amount of wind, the force of which drove the boat some distance out of its course, causing much trouble in securing a suitable place to land, since they were unable to reach the usual place. This wagon con- tained the father and mother, with their two chil- dren, Jesse and Joseph. They proceeded on their journey, sleeping in their wagon beside the road at night, and finally arriving in Washington county, located near Bulger Station, Smith township, where the father rented a farm, and began work- ing upon it. He was a tenant on different farms several years, and by energy and economy event- ually accumulated a small sum, and purchased 277 acres of John L. Prondfit, in Hanover town- ship, this county, partially lying in Smith town- ship. Levi Culley was a cooper, and followed that trade in connection with farming. He was a hard- working man, never idle, and very successful in his business life. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion a member of Cross Roads Preshy- terian Church. He died in ISIS, and his widow, with the assistance of her sons, managed the estate which he left, until in 1847 she too was laid to rest by the side of her husband, in the Florence cemetery. Of their children the following is a brief record: Jesse was born in Maryland, and when but a small boy came to Washington county, Penn., with his parents (he was married to Susan, daughter of Elder John Duncan, and settled on a farm in Washington county, where he died in his seventy-second year); Joseph was married to

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Martha, daughter of Benjamin Scott, and settled on the farm now owned by their son, John S. ; George was the first child born after the family settled in Washington county (he was married to Jane Fulton, and was a farmer: he died in Hanover township, aged seventy-two years); Robert was a cabinet maker by trade (he married Amanda Me- Cond, and they settled in Florence, this county, where he died Angust 21, 1848); Sinie never mar- ried (sho died in early womanhood); Lydia was married to James Cubbison, a cabinet maker (they afterward settled on a farm in Guernsey county, Ohio, and in IS44 moved to a place near Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, where she died); Rebecca was the wife of William Cole, of Hanover township, this county, where she died; Levi learned the tailor's trade in Florence, this county, afterward entering into partnership with Andrew Conn, at Mansfield, Ohio (he married Mary Ann Butterfoes, and is now living on a farm in Morrow county, Ohio); Helen was united in marriage to Robert G. Smith, a farmer of Hanover township, this county, where she died.

John Culley, the youngest child of Levi and Esther (Smith) Culley, was born March 17, 1817, in Hanover township, Washington Co., Penn., on a farm adjoining the old homestead. His educa- tion was obtained at the "Coventry School," and as his father died when he was but an infant, his youth was passed with his widowed mother. On October 27, 1842, he was united in marriage with Julia Briceland, who was born in 1815, in Wash- ington, Penn., daughter of James Briceland, a hotel keeper. Her grandfather laid out the limits of Florence, this county. The children of John and Julia Culley are as follows: Jesse, a carpen- ter of Hookstown, Beaver Co., Penn. ; James, a bricklayer by trade, now a ranchman, of Montana; Levi S., a farmer of Hanover township, this county ; Thomas M., a farmer of Hanover township; Hettie J., Mrs. J. S. Malone, of Smith township, this county; Nancy, wife of James A. Malone, of Smith township, and Newton M., also of Smith township. After his marriage John Culley resided for ten years on a farm in Hanover township, this county, and in 1852 went to Harrison county, Ohio, locating near Scio, where he remained but a short time, then returned to his native county, first set- tling in Smith township, but afterward moving to Hanover township. In 1866 he purchased his present farm, where he has since resided, follow- ing general farming and stock raising. In politics Mr. Culley was formerly a Whig. and later a Re- publican. Both he and his wife are members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church. He is a stranger to sickness, and has ever been an indus- trious man, winning the esteem and confidence of all with whom he is associated.

D ANIEL DILLE, an esteemed rosident of Morris township, is a son of Lewis Dille, who was born upon the old home place in 1799. In 1822 he married Lucy McCollum, who bore him the following children: Ira (de- coased), Jesse M., Cephas, Daniel, Ephraim, John, David and Keziah. Lewis Dille died in 1885, and was followed by his wife the same year.

Daniel Dille, whose name opens this memoir, was born January 14, 1829, on his father's farm in Morris township, Washington Co., Penn. He received a somewhat limited common-school edu- cation, and remained at home till twenty-two years of age, when he began to learn the trade of a cooper, which business he followed twenty-five years. On February 27, 1850, he was united in marriage with Mary Jane Andrews, who was born July 9. 1833, a daughter of Ira Andrews, a resi- dent of Morris township. In 1851 he purchased of his father the well-improved farm lying about three miles northeast of Prosperity, in Morris township, this county, which is still in his pos- session. The following children were born to this union: Caleb M., born February 11, 1852, a resi- dent of Washington, Penn., and married to Sarah Dille, daughter of Ephraim Dille, of Morris town- ship, and Elizabeth Ann, born August 11, 1854, wife of Henry Sanders, and a resident of Morris township. On December 21, 1854, Mrs. Dille died, and October 4, 1855, Mr. Dille married Catherine Mc- Vay, daughter of Samnel Mc Vay, of Morris township, this county, and their children are: Benjamin F., born August 31, 1856, residing on his father's farm in Morris township; Charles Osborne, born July 20, 1858, a resident of Sycamore, Greene Co., Penn., and married to Amanda Sanders; Hugh Hanna, born Au- gust 27, 1860, living with his parents; Sarah Hanna, born May 3, 1863, wife of Clark Wilson, and residing in the northern part of the county. In 1890 Mr. Dille retired from the farm, removing to Pros- perity. In politics he is a Democrat, and he and his wife are members of the Upper Ten Mile Pres- byterian Church at Prosperity.

OSIAH KERR was born May 2, 1839, in Washington county, Penn. He is of Scotch descent, James Kerr, the earliest pioneer of the family name, being a son of James Kerr, a native and lifelong resident of Scotland. James, his son, when yet a boy, came to America, and made a permanent home in Washington county, Penn. He was twice married, and reared a large family of children. He was a miller and wheel- wright by trade, which vocations he followed through life; he died in 1869.

James Kerr, father of subject, was the second son by his father's first marriage, and was born

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December 16, 1815, on the home farm in this county, where he grew to manhood. He was mar- ried to Mary Crawford, who was born June 2, 1816, also a native of Washington county. Ten children were born to their union, four of whom are now living. Mr. Kerr was an active politician; he was justice of the peace three years, served several times as judge of elections, and also held the offices of supervisor, auditor and school di- rector. He and his wife were active members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was an elder. He died December 25, 1891, having been preceded by his wife September 4, 1889.

Josiah Kerr, the second child in the family of ten children born to James and Mary (Crawford) Kerr, was reared and educated on the home farm in North Strabane township. On November 7, 1866, he was united in marriage with Miss Mar- garet J. Patterson, who was born September 21, 1835, in the house where she was married. Her father, Ezra Patterson, was born in 1800, in Adams county, Penn., where he was afterward married to Nancy Horner, who was born June 10, 1800, in Washington county. They reared the following children: William, Joseph B. and David WV. (twins), James, Margaret (Mrs. Kerr), Sarah E. (wife of P. B. Dow), Anna M. (Mrs. W. H. Murray), Elizabeth, John S. and an infant, the latter three of whom are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson were active members of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek. He died December 4. 1863, and on January 28, 1892, Mrs. Patterson was laid to rest; she had passed her ninety-second birthday.

To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Josiah Kerr have been born two children: Mary A. and James F. Mr. Kerr has ever been identified with every move- ment tending to promote the general good of the community, is actively interested in politics, and has held the office of township auditor. He and his wife are members of the Fairview Presbyterian Church.

A NDREW JACKSON. The Jackson family were numbered among the first of those heroic men and women who, leaving child- hood's home and early friends, braved in- numerable perils to establish civilization in the unbroken wilderness. When we read the record of these early martyrs we may well exclaim with the poet :

Whom do we call our heroes, to whom our praises sing ? The pampered child of fortune, the titled lord or king ? They live by others' labor ; take all and nothing give.

The noblest types of manhood are those who work to live.

In 1772 two brothers, Joseph and Philip Jack- son, came from their Eastern home in search of Government land, and, crossing the mountains,

pushed on till they stood on the western shore of the Monongahela river, within the limits of what is now Washington county. They were finally at- tracted by the heavy timber and thick shrubbery indicative of fertile soil, and pausing on the bound- aries of Hanover township, proceeded to mark out an extensive claim with their tomahawks. Their only weapons were two trusty "flint-locks," with which to defend themselves against the prowling beasts of the forest or a more wily human foe. Traces of Indians were plentiful, and with the ut- most caution did the young men move from tree to tree, marking off their claim, and ever listening for the stealthy footfall of moccasined feet. They suc- ceeded in thus taking up an immense tract of land, but desiring to form a colony, returned to their homes before making any improvements. By offer- ing every possible inducement, they persuaded a number to return with them and seek a fortune in the "far West." Any article of clothing was ac- cepted in lieu of payment for land, some giving a hat, or shirt, or any article most easily spared. When the colony was at length fully organized, they bid a last farewell to friends and neighbors, and with the necessary supplies began the toilsome journey over the mountains, finally arriving safely at their destination. A rough shelter of poles and leaves was immediately erected, which was soon supplanted by log cabins, and religious services were then held regularly. In the absence of any minister, prayer meetings were held, and a church being organized, the two Jackson brothers were ap- pointed as the first elders, both of whom con- tributed liberally to its support. It is impossible to exaggerate the intrepid spirit and untiring energy of these men, who gave their lives that fut- ure generations might enjoy the blessings of a prosperous home. The following children were born to Joseph Jackson: Thomas (who moved to Belmont county, Ohio, locating on the farm whichi is now the site of Centreville), Edward, Fanny (wife of Robert Scott), Rosanna (Mrs. Jonathan Potts) and Deborah (married to Joseph Crawford).

Edward Jackson was reared amid the privations of frontier life. receiving a very limited education, and from early youth assisted in clearing the land. He was married to Rebecca Jackson, a native of Maryland, and danghter of William Jackson (no relation of Edward), who came to Hanover town- ship in an early day. To the union of Edward and Rebecca Jackson sixteen children were born, of whom the following attained an adult age: Eliza- beth (Mrs. John Mayhew, of Pngh, W. Va. ), Mary (wife of David Fulton, of Hanover township), Lydia (Mrs. John Mccullough, of Florence), William (of Hanover township), Edward, George, Thomas, Andrew. David, Simeon and Rebecca. Of these Joseph E. and Andrew are yet living. The father was originally a Whig, but during

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Jackson's administration joined the Democratic party. In religions connection he was a zealous member of the M. E. Church, although reared in the Presbyterian faith. Ho died in 1848, having been preceded by his wife about five months. They are buried in the cemetery at Florence.

Andrew Jackson was born January 31, 1815, on the old home place, where his grandfather had set. tled forty years before. He attended the rate schools a few months during the winter season, but was early trained to farm work, his first duty in that line being to walk along with his father and keep the weeds from the coulter with a stick, as the farmer plowed with a wooden mould board. On February 18, 1849, Andrew Jackson was married to Sarah Campbell, who was born March 15, 1818, a daughter of Launcelot Campbell, of Smith town- ship, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Jackson have had two children, viz. : Margaret Sylvania (Mrs. Jona- than Tucker, of Hanover township) and Ellsworth (an agriculturist of Hanover township). The par- ents began wedded life on their present farm, which he purchased from the heirs of Judge Redick, who were then living in Illinois. Mr. Jackson has de- voted his entire attention to his farm, which has prospered under his care. He is a most agreeable companion, possessing an interesting fund of gen- eral information. Politically he was formerly a Whig, and now votes the Republican ticket, but is not bound by party lines on special occasions, and is a bitter enemy of monopolies in every form. He is a member of the M. E. Church, his wife being identified with the Presbyterian Society.

H ENRY STOLLAR, a retired farmer of East Finley township, now living in Claysville, was born in Schuylkill county, Penn. His father, Andrew Stollar, was a native of the same county, where he was reared and educated, and, in 1821, Andrew came with the family to Washington county. They made the journey in emigrant wagons, and finally settling in East Finley township, purchased a farm of 100 acres, which was but slightly improved, and covered with thickets.

Andrew Stollar was married to Rosanna, daugh- ter of George Ely, who came to Washington county some years prior to the Stollar family. The following children were born to this union: Peter, Henry, William, Daniel, Rosanna (Mrs. Peter Earnest), Christina (Mrs. Isaac Earnest), Catherine (Mrs. George Plants) and Mary (Mrs. Henry Sprowls). Mr. Stollar was a Democrat, an active worker in the party. In religion he and his family were members of the United Brethren Church.

Henry Stollar (the subject of our sketch) was born March 12, 1811, and in his boyhood days at-

tended the subscription schools. The " classic balls of learning " were at that date erceted from rongh hewn logs, and each one was furnished with a huge fireplace, puncheon floor and other primitive furni- ture. In 1832 he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of George Ely, and five children were born to their union: Peter, George, Reuben, William and James. The mother of this family died in 1840, and Mr. Stollar was afterward mar- ried to Jemima, daughter of George Nickerson, of West Bethlehem township, this county. They have had onedaughter, Sarah (wife of Charles Ely). Mr. Stollar first purchased 100 acres of wild land, and erected a house upon it, remaining there twelve years, when he bought the farm of 230 acres that he now owns, and which he has much improved. He has always been an active member of the Democratic party, and cast his first vote for Jackson. He is a zealous worker in the United Brethren Church with which he is connected.

EWIS ZEDIKER, one of the oldest members of the family of that name in Washington county, and a citizen of South Strabane, was born in that township January 27, 1827.

John Zediker, grandfather of our subject, was a native of eastern Pennsylvania, and in their youth he and his brother David, having an eye to the grandeur and fertility of the then "far West," set out to "spy the land," ostensibly on a hunting expedition, and finally arriving in Washington county, they were so fascinated with the beauties and attractions of South Strabane township, that they here resolved to remain and cast their lot. John had, while in eastern Pennsylvania, learned the trade of blacksmith, which he carried on for many years in the county of his adoption. Soon after his arrival he married Margaret, daughter of Ludwig Smith, who was among the earliest settlers of the county, and the children born to this union were Lewis, Susan (Mrs. Joseph Hallam), Eliza- beth (Mrs. George Smith), Julia A. (Mrs. James Schwisher), Mary (Mrs. Matthew Dook) and John. Mr. Smith took a "tomahawk claim " of nearly a thousand acres of wild land, a part of which is now occupied by the subject of this sketch. He early identified himself with the politics of his section, and was prominent among the Federalists. In church matters he also took an active interest, and in the organization of the Lutheran Church in Amwell township he was a prominent factor. In this Society he was an elder for many years.

John Zediker, father of the gentleman whose name opens this sketch, was born December 11, 1800, in South Strabane township, this county, and received his education in the subscription schools of the neighborhood. He was married to Mar-

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garet, daughter of James Guthrie, and they reared five children, namely: Lewis, Susan, Thomas, John and James. After marriage Mr. and Mrs. John Zediker settled on a farm in South Strabane town- ship, where they passed the remainder of their days, Mr. Zediker dying November 6, 1874, Mrs. Zediker February 18, 1881. They were active members of the M. E. Church, and among its most liberal supporters; politically Mr. Zediker was a Whig of the old school.

The youth of the subject of these lines was passed on the home farm, and he attended, as cir- cumstances permitted, the subscription schools of the neighborhood. He dutifully remained with his parents until their death, and after that event continued to reside under the parental roof, carry- ing on the duties of the farm in company with his brothers. They are among the largest landholders of South Strabane township, owning at the present time nearly 1, 100 acres of choice land. Mr. Zediker is a member of the M. E. Church; in politics, originally a Whig, he has, since the organization of the Republican party, been one of its strongest supporters, and has been actively interested in the development and improvement of the educational system in his locality.

OSEPH P. LEECH, a worthy representative of an old pioneer family of Washington county, is a grandson of James Leech, who was born in County Down, Ireland, and there married to Jane Reynolds, by which union were born three children: John, Thomas and William. Having decided to try life in the New World, the grandfather, in company with his family and a brother Robert, sailed from Ireland in 1774. They landed at Philadelphia, where the brothers separated, Robert going south, eventually settling in South Carolina, while James and his family pushed farther west, first locating in North- ampton county, Penn. In August, 1775, they came to Smith township, Washington county, and in the unbroken wilderness erected their one- room log cabin home, which compared very favor- ably with the homes of the other early settlers. With his firearms as constant companions, James Leech began the herculean task of transforming the unsightly forest into a fertile farm. Eight years passed away before civilization had rendered the little home comparatively safe from attacks of the Indians, and in the meantime the settlers were often forced to flee to the neighboring block- house for protection, which blockhouse stood on the old Leech farm. Undaunted by the toil and privations of this life, James Leech found time and strength to take part in the national struggle of his adopted country. Her canse was his, her liberties dearer to his heart than life, and with the

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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 224

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