Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 227

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 227

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C., Margaret C., Susan E. and John M. Since the death of her husband Mrs. Scott has had charge of the farm, which is now managed by her son, Harry C. Mrs. Scott is a member of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church, with which her husband was also actively identified.

A LLISON D. SWART is a descendant of Philip Swart, who emigrated from Germany with his family in about 1786, and locating in Amwell township, Washington Co., Penn., settled on a farm of 315 acres, which has since been owned by his descendants. He died about 1811, leaving two children-Jacob and Mrs. Susan Phillips.

Jacob Swart, son of Philip, was born near the old home in Amwell township, this county, and passed his early years at home, receiving his edu- cation at the subscription schools of the day. He was an excellent business man, and though he lived only to the prime of life, he became the owner of six farms, aggregating a total of 1,000 acres. His property was an enduring monument to the energy, good judgment and business capac- ity of a hardy and persevering pioneer. His wife was Miss Sarah Evans, of Amwell township, and ten children were born to them: Dorothy (Mrs. Mustard). Philip, David, John, Polly (Mrs. Huston), Henry, Abraham, George, Hiram and Char- lotte. Jacob Swart died on the old farm in Am- well township in 1815. In politics he was a Whig, and he was esteemed by all.

Hiram Swart, son of Jacob, and the father of the subject of this memoir, was born February 12, 1812, on Rees creek, Greene Co., Penn., where he lived for three or four years, at the end of which time his parents brought him to Washington county. When he was about twelve years of age, the family moved upon the old Swart farm in Am- well township, where he lived until about 1874. In 1845 he was united in marriage with Charlotte McGinnis, and she dying he married, for his sec- ond wife, Margaret Keys. He was again married, on this, the third occasion, to Mary Hastings, who bore him five children: Mary Emma, Allison D., David H., William H. and Maggie V.

Allison D. Swart was born October 11, 1862, in Amwell township, on the old farm where Mr. Bailey now resides. Here he remained until he was fourteen years of age, when he came with his father to the "Squire Hughes place," where he re- mained until his marriage. He received his edu- cation at the Swart and Birch schoolhouses, after- ward for three years attending the Pleasant Valley Academy, where he ranked among the first as a bright student. On November 6, 1886, Mr. Swart was united in marriage with Emma Iams, of Am- well township, and they have one son: Hiram Iams,

born December 11, 1887. Mr. Swart passed the years 1884 and 1885 in the West, and since his re- turn has resided continuously in Amwell, of which township he is one of the substantial young citizens. After marriage he began farming on the stock farm; then removed to his present home. He has a fertile, well-cultivated farm, where he carries on general agriculture, and he also does a good busi- ness in shipping hay. In the ranks of the Re- publican party he has proven himself to be a rising young politician. In church connection he is a Baptist.

M RS. E. L. WELSH. Joseph B. Welsh (deceased) was one of those citizens whose lives have been so filled with kindly acts and noble deeds, that their loss is felt not alone by kindred, but by the entire com- munity. Men of such character never die in the hearts of those who have been privileged to know and love them, but it is only a just tribute to their memory that the record of their lives should be given to those who follow after, as examples most worthy of emulation.

Joseph B. Welsh was a son of William Welsh, who was an associate and compeer of John Sloan, a congressman from Wooster, Ohio; Abner Leonard, a prominent Presbyterian minister; Jonathan Knight, an eminent engineer and member of Con- gress from Washington county, Penn. ; Drs. Joseph and Jonathan Letherman, eminent physicians; also of Hon. Joseph Lawrence, and many others. William Welsh served for many years as justice of the peace, and in the family library his docket is yet preserved, every entry made in clear, neat and orderly form, and written by a superior penman. The Rev. Dr. Estep, who is widely known as one of the most able clergyman of the Baptist faith, said of William Welsh that he "never met a inore logical or clear reasoner" than he. Mr. Welsh died many years ago, leaving a widow, eight daughters and two sons; one of the danghters was the first wife of G. V. Lawrence, of Monongahela.

Joseph B. Welsh, the second son of William, was born December 10, 1815, on the home farm in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., where his father died. He attended Washington and Jefferson College for a short time, but his services being required on the farm, he soon re- turned to assist his widowed mother in educating the younger children. He said to his mother: "I will remain with you until my sisters are educated and provided for," and most faithfully was that promise kept. His sisters were educated at the seminaries in Steubenville (Ohio) and Washington (Penn.), in due time leaving the maternal roof with husbands of their choice, who were all ac- ceptable to the family. After the death of his

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nother Joseph B. Welsh was united in marriage with Miss Emily L. Taylor, a lady, who though sev- ral years his junior, was yot especially fitted as his bride. He was a member of the Legislature in 1865-69, and passod most of his life on the farm where his ancestors had settled , nearly a century ago. In the halls of legislation, as executor or ad- ministrator of vast estates, as guardian of minors, in the relations of neighbor, husband and father, Joseph B. Welsh was equally able and invariably faithful to every duty. In social life he possessed genial, pleasant manners, was apt in conversation or roparteo, and having an unusually extensive knowledge of men and measures, was a most en- tertaining companion. In 1879 he was thrown from a horse, which accident caused a fibrous tu- mor in his left side that first began to develop in October, 1880. From that date his health rapidly declined, and he was laid to rest March 22, 1881, after a protracted illness. His last days were passed in perfect repose, for believing that the God who had given life knew best when that life should end, he submitted with the utmost res- ignation to his will. Mrs. Welsh is descended from one of the most highly respected families of Washington county, and is now residing in a beau- tiful home in East Bethlehem township. Her four daughters have been reared in culture and refine- ment, of whom three are married and living in Washington county; they are Rebecca (Mrs. Jo- seph Clark, residing in Pittsburgh), Ella (Mrs. Jonas Emery), Cora (Mrs. William H. Theakston) and Mary, at home.

W ILLIAM KEENAN. Among the well- known and prosperous agriculturists of Carroll township, this gentleman is prom- inently identified. He, like many of our most progressive citizens, traces his an- cestry to the Emerald Isle, for the warm blood of the true son of Erin flows in his veins. His grand- father, James Keenan, was born in County Down, Ireland, and passed his entire life on a farm in the old country. He reared a family of eight children, one of whom came to America. The father lived to the advanced age of one hundred years.

Samuel Keenan. son of James, was born in 1785, in County Down, Ireland, where his boyhood was passed; he worked on the farm, and attended the schools of the county. In 1813 he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Gourley, the only child of her parents, who died when she was an infant. He erected a pleasant home, and the young couple remained in Ireland until 1819, when they sailed to America. They came to Pennsylvania, and re- sided in different parts of Carroll township, Wash- ington county, for several years. He then bought and moved upon 110 acres of land in Carroll

township, and afterward purchased an additional 120 acres, adjoining the first farm. He was a Democrat in politics, and in religion he and his wife were members and liberal supporters of the Presbyterian Church. Samuel Keenan died in 1865, aged eighty years, followed by his wife in 1886, who died in her ninety-fourth year of heart failure. Their children were born as follows: James, Jane (Mrs. Nelson), Samuel (who died on the Atlantic Ocean, and was buried on an island), Elizabeth (wife of Robert Coulter), Samuel, Isaac, Sarah (married to John F. McElhenny), Robert, William, Hugh, Mary Helena, Joseph, Catherine (wife of John H. Huston, of Union township), and Isaac (a graduate of a medical college). Of this family, Jane, Sarah, William, and Catherine are yet living. James and Jane were born in Ireland, the others were natives of Pennsylvania.

William Keenan was born June 30, 1829, on the home place in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn. He attended school three months each season for three years, and spent most of his time in farm duties. In May, 1859, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth, daughter of Henry Myers, of Somerset township, this county. The young couple rented a place for one year, and in Septem- ber bought their present farm, adjoining the old homestead. They moved to their new home in the following April, and there six children have blessed their union, namely: Sylvester (deceased in childhood), Samuel (a carpenter, spent four years in the West, and is now living at home), Mina (wife of Dr. Farquhar), Henry M., John, and Iva N., all living with their parents. The home place consists of 130 acres, upon which Mr. Keenan has erected a handsome residence and other buildings, and has made many improvements. He is a Dem- ocrat, and has served faithfully as school director, road commissioner, assessor, auditor, judge of elections, and in various other local offices. Mrs. Keenan and her daughters are members of the Presbyterian Church.

M ARK B. KELSO. Notwithstanding the fact that this gentleman has been a citizen of Washington county for but a few years, he has become prominently associated with the interests of the community, and is recognized as a leading farmer. His parents, Benjamin and Martha (Murdoch) Kelso, were resi- dents of Allegheny county, Penn., where the fol- lowing children were born to them: Rebecca, John, George, Mary, James, Nancy, Margaret, Martha, Benjamin, Mark B., Samuel and Elizabeth. Of this family Rebecca, George, James, Benjamin, Mark B. and Samuel are yet living. Both parents were interred in the Robinson Run cemetery.

Mark B. Kelso was born November 17, 1835, on

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the home place in Allegheny county, Penn., where his youth was passed. When the Civil war began he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-third Pennsylvania Regiment, and among the engagements in which he participated may be mentioned Fredericksburg and Antietam. At the close of the war he received an honorable dis- charge, and returned home. He was married to Lizzie A., daughter of James and Sarah (Philips) McConnell, and children have been born to this marriage as follows: Sarah P. (wife of W. M. Templeton), Benjamin Edmund, Mattie M., James Alvin and John Mc. In 1876 Mr. Kelso came to Washington county, Penn., and purchased 184 acres in North Strabane township, where he has a beauti- ful home. In politics he affiliates with the Re- publican party, and in church connection the family are all members of the United Presbyterian Society.

OSEPH P. JEFFREY. The well-known family, of which this gentleman is a promi- nent member, has for many years been close- ly identified with the history and progress of West Pike Run township.

Joseph J. Jeffrey was born of Irish parents in Chester county, Penn., in 1772, and in 1788 pur- chased the old farm in West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. In 1796 he was married to Betsey Robison, who was born in 1781, in Lon- doun county, Va., and the young couple soon moved to the farm he had previously purchased. The place contained about two hundred acres of land, upon which he carried on a profitable busi- ness in farming and stock raising. Joseph J. Jef- frey died April 9, 1854, having been preceded by his wife June 16, 1833. The children born to this couple are named as follows: Amor, Job, Plessie, Mary, Benjamin and John.

Amor Jeffrey was born March 21, 1803, on the home farm in West Pike Run township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., where he learned carding and the woolen trade. He followed that business during early life, afterward devoting his attention to mill- ing and agricultural pursuits. On April 6, 1828, he was united in marriage with Sarah Gregg, a native of Washington county, Penn., born Sep- tember 8, 1805. To this union were born the fol- lowing children: Eliza, wife of Henry Gregg, a farmer of Greene county, Penn. ; Joseph P., sub- ject of sketch: Anderson; Benjamin F. ; Elizabeth, deceased February 18, 1875; Jacob, deceased May 16, 1883; John, deceased March 16, 1855; George W., deceased December 25, 1870; James J., de- ceased October 18, 1874; Eleanor, deceased Octo- ber 20, 1876, and Jackman, deceased January 24, 1844. The father was fond of literary pursuits, and in political opinion was a member of the Democratic party. He died June 15, 1885, hav- ing been preceded by his wife June 9, 1S80.

Joseph P. Jeffrey was born November 1, 1829. on the home farm in West Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn. His youth and early man- hood were passed on the liome place, where he studied medicine until the death of his tutor in- terrupted his preparation. Circumstances then arose which prevented his graduation, and for thirteen years afterward he worked for one farmer. Although he never graduated, Mr. Jeffrey has suc- cessfully treated the ills of his friends and kindred, and is probably better fitted for practice than many who have the title of M. D. affixed to their names. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Nancy Jane Hess, a native of Ohio, daughter of John Hess, and they have had three children, viz .: Mrs. Margaret Ann Bailey, now living with her father; Palmetta (deceased), and Luella (a cult- ured lady, married to William E. Robison, the genial postmaster of Beallsville, Penn., and pro- prietor of the Union Supply Co. store). The mother of this family died April 15, 1892.

Mr. Jeffrey has been proprietor of the principal hotel at Centreville, East Bethlehem township. for the past seventeen years. In politics he is a mem- ber of the Democratic party. Some years ago, while picking apples, he fell from the top of a twenty-five foot ladder, and thoughi so severely in- jured that the physicians declared he could not live, his wonderful vitality conquered, but he has never fully recovered from the effects.

W ILLIAM G. HORNER is descended from one of the oldest pioneer families of Washington county, Penn .. his grand- father, William Horner, having come hither from Adams county, Penn., in 1800, and passed the remainder of his life in agricultural pursuits. He died about the year 1860.

Joseph Horner (son of Williaui) was born in 1806, and grew to manhood on the home farm. He mar- ried Catherine Mitchell, who was also a native of Washington county, born August 25, 1817, and the young people settled on the home farm. The following children were born to their union: Will- iam G., Elizabeth B. (Mrs. Samuel Mitchell, of Piatt county, Ill. ). Nancy C. (wife of David Tem- pletou, of North Strabane township), Mary (Mrs. Abner Myers, of Somerset county, l'enn.), Louisa (living at home), and Martha J., Sarah E. and Margaret (all three deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Horner were members of the Presbyterian Church. The father of this family died May 29, 1874, and the mother passed away April 30. 1887.

William G. Horner was born September 16, 1834, on the home farm in North Strabane towu- ship. He was educated in the usual log-cabin country school of the vicinity, but has broadened his educational knowledge by observation and ex-

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perience. Ho has always followed agricultural pursuits, and is the owner of a well-cultivated and productive farm, which is furnished with tino stock. He is an active politieian, and has ever been a leader in all progressive movements of the community which tend to improve the general wolfare. Mr. Horner has never married, but his maiden sister, who is living with him, assists in providing the comforts and luxuries of a pleasant home.

R EV JAMES KENNEY is probably the old- est resident of East Bethlehem township at the present writing. He is a grandson of William Kenney, a native of Ireland, who, coming to America in an early day, located on Brandywine river, in eastern Pennsyl- vania, when that locality was an unbroken wilder- ness. He married a native of Ireland, and reared a family of children,one of whom joined the British army, and the little home, which had been won by years of privation, toil and danger, was confis- cated, lenving the parents penniless in their old age. The father died at an advanced age, and was laid to rest beside the scenes of his labor.

Benjamin Kenney, son of William, was born on the farm in eastern Pennsylvania, and there passed his early boyhood, being left a destitute orphan when very young. He was then bound out, and while serving his apprenticeship learned the trade of stone mason, which he followed ahnost all his life. He was married in Cumberland, Md., to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Amelia Blair, who were pioneers of Tennessee, whither they re- moved soon after the marriage of their daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Kenney resided in Cumberland about six years, during which time two daughters were born to them, Margaret and Mary, both of whom are long since deceased. Some years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Kenney came to Fayette county by way of the old "Braddock road;" the journey was long and perilous, but the family finally arrived in safety at their new home, where they resided six years. Here other children were born to them, of whom John was the only one who lived beyond infancy, and he died at the age of fourteen years. In 1802 the parents packed their worldly possessions in a cart drawn by one horse, and moved to Washington county, Penn. The father was then about forty years of age, and had saved a small sum of money, which he invested in a tract of land in East Bethlehem township. and contin- ned to follow his trade in connection with managing the farm. Slowly but surely the little hoard of savings increased, and the farm was finally given into the hands of James. After settling in Wash- ington county, four children were added to the family circle, namely; James, Wesley (a brilliant clergyman and renowned theological scholar),

William and Rebecca, the latter three being now deconsed. The father was a Republican in poli- ties, and served as one of the first constables of Washington county. In religion he was a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died in March, 1843, followed by the widow January 26, 1852; both were very old.

James Kenney was born January 11, 1806, in East Bethlehem township, Washington Co., Penn., and attended the usual log-cabin, puncheon-floored and slab-seated schoolhouse of the period. He has a vivid recollection of the severe old master who ruled with the rod to a degree which would not now be tolerated, Mr. Kenney having seen one young lady flogged until the blood trickled to the floor. As may be supposed, the literary advan- tages of such an academy of learning were of the most menger character, but these early obstacles were overcome by young Kenney. He eagerly im- proved each opportunity, for his eyes were upon a noble goal-he wished to be a clergyman-and with this aim in view the lad carried his Bible to the field, perusing its pages while the horses fed. In 1827 he was united in marriage with Ann, daughter of William Sproat, and she bore him four children, viz .: William, a prominent farmer of Ford county, Ill., Elizabeth (Mrs. Greenfield), deceased; Cyrus, a fruit grower of lower Califor- nia; and John Fletcher, of Ford county, Ill. The mother of this family died in 1838, and on Febru- ary 5, 1839, the father was married to Patience, daughter of Jonathan More, who was a soldier in the war of 1812, and died soon after his return, from disease contracted in the army. To Mr. Ken- ney's second marriage were born: Benjamin, Anna (Mrs. Freeman, of Florida, now deceased), Margaret (wife of Wilson Ward), one who died in infancy, James (living on the homestead), Sarah and Jo- sephine (twins, living with their parents), and Mary Manilla (wife of L. M. Cleaver). In 1841 Mr. Kenney obtained a license to preach, and filled his first pulpit at Liberty Chapel, near Washing- ton borough; he had eight appointments in his first circuit. He was never a member of a Confer- ence, preferring to remain at home, that he might superintend the rearing of his children. For the past five years Rev. James Kenney has been preach- ing in the Centreville M. E. Church; he is now eighty-seven years of age, his wife being in her eighty-fourth year. He has erected all of the buildings upon his farm. In politics he votes with the Republican party.

B ETHUEL DAY (deceased) was born in 1816 in Morris township, Washington county, son of Bethuel Day, who was a native of New Jersey, whence he removed to Wash- ington county before the beginning of the present

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century. Here he married Parmelia Raynor, whose ancestors also emigrated from New Jersey, and to them were born nine children: Stephen, Elias, Sally, Bethania, Jonathan, Hannah, Lemuel Fordham, Parmelia and Bethuel, all of whom are now deceased, Bethuel Day being the last of the family to pass away.

Bethuel Day devoted his whole life to his farm interests, and was known as one of the thorough, go-ahead, enterprising farmers in his section. He was an active Christian laborer, being looked upon as a leader in religious matters. He was a mem- ber of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Day was married in 1842 to Clarissa Teagarden, a danghter of Samuel Teagarden, of Franklin town- ship, Greene Co., Penn. The Teagarden family are of Prussian descent, the ancestors having come from Germany and located in Pennsylvania among its first inhabitants. For thirteen years after his marriage Mr. Day resided in East Finley town- ship, but in 1856 removed to Morris township, and located on the Moses Winget place, about one-half mile west of Old Concord, where he resided at the time of his death, which occurred December 19, 1890. His widow still lives on the old home place. To Mr. and Mrs. Day were born nine chil- dren: Oliver, who died at the age of one year; Louisa Catherine, wife of Edmond McVay, of Greene county; Allison, who died when four years old; Jane Parmelia, wife of Oliver Core, of Old Concord; Miriam Frances, wife of Simpson Harvey, of Morris township; Missouri, wife of Wilbur Swaine, of Washington county; John Elwood, who is united in marriage with Miss Millie Sprowls, of West Finley township, and resides in Morris town- ship; Emma Virginia, wife of Seaman W. Plants, of East Finley township, and Herschel, who died in infancy.

M ISS LETTICE McMURRAY, one of the well-known residents of Peters township, is a daughter of Archibald McMurray, whose father, James, was a native and lifelong resident of County Donegal, Ire-

land. He followed agricultural pursuits, and in early life was married to Margaret McFarland, also a native of Erin. She bore him three children: John, Jane and Archibald.

Archibald McMurray, son of James and Marga- ret, was born in 1766, in County Donegal, Ireland, and passed his boyhood in tilling the soil. When a young man he was married to Nettie, daughter of William Simpson, a resident of the same county. After his marriage Archibald McMurray followed farming and fishing for some time. In 1801 the young couple came to America, first locating in eastern Pennsylvania, and afterward settled in Al- legheny county, same State. They resided here

many years, and as time sped on children came to brighten their home as follows: James, William Edward, Jane, Margaret, John, Catherine, Lettice and Ann. But that dread disease, consumption, buried its deadly fangs in the frail forms, and one by one the children were laid to rest until, of that once happy family, but one daughter was left to the bereaved parents.

Lettice McMurray was born about 1812, in Alle- gheny county, Penn., where she resided twenty- five years. She then came with her parents and younger sister Ann to the home in Peters township, Washington Co., Penn. The mother and sister soon passed away, and Lettice cared for her father until his death, which occurred in 1852. The only living representative of her family, she yet resides on the farm, having lived alone until her health became feeble. She is an earnest member of the United Presbyterian Church, and is patiently await- ing the happy honr which will reunite her with the dear ones gone before. The home farm consists of 100 acres of land.

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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 227

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