Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 228

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 228

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SAAC HORN, one of the most prominent farm- ers of West Bethlehem township, is a grandson of John Horn, who was one of that township's earliest settlers, he having come from east of the Alleghany mountains early in the opening up of Washington county, locating upon a large tract of land in the southern part of the township.

Here, abont 1796, was born Jacob Horn, the father of subject. His boyhood was spent in at- tending the subscription schools, held in the little log-cabin schoolhouses of that period, and subse- quently he learned the cooper's trade, which he followed for a number of years. At the age of twenty one he found himself possessed of little more than the education gleaned from the meager teachings of the primitive schools, his trade, and a strong and rugged constitution. He started man- fully to work at coopering, making casks, barrels, tubs. etc., many of which were used by parties up- on whose property were located still-houses. Soon after attaining his majority he married Priscilla Addeman, a daughter of John Addeman, who was then a resident of Morgan township, Greene county, and not long afterward he and his young wife moved to Harrison county, Ohio, where they lived for several years, and here their son Isaac was born. Soon tiring, however, of the new country, they returned to Pennsylvania, taking up their residence upon the home farm, where Isaac still resides. Here were born to them the following children: Samuel, now living in Iowa: Sarah, de- ceased; Demas, a prominent farmer of West Beth- lehem township, residing on the farm adjoining that of his brother Isaac: John, of near Mills- boro, Greene county; Catherine (deceased); Jacob,

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who died in early boyhood, and Elizabeth, living in Washington county. The father died in 1859, having been preceded to the grave by the mother in about 1844.

Isaac Horn was born May 20, 1824, in Harrison county, Ohio. When he was about three years old, his parents, as above mentioned, returned to Pennsylvania, where he has since passed his life. His education, like that of his father, was of the log cabin school extraction, primitive but sub- stantial. Mr. Horn vividly remembers the seats in the school, which were made of slabs, as were also the desks, and the other furnishings were on a par. When not at school, or assisting in clearing and improving the property then owned by his father, the lad's time was occupied in learning his father's trade, coopering. In the boyhood of our subject much of the country was yet woodland, and many wild animals still roamed the hills and forests. In November, 1844, Mr. Horn married Amy, daughter of Jacob Cox, of East Bethlehem town- ship, and he remained on the old homestead, which came into his possession upon the death of his father. To Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Horn were born the following children: Noah, a merchant of Clarktown, Amwell township; Annabel, Priscilla and William I., living at home with their father. William I. is married to Hannah Craig, of West Bethlehem township, and is now conducting the farm work. Mr. Horn's residence is quiet, yet impos- ing, situated in the center of a thriving community, about a half mile from Zollarsville, and all the int- provements, which are numerous, have been made by him. The house was erected in 1866, the barn and ont-buildings, all of which give his place an air of prosperity, having been built a few years later. Politically Mr. Horn is a lifelong Repub- lican, and in religion a member of the Disciple Church. His wife, Amy, departed this life March 16, 1883, deeply lamented, by not only her own family, but by all who knew her.

Ţ HOMAS CAIN was born January 25, 1823, in Greene county, Penn., and is a worthy representative of a well-known pioneer fam- ily. His grandfather, John Cain, was a native of Ireland, and in early manhood immigrated to America, locating in Maryland, where he was united in marriage with Mary Means. About 1785 he came to Greene county, Penn., where brothers of his wife had located a year or two before. Here the following children were born to him: Thomas, Dennis, John, Nancy, Mary, Elizabeth and Catherine, all now deceased. John Cain, the father of this family, was among the early pioneers of Greene county, and shared the hardships and dangers of frontier life. He died

about 1830, and his widow then returned to her native Maryland, passing the remainder of her life among her relatives.

Thomas Cain, the eldest son in the above mon- tioned family, was born in 1784, in Maryland, and when a young child was brought by his parents to Greene county, Poun. Almost every farmer oper- ated a distillery in those days, and the youth of Thomas was passed in assisting in that work, and in the duties of the farm. He was naturally an apt and intelligent boy, and his meager educa- tional opportunities were thus supplemented; he was also a mechanical genius, and made good use of almost any tool. In 1812 he was married to Mary Montague, who was born in 1784, a dangh- ter of Henry and Rosanna Montague, who left County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1792, and after a stormy voyage of eleven weeks and three days landed at New Castle, Del. They first located in eastern Pennsylvania, and soon afterward began the long journey to Kentucky, of which State they had heard so many glowing descriptions. But the severe winter of 1793 set in when the travelers had reached Washington county, so they concluded to remain there until spring, and made a temporary location in Canton township. During this interval they met an old frontiersman who had been in Kentucky, and, knowing the hostile disposition of the Indians at that time, he advised this family to remain in Pennsylvania. Mr. Montague took the advice, and proceeding a few miles farther west, made a permanent home in Donegal township, near the present postoffice of Coon Island. To Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Cain were born the follow- ing children: Henry (deceased at the age of ten years), Nancy (deceased wife of James Reynolds), Rosanna (who married Patrick Reynolds, and died at a good old age), John (farming in Donegal township, Washington county), Thomas (our sub- ject) and Henry. Mr. Cain lived in Greene county, Penn., for some time after his marriage, and in 1824 made a permanent home on the old Montague farm, near Coon Island, Donegal township, Wash- ington county. He was an industrious and snc- cessful man, respected by all who knew him. He died in 1837. his widow on March 17, 1860.

Thomas Cain, when but a small child, came with his parents to Donegal township, Washing- ton county, and passed his boyhood on the home farm, of which he and his brothers took charge when the father died. His education was received at the common schools, but has since been supple- mented by reading and observation. He has always followed agricultural pursuits, and now owns a part of the home farm upon which his brother Henry resides. Mr. Cain is living with his brother John, and has never married. Polit- ically he is a Democrat, and in religion a member of the Catholic Church.

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S' IMON WONSETTLER, a prosperous and widely-known farmer and stock raiser of West Bethlehem township, is a native of the county, born in Amwell township March 6, 1850.

Nicholas Wonsettler, grandfather of Simon, was born in 1754, in West Bethlehem township, this county, and died at the age of eighty years. He had two children, Jonathan and Samuel, the latter of whom died in infancy. Jonathan passed his early years in assisting his father on the farm, and in attending the common schools. He was united in marriage with Delia Simmons, a daughter of John Simmons, who was of German parentage, and to this couple were born the following named children: Anna, Elizabeth, Demas and Simon.

Simon Wonsettler when twenty-one years of age bought the farm of fifty - five acres in West Bethlehem township, where he now resides. On August 20, 1871, he married Clara Garrett, a daughter of Samuel Garrett, of West Bethlehem township, and they have one daughter, Nora, born September 18, 1876. Mr. Wonsettler is a Democrat, and exerts a weighty influence in the politics of his vicinity. Both he and his wife are earnest members of the Lutheran Church.

OHN WILLIAMS, a successful farmer of East Bethlehem township, is a son of Daniel, whose father was a native of West Virginia, where Daniel was born. The latter became a ferryman on the Monongahela river, and after- terward a teamster on the National pike, making many trips to Baltimore; and after losing a large sum of money in some unfortunate investments, died on a farm in East Bethlehem township. He was married to Amelia Thompson, who bore him children as follows: Mrs. Sarah Ann Gibson, Mrs. Mary Ann Elliott, Mrs. Susan E. Mccullough (living in West Virginia), Eliza (of Putnam county, Ill.), Amelia Barbara (of Putnam county, Ill.), Hannah Jane (of Lock No. 5, Monongahela river), John, and one who died in infancy. Of these are now living Susan E. and John.

John Williams was born April 3, 1829, in the house now owned by one Watkins, on a place in East Pike Run township, Washington county. At the age of sixteen he began to learn the black- smith's trade, and after serving a three years' ap- prenticeship, followed that business thirteen years, then devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits. On October 20, 1850, he was married to Nancy, daughter of Robert Gilles, and their children were Robert G., born October 19, 1851, died August 29, 1852; Daniel W., born December 22, 1852. a farmer of Putnam county, Ill. ; and Samnel James, born April 18, 1856, a farmer of Harlan county, Neb. The mother died April 29, 1856, aged twen-

ty-eight years ten months, and for bis second wife John Williams was married, on February 7, 1858, to Anna, daughter of Curtis and Esther Pyles, natives of Washington county, Penn. To this union children were born as follows: Ida Florence, born June 30, 1859, died July 7, same year; Flora Belle, born October 29, 1860, wife of Homer Crumrine; Curtis, born June 24, 1863, liv- ing in Pittsburgh, Penn., and Emma May, born October 21, 1865, living at home. Mrs. Williams was laid to rest December 13, 1868, aged thirty- three years two months seven days, aud on No- vember 29, 1873, he was united in marriage with Ann, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Morris. Three children have blessed this marriage, as fol- lows: Ella M., born September 1S, 1875; Elvarette, born October 15, 1877, and Oliver J., born De- cember 24, 1881, who died April 23, 1886. Mr. Williams has been au enterprising business man, and now owns 122 acres of good land, which he devotes to agricultural interests. In politics he is a Republican. and has served as auditor and super- visor of East Bethlehem township. Mrs. Williams and her daughters are members of the M. E. Church.

C LOSSER, JOHN and DEMAS, are repre- sentatives of one of the oldest families of Amwell township. Their grandfather, John Closser, moved from "Old Virginia " to Washington county, Penn., about 1790, and, set- tling on the farm which is now the property of Stephen B. Day, took up a tract of 200 acres, which he owned for several years. He was united in marriage with a Miss Peck, of Amwell township, and to their union were born three sons and two daughters: James, Daniel. Anna (Mrs. Chambers), A. J. aud Athla (Mrs. Van Kirk). Mr. Closser had a limited school education, but was a well- informed man. Politically he was a Democrat, always taking an active interest in the welfare of his party and all public affairs of the township. In his religious views he was a Qnaker. He lived on the farm twenty-four years, and after his death, which occurred in 1814, it became the property of his two sons.

A. J. Closser was born in 1813 on the old home- stead in Amwell township, and remained there thirty years, engaging in farm work. He was educated in the common schools, and was a well- read and intelligent man for that period. In 1842 he was married to Aunie Moninger, who died in 1847. leaving two sons, John and Frank- lin. After the death of this wife, Mr. Closser married, in 184-, Sarah Totten, and to this union were born five sons and one daughter: Demas. Henry M., James W., Samples S., Francis Moran and Anna. In 1852 Mr. Closser purchased the

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irm of 120 acres now occupied by his son John, nd two years afterward sold it, and purchased the lace which is his present home. He is a Dem- erat, but votes for principle regardless of party ivisions, when he thinks occasion demands it.

JOHN CLOSSER, son of A. J. and Annie (Moninger) 'losser, was born February 8, 1843, on the ances- ral acres in Amwell township, and when nine ears of age moved to the farm which he still cenpies. In 1862 he oulisted in Company D, One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., and remained luring the whole service. He was in all the ngagements of his company, was not wounded, ut had five holes made in his clothing from the quemy's bullets, and he was once slightly injured y a ball. After his return from the war, he turned o the more peaceful life of an agriculturist. He vas united in marriage with Miss Annita Mowl, of West Bethlehem township, Washington county, which union was blessed with four children: Maggie B., Willie C., Pearl and Flora. In political opinion Mr. Closser follows in the steps of his fore- athers, and votes the Democratic ticket. He has een justice of the peace in Amwell township eight rears, and during that time, becoming interest- ed in law, has passed his leisure time in the diligent study of the principles of that profession, and so well has he improved the time that he will be soon admitted to practice. He was for three years a student at Pleasant Valley Academy. Mr. Closser and his family are all earnest workers in the Dis- ciple Church of Lone Pine.

DEMAS CLOSSER was born in 184-, on the old farm of Stephen Day, and remained there about five years, when his parents brought him to the old Closser place, sitnated on the north branch of Ten- Mile creek. He remained on this farm fifteen years, attending the common schools, working for his father by the month, and giving him his wages until he was twenty-one years of age, when he continued to work by the month for four years; then bought part of the old Riggle farm, on which he lived for about five years; then sold this, purchased and came to his present home. In 1874 he was married to Mary Luellen, who has borne him three children: Gracie Estella Myrtie, May C. and George Lalier. Mr. Closser has a valuable farm of sixty-seven acres, equal to any land in the vicinity. Politically he is a Democrat, and takes a warm interest in all questions pertaining to good local or national government.

W ILSON WARD. This enterprising and native-born farmer of Washington coun- ty comes of Maryland ancestry, his father, William Ward, having moved from that State to Washington county at an early day. 68

Wilson Ward was born February 22, 1823, in Alleu township, near Belle Vernon, and was in boyhood inducted into the various ardnous duties of farm life, a few weeks in the winter season being devoted to attending the primitive schools of the neighborhood. On February 28, 1867, he married Miss Margaret M., daughter of Rev. James Kenney, and granddaughter of Benjamin Kenney. After marriage Mr. Ward bought the farm in East Bethlehem township on which he now rosides, comprising 186 acres of valuable land, all in a high state of cultivation. Here he carries on general agriculture, including stock raising, etc., and has met with well-merited success. To Mr. and Mrs. Ward have been born children as follows: William, January 2, 1868; Le Moyne, February 7, 1870; Theodore, August 23, 1874, and Walter E., January 23, 1880, all still living under the parental roof. William H. at one time conducted a store in the village of Fredericktown, this county, but, unfortunately, was burned out in April, 1891, and he has since been assisting his father on the farm. In his political preferences our subject is a Republican, but is not active, as his time and attention are exclusively devoted to his farm dnties. He and the family are members of the M. E. Church, and are highly esteemed by a large circle of friends.

A DDISON A. GRIFFITH. The Griffith family, of which this gentleman is a worthy representative, comes of Irish ancestry, David Griffith, the grandfather, having em- igrated from that country to America in an early day. He and his family first located on a farm in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., then moved to a place near Claysville, Donegal township, and finally went to Monroe county, Ohio, where he died, leaving children as follows: Benjamin, Samuel, John, David. Ephraim, Eliza- beth, Anna, Charlotte, Rachel, Jonah and Levi. The father in his political preferences affiliated with the Whig party; in religion he was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Miller's Run.

Levi Griffith, son of David, was born May 10, 1809, in Cecil township, Washington Co., Penn., where his early education was received. In 1830 he married Margaret, daughter of James McClel- lan, of Mt. Pleasant township, this county. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Griffith resided in Chartiers township, this county, two years, then came to Canonsburg, where he died in 1883. He followed the business of a contractor and builder, in politics was a Whig and Republican, and in religion a member of the U. P. Church, which he served as trustee. His widow is yet living, in her eighty-eighth year, the mother of the following children: Nancy J. (wife of Rev. W. J. Alexander),

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David, James, Ada A. (Mrs. John A. Boone), Allie (wife of Andrew W. Miller) and Addison A.

Addison A. Griffith was born July 5, 1842, in Canonsburg, Penn., where he received a thorough training at the public schools. At the age of eighteen years he was appointed assistant in the quartermaster's office, army of the Cumberland, remaining there sixteen months, and was then transferred to the Department of the Shenandoah, where he was until the close of the war. He then returned home, and going to Oil City, Penn., en- gaged in trading in oil, hay, grain and general produce. A year later he opened a general store at Freeport, Armstrong Co., Penn., which included dry goods, notions, boots and shoes. He conducted this business eighteen months, then managed a hotel at Sioux City, Iowa, one year, and afterward, having purchased a stock of goods, opened a store about sixty miles north of Sioux City, and there remained two years. He then resided on a farm in Iowa several years, and, moving from there to Da- kota, sold agricultural implements there for two years; thence returned to the farm in Iowa, and finally located in Canonsburg, Washington Co., Penn. He served several years as division officer of the Morganza Reform School, and soon after- ward opened the extensive tobacco establishment in Canonsburg which he is now conducting. In 1870 Addison A. Griffith and Mary, daughter of Rev. William Galbraith, were united in marriage. Rev. Galbraith was married to a Miss Backup, and their children were John, George, Mary (Mrs. Griffith), Ellen and Laura.

Two children were born to the union of Addison A. and Mary Griffith, namely: William, conducting a large shoe business at Mansfield, Penn .; and Maggie. For his second wife Mr. Griffith was united in marriage with Hannah, daughter of Godfrey Cook, one of the oldest families of Wash- ington county, and they have two daughters, Mary and Clara. Mr. Griffith is widely known as an enterprising business man, and is actively identi- fied with the interests of the Republican party. He is a member of the United Presbyterian Church.

J D. SCOTT. The Scott family were early pioneers of Washington county, and are of Scotch descent. Joseph Scott, the oldest representative, was born about 1761, in Scotland, coming to America during the lat- ter part of the eighteenth century. He first lo- cated in York county, Penn., where he was married to Martha Paden, who was born in 1763. Prior to 1788, when Washington county was sparsely settled, he came from York county, and made a home in the eastern part of Hanover township, this county, near Raccoon creek, securing control of an immense tract of wild land. A cabin was erected which furnished them protection, and

although deprived of many of the luxuries of life, they were soon able to build a comfortable bome. The story of the struggles, hardships and priva- tions of early pioneers has often been told, and the lives of this earnest and self-reliant couple weresim- ilar to those of their comrades who undertook the arduous task of making the wilderness "to blos- som as the rose." Industry finally was rewarded; they became wealthy and highly-respected citizens, and passed the remainder of their lives surrounded by children and friends. They died at a ripe old age, in full connection with the " Old School Pres- byterian " Church, in which they had been reared from infancy. Politically the grandfather was a Democrat. To this worthy couple were born two sons and three daughters, all of whom lived to an adult age.

Joseph Scott, a son of the pioneer Joseph, was born in 1800, and passed his early life on the farm of his father, amid the privations of a fron- tier home, receiving a limited education in the subscription schools. In 1830 he was married to Isabelle. danghter of Samnel Nelson, and the fol- lowing children were born to their union: Louisa (Mrs. John Camden, of Mt. Pleasant township), 1 born February 19, 1831; William (a farmer of Beaver county, born October 26, 1833; Margaret, born February 5, 1835 (died unmarried, January 5, 1865); Mary Jane, born August 20, 1837 (de- ceased in infancy), Elizabeth (wife of S. J. Den- nis, a merchant of Wellsville, Ohio), born October 20, 1839, and Joseph D. (onr subject). Mr. and Mrs. Scott resided on the home farm during life, and he devoted his entire attention to agriculture. In politics he was a Democrat, and in religion be and his wife were members of the Robinson U. P. Church. He died September 28, 1873, and bis widow survived bim until September 10, 1886. They are buried in Florence cemetery.

Joseph D. Scott was born November 13, 1843, on the same farm which is yet his home, and dur- ing his earlier years attended the common schools : and worked on the place. On December 25, 1867, he was married to Mary E. Donaldson, who was born March 19, 1848, daughter of Richard and Mary (Bigger) Donaldson, of Hanover township, this county. The children of J. D. and Mary E. , Scott were William D .. Edith M. (deceased), Ora B. and Sarah E. After his marriage Mr. Scott located for a short time on the Donaldson home- stead in Hanover township, where he followed farming for a time, then engaged in the mercantile business at Bavington, Penn., thence moving to Cannelton, Beaver Co., Penn. This line of bnsi- ness proving unprofitable, he came in 1876 to his present farm, where he has since been engaged in agriculture. In politics Mr. Scott is a firm Demo- crat. Both he and his wife are members of the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church.

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D EWALT DAGUE was born in 1818, in West Bethlehem township, this county, on the ohl Dague homestead. His youth was spent on the paternal farm, of which he as- sumed the entire charge upon attaining the age of manhood. Although he received bnt a limited education in the common schools, he afterward be- came a well-informed man, and was possessed of exceptionally good judgment. He was very suc- cessful in business, with the faculty of accumulat- ing property, and at the time of his death owned nearly 300 acres of excellent farming land. He was married to Delilah Swagler, daughter of Jonathan Swagler, of West Bethlehem township, and they had five children: Mrs. George Keel, Jacob, Jonathan, Thomas and Elmer E. Dewalt Dague was a Republican, and held several posi- tions in the township, such as school director and supervisor, which offices he creditably filled for several years. He was a very useful man in the community, and was much depended upon by his neighbors in sickness and death, for he never re- fused to aid those in affliction and trouble. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. In 1884 many sorrowing friends followed him to the grave.

THOMAS DAGUE, one of the rising young farmers of West Bethlehem township, was born April 3, 1857, on the old homestead in West Bethlehem township. His younger days were spent at home and in attending the common schools, but being the eldest boy in the family his opportunities in that respect were comparatively limited. However, in after years he abundantly made up for his lack of schooling by considerable application to books. At the age of twenty-three he began life for him- self by working his father's farm on shares, and he has been hard working and very successful. On October 2, 1879, he was married to Ella Deems, daughter of Harrison and Catherine Deems, resi- dents of West Pike Run township. Mrs. Dague has four sisters: Mrs. John Frederick, Mrs. Amanda Hawkins, Mrs. Stanton Luce and Jennie Deems. Mr. and Mrs. Dague have one son, Charles, born August 20, 1SS0. Our subject is a Republican, and one of the supervisors of the township. He has always taken an active interest in the politics of his township, and he and his wife are both highly respected members of the Scenery Hill Methodist Church.

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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 228

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