Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 28

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 28

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W ILLIAM BOYLE HOUSTON. The Houston family of Canonsburg, Wash- ing county, are descended from the family of that name in Lancaster county, same State, who emigrated from Scotland to Ireland and thence to this country, settling in Lan- caster county, Penn. We quote the following from "The Encyclopedia of Contemporary-Biog- raphy of Pennsylvania:"

"The Houstons of Pennsylvania come of a race noted for its physical and mental strength. They trace their lineage far back into the days of chival- rous Scotland, when the destinies of the land of heath and heather were dominated by the tyrannical Edward I of England. The Houston came in- to existence during the life of the valorous Wallace. Its origin, however, goes back to the time of Sir Hugh de Pavinan, the Laird of the Lands of Kil- peter in Strathgrief, and comes in a direct line through the oldest sons down to the present time. The baronetcy is now held by George Ludovic Houston, of Johnstone, Renfrewshire, Scotland. The younger sons of the original family migrated from their native land to the North of Ireland, in the early part of the seventeenth century, and are now scattered through the Counties of Antrim, Tyrone, Donegal and Londonderry. From them came that branch of the family that settled in Lancaster county, Penn., between the years 1725 and 1730, and from the Lancaster county Hous- tons, branch out the Houstons of Virginia and Tennessee, and the famous Sam Houston of Texas,

the hero who battled with Santa Anna, and who was the first president of the Republic. "

The following is from the " History of Lancas- ter County:"

" The Houstons of Lancaster county, Penn., are the descendants of John Houston, who had six sons and two daughters born at the farm immediately facing Gap Station on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The sons were Daniel, John, William, James, Thomas and Samuel. The daughters were mar- ried, one to Rev. Alexander Proudfit, the other to Mr. John Johnson. Both daughters had large families. The five elder boys (Samuel was too young) were soldiers in the Revolutionary war, and with the exception of James, who was killed at Paoli, fought through the war. After the war Daniel went to Franklin county and afterward to Washington county; William went to Trumbull county, Ohio; Thomas went to Rockbridge county, Va. The youngest son, Samuel Nelson, remained in Lancaster county, Penn. He was distinguished for his splendid physical manhood. After gradu- ating from Burlington College he gave his atten- tion in his early years to the study of materia medica and pharmacy. But he did not repress the martial nature which was within him, for he became an active member of Capt. Shippen's troop of horse in Lancaster county, and took part in the war of 1812.

"Dr. John Houston, the second son, studied in the University of Edinburgh, where he graduated in 1766. He studied medicine with Dr. Shippen, of Philadelphia, and began practice in York county, Penn., then a frontier town. In 1773 he married Susannah Wright, of Columbia. He entered the Revolutionary army as a surgeon. His eldest brother, Daniel, also a Revolutionary soldier, moved from Lancaster county to Franklin county, where he remained a short time, then moved to Washing- ton county, settling in the neighborhood of Cross Creek township. His son, Daniel, born in Frank- lin county, was a man of more than ordinary intel- ligence and executive ability, a worthy representa- tive of the Scotch-Irish Covenanters. He was tall, broad-shouldered, erect and possessed of great strength. He early engaged in buying and shipping wool, flour and pork; loading boats with flour and wool at the mouth of Cross creek, and boating to New Orleans. Few people have any idea of the courage, endurance and strength required to make such a trip. There were no canals or railroads. The river was full of malaria, and the channels were not marked as now; worse than this, he was compelled to guard against robbers and murderous savages-both white and red-on the return walk- ing back. Mr. Houston made many trips of this kind, and was always successful. He had the con- fidence and respect of all. He was gentle and severe, firm and unchangeable when satisfied he

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was right; he had a mind for equity, and was chosen executor and guardian by many of the best families, both alone and as an associate with oth- ers. The Rev. James I. Brownson informs us he knew Daniel when he (Rev. James I. Brownson) was a boy. He says: 'Daniel Houston was a man of strict integrity, possessed of great mental and physical strength, of a fine face and presence, strong in his likes and dislikes, a firm friend and generous to those worthy his confidence.' Daniel Houston and Dr. Brownson's father were friends, and were also administrators for the same estates. Daniel Houston was opposed to slavery and was, no doubt, connected with the underground railway, but he had his own views. Dr. Brownson asked him if he was going to the Abolitionist meeting at Pittsburgh; he said: No! he was in favor of colo- nization. His religious views were the same as his ancestors, and he always adhered to the Seceder Church. At Houstonville a Seceder church was erected on a lot given by David Houston, his son, on the Daniel Houston farm. This church is still standing, in the possession of their son, Will- iam B. Houston. Daniel Houston was one of the organizers of the old Franklin Bank of Washington, Penn., now known as the First National; was the largest stockholder, and at one time president of the bank. He was also a trustee of Jefferson Col- lege, Canonsburg. Daniel Houston was progres- sive and public-spirited. When the Chartiers Rail- road was projected many years ago, Daniel Houston took great interest in it and subscribed some $6,000 to help put it through. The company that then had charge of the work failed, however, and the enterprise remained in a dormant condition for many years. Finally, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company offered to complete the road on condition that the people would take stock to the amount of $250,000. D. C. Houston (son of Daniel) at once took hold of the project, subscribed liberally him- self, and worked untiringly to induce people to take stock and secure the road. Owing to his efforts and the confidence the people had in him, $87,000 was secured.

"Daniel Houston married Miss Betsey Clark, who was born on the old homestead farm of her father in Canton township, now owned by Samuel K. Weirick. She was a daughter of David and Han- nah Baird Clark [Baird was originally Bard, and was Scotch ]. David Clark was born near Mercers- burg, Franklin Co., Penn., and was a son of James Clark and Nancy (Reed) Clark; they were of Scoth descent. James Clark was born in the North of Ireland, and came with his brother, Thomas, to Pennsylvania. Thomas settled in one of the southern States. James Clark was married in Lancaster county, Penn. Daniel Houston was a great reader, and while his early opportunities for obtaining an education were limited, he made the

most of these opportunities and became a careful, safe and successful business man, and was univer- sally trusted and respected as an upright, honor- able man. Rev. David Riddle, president of Jef- ferson College (of which Daniel Houston was a prominent trustee), preached his funeral sermon, and in recounting his many sterling qualities as a friend, citizen, neighbor and business man, said: ' You might as well try to move the Alleghany Mountain from its base as to shake the integrity of Daniel Houston.' Daniel Houston and wife, Betsey (Clark) Houston, had three children-one son and two daughters, David, the son, being the only survivor, the girls dying in childhood.

"David Houston was born on the old farm of his father in Independence township, was educated in the common schools and at Jefferson College; in early life engaged in mercantile pursuits, but later retired from mercantile life and looked after the estate inherited from his father, who was a large. landowner. For many years David Houston was a director in the First National Bank of Washington. He was a resident of Can- onsburg at the time of his death, which occurred May 27, 1888, when he was in his seventy-third year. He was a public-spirited, charitable, gener- ous, whole-souled Christian gentleman, was active in his efforts to secure the location of the Chartiers Valley Railroad, and for many years, and up to the time of his death, a trustee of Washington and Jefferson College, a trustee of Jefferson Academy, president of the Oak Spring Cemetery Company, and held other positions of trust. Mr. Houston and his father served continually as directors of the First National Bank of Washington, Penn., from its organization; and the discharge of their duties was marked by a regularity in attendance, by uniform courtesy to other members of the board and by a watchful care over the interests of the institution. The funeral services of Mr. David Houston were held in the Chartiers U. P. Church, of which he had for many years been an honored and worthy member. His liberality in the church and his charities to those in need are well known. No one in trouble or need appealed to him in vain. He was always ready with sym- pathy and something more substantial when needed. In 1840 he married, at Washington, Penn., Miss Louisa Bell Sweitzer, who was born in Brownsville, .Penn., a daughter of Dr. Louis Sweitzer, of Doyles- town, Bucks Co., Penn., who graduated from a medical college in Paris, France. He and his wife had children as follows: William, who becanie associated with a dry-goods firm of Philadelphia, Penn. (he afterward went to California, where he engaged in the mercantile and real estate busi- ness on his own account, and in which he was successful; he contracted a fever, and while con- valescing started for Philadelphia, but died en

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route, and was buried at sea); Dr. Louis, Jr., who became a physician and practiced medicine at Claysville, Washington county; Alonza B., who, previous to his emigration to Gonzales, Tex., ac- quired the profession of law and medicine, after which he spent some time in the military academy at West Point and was classmate of Gen. U. S. Grant (he had been a member of the National Con- gress of Texas from the county in which he was a resident at the time of his death, and he enjoyed the undivided confidence and esteem of all who knew him; he died aged thirty-three years and some months); Mary A., wlio married Samuel Wise, of Vincennes, Ind .; Elizabeth, who died young; Emma, who married, January 24, 1836, Col. Marmatel Boyle, a nephew of Gen. Boyle, of Kentucky (she was considered one of the most beautiful women of her day; they had two chil- dren-one son who was a prominent judge, of Vincennes, Ind.); Cecelia L., who was married September 19, 1837, to John Imbria, of New Castle, Penn., and they had two sons, prominent business men of Philadelphia, Penn. ; Louisa Bell, wife of David Houston; Harriet, who was married to John Vowell, of Washington, Penn; and two children: Louis Sweitzer Vowell, a druggist of Washington, Penn., and Bessie, wife of F. O. Graper, of To- ledo, Ohio. David Houston and wife had six children-three sons and three daughters: Miss Elizabeth, of Canonsburg; Mary wife of Rev. W. F. Brown, D. D., also in Canonsburg; Louis Sweitzer, who died aged twenty-four years; Will- iam Boyle, executor of the estate, Canons- burg; Harriet, who died unmarried aged twenty- two years, and Daniel, who died in childhood, aged three years." Immediately after the death of Daniel Houston his son David took possesion of the farm, and in 1871 divided a large portion of it into lots, which were soon sold, and now a thriv- ing town, named Houstonville, is seen, where a few years ago were cultivated fields. The remain- ing part of this farm is now in the possession of Mr. W. B. Houston, and thus continues to bear the family name. The first survey of lots of Houstonville, was made by Thomas H. Johnston, and the first house was built by Mr. A. T. Haft in 1871.

AMES GIBSON HART, the subject of this sketch, was born January 2, 1807, on Muddy run, Adams Co., Penn. Looking back from that date, beyond three generations, history holds closed doors to the chronicler of all, or any, of the manners, customs, sayings, doings, facial expressions, or physical build, of that branch of the Hart family who subsequently settled in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn .; and within that limit, indeed, held open doors only, to

deal ont material scantily that only the ground timbers of a history have been vouchsafed to future generations. Therefore, very little is known, save that Nathaniel Hart (1), tired of the thraldom and despotic rule of kings and queens, and notwith- standing Columbia was then in her infancy, yet, rocked in the same cradle, was the Goddess of Liberty and Freedom, the vital principles of future America, the very pulse of the young nation, and while at that period there could be no conception of the magnitude of the benefits and blessings that was to be unfolded to a future people, yet he saw with a prophetic eye the glorious privileges of In- dependence in the land of the free, and said: "Their land shall be my land, their God my God." Consequently, in about 1730, he sailed from fair Scotia's shores to the fairer shores of America.

His journey ended when he pitched his tent on Muddy run, Adams Co., Penn. Nothing is fur- ther known of his family, except two sons, Nathan- iel (2) and Micah. The last named afterward set- tled near Norwich, Ohio (date not known). In 1769 Nathaniel Hart (2) married Margaret Mon- teith, and lived on Muddy run, Adams county, Penn. In that home were born four children: David, in 1770; Jane, in 1773; Margaret, in 1782; Mary, in 1785. Of these, Jane married John Kerr, lived and died near Gettysburg, and had four children. Margaret married Nathaniel Pax- ton, in 1804, and removed to Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., in 1812. The numerous Paxton families throughout the northern part of Washington county, Penn., and parts of Ohio, are descendants of Nathaniel and Margaret (Hart) Paxton. Mary came with her sister Margaret in 1812; in 18- she married Smith McCollough, of Pigeon Creek. But to return to Nathaniel Hart (2). He died in 1787, on Muddy run, Adams county; his wife, Margaret (Monteith) Hart, died in 1785, leaving the four children, orplans. When David was eleven years of age he assumed the entire management of the homestead, and cared as a father for his three sisters. He married Sarah Paxton (sister of the above-spoken-of Nathaniel), still remaining on Muddy run until the spring of 1807, when he and his estimable wife, feeling the advantages and future welfare of their family de- manded removal farther west, sundered the strong ties that bound them to their childhood's home, and wlien James Gibson, their third child and the subject of this sketch, was seven weeks old, started on their journey, coming through on horseback, and arriving in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn., about the 1st of April, the floors of their dwelling being all under water the night they arrived. In this home they lived and died. Six children were added to their family after removal to Washington county, making nine by first mar- riage as follows: Andrew, born in Adams county,

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in 1803, died in Canonsburg, Washington county, August, 1861; Jane, born in Adams county, 1805, married Henry Newkirk, removed to Ohio, died in 18 -; James Gibson (our subject), born January 2, 1807, the last child born in Adams county ; David, the first child born in the new home, in 1809, died in Ashland county, Ohio, March 30, 1872; Maria Hart Fergus, born in 1811, died in Washington January 30, 1888; William, the youngest son by first marriage, born 1819, is still living in the eastern part of Washington county, Penn. (Dates of birth and death of the remaining three of the nine are not known to the writer). But just when youth was buoyant with hope, and life replete with bright promises, death claimed their two sons, John and Paxton, and daughter Sarah. It was then the father was made to feel deeply that " In sorrow's cup flashed bitter wines," and that his "House was left unto him desolate," as about the same time his wife was taken from him, dying in 18 -. In 18- he married Mrs. Margery Butler, to whom were born three chil- dren: Margaret Hart Kerr, who resides in Monon- gahela, Penn .; Eliza Hart Hosac, living in Scenery Hill, Penn., and Dunning Hart, the present owner of Lowland Stock Farm, Washington county, Penn. He too was left, as was his father, at the age of sixteen, the care of his mother and two sis- ters, his father dying October 1, 1852. His second wife, Margery, died January 2, 1871, and, now, after these long years, the writer feels prompted to add a few words to his memory, not to eulogize, but simple unvarnished truths. He was a man of no unordinary intellect, a thorough Bible scholar, his character unimpeachable, distinguished for up- rightness and sterling integrity; he had an indom- itable will, a characteristic inherited from the Scotch-Irish race, and which has been transmitted all along the line, neither friend nor foe could swerve him from what he considered the line of duty; yet allied to this unyielding will was a keen discriminating judgment, and soundness of decis- ion, generous, gentle and kind, traits that made him a safe counselor and guide, and secured for him the esteem and confidence of an extended community. In short, he was a just man who feared God and wrought righteousness, and was eminently useful in his day and generation, both in the church and in the world.

This brings us to James G. Hart, the subject proper of our sketch, who, as before said, became a resident of Washington county, Penn., from Adams county, in the spring of 1807, when he was seven weeks old. He remained in the home nest until eighteen years of age, when self-reliance (the strongly marked trait of his character) asserted itself, and he determined by energy and industry to be self-sustaining, and provide a resting place for old age; consequently he engaged with Robert 9

Moore to learn the trade of carder and fuller. Having finished his trade, he started in business for himself, in West Pike Run township, Wash ington Co., Penn., manufacturing goods of dif- ferent kinds and grades. He was always awarded the first premium for the extra quality and texture of his broadcloths, and other goods put on exhibition at what was then known as the " Cattle Show," at Washington, now our Agricultural Fair, and he manufactured the first piece of broadcloth ever exhibited at a Washington county fair.

In 1831 he married Isabell Moffitt, still living, and following his trade in West Pike Run town- ship until, 1838, he removed to Centreville, a vil- lage six miles west of Brownsville, where he engaged in the dry-goods business. His wife Isabell died in 1840, leaving four children, as fol- lows: David Moffitt, their eldest son, with his family resides at this time in Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., was married twice; his first wife, Miss Pera Rex; his present wife, Miss Lissa S. Wilgus. Maj. James P. Hart, his second son, married Miss Lide J. Aiken, of Washington, Penn .; was treas- urer of Washington county in 1868 and 1869; he with his family reside in Washington, D. C. Liz- zie J., the only daughter by this marriage, mar- ried Chauncey R. Dever; they, and their only child, James Hart Dever (the first grandchild), are living in Washington, Penn. John T., the youngest child, died while in the army at Cumber- land, Md., April 27, 1864. In 1842 he married Margery Gregg, by whom were six children; he pursued the dry-goods business successfully until 1848, when, feeling that the future welfare of his family demanded an extension of his lines, he, when his sixth son, Brit Hart, was seven weeks old (same age as he himself was when he came from Adams county), removed to a farm in West Bethlehem township, one mile from what was then Hillsboro, now Scenery Hill.

He took a deep interest in the questions and political issues of the day. His own community ever found him an ardent friend and benefactor to all worthy objects, a strong advocate of education; but his "pet" was the common-school system, and he zealously fed and nurtured its growth and improvement in his county. It was years ago that, when the president of the board of directors (teachers being sent to him to be examined), knowing his unfitness, he with others conceived and agitated the question not only of teachers be- ing examined by a county superintendent, but proposed other measures for the improvement of the system. He eagerly watched its life and growth, and hailed with pleasure the advancement and stage of perfection it had attained in his day.

Politically, in the beginning lie was an Old-line Whig; in the turning of the wheel a stanchi Re- publican; and was chairman of the first committee

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that met in Washington, to organize the Repub- lican party. He was, in 1856, elected associate judge, with Jacob Slagle as colleague, and was re- elected in 1861 with Robert Dinsmore as colleague. It was due to the suggestions and efforts of Slagle and himself that the barbarous custom of with- holding food from jurors, until their decision was given, was done away with; they looked not only upon the cruelty, but the desecration of principle as well. He was a devoted friend to the soldier and his cause, giving aid and comfort when and where he could. But the crowning efforts of his life was in his sacrifices, counsels and life work for his family. In that relation he lived exalted from the unwavering confidence reposed in him by his own children. They knew beyond a doubt that he in all things lived a life that was above a shadow of suspicion. In the dark hours of sorrow and affliction he was their Anchor, and when their Life-boat seemed to be almost engulfed by the grim waves of death dashing against it, and though tempest-tossed himself, yet he was the stay, strength and comfort of his children. He gave to them that restful feeling, that, if " Father is at the helm all will be well " so far as an earthly hand can do. Death came so often, and took from him some loved one. His second wife, Margery, died June 2, 1855, leaving six children. Her youngest child, Ard, died October 1, 1856. Soon the death-cloud that before had darkened the home of his father, David, rose again and settled with sombre gloom over his own home, by taking two sons, Thomas and Samuel, and daughter, Sarah, to the spirit-land, just when life was sweetest, leaving only two sur- viving children by his second marriage: Hon. Brit Hart, who in December, 1874, married Miss Priscilla D. Lacock, of Scenery Hill, Washington Co., Penn., and who was, in 1884, elected to the Legislature; and sister Annie E., who, in October, 1872, married Thomas Ross (they both with their families now reside in Washington, Penn.). Mrs. Jane B. Hopkins, of Brownsville, Fayette Co., Penn., his third wife, died in March, 1890. In clos- ing this sketch of the life of James G. Hart, no more fitting tribute can be offered to his memory than that " As the father so the son," a Christian firmly adhering to the Calvanistic faith, a man of unblem- ished character. Firm and unyielding, though not without charity, the promptings of duty al- ways found him sure and steadfast, of sound judgment and decision. After a long lingering ill- ness, which was borne without a murmur, he closed an active and useful life July 5, 1885.

The war record of the Hart family, who served in the war waged against secession and slavery is as follows: Two sons of David Hart (2); William, who served in an Ohio regiment; Dunning, his youngest, who served in the One Hundred and Fortieth P. V. I., was wounded at the battle of

Gettysburg. William's two sons, Emmet and Leander, the latter losing his life at Averill's raid Andrew's son, David, of Canonsburg, a member of Company A, Ringgold Cavalry, was wounded in an engagement at Cedar Springs, Md. James G., two sons: Maj. James P. Hart, of Washington, D. C., captain of Company A, Ringgold's Cavalry, afterward promoted to major, and John T. Hart, member of same company, who died in Cumber- land, Md., April 27, 1864. David Hart, Jr., of Savannah, Ohio, was a member of the Twenty- third Regiment Ohio Volunteers.

J THE SHARP FAMILY. In the year 1749 William and Mary Sharp, of Scotch-Irish ancestry, left their native land to seek a home in the New World. They first located in the State of South Carolina, where their son Isaac was born April 13, 1750, and the family afterward moved to Virginia.

Isaac Sharp remained with his parents until after attaining his majority, and then left the pa- ternal roof, coming to Greene county, Penn. He located near Waynesburgh, following surveying and school teaching. In those days wild hogs, deer, turkeys and bears roamed the forests; and many times the young pioneer stealthily crept past bruin, who was enjoying a feast of young pork, fearing that he might relish a human morsel as dessert. About the year 1777 he was united in marriage with Mary Woolverton, who was born April 22, 1761, daughter of John and Abigail Woolverton. In the year he was married Isaac Sharp took the following oath: "I do hereby cer- tify that Isaac Sharp hath taken and subscribed the oath or affirmation of allegiance and fidelity, as directed by an Act of General Assembly, intituled: 'An Act to oblige the free male inhabitants of this State, above a certain age, to give assurance of al- legiance to the same, and for other purposes.' Witness my hand and seal this 13th day of Sep- tember, 1777. John Morrow." The following let- ter, written in 1776, is yet preserved as a souvenir:

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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 28

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