Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 60

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 60

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known. In repairing violins and similar instru- ments, he was remarkably successful, also making a specialty of ornaments, which required exquisite care. He voted with the Democratic party, and in religion was a valued member of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred November 1, 1863, and he was followed by his widow August 30, 1880. They were laid to rest in Candor cemetery.

Robert Scott, son of Robert and Mary (Kerr) Scott, was born November 7, 1839, in Paris, Hanover township. His education was received at the country schools, and when he was sixteen years of age his parents moved to Florence. He then fol- lowed farm work at various places, and in 1869 opened a general store, having since continued in that business. On February 16, 1871, he was mar- ried to Margaret McCullongh, a daughter of John McCullonghi, of Florence, who was one of the repre- sentative men of his time. and was justice of the peace for thirty years. The children of Robert and Margaret Scott are John M. (an enterprising young man, who is associated with his father in business), Mary D., Emma E. and Charley B., all of whom are living at home. In 1884 Mr. Scott mourned the loss of his wife, who was buried in the Presbyterian cemetery. In politics he has been a lifelong Democrat, and though taking in- terest in the success of his party, has declined proffered nominations to township offices, He is a member and trustee of the Presbyterian Church. By fair dealing, close attention to business and the practice of strict economy, his business has prospered until it has long been recognized as one of the leading establishments of Florence.

W ILLIAM N. BEBOUT, a worthy repre- sentative of the prosperous native-born agriculturists of Washington county, first saw the light of day in Amwell township, February 19, 1820. The family are of Holland-Dutch descent.

Ebenezer Bebout, grandfather of William N., was for a short time a resident of Washington county, and died in New Jersey. Beden Bebout father of our subject, was born April 5, 1773, in Sussex county, N. J., and came to Washington . county, Penn., in 1788, accompanied by his broth- ers Moses, Peter, Ebenezer and Lewis; Moses and Beden were tailors by trade, the others masons. Beden was married September 25, 1794, to Mar- garet daughter of William Nemons, and thirteen children were born to them, of whom the follow- ing is a brief record: Letitia, born August 25, 1795, married J. Fitzwilliams, and died at the age of ninety-five years; Abigail, born January 9, 1797 married J. Huston; Naomi, born October 16, 1798, married J. McDonald; Elizabeth, born September 28, 1800; Isabella, born December 1, 1802, mar-

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ried J. Jolly; Moses, who was a member of the "Washington Blues," born November 25, 1805, died in 1888, aged eighty-three years; Christian, born January 31, 1808, married W. Gilbert; Will- iam, born August 1, 1810, died young; Margaret, born November 18, 1811, married Richard Jolly; Alexander, born November 24, 1813; Jane, born September 4, 1815, married Cephas Bane; Alexan- der, born April 19, 1818; William N. (our subject) is the youngest, and the only survivor of this large family. In 1795 Beden Bebout bought the home farm which his son, William N., now owns, paying therefor $5 per acre, and here he passed the rest of his busy life, dying February 20, 1867, at the age of ninety-five years. After he commenced farming, he continued his trade for several years during the winter months, visiting the several farm- houses in the neighborhood, as was the custom in those days. His wife spun and wove linen from flax raised on the farm; which he would take to Baltimore to sell or trade, and our subject was twenty-one years old before he wore clothes made of any other material. The mother's old spinning- wheel and reel are still in the possession of Will- iam N. For a long time Mr. Bebout had to bring salt in bags all the way from Cumberland, Penn. Mrs. Bebout died May 22, 1841, at the age of sixty- four years.

William N. Bebont, whose name opens this biographical memoir, attended the subscription schools of the neighborhood and did his full share in the labors of the home farm for several years. On September 25, 1845, he married Susan Bebout, whose grandfather was a second cousin of his grandfather. She is a daughter of Peter Bebout, who married Isabel Cooper, in Ohio, and in 1823, came to Washington county, settling in North Strabane township, where the father died in April, 1860, at the age of seventy years. He was a na- tive of New Jersey, and came to Pennsylvania at the same time as did Beden Bebout; and was a soldier in the war of 1812. His wife passed from life in March, 1888. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Bebout lived fifteen years on the old farm, then ten years in Franklin township, but sold out and moved to Marion county, W. Va., where they bought a farm and passed eight years of their lives. This property they sold, and, returning to Wash- ington county, made their home in Buffalo town- ship until 1888, in which year they moved into the borough, buying their present comfortable house, which is situated on East Beau street. Their un- ion has been blessed with ten children: Alexan- der, a resident of Fairmont, W. Va .: Isabel, de- ceased at the age of four years; Margaret J., wife of Lee Barnes, in Washington, Penn .; Elizabeth, wife of Franklin Arneth, Marion, W. Va .; Frank J .. on the farm of 300 acres in Buffalo township; Nettie, wife of George Ritchey, Morgan county,

Ohio; Thomas M., on the old farm in Amwell township; Ida, wife of Theodore Bell, Morristown- ship; and Beden, who died of blood poisoning, at the age of twenty-one years, and when he was about to be admitted to the practice of medicine. Mr. Bebout in his religious connections is a mem- ber of the Second Presbyterian Church; politically he is a Democrat, and has served his township in various offices of trust. Mr. Bebout and his wife have been blessed with good health all their lives, and have together shared life's joys and sor- rows for almost half a century. Before closing this memoir it may not be out of place to state that Mr. Bebout was an eye-witness to the execution of "Kid," the negro slave, who had run for his lib- erty into Pennsylvania, but was overtaken and capt- ured by his owner, who proceeded to take him back South. Rather than return to a life of slav- ery, "Kid" slew his master, and for this act he was hanged.

M OSES B. THOMPSON (deceased) was of Irish birth and descent. Hisgrandfather, Adam Thompson, was born on a farm four miles from Belfast, Ireland, and de- voted his life to agricultural pursuits and the manufacture of linen. He was married to a Miss McComb, who bore him five children: Adam, Benjamin, James, Moses and Robert.

Robert Thompson, son of Adam, was born on the home place near Belfast, where he was mar- ried to Elizabeth Wilson, and in 1811 they came to America, the voyage occupying six weeks. They landed at Philadelphia, whence they came westward to Pittsburgh, Penn., the journey of two weeks being made by wagon. In Pittsburgh he was engaged in the coal business, but later he moved to Peters township, Washington county, where he erected the first house in Thompsonville. He then for a time resided in Noblestown, Alle- gheny county, from there proceeding to Finleyville, this county, and finally opened a store in Library, Allegheny county. He died leaving three chil- dren: John, married to a Miss Lorimer (had two children, Emeline Finley and William, the latter of whom died in 1889); Rachel, deceased at the age of thirty-five years, and Moses B.

Moses B. Thompson was born in 1811, in County Antrim, Ireland, and when an infant was brought by his parents to Pittsburgh, Penn. He assisted his father in various lines of business, and was also engaged in buying and selling grain. In 1850 he came to the farm in Union township, Washington county, and carried on an extensive traffic in sugar, making trips to the Southern States, where he bought a large quantity, and then sold in Pitts- burgh, Penn. In 1875 he was married to Eliza Ann, daughter of Samuel M. Wilson, a native of Ire-

Engraved b. Illman. Bros Philad'a

Mr. Thompson

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land, who in 1848 came to America, first landing at Baltimore, Md., thence proceeding to Wheeling, W. Va., and afterward locating in Pittsburgh, Penn., in the courthouse of which city he was a clerk. He was married to Elizabeth Mayne, a na- tive of County Armagh, Ireland. Mr. Wilson bought, and moved upon a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., near Lock No. 3, and bought wool in addition to attending to his farming interests. He was the father of two daugh- ters: Jane, and Eliza Ann, who was married to Moses B. Thompson. Moses B. and Eliza Ann Thompson began wedded life on the farm in Union township, Washington county, where the remain- der of his life was passed, and his widow is yet liv- ing. He owned four farms, and also hotel prop- erty in the "Diamond" of Pittsburgh, which is yet undivided. In political opinion he was an ar- dent Republican, and was one of two in his town- ship to vote the Abolition ticket. He died January 1, 1881.

M RS. ELIZA V. WALKER, a highly esteemed lady of Burgettstown, was born February 17, 1811, a daughter of William Vance, who was a son of Joseph Vance, both in their day prominent citizens of Smitlı township.

Joseph Vance was born about 1750, near Win - chester, Va., where he was married, and coming to Washington county, Penn., about the year 1773, located three miles southwest of Burgettstown, in Smith township, on .a large tract of land. This land was then an unbroken wilderness, or, to quote a pioneer phrase: "There was not a stick amiss," but it has since been divided into nine of the finest farms in Washington county. As soon as a rude shelter had been erected for the family, Joseph Vance, in company with a few of his widely parted neighbors, began the erection of what was known as "Vance's Fort." This was intended to protect the settlers from the onslaughts of the In- dians, who were yet numerous in the Territory, and bitterly resented the encroachment of the " pale- faces " upon their hunting grounds. The fort was situated but a short distance from the cabin of Joseph Vance, and stood for many years, the only sign of its existence visible being a piece of brick colored ground and an old stone chimney, recently destroyed. At the gates of Fort Vance, under a white oak tree, on October 14, 1778, Rev. James Powers preached the first sermon in English known to have been heard west of the Alleghany Mount- ains in this section of the State. On this wild tract Joseph Vance and his wife passed their lives, with the exception of occasional visits to his birth- place. As immigration increased, property rose in value, the vast tract of land. once seemingly almost

worthless, became very valuable, and the pioneers reaped the deserved reward of early years of toil, privation and danger. The first wife of Joseph Vance died many years ago, leaving him six children, viz .: William, John, Joseph, Elizabeth, Jane and Nancy. Of this family, one son, Joseph, returned with his father on a visit to Virginia, then went west to Ohio, and his fate was never known. (Governor Vance of Ohio was a cousin). For his second wife, Mr. Vance was wedded to a Miss Cook, a native of Winchester, Va., who died soon after marriage; and he made a third choice in the person of Mary Moore, also a native of Winchester, who bore him two daughters: Anna Mary (wife of William Brady, of Ohio county, W. Va.), and Hannah (married to Edward Morgan, also of Ohio county, W. Va .; she is now living in Kansas at an advanced age). The father died May 6, 1832, and in 1852 his faithful wife was laid beside him.

William Vance, eldest son of Joseph, was born November 30, 1775, on the old " Fort Vance farm" in Smith township, where his boyhood was passed in the usual duties of pioneer life, a large portion of them falling to his share as the eldest son. On December 24, 1799, he was married to Rachel Patterson, who was born June 3, 1781, daughter of William Patterson, of Cross Creek township, this county, and to their union children were born, of whom the following is a brief record: Cynthia, born March 8, 1801, gave her hand in marriage to Peter Van Ostran (they moved to Wayne county, Ohio, where she died in 1884); Joseph, born Sep- tember 18, 1802, was a farmer in Smith township, and died in 1864; James, born July 23, 1804, fol- lowed agriculture in Jefferson township, this county, and died in 1881; William P., born Sep- tember 4, 1806, lived on a farm in this county for some time, thence moving to Hardin county, Ky , and is now a retired farmer of Caldwell county, Mo .; Allison, born December 14, 1808, lived on the home place and died in 1888; Elizabeth was born February 17, 1811, and is now living in Bur- gettstown, the widow of David S. Walker; Ann was born November 8, 1812, and was united in marriage with Norris Walker, brother of David S. (she died, leaving a large family of children); David was born April 14, 1815, and died in in- fancy; and Rachel was born December 28, 1816, (she was married to Josiah N. Scott, and is now deceased). On January 9, 1817, the mother of these children passed from earth, and on June 12, 1818, Mr. Vance was married to her sister, Hannah Patterson, who was born in 1786. Five children were born to this union, namely: Thomas P. (de- ceased farmer of Cross Creek township), born July 15, 1819; Mary (unmarried, living in Rome, Ga.), born June 1, 1821; Caroline (deceased wife of R. S. Caldwell, Hopewell township, this county),

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born December 30, 1824; John S., born June 7, 1827, now in Smith township; and Jane, born September 7, 1830 (married to J. S. Young, of Ohio; both died in Rome, Ga., where they resided). During his earlier life the father resided on the home farm in Smith township, in company with his brother John, whose interest he afterward pur- chased. In 1816 William Vance was elected rep- resentative of Washington county, in the State Legislature. He was an enthusiastic member of the Whig party, was a counselor and adviser among his friends, and favored the tariff bill from its in- fancy. After the term of office had expired, Hon. William Vance returned to his farm, having made a signal success in the performance of his duties. He was a liberal contributor toward and regular attendant of the Presbyterian Church, with which his wife was also connected. He died April 18, 1856, and in 1878 his widow followed him across the dark river. Both are buried in the Cross Creek cemetery. Of the children born to William and Rachel (Patterson) Vance, Elizabeth grew to womanhood, and on March 8, 1838, gave her hand in marriage to David S., son of Alexander Walker.

Alexander Walker was born in Lancaster county, Penn., and when yet a young man came west with his brother John, locating on a tract of land in Jefferson township, this county. Alexander Walker was married to Betsey Norris, of Washing- ton county, Penn., who bore him children as fol- lows: Eliza, Norris, James, Susan, Alexander, David, Isabella, Mary Ann, Drusilla and Samuel. The parents erected a log house on the farm, and conducted a distillery for many years. He was a Whig in politics, and in religious connection was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Cross Creek.

David S. Walker was born July 6, 1816, in Jef- ferson township, Washington Co., Penn., receiving a limited education in the log school house of those days. After his marriage to Elizabeth Vance, he and his wife resided four years in Cross Creek township, this county, thence moved to Jefferson township, and in 1875 came to Burgettstown, where they have since resided. The following children have been born to this union: William . H. H. (who enlisted in the One Hundredth Regi- ment P. V. I., and died in the South after four months' service; his father went to him and brought his remains home); Mary E., who was married twice, first to Wesley Smith who died leaving two children, and she was afterward wedded to John Campbell (she is now deceased); Martha A., de- ceased wife of James Anderson, also deceased; Alexander H., a resident of Pittsburgh; Rachel A., wife of D. H. Hainer, of Ingram, Allegheny Co .. Penn .; Jane A., and Eva (the last named being deceased). Mr. and Mrs. Walker commenced life in a very humble way, and for four years after

marriage lived in an old log house. Mr. Walker was a Whig until the formation of the Republican party when he enlisted under its banner; on the latter ticket he was, after coming to Burgettstown, a candidate for the State Legislature. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian, being an attendant of the church of that denomination. In business affairs he was a very successful man. On May 14, 1877, the death of Mr. Walker was recorded.

AMES D. CAMPSEY. Of the sturdy Scotch- Irish it has been truthfully said that they are the living exponents of righteous government; the unterrified defenders of civil liberty; the strong embodiment of virtuous manhood, and the uncompromising advocates of the Christian faith. These attributes, coupled with a high sense of duty, hatred of tyranny, and the love of God, are true characteristics of the race from which the subject of this biographical sketch is descended.

James Campsey, his paternal grandfather, a farmer by occupation, was born June 22, 1772, in Mountertany, Parish of Raphoe, County Donegal, Ireland, and in 1794 emigrated to America in the ship "Liberty." In 1792 he had married Eliza- beth Johnson, of the same county. born February 1, 1770, and when he emigrated to the United States he was accompanied by his faithful wife and two children: William, born July 1. 1793, and John, born May 4, 1796. For a few years, or un- til 1801, they lived east of the mountains, and then proceeded westward to Washington county, Penn., making a settlement about two miles south of Claysville, this section being at that time an unbroken and sparsely settled wilderness. When they arrived the neighbors formed a "bee" and built them a log cabin, the foundation of which was four stumps, one for each corner, but one day being occupied in its erection. Here our little pioneer family made their home, gradually sur- rounding themselves with the necessaries and com- forts of life, and here four more children came to enlarge the domestic circle: Margaret, born Feb- ruary 20, 1798; Joseph, born February 20, 1800; James, born February 20, 1803, and Rebecca, born June 2, 1805. The head of this pioneer fam- ily was a vigorous, energetic man, incessantly and . assiduously toiling to make a home for his little ones, and to convert the forest wild into a fertile . farm. On November 23, 1843, the loving partner of his bosom was called from earth, and Mr. Camp- sey, having then made an equitable division of his property, which was considerable, retired from active labor, and passed the remaining portion of his days on earth with his son James. He died September 1, 1851, full of years and honor, and was laid to rest by the side of his wife in Claysville cemetery. All their children lived to adult ages, excepting Margaret, who died in her girlhood.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

James Campsey, the youngest son of this revered couple, was born, as above recorded, on the old farm two miles south of Claysville, where he was early inducted into farm life, and made to work hard, at the expense of his school lessons, which were necessarily very limited. He was a natural mechanic, and could turn his hand to almost any kind of work in that line, being very ingenious and skillful. He constructed a distillery, including all the plant, which he operated for some time, until he became aware of the harm liquor was doing among those who could not discriminate between its use and abuse. He then gave up the business and disposed of the plant. Mr. Campsey was twice married, the first occasion on November 7, 1827, to Isabella Daugherty, a native of Washing- ton county, born April 21, 1811, by which union there were five children: Mary Ann, born May 29, 1830; Harriet, born November 18, 1832; Mar- garet E., born May 18, 1835; James D., our sub- ject, and a son, unnamed, born November 2, 1838, dying four days afterward. The mother of this family departed this life April 29, 1841, and March 10, 1842, Mr. Campsey wedded Mrs. Susanna Ralston (also a native of County Down, Ireland), widow of James Ralston, and daughter of David McMillan, of the same township, and two children (twins) were born to this union: David M. and Re- becca, born October 13, 1843, the former of whoni is a leading merchant in Claysville, the latter dy - ing February 19, 1876. Soon after his first mar- riage James Campsey purchased of Samuel Stokely a valuable farm property, comprising 352 acres of prime land, lying one and one half miles north of Claysville, to which he moved and where he fol- lowed farming till December, 1869, when he re- moved to Claysville, and there lived a retired life, having amassed a comfortable sufficiency by hard toil and earnestness of purpose. On April 4, 1883, he was called from earth, his wife having pre- ceded him to the long home September 24, 1874. Mr. Campsey was a member of the Presbyterian Church at Claysville, Mrs. Campsey being a mem- ber of the U. P. Church of South Buffalo. In politics Mr. Campsey was originally a Whig, in later years a Republican.

James D. Campsey, only surviving son of James and Isabella (Daugherty) Campsey, was born May 24, 1838, in Donegal township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., and received his education at the common schools of the district, a goodly por- tion of his boyhood days being passed in liard work on his father's farm. On June 21, 1870, he was married to Margaret M. Moore, who was born in 1849, in Washington county, Penn., a daughter of John Moore, and the results of this union were five children, as follows: Harry O., born April 14, 1871; Metta B .. born January 14, 1873, died October 19, 1889; Anna E., born January 14,

1876, died June 10, 1880; Thomas A., born Janu- ary 2, 1878, died June 9, 1880; and Myrtle M., born January 23, 1880, all now deceased except Harry O. and Myrtle M., who are now living at home. Our subject is a lifelong farmer, and has always lived on his portion of the old homestead with the exception of the two years he was en- gaged in mercantile business in Claysville, as a a member of the firm of Sheller & Campsey. In politics he was formerly a Republican, but of late years he has given his moral support to the Pro- hibitionists, not binding himself, however, to any. party, as on many occasions he votes for the best man, regardless of politics. He and Mrs. Camp- sey are members of the Presbyterian Church, and are held in the highest esteem and respect in the community in which they live.

H ENRY CLAY COOPER, a prominent cit- izen of Jefferson township, is a son of Erasmus Cooper, who was born in Alle- gheny county, Penn., and was united in marriage with Elizabeth Patterson, daughter of James and Sarah Patterson, who came to Wash- ington county at an early day. He (James Patter- son) purchased a farm of William Wells, who laid the foundation of the town of Wellsville. Their chil- dren were James, William, John, Hugh, Elizabeth (Mrs. Erasmus Cooper), Mary (wife of William Moore) and Sarah (Mrs. Robert Pogue).

To the union of Erasmus and Elizabeth (Patter- son) Cooper children were born, of whom the fol- lowing grew to maturity: William (living in this county), John (born February 15, 1836, residing in Eldersville), Robert (living in Drakesville, Davis Co., Iowa), and Henry C. (subject of this sketch). The mother died in 1846, and was buried at Per- rysville, Allegheny Co., Penn , leaving her young- est child but eighteen months old. In 1855 Mr. Cooper, accompanied by his sons, William and Jolin, moved to Iowa and purchased a large tract of land, on part of which now stands the city of Des Moines. This property was sold in 1887 for $200 per acre. For his second wife, Erasmus Cooper married a Miss Logan, of Canonsburg, one daughter being born to their union-Mary Bethel (now living in Des Moines). Mr. Cooper died in 1856 at the age of fifty-five years. He had' three brothers and one sister, viz. : John (killed by a fall), James, George Fitch and Sarah. Of the sons of Erasmus and Elizabeth (Patterson) Cooper, Will- iam came to Washington county, Penn., in 1863, having previously kept " bachelors' hall" together with his brother John in Iowa. Since returning to this county, William Cooper has been interested in the development of the Allegheny county oil field, with the Pioneer Oil Company, and is now living near Eldersville.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Henry Clay Cooper was born May 5, 1845, in Allegheny county, Penn., and upon the death of his mother, he and three brothers (John, William and Robert) were brought to Washington county, where he found a home with an Aunt Mary, the others being cared for in different families. Young Henry received a good common-school education, and on May 1, 1867, he formed a partnership with his brother John in mercantile business at Eldersville. The firm continued under the style of J. & H. C. Cooper until April 19, 1891, when our subject retired from active business. On December 18, 1889, he was married to Carrie V. McCarrell, daughter of Thomas R. and Elizabeth McCarrell, old settlers of this county.

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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 60

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