Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 62

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 62

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At the death of his father, George Y. Holmes, Sr., purchased the homestead upon which he has lived continuously for sixty-one years. Of the Holmes family who emigrated to America in 1830, he and his youngest sister, Mrs. Agnes J. Laird, are the only living representatives. In 1846 he married Elizabeth, second daughter of John Snod- grass, and they had four sons and four daughters, all of whom are still living. Mr. Holmes is the only survivor of the fifteen Abolitionists of Done- gal township, who voted the Free-Soil ticket until the formation of the Republican party. His life has been quiet and uneventful. Following in the footsteps of his father, he has been a consistent member of the Baptist Church for many years. Although not an ordained minister, he preached for the churches of this denomination located at

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North Wheeling, Buffalo, and Washington, Penn., and occasionally he occupies the pulpit of his pas- tor, Rev. S. L. Parcell, of the First Baptist Church of Claysville, Penn. Since the death of his wife, which event occurred June 20, 1884, Mr. Holmes has continued to reside upon his farm, which he still superintends, although seventy-three years of age and past active labor. Having inherited a love for good literature, he is an indefatigable reader of history, poetry and the better class of fiction. Thus he is spending the declining days of his life in peaceful enjoyment of comfortable circum- stances, the result of many years of care and labor.

AMES L. WELLS was a son of William Wells, who came to Pennsylvania from Vir- ginia in 1800, and settled in Woodstock, Ohio, in 1852, from whence he moved to Zanesville, where he died. William Wells was a Methodist in religion, a Whig in politics, and a chair maker by trade. His children were as follows: sons-James L., Joseph, Dennis B., William, Benjamin and Westley; and his six daughters were: Martha, Eliza, Christiana, Jane, Matilda and Mary Ann. James L., the subject of this sketch, was born June 26, 1815, in Williams: port (now Monongahela), Penn., where he passed his early life.

He learned the brick and stone mason trade in Pittsburgh, Penn., and possessing a natural in- clination for meclianical work became an expert boat builder. Politically he was a leading mem - ber of the Whig and Abolition parties, having ma- terially assisted in the famous "Underground Rail- way." He was equally interested in educational matters, and served as president of the school board until the time of his death. When a young man Mr. Wells was united in marriage with Mary, daugliter of Robert Mason, and their children were Sarah F., William W., R. M., Julius L. and Martha A. The father was a member of the Wes- leyan Methodist Church until that organization dissolved, when he became a zealous worker in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He died in September, 1888, and was buried in the ceme- tery at California, beside his wife, who had been laid to rest in 1874, leaving a memory sweet with the fragnance of every virtue.

Mr. Wells, in his younger days, was an active and powerful man, and possessed the courage to en- gage in any honorable calling promising adequate reward. He appears not to have started in life with a desire to become rich, but simply with an inflexible determination to achieve honorable inde- pendence, and that he succeeded none who knew him will deny. If he possessed one characteristic that dwarfed and overshadowed all others, it was per- sonal independence-that trait in man's character

that forbids him to "crook the supple hinges of the knee that thrift may follow fawning." From early manhood he conformed his life to the teach- ings of practical Christianity by that open-handed charity which brings hope and comfort to mis- fortune. His family relations were of the most pleasing and agreeable character, and his cosy home in Coal Centre (formerly Greenfield) marked him as a man of taste, and an advocate of system in all the details of life. In manner Mr. Wells was serious; by some he was even regarded as severe; yet beneath that thoughtful and meditative exterior there was a stratum of quiet humor, which came to the surface in conversation, and rendered him a most agreeable and entertaining companion. In the evening of his life, enthroned in the affec- tions of his children, and enjoying the well-earned respect of his neighbors, Mr. Wells could review the events of his long and busy life without a blush.

His son, R. M. WELLS, M. D., the only male rep- resentative of the family now residing in Washing- ton county, is a well-known physician of Coal Cen- tre, of which place he is a native, having been born there June 22, 1846.

Dr. Wells received his elementary education in the public schools of Coal Centre, this county. In 1864 he enlisted in Company D, Fifty-seventh Regiment, P. V. I., and served with the army of the Potomac until the close of the war. He commenced the study of medicine in 1870. In September, 1872, he began a course in the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania, and in 1874 entered the College of Medicine and Sur- gery at Cincinnati, Ohio, from which institution he graduated. He first began to practice his pro- fession at Dawson Station, Fayette Co., Penn., later moved to Greenfield, now Coal Centre, and in 1889 moved to Davenport, Iowa. In 1890 he returned to his present home in Coal Centre (on ac- count of the ill health of Mrs. Wells), where he en- joys a large and constantly increasing practice. On May 8, 1879, Dr. Wells was married to Susanna, daughter of John Wood. His brothers, William W. and Julius Lemoine, are in business at Mo- line, Illinois.

OWDEN. The grandfather of the present generation, John Cowden, was born in east- ern Pennsylvania of Scotch-Irish parents, who had settled in the State several years prior to his birth. He was united in marriage with Anna Sloan, and soon afterward moved to Washington county. They settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, a part of the original George Washington survey, where the remainder of their lives was passed.

John Cowden, father of our subject, and son of

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John and Anna (Sloan) Cowden, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, passing his boy- hood on the home place. In 1820 he married Mary Kelso, also a native of this township. She was a daughter of Mark and Martha (Ewing) Kelso, natives of Allegheny county, Penn., who came to this county in pioneer days and died here. Mr. and Mrs. John Cowden began their wedded life on the farm now occupied by their son Robert, where the following children were born: Elizabeth, Joseph (a farmer of Cecil township), Mark K., Margaret B. (married R. B. Miller, of Canons- burg, and died in 1886), Jane John, Robert and Mary (widow of Rev. R. C. Welch, pastor of the Buffalo U. P. Church; she is living in Philadelphia, and has three sons: Robert Lincoln, a U. P. minis- ter, in Iowa; James M., an assistant U. P. minis- ter, in Philadelphia, and John C., attending the medical college at Philadelphia). Mr. Cowden followed farming all his life. He was an active Whig, and in church connection he and his wife were members of the U. P. Seceder Church at Hickory. He died in 1854, his wife in 1883.

MARK K. COWDEN was born September 27, 1827, on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, re- ceiving his education in the subscription schools of the vicinity. In early life he was united in mar- riage with Jane, daughter of Andrew and Eliza- beth (Bell) Thompson, early residents of Chartiers township. Mr. and Mrs. Cowden began life on the farm where they yet reside. This contains 204 acres of well-cultivated land, and also a good gas well. They also own about seventy-eight acres near Hick- ory and are interested in sheep growing. They are members of the U. P. Church at Venice. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Cowden are: John (who lives in Hickory, married to Elizabeth Boyce), Thompson (living near Hickory, married to Sarah McKnight), Elizabeth (residing in Houstonville, wife of Harry McNary), Robert, William, Lida, Van- Emmon, Mary (Mrs. Joseph Little, of Cecil town- ship), and Joseph Alexander (a farmer of Mt. Pleasant township, married to Anna Cummins). Mr. Cowden votes with the Prohibition party.

ROBERT COWDEN was born November 10, 1835, on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township, which is yet his home, and received a district-school education. In 1859 he was united in marriage with Margaret, daughter of Samuel and Mary A. (Miller) Allison, natives of Beaver county, Penn., who settled in Mt. Pleasant township about 1855. To Mr. and Mrs. Cowden children were born as follows: Elizabeth (wife of John Peacock, of Houstonville), John (deceased in his fifteenth year), Emma (wife of Robert Smith, of Mt. Pleasant township), Mar- garet, Jennie A., Robert and Joseph, the four last named living at home. The mother of this family died in February, 1877, and on September 15, 1880, Mr. Cowden married Margaret McDon-

ald, a native of Beaver county, Penn., to whom one child, McDonald Cowden, was born. Mrs. Cowden is a daughter of John and Margaret (Bar- clay) McDonald. Mrs. McDonald resided in Washington county, prior to her marriage, after which they settled in Beaver county, Penn., the birthplace of Mr. McDonald. Both parents died in that county, the mother passing away in 1887. Robert Cowden inherited the old homestead of 260 acres, to which he has added about as much by purchase, all being in a good state of cultiva- tion. He devotes considerable attention to stock, raising a high grade of Black-top Merino sheep. In politics he votes the Republican ticket, and in church relations he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice.

OHN COWDEN. The Cowden family have long been identified with the well-known, energetic and successful pioneer settlers of Washington county, Penn. The grandfather of the present generation, John Cowden, was born in eastern Pennsylvania of Scotch-Irislı parents, who had settled in the State several years prior to his birth. He was united in marriage with Ann Sloan, and soon afterward moved to Wash- ington county. They settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant township, on a part of the original George Washington survey, and there the remain- der of their lives was passed.

Isaac P. Cowden was born in 1798, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where he grew to manhood, and in 1823 married Esther Nelson, who was born in 1799, on a farm in the same township where their son John is yet residing. Her father, James Nelson, was born in York county, Penn., came to Washington county when a boy, and, locating on the home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, married Ann Duncan, and passed the remainder of his life there. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Cowden first settled on a farm near Hickory, this county, where children were born as follows: Lillie Ann (wife of Robert Thompson, San Jacinto, Cal.), John (Mt. Pleasant), Martha and Margaret (residing in West Middletown) and James (living in Sumner county, Kans.). The parents were both members of the Mt. Pleasant U. P. Church at Hickory. The father died in 1865, and in 1877 the mother passed away.

John Cowden, son of Isaac and Esther Cowden, was born October 23, 1827, in Mt. Pleasant town- ship, this county, and spent his youth on the old homestead near Hickory, this county, receiving his education in the subscription schools of the town- ship. In 1857 he married Louisa, granddaughter of Joseph and Martha (Paden) Scott, and daugh- ter of Joseph Scott. The latter was born in the year 1801, in York county, Penn., coming with

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his parents when a boy to Hanover township, this county. He there married Isabelle Nelson, and settled on a farm in Hanover township, where he died in 1872, the mother passing away in Septem- ber, 1886. Both were members of the Presbyte- rian Church at Florence, this county. They had six children, four of whom are living, viz .: Louisa (Mrs. John Cowden), William (a farmer of Beaver county, Penn.), Elizabeth (wife of Samuel Dennis, Wellsville, Penn. ) and Joseph (residing on the old homestead in Hanover township, this county). John Cowden and his wife first settled on the farm of 234 acres which they still own, and have erected a comfortable dwelling. The following is a brief record of their children: Isaac Patterson, born November 25, 1859, married in 1883 Mary Alice Guthrie, who bore him two children: Elmer and Elva (they reside in Chartiers township); Joseph Scott, born May 29, 1861, is a farmer of Sumner county, Kans., and was married, in 1891, to Miss Maggie Williams; Mary Isabelle, born March 23, 1863, was married in 1882 to James Guthrie, a carpenter of Canonsburg (they have two children, Nora and Ellsworth); Esther Ann, born February 16, 1865, was married in 1885 to John S. Hutch- inson, a carpenter of Houstonville, and has two children: Jennie and John Cowden; Lillie, born November 23, 1866, died in March, 1871; James Nelson, born May 30, 1868, is living at home; William Anderson, born April 27, 1870, is also at home; John Alexander, born November 3, 1873, is residing on the home place. Mr. Cowden votes with the Republican party. He and his wife are both members of the United Presbyterian Church at Venice, this county.

J G. HANNA. There is no more prominent figure among the prosperous citizens of In- dependence township than the gentleman of whom we write. He is a son of Richard Hanna, who was born in 1790, in County Down, Ireland, but, when young, moved with his parents to County Cavan. He learned the weaver's trade, and, like many others of his young countrymen, struggled heroically on until he saved enough to pay his passage to America, the Mecca of all op- pressed and persecuted nations. In 1818 he em- barked from Dublin, but when only a few weeks from shore, the ship sprang a leak. Hoping to reach port before the vessel sank, the crew steered for Cork, which was reached in time, and the pas- sengers (for some reason not being allowed to land) were transferred to another ship bound for Halifax. After a voyage of twenty-one weeks, the good ship anchored at Halifax, where young Hanna followed his trade for a short period; then, as he had a distant relative in Washington county,

Penn., he decided to attempt the journey thither. He had previously been employed at gathering stones, for not being able to secure steady work at his own trade, he accepted the only employment offered, rather than wait idly for more suitable work, willing to earn his bread in any honorable manner.

Would that some of our modern young men would profit by the lesson of this life, so plainly given in the simple facts that no moral is needed to point the application. Having very little money with which to pay the expenses of a trip to Penn- sylvania, the sturdy young fellow invested his small savings in goods, which he attempted to sell on the journey to Washington county. This ex- periment, however, was only partially successful, and only by the strictest economy did he succeed in arriving at the end of his journey. He had finally reached West Middletown, six miles from his destination, when the soles of his shoes dropped off, but he passed on to the one or two houses then erected on the present site of Independence, where his relative resided. The long, tedious trip was ac- complished, and the young traveler had just one cent in his pocket as capital stock to invest in new speculations. The reader who has followed the history of this brave youth so far will not ask, " did he despair?" Such men as he, like Wash- ington, turn even defeat to victory; not that brill- iant success immediately rewarded our heroic young pioneer, for, 'on the contrary, he began working as a farm hand at the very modest salary of $4 per month, at which he continued during the summer-in winter following his trade. Thus he struggled on for some time, and, although his small pile of savings did not increase with wonder- ful rapidity, each year some addition was made. In 1830 he joined a party, going to Richland (now Ashland) county, Ohio, and, upon his arrival there, purchased 160 acres of land and began the hercu- lean task of clearing it, with his accustomed tire- less energy. In 1834 he selected a life companion in the person of Mary Gregg, who was born in 1800, daughter 'of James and Elizabeth Gregg, both natives of County Donegal, Ireland, who had emigrated to America. Soon after their union, the young couple returned to Washington county, Penn., locating about a mile south of Independ- ence, on a farm which became their permanent home. Quiet and unassuming in manner, dislik- ing all forms of publicity, and finding his chief happiness in home life, Mr. Hanna was yet a re- markably clear-sighted business man, by natural and acquired gifts supplying the loss of a literary education, and, working in the face of poverty and against such odds, he conquered. At the time of his death, Mr. Hanna owned an estate valued at over $40,000, this vast accumulation being the

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fruit of those early years of heroic self-denial, toil and patient waiting. Politically he voted the Democratic ticket, and in religious faith was, with his wife, a member of the Associate Reformed Church. He passed to his well-earned rest Jan- uary 15, 1872, being followed by the wife of his youth, September 6, 1876. They left two chil- dren to mourn their loss: Elizabeth M. (Mrs. J. J. Stewart, of Cross Creek township) and James G.

J. G. Hanna was born June 5, 1837, on the home farm in Independence township. He re- ceived a common-school education, and afterward attended one term at the Washington and Jeffer- son College. On February 26, 1861, he was united in marriage with Mary A. McCreary, who died July 19, 1865, leaving one daughter, Mary A. (widow of John T. Liggett), born June 27, 1865 (deceased April 28, 1891). For his second wife Mr. Hanna, on March 12, 1868, married Jane A. Scott, born September 5, 1844, in Brooke county, W. Va., daughter of John and Jane (Henderson) Scott. This wife died April 16, 1881, leaving the following children: Nettie Bell (Mrs. J. H. Ander- son, of Pittsburgh, Penn.), Albert M. (deceased), Robert S. (deceased), a daughter deceased in in- fancy, Josie G., Birdie V. and Mabel J., all living at home. On January 3, 1883, Mr. Hanna made a third matrimonial choice in the person of Me- lissa J. Welch, who was born May 10, 1857, daughter of James M. and Jane (Lee) Welch, of Independence township. Two children were born to this union, viz .: Jane L. and Richard W. (de- ceased in infancy). The mother died October 6, 1885, and on December 28, 1887, Mr. Hanna and Margaret L. (who was born January 24, 1848, daughter of Walter and Mary (Welch) Denny) were united in marriage. To them one child, Mary G., was born June 11, 1892. They now reside in an elegant home on the border of the village of Independence, one of the pleasantest locations in Independence township. Soon after his first mar- riage Mr. Hanna located on a farm about a half mile south of Independence, and successfully fol- lowed farming, moving to his present beautiful home in 1868. He is a recognized leader in po- litical, business and religious circles, and has set- tled up various estates, including the valuable property of his father. Although the Democratic party, with which he affiliates, is in the minority in Independence township, he has been elected to various township offices of honor and trust, men of both parties having voted for him, regardless of political lines, and at the present time he is justice of the peace. He and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a hearty supporter, having served twenty years as secretary of the church officers, and always contributing liberally to the cause.

G EORGE W. WHERRY is a grandson of John Wherry, a native of Germany, who when quite young came to Washington coun- ty, Penn., where he married and reared the following family: James, William, Eli, John, Ellen, Mary, Elizabeth and Margaret, all of whom have passed away with two exceptions, William and Mary, who are residents of Somerset town- ship, this county.

John Wherry, the third son of this family, was born on the old homestead in West Bethlehem township. He received a common-school educa- tion, and was a man of no little practical knowl- edge, also a successful farmer. He married Cath- erine Weaver, daughter of George Weaver, who was one of the early settlers in West Pike Run township. To this couple were born nine children as follows: Emma, John, William, Elizabeth, Eleanor, George W., Eli (married Sarah A, Greg- ory), Mary and James. Emma is the wife of Samuel Grable, Washington county; John lives in West Bethlehem township, and is married to Elizabeth Bigler; William married Isadore Mat- thews, and lives in the same township; Elizabeth, who married Uriah Hill, died in 1885, at the age of thirty-six years; Eleanor married James Harvey Hire, and lives in West Bethlehem township, where Mary (Mrs. Henry Hathaway), Eli and James (who married Nancy Grable) also reside.

George W. Wherry, son of John and Catherine (Weaver) Wherry, was born August 9, 1855, in West Bethlehem township, and spent his youth in attending school, which was upon his father's farm, and in assisting with the farm work. On September 19, 1878, he married Lucy B., a daughter of Jacob Myers, an early settler of West Bethlehem township. To Mr. and Mrs. Wherry have been born six children, viz .; Grayson, born April 2, 18- (who died three days after birth); Homer M., born November 27, 1881; Vernon G., born September 1, 1884; Warren J., born April 10, 1887; Russell R., born May 27, 1890; and Donna L., born October 14, 1892. Mr. Wherry enjoys great popularity, and is considered one of West Bethlehem's promising young farmers. He is a stanch Republican, and takes an active in- terest in political questions. He resides on the old homestead of Jacob Myers.

R EV. BANKHEAD BOYD was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1809, a son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Scott) Boyd. For a brief period he studied the classics, and then with his father and mother came to America in 1824. The family settled in the bounds of the congregation of which afterward he became the pastor. In 1829 he graduated at Jefferson

Bankhead Boyd.

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College, Canonsburg. He studied theology the required time (four years) in the Associate Theo- logical Seminary, also near Canonsburg, which in- stitution was then under the supervision of Rev. James Ramsey, D. D. He was licensed to preach in ' the summer of 1833, and was installed pastor of the Seceder Church, Pigeon Creek, in July, 1834. This relationship continued pleasant, useful and unbroken till his death, February 2, 1860, cover- ing over a quarter of a century. As a sermonizer he was clear and methodical, thus greatly aiding the hearer in remembering the discourse. He sustained every sentiment by Scripture testimony. The doctrines he presented were strictly Calvin- istic, and were highly calculated to make strong Christians in faith and good works. He treated sin, and especially Sabbath desecration, in a man- ner to convince the most callous of their dark and degrading character. As a pastor he was honest, faithful, conscientious. On communion occasions he very distinctly outlined the character of the worthy partaker of the Lord's Supper. A warm friend of the young, his instructions always pressed them to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness. Whilst it is true that "winter storms and summer's thunder can not break the sleep of death," yet with many in his old congre- gation and community his kind admonitions are still fresh and impressive in their influence. As the moderator of Session he was calm, decided and ever ready to promote whatever would advance the spiritual interests of his people. As a presby- ter he was esteemed a wise and safe counselor. Possessing a cultivated and well-stored mind, he was chosen a member of the board of managers of the theological seminary already alluded to.

On March 7, 1838, Mr. Boyd was married to Margaret, daughter of James and Abigail Hill Thome, the former of whom was a member of Ses- sion for many years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bankhead Boyd, viz .: (1) Hugh Wilson Boyd, born December 16, 1840 (he graduated at Jefferson College in 1863, completed his theolog- ical course in Allegheny Seminary, in 1868, and same year was licensed to preach by Chartiers Presbytery: As a licentiate he preached nine months in different Presbyteries. While engaged in his Master's work he contracted a cold which ended in a severe hemorrhage and resulted in his death June 12, 1869. " What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter" is the Scriptural key that unlocks God's mysterious prov- idences). (2) James Thome Boyd, born in July, 1843, died December 22, 1861. (3) Robert Erwin Boyd, born December 22, 1845, died May 18, 1848. (4) Lizzie Scott Boyd, born March 24, 1848, died July 2, 1868. (5) Abigail Thome Boyd is the only surviving child, and is the wife of Carson M. Berry (a sketch of whom follows). They reside 19

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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 62

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