Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 66

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 66

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On September 10, 1851, Mr. Sheplar was mar- ried to Sarah A., daughter of Abraham Teeters, a native of Monongahela, where he was educated and learned the trade of hatter, which he followed some years. He married Nancy Marshall, of Maryland, and their children were Eliza, Mahala, Washington, Marshall, Sarah A., Susan, Daniel, Bird and John, of whom but two survived: Sarah A. (Mrs. Sheplar), and Washington (a resident of Chicago). In politics Mr. Teeters was an active Democrat, in religion a prominent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, being an officer in the same. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Sheplar were as follows: Josephine (now living at Riverside, Cal., the widow of I. B. Miller), Wilbert (in San Francisco, Cal.), Cora and Arba (both de- ceased), and Lillie (Mrs. S. C. Carmack). Mr.

Sheplar died September 18, 1891, aged nearly seventy years; his widow is still a resident of Mo- nongahela, at the old hotel site. Mr. Sheplar was a conservative business man, careful and prudent, and at the time of his death was the owner of eleven distinct properties in Monongahela, his estate being computed as worth something over $60,000. In early life he was a Whig, but in 1856 he changed his politics, and from then till his de- cease was an enthusiastic Democrat. He fre- quently served his city as councilman (at one time as president of the council), school director, etc., and twice was placed in nomination by a Democrat county convention, once for treasurer and once for assembly; he also was once a candidate for the position of sheriff. In religion he was an Episco- palian, and was one of the original vestrymen of St. Paul's Church in Monongahela. Socially he was a leading member of the I. O. O. F., having been one of the organizers and charter members of the Lodge in Monongahela. At a meeting held in Council Chambers, Monday, October 5, 1891, the members of the Select and Common Councils of Monongahela passed appropriate in memoriam res- olutions upon the death of their justly esteemed friend and colleague.

ARSON, JACKSON and ALEXANDER S. The Carson family have for many years been prominently identified with the leading cit- izens of Washington county, and a record of the ancestry of the gentlemen, whose names introduce this sketch, will be found at page 1268 in this volume.

Thomas G. Carson was born, about the year 1792, on the home farm in Fallowfield township, Washington county, and received his education in the county schools. In early life he married Eliz- abeth Scott, a daughter of Parker and Sarah (Car- son) Scott, natives of the county, and who lived on a farm in Fallowfield township. They had a family of one son and twelve daughters, one of whom, Lucy Ann, is yet living, near West Belle Vernon, the wife of John Sphar. The children born to Thomas G. Carson were Thomas, Parker, Lucy Ann, Charlotte, Sarah, Washington, Jack- son, John and Alexander S. Thomas G. Carson was an ardent Democrat, and in religious faith he and his wife were members of the Baptist Church. They passed their lives on the old place where Mrs. Carson died in 1858. Mr. Carson was then mar- ried to Esther McIlvaine, a native of Somerset township, this county. He died in 1880, having passed his eighty-fourth year. The following chil- dren were born to his first marriage: Thomas (who died near Rushville, Ind.), Charlotte, wife of Jo- seph Rider (in Fallowfield township), Parker; Washington; Jackson; John, in East Pike Run town-

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ship; Lucy Ann; Sarah (unmarried) and Alexan- der S.

JACKSON CARSON was born April 3, 1827, on the old homestead in Fallowfield township, Washing- ton Co., Penn., and received a subscription-school education. On October 3, 1852, he was united in marriage with Mary, daughter of John B. and Sarah (Scott) Carson, special mention of whom will be found at page 1268. After his marriage Mr. Carson settled on the 140 acres in Fallowfield township which is now his home, running in debt for same; he also owns 1393 acres in East Pike Run township. He has made many improvements on both farms, and has erected fine residences and three barns on his land. This fine property is the fruit of patient toil and ceaseless industry. He takes some interest in politics, voting with the Democratic party, and has filled many township offices. Three sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Carson, namely: William Henry, deceased at the age of twelve years; Isaac Newton, married and living in East Pike Run township, and John Wes- ley, a widower, living at home.

ALEXANDER S. CARSON was born May 10, 1838, on the homestead in Fallowfield township, where he now resides, and was educated in the schools of his district. In December, 1871, he was mar- ried to Annette, daughter of Henry and Emily (Duvall) Hanan, all three being natives of East Pike Run township, this county, where the marriage took place. Her father died in 1868, and her mother in February, 1892. Mr. and Mrs. Carson began wedded life on the farm of 130 (now 206) acres in Fallowfield township, where she died in November, 1880, leaving one son, Walter. In 1882 Mr. Car- son married Elizabeth Myers, a native of Somerset township, this county, daughter of John and Mary (Ross) Myers, who were born in Germany, and about the year 1854 came to America, locating in Washington county, where both died. To this union four children have been born, namely: Jesse, Frederick Ross, Harry Fell, and Elmer Clarence. Mr. Carson's farm is well conducted, and on it, in addition to general agriculture, he raises a fine grade of Short-horn Jersey cattle. Politically he votes with the Democratic party, and he has held local offices; Mrs. Carson is a member of the Pres- byterian Church at Pigeon Creek.

AMES AGNEW, a prosperous farmer of Mt. Pleasant township, is a son of James Agnew, whose father was a pioneer settler of Wash- ington county, coming here in about 1784. James Agnew, father of subject, was born in 1803, in Chartiers township, this county, and was reared and educated on his father's farm. He was united in marriage with Nancy Jane Buchanan, a native of Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and

the young people began life in a rude log cabin, on a farm now owned by their descendants, which was then as unbroken forest. The children born to these pioneers were Elizabeth, deceased wife of Joseph Porter, of Canton township; two sons that died in infancy; James and Nancy Jane (twins; Nancy Jane is the wife of William Stewart, of Wash- ington, Penn.). The father of this family died in 1880, in Mt. Pleasant township, his wife having passed away many years prior to his death. He was an active member of the Democratic party.

James Agnew was born in 1842 on the farm in Mt. Pleasant township which he now owns, and received his education in the common schools of the neighborhood. In 1881 he was married to Rebecca McDowell, a native of the same township, and daughter of John and Margaret (Miller) Mc- Dowell, also natives of Mt. Pleasant township, where they passed their married life. Mr. Mc- Dowell died in 1886, his wife several years before. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church. After his marriage to Rebecca McDowell, James Agnew settled on the farm of 115 acres, which he has since been employed in managing. Mr. and Mrs. Agnew are members of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect, and are always ready to do all in their power to further any laudable object.

M ATTHEW TAYLOR, who in his lifetime was a representative of one of oldest and most prominent families in the county, was born March 5, 1817, in South Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn.

His grandfather, Henry Taylor, was a native of Wales, and about the year 1770 took a " tomahawk right" of 1,200 acres of land in this county, and added thereto until the amount aggregated some 1,700 acres, all lying in what is now South Strabane township. He was a member of the M. E. Church, a Whig in politics, and was the first judge of the courts. He married Jane White, and by her had seven sons and six daughters, of whom Matthew (the eldest) was the first white male child born west of the Alleghanies, his birth occurring on the prop- erty above referred to. Matthew married Nancy, daughter of Thomas Hutchinson, on February 14, 1803, and settled on part of his father's tract. The children born of this union were Henry, born March 6, 1804; Jane, born August 12, 1807, married Oliver Lindsey; Thomas, born September 21, 1805, mar- ried Susan Donington; Mary, born April 8, 1809, married John McFarland; James, born April 11, 1811; Julia, born April 4, 1814, married Hugh Reynolds; Eliza, born March 12, 1805, married Andrew VanEman; Matthew and George (twins), born March 5, 1817, the former of whom is the subject of this sketch, the latter married to Jane Munnell; Rachel, born March 28, 1824, married Workman Hughes; and William, born April 3, 1830.

Matthew Taylor.

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These were all born where the family now reside. Mr. Taylor died June 19, 1852. By profession he was a civil engineer. He was a consistent mem- ber of the M. E. Church, and in politics was a Whig. Mrs. Taylor died March 19, 1877.

Matthew Taylor, whose name appears at the open- ing of this biographical sketch, was educated at the subscription schools in his locality, and was brought up to farm life from early boyhood. On May 26, 1864, he married Jane, daughter of George Forrest, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, who when but a boy moved with his parents to Penrith, Cumberland, England, and when eighteen years of age he moved to London, where he married Miss Alice Rhodes, of that city. The children born to this union were Alice (Mrs. Hugh W. Boyle), Emma (Mrs. John B. Hallam), George, Jane (Mrs. Matthew Taylor), Robert R., Mary (Mrs. John Munce), Richard R. and J. R. To Mr. and Mrs. Taylor were born three children, viz .: George Forrest, Rachel Mary and John Richard. Mr. Taylor passed from earth October 15, 1889, and was buried in Washington. For many years he was connected with the M. E. Church, of which he was a trustee. In politics he was an Abolitionist, later a Repub- lican, and held many offices of trust in the township. The fine farm, whereon his widow continues to re- side, was improved by Mr. Taylor himself. and he built the commodious and elegant brick family residence.

HOMAS LILLEY, a prominent and highly respected agriculturist of East Pike Run township, is a grandson of Walter Lilley, who was born in Ireland, and immigrating to America died in Chester county, Penn.

Thomas Lilley (father of subject) was born and reared on a farm in Chester county, and coming to Washington county in 1801, bought 160 acres in East Pike Run township, where he followed the blacksmith trade in connection with farming. In 1810 he erected a large stone house and barn upon the place. He was an active worker in the Whig party, and in religious faith he and his wife (who was formerly Ruth Woodard) were members of the Society of Friends. They were the parents of ten children, of which large family Thomas is the only one yet living. The father died in 1840, aged sixty-eight years, followed by the mother in 1845, who had passed her seventy-fifth year.

Thomas Lilley, whose name opens this sketch, was born October 12, 1814, on the farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., where he is yet living. He attended the subscription schools when a boy, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. In 1842 he was married to Susan Ulery, born in 1815, in this county, a daughter of Stephen and Christina Ulery, who were of German de- 20

scent and pioneer settlers of Washington county. To the union of Thomas and Susan (Ulery) Lilley six children have been born, namely: Jacob, Thomas E., Simeon, Ruth J. (wife of John Elliott), Eli (deceased), and Stephen (deceased). Mr. Lilley owns the old homestead, consisting of 230 acres of prime land. In politics he is a Republican, and has served as school director for several years. His wife is a member of the M. E. Church.

E N. LILLEY, who in his lifetime was an in- fluential citizen of California, Penn., was a son of Ellis Lilley (who was a native of this county) and a nephew of Thomas Lilley, a sketch of whom precedes this. In early man- hood Ellis Lilley was united in marriage with Elizabeth Phillips, also a native of this county, and the young couple settled permanently on a farm in East Pike Run township. They were the parents of six children, namely: Solomon, Ruth (wife of B. C. Jackman), Thomas, Ellis N., Eliza- beth (wife of Dr. Johnson) and Phoebe (married to Arthur Hulis). Mr. Lilley was a leading mem- ber of the Westland Quaker Church, and in poli- tics was a Whig and Republican. He and his wife were buried in the home cemetery.

Ellis N. Lilley was born July 19, 1837, on the farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., where he received the advantages of a pub- lic-school education. After leaving the public school he devoted some time to teaching, and he entered this work with his characteristic energy, which meant success. He proved a power for good, which was felt long after he was gone. He was married No- vember 1, 1866, by J. C. Momyer, pastor of Green- field C. P. Congregation, to Kate, daughter of Dr. Lewis Marchand, a native of Westmoreland county, Penn. The latter attended the public schools, and deciding to study medicine entered the office of a physician, with whom he remained several months. He then took a medical course, and after graduating began to practice his profession at Uniontown, Penn., where he continued to re- side until failing health compelled him to seek rest in his country home. He was married to Sarah Sackett, a native of Fayette county, Penn., who bore him children as follows: Sainnel, Rachel, Elizabeth, Louisa, Caroline, Lucius and Kate (Mrs. Lilley). Dr. Marchand possessed as a family heritage the receipt for the cure of hydro- phobia, from which many wonderful cures have been reported. He was an ardent Whig and Re- publican in politics, and in religious faith was a leading member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Ellis N. and Kate (Marchand) Lilley resided on the home farm until 1881, when, his sight failing, he moved to California, same county. He died

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July 25, 1891, leaving three children, viz .: Sarah, Henrietta and Wilbur. He was buried in the Mar- chand family burying ground, across the river from California. In political opinion Mr. Lilley was an enthusiastic Republican, and in religious faith he gave liberally of his time and money to the support of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. He was deeply interested in the found- ing of the Southwestern State Normal School at California, Penn., and put his first earned money into it. He served as trustee until his health failed. Patience in sickness and trouble, and a kind heart that reached all the poor and needy, were his notable characteristics, and by everybody could this be emphasized.

ACOB M. STEWART. The Stewart family are numbered with the leading pioneers of this county, and have ever been distinguished as successful, enterprising and popular citi- zens. Archibald Stewart was born in Ireland, and coming to America in early manhood, was married to Rebecca Reed, a native of Pennsylvania. They settled in Chartiers township, Washington county, where he followed farming and blacksmith- ing. Their children were: James R., Mary (wife of Samuel Griffith, of Hickory, Mt. Pleasant town- ship, this county), Jane (deceased in 1883, wife of William S. White, of Canonsburg), Joseph (de- ceased in Illinois, where he was married), William (married and living in Villisca, Iowa), Margaret (deceased in 1872, wife of David Miller, of this county), Sarah (married to Andrew Miller, of Mt. Pleasant township), and John (deceased in 1886, in Donegal township, this county). The father died June 5, 1812.

James R. Stewart was born in 1812, on the home farm in Chartiers township, where his widow is now living. He received a meager education in the district schools, then learned the blacksmith's trade of his father, which he afterward followed in con- nection with farming. On May 23, 1839, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Miller, a daughter of Jacob Miller, who was born in eastern Pennsylvania, and there married to Jane Filston, also a native of eastern Pennsylvania. Soon after their marriage, the young couple came to Wash- ington county, locating near McConnell's Mills, in Chartiers township. Some years later they moved to the old Col. Robert Miller farm, where the fol- lowing children were born: Rachel (wife of Thomas Sproat, living in South Strabane township), Mary (wife of Samuel McNary; both were twice married), Nancy (wife of John Boon), Jane (wife of Richard Sproat, in Ohio), Samuel (a wagon- maker of Hickory, Mt. Pleasant township), Cathe- rine (wife of James McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant), Jacob (who married and moved to Ohio), Margaret

(was married to John McDowell, of Mt. Pleasant township), Sophia, Robert W. (deceased in August, 1891), Elizabeth T. (Mrs. James R. Stewart) and Sarah (unmarried). Of this family Mrs. Stewart is the only living member. The father was an active member of the Washington Presbyterian Church. In politics he voted with the Democratic party.

After his marriage, James R. Stewart settled on the home farm, where his widow is yet living, and continued to follow his trade in addition to farm work. He was actively interested in religious work, he and his wife being earnest members of the Char- tiers Cross Roads United Presbyterian Church. In politics he voted the Republican ticket. Mr. Stew- art died May 22, 1880, mourned by the many friends who knew and valued his sterling worth. He left a widow and two children: Rebecca and Jacob M. Rebecca Stewart was born on the home farm in Chartiers township, and on October 20, 1864, was married to William H. Thompson, a native of Can- onsburg. He was born May 17, 1837, and is the eldest son of Joseph Thompson, who married Emily Gabby, and lived near Canonsburg until his death. William H. and Rebecca (Stewart) Thompson set- tled in Canonsburg after their marriage, where he followed his trade of wagon-making, finally moving to the farm. He was an active worker in the Republican party, and in religious faith a mem- ber of the United Presbyterian Church at Canons- burg. He died February 1, 1873. Mrs. Thompson is living on the home place. She has had five chil- dren, viz .: James Stewart, born February 10, 1867; Joseph (a graduate of Duff's Commercial College, Pittsburgh, Penn.), born January 30,1869; Eliza- beth Emma, born December 8, 1872 (deceased in infancy); Millie R., born February 26, 1872, and an infant, who died in 1871. The mother has given her children the advantages of a good educa- tion. Mrs. Stewart is a worthy representative of her family, which has been one of the earliest in the county, and is ever ready to aid in any enter- prise to promote the public welfare.

Jacob M. Stewart was born September 28, 1842, on the home farm in Chartiers township, and at- tended school in District No. 3, Chartiers town- ship, and after leaving school assisted in clearing and improving the home place. On May 28, 1861, he was united in marriage with Rebecca J., daugh- ter of Rev. John Todd, who was born near Green Garden, Beaver Co., Penn., and was married in Canonsburg, Washington county, to Rebecca Thompson, a native of Canonsburg. He was a minister of the United Presbyterian Church, and first settled in Jefferson county, Penn., but after- ward moved to Washington, Iowa, thence to Bur- gettstown, Penn., where he and his wife died.

To Jacob M. and Rebecca J. Stewart five chil- dren were born, viz. : Blanche L., Frank L., Grace

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Mabel, Edith Rebecca and Myrtle May. The mother of this family died March 9, 1879, and December 28, 1881, Mr. Stewart was married, at Hickory, this county, to Lizzie J., daughter of John and Jemima (Buchanan) Grounds, natives of this county. Both parents are yet living in Hickory, this county, and the father has passed his ninetieth birthday. Mr. Stewart received 133 acres from the paternal estate, and he has added 110 acres to the original tract, making a good farm, which is well. stocked, and improved with all necessary buildings, the hand- some brick residence having been erected before the death of his father. Jacob Stewart votes the Prohibition ticket, and has served as a member of the school board, and in various offices of trust. He and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at Hickory, of which he is an elder.

A LEXANDER DEVORE is a son of An- drew Devore, who was born in Washington county, Penn., where he was married to a Miss Steele, of Redstone, Penn. She bore him five children, as follows: Henry, Lydia A. (Mrs. Crookham, living in this county), Eliza (Mrs. Seeley), David (deceased) and Alex- ander. The mother died in 1880, aged seventy- five years, having been preceded by the father, who passed away before the birth of his youngest son.

Alexander Devore was born March 20, 1830, on the home place in Nottingham township, this county. On January 15, 1851, he was united in marriage with Miss Martha Thomas, of this county, and the following children were born to their union: Jona- than T., Abigail A., Elizabeth J., Liverton D. and Nancy B. The mother of this family died in 1865, and October 11, 1867, he was married to Elizabeth Robb, who has borne him eleven children, five of whom are yet living, viz .: Edwin L., Owen W., Oscar C., Maud and Lydia A., all at home.

Mr. Devore began life on a farm, at the age of sixteen years, without a penny to pay his expenses. He worked for board and clothes until twenty-one years of age, when his employer, Andrew Crouch, gave him $100. With this small amount as capi- tal he rented a farm, and then began saving his money until able to purchase one. When the war began he secured many recruits for the army, and on February 14, 1865, sent as his own substi- tute, one Matthew Crookham, who received an hon- orable discharge at the close of the war. In 1865 Mr. Devore bought sixty-seven acres in Somerset township, which he sold after the war was over. He-then purchased the home place of eighty acres in Nottingham township, to which he has added from adjoining farms, now owning 207 acres of well- cultivated land worth from $80 to $90 per acre, and has erected a fine house and barn on the place.

Mr. Devore has engaged somewhat extensively in stock, and now has over 300 sheep, twenty head of different stock of cattle, and twelve horses, of the best grade of stock.

J J. CHESTER. Among the prominent agri- culturists of Allen township, none are more deserving of special mention than this pros- perous gentleman, whose name has from an early time been associated with the best interests of Washington county.

Many years ago Joseph and Elizabeth Chester, natives of eastern Pennsylvania, came to Wash- ington county, and there made a home on a tract of land which he patented. Among the children who came to this pioneer couple was one son, S. A., whose brothers were Morrison, who resided in Guernsey county, Ohio, and died January 21, 1893, and Benjamin, who died in California.

S. A. Chester was born March 16, 1818, on the home farm in Allen township, Washington county. He was there married to Margaret Jackman, who was born on the farm their children now occupy. Mr. Chester affiliated with the Whig and Repub- lican parties, and served in many local offices. Mrs. Chester died about the year 1871, leaving the following children: Joseph W. (who died in 1873 in Vernon county, Mo.), John A. (living in Mound- ville, Vernon Co., Mo.), Elizabeth Ann (deceased at the age of eight years), J. J. (whose name opens this sketch), James Harvey (who died in 1875 in Allen township), Margaret Ann (deceased wife of Irving McKenna, of Fayette City), Jane A. (deceased wife of Allen Ailes, of Columbus, Kans.), S. T., and Fremont (who died when twelve years of age). S. A. Chester died in March, 1888.

J. J. Chester, the fourth son of S. A. and Mar- garet Chester, was born July 4, 1846, in Allen township, Washington county. He attended the home schools and assisted on the farm during boy - hood. On August 15, 1863, he enlisted at New Brighton, Penn., in Company A, Forty-sixth P. V. I., for three years, or during the war. He was mustered into service at New Brighton and as- signed to the old Twelfth, Army of the Potomac, which, combined with the Eleventh, formed the Twentieth corps, army of the Cumberland. Mr. Chester participated in the battles of Lookout Mountain and Resaca, at which latter he received a gunshot wound in the face and right arm. He

was taken to the hospital at Chattanooga, Tenn., thence transferred to Pittsburgh, Penn., and on May 18, 1865, received his discharge, returning to Allen township. On September 8, 1869, Mr. Chester was united in marriage with Miss E. A. Gatts, who was born in West Virginia, a daugh- ter of C. D. and Mary (Riggs) Gatts, also

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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 66

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