Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 75

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 75

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M RS. MARGARET MINTON, widow of Matthias Minton, a native of Morris township, was born December 26, 1824, and is a daughter of John V. Hanna. She was married to Mr. Minton March 8, 1849. Matthias Minton was born April 3, 1826, in Morris township. His father Matthias Minton, moved to Washington county from New Jersey, in the early history of the county. He was by trade a blacksmith, to which, in conjunction with farm- ing, he gave his attention. He married, early in life, Miss Sally Lindley, and of their children is named one son, Matthias Minton. The latter received educational advantages as a youth, and by private application in reading and otherwise, prepared himself for the successful pursuance of his vocation, farming, and later merchandising and hotel-keeping, having succeeded not only in leav- ing his family a competence, but an honored name. Public spiritedness was a prominent attribute of his nature, and the community in which he lived attest with pride to what an extent he exercised it. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Fortieth Regiment, P. V. I., but on account of poor health was compelled to return home in July, 1862. He was a life-long Democrat, and for twenty-four consecutive years served as justice of the peace. He was a zealous Christian, being united with the Presbyterian Church, in which he was deacon. Generous and charitable, he was revered by his neighbors, who often went to him for advice. He was justly called the poor man's friend. In 1890 he sustained injuries from a horse kick, which resulted in his death seven weeks later.

To the marriage of Matthias Minton and Margaret Hanna four children were born: the eldest, John Vance, is a tanner by trade; he served as gauger under President Cleveland's administration. He married Miss Mary J. Mer- riman, of Canonsburg, Washington county. Henry Collins, the second son of Matthias, was educated at Washington and Jefferson College, from which institution he graduated with honors in 1879; he then entered the Western Theological Seminary, of Allegheny, Penn., and having completed the course, accepted the call to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church of Duluth, Minn. His health failing him, he re-

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signed the charge after a short term of service, and passed some time in Florida. Receiving a call from the Second Presbyterian Church of Balti- more, Md., he entered upon the labors of this charge, but after a brief time, on the advice of his physician, resigned, the climate proving unfavor- able to his health, and accepted a call to the pastorate of the First Presbyterian Church, of San Jose, Cal. This congregation he served six years, when he resigned to accept a call to the charge of St. John's Church, of San Francisco, which he still holds. He was united in marriage with Claire Louise Smith, an accomplished Philadel- phia lady, and the daughter of a prominent Pres- byterian divine. Miss Sarah Lydia, the third child of Matthias and Margaret Minton, resides with her mother. Isa D., the fourth child, was united in marriage to W. S. Guttery, and resides in Prosperity.

OHN RUSSELL. This highly prosperous farmer represents one of the oldest pioneer families of Washington county. His grand- father, Andrew Russell, was born in 1732, in Scotland, and came to America in 1758. He was married in this country to Isabelle Mays, a native of Ireland, and the young couple settled near Oxford, Chester Co., Penn., afterward mov- ing to Canonsburg, this county, where they re- sided till 1782. Andrew then bought the farm in Chartiers township, which is yet owned by his grandson. He was a blacksmith by trade, having brought his tools from eastern Pennsylvania, and, being the only one for miles around, his services were in constant demand.

Andrew Russell, a son of the pioneer just men- tioned, was born January 3, 1777, in Cecil town- ship, this county, and in 1782 was brought by his parents to their new home in Chartiers township, where his youth was passed. In 1800 he was married to Ann Mcclellan, who was born in 1784, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, and after marriage began to manage the home farm. He was a Whig, taking an active part in the early political history of the county; he had a brother who served in the war of 1812. In religious faith Andrew Russell was first a Seceder, then joined the United Presbyterian Church of Canons- burg. He died March 2, 1861, in his eighty- fourth year, being followed February 17, 1868, by his wife, who had borne him children as follows: Jane, married to Samuel Lee, and died January 24, 1880; Isabelle, married to William McCall, and died in 1845; James, married in 1844 to Elizabeth McElroy, and died in January, 1890; Ann, living in New Concord, Ohio; Elizabeth, married to . Robert Jeffrey, of Mt. Pleasant township, and died January 10, 1878, in her sixty-fifth year;

Andrew, married in April, 1839, to Jane Miller, and died in April, 1891; Alexander, married first to Magaret Ann Acheson (deceased), then to Lavina Cockins, and died September 29, 1886, in his sixty- eighth year; Robert, married first to Elizabeth McConaughy (deceased), then to Martha Jane McNary, and died in May, 1887; John, a sketch of whom follows; William (married to Margaret Thompson, who died in 1892), living in Chartiers township, and Nancy, who died in 1849.

John Russell, the subject proper of this sketch, was born in 1821, on the farm in Chartiers town- ship which is his present home. His early edu- cation was obtained in the subscription schools which were then sustained by a few families inter- ested in the literary culture of their children. In May, 1866, John Russell was united in marriage with Elizabeth G. Morrison, a native of Chartiers township. She is a daughter of William and Sarah (Munce) Morrison, both of whom were born and reared in Chartiers township, where the father followed farming. He was an ardent member of the Whig party, and both parents were members of the Presbyterian Church. The father died about 1860, in this county, and the mother was laid beside him in March, 1885. To the union of John and Elizabeth G. (Morrison) Russell four children have been born, namely: Lizzie Luella (wife of J. R. Hosick, a theological student at the Allegheny Seminary; Anna; J. Mack, a student of the Western Reserve Medical College, Cleveland, Ohio, and Frank (deceased in infancy). Mr. Rus- sell owns the home farm, which has been in the family over one hundred and ten years, and con- sists of 160 acres, upon which comfortable and commodious buildings are erected. He makes a specialty of raising a high grade of English Shire horses. Mr. Russell has in his possession many an- tique relics of the past generations, among which may be mentioned an anvil which was brought from Scotland by his grandfather, also a day-book over one hundred and twenty years old. He has a small trunk, or case in trunk shape, that was owned by his father, and is very old; it is 4x7 inches, leather covered, and is quite a curiosity. He and his wife are both members of the United Presbyterian Church, at Canonsburg, this county. He was formerly a ruling elder in Chartiers Cross Roads U. P. Church. Mr. Russell died on Monday, January 16, 1893, after only twenty-four hours illness.

A. LITTLE. There is a pleasurable interest aroused in the minds of both reader and writer of biography, as from the life of some earnest, intelligent citizen of to-day, we wander back through the years until centuries have vanished, and in spirit we are standing in

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the presence of our ancestors. Our eyes brighten, and pulses thrill with unwonted inspiration as we eagerly study the words and acts of these heroes of the past. There is a wonderful fascination in this form of psychological study, for, as through a mirror, we see the hidden motives and desires of our own lives displayed in the record of our fathers from which (if we so will it) priceless lessons may be obtained.

Nicholas Little was born in Ireland many years ago, and about 1770, with his wife and little son, sailed across the ocean, to find a home in fair America. He located in the eastern part of Wash- ington county, Penn., where his son James grew to manhood, and when twenty-one years of age came to Cecil township, this county. In 1790 James took a patent for 200 acres of land in Cecil town- ship, and immediately began the task of clearing it for cultivation. With his gun by his side the young pioneer felled the trees of the forest, sleep- ing at night in a blockhouse near location of the village, now known as McDonald, for protection from Indians. He married Isabelle Robb, who bore him children as follows: John (deceased in 1823, in Cecil township), Nicholas (lived on the old homestead, and died in 1859), James (deceased in 1876, in Guernsey county, Ohio; his daughter, Mrs. Emerick, is now living on the homestead), David (first settled in Ohio, then moved to Lee county, Iowa. He died in 1870, at Paxton, Ford Co., Ill.), Elizabeth (deceased in 1819), Nancy (was the wife of John McConaughey, Mount Pleasant town- ship), Jane (deceased in 1868, married to Joseph Craig, Belmont county, Ohio), and Isabelle (died July 17, 1877). The father died in 1834.

Joseph Little was born October 25, 1806, on the old homestead in Cecil township, and in 1838 was united in marriage with Mary Robb, a native of Logan county, Ohio. The young people settled on a farm adjoining the old homestead where he followed farming. He was a man of decided views, in poli- tics a Whig and Republican, and voted for John . C. Fremont. He and his wife were first members of the Associate Presbyterian Church, at Nobles- town, Penn. He afterward united with the Asso- ciate Congregation of Millers Run, at Venice, serv- ing as a ruling elder from the time of its organiza- tion. Mrs. Little died September 15, 1860, and on February 23, 1885, he was laid by her side. They were the parents of two children: J. A., and Samuel Reed (deceased in 1874, in his twenty- ninth year).

J. A. Little was born December 12, 1840, on the home farm in Cecil township, which is yet his home, receiving his education in the country schools. After leaving school he began to follow farming and stock raising on the home place. On March 22, 1866, Mr. Little was united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of Cornelius and Rebecca

(Kelso)Borland, natives of Allegheny county, Penn., who came to Cecil township many years ago, where the father died in 1872, and where the mother is yet living. Of this union five children have been born, viz. : Joseph (married to Mary, daughter of Mark Cowden, living on home farm in Cecil town- ship), Edwin C. (attending the Theological Semi- nary, at Allegheny, Penn.), Annetta, Ida B. and Clara R. The farm of Mr. Little at present con- tains 347 acres of good land, upon which are five dwelling houses, in one of which the present tenant has been living forty years. He does an extensive business in stock raising. In politics he votes with the Republican party, and has filled various township offices. He and his wife are active members of the U. P. Church, at Venice.

M RS. ELMIRA TILTON (widow of Daniel Tilton) was born in Fayette county, Penn., June 12, 1825. She is the daughter of George and Eleanor (Layton) Whiting, and was first married to Jesse Jackman, but some time after his death became the wife of Dan- iel Tilton, who was of English ancestry.

James Tilton, grandfather of Daniel, was a na- tive of New Jersey, where he was married, three children-John, James and Nancy-being born to this union. He afterward moved to Pennsylvania, remaining in Greene county a short time, and while there almost decided to purchase the wood-covered tract on which the town of Waynesburgh, Greene county, has since been built.

John Tilton, the only son of James, was born in New Jersey in 1785. He moved to Washington county, Penn., with his parents, where, in 1806, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Paden, of East Finley township, Washington county. To their union were born eleven children, but one of whom is still living, Elvira (unmarried, a resident of Franklin township). Mr. Tilton was a devoted member of the Baptist Church at Pleasant Grove, and confirmed the donation of the land, made by James, upon which it was built, becoming one of the first deacons of that church.

Daniel Tilton, son of John and Elizabeth (Paden) Tilton, born February 6, 1815, on his father's farm near Pleasant Grove, died March 4, 1890. His education was received in the schools of the period, and his boyhood was passed in attending them and assisting with the farm duties. He also partially learned the carpenter and cooper trades. In 1835 he was married to Abigail Pratt, who died in 1859, leaving him one child, Mary, now the wife of Henry Enlow, of East Finley township. Five other chil- dren were born to them, but none lived to an adult age. On August 23, 1860, Mr. Tilton was united in marriage with Mrs. Elmira Jackman, and to their union the following children were born:

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George W., born September 14, 1861, now man- aging the home farm (married to Maggie F. Fer- rell, of West Finley township, and has one child, Harry W.); Louisa Catherine, born January 14, 1863, died December 23, 1865; Eleanor W., born April 5, 1864, married to David K. Bell, and died October 1, 1889, and Laura E., born December 20, 1866, an accomplished young lady, residing with her mother. In 1838 Mr. Tilton purchased a part of the "Old Byers" tract of land, situated about three miles south of Claysville, in East Finley township, where he successfully followed the vo- cation of a farmer the rest of his life. He was a zealous Christian, liberal contributor and hearty supporter of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, of which he was a member and deacon. Politically he was a Republican. His widow, who is also a member of the Baptist Church, resides on the home farm, her son, G. W. Tilton, managing the farm, and taking the place in church affairs held for so many years by his father.

(OHN A. FLACK. Among the early pio- neers of Washington county was John Flack, who came from Lancaster, Penn., to Wash- ington village, where he purchased a town lot in the year 1784, becoming one of the first lot owners in the borough. In 1788 he removed to Buffalo township, where he purchased a farm upon which he erected the first frame house in that section of the country. This home is still in a good state of preservation, and there may be seen, to-day, mem- bers of the fourth generation of the family, born therein, the homestead having remained constantly in the possession of the family.

John Flack married Jane Gault, a native of Can- onsburg, Washington county, and to them were born the following children: James, John, Samuel, David and Mary. The mother of these children died on the homestead in Buffalo township, Decem- ber 14, 1823, in her sixty-third year. John Flack was known among the earliest settlers of Buffalo township, and resided there until the time of his death, which occurred in 1832.

John Flack, second child of John and Jane (Gault) Flack, was born October 23, 1788. He married Miss Ann Anderson, daughter of Rev. Mr. Anderson, of Upper Buffalo, Washington county, and a pioneer minister there. The young couple took up their residence in Buffalo township, where they reared a large family, and passed the remain- der of their useful and honorable lives, the father dying September 13, 1842, the mother several years later.

John A. Flack, son of John and Ann (Anderson) Flack, and at present one of the oldest and best known residents of Buffalo township, was born February 6, 1824, on the old homestead where he

now resides. He spent his boyhood days upon the farm, amidst the trials and limited advantages of that pioneer period. The little subscription school, held in an humble log cabin, whose primi- tive furnishings of puncheon floor, slab desks and benches were eloquent witnesses of the privations of the day, was the only "college" afforded him. There, for a few weeks during the winter, the chil- dren from the surrounding country would assem- ble, and while one-half of their attention was em- ployed in extracting wisdom from the old-fash- ioned spelling book and reader, the other half would be utilized in directing the struggle with the cold which came in through many a crack and crevice «in the building. Amidst such scenes as this Mr. Flack spent his boyhood, and in his later years, when the advancement of our day has pro- vided the youth with greater comforts, he looked back with pleasure upon the past, and related many amusing incidents of his early struggles. He died January 17, 1893, in his sixty-ninth year.

On February 24, 1846, Mr. Flack was united in marriage with Elizabeth McWilliams, daughter of Gen. Wallace McWilliams, of Buffalo township, who had represented his district in the State Legis- lature, and was a major-general of the State mili- tia. Four children were born to this union: Wal- lace McW. (who now conducts the home farm), Annie (deceased at the age of twelve years), Lizzie and Nannie died in infancy. Mrs. Flack died December 22, 1886, in her sixty-fifth year, having been a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church. ' Politically Mr. Flack was an ardent Democrat, and in early life he took an active part in the political questions of the day.

W ILLIAM McCASLAND, a well-known, wide-awake farmer of West Bethlehem township, was born February 20, 1840, upon the old homestead in that township,. a son to Matthew McCasland, who was born in 1802 in County Derry, Ireland, and died June 18, 1883. When twenty years of age the father left the "Emerald Isle," coming first to Quebec, Canada, then to Washington county, Penn. He began to work at the tailor's trade in Mononga- hela, and continued in that business there and in other cities for many years. He then purchased the farm which is now the home of his son, and spent the remainder of his life in agriculture. He wedded Sibbie Wilson Moore, September 10, 1825, daughter of James Moore, of West Bethle- hem township, and the children born to them were: Martha (deceased), Catherine (deceased), Sarah, Hugh (deceased), Henderson and William. Mat- thew McCasland was a Democrat, and, although not an active politician, he was ever on the alert to the interests of his party. His wife, who died

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August 20, 1879, was a member of the Lutheran Church.

William McCasland received a limited educa- tion in the common schools of the neighborhood of his place of birth, but is a well-informed man, fond of reading. He managed the home farm some years previous to the death of his father, and has always been a successful business man, prac- ticing in every-day life the principles of honor which he believes to be the only foundation of

true success. He was married November 23, 1876, to Miss Martha Shrontz, and they have two chil- dren: Robert Wilson and 'Viola Rebecca. Mr. McCasland is a Democrat, and has served as school director for his township. He and his family are members of the Disciple Church at Lone Pine. Mrs. Martha McCasland was born September 20, 1846. Her grandfather, Frederick Shrontz, came to Pennsylvania from Germany, when a youth, and married Elizabeth Shidlen. Her parents were George and Rebecca (Carter) Shrontz. Rebecca is the daughter of John and A. (McFarland) Carter. Her husband died in April, 1885.

AMES E. RIAL is a worthy representative of a patriotic and soldierly family. The family history is one of loyalty. They have ever freely given of their best and dearest to aid their native land in her agonized struggles for liberty. "Life for a life" in their bible was interpreted as the life of the hero for the existence of his country; and nobly did this pioneer family answer to the call for volunteers.

Isaac Rial was born in New Jersey, and the blood of Scottish patriots coursed through his veins. He was a prosperous planter before the Revolution, having been among the first to shoul- der arms in that mighty struggle, and the last to lay them down after twelve years upon the battle field. He was the father of five children.

Daniel Rial, the oldest son of Isaac, was born in 1796, in the State of New Jersey, and when the war of 1812 opened was too young to enlist. But "we are the same that our fathers have been," and the soldier spirit of his ancestors was burning with unquenchable fire in the bosom of the child. He volunteered to help build the fortifications at New York, and was permitted to assist in that task. He well remembered seeing the entrance of the Brit- ish fleet into New York harbor. His mother, worthy of her warrior son and husband, bound up the wounds of the American soldiers. After the war the lad returned to the farm, and devoted his time to agricultural pursuits. In 1820 he chose a wife in the person of Susan Allfree, who was born in 1801, in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn. He settled on a farm in the district known as the Dutch settlement, in the same township,

and lived there till his death, in 1880, when, in the fullness of a ripe and honored age, he went down to the grave, esteemed by all who knew him. Eleven children were born to them, of whom the following are yet living: Allfree H., Isaac T., Susan, Katherine (living in Ohio), Joseph Y. (in Missouri), Daniel E. (in Westmoreland county, Penn.), and James E. (in Nottingham township). The father was a devout Christian gentleman. He was a member of the Baptist Church for over sixty years, and helped to organize one of the first congregations of that denomination and build one of the first churches in the Monongahela Valley. Susan, his wife, was a daughter of John and Het- tie Foster Allfree. They were among the first settlers along the Monongahela river. They raised a family of nine children-eight daughters and one son. Abraham, the son, moved to Iowa, where he died at the age of eighty-six years, leav- ing an influence for good. He was an active worker in the Methodist Church for sixty years, and held an exhorter's license for most of that time. He was always able to help the needy, and did much in the way of benevolence. Susan, the widow of Daniel Rial, who is in her ninety-second year, is living with her son, James E. Rial. She has been a member of the Baptist Church for more than seventy years.

James E. Rial was born December 31, 1840, in Carroll township, Washington county, receiving a good education in the schools of the vicinity. The war of the Rebellion broke out in the midst of his school years. He enlisted September 26, 1862, under Capt. J. Y. Chesrown, in Company D, Ringgold Cavalry, which was soon after consoli- dated with the Twenty-second P. V. Cavalry, his company being then Company E, of said regiment. The regiment was commanded by Col. Greenfield, of Washington county. Mr. Rial was with the regiment in many prominent engagements: in the noted battle of Gettysburg, in command of a detachment of cavalry; under Gen. Lew Wallace, at Monocacy river; he was with Sheridan in his famous campaign in the Shenandoah Valley, which meant fighting from Harper's Ferry to Rich- mond, and in the memorable battle of Winchester, where thousands were killed. His regiment, led by Col. Greenfield, charged the fortifications, capt- uring a piece of artillery and many prisoners. Two days later Sheridan attacked Early at Fisher's Hill. His squadron, Companies E and F, charged the rifle-pits, with loss; in this charge a ball passed through his coat; the squadron dismounted to hold their position. In the grand and final charge, along the whole line, his squadron charged on foot. He, with Col. Greenfield and Jacob Wise, of Company F, and William Starr, of Com- pany E, were among the first inside the fortifica- tions. One month later came the battle of Cedar

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Creek, during which Sheridan made his famous ride. It was one of the hardest-fought battles of the war. His regiment was in that great charge, which gave victory to the Union boys. His horse fell in that engagement, injuring his right leg. Numerous were the hardships which he encountered, best known to the soldier. He was promoted from the ranks to orderly sergeant, and received his discharge July 5, 1865.

Leaving the scenes of carnage for the peaceful pursuits of rural life, Mr. Rial settled on a farm in Washington county. He was married November 1, 1871, to Anna A. Bryant, a native of this coun- ty, daughter of James M. Bryant and Sarah Curry Bryant. They had three children: William C., Moore M. and Anna A. Mr. Bryant was a pros- perous farmer. He was a ruling elder in the U. P. Church for forty years, and a man of honor and in- tegrity. He died in 1880, aged seventy-nine. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Rial has been blessed by four children, two of whom are living: Susie S. and Lizzie A. Both are in school, Susie attending school at Pittsburgh, Penn. Mr. Rial has a very desirable home, and takes great pleas- ure in his fine fruit and thoroughbred Jersey cat- tle. He has belonged to the Prohibition party for eleven years. He is an honorable gentleman, a reader well posted on the events of the day, and takes an active part in all moral movements. He and his family are members of the first Presby- terian Church of Finleyville.

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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 75

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