Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 82

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 82

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Zadoc L. Bell, second son of the above, was born February 12, 1832, at Van Buren, Franklin (then Morris) township, Washington Co., Penn. There he received a liberal education at the country schools, and followed agricultural pursuits on his father's farm. On April 9, 1855, he was united in marriage with Martha G. McKeen, daughter of John and Margaret McKeen, of East Finley town- ship, and she bore him seven children, of whom the following is a brief record: Theodore D., born July 22, 1856, is now a farmer in Morris township, this county; Matilda, born March 13, 1858, married C. H. Andrews, and died May 22, 1888; Samuel, born January 20, 1861, is a jeweler in Claysville, Penn .; Sarah Ellen, born August 13, 1863, is married to E. C. Booth, of Washington, Penn .; Erminie Blanche, born July 12, 1866, is married to J. E. Andrews, of Lindley's Mills, this county; Thomas Remley, born April 5, 1870, is a school teacher and lives at home; Birdie Caroline, born August 29, 1872, is married to L. H. Ramsey, · of Lagonda, Penn. Soon after his marriage Zadoc L. Bell purchased of his father the old Van Scyoc farm, on which his widow yet resides and manages. This property is one of the best in East Finley township. Mr. Bell died suddenly July 9, 1891, after a busy and successful life. In addition to his general farming interests he dealt extensively

in live stock, and in all his business transactions he was recognized as an honorable, straightfor- ward man, one who made and kept hosts of friends, and wielded an influence for good in the commu- nity. In politics he was a life-long Democrat, and one of the advisers in his party; in religion he was a most liberal contributor, not only to his own church, the Cumberland Presbyterian at Fair- view, but to all denominations in need of pecuniary assistance. His widow is a member of the Fair- view Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

R OBERT LITLE. Among the older and most successful agriculturists of East Fin- ley township, none stand higher or are more respected than the gentleman whose name opens this sketch.

William Litle, father of our subject, was born in Bedford county, Penn., in 1798, of Scotch-Irish parents. His educational opportunities were very meager, but his practical experiences were almost unlimited. At about the age of eighteen he set out for the then "great West," at that time offer- ing magnificent opportunities for ambitious young men who were willing to work and encounter hard- ships. About the year 1817 he arrived in Wash- ington county, Penn., and soon found employment in the carding-mills there, in which he worked about seven years, or until after his marriage in 1823. He then purchased with his hard-earned savings a tract of land in East Finley township, near the Buffalo township line, on which he erected a log cabin, moving thereon with his young wife, and here they passed the remainder of their days, working industriously and adding to their posses- sions. Mrs. Litle was a Miss Mary Ann Patter- son, a native of Washington, Penn., whose father, James Patterson, had emigrated from Ireland. Ten children were born to this union, as follows: James, who died at the age of fifteen years; Henry, now a retired farmer, residing in Hiawatha, Kans .; Alexander H., living retired in Washington, Penn .; William, who died at the age of thirty-five years; Robert, our subject; Martha, deceased at the age of twenty-one; Isabel, deceased at the age of thirty- nine; Jane, now a resident of Hiawatha, Kans., married to Stewart Litle; Carpenter, deceased in infancy, and Kate, wife of William McCreery, of Buffalo township. The father died in 1887, the mother in 1880. They were members of the M. E. Church, and in politics Mr. Litle was a life- long Democrat.

Robert Litle, the subject of this memoir, was born February 26, 1831, in Buffalo township, Washington Co., Penn, His education was some- what limited, as regards book learning, but his knowledge of agriculture, which he obtained under the preceptorship of his father, was invaluable.

501

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

On April 1, 1856, he was married to Mary Ash- brook, who was born February 17, 1835, a daugh- ter of Absalom and Elizabeth (Braddock) Ashbrook, and to this union the following children were born: A daughter that died in infancy; James, born De- cember 10, 1857, died September 1, 1862; Ida Bell, born April 19, 1860, married to William For- gie, of Washington, Penn .; Lizzie Ann, born June 4, 1862, wife of William Donaldson, of East Fin- ley township; Amelia J., born June 9, 1865, and William A., born September 7, 1869, both living at home. After his marriage Mr. Litle purchased some land adjoining his father's property, situated about three miles southeast of Claysville, on Buf- falo creek, in East Finley township. Here he has since resided, engaged in general farming, in which he has been eminently successful, and he and his worthy life partner enjoy the esteem and respect of all their neighbors. They are members of the M. E. Church at Claysville, and in politics Mr. Litle is a solid Democrat.

E JDWARD GRAHAM ALEXANDER, a pros- perous farmer of East Finley township, is a grandson of John Alexander, a native of Ireland, who immigrated to Fayette county, Penn., in an early day, where his children were born and reared.

Edward Alexander, son of the pioneer John, was born in Fayette county, Penn., November 14, 1792, and when yet a boy came in company with two brothers to Ohio, which was then considered "out West." They located in the northern part of the State, and remained there some time, but Edward, becoming discontented, returned to Wash- ington county, Penn., and took a contract for the construction of one mile of the "National pike," west of Washington borough. On April 4, 1816, Mr. Alexander was married to Sarah Shoaff, a na- tive of Virginia (born near Rumley), of German ancestry, and the following children were born to them: James, Jacob, Edward Graham (subject), David (deceased in infancy), Hezekiah and Sarah Jane (wife of Jesse Plants), living in East Finley township. Our subject and the daughter just named are the only living members of the above family. After his marriage Mr. Alexander lived some time on Buffalo creek, and in 1825 came to East Finley township, locating on the farm now occupied by his son Edward, which is situated on Templeton fork of Wheeling creek, about half a mile from its mouth. Mr. Alexander continued to reside on this farm until his death, which occurred in the year 1874. His wife died in 1880.

Edward Graham Alexander was born in East Finley township, Washington county, June 8, 1820, and passed his boyhood on the farm. In 1848 he was united in marriage with Hannah Van-

derhoof, who was born June 24, 1829, a daughter of Peter Vanderhoof, a native of New Jersey. She bore him children as follows: Margaret J., Heze- kiah, William, Isabel (who died February 15, 1890), Mary, Sarah, Amanda, James, Rosanna, Catherine and Jacob. After his marriage Mr. Alexander moved into a log cabin near his present home, and began the struggle of life. By dint of incessant toil and tireless energy he has succeeded in accumulating a comfortable property, and also in winning and retaining the highest regard of all who know him. In politics he has always been a Democrat. He attends the Windy Gap C. P. Church, of which his wife is a member.

EWIS A. HENRY, a young and enterpris- ing citizen of South Strabane township, is a son of John Henry, who was born October 14, 1825, on the farm in South Strabane township, Washington county, which is now occu- pied by Robert D. Henry. John Henry passed his earlier years in- agricultural duties, and being of a mechanical turn of mind, afterward learned the carpenter's trade, beginning business as a general contractor and builder, and managing a farm at the same time. He ultimately gave his whole time to the latter occupation, making nu- merous improvements on the home place. He was united in marriage May 8, 1851, with Jane N. White, whose parents were among the pioneers of Chartiers township, and to their union were born children as follows: Ebenezer W. (living in Iowa), Nicholas, Robert, Joseph N. and Lewis A., all living but Nicholas, who died when eighteen months old. Mr. Henry owed his financial success to his own exertions, and accumulated a comfortable property, being the owner of over 400 acres of land in Washington county, Penn., also of a farm in Iowa. In political preferences John Henry was formerly a Whig, and upon the organization of the party became identified with the principles of the Repub- lican platform, and filled the office of a school director in the township for many years. He was a highly respected citizen, and in religion an active member of the United Presbyterian Church, in which he filled the office of trustee. On July 11, 1887, he passed away, and was laid to rest in Washington cemetery; his wife, Mrs: Jane N. Henry, died February 21, 1892, and was laid to rest beside him.

Lewis A. Henry was reared in South Strabane township, this county, and acquired his early edu- cation in the common schools. In the year 1880, he entered Duff's Business College, Pittsburgh, Penn., from which he graduated the same year. He then began to manage the farm, and on Feb- ruary 14, 1889, was married to Mary, daughter of James McClure, a resident of Chartiers township,

502

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Washington county. They came immediately to the home place where they have since resided. Mr. Henry and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church at Pigeon Creek, and in polit- ical life he is an enthusiastic Republican.

OUIS DUVALL, one of the most substantial farmers of Hopewell township, was the youngest son of Louis, who was a son of Alexander and Abigail Duvall. Alexander Duvall came from France to America at an early day, and first located east of the mountains, after- ward removing to Fayette county, Penn., near the Monongahela river, where the remainder of his days were passed.

Louis Duvall received a common-school educa- tion, and after his marriage, to Hannah McAdams, removed to Still Water, Ohio, then almost an unbroken wilderness. They were in constant dread of the Indians, and when her husband was obliged to leave home to go to mill the wife would hide herself and children until his return. Mr. Duvall contracted malaria while in Ohio, and returned to Washington county to regain his health. No house being ready for them on their return, they lived for a time in a barn, which was remodeled and fitted up for the purpose. But though living to a goodly age, Mr. Duvall never regained his health, and upon the devoted wife and mother fell the heavy weight of providing and caring for the needs of the family. She often found it necessary to take her infant to the field, leaving it in a corner of the fence while she hoed corn. By their united efforts, in spite of the husband's poor health, they were successful and accumulated considerable property. Of the nine children born to them, only three are now living, viz. : Hannah (widow of Elias Garrett, of West Bethlehem township), Abigail (wife of Jacob Deems, now residing in West Pike Run township, this county) and Louis. Mary, Eliza, Jane, Maria, Isabel and John are deceased. The father and mother were members of the Society of Friends, being regular attendants at the services, though the meeting house was five miles distant.

Louis Duvall was born in 1830, in East Pike Run township, this county, and was reared on the home farm. Owing to the feeble health of his father the bulk of the farm work fell upon the boys as soon as they were old enough to be of use. In the summer time he could not attend school, and through the winter, school lasted but three months. All farm work was done by hand in those days. Grain was cut with sickles or cradles, as there were no threshing machines; it was then beaten out with flails or trampled out with horses, being afterward cleaned in a fanning-mill. The winter season was the time for doing such work,

and as the process was long and tedious, the opportunities for getting an education were very limited. The schools of that time were very primitive affairs compared with those of to-day, and speaking of them Mr. Duvall said: "I wonder that we got any education. If the children of to- day could see with what difficulties we had to con- tend, they would better appreciate the advantages of the present school system. The school-house I attended was as good as the times afforded. It was built of hewn logs, and had windows of four small panes each. The seats were slabs, into which wooden pegs were driven for legs. There were no backs or desks. Around the sides of the room holes were bored into which long wooden pins were driven. On these pins boards were fastened, forming a writing-desk. The ceiling was low and liberally festooned with cobwebs. No maps or charts were used to help the youngsters with their lessons. Into a room of this kind fifty or sixty pupils were crowded. The teachers were men of muscle as well as brains, and believed in the efficacy of the rod." Mr. Duvall attended school whenever possible until he was sixteen or eighteen years of age, then turned his attention entirely to farming, working his father's place.

In 1853 he was married to Mary Deems, a native of Clarksville, Greene Co., Penn., daughter of John and Mary (Reynolds) Deems, the former being a native of Washington county, and the latter born in Fayette county, Penn. To Mr. and Mrs. Duvall have been born eleven children, as follows: John R., Hannah M., Annie M., San Jacinto, William L., Mary Olive, Ulysses G. and Schuyler C. (twins), Lurilla (deceased), W. Claud and Dot Dell. They continued to reside in East Pike Run township until 1879, when Mr. Duvall purchased a farm of 163 acres in Hopewell town- ship, where he has been engaged in farming and wool growing, being ably assisted by his sons, none of whom are married. Two of the daughters are married: Hannah (to John Barnes, residing in' Claysville, this county) and San Jacinto (married to Albert Rush. living in Hopewell township. this county). Mr. Duvall has endeavored to give each of his children as good an education as possible. His twin sons are attending college at Ada, Ohio. In politics he is a Republican, and in religion he and his wife are members of Buffalo Presbyterian Church.

R OBERT B. FRYE, a prominent merchant of Finleyville, is a son of West Frye, whose father, Luke Frye, was of German descent, and a native of Washington county, living near the Horseshoe church. Luke Frye was married to Miss West, a daughter of Samuel West, of Washington county, and to this union

503

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

were born three children, namely: West (whose sketch follows), Hester (wife of Elgy Van Voorhes), and Violet (Mrs. James Jennings).

West Frye was born in 1818, near the Horseshoe church, Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn. He was reared to farm life, and in early days dis- tilled whisky in connection with his agricultural duties. In 1840 he was married to Miss Christina Van Voorhes, a daughter of Daniel Van Voorhes, of Fallowfield township, Washington county. She was born in 1821, and reared on the farm, receiv- ing her education at the high school and seminary of Allegheny, Penn. After they were married the young couple located on the old homestead near Horseshoe church, where they remained several years. They afterward moved to Monongahela, where he engaged in distilling, but in 1857 moved to Union township, this county, where he followed farming and hotel keeping. At that time the town of Finleyville was yet in its infancy, and has since been enlarged so much that it now covers a portion of the Frye farm. Mr. Frye was instrumental in building up the town, having erected several dwell- ings and business blocks. In politics he was a valued member of the Republican party. The fol- lowing children were born to this couple, viz. : Robert B. (whose name opens this sketch); Sarah A. (who was married to J. H. Gaston, and is engaged in the millinery and notion business); Mary H. (who was married to I. N. Morrison); Martha E. (Mrs. Boggs, of Des Moines, Iowa), and Ella C. (living at home).

Robert B. Frye was born in 1841, on the old farm at Horseshoe church, this county, and assisted his father in the general agricultural duties. He graduated from the Iron City College, Pittsburgh, and in 1862 joined the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. He served in the army of the Potomac until the siege of Petersburgh, when his regiment joined General Sheridan's forces, and entered the Shenandoah Valley. September 28, 1862, Robert Frye was left on the field for dead, at Rock Fish Gap, near Waynesborough. He was captured by the enemy, and (as soon as his wounds would per- mit) taken to Libby Prison November 10, 1864, where he remained until February 22, 1865. He was then paroled and first taken to Annapolis, thence to Philadelphia, and put in the Mower general hospital, from there receiving his discharge June 17, 1865. After the war he came home and went West in 1866, but, returning to Washington county in 1870, was married to Catherine B., a daughter of Michael Teeple. The wedding cere- mony took place on the anniversary of the day that he was wounded on the battle field, September 28, 1870. The young couple first located in Melrose, Iowa, and then lived in Kansas and Colorado, and different parts of the West. In 1891 they returned to Finleyville, Washington county, to help care for

his aged mother. Mr. and Mrs. Frye are the parents of three children: Ella M., Jennie D. and Robert M. He was one of the first to support the Republican party, but has recently espoused the cause of the Peoples' party, and was the nominee of same, for representative from Washington county, in the campaign of 1892.

M RS. VIOLET G. HAPPER. John A. Happer (deceased) was a cultured citizen, and a representative of one of the oldest families of Union township, his grand- father, John Happer, having settled upon the Happer homestead in Union township in 1787. This ancestor was a native of Ireland, from which country he and his wife, Martha (Patton), emi- grated in 1778, and on May 19, 1787, received a patent for 300 acres in Union township. He was a weaver by trade, but after arriving in America devoted his life to agricultural pursuits. His chil- dren were Ann (Mrs. John Steele), Andrew, Bap- tist (who always resided on the old homestead), Andrew (who lived in Ohio), John, Samuel and Jane, none of whom are yet living.

Baptist Happer, son of John and Martha, was born July 15, 1787, on the home farm in Union township, Washington county. On September 27, 1808, he was united in marriage with Miss Ann Arrell, and remained on the homestead all his life. He was a prosperous agriculturist, and an exten- sive stock dealer. Politically he was a supporter of the principles embodied in the Whig party. The following children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hap- per: Sarah (deceased wife of Rev. Thomas Gault), who resided in the Western States; John P. (de- ceased); Samuel (deceased), who went West; John A. (deceased); Andrew P. (still living), for forty years a missionary in China, whither he was sent by the Presbyterian Board of Missions; James B., a resident of Illinois; and Margaret J., who resides in the West.

John A. Happer was born October 1, 1816, on the ancestral acres in Union township, Washington county. He attended Jefferson College, and be- came a well-educated, intellectual and prominent citizen, serving in the State Legislature in 1862-63. In 1838 he was married to Violet Gardener, who was born in 1818, on a farm in Allegheny county, Penn., daughter of John Gardener, a native of Chester county, Penn. The young couple contin- ued to reside on the homestead, which contains 220 acres of fine land, and in connection with general farming, Mr. Happer made a specialty of stock raising. He was the first to bring Berkshire hogs into the neighborhood, and among the first to intro- duce Durham cattle in Union township. In polit- ical opinion he was a Republican, and took a special interest in educational matters, having served for

504

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

many years as a member of the school board. In religion he was a member and elder of the Mingo Presbyterian Church. He died November 11, 1890, leaving a widow and the following children: Andrew G. (a resident of Washington, Penn.), Maggie A. (wife of J. J. Beacon, LL. D.), Isabella (married to Dr. Cheeseman), James B. (deceased), Frank A. (living in Washington, D. C., is married to Emma Foster), Oliver P. (deceased), Elizabeth, Wilmer, and Ella Blanche (deceased).

H ELON B. LEYDA was born July 27, 1834, in Somerset township, Washington Co., Penn. He is a son of George and Luz- anna (New-Kirk) Leyda, and grandson of Benjamin and Catherine (Stoody) Leyda. The latter couple were natives of Pennsylvania, and settled in Washington county, Penn., where they reared a family of eleven children.

George Leyda was born in 1796, and reared on the farm, receiving a limited literary training in the subscription schools. In 1823 he embarked on the matrimonial sea in company with Luzanna New-Kirk, who was born in 1803. He then pur- chased a large tract of land, and followed farming and stock raising extensively in Washington county the remainder of his life. Politically he voted the Republican ticket, and in church connection he and his wife were members of the Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. He died in 1864, his wife in 1868, leaving the following family of children: Catherine (wife of I. V. Riddle, a farmer of Somerset township), Rhoda (married to Noah Myers, a resident of Toronto, Ohio), Julia (widow of David Clark, living in Nottingham township), Mary (widow of Daniel Teeters, of this county), Jane (wife of William Williams, a farmer of this county), James H. (a practicing physician of Alle- gheny, Penn.), Isaac N. (practicing medicine with his brother James), Almond R. (a real estate dealer of Beaver Falls, Beaver Co., Penn.) and Helon B.

Helon B. Leyda remained on the home farm during his boyhood, and attended school. On March 23, 1882, he was married to Mary, daughter of John and Julia A. (Grable) McCormick. Mr. Leyda owns 108 acres of well-cultivated land. In politics he is a Republican, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

OHN L. PROUDFIT. He who begins at the lowest round of the ladder, and, with his eyes fixed on the goal, overcomes each obstacle, rising step by step until that goal is won, is the man to whom all honor is due. Of such a character is the gentleman of whom we write. He is a worthy representative of an old and well-known pioneer family.

David Proudfit, grandfather of subject, was a native of Scotland, and coming to America, located in York county, Penn., where a son, John, was born to him, January 28, 1775. In 1802 this John Proudfit came to Washington county, Penn., locating in Hanover township. On April 9, 1809, he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Lyle, a native of Cross Creek (then Hopewell) township, born March 24, 1793, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hays) Lyle. Some time after their marriage John and Elizabeth (Lyle) Proudfit re- turned to York county, as the father of John was growing old and feeble, and needed the care of his children. The young people remained on the home farm until the death of the father, which event occurred in 1826. John and his family then again moved to Washington county, settling one mile west of Burgettstown, where he passed the remainder of his life. The trips across the mount- ains were fraught with much danger and incon- venience. On one occasion Mr. and Mrs. Proudfit rode 300 miles on horseback to make a visit to relatives in York county, the wife carrying an in- fant in her arms, and many hardships were en- dured on the journey. The following children were born to these pioneers: David, born August 13, 1810, died September 19, 1813; John L. (deceased), born September 3, 1812; James K., born April 21, 1815, died February 25, 1816; Eliza J. (Mrs. Arthur Campbell, of Smith town- ship), born January 2, 1817, died December 21, 1892; Agnes, born June 17, 1819, died August 15, 1824; Robert F., born December 23, 1821, died in Smith township, in September, 1886; Cinderella (wife of Jacob Proudfit, a native of Ashland county, Ohio), born September 16, 1824; William, born May 10, 1828; Andrew J., born March 20, 1831; and Eleanor (Mrs. Thomas Shipley, of Hanover township, this county), born August 29, 1833, now in Hanover township.

John L. Proudfit was born in Hanover township, Washington county, and when but eight months old was taken by his parents to York county, Penn., where he received his early education. When sixteen years of age he returned with his parents to Smith township, Washington county, and entered the arena of agricultural pursuits. When a young man he was married to Eleanor Campbell, who bore him four children, as follows: Elizabeth (Mrs. William A. P. Linn), Jennie (wife of Dr. W. P. Taylor), Martha E. (deceased wife of John M. Moore) and Amanda, deceased. On December 24, 1867, Mr. Proudfit married, for his second wife, Mrs. Nancy Byers, widow of Alexander Byers, and daughter of Alexander Duncan, who was born November 14, 1792, in Smith township, where his whole life was passed. Mr. Duncan was first married to Matilda Crothers, a native of this county, who bore him two children, James C., and

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 82

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