Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 87

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 87

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).

SAAC J. DEEDS is a worthy descendant of a well-known pioneer family. He is a son of Isaac Deeds and a grandson of Andrew Deeds.

Andrew Deeds was born January 1, 1760, in eastern Pennsylvania, and came to Washington county, settling on the Dutch fork of Buffalo creek, in Donegal township, about two and three-quarters miles north of Coon Island. He was of German descent, and among the first pioneers of this county. Andrew Deeds was married to Mary Miller, who was born June 20, 1760, in eastern Pennsylvania, a daughter of Jacob Miller, coming with her parents to Donegal township, this county.

Her father, Jacob Miller, was of German birth, and, immigrating with his wife to America, was among the early settlers on Dutch fork of Buffalo creek. Jacob Miller and a neighbor, John Hupp, were both killed on Easter Sunday, 1782. They started together to visit a friend, not knowing that a party of Indians had raided in, as was their cus- tom in the springtime and autumn. Miller and Hupp had nearly arrived at their friend's house, when suddenly they were met by the savage red- skins in the path that led through the lonely and uncultivated forest, and, mid the yells and savage shrieks of the painted Indians, they were killed and scalped. Soon the news came to the few set- tlers that the Indians were making a raid among them, and they all left their homes and made a speedy effort to seek safety in the Miller block- house. Soon the few settlers who had succeeded in gaining the blockhouse were surrounded by a party of about seventy Shawanese Indians, and al- most without any ammunition, and totally without provisions to eat. The wives of Miller and Hupp were among those who escaped to the fort, and they there prepared ammunition to keep off the Indians. At this moment the latter, leaping from their concealment, appeared in every direction

532

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

around the blockhouse, and a hot and continuous firing commenced. The female band, in despair and anguish, were forced to the conclusion that the blockhouse would now soon be taken by storm, or envelop them in its flames; and, with no hope of a successful resistance, were about to give up. In this crisis of terrible emergency, but with the con- soling language of hope, and with courage suffi- ciently unfaltering for the dire emergency, Provi- dence panoplied those female heroines with daring courage. And then, nerving their arms and steel- ing their hearts to the severe duties of the moment, they, snatching up their rifles, fired at the ap- proaching savages, and then ran from porthole to porthole, protruding the muzzles in different direc- tions to convey the idea of a great force in the house, at each presentation causing the savages to cower behind trees or other objects for protection. This executed strategy of these pioneer. heroines without doubt saved the few inmates from an im- mediate and horrible death. The Indians, evident- ly filled with chagrin and disappointment, skulked about the blockhouse till nightfall, and then a few of them left during the night, bearing away with them the scalps of Miller and Hupp. The loss of these two men to the neighborhood was severely felt at a time when men were so much needed; but all hearts in that blockhouse were overflowing with thankfulness and gratitude to a kind and merciful Preserver for vouchsafing to them His aid and pro- tection when their great and terror-filling peril was impending, and saving them from the ruthless hands of the merciless and bloodthirsty savages.

With sad and anxious hearts the wives of Miller and Hupp lived in hopes that their loving hus- bands would soon arrive in safety at the block- house, not knowing then that they were massacred by the savage Indians; so the lifeless bodies of Miller and Hupp remained for several days where they had been left by the Indians. By and by some friends and a few settlers, concluding it was safe to leave the fort, with cautious steps and armed with a few guns, set out in search of Miller and Hupp, whose bodies they found less than one-half mile north of the fort, on a ridge in a small path that led through the dense forest. (The field is now owned by Clint Miller). They brought the lifeless bodies to the Miller blockhouse, and prepared them for burial. They were in- terred in one grave, a few yards from the block- house, and placed side by side, each body being wrapped in a sheet, without any coffin, and some rude puncheons were placed around them in their grave. There was no time for the mourners to pre- pare a box or coffin for their departed friends, as they did not know how soon the Indians might sur- round them, and kill or take them all prisoners. And in that ancient and lonely graveyard to-day are lying, clustered around the graves of these two

pioneers, the remains of Jacob Klow, Jacob Miller, Jr., Fredrick Miller, Ann Hupp and her daughter Margaret Titus, and other friends. Fredrick and Capt. Jacob were sons of the unfortunate Jacob Miller, Sr. Fredrick died on March 27, 1814, aged forty-three years, and Capt. Jacob Miller died August 20, 1830, aged sixty-eight years. The graveyard where those heroes are buried is situ- ated a few yards from Clint Miller's residence, in a ravine near the waters of Little Buffalo creek. This is one illustrative incident of pioneer life.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Deeds had the following family of children: Adam, Jacob, John, Isaac, Catherine and Mary. After his marriage Mr. Deeds located on a farm adjoining the "Old Miller blockhouse tract of land." He passed the remain- der of his life on the farm, dying December 5, 1831, and was followed by his wife October 15, 1842. He was an industrious man, and accumu- lated a considerable property.

Isaac Deeds, the youngest son of Andrew Deeds, was born August 12, 1800, on the farm in Donegal township, passing his younger days in assisting his father, and attending the subscription schools. He remained at home until after the death of his father, and took care of his mother. On Novem- ber 15, 1832, he was united in marriage with Sarah Rodgers, who was born September 8, 1809, daughter of Francis and Elizabeth (Hupp) Rodg- ers, the latter being the daughter of John Hupp. They had two children, Belle and Isaac J. Mr. Deeds passed the first years of married life on his father's farm, devoting his time to agriculture, and dealing extensively in stock. He afterward pur- chased and moved upon the "Abe Miller " tract of land, adjoining the old Deeds farm. Mr. Deeds was a very successful, sagacious business man, and eventually became one of the largest landholders in Donegal township. Politically, he was original- ly a Whig, afterward becoming a Republican. He died September 26, 1886, having been preceded by his wife May 12, 1842. Their two children, Isaac J. and Belle, are living on the home farm. Isaac J. is an active member of the Republican party.

J AMES S. BUCHANAN. Of the many coun- tries represented in America, none have be- queathed to the New World a better or more inteligent class than has " bonnie Scotland." She has given us the noblest and best blood of a nation eminent in the history of the world as patriots, citizens and statesmen. James Buchanan, grandfather of subject, was born in Scotland, and in early manhood came to America, setling on a farm in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., where he died many years ago. He and his wife were members of the Seceder Church.

Thomas Buchanan, father of our subject, was

Jan ES Buchanan

535

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born in 1800, in Chartiers township, this county, and in 1824 was united in marriage with Jane Smiley, who was born in 1804, in Cross Creek township, this county. After their marriage the young people settled on the farm now owned by their son James S., and followed farming and wool growing. He was extensively engaged in raising sheep, making a large profit from the busi- ness. In politics he opposed slavery, voted the Democratic ticket, and served the county as super- visor of the poor. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan were formerly members of the Seceder (now U. P. ) Church at Hickory, afterward uniting with the North Buf- alo U. P. Church. He died May 7, 1871, followed by his widow in March, 1885. They were the parents of the following children: Nancy Jane (deceased in 1883), Mary Ann (who married Rev. Samuel Alexander, of Abilene, Kans., and died in 1862), Sarah Martha (who married Rev. Josiah Alexander, of Belmont, Ohio, and died in 1854, while visiting her parents), Hester (Mrs. Robert Flanigan, of Mt. Pleasant township), Elizabeth E. (wife of J. D. Smith, in Lawrence county, Penn.), Rebecca Margaret (deceased in 1854), James S. (our subject), Harriet (deceased in 1853), Maria Miller (Mrs. James Herriot, living in Lawrence, Kans.), Caroline (deceased in youth) and Ella S. (wife of William Smith, of Douglas county, Kans.).

James S. Buchanan was born April 1, 1838, on the present home farm in Mt. Pleasant township, receiving his elementary education in the district schools. He then took a course at Duff's Com- mercial College, graduating with the class of '58. After leaving school he devoted himself to agricult- ural pursuits. In 1878 he was one of the first to introduce Holstein cattle into Washington county, since which time he has made a specialty of rais- ing that breed, also the Dorset horned and Merino sheep. (H. S. Buchanan, the son, in company with J. B. Henderson, imported the first lot of Dorset horned sheep into Washington county, and it is believed the first importation ever made of sheep direct to said county). In 1861 Mr. Bu- chanan was united in marriage with Martha L. Mc- Carrel. Her grandfather, Lodowyck McCarrel, was born in Ireland about the close of the last century, came to Washington county and married Martha Leman. They settled in Mt. Pleasant township, and reared a family. Andrew McCarrel, father of Mrs. Buchanan, was born in Mt. Pleasant township, and in early life was married to Eliza- beth, daughter of William Wilson, pastor of the U. P. Church at Clinton, Penn. After their mar- riage they settled on a farm in Mt. Pleasant town- ship, where Mr. McCarrel died December 29, 1883, having been preceded by his wife in July, 1874. They were members of the U. P. Church at Hickory, afterward uniting with the Chartiers Cross Roads Church. James S. Buchanan and his wife began

wedded life on the home farm, where they have continued to remain. Three children have been born to their union, viz .: Beulah W. (wife of Dr. C. L. Campbell, Hickory), Herbert S. (married in 1889 to Lena, daughter of J. R. Lyle, of Mt. Pleas- ant township) and Lulu F. married November 30, 1892, to J. B. Henderson, of Washington, Penn.). Mr. Buchanan's farm contains 400 acres of well-cul- tivated land. In politics he is a Democrat, and is much interested in the recent organization of farmers for mutual protection and co-operation. He is now serving his twenty-second year as justice of the peace, having entered on his fifth term of five years each. He was a strong candidate for the State Legislature in 1886, and has taken an act- ive interest in securing railroads in the commu- nity. Mr. and Mrs. Buchanan are members of the Presbyterian Church at Mt. Prospect.

Squire Buchanan was the first man to take an interest in the leasing of land in his part of the county for oil and gas, and was one of the first to call a meeting of the citizens of Mt. Pleasant township; he took an active part in the leasing of 10,000 acres, spending one winter. The first gas well was found on a farm adjoining Mr. Buchanan's, and this led to drilling for gas in Washington county, resulting in oil. Mr. Buchanan has set- tled many estates, and in many instances acted as administrator. His home is about nine miles from Washington borough, and about two and a half miles from Hickory.

S AMUEL CONNER, a member of one of the early families of Washington county, Penn., is the eldest son of John Conner, a son of Samuel Conner. The grandfather was born and reared in Maryland, and there married to Sarah Graham. They came to this county many years ago, first settling in Burgettstown, where he followed the wheelwright's trade, and afterward moving to Mt. Pleasant township. His wife died in 1821, and he followed her prior to 1848.

John Conner was born February 18, 1810, in Mt. Pleasant township, this county, where he passed his boyhood. In early life he was married to Margaret Edgar, a native of Cecil township, this county. She was a daughter of Adam Edgar, a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1786. He married Sarah Jamison, who was born and reared in Bucks county, Penn., and they had eleven children, five sons and six daughters, all now de- ceased but Thomas, who lives in Boone county, Iowa. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Conner settled in Mt. Pleasant township, thence moving to the farm in Cecil township, now owned by W. J. Kelso. In 1844 John Conner bought 186 acres of the Donald farm in Cecil township, upon which they made their permanent home. Mrs.

536

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

Conner died February 14, 1890. They were the parents of six children, as follows: One that died in infancy, Samuel, Adam (who died May 11, 1861), Sarah Jane, Abigail (deceased October 31, 1885) and John (living in Pittsburgh, Penn.). The father is yet living, and has entered his eighty-third year. He was a member of the U. P. Church at Squeers Springs, with which his wife was also connected, and they afterward trans- ferred their membership to the church in Canons- burg.

Samuel Conner was born in 1840 on the home place in Cecil township, this county, and received his education in the schools of the home district. He has always resided in the vicinity of his birth- place, and does a general farming and dairy busi- ness. In politics he votes with the Democratic party, and in religious faith he is a member of the U. P. Church.

M RS. JANE (LEE) KERR, a popular and intelligent lady of Cross Creek township, is a granddaughter of Hugh Lee, who was born in Ireland, and was there married to Mary Elliott. They immigrated to Amer- ica in 1790, settling on the farm in Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn., now occupied by a great-grandson, W. C. Lee. Six children were born to this couple: James, William, Hugh, Robert, Ann and Ellen. Of these, Hugh Lee was born in 1773, in County Donegal, Ireland, and came with his father to Washington county. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed through life. He was united in marriage with Miss Han- nah Orr, who was born in 1787, and to their union came children as follows: Mary, William, John, Margaret, an infant unnamed, Hugh, Hannah A., and Jane (Mrs. I. H. Kerr). The father was a very influential citizen, and used all the means in his power to promote the interests of others. In religious faith he was a member of the Cross Creek Presbyterian Church, and in 1818 was elected an elder for life. His death occurred in 1837, in Claysville, while he was attending the Presbytery.

Jane Lee was born March 7, 1827, on the old ; homestead, and in her early youth attended the common schools of the vicinity. On September 8, 1847, she was united in marriage with Isaac Hampton Kerr, a native of New Jersey, and son of Aaron and Sarah (Peppard) Kerr.

Aaron Kerr was born June 4, 1776, in Maryland, and was married to Sarah Peppard (at the time living near Hackettstown, Md.), daughter of the late Rev. Francis Peppard, of that place. Aaron Kerr was a member of the Presbyterian Church from early manhood, and had been elected four times as ruling elder, first time in Hackettstown (Md.) Church, when but twenty-one years of age.

After their marriage Aaron and Sarah Kerr settled on Pigeon creek, this county, afterward moving to Washington borough, where he was engaged in mercantile business; he was also a ruling elder in the church there. In 1831 he moved to Mononga- hela City, and there carried on commercial busi- ness until 1845, when he came to Cross Creek village, still engaging in mercantile pursuits. In politics he was a Whig, and from 1824 to 1828 was a member of the Pennsylvania Legislature. He served as a member of the constitutional con- vention in 1836, and was again chosen to the Assembly in 1840. He died May 1, 1854, at the age of seventy-eight years.

Isaac Hampton Kerr, son of Aaron and Sarah (Peppard) Kerr, was born June 24, 1814, in New Jersey, and remained with his father until they came to Cross Creek village. He then married Miss Jane Lee, who bore him three children, viz. : Leeanna (wife of Dr. T. C. M. Stockton, of Cross Creek village); Aaron Hervey (a merchant of Cross Creek village), and Milton Brainard, a merchant in southern Kansas). Mr. Kerr was a thorough business man, following mercantile pursuits during most of his life, and accumulating considerable property. He was a member, trustee and treas- urer of the Cross Creek Church for many years. He died February 1, 1866. '

HOMAS PETTIT, a prosperous and enter- prising farmer of Cross Creek township, Washington Co., Penn., is a son of Matthias Pettit, who was born on a farm near Wash- ington borough. He was reared to agricult- ural pursuits, but his inclinations were opposed to farm life, and when a boy he learned the tailor's trade. He was married to Sarah, a daughter of Barnabas Hughes, a prominent farmer living near Washington. Soon thereafter Matthias Pettit moved to Elkhart county, Ind., and there worked at his trade the remainder of his life, dying in . 1838. He left three children, namely: Margaret. Ann (wife of John Munce), Thomas, and William H. (a blacksmith of Beaver Falls, Penn.)

Thomas Pettit was born April 4, 1836, in Elk- hart county, Ind., and soon after the death of his father came to the home of his grandfather in Am- well township, Washington Co., Penn. He re- mained on the farm in Amwell township until reaching maturity, and on March 27, 1861, was united in marriage with Miss Margaret Boone, who was born in 1836. The following children have been born to their union: Calvin M., born in 1862 (a clerk in R. P. Wallace's glass store, Pitts- burgh, Penn.); William H., born in 1864 (living with his father); Minnie, born in 1866 (wife of G. Hunter Patterson, foreman of the R. P. Wallace glass store, Pittsburgh); Charles E., born in 1868,

537

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

and Thomas M., born in 1873, are residing with their parents. Thomas Pettit began life working by the month, continuing to labor as a farm hand for five or six years, when he began farming on shares. Two years after his marriage he pur- chased his first farm, which was situated near Washington, but sold it the following year. He then lived in different parts of the county, some- times buying a farm and occasionally renting one. In 1889 he bought a fine place of 102 acres, where he has since resided, and upon which is a comfort- able residence, which enhances the value of the property. Politically, Thomas Pettit is a stanch Republican, as were his ancestors, his grandfather being one of the two men in Amwell township, this county, who voted for J. P. Hale for President on the Abolition ticket. Mr. Pettit is an active mem- ber of the Disciple Church at Middletown.

AMES HAMILTON (deceased), who in his lifetime was a successful business man of North Strabane township, was of Irish par- entage. His father, Alexander Hamilton, was born in the Emerald Isle, and when a small boy came with his parents to America. They settled in North Strabane township, Wash- ington Co., Penn., where the parents died, and Alexander was married to Jane Colwell. Their children were James, Joseph C. and John (both farming in North Strabane township), Mary (widow of William Crawford), Sarah, Robert C., Alexander, Elizabeth, James, Anna and Margaret. Of these, Robert C., Alexander, Elizabeth, James, Anna and Margaret are deceased. Mr. Hamilton voted with the Democratic party, but was not an active politician. He and his wife were both act- ive members of the old Pigeon Creek Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Hamilton died in 1860, and was followed to the grave by her husband in 1864.

James Hamilton was born December 27, 1809, in North Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., and grew to manhood on the home place, receiving his early education at the country schools of the vicinity. On October 1, 1846, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucy Bushyager, who was born February 17, 1816, in Washington county, Penn., daughter of George and Mary Bushyager. Mr. Bushyager was born in Germany and immigrated to Pennsylvania, where he was married to Mary Miller, a native of that State. Nine children were born to them, of whom are now living: Sarah (wife of Joseph Gilchrist, a farmer of Iowa), John (a farmer of Westmoreland county, Penn.,) and Lucy (Mrs. James Hamilton). Mr. Bushyager was a farmer and died in West- moreland county, Penn .; his wife died in Iowa.

Mr. and Mrs. James Hamilton had children as follows: Four are now living-Robert C.,

born February 27, 1851; Margaret, born March 20, 1853 (married December 21, 1882, to Samuel McNary); James A., born October 16, 1855, and George I. born September 1, 1858; Sarah J., who died March 18, 1889, and three that died in infancy. Of this family George L. was married March 21, 1879, to Miss Sadie A. Chamberlain, who was born October 9, 1859, a native of Wash- ington county, and three children were born to them, namely: James H., born December 17, 1879; Nelly B., born September 27, 1881, and Hannah F., born October 19, 1883. Mr. Hamil- ton had a good farm of 106 acres, lying half a mile south of Thomas. In politics he was a Dem- ocrat, and was ever interested in all worthy enter- prises. He died November 25, 1892, aged eighty- three years.

J AMES JOHNSTON, who, since 1884, has lived a retired life in the borough of Wash- ington, is a native of Canton township, this county, born April 12, 1821. His grand- father, James Johnston, was a native of Lancaster county, Penn., where he was married, and reared the following children: Nancy (Mrs. Thomas Con- nelly), Jennie (Mrs. Benjamin McKehan), and Samuel. In 1810 he came to Washington county and settled in Canton township, where he died. He was a leading Democrat, and a member of the Presbyterian Church at Washington.

Samuel Johnston, son of this old pioneer, was also a native of Lancaster county, born in 1787. About 1818 he was married to Sarah McClane, of Chartiers township, this county, and they settled down to the stern realities of life on the old home place. The names of the children born to them are James, John M., Samuel G., Sarah Martha and Nancy J. The father of this family died June 14, 1870, the mother about 1841. They were members of the Presbyterian Church at Washing- ton, and in politics Mr. Johnston was a Democrat.

James Johnston was educated in the public schools of his native township, and received a thor- oughly practical training to farm life, which voca- tion he successfully followed until 1884, when he retired from active labor. On January 21, 1845, he was married to Mary M. McClane, who was born December 31, 1824, in Chartiers township, Washington Co., Penn., a daughter of Ebenezer and Jane (McMurray) McClane, and the children born to them were Samuel M., E. McClane, John (deceased), Sophronia (deceased), John (a physi- cian practicing in Wellsburgh, W. Va.) and Anna J. The mother of this family was called from earth September 17, 1891, and was buried in Wash- ington cemetery. Of the sons born to James and Mary M. (McClane) Johnston, E. McClane mar- ried, in the fall of 1875, Miss Rachel Hill, daugh- ter of Abner and Lizzie Hill, and five children were

538

WASHINGTON COUNTY.

born to this union, viz. : Sudie (deceased in May, 1890), Mamie (deceased in January, 1886), Bessie, Ora, and one that died in infancy at the time of its mother's death in June, 1887. John married, in 1886, Miss Nannie Adams, and three children came to bless their home, viz. : William Parvin, Huldah Margaret and James Howard. Samuel M. and E. McClane Johnston are each operating farms owned by their father in Canton township.

Mr. Johnston, by assiduous labor and sound judgment in the management of his affairs, accu- mulated, during the three decades of his active life, a comfortable competency, and he now own's 330 acres of valuable land in Canton township, be- sides which he has an elegant brick dwelling on Jefferson avenue in the borough of Washington, where he and his daughter, Anna J., reside. He is a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church in Washington. In politics he is a straight Dem- ocrat, and has served as school director nine years with marked ability.

M RS. ELIZABETH J. MILLER is a grand- daughter of David Glenn, who was born in Coleraine, Ireland. He came to Cum- berland county, Penn., and married a Miss Thompson, who died not long after- ward, leaving him one son, William. After her death David Glenn was married in Cumberland county, Penn., to Nancy Dunlap, a native of County Monaghan, Ireland. They first located near Newville, Penn., thence moving to Westmore- land county, and in 1809 made a permanent settle- ment in Washington county, where his children were reared as follows: William (the son of his first wife, who died in Chartiers township, this county); Gabriel (deceased in Claysville, Ohio); David, Samuel and John; Jane (who died in 1817); Polly (who died in March, 1882, when nearly ninety years of age) and James (the father of Mrs. Mil- ler), all now deceased. David Glenn, Sr., assisted in the organization of the Chartiers Cross Roads Church. He died about 1825.

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 87

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