Commemorative biographical record of Washington County, Pennsylvania, containing biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens, and of many of the early settled families, Part 95

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 95

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After three years' service in the army, he re- turned to Washington county, Penn., and on Sep- tember 7, 1864, was married to Miss Sevilla Vaile, in fulfilment of an engagement made in early life. For some years he followed merchandising. In 1873 he was elected treasurer of his native county. After the expiration of his term of office he re- turned to his home in Prosperity, Morris township, engaging as far as able in farming. He and his family are members of the Presbyterian Church of Upper Ten Mile, in the prosperity and work of which he and his family have for years taken a deep interest. For some time he has served as superintendent of the Sabbath-school connected with the congregation; for the last six consecutive

years he has been chosen to preside as moderator at the business meetings of the congregation, and on February 12, 1893, he was chosen a ruling elder. He has long been a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, and was one of the charter members of Luther Day Post, No. 395, Depart- ment of Pennsylvania, and for some time had the honor of being its commander.

Four children were born to Mr .. and Mrs. French, viz. : Dr. Edward E., of Bentleyville; Leah Mary, wife of Dr. A. N. Booth, also of Bentleyville; Charles Clinton, who died in infancy, and John Calvin, Jr., who is now acquiring an education.

J OHN A. NESBITT, a leading farmer of Can- ton township, this county, is a native of the same, having been born April 3, 1829, on the farm which is now his home. He is a grand- son of John Nesbitt, who was a native of Cecil county, Md., and was married to Martha Donaldson, a native of Allegheny county, Penn. In about 1790, John Nesbitt, in company with three brothers, moved to Washington county, Penn. The brothers bought their lands in com- mon, afterward making a division, John's portion being a farm of 119 acres in Canton township, this county. Of the other brothers, one moved away, but John, Joseph and Jonathan passed their lives in the county, and their descendants are living in Canton and Chartiers townships. In the winter of 1837, the family of John Nesbitt was attacked with a fever, and on December 22, 1837, the father died. Three of his children were also taken, namely: John (deceased October 29, 1837), Margaret (de- ceased November 29, 1837) and Jane (deceased December 19, 1837). Robert and his mother were left to mourn the loss of their dear ones, and on April 26, 1843, the latter was laid to rest beside them. Mrs. Donaldson, the mother of Mrs. Nes- bitt, was a native of Allegheny county, Penn., and made her home with her daughter for some time prior to her death, which occurred March 23, 1828, at the age of one hundred years, four months and twenty-three days. She was buried in the ceme- tery at Cross Roads, in Chartiers township.

Robert Nesbitt, a son of John and Martha (Donaldson) Nesbitt, was born in 1800, on his father's farm in Canton township, this county. On June 12, 1828, he was united in marriage with Mary Ann Anderson, a native of Chartiers town- ship, Washington county, after which event he continued to reside on the home farm. Three children were born to this union, namely: John A .; Sarah (married to Edward Dougherty, of Can- ton township), born August 24, 1831; and Martha, born September 6, 1835 (deceased wife of William Stewart, of Canton township, whose children are Frank and Martha, twins). Mrs. Mary Ann

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(Anderson) Nesbitt died September 27, 1837, and Mr. Nesbitt was afterward married to Margaret Shaw, a resident of Canton township, who bore him one son, Robert D., of Chartiers township. Mr. Nesbitt was a shoemaker and farmer. He was much interested in educational matters, and in politics was a Whig and Republican. He was formerly an elder of the Associate Reformed Church, and then joined the United Presbyterian Congregation at Cross Roads. Robert Nesbitt died August 13, 1861, on the home farm.

John A. Nesbitt, son of Robert and Mary Ann Nesbitt, passed his early life on the old homestead in Canton township, attending the common schools of both Canton and Chartiers townships. On Feb- ruary 9, 1865, he was married to Mary Reed, daugh- ter of Joseph and Anna (McClain) Reed, natives of Pennsylvania, who came to Washington county in an early day, and died in Cecil township. Mrs. Nesbitt died August 20, 1881, and her husband is yet living on the farm, where he follows agricult- ural pursuits, and occasionally works at the car- penter's trade. His farm consists of seventy-one acres of well-cultivated, fertile land. Mr. Nesbitt is not an active politician, but votes with the Re- publican party. He is a member of the Associate Presbyterian Church, and a well-known citizen.

J OHN H. HUGHES, an extensive farmer and dairyman of Amwell township, comes of Irish descent. His grandfather, Samuel Hughes, removed at an early day from New Jersey to Washington county, Penn., locating in Am- well township, and for several years he kept hotel on the National pike where John Little now re- sides. Samuel Hughes was married to Nancy Sample, and a large family was born to them. He accumulated a good property, and when far ad- vanced in. life moved to Iowa, locating near Fort Madison, where he died about 1860.

Workman Hughes was born February 5, 1822, in South Strabane township, Washington Co., Penn., was educated in the common schools, and when twenty-two years of age began business for himself. He first owned a farm on the National pike, and afterward purchased one of 300 acres in the southern part of Amwell township, now called the " McGiffin farm." He was united in marriage with Rachel Taylor, of South Strabane township, who bore him seven children, viz. : Samuel Taylor, born March 13, 1849; James W., born November 5, 1850; John H., born September 11, 1852; Mary E. (Mrs. Closser), born in October, 1854; Nancy J., born October 21, 1856; William, born in Octo- ber, 1858, and Mrs. Rachel Myers, born May 12, 1861. On May 18, 1862, Mrs. Rachel Hughes died, and Mr. Hughes was afterward married to Margaret Vance, and she dying in 1879, he was

married to Margaret Scott. Mr. Hughes has been a prosperous business man, and has achieved his success unaided. In politics he has always been a Democrat, and has held several offices, serving in Washington county as director of the poor in 1872-74.

John H. Hughes, son of Workman and Rachel (Taylor) Hughes, passed his boyhood at home, on the old farm in Amwell township, Washington county; he attended the common schools until he was seventeen years of age, and has since been a great reader. On February 19, 1874, he was mar- ried to Lydia Meek, of Amwell township, and they have had the following children: Mary E., born March 20, 1875; Sarah M., born October 3, 1877; Lydia B., born February 11, 1879; Charles E., born October 28, 1881; Rachel H., born October 1, 1883; Alice G., born February 10, 1886; John Franklin, born May 1, 1888, and Hazel Edna, born May 20, 1890. Mr. Hughes has one of the finest creameries in Washington county, and is engaged in cheese and butter making, having made about 10,000 pounds of butter and 15,000 pounds of cheese. He owns a half interest in a farm of 170 acres which formerly belonged to David Evans. A Democrat in politics, he has filled several township offices. He is a member of the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church, and Mrs. Hughes is a Baptist.

W ILLIAM GILFILLAN, M. D., who, in his lifetime was one of the most highly esteemed citizens of West Alexander, was born in 1818, in West Liberty, Ohio Co., Va., a son of Dr. Edward Gilfillan, who was born in Philadelphia, Penn., where he was reared and educated.

Dr. Edward Gilfillan received a thorough course of training in the grammar schools of his native place, which was supplemented by medical study at a college in Philadelphia. In early manhood he came west, and settled in West Liberty, Va., where he was married to Mary McKinley, who bore him the following named children: Harriet (Mrs. John Baird), Oberlin (living in Van Buren county, Iowa), George (a physician of Van Buren county, Iowa), and William, the subject of this sketch. After his marriage Dr. Gilfillan remained at West Liberty, and then settled in West Alexander, this county, where he enjoyed a good practice, and bore the reputation of a skillful physician. Politically he was formerly a Whig and then a Republican. He was among the earliest members of the Presby- terian Church at West Alexander.

William Gilfillan passed his youth in West Al- exander, and was educated at Dr. McClosky's Academy and. Washington and Jefferson College, Washington, Penn. He studied medicine with his father until twenty years of age, when he com-

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

menced active practice in West Alexander, where he remained during the whole of his professional life, dying March 4, 1884. In 1843 the Doctor was married to Margaret, daughter of John Broth- erton, of this county, and their children were Helen, Serena, Edward, John and Campbell. In politics Dr. Gilfillan was first a Whig and then a Republican. He was a member of the Presbyte- rian Church.

AMES F. THOMPSON, a prominent and prosperous young farmer of Independence township, was born July 8, 1855, near West Middletown, Cross Creek township, Wash- ington county. He was trained from child- hood to work on the farm, and received a good edu- cation at the common schools. In 1882 he entered the retail grocery business in Washington borough, Penn., and in 1884 returned to the home farm. On November 11, 1884, he was united in marriage with Lucy L. Denny, who was born October 25, 1861, daughter of James H. Denny, of West Mid- dletown, Penn. This union has been blessed with the following children: James D., born March 29, 1886; William H., born December 18, 1887, and Mary, born October 29, 1890. After his marriage Mr. Thompson located in Independence township, on a farm situated about one and a half miles east of the village of Independence, which has been in the possession of his father over thirty years; but James is the first member of the family who has lived upon it. He has erected a handsome new residence on the place, and made many improve- ments. Mr. Thompson is a scientific farmer, and makes a practical application of any new ideas which he can obtain relative to his chosen profes- sion. Politically he is a member of the Repub- lican party, but takes little part in the warfare of active politicians. He and his wife are members of the U. P. Church at West Middletown.

OSEPH H. PHILIPS is a son of Isaac Philips, whose father, David, was the lead- ing pioneer preacher of Peters township.

Rev. David Philips was born in 1742, in Wales, and emigrating thence many years ago, first settled in Chester county, Penn., where he was married to Miss Mary Thomas. The young couple then came to Washington county, Penn., and took up 400 acres of land on the boundary line of Washington and Allegheny counties, for which a patent was secured March 4, 1786. Prior to locating in Peters township, David Philips had been a captain in the Revolutionary war, and in religious connection was a member of the Great Valley Baptist Church. After settling in Wash- ington county, he served forty years as pastor of

the Peters Creek Baptist Church, the land upon which the church is now standing having formerly been a portion of his property. The following children were born to this couple: Isaac, Josiah, David, Thomas, Benjamin, Joseph, Joseph (2), John, Mary, David (2), Martha and Rachel (twins) and Sarah. During the Civil war a full company of the descendants of Rev. David Philips took an active part in the contest, and nearly 1,000 of his descendants are yet living.

Isaac Philips, son of David and Mary, was born in 1787, on the home farm in Peters township, Wash- ington Co., Penn. When a young man he was married to Nancy Leddie, a resident of Canons- burg, Penn. She was reared to womanhood by Col. Morgan, a soldier of the Revolution, and founder of the Morganza Reform School. Mr. and Mrs. Philips began wedded life on the home farm, where he erected the dwelling which is now the home of his son. Here their children were born as follows: Sarah, Isabella, David, Mary, Jane, Joseph H., Dr. James L., Joshua (a minis- ter, of Cleveland, Ohio) and Lucinda.

Joseph H. Philips, whose name opens this sketch, was born August 31, 1822, on the old home- stead in Peters township. In 1846 he was united in marriage with Mary K. Foster, who bore him two children, Joseph and Mary (twins), who died in infancy. The mother died in 1848, and on February 14, 1850, he made a second choice in the person of Mary J., daughter of James McKnight, of Allegheny county, Penn. Ten children have blessed their union, namely: Samantha J., Warren J., Flora, Nannie B., Louisa, Elizabeth M., Mi- randa, Elmer M., Mary E. and an infant. The home farm contains 116 acres of land. In polit- ical opinion Mr. Philips is a Republican, and has served in various local offices; in religion he is a member of the Baptist Church, and has led the choir for fifty years.

OHN KNOX, a leading business man of Clays- ville, was born July 26, 1829, in Buffalo township, this county, and passed his youth on the home place, attending the common schools and following farming. In 1848 he was married to Mary J., daughter of Samuel Flack, of Buffalo township, this county, and she bore him two children: Ialam F. and Mary E. (Mrs. William Roney). On February 26, 1856, John Knox was united in marriage with Amanda Kane, a resident of Ohio, and the children born to this union were as follows: Anna J. (deceased), Horace, William M. and Luella. Mrs. Amanda Knox died March 13, 1874, and on October 15, 1876, he was married to Mrs. Agnes Jane (Campsy) Griffith, widow of Hosic Griffith, and she bore him two children, John Campsy and Daisy 'Dell. Mr.

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Knox has been a successful farmer and stock rais- er for many years, and in 1891 he purchased a one-half interest in a livery barn at Claysville, this county, which he is now conducting. In politics he has been a lifelong Democrat, and in religion is a member of the United Presbyterian Church at Claysville.

SAAC W. RICHARDS, a properous agricultur- ist of East Pike Run township, this county, is a native of the same, born October 2, 1842. He is a son of John Richards, who was born in 1799, in Maryland, and when a young man came to Greene county, Penn. After his arrival in Penn- sylvania John Richards was married to Phobe Woodward, who was born in 1803, in Greene coun- ty, Penn. In 1841 Mr. and Mrs. Richards pur- chased and moved upon the home farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and their place was for many years known throughout the country as the "Black Horse Tavern." Mr. Richards was a successful farmer, and, politically, voted with the Whig and Republican parties. He and his wife were members of the Baptist Church at Coal Centre. He died in 1864, followed by Mrs. Richards in 1881. They were the parents of nine children, namely: Lucinda (widow of Owen Hines), living in Coal Centre, Penn .; Thomas C., resid- ing in East Pike Run township; Isaac W., whose name opens this sketch; John F .; Mary Ann; Eliza Jane; Sarah Ann and Amy Ann (twins), and Har- riet M., of whom the six last mentioned are now deceased.

Isaac W. Richards remained on the home farm during his youth, there receiving a common-school education. In 1866 he was united in marriage with Mary M. Duvall, who was born December 23, 1843, in East Pike Run township, a daughter of Alexander, and granddaughter of Jacob and Jane (Patterson) Duvall. The latter couple were na- tives of Maryland, and were descended from Irish ancestry. They came to Washington county, Penn., many years ago, where the following children were born and reared: Mary, widow of Moses Billings- ley, of California, Penn .; Harriet, widow of Rob- ert Duvall, of Illinois; Samantha, wife of Lewis J. Weaver, a farmer of East Pike Run township; Jef- ferson, a resident of East Pike Run township; and eight others who are now deceased. The parents died in East Pike Run township.

Alexander Duvall was born in 1810, on the home farm in East Pike Run township, Washington Co., Penn., and passed his youth under the paternal roof. In early life he was married to Jemima Han- non, who was born in 1809, and they were the par- ents of seven children, namely: Henry, a farmer of Fayette county, Penn. ; Jacob, an agriculturist of Allen township, Washington county; James M. ;

Jefferson, a farmer of East Pike Run township; Isabella, wife of Jacob Crow, now of Madison county, Iowa; Mary, wife of Isaac Richards, and Julia, married to William H. Jackman, a farmer of East Pike Run township. The father of this fam- ily died in 1884, and in 1887 the mother passed away. They were members of the M. E. Church.

To the union of Isaac W. and Mary M. (Du- vall) Richards six children have been born, name- ly: Harriet E., Mina, Nellie B., Elsie B., and Luretta and Viletta (both deceased). Mr. Rich- ards owns ninety acres of the old homestead, and gives his principal attention to farming. He has taken an active interest in the Republican party, and has served for twenty-five years as school di- rector. He and his wife are members of the Pres- byterian Church at Coal Centre.

ESSE M. DILLE, an esteemed and prosper- ous farmer of Morris township, is a grandson of Lewis Dille, who was born in New Jersey, and was there united in marriage with Sarah Sanders. ' After their marriage the young people moved to Morris township, Washington Co., Penn., and located on a farm about three miles east of Prosperity, which is now the property of their grandson, Jesse, and there reared the follow- ing family of children: Usual, Keziah, Abbie, Sarah, Ephraim, Lewis and Jane. Mr. Dille passed from earth in 1820.

Lewis Dille, son of Lewis and Sarah (Sanders) Dille, was born upon the farm of his father August 17, 1799, and in early life learned shoemaking. In 1822 he married Miss Lucy McCollum, and their children were: Ira (deceased), Jesse M., Cephas (a resident of Morris township, Greene county), Daniel (who lives in Prosperity, Morris town- ship), Ephraim (residing in Greene county), John (a citizen of Prosperity), David (a resident of Clays- ville, Donegal township, this county), and Keziah (who lives in Morris township). Mr. Dille died April 28, 1885, and was followed within the year by his faithful wife. He was a Democrat in poli- tics, and in religion was a member of the Upper Ten-Mile Presbyterian Church, at Prosperity, in which he was an elder, holding that position until his death.

Jesse M. Dille was born March 16, 1825, on the home farm in Morris township, this county, where he has always lived. On December 11, 1851, he was united in marriage with Rachel Minton, also a resident of Morris township, and their children are: W. H., Addison, Samuel, Eva, Lizzie and Homer. W. H. and Samuel are photographers at Prospect, Ohio; Addison is a dentist in Newton, Jasper Co., Iowa; Eva is the wife of Oliver Booth, of Morris township; Lizzie and Homer reside with their parents. Mr. Dille was formerly engaged in

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

the dry-goods, grocery and hotel business at Wash ington, Penn., and has made a success in all. Politically he is a Democrat with Prohibition tend- encies, and in religion is a member of the Upper Ten- Mile Church at Prosperity.

AMES S. HAYS. Among the well-to-do and influential farmers of this county, James S. Hays is prominently known. He is a representative of an old pioneer family, of . whom the earliest ancestor there is record of was one David Hays. David Hays bought land in New Jersey, September 13, 1787, and his chil- dren were born and reared in that State, as fol- lows: Seven sons-John, Thomas, David, Joseph, William, James and Moses-and five daughters whose names are unknown.

Moses Hays, son of David, was born in New Jersey, and after partially learning the blacksmith's trade, was drafted, at the age of sixteen, into the Continental army, and with five of his brothers served during that contest. He was employed as regimental blacksmith till the close of his term of service. During the contest, his brother John, who was a. lieutenant, received a wound which soon afterward caused his death. In 1783 Moses Hays was married to Jemima Peterson, a native of New Jersey. Soon after the close of the Revo- lutionary war, Moses, with his wife and brothers, went west, settling on 1,000 acres of land about three miles southeast of Burgettstown, this county, on Raccoon creek. The brothers divided this land among themselves, and Moses made a permanent home upon his share which is still owned by Alex- ander Hays, a grandson of Moses, where the follow- ing children were born and reared: Thomas, born on October 5, 1784 (moved to Jackson county, Ohio, where he died); Edith, born February 27, 1786 (wife of David Hays, of Ohio); John, born February 3, 1789 (deceased near Moorefield, Har- rison Co., Ohio); William, born April 7, 1791 (killed by accident); James, born June 11, 1793 (deceased in Allegheny county, Penn.); Alexander, born November 11, 1795; Mary, born December 25, 1797 (died in youth); Eleanor, born November 15, 1799 (deceased wife of James Todd, of Alle- gheny county); Joseph, born February 15, 1801 (deceased on the home farm); David, born May 7, 1803 (deceased farmer of Smith township, married to Martha Fulton), and Ann, born June 23, 1805 (deceased in youth). Moses Hays possessed a re- markably retentive memory, easily recalling inci- dents of the Revolutionary war fifty years after the conflict. Anything once seen or heard he never forgot, and was easily brought to his mind whenever the subject arose. He was a prominent

and successful farmer, and in religion was a. mem- ber of the Raccoon Church during the ministry of Rev. Moses Allen, who was a personal friend of Moses Hays. The latter passed away in 1836, being followed in a few days by his wife.

Alexander Hays was born November 11, 1795, on the farm of his father in Smith township. His literary attainments were acquired in the primi- tive log cabin school-house of the day, the instruc- tion being as limited as the furniture, but Alexan- der Hays soon gave evidence of unusual mechan- ical ability, readily learning both the carpenter's and blacksmith's trades. In 1824 he was married to Ann Stevenson, who was born in 1802, daughter of James Stevenson, an extensive landowner of Smith township. The children born to this union were as follows, one deceased in infancy, James S. (whose name opens these lines), Jemima (de- ceased in infancy), John (a farmer of Smith town- ship) and Joseph (a lawyer in Pittsburgh, Penn.). Alexander and Ann (Stevenson) Hays began mar- ried life on a part of the old Stevenson tract, lying about one and a quarter miles west of Burgetts- town, Penn., where they passed all their wedded life. He was an industrious, kind-hearted and prosperous man, and possessed many friends. In politics he was a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and filled several township offices to the entire satisfaction of his party. He died in 1846; in 1881 his widow was laid to rest beside him.

James S. Hays was born July 26, 1826, on the home farm in Smith township, being trained from early youth to the vocation of a husbandman, which he has continued to follow through life. He obtained his early knowledge of literature from the common schools, remaining with his parents until attaining maturity. On March 16, 1855, he was united in marriage with Sarah, daughter of Samuel Riddile, of Smith township, and the following chil- dren have been born to them: Samuel (who died at the age of twenty-seven years), Annie M. (resid- ing at home), David V. (at home), James G. (a carpenter now farming in Tuscarawas county, Ohio), Mary (living at home), Edgar (who died in youth) and Robert R. (living with his parents). After their marriage Jaines and Sarah (Riddile) Hays located on a part of the " old Stevenson tract " adjoining the birthplace of Mr. Stevenson, where he has always resided with the exception of four years passed in Robinson township, this county.

He is surrounded by a host of admiring and affectionate friends, all of whom are ever wel- come to enjoy the comforts and luxuries of his pleasant home. In addition to general farming he ships a large quantity of milk to Pittsburgh. Having accumulated a considerable property he is now enjoying the reward of many years of toil.

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WASHINGTON COUNTY.

OSEPH H. CLOKEY, an affluent farmer of North Strabane township, is a native of the same, having been born July 24, 1845, on the farm he now owns. James Clokey, his grand- father, was born December 30, 1757, in County Down, Ireland, where he was educated and reared. In an early day he immigrated to this country, making his first home in the land of his adoption in Dauphin county, Penn., whence in 1812 he came to this county, and in the following year purchased a tract of land containing 300 acres, lying on both sides of Chartiers creek, which farm is now the property of our subject. He had three children, viz. : Sarah (who married James Herron), Samuel and Mary (latter being now deceased). James Clokey was a member of the Seceder Church at Peters Creek, about eleven miles from his home, and he was wont to make the journey on horseback. As one of the organizers of the Seceder Church near Pigeon Creek, he was a liberal supporter of it, and for years was one of the trustees; in his po- litical associations he was a lifelong, Old-line Whig. In addition to his farming interests, he operated distilleries in both Dauphin and Washington coun- ties. He died October 6, 1839; his wife, Jane Clokey, died in her eighty-second year.

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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 95

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