USA > Pennsylvania > Greene County > History of Greene County, Pa. : containing an outline of the state from 1682, until the formation of Washington County in 1781. History during 15 years of union. The Virginia and new state controversy--running of Mason's and Dixon's line--whiskey insurrection--history of churches, families, judges, senators, assembly-men, etc., etc. > Part 24
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
ninistrators and Executors' accounts having been filed, and will be presented at June Court for confirmation and allow- ance. Jessie Lazear, Register.
Next the order of Court for the sale of the real estate of John Wood, deceased, Adaline Wood, Administratrix. The i otice is different from that found on the first page, by the sune administratrix. W. T. Hays, Clerk.
The paper was printed and published by John Irons, who was then and for several subsequent years its editor.
-
300
HISTORY OF GELENE COUNTY,
NEWSPAPERS.
There are four weekly newspapers published in Waynesburg -- the Messenger, [which is by far the oldest,] the Republican, Independent and Democrat. These I will present in my book according to their respective ages.
HISTORY OF THE MESSENGER .- Having given the contents of these two old papers, I will now give the history of the paper itself, as I received it from the present editor according to the best of his recollection. It began its career in 1813, during the second war with Great Britain, and was a strong supporter of the "powers that be." Its first editor was Dr. Layton, who was superceded by John Baker who is said to have been a very excentric man. He was succeeded about the year 1823 by Thomas Irons, who was associated in the ownership and management with his brother John Irons, who became sole proprietor in 1825, and continued such until 1837. This man I have often seen in Uniontown when he was connected with the Genius of Liberty, but I was too young to know much about him ; however, I have often heard his political opponents say "well, John Irons won't lie." The next editor was John Phe- lan, Esq., who is still well and favorably remembered by the present generation. He only owned and edited the paper for one year, when John Irons again became proprietor in 1838. In 1840 the paper became the property of Charles A. Black, Esq., who published it until 1842, when Major Jas. W. Hays became proprietor. The paper was printed at this date by W. T. H. Pauley, who had entered the office in 1833 as an appren- tice to the printing business, and who became proprietor in 1844, and continued such until 1852, when he sold to John M. Stockdale and James S. Jennings. One year from this date he again became proprietor, and continued until 1859. A part of the time during this period James S. Jennings was associated as assistant editor. Jame. W. Hos and James S. Jennings
301
HISTORY .:
became equal partners as proprietors for one or two years, when Major Hays sold out to Joseph G. Richey, who subse- quently gave place to R. W. Jones, who was one of the few fortunate men who amassed considerable wealth by speculat- ing in Greene county oil lands, to such an extent that he quit the printing business. James S. Jennings continued to pub- lish the paper as sole proprietor until 1867, at which date J. F. Temple, Peter Brown and W. T. II. Panley became associ- ated as proprietors. In the course of a year or two this ar- rangement ceased to exist, and W. T. II. Pauley again became sole proprietor, and continued such until January 1883, when he sold to Jas. S. Jennings, a former proprietor. During the time the Messenger was published by Jones and Jennings, the Cumberland Presbflterian, a religious weekly, was published on the same press and with the same type. This paper is now published by the C. P. Board of Publication, Nashville, Tenn., . with Rev. John R. Brown, D. D., as editor. The paper is now one of the leading religious journals of the day.
WAYNESBURG REPUBLICAN .- This is the continuation of a journal that has long been the organ of a highly respectable party in Greene county. I had hoped to have given an accu- rate history of this very respectable paper, and for this purpose I addressed a letter to its present editor asking such facts and figures as would enable me to inform its readers of the ante- cedents of this journal. The editor declines complying with this reasonable request, and consequently I must avail myself of such information as I can derive from other sources. Mr. Ragan of the Independent has shown me a paper entitled the Village Watchman edited by Rev. Simeon Sigfried, and dated August 4, 1846, during the Mexican War. This paper is said to be one of the ancestors of the present Republican. I am told that at one time a paper called The Greene County Eagle, occupied a place in the direct line of descent. At another
302
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
time the Repository is said to have been the name of the paper that has been absorbed by the present journal. Among the able editors of this paper I have been informed that our present Postmaster, Col. J.Cooke, L. K.Evans, James E. Sayers, and James Miller, have made their mark high up on the tablet of fame and have left behind them unsullied reputations as successful journalists. I regret this imperfect sketch, but un- der the circumstances it is the best I can do.
WAYNESBURG INDEPENDENT .- The Messenger, which was for a long time the only paper in the county, has always been strongly and uncompromisingly Democratic. After the estab- lishment of the Republican the usual result that "extreme be- gets extreme," seemed to require the necessity of a paper un- trammeled by partisan spirit and devoted to a class of reading mutter more acceptable to the home circle, and to meet this lemand of the people, in the month of October, 1872, Z. C. Ragan and J. W. Axtell began this enterprise without capital, . "acept that which they borrowed at exorbitant interest, with- wat even the promise of assistance from their friends, who we are informed, very confidently pointed their prophetie till- gers at the financial ruin of both these daring adventurers. Yet the paper was issued and the first volumn almost complet- ed, when as suddenly and unexpected as a elap of thunder in a clear day came the J. Cook explosion. Long established banking houses went down, corporations of different kinds closed their doors, while "consternation turned the good man pale." What was to be the fate of the two penniless proprie- tors of the Independent ? Nothing strange, they had nothing to lose. They had brave hearts and cunning hands, being both practical printers they girded on their armor and "smiled at the storm." Their running expenses were economised and their patrons promptly paid their dues. The storm passed away and the sunshine of prosperity again smiled on the enter-
303
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
prise. After five years of connection Mr. Axtell sold his in- terest to W. W. Rodehaver. Two years later Mr. Rodehaver concluded to take the advice of the great Horace Gree- ly "young man, go West, sold his interest to W. W. Evans, formerly one of the proprietors of the Moundsville, W. Va., Reporter, and who is at this date one of the editors, proprie- tors and operators in this establishment. Mr. Ragan has clung to this enterprise these ten years through evil as well as good report, writing for its columns, keeping its books and compos- ing at its desks. The weekly circulation of this journal is over 1,800 with a constantly increasing subscription list. The firm of Ragan & Axtell were the first to introduce the power print- ing press with steam attachments in Greene county, the first edition run off by steam being in May, 1875. The first paper that passed through the power press was picked up by John Hagar, one of Greene county's oldest citizens, with the remark, "well done, Greene county." The present firm increased the facilities of their well stocked job office by adding the latest improved process of stereotyping, and this history is printed from plates made on this machine. Other editions can be issued from these plates at a small cost.
GREENE COUNTY DEMOCRAT .- This youngest of all the pa- pers of this county sent out its first number on the 17th of December, 1881. J. F. Campbell was the first editor, while Simon R. Huss is its present editor and proprietor. It has entered on its second volumn with a respectably increasing sub- scription list. The principles of the Democratic party are ad- vocated and defended by this journal.
WAYNESBURG BLUES .- I have been requested by one of the members of the present organization of Waynes- burg Blues, to give a short sketch of their history. Inas- much as I have already mentioned their ancestor which existed
304
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
fully forty years ago, I will comply with the request. The Waynesburg Blues, Co. K, is in connection with the Tenth Regiment, second brigade of National Guards of Pennsylvania. The organization was effected in 1879, John M. Kent being the first Captain. Capt. Kent has since been promoted to the position of Lient. Colonel. The term of enlistment is five years. The first inspection and prize drill was at Washing- ton, Pa., July 4, 1879, when the prize sword was awarded to this company for proficiency in drill and fine soldiery appear- ance. The first encampment was at Camp Hoyt, Allegheny county, Pa., in September, 1879. This eamp was named for the Governor of the State. The second inspection was at Thompson's Station, Allegheny county, Pa. The second en- campment was at Camp Alexander Hays, Allegheny county, Pa., in 1880. The company was sent to Washington, D. C., on the 3d of March, 1881, to participate in the military display at the inaugural of President Garfield, and on account of their fine soldiery bearing attracted special attention in the long military procession. The third inspection was at Finleyville. Washington county, Pa., July, 1881. James E. Sayers was elected Captain this year. The third encampment was at Camp Vincent, Indiana county, Pa., August, 1881. The fourth encampment was at Camp John Fulton Reynolds, Mifflin coun- ty, Pa., in August, 1882. This camp was named in honor of Gen. Reynolds who was killed at the battle of Gettysburg in July, 1864. This company was sent to Philadelphia in Octo- ber, 1882, to take part in the bi-Centennial military parade. The commissioned officers of this company are Jas. E. Sayers, Captain . John M. Wiley, 1st Lient .; Henry P. Berryhill, 2d Lieutenant.
305
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY,
BIOGRAPHIES.
On the 11th of December, 1882, I called at the house of Jno. D. Patterson, on Brushey Fork of Tenmile creek, and received from Mrs. Patterson (who was formerly Miss -Amanda Mahan- na) the following information with reference to her father, and grand-father: Captain James Seals, who was born in England during the 18th century, immigrated to America somewhere near the middle of the century, and was united in marriage with Miss Sarah Brown, sister of Capt. John Brown, (not old Ossawatamie), came to the vicinity of Waynesburg before the town had much of an existence. Here he erected the old stone house, a part of which can yet be seen near the toll gate imme diately west of the borough. Here he and his wife raised thirteen children, viz: John, James, Samuel, William and Vincent were the sons, while the daughter Sarah married Mr. Bloomfield; Lottie married Robert Hix; Martha married Mr. Boyle ; Matilda married Cornelius Ogden ; Mary married Mr. Beck; Catharine married Bradley Mahanna ; the other two names my informant could not recall. Capt. Seals lived in those troublesome times when "eternal vigilance" was not. only "the price of liberty," but also of life. He was Captain. of a company that might be denominated "minute men," or "wood rangers," who were constantly on the alert to protect themselves and their families against the prowling savages by whom they were surrounded. Reports were made at different times to various commanders ; among the rest, to Gen. Antho- ny Wayne, in 1794, who immediately directed Capt. Seals and company to join him on the banks of the Miami. The com- , pany was put in motion without delay and marched as far as Catfish camp (Washington). Here the news met them that the victory was gained and their services were not needed. Mrs. Patterson then proceeded to give me some account of her father. Ciptain Bradley Mtbanna, and then loaned me a paper,
20
306
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Iowa State Press, dated Iowa City, Sept. 16, 1874, which con- tains quite a lengthy obituary notice from which the following is obtained : "Bradley Mahanna was born in Hopwood, Fay- ette county, Pa., March 1, 1806." He removed to Waynesburg in 1827, where he and Catharine Seals were married on the Ist of September of that year. Here he continued to reside until April, 1855, when he removed to Iowa City where he resided until his death on the 11th of September, 1874. Early in life he became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and ko consistent was his profession that neither prosperity nor adversity could damp the ardor of his devotion. IIe, like many of his day, was fond of military training. He was com- missioned by Gov. David R. Porter, Captain of the Waynes- burg Blues, in 1842. I remember seeing him in 1843 at a grand encampment in McClelland's grove, just north-west of Waynesburg. The incident was this; A volunteer whom I will not name, was accused of stealing a piece of meat. A Court Martial was at once called to try the case. Col. Joshua B. Howell, Capt. James M. Oliphant and Capt. Bradley Ma- hanna were the officers of the Court, while Capt. Sam Austin was Prosecuting Attorney. Various witnesses testified in the case; the attorneys made their speeches ; the Court found the defendant guilty and sentenced him to be bumped seven times against a tree, and the sentence was immediately executed ; when to the surprise of all parties the accused came before the Court for a new trial, which the Court readily granted, at the conclusion of which the culprit was sentenced to receive four- teen additional bumps against a tree, which was summarily executed. The commission of Capt. Mahanna was renewed in 1849 by Gov. Win. F. Johnson, and was again renewed in 1854 by Gov. Win. Bigler. The subject of our sketch was finally commissioned Brigade Inspector of the Fourth Penn- sylvania Brigade. In the war or the rebellion he took an ac-
*
307
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
tive part, having gone to the front among the seventy-five thousand that were called out by the President immediately after the fall of Fort Sumpter in 1861. After the term of his enlistment had expired he returned home, recruited a company and was elected its Captain. In this capacity he continued until the end of the war. He was also a member of the Ma- sonic order by whom he was decently interred.
MAJ. MAXWELL MCCASLIN .- While writing of men who were distinguished for their military abilities, permit me to intro- duce another whose career was perhaps more diversified than that of any I have yet named. This man was Major Maxwell McCaslin, who was born in Martinsburg, Berkley county, Vir- ginia, on the 1st of March, 1802. His father, Francis McCas- lin and Jane (Booth) MeCaslin (both natives of Ireland) re- moved to Waynesburg, Greene Co., Pa., in 1807, where they resided until the old man's death in 1826, leaving his widow and six daughters, almost entirely dependent upon the exer- tions of his only son (Maxwell). Feeling the responsibility that now rested upon him, the subject of this sketch immedi- ately commenced working at the brick-laying business, in which he became so proficient that his services were in con- stant demand in Waynesburg and vicinity, until he frequently built from twelve to fifteen houses in a single season. His first purchase of real estate was about two and a half miles west of Waynesburg. Soon after this purchase he went into partnership with B. B. Woodruff and James Bell in the drov- ing business, at which the firm accumulated considerable amounts of money. The same firm engaged in merchandising in the town of Jefferson, which adventure was attended with far more loss than profit. The early education of the Major was very defective, being about what many others of us got in the common schools-"learn to read, write, and cypher in the Western Calculator to the Rule of Three." At the age of
308 .
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
twenty he joined a rifle company called the Franklin Rangers, which together with nine other companies composed the reg- iment called the Washington and Greene Vanguards, com- manded by Col. Thomas Ringland. Young MeCaslin made such proficiency in drill, that Col. Ringland appointed him Ad- .
jutant of the Regiment in room of Adjutant T. P. Pollock, (late Judge Pollock) who had resigned to take command of a rifle company. In June, 1828, Adjutant McCaslin was clected Major ; in June, 1835, he was elected Brigade In- spector, the only military officer who drew a salary from the State. MeCaslin's competitors on this occasion were Major Samuel M'Guire, of Washington county, and Major R. H. Lind- sey of Greene county. While holding the office of Brigade Inspector he was elected Captain of an Infantry Company called the Franklin Blues. These volunteers he continued to drill until he brought them up to a high state of perfection; indeed McCaslin seems to have excelled almost all others in his military skill, as the following will illustrate: At the in- auguration of Francis R. Shunk (who had been elected Gov- ernor of Pennsylvania in 1844), a vast number of volunteers were present at Harrisburg, who requested the new Governor to review them. Although Shunk had been in actual service in the war of 1812, yet he had given so little attention to mili- tary affairs of late years that he felt his inability to that ex- tent that he was about to decline, when General Roumfort recommended Major McCaslin (who was present as a member of the House of Representatives) as a most expert military tactician who could ably assist the new Governor in the per- formance of this arduous duty. McCaslin was immediately sent for who at once agreed to assist Shunk. Gen. Roumfort was requested to form his lines forthwith, and the review proceeded. When the imposing affair was over, the Governor was compli- mented by several prominent military men who were present
309
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
for his ability as a field officer. To this the Governor replied that whatever credit was due to the performance, belonged ex- clusively to his friend Major McCaslin. When he went to his desk in the House of Representatives the next morning he, " found a commission from the new Governor as his first aid with the rank of Colonel. He was twice re-elected to the House of Representatives, filling the years 1843-44-45. During these years and for three years thereafter, Hon. Chas. A. Black ably represented this District in the State Senate. At the close of Mr. Black's second term, Major MeCaslin became a candidate for the same position. This claim was opposed by the Democracy of Fayette county on the ground of rotation, and in conse- quence of their presenting a candidate in the person of Hon. Samuel Nixon, in every way qualified to fill the position -a man who had served three terms in the State Legislature, had acted for several years as Justice of the Peace and had filled the position of Associate Judge by the side of Hon. Thos. II. Baird,-all these things seemed to promise success to Judge Nixon, and yet the superior skill of McCaslin in electioncering, secured him the nomination. I know that some persons have given a different reason for MeCaslin's success. But I claim to know, for Judge Nixon was my father-in-law, I having been married to his daughter Sarah in 1844. I have often heard the old gentleman talk about it in his own house, and it al ways consoled him under his defeat that it was accomplished by a man of superior ability and skill. The next position of honor held by MeCaslin was that of Presidential Elector to which he was elevated in 1852, casting his vote for Franklin Pierce for President and William R. King for Vice-President. The next responsible position in which MeCaslin was placed was that of Indian Agent. This office was obtained through the influence of Major George W. Mannypenny, who served an apprentice- ship in the Messenger printing office. This caused him to take
310
ITISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
up his abode in "bleeding Kansas" in 1855 when human life in that locality was held exceedingly cheap. He was finally removed from his office by President Buchanan for having ex- pressed himself too freely in favor of Kansas becoming a free State. We next find him at Parkersburg, W. Va., at a great meeting which was addressed by Gov. Pierpoint, urging the people to raise another regiment, (the 4th W. Va.) A great many Pennsylvanians then resided in the vicinity of Parkers- . burg, who now proposed to give the regiment a lift, provided Colonel McCaslin was allowed to command it. This declara- tion was made known to the Governor who immediately filled up a commission for him, and soon the regiment was on the Wheeling Island waiting to be organized. After organization it was moved to New Creek. Soon after this the Colonel, feeling the infirmities of age creeping upon him, resigned his command, returned to Parkersburg, sold his extensive property and came back to Greene county, Pa., making his home most of the time, after the death of his wife (who was formerly Mrs. Hale, a widow with whom he boarded while in Harrisburg;) with his widowed sister, Mrs. Jane Kincaid, in Jefferson township, Greene county, Pa. He visited Washington City in 1865, and was in Ford's Theater when Wilks Booth fired the fatal shot at President Lincoln. After this he returned to- Kansas where he died of apoplexy in the 78th year of his agc. I am indebted for almost all the above facts to my old friend W. T. H. Pauley, Esq.
JAMES VANCE came from Ireland previous to the war of the- Revolution, in company with a friend whom he called Billy Cree. Vance was drafted into the army soon after his arrival, and parted with his friend Cree in Philadelphia. After the close of the war Vance settled near Morristown, N. J., from which place he emigrated to Greene county, Pa., in 1796. He purchased and occupied the tract of land now the.
311
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
property of James Williamson, one mile above Minor's mill, on Whiteley creek. Ile was the grand-father of the present Wm. Boughner, of Greensboro, P'a. One of this old man's sons, Alexander Vance, made a trip to the little town of Pittsburg near the commencement of the present century where he be- held with astonishment the operations of a steam engine. On his return to the vicinity of Greensboro he made a glowing rep- resentation of the wonders performed by steam power, telling his friends that a small steam mill would, no doubt, be a good investment. Among those who listened to his descriptions were the Kramers, Repperts and Eberharts who were then successfully engaged in manufacturing glass at the Old Glass Works, immediately below the present village. These men having emigrated from Monocacy in the celebrated wheat growing region in Maryland, had large notions of what might be achieved by a large steam mill, hence they erected a mill sixty feet square, three or four stories high. This called for on expenditure of an immense sum of money, hence the thing not being a financial success, was therefore abandoned. This young man Alexander Vance sold out near Greensboro and re- moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1817, and died there in 1850. Old James Vance was a Presbyterian and attended the Glades Church (New Providence). To this neighborhood his friend Billy Cree had immigrated some time before, and the two men sat down side by side at the communion table from which, as they arose, they recognized each other, and after services were over they had a good time in reviewing "Auld Lang Syne" friendship. This Alexander Vance (son of old James Vance) was the first man who attempted the manufacture of stone- ware in the bounds of Greene county. But the materials at first nsed were of a poor quality, and in 1815 he commenced the manufacture of common earthen-ware which he abandoned in 18:7
312
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
AN OLD PAPER,
Called the Village Watchman, was loaned me by a friend, which paper is dated August 4th, 1846, during the progress of the war with Mexico, bringing to my mind many things con- nected with that campaign with which I was once very familiar, but which have not been thought of for many long years; yet as I am not writing a history of the Mexican war but of Greene county, I notice those things only which relate to the latter. This paper was edited by Rev. Simeon Sigfried. On the sec- ond page I find a long speech on the "Tariff Bill of 1846," by Hon. Andrew Stewart, a man whom I knew and whom I have heard make several tariff speeches. I recognize several of his old arguments in this printed speech. This man, although a resident of Fayette county, was well known to many persons in Greene county who generally spoke of him as "Tariff Andy." A part of his speech is devoted to chastising a certain Mr. Bowlin from Missouri, who had suggested that members of Congress should be curtailed in their pay for every day they were absent from their places in the house. This resolution Mr Stewart opposed. This paper is very severe against Vice Pres- ident George M. Dallas for giving the casting vote in favor of this Bill .. An extract from the New York Sunday Times, found in this old paper, predicts a direct tax on every acre of land in the whole country in consequence of the reduction of the tariff. The fulfillment of this prediction I believe still remains on the docket after the lapse of thirty-six years as unfinished business. There seems to have been several parties engaged in merchandising in Waynesburg in those days. Prominent among these was that of Rinehart & Minor. The persons who composed this firm were J. W. Rinehart and W. E. Minor, who called their establishment "the Farmers and Mechanics cheap Exchange Store." Another competing firm was that of Allison & Campbell, and still another, J. and R. K. Campbell
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.