USA > Pennsylvania > Greene County > History of Greene County, Pennsylvania > Part 76
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
class carpenter; he also owns a farm where he resides in this town- ship. George is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Nineveh, and has served as elder.
JACOB SHIOUP, farmer and stock-grower, Swart's, Penn., was born in Fayette County, Penn., May 24, 1825. His parents, John and Margaret (Miller) Shoup, were also natives of Fayette County, and of English and German origin. His father was a millwright and iniller by trade and occupation, and followed his chosen business through life. IIIs family consisted of three children. Jacob was the second, and spent the first sixteen years of his life on the home farm in Fayette County. Hle attended the common schools in Greene County, and chose farming as his occupation, in which he has met with more than average success. Through his own enterprise and industry he has secured a fine farm of 117 acres. In 1860 Mr. Shoup was united in marriage with Miss Catharine, daughter of Frederick and Rebecca (Stewart) Hunnell, natives of this county. Mr. and Mrs. Shoup have four children -- William Spencer, Rebecca Ann, wife of Samuel Mccullough; George E. and Ulysses Grant. Mr. Shoup is a Republican in politics, and he and Mrs. Shoup belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church.
HUGHI SIMPSON, farmer and stock-grower, Swart's, Penn., was born in Morris Township, this county, February 21, 1833, and is a son of John and Mary (Auld) Simpson. His father, a native of this county, of Irish descent, was a mechanic, and died in 1846. Hugh was the oldest of a family of five children, was reared on a farm and received a common-school education. IIe chose farming as an ocen pation, and has engaged therein all his life. IIe is the owner of a well-stocked and improved farm consisting of 162 acres. He was united in marriage, in 1859, with Esther, daughter of Thomas Pat- terson, and they are the parents of three children-Waitman T., Annie and Maggie. Mr. and Mrs. Simpson are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is trustee, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. In politics Mr. Simpson is a Republican. Hle has served as school director in his township.
J. W. SIMPSON, farmer and stock-grower, Swart's, Penn., was born in Morris Township, this county, April 23, 1842, and is a son of William and Ruth (Fulton) Simpson. His mother was a native of Washington County, Penn. His father was born on the farm where J. W. resides. This farm first came into the possession of the family through their grandfather, Rev. John Simpson, who was born in Ireland, March 13, 175S. He landed in America August 12, 1791, and came to Greene County in the fall of 1796. He married Miss Rebecca Gregory, who was born in Farmingah, Ireland, August 12, 1767. In 1816 they opened their dwelling as a place for public worship, and the neighbors held meetings there for near forty years.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
J. W. Simpson was an only child, was reared on the farm and re- ceived a common-school education. He has made a business of farming and has met with success. of land well stocked and improved.
His farm consists of 197 acres IIe was married, September 27, 1866, to America Ann, daughter of Jacob and Permina (Allum) Swart, who were of English origin. To Mr. and Mrs. Simpson have been born seven children -- Carrie, Mary, Ruth, Swart, Flora, John and William. Their mother is a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics Mr Simpson is a Republican. In 1864 he enlisted in Company E, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was discharged May 30, 1865. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity. He is a member of the Waynesburg Encampment, No. 119, and Waynesburg Lodge, No. 467, I. O. O. F., and also of the G. A. R., Post No. 367, Department of Pennsylvania.
JACOB SWART, farmer and stock-grower, Swart's, Penn., was born in Washington County, Penn., December 25, 1820. His par- ents, Phillip and Ascnah (Walton) Swart, were also natives of Wash- ington County, and of Dutch and Irish ancestry. Jacob is the second in a family of nine children. He was reared on a farm in Amwell Township, where he received his education in one of the old log school-houses of that day. He chose farming as a business, to which he devoted his entire time until forty years of age. He came to Greene County in 1842, and was united in marriage, May 5, with Paulina, daughter of Charles and Jemima (Barnhart) Allum, who were of English descent. Mr. and Mrs. Swart have twenty-seven grandchildren. They have a family of four sons and five daughters- America A., wife of J. W. Simpson; Amos C., a farmer; Florence B., wife of William Dunn; Virginia I., wife of James Iams, and Senie Jane, Mary E., John N., Henry Clay and Franklin L., deceased. Mr. Swart bought a farm in Washington Township in 1843, and in 1880 he bought his present farm. In 1861 he purchased an interest in a general store, and they continued in business together for two years, when Mr. Swart became sole proprietor. He continued in the mercantile business for fifteen years, and sold his store in 1877. Mr. Swart is a Republican, but is always willing to vote for a good man for office, independent of party or politics. He has been postmaster at Swart's for the past seventeen years. Mr. Swart is a self-made man, his success in life having been due largely to his own enterprise. and industry. He is a progressive citizen, ever ready to aid a good enterprise, and was one of those most instrumental in the building of the W. & W. Railroad. IIe was a member of the building committee and superintendent of the road for two years.
WILLIAM SIMPSON THROCKMORTON, physician and sur- geon, Nineveh. Penn., was born March 2, 1838. He is a son of Mofford and Nancy (Simpson) Throckmorton, who were of English
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
and Irish origin. His mother was born in this county, and his father was a native of New Jersey, and among the early settlers of Greene · County, Penn., where he died in 1884. The Doctor is the ninth in a family of thirteen children, and was reared on the farm in Center Township, where he obtained his early education. He subsequently attended Allegheny College, but afterwards completed his collegiate studies at Waynesburg College, Penn. He chose the practice of medicine as his profession, and in 1863 entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1865. He then began the practice of his profession at Nineveh, in Greene County, where he has been actively engaged ever since, with the exception of the time spent at the lectures. The Doctor has thoroughly prepared himself for his work, having taken a regular course of lecturers in five of the most noted medical colleges in the United States. He has an extensive library and keeps his office well supplied with the leading publications in medical science. He is much attached to his profession, and also takes an active interest in the welfare of his town and community. He is a leading member of the State Medical Association, and belongs to the Greene County Medical Society, of which he has been president and corresponding secretrry. Ile was married in 1866, to Miss Caroline M., daughter of Jesse Hill, of Waynesburg, Penn., and they have four children- Jessie, Charley, Willie and Mofford. Doctor Throckmorton and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he is trustee, steward, superintendent of the Sabbath-school, and has been an official member for thirty years. He has been identified with the Masonic and Odd Fellowship fraternities and is forward in every good word and work, a blessing to his generation and community.
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
HON. JOHN BLAIR, the present member of the Legislature from Greene County, Penn., is a farmer and stock-grower by occupa- tion, and was born in Wayne Township, December 25, 1841. He is the only son of Isaac and Elizabethi (Ross) Blair, the former a native of Greene County, and the latter of Crawford County, Penn., and of Dutch and Irish extraction. His father, who was a farmer and stone-mason, was born in 1810 and died August 26, 1846. Mr. Blair was reared on the home farm in this county, and attended the district
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
schools. Ile has been a successful farmer all his life, and owns a fine farm of 250 acres. In 1861 he was united in marriage, in Monongalia County, W. Va., with Miss Amy, daughter of Jonathan and Charlotte (Bightodah) Brown. Mr. and Mrs. Blair's children are William F., G. W. W., a teacher; Anna, wife of Oliver Lemley; Belle, wife of William Wright; L. L., Olive, C. B. and Ross B. Mr. and Mrs. Blair are members of the Disciple Church. He is a Demo- crat, and was elected to the House of Representatives in 1886. Ile had previously held the office of justice of the peace for five years, and was school director for a period of twelve years.
T. W. BOYDSTON, proprietor of the Mount Morris Tan- nery, was born in West Virginia, November 1, 1844. lle is the son of E. L. and Ruhama (Jackson) Boydston, who were of English and Irish origin. They resided in Dunkard Township, this county, where the father died in 1853. leaving a family of six children. Of these the subject of our sketch is the oldest, and was reared in West Virginia, where he received his education in the Military Academy at Morgantown. Early in life he learned the printer's trade, which he followed successfully for some time. He had charge of the print- ing for the Legislature at Harrisburg, Penn. Since 1877 he has been engaged in his present business at Mount Morris. In 1862 Mr. Boydston enlisted in Company K, Fourteenth West Virginia Infantry, in which he served first as a private, then as Seargeant, and Second Lieutenant. He was united in marriage, in 1877, with IIan- nah, daughter of James L. Donley. They are the parents of four children-Clara, Sallie, Frederick and Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Boydston are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which lie holds several official positions, and is also greatly interested in the Sabbath-school. He is a Republican, also member of the I. O. O. F., and is Quartermaster of G. A. R. Post, No. 450.
THORNTON E. BOYDSTON, Mount Morris, Penn .- Among the most highly respected citizens of Perry Township is the gentle- man whose name heads this sketch. He was born at Mount Morris, October 12, 1833, and is a son of B. and Mary (Wiley) Boydston. His father was also a native of this county, and his mother was born in West Virginia. His father was a farmer all his life, and reared a family of twelve children. The subject of this sketch was next to the youngest in the family, and was reared in his native township. Ile received his education in the common schools, and engaged in farming as his life work. Mr. Boydston has been successful in his business affairs, and now owns a fine farm of 160 acres. In 1858 he married Susannah, daughter of Joseph R. Donley. Their children are-Emina, wife of L. C. Evans; Sarah A., wife of Lewis Lemley; Mary, Charles B., James and Anna M. Mr. and Mrs. Boydston are consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
serves as trustee. He is a Republican in politics, and has been a member of the school board in his township.
O. J. BROWN, farmer and stock-grower, Mount Morris, Penn., was born in Perry Township, Greene County, Penn., May 21, 1852, and is a son of Renben and Rebecca (McClure) Brown, also natives of this county. His ancestors were carly settlers of Dunkard Town- ship, and of Irish, Welsh and German extraction. His father is a prominent farmer in this county. The subject of our sketch is 'the youngest in a family of five children. Ile was reared on the farm and received a good English education. He subsequently attended Jefferson and Waynesburg colleges, and made a special study of sur- veying and civil engineering. He turned his attention to farming and stock-growing, however, and has a fine little farm of sixty-five aeres. In 1884 Mr. Brown married Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob and Fannie (Lemmon) Eakin, and they have one daughter -- Hallie May. They are Methodists in religion, and Mr. Brown is superin- tendent of the Sabbath-school in that church. He is a Democrat in politics, and judge of elections in 1888.
REUBEN BROWN, is a descendant of the early settlers of Greene County, his ancestors having settled near the source of Dunkard Creek in 1801, and removed to Perry Township in 1812. Reuben still owns and resides on the farm where they settled, near Mount Morris, Penn. He was born August 26, 1816, on this farm, where he has spent all his life, except the short time he lived in Monongalia County, W. Va. Here he grew to manhood, receiving his early education in the old log school-house. His father was Reu- ben Brown, and his mother's maiden name was Rebecca John. They were of Welsh and German origin. His father was born in Lou- doun County, Va., was a farmer by occupation, and died in Greene County in 1867, at the advanced age of ninety-seven years. The history of the family shows them to have been farmers and stock- growers, and usually successful in their business affairs. Reuben is one of the prosperous farmers of his township, and owns 200 acres of valuable land. IIe was married September 20, 1839, to Rebecca McClure, who is a native of Dunkard Township, and the daughter of William and Jane (King) McClure. Her ancestors, who were of Irish extraction, came to Greene County in 1817 and settled in Dunkard Township. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are the parents of five children-James M., who is now engaged in farming and railroading in the West; Susan C., wife of B. Ross; O. J., a farmer in Perry Township; Samantha Jane, who was the wife of L. A. Morris (de- ceased), and William, who was shot through mistake by a deserter in the late Rebellion. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are active members of the Baptist Church. He takes an active interest in the schools, and has frequently served as school director in his township.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
S. A. COWELL, farmer and stock-grower, Mount Morris, Penn., was born in Whiteley Township, Greene County, Penn., October 15, 1864. He is a son of Solomon and Eliza (Mike) Cowell, who were of English extraction. His mother was a native of West Virginia. Ilis father, who was a farmer and stock drover, was born in Greene County, Penn., where he died, leaving a family of fourteen children. Of these the subject of our sketch is the youngest, and was reared in this county, receiving his education in the common schools. He is one of the industrious and enterprising young farmers of his town- ship, and owns a good farm of ninety-eight acres. In 1885 Mr. Cowell was united in marriage with Miss Sarah, daughter of Dennis Fox, a prominent farmer in Perry Township. They have two bright and interesting children-Vincent Earl and Dennis Floyd. Mr. Cowell is a Republican in politics.
D. L. DONLEY, farmer and stock-grower, Mount. Morris, Penn. Among the most prominent members of the large family of Donleys in this county, none are more noted for their liberality and progres- sive spirit than D. L. Douley, the subject of our sketch. He was born in Perry Township, Greene County, Penn., June 11, 1836, and is the son of J. R. and Sarah (Lemley) Donley. His mother was the daughter of David and Ruhana (Snider) Lemley, and of German and Irish origin. His father is a native of Dunkard Township and is still living at the advanced age of seventy-six years. D. L. Donley's grandparents, James and Susannah (Robinson) Donley, came from Washington County, to Greene County in 1790, and settled on a farnı. The subject of our sketch is a nephew of Hon. Patrick Don- ley, and a cousin of ex-congressman J. B. Donley, of Waynesburg, Penn. He was reared in Perry Township, attended the common schools and early in life was put to work on the farm. He has been successful in his business and is the owner of 500 acres of valuable land. It was through Mr. Donley's influence that the oil field has been opened up in that section, and the largest gas and oil wells are situated on his land near Mount Morris. Mr. Donley was married in West Virginia, Angust 20, 1861, to Miss Lonisa, daughter of Alexander and Sarah (Hagne) Evans. Her father was born near Garard's Fort in January, 1806, and is the son of Eleazar and Martha (Vance) Evans. Mrs. Evans is a native of New Jersey and Mr. Evans of Londoun County, Virginia. Hle is a retired farmer, owning over 400 acres of land. Mr. and Mrs. Donley have seven children-Laura, wife of Dr. Owen, of Oak Forest, Penn .; Josephine, wife of D. B. Adams, of Waynesburg, Penn .; Evans, Leanna, Meda, Ellsworth J. and Edward G. Mr. and Mrs. Donley are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. IIe takes great in- terest in educational matters, and has served as school director at Mount Morris.
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
DENNIS FOX, who is probably as well known as any private citizen of Greene County, is a successful farmer and stock-grower, and was born April 5, 1827, on the farm where he resides. IIis parents, Henry and Susan (Dulaney) Fox, were descended from the Dutch, and natives of this county. Peter and Mary (Thomas) Fox, his grandparents, came to this county from New Jersey, and settled on the farm which Dennis now owns. Here Peter Fox planted a little willow sprout which he brought with him, and the tree is now twenty-one feet in circumference, by actual measurement. This tree is to remain standing, as Dennis says, a monument to the memory of him who planted it so many years ago. Mr. Fox has a fine farm of nearly 500 acres, well stocked and improved, his barns being among the best in Perry Township. He was united in marriage, January 18, 1848, with Miss Betsey, daughter of David and Eliza- betli (McCann) John. She is of Irish and English extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Fox have ten children-Henry, David, Osborn, Kinsey, James, Marion, Susan, wife of Spencer Cowell; Sarah Jane Cowell, and John and Elizabeth, deceased. Mr. Fox is a Republican in politics.
SAMUEL GUTHRIE, a farmer and stock-grower of Perry Town- ship, was born in Greene County, Penn., December 18, 1820, and is a son of Archibald and Elizabeth (Lemley) Guthrie, also natives of Greene County, and of Irish and Dutch origin. His father, who was a farmer and a pioneer settler in Whiteley Township, died in this county in 1845. Samnel is the seventh in a family of ten chil- dren and grew to maturity on the home farm, attending the sub- scription schools. Ile has successfully followed farming as his chief pursuit, and is the owner of 133 acres of valuable land where he re- sides near Kirby P. O. Mr. Guthrie's wife was Miss Nancy, daughter of James and Nancy (Stephens) Patterson. Her parents were natives of this county, and of Irish and German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie's children are-Elizabeth, wife of Alfred Moore, of West Virginia; James P., a farmer; Hannah Martha, wife of Franklin Henderson; and Priscilla, deceased. Mr. Guthrie is a Re- publican. His wife is a devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
GEORGE W. GUTHRIE, farmer and stock-grower, Kirby, Penn., was born in Whiteley Township, this county, March 26, 1848. His parents, Solomon and Elizabeth (Fry) Guthrie, are also natives of Greene County, and of English and German origin. His father, for many years a farmer and stock-grower, has now retired from the more active duties of life and resides in Whiteley Town- ship. George is the fifth in a family of six children, and was reared on the farm in Whiteley Township. He is an industrious farmer, paying close attention to his business, and is the owner of a good
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
farm of 123 acres. In 1870 he married Adaline, daughter of John and Hannah (Rose) Cowell, natives of Greene County, and of Dutch extraction. Mr. and Mrs. Guthrie have one daughter -- Ida Estella. They are members of the Southern Methodist Church, in which Mr. Guthrie is trustee, and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. IIe is a Republican, and has served as assessor in his township.
CYRENIUS HAINES, farmer and stock-grower, was born in Greene County, Penn., April 1, 1823. IIis parents, George and Jane (McCord) Haines, were natives of New York. Ilis mother ' was of Scotch and Dutch ancestry. Ifis father, who was of English extraction, was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1850 in his seventy-seventh year. Cyrenins is the eighth in a family of eleven children and was reared on the farm in this county, where he at- tended the common school. Early in life he spent some time as a bookseller but subsequently turned his attention to farming and stock-growing, and is the owner of a farm of 255 acres, well stocked and improved. Mr. Haines has been twice married. His first wife died in 1851, but a few weeks after her marriage. His second wife. whom he married in Virginia in 1852, was Mary Ann, daughter of Burton and Nancy (Sutton) Pride. She is of English origin. Her father was born in 1800 in Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Haines' chil- dren are Francis B., George D., William G., Lewis Spencer, D. D., a farmer; John J. and Melinda A. They have eleven grandchildren -- Lewis E., Emerson, John C. and Clarence, children of their oldest son; Franklin, Margaret, Cora Bell and Viola, whose father is George D .; and Ida E., William L., Cyrenius, George and Sarah A., whose father is William G .; Noah L. and D., whose father is Lewis S. Mr. and Mrs. Haines are Methodists in religion. He has been trustee in the church and superintendent of the Sabbath-school.
JACOB HATFIELD, physician and surgeon, Mount Morris, Penn., was born in Monongahela Township, this county, December 19, 1839, and is a son of G. W. and Mary (Richey) Hatfield, who are of English descent and natives of Greene and' Fayette counties, respectively. Dr. Hatfield's father is a farmer by occupation. Of his seven children, six are now living, of whom the Doctor is the oldest. He was reared with his parents on the farm in Whiteley Township, where he attended the district schools. At an early age he man- ifested an inclination for the study of medicine, and went to Colum- biana County, Ohio, where he took a regular course. In 1864 he began his professional career at Mount Morris, Penn., where he has since remained in active practice. Dr. Hatfield is very much at- tached to his profession, and has thoroughly informed himself in its different branches. He has successfully performed several extremely difficult surgical operations. On May 12, 1863, Dr. Hatfield was united in marriage with Caroline, daughter of IIenry Morris, of
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HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Whiteley Township. Mrs. Hatfield is of German origin. They have three children-G. W., Maggie N. and Henry Morris. Their oldest son is a physician and is now in practice with his father. He was born and reared in Monnt Morris. He first studied medicine with his father, after which he went to Baltimore and attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, for two years; subsequently took the regular course at the Western Pennsylvania Medical College, at Pittsburgh, Penn., graduating in 1887. Dr. Hatfield and wife are prominent members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has held various official offices. He is a Republican, and has served on the school board at Mount Morris, Penn.
G. F. HEADLEY, teacher and surveyor, Brock, Penn., was born in Perry Township, Greene County, Penn., June 27, 1853. His par- ents, Ephraim and Maria (Haines) Headley, were also natives of this county, and of Scotch and English extraction. His father, a prom- inent farmer in Perry Township, is a son of Jesse and Maria (Cox) Headley. G. F. Headley's grandfather was born in Greene County, Penn. Ilis great-grandfather, Ephraim Headley, was among the pioneer settlers ot New Jersey, and one of the first farmers and hunters who came to Greene County, Penn., while it was still in- habited by the Indians. The family have usually been farmers and drovers. The subject of onr sketch grew up on the farm, being the second in a family of three children. IIe attended the Iligh School at Mount Morris, Penn., and also took a college course. For thir- teen years Mr. Headley has been successfully engaged as a teacher. He has also given considerable attention to the study of surveying, and devotes a part of his time to that work. He is also a farmer and stock-grower by occupation and owns a good farm where he re- sides. In 1879 Mr. Headley married Miss S. A., daughter of John Conner, of Perry Township. Mrs. Headley is of German and Irish origin. Their children are Florence B., Julius B., Fred and Ger- trude. Mr. Headley is a Republican. He and his wife are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In connection with our subject's sketch, we give a brief sketch of his ancestor's advent into Greene County, Penn .: Sometime prior to the American Revolu- tion, the great-great-great-grandfather, Richard Headlee, who was an English sailor, in the the service of Great Britain, conelnded to desert the standard of the Stuarts, and seek an asylum in the wilds of North America. After making his escape from the British service, he settled in New Jersey, where he afterwards married. But according to English law, "Once an Englishman always an Englishman," he was not allowed to enjoy the quiet of his new home very long. The British authorities finding out his whereabouts, had him arrested, which was done by a party of twenty British sailors, not however until he had given them an
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