History of Greene County, Pennsylvania, Part 79

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : Nelson, Rishforth
Number of Pages: 908

USA > Pennsylvania > Greene County > History of Greene County, Pennsylvania > Part 79

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).

836

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

CAPT. SAMUEL GRIM, farmer and stock-grower, who was born in Richhill Township, March 24, 1837, is a son of Armstrong and Mary Ann (Scott) Grim, natives of this county, and of German and English origin. His father spent his life as a farmer. Of his family of nine children, all grew to be men and women and are now in active life. Capt. Grim is the third in the family, was reared on his father's farm, and received his education in the common schools and Waynesburg College. When the war broke out he gave up his studies and enlisted in Company B, First West Virginia Cavalry, was elected First Lieutenant and served three years. IIe was after- wards promoted to the position of Captain, and among other engage- ments he was in the second battle of Bull Run and the battles of Gettysburg and Winchester. After returning from the war, Febru- ary 25, 1865, he embarked in the mercantile trade, opening a general store at West Finley, Washington County, Penn. After a period of nine years he returned to Richhill Township, settled on a farm, and has since continued in that occupation. He owns the farm where he now resides, which is well stocked and improved and contains 216 acres. Capt. Grim was united in marriage, February 14, 1864, with Lydia J., daughter of A. J. and Eliza (Sargent) Goodwin, natives of Greene County, and of German extraction. Their children are- Francis Sherman, Rosala, wife of James Allison, of Waynesburg, Penn .; Robert Lincoln, Henry Ward Beecher, Edna Blanche, James G. Blaine, Loa Logan and Frances Lydia. In politics Capt. Grim is a Republican. Ile is Adjutant of the William Smith G. A. R. Post, No. 428.

REV. WILLIAM HANNA, Presbyterian minister, is a native of the Buckeye State, having been born in Trumbull County, Ohio, May 6, 1820. He is a son of Isaac and Martha (Davis) Hanna, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-Irish descent. The subject of this sketch is a descendant of Robert Hanna, the founder of Hannatown, Westmoreland County, Penn. The Hanna family are usually farmers and as a rule have been successful in their busi- ness. Rev. Hanna wrote one volume of a history of Greene County, but did not complete the work as it was financially a failure. Ile has been quite successful in business, and is the owner of a large and well improved farm in Richhill Township, where he resides a part of each year. He also owns two business blocks in Cannonsburg, Penn., and a splendid winter residence at Beck's Mills, Penn., and has con- siderable personal property. When Mr. Ilanna was six years of age his father died. His early life was spent in Fayette County, where he attended the George's Creek Academy. At an early age he became a member of the Presbyterian Church, and was licensed to preach in 1850. ITis first charge was at Masontown, Fayette County, Penn., where he remained for a period of nine years. IIe then preached in

837

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Graysville, Richhill Township, Greene County, Penn., six years, and for some time had a charge at West Elizabeth in Allegheny County. He is an earnest temperance man and votes the prohibition ticket. IIe is a member of the Sons of Temperance. In 1844 Mr. Hanna married Sarah, daughter of Hon. Samuel Nixon, of Fayette County, Penn., who was of Scotch-Irish descent. This union has been blessed with ten children, three of whom are now living, viz: Will- iam C., Martha J., and James W. The family are members of the Presbyterian Church.

JAMES HUGHES, farmer and stock-grower, was born near Jefferson, Penn., February 12, 1829. He is the son of James and Margaret (Heller) Hughes, and grandson of Thomas Hughes, founder of Jefferson Borough. His father was a farmer and land speculator, and acted in the capacity of high sheriff of Greene County. He died in 1861. The subject of this sketch is the eighth in a family of ten children. He was reared on a farm near Jefferson, where he acquired his early education. In 1864 he moved from his birthplace to Richhill Township. He owned a general store at Bristoria for twelve years, but has devoted most of his life to farming. He owns over 400 acres of valuable land where he now resides in Richhill Township. Mr. Ilughes was united in marriage, October 25, 1854, with Hester, daughter of Valentine Nichols. Her mother's maiden name was Nancy A. Cooper. They were of English origin. Her fatlier was a farmer. He was among the early settlers. Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have four children-Winfield S., whose wife died in 1885, leaving two children-Lulu Z. and Bessie Pearl; Anabel, de- ceased, who was the wife of J. L. Supler, and mother of one child - Willis W .; George V. and William. Mrs. Hughes is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Hughes is a Republican. He took an active interest in the Granger movement. During the late Rebellion he took an active part in trying to put it down, help- ing to raise money and men. He also reared his nephew, William G. Milliken, who at the age of seventeen enlisted in Company G, of the Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. The Hughes, Swans and Van- aters were among the first settlers of Greene County; they settled along the Monono, at or near Jefferson.

WILLIAM JACOBS, ex-treasurer of Greene County, was born in Richhill Township, August 18, 1835. He is a son of Daniel B. and Hannah (Rail) Jacobs, natives of Maryland. His father is a prominent farmer and resides in Franklin Township. William was reared on the farm, attended the common schools and made farming his main occupation until 1884, when he was elected to the office of treasurer of the county. Mr. Jacobs was an efficient officer and made many friends while in that capacity. He was ably assisted by his son, D. W. Jacobs, a steady, industrious young man and a first-

838

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

elass penman. Mr. Jacobs owns a well improved farm in Richhill Township where he resides. He was united in marriage, January 17, 1856, with Hester J., daughter of John Loar, and they have two children -- D. W. and Anna B., wife of Robert R. Headley. Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Mr. Jacobs is a Democrat, aud has served as school director of his town- ship. He is also a prominent member of the I. O. O. F.

S. KNIGHT, undertaker and furniture dealer, Jacksonville, Penn., was born in Monroe County, Ohio, September 4, 1829. His parents, Stephen and Sarah (Wells) Knight, were natives of Pennsylvania, and of English origin. His father was a farmer by occupation, and died in Ohio. IIis family consisted of fifteen children, twelve of whom grew to maturity. The subject of our sketch is the ninth in the family. He was reared on his father's farm, received a common school education, and early in life commenced his present business, which he has carried on at Jacksonville, Penn., for nearly half a century. During that time he has been director at twenty-five hun- dred funerals. Mr. Knight has been twice married-first, December 20, 1849, to Lncy L., daughter of John Conkey, and they were the parents of six children, four living-Anna, J. M., William and Eliza- beth. Mrs. Luey Knight died in 1886. In 1887 Mr. Knight mar- ried Charlotte, daughter of Andrew Smith, and sister of the present county treasurer. She is of Scotch descent. Ilis wife is a member of the Church of God, and Mr. Knight is a Cumberland Presby - terian, of which church he is a trustee. He is a Democrat. He has served as school director, and as justice of the peace for ten years. Ile is a member of the I. O. O. F., belongs to the Encampment, and is one of the best and most highly respected citizens of the county.

JESSE LAZEAR was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, June 25, 1825. He is a son of Francis and Mary (Crow) Lazcar, natives of Greene County, Penn., and is among the earliest settlers. His mother was of German origin. His father was of French descent. He died in 1871, at the advanced age of seventy years. Thomas Lazear, grandfather of Jesse Lazear, was apointed magistrate by the Gover- nor, served for years in that capacity. The family have usually been farmers and successful in all their business ventures. Jesse Lazear is the oldest in a family of six children. His parents came to Richhill Township in 1827, where he was raised on the farm and received his education in the common schools. He has made farming and stock- growing his business through life, and has met with success, being at present the owner of a large, well improved farm where he resides near Ryerson's Station, Penn. His residence is a substantial brick building, beautifully located. Mr. Lazear was united in marriage, March 25, 1856, with Miss Alice, daughter of Morfford and Naney (Simpson) Throckmorton, who were of Irish and English extraction.

839

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

Mr. and Mrs. Lazear are the parents of the following named child. ren-William, Mary, wife of J. C. McCracken, M.D., Cameron, W. Va .; Fannie, wife of Silas Inghram; and John. In polities Mr. Lazear is a Demoerat.

JOIIN J. LESLIE, farmer and stock-grower, born in Richhill Township, December 3, 1836, is a son of Samuel and Sarah (Jones) Leslie, who were respectively natives of Ireland and Pennsylvania. Ilis father worked on public-works during his early life, but devoted his time to farming after coming to Greene County in 1834. He settled on a farm in Richhill Township, remaining there until his death in 1869. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch was reared on the farm in his native township, where he attended the dis- triet schools. He took up farming as his occupation and has made it a success, owning at present one hundred and fifty-three aeres of land, well stocked and improved, where he now resides near Harvey's, Pen. Mr. Leslie was united in marriage, in this county in 1869, with Miss Nancy A., daughter of Spencer Bebout. They were the parents of four children-two now living, Florence and Samuel S. Mrs. Leslie died in 1877. In 1879 Mr. Leslie was again united in mar- riage, his second wife being Mary G., daughter of Munson Post. They are the parents of one child-Robert P. Mr. Leslie is a member of the Christian Church. In polities he is a Democrat. He takes an active interest in school affairs, and has served on the school board of the township where he now resides.

JACOB LOAR, farmer and stock-grower, was born in Allegany County, Maryland, February 6, 1817. His parents were John and Hester (Stephens) Loar, natives of New Jersey, and of German lineage. Ilis father, who was born in 1794, was a farmer by occupa- tion. He came to Whiteley Township, Greene County, in 1820, and died in 1873 at the advanced age of eighty-four years. ITis family consisted of fourteen children, eleven of whom grew to matu . rity. Three of his sons were physicians and two ministers. Jacob, the second in the family, settled in Richhill Township, in 1837, and has been very successful in business. He owns the valuable farin of of two hundred and twenty acres where he now resides. Mr. Loar is prominent and influential in his community, has been a member of the school board and served as the justice of peace for a period

fifteen years. IIe has been three times married --- first, in 1836, to Maria Nelson, and they were the parents of nine children, six of whom are now living, viz., John M., a farmer; Nelson, a physi- cian in Bloomington, Illinois; George, a physician in Munroe, Iowa; Margaret Ann, wife of A. K. Allum; Hester Jane, wife of E. J. Gribben and Anna, wife of Oliver Burns. The deceased are James Apoloe, Jacob H. and Catharine who was the wife of B. F. Temple. Mrs. IToar died in 1864. Mr. Loar's second wife was Sarah Williams

840

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

widow of Morrison Applegate, who died February 11, 1875. They had one son -- William C., a medical student in Indianapolis, Ind., and one daghter, Ora who died April 1888. Mr. Loar was again married, in 1881, to Mary Dinsmore, widow of Benjamin Durbin. She was the mother of six children; viz., Mary, Harvey, Elizabeth, Thomas, William and Bothenia. Mr. Loar is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, of which he has been steward and trustee. He wife is a Presbyterian.

J. K. LOUGHRIDGE, farmer and stock-grower, was born in Wheeling, W. Va., May 21, 1823, is a son of William and Mary (Kettler) Loughridge. His father was of Scotch origin, born in Coleraine, County Derry, Ireland, came to America during the war of 1812, being six weeks in making the passage. Was married in Phildelphia, Penn., in 1814, where he remained for some time. He afterwards came to Pittsburg and next moved to Wheeling, W. Va., where he engaged in the hotel and livery business, these being the first established in the city. Ile purchased a portion of the farm on which J. K. Loughridge now resides in 1817. Here he removed his family, in 1827, where he remained until his death, in 1867, being ninety-five years of age. He was one of the first school directors under the free-school system in Richhill Township, Greene County, Penn., and elder of the Unity Presbyterian Church. His mother was of German origin, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1787, where she was married to Briton Sollars. Their eldest child, Levi, was married to Elizabeth Burns and resides in Richhill Township. Their daughter Elizabeth married Alexander Burns and is now deceased. They were both educated at Wheeling, W. Va. Elizabeth was the first female school teacher in Richhill Township, and pro- duced some of the finest specimens of penmanship of the day. After the death of her husband, Mrs. Sollars married Mr. Smith, a painter, in Philadelphia, who lost his life in the war of 1812. She next mar- ried William Loughridge, by whom she had nine children, of which seven grew to man and womanhood. Margaret married R. S. Dins- more, a Presbyterian minister, both are now deceased; Mary taught in the high school at New Castle and afterwards in Ohio, where she married Jesse McBride, a Wesleyan Methodist minister, both are now deceased. William A. married Hannah Grey and is now a carpenter and farmer in Keokuk County, Iowa; Alexander W. married Susan Jennings and is how a stock-merchant in Iowa; Dr. J. H. married Candace Power, was a physician and surgeon in the late war and is now located in Rensellaer, Ind., where he has an extensive practice. Emma, the youngest, married John C. Booher, and is now deceased. John K., the fourth in his father's family, married Harriet Campsey, daughter of James and Isabella (Dougherty) Campsey, Claysville, Penn. The family of Mr. and Mrs. Loughridge, are James II., Will-

841

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

mette, wife of Dr. T. B. Hill; William W., John W., Maud I., David G. C. and Hettie M. Mr. Loughridge took an active interest in the Sabbath-schools at an early day; also took a great interest in the progress of the district schools, acting in the capacity of school director for seven years in succession. His education and the greater portion of his property has been acquired principally by his own efforts, his farms are well situated for farming and grazing, well improved, contains nearly 500 acres and has been his place of residence from early childhood. Ile is a Democrat in politics. A man of good moral principles and was the first chosen on the jury which found George Clark guilty of the murder of William McCauslain near Car- michael's, Penn.

PHILLIP MARSH, deceased, was one of Richhill Township's representative citizens. He was born in New Jersey in 1811. His parents were Joseph P. and Nancy (Minton) Marsh, natives of New Jersey, and of English lineage. His father was a shoemaker by ocenpation, which vocation he followed for many years. He had eight children, the subject of this sketch being the fifth. Phillip Marsh was raised in Washington County, Penn., where he had re- moved with his parents abont the year 1824. He came to Greene County and engaged in farming until the time of his death in 1877. He was an elder in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and super- intendent of the Sabbath-school. In polities he was a Republican. Mr. Marsh was married, November 20, 1835, to Martha, daughter of Ephraim and Martha (Elliott) Post, and they were the parents of the following named children -- Ann Eliza, wife of Harvey Conkey; Car- oline, widow of Samuel Thompson; Eveline, Lucy, wife of George Jennings; Laura F., wife of Cassius Jennings; Leroy, a farmer; and Ellsworth. Mrs. Marsh is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

WILLIAM G. MILLIKEN, merchant, of the firm of Milliken & Supler, Bristoria, Penn., was born on Wheeling Creek, in this county, January 21, 1845. His parents, Joseph and Mary (Hughes) Milliken, were of Irish and English origin. His father, who was a cooper and farmer by occupation, died in this county. Of his family of six children, William is the third, and was reared in Jefferson Township, where hs received his education. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, and was a non-com- missioned officer. IIe was taken prisoner at Hanover, Penn. Mr. Milliken participated in the battles of The Wilderness, Spottsylva- nia, Cold Harbor, Cedar Creek and Winchester, and many others, and was discharged at the close of the war in 1865. He then returned to Richhill Township and engaged in farming until 1881, when he em- barked in his present business, in which he has a liberal patronage and meets with success. In 1866 Mr. Milliken married Margaret,

S42

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

daughter of Valentine Nichols. To Mr. and Mrs. Milliken were born five children-Isadora, Mary F., John W., Mettie, and Loyd (deceased). Mrs. Milliken departed this life in 1885. She was a con- sistent member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Milliken is a member of the G. A. R. Post. in which he has served as Quartermaster.

JOIIN M. MURRAY, physician and surgeon. Jacksonville, Penn., was born in the State of Iowa. April 23, 1846. He is a son of Joseph and Leah (Larimer) Murray, who were natives of Penn- sylvania, and of Scotch-lrish descent. His father was a school- teacher in. early life, in later years a farmer. His family consisted of nine children, Dr. Murray being the sixth. He was reared in this county and received his literary education in the State Normal School of Erie and Waynesburg College. He studied medicine with Dr. J. T. Iams, then a practicing physician of Richhill Township. Dr. Murray afterwards attended Bellevue Medical College at New York City, where he graduated in 1876. Hle began the practice of his profession at Wind Ridge. Penn .. during the same year, and has met with a liberal and successful patronage. He is an active mem- ber of the Greene County Medical Society. In 1879 Dr. Murray married Miss Jennie, daughter of Morrison Applegate. Mrs. Mur- ray was of English descent. She died in 1885. leaving two children -AAustin and John C. Mrs. Murray was a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and Mr. Murray is a member of the Presbyterian.

T. J. McCLEARY, farmer, stock-grower and attorney at law, was born February 20. 1837. in Claysville, Washington. County. Penn .. and is the son of William and Susan G. (Wilkinson) MeCleary. Ilis father was born near Winchester, Virginia, and his mother was a native of Fayette County, Penn. His grandfather. Thomas MeCleary, came from Ireland to America in company with his three brothers. They were all in the army of Washington during the Revolutionary war. Thomas being the only one who lived to the close of the war. After peace was declared he settled near Winchester. Virginia. and engaged in farming, T. J. MeCleary's father, who died in Wash- ington County in 15$1, had a family of eleven children, of whom the subject of our sketch is the oldest son. He was reared on the farm and received his education in the common schools, the academy and normal school. He taught in Greene and Washington counties a number of terms. Hle afterwards read law. and has given it his partienlar attention. although he has lived on the farm the greater part of his life. He owns and deals in Western lands. Mr. Mc- Cleary was married in Washington County, August S. 1860, to Martha J. Rossell, daughter of Rev. Job and Mariah L. (Layton) Rossell. and their children are-W. Clarence, Arthur V .. Thomas W .. Z. Linn: one daughter. Idesta Ethleen. Mr. and Mrs. McCleary

843

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

are members of the Baptist Church, and he belongs to the I. O. O. F. and Patrons of Husbandry, or the Grange. Ile is a Democrat, and accustomed to addressing the public when called upon to do so. The father of Mrs. McCleary, Rev. Job Rossell, is deserving of special mention. Ile was born July 19, 1813, in Fayette County; was licensed to preach by the Flatwoods Baptist Church. For nearly fifty years he labored in the Master's cause. During all these years to the many people who knew him in Westmoreland, Fayette, Wash- ington and Greene counties, the name of Job Rossell was not uttered without bringing to those who heard it a train of thought by which their better natures were more fully developed, and their love for their fellow man strengthened and broadened. He moved to this township in 1861, loeating near Ryerson's Station; was for a number of years pastor of South Wheeling Church. He passed to the other shore on September 21, 1884, there to realize more fully the fruits of his labor here. He is the only man, so far as the writer knows, who gave his whole time to the Baptist Churches and missionary work in this region, in which work he was successful. Many organi- zations by him were started which are to-day prosperous churches; among which is Fork Ridge, West Virginia. I have told you he was the only man, and yet he was not the only one. During these many years to his good wife was left largely the care of the home and family, and she did her part nobly; her sacrifices were many ; for many years she was an invalid, but ever cheerful and bright. She passed to her rest November 30, 1887. During the last years of their lives they were tenderly cared for by Mrs. MeCleary and her husband, T. J. and children. Eternity alone can reveal the greatness of these lives, in producing fruit for the Master's kingdom. A handsome bronze monument now marks their last resting place.

B. II. MoNAY, farmer and stock-grower, was born in Franklin Township, Greene County, Penn., December 20, 1836. Ilis parents, James and Anna (Dickerson) McNay, were natives of Pennsylvania and among the early settlers of this county. They were of Irish and English extraction. His father was a farmer during his lifetime, and died in this county in his eighty-first year. He reared a family of eleven children, ten of whom grew to maturity. The subject of our sketch is the ninth in the family. He was reared on the farm, obtained a common-school education, and afterwards attended Waynesburg College. He has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and owns 240 acres of land where he resides in Richhill Township. Mr. MeNay has been twice united in marriage, his first wife being Frances Carson, and they were the parents of three chil- dren J. W., Anna Mand and Leonora M. Mrs. MeNay died in 1879. Her husband was afterwards married, in 1882, to Miss Mary. daughter of Thomas Stewart, and they have three children-Mabel

844

HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.

M., H. Earl and Lonie. Mr. McNay is a Republican. IIe and wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

JOHN ORNDOFF, farmer and stock-grower, born in Greene County April 9, 1839, is a son of William and Salone (Wisecarver) Orndoff. His mother was a native of Greene County. His father, who was born in Old Virginia, was a farmer all his life, having over sixty years ago settled in Center Township, where he resided until his death in 1885. ITis family numbered eleven children, of whom the gentleman whose name heads this sketch is the sixth. He was reared on his father's farm, attended common school in Center Town- ship, and has made farming a success. He is the owner of 435 aeres of valuable land and a fine country residence. Mr. Orndoff is ener- getic and industrious, having followed the example of his father who, when he came to this county, was a poor boy with no earthly pos- sessions but his clothing and a horse and saddle; but by economy and a determination to succeed, he owned at the time of his death 900 acres of land. John Orndoff was united in marriage, November 2, 1867, with Minerva, danghter of Matthias Roseberry, and they are the parents of six children; viz., Oscar F., Amanda S., Alice M., John B., Jessie L. and Benjamin H. In polities Mr. Orndoff is a Republican. His wife is a member of the Baptist Church.

H. II. PARRY, blacksmith, Bristoria, Penn., was born in West- moreland County, Penn., February 16, 1845, and is the son of Royal L., and Elizabeth (Lidea) Parry. His parents were natives of Wales. His father was a blacksmith, and followed the trade during his life- time. He had a family of thirteen children, five of whom are now living. Mr. H. H. Parry was raised on a farm in Richhill and Washingtown townships. He received the benefit of a common school education, and learned his trade early in life. In 1863 he enlisted in Company D, Twelfth West Virginia Infantry, and was in several engagements-among which were the battles of Peters- burg, Cedar Creek, Hunter's Raid and Winchester. At the close of the war he was discharged by general order. After his return home he opened a blacksmith shop, and worked for four years in Aleppo Town- . ship, and since that time has been located at Bristoria. He owns a small · farm, in connection with his shop, also a neat and substantial residence. In 1869 Mr. Parry married Miss Mary, daughter of James McVay, Aleppo Township, one of the prominent farmers and stock- growers in this county. Mr. and Mrs. Parry's children are Charles McVay, M. Jane, Flora B., James M., Harry L. and Mary M. Mr. Parry is a Republican, and a member of the G. A. R. Post.

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.

History of Greene County, Pennsylvania, Part 79

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902 Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago : Nelson, Rishforth Number of Pages: 908

Author: Bates, Samuel P. (Samuel Penniman), 1827-1902
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago : Nelson, Rishforth
Number of Pages: 908