USA > Pennsylvania > Greene County > History of Greene County, Pennsylvania > Part 82
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 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85
-
863
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
1828, and his widow October 5, 1866. They were the parents of eight children, of whom six are living-Margaret, Levi, Eliza, the wife of subject of this sketch, Samuel, Abigail, the wife of Rev. J. T. Riley, and Aranna. The deceased are William S. and John J. Enoch Durbin has been a farmer all through life, and he, wife and sister-in-law are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
G. W. DURBIN, farmer, Sycamore, Penn., was born in Morris Township, Greene County, December 20, 1849, a son of Enoch and Mary Durbin (nee Stagner). His father and mother were natives of Richhill and Morris townships respectively. They remained in this county after their marriage, Mrs. Durbin departing this life in 1866. Sometime after her death Mr. Durbin contracted a second marriage with Miss Eliza Hopkins, and now resides in Washington Township. George W. Durbin chose as his life partner, September 11, 1875, Miss Jennie L. Fonner, who was born in Morris Township, Novem- ber 4, 1854, a daughter of James and Eliza Fonner (nee Taylor). Her parents were natives of Greene County, where they were mar- ried and lived until Mr. Fonner's death, March 16, 1883. His widow is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Durbin have been born five chil- dren-James R., Lizzie B., Albert F., Charlie B. and Maggie E. Mr. Durbin is a farmer by occupation and has made that his life work. He is the possessor of a 100-acre farm on which he and family reside. Both lie and wife are consistent members of the Bates' Fork Baptist Church; and he is a leading director of the school board, taking great interest in the educational affairs of the township.
JOHN EDGAR, farmer, Castile, Penn., is one of the substantial farmers and stock-dealers of Washington Township, Greene County, where he was born May 2, 1845. His parents were Isaac and Mar- garet Edgar, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Washington County, Pennsylvania. After marriage they settled in Greene County and remained until 1868, then lived in Washington County till 1874-the year of Mrs. Edgar's death. Her husband died in 1875. John Edgar was united in the holy bonds of.matri- mony February 9, 1869, 'with Mary A. Keys, born in Washington County, September 24, 1850. Her parents, Daniel and Ruth (Bane) Keys, are natives of Washington County where they still reside. Mr. and Mrs. John Edgar are the parents of nine children-Daniel A., Ida R., Maggie M., Lucy L., William K., John, Anna M., Min- nie and Clarence. Mr. Edgar has been engaged in farming and stock-dealing all his life. He owns 228 acres of land in one tract, on which he and his family reside. They are consistent members of the Baptist Church, in which he has served as deacon for three years. He has also been a member of the school board of his township.
STEPHEN FULTON, farmer, Castile, Penn., was born in West Bethlehem Township, Washington County, August 16, 1818, a son
864
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
of Stephen and Jerusha Fulton (nee Cary). His mother was a na- tive of Greene and his father of Washington County, where they settled after their marriage and remained through life, Mr. Fulton's death occurring in 1847 and his widow in 1858. September 16, 1847, Stephen Fulton wedded Miss Mary Greenlee, who was born in Wash- ington County, December 26, 1822. She is a daughter of Samuel and Nancy Greenlee (nee Gantz), the one a native of Maryland and the other of Fayette County, Penn. After marriage they resided in Washington County until the death of Mrs. Gantz in 1863. Her husband died in 1876. Stephen Fulton and wife are the parents of, eight children, five of whom are living -- Emma, wife of Zephaniah Johnson; Samuel G., HIenry H., Eliza, wife of Amos Shirk, and Albert G .; Nancy, Margaret and Ruth, are deceased. Mr. Fulton has always lived in the country and engaged in farming throughout his life, which has been one of usefulness and activity, and he has acquired for himself and family a farm of 120 acres, where he now lives. They are both members of the Mount Zion Baptist Church.
SPENCER B. GARNER, farmer, P. O. Waynesburg, was born in Greene County, Penn., March 10, 1851. His father, Matthew-son of Samuel and Catharine (Miller) Garner-was born in Washington Township, Angust 9, 1820; and September 29, 1844, wedded Sarah, daughter of Amos Masters. She was a native of Greene County, and died August 5, 1851. After her death Matthew married Sarah, daughter of John Huffman, December 24, 1854. She was also a native of Washington Township, and died August 23, 1871. Her hus- band then married, October 3 1872, Miss Maria Keigley, his present wife, a native of the same township and a daughter of George and Anna Keigley, both deceased. Spencer B., the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage, September 16, 1875, with Ella Huss, who was born in Greene County, Penn., August 7, 1854, a daughter of William HI. and Maria Huss (nee Keys), the former a native of Greene and the latter of Washington County. Mr. Huss is deceased and his widow is now living with her daughter, Mrs. S. B. Garner. To Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Garner have been born two children -- Weatha and Isa G. Mr. Garner has been a farmer, stock-dealer and miller through life, and owns 184 acres of land in Washington Township. IIe and wife are members of the Bates' Fork Baptist Church.
T. J. HUFFMAN, farmer and stock-dealer, Ruff's Creek, Penn., was born in Washington Township, December 17, 1849. His parents, George and Susannah (Stagner) Huffman,, are natives of Greene County, where they reside at present. Mr. Huffman, the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage, May 25, 1871, with Eliza M. Mattox, who was born in Morris Township, this county, October 12, 1852, a daughter of John and Clarissa Mattox (nee Rial). Her mother was a native of New Jersey and her father of Greene County,
865
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Penn., where they settled after marriage and remained till the death of Mr. Mattox; his widow survives him. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are the parents of four children, one hving-George E., born May 24, 1880; and Lonny, Ida and an infant, deceased. Mr. Huffman is a member of the Baptist and his wife of the Cumberland Presbyte- rian Church. Mr. Huffman was raised on the farm where he now resides with his family and parents, and in connection with his farming, has dealt in all kinds of stock, making the raising of fast horses a specialty; of these the principal ones are "Slow-Go," and two that Vanderbilt bought. Mr. Huffman has always been known as one of the most successful and enterprising farmers of his township.
G. W. HUFFMAN, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Rnff's Creek, was born in Washington Township, Greene County, Penn., Jan nary 17, 1845. He is a son of George and Susannah (Stagner) Huffman, who are natives of Greene County, where they were married and have resided all their lives. Mr. Huffman was united in marriage, September 20, 1866, with Phæbe J. Baldwin, who was born in Washington County, March 27, 1846. Her parents, Amos and Sarah (Lindley) Baldwin, were natives of Washington County, but moved to Iowa where they both died. Mr. and Mrs. Huffman are the parents of two interesting daughters-Cora B. and Sadie A. Mr. Huffman was brought up on a farm, and in connection with his farm- ing interests has made the raising of fine stock a specialty. Ile owns 380 acres of land where he and family live, and a fifth interest in 700 acres in Kansas. The whole family are consistent and leading members in the Bethlehem Baptist Church.
ANDREW HUGHES, retired farmer, Ruff's Creek, Penn., is one of the old pioneers of Greene County, having been born in Washington Township, November 1, 1810, a son of Nathan and Nancy (Sharon) Hughes. Mrs. IInghes was a native of England, and her husband was born in Greene County, Penn., where they re- sided from the time of their marriage until their death. Andrew IInghes was united in marriage, September 25, 1834, with Hannah Crayne, born in Washington Township, April 4, 1815, a daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Clawson) Crayne, the one a native of Greene County, Penn., and the other of New Jersey. After marriage they made their home in Mr. Hughes' native county until their death. Mr. Andrew Hughes and wife are the parents of two children-Asa and Samuel. Mr. Hughes was raised on a farm and has been a tiller of the soil all his life. He owns the 200-acre farm where he now lives with his family. He and wife are members of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, in which they have ever been regarded as among the most prominent and faithful workers.
ZEPHANIAH JOHNSON, retired farmer, Castile, Penn .- The subject of this sketch is one of the substantial pioneer farmers of
3
4
866
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
Greene County, having been born in Morgan Township, December 21, 1812. His parents were Zenas and Phæbe (Wolf) Johnson, who were natives of New Jersey, and after marriage moved to Greene County, Penn., and spent the remainder of their lives. March 6, 1837, Zephaniah Johnson took unto himself a wife in the person of Miss Rachael Ulery, born in Greene County, February 24, 1819. Her parents were Stephen and Jane (Crayn) Ulery, who were natives of Washington County, Penn., but moved to Knox County, Ohio, remaining until their death. By this marriage Mr. Johnson is the father of the following children-Phoebe J., wife of Isaac Keys; Stephen, Zenos, Daniel and Sarah. Mrs. Johnson departed this life July 21, 1853. After her death Mr. Johnson was united in marriage, in 1857, with Mrs. Mary Horn (nee Moore), a daughter of Joseph and Mary Moore, both deceased. By the last marriage Mr. Johnson is the father of one daughter-Ellen. Her mother departed this life May 21, 1872. Mr. Johnson has always lived on a farm, to which, in connection with stock-raising, he has given his care and attention through life. His farm consists of 234 acres. He is named among the prominent citizens of his township, and is a leading member in the Mount Zion Baptist Church.
GEORGE W. JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Ten-Mile, was born in Morgan Township, Greene County, Penn., May 21, 1818. His parents were Zenas and Phæbe (Wolf) Johnson, who were natives of New Jersey, where they were married, then moved to Greene County, Penn., remaining till Mrs. Johnson's death, which occurred in 1819. IIer husband then married Sarah Crayn. Both died in Greene County. The subject of our notice was united in marriage, Novem- ber 4, 1841, with Eunice Smith, born in Amwell Township, Wash- ington County, April 16, 1821. She is the daughter of Peter and Priscilla (Cooper) Smith, the former a native of Germany, and the latter of Washington County, Penn., where they were married, and after settling for a short time in Greene County, returned and died there. Mr. G. W. Johnson and wife are the parents of five children -Smith, I. B., Phoebe J., wife of Othaniel Rhoads; Zephaniah and George A. Having been reared on a farm, Mr. Johnson has been a tiller of the soil all his life, and owns the farm of 170 acres where he now lives with his family. IIe has served as a member of the school board of his township, and both he and wife are members of the Baptist Church.
ZENAS JOHNSON, farmer, P. O. Ruff's Creek, born in Greene County, Penn., April 12, 1827, is a son of Zenas and Sarah Johnson, the former a native of New Jersey, and the latter of Greene County, l'enn., who after marriage settled and remained in this county until their death. Our subject was united in marriage, October 28, 1862, with Sarah J. Watson, born in Washington County, Penn., October
867
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
28, 1839, who is still living and is a consistent member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Her parents were John and Mary A. (Al- most) Watson, the former a native of Ireland, and the latter of Greene County, Penn., who settled in Washington County after mar- riage, where they remained until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been born eight children-George B., Daniel D., Silas C., Sadie, Emma, Maggie, Jennie and Cora. Having been raised on a farm, Mr. Johnson has made farming his business through life, and through industry and economy has secured for himself one of the best farms in Washington Township, consisting of 257 aeres.
D. W. JOHNS, farmer, P. O. Ruff's Creek, is a descendant of one of the Pioneer families of Greene County, Penn. He was born in Washington Township, May 21, 1838, a son of Jacob and Eliza- beth Johns (nee Ross), who are natives of Greene County, the former of Washington Township and the latter of Morgan. They have re- sided in Washington Township ever since they were married. The sub- ject of this sketeh was united in marriage, February 24, 1870, with Rachael Meek, who was born in Washington Township, November 17. 1842, a danghter of John and Elizabeth Meek (nee Boyd), who were natives of Greene County, where they remained until their death, Mr. and Mrs. Johns have two children-Thomas S., born June 5. 1871; and John F., born February 8, 1873. Mr. Johns was raised on a farm and has been engaged in farming and dealing in stock all his life. He owns 345 acres of land where he and family live. IIe and wife are members of the Bethlehem Baptist Church.
JACOB JOHNS, a retired farmer of Ruff's Creek, Penn., is one one of the pioneers of Washington Township, Greene County. Ile was born on the farm where he and family reside, December 3, 1806, and is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Smith) Johns, the former a native of Delaware and the latter of Washington County, Penn., who settled in Greene County after marriage and remained until their death. Jacob Johns was united in marriage March 27, 1834, with Elizabeth Ross, born in Morgan Township, Greene County, May 29, 1816. Her parents, John and Phæbe (Eaton) Ross, were natives of (freene County and residents therein until their death. Mr. and Mrs. Johns are the parents of eight children, four of whom are living and married, as follows: J. R., to Mary J. Huffinan; D. W., to Rachael Meek; Abner, to Elizabeth Meek; and Jacob, Jr., first to Lourinza R. MeClelland, then to Josephine V. Hickman. The deceased are -- Phobe, Timothy, Thomas, and Elizabeth, who was the wife of Jacob Iloge. Mr. Johns has been engaged in farming all his life and owns about 500 acres of land in Greene County. IIe held the office of justice of the peace of Washington Township for ten years, and filled the positions of assessor, auditor, inspector and tax collector of his township.
48
868
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
GEORGE KEIGLEY, farmer, Waynesburg, Penn., was born in Washington Township, Greene County, April 8, 1831, a son of George and Anna Keigley (nee McCaslin). They were natives of Pennsylvania, where they were married and remained in Greene County until their death. Both departed this life where the subject of this notice now resides. March 21, 1869, George Keigley married Similda J. Rose, who was born in Guernsey County, Ohio, March 27, 1845, a daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Rose (nee Haines). They were natives of Pennsylvania but lived in Ohio until about 1850, when they returned to Fayette County, Penn., where Mrs. Rose died in 1852. Mr. Rose married again and moved to Greene County, Penn., then to Fulton County, Penn., where he died November 10, 1887. To Mr. and Mrs. Keigley have been born eight children- Laura V., Homer L., Mary M., Jessie I., Sadie E., Lonie, Anna P. and Thomas H. Mr. Keigley is a saddle and harness-maker by trade, which he followed about fifteen years, after which he engaged in the service of his country in Company F, Pennsylvania Cavalry, and served nine months. He and his wife are faithful members of the Baptist Church.
JOHN M. MARTIN, farmer and stock-dealer, P. O. Ten Mile, was born in Morgan Township, Greene County, August 12, 1823. His parents were Thomas and Mary (Bradbury) Martin, natives of New Jersey. They were married in Washington County, Penn., and made their home in Greene County, where Mr. Martin died. Mrs. Martin died in Missouri. After her husband's death, she lived with her children, who were-John M., the eldest and the subject of this sketch; Thomas and David C. John M. was united in marriage January 18, 1848, with Miss Martha Moore, born in Washi- ington County, Penn., in 1819. Her parents were Joseph and Mary (Shackleton) Moore, both deceased. By this union Mr. Martin is the father of four children-Joseph T., Martha A. and James J., living; and Mary E., deceased. Mrs. Martin departed this life in 1880. February 8, 1881, Mr. Martin was again united in marriage with Isabella (Barr) Montgomery. She was born in Washington County, and is a daughter of Samuel and Sarah Barr, the former deceased. By his last marriage Mr. Martin is the father of two sons-Charles A. and Ira II. He was raised on a farm and made farming his busi- ness through life, having also delt somewhat in stock. He owns about 200 acres of land in Greene County, and is one of the in- dustrious and substantial citizens of Washington Township.
L. W. MEEK, farmer, P. (). Swart's, was born on the farm where le and his family reside in Washington Township, December 26, 1858. He is a son of Cary and Jane Meek (nee Milliken), who were natives of Greene County, Pennsylvania, where they were married, settled and remained until their death. He died in
869
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
October, 1873, and his widow in November of the same year. They were the parents of four children-L. W., A. W., Josie and Lillie. L. W. Meek was united in marriage with Sena Buchanan, born in Waynesburg, March 18, 1859, a daughter of David and Cassie Buchanan (nee Swart), the former a native of Greene and the latter of Washington County, Penn. They reside in Morris Town- ship, Greene County. Mr. and Mrs. Meek are the parents of two children-Cassie J. and David B. Mr. Meek was raised on a farm and has given considerable attention to stock-dealing in connection with the care of his farm which consists of 140 acres. He has also taken much interest in the educational affairs of his township and has served as a members of the school board. His wife is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
CEPHAS MEEK, farmer, Ruff's Creek, Penn., is a descendant of one of the pioneer families of Greene County. He was born in Washington Township, January 24, 1832, a son of John and Elizabeth (Boyd) Meek, who were natives of Greene County, where they were married, settled and remained until their death. She died December 24, 1869, and her husband February 3, 1878. They were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are living. Cephas Meek was united in marriage April 2, 1868, with Phæbe J. Conklin. She was born in Washington County, Penn., December 2, 1838, a daughter of William and Catharine (Ross) Conklin, natives of Washington and Greene counties respectively.
They were married in Greene and settled in Washington County. He departed this life June 25, 1880; his widow is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Meek are the parents of one child, William R., born January 11, 1869. Mr. Meek has been engaged in farming all his life and owns a farm of 145 acres. IIe was a member of the school board of his township for six years, and also served as judge and inspector of elections. Mrs. Meek is a member in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
ASA MITCHELL. a retired farmer of Ruff's Creek, Penn., was born in Washington Township, Greene County, October 6, 1811. He is a son of Shadrach and Margaret (Rinehart) Mitchell, the former a native of Maryland and the latter of Greene County, Penn., where they were married and remained until their death. January 25, 1835, Asa Mitchell married Miss Rachel Johns, born in Washington Township, December 1, 1815. She is a daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth (Smith) Johns who, after marriage, settled and remained in Greene County until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. Asa Mitchell have been born eight children, of whom four are living-Jacob J., John, Maria and Catharine, who is the wife of George V. Shirk; and Shadrach, Thomas, Delilah and Mary J. (deceased). Mr. Mitchell was raised on a farm and has been engaged in farming all his life. He owns 227 acres of land where he now lives with his family and
870
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
he is one of the most substantial and highly respected citizens of Washington Township.
M. M. MCCLELLAND, retired farmer, Ruff's Creek, Penn., was born on the farm where he and his family reside in Washington Township, Greene County, December 22, 1824, a son of John and Naney MeClelland (nee Montgomery). His father was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of Harford County, Md. They were married in Greene County, Penn. Mr. McClelland departed this life in 1840, and his widow May 5, 1862. The subject of our sketeh was united in marriage February 27, 1848, with Elizabeth Mettler, born in Columbia County, Penn., May 6, 1826, a daughter of Daniel and Waty Mettler, (nee Baker). They were natives of Pennsylvania, married there, and in 1831 moved to Knox County, Ohio; from there they moved to Williams County, in 1860, and in 1866 went to Iowa, where he died December 13, 1884. His widow survives him, mak- ing her home with her children. Mr. and Mrs. McClelland have ten children, of whom five are living-Sarah F., wife of J. D. Iams; Cary, Elmira, wife of Stephen Cox; Emma J. and Ettie. The deceased are Melvin T., Waty A., Marinda, Mary and Lourinza. She was mar- ried October 30, 1878, to Jacob Johns, and died September 7, 1879. Mr. MeClelland was raised on a farm and has been engaged in farm- ing almost all his life. He owns 345 aeres of land, constituting one of the finest farms in Washington Township. He was elected to the office of county anditor in 1856 and served the term of three years. In 1868 he was elected county commissioner, and served three years. Ile is now serving a second term as justice of the peace of Washing- ton Township, having at different times successfully filled almost all the township offices. He has also been a member of the Masonic order for twenty years. His wife is a faithful member of the Beth- lehem Baptist Church.
JOHN PETTIT, farmer, Swart's was born in Washington Township, Greene County, Penn., January 22, 1831, a son of Isaac and Cynthia Pettit (nee Hathaway), who were natives of Greene County and residents there until their death. In 1860 Mr. Pettitt was united in marriage with Rachel Pettit, who was born in Morris Township January 2, 1840, a daughter of Charlie and Keziah Pettit, natives of Greene County and residents there until their death. To Mr. and Mrs. John Pettit have been born seven children-Eliza, wife of G. HI. Loughman, who is the mother of two children-Olie M. and Stanley J; Isaac, Mary A., wife of George Fry; Kizzie, Charlie, Frank and Nora. Mr. Pettitt was raised on a farm and has been engaged in farming all his life. He owns 325 acres of land, all in Washington Township. He and wife are consistent members of the Baptist Church.
JOSEPH HI. PETTIT, farmer, Swart's, Penn., was born in . Washington Township, Greene County, May 6, 1837, a son of Isaac
871
HISTORY OF GREENE COUNTY.
and Cynthia Pettit (nee IIathaway), who were natives of Greene County, where they remained until their death. She departed this life in 1873, and her husband in 1881. December 13, 1862, Joseph II. Pettit was united in marriage with Elizabeth Hedge, born in Greene County, February 2, 1846. She is a daughter of Aaron and Eva Hedge (nee Fonner), natives of the same county, both deceased. The latter departed this life April, 1888. Mr. and Mrs. Pettit are the parents of eight children, six of whom are living-Laura, Jessie, Cynthia, Martha, George and Bert; and Eva and Mary, deceased. Ilaving been reared on a farm, Mr. Pettit has made farming his occu- pation through life, and owns 148 acres of land where and his family live. Mrs. Pettit is one of the faithful members of the Baptist Church.
JOHN ROSS, retired farmer, Dunn's Station, Penn .- The subject of this biographical sketch is one of the pioneer citizens of Washing- ton Township, Greene County, born on his present farm, November 3, 1820. IIe was the oldest child of Thomas Ross, a native of this county, who died in 1832. His mother's maiden name was Hannah Denney, a native of Jefferson Township, who after marriage resided in Washington Township until her death in 1847. They were the parents of seven children, of whom three are living. John Ross mar- ried Miss Maria Loughman, October 7, 1847. She was born Sep- tember 20, 1825, in Morris Township, of which her parents, David and Christina (Fonner) Loughman, were also natives and residents therein until their death. Mr. and Mrs. John Ross have eight children-Hannah B., wife of John Kendall; David, Mary J., Lydia, wife of John W. Kelley; Timothy, Christina A., Maria I. and Will- iam, (deceased). . Mr. Ross was born and raised on the farin on which he now resides, and like his ancestors, has made farming and stock- raising his business through life. His home farm consists of 237 acres of excellent land. He has most acceptably filled the offices of auditor and assessor of his township, and served as member of the school board for fourteen years. He and his wife are among the most prominent members of the Baptist Church.
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.