History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 139

Author: Crumrine, Boyd, 1838-1916; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Hungerford, Austin N
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : H.L. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1216

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 139

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" During the early discussion, both public and pri- vate, upon this exciting subject, there was sometimes manifested. an intolerance towards him and his party that was painful and often oppressive. He was a man, however, that was not to be daunted by any show of force. Such was his peculiar mental constitution that majorities had no influence upon his judgment and actions. He was an original, independent thinker, and nothing apparently gave him so much satisfaction as the opportunity to maintain his views by discus- sion with a champion whom he considered a worthy opponent. After years spent in advocating the cause of liberty, he had the satisfaction and happiness of seeing the object of his greatest hopes accomplished in the emancipation of the slaves of the United States and indeed in almost the whole world." 1

Freemasonry in Washington.2-Shortly after the organization of the county of Washington and the location of the county-seat, a number of the citizens in and about Washington proceeded to organize a Masonic lodge.

Application was made to the Grand Lodge of Penn- sylvania for a charter, which was granted, James Chambers, Absalom Baird, and Cyrus Beckwith being designated as the principal officers,

The lodge (No. 54) was constituted June 25, 1792. Its meetings were held regularly until June 22, 1801, when they were suspended for a time. In 1805 the operations of the lodge were revived, and meetings were held until about the year 1812, when, owing to the excitement produced by the war with Great Britain, they ceased entirely, and this lodge passed out of ex- istence.

Among its members we find such men as John Hoge, David Hoge, William Meetkirke, George H. Keppelle, Joseph Pentecost, Alexander Reed, and many others who were prominently identified with the early history of the county.

The lodge during its existence met in various parts of the town, but finally erected a stone building on the rear of the lot now occupied by Dr. Grayson.

1 Alexander M. Gow, Esq.

2 By J. W. McDowell.

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WASHINGTON BOROUGH.

From 1812 to 1819 there was no lodge in Washing- ton, but Masonry beginning to revive a second charter was granted by the Grand Lodge on the 1st of March, 1819. On Jan. 21, 1820, the new lodge, under the name of "Washington Lodge, No. 164," was duly constituted, with George Jackson as Worshipful Mas- ter, Robert Estep Senior Warden, and Daniel Thomp- son Junior Warden. These ceremonies took place at the house of Thomas Patton. In connection there- with we take the following from the preface of a pamphlet containing an address by the Hon. Thomas H. Baird, and which was also published in the Re- porter of Feb. 14, 1820 :

" For the consecration and installation of Wash- ington Lodge, No. 164, of Ancient York Masons, a Grand Lodge was formed at this place on Friday, the 21st of January, A.D. 1820 (A.L. 5820). The ceremony took place under the superintendence of the Honor- able Jonathan H. Walker, who presided as Worshipful Grand Master, assisted by a number of brethren from the adjacent lodges.

"The lodge met at an early hour of the day, when after the necessary arrangements it proceeded in reg- ular order to the Presbyterian meeting-house. The service was commenced by the Rev. Matthew Brown, assisted by the Rev. Thomas Hoge, by prayer and praise to the Great Architect of the universe; an ex- cellent sermon from 1st John iii. 10, was then de- livered by the Rev. Matthew Brown, succeeded by prayer, after which the Hon. Thomas H. Baird de- livered an appropriate address, which forms the sub- ject matter of this pamphlet.

" The lodge then returned in the same order to the lodge-room, and closed the day in harmony."

The next public demonstration of the lodge of which we have record was on June 24, 1824, when the breth- ren, after a parade through the town, proceeded to the Presbyterian Church, and after introductory services by Rev. Obadiah Jennings, an address was again de- livered by Hon. Thomas H. Baird. The meetings of the lodge were kept up regularly until Dec. 12, 1832, when, on account of the great anti-Masonic excite- ment at that time agitating the whole country, the lodge, by resolution, suspended operations. On April Lodge, the first meeting being held in the house of Dr. Alfred Creigh, and it is worthy of remark that although near thirteen years had passed since the resolution suspending its meetings, yet all the old of- ficers took their several stations, death not having thinned the ranks of the craft.

Since 1845 the lodge has had no interruptions in its meetings, and continues down to the present time in successful operation.

There have been several public demonstrations of the lodge, the most noted being on June 24, 1847, which was attended by a large number of Masons from Pittsburgh, Wheeling, Brownsville, Steuben- ville, and other places. After a parade through the

principal streets of the town, they proceeded to the college campus, where an address was delivered by Rev. George S. Hoimes.

This lodge first held its meetings in the building formerly occupied by Lodge No. 54, in the rear of the Grayson lot on South Main Street, in which the Masons claimed a title, and which they afterwards sold to Hon. John Grayson. In 1826 they moved to a building on West Maiden Street, then owned by W. L. Oliver, but now occupied by Mrs. Bausman, widow of John Bausman, deceased. In 1830 the lodge returned to the old stone building. About the year 1846 rooms on the corner of Main and Beau Streets were leased from Wm. Smith, to which the lodge removed. The next removal was to the build- ing at present occupied by the Review and Examiner printing-office, where the new quarters were formally dedicated on October 27th. The next removal was to the large and commodious rooms in the third story of Smith's Iron Hall, on the northwest corner of Main and Beau Streets, the first meeting being held Oct. 6, 1862. On Dec. 27, 1878, the lodge held its first meet- ing in what is known as Young's Building, corner of Main Street and - Alley; and in July, 1881, the last remove was to the third story of Bryson's Build- ing, corner of Main and Wheeling Streets, where in magnificently furnished rooms the brethren are pro- vided with every facility for performing the secret rites and ceremonies pertaining to the craft.

This is the oldest Masonic organization in the county, the next in age being Lodge No. 237, which first organized and met in Washington, and was after- wards removed to Beallsville; and following in the order named are Nos. 297, at Canonsburg; 337, at Monongahela City; 454, at Burnettstown; and 488, at Independence.

Washington Chapter, No. 150, Royal Arch Masons, was constituted Feb. 4, 1828, a charter having been granted on June 19, 1828, to the following-named persons as officers : David Acheson, M. E. High Priest ; Chester Bidwell, King; and John M. Davis, Scribe.

14, 1845, it was revived by a dispensation of Grand . tical with that of Lodge No. 164, their meetings being

As Royal Arch Masons are also Blue Lodge Masons, the history of this chapter is to a certain extent iden- held in the same rooms, and a majority of the mem- bers of the one order being also members of the other.

As the Masons were desirous of advancing in the higher degrees of Freemasonry, Washington Coun- cil, No. 1, of Royal, Superexcellent, and Select Mas- ters was constituted Nov. 16, 1847; but after an ex- istence of about thirty-three years the warrant was vacated, and the charter, books, etc., returned to the Grand Council, Feb. 10, 1880.

Jacques de Molay Commandery, No. 3, Knights Templar, stationed at Washington, is the only or- ganization of the kind in the county. It was insti- . tuted Nov. 1, 1849, under a charter issued by the

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

General Grand Encampment of the United States, and was first numerically designated as No. 2; but after the reunion of all the commanderies of the State, on June 1, 1857, it was changed to No. 3.

It is well equipped with the paraphernalia neces- sary for the conferring of the orders of Christian knighthood. It has always met in the same rooms with Lodge No. 164.

In August, 1880, the members made a pilgrimage to Chicago, and participated in the triennial grand encampment of Knights Templar held in that city.

On Oct. 20, 1881, the new asylum in Bryson's Building was consecrated by the Grand Commandery of the State with imposing ceremonies, Sir Charles W. Batchelor, of Pittsburgh, acting as Grand Com- mander. Quite a large number of the Sir Knights from Pittsburgh, Wheeling, and other places were present and participated with the commandery on this occasion.

The membership is composed generally of men of character and influence in all parts of the county.

National Lodge, No. 81, I. O. O. F .- Established in the borough of Washington, Pa., on Monday, Feb. 13, 1843, by M. W. G. M. Joseph Brown and Grand Sec. William Curtis, of Philadelphia. The charter members of the lodge were George Morrison, Wil- liam Garrety, James W. Smith, D. M. Boyd, James McGugan.

The lodge was established in the loft of a stable rented to them by William Allen, Sr., one lot below the Round Corner. In this room they held meetings for a short time, then removed to the building on the Round Corner, where they remained about ten years, and again removed to Smith's Building, corner of Beau and Main Streets. In 1870 a lodge-room was fitted up in the third story of the Young Building, which they occupied till 1880, when they leased the room opposite on the same floor, which they at present occupy.

The first officers of the lodge were George Morrison, N. G .; William Garrety, V. G .; James W. Smith, Sec .; D. M. Boyd, Treas .; James McGugan, Asst. Sec. The following is a list of the names of the first members : Alfred Creigh, Alfred Galt, Thomas Mc- Kinley, James M. Hutcheson, H. M. Brister, Thomas Logan, Joseph Cooper, William K. Shannon, Michael G. Kuntz, William Wolfe, John Allen, and Edward Johnson. Six of them are still living.

The lodge has a present membership of fifty. William Marshall is the present Noble Grand, and William Shannon, Secretary.

meetings from Feb. 24, 1863, to Feb. 25, 1870, at which latter date it was revived. The encampment has at present thirty-nine members and the following officers : T. M. Potts, C. P. ; M. Minton, S. W .; John Cooke, J. W .; William K. Shannon, Scribe.

William F. Templeton Post, No. 120, G. A. R., Dept. Pa .- This post was organized on the 28th of March, 1879, with twenty-eight charter members and the following officers: C., F. H. Dyer; S. V. C., James B. Kennedy ; J. V. C., Alexander Hart ; Q. M., George O. Jones ; Adjt., William H. Underwood ; Surg., E. L. Christman ; O. D., S. L. Wilson. The meetings were held during the first year in Odd-Fel- lows' Hall, and in 1880 the post fitted up the room at an expense of twenty-two hundred dollars, and now occupy it as a Grand Army Memorial Hall. The organization from its inception has been very suc- cessful, and has always taken a leading part in mat- ters of public interest in the borough of Washington. Under its auspices, during the past two years, courses of public lectures have been delivered in the town hall by distinguished men, these being the only suc- cessful courses of lectures which have been had in Washington in a period of eight years. The post has been honored by the selection of department and national officers from its comrades, viz. : 1879-80, F. H. Dyer, A. D. C. to Commander-in-Chief; 1881, F. H. Dyer, Senior Vice Department Commander ; 1882, William H. Underwood, A. D. C. to Department Commander. The position of the post has been and is a commanding one by reason of its energy and in- fluence, and its growth has been steady, it having at present (1882) a membership of one hundred and eight. The officers for 1882 are as follows : George O. Jones, C .; James B. Kennedy, S. V. C .; W. H. Shaw, J. V. C .; Thomas M. Horter, Adjt .; J. Ham- ilton Stewart, Q. M .; S. G. Rogers, Chap .; John Templeton, Surg .; J. William Greer, O. D .; Thomas L. Dagg, O. G.

Washington Cemetery .- In the early years the dead of the town of Washington were buried in what is known as the old burying-ground, in the northwest quarter of the town, lying between North Alley (now Spruce) and Walnut Street, embracing lots Nos. 268, 269, 270, 271, 272. It is impossible to ascertain how the first of these lots came into possession of the bor- ough, as no record seems to have been made. They were in use long prior to the incorporation. Addi- tions were made of adjoining lots, to which the bor- ough obtained title. The following history of the Washington Cemetery was written and published in 1859. A few facts are added bringing its history to the present time :

Shakespeare Encampment, No. 20, I. O. of 0. F. -This was chartered on the 5th of November, 1845, the following-named persons being designated as The project of establishing a rural cemetery in the Many considerations prompted the suggestion. The want of system in the original plan of the old grave- yard, and the absence of taste in all its internal arrangements,-the crowded state of its graves, its charter members : James B. Ruple, William Smith, vicinity of Washington was suggested years ago. William Garrity, Thomas S. McKinley, S. B. Hayes, and William Garton. Meetings were held in the rooms of National Lodge, No. 81, I. O. of O. F. The war of the Rebellion caused a suspension of the

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WASHINGTON BOROUGH.

unsightly appearance and neglected condition,-above all, its close proximity to the town and consequent desecration, particularly on the Sabbath, had long been subjects of mournful observation. But the time had not come for the desired change. The necessity for a new burial-place had not impressed itself on the public mind. The natural and instinctive veneration for the old graveyard, coeval with the town's exist- ence, where reposed a generation of the unforgotten dead, forbade its serious contemplation. So the mat- ter rested until 1846, when the town was startled by an attempt to open public thoroughfares through the old graveyard. It was claimed that, according to the original plan of the borough, Walnut Street ran west- wardly until it was intersected at right angles by an avenue passing northwardly from Chestnut Street, and that these thoroughfares came together in the heart of the old burial-ground. Accordingly, an application to open them was made to the court. This was strenuously resisted by a majority of the citizens. The application was dropped, doubtless out of respect for the feelings of survivors, as well as due regard for the repose of the departed. But although this effort was not persisted in (and, if it had, perhaps might have been successfully resisted), yet it engen- dered feelings of insecurity touching the permanency of the old graveyard.

It was not, however, until the year 1852 that any concerted action was taken to provide a more secure and attractive repository for the dead. It is due to the principal of the Washington Female Seminary (Mrs. Hanna) to say that the Washington Cemetery is indebted for its origin to her happily-conceived and well-directed efforts. In the summer of 1852 a num- ber of citizens of the town and vicinity, upon the in- vitation of Mrs. Hanna, met at the Washington Female Seminary, to take into consideration the propriety of establishing a new cemetery. The result of that meet- ing was the organization of the present company, and the purchase of the ground upon which the new cem- etery is located.

On the 3d day of March, 1853, the Washington Cemetery Company was incorporated, and the first board of managers was organized by the election of the following: Rev. Thomas Hanna, D.D., presi- dent ; Hon. Jacob Slagle, treasurer ; Dr. Matthew H. Clark, John Bausman, Sample Sweney, Alexander Murdoch, David S. Wilson, secretary.

Immediate steps were taken to procure an eligible site for the contemplated improvement. To aid in this important duty, the board availed itself of the large practical experience of John Chislett, Esq., superintendent of the Allegheny Cemetery. Mr. Chislett visited Washington, spent several days in explorations, and having expressed a decided prefer- ence for the site covered by lands of Alexander Swe- ney, James G. Strean, and John McClelland, the board, fully concurring in the selection, proceeded at once to purchase the said lands.

The first purchase consisted of 10 acres 86 perches from Alexander Sweney, for $843; 9 acres 28 perches from J. G. Strean, for $688.12; 6 acres 19 perches from J. McClelland, for $754.34. Subsequently an addi- tional purchase was made from Alexander Sweney, of 10 acres and 142 perches, for $1088.75. An addition of 30 acres and 127 perches was made Aug. 31, 1859, by purchase of Joseph Huston, and subsequently, April 23, 1862, by purchase of William B. Huston. In November, 1862, February, 1864, and January, 1869, sales were made of parcels that embraced in all an area of about eight acres. The whole cemetery area at present (1882) comprises 68 acres and 130 perches.

The company was very fortunate in the location thus secured. Situate upon the Upper Ten-Mile plank-road, about half a mile from Washington, it is easy of access from town and country. The view from the cemetery grounds is very attractive. From this elevated position the visitor looks down on the town of Washington, spread out upon the beautiful basin formed by Catfish Run, one of the head-waters of Chartiers Creek, and far beyond over a large ex- panse of rich and variegated scenery.

After the purchase of the grounds, the board pro- , ceeded forthwith to inclose them with a high, sub- stantial fence, and to erect a suitable building for the accommodation of their superintendent. They after- wards erected an iron gate supported by permanent stone columns at the main entrance. On the 1st of November, 1853, was made the first interment, that of an infant child of Morgan Hayes.

The clearing and improvement of the grounds, cut- ting out avenues, etc., necessarily involved a heavy expense. But the board did not falter, believing that the enterprise had its origin in a great public neces- sity, and that eventually it would overcome all prej- udice and find favor with the entire community. Among the reasons why it should and must be so are the following :

First. The absence from this undertaking of any purpose of private speculation. The entire fund arising from the sale of burial lots is specifically ded- icated to the purchase and improvement of the grounds. No part of these funds can under any cir- cumstances inure to the benefit of the members of the corporation. Each purchaser of a lot is thus as- sured that the sum of money which he contributes is expended in improving and beautifying the place, in the midst of which he has consecrated a spot for the repose of his own dead.

Second. The security furnished by the act of in- corporation, making the grant of a burial lot not only. perpetual, but exempting it forever from every pro- cess of law by which the same could be forcibly sold, providing also for the perpetual succession of the board of corporators, thus furnishing the strongest guarantee that the dead shall remain here in undis- turbed repose.

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Third. The selection of the site with special refer- ence to security from any disturbing causes growing out of the extension of the town and suburbs, and the improvements consequent thereupon, the posi- tion being retired, elevated, and at the same time in as close proximity to the town as possible consistent with the great ends already indicated.

Fourth. The fact that it is not for the town only this cemetery has been provided. The object of the company has been to furnish a lasting depository for the dead of the surrounding country. It is needless to say that churchyards or private burial-grounds on farms do not furnish adequate security against change and obliteration. In this country lands are con- stantly shifting hands. The location of churches must be changed to meet the popular wants. There is no sure guarantee that the sanctity of any such burial-place will be respected after they are gone who are interested in its preservation.

Fifth. The most admirable feature of the present enterprise is the provision made for perpetual care and watchfulness, the entire funds being devoted to present and future expenditures for the progressive improvement of the grounds. Thus the dead not only repose securely here, but their place of sepul- ture will be made more and more attractive through all succeeding time.

The success of the enterprise is manifested by the steady increase of patronage and favor which has marked its progress. There have been interred within its consecrated grounds the remains of many whose memory will ever be fragrant while worth and virtue are prized. Of such it is eminently proper to mention the Rev. David McConaughy, D.D., fourth president of Washington College, " for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith;" and to say that the grave of the Hon. Thomas M. T. McKennan may be found here on the spot he so much admired long before there was any thought of devoting it to its present purpose. The body of his father, Col. William McKennan, the companion in arms of the immortal Washington, rests by his side within the same inclosure. Here also were brought from the old graveyard for more secure repose, after upwards of forty years' interment, the remains of Gen. Thomas Acheson, who occupied a large place in the hearts of a generation now fast disappearing. Some of his contemporaries, who long stood as landmarks of that fleeting throng, have here found their final rest- ing-place. Of such were Thomas Stockton, Daniel Moore, Thomas Morgan, John H. Koontz, David Acheson, Joseph Clark. Hundreds of other tablets within the consecrated inclosure bear the names of old and honored citizens and families of Washington.

In the eastern part of Washington Cemetery stands a monument erected to perpetuate the memory of the sons of Washington County who lost their lives by wounds received or disease contracted in the service of the Union during the war of the Rebellion. Its

position is a commanding one, being visible from any place in the town, as well as from the approaches to the county-seat from any direction. The first impulse toward its erection was just after the battle of Gettys-

SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.

burg, which carried off so many of the Washington County soldiers. At first the plan adopted was to re- ceive only subscriptions of one dollar each, and a large part of its cost was defrayed by such subscriptions,

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WASHINGTON BOROUGH.

although toward the end larger contributions were accepted; but nevertheless the whole people of the county, in all sections, have the honor of aiding in the building of this beautiful structure.

The monument was erected in the summer of 1871, by Joseph Howarth, of Washington, after designs made by E. Morgenroth, of Pittsburgh. The lower base is fourteen feet square, the second ten feet square and three-eighths feet high. The die is nine feet six inches high, enriched in front by a military trophy of cannons, muskets, swords, drums, flags, etc. On the die is an enriched entablature of architrave, frieze, and cornice, nine feet six inches square and three feet six inches high. On each angle of this cornice is a mortar, and in front between the two mortars is an eagle with wings extended. On the cornice is an octagonal shaft or column, which with its base and capital is fifteen feet high and three feet in diameter, representing an infantry soldier standing at rest, making the total height of the monument forty-one feet. The material is a beautiful sandstone from Massillon, Ohio. Though the entire cost of the monument was but a little over six thousand dollars, it is worthy of a critical examination. Four large cannon, which saw service in the war, stand at its four corners.

The following is a list of the presidents, secretaries, and treasurers of the association from its organization to the present time :

Presidents, Rev. Thomas Hanna, 1853; Jacob Slagle, 1854 to 1860; Dr. Matthew Clark, 1860 to 1878; Colin M. Reed, 1878 to the present.

Secretaries, David S. Wilson, 1853 to 1855 ; Alex- ander Murdoch, 1855 to 1861; Dr. Thomas MeKen- nan, 1861 to the present.

Treasurers, Jacob Slagle, 1853; John S. Slagle, 1854 to 1856; Alexander Murdoch, 1856 to 1861; D. T. Morgan, 1861 to 1878; James R. Clark, 1878 to the present.

The present (1882) board of managers is composed of Colin M. Reed (president), D. T. Morgan, J. D. Chambers, A. W. Acheson, Boyd Crumrine, Dr. Thomas McKennan, James R. Clark.

Washington Gas-Works .- A meeting of a num- ber of citizens was held on the 26th of August, 1856, to consult upon the propriety of establishing gas- works for the borough of Washington. A charter was procured which designated as managers Colin M. Reed, Joseph Henderson, Simon Cort, Jacob Slagle, Charles W. Hays, Freeman Brady, Jr., J. L. Judson, James W. Kuntz, and Alexander Seaman. A new board of managers was elected Jan. 18, 1857, consisting of Samuel Hazlett, Colin M. Reed, Dr. Francis J. Le Moyne, William Smith, Jacob Miller, Alexander Wilson, and Joseph Henderson. Colin M. Reed was elected president, and William McKen- nan secretary. F. J. Le Moyne, Samuel Hazlett, and Jacob Miller were appointed to secure a lot of ground for their uses. The necessary buildings were erected,

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History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 139

Author: Crumrine, Boyd, 1838-1916; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Hungerford, Austin N Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Philadelphia : H.L. Everts & Co. Number of Pages: 1216

Author: Crumrine, Boyd, 1838-1916; Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885; Hungerford, Austin N
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Philadelphia : H.L. Everts & Co.
Number of Pages: 1216