USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 142
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When but eighteen years of age Mr. Hopkins was married to Rachel Herron, the only daughter and the , youngest of ten children of James Herron, who when a mere lad came from Ireland with his father, Charles Herron. The mother of Mrs. Hopkins was Rachel Reed, of Lancaster, Pa. Honor, integrity, " I do not propose to give an analysis of his character, and independence were characteristics of the Herrons. 1 and it is not necessary to repeat his history. I may
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say, for I know it, that he was in all respects the best balanced man that it was ever my good fortune to know. His moral and personal courage were often | inseparably connected with the history of Washington tested; he was one of the most fearless men that ever lived, yet all his measures were in favor of peace, and every one who knew him testifies to the gentleness and kindness of his manner."
Mr. Biddle said, "I well recollect being struck with the commanding figure and strongly-marked counte- nance, in the lineaments of which were unmistakably written simplicity and directness of purpose, integrity, and unswerving firmness. . . . He has rounded off a life of great moral beauty, of great usefulness, of great dignity by a fitting end, and he has fallen before decay had begun to impair his faculties."
The high appreciation of Col. Hopkins by the com- munity in which he lived so long was strikingly marked at his funeral.
" During the day, while the body lay at the late residence of the deceased, it was looked upon by a large number of people, and as the hour for the ser- vices drew near the crowd in and around the house grew to immense proportions. The sorrow of the community was demonstrated by the closing of the public schools, and in many instances by all cessation from business. Everywhere there were evidences of the grief in the community, and the earnest sympathy | Democrat in the State. This latter fact might seem felt for the bereaved friends of the deceased."
The funeral services were conducted by Rev. C. A. Holmes, D.D., of Allegheny City, Rev. H. C. Beacom, both of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. Dr. Brownson, of the First Presbyterian Church, Prof. Frazier, of the Second Presbyterian Church, Rev. George P. Hays, D.D., president of Washington and Jefferson College, all of whom had been warm per- sonal friends of the deceased. An affecting feature of the display was the attendance of all the school children with their teachers. Then there was a long line of carriages, wagons, and other vehicles, and a large company who walked to the cemetery.
Col. Hopkins was buried in the Washington Ceme- tery, in the county which had always been his home, which had always honored him, and to which he was so strongly attached.
HON. JAMES HERRON HOPKINS.1
Among the eminent names connected with Wash- ington County no one is more respected than that of Hopkins. The family is descended from Maj. Thomas Hopkins, a soldier of the army of the Revolution, who after the close of the war came from Maryland and settled in Washington County. Distinguished among the members of that family stands James Herron Hopkins, the subject of this sketch, a gentle- man who is as well and favorably known throughout the State and nation as he is in his native county.
He was born on Nov. 3, 1831. His father was the late Col. William Hopkins, whose life and works are County and the commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Immediately after graduating with honor at Wash- ington College he went to Pittsburgh, where he read law with the late Hon. Wilson McCandless, a judge of the United States Court, and while yet in his mi- nority he was admitted to the Allegheny County bar in 1852. From that time Mr. Hopkins has made his home in Pittsburgh. His success as a lawyer was immediate, and continued uninterrupted for twenty years, when failing health compelled him to relin- quish it for a more healthful pursuit.
Mr. Hopkins was married at Frederick City, Md., on Oct. 19, 1871, to Miss A. Margaret Schissler, a lady whose beauty, refinement, and hospitality emi- nently fits her to bless and adorn the elegant home at "Willowby." The union has been blessed with three bright and lovely children.
The Democratic party, of which Mr. Hopkins is an earnest member, has for many years been in a hope- less minority in Allegheny County. Notwithstanding this discouraging circumstance he has steadfastly and actively maintained his connection with its for- tunes, and has led more forlorn hopes than any other to imply that he has been an office-seeker, but such implication wrongs him and the party that has often against his will placed him at the front as the most popular standard-bearer. When a candidate he has always run ahead of his party vote. In 1864 he ran for Congress against Gen. Moorhead, and again in 1870 against Gen. Negley. In 1872 he was the Demo- cratic candidate for Congress from the State at large. In 1874 he once more ran for Congress against his old opponent, Gen. Negley, whom he defeated by two thousand three hundred and fourteen votes. He was a candidate for Governor in the Democratic con- vention of 1882, but was defeated after a close con- test by six votes by Mr. Pattison, of Philadelphia.
Mr. Hopkins is one of the most prominent Masons in America, and has filled its highest offices. He was elected Grand Master of Knights Templar at New Orleans in 1874. Since quitting the practice of the law he has been engaged in the banking business; is president of the Penn Bank of Pittsburgh, also of the Real Estate Savings-Bank. He is also president of the Union Insurance Company, and of a life in- surance company. Mr. Hopkins is an enterprising and useful citizen, always taking a deep interest in public improvements and industrial enterprises. He is vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce, and prominent in its councils.
Mr. Hopkins is tall and slight in figure, but has a compact build, which gives one the impression of agil- ity with endurance. He possesses a pleasant face, a most affable manner, and precisely that suavity of address which provokes confidence and cordiality. Such men
1 By Dr. Wood.
James H. Hopkins 11
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shine most where they are most trusted and loved, and that place is the office, the social circle, the fireside of home. Those who best know Mr. Hopkins are often puzzled to know why he, so quiet and unassuming, should forego the endearments of comfort and inde- pendence for the turmoil and drudgery of a public career. But Peter the Hermit led the first deadly cru- sade, Cromwell bivouacked with swearing troopers, the gentle Washington waded through blood to free- dom, and Hopkins has stood in the eminently dirty breach of politics !
It is worthy of mention that none of the dirt ever fastened to his garments.
During his arduous services as a lawyer he man- aged to find time for travel during brief holidays and ! for the cultivation of literature. His communications to newspapers and magazines are marked with vigor and scholarship. His letter descriptive of his journey among the Rocky Mountains and his travels abroad are among the best ever written on those themes.
But it is as a politician, a politician in its worthiest ' sense, that Mr. Hopkins is best known, and wherein his sterling qualities most shine. The writer is guarded ' against exposing the subject of this sketch to invidious comparison or jealous distinction, but candor guides the pen to write that while a few politicians are shin- ing examples of candor, patriotism, and integrity, Mr. Hopkins stands abreast with the foremost of them all. His career has demonstrated what, in the light of modern political methods, sounds like a paradox,- 1 that a man may be loyal to party without dishonor, that he may dispute with an opponent without sacri- ficing the amenities of life, and that he can discharge the trust of office without venality. The standard of his character has ever and still stands so high that no one has ever assailed it, and even in heated political controversies his opponents have ever complimented him on his spotless life.
Mr. Hopkins, while not possessing that dash and magnetism essential to the great leader, possesses qualities, as candor, earnestness, discretion, and a single-hearted desire to see his country and country- men prosperous,-qualities far safer than the dazzling dash of reckless and ambitious demagogues. James H. Hopkins belongs to the class of men whom Thomas Jefferson would have trusted with place and power.
As a public speaker Mr. Hopkins is earnest, grace- ful, and eloquent, being one of the most popular of platform orators.
Although not a resident of Washington County, Mr. Hopkins owns considerable property there, and takes a great interest in all that concerns the prosperity of Washington County. From him he obtained em-
his native county.
JOSEPH HENDERSON.
Jan. 8, 1743, and landed at New Castle, Del., Sept. 17, 1764. While Joseph Henderson was a child his father died, leaving a widowed mother and ten chil- dren. Having acquired a fair education, together with a good moral and religious training at the hands of pious parents, he was stirred with the honorable ambition to carve his own fortune in the world. Ac- cordingly, in the absence of other opportunities, he set out in the autumn of 1815 for Philadelphia, with the
JOSEPH HENDERSON.
purpose of going to sea as a sailor. There, however, I he met with a gentleman from his own State and county, through whom he unexpectedly formed the acquaintance of a relative in Steubenville, Ohio, who - persuaded him to change his plans and accompany him to his home, with the expectation of safer and surer employment. His limited supply of money barely sufficed to carry him to Steubenville, but on his arrival there he engaged himself for the winter in the well-known woolen-factory of the Messrs. Lari- mer. Accompanying one of the proprietors the fol- lowing June, 1816, upon a visit to Joseph Wherry, Esq., near Washington, Pa., he was introduced by that gentleman to Alexander Murdoch, Esq. (the father of Hon. Alexander Murdoch, of Washington), who was then prothonotary and clerk of the courts of
ployment as a clerk in his office. He continued in the office in the employ of Mr. Murdoch's successor, Mr. William Sample, and Dec. 30, 1823, was himself appointed clerk of the courts. He was reappointed Dec. 21, 1826, and held the office until succeeded by
Joseph Henderson was born in Accomack County, Va., Sept. 28, 1797, and died in Washington, Pa., Sept. 19, 1872. He was the last of ten children of Samuel : Col. James Ruple in 1828. He also held the office of Henderson, of Scotch-Irish lineage, who was born · postmaster in Washington, Pa., under the administra-
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
tion of John Quincy Adams. In 1829 he was elected sheriff of Washington County, and held that office until 1832. He was subsequently elected a member of the House of Representatives at Harrisburg. He was once the candidate of the Whig party for canal commissioner, but, like his colleagues on the ticket, was defeated. Under the administration of Governor Ritner he served as deputy secretary of the land- office, and for a short time as adjutant-general.
During his residence at the State capital, ending in 1839, he studied law with George W. Harris, Esq., and was admitted to the bar. Returning to Washing- ton, he opened an office and successfully pursued his profession the remainder of his life. He appeared but seldom as an advocate, but in general office busi- ness and in the Orphans' Court he had a large prac- tice. He made a profession of religion by uniting with the Presbyterian Church of Washington in 1828, and from 1847 to the time of his death was a ruling elder in the same church, now the First Presbyterian, under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Brownson. His Christian life was marked with great consistency as well as fidelity to all his obligations. The decided honesty and constancy of his former life was thus brought under the operation of religious principle. He was trusted and loved as a friend, and was honored with the warm fellowship of his brethren and fellow- officers in the church. No one of all who knew him doubted either his integrity in business or the sincerity of his professions as a Christian. His unspotted truthfulness and integrity, his social affection, his kindly and cordial intercourse with all classes in society, his benevolence, charitableness, and hospi- tality, his patient industry, his unswerving morality, his strict practice and advocacy of temperance, and above all his consistent piety, all combine to furnish an example which it is safe to follow. April 18, 1820, he married Rachel, daughter of John McCammant, with whom, though blessed with no children, he lived a happy and peaceful life. Mrs. Henderson still survives, occupying the old homestead.
MAJ. SAMUEL MCFARLAND.
Maj. Samuel McFarland was born in Washington County, on Ten-Mile Creek, in 1795. His father was William McFarland, who was the first coroner of Washington County, and from 1788 an associate jus- tice of her courts. His grandfather was Col. Daniel McFarland, a Revolutionary soldier. After leaving
Washington College, in which institution he had com- pleted his literary studies, he entered the office of Thomas McFarland McKennan, Esq., under whose direction he studied law until December, 1827, when he was admitted to the bar. Probably the most im- portant case in which Maj. McFarland was counsel, during the few years which he devoted to his profes- sion, was that of a colored man (a slave) by the name of Christian Sharp (commonly called "Kit"), who was tried, convicted, and executed for the murder of his master, Robert Carlisle, of Woodford, Ky. He had associated with him for the defense in this case Wil- liam Baird and John Kennedy, Esqrs. In 1829 he was appointed treasurer of Washington County, and fulfilled the duties of that office until 1832. After re- tiring from office he purchased the farm now owned by Mr. Harry Shirls, near the town of Washington, and the remainder of his active business life he de- voted mainly to sheep-raising and wool-buying. He was married May 9, 1849, to Mary, youngest daughter of Hamilton and Mary (Miller) Huston, of Wash- ington County. He died Feb. 17, 1868, leaving no children. He was for many years a member, one of the chief supporters, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Washington, Pa., and after the breaking up of that organization he united with the United Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member until his death. Maj. McFarland was prominent for many years as one of the leading temperance and anti-slavery men of Washington County. He was a strong-willed, outspoken, straightforward, aggressive man,-impolitic, it may be, as some have averred that his espousal of a cause injured it,-but, however much his methods may have been questioned, none ever doubted his sincerity of purpose. He possessed great
vigor of constitution, energy of character, and marked success in business. He was a large-hearted, gener- ous man, and liberally aided all causes which he re- garded as worthy of assistance. To all agencies ' having for their object the improvent of the colored race he was especially munificent. He is named by those who knew him as one of Washington County's first and most fearless foes of human slavery in the days when that institution was popular, and when it was abolished he gave freely of his means for the edu- cation and encouragement of the disenthralled race. During the war of the Rebellion he was thought too old to go into the field; one of the most ardent of patriots, giving all of his moral influence and much of his time and money to the furtherance of the cause of the Union.
SAMUEL MCFARLAND.
MONONGAHELA CITY.
THIS picturesque and thriving town, second in point of numbers, yet the most important manufac- turing centre in the county of Washington, is situ- ated on the left bank of the Monongahela River, at the mouth of the small stream known as Pigeon Creek, thirty-one miles by railway above the city of Pittsburgh.
It contains about one thousand taxable inhabitants, two newspaper offices, two banking-houses, various important manufacturing interests, eight church ed- ifices, a new and elegant public school building, nu- merous handsome residences, streets illuminated with gas, and its citizens are afforded ample means of communication with Brownsville, Pittsburgh, and other points throughout the valley both by river and railway. However, as matters pertaining to the present will be treated at considerable length in succeeding pages, we will now turn back to a time of more than one hundred years ago, and delve and probe, so to speak, concerning its early history.
Since the first settlement of this portion of the Monongahela Valley by the English-speaking whites the name of Parkison has ever been prominent, for, by reason of a member of a family of this name having been the first permanent resident here, the founder of the town and of other business interests, the term has become inseparably connected with the history of this vicinity, whether known as "Parkison Ferry," "Williamsport," or Monongahela City. It is of Joseph Parkison, then, the founder of this town, that we would first speak; but here, as elsewhere, diffi- culties are met with at the outset, for though the pio- neers of this region lived at a time when much history was being made, when events of sufficient importance to startle the civilized world were of daily occurrence, and when, while witnessing the birth of a great nation, a grapple to the death with the treacherous savages of the Northwest was to be expected at any .moment, they left but few written records behind them, and those, in the many changes brought about during the lapse of years, disappeared long ago. True, representatives of pioneer families and ambigu- ous traditions remain, yet to arrive at the least degree of accuracy the searcher for historical facts must rely chiefly upon such meagre fragments as can be gath- ered from county and State archives and incomplete files of early newspapers.
It appears that immediately after the treaty of Nov. 5, 1768, when the Indian title to lands comprising the southwestern counties of Pennsylvania was extin- guished, the proprietaries or heirs of William Penn began the sale of tracts located in the new purchase to individuals at the rate of £5 for one hundred acres ; and among those who then or very soon thereafter obtained patents for lands in this vicinity, situated on either side of the Monongahela, were Abraham Decker, Tobias Decker, John Decker, Adam Wicker- ham, Paul Froman,1 Jacob Froman, and probably James and Jacobus Devore. The warrant though which covered the original plot of Williamsport was issued Aug. 26, 1769, and the land was surveyed for Abraham Decker October 26th of the same year. This tract, mentioned in the surveyor's field-notes as "Southwark" or "Southwork," and in the proprie- tary records as Patent No. 3783, contained seventy acres, described as "adjoining the Monongahela River, and Jacob Froman down the river, and To- bias Decker on the north." The description further said, " A stream enters the river on the upper side of the tract, which is shaped like a keystone, with the top butting on the river."
During the year 1770, however, Joseph Parkison came from some point east of the Allegheny range, and settled on the tract before mentioned as "South- wark," and ultimately laid claim to it and other lands adjoining to the amount of over three hundred acres. It has been stated that the Parkisons came from Bed- ford County, but Bedford County did not then exist. This region formed part of Cumberland County until March 9, 1771, of Bedford from the latter date until the formation of Westmoreland, Feb. 26. 1773, and of the latter county from the date last mentioned until the erection of Washington County, March 28, 1781;
1 On the 30th day of June, 1772, Paul Froman, of Bedford County (this region was then included in Bedford), in consideration of the sum of one hundred pounds, current money of Pennsylvania, sold to Adam Wicker- ham "one tract of land, situate on the northeast side of the Mononga- hela River, joining the land of John Decker on one side, and Tobias Decker on the other side, being the land in possession of I, Paul Fro- man, living on."
The same was acknowledged before Dorsey Pentecost at the court held for Yohogania County, Va., Aug. 24, 1778.
Another tract patented to Paul Froman, May 24, 1785, was by him sold to Adam Wickerham, March 13, 1792. Upon this tract Wickerham laid out the town of "George Town," adjoining Williamsport, as early As 1807. Concerning Paul Froman we will say, further, that as early as 1775 he owned a grist-mill, which was situated on Mingo Creek.
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
and from the fact that the Parkisons seem to have espoused the cause of Virginia as against Pennsyl- vania in the claim for territory situated hereabouts, it is probable that they came here from Virginia or Maryland.I
Of the Parkisons there were five brothers, viz. : Joseph, Benjamin, Thomas,2 James,ª and William ; but of them Joseph alone was prominently connected with the early history of the town proper. It should be understood, too, that the Benjamin Parkison here mentioned and the Benjamin Parkison who at an early day was so extensively engaged in business at Mingo were not one and the same. The latter was a nephew of Benjamin, Sr.,4 and a son of either James or William.
At the first session of Lord Dunmore's court, held at Fort' Dunmore in February, 1775, authority was granted James Devore to keep a ferry "from his house on the Monongahela River to the mouth of Pigeon Creek." It also appears that at about that time Nicholas Depue owned lands and lived at the mouth of the same creek.
In 1780 a Virginia certificate was granted Joseph Parkison, and thus, according to the claims of Vir-
) Since the foregoing was written we have learned from the venerable Capt. Ira R. Butler (who obtained his information from Joseph Parkison himself) that the Parkisons before removing to this county had been members of the Conococheague settlement. Asour readers will learn by scanning maps and historical works, the "Conococheagne settlement" was a very early one, and the English, Scotch, and German emigrants who first located there supposed that their settlement lay wholly within the domains of Lord Baltimore. However, by a subsequent arrangement be- tween the proprietors of the two provinces (an arrangement though not at all satisfactory to a majority of those who were thus transferred from the rule of Lord Baltimore's officers to those of the Peuns'), the present line between the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland was finally established considerably to the southward of the line called for in Lord Baltimore's grant, and thus the original Conococheague settlement is embraced by what is now known as Washington County, Md., formed from Frederick in 1776, and Franklin County, Pa., formed from Cumber- land in 1784.
The Parkisons were of English or Scotch descent. Joseph Parkison's wife was a true representative of the stock known as the " the Pennsyl- vania Dutch," and her reputation as a most excellent landlady was widely extended.
2 Thomas Parkison settled in what is now known as Dunbar township, Fayette County, where he erected a grist-mill. In 1801 but one other individual in that township was assessed for more property. A year or two later he removed to Somerset township, in this (Washington) county, where he built a mill known afterwards as the McFarland Mill. He finally removed to Brooke County, Va., in 1807, and died there the same year.
3 James Parkison, by virtue of a warrant dated Jan. 22, 1797, became the owner of a tract of four hundred and one acres, known as "Park- ison's Green," situated on the waters of Pigeon Creek and Dry Run. Sub- sequently this tract was purchased of James Parkison by Joseph Parki- son, and by him transferred to Benjamin Parkison, Sept. 27, 1791. The latter also purchased of the Commonwealth a tract of one hundred and eighty acres, known as Mount Pleasant, on Pigeon Creek. The warrant was issued May 2, 1792, and the land was surveyed Sept. 24, 1797. It adjoined the Monongahela River and lands owned by Adam Wickerham and Andrew McFarland.
4 Benjamin Parkison, Sr., the brother of Joseph, settled and lived for many years in Nottingham township, on the premises since owned by David Hootman. He was one of the first justices of the peace of Washing- ton County (having been commissioned in 1781), and during the Whiskey Insurrection of 1791-94 was an active and prominent leader of the in- surrectionists. Subsequently he was pardoned by Gen. Washington.
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ginia, he became vested with the ownership of a tract entitled " Wood Park," 5 which included Southwark, the words used by the Virginia commissioners being as follows :
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