History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 220

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 220

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1 By Rev. W. L. Hayden.

896

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

visited the congregation, and set in order the things that were wanting by setting apart Edward Riggs as elder, and James Boyer, Obadiah Higbee, and Wil- liam Morrison as deacons. On March 7, 1840, John Boyer gave a deed to James Boyer, John Philips, and Edward Riggs, trustees of the Disciple or Christian Church, of a lot containing three thousand square feet, for the consideration of one dollar. The congregation met in the brick house which had been erected on this lot for nineteen years, when, by reason of some fault in construction, it was declared unsafe for meetings.

On the 22d of March, 1856, John Philips and Ed- ward Riggs, trustees of the property belonging to the church, gave a deed to James Boyer of the lot above described, for the consideration of one dollar. On the 23d of the preceding January, James Boyer and wife gave a deed to John Philips and Edward Riggs, trus- tees, etc., for the lot now owned by the church. The present frame house was built on this lot in 1858. In the same year Edward Riggs moved to California, Pa., and the oversight of the church devolved chiefly upon David Higbee, who was chosen as elder, and was or- dained to the office on Jan. 10, 1859, by his brother, Jesse Higbee, assisted by Thomas Strathem and Henry Bennett, on the occasion of the formal opening of the new house. At the same time John Philips was set apart as deacon. Here the church has met ever since.

Most of the time the church has been without a settled preacher, and the elders before named, with others sometimes associated with them in counsel and official responsibility, have endeavored to feed and care for the flock of God over' which they had been made overseers. A few times preachers have located with them and preached regularly, but seldom more frequently than every other Lord's day. Beside this, the church has enjoyed frequent visits from preach- ing brethren, and had the labors of some able men in protracted meetings, which resulted in the edification of the church and in additions to the membership.

Among the preachers not already mentioned who have labored, statedly or occasionally, with this church are the following, viz. : R. Milligan, William Baxter, Henry Langley, Samuel Church, Robert Ash- worth, J. Bryson Piatt, L. P. Streator, Marcus Bos- worth, James E. Gaston, W. W. Eaton, Charles Berry, Henry Bennett, W. J. Loos, J. L. Darsie, M. L. Streator, William S. Loyd, E. L. Allen, N. P. Law- rence, O. G. Hertzog, A. Wilcox, Carroll Ghent, Thomas Strathern, J. F. Rowe, J. C. Hay, Benjamin Franklin, L. F. Bittle, S. B. Teagarden, and W. L. Hayden.

On Nov. 11, 1879, John S. Galley was set apart as elder, W. L. Hayden officiating, and has since shared in the oversight and the public instruction of the con- gregation. He has acted as superintendent of the Sunday-school, which numbers about twenty-five pupils. In this work E. B. Philips has been an ef- ficient aid, and has sometimes been called to the su- perintendency.

The congregation has been constantly depleted by emigration, and has thus been a feeder for other churches. But it has steadily and quietly held on its course, and received into its fellowship about one hun- dred and fifty members. The present membership is forty, all of whom are regarded in good standing, and the church is in a peaceful and healthy condition.

In all its history this rural church has borne faith- ful testimony to the truth of God, has been careful to maintain good works, and to promote righteousness in the measure of its ability and influence, and still abides as a monument of fidelity to cherished convic- tions and of Christian steadfastness.

Centre Presbyterian Church.1-This Christian organization had its origin in the year 1828. It was organized by persons who had been members of neighboring congregations of the same denomina- tion, namely, Chartiers, Bethel, Bethany, and Mingo. Because its house of worship was nearly the same distance from each of the four churches above men- tioned the congregation was called Centre. The increased population in that vicinity and the incon- venience of going several miles to a place of worship led to the organization of Centre Church.

The Presbytery at first only allowed the people to organizè, build a church, and have preaching occa- sionally and the administration of the sacraments. At a later period they were permitted to call a pastor. Having received permission from Presbytery, the people soon built a brick church, fifty feet in length and forty in width, at a cost of twelve hundred dol- lars, on a piece of land donated by Daniel Bell. Their next step was to send a petition to the Presbytery, in session at Canonsburg, Jan. 5, 1830, asking the privilege of calling a pastor, and their request was granted.

Under the first action of the Presbytery, Centre Church was regularly organized on the 29th of August, 1829, which was a year and four months after the people began to hold religious services. Dr. Matthew Brown, president of Jefferson College, being appointed by the Presbytery, presided at the organization of the congregation. Daniel Coe and George Craighead were elected, ordained, and in- stalled as ruling elders. On Dec. 10, 1830, Jacob Bell, an elder from Chartiers Church, Samuel Wil- son, an elder from Bethel, and Alexander Anderson, an elder from Bethany, were added to the session of Centre. Since that time the following-named per- sons have served as elders, viz. : John Barr, William Park, and John Fife, ordained Aug. 3, 1834 ; William Crouch, an elder from Chartiers Church, elected . Sept. 25, 1836 ; William Hill, Richard Patterson, and Joseph Van Eman, ordained Jan. 14, 1844; Thomas Fife, Samuel Van Eman, and Arthur J. Hopper, or- dained April 1, 1855; James Espy, an elder from Bethel Church, installed May 9, 1860; William R.

1 By Rev. Fraucis J. Collier.

897

PETERS TOWNSHIP:

Craighead, William H. Barr, John B. Bell, and Robert L. Park, ordained April 23, 1876.

Under the second action of the Presbytery, allow- ing the people to call a pastor, a meeting was held four months afterwards, on May 4, 1830, and they united in a call to Rev. John H. Kennedy, Professor of Mathematics in Jefferson College. Prof. Kennedy accepted the call, and served the church for ten years, when he resigned on account of ill health. He died of consumption Dec. 15, 1840.

After Prof. Kennedy's resignation there was a va- cancy for one year, and only occasional service was held. In 1841, Rev. Alexander B. Brown, Professor of Belles-Lettres and Adjunct Professor of Languages in Jefferson College, became stated supply, and preached at Centre about four years.

Rev. Robert W. Orr, Professor of Civil Engineering and Natural History in Jefferson College, was chosen pastor in 1845, and his ministry at Centre lasted seven years, or until 1852. Towards the close of his pastor- ate a new church edifice was erected, a few rods south of the old one, on higher ground. It was built of brick, and cost two thousand dollars. The building was begun in the spring of 1851, and finished early the following year.

Rev. William F. Hamilton, a native of Mononga- hela City, Pa., a graduate of Washington College in 1844, and of Allegheny Theological Seminary in 1849, succeeded Rev. Robt. W. Orr in the pastorate at Centre. It was his first charge. He began to preach there in September, 1852. He was installed May 2, 1853. His labors continued until April, 1855, when he was released by the Presbytery of Ohio. He removed to Uniontown, Pa. For several months sub- sequently the pulpit was supplied by various ministers of the gospel.

Centre Church again enjoyed the ministrations of Rev. Alexander B. Brown, D.D., who returned after an absence of ten years, during which period he served first as a professor and then as president of Jeffer- son College at Canonsburg. His health being im- paired, he resigned his office as president in 1856, and removed to a farm which he purchased in the vicinity of Centre. For two years he preached to the congre- gation as often as his strength would permit, and there being for a while an evident improvement in his health, he yielded to the entreaties of the people and became their pastor in 1858. His labors, which greatly promoted the spiritual welfare of the church, were continued until Dec. 18, 1862, when, owing to physical debility, Dr. Brown gave up his charge. The people met at that time and passed resolutions expressing their sympathy for Dr. Brown in his severe affliction, and declaring their high apprecia- tion of his services, talents, and piety. He died on the 8th of September, 1863. In the graveyard at Centre a handsome marble monument, erected by the willing hands of a loving and grateful people, marks the spot where his body reposes. Dr. Brown's labors

at Centre, from 1841 to 1845 and from 1856 to 1862, though much interrupted, covered a period of ten years.

One month after the death of Dr. Brown the con- gregation called Rev. Francis J. Collier, a native of Steubenville, Ohio, a graduate of Jefferson College in 1858, and of Princeton Theological Seminary in 1862, and who was at the time of his call a licentiate of the Presbytery of Philadelphia, in which city he resided. He began his labors at Centre in November, 1863, and continued until February, 1871, two months after the dissolution of his pastoral relation. During his pastorate of seven years and three months one hundred persons were added to the membership of the church, more than nine thousand dollars was raised for various objects, the edifice was painted, papered, carpeted, and otherwise improved, and the first building, then standing, was torn down. Wil- liam Park, an esteemed elder, amiable, generous, and devoted, a man full of faith and good works, was called to his reward Nov. 6, 1870. An affection of the eyes influenced Mr. Collier to resign. After leaving Centre he went to Europe in the spring of 1871 with Rev. Dr. William P. Brecd, of Philadel- phia. On his return he was recalled to Centre, but declined. In 1872 he settled at Downingtown, Chester Co., Pa., where he has labored since.

In August, 1872, after a vacancy in the pastorate of a year and a half, the congregation called Rev. Ezra S. Heany, a native of Reiglesville, Bucks Co., Pa., a graduate of Lafayette College in 1867, and of the Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, in 1870, then pastor of Mount Pisgah Presbyterian Church, near Pittsburgh. He was installed Nov. 14, 1872, and was pastor until April, 1878, five years and five months, when he was released by the Presbytery of Pittsburgh. After leaving Centre he took charge of a church at Strasburg, in Lancaster County, Pa., to which he has since ministered.

The church was without, a pastor, and the pulpit was supplied by different ministers for a year after Mr. Heany left. On the 9th of June, 1879, Rev. Alexander B. Brown, son of Rev. Dr. A. B. Brown, deceased, a member of the congregation, a graduate of the Western Theological Seminary, Allegheny, and a licentiate of the Presbytery of Pittsburgh, was elected pastor. After preaching some months, he was ordained and installed Dec. 15, 1879. Under his faithful ministry the church is prospering. A neat dwelling for the sexton was built during the past year. The church has a membership of one hundred and fifty-six, and there are one hundred and thirty- five persons connected with the Sunday-school.

Schools .- The first school recollected in Peters township was held in a little log cabin on the Black- more property, where John Galley now lives, in the year 1800. The cabin was first built for a dwelling, but was converted to the use of this first school. A little later another school-house was built on the farm

893

HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

of Abram Ward, the one now owned by John Swagler. This school was taught by Ephraim Sayers. In 1808 a school-house was put up on the farm of James Gailey, where Messrs. Burke, Flemming, and Craw- ford were teachers at different times, and which was made to do service for many years. In the year 1809 a log school-house was in .use about a mile up the run from the forks of Chartiers Creek, which was rather old then. Martha Reed was the earliest teacher now remembered in this house.

Peters township accepted the new school law in 1835, and shared in the first State appropriations. In that year the township was divided into four districts, -Bower Hill, Townsend, Craighead, and Dennison. The number of taxable persons in the township at that time was two hundred and forty-eight, and the amount of money collected that year was $204.35. In 1836 the township received $79.29 from the State, and the next year $287.75. The first new building put up after the adoption of the school law was on the road from James Johnston's farm to Bower Hill. The town- ship remained divided into four districts until 1859, when the section known as Townsend, Bower Hill, and Dennison Districts was made into four districts, the new one being given the name of Wright District.

This was the first township in the county to estab- lish a higher grade of schools, adopting the graded school system in 1876, with A. B. Stanford as prin- cipal. The graded schools were thrown open to all the pupils in the township who were sufficiently advanced to profit thereby.

In 1863 Peters township contained five school dis- tricts, employed eight teachers, and had two hundred and ten pupils enrolled. The total amount collected for school purposes was $1250, and the amount ex- pended was $593.75. In 1873 there were five teachers in the five districts, and two hundred and twelve scholars in attendance. The amount of tax levied for school purposes was $1528.57, and total receipts $1920.56. The cost of the schools that year was $1768.55. In 1880 the number of districts had in- creased to six, with seven teachers employed, and one hundred and forty-three pupils enrolled. The re- ceipts for schools were $1887.63, and the total expen- ditures $1812.99.

Justices of the Peace .- Peters was an original township and independent district till 1803. Upon the laying out of election districts it was embraced with Nottingham in District No. 6, and so remained till 1838, when it became a separate district. Follow- ing is a list of justices of the peace of the township from its erection to the present time, viz. :

John Douglas, July 15, 1781. Robert Thompson, July 15, 1781. John Douglas, March 3, 1789. James Mitchell, Aug. 24, 1790. John Campbell, Feb. 8, 1799. John Breckenridge, June 18, 1800. John Hair, July 4, 1806. Simeon Hailman, Jan. 7, 1808. Enoch Wright, March 29, 1808.

George Bentley, March 4, 1811. James Gordon, Dec. 7, 1811 William Wallace, Jan. 20, 1817. John Bower, Jan. 16, 1819. Wash, Parkinson, Dec. 13, 1820. Joseph Pollock, Jr., Dec. 3. 1822. Enoch Phillips, March 1, 1823. Dennis Darragh, March 6, 1823. Elijah Townsend, Dec. 3, 1823.

S. Bentley, Jr., Feb. 18, 1830. Enoch Wright, Oct. 16, 1830. Dennis Darragh, Nov. 11, 1830. Ephraim Estep, Jan. 23, 1834. George Gibbony, Dec. 6, 1834. James McGrew, Nov. 18, 1835. Elijah Teeple, Dec. 7, 1835. Levi Finley, Feb. 16, 1836. John Clemens, March 18, 1836. John Kennedy, June 1, 1836. John Samuels, Nov. 1, 1836. John McLoney, April 14, 1840. Elijah Townsend, April 14, 1840. John Bower, April 9, 1844. John Bower, April 10, 1849.

Ebenezer Archer, April 15, 1845. Robert Caldwell, April 9, 1850. John Bower, April 11, 1854. David Philips, April 10, 1855. George E. Smith, May 13, 1858. David Philips, April 10, 1860. George E. Smith, April 14, 1863. David Philips, June 3, 1865. George E. Smith, April 14, 1868. David Philips, Nov. 30, 1870. George E. Smith, April 25, 1873. George E. Smith, Jan. 29, 1874. David Philips, Jan. 31, 1874.

George E. Smith, March: 25, 1878. John H. Murphy, March 27, 1879. -

Physicians .- Dr. Hugh Thompson was the earliest resident physician of Peters township of whom any knowledge is obtained. He lived very near Thomp- sonville, and practiced his profession over a large tract of country. He died many years ago. His son, Robert Thompson, familiarly called " Doctor Bob," succeeded to his father's large practice, retaining it for a long time. He eventually removed to Bridge- ville, where he married a Mrs. Beltzhoover, and died in the house now occupied by Dr. Donaldson. A daughter of Dr. Hugh Thompson married Dr. Car- lisle, of Thompsonville, where he lived and died.

Dr. C. W. Townsend was born in Peters township, and is a son of Joseph Townsend. He studied medi- cine with Dr. William B. Lauk, of Finleyville, at- tended lectures at a medical college in Ohio in 1847 and 1848, and in 1849 and 1850 pursued his studies at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia. He com- menced to practice while residing upon the old home- stead in this township, but in 1860 purchased the farm at Bower Hill on which he still lives. He has a practice that extends through his own and several adjoining townships.

Dr. David M. Anderson is a native of Beaver County, Pa., and is a brother-in-law of.Dr. Townsend. In the early gold excitement in California he accompanied his father to that State, going from there to South America; remained there two years and commenced the study of medicine during his stay in that country. He returned to this State about the time that Fort Sumter was attacked, and entered the Western army in the capacity of surgeon. He remained in the ser- vice until the close of the war, when he went to New York City and graduated from. Bellevue Medical College. He came to Peters township, married a daughter of Rev. Joseph Wright, and commenced and still continues the practice of medicine here. He is also extensively interested in coal operations, his mines lying along the line of the Pittsburgh South- ern Railroad.

Thompsonville .- This village has grown up at the point in Peters township where Moses and John Thompson settled in 1814. They opened a store at Thompsonville, next commenced the mercantile trade at Library, in Allegheny County, and then at Finley- ville, in Washington County. In these different places the brothers accumulated a little money, and

ELIJAH TOWNSEND.

899

PETERS TOWNSHIP.

then began an extensive trade between New Orleans and Pittsburgh, being the first in that line in this sec- tion of country. Afterwards they opened a broker's office in Pittsburgh. During the panic these men made considerable money, operating in bank paper, and after that they engaged in the wool trade. In one year, 1859 or 1860, they purchased wool at twenty-five cents and held it until, by reason of the war, it brought them one dollar and five cents per pound for their whole investment. In 1860 they bought the fine farm in Union township, upon which they went to live. John Thompson died not long afterwards, and Moses died in 1880. The widow of Moses Thompson is still living on the farm in Union township. The subjects of this sketch were in no way related to Dr. Hugh Thompson, also an early settler of Peters township.

Post-Offices .- Of the several post-offices which have been established in Peters township the first was at Thompsonville, the office being in the store of Moses and John Thompson, and Moses was appointed postmaster. The office was established about 1815, or soon after the Thompson brothers settled in this township. The persons who succeeded Moses Thomp- son in the office of postmaster were James Moore, James Reed, Dr. John Fife, James Pollock, Robert Caldwell, David G. Moore, A. W. Pollock, H. H. Brown, J. J. Vaneman, D. J. Moore, D. F. Brown, and William C. Wright, the present postmaster.

On Aug. 21, 1880, a post-office, known as the Mc- 1 Murray office, was established in this township. James McMurray is the postmaster, having received this appointment when the office was established.

There is an office at McComb's Station, on the Pittsburgh Southern Railroad, called the Venetia post-office. This office has existed only since Sep- tember, 1880, and Leonard McCormick is the post- master.

The office at Bower Hill was established under the administration of President James Buchanan. John Bower was the first postmaster appointed, and has been the only one, continuing in the office from that time until the present.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.

ELIJAH TOWNSEND.

Elijah Townsend was born in Peters township, Washington Co., Pa., May 8, 1784, the eldest son of Daniel and Lydia Townsend. His father was among the first settlers of Peters township. He emigrated from England with his brothers John and Isaiah. His children were Judith, Rebecca, Catharine, Elijah, Oma, Charity, Lydia, Margaret, and Joseph. All !

were married and raised families ; all are deceased (1882) except Margaret.

Daniel Townsend was a well-to-do farmer, owning at the time of his death about four hundred acres of land in Peters township, which was divided between his sons Elijah and Joseph, and is still owned by his descendants. He was born Aug. 13, 1747 ; died July 31, 1833. His wife, Lydia, was born Dec. 5, 1751 ; died Sept. 5, 1819. Elijah Townsend always lived in Peters township. He was a prosperous farmer, own- ing at the time of his death a number of farms in addition to the homestead farm. He was a great reader, and was emphatically a self-educated man. In politics he was first a Democrat, but in the later years of his life became identified with the Repub- lican party. At an early age he united with the Baptist Church at Library, and was an active mem- ber and a liberal supporter of that church for many years. The last years of his life and at the time of his death he was a member of the Maple Creek Church.

He was an officer in the war of 1812, and was justice of the peace in Peters twenty-one years. No successful appeal was ever made from his decisions. No stronger evidence could be furnished of his ster- ling good sense and excellent judgment. · His advice and counsel were often sought in settlement of ques- tions of difference among neighbors. The poor always found in him a steadfast friend.

He was united in marriage April 30, 1807, to Nancy, daughter of Edward and Mary Riggs. The marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. David Phillips.

Mrs. Townsend was born June 20, 1787. Their children were Mary, born Feb. 28, 1808, married to Robert Phillips; six children living ; she is deceased. Lydia, born Jan. 16, 1810, wife of F. K. Cooper, a farmer at Ginger Hill; two children. John, born Jan. 30, 1812, a merchant at White Mill Station, married Catharine McLaughlan; four children. Eleanor, born Jan. 25, 1814, wife of Dr. John Gousher, a physician residing in Cleveland, Ohio. Mrs. Gousher is deceased ; four children. Rebecca, born Jan. 22, 1816, wife of John Hill ; four children. Daniel, born March 22, 1818, twice married; first wife, Nancy Larimer, by whom he had three children ; second wife, Rosanna Tenant, one child. Edward R., born June 22, 1820, married Jane Larimer; three children living. Elizabeth, born June 22, 1820, owning and residing at the homestead. Joseph, born Dec. 25, 1824; died in infancy. Enoch Wright, born Oct. 12, 1825, a physician living in Greensburg, West- moreland Co., Pa., married Sarah Garner. Margaret Ann, born Nov. 16, 1827, living at the homestead. William, born Jan. 15, 1831, married Mary A. Devore, one son.

Mr. Townsend died May 18, 1871; his wife June 11, 1861.

ROBINSON TOWNSHIP.

THIS township is the eleventh in the original thirteen townships formed by the trustees appointed under the act erecting the county of Washington. It began its legal existence on the 15th of July, 1781. The territory comprised in the original township of Robinson was bounded as follows: "Beginning at the head-waters of the North Fork of Raccoon Creek ; thence down the creek to its mouth ; thence up the Ohio River to the mouth of Chartiers Creek; thence up the creek to the mouth of Robinson's Run ; thence up the main branch thereof to the head-waters; from thence in a straight line to the head-waters of the North Fork of Raccoon Creek, the place of be- ginning." The erection of Allegheny County in 1788 cut off that portion of the township from the mouth of Flaherty's Run on the Ohio to the mouth of Miller's Run on Chartiers Creek, then in Cecil township. In 1786, when Allegheny County was en- larged by territory from Washington County, this township was again reduced, and with slight change in 1836 was brought to its present territory. The township as it now exists is bounded on the west by Hanover; on the northeast by the county of Alle- gheny ; and on the southeast, south, and southwest by the townships of Cecil, Mount Pleasant, and Smith. The boundary between Robinson and the last-men- tioned three townships is Raccoon Creek; and this stream and Robinson's Run, which is the principal southeastern boundary of the township, are its prin- cipal waters. Small tributaries enter these streams from the east through the township, which is in gen- eral well watered, undulating in surface, of good soil, and excellently adapted to the purposes of agriculture.

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History of Washington County, Pennsylvania : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 220

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